2013-08 Lydia's Style Magazine by Style Media & Design, Inc.

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w w w. s t y l e m a g a z i n e c o l o r a d o . c o m w w w. m e d i c a l a n d w e l l n e s s . c o m PUBLISHER Lydia Dody | lydia@stylemedia.com MANAGING EDITOR Angeline Grenz angie@stylemedia.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Scott Prosser SENIOR DESIGNER Lisa Gould DIGITAL DIRECTOR Austin Lamb | austin@stylemedia.com 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 PHOTOGRAPHER Marcus Edwards Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Emily Hutto, Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer, Kay Rios, Brad Shannon, Carl Simmons, Tracee Sioux, Elissa Tivona, Michelle Venus AFFILIATIONS Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Greeley Chamber of Commerce 2013 STYLE MAGAZINES January-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness Magazine and McKee Medical Center & North Colorado Medical Center Medical 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 Medical 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 more than 275 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 ©2013 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 2013

with the article, and I have received numerous phone calls from people congratulating me. One even called to tell me I needed to lose weight! Thank you. Chuck Jacquinot, owner MazTech and All-Tech Automotive

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 THANK YOU FOR ARTICLE

Thank you for sending us your magazines. We especially love reading the medical issues and this July’s issue of Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness had a lot of interesting information in it. In fact, we found “Blood Tests Can Help Determine Future Health” particularly interesting since we feel prevention is key to good health. We will be contacting Dr. James Howton for more information about their diagnostic blood tests. Jerene Underwood, Greeley Just wanted to let you know how pleased we were with our feature on lab tests in July’s Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness Magazine (“Blood Tests Can Help Determine Future

Health”). You mastered the difficult task of condensing all the information we threw at you into an easy to read, informative article. Many thanks for all you hard work! Cheers, Andrea Howton, Restore Health Center

USING MAGAZINE TO ADVERTISE BUSINESS

The homeowners and I are very excited about seeing the ad in print in the August issue of Style Magazine. Mrs. Homeowner uses Style Magazine a lot to advertise her business. She is a very successful businesswoman, and has a lot of faith in the exposure your magazine provides for her business. We anticipate good results for her home being promoted in the Style Magazine venue as well. Sincere regards, Keith Huntsman, The Group Real Estate, Inc.

NEW BUSINESS FROM ARTICLE

KUDOS FOR GREELEY COVERAGE

Thank you for the business spotlight on MazTech and All-Tech Automotive in your June 2013 issue of Style Magazine. I have gotten new business from two new customers and some business from current customers, but what I enjoyed most is that it connected me to friends and customers again. Several people have brought the magazine

I was very happy to see the coverage given to Greeley in the June edition. Thanks for taking a look at how the community has grown – our population is now 98,000 – but more importantly Greeley has “grown up” well beyond the old misperceptions and stereotypes. Heidi’s articles focused on one of the more dynamic aspects

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

of our community’s growth – downtown Greeley – which is a fun destination. The additional article about one of Greeley’s longstanding and successful traditions, the Greeley Stampede, was great, too, but don’t let your readers forget about the Blues Jam, Arts Picnic, Jazz Festival, Greeley Philharmonic, High Plains Chautauqua, Greeley Chorale, Neighborhood Nights, Friday Fests, UNC Concerts Under the Stars, the Colorado Model Railroad Museum, and all the other great annual and ongoing attractions in Greeley. There’s much about Greeley these days that’s unexpected and anyone interested can learn more and connect with us at www.greeleyunexpected.com. Thanks to Heidi and Style Magazine for the opportunity to brag about Greeley. Hope to see more space devoted to our city in the future. John Pantaleo Public Information Officer JOY TO BE IN THE MAGAZINE

We were initially very surprised to be asked to be in the magazine. After meeting with Jon, Lydia and Ina, and the photographers, we realized that we were in very capable and professional hands. The article was well written and the photos were beautiful and it was an honor and a joy to be in the magazine (“Shedding Light and Embracing Earth,” June 2013 Lydia’s Style Magazine). It has been nice to share the magazine with family and friends and hear their supportive responses. Kay Donelson MAGAZINE WELL DONE

The only magazine I pick up at my doctor’s office is Style. It's an upscale publication that's very well done and informative. Kent Campbell, Attorney Wick & Trautwein

Style 2013

on the cover Nychelle Rivera, our cover model, shows off the latest fall fashions from Tula in Downtown Fort Collins. See more fall trends, page 25. Cover photo by Marcus Edwards Photography.

BUSINESS PROFILES: CONNECTING SIGNS & GOLFTEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

LIFESTYLE: THE MISH, AND ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE IN LOCALS’ HEARTS . .54 TRAVEL: GLENWOOD SPRINGS, A MULTI-PURPOSE DESTINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 FAMILY FOCUS: MANAGING FAMILY TIME . . . .64

18 37 features

COMMUNITY GEM: UNION COLONY CIVIC CENTER . . . . . . 18 NO MORE BASIC BLACK . . . . . 25 MEET THE MODELS . . . . . . . . . 30

60 AUGUST 2013 :: STYLE

about town

A PHOTO TOUR OF NONPROFIT EVENTS . . . . . . . . 77 Celebration of Philanthropy

SHOW ME THE MONEY . . . . . . 48 THE CHANGING FACE OF HOME MORTGAGES . . . . .52 A FAMILY WHO HUNTS TOGETHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

FRONT RANGE VILLAGE – COMMUNITY COMMERCE . . . 32

departments

THE MOOT HOUSE REVISITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

PUBLISHER’S LETTER . . . . . .12

WOMEN AND THEIR CARS AT NELSEN’S OLD TOWN CAR SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

STYLE FILES: WHAT STYLE IS RAVING ABOUT THIS MONTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

FROM OUR READERS . . . . . . . . 8

Community Classic Bike Tour Houska Houska 5K Relay for Life of Weld County Debbie Boose Memorial Tennis Tournament Celebrating Community Heroes Hammer ‘n’ Ale Fire Hydrant 5 NCMC Foundation Golf Tournament COUNT ON ME Golf Tournament Party for Partners Newmont Bike MS 2013

WWW.STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Publisher’s Letter

Fall Fun in Northern Colorado Fall and fashion go hand-in-hand in my mind, and since my business roots spring from a retail clothing background, I love the opportunity to work with our locally-owned clothing stores, fitting women in the latest beautiful fall fashions. We picked the very popular Front Range Village shopping area to photograph our models and showcase this diverse mix of shops, offices, restaurants and more. Our beautiful cover model and business owner, Nychelle Rivera, wore a smart tuxedo ensemble against the backdrop of the colorful piano situated in the Council Tree Library plaza. Showing off our theme “Beyond Basic, Black is Back,” the rest of our lovely models are business owners and professional women as well, and also work in Front Range Village. I invite you to look over our fashion section to see just how stylish black looks for fall. Be sure to read, “Front Range Village, Community Commerce” and be reminded of the wonderful shopping available there. As fall approaches, many locals look forward to the annual Nelsen’s Old Town Car Show and this year’s, on September 7, will mark the 12th anniversary of this Downtown Fort Collins event. Last year the event boasted 300 vehicles and this year promises to have even more entries. Recently I had the opportunity to have coffee with Amy Reader and learn a little about Nelsen’s commitment to bring this show together in Fort Collins. Enjoy

a sneak peak at several incredible vehicles that will be in the show in “Women and Their Cars at Nelsen’s Old Town Car Show.” I’m definitely going to attend simply for the nostalgia of remembering how distinctive and recognizable car design used to be. Fall also signals the new lineup of fantastic entertainment offered at the Union Colony Civic Center. This year the UCCC is celebrating their 25th anniversary. Mark Breimhorst, executive director extraordinaire, and his talented executive management team do an exceptional job of bringing a wide variety of top talent to our area. Congratulations to the UCCC for 25 years of providing art and entertainment to Northern Colorado! We look forward to the celebration and the unveiling of the monument sculpture and water feature on the UCCC grounds. Recently one of my favorite restaurants, The Moot House, underwent renovation. Ever since meeting Scott McCarthy and Steve Taylor in 1988 when they bought the restaurant, I have been a fan for business lunches, early evening meet ups or dinner, indoors or out. Their growth and expansion has been fun to watch. The remodel has upgraded and updated the restaurant without taking away the old pub charm. Though I admit, I do miss the salad bar, there are lots of other great choices on the new menu. Get an overview of the renovation in “The Moot House Revisited.” Fall is around the corner and it is a perfect time for enjoying golf… that is, if you know how to play the game. A couple of months ago, I met with Brandon at GolfTec and committed to take lessons, practice and learn how to play golf so I wouldn’t embarrass myself playing in a non-profit fundraising tournament. I’ve had two lessons and I see that it is going to take a long time and a lot of practice for me to play a decent game. Still, there is a lot to enjoy during a round of golf: being outside, enjoying a beautifully manicured course, touring around in the golf cart and the company of friends. Of course, hitting the ball would make the game a lot more fun! I’ll continue taking lessons with GolfTec through the winter and maybe by next summer I’ll be able to hit the ball instead of the grass! Read “GolfTEC: Improving Your Game” for insight as to how you can improve your game too. We hope you enjoy this fall issue and don’t forget to stop by our website too, www.stylemagazinecolorado.com. Continue sending us your comments and suggestions. We love hearing from you. Enjoy the abundance of the upcoming fall season.

lydia@stylemedia.com

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Files HOT TREND

Cindy Frazen, 36, of Wellington, was spotted shopping at the Outlets in Loveland. She is a 911 Emergency Dispatcher for the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office. Cindy is dressed in a black and white patterned maxi dress that she received as a gift from her mother, who scored this season’s must-have from a boutique in San Diego. She’s carrying along a cute neutral straw tote that is just perfect for holding your summer essentials. I love opting for a long skirt or dress with flip flops when you’re in the mood for a comfortable, yet pretty, hot-weather outfit. Summery and simple – this is a great look! My name is Emily Warren. I grew up in Northern Colorado and I currently live in Fort Collins with my fiancé and dog. I work for a local real estate development company. 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 NoCo Street Style feature! Find more on my blog at www.nocostreetstyle.com.

on the

web now Northern Colorado Gears Up for US Pro Cycling Challenge By Brad Shannon As the US Pro Challenge cycling race brings a stage to Northern Colorado for the first time this year, local buzz about bike racing goes beyond the usual circles of cycling enthusiasts. The entire community will be immersed in the world of cycling on Saturday, August 24, when this premier U.S. race starts at The Ranch, rolls through Windsor and Loveland, climbs up to Drake, Glen Haven, and Estes Park, zips down past Masonville, and finishes in Old Town Fort Collins. Meet some local professional riders, and the resources available so you can get started as a cyclist, or take your riding to the next level. Check out the full story on our webpage, www. stylemagazinecolorado.com.

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EXPERIENCE Make Walnut Street the focus of your next Downtown Fort Collins stroll. This delightful block of historic Old Town continues to draw in interesting, unique retailers that are just perfect for summer window-shopping. We suggest starting with a lovely breakfast at The Silver Grill. If you go on the weekend, their massive Bloody Mary Bar will delight, but any day of the week the Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a perfect beginning. After a fortifying breakfast, or lunch depending on when you get started, your next stop should be right next door at Walnut Creek, located in the former Tuesday Morning spot. Walnut Creek is a vintage store with multiple vendors set up inside. They carry an eclectic mix of shabby chic, antiques, crafts and even food products. Next, take a stroll through the Firehouse Bookstore and Happy Lucky Tea just a few feet down the street. Firehouse carries used and new books and has a great selection. Order a green tea next door, then peruse the books for your next summertime novel. The shopper will also want to check out Salus Natural Body Care on the north side of the street, and Akinz tee shirt shop and Sole Mates shoe store on the south side. Finish up your walk with Nature’s Own or stroll the opposite direction and around the corner to Pine Street. Welsh Rabbit cheese shop and Rain boutique sit next to each other. If it is snack time, stop into Welsh Rabbit for a little wine and cheese pairing and get started on that novel. Or sneak down the alley to The Forge Publick House and enjoy a craft beer at this tucked away spot.

The Northern Colorado community’s favorite block party is about to return. On August 16, 17 and 18, the Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest will provide a musical showcase of over 70 artists, eight stages and 250 arts, crafts and food booths. Best of all, the weekend is free for attendees. You can’t beat that. In its 25th year, NewWestFest’s 2013 headliners include The Samples (playing Friday night), Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite (Saturday night) and Leon Russell (Sunday). And a whole slew of local favorites including Mama Lenny & the Remedy, Air Dubai, Fierce Bad Rabbit, Maxwell Hughes, The Holler! and more.

Style 2013

SIGNATURE EVENT

business profile

Connecting Signs: Having Fun Getting it Right By Carl Simmons

Since opening Connecting Signs in spring 2012, owners Bruce and Brooke Gardner have valued two things above all: creating the perfect signs for their customers’ businesses, and assisting those clients to successfully grow and brand their businesses.

GolfTEC: Improving Your Game

By Kay Rios

A well-worn saying insists that golf is a good way to ruin a great walk and most players have had those days. But, for even the worst duffers, there’s always that one great play that keeps them coming back for more. 16

“We both worked in the corporate world for many years before this, an atmosphere where you don’t always get to have a lot of one-on-one with your clients – many times we didn’t even know who our end customer was,” says Bruce. “Now we are able to have a very close relationship with our customers and help them grow their business. We also wanted to make the business a fun place to work, and we wanted that to show through to the customers. We’re providing solutions, solving their problems, and having fun along the way. And we realize that if their business is successful, we’re going to have a long-term relationship, and get referrals and repeat business. We don’t take the relationship with the customer lightly.” Connecting Signs does, in Bruce’s words, “any type of signage – lighted building signs, monument signs, interior directional signs, all the way down to banners and decals. Since we have the latest technology in large format digital printing, our specialty is large-format printing: vehicle graphics, wall graphics, window graphics, commercial and construction site signs, posters and banners. We’ve also been keeping busy with quite a few vehicle wraps, including graphics on several of our client’s fleets of trucks and vans. Each one is very interesting, from graphic design to installation, because every vehicle is different.” Both Bruce and Brooke make it clear that getting the signage just right isn’t only about the printing/production end. “We consult with clients and sit down to understand their needs,” Bruce says. “We discuss what they want to get out of their signs, who they’re trying to target, and then work with them to discuss budget and find out what works best for them. We really pride ourselves in our one-on-one consultation and communication with our customers. We want something that fits the customer

If those bad days are more rule than the exception, it’s probably time for professional help. GolfTEC has a proven path to help players of all abilities, says Brandon McDermott, co-owner of GolfTEC Fort Collins South. “Getting a tip here and there isn’t going to change your game for the rest of your life. We are trained to determine what is needed and what works best for you.” A swing happens in approximately 1.2 seconds and it takes more than the eye to pinpoint the root cause of problems, he says. “GolfTEC has a patent on using video and motion analysis together and we use proprietary software. We’ve measured over 150 tour players, put that into a database, and averaged out male, female and senior players. We use that information for a fact-based swing diagnosis to evaluate your swing.” The process begins with an extensive evaluation that includes GolfTEC’s analysis of your swing by a certified personal coach. Goals are discussed and an individualized, personal website is created where the golfer can relive lessons, access practice drill videos, view live lesson video demonstrations and swing comparisons, access game tracking and schedule future lessons. GolfTEC, having just finished its 4 millionth lesson, is the largest golf instruction company in the world with over 175 centers across the U.S., Canada and Asia. “We teach over a quarter of all the lessons in the U.S. currently and have a 95 percent success rate with our clients.” GolfTEC uses five factors to making long range changes not offered at other golf instruction facilities. First is the fact-based diagnosis using video and motion analysis. Second, sequential lessons are established. Next, advanced retention tools follow with the use of the client’s personal website. “With every lesson you Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

perfectly – that is exactly what’re they’re looking for. Every single sign is unique.” “There’s also the technical part that people may not understand – the type of artwork, the type of files needed,” Brooke adds. “We help take them through all those steps. Our trained staff uses state-of-the-art industry tools to get the right design for them, and the right colors that will match their message.” The Gardner’s first job was special; after all, they knew it would be a constant reminder of the quality of their work. “Our first sign was for Iron Mountain Truck and Auto on Highway 34 in Windsor. He needed a big sign and that was the first one we ever did,” Brooke says. “It’s right down the street from where we live, so we see it every day and it had to be something we were proud of.” Connecting Signs creates original designs all over the area, from Denver to Cheyenne and a handful of jobs out of state. “But plugging into the business community here in Fort Collins has been incredible,” she adds. “It’s hard work, but enjoyable,” Bruce says. “I’ve told our employees, when they need to jump on their skateboards, the Poudre Trail goes right by here; they go out and come back refreshed and ready to go.” Brooke adds, “We shed the corporate life to do something we really enjoy and we try our best to help our employees feel the same way and that translates to a fun environment. The atmosphere here is good; when you walk in, you feel welcome.” CONNECTING SIGNS Bruce and Brooke Gardner 2643 Midpoint Dr., Suite E, Fort Collins www.connectingsigns.com (970) 493-0133

get 24/7 online access to lesson recaps, prescribed video drills and lesson notes. We want you to see yourself as well as access practice technique videos. We do not want you just pounding golf balls at the range with no direction or understanding of what you are trying to repeat.” The fourth part is the video-based practice. “We have a database of drills that we prescribe and give you access to our hitting bays where you can practice in front of video and motion.” The final piece involves precision matched clubs. “We partner with Swing Labs and use launch monitor technology. Swing Labs performs background testing on current club head and shaft combinations with a left arm machine. This allows us to be unbiased and simplify what club head and shaft combination truly fits your golf swing.” GolfTEC began in Denver in 1995. The franchise McDermott shares with co-owner Brad Thorberg opened in 2008. GolfTEC Fort Collins recently hired a third fulltime PGA certified GolfTEC coach named Harry Tanner. McDermott and Thorberg graduated from the University of Nebraska with a PGA affiliated bachelor’s degree in Professional Golf Management. The duo has been able to incorporate their passion with their business training. As their promotional video proclaims, “when people improve, we help grow the game of golf.” GOLFTEC Brandon McDermott and Brad Thorberg, co-owner/operators 4637 S. Mason Street, A4, Fort Collins www.golftec.com (970) 692-5270 Style 2013

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Left: Mark Breimhorst, Union Colony Civic Center Executive Director. Above: The Axidentals, performing at UCCC in 1988.

Community Gem: Union Colony Civic Center

Celebrating 25 years of performing and visual arts in Greeley By Michelle Venus

The stage is set. The curtains part and the lights come up. That’s when it happens: that magical moment just before a performance begins – a singular moment of thrilled silence – filled with the eager anticipation of an audience knowing they are in for an amazing evening.

This scene has played out countless times at the Union Colony Civic Center (UCCC) since it opened its doors in 1988. Thousands of acts have graced the stage, from a taping of Prairie Home Companion hosted by Garrison Keillor to musical acts as varied as the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra and legendary rock band, Foreigner. In between, Broadway touring shows, dance troupes, top-notch musical acts and talented local arts groups bring enthralling and soul-shaking performances to this jewel of a venue. Add visual art galleries to the mix and it’s no wonder the UCCC happens to be the pride of Greeley. It’s well-deserved pride: starting with seeds that planted the idea of building a world-class downtown performance and events venue that germinated into a successful fundraising campaign and culminated in a building that is much Style 2013

more than a place to see a show. The UCCC is a complete arts and culture experience from the moment a patron walks through the doors. The 2013-2014 season marks the UCCC’s silver anniversary. It’s a time to celebrate 25 years that have helped Greeley become a statedesignated creative district with a rich history and an exciting, vibrant future.

The History

Sometimes the most powerful words a person can speak are “What if...” They must have been uttered by two influential Greeley citizens, banker Larry Scott and architect Neal Carpenter, in 1967. That’s the year Scott and Carpenter consulted with a Pittsburgh firm on the feasibility of building a cultural center in their hometown. The study resulted in the

answer they were hoping for: yes. Greeley had the resources to not only build, but sustain such a project. That set the wheels in motion. A pledge of $250,000 was made by Frank Weller of Weller Lumber to initiate the capital campaign. But Weller died unexpectedly before the arrangements could be completed and the project lost traction. Undaunted, Scott chaired a group called Citizens for Recreation that reintroduced the idea of a downtown community center featuring a 1,500 seat auditorium, swimming pool, rifle range, gyms, saunas, office and gallery spaces, and an ice rink in 1975. Voters defeated the proposed center at the polls. In 1979 the cultural center was again given a thumbs-down by voters, though they approved

Lord of the Dance, performing at UCCC in 2003

building a recreation center and senior center. It was a devastating blow to the task force headed by supporter Lynda Ruyle. She encouraged the team to persevere. “Let’s not give up,” she said, “...we will eventually prevail.” Local attorney John Kinkaide took her words to heart and became the catalyst of renewed efforts to present a proposal the community could wrap its arms around. The focus shifted from a cultural center to an auditorium and emphasized the economic benefits the venue would bring to Greeley. The city council gave a nod of approval, but only if private funding was secured to help bring it to fruition. The city simply couldn’t financially support the entire project. February 1985 saw the start of a fund drive. By July of that year, $4,000,000 was raised by corporate donations, private individuals and charitable foundations. With that kind of support, the project had some legs under it and the voters finally approved moving forward. Building costs were capped at $9.2 million. The original estimate came in at $11 million. Hensel Phelps Construction donated all their construction management fees to guarantee the budget was met. Eighteen months after breaking ground, the

Union Colony Civic Center opened its doors to the Greeley community at a grand opening ceremony on September 25, 1988. Boasting world-class amenities and the 1,665-seat Monfort Concert Hall as the main auditorium, the UCCC also contains the Tointon Gallery just off the main floor lobby and the smaller 222-seat Hensel Phelps Theatre on the second floor. A dream had come true. It took 21 years to come to fruition, but it came true nonetheless. And today that dream has fulfilled the “What if...” spoken in 1967.

Today

Today, the UCCC is the hub of Greeley’s arts and culture community. The 2013-2014 season brochure highlights such a wide variety of programming that there’s something for everyone. Over 30 national acts will hit the boards, and that’s not including local programming such as school plays and dance recitals, the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, the UNC Jazz Fest, Spotlight on Youth Choir concert series, the annual Festival of Trees and the Nutcracker. In September, Executive Director Mark Breimhorst will start looking at the 2014-2015 season. He travels to conferences in L.A. and

New York to meet with agents and discover new acts and shows, rediscover tried and true performers who are looking to tour the country and generally get a feel for what the Northern Colorado community may want to see. “I come back with a wish list,” he says. “I then present that to the board of directors and together we come up with the new season.” Sometimes, Breimhorst will throw in shows that he really doesn’t expect to get approval on, like this season’s 50 Shades! The Musical, a parody based on the erotic best-selling novel by E.L. James or Alton Brown Live!, featuring the popular star of Food Network’s “Good Eats” presenting stand-up comedy, food experimentation, Brown’s quirky humor and a dash of live music. “I did not expect them to say ‘yes’ to 50 Shades,” admits Breimhorst. “But everyone laughed and said to sign them up.” Booking the acts is not as easy as it seems. Once the decisions have been made, Breimhorst coordinates with other Rocky Mountain region venues that are interested in the same performers to defray costs. When a show can schedule the UCCC, The Lincoln Center and Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs, it amounts to an economy of scale of sorts and each venue pays less. But Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Tony Bennett, performing at UCCC in 1991

Gregory Peck performed during UCCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10th Anniversary in 1998

Crystal Gale made her debut at UCCC in 2001

Style 2013

Conceptual drawing of the sculpture and water feature that is to be unveiled during UCCC’s 25th anniversary celebration in September.

the availability has to work around local annual events like the UNC Jazz Fest, that are on the calendar every year. It’s a big work-around, and not unlike a jigsaw puzzle, all the pieces have to fit perfectly. On top of scheduling, Breimhorst is responsible for overseeing all activity at the UCCC. Audience feedback indicated that the current continental seating configuration (a theater plan where there is no center aisle, but wider spacing between seats to allow for easy access) is lacking. The UCCC is modifying the configuration to allow for the center aisle that audiences prefer. According to Breimhorst, some seats will be lost by the new seating plan, but satisfying the audience is the highest priority. Additionally, the UCCC will be a recipient of a sculpture funded by the Greeley Art Fund, which receives 1 percent on capital improvement funds to purchase public art that the entire community can enjoy. Texas artists Norman Lee and Shane Allbritton designed the $350,000 sculpture as a water feature which will stand in front of the building and pay homage to the city’s water history and the Greeley Water Department, as well as the arts. Breimhorst describes it as a spiral of stainless steel shovels

that speak to the connection of the earth and people through water and also connects with the arts by evoking movement and grace, much like the a ballerina’s arabesque. This season will also see tributes made to Jil Rosentrater. The longtime director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Greeley died last December from ovarian cancer. Rosentrater played a large role in actually getting the UCCC funded and built and was much loved in the community. “We’re going to dedicate some of our children’s programs to Jil,” Breimhorst explains. “She was a huge advocate of introducing the arts to children here in Greeley.” Preliminary discussions are taking place to create a sculpture in her memory.

The Future

What’s ahead for the UCCC? “Only good things,” declares Breimhorst. In the nine years he’s held his position, he’s observed the Greeley arts scene grow and become more vital and exciting. “I noticed, probably three or four years ago, a resurgence from a combination of university students that wanted to stay in Greeley and get involved [in the arts] and leave their marks to invigorate the arts scene in town. Several students have started music

festivals here,” he says. “There have also been individuals moving to Greeley from across the country that have started things like the Atlas Theater.” From Breimhorst’s perspective, the core group is growing and getting stronger. It’s one of the reasons Greeley was designated a prospective Colorado Creative District by Colorado Creative Industries, a division of the Office of Economic Development & International Trade. Colorado Creative Industries’ mission is to promote, support and expand the creative industries to drive Colorado’s economy, grow jobs and enhance the quality of life of the state’s citizens. It provides matching funds up to $25,000 per creative district to support them in creating sustainable operations and ongoing programs in the creative business sector. “This is an exciting time for Greeley, overall,” says Breimhorst, “but especially for those of us in the arts community. I’m glad I get to see it all happening.” And the UCCC has a front row seat. Michelle Venus is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Beyond

Basic BLACK IS BACK

Photography by Marcus Edwards Photography. Hair and makeup by Studio Be Salon. Shot on location at Front Range Village.

Julia Apodaca

Julia adds a touch of pizazz to her â&#x20AC;&#x153;little black dress!â&#x20AC;? Nicole Miller fashions this flattering form fitting black ruched tank dress, $248. Beautiful hematite necklace from Virgin Saints & Angels, $289, hematite earrings from Skinny, $48, Theia one row bangle, $28, and Chan Luu black and silver wrap bracelet, $168, and Vince Camuto Zella nude patent pump, $98, add just the right touch. Courtesy of MkLaren, Fort Collins.

Nychelle Rivera

Nychelle adds a trendy touch to professional dressing in her award winning designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ALC 100% wool fitted peplum Jones blazer, $635, Elizabeth and James front piped stretch cigarette leg Bonnie pants, $345, and crisp Elizabeth and James bib tucked Carter tuxedo shirt with black buttons, $295. Beautiful infinity 14K yellow gold with diamond necklace from Sydney Evan, $640, Rebecca Lankford 10K three diamond dagger hoop earrings, $660, and cream mystic coated white sapphire hand knotted necklace, $298, add the perfect accents. Courtesy of Tula, Fort Collins.

Leslie Moen

Leslie shows her leadership style in her Rag & Bone soft lamb leather accented long fitted Gayatre blazer, $595, worn over an exquisitely detailed and paneled Carriden pencil skirt, $350, with fun Peroy acid green silk stretch tank, $255. Tasteful Sydney Evan 14K and black diamond medium horn necklace finish the look, $1,320. Courtesy of Tula, Fort Collins.

Darla Roselle

Darla looks stylish in a flattering shirred stretch, blue floral print short skirt from Free People, $58, worn with a feminine In Style sleeveless lace trimmed lightweight tank, $21.99. Adding a playful look, Wrap styles a studded wrap leather bracelet, $32, and Vintage styles a fairy leaf purple stone necklace, $38, bronze clear stone bracelet, $36, and bronze dangle hoops, $22, to complete the look. Courtesy of Coast to Coast, Centerra, Loveland.

Susan Whitley

Susan presents a perfect day into evening look in an artsy rain-washed shrug with burnout pattern in smoky shades from Tumbleweek Ranch, $59, worn over a lace stretch camisole with lace detail from Arianne, $49, and sophisticated Sylvie and Mado black crinkle stretch palazzo pants, $59. Lizou styles a hammered circle of life rings pendant, $42, and Kelly Patton designs carved wood painted earrings, $39, for the perfect finish. Courtesy of Lady Gaia, Fort Collins.

Leslie Moen

Leslie sports a smart slant to business casual in a stunning Free People imported light weight fringed tunic sweater, $132, worn over a stretch ivory camisole from M. Rena, $25, and comfortable black leggings from Simpli, $80. Adding a pop of color to her fashion statement is LMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turquoise graduated bead necklace, $45, BAM turquoise choker, $135, turquoise fashion ring, $50, and chunky turquoise stretch bracelet, $12. Courtesy of Cloz to Home, Loveland.

Darla Roselle

Darla shows her sexy side in a beautiful animal print silk top from Joie, $168, paired with slim fit chino coated leather-like trousers from 7 For All Mankind, $198. Long chain necklace with rhinestone pendant from Lisa Freede, $89, Skinny black diamond-look post earrings, $48, and Theia single and double rhinestone bracelets, $28 and $48, add trendy touches. Courtesy of MkLaren, Fort Collins.

Melissa Moran Melissa is regional manager of Bayer Properties. She is married to Patrick and they have two children, Japes, age 11, and Tate, 9. She likes to keep her interests varied in her free time. “My hobbies can change on a dime, but there’s nothing better than sharing a plate of homemade cookies with my family before a business trip.” “Studio Be has such great energy. You can’t help but feel great working with such positive, beautiful people. Susan and her staff at Lady Gaia offer such personal attention and variety that it’s easy to find something for yourself… and your mother. I always enjoy the new lines that Susan brings in. Seeing all of the beautiful women I work with every day lined up with curlers, blow dryers and makeup artists – it’s a pretty and powerful group of ladies and I enjoyed being among them.”

Melissa Moran

Melissa shows off her style in a python patterned Renuar stretch jacket with asymmetrical zipper and trim, $125, and cigarette leg comfort stretch ankle pants, $79, with Belldini’s nylon spandex shirred white tank, $39. Boutique Chic woven black leatherette and chain cuff, $39, and flirty chain dangle earrings finish the look, $24. Courtesy of Lady Gaia, Fort Collins.

Meet The Models Julia Apodaca Julia is the owner of MkLaren Boutique in Fort Collins. She is married to Brandon and has two children: Taylor, 13, and Ava, 6. When she is not helping fashionable ladies select the latest trendy outfit at her boutique, she enjoys spending time with her family and enjoying all of Colorado’s outdoor activities. “Everyone at Studio Be was wonderful – as always! At MkLaren, it was fun to visit with all of our customers. We strive to help everyone look and feel fabulous. And I enjoyed working with Lydia, Sondy and Angie. They are always so fun to be around and have great ideas!”

Leslie Moen Leslie is a Realtor for C3 Real Estate Solutions. Her significant other is Benjamin Bell. When she is not selling real estate, Leslie enjoys playing volleyball, hiking, yoga, house renovations, farming and coaching volleyball for Fossil Ridge High School. “Anytime I can get someone else to do my hair and makeup is a treat. The gals at Studio Be did a great job making me look glamorous for the day. My outfit from Tula is more formal business attire with a pop of color. It paired well together. I enjoyed all of the ‘one of a kind’ pieces they carry. I loved my outfit from Cloz. It was very trendy and fun. I loved getting to know all the other women who were in the shoot. It was an exciting day which I am grateful to have been a part of!”

Nychelle Rivera Nychelle is the owner of The Wax Factory. She is married to Luis and is the mother of Noah, 6, and Sofia, 2. When she is not in her shop, she enjoys anything outdoors – camping, fishing, hiking and spending time with her family. “My hair and makeup experience was wonderful. The girls at Studio Be are all very sweet and knowledgeable… not to mention talented! The ladies at Tula were amazing. Very friendly and helpful. I love, love, love the necklaces they carry. The modeling experience was a blast. The photographer and ladies I worked with made it that much more fun. An overall great experience!” Darla Roselle Darla is the owner and general manager of Mindstream Yoga. She is married to Jerry and they have three children, Lindsay, Adrianne and Max. In addition to her love of yoga, Darla enjoys running, reading, the outdoors and spending time with her family. “Beth and Sarah [Studio Be] did an excellent job consulting with each other about my hair – I have a ton, with lots of curls – they were fabulous. Coast to Coast was a super fun store with lots of variety. And I loved MkLaren! Dani was very helpful with her eye for detail and sense of fashion. Without exception, I felt special – from the store employees to the Studio Be staff to the photographer, the editor and Lydia herself. The compliments made me feel beautiful. I was honored to have been a part of this project. The life of customer service is not very glamorous. This feature made being a working professional woman very worth it. It’s rewarding to be recognized for all the hard work I have put into establishing and operating Mindstream.”

Susan Whitley Susan is the owner of Lady Gaia boutique in Fort Collins. Susan enjoys talking and meeting with people at her store and socializing with girlfriends. To relax, she enjoys massages, energy work, reading, exercise and taking vacations to Sedona or the ocean. “I am wearing my hair shorter now and I like the straight and streamlined design – a little sassy but very much me! And I don’t usually wear red lipstick, but I like the look! I loved Studio Be Salon – their stylists were fun and professional. Since my clothes are from my own shop, I chose comfortable clothing. After working for many years in a corporate environment, I lean toward comfort and a Bohemian look. I really felt a sense of camaraderie with the other business women from Front Range Village.”

SHOP FRONT RANGE VILLAGE

Style 2013

SHOP FRONT RANGE VILLAGE

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

Front Range Village – Community Commerce by Angeline Grenz

In 2008, Front Range Village opened to the public, offering a new, and much needed, shopping experience to the south Fort Collins community. The center, a mix of retail, office, restaurant and entertainment, filled a void for this active part of our region. Today, the center is alive with young professionals breaking for lunch, families biking through the center in search of ice cream and yogurt, and dog walkers taking Fido for a stroll.

s the center has filled out, it has been able to retain a pleasant mix of national retailers and local establishments. It is this mix that makes the center such a success, says Melissa Moran, regional manager for the center, which is owned by Alabama-based Bayer Properties. “There is a successful collection of local and national that makes us uniquely positioned in Northern Colorado. Both work really well together,” says Moran. “There is a real neighborhood feel here.” That feeling is accentuated by one major anchor – the Council Tree Library. The library, the newest location in the Poudre River Public Library District, sits smack dab in the middle of the center, a destination that is enhanced by the ability to stop off for a coffee on the way in to browse for a summer novel or leave the kids to pick out books while Mom runs next door to Mindstream Yoga for a class. The center is not at capacity, though it’s nearly full, says Moran. “We are very pleased with how well the shopping center has been received by the consumer and retailers, and we are working on bringing new, interesting concepts to the market. Finding tenants that fit the wants and needs of our shoppers is key.” A few spaces remain for development, including a few larger pads. One is located next to Toys R Us and the other is the site of the current dog park. Style 2013

Among the most recent openings are C3 Real Estate, a residential real estate firm; BJs Brewhouse, a national restaurant chain; Bann Thai, a locally owned Thai restaurant with a second location near Downtown Fort Collins; and the much-anticipated Cost Plus World Market, which opened prior to the holiday season last year. Openings that are anticipated over the next several months include Pure Barre, which will open up east of Target; Ripple Effect karate studio, also located near Target; Sports Clips; and Loopy Ewe will be expanding its 2nd floor location early Fall to include fabrics and notions for sewers and quilters. To further the community feel, Moran also partnered with Beet Street this summer to showcase local artists with their Streetmosphere program. To answer the need for more outdoor cultural offerings on the south side of Fort Collins, Front Range Village and Beet Street hosted full concerts that allowed patrons to bring a lawn chair or sit on the grass to be entertained. The concert series ran from June to the beginning of August. Pianos About Town, sponsored by the Lincoln Center, also has a location at Front Range Village in the plaza area between Panera Bread and the library entrance. Pianos About Town encourages artists of all ages and abilities by making the piano and a chair available to anyone who wants to sit down and play a few notes. The center is also known for their flower program. From huge planters to hanging baskets, Front Range Village is often the first to have flowers installed as warm weather returns and their

beautiful plantings alone are worth a stroll around the center. Patrons have been known to ask to borrow baskets for special events and weddings or to care for them over the winter. “It is amazing how something as simple as a beautiful flower basket can bring a smile to a person’s face,” says Moran. Scheduled entertainment will pick back up at the Front Range Village towards the holiday season. But in the meantime, the center manages to attract a healthy business of live, work, play minded people who like to shop at Sprouts, grab home improvement supplies at Lowes and, of course, peruse the latest offerings at SuperTarget. With a stop at Spooners for some yogurt or a little happy hour on Pablo’s Pizza’s patio when a break is in order. For now, the center is gearing up for their Back to School shopping season. “There is something here for everyone,” Moran says “Not just stores for kids, but for all ages.” Moran says retailers like The Children’s Place, Sephora, Charming Charlie, Claire’s and DSW offer fashions and accessories. And school supplies and other useful items can be found at Staples, SuperTarget, Crazy 8, Learning Express Toys, and Mathnasium. If you haven’t made a recent trek out to Front Range Village, make a point of enjoying a late summer day shopping, dining and enjoying the ambiance and neighborhood feel of this lifestyle center. Angeline Grenz is editor for Lydia’s Style Magazine.

SHOP FRONT RANGE VILLAGE

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

SHOP FRONT RANGE VILLAGE

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

The Moot House Revisited By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer

Open since 1972, The Moot House in Fort Collins plays a role in many a memory. Maybe it was the location of a first date, a rehearsal dinner or retirement party venue, or the place you always visited when relatives came to town. When The Moot House announced theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be closed for renovations this spring, the owners fielded calls from numerous worried patrons. Style 2013

The latest remodel brings The Moot House to the 21st Century, however, the restaurant has been a community favorite since 1972.

A “

lot of them asked if we were keeping the fireplaces,” says Scott McCarthy, co-owner of The Moot House. “They also wanted to know if the prime rib and salad bar would

stay on the menu.” Two out of three of those things remain, and while some are heartbroken about the removal of the salad bar, change is never easy, especially when it involves a landmark like The Moot House. Scott McCarthy and Steve Taylor bought The Moot House in 1988, and through the years a lot of history has been made there. For instance, over the years at least seven marriages have taken place between staff members of the restaurant. On the beer front, in 1989, Doug O’Dell approached McCarthy and Taylor about serving his beer at The Moot

House. McCarthy recalls O’Dell showing up with a milk jug full of his Golden Ale. McCarthy and Taylor gave the milk jug beer two thumbs up, and The Moot House became the first restaurant to serve O’Dell’s beer. “We first carried the Golden Ale and then shortly after that Doug developed 90 Shilling and we put it on tap immediately,” recalls McCarthy. After the current remodel was complete, The Moot House threw a party and served O’Dell’s Golden Ale from one of their 30 new taps. Doug O’Dell delivered the keg via pickup truck, the way he had always done it back in the early days. Adding taps to the bar was just one of many reasons McCarthy and Taylor remodeled the restaurant. As the owners of five other dining establishments, these men aren’t afraid of change, but McCarthy admits that remodeling The Moot House was a daunting task, and it took a lot of thought and planning.

“This was the third major remodel of The Moot House, and in some ways it proved to be the biggest,” says McCarthy. “This remodel required updating the restaurant and making it right for the next 15 to 20 years, including things like plumbing.” The renovation has changed the overall look of The Moot House, but has managed to retain the comfortable and inviting feel it has long been known for. By removing a half wall, the bar area is now open to the rest of the restaurant and features a huge, half circle mahogany bar. All the pub artifacts were preserved, along with the famous fireplace. As a nod to the past, the shiny, new red booths match the original high back chairs that used to sit in the bar. The restaurant still features dark wood throughout, but feels light, bright and airy. There are three dining areas that can be made private by sliding “barn doors” shut. There are also new windows, new ceilings, new light Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

PROUD PARTNERS OF THE MOOT HOUSE REMODEL

Style 2013

The Moot House added 30 new beer taps in the bar area.

The Moot House team: Co-owner Scott McCarthy, Managing Partner Paul Schickler, and Co-owner Steve Taylor

fixtures and new booths. “Overall, the feedback on the renovation has been positive,” says McCarthy. “And this process reminded me about how passionate people are about The Moot House.” The menu at The Moot House looks a little different too, and executive chef Jeff Blackwell played a major role in creating the restaurant’s new offerings. To the relief of longtime customers, The Moot House’s menu still features their famous prime rib and vegetable beef soup, two items that have been on the menu for 41 years. They also retained other popular items like the fish and chips and French onion soup. “Jeff has added great knowledge and experience to this process. He’s so passionate about food and beer. It’s just been wonderful for us and he’s been a great asset to our team,” says McCarthy. The long term plan involves a flexible menu that will shift slightly with the seasons, because the restaurant is incorporating locally sourced items for their dishes whenever possible. Alongside the many local beers on tap, they feature cheese curds from Cozy Cow Dairy in Windsor, vegetables from Native Hill Farms and desserts made by a local pastry chef. “We’re working to be community-minded when it comes to our food. We’ll be doing demos at local farmers’ market focusing on food shares,” says Blackwell. One of the new items getting rave reviews are the steak medallions loaded with blue crab and old bay butter. Chef Blackwell’s authentic pretzels, made daily, are also a hit with customers. “We have a lot of big entrée salads and we’re trying to build a niche as a great lunch spot,” says Blackwell. With the salad bar a thing of the past, The Moot House offers an all-you-can-eat soup and salad special during lunch. The salad has lots of ingredients and Chef Blackwell hopes that it will make up for the missing salad bar. “I think the biggest difference is that we’re trying to be a little lighter, healthier, seasonal and more community-driven and beer inspired,” he says. “I think the new menu is about all of those things.” While change can be challenging, it is an opportunity to embrace the future. “We always want to be moving in a forward direction,” says McCarthy. You can browse The Moot House’s new menu online at TheMootHouse.com or visit them at 2626 S. College in Fort Collins.

The Moot House retains its dark wood and pub feel, but with an updated look.

Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a freelance writer and founder of HeidiTown.com, the place for entertaining information on Colorado festivals and travel.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Style 2013

Amy Reader, co-owner of Nelsen’s Auto Tech Center

Women and Their Cars at Nelsen’s Old Town Car Show

By Angeline Grenz

The 12th annual Nelsen’s Old Town Car Show is just around the corner and the community will once again be able to enjoy classic, muscle and custom cars and motorcycles along the streets of Downtown Fort Collins. The annual free event takes place on September 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

my Reader, co-owner of event sponsor Nelsen’s Auto Tech Center, looks forward to the car show every year. “I really enjoy walking around and watching people enjoy the show and saying ‘I remember…’ about their first car,” she says. She and co-owner Wade Corners became the event’s sponsor in 2009, when the show was in its 8th year.

“Last year there was more than $7 million in cars Downtown,” says Reader. The event had over 300 cars and Reader is anticipating even more this year. This year will also see the addition of a stage for music, a beer garden and even more fun for event goers. And, in honor of Nelsen’s sponsorship, the show will extend down Mountain Avenue in front of the Nelsen’s Auto Tech Center property. The car show does not feature a professional panel of judges, but rather, the community is invited to vote for their favorites with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and Ladies’ Choice awards. “Everyone

can vote in their favorite. What might not be of caliber to one person, may be a Cadillac to someone else,” she says. “There is something for everyone.” While Reader’s dream car would be a Plymouth Cuda convertible, she says she just hasn’t found “the one” quite yet. But while she may still be on the lookout, there are a healthy number of women from the community who bring their cars down every year. Style contacted a handful and asked them how they became collectors and what they enjoy about their own collectible car. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Tell us a little about yourself. I am retired... but not totally, I will always enjoy the thrill of wheeling and dealing in classic and muscle cars. When did you first fall in love with classic/ collectible cars? I have a passion for classic cars and muscle cars old and new. My love affair with cars started back in the 60s. I was 15 when my older sister brought home a brand new 1967 Corvette with a 427 engine and 435 horsepower. I took her car for a joy ride... needless to say that didn’t go over very well. This is when I fell in love with the muscle car. Describe your current car(s): I have owned many, many cars throughout the years. Not sure I could pick a favorite. I do love my 1938 Packard. My latest purchase is a 2013 Shelby Mustang GT500 with 662 horsepower straight from the factory. I also have a passion for antiques. The thrill is always in the hunt. My favorite TV shows are “American Pickers” and “Chasing Classic Cars.” Other hobbies? Other hobbies that I enjoy with my husband, Junior, are boating, snowmobiling and antique collecting. We also enjoyed racing cars for 15 years. We stay very busy and only have time for a few car shows per year. We favor Nelsen’s, Good Guys and The Road Knights.

Carrie Mass 2013 Shelby Mustang GT500

Tell us a little about yourself. I am the owner/operator of Repeat Boutique, Fort Collins’ best and oldest consignment store since 1987. When did you first fall in love with classic/collectible cars? As soon as I could drive! My first car was a 1952 Crosley Hotshot Sportster Convertible, my next vehicle was a 1954 ¾-ton Chevy pickup and after that a 1967 Chevy pickup. I liked them because they were affordable, I could work on them myself and they had the unique wow factor! Describe your current car(s): My current vintage truck is a 1955 Willy’s 4x4 pick-up. It was in pretty rough condition and by no means original, but it was running. I chose a Willy’s because it is multi-functional. I love how well they can climb off-road trails as well as go through snow. I left it rough so I could really use it. Do you do any restoration work on the car, or do you have a mechanic? Four years ago I decided to fix it up a bit, but was limited on budget, so I had a mechanic fix the brakes and weld the leaking gas tank, but I put in new glass, painted it by hand and put on some trim and accessories. It was a garage project for an entire summer with my daughter as my sidekick. Together we spent many nights in the garage sanding, taping, papering and spraying. How long have you been bringing your cars to the car shows? Last summer was the first time we have ever participated in a car show. I have always gone to see car shows and now I take my daughter to see them. I promised her we would participate one year even though I felt my truck wasn’t worthy to sit alongside so many of the other participants! Style 2013

Laura Green 1955 Willy’s 4x4 43

Tell us a little about yourself. I retired as Assistant Business Administrator from St. Joseph Church and School in 2006. When did you first fall in love with classic/collectible cars? My husband, Jim, to whom I’ve been married for 45 years, is the person who taught me to appreciate all those beautifully restored and designed cars. Describe your current car(s): We found my 1977 Corvette sitting in a field up in the mountains. The fiberglass was in terrible shape. We brought it home and together we completely stripped down the fiberglass, which Jim refilled and primered. Then we worked on the interior. Jim did all the engine and mechanical work. He then told me that the Corvette was now mine – it was my 50th birthday and our 25th anniversary – and that I could have it painted any color I wished. Thus, the red car with bubble gum pink flames and its SUZCRUZ license plate. It’s definitely a girl’s car! And I’ve been cruising and showing my Corvette for 20 years. What is the draw? When I drove the car to work at St. Joe’s, the kids there didn’t know whose car it was, but they told people that “the car worked at their school.” With me it’s all about the kids – little boys think it looks like a “Hot Wheels” and little girls think it looks like a “Barbie car.” The kids’ reactions provide the joy in owning and driving that car!

Sue Herning

What is your next car? Jim and I are now working on a 1947 Chevy Street Rod but that Corvette will always be my favorite!

1977 Corvette

Tell us a little about yourself. I was born and raised in Greeley. My parents are George and Hazel Stephens and I have three little sisters. I graduated Greeley Central in 1991, married Matt Chismar in 1999, and now have three kids: Cynthia, Dylan and Alexis. Our family moved to Wellington in 2008. When did you first fall in love with classic/collectible cars? Ever since I can remember. My parents have had cars all my life and I grew up going to car shows and helping my dad work on them. Describe your current car(s): I have a 1968 Chevy Camaro Convertible. My husband got it for me for Mother’s Day 12 years ago. He found it in Detroit, Michigan. It was supposed to be all original, but we found out that the numbers didn’t match so I decided to make it my own. Paint, hood, engine, seats, stereo… I made it into my Green M&M car (M&M stands for Melissa and Matt). Women and kids love it, men not so much. Do you do any restoration work on the car, or do you have a mechanic? I do both. How long have you been bringing your cars to the car shows? I have been showing my car for 12 years. My dad is the Colorado representative for NSRA Safety Team and starting this year we are also a part of this team. We go to a show just about every weekend. What is your next car? We are working on a 1948 Chevy and my husband has a 1951 Studebaker pickup. What is your dream car? We are working on a 1948 Chevy and my husband has a 1951 Studebaker pickup. Do you name your cars? Yes. My car is Mom’s Car.

Melissa Chismar 1968 Chevy Camaro

Professional women making a difference in our community.

Style 2013

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY – 2013 CATTLE BARONS BALL

Lea Faulkner EVENT CHAIR

We invite you to a magical evening in the country at the close of the summer. The volunteers of the American Cancer Society’s 2013 Cattle Barons Ball are hosting this 21st annual charitable event and everyone is invited! This gala is organized by a volunteer committee of 50 sterling members plus an outstanding cast of 400 phenomenal men and women dedicated to making this evening special. It all begins with a Veuve Clicquot champagne reception, fabulous food and gambling in the Grand Saloon. To close this magical night, dance to the music of two-time Grammy award winner country artist Travis Tritt. All this is made possible by the magnitude of our generous underwriters and contributors. Cattle Barons Ball 21 is filled with passion and purpose… it is intentional. With your help, we want to raise the dollars that will fund the cure for all cancers in our lifetime. Tell us about yourself. If I have to label what I do, I guess I would say I am a philanthropist. I consider myself a woman in business. Whether I put dollars in my own pocket or raise dollars that benefit a project I choose to represent, it is all business. You make decisions, set meetings, do budgets and fundraise, and solve daily challenges and address long-term obstacles – definitely, it is all business. As event chair of Cattle Barons Ball, I have made a year-long commitment to over 500 people to lead this particular project. I started as an actress in theater and moved to television. However, I found that I really loved directing and producing. I have owned, operated and sold two successful small retail businesses, served as a Greeley City Council member for four years, and produced and directed my own radio and television shows, “Lea Live” and “Off the Record with Lea,” for over 12 years. I am a motivational speaker, traveling nationally and have served on local and Colorado volunteer boards. Now about my family: We are all colorful, and I lead the pack. I have a wonderful husband, Mike. Crazily, we have been married to each other three times. The third time is now in its 22nd year. It is certainly not dull, often not easy, but it is intentional. I have a loving son, a precious daughter-in-law and two darling granddaughters.

How did you become involved in Cattle Barons Ball / American Cancer Society? It all started in 1995 when I rode for the posse of Weld County. My volunteer job the night of the event was to patrol the parking lot and the grounds. I was security and dressed in complete posse uniform with billy club intact (And I will tell you, there was no sparkle on this uniform whatsoever. What a shame – so not Lea-ish!). From that beginning, I later moved to Live Auction chair in 2008 and co-chairing in 2009, a record-breaking year, with Rick Montera and an amazing committee. In 2011, I was the first woman to be honored as the emcee for Cattle Barons Ball. In other years, I have worked behind the scenes to help event chairs in whatever way I can. For 2013, I feel privileged that I have both the experience and the trust of volunteers, the community and American Cancer Society to lead this event once again. It is my intent to live up to their expectations. What motivates you to be so involved in your community? Passion! If you want to be successful and dynamic, you need to be specific. First, you need to see the finished picture in your mind and then it is imperative that all the links to this picture are significant, intact and strong. Then everything can unfold. You are the artist; draw it no matter how small or large. My purpose starts from my love of God, family, friends and community. My destiny is to lead, to be inspiring, to be the cheerleader for those people and projects who need me to help make their difference. Stepping outside of myself is the key to my success in business and in relationships. Life is a rehearsal for the final show and this is my preparation. What do I want to be when I grow up? I want to be a light, to share hope, joy and laughter. And most importantly, I do not want to miss God’s calling for my life.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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Karla VanDenBerg Centerra• 405-8530

Becky Vasos Harmony • 377-4969

David Bowen, creator of BeginAgain Toys, received funding to launch his business from impact investors that were aligned with his business and social philosophies.

Show Me the Money… By Elissa J. Tivona

In 2012 the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor reported that 43 percent of Americans believe that good opportunities exist for starting a business. Are you one of the optimists? If you have a plan for your dream business tucked in the back of a drawer, the time may be right for you to dust off that dream and take a run at it.

onversations with leaders in the Northern Colorado business development community indicate that new doors are opening for innovative and steadfast entrepreneurs. Charisse Bowen, executive director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship at Colorado State University, observes, “The days of traditional financing have passed.” Following the economic recession in 2008, banks became risk averse and seed money for business start-ups essentially dried up. Simply put, bank loans were limited to individuals with sufficient resources personally to guarantee repayment. “Many new entrepreneurs just aren’t in a position to put themselves or their own assets down as collateral for their companies.” That said, Bowen stresses the positive trends. “The good news is that we’re seeing a shift. Angel investing is starting to re-emerge as the economy bounces back.” She also notes the newest and dual-purpose option in the financial ecosystem:

crowdfunding. With crowdfunding campaigns, “Not only are people able to gain much needed capital, they’re also able to build a fan base,” says Bowen. So, let’s slow down, define these terms and take a closer look at sources of capital and the creative financing strategies that are inspiring cautious optimism among experts.

Angel Investment

The Example: “It used to be if you wanted to grow a company you had to go out and get venture capital… or you had to have a rich uncle,” explains Brad Florin, President of Colorado Angel Investors (CAI), a Colorado nonprofit corporation. “Over the last 30 years, as more and more people started creating small and medium amounts of wealth, they became angel investors.” CAI member Dave Dwyer points to an angel investment success: Rally Software Development Corporation, founded in 2001 in Boulder, markets and supports a cloud-based platform and suite of tools that allow companies to accelerate

the pace of innovation, improve productivity and more effectively adapt to rapidly changing customer needs and competition. The business secured early angel funding from two individuals who began as business advisors, served as board members and subsequently joined the management team. In 2011 they raised $20 million in venture capital. Then in April 2013, Rally Software went public. Rally supports 168,000 paid users and more than 1,000 customers, including 34 Fortune-100 companies. The Definition: A financing option for highgrowth, early-stage business ventures. Since the initial public offering, Rally’s stock has risen about 70 percent, which has earned Rally its reputation as an excellent example of the power of angel investment. The typical angel investor is someone who has built a successful company in the past and wants to share the benefit of this success with less experienced market members. “There’s an element of mentorship that comes with angel investing; it’s not just a pure financial investment,” says Florin. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Over the years, kinds of differindividual angel ent things going investors realized by on at once: We coming together in had billboards; a collaborative enviwe had Faceronment they could book; we had have even greater promotional tieimpact on busiins with BeLocal ness development. and others. We Angel groups have were everyflourished nationwhere we could wide facilitated by be.” guidelines and best But even practices set forth good marketing by the trade group is nothing unless Angel Capital Assoa company ciation (ACA). adds value to One of ACAs the community. newer members, Mozer expresses CAI was formed in deep convicDecember and has tion that “the been actively meetdepersonalized ing since January business model 2013. Florin forehas gotten weasees their role in the risome. People economic developwant to connect ment of Northern to their busiColorado. “We’re nesses. People a nonprofit corpowant to feel like McCabe Callahan, owner of Mugs Coffee Lounges, launched Community Funded, a crowdfunding plat- the businesses ration… the only form that has helped launch several local businesses. around them mission is investor education and aren’t just taking connecting investheir money, but tors with potential they’re there to entrepreneurs looking for funds.” ability to grow to around $20 million in annual build a community and make every one feel CAI’s investment coordinator, Tim Sherwood, revenue within a few years. Otherwise the comwelcome in that community.” helps screen deals and acts as liaison between pany will never get big or attractive enough to The Definition: A financing option to raise companies and the membership. Sherwood get purchased and angels will never see return needed capital and build an enthusiastic cusexplains that ideal candidates for angel investon their seed funding. But for big dreamers with tomer base at the same time. ment are companies with momentum. They’ve the right company in an industry with serious For those not in the know, Kickstarter, and moved beyond the idea stage, but don’t require growth potential, there might just be a guardian other websites like Indiegogo, are web-based multi-million dollar investments. The sweet spot angel in your future. platforms that facilitate the process of funding for CAI are companies with a $1 to $2 million a project or product by collecting modest dollar valuation. Crowdfunding amounts from large numbers of individuals. Florin adds that their group prefers startups The Example: Last year, independent movie The term crowdfunding was coined to describe in industries that align with the experience of theater Lyric Cinema faced a crisis. Movie disthis collaborative cyber-funding concept, and, one or more of the members. Since January, CAI tributors put nationwide theaters on notice according to the 2013 Crowdfunding Indushas pre-screened about 60 business plans and that by spring 2013 films would be distributed try Report by Massolution, “Crowdfunding 15 were brought before the full membership. exclusively in a digital format; theaters that did platforms raised $2.7 billion and successfully “Right now we’re actively putting deals together not upgrade projectors would no longer receive funded more than one million campaigns in to invest in two of these,” says Florin. films. Lyric Cinema was one of them. Owner Ben 2012. Massolution forecasts an increase in global Factors that help proposals stand out: Mozer had to figure out how to come up with crowdfunding volumes in 2013 to $5.1 billion.” “Number one is management; we’re looking the needed $150,000 for new digital projectors, In the early days, the most common model for experienced management in the industry.” two sound systems and other improvements. for crowdfunding projects was to offer “giftAlso the product offering must have a compelMozer says, “It was a unique challenge to backs,” products or special perks in exchange ling customer value proposition. “Why is your this specific industry…. There was no other for voluntary donations. More recently, investprospective customer going to spend money way to raise money in a realistic way. Investors ment crowdfunding is gaining traction, allowing with you… How are you making more of a aren’t going to invest in projectors that aren’t businesses to raise capital by selling ownership difference?” going to make him money. Banks aren’t going stakes online in the form of equity or debt, giving One cautionary note for those seeking angel to loan. So the only other way to do it was to shareholders financial incentive to contribute. investment: Have a good solid business plan. either crowdfund or sell my house.” The federal JOBS Act passed in April 2012 Florin says, “The business plan needs five-year Lyric employee Michael Putlack put together included provisions for investment crowdfundfinancial projections that show they actually have the Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, which ing. However, implementation is still under a potential product or offering that can scale. successfully raised its goal in one month, achievreview by the SEC and many sites are waiting If someone’s idea of being super-successful is ing a total of $158,692. The promotion included for clarification before launching this option. getting to $2 to $5 million in revenue, that’s not “giftbacks” to donors with values equivalent to Last year, Fort Collins innovator and entrereally big enough to bring in outside investors, their gifts. In it’s most ideal form crowdfunding preneur McCabe Callahan, the owner of Mugs that’s a comfortable lifestyle company.” For that involves some kind of exchange of goods. Coffee Lounge, put an original spin on the Florin says, “You need to call your rich uncle.” Mozer stresses that crowdfunding is not crowdfunding concept by launching the ComTo attract the angels the company needs the magical. “It was a lot of promotion. We had all munity Funded platform. The impetus was Style 2013

Charisse Bowen, executive director of CSU’s Institute of Entrepreneurship, says the funding landscape for entrepreneurs has changed since the recession and those looking for funding need to get creative. Callahan’s inability to secure a loan to open a new location across from CSU. In the end, a handful of customers community-funded his expansion. Community Funded is intentionally designed for any kind of user – nonprofits, businesses, causes or individuals. “We do not have one specific niche.” Instead Community Funded places emphasis on connecting local initiatives with a local fan base. Callahan says, “The power of businesses using these tools is that while you are fundraising, you are also developing long-term customers that will evangelize your products.” The next evolution for Community Funded is the Empowered By CF customizable solution that lets any organization or individual use the power of crowdfunding on their own website. Bowen reports that CSU’s Institute for Entrepreneurship is beta-testing Empowered By CF software, under the banner Charge, linked directly from the College of Business website. Charge allows Institute students to create fundraising campaigns for their startups and put them up on the College website while part of the program. McCabe adds, “This feature is one that we are most excited about. We see this being used by other crowdfunding sites, nonprofits, higher education, associations, local living economies, businesses and organizations.”

Microloans

The Example: (Adapted from Colorado Enterprise Fund’s All Star Showcase, published April 2013.) After becoming a father, Dr. Josef Planansky was inspired to create a nutritionfocused chiropractic practice. He created the business plan for Northern Colorado Nutrition and Chiropractic (NCNC) offering sciencebased clinical nutrition programs, as well as chiropractic care, massage and acupuncture. But to launch successfully, Planansky needed a loan. He took his business plan to Great Western Bank, which referred him to Colorado Enterprise

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Fund (CEF). In April 2012, CEF provided a loan for therapeutic and office equipment. Planansky purchased patient tables, ultrasound technology and strength machines along with waiting room chairs and computers. The loan also helped cover initial overhead costs including insurance and leasing costs for the 1,500 square foot office and clinic space. “We would not be in business without CEF,” says Planansky. The Definition: Institutional, government incentivized, signature or other loans from sources vested in your success. Another strategy for small business success is to secure microloans. In Colorado, many businesses have done that with the help of the CEF. Ceyl Prinster, president and CEO, describes CEF as a nonprofit lending institution founded for the express purpose of helping small businesses that can’t access bank loans or other traditional financing sources. Entrepreneurs can launch start-ups or grow existing businesses. “Our mission is to help position businesses for opportunities they see in their markets.” Typical microloans range from $5,000 to $50,000 (although they can go up to $250,000) targeted for businesses with 10 or fewer employees. Reasons for accessing microloans vary. For example, some need help with start-up costs like tenant improvements, site set up or soft costs like marketing. Others may be looking to purchase a business, buy needed equipment or take advantage of buying bulk inventory. Prinster describes CEF as a conduit for small businesses to a host of public, private and philanthropic funding sources. For example, in Fort Collins, “We work very closely with Rocky Mountain Innosphere. We have a loan fund that’s been funded by some banks and we work with their clients.” At least a third of CEF funding comes from banks that invest in their loan funds through a special regulatory category called community investment. Banks see this as a way to have a referral source for deals they can’t do. Because CEF is unregulated, it has a different risk profile than banks. That’s the advantage: CEF can consider people with lower credit scores and less collateral. Also, they are open to earlier stage businesses that might have to rely on outside income from a family member until cash flow improves. The downside is that loans from CEF are risk adjusted, which means borrowers pay a little more in interest than the bank requires. Interest rates on loans from CEF fall between 9 and 13 percent. Prinster reports that CEF has an average 96 percent repayment rate. To sustain these good odds, people who are “just kicking the tires” of a business idea are referred to the business development arm of the Small Business Administration, which is a low or no-cost way to learn. Currently the Colorado Enterprise Fund has over 400 loans under management, and they are growing. Prinster happily reports, “This is going to be a record year. My staffers tell me we’re going to be even with what we did last year by the end of this month. That would be about 120 new loans this year and about $4 million in lending.” CONT. ON PG. 74 Style 2013

The Changing Face of Home Mortgages You can hit a moving target. By Michelle Venus

Move over 3.35 percent home mortgage rates. Your days are over. As rates creep higher and higher – peaking at 4.46 percent in late June with the average monthly commitment rate locked in at 4.07 percent – consumers wonder, “What does this mean for me?”

t means buyers need to move quickly. It doesn’t look like rates will slide down below 4 percent any time soon. And that is making consumers anxious. According to a survey conducted by Trulia, a comprehensive real estate website that provides insight on local markets throughout the country, respondents said their primary concern was that rates would rise before they actually bought a home. Thirteen percent said that mortgage rates of 4 percent (where the rate had climbed at the time the survey was conducted) were already too high for them to consider buying a home. Another 20 percent said they’d be discouraged from buying a home if rates reach 5 percent; 22 percent said they’d be discouraged from buying a home if rates reach 6 percent. That adds up to 56 percent of consumers who plan to buy a home someday who would be discouraged from doing so if rates reach 6 percent. Among renters who plan to buy a

home someday, 62 percent would be discouraged from doing so if rates reach 6 percent. For those who can remember as far back as October 1981, when the average monthly mortgage rate was 18.45 percent, 6 percent looks pretty good. But even a single point raise can be significant for buyers. “A 1 percent difference probably knocks out about 10 percent of the people who can qualify [for a mortgage],” explains Scott Charpentier, owner of Fort Collins Mortgage. The rule of thumb, he says, states that for each percentage point mortgage rates rise, that’s between $10,000 and $20,000 less that a buyer qualifies for when applying for a home loan. Here’s an example: at 3.35 percent the monthly payment on a $200,000, 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is $881; change the rate to 4.46 percent and the monthly nut jumps to $1,009 – a 14 percent increase. Bottom line, the consumer can afford less house for the same amount of money. Charpentier is quick to point out it’s not all

doom and gloom. For existing homeowners, now is a good time to refinance, even with the rising rates. That’s because property values are increasing as well. When property values increase there’s more equity in the home, making it easier to obtain refinancing. Even though rising rates are sending some homeowners to the sidelines, there are some very good reasons to look carefully at refinancing. Mortgage rates are rising – act now. Mortgage rates are expected to continue rising, so act now and get the very best rate available. Based on what we’re seeing now the longer you wait, the higher the rate. Current mortgage rates are still extremely low. Even if current mortgage/refinancing rates aren’t as favorable as they were in May, they are still very low. They are still well below the two-digit figures of 30 years ago; historically they look great. Look into no-cost refinance. A no-cost refinance can be financially beneficial even if the current rates don’t differ much from your Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

existing mortgage since you don’t have any out-of-pocket expenses. For example, if you refinance a 30-year fixed rate mortgage at $400,000 from a 4.5 percent mortgage rate to 4 percent, you’ll save $117 per month on your principal and interest payments, and $42,149 in overall interest. Credit standards have eased up. A little. According to the Federal Reserve’s Senior Loan Opinion Survey in April 2013, a few banks reported having eased their credit standards for mortgage loans over the previous three months. That’s good news for people whose credit scores suffered dings during the difficult economy. HARP has been extended. The federal government’s Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) has been extended through 2015. Many eligible borrowers haven’t pursued HARP, so ask your lender to make greater outreach efforts. Consider a different loan product. Interest rates on 10, 15 and 20-year home loans are lower than rates on 30-year loans and with a shorter loan term, you pay less interest over the life of the loan and pay off your loan faster. Keep in mind that more likely than not, your monthly payment will be higher. If you have first and second mortgages, now may be a good time to consolidate them into one loan before rates go even higher. You have more home equity. Did you watch your home lose value over the past few years? Rising home values are returning the equity you may have lost and you may be able to eliminate paying private mortgage insurance, especially if you move from an FHA to a conventional mortgage. Remember, though, this only works if you have sufficient equity in your home. But what if you’re a renter and dream of owning your own home? “It’s possible,” says Charpentier. “The rent that most people are paying today can likely get them into ownership.” There are no-down, fixed-rate programs that may be the answer, or programs such as an FHA loan that require as little as 3.5 percent of the home’s cost as a downpayment. The past few years have been very tough on people, and some have had to declare bankruptcy or have lost their homes to foreclosure. These scenarios require some effort and patience to work through. Foreclosures and bankruptcy require waiting periods before you can re-enter the housing market. After bankruptcy, there is a four-year wait for a conventional loan and a two-year wait for an FHA or VA loan. Charpentier advises using the waiting time to get credit back in shape so that when they do flip the last page on their calendar, they’re ready to apply for a mortgage and start looking for the home of their dreams. Eric Engel, of Cobalt Mortgage, agrees with this tactic. “Stated income, sub-prime loans have gone away. For people who have a job and whose credit is good, the qualifications are not that difficult, frankly. If you can document your income and afford to pay off the loan, the big burden is compiling all the paperwork needed to secure the mortgage,” he says. “That’s greater than it’s been for the past 20 Style 2013

Eric Engel, Cobalt Mortgage

Scott Charpentier, owner of Fort Collins Mortgage

years. People without income documentation and credit issues will struggle.” Engel recommends meeting with a loan officer to determine a base line and to develop a strategy to repair their credit, which can take anywhere from 90 days to a few years. “But if people are diligent and willing to do what it takes, they can repair their credit. It’s a process that a mortgage loan officer can guide you through,” he explains. “Even for people who have no credit issues, it’s a good idea to meet with a loan officer who can provide them with information that will help them to be prepared when the time comes to make that important purchase.” “The American Dream can still be achieved,” says Scott Charpentier. “Absolutely it can be achieved.”

Michelle Venus is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins.

lifestyle

The Mish and its Rightful Place in Locals’ Hearts By Emily Hutto

“I used to say, you’d walk into the Mishawaka and it was like an old Western, where the creaky doors would open and everybody would turn around and look at you...” Dani Grant jokes.

n 2010 Grant and her husband, Matt Hoeven, bought the concert amphitheater and restaurant, which a lot of locals will tell you really was like an old run-down saloon just a decade ago. “The Mishawaka is such a landmark music venue, but it wasn’t a shining star,” says Grant. “[We aimed to] clean

it up, to restore its reputation nationally, and to bring back both local and national artists.” Fondly known as “the Mish,” this venue sits on the Poudre River, about 25 miles northwest of Fort Collins on Highway 287. The iconic venue holds almost 100 years of music history within its log cabin-style walls, which are from the original structure built in 1907. When Walter S. Thompson

discovered it in 1916, he built with his own hands what would become the Mishawaka dance hall that has since hosted artists such as the Lumineers, Bela Fleck, Arlo Guthrie, Brandi Carlile, Bob Weir, Toad The Wet Sprocket, Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes, String Cheese Incident, Dark Star Orchestra, The Hot Buttered Rum String Band, The Subdudes, The David Grisman Quintet, and Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Style 2013

Mickey Hart Band, among many others. When Grant and Hoeven purchased the Mishawaka Inn, they cleaned up and removed 120 cubic feet of trash from the property. They upgraded the kitchen and revamped the entire venue’s electrical system. They repainted inside and out, repaired fences and added umbrellas to the outdoor patio, where they no longer allow smoking. “It’s not our goal to change the character of the Mish. While trying to maintain its rustic charm, we’re incorporating systems that will support 1,000 people at a concert. Now it feels more comfortable. We’ve managed to create a really nice energy up here, and keep music in the canyon, which has been its history,” says Grant. Music in the canyon is something that no northern Coloradan, or any visitor to The Mishawaka

for that matter, should take for granted. “[In 1916] there weren’t a lot of regulations about what you could have in a canyon; if you tried now to get a music permit for inside a canyon, it would never happen,” Grant says. “We got grandfathered in.” Perhaps its majestic location is what makes The Mishawaka such a memorable place. There’s something magical about singing and dancing riverside, inside of a canyon, off the grid and closer to artists than you ever thought you could be. There’s something wild about the prospect of a bear meandering into the venue during the show (Yes, that has happened there). And there’s something sentimental about experiencing music at a place where our ancestors, and our music heroes, have experienced music for

almost a century. “I think the most special thing about this place is the incredible number of people who hold it in a special place in their heart. It’s beyond me how many people come out of the woodwork and say ‘I love that place.’ I ask why. They say ‘memories,’” Grant says, recalling a story about a husband and wife who got married at the Mish and recently renewed their vows there for their 50-year anniversary. “So many people bring their families here to show them why they live in Colorado,” Grant continues. “Grandma doesn’t have to hike or mountain bike out here; it’s a way for everyone to access the beauty of a hike up Arthur’s Rock. You can just come here and have a beer on the deck.” You can also go to the Mishawaka to practice CONT. ON PG. 76

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

Style 2013

A Family Who Hunts Together By Angeline Grenz

Some families wait all year for the holidays or family vacation, anticipating quality time spent with loved ones enjoying family rituals and activities together. Not the Rider family, they wait impatiently for the family sport they love to share: hunting season.

he Riders are your typical family of four: dad Randy is an electrician for a subsidiary of Anheuser Busch, mom Maila owns The Pilates Yoga Company in Windsor, and the have two teenage children: daughter Aspen, 16, and son Nash, 13. What sets this family apart is that they come together for the somewhat uncommon sport of hunting, be it with a rifle or a compound bow. Maila knows that this sport is unique for her sex, though interest is growing among other women. “I do have some female friends who enjoy the sport,” she says. Maila began hunting with her husband 13 years ago, not long after

she delivered her son into the world. “I carried my son in a backpack over my shoulders.” When she first began her hunting career she enjoyed the feel of a traditional bow, but she was not confident enough to go on hunts with her husband. (“You just have to be really close to the animal.”) So Maila took up the rifle, “I still wanted to enjoy the [hunting] experience.” After seven years hunting with a rifle, Maila decided to transition to a compound bow and take up archery as her preferred hunting method. “It just came naturally to me.” Today, her passion is hunting white tail deer with a bow. Both of their children followed suit and they shoot Junior Olympic archery through Rocky Mountain Archery in Fort Collins; her daughter placed second in the

State competition this year. “Our family counts down the days to hunting season like some people count down the days to Christmas,” she says. “It is that alive in our lives.” While Maila jokes that she was “baptized into the sport through marriage,” her enthusiasm stems from more than just spending time with her family. For the Riders, hunting is indicative of the overall lifestyle they enjoy. “I enjoy just making that connection with nature and experiencing that innate, primitive, raw wonder of hunting our own food. For me, it is part of our human experience. I think we were built to hunt.” She finds the sport meditative. “There is definitely a spiritual as well as a physical preparation required.” But there is a practical side, too. The Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Like mother, like daughter – both Maila and her daughter, Aspen, enjoy bow hunting and archery.

Riders eat what they hunt. In fact, “we do not buy any saran-wrapped meat. We harvest it.” She also points out the benefits of hunting your own meat verses purchasing from a commercial source. “There seems to be this collective consciousness, this movement, toward a greater self-sufficiency,” she adds. “I think people are in this forward movement to grow their own food, to know what they eat is wild, and that there is no antibiotic or hormone additives. Nothing that has been tampered with.” The Riders also keep a garden every year. She also points out the service hunters have done for the state of Colorado, particularly helping to wipe out the population of deer who had Chronic Wasting Disease a few years ago. “I felt like we were doing a real service ecologically to try and wipe that terrible disease out. But it was also disappointing not to have that meat go into our freezer.” For the Rider children, hunting has taught them some valuable real-life skills, says Maila. Perseverance, coping, patience, the ability to put up with challenging circumstances (“like waiting in the cold and dealing with frustration,” she says), endurance and a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. “It creates a real sense of wholeness,” says Maila. “And a way of dealing with real life emotions that are not always comfortable and that many people try to avoid. And it gives all of us the ability to get out and be quiet, observe and have a whole new respect for nature. It is really humbling.” Maila gives her husband much of the credit for their lifestyle and values. “He comes from a traditional German farming family and the values you develop in a farming family are very different – you aren’t afforded a lot of the conveniences and luxuries of other families. We are so incredibly blessed in our marriage and how we deal with our kids because of his values.” Angeline Grenz is editor for Lydia’s Style Magazine. Style 2013

travel

Glenwood Springs, A Multi-purpose Destination By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer

There are some destinations that tick all the right boxes, and Glenwood Springs is one of those places. Despite its population of only about 10,000, there is a never ending list of things to do in town throughout the year, and you don’t have to take my word for it. In 2011, Glenwood Springs was named “Most Fun Town in America” by Rand McNally and USA Today in their Best of the Road Rally Contest.

Whether you are planning a romantic escape, a girlfriend getaway or a family vacation, Glenwood Springs has got you covered. The Romantic Escape Having spent three of our 11 wedding anniversaries in Glenwood Springs, I feel I’m well qualified to recommend this town for a romantic holiday. With several well-appointed hotels to choose from and charming scenery, it’s easy to romance your honey in Glenwood Springs. My advice for the ideal romantic escape to Glenwood Springs is to take Amtrak. The five and a half hour scenic ride is the perfect way to unwind and get reacquainted with your sweetheart and a good book. Several hotels in Glenwood Springs

run train packages, making this a reasonably affordable option. The Hotel Colorado looks like something out of 17th Century Europe, and in fact was designed as a replica of Villa Medici in Rome, Italy. Step onto the property and you’ll feel 120 years of history wash over you. If you stay somewhere else, be sure to indulge in a cocktail on The Hotel Colorado’s immense patio, complete with a water fountain and elaborate flower gardens. If a steak dinner is your idea of romance, Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse is the place to go. Everyone in town recommends it, and for good reason. You can wear jeans to Juicy Lucy’s, after all, this is Colorado, but the food is suit and tie worthy. Located in downtown, next door to the Golden

Canyon Brewery, is another historic building, The Hotel Denver. This establishment has some of the nicest staff I’ve ever encountered on my travels, and their large rooms are dog friendly. They also give guests a tote bag with huge, fluffy towels for use at the hot springs pool, a small, yet muchappreciated gesture. The Girls Getaway If you are looking for a place to spend the weekend with your girlfriends, look no further than Spa of the Rockies at Glenwood Hot Springs. Does a thermal tub or warm stone massage sound inviting? How about a pedicure on the balcony overlooking the hot springs pool? Spa of the Rockies has been pampering men Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Style 2013

and women since 2008, and each month they have special packages available. Stay at the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge with your girlfriends and purchase the classic spa package that includes a 50 minute massage. After spending the hours gossiping with girlfriends at the hot springs pool, I suggest ending this blissful day with a meal at the Glenwood Canyon Brewpub. I like the bar side the best, and if beer isn’t your thing, they always have a nice cider on tap, and a cocktail and wine list. The Family Vacation I think Glenwood Springs earned the title, “Most Fun Town in America” mostly due to the hot springs pool and Glenwood Caverns and Adventure Park. This 10-year-old amusement park is at the top of Iron Mountain, and the adventure starts right away with a gondola ride to the park. This place will keep young and old entertained for hours. There are all sorts of carnival style rides, from easy stuff for the little ones to heart stopping rides like the Giant Canyon Swing. In addition to the rides and other entertainment, like laser tag and the 4-D theater, the family can explore the caves. There are two cave tours at Glenwood Caverns, and I recommend both. The historic fairy caves have been open since the 1800s, although a new section was just unearthed earlier this year. This tour is educational, while the King’s Row tour is awe-inspiring. On your visit, be sure to enjoy a hamburger or salad with a spectacular view at The Lookout Grill. For a touristy kind of place, this restaurant serves up really good, affordable food and they even have beer and wine on the menu, if mom and dad need a little pick-me-up. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park sells all-day passes or a la carte options, such as cave tours only. Fun for All Whether you’re traveling to Glenwood Springs with your sweetie, family or gal pals, Music on the Mountain is an event for everyone. This summer music series takes place on top of Iron Mountain at the adventure park and runs through September 21, 2013. Bring a canned food donation for a free ride on the gondola to enjoy an evening of music and drink specials. Learn more at GlenwoodCaverns.com. Riding the paved Glenwood Canyon Recreational Trail is another activity that I recommend to everyone. We rented bikes in downtown Glenwood Springs and nearly ran into a herd of mountain goats around the first curve of the trail. There are other biking trails too, in fact you can bike the Rio Grande Trail all the way to Aspen. For details on all the adventures available in Glenwood Springs, go to VisitGlenwood.com. Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a freelance writer and founder of HeidiTown.com, the source for Colorado festival and travel information. Her travel articles have appeared in IndependentTraveler. com and EnCompass Magazine.

Glenwood Hot Springs

Glenwood Caverns

Downtown Glenwood Springs

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Style 2013

family focus I worry that socially, my kids are a little more awkward because of it.” Adams needn’t worry, Kay Dechairo, MA, LPC, of the Center for Child and Family Therapy, assures: The developmental risk is in the overparticipation rather than the under-scheduling. The casualties of over-scheduling include imagination, creativity and creating strong, healthy family bonds, cautions Dechairo. Extracurricular activities are great for kids, especially when you’re looking at things to help build self esteem and keep them healthy. But, it’s critical to have that balance between family and downtime. They need to have playtime and use their imagination and not constantly be going to the next appointment,” says Dechairo. When choosing what to enroll your child in, Dechairo asks parents to consider their child’s developmental needs. Younger children through elementary school aged should be enrolled in very few activities, because this is the time when they should be developing relationships with family and exploring their imagination through play. With family relationships firmly established, middle schoolers can sign up for more extracurricular activities to explore their interests. By high school a kid can be expected to have “their thing,” and those are the activities they should be doing. “It’s important for all of us to have downtime to be with ourselves, to learn about ourselves and use our imagination and explore,” says Dechairo. “When you’re constantly going, you’re not going to be in intimate relationships because activities become the goal. It’s going to impact the child’s ability to go play and be a kid and not be scheduled.”

The Rayburn Family, Photo courtesy of Lynette Seelmeyer of Picture This Photography.

Managing

Family Time BY TRACEE SIOUX

The hope and optimism of a new school year can be short-lived without a solid plan in place to manage the juggling act of what is now the American family lifestyle, with careers, school and extracurriculars.

Many parents are tempted to ensure that their children are so well-rounded that they enroll them in every class offered: gymnastics, dance, soccer, piano, school plays and choirs, band, theatre companies, scouts, cooking classes, swim team, basketball, volleyball, etc. The social pressure is so intense that some parents feel guilty about not enrolling their children in enough activities. Jim Adams, the primary caretaker for he and his wife Amanda’s children, Liam, 10, and Moira, 9, is one such parent. “It’s one of my big failings as a parent,” Adams worries. “They don’t have anything organized.

Creating Systems Linda Preston, executive director of BASE Camp, a nonprofit that provides activities for children before and after school and during school breaks, sees how families manage. “I think the families do an absolutely amazing job in balancing the different parts of their lives. Some kids have more activities than others that they are juggling. They all have a system for family management to make it work.” Whether it’s a smart phone calendar, to-do lists, a white board in the kitchen or an elaborate spreadsheet, families twirling many plates need an organizational system. Carol Lang, an HP executive and mother of Connor, 18, Brennen, 15, and Erin, 12, has developed an elaborate spreadsheet to keep track of her family’s lifestyle. She and her husband, Kris, work full-time. Lang spends 15 to 20 hours in the car chauffeuring kids around and attending their swim meets and volleyball games. Lang’s day runs from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., with every minute accounted for. Her spreadsheet lists the family’s activities: where they are going, what they need to bring and how they are going to get there and back. She groups tasks such as meal planning, grocery shopping, laundry and the kids’ chores on the weekends. Dinner is made in the crockpot before she goes to work. She sends a daily email to her husband with a snapshot of the family’s schedule. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

kids • play • fun • health • activities

Style 2013

The Lang Family

The Family Rules Many parents set limits, and requirements, on participation in extracurriculars. One popular family rule is to limit participation to one learning activity and one physical activity at a time. Stephanie and Tyler Rayburn, parents of Orion, 6, and Opal, 3, are dipping their toe into extracurriculars with both children enrolled in a theatre class and Orion taking piano lessons. “We try to be really careful about it. We don’t want it to take over our family time. Growing up, I was allowed one physical and one learning activity. That was it. I wasn’t allowed to pick more than that. I still think that is reasonable,” says Stephanie Rayburn. Lisa Péré, owner of Full Stop Editorial and mother to Ethan, 13, and Mia, 10, also has the one art and one physical activity limit and a no quitting rule. If the kids sign on to something they can’t quit right away. “If you start an activity and you don’t like it you can’t just quit,” Pere says. “We set a time limit, with guitar and voice lessons, you have to do it for a least a month. If you’re signing up for soccer you can miss one practice for whatever reason, but unless you’re sick you’re going, come rain or shine.” Something’s Gotta Give With parents spending one to four hours getting kids ready for and shuttling them to and from their activities, while managing careers and making sure the homework gets done, something’s got to give. Priorities must be established and perfection must be surrendered. Many parents make the sacrifice in their professions. Rayburn quit her job in biotech when Opal was born and transitioned to being a birth mentor, opening her own company, Birth Passages, that enables her to work weekends and evenings. Péré, the sole parent, opened her own

writing and editing business so she could set her work schedule around parenting. Once they realized that one of their salaries at HP was going straight to nannies, Jim Adams quit his job to parent their children and, now that both kids are in school, he works as a paraprofessional at his children’s school while he works toward his teaching certificate, setting it up so his hours will match his children’s. Business happens around the kids’ school and activity schedules. Work takes place in the precious few school hours, finished into the night and scheduled into weekends. Less work is taken to ensure more family time. Lynette Seelmeyer, mother of Thomas, 12, and Katie, 10, left work when Thomas was diagnosed with high functioning autism at age 3. Eventually, she told her husband, David, that she was opening Picture This Photography, so she could work around her children’s schedules. “Working is something I have to do, it’s just how my personality is,” says Seelmeyer. “I have to book appointments months in advance, and it takes planning. It would be heartbreaking to schedule a 12-hour wedding and miss my daughter’s dance recital.” Péré sacrifices a tidy house. “My house now looks like Hiroshima and I can’t emphasize how awful it is. It makes me crazy,” she admits. “But, it is what it is. I could keep it clean and I could keep the laundry done, but it would have to be at the sake of something else. There are only so many hours in the day and you have to decide what to do with them.” Scheduling Personal and Family Time Making sure that family time, free time and personal time are preserved is essential to everyone’s sanity. Lang rides her bike; Seelmeyer is in the Larimer Choral. Without taking time for themselves, moms

The Seelmeyer Family

pay a dear price in sanity and physical health. This is a lesson Péré is only now taking to heart. “I’m learning that I need to take time for myself,” she says. “I’ve been really bad about it and it’s started to take a toll on my health. Since my former husband died it’s hard not to get sucked into the vortex of ‘I have to take care of my kids or I have to be working.’” Family time is equally essential. While Lang admits that much of their family bonding time takes place in the car between activities, they have made the Family Dinner sacrosanct. “Ninety-percent of the time we have family dinner,” reports Lang. “It’s our one time when we’re all together and not going in 100 different directions. It’s a time of talking, sharing and laughing. It really keeps us together.” Get Help Parents don’t have to go it alone. Co-parenting, before- and after-school care, preschools, nannies, mother’s helpers, friends, neighbors and carpools can be lifesavers. Resources for finding help include the childcare referral service offered by the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County at www.ecclc. org or (970) 377-3388, ext. 4. Mother’s helpers, babysitters and nannies can be found through services such as Family Care Connection, Care. com and SeekingSitters.com. Find the system that works or the help you need to preserve family time and your sanity.

Tracee Sioux is a Law of Attraction Coach, at www.authenticpowerliving.com,author of Love Distortion: Belle, Battered Codependent and Other Love Stories. Contact her at traceesioux@ gmail.com. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

kids • play • fun • health • activities

Style 2013

Special Advertising Section

HOME

go Pro

IMPROVEMENT

Whether you are taking advantage of Northern Colorado’s healthy real estate market or you ater are looking for home improvement projects ergy, w Save en for your own enjoyment, now might be the time for that kitchen remodel, home makeover or fresh coat of it cy aud fficien paint. In terms of value and e e m o ith a h comfort, home improvement oney w m d n can pay off big time. a our ck out The most valuable home s. Che ie it il t llins U improvements do not have ort Co from F to be large projects. Small, taroption. geted projects may go a long way ancing in f w e towards upping the curb appeal s and n program and value of your home. rebate Several local experts have their own quick and easy tips for home improvement. Here is what they had to say:

FALL TIPS

ities Util

0 -290 212 Street / ) 0 (97 Mason tilities /u N. 117 cgov.com f . www

You will be surprised how hiring a designer for your home improvement projects can save you time, money and your sanity. Eheart Interior Solutions (970) 669-0288 4420 S. College Ave., Unit A2

INTERIOR S OL UT I O N S EST . 1979

HEAT MATTERS The best, low cost maintenance anyone can do for the furnace is to check or change the filter every month! Downtown Ace Hardware (970) 224-4437 215 S. College Ave. Fort Collins

LANDSCAPING

This can be a great time for gardening. Days are getting shorter and a little cooler. Most plants that you cut back will flourish again this month with a lot of color. Stop pruning or deadheading your roses. Let roses go to seed (rose hips) after blooming in September; this tells the plant that it’s time to slow down and get ready for winter. Cut back on watering your lawn and other plants, letting them know to harden off before winter sets in. Plant Mums, Asters, Flowering Cabbage and Flowering Kale to provide great fall color. Buy and plant your Spring Flowering Bulbs now. Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs, they’ll establish their roots before winter and will flourish in the spring. Alpine Gardens (970) 226-2296 7029 S. College Ave. www.alpinelandscaping.com

add a coat of

Exterior painting in the fall is an inexpensive way to protect your home from the winter weather and preserve your investment. Using No VOC paint is environmentally friendly and people friendly. Bright colors on a front door make the home look inviting and gives it better curb appeal. D&D Painting (970) 226-6133 or (970) 689-6133 Professional Painter Since 1985

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BUILDING && LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING NORTHERN NORTHERN COLORADO COLORADO BUILDING

Special Advertising Section

SITTING PRETTY IN THE SHADE The request for some relief from the intense afternoon sun is a common one for Northern Colorado landscape designers. Providing some sort of shade structure over a backyard deck or a restaurant’s outdoor patio can greatly increase it’s usability and enjoyment. There are many attractive options, depending on the look or desired amount of shade. Pergolas are very popular, and can be designed and built in many different styles. Steel, wood, vinyl and fiberglass are commonly used to build pergolas. Redwood, cedar or fir is most typically the least expensive and therefore most commonly used material. It will usually require the most maintenance as well, needing paint or stain every few years. Vinyl pergolas are also very popular, and require less maintenance than wood. Although with vinyl pergolas, you must pay attention to it’s structural integrity, as it will usually not span as far of a distance as wood or steel. Steel is not as common, and can be the most expensive. Once powder coated, steel products can require little maintenance and are very structurally sound. A growing trend is the use of canvas shade sails. Shade sails are typically less expensive than pergolas built of similar size, can provide a lot of shade and require little maintenance. Keep in mind, shade sails are typically not a permanent structure in Colorado. Due to the heavy snow loads, they are usually taken down and stored for the winter months. Call Alpine Gardens today to discuss what shade options are right for your outdoor space: (970) 226-2296 or visit www.alpinelandscaping.com.

970.226.2296 www.alpinelandscaping.com

BUILDING & LANDSCAPING NORTHERN COLORADO

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Special Advertising Section

BUILDING && LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING NORTHERN NORTHERN COLORADO COLORADO BUILDING

Special Advertising Section

Seth Mielke, CLT

Edward Johnson,

Landscape Management Division Manager

Landscape Service and Warranty Manager

ABOUT SETH:

ABOUT ED:

I studied forestry and horticulture/landscape technology at CSU and Front Range Community College. I also became Landscape Industry Certified in three categories. I joined Lindgren Landscape in 2003. In 2009, I helped start a new division, Lindgren Landscape Management, which I now manage.

Originally from Minnesota, I started in the landscape industry in the summer of 1984 while in high school. I went on to college to pursue a career in hotel and restaurant management and quickly realized my true love was the green industry and that I belonged outdoors. I have been involved in design, construction, project management and maintenance of landscapes ever since. I joined Lindgren’s in 2008 to manage the Service and Warranty department. Our service department provides our clients with irrigation system maintenance, tune ups and repairs when necessary. We maintain, repair and detail low voltage outdoor lighting systems. Also, Lindgren’s service department provides our clients with water feature programs that can be a simple as annual start ups and cleanings to weekly management of fountains, ponds and waterfalls.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB? Nothing is ever the same when it comes to plants and landscaping, so I enjoy learning new things, and then learning them again. Whenever I can, I like showing something new (even if it’s what not to do) to peers, employees or clients, and watching them grow as landscapers, gardeners or friends.

HOBBIES OUTSIDE THE JOB: As a Fort Collins native, I like to take advantage of the beautiful place I grew up in. I enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and the occasional brew. Most of all, I enjoy spending time with my wife as we watch our little girl become a little lady!

SETH’S TOP YARD CARE TIPS: Plants make up the most valuable and important part of any landscape. At the most fundamental level, whether a plant is healthy and thriving or not is a result of a combination of genetics and environment. There are a lot of factors at play! What worked at your old home may not work at your new one, what worked last year may not work this year, what works for your neighbor may not work for you. It’s all about the water – in an arid state like Colorado the most critical element in a healthy lawn is the irrigation. Most issues that develop are the result of improper watering, whether too much or too little. Sometimes there are other factors, like soil compaction or thatch, that can contribute but it still comes back to the water. Keep it simple - Always having to trim that juniper or dogwood under the window? Are weeds a constant problem? Consider replacing that overgrown shrub with something smaller that won’t need pruning three times a year. Or maybe it’s time for a mulch top-dress, which can drastically reduce weeding. These simple measures are often overlooked but they can result in less time working on your landscape and more time enjoying it.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB? My favorite part of my job is knowing that each day I have had the opportunity to be outside doing what I love, and perhaps have had a hand in enhancing the natural beauty that surrounds us here in Colorado.

HOBBIES OUTSIDE THE JOB: When I’m not on the job I enjoy hiking, skiing, live music, gardening and spending time with my family.

ED’S TOP IRRIGATION TIPS: Irrigation systems and their performance are, more often than not, the most important component to a healthy landscape. Routine maintenance and tune-ups will keep your turf grass, trees and plants thriving and conserve our precious resource, water. Micro adjusting heads, cleaning nozzles, replacing or cleaning filters and setting station run times to the specific micro climate they are watering will result in a higher efficiency to the delivery of water – and ultimately save money on your water bill. Now is also a great time to take advantage of fantastic rebate programs many utility companies, like Fort Collins Utilities, are offering their customers for upgrading or installing high efficiency, water wise components on their systems. There are still many weeks left in the growing season, and now is a great time for a mid-summer irrigation tune up and to set your appointment up for this fall’s irrigation blow outs and winterizations.

970.226-5677 www.lindgrenlandscape.com

To learn more about Lindgren’s team of professionals or to be inspired by their one-of-a-kind landscapes, visit the newly redesigned website: www.lindgrenlandscape.com.

If you are ready to take your landscape to the next level...

Then you are in the right place.

From landscape renovations to newly designed and installed landscape projects, our professional staff can breathe life into your yard. Zak George Landscaping is a local business you can trust. From creative planting to one of a kind hardscapes and water features, our landscape team can set you on the proper path to get the most enjoyment for your money. Everyone deserves to be able to enjoy the outdoors, and as time goes on, experiencing that enjoyment in your own back yard is becoming the trend. Zak George Landscaping is proud to be a Colorado company and knows all the beauty that our state possesses. Let us help bring some of that beauty to your landscape so you can begin experiencing the beauty in your own backyard!

409 S. Summit View Dr. | Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-221-9228 | www.ZakGeorgeLandscaping.com Style 2013

CONT. FROM PG. 51 Social Enterprise Example: David Bowen and Chris Clemmer, toymakers and designers by trade, learned about start-up and social enterprise financing through the school of hard-knocks. In 2008, they started Sprig Toys, a line of kid-powered, battery-free, eco-friendly toys. Sprig enjoyed steady success from the beginning. David reflects, “We were funded traditionally by a private equity group.” But with recession hitting hard, the entrepreneurs realized the private equity group was focused on return on investment. When Wham-O Toys made a serious bid for Sprig, investors saw an exit strategy and their investment gave them majority control. Though not an unusual story for first-time businesses, it taught Bowen and Clemmer an important lesson. When they launched BeginAgain Toys, they took a different approach to financing. This time they targeted angel impact investors. They wanted dollars from people aligned with their values and willing to put social good on par with profit. Bowen and Clemmer made a point of being visible and involved in Northern Colorado’s entrepreneur community. That, and their previous success with Sprig, made it easier for them than most to find sources for capital. However, this time they were selective. They chose impact investors who aligned with their vision and who supported the growth plan they set forth. And this time they retained majority control. Bowen freely admits to the steep learning curve, but he’s still sold on entrepreneurship. He says, “Running a company takes commitment and passion. It’s definitely a lifestyle decision.” But he also says he’s never going back, especially now that he has the right money from like-minded people with a purpose bigger than maximizing profit. Definition: Diverse financing options using vehicles like Program Related Investments (PRIs), impact investment and social branding relationships with known industry leaders. Social enterprise is the newest “kid” on the block seeking support. A hybrid category, social enterprise blurs distinctions between for-profit and nonprofit business practices. The label refers to any organization that uses a market approach to improve human and environmental wellbeing regardless of how an entity is legally structured. These companies seek to do right while also doing well; they honor a triple bottom line: people, the planet and profit. Because this type of business is still evolving, creativity is inherent and financing potential is fluid. Two Colorado institutions have grown up with the expressed purpose to foster growth of social enterprise: Intersector Partners, L3C in Longmont, and the Unreasonable Institute (UI) a nonprofit in Boulder. The Unreasonable Institute’s agenda is to seek out global entrepreneurs with social enterprises targeted at solving the world’s biggest problems. UI carefully screens candidates and brings the 25 highest-impact entrepreneurs to Boulder for a 6-week intensive program with the expressed intention of giving them the mentorship, capital and networks to make their solutions happen.

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Brave words, but Tyler Hartung, COO and CFO, backs the words with UI’s experience. He speaks of the new breed of business mentors and investors who line up to help these upstarts. Making money for its own sake is no longer enough; they want to help entrepreneurs make lasting impacts on the most urgent challenges facing the planet. The UI program concludes with helping social enterprises find financing. Hartung instructs UI protégées, “Be okay with not taking money from the wrong sources. The utmost importance is to know who is giving the money and what their incentives and rationale are.” Rick Zwetch of Intersector Partners (IP) agrees. His company’s current priority is a coaching program for nonprofits, guiding them toward start-up social enterprises that align with their nonprofit purposes, then directing them to promising funding sources. Intersector is actively recruiting for the first Social Enterprise Cohort, running from September 2013 to May 2014. Like UI, Intersector will coach the cohort on how to finance their start-ups. Zwetch says, “We’re going to have the complete lay of the land as we start to bring nonprofits through our program. We will show them the entire funding landscape.” According to Zwetch, that landscape is expansive. He refers to several lesser-known funding vehicles, like Program Related Investments (PRI). PRIs give foundations the legal ability to loan money to or invest in for-profit ventures. Though approved by Congress in 1969, PRIs have been slow to materialize. Zwetch reasons that with more and more social enterprises coming online to support nonprofits, PRI’s have potential to fill a much-needed niche. Foundations can use this vehicle to loan rather than grant money, ultimately helping charities become sustainable. The added upside is foundations would earn the money back with a little interest. Another facet of the financial ecosystem for social enterprises is a growing number of impact investors, like those who helped BeginAgain Toys. Considered a subset of angel or conventional equity investors, impact investors specifically seek out companies in alignment with their values. The goal is to generate a measurable social or environmental impact along with financial return. Additional sources of funding that Zwetch alludes to are special cases where individual industry leaders choose to align with particular social enterprises for branding purposes. However, these relationships take many forms from grants, to loans, to venture or equity investment. Zwetch concludes, “People need to get introduced to the concept to look everywhere for money. They need to figure out how [they’re] going to fit.” Like Hartung, he stresses, “Understand what the money wants; find out what the money is looking for.” Elissa Tivona is a writer, journalist and international educator at CSU in Fort Collins. Find her online at www.thepeacecorrespondent.com Style 2013

CONT. FROM PG. 56

Dani Grant, owner of The Mish

yoga on Saturdays in the summer. Instructor Alexandra Routh offers weekly Vinyasa flow classes on the deck. In June and July, the Mish teams up with Rocky Mountain Adventures and Odell Brewing Company to offer The Best Day Ever, a package that includes a rafting trip, riverside lunch, a concert at The Mishawaka with vouchers for food and a pint of beer, and a shuttle to and from Fort Collins. This summer had a lineup of local and national bands, including The Indigo Girls (August 3) and Mountain Standard Time (September 14). The Mishawaka will also put on the first annual MARS: Mishawaka Alternative Rock Show (date TBD, check their website for more information, www.themishawaka.com). “A lot of people don’t know we now have alternative rock shows,” says Dani, “and a lot of people don’t know we’re open year-round.” No matter the season, you can find live music at the Mishawaka’s indoor stage, the SpokesBUZZ Lounge, named after Grant’s nonprofit organization, which serves as a hub for musicians along the Front Range to promote the business aspects of their music. She and her staff are collecting historical documents, old signage and other Mishawaka paraphernalia that they’ll soon be dedicating to one of the lounge’s walls. Gathering those items is part of an effort to establish the Mishawaka as a historical site in the future. “We have a little more work to do before we can preserve it, but we’re working to put the Mish in its rightful place.” One of the latest additions to the venue is a 280-pound steel mural to honor the firefighters who protected it during the High Park Fire in 2012. The Mishawaka closed for almost a month, during which time rumors surfaced that the amphitheater had burned down. On the contrary the Mishawaka survived, and with the help of its new owners, is thriving today. “My goal is to have this place here forever, and set it up appropriately for that,” says Grant. “The Mishawaka will be here long after me.” Emily Hutto is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins.

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2 0 1 3 A N N U A L C E L E B R AT I O N O F P H I L A N T H R O P Y May 8 :: Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa & Conference Center :: Loveland The Community Foundation of Northern Colorado’s annual Celebration of Philanthropy saw a record-breaking crowd of business leaders, community members and elected officials in attendance to celebrate the generosity of Northern Colorado citizens. This year’s program included a video entitled “Remembering Tragedy, Celebrating Community,” highlighting our community’s extraordinary generosity in response to the High Park and Woodland Heights fires, the presentation of the Founders Award to Dave Edwards and culminated with keynote speaker and noted geologist, philanthropist and conservationist Dr. Ed Warner and his message “Thinking Outside the Box: Energy, Environment, and Community.” Photos courtesy of Sherri Barber Photography.

Ray Caraway, Mark Driscoll

Dave Edwards 2013 Founders Award Recipient

Connie Dohn

Doug Hutchinson

Robin Reid

Bob & Joyce Everitt

Harry Devereaux, Suzanne Pullen

Dave Marcy, Joyce Spight

Mark Korb, Krishna Murthy, Mike Martucci

Wynn Washle, Kathy Boeding Eric Thompson Style 2013

Nancy & Ken Burnham, Julie & Timothy Kenney

Randy Watkins, Billy Campbell, Jared Goodman

Bruce & Muriel Hach, Ray Caraway

Edward M. Warner Featured Speaker

Chris & Bill Kneeland, Randy & Nita Starr

John Roberts, Carole Egger, Maggie Dennis

Sharon Neenan, Leslie Essay, Cindy Richmond

Larry & Kay Edwards

25TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY CLASSIC BIKE TOUR May 19 :: McKee Medical Clinic :: Loveland Four different scenic routes starting at McKee Medical Center and traveling through Carter Lake, Horsetooth Reservoir and Boyd Lake provided more than 1,300 cyclists a day of riding at this non-competitive, multi-distance bicycle tour, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. More than 200 volunteers assisted on the course to help provide safety and aid riders with maintaining endurance. The event raised more than $84,000 to benefit the Stepping Stones Adult Day Program at McKee.

Angel Hoffman, Mark Hoffman

Julie Johnson Haffner, Gene Haffner

Peggy Decker, Meg Tannehill, Mary Atchison

Nancy Patton

HOUSKA HOUSKA 5K May 27 :: Houska Automotive :: Fort Collins Stellar weather greeted 1,000 runners/walkers at the 21st annual Memorial Day Monday 5K fundraiser, benefitting the Bone Marrow Program and the New Poudre Valley Cancer Center. Many dressed in flapper dresses, pearls, boas and wide lapel jackets sporting the Roaring 20’s theme, and enjoyed the full morning of activities including an appearance by Sam Mouton of The Voice. The event, this year in memory of Wanda Mayberry, who had volunteered with the Houska Houska 5K each year as well as with many other local events, raised nearly $27,000 and added 41 people to the bone marrow registry.

Dennis Houska, Tim Fecteau

Hannah & Brendan Mahoney

Augie Comiskey, Jasmine Marie

Noreen Houska, Nate Houska

Katie Wheeler, Deb Polk

R E L AY F O R L I F E O F W E L D C O U N T Y May 31 :: Island Grove Regional Park :: Greeley This 17th annual, 16-hour event had a huge outpouring of community support. Approximately 5,000 people attended the event, from the 128 teams and 485 survivors completing the Survivor’s Victory lap along with 376 caregivers for the Weld County community, to the scores of friends, family and individuals supporting the cause and their teams. Participants honored those who lost the battle and those who have survived with the Luminaria Ceremony and the lighting of over 1,000 luminaries. The event raised more than $286,000 for American Cancer Society, this year celebrating its 100th anniversary. Proceeds will fund research, advocacy, education and patient services. Photos courtesy of Eileen Smith.

Andrea Correll, Leah Correll, Jared Correll Leah was Honorary Chair at the event.

Paula Phifer

Craig Smith, Zachary St Aubyn Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

DEBBIE BOOSE MEMORIAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT June 3-9 :: North Lake Park :: Loveland The 13th annual Debbie Boose Memorial Tennis Tournament provided nearly 200 players with a week of fun and family-friendly competition, featuring men’s and women’s singles and doubles, mixed, and 60+ divisions along with pro and wheelchair exhibitions. Created in honor of Debbie Boose’s passion for community, tennis and hospice, this memorial tournament has raised over $399,000 to date with the 2013 event contributing more than $20,000 for the Pathways Hospice Care Center at McKee Medical Center. Photos courtesy of Heidi Muller Photography.

Georgia Torson, Earl & Lisbeth Sethre, Jane Anderson Earl & Lisbeth Sethre are 2013 Debbie Boose Vision Award Recipients.

Steve Schultz, Rick Ruscio, Jon Messick, Bill Trubey, Rob Kuseski

C E L E B R AT I N G C O M M U N I T Y H E R O E S June 6 :: Hilton :: Fort Collins Five awards were presented to individuals and an organization that through acts of heroism and service touched the lives of many. The inaugural event presented by the American Red Cross Northern Colorado Chapter recognized these “everyday heroes” for saving lives, saving property and providing service during the High Park Fire. The event attended by 200 guests raised more than $30,000 to support the vital mission of the American Red Cross prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies like the Colorado wildfires.

Erin Mounsey, Lauren Hastings, Sharon Hastings, Julia Hastings, Bill Hastings, Adam Rae Julia Hastings received the Youth Lifesaver Award.

Erin Mounsey, Michelle VanHare (Owner of Ellie), Scott James Michelle received the Animal Lifesaver Award for Ellie the Donkey.

HAMMER ‘N’ ALE June 7 :: Anheuser-Busch Brewery :: Fort Collins After nine years of successfully voyaging to various destinations throughout the world with the Annual Hard Hat Gala, Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity decided to voyage home for the Hammer ‘n’ Ale event. A Clydesdale VIP Party kicked off the evening with a presentation by the Anheuser-Busch Brew Master. Festivities also included Anheuser-Busch beer and malt beverages, food from local restaurants, a silent auction, the Budweiser Clydesdale’s and local live music for the nearly 500 people in attendance. The event raised $60,000 for Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity and their mission to build Habitat homes.

Paul & Debbie Lugo Style 2013

Laura Crew, John Carmichael

Robert Baun, Kelsey Baun, Mischelle McClure

Stephanie & Rex Smithgall

23RD ANNUAL FIRE HYDRANT 5 June 8 :: Edora Park :: Fort Collins A record-setting 1,150 people and 600 canines helped pave the way to assist the thousands of homeless, injured, ill and orphaned animals Larimer Humane Society (LHS) cares for each year at its annual Fire Hydrant 5, 5K Walk/Run & Pet Expo. The tail waggin’ fun family event included a 5K walk/run, a 1-mile Kids Fun Run, more than 65 pet- and family-friendly booths, Fido photos, fun doggie contests and more, and helped to raise more than $72,500 for LHS to promote and provide the responsible care and treatment of animals.

Samuel Miller

Diggs Brown with Arthur Best Dressed Team Winners

Emily Pearson with Claudia

Ellie Wilmot, Helen Wilmot with their four-legged friends

2 0 1 3 N C M C F O U N D AT I O N G O L F T O U R N A M E N T June 10 :: Greeley Country Club :: Greeley A scorching hot day did not deter more than 230 golfers, sponsors and volunteers from participating in this annual golf tournament. The double shotgun tournament featured 46 foursomes, with a morning and afternoon round of play. A poolside banquet concluded the day of friendly competition with grilled hors d’oeuvre stations along with the silent auction and trophy presentations. The more than $45,000 raised will benefit North Colorado Med Evac helicopter program, celebrating over 30 years of service, in purchasing essential medical equipment to provide leading edge care throughout Northern Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. Photos courtesy of Juan Leal.

Tom Bodreau, Carol Vanetti, Jim Ferando, Tony Blake Banner Health - Western Region Team

Dan Dennie, Gene Haffner, Scott McPherson, Jerry Lewis North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) Team

Harmony Lallo, Kevin Burgess, Rick Rhoden, Sam Solomon, Guy Beesley, Matt Hart

Colin Ratliff, Jose Amaya, Anthony Fasciano, Dave Beggs J.E. Dunn Construction Company Team Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

4TH ANNUAL COUNT ON ME GOLF TOURNAMENT June 15 :: Highland Meadows Golf Club :: WIndsor Colors were vibrant at this sold-out 4th annual golfing event themed “Engaging the Colors of Cancer,” all the way from perfect Colorado blue skies to signs with colored ribbons representing different types of cancer, to the bright attire of the golfers, to the table centerpieces. The best ball scramble provided 34 teams of golfers a day of camaraderie and opportunity to win big prize packages. The Count on Me Golf Tournament, started from the memory of Gina Brown’s father and mother, Louis and Jeanise Brown, long-time residents of Northern Colorado, who both passed away from cancer, raised more than $43,000 to benefit Poudre Valley Hospital Foundation and their project to build a comprehensive and integrated cancer center in Fort Collins. Photos courtesy of Sheryl Clark

Janeenjoy Photography.

Front-Sandy Sundquist, Judy Bogaard Back- Cheryl Dennis, Mary Ellen Humpal

Cindy Dressor, Cheryl Coan

Front-Keith Adkins Back-Kevin Weimer, Rib King, Bill Bundy

Dottie Marburger, Regina Brown

Darryl Hudspeth, Frank Johnson, Bill Jenkins, Charles Jenkins

Lydia Dody, Bud Litchfield, Melissa Venable, Matt Fries

John Sauer, Pat Heller

Tricia Heller, Regina Brown

Cameron Brown, Linda Skelton, Judy Bogaard, Chuck Mabry, Tara Sweeney Style 2013

PA R T Y F O R PA R T N E R S June 21 :: The Rio Grande Agave Room – Fort Collins Nearly 200 guests celebrated 35 years of perfect matches at this special party. The evening included a heartfelt program with a spirited appeal and matching $15,000 donation from the RJ Clark Family Foundation. The event raised more than $57,000 for Partners Mentoring Youth and their programs to create and support oneto-one mentoring relationships between positive adult role models and youth facing challenges in their personal, social and academic lives. Photos courtesy of PhoCo.

Jenny Ricardi, Yvonne Meyers, Grace Taylor, Jason Taylor

Deb Morrison, Justin Morrison, Joe Herrick, Angel Herrick, Chad Morris, Kristen Morris

Chris Imsland, Mike Clark, Jill Clark

CO-WY CHAPTER, NATIONAL MS SOCIETY’S 2013 NEWMONT BIKE MS June 29-30 :: Front Range Community College & CSU near Lory Student Center :: Denver & Fort Collins The Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society’s annual Newmont Bike MS, a 2-day cycling adventure, began at Denver’s Front Range Community College and ended the first day at Team Village on the CSU campus. Scores of supporters and volunteers in orange and blue t-shirts cheered as 207 teams made up of 3,000 cyclists arrived to the colorful tents at CSU. Two MS Bike teams with strong connections to Northern Colorado were Team Sugarbee, riding for Kelly Walker-Haley, and Team Patty’s Pack, riding in memory of Patty Metzler. The event had cyclists riding approximately 150 miles with three route options to choose from. MS Team Stay Fit at Hyatt was honored for surpassing the cumulative $1 million fundraising mark, and now joins Team Sugarbee and two other teams for having achieved this benchmark. This year’s event raised $3.6 million for research and programs that benefit the 100,000 people affected by MS in Colorado and Wyoming. Photos courtesy in part by Don Peitzman WOW! Photos LLC and Hardscrabble Photography.

Team Sugarbee

Kristin Gibbs, Carrie Nolan

Team Patty’s Pack

Maria Dellota, Ruth Brown Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Style 2013

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