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STYLE 2016
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THE VOICE OF NORTHERN COLORADO FOR
32 YEARS.
s t y le me d ia a n d d e s i g n , i n c .
| 970.226.6400 |
w w w. s t y l e m a g a z i n e c o l o r a d o . c o m PUBLISHER Lydia Dody | lydia@stylemedia.com MANAGING EDITOR Sue Mosebar sue@stylemedia.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Scott Prosser scott@stylemedia.com SENIOR DESIGNER Lisa Gould lisa@stylemedia.com DIGITAL DIRECTOR / BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Austin Lamb | austin@stylemedia.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES Jon Ainslie (970) 219-9226 Debra Davis (917) 334-6912 Lydia Dody (970) 227-6400 Ann Kool (970) 412-8855 OFFICE MANAGER/ABOUT TOWN EDITOR Ina Szwec | ina@stylemedia.com ACCOUNTING MANAGER Karla Vigil CIRCULATION MANAGER Trisha Milton COPY EDITOR Michelle Venus PHOTOGRAPHER Marcus Edwards Photography CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Richard Haro Photography and Petra Lansky with Fawntail Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Malini Bartels, Lynette Chilcoat, Kyle Eustice, Angeline Grenz, Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer, Kay Rios, Kelly Serrano, Brad Shannon, Elissa Tivona, Michelle Venus AFFILIATIONS Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Loveland Chamber of Commerce Greeley Chamber of Commerce 2016 STYLE MAGAZINES January-NOCO Wellness February-Style March-NOCO Wellness April-Style May-Style June-Style July-NOCO Wellness August-Style September-Women’s Health & Breast Cancer Style October-NOCO Wellness November-Holiday Style December-Best Of & Winter Activities 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. Free magazines are available at more than 300 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. Email ina@StyleMedia.com ©2016 Style Media and Design Inc. All rights reserved. The entire contents of Style Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Style Media and Design Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited material. All manuscripts, artwork, and photography must be accompanied by a SASE. The views and opinions of any contributing writers are not necessarily those of Style Media & Design, Inc.
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WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM READERS. SEND YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS TO:
sue@stylemedia.com Phone: 970.226.6400, ext.215 Fax: 970.226.6427 www.stylemagazinecolorado.com
ENGAGING COMMUNITY CONTENT
Wow! I really love the new issue. [March 2016 NOCO Wellness] I read it cover to cover. I am not sure what is different. It seems really well laid out—more continuous content—more engaging content. Love it. Nice job, Julie Sather-Browne Sather’s Leading Jewelers, Fort Collins We truly appreciate your efforts for our Night for the Museum: Chinese Festival in About Town in the March 2016 NOCO Wellness. I’ve already heard several delightful comments! You are great to work with, and I enjoy all the Style publications. There’s always
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something to learn about our community. Our thanks, LaVon Blaesi Director, Global Village Museum of Arts & Cultures, Fort Collins globalvillagemuseum.org PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Thanks again for meeting with me for coffee last week! We are very appreciative of the bound copy gift. It now proudly sits on my desk in the main room, which was photographed for the very thorough and well-written article. [“Decorating with Style: Recycle, Reuse, and Collect,” February 2016 Style]
I was especially struck by the professionalism of Style’s architectural photographer upon his visit to our home, and of course, the aforementioned superior quality of the article. We have had lots of friends mention seeing the feature and so many positive comments! Best Regards, Susan Kreul-Froseth, Fort Collins NOTICE:
Since the Tea Time article in the March 2016 NOCO Wellness, Tea 2 Go has closed. In the February 2016 issue of Style, the Yucatan Soup recipe was missing three quarts of water in the list of ingredients.
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Kevin Dunnigan, CFP® FINANCIAL PLANNER
Kevin Dunnigan found himself interested in financial planning and investments at a young age. After obtaining his Master’s Degree in Investments and Finance, in 1984, Kevin helped found Investment Centers of America, Inc. (ICA)in his hometown of Bismarck, North Dakota. In 1987, he became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional
I
CA
was a pioneer in making investment, insurance, financial, and retirement planning services available through local community banks. Since then, ICA has grown to over 400 professionals in 30 states. Kevin has consistently been one of ICA’s top advisors across all ICA offices nationwide. In the 32 years since beginning his career, Kevin has helped thousands of clients with their financial planning and investment needs. His main objective is to treat his clients as if they were friends and family and stresses the importance of family protection strategies in his approach to financial planning. Family is key to Kevin and his wife, Sharon, who have four children: Alexa, Kristie, Taylor, and Macy. Greg Gunderson, ICA’s President, says, “Kevin Dunnigan has not only been one of ICA’s top investment advisors since our founding 31 years ago, but also a friend and mentor. Kevin puts the needs of his clients at the forefront of all he does and in every decision he makes. Whether it’s retirement income planning, strategies to lower taxes or maximize social security… Kevin takes the time to understand the unique needs of each client. In a world where financial decisions are getting more complicated, Kevin has a unique ability to lead his clients through the maze using a simple, but proven, financial planning process. The financial services profession is a noble business, and Kevin epitomizes the traits that make it such: integrity and trust.” Kevin and his office staff have over 80 years combined experience in Investments, Financial and Retirement
planning. Kevin was named as one of the top 50 Investment Reps in the nation by Bank Investment Representative magazine numerous times. Their office is located in the Home State Bank building at 300 E. 29th Street, Loveland, Colorado. ICA offers mutual funds, life insurance, stocks, bonds, IRA/401K rollovers, fixed income products, long-term care and disability insurance—all with the financial planning advice tailored to the individual. The ICA office in Loveland won the Reporter-Herald Reader’s choice award for “Best Financial Services” in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
For investment and financial planning questions, please email at kevin.dunnigan@investmentcenters.com or call the office at (970) 622-2366.
300 E. 29th Street, Loveland, Colorado helpwithmyinvestments.com Investment Centers of America, Inc. (ICA), member FINRA / SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor, is not affiliated with Home State Bank. Securities, advisory services and insurance products offered through ICA and affiliated insurance agencies are *not insured by the FDIC or any other Federal Government agency, *not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by any bank or its affiliates, *subject to risks including the possible loss of principal amount invested. ICA does not provide tax or legal advice.
APRIL 2016
CONTENTS
features 36
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Tree House Fantasy Brought to Life
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NOCO Econ 101
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Building: Barn Living
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APRIL 2016
CONTENTS 26
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around town
in Business Dellenbach: All in the Family 16 Style Files 48 Family Profile Retirement Prep 18 Business 52 Money Smooth Operators: The Wax Factory Profile 20 Business 56 Recreation Carpet Brokers of Northern Colorado Fore the Love of Golf: Finding the Green; NOCO Golf Courses; Winning the Mental Game; Golf Tech NOCO Personality 22 Growing Sweet Things: Garden Sweet’s Amy Kafka
noco style
Groovin’ in Greeley: 24 Entertainment UNC Jazz Festival
On the Cover: Amy Kafka, owner of Fort Collin’s Garden Sweet. Cover photo by Petra Lansky with Fawntail Photography. 12
& Garden 26 Home Spring into Outdoor Living & Beauty 30 Health Gorgeously Grey Saratoga, Wyoming 32 Travel A Small Town with BIG Offerings
departments
8 From Our Readers 14 Publisher's Letter 70 About Town 2016 Spirit Fundraiser RamStrength Valentine’s Event Dinner with Herman Melville Youth of the Year Breakfast FOS & the Beat Goes On WomenGive
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
SPRING IS SPRUNG!
It was last summer while taking my dogs for a walk that I noticed a lot of construction trucks around my neighbor’s house. Were Rob and Ginny Conahan remodeling I wondered? No. In fact, they were building a tree house in their backyard for their granddaughter, Maci. I was amazed at how the architecture of the house blended in with their home design and how it looked like a mini home up in the tree 20 feet off the ground. Little did I know just how much of a home it really was until I was invited
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to their tree house housewarming. Its design is absolutely precious with bright colors, lively patterns, and small-scale furnishings along with lots of extras, including a flat screen TV. Be sure to read “Tree House Fantasy Brought to Life” for a fun look at a grandpa’s dream come true. Except for a snowstorm that moved in and out quickly, we have enjoyed a beautiful early spring. With weather warming up, thoughts turn to the outdoors, and many start dusting off their golf clubs. Last year I decided to finally learn how to play golf, so I wouldn’t embarrass myself on the course. This summer I hope to muster up the courage to actually play the game; in the meantime, Brandon at GolfTEC is patiently teaching me the basics at their indoor facility. We are fortunate to have a very nice variety of golf courses in the area. We asked local golf professionals which were their favorites—you may find some of their answers fun and surprising in “Finding the Green.” As in many sports, mental preparation is key to success. Read “Golf: Winning the Mental Game” to pick up pointers to improve your game. And for those of you who look for the latest in golf equipment and technology, read, “Golf Tech Advances Potential” for some of the latest innovations. This April issue of Style has always included an economic snapshot of our region, and by all reports, we’ve experienced strong growth again this past year. Homes continued to appreciate, and be in short supply.
Our unemployment levels are at record lows, consumer confidence is up, and retail shopping choices continue to grow. For more details, read “NOCO Econ 101.” I have always believed that small business is the backbone of our economy. In the case of Dellenbach Motors, this year celebrating its 50th anniversary, it isn’t such a small business any more. With a staff of 165, and franchises of Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Subaru, Dellenbach has grown to be a substantial employer, contributor to Northern Colorado’s economy, and community supporter. Read how R.W. Dellenbach laid the foundation for the dozen Dellenbachs that continue to carry on his legacy in “Dellenbach, All in the Family.” Be sure you meet Amy Kafka, the energetic entrepreneur who graces our cover. Through her ingenuity, hard work, and determination she has created Garden Sweet, a farm providing local produce to her CSA and farm stand. Don’t miss “Growing Sweet Things.” We hope you enjoy this Style issue, which is filled with interesting, relevant, and informative articles focused on the business and lifestyle of Northern Colorado. As always, we welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions. We love hearing from you! Wishing you a happy and healthy spring! lydia@stylemedia.com
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EAT, SHOP & PLAY
IN DOWNTOWN LOVEL AND!
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files Exceptional Creativity in Our Community: Masks Project April 1, the 2016 Kaiser Permanente Masks Project kicks off as the Masks Exhibition opens at the Fort Collins Museum of Art during the Downtown First Friday Gallery Walk, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. The project celebrates 12 years of Masks, the museum's signature fundraising campaign. With the focus on community and creativity, Masks is Fort Collins’ largest visual art event with an exhibition of 200 masks designed by professional artists, student artists, and more casual artists. A gala celebration on April 22 will pay tribute to this year’s Honorary Chair: Michael Powers. This year's gala celebration, Carnevale di Venezia, will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. Tickets are available at FTCMA.org. The 2016 Masks Project concludes May 6, also during the Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Gallery Walk. The silent auction bidding closes at 9:00 p.m. when top bidders are awarded their masks-of-choice.
Musical Zoo 2016—Orchestral Fun for Children The Friends of the Symphony are holding their annual Musical Zoo April 10, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. at Timberline Church, 2908 Timberline Road, Fort Collins. Designed especially for children 3 – 12 years of age, the event will feature short instrumental and choral performances by youth groups, a “Petting Zoo” where children can touch and “play” a variety of orchestral instruments one-on-one with music mentors, and a Grand Finale performance by the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra of Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals and Copland’s rousing, foot-stomping ballet Hoedown. Tickets are just $2.00 each for adults and children and can be purchased at the Timberline Church beginning at 1:30 p.m. on the day of the event, or in advance at Boomer Music, the Learning Express, and Clothes Pony stores in Fort Collins. More information is available at friendsofthesymphony.org.
“More than Giving” with Foothills Taste of Loveland April 21, 2016 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Center for Innovation and Technology (former HP/Agilent Complex on Taft Ave. and 14th St.) promises to be a tasty treat with the Foothills Taste of Loveland. Featuring food and beverage stations representing 40 fine wines and spirits, 30 area restaurants, and several local breweries, the Foothills Taste of Loveland will benefit numerous efforts by Foothills Gateway and the Namaqua Center, including their development programs, playgrounds, workshops, and much more. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit foothillsserviceleague. org/taste-of-loveland-2. Trunk Drivers will be returning again this year to drive attendants home in their own vehicles when they’re ready to leave. For more info and pricing, visit trunkdrivers.com.
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2016 2016 Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Annual Colorado Governor’s Art Show & Sale (GArtS) GArtS celebrates its silver anniversary with several events from April 23 through May 29 at the Loveland Museum and Gallery, with the 25th Anniversary Gala on April 23, a Plein Air Festival May 7, art demonstrations at the Loveland Museum/Gallery, and specialty art sales which will include glass and jewelry artists. GArtS is one of the most prestigious exhibits of original art in the U.S. and features a juried selection of sculptures, mixed media, oil, watercolor, and acrylic paintings from 55 Colorado artists. “We’re so pleased we had more than 300 applications for our 25th anniversary,” said GArtS Board Member John Kinkade. “We find the quality of work improves each year, and we’re delighted with this year’s submissions.” Funds from the sale of art are given to a wide variety of local and worldwide causes, including art scholarships for local students and Rotary Youth Leadership Camp. For a complete list of artists in the 2016 Colorado Governor’s Art Show & Sale, to find more information on GArtS events, and to purchase tickets, please visit governorsartshow. org or call (970) 670-0335.
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BU S I NESS
PROFILE
Smooth Operators: The Wax Factory BY KYLE EUSTICE
Photo: Marcus Edwards
Nychelle Rivera, Owner
ON THE JOB
When Nychelle Rivera and husband Luis decided to take the plunge and open The Wax Factory in Fort Collins four years ago, they had a specific vision in mind. They wanted to create a unique and upbeat experience for a service that is sometimes intimidating to the everyday consumer. “With the demand for waxing becoming increasingly more popular over the years, we felt now would be the perfect time to get started,” Nychelle Rivera says. “After years of creating the perfect business plan and pinpointing what would create the best experience for our clients, we set forth to create The Wax Factory.” Although the journey into a new business was initially petrifying and took a lot of faith, patience, and trust in one another, Rivera felt confident she could succeed. With seven years of waxing experience under her belt at the time,
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coupled with her husband’s entrepreneurial skills, The Wax Factory has secured a solid reputation as one of the best waxing salons on the Front Range.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
As a full body waxing salon, The Wax Factory is dedicated to helping all of their clients adhere to their motto to “Live Life Smooth.” Services include Brazilian, bikini, and French
WORDS OF WISDOM “Since starting this business, we have learned that hard work pays off,” she says. “One of the greatest feelings is to know you can create something from nothing and watch it grow. Knowing you can create great paying jobs for people and watch them blossom into incredible, talented women makes all the time, sacrifice, effort worth it. We are very proud of the team we have here. All of them are so customer oriented and have worked very hard to perfect their craft. Everything worth having is worth working for. Never be afraid to just go for it.”
waxing, along with eyebrow, face, arms, legs, stomach, lip, chin, back, and chest waxing. They are a walk-in only salon, something their clients love.
CLAIM TO FAME
The Wax Factory is renowned for its topnotch customer service, which is always first priority. Rivera has been a licensed Esthetician since 2006 and applied that knowledge toward her waxing business. Her experience has given her the comfortability to relate to clients of all backgrounds. “We love creating long-lasting relationships with our clients,” she says. “We want to get to know each and every client's story.”
REASONS TO GO
The Wax Factory’s main goal is to provide a relaxing environment to ensure customers are at ease during their visit. Its standing as a convenient, professional, efficient, and accommodating institution sets them apart from other similar businesses. The Wax Factory’s authentic and personal approach attracts a wide demographic, and Rivera strives to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible. “Clients are thrilled they are able to simply run in when they have time and get their service done immediately or with little wait time,” she says. “Our waxers are trained in a very unique and precise way in which we are able to perform your service in a timely manner.”
HOW TO FIND THEM:
Front Range Village Shopping Center 2733 Council Tree Drive, Suite 133 Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 (Under the Library Facing Harmony) Phone: 970.282.9499 www.thewaxfactory.net
WHEN TO GO:
Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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BU S I NESS
PROFILE
us a call before paying retail prices and set up an appointment for one of us to visit with them at their home, business, or rental property,” Moreng says. “They can see the flooring products at the job site in their lighting. I’ve heard it many times—a consumer will go to a store and pick out a carpet that looks good in the store’s lighting and then bring it home, and it doesn’t look so good with their lighting or decor. They make several trips back and forth, and it becomes overwhelming. Our goal is to simplify the process of buying flooring and save the consumer approximately 30 to 40 percent over retail prices.”
BY KYLE EUSTICE
Photo: Petra Lansky
REASONS TO GO
ON THE JOB
Fort Collins native Charlie Moreng was born and raised on the same family farm he lives on 56 years later. After working in the flooring business for nearly two decades, he decided the time was right to start his own business. As the founder of the family-owned Carpet Brokers of Northern Colorado, Moreng has poured himself into his labor of love. Serving customers in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Estes Park, Wellington, and surrounding areas, it’s a huge undertaking, but Moreng’s business model gives his clients the ability to save significant amounts of money while offering a better selection and unique alternative to flooring services.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
At Carpet Brokers of Northern Colorado, Moreng has eliminated the storefront and, consequently, the overhead that comes along with a brick and mortar building. Traditionally, retail outlets have about a 30 – 35 percent overhead while Moreng’s overhead is around three percent. “We bring the samples to the consumer’s
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home or job site, business, rental—whatever they’re needing flooring for,” he explains. “We then measure and give them a bid. It’s all free. There is no cost or obligation for the service. I have two other guys who have been working with me who have extensive backgrounds in flooring as well. We offer anything from carpet to hardwood to laminates. We do apartment complexes, hotels, doctor offices, commercial businesses, residences.”
CLAIM TO FAME
Moreng and the rest of the staff have an intricate knowledge of the products they sell. Because they survive off their reputation, it is critical to educate the consumer regarding what they can expect from the type of flooring they’re selecting—something they always take seriously. “Educating the consumer about their options in flooring materials, and what works best in the location that needs flooring, being on time to the appointment that works best for the consumer, communicating with the consumer, exceeding the customers’ expectations, and providing a top of the line installation is crucial,” he says. “Many of my past customers have stayed with me and continue to do business with me,” he says. “We are pretty much able to get anything they find in a retail store for a lot less than what they’d pay for a retail price.”
HOW TO FIND THEM:
www.carpetbrokersnoco.com (970) 690-3885 Carpetbrokersnoco@gmail.com
WHEN TO GO:
Call or email to set up an appointment. Carpet Brokers of Northern Colorado’s claim to fame is the services and prices. Moreng is able to offer such affordWORDS OF WISDOM able prices because of the low overhead it takes to “One should keep in mind, all flooring looks good new run his company. Coupled (apparent value), but only certain flooring materials not only with the solid reputation for look good new but are designed to last many, many years topnotch customer service he’s built over the years, it’s (actual value). It is important to us to inform our customers clear why he has such loyal of their choices and what products work best in the situation clients. “Consumers should give of the job site’s flooring.”
Advertorial
PERFECTLY FRAME YOUR LANDSCAPE WITH A PERGOLA Looking for a way to frame your landscape, provide instant cooling shade and help define your space? A pergola may be perfect. These structures can be constructed of lumber, fiber glass, fabric or steel. They are typically comprised of a grid-like roof of beams supported by columns. The structure can be freestanding or attached to your home. In some cases, it may make sense to attach them to a gate or garage. The columns can be made of wooden supports, stone/masonry elements or a combination of both. Construction techniques can be lighter than a solid roof because it does not have to carry a full snow load. Pergolas can add many benefits to your outdoor landscape, including defining a seating area or outdoor kitchen; providing shade during the hot summer months; serving as a structure for climbing vines or flowering plants; adding architectural interest to your home; serving as a framework to your garden or other prominent landscape features; offering protection from the rain; and instantly giving an element of height to an otherwise flat landscape. Pergolas can serve as a picture frame to set off your landscape. We’d love to share our ideas and show you how we have transformed countless outdoor living spaces with pergolas. Call Alpine Gardens today at (970) 226-2296, or visit alpinelandscaping.com to get started on planning your next landscape project.
7029 S. College Avenue,Fort Collins, CO, 80525 (970) 226-2296 | alpinelandscaping.com Style 2013
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personality
Growing Sweet Things By Angeline Grenz
Photos: Petra Lansky
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Garden Sweet’s owner Amy Kafka loves strawberries. “They are really challenging in this climate and delicate, but that’s why I like to grow them.” The local farmer encapsulates today’s entrepreneurial spirit: determined, hardworking, and unafraid of the unknown. It’s evident Kafka likes a challenge. The 37 year old was raised in the Chicago suburbs. She didn’t grow up on a farm; her family didn’t raise their own veggies in some early urban gardening fad. In fact, becoming a farmer wasn’t even on Kafka’s radar, but once she fell in love, she didn’t look back. Kafka’s journey started with a trip to Brazil as an exchange student at age 16. She enjoyed it so much she ended up staying for five years, studying linguistics and teaching English in Sao Paulo. She would offer her students a total immersion course where they would go to a farm retreat to learn the language. “My students enjoyed the retreat so much… everyone connected through growing food… and from there I realized I wanted to grow food, too,” she recalls. In the meantime, her Chicago family transplanted to Colorado, and when she returned to the States, Kafka made her way to Colorado State University to study horticulture. During her second year of school, Kafka rented a plot of land to farm. “I was anxious to have firsthand experience, and I was afraid an internship would only slow me down,” she says. “I had a lot of energy back then, and I wanted to go for it.” In 2002, Garden Sweet Farm was born. Kafka rented 4.5 acres of land. She had no tractor and very little practical experience. “I started with two acres and worked the land with hand tools and a rototiller.” Fast-forward 14 years and Kafka’s intrepid spirit has created quite a success story. After renting farmland for several years, Kafka and her partner of three years, Ryan Wilson, were able to purchase a 9.5-acre plot of land along Willox Lane in north Fort Collins.
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Not only has Kafka collected several tractors along the way, she has also built a reputation and made a name for herself, perfectly encapsulated in her alias, the Strawberry Queen. She has conquered the finicky fruit and become the local source for strawberries, including an option to pick your own. Today, the farm utilizes its roadside space for a small farm stand, offers summer and fall CSA’s (Consumer Supported Agriculture), and pick-your-own on fruit and flowers throughout the season. They also participate in local farmers’ markets. Over the years, Kafka has developed the know-how to successfully farm a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. She also continues to add to her offerings every year; last year she added sweet potatoes. Her roll-your-sleeves-up spirit and eagerness to learn keeps her small farm always evolving and improving. In fact, she listened to her customers as she crafted her summer CSA. “We made our CSA flexible and convenient for the consumer,” she says. Members begin the season with plant starts and can pick and choose their vegetables throughout the summer, making it ideal for those who still enjoy the home garden. The CSA is run market-style with a credit and debit system.
Garden Sweet also offers CSA happy hours, bringing members together for a little social time. Today, Kafka and Wilson reinvest their profits back into the farm as they continue to add greenhouse structures and equipment. They are also considering some innovative offerings this season, including a locale for weddings in response to the current popularity of farm weddings. But as Kafka freely admits, “I am always learning.” She may have conquered strawberries, but now the energetic and bubbly Kafka is trying to tackle the balance
between her work and personal lives. She and Wilson are romantically linked as well, living together on the Garden Sweet property. “We are in a building phase putting Garden Sweet together,” she says. “Farming is not a 9 to 5 job. And running this small business takes 100 percent of me. But I am working on moderation.” Buying out time for family is often a challenge, but she is learning the value of pacing herself. She is also carving out more opportunities for hobbies she enjoys, including fitness and travel. Kafka constantly lives the challenge of creating a better awareness in the community of the importance of buying local. “We’re constantly working to increase the demand for local food,” she says. “Swing in to a farm stand on your way home from work. Take the time to slow down and enjoy the day here picking your own flowers. Everything is so fast and instantaneous nowadays. And the farm moves pretty slowly. Tomatoes ripen when they want to, and peppers take their time.” But the result is worth the wait. “Locally grown vegetables just taste so good.” She encourages the community to eat more seasonally as well. “We live in a climate with a short growing season, and that isn’t always what the consumer expects. People are used to bell peppers and tomatoes 365 days a year from the grocery store, but they don’t taste anything like the fresh, ripe food you’ll get here at the farm.” Kafka doesn’t just view her farm as a business. It is a learning and growing opportunity she offers up to the entire community. “I enjoy growing real food, sharing that food with members of our community, and being able to share the farm experience through our pickyour-own opportunities,” she says. “There is nothing better than working the farm stand and a mom and her little ones show up to the counter to weigh what they’ve picked and the kids’ faces are smeared in strawberries.” This is where the Strawberry Queen reigns supreme. Angeline Grenz is a freelance writer and small business owner based in Loveland. She also enjoys cultivating green and growing things during Colorado’s spectacular spring and summer seasons.
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entertainment
Groovin’ in Greeley:
UNC Greeley Jazz Festival By Lynette Chilcoat
Despite Greeley’s often stereotypical “cow-town” image, this growing area has some fairly formidable cultural assets. One of them is the UNC/Greeley Jazz Festival, an understated Northern Colorado treasure chest providing musical education as well as great names within the genre, proving that, for a few days at least, New Orleans’ got nothing on this prairie city.
A collaboration between UNC’s Jazz Studies Program, School of Music, and the College of Performing and Visual Arts, the festival concentrates on workshops during the day and first-class entertainment at night. Gathering for the 46th year, April 21 – 23, the largest event of its kind in the nation brings together students, jazz icons, and the public for four cool days of groovin’ in Greeley. “There are about 120 UNC students involved in varying capacities,” says Dana Landry, UNC Director of Jazz Studies. “We’ll also develop a High School Honor Band, brand new this year, where applicants from anywhere in the country get a chance to be featured in an 18-piece band that plays with the main act on Saturday night.” During the evening concerts is a time when headliners shine. “We bring in such incredible musicians,” says Landry. “Years ago, when legendary trumpet player Spooky Young, who was in his 90’s at the time, came out on stage, the entire audience stood and wouldn’t quit clapping.”
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This year’s exciting lineup includes: • New York Voices, Thursday, April 21 • Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Friday, April 22 • Ellis Marsalis Trio, Friday, April 22 • Joey DeFrancesco with special guests Houston Person and Tamir Hendelman, Saturday, April 23 Brian Luedloff, who serves as UNC’s Director of Opera Theatre, has gladly attended the festival for a decade as a spectator and offers an onlooker’s point of view. “This year will be my 11th year,” says Luedloff. “I’ve never missed a year since I came here to teach in 2005. It just seems to be getting better every year. The headline artists are phenomenal, and the jazz faculty are good friends and colleagues, who are also world-class talent. But, most of all, it’s quality time with my 83-year-old father who flies in from St. Louis every spring. Usually our spring opera is the weekend before the Jazz Festival, so he pretends to come for that, but we both know it’s really for the Jazz Festival.”
Both professors agree that the late-night jam sessions are a special time where local jazz regulars get the opportunity to play with celebrity musicians in a relaxed setting. The idea that legendary artists care enough to share their music in such an intimate venue is incredible,” says Landry. For Luedloff, it’s a highlight. “One of my best memories was of the late Drew Landry (Dana’s father) when one night at the after party he snapped a photo of me and my father together. It’s still one of my favorite photos of us and a warm memory of our Jazz Festival family.” For more information, visit www.arts.unco.edu/music/jazz_festival/
Lynette Chilcoat is a freelance writer living in Loveland. A native to Colorado, she takes advantage of the outdoor adventures the region offers as much as possible, as well as enjoying the distinctive artistic lifestyle within the community. STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM
A “Master” in the Making Tom Amend has been studying piano for most of his life. At 20, the masters student majoring in Jazz Studies at UNC has been involved in the art of creating instrumental and vocal sounds since he was six. Which makes him a 14-year veteran of several styles—soul, rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and, of course, jazz. Of the latter, Amend says the appeal is that “it’s a music that really gives you a way to interact in an organic way. In that aspect, jazz is more ‘real’ than other forms of music.” Amend plays in two ensembles at UNC’s jazz program, the Jazz Lab Band 1 and a combo band. He’s also involved with the vocal jazz group and takes private lessons under director Dana Landry. His endeavors at UNC began when he was a middle-school student growing up in Riverton, Wyoming, joining the festival as a participant each subsequent year through high school. “When I first came to the festival, the highlight was all these bands (middle and high school) getting together from all over. We got to play with great artists and teachers,” says Amend of his formative years. “That’s huge! Plus, I would get to hear my jazz heroes at the night concerts.” Amend mentioned a few of those featured soloists, people he has performed with over the years. “There’s been bassist Christian McBride, the drummer Jeff Hamilton, vocalist Deborah Brown, and Chris Potter, an amazing tenor sax. I even arranged one of his songs for the big band. That was really special,” says Amend. Not only about educational purposes, Amend adds, “This is just a great community event, too. It’s not just for students.” STYLE 2016
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home
&
garden
Photos courtesy of Christy Sports
Spring Into Outdoor Living By Malini Bartels
It’s that time of year when longer days and warmer nights beckon us to spend time outside with family and friends in a customized space showcasing our personal style. Nowadays, there are numerous materials and patterns to help us create outdoor retreats that can withstand the elements and produce a welcome gathering place, even on a budget. With the tremendous number of sunny days in Colorado, it’s no surprise that Northern Colorado is looking to create outdoor spaces they can utilize. Have a Seat Making sure the patio is large enough for patio furniture is key when laying out the space and to avoid overcrowding. Graham MacGregor is the owner of HURR/Vasa Sprinkler and Landscape in Loveland. “I have often seen beautiful outdoor spaces that don’t have enough space for the table and chairs that are on it,” he says. Anytime a new space is created for your home, details can be missed in the flurry of big items. “Always think of covers for your patio décor and furniture,” suggests Lloyd. “A cover can prolong and protect the life of your outdoor investment.” The selection of outdoor furniture these
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days can look quite similar to a selection of indoor furniture. Advancements in fabric technology even allow cushions to remain outdoors. Many items we may have lying around can double as outdoor seating. Pallets, milk crates, tires, wheelbarrows, doors, window frames, even barrels. All can create unique chairs and benches without the hefty ticket price. Downtown ACE Hardware in Fort Collins has an extensive outdoor living department. Lainey Lloyd, the patio furniture expert, has practical advice for anyone looking to create a living space beyond drywall. Go into a store or website with dimensions and some idea of layout in hand. That makes the selection process less overwhelming. “Always take your time when picking out your outdoor furniture. It can be a large investment that will be used often to entertain or have a relaxing place to get away for a cup of coffee—you want it well suited for your needs.” Fireside Chats If you have ever dined at the coveted
fire tables on the patios of Café Vino or the Blue Agave Grill in Fort Collins, then you know exactly how magical they can be. Fire adds warmth, light, and ambience. Fire pits and fire tables, however, are “decorative” and should not be used to cook food. “Customers seem more interested in fire tables, so it can double as a dining table and a fire pit, rather than a dining table OR a fire pit,” mentions department head, Lainey Lloyd. She even has a concise listing of fire pit do’s and don’ts. DO get a cover for your fire pit and use it: it’s inexpensive and can prolong the life of your fire pit significantly. Also, instead of using lighter fluid, it is safer and easier to use fire starter bricks to light your fire pit. DON’T place your fire pit near low hanging trees or anything flammable to reduce the risk of a fire other than where you want it. Also discard ashes safely and correctly by waiting four to eight days after the fire to remove the ashes into a STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM
Ten Do It Yourself Ideas for Outdoor Living Retreats 1. Seating and Furniture
Sometimes the most unlikely objects make the most adorable furniture. You can turn an old crib into an antique outdoor sofa, create a bench using wooden pallets, or even lay down an old door to fashion a table. The right seating and tables for your outdoor living quarters can make all the difference. Big spaces might be able to handle the substantial look of a farmhouse table, a custom built bench, or even an outdoor sectional. In smaller spaces, however, wicker chairs, hammocks, or even stacked crates with bright throw pillows can help make the space feel more open and colorful.
2. Lighting and Warmth
Think beyond citronella candles and tiki torches. Lighting can make a tremendous impact to your outdoor living space and is quite possibly the most “bang for your buck.” It is easy to dress up the outdoors with a nice glow by simply hanging a string of LED or incandescent lights. Safely create a fire pit from bricks, adding warmth while also doubling as a marshmallow roaster. metal bucket until they can be disposed of properly. Obviously, with exposed fire, many precautions should be taken. “You should always check with local ordinances to see if you are allowed to have a wood-burning fire pit,” reminds MacGregor. “Many municipalities will not allow them, in which case you will need to look into gas-burning fire pits. Also, if you go with gas burning, you will need to hire a plumber to install the gas line and pull a permit. Any contractor should be able to help navigate the process.” Where Did You Get That? Repurposing is the key to meaningful customization. When something has had a “prior function” and is brought back to life with new purpose, it is not only better for the environment but doubles as a conversation piece as well. One great way to customize a space is with lighting. According to Lainey Lloyd, strand lights are big right now. “They add a wonderful glow to an outdoor space. Traditional incandescent and new STYLE 2016
LED lights are both popular. New LED strand lights last significantly longer than incandescent but do cost more. If you are going to a lot of effort to hang up lights, it is worth spending a little more to not have to redo them often.” “One thing that really enhances the outdoor living space are pots filled with annuals,” suggests MacGregor. “It adds a lot of color to the outdoor space and is something the homeowner can easily get involved with. Any local nursery should have qualified people who can walk the homeowner through the different varieties of annuals and point even the novice gardener in the right direction.” Keep mountain views and street views in mind when designing the space. You want to utilize plants/structures to shield the unwanted views while leaving the wanted views unobstructed. With the right plant material, one can make a rather small, confined space feel like you are out in the middle of nature. This is even more important as home lots shrink and houses get bigger.
3. Shade
Use a room divider or a curtain on some durable wire to create privacy, shade, and shelter. Stylish draping of any fabric in your outdoor living space can offer color and function to keep peering eyes away from your private party. Pergolas can be costly, but will definitely help define your patio from the rest of the backyard. Even a large umbrella can do the trick when placed in the right spot!
4. Outdoor Bar/Kitchen
A cute custom beverage station might be the answer to all your party needs and can be created easily with an old cabinet or portable pantry. The important thing is keeping it fully stocked for the perfect summer party! Outdoor bars and kitchens can make hosting duties so much easier. Repurpose an old bar cart, unused dresser, or use a few old milk crates or pallets. The possibilities are endless!
5. The Ground
Indoor/outdoor rugs can add color
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and division to your space. Stretch your budget even further by painting a rug pattern with stencil on concrete or deck surface. “Look down” and don’t ignore where you are walking for art and design. Mosaics can reuse fractured glass, tiles, and beads. Even colored glassware lit from within can light a pathway and set the mood.
6. Pretty Storage
Outdoor storage isn’t always boring. Dress up bland storage boxes with cushions and water-resistant fabric to function as extra seating for your guests or as a table for your food and beverages. Multi-functionality is the trick when working with smaller spaces.
7. Planters and Chimes
Stacked tires, picnic baskets, and watering cans can convert into planters for the patio or deck. Don’t settle for just any planter. Grab a can of spray paint in your favorite accent color and repurpose unique items or
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mismatched pots for a fun and rustic look. Try making homemade wind chimes from bottle caps or hanging bird feeders made from nuts and seeds for suspended art that is beneficial to our feathered friends.
8. Shutters and Flower Boxes
Enhance the backyard view of your house by adding shutters and flower boxes. Pops of color that will not only help dress up your outdoor living space, but will also give your home great “backside appeal.” A little goes a long way when it comes to color. It draws attention and offers dimension. Flower boxes can easily be made from wooden or plastic containers and some general hardware. They also add color that can be seen from inside the house and out.
9. Garden Fountains, Fairy Gardens, and Birdbaths
Who doesn’t love a garden gnome or birdbath? Make a DIY project out of it, and create a garden fountain
out of a gorgeous container and some commonplace irrigation tools. Metal sculptures and statues generated from standard household objects are often comical, decorative, and have meaning—because you created it! Fairy gardens are a wonderful way to get children involved and tap into their craft skills.
10. Attractive Walkways and Coverings
Cover fire pits and draw a game surface or tabletop. Walkways can also be made with cobblestones or repurposed pallets and planks. Use your creativity and see what you already have at home when looking to design something outdoors. A can of paint may be all you need to completely transform an existing object for something different. Malini Bartels is a freelance writer, chef, mother, radio host, and actress living the good life in Fort Collins.
STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM
STANDING OUT BY BLENDING IN The Jeanerett project was a renovation project in Windsor. Their house backs up to open space and so Hurr wanted to give them an outdoor living area that they could enjoy year round and that would blend in nicely with the surrounding open space. They incorporated boulders into a stamped concrete patio with night lighting in the stairs, added an outdoor kitchen, hot tub area that is protected from the neighbors and then softened the entire area with plants that have color for the entire growing season. For your ultimate outdoor living space, call Hurr Sprinkler & Landscape at (970) 613-0225 or visit www.HurrColorado.com.
STYLE 2016
127 E. 8th Street, Loveland 970.613-0225 www.HurrColorado.com
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Midge Toomey
Helen Gray
Rosa Ballesteros
Photos: Petra Lansky | Makeup: Stephanie Holmlund
Elle Keplinger
STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM
health
&
beauty
g o r g e o u s ly
GREY By Michelle Venus
The sprouting of the first grey hair often sends women—and let’s be honest, men, too—to the bottle. A bottle of hair dye, that is, whether off the shelf or at the salon. Stylist Elle Keplinger who owns The Parlour in Greeley confirms this: most of her coloring clients are covering up their grey. But there are plenty of women who are embracing their grey tresses and rocking the look while they’re at it. Baby Boomer celebrities such as Emmylou Harris, Helen Mirren, and Jamie Lee Curtis boldly led the way into the silver universe, a place where fashion forward women often fear to tread. Even younger celebs (think Lady Gaga, Pink, and Kate Moss) are jumping on the bandwagon and purposely greying their locks with great success. Grey hair is no longer taboo in our youth-centric society. The current advice is to not shy away from nature. Let it take its course, and do so with style and panache. And there are women who prove that every day. Fort Collins philanthropist Paula Edwards was 17 when her dark hair started turning grey. “I had a streak of grey right in the front,” she remembers. “And I let it stay that way. It was me, and I liked it.” Now, her silver bob turns heads. Paula recalls a recent trip to Moscow to visit her son and received reports from her husband Dave about how many men turned for a second look as she strolled through their hotel lobby. Artist Midge Toomey is regularly stopped by complete strangers in stores, airports, and other public places who compliment her hair. Her daring, spiked pixie cut perfectly frames her face and reflects her creative spirit. “It’s wash-and-go,” she says about the style. Midge spends little STYLE 2016
time on her hair. A few minutes with the hair dryer and a piecing product by Bed Head, and she’s out the door. And her cut? “I get it done at Fantastic Sam’s in Loveland; $12.99.” A common sentiment voiced by women who have decided to let their naturally grey hair shine is the ease of care. Gone are frequent root touch-ups, costing time and dollars in upkeep. Helen Gray, Marketing Director for The Group, used to color her hair, but no more. She found that her hair was getting blonder and blonder, and the born-brunette felt it wasn’t suiting her coloring or personal style. Her short, naturally curly cut sports low lights that play off the natural grey. Like Paula and Midge, she appreciates the low maintenance of both her cut and color. She, too, uses a Bed Head product—“It’s blue”—to coax her curls into place. But other than that, there are no special products in her regimen. Elle, the Greeley stylist, does recommend violet tinted shampoo and conditioner to keep the brassiness at bay. These products can be purchased from your stylist or at a store like Sally Beauty Supply, which doesn’t require a license to make purchases. Greenish-yellow casts can come from highly mineralized water and the blue for the products offsets those shades without turning the user into a “blue hair,” a term used to describe elderly women who actually rinse their locks with laundry bluing to stave off the brassiness, often turning it blue when they over do. “Not recommended,” states Elle. Fewer washes are better, she says. Elle uses these products herself and only washes twice a week. Elle rocks a metallic violet hue on her own head. “I’ve always been attracted to iridescent colors,” the 35-year-old says of her color choice. Kenra, one of the product
lines she uses at The Parlour, features a Metallic Collection. Designed by celebrity stylist Guy Tang, the collection “can be used to add dimensional highlights, an overall cool steel finish, or added into other shades for a smoky look.” Prior to this permanent color line being introduced, the only options were demi-permanent colors, which didn’t have the metallic sheen nor the depth of permanent color. Be forewarned though, choosing grey requires attention and time. And it’s not all that easy to achieve. First, the hair is prelightened—Elle calls it beyond platinum. Then the fashion colors are dyed in and boosted with the pastels. While the trend is sported more frequently in younger women looking for a high-fashion coiffure, more and more naturally grey women are playing with it and adding interest and fun to their personal style. The pastels are flattering, too. The softer hues work well with many skin tones. Grey hair is tricky to color, though. The reason it’s grey is because there is no longer any pigment in the hair shaft. That lack of pigment can affect how color is deposited. Look for bronze as the next hot metallic hair color, says Elle. Kenra is launching a new line filled with rose golds this month. Watch for denim blue tints to be incorporated into silver metallics. Just like a favorite pair of jeans, this bold color trend is bound to turn heads. Grey hair doesn’t say “old lady” anymore. With the right cut, it’s beautiful and youthful. It’s certainly not your Grandma’s grey. Michelle Venus is a freelance writer and the Development Director at KRFC. She shares a home office with a Basset hound, a mutt, and a sweet little cat. Her two children are brilliant and beautiful.
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travel
Photos: Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
Saratoga, Wyoming A Small Town with BIG Offerings By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
While it’s true that deer and antelope play in Wyoming, so should you. There are lots of hidden gems in the Cowboy State, and one of them is a mere two and half hours north of Fort Collins. Saratoga, Wyoming, is a sleepy little town, but that doesn’t mean visitors are bored. On the contrary, from world-class fishing to hot springs, there are lots of ways to stay busy in this friendly town. Luxuriating at The Saratoga Resort & Spa The Saratoga Resort & Spa is the crown of Saratoga. My husband, Ryan, and I have stayed at the Resort twice, and both times we made excellent memories. On the first trip, we golfed through herds of deer at the Saratoga Public Golf Course, and on our most recent visit, we fished. The Resort features lodging, hot springs pools, a
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restaurant and brewery, full-service spa, and access to lots of activities—all of which can be booked through the Resort. Accommodations include lodge rooms and poolside suites. Guests can even bring the family dog to board in the Resort’s onsite kennels. The suites are larger than standard rooms and have front row access to the hot springs pools. The lodge features huge indoor and outdoor fireplaces reminiscent of days gone by. One of my favorite memories at the Saratoga Resort was sitting in a rocking chair by the outdoor fireplace in May, sipping a glass of wine and reading for hours. The resort is home to the Snowy Mountain Brewery, which also serves up great pub food. The bacon fat popcorn goes well with a taster flight of the brewery’s craft beer, and the blackened shrimp cob salad is remarkably delicious.
Going from Relaxed to Tranquil A hot springs destination with an onsite spa is the perfect combination, and Saratoga’s Healing Waters Spa is a real treat. On both visits to Saragota, Ryan and I have indulged in a couples’ massage, but not before warming our muscles in a tepee-covered hot springs pool. The entire experience takes a relaxing vacation to an even higher level of tranquility. Another spa activity that’s perfect for couples or a girlfriend getaway is the Healing Waters’ Foot Spa Party. After a day of hiking or golfing, it’s just what the doctor ordered. It consists of a foot scrub, foot mask, and massage from knees to toes. I felt like the Queen of Sheba after this treatment. While there is a lot to do at the Saratoga Resort & Spa, including a golf course within steps of the Resort, the surrounding STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM
mink, raccoon, beaver, deer, ducks, geese, bald eagles, and hawks. It was like having a front row seat to a National Geographic special on the wildlife of Wyoming. We also saw cows and donkeys. The one thing we did not see was any evidence of other human beings. In early November, we had the river, and the trout, all to ourselves. The North Platte River is a fisherman’s paradise, and the smile on my husband’s face at the end of our trip was proof. While they can’t guarantee you’ll catch fish, the guys at Drift will do their best to make sure you do; after all, the trout are there—thousands of them per mile.
area offers a plethora of outdoor activities such as birding, fishing, and hiking. Drifting Down the North Platte On our recent trip, we took a fishing excursion on the North Platte River with Drift, a locally owned and operated fly-fishing outfitter. We got on the river in town and floated about five miles downriver, catching loads of trout along the way,
STYLE 2016
utilizing the drift fishing technique. I should clarify that Ryan caught loads of fish—13 fat, beautiful trout to be exact. I caught one. While our guide Paul Newman, co-owner of Drift, was an excellent and patient teacher, Ryan mastered the drift fishing a little quicker than I did. The fact is, whether fish are caught or not, a day on the North Platte River can’t be beat. We saw tons of animals, including
Best of Wyoming’s Italian Food Fishing can work up quite an appetite, and thankfully, we’d made reservations at one of Wyoming’s most popular Italian restaurants: Bella’s Bistro. This place is known statewide, and folks come from Casper, Cheyenne, and Gillette just to have a meal here. This restaurant is so popular among Wyomingites that I wondered if it could live up to the enormous hype. After all, guests we’d met at the Resort had informed us that it was the best Italian food in
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smoking, an activity that can be startling to Coloradans who have grown accustomed to nonsmoking environments. Across the street, Duke’s Bar & Grill is a fun nonsmoking establishment often featuring live music. A kind of Cheers for the locals, we were treated like friends at Duke’s and will definitely be back on future trips to Saratoga.
Wyoming and that they had made reservations at Bella’s Bistro well in advance of their trip. Thankfully, Bella’s more than lived up to the accolades. The tiny restaurant serves up delectable Italian cuisine at reasonable prices and delivers five-star service. It’s the kind of place that makes each customer feel as though they are the most important guest in the restaurant. The
lasagna and cheesecake were the winners of the night. Transport to the Wild West When visiting Saratoga, it’s our tradition to have a drink at the historic Hotel Wolf. Pass through the saloon’s swinging doors and be transported to the Wild West. The narrow bar area feels like authentic Wyoming, just beware that this bar allows
Unexpected Treasure A unique find on our November trip to Saratoga was Treasures Consignment Boutique. The proceeds from sales at this downtown shop go to the Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild, and it is entirely volunteer run. From books to shoes, there are lots of interesting things at Treasures. I bought a beautiful hand-knitted poncho and a pair of $4 like-new jeans. Whether you like to golf, fish, or just read a good book lounging next to a hot springs pool, Saratoga is the perfect place to get away for a weekend. Without a doubt, it’s become one of our favorite close-tohome destinations. Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a freelance writer based in Loveland.
Old Town Car Show Saturday May 21 10:00am - 3:00pm
Sponsored by Nelsen’s Auto Tech Center and Heilbrun’s NAPA
361 1⁄2 East Mountain Avenue | Fort Collins, CO 80524
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970-484-0834 | www.nelsensauto.com
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LAYMAN LEWIS FINANCIAL GROUP Layman Lewis Financial Group is the premier retirement planning company serving Loveland, Colorado, and the greater Northern Colorado Region.
Chuck Layman, Alicia Lewis, Joshua Lewis
ICA Roadmap for the Future “Your best is yet to come” is a common quote you will hear ringing through the offices of Layman Lewis Financial Group. They say it often and strive to accomplish it with each and every one of their clients. Boasting over 50 years of combined experience in post-retirement income planning, their reputation speaks for itself. Winner of Best of STYLE 2015, Layman Lewis is an independently owned and operated retirement planning company held to the highest standards, making them true fiduciaries. Their wide range of services and products allow them to create customized retirement plans to accommodate each of their client’s unique goals and objectives—putting their client’s best interests at the forefront of everything they do.
Family Matters
Thank you Northern Colorado for recognizing us as the BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER in 2015!
Layman Lewis Financial Group is headed by Chuck Layman, Alicia Lewis, and Joshua Lewis. Beyond their expertise as a trio of financial professionals, they also represent a bigger and more important dynamic than financial professionals—they are family. Chuck and Alicia are a compelling father daughter duo, and Joshua is Alicia’s husband. Making them a true multigenerational, family owned and operated business, which has proven to be a great asset for their clients.
Leading the Way Not only do the clients of Layman Lewis Financial Group benefit from a diverse wealth of knowledge but also from their performance-driven business model, which has reaped dividends for them as their growth and success has earned them the recognition of representing the top one percent of advisors in the nation. Not only do these accolades personify their passion for excellence, it has also afforded them considerable opportunities and provided them access to limited offerings and to partner with the most reputable and prestigious companies in the financial industry. Even nationally known Tony Robbins and Glen Beck have selected Layman Lewis Financial Group as a go-to trusted financial professional in the Colorado area.
Services Retirement planning is an extensive task that culminates with years of hard work and a properly executed strategy. Of course, there are revisions and variations along the way, but with proper counsel, these things can be successfully navigated. This is exactly why Layman Lewis exists: to address the ever-changing concerns of pre-retirees and retirees alike. Whether it’s access to institutional asset management, long-term care, estate planning, life insurance, or a comprehensive retirement income plan, Layman Lewis Financial Group will help you find the solutions for your needs.
Chuck Layman and Alicia Lewis are licensed insurance agents in the state of Colorado. Joshua Lewis is an investment advisor representative with Investment Advisory Services offered through Global Financial Private Capital, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.
5401 Stone Creek Cir. Suite 201 Loveland, CO 80538
970-669-1225 laymanlewis.com
Photo: Lydia Dody
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STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM
TREE HOUSE FANTASY
brought to life By Kay Rios
Photos: Richard Haro
Warm memories of treehouses from fantasy stories such as The Swiss Family Robinson and Peter Pan have been carried from childhood into old age for most people. But long before those fictions, people lived in treehouses in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia, because they felt safe from weather and predators. In the Middle Ages, Franciscan monks used tree-rooms for meditation.
Maci, Rod Conahan, and Molly Conahan
There are many historical treehouse links. In the early 1500’s, treehouses became popular in Florentine gardens and the Medici family incorporated them into their gardens near Fiesole and Pratolino. Mid-19th century, Plessy Robinson, a small town near Paris, hosted diners in its famous treehouse restaurants built in chestnut trees and covered with rose vines. STYLE 2016
Meals were hoisted up with a basket pulley. Many famous people have built treehouses, including Winston Churchill who constructed an elaborate treehouse 20 feet up a lime tree at his home in Chartwell for his children. Treehouse popularity continued throughout history and, most recently, the big move is onto larger, more elaborate
structures in which adults can hide, entertain, or live. Pete Nelson, author of several treehouse-related books and host of Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters program, stimulated a renewed surge of interest. While Fort Collins resident Rod Conahan’s interest in treehouses dates back long before Nelson, he was inspired by Nelson’s
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Jim Brinkman, John Freeman, Jacob Davis, and Zach Ridgeway.
efforts. In fact, when he decided to build a treehouse for granddaughter, Maci, he contacted the Treehouse crew to see if they would take on the job. Nelson was interested but finding that costs would include the crew’s airfare, the bottom line was beyond the budget. So Conahan began to interview contractors, and when he found Jacob Davis at Colorado Outdoor Living, he knew he had the right guy. “Jake had built a number of houses and knew his stuff,” Conahan says. Conahan knew what he wanted. “I did the design last year. I had medical issues and the doctor confined me to the house for four weeks, and I got bored. First, I did extensive research. I read about treehouses on the Internet and looked at all the different treehouses all over the world.” Davis took Conahan’s plan to an engineer. “I had him assess it for structural beams and support. We wanted to make sure the structure was sound. After that, we built a template and hoisted it up in the
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air and moved it around to see how it fit in the branches. Rod was very specific about having it square to the existing deck. With Rod’s plan and the engineer’s recommendations, the next step was for formal drawings that could go through the City’s permit system. Freeman Architects, P.C., came on board, and draftsman Zach Ridgway began the transfer of information. “Rod knew what he wanted, so we took the information from him, and I did the drafting to create what we could take to the Home Owners Association,” Ridgway says. He adds that he’s never done anything like this. “It was a first. It was an unusual but fun project to put in the portfolio.” John Freeman, Freeman Architect, P.C., owner, admits he was surprised as well. “He called and said, ‘I want to show you something.’ I went to his house, and he presented this big tree with this flat space in it and said ‘I want to build a treehouse.’ We drew up the plans, but I said that things will change when people get up in
the tree.” He was, however, surprised. “It came out pretty much as we drew it.” He adds that, unusual as it was, he wouldn’t mind doing another treehouse. Davis says he wasn’t surprised that it would be an outdoor living space. “I was surprised it was a treehouse, and I was intrigued.” There was another surprise in store. “And at the end of the initial conversation, he dropped it on me: ‘I don’t want you to use any machinery other than your hand tools.’ We have a bobcat and a fourwheel drive material hauler, and a lift we use on most every project we do. It would have been so easy to bring in the equipment, and it would have cut the time in half. Originally, that’s what I was planning. He sold me. He wanted us to use our skills and not just equipment. He must have known my personality because it became a challenge.” The challenge was met with the use of pulleys, harnesses, and hoists. “He knew exactly what he wanted and could explain STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM
Things to consider when building a treehouse: •
Choose trees that are mature or almost mature; avoid young trees.
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The tree needs to be strong and healthy. Can it handle the weight of the planned structure? Diseased or rotting trees are not good candidates and can make unstable foundations.
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If possible, a chosen tree should be fairly straight rather than leaning.
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Try not to remove too much from the tree to accommodate the structure. Removal shouldn’t be more than 25 percent maximum, and the best bet is 10 to 15 percent. If too much foliage is taken off, it will not be in balance with the root system and can affect the tree’s health.
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Let your neighbors know what you’re planning.
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Regular maintenance on the tree will still need to be performed.
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Look for broken branches that need pruning.
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Look for crossover branches: if bark is rubbed off, the tree can be opened to disease.
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Remove any dead branches above the treehouse to ensure they don’t fall on the structure.
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When in doubt, consult with an arborist. Suggestions provided by Joe McCarthy, owner of The Tree Pruner
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Kathy Arents Mulberry | 222-1784
Georgena Arnett Loveland | 481-9801
Sheila Benshoof Harmony | 377-4957
Greg Bever Harmony | 377-4916
Kathy Boeding Loveland | 231-9073
Brian Bogaard Harmony | 377-4954
Judy Bogaard Harmony | 377-4931
Jo Carney Mulberry | 310-1836
Kelli Couch Horsetooth | 310-8804
Anna DiTorrice-Mull Horsetooth | 631-2649
Lane Everitt Harmony | 310-5312
Chris C. Hau Horsetooth | 377-6017
Jim Hauan Mulberry | 419-2303
Michelle Hubbard Harmony | 377-6077
Keith Huntsman Harmony | 377-4941
Nicole Huntsman Harmony | 402-0221
Cindy Kurtz Centerra | 679-1545
Bob Loner Horsetooth | 231-2222
Deanna McCrery Harmony | 377-4971
Doug Miller Mulberry | 419-2322
Elaine C. Minor Horsetooth | 215-9236
Marnie Long Harmony | 481-8613
Diana Luthi Loveland | 481-2692
Jim Murray Horsetooth | 377-4909 40
Dave T. Muth Harmony | 481-5963
Alycia Martinez Centerra | 679-1657
Rob Mygatt Harmony | 229-5411
Joey Porter Harmony | 481-4814
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Rod Conahan
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it. That made it easy for us. And he was just so happy every day, and we all looked forward to coming to work.” The project took three months from start to finish. The end result was a 160-square foot structure, 20 feet off the ground. The little house has electricity, fireplace, flat screen TV, refrigerator, a balcony, and a loft bed. The interior also sports nine different colors of paint and matching furnishings, chosen by Ginny Conahan. “Rod and his wife have a very unique, eclectic taste, so it was a lot of fun to put the final touches together,” Davis says. Rod and his granddaughter are pleased with the result. For him, it’s a remembrance of years past. “It’s the Huck Finn in me,” he says. “I grew up in Pueblo, and my parents didn’t have a lot of money, so one of the ways my brother and I entertained ourselves was to build underground forts and treehouses. Just remembering those times and the fun we had with two cans and a string is like the Tom Sawyer ‘waiting round the bend’ thinking. I also built a treehouse for Maci’s mom and her sisters when they were little but nothing like this.” He took great pleasure in this project. “I’m still a kid at heart, and I love building things like that.”
Kay Rios, Ph.D., is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins. She is currently working on a collection of creative non-fiction and two novels. Now she wants a treehouse for her writing retreat.
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NOCO Econ 101 By Michelle Venus
The Great Recession ended in the second quarter of 2009: that’s what the National Bureau of Economic Research tells us. Seven years later, however, the effects are still being felt around the country. What has the impact been in Northern Colorado? How has our region fared compared to the rest of the United States, and what can we expect in 2016? At the Northern Colorado Economic Forecast hosted in January by BizWest, a regional business journal, leading experts predicted strong growth in 2016 across several sectors, while others will continue to experience malaise. According to Richard Wobbekind, executive director of the Business Research Division at the University of Colorado Boulder Leeds School of Business and the event’s keynote speaker, banking, commercial real estate, healthcare, and startups will fare much better than their agriculture and natural resources counterparts.
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Photos: Richard Haro
Stronger Growth Wobbekind noted that the United States is a “strong growth country compared to the rest of the world” and that Colorado— and Larimer and Weld counties in particular—exhibit stronger growth than most of the rest of the country along with better employment figures. Our region is showing an unemployment rate slightly above three percent, whereas nationally, that rate is closer to five percent. Colorado State University economist Martin Shields concurs. “We’ve seen a remarkable expansion over the last couple of years,” he stated. He went on to say that there was nothing on the horizon to suggest there are major negative trends that might impact the region. However, Shields did express concern that the tight labor markets might contribute to a regional slow down. “The unemployment rates can’t dip much further, and that would suggest businesses might have a hard time finding the workers they need if they want to grow,” he explained. “That would place a potential constraint on the future growth of the region for the next 12 months.” Given that Northern Colorado, especially Fort Collins, has appeared on many lists as a top place to live, retire, or start a business, employers are finding they are flooded with applications when positions do become available. Case in point, Josh Birks, City of Fort Collins Economic STYLE 2016
Health Director, was “shocked at the number of people who applied” to a position within his department and noted that approximately half were from outside the northern Front Range. “It’s definitely an employers’ market,” he said. The influx of new residents creates its own pressures in terms of congestion, housing cost appreciation, and the strain on school districts and local governments to provide services, said Shields. Increased population can also impede the ability of existing employees to trade up to higher positions within their fields, or even to break into the workforce, as evidenced by the difficulty of new college graduates to find jobs in their field of study once they have left school. Their unemployment rate is much higher than the national average, closing in at 7.2 percent with a whopping 14.9 percent underemployed—as they often take part-time positions or jobs for which they are overqualified. This leaves the prospects of persons with high school diplomas even bleaker, as they compete with more educated peers for opportunities. Even so, “…most people who want a job have a job,” said Shields. Wages Expected to Move Because of the tight labor market, Shields anticipates upward movement in wages, which has not happened in a very long time. For the last few years, wages
in both Weld and Larimer counties have been flat. Larimer County doesn’t have a lot of weakness in terms of industry sectors, allowing for job growth across the board but especially in retail, hospitality, and higher paying professional services sectors such as health-care professionals, attorneys, and accountants. Weld County, however, continues to see struggles in the oil and gas industries. The struggles will not subside until prices for those products rise. These struggles cause a ripple effect within related industries; for instance, surveyors and the companies that construct new well sites are impacted because the demand for their services has gone down. Tight Housing While construction in the oil and gas industry has stagnated, new housing starts are rising and have been for the past five years. While only half as high as the boom years a decade ago, Fort Collins and Timnath saw 617 new homes built last year, and Loveland and Berthoud had 650, according to statistics from the Everitt Real Estate Center at Colorado State University. With so many people moving into the region and fewer homes being built, what does that do to the housing market? It makes it interesting, said Lara Williams and Dave Sanders of the Green Team Real Estate in Fort Collins. “What we’re
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seeing certainly reflects the vibrancy of this community,” said Sanders. A significant portion of their practice helps people relocate from other parts of the country, and Sanders says their clients are a “healthy mix of retirees, people coming for jobs or those who want to live here and bring their jobs with them, and CSU parents looking to make an investment while their kids are in school.” They acknowledged an inventory challenge. With fewer new housing starts, the competition to get into a house is fierce, which is contributing to raising area housing prices by higher percentages than in other parts of the country. Across the nation, home price appreciation increased by about five percent annually, but in Northern Colorado, those increases were closer to 12 percent last year. Only the Windsor/Severance sub-market saw a single digit increase, and that was four points higher than the national average. The 2015 median home price in Fort Collins and Timnath was $339,763, up 13.1 percent; Loveland/Berthoud had a 12.6 percent increase, up to $316,730; and Greeley/Evans values increased 11 percent on average to $224,556. Williams and Sanders don't see this trend changing anytime soon. Those prices are good and bad for homeowners and especially difficult for first-time buyers. For homeowners looking to upgrade, increased home prices may encourage them to stay put, keeping their
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perhaps more affordable home off market; that’s the bad part. While they sit on their properties, their own home values rise; that’s the good part. Condominiums and townhomes, often the gateway to home ownership, are scarce commodities in this market. They just aren’t being built as much, attributed to construction-defect laws that builders claim make it too risky to build these types of dwellings because of potential lawsuits. First-time buyers are watching their rents increase—it is not uncommon for a tenant to be paying more for a rental than a home owner pays in mortgage—making saving for a down payment increasingly difficult, if not out of reach. Williams states that many of her buyers are living very frugally on two salaries in order to save, or getting help from parents with the down payment or as co-signers on their loans. Unexpected Effects Even with the steady growth of the housing market, the recession’s initial impact continues to influence the region’s economic symbiosis in ways that might not be immediately apparent. Jesse Eastman, owner and general manager of Fort Collins Nursery, can attest to his industry’s unique trickle down theory. Eight years ago, before the housing bubble burst, tree farmers were anticipating future needs based on the current market. Keep in mind that it can take a minimum of seven years for a tree
to reach sufficient maturity to be sold at a nursery. When the market crashed, people stopped purchasing trees at the same rate as before, and many growers were left with an abundance of stock, which could not be stored in a warehouse to wait for an uptick. Consequently, they cut down some of the trees and let their fields go fallow or replanted a new production run in hopes of an improved economy down the road. In short, that means the maple a customer wants to plant this spring may not be available. And it might not be available for a few years. Eastman and his staff don’t look at the situation from a place of deficit, but rather an opportunity to help his clientele create more unique and individualized landscapes. It’s a win from an environmental standpoint as well. Diversity in an urban landscape helps reduce the incidence in pest infestations, which can be devastating and can wreak economic havoc on a community when a specific cultivar is blighted. Retail Response The retail sector is also expanding, as indicated by the Foothills Mall development in midtown Fort Collins and the burgeoning downtowns of Loveland, Windsor, Timnath, and Greeley. New stores are popping up in all these communities. “It was the right time. The right time in my life and the right time for this area,” said Elegant Pear owner Cherilee Blubaugh of her high-end home furnishings store STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM
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TOWN BY TOWN Josh Birks, Economic Health Director, Fort Collins Construction activity is up; building permits increased by 20 percent in 2015 and current indicators predict the same pace for 2016. Net job change of approximately two percent per year correlates with population growth. The abundance of highly educated applicants creates an employers’ market. Approximately one third of available jobs require a college education or better, and two-thirds hire unskilled labor; most are in the service sector. Marcie Erion, Business Development Specialist, Loveland There is continued growth across different sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and advanced manufacturing. Primary employers Agrium and Hach are expanding. Ohio-based EWI, which provides support for innovative manufacturing technologies, is moving into the Rocky Mountain Center for Innovation.
on College Avenue in Fort Collins. “Weld County is getting ready to bust wide open. The economy that’s here and the economy that’s coming is going to increase. The proposed growth in both counties is going to go gangbusters, and my store is a perfect fit for the residential growth.” Blubaugh did her due diligence and spent a lot of time studying the local market to assess the risk and felt everything pointed to a successful venture. “You don’t make a decision like this and say, ‘Well, we’ll see how it goes,’” she laughed. Adventurous Spirits Consumers are feeling more confident. They’re feeling more adventurous, too. Heather Lawrence, a Greeley-based Disney and Universal travel specialist with Mouseketrips, had already booked more trips for her clients by the end of February than she had in all of 2015. “A vacation is just not the first thing people think of even when a recession has ended,” she explained. “There are things that were neglected during the tough times that will come first.” Now people are looking at taking care of themselves and their families with vacations. However, they still expect and request the same types of deals that were common when most people were content with staycations and resorts were upping the ante to entice visitors. “Even the clients
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ArtSpace, Colorado’s first affordable live/ work development for artists with 30 units, opened in February. The city purchased a downtown multi-block site for mixed-use development. Stacy Johnson, Economic Development Manager, Windsor An aggregate snapshot of 2015 prospect activity is a picture of more than 140 entities showing interest in Windsor. Strong trends are for light industrial spaces under 25,000 square feet with space for service trucks. Two new business parks are online: one, a retail-commercial park, and the other, light industrial. There is still a lot of room for physical growth both residentially and commercially, with a lot of movement in the Harmony corridor. Chad Howell, Director of Economic Development, Greeley Greeley is experiencing sustainable, modest growth in every category. The first-ever
who are booking $8,000 to $20,000 vacations are looking for bargains just as much as the people who are booking $2,000 to $3,000 trips. And people are booking far out—there are trips scheduled for December already. People are feeling confident enough with planning for the end of the year.” Food Bank Facts But the picture isn’t rosy for everyone. Amy Pezzani, Executive Director for the Food Bank for Larimer County, is quick to point out that 14 percent of Larimer County residents live below the Federal Poverty guideline, and 29,000 unduplicated individuals received help through the Food Bank’s pantry at least one time throughout 2015. That represents approximately 11,000 households throughout the county. The Kids Cafe program provided 81,354 meals, and 25,511 backpacks filled with nutritious food were distributed for weekends and school breaks to low-income children. The largest demographic is people in the 50 – 61 age group. This data has not changed significantly over the past three years. During the recession, the Food Bank saw massive growth in their client base. Between 2009 and 2012, the Food Bank went from serving 9,000 per month to almost 14,000 people per month. Today, the Food Bank serves
Economic Development Department— Howell moved here from St. Louis in July—is developing a strategic plan and hasn’t had a chance to analyze individual sector data. Job losses in oil and gas were absorbed into contracting positions and a brand new sector has been created: Greeley is home to six breweries. Just four years ago, there were none. Jill Grossman-Belisle, Mayor, Timnath Tiny little Timnath is becoming a bigger presence in the region. Perhaps the area’s most affluent community, median incomes top $100,000 and median housing costs are in the $459,000 range. Housing affordability is a key concern and multi-family dwellings are on the drawing board. Future strategies include attracting more highpaying primary employers with specific sites identified as well suited for the biotech industry. Costco created more than 200 jobs when it opened in 2014, with median wages of $43,000
approximately 13,000 Larimer County residents each month. “The Food Bank is typically the first place people come for help when they are strapped,” said Pezzani. “We’re doing mapping data to determine where poverty lives in Larimer County, and what we’ve found is that almost every single street in Fort Collins and Loveland has at least one dot on it, indicating a household that uses the Food Bank.” Solid & Growing Compared to the country as a whole, the Northern Colorado economy is solid and growing. Unemployment has reached record lows, and municipalities are working with primary employers to bring high-paying jobs to the region. Housing costs continue to rise at unprecedented rates, helping some in our communities build wealth while preventing others from becoming homeowners. Poverty is still a significant problem. Is it good news? For the most part, yes. Could it be better? Absolutely. Michelle Venus is a freelance writer and the Development Director at KRFC. She shares a home office with a Basset hound, a mutt, and a sweet little cat. Her children are brilliant and beautiful. STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM
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family in business
dellenbach
All in the Family By Kelly K. Serrano
Photos: Marcus Edwards
Describing Dellenbach Motors, now celebrating its 50th year, as a family business is a bit of an understatement. With six of R.W. Dellenbach’s 11 children and six of his grandchildren on its staff of 165, you will run into one of his offspring no matter what department you visit.
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But unless you know they’re Dellenbachs, you may not know they’re Dellenbachs. “Our grandpa instilled in his children, who instilled in us, that we aren’t family when we’re working; we’re coworkers,” says Melissa Elley, Dellenbach Motors assistant office manager. Mike Dellenbach, her uncle and dealer of the business since 1996, agrees. He says his father, who co-founded the dealership in 1965 and worked until he passed away in October 2008, set the standard for on-thejob behavior. “I don’t know that there was a lot of difference in how he treated you, whether you were a family member or an employee,” he explains. “We [Dellenbach family members] all started at the bottom and had to prove ourselves; the next generation is having to do the same thing. “If you aren’t a Dellenbach, you probably have just as much chance [of getting hired]; we pick the best person with the best qualifications.” Working Together Family members call each other by their first names—not Mom, Dad, Aunt, or Uncle—when at work, Elley says, although the family is as close-knit as they come outside the office. “Carol is my direct boss,” Elley says of
controller Carol Arceneaux, “and we don’t always see eye to eye, but we go home, and it’s aunt and niece; we truly are coworkers here and family at home,” she explains. “I think R.W. was just how his kids are: we are their employees and sometimes we have to be made an example of. If we mess up, we might not have a job here. They treat us like anybody else.” Ron Heusinkveld, an employee of 38 years in sales and fleet management, says the Dellenbachs on staff have earned their positions and show no favoritism to each other. “They’re all good workers,” he says. “There’s nobody who seems to have felt like they were entitled.” Having worked for R.W. for many years, Heusinkveld can also attest from where his offspring inherited their work ethic and ability to cooperate. “R.W. had standards, and I liked that,” he explains. “He didn’t ask anyone to do anything he wouldn’t do. He was always on time and expected you to do same. He started in back of the operation and learned from back to front. He had a strong work ethic.” Heusinkveld notes that he has yet to witness the normal familial disagreements and admires how Mike and his brothers, Steve and Bill, general managers of
the GM/Cadillac and Subaru franchises, respectively, work together. “These guys get along,” he says. “If they ever don’t get along, they don’t get along behind closed doors.” Mike says his father set that example, as well, starting with how he raised and then worked with his children. “He was always fair, but you didn’t want to get in trouble—or at least you learned after the first time not to. He never treated anybody as a favorite; we were each treated pretty special.” R.W.’s wife, Pat, who passed away in 1993, was also instrumental in setting the tone for her children’s character. “We probably spent more time with my mom in those formative years than we did with our dad,” Mike notes. “She wasn’t a drill sergeant, but she was pretty orderly in getting things done. We all had chores and responsibilities. “If we had an issue, we went to Mom; she always had a helping hand and an ear that would listen.” The Dellenbach children learned so well from their parents’ teaching and example regarding conflict—to deal with it and then get over it—it surprises them to know not all families can work so well together, Mike says. “I always thought when sons and dads
Left to Right: Devon Dellenbach, Justin Elley, Stephanie Miller, Bill Dellenbach, Steve Dellenbach, Mike Dellenbach, Carol Arceneaux, Susan Carter, Melissa Elley, John Dellenbach, Chris Dellenbach not pictured is one of the brothers, Kevin Dellenbach. STYLE 2016
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worked together they got along, but as I got into the business world, I found out we were the exception to the rule,” he says. Blood or No: You’re Family It doesn’t matter if Dellenbach blood runs in your veins; if you work at Dellenbach Motors, you’re family—another standard R.W. set. “They [the employees] all became family to him,” Mike says. “He had an open door policy for everyone. I think all the others have that same kind of philosophy: if you need me, I’m here. I’m available.” Elley says her grandfather would take time to get to know all the employees in every department. “He walked around the dealership and wished every person a Merry Christmas. He wasn’t one to sit in his office and do his thing.” Those traditions have continued through gestures such as Valentine’s Day treat bags for employees; orange-andblue-frosted doughnuts for the dealership to celebrate the Denver Broncos; throwing Christmas parties for the entire staff and their families; raising money to help employees or their family members in difficult situations; and participating on softball and bowling leagues and in other activities together, Elley says. “That part was my grandpa passing it down to us,” she says. “Everybody here is family.” Heusinkveld says he does consider himself part of the family. “I could’ve retired a couple of years ago, but I intend to keep working because I truly enjoy it,” he explains. “I’m treated well by the family and the customers. “They’ve always been so good to me. When I was in the hospital, they were good at checking up on me. I’ve seen them do remarkable things for people.” The leadership has always supported his family obligations as well as his charitable work with time off and donations, Heusinkveld says. Community Outreach Besides its employees’ outreach, many community organizations have been at the receiving end of Dellenbach Motors generosity over the last 50 years. The dealership
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has donated a car to raffle off to support the United Way of Larimer County every year for the last 25. It is also partners with Pathways Hospice, the new University of Colorado Health’s Cancer Center, the Discovery Museum, Food Bank for Larimer County, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in one way or another. Mike says giving back to the community was important to his father, and he passed along that value to his children. “He would put himself out there as a role model for all of us; you watched and he showed us the lessons by what he did through his actions,” Mike says. “All of his family members are very willing to help in a lot of different causes,” whether it’s participating in an MS Walk or providing water and snacks to those affected by the 2008 tornado in Windsor. “Any big decision we ever make, we always think how he would have reacted to this situation, what would have been his choice,” Mike says. Employees recognize those contributions as well as the manner in which they are handled—often under the radar. “They don’t publicize those things because that’s not what they’re about,” Heusinkveld says. “They always try to do the right thing. Essentially, that’s it. I’ve seen them step up and do things that nobody else probably would’ve done, but they did.” A Trusted Dealer Perhaps that’s why Dellenbach Motors’ has received numerous accolades and accomplishments over the years, including: •
A 70-plus percent customer retention rate;
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Moving from a small lot on North College Avenue to its current location at 3111 S. College Ave. in 1973;
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R.W. named the TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year recipient in 1986;
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The purchase of Cadillac/GM and Subaru franchises in 1996;
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And the expansion to four showrooms and the current remodel of the Subaru showroom.
Doug Odell, founder and president of Odell Brewing Co., has purchased the majority of his company’s Subaru Outbacks at Dellenbach Motors since 1998; the brewery now owns 40 Outbacks. He says he came to the dealership not only because it was the community Subaru franchise, but he knew some of the Dellenbach family. “It’s a local company, and we just had a connection,” he says. Today, when he needs a new Outback, he calls up his salesperson there and picks from the colors of that model on the lot. “They treat us really well,” Odell says. “They always give us a fair price. After our first four or five purchases, it just became routine. It’s just easy.” It’s also easy to support a family business that’s trying to make the community a better place, and the staff is always friendly, nice, and upbeat, he says. “It’s just a nice environment to do business in.” Elley says although it’s been eight years since R.W. passed away, customers still tell stories about him and want to do business with his family. “My grandpa had a way of connecting with people,” she says. “It never ends because it started with him, being the kind of guy he was—kind, generous, and loving—not just to his kids and family, but to the whole community. He was a one-a-kind kind of guy; we wouldn’t have the company we have if it weren’t for him.” Mike says if and when he’s ready to step down as dealer of Dellenbach Motors, the position will likely go to another Dellenbach and continue R.W.’s legacy. Like Elley, he knows how blessed he is to be a Dellenbach. “I’m proud to be part of this family and be part of the organization my dad started and to be able to work with my siblings,” he says. “I’m able to do so much outside of the business because of a competent group of managers and family to take care of the place.”
Kelly K. Serrano is a Fort Collins writer/ editor, owner of communications company BizSpeak, a CSU journalism graduate, and mom of two teenagers. STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM
McCulley & Associates, Inc. The Retirement Professionals
Let us help you pursue your financial goals. Robert M. McCulley, CFP速, MAFM
Bob McCulley has worked with individuals and businesses for over 30 years. He grew up in North Platte, Nebraska, and moved to Colorado in 1987 where he started his own company. Bob is a Certified Financial PlannerTM and holds a Masters Degree in Accounting and Financial Management. As a licensed representative he is able to offer a variety of investment and insurance options. He is dedicated to developing lasting relationships with his clients and helping them achieve their financial goals with a focus on retirement planning. Bob holds educational workshops on Social Security and Financial Wellness topics to assist clients in making important retirement decisions. Bob prides himself on providing clear, easily understood explanations of financial products and services with the goal of providing a roadmap to a more secure financial future. Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.
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Retirement Prep By Brad Shannon No topic causes as much stress, avoidance, and denial as retirement planning. Many Americans get caught up in having fun, paying off student debt and bills, raising a family, and saving for a house. Our nation’s lack of financial education of our youth is at least partly to blame for what Kevin Dunnigan of Investment Centers of America calls “almost a crisis in our country.”
“The average 50 year old has $50,000 saved,” Dunnigan says. “The real problem is people don’t save money, and if you save nothing, you have nothing. You have to look at it like the light bill, your mortgage—you have to pay your retirement bill.” Start Early Dunnigan alludes to models that show the long-term payoff for those who start modestly early on. “Those who start young, don’t deviate, and see tough times as an opportunity are the ones who get to the finish line,” he says. “Not the procrastinators.” Dunnigan explains, “Any time you feel something in investing, do the opposite. Are you scared? Get out your checkbook. Does the world seem perfect? That’s a warning sign. Proper diversification and steady monthly contributions work in your favor. If things are bad and you want to throw a brick through my window, fine. Be sure to take a rubber band and attach a check to that brick so I can add it to your account.” A recent TIME article on KidSave, a program championed by Bob Kerry, former Nebraska senator, notes it would give each child born in the U.S. $1,000 to compound over 65 years before being tapped. Kerry’s
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hope is that this would encourage parents, grandparents, and the child to save sooner and more. That $1,000 at 6% over 65 years produces just $44,145, but add $500/year for five years, and you get $140,000. Bump the opening balance to $2,000 and the end number is $240,000. Allen Olberding of Guidepost Financial Planning stresses accumulation, too, saving at least 20% of income under age 50, then focusing on paying off your mortgage and paying off debt and accumulating assets and income streams. “Then, at retirement,” he says, “we look at what we can support with what we have and how to handle distributions. What you can afford all comes down to cash flow. Buy an affordable house. Live below your means.” Olberding touts the advice of Sir John Templeton, who recommended saving half and spending half of what you earn, then putting a hefty chunk of any new money— raises, bonuses, etc.—into savings as well. Getting Started There is an overwhelming amount of information out there, and more experts offering advice than you can keep track of. The most important thing, by all accounts,
is to do something. Time is on your side if you start early. The good news is, it’s not that hard. Start simple, and save steadily. The bad news: if you haven’t already started and don’t have many assets, you may find yourself on your own. In some cases, you can access limited amounts of advice and expertise through your bank or investment firm. For those just starting out, consider John C. Bogle’s advice on balancing risk, reward, and costs. The founder of The Vanguard group pioneered the concept of low-cost mutual funds designed to automate investing and outperform actively managed funds over the long run using a “buy and hold” strategy, with lower management fees and built-in diversification. The company offers target retirement funds with low initial investments and low fees that hold a mix of assets tied to your age and expected date of retirement. In line with Bogle’s advice, much of what Harold Pollack from the University of Chicago guidelines emphasize, which fit on an index card and went viral in recent years, prove that it doesn’t need to be complex. Pollack has since expanded that concept in a book written with Helaine Olen, The Index Card. STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM
Preservation and Legacy At Layman Lewis Financial, Chuck Layman and Alicia Lewis focus on those in retirement or 5 – 10 years away from it. They help clients with wealth preservation to build it, stay ahead of inflation, and help ensure they don’t outlive what they’ve saved. At this stage, and leading up to it, Leyman stresses, you must know what you’re paying for the advice you’re getting. “Nine out of ten people have no idea what they’re paying for. We do a free analysis and show them,” Layman notes. Brandon Houtchens, an attorney in Greeley, notes that an estate plan and a retirement plan complement one another. “You want to make things easier for your survivors,” he says. “Make sure they understand the plan, what accounts you have, where they can access that information.” Without proper planning, all or part of your estate may not go where you intend or can end up in probate. While trusts were used in the past to avoid estate tax, the rules have changed, and the exemption has climbed. Protecting What You Have Insurance can be vital to protecting what you have, but, as Suze Orman notes, keep investing and insuring separate. There are a variety of pricey options when it comes to life insurance, in particular, and Orman notes that the only reason to buy life insurance is if you have someone who is dependent on you who will need those resources when you pass away. Term-life insurance, she notes, is inexpensive and easy to get. The rule of thumb: if you don’t understand it, don’t buy it. Rounding Up Resources There are many resources and experts to consider. Seek references from those you know. Apps like Mint can help get a handle on your financial world. Look to publications or websites like Money magazine, The Motley Fool, DailyWorth, The Money Mini Blog, or others. Consider advice, particularly when just getting started, from people like Dave Ramsey, Ed Slott, Suze Orman, Clark Howard, and others. Locally, investing seminars are offered through FRCC continuing education and Group Real Estate’s real estate focused Wake Up Money course. As always, seek advice from multiple sources, do your research, and if it sounds too good to be true—it is. Brad Shannon is a freelance writer and owner of Shannon Marketing Communications, a marketing and public relations consulting firm in Loveland. STYLE 2016
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Finding Support By Brad Shannon Find a financial advisor you like and are comfortable with. The accountability that financial advice and coaching provides can make all the difference, especially when times are tough. Layman emphasizes the importance of working with an independent firm that is not tied to a set menu of products. “We’re a true fiduciary firm: we’re held to an ethical standard to work in our clients’ best interests, not our employer’s or shareholders’.” Pollack also stresses finding an adviser that operates under the fiduciary standard to ensure you get unbiased advice. The U.S. Labor Department is expected to issue a rule to ensure that advisors act solely on your best interests when advising or selling investments for your retirement accounts—but not other investments. Above all, find someone who gets to know you, understands your unique situation, goals, and stage in life. Many focus on specific niches/ types of clientele, and many have a process to figure out the best approach for you, rather than force fitting you into a pre-set approach or selection of investment products. Be aware that some advisors receive commissions from the products they sell, and consider a fee-only planner to ensure you are getting unbiased advice.
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WALKWAYS
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SERVING NORTHERN COLORADO SINCE 1982
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Finding the Green! By Kay Rios
Ask a roomful of golfers to name a favorite course, and the result will likely be as scattered as the location of courses in Northern Colorado. The choice is usually based on several factors, says Greg Heiny, PGA pro and director of golf at the Greeley Country Club. “The first is accessibility: getting on at the time you want. It’s going to be easier to get the time you want at a country club, and the play is going to be quicker because there are fewer players.”
Rick Cole, head PGA professional at Eaton Country Club, agrees. Eaton times each group at the end of every round. “We stress fast play. The biggest requirement is that they keep up with the group ahead. Our average round for 18 holes is 3 hours and 15 minutes. We pride ourselves on that.” Cole adds that price plays a role. “People often pick where they play based on price.” Eaton has built affordability in as a means to draw members. “We have a number of different types: single, family, the 18- to 28-yearold junior executive with half price dues. So cost is phenomenally low. We are a country club, but we call it a membership golf club with a good restaurant.” After cost, Heiny says, “It’s the experience. Is it a course I’m going to tire of playing? Is the course maintained to my standards? Does it suit my family’s needs? Families with kids may choose a course that has hours for junior golfers. It’s about finding a course that fits your requirements.” While there are many votes for every one of the numerous Northern Colorado courses, local golf pros were asked about the benefits their courses offer and, outside of that home base, what are their favorites? Derek Cordova, owner of Golf Dynamics Performance Center, says that’s a hard choice. “All the courses are unique and special. I’m not partial to any of them, and I think they are all strong in their own right. The public golf course and private clubs in Northern Colorado have a lot to offer the golfing public. We are very blessed to have so many really great courses to play.”
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He adds that Highland Meadows Golf Course, which was one of the first links golf courses built in Northern Colorado, also has a lot to offer. “The location is great, the views are spectacular, and the course features a lot of terrain change.” Cordova is taking over as director of instruction at Highland Meadows and will run the programs under his Golf Dynamics brand. “We’ll have a new look, new programs, and we’ll have both indoor and outdoor opportunities for players at all levels.” Greg Heiny, director of golf at the Greeley Country Club, picks Highland Hills, Greeley’s public course, as his top pick. “That’s where I grew up playing. I played so many rounds and have great memories with playing with family members and playing in the juniors. There are a lot of great courses to choose one, but I’d pick Highland for sentimental reasons. Heiny puts his home club at the top. “Greeley Country Club is well maintained and people like it because it’s an old-style golf course lined with lots of trees. Newer courses are links style with few trees and lots of mounds and sand traps. They’re easy to get up and running and quickly start bringing in money. But the old-style courses like the Greeley Country Club have such a nice look, and that’s just one of the great things about it.” Brandon McDermott, PGA pro, certified personal coach and GolfTEC franchise
co-owner has played every course in Northern Colorado. His top selection point is based on aesthetics. “Certain types of player won’t play a course because it’s too easy or too difficult. But I look at how well the course is manicured. Is there slope? Are there mountains in the background? Do I feel like I’m playing the hole over and over? I like golf courses with character.” At the top of his list, McDermott places Fox Acres in Red Feather Lakes. “It was recently bought by a new ownership group, and the quality of the course is getting back on track. It’s a hidden gem, and it’s fantastic.” It has character, he says. “The holes bend sideways up and down. Fox Acres is a shorter course, but you really have to navigate your shots. Every green has an elephant buried under it. There’s a lot of undulation and not too many flat shots.” Rick Cole, head PGA professional at Eaton Country Club, picks Ptarmigan as his top. “The visual layout of the course is outstanding. When you’re on the tee box, you can see everything in front of you. No blind shots on the golf course, and it’s very aesthetically pleasing. Value is number one, and condition of the course is number two.”
Kay Rios is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins. For those times she can’t be out on a course, she watches late-night golf as a Zen thing. STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM
Loveland is crazy fore golf!
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COURSE NAME
ADDRESS
PHONE
WEBSITE
TYPE
HOLES
Boomerang Golf Links
7309 West 4th St., Greeley
(970) 353-4653
golfingreeley.com
Public
18
GOLF PRO Bob McNamee
Cattail Creek
2116 West 29th St, Loveland
(970) 663-5310
cityofloveland.org
Public
9
Jim Dargis
City Park Nine
411 S. Bryan Ave, Fort Collins
(970) 221-6650
fcgov.com/golf/city-park-nine.php
Public
9
Doug Perry
Collindale Golf Course
1441 E. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins
(970) 221-6651
fcgov.com/golf/collindale.php
Public
18
Dale Smigelsky
Eaton Country Club
37661 County Road 39, Eaton
(970) 454-2587
eatoncountryclub.com
Private
18
Rick Cole
Estes Park Golf Course
1480 Golf Course Rd., Estes Park
(970) 586-8146
golfestes.com
Public
18
Mark Miller
Fort Collins Country Club
1920 Country Club Road, Fort Collins
(970) 482-1336
fcgolf.org
Private
18
Tristen Fay
Fox Acres
3350 Fox Acres Dr. E., Red Feather Lakes
(970) 881-2574
Golfclubatfoxacres.com
Public
18
Greeley Country Club
4500 West 10th St, Greeley
(970) 353-2431
greeleycc.org
Private
18
Greg Heiny
Harmony Golf Club
4176 Club Dr., Timnath
(970) 482-GOLF
harmonyclub.info/golf
Private
18
Steve "Seve" Lind
Highland Hills
2200 Clubhouse Drive, Greeley
(970) 330-7327
golfingreeley.com
Public
18
Chris Colling
Highland Meadows
6300 Highand Meadows Pkwy., Windsor
(970) 204-4653
highlandmeadowsgolfcourse.com
Public
18
Paul McQuade
Lake Estes Golf Course
690 Big Thompson Ave., Estes Park
(970) 586-8176
golfestes.com
Public
9
Mark Miller
The Mad Russian Golf Course
2100 Country Club Pkwy., Milliken
(970) 587-5157
madrussiangolf.com
Public
18
Heidi Heckenlable
Mariana Butte
701 Clubhouse Dr, Loveland
(970) 667-8308
cityofloveland.org
Public
18
Winston Howe
Mountain Vista Greens
2808 NE Frontage Rd., Fort Collins
(970) 482-4847
mountainvistagreens.com
Public
18
Irma Whitman
The Olde Course at Loveland
2115 West 29th St, Loveland
(970) 667-5256
cityofloveland.org
Public
18
Kim Stiener
18
Stacy Kleve
Pelican Lakes Golf & Country Club
1620 Pelican Lakes Point, Windsor
(970) 674-0930
watervalley.com
Semi private
Ptarmigan Golf & Country Club
5416 Vardon Way, Fort Collins
(970) 226-6600
ptarmigancc.com
Private
18
Jeff Ulvedal
Southridge Golf Club
5750 S. Lemay Ave, Fort Collins
(970) 416-2828
fcgov.com/golf/southridge.php
Public
18
David McCleave
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Golf: Winning the Mental Game By Elissa J. Tivona
As signs of spring return to Northern Colorado, countless folks from duffers to aspiring golf pros are hauling clubs out of the garage, polishing up cleats, and heading to driving ranges. This season, Northern Colorado golf instructors and PGA pros encourage players to improve their game by focusing on an added dimension of the game: mental preparation.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say Yogi was talking about golf,” chuckled seasoned professional Dale Smigelsky, Director of Golf at Collindale Golf Club. Dale is referring to baseball legend Yogi Berra, who is known for the maxim, “Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical.” Applying this maxim, Vince Buelk, professional instructor at Collindale Golf Academy, stresses the importance of the mental game to all his students, regardless of their level of play. “In golf you have to have a clear visualization of what you’re trying to do in order for the body to react.” Buelk goes on, “The biggest thing is developing a pre-shot routine.” “What professional players mean by a pre-shot routine is … getting their body and their mind on the same page. They’re
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standing behind the golf ball; they’re picking an intermediate target for alignment; they’re visualizing their shot and where the ball is going to land.... And actually they’ll go through that same routine whether they’re taking one practice shot or two or none,” says Buelk. Intentionally connecting the mind and body helps golfers stay relaxed and focused. Vince says, “The more times you go through the pre-shot routine, the more comfortable you are walking up to the golf shot, and the better chance you have to succeed on that shot.” “Yep,” Vince tells his students, “go through the routine for every single shot.” Then he adds with a laugh, “Or only on the shots you want to hit well.” Vince’s colleague, Earl Gerlach, also a PGA pro at Collindale Golf Club, says, “I
think the better the golfer you are, the more important the mental game becomes. When you’re just starting out, there are basic fundamentals you must learn physically before you can do them on a consistent basis. Once you learn those… staying in the moment and focusing on the shot at hand become more important than the physical rehearsal of the mechanics of the swing.” Both Earl and Vince mention that most golfers occasionally slip into a slump. That’s the time to seek out a PGA teaching professional to take a look at what’s going on. “If you just aimlessly flail at the ball, you will engrain bad habits,” says Earl. Vince agrees. “There are so many variables to the game, it’s difficult for amateur players to figure out what’s causing the problem.” They urge players to get advice
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from PGA professionals on constructive modifications to work on during practice. A “tune-up” from a pro will help players identify problems very quickly. “[Golfers] can take a lesson and be back on track in 50 minutes as opposed to wasting a couple weeks, ” says Buelk. Taking a similar approach to the mental game of golf, Rick Cole, head PGA golf professional at Eaton Country Club, stresses discipline and dedication to a rigorous practice routine as the basis for achieving mental focus. Cole tells his students, “Prepare [for success] on the practice range and make the practice experience as much like the golf course experience as possible.” Cole advises setting up regular practice routines taking into account every aspect of the game: specific set up routines before each shot, including line, grip, and balance; short game routines (putting, chipping, pitch shots, sand shots, trouble shots); and long game routines (driving, selecting targets, controlling trajectory). Then he says stick to the game plan developed during the practice routines! With well-rehearsed plans, golfers improve their ability to execute on the course. The challenge is to stay mentally tuned in. Cole says, “A golf swing takes approximately 1.5 seconds. My point is you need to concentrate fully for that 1.5 seconds to take that shot successfully.” Then by all means, go out and enjoy the round. Another useful tool Cole uses to help players improve or break out of slumps is a charting formula offered in Drive to the Top by Dr. Rick Jensen. Rather than relying on anecdotal reports, Cole has players chart five categories of shots. The results help Cole pinpoint precisely what the golfer needs to add to the practice routine. Tom Terrill, a lifelong fan of golf, began playing when he was twelve. At 76, he is still enjoying the physical and mental challenges of the game. “It’s a game you play against yourself. But I have to remind myself, ‘Thomas, you never own it.’ Manage expectations and maintain your sense of humor.” Like the pros, Tom appreciates the value of a belly laugh to keep the game in perspective and, ultimately, to win over a lifetime.
Elissa J. Tivona is a busy journalist and academic. She has had the great privilege to travel internationally to present her work in peace and conflict studies but is always grateful to return home to beautiful Northern Colorado where she lives, writes, and teaches at CSU. STYLE 2016
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By Kay Rios
Golf equipment and technology have changed rapidly in the past few years with more options designed for game improvement.
TaylorMade M1
Nike RZN Tour golf balls
Clubs Earl Gerlach, assistant golf pro at Collindale Golf Course points to changes in driver heads. “You can unscrew the head, pop it off, and rotate the shaft from 7.5 degrees up to 11.5 degrees loft,” he says. “That changes the face angle for more of a draw or fade bias.” Club head adjustments first came out in 2011 and have been fine tuned for trajectory control and spin rates, adds Steve Ivy, Golf Sales lead for Dicks Sporting Goods. The TaylorMade M1 released last fall features a front and back track with movable weights allowing golfers to fine-tune face angle, loft, and lie. The technology is ever changing, says Ivy, who, in 2014, won the Senior Club Championship at Ptarmigan Golf Course. “Most companies will say the newest is revolutionary but it is usually evolutionary.” He suggests waiting two generations of a club before changing. Shafts have also changed, Gerlach says. “Manufacturers are producing lighter clubs for a faster swing: the faster the swing, the greater the distance of the ball.” Changes in grips have shown up, Gerlach says. “Overall, they're softer and less tapered than most, but there's extra stability at the top, thanks to a firm base layer.” Ivy says that with a use of both cord on the top and soft rubber below that, the new grips can offer better control and responsiveness. “With the non-tapering, you don’t have to squeeze as hard with your bottom hand, so you have equal grip pressure in both hands.”
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Arcco Golf Tracking System
Balls A relatively cheap way to improve your game is to consider the balls you are using,” Gerlach says. “The biggest advance is in the mid-level golf balls ($30 to $40) offering greater distance for a slower swing speed. The core of the ball is much softer, so it can be compressed easier. And with a urethane cover, the club can better grab and spin the ball.” Electronics Two types of rangefinders are popular among golfers: GPS units or laser devices, Ivy says. Lasers can measure the distance to any object by reflecting a light beam off course features like trees, hills, aprons, and bunker faces. “Some lasers also use a measurement of elevation to the target.” GPS units and rangefinders can track accurate yardage to the pin, log how long it takes to play, and track calories burned during the round. A hot item is the Arcco Golf Tracking System that uses GPS and Bluetooth to turn an iPhone into a rangefinder that offers an experience similar to watching a televised round. Battery-operated sensors securely attach to the end of each club. Each sensor then links with the smartphone application, providing shot tracking and real-time analysis. “It’s for the very technical group, a very niche thing,” Ivy says. The Garmin Approach S6 is a popular watch that provides yardage to the green, score tracking, and swing analysis and is more convenient than digging a phone out of a pocket after each swing. The Zepp Golf 3D Swing Analyzer is also
Custom Golf Cart by Colorado Kustom Carts
a hot item, Ivy says. It clips onto your golf glove and serves as a swing analyzer with instant feedback on club speed, swing plane, tempo, backswing, hip rotation, along with suggestions on how to improve. Carts A new move in carts is in remanufacturing used carts, says Graem Dreiling, owner of Colorado Kustom Carts. “It’s become pretty popular nationwide. You can tear it down to the frame and rebuild it. Remanufacturing can add more quality and accessories for a better price point than buying a new one.” New ones retail around $8,400 and fully loaded with accessories can run up to $12,000. “I can build a nice custom cart that will sell for $7,000 to $9,000 fully loaded.” That can include stereo systems and 14” designer rims. Dreiling buys used fleets from golf courses and then remanufactures them to the customer’s needs. Another interesting turn he has found is that many of his clientele are using the carts for transportation. “They may live in a golf community, but they are using the carts to drive to the restaurant, pool, or club house. So I’m building carts with a flip seat on the back. I’m also adding lift kits for bigger wheels.” Take a look at colokustoms.com
Kay Rios, Ph.D., is a freelance writer aspiring to be a great golfer. This season will find her taking lessons and playing more often—most likely without technology. STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM
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Photos: Marcus Edwards
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By Lynette Chilcoat
Randy and Nell Howe, in conjunction with J. Allen Construction, have built a home northeast of Fort Collins that is referred to loosely as a barn home. In fact, the dwelling appears nothing like a big red barn in the traditional American sense. The structure is a barn in a way, however, with stables for horses below, including tack shed and a hay room. Residential living space is above. Make no mistake, though, this isn’t a country bumpkin grange thrown together on a whim, but a well-thought-out plan creating an entirely beautiful, warm, and inviting home. Situated on 90 acres overlooking Cobb Lake, the Front Range mountains rising like a majestic mural to the west, this house offers a unique artistic flair. The inspiration came from the Howe’s extensive journeys throughout the world over the years. A multi-cultural richness is exuded throughout the interior as well as exterior. Each and every component is vividly detailed. Sitting around the dining room table, STYLE 2016
the trio of Nell Howe, Jerry Allen, owner of J. Allen construction, and Sadi Leners, Howe’s daughter, discuss how the project came about. A bouquet of fresh flowers mimics the distinctively colorful tile fireplace in the living room. Opening onto the hallway, a large turquoise French Provincial track door is intricately carved. Behind, in the kitchen, countertops of actual heavy seawall are situated like bastions. “It all started because of our traveling,” says Nell Howe. “We would immerse ourselves into other cultures. Things that were dear to those people’s hearts we brought back, sometimes in the way of physical items, but more often through profound memories. They create villages that are very authentic and historic. The house design itself came from Sweden and Austria, where the animals live below, people live above. In this way, the heat from the animals rises above to help heat the living space.” According to Allen, “The whole thing is an estate where we have incorporated
antique architectural pieces throughout the structure and grounds. It reminds me of a villa in Greece.” Currently, the 3,800-square-foot house is where Randy and Nell reside, with the Plastics Thermoforming business they own situated in nearby Greeley. There’s also a smaller 800-square-foot house that was located on the property when they purchased the site, which they lived in for 18 months while the barn-style home was being constructed. Yet, the scheme is far from complete. Their current barn home is considered to be the guesthouse only, with a larger main home slated to be built nearby. Construction begins in a year. A horse arena graces the southeastern lot. A courtyard will become part of the front landscape, along with a large garden, which are yet to come. “Their vision is amazing,” says Leners, an interior designer who worked hand-inhand with both her parents and the builder to come up with the eclectic decor of the high-end accommodations.
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EXCELLENCE IN DETAIL ABOVE THE REST
970.568.7455 JALLENHOMES.COM 66
OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE
FORT COLLINS, CO
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Thanks to the SUBCONTRACTORS who worked on the HOWE HOME
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Every room is full of treasures imported from various points of the globe in an unobtrusive style. The pieces are woven in with an amazing balance of antiquities and modernistic features. “It’s wonderful to have a daughter in interior design,” says Howe. Sadi and Jerry worked together as a symbiotic team, “pulling together all the delicious ingredients, connecting and making everything consistent.” “Our relationship had to be perfect,” adds Allen, “because they didn’t have finished plans.” “That’s what happens when there’s great communication between the builder and homeowners,” interjects Leners. The goal for the house itself was to make something new appear vintage, as if a wizard had whisked a magic wand to make contemporary elements seem as if they’d stood the test of time. “We’re trying to create an authentically aged structure that looks brand new and adds to the character,” says Leners. “Perfection was not the goal. Finding materials that look old but perform like they’re new, such as the wood floors, was what we wanted.” To bring home this point, Jerry adds,
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“The ceiling and walls are textured masonry, not drywall. The wooden beams are hand-hewn.” “Jerry and his subcontractors went above and beyond to help make our dreams come true,” says Howe. “They truly built what we wanted.” In every direction, across the expanse of each room, different facets from many points on the globe are in evidence. “Eron Johnson, someone I’ve known for years, owns an antiques warehouse,” begins Howe as she tells of the process of acquiring such meaningful artifacts. “He’s been integral to helping us collect stuff that brings our memories alive.” Lighting heralds from the 1940’s era. There are items from the 1600’s as well as the 1800’s. Some doors have center knobs imported from England and Ireland. Others sport glass knobs from Venice. A 300-yearold door from India is a coveted find. Other centerpieces from that country include an old gate with cutout designs in the painted wood utilized as a cabinet front as well as a headboard in the master bedroom made of floor-to-ceiling hand-painted glass panels. In the lower level, where the horses share quarters with the Howe’s three pet dogs, immense Indian castle doors literally big
enough for elephants to pass through mark the west entrance. A Shanxi Province Stone Foo Lion hitching post from 1700’s China is sunk solidly in the concrete floor. All such antiques have documentation verifying they are genuine. “The magic of this house is that our family can come together in a special way,” says Leners. She admits their thought patterns are so outside of the box that there is no square geometric pattern to their processes at all. On a tour of the bottom level, across from the garden room, Leners smiles. “This space is also designed for dances.” Only a few paces away, her mother feeds the horses through troughs that swivel open to an outdoor paddock. One of the equestrian members of the household watches curiously, his silver-gray coat accentuated by morning sunlight. Unaware of the hullabaloo surrounding the notable abode, he nickers contentedly. Lynette Chilcoat is a freelance writer living in Loveland. A native to Colorado, she takes advantage of the outdoor adventures the region offers as much as possible, as well as enjoying the distinctive artistic lifestyle within the community. STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM
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about town
2016 SPIRIT FUNDRAISER February 6 | Hilton | Fort Collins
More than 425 people came to celebrate the gift of a Catholic Education at Saint Joseph Catholic School’s 15th anniversary of SPIRIT. The evening festivities included the infamous dessert dash with lavishly decorated desserts, silent and spirited live auctions, and a keynote address by The Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, Archbishop of Denver. Proceeds from the annual event will benefit Saint Joseph Catholic School.
Rev. Jason Wallace, Elaine Stepple, Margaret Long, Pete Stepple, Pete Long
Robyn Brady, Nancy Nease, Rachael Volk
RAMSTRENGTH VALENTINE'S EVENT February 11 New Belgium Brewery | Fort Collins
Sarah & Tom Kent
Kevin Kijewski, John Dutton, Sister Rose Mary Balappa, S.O.L.M
Ellie Murphy, Damien & Erin Pearson
This Valentine’s celebration brought nearly 160 guests together to celebrate relationships, partnerships, and survivorship, and to “spread the love.” The event was especially poignant as the 3rd annual Tim Rickett Inspirational Award was presented to Natalie Anderson, a high school sophomore at Fossil Ridge for her selfless and giving spirit to the fight against cancer. Over $56,000 was raised at this event and will benefit RamStrength, which has helped over 1,000 local families affected by cancer improve their lives. Photos courtesy of RamStrength.
Julie Croce, Heidi Warren
Crickett Anderson, Jon Anderson, Shauna Anderson, Natalie Anderson Natalie Anderson, 2016 Tim Rickett Inspirational Award Recipient
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La Shaun Davis-Cordova & Manny Cordova
Back: Noriko Yoshikawa, Carol Jo Lubick, Marc Lubick. Front: Michelle Boyle, Daichi Yoshikawa, Haruto Yoshikawa
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about town
DINNER WITH HERMAN MEVILLE February 18 Greeley Country Club More than 80 supporters of High Plains Chautauqua (HPC) gathered to enjoy dinner and performances by Chautauqua scholar George Frein who portrayed writer Herman Melville, famed 19th century writer, and Young Chautauquan William Broderius as Theodore Roosevelt. Proceeds raised from the storytelling evening help to support the High Plains Chautauqua Festival, a living history festival held annually the first week in August where audiences meet and engage with influential characters from the past under the big tent.
Bruce Broderius, William Broderius, Barbara Broderius, George Frein, Kay Broderius
Thelma Bear Edgerton, Ron Edgerton
YOUTH OF THE YEAR BREAKFAST February 18 Embassy Suites | Loveland
More than 825 community members gathered to celebrate outstanding members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County (BGCLC). The Crowingtons, a band from the Fort Collins Unit of BGCLC, performed a mash up for the audience, while the Wellington, Loveland, and Fort Collins Youths of the Year each showcased their talents and stories. More than $100,000 was raised to support BGCLC’s mission of providing a safe environment to help more than 3,500 youth ages 6 to 18 reach their full potential. Photos courtesy of Craig Vollmer Photography.
Lowell Volk, Suzanne Miller, Lyndsey Hertz
Kim Akeley-Charron, Joely Shadduck-McNally
Kathryn & Gary Green
Jose Cabrera, Gail Snyder, Debbi Davis
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Marsha Davis, Tom Selders, Sandi Selders
Larimer County Youth of the Year, Katelyn Hayden, with Loveland Unit Director, TJ Daya
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about town
FOS & THE BEAT GOES ON February 21 Fort Collins Country Club
A night full of music greeted guests, sponsors, and supporters of the Fort Collins Symphony at the annual Friends of the Symphony (FOS) fundraising event. The 100 in attendance enjoyed the evening of demonstrations and education as three percussion instruments—the Timpani, Vibraphone, and Xylophone—were at the forefront at this special fundraiser. The event also included gourmet dining, live jazz music, and dancing. Proceeds raised will help fund the Fort Collins’ Symphony's season as well as the purchase of new percussion instruments. Photos courtesy of Paul Kopco.
Sharyn Salmen, Jody Johnson, Ben Abbey, Christina Abbey
Thomas VanSchoick, Leo Canale, Wes Kenney
Kenneth Pettine, Judson Brown, Donna Mahler
Jack Lundt, Sandra Lundt, Barbara Cohen, Barry Feldman
Paisley Pettine, Carole Egger, Jane Sullivan
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about town
WOMENGIVE LUNCHEON February 25 Embassy Suites | Loveland
Nearly 1,000 people gathered to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of WomenGive, a program of United Way of Larimer County that provides childcare scholarships to help single mothers go to college and build a better future for their families. The luncheon presented inspirational testimonies from several WomenGive scholarship recipients who shared their personal stories and 75 WomenGive Charter Members, who have supported the program since its inception, were presented with Philanthropist of the Decade Awards. The event raised more than $130,000 and helped WomenGive surpass 500 members for the first time in its history. Photos courtesy of zebrajellyfish.com.
Sandra Smyser, Deanna McCreary, Marge Brodahl, Helen Gray, Jenny Philips, Anne Vetter
De Dahlgren, Myra Powers, Judith Plows
Christine Chin, Maureen Berkner-Boyt
Bonnie Trupp, Karen Weitkunat, Tess Heffernan, Jessica MacMillan
Denise Juliana, Ariana Friedlander
Rachael Davis (WomenGive Participant), Allison Hines
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Keely Mendicino, Karri Ham, Marci Kay
JoAnn Herkenhoff, Mindy McCloughan, Mary McCambridge
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