40 NOCO'S OWN WENDY WOO ROCKS ON 44 HIKING HORSETOOTH JANUARY 2018
CHEERS!
CELEBRATING THE NEW YEAR IN NORTHERN COLORADO FORT COLLINS
GREELEY
WINDSOR
LOVELAND
JOHNSTOWN
BERTHOUD
Mo u n t a in Me d ia G r o u p , L L C .
970.226.6400
w w w. n o c o s t y l e . c o m PUBLISHER Tonja Randolph tonja@nocostyle.com MANAGING EDITOR Toni Lapp toni@nocostyle.com ABOUT TOWN EDITOR Ina Szwec | ina@nocostyle.com DESIGNERS Lisa Gould lisa@nocostyle.com Austin Lamb austin@nocostyle.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES Jon Ainslie (970) 219-9226 Debra Davis (917) 334-6912 Lydia Dody (970) 227-6400 Ann Houckes (970) 231-8069 Ashley Randolph (720) 317-9282 OFFICE MANAGER Julie Spencer DISTRIBUTION MANAGER BJ Uribe-Bell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Rod Pentico, Pentico Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Malini Bartels, Cameron Duval, Kyle Eustice, Sue Ann Highland, Samantha Prust, Kay Rios, Michelle Venus AFFILIATIONS Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Loveland Chamber of Commerce Greeley Chamber of Commerce Berthoud Chamber of Commerce NOCO Style magazine is a free monthly publication 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 Mountain Media Group, LLC, 211 W. Myrtle St., Suite 200, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521. Phone (970) 226-6400; Fax (970) 226-6427; Email info@nocostyle.com. ©2018 Mountain Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. The entire contents of NOCO Style magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Mountain Media Group, LLC, 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 Mountain Media Group, LLC.
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Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous New Year!
JANUARY 2018
CONTENTS
features
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‘Best Of’ NOCO Style Winning Businesses
40
NOCO's Own Wendy Woo Rocks On
44
Hiking Horsetooth
46
Partners in Design: Toasting FOCO’s Own Forge + Bow
NOCOSTYLE.COM
JANUARY 2018
52
62
78
CONTENTS 56
58
Departments Letter 12 Publisher's Happy New Year!
Calendar 68 NOCO of Events
Spotlight 14 Business Foundations Counseling
and UNC 71 CSU Calendar of Events
Spotlight 16 Business Learning Rx
78 About Town
52 Food Recipes for a Happy New Year 56 Wellness Getting Serious About Addictive Behavior
58 Seven Ways to a Fresh Wellness New You
62 That Pet You Were Gifted... Pets
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3Hopeful Hearts Music Benefit SummitStone Health Partners Breakfast Hope Lives! Gala Halloween Eye Ball Phantom 4 Miler McKee Hearts of Paradise Gala Underwater Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament Respite Care Holiday Ball
NOCOSTYLE.COM
NOCO | Publisher's Letter
HAPPY NEW YEAR! As we enter 2018, I reflect on the first few months with Mountain Media Group and the wonderful adventure I signed up for.
I
t has been a lot of fun being a part of a creative team with passion, grace and limitless talent, whether they are writing the stories, designing the magazine, or meeting our readers and advertisers in the community. This issue’s cover design kicks off changes to Style’s looks and offerings, undertaken through many hours of research and collaboration internally with our entire team, and externally with experienced publishing executives, our longtime, loyal readers, and regional market leaders. But, this process of redesign will not happen overnight. We look forward to partnering with you on this journey as we introduce new complementary media services and exciting new design elements to our publication. So, as we kick off the new year, I’m excited to share with you the reasoning behind the name change from Style to NOCO Style. Style has been a staple in many of your homes for a very long time. But it hasn’t reached a lot of the outlying Northern Colorado readers. With the increase in residents moving into the region, we’re increasing our print circulation to provide this audience, who may not have seen or read the publication before, with a resource that highlights all NOCO has to offer. We strive to prove that we are “The Premier Magazine of Northern Colorado.” We’re setting some hefty goals this year. Goal #1—We want everyone to have access to NOCO Style that celebrates this dynamic area. If you’re visiting our beautiful state, or happened to pick this up in a
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newsstand and don’t get the magazine at your home, subscribe to the print edition for free online at www.nocostyle.com/subscribe. Goal #2—Provide enhanced feature articles and departments that focus on our region and the many great things that NOCO represents. Goal #3—Interact more with the communities we serve by sponsoring more events. Goal #4—Launch a new website featuring our print content, online exclusive articles, an advertising directory, contests, surveys, and much, much more. We welcome your feedback and ideas. We’d like to hear what brought you to NOCO? What do you love about this region? What do you like to do in NOCO? What would you like us to feature in the coming months? Listening to our readers is Goal #5, so please send your feedback to us at letters@nocostyle.com. I would also like to welcome our new editor, Toni Lapp, to Mountain Media Group. She has many years of magazine publishing experience and is excited to serve your editorial needs. We’ll be compiling staff biographies for each of us in the coming months so that while we’re getting to know you, you can learn a little about us. Finally, I want to thank my family for bearing with me during a tremendous year of change. Their patience and encouragement have allowed me to spread my wings and venture into new opportunities and possibilities.
NOCOSTYLE.COM
NOCO | Business Spotlight
FOUNDATIONS COUNSELING, LLC
By Kyle Eustice
“I believe all people are innately good and all people have a built-in mechanism to help them move towards psychological, emotional and physical health. What we do is help people remove the barriers that are preventing them from moving to their ideal level of health.” —Chris Berger, MA, LPC, NCC
ON THE JOB
Founded in 2007 by Chris Berger, Foundations Counseling LLC is one of Northern Colorado’s leading counseling services. With locations in Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley, it’s also one of the biggest counseling practices in the Front Range area. Berger was motivated to start Foundations following the death of his mother, who was diagnosed with cancer in 1999. Berger, then living in California, would often take trips to Colorado to recharge. As his mother’s health deteriorated and she eventually passed, he left his marketing job in Los Angeles. He relocated to Colorado, sought therapy of his own, and in 2005 he enrolled in grad school to pursue a degree in clinical counseling at the University of Northern Colorado. He opened
Foundations Counseling in 2007. “After I relocated to Colorado, I realized I needed emotional support and some help finding a life purpose,” Berger says. “I came to understand I was dealing with a lot of grief and loss." “My therapist encouraged me to go into the field,” he continues. “It took me another year or two to explore the field, and make that decision on my own. I started by taking some classes at the University of Denver and through that process, I learned I was in love with the material and the field itself, and had a natural gift for the subject matter.” Although he was born in New York City, grew up in Los Angeles, and has lived in Boston, San Diego and Denver, he’s now settled in Fort Collins, where he’s deeply
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integrated with his community. “Moving here was about becoming more grounded, more in touch with people and more in touch with nature,” he says, adding, “I discovered a wonderful balance in Colorado. It’s the best of both worlds.”
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Foundations Counseling offers a plethora of mental health services, including individual counseling, marriage and couples counseling, family counseling, and child and teen counseling. According to the Foundations Counseling website, its mission is “to provide hope and healing to individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents who are experiencing psychological, emotional and relational distress. We believe it is our responsibility to facilitate growth beyond healing.” Typical signs of depression include sadness, sleeping too much or too little, irritability, changes in appetite, avoiding social situations or a loss of sexual desire. Foundations Counseling is able to tackle a variety of these issues using any combination of therapeutic approaches. The sheer size of Foundations Counseling, which includes 23 therapists and seven administrative employees, makes it possible to help thousands of people in need every year. “To my knowledge, I believe we are the largest private practice counseling in Northern Colorado and top ten in the entire state in terms of size,” he says. “We have about 5,000 people a year that contact us, so about 100 a week. We currently have over 1,200 active clients of which about 500 a week or more come through our doors. We’re growing, too. Our future plan is to double in size. The current goal is about 45 counselors. “Right now, we serve 95 percent of all relationship and mental health issues,” he continues. “Of course, not any one person does everything, but between the team, we’re very well able to serve the entire community.”
CLAIM TO FAME
Since opening Foundations Counseling, Berger and his staff have expertly helped people from all walks of life with mental health issues involving things like drug, gambling and pornography addiction, but as he explains, those are all under the same umbrella of “unhealthy self-medication coping techniques.” He’s impressed with
the way Foundations Counseling therapists have tackled anxiety, depression and relationship issues as well. “The level of extreme relationship counseling really takes us above and beyond a typical mental health therapist,” he says. “Everyone on the staff has a masters or doctorate degree. We especially focus on the healing and growth of relationship dynamics.” Berger also takes great pride in Foundation Counseling’s training process. “One of the things I discovered along the way is the need for much more extensive training above and beyond what graduate schools supply,” he says. “We have the most extensive post-grad training—to my knowledge—in the entire United States. When we hire people, there’s an initial 90 hours over three weeks of orientation training, then we have six hours per week for the first year and four hours per week thereafter.”
REASONS TO GO
In addition to the variety of counseling services, Foundations Counseling is meticulous in its hiring process and only employs the best of the best. “We have the most thorough hiring and interviewing process in the industry,” Berger says. “Therefore, the standards we have for the people who work here are of a different quality. After we hire those exceptional individuals, we have the most extensive and thorough training process in the field. Our clients are guaranteed the best service possible that therapy provides.” In terms of pricing, Foundations Counseling aims to be as affordable as possible. Each therapist charges a flat fee per session. “We have modeled our organization after traditional professional services like doctors, accountants and dentists,” he explains. “We make sure the standard of service is a notch above.”
WHEN TO GO
Hours depend on the individual counselor. Call for availability.
HOW TO FIND THEM
www.foundationscounselingllc.com (970) 227-2770
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JANUARY 2018
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NOCO | Business Spotlight
By Samantha Prust
“My plan since college was to work in a field making brains work better.” —Mike Winchell
Director at the LearningRx Fort Collins Brain Training Center
L
earningRx is on a mission to improve your brain. No other brain training compares with Learning Rx, says Mike Winchell, owner of a franchise in Fort Collins. “Other brain training is just videos, which is akin to learning to play tennis by watching a video,” says Winchell. “Instead, we feature one-on-one, face-to-face training, and we have demonstrated, researched results.” When Winchell discovered the program in 2008, he found his calling. “My plan since college was to work in a field making brains work better.” As a former electrical engineer who programmed neural networks, Winchell knew LearningRx was a natural fit for his skills and goals. He also credits Sue Ann Highland, his organizational development director, with helping him achieve success through his franchise. Highland has a background as a school principal and loves working with children. LearningRx has helped a wide variety of both kids and adults achieve better learning outcomes in school, says Winchell, noting that it has also benefited those who have been diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities and autism, as well as age-related cognitive decline. In addition, the training helps people who have no cognitive struggles but just want to boost their brain power to be at the top of their game to pursue their life goals. The process begins with a LearningRx trainer, who uses nationally recognized cognitive tests to assess a client’s abilities, and then designs a series of personalized mental workouts. Trainers measure cognitive skills through the Learning Model, which is based on the Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory of intelligence. Cognitive skills include attention, processing speed, working memory, auditory processing, visual processing, longterm memory, and logic and reasoning. Unfortunately, the legitimacy of brain training is
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compromised by “neuro-myths,” as Highland notes. Some of those myths include: • The average person uses only 10 percent of his/ her brain. • Humans are either right-brained or left-brained. • Adults cannot improve their cognitive abilities. Science has since dispelled these myths, and fortunately, they didn’t discourage LearningRx founder Ken Gibson from pursuing his goal to develop an effective brain training system. In the late 1970s, he began to work on brain training methods out of a desire to help students struggling with reading. The success of Gibson’s program is illustrated by numerous studies. For example, a group of 17,998 clients who completed training between 2010 and 2015 show an average gain of 26 percentile points in IQ. You can find many other peer-reviewed articles and studies at learningrx.com under “Research & Science.” (www.learningrx.com/fort-collins/research-science/ studies-on-learningrx/). When you read the inspirational stories displayed on the walls of LearningRx, you see just how amazing the results are and what the program can do to restore confidence through better cognitive performance. Highland and Winchell are passionate about helping people, and they find their work rewarding in many ways. “It is truly life-changing,” says Highland. Winchell and Highland’s compassion reaches further into the community through their Realities for Children fund to help abused and neglected children. They also do outreach to schools, helping to train teachers and parents on the reasons why children struggle with learning. To learn more about how LearningRx can help you improve your brain, visit www.learningrx.com, call (970) 672-2020, or visit the Fort Collins office at 1100 Haxton Drive, Suite #105. NOCOSTYLE.COM
JANUARY 2018
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SERVING YOU WITH 6 OFFICES IN NORTHERN COLORADO
WWW.THEGROUPINC.COM
From ome Our YHours to
KATHY ALBERTZ
970-690-6011 kalbertz@thegroupinc.com
SHEILA BENSHOOF
970-227-9802 sbenshoof@thegroupinc.com
ABBEY BOEDING
970-481-1277 aboeding@thegroupinc.com
RANDY ALBERTZ
970-691-6901 ralbertz@thegroupinc.com
GREG BEVER
970-215-1722 gbever@thegroupinc.com
KATHY BOEDING
970-231-9073 kboeding@thegroupinc.com
KATHY ARENTS
970-222-1784 karents@thegroupinc.com
JASON BILLINGS
970-581-6444 jbillings@thegroupinc.com
KRISTIN BOEDING
970-825-2242 krboeding@thegroupinc.com
GEORGENA ARNETT
SUSAN BEATTY-MANTEY
BETH BISHOP
CINDY BLACH
970-481-9801 garnett@thegroupinc.com
970-692-9600 bbishop@thegroupinc.com
BRIAN BOGAARD
970-481-5376 bbogaard@thegroupinc.com
970-222-0389 sbmantey@thegroupinc.com
970-481-5821 cblach@thegroupinc.com
JUDY BOGAARD
970-377-4931 jbogaard@thegroupinc.com
SERVING YOU WITH 6 OFFICES IN NORTHERN COLORADO
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SALLY BRENT
STEVE BRICKER
KELLI COUCH
JEFF DAVIDSON
970-461-7110 sbrent@thegroupinc.com
970-310-8804 kcouch@thegroupinc.com
ANNA DITORRICE-MULL 970-631-2649 amull@thegroupinc.com
BRANDI GARIFI
720-291-0899 bgarifi@thegroupinc.com
RAY HENRY
970-215-0918 rhenry@thegroupinc.com
970-218-1821 sbricker@thegroupinc.com
970-305-5922 jdavidson@thegroupinc.com
KIM DOLL
970-445-8604 kdoll@thegroupinc.com
KIERSTEN GRAF
JO CARNEY
970-310-1836 jcarney@thegroupinc.com
NATALIE DEANGELIS
970-631-6776 ndeangelis@thegroupinc.com
MIKE ENGLERT
970-213-1254 menglert@thegroupinc.com
ERIK HARDY
970-690-0330 kgraf@thegroupinc.com
970-219-3472 ehardy@thegroupinc.com
SHELLY HILL
LISA HITE
970-310-3457 shill@thegroupinc.com
970-310-3133 lhite@thegroupinc.com
JIM CHANCE
970-388-4261 jchance@thegroupinc.com
JOANNE DE´LEON
970-691-2501 jdeleon@thegroupinc.com
LANE EVERITT
970-310-5312 leveritt@thegroupinc.com
JIM HAUAN
970-419-2303 jhauan@thegroupinc.com
SARA HORNER
970-443-8556 shorner@thegroupinc.com
LEONE CORYELL
970-227-1757 lcoryell@thegroupinc.com
TIM DE´LEON
970-215-5579 tdeleon@thegroupinc.com
KURT FAULKNER
970-690-4226 kfaulkner@thegroupinc.com
PAULA HAWE
970-222-1020 phawe@thegroupinc.com
MICHELLE HUBBARD
970-690-6706 mhubbard@thegroupinc.com
OUR BUSINESS IS BUILT ON RELATIONSHIPS AND TRUST
THE GROUP INC. REAL ESTATE
NICOLE HUNTSMAN
KEITH HUNTSMAN
STEPHANIE KIRKLAND
970-377-4941 khuntsman@thegroupinc.com
970-679-8084 skirkland@thegroupinc.com
CINDY KURTZ
970-402-0221 nhuntsman@thegroupinc.com
MARNIE LONG
DIANA LUTHI
ALYCIA MARTINEZ
HEATHER MATZ
970-481-8613 marnie@marnielong.com
DEANNA MCCRERY
970-222-9532 dmccrery@thegroupinc.com
JIM MURRAY
970-377-4909 jmurray@thegroupinc.com
JAIO OSBORNE
970-999-4398 josborne@thegroupinc.com
970-481-2692 dluthi@thegroupinc.com
CHRIS MCELROY
970-377-4927 chris@thegroupinc.com
970-679-1657 amartinez@thegroupinc.com
DOUG MILLER
970-481-9444 dmiller@thegroupinc.com
970-962-6832 ckurtz@thegroupinc.com
970-690-1742 hmatz@thegroupinc.com
ELAINE C. MINOR
970-215-9236 eminor@thegroupinc.com
DAVID T. MUTH
ROB MYGATT
JACK NEEDY
970-481-5963 dmuth@thegroupinc.com
970-229-5411 rmygatt@thegroupinc.com
970-310-6718 jneedy@thegroupinc.com
JOHN PEDEN
BETH PHILLIPS
JOEY PORTER
970-227-5677 jpeden@thegroupinc.com
970-449-3345 bphillips@thegroupinc.com
970-481-4814 jporter@thegroupinc.com
BOB LONER
970-231-2222 bloner@thegroupinc.com
KELLY MCBARTLETT
970-541-0571 kmcbartlett@thegroupinc.com
SCOTT MULLEN
970-690-8333 smullen@thegroupinc.com
MARY O'NEAL
970-371-2738 moneal@thegroupinc.com
MIKI ROTH
970-690-9459 mikiroth@thegroupinc.com
SERVING YOU WITH 6 OFFICES IN NORTHERN COLORADO
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TRACEY RYK
970-217-3454 tryk@thegroupinc.com
ANDREA SCHAEFER
970-290-3758 aschaefer@thegroupinc.com
ADRIENNE SCHARLI
970-229-5408 ascharli@thegroupinc.com
RYAN SPENCER
BARBARA SCHNEIDER
970-566-4902 bschneider@thegroupinc.com
TODD SLEDGE
TAMI SPAULDING
970-377-4901 tsledge@thegroupinc.com
970-215-6978 tspaulding@thegroupinc.com
970-214-0263 rspencer@thegroupinc.com
DON SVITAK
JACK TAYLOR
DAVE TRUJILLO
CATHERINE VANCE
970-222-0340 dtrujillo@thegroupinc.com
970-231-0234 cvance@thegroupinc.com
ROBERT WALKOWICZ
BROOKE WALSER
970-215-1571 dsvitak@thegroupinc.com
BECKY VASOS 970-217-9874 bvasos@thegroupinc.com
970-420-9302 jtaylor@thegroupinc.com
CAROL VOORHIS
970-481-9487 cvoorhis@thegroupinc.com
LAURA JO WASHLE
970-232-6336 ljwashle@thegroupinc.com
WYNN WASHLE
970-481-6077 rwalkowicz@thegroupinc.com
970-419-2329 wwashle@thegroupinc.com
BILL WEST
DENISE STAAB
970-581-5671 dstaab@thegroupinc.com
970-222-7187 bwalser@thegroupinc.com
970-690-0505 bwest@thegroupinc.com
HEP WILKINS
BOB SKILLMAN
970-679-1632 bskillman@thegroupinc.com
KIM SUMMITT
970-689-6950 ksummitt@thegroupinc.com
KARLA VANDENBERG
970-405-8530 kvandenberg@thegroupinc.com
SUSAN WARREN
970-222-1174 swarren@thegroupinc.com
970-227-3974 hwilkins@thegroupinc.com
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NOCOSTYLE.COM
NOCO Style Presents Select ‘Best Of ’ Recipients.
Read on to learn more about the businesses and entrepreneurs that make Northern Colorado a thriving success story.
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Featured 'Best of 'Style Winners
BEST ROOFING SERVICE Affordable Roofing & Restoration (970) 207-0000 | www.affordableroofinginc.com
Specializing in residential and commercial roofing, Affordable Roofing & Restoration strives to make the insurance claim and repair process as painless as possible. Affordable has more than 40 years of expertise in the roofing and insurance industry and has won Best Clothing Alterations Best Distillery NOCO Style’s “Best Of” award for three years running. As a family-owned business, they take great Collins | Fort The Sewing Room | Fort Collins CopperMuse Distillery pride in the relationships built throughout the years | coppermuse.com 970-225-6927 | thesewingroomfc.com 970-999-6016 among customers and industry partners. Affordable has multiple locations stretching from to Northern Colorado to Wyoming. Owner Debbie Zink believes The Sewing Room’s “can- Castle RockCopperMuse Distillery offers a treasure trov “We would like to thank all of our customers do attitude” is partly responsible for the business’ sucspirits and delightful food offerings. Preside us as Northern Colorado's premier cess. Located in an old home on 301 E. Swallow Rd., Zinkfor recognizing Hevelone’s focus is on the customer’s entire roofing company,” say owners Cory Braesch and Jim and her employees provide alterations, sewing, clothing which includes daily tours and crafting incre Simpson. “We would also like to recognize the hard construction, as well as sewing classes and a dry cleaningwork and dedication cocktailsofin its Art Deco-inspired tasting roo our employee family who are service with Burke’s dry cleaning. They take pride in the invaluable to and passion our cocktail bar and kitchen sta our growth and success.”
job they do and want every one their customers to walk away happy. There’s a reason The Sewing’s Room motto is: “We’re Sew Good.”
hospitality they share with new and returnin Hevelone says. “Our extensive offerings of and rums range from traditional flavors such or fresh strawberry to more adventurous co as thin mint cookies, beef jerky and chipotle
BEST PLUMBING SERVICE Allen Service
Best (970)Plumbing 484-4841 | Service www.allenservice.com Allen Service | Fort Collins Now in its 56th year, Allen Service has long prided | allenservice.com 970-744-2557 itself on its customer service. Inside its front door, a
sign instructs its employees with three simple rules: “Be on time. to learnset newof things. Do the Armed with Be itswilling honorable ethics, Allen Plumbin best you can.” That provides the foundation for the customer s has been providing trustworthy, top-notch CEO55 Jeffyears Allen says. missionby is to itscompany, inception ago.“Our Helmed Jeff Allen, the f provide such excellent service that all our customcompany believes its qualified employees make Allen ers become raving fans and brag about using our “The home services profession is evolving at a faster p company.” before,” Allenby says. “To provide this, we invest heavily Jeff is joined his brother Mike, who is president team the latestbusiness, innovations andparents technical training f of theon family-owned which their plumbing, heating and cooling the home.” founded in 1962. The company has notfor only survived, it has thrived by adapting to the times. It was Northern Colorado’s first green plumber, Mike says. “We were green before it was fashionable. We’ve been using the right approach for years with things like low water consumption, fixtures and faucets.” In addition to plumbing, Allen Service also does HVAC work.
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Featured 'Best of 'Style Winners
BEST CUSTOM BUILDER NoCO Custom Homes LLC (970) 581-0481 | www.nococustomhomes.com Building a custom home is not a decision people make lightly, so it’s important to choose wisely when selecting a builder. That is a responsibility that NoCO Custom Homes has taken to heart. Being chosen by NOCO Style readers as Best Custom Builder in 2017 is an impressive accomplishment for a company that is only six years out of the starting gate, but co-founder Jason Jones already had five years’ building experience when he and his wife, Dani, launched their firm in 2012. Nevertheless, Jason says they were “pleasantly surprised” at winning the award. Jason spent six years in the Marine Corps, which included two deployments to Iraq. He returned to Fort Collins in the early 2000s and decided to venture into the world of real estate. "I've always been passionate about construction as well as the home-building process,” he says. “Becoming a custom home builder was a natural progression for me.” Their focus is decidedly on quality rather than quantity, says Dani. “Jason and I work strictly as a husband-and-wife team,” she says. “This has been a huge benefit to us historically. Folks like that we have a tight grip on quality control, being that it is just the two of us. This business structure is by design. We have opted to keep our company small in an effort to foster a close relationship with our clients.” NoCO is mindful that for most people, building a custom home is an investment of a lifetime. “This is a responsibility we take seriously and feel honored when folks put their trust in building their dream with us,” says Dani. “We are very passionate about what we do and about helping people make their dreams a reality.”
JANUARY 2018
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Featured 'Best of 'Style Winners
BEST HOTEL Armstrong Hotel 259 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 484-3883 | www.thearmstronghotel.com The Armstrong Hotel is a family-run boutique hotel that Charles and Carolyn Mantz opened in downtown Fort Collins in 1923. The hotel is named after Carolyn’s father, Andrew Armstrong. The ownership and name has changed throughout the years to the Empire Hotel and the Mountain Empire Hotel, but eventually went back to the Armstrong Hotel. “The Armstrong is proudly part of Fort Collins history, and has maintained a distinct and unique vibe all its life,” says General Manager Aaron Black. “Guests of the hotel, and patrons of Ace Gillett's Lounge, get a kick out of immersing themselves in something totally authentic to this community. The atmosphere, the service and the location all add up to a visit that makes you feel like you've really gotten to know the town during your stay.”
BEST FINE DINING Chimney Park Restaurant & Bar 406 Main St., Windsor (970) 686-1477 | www.chimneypark.com Chimney Park Restaurant & Bar, established in 2007 by chef and owner Jason Shaeffer, merges the refined elements of dining with a feeling of accessibility and simplicity. The restaurant has become a regional, state-wide and national dining destination in Northern Colorado. In recent years Chimney Park has won the DiRoNA Award of Excellence, OpenTable.com Best Restaurants in America, 2011 and 2015, and Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2014 through 2017. Housed in historic downtown Windsor, Chimney Park’s original building from 1895 has undergone a recent renovation in 2017, the restaurant’s tenth anniversary. Chimney Park sources local, seasonal and organic products from Colorado and the surrounding region. Whether it’s a special occasion, an evening with friends or the nightly happy hour in the bar, Chimney Park offers an approachable, sophisticated atmosphere. The staff, cuisine, wine and service are the benchmarks in this foundation for creating hospitable and memorable experiences.
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Featured 'Best of 'Style Winners
BEST SPA Allura Skin, Laser & Wellness Clinic 2032 Lowe St., Suite 103 | Fort Collins 1615 Foxtrail Drive, Suite 190 | Loveland (970) 223-0193 | www.alluraclinic.com Celebrating its tenth year in business, Allura Skin, Laser & Wellness Clinic has seen many new developments in the industry since the opening of the first location in 2008. But fad chasers, they are not. All new services are rigorously researched, and adopted only if evidence-based standards are met. In short, Allura’s goal is to help its clients look confident and feel confident through laser skin treatments, med spa services, laser hair removal, diet and wellness services, and more. Among the new offerings is the “Mona Lisa Touch,” a vaginal laser treatment that addresses the painful effects of menopause. Other services include CoolSculpting, rosacea laser treatments, laser hair removal, injectables (Botox and fillers) and bio-identical hormone replacement for men and women. Led by a management team that includes three medical doctors, Allura has 34 employees on staff at its two NOCO locations. Allura prides itself on the rigorous training team members undergo. “We are continually getting updates on new techniques and the latest research,” says co-owner Rebecca de la Torre, MD. “It is because of our commitment to excellent provider skills and customer service that our clientele voted us the best spa in Northern Colorado.”
JANUARY 2018
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Featured 'Best of 'Style Winners
BEST CARWASH/DETAILER Breeze Thru Car Wash (970) 484-8893 | www.breezethrucarwash.com Breeze Thru Car Wash has opened seven locations around Northern Colorado and southern Wyoming since opening the first location in 2007. Offering fast and inexpensive exterior car washes, some locations offer cleaning inside and out, and detailing. “What sets our business apart from other car washes is value to the customer, convenience and professionalism,” says owner John Agnew. Breeze Thru offers an unlimited wash pass so customers can wash their car as many times as they want for one low monthly price. “My favorite parts of the business include washing a lot of cars, seeing the development of our employees and giving back to the community,” John says.
BEST ORTHODONTIC PRACTICE Crane & Seager Orthodontics Fort Collins and Loveland (970) 226-6443 | www.craneseagerortho.com Mark Crane, DDS, MS, and Craig Seager, DDS, MSD, and their personally trained team love to help kids, teens and adults achieve beautiful smiles. Their orthodontic solutions are tailored to each patient’s lifestyle and personal preference ensuring the best results. The Crane & Seager team take their roles seriously and are always excited to see their patients. Their genuine desire to provide the best patient care pushes them to stay on the cutting edge of orthodontics. Crane & Seager offer a full range of treatment options including high-end braces, lingual braces, ceramic braces and Invisalign. As a locally owned business, with offices in Fort Collins and Loveland, Crane & Seager are active community leaders supporting many local businesses and nonprofits since 2002.
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BEST INTERIOR FINISHES Loveland Design Center 360 S. Lincoln Ave., Loveland (970) 667-3590 | www.lovelanddesigncenter.com Loveland Design Center is a family-owned business that has served Northern Colorado since 1967. Cindy Corbett bought the business from her parents in 1983. It was originally called Loveland Discount Center and it was an automotive store. It is now a 7,000-square-foot showroom filled with the newest and best floor coverings. Cindy didn’t want the store to be rows and rows of carpet, so she opted for an open, fun interior. “It is an extension of my home,” Cindy says. Loveland Design Center provides free interior design services and has master installers to help you every step of the way. “Our team is well versed with all the products and listens very carefully to get you exactly what you need.” A very important team member is the store greeter, Jamie, also known as the “hospitality sweetheart.” She greets every customer who enters the store with a big smile.
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BEST PET GROOMING The Dog Pawlour 2005 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 484-3644 | www.dogpawlour.com The Dog Pawlour has grown tremendously in the three-and-a-half years in business. They started in Fort Collins but recently added a second location in Greeley, with a grand opening of January 27. Both locations offer dog and cat grooming, self-wash, and doggie daycare. Master groomer and owner Brittany Munsch says grooming is her favorite aspect of the business. “It is what brought me into the industry and into owning my own business,” she says. “Being hands-on and working with the pets brings such a joy to what I do.” “There are three things that sets our business apart from other dog grooming facilities; our staff, personalization, and superior equipment. My amazing groomers are loving and compassionate with the pets and the front-of-the-house staff does an incredible job assisting our clients. We provide a very personalized experience for our client’s pets by offering treatments and add-ons that are tailored for each pet’s needs. Our state-of-the-art equipment allows our groomers to have a clean, consistent groom every time.”
BEST BANK First National Bank (970) 495-9450 | www.1stnationalbank.com As the largest family-owned bank in the country, First National can compete with the really “BIG” banks, but still maintain a personal touch. The accolades keep piling up: For six years in a row, First National has been recognized as one of Forbes’ “Best Banks in America,” and recently the bank received recognition as the “Best Bank in Colorado” from money.com (a division of Time magazine). Being named “Best Bank” in NOCO Style magazine is also a big deal, because the reader-driven award underscores First National’s commitment to community partnerships. Indeed, First National is the “Official Bank” of Downtown Fort Collins, Colorado State University and the Colorado Eagles. “We’re always honored to receive the recognition like that from NOCO Style readers as the 'Best Bank' over the past couple of years,” says Mark Driscoll, Colorado market president for First National. “Serving Northern Colorado since 1881, we appreciate and respect the trust our customers have placed in us regarding their finances, and helping them meet their goals becomes our goal, too.” The coming year will be another banner year for First National; it plans to release new versions of its website and mobile apps, and it will open a new branch in Boulder—its 25th branch in Northern Colorado.
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BEST HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning (970) 484-4552 | www.fortcollinsheating.com Family-owned Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning (FCHA) maintains the same family mindset it had since its start in 1934. The company motto is “Big enough to serve, small enough to care.”
FCHA prides itself on having an entire department dedicated to following up on every installation with a full-fledged quality assurance inspection of its own. This process ensures workmanship to the company standard, not just to code. Additionally, FCHA is committed to high levels of customer service. “We have been able to grow, and while we’ve grown we've maintained our core values: quality, customer satisfaction and internal morale,” says CEO Glenn Frank. “I am so proud of the culture we’ve created and the core values that we hold to such a high standard every day.” In 2017, FCHA was listed on the Inc. 5000 list and was honored among the fastest-growing top privately-owned companies in the nation. Frank’s goals for the business are to be the premier HVAC company in Fort Collins and the surrounding area. “I’ve talked to my management team a lot about what we mean by ‘premier,’” says Frank. “To us, premier is to lead by example and to encourage other companies in the industry. We want to be there not only for the residents of Northern Colorado, but also for other companies as well. We want to be a good example, a good leader and a good support within the industry.”
BEST DENTAL PRACTICE Front Range Dental Center 2720 Council Tree Ave., #260, Fort Collins (970) 672-4128 | www.frontrangedental.com Front Range Dental Center has been voted best dental practice for four consecutive years. The family, general and cosmetic dentistry team is a “one-stop shop” that can provide everything from exams, dental cleanings, x-rays, cavities and fillings, clear correct braces, teeth-grinding treatments, implants, dentures and crowns. The nation’s best dentists deserve the best equipment. They recently acquired a CEREC machine, which allows the dentists to perform sameday crowns, veneers and bridges. “We opened Front Range Dental Center seven years ago from scratch, with zero customers and no corporate affiliation,” says founder Kathryn Radtke, DDS. “Now we are thriving, and that is all due to this great community and customer referrals.”
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BEST HOT WINGS Jim’s Wings 1205 W. Elizabeth St., Fort Collins (970) 493-1103 | www.jimswings.com First opened in 1991, Jim’s Wings is a Fort Collins favorite for wings and anything else one could want with wings. “The food is made fresh to order and customer service is a priority,” says owner and self-proclaimed “chicken king” Jim Dunn. His restaurant boasts a family-friendly atmosphere, fast service, and ample televisions surrounding the dining area. Jim won’t reveal the ingredients in his secret sauce, but he does have a recipe for success: “We have a core group of amazing employees and loyal customers who keep business thriving!”
BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER Layman Lewis Financial Group 5401 Stone Creek Circle 2nd Floor, Loveland (970) 669-1225 | www.laymanlewis.com Layman Lewis Financial Group has won best financial planner for three years in a row. The family-owned business took their years of experience and established Layman Lewis in 2005. Their priority is to help you meet your financial needs, whether you need help
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with retirement planning, investment planning, estate planning or tax planning. “We are not a transactional firm, we are a relationship firm,” says financial professional and co-founder Alicia Lewis. “The better we know you, the better we can advise you.” This attitude is just one of the reasons that Layman Lewis has been so successful throughout the years," says Alicia. “We specialize in retirement planning. I have customers that say to me, ‘I would like to retire yesterday.’ I live for the moments when I can say, ‘We can make this happen and here’s how,’ and their faces light up.” “Our company’s goals are to teach, inspire and unite,” she adds. “Most people are not familiar with the services we provide, and I want to spread the word so that we can help more people achieve financial independence.” Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM). AEWM and Layman Lewis Financial Group are not affiliated companies. “Best Of” is an annual survey conducted by Style magazine. The winner is chosen by an online vote of the general public, and no specific criteria are utilized to determine the winner. The majority of voters may not be clients of Layman Lewis Financial Group. The designation is not representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of future performance. AW12175443
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BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE Lemons & Lace Boutique 4431 Corbett Drive, Suite 100, Fort Collins (970) 226-3854 | www.shoplemonsandlace.com Lemons & Lace, one of the newest women’s boutiques in Fort Collins, has won best women’s clothing boutique for the first year. Owner Jordan Cannon, a Fort Collins native and CSU Apparel and Merchandising graduate, opened Lemons & Lace in the fall of 2016. Jordan’s love for the community and her expertise in style shines throughout the boutique. The shop contains a variety of products for every age at great prices. Some of these products include clothing, denim, athleisure wear, footwear, jewelry, items for the home, and gifts. “You will find classic pieces you’ll love and have forever, and the latest and greatest statement pieces,” says Jordan. I believe the secret to success is to work hard and stay humble, keep things new and fresh, and continue to grow but stay true to who you are,” added Jordan. You can follow Lemons & Lace on Facebook and Instagram, @shoplemonsandlace.
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY Rebound Sports & Physical Therapy Fort Collins and Loveland (970) 663-6142 | www.reboundsportspt.com Rebound Sports & Physical Therapy started in 1997 as a solo-therapist practice and now has two locations, one in Loveland and one in Fort Collins, with 19 clinical staff. “Rebound considers the ‘3 C’s’ as key organizational principles:
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Character, Clinical Excellence and Customer Service,” says Brad Ott, physicial therapist and president of the practice. “These are critical elements to who we are, and why we love what we do every day. Having the entire company, from therapists to administrative staff, committed to those principles allows us to create an environment and patient experience that is extremely positive. I like that Rebound has become a collective team, with impressive clinical experts and opinion leaders in the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, hand therapy, and massage therapy. Nearly 70 percent of our new patient referrals are through wordof-mouth recommendations and not just referrals from physicians.” “Seeing individual patient results such as pain relief, or return to activities is a constant reward,” says Brad. Rebound has expanded the scope of their ACL injury rehabilitation program with an ACL injury prevention program called Sportsmetrics. They also offer group fitness classes, taught by physical therapists, for runningspecific fitness and injury prevention, and golf-specific yoga.
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BEST WAXING STUDIO Screamin Peach 638 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 224-2930 | www.screaminpeach.com
BEST SPECIALTY FOOD & DRINK Savory Spice 123 N. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 682-2971 www.savoryspiceshop.com/colorado/fort-collins Former Fort Collins’ Mayor Susan Kirkpatrick is on a roll! She is the owner of Savory Spice in Old Town and they have won best specialty food and drink store for the second year in a row. Savory
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Head honcho Jen Eichhorn opened the Screamin Peach 11 years ago in Old Town Fort Collins. Since then, Jen opened a second location in Fort Collins and recently opened a location in Longmont at The Village at the Peaks. “It’s a beautiful studio and we are really excited to be a part of this growing community,” says Jen. “I feed on forward motion. The growth of the Screamin Peach, both in expansion and business efficiency, is my favorite aspect.” The mission at the Screamin Peach is “to make each and every one of our clients feel safe, comfortable, and heard,” says Jen. Services include women’s and men’s waxing, spray tans, and some “secret” services. They are also now offering microblading. “This is an awesome service to be able to offer our clients with thinning or unruly brows. Our microbladers have worked incredibly hard to train for this and I’m very proud of their success at this new venture,” adds Jen. When asked what makes her most proud, Jen names her employees. “They are the most amazing team of women; they are compassionate, bright, and dedicated. We truly enjoy our time together at work and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Spice opened in 2011 and provides more than 400 types of herbs, spices and seasonings for baking, grilling and much more. Susan stated, “My knowledgeable staff sets my business apart. We strive to delight our customers with great service and quantities of spices to meet their needs. My favorite aspect of the business is seeing repeat customers and meeting customers who are thrilled at our selection and quality.” Susan is very involved in the Fort Collins community. “I am most proud of my support for a scholarship in the Food and Nutrition Department at Colorado State University,” says Susan. “The current recipient is studying the health benefits of turmeric. This is the fourth year of the scholarship.” There are a few new offerings at Savory Spice, says Susan. “First, our easy recipe packs called ‘Spice 'n Easy.’ You can make an appetizer, a main dish or a dessert in about 20 minutes, and the price is affordable. We also have a new Chocolate Peppermint Sugar and a new Chicharron Salt made with real pork rind. It's like bacon salt, only better.”
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BEST LIQUOR STORE Wilbur’s Total Beverage 2201 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 226-8662 | www.wilburstotalbeverage.com Wilbur’s Total Beverage has been voted best liquor store four years in a row. General manager/co-owner Mat Dinsmore says Wilbur’s service and selection sets it apart from other liquor stores. The 24,000-square-feet space contains 12,000 items, including the largest local selection of wine and spirits in Fort Collins. The family-owned business has served Northern Colorado since 2000. Mat says three factors have contributed to Wilbur’s success. “One, is having awesome customers,” he says. “Our customers are a blessing. We have created so many great relationships with people. We have customers who have kids in high school now and we remember when their wives were pregnant. Two, surrounding ourselves with great people; our team is so special to me. They range in age from 21- to over 60-years-old, many of which have worked in hospitality and the liquor industry in different fashions, and truly care about great customer service. And three, being proud of giving back to the community.” Wilbur’s donates to many nonprofits each year, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, UCHealth Breast Diagnostic Center, Children’s Health Foundation, and Pathways of Northern Colorado. “We sell a fun product!” says Mat. Visit Wilbur’s for weekly wine and beer tastings.
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BEST CHIROPRACTOR Scott Chiropractic Fort Collins P.C. 5125 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 482-1175 | www.drscottchiro.com Mark Scott, DC, has been helping patients since 1992. His office has won best chiropractor two years in a row. The team consists of well-experienced chiropractic and massage therapists whose goal
is to keep patients out of the office and feeling great without depending on an adjustment. “From pain relief and restoring function to auto-injuries and trauma, at Scott Chiropractic of Fort Collins, we make it our job to help patients reach both short-term and long-term goals,” says office manager Lisa Bohannon. “To simply put it, we strive to keep things traditional and simple.” Scott Chiropractic offers new patient specials that includes an exam, a chiropractic treatment and a onehour massage for one low price. Returning patients will receive an affordable chiropractic treatment that includes a free follow-up visit. They also offer massage therapy packages that are competitively priced and transferable to share with a friend or family member. “Our favorite aspect of the business is the relationship between the staff and our staff’s relationship with our patients,” adds Lisa. “Nothing is more satisfying than having a team that enjoys coming to work and patients that enjoy the value of happy employees contributing to the experience.”
BEST NAIL SALON She She Beauty Lounge 2601 S. Lemay Ave., Fort Collins (970) 377-4181 | www.sheshelounge.com Owner/founder Susan Byrum opened the She She Lounge almost ten years ago and since then, the quaint salon-spa has become like home for her clients, a place she pours her heart and soul into every day. From nail services and spray tanning to full body waxing and results-oriented facials, the team of passionate professionals do a little bit of everything. “We believe that sanitary and personal beauty experiences should be accessible to everyone; we also aim to be affordable,” Byrum says. “We offer a one-stop shop for all grooming and pampering needs.”
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BEST JEWELRY STORE Sather’s Leading Jewelers 300 E. Foothills Parkway, Fort Collins (970) 223-0256 | www.sathersjewelers.com Sather’s Leading Jewelers has won best jewelry store two years in a row. They have been in business since 1910 and continue to be family owned. Julie Sather-Browne stated that they are “five generations strong and generations three, four and five are currently working in the business. A locally owned business that thrives for 108 years speaks volumes as to how we treat our valued clients, our beautiful jewelry and longevity of our team. This is a huge part of our success, amazing individuals who give 110 percent every day.” “We work diligently to have the current styles and prized pieces of jewelry to mark one's most momentous occasions. Our team professionally guides our customers to the perfect gift—be it to mark a special moment of self-achievement, a celebration of love, or a 'just because' piece of jewelry. It is truly a privilege for us to be serving Northern Colorado as 'The Jeweler of Choice,'" added Julie.
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BEST TATTOO PARLOR Tribal Rites 628 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 221-9712 | www.tribalritestattoo.com
BEST CLOTHING ALTERATIONS The Sewing Room 301 E. Swallow Road, Unit B, Fort Collins (970) 225-6927 | www.thesewingroomfc.com
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Tribal Rites is a full custom tattoo and piercing studio, and jewelry boutique. Established in 1994 as the first piercing-only studio in Northern Colorado, the management eventually went on to add tattooing and have been gradually expanding their jewelry collection to what it is today. They have won best tattoo parlor three years in a row. “Tribal Rites sets itself apart by offering the largest and most exciting collection of high quality body jewelry in Northern Colorado,” says co-owner Chad Williams, who has more than 20 years of experience in piercing. “My favorite aspect of the business is that I get to do what I enjoy every day with people I love being around, and I get to bring joy to my customers by providing a service that empowers and uplifts them.” “We employ a highly trained staff and focus on having excellent customer service and providing excellent work,” adds Chad. “Our goal has always been to make everyone that walks into our shop feel happy and look even more beautiful than when they walked in. We are most proud of our longevity in the business and remaining true to our values and roots.” Tribal Rites has five tattoo artists who are available to do consultations and drawings.
The Sewing Room, locally owned and operated for more than 20 years by Debbie and Bob Zink, is dedicated to customer satisfaction. Services offered include sewing, tailoring and alterations, specializing in formalwear, prom and bridal. “We offer a free bridal tag,” says manager Roobie Shrestha. “This includes the bride’s name, the groom’s name, and the date of the wedding.” They also offer customization of your bedding and clothes, with embroidery capabilities to almost any fabric. The turnaround time for most items is very quick. “We are very proud of our team,” adds Roobie. “We are all about customer satisfaction. My favorite part of the business is seeing happy customers.” The Sewing Room loves giving back to the community. Roobie says they are offering a 10 percent discount on your next alteration if you contribute a coat of any style or condition. They will repair the coat if needed and donate it to the homeless. They also offer sewing classes.
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Mu
en dy W n sicia
tic le Eus By Ky
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cki n o R s t Keep s u J Woo
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“I didn’t choose music, it chose me,” Wendy Woo says. “Honestly, I just don’t think I can do anything else.”
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he Loveland-based singer/ guitarist was born in New York City, but grew up in Boulder where her parents —Bataan and Jane Faigao— co-founded the world-renowned Naropa Institute. Visitors to her childhood home often included famous Beat Generation writers like Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs. Needless to say, her childhood was anything but typical. “Any given weekend, our house was a hangout for the Beat Poets who taught with them,” Woo explains. “We may have Allen Ginsberg in our hot tub, while William Burroughs, Jr., and Anne Waldman talked shop in the kitchen. Gregory Corso taught my sister and me to play poker, and lived on our sofa for what seemed like ages. I find myself emulating Anne’s rhythmic hand gestures when I sing.” Her colorful upbringing was enough to inspire anyone to pursue a creative path and she reveals it truly began with her parents’ love of music. “My parents and my home life were the greatest influence on what I listened to,” she says. “I was listening to the Grateful Dead in the ’90s when my friends were listening to Nirvana. My father always had Paul Simon or the Rolling Stones or Bob JANUARY 2018
Dylan on when I was growing up.” When Woo was 16, the headstrong teenager ran away to follow the Grateful Dead. At every tour stop, it was a ritual to sit in a circle with other people who were also following the band and just jam. Eventually, she started to play around Boulder and gained the confidence to pursue music as a career. But it all started at the infamous Fox Theatre, where she worked on the business side. “Everyone has to create,” she says. “If you aren’t creating in some way, you’re not really living. I had been playing coffee shops in Boulder and I was walking down the street. Some guy recognized me and crossed the street to tell me he enjoyed my music. That was the first time that happened to me and I said, ‘Yeah, I can do this.’” She adds, “The Fox was great because it provided an environment where I could learn about the business wing-to-wing, whether it was what a venue is looking for in a press kit to the production side.” In 2017, Woo was recognized as the “Queen of the Denver Scene.” While she plays both acoustic and electric guitar, she also uses her guitar as a percussion instrument. She’s earned five Westword Music Awards and is on her way to the
Westword Hall of Fame. From folk and jazz to funk and rock, her catalog of music transcends categorization. Coupled with her gender, she believes it’s easy to stand out in the music industry although that also comes with its own set of challenges. “There’s maybe five male-dominant bands for every one female-fronted band,” she says. “I’m usually only disappointed when venues stick me on something like a ‘Ladies Night in Music’ lineup. I’d prefer to simply be on a music lineup with good bands, but they’re taking a marketing approach and I get that. It’s part of the deal.” As her career continues to evolve, she’s also learned to adjust to all of the changes in the music industry. The most negative and impactful was the death of CD sales. However, technology has also opened up artists to a wider audience. “Streaming services have made it even worse,” she explains. “People don’t buy a lot of downloads since the streaming services came out. “On a positive note, the internet created this whole middle class of musicians, I call us an industry of ‘thousandaires,’” she continues. “The internet allowed us to reach new audiences we never had access to before.
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Wendy Woo is currently working on her next release.
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Where I used to spend the day putting up posters for a show, I can reach a larger target audience with a couple of mouse clicks.” But her road to notoriety wasn’t easy. In 2013, Woo had to have surgery after developing cysts on her vocal chords, although it didn’t keep her down for long. “I had to cancel 12 shows following my surgery, so that was maybe four weeks of shows,” she says. “Imagine going to belt out a note and having nothing come out...I knew I had to see the doctor.” Woo is currently touring with her band in support of "Tipping Point," their most recent album. Released in 2015, it marks Woo’s 12th full-length project. She’s been committed to releasing an album every two years, so she’s due for another one. For now, she’s simply grateful to have the career she does, and that includes her bandmates and dedicated fans. “The thing about the music scene is that they are always trying to push out
the older acts in favor of newer acts, however fans are what gives an artist their longevity,” she says. “If you can entertain and keep people engaged, they’ll keep coming back. Without an audience, the best musician in the world won’t get booked. “I was named ‘Best of Boulder‘ when I was on that scene, so I moved to Denver where I was honored with a string of ‘Best Of’ awards,” she adds. “I’ve now received a ‘Best Of Style’ for the Northern Colorado scene. It’s very humbling and I don’t take for granted that not many people have accomplished this. That support comes from the folks who take the time to vote in these surveys. I’ve been blessed to have the shelf life that I have.”
Kyle Eustice is a Fort Collins-based writer. To comment on this article, send an email to letters@nocostyle.com.
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J By Cameron Duval
NOCO Style readers recommend the trails at Horsetooth Mountain as the best hiking around.
Photo courtesy of Steve Robinson.
I am peering over a boulder, roughly 1,200 feet above the earth, when I notice Long’s Peak off in the distance. As I take a step back from the edge, I catch my breath for a moment. It is not a feeling of fatigue that has taken my breath, or even the thin air at such a high elevation, but the panoramic views that surround me. These views are the kind you see in movies, painted in pictures and envision in dreams.
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ust a 15-minute drive from downtown Fort Collins, the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space Trailhead is home to the Horsetooth Falls and Horsetooth Rock trails, which are among Northern Colorado’s finest hikes. These trails offer something for everyone, including a chance to enjoy an excellent vantage point of one of Fort Collins’ most recognizable landmarks. For those looking to embark on a family adventure, the Horsetooth Falls trail offers an easy grade and only requires a few hours out of your day. And for those who prefer higher elevations and steeper grades, the Horsetooth Rock trail delivers a scenic starting point to several other trails that weave and wander the entire open space boundary. After traveling about a quarter-mile through a meadow and tall grass, hikers encounter a sign that marks a fork in the trail. To the left is Horsetooth Rock trail. This portion of the hike stretches about 5 miles round-trip. At its maximum height, it reaches more than 7,000 feet above sea level in elevation. Considered to be a moderate hike, it takes on a steeper incline for most of the way. For those who are not avid hikers, it offers an empowering challenge that rewards trailblazers with a sense of accomplishment at the end—one that can be enjoyed when scanning the entire park. On the right is the path of Horsetooth Falls. It is a shorter hike, spanning 2.35 miles round-trip, but one in which some special wildlife can be spotted, from mule deer to hummingbirds, to hawks and eagles that soar above the mountain tops. Even wild turkeys make an appearance from time to time. In addition to the wildlife that can be observed, the park permits dogs to accompany their owners, as long as they are on a leash. The rule is enforced to protect the safety of dogs, people and wildlife. Both hikes offer a nice balance between solitude and friendly encounters. As the population continues to grow in surrounding areas, so does word-of-mouth. There are moments throughout where one can truly embrace the beauties of nature, as if they had their own private view. While other times, groups can converse about different paths or sights before continuing on. Foot traffic fluctuates depending upon all sorts of factors, says Larimer County volunteer park assistant, Steve Robinson. There is never a wrong time to make the trek, says Robinson. “In fact, in the winter, you have a chance of seeing more wildlife, and there are not as many people,” he says. Beginning in April and later into June and July, the vegetation and plant life display their most vibrant colors, says Robinson. This is also the time of year when the signature part of the Horsetooth Falls hike, the natural waterfall, tends to be the most active. However, the seasons that follow, have their appeal, as well. In NOCOSTYLE.COM
fact, it can be preferable to go during these times because of the ideal weather that is more consistent throughout the day. And even if the flow of water is more of a trickle, there is something peaceful about the sound of the water seeping through the crevasses and gently splashing on the ground. Now you know why this hike is so popular. Robinson has a good idea why people are drawn to hike Horsetooth’s trails. “It has to be the exceptional views,” he says. “It is pretty amazing when you can look out and see from the plains to Long’s Peak.” For more information about Horsetooth Mountain Open Space Park, visit the Colorado Welcome Center or check out www.larimer. org/naturalresources/parks/ horsetooth-mountain.
Wildlife such as mule deer can be seen at the trails of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.
Dogs frequently accompany their owners on the Horsetooth trails.
IF YOU GO The Horsetooth Mountain Trailhead typically fills on weekends and holidays when the weather is warm—and even during occasional weekdays. Soderberg Trailhead at the eastern end of the open space can also fill on busy weekends and holidays. Larimer County Natural Resources recommends visiting Horsetooth Mountain on weekdays, or before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Trail conditions are posted on www.NoCoTrailReport.org and at Larimer County Natural Resources Facebook and Twitter pages when the trailheads fill. Freelance writer Cameron Duval is an agent care consultant at Zillow Group by day and a sports enthusiast by night. To comment on this article, send an email to letters@nocostyle.com.
Map courtesy of Larimer County Natural Resources.
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Photo courtesy of HGTV.
Jordan and Annie Obermann will appear in an HGTV pilot called "House Perfect" airing in January.
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PARTNERS IN DESIGN The husband-and-wife team behind Forge + Bow tap their chemistry in each project they take on. Their next project, a pilot for HGTV, could lead to national exposure. By Michelle Venus
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sk Annie and Jordan Obermann how they got started renovating houses and they turn to each other with a smile. There’s a story here, for sure. “Well, it’s been a bit of a journey,” says Annie. Jordan, fresh out of college, had some experience with renovating and flipping houses when the two got married in 2009 and suggested they do “side projects” in addition to their day jobs. He was a mortgage broker with a real estate license, Annie worked as a hair stylist, and they owned a property management company. In their spare time, they worked on the “side projects”—renovating their house. “Yeah, we’d buy a house, live in it for a couple of years while we renovated, and then sell it,” Jordan explains. They did this three times and are ready to embark on the fourth adventure. The Obermanns’ Mountain Avenue house is under contract and they will move later this month to a new home. After their first son was born (they’re expecting their third baby boy in March), they spent time reflecting on work/life balance and what they liked to do best. Answer: renovate houses.
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They knew they were good at it. Friends and family loved the end result. When they put their homes on the market, they received multiple offers for over the asking price in a matter of hours. Jordan put all his efforts behind the design and renovation work while Annie continued at the salon. Annie saw how much fun he was having and decided to quit the salon and join him on this wonderful adventure. “So we started Forge + Bow,” said Jordan. Annie: “That was two years ago.” Jordan: “Two-and-a-half. No, it was three years ago.” Annie: “No, two years ago. We were doing it for one year and then I started full time.” The tea kettle whistles in the kitchen and Annie jumps up to answer it. “I think it was two-and-a-half,” Jordan whispers. Then he laughs. He and Annie have great chemistry. It’s easy to see why they make such a good team. Jordan reactivated his real estate license, they bought a house, and started their first we-don’t-live-here project. This time, they
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Photos courtesy of Christa Tippmann Photography. Staging by Trove Collective.
Contemporary lighting fixtures and exposed beams grace the living room of the Obermanns' first home on Circle Drive in Fort Collins.
A rustic beam + subway tile = sleek kitchen.
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This too short 1950s mid-century buffet has been repurposed to create a strikingly sophisticated accent to a master bath retreat.
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decided to try something different. Not wanting to compete with flippers who purchase less-expensive homes and quickly spiff them up with cosmetic fixes, Annie and Jordan took their chances with a higher price point to see what would happen. “We did try to get into that starterhome market,” explains Jordan. “But there would be 20 competing offers and we just couldn’t break into it, and, really, that’s just not what we’re interested in.” So they jumped up into the $400,000$500,000 price range, invested more into the renovation to make the house that much more special and more fun for them. Forge + Bow found its sweet spot. It was up and running. Fast. Annie comes back with the tea. “We had multiple offers on that property even before it hit the market,” she says as she settles into her seat. Soon homeowners were calling, asking for the Forge + Bow aesthetic. It made sense from a business perspective to move in that direction. Having witnessed the ups and downs of the real estate market, getting into client renovations offered more security for when interest rates increase and people stay put in their homes. MODERN FLAIR What is the Forge + Bow aesthetic? Jordan and Annie exchange a look. Each lifts a shoulder. “I don’t think we identify it with any specific taste,” says Annie. “The aesthetic is very intentional for what is true to the home. We look at the original architecture and bones of the house and find the relevancy. We won’t completely change it; we work with what’s there. But we add some modern flair to make it more contemporary.” “We let the house speak to us,” says Jordan. “The house dictates what it needs. When you remodel, you run into problems and solving those problems often drive the direction of the project.” “And the design,” Annie chimes in. “And the design,” Jordan agrees. Forge + Bow’s mantra is “perfectly imperfect.” The team looks at the imperfections of a home and fine tune them into perfection. “It’s never going to be absolutely perfect, but if you work with the imperfections,
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then you get as close to perfect as you can.” Following trends is not in the Forge + Bow playbook. “It’s a balance between designing something everlasting and adding something trendy,” says Jordan. “You don’t want to walk in a house and say, ‘Oh, 2017!’” Annie imagines how the house will look on Christmas morning or during a birthday party or when a family member is snuggled on the sofa, fighting off a cold. Functionality is just as important as the aesthetic. “We want the owner to be proud of the home’s beauty, but feel comfortable enough in it that they can leave their shoes in the living room. Our designs have a casualness about them. They’re very homey and livable,” she explains. The company’s name is reflective of their aesthetic and process. Brainstorming over dinner one night, Annie and Jordan started playing with word combinations. “Forge came to us right away,” says Jordan. “We like the sound and strength of it. It’s about the quality and longevity of the design. It’s something that lasts. It's crafted.” When they hit upon bow, it all fell into place. This bow doesn’t wrap around a package. This bow is paired with an arrow. “We were watching the Hunger Games; I think it had an influence,” says Annie. The bow they imagine is elegant and graceful. It encompasses the artful side of the company and represents precision— hitting the bullseye, being on target with both design and construction. “The name really helped us define who we are as a business,” Annie explains. “We’re about quality and longevity—the forge—and being intentional and accurate while being graceful. There’s a balance between the two sides.” IN THE SPOTLIGHT If there is a theme Annie and Jordan have heard over and over from clients, it’s “You two are just like—fill in your favorite couple—on HGTV.” Then one day, they got a call from Denver-based High Noon Entertainment, a production company known for its HGTV programming. “Good Bones,” “Fixer Upper,” and “My First Place” are
on its roster. Someone from High Noon saw their work online and thought there was something special there. After many conversations and FaceTime interviews, Annie and Jordan signed with High Noon. “That was about a year-and-a-half ago,” says Annie. “A little less than that,” says Jordan. “No, a year-and-a-half,” insists Annie. “Oh yeah, you’re right,” says Jordan. “I am,” says Annie. It still doesn’t feel quite real that a television show could be in Forge + Bow’s future. Every step of the way, Annie and Jordan thought something would fall through. First they shot a five-minute “sizzle,” which was sent to HGTV for consideration. “We thought the network would hate it,” says Jordan. “And then that would be that.” But HGTV didn’t hate it. They were ready to see a pilot. High Noon came up to Fort Collins and shot the episode. “We felt better about that than we did about the sizzle,” says Annie. “But you never know, and we just didn’t put a whole lot behind it. Just because you shoot a pilot doesn’t mean it’s going to get accepted.” HGTV accepted the pilot and it’s scheduled to air this month. Taking a cue from Forge + Bow’s “perfectly imperfect” ethos, the show is titled “House Perfect.” If that goes well, the network will order a series. “We’re just going to wait and see,” says Annie. “It could take a year, a year-and-a-half before anything moves forward.” “Or two years,” says Jordan. “Or they could decide to move with it immediately. Or not at all.” Annie and Jordan don’t get to see the pilot before it airs nationally. They’ll be surrounded by friends and family and staff when they watch it with the rest of the world. Perfect.
Michelle Venus is a freelance writer and editor living and working in a little old bungalow in Old Town Fort Collins. To comment on this article, send an email to letters@nocostyle.com.
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NOCO | Food
BON APPÉTIT AND BUONA FORTUNA! Around the world, New Year’s Day is celebrated with food, friends, champagne and the hope for good fortune.
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e all want the best for our loved ones and ourselves, so a little food that’s said to bring good luck in the New Year can’t hurt. Ring-shaped or round foods are customarily eaten all over the globe on January 1 because of their symbolic shape. It is said that a completed circle is evidence that the year has run its course. Circles are also the shape of coins, so it’s no wonder that foods that resemble money are enjoyed worldwide as a hope for good fortune in the upcoming year. We are familiar with the American tradition of eating blackeyed peas and collard greens; a practice that originated in the Southern states because the dish looks like money (the peas as coins and the greens as bills), inviting the promise of wealth for those who consume it. This belief is practiced all throughout the world. In Italy, lentils of all varieties are served for the New Year with the belief that they will bring prosperity since they resemble little coins. An actual coin is baked into “vasilopita” sweet bread in Greece, with the promise of good fortune for the one who finds it. Similarly, an almond is hidden in rice pudding in Scandinavia.
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By Malini Bartels
Another common tradition throughout the world is eating grapes. The tradition of eating one grape for every strike of the clock at midnight is practiced globally. If the 12 grapes are not eaten, you may be jinxing yourself for an entire year. According to Trish O’Neill, owner of The Cooking Studio in Old Town Fort Collins, eating special food for the New Year reminds us of who we are, where we’ve been and where we want to go. “Sharing is the key,” says O’Neill. “All food tastes better when shared with family and friends.” In fact, in Mexico, the eating of tamales is customary not for its symbolism, but for the fact that they are created by a group. There is nothing more fortuitous than bringing people together at the beginning of the year to enjoy food and toast a new beginning. In Japan, it’s customary to eat buckwheat noodles called soba at midnight on December 31. Noodles symbolize longevity and the crossover from one year to another, so the longer they are, the better for your luck in the coming year! With this in mind, here are a few recipes to see you through a happy New Year!
Spicy Black-Eyed Peas
Serves 8 Recipe courtesy of Julie Spencer, NOCO Style staffer Ingredients 6 cups water 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, sorted and rinsed 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 red bell pepper, seeded, stemmed and diced 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced 8 ounces diced ham 4 slices bacon, chopped ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less for spiciness) 1½ teaspoons cumin 1 teaspoon ground black pepper Directions Pour water into a slow cooker. Add the black-eyed peas, onion, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeño, ham, bacon, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt and pepper; stir to blend. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for six to eight hours until the beans are tender. Serve with collard, turnip or mustard greens and cornbread: “Peas for pennies, greens for dollars and cornbread for gold.”
Traditional Mexican Tamales
Servings: 26 (perfect for making in an assembly line with a large group) Recipe courtesy of The Cooking Studio Fort Collins, adapted from Rick Bayless Ingredients 1 8-ounce package dried cornhusks 10 ounces (1⅓ cups) rich-tasting pork lard (or vegetable shortening if you wish), slightly softened but not at all runny 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 2 pounds (4 cups) fresh coarse-ground corn masa for tamales OR 3 ½ cups dried masa harina for tamales mixed with 2¼ cups hot water 1 to 1 ½ cups chicken broth 2 ½ to 3 cups pork in red chile filling or chicken in green chile filling Directions 1. To prepare the cornhusks: Cover the husks with very hot water, weight with a plate to keep them submerged, and let stand for a couple of hours until the husks are pliable. For forming the tamales, separate out 28 of the largest and most pliable husks—ones that are at least 6 inches across on the wider end and 6 or 7 inches long. Pat the chosen husks dry with a towel. 2. Prepare the batter: With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the lard or shortening with 2 teaspoons salt and the baking powder until light in texture, about 1 minute. Continue beating as you add the masa (fresh or reconstituted). Reduce the speed to medium-low and add 1 cup of the broth. Continue beating for another minute or so, until a ½ teaspoon dollop of the batter floats in a cup of cold water (if it floats you can be sure the tamales will be tender and light). Beat in enough of the remaining ½ cup of broth to give the mixture the consistency of soft (not runny) cake batter; it should hold its shape in a spoon. Taste the batter and season with additional salt if needed. For the lightest textured tamales, refrigerate the batter for an hour or so, then re-beat, adding a little more broth or water to bring the mixture to the soft consistency it had before. 3. Set up the steamer: Steaming 26 husk-wrapped tamales can be done in batches Continued on page 54
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Holiday Lamb Shanks With Creamy Polenta and Warmed Olives
Recipe courtesy of Matt Smith, Executive Chef at Door 222, Loveland Ingredients 6 lamb shanks salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 onions, chopped 3 large carrots, cut into 1-inch rounds 10 cloves garlic, peeled 1 (750 milliliter) bottle red wine 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes with juice 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed chicken broth 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth 5 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook: 2 hours 30 minutes Preheat the oven to 350ºF in a collapsible vegetable steamer set into a large, deep saucepan. It is best to line the rack or upper part of the steamer with leftover cornhusks to protect the tamales from direct contact with the steam and to add more flavor. Make sure to leave tiny spaces between the husks so condensing steam can drain off. 4. Form the tamales: Cut 26 8- to 10-inch pieces of string or thin strips of cornhusks. One at a time, form the tamales: Lay out one of your chosen cornhusks with the tapered end toward you. Spread about ¼ cup of the batter into about a 4-inch square, leaving at least a 1½-inch border on the side toward you and a ¾-inch border along the other sides (with large husks, the borders will be much bigger). Spoon about 1½ tablespoons of the filling down the center of the batter. Pick up the two long sides of the cornhusk and bring them together (this will cause the batter to surround the filling). Next, fold up the empty 1½-inch section of the husk (to form a tightly closed "bottom," leaving the top open), and secure it in place by loosely tying one of the strings or strips of husk around the tamale. As they're made, stand the tamales on their folded bottoms in the prepared steamer. Don't tie the tamales too tightly or pack them too closely in the steamer, give them room to expand. 5. Steam and serve the tamales. When all the tamales are in the steamer, cover them with a layer of leftover cornhusks; if your husk-wrapped tamales don't take up the entire steamer, fill in the open spaces with loosely wadded aluminum foil (to keep the tamales from falling over). Set the lid in place and steam over a constant medium heat for about 1¼ hours. Watch carefully that all the water doesn't boil away and, to keep the steam steady, pour boiling water into the pot when more is necessary. Tamales are done when the husk peels away from the masa easily. Let tamales stand in the steamer and turn off the heat. For the best textured tamales, let them cool completely, then re-steam about 15 minutes to heat through.
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Directions Put the leaves from two sprigs of rosemary and thyme into a food processor. Season with sea salt and black pepper, then blend together. Peel and slice the carrots and onion into 1-inch pieces. Rub shanks with herb butter. Put vegetables, garlic and oil in roasting pan. Add shanks on top of vegetables. Roast in oven for 25 minutes or until golden. Add wine, stocks and canned tomato. Cover tightly with foil. Place back in oven and cook for two more hours. Let cool in liquid, reserve shanks and strain cooking liquid. To reheat shanks, add shanks and cooking liquid to a pot. Reduce liquid while reheating shanks. Serve with creamy polenta and warmed pitted olives. Finish by pouring reduced cooking liquid over the shanks Creamy Polenta Ingredients 4 cups water 1 ½ teaspoons salt 1 cup medium-grain yellow polenta 2 tablespoons butter ¼ cup cream cheese Directions 1. Heat salted water (1½ teaspoons of salt for 1 quart of water) to a boil over high heat in a thick-bottomed 2- or 3-quart pan, about five minutes. Quickly whisk in the polenta until fully mixed. 2. Lower the heat to a very low simmer, add the butter and allow the polenta to cook, stirring occasionally so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan, for 25 minutes. 3. Finish by stirring in the cream cheese until it has melted into the polenta. Taste and add more salt if necessary. Malini Bartels is a lifelong creative working at the Music District. She is also a freelance writer, chef, mother, radio host and actress. To comment on this article, send an email to letters@nocostyle.com.
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NOCO | Wellness
GETTING SERIOUS: HELP FOR ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR By Malini Bartels
The holidays are a time of gathering and celebration, a time of showing thanks and appreciation for those around us. Unfortunately, it is this festive time of year when depression and loneliness can be at its worst as well. A joyful celebration for one person can be a trigger for anxiety and depression for someone else. It can be difficult to spot the difference between holiday cheer and a real problem with alcohol abuse, depression, and drug addiction issues. If this holiday season has left you with concerns, there are steps you can take to identify a more serious problem.
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"Most people are not successful on their first attempt at recovery. It’s important to keep trying and eventually you will be successful, especially if you have someone that you are accountable to." —Michelle Glasgow, MD ALCOHOL ABUSE AWARENESS “When we talk about celebration and drinking, most people can go out to a party and have a drink or two. That’s part of being celebratory,” says Michelle Glasgow, MD, a family medicine physician at the Kaiser Permanente Fort Collins medical offices. “The problem occurs when someone cannot stop drinking.” The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism publishes the CAGE Questionnaire, which is commonly used in medical practices to help identify when someone might be struggling with excessive alcohol consumption. The word CAGE is an acronym derived from the following questions: 1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking? 2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? 3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking? 4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover (eye opener)? If someone answers yes to any of the above questions, the situation should be addressed by a professional. MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Mental health professionals often refer to the holiday season as the most difficult time of year for their clients. For some, the season amplifies their feelings of loneliness or of loss, which may require attention from a professional. But for many of us, stress and fatigue from unrealistic expectations (self-imposed or otherwise) adversely impact our moods during the holidays. What can be done to improve and recharge mental and physical health? “Thirty minutes of cardio per day will change your life,” says Dr. Glasgow. JANUARY 2018
“We physicians are constantly writing prescriptions for exercise. It’s beneficial for all diseases.” Getting a sufficient amount of cardiovascular activity can be as easy as walking the dog around the block, says Dr. Glasgow. The fresh air and sunshine is beneficial as well. Making physical activity a priority in the New Year and keeping up with it can help stave-off feelings of anxiety and depression. DRUG ABUSE AWARENESS We have talked about alcohol abuse and depression, but what about prescription drug abuse? Signs of prescription drug abuse can be more difficult to identify. Physicians are regularly looking for the following qualifiers: 1. When patients are out of their meds too quickly (before prescriptions are due). 2. They become quickly agitated (typical withdrawal signs). 3. Patients come in for pain that is disproportionate to their physical findings. Prescription drug abuse is on the rise in the United States. Colorado is a mandatory reporting state for all opioid prescriptions in order to keep track of these regulated substances. “Kaiser Permanente also requires all people with opioid prescriptions to have a random urine drug screen. If the drug test comes back negative, that’s a red flag because it means the individual might be selling the drugs.” says Dr. Glasgow. There are also typical screening questions for anyone over the age of 18. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration has developed a screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT), which is an evidencebased practice used to identify, reduce
and prevent problematic use, abuse and dependency. The process consists of three major components: Screening—A healthcare professional assesses a patient for risky substance use behaviors using standardized screening tools. Screening can occur in any healthcare setting. Brief Intervention—A healthcare professional engages a patient showing risky substance use behaviors in a short conversation, providing feedback and advice. Referral to Treatment—A healthcare professional provides a referral to brief therapy or additional treatment to patients who screen in need of additional services. Dr. Glasgow says that family members of those who have atypical behavior due to addiction can sometimes benefit from resources such as Al-Anon as well. “Getting help on your own can be hard and it’s easy to make excuses,” says Dr. Glasgow. It’s important to have someone in your life that can hold you accountable. It’s much better than going at it alone. “Most people are not successful on their first attempt at recovery. It’s important to keep trying and eventually you will be successful, especially if you have someone that you are accountable to.” “Don’t have a fear of coming in and talking to your doctor,” she reiterates. “Your physician is here to help. Keeping yourself and the people around you safe means not being afraid to talk to someone. There are a lot of mental health and addiction services available, and there is something out there that will work for you.”
Malini Bartels is a freelance writer, chef, mother, radio host and actress from Fort Collins. To comment on this article, send an email to letters@nocostyle.com.
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NOCO | Wellness
SEVEN WAYS TO GET TO A FRESH NEW YOU
Your sister wants to lose weight. Your boss wants to quit smoking. Your cousin wants to get out of debt and repair his bad credit. Sound familiar? It should. They’re the same unmet goals from last year. And the year before.
By Sue Ann Highland, PhDc
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hat would happen if you broke away from the pack of standard “lose,” “quit” and “fix,” and instead opted to improve something you’re going to use for the rest of your life? Here are seven concrete examples of things you can do to improve your brain over the course of the year. Plus, boosting your brain may positively impact your life in ways that would likely have been harder if you had set them as goals.
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1. START EXERCISING. Research now shows that even light to moderate aerobic exercise improves oxygen consumption, which helps the brain to function better. In the elderly, aerobic exercise—such as walking, bicycling or yoga—has actually been found to
reduce brain cell loss. We have beautiful walking paths and trails in Northern Colorado, so take advantage of some great outdoor space. Hiking Devil’s Backbone is always a treat! Bonus benefits: You’ll likely meet new people and lose weight. 2. READ MORE. A 2016 study from Yale University School of Public Health has found that reading books may extend your lifespan by up to Continued on page 60
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two years. In addition, a 2013 study by researchers from Rush University Medical Center found that reading and other mentally stimulating activities may slow dementia. Bonus benefits: Reduced stress, improved sleep, enhanced social skills, greater IQ. 3. ENROLL IN PERSONAL BRAIN TRAINING. One-on-one brain training incorporates immediate feedback, intensity and loading, among other features, to work on brain skills. Effective brain training targets attention, auditory processing and memory, along with visual processing, logic and reasoning and/or processing speed to make thinking, learning, reading and remembering easier and faster. Because programs are customized, personal brain training works for all ages— children, teens, adults and seniors. Bonus benefits: Stronger cognitive skills impact virtually every area of your life, including school, work tasks and managing life in general.
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4. GET SOCIAL. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, research shows that regular engagement in social activities helps maintain brain vitality. Social activities include emotional support, work, volunteering, travel and participation in clubs. Get out to one of the events such as the First Friday Gallery Walks, Fort Collins Game Day Experience, Fort Collins Foodie Walk, an open mic night in downtown Loveland, or take a walk with a friend in the Loveland Sculpture Park. Bonus benefits: Fewer visits to the doctor, fewer falls, decreased depression and better overall health. 5. CHANGE YOUR DIET. In addition to ditching foods with ingredients that are bad for you—including sugar, food dye, high fructose corn syrup, MSG and artificial preservatives, among others—there are things you should be adding to your diet to help your brain function at peak performance. A few examples: A recent study of mice found that poor
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learners improved their memory and learning ability after eating cinnamon. Eating healthy foods like salmon, sardines, walnuts and blueberries can boost brain function. Drinking more water to avoid dehydration can help your brain perform at its best. Try some of the great locally grown foods from one of our terrific farmers’ markets. Bonus benefits: Most likely, you’ll have more energy, lose weight and sleep better. 6. GET MORE SLEEP. Adequate sleep helps your brain “clean out” overnight and set memories. It’ll also keep you from living in a “brain fog” the next day. Bonus benefits: You’ll have more energy to exercise, which is good for your brain and your body. 7. LEARN SOMETHING NEW. There are lots of studies showing that learning a new skill, such as playing the piano or speaking French, can help form new connections in the brain. In one study from the National Endowment for the Arts, people who learned a second language had sharper memories and better listening skills, as well as greater cognitive flexibility, better problem solving and higher order thinking. Bonus benefits: You’ll likely meet new people with similar interests. Make this your time to begin a healthy new brain boost and get a fresh new you!
Sue Ann Highland, PhDc, is a professional trainer with LearningRx in Fort Collins. LearningRx, which has 80 centers in the United States and locations in over 40 countries around the globe, has helped more than 100,000 individuals and families sharpen their cognitive skills to help them think faster, learn easier and perform better. To learn more about LearningRx, visit www.learningrx.com/. To comment on this article, send an email to letters@nocostyle.com.
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NOCO | Pets
THAT PET YOU WERE GIFTED... By Kay Rios
That adorable fluffy animal with the festive ribbon might have brought squeals of delight from kids at Christmas, but now that the initial excitement has worn off, reality may rear its inconvenient head.
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ntroducing a new pet into a home requires work, says Rebecca Ruch-Gallie, DVM, chief of Community Practice at Colorado State University’s James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital. “Pet owners have many things to consider. Are they in a position to take an animal on? This entails responsibility and, for a cat, dog or bird, it’s a high degree.” There’s also the cost factor, she says. “Food is not free, vet care is not free. Is this person willing to take on all of that? The new owner also needs to be aware of the personal time the pet needs, the vet care involved and the best environment for the animal.” Defining the best environment is species dependent, says Dr. Ruch-Gallie. “But, for a cat or dog, a safe, reasonably confined space is important in the first few weeks or months. Look through the home from a cat’s or dog's eye view. What looks good to chew on? Tape down electrical cords, or watch your pet closely, so they
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can’t chew on them. Chocolate, poisonous plants, human medications, any candy or gum with artificial sweeteners should be put out of reach. Window blind cords should be wrapped, especially with a new cat.” She suggests the Indoor Pet Initiative website for information about creating rich and safe indoor environments for dogs and cats. A smooth transition into the home is important, says Elaine Hicks, Weld County Humane Society executive director. “The best thing is to be fully prepared, know the responsibility, have a vet in place already and make sure the home is comfortable and safe for the new pet. Crates are an ideal way to house-train a dog. Plus, since dogs are cave dwellers, this gives them a place to go where they feel safe. With a cat, all the supplies such as the litter box and the litter should be in place. Training for most pets takes only a week or two when it’s consistent with feeding patterns and positive reinforcement.” “We recommend they get things set up ahead of time,” says Kären Kinnes, Pet City manager. “Create a plan that includes where they will sleep and where they will eat. And use a baby gate to cordon off an area if possible. Especially if you’re potty training you’ll have less space to watch.
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"The best thing is to be fully prepared, know the responsibility, have a vet in place already and make sure the home is comfortable and safe for the new pet." —Elaine Hicks
Weld County Humane Society executive director
You can graduate the space as the dog becomes trained.” Dr. Ruch-Gallie also suggests confining dogs and cats to a single room or two to “make things less scary. If there are resident animals, introducing them in neutral territory such as a park can be beneficial.” “Don’t force the new pet to be friends with the existing one,” Kinnes says. “Stay close and watch them but let them work out who’s boss.” Another option, Dr. Ruch-Gallie says, would be pheromone collars. “They can be calming and make introduction to new environments and people easier. It’s also important to take things slow and stay positive.” Bonding with the new pet is imperative, she says. “Bonds are created by spending safe, positive time together. Like all relationships, a bond with an animal cannot be forced but must be nurtured. Play time and positive re-enforcement training sessions can help create the bond.” Based on all of the necessary preparation and resulting responsibility, gifting an animal to someone is not usually a good idea. Since most gifts are surprises, it may backfire. “The gift of an animal requires involvement from the recipient,” Dr. RuchGallie says. “Unless parents are giving a Continued on page 66
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pet to their child, it should never be a surprise. It would be better to give a gift card for adoption at a shelter of choice.” Hicks agrees. “They should let the person who’s receiving the gift make their own selection to match that person’s ability and wishes. For example, senior citizens may want the companionship but fear that the animal will outlive them so an older dog rather than a puppy might be more appropriate,” Hicks says. The Humane Society doesn’t adopt animals out as surprise gifts, she says. “But they may go somewhere else to get them. And we certainly see a spike in January and February with surrendered pets from Christmas because the animal wasn’t a good match.” “We discourage surprise gifts,” says Kinnes. “We’ll have people come in and say, for example, ‘my mother lives alone and needs a companion so we want to surprise her.’ We advise them to bring the person in and get her involved. It’s all about education.” Holidays such as Christmas are not a good adoption time, Hicks says. “It’s such a crazy time with all the decorations and you’ll get cats eating plants and batting things off the tree. Or the new dog will think you brought the tree in for its convenience.” With any holiday or party time, there’s too much going on with family and friends coming in and out of the house and the pet can get overlooked, Kinnes says. “It’s
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much better to introduce a new pet long before or after events like this.” Again, it’s about the time needed to settle in and bond. “When the animal bond doesn’t happen or gets broken, it’s not the pet or the person’s fault; it’s just a mismatch,” Dr. Ruch-Gallie says. “When we get pets back, it’s usually because the person doesn’t understand the commitment and didn’t do the research,” Hicks says. “A significant number of animals get returned because they’re destructive and that may be because they are bored. So it’s important to know the breed. Is it a working dog, a sporting dog? If you know, you can have enrichment in place so those types of behaviors don’t happen.” Don’t rush to give up the animal, she says. “If it’s not a good relationship, it’s usually a training issue. Animals are social beings and it takes time to acclimate to new environments and build up confidence in a new home. While people are getting to know the animals, the animals are getting to know the people.” The Weld County Humane Society has a behavior health line and a behavior technician is also available for assistance. “We can help people walk through pet problems,” she says.
Kay Rios, PhD., is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins. To comment on this article, send an email to letters@nocostyle.com.
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NOCO | Events
JANUARY Estes Park 1/5 First Friday Art Groove, downtown 1/13-14 Estes Park Winter Festival, Estes Park Events Complex (1209 Manford Ave.) 1/14 Winter Trails Day (free snowshoe event), Estes Park Events Complex
Fort Collins 1/1-7 Garden of Lights, 5-9 p.m., The Gardens on Spring Creek 1/2-20 Nativities & Trees: Global Traditions, Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures 1/5 First Friday Gallery Walk, 6-9 p.m., Old Town 1/5-31 “Always, Patsy Cline,” Midtown Arts Center, Ballroom 1/7 Horsetooth Half Training Kick-off Run, 10 a.m., New Belgium Brewing 1/12 Haydini Magic, 8 p.m., Lincoln Center 1/13, 1/27 Winter Farmers Market, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Opera Galleria 1/18-31 “Fun Home,” Midtown Arts Center, Dinner Theatre 1/19 Fort Collins Foodie Walk, 5-8 p.m., Old Town 1/19 Canadian Brass, 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Center 1/20 Polar Bear 5K, 1 Mile and Polar Plunge, 10 a.m., Horsetooth Reservoir 1/20 Visualize Annual Benefit Gala, 6 p.m., Gregory Allicar Museum of Art at CSU
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1/20, 1/26-27 “The Crucible” presented by OpenStage Theatre & Company, Lincoln Center
Greeley/Windsor 1/6 Missoula Children's Theatre presents “Gulliver's Travels,” 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m., Union Colony Civic Center 1/9 Taste of Opportunity (fundraiser for schools in Malawi, Africa), 6 p.m., High Hops Brewery, Windsor 1/15 Martin Luther King Celebration, 10:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Union Colony Civic Center 1/20 The Polar Pedal (winter bike event), 1:30-4:30 p.m., Lincoln Park 1/20 “An Evening with Groucho,” 7:30 p.m., Union Colony Civic Center 1/26-27 2018 Father-Daughter Dance, Greeley Recreation Center
Loveland/Johnstown 1/1-7 Winter Wonderlights, Chapungu Sculpture Park 1/4-28 Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, Johnstown 1/12 Night on the Town, 6-9 p.m., Loveland Museum 1/13-15 Big Thunder Draft Horse Show, The Ranch, Ranch-Way Feeds Arenas 1/19-20 Old House Vintage Market, The Ranch, First National Bank South Exhibition Hall 1/20 57th Annual Stars of Tomorrow Show, 7 p.m., Rialto Theater 1/21 Michael Martin Murphy, 2 p.m., Rialto Theater 1/28 George Gray and the Elvis Experience, 3 p.m., Rialto Theater
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FEBRUARY
Greeley/Windsor
Estes Park
2/2 “The Wizard of Oz,” Union Colony Civic Center
2/2 First Friday Art Groove, downtown Estes Park
2/4 Night of the Stars, 2 p.m., Windsor Community Rec Center
2/10 Estes Park Wine & Chocolate Festival, 1-5 p.m., Estes Park Events Complex
2/16 Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra: Wines of Note 5 p.m., The Jazz Age 7:30 p.m., Union Colony Civic Center
2/17-18 Rails in the Rockies, Estes Park Events Complex
2/24 The Greeley Chorale’s 23rd Pops & Pasta, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., Union Colony Civic Center
2/23-24 Stan Jam 2018 Bluegrass Extravaganza, The Stanley Hotel
Fort Collins 2/1-28 “Always, Patsy Cline,” Midtown Arts Center, Dinner Theatre 2/1-28 “Waiting for the Parade,” Bas Bleu Theatre 2/2 First Friday Gallery Walk, Old Town 2/2-17 “The Crucible” presented by OpenStage Theater & Company, The Lincoln Center 2/3 Masterworks #3, Fort Collins Symphony, The Lincoln Center 2/3-4 Old House Vintage Wedding Show, The Ranch, First National Bank North and South Exhibition Halls 2/10, 2/24 Winter Farmers Market, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Opera Galleria 2/16 Fort Collins Foodie Walk, Old Town 2/19 An Evening with Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen, 7:30 p.m., The Lincoln Center 2/23 Christopher Cross, 7:30 p.m., The Lincoln Center 2/23-24 Rebel Junk Vintage Market, The Ranch, First National Bank South Exhibition Hall
Loveland/Johnstown 2/1 Beijing Guitar Duo, 7 p.m., Rialto Theater Center 2/1-14 Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, Johnstown 2/9 Night on the Town, 6-9 p.m., Loveland Museum and Downtown Loveland 2/9-11 Fire and Ice Festival, Downtown Loveland 2/10 Paul Reiser presented by Rialto Theater and Comedy Works, 7:30 p.m., Rialto Theater Center 2/14 "Chocolat": Valentine’s Day Wine Tasting & Chocolate Pairings, 6:30 p.m., Rialto Theater Center 2/14 Loveland’s Annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding, 5:30 p.m. Foote Lagoon Amphitheater 2/16-17 2018 Oscar-Nominated Short Films, Rialto Theater Center 2/23-25 Cole Porter’s “Kiss Me Kate,” The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, Johnstown 2/23-25 “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” presented by Loveland Opera Theatre, Rialto Theater Center
2/24 “Menopause The Musical,” 7:30 p.m., The Lincoln Center
JANUARY 2018
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NOCO | Events
CSU
JANUARY
2/7 Women’s Basketball vs Air Force, 7 p.m. 2/10 Men’s Basketball vs San Jose State, 2 p.m.
1/2 Men’s Basketball vs San Diego State, 7 p.m.
2/16 Performance: “Appropriate,” by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, University Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
1/6 Men’s Basketball vs Fresno State, 3:30 p.m.
2/17 Women’s Basketball vs Fresno State, 2 p.m.
1/8 Women’s Swimming & Diving vs University of New Mexico and Fresno State, 10 a.m.
2/21 Men’s Basketball vs Boise State, 7 p.m.
1/10 Women’s Basketball vs Utah State, 7 p.m. 1/12 Women’s Swimming & Diving vs Northern Arizona, 5 p.m. 1/13 Women’s Basketball vs Wyoming, 2 p.m. 1/17 Men’s Basketball vs Air Force, 7 p.m. 1/19 Concert: Classical Convergence, Canadian Brass, Lincoln Center, 7:30 p.m. 1/20 Men’s Basketball vs Air UNLV, 3 p.m. 1/24 Women’s Basketball vs San Diego State, 7 p.m. 1/27 Women’s Basketball vs New Mexico, 2 p.m. 1/31 Men’s Basketball vs Wyoming, 7 p.m.
FEBRUARY 2/2-3 Women’s Swimming & Diving vs Air Force Diving Invitational 2/3 Rocky Mountain Percussion Association: Day of Percussion, Griffin Concert Hall, Noon
2/24 Women’s Basketball vs Nevada, 2 p.m. 2/28 Men’s Basketball vs New Mexico, 7 p.m.
UNC
JANUARY 1/4 Women’s Basketball vs Montana State, 7 p.m. 1/6 Women’s Basketball vs Montana, 2 p.m. 1/8-3/17 Exhibit: Elizabeth Alexander & Charles Clary: “Skin Deep,” Mariani Gallery 1/11 Men’s Basketball vs Weber State, 7 p.m. 1/12-14 Conducting Symposium Union Colony Civic Center, all day 1/13 Women’s Swimming and Diving vs Colorado State and Northern Arizona, 11 a.m. 1/13 Men’s Basketball vs Idaho State, 2 p.m. 1/14 Wrestling vs Duke, 1 p.m. 1/14 Wrestling vs CSU-Bakersfield, 3 p.m.
2/3 Men’s Basketball vs Nevada, 6 p.m.
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1/18 Art Exhibit: Skin Deep Reception, Mariani Gallery, 4 p.m.
2/8 Women’s Basketball vs Idaho State, Noon
1/19 Art Exhibit: UNC Showcase of the Arts, Lonetree Arts Center, 7 p.m.
2/9 Men’s Tennis vs Sacramento State, 11 a.m.
1/19 Wrestling vs Cal Poly, 7 p.m.
2/10 Women’s Tennis vs Metro State, Noon
1/20 Men’s Basketball vs University of North Dakota, 7 p.m.
2/10 UNC Arts Gala, Union Colony Civic Center, 6 p.m.
1/20 Men’s Tennis vs CSU Pueblo, 2 p.m.
2/11 Women’s Tennis vs Sacramento State, 10 a.m.
1/21 Women’s Tennis vs Air Force, 10 a.m.
2/11 Men’s Tennis vs University of Utah, 6 p.m.
1/25 Women’s Basketball vs Idaho, 7 p.m.
2/13 Concert: University Bands, Monfort Concert Hall, 7 p.m.
1/26 Wrestling vs Fresno State, 7 p.m.
2/15 Men’s Basketball vs Northern Arizona University, 7 p.m.
1/27 Women’s Tennis vs Colorado, Noon
2/18 Women’s Tennis vs Idaho, 10 a.m.
1/27 Women’s Basketball vs Eastern Washington, Noon
2/18-24 Concert: Bailey Choral Festival, 7 p.m.
1/31 Concert: University Symphony Orchestra, Monfort Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m.
2/20 UNC Choirs & University Symphony Orchestra Concert, Monfort Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY 2/1 Men’s Basketball vs University of Montana, 7 p.m. 2/1-4 Spring Dance Concert, Langworthy Theatre, 7:30 p.m. 2/3 Men’s Basketball vs Montana State, 2 p.m. 2/3 Wrestling vs West Virginia, 7 p.m.
2/21 Jazz Big Bands, Monfort Concert Hall, 7 p.m. 2/21 Wrestling vs Air Force, 7 p.m. 2/24 Baseball vs Montana State University Billings, Noon 2/24 Women’s Basketball vs North Dakota, 2 p.m. 2/25 Baseball vs Montana State University Billings, Noon
2/4 Men’s Tennis vs Colorado College, 10 a.m.
2/27 UNC Bands Small Ensembles Concert, Hensel Phelps Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
2/6 UNC Composers Concert, Milne Auditorium, 7 p.m.
2/28 “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Langworthy Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
2/7 Concert: James Hall, flute, and Willem Van Schalkwyk, piano, Milne Auditorium, 8 p.m.
2/28 Women’s Basketball vs Portland State, 7 p.m.
JANUARY 2018
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NOCO | About Town
3HOPEFUL HEARTS MUSIC BENEFIT & AUCTION October 6 The Rio Agave Room | Fort Collins The annual 3Hopeful Hearts Music Benefit & Auction hosted 210 people for an evening of food, fun, auctions and live music by The Hazel Miller Band. Support from those in attendance helped to raise $25,000 in matched funds to benefit the 3Hopeful Hearts Building Fund. The month of Hope and Remembrance raised $43,000 and will benefit programs supporting local families who have suffered the loss of a child of any age and cause. Photos courtesy of Rod Pentico Photography.
Kristin Glenn, BobbieJo Foster, Betsy Strafach, Ginny Oddson, Pam Muncaster-Ney, Rebekah Wilson, Tina Deringer
Jennifer Ivans, Diane Sparling, Dale Rellas, Kendra Rellas
Molly & Ron Mehl
SUMMITSTONE HEALTH PARTNERS ANNUAL BREAKFAST October 11 Embassy Suites | Loveland SummitStone Health Partners celebrated 60 years of providing behavioral health and addiction treatment services across Larimer County during their annual breakfast event. A record number of community partners, business leaders and those interested in their programs came out to support SummitStone and the organization’s free Mental Health First Aid training program. The signature event also included keynote speaker, renown mountaineer Alan Arnette, as he spoke on overcoming life’s obstacles to reach your own personal summit.
Barb Becker, Fred Garcia, Michael Allen, Annie Brunsell, Alan Arnette
Susan MacQuiddy, Wayne Vandenberg, Sue Taigman, Janet Seeley
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HOPE LIVES! GALA October 21 Embassy Suites | Loveland
The 17th annual Hope Lives! Gala was an evening to remember thanks to the generous sponsorships and participation from the Northern Colorado communities. Guests enjoyed a full evening of dining, auctions, and a paddle raise, concluding with an inspirational survivor fashion show of 16 women who were honored for their amazing grace and courage during breast cancer treatment. More than $150,000 was raised and will benefit the Hope Lives! Breast Cancer Support Center and their programs to help manage the physical and emotional side effects of breast cancer treatment. Photos courtesy of Julie Ulstrup Photography.
Andrea Lucas with sons Reed and Bryce
Brian Mesinger, Ginger the Golden, Leah Barrett
Lydia Dody, Spiro Palmer
Back: Wade Ellis, Brittany Ellis, CJ Ellis, Wyatt Ellis Front: Lina Ellis, Alice Johnson, Kim Ellis
HALLOWEEN EYE BALL October 27 The Rio Agave Room | Fort Collins Creativity and ingenuity were at the forefront at the fifth annual Halloween Eye Ball. Nearly 150 guests in attendance showed off their finest talents with their colorful costumes, at this signature fundraiser for Ensight Skills Center. The fun evening had guests enjoying food, libations, costume contests, music and photo opportunities while being scary and jovial. Mystery boxes for sale containing exciting items, along with a live auction and paddle raise, helped to raise more than $15,000 to benefit Ensight and their children’s program to provide low-vision tools and training in the home for students ages 3-20 enrolled in any school district. Photos courtesy of Moses Street Photography.
JANUARY 2018
Back: Danny Welch, Taylor McGowen, Amanda Estrada, Mark Jackson, Tawni Ausdal, Patience Nosal. Front: Shantel Siegfried, Emile Boyd, Matthew Johnston, Allyson Engel, Katie Engel
Denny Moyer, Pam Devore, Dan Moyer
Kim Bernhardt and Corey Bernhardt portrayed a rollercoaster ride and won first-place in the costume contest.
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NOCO | About Town PHANTOM 4 MILER October 28 The Biergarten at Anheuser-Busch Fort Collins
The Bays Family, starring mom Alyssa, with sons Pierson & Paxton, won Best Team costume as their very own fire station.
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Carrying on the tradition at this Halloween themed event, more than 450 runners and walkers and hundreds of dogs with many in costume, carved out some time to help raise funds for animal rescues in Northern Colorado. The eighth annual Phantom 4 Miler, presented by The Biergarten at Anheuser Busch, took place at a new venue, with a new 4-mile course, and post-race activity with vendor booths, awards for top finishers and costume contests. More than $13,900 was raised to benefit Animal House Rescue & Grooming and the Fort Collins Cat Rescue Spay/Neuter Clinic to help the homeless animals in their care and help save more lives. Photos courtesy of Silver Paw Studio.
Sarah Early, Jessica Early
Steve Inman with Daphni
Sarah Carr - Overall Female Winner
Leslie Efird - Third-place winner
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MCKEE HEARTS OF PARADISE GALA November 4 Embassy Suites | Loveland
McKee Medical Center Foundation hosted its 36th annual McKee Presents Hearts of Paradise Gala with 470 business owners, physicians, community leaders and McKee Foundation supporters in attendance. The French Polynesian-themed evening served up a family-style dinner, just-for-fun casino games, entertainment by Polynesian FiaFia, opportunities to enter 15 travel raffles to an array of diverse destinations and the chance to win a two-year lease on a 2017 Subaru Outback. The 2017 Philanthropist of the Year award was presented to Bridget Brown, MD, for her dedication to and support of the Build a Brighter Year (BABY) program. The tropical evening raised more than $150,000 to benefit the McKee Heart Health Program. Photos courtesy of Wild Lavender Photography.
Nicki Frank, Lauren Stoffregen, Marissa West, Kyndall Voskamp
Benjamin George, Bleny George
Allis Gilbert, Allen Gilbert
JANUARY 2018
John Sparks, Wendy Sparks
Laura Whitney, Madison Williams, Abby Reecer, Lucas Murdock
Melissa Jackson, Bridget Brown Brown is the 2017 Philanthropist of the Year honoree.
Coleen Ligotke, George Ligotke
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NOCO | About Town UNDERWATER HOLD 'EM POKER TOURNAMENT
Veterans Day took a different twist in honoring veterans during this two-day fundraiser founded and hosted by High Plains Scuba Center. Thirty-six players, both men and women, including some veterans, anted up their chips, raised their bets and tried not to let their exhalation bubbles give away to their good hands during the underwater poker tournament. The championship round determined the top four winners who received great prizes. Nearly $2,500 was raised at this 12th annual event to benefit The Veterans Alliance and their programs supporting veterans in Northern Colorado.
November 10 & 11 High Plains Scuba Center | Fort Collins
Bob Long, Donna Wagner
Jason Kaptman, Bill Benson, Linda Bilsing, Ari Shtulman
Michael Eusea, Steven Dilger, Arron Hey, Jason Painter - Tournament Winners
Justin McGehee, Squire McGehee, Chad Eusea, Michael Eusea
Rob Davis
RESPITE CARE HOLIDAY BALL November 18 Embassy Suites | Loveland The 35th Annual Respite Care Holiday Ball was a dazzling night of celebration and inspiration. Evening festivities for the 1,200 guests in attendance included champagne, live and grand silent auctions, video presentations, dancing to live music from Funkiphino, and a chance to win a 2017 Honda Civic EX. With the generosity of those in attendance the event raised more than $500,000 to benefit Respite Care and their mission to provide shortterm care for children with developmental disabilities, giving rest to parents and enhancing the quality of life for the entire family. Photos courtesy of Aspen Photo & Design.
Luis Perea, Nicole Perea, Natalia Calhoun, Grant Calhoun
Paul Schnaitter, Annah Schnaitter, Paul Versteeg, Morgan Metz, Gary Metz
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