HOLIDAY TOY DRIVES UPLIFT AND INSPIRE HOW THE NUTCRACKER IS CREATING WINTER MAGIC
WINTER RECIPES FOR COLDER DAYS YOUR
Editor’sNote
Welcoming in the holidays brings excitement and an increase in activity. Whether you’re gathering with friends or family, Northern Colorado is sure to bring some wonderful experiences this Winter.
We kick off our Winter Wonderland edition of MyNOCO with a look into the Lincoln Center’s Nutcracker extravaganza. This long-running tradition has many moving parts, and we were lucky enough to be able to speak with the actress playing the Sugar Plum Fairy, where she talks about inspirations and much more.
Over at the House of Neighborly Service, we explore how they’re helping our community this season. Just north of them is FOCO Cafe, another organization looking to help their community through food. The cafe serves patrons with pay-what-you-can meals, and gave our writer an in-depth look at how they’ve pulled it off.
Continuing our running Try This and Bookshelf columns, we dive into everything from holiday reads to open mic nights to keep people going during colder weather. Heating things up, we’ve also included a few fun recipes for anyone looking for a nice hot meal.
Rounding things off, we’ve included a holiday gift guide for local shopping and a few other fun pieces that give us all things to do this holiday season. From all of our staff and contributors, we hope you enjoy this edition!
Darian Armer, Kathleen Duff, Jared Fiel, Linda Gassenheimer, Gretchen McKay, Darren Thornberry, Matthew L. Van Deventer, Kristen M. White
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DECEMBER 2024
COVER STORY
Truly a community effort, the Fort Collins Symphony and Opera Fort Collins collaborate with the Canyon Concert Ballet to create the magical spectacle of The Nutcracker.
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
’Tis the season of giving, and since 1961 House of Neighborly Service has existed to assist and advocate for people challenged by poverty and hardship.
THE BOOKSHELF: HOLIDAY READS
The holidays are just around the corner and there is literally no shortage of holiday-themed books out there for you to read and discover if you choose.
FOOD AND DRINKS
Building connections through food, FoCo Cafe (Feeding Our Community Ourselves Cafe) serves with hearty, homemade meals and a donation box in place of a cash register.
TRY THIS
Comedy open mics are a time when people can sign up for two- to five-minute slots. Participants range from firsttimers to veterans wanting to try out new material.
SENIORS’ CORNER
Pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, offers many health benefits for seniors, enhancing both physical and mental well-being.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Make the perfect holiday statement with this wide variety of gifts from local retailers.
HEALTH
Mindfulness is essential to happy holidays, from making vows to yourself to be gentle to respecting differences with family members. Our sister magazine Longmont magazine talks with an expert.
WARM FOOD
Chase away the chills with a great, big, steaming bowl of chili. Here are some recipes and instructions to get warmed up.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Things to do in NoCo in December from Greeley’s Festival of Trees through the All That Glitters New Years Eve Ball in Fort Collins.
The Nutcracker’sSweet!
TRULY A COMMUNITY EFFORT, THE FORT COLLINS SYMPHONY AND OPERA FORT COLLINS COLLABORATE WITH THE CANYON CONCERT BALLET COMPANY TO CREATE THE MAGICAL SPECTACLE THAT DRAWS THOUSANDS TO DOWNTOWN FORT COLLINS.
By Kathleen Duff
Like a gifted painter who returns time and again to tweak a classic masterpiece, Michael Pappalardo continues to redefine the Canyon Concert Ballet production of “The Nutcracker.”
The artistic director of the Fort Collins nonprofit dance organization knows how important it is to get the holiday classic just right. Families and community members throughout Northern Colorado often make a performance an integral part of their holiday tradition. The story of a young girl who has been gifted a Nutcracker that comes to life is filled with whimsical characters, spectacular costumes and enchanting dances.
“This production is incredibly special ... It’s so wonderful and exciting to remount the show but also get the opportunity to do touch ups,” Pappalardo, 40, explained. “It’s like an artwork that never finishes. You are always working on making it better. I like to reinvent parts of the show. The audience can come see new things that have changed.”
CCB, which is celebrating its 45th year, presents the massive production with 153 dancers (including 100 children), 31 musicians and 25 crew members. The costumes are so elaborate that five additional costumers are brought in temporarily to work with the company’s permanent two-member team.
“The Nutcracker” is Canyon Concert Ballet’s largest fund-raiser of the year. The organization includes a dance school and a professional dance company.
Truly a community effort, the Fort Collins Symphony and Opera Fort Collins collaborate with the ballet company to create the magical spectacle that draws thousands to downtown Fort Collins from Dec. 4-8 at the Lincoln Center. Pappalardo said the nonprofit is conducting an economic impact study to better understand how the production benefits the community from a financial perspective.
Still, it is the holiday magic found in the show that draws audiences and lures talented dancers, such as Sophia Brodin, 27.
by Tchaikovsky.
Dancers start their day with a technique class followed by six and a half-hours of rehearsal and corrections. Many of the dancers are working extra hard this year because they are also rehearsing for “Romeo and
Nutcracker” is meaningful to so many, she also believes the production itself is unique because children as young as age seven from Canyon Concert Ballet’s dance school join the professional company in the show.
“It’s really a beautiful thing. Kids get to see dancers their age all the way up to the princess fairy that they may aspire to be. And the range of young artists to professional artists is amazing. Being able to dance with the younger dancers is so rewarding.” Brodin said.
“The first time I saw ‘The Nutcracker’ as a little girl, I dreamed of being the Sugar Plum Fairy,” Brodin said. And for the third year at CCB, her dream is coming true as she dances the key part punctuated with music
Juliet,” to be presented in January - one of CCB’s six shows a year. Brodin will be Juliet.
“I go through a lot of pointe shoes,” Bodin said with a laugh. “In fact, it takes a lot of pointe shoes to put a ballet on stage.’”
While she recognizes that the story of “The
She said playing with the Fort Collins Symphony adds another important layer to the show.
“Having live music ... is fun for the dancers because it’s live and not everything is the same in every show. You have to think on your feet,” said Brodin, who has been dancing since age three.
She concluded, “Sometimes, people might think ballet is not their thing. But the great thing about ‘The Nutcracker’ is that it is visually so fun. A little kid can go and see it and dream of being a Sugar Plum Fairy. And adults can go and escape reality for awhile.”
She encourages those who haven’t been to give the show a try. With a giggle, she said. “Come support the ballet. Keep us dancing.”
The Nutcracker
For information about tickets, visit ccballet.org. In addition to Fort Collins performances, shows are scheduled Nov. 29-30 at the Cheyenne Civic Center in Wyoming.
A special child and sensory-friendly presentation called “The Nutcracker Sweets,” will be presented Dec. 22 and Dec. 23 at The Rialto in Loveland.
Dancers perform the struggle with the Mouse Kng. Courtesy/Canyon Concert Ballet.
Dancers performing in a scene from The Nutcracker. Courtesy/ Canyon Concert Ballet.
A battle scene from The Nutcracker. Courtesy/ Canyon Concert Ballet.
’Tis Season Giving
SINCE 1961, HOUSE OF NEIGHBORLY SERVICE EXISTS TO ASSIST AND ADVOCATE FOR PEOPLE CHALLENGED BY POVERTY.
By Darien Armer
is the season of giving, and a great place to give this year is the House of Neighborly Service in Loveland and Berthoud. In existence since 1961, when several churches in Loveland came together to form the group, House of
Neighborly Service exists to “assist and advocate for people challenged by the effects of poverty or situational crisis.”
And that mission remains the same to this day, but the way that’s accomplished has grown to encompass even more resources and nonprofits.
Fourteen years ago, the organization worked to build the Life Center, a central location for social services. The model was born out of the realization that programs built to help people escape poverty were often widely spread out and therefore underutilized because of time constraints, transportation issues and simple lack of knowledge of those resources.
At the Loveland and Berthoud Life Centers, a person seeking assistance can go to one place where they can easily access 21 nonprofits in Loveland and five nonprofits in Berthoud, often having to only walk across the hallway to receive
the help they need.
Executive Director Cherri Houle says 88 percent of people they serve are housed, while only 12 percent are homeless. What that means is that the majority of people they help have a place to live, but most are only one crisis away from losing that housing.
While a flat tire, minor car repair or late fee on a bill might be a small deal to some, these seemingly minor ‘bumps in the road’ become major potholes for someone teetering on the brink of poverty and homelessness.
“When they go through crisis their housing is in danger. If the utilities get turned off and a person gets further behind, eventually they can lose the place they’re in,” says Houle. “At HNS we bring stabilization and work to prevent those crises, potentially preventing homelessness.
Houle says HNS is partnering with the City of Berthoud to bring
a 20,000-square-foot Life Center with space for multiple nonprofit partners, to the city.
“The mission is the same: To come alongside neighbors in need,” says Houle.
To be a part of the work HNS is doing this holiday season, be on the lookout for food drives in the community, or even drop food off. Houle says they are giving more than a ton of food out on a daily basis. And that’s just in Loveland. She encourages people to drop food by either location or host a food drive in their neighborhood and then bring it by.
The Loveland Life Center hours are Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Berthoud Life Center Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
On Thursday, November 21 from 4:30-6:30 p.m., HNS is hosting the Christmas Open House for the community at the Loveland Life Center. There will be holiday treats, Santa will stop by and there will be a scavenger hunt for kids to find ornaments. Guests will also have the chance to meet the organizations in the center. The Loveland Life Center is located at 1511 E. 11th Street, Loveland.
With all these events comes the need for extra volunteers. Between sorting, organizing and handing out food and clothes, there’s always a need for an extra pair of hands this time of year.
Houle says that is especially true of the Santa Shop event on November 25, where parents can come shop for Christmas gifts for
children up to teenagers, all for free. In order to qualify, a person must go through the HNS basic needs qualification, but Houle says they are very generous on the requirement. Simply go online at honservice.org, for more information.
“Many people don’t qualify for food stamps but will qualify for our Santa Shop,” says Houle. “We also have a birthday closet where people can get a bag and gift to celebrate their birthday. One of our core values is honor. We want people to honor holidays and birthdays — things you usually have to cut when going through tough times. We come alongside them to make sure they do celebrate those things.”
Houle says it’s because of caring neighbors that HNS is even able to serve the community like they do.
“Having seen thousands of donors drop off food and clothing and checks, I know this is a caring neighbor movement that’s been going on for 60+ years. There is no way our staff could do this without them. Their energy and compassion are incredible. I just have to say, ‘thank you,’” says Houle. “When people come in here, they know their community cares and that their community is cheering them on to get through this crisis. Thank you to our caring neighbors. The energy of it is just so life-changing to people.”
To learn more about House of Neighborly Service, visit honservice.org.
Holiday
Reads
By Kristen M. White
The holidays are just around the corner! Maybe you’re looking for the perfect book to give a loved one for Christmas, need inspiration for holiday festivities or are just looking for your next curl-up-on-the-couch book, with the help of the staff at Clearview Library District, we’ve got some great picks for you in this month’s Bookshelf.
“seasonal brunches, cookie swaps and all those Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve parties.”
In the mood for more food?
er,” she said. “We enjoyed the cozy, winter vibes, the story of self-discovery and the interwoven folktales.”
Bradley said another fun book the entire family can enjoy together is The Autobiography of Santa Claus: A Revised Edition of the Christmas Classic, by Jeff Guinn.
If you’ve got a cookie swap on the calendar, or maybe you just love baking for your family and friends at the holidays, Baking for the Holidays: 50+ Treats for a Festive Season by Sarah Kieffer can provide lots of inspiration. Recommended by Jennifer Bradley, Adult Services Supervising Librarian, the book has a variety of ideas for
Try Stephen Briseño’s Tamales for Christmas.
This children’s book will be loved by the whole family as it captures the magic of tamales and the spirit of giving.
Clearview Children and Family Services Librarian Trisha Parsons recommends the book The Girl Who Speaks Bear, by Sophie Anderson.
“We read this book for our family book club, Imagine Stories Togeth-
“Santa Claus himself shares this definitive story, through 17 centuries of Christmas lore, of how he came to be known as the all-knowing, all gift-giving man from the North Pole,” she said.
Christine Henschler, Communications Specialist at Clearview, suggested Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, by Dolly Parton and Erica S. Perl, as a great gift recommendation. In this
standalone sequel to Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes it Big, Dolly’s favorite god-dog returns with a heartwarming story about the true meaning of Christmas. Another lighthearted children’s read is The Lost Snowflake by Stuart Matthews. Sparkle the snowflake has been separated from his friends and family, so he embarks on a journey to find them, while teaming up with Nutty the Squirrel.
Early Literacy Librarian Nancy Milliken likes the book Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna
There is no shortage of holiday-based books out there to read. Shutterstock
Dewdney, part of the Llama Llama series. In this holiday book, readers get a reminder to “slow down during the holiday and remember what is really important,” Milliken said.
For teens, Winterkeep by Kristin Cashore is the fourth in the Graceling Realm series, which has sold more than 1.7 million copies and won numerous awards. Winterkeep is one of several installments of captivating adventure.
Another good teen winter-themed read is Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust. The novel reimagines the
classic tales of Snow White and the Snow Queen. Perfect for anyone who loves a good fairy tale with a twist. Got a mystery or historical fiction lover on your gift giving list? Inspired by the real life and diary of Martha Ballard, Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is a gripping historical mystery perfect for this time of year. Ballard was a renowned 18th-century midwife who pursued the truth behind the death of a man found entombed in the icy Kennebec River. Or consider Mr. Dickens and His Carol, by Samantha Silva. This irresistible novel reimagines the story behind Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic.
Building
Connections Through Food
By Matthew Van Deventer
NNot far from Old Downtown Fort Collins, a small, unassuming nonprofit is building and serving its community with hearty, homemade meals. There’s no cash register or point-of-sale system to produce a bill. Instead, there’s a donation box.
“It’s a special place. It’s a great place to be a part of,” said Mark Betz, the Assistant Director of FoCo Cafe, or Feeding Our Community Ourselves Cafe.
It’s the first nonprofit restaurant in Fort Collins where patrons set the price for a meal. Or, as Betz puts it, they can invoke a Meal Exchange meal, when a patron completes a five- to ten-minute chore, like washing dishes or sweeping in exchange for their meal.
The cafe is celebrating its 10year anniversary this Thanksgiving. The founders, since retired, were inspired by Denver-based
nonprofit restaurant, SAME Cafe, or So All May Eat.
A small, full-time staff keeps FoCo Cafe operational: the Executive Director Dexter Beasley, the Executive Chef Taylor Brotherton, and Betz.
Two part-time employees whose positions are funded by
a veteran employment organization, SER National, work the kitchen. On any given day, the restaurant could have one to eight volunteers, who also get a meal.
Beasley said they serve everyone in Fort Collins “from business professionals to fam-
ilies experiencing food insecurity.” Since opening, they’ve served 144,000 meals. In just nine months they’ve served more than 6,100 Meal Exchange meals, nearly three times more than usual.
“This growth shows both the increasing need in our community and the success of our model in meeting our community with dignity and respect,” continued Beasley.
Betz said they don’t collect data on the population they serve which can challenge fundraising efforts but is more inline with their mission.
“We feel that attempting to collect that data actually puts up a barrier to the clientele that we want to serve,” explained Betz. The last thing they want to do is make anyone feel embarrassed for having to fill out a questionnaire about their circumstances to get a meal.
Shot of the inside of FOCO Cafe. Courtesy/FOCO Cafe
Executive Director Dexter Beasley smiling at the camera. Courtesy/FOCO Cafe
Community donations, grants, and pay-it-forward meals bring in revenue while partnerships with local organizations can help keep food costs down, Beasley explained.
Foco Cafe also has available other amenities for the community like a giving tree, free refrigerator storage in the “Freedge”, a kindness cupboard for storing non-perishable items, a free library and a hydration station.
Brotherton said they try to source ingredients locally as much as possible and as a result the menu rotates with the seasons.
Building the menu is often a puzzle for Brotherton as she develops dishes based on their in-house inventory as well as donated and “rescued” food from the community.
Once she has the food, Brotherton said, “then I try to figure out what to do with it, how I can make it last, how I can get it out to those meals in the most
efficient way. And it has to be delicious.”
Through the end of December people can donate a turkey to Foco Cafe Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. They have been using a turkey a day because of seasonal menu items like the Turkey Club on Foco Focaccia, a green lentil
Gumbo, and a Thanksgiving bowl.
The recently shuttered Pickle Barrel Bar and Deli donated their remaining salami, pepperoni and cheese making possible the grinder salad currently on menu. Another time she was able to rescue numerous squash from a food bank and process it so it would keep through the winter.
While she’s still dreaming up the winter menu change, which will launch January 2 of next year, Brotherton hopes to bring back a popular dish: cheesy, broccoli and potato soup.
“What makes Foco Cafe special is our ability to bring people together across social boundaries,” Beasley said . “We’re not just serving meals, we’re creating connection and building a more resilient community. Whether you can make a generous donation or volunteer your time, everyone is welcomed with the same dignity and respect.”
For more information and to see their full menu, visit fococafe.org. They are open 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Saturday for indoor and outdoor dining as well as carry-out. Delivery is available through NoCo Nosh, UberEats, and Doordash. Thanksgiving is their busiest day of the year so they encourage patrons to pre-order their meal online.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Hot meals waiting to be served. Courtesy/FOCO Cafe
OpenMic
By Jared Fiel
Nights
Stephanie Sprenger remembers her first time very well.
“I was so nervous and all these thoughts were running through my brain like ‘Am I going to pee my pants?’ ‘What am I going to say?’ ‘Did I breathe?’” she said of her first open mic comedy performance.
“It’s like a lesson in extreme presence. It’s like tai chi for your mouth,” she said. “You hold so much stuff in your brain that there isn’t room for anything else.”
Her first open mic was at a brewery and she had others from her comedy class in attendance, which helped. “There were people there just to have drinks and I realized none of these people owe me a laugh. That is terrifying.”
Fortunately, Sprenger got through her first open mic and honed her craft at several others over a year ago to where she started to get invited to be in shows or to host shows. “I am extremely lucky,” she said. “But I have worked my tail off for it.”
For the uninitiated, comedy open mics are a time when people can sign up for two- to five-minute slots. Participants range from first-timers to veterans wanting to try out new material.
Sprenger said open mics closer to Denver have seemingly gone away in the last few months, but Northern Colorado has quite a number of options. The Comedy Fort even offers comedy classes.
Currently, Sprenger has shows two or three times a month, but she knows that if she goes too long between shows, she needs to hit an open-mic to stay fresh.
“No matter what, every time I go up there it’s the same,” she said. “Time seems to slow down. You have all the worst nightmares in your mind. And then it is over.”
Most of the people in the audience are other comedians so laughs are rare, but the community of comics also help out and give feedback. “You have to endure the soul-crushing part if you ever want to get to a point where people
Photo by Jared Fiel
are paying to see you,” she said.
And she knows what she is talking about. The worst open-mic she ever had was in a “dive bar” which had just finished hosting a wake for a former customer. “A bunch of the people from the wake stuck around to watch the show,” she said. “Talk about a tough crowd. Nothing was funny. I couldn’t feel more uncomfortable.”
But she said that experience and others where she got the silent treatment helped toughen her skin and to truly enjoy the laughs when they come. “You have to pay your dues,” she said. “And the people I met through open-mics became my community … my people.”
Her people now are fellow comics who watch out for each other and encourage each other with feedback on wording or timing of a set. “I never would have found that community if I hadn’t really focused on open mics,” she said.
Open Mics for Comedy:
l The Comedy Fort
167 N. College Ave., Fort Collins Mondays, 7 p.m. Sign-up online. Sets are 2-4 minutes.
l Slyce’s Speak Cheesy
163 W. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins (Speak Cheesy is two doors down from the side entrance to Slyce and downstairs).
Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Details at location.
l High Brau Taphouse
915 16th St., Greeley
Third Friday of the month from 7:30-9 p.m. Sign-up for spots at 7 p.m. Details at location.
l Slice n’ Roll
141 E. 4th St., Loveland
Second Tuesday of the month from 7-9 p.m. Sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. Details at location.
l The Lyric 1209 N. College Ave.
Mondays from 6-9 p.m. Sign-ups are at 5:30 p.m. Comedians are included with musicians and poets.
PickleballEffect
By Ben Haney
WHY SENIORS NATIONWIDE ARE EMBRACING THE SPORT
Pickleball court and paddles. Unsplash
Pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, offers many health benefits for seniors, enhancing both physical and mental well-being. Developed in 1965, the sport blends tennis, badminton and ping-pong, appealing to older adults due to its accessibility and low-impact nature.
Pickleball allows seniors to
stay active without overstraining, making it a popular choice for fitness among adults over 55. But beyond physical health, pickleball also strengthens mental resilience, social bonds and cognitive abilities, significantly improving the quality of life for older players.
One of pickleball’s major draws is its mental health benefits. In a recent survey conducted by
Carewell, a North Carolina-based caregiver support company, nearly 70% of senior players reported reduced stress and anxiety, while 64% said the game uplifted their spirits. Moreover, one in three experienced improved cognition and self-esteem.
This psychological boost is bolstered by the social nature of the sport; about 50% of respondents cited a sense of community as a key benefit. Social interaction on the pickleball court combats the isolation that older adults often face, contributing to a more fulfilling life.
Another appeal of pickleball is its accessibility across generations. Many older players find that pickleball offers a unique opportunity to connect with younger family members. According to the Carewell survey, 36% of Gen Z and Millennial players use pickleball as a way to bond with older family members. The shared activity bridges generational gaps and encourages meaningful
interactions.
Physically, pickleball offers benefits that are essential to healthy aging, such as enhanced cardiovascular fitness, strength and bone density. A 2016 study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that players burned 40% more calories during a 30-minute game of pickleball than walking for the same amount of time. Regular play can help improve balance and coordination, which are vital for fall prevention in older adults. Pickleball also contributes to bone health, helping to stave off osteoporosis, which affects many in this age group.
However, like any sport, pickleball comes with risks, especially as older players face increased rates of injuries such as fractures. Research presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ annual meeting showed a 90-fold increase in pickleball-related fractures among seniors over the past two decades. Ex-
perts, like Stanford’s Dr. Michael Fredricson, suggest that underlying osteoporosis and diminished bone density contribute to this risk.
Still, Fredricson and other professionals agree that the benefits of playing pickleball outweigh the risks, provided seniors take precautions. Fitness experts recommend wearing proper footwear, warming up and incorporating strength training to mitigate injury risks.
Pickleball is a fantastic health tool that empowers older adults to stay active, social and mentally sharp. With proper precautions, seniors can reap the numerous benefits pickleball has to offer,
nections.
enhancing their physical fitness, mental resilience and social con-
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SHOP DINE THE SEASON &
IN DOWNTOWN WINDSOR
We invite you to embrace the holiday spirit right here in Downtown Windsor. As the air turns crisp and the lights begin to twinkle, there’s no better place to find the perfect gifts and savor delicious meals than in our vibrant downtown.
From unique boutiques to cozy cafes and festive restaurants, Downtown Windsor has everything you need to make this holiday season special. Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful gift or enjoying a meal with loved ones, our local businesses are ready to welcome you with open arms.
We’re especially thankful for our wonderful community, whose support makes Downtown Windsor the heart of our town. Let’s make this holiday season one to remember—shop local, dine local, and share in the joy that only Downtown Windsor can offer.
Embrace the essence of community by choosing to “LIVE LOCAL” in downtown Windsor. With its unique blend of shops, cafes, and restaurants, our vibrant town center offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to all tastes. By supporting local businesses, you’re not just getting quality products and services, but also contributing to the growth and prosperity of our community. Let’s create a thriving hub together, where every purchase fosters connections and fuels dreams. LIVE LOCAL, and let downtown Windsor flourish.
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Fun collectable robots made from antique blocks and other old parts.
20. Snowy Owl Shaped Puzzle
Wild Birds Unlimited Longmont
This gorgeous collage-style image from Lori Schory makes the perfect shaped puzzle.
SunsOut puzzles are 100% made in the USA with ecofriendly soy-based inks on recycled boards and are not sold in mass-market stores.
21. Olive the Owl Seed Character Wild Birds Unlimited Longmont Add a little character to your yard with an adorable owl available only from Wild Birds Unlimited.
22. Chad Parker Silversmithing Lincoln Gallery $125
Handcrafted jewelry created with sterling silver, copper, brass and fresh water pearls.
24. Beautiful, Colorful and Playful!
Snyder Jewelers, Inc.
$1975.00
14kt rose gold necklace with Amethyst, Blue Topaz and Diamonds bring color elegance and fun!
25. Shine Sapphire Gold Bracelet
Leela Inspired $45.00
Shine bright this holiday season with this beautiful Sapphire bracelet! Layer it up with gold accent bracelets — check out the Sapphire necklaces too at
leelainspired.com.
26. Once Upon A Time Wild & Thoughtful Wicks
$30.00
Gifts for the artist! From craft days to your magnum opus, light our candles for creative inspiration. Find us at wildandthoughtfulwicks. com. At Wild & Thoughtful Wicks our candles are nontoxic, they do not contain any plastics, parabens, petroleum, phthalates, lead or synthetic coloring.
27. Balancing Stones Wild & Thoughtful Wicks $30
This highly potent antioxidant wonderful candles for the yogi in your life! Check out our collection made for mindfulness at wildandthoughtfulwicks. com. At Wild & Thoughtful Wicks our candles are nontoxic, they do not contain any plastics, parabens, petroleum, phthalates, lead or synthetic coloring.
28. Romeo and Juliet Tickets Canyon Concert Ballet
$39
The beautiful sets and lavish costumes further emphasize the passion of this beloved ballet and its star-crossed lovers. Every leap breathes new life into Shakespeare’s masterpiece and invites audiences to rediscover the iconic love story like it’s the very first time.
29. The Nutcracker Tickets Canyon Concert Ballet
$43
CCB’s annual performance of The Nutcracker is a longtime tradition in Fort Collins. This family favorite is performed on the main stage at The Lincoln Center. This beautiful, lively ballet is sure to delight audiences and remind us all of the magic of the Christmas season. The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins — December 2024
30. The Gift of a Cleaner Car (or Two)
Breeze Thru Car Wash Go for BOGO! Buy One Gift Card, Get One FREE! Treat your loved ones (and yourself) to the gift of a clean car. Purchase any gift card $30 or higher, and we’ll double the value! It’s the perfect way to Keep It Clean this holiday season with Breeze Thru Car Wash. Visit BreezeThruCarWash. com or stop by any of our 15 locations starting Black Friday to grab your BOGO
gift cards today!
31. Bulk herbs Verdant Nature Creations LLC Give the gift of endless possibilities in the kitchen with $6 off any purchase of $25 or more on bulk herbs.
32. Hand Crafted Charcuterie Boards Lincoln Gallery $65.00
Create the ultimate snack board with various sizes and woods, created by local artistans.
Crafting during
33. Bernette 08
The Presser Foot $2499
This newest addition to the bernette lineup is a powerhouse of possibilities, delivering a faster, more powerful, more efficient way to express your heart’s desire. Let this machine help you with all of your holiday gifts!
34. Bernina 735 PE
The Presser Foot $5999
Designed with the quilter in
mind, the B735 Patchwork edition features a vibrant red faceplate adorned with classic patchwork designs.
35. Bernette 70 DECO
The Presser Foot $999
This computerized embroidery-only machine lets you add your own creative flair to clothing and accessories-including more than 200 built-in embroidery designs and a touchscreen that makes editing a breeze.
36. Jot Blocks
The Tilted Brick
Starting at $12
Take a break and indulge in some art therapy. jOTBLOCK art sets collection invites full creative expression at a moment’s notice. The jOTBLOCK artist watercolor set was featured in O, the Oprah Magazine’s Favorite Things 2018.
37. Okto
The Tilted Brick
Starting at $24
These beautiful artistic sets are a new and innovative idea of sculpting clay to make a beautiful 3 dimensional picture. These sets come in child and adult versions with ranges of difficulty.
38. Watercolor artist gifts
The Tilted Brick
Come choose from our wide range of artist-grade watercolor gifts and products. We can create the perfect gift for the beginning artist or the accomplished professional.
Feasts For the
39. Pfeffernusse Cookies
City Drug Fort Collins
$3.39
Pfeffernusse cookies are irresistible small spiced Christmas treats!
40. Stollen Bread
City Drug Fort Collins
$8.99
Loaded with fruits and delictable ingredients, this treat is a perfect gift for those looking to indulge in a classic German Christmas bread over the holidays.
41. Lebkuchen Cookies
City Drug Fort Collins
$6.71
These traditional German cookies are a honeysweetened holiday treat. They have delicious candied fruit and almonds. Anyone would love to get them as a gift!
42. Georgia Boys BBQ Gift Card
Georgia Boys BBQ
$25
Give the gift of delicious Southern Smoked BBQ from
Georgia Boys BBQ. Our gift cards can be purchased at our restaurant or online at www.georgiaboys.com.
43. Georgia Boys BBQ Gift Basket
Georgia Boys BBQ Starting at $35
44. Georgia Boys BBQ Sauce
Georgia Boys BBQ
$8
BBQ Sauce from BBQ Experts!
At Georgia Boys BBQ, we are experts at seasoning and smoking meat. We are also experts at selecting the
right ingredients in a sauce to enhance the flavor of the meat, not cover it up.
45. Give the Gift of Classic Dining
The Den on Eleventh
Starting at $75
Now through Dec. 26 get 20% off gift cards valued at $75-150. These can be purchased online using code “GCHOLIDAY24” at checkout. Gift cards can be purchased in person as well.
By Darren Thornberry
If you find the holidays anxiety-inducing, there’s a good chance you’re already there. Who’s hosting Thanksgiving? Gift-giving is part of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa — are you ready? Rather than go headlong into the holidays only to struggle through, employ some wellness strategies that help make the season a joy.
Longmont clinical certified hypnotherapist and psychotherapist Rachel Koenigsberg (The Holistic Wellness Center, 16 Mountain View Ave., Longmont; (303) 579-8919, HealthyThoughts. net) shares perspective on how to overcome holiday stress with mindfulness.
Longmont Magazine: How can you reduce anxiety about holiday gatherings with family?
Rachel Koenigsberg: Make a vow to be gentle with yourself before,
during and after the gatherings. Release expectations and try to go with the flow so that you can enjoy the family on your terms (like focusing your energy and time on things that are fun for you and being willing to say no to things you don’t want to do). Respect differences with family members. Do your best to listen and try to find and focus on common ground. If you get too anxious, take a break from the interaction.
Take alone time for yourself: Read a book, spend time in nature, go for a bike ride or walk, take a nap and remember to breathe.
LM: How can mindfulness help someone stay centered?
RK: The definition of mindfulness is “the practice of being aware of your thoughts, feelings and surroundings in the present moment without judgment.” Imagine yourself as an observer and this will help you
Rachel Koenigsberg and grandchild. Courtesy/ Rachel Koenigsberg
see everyday activities with fresh eyes.
Be kind to yourself and respond to others with kindness and compassion. You may not be able to control how others behave, but you can control how you let their behavior affect you. Don’t lose sight of what really counts. Can you use a moment of frustration to reflect and find ways to make it more pleasant? Can you find gratitude for the good things that happened today?
LM: How can you listen to — and respond to — your body during the holidays?
RK: Whenever you begin to feel anxious, overwhelmed or stressed, take a moment to close your eyes and practice this mindful breathing technique:
l Breathe in deeply on the count of four.
l Hold the breath in on the count of four.
l Breathe out slowly on the count of eight (this signals to your body and brain that there is no danger).
Practice this squeezing and releasing relaxation technique:
l Lay down in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and begin by squeezing and releasing the tension in your body, starting in your toes and feet and then moving slowly up through your body one muscle group at a time.
l As you breathe in, imagine gathering up the tension in those body areas as you squeeze (hold it); then slowly release that tension as you breathe out.
Practice self-hypnosis:
l Close your eyes.
l Take in three long, slow, deep breaths (imagine breathing in peace and serenity and breathing out what you no longer want or need).
l Relax your body beginning with your toes and imagine your muscles becoming more loose, limp and lazy; then work your way up to your scalp (visualizing your muscles like loose rubber bands may help).
l Count backward from 10 to one, letting each descending number take you deeper down inside (imagine going down a staircase).
l Clear your mind by imagining a
large room where you can put all your thoughts away for now.
l Imagine a special place where you feel safe and at peace — a beautiful, tranquil place. Rest.
l Next, give yourself positive suggestions and visualizations, i.e., “Even though I’ve been feeling anxious, I know that I will be okay”…“I am calm and relaxed.”
l Count yourself back up from one to five.
McCreery & Sun of Colorado
Cameron Ivy Jada Specht
Nate Scofield
Amy McCarty
Manny Nieto Cambrilynn Ivy Isaac Blackwell
Tim Byrd Christian Moyers
WarmFood
Chase AwayThe Chills
With these Modern Chili Recipes
By Gretchen McKay
There’s something about fall that just calls out for a great, big, steaming bowl of chili.
And it’s not just because it’s beginning to get cold outside, though it’s true we start to crave warm, comforting dishes when the weather forecast calls for pulling on a jacket instead of shorts.
Rather, I think it’s because we have a natural tendency to want to hunker down and fill up on the carbs our bodies start craving — consciously or subconsciously — to help boost our moods when there’s suddenly less daylight.
Chili often is packed with hearty proteins like beef or equally nutritious beans, and you’ll also find high-carb veggies like carrots and sweet potatoes in the pot, too.
A proper bowl of chili, if done right, also is full of heat-forward spices like paprika, chili powder and crushed red pepper, which some say can release endorphins,
the hormones that make you feel happy.
Chili might have been created by the Aztecs; others say it can be traced back to Texas in the 1800s, at least the meat version of the dish.
It’s fairly easy to throw together, which appeals to those of us who are suddenly feeling just a little bit lazier. Many recipes, in fact, are so easy that it’s the perfect food for a novice cook to make so long as he or she can measure and follow instructions.
A pot of chili also reheats really well after raking leaves or watching the kids run around on a soccer or football field, and it’s the one food that actually gets better a day or two after you make it because the flavors have had time to gel and soak together.
Here are three recipes you’ll want to try this fall — one made with beef, another with chicken and a third built just on vegetables — along with a recipe for homemade cornbread, which
goes with every type of chili. We also dish up some tips to bring your pot to the next level.
Tips
l Always brown the meat before you start throwing in other ingredients. It creates a deeper, richer flavor.
l When chopping veggies, make sure they’re the same size to ensure even cooking.
l A tablespoon or two of cocoa powder or espresso powder will add depth to meat chilis.
l Adding canned beans? Be sure to drain and rinse before throwing into the pot.
l Don’t skimp on the spices (paprika, chili powder, cumin, coriander and Mexican oregano are favorites) and make sure they’re not expired.
l Give it some time to simmer. Chuck roast and ground beef need at least 90 minutes (and up to two hours) to fully break down and become tender.
l Don’t forget the garnishes for
a fresh finish. Think shredded cheese, chopped green onion, fresh cilantro, sour cream, pickled jalapeno and sliced avocado.
Vegetarian Chili
One of the great things about chili is you can throw just about anything in the pot and it will turn out perfectly fine. This chili will keep well in the fridge for
about four days, and also can freeze it for longer-term storage. It’s on the spicy side, but you always can add less chili powder and omit the piquillo peppers.
Ingredients
l 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
l 1 medium red onion, chopped
l 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
l 2 medium carrots, chopped
l 2 ribs celery, chopped
l 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
l 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
l 2 tablespoons chili powder, or more to taste
l 2 teaspoons ground cumin
l 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
l 1 teaspoon dried oregano
l 1 large can (28 ounces) or 2 small cans (15 ounces each) diced tomatoes, with their juices
l 2 cups cooked red beans
l 1/2 cup chopped piquillo peppers
l 2 cups vegetable broth or water
l 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnishing
l 1 or 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar or lime juice, to taste
Optionally add Sour cream, sliced avocado and grated cheddar cheese, for garnish
Instructions
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, carrot, celery and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent, about seven-10 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and oregano. Cook until fragrant while stirring constantly, about one minute. Add diced tomatoes and their juices, red beans and chopped piquillo peppers, vegetable broth
and bay leaf.
Stir to combine and let the mixture come to a low boil. Reduce heat, then continue cooking, stirring occasionally and reducing heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer, for 30 minutes.
Remove chili from the heat and discard the bay leaf. For the best texture and flavor, transfer 1 1/2 cups to a blender, making sure to get some of the liquid portion. Securely fasten the lid and blend until smooth (watch out for hot steam), then pour the blended mixture back into the pot. Add chopped cilantro, stir to combine, and mix in vinegar, to taste. Add salt to taste, as well. Divide the mixture into individual bowls and serve with garnishes of your choice.
l Serves 6-8.
l Adapted from cookiesandkate. com
Texas-Style Chili
Con Carne
Chili made with ground beef is good, but chili made with fat
chunks of chuck roast is even better because you can really sink your teeth into a bowl. This Texas-style recipe also includes bacon to lend a smoky flavor and added richness. I used a bottle of German lager left over from Oktoberfest.
l 1/4 cup ground ancho chile pepper
l 1 tablespoon ground chipotle chile pepper
l 2 tablespoons ground cumin
l 2 teaspoons dried oregano
l 1 teaspoon ground coriander
l 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
l 1/4 cup cornmeal
l 1 (3-pound) beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1 1/2 -inch cubes
l 8 slices thick bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
l 2 teaspoons salt
l 2 small yellow onions, cut into 1-inch chunks
l 5 garlic cloves, chopped
l 3 jalapeño chiles, cored, seeded and finely diced
l 4 cups beef broth
l 2 cups water, plus more for the chili paste and deglazing the pan
l 1 1/4 cups lager beer
l 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
l 1 tablespoon molasses
l 2 teaspoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder
l Fresh chopped cilantro and shredded Monterey or cheddar cheese, for garnish
l Lime wedges, for serving
Mix chili powders, cumin,
oregano, coriander, cinnamon and cornmeal in a small bowl and stir in 1/2 cup water to form a thick paste; set aside. Season the beef with the salt; set aside.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, fry bacon over medium heat, stirring frequently so it doesn’t stick, until the fat renders and the bacon crisps, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour all but a few teaspoons of fat from the pot into a small bowl; set aside.
Increase the heat to medium-high. Sear the meat in three batches (it should be in a single layer), until well browned on one side, about four minutes per batch, adding more of the reserved bacon fat as necessary. Place the seared meat on a plate. Add about 1/4 cup of water to the pot (it will smoke), and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to release all of the flavorful brown bits. Pour the dark liquid over the seared meat. Reduce the heat to medium and add three tablespoons of the reserved bacon fat to the pot. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about five minutes. Add garlic and jalapeños and cook two minutes more. Add reserved chili paste and sauté until fragrant for a few minutes (it will look clumpy and stick to the bottom a bit — that’s OK).
Add beef broth and stir with a whisk until the spice mixture is
completely dissolved. Scrape the bottom of the pot with the whisk to release spices. Stir in water, beer, crushed tomatoes, molasses and cocoa powder. Add reserved bacon and seared beef (along with the juices from the beef on the bottom of the plate) back to the pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and cover, leaving the lid just barely ajar. Simmer, stirring occasionally so the bottom doesn’t burn, until the meat is meltingly tender and the juices are thickened, 2 1/2-3 hours.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle into bowls and serve with cilantro, cheese and lime wedges.
l Serves 6-8.
l Adapted from onceuponachef. com
Chicken Verde Chili
Anaheim or poblano chilies
Hatch chiles are beloved for their unique smoky flavor and sneaky heat.
can be used in a pinch if you can’t find Hatch chilies, which are grown in New Mexico’s Hatch Valley.
Ingredients
l 2 tablespoons olive oil
l 1 large yellow onion, diced
l 15-ounces roasted hatch chilies, roughly chopped, seeds and stems discarded
l 1 jalapeño pepper, stemmed, seeded and diced
l 4 cloves garlic, minced
l 4 cups chicken broth
l 1 pound chicken breast tenderloin
l 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
l 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
l 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
l 2 (15.5-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
l 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
l Juice of 2 limes
l Sour cream, diced avocados, sliced green onions for serving
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and jalapeno and cook for 10 minutes, until the peppers are softened and the onions are translucent.
Stir in garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
Place cooked onions, pepper and garlic in a blender with the roasted hatch chilies. Puree until it is well combined and smooth.
Place pureed peppers and onions back into the pot and add the chicken broth, chicken tenderloins, salt, cumin and oregano. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove chicken from pot and when cool enough to touch, shred with your fingers or two forks and add back to the pot. Stir in cannellini beans, chopped cilantro and lime juice. Taste and season with more salt if needed.
Serve in bowls topped with sour cream, cilantro, green onions and sliced avocados, or whatever toppings you love. Serves six.
— Gretchen McKay, Post-Gazette
Homemade Corn Bread
l 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
l 3/4 cup yellow corn meal
l 1/4 cup sugar
l 2 teaspoons baking powder
l 1/2 teaspoon salt
l 1 cup milk
l 1/4 cup vegetable oil
l 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease an 8- or 9-inch pan. Combine dry ingredients. Stir in milk, oil and egg and mix just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake until light golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. A toothpick or knife tip inserted in the center should come out clean.
Kicking off the Friday after Thanksgiving, Festival of Trees welcomes the community to a winter wonderland of beautifully decorated trees and family fun in the lobbies of the Union Colony Civic Center. Don’t miss a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! All proceeds made during this event will support the Union Colony Civic Center and the Greeley Philharmonic Guild. See greeleygov.com/activities/fot/ festival-of-trees for full schedule | $5.50 Adults, $3.50 Children & Seniors | 701 10th Avenue, Greeley. DECEMBER 3
Join us for an evening of outstanding chamber music! Program: Vivaldi: Concerto for Two Cellos in G minor; Vivaldi: Concerto in A minor for Violin, RV 356, featuring student competition winner; Vivaldi: The Four Seasons. Front Range Chamber Players believes that young musicians are the future of classical chamber music. We hope you will join us at 6:30 p.m. for a prelude performance from our selected student musicians. | $35-$40 | 7 p.m. | Fort Collins High School, 3400 Lambkin Way, Fort Collins.
DECEMBER 4
Jack Wright’s Cherry
Cherry Christmas
Jack Wright’s highly acclaimed national touring production, A Neil Diamond Cherry Cherry Christmas, rings in the season with classic secular and spiritual Christmas favorites from Neil’s Christmas albums and TV special, along with some of his most memorable Top40 hits. | Tickets: $38 main floor, $28 balcony, $48 VIP (first four rows) | 7 p.m. | The Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th Street, Loveland.
DECEMBER 4-8, 13-15, 22-23
The Nutcracker
Being performed in three venues this season in Fort Collins, Greeley and Loveland. A tradition around the world during the Yuletide Season. Canyon Concert Ballet and the Fort Collins Symphony present the ballet at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins, Colorado Dance Theatre is proud to present it in Greeley at Monfort Concert Hall, and Canyon Concert Ballet is producing the Loveland event at the Rialto Theatre. | Fort Collins tickets are available at tinyurl.com/yc2w8ash ($43-$58), Greeley tickets are at tinyurl.com/bdf76av2 ($37), Loveland tickets at tinyurl.com/2s3u8nmd ($27-$29). | December 4-8
– Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia Street, Fort Collins; December 13-15 – Monfort Concert Hall, 701 10th Avenue, Greeley, December 22-23 – Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th Street, Loveland.
DECEMBER 5
Wine & Design
Enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres while unleashing your holiday creativity with instructor-led glass fusion. The event is held on the Monfort Concert Hall stage during the Festival of Trees. It is a 21+ event, and IDs will be checked at the door. | $52, tickets at tinyurl. com/535fsnjx | 6-8 p.m. | Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Avenue, Greeley.
DECEMBER 5
Garden of Lights
Explore our beautifully transformed botanic gardens as you stroll along a whimsical half-mile loop, glowing with colorful grapevines and vibrant displays. Visit with Santa and enjoy other live entertainers while you warm up with a hot cocoa. You won’t want to miss this magical experience — where every step illuminates a world of wonder! | General (12+): $12, Child (5-12): $8, Ages 4 and Under: Free | 5-9 p.m. | Gardens on Spring Creek,
7am - 7pm Sat: 8am - 6pm Sun: 9am - 5pm
2145 Centre Avenue, Fort Collins.
DECEMBER 6
Snowman Festival
This great family event includes local food and beer trucks, favorite Frozen princesses, and a spectacular LED lighted tree playing a light show timed to music! There will be carriage rides, an ice sculpture, visits with Santa, and a heated activity tent for kids. Join the Snowman Scavenger Hunt through town to find hidden snowman figurines. | Free | 12-5 p.m. | Bond Park, Downtown Estes, 170 MacGregor Avenue, Estes Park.
DECEMBER 7
The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show
America’s largest interactive comedy murder dinner theatre show is now playing! You may find yourself as a prime suspect before you know it! Join us for an event that is different from a traditional mystery dinner show. Our actors are not dressed in costume and are hidden
in the audience! This results in a fun, social and interactive evening suitable for all adults. Each ticket includes our signature award-winning mystery dinner theatre show, along with a full plated dinner, waitstaff gratuity, and plenty of surprises during the show. | $64.95, tickets available at tinyurl. com/422bh8vh | 6 p.m. | 350 E Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins.
DECEMBER 13-15
Loveland Choral Society –Let There Be Peace: A Christmas Celebration
Join us for Loveland’s favorite holiday tradition! Don’t miss this spectacular performance featuring both new and familiar sacred carols, followed by well-known seasonal favorites accompanied by a live orchestra. | Tickets: $25 adult, $23 children 15 & under, available at tinyurl.com/3a8d43h2 | 7:30.m. | The Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th Street, Loveland.
DECEMBER 14
Sweaty Sweater 5k
Walk, Jog, Run or Race! Everyone is welcome at the event. Calling all ugly sweaters… We want to see your most hideous, outrageous, bulky and unforgettable UGLY sweater running the Sweaty Sweater Race. This is an event for everyone, whether you are walking with friends, running for an award or even prancing towards the finish line for beer and hot chocolate. Don’t miss the FUN, sign up NOW! | $5-$65 | 9 a.m. | Foothills
Shopping Center, 215 E. Foothills Parkway, Fort Collins.
DECEMBER 14
Visit Santa’s Reindeer
Come join us at Bath Garden Center and Nursery for a magical experience with Santa’s reindeer. Sip hot cocoa, write letters to Santa, make crafts with Jingles the Elf, and more! Don’t miss this chance to get up close and personal with Santa’s trusty companions. | $5, tickets available at tinyurl.com/3398p7fx | 4-5 p.m. | Bath Garden Center, 2000 E. Prospect Road, Fort Collins.
DECEMBER 14
Greeley Chorale’s A Shining Christmas
The Greeley Chorale is at its best during the holidays, this year with a concert of season favorites, popular Christmas songs, and originally composed works dedicated to the spirit of the season. | $10-$40, Tickets: greeleychorale.org/tickets. | 7:30 p.m. | UNC Campus Commons, 1051 22nd St, Greeley.
DECEMBER 15
Ginger and Baker HOLIDAY Market
Join us for our 4th Annual Holiday Maker’s Market! Local artists will be in our Teaching Kitchen. Come finish off your Holiday Shopping! Local Vendors: Around FoCo, Beldamia, Voulez Vous BonBon, Kaley Alie Art, Redwood Crystals, Silverthaw Jewelry, Wildflower Rituals. | Free | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Ginger and Baker, 359 Linden St., Fort Collins.
DECEMBER 19, 20, 21 Christmas Brass
Under the direction of Dr. Frank Cook, Northern Colorado’s biggest, baddest, boldest brass section takes center stage for this spectacular evening of holiday hymns and carols! | Tickets at greeleyphil.org/ calendar/christmas-brass-2024. | $30. | December 19 – Windsor First United Methodist Church, 503 Walnut Street, Windsor; December 20 – Loveland King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hunters Run, 2919 Wilson Avenue, Loveland; December 21 – First Congregational Church Greeley, 2101 16th Street, Greeley.
DECEMBER
31
NoCo Swing Dance Presents All That Glitters New Years Eve Ball
Come join us for a night of music and footwork as we swing our way into the new year! The evening will include a beginners lesson, appetizers, a champagne toast at midnight and a performance by our very own Horsetooth Hoppers Performance Team. We are a very beginner-friendly dance community. Follow our Facebook page and join our community group: facebook. com/groups/506683011250882 or on Discord: discord.gg/4WsuaVDnS9. Follow us on Instagram too!: instagram.com/nocoswingdance/?hl=en | $40, tickets at tinyurl.com/3398p7fx | 8 p.m.-1 a.m. | Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, 149 W. Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins.
The delights of the holiday season can be experienced at one of the many local specialty markets, bazaars and arts and crafts fairs, where handcrafted gifts and sweet treats abound. Increase awareness and attendance of your event with a
in the pages of your community newspapers.
• Boulder Daily Camera
• Longmont Times-Call
• Friday Magazine (publishes in the Boulder Daily Camera and Longmont Times-Call)
