LOCAL SERVICES
THE LARIMER HUMANE SOCIETY CONNECTS PEOPLE AND ANIMALS
LOCAL SERVICES
THE LARIMER HUMANE SOCIETY CONNECTS PEOPLE AND ANIMALS
HOME + DESIGN
CREATING A KID-FRIENDLY BACKYARD SPACE
TRAVEL
CHANCE ADVENTURE CO SHOWS FAMILIES HOW TO HIT THE ROAD IN STYLE
Has the summer gone by way too fast this year or is it just us? Summer is like a burst of joy and wonder and what better way to hold on tight to its last few weeks than to focus on our two favorite things. Our kiddos, and our pets! Kids are like little superheroes, shaping the world with their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential. Can you imagine the epic adventures they’ll embark on?
And let’s not forget about our furry friends! Pets have this magical ability to transform our lives and create unforgettable experiences for kids and adults alike. They offer unconditional love, teach us valuable life lessons, and provide a nurturing environment for personal growth.
This issue is filled with tutorials on creating the best August you can, both for your human family and your furry family too. Let this issue be your guide to unleashing a tidal wave of extra fun, love, and laughter upon the children and pets in your life this month!
Cheers to an exhilarating adventure with the little ones and their adorable four-legged pals! Let the fun begin!
JAHNA & JASON EICHEL, PUBLISHERS @FORTCOLLINSCITYLIFESTYLEAugust 2023
PUBLISHERS
Jahna Eichel | jahna.eichel@citylifestyle.com
Jason Eichel | jason.eichel@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Macey VanDenMeerendonk | macey.v@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Morgan Henderson morgan@fortcollinscreativeagency.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Matthew Hart | matthew@fortcollinscreativeagency.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tony Deyo | tony@fortcollinscreativeagency.com
Amy Asche | amy@fortcollinscreativeagency.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
The Creative Agency hello@fortcollinscreativeagency.com
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
Proverbs 3:5-6
10 Minutes North of Old Town Fort Collins
Over 8000 square feet
Over 3 acres
Backing to lake
Introducing your Dream Home, a captivating waterfront oasis just 10 minutes north of Old Town Fort Collins. With over 8000 square feet of luxury living space on a 3-acre lot, this remarkable property offers privacy and tranquility. The main floor boasts a stylish primary bedroom, while upstairs, three bedrooms with attached baths ensure comfort for all The basement is an entertainer's paradise with guest rooms, a state-of-the-
art theater, and an incredible bar Horses are welcome, allowing you to explore the surrounding area, and the backyard opens up to a serene waterski lake, providing picturesque views and a perfect outdoor setting Embrace the lavish lifestyle and rare opportunity this Dream Home presents.
“Thompson Education Foundation honors the legacy of Dr. Stan Scheer with this annual golf tournament benefiting the Dr. Stan Scheer Memorial Student Opportunity Fund. The Scheer Student Opportunity Fund provides gap funding for Thompson School District students to embrace individual academic, leadership, recognition and extracurricular opportunities to ensure opportunities when there are financial barriers in the way.”
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/FortCollins
At AAK we cultivate our students’ development and creativity. Since we are a small school we can affirm, stretch and celebrate every child’s uniqueness. We figure out what makes each child tick – and then tenderly, attentively support our students on their personal, robust academic journey, helping them become the best versions of themselves. Our Summer Camp provides the opportunity for students to explore their interests and expand on their areas of passion.
Fort Collins Comic Con has donated over $120,000 to the Poudre River Public Library District by bringing together thousands of geeks, pop-culture enthusiasts, gamers, fans, artists, writers, creators, cosplayers, and more into the Northside Aztlan Community Center. Led by a team of super-geeks who love to build community and help fellow nerds, Fort Collins Comic Con brings the full convention experience to a small-scale event. This year’s event is August 25-26 and badges can be purchased at FoCoComicCon.com
Exclusively at:
Since 1944
T h e N o r t h e r n C o l o r a d o R a n g e R i n g ™
If you’re searching for a new destination for a weekend escape, we’ve found the perfect luxury, midwest vacation spot. Nestled in the Indiana hills of the Hoosier National Forest is the historic French Lick Resort.
The resort is home to two AAA Four-Diamond nationally historic hotels, the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel. Both are the epitome of classic elegance and sophistication, paired with modern amenities. The French Lick Springs Hotel features stunning murals and historic photographs that capture its rich history, dating back to 1845. The West Baden Springs Hotel is best recognized for its stunning domed atrium, which serves as both a focal point and gathering spot for hotel guests.
The French Lick Resort has something to please every type of vacationer.
French Lick is a golf lover’s paradise. The resort boasts 45 holes of picturesque and legendary golf with three highly acclaimed courses designed by Donald Ross, Pete Dye and Tom Bendelow.
Saddle up and enjoy a trail ride through the scenic woods on one of the stable’s statuesque horses. If you have little ones in your party, pony rides are also available. For the sharpshooters, their sporting clays allow guests to try a different type of outdoor sporting challenge.
There are activities for all ages to enjoy in and near the resort. Families can bowl on one of their six lanes or play one of the many lawn games available. An outdoor activity perfect for all ages is FootGolf, which combines soccer with golf. Each player kicks the ball to the pin in this unique, family-friendly game.
Just ten minutes away is the Wilstem Wildlife Park. This animal encounter experience allows visitors to feed animals like emu, alpaca, eland, llamas and more right from their car. The drive also takes visitors past zebras, Asian elephants and bison. Visitors can pay a small extra charge to have a photo taken with a grizzly bear, feed a giraffe or pet a kangaroo. We recommend a four-wheel drive vehicle for this tour.
Music abounds at the resort. The West Baden Springs Hotel features live music in the atrium every evening, ranging from piano soloists to jazz trios. Throughout the summer and early fall, the Ragtime Rascals perform a mix of ragtime, gospel and military tunes nightly on the front lawn of the French Lick Springs Hotel. National headliners also perform at the resort with artists like Grand Funk Railroad scheduled for September and Clint Black in October.
If you prefer a more relaxing vacation, you’ll find ample opportunities to unwind at French Lick. The resort features two luxurious spas, offering a full range of services to rejuvenate the mind and body. Enjoy a soak in the legendary Pluto mineral bath, relax with a sacred stone massage or turn back the clock with one of their signature facials.
The hotels also feature four heated pools, both indoors and outdoors, and two hot tubs, perfect for relaxing at the end of the day.
Nature enthusiasts can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens or on ten miles of scenic trails. Plaques displaying stories of historic events that occurred at the resort are located along many of the trails.
The resort features ten restaurants ranging from fine dining to a casual pizzeria. One of their claims to fame is that tomato juice was first served at the hotel when they ran out of orange juice and needed a quick alternative to serve. The neighboring communities of French Lick and West Baden Springs also offer a variety of food and dining options.
If bourbon is your drink of choice, take the bourbon tour. This self-paced tour guides visitors to six locations across the resort, each offering a bourbon-based food or drink item. Just off the main property is the French Lick Winery. Enjoy a tasting to sample from the dozens of locally made wines before purchasing some to take home.
This is just some of what can be found at the French Lick Resort. Other unique features include trolley rides, historical tours, carriage rides, surrey cart rentals and train rides. The resort even has a full casino and conference center. So, as you finalize your summer and fall travel plans, consider a visit to French Lick Resort. FrenchLick.com
The Larimer Humane Society strives to make impactful connections between people and animals
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY ASCHE
The Larimer Humane Society is dedicated to furthering the compassionate, safe, and responsible relationship between animals and people. And while that is their mission statement and what they strive to do everyday, they go far beyond that in their day-to-day interactions with the Larimer County community and the animals in their care. In fact, in 2022 alone, 6,566 animals were cared for by the humane society. There’s no denying the impact they have on Larimer County.
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The animal care and adoption services are just a portion of the amount of work and importance the shelter holds. With resources available in behavior services, puppy socialization classes, pet licensing, end of life services, youth camps, school programs, free use of their dog park and walking trails there are so many needs being met for both animal owners and animals themselves.
During the school year, schools often reach out to the humane society for presentations from the staff. Scott Wendelberger, the marketing and community outreach manager at Larimer Humane Society, says the focused presentations for classes is one way the shelter provides humane education to the public.
Their summer youth program, Critter Camp, works to provide proper education to kids about animal and people interaction, proper care of pets, hands-on experience handling animals, and more!
“The five-day camp has kids that are passionate about animals,” Wendelberger said. “They get to come in and get their hands dirty. They get tours of the shelter, some of the staff come down to give presentations, and sometimes we have outside organizations come in, like Northern Colorado Wildlife Center.”
The opportunity for kids to get involved doesn’t end with the humane education programs. Kids starting at the age of 10 years old are able to volunteer with an adult in the shelters Partner Up program. The program allows kids that are interested in animal welfare to participate in the everyday care and handling of the animals so that the animal’s needs are not only being met but exceeded.
While every aspect of the shelter strives to provide the best possible outcome, the adoption services sees the most happy endings. In 2022, 3,533 animals found homes marking a very successful year for the humane society.
One lucky dog, Ringo, was adopted into his forever home a few months ago. Alaina Phinney, Ringo’s adopter, said he has already become a part of the family and is doing so well in his new home.
“One of the best things about owning Ringo is how happy he is to see you when you get home, be it five minutes, or five hours,” Phinney said.
After watching the shelter staff interact with the animals and how they talked about the animals in their care, Phinney said it was a sure choice to adopt from the Larimer Humane Society. Phinney, and her partner, arrived at the shelter open to finding a dog but wanted there to be a strong connection.
“We got to meet Ringo one on one, and he was such a lover with the most emotive eyes. We couldn’t stop talking about coming back to take him home,” Phinney shared.
Since being in his new home, Ringo has been coming out of his shell more and more, showing off his lovable personality and his eagerness to try new things.
“He loves running alongside the skateboard, and is up for any hike he goes on. He is a big cuddle bug - he loves being in your space, doing what you’re doing, whether you want him to be or not. But is ever attentive and willing to please,” Phinney said.
Larimer Humane Society is there for animal owners in every stage and in every situation. They want to see the best case scenario whenever possible. The variety of resources and services available are meant to encourage people to seek help through them so that the animals involved get the best odds in their situation.
While the Larimer Humane Society receives generous donations and a wide range of help from volunteers and foster families, the shelter is always working to better improve their work and the lives of the people and animals that walk through their doors everyday. With an active newsletter and blog, the humane society wants to keep the community informed about shelter updates and needs, fundraising events and efforts, informative tips and tricks for pet owners, and more. Visit their website, www.larimerhumane. org, to learn more about the work they do and how to get involved in contributing to the amazing work they do for the Larimer County community.
“The five-day camp has kids that are passionate about animals. They get to come in and get their hands dirty. They get tours of the shelter, some of the staff come down to give presentations, and sometimes we have outside organizations come in, like Northern Colorado Wildlife Center.”
- Scott Wendelberger
Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Oh and bonus – they make you breakfast.
The eggs from backyard chickens are the best—tastier and fresher than any store-bought eggs. Much of the day, the birds entertain themselves, picking at grass, worms, beetles, and all of the good things that go into making those delicious farm eggs. Plus, with their keen eye for insect pests, chickens make for great gardening companions.
Chickens can provide family companionship, fun, entertainment, sustainable fresh food, and plenty of poop that gardeners prize as a natural fertilizer/composting material. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?
First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.
Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.
Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.
Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.
Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.
All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor.
Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.
Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor
run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.
Want to go the fancy route?
Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com .
Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.
Certain breeds of chicken are also known to be great with kids. There are literally hundreds of breeds of chickens, and each is unique in their own way. Here are ten breeds of chickens that have been found to be good for children.
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Creating a Kid-Friendly Backyard Space
This adorable outdoor play space is not only easy and inexpensive to build, but it is full of charm and the perfect spot for the kids to play and lounge. The A-frame structure is easily customizable to any style and color scheme desired. Leave the wood bare, or add flare with paint or stain. An outdoor clubhouse provides a space that allows kids
to make it their own and to let their imaginations run wild spending time outdoors.
For this project, we visited our local hardware store to get all the necessary supplies we needed. The deck is an 8 x 10 decking so there is no need to cut down the length of any boards and pressure treated wood was used. First, dig holes CONTINUED >
18 inches down to put the footers, which is a 4 x 4 x 8 treated post, and cut those into two foot lengths. Next, pour quick set concrete in the holes. Add water, and set the posts in and let it dry. We used lag screws to attach the base 2 x 10’s to the corner posts, and then 2 x 6’s for the joists with metal hangers. Now time to put on the decking boards with exterior screws. Don’t forget to constantly check with a level. Once the decking is finished, now it is time for the fun!
For the A frame you need a 60-degree angle at the top of the A, and a 30-degree angle at the bottom. You can run a 4 x 4 along the decking to attach the A frame to which adds a bit of height so adults can stand in it as well. Use heavy duty exterior screws to attach the A frame 2 x 4’s to the structure. The top of the A comes together and is held by exterior screws. For the roofing, we used 8-foot corrugated clear panels and screwed those into the A frame for a weather protecting cover. We left three feet uncovered so a chair and some pots with herbs and flowers could be added to the entrance. Decorate with outdoor pillows, a children’s table, outdoor rug and hanging flower pots to make it feel like a special place for kids to go. If entertaining friends, a few simple charcuterie boards are always a hit.
Chance Adventure Co gives families the freedom to hit the open road in classic style.
Kelley and Sam Chance have it figured out when it comes to spending quality family time together with their two young sons, Sully, 9, and Grady, 7. They literally took a chance in 2013 and bought Stella, a 1984 Airstream Excella, as a renovation project. One family camping trip and they were hooked. Now they are true vintage Airstream enthusiasts.
They sold Stella, but the “silver bullet” calling never left and Chance Adventure Co was born. Sam had talked for years about renovating and renting Airstreams.
“Once the pandemic hit, it was now or never,” Kelley says. “We welcomed Carolina into our family, a 1983 31’ Excella, and she’s been rocking out camping trips with us and our clients since early last year. In 2020, she traveled to Yellowstone, Glacier, the Badlands, Upper Peninsula in Michigan, Indiana Dunes, Kannapolis, Kansas and more. Georgia, a 1978 31’ Sovereign Land Yacht, is currently being renovated from the frame up.”
They will be adding to their fleet soon and are adding an Airstream Renovation Workshop on their Tonganoxie property. They also have the Chance Adventure Co shop, loaded with outdoorsy inspired items.
Adventure is a part of life for this active couple, who live on 10 acres. They have horses, garden, hike, bike and explore.
“By far, our favorite thing to do as a family is travel and spend time outdoors. We hiked the three miles roundtrip, 480-foot climb to Delicate Arch when the boys were 8 and 5, biked through the Badlands, kayaking Lake Michigan. We’ve had so many incredible experiences connecting the four of us, and connecting us to nature via camping,” she says. “The boys have learned a deep appreciation and love for Mother Earth, to navigate the terrain using a compass or their own wits, to identify and care for the flora and fauna around us, and they’ve gained so much confidence and courage through it all.”
Each trailer is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each rental. Airstreams are available for rental for road trips, or they can deliver and set up at local locations.
“There’s something magical about those silver trailers, especially the old ones. They have such character, and many stories within their aluminum walls,” she says. “Making them a part of our family story just made sense.”
“There’s something magical about those silver trailers, especially the old ones. They have such character, and many stories within their aluminum walls.”
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS | 1:30 PM
The 8-day piano competition and festival features over a dozen artists and pianists in masterclasses, presentations, matinee concerts, and the live semi final and final rounds of the Olympic-styled Odyssiad Competition. The event also features five nights of concerts by internationally renowned pianists. Tickets can be purchased at csuartstickets.universitytickets.com.
THE LINCOLN CENTER | 12:00 PM
The exhibition goes from June 10 to August 5 and features the current work of the finest national and international contemporary quilt artists. Experience the complexities of this art form and masterful works from these artists while strolling through The Lincoln Center Art Gallery.
THE COOKING STUDIO FORT COLLINS | 6:00 PM
A fun and interactive way to spice up your relationship is with a cooking class date! Try something new and exciting by learning a new recipe and having quality time while enjoying delicious food together. To register visit the-cooking-studio.com.
DOWNTOWN FORT COLLINS - LINDEN ST | 11:00 AM
This free event is Northern Colorado’s biggest showcase of fine visual art and handcrafted items. Live music and community fun will be had on Linden Street in Old Town Downtown Fort Collins. Enjoy the variety of paintings, sculptures, glasswork, photography, ceramics, woodwork, and more that will be featured at this event on August 5 from 11am to 7pm and August 6 from 11am to 6pm!
THE LINCOLN CENTER | 10:00 AM
The Rocky Mountain Irish Gathering is a three-day event, August 11 to 13, to celebrate all things Irish history, items, music, and culture! Come and enjoy the musical performances by reputable Irish performers, celebrate “Red Hair Day”, meet some giant Irish Wolfhounds, and experience so much more!
DOWNTOWN FORT COLLINS | 5:00 PM
Every 3rd Friday of the month the Fort Collins Foodie Walk features Downtown culinary shops from 5pm to 8pm with interactive showcases, seasonal flavors, and new taste experiences! It’s a great event where you can try something new and find your favorites in the heart of downtown!
AUGUST 25TH
FORT COLLINS/LAKESIDE KOA
HOLIDAY | 9:00 AM
The Fort Collins/Lakeside KOA Holiday is hosting a pet friendly weekend full of fun for the whole family! The event even has a pet talent show, a best dressed pet contest, and DIY dog treats!
AUGUST 31ST
Animal Rescue
CROOKED STAVE FOCO | 6:00 PM
Bounce Animal Rescue is sponsoring a Bingo night at Crooked Stave FoCo for a chance to win beer, merch, and goodies for your pets! Join in on the fun at this event while also helping a great organization continue the wonderful work they do for the Fort Collins community!
AUGUST 31ST
Fine Art Show
FORT COLLINS FOOTHILLS
MALL | 12:00 PM
The Beauty of Blackness Fine Art Show showcases original Black and African American art from national and international artists. This art show gives art collectors a chance to buy one of a kind pieces whether you buy in person or online. Check out the incredible collection at the Fort Collins Foothills Mall from August 31 through September 3.