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PUBLISHER
Tara Rasmuson | tara.rasmuson@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Caitlyn Olson | caitlyn.olson@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Emily Montgomery | emily.montgomery@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Greeley's Style is Giving
Dear Greeley,
There are a lot of opportunities to attend and support non-profit events in Northern Colorado and I am always amazed that the residents of Greeley show up and write checks or give volunteer hours to support members of the community that are less fortunate than themselves. One such event that I had the honor and privilege to be a part of was the Big Balloon Build Fashion Show. What a fun night we had being dressed in hundreds of balloons to raise money for children and families in need. You will love reading more about this fun and once-in-a-lifetime Greeley event where balloon fashion hit the runway.
I also want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way that we give back to our community, style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.
Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others.
As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together, or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones. There is so much here in Greeley to uplift our spirits, boost productivity and ignite creativity.
I hope this issue inspires you to find your own style here in Greeley— whatever that may be!
Sincerely yours,
TARA RASMUSON,PUBLISHER @GREELEYLIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLE LETTER 6
Emily O'Brien
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily Montgomery, Kailey Pickering, Susan McKenzie, Celena Cisco, Aaron Fongers, Alani Casiano, Mandi Dunn, Micayla Bellamy
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jay Weise, Taryn Ashlee Photography, Photos by Diandra, Delaney Morrow Photography, Kenzie Dunn-Morris at KenziePhotos.com, Ismael Ortega, Jesse James Thompson
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 Antanette Ray
Learn Greeley Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Greeley area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Greeley Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
A full mouth implant rehabilitation is utilized to restore the natural beauty of your teeth when your teeth are beyond repair. All cases are restored in provisional restorations prior to completing the case to ensure ideal esthetics, speech, and function. Once all these requirements are met, the case can be finalized with a full arch implant prosthesis that will give you the ultimate in beauty and function. All full mouth reconstruction cases begin with an hour consultation with Dr. Thompson and our amazing team to help you achieve the results you desire.
Joseph Thompson DDS Fellow of The International Congress of Oral Implantologists
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @greeleylifestyle
“We’re thrilled to welcome PDC Energy into Chevron. PDC’s talent, expertise, quality assets, focus on the environment, and commitment to our communities are a great match with Chevron’s business and our people. By blending our talent and assets, we will create an even stronger company focused on safely delivering affordable, reliable, ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress in Colorado.” Kim McHugh, Vice President, Chevron Rockies Business Unit
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Golf SOAR+ sessions are great for amateur enthusiasts and seasoned players. Its cutting-edge strength and conditioning regimen is designed to enhance your golf game like never before. Elevate your swing, improve endurance and prevent injuries with expert guidance from its trainers. It will be accepting a limited number of participants in its first program to help develop and test its training systems.
Scan to read more.
CONTINUED >
The Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce presents the inaugural celebration of the flavors of Greeley, Greeley Eats. This is a foodie tradeshow that you won’t want to miss! Please join them in a celebration of the diverse food that is home to Greeley, where delectable delights are blended with the spirit of togetherness. There is surely something for everyone at Greeley Eats. It will excite your taste buds and nourish your soul. Learn more: GreeleyChamber. com/Greeley-Eats/
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Greeley
The secret to great skin is...
This is our face when someone says they don’t use moisturizer!
The premiere event of the Big Balloon Build was a fashion show featuring outfits made from none other than balloons! Each outfit was designed in honor of the event’s space theme and the models were local leaders, invited by Life Stories Child and Family Advocacy, because of their involvement with the organization.
Stuart Davies first created the Big Balloon Build in 2013 as a way to challenge himself and his staff in making enormous balloon sculptures and learning new techniques. Since then, he has evolved it to work with a charity, using more than 100,000 balloons and bringing in 70 of the world’s most talented balloon professionals, to create a once-in-a-lifetime immersive Balloon Wonderland all in aid of a local charity to give them a platform to fundraise and raise awareness. The Big Balloon Build was created in the United Kingdom, and first made its way to the United States last year. Greeley was honored to host this incredible event which kicked off with the fashion show.
Darren Huffman and Peyton Westfall, owners of Pop Culture Sculptures, and Tim Whittaker, all from Kansas City, Kansas,
helped design and build the balloon outfits for the fashion show. The outfits took three days to assemble ahead of the fashion show. Each outfit averaged 300-400 balloons, with an extra 1000-3000 in the outfit's tiny twists and bubbles. The models listed their top three favorite designs and attended fittings to get their designs custom-tailored for the show.
Deirdre Pilch, Greeley-Evans District 6 Superintendent, modeled ‘Queen Martian,’ designed by Darren Huffman, featuring a lime-green tutu paired with a pink corset and a large green antenna headband. Deirdre was escorted by her great-nephew Elijah.
Elizabeth Finch, detective with the Greeley Police Department, modeled a Darren Huffman design called ‘Solar Flair,’ decorated with fiery shades of red, yellow, orange and gold featuring a large flame neck cape. Elizabeth was attended by her husband, Todd Finch.
Jamie Ulrich, director of the Weld County Department of Human Services, modeled the design ‘Shuttle Frock,’ designed by Tim Whittaker. The white dress was elevated with a colorful curly train and a balloon tiara. Jamie was attended by Phillip MacHendrie.
Left: Dress designers Tim Whittaker (left) and Darren Huffman (middle) with model Rhonda Solis.
Middle: ‘Ateroid’ designed by Tim Whittaker, modeled by Polly Kurtz
Right: Elizabeth Finch, detective with the Greeley Police Department, as ‘Solar Flair.’
Allison Dunning, Host of the Big Balloon Build
Adam Turk
Deirdre Pilch Tara Rasmuson
Row 1
Left: Deirdre Pilch, Greeley-Evans District 6 Superintendent, as “Queen Martian”
Right: Tara Rasmuson, publisher/owner of the Greeley Lifestyle as “Comet”
Row 2
Left: police chief of the Greeley Police Department Adam Turk as “Traveler”
Right: Brian Dunning of Merrymakers doing the make-up for “Traveler”
Row 3
Left: Allison Dunning, Balloon Art by Merrymakers
Right: Mike Campbell as “Moon Man” and Polly Kurtz as “Asteroid”
Row 4
Left:
Leah Bornstein, president of Aims Community College, modeled ‘Alien Alloy,’ designed by Peyton Westfall. This silver dress was accessorized with a reflective headpiece, a neck cape and hand fans. Leah was attended by Joe Findley.
Melanie Woolman, United Way of Weld County president and CEO, modeled ‘Saturn Rings.’ The design featured a color palette of purple and silver accessorized with a hand-held green orb. Melanie was escorted by her husband, David Woolman.
Nina Duran-Gutierrez, president of Can Do Concrete Construction, wore a design called ‘Droid,’ designed by Peyton Westfall. This design was a black minidress accented with navy and turquoise. Nina was escorted by her husband, John Gutierrez.
Polly Kurtz, retired non-profit executive and CASA volunteer, modeled a Tim Whittaker design called ‘Asteroid.’ The gold and silver dress featured a neck cape and was wrapped in a floating spiral of balloons. Polly was escorted by her husband, Bill Kurtz.
Rhonda Solis, office manager at Northern Smiles Family Dental in Windsor, and State Board of Education, was dressed as ‘Starry Night,’ designed by Tim Whittaker, featuring a color palette of midnight blue/ navy, black and silver decorated with LED twinkling lights. She was escorted by her husband, Mike Solis.
Tara Rasmuson, the owner/publisher of the Greeley Lifestyle magazine, modeled a design called ‘Comet.’ This extravagant design featured a long floating train and bustle, in a color palette of gold and silver. The attire was so large, she had to back into the elevator and ride solo. Tara was attended by her husband, Craig Rasmuson.
Marcy Miller, senior sales director for Hewlett Packard Enterprise, was dressed as ‘Planet-Airy,’ designed by Peyton Westfall. The dress featured a gold corset wrapped in spirals and a gold and silver tutu. The design was accessorized with colorfully-painted planets. Marcy was attended by her husband, Robb Miller.
Adam Turk, police chief of the Greeley Police Department modeled a design called ‘Traveler,’ a collaboration between Peyton Westfall and Darren Huffman. This design featured a turquoise neck cape accessorized with a light sword. Adam was escorted by his wife, Angela Turk.
Mike Campbell, loan originator with Luminate Home Loans, was dressed as ‘Moon Man,’ designed by Peyton Westfall. The design featured a white crescent headpiece accompanied by an all-black attire and a black balloon vest. Campbell was attended by his wife, Tracy Campbell.
Following the show, the dresses were displayed in the Big Balloon Build, then auctioned off and the proceeds were donated to Life Stories.
The outfits took three days to assemble...
Each outfit averaged 300-400 balloons, with an extra 1000-3000 in the outfit’s tiny twists and bubbles.Tim Whittaker, Ahsha Hazen, Peyton Westfall and Darren Huffman
Rhonda Solis
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“My friends are always surprised and confused when I tell them I grew up with cows.” Chandler said she lived and breathed the family ranch until she was about 15 when she moved to live with her mom in Texas.
“My childhood was through the lens of the front seat of my dad’s truck. I was his right hand, getting tools for him while he was fixing a fence, helping with brandings, moving the cows from pastures…”
27 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/GREELEY SEPTEMBER 2023
That upbringing gave her a very different perspective than a lot of young kids typically experience. “My parents were protective. They wouldn’t even let me go to the movies with my friends which I hated at the time, but I became very connected with my family and with nature and that’s how I live my life today.”
Chandler says family always comes first, and life on the ranch has made her appreciate the hustle and bustle of running her New Yorkbased business. “It’s cool that at any moment, I can go home and be a part of that calm and peaceful environment and then come back to New York and appreciate the culture and the grind and diversity.”
Chandler went to Platte Valley Elementary and Middle School in Kersey from kindergarten to 8th grade, when she started feeling like she didn’t fit in. “I found myself caring a lot about clothes and fashion which was not what other kids cared about. I didn’t have a lot of friends.” She was given the opportunity to go live with her mom in Texas and attend a better high school. “It was a lot for a 14-year-old to digest. I felt like I was betraying my family but that’s where I was able to be with people that had similar interests.”
After graduation, she attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth where she was able to complete an internship in New York as a junior and knew she’d be back. She officially made the move to New York in 2016. “It was very humbling when I moved. I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t have a job which was not a good idea…I thought I’d made a mistake.” After a plethora of applications and only one interview, she ended up meeting with a fashion recruiter that got her a job at Gucci where she helped with HR tasks. “I was dealing with high-level executives all day at only 22, and that helped me develop a lot of skills…that’s when I really got addicted to the grind and hustle.” Her job at Gucci opened up the door to sister company, Bottega Veneta, and eventually a tech fashion startup that
was basically a Spotify but for shopping. Everything came to a halt when Covid started. “My grandparents got sick so I quit my job and helped them for a year. It was the first time I had truly been home as an adult and immersed into Greeley and the simple life.” Following a career reevaluation during this time, Chandler decided to start her own company, and thus, Vintage Grace was born. Vintage Grace is a clothing showroom that has an archive of over 300 pieces from the late 1800s to the 2010s and is focused on women’s clothing pieces. The collection has been carefully curated, housing only pieces that have maintained their beauty, charm, and state from their previous life until now. Pieces can seamlessly become staple parts of anyone’s modern day wardrobe. “I’m so passionate about the construction of clothing. Each one of the collections was released on the runway by a creative director, and it’s like an art show to me.” Chandler expressed the amount of care she has for every piece in her collection, stating that she would wear every single item. “I want to hand each piece of clothing off to people that care about them like I do.” She attributes the idea for Vintage Grace to
her parents and grandmother. “My mom especially has always done an amazing job of preserving her clothes, and she always shares pieces of special clothing with me and taught me about investing in one piece of clothing versus buying twenty pieces for the same price.” Chandler reminisced how clothing was always a focus in her family, so it’s only natural that she ended up in the fashion industry. “I was expected to dress up when we flew on an airplane or went into town for dinner. My family always took it very seriously.”
Life in Greeley has given Chandler a really unique background, especially for a New Yorker in the fashion industry. “I love to tell people I grew up on a cattle ranch because it sets me apart from everyone else.” She emphasized how the small community vibe has helped make her into the person she is today. The respect, work ethic and values she learned in her hometown are something that she takes with her into every aspect of her business. Whether your passion is cattle ranching, the fashion industry, or anything in between, Chandler encourages you to “find your passion, dream big and take it one step at a time.”
To learn more about Vintage Grace and to see the collection, visit vintagegraceny.com
“My friends are always surprised...when I tell them I grew up with cows.”
-Chandler Guttersen
GIVE FOOD
GIVE FUNDS ( $1 = 3 meals)
Hunger is a big issue in Weld County. This year, an estimated 88,0000 people in our community will face the harsh reality of not having enough food to eat. Weld Food Bank works to ensure anyone in need of help has access to quality, nutritious food through their 8 direct service programs and 72 nonprofit agency partners. However, they can’t do it alone and rely on the community’s support to feed our neighbors.
The success of the Weld Food Bank depends on the generosity of our community. There are several ways to become involved.
ARTICLE BY KAILEY PICKERING
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISMAEL ORTEGA
An 8-year-old boy walked over an hour to the market each day through the mountains of Chihuahua, Mexico with no shoes to protect his feet. He returned to an orphanage where he shared one bathroom with a family and 35 other children. One day a young man in his 20s visited the orphanage. He was from the United States, and after interacting with the children, he asked, “What would you want when we come back?” The boy and his friends responded with “shoes.”
Cesar Torres recalls this story sixteen years later. When he entered the orphanage his friend had asked him to visit, he was struck by the need for essentials. Many of the children wore hand-me-down shoes from the U.S. that either didn’t fit or were unsuitable for diverse environments. He returned to Greeley, Colorado, where he himself had moved with his family at nine years old from Chihuahua. Torres began to
raise money with members of his church to return to the orphanage with shoes and other resources.
Torres and his friends’ actions were a pebble thrown into a pond, and their splash rippled into an organization Torres founded known as Zapatos Sin Fronteras (Shoes without Borders). The organization travels to countries such as Mexico, Columbia, Guatemala and the Amazon rainforest to help children in need. “It's all about starting,” Torres says. “If you start with the passion, I believe God puts the right people in front of you.”
The organization’s ripple effect has continued to spread, despite dams or blockages along the way. Torres explains the challenges of making the mission of Zapatos Sin Fronteras possible. The communities Torres and his team work with are from indigenous groups that are often hard to reach. Because of this, Torres
explains the importance of having contacts in the countries they travel to.
“A lot of the places…we have asked permission for the cartels to get in there,” Torres says. Some locations require police escorts; though they are often the places with the most need.
Another obstacle the organization faced was the need for specific shoes for the environments children lived in. To counter this issue, the organization began buying shoes from local communities rather than the U.S. This enables children to receive functional shoes for their everyday life while being sustainable for their communities.
Torres didn’t stop with throwing one rock into the water. As they traveled, Torres and his team witnessed the health of communities. The organization threw another stone into a pond when it initiated a medical program to help communities
with children who are malnourished or have infections. This involved various permits, permissions and risks. “I would keep praying, (saying) God, if you put this in my heart, make it happen,” Torres says.
After two years of planning, medical personnel traveled to Guatemala in 2015. Working off of pro bono conditions, the program occurred in a house instead of a clinic for a single weekend and was cleared by the Guatemalan government. According to Torres, there were thousands of kids lined up to receive medical treatment.
As Torres and his team continued to throw stones that touched the lives of many, they began tossing rocks back home in Greeley. Growing up in a family where winter jackets were shared between him and his two siblings, Torres understands the importance of getting a jacket that is entirely your own to a child. “We know families are struggling,” Torres says. “We want to be able to provide a winter coat.”
Since 2016, Zapatos Sin Fronteras has worked with JBS Foods to deliver winter jackets and other resources to schools in the Greeley area. When JBS became a full sponsor for the organization’s outreach in the U.S., the team was able to connect more with the local community. They worked
with teachers who gave lists of students who needed jackets, collected coats at decent prices from stores such as JCPenny and hosted events where children and parents could receive the jackets while enjoying provided hot chocolate.
The ripple gave many kids a jacket of their own on cold winter days. The organization continues to make waves in Greeley by setting up after-school programs for students in addition to its jacket distribution.
More ripples will be made as Torres now invests in future leaders. As director and founder of the organization Torres’ goal is “to leave it to the next generation," Torres says. He is not only stewarding the next generation to have the heart and passion to do this work but is also showing them all of the intricacies to keep the waves going.
From Latin American countries to Greeley, Colorado, Zapatos Sin Fronteras and their sponsors like JBS and many local businesses have made a difference in the lives of families. Torres and his organization have reached families like the one he met in Guatemala. Torres remembers a father with tears in his eyes, telling him, “I never thought that I would see all my kids with brand new shoes running around.”
Charley & CO. Market is a beautifully designed boutique dedicated to offering fashion choices for those looking for any style. Located in central Greeley, the vision of this boutique is to bring together the styles of all generations. “We are a mother and daughter-inlaw duo which means there are two different visions for fashion,” Lisa Shelley, co-owner of Charley & Co., explains. The owners, Lisa Shelley and Tammy Kidwell, travel all over the country looking for specific brands and pieces that will fit the community's needs.
“We get a wide range of community members coming into our shop, and we want to make sure that everyone can find something they are looking for," she says. With this unique co-ownership, there are two perspectives brought into the fashion offered at the boutique. The boutique doesn’t want to just cater to one specific style. Rather, Charley & Co.’s hope is that you will walk into their boutique feeling like there is something for you, whether you are a single young adult, a mother of three or a retired member of the community.
The unique boutique is also paired with a cute coffee bar meaning you can shop for your favorite fashion pieces and get a cup of your favorite coffee. You will find a range of clothing pieces when you walk into the boutique. You may even find the perfect dress or blouse you have been dreaming of, and you won’t have to worry about the quality of the item. “The brands I look for are always going to be of good quality,” Lisa explains. She travels to different markets to see what different clothing items are offered. She is always looking for what is going to fit the style of the store and ultimately the style of the community. Lisa emphasizes, “I spend a lot of time feeling the fabric to make sure it’s good quality.” Even if you are not coming in to buy an article of clothing, the boutique has many other gift items that would be perfect for any special occasion. You will find everything from beauty care products to purses and even locally handcrafted jewelry.
Charley & Co. is always looking towards the next occasion coming up. What we wear is always going to reflect the season we are in, and they want to offer fashion that is going to fit the occasion that everybody is looking for. So whether you are looking for a back-toschool fit or a transitional piece to wear to cooler football games. Charley & Co.
is going to have what you are looking for because the boutique is always changing to fit the time and season.
As we take baby steps into the fall season, fall fashion styles and transitional pieces are going to be what you start seeing more of. Light cardigans and denim jackets to pair with your old summer dress give the perfect fall look on cooler days. Lisa shares that community members should, “be on the lookout for more colors this fall season instead of simply neutrals.” You can also expect dresses and blouses that have longer sleeves or lighter flannels to make an appearance in the store. Charley & Co. is excited about offering a new brand next season and hopes to highlight them in their fashion show.
You won’t find a boutique and coffee shop pairing anywhere else in Greeley. Fulfilling the dream of the owners of the boutique, The Coffee Bar at Charley & Co. has been recently connected to the store. The little coffee shop has been recently renovated giving a fresh feel to compliment the already inviting atmosphere of the boutique. Their coffee bar offers a variety of drinks and baked goods along with lunch or breakfast options. Grab coffee and lunch with your best friend and take a tour of the many quality fashion items offered by Charley & Co.
“We get a wide range of community members coming into our shop, and we want to make sure that everyone can find something they are looking for.” -Lisa Shelley
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*uChoose Rewards is available to open and active consumer debit cards linked to a checking account as designated by First FarmBank, "FFB”. Enrollment in uChoose Rewards is required to earn and redeem points. Promotional “Buy Local” o er valid July 7, 2023 though Dec. 31, 2023. O er is subject to change at any time. Eligible processing postal (zip) codes include: 80631, 80634, 80751, 80759, 81073 and 67879. FFB has no control over merchant processing postal (zip) code which may a ect “shop local” promotional point earnings. Purchases outside of promotional area will earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Rewards are vested to uChoose balance on the rst day of the following month. A minimum of 1,500 points must be earned before points can be redeemed. Complete program details are available by visiting https://www. rstfarmbank.com/uchooserewards.aspx.
In October 2021, disaster struck at Steamway Floor to Ceiling as Kim and Troy Weber began purchasing the nearly fiftyyear-old company from Kim’s parents, Dave and Pat Grauberger. A dumpster outside of Steamway was lit on fire, and after catching carpet rolls inside the building, everything was tragically lost. Rather than allowing this to sink their hopes and aspirations amidst the transition, the Weber family and their team used this to usher in a “fresh start” for Steamway’s new ownership.
“It certainly wasn’t an ideal way for us to enter into the management side of the business,” Kim Weber admits, “but we decided to take the most positive outlook on it that we could, and used those nine months to remodel our store to reflect the growth we wanted to see in both sides of the business, especially with interior.”
Originally opened in 1974, Steamway was a company dedicated to carpet cleaning services, expanding throughout the years to include a variety of cleaning and
interior design offerings. Now, Steamway's “new look” includes a 3,500-square-foot showroom, complete with a wide variety of flooring, countertop and kitchen displays from various companies. This showroom gives customers the best opportunity to touch, feel and experience what these design elements would look like in their own space. However, with the expansion of its interior design work, Steamway remains committed to providing cleaning and restoration services at an equally high level.
“We’re a family-owned, local business with long-tenured employees and a desire to serve our community to the highest level possible,” Weber shares proudly. “We value using our expertise and experience with the community to build relationships, and proudly support them as they have supported us.”
“We want to thank all that helped us through the rebuild, West Point Interiors even provided us with supplies so we could continue working the following week after the fire,” Weber says.
ALLO vehicles dot the streets of events across Greeley. ALLO advertisements speckle the pages of local newspapers and the airwaves of local radio stations. Your neighbors are ALLO employees. You may have seen them around, but you may be wondering who they are and what they’re all about.
Founded in Nebraska in 2003, ALLO Fiber is a telecommunications company that provides television, internet and telephone services through its fiber network. Since its inception, ALLO has expanded to 36 cities across Nebraska, Arizona and Colorado.
“We believe that all residents and businesses deserve access to a fiber-optic network that comes with speed and reliability that can keep up in the connected world we live in,” says Nichole Spady, the media buyer for ALLO.
Although it was founded out of state, ALLO has proven it’s locally-minded by placing a focus on hiring Greeley locals.
“We love hiring local experts, people who appreciate and understand the community and want to locally make a GIG impact where we live, work, play and volunteer," Spady says. "We love welcoming local advocates to the ALLO Fiber family.”
ALLO has made its home in several Colorado cities, including Brighton, Erie, Breckenridge and others. ALLO first came to Greeley in August of 2021 and has been building a fiber network here ever since.
“Greeley was one of those communities that aligned with a lot of ALLO’s growth goals by being really progressive and future-minded, so Greeley felt like home to us from the very beginning,” Spady says.
Along with bringing its fiber network to Greeley, ALLO has also brought its core values—being exceptional, local, honest and hassle-free—to the city by giving back to the community. This year, ALLO has sponsored over 50 events throughout Greeley, including Friday Fest, Feria de la Mujer and more.
Jason Spear, Field Services Manager (left) and Jeremy Olson, Network Tech Lead (right)“We just want people to know that they are our neighbor and not a number,” Spady says. “We love when people stop us as we’re going through those day-to-day activities, being like, ‘Hey, I saw ALLO in my neighborhood. I can’t wait to get installed,’ or, ‘When are you coming to my neighborhood?’ The love for ALLO is getting louder and louder in this part of the state and in Greeley specifically and we’re so excited for that.”
Although she’s not from Greeley, Spady enjoys feeling embraced by Greeley’s welcoming attitude, just as ALLO has.
“It’s so energizing to go there. The Greeley locals and the Greeley businesses, they’re all proof of why we chose to expand to this community,” she says.
ALLO’s community involvement efforts are made possible by their local employees and by their events and sponsorship team. This includes members such as Public Relations Event Specialist, Ryan Roth and bilingual Public Relations and Events Coordinator, Maria Bocanegra Tejeda.
“For the past 20 years, we’ve just had a goal to make a positive impact in each community that we serve,” Spady says. “We look forward to making a big impact in Greeley.”
Q&A with the New Owner of Blush Boutique
ARTICLE BY MANDI DUNN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENZIE
DUNN-MORRIS AT KENZIEPHOTOS.COMI have spent the last 10 years as a floral designer. It is a beautiful, fun, creative job, but after a decade I lost my passion for design. I needed something different. I love that God’s timing is always perfect, even if we don’t see it at first.
When I was ready for a change, Emilie was able to offer me a position at Blush and I fell in love with it even more than I had as a customer. I hear all the time how much people love the space. It is calming and refreshing, not just for our customers but for the employees as well.
My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family, especially my husband and our 12-year-old daughter. We love watching her play soccer.
I still love doing flowers occasionally and freelancing. I am helping coach high school volleyball at my alma mater, Dayspring Christian Academy. I also enjoy movies and reading and spending time with my church community at Open Fields Church in Greeley.
I’m excited about the opportunity to build on what Emilie started. She has created such a well-loved institution downtown, and I'm looking forward to carrying on that tradition.
I'm also really looking forward to some of the events we have coming up and some of the new products we will be offering. We have some fun things planned in the near future. It's fun to be part of the community of small businesses in downtown Greeley and I'm excited about working together to help us all succeed. Most importantly though, I'm looking forward to reaching people in our community to make them all feel loved, beautiful and like the world needs who they were made to be.
I’m a Greeley native, born and raised! My husband, daughter and I live on my family’s farm in the homestead built by my great-grandfather in 1918. Sadie is the 5th generation to be raised in our house! It is a special legacy to now be a business owner in my hometown.
HOW DID YOU BECOME THE OWNER OF BLUSH?
I started working for Emilie in April 2022. I don’t think either of us had any idea of what God had planned for us! About a year later, Emilie shared the news that she intended to close Blush. After a difficult year of dealing with my mental health and the burnout I experienced, I saw Blush as a healing space filled with peace and joy. I told Emilie that in many ways I felt Blush saved me, and now it’s my turn to save Blush. I am so honored that Emilie has entrusted me to carry on what she has started here because Blush is really something special.
A morning benefiting the education and outreach initiatives of your Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra will be held Friday, September 29th
ARTICLE BY MICAYLA BELLAMY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDEDThe Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra (GPO) is a symbol of artistic excellence and cultural enrichment. Beyond its captivating musical performances, the GPO is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the community through its Play It Forward event. This transformative initiative stands as a testament to the orchestra's commitment to education. The GPO plays a crucial role in shaping the future of aspiring musicians and providing valuable educational opportunities to the community.
Play It Forward is more than just an event; it is a celebration of music's power to change lives. The program is built on the belief that every child should have access to quality music education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. The GPO has made it their mission to break barriers and empower young minds through the magic of music with composition workshops, the Greeley Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, music business internships and an introduction to orchestra event for elementary students.
Central to the Play It Forward initiative is the creation of the Greeley Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Youth orchestras provide young musicians with a platform to cultivate their musical talents and foster a love for orchestral music. These ensembles offer a nurturing environment where participants can develop skills such as discipline, teamwork, and creativity. Youth orchestras instill a sense of dedication and commitment, helping to shape responsible and well-rounded individuals. These orchestras contribute to the cultural enrichment of communities and play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of musicians while promoting a deeper appreciation for the beauty and power of music.
This season, the GPO will also present Zoorchestra, an event for elementary students in Greeley-Evans School District 6. Students will engage with multiple aspects of professional orchestras (including instruments, behind-the-scenes production, composition and conducting) through games and activities. This early introduction is intended to act as an accelerator for participation in school music classes, while supporting the education curricula of their teachers.
The GPO Composer-in-Residence, Dylan Fixmer conducts free composition classes for Greeley-Evans School District 6 music classrooms. In 2022, Fixmer launched the inaugural “Magic Baton Melody Contest,” a composition contest serving local students in grades 2-12.
The GPO recognizes that education initiatives should include opportunities for university and high school students to gain experience in professional settings. In tune with this belief, we provide paid Music Business Internships for students to develop skills in non-profit leadership, development, management, event production and marketing.
The Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra's Play It Forward event, intertwined with its comprehensive education initiatives, exemplifies the convergence of art and education.
By sharing the magic of music with the community and providing access to quality music education, the GPO creates an orchestra of young hearts and minds, ready to compose a brighter future for themselves and the world.
The GPO remains steadfast in its commitment to Play it Forward and enrich the lives of countless individuals through the transformative power of music and education.
Play it Forward is sponsored by Sky Service Pros, Greeley Hat Works, Salt & Light, Mariposa Flowers, Aunt Helen's Coffee House, Award Alliance, & KFKA Radio. For tickets visit greeleyphil.org/tickets
When you’re ready to “Viva the good life!” we suggest starting with the spicy fun of tacos and nachos and then expanding your tastes throughout the week. You’ll find every type of cuisine here. In fact, with more than 200 restaurants and 28 food trucks, we have so many unique dishes found only here, they’ve been specially designated as Greeley Grub. Let’s get tasting!
We invite you to join us in celebrating Kristi Helzer's and Jean Daviet's service to the board of Weld Women2Women and the launch of our annual 100x100 fundraising campaign!
September 22, 2023, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Poudre Learning Center 8313 W F St, Greeley, CO 80631
Entry is free, so reservations or tickets are NOT required! Giant charcuterie, wine, and soft drinks will be provided! Can't make it to the event? That's ok! Donate now using the QR code or our Venmo handle: @Women-ToWomen
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
SEPTEMBER 9TH
Woofstock 2023
WELD COMMUNITY CREDIT
UNION | 9:00 AM
Woofstock 2023 will be held Saturday, September 9th from 9 am to noon. It is a drive for the Humane Society of Weld County to collect donations (needed supply items and monetary contributions accepted). There will be fun music, vendor booths, giveaways, crafts and more. Pets and humans (young and old) are welcome!
SEPTEMBER 9TH
Wines of Note
UNION COLONY CIVIC CENTER | 4:00 PM
Join Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra (GPO) for an evening of entertainment, wines, spirits and local artists. This year's theme is Western Wine and Whiskey to celebrate their opening concert for the 2023-2024 season! Tickets include unlimited wine & spirits tastings, a commemorative wineglass & heavy hors d'oeuvres. Event sponsored by Westlake Wine and Spirits. Visit GreeleyPhil.org/Tickets. Must be 21+ to participate.
SEPTEMBER 10TH
A Woman's Place Carwash Fundraiser at Breeze
Thru Carwash
BREEZE THRU CARWASH
3417 W 28TH ST, GREELEY, CO
80634 | 8:00 AM
Join A Woman's Place for their carwash fundraiser at Breeze Thru Carwash. Breeze Thru will be donating $1 per wash to A Woman's Place.
SEPTEMBER 16TH
The Coffee Bar at Charley & Co. Grand Opening
THE COFFEE BAR AT CHARLEY & CO. | 9:00 AM
It’s the official Grand Opening of The Coffee Bar at Charley & CO. Come celebrate from 9 am-1 pm with fun surprises all morning including local vendors, free samples, discounts, giveaways and more!
SEPTEMBER 28TH
Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce Presents: Greeley Eats
UNC, UNIVERSITY CENTER
ROCKY MOUNTAIN GRAND BALLROOM- 2101 10TH AVE GREELEY, CO 80634 | 5:00 PM
This is a foodie tradeshow you won’t want to miss! There are a variety of ways you can get involved. If you are a culinary expert or a restaurant, you can register as a vendor. Those that are not culinary experts, come excite your tastebuds! Individual tickets are $25 for investors of the Greeley Chamber and $35 for non-investors.
SEPTEMBER 29TH
GREELEY WEST HIGH SCHOOL | 7:00 AM
You are invited to join a morning benefiting the education and outreach initiatives of your Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra. Featuring guest speakers Dr. Deirdre Pilch, Greeley-Evans School District 6 superintendent Dylan Fixmer, GPO Composer-in-Residence and Doran Azari, Greeley Philharmonic youth orchestra director. Breakfast will be provided by Aunt Helen's Coffee House. Purchase tickets at GreeleyPhil.org/Tickets.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Greeley
