Issuu

GUESS WHO ’S COMING TO TOWN?!

Straight out of the North Pole, the jolly fella is back. He’s popping in to spread some festive Christmas cheer across Centerra. Being an X-mas VIP, he’s making two appearances this year. So bring the kids for a cup of cocoa, a fun photo opp and a chance to deliver their handwritten letters in person.

LOVELAND VISITORS CENTER

Nov 30 & Dec 7 | 11am-3pm

Hot cocoa, a coloring booth for letters to Santa and photos with the Big Guy himself.

CHAPUNGU SCULPTURE PARK

Dec 13 & 14 | 5-8pm

Part of the Winter Wonderlights LIVE Night experience, join us for a visit with Santa, a holiday gnome hunt, live reindeer with their sleigh and a dazzling display of holiday lights.

Leading With A Servant's Heart

This time of year, there is always a magic in the air. Whether it’s the peaceful silence that a fresh blanket of snow offers, the glittering glow of Christmas lights or the time to be present with the ones we love; there is an overwhelming spirit of giving that offers us ample opportunities to not only witness, but to be the good we would like to see more of.

The theme of this month’s issue is just that, giving, which can be perceived in numerous ways based on one’s experience and perspective. I, for one, have always felt that giving is simply love in action; to do something from pure kindness and not because we expect any certain kind of outcome. A gesture of kindness can be as small as a smile or sharing a compliment, but the impact of that kindness can change a life.

What if we all approached more of our lives with a passion and commitment to serve versus a mindset of focusing on only what we receive? If I have learned anything this last year, it’s that so much more of my own purpose and calling comes from a place of how I can help or be of service to others, and in return that has added a layer of depth to my life that I didn’t know I was missing. Leading from a servant’s heart shifts the vibrancy of everything we do, it can enrich lives, improve organizations, and create a more caring world not just for others but for ourselves as well.

So, as we begin to close the chapter on this year and we are offered a chance to reflect on what we want to bring forward into our new beginning, ask yourself this: “If you got what you prayed for, would it change the world or just yours?”

My prayer is that we all choose kindness, sincere authenticity, patience and a desire to make the world around us a better place.

Merry Christmas & the happiest of New Years to you and yours!

December 2024

PUBLISHER

Desiree Gustafson | desiree.gustafson@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Sarah Erickson | sarah.erickson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Erickson, Adriana Karagozian

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sarah Weiss Media, Nine Stories Creative

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

city scene

1: On October 17th LFRA had the distinct honor of celebrating Mary Lou Bateman's 100th birthday, recognizing her as a true World War II heroine. As a retired U.S. Navy veteran, her unwavering dedication and service continue to inspire us all. 2: Jeff and Kim Greteman at Thompson School District Trunk or Treat! 3: Young entrepreneurs selling at Noco Children's Business Fair 4: Berthoud Recreation's inaugural Zombie Fun Run!

5: City of Loveland's Trick or Treating options this year were amazing! 6: Ascend Orthodontics Inaugural Candy Swap program was a success 7: Loveland and South owner Desiree Gustafson was awarded 2024 Ambassador of the Year from the Loveland Chamber

business monthly

Take Advantage of Ouzel Creative’s Free Marketing Assessment

Perhaps the most critical part of running a business is getting your marketing right. If you’re uncertain about what gets you the best return in marketing, Ouzel Creative now offers an online assessment that lets any business owner understand what their marketing plan should look like. If you’ve been marketing without a playbook, you’ll love this custom report! Book a consultation at OuzelCreative.Studio and receive the free assessment.

Scan to read more

City of Loveland Announces New Economic Development Director, Marcie Willard

The City of Loveland is excited to announce that Marcie Willard has been appointed as the new Economic Development Director. Marcie has served as Acting Director since February, and she was selected after a nationwide search. With over 20 years of experience in public, private and nonprofit sectors, including five years in creative sector economic development at the City, Marcie brings a wealth of knowledge in business development, tourism and economic vitality.

Centerra-Loveland Mobility Hub Now Open

The City of Loveland celebrates the completion of Bustang's three stops from the Firestone-Longmont Mobility Hub, Berthoud Mobility Hub, and CenterraLoveland Mobility Hub!

With enhanced bus connections, pedestrian and cyclist-friendly features, and sustainable infrastructure, the mobility hub is ready to make traveling easier and more accessible.

Lovelanders traveling to the Centerra-Loveland Mobility Hub can ride City of Loveland Transit - COLT on routes 3 and 7, making connections seamless to get around Loveland.

Photography by Ouzel Creative

The Power of Giving:

PVREA PROVIDES MORE THAN JUST THE POWER OF ELECTRICITY, THEY EMPOWER A COMMUNITY

ARTICLE BY ADRIANA KARAGOZIAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY POUDRE VALLEY REA

In a world often defined by transactions and bottom lines, Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association (PVREA) stands as a testament to what happens when a utility is rooted in community. As an electric cooperative, PVREA serves power to a lot of rural areas in Northern Colorado, as far south as Boulder County and as far north as areas like Red Feather, and even parts of Southern Wyoming, maintaining a reputation of one of the lowest rates in the state, while continuing to serve its community in the best way possible. The heartbeat of this organization can be felt most vividly through the voices of those who dedicate their days to carrying out its vision. Jessica Quintana, a devoted member of the PVREA family and Community Member Relations Administrator, embodies this spirit of giving that defines the cooperative's relationship with the community it serves.

For Jessica, working at PVREA is not just a job—it’s a calling, a place where she feels the impact of her work resonate beyond the office walls. “Being a part of this company is that it’s more than just an electric utility to me,” she reflects. The cooperative model, where members are more than customers but active participants, fosters an atmosphere where every action is a step toward shared success. Even as an employee, PVREA encourages an environment of equality and inclusivity by raising the same standards of excellence for the team as they do for the community it serves.

The PVREA culture is one that prioritizes service, connection, and the well-being of the community at large. During the 85th Anniversary Birthday Bash, which brought families together under a sky painted with the vibrant hues of purples, oranges, and pinks, a representation that denotes Colorado dusk, PVREA created an atmosphere of simple joys: children dancing around friendly farm creatures at the petting zoo, friends gathered in clusters to listen to the local band,

and neighbors bonding over painting a pumpkin. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the flare of the Colorado night came alive with the first spark of fireworks displayed for the PVREA members, it became clear that the gathering was about more than just fun; it was about togetherness.

“We wanted it to be a fun family night out. Our dedicated long-term members, who've been with us for 30 years or more, come just because that co-op mindset is instilled in them,” Jessica shares. “Those are the highlights of all the things that we do for our community, because all of this comes down to the seventh co-op principle that we live by… concern for community.” That’s a simple principle that holds a deep truth. PVREA’s commitment isn’t confined to its core mission of providing affordable, reliable electricity. The cooperative’s true power lies in how it acts as a conduit for building community, fostering hope, and creating opportunities for everyone it touches.

This spirit of giving back runs through the veins of PVREA’s day-to-day operations and special initiatives alike. One of their standout programs is their energy assistance where they partner with La Familia, House of Neighborly Services, and Colorado Energy Outreach to give money back to people who need a “hand up”, ensuring that no family goes without power.

Jessica’s eyes lit up as she described the Empower Grant Program, a grant program for teachers and educators in Weld, Boulder, and Larimer counties, that helps support up to $25,000 to teachers in those school districts who are focused on STEAM related educational projects. “We try to make it accessible for any teacher that's doing an awesome project who could use some extra help, which in turn is giving back to our community and helping make a huge impact.”

The cooperative’s giving doesn’t end there. PVREA is deeply invested in nurturing the next generation.

“PVREA proves that the greatest impact isn’t measured in megawatts but in moments of connection, care, and compassion.”

“With all of our giving, member outreach and listening and helping people in turn… I’m just so proud to work here.”

Their scholarship programs and youth outreach initiatives inspire students to dream bigger, providing opportunities that many might not have had otherwise. Each year, scholarships help young people pursue higher education whether in trade schools, community college or universities, like CSU. These efforts are designed to plant seeds that will grow into future leaders who understand the importance of sustainability, technology, and community involvement.

The cooperative focuses on being a reliable source of education on energy-efficient practices, what is coming down the industry pipeline, and fostering a sustainable future. They offer incentives, rewards, and rebates to advocate for energy management and conservation. PVREA also regularly partners with local schools, businesses, and first responders to host energy and electric safety workshops, teaching the community that safety and sustainability aren’t just concepts but practical parts of everyday life.

As part of all of the good this co-op does, PVREA also creates a rich and benevolent working environment, making sure that all of its employees feel taken care of. “We have lots of different team days or team outings where our families can come along for a fun night out, places like an Eagles game or Rodeo during the Larimer County fair,” Jessica reminisces over good times with work friends. It is refreshing to see a company instill a sense of community in its employees with a fun night out. Beyond just a good time, however, PVREA gets

serious with its employees by valuing the importance of health and wellness. Not only do they have great benefits, but they promote mental and emotional well being, “encouraging a healthy environment which in turn leads to mental health as well.”

What it really comes down to is the morale and impactful footprint that is why PVREA is such a great not-for-profit company. They proudly tout the cooperative difference, living by the 7 cooperative principles that embody all co-ops. “It’s a completely different skeleton and body when you’re thinking about an organization,” Jessica reflects. “With all of the co-op principles and the way that we work, it is all for a purpose and that purpose is our members.”

When asked what she loves most about working for PVREA, Jessica doesn’t hesitate. “With all of our giving, member outreach and listening and helping people in turn… When you go on the more specific side of what we do, we provide electricity to people, a necessity, we get to do that with all this goodness surrounding it. I’m just so proud to work here.”

As December approaches and the season of giving takes center stage, PVREA stands as a reminder that service to one’s community is not seasonal. It is, at its best, a constant force. Through their unwavering commitment to empowering and uplifting those around them, PVREA proves that the greatest impact isn’t measured in megawatts but in moments of connection, care, and compassion.

ARTICLE BY DESIREE GUSTAFSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOVELAND & SOUTH LIFESTYLE TEAM

BROWN BUTTER SALTED CARAMEL SNICKERDOODLES

A Warm, Gooey, Indulgent Twist On a Classic Favorite

ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose Gold Medal flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 1 1/4 cup dark brown sugar

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tablespoon plain greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup caramel squares cut into 1/4’s

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling on cookies

directions:

Step 1. In a medium sized bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and set aside.

Step 2. To brown the butter, heat a medium saucepan to medium high heat. Add the sliced butter, whisking frequently. You will notice the butter starting to become frothy on the top and brown specks will start to form along the bottom. You will start to smell a nutty aroma and once it turns to a brown color, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 3. While the butter is cooling, cut the caramel squares into 1/4's.

Step 4. In a stand mixer, combine the brown butter and brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Mix until smooth.

Step 5. Beat in egg, yolk, vanilla and yogurt and mix until combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients until combined .

Step 6. Form the dough into a ball and cover with plastic. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Step 7. Once you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Measure about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball. Flatten the ball and place 1-2 caramel squares inside, wrap the cookie dough over the caramel and roll back into a ball. Make sure it is completely covered so that the caramel won’t stick to the pan.

Step 8. Mix 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and roll each cookie in the mixture. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt.

Step 9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly brown. The centers will be soft. Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes, and transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely

The Spirit of Resilience

ARTICLE BY SARAH ERICKSON

| PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH

WEISS MEDIA

Holistic and heart-centered is how Nicole Linke, owner and rehabilitation lead at Heartsong Equine Center, describes her approach to horse rehabilitation and wellness. She focuses on uncovering the root causes of each horse’s challenges and supports their healing on all levels—mental, emotional, and physical. Every horse’s recovery is unique and personalized, and each horse at Heartsong is treated as an individual with their own character, needs, and story. Some stories are simply more traumatic than others, as in the case of Hawke.

Hawke, a stunning Paint Horse, that at one time frolicked with his buddy, Bo on the picturesque grounds of Sylvan Dale Ranch, arrived at Heartsong after being evacuated as

A STORY OF HOPE, COURAGE AND THE STRENGTH OF PURPOSE

“IT’S

TRULY HEARTWARMING

TO SEE ALL OF THE AMAZING SUPPORT.”

the flames of the Alexander Mountain Fire roared menacingly around the ranch. Tragically, the floorboards of the horse trailer collapsed during their journey. Hawke and his friend, Bo were dragged down a paved and gravel road, resulting in severe injuries. Hawke suffered large wounds on both hind legs as well as injuries to both shoulders. Bo unfortunately passed, but Hawke has fought his way back. He has received extraordinary care and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at Heartsong for his injuries.

“When Hawke first arrived, he was very underweight, atrophied, and in considerable pain from the accident,” Nicole explains. “He was highly reactive and tried to bite anyone who touched him. In one month, he’s made huge strides, and we’re excited to see his continued progress. He has gained weight and muscle back, is less reactive to touch, and his wounds are healing nicely.”

Many of the horses that Nicole works with at Heartsong have endured some form of trauma, but this is where she feels that the Heartsong team’s holistic approach to rehabilitation and healing truly shines. Their approach is always slow, patient and highly responsive to each horse's unique cues.

“We respect their boundaries and never push beyond what they are mentally or physically ready to do. Our team continuously adapts the rehabilitation process, ensuring that we honor each horse’s ‘no’ while still getting essential health tasks done.”

It’s by balancing these tasks with respect for each horse’s comfort, that the team at Heartsong is able to create a safe, supportive environment where horses can rebuild trust, confidence, and a sense of security at their own pace. And Hawke in particular has responded positively to the healing philosophy and environment at Heartsong. Nicole describes Hawke as a sweet horse with an endearingly goofy side, and has found that keeping him mentally engaged with puzzle games, especially during his stall rest, is important to his healing journey. They’re also providing a comprehensive blend of therapies, including splint bandage changes 2-3 times per week with laser therapy, Bemer and red light therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Reiki, fascial release, and massage. He also has a customized nutritional and herbal regimen to support his recovery.

Beyond treatments, the team spends plenty of time with Hawke offering grooming and scratching sessions, and has created an outdoor enrichment stall where he has access to

"THE TEAM AT HEARTSONG IS ABLE TO CREATE A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE HORSES CAN REBUILD TRUST."

puzzles and activities to keep him mentally stimulated. Then once he’s ready for more mobility, their functional movement therapist will support him in regaining strength and stability.

“Hawke is doing remarkably well. His pain has improved, allowing us to reduce his medications, and he seems to appreciate the extra care and attention,” says Nicole.

As a result of this care and rehabilitation, Hawke’s future looks bright but there’s still a long way to go. His journey to full recovery will likely take 8 months to a year, with at least another month or two for his wounds to heal. Over time, he’ll gradually transition from stall rest to strength-building rehabilitation exercises. Beyond that, he will need lifelong support to maintain his comfort. Due to his physical limitations, he will make a wonderful companion horse after his recovery but will not be suitable for riding. However, the rehabilitation costs for Hawke’s recovery are daunting.

“Hawke’s splint bandage changes, which require a fiveperson team, are our most significant current expense. We also have daily costs for hay, shavings, supplements, and medications. In the coming months, he will also need supportive braces to stabilize his joint as it heals.”

Nicole is floored by the incredible support that they have already received from the community so far to assist in Hawke’s healing. “It’s truly heartwarming to see all of the amazing support. And the entire Heartsong Team has been amazing, generously donating so much of their time and services to help Hawke on his journey.”

This continues to be a story of hope, community, courage and strength of purpose. If you’d like to donate to Hawke’s healing journey please email Heartsong at donationsforhawke @gmail.com.

A COMMUNITY RALLIES for a cure

FOR FRRS1L CHILDREN, HOPE IS WITHIN REACH

ARTICLE BY SARAH ERICKSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NINE STORIES CREATIVE

Everly using her eye-gaze communication device

Everly playing surrounded by her family

Some slight delays and an inward turning eye were the initial clues that Chrissy Green and her husband noticed when their young daughter, Everly, was just one year old. What resulted was a full genetic scan followed by a devastating diagnosis—a genetic disorder referred to as FRRS1L, or Frizzle.

A genetic disorder that results from a mutation and loss of function of the FRRS1L gene, Frizzle Disorder causes the messages in the brain to not get through from one cell to another. The resulting disorder renders impacted children non-mobile and non-verbal, with very limited control of their bodies. They are unable to chew or swallow, hold their head up, sit up, stand or walk, hold things with their hands, and are completely dependent on an adult for all movements, nutrition, and care.

Children with Frizzle are often born healthy and then begin exhibiting developmental delays. Once they turn two, they start having seizures that cause regression and rapid loss of function and abilities. The disorder was only recently discovered in 2016, so as doctors relayed what little information they had to the Greens in conjunction with their own limited research, Chrissy distinctly remembers thinking this couldn’t be happening. “I thought no way is this happening to our daughter. But then right on the money, when she turned two years old she had her first two seizures and overnight lost all her abilities. It was so fast. She couldn't hold her head up, sit up, she couldn’t swallow or control her body. A key aspect of her was just gone.”

Chrissy holding Everly

“These are transformative treatments. You’re basically changing in a fundamental way what will happen to these children. Hope is within reach.”

Lost in a blur of trying to keep Everly alive with seizure medications and feeding tubes, Chrissy recounts, “We were just shocked. Regression is such a loss when it takes away speech, mobility, and expressions. It was like a death.” Not only did it feel like the death of part of their daughter, but of their life that was no longer. Also parents to sons, Colton, 8 and Ryle, 3, they were doing everything they could to keep Everly’s regression under control as well as keep life as normal as possible for their boys. And while children with Frizzle are never fully stable and no known drugs are able to stop or control their seizures, they’ve been able to provide nutrition to Everly through a feeding tube, use a ventilator to support her lung health, and suctioning to keep her airway clear. She also uses an eye-gaze communication device through which she is able to communicate via held gaze.

“The only part of her body that she can still control are her eyes. So now she can talk to us through a computer and show comprehension. The minute we showed her the device, she understood and immediately started using it. It’s also why this disorder is so devastating. These kids are cognitively aware, they are inside, just trapped in their bodies.”

After having been told by many doctors that there’s nothing that will help, they dug deep into their faith in God to accept her condition and what their life now looked like. They made a decision to choose joy and love. Then out of the blue Chrissy got a phone call.

A top gene therapy researcher named Dr. Berge A. Minassian wanted to talk to Chrissy and other Frizzle moms. Chrissy connected with two other Frizzle moms scattered throughout the globe and got on the phone with him. He told them that there was new research out of Germany in which they were able to model the Frizzle disorder in mice and that they had tested gene replacement therapy on the mice that showed promising results.

“He told us that he strongly believed that a gene replacement therapy for Frizzle could work,” Chrissy recounts. “So we went from being told that it's impossible to all of a sudden there's a chance gene therapy can work. Not merely a drug to treat symptoms, but instead a fix to Frizzle.”

They immediately started Finding Hope for Frizzle, a Colorado registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to raise awareness and help fund a cure for FRRS1L. Friends and family helped fund their first $400K which was needed to test FRRS1L mice with gene therapy treatment in a lab in the U.S. After two years of work in the lab, results showed that gene replacement therapy worked to bring the brains and bodies of FRRS1L bred mice back to function. It was life-changing news and proved that treatment is possible to cure Frizzle.

And while the hardest part of the work was done in the lab, the most expensive but most rewarding parts of the process remain—funding the treatment. In order to keep the project moving forward, the next step in fundraising

is $1.1 million by December 31 to fund the completion of the preclinical work and toxicology test. Albeit, fundraising is highlighted by a constant state of urgency. Chrissy explains, “If we don’t have the money, we can’t move forward and every minute without treatment is a threat to the lives of Frizzle children.”

Every donation toward the December 31 deadline goes directly toward the treatment of Frizzle children and helps keep them racing ahead to the ultimate goal of this life-changing and transformative treatment that brings their brains and bodies back to function. Chrissy and the other Frizzle moms running the organization do it all as volunteers to ensure that every dollar donated is going to the treatment development process.

As Dr. Minassian is quoted, “These are transformative treatments. You’re basically changing in a fundamental way what will happen to these children. Hope is within reach.”

If you’d like to make a donation and make treatment a reality for Everly and other sick FRRS1L children, visit www.frrs1l.org

CONFECTION

Elevate your holiday hot chocolate with a charcuterie experience

As winter settles in and the air chills, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Take it up a notch and indulge in a hot cocoa charcuterie board. Picture a delightful spread of various hot chocolate flavors, mix-ins, and toppings, inviting you to create a personalized, delicious mug of joy.

OLD-FASHIONED HOT COCOA

Ingredients

• ¼ cup 60% cacao chocolate morsels

• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa

• 1/3 cup white granulated sugar

• 2 cups milk

• 2 cups half and half

• 1 pinch salt

• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Heat all ingredients (except vanilla extract) in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat until almost boiling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

CREATING THE PERFECT HOT COCOA CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Gone are the days of selecting only between marshmallows and whipped cream as toppings. With a hot cocoa charcuterie board, you can delve into a world of flavors, textures and spices that will make each sip an adventure.

Begin by selecting a variety of flavors and mix-ins, such as mini marshmallows, salted caramels, white chocolate morsels and peppermints. Pair your hot cocoa with delectable treats like cookies, gum drops, crème-filled wafer rolls or chocolate-covered espresso beans. Consider adding biscotti, chocolate-dipped spoons or chocolate-coated pretzels as well as whipped toppings and an assortment of sprinkles.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINDY WESTER

Making Spirits

JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”

As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.

Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.

One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.

Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.

These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just

about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”

We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.

To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.

The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

DECEMBER 1ST

Winter Wonderlights

Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, 5995 Sky Pond Dr, Loveland, CO | Nightly from 5 PM - 9 PM throughout December

Stroll through the beautiful Chapungu Sculpture Park and enjoy over 200,000 lights, illuminated African stone sculptures and 30-minute music and light shows every night. And don't miss the Winter Wonderlights LIVE events. These are special nights that are programmed with holiday-themed activities, live performances, vendors and more! Winter Wonderlights LIVE nights are Saturday, November 23; Friday, December 13; and Saturday, December 14.

DECEMBER 1ST

Johnstown Jingle

Downtown Johnstown, CO | 2:00 PM

Get ready, Johnstown! Our 6th Annual Johnstown Jingle is happening on Sunday, December 1st. The holiday festival and activities run from 2-5PM (the tree lighting is at 5:30PM), and we can't wait to celebrate the season with YOU! We love bringing community together to celebrate with activities, food and great entertainment. Stop by a number of downtown businesses to donate a new and unwrapped toy.

DECEMBER 5TH

Prohibition Repeal Party

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse, 815 14th Street SW, Building B, Loveland, CO | 8:00 PM

Celebrate Prohibition Repeal Day with us at Grimm Brothers Brewhouse on December 5th! Step back in time to 1933 and join us for an unforgettable speakeasy-style evening filled with exclusive Prohibition cocktails, period-appropriate hors d'oeuvres, and limited-edition merch. Dress in your finest 1930s attire and experience a night of glamour and excitement.

DECEMBER 7TH

Berthoud Winter Craft Fair

Berthoud Recreation Center, 1000 Berthoud Pkwy, Berthoud, CO | 9:00 AM

'Tis the season for discovering unique treasures and spreading holiday cheer! Join us at the bi-annual Berthoud Recreation Winter Craft Fair for an unforgettable day of exceptional shopping and festive delights. Explore a curated selection of handcrafted items from Colorado's finest artisans and treat yourself to gourmet delights from The Southern Twist Food Truck and Travelin' Tom's Coffee.

DECEMBER 7TH

Berthoud Parade of Lights

Downtown Berthoud, CO | 5:00 PM

The parade will begin on 2nd Street and follow Mountain Ave. through downtown Berthoud to 8th Street. Enjoy Christmas carols sung by the Berthoud High School show choir, hot cocoa from the Berthoud Historical Society, and experience the magic of the season with the tree lighting ceremony. Warm up after the outdoor festivities and enjoy holiday specials inside downtown shops and restaurants. Parade at 5:00 PM Caroling and Tree Lighting at 5:45 to follow

DECEMBER 8TH

Bro-Ho-Ho! Guys Shopping Night at Spruced Goose

The Spruced Goose Boutique, 5971 Sky Pond Dr # C100, Loveland, CO | 5:00 PM

It's holiday shopping night for the bros at The Spruced Goose Boutique! Come get your gifts and get them wrapped up so you're all ready for the big day.