



As summer bleeds into fall and we feel the shift in our lives with shorter days and cooler weather, I always secretly love this time of year. In this season we are called to slow down and focus a bit more on gratitude, even though I believe this should be a daily practice, it is always heartwarming to me nonetheless. We take a cue from the autumn leaves, letting go of what is completed and giving thanks for the multitude of things we cher ish, many of which cannot be measured monetarily.
As a community, this year has tested us, brought us together, and let us witness the power of faith. We were called to stand united, to support our first responders, our neighbors and our friends and to lift up our community. How powerful it is to remember we are all more alike than different and to acknowledge the weight that kindness carries.
When I think of gratitude, I am thankful for the many blessings that are irreplaceable in my life: family that loves me, friends that see me, a little dog that lights up my days, the opportunity and honor to share the voices of our community, and even a season of refinement, however much I may have not enjoyed some of the growth, I appreciate where It brought me.
As you read through this month's features sharing the history of incredible spaces surrounding us, places where people's passions are highlighted and given a home, and the courage of our first responders and firemen, I pray it offers you a doorway to lean into your own gratitude, to be present with those you love more, and allows you to continue to see the best in yourself and those around you.
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Desiree Gustafson | desiree.gustafson@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Sarah Erickson | sarah.erickson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sarah Erickson, Adriana Karagozian
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Dana Martin Creative, Sarah Weiss Media
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Branden Cooper
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
Proverbs 3:5-6
1: Wally's Speed Shop's newest seasonal employee hard at work! 2: The Gals from Bumble Bee Blinds at Drives for Diapers Golf Tournament supporting Grace upon Grace Project 3: Ouzel Creative's mural for Loveland's Annual Pastels on 5th 4: A lineman demonstrates how electricity impacts the human body at Poudre Valley REA's 85th Birthday Bash 5: Mary's Mountain Cookies had the cookie slide delivering treats at Poudre Valley REA's 85th Birthday Bash! 6: Bumble Bee Blinds of Northern Colorado owners Kari and Nick putting in window treatment installations for the Noco HBA Parade of Homes 7: Jessi Benshoof and Guy McConnell behind the tap at Berthoud Octoberfest!
Four Season Veterinary Clinic's mural for Loveland's Annual Pastels on 5th 9: Sweet Heart
owner Charles Oster shares the history and tradition of wine crushing! 10: Bumble Bee
sponsoring Drives for Diapers Golf Tournament supporting Grace upon Grace Project 11: The Hustle Hour Men's networking group at their September gathering 12: Loveland & South Lifestyle owner Desiree Gustafson and Windsor City Lifestyle owner Misty Dockins at the 2024 City Lifestyle Conference 13: Kari Schaneman of Bumble Bee Blinds celebrating her birthday at the first Level Up Networking event! 14: Adriana Karagozian owner of From Scratch Farm donates locally grown fresh produce to the Larimer County Food Bank
Rhettly Morin Joins the Allura Team as Their Newest Licensed
Rhettly joins the team as Allura’s newest skincare expert whose services include facials, DiamondGlow dermal infusion, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and microneedling. She received her aesthetician license from White Magnolia Skincare Institute in Fort Collins and joined the Allura team as a member of the front desk staff in 2023. She is a Colorado native who has been working in the medical field for ten years. Schedule a free skin consultation with Rhettly at Allura today.
Loveland’s most innovative source for integrative care, Source Studio Chiropractic is dedicated to bringing the latest and most effective therapeutic treatments to their clients. One of their cutting-edge therapies is SoftWave Therapy Treatment, a non-invasive solution designed to enhance the body’s natural healing processes. This innovative treatment utilizes advanced technology to provide relief from a variety of conditions, promoting overall well-being and faster recovery.
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Sweet Heart Brands, the parent company of the award-winning Sweet Heart Winery, announced its acquisition of Climb Hard Cider, a prominent craft cidery based in Loveland, Colorado. This strategic move marks a significant expansion for Sweet Heart Brands as it enhances its portfolio of premium beverage offerings. By integrating Climb Hard Cider, Sweet Heart Brands is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, providing a diverse range of products that appeal to various palates.
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A
ARTICLE BY ADRIANA KARAGOZIAN
As autumn’s crisp winds signal the season of gratitude, Loveland’s community gathers around their dining tables, pausing to reflect on the people who protect, serve, and give us a reason to feel safe. Among those we owe thanks to, Loveland’s firefighters, led by Fire Chief Tim Sendelbach,
“It started here, and it’s going to end here.”
stand at the forefront—guardians of not only our homes but of our collective sense of security.
For Sendelbach, firefighting isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life, rooted deeply in his upbringing. “I’m second-generation,” he explains, recalling his father, who rose to fire chief in his local volunteer department. “This is all I’ve ever done.” He talks about the sacrifices that come with the role, how it wore on his family—his mother and two older sisters, who had to adjust to the demands of a lifestyle that often called him away from home at a moment’s notice.
This deep-seated sense of duty has followed Sendelbach throughout his career and found its greatest test in Loveland’s recent Alexander Mountain Fire. “9,668 acres burned. Twenty-nine homes were lost, and four more were severely damaged. It was a battle,” he recalls. But even amid the devastation, one truth emerged—community solidarity.
In the face of this harrowing blaze, it was Loveland’s firefighters, many of whom live in the same neighborhoods they protect, who stepped forward. “You know, it’s our neighbors, our friends, our families,” Sendelbach says. “To someone on the outside, it’s just fuel burning, but to us, it’s memories, irreplaceable ones.” He shares the story of Battalion Chief Kevin Hessler, who was first on the scene and is remembered for his poignant statement that became a rallying cry: “It started here, and it’s going to end here.”
The Alexander Mountain Fire wasn’t just a test of firefighting tactics; it was a trial of emotional endurance. Firefighters worked in the most extreme conditions—treacherous terrain, thick smoke, the ever-present risk of injury—rotating through 12-hour shifts, pushing themselves to the brink, both physically and mentally. The decision to engage in the fire was challenged by outside resources unfamiliar with
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Loveland’s landscape, but it was the local knowledge and steadfastness of the LFRA that prevailed. As Chief Sendelbach puts it, “We were ready to go it alone if we had to, and that’s not something you say lightly.”
At the heart of LFRA’s mission are their core values: Commitment, Compassion, and Courage—the 3Cs engraved on every piece of apparatus and stitched into the very fabric of their culture. These values weren’t just words during the Alexander Mountain fire; they were lived truths. Firefighters, exhausted from days of relentless work, found solace and strength in each other. “The kitchen table is where it all comes together,” says Sendelbach. “Just like a family, we sit down, crack jokes, and check in with each other.”
This camaraderie, this brotherhood and sisterhood, was on full display during the fire. Even when it seemed the flames might consume the entire mountain, Loveland’s firefighters held fast,
“It’s our neighbors, our friends, our families. To someone on the outside, it’s just fuel burning, but to us, it’s memories, irreplaceable ones.”
never wavering in their determination to save what they could. Incredibly, despite the initial assessment predicting far worse destruction, over 150 homes were spared from the fire’s grip.
In moments like these, the community’s appreciation for their firefighters becomes palpable. “I can’t eat lunch at a restaurant without someone tapping me on the shoulder to say thank you,” Sendelbach says with pride. Loveland is a place that recognizes the sacrifice of its fire department, and that gratitude has never been more apparent than during and after the Alexander Mountain Fire. Yet, as with any profession, challenges remain. “We need more than what we started with,” Sendelbach acknowledges, reflecting on the rising costs of equipment and the ever-growing demands of a community that continues to expand.
For the men and women of LFRA, service to the community goes beyond fighting fires. It’s about protecting the place they call home and ensuring that future generations can do the same. As Chief Sendelbach so movingly puts it, “This community is special. I’m not here to fix a problem, but to build upon the solid foundation that already exists.”
In the quiet reflection of this Thanksgiving season, Loveland has much to be thankful for. Through the courage of its firefighters, the leadership of its fire chief, and the resilience of its community, the flames of the Alexander Mountain Fire were extinguished. And though scars remain, they serve as a testament to a truth Loveland knows well: it’s not just about where the fire started—it’s about the strength of those who came together to ensure it ended here, with them.
A stunning Paint Horse named Hawke at one time frolicked with his buddy, Bo on the beautiful grounds of Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch. Then the Alexander Mountain Fire hit. As the fires spread, Hawke and Bo were both evacuated. Tragically, the horse trailer collapsed during their journey causing significant injuries to both horses. Bo unfortunately passed from his injuries.
Hawke is doing well, but is facing a long road to recovery. He is now at Heartsong Equine Center and while his spirits are low, the love and care he is receiving is unmatched. Heartsong is donating rehabilitation services for Hawke, however, material costs for his injuries are significant.
To support Hawke on his healing journey email HeartSong at heartsongpastures@ gmail.com. We will have more about this in our next issue.
ARTICLE BY SARAH ERICKSON
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
DANA MARTIN CREATIVE
"I
The heart of Hometown Shops is simple and sincerely felt while perusing the enchanting displays of high quality handcrafted goods—local love.
Hometown Shops, located at The
significant need to support small businesses in their recovery. As a manager overseeing three locations of a similar-type store in Denver, she recalls interacting with countless individuals
Promenade Shops at Centerra, offers a variety of exceptional handcrafted jewelry, home decor, unique gifts, and so much more. But what separates them from other shops is that all of the merchandise sold at Hometown Shops is sourced from local small businesses. A flourishing local artisan collective, Hometown Shops was one of the first shops to offer a beautifully curated space for local businesses to showcase and sell their merchandise. They now sell products from more than 20 small businesses, primarily from Northern Colorado. From handmade soaps, coffee, personalized hats, clothing, and more, Hometown Shops prides itself in supporting artisans from our local hometowns for the purpose of giving back and building up our community.
Owner of Hometown Shops, Tara Chavarria, founded her shop in 2021 after spending years in the multi-vendor business. Following the challenges of the pandemic, she recognized a
and small businesses that faced severe difficulties when the pandemic hit.
“Many people that I worked with lost their physical spaces and had to cancel markets. They did not qualify for unemployment benefits the same way as others and were even required to repay them. This situation troubled me deeply,” Chavarria explains. “I felt a strong urge to create a positive impact, no matter how small. Thus, I launched Hometown Shops, driven by the desire to make a difference in someone's life.”
Brimming with a style and flair that only she can exude, Chavarria’s passion for her shop, the local artisans she works with, and her customers’ overall experience is palpable. This shop is her life’s dream come to fruition and you can feel it as soon as you walk through the door.
“I love everything about running my store! I'm truly grateful for the chance to represent businesses in Colorado. I started this journey with minimal
resources, but through hard work, dedication, and the support of our wonderful small businesses and customers, we continue to thrive every day.”
And not only does the store thrive, but the small businesses that she collaborates with thrive as a result, which is one of Chavarria’s foremost motivators. She recounts a story of approaching a woman-owned jewelry business before she opened her shop. Initially, the woman doubted her ability to sell enough to maintain a space at the shop. However, today she stands as one of their top sellers.
“Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to believe in us! I find daily motivation in the small businesses and customers who make this store a reality,” she says.
Described as an Etsy store come to life, Hometown Shops is brimming with oneof-a-kind gifts that you won’t easily find in large retail stores. Some of Chavarria’s current favorite items include cozy sweatshirts, Swedish dishcloths, flannels, burned hats, handmade soap inspired by nature, unique mugs and cups, and the list keeps growing. And as winter approaches, the store has definitely entered its cozy phase.
“I love anything cozy! And I absolutely adore the beauty of fall and winter! My favorite time is snuggling up in our personalized sweatshirts from Cozy Pop, paired with a delightful mug from Summer Newton.”
But aside from the beautiful and one-of-a-kind merchandise, what truly shines about Hometown Shops and
differentiates them from any other store is the love, gratitude and support of the local artisan community. The care that is poured into the merchandise, as well as the selection and curation, gives the shop a unique vibe and glow unlike any other.
“The small businesses pour immense love and dedication into their craft. Throughout my journey, I've come to realize that these are the ones we should wholeheartedly support. There is something truly beautiful about the effort that small businesses invest. I created this store to empower the little guy and uplift individuals within our own communities.”
Chavarria goes on, “Success is embodied by Hometown Shops. We can measure the countless hours of hard work, dedication, and passion that have gone into this store. Each night as I close up and reflect, that profound feeling in my soul defines what success truly means.”
A go-to destination for any gifting needs throughout the year, you can connect with Hometown Goods on Facebook at @ourhometownshops or on Instagram at @hometownshops.
• 1 round pie crust
• 1 egg, beaten, for brushing
• Vanilla sugar or coarse sugar, for sprinkling
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 cup light or dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 – 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
• Flaky sea salt
VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon real maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Step 1. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
Step 2. Fit the pie crust into an 8-inch pie plate. Brush the edges of the crust with beaten egg, then sprinkle with vanilla sugar (or coarse sugar). Lightly prick the bottom of the dough with a fork. Freeze 10 minutes.
Step 3. Add butter to a small saucepan set over medium heat, cook until the butter begins to brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl. Let cool.
Step 4. Whisk together the brown sugar and 2 eggs, and 1 egg yolk until well combined. Add the maple syrup and cream. Whisk in the brown butter and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour the mixture into the crust.
Step 5. Bake for 55-60 minutes, until the pie is puffed on top, but still wiggly in the center. The longer you bake, the more set your pie will be. Remove from the oven and let cool 20-30 minutes, then serve the pie warm, sprinkled with sea salt (if desired), and dolloped with whipped cream.
ARTICLE
DESIREE GUSTAFSON
There are some places we find that still hold magic. Almost as if they are untouched by the fast pace of the rest of the world, suspended in time, offering a sense of peace and calm that feels somehow like home. Spaces like this allow us the opportunity to be present, to catch our breath, and to slow down long enough to listen to our hearts, reconnecting us to what matters.
Woven neatly into the foothills of West Loveland lies such a place, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch. A place that has become dear to so many as a strong and steady heartbeat honoring the Western way of life within our surrounding communities.
Originally beginning as a cattle ranch in the early 1900s, the land was later transitioned to a boys and girls camp. It is during this time that a young Maurice Jessup came to work during college. Falling in love with the land and the heart of Sylvan Dale, Maurice made a declaration that one day he would own it. Maurice then returned home to Kansas, finished school and began his very first teaching job. It is at this job that he met a young secretary named Mayme. As they began dreaming and planning a life together, he shared his love of Sylvan Dale with her. Together they began envisioning what that land could become and started researching the property, its history, and the surrounding areas. And then 11 years later, the opportunity to purchase Sylvan Dale presented itself, as though it was always meant to be theirs.
It was with vision and tenacity that the Jessups saw what this land could offer people. Built on a foundation of tradition and integrity, their philosophy is “Don’t worry about what you don’t have, just know where you’re going and start going there.” One step, one action, and one move at a time is how they built their life, proving that dreams are possible, but you must be willing to do the hard work and be consistent.
The legacy the Jessup family has created ripples further and wider than even they know. Mayme’s cookbook “Sugar & Spice” graces tables across the country, letting her love of baking spread to the homes and hearts of others. “We call her the heart in the heart J brand because our brand is a heart with a J in the middle of it and the heart is the love of the land and the J is our last name and so we called her the heart in the heart J brand,” shares owner, Susan. Her heart and the love for this place welcomes everyone that spends time on the ranch.
Growing up on the ranch has instilled in owner Susan Jessup a great sense of service and a joy in taking care of others. “I think that has been a big impact on my life and the interaction with our guests is so uplifting and it lets you know it is all worth it—all the challenges that we face, you know why do we keep going? Well, because this place means so much to so many people, how could you not keep going?” she shares.
For Susan and the staff, it is rewarding to see people at the end of their stay. People come in on a Sunday and they don’t know each other and by Saturday morning they are hugging and crying because they have become so close; the friendships and bonds that are built here span generations. There is a peace at Sylvan Dale that connects people in a way unlike anything else. It’s in the history of the land and the layers and layers of memories shared here. People can feel that when they are here, they connect with the land, with the river, with the horses, and with one another. So often in our current world, authentic connection is lost, and now more than ever, people need the grounding that It offers us.
Welcoming celebrations of all kinds, Sylvan Dale is also open to the public for holiday packages, allowing visitors to unwind and be more present with one another. The spirit and ties to the land are not something that is ever lost on Susan. She finds the most peace when she can get on a horse and ride, spend time with her chickens, or walk Clint the Donkey. The Western way of life is the heart of the ranch, and they have been sharing that and pouring love back into this land for 78 years, and God willing, they will be here for 78 more. In true cowboy fashion, we will leave you with the code of the west, shared with us by Susan Jessup. We hope that this will inspire you to disconnect, live with integrity and remember that the best things in life aren’t for sale.
1. Live each day with courage
2. Take pride in your work
3. Always finish what you start
4. Do what must be done
5. Be tough but fair
6. When you make a promise, keep it
7. Ride for the brand
8. Talk less and say more
9. Remember some things aren’t for sale
10. Know where to draw the line
SUSAN’S ADD-ONS
11. Be good to your word and have integrity
12. Be a person others can count on
“DON’T WORRY ABOUT WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE, JUST KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING AND START GOING THERE.”
NOVEMBER 2ND
Cristiana AVEDA Salon, 4862 Thompson Parkway, Johnstown, CO | 5:00 PM
Join us for an exciting night of fashion benefiting Realities for Children Charities! It's the Holiday Hair and Cocktail Affair charity event, an elegant evening and our first ever fashion show! Enjoy curated ensembles from local boutique Spruced Goose, holiday ready hairstyles from our talented team at Cristiana Salon, and makeup from Jane Iredale all while nibbling on canapes and sipping on a delicious signature cocktail.
NOVEMBER 2ND
The Loveland Museum, 503 N Lincoln Ave, Loveland, CO | 11:00 AM
Join us for Day of the Dead celebrations at the Loveland Museum! There will be live music, Ofrenda demo, altar elements crafts, face painting, sugar skull kit distribution, food and drinks and more!
NOVEMBER 9TH
North Lake Park, 2750 N. Taft Ave. Loveland, CO | 9:00 AM
Our community is the only city in the nation to follow the old tradition of ringing bells throughout the town in the early morning hours of Veteran’s Day. This race will mimic some of those old traditions to honor our nation's veteran community. We are honored to be part of this 4-Mile event and look forward to the engagement of the families in Loveland.
NOVEMBER 9TH
The NOCO Thrift Crawl in Loveland
Loveland Downtown District, 201 E 4th St, Loveland, CO | 11:00 AM
Join us for the NOCO Thrift Crawl! The crawl begins at 11AM where all participants get a $5 gift card to a local coffee shop. Tickets are $25 and include a jumbo tote bag, coffee or tea from a local cafe, and discounts at every stop on the crawl! All proceeds from this event support Homeward Alliance programs.
NOVEMBER 10TH
Loveland Sports Park, 950 N Boyd Lake Ave, Loveland, CO | 9:00 AM
We're calling you to step up and help raise money to support the health and wellness of our Northern Colorado Veterans. 1000 step ups or 5K Burden March. $25 donation to participate (goes to Health4Heroes). Discounts for groups of 10 so get your gym involved and let's show our support for those who have given so much.
NOVEMBER 11TH
4th Street in Downtown Loveland | 11:00 AM
The Parade starts at 11:11am with a route that follows Railroad to 4th, left on 4th to Garfield, right on Garfield to 13th St., then left on 13th to Dwayne Webster Park. The Ceremony will be at the NE corner by the Memorial Statue. The grandstand area will be at the intersection of Garfield and W 6th. The speaker will be Colonel Gregg S. Johnson.
NOVEMBER 15TH - 17TH
The Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Circle Loveland, CO | Friday Early Buying Event 10 AM - 4PM | Saturday & Sunday 10AM - 4 PM Vintage Market Days® is an upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and more.
NOVEMBER 16TH
The Spruced Goose Boutique and Gifts, 5971 Sky Pond Dr # C100, Loveland, CO | 2:00 PM
You're cordially invited to the 2nd Annual Spruced Goose Christmas Open House on Saturday November 16th from 2-6pm! Get your picture taken with Santa from 2-4pm, and enjoy an array of local vendors, a hot cocoa bar, complimentary gift wrapping, exclusive discounts, and local vendors.
NOVEMBER 17TH
Loveland Ale Works, 118 W 4th St, Loveland, CO | 4:00 PM
It’s time for our annual Friendsgiving celebration! It’s a potluck, so we invite you to bring your favorite holiday side dish/dessert to share with our community and friends. We’ll provide the turkey! Everyone is welcome! No ticket purchase necessary.
NOVEMBER 20TH
The Great Holiday Bash
Sweet Heart Winery, 5500 W US-34, Loveland, CO | 5:00 PM
Welcome to The Great Holiday Bash at Sweet Heart Winery hosted by NOCO Housewives! Get ready for some shopping, sipping and celebrating the holiday with amazing women from all over Northern Colorado. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enjoy the holiday season in style at Sweet Heart Winery!
NOVEMBER 22ND
Festival of Lights
Downtown Loveland, CO | 5:00 PM
A hometown tradition, our Festival of Lights signature event draws local crowds into Downtown Loveland for the debut of holiday lighting along 4th Street. Celebrate the holiday season with live music and entertainment, a tree lighting ceremony, holiday market, carriage rides, Santa and more!
NOVEMBER 22ND - 24TH
Holiday Festival at The Ranch
The Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Circle Loveland, CO | Saturday 9:30 AM - 4 PM | Sunday 9:30 AM - 3 PM
Mark your calendars for the Applewood Holiday Festival at The Ranch! Peruse an array of impressive artisans for $7 admission at the door. Kids 12 and under and veterans are free. Free parking.