August-September Loveland Magazine 2019

Loveland Magazine REPORTER-HERALD

August/September 2019

LOVELANDMAG.COM

CHOOSING SCHOOLS: PUBLIC, PRIVATE, CHARTER OR HOME TIPS FOR LAST MINUTE TRAVEL IN COLORADO SAFE2TELL COLORADO MAKES SCHOOL SAFETY A PRIORITY

S

ome places have a policy of providing excellence in retirement living. Others have a history of it.

At the Good Samaritan Society, the promise of providing exceptional senior care options isn’t just something found in a mission statement. It’s at the core of who we are.

For 45 years, the Good Samaritan Society-Loveland Village has offered housing and supportive services to seniors of all faith and beliefs.

Proud to be celebrating over 45 years in Loveland.

To learn more, visit www.good-sam.com.

The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society provides housing and services to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, national origin or other protected statuses according to applicable federal, state or local laws. All faiths or beliefs are welcome. Š 2016 The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. All rights reserved. XXXXXX

READ ALL ABOUT IT August/September 2019 | Back to SCHOOL

KNOCK KNOCK

Loveland land Magazine REPORTER-HERALD

Cover

August/September 2019

LOVELANDMAG.COM

Back to School! Loveland kids and parents are gearing up for school to be back in session.

School Days It’s almost unbelievable, but the lazy, hazy days of summer are just about over and school is back in session.

For some, the annual ritual of purchasing school supplies can be financially stressful as the lists have grown longer and longer. Our featured nonprofit helps with backpacks and supplies and other forms of support throughout the year In fact, school support resources, from bullying prevention to actually choosing the right school can be consuming topics for those with school age children. We put together some helpful info for parents and kids alike.

But even though summer days are waning, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t time for a couple of last minute trips with the family before fall activities get going. We offer up a couple of ideas for a weekend getaway by road or by rail.

And if you’re just looking for a few hours to kill, check out the event calendar for some local ideas!

—Misty Kaiser

Saw it WANT IT PAGE 5

CHOOSING SCHOOLS: PUBLIC, PRIVATE, CHARTER OR HOME TIPS FOR LAST MINUTE TRAVEL IN COLORADO SAFE2TELL COLORADO MAKES SCHOOL SAFETY A PRIORITY

NONPROFIT: Thompson Education Foundation

22

Supporting student and teacher needs PAGE 6

NEW IN TOWN: Horsetooth International Film Festival PAGE 8

8

SENIORS: Thompson School District Senior Citizen Tax Work-Off Program PAGE 11 Community: ONLINE LEARNING and the Adult Student How has online learning

impacted adult education PAGE 15

SAFE2TELL

The Colorado-based program striving to make schools a safe place for all

PAGE 17

HERE IN LOVELAND: School choice: What’s right for your student?

FOODIE: CJ’s Patio Grill Scratch-Made History PAGE 22

Perfect Podcasts for your Road Trip

Family-friendly conversation starters

PAGE 25

26

Outdoors: One Hot ROAD TRIP

See the scenery and bathe in the hot springs

PAGE 26

Family: ALL ABOARD!

See Colorado by rail

PAGE 30

Where to go What to do PAGE 33

With so many options for education, there’s a choice for all PAGE 20 August/September 2019

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 3

MARKETING AND PUBLICATIONS EDITOR

Loveland Magazine CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tim Seibert, Jonathan Castner

Misty Kaiser kaiserm@reporterherald.com 303.473.1425

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

MARKETING & ADVERTISING FEATURES COORDINATOR

Christine Labozan, clabozan@reporter-herald.com 970.635.3614

Greg Stone stoneg@dailycamera.com 303.473.1210

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Kailus, Elise Oberliesen, John Lendorff, Andy Stonehouse, Katherine Feindel, Adam Goldstein, Emma Castleberry, John Teehan

Loveland Magazine is published six times a year. Over 20,000 copies are inserted into the newspaper and are available at key locations and businesses throughout the area No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

LOVELAND MAGAZINE A Publication of the Loveland Reporter Herald 970-669-5050 reporterherald.com/lovelandmagazine

EDITORIAL & EVENTS: To submit a story idea, call 303.473.1425 or email kaiserm@reporterherald.com

Miss something? Find the e-magazine at ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

4seasonsvetspecialists.com

(970) 800-1106

• 24/7 EMERGENCY CARE • URGENT CARE • SURGERY • INTERNAL MEDICINE • RADIOLOGY AND ULTRASOUND • DENTISTRY • CRITICAL CARE • ONCOLOGY

Crossroads & I-25 4120 Clydesdale Parkway Loveland, CO 4 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

August/September 2019

[

[

Saw It - WANT IT

The kiddos are headed Back to School and whether that fills you with dread or relief, you’ll need to prepare. Once you’ve stocked up on the list of basics, you’ll want to protect your investment. Here are a few extras that should top your supply list to keep your kid’s stuff protected in style.

Pack It Up

Whether your kid is hauling around a laptop, tablet or good old fashioned paper notebooks, this Under Armour Storm Contender backpack keeps them safe and protected.

Its durable, weather-resistant finish keeps valuables protected and dry, and a lined sleeve provides a separate compartment for a laptop or tablet up to 15 inches. (Available at Best Buy, 6075 Sky Pond Dr., Loveland, bestbuy.com)

Calculated Risk

Graphing calculators aren’t cheap! Protect them with the Guerrilla Calculator Zipper Case. It’s weatherproof, shock resistant and comes in several different colors. Complete with helpful accessories, this case works with many models from Casio®, Texas Instruments® and more. (Available at Office Depot, 277 E. 29th Street, Loveland, officedepot.com)

Judging By the Cover

Protect textbooks against regular wear and tear with Book Sox® book covers. You’ll love that they’re made of washable but durable polyester and spandex. Your kid will love the choice of fun patterns and colors. They come in two sizes for a snug fit on most textbooks. (Available at Office Depot, 277 E. 29th Street, Loveland, officedepot.com)

Just Their Type Pull double duty with the Logitech - Universal Keyboard Folio Case The case protects most 9-10-inch tablets, and the keyboard works with iOS, Android and Windows tablets to ensure maximum keyboard compatibility. It’s even spillproof and splash resistant. (Available at Best Buy, 6075 Sky Pond Dr., Loveland, bestbuy.com) August/September 2019

Lock It Down Combinations don’t have to be hard to remember.

Set your own with a single word. The Master Lock Vertical Resettable Word Combo Lock is deal for backpacks or lockers and is easy to set and reset.

(Available at Target, 1725 Rocky Mountain Ave, Loveland, target.com)

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 5

NONPROFIT

THOMPSON EDUCATION FOUNDATION continues to support student and teacher needs

M

ore and more, we continue to hear how the issue of funding for schools has led to struggles and challenges for both teachers and students throughout the entire country.

Things are not quite as tough in the Thompson School District, but a long-standing community organization has certainly done its work to enhance other revenue streams by fundraising to assist the local K-12 educational experience.

For almost three decades, the Thompson Education Foundation has provided money and support for programs including teacher grants, Educator of the Year awards, plus music and art education. More importantly, the TEF has been able to offer direct funding for the many families in 6 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

BY ANDY STONEHOUSE for LOVELAND MAGAZINE Loveland who qualify as homeless – all of these many varied efforts fueled though community donations and events.

Kim Akeley-Charron, the organization’s executive director, says the TEF’s million dollars in assets translates into approximately $650,000 a year in direct school expenditures, including grants and program-restricted funds. And with classes back in session and October’s Education is Everyone’s Business event just around the corner, it’s a good opportunity to recognize the TEF and the many ways locals can contribute.

She says the TEF’s mandate is also more widely focused than other similar educational foundations across the U.S., established as taxReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

free nonprofits under the government’s 501(c)(3) regulations.

“There’s always a huge need for financial help with schools, and educational foundations have become a big sector in the nonprofit world – each serving the needs of the district they’re associated with,” she says. But rather than just focusing on teacher and innovation grants, Akeley-Charron says TEF is unique in providing a much more broad-minded range of school-related community services, ultimately aimed at offering more resources for students.

“Our core mission is to offer an exceptional educational experience for both staff and students, with that added focus on staff, and an eye to enrich their work,” she says.

“We’re proud to play our part in supporting our teachers.”

August/September 2019

Community support is the most critical driver for TEF fundraising, and Akeley-Charron and her staff spend a considerable amount of time looking for donations through annual events, marketing and social media efforts.

“Whatever we do is about helping kids, and that’s compelling,” she says. “We always encourage parents to get connected and be part of the school.”

And while parents may be most aware of the TEF’s scholarships program, which has provided a million dollars to local Thompson School District seniors over the last four years, other TEF expenditures cover equipment, teacher training and even field trips. The foundation is also now the key driver behind the Help Kids Succeed school supplies program, which offers backpacks and other supplies to roughly one in 10 students in the district.

“We used to collaborate with other local charities including the United Way, but the program is now entirely under our umbrella, and has been since 2014,” she notes.

Other programs, such as TEF’s Windows on the World teacher travel, have also become very com-

“Our core mission is to offer an exceptional educational experience for both staff and students, with that added focus on staff, and an eye to enrich their work.”

—Kim Akeley-Charron

petitive, Akeley-Charron says. Up to $3,500 is available to local teachers to travel nationally or internationally during their summer break, and create curriculum materials in the process.

“We do ask that applicants be very clear in their objectives, as it’s not just travel funding,” she says.

Teachers are asked to experience subject matter during their travels and figure out an effective way of translating that into interesting classroom content. Funding is sponsored by Jeff and Mary Hiatt and their Northern Colorado community foundation, as well as Greg and Tracy Roller.

Other efforts, such as the TEF’s homeless assistance program, reflect the concerns that more than 800 district students met federal homeless criteria.

“That’s a staggering number, so we’ve done what we can to help students and their families with a fixed place to stay, or even guardianship,” she says. “To that end, we are fairly unique in Colorado, as we go out directly to the community.

Our focus is not to try to solve homelessness, but instead remove any barriers for students to attend school – be that gas, tires, food or clothing.”

Local partners including the Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs and the Philo Club have been major contributors to the program.

“People are very willing and able to understand those issues, and willing to help – and it has grown,” she adds.

The annual Education is Everyone’s Business fundraising event, scheduled for Oct. 24 this year, serves as a big opportunity for the TEF to highlight its programming and solicit new contributions. It’s an afterwork networking event including food, cocktails and a good chance to learn more about the TEF’s 60plus activities and programs.

For more information visit thompsontef.org or call 970-613-5074.

622 N. College Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80524 6204 S. College Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80525 2100 W. Drake Rd. Unit 6 Fort Collins, CO 80526 2601 S. Lemay Ave. Unit 18 Fort Collins, CO 80525 2400 N. Lincoln Ave. Loveland, CO 80538 516 Main St. Windsor, CO 80550 August/September 2019

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 7

Loveland Welcomes the First Annual

NEW IN TOWN

HORSETOOTH

INTERNATIONAL

FILM FESTIVAL

T

his September the lights will go down as the projectors light up for the 1st Annual Horsetooth International Film Festival, an event that is expected to draw film aficionados from near and far to northern Colorado.

The event is the brainchild of local area filmmakers John Hunt and Jesse Nyander. With a growing interest in film and filmmaking in Northern Colorado, Hunt and Nyander both realized that the area had much to offer the rest of the Colorado and the world at large in terms of talent and passion.

It was with that in mind that they set about to create a film festival in Loveland that could one day be the equal of major independent film events elsewhere in Colorado and around the nation. While places like Boulder and Denver have become big players in the film industry, Hunt and Nyander realized that there was no real platform for celebrating independent film in Northern Colorado. With the first annual Horsetooth International 8 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

Film Festival, they set out to not only remedy that situation, but to also bring together filmmakers and the local community.

With a team of local creative professionals to work with, Hunt and Neyander plan for the innaugural event to include screenings of around a dozen short films approximately 15 minutes in length, one feature film, and a series of music video submissions. They have been taking submissions since April of this year through the Film Freeway service platform—a standard now in film festival operation.

The organizers have high hopes for the three-day festival. Similar events, such as the Boulder International Film Festival, also started small. Now they bring in tens of thousands of people for a weekend of shared interest and passion. They see no reason why that couldn’t happen in Loveland.

The idea behind developing the event as an international festival was brought about by the desire to help expose local filmmakers and film ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

BY JOHN TEEHAN for LOVELAND MAGAZINE

fans to work and ideas outside their regional areas and experiences. By encouraging both personal and professional growth, they hope to strengthen and broaden the range of the Northern Colorado film community.

The festival kicks off Friday, September 6, with a red carpet, blacktie gala event at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery which will showcase the future of film with screenings featuring augmented and virtual reality in the museum’s 39-foot, 360-degree dome theater.

Guests will have the opportunity to mingle and meet with many of the filmmakers, contributors, and sponsors of the event, take photos on the red carpet, enjoy appetizers and a cash bar, and even have after-hours access to the museum.

On Saturday, the action moves to June/July 2019

the historic Rialto Theater on East 4th St. in downtown Loveland for an all-day event featuring live music, film screenings, and educational talks with filmmakers and industry leaders. A one-day pass grants access to screenings of all of the short film categories, as well as their featured presentation--the showing of the “One World” International Feature Film Category along with a question and answer period, an awards ceremony, and a musical performance by a special guest who will be announced by August 1.

The short film categories are scheduled in one-hour blocks during the day with categories such as Colorado Short Film, National Short Film, and International Short Film. All include Q&A periods with the filmmakers.

The choice of using the Rialto June/July 2019

Theater was a calculated one. In addition to being a space uniquely suited for the event, it is also positioned within the community in such a way that attendees can come and go as they please and interact with the surrounding community—a major consideration the team had when planning the festival.

Come Sunday, festival-goers will have the opportunity to relive and celebrate the heady days of the music video with the “I Want My MTV Back” Music Video Category, inspired by the popular slogan for MTV during the 1980s.

With a growing video production industry and wide-reaching internet capabilities, music videos have been making a comeback and the Horsetooth International Film Festival will showcase their best music video submissions at the Lyric Cinema in Fort Collins.

Following the screening of the music videos, a winner will be announced. Also among the events occurring Sunday will be a closing ceremony, featured live music, and an opportunity to meet with ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

the whole team behind Northern Colorado’s newest annual cultural event.

For more information about the Horsertooth International Film Festival, including films and ticketing, visit horsetoothfilmfestival. com where information will be updated as the event draws nearer.

If You Go...

HORSETOOTH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL WHEN: September 6-8 WHERE: Locations throughout Loveland and Fort Collins TICKETS: All-Festival Pass $45 or VIP Pass, $95 MORE INFORMATION: Visit horsetoothfilmfestival.com/ for information and to purchase tickets

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 9

scargotruckcaps.com • 1954 14th St. SE Loveland, CO 80537

970-669-3164

10 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

August/September 2019

Thompson School District Senior Citizen Tax Work-Off Program SENIORS

property tax payment when tax time rolls around.

By MISTY KAISER for LOVELAND MAGAZINE Seniors looking for a little tax relief have an offer from the Thompson School District that’s going to be hard to refuse. It not only puts a little extra cash in their pockets, but also gives back to the community’s younger generations.

The Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Program allows seniors in the community to volunteer with the school district and earn money to put toward their property taxes.

Give a little, get a little, and everyone wins.

Interest is usually high, so seniors who want to participate should apply before the August 30 deadline. There are 60 total spots in the program with about 20 spots to be filled and each new applicant must go through a screening process.

“The pool of applicants is narrowed down for in-person screenings. Those in-person screenings will be further narrowed down to fill the openings,” Lisa Wegener, Volunteer and Event Specialist August/September 2019

with Thompson School District explains. “Chosen applicants will be based on a variety of factors, including how their experience, interests, strengths, and availability match open volunteer positions and needs.”

Before deciding whether or not to apply, there are a few criteria one must meet for eligibility: Applicants must be 62 and older, they must own and live in the residence for which they are applying, and that residence must also be located within the Thompson School District boundaries. Applicants must also pass a mandatory background check. It is also important to note that current full- or part-time employees of Thompson School District will not be eligible.

The program works like this: Once chosen, senior volunteers commit to working up to 30 total hours for which they receive minimum wage (currently $$11.10 per hour).

Upon completion of their hours, they will receive a check made out to Larimer County which they are then able to present as part of their ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

While volunteers are not required to work the full 30 hours, it is definitely encouraged. Volunteers will receive payment for any number of hours worked, but those interested in participating should carefully consider whether the commitment is something they can uphold, for the simple reason that for every person who doesn’t complete their allotted hours, someone else loses the opportunity.

“We prefer that they commit to 30 hours, just because if they don’t, that kind of cheats someone else out of that spot,” says Wegener.

If 30 hours sounds manageable, there is a lengthy list of possible positions, spanning many areas, that will need filling, such as assisting teachers, one-on-one time helping students, office work, helping with special events and more.

“Basically, they can express their skills and what they’re interested in, then we try to match them with a job,” says Wegener. She’s also quick to point out that the broader a person’s interests, the easier it is to match them with a job they’ll enjoy.

For more information on the program or to fill out an application, visit thompsonschools.org/Volunteer. Paper applications can be obtained by calling 970-613-5072.

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 11

Loveland Classical Schools Calendar

Thompson School District Calendar August

7-9 12-16 19 19

20

New Teacher Induction (NT) TENS Week - No Students Sixth and Ninth Grade Transition Day School Begins Grades K-5 — All Elementary School Students Attend (Full Day) School Begins, Grades 6-12— All Secondary School Students Attend (Full Day)

No Students Parent/Teacher Conferences Teacher Exchange Day—No Students

November

27-29 Thanksgiving Break—No School

20 First Semester Ends 23-31 Winter Break—District Closed

January

Winter Break—No Students Martin Luther King Day—Holiday

February

17 27 28

Presidents Day—Holiday No Students Parent/Teacher Conferences

March

16-20 Spring Break—No School

April

20

May

13 22 23 25

27

September 2

Labor Day- No School

Teacher Work Day- No School End of First Quarter Parent/Teacher Conferences, 1-8 p.m.

—No School

November

11 Veteran’s Day —No School 25-29 Thanksgiving Break—No School

December January

1-3 17 20

3 17

13 End of Third Quarter 16-20 Spring Break—No School

10

Last Day for Graduating Seniors Last Day of School—Half Day High School Graduation Memorial Day

Teacher Work Day—No School Presidents Day—No School

March

April

No School Students

Winter Break—No School End of Second Quarter Martin Luther King Day—No School

February

9

12 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

All Teachers Report for In-Service Elementary (Lyceum) Back to School Night Upper School (Academy) Back to School Night First Day of School- All Grades

23-31 Winter Break—No School

December

1-3 20

22

7 18 25

Labor Day - Holiday

October

4 10 11

6 20

October

September

2

August

May 16 22 25

Parent/Teacher Conferences, 5 - 8:30 p.m.

Spring Intermission—No School

Senior Graduation Last Day/End of Fourth Quarter —All Grades Memorial Day

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

August/September 2019

Loveland Classical Schools is a K-12 classical and Core Knowledge tuition-free charter school in Loveland, Colorado.

GREAT WORKS a study of the original, not a study about the original

GREAT TEACHING the trivium, which includes grammar, logic, and rhetoric

GREAT CHARACTER even more vital to diligent work ethic is moral integrity

What sets us apart?: • LCS has the highest average SAT scores in the Thompson School District.

• The benefits of departmentalization (subject matter specialists) for our students in the elementary school.

• State School of Character Nominee.

• Engineering and Computer Science courses and Robotics Club.

• Current league champions in both Girls’ and Boys’ HS soccer.

• Highly acclaimed Madrigal Singers, Instrumental Music, and Drama programs.

• LCS offers 5 concurrent credit and 6 Advanced Placement (AP) courses – equivalent to a year’s worth of college credit.

Lyceum Campus (grades K-5) 3835 14th St. SW, Loveland, CO 80537 (970) 541-1507 ext. 1

Academy Campus (grades 6-12) 3015 West 29th Street, Loveland, CO 80538 (970) 541-1507 ext. 2

www.lovelandclassical.org August/September 2019

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 13

Reservations, Takeout & Catering, Asian Bistro & Full Bar

Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai.

HEALTHY ASIAN CUISINE

We Deliver

$5 OFF $30 or More Not combinable with any other offers or discounts.

Expires 9/30/19

1323 Eagle Drive, Loveland, 80537 (Thompson Valley Shopping Center)

970-622-0688 • www.asiancafengrill.com 14 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

August/September 2019

LM COMMUNITY

BY EMMA CASTLEBERRY FOR LOVELAND MAGAZINE

THE CAREER LANDSCAPE IS CHANGING RAPIDLY as a

result of increased technology and the digital revolution. Changes in this landscape mean changes in learning, including an increase of adult learners and people returning to school after spending time in the workforce.

The Adult Learner

This change has been carefully noted by universities across Colorado.

“The definition of an adult learner has changed in the last 15 or 20 years,” says Dallas Everhart, director of the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) Extended Campus. “They have become a larger share of the target market than students coming directly after high school.” These learners are reshaping the entire function of higher August/September 2019

education. “Adult learners are responsible for their own livelihood and well-being, and often that of others,” says Tammy Vercauteren, dean of online learning at Front Range Community College (FRCC). “They bring a wide range of life experiences to their learning and are motivated to learn in order to solve real-life problems and advance in their career path.”

These students come into their courses with more life experience than other students, and they most likely have a job and a family of their own that must be balanced with coursework. “Those things also probably mean that the average adult learner is coming back to school after some time away,” says Julia Selby Smith, interim director of marketing at Colorado State University (CSU) Online.

new traditional student also has an immediate need for a return on investment,” says Everhart. “If they are giving something up this week, they need to see something improve in their quality of life next week, not in four years.”

But these aren’t the only qualities that set adult learners apart. “The

“Online learning has completely transformed adult education,”

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

This need for immediate ROI has inspired universities to find new and innovative ways to engage with these students. A prime example of this innovation is online classes.

“The greatest benefits of online learning are access, convenience and flexibility,” says Everhart.

“Online learning options also provide learners with the ability to access options that they otherwise couldn’t because of distance or schedule concerns.”

The Frontier of Online Learning

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 15

says Smith. “The beauty of online learning is that it can serve the needs of people in many different types of situations.” Adult learners can access their education from anywhere in the world, at any time in their lives.

Eighty seven percent of the 3200 students at UNC Extended Campus are online students. UNC Extended Campus offers Bachelor, Master’s, PhD, and Certificate programs ineducation/special education, clinical mental health counseling, dietetics, nursing and more. It’s not uncommon for traditional on-campus graduate students to migrate to the Extended Campus division. “There are a myriad of reasons for this transition,” says Everhart. “First, the delivery technology for courses has been so meticulously streamlined for highquality content that online learners thrive. They are able to research the UNC Library systems to consume and produce their own data through scholarly research projects and journals. Professors hold online office hours for support, and students enjoy the flexibility and accessibility they have at UNC.” At FRCC, students can complete some of their coursework online in almost all programs, and can complete more than 40 programs entirely online including business, accounting, early childhood education, computer information systems and early childhood education. Students taking most of their classes online made up 36 percent of the overall adult student population at FRCC. “Online options give adult learners the flexibility to expand their skills and complete a degree or certificate while continuing to work and take care of family 16 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

The beauty of online learning is that it can serve the needs of people in many different types of situations.

—Julia Selby Smith

and life responsibilities,” says Vercauteren.

The Benefits of Online Learning for Adults

In addition to flexibility, affordability is one of the primary motivators for those who choose to return to school online. “The flexibility of online learning allows students to minimize the overall cost of their education by saving on commute time and expenses, and minimizing or eliminating the need to take time off work or pay for additional babysitting or elder-care in order to attend class on campus,” says Vercauteren. “In addition, online students don’t have to pay student activity fees and parking fees that campus students have to pay.”

At UNC Extended Campus, many of the online offerings are priced similar to the university’s in-state tuition rate, regardless of the student’s location.This is also true at FRCC and CSU. “That makes non-resident tuition much more affordable,” says Everhart.

Work experience can also act as a catalyst for adult learners in their pursuit of a new degree or certification. “Adult learners may also be able to earn credit for prior learning by demonstrating that they already have the knowledge and skills ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

to be learned in a specific creditbased class,” says Vercauteren.

“For instance, FRCC’s new A.A.S. in Highway Maintenance Management is designed to include credit earned through documentation of industry-specific training and work experience.”

The online environment also gives learners access to more interactive content rather than just lectures and books. That can make course content more engaging, which can increase learning outcomes. “As learning technology evolves, the online learning experience grows richer,” says Smith.

Choosing an Online Degree

Vercauteren recommends that adult learners talk to an advisor before choosing a path of study. “Participating in online orientations and tutorials will also help you become familiar with the online learning environment and the tools you need to be successful,” she says. Smith adds that the wealth of options and flexibility with online learning can make decision-making a challenging process. “It can be daunting, but it’s important to make sure you are choosing a program that fits your interests, goals, and needs,” she says.

“Ensure that your program is high quality, transferable and will help you meet your goals,” says Everhart.“Going to school can be a challenge if you have work or family obligations. But our students tell us that the hard work is worth it in order to open up new opportunities.”

August/September 2019

COMMUNITY

SAFE TELL

If kids can n be cruel cruel, isolation can be downright sadistic.

For any K-12 student navigating the challenges, perils and pressures of everyday life, the fallout from bullying can feel even more extreme in a vacuum. Without the support of a caring friend, engaged adult or involved parent, depression can fester, isolation can grow and hope can disappear. Without the proper resources and care, a young person’s very life could hang in the balance.

The anonymous Safe2Tell tip line generated a way to connect anyone in need with the proper support. In the aftershock of the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, Safe2Tell was a novel way to deal with an epidemic that had hit Colorado with tragic force. Envisioned as a way for students, parents, instructors and community members to reach out anonymously about issues August/September 2019

tied to bullying, violence, suicide and depression among young people, Safe2Tell was an attempt to tackle a problem that felt inconceivable for many. Young people were in crisis, and they needed a way to reach out.

The format for Safe2Tell was simple enough when it launched in 2004: callers would be connected with law enforcement officials to anonymously report any kind of safety issues. Launched as a resource of the Colorado State Patrol and Colorado Department of Public Safety, the hotline sought to offer a solution to a crisis that was claiming the mental health, safety and very lives of young people.

What seemed like an surreal prob-

By ADAM GOLDSTEIN for LOVELAND MAGAZINE ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

lem at the dawn of the 21st century in Colorado has only become more real, immediate and widespread in the past 20 years. High-profile tragedies in Colorado and the rest of the country have underlined again and again the need for additional resources. The litany of school shootings over the past 20 years has shown how fatal silence can be.

As the need has deepened, resources through Safe2Tell have expanded, and school districts have turned to the program as a vital resource in an ever-evolving push to make schools safer. Since its launch in 2004, Safe2Tell has expanded to include online resources, a mobile phone app and options for emails and other modes of contacts. After operating as a nonprofit for many years, Senate Bill 2014-002 officially made the resource a part of the Colorado Office of the Attorney General in 2014. Safe2Tell operates with the

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 17

Colorado State Patrol Command Centers, and offers schools an expanded set of resources, including “education, awareness and outreach to encourage reporting and breaking the code of silence.”

“To prevent tragedies in schools and communities, it is essential that we involve young people and break the code of silence. By engaging students, staff and the community to be part of the solution we can intervene early and prevent tragedy,” explained Safe2Tell Founder Susan Payne, who left the organization earlier this year. “(Our) model provides a protected method of reporting with layers of protection where we can increase successful interventions and interruptions in preventing tragedies.”

“We have saved countless lives since Safe2Tell began,” she added.

The impact of the resource hasn’t been limited to Colorado, as Safe2Tell has worked over the years to expand its resources and properly meet the needs of a broad community. Reports about worrisome posts on social media, video game forums or other sites can easily involve those in cities across the country or the world; responding effectively to tips through Safe2Tell means

responding to needs from a global community.

That need is only growing. As Payne’s successor, former University of Colorado Denver emergency management preparedness director Essi Ellis, works to continue Safe2Tell, dealing with an unprecedented amount of outreach.

What’s more, school districts across the state are relying on Safe2Tell as a primary source for reporting, engagement and expanded security.

According to its annual legislative report published in 2018, Safe2Tell received a total of 16,000 tips from August 1, 2017 to July 31, 2018, mostly through its mobile app. That number marked nearly a 75 percent increase from the previous year.

More recently, the organization reported an 83 percent increase in the number of tips reported in June than it had the previous year. While the increased amount of reporting also meant a spike in the number of false reports, the overall percentage of those reports were minimal.

from the STEM school in Highlands Ranch to Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida have shown that the epidemic revealed at Columbine is still raging. According to Safe2Tell, more people are reporting risks, more community members are aware that silence can be fatal and more school districts are paying attention.

Indeed, in its 2018 report, Safe2Tell reported that more and more, multiple people are providing information on the same incident or concern. “This fact is encouraging, since various students, parents, and administrators are witnessing the same incidents and are reporting their concerns at the same time,” the report states.

That kind of engagement, attention and reporting makes a difference, and helps increase the chances that a young person’s isolation, depression or hopelessness won’t prove tragic.

The vast majority of those higher numbers were reports rooted in real safety concerns that came in the wake of tragic list of incidents in Colorado and beyond. Over the past two years, tragedies ranging

Buy One

Airbrush Spray Tan,

Get One FREE ($30 Savings)

To report incidents or concerns to Safe2Tell, call 1-877-542-7233, visit safe2tell.org or download their mobile app.

Purchase a Package of

3 Microneedling*

Treatments at 15% off, Receive an

Express Facial FREE

($210 in Savings!)

Lake Loveland Dermatology

Glisten and Glow for Summer!

Expires August 31, 2019

Call to Schedule

970.667.3116

LakeLovelandDermatology.com

*Cannot be combined with other offers unless specified

18 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

* Benefits of Microneedling: The treatments stimulate your skins natural ability to produce new collagen and elastin for healthier, younger looking skin. Microneedling is often performed in a series of treatments; the procedure is effective in helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles, minimizing pore size, and acne scars

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

August/September 2019

Two Unique Dining Experiences, One Great Location!

Lo Mein tion Combina

Beef Vietnamese Bowl

hrimp in S & k a e t S ce Basil Sau

n Mongolia Beef

all

Sesame B

Reservations, Takeout & Catering, Asian Bistro & Full Bar

$5 OFF $30 or More Canton Palace Osaka Hibachi 970.663.1188 970.663.5699 www.cantonpalaceco.com

OSAKA

Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse

Both at 3320 N. Garfield Ave., Loveland

Not combinable with any other offers or discounts. Expires 9/30/19.

August/September 2019

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 19

LM HERE IN LOVELAND

SCHOOL CHOICE: What’s right for your student?

By JULIE KAILUS for LOVELAND MAGAZINE It’s undeniable that there are more education choices than ever before. Having such vast options can be a boon for families that want the very best fit for their children. But it can also be overwhelming when weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks.

No matter what, school choice is personal. Families must consider all kinds of things from finances, academic performance, and student body makeup to mental health support, religious affiliations, and various paths to college.

To ensure confidence in your educational choice, try to avoid quick, emotionally driven or reactive decisions. For example, it’s rarely helpful to compare school experiences between children, as each child is unique in his or her academic and social needs. Likewise, while modern life makes it hard to avoid the “keeping up with Joneses” mentality, making a major decision based on what friends are doing is also not wise in the long run. Additionally, try to weigh each academic institution in the right light with a broad, holistic perspective. If your child is struggling in a current educational environment, for example, expecting a change of schools to solve all of those issues may not be realistic.

Once you’re clear that you’re making a schooling choice in good conscience, the sky is the limit.

To see what matches up best with your student’s or family’s needs, consider these important differentiators between Loveland’s public, private, charter, and micro/home schools.

Public

Loveland is home to the Thompson School District, which educates approximately 16,000 local students.

For the youngest students, the public school system comprises 13 early childhood programs and state-funded preschool, 20 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

along with Head Start, a low-income option for three- and four-year-olds.

For grade-schoolers there are 20 neighborhood elementary schools, one K-8, five middle schools, and five high schools. Additionally there are two charter schools, as well as an online school run through Thompson School District.

Typically, parents are most familiar with public education and all the challenges and benefits that come along with free education in America. A school board made up of taxpayers, parents, business people, community residents, and volunteers handles major decision-making.

Public-school student bodies are often relatively large yet more diverse. Budgets and resources are both mandated and limited.

All of these aspects of public education will weigh into a decision to send children to a nearby public school, along with each school’s academic performance measures and various considerations ranging from curriculum to convenience.

Charter

Charter schools are a newer school option. They are publicly funded but run independently and draw kids from all around the district. There are two, Loveland Classical Schools (LCS) and New Vision, within the Thompson School District. New Vision subscribes to a curriculum called Core Knowledge, and LCS is based on a “classical curriculum steeped in the greatest works of our civilization,” explains Executive Director, Ian Stout.

August/September 2019

An important distinction, LCS students study original works from the Western canon, such as the Federalist Papers, U.S. Constitution, and the works of Galileo, Newton, Einstein, and Lincoln. “These give insight into our heritage, ourselves, universal truths, and what it means to live a meaningful life,” Stout says.

Micro/Home-school

Home-schooling is a broad term that applies to parents providing education outside of an institution. There are many reasons that families choose this path, including the flexibility to travel, foster experiential learning, and cater curriculum to children who may be exceptional or challenged learners.

Likewise, rigorous academic standards at LCS require students to demonstrate critical thinking practice learning how to be a good person. Stout says, “Throughout the K-12 school day, situations present themselves for discussion and study on what is virtuous character and what is worth pursuing in life to benefit our community.”

Private

Northern Colorado also has established private schools, including Rivendell School, a secular option and HMS Richards, which is religiously affiliated.

Madeline Cook, admissions specialist at Rivendell, says families who choose the independent tuition-based school often prioritize two things: small class sizes, where teachers can get to know students and set unique goals based on individual progress, and relationships. “We develop meaningful relationships with every family, welcome them into the classrooms, and teachers are frequently connecting with parents about their child’s progress,” she says.

Established over 100 years ago, HMS Richards, a Seventh-day Adventist Christian school, has a similarly warm community. Jill Harlow, a HMS parent and communication volunteer, says that with an approximate 10-to-1 student-teacher ratio, “the small and tight-knit school provides students with individualized instruction and a family-like environment.” The curriculum is faith-based, with daily worship, prayer sessions, time spent in nature, and Christcentered schoolwork, which she says “provides students with a moral compass in the Bible as they face the challenges of life.”

August/September 2019

Increasingly, community “micro schools” are bringing home-schoolers together for social interaction. For example, the Thompson School District runs a tuitionfree, part-time publicly funded enrichment school called L.E.A.P. School (Loveland/ Berthoud Enrichment Access Program).

Classes run by state-licensed teachers meet at Galilee Baptist Church once a week from 8:20-3:30 p.m. and feature hands-on activities and friend building.

The Mother Earth Academy is another micro school choice for home-schooled children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Owner and Facilitator, Chelsea Denny says that Mother Earth’s mission is to “provide the framework necessary to encourage inquiry-based exploration, investigation, and analysis of the natural world during a year-round, four-day school week.” With a 1-to-8 teacher to student ratio, small groups spend two hours exploring outdoors or on field trips.

The program also promotes mixed-age mentoring and plenty of guest speakers and classes, from talks with local farmers to yoga sessions. Additionally, there’s no homework or state testing at Mother Earth.

“Students complete their work at school so they have more time to spend with their families at home,” Denny says.

From child-paced learning at home to education among a large community of students and faculty, school choice is vast.

To act with certainty, take into account your child’s specific needs, research all of your options, and consider a site visit to all of the schools you’re comparing. Good luck!

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

Keep Your Smile Bright All Summer long!

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

STEVEN J. HOOD DMD, PC 3013 N. Taft Avenue Suite 1/Loveland

970.669.8662

www.drstevehood.com

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 21

22 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

August/September 2019

LM FOODIE

Legendary peach cobbler lives on at CJ’s Patio Grill The word “fresh” comes up a lot at CJ’s Patio Grill. So does “made from scratch,” and especially, “just baked.”

Take CJ’s famous burger. The patties are made with fresh, unfrozen beef, flame-broiled for extra flavor, and served inside a house - baked soft burger bun. The kitchen bakes buns - white and whole wheat - twice a day every day of the week. Instead of fries, you can substitute garlic mashed potatoes, also freshly made daily along with country gravy and green chile.

The in-house bakers also produce buns for dinner and big biscuits for the popular brunch. Each brunch diner is poured a glass of juice, champagne or a mimosa, but the star attraction on Sunday morning is the sweet rolls laced with cinnamon “A fresh cinnamon roll gets put out for each person at brunch.

The icing is homemade, too,” said Chris Aloi, co-owner with

August/September 2019

recipes for all the classic dishes and baked goods.

CJ’s peach cobbler draws customers in every summer. (Jonathan Castner/ Loveland Magazine)

Fadil Astafaj of CJ’s Patio Grill.

When the duo found out the restaurant was available, they did their research. Between them, the two co-owners have 50 years of restaurant and bar experience, mostly on the East Coast.

“We both have strong family ties to Colorado. Just visiting here I thought that Loveland was the next great place to live in Northern Colorado,” Chris Aloi said.

They agreed to buy CJ’s as long as it included “everything” including

By JOHN LEHNDORFF for LOVELAND MAGAZINE ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

Besides familiar lunch and dinner staples, CJ’s still boasts familiar faces because most of the staff was eager to stay.

“We are blessed with a very experienced staff. Some have been here many years and the regulars know them.

There’s a really good reason the customers keep coming back year after year,” he said.

One landmark item will always be at home on the menu. “When we were thinking about buying CJ’s, Tom kept pushing the peach cobbler. We didn’t know what cobbler was and we had no idea what a big deal it was. Now, we understand.

Customers come in annually just for the cobbler,” Aloi said.

“Colorado peaches are a step above and so sweet and juicy. In the summer, we pick up Colorado peaches from the grower two or three times a week.”

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 23

The lunch menu includes a chicken Caesar salad, a blackened mahi sandwich and fish and chips.

The dinner roster is an all-star team of comfort favorites ranging from chickenfried chicken and fall-apart pot roast to shepherd’s pie.

“We’re pretty much staying with what Tom had. It’s always been popular,” Aloi said.

“Tom” is Tom Modlich, the longtime owner of CJ’s, which is short for “Country Junction.” That’s a name longtime Northern Colorado residents will recognize.

“The original Country Junction was a staple in downtown Loveland and eventually moved and changed the name,” he said.

Early Sunday supper at CJ’s is a tradition for many families with kids and it starts “as soon as we finish with brunch at 2 p.m.,” Aloi said. The kids menu includes baked macaroni and cheese that parents order for their kids … but eat it themselves.

24 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

Chicken tortilla soup.

According to Aloi, the only changes planned at CJ’s are offering more dinner specials like prime rib and fresh fish and seafood plus an expanded wine list. “Everybody knows the larger

The burger at CJ’s is stacked high andserved up with a side of steak fries. (Jonathan Castner/Loveland Magazine)

“This place has always been built around families. With all the baseball and soccer fields around here, we’ll get a group of ten kids from one team in their uniforms on a Thursday for spaghetti and meatballs and grilled cheese sandwiches,” Aloi said.

Being family-friendly means taking requests from picky eaters of various kinds. “We always say ‘if we have the ingredients, we’ll try to make it,” he said. There is a glutenfree menu that includes one of the eatery’s signature Mexican dishes:

local craft breweries but there are so many good small ones in the area. We want to give a smaller guy a chance to branch out with his beers by adding them to the bar,” he said.

Almost every day a newcomer “discovers” CJ’s Patio Grill, Aloi said.

I is tucked away around the corner from a King Soopers.

Just use GPS and look for the eager folks lined up for peach cobbler a la mode.

If You Go...

CJ’S PATIO GRILL 1331 Eagle Drive, Loveland 970-685-4556, cjspatiogrill.com ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

August/September 2019

TUNE-IN: Family Friendly Podcasts We all know that the hours in the car between destinations can get pretty boring. Rather than having everyone tuning out and spending time in their headphones, try finding a podcast that the whole family can enjoy. Podcasts get conversations going and are a way to share an experience in your down time. Here’s a short list of a few favorites, but there are so many more with themes wide and varied—from fun to factual to inspirational, find the perfect voice for your vacation.

The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian

If your kids are ready for chapter books or can follow an extended story line, the Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian is a fun sci-fi serial that’s likely to capture the attention of the adults in the car as well.

Storynory

Brains On!

Brains On! claims to be for curious kids and adults alike. Tackling subjects like “Can a sound wave go on forever” and “Black holes, wormholes and donut holes” they keep the science fun and provide learning opportunities for all ages.

You know when your days are go, go, go, nights can be a struggle. Coming back down to sleep can be difficult for kids. Peace Out helps with calming, mindfulness and self-regulation stories for kids, perfect for the drive back to the hotel or even just before lights out.

Pants On Fire

For younger audiences, Storynory offers a selection of original stories, classics, fairytales, music and even educational material to choose from.

August/September 2019

Peace Out

Who’s the expert and who’s the liar? Figure it out with Pants on Fire. Fast paced enough to keep even the adults guessing, this podcast is a great conversation starter.

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 25

OUTDOORS

ONE HOT Serving up hot springs with a side of adventure University researcher Rafaela S. C. Takeshita found when that Japanese macaques soaked in hot springs, it lowered their glucocorticoid levels, a group of corticosteroids associated with steroid hormones.

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort offers mineral pools both natural and man made.

(Elise Oberliesen/Loveland Magazine)

Looking for a last minute outdoorsy adventure to close out the summer? After a long day hiking the Colorado Trail or wading through Chalk Creek on a fly fishing adventure, what better way to fall asleep than to the sound of the creek humming in the background?

Location, location, location is more than a familiar term in real estate. A trip down Highway 285 26 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

to Buena Vista has all the trappings of an outdoor adventure—one filled with adrenaline highs, (think water rafting) and the tranquility of soaking in natural springs (think Mt. Princeton Hot Springs resort) to be exact—a 15 minute drive from Buena Vista, or BV, as the locals refer to it.

According to a study published in the Journal of Primates, Kyoto

By ELISE OBERLIESEN for LONGMONT MAGAZINE ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

Also known as hydrotherapy, the use of water to help promote healing in the body dates back to ancient times—now, it’s still medically relevant, whether in modern sports medicine or holistic health practices. Scores of research suggests the benefits of hydrotherapy—from pain management and reduced joint tenderness, especially in people with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, to improvements in immune response.

So why not test the science by taking a trip to a place like Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort to soak away your troubles after a long day of hiking –or surviving a mountain biking adventure. The historic bath house at the resort gives visitors access to soaking pools that reach about 105° F—while creekside springs cater to guests who enjoy August/September 2019

smaller private pools that may reach up to 120° F. In the summer, kids and families flock to the upper pools as they slither down the 400-foot water slide.

Mt. Princeton hot springs are among the few that don’t contain sulphur.

(Elise Oberliesen/ Loveland Magazine)

Unlike other popular hot springs destination resorts in Colorado, the thermal waters at Mt. Princeton contain no sulphur. That means no smell. Healing properties from the minerals in the pools are said to relieve stress, muscle aches, speed healing, relieve headaches and joint pain and improve skin hydration, according to Tori Landon, spa attendant at the resort.

Try something novel

Here’s something fun and new in case you have a love hate relationship with spinning classes. For a unique spin on spinning class— introducing, aqua bikes. They resemble spinning bikes used on dry land, but these spinners plop into the water with you. The calorie burn is subject to debate, but the instructor said spinning in the water adds about 12 times the resistance. Regardless, I highly recommend it as a novelty—especially for people who despise workouts. (Just don’t order the lava cake for dessert unless more activity is planned into the day.)

A splurge at the spa and juice bar

After soaking in the hot springs, don’t forget to check out the relaxing spa treatments. Looking for a private detox soaking sesh? Choose from a mud soak, hemp fizz soak, lavender salt or a tea infused soak.

Need an all-around massage with the anti-inflammatory benefits of hemp-based CBD oil? Opt for the Colorado Special. The treatment left me feeling relaxed and pain free

August/September 2019

Try a different kind of spin class with the hydroriders. (Elise Oberliesen/ Loveland Magazine)

tendant.

Fine dining at Princeton Club Restaurant

thanks to the healing properties in CBD oil.

Want some healthy fare? The juice bar menu offers chicken salad sandwiches (with or without bread), cheese platters and plates of hummus and veggies –washing it down with fresh squeezed juices. While it may be a stretch of the imagination to refer to an alcoholic beverage as “healthy,” the pomegranate margarita, found only at the spa juice bar is probably as close as it gets.

That’s because, aside from the triple sec and tequila, it’s loaded with fresh squeezed juices—like orange, lemon and lime, topped with fresh pomegranate juice, and no added sugars, said Brenda Moon, juice atReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

In the main lodge, choose from a wide range of dining options—like sea scallops and New York strip, to a side salad, or cup of Brussel’s sprouts soup topped with tasty bacon crumbles. Don’t forget the fresh baked bread and butter— these carbs are worth it. Prices are what you would expect at a steak house, around $35 per entreé.

Off the beaten path

Just 15 minutes’ drive up the road from the resort lies BV—which adds a nice change of pace from the resort. First stop—breakfast at Jan’s Place. This unassuming eatery offers decent prices and tasty fare.

Coffee, scrambled eggs and sausage to start the day—plus a side pancake about the size of Mt. Antero.

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 27

Village is just one of the local retailers to sample in BV. (Elise Oberliesen/ Loveland Magazine)

(Yes, pancake guilt quickly set in.) With tip—it came in around 12 bucks.

Head up to Main Street and take your pick from boutique shops, cafés and bakeries, to pubs and restaurants. I stopped in at the Village, a cute shop on Main

Now eNrolliNg fall daNce classes for all ages aNd abilities!

Coupon code to save $10 on your registration: FALL SPECIAL see the schedule at www.lighthousedance.com/schedule ballet • jazz • hip hop • tap • contemporary lyrical • pointe • worship • barre fit

217 E 4th St. in Downtown Loveland

(970) 667-2060

www.LighthouseDance.com

28 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

Street that fills its shelves with hand-made blankets made with repurposed sari fabric, from India.

With all its fair-trade, ethically sourced goods, shoppers snag all kinds of accoutrements, from purses and scarfs to cool wall hanging décor to dangle from the ceiling.

The shop owner makes creative use of wallmounted antiques, like a makeshift medicine cabinet used to display “Blissful Botanica,” an organic skin care line made right in BV.

bank of the Arkansas River.

The picturesque landscape around Buena Vista constantly changes.

Driving along county roads, you see plenty of open fields with sweeping mountain views of the Collegiate Mountain Range. A road trip like this beckons photographers to stop and snap a few roadside shots – while yogis onboard may stop for impromptu yoga pose pics worthy of their Instagram feed.

Head down to South Main, and you may Care to sneak in some wonder which artist weekend camping? Just inspired all that colorful up the road from Mt. eclectic architecture and Princeton Hot Springs, mixed-use building matethere are signs for St. rial—like the river stone Elmo campground and delicately, albeit oddly the Colorado Trail. placed on the facade of the Surf Hotel. And Swiss Campers are welcome to buy day passes to soak Circle, which resembles European cobblestone in the pools and natural streets, but just more springs along the Chalk river stone, according to River at the resort. hotel staff. The hotel sign decked out in clear bulbs gives this place a South Park-esqe feel—yet there were no Cartman sightings on the Looking for a cobblestone. white water rafting

outfitters in Buena Vista?

Just minCheck out these local outfitters. utes down the road, Browns Canyon Rafting rafting 28395 County Road 317 outfitter, River River Runners at Runners at South Main South Main is perched high 801 Front Loop up on the river

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

August/September 2019

F E S T I VA L S / / C O N C E RT S / / A RT / / T H E AT E R / / F O O D + D R I N K

LOVELAND BREWERS OLYMPICS Saturday, August 10 Historic Downtown Loveland Cleveland Avenue, Loveland

3RD ANNUAL

ERIE WINE FESTIVAL Saturday, August 24 Coal Creek Park

575 Kattell Street, Erie

SEP 24

LOVELAND LOVES TO READ 2019 Roberta Price Auditorium 1669 Eagle Drive, Loveland

SEP 30

COLORADO MUSIC FESTIVAL

GOLF TOURNAMENT Lake Valley Golf Club 440 Lake Valley Drive, Longmont

VIEW ALL EVENTS OR PURCHASE TICKETS AT COLORADOBOXOFFICE.COM August/September 2019

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 29

FAMILY

All aboard!

NEXT STOP...

Wild West Adventures

By ELISE OBERLIESEN for LONGMONT MAGAZINE

out of the station. When the train whistle blows and thick plumes of black smoke billow out of the smoke stack, you cannot help but step back in time and imagine a much different world.

6 Colorado-style train trips to explore this summer

Want to escape the summer heat and take a cool trip with historic roots? Two words. All aboard.

Here are rail travel gems of Colorado sure to blow you away if locomotives are your preferred method of travel and you have an affinity for the wild west. You may not see train barons, well, unless you opt for a murder mystery themed trip.

Cumbres & Toltec

Antonito, CO 81120 Not all passengers can claim to have ridden on a National Historic Landmark. Unless they’ve ridden the Cumbres and Toltec train.

Passengers who board this narrow gauge steam engine usually come 30 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

away with a truly authentic experience—a sentiment expressed many who step foot on this beautiful beast.

The 64-mile journey starts in Antonito, Colorado, and ends in Chama, New Mexico—at which point you can board a bus back to Antonito. When you embark on this journey, just know it’s a long day that resembles a page out of a 20th century storybook. The engineer dons a traditional train conductor hat as he gestures with authentic hand signal communication—and another guy shovels thousands of pounds of coal into a fiery oven so the train can pull ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

Passengers gaze out train car windows as the landscape changes from miles of green meadow to arid desert and steep canyons.

Known as the highest and longest steam railroad in America, some of the C&T trains were featured in films, like, “Hostiles,” starring Christian Bale, to “Indiana Jones,” and “Wyatt Earp.”

Wilderness access allows passengers to take a break from the train to hit some hiking trails, says Joy Meadows, spokesperson on behalf of Cumbres & Toltec. She suggests calling ahead to plan out the logistics and ticket pricing options.

“If hikers want to return to Chama after the hike, it would need to be prearranged,” she said.

Travelers who like the idea of goAugust/September 2019

Left: The Cumbes & Toltec chugs through a herd of sheep. (Elise Oberliesen/ Loveland Magazine.

Below: The Durango & Silverton engine.

(Shutterstock)

ing south of the border could arrange railroad trip one day, and then take a day to soak in the hot springs at Ojo Caliente, in New Mexico., Meadows said. If time is running short, just spend time soaking it in at Pagosa Springs.

If you love sand dunes, then don’t forget to build a few hours into the itinerary for a stop at

Great Sand Dunes National Park. If your lodging is in Alamosa, the park is just 34 miles away.

Durango & Silverton

Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum Durango, CO 81301 Looking for an excuse to visit Durango? Named as one of the coolest small towns in the USA, Durango is a smorgasbord of summer activities

sure to keep you going from dawn to dusk.

Relish the cool breeze and majestic views of the San Juan Mountains when you book a day trip on the Durango & Silverton train.

If the Weminuche Wilderness Area in San Juan National Forest is on your backpacking bucket list, then this just may be your

P EAC H

R E R L E L B BB ERREE!!

OB CCO HE IISS H

Don’t let this season pass without trying our famous peach cobbler!

None can compare.

$ $

5 OFF

25 OR MORE

Try us for lunch, dinner or Sunday Brunch Expires 9/3/19 Not good with any other offers.

Limit one per table.

1331 Eagle Drive Loveland

970-685-4556 Thompson Valley Shopping Center (around the corner from King Soopers)

August/September 2019

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 31

A family enjoys snacks in a dining car on the Durango & Silverton. (Shutterstock) Below: The Royal Gorge Route train. (Shutterstock)

ticket to ride.

Backpackers can hop on the train and then hop off for a few days of back country fun, says Christian Robbins, director of marketing with Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum.

“We have wilderness access and we make two different wilderness stops to get on or off the train,” he said.

Depending on your interests, Robins said there are plenty of day trip options for passengers interested in taking a layover in Silverton. Choose from a few hours of shopping and dining to Jeeping your way into some desolate little ghost town. Take a look at their website to plan out which adventure package sparks an interest.

If summer days run out before you’re done with summer fun, consider booking a train ride in the fall, Robbins said.

“One of the best times to ride our train is in the fall…hold out until September; it’s spectacular, less people are riding the train because kids are in school.”

32 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

Fall is so popular, they run three trains a day to keep up with demand, said Robbins.

dangling all kinds of eye candy for passengers.

“What’s special, you’re going to go under Royal Gorge Bridge, which

The three and a half hour journey is 45 miles one way. Some people opt to take the bus back to Durango, said Robbins.

Royal Gorge Route

Cañon City, CO 81212 When passengers board the Royal Gorge Route, not only do they enjoy great food and drink—they also experience one of Colorado’s Natural Wonders—the Royal Gorge—a 1,200 foot canyon that runs 10 miles long. This narrow gauge train stays in business year round, says Lindsay Diamond, spokeswoman on behalf of Royal Gorge Railroad.

“Cañon City is located in a banana belt so it’s warm year round and you get beautiful views all year,” Diamond said.

The two-hour round trip snakes along 24 miles of railway while ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

is the highest suspension bridge in North America,” Diamond said.

A popular themed trip is the murder mystery train ride, said Diamond.

Other themed trips cater to wine connoisseurs, beer aficionados and foodies alike.

When you plan a trip to Royal Gorge, besides a scenic train ride, lots of other exciting summer activities will keep you busy for days.

Choose from taking a splash in the Arkansas River for a day of white water rafting, to a zip line adventure that sends adrenaline racing through your veins. For something more relaxing, spend some time at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park and stroll along the 1270 foot suspension bridge that hovers about 970 feet in the air.

August/September 2019

WHERE TO GO...

[

What to Do

[

CALENDAR

As evidenced by the recent heat wave, summer isn’t over yet! That means there’s still plenty of fun to yet be had around town, so don’t put away your dancin’ shoes. Art, music, movies and food are all there to help us round the corner into fall, so that back-to-school rush doesn’t hurt too much. Just check the list below and take your pick.

BY MISTY KAISER for LOVELAND MAGAZINE

DOWNTOWN LOVELAND NIGHT ON THE TOWN Second Fridays of the month, 6-9 p.m.

Spend some time getting to know your neighbors at this monthly downtown block-party. Attend gallery openings, exhibits, music, visit local restaurants and more. lovelandmuseumgallery.org/programs-events/ events/night-on-the-town/

ART IN THE PARK City of Loveland’s Farmers Market is the perfect summer activity with the family.

CITY OF LOVELAND FARMERS MARKET

Sundays through September 29, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Fairgrounds Park, 700 S. Railroad Ave., Loveland The Loveland Farmers Market was voted one of the 10 best Farmers Markets in the state of Colorado, and in this state, that really speaks very highly. Load up on fresh fruits and veggies, as well as meats, breads and prepared foods at the Sunday Farmers Market. You can also shop for crafts and artisan good as you enjoy the live entertainment. And don’t miss Yoga at the Farmers Market on from 9-10 a.m. Pay the $5 drop-in fee at the market manager booth under the pavilion.

Parking and admission are free.

Cash, major credit cards and SNAP accepted on site! cityofloveland.org/ farmersmarket August/September 2019

August 10-11; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., North Lake Park, 2800 N. Taft, Loveland Join the Thompson Valley Art League for Art in the Park to celebrate art in all its many forms. This event features 200 artists booths, musical performances and a food court for refreshments. artintheparkloveland.com

SCULPTURE IN THE PARK

August 10-11; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m.

-4:30 p.m.; Benson Sculpture Garden, 2908 Aspen Dr., Loveland Loveland High Plains Arts Council hosts this juried exhibition and sale of three-dimensional artwork created by over 100 sculptors from around the world.

Proceeds from the show go towards the purchase of new sculpture for Benson Sculpture Garden as well as toward improvements in the park. sculptureinthepark.org

OLD FASHIONED CORN ROAST FESTIVAL

August 23-24; Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; 4th Street and Railroad Avenue, Loveland This annual event is a Loveland community favorite! Start festivities off with a parade and stick around for a shucking competition, a corn eating contest, a lively Corn Hole competition plus all the corn you can eat while enjoying entertainment, great vendors and more. business. loveland.org/events/details/old-fashioned-corn-roast-festival-17831 ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE 33

FORE ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Sept. 6, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; Highland Meadows Golf Course, 6300 Highland Meadows Pkwy, Windsor

LOVELAND OKTOBERFEST

September 13-14; Friday 4-10 p.m. ; Saturday 12-10 p.m.; Fairgrounds Park, 700 S. Railroad Ave, Loveland Enjoy a Barbarian dinner, live music, fun and games paired with traditional German fare and local brews. lovelandoktoberfest.org

Prizes and contests are just a part of the fun at this annual tourney benefitting Alternatives to Violence. The shotgun start at 8:30 a.m., but be sure to stay for the after party at Wapiti Colorado Pub right there on the course. alternativestoviolence.org/ FORE/?id=913

HORSETOOTH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Sept. 6-8; Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th Street,Loveland Come to downtown Loveland for this first event of its kind in the area. The inaugural Horsetooth International Film Festival brings world-class films to northern Colorado.

Three days of short films, music videos, and a feature film, and a Black Tie Kick-off Gala, not to be missed. Be an early adopter and get your tickets now! See page 8 for more information.

PASTELS ON 5TH

Sept. 12, 6-9 p.m. (VIP 5 p.m.); Marriott, 350 E. Horsetooth Rd., Fort Collins

Sept. 14; Downtown Loveland, 5th Street, near Loveland Museum Pastels on 5th is a community-wide festival in which artists, businesses, and downtown Loveland get to create a beautiful sidewalk gallery with colorful pastels. This free event and family-friendly event is a fun and entertain way to see art in a unique medium.

The Taste Benefit is exactly what it sounds like; a fundraiser centered around some of the best food Northern Colorado has to offer. Don your snazzy duds and sample some of the finest cuisine from locally owned restaurants, local craft beers and a variety of wines to the sound of live music. And don’t for the generous silent auction items!

Visitors get to wander along the sidewalks and watch local and regional artists, both professional and amateur, create works of art right at their feet. There’s even a children’s art area where kids can get in on the creative fun.

THE TASTE BENEFIT

100 percent of every ticket sold supports the Larimer County Food Bank’s hunger-relief programs.

tastebenefit.org, foodbanklarimer.org/our-signature-events

Families can also enjoy live music, food and an Artist Marketplace, before voting for their pick in the People’s Choice awards. Designated judges also select their favorites and award cash prizes to the winning artists. pastelson5th.org

COMING THIS FALL

FREE FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN

THROUGHOUT THOMPSON SCHOOL DISTRICT! Have any questions? Please call 613-5000.

Due to new legislation, all kindergarten students will now be able to attend a full-day program for FREE! Thompson School District will no longer charge a tuition fee for students to attend.

34 LOVELAND MAGAZINE

ReporterHerald.com/LovelandMagazine

August/September 2019

scargotruckcaps.com • 1954 14th St. SE Loveland, CO 80537

970-669-3164

Worried About Skin Cancer?

Early Detection Saves Lives Schedule Your Screening Today

LOVELAND’S PREMIER DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE Providing Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, and the Most Advanced Cosmetic Procedures including: • Mohs Specialized Micrographic Skin Cancer Surgery • Non-Surgical Sensus® SRT-100 Skin Cancer Treatment • Acne Scar Treatment • BOTOX® Cosmetic • JuvédermTM

Call us at 970-667-3116

LakeLovelandDermatology.com