As temperatures rise and the last snow flurries of the season fall, it is the perfect moment to celebrate Northern Colorado's local agriculture, hometown favorites, enduring successes, creativity, Western history, and mountain views.
Much like this seasonal change, which symbolizes renewal, growth, and embracing the future, we are reflecting on the region’s talent, accomplishments, and prospects. I am delighted to share the remarkable stories featured this month. Within these pages, you will find timeless history, homemade sourdough tips from Loveland’s Red Branch Bakery, and the beauty of our home through the lens of local photographers. You will also discover your next read in our Bookshelf, which includes an interview with a NOCO-native author, insights into long-standing businesses, seasonal produce at the Farmer’s Market, and the nostalgia of our Past, Present, and Future article.
Please remember to note the featured upcoming events, including the nation’s largest Jazz Festival. Additionally, April marks MyNOCO magazine’s first anniversary. Our team is grateful for the opportunity to connect with you and looks forward to providing up-to-date, insightful, and entertaining information for years to come.
Check out the events happening at the Windsor Town Hall.
Susan Giglio, Thais Hafer, Abbie Lance, Sara Luttes, Jeri Martinez, Desirea Martinez, Melissa Morris
MYNOCO MAGAZINE
PO Box 337228, Greeley, CO 80633-7228 www.GreeleyTribune.com/Special-Sections
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Published by Prairie Mountain Media, publisher of the Greeley Tribune.
APRIL 2025
COVER STORY
Northern Colorado’s history and place in the world are about as unique as any area of the country. Here are just a few of the many features and spotlights.
AT THE MARKET
Come to Greeley’s Winter Farmers’ Market, where they currently have fresh eggs, meats, fish, dairy and a variety of fresh greens and root vegetables — the freshest you’ll find in the winter
NOCO FOOD
The Cow may no longer be mad, but there is still a focus on the bovine part of a Greeley restaurant that has been a part of downtown for almost 15 years, as they keep the menu focused around beef.
THE BOOKSHELF: NOCO’S RICH HISTORY
A walk into NOCO’s history, with the true tales of rivers, valleys and mountains, campfires, tea parties and the people who explored and settled within the area.
TRY THIS: NATIONAL SOURDOUGH DAY
April Fools’ may share the date with National Sourdough Day, but the long fermented, old-world style of baking is no joke or passing fad, as it has deep historical roots, originating with the ancient Egyptians back around 1500 BC.
THINGS TO DO: THE UNC JAZZ FESTIVAL
The memories and sounds of the event will stick with the 4,000 attendees forever. More than 200 student groups, from all over the U.S., will participate in one of the many UNC festival stages used for their scheduled clinics, workshops and performances.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Discover the array of events happening across Northern Colorado this April. From photo exhibits to races to concerts, there’s something for everyone.
Images of northern Colorado. From top left: Colorado wheat, music and lyrics to “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” by John Denver, Colorado Normal School class of 1894 reunion, Centennial Village contact sheet of photos, next row: a saxophone player at UNC’s annual Jazz Festival, girl, downtown Loveland, bottom row: the Love Locks sculpture at the Loveland Visitor Center, a map at Hoedown Hill in Windsor, and a UNC pennant.
Collage by Jody Carlile. Photos courtesy/High Plains Library District/Weld County Images Collection, City of Loveland, Town of Windsor, City of Fort Collins, University of Northern Colorado.
For some it brings to mind sprawling rangeland, ranches and sugar beets. For others, it’s mountain lakes, kayaking, fishing rivers, streams and camping. For
even more, it may conjure visions of tight-knit, friendly and diverse communities. Heck, when some people hear those two words they might immediately connect it to the University of Northern Colorado, in Greeley. Whether you have a specific view, or you’ve been around long enough to think of them all, northern Colorado’s history, and place in the world, is about as unique as any area of the country. Here are just a few of the many features and spotlights around northern Colorado.
LARIMER COUNTY/FORT COLLINS
Larimer County stretches from Wyoming to Rocky Mountain National Park and includes Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud and Estes Park. The county’s impact can be felt far and wide, including such economic drivers as ranching and agriculture, advanced manufacturing and, of course, outdoor fun. Larimer also features Colora-
do’s second largest university in terms of enrollment with Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
“The establishment of Colorado State University in 1870 had a profound economic impact on Larimer County, shaping the region’s workforce and innovation landscape,” said Janine Ledingham, Associate Director of Economic and Workforce Development, Larimer County Workforce and Economic Development. “CSU was a key employment driver and a catalyst for advancements in agritech, clean energy, biosciences, waste management, farming and veterinary sciences across the region. Many companies spun out from the University, attracting government and private sector funding to the region.”
But before that, it all started with ranching and agriculture. “The rich land supported wheat farming and sugar beet production, with the Great Western Sugar
Bikes along a wall in downtown Fort Collins.
Courtesy/City of Fort Collins
Balloons launching into the autumn sky at Windsor’s Harvest Festival.
Courtesy/Town of Windsor
Company playing a key role in providing jobs across the region,” Ledingham said. “Cattle ranching also became a major industry supplying both the region and providing beef and wool to markets nationwide.
Next, advanced manufacturing moved in, including the likes of Woodward, Anheuser-Busch, Hewlett-Packard, Agilent Technologies, Broadcom and New Belgium Brewing. Today, according to Ledingham, the healthcare sector is one of the largest economic drivers in the county. UCHealth is the county’s largest employer, with a workforce of approximately 5,740 employees. Banner Health’s McKee Medical Center also plays a significant role, employing around 1,340 people and contributing to the region’s strong healthcare sector.
And, of course, northern Colorado provides some of the most beautiful country in the world. “Larimer county offers a great quality of life,” Ledingham said. “It is the kind of place where you get the best of both worlds — beautiful mountain views and vibrant city life, all wrapped up in a welcoming, tight-knit community.”
holds its annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, Fourth of July celebrations and, of course, Loveland wouldn’t be complete without its annual Sweetheart festival.
Love for the outdoors is another way of life in Loveland. Residents can enjoy a day at the beach without having to leave town thanks to Lake Loveland’s easy accessibility and Boyd Lake being on the east side of town. “Loveland is a great place to raise a family, for those seeking a mix of small-city charm and a friendly community,” said Dixie Daly, Business and Membership Director at the Loveland Chamber of Commerce.
“It is well-known for its art, good schools, parks, and a variety of family-oriented events, including those at Blue Arena. Additionally, Sweet Heart Winery is a beautiful and fun venue for a wedding, and a perfect spot to relax in front of the river with friends.”
GREELEY/WELD COUNTY
Loveland, like its neighbors, has great long-standing events, festivals and history, to give the city fun and flavor. For instance, Loveland is home to the Larimer County Fair, but also has played host to the Loveland Corn Roast Festival for more than 125 years. Go for a quick walk around town, and you’ll find the Loveland High Plains Arts Council’s touch, with sculptures and art abounding. The city also
“Go west, young man. Go west.” — Horace Greeley
These famous words are a big part of Greeley’s history and resonate with many of its residents. “Our roots reflect that pioneering spirit, from our beautiful mountain views to our deep ties to agriculture and the iconic Greeley Stampede celebration,” said Kim Greenlee, Public Information Officer for the City of Greeley. “Dating back to the late 1800s, the
LOVELAND
Ken Tigges shows some of the pepper harvest at Tigges Farm. He started roasting peppers in addition to the farm’s pumpkin patch in 2010.
Courtesy/Tigges Farm
Young Cinco de Mayo dancers take a spin. Courtesy/??
A statue in Loveland’s Benson Sculpture Park Courtesy/ Loveland Arts Council.
An aerial shot of Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins
Courtesy/City of Fort Collins
CoverStory
Stampede is one of the nation’s longest-running rodeos. Over the years, the Stampede has evolved into a modern-day extravaganza, transforming into a week-long celebration featuring thrilling rodeo events, vibrant music, captivating art, diverse food offerings, and engaging family activities.”
And it’s difficult to think of Greeley without thinking of agriculture. Greeley’s ag roots run deep, from sugar beets and potatoes to ranching and livestock.
“Agriculture remains a key part of our economy today, with agribusiness and food production helping drive the community forward,” Greenlee said. “Greeley also played an important role in inspiring nearby Dearfield, Colorado’s most famous African American agricultural colony.”
Like Larimer County and CSU, Greeley sports its own four-year university with a long history. The University of Northern Colorado was established in 1889 as a teacher’s college. “The university is renowned for its education and boasts a world-class music program, recently highlighted by Professor Dana Landry’s Grammy win,” Greenlee said. “UNC continues to grow, adding a College of Osteopathic Medicine with its first class matriculating in 2026.” Greenlee added that UNC’s impact in the area is far-reaching, including events like the Greeley Blues Jam, UNC Jazz Festival and a summer Arts Picnic. “These annual celebrations showcase local talent
and bring world-class artists to the community, Greenlee said. “These signature events attract tens of thousands of visitors each year and feature major music artists.”
Weld County, one of the largest counties by area in Colorado, is the leading producer of cattle, grain and sugar beets. It stands as the richest agricultural county east of the Rocky Mountains and lands at No. 4 overall. However, while the county has deep agricultural roots, recently their oil and gas industry has helped keep the economy rolling.
WINDSOR
Windsor, nestled between Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley, has seen some rapid growth in the past few decades.
The city was founded in the 1870s largely due to the Colorado Central Railroad.
“It was a vital link connecting settlers and businesses with larger cities,” said McKenzie Paine, Communications Manager for Windsor. “Windsor became an essential part of the
agricultural economy in northern Colorado.”
Much like Larimer County and Greeley, Windsor’s ag history features sugar beets. “Sugar beets were a cash crop that was often called ’white gold,’” Paine said. “The beets were chopped, processed and refined into table sugar at the Great Western Sugar Company’s factory in town, from 1905 until its closure in 1966.”
In addition, the Windsor Harvest Festival, founded in the 1920s, remains the longest running event in town. “It celebrates the town’s roots in agriculture and brings together families, local farmers and businesses, helping to shape the town’s close-knit communities and agricultural heritage,” Paine said.
Once the Great Western Sugar Company left town in 1966, a void opened. Eastman Kodak Company stepped in as a major economic player for decades to come, employing thousands of people at its peak. “Eastman Kodak was so influential that numerous landmarks still bear the Eastman name, such as Eastman Park — on land donated to the town by the company — and Eastman Park Drive,” Paine said.
Moving forward, Windsor prides itself on remaining a
safe, comfortable community no matter its quick growth. “Despite being one of the fastest-growing areas in Colorado, Windsor has managed to maintain its smalltown charm and superb public safety,” Paine said. “Windsor is currently home to more than 45,000 residents, and Windsor’s Town Board invests heavily in its police department, public works and infrastructure.” The town prides itself on being forward-thinking with a sustainable path to the future. “Windsor’s executive leadership and Town Board always prioritize responsible management of taxpayer funds, whether with the town’s Capital Improvement Plan, the town’s operating budget, and more,” Paine said. “A recent example of such success: in 2024, Windsor completed construction on a new state-of-the-art 43,000-square-foot police department, replacing the former police headquarters, which had completely run out of space.”
“Due to our strong fiscal practices, the town completed the $30 million building under budget, ahead of schedule, and completely with cash on hand, meaning no financing was needed to complete the project.”
A mural in Greeley by Armando Silva. Courtesy/artmandosilva.com
An aerial photo of downtown Windsor, with the Windsor Mill featuring prominently. Courtesy/Town of Windsor
LEGACY OF QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP IN NORTHERN COLORADO
FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN OF LOVELAND MARKS 150 YEARS OF FAITH AND COMMUNITY
LOVELAND, Colo. — First United Presbyterian Church of Loveland, a cornerstone of the city since 1875, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Founded on Thanksgiving Day, the church has evolved from a small gathering of families into a thriving congregation that continues to foster faith, connection and community.
Located at 400 E. 4th St., the church has been home to worshippers for generations. Its current building, constructed in 1905, remains a significant landmark in downtown Loveland. Under the leadership of Pastor Amy Morgan, the church welcomes all to its Sunday services at 9:30 a.m., available both in person and online.
First United Presbyterian Church describes itself as “The Heart of Christ in the Heart of Loveland.” This mission extends beyond worship, as the church actively engages with the community through music, arts and outreach initiatives. The sanctuary hosts local concerts, fiber arts groups, tai chi classes and line dancing lessons. In addition to preserving its rich history, the congregation is committed to serving those in need. As part of its anniversary celebration, the church is partnering with The Landing in Fort Collins to create a fund supporting unhoused youth as they transition to independence.
For more information, visit www.1ston4th.com.
LOVELAND, Colo. — A.J. Shirk Roofing LLC has been a staple of Northern Colorado for more than a century, providing quality roofing services since its founding in 1903. Under the ownership of Anthony Ostblom since 2001, the company continues its long-standing tradition of craftsmanship, honesty and customer service.
Located at 330 N. Lincoln Ave. in downtown Loveland, A.J. Shirk Roofing specializes in both residential and commercial roofing. The company offers expertise in flat roofing, gutters, siding, windows, skylights, and exterior painting. As a certified installer for various manufacturers, Ostblom takes pride in delivering reliable and high-quality work to homeowners and businesses alike.
Ostblom’s journey in the roofing industry began in the late 1980s after he returned home from military service. When the original family owners of A.J. Shirk Roofing decided to retire, he had the unique opportunity to take over the business, ensuring its continued success. His commitment to honest service and customer relationships has helped the company maintain a strong reputation in a highly competitive industry.
A.J. Shirk Roofing is actively engaged in the local community, advertising through newspapers, online platforms, and magazines while also supporting charities and participating in Loveland’s annual home show. The company is a proud member of organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, NFIB and Colorado Roofing Association.
One of the greatest challenges the business faces is working with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for homeowners. Despite these hurdles, Ostblom remains dedicated to transparency and communication, ensuring clients receive the best possible service.
For more information, visit ajshirkroofing.com.
The Greeley Winter Farmers’ Market happens at Zoë’s Café and Events in downtown Greeley on the first and third Saturday in April. All this page Courtesy/Blooming Health Farms
By Emily Kemme
& Tender Farm-FreshGreensEggs What’s at the Market:
April is on the cusp of spring; A month when people and daffodils alike relish the sunshine. It’s also the month when local farmers’ markets wrap up winter market programs in anticipation of open air summer markets.
“Starting in May the produce gets more abundant,” said Aaron
Mitchell, the City of Greeley special events manager who coordinates Greeley’s award-winning, yearround Farmers’ Market. “That’s the beauty of our market. We currently have fresh eggs, mushrooms, meats, fish, produce and dairy.”
This month, Mitchell highlights Eden Herbs & Flowers’ fresh greens and root vegetables.
Grower Dean McElroy has been farming since 1979 and has participated in Greeley Farmers’ Market since it opened in 1992.
“McElroy picks greens from his greenhouse the day of the market or the night before. They’re extremely fresh — you can’t get anything fresher in Greeley in the wintertime,” Mitchell said.
Eden’s greens include salad-ready lettuces, arugula, and heartier greens for side dishes, like kale, Swiss chard and mustard greens. Add pops of color to salads with grated raw beets or roast them to highlight their sweetness.
Pair the greens with a dozen farm fresh eggs ($10) from Blooming Health Farms, a 501(c) (3) non-profit hydroponic and chicken farm in northern Colorado.
Co-founder Sean Short mentors at-risk youth ages 15-24 to help with chicken feeding, egg-washing, building coops, managing the farmers’ market table and more. His goal is to help youth involved in the justice system by providing them hands-on education to build agricultural entrepreneurship skills.
“I teach kids who have done community service and those in the criminal justice system about chicken rearing. Part of that is looking at the individual and elic-
iting what they want to be in life,” Short said. “But we also have to be a self-sustaining farm.”
Blooming Health’s free range chickens are nurtured on an organic micro-green feed blend that Short developed. The formula results in buttery-flavored golden yolks, he said. On average, his chickens lay 5 eggs a week.
Blooming Health is also an affiliate farm of Rent the Chicken, a national company offering people chicken rentals for a 6-month term. The experience provides a tailored package for those interested in chicken-raising, including 2-4 chickens, feeders, a roost and nesting box.
Greeley Winter Farmers’ Market is open in April on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays at Zoe’s Café and Events, 715 10th Street, Greeley from 9 a.m.-12 noon. The Summer Market runs from May through October.
Classic French Omelette Recipe
l 3 large eggs
l salt and pepper
l 2 tsps cold water
l 1 tbsp unsalted butter
l cooking spray or use nonstick skillet
l 1 tbsp chopped, fresh parsley
l optional fillings: sliced avocado, micro-greens, chopped arugula or a parsley garnish
1. Crack eggs into small bowl. Add salt, pepper and water. Whisk for 60 seconds until creamy.
2. Spray 10” skillet with cooking spray,
or skip if using a nonstick skillet. Place skillet over medium heat and add butter. Heat until melted and bubbles have begun to subside.
3. Add eggs and let set for 20 seconds.
4. Using a rubber fork or chopstick, gently scramble egg along the skillet surface to cook curds for 20 seconds, then smooth omelette to fill holes.
5. Cook on very low, occasionally running rubber spatula beneath and around edges to loosen, for 45 seconds.
6. Strew fillings on one side of omelette.
7. Cover with tight fitting lid and cook for one minute, steaming and plumping eggs.
8. Using metal spatula, gently fold half of omelette over onto filled side.
9. Serve warm, garnished with parsley. Serves 1. Recipe courtesy of feedingthefamished.com
A classic French Omelette makes a breakfast complete. Shutterstock
The Cow may no longer be mad, but there is still a focus on the bovine part of a Greeley restaurant that has been a part of downtown for almost 15 years.
“We try to keep the menu focused around beef because, after all, The Cow is our name,” said Jodie Redfern, who, with her husband, Ron, took over the Mad Cow from their friends Jay and Renee Kniffen in 2022. They dropped the “mad” part, and it became The Cow Saloon & Eatery.
“Jay reached out to my husband, Ron, about selling the restaurant for him. Ron knows that hospitality and entertaining are two things I love to do,” Jodie said. “After some long conversations, we decided to purchase the restaurant ourselves. We originally partnered with our daughter and son-in-law Samantha and Brian Franzen.”
Knowing that the Mad Cow had been doing well on the
corner of 9th Street and 8th Avenue, the Redferns knew drastic changes would not go over well with the community that loved the place. “Our friends did a wonderful job starting and growing a great restaurant/bar,” Jodie said. “Although we have made our own personal touches to the food menu, the heart of it still represents the menu they created. Our intention was to keep that going while being able to enhance it in ways that we thought would make our guests happy.”
And who wouldn’t be happy with an amazing regular menu and dinner specials on Wednesdays like smoked brisket, ribs, meatloaf, pot roast, beef stroganoff and Shepherd’s Pie? And on Thursdays, they have a fabulous prime rib dinner to satisfy your carnivorous desires, a tradition carried over from The Mad Cow. Off the regular menu, favorites include the prime rib sandwich and the Reuben. “I would say our
Reuben is the best in town,” she said. “I think I eat it at least three times a week.”
Jodie is also very proud of the non-entrée part of the menu. “Our soups are all made from scratch, and our salads are big, beautiful and delicious,” she said. Our Old Fashioned is, by far, our most popular drink. We are proud to offer an extensive whiskey selection and several wonderful wines.”
Jodie’s love of hospitality and entertaining also comes into play with a part of The Cow that is flexible. “We have a private event space above the restaurant that
many people don’ t know about,” she said. “It’s very fluid as to what we can do in it. We can provide a plated dinner in a setting with white tablecloths and all the fancy stuff, or you can have a cocktail party with high-top tables, signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.”
The possibilities in the space are endless. “We have hosted wedding parties, corporate dinners, graduation
an Enjoy
parties, birthday parties, lunches, holiday parties and meetings,” she said. “Just let me know what you would like to do, and we’ll plan the menu and set it up to fit your event.”
While The Cow is in the heart of Greeley’s downtown, the town is at the heart of everything they do. “Greeley is an amazing community. Ron has lived here since 1979, and I moved here over 30 years ago,” she said. “Greeley loves to support Greeley. And I believe that’s what we do by owning a small, locally-owned business that provides great food, great drinks and a great atmosphere. We buy locally sourced beef, which further supports our community. We love being in downtown Greeley.”
he history of northern Colorado fills bookshelves with the true tales of rivers, valleys and mountains, campfires, tea parties, and the people who explored and settled within the area. A walk into NOCO’s history starts with a visit to our local libraries, where you’ll discover writers who have found plenty to explore and preserve.
David Sharp, Librarian at the LINC Library Innovation Center of the High Plains Library District, suggests a series of books that cover the area, rather than just one publication. He said, “We do have some books we generally direct people to for local history, and we actually have a small Local History collection. I personally enjoy the Images of America books from Arcadia Publishing because they do such a great job of capturing the history of a place, including the local landmarks that are important to the people that live there. People really appreciate the Images of America series. Each book in the series focuses on a specific area of the nation
including several that showcase Northern Colorado.”
One example is Poudre Canyon from the Images of America series by Barbara Fleming and Malcolm McNeill. A description of the book from Amazon is:
“Carved eons ago by the Cache la Poudre River, the Poudre Canyon, north and west of Fort Collins, Colorado, has long been a favored recreation place, for fishing, hiking, camping, and more of area residents and tourists. The canyon has many colorful tales to tell; this book takes readers on a drive through that history, milepost by milepost, stopping at historic places and taking some side trips along the way.”
An area of history that is sometimes overlooked is the meals people had in the past. Chrissie Henschler, Communications Specialist for the Clearview
Library District, was especially taken with Clearview Reads 2023: Wigwam Tea Room High Tea & Historical Talk with Nina Jones Kunze. Henschler said, “Our Friends & Foundation hosted this event at the Arts and Heritage Museum in Windsor in 2023. It featured a delightful tea party and an author talk by Nina Kunze, a local Colorado writer recognized for her book, Anna Wolfrom Dove and the Wigwam Tea Room (see sidebar, opposite page). Nina shared the inspiring story of Anna, a single woman homesteader who ran the Wigwam Tea Room in Estes Park, a cherished Rocky Mountain destination. The event attracted history enthusiasts and fans of Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, women’s history, and, of course, tea! The author’s talk
ended with a lively discussion with audience members and a High Tea service with plated confections.” Henschler also recommended Cookbook Nook— Windsor Colorado Centennial Cookbook 1890-1990. Amy Phillips, PhD, MLS, Library Director at Loveland Public Library, also provided a comprehensive list of local history books, including a range of subjects like ghost towns, the big flood and even two of her own favorite history writers. For instance, Thompson Valley Tales by Ken Jessen. A book about Estes Park, Loveland, Berthoud, Johnstown and Milliken. The library holds several books by Jenssen, with other topics like ghost towns and railroads. Second of Phillips’ suggestions is Fort Collins & Larimer County; an Illustrated History by Tom
The LINC Library Innovation Center of the High Plains Library District in downtown Greeley. Courtesy/High Plains Library District
Noel. Explore the Rocky Mountain Wonderland that is Larimer County through this first-ever pictorial survey. A national pacesetting community, Larimer County has balanced rapid growth while preserving historic neighborhoods, main streets and the shining mountains that are the keepers of a rich and spirited history.
Dr. Phillips also recommended The Pioneering Past of the Big Thompson Valley: Newspaper Stories by Zethyl Gates, Rocky Mountain National Park: a Pictorial History by Ken Jessen and Susan Hoskinson, Excursions from Peak to Peak: Then and Now by Silvia Pettem, Footprints in the Sugar by Candy Hamilton, The Blue Hollow: Estes Park, the Early Years 1859-1915 by James Pickering, History of Larimer County, Colorado: The Big Thompson Flood by Don Cotton and Reflection on the River: the Big Thompson Canyon Flood of July 31, 1976 by Sharlynn Wamsley.
Interview with Author Nina Jones Kunze
By Linda Thorsen Bond
Anna Wolfrom Dove and the Wigwam Tea Room, What if Publishing and Nina Jones Kunze, Loveland (2019).
“I was born, and currently live, in Fort Collins, with regular stints at our cabin in Estes Park. I have been passionate about Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park for over 30 years. However, we owned our cabin for 20 years before I ever learned about Anna Wolfrom Dove and the Wigwam Tea Room. A friend, who worked for Rocky Mountain National Park, told me about the Wigwam, and I was immediately fascinated. To think that a single woman homesteader built and ran a successful tea room in the woods, in what is now Rocky Mountain National Park, and she was a secret. I soon after hiked to the Wigwam, which
still stands today. Still today, I am available for presentations about Anna Wolfrom and the Wigwam Tea Room. However, I only host a tea party with help from a hosting organization. For instance, the Clearview Library District, in Windsor, hired me once for their annual Kathy Murphy Speaker Series. We finally had a full blown tea party, with fancy finger sandwiches, scones and cakes on tiered trays. The event sold out ahead of time, and was a successful fundraiser for the library district.
Over the years, since the book was released, I have shared Anna's story with many different organizations. People are always fascinated to learn
about Anna's life, which was full of remarkable achievements for a single woman in the early 1900s. After the Wigwam tea room, she had several other businesses in the Estes Park area. Additionally, she was a schoolteacher in Kansas City, attended Sorbonne University in France, and Oxford University in England. In researching her life, I was frustrated that more of her history wasn't preserved. I learned that this was typical though, because women have often been ignored in recorded history. The more I learned about Anna, the more I admired her and I realized that her story is an important one that needed to be told.”
Spring is here, issuing a call to celebrate a multitude of things that make us feel bubbly and light: birds chirping, renewal of lush greenery, fragrant buds beginning to blossom … and the bubbling ripe goodness of starters yielding the timeless comfort of sourdough.
April Fools’ may share the date with National Sourdough Day, but the long fermented, old-world style of baking is no joke or passing fad. While TikTok and other platforms contributed to a pandemic surge in popularity, sourdough has deep historical roots, originating with ancient Egyptians back around 1500 BC. We talked to Kieran Murphy, baker and co-owner with wife Kelly Fenson-Hood of Loveland’s Red Branch Bakery, who shared expert sourdough tips and insights with us to get started with a successful starter and a sourdough journey of cozy, tangy possibilities.
By Making the Most of its Sweet
What is Sourdough?
“People tend to think of sourdough as a type of bread, but when you really look into history, bread was sourdough, for as long as people were making bread,” Murphy says.
“What changed is, industrialization and the Second World War. People had an interest in making flour shelf stable in hopes to help feed the world—a good intention, but certain things had to be done. Flour was bleached and bromated, the wheat and germ removed, stripping out the nutrients.”
Benefits
Fermentation enhances prebiotic and probiotic-like properties and produces enzymes which support gut health, key to digestion, immune function, and more. This in turn makes it easier for the body to absorb essentials and to digest gluten.
What is Sourdough Starter?
initely. “We use a natural yeast starter that is composed of bacteria from the Loveland air,” says Murphy. “It’s several years old and is fed and maintained daily.”
Starting your Starter: Top Tips
Sourdough, in contrast to modern shelf-stable breads, is naturally leavened through a fermentation process that uses a “starter” made from flour and water and containing wild yeast and bacteria.
“In simplest terms, a starter is created by combining flour and water and leaving it exposed to the air, which introduces bacteria into the culture,” says Murphy. The culture is maintained indefinitely, fed consistently with fresh flour and water. When active, a starter is used to ferment dough when baking bread, responsible for the rise while incorporating flavor. Once underway, a healthy starter can be maintained indef-
l Use unbromated, unbleached flour. “This is the most important thing,” Murphy says. “The flour itself is active, with enzymes in it needed for the bacteria to thrive. A common reason starters don’t work is because people make them with bleached flour.”
l Know your ratios. It’s helpful to use the metric system, Murphy says. People tend to venture into sourdough baking using a small amount of starter from a friend. If this is the case, plan to add 200 grams of flour and 200 grams of water to 100 grams of starter. However, if you’re starting from scratch, you can create a
Kieran Murphy, baker and co-owner of Loveland’s Red Branch Bakery in his kitchen.
functional starter using a 1:1 flour to water ratio that works for you. Initially, you’ll need to discard some of the fermented mixture, adding fresh flour and water daily. l Recognize that starter is a life cycle. Creating a new starter can take several days, Murphy says. You feed it, and over time it will start to bubble.
“Get attuned to that repeated life cycle of letting it rise and fall, and you’ll recognize that peak point, when it’s frothy and gluten is forming. That’s when you bake. It’s a lot like surfing — you have to catch the right time.”
Beyond Bread
Sourdough benefits don’t have to be confined to bread alone. Add it to pretty much any other baked goods. The possibilities, like the life of a quality starter, are endless. Loveland’s original online micro bakery, Red Branch Bakery specializes in long-fermented sourdough breads baked fresh to order. Learn more at redbranchbakery.com.
Basic Sourdough Loaf
l 1/4 Cup (50g) active sourdough starter
l 1 1/3 Cups + 2 Tablespoons (350 g) water
l 2 Teaspoons (10g) salt
l 4 Cups + 2 Tablespoons (500g) unbleached bread flour
Feed your starter the night before you plan to make your dough, loosely covering to let the starter rise at room temperature.
Stretch and fold: grab the edge of the dough and pull upwards, stretching it out and folding it over itself. Turn the bowl a quarter of a turn and repeat for three more times until you’ve completed a full circle’s worth. Cover and let rest another 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, repeat the full cycle of stretching and folding one more time.
Cover and let the dough rise 7-10 hours, or overnight. Place the dough on a clean surface lightly dusted with flour, and shape into a ball by pulling the four sides of the dough into the middle of itself, then turning seam-side down. Transfer to a floured bowl and cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap. Let rise 1-2 hours at room temperature. When ready to bake, preheat the oven with the dutch oven inside to 500ºF. Score the dough
with a razor or sharp knife, and carefully transfer the dough into the dutch oven. Place the lid on the dutch oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the lid and bake an additional 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Kieran Murphy, baker, and wife Kelly Fenson-Hood, co-owners of Loveland’s Red Branch Bakery. Courtesy/Red Branch Bakery
ThingsToDo
UNC
JAZZFestival
By Jared Fiel
Connects the World to Northern Colorado Through Music
Erik Applegate, Associate Director for the School of Music at University of Northern Colorado, remembers Angela Parrish from the annual Jazz Festival, 10 years ago. Parrish, a vocalist and pianist, connected with several Los Angeles-based musicians during the three-day festival in
2015. Post-graduation, this led to Parrish moving to LA. “She is now enjoying a very successful career,” Applegate said. “She is the first voice heard in the movie La La Land, has appeared many times on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and has written and produced music for TV shows, including Bat
Of course, not all of the 4,000 folks who will attend the 54th edition of the JazzFest, this April 24-26, will do so well professionally. However, the memories and sounds of the event will stick with the members forever. More than 200 student groups, from all over the U.S., will participate in one of the many UNC festival stages used for their scheduled clinics, workshops and performances.
JazzFest started as a way to get UNC students to play with Colorado University, Boulder, and Colorado State University students. Today, it has grown to include universities and high schools from all over the country, as well as Main Stage performances by some of the best in the business. Applegate said this year will feature, “Performances by the famous Count Basie Orchestra, Wayne Bergeron (a trumpet player who is featured
Wheels and Poker Face.”
All photos from the 2024 UNC Jazz Festival. Courtesy/University of Northern Colorado
on many movie soundtracks, including the new West Side Story and The Incredibles), vocalist Ekep Nkwelle, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, Colombian percussionist Samuel Torres, pianist Sullivan Fortner and others.”
Evening performances give students who are in workshops
by day, a chance to see the pros at work at night. During the day, when instrument cases and music notes fill the Campus Commons, students can connect with musicians they otherwise never would’ve met. There’s also a virtual event opportunity, which allows elementary and middle
school students to join in on the fun. All groups who sign up, receive a one-on-one clinic with an event artist, in addition to various workshop options. Needless to say, the student experience is truly the soul of the largest, non-competitive, educational jazz festival in the country.
As for the future of the event, Applegate sees no signs of stopping. “It is going to continue its tradition of supporting students and teachers, presenting great musicians and creating opportunities for younger musicians to make connections with professionals in the industry,” he said.
upcoming noco events
MARCH 10-APRIL 16
Black and White in Black and White: Images of Dignity, Hope, and Diversity in America
Photographer John Johnson’s Smithsonian collection will be available to reflect on the 1910 to 1925 “New Negro Movement” conveying great promise for race relations in America. | Monday, Mar. 10 To Wednesday, Apr. 16 | arts.unco.edu | University of North Colorado Campus Commons Gallery, 1051 22nd Street, Greeley.
APRIL 4, 5, 11 & 12
Colorado Eagles
Catch the Eagles at home this month! They’re set to face San Jose on April 4 and 5, and then the Henderson Silver Knights on April
11 and 12. | Tickets at coloradoeagles.com | Blue Arena, 5290 Arena Cir., Loveland.
APRIL 5
Boot Scootin’ Bash
Celebrate 150 years of education in Berthoud by putting your boots on and supporting the Berthoud Schools Fund. Tickets: $100+. | Saturday, Apr. 5, 6 p.m. | berthoudschoolsfund.org | Embassy Suites by Hilton Loveland Hotel Conference Center, 4705 Clydesdale Pkwy, Loveland.
APRIL 12
Spring Artisan Market
Spring is in the air and handmade goods are at the Fort Collins Senior Center! Shop handmade
goods and support over 60 artists! | Saturday, Apr. 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | fcgov.com | Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., Fort Collins.
APRIL 12
Spring Fling Vendor Market
A day full of gardening inspiration, local vendors, food, music and fun for the whole family! Kick off peak gardening season with plenty of new plants or supplies. | Saturday, Apr. 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | mountainrootsgarden.com | Mountain Roots Gardens, 8275 WCR 54, Milliken.
APRIL 12
Northern Colorado Children’s Festival
Enjoy some quality family time,
intended for children ages 0-8, by attending this free event, including over 90 booths, hands-on play experiences, fun educational activities, more. | Saturday, Apr. 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | unitedway-weld. org | Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N. 14th Ave., Greeley.
APRIL 13
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson: An Evening To Transform Your Life
“When you have something to say, silence is a lie.” Don’t miss this international, often sold out, tour by a best-selling author and psychologist. Peterson will share his insight into personal responsibility, meaning, and human behavior. | Sunday, Apr. 13, 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. | treventscomplex.com | Blue FCU Arena, 5290 Arena Cir., Loveland.
APRIL 18
Easter Eggstravaganza
Register now to enjoy searching for eggs by water or land. Games, gym activities and door prizes. | Friday, Apr. 18, 10 a.m.-12 noon | Tickets: $10. | recreationliveshere.com | Windsor Community Recreation Center, 250 N. 11th Street, Windsor.
APRIL 18, 19 & 20
Cirque Du Soleil: Crystal
For the first time in the company’s history, this production has taken their creative skills to a new level by combining acrobatic arts with ice skating! | Friday, Apr. 18, 7 p.m., Saturday, Apr. 19, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sunday, Apr. 20, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. | treventscomplex.com | Blue FCU Arena, 5290 Arena Cir., Loveland.
APRIL 19
Earth Day Cleanup
No matter the weather, volunteers and staff will be picking up debris and giving some special care to our planet on this big event of the year. | Saturday, Apr. 19, 1-4 p.m. | suburbitat.org | High Plains Environmental Center, 2698 Bluestem Willow Dr, Loveland.
APR. 22-NOV. 4
Loveland West Farmers’ Market
Your Tuesday morning Loveland West Farmer’s Market is gearing up for another year! Shop over 20 vendors featuring local produce, artisan products, and much more! | Every Tuesday, April 22-Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | visitloveland.com | JAX, 2665 W. Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland.
APRIL 26
Earth Day Race
This race supports the Thompson Education Foundation. Runners can choose between a 5k (starts 9 a.m.), 10k (starts 7:30 a.m.), broken
15k (starts 7:30 a.m.), or kids 1 mile (starts 9:45 a.m.). Awards are at 10 a.m. | Saturday, Apr. 26, 7:30 a.m. | earthdayrace.com | 2725 Rocky Mountain Ave., Loveland.
APRIL 27
Noco Half-Marathon & 10k
Enjoy beautiful Colorado running featuring wildlife, a lake, and some off-road quarters. Choose from the Half Marathon (13.1 mile) or 10K (6.2 mile) for your run adventure. | Sunday, Apr. 27, Opens 6 a.m. | breakawayathleticevents.com | Boyd Lake State Park, 3720 N. Co. Rd. 11C, Loveland.
MAY 2, 3 & 4
Greeley Home Expo
Make your dream home plans a reality with all the resources you need in one place. | Friday, May 2, 12 noon-6 p.m., Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, May 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | greeleyhomeexpo. com | Island Grove Event Center, 421 N 15th Ave., Greeley.
MAY 16
Gary Allan
Country music artist, Gary Allan, will be here performing live! | Friday, May 16, Doors Open 6:30 p.m. | treventscomplex.com | Blue FCU Arena, 5290 Arena Cir., Loveland.
