Northern Colorado Life - Oct/Nov 2022

Fallishere!Timetoditchthe shortsandbreakoutthesweat ers,jackets,hatsandgloves.

Whilethingsareleaningmore towardfootballgames,and eveningsinfrontofafirepit, therearestillsomereallyfun happeningsgoingoninNorthern Coloradoinhonorofthecrisp season.

Pumpkins,ofcourse,andnot justinyourlatte.Timetopick theperfectjack-o-lanterncandi date.Ifyoudon’twantthemess ofcuttingoneupyourself,take awalkundertwinklinglightsto enjoythecarvingworkofothers attheGardensonSpringCreek.

ArtsandBrewsmaketheirad ditionsatLovelandArtStudio TourandWindsor’sPoudrePour andtheevencalendarforthe monthispacked. Thistimeofyearusuallylends itselftomoretimeindoorsand cozyingupwithfamilyand friends,butdon’tmissyourre mainingchancestogetoutand havefun.

—MistyKaiser

MARKETINGAND

PUBLICATIONSEDITOR

MistyKaiser mkaiser@prairiemountainmedia.com,303.473.1425

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS

JessicaBenes,ShelleyWidhalm,AdamGoldstein AndyStonehouse,JohnTeehan, EliseOberliesen

ADVERTISINGDIRECTORS

ChristineLabozan,LovelandReporter-Herald clabozan@prairiemountainmedia.com,970.635.3614

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NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE

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NorthernColoradoLifeispublishedsixtimesayear.Over 49,000copiesareinsertedintothenewspaperandareavailable atkeylocationsandbusinessesthroughoutthearea.

Noportionofthismagazinemaybereproducedwithoutwritten permissionfromthepublisher.

EDITORIAL&EVENTS: Tosubmitastoryidea,call 303.473.1425ormkaiser@prairiemountainmedia.com

AHarvestofHopeat HARVESTFARM

BYSARAHHUBER forNorthernColoradoLife

Fallisrewardseasonforfarmers,butatHarvestFarm inWellington,theharvestisrehabilitatedlivesanda secondchanceathope–alongsideabumpercropof greenhousevegetables.OwnedandoperatedbytheDen verRescueMissionandfundedbydonations,Harvest Farmisanactivefarmandrehabilitationcenterformen battlingsubstanceabuseandexperiencinghomeless ness.HarvestFarmwelcomesupto72residentsata timetoparticipateinDenverRescueMission’syear-long NewLifeProgram.

“Wehave110acreswherewebelievethesemencan findsomepeaceandhavetheopportunitytofocuson themselveswiththesupporttheyneedtogetthrough thosetoughdays,”explainedKyleMcPherson,director ofresidentialprograms atHarvestFarms.Followingthe DenverRescueMission’smissionstatement–“changing livesinthenameofChristbymeetingpeopleattheir physicalandspiritualpointsofneedwiththegoalof returningthemtosocietyasproductive,self-sufficient citizens”–HarvestFarm“givesmenwhofeelhopeless, helplessanddesperateanopportunitytochangetheir lives,”McPhersonsaid.“It’saspecialplacewherewecan saytosomeonewhoshowsupwithjusttheclotheson

Above:Residentsparticipateintherunningofthefarmastheyrecover.(CourtesyHarvestFarms)

theirbackthat regardlessofyour circumstances, wewanttohelp you.”Headded, “Itisanincred ibletoseewhata mancandowhen youlovehimand tellhim‘Youhave worthandvalue’ andbelievein him.It’sincred ibletoseethe changestheycan makewhengiven thesupportthey need.”

ThatprovedtrueforTaylorReed,a2019graduateof NewLifeProgram.“Itwasatestoffaithformetoseeit through,”hesaid.“Cominghere,withallthechallenges ofgoingthroughtheprogram,helpedmetolearnto

dealwithmyemo tionsandanxiety andevencrav ingsandtofollow throughwithwhat Icommittedto.” Reedisnowa recoverycoach foraddictionwho contractswiththe farm;otherrecent graduateshave followedhissteps andnowserve withhiscoaching agency.

Seasonsofgrowth RehabilitationatHarvestFarmisdividedintothree phases.Thefirstfewmonthsarecenteredaround worktherapy,inwhichparticipantslearnskillssuchas

AdinneratHarvestFarmundertheColoradosunset.

conflictresolution,interactingwithasupervisorand punctualitywhilealsotendingcropsandcaringfor animals20to30hoursaweek.“HarvestFarmisnot usedtogenerateincome,soanythingthatisprocessed orgrowngoesbacktothefarmortotheFortCollins RescueMission,”McPhersonnoted.Menarepairedwith acasemanagerandcounselor,withmedical,psychiatric andspiritualcareavailable.Residentsparticipatein supportgroupsonthefarmandincommunityactivities, includingBiblestudies,asoftballleague,AAmeetings andhikingexcursions.“Formanythisyearcanbean emotionalrollercoaster,”McPhersonsaid.“Atthefarm theyhavesomeonewholovesthemandcares,ateam andanallyaroundthem,prayingforthem,beingtheir cheerleaderandmeetingthemwheretheyare.”

Thesecondphaseatthefarmiseducational,focusing onrecovery,relapseprevention,moneymanagement andcareerdevelopment.Thecareerteamhelpswith resumes,hostsmockinterviewsandequipsmenwith skillstoentertheworkforce.

Thethirdphaseistransitional.Thefarmprovidesa shuttleformentoobtainandmaintainajobinWelling tonorFortCollins,andsinceparticipantscontinueto benefitfromthefarm’sphysicalandemotionalsup port,inaboutsixmonthstheyareeligibletograduate fromtheprogramwithsavingsinthebank.Graduation

metricsatHarvestFarmincludeholdingemployment, securinghousing,communityinvolvementandfreedom fromdestructivehabits;about30percentoffarmpartic ipantsfullycompletetheprogram.Programgraduates whoholdavaliddriver’slicensearegivenacarfromthe DenverRescueMission.

Aharvestofsupport

“Werelyanddependoncommunityengagementand support,”McPhersonsaid.Donationsoffundsaswell asclothingenablethefarmanditsresidentstothrive.

“Somedonatetheirtime,”hesaid,“givingitverygener ouslytoleadclassesandgroups,invitingourpartici pantsintotheircommunitiesandchurchesandmaking themfeelsupportedandloved.”

Reedadded,“Thiskeepsthedoorsopenforguyswho areseriousaboutchangeandcreatinganewlife.”

TosupportHarvestFarmorto learnmore,visitharvestfarm.org.

HarvestFarm’speacefulgroundscreateapeacefulenvironmentawayfromdestructivehabits. (CourtesyHarvestFarms)

Strong,sustainablebusinessescreate prosperityforourcommunity.Lovelandis proudofitslongtimeconnectiontotechnology,itspresentworkindrivingastrong businesscommunityandalimitlessfuture.

LOVELAND–TheLovelandStrategicPartnership announcesspeaker,childscientist,attheirinnovation celebrationonOctober8,2022.

OnSaturday,October8th,2022,TheLovelandStrategicPartnership(#LiveLoveland)andagroupof investedindividualsareinvitingthepublictoaHUGE CELEBRATIONofinnovation.“60YearsCelebrating SeedsofInnovation”isaneventforeveryone!Enjoy familyfriendlyactivities,notablespeakers,livemusic, foodtrucks,awardsforoutstandingbusinesses, studentsandcitizens,toursofForgeCampusfacility,animpressivehistoricaltimelineofinnovationin Loveland,innovationdisplays,giveaways,andsome surprises!

HearfromGitanjaliRao-GitanjaliRaowasrecognizedasAmerica’sTopYoungScientistandreceived anEPAPresidentialawardforinventingherdevice “Tethys”—anearlyleaddetectiontool.Gitanjaliisalso theinventorof“Epione”—adeviceforearlydiagnosis ofprescriptionopioidaddictionusinggeneticengineering,and“Kindly”—ananti-cyberbullyingservice usingAIandNaturalLanguageprocessingwhichis nowpoweredbyUNICEFandavailableglobally.She iscurrentlyconductingresearchonearlydetectionof pathogensattheBroadInstituteofMIT/Harvard.

ShewashonoredasForbes“30Under30inScience”in2019andTIME’s“TopYoungInnovator”and “TIMEKidoftheYear”forherinnovationsandSTEM workshopssheconductsglobally,whichhasinspired over70,000studentsacrosssixcontinentsand45 countries.Inhersessions,shesharesherownprocess ofinnovationthatcanbeusedbystudentsallover theworld.Sheoftenpresentsinglobalandcorporate forumsoninnovationandtheimportanceofSTEM.

Gitanjaliistheauthorofthebook“YoungInnovator’sGuidetoSTEM”,availablein5languages,which guidesstudents,educators,orteacherswithaprescribed5stepinnovationprocess.Shewashonored asoneofAmerica’sTopYouthVolunteersbyPrudentialin2021andwasappointedasaUNICEFYouth Advocateforusingscienceforsolvingsocialproblems suchascyber-bullyinganddevelopingsolutionsfor environmentalprotection.Shereceivedagrantasa NationalGeographicyoungExplorertoexpandher workshopsandself-sustainthembeyondher.With thegrantshehelpedexpandamaker-spaceinthe KakumaRefugeeCamp,Kenyawhilementoringthem forinnovationchallenges.

“Wearethrilledtohostsuchyoungtalent,showcasing andencouragingtechnologyandinnovativeideasfor todayandourfuture.”saysKathiWright,Executive Directorof#LiveLoveland.

AnaddressaboutthefutureofinnovationfromGitanjaliisjustoneofmanyincrediblereasonswhythis eventshouldbeonyourcalendarforOctober8.

MeettheFriendsofAWoman’sPlace OUTSTANDING WOMENOFWELD COUNTY

BYEMMACASTLEBERRYforNorthernColoradoLife

FriendsofAWoman’sPlaceisavolunteerorganizationthatsupportsthemissionofAWoman’s Place(AWP):toshelterandhelpempowervictimsandsurvivorsofdomesticabuse.Friends supporttheorganizationbyfundraising,volunteering,assistingwithcommunityeducation, andbyhonoringwomenwhomakeadifferenceinWeldCountywiththeirOutstandingWomenofWeldCountyawardseachyear.

Sevenwomenarebeinghonoredthisyearatthe29thannualCelebratingWomenGalaonOctober22at7:30p.m.TheeventwilltakeplaceatthenewWelcomeCenterAuditoriumatAims CommunityCollege.ThisistheprimaryfundraisingeventbyFriendsforthebenefitofAWP.

MEETTHEOUTSTANDINGWOMENOFWELDCOUNTY:

SueHubert CommunityCatalyst

SueHubertwillberecognizedasaCommunityCatalystduring thisyear’sawards.AtFirstUnitedMethodistChurch,sheis chairoftheMissionCommitteeandamemberoftheScholarshipandEndowmentCommitteesaswellastheUnitedMethodistWomen,thechurchhistorian,andLaySpeaker.Thirteen yearsago,shecreatedaprogramcalledBlessinginaBagthat sendshomebackpacksfullofnourishingfoodeveryweekend tohungryandunderprivilegedschoolchildreninFortLupton. ShealsosewsblanketsfortheWarmHearts,WarmBabiesprogramandhelpsservemealstoSeniorsandisamemberand docentattheSouthPlatteValleyHistoricalSociety.

PatriciaSorbo

Health Advocate

Afteraninjuryinhigh school,PatriciaSorbobecameinterestedinchiropracticmedicine.Now,as apracticingchiropractor atWeldFamilyClinicof Chiropractic,whichshe ownswithherhusband, Erik,sheisoneofthefew chiropractorsinColorado

withapostgraduateDiplomatedegreeinPediatricandPrenatalcare.Patriciagives backtoherprofessionbyservingontheboardfortheICACouncilonChiropractic Pediatrics.“Ibelievebeingapartofacommunitymeansyouaretheretoserve,”she says.“Idon’tonlyservemypatients,butourbusinessservesthecommunityaswell, whetherthroughgivingofourtimeorfinances.Ourpatientsseethisdemonstration andinturngivebacktothecommunity.”

Amy Valencia-Ortiz Literary Innovator

AmyValencia-Ortiz,the HighPlainsLibraryDistricteventsandexperiencesupervisor,isbeing recognizedforherinnovativelibraryprograms likeMusicandMovement

Storytimes,HipHopMadnessYouthConcerts,andZumbaFitnessclassesthathelp communitymembersfindjoyinmovementandliteracy.“Thisawardfillsmyheartas Ireflectonmyseventeenyearsofpublicservicewiththelibrarydistrict,”shesays. “Iamthankfulformyplatformasalibrarian/supervisorwithHighPlainsLibrary Districttohelpempowercommunitymembersthroughaccesstoresources,literacy, andupliftingexperiences.”

DeliaHaefeli EducationalEmpowerment

DeliaHaefelitaughtfor34yearsinSchoolDistrict6andcurrentlyservesasboardpresidentoftheSuccessFoundation, whichraisesmoneytosupportimportantprojectsandprogramsinDistrict6Schools.Underherleadership,theFoundationhasraisedmorethan$2million.“Duringmycareerasan educatorandtimebeingacommunityvolunteer,Ihavenever thoughtofwhatIwasgoingtoreceiveformyefforts,rather thestudentsandpeopleIimpacted,”shesays.“Iamhappyto havebeenselectedandhopeIhavemadeadifference.”

LisaTaylor HumanRightsAdvocate

LisaTaylor,executivedirectoroftheImmigrantandRefugeeCenterofNorthernColorado,willbehonoredasHuman RightsAdvocateatthisyear’sawards.“Ensuringthatequity isattheheartofourprogramsandpoliciesiscrucialifwe hopetoaddressbarriersandbias,”shesays.“It’sworkthat belongstoallofus,andwemustcollectivelystrivetomake thisawelcoming,inclusivecommunitywhereeveryonehasa chancetothrive.It’sanhonortoberecognizedalongsideso manywomenwhosodiligentlyservethecommunity.”

GlendaHaines

GlendaHainesisbeinghonoredasthefriendsofaWoman’s PlaceBusinessLeader.AftergraduatingfromUniversityof Coloraco,Glendaworkedyearsinelectricalconsultingbefore continuinghercareeratXcelEnergy.Aftertwenty-sixyears inthecorporateworld,sheretiredfromXcelandpursueda moreflexiblecareerasanExecutiveLifeCoachthatallowed hertospendmoretimewithherdaughterswhilealsohelping clientsimprovetheirbusinessesandlives.Eightyearsago, GlendastartedEves&HainesWealthManagementwithher businesspartner,JesseEves.AsaRetirementIncomeCertifiedProfessional(RICP),sheuseshercoachingskillsand expertiseinmarketstohelpfamiliesnavigatetheimportant andchallengingworldofretirementplanning.

BarbaraMaxfield LifeTimeAchievementAward

BarbaraMaxfieldisbeinghonoredwiththeLifeTime AchievementAwardandherlifeistrulyalonglistof achievements:fromherinductionintotheColorado StateAthleticHallofFamein1996asapioneerinwomen’ssportstoherlongcareerinpubliceducation.Asa professoratAimsCommunityCollegefor35years,she advocatedfortheunder-educatedinourcommunityby developingpoliciesandrulesthatmadeESL,Citizenship,GEDandremedialcoursesavailableandaffordable.Withherhusband,shehastransformedtheIsland GroveVillageApartmentsfromadangerouscomplex intoanationalaward-winninginstitutionusedasanationalmodelforaffordablehousing.ShehasalsorepresentedtheEpiscopalChurchDenverDioceseasFlood ReliefCoordinatorinWeldCountyandspentover15 yearsastheFoodandCommunityOutreachCoordinatorforTrinityEpiscopalChurchinGreeley.

BYWENDYMCMILLAN forNorthernColoradoLife

Autumnisuponus!Asalways,therespitefromintensesum merbringswithitcountlessreasonstofallinlove,fromglorious colorstoabundantwarming,spicyfragrancesandflavors.Ready totantalizeyoursensesandmakethemostoftheseason?You knowwheretohead:themountains,sure…and/orTheCupcake Gypsies.

FeastyoureyesbeforeyoudigintoalovelyCitrusBlossom--light lavendercaketoppedwithlemoncreamcheeseandgarnished withedibleglitter.LingeroverthePeanutButterCupofyour THECUPCAKEGYPSIES

Locatedat415NorthClevelandbetween4th and5th streets,The CupcakeGypsiesisafullbakery,offeringcoffee,teas,sodas,anda rangeofbakedgoods(includingveganandgluten-freeselections), withthespecialty,ofcourse,beingcupcakes.Oh,thecupcakes! Ninety-sixrichlydazzlingandinvitingdifferentflavors,tobe exact.

dreams,arichchocolateminicaketoppedwithpeanut buttercreamcheeseandtoppedwithachocolatepeanut buttercup.Manyvarietiesavailableinsmallandlarge sizes,theassortedcupcakesrotateweekly,withmenus postedonMondaysforthefollowingThursdaythrough Monday.Gluten-freeandveganoptionsareincludedin eachset,andthey’renomereconcessionbutequally astoothsomelytemptingasalltheothers—adelectable gluten-freeversionoftheCitrusBlossom,forexample; oradreamyVeganVintagePeach,withmoistpeachcake toppedwithvanillabeanbourbonbuttercreamanda sprinklingofbrownsugar.“Welovehavingoptionsfor peoplewithdifferentnutritionalneeds,”saysAmber.“It’s alwaysnicetoseesomeonesmilewhentheyseewehave veganand/orgluten-freeandtheycanactuallyhavea cupcake.”Eachday’sremainingcupcakes—ontherare occasionsthereareany—areofferedathalfpricethe nextday.

Initiallylaunchedin2015asafoodtruck,TheCupcake GypsiesistheinspiredcollaborationofsistersAndrea StrickandAmberCronin.Raisedbyparentswhoshared theirloveofcookingandespeciallybakedgoods,the twohavefondmemoriesofhelpinginthekitchen,bak ingpieswiththeirmotherthroughouttheholidays,and spendinghoursassistingtheirfatherwhenhewaspartownerofasmallpizzashop.In2014,Amber,whoseback groundisinretailmanagement,becamedrawntothe ideaofstartingafoodtruck.ShereachedouttoAndrea, wonderbaker,anditwasn’tlongbeforethetwolaunched thisfledglingbusinessoutof‘Petunia’,theendearing

1956HansonLoveBugTrailertheyhadlovinglyremod eledintoaservingcart.

StrickandCronin’salluringbakedgoodsdelightedthe community,andinthesummerof2019thepairopened theirbrick-and-mortarstoreinDowntownLoveland. Thepermanentlocationhasopenedupopportunityto expandselectionsaswellasthebusiness.Cupcakesare thestarattraction,butthesmallcustomcakesandother dessertshaveequalwowfactorineverybite.Allitems aremadefromorganicandlocallysourcedingredients, andyoucantastethequality,creativity,andthehome grownTLC.

Year-round,TheCupcakeGypsiesisLoveland’sgo-tofor lendingalittlemoredeliciousnesstoanyday,andfor sweetcelebrations.Inautumn,though,therearespecial enticements.Halloweenisbothsisters’favoritetimeof year,soyoucancountontheshoptobebrimmingwith fun-filledtreats.LookoutforTheCheesyPumpkin, AutumnSpice,HarvestCider,CandyApple,andmorefla vorstomarvelover.Thanksgivingpiesarecoming,too.

What’snextforTheCupcakeGypsies?Whiletheywould liketocontinuetogrow,thevisionistomoveforward atacomfortablepace,alwaysmaintainingthatfamilyownedandoperatedappeal.Sharingtheirlovethrough bakingwiththeirhometownisajoythesistersarehappy tolingerover.“WhatIlovemostaboutwhatIdoisIget tomakepeoplehappywiththethingsIbake,”saysAn drea.“Welovemakingpeople’sdaysalittlebrighter.”

Startingoffasafoodtruck,TheCupcakeGypsiesmadetheswitchtoabrick andmortarinLoveland.(CourtesyTheCupcakeGypsies)

Windsorkeepsclear identityamidblurredgrowth

Maintainingatown’sidentityamidburgeoninggrowthinside andoutsideofitsboundariescanbechallengingforanycommunity.ButShaneHalebelievesWindsorisontherightpath.

Newneighborhoodsarereplacingfarms,androadsarebeing lengthenedandwidenedthroughouttheregiontoaccommodatenewresidents,businessesandtraffic.Suchrapidgrowth couldleadtoasenseofblurredlinesbetweenWindsorand thenearbycommunitiesofTimnath,SeveranceandGreeley.

However,Hale,Windsor’stownmanager,saidhebelievesthe community’srichhistory,alongwitheventsthathecalls“classicWindsor,”areamongthekeystoensuringthetownretains itsuniquecharacteristics,evenasdevelopmentinchescloser.

“Ithinkit’simportantforeverycommunitytohaveanidentity.IfpeoplemovetoWindsor,theyhavetheperspectiveof whatWindsorisliketoday.Butwehavearichhistoryand fabric.It’ssoimportantforustocapturethathistoryand memorializeit.Wedon’twanttoloseourpast-it’sourstory,” Halesaid.“It’sreallyincumbentuponeveryonetoknowyour

history.It’snomoreornolesssoforothercommuni ties,butit’simportantthatwemaintainourownself identity.”

Windsorsharesitshistoryandshowcasesitsreputation asasafefamily-orientedcommunitythroughevents suchasHarvestFestival,WindsorWonderlandandthe SummerConcertSeries,amongothers.Manyevents arecenteredaroundWindsorLakeanditswell-known downtown.

Inthemeantime,anotherapproachtocreatingabuf ferbetweenWindsorandsurroundingcommunitiesis alsobeingconsidered.OnAug.22,theWindsorTown

Boardreferredanopenspaceballotissuetovotersfor a0.25of1centsalestaxincrease(2.5centsona$10 purchase).IftheballotissuepassesinNovember,the revenuewillbeusedto“obtain,manageandpreserve workingfarmsandcommunityseparatorsthatwillkeep Windsoruniquefromneighboringcitiesandtowns,”per windsorgov.com.Fundingalsowillgotowardpurchas ingopenspaceaswellasfurtheringstewardshipand maintenanceofexistingopenspaceandtrails.

Asmuchasretaininguniquenessisimportantsocially andculturallyforthetown,it’salsoessentialfroman economicperspective.

“Andthat’salittlemoreintangible,”Halesaid.“Thereis avaluetothebrandandtothecommunityforwhatwe havedoneandwhatwewilldo....Windsorhasareally goodreputationinthestate.Whenwetalktorealestate brokerswhoareworkingwithdifferentbusinesseslook ingtorelocate,theytellustheylovetheWindsorbrand. Iwouldn’ttradeit.Ithasagreatreputationforbeinga safecommunityandbusiness-friendly,andthereiscer tainlyavaluetothat.”

AshardastownofficialsworktosetWindsorapartforits specialcharacteristics,theyalsounderstandresidents, regardlessoftheirhomecommunities,wantreliableand affordableservices.Windsor,Severance,Timnathand Greeleyoftenworktogetheronissuessuchaslawen forcement,waterresources,libraryservicesandfireand rescueoperations.Aboutone-thirdofWindsorrestsin LarimerCountywiththeremainderinWeldCounty.

WeldRE-4SchoolDistrictalsoservesstudentsout sideofWindsorinits103-square-milearea.Theschool

districthasreferreda$271millionbondpackageand$5 millionmilllevyoverridetotheNovemberballot.District CommunicationsDirector,KatieMesserliSmith,saidthe districtusesitswebsite,weldre4.org,tokeepaffectedvot ersinformedofkeyissues,anditprovidesaninteractive boundarymaptoensureparentsandstudentsunderstand enrollmentareas.

“Theimportantthingwedoisn’tabouttheboundaries; it’smoreaboutourefforts,”Halesaid.“Peoplejustwantto havestreetlightsthatworkandroadsthataremaintained andpolicetocatchthecrazydrivers.”

Thetownprovidesupdatesinutilitybills,aquarterly newsletteranditswebsitetoprovidethatsenseofplaceto its40,000-plusresidents.

Still,HalesaideffortstoretainWindsor’sspecialidentity willpersist:“Aswegrow,howdoweletpeopleknowwhat weareabout,howdowecatcheverybodyupinthisre centpaceofgrowth?It’simportantforpeopletoknowwhy thingsarethewaytheyare.Thisishowwegothere.This isthewhy.”

ColoradoartistChrisBatesaddshistouchtothe publicartinWindsor,creatingauniquemural. (CourtesyTownofWindsor)

IsPumpkinArtaThing? CHECKOUTTHEGARDENSONSPRINGCREEK!

Atthe2020PumpkinsonParade, CreativeDirectorGrantSmithcarved this242-poundgiantpumpkingrownby 11-year-oldOwenDietzler.(Photoscour tesyGardensonSpringCreek)

volunteers.”

Thisyear,thedisplayswillfollow abirdtheme—inpastyears,the pumpkinsandgourdswerearranged intogiantspiderwebs,scorpions, fireplaces,andfairyandgnomevil lages.

BYSHELLEYWIDHALM forNorthernColoradoLife

Withpumpkinpickingandcarvingseasoninfullsway, TheGardensonSpringCreekoffersatwistonpumpkin farmsbyturningthemintoart.

“Wedecidedwe’regoingtohavealotofcarvedpump kinsandpeopleshouldcomelookatthem,”saidAmanda Sammartino,seniorcommunicationsspecialistatThe GardensonSpringCreek,acommunitybotanicgardenin FortCollins.

PumpkinsonParade,TheGardens’signatureeventin itsthirdyearthisyear,celebratesHalloweenandthe harvestseasonwithhundredsofpumpkinsandgourds arrangedacrossTheGardensinartisticdisplays.

“It’sthroughouttheentirefootprint.They’reunlike anythingyou’veeverseen,”Sammartinosaid.“They’re trulyremarkableandshowcasethetalentofstaffand

“Thatistocoincidewithanartexhibitwecurrentlyhave ofbirdhousevillages,”SammartinosaidaboutBirdhouse VillagesondisplaythroughFebruary2023.

ThepumpkinsandgourdscomefromNorthernColorado farmsandcommunitydonations.Therealsoaregiant pumpkinsandgourdsweighingmorethan1,000pounds obtainedfromlocalgrowersinpartnershipwiththeFort CollinsNurserythroughtheGiantPumpkinWeigh-Off.

Visitorswantingtoseethesegiantsandmorenormal seizedproducecanwalkthroughthevariousgardens onthe18-acresite,wheretheyalsocanparticipateina varietyoffamily-friendlygameslikepumpkinbowling. Theyalsocanstopbythefullbar(ifthey’re21orolder) andlistentolivemusicprovidedbyTimFoolerytheMagi cianandAmyandtheGoodLittleWitches.Costumesare encouraged,buttheeventiscandy-freeaspartofthe TealPumpkinProject.

PumpkinsonParadehaditsstartduringtheCOVID-19 pandemicwhensocialdistancingwasencouragedto provideacelebrationofthepumpkinharvestwithless contact.TheeventreplacedHalloweenEnchantedGar dens,whichstartedin2009toprovidechildren’sgames andtrick-or-treatingatTheGardens.

OneoftheactivitiesforPumpkinsonParadeisaCom munityCarvedPumpkinContestwithprizesinthreeage groupsforbestbirdtheme,bestbotanicalthemeand thefunniestpumpkin.Thepumpkinswillbedisplayed andlitupatTheGardenswithspecialattentionplaced onthewinners,whowillbeawardedwithgiftcardsand 50%offtheireventtickets.

GrantSmith,creativeservicesdirectorfortheCityof FortCollins,willcarveagiantpumpkin,somethinghe doeseveryyear.Hispumpkinalsowillbeondisplay

Eachyear,approximately50peopleentertheCommu nityCarvedPumpkinContest,andoverallattendance forPumpkinsonParadecontinuestorise.Thefirstyear attendancewas2,000duetorestrictions,andlastyear, itwas6,000.Thisyearit’sexpectedtobe8,000.

PumpkinsonParadeisafundraisertosupportthe horticultureandprogramstaffandtohelpTheGardens becomemoreself-supported.

“EventslikePumpkinsonParadeshowpeoplewhata beautifulspacewehaverightintheirbackyard,”Sam martinosaid.“Forus,growingpumpkinshasbeenpart ofgardeningformany,manyyears,decadesactually.”

Left:Thecommunityisinvitedtoparticipateinthepumpkin carvingcontestduringPumpkinsonParade.

Above:ArtisticpumpkinsareondisplayatGardenson SpringCreek.(PhotoscourtesyGardensonSpringCreek)

PUMPKINS, PUMPKINS Everywhere!

WHEREARETHEBEST

BYSHELLEYWIDHALMforNorthernColoradoLife

Doyouneedapumpkinbutdon’twanttogothe grocerystoreroute?

Whataboutturningpumpkinshoppingintoafestive event,stoppingatoneorafewofNorthernColorado’spumpkinfarmsthisOctober?Thefollowinglist islongbutcertainlynotexhaustiveoftheregion’s toppicksforfindingyourperfectpumpkinmatch.

Thelistincludespick-your-ownpumpkinfarmsand familyactivitieslikehayrides,pumpkincarvingcontests,cornmazesandopportunitiestovisittheanimals.Therealsoarehauntedmazesandahaunted houseortwowithmonstersandscary“things.”And ifbuyingpumpkinsdoesn’tfillyourtreatbag,some ofthefarmshavegiftstoreswithcostumes,pumpkincarvingkitsandoutdoordécor.

Takeyourpickfrom10pumpkinfarmsinFortCollins,LovelandandotherNorthernColoradocities.

Fritzlers’Farm(LaSalle) 20861CR33,LaSalle (970)737-2129 fritzlerfarmpark.com

HankinsFarms(Johnstown) 26745WeldCR17,Johnstown (970)408-0608 hankinsfarms.com

HometownHarvest(Windsor) 7710WeldCR62,Windsor hometownharvestpumpkinpatch.com

MillerFarm(Platteville) 13912CR19,Platteville (970)785-6133 millerfarms.net

OsbornFarm(Loveland) 1230S.BoiseAve.,Loveland (970)541-1212 osbornfarm.com

PumpkinPickin’Paradise(Milliken) CO-257andCR52,Milliken (970)587-.5751 pumpkin-pickin-paradise-pumpkin-patch. business.site/

RiverRanchFarms(Loveland) 1220LangstonLn.,Loveland (720)206-6527 riverranchfarms.com/home

SomethingfromtheFarm (FortCollins) 8020S.TimberlineRd.,FortCollins (970)282-1135or(970)837-5704 somethingfromthefarm.com/index.html

Tigges’Farm(Greeley) 12404CR641/2,Greeley, (970)686-7225 tiggesfarmllc.com

WindsorFarms(Windsor) 33680WCountyRd.,Windsor (970)541-4869 facebook.com/pages/category/Farm/ Windsor-Farms-LLC-308082036661864/

Thelicensedtherapydogsarepatientand,ofcourse,non-judgemental,givingkidsextraconfidencetopractice theirskills.(CourtesyClearviewLibraryDistrict)

Inall,therearecurrentlyeightlicensedtherapydogs whocomeforthePAWSForReadingprogramatthe library,locatedat7203rdSt.inWindsor.Thesewelltrained,well-behaveddogscometothelibrarywith theirvolunteerhandlerstolistentostories—their presenceputtingkidsatease.Withagoal,inpart,to helpchildrenbecomemoreconfidentreaders,the libraryoffersfoursessionsaweek:Afterschoolon Mondays,ThursdaysandFridaysaswellasSaturday mornings.

ThroughoutNorthernColorado,inlibrariesandin schools,animalsareplayinganincreasinglyimportant roleineducationwiththoughtfulprogramsthatbring inthoroughlytraineddogstohelpwithreadingand therapyprograms.

AttheUniversityofNorthernColorado,forinstance, massagesandtherapydogshelpstudentsrelievestress duringfinalsweeks.There’ssomesciencetothis,too: ResearchersatWashingtonStateUniversityfoundthat therapydogscanhelpboostcollegestudents’attention andmemoryandhelpthemtacklestress,andasimilar studyatKentStateUniversityshoweddogscanhelp youngerstudentsrelievestress,too.

AttheWindsor-SeveranceLibrary,childrenwhomight

beresistanttoreadingaloudinfrontoftheirpeersor haveahardtimesittingstilltolistentoastory,tend tofeelmoreconfidentandrelaxedwiththerapydogs present,explainsNancyMilliken,children’sservices librarianwiththeClearviewLibraryDistrict.Thedogs thattrotintothelibraryforstorytimesarepatientand non-judgmental,shesays.

“There’ssomethingaboutadogthat’sreallycalming,” Millikensays.

Similarly,atLovelandPublicLibrary,300N.Adams Ave.,childrencanpracticereadingwithalicensed therapydogthroughthe“Waggin’Tails”program,with sessionsusuallylasting10to15minutes.

Thechild-canineconnectionshappeninginNorthern Coloradofitsintoalargernationaltrend,astherapy dogsineducationalsettingsgainstremendoustraction, somuchsothatlastyear“FrontiersinVeterinarySci ence,”aglobal,peer-reviewedjournal,consideredvari ousstudiestotailorasetofrecommendationsforschool stafflookingtoimplementtherapydogprograms.

Morepositive(orperhapspawsitive)researchcameout inJune2022,asastudypublishedinthejournal“PLOS

ONE”found thattwiceweeklysessions withadogand itshandler significantly loweredchil dren’slevelsof cortisol,which isthebody’s stresshor mones.Infact, thedogtherapy intervention appearedtobe moreeffectivethan guidedrelaxation sessions.

Therapyanimalsarebeingincorporatedintoeducationaleffortsnationwide. (CourtesyClearviewLibraryDistrict)

StateUniversity researchgrant, ahandlingteam fromtheHuman AnimalBond inColorado (HABIC)visited B.F.KitchenEl ementarySchool inLovelandto counselstudents withthehelpof therapydogs. JenniferVonLin tel,acounselor attheschool, startedtraining

TheThompsonSchoolDistricthaslongrecognizedthe benefitsofanimal-assistedinterventionsineducational settings.Backin2009,andbackedwithaColorado

herGoldenRetrieverCoppertoworkasatherapydog. He’ssinceretiredafteradecadeofservice,buthehelped pioneeraprograminthedistrictthatnowincludesnine dogsandonecat.

Agrowingbody ofresearchhas showntheben efitsofanimalassistedtherapy canhavewide spreadbenefitsin classrooms—in cludingincreasing positiveemo tions,promoting positiveattitudes towardslearn ingandbringing aboutbetter engagement,aswell asactingasa“social catalyst”toeasesocial interactionswithothers.

Harrythetherapydog,comeswithhisfavoritestory,“HarrytheDirty Dog.”(CourtesyClearviewLibraryDistrict)

ralsforaggressive behaviorsandan instancewhena childgrewmore empathetic,mak ingacardfora classmate.Interac tionswithanimals, shesays,notonly canquicklyreduce cortisollevels,but researchshowsthe connectionscan increaseoxytocin, thefeel-goodhor monethatshesays makesusfeellike webelongandareconnected.

Onananecdotallevel,VonLintelhasseenthesebenefits playoutinschoolsettings,withadecreaseinofficerefer

“That’sthewonderfulthingaboutthismodality,”VonLin telsays.“There’ssuchabroadbreadthofapplications.”

BYDARIANARMER

diosofmorethan55localartistsandseetheminaction.

“WestartedinLovelandonashoestringbudgetwitha coupleofpeople,”saysJillAtchison,anorganizerforthe event.“It’sjustagreateventhereinLoveland.Itgives thepublicanopportunitytocomeseethestudiosof theseartists.Wedoalotofeducatingourartistsbefore theeventtohelpthemhaveanexcellenttour.Wehavea lotofnewartistsonthetourthisyear.”

Thetourincludesartistswhoworkinavarietyofme diums,includingceramics,fiber,digitalart,oils,pastels

Beerandsnacksarejustpartofthe funtolookforwardtoatthePoudre PourinWindsor.(CourtesyCachela PoudreRiverNationalHeritageArea)

“Itreallygivesyouabehindthe sceneslooksoyoucanseehowthis wonderfulartismade.Lotsofartistswillbedoinglive demonstrationsandworkingintheirstudios.Thoseon thetourgettomeetandtalktothem.Therewillbelots ofworksforsaleatallofthestudios,”saysAtchison.“It’s alsotheendoftheyearsoyouneverknowiftherewillbe discountsorsales.”

Allartistswhoapplytobeonthetourarejuriedbya panelbeforebeingincludedinthetour.Atchisonsays theywantthetourtobeaprofessionaldisplayofthe varietyanddiversityofartinLoveland.

Thetourisagreateventforthewholefamily,introducing kidstoawidevarietyofartandmediums.

“Thefunthingabouttakingkidsonthetouristhatalot ofthestudioshaveactivitiesforthekids.It’ssodifferent whenyougointoastudioandgettoactuallyseehowit’s done.It’sagoodlearningexperienceforkidstobeableto goandseethesestudios,”Atchisonsays.

From6:00p.m.–9:00p.m.onFriday,October14during NightontheTowninLovelandtherewillbeameetthe artistsreceptionheldattheFooteGallery,503N.Lincoln Ave.,inLoveland.Admissionisfree.

Toplanyourtourandstayuptodate,visitthewebsiteat lovelandartstudiotour.com,ortheevent’sFacebookpage atfacebook.com/LovelandArtStudioTour/.

2022POUDREPOUR

Saturday,October15,1-5p.m. Ticketsrequired–Adults$45,Kidsfree (Kidsstillrequireafreeticket)

WindsorHistoryMuseum 100North5thSt.,Windsor poudrepour.com

HostedbythePoudreHeritageAllianceinpartnership withtheTownofWindsorandtheWindsorChamberof Commerce,the5th AnnualPoudrePourfeatureslocal craftbeertastingsfrommorethan15NorthernColorado breweries,livebands,foodtrucks,andactivitiesforthe wholefamily.

Guestscansamplebeersfromthelocalareabrewers andselecttheirfavoritetobethePeople’sChoiceforthe festival.ThemainstagewillfeaturelivemusicfromSugar Britches,TheWendyWooBandandLastCallRomance.

TheChildren’sVillagefeaturesastageformusicandsto rytellers,hands-onwateractivities,theTownofWindsor Museums,theWindsorCaboose,ridesonavintagefire truckandthechancetoparticipateintheRiverInvestiga torsscavengerhuntforprizes.

Topurchaseticketsandlearnmoreabouttheevent,visit poudrepour.com.

WHERETOGO andwhattodo

Communityeventsareslowlyreturning,albeitabitdifferently,andwhatbettertimeto takeadvantageofthefuneventswe’vemissedthantheholidayseason?Ifyoumissedit lastyear,youmayhavearenewedopportunitytocatchyourfavoriteshowthisyear.

BALLET,BEER&STRAWBERRY

FIELDS.

October7,7p.m.;October8,6and8p.m.;October 9,3p.m.;BasBleuTheatre,401PineSt.,Fort Collins

CanyonConcertBalletopenstheir2022-2023season withanewballetforourBalletandBeerSeason.Be transportedtothe‘70’sthroughthiscontemporaryballet settotheiconicmusicoftheBeatles.Thoseover21can enjoyonefreebeerwitheveryticketpurchase.

(lctix.com/ccb-ballet-beer-strawberry-fields-2022)

60YEARSCELEBRATING SEEDSOFINNOVATION

October8,9a.m.-1p.m.

ForgeCampus,81514thSt.SW,Loveland

TheLovelandStrategicPartnershipandagroupof investedindividualsinviteyoutocelebrateinnovation.

“60YearsCelebratingSeedsofInnovation”isanevent foreveryone!Enjoyfamilyfriendlyactivities,notable speakers,livemusic,foodtrucks,awardsforoutstanding businesses,studentsandcitizens,toursofForgeCampus facility,animpressivehistoricaltimelineofinnovationin Loveland,innovationdisplays,giveaways,andsomesur prises!Thiseventisfreeforalltoattend. (liveloveland. org/60-years-celebrating-seeds-of-innovation)

ALLHANDSONDECKARTSHOW

October13-15,12-8p.m,OdellBrewing Company,800E.LincolnAve.,FortCollins

Getonboard(punintended)withthisuniquefundraiser forLaunch:CommunitythroughSkateboarding.Custom designedskateboarddeckswillbeavailableforbidding. Over60artistsarerepresentedinthisyear’sshow!

Launchprovidesmeaningfulcommunityconnectionwith camps,workshops,andafterschoolprograms,engaging othersthroughskateboarding.

Admissionintotheshowisfree,butbidsonthecustom decksareappreciated.(launchskate.org/)

CREEPYWALK INTHEWOODS

October14,15,21,22,28and29, 7-11p.m.;1750SavageRoad,Loveland

What’sscarierthanadarkOctobernightinthe woods?AdarkOctobernightinwoodsfilled withmonsters,ghostsandotherhorrificchar acters.Thisannualeventtakesthetraditional hauntedhouseandkicksitoutthedoors.

Octobercanbecold,sodressaccordinglyand inordertodoahauntyouhavetoshowupto thehaunt...therearenoonlineticketsalesfor thisevent. (creepywalk.org)

BLUESKYMARATHON

October15,20227a.m.-4p.m; HorsetoothMountainPark,4780W CountyRoad38E,FortCollins

TakingplaceonthetrailsbetweenHorsetooth MountainParkandtheDevil’sBackboneOpen Space,thecoursetakesyouonatourofthe easternmosthogbacksofNorthernColorado’s FrontRangemountains.With3,500feetofel evationgainandanequalamountofelevation loss,therouteoffersalittlebitofsomething foreveryone.

Thecourseis100%dirtand90%sweetColo radosingletrack.Theterrainrangesindifficul tyfromsmoothtotechnical.Asmallportion oftherouteisondirtroadandgraveltrail, withthemostonthebeautifulanddistinctive redstonehardpackoftheBlueSkyTrail.

Aftertherace,kickbackandenjoytheBBQ, awardsandgeneroussponsorgiveaways. (gnarrunners.com/blue-sky-marathon/)

SCARECROWSCAVENGERHUNT

October13-31;LocationsthroughoutLoveland TheScarecrowScavengerHuntisback!FromOctober15-31, headtoLovelandandhuntforscarecrowsallaroundtown. Artisticscarecrowsarewaitingtobefoundfromdowntown toCenterra,andfunplacesinbetween.Scarecrowshavebeen meticulouslydesignedbylocalartistsandbusinessestoshowoff Loveland’sthrivingartcommunity.

Thehuntisfreeandopentoeveryone.Playerswhocompletethe huntwillwinaprizeandbeeligibleforgrandprizes(seebelow).

Justdownloadthethefree,officialScarecrowScavengerHunt app–EVENTZEE.Createyouraccountandtheappwillguide youthroughquestions,challenges,andpuzzles,andtakeyou throughoutLovelandinyourhunt.Aftercompletingallofthe challenges,youcanshowtheScarecrowChampionbadgeat theLovelandVisitorsCenterduringregularhourstoclaimyour prize.

Whilethisgamecanbeplayedanytime,itisrecommendedto playduringdaylighthoursassomechallengeswillbemuchmore difficulttocompleteinthedark.Allchallengesareoutdoors.No entrancefeesorpurchasesarerequiredtoplay.Thehuntcan becompletedinafewhoursorovermultipledaysbutmustbe finishedbymidnightonOctober31.

TowinandqualifyfortheGRANDPRIZE,youmustscoreamini mumof1000points.Towinandqualifyforallotherprizes,you mustcompleteALLofthechallengesintheappandlocateallof thescarecrows,whichisconfirmedontheappviathereceiptof theScarecrowChampionbadge.

Formoreinformationvisitvisitlovelandco.org/scarecrow/.

DAYOFTHEDEAD

ALTARWORKSHOP

October20,1-4p.m.;LovelandMuseum/Gallery, 503N.LincolnAve.,Loveland

Participantscreatetheirownofrendasandlearnabout DiadelosMuertos.Makecolorfulcandleholders,unique frames,paperflowers,sculptures,andmoreandhelp usdecorateourcommunityaltar.Bringphotocopiesof lovedonesoranimals,or“copies”ofotherofferings,that theyarewillingtopartwith,ifitemscannotbereturned.

Thiseventisforages5andup,andthereisa$5perper sonfeeforsupplies.Pre-registrationisencouragedfor planningpurposes,butyoucanalsoregisteratthedoor. (thelovelandmuseum.org/workshops/)

TREATSYLVANIA

October28,5:30-7p.m.;October29,5-7 p.m.;October30,1-3p.m.and5-7p.m.; TheFarmatLeeMartinezPark,600N. Sherwood

Atthisnon-spookyHalloweenevent,children ages10andunderreceivetreatbagsfilledwith goodies,includingcoupons,promotionalma terials,andofcourse,candy!Participantsalso enjoyahayride,awalkthroughthenot-sospookybarn,andphotoopportunities.Tickets are$7andwillbeavailablestartingOctober5. *Ticketsonlyneedtobepurchasedforeach childattendingtheevent.

(fcgov.com/recreation/treatsylvania)

RHINESTONECOWBOYGALA

October21,5-9p.m.;EllisRanchEventCenter, 2331EllisRanchLn.,Loveland

PullonyourfancyWesternduds,saddleupwithsome charitablehospitalityandhelpbenefitElderhaus,Colo rado’sfirstnonprofitagencytoprovidequalitycommu nitydayprogramsforadultswithphysicalorcognitive disabilities.

Thefunincludesabanquet,cashbar,livemusic,danc ing,andthechancetobidonuniqueandbeautifulgifts intheliveandsilentauctions.

Yourpresencewillhelpcareforadultswithsuchascon ditionsasdementia,traumaticbraininjury,post-stroke needs,MS,Parkinson’sdisease,Downsyndrome,autism, andothers.

(elderhaus.org/home/events/ 2022-rhinestone-cowboy-gala)

BEETHOVENINTHEROCKIES: CONCERTSERIES

October28,7:30p.m.;CampusCommons PerformanceHall,UniversityofNorthern Colorado,105122ndS.t,Greeley

InthisfinalconcertoftheseriesBeethoveninthe RockieswillpresenttheLovelandOrchestradirectedby MaestroLouieSilvestri,inaBeethovenprogramthatwill alsofeaturetheworldpremiereof“TheFlood”-anew orchestralworkbyJimKleinandIanJamisonreflecting onthestoryofthe1973floodintheGreeleyandKersey area.

(beethovenintherockies.com/lovelandorchestra-10-28)

HALLOWEENCARNIVAL2022

October29,1-4p.m.;WindsorHistoryMuseum, 1165thSt.,Windsor

It’sfinallyhere!Fallmeanscoolerweather,sweaters,hot cider,andHALLOWEEN!Thefamily-friendlyHalloween CarnivalattheWindsorHistoryMuseumgetsbigger andbettereveryyear.Bringthefamilydownfortrickor treating,lotsofentertainment,games,andfuncostumes! (recreationliveshere.com/182/Culture)