Northern Colorado Life - Feb/Mar 2022

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

MEET THE

Life

BABIES of 2021 Receiving the

BEST PREGNANCY CARE Pre- and Postnatal

WITH LOVE FROM LOVELAND The Sweetheart City Valentine Program IS YOUR TODDLER A PICKY EATER?

Make mealtime easier with these tips.

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COLORADO BLINDS & DESIGN Standing The Test of Time

The Team at Colorado Blinds & Design is eager to help you with your window covering needs.

Judy and Tom Magara moved Colorado Blinds & Design to Loveland in 1999.

(Phil Wegner/Reporter-Herald)

Nobody offers more choices in window fashions than Hunter Douglas.Visit our showroom and discover the vast selection of fabrics, textures, style & colors available. We provide the expert guidance you need when designing the home of your dreams.

• Blinds, Shades & Shutters • Custom Draperies & Bedding • Interior Design Services • Home Décor Thank you for voting us Best Window Coverings in NOCO

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NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 3

NORTHERN COLORADO

MARKETING AND PUBLICATIONS EDITOR

Life

NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE A Publication of the Loveland Reporter Herald and Greeley Tribune

Misty Kaiser mkaiser@prairiemountainmedia.com, 303.473.1425

Northern Colorado Life is published six times a year. Over 49,000 copies are inserted into the newspaper and are available at key locations and businesses throughout the area.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Pam Moore, Sarah Huber, Barbra Cohn, Darian Armer, Andy Stonehouse, Emily Kemme, Luanne Kadlub, Kathleen Duff, Katie Feindel

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jonathan Castner, Chuck Willett

EDITORIAL & EVENTS: To submit a story idea, call ADVERTISING DIRECTORS

303.473.1425 or mkaiser@prairiemountainmedia.com

Albert Teel, Greeley Tribune ateel@greeleytribune.com, 970.392.4442

Miss something? Find the e-magazine at northerncoloradolife.com

Christine Labozan, Loveland Reporter-Herald clabozan@prairiemountainmedia.com, 970.635.3614

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CONTENTS

FROM TH E E DITOR

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022 + The FAMILY Edition

NOTHING LIKE FAMILY As crazy as family can be, it’s a

7

22

38

relationship like no other. I believe that family isn’t necessarily defined by blood, either. For any

ENTERTAINMENT Season of Love in Loveland PAGE 7

ON THIS DAY March 1—Baby Sleep Day PAGE 14

FOOD Is your toddler a Picky Eater?

MONEY Smart ideas: Investing in your children’s future with Youth Savings Accounts PAGE 30

MIND + BODY Breastfeed or formula?

There is no wrong answer PAGE 32

PAGE 16

WELLNESS Receiving the best pre- and postnatal pregnancy care PAGE 20

OUTDOORS Safer winter recreation for the family PAGE 22

MEET THE BABIES OF 2021!

Go ga-ga over the latest (and cutest!) Northern Colorado additions PAGE 26

number of reasons, many of us have chosen family outside of the one we’re born into, but however our families are built, we’re truly fortunate to have them in our lives.

In this edition we celebrate families and the love that defines them. Our readers sent us their cutest photos of their newest born to honor the smallest among us. We’ll talk about some ways to

HOME It’s time to clear the air

keep kids entertained outdoors,

PAGE 36

sleep as well as invest in their

COMMUNITY Hunt for the Heart PAGE 38

CALENDAR Where to go and what to do in Northern Colorado PAGE 40

keep them fed and ensure their futures.

And if you just want to celebrate the love that glues your most important relationships together, well, Loveland is the place. Their Sweetheart Festival encompasses all things love, inviting Northern Coloradans to enjoy their Valentine’s Day as a community.

However and whoever you love and consider family, show them how special they are during this special season.

—Misty Kaiser

FEBRUARY 2022

NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 5

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ENTERTAINMENT

Season of

IN LOVELAND The Love Locks sculptures in Loveland are a unique way to commemorate the love in your life. (Photos courtesy City of Loveland)

While the Valentines Remailing Program dates back to before 1950, Loveland now offers so much more for those wishing to celebrate love. “People love love and we wanted to take the success and notoriety of having the largest Valentines Remailing Program of its kind and add onto it by creating more visitor experiences,” explains Mackin.

“People already love sending their valentines through Loveland [through the long-standing Valentine remailing program]. Now we want them to come and experience the love of Loveland for themselves.”

BY PAM MOORE for Northern Colorado Life

“Loveland has a long and rich history of sharing and spreading love all over the world,” says Cindy Mackin, the Loveland visitor services manager. And that’s why Loveland is home to a phenomenal lineup of Valentine’s Day events this February.

FEBRUARY 2022

No matter how you prefer to celebrate, there’s something for you. This year Loveland is celebrating Valentine’s Day with special events including the iconic Valentine Remailing program, Loveland Sweetheart Festival, Loveland Lights, Valentine Group Wedding and the Sweetheart Classic four mile race.

“We are happy to return to a two-day festival format this NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 7

year,” says Mackin. While the weather might throw a few curve balls, you can count on patio heaters to keep you warm.

Due to the outdoor venue, masks will not be mandated, however guests will be encouraged to wear them when not actively eating and drinking, according to Mackin. And as you’re probably accustomed to by now, people are encouraged to stay home if they’re not feeling well.

1| VALENTINE RE-MAILING PROGRAM

Add your lock own lock, or purchase one inside the Loveland Visitor’s Center.

(Photo courtesy City of Loveland)

In 2022, Loveland marks the 76th year of the Valentine Remailing Program. This year’s collector’s stamp and postmark will be stamped on every piece of mail that comes through the program. As the largest program of its kind, the city receives roughly 100,000 valentines from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Sponsors and volunteers hand-stamp every single letter that comes through.

To take part, send your addressed, stamped valentines inside of a larger first-class envelope to “Postmaster- Attention Valentines, 446 E. 29th St., Loveland, CO 805389998.”

Upon receipt, your valentines will be removed from the larger envelope and stamped before being mailed to the final destination. All mail headed outside the US must be received in Loveland by February 2; the deadline for domestic mail is February 7. Northern Colorado residents are welcome to drop their valentines off anytime through February 9 at a selection of Loveland locations.

This year’s valentine card features a beautiful watercolor

by Chris Bierdman, featuring the word “love” in various languages, along with the message “Sending Love Around The World. Happy Valentine’s Day From The Sweetheart City.” Cindy Mast wrote the verse featured inside the card: “From the Sweetheart City around the 8 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE

lake come valentine wishes for you to take. May love and joy head out your way from the heart of Colorado on Valentine’s Day.” For more details and to purchase cards visit: loveland.org/purchase-valentine-cards/

2| LOVELAND SWEETHEART FESTIVAL

The Loveland Sweetheart Festival has something for everyone, whether you’re bringing the whole family, a group of friends, or just your sweetheart. The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, February 11 and 1-9 p.m. on Saturday, February 12.

Kiddos will delight in a wide variety of entertaining options. The Kids Zone boasts oversized building bricks, games, and activities like face painting and the Little Miss Valentine and Mr. Cupid Contest.

New features for 2022 will include an LED light show, the debut of the new Sweetheart City Pub, and a new inflatable Brew pub featuring local breweries Crow Hop, Grimm Brothers and Loveland Aleworks. There will be some new ICE elements this year which may include live ice carving.

Visitors can also marvel at the Love Lock sculptures, NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM

adornments to create a romantic ambience. The display will be free and open to the public every night from 5 to 9 p.m.

For more details visit: centerra.com/event/winterwonderlights

4| VALENTINE GROUP WEDDING If the Sweetheart City is an excellent place to celebrate Valentine’s Day, it’s an even better place to say “I do” or renew your vows. With sponsorship from My Big Day Marketing and Events, LLC and support Loveland Lights remain up through February 14—a perfect end to your Valentine’s Date. (Photo courtesy City of Loveland) from Visit Loveland and the Loveland Chamber of Comthe largest of which can be found outside the Loveland merce, Loveland’s fifth annual Visitors Center. (The other heart-shaped sculpture is Valentine’s Day Group Wedding will honor love and nearby at Lake Loveland.) Purchase a lock at the Visicelebrate connection—something we all need. tors Center booth, engrave it, and then hang it on either sculpture to “lock in” your love.

The event takes place on Valentine’s Day at 4 p.m. in the For more information visit: visitlovelandco.org/sweetheartfestival

3| LOVELAND LIGHTS AT CHAPUNGU Stop by the Chapungu Sculpture Park in Centerra anytime between February 1 through February 14 and enjoy the light of love. The entire park will be illuminated in red and pink lights and decorated with sweetheart-themed

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perfect location — in front of the iconic LOVE sculpture in downtown Loveland. Register and join the nearly 300 people who have already experienced the magic of this unique event.

According to My Big Day president Christine Forster, the event has wed couples from seven different states and from all over the Centennial state. Of the nearly 300 people who have said “I do” as part of this group, she

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The Valentine Group Wedding celebrates wedded bliss, whether taking vows for the first time or renewing them—all are welcome. (Photo courtesy City of Loveland)

says “Many love the idea of getting married or renewing their vows on Valentine’s Day in the Sweetheart City of the United States. Some see it as a romantic date alternative for the holiday - something unique!” Forster recalls couples who showed up wearing all kinds of outfits, including the traditional bridal gown and tuxedo, fun costumes, and in red from head to toe. More importantly, she says, “We haven’t hosted a ceremony without happy tears yet.”

And as the pandemic continues, many of us need something happy to look forward to. “We love to be the company that helps to provide those events that bring hope and give people joy,” says Forster. Also the event is pandemic-friendly, in that the ceremony takes place outdoors and guests are never clustered together in small groups.

Tickets are $95 per couple and include your custom wedding and vow renewal ceremony, complete with background music. You’ll also receive a signed marriage certificate, Sweet B Cupcakes’ signature wedding cupcakes, a post-ceremony toast hosted by On the Rocks mobile bar, a gift bag filled with goodies from local businesses, a keepsake photo with a custom background from Exposure Selfie, a special keepsake lock (perfect for “locking your love” to the Loveland sculptures), and 10 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE

the opportunity to win a generous gift basket filled with locally sourced products.

For more details, visit ValentinesDayInLoveland.com

5| SWEETHEART CLASSIC Held Saturday, February 12 at 2:30 p.m., the Sweetheart Classic is a four-mile road race. The start line and post-race awards will be held in the heart of Downtown NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM

Loveland — right in the middle of the Loveland Sweetheart Festival (Re-Imagined) — Love, Locks, and Lights.

The course has been updated for 2022, with a significant portion of the new route taking you along the scenic River’s Edge Natural Area. Runners are welcome to run as part of a couple or come solo — you might just find your perfect training buddy on the course.

Proceeds will benefit local high school and middle school cross country programs.

For more information, visit sweetheartcityracing.com/ The Sweetheart Classic is good for the heart in more ways than one. (Photo courtesy Sweetheart Classic)

PROFESS YOUR LOVE AND RAISE A GLASS Celebrate the 75th year of the Valentine’s Day Remailing program by purchasing your special 2022 valentine at the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, the Loveland Visitors Center and other local retail locations.

Visit https://loveland.org/programs/valentine-remailing-program/ for more information.

OFFICIAL VALENTINE’S WINE Sweet Heart Winery in Loveland has produced the Loveland valentine wine – a Valentine’s 2020 Day 2022 Malbec special edition, a 2020 Malbec from Yolo County, California. Aromas of plum and vanilla greet the nose, followed by blackberry and cocoa on the palate. Only 1,600 bottles of this wine will be available at Sweet Heart Winery.

YOLO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA ALC 13.9% BY VOL

OFFICIAL VALENTINE’S BEER The Loveland Chamber of Commerce partners with Grimm Brothers Brewhouse to produce The Bleeding Heart, the official Loveland valentine beer. This year’s flavor is Peanut Butter Cup with chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

OFFICIAL VALENTINE’S COFFEE The Loveland Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Linger Coffee to produce the 2022 official Loveland valentine coffee.

The Sweetheart Blend for 2022 is a toasted almond and spice flavor and is sold at the Loveland Visitors Center.

(Images Courtesy Loveland Chamber of Commerce) FEBRUARY 2022

NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 11

COLORADO BLINDS & DESIGN Standing The Test of Time

The Team at Colorado Blinds & Design is eager to help you with your window covering needs.

Judy and Tom Magara moved Colorado Blinds & Design to Loveland in 1999.

(Phil Wegner/Reporter-Herald)

Nobody offers more choices in window fashions than Hunter Douglas.Visit our showroom and discover the vast selection of fabrics, textures, style & colors available. We provide the expert guidance you need when designing the home of your dreams.

• Blinds, Shades & Shutters • Custom Draperies & Bedding • Interior Design Services • Home Décor Thank you for voting us Best Window Coverings in NOCO

Visit our Showroom!

257A East 29th Street, Loveland Next to King Soopers in the Orchards Center at 29th & 287 Open Mon.-Fri. 10-5

Serving Front Range & Mountain Properties for 41 41 Years!

FREE

In-Home Estimates Call Today!

(970) 663-0505 (303) 359-5353

www.coloradobd.com

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NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM

Baby Name: McCrae Beyer Parents: Chris & Carissa Beyer

Baby Name: Laney Iv y Parents: Cameron & Cambrilynn Iv y

Baby Name: Dax Specht Parents: Matt & Jada Specht

We are so excited to share the three newest McCreery and Sun family members that joined us in 2021. We pray blessings upon all children born in 2021 and those expected in 2022.

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him” Psalm 127:3

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FEBRUARY 2022

NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 13

ON THIS DAY

SLEEP, BABY, SLEEP

By SARAH HUBER for Northern Colorado Life

MARCH 1 IS NATIONAL BABY SLEEP DAY Baby Sleep Day, marked on March 1 by the Pediatric Sleep Council, might be every parent’s favorite holiday – if they can get their baby to participate.

Babies‘ sleep needs differ according to age. (Shutterstock)

After all, sleeping through the night isn’t only a new parent’s REM-dream come true, it’s vital to infant health.

During sleep, infant brains form neural connections – millions per second, so each moment of sleep really counts – and recharge for a new day of learning. Physical growth and immune system development are closely connected with sleep, and babies who receive adequate sleep are calmer and more responsive when awake, according to the Pediatric Sleep Council.

Yet, what’s a caregiver with a wide-eyed baby to do? Two local experts, a specialist with Pediatric Sleep Specialists’ northern Colorado clinics and an award-winning Loveland pediatrician, offered the following tips to exhausted parents.

TRIED-AND-TRUE ROUTINES

Routine is the bedrock of healthy baby sleep, according to Dr. Mike Quintana, pediatrician at Loveland Youth Clinic.

For newborns, guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend 20 hours of daily sleep, divided into night sleep and two to three naps. Sleep 14 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE

requirements drop as children age, with babies four to six months sleeping 16 to 20 hours over 24 hours. “Around six to eight months, kids wake up,” said Quintana. “They eat, play, interact, drop off to nap.” By age one, pediatric guidelines recommend 12 to 16 hours of sleep a day, including naps.

Jessica Ballou of Pediatric Sleep Specialists noted, “Healthy babies do not require nighttime feeds after three months of age. They are able to learn to self-soothe as early as three months and definitely by six months of age. This is also when their circadian rhythm starts to develop. The effect of these changes is that they transition to sleeping more at night than during the day.”

Quintana acknowledged sleep transitions, from dropping a nighttime feeding to sleeping for longer spans, may be difficult for caregivers, who learn “on the job” about when and how to respond to a baby’s cry. Referencing the French model, in which parents expect babies to sleep in five-hour nighttime segments by three months, he said parents “should check on a baby crying in the night and if there is no medical condition, like a fever or a foot stuck in the side of the crib, they should touch and look at the baby, then say ‘good night, baby’ and head back out of the room.”

WHEN TO SEEK HELP FOR BABY SLEEP

Of course, not only does this type of sleep training take mammoth will-power for many caregivers, it may not be a good fit for some parents, Ballou said. At that point, it can be useful to reach out to a baby’s pediatrician or a

NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM

CHIROPRACTIC CARE MAY RESOLVE SLEEP STRUGGLES

Napping schedules may be especially difficult to establish. (Shutterstock)

sleep specialist for an assessment and to rule out any physical health concerns. Likewise, caregivers should seek support if a child experiences difficulty falling or staying asleep, snoring, gasping, restless sleep, sleep terrors, sleep talking or sleepwalking, difficulty waking in the morning or daytime sleepiness, Ballou said. Both Quintana and Ballou said dabbling in the myriad of “baby sleep cures” offered online is rarely helpful.

As with adults, the most commonly diagnosed sleep problem with babies is insomnia, or difficulty falling and staying asleep. Ballou often employs cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and modified extinctions therapies to treat infant insomnia and sleep onset associations. These associations, such as a parent’s presence, a beloved object or a rocking motion, can make it difficult for babies to fall asleep independently and can cause prolonged night awakenings.

For babies who are sleeping well but then experience sleep regression, returning to a schedule is essential.

Stick to consistent bedtimes and wake times, Ballou said, and put baby FEBRUARY 2022

down to sleep while awake. “This allows for babies to learn to self-soothe and to be able to fall asleep and stay asleep on their own,” she said.

SAFE SLEEP Healthy sleep demands safe sleep.

To prevent SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, babies should always be placed on their back during sleep on a firm surface without loose sheets, bumpers or stuffed animals, said Quintana and Ballou. While it may be convenient for parents to keep the baby in a bassinette in their room for the first six months, AAP guidelines recommend never co-sleeping, whether in bed or on a couch. Ballou continued, “Swaddling a baby is appropriate, but once they are able to roll, do not swaddle your baby and make sure their arms are out if using a sleep sack.”

Finally, helping baby sleep well affects the health of everyone in the home. Ballou said, “When babies are sleeping better, the whole family can benefit by allowing more sleep opportunities for everyone.” She added, “Parents should not have to tackle treating sleep problems alone.”

For some, an infant check by a pediatric certified chiropractor can stave off sleep issues or resolve the source of sleep struggles after a few adjustments. Dr. Patricia Sorbo, who owns Weld Family Clinic of Chiropractic with her husband, Dr. Erik Sorbo, explained, “The birth process can be traumatic, not only for the mother, but for the infant as well. Checking the newborn’s spine for vertebral subluxations as soon as possible can resolve these issues before they become problems.”

Crucially, babies are not simply small-sized adults, as Sorbo stated, so she urged parents to consider only chiropractors who are certified in pediatric chiropractic care and who use very light pressure.

One of Sorbo’s clients, a mom with a sleep-averse baby, said chiropractic care was a lifeline for her family. She wrote, “Before meeting Dr. Patricia, I was exhausted, terrified and overwhelmed with a colicky baby.

Sleep deprivation was making me insane. She cried nonstop and never seemed to get comfortable.” While the mom admitted she was “nervous to let someone adjust my baby,” she said, “Dr. Patricia put my mind at ease and showed that she has extensive training and experience working on kids and babies.”

NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 15

FOOD

Is your toddler a

P I C K Y E AT E R ?

Eating together as a family can play an important role in toddler nutrition. (Shutterstock)

By BARBRA COHN for Northern Colorado Life

in growth tend to correlate with lower appetite.”

“Get that yucky stuff off my plate!” That’s a typical response from Jessica Stoeckeler’s two-year-old son, Arlo.

He and his five-year-old sister love meatballs, but they won’t try new things, and getting them to eat vegetables is very difficult.

Infants tend to triple their birth weight by age one. After that, toddlers and preschoolers usually gain only a few pounds per year. And smaller kids are not going to eat as much as larger kids. In general, their appetite will be driven by their growth needs, Bruce said.

“Emme loves mac and cheese. Arlo would live on granola bars if we let him, and the only vegetable he’ll eat is cucumber. I’m worried they’re not getting enough nutrition,” said Stoeckeler.

“One of the biggest nutritional problems during toddlerhood is excess milk intake,” Bruce explained. “It’s important, but after age one milk is only there for calcium and vitamin D, and intake should be limited to 16 to 24 ounces. The vast amount of nutrition should be coming from solid food, not milk. Milk is filling, which can reduce appetite. Excess milk intake causes constipation and is associated with severe iron deficiency in young children, since milk protein inhibits iron absorption.

Dr. Robert Bruce, a pediatrician at Banner Health in Loveland, Colorado says not to worry. “Most children become less consistent eaters after age one because their growth rate slows down. Research shows that lulls 16 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE

NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM

Set a good example by offering, and eating, a variety of foods.

(Shutterstock)

“And if your child won’t eat vegetables, don’t make eating a battle because conflict at mealtimes won’t get resolved. The more we force the less they will want to eat it. Don’t make three different main courses at a meal. Balance things they don’t like with stuff they like.

It’s better to put two to three peas in front of them and praise them if they eat them. Then maybe they’ll want more,” he said.

SHOULD TODDLERS TAKE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS? Dr. Bruce does not routinely prescribe nutritional supplements because he says healthy kids generally don’t need them. He also mentioned there’s no evidence showing that high dose vitamin C intake is better than the RDA (required daily amount).

However, he says “We can do our best to encourage fruits and vegetables. But children who eat meat are consuming one of the most important food sources for a growing body. If a child doesn’t eat meat, we worry about iron deficiency. Even if a toddler is just picking noodles from bits of a dish that’s cooked with meat, they’re still getting iron.”

According to Bruce, the bottom line for parents is to have their pediatrician go over the growth chart with them so they can see that their child is growing well.

“You don’t know until you look at the growth curve,” he said. “In my day-to-day practice, the common concern I hear is ‘my child is a picky eater, what do I do?’ Parents will swear that their child has been 20 pounds for a few years. But the growth chart can demonstrate the true fact that their child is growing well, even though they are only gaining a few or so pounds a year.”

FEBRUARY 2022

Start a Youth Savings Account today!

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IS YOUR CHILD SENSITIVE TO TASTE, SMELL AND TEXTURE? • Use cookie cutters to make fun sandwich shapes.

• Put your child into a dry bathtub with a package of peas (cooked or frozen) or cooked spaghetti for a playful sensory experience.

• Make a creamy, nutritious pudding recipe with ingredients such as: avocado, banana, chia seeds, coconut milk, etc.

• Mix pureed spinach or another green into pancake batter or a smoothie.

YOU’RE GONNA LOVE YOUR NEW SMILE!

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

The following recipe is a great way to get nutrient-packed spinach into your unsuspecting picky eater.

SPINACH CAKES 2 cups old-fashioned oats 2-3 cups of chopped spinach 1 cup of your choice of milk or water 3 flaxseed “eggs” (3 tablespoons flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons water) 1 banana 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS Make flaxseed eggs by adding 3 tablespoons water with 3 tablespoons of flaxseed meal and let sit for 5 minutes to create a gel-like mixture.

Blend all ingredients until smooth.

Lightly cover a nonstick pan with cooking spray, oil or butter.

Heat pan to medium and spoon ¼ of the batter onto the pan.

Once the batter begins to bubble, flip the pancake and brown on each side.

Or, bake for 10-12 minutes at 425 degrees. Serve with berries.

P O U D R E F E E D .

C O M

Steven J. Hood, DMD

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NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 19

HEALTH

Receiving the best pre- and postnatal

PREGNANCY CARE

By DARIAN ARMER for Northern Colorado Life

Understanding what’s normal during and after pregnancy helps both mom and baby. ( Shutterstock)

I

f you’re looking for pregnancy care from prenatal to postnatal, the Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado provides care for expectant mothers and beyond.

“Everyone that is pregnant and comes to the clinic goes

From education to delivery, the WCNC can care for an

through a process to receive information from the OB

expecting mother through every stage of pregnancy and

intake counselor. This is their opportunity to ask the first

after. Their experienced physicians and certified mid-

questions pregnant women usually have. ‘What are my

wives delivered 1700 babies in 2021.

first steps? What are the best vitamins to take? Do I need

Kristin Glenn, Education Coordinator at WCNC, says

about childbirth classes?’ Part of that first appointment

they generally see women for an early OB intake as an

is also to meet with a financial counselor and look at

initial appointment to lay out what women can expect.

payment plans,” says Glenn. “After that first hour-long ap-

to supplement my iron? How do I deal with nausea? What

20 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE

NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM

“Our patients can see their provider, have all their labs done, get ultrasounds and attend classes, it’s onestop shopping for pregnancy,” says Glenn. “We have a whole education department that runs classes almost every night and weekend.”

After delivery, mom’s postnatal care should continue. (Shutterstock)

pointment they should feel really empowered and know what to expect.”

During that initial appointment, women will also determine what type of care they want. WCNC has both physicians and certified midwives. Glenn cautions women to be slow to dismiss a certified midwife from their birth plan, simply because they think it means an unmedicated or at home birth.

“Most people have this image that if you go with a midwife you’ve signed up for an unmedicated birth and that there won’t be any medical interventions available during the birth. It’s not that at all. The word midwife has gotten a different connotation. When a midwife is under a medical practice it becomes quite medically based. They have a more holistic approach to the pregnancy and have more time during the pregnancy and throughout the birth process,” says Glenn.

Midwives work in teams, with a team at both the Fort Collins and Loveland WCNC locations. They are in the same location as physicians and can quickly collaborate if need be. Glenn says physicians might be the preferred choice for higher risk pregnancies with complications such as diabetes or preeclampsia.

Once a woman has decided what type of care she would like to receive, the WCNC establishes routine monthly care, and more frequent appointments as they get closer to the due date.

FEBRUARY 2022

Classes cover topics such as breastfeeding, a boot camp for first-time dads in conjunction with CSU, a grandparenting class, even a Dogs and Babes class to prepare dogs in the family for having a new baby in the house.

“The education department has really grown to meet the needs of Northern Colorado. No one has to be a patient to attend the classes. They are open to the community.

We have scholarships and financial aid available if needed.”

Other services WCNC has to support their patients include a 4D ultrasound machine, the top of the line in ultrasounds, a lactation consultant who meets with women before and after birth to prepare for successful nursing, and a special group for women who has had a prior loss of pregnancy.

“Our early pregnancy program is for women who have had a prior loss early on in pregnancy. In this program we monitor hormone levels more closely and try to rewrite that story of pregnancy loss. Often, we can’t know what happened after, but if they’re in this group we can watch closely and try to prevent it,” says Glenn.

For the actual births, providers go to UCHealth facilities to deliver. Care doesn’t end at delivery, though. Providers continue to see women in the weeks after birth.

“Our providers are really in tune for assessing postpartum depression. If they need additional resources for counseling we can make referrals out to the mental health world,” Glenn says. “We also have a breastfeeding support group that is virtual right now. We continue to assess where women are with their health, hormone levels and birth control options.” womensclinicnoco.com

NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 21

OUTDOORS

SAFER WINTER RECREATION for the family

By ANDY STONEHOUSE for Northern Colorado Life We Colorado residents see the wintertime outdoors as a huge opportunity tyy for fun and adventure for the entire family, unlike folks in other parts of the country who hide out until spring.

And An n while some 2.1 million folks here and across the world may have invested in the Epic Pass for their alpine skiing addiction, there are plenty tyy of other less expensive wintertime recreation options, many of them right here in Northern Colorado.

Families who are into snowshoeing, wintertime hiking, Nordic skiing or even ice fishing can take part in those

activities in parks and public lands, as well as accessing some useful information to help prepare for a safe and exciting outing – no matter what the weather.

Jason Clay, public information offi fficer fi for Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Northeast Region, said that there are now some very robust digital tools to help you plan your next self-guided trip.

“For families/people looking for places to recreate, our offi fficial fi trail app, Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) is a free web and mobile

Build your Nordic skiing skill set at Eldora’s Nordic Center. (Photo courtesy Eldora)

22 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE

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Figure out what your kids’ interests are and build on those – that way you can be successful. trails application utilizing over 39,000 miles of public trails in Colorado,” Clay said.

“Residents and visitors can use COTREX to discover and navigate trails on federal, state, local and private lands with public access. Additionally, COTREX is built for all trail users, including hiking, mountain biking, equestrian riding, and motorized recreation.”

The COTREX system, available online at trails.colorado. gov or through the Apple and Google app stores, offers instant information about weather, trail rules for you and your pets, as well as lengths and difficulties of outings from River Bluffs trailhead to trail systems on Masonville’s Bobcat Ridge. As a portable app, it’s also a useful tool to help get your bearings while out in the field, and can let you know if trails are closed due to weather or poor trail conditions.

2901 S 27th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631

Fort Collins’ Natural Areas department also offers its own information on its trail conditions through its website, fcgov.com/naturalareas/. That’s where you can get real-time webcam information about parking and live weather updates on many of its 52 city-administered parks and properties, which total more than 37,600 acres.

You can also call the on-duty Ranger for more specific information, at (970)416-2147.

Zoe Shark, public engagement manager for Natural Areas, said that strategizing for success is probably the biggest consideration when consider a wintertime outing with your kids, especially if you haven’t done so in the past.

“Keep your expectations low and try to keep the experience positive, and bring treats,” Shark says. “Driving an hour and a half to go out in the wind and cold might not be the best approach, so we’d suggest to build those hikes or outings gradually. Figure out what your kids’ interests are and build on those – that way you can be successful.”

Like their alpine skiing friends, Nordic skiers also have

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NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 23

Th he COTREX app alllows you do view trails, weather and even download maps before you set out. (trails.colorado.gov)

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at least 20 official groomed and well-maintained skiing areas in High Country spots like Frisco or Leadville’s Tennessee Pass, and across the state. Somewhat closer to home, the Eldora Mountain Resort’s Nordic center provides a 40-kilometer system of trails for both skiers and snowshoers, with night races held in January and February. The Grand Lake Nordic center and Granby’s Snow Mountain Ranch/YMCA of the Rockies are other options, provided you want to brave the skiing highways.

(If you do, be sure to check out www.cotrip p.orgg, the state Department of Transportation’s equally mobile guide to weather, closures or those long, long weekend drives on I-70 and US 40.)

More adventurous families can also consider the Never Summer network of yurts in State Forest State Park near Walden, which require reservations.

There are also limitless opportunities for family-involved backcountry skiing in the Northern Front Range, but each season seems to bring news of an avalanche tragedy, so participants need to be particularly aware of the complex set of rules, precautions and safety equipment

required to navigate those unregulated slopes – even for experienced skiers. Colorado Outdoors, the official podcast of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, hosted a backcountry winter safety discussion with trails coordinator Ben Plankis and Michael Haskins, a park ranger at Chatfield State Park, both participants in backcountry search and rescue teams. Look for their Jan. 21, 2021 episode on your favorite podcast service.

As a different idea for the family, you can also consider ice fishing, seemingly the official wintertime activity of people from the Upper Midwest. Durable, weatherproof ice fishing sheds are now an in-demand item, so many of them having been ordered for outdoor use at restaurants during the pandemic, and fishing equipment is easy to access.

As with any wintertime activity, as CDW’s Clay notes, ice fishing comes with a particularly important set of safety regulations – and he suggests checking out the Ice Fishing Safety guidelines at cpw.state.co.us. Two inches of ice or less, stay off.

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NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 25

MEET THE

BABIES of 2021 FORT COLLINS

FIRST Place

Northern Colorado certainly welcomed some beautiful babies into the world in 2021.

Our readers from each city rose to the challenge of sending the cutest photos of their little ones and you all voted for your favorites among them.

Congratulations to all of our winners!

AIMEE JOHNSON BORN: June 10, 2021 at McKee Medical Center in Loveland

HOLDEN VAN NOSTRAND BORN: October 14, 2021 at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins

PARENTS: Shelby and Mitch Johnson

PARENTS: Briana and Justin Van Nostrand

OSIRIS MARTINEZ BORN: March 27, 2021 PARENTS: Vicky Martinez and Edwin Dominguez

LEONIDA VICTORIA DIMAS

OLIVIA LUZ AGUIRRE

BORN: March 17, 2021 in Fort Collins

BORN: November 18, 2021

PARENTS: Brittanie Stewart and Mihail Dimas

PARENTS: Elyse and Gus Aguirre

26 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE

NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM

GREELEY

FIRST Place

KAPRI KAY CHACON BORN: May 15, 2021 in Greeley PARENTS: Geoffrey and Amy Chacon

OLIVER LEE ERICKSON

GABRIELLA LYN RIPPETH BORN: March 7, 2021 in Greeley PARENTS: Jonathon and Jacklyn Rippeth

BORN: August 29, 2021 at Greeley Medical Center in Greeley PARENTS: Joshuah and Tessa Erickson

MARIELLA ELENA RAMOS BORN: July 10, 2021 at UCHealth Greeley Hospital in Greeley PARENTS: Domonique and Bryan Ramos

LEOPOLD OTONIEL RIVERA JR. BORN: June 3, 2021 at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley PARENTS: Leopold Rivera and Amanda Salazar

Sponsored by:

FEBRUARY 2022

NOVALEE MAE VARGAS BORN: September 20, 2021 in Greeley PARENTS: Vargas and Maria Peña

NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 27

LOVELAND

FIRST Place

VERA LYNN ROBERTS BORN: May 26, 2021 in Fort Collins PARENTS: Erin and Eric Roberts

MYLES DEENEY

JAXON MAGILL BORN: January 12, 2021 at McKee Medical Center in Loveland PARENTS: Kyle and Cherish Magill

BORN: June 18, 2021 at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland PARENTS: Kenzie and Colton Deeney

QUINTON PEASE

BORN: July 29, 2021 PARENTS: Kathy Giansiracusa and David Pease

JACKSON GAGNON BORN: March 24, 2021 at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree PARENTS: Rebekah and Chad Gagnon

HARLEIGH KREILING BORN: October 30, 2021 at Banner Fort Collins Medical Center in Fort Collins

Sponsored by:

28 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE

PARENTS: Nicole and Michael Kreiling

NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM

EMOREE JAY GREGG

WINDSOR

FIRST Place

BORN: November 6, 2021 at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins PARENTS: Bradee and Cody Gregg

MARSHALL SMITH

BORN: December 7, 2021 at UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital in Longmont PARENTS: Taylor and Amber Smith

JILLIAN PAIGE O’BRIEN BORN: August 30, 2021 at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland PARENTS: Fallon Glasser and Cameron O’Brien

LUELLA JAYNE LESSMAN

BORN: October 27, 2021 at Banner Fort Collins Medical Center in Fort Collins PARENTS: Kaylee and Alexander Lessman

KENNEDY SCHOENHOFER BORN: August 24, 2021 at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland

WYATT ANTHONY HOLLINSHEAD

BORN: July 10, 2021 at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland

PARENTS: Erica Nagel and Jake Schoenhofer Sponsored by:

PARENTS: Gabriella and Mark Hollinshead

FEBRUARY 2022

NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 29

MONEY

SMART IDEAS:

Investing in your children’s future with Youth Savings Accounts

By EMILY KEMME for Northern Colorado Life

to learn why it’s a good practice to save for the future,

W

eld Community Credit Union has a goal: to create a positive experience for customers of all ages when they walk through the doors of their financial institution. As a member-owned cooperative with a mission to provide financial services based on the philosophy, “People helping people,” an essential pillar of that mission centers on educating youth to be financially responsible, independent adults.

and understand how to manage money.

Because the accounts are family oriented, the youth clubs offer age appropriate activities that foster engagement, and kids gain a solid understanding of where their money Families are welcomed at Weld County Credit Union. (Photo courtesy Weld County Credit Union)

“We make it fun for our youth to come in and deposit money; it gets them into the habit of coming into the credit union,” WCCU marketing director Jolene Yates said.

Encompassing a belief that it’s never too early to start saving money, WCCU has an account to fit every family’s needs. Two levels of youth accounts offer opportunities

30 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE

is going. All accounts require joint ownership with an adult over age 18.

For kids 12 and under, after opening a new account they receive a piggy bank and kid’s cash (called Monkey Bucks) to collect and save. Young adults ages 13-17 can open a Student Club account, which includes eChecking.

This level provides access to WCCU’s online banking system and mobile banking app.

It’s all about creating excitement for banking while educating kids on how finances work, Yates said.

NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM

Age based Youth Club activities are accessible through WCCU’s newsletter. The youngest group, Coin Collectors (ages 0 to 5) can play easy counting or coin identification games. Currency Captains (ages 6-12) are assigned math problems, and the Credit Champions (ages 13-17) can download Zogo, a free smartphone app which breaks down complicated financial topics into modules to educate young adults about financial l iteracy.

Students go through the tutorial, then they’re quizzed in five questions on what they just learned.

The idea is while they’re learning, Starting a savings account early is a good practice to teach money mangement. (Photo courtesy Weld County Credit Union)

“Students go through the tutorial, then they’re quizzed in five questions on what they just learned. The idea is while they’re learning, they’re earning,” marketing specialist Kristen Campbell said.

Students completing the modules earn pineapples to trade for gift cards. Youths involved in the early childhood programs can earn kid’s cash after completing activities and making deposits. Cash may be exchanged for treasure chest prizes.

Yates believes banks can be intimidating places for young people. That’s why WCCU has a playhouse in the lobby, and kids are encouraged to get to know the tellers when they make deposits. In turn, tellers make it a fun, interpersonal transaction, rewarding kids with stickers and playing counting games with fake money.

they’re earning Campbell harnesses the power of social media with educational articles

about savings and teaching by example. The program encourages children to help other people by donating back to a cause. Many families participate in the Salvation Army Angel Tree, where a child buys a gift for another child and brings it to the credit union for distribution.

WCCU also offers savings accounts and certificates of deposit with a lower minimum deposit rate to get started. Typically the minimum is $500; for children under 18 the minimum deposit is $100. College IRA savings accounts are available, too.

Yates sees the Youth Club program as being in the bank’s best interest. “The more we teach the youth today, we have members that are financially responsible.

The newsletters educate on why savings are good practices and get the entire family involved.

It’s a win-win.”

“Young kids get topics to discuss with their parents, which might include ideas for age-appropriate chores so kids can earn when working around the house,” Yates said.

stop in at 2555 47th Avenue, Greeley, or call (970) 330-

To learn more about Weld Community Credit Union,

FEBRUARY 2022

9728.

NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 31

MIND+BODY

BREASTFEED OR FORMULA? No choice is wrong, but breastfeeding provides many benefits to both mom and baby

or

Breastfeeding vs. formula feeding is a very personal decision for a new mom. (Shutterstock)

By LUANNE KADLUB for Northern Colorado Life A new mother is faced with many decisions on how to raise her newborn and at the top of the list is how to feed her baby.

While some moms choose to feed their newborn formula — and there’s nothing wrong in doing so — breastfeeding offers many benefits for both mom and baby.

Another benefit is if the mom had COVID, Omicron, or the vaccine, she’ll produce antibodies in breastmilk that will help her baby’s immune system.

As for mom, the benefits are many, including an improvement in vascular health, a decrease in Type 2 diabetes, and a decrease in reproductive and ovarian cancers.

While pediatricians recommend feeding newborns exclusively breast milk for the first six months, there is no “right” or “wrong” length of time, with many moms breastfeeding until they return to work and others for a for a year or longer.

Jennifer Hoover, a lactation consultant at the Women’s Clinic, said the greatest benefit for breastfed babies is that they’ll have lower rates of allergies, asthma, childhood illnesses, upper respiratory infections and ear infections.

“Any days of breastfeeding is beneficial,” Hoover said.

“This doesn’t mean they won’t get ear infections, but you could see fewer infections,” she said.

Regardless if you feed formula or breastmilk, solid food should not be introduced until six months, experts say.

32 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE

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or

Each method of feeding an infant has its own set of variables and neither is without difficulties. (Shutterstock)

Breastfeeding, however, is not always as simple as putting baby to breast. Sometimes baby — and mom — need a little help getting the ball, err milk, flowing.

One of the first steps, regardless of how the mom plans to feed her baby, is to begin the bonding process with skin-to-skin contact.

WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP Professional consultants offer a broad range of services, according to Parents Magazine, which include everything from teaching a new mom how to position her baby on the breast to giving her tips on how to increase her milk supply or handle a breast infection.

“Within the first 24 hours, the baby is very sleepy,” said Sarah Johnson, NOCO Women and Infant Services Director, which makes it the perfect time to initiate skinto-skin contact for moms, dads or significant others.

The Women’s Clinic notes on its website (womensclinicnoco.com/ /services/ /breastfeeding g-sup pport) that the following circumstances all warrant a call to a lactation consultant: • Baby does not wake to feed or mother is unsure of infant feeding cue.

Skin-to-skin contact also stimulates a hormone that helps the mother produce milk, Johnson said.

• Baby continues to lose weight beyond day three of life.

Not everything always goes as planned when it comes to breastfeeding, however. Some babies latch on immediately and others need help.

• Mother is experiencing nipple pain, bruising, damage or breast pain.

• Mother is concerned that she is not making enough milk.

“The most common problems are difficulty for babies to latch on and resulting pain. Both problems are very fixable, and best to fix early in the game,” Johnson said.

She also noted that a breastfeeding classes aren’t just for moms. “Partners come to breastfeeding classes to learn what’s normal and what not, and to be better support.”

• Mother with previous breast surgery.

This all sounds good, but when should you contact a lactation expert? Before birth or after birth?

• Mother and baby have been discharged with a supplementation, three-step or other supplemental or pumping plan.

FEBRUARY 2022

• Mother feels frustrated or wants to discontinue breastfeeding.

• Mother is experiencing uncomfortable breast fullness or engorgement.

NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 33

One reason some new moms forgo breastfeeding after 6 weeks (for maternity leave) or 6 months is the issue of public breastfeeding or the workplace is not conducive or welcoming for pumping.

When out and about in Colorado, it is legal to breastfeed in public, be it at a restaurant or park bench. No need to hide in the ladies’ restroom.

What moms should not do is cover up baby when they are in public, Hoover said, because the baby loses the all-important eye contact with mom and there is the very

real possibility the baby could suffocate.

“Some people are offended that moms breastfeed in public,” Johnson said. This is why she shows new moms ways to arrange their clothing to be as discreet as possible without losing eye contact with her baby.

“If I had a message,” Hoover said, it’s don’t worry what other people are doing to feed their babies.”

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES • womensclinicnoco.com/services/breastfeeding-support • bannerhealth.com/locations/greeley/ north-colorado-medical-center/maternity • uchealth.org/services/womens-care/ pregnancy-childbirth-newborn-care/breastfeeding-support

• nocobreastfeeding.org

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HOME

It’s time to CLEAR THE AIR

By KATHLEEN DUFF for Northern Colorado Life

“When I first got into this trade, indoor air quality wasn’t even mentioned. In the last 15 to 20 years, though, we’ve had a lot of changes,” Richard explained. Airborne particles such as dust, mold, pollen, formaldehyde and pet hair can impact a person’s lungs and nasal passages.

Cold and flu viruses, including COVID-19, also can be transmitted in the air. But new technology is addressing some of those concerns.

Heating and air conditioning units are basic elements in most houses, but homeowners are now demanding more from their systems to ensure the air they breathe inside

Health conditions such as asthma, allergies and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease demand cleaner air. Richard said calls about mitigating COVID-19 fell off after the first 6 months of the pandemic, but plenty of customers still seek tools to reduce irritants and viruses in general.

their homes is clean and free of particles, allergens and even viruses.

Northern Colorado Air, Inc. has provided HVAC services along the Front Range for nearly 30 years. Today, the locally owned company now offers humidifiers, purifiers, filters and systems that help improve their customers’ health as well as comfort.

“You’re going to spend more time at home now more than a few years ago. We spend about 60 percent of our day indoors ... definitely in the winter and with more people working from home,” said Jeff Richard, general manager of Northern Colorado Air Inc. “And it’s important to have the right amount of humidity and air quality.”

36 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE

Northern Colorado Air carries the iWave system that uses positive and negative ions in a forced-air furnace to kill viruses and other biological contaminants. The manufacturer says the system can reduce the COVID-19 virus by 99.4% in about 30 minutes.

Another approach is the REME-HALO whole-home air purification system that uses ultraviolet rays to eliminate viruses and contaminants. The maker says it is 99.9% effective against the COVID-19 virus.

Richard said “the Cadillac” of home systems is the Lennox PureAir system, which uses a filter, UV light and a catalyst. The system provides HEPA or High Efficiency Particulate Air filtration that can match standards set by NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM

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hospitals. Richard said he installed a system in a home he and his family formerly lived in, but then they moved to a new home without the system. Within three months, he noticed his children’s allergies returning with a need for medication, so he added the Lennox PureAir to his newer residence, as well.

The system require modification to ductwork and annual maintenance to replace the filter, UV bulbs and catalyst.

“It can be expensive to maintain, but what is also expensive is having to go to doctors and buy medications because of allergies.”

Not all homeowners want to install new air systems in their homes, but Richard says even small steps can have big benefits.

“There are a lot of choices to improve air quality. In the old days, 20-plus years ago, the filter was there to protect the furnace,” he said. But advances to dense, poly-fiber filters now focus on cleaning the air. Older systems had 1-inch filters, which were adequate, he said. Next came pleated filters that work well to trap allergens and particles from the air. Richard suggests checking these filters monthly for those who have pets or quarterly, otherwise.

Another step up is media filters, which range from 1 to 4- or 5 inches deep and can be changed every six months to a year. Media filters come in MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ratings, which measure quality of filtration from 1-20, with the higher rating considered most effective. Richard said these filters can contain up to 95 feet of filter and are carbon-coated to remove odors plus particles.

FEBRUARY 2022

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Most importantly, Richard said homeowners should keep their system blowers on all day to ensure that the air-filtration system is most efficient in keeping indoor air clean and healthy.

He added, “You don’t have to change the world. We are happy to help with ductwork and filtration changes, of course,” he said. “Honestly, get a nice, pleated filter and wait until you can afford (another system). We are not high pressure people.”

ANOTHER HOME-HEALTH CONCERN

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in the soil, also remains a concern for Colorado homeowners because of its potential health hazard.

The odorless, colorless and tasteless gas doesn’t cause short-term symptoms, but it is a carcinogen estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

High radon levels - more than 4 picocuries per liter - have been found in all parts of Colorado. The gas seeps into homes from the soil via cracks in foundations or walls, spaces between the basement walls and the slab, crawl spaces, openings around sump pumps and drains, among other routes. The age or type of home isn’t a factor when it comes to whether high radon levels are present.

For information on how to test for and mitigate radon, visit CDPHE.Colorado.gov/understanding-radon.

NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 37

COMMUNITY

HUNT for the HEART

A Great Way to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Sweetheart City 38 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE

NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM

Left: The 2021 Heart. Right: Dan Moyer (right) with the 2021 winners, Mike Albrecht and Bill Thompson.

By KATIE FEINDEL for Northern Colorado Life

W

hat better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year in the Sweetheart City than with a scavenger

hunt? This fun event is back by popular demand, on the

can also be greatly credited with keeping this Hunt for the Heart Scavenger Hunt going year after year. It’s about the community coming together to celebrate its heritage and pride in the Sweetheart City and in the sweetheart month!

That, and it’s just downright fun for all ages.

heels of a now 23-year tradition.

To participate, just look for clues daily in the Loveland Reporter-Herald beginning February 6 and then get out there and “hunt” for the heart. Clues will be presented in

Hunt for the Heart’s local sponsor is Metric Motors since taking over 3 years ago after the previous main sponsor stepped down. Along with their sponsorship, Metric Motors provides the majority of the prizes.

an advertisement for the hunt in five consecutive editions.

The hunt runs through February 13, though if the heart isn’t found or there are other extenuating circumstances, the contest may be extended.

In case you were wondering: yes, it is a heart-shaped object you are looking for and if you find it, there will be

Owner of Metric Motors, Dan Moyer was pleased to take on this role because he has always been very communityminded. “Part of my decision to sponsor was I wanted to help keep it going. It’s such a great Sweetheart City event and it has been around so long, I wanted to support it,” he explained.

prizes. Winners will also be featured in the Reporter-Herald. Don’t worry, the “hunt” is user friendly and anyone can find the heart— just watch for clues in the paper daily, put them together and correctly guess where the heart is hidden.

You might be wondering how a simple event like this has had the decades of longevity it has. Well, it has long been a joint effort between the Reporter-Herald and a local sponsor—currently, Metric Motors. Dedicated readers FEBRUARY 2022

Metric Motors has been voted the No. 1 Vehicle Repair Shop in the Reporter-Herald’s Readers’ Choice awards for 10 years in a row. The shop has been around since 1976 and Moyer has owned it since 2005. He’s proud to be a local business owner and an important part of this event.

“Loveland is a great community [in which] to be in business. When businesses put their name on a local event like this, and play a sponsorship role—I love it when it’s a local business. I wanted my company to be a part of the NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 39

HUNT FOR THE HEART SCAVENGER HUNT RULES • The heart is in an area that is open to the public.

• Do not dig below the ground’s surface.

Snow may have to be brushed aside to reveal the heart.

• The heart is hidden so that climbing is not necessary.

• You may have to look on the ground or around trees, bushes or other natural growth.

• Stay away from ice. You don’t need to enter any water.

• Employees of Metric Motors, and the Loveland Reporter-Herald, their distributors, carriers and immediate family members are not eligible.

• The contest ends at 11:59 p.m. on February 13, 2022.

local community and this event is great,” Moyer said.

Without his generosity, the Hunt for the Heart would not be what it is: a fabulous way to get outside in the fresh air with friends and family, solving a puzzle based upon clues and winning prizes—if you can find it! But, remember this is a local Loveland event so clues will only appear in the Reporter-Herald.

Brothers-in-law, Mike Albrecht and Bill Thompson solved the clues and won last year’s grand prize. Albrecht and Thompson found the heart next to a rock on the north side of the bridge on Westside Trail, just south of Eisenhower Boulevard. They received a generous gift card from Metric Motors and many more goodies for their efforts. In 2020, Army Chaplain Stephen Prescott and his wife Chelsea won while they were on leave in Loveland. This year, it could be you.

So, start watching for clues every day in the Loveland Reporter Herald starting February 6. Hunt for the Heart is a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and get to know the local community a little bit better.

THE CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE, AND THE PRESERVATION OF THEIR HEALTH IS OUR DUTY Providing Healthcare for Northern Colorado Children Since 1975 Michael Quintana, MD Rachel Konda-Sundheim, MD Claire Moore, C-PNP

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40 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE

DIGITAL REPLICA EDITION

Access an exact copy of the printed Reporter-Herald on any device, any time, anywhere.

GET STARTED, VISIT: REPORTERHERALD.COM

CLICK ON TOOLS < E-EDITION

NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM

CALENDAR

WHERE TO GO and what to do

Celebrate love—of the special people in your life, food, wine, or even your home—with all of these delightful events around Northern Colorado this month and the next. We’ll find you something to do incorporating nearly every interest.

65 ROSES FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Now - February 28 Reception February 11, 6-9 p.m.; Independence Gallery, 233 East 4th Street, Loveland National and local artists donate paintings of roses and other rose-themed art with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Artwork donated makes an excellent Valentine’s gift for an excellent cause. For those who prefer to shop in a contactless environment, heck the Independence Gallery Facebook page.

—independencegallery.com

Loveland Sweetheart Festival 2020. (Courtesy Loveland Sweetheart Festival)

NOCO GROCERY GRAB Now-April 3 Partners brings the energy of the classic TV show, Supermarket Sweep, to Northern Colorado—complete with cameras! Enter a raffle for the chance to win a shopping spree of up to either $1000, $750, or $500 at Lucky’s Market in Fort Collins. Then on April 3, winners will have a limited amount of time to grab whatever they can (with a few hidden prizes along the way).

Tickets will be on sale at nocogrocerygrab.com until midnight March 31 and the drawing for winners begins Friday, April 1, at 10 a.m. on Partners’ Facebook Live.

Winners will also be posted on the NoCo Grocery Grab website within 24 hours.

FEBRUARY 2022

Proceeds go to help Partners fulfill its mission to empower youth and community members to achieve their full potential through mentoring, prevention education, and strategic partnership.

— nocogrocerygrab.com

LOVELAND SWEETHEART FESTIVAL February 11, 5-9 p.m.; February 12, 1-9 p.m.; Downtown Loveland,Foundry Plaza

Bring your favorite sweeties for free family-approved fun including a special effects light show, live entertainment, the Palace of Sweets, kids zone, Tunnel of Love, interactive art projects, Loveland Pub and Beer Hall, food trucks, Sweetheart Classic race, and the Little Miss Valentine and Little Mr. Cupid contest. The festival features something for everyone!

— visitlovelandco.org/sweetheartfestival NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 41

GREAT PLATES DOWNTOWN March 1-14; Locations throughout downtown Fort Collins Foodies are e ncouraged to “Dine. Discover. Donate.” during this unique dining opportunity. Over 30 participating restaurants will showcase a special menu just for Great Plates. Just tell your server that you’re dining for Great Plates and enjoy. Check out the Great Plates Restaurant Guide to view the $25 and $2.50 (not including tax, tip, or donation) specials available e xclusively from March 1 – 14. You get a great meal and the Food Bank for Larimer County gets 100% of the proceeds.

— downtownfortcollins.com

NORTHERN COLORADO HOME & GARDEN SHOW March 4, 12-5 p.m.; March 5, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; March 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Island Grove Event Center & Exhibition Hall, 501 N 14th Ave., Greeley

SWEET HEART WINERY’S ANNUAL VALENTINE AND WINE PARTY February 14, 6-9 p.m.; 5500 W. Highway 34 Loveland

Sweet Heart Winery pairs up with Mainstreet Catering for three glasses of wine at three different stations of hors d’oeuvres, plus a dessert station to satisfy that sugar craving set to a backdrop of live music—perfect for your Valentine’s Day date.

— sweetheartwinery.com

For 38 years, Greeley Tribune’s Home & Garden Show has brought together landscapers, home remodel, repair and maintenance companies and the like, to connect to the community.

The 2022 Home & Garden Show has two buildings full of exhibitors ready to connect with you and assist in any remodeling to your home or overhaul on your landscape!

It will also offer beautiful Feature Gardens, displays you won’t believe until you see them in person, a Kid Zone, a Pet Zone and MORE! — nocohomeandgardenshow.com

2022 OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS

February 26, 1 and 7 p.m., Rialto Theater 228 E 4th St., Loveland For over a decade, ShortsHD has proudly brought the Oscar Nominated Short Films to audiences across the globe. This exclusive release features the year’s most spectacular short films, available on the big screen before the Oscars!

The 1 p.m. showing features animation and live action categories and the 7 p.m. showing features documentaries. Tickets grant access to both showings and are available at rialtotheatercenter.org.

THE HIGH PLAINS LANDSCAPE WORKSHOP March 5, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m, Virtual Event The High Plains Landscape Workshop, Inspiring Hope: Planning for Tomorrow’s Garden, presented by Fort Collins Nursery is a one-day educational opportunity for inspiring smart home garden design. Hosted by the Gardens on Spring Creek in partnership with the City of Fort Collins Utilities Department and Colorado State University Extension, proceeds benefit The Gardens on Spring Creek.

—gardensonspringcreek.org

42 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE

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