Longmont Magazine March/April 2023

MARKETING AND PUBLICATIONS EDITOR

Misty Kaiser kaiserm@timescall.com

303-473-1425

MARKETING & ADVERTISING FEATURES COORDINATOR

Greg Stone gstone@prairiemountainmedia.com

303-473-1210

VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING & ADVERTISING

Jill Stavolemos jstravolemos@prairiemountainmedia.com

303-473-1420

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Elise Oberliesen, John Teehan, Andy Stonehouse, Shelley Widhalm, Adam Goldstein, Linda Thorsen Bond, Brittany Anas, Emma Castleberry, CONTRIBUTING

Tim Seibert, Jonathan Castner

Welcome!

If you’re a long-time reader welcome back! If you’re seeing us for the first time, we welcome you, too.

For those who know us, you may notice that things look a little different in this edition. Everyone needs a makeover once in awhile and since we’ve made a few other changes this year, it was time. For starters, we’re showing up in your mailbox instead of your paper. Changing the way we’re delivered allows us to reach a much larger audience- roughly tripling our readers. It’s kind of a big deal.

To that end, we wanted to fill these pages with the local people and places that you care about. We want to engage and support the community with topics that are both relevant and timely.

Since we’re headed into spring and warmer weather, many homeowners are looking to start sprucing up their homes We thought we’d introduce you to some folks and businesses around town who are experts in home improvement projects. After all, even the most die-hard DIYer needs a hand now and then.

While the days grow longer, we encourage you to sit a spell, peruse our Home and Garden edition and gather some ideas before summer is fully upon you

And, we hope to see you back in the next edition!

T A V T A G O E HOMESPUN INFLUENCE OF BUDGET HOME SUPPLY

with

By Elise Oberliesen

Photos by Tim Seibert

Vernetta Angelo splits her time as a successful real estate broker and marketing director at Budget Home Supply, a local home improvement and lumber supplier. Vernetta also goes by “mom” to her 17-year-old son, and 11-year-old daughter. She works closely with her husband, Sean, vice president at Budget Home Supply and expressed her gratitude for his support

QUESTION: How do you manage all of your roles in both business and home life?

ANSWER: My husband Sean and I are a strong team We couldn’t do our roles without each other, which is similar to how my parents worked together when they started Budget Home Supply. Sean keeps me grounded with what’s going on at Budget. And if we don’t have time for discussions in the store, we talk at home

Q: How does working at Budget Home Supply influence your work with real estate clients?

A: The lumber industry dictates real estate prices If lumber goes up in price, the builder carries the cost over to the buyer By knowing when lumber prices are going up, it helps me in real estate because I can let my clients know about price fluctuations and Sean keeps me informed about lumber pricing Of course, interest rates and supply and demand also affect prices All of these factors combined have a domino effect on the selling price of new construction and existing homes for sale.

Q: What kind of influence have you had at Budget that pushes beyond the norm?

A: We hold different events like “Ladies in the Lumber Yard” in the fall. That’s been a cool influence because ladies are sometimes intimidated to come into the lumber yard At this event, women can

“ When we brainstorm... I want to give another point of view that brings more fun to our events.

Vernetta Angelo, real estate broker and marketing director at Budget Home Supply

walk through the aisles, ask questions, talk to vendors, and enjoy a glass of wine. If I was a man I would not have put my heart and soul into an event like this.

Q: How do you come up with such creative ideas for events?

A: When we brainstorm...I want to give another point of view that brings more fun to our events. Like at our trade show, one year I organized a comedian to be flown in for the event. Contractors attended the usual seminar and then the comedian gave a performance afterwards On March 2, at our next event we will have booths and vendors, a car show in the indoor lumber yard, BBQ, and DJ. This is how you build a family atmosphere that also builds relationships. Our people at Budget take care of the nuts and bolts of the business and I try to help with the feel of it all

so our contractors feel like family. It doesn’t always have to be about business, we can talk about everyday life we don’t always talk lumber.

Q: How do you manage stress?

A: I get overwhelmed Like when I’m helping coach my daughter’s basketball practice and I’m driving white-knuckled to practice. I think to myself, ‘how will I get all of this done?’ Then, after the practice, I’m in a different mindset, more relaxed and I realize it will get done. Maybe not as fast, but it will get done because my mindset eases up These are important moments, this is what life is about

Q: How does your upbringing with Budget Home Supply influence your real estate business in the St. Vrain Valley?

A: I grew up in a hardware store and lumber yard. Sometimes an employee

would pick me up from school. Growing up in all of that and seeing the changes in the building industry over the years. For example, I see all the fab products, colors used in homes today, I have a lot of knowledge. I know if there’s engineered floors vs. hardwood, solid stone countertops, or Corian, that’s likely to scratch. Sure, real estate agents know this stuff but I’ve known it from day one Another example is when people started paying attention to radon risks, we already had radon contractors buying supplies from Budget. It allowed me to educate real estate buyers and sellers on the costs of radon mitigation systems That’s where growing up in the building material industry gave me another level of knowledge I share with real estate customers.

Vernetta takes her job home with her, styling her home with a beautiful contemporary style

AHOME n For Convenience and Cost Savings

By John Teehan

Home automation is a rapidly increasing industry that enables homeowners to control many parts of their homes with the push of a button, voice commands, or a smartphone Products offer a wide variety of advantages, including energy cost reductions in the area of use as well as enhanced security

Products that automate home systems can make life easier. Homeowners can devote attention to other tasks. Smart appliances, for instance, can be programmed to begin activities such as cooking or washing at predetermined times

Smart home assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa can manage tasks such as arranging reminders and appointments, playing music, providing weather updates, and more

Cost and Energy Savings

The ability of home automation devices to reduce energy use is among its most significant advantages For example, smart lighting systems can switch off the lights automatically if a room is unoccupied. This helps save both power and money Similarly, smart thermostats, such as those offered by M and M Heating,

Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical in Longmont, can learn routines and adjust the temperature when people are away or asleep. This can result in significant energy savings because the HVAC system won’t be working when not needed.

Automated window treatments can take advantage of color radiation and save homeowners energy especially during the winter. Cameron Miller of Imagine More & Decor notes, “Programmable window shades or blinds can help regulate the temperature within a home, so there is minimal heat loss in the winter and more efficient air conditioning during summer. Our Longmont showroom offers highly regarded window cover-

Home automation has many benefits

ing brands such as Hunter-Douglas and Lutron and home automation products from Control4, Brilliant, Ring, Google Nest, and more ”

Increased Safety

Another advantage of home automation technology is increased safety Homeowners with smart security systems can monitor their property using their mobile devices This allows them to call emergency services or contacts when needed Smart locks may also be used to manage who has access to a residence and when.

People with limited mobility may benefit significantly from using automation products. For instance, voice control allows those with dis-

abilities to operate aspects of their houses, like lighting without physical interaction. Because many smart home devices respond to voice commands, anyone experiencing an emergency can call for help without having to use a phone

Yard Work Made Easier

When thinking about home automation, people often think about smart devices used indoors. Some exciting technology is becoming available for managing the outside of a home as well

Lawn sprinkler timers have been around for a long time

The problem is that a timer isn’t aware of weather and watering needs, especially after rain Sprinkler systems now come with weather and soil sensors, remote monitoring, and maintenance alerts.

And when it’s time to cut the grass, the Stihl iMow Robot

Lawn Mower can take care of it and free up time. Ryan Brown of Longmont Outdoor Power points out that a Stihl iMow can be installed in just a few hours This includes the power docking station and the perimeter ground wires It can then be programmed to optimize mowing pattern, cut height, and more Regular use also keeps the lawn from developing too much thatch. These mowers tend to only need maintenance every one or two years and come in different models depending on your needs and the size of your lawn

The Time For Home Automation Has Come

Home automation products provide homeowners with various advantages, These benefits will likely expand as technology progresses; as a result, you’ll probably see more home automation devices come on the market, making life easier and more affordable

The Stihl iMow takes care of cutting the grass while you relax

R. R. “GRIFF” GRIFFIN, OWNER “You

It Saw It Saw It

Hand-blown glass is a beautiful addition to any home. It’s not only art, but it’s functional as well Pitchers, vases, drinking glasses are all useful pieces made better by their handcrafted nature. At Ambrosia Glass Art in Longmont each piece is uniquely made, so you never see exactly the same thing twice These items are available online, but for more selection, visit them in person

PURELY ORNAMENTAL

When you think of hanging ornaments, you probably think Christmas Tree But, these decorative ornaments are meant to be on display year-round The Terrarium (left) ornaments would look lovely hanging in front of a window scattering colored light around the room, or hanging from an ornament display hook in anywhere.

CHEERS!

Artfully designed drinking steins make any bar better! Available in a wide array of color, shape and pattern, you can coordinate with almost any color palette or preference.

Art of Influence America: Part II

Beautiful Minds Darkness & Light

D SIGN T S N

By Misty Kaiser

According to the design blogosphere, minimalism is on its way out. In its place you’ll see bold choices everywhere Colors are rich and saturated Look for pattern in everything from floors to furniture Think eclectic comfort rather than stripped Bohemian That modern sense of eclecticism leads to more personalized spaces with many still seeking out vintage pieces or refurbishing the things they already have.

Many homeowners are looking for a refresh from the ground up and flooring options are rising to meet the challenge. New, more durable options in wood and carpet compete with trendy tile for homeowners attention.

In this section, we’ll dive a little deeper into what trends are on the rise. If you’re feeling like your home could use some help, here it is: go with what makes you happy and your house will be happy too.

HARDWOOD

GET THE LOOK...

Designers at Family Carpet

One Floor & Home are happy to help you determine the right flooring for your lifestyle. Order up to six samples to compare before committing to your style.

Family Carpet One

1401 Ken Pratt Blvd.

Suite B

Longmont

720-378-8927

familycarpetonelongmont.com

Hardwood is still a go-to choice for flooring. It’s durable, adaptable and classic, yet still leaves room for personal styling. This year, designers point to lighter shades and patterns like herringbone or chevron as style trends that are catching on in new homes and remodels alike

Floors in pale sandy tones make spaces feel bright and open They coordinate with almost any design preference making them endure as other trends come and go That’s not to say that darker oak and walnut shades are falling by the trend’s wayside. That’s part of what makes wood floors so appealing; styles age much more slowly

This year you’ll see pattern in everything from walls to furniture to floors and hardwood is no exception. Floors laid in herringbone or chevron patterns echo European villas and amp up the elegance in your space

Hydrotek H2O’s Anchor Warf in Desert Sand is perfect for those looking for modern simplicity featuring waterproof technology that make it ideal for busy homes (Courtesy Family Carpet One Floor & Home)

White oak set in a herringbone pattern creates a feeling of movement in this room.

FURNITURE

GET THE LOOK...

Unique pieces make a room feel more personal and interesting.

The matchy-matchy aesthetic of decades past seems to be gone for good and Sunflower Furniture provides contemporary furniture choices you won’t find elsewhere

Sunflower Furniture

927 Main St.

Longmont

720-518-7177

This year has curves A callback to midcentury modern, we’ll be seeing a lot of natural materials and soft organic curves in furniture from sofas to tables lamps and rugs Curvilinear shapes increase flow through a room, making a space feel more dynamic and lively.

Colors and materials drawn straight from nature bring a little of the outdoors in Breathe natural energy into your home by seeking out earthy tones of blues, browns and greens in natural fibers and wood.

If you’re looking to update your rooms, the most important consideration is to keep it personal Find pieces you love for an eclectic, individualized look Careful consideration extends the longevity of your choices. sunflowerfurniturelongmont.com

The Remark upholstered sofa and Nutshell lounge chair from Sunflower Furniture feature trendy organic lines and an earthy tones while the bentwood Polaris coffee table accents the room with a rich walnut veneer (Courtesy Sunflower Furniture)

The Studio wood center table comes in 15 different wood finishes to complement your decor (Courtesy Sunflower Furniture)

TILE

GET THE LOOK...

Carpet Masters in Longmont carries every flooring option from luxury vinyl, to carpet to, yes, tile. Whether you ’ re looking to keep it simple or amp up your style, they can guide you to the perfect choice for your home

CARPET MASTERS

618 S. Sunset St.

Longmont

303-651-2407

carpetmastersofco.com

Tile has continued to grow in popularity as a flooring choice and not just for kitchens and bathrooms Many homeowners are choosing to carry tile floors throughout their homes. Tile is easy to clean and maintain and it’s exceptionally durable making it an easy choice for homeowners with kids and pets.

Tile has gone from basic to haute In 2023, expect to see geometric and graphic patterns explode into home design. For those who are a little more conservative in their choices, large format tile with very little grout line will make a modern splash in any home Much like hardwood flooring, pale sandy shades in porcelain or even stone, will be at the top of trend lists

Large format tile has continued to gain in popularity as a choice for whole-house flooring.

Graphic pattern can apply to the shape of the tiles themselves. Dark grout helps this pattern pop. (Courtesy Carpet Masters)

Bold graphic tiles are having a definite moment, from floors to walls. (Courtesy Carpet Masters)

KITCHENS

GET THE LOOK...

Redesigning a kitchen isn’t a DIY project. Consulting with professionals is a good idea for many reasons The pros at Budget Home Supply are there to provide you with the latest trends and styles to choose from while keeping your space functional.

BUDGET HOME SUPPLY

780 Boston Ave. Longmont

303-678-8800

budgethomesupply.com

A mix and match approach to kitchens is right on trend for 2023 In this kitchen, solid quartz pairs with a concrete bar. Matte black fixtures set off the stainless steel stove surround and two tone cabinets create visual interest

Solid white cabinets are always a classic choice, but if you want a trending update, colorful cabinets like blues, greens and even rose-tones are at the top of interior design wants this year Mixing them with off-white or darker stained woods is even better These dark charcoal stained cabinets blend with pale grey making the cabinets feel more like individual furniture pieces And speaking of furniture, adding furniture-inspired elements like table-style legs to lower cabinets is spot on.

Custom details, like the pot filler and double faucets seen here, are popular trends in kitchens as well.

In this kitchen, designed by Budget Home Supply, we see several of the hottest kitchen trends come together. (Tim Seibert/Longmont Magazine)

Refreshing your home has the potential to be an expensive endeavor Especially when you start taking new furniture into account Luckily for the budget conscious, mixing upcycled vintage with new items is a top design request.

Design bloggers cover every aspect of refinishing your own furniture. The possibilities are as varied as the individual pieces Do you just want to polish it up a bit or take it in a completely new direction? How about a new decorative finish? Modern farmhouse or mid-century modern? If that all looks far too intimidating or the ideas for your own pieces just won’t come, it may be time to consult with a professional Some interior designers, like Layered Design Concepts lend their expertise to help incorporate your existing pieces with newer ones for an overall update. You may also be able to find someone locally, like Eli’s Originals, who will do custom refinishes with a bit of direction from you

These examples of updated vintage pieces from Eli’s Originals show what can be done to breathe new life into furniture that you already own. (Courtesy Eli’s Originals)

Layered Design Concepts offers a variety of design services, including a Creative Maker Consult, to help you develop a plan for your home projects.

(Courtesy Layered Design Concepts)

CARPET

GET THE LOOK...

If your carpet is looking a little worse for wear, it might be time to replace it. The showroom at Aesthetic Flooring lets you browse through a wide variety of samples before making your choice AESTHETIC FLOORING

4350 State Hwy 66

Longmont

970-316-5643

aestheticflooring.com

Carpet is making a comeback

With new, more stain resistant options, natural fibers and a wide array of patterns, some homeowners are drawn to the soft warmth of carpeting for living spaces

Of course, we’re seeing echoes of the pattern trend common in other areas of the home Primarily, patterns are woven into the texture of the carpet, but for those who want to get bold, carpet tiles are a wonderful way to experiment with colorful patterns and can often be mixed for an original creation Largely though, the trend in paler neutrals for flooring continues on into carpets, with the bolder colors and graphics being laid over in rugs that are more easily changed when the mood strikes.

Natural and sustainable fibers like wool or seagrass are also hot on trend for 2023 and lend themselves to the neutral color palette

Pale neutrals in a lower pile smoothly pull together decor

Subtle patterns woven into carpets are very on trend

COLOR

LG InstaView MoodUP refrigerator with Viva Magenta. Owners of the 4-Door French-Door model can mix and match colors to their personal aesthetic, with more than 190,000 possible color combinations available.

KitchenAid announces its fifth annual Color of The Year: Hibiscus. Available today for the Artisan Stand Mixer and K400 Blender, Hibiscus is the vibrant beauty of nature, crafted for your countertop.

Benjamine Moore’s Raspberry Blush is, “a vivacious shade of coral tinged with pink, this electric hue is the definition of charismatic color.”

Vivid and dynamic, Pantone 18-1750, or Viva Magenta, set the stage for everything pink in 2023.

We’re seeing the world through rose colored glasses in 2023. If you think you’re seeing a plethora of pink, you are not mistaken. Colors of the year range from the soft rosy tones of Sherwin-Williams Redend Point to the hot pink of Pantone’s® Viva Magenta Every shade of pink seems to be having its moment

Pantone’s® anticipated annual Color of the Year influences everything from fashion to home goods. Design junkies can collect Color of the Year merch, like the espresso mug above, straight from Pantone® They can also look to companies like LG and KitchenAid® , following trend with their own splashes of color As 2023 progresses designers are expecting to see pinks incorporate in other decor items as well, just in time for spring and summer Warming up to this particular trend doesn’t have to mean painting your room in Raspberry Blush Any shade of pink counts this year and can be pulled into throw pillows, blankets or even rugs Even vases of pink silk peonies or tulips bring the varying shades to life. Place settings and stemware are excellent ways to put pink on the table and brighten up a dinner gathering.

Redend Point, Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year (sherwinwilliams.com

Money-Saving Home Upgrades

By Andy Stonehouse

Interested in helping to cut down on your ever-increasing Colorado power and utility bills? There are a variety of steps you can take to help deal with rising costs and add a bit of environmental-efficiency at the same time.

ConsiderAC alternatives

Yes, last summer was the hottest on record, and if you’re already concerned about another sweltering Colorado summer, Jeff Richard of Northern Colorado Air says you might consider some new options. You may be surprised to learn that the old-fashioned standby, evaporative coolers, have become less and less effective, thanks to Colorado’s population growth

“Evaporative coolers used to work great around here and were more efficient, but as summers have become more humid in the Front Range, they don’t work as well,” he says “When we had a climate more similar to Arizona or New Mexico, they worked wonderfully, but now that there’s so much development and water used for landscaping, they don’t perform as well And while they are more efficient, use less water and are less expensive overall, they’re also bad in fire season as they draw smoke and allergens directly into your house ”

Air conditioning technology has become more energy efficient, as well as offering HEPA-grade air filtering, but Richard says he’s also keen on some new alternatives Split systems that

are supplemented by individual-room evaporative/refrigerated units are becoming popular. There’s no duct work required and they provide quiet, discrete cooling that works in zones.

Richard says this winter’s big gas bills also have produced lots of interest in heat pump systems, which can provide high-efficiency electrical heating through the fall months

The “Rock and Hell” strip demonstration garden at the Natural Resource Building. (CSU Extension)

Make energy-efficient upgrades

If you’re one of many Coloradoans living an older home, you’ve discovered that vintage buildings usually have inefficient vintage features. Outdated single-pane windows, older appliances and insulations issues can all lead to bigger bills

The federal Energy Star programs offer incentives – in the form of tax credits, plus the resulting long-term utility savings – to upgrade to energy efficient appliances and make energy-saving building upgrades. You’ll see the Energy Star labels on household appliances

As part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, federal tax credits of up to $3,200 a year are available if homeowners invest in improved insulation, better doors and windows, heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, as well as electrical panel upgrades

Homeowners can also access the Residential Clean Energy credit, offering a 30% tax credit for investments in solar, wind or geothermal energy equipment, plus heat pumps and electrical battery storage. There’s also been an extension of the Federal Solar Investment Tax credit, allowing a 26% tax credit for systems installed this calendar year And, the Colorado Solar Sales Tax Exemption means there are no state sales taxes on the purchase of solar equipment.

Solar systems typically cost between $13,000 and $18,000 to install But in addition to the tax incentives, new systems are typically so efficient that you can be credited to feed the power you don’t need back into the electrical grid through the net metering program.

Ditch the Kentucky bluegrass

At long last, many folks are becoming aware that the highdesert climate of the Front Range is not an ideal spot for the kinds of landscaping you might find in rainier parts of the country. Xeriscape gardening and using plants, shrubs and grasses native to the state, allows homeowners to create an attractive environment that’s not dependent on heavy watering

If you’re looking for ideas, visit the demonstration gardens around the Natural Resource Building at the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont. The project, part of the CSU Extension program, features a Plant Select garden, which tests out which plants are best suited for the Front Range There’s also a native plant garden, a grass, crop and pollinator garden and the “Rock and Hell” strip garden, which shows how even the most dry and difficult areas around a parking lot can become lush spots, with the appropriate plants

- Tuition-free K-8 public charter school

- Colorado and National "School to Watch”

- ngmont's premier science and technology school

- Hands-on Collaborative learning

Grasshopper zero-turn mowers are built to last and outlast, delivering the same picture-perfect cut season after season. That’s why so many Grasshoppers are passed down from generation to generation.

VETERANS COMMUNITY PROJECT

Helping Longmont Vets Find Housing and Support

By Adam Goldstein

Creating a sense of community is central to the mission of the Veterans Community Project (VCP).

Fairly new to Longmont, the nonprofit founded in Kansas City in 2016 has always been about supporting veterans. Simple conversations among a group of combat vets morphed into an organization that provided care, resources, and, perhaps most importantly, housing for all veterans, no matter their experiences and no matter how they were discharged.

Over the past seven years, the organization has developed a unique model in Missouri, centered in

a walk-in outreach center and a “VCP Village,” a planned tiny home community designed to help veterans transition from homelessness to permanent housing

The facility boasts a success rate of around 85%, much higher than other national organizations with similar missions

Longmont VCP Village ground breaking (Veterans Community Project)

In 2019, VCP officials began working with representatives from Longmont to try to recreate that success in Colorado The reason they selected Longmont at the site of the organization’s first expansion site was simple: “It was all about community collaboration That community piece is very important to VCP, and we found that in the leadership at the municipal level at Longmont,” said Jennifer Seybold, Executive Director of the Veterans Community Project in Longmont She pointed to the buy-in from community members like HMS Development partner Kevin Mulshine, who served on the first committee That ultimately developed into the donation of approximately 2.5 acres to host the VCP village “All of our Longmont partners were very supportive Kevin donated the land. The city waived the fees and tried to move things along faster It’s been an incredible community collaboration,” she added

Progress has been rapid since the process began about four years ago.

VCP’s Outreach Center provides a support to veterans in and around Longmont, is open at 1228 Main St It offers resources ranging from food and hygiene kits to healthcare referrals, case management and military documentation services

“We have a center that’s been functioning since 2020,” Seybold said “People can walk in anytime and get support. That walk-in center is where all of our services start ”

The second tier of support

the VCP

Village – is well underway and slated for completion sometime in the second quarter of 2023 Ultimately, the village located off Nelson Road will include 26 tiny homes The 3,000-square-foot village community center is set to open its doors within the coming weeks.

Volunteers and contractors are hard at work on finishing the components of the village, a set of 340-square-foot homes designed to accommodate individuals and families.

“The Tiny Homes are built 70% by community volunteers, with specialty components constructed by qualified contractors,” Seybold said. “We have 21 units for individuals. We have five units set up for families – up to seven people ”

When the construction is complete, that will translate into housing for about 50 people, she added.

More than the specs of the tiny homes, more than the total number of individuals served, this is about creating a community that offers support and resources to veterans of all backgrounds, Seybold added.

“We’re really intentional in how we define veteran A lot of organizations aren’t able to serve vets who weren’t honorably discharged. We don’t have that,” she said. “Not a lot of people realize that there are nine different types of discharge Many folks who aren’t in that honorable group aren’t receiving services

“Our goal is to fill the gaps that aren’t being filled by VA services and others, to give every veteran an individualized plan for success,” she added

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When finished, the VCP Village, located off Nelson Road will include a set of 340-square-foot homes designed to accommodate individuals and families.

(Veterans Community Project)

OUTDOORS

K T N I H G N Limited space and time? Try a

Our difficult Colorado soil may need amendment for the best results in your garden Flower Bin offers gardeners a wide selection of amendments and staff is happy to advise on their use.

By Emma Castleberry

Photos by Jonathan Castner

Do you like the idea of harvesting your very own homegrown vegetables, but you simply don’t have the time or space to care for a full-fledged vegetable plot? One of the most beautiful things about gardening is that it can be scaled to meet your needs If you’re a busy person with limited resources, a kitchen garden might be a perfect way for you to supplement your seasonal vegetable consumption

The kitchen garden is a low-maintenance, easy way to generate some of your household vegetables without much effort or space. “It is not intended to produce enough for canning or freezing, just day to day consumption,” says

Kim Jackson, annuals greenhouse manager at The Flower Bin Garden Center

The basic tenets of success remain the same regardless of your garden’s size “Take into account how much sun or shade your area will have,” says Jackson. You’ll also need to consider if you will use containers or if you have space for a small plot; how much time you have to tend your garden; and which vegetables you can grow that you will enjoy and know how to prepare “Most veggies and herbs are easy to grow and the best ones for you will be the ones you will eat,” says Jackson. Research and proper planning are the best ways to ensure your kitchen garden thrives

“Kitchen gardens can supplement and provide

fresh produce during the growing season,” says Kristen Anderson, horticulture program specialist with CSU Extension Boulder County and coordinator for the county’s Master Gardener program “They’re beautiful in their own way, but not usually considered ornamental gardens. Edible landscapes incorporate vegetables and herbs into more traditional ornamental gardens for the best of both worlds and great use of space ” And that space does not have to be significant – Anderson says anyone with room for a flower pot and some decent sunlight can have a kitchen garden “Herbs count, too,” she says

If you have a little more outdoor space, large containers on a patio or porch can work for certain varieties of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers Lettuces can also thrive in a window box or raised bed container. “It’s all about making the most of your space and putting the right plant in the right place,” says Anderson “Do your research and understand the needs of each particular crop before

investing your time and money Can you consistently provide the right light, temperature and water?”

When planning out a calendar for your kitchen garden, mid to late March is the best time to sow crops like greens, root crops and peas. “These need to go in the ground where they’ll mature since they don’t generally like to be transplanted,” says Anderson “Tomatoes are always popular, but they can be more complicated Read the description of each variety to help find the one that will fit your space and harvest expectations. Tomato and pepper seedlings can be transplanted outdoors in late May, but could need protection from our unpredictable Colorado weather ”

Whether you’re a veteran to the kitchen garden or a completely new gardener, the CSU Extension’s Grow&Give website is a hugely helpful resource, chock full of garden plans, crop-specific information, season extension tips, and even locations for donating your extra produce “Grow what you like and what you or your neighbors will use,” says Anderson “Take notes for next season about what worked and what didn’t, and enjoy getting your hands dirty with delicious results.”

For more information, visit growgive.extension.colostate.edu.

Testing your soil is a good place to start your kitchen garden journey

TIMES COLLABORATIVE The

combines commercial kitchen with coworking advantages

Heather Marvin of Boulder County tired of working at home, but she couldn’t find a commercial kitchen-coworking combo, so she created her own

Marvin also likes history and when the former Times newspaper building came up for sale in Longmont, she found the perfect place for The Times Collaborative

“It provides a space where people can be inspired by their surroundings, both in coworking with other members and also by the aesthetics,” said Marvin, founder and owner of The Times Collaborative

Marvin worked in consumer package goods for 10 years and in 2017 went on her own as a business consultant She missed the interaction of being in an office, plus wanted to avoid the distractions of home She also wanted to access a commercial kitchen to make samples, present products and meet with clients

By ShelleyWidhalm

Photos by Nathan Venzara

The former two-story Times building, which had been converted into retail and residential space, fit her needs

“I was looking to create a space that wasn’t the typical drywall and cubicle office environment,” Marvin said. “I wanted to bring historical aspects of the building and thought that would be great to integrate into our branding as well ”

The Times building was built in the 1870s and w home of the Times until 1931 when it merged wit Call to become Longmont Times-Call Some of t paper crates with Times on them remained, and Times sign is still outside the building. There’s a brick walls and tiles “reminiscent of the early 190 vibe,” Marvin said.

Marvin structurally and mechanically renovated Times into an office, conference and coworking opening The Times Collaborative in March 2021 6,500-square-foot building has 10 private offices conference rooms, a commercial kitchen that ac as a commissary, nine dedicated desks and up to drop-in coworking desks Those desks can be ren month-to-month or on a daily basis

“It doesn’t require a membership to drop in,” Ma said

Heather Marvin creator and owner of The Times Collaborative enjoys a morning cup of coffee and an evening glass of wine

The first floor is an open room that can become a private and public event venue on nights and weekends with space for up to 85 people The Times Collaborative has a liquor license and hosts public events like concerts, shows and seated dinners other organizations can also rent the space for events.

One of The Times Collaborative’s events is the Happy Times & Co. happy hour the second Friday of the month, which is a public event with rotating food and drink specials and a deejay currently Rising Tiger Co provides the catering and DJ Drake Entertainment, the music

“We get to play with different popup menu and drink specials to give Longmont a reason to see what we’re doing,” Marvin said

Five chefs, including Rising Tiger, are using the commercial kitchen, which is 300 square feet on the first floor with easy access for loading and unloading and direct sales to customers The chefs use the kitchen as a commissary, producing products for farmers markets and popup events like farm-to-table, chef tastings and private caterings The kitchen also can be rented for one-time use

Besides working with food, members represent other industries like real estate, technology and nonprofits

The members and drop-in workers have access to snacks and drinks, free Wifi and private call rooms, and

The Times Collaborative hosts special events like Jazz at The Times

members can participate in member events. An office rental includes a limited number of hours of conference room and event rentals, plus a parking pass

Coworking is more flexible than a traditional office space rental, which can require a 3- to 5-year contract. Coworking became popular about 15 years ago, increasing in trendiness following the COVID-19 pandemic when remote work became more accessible Workers, though, grew tired of working at home, the drain of being alone on a daily basis and interruptions of family life and pets

At the same time, more coworking spaces started opening as several businesses began giving up their brick and mortar spaces and gave their employees stipends to seek additional space. Locally, coworkers and remote workers can find those

spaces all over the Front Range, such as DeskChair in Loveland and several options in Boulder and the Denver area.

“People started to feel the need for community and connection with other individuals,” Marvin said. “Being able to physically and mentally shift out of that space into a work space is a great benefit It allows you to move out of the brain space of being home to the time and commitment of work time.”

Plus coworkers from different industries talk and share ideas, Marvin said.

“It allows you to see trends outside of your space to see what might be coming down the pike in other industries or inform people of what you see in their industries,” Marvin said “For me personally, I feel more

invigorated around other people I feel like I have a better mindset to complete tasks ”

HAPPY TIMES & CO.

MONTHLY HAPPY HOUR

SECOND FRIDAYS, 4:30-7:30 P.M.; THE TIMES COLLABORATIVE, 338 MAIN ST., LONGMONT

Meet up with old friends and new for a new monthly happy hour series featuring DJ Drake, drink specials, and delicious food by Rising Tiger Bar will be serving beer, wine, and cocktails (thetimesco.com/longmont-co-events)

Find Hyper-Local Dishes at Niwot’s Farow Restaurant

By BrittanyAnas

Photos by Jonathan Castner

The menu at Farow, a relative newcomer to Niwot’s restaurant scene, reads like a seasonal greatest hits list with co-owner and chef Patrick Balcom rotating dishes based on what’s available. Think: parsnip latkes with apple chutney, fennel and sage-crusted pork chops and rutabaga cacio e pepe with black truffles headlining the restaurant’s mid-winter menus.

Come summer, it’s time for the stone fruits to shine, along with Colorado bass layered over summer squash, gazpachos and cherry rhubarb shortcake

A point of pride for the restaurant? Roughly 90% of the restaurant’s

ingredients are sourced from within a 10-mile radius, which underscores Farow’s ethos that local and seasonal foods simply taste better

Patrick Balcom and his wife Lisa, an acclaimed pastry chef, both bring their extensive restaurant and hospitality experience to the so-called table at

Farow Before opening in Sept 2021, the couple drew inspiration from Boulder County’s bountiful farms

“We have access to so much grain, butter, dairy, cheeses and meats it’s something that’s pretty special,” says Lisa Balcom, who even sources the restaurant’s flowers from a local farm.

Patrick and Lisa Balcom, chefs and owners of Farow in Niwot.

The menu at Farow includes seasonal selections that showcase Colorado fare

Farow guests will also find freshly milled flour in their homemade breads, locally raised meats from ranchers that prioritize regenerative agriculture and produce from farmers paid fair wages

The restaurant’s signature burger, for instance, is made with Buckner Ranch beef, topped with cheddar, pickles and onions and served with steak fries The restaurant brings in produce from local farms, like carrots from Longmont’s Jolly Radish that are then roasted with a touch of honey and served with a spiced yogurt, toasted pepitas and cilantro chutney

From the famous daily rotating focaccia bread to artisanal pasta to desserts crafted by Lisa Balcom, nearly everything is made in-house by Farow’s culinary team Definitely save room for dessert, too, with sweet treats like a chocolatebanana tart and vanilla bean crème brûlée with cara cara oranges. In the summer, Lisa Balcom loves getting creative with peaches.

“There’s nothing better than a Palisade peach, and I love to play with those in summer pastries,” she says.

Farow which is upscale with elements of fine dining service, yet still has a relaxed feel has won several awards, including the Slow Food Snail of Approval for a commitment to ethical sourcing

Lisa Balcom creates world class pastries to satisfy your sweet tooth

Patrick Balcom thinks of the cuisine as modern American, while recognizing that America is a melting pot, so the farm-to-table dishes really draw from all over the world. Regulars love that every week there’s something new to try

The Balcoms also launched Pie Dog, a new delivery and pickup-only pizza concept that operates out of their kitchen They make pizzas with fresh milled flour, a simple tomato sauce and melty mozzarella that’s imported from Puglia, Italy Every pie is fired in a gorgeous pizza oven that was left from the restaurant’s previous tenant, Lucky Pie.

A community restaurant, Farow also hosts monthly bar classes, like one focused on Italian amaros and another where guests will learn how to create their own signature cocktail. The classes are capped at 15 people and tickets are sold on Eventbrite

Looking forward, Farow is also planning to partner with local farms for a summer dinner series, with four-course meals served with wine pairings, plus welcome cocktails and farm tours

Amaro is a fabulous swap for Campari, and especially this Amaro dell’ Etna as it has really bright orange undertones combined with bitter herbs and roots,according to the Farow team It plays nicely with whiskey and is super fun to drink when the weather cools off

Save the Date

Want to know where to go and what to see in Longmont? Look no further! We’ve gathered events of all varieties in one place, just for you.

Longmont Home Show

March 24, 12-6 p.m.; March 25, 10 a m - 5 p m ; March 26, 11 a m6 p m ; Boulder County Fairgrounds

9595 Nelson Rd., Longmont

Colorado’s homeownership rate is 0.76% above the national average and 66.3 % of Coloradoans owned their home in 2022, according to iProperty Management.

And folks in other 33 7 % are probably dreaming about owning a home right now Homeowners and dreamers will find 70-100 vendors who have cool new things that make a house a home.

Nationwide Expo Digital Marketing Manager Kelly Bishop said, “Our goal is to invite everyone in the Longmont area and give the whole town a chance to save and gather ideas for all things ‘home ’ We provide a cost-effective marketing solution for businesses and give them the opportunity to get their brand in front of thousands of locals ”

The presenting sponsor is Lifetime Windows, and at their booth people can get free in-home consultations and review the many design styles they have.

Bishop said, “There will be some exclusive deals that people can only get at the Home Show and they may have giveaways for attendees You’ll find fun promotions, even gift cards, or sometimes even something as big as a home remodel. Of course, children can come and enjoy the Home Show too. A lot of the times the vendors have candy or fun swag items to keep kids entertained while they talk to their parents. And admission is FREE.”

For more information call 800 201 HOME (4663) or go to longmonthomeshow com, Facebook: @LongmontHomeShow , Instagram: @LongmontHomeShow

Queer & Nerdy Game Nights

Wednesdays, every 2 weeks; Various locations in Longmont

Hosted by Prideful Wellness Self Care Center, Queer & Nerdy Game Night is a fun way for Longmont and BoCo LGBTQIA+ adults to make new friends and connect within the community Board games, cards, dice they play them all (pridefulwellness com/events)

Duality: Contemporary Works by Indigenous Artists

Now - May 14; Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Rd Longmont

Nationally-recognized activist and artist Gregg Deal (Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe) guest curates this contemporary Native American art exhibition presenting the work of locally and nationally-known Indigenous American artists. The exhibition showcases paintings, ceramics, sculpture, beadwork, video, and more (longmontmuseum org)

Den Plays with Strangers

First Thursdays, monthly, 6-9 p.m.; Bootstrap Brewing Company, 142 Pratt St., Niwot Come enjoy Denny Driscoll and friends making music at Bootstrap Brewing

Eric Wiggs

March 8, 6-8 p m ; Rosalee’s Pizzeria, 461 Main St , Longmont

Head to Rosalee’s on Wednesday Night for Square Dancing with Eric Wiggs and $2.95 Square Cheese Slices as long as the music plays! (rosaleespizzeria.com)

Flatirons Chamber Music Festival

March 10, 2:30 p m ; Stewart Auditorium

400 S Quail Rd , Longmont

The Flatirons Chamber Music Festival brings professional musicians from around the world to Colorado. Through vibrant collaboration and rich community engagement, they strive to bridge divides between performers, composers, and audience members.

(longmontmuseum.org)

EMPTY BOWLS 2023

Saturday, March 11

NEW LOCATION!

Trail Ridge Middle School,1000 Button Rock Dr ,Longmont

OUR Center is excited to announce its 20th Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser on March 11

This year it will return to its traditional soup luncheon, featuring delicious delights from up to 20 local restaurants and caterers As always, you will have hundreds of beautiful bowls to pick from, made especially for the 2023 Empty Bowls event.

A silent auction will feature some of the most fabulous and interesting bowls. Purchase tickets or sponsorships at ourcenter org/product-category/empty-bowls/

Boulder County 4-H

Family Carnival

March 11, 11 a m -6 p m ; Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd., Longmont

This annual fundraiser will feature more than 25 booths of low-cost, family-friendly games, concessions, small prizes and a silent auction to support local youth programming Entrance is free! (facebook.com/events/559918572741684/)

Second Annual Epic

Formal Wear Boutique

March 26, 11 a m - 1 p m ; Longmont Library, 409 4th Ave , Longmont

Open to 6th-12th graders only All genders and bodies welcome; Browse the pop-up shop in the Teen Space, located within the Children’s and Teens’ Library! Thanks to generous clothing donations, we are able to offer Longmont teens gently-used dresses, suits, and accessories, for Prom, or other formal events! Please use east entrance off of Emery St No registration necessary and all outfits are FREE!

To Donate: Donate your very gently used evening attire suitable for teenagers including dresses, skirts, tuxes, suits, bow-ties, dress slacks, sports coats, etc. (Most need of non-dress items, like suits and tuxes.) Clothes must be dry cleaned with dry cleaning tags attached. Drop off donations at the Children’s and Teens’ reference desk from: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Mondays-Thursdays,9 a.m.-. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1-5 p m on Sundays Last day to donate is March 19!

Sacred Art of the Powwow: An Evening of Native American Music and Storytelling

March 30, 7 p m ; Stewart Auditorium, 400 Quail Rd , Longmont

Attend this breathtaking showcase of Native American dance accompanied by local Powwow drum groups, traditional Native American flute, and storytelling featuring Red Feather Woman and members of our local Native artist community (longmontmuseum.org)

Underwater Easter Egg Hunt

April 1; Longmont Recreation Center, 310 Quail Road, Longmont

Search for Easter Eggs in the Leisure Pool at the Longmont Recreation Center during Recreation’s annual underwater hunt Space is limited and registration is required. An adult (16+) must be in the water to support youth ages 5 and under. All ages and abilities welcome No walk-ins (longmontcolorado.gov)

Colorado Pint Day

April 12; Various Longmont area locations

Colorado Pint Day is a time-honored tradition that has reached cultlevel status with beer lovers flocking to participating breweries every year to purchase Colorado Pint Day limited edition glassware $1 of each pint glass sold will be donated to the Colorado Brewers Guild This year’s theme is the Great Colorado Road Trip (coloradobeer org/ colorado-pint-day/)

Earth Day Celebration

April 22, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Rd.,Longmont The Museum teams up with Sustainable Resilient Longmont to celebrate Earth Day at this annual community gathering featuring 20+ environmental education booths, hands-on activities for kids, and special events for all ages highlighting sustainability and environmental issues, including a panel discussion on alternative energy Free admission reservations recommended. (longmontcolorado.gov)