THE KID S AND PETS ISSUE
The Kids and Pets Issue
As the summer starts to wind down and we move into August, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the last few months. These days that are filled with family time and summertime fun are the memories we get to cherish throughout the year. As the school year approaches we look forward to new beginnings and the excitement of new friends, teachers, and experiences.
This transitional phase of the year tends to tow nostalgia along with it. As we try to squeeze out the last drops of summer fun before watching our kids start a new grade level, it allows us to slow down and appreciate every moment.
So, if an end of summer trip is on your calendar or you’re spending these last few weeks of summer break in the comfort of your home, we’ve put together an issue that will entertain and maybe even give you an idea, or two, on how to spend some time with your family. Our pages are filled with adorable animals, an inspirational program working to help kids in our own city, a business with something to celebrate, a craft for the family, and a behind-the-scenes look at a production at the Candlelight. We hope you have as much fun reading this issue as we had putting it together! Thank you for your continued support and readership.
JAHNA & JASON EICHEL, PUBLISHERS @FORTCOLLINSCITYLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHERS
Jahna Eichel | jahna.eichel@citylifestyle.com
Jason Eichel | jason.eichel@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Macey VanDenMeerendonk | macey.v@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Morgan Henderson morgan.henderson@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Matthew Hart | matthew@thecreativeagencyco.com
PHOTO EDITOR
Henry Magarotto | henry@thecreativeagencyco.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Tony Deyo | tony@thecreativeagencyco.com
STAFF WRITER
Allie Bellows | allie@thecreativeagencyco.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
The Creative Agency | hello@thecreativeagencyco.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Allie Bellows, Macey VanDenMeerendonk
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
RFK Timberline photography team of Megan Ellis and Charles Walsh, Ben Bradley Photography, Light Owl Photography August 2024
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
Where Pilates Meets Community
Pets of Influence
Beyond Summer Camp
city scene
1-7: The Running For Hope! 5K on June 15 was an inspiring day in our community and for Hope Lives! The Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Support Center. With the help of 190 enthusiastic participants and community members, over $10,000 was raised to support breast cancer patients in Northern Colorado. From ages 4-85 years old, the Running For Hope! 5K proved that nobody fights breast cancer alone.
Photography by Light Owl Photography
8-14: The 2024 Foxes season was one to remember. It featured some exciting events including a visit by the U.S. Military WarDogs which included a flyover and the city’s first ever drone show. Under new ownership, the Foxes set an attendance record in 2024. With family entertainment as the focus at each game, the Foxes were a highlight for Fort Fun this summer. Photography by Ben Bradley Photography.
WHERE PILATES MEETS COMMUNITY
Celebrating six years of Club Pilates Front Range Village
ARTICLE BY MACEY VANDENMEERENDONK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE CREATIVE AGENCY
With the belief that ‘Pilates is for everybody,’ Club Pilates Front Range Village strives to create an atmosphere that is inclusive and geared towards forming relationships while improving health. September marks the six-year anniversary of this location and celebrates the efforts towards community building that they’ve brought to the Fort Collins fitness community.
“Our team here feels like a friendship. We all care about each other and everyone’s success stories.”
- Tamara Wenck
With a focus on relationships, rather than just fitness, Tamara Wenck, Club Pilates Front Range Village’s general manager, has seen the bonds and relationships form between instructors and members throughout the years.
“I used to be an instructor before I became general manager and it's a different aspect when you get to know [members] from within the class – you get to know them personally,” Wenck said. “With the bonds that we've created and being able to see them in their introductory class and now years later, we get to see the difference that has been made and just feel proud.”
With a community-centric approach, Club Pilates Front Range Village celebrates their members and
teammates successes. If a member or instructor achieves their goals, then everyone at Club Pilates Front Range Village comes together to celebrate the wins as if they are their own.
“Our team here feels like a friendship. We all care about each other and everyone’s success stories,” Wenck said. “The close connection has made us strong, and we all support each other.”
Throughout their six years in Fort Collins, Club Pilates Front Range Village has provided a space that welcomes newcomers while fostering relationships with long-term members. When they first opened their doors, Pilates was starting to make waves as a popular fitness program in the area.
With its popularity booming, Club Pilates Front Range Village strived to create a space that encouraged people to try something new.
During the pandemic, virtual classes were offered and are still available on their social media platforms, that continued their mission of supporting their community and providing a space of encouragement. Their dedication to guiding their members in health and wellness never slowed during a challenging time.
To celebrate their contributions to the fitness and wellness community in Fort Collins for the last six years, Club Pilates Front Range Village will be hosting a summer cookout event at their studio on August 3 from 4-7pm. Members and non-members are invited to come celebrate with delicious food, yard games, vendors from small businesses in the area, and get access to discounts on memberships, giveaways, and prizes.
When looking toward the future at Club Pilates Front Range Village, Wenck said their goals of community engagement are at the forefront. Expanding their reach to communities that want to use Pilates for body healing after injuries and medical ailments can be life changing for individuals. With the success they’ve seen from the last six years in the fitness community, Club Pilates Front Range Village is sure to continue making waves in the years to come.
Pets of Influence
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE CREATIVE AGENCY
PET’S NAME
Kira
PET’S BREED/SPECIES
Husky
PET’S AGE
4 years old
WHAT ARE YOUR PET’S FAVORITE ACTIVITIES?
Outdoor adventures (The colder the better), playing at the dog park with other doggos, skateboard rides, and getting pets and loving from everyone she meets.
WHAT ARE YOUR PET’S FAVORITE FOODS/TREATS?
Chicken Tenders!
A FUNNY/MEMORABLE STORY OF YOUR PET.
Since Kira was a puppy, she has always had an affinity for jumping into bushes. At 10 weeks old she could still fit through the slats of our deck railing. She saw a bush, ran right through the railing slats, and leaped off our upperlevel deck into her first bush!
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PET.
Cutie, sweetie, bush jumper
THE STORY OF HOW YOUR PET JOINED YOUR FAMILY.
We got Kira as a puppy from a breeder in Southern Colorado. She drove home with us in her mommy's arms and has been a mommy's girl ever since.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO WITH YOUR PET?
Kira absolutely loves the outdoors. That's why the best thing to do with her is go on adventures in the mountains. If snow or water can be included, EVEN BETTER!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR PET?
She is so sweet and loving to everyone that she meets. She loves getting attention from little kids, and kids love meeting her and petting her super soft fur.
“Kira is a cutie, a sweetie, and a bush jumper.”
PET’S NAME
Le Bunny
PET’S BREED/SPECIES
Bunny
PET’S AGE
7 years old
WHAT ARE YOUR PET’S FAVORITE ACTIVITIES?
Eating lettuce and lounging around
WHAT ARE YOUR PET’S FAVORITE FOODS/TREATS?
Lettuce
A FUNNY/MEMORABLE STORY OF YOUR PET.
She likes to get into things… Finding things to chew on that she is not supposed to and making a mess!
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PET.
Easy going, soft, and cute
THE STORY OF HOW YOUR PET JOINED YOUR FAMILY.
Joy really wanted a bunny, so she created a presentation of why a bunny would help her learn to be responsible. Once the family approved of the presentation, we adopted Le Bunny at the humane society.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO WITH YOUR PET?
Watch her run around and pet her soft fur.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR PET?
She is easy to take care of and easy to watch when not in the cage. Also, the cute way bunnies wiggle their noses.
“Le Bunny is easy going, soft, and cute.”
PET’S NAME Cooper
PET’S BREED/SPECIES Cavapoo
PET’S AGE
3.5 years old
WHAT ARE YOUR PET’S FAVORITE ACTIVITIES?
Cooper is my shadow and my best friend. He loves bringing me toys to play with him, following me around, and his newest favorite thing is going paddle boarding with me.
WHAT ARE YOUR PET’S FAVORITE FOODS/TREATS?
Cooper is a sucker for peanut butter or steamed chicken. He knows the sound of the peanut butter jar and will come running no matter where he is in the house.
A FUNNY/MEMORABLE STORY OF YOUR PET.
Our first paddle boarding experience has to be top on the list. I was unsure how he was going to react on the board, but he found it very calming and was at peace. I could see his enthusiasm when we were going faster, and he even took a nap while we were floating.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PET.
Devoted, attentive, attached
THE STORY OF HOW YOUR PET JOINED YOUR FAMILY.
My daughter was looking for a non-shedding dog for a companion/support animal. We found a breed that would be the perfect size and disposition. After a few years of searching, we found a breeder in Iowa and drove out to pick him up. Cooper was to be my daughter’s dog, but I took over the care of Cooper when she moved out to live with her boyfriend, and I quickly became attached. My daughter saw the love and connection we had and agreed he was with the person that he was destined to be with.
“Cooper is devoted, attentive, and attached.”
“Lola is loving, smart, and social.”
PET’S NAME
Lola
PET’S BREED/SPECIES
Yorkshire Terrier / Teacup
PET’S AGE
18 months
WHAT ARE YOUR PET’S FAVORITE FOODS/TREATS?
Duck jerky and freeze-dried beef lung treats
A FUNNY/MEMORABLE STORY OF YOUR PET.
Lola was a rescue of sorts. She was living in the basement with the son of a neighbor. She had never been outside, had vaccinations, or seen a vet. Her fur was a matted mess when I got her. After her first trip to the puppy spa, she looked like a skinned chihuahua. They had to shave everything off. So, we had a little naked lioness running around for a bit. I didn’t even realize how pathetic she looked until months later looking back at the photos. At the time, we went on vacation in Vail and pushed her around in a puppy stroller – looking much more like a pauper than a princess.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PET. Loving, smart, social
THE STORY OF HOW YOUR PET JOINED YOUR FAMILY.
The neighbor lady asked if we would watch her for a few days while they took a trip. When they returned from the trip four days later, she wanted to know if I would purchase her. I think that was the plan all along – to make us fall in love with the little princess so we could not say no. So, out came the checkbook and the rest is history!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR PET?
Her unconditional love. She is literally one of the most loving dogs I have ever encountered. She loves almost all people, she loves other dogs, she loves kids, she even loves some of the cats she has met. When she is home alone, and I return she runs up the stairs to stick her head through the stair slats so she can be at my face level and just kisses all over me to welcome me home. We call it the “kissing booth.” She has brought more joy into my life than I ever thought possible. Maybe I needed to be rescued by her just as much as she needed to be rescued by me.
PET’S NAME Fury
PET’S BREED/SPECIES
Sphynx
PET’S AGE
4 years old
WHAT ARE YOUR PET’S FAVORITE ACTIVITIES?
She loves going outside (she’s mostly indoor), she enjoys grooming people, knocking stuff over, and terrorizing the fish tank.
WHAT ARE YOUR PET’S FAVORITE FOODS/TREATS?
She loves tikicat sticks, greenies, and organic kibble.
A FUNNY/MEMORABLE STORY OF YOUR PET.
Once we thought she was lost, we couldn’t find her anywhere for a long time. It turns out she had discovered a secret entrance to the inside of our favorite chair. Fury is obsessed with the laundry room and is constantly at the door demanding she be let in. We have no idea why she does this!
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PET.
Sweet, menace, tenacious
THE STORY OF HOW YOUR PET JOINED YOUR FAMILY.
When my wife moved across the country she wanted a cat, but I am very allergic to cats. Most hypoallergenic breeds didn’t do the trick, but I have no allergic reaction with Fury. We found her at a cattery in Greeley, CO. Before we adopted her, one of her eyelids fused over which is why she looks so quirky.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO WITH YOUR PET?
Cuddle and hang out.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR PET?
Fury has a big, sassy personality. She’s the main character of her world.
“Fury is sweet, a menace, and tenacious.”
Mummy Mountain
Palisade Mountain
McHenry's Peak
Mount Meeker
Longs Peak
Estes Park
Horsetooth Mountain
Terra Tomah Mountain
BEYOND SUMMER CAMP
ARTICLE BY ALLIE BELLOWS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RFK
TIMBERLINE
PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM OF MEGAN ELLIS AND CHARLES WALSH
ROYAL FAMILY KIDS CAMP BRINGS HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST
Tucked away in the mountains near Red Feather Lakes, the serene landscape is delightfully interrupted by a symphony of cheers and chants from young, spirited voices. Summer camp is in full swing, but Royal Family KIDS camp stands out as a unique haven. Listen closely to the jubilant shouts and you'll hear something extraordinary, each cheer and exclamation is a note of encouragement – a chorus of communal support. These aren't just the joyful cries of children reveling in summer fun; they're heartfelt affirmations from kids lifting each other up. Here, amidst the adventures and excitement, kids within the foster care system have a funfilled week, in an environment defined by encouragement and support.
CONTINUED >
Royal Family KIDS provides a camp for kids in the foster care system in Weld and Larimer counties. Since 2016, Royal Family KIDS has collaborated with the human services departments in both counties and created this sanctuary for kids who may not have a stable living situation. Previously held on CSU’s campus, Royal Family KIDS camp found a new home this year at a former Girl Scout camp, now owned by Denver University, which graciously lends its picturesque property for a week to Royal Family KIDS.
Darell Hailey, a Timberline pastor and the executive director of Royal Family KIDS explains the camp structure and the purpose behind this camp experience.
“Of the 300-plus kiddos we’ve had at camp the past nine years, well over half have been returning campers. Many of them have attended camp five years in a row. The camper age range is 7-12 years old, at 13 they are invited into our ongoing Graduate Program,” Hailey said. “This history and structure have afforded us a tremendous opportunity to build and perpetuate great relationships with the kiddos, caregivers, and caseworkers. These relationships have indeed helped the kiddos feel like they are part of a greater family, adding some much-needed hope into their lives!”
These kids have been through “trauma with a capital T,” which unfortunately includes a variety of potential behavioral issues, but the volunteers are ready to take on whatever the week brings, and all come together with a goal of giving these kids a week filled with lasting memories, as well as the encouragement, love, and support that stays with them through the rest of the year.
Evan Van Pelt, a 17-year-old junior guide in his third year as a volunteer, said the training process equips volunteers with tools they’d need when it comes to working with kids from different backgrounds.
“The training process seems a bit daunting at first when you realize what these kids have been through, but it’s better when you realize they are just kids after all and just want to have fun,” Van Pelt said. “Much of the training is learning how to make them feel as loved as possible and how to console and help them whenever they feel overwhelmed or anxious.”
Every year, an awe-inspiring group of around 100 volunteers brings the camper-to-volunteer ratio to an impressive 2:1. These dedicated individuals are the heart and soul of Royal Family KIDS, making it the best time of year for many children who face unstable home lives and uncertain futures. Volunteers come from all over Fort Collins, with many hailing from Timberline Church. Former campers and high school students are also encouraged to join, creating a ripple effect of positive impact and support. Their collective efforts ensure that the week is filled with fun, activities, and genuine care.
In her third year as a volunteer, Junior Guide, Kylie Scheidt, describes the roles of the different volunteers and the significant impact each person plays in these kids’ experience of camp.
“In simplest terms, the guides are like parents, and the junior guides are like the cool older siblings. We get to play with the kids during activity times, lead them in dances, and put on a little skit for them throughout the week.
CONTINUED >
The kids definitely bond with us a lot differently from the guides since we are closer in age, and because we mainly just have fun with them –not to say that the adult guides aren’t fun too, they’re awesome as a matter of fact," Scheidt said.
As you arrive at camp, the atmosphere is infused with love, support, and genuine encouragement. It's not just the guides and junior guides who cheer on the campers; every volunteer has a warm, welcoming smile and takes a heartfelt interest in each child.
The extraordinary level of care and support for these often-overlooked kids is remarkable.
Mia Alvarez, a former camper in her first year of volunteering, reflects on her experiences as both a volunteer and as a camper at Royal Family KIDS camp.
“Being a volunteer at camp not only impacted my inner child but it has impacted my entire daily life. Being a volunteer at
Kylie Scheidt, Junior Guide, with a camper
camp healed a deep part of myself just being able to see the preparation and the love every volunteer brings to the table. There is something so powerful knowing each one of the volunteers is doing camp because they want to be there, and they want positive change,” Alvarez said.
Each camper leaves camp with a memory book that captures the fun moments and incredible achievements they experienced, such as completing the ropes course which soars more than 30 feet in the air. They also gain a sense of empowerment, realizing they can accomplish anything they set their minds to – which is a lesson that is especially valuable for kids who have faced significant challenges. This camp offers much more than a typical summer camp. “These kids leave camp knowing someone loves and believes in them,” Alvarez said.
Royal Family KIDS camp is more than just summer fun. It gives kids tools they can use throughout their lives, and the knowledge that they are loved, which will carry them through the hardest of times, and provides a foundation for them to become positive beacons, right here in Northern Colorado, or wherever their lives take them.
Evan Van Pelt, Junior Guide
Mia Alvarez, Guide in Training
Homemade Pinecone Bird Feeders
August marks the official dog days of summer. It’s about that time when kids are starting to get bored, and parents are ready for the school year to start back up. If you’re in desperate need of an activity to keep your kids busy for a little while, then we may have the perfect DIY project for you.
This easy craft is perfect for young kids, tweens and teens, and even seniors who want to make something creative while inviting a little wildlife outside their window. The minimal supplies list and time it takes to make these homemade pinecone bird feeders is an easy way to get a little creative while encouraging curiosity for nature.
Supplies:
• Large open pinecones
• Peanut Butter
• Twine
• Birdseed Pinecones can be found from outside, ordered on amazon. com, or sometimes found in dollar stores and craft stores.
Instructions:
1. Cut a piece of twine or string about 10 inches long and tie it to the top of your pinecone. Slip knot ties work well and tighten it around the top of the pinecone easily. Then tie the ends of the twine together to make a loop to hang the pinecone from.
2. Place a scoop of peanut butter on a plate or paper towel.
3. Carefully spread the peanut butter onto the pinecone, making sure you get a little bit on each one of the pinecone scales.
ARTICLE BY MACEY VANDENMEERENDONK
Tips:
1. Attach the twine to the pinecone before you add the peanut butter and birdseed. Otherwise, your hands are going to get really messy really fast!
2. Keep the mess down by making your pinecone feeders on a paper towel, paper plate, or cookie sheet.
3. Be sure to hang your bird feeder somewhere where the birds can reach it. If you dangle it from a branch and there’s nowhere for the birds to sit, they’ll have a difficult time eating the birdseed.
4. You want to make it easy enough that they can reach the birdseed while perched on a branch but still difficult enough that they can’t eat all the birdseed in 5 minutes.
Activity by onelittleproject.com
4. You can add as much or as little peanut butter as you like! The more peanut butter you add, the more birdseed you can stick to your pinecone and the longer your bird feeder will feed the birds.
5. Once you’re happy with the amount of peanut butter, grip the pinecone at both the top and bottom and dip it into a bowl of birdseed.
6. Dip and roll all sides of the pinecone until the peanut butter is completely covered with birdseed.
7. Then hang them somewhere outside! Choose a spot that’s easily visible from inside the house so you can watch your feathered friends visiting for a snack!
ARTICLE BY ALLIE BELLOWS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE CREATIVE AGENCY
to Stage From Screen
A BEHIND-THE-SCENES GLIMPSE INTO MENTORING THE FUTURE AT THE CANDLELIGHT
No matter your age, you’re invited to step into the halls of East High School, courtesy of the Candlelight. Only at Colorado’s premier dinner theatre can you experience the nostalgia, the unforgettable bops, the cliques, and, most importantly, the fun that awaits at the Candlelight’s latest musical production.
Come behind the scenes of Disney’s High School Musical On Stage! with us as we talk to the talented team that’s transporting audiences to high school, complete with all the laughs, drama, and unforgettable moments.
In the spirit of the formative years that shape us into who we are meant to become, the team behind High School Musical On Stage is comprised of both mentors and mentees. Among the versatile women at the Candlelight is Jalyn Webb, who wears many hats including sales and marketing director, music director, and now, “music mentor.”
“We decided that this year would be our year of mentorship in several departments – with directors, with choreographers, with music directors,” Webb explains. Under Webb’s wing is Mason Siders, who has been a musician at the Candlelight and is now taking on his first creative role as associate music director.
Together Webb and Siders combine their extensive talents and experience in theatre to create an energetic musical production that will have you singing along and dancing in your seat. Webb highlights the universal appeal of High School Musical , noting its ability to resonate across generations and age groups.
“What is interesting about High School Musical and the experience of high school is that you have either lived it and experienced it or you're dying to get there,” Webb said.
Director and choreographer, Carrie Colton, shares her directorial responsibilities with associate director, Chas Lederer, forming a duo who play to each other's strengths, while striving towards the common goal of simply delivering an outstanding show. As an actor himself, Lederer is no stranger to the stage but is relatively new to directing.
“It never felt like one of us was doing something, but like we were both doing separate things at the same time to do the same thing,” Colton says of their collaborative efforts.
With Colton’s experience as a choreographer and Lederer’s background as a seasoned thespian, their directing partnership developed organically. Their lack of ego and shared goal of creating a great show allowed them to collaborate effectively. Colton took charge of the complex dance numbers, while Lederer focused on story-driven and acting-centric scenes. Colton praises Lederer saying, “It’s easy to teach someone who is eager to learn.” These lessons will undoubtedly be invaluable as Lederer continues to direct in the future.
Together these dynamic duos have created a show with something for all ages. As Lederer puts it, “This show is going to leave you happier than you walked in. You're going to leave thinking about your own experiences as a high schooler – the people that you miss, the people that you loved, and the people that made you, you in that moment. We're going to tap into the nostalgia and bring a new generation.”
“Everybody knows High School Musical, but they don’t know High School Musical like this."
- Chas Lederer
In addition to the iconic songs from the film version of High School Musical , this stage adaptation features even more music and impeccably choreographed numbers that are sure to get everyone dancing. Fans of the movie will recognize beloved elements, while newcomers will be captivated by the story, brimming with musical performances and the signature campy humor the film is known for. In short, it’s just plain fun for kids of all ages, even those of us who are kids at heart.
Whether you are, were, or aspire to be a brainiac, athlete, skater dude, drama geek, or a unique blend of all the cliques, there's a place for you at East High's cafeteria table! Join us at the Candlelight for a night of nostalgia, songs, drama, and comedy. Even if you’ve seen the movie, as Lederer promises, “Everybody knows High School Musical , but they don’t know High School Musical like this. You’re going to have a great time.”
