Fort Collins, CO November 2025

DON’T GROW YOUR BUSINESS ALONE

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NovemberThankful Issue

In this season of gratitude, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. Thanksgiving encourages us to slow down, embrace the present, and appreciate the people and moments that bring us joy.

This month, I’ve been especially grateful for the small, everyday moments that make life beautiful: the laughter of loved ones, quiet mornings with a cup of coffee, and the chance to be part of such a vibrant community here in Ft. Collins.

Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, giving back, and celebrating the people and organizations that make Ft. Collins such a special place. We’re endlessly thankful for our advertising partners, whose support allows us to bring inspiring stories to your doorstep each month, and for the readers who make it all worthwhile.

As we prepare to gather with loved ones, let’s take a moment to reflect on what truly brings meaning to our lives. This holiday season, may we find contentment not in possessions or accolades but in the connections we nurture and the good we do for others.

Wishing you and your family a season of gratitude and grace,

SCOTT WESTCOAT,

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Scott Westcoat | scott.westcoat@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY

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Longevity

Our Longevity Program is rooted in advanced diagnostics and personalized care, aiming to help you look, feel, and function at your highest potential.

We start with in-depth lab testing to uncover your body's unique needs, then create a personalized plan using peptides, hormone optimization, and targeted supplements.

Because aging well is an art we specialize in.

Over 70% of pets aged five and older have dental disease, and most hide the pain.

provide cleanings, surgery, and advanced care under anesthesia to keep your pets healthy, comfortable, and smiling.

NORTHERN COLORADO UNITED FOR YOUTH:

ARTICLE BY DESIREE GUSTAFSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY NOCO UNIFY Brotherhood, Integrity, and a Legacy of Giving

In every community, there are organizations that quietly shape the landscape of possibility for future generations. In Northern Colorado, one of those groups is Northern Colorado United for Youth, or NOCO UNIFY, a collective of men who believe that

“Their brotherhood proves that integrity and generosity still matter and, when practiced together, can transform entire communities.”

true strength isn’t measured by accolades, but by how much you give back. Built on shared morals, integrity, and the conviction that brotherhood can fuel change, NOCO UNIFY has become a steady force for good in the lives of young people across the region.

For the men who make up NOCO UNIFY, the organization is more than a club or networking group. It is a brotherhood. At its heart, NOCO UNIFY is about creating a circle of trust, accountability, and camaraderie. These men come from different backgrounds, professions, and walks of life, but they are united by a mission: to make Northern Colorado a better place for disadvantaged kids to grow up.

The organization is nurtured through shared values—honesty, loyalty, and generosity. Members encourage each other to live out these principles not only in their personal lives but also in how they show up for their community. In a world that often celebrates individual achievement, NOCO UNIFY

stands out for its collective mindset: when one man grows stronger in integrity and compassion, the ripple effects strengthen the group. And when the group stands united, the community benefits.

At its core, NOCO UNIFY is about giving back and changing lives. Every initiative, fundraiser, and volunteer effort centers on the belief that youth are the most valuable investment a community can make. These men channel their time, resources, and energy into programs that support children and families in need, ensuring no child in Northern Colorado is overlooked.

Whether through scholarships, mentoring, fundraising for schools, or direct service projects, the group has built a reputation for action. Their philosophy is simple but powerful: when kids are supported, they thrive. And when kids thrive, communities flourish. Their approach is unique in that they don’t just give financially—they give relationally.

They show up at events, listen to stories, and model what integrity and commitment look like. In doing so, they offer youth more than resources—they offer hope, encouragement, and the example of men invested in their futures.

The impact extends beyond the immediate beneficiaries of their giving. Their work strengthens the fabric of Northern Colorado itself. Each act of service inspires others to contribute. Each child who receives support carries that sense of value into their own life, often becoming a source of strength for others.

For the members, the bonds they create within the organization are life-changing. Men find friendship, accountability partners, mentors, and role models. They share stories of triumphs and struggles and stand together in moments of need. This brotherhood fuels their ability to give back, ensuring their work is deeply rooted and sustainable.

The more they give, the more they grow—not only as individuals, but as a collective. That growth multiplies the good they bring into the community.

Integrity is more than a buzzword—it is the backbone of everything they do. Members hold themselves to high standards, ensuring funds are stewarded responsibly and initiatives create lasting impact.

They understand that the example they set today matters for the next generation. When young people see adults living with honesty, generosity,

“The organization is nurtured through shared values—honesty, loyalty, and generosity. Members encourage each other to live out these principles not only in their personal lives but also in how they show up for their community.”

- Blas Estrada

and kindness, they believe those qualities are attainable. Integrity also means transparency and accountability, both within the brotherhood and with the community they serve. This trustworthiness has earned the organization a strong reputation, making them a reliable partner for schools, nonprofits, and families alike. Their legacy is not measured solely by dollars raised or projects completed. It is measured in lives touched, futures brightened, and the example set. It is felt in the quiet confidence of a student who knows people are rooting for them, and in the grateful smile of a family lifted in a time of need.

Members often say they receive just as much as they give. In pouring into the community, they are filled with purpose, meaning, and joy. This cycle of giving and receiving ensures their

impact lasts beyond a single event or season.

As Northern Colorado grows and changes, organizations like NOCO UNIFY are essential in keeping the heart of the community strong. By uniting around shared morals, integrity, and commitment to youth, they change lives and build a stronger, kinder, more resilient region.

In the end, NOCO UNIFY is not simply about men coming together; it’s about what happens when they do. Their brotherhood proves that integrity and generosity still matter and, when practiced together, can transform entire communities.

For these men, giving back is not an obligation—it’s a way of life. And for the youth of Northern Colorado, it’s a promise: they are seen, supported, and worth every ounce of effort poured into them.

H O P E

Begins with YOU

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

Tips on meal prepping for less stress

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON

Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful.

Between grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking and baking, it’s no wonder the day devoted to giving thanks can feel a tad daunting.

Here’s some very welcome good news: whether this is your first holiday hosting rodeo or you’ve stuffed many a turkey over the years, you can knock out most of the Thanksgiving meal prep work in advance – some of it two weeks before the big day.

To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.

2 WEEKS BEFORE

Create Your Thanksgiving Menu

• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will be much easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark or scrolling when your hands are covered with flour or onions.

• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.

• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand –even the ones you are pretty sure you have enough of, like salt and pepper (this tip comes from personal experience!).

• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.

• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout. CONTINUED >

4-5 DAYS BEFORE

Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh Groceries

• Clean your home completely, enlisting family members to help. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.

• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.

• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating. This will free up valuable real estate for your various dishes.

Prep Meals & Set the Table 2-3 DAYS BEFORE

• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.

• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go (and if they will all fit!) Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dust-free until Thursday. You can also do this for a buffet.

• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.

• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.

Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks 1 DAY BEFORE

• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum and shine up the bathrooms.

• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough. Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies.

• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.

• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!

• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.

SEASONAL

a simpler

RECIPES BY BRITTANY MEADTH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY MERRILL

HONEY ROASTED CARROTS WITH LABNEH AND FRESH DILL

Hosting Tip: “Ask for help from the right people. Some people aren’t going to be comfortable making bread rolls or a dessert, but maybe they’re great at making salad. Others can be asked to bring drinks or clean afterward. Nobody is a mind-reader—don’t be afraid to set up a spreadsheet where they can sign up!”

Ingredients

• 10 carrots

• ½ cup fresh dill

• 3 sprigs of thyme

Directions

• 1 cup labneh

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 400° F

2. Wash, peel, and prep your carrots. If carrots are skinny, you can peel them and place them onto a cookie sheet. If the carrots are thicker in diameter you can cut them lengthwise into halves.

3. Drizzle honey and olive oil over carrots on baking sheet. Use your hands to make sure the carrots are properly coated on all sides.

4. Add salt and pepper

5. Bake in the oven at 400° F for about 25-30 minutes

6. Take them out of the oven and set aside

7. On a large serving plate add about a cup (or more) of labneh. My favorite is called Luretik.

8. Add your carrots then freshly chopped dill and thyme to the top

9. Drizzle a good olive oil over the whole thing

FLAVORS

FLAVORS

HONEYNUT SQUASH

Ingredients

• 3 honeynut squash

• olive oil

• salt

• pepper

• smoked paprika

• pomegranates

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F

2. Slice the squashes in half, remove all the seeds

3. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for 30 minutes

4. Add smoked paprika and pomegranates to serve

Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”

CRISPY POTATOES

Ingredients

• 10 small yellow gold potatoes

• 1/2 tablespoon baking soda

• olive oil

• salt

• rosemary, garlic, chives (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F

2. In a large Dutch oven, bring water, baking soda, and salt to a boil. Place unpeeled potatoes into the water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Once the potatoes are soft to touch (20-25 min), drain and let sit for 10 minutes.

3. On a cutting board, grab a potato and use any large object (wine bottle, glass jar) and smash down the potato. Do this gently and have a spatula close by to transfer to a baking dish.

4. Once you have smashed all the potatoes, add salt and olive oil.

5. Place in oven and roast for 20 minutes or until crispy

6. Top with the garlic, rosemary, and fresh chives

Cooking tip: “I don’t peel my potatoes because who really has time for that? The secret to this recipe: baking soda. The baking soda makes the water alkaline which helps break down the surface of the potatoes, making them very crispy and very delicious.”

Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”

CARAMEL CHEESECAKE

Ingredients

Crust

• 12 graham crackers

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar

Filling

• 4 sticks of cream cheese (room temp)

• 1-1⁄2 cup sugar

• 5 large eggs (room temp)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° F

Crust

• 2-1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla

• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

• zest of whole lemon

Caramel

• 1-1⁄4 cup sugar

• 1-1⁄3 cup water

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 cup unsalted or salted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a food processor, add the graham crackers, butter, and brown sugar. Blend until sand-like texture.

2. In a springform pan, add parchment paper and butter the sides

3. Place crust into the pan and pat down to form a smooth base

4. Set in the fridge and chill for 15 minutes

Filling

1. Add the cream cheese to a standing mixer. Make sure it’s room temperature—this is an important step!

2. With your whisk attachment on medium speed, mix the cream cheese. Once it becomes fluffy, add the sugar and one egg at a time. Scrape down sides as needed.

3. Remove the pan with the crust from the fridge, add the batter to the pan, and place into your preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

4. Remove from the oven and let sit. Once cool, cover and place in the fridge.

Caramel

1. In a saucepan, add the sugar and water. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Keep heat on medium. Watch the sugar water—it will slowly go from a light brown to a rich amber color.

2 . Once it turns amber in color, add the heavy whipping cream and butter and whisk

3. Turn the heat off and let sit for 5 minutes

4. Remove cheesecake from the fridge and add the caramel to the top

thanksgiving cornucopia

How To Decorate Tables With Noteworthy November Flair

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Whether traditional or modern, formal or fussfree, Thanksgiving centerpieces set a memorable ambiance for November gatherings.

deliciously edible

Make an edible bread cornucopia, ‘horn of plenty,’ for the Thanksgiving table using refrigerated bread or pizza dough, a plastic bottle mold and aluminum foil. Wrap the bottle with foil, make a tail at one end and then layer adjoining strips of dough on the foil. Brush cornucopia with melted butter, remove the plastic bottle and bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes on the lower rack, or until it turns a golden, shiny brown. Fill with sweet or savory nibbles, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, gourds, nuts, rosemary breadstick twists or even cookies, for an impressive centerpiece that’ll keep guests happily munching while they wait for the main meal to begin.

florals can be gourd- geous

Or, get inspired from the following ideas and have fun creating a centerpiece completely customized.

• Slice and fill real squashes with floral foam to hold classic fall flowers, such as mums, pom-pom daisies and dahlias.

• For a pop of color on Thanksgiving tables, a large turquoise or pink pumpkin goes a long way.

• For a cranberry-filled vase, place a smaller glass cylinder inside a larger one, then pour fresh cranberries into the gap between the two vases. For flowers, mix a few grocery-store blooms with dried millet and faux dill blooms, or silk and dried flowers.

RENEW YOUR GLOW N ATURALLY

Support

Promotes

Softens

Enhances

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

NOVEMBER 7TH

Downtown Fort Collins

First Friday Art Walk

Downtown Fort Collins, CO | 6:00 PM

The Downtown Development Authority presents Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk™, a community fave of its series of signature business promotions. This monthly self-guided walking tour celebrates creativity, culture, and community in the heart of the city.

NOVEMBER 15TH

Respite Care Holiday Ball

4705 Clydesdale Pkwy, Loveland, CO 80538 | 6:00 PM

Join us for the the 2025 Respite Care Holiday Ball on Saturday, November 15th at Embassy Suites Loveland. This signature evening will honor the children and families we serve and the community whose generosity makes our work possible. The future is bright, and we look forward to celebrating it together through an unforgettable night of purpose, connection, and joy.

NOVEMBER 28TH - 29TH

Holiday Artisan Market

1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Find uniquely crafted holiday gifts at this premier craft fair. More than 100 artisans and crafters gather to share handmade creations with visitors.

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