Welcome to Barefoot. Two distinct neighborhoods with unique places to play and gather. You may have heard of Barefoot Lakes, with its namesake bodies of water and connection to big nature. And now, a new neighborhood is taking root. Barefoot Village will bring big, vibrant plans of its own — like a fresh mix of homes and a Village Square for starters. It’s lake life meets village vibe. With new models opening soon. Visit us at BarefootColorado.com
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, we are reminded of the simple gifts that make life rich—connections, kindness, and the people and places that bring meaning to our days. In this Thankful Issue, we celebrate the heart of our cities: the humans, businesses, and organizations whose dedication, care, and creativity make our communities such wonderful places to live.
True wealth isn’t measured by money or possessions—it’s found in the friendships that brighten our mornings, the mentors who guide us, the neighbors who lend a hand without asking, the humans that give back to lift others, and the local businesses that create spaces where we gather, laugh, and grow together. These are the treasures that money cannot buy, and they are what make our towns feel like home.
Throughout these pages, you’ll discover organizations, lifelong residents, and business owners whose passion, dedication, and love for this place make Loveland and our surrounding towns shine.
This issue is a celebration of gratitude—gratitude for family, for faith, for neighbors, and for the countless intangible gifts that shape our lives. It is a reminder that the truest wealth comes from connection, from caring for those around us, and from living in a community where people invest in each other.
From our family to yours, may this issue inspire reflection, gratitude, and a renewed appreciation for the simple joys, meaningful relationships, and shared moments that make life here so extraordinary.
DESIREE GUSTAFSON, PUBLISHER
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Desiree Gustafson | desiree.gustafson@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Shen Wu Tan | shenwu.tan@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Desiree Gustafson, Shen Wu Tan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
E.T.C. Photography, Monica Jean Photography. NOCO Unify, Feneis/Meirath
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
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We proudly support the youth of our community with a variety of programs and services.
• Scholarships worth up to $2,000 for high school seniors
• Go to the Washington, D.C. Youth tour
• Attend the youth leadership summer camp
• Grant funding for classroom STEAM projects
• Free electrical safety demonstrations
• Internships, job shadows & future employment
1: Loveland Public Library at Pastels on 5th 2: Streetfest at Wildfire Community Arts Center 3: Ouzel Creative at Pastels on 5th 4: 9News interviewed Andrew Johnson's family about the pick your own sweet corn event. 5: Chyna from Resilient Soul Yoga at Pastels on 5th 6:
Bee Blinds at the Honey Festival 7: Poudre Valley REA winners of a hot air balloon ride took to the skies.
8: Aims students got a behind-the-scenes experience with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds before the Colorado Air Show. 9: The High Plains Environmental Center along with other organizations hosted a Wild Zone event. 10: C. Tucker from Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists at the Pastels on 5th event 11: The Skin Lounge celebrated its 6th anniversary and the launch of KORA. 12: The Berthoud Chamber hosted a Business After Hours event at M & M Farms. 13: The Loveland Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for Graze Craze. 14: The Berthoud Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its Oktoberfest 2025 event.
Comeback Story Counseling has brought on its first student intern counselor. Say hello to Emily Vickery, a longtime health coach and yoga instructor. Emily is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and is excited to help adults and teens with “high-functioning anxiety, overthinking, and patterns of depression to reform a rhythm that keeps them at peace,” Comeback Story Counseling posted on social media.
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Kudos to Cristiana Salon Spa for being recognized as business of the month by the town of Johnstown earlier this year! The town of Johnstown gave Cristiana Salon Spa a shout out for a talented team that is “dedicated to helping clients look and feel their best” and for their “commitment to quality service and customer care.” A job well done, Cristiana Salon Spa!
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A big shout out to Resilient Soul Yoga for winning the 2025 Readers’ Choice Award for best yoga studio by the Loveland Reporter-Herald! “Thanks to all who voted for us!” Resilient Soul Yoga posted on social media. Located on E. 4th St. in downtown Loveland, the yoga studio offers a wide selection of workshops and classes taught by a diverse group of teachers who specialize in various yogic influences and traditions.
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Welcome, Dr. Marta Karn, to the Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists team! Karn completed veterinary school at Colorado State University (CSU), and then pursued additional specialized training in managing a wide range of cardiac conditions. She completed internships at Petcardia Veterinary Cardiology and North Carolina State University before returning to CSU for her cardiology residency. "I strive to be a source of support for my clients, helping them navigate the challenges of cardiac conditions with clear communication and compassionate care," Karn says.
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 true strength isn’t measured by
“Their brotherhood proves that integrity and generosity still matter and, when practiced together, can transform entire communities.”
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 his or her 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, and kindness, they believe those qualities are attainable.
“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
Integrity also means transparency and accountability, both within the brotherhood and within 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 the lives touched, futures brightened, and examples set. It is felt in the quiet confidence of students who know people are rooting for them, and in the grateful smiles 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.
Giving thanks for their continual community contributions and support
ARTICLE BY SHEN WU TAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY E.T.C. PHOTOGRAPHY, FENEIS/MEIRATH
The “Main Street” area of a municipality – and its local businesses – often serves as the steady heartbeat of its surrounding communities.
And downtown Loveland is no exception to this.
“Downtown Loveland is the one authentic, local, historic place that can’t be replicated,” says Sean Hawkins,
executive director of the Loveland Downtown District. “It’s a place that provides identity, charm, and a true sense of community.”
And that community is rich with history, with origins dating back to the late 1800s.
The town of Loveland was established in 1877, per the Colorado Encyclopedia. Named after William A.H. Loveland, president of the Colorado Central Railroad, the town rapidly evolved from a railroad stop to an agricultural hub before transforming into a commercial and political center for Larimer County’s southeastern region.
Loveland’s roots trace back to the family of Mariano Medina, a trapper from Taos, New Mexico, who built a homestead in 1858 along the Big Thompson River. What began as a homestead flourished into a small settlement thanks to its proximity to the Cherokee and Overland stagecoach trails and the increased traffic during the Colorado Gold Rush. However, as the railroad networks expanded in the 1870s, traffic along the trails declined. In 1877, William Loveland founded the town as he constructed his Colorado Central Railroad.
In 1878, the completion of John. L Herzinger’s and Samuel B. Harter’s brick mercantile building launched the development of Loveland’s East Fourth Street, also known as the “Main Street” of downtown. Less than a decade later, East Fourth Street bustled with a variety of businesses, including drugstores, tailors, furniture stores, churches, grocers, and an opera house.
Fast forward to this day and age, the local businesses contribute not only jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, but also provide a space for the community to gather and “a sense of place and tourism,” Hawkins notes.
“When your businesses are local and the owners are local as well, profits and wages stay in our community,” he comments. “When you invest in
CONTINUED >
downtown revitalization, the whole community benefits.
Simultaneously, many of our downtown businesses are regular partners and contributors to various nonprofits in our city who offer support to those in need.”
Now, amid the Heart Improvement Plan construction, the residents of Loveland are encouraged more than ever to show their appreciation and support for the downtown businesses.
“Keep supporting your local businesses and try to learn about new ones,” Hawkins suggests. “Most of our downtown business owners live right here in town and need your support. I’d also encourage you to learn about the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of the project.”
According to Hawkins, the project will improve the infrastructure supporting the downtown businesses that currently needs replaced and will create a walking experience that is “incredibly pedestrian and event friendly.”
For the month of November, a few signature events are taking place in downtown Loveland.
On Friday, November 21, the Loveland Downtown District will host the Festival of Lights and invites the public to kick off the holiday season with them. The construction crews have even agreed to wrap their diggers and excavators in lights. Also, Small Business Saturday will occur on November 29, the Saturday after Black Friday, giving residents a chance to show some extra love and support to their local businesses during the holiday shopping season.
To learn more about the events hosted in downtown Loveland, you can sign up for the Loveland Downtown District’s monthly newsletter by visiting downtownloveland.org.
“There’s always something great going on in downtown Loveland,” Hawkins says. “Our local businesses and the experiences they provide, in combination with our most historic buildings and events, create a sense of place in our growing community.”
So, thank you to all of the downtown businesses and their staff for making Loveland a one-of-a-kind community. We are grateful for each and every one of you.
Automotive parts manager hits 40th work anniversary milestone this year
Ed Fisher, the automotive parts manager at Stan’s Auto Service, has always been a “car guy,” tinkering with and mending various makes and models from a young age.
He started working at Stan’s Auto on Nov. 4, 1985. November marks his 40th work anniversary at Stan’s Auto Service.
Fisher initially worked as a technician at Stan’s Auto, a role he fulfilled for 19 years, before becoming the automotive parts manager.
“I’m thankful for the family atmosphere, that Stan’s valued their employees and taking care of their customers,” says Fisher.
On Memorial Day of this year, Fisher shifted to working part time. Possibly a year down the line, Fisher might officially “retire” from Stan’s Auto.
“I look forward to growing and reinventing my life, participating in life,” Fisher says. “I like to call it repurposing, not retiring.”
For Fisher, it’s hard to believe that 40 years have passed since his first day at Stan’s Auto.
“Time went fast for sure,” Fisher reflects. “I will miss the Stan's Auto family.”
Meanwhile, Stan's Auto considers themselves honored to have such an amazing team member, but most importantly to have made a forever friend.
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.
NOVEMBER 4TH
6002 Byrd Dr, Loveland CO 80538 | 4:00 PM
Come hang out with us while we make indoor planters for sustainable year round gardening. You'll create your own garden with herbs and vegetables while learning from Adriana Karagozian, owner of From Scratch Farm (https://scratch-farm.com/about). We'll enjoy some catered snacks and beverages. Join us for an afternoon of learning and fun! Ticket price includes refreshments and all materials.
NOVEMBER 7TH
Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., Loveland, CO 80537 | 7:30 PM
It’s a night of pure rockabilly, country, gospel, and rock and roll. The show recreates that magical night of December 4th, 1956 when Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash found themselves jamming at Sam Phillip’s Sun Studios in Memphis, TN. Little did they know that their jam session was being recorded and preserved for all time. - Rialto Theater
NOVEMBER 7TH
High Plains Environmental Center, 2698 Bluestem Willow Dr., Loveland, CO 80538 | 8:00 PM
This fall migration, we invite you to turn out the lights and protect the night. The peace and awe we experience while stargazing is only one of many reasons why dark skies matter. We have lost the ability to appreciate our night sky so gradually that many of us may have forgotten we ever could. - High Plains Environmental Center
NOVEMBER 7TH - 8TH
Ski & Sports Swap
Chilson Recreation Center, 700 E. Fourth St., Loveland, CO 80537 | 5:30 PM
The swap presents an opportunity for businesses and individuals to buy and sell new and used outdoor gear, clothes, and equipment. In addition to the ski items, other sports items are welcome including all water, camping, sports, and outdoor equipment.
NOVEMBER 13TH
Steep & Sculpt | Custom Mug + Tea Blending Workshop
desk chair workspace, 201 E. 4th St., Loveland, CO 80537 | 6:00 PM
Join us on Thursday, November 13 at 6:00 PM for a one-of-a-kind creative experience that blends art, flavor, and fall coziness all in one evening. We’re teaming up with Flingin’ Pots and Soul Shine Botanica to bring you a workshop that lets you design your own ceramic mug and curate a personalized fall tea blend. It’s the perfect way to welcome the season and create something uniquely yours. - desk chair workspace
NOVEMBER 14TH - FEBRUARY 14TH
Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO 80537 | 12:00 PM
Explore the history of the victory gardening movement through seed catalogs from Denver Botanic Gardens’ special collections and a variety of vintage materials demonstrating the significance and scale of the victory garden effort. V for Vegetables is a bilingual exhibition that features inspirational artworks celebrating the capacity of the everyday citizen to support their community (and themselves) in times of strife. - Loveland Museum
NOVEMBER 20TH - JANUARY 11TH
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown, CO 80534 | 6:00 PM
Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley reunite at Sun Records for a festive celebration! Set in a Christmas-decorated studio, this holiday edition of Million Dollar Quartet brings classic hits, holiday tunes, and fun-filled stories of Christmas past, present, and future. MDQ Christmas delivers a nostalgic, high-energy jam session that you will treasure year after year! - Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
NOVEMBER 21ST
4th St., Loveland, CO 80537 | 5:00 PM
A hometown tradition, our Festival of Lights signature event draws local crowds into downtown Loveland for the debut of holiday lighting along 4th Street. Celebrate the holiday season with live music and entertainment, a tree lighting ceremony, holiday market, carriage rides, Santa, and more! - Loveland Downtown District
NOVEMBER 29TH
Downtown Berthoud, CO 80513 | 7:00 AM
Buy it in Berthoud! Local businesses in downtown Berthoud are gearing up to showcase exclusive promotions, special events, and community engagement initiatives. Visit https://downtownberthoud.org/small-business-saturday/ for a full list of events and specials. Join us in supporting our local small businesses by visiting our merchants this Small Business Saturday. - Downtown Berthoud Merchant Collaborative
