Loveland & South, CO July 2023

ARTS + CULTURE LOVELAND’S FINEST ART

LIFE + CULTURE

HONORING VETERANS: THE HEART OF LOVELAND

FOOD + BEVERAGE HOT OFF THE GRILL

AUTO + MARINE

HARMONIZING TRADITIONAL VALUES WITH HIGH-TECH EXCELLENCE

Summer Fun

Lifestyle Letter

We hope this letter finds you basking in the glorious sunshine, whether you're lounging by the pool or soaking up the rays by the sparkling lakes of Loveland. Ah, the sweet taste of Vitamin D!

As the days stretch longer and the temperatures rise, we can't help but feel a surge of excitement now that summer is officially here.

As for me and my family, we can't get enough of Loveland during the summer. We're always on the lookout for new things to explore, lazy picnics to enjoy in the city's charming parks. There's something undeniably rejuvenating and refreshing about immersing ourselves in the breathtaking nature that surrounds us.

Just like the summer season brings people together, we've packed the pages of this month's issue with stories we hope you enjoy. Wishing you an extraordinary summer filled with laughter, sun-kissed memories, and a whole lot of Loveland fun!

Yours in summer excitement,

July 2023

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@fortcollinscreativeagency.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Matthew Hart matthew@fortcollinscreativeagency.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tony Deyo | tony@fortcollinscreativeagency.com

Amy Asche | amy@fortcollinscreativeagency.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

The Creative Agency hello@fortcollinscreativeagency.com

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1-14: The 2023 Aspire 3D Kite Festival, held on May 20, welcomed people of all ages to fly kites in Loveland Sports Park. Live entertainment, interactive programs, kite design and demonstrations, and plenty of activities were some of the highlights of the event. Professional kite flyers showed off their skills while many learned the ropes alongside them. The festival delivered in lighting up the Colorado sky!

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @lovelandandsouthlifestyle

LOVELAND'S FINEST ART

amongst others, to convey his visions into three dimensions. The mastery of his craft is evident in his work and deserving of its recognition. Dive into the mind of a full time studio artist in the interview below.

LS: WHAT INSPIRED YOU FOR YOUR PIECE “SPIRIT VESSEL”?

The 32nd Annual Colorado Governor’s Art Show has named its 2023 award winners, and among them is Stephen Landis of Loveland, CO. His sculpture “Spirit Vessel” was given an Award of Merit and is for sale on the art show’s website. Landis pulls his inspiration from lived experiences and uses multiple mediums from clay, bronze, wood, and steel,

Stephen: The idea for the piece came from a trip to Patzcuaro, Mexico. During Day of the Dead celebrations, the local fishermen put candles in their boats to welcome back the souls of their ancestors, for a spectacular night time ritual. I took that concept and merged it with myths from the Pacific Northwest Native Tribes involving ravens and spirits and canoes.

"Don’t be afraid to go beyond your comfort level. Some of my best pieces have come from pushing the boundaries of my expertise."

- Stephen Landis

Stephen Landis, a Loveland local, receives an Award of Merit for his sculpture “Spirit Vessel”

LS: DID YOU CREATE “SPIRIT VESSEL” FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ART SHOW?

Stephen: “Spirit Vessel” is one in a series of my sculptures involving the boat as transporters for our troubled and triumphant journey through life. It just happened to be the one I picked for the show.

LS: WHAT INFLUENCES YOUR ARTWORK AND HOW DOES THE MEDIUM YOU CHOOSE TO WORK IN PLAY A ROLE IN THAT INFLUENCE?

Stephen: My art is influenced by my life up until now. My upbringing, travel, and memories are just some of the things that trigger my imagination. There are other artist’s influences like: Cristina Cordova, Beth Cavener, Javier Marin and Odd Nerdrum, to name a few. As far as the medium, it’s chosen by what material best allows me to realize the idea that I want to express. Sometimes it’s all ceramic or bronze and sometimes it’s a mix of many things, concrete, wood, steel, fiberglass, whatever is needed to make it complete. It all starts with an idea or image in my mind and then flows from there.

LS: WHAT DREW YOU TO RESIDE IN LOVELAND, CO?

Stephen: For years I lived in Denver and would drive up here to use the foundries, mold makers, metal chases and patina people. Finally, with traffic getting so bad and spending more and more time here I made it easier on myself by moving here. The arts community is very active here and provides a lot of support. CONTINUED >

LS: HAVE YOU NOTICED AN ARTISTIC PROGRESSION IN YOUR WORK THAT RELATES TO WHERE YOU’RE FROM AND THE PLACES YOU’VE LIVED AND STUDIED IN?

Stephen: Yes, of course. Early on I was only exposed to the art culture in this country and you become insular in your thinking and process. Later after having lived in other countries and experiencing their cultures, it expanded my creativity to options I never expected.

LS: WHAT DOES YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

Stephen: Well, as a sculptor, clay is the material I prefer to start my process with but I believe realizing the work in a single medium can be restrictive to my final goal. To me, sculpting is drawing in three dimensional space so I must be flexible to the fluctuations in my creative process. This process most often is born with the manifestation of an idea or image in my mind of some sort which then becomes the starting point for a sculpture. I then decide which medium I feel is best suited to realize this. As the idea and form becomes more definable it starts to take on a meaning and allows me to explore what theme or image has been presented. This procedure is what I go through with each sculpture I create.

LS: WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU HAVE TRIED TO INSTILL IN YOUR STUDENTS, AS A PROFESSOR, THAT YOU YOURSELF LIVE BY AS AN ARTIST?

Stephen: Don’t be afraid to go beyond your comfort level. Some of my best pieces have come from pushing the boundaries of my expertise.

HONORING VETERANS: THE HEART OF LOVELAND

What started as an idea amongst Loveland High School alumni turned into a community-wide outpouring of support for a memorial that represents all who served. The Loveland Veterans Plaza committee is comprised of four gentlemen, including a few other Loveland High alumni, Ron Albers, Ed Hart, Tony Dumosch, and Gary Hausman, who all fought in the United States military and felt the need for a place for veterans to gather and be remembered in the Loveland community.

The committee has been hard at work for two and a half years and announced to the public the plans for the plaza on Veterans Day 2022. With help from the City of Loveland Parks and Recreation, the plaza has found its home at the front of the Loveland Sports Park. While the plaza has yet to break ground, the plot is picked out and a sign that announces its build is positioned where it will be in the future.

Since there isn’t a current location in Loveland where veterans can gather and memorialize the sacrifices made, the plaza’s goal is to commemorate and represent every branch, war era, and individual's experience while serving.

“It’s inclusive to all war eras, and even those that were considered a skirmish, like Somalia, Grenada, and Panama,” Dumosch said. “We’re trying to include everyone that we possibly can.”

Since the announcement of the plaza, the committee has seen the effects of community outreach and the support they’ve received with their fundraising efforts. Their most recent fundraising event at the Ellis Event Center was a success and even exceeded their goal.

“I think the credibility that we gained with the community through the Ellis Event (Center) established that we’re here for real and we mean business,” Hart said. “We’re going to get it built.”

Many have come forward to express their interest in supporting the build of this project and have just as much interest in seeing the project progress as the committee themselves. Big names like Martin Lind have expressed support and help with the project, marking the start of influential people showing interest.

Volunteer contractors, designers, and other construction related help has started to come forward and offer their services to the project.

“We have some folks just waiting in the wings. It’s been extremely helpful to know they’re committed,” Dumosch said.

LOVELAND VETERANS PLAZA UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS

The committee recently joined the Chamber of Commerce, an exciting development in their project, where a ribbon

BOWLING FUNDRAISING EVENT

The Loveland Veterans Plaza invites you to join them for a bowling event on June 25 at Sweetheart Lanes, 2320 North Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, CO.

For more information go to lovelandveteransplaza.org.

"IT’S INCLUSIVE TO ALL WAR ERAS, AND EVEN THOSE THAT WERE CONSIDERED A SKIRMISH, LIKE SOMALIA, GRENADA, AND PANAMA. WE’RE TRYING TO INCLUDE EVERYONE THAT WE POSSIBLY CAN.” -

cutting ceremony took place on the plot of land where the memorial will one day stand. An unexpected and overwhelming turn out of close to 100 people joined them for the ceremony, including first responders and a council member.

“I show up that afternoon and there are cars everywhere,” Albers said. “There’s a fire truck and an ambulance, there’s first responders. I thought, ‘holy crap,’ this is not a ground breaking, this is just a ribbon cutting.”

While the project has progressed since its public announcement, there’s still much to do before the memorial breaks ground. With multiple fundraising events planned for this summer, the committee is hoping to chip away at their funding goals putting them one step closer to the finished project. Anyone interested in showing support for the Loveland Veterans Plaza can register on the project's website, lovelandveteransplaza.org , and attend fundraising events to help the committee meet its goals. Once finished, the plaza will be a place for anyone to gather to remember and pay respects to those who have served.

A group of Loveland High School alumni, originally started by the Loveland High JROTC group and led by Sergeant Major Johnson, have come together to provide a place for veterans to gather and community members to remember those who served in the Loveland community. To learn more or to get involved go to lovelandveteransplaza.org.

GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISING EVENT

The Mariana Butte Men’s Club will be hosting a golf tournament on August 14 at Mariana Butte Golf Course.

For more information go to lovelandveteransplaza.org.

TONY DUMOSCH

Hot off the Grill

BBQ RECIPES THAT WILL MAKE YOU THE TALK OF THE TOWN

Summer is finally here and it’s time to heat up the grill! Everyone loves the classic BBQ favorites, but this year calls for exciting new recipes and bold flavors. Whether you’re hosting to impress or grilling up a family meal, we’ve got four on-the-grill recipes that pack a punch and will satisfy your toughest critic. Recipes are from Delish.com and Thesuburbansoapbox.com.

Grilled Balsamic Mushrooms

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar

• 2 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 lb. cremini mushrooms, sliced

• 1/2" thick Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and pepper. Add mushrooms and marinate 20 minutes. Presoak wooden skewers in water while mushrooms marinate.

2. Heat grill to medium-high. Skewer mushrooms and grill 2 to 3 minutes per side.

3. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Grilled Margherita Pizza

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pre-made pizza dough

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 6 tablespoons no-cook pizza sauce

• 12 fresh basil leaves

• 4 plum tomatoes, sliced

• 12 slices fresh mozzarella

• balsamic vinegar, for drizzling

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the grill.

2. Roll the pizza dough in the olive oil and stretch out to form a circle (or an oval, or rectangle...there are no rules here) being careful not to rip the dough. Place the dough directly on the grill grates over med-low heat. Grill the dough until the bottom is crisp and has a slight char. Carefully flip the dough over using a spatula and immediately top the pizza with sauce, basil, tomato and cheese. Close the grill and cook until the cheese is melted and beginning to bubble.

3. Transfer the pizza to a serving platter and drizzle with the vinegar. Cut the pizza into wedges and serve immediately.

Jalapeño Popper Burgers

INGREDIENTS

• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 c. shredded cheddar

• 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella

• 2 jalapeños, minced

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

• 1/2 tsp. chili powder

• 1 1/2 Angus ground beef

• 4 burger buns

DIRECTIONS

1. Make filling: In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and jalapeños. Season with salt and pepper, then fold in cooked bacon.

2. Form ground beef into 8 large, thin rounds (about ¼”). Spoon about ¼ cup of filling mixture onto one patty, then place a second patty on top. Pinch edges to seal burger and re-shape into a disc if necessary. Repeat with remaining patties and filling mixture.

3. Preheat grill to medium-high. Season burgers on both sides with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Place on grill and cook until cooked through to your liking, about 6 minutes per side for medium.

4. Sandwich with burger buns and serve immediately.

Bruschetta Chicken

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon, divided

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning or dried oregano

• 4 boneless skinless antibiotic-free chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness

• 3 slicing tomatoes, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp. freshly chopped basil

• 4 slices mozzarella

• Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small bowl, combine oil, half the lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and Italian seasoning (or oregano) and whisk to combine. Transfer to a large re-sealable bag along with chicken; seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Heat grill over medium-high then add chicken, discarding excess marinade. Grill until charred and cooked to an internal temperature of 155°160°, about 5 to 7 minutes per side.

3. Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, garlic, basil, and remaining lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. While chicken is still on the grill, top each breast with 1 slice of mozzarella and cover until cheese is melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Top chicken with tomato mixture.

4. Garnish with Parmesan and serve.

B E F O R E A F T E R

C h a n g i n g L i v e s !

m y w e i g h t l o s s g o a l s S h e t a u g h t m e n o t o n l y w h a t e x e r c i s e s t o d o b u t , a l s o , h o w t o c h a n g e m y e a t i n g h a b i t s t o b e h e a l t h i e r a n d i t w a s s o e a s y ! I n 1 2 w e e k s , I l o s t a t o t a l o f 3 8 p o u n d s ! M y m e s s a g e t o e v e r y o n e i s : v i s i t t h e C l u b , d o t h e F r e e T r i a l a n d t h e n j o i n , s i g n u p f o r y o u r F r e e C o n s u l t a t i o n w i t h a T r a i n e r ; t h e y w i l l b e c o m e y o u r s e c o n d " h o m e " a s w e l l !

c l u b l o v e l a n d . c o m | ( 9 7 0 ) 2 7 8 - 5 7 6 4

A Grown-ups Guide to Summer Fun

Take advantage of the nice weather and the opportunities for fun around Loveland this summer

Summer isn’t just for kids to let loose and enjoy a break from their busy school year, adults deserve to enjoy the weather, events, and activities the community has to offer as well. Loveland has an array of things to do and partake in all summer long!

Loveland not only has one great weekly farmer’s market but two! Finding the freshest produce, discovering local eats, and buying artisan made items are a few of the highlights of strolling through the vendors at Fairgrounds Park and Jax. Loveland Farmers Market is every Sunday 9 am to 1 pm from June 4 to September 24 at Fairgrounds Park. The Loveland West Farmers Market at Jax is every Tuesday from 9 am to 1 pm from May to November 7 at 2665 W Eisenhower Blvd. Loveland, CO.

Loveland has a variety of wineries and distilleries that offer events and tasting rooms all summer. Sweet Heart Winery and MeadKrieger host tasting rooms and a variety of events like trivia nights, Paint and Sips, and wine and exercise classes. There’s a little something for everyone!

Do you love finding a good deal or an old treasure? Loveland is home to a number of antique and collectible shops. Don’t miss out on the Rocky Mountain Antique Festival, at Ranch Events Complex, held on July 15 and 16, where you can peruse the vendor stands for antiques and vintage items.

Looking to spice up your hosting habits? There’s nothing better than a refreshing drink to cool you and your guests down during your summer cookouts, parties, and gatherings. Liven up the party with a unique and fun cocktail like a sparkling white sangria or a light cucumber, basil, and lime gimlet. The possibilities are endless! Cocktails mentioned can be found at liquor.com.

For those that want to enjoy the outdoors but still like the conveniences of modern living, glamping is the perfect answer. Yurts, cabins, and luxurious canvas tents are taking the tourist industry by storm. When planning your next weekend getaway or staycation, consider these comfortable yet cozy ways of connecting with the scenery. Loveland and the surrounding area offers a variety of these experiences for your next adventure.

HARMONIZING TRADITIONAL VALUES WITH HIGH-TECH EXCELLENCE

O.E. AUTO GLASS OFFERS THE PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN QUALITY AND CARE

O.E. Auto Glass is a game-changer in the auto glass industry, bringing advanced technology and an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. Gone are the days when auto glass was considered just a piece of glass in a vehicle. Today, it is a sophisticated, high-tech component that requires precise calibration to ensure utmost safety on the road. O.E. Auto Glass has not only kept pace with this evolving technology but also maintained their traditional values, placing their customer-centric approach at the forefront of the industry.

Marlon Seals, with his extensive expertise spanning over 30 years, is the driving force behind this success. He firmly believes that providing topnotch customer service is paramount in today’s world, where such service has become increasingly rare. His determination to reverse this trend has shaped the foundation of O.E. Auto Glass.

From the moment you step into their doors or make a call, you are warmly greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable team that is ready to listen to your needs. They take the time to truly understand your concerns, ensuring that you feel heard and valued. By nurturing these connections, O.E. Auto Glass builds trust and fosters a sense of belonging within the community.

However, their dedication to the community goes beyond individual interactions. O.E. Auto Glass actively engages with local organizations and

events, seeking opportunities to give back and make a positive impact. Whether it’s sponsoring community fundraisers or supporting local sports teams, they are committed to being an integral part of the fabric that binds Loveland together.

“At O.E. Auto Glass, customer service is our cornerstone,” declares Seals. “We engage with our customers, listen to their needs and desires, and provide them with exceptional service.”

Seals’s dedication to customer service also extends to the products used at O.E. Auto Glass. He insists on using only the highest quality glass because he believes in delivering superior durability and longevity to his customers. Unlike cheaper aftermarket alternatives, Seals prioritizes quality, ensuring his customers receive the strongest and most reliable auto glass available.

One of Seals’s unofficial mottos is “Make it happen,” and he consistently lives up to this principle for his customers. Whether it’s sourcing glass for

a 2023 Mercedes Benz, a classic ‘55 Chevy, or even a McLaren, Seals goes above and beyond to fulfill his customers’ needs. “We will always go the extra mile to accommodate our customers,” Seals affirms, whether it’s finding rare glass, scheduling appointments, or delivering swift turn-around times.

Seals’s commitment to customer service has made O.E. Auto Glass the go-to auto glass shop for all of Northern Colorado. For Seals and his team, exceptional service is second nature. “Being a service-oriented business is ingrained in our nature. We are dedicated to serving the customer and taking care of their needs.”

Marlon Seals firmly believes that a strong community is built upon a foundation of mutual support and care. Through O.E. Auto Glass, he weaves these values into every interaction, fostering a sense of unity among customers, employees, and the wider Loveland community.

GARDEN TO GLASS

DIY COCKTAILS WITH FRESH HERBS

Nothing says spring like the aroma of fresh-cut herbs in a crisp, cold, cocktail. With warmer weather finally here, growing herbs at home can transform your cocktail hour and add a fresh kick to your springtime favorites.

Growing herbs is incredibly easy and can be done in a variety of ways—from a container in a window, to a planter box in the yard. With a container or garden full of fresh herbs, you will be ready to take your cocktails up a notch.

Basil is a bright herb that is easy to grow and perfect for cocktails. Make sure to harvest immediately before mixing drinks and take leaves from the top to ensure a continual harvest. Fresh muddled basil leaves lend a crispness to the Gin Basil Cucumber cocktail.

Sage is easy to grow and does well in containers. The leaves add an earthy freshness to a refreshing cherry-infused Bourbon.

Mint is also easy to grow, but give it lots of room, as it likes to spread out and is virtually indestructible in the garden. Mint is a versatile herb but is especially lovely in the Rhubarb Mint Mojito.

Try recreating these refreshing cocktails with herbs grown at home and take your cocktail game to new heights!

MR. BROWN INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. cherry-sage infused Bourbon

• 0.75 oz. apple brandy or apple jack brandy

DIRECTIONS

• Place over an ice ball in an old-fashioned glass

• Top with ginger beer and garnish with Bordeaux cherries and leaf of sage

RHUBARB MINT MOJITO

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz. white rum

• 1 oz. rhubarb puree (2 cups rhubarb, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water)

• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice

• 8-10 fresh mint leaves

• soda water

• lemon-lime soda

• ice

DIRECTIONS:

• Muddle mint, lime juice, and rhubarb puree in a glass or small cocktail shaker

• Once muddled, add the white rum and ice

• Top with large cocktail shaker and shake for a few seconds

• Remove large shaker and pour everything into a glass

• Top with more ice

• Add soda water and lemon-lime soda (equal parts to your liking)

• Garnish with mint leaf and lime wheel

GIN BASIL CUCUMBER

INGREDIENTS

• 2-3 fresh basil leaves

• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice

• 0.25 oz. simple syrup

• 2-3 cucumber slices

• 2 oz. gin

• tonic water

DIRECTIONS

• Muddle basil, lime juice, simple syrup and cucumber slices together in a small cocktail shaker

• Add gin and ice to cocktail shaker

• Shake well

• Strain over an ice ball

• Top with tonic water and garnish with basil leaf and a cucumber slice

DIY Your Way To a Bug-Free Summer

Adult- and Kid-Friendly Natural Bug Repellents from A Beautiful Mess

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY A BEAUTIFUL MESS

Adult Blend Kids Blend

(age 15 and over)

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 8 drops lavender essential oil

• 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water

(minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 4 drops lavender essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water

(minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.

*The grain alcohol is used as a preservative as well as a carrier for the oils, but you can also use a product like this instead of grain alcohol at a 1:4 ratio (1 drop essential oil to 4 drops Solubol) if you’d rather and then just fill the rest with water to fill the 2-ounce spray bottle.

While there can be concern about citrus oils on the skin when exposed to sunlight, lemongrass isn’t a photosensitive oil, and if lemon essential oil is steam-distilled rather than cold-pressed (Oui Fresh essential oils are cold-pressed) it can be used on the skin. So just make sure to note which one your lemon oil is and only spray on clothes if you don’t have a skin-safe lemon oil (which is an application method a lot of people prefer anyway if they are more sensitive to oils).

Find more DIYs at ABeautifulMess.com.

Get rewarded to dial in how you cool your home

Enroll in Power Peak Rewards and join your fellow co-op members to help us reduce energy demand during the summer months. You’ll receive a $50 sign-up bill credit plus an annual $30 participation reward.

All you need is central air or a qualifying heat pump, an ecobee or Nest smart thermostat, and Wi-Fi to enroll in Power Peak Rewards. We offer rebates to help cover the cost of your new smart thermostat.

Learn how you can earn rewards by visiting us online at pvrea.coop/power-peak-rewards

JULY

JULY 4TH Cornhole Tournament

NORTH LAKE PARK | 4:00 PM

Join the fun by entering the annual cornhole tournament! Whether you’re there for lighthearted competition or determined to take home the 1st and 2nd place cash prize, there’ll be no limit to the fun and excitement! Register before 7/3 to secure a spot for your team.

JULY 4TH Beer Garden

NORTH LAKE PARK | 4:00 PM

Beer from local vendors and food trucks will serve food and beverages from 4 pm to 9:30 pm.

JULY 4TH Kid Zone

NORTH LAKE PARK - NEAR

PLAYGROUND | 4:00 PM

Live entertainment, food and drinks, family friendly activities like an endless water balloon fight, face painting, balloon artist, and more will provide as much fun as you can handle!

JULY 4TH

Children’s Bike Parade around North Lake Park

NORTH LAKE PARK | 4:00 PM

The children’s bike parade is free to register and gives out prizes for the most festive bike, best costume, and crowd favorite!

LOVE YOUR LAZY LAWN

An easy way to help the ecosystem

Give some thought to this. Almost all US fruit and grain crops depend on pollination, yet our insect population has declined by 75% in the last 25 years - and most pollinators are insects.

Fortunately, keeping pollinators (and our local farms) alive couldn’t be easier. Just get lazy about your lawn!

Lawns mowed every two weeks offer more food for pollinators than lawns mowed weekly. So, while you’re lounging on the couch every other Saturday, your longer grass will be supporting American food systems. As a bonus, longer lawns also need less water, so being lazy saves you money, too.

Perfect lawns are literally the empty calories of the ecosystem. By letting go of that green-carpet ideal, you’ll add color to your landscape by allowing dandelions, violets, and white clover to decorate your grass. More important, these “weeds” feed pollinators which, in turn, feed us.

Here’s one more way being lazy can save the world: skip the pesticides. Pesticides kill pollinators, and they’re hardly health food for humans, birds, and pets, either. In fact, research shows that when bees visit plants treated with neonicotinoids (a chemical in most pesticides), even small amounts can build up over time and kill the hive. Neonicotinoids disorient bees and disrupt their fertility. Worse, they can linger in plants and pollen for 2-4 years.

So be a hero. Stay in bed this weekend and stop fussing over your lawn.

For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/ treesearch/pubs/55816

live music