get back together Let’s walk instead of drive. Talk instead of text. Saunter, reve el, linger, savor and make where you are, right where you want to be. Welcome to Kinston, Centerra, in Loveland, Colorado. Design ned for people seeking a new home in a new kind of place. One that re emembers when homes were full of character, life was full of variety and community meant people spending time together. We invite you to join us s.
New homes now selling from the $400s Start your tour at Kinston Hub. Pick up a map, learn about Kinston and treat yourself to a coffee or a craft brew. Models open daily.
kinstoncenterra.com
AUGUST 2022
NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 3
CONTENTS
FROM TH E E DITOR
August/September 2022 + The BACK TO SCHOOL Edition
SEE YA SUMMER! It hardly seems possible, but summer is nearly over—bring on sweater weather, I say.
6
However, while there’s some
24
14
and getting outside for. Every
ASK THE EXPERT How can my family prepare for preschool?
Northern Colorado locale has
PAGE 6
PAGE 18
MAKING A DIFFERENCE Larimer County Fights Childhood Hunger
FOOD + DRINK PROST! It’s Oktoberfest!
heat left in the air, there are still a few things worth getting up
its own signature send off to summer and for the German in all of us...raise a stein to Oktoberfest. You’ll have multiple opportunities to tip back a brew or two and don your best dirndl or lederhosen. All those community parties will, hopefully, help ease the transition back into homework, football games, and chillier weather. With the return to school, parents may find their kids down with the Back-
PAGE 8
MIND + BODY Mental Health and Kids PAGE 11
Colorado is stepping in to take youth mental health seriously. And if you have kids AND jobs, you know that it can be difficult to balance schedules and make sure everyone is looked after. A few local after school programs are lending a hand. While the return to a more strict schedule can be an adjustment
and we wish you all a delightful dive into autumn. —Misty Kaiser
4 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
ENTERTAINMENT Don’t Miss Family Events PAGE 24
PAGE 14
NORTHERN COLORADO
Life
MARKETING AND PUBLICATIONS EDITOR
Misty Kaiser, 303.473.1425 mkaiser@prairiemountainmedia.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emma Castleberry, Linda Thorsen Bond, Sarah Huber, Shelley Widhalm, Brittany Anas, Adam Goldstein, Darian Armer
for everyone involved, it’s a wonderful time of year as well
PAGE 21
FAMILY After School Programs: Resources that every parent needs to know
to-School blues, but when it becomes something a bit more,
HOME Welcome to Kinston A New Way to Live in Loveland
NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE A Publication of the Loveland Reporter Herald and Greeley Tribune Northern Colorado Life is published six times a year. Over 49,000 copies are inserted into the newspaper and are available at key locations and businesses throughout the area. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
EDITORIAL & EVENTS: To submit a
story idea, call 303.473.1425 or mkaiser@ prairiemountainmedia.com
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Christine Labozan, 970.635.3614 clabozan@prairiemountainmedia.com
Miss something? Find the e-magazine at northerncoloradolife.com NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
2022
EVFR ENEE T!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 10 A.M. to 1 P.M.
ctice Football Fields, UNC’s Practi ttingham Field ext to Notti ctly next directl
Join the Greeley Tribune and UNC Athletics at the 2022 Family Fest & Bears Bash! Greeley Tribune and UNC Athletics are so excited to bring the Greeley Community and the UNC Student body back together for a partnered event this August! UNC Athletes, community food trucks, small businesses, Greeley Tribune and our sponsor, Weld County Garage, provide an early afternoon of games, shopping, giveaways and more.
Local Vendors • Food Trucks Kids Activities • Scrimmages Meet and Greets • Prize Giveaways Dunk Tank • Games • And Much More!
GreeleyTribune.com/FamilyFest For more information or to be a vendor, please contact Lindsay Haines, event manager, at 970.392.5637 or lhaines@greeleytribune.com
Brought to you by
AUGUST 2022
in Partnership with
Meet Athletes & Coaches UNC Athletics would love for you to meet members of their sports teams. UNC’s head football coach Coach Ed McCaffrey will be in attendance alongside the UNC football team.
Meet The Band & Spirit Groups Meet students from the Band, Cheerleading team and Klawz! Be sure to view a special performance by the Pride of the Rockies Marching Band!
Sponsored by
NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 5
ASK THE EXPERT
How can my family
PREPARE FOR PRESCHOOL? BY EMMA CASTLEBERRY for Northern Colorado Life
Whether it’s your first rodeo or your fifth, getting your child (and yourself) ready for preschool comes with unique challenges with each child and each year. Northern Colorado Life sat down with a local expert, Barb Schuttenberg, Community Preschool Programs Coordinator for ABC Child Development Centers, to go over a few common questions parents may have before beginning their preschool journey. 6 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
prepared they are for Kindergarten because of having a preschool experience.
NCL: What are some to-do list items that preschool parents need to attend to before school starts?
BS: Make sure all of the paperwork has been completed and ask if there are any school supplies you need to provide to the school. Also, make sure your child is upto-date on their immunizations and physical and if your student has any medical conditions make sure the school is aware. If they will need any medication at school be prepared to provide a doctor’s authorization as well as the medicine to the school before school starts. Also, let them know if there are any other things they need to be aware of special diet restrictions, or custody arrangements.
NCL: What are some strategies parents can use to help their child prepare for preschool, especially if it’s the child’s first time being separated from the parents?
Preschool can be a challenging transition for the whole family. (Photos courtesy ABC Child Development Centers)
NCL: What are some of the core basics parents need to know before their child starts preschool?
BS: Parents need to know that in preschool learning might look different than what they may think it should. While there is time spent on developing academic skills such as pre-reading, pre-writing and pre-math, much of the time is spent on teaching social skills like sharing, following directions and rules, and self-help skills. It is also the first time for some children to be away from home or from their grown-ups and it may be hard for some children to adjust at first. Children crying at drop off time is fairly normal but children do adjust and this process makes the transition to Kindergarten a lot easier.
NCL: Is there a common theme of things that surprise parents about preschool enrollment and attendance? BS: I think parents in general are pleasantly surprised by how much their children learn and grow and how AUGUST 2022
BS: I recommend parents start talking to their child about preschool a few weeks prior. Also, take advantage of any meet-and-greet opportunities with the teacher or open house time offered at the school to show the child the classroom and to meet the teaching staff. This will make the child feel a little more comfortable on the first day of school.
NCL: What are some behavioral issues parents might prepare for during this transitional time as the child gets used to preschool?
BS: Some children may need an adjustment period to get used to being at school. There will be a lot to get used to: a schedule, the expectations of the teacher, having to share with other students. This may result in a child crying or throwing fits. The best way for a child to adjust is if the parent is consistent and reassuring.
MORE INFORMATION ABC Child Development Centers & Bright School-Age Centers 970-352-2222, abccdc.com NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 7
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Larimer County Fights
Childhood Hunger BY LINDA THORSEN BOND for Northern Colorado Life I get hungry around lunch time. And before dinner. Okay, and when I wake up and think about breakfast. But there are meals waiting for me, a pantry full of my favorite foods and fancy little extras like cookies, crackers and fruit snacks. My hunger is aggravating, but it is a passing aggravation. For many of Colorado’s children, hunger is a constant nagging feeling, a daily disappointment that leaves them feeling broken and afraid. The state statistic is that one in seven Colorado kids do not always know when or where they will get their next meal. Even more striking, the Food Bank for Larimer County estimates one in three children right here at home are at risk for hunger. To add to the problem, the isolation of the pandemic increased food instability of families all around us. So how can we step up to help, those of us who are not starving? Our Food Banks can use all of us to help fight the good fight against hunger. They are skilled in collecting and distributing food to those in need.
8 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
Weston Edmunds is communication manager for the Weld Food Bank which serves 4,000 square miles in the county through eight direct service programs. “We focus on making sure we serve every demographic,” Edmunds said. “And some of our services specifically concentrate on getting food to children during the summer months. We have seen an uptick of about a 28 percent of folks needing our help during the last four months.” Edmunds said donors have stepped up. “We are blessed with a generous community for donations, and we have access to the grocery stores. This time of year, we have increased support from agricultural producers, and we work with distributors with access all across the country. We thankfully are not running with our shelves bare but costs are rising. What food used to cost is now $3,000-$4,000 more as prices rise.” To address the serious issue of food insecurity in children, the Food Bank for Larimer County provides food to children in need year-round through three programs: Kids Cafe, Kids Link and Backpack. Kids Cafe is a national program supported by Feeding America. The Food Bank for Larimer County provides food to eligible, school-aged children at sites throughout Larimer County.
NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
The Weld Food Bank helps the community with mobile pick-up options, as well as child-oriented Kids Cafe, Kids Link and Backpack programs. (Photos courtesy Weld Food Bank)
With a full-time chef and registered dietitian on staff, the focus of Kids Cafe is on nutrition. Meals are cooked from scratch and exceed USDA and National School Lunch nutrition standards. In partnership with the Junior League of Fort Collins, Kids Link provides healthy, individually packaged snacks to all qualifying schools in Poudre and Thompson School Districts. The Food Bank uses the Larimer network resources to procure snacks for pennies on the dollar and safely stores the snacks until they are pulled for distribution. The program is funded by the Junior League of Fort Collins. Junior League members also fill the orders and deliver the snacks to area schools. Launched by Feeding America in 1995, the Backpack program is administered through the Food Bank and provides children in need with a weekend food pack filled with nutritious, non-perishable items. Schools refer children in need to the program. Each KidsPak bag consists of at least one main meal per day, breakfast items, peanut butter, milk and snacks to get the children through the weekend. Items are easy to open, heat and consume, even for a small child. The KidsPak team is staffed 100 percent by volunteers. How do hungry people find help? Edmunds said they can search online for food banks and in addition, the Food Bank works with 70 other community partners like the United Way. He said, “People might come to the United Way for rental assistance, and they are always directed to us if they mention they need food. We do the same reciprocal referral for other agencies; if someone comes to us for food and mentions they need help with utilities, we refer them to the United Way. It’s a collaborative effort to make sure to send people to the agency that match their needs.” AUGUST 2022
The Weld Food Bank is in its 40th year of operation, and like the Food Bank for Larimer County, they love volunteers. Edmunds said, “First, people can help through donations. Financial help keeps the lights on and the trucks running. We know that every dollar supplies three meals, or you can say that $1 feed a person a day. We also accept food donations. People might have extra food at home that they could donate, and we can even come pick it up. We are delighted to get things from home gardens, and soon people will have home garden abundance. We would love lots of zucchini and tomatoes and other things they grow. Volunteering makes a huge difference in a food bank, even if it’s just for a couple hours. Volunteers could work in our mobile food pantries, put together boxes, and help in so many ways. Our main facility is in Greeley; that’s where our warehouse and offices are. We also have a facility in Fort Lupton where one day a week we pack the boxes for senior feeding.” Learning about the food banks hasn’t been hard and it sounds like volunteering could be easy too. It’s better than feeling guilty that some child is heartbreakingly hungry while I wait for lunch. I think maybe it’s time that I push back from the table and volunteer to help.
WELD FOOD BANK 1108 H Street, Greeley 970.356.2199, weldfoodbank.org FOOD BANK FOR LARIMER COUNTY 815 14th Street SW, Loveland, Building D 970.493.4477, foodbanklarimer.org
NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 9
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NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
MIND + BODY
MENTAL HEALTH AND KIDS: The crisis is real, but so is the support
In Colorado, youth can access mental health care free 24/7 BY SARAH HUBER for Northern Colorado Life
“Our world is in a mental health crisis,” and for youth, who often process daily life more intensely than adults, that crisis was both “heightened and enhanced” through the COVID-19 pandemic, said North Range Behavioral AUGUST 2022
Health chief clinical officer Kim Collins. Globally, reported anxiety and depression rates have surged 25 percent since 2020, according to the World Health Organization, and suicide is now the second leading cause of individual death for those between the ages of 10 and 34, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. However, the pandemic has also helped to normalize mental health care, Collins said, and has led to an increase in the development of mental health care resources. She explained, “Pre-COVID, there was still a significant amount of stigma around mental health NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 11
Some of us have a boat, some of us are in the garage, some of us have an umbrella. We’re all equipped differently to handle this huge struggle that we’re all in. services. In the most interesting way, COVID served as the great equalizer: There is not a person on this planet that would not say they were not personally impacted by COVID.” Whether that impact is related to loneliness, fear of infection, strains on relationships, falling behind in school, illness, grieving the loss of a loved one or financial worries, “we’re all in the same storm,” she said. “Some of us have a boat, some of us are in the garage, some of us have an umbrella. We’re all equipped differently to handle this huge struggle that we’re all in.”
ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR YOUTH
Thus, to equip youth in particular to work through the challenges of the past few years, Colorado schools, local crisis centers and national and state governments are partnering to provide access to mental health care around the clock. In July the Federal Communications Commission rolled out 988, a new phone number that directly connects to the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In Colorado, anyone may call or text 988 to reach a mental health professional through Colorado Crisis Service, of which North Range Behavior Health is part. Similarly, Colorado’s I Matter program, which launched in 2021 and has been extended through June of 2023, offers free therapy to those 18 or younger (or 21 or younger if receiving special education services). To participate, students 12 or older may complete the survey at IMatterColorado.org, select a therapist and book an appointment. Caregivers must complete the survey with children under age 12. Charlotte Whitney, deputy communications director with the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration, said, “It’s critically important to have a low-barrier, easy-to-access program like I Matter so all youth can have support for their mental health. Youth that are taking care of their mental health are able to have healthier relationships overall and make healthier decisions that impact themselves and those around them.” More than 3,300 Colorado youth have received support to 12 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
date through I Matter. Whitney noted that schools “really value this additional resource for their students, with some saying that it was a really helpful resource to share with students before the summer break when students wouldn’t have access to their school supports, like school counselors.” Colorado’s Safe2Tell program, also available online or by phone, welcomes students and community members in general to anonymously report concerns about the safety of themselves or others. Stacey Jenkins, director of the Safe2Tell program through the Colorado attorney general’s office, said suicide remains “the number one tip category for years running.” Other top reporting categories during the previous school year included child abuse and bullying.
DEPRESSION, ANXIETY ESCALATING IN YOUTH
Sandi Squicquero, a licensed professional counselor and owner of The Medical Hypnosis & Counseling Center in Windsor, said, “What most of us are seeing is depression and anxiety in teens from fallout from the pandemic or a breakdown in the family system or too much time on social media.” She sometimes uses hypnosis to weaken an addiction and identify the mental health challenges fueling behavioral patterns.
Symptoms of depression and anxiety are as varied as the child, she said, but some signs for parents to heed are “a child withdrawing from relationships or seeming to isolate, a lack of interest in what used to make them happy, gaining or losing weight quickly” and poor performance in school. Collins added that while parents may be afraid to mention suicide, asking youth if they have considered hurting or killing themselves in an honest and loving way can lead to recovery. Parents can find a therapist for their child, in addition to consulting the above resources, by asking a family medical doctor for a referral or contacting Colorado Crisis Services. At North Range Behavioral Health, no one is turned away, and funding is available for clients without insurance.
SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Ahmad Sedaghat, the mental health and safety coordinator in the Weld RE-4 School District, has likewise witnessed a rise in anxiety in Colorado youth. He said, “We have seen an increase in anxiety among our students more than anything else. It became clear for everyone that students need to be at school, and we need to keep our school routine the same for all students.” NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
To meet student needs, Sedaghat said, “Counselors at each school are trained to identify the early signs of mental health symptoms,” and teachers are educated to understand and support student mental health. Sedaghat and his team reach out to parents “as soon as we notice anything,” he said, to discuss treatment options.
FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, CONTACT: • Colorado Crisis Services and the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, coloradocrisisservices.org, 988 or 844-493-TALK, text 988 or TALK to 38255
After all, he continued, “The pandemic has been a stressful time for everyone. Many times this stress follows students from home to school or other way around. It works much better if parents and schools work together in creating a healthy and stressless environment for all students both at school and home.”
• I Matter, IMatterColorado.org • Larimer County Behavioral Health Services and SummitStone Health Partners, larimer.gov/behavioralhealth, 970-494-4200
North Range Behavioral Health provides mental health care throughout the Weld County school system, as Larimer County Behavioral Health Services and SummitStone Health Partners serves the Thompson School District. Mental health support is available to students and teachers.
• North Range Behavioral Health, northrange.org, 970-247-2120 To anonymously report concerns about the safety of yourself or others, contact: Safe2Tell, safe2tell.org, 877-542-7233
Mental health is “not a destination but a journey,” Squicquero said, “a journey of learning about yourself and self-love.”
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NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 13
FAMILY
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Resources that every parent needs to know
Kids in the YMCA After School Care program in Loveland paint pumpkins provided by a local farm. (Courtesy YMCA of Northern Colorado)
After-school care is paramount to working parents. They need safe care and consistent, passionate care while they work. BY SHELLEY WIDHALM for Northern Colorado Life
“Convenience is key for any parent,” said Andra Coberly Webster, communications director of YMCA of
As kids head back to school, parents working beyond
Northern Colorado. “If it’s within a school, that’s huge.
the last bell can rely on the area’s after-school pro-
You don’t need to leave to transition them.”
grams. Or they may need a place to send them before school starts.
BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE YMCA of Northern Colorado operates several fee-based
But what do they need to know to decide what’s conve-
programs, including Weld RE-5J Before & After School
nient while also giving their kids a place to learn, play
Care started five years ago and Thompson YMCA Be-
and grow?
fore & After School Care that began last fall.
14 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
You are invited to the
29th Annual Celebrating Women Gala Saturday, October 22, 2022 ~ 7:30 p.m. After school programs relaunched in 2021, offering kids a safe and fun place to be after the final bell rings. (Courtesy YMCA of Northern Colorado)
The Before & After School Care programs are offered at select school sites within each school district and are held in the cafeteria, gymnasium or a classroom—Weld County has three sites and Larimer County has nine. Parents can register children ages 5-10 for the before- and after-school programs to extend their school day and bolster their academics. The YMCA After School Care program, for instance, typically provides children with a snack, engages them in active play and outdoor time, and gives them homework help. The children also engage in activities including exploring science concepts, creating art projects and participating in weekly swimming, sports and games. “Get your snack and get your play and get your wiggles out,” Coberly Webster said. YMCA partnered with Mindworks and the Pop Culture Hero Coalition to offer a curriculum focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and social and emotional learning through super heroes and cartoons. “It teaches kids about dealing with emotions and overcoming challenges through the superhero characters,” Coberly Webster said.
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The Celebrating Woman’s Gala funds a Woman’s Place, which provides immediate shelter and assistance for domestic violence victims in Weld County.
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Donations:
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Media Sponsor:
This school year, the YMCA will start a few Friday clubs for specialized activities, such as yoga and crafts. AUGUST 2022
NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 15
After School Kindness offers programs throughout Fort Collins and Loveland presents a fire prevention seminar with local fire departments. (Photos courtesy After School Kindness)
“For kids, it’s a way for them to expand their social group outside the classroom, make friends and find mentors,” Coberly Webster said. “It’s a great way for them to continue socializing. They’re staying connected with other kids.” YMCA ensures inclusivity in the before- and after-school programs through state funding and financial assistance offered through the nonprofit. “After-school care is paramount to working parents,” Coberly Webster said. “They need safe care and consistent, passionate care while they work. They need to know their kids are in safe spaces.”
AFTER SCHOOL KINDNESS After School Kindness, Inc., is an after-school program serving Northern Colorado focused on teaching children kindness within a framework of fun and academics. Currently at seven private and charter schools in Fort Collins and Loveland, the program is open to children ages 5 to 18, but typically children up to age 12 attend or age 13 if they have younger siblings—an average of 20 children are at each site. “We try to help students boost their self-confidence through a kindness curriculum,” said Samantha Black, vice-president of After School Kindness, Inc., based in Loveland and founded in May 2020. “Every day we encourage children to do something good for someone else. 16 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
… By doing that, they are building confidence in themselves knowing they are making a difference in someone’s day.” Students start the program with a snack, followed by either homework time or recess, depending on the school site. Homework time is conducted by group tutors, who are top certified teachers or directors working with students at a ratio of 1 to 10—the requirement is 1 to 15. The idea is for the students to get most or all of their homework done, removing the stress from parents and freeing up family time, Black said. “With group tutoring, a lot of parents say their children’s grades are going up,” Black said. After School Kindness includes a specialty day with a variety of activities, such as making pet toys for the Larimer Humane Society, fire prevention seminars presented by the local fire department and self-defense instruction from a karate instructor, all along the kindness theme. The specialty days are presented by a guest, followed by a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) activity, such as science games and art projects. “We incorporate all of our fun activities with STEAM activities—that way they’re having fun and still learning,” Black said. NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
Community Center in Greeley, where they also receive a hot meal and snack provided by the Weld County Food Bank.
ROADMAP 4 KIDS
COOL SCHOOL AND GREELEY REC
Loveland Initiative’s Cool School Enrichment Program is an after-school support program for students in grades 5-6 who aren’t getting the instruction they need at home. Many of the students in the program have IEPs (individualized education programs) that describe learning challenges with alternative approaches to instruction. Through Cool School, students receive individual or group homework assistance two days a week with direct instruction in the academic area of their greatest need. “The focus is on helping them learn, complete their homework and build life skills that include helping others and being respectful of their friends, parents and teachers,” as stated on the website, lovelandinitiative.org/ cool-school-enrichment-program/. “It also provides attention to those students who need that extra caring and supportive touch.” The Greeley Recreation Center offers an After School Program to provide additional academic assistance through supervised tutoring, homework assistance, reading time and STEM activities. The STEM activities include the High Plains Library District, the Skate Club and STEM through CSU Extension Office. To participate in the program, students are transported to the Rodarte AUGUST 2022
United Way of Weld County offers Roadmap 4 Kids, unitedway-weld.org/ roadmap4kids/, to connect parents and caregivers with school-age care and other resources for children up to 8 years old. The resources cover child care, school readiness, education and home learning activities to help parents teach and guide their children. There also is a list of 49 local child care homes and centers that offer school-age care at Child Care 4 Weld, childcare4weld@ unitedway-weld.org, including those with after-school programs and that are searchable by age group and location. “We support child care providers that may have after-school programs,” said Sheri Hannah-Ruh, director of Early Childhood Initiatives for the United Way of Weld County. “They can provide an environment that’s safe, nurturing and quality, so it supports their brain development. Those three things get them ready for school.” The Roadmap 4 Kids and Child Care 4 Weld resources are part of United Way’s Reading Great by 8 with the goal to have every child ready for kindergarten and at a proficient reading level by the time they enter fourth grade. “We’re connecting parents to resources and advocating to fill the gaps,” Hannah-Ruh said. “Kids need to have a safe place to go when they’re not in school if their parents are at work.”
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NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 17
HOME
WELCOME TO KINSTON
A New Way to Live in Loveland
BY BRITTANY ANAS for At Home Northern Colorado Photos courtesy McWhinney
KINSTON, the newest village in Centerra, may just be Loveland’s most excit-
ing place to buy a new home. Why? Well, it comes down to more than one thing. The homes themselves, priced from the $400,000s, are uniquely beautiful and full of character. But as with any great place, what makes Kinston special is the rich community life that surrounds your home. In Kinston, that means all kinds of reasons — parks, trails, art, music, even a neighborhood brewery — for neighbors to come together. In fact, even the name “Kinston” is all about togetherness. The name combines the ideas of “kinship” and “town.” And being part of the community of Centerra, Kinston is in the right spot to bring these ideas to life. Centerra is the creation of the award-winning, Colorado-based developer McWhinney. And with its well-established and walkable mix of commerce, culture, nature and homes, Centerra lives like a small town. Now, Kinston is upping the ante. “Kinston offers a chance to live in a self-contained neighborhood, while having access to the restaurants, retail shopping, and offices in Centerra,” says Abby Kirkbride, Vice President of Community Development for McWhinney who oversees Kinston. Here’s the bigger picture. Northern Colorado is thriving. It has become a destination for people and companies looking for our region’s one-of-a-kind blend of big-mountain adventure, small-town simplicity and flavorful local culture. Located at the key intersection of I-25 and U.S. 34 in Loveland, Centerra is right at the heart of this regional renaissance. All of which makes this an exciting time to find a home in Kinston. 18 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
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The Hub at Kinston features indoor and outdoor community gathering spaces and Mountain Cowboy Brewing Co., a locally owned brewery.
Want to know more about Kinston’s variety of homes and Centerra’s Colorado-centric lifestyle? Visit the all-new Centerra.com. Or just keep reading.
THE CENTERRA WAY OF LIFE The land that Kinston is being built on has been part of the plan for Centerra from the beginning. The team at McWhinney was just waiting for right time to bring it to life. Now, with Northern Colorado blossoming, the time for Kinston has arrived. With its elevated views of the Rocky Mountains, its inspired community amenities and its diverse mix of housing, Kinston represents Centerra’s newest thinking. While Kinston has its own unique amenities such as Kinston Hub — a community space with indoor and outdoor gathering places and offering frothy refreshments from Mountain Cowboy Brewing Co. — residents are also well connected to Centerra’s abundant amenities. In Kinston, you’re just a short bike ride from Centerra’s shops, restaurants and the restful outdoor spaces and exciting outdoor concerts of Chapungu Sculpture Park. And when it comes to landscaping, Centerra and Kinston have a commitment to using native landscapes that aren’t just beautiful but resilient and good for the environment, requiring less water and allowing pollinators to thrive. (Think wildflowers like buttercream-colored primroses, feathery native grasses and hummingbird-friendly gardens.) The High Plains Environmental Center has helped guide the plan for Centerra’s parks and nature areas, and the organization also helps residents create places where native species can flourish. A fun fact: Centerra is home to AUGUST 2022
more than 100 bird species; 185 native trees, shrubs and grasses; and 29 kinds of fish, amphibians and mammals. Then there’s the core community value shared by Centerra and Kinston: bringing people together. Sometimes that means community-scale traditions like outdoor concerts, movie nights, food truck lineups and holiday celebrations. Or it might simply mean meeting up with friends for a round of IPAs at Mountain Cowboy Brewing Co., sharing some splash time with the kids at the planned community pool, or just taking a long morning walk on the trail with your four-footed friend.
KINSTON OFFERS A RANGE OF HOMES At Kinston, prospective buyers can find a range of regional architectural styles that have been reimagined with thoughtful, modern designs. Styles include the modern farmhouse, modern Craftsman, modern prairie and village modern. While builders are bringing convenience and efficiency with the new single-family and paired homes, there’s also a familiar character of historic neighborhoods with many of the homes tucking the garage behind to make room for a big porch on the front. Kinston is planned to have over 15 housing segments, ranging from single-family homes to paired homes to entire neighborhoods designed for active-adult living for people age 55 and up. Kinston is even introducing unique Built-for-Rent® paired homes. Right now, Kinston offers five home collections from three exceptional homebuilders, and there’s more to come: Dream Finders Homes’ Dream Series: Open one- and twostory floorplans from 1,700 to 2,600 square feet. Dream NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 19
Finders has four floorplans available. Lennar’s Pioneer Collection: Wide open two-story, singlefamily homes are available in three distinct floorplans that range from 1,813 to 2,377 square feet. Lennar’s Ridgeline Collection: A charming collection of two-story, low-maintenance single-family homes oriented around a shared paseo is available in four floorplans and ranges from 1,504 to 1,700 square feet. Richmond American Homes’ Urban Collection: Modern design meets contemporary curb appeal in the low-maintenance Urban Collection that features open floor plans, covered outdoor spaces and personalized finishes. Richmond American Homes’ Richmond American Homes Collection: Featuring flexible, open plans, the collection lets you personalize your finishes, fixtures and flooring in their Home Gallery showroom.
LIVE THE GOOD LIFE IN KINSTON Lots of exciting amenities are on tap for Kinston. The Kinston Hub is now open and features a community
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LOVELAND 2400 N. Lincoln Ave. S (970) 800-3967 WINDSOR 516 Main St. S (970) 686-5547
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More amenities are coming to the Kinston Commons, which will be designed and constructed as a central amenity campus. The Community Center will welcome residents to a pool and community lawn that can host festivities — everything from yoga classes to movie nights. Kinston will embrace the idea of “artful living” and will connect neighbors through cookouts and concerts. Plus, Kinston is a nice basecamp for great Northern Colorado adventures, like bike rides to Houts Reservoir and Equalizer Lake. Residents are close to the events and concerts at Budweiser Event Center. What’s more, 14 miles of trails are planned to meander their way through Kinston, linking to parks and connecting to Centerra, making it easy to, say, bike to dinner in The Promenade Shops. Centerra is also partnering with the Colorado Department of Transportation to build the new Centerra Loveland Station, a Bustang stop and Park-n-Ride structure near Kinston right on I-25, making it seamless to take public transportation up and down the Front Range.
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room that’s exclusively available to residents who want to rent it for parties and celebrations. The Hub is home to Kinston’s first retail business, Mountain Cowboy Brewing Co., open six days a week and serving great coffee, craft brews and other café food items.
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That is, if you can peel yourself away from all the great stuff right at home.
Living in Kinston at Centerra Want to learn more about life in Kinston? Model homes are open and homes are selling from the $400s. Prospective residents can stop by the Welcome Center, Kinston Hub and Mountain Cowboy Brewing Company to learn about the community. Kinston is located in Loveland, just east of I-25 off of Highway 34 and Centerra Parkway. Find more information online at Centerra.com/ Kinston
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It’s Oktoberfest! That celebration was so memorable, it came back the following year … and the year after … and the year after, until its popularity spread far beyond its humble Germanic roots. Centuries after the marriage of Ludwig and Therese, the annual Volksfest (in German, people’s fest), has transcended the nobility and become a celebration for revelers of all nations, backgrounds and ethnicities. OktobBrewfest in Greeley combines German traditions entertainment and modern entertainment. (Courtesy Greeley Downtown Development Authority)
BY ADAM GOLDSTEIN for Northern Colorado Life Oktoberfest has come a long way in the past 212 years. What beer lovers across the world now know as an annual festival dedicated to brews, brats, polka and many other facets of Bavarian culture began as a big wedding party. When Prince Regent Ludwig and Princess Therese married in the kingdom of Bavaria in 1810, King Ludwig wanted the entire city of Munich to join in the celebration. Indeed, the local populace saw the union as a chance to throw a once-in-a-lifetime party. For five days, the populace in what is now Germany feted the royal match with parties, dances, drinking and a grand horse race. AUGUST 2022
One only needs to look to Colorado to see just how far-flung the annual nod to German culture has become. The yearly festival has iterations across the state, from the high-profile celebration in downtown Denver, to smaller versions across the Front Range. In Northern Colorado alone, Oktoberfesters have multiple options when it comes to celebrating, including parties in Loveland, Greeley and Windsor. In all of these locales, northern Coloradoans have found a way to bring their own flavor to an annual celebration with 19th-century roots in Bavaria. In Greeley, for example, the local version of the annual Bavarian party has turned into a tradition that not only pays tribute to the history of the original Oktoberfest, but also one that benefits the economic vitality of the city. NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE 21
Axe throwing and fire dancing at OktobBrewfest. (Courtesy Greeley Downtown Development Authority)
According to Alison Hamling, director of experience for the Greeley Downtown Development Authority, the OktoBrewfest celebration slated for September 23 and 24 in Lincoln Park in the city’s downtown will feature all trademark features of an authentic Bavarian celebration. Attendees will find a wide array of beers, plenty of brats and other German cuisine and a rotation of live music that runs from Friday night into Saturday. What’s more, the event will also feature family-friendly options for attendees with young children. “This is a great annual celebration with over 12 local breweries. They’ll each bring of their best brews,” Hamling said. “We’ll have lots of bands. We usually have two bands on Friday night, and entertainment throughout Saturday, including hatchet throwing and life-sized beer pong. We’ll also have a big kids world area with inflatable slides and obstacle courses, and lots of great food as well.” As attendees celebrate Oktoberfest at the Greeley party, they’ll also be benefiting the economic health of their local downtown. According to Hamling, the OktoBrewfest event is the DDA’s only yearly fundraiser, a chance to let residents celebrate even as they ensure the vitality of their historic center. “It’s the only annual fundraiser for the DDA that we do. People don’t know that we’re a nonprofit and we’re not part of the city,” she said. “The event and the fundraiser aligns 22 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
with our mission of economic development and creating and maintaining a thriving downtown for the community.” More information will be forthcoming regarding the event in the coming weeks, as will ticket sales for the VIP beer tasting tent. For more information, visit greeleydowntown. com/special-events/greeley-oktobrewfest. Greeley isn’t the only northern Colorado community that’s keen on adopting the Bavarian tradition of brews, brats and celebration. The Windsor Oktoberfest is slated for September 24 along 5th Street (near the Boardwalk). Though Windsor may not boast the same size or profile as larger Oktoberfest parties in larger Colorado cities, its annual nod to the German tradition offers an outsized amount of enthusiasm, joy and celebration. What’s more, the annual celebration draws revelers from across northern Colorado. NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
that brings out the fun costumes, spirit and atmosphere attracting more than 1,500 visitors from Northern Colorado.” With partners including the Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce and the city’s Downtown Development Authority, the event promises to be a celebration “German heritage and traditions,” as well as lederhosen and accordions. For more information, visit windsorchamber.net.
Beer always plays a part at Oktobrewfest, but family-friendly attractions abound as well. (Courtesy Greeley Downtown Development Authority)
Past years have featured live music, beer gardens, food trucks and family-friendly games and activities, features that are sure to return for the 2022 festival. “This is one of Windsor’s traditional festivals transforming our downtown area with vendors, games, live music and of course, brews,” Lexie Spykstra, recreation coordinator for
Details are still coming together for even more Oktoberfest fun in the region, including the Loveland Oktoberfest, which is slated to return for a to-be-determined date in September. In past years, the Loveland fest has put the spotlight on local beer brewers and entertainers, and has featured all of the staples of a quality tribute to Bavarian traditions. For updates on dates and location, visit oktoberfestloveland.org. Whatever version of the Oktoberfest spirit appeals the most, all of these celebrations share a common trait: They successfully fuse the history of the Bavarian event with the fun, spirit and sass of the Colorado spirit.
Windsor’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Department said in a release. “It is one of the town’s favorite culture festivals
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970.352.2222 • ABCCDC.com AUGUST 2022
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ENTERTAINMENT
D O N ’T M I S S
Family Events around NoCo
Poudre RiverFest celebrates conservation and restoration. (Courtesy Poudre RiverFest)
BY DARIAN ARMER for Northern Colroado Life Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. We’ve rounded up the best of Northern Colorado’s remaining fun family events for the year. You’ll want to make sure to put them on your family’s calendar.
FORT COLLINS Poudre RiverFest WHEN: August 20, Noon – 6 p.m. WHERE: New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins INFO: poudreriverfest.org The Poudre RiverFest is a free, family-friendly festival celebrating the Poudre River. The event first debuted in 2014 on the heels of the devastating high floodwaters of 2013. The event promotes restoration and educates people about the Poudre river corridor, an important natural resource in the community. The event features virtual content and in-person activities for kids and adults alike. The Bohemian Foundation 24 NORTHERN COLORADO LIFE
Music Stage will feature live music all afternoon. There will be a River Fun Zone, pet photo contest, and more. The Poudre River Experience is an immersive experience along the Cache la Poudre River. The 30- by 10-foot tunnel allows attendees to learn about each section of the river from headwaters to the lower watershed. Attendees can pick up a Poudre River Passport at the welcome tent for a chance to win Poudre River inspired prizes. Visit each exhibitor booth on the passport and collect stamps to fill up the card. Return a full card back to the welcome tent and be entered to win a prize.
GREELEY Monster Day WHEN: August 20, Noon – 6 p.m. WHERE: Downtown Greeley INFO: monsterdaygreeley.com Monster Day celebrates all thing “monster,” with themed music, art, food, entertainment and costumes. Come dressed as your favorite monster or just take it all in. The event will have a costume contest, face painting, monster NORTHERNCOLORADOLIFE.COM
The UNC Family Fest/Bear Bash brings the community together with UNC athletes for some family-friendly fun. (Courtesy Greeley Tribune)
makeup, food, vendors, professional makeup demonstrations, kids’ activities, a library pop-up for monster lore, costumed monsters roaming the plaza and more. Distortions Unlimited, a local business and some of the best monster makers in the movie business, will have some of their creations on display. There will be special events happening at the Colorado Model Railroad Museum, the Greeley Ice Haus, the Greeley History Museum, and the Kress Cinema and Lounge.
UNC Family Fest/Bear Bash WHEN: August 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. WHERE: UNC Football Practice Fields next to Nottingham Field, 17th Ave. and Reservoir Road INFO: events.greeleytribune.com/familyfest-bears-bash/
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet UNC athletes, win prizes, and have lots more family fun at the UNC Family Fest/Bear Bash.
“The Greeley Tribune and UNC Athletics partner to bring the Greeley community and the UNC student body together for a partnered event this August,” says Lindsay Haines, advertising, marketing and special events coordinator for Prairie Mountain Media, parent company of The Greeley Tribune. “UNC athletes, community food trucks, small businesses, Greeley Tribune and our sponsor, Weld County Garage, provide an early afternoon of games, shopping, giveaways and more.” AUGUST 2022
Haines says highlights of the event include a meet and greet with student athletes, Ed McCaffery will make an appearance, watch the UNC football team practice, shop local vendors, prize giveaways, a kid zone and the Pride of the Rockies Marching Band will perform. “This is an amazing opportunity to bring together the Greeley community and UNC athletics. Kids will get to meet collegiate athletes, engage in fun activities and get inspired to continue an active and healthy lifestyle. Students are also invited to attend, and this gives them the opportunity to meet local businesses in the community,” Haines says. Each sports team will have a planned activity at their “station” on the field and vendors will have chances for more prizes, giveaways and games of their own. Athletes will also be autographing memorabilia. Activity sponsors like First Farm Bank helped bring Merry Makers Face Painting free of charge for kids (and adults if they want!), as well as Mr. Reid Balloon Twister. The Greeley Fire Dept. will have their firetruck on hand.
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The annual Old Fashioned Loveland Corn Roast Festival is a much loved community celebration with a parade, music and, of course, corn shucking. (Courtesy Loveland Corn Roast Festival/Loveland Chamber of Commerce)
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126th Annual Old Fashioned Loveland Corn Roast Festival WHEN: August 26, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. and August 27, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. WHERE: Old Fairgrounds Park 700 S. Railroad Ave., Loveland INFO: facebook.com/ LovelandsCornRoastFestival/
Windsor Harvest Festival WHEN: September 3-5 WHERE: Eastman Park, Boardwalk Park, Main Park INFO: windsorharvestfest.com
The Old Fashioned Loveland Corn Roast Festival is two days of fun for the whole family. Friday night events include a corn-shucking contest, roasted corn sales, a beer garden, food, vendors and live music by Soul School. Saturday starts off with a parade announced by George Grey and Sue Sutton with Pirate Radio 93.5 FM. The day will have more roasted corn sales, a beer garden, food, vendors, and a kid’s zone. There will be live music from noon – 2 p.m. by Funky Business, leading up to the 4 p.m. Loveland Rotary Duck Race. More live music by Kelsey Jo & The Wild Cards rounds out the event.
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The Windsor Harvest Festival celebrates 100 years of family fun. On Saturday, enjoy the Windsor Harvest Festival balloon launch, farmers market, all-town BBQ, fireworks show, concert and street dance. Sunday there will be more balloon launches at Eastman Park, arts and crafts, commercial and food booths and kid’s amusement rides and games. Sunday has church service in the park, cruise-in car show, doggie dip, horsedrawn carriage rides, a beer garden, vintage baseball game and free movie at the drive-in. Monday is parade day. There will be a pancake breakfast, arts and crafts, commercial and food booths, kid’s amusement rides and games, horse drawn carriage rides, a beer garden and Bingo in the park. Tour Windsor parks this Labor Day Weekend for family fun.
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