Selfless Service - Lydia`s Style Magazine

Transcription

Selfless Service - Lydia`s Style Magazine
Five dollars
Fa m i ly & P h i l a n t h r o p h y
Nonprofits
Of Northern Colorado
Opera Fort Collins
30 Years Of Success
Selfless Service
Mike Demma Inspires Change
Fa m i ly & P h i l a n t h r o p h y 2 0 0 9 : : w w w. s t y l e m a g a z i n e c o l o r a d o . c o m : : e s t 1 9 8 4
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| 970.226.6400 |
w w w. s t y l e m a g a z i n e c o l o r a d o . c o m
Publisher Lydia Dody
creative director Scott Prosser
Graphic Designer Lisa Gould
Contributing Editor Erica Pauly
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Abby Bloedorn (970) 222-8406
Karen Christensen (970) 679-7593
Lydia Dody (970) 227-6400
Saundra Skrove (970) 217-9932
Office Manager Ina Szwec
Accounting Manager Karla Vigil
Office Assistant Ronda Huser
Contributing Writers
Allie Comeau, Lynn M. Dean, Angeline Grenz,
Connie Hein, Jim Sprout, Ina Szwec, Gloria Willis
Photographer Warren Diggles
Contributing photographers
Sarah Boyd, Lydia Dody, Dennis Griffing, Richard
Koshak, Randy Owens, Harper Point Photography
Scoliosis
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Call to schedule a FREE consultation
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2009 Style Magazines
January-Loveland/Greeley Medical & Wellness
Magazine and Directory
February-Building & Remodeling
March-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness
March-Family & Philanthropy
April/May Northern Colorado Business & Building
May-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness
June-Business & Building
July-Fort Collins Medical & Wellness
Magazine and Directories
August-Women In Business
September-Building & Remodeling
Home Interiors & Entertainment
October-Women’s Health & Breast Cancer
October-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness
November/December Holiday/Winter
Style Media and Design, Inc. magazines are free monthly
publications direct-mailed to homes and businesses in Northern
Colorado. Elsewhere, subscriptions for 13 issues cost $30/
year. Free magazines are available in stands at 100 locations
throughout Northern Colorado.
For ad rates, subscription information, change of address, or
correspondence, contact: Style Media and Design Inc., 211 W.
Myrtle St., Suite 200, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521. Phone (970)
226-6400. Fax (970) 226-6427 E-Mail: [email protected]
©2009 Style Media and Design Inc. All rights reserved. The
entire contents of Style Magazine is copyrighted and may not
be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the
publisher. Style Media and Design Inc. is not responsible for
unsolicited material. All manuscripts, artwork, and photography
must be accompanied by a SASE. The views and opinions of
any contributing writers are not necessarily those of Style Media
& Design Inc.
4
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
When it came time for Sarah to have her baby, McKee Medical Center went the extra mile. Her physician, Dr.
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Banner Health is the leading nonprofit health care provider in northern Colorado.
We welcome your comments
By phone: 970.226.6400
By fax: 970.226.6427
By email: [email protected]
www.stylemagazinecolorado.com
Quickly Gone
Lydia and Sondy,
I wanted to let you know that our customers
love your magazine. So much so, that the
few copies that are dropped off to us are
gone quickly. Is there any way we can get
on a weekly drop? Or perhaps have more
dropped off to us? Can you help us with
this?
Thanks and have a great day!
Connie Hanrahan
The Mantooth Company
-Connie, we are happy to drop off more
copies to your office upon delivery. Thanks
for asking. If customers would like to take
some home, they can pick up copies from
our office located at 211 West Myrtle, Suite
200, Fort Collins, 80521. Thanks for asking!
Exactly What I was Hoping for
Erica,
I just wanted to thank you for writing a great
article in the March Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness Issue. It did exactly what I was
hoping for which was raising awareness and
needing clients with HAIR for our event.
Again, thank you so very much,
Linda O’Dea
Marketing and Event Coordinator of
the 1st Annual Hair-Raiser
Cancer Center of the Rockies
Painting the Perfect Picture
Dear Lydia,
Your magazine does such a wonderful job
at painting a picture of our local community. All of your articles and photos are very
enlightening and you do a great job depicting Fort Collins in a visually creative and informative way. Thank you for contributing
to our community with such a resourceful
magazine!
With Great Appreciation,
Wendy Foster
Owner, Indigo Gallery
6
Great Idea, Wonderful
Opportunity
Dear Lydia,
I just wanted to thank you for allowing us
to participate in the fashion photo shoot
for the Family, Community & Philanthropy
issue. We are all VERY excited to see the
kitties cute little faces in Style Magazine.
What a great idea and a wonderful opportunity.
With sincere thanks,
Sarah Swanty
Fort Collins Cat Rescue
Moving Forward
My editorial in the February Building &
Remodeling Style Issue helped me to reconnect with some clientele that had lost
track of where I was, and some new clientele have already made their way to Windsor to find my store. I was hoping it would
help to advertise in this down economy so
I could keep moving forward in my business. Thanks Style Magazine and thank
you Abby.
Vicki Lord, Owner,
Simply Home Florals
Incredible Article
Lydia,
I am sitting here in awe, overwhelm, appreciation, gratitude, every good feeling
I have ever experienced. How can I ever
thank you enough for the INCREDIBLE and
HUGE article, The Biggest Loser, in your
magazine! I cry a little, then I smile - it
means so much to me I could never express enough gratitude. Every single piece
of it, the pictures, the quotes, your personal experience, all of it is just beyond
any words! Everyone will love it, and this
will truly boost the program to the community and, we are so excited that two
people signed up after seeing the article
even before the magazine hit the mailboxes! And, we have gotten lots of calls!
Positive Response
Lydia, Kay, Sondy, Ina, & Warren,
Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to
be featured in the Medical & Wellness issue
of Style Magazine. We are grateful for your
efforts in selecting us for this issue, photographing and writing the article, developing
the cover, obtaining an advertising sponsor
and layout of the artwork for the nicelyplaced adjoining advertisement. Kay, many of
our staff members have positively responded
to me already this morning in appreciation of
the compassionate way you wrote about our
patients and clients, and the accuracy of the
details in the article.
With appreciation,
Kim Mueller
Marketing & Events Director
Pathways Hospice
Personal Touch and Return of
Investment
Dear Lydia,
I just wanted to drop a quick line to thank
you for the recent article in the Building and
Remodeling Issue of Style magazine. The article on Sutherlands Lumber was a great way
to get information out to the general public
on what we are all about and our upcoming
move. It was a nice personal approach to take
with the staff members and everyone enjoyed
being published and recognized for being in
Style. We have received so many nice compliments about the exposure in Style. I have had
people call me up that I haven’t talked to in
years to tell me they saw me in Style.
Ever since we started advertising in Style
magazine we have seen our advertising dollars walk back in the door from recognition
of our ads. In this day and age when budgets
are tight it’s nice to see the return on investment we get from advertising in Style magazine. Thanks again for the wonderful article
and beautiful ads.
Mike Kerr
Floor Sales Manager
Design Gallery at Sutherlands
Thank you so much for sharing this
vision with me!
Nancy Stilson-Herzog
Certified Personal Trainer at
The Other Club
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Amazing Response
Lots of Feedback
Inspiring
The response to our article has been
AMAZING. We have received non-stop
calls for tours of the MeadowView facility.
I will definitely recommend any business
to advertise in Style Magazine.
Style Magazine,
We received a lot of feedback from our
customer’s who read the section about our
Med Spa in the March Northern Colorado
Medical & Wellness Issue. They appreciated
the information on what to look for when
choosing a Med Spa. They also liked knowing that AWP Esthetics & Spa was covered
under our physician’s malpractice insurance
and has a high standard of training.
Dear Lydia,
Your Publisher’s Letter in the recent March
Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness issue
was inspiring. I appreciate your consistent
and unerring model reflected in Style Magazine. Anyone can do it when times are easy,
but positive thoughts and actually modeling
in deeds, such as your magazine philosophy,
are reminders to all of us of what we are capable of. We can’t choose our circumstances,
but we can choose our attitudes and positive view of forward thinking. Congrats and
thanks!
Michelle Silva
Marketing Coordinator
MeadowView, Greeley
Pam Roys
Office Administrator
AWP Esthetics & Spa
Grateful for Support
Lydia and staff,
Thank you so much for including our new
business in your most recent issue. We
have had very positive feedback. We are
so grateful for your support of our business and are delighted to share your magazine with our clients! We look forward to
reading each issue! Thank you again, for
gracing us with this literary masterpiece!
I love your magazine. I read it from front to
back. I never know anyone in the cultural
section, so I skip that, but I am an RN and
like all the updates. I like the modeling, and
clothes, and just about everything. Thanks,
Thank you,
The staff at Xanadu Med Spa
Jacquie Buckert
Estes Park
Robert Evans
Open Pathways to Learning
I Like Everything
Wonderful Feature
Lydia,
Thank you so much for the wonderful feature
on Pathways Hospice in your March Northern
Colorado Medical & Wellness issue. We appreciate the support of you and your staff in
helping us to fulfill our mission. Thanks!
Evan Hyatt
Executive Director
Pathways Hospice
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Family & Philanthropy 2009
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2009 :: Family & Philanthropy
12 16
features
Service
12 Selfless
Mike Demma Inspires Change
Years of Success
16 30
Opera Fort Collins
Into the Sun
19 Jump
Family Activities In Northern Colorado
Moon Asian Bistro
20 East
Restaurant Review
of Spring
23 Signs
Vet Models Show the Latest
20 23
Place for Kids
28 Positive
Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County
Lives
30 Enriching
Through Music
Fort Collins Symphony
Years of
32 75
Community Service
Good Samaritan Society
28 34
Hope
34 Living
Hope Lives! The Lydia Dody
Breast Cancer Foundation
Legacy of Grace
36 A
Mary Baretta Grace Foundation
the Community
38 Uniting
for Education
PSD Foundation
38
columns
6 From the Readers
10 Publisher’s Letter
22 Meet the Models
Pillars
42 Community
Bill and Ruth Brown
42
Town
43 About
President’s Circle Dinner
ON THE COVER
Mike Demma, interim Executive Director,
the Poudre School District Foundation and
community volunteer.
Chat Amour Deux • Simply Red
Ramstrong • Mama Mia!
Growing Hand In Hand • Girls Night Out
Sweet Indulgence • Give 10 Grand Gala
Mardi Gras
Photography by Warren Diggles
8
www.stylemagazinecolorado.com
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
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Publisher’s Letter
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10
As long as I can remember I have had a cat. A
calico one or two when I was growing up; a Persian,
a big red scruffy cat, two Siamese, and now this
beautiful white cat named Dyna with one blue and
one green eye. She is really my daughter’s cat, but
as many of you have probably experienced, that
when children leave home for college, they leave
behind their pets. So, I have Dyna the cat, Roo the
black Pekepom, and Daisy the Lhasa Apso. Dyna
is truly the smartest one of the three. She is totally
independent but very affectionate when she wants
to be. And, she definitely wasn’t feeling the love and
didn’t want to be photographed the day I decided
to include her in this photo. I must confess that my
smile is deceiving; as the flash was going off her
claws were digging into my thigh. But as they say,
perception is everything!
Recently I was invited to attend the 2nd annual
Chat Amour Deux fund raising event for the Fort
Collins Cat Rescue. It was such a fun event that I
decided to help out by getting the word out about
their good works. I invited three great looking area
vets to join us as fashion models and included six cats
that are adoptable from the Fort Collins Cat Rescue.
The models were exquisite and the cats were great
sports the day of the shoot. Enjoy seeing the fabulous
fashions from Designs Boutique in Fort Collins and
CLOZ in Loveland, and, stop by their stores to freshen
up your spring wardrobe and please let them know
you saw their beautiful fashions in Style. If possible,
be sure to consider adopting one of those adorable
kitties too!
I have always believed that if you have wealth,
you should be generous to give away much of it, and
if you have little you should give of your heart and
your hands. Today, more than I can ever remember,
area non-profits are in need of your support –
especially financial. Please continue to support those
causes near and dear to your heart and even look
to share your time, talent and treasure and help out
a new non-profit. Most of them provide essential
services to people right here in our own backyard
and contribute to the overall high quality of life we
all enjoy. Open your heart and your soul will truly be
blessed in the process!
That brings me to also share that we at Style
magazine work hard to give back to our region in
every way we can. We support and sponsor quite a
few fund raising events in our region and make every
effort to feature, at no charge, photos of fundraising
events in our About Town section. This community
section is a favorite of many of our readers and we
Publisher’s Letter
“The value of a man resides in
what he gives and not in what
he is capable of receiving.”
– Albert Einstein
genuinely enjoy featuring the people who generously
support our area non-profit events.
Someone who is selflessly dedicated to helping
non-profit organizations is my friend, Mike Demma
who is our feature article, Selfless Service, Mike
Demma Inspires Change. I met Mike many years ago
when he was in the same Leadership Fort Collins
program I attended. I remembered thinking he was
a kind, bright, patient and gentle man who had a
winning smile. Not much has changed since then,
except his hair is now a handsome shade of silver,
and he has lots of time to volunteer now that he
has retired. And, volunteer is exactly what he does
forty hours plus a week. He is a priceless treasure
in our region; a man who is passionate about his
community and about non-profits. Thank you, Mike,
for your help with Hope Lives! as well as the other
sixty plus non-profits that you have helped!
Albert Einstein said it profoundly, “The value of
a man resides in what he gives and not in what he
is capable of receiving.” And, our region has many
giving people contributing to our exceptional quality
of life. Every year our issue of Style Family, Community
& Philanthropy is dedicated to bringing awareness to
some of the areas non-profits. Enjoy reading about
their work and please notice the ad sponsors next
to the articles. When you have a chance, please
thank them for their big hearts. Most of these nonprofits rely heavily on volunteers to help with their
mission. If you can, volunteer, sponsor, or donate.
Call one of the non-profits today. Not only will you
help someone in need, your life will be enriched to
help someone else. It is not only the receiver who is
blessed, but the giver most of all.
Over the years, Elizabeth Elliott has touched
many lives in the region. She has been the driving
force behind Opera Fort Collins for the past 30 years.
Thank you, Elizabeth for your talent, your vision, and
your tenacity to keep going even when the going
was rough! The cultural opportunities you have
brought to our arts community and our region and
the singers whose careers you have helped develop is
extraordinary. It is because of visionaries like you that
our region is recognized as one of the best places to
live, again and again. Congratulations Elizabeth and
thank you for your legacy. Enjoy reading 30 Years
of Success and be sure to attend Tosca in August
featuring national talent on our local stage.
With gratitude and appreciation,
[email protected]
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
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Selfless Service
Mike Demma
Inspires Change
By Jim Sprout
photos by warren diggles and lydia dody
What do the Steelers nation, kids, and community service have in common? Mike Demma.
Born in Tarentum, a small coal-mining town outside of Pittsburgh, Demma remembers that
his family did not have a lot. Even though both of his parents had only completed the fifth
grade, a good education for Demma and his two sisters was a high priority in their family.
His father, who worked in the steel mills, and his mother, a nurse’s aide, encouraged Mike’s
community involvement at an early age through the YMCA. Mike recalls that, in those days,
if it weren’t for the YMCA, most kids in his community would not have had the opportunity
to participate in sports. To this day, Mike says that he has never met anyone quite like his
parents who inspired and encouraged him to make a better life.
A
fter graduating as the senior class
president in a class of 103, Demma
went on to complete his college degree at Gannon University in 1963.
He paid his way through school by
part-time work, student loans, and
a tennis scholarship. In 1966, after three years of military service
through ROTC, Demma joined the Eastman Kodak Company
where he worked for 26 years, taking early retirement in
1992. Demma remembers his retirement as short lived when
he and Ron Davis started their own firm, Demma and Davis
Consulting. They wanted to share the knowledge and experience they had learned from their tenure at Kodak. Mike credits Ed Lyons, a supervisor and mentor at the Company, for
teaching him the meaning, purpose, and importance of quality people relationships. Nine years later, after consulting with
more than 120 companies, both domestic and international,
Mike was tired of traveling and being away from home, so he
decided to retire for good.
It was at this point in Demma’s life when his Father’s
words from many years earlier began to have more meaning;
“As you get older and settled and you have an opportunity
to give back, try to do that.” Although he has been involved
Family & Philanthropy 2009
with the Poudre School District for more than 35 years, and is
a life long member of the Elks Lodge, it was a phone call from
Don Unger and Ken Forest in 2000 that allowed Demma to
re-engage in the community through the bond and mill committee for PSD. In Demma’s words, “ it reminded me of the
personal satisfaction of being involved in the community.”
Demma’s history of community service is extensive and
ranges from coaching youth sports, like the Buckaroos and
Legion baseball, to being active on more than 20 nonprofit
boards. The dominant themes of his service have been kids
and education, with the underlying goal to keep Fort Collins as good for his grandchildren as it was for his children.
His nonprofit board representation, to name a few, include
the Boys and Girls Clubs, Hospice, Crossroads, Character Fort
Collins, Partners, and the Poudre School District Foundation,
on which he currently serves as a volunteer as the interim
Executive Director. Demma also spends numerous hours each
week working as a volunteer on board development activities. In 2008, he served more than 63 nonprofits on some
aspect of board selection and improvement.
Kathi Wright, Executive Director for the Boys and Girls
Clubs of Larimer County had this to say, “ Mike has been a
mentor to many of us and continues to teach us many things.
He has been an enthusiastic Board member since 1998, and in
13
Mike Demma advises the Project Smile Executive Board members: Blair Trautwein, board member; Perry Buck and Cherry Smith, Northern Colorado Event
Planning; Ray Martinez, board member; Ron Lautzenheiser, Chairman; and Cindy Carrington, Operations Coordinator.
Mike Demma conducting a Poudre School District Foundation board meeting. Demma is the interim Executive Director for the Foundation.
2003 we honored him with the Champion for
Children award.” Katie Zwetzig, President of
the Poudre School District Foundation comments, “ Mike defines collaboration. He has
worked tirelessly and selflessly to improve
nonprofits in our community and he does it
not for his own recognition but to increase
opportunities for kids.” Bob Powell, Founder
of Character Fort Collins says “the thing that
stands out to me is his passion for the mission
of each of these organizations and his broad
vision of the impact that each organization
has on the community. It is inspiring and energy-giving to see an individual spend his life
giving so much back to the community.” Bob
also reminds us that we should not forget his
service beyond the non-profit world in serving on the bond and mill committee for more
than 20 years as an advocate for the school
district’s need for new tax revenue. Marsha
Smithers-Petrovic, Executive Director of Hope
14
Lives! the Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Foundation says, “Mike gives of himself so freely,
and his expertise in nonprofit management
and board development is quite remarkable.
His willingness and desire to help the numerous organizations and individuals who call on
him, while expecting nothing in return, is a
clear testament to his overall character. He is
such a valuable asset to us all. He truly believes in the Fort Collins community and in the
idea that, by working together, great things
are possible.”
What has meaning and significance in
Demma’s life? He says, beyond his faith, it is
his family, kids, and the community. He also
laughs and comments that the Pittsburgh
Steelers are up there as well. In fact, more
than 87 members of the Steelers Nation gathered at a local pub to celebrate the latest
Super Bowl victory. Demma recalls a recent
capital campaign for his church, John 23rd,
where he and his wife Joan were asked by
the members to head the steering committee.
Demma’s initial response was that he didn’t
have the time, but when Joan commented
that “he had time for everyone else in the
community, so why not take some time for
God,” he was in. He says it reminded him
how important and essential his faith is in everything he does.
The lessons that Demma has learned in
life also center on family and community service. Having the support of his family during
tough times has had special meaning and he
believes community service has made him
a better person. Like his friend Bob Powell,
Demma thinks character is where it all starts.
He recalls when Trenton, one of his grandchildren, was four years old and started going to
Boys and Girls Clubs of Larimer County activities with him. “It paid dividends, and now at
age nine, he is able to engage other kids and
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Mike, wife Joan, and their three grandchildren, Nikki Demma, age 3, Bryson Medrano, age 5, and
Trenton Medrano, age 10, enjoy playing games together.
knows what it means to be a team player,”
says Demma. He would like to be remembered as someone who made a difference
and had a positive impact by creating opportunities for kids. He says, “There is nothing
wrong with feeling good about yourself and
everybody needs a little reinforcement now
and then.”
When asked about the next stage of life,
Demma responds by saying “We make a living by what we get and a life by what we
give and I hope that never ends for me.” In
other words, he might cut back a little from
40 hours a week of community service to
something a little less, but he will continue to
enrich the lives of many through his faithful
service. His passion is still helping kids.
Joan, his wife, has been a 150 percent
loyal supporter for 41 years. She is glad for
Mike’s well deserved recognition, and says
that the children see what their father has
Family & Philanthropy 2009
done and are very proud. She is also very
pleased and especially proud of Mike’s unending dedication in wanting things better
for the community, his children, and grandchildren.
Mike Demma epitomizes the three T’s in
volunteerism: Time, Talent, and Treasure, as
well as the character quality and selflessness,
through his committed service to our community over the years. His motto might be, “All
they need is opportunity to make a difference.” He has certainly helped change lives,
and for that, our community is grateful for
him and his presence.
Jim Sprout is the Chairman of First Western
Trust Bank – Northern Colorado and a regular
columnist for Style Magazine.
15
o p e r a
f o r t
c o l l i n s
30 Years of
Success
By Lynn m. dean
photos by Sarah boyd
“We have strong stereotypes in our minds of the fat
lady with spear in hand and horns on helmet singing
in a foreign language we don’t understand. But opera
is changing.”
–Todd Queen, Artistic Director, Opera Fort Collins
F
or 25 of the past 30 years, Elizabeth
brings new businesses to town.”
Elliott lived Opera Fort Collins.
Over the last three decades, Opera Fort Collins
After completing a Master of Arts
has earned regional acclaim. “The quality of it is so
in Drama at the University of North
darn good,” says Colorado opera historian Charles
Carolina, she came to CSU to
Ralph, an Opera Fort Collins supporter. “When we
pursue a Master of Arts in Voice
bring in people like Cynthia Lawrence and Charles
Performance. She then moved to New York
Edwin Taylor, both who now sing at the Met– as a
City to sing professionally, becoming Pavarotti’s
regional opera company we stack up pretty well.
soprano of choice for many years. But when her
People are frequently surprised about the quality of
son was born, she realized that she didn’t want
opera here when they first discover it, but the reguto raise him in the Big Apple. No, she wanted to
lars have watched it build.”
raise him here in Fort Collins, a city
she had grown to love during her
time here. So, she packed up her
family and moved back “home” to
Fort Collins.
But while she found this the ideal backdrop for family life, opportunities to perform were rare. “When
I came back I realized there was no
place for adults to sing except in
church choirs,” she explains. “So, I
got together a committee to discuss
the problem and we came up with
the idea of the Larimer Chorale.”
Still something was missing.
“I sang with that organization and
served on that board for a few years Stars of Opera Fort Collins performed in February of this year.
and then decided to create an opera
program to fill the vacuum that had
been left with the departure of CSU Opera DirecMany people are also surprised to learn that
tor Larry Day.”
rising star Charles Edwin Taylor, or Chuck as he preThus, 30 years ago this year, in 1979, Opera
fers to be called, got his start in opera here. “I was
Fort Collins was born. “I’m not sure I thought Fort
sitting here one afternoon, and I had a phone call
Collins needed Opera, but I know I did,” Elliott exand the spoken voice resonated such that I knew he
plains adding, “I think everywhere needs opera.
was a singer,” explains Elliott. “He came and sang
It’s the consummate art form, and for me it was
for me and I had goosepimples all over. I was mortithe obvious marriage of my two backgrounds–
fied to report that I had nothing to offer him. I told
theater and music.”
him ‘if you sing in the chorus this year, I will mount
“It’s absolutely amazing to have the caliber of
a Scarpia for you.’ Elliott explains that Scarpia is one
opera that we have for a town of this size,” says
of the major baritone roles in Puccini’s Tosca.
Elliott. “Everybody should celebrate it and support
“He then asked, ‘What’s a Scarpia?’ After I got
it because it’s good business. The fact that we
done laughing I told him what it was and I mounted
have such a strong arts community– and opera is
it the following year. The rest, as they say, is hisa part of that– makes people want to live here. It
tory.”
16
Taylor admits that he didn’t know much about
opera when he started. “The first place I really
heard opera was at my grandfather’s house,” he
remembers. “They had the Saturday Metropolitan
Opera Texaco radio broadcast from the Met.”
Now Taylor sings at the Met regularly. “God
has a sense of humor,” Taylor jokes. “I’m a lucky,
lucky man. Ten minutes before curtain I stand center stage behind the main rag and I take a moment
and really think about how fortunate I am, and I
try to remember every person who’s gotten me to
this point.”
Elizabeth Elliott is one of those
people. After 25 years as its leader,
Elliot passed the reins of Opera Fort
Collins over to its current Artistic
Director Dr. Todd Queen, who had
moved to Fort Collins to teach at
CSU. “I think she was ready and 25
years is a legacy,” he explains. “She
thought I was capable and it felt like
the right time for her.”
“Twenty five years sounded like
a nice round number, and the right
people came on the scene for me
to pass the reins,” agrees Elliott. “I
wanted to stop while I still adored
it, and not when I was tired. Todd
Queen and Wes Kenney were the
ideal people to take it over. It was
laughingly said that it took five people to do my
job when I quit.”
At least three, agrees Dr. Queen. “We brought
Wes on board to enhance the quality and consistency of the orchestra. Wes and the orchestra often get ignored. But every part of the wheel needs
to be operational and functional. The colors and
textures that are created in the orchestra inform
the listener about what’s happening.”
Opera Fort Collins continues to thrive. “It’s
grown steadily, to extraordinary,” says Elliott. “Todd
Queen and Wes Kenney have not only picked up
the torch, but made it into a huge flame.”
Much of the credit for that success can be laid
squarely at Elliott’s feet. “Elizabeth is a force of na-
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
From Opera Fort Collins performance, Cavalleria Rusticana.
Family & Philanthropy 2009
17
Performing in Pagliacci.
ture,” says Dr. Queen. “She effectively started and
ran her own opera company through sheer will,
determination, and talent for 25 years. It’s extraordinary.”
In truth, Elliott says, she didn’t really have a
choice. She felt compelled to establish Opera Fort
Collins. “I think when you have a talent- a love- it
drags you through life. You don’t make the kinds of
choices other people make. It just kind of evolves.”
Opera Fort Collins continues to evolve. “I think
one of the things we do best is to bring high quality opera to Fort Collins,” Dr. Queen explains. “I’m
extremely satisfied with the artistic product that we
are producing. I think we still produce it through
sheer will and determination. I would love to see
a stronger financial base for the organization and
be able to hire an administrative director. And, we
have made it our goal, as a Board, to eliminate the
phrase, “Oh, I didn’t know we had an opera company here in Fort Collins.’“
Dr. Queen would also like to see the community at large get more involved. “There is power in
numbers and there is synergy that happens when
we all come together for a common purpose. I’d
like to see the connections that we have in the
community to grow. In the past four years we have
sung Aida, The Flying Dutchman, Turandot, and
Carmen.”
He encourages all who might be interested to
try out. “What a rich experience for the students
who have been able to sing in the productions. But
what an opportunity it would be for a lawyer, a
banker, or a stay-at-home mom to sing in these
18
Elizabeth Elliott as Despina in the 1983
production of Mozart’s Cpsi Fan Tutti.
choruses. We do have general auditions every year
and people can come and sing for me. I’m a nice
person. I’m not Simon Cowell.”
Dr. Queen would also like more of the community to experience the magic of opera. To that
end, he has continued Storybook Opera, an outreach program first developed by Elliott that intro-
duces school students to the art form. “I think it is
powerful when you can demystify opera. We have
strong stereotypes in our minds of the fat lady with
spear in hand and horns on helmet singing in a
foreign language we don’t understand. But opera
is changing. If you go to see live opera, you’ll see
attractive individuals who know their craft and are
able to do feats with their voices that seem incomprehensible to most of us. I liken it to an athlete.
They are athletes to us!”
“Then there’s the stories of opera– human drama, love triangles, death,” he continues. “They’re
stories we know– Aida is a musical, La Bohème is
Rent. You get the pure essence of it in opera.”
He adds that with the Met cinecasts, aired
periodically at local theaters like the Cinemark in
Fort Collins, average people can “try out” opera
risk free.”
Or, you can attend one of Opera Fort Collins’
local performances. “We have three productions a
year, one being an aria concert/gala, one a concert
performance with no set, and one a fully staged,
fully costumed opera,” says Dr. Queen. “In August
we are celebrating our 30 year anniversary with Tosca. We’re bringing back Chuck to sing Scarpia and
we’re bringing back Cynthia Lawrence, the world’s
foremost Tosca, to sing here with us.”
With such national talent on the local stage, it’s
an opportunity the Fort Collins’ community can’t
afford to miss.
Lynn M. Dean is a freelance writer living in Northern Colorado.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
jumpsun
into the
Family Activities
around Northern Colorado
By erica pauly
Growing up in Northern Colorado was a treat for me. Little did I know that it would someday
receive many nationally recognized awards for being a desirable place to live. Yet here we all
are, enjoying what Colorado has to offer us, but are we enjoying it as much as we could be?
Colorado’s climate allows for many activities throughout the year. When the tulips peak their
heads out, and daylight savings goes into affect, more Northern Colorado residents are out on
the bike paths and working in their gardens. Take time to connect with your family this sunny
time of year by engaging in any of the activities we’ve found to enjoy right here at home.
STICS,
SWIMMING, GYMNAMP
CA
DANCE AND DAY
-week sessions
n Kids are available in two
Swimming classes at Mountai
mer day camp, as
sum
of
ks
wee
en
elev
also
e are
throughout the summer. Ther
multiple oneics and dance classes including
well as twelve weeks of gymnast
with the abilren
are the lessons equipping child
week dance camps. Not only
, “Mountains
also
are
they
but
ies,
bod
r
use thei
ity to swim, move, and learn to
ted to 89 de(hea
l
poo
ater
ht in the warm-w
of Fun!!!” Swim classes are taug
ngthen advanced
stre
to
s,
skill
g
min
swim
c
basi
grees), and designed to teach
ics lessons for
s. Mountain also offers gymnast
skills, as well as water safety skill
through comr
inne
school teens, including beg
walking children through high
per counselor
cam
1
to
10
low
a
in
fed
p is staf
petitive team skill level. Day Cam
p is offered
Cam
Day
. ities
and challenging activ
ratio, and includes lots of fun
ming lessons are
swim
and
ce
dan
ics,
nast
gym
le
from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, whi
day camp and
s and evenings. Registration for
offered throughout the morning
mer registrasum
ce
l while gymnastics and dan
swimming begins in early Apri
8. You may
-311
482
)
(970
call
,
tion
rma
more info
.htm.
tion begins on April 20th. For
ome
ftch
om/
ds.c
n-ki
site at: www.mountai
also visit Mountain Kids web
BOWLING CAMP
This season why not take the family to one of the many camps or places made
with the sole purpose of having fun in Fort Collins? Chippers Lanes Bowling Centers will be hosting a free summer bowling camp from June through
August. Because there is no cost, it will be on a first come first serve basis for
registration. The camp is limited to 192 participants, so register while spots are
still available. In 2006, the bowling camp was started by Matt Hoeven, owner
of Chippers Bowling Lanes. He says, “I just wanted to start something that
kids could have fun with in the summer. The program is structured with good
coaching. The kids get a wonderful introduction to the etiquette of bowling,
how to have a three step and four step approach, and it’s a great thing for
kids and their families to come out to do.” Parents must accompany children if
they are under 12 years of age. The camp will begin on June 9th at 11:00 a.m.
and will go through July 28th. It includes two games of bowling, free shoes,
and coaching from coaches. Camps will be offered at the College location and
Horsetooth location. For more information call (970) 226-6327.
GREELEY STAMP
EDE
PHOTO BY RANDY OWENS
Drive just 30 minutes southeast of Fort Collin
s, and Greeley will be awaiting
your arrival. A tradition dating back to
the late 1880s, the Greeley Stampede is a fun filled few months of nothi
ng but events for the whole family.
Features include a Professional Rodeo,
bull riding, Kids Rodeos, Country
and Classic Rock Concerts, Demolition Derby
, a 4th of July Parade, a Midway Carnival, and a Western Art Show
. Events begin June 25th and last
through July 5th. For specifics, directions,
and times of each event, visit
http://www.greeleystampede.org/events.
We live in a place where fun family and kids activities are just waiting for us to participate. Or visit: www.coloradokids.com to find any coupons or discounted deals for Northern
Grab a map of Northern Colorado and venture out this year to experience all that our wonder- Colorado Kids camps this summer.
ful location has to offer.
For more unique ideas on how to get out and about this spring and summer, visit
http://colorado-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/fort_collins_activities_for_kids.
Erica Pauly is a Contributing Editor for Style Magazine.
Family & Philanthropy 2009
19
East Moon Asian Bistro
N
Carefully cooked food paired with entertainment makes for a wonderful evening.
East Moon Asian Bistro’s new building off Harmony Road in the new Villagio Village.
20
othing sounded more appealing on an icy Colorado
winter night, than sitting in
front of a fire in the company of friends. I joined
our owner and publisher,
Lydia Dody, account executives, Sondy Skrove and
Abby Bloedorn, and our special guests Dr. Ricardo
Nieves, and his wife, Kim, as well as Terje Whitmore, owner of Happiaxxidents Marketing, for
dinner at the new East Moon Asian Bistro in the
trendy Villagio Village on Harmony Road.
The warm brick building welcomes me, as
does the hostess at the front door. The sectioned
restaurant is perfect for an intimate night out
with booths and candlelit ambience on one side
of the restaurant, juxtaposed with the rumbling
fire-lit hibachi grill section on the other. We gather
around the table as handmade pottery plates,
each with their own unique design, are set in front
of us.
The modern interior accents, like the metallic
wall hangings, the orange, yellow, and blue
chandeliers, all hang with polka dots and are
splattered with Andy Warhol-like touches. The
bar is packed with people, and electric blue lights
light the under-bar. The chairs are stylish, with
elongated backs and purple seat cushions.
The bright color palette chosen for East Moon
matches the colorful spirit of the men and women
running the restaurant. Owner, Jason Zhou, who
has been in the United States for nearly a year,
wears a smile and a suit as we are introduced. He
says, “I love having the hibachi at this location.
We opened the location on Lemay and Prospect,
which has been going well, but we really wanted
to add the hibachi here. The hibachi helps makes
the experience more fun.” Zhou’s dreams have
only just begun. After opening restaurants in
Broomfield, Westminster, Longmont, and Fort
Collins, Zhou’s dream to open more restaurants is
becoming attainable with every passing day.
Manager, Shan Gao, couldn’t agree more with
Zhou’s excitement of a growing restaurant. After
earning a degree in Restaurant Management and
Hospitality, Gao moved to America to manage
his first Chinese Restaurant. He says, “Managing
a Chinese restaurant is easier because, for
one, we can all speak the same language, so
communication is not an issue.” He laughs and
Sashimi appetizer from East Moon.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
East moon asian bistro :: fort collins
Text by Erica pauly
Photos by warren diggles
Our server Randi; Owner, Jason Zhou; Manager,
Shan Gao; our Chef for the evening, Long Keng
Zhou; and bartender, Curt Hergenreter.
Restaurant review guests: Lydia Dody, Publisher, Style Magazine; Erica Pauly, Contributing Editor, Style
Magazine; Abby Bloedorn, Account Executive, Style Magazine; Terje Whitmore, Happiaxxidents Marketing; Sondy Skrove, Account Executive, Style Magazine; Dr. Ricardo Nieves and his wife, Kim.
continues, “This new location will keep getting
better and better. Hopefully we will become
a name that is familiar to Fort Collins, and East
Moon will be the best restaurant to come to. We
are continually working to improve our customer
service. If our service and food are both great, we
will be great as a restaurant.” If first impressions
make or break a reputation, East Moon Asian
Bistro is off to a fantastic start.
I sit down to the first of several delectable
appetizers. We begin with the Krab Ragoon
($4.95). I’ve had a wonton or two, but this little
Asian appetizer filled with krab and cream cheese
fried until golden brown is rich and crisp. After
biting into the first one, I can’t help but take a
second. Dody says, “They’re very moist; they’re
cooked perfectly.” We move on to the Steamed
Dumplings, also known as pot stickers ($5.25).
The chewy texture, combined with the pop of
spice, make it hard to share the rest of the plate.
Reluctantly, I pass on the Dumplings, which are
eaten up within a few minutes. Skrove says, “East
Moon’s food has always been superb.”
Each drink makes its way to the table with
unique personality made by bartender, Curt
Hergenreter. The Blue Hawaiian: in a large glass
barely big enough to contain it in all its power.
And powerful it is, made from pineapple juice,
and Dekuyper Liqueur Curcacao, and East Moon’s
secret ingredient. The Love Potion works its magic
for guests, Ricardo Nieves and Kim, new to the Fort
Collins community. “These are great, they’re really
fruity,” says Kim. The white Haiku Bridge wine
pairs well with the sashimi that Dody claims is her
classic choice for an appetizer. “I love sashimi, it’s
always my first choice. This sashimi is very fresh.
This is very good.” I sip on sake, not too hot, just
warm enough to soothe a lingering sore throat.
Randi, one of the most attentive servers I’ve
encountered, takes our orders. She makes sure
to have our chef cook the steak separately for
Ricardo, who is extremely allergic to seafood. The
grill lights up in flames as our eyes widen and
gasps erupt from our table. Bloedorn immediately
exclaims, “Wow! This is definitely entertaining.”
Crisp iceberg lettuce is drizzled with a peanut
dressing and steaming miso soup are brought
to our table just as the last appetizers are eaten.
Skrove says, “This salad is so fresh. I’ve been
eating at East Moon for years, and their salads
are always fresh.” I sip the steaming soup in
anticipation for the next portion, which is being
steamed, chopped, and filleted right in front of us.
Bloedorn calls attention to the hibachi,
“Look! He’s taking the onion apart, it looks like
a volcano!” Sure enough, the entertaining chef
is creating a flaming onion volcano in front of
us. Our eyes are glued to our chef, chopping at
a hundred miles an hour, he tosses up his tools,
and then tosses shrimp into our mouths. “He is so
skillful, this is definitely an art,” says Dody.
The intent and focused chef serves our veggies
hot and steaming. He juggles and cracks an egg
on the side of his spatula, then finishes making
our fried rice. Rice is served, “I can just sit here and
eat the rice. This is the best fried rice I’ve ever had,
it’s heavenly. I think I need a doggy bag,” exclaims
Bloedorn. The fried rice has a hint of sweetness to
it, which complements the saltiness.
One by one, shrimp, scallops, halibut, teriyaki
chicken, and steak keep piling onto my plate. I
can’t eat fast enough to keep up with the skilled
chef. “It’s so hard for me to work when I see all
this food. I just want to eat it,” jokes our server,
Randi.
Our chef cleans the hibachi immediately after
each dish is prepared, while I savor every bite
of my plate full of perfectly cooked meat. (The
menu at East Moon has many different entrees
to choose from, but because we wanted a little
taste of everything, our table shared a little bit
of everything.) The shrimp is Skrove’s favorite.
Family & Philanthropy 2009
She says, “This shrimp is just to die for.” The
scallops are seasoned perfectly and cooked just
right, nothing is worse than crunchy overcooked
scallops. While we eat, Randy fills our waters and
drinks just as we take the last sip. She’s observant,
non-intrusive on our conversation, and quick to
help in any way she can.
The Halibut is tender and fresh. Not one
ounce of the typical fishy taste, instead I taste
herbs as the tender fish falls apart in my mouth.
Warren Diggles, the photographer for Style says,
“The seafood here is so fresh, it’s delicious.” The
Teriyaki Chicken is moist, with just enough sauce
to tantalize my taste buds with a sweet and salty
punch of teriyaki.
My plate is left with several uneaten pieces
from the generous portioned meal. Thank
goodness for to-go boxes. My stomach feels filled
to the brim, that is, until dessert is mentioned.
It’s funny how I seem to always find a little extra
room for those sweet sensations. Mochi balls have
been my favorite dessert for years, and I’ve had a
hard time finding them anywhere. Leave it to East
Moon Asian Bistro to serve us vanilla and green
tea mochi balls. These bite size pieces of heaven
have ice cream on the inside with a chewy rice
cake on the outside.
The spacious, trendy, and upbeat restaurant,
new to the Villagio Village on Harmony Road, will
most certainly thrive not only because of its great
food, but also because of the hard working staff
like Randi and the devoted owner and manager. It
wasn’t too many days after my dining experience
that I was craving East Moon again. So, patrons
beware, the new East Moon Asian Bistro will leave
you with a craving to return for more time and
time again, and don’t forget to save room for
dessert.
Erica Pauly is a contributing editor for Style
Magazine.
21
Meet
the
Models
Robin Downing
DVM, DAAPM
Robin is a veterinarian with Windsor Veterinary
Clinic & The Downing Center for Animal Pain
Management. She enjoys reading, writing,
travel, instrumental and vocal music, and outdoor activities. “I enjoyed the fitting process as
it was easy and fun. The hair and make-up experience was terrific. And I loved Designs Boutique and will be back to see those fine folks. I
would love to do this again sometime as it was
a fun and personal experience.”
holly mims
DVM, dacvim
CHRISTIE LONg
DVM
Christie is a small animal veterinarian with VCA
Fort Collins Animal Hospital. She is married
to Wiley III, and they have a six-year old son,
Wiley IV. Christie is busy as a vet but takes
time to enjoy skiing, traveling, college football,
running, hiking, camping, and spending time
with family. “The day spent with Style was really a lot of fun. It was great to be pampered,
the make-up artist and hair stylist were both
extremely talented, and I so enjoyed getting
to dress up. The clothes were just my style,
and I loved wearing them. Thanks so much for
the incredible hospitality you provided at your
beautiful home. I loved doing the photo shoot,
especially since it will hopefully result in several
beautiful and very sweet kitties from the Fort
Collins Cat Rescue finding forever homes!”
Holly is a Veterinary Specialist in Internal Medicine
with the VCA Veterinary Specialists of Northern Colorado. She is married to James and in her limited free
time enjoys running, reading, hiking and rollerblading. “I would like to thank you for including me in
this wonderful modeling experience. From my initial
meeting at Cloz in Loveland to the photo shoot, at
your amazing home, I enjoyed every minute. I had a
great time at the fitting at Cloz; you and the ladies
were very helpful and have an eye for what looks
good. All week long, I was looking forward to the
photo shoot and having a “glamour” day! Shauna
at C & S Workshop was fantastic! Not only did she
style my hair in a fun manner, but she went out of
her way to polish up my hair cut. I enjoyed getting
to spend the day with you and all of the other ladies. Abby was also fantastic. She took the time
to make me feel beautiful with make-up that was
flawless and still looked natural. I enjoyed working
with the photographer, Warren; he was professional
and patient! I had such a wonderful time. Perhaps
the best part of this experience was getting to know
Lydia. She truly is an inspiration, and I consider myself
fortunate to have been able to work with her. I’m
thankful she invited me to be a part of her magazine,
and for treating me to such a wonderful experience. I
look forward to seeing the finished product!
McCoy’s Morning Glory, Inc.
1003 West Horsetooth Road
Fort Collins, CO 80526 • (970) 266-0302
Open 7:00a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Daily
McCoy’s Morning Glory serves Northern Colorado’s residents
breakfast every morning. For more than nine years, their fresh and
unique breakfast and lunch dishes have made McCoy’s the perfect
breakfast/brunch place to be.
A favorite at McCoy’s is the McCoy’s Benedict, served on a
croissant, and the Breakfastito, which is a hearty breakfast burrito
that features a flavorful vegetarian green chili. Stone baked pizza
or their scramble, “All Shook Up,” are only a few of the classics
available.
Hit the jack pot on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:00, with
the Brunch Buffet. McCoy’s offers a traditional brunch which
includes yogurt, fruit, sweet breads, and spiral sliced ham, for
starters. Custom omelets and French toasts are yet another stomach
rumbling treat served.
Enjoy breakfast in the Colorado sun on the patio, or snuggle with
loved ones in the cozy restaurant. Join the rest of the community and
stop in at McCoy’s for a fresh start to your day.
22
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
F
Signs
Robin Downing
of
Spring
Christie Long
Holly Mims
These kitties are available for adoption at Fort Collins Cat Rescue. Contact them at 970-484-8516 or fortcollinscatrescue.org.
CLOE
Cloe is a beautiful
and
affectionate
female Seal Point
Himalayan. She is
a seasoned lady of
twelve years and
would be a perfect
loving companion in
a new home.
Family & Philanthropy 2009
NEMO DOMINO RATTLES STEVIE CARNEY
Nemo is a handsome
Persian, male cat almost five years old
looking for some loving care. He is having
a bad hair day being
quite matted but that
will resolve with time.
His sweet disposition
and adorable smoosh
face wins you over.
Domino is a good
looking tortoise, female, domestic short
haired cat that has
completely recovered from being hit
by a car. She is three
years old and looking for a permanent
loving home.
Rattles is a precious
six month old domestic female cat with
medium black and
white hair. She is a
normal, sweet, playful
kitten but has a neurological disorder that
causes her to have a
head bob. She is ready
for a loving home.
Stevie is a sweet,
mellow, brown and
white tabby, three
year old,
short
haired male. He was
a stray and is now
looking for a permanent home and family to bond with.
Carney is an independent
thinking
but sweet five year
old female. She has
a soft, tortoise, short
haired coat, beautiful eyes and a winning personality.
23
Soft, figure shaping, sundress with
feminine neckline and a playful collage of color from Elana
Kattan, $229. Beautiful butterfly
necklace, $28, and earrings, $15,
feature amber beads and turquoise
accents. Courtesy of CLŌZ,
Loveland.
24
Delicate aqua cardigan with placket detail, $110, buttoned over a
white spandex tank, $44, and
breezy sheer geometric floral, drop
waist skirt, $118. By Think Tank.
Silver links necklace, $40, hoop
earrings, $20. Courtesy of CLŌZ,
Loveland.
Crisp black and white stripes,
soft draped neckline, and bias
form-flattering skirt make a
style statement from Joseph
Ribkoff, $247. Stunning silver and turquoise Brighton
necklace, $62, earrings, $36,
and bracelet, $52. Courtesy
of Designs Boutique,
Fort Collins.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Chic and sensational, strapless,
body-skimming bamboo knit long
dress by Carilyn Vaile, $166, also
offers a matching wrap tie jacket,
$128. Natural stone, wood and
shell, exotic necklace, $62, wood
earrings, $20. Courtesy of CLŌZ,
Loveland.
Smart and stylish ensemble
from Joseph Ribkoff features
classic wrap jacket, $71, soft
paisley top with sequin accents tops easy, elastic-waist,
wide leg pants, $115. Brighton silver scroll necklace,
$64, and hoop earrings add
professional polish. Courtesy
of Designs Boutique,
Fort Collins.
Family & Philanthropy 2009
Light as a feather polka dot Mycra Pac raincoat and purse, $275,
tops Carilyn Vaile wide leg pants,
$119, and wide strap tank, $86.
Landi hand-crafted neckwire pendant, $64, and drop earrings, $28.
Courtesy of Designs Boutique,
Fort Collins.
Photography: Warren Diggles
Art Direction: Lydia Dody
Hair Design: Shauna Troxell, C&S Workshop
Make Up: Abby Charpentier, Always Beautiful by Abby
Bar Stools: Patio Dining Leather Lifestyles
Adoptable Kitties: Courtesy of Fort Collins Cat Rescue
25
LITY
Your locally owned leader in health
care is a national role model for
excellence.
Poudre Valley Health System has
received the 2008 Malcolm Baldrige
National Quality Award- the highest
Presidential honor given to United
States businesses and organizations that
demonstrate performance excellence .
Thank you to our treasured patients
and families, incredible volunteers,
staff and physicians, and the many
regional organizations who support us
in achieving our vision to provide worldclass health care .
Were herefor you.
www.youtube.com/user/PoudreValleyHealth
POUDRE VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM
b o y s
a n d
g i r l s
The Positive
Place for Kids
c l u b s
o f
l a r i m e r
c o u n t y
B y GLORIA WILLIS
“My vision is to fill Moby Arena at
Colorado State University with all of the
kids that need us,” says Kathi Wright,
Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs
of Larimer County (BGCLC).
Holiday Happening 2008 event put on by Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County.
In the beginning
In existence since 1988, BGCLC has grown and
changed with the needs of children in our community. “Last year we served about 2,850 kids with an
average daily attendance of 300 at our three clubs
in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Wellington. Yet, there
are still more than 6,000 youth in Larimer County
from low-income families that we’re not reaching.
I want to reach those kids,” says Wright.
In 1999, Kathi Wright was a board member
of BGC of Larimer County. She went to a national
conference where Colin Powell was the keynote
speaker; she came home a changed person. “There
were 3,000 people in the room,” says Wright.
“However, I felt as if Colin Powell was speaking
directly to me.”
Powell shared why he joined the BGC Board
of Directors as his first non-profit foray after being Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His comments deeply moved Wright when he said, “I have
joined this board because I believe the most important war that Americans can fight is to positively
influence the hearts and souls of the kids who
need us the most.” Wright returned to Colorado,
applied for the Executive Director post for Larimer
County, got the position, and since has been a spirited and influential voice for the program.
Under the leadership of Wright and the
Board of Directors, BGCLC built a new 20,000
square foot Club on Lancer Drive in Fort Collins. Another 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art
Club on East 1st Street in Loveland opened its
doors this January.
The mission
For many reasons, there is an ever increasing
number of children at home with no adult care
or supervision, and BGCLC offers a safe place to
learn and grow while having fun. The Club’s programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of
competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.
When this strategy is fully implemented, self-esteem is enhanced and an environment is created
which helps boys and girls achieve their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County are open
to any boys and girls 6-18 years of age living in Larimer County. The dues are $5 per year, and free hot
meals are provided by The Food Bank for Larimer
County’s Kids Café program to those who qualify.
Open during a child’s leisure time, the Clubs offer an environment that helps young people reach
their full potential. A proven model outlines the
capacities kids need to succeed:
– Positive Self-identity
– Educational, Employment, Social,
Emotional, and Cultural Competencies
– Community Involvement
– Health and Well Being
– A Moral Compass
As well, four key characteristics define the essence of the Clubs. All are critical in exerting positive impact on the life of a child:
Dedicated Youth Facility – The Boys & Girls Club
is a place – an actual neighborhood-based building
– designed solely for youth programs and activities.
Open Daily – Clubs are open every day, after
school and on weekends, when kids have free time
and need positive, productive outlets.
Professional Staff – Every Club has full-time,
trained youth development professionals, providing positive role models and mentors. Volunteers
provide key supplementary support.
Available/Affordable to All Youth – Clubs reach
out to kids who cannot afford, or may lack access
to, other community programs.
So many programs
A line-up of tested and proven nationally recognized programs that address today’s most pressing youth issues, teach kids the skills they need to
succeed. The five core programs are:
Character & Leadership – Several programs teach
members, especially teens, the important values of
community service and caring for others. They also
develop leadership skills and provide opportunities
for planning, decision-making, and contributing to
the Club and community.
Education & Career – Clubs use an integrated
after-school and summer technology learning enhancement experience consisting of homework
help and tutoring as well as leisure activities using
traditional teaching and learning methodology.
continued on page 40
28
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
BOYS & GIRlS CLUBS
OF LARIMER COUNTY
BUILDING INCREDIBLE KIDS
Jose Hernandez*
Sponsored by~
You can help Build Incredible Kids at the Boys & Girls Clubs of
Larimer County, AND lower your taxes at the same time!
Home Stale
'1lJM
BANK
.b~ J lliwl!! ~JJ
Fort Collins I Loveland I Windsor I Berthoud
970.203.6100
www.HomeStateBank.com
@
Member FDIC
The Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit offers you
the opportunity to decreaw the after-tax cost of your gifts to
BGCLC by more than 50%!
For more Information,
please contact Maria Swall
at 970.223.1709 ext.104
[email protected]
f o r t
c o l l i n s
Enriching Lives
through Music
s y mp h o n y
B y A llie Comea u
photos by R ichard K oshak and D ennis G riffing
At first glance, the Fort Collins Symphony is just that – a
professional orchestra that plays several concerts a year at
the Lincoln Center. But look a little closer and you’ll see
that the Fort Collins Symphony isn’t just an orchestra, but
an integral and educational component of the community.
E
July 4th concert in City Park, Fort Collins.
xecutive director of Fort Collins
Symphony, Terese Kaptur says, “The
orchestra touches the community in
many ways. Behind the scenes there
are so many people that make the
Symphony possible, and in turn, so
many lives that are enriched because of it.”
A day in the life of a Fort Collins Symphony
member entails much more than just rehearsals
and concerts. Members of the Symphony are
engaged with the community in many other
ways. No one knows that better than Becky Kutz
Osterberg, cellist and librarian for the Symphony.
Kutz Osterberg, who’s a freelance musician,
wears several hats for the Symphony. She plays
the cello with the orchestra, but she also maintains
music for the orchestra, acting as librarian. “I take
responsibility for the collection and distribution of
the music, whether it’s music we own, borrow,
purchase, are sharing with CSU, or have been
given,” she says. “In addition to playing in the
orchestra, I ensure each member receives the
prepped music and that it’s properly maintained
and archived.”
Being a freelance musician means that Kutz
Osterberg not only multi-tasks in the Symphony,
but also in her own career. She operates a private
music studio where she teaches students to play
the cello. “Before I head to Symphony rehearsals,
I’m most likely teaching someone to play the cello,
whether they are a small child learning to play
or an adult who is picking a cello up for the first
time,” she says.
Kutz Osterberg also plays in several other
orchestras in the area. “I play in the Greeley
Philharmonic, Pro Musica Colorado Chamber
Orchestra in Lafayette and Denver, Ethos West
and I occasionally substitute in the Colorado Music
Festival and the Cheyenne Symphony. Playing in
several different orchestras allows me to get closer
to full-time playing. I’ll play in Fort Collins one
week, Greeley the next and so on.”
She also manages to find time to play in other
venues around town. “Playing in a wide variety of
settings allows us to play for people who might not
otherwise have exposure to classical music,” says
Kutz Osterberg.
In addition, Kutz Osterberg enjoys taking part
in Symphony-sponsored community outreach
programs. During the holidays, she brought her
cello music to the homeless shelter in Fort Collins.
“A student of mine and I went to the Open Door
Mission one evening during the dinner hour and
played music for the residents,” she said. “It
brought something different to their day and it was
nice to be able to take their minds off their worries
for awhile.”
Exposing children to orchestra music is also
high on the list of priorities for the Fort Collins
Symphony. “Our Youth Education series is a
program that introduces children to the orchestra,”
says Kaptur. “We invite 4,000 school children to
come to the Lincoln Center and hear the orchestra
play. For most of them, it’s the first time they hear
live classical music and it’s a very special thing.”
Wes Kenney, Music Director of the Symphony,
agrees. “We also show them musical concepts
joined with an educational core topic. For English/
Literature, we produced a program called ‘The
Composer as Storyteller.’ For math, we’ve created
Becky Kutz Osterberg, cellist
and librarian for the Symphony.
a program called ‘Music by the numbers.’ Much
of the music is also from recent films or other
popular media. The students need to know that
an orchestra can play almost anything,” he says.
The Symphony has also worked with the
Youth Orchestra of the Rockies and the Centennial
Children’s Chorus. The Youth Orchestra of the
Rockies got the opportunity to play a side-by-side
performance with the Symphony at their annual
holiday concert. “We played several pieces with
the Youth Orchestra this past December,” says Kutz
Osterberg. “I think it was pretty exciting for them to
get to play alongside professional musicians. Both
groups are full of extremely talented and dedicated
students and it was a pleasure to collaborate with
them.”
In addition to exposing children to music,
both Kaptur and Kutz Osterberg believe the entire
community benefits from having the orchestra in
town. “There’s definitely an escape factor but there
is also an emotional factor,” says Kutz Osterberg.
“Music can be highly therapeutic.” Kaptur
agrees. “Music unleashes emotional responses in
people and, like any art, can be a truly powerful
experience. The benefits the orchestra brings to
the community are truly immeasurable.”
Besides the obvious members of the Symphony
that you see on stage – the maestro and the
musicians – there is a whole fleet of people and
businesses that make the Symphony possible. “It
takes a city to raise an orchestra,” says Kaptur.
“From fundraising, to administrative duties, to
production to community outreach, it truly takes
a village.”
Two organizations make up the backbone
continued on page 41
30
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
~-----
First Western Trust Bank
is proud to be a supporter of the
Fort Collins Symphony.
FIRST WESTERN TRUST BANK
3003 E. HARMONY ROAD • SUITE 200 • FORT COLLINS , CO 80528 • 970.484.9222 • WWW.FWTB.COM • MEMBER FDIC
g o o d
s a m a r i t a n
75 Years of
Community Service
B y A ngeline Gren z
For 75 years, Good Samaritan has been providing for the
needs of Northern Colorado’s senior residents. Core guiding
values of compassion and hospitality have enabled Good
Samaritan to continually enhance their services to the
changing wants and needs of our aging population.
T
he Evangelical Lutheran Good
Samaritan Society came to Greeley
more than seven decades ago. The
very first Good Samaritan location,
the Bonell Community, sits on
the original campus and provides
services throughout Weld County, including
Loveland, Fort Collins, Estes Park, and Windsor.
“In those years, Good Samaritan has grown as a
strong, stable organization,” according to Water
Valley executive manager Milli Myers. “We have
no way to count how many thousands of people
we have been able to help in Northern Colorado.”
Their newest facility, Water Valley Senior LivInside of model apartment.
Water Valley Town Center.
Outside of Good Samaritan building at dusk.
ing Resort, brings beauty, elegance, and comfort
to those in the fall season of their lives.
Water Valley Senior Living Resort is the newest offering to the senior community, a handsome,
full-service senior living facility that opened in September 2008. This first phase of the Water Valley
project is 116 senior apartment-styled residences.
The resort rests in a beautiful setting, surrounded
by a lake, golf course, and rolling green hills.
Similar to their other centers in the region,
Water Valley offers senior housing with services
while providing a strong sense of community. “We
hope to extend seniors being able to live independently for as long as possible,” says Dawn Jensen,
director of marketing.
Despite Water Valley’s recent opening in a
sluggish economy, they have steadily added new
residents and met their occupancy projections.
“Unique to Water Valley,” according to Jensen, “is
the variety of people who have moved in from out
of the area. Over half of the residents have moved
here from other regions of the country to be closer
to family or friends.” The struggling economy has
had one impact on new residents who are trying
access Water Valley’s many wonderful services.
“Some prospective residents out there are still
waiting for their homes to sell before they are able
to move into Water Valley,” Jensen explains.
Water Valley has experienced the growth
needed to continue with the next phase. They
have seen an increased need for additional service
levels and will proceed with assisted living, memory care and resort villas in the future. This next
phase is undergoing the approval process with the
town of Windsor and Good Samaritan’s national
campus.
Water Valley is planning at least twenty memory care apartments for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. “If the need is greater,” says Myers,
“they will add additional units.” Similar facilities
in other areas have waiting lists for seniors with
such needs.
All of Good Samaritan’s services are run based
on four core principles: compassion, hospitality,
vocation, and service. Compassion is the central
piece in all their relationships, a reflection of their
intense belief system. Hospitality ensures that each
continued on page 43
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
II
~
~If is only 4 hours a day. Why not spend
the other 20 somewhere you love?
Instead of the work and worry of taking care of a house, you could be enjoying a daily
round of golf and becoming part of a community that stimulates your mind, body and
spirit. At Water Valley Senior Living Resort, we live life to its fullest.
Enjoy lunch and a round of golf on
us this week. Call (970) 686-2743 to
schedule your reservation.
G:r
~.=
All faiths or beliefs are welcome. 09-G0558
.
G'P--} Good
s~maritan
~
SocietysM
WATER VALLEY
SENIOR LIVING REsoRT
HO P E
l i v e s !
T h e
L y d i a
D o d y
Living Hope
B r e a s t
C a n c e r
F o u n d a t i o n
B y erica pa u ly
photos by harper point photograpy
“It can consume you. There is so much information thrown
your way. At the core of everything is this moment—and my
world stops for you.” –Marsha Petrovic, Executive Director
of Hope Lives! the Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Foundation.
S
Participants of the 8th Annual Pink Boa 5K run/walk event in 2008.
ometimes
the
world
stops.
Somewhere between hearing “you
have cancer,” and “these are your
options,” the world stops moving,
and a patient may finds herself
clinging to hope.
Hope does live in Northern Colorado because
of people like Lydia Dody, Founder; Marsha Petrovic, Executive Director; and Ken Sargent, Board
President, for Hope Lives! the Lydia Dody Breast
Cancer Foundation.
Hope Lives! is a 501 c3 non-profit organization. Businesswoman, Lydia Dody, while battling
breast cancer herself, founded the organization
in 2001. “Hope Lives! was born out of a genuine
desire to turn a nasty experience into something
positive for other women. While enduring very
arduous treatments for breast cancer, I became
aware of many complementary healthcare modalities that supported my whole body healing
and recovery. Because I was convinced that these
services improved my outcome, I wanted other
women to be able to receive these many services
that most insurance companies would not pay
for. So, with the support of sponsors who shared
my vision, I was able to start Hope Lives! to serve
women right here in Northern Colorado. To date
we have provided free services to hundreds of
women and their families. We have made a difference in their lives and helped them on the road
to healing and recovery,” Lydia explains.
How does Petrovic view the role of the program? “We are here to treat the whole being,”
she says. The only requirement for someone to
receive free services is that they have been diagnosed and are being treated in Northern Colorado. Every client of Hope Lives! receives two
free Complementary Care services each month
selected from a wide range of professional services. The services range from acupuncture for pain,
therapeutic massage, lymphatic massage, reiki,
hair, wig and make-up services, healing touch,
individual and family counseling, house cleaning,
and more. An extensive wig bank and resource
library is also available.
A woman can apply by simply filling out a
brief application. She will receive a welcome
packet of information and can then review the
many service options and select what is individually best suited for her. Hope Lives! serves every
women regardless of her socio-economic status,
and regardless of her age (women aged 26 to 84
have been served).
For Robin Trujillo, breast cancer survivor and
client of Hope Lives!, the help couldn’t have come
at a better time. After being diagnosed with stage
II breast cancer, Trujillo began chemotherapy
and then called Hope Lives!. She received acupuncture and lymphatic massages through the
Complementary Care Program. She says, “I relate
breast cancer to being somewhere you have never
been and it is pitch black. You are so lost and have
no idea which way to go, or what you are going
to run into. I was so blessed to have found Hope
Lives!”
Not only were the treatments an added blessing to Trujillo’s situation, but the knowledge and
comfort she gained was also priceless. She says,
“Everyone was so great and truly understanding
and empathetic to my situation. If I had a question, which I had a lot of, they got back to me and
made sure I understood everything.”
She says, “I came to know Hope Lives! at a
time I needed them the most. Towards the end
of my treatments I was laid off, so I would not
have been able to have these kinds of services and
I really don’t think I would have made the progress I did with my pain. This is such a wonderful
program, and I hope, in the future, to be able to
give back, even just a fraction of what they have
given me.”
Giving back and partnering with the community is exactly what Hope Lives! is about. There are
between 50 and 100 volunteers currently working with Hope Lives!. Petrovic says, “Because
the organization is volunteer driven, it gives our
volunteers a sense of ownership to help out, and
we couldn’t do it without them. And, our partner professionals know they are providing services
that are helpful for women who might otherwise
To find out more about how and
where to contribute or volunteer
call (970) 225-6200, or stop by
the cozy office at 2629 Redwing
Road, Suite 260 in Fort Collins.
continued on page 44
34
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
II
~?()"' no~ t~otb~ado...
for keeping HOPE alive!
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to support,
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empower those
touched by
breast cancer in
northern colorado
by providing free
complementary
care, guidance and
education
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physical therapy
therapeutic massage
acupuncture
reike
yoga
manual lymph drainage therapy
counseling resources
big. sister mentoring program
hornecare and family services
• ... · . ·resource lending library
~·~
wigbank
For more infoC)on about our services, our events, to volunteer, or to donate, please contact Hope Lives!
2629 Redwing Road, Suite 260 • Fort Collins, CO 80526 • 970.225.6200 • www.hopelives.org
Ken Sargent
ftORTER
NDUSTRIES
Where clean meets green.
Porter Industries is a PROUD SPONSOR of Hope Lives!
Porter Industries • 5202 Granite Street • Loveland • 970.667.5239
Support Services
Administrator,
Porter Industries
President.
Hope Lives!
Board ot Directors
M a r y
A Legacy
of Grace
B a r e t t a
G r a c e
F o u n d a t i o n
B y Connie Hein
“Grace” was the word most used to describe
Mary Baretta by hundreds of people who sent
condolences to the family after her untimely death
on January 20th of this year.
H
er family agreed that “grace”
perfectly
described
their
extraordinary wife, mom, and
grandmother,
affectionately
known as Lala. This was how they
wanted her remembered when
setting up the Mary Baretta “Grace” Foundation
in her memory.
Mary was diagnosed with stage four lung
cancer at age 60 after having lived a healthy, active,
life, and having never smoked. Mary and her
husband Ron traveled to southern California for a
few days in January of 2008 for some relaxation
and golf. Ron was recovering from a cough and
Mary started to develop one; they assumed she
was getting the same virus Ron had and that it
would last a few weeks.
A few months later, for Mary’s 60th birthday,
she wanted to take her granddaughters, Stella 5,
Scarlet 3, Francesca 1, and Catalina (on the way),
to Disneyland, so the entire Baretta family went to
Anaheim. Throughout the trip Mary continued to
cough. She wasn’t very concerned about it, but
Mary Baretta vacationing in Italy.
her daughters, Anna, Bree, and Mariah, insisted
she get to the doctor, which she did when they
arrived home.
Her family doctor examined her and ordered a
chest x-ray, which came back suspicious, and then
a CAT scan. Mary mentioned that she had some
lumps on her neck, so he also ordered a biopsy.
May 1, after all the test results were back, Mary
was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
Ron and Mary would have been married
40 years this May. Together they owned and
operated the successful Mountain Kids/Mountain
Gymnastics Training Center in Ft. Collins. They
started the business in 1976, which eventually
evolved into a family business with their daughters.
It is now also a dance school, academic preschool,
and summer swimming and day camp. They were,
obviously, very active people. “Mary was the
heart and soul of the business.” Ron says. “She
had a positive, happy attitude and everyone loved
her. That was why the diagnosis was so hard to
believe.”
Mariah says, “Since my mom was always so
active and healthy, I had no doubt this tragedy
happened for a reason. That brought me comfort.
My mom would have given her life for anyone. She
would be proud to know that through her death
she may save thousands of lives, including those of
her daughters and granddaughters.”
Ron says he went into panic mode after the
diagnosis and called everyone he knew, trying to
find the best treatment for Mary. Their daughter
Anna, whom Ron calls their “research angel,”
began researching the disease online. “She
sent only positive information to us, never any
of the negative statistics, she knew would be
devastating.”
Anna says it was hard to wade through the
grim statistics about this ugly disease. “We had to
remain confident that our mom’s healthy lifestyle
and attitude would help her beat the odds.” She
says it was frustrating to find that lung cancer is
the number one killer of cancer patients in the
world, yet the least funded of all forms of cancer.
Many people believe lung cancer is a smoker’s
disease, but Anna says she found astounding
evidence to show it kills millions of non-smokers
every year.
According to Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA),
“Lung cancer will kill more people than breast,
prostrate, colon, liver, kidney, and melanoma
cancer combined. More than 60 percent of new
cases are never smokers or former smokers, many
of whom quit decades ago.”
When caught early, patients with lung cancer
have a 92 percent chance of surviving for 10 years.
With late detection there is a 15 percent survival
rate, which is why early detection and screening
are so important.
Congress earmarks funding within the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for
specific cancers. The 2007 CDC budget included
$201 million for breast and cervical cancer, $13.9
million for prostate cancer and $14.4 million for
colon cancer—and no money at all for lung cancer.
Because of these discouraging statistics, Mary’s
family decided to help in the fight for lung cancer
research funding and formed the Mary Baretta
Grace Foundation.
Their mission is to eradicate lung cancer
through standard screening, early detection, and
education. Ron says the foundation is in its infancy
and they are making decisions about whether
continued on page 47
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
II
Camp
@sweet Pea
•
•
Camp Sweet Pea is a two day camp for kids ages 5 to 9 with
diabetes where testing blood sugar, giving insulin injections or
making insulin pump adjustments are just a part of everyone's
life (at least during camp!) The emphasis is on swimming,
gymnastics and other fun activities directed by a medical staff
and adult leaders. Kids 10 and older with diabetes are
welcomed as helpers and encouraged to join in the fun!
The Healthy Kids Club (part of the PVH foundation) help plan
and provide crafts and activities.
The 2009 Camp Sweet Pea will be held on June 19th and 20st
from 1 Oam to 3pm. Contact Karen at 495-8205 for more info.
Mountains of possibilities for your kids including gymnastics,
dance, dance intensives and camps, summer day camp and
warm water swimming. Enjoy specialty coffees, snacks and
free internet access in our cafe. Schedule details are available
at www.mountain-kids.com
Register early for
best availability!
Registration dates:
Summer Camp
March 30th
Swimming
April 4th 1:00 pm
Summer
Gym & Dance
April 20th
Gymnastics
Dance
Preschool
(970)482-3118
Summer Warm Water
Day Camp Swimming
419 E. Stuart St.
After School Camp
& Transportation
8
"l:Darmups
coff•• & clothing
Fort Collins, CO 80525
p s d
Uniting the
Community
for Education
F o u n d a t i o n
B y A llie Comea u
Classroom budget cuts are affecting school
districts nationwide and Poudre School District is
no exception.
Jerry Wilson, Superintendent of Schools, and Katie Zwetzig, President of the Board of Directors, give awards at the Annual Excellence in Education Event.
I
ncreasing competition for state funds
means that school districts have less
money to work with and, in turn, aren’t
always able to provide teachers and
classrooms with the newest technologies
and innovations. That’s why the Poudre
School District Foundation (PSDF) is more
important than ever – to ensure our students
receive the best education possible.
An almost all-volunteer organization (there
are two paid staff positions), the mission of PSDF
is to unite community resources for excellence in
public education. Uniting community resources,
Interim Executive Director Mike Demma tells
Style, is of the utmost importance when it comes
to promoting excellence in education. “We can
do far more together than we can apart,” he says.
Demma, who has extensive experience with more
than 70 non-profit organizations, believes PSDF
offers an invaluable benefit to the school district
and community. “I love having the opportunity to
work with teachers and kids in the educational
system,” says Demma. “Enhancing public education is extremely important to me, personally, and
to the community as a whole.”
Supporting the Poudre School District (PSD) is
the main priority of all board members and volunteers of PSDF. Board Treasurer and owner of Chipper’s Lanes, Matt Hoeven, speaks of his motivation to support the organization. “Having grown
up in PSD, as I went through higher education, I
gained an incredible appreciation for how good
our school district is,” says Hoeven. “That’s my
interest – to help foster that continued excellence
and to ensure PSD continues to give our children
the best head start possible.” Demma agrees
and adds, “I have three grand-daughters and I’m
proud that they’ll be part of PSD because it’s just
outstanding.”
PSDF is essentially the fundraising branch of
PSD. “Because there are limits to school budgets, the Foundation was founded to supplement funding for the school district,” says Katie
Zwetzig, President of the Board of Directors. “We
award grants to teachers for classroom programs
and technologies based on innovation.”
Zwetzig is referring to PSDF’s “Supporting
Partnerships in Innovation Education,” or SPIE,
grants. Each year, PSDF awards grants to individual teachers within the district who present
innovative ideas that will enhance the education of their students. The Foundation awarded
$65,000 to PSD last year alone to implement
new technologies and programs. In total, they’ve
given $535,000 in grants to PSD. “Right now,
we’re embarking on a technology initiative in the
schools,” says Zwetzig. “One of the programs
we’re concentrating on is our iReader program.
We’re giving kindergartners iPod shuffles, programmed with stories read by their teachers, to
take home and listen to. It’s a take-home program
that will especially help students with parents
who don’t speak English or who are otherwise
unavailable to read with their children.”
Hoeven says, “It’s all about giving teachers
yet another opportunity to introduce innovative
programs into their classrooms. That’s where the
foundation really started - with the SPIE grants.
We’ve found often times that teachers have to
dig into their own pockets to pay for things in
the classroom and we’re here to help ease that
burden. Teachers can write to us with their proposals and it’s more personal than writing to large
organizations for grants. We grant one-third of
the proposals we receive each year.”
PSDF has a committee of volunteers dedicated to selecting the recipients of each year’s SPIE
Grants. “We look for innovativeness, creativity,
sustainability, and the number of students that
will be affected by the proposal during the SPIE
grant selection process,” says Demma. “We want
to promote programs that will build on themselves and act as pilot programs for the entire
district.”
Another exciting program PSDF is working
on is a technology mentoring program, or Digital
Educator Program, between teachers. “There are
many new technologies the business world has
embraced that teachers are interested in using,
but may not know how to operate fully,”
continued on page 47
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
JERRY WILSON, PH. D
Superintendent of Schools
Collaborations and partnerships between the Poudre School
District Foundation and the Community Foundation really put
the "public" inpublic education. It takes all of us, working
together as a community, to provide the best learning
opportunities for our students and to support our educators who
are teaching, mentoring and developing our future workforce,
though leaders and community members."
Bowl for Life Suicide Prevention
Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County
Canyon Concert Ballet
CASA of Larimer County
Childsafe
City of Fort Collins Adaptive Recreation
Foothills Gateway
! the Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Foundation
Junior Achievement
Director, UniverCity Connections
PSD receives outstanding community support through many
city and regional collaborations. Our relationships with
businesses and community members who support the PSD
Foundation and the Partnership Center extend to well over
14 ,000 individuals and businesses, which is beyond the
significant support of our taxpayers. Each partnership
represents an invaluable asset to the district, as community
members enrich the extraordinary education afforded every
PSD child every day.
Kids at Heart
Poudre School District Foundation
Poudre School District
Poudre Valley Hospital Foundation
Thompson Valley School Districts
SAVA
Spirit Crossing Clubhouse
Timberline Chirch
Vineyard Church
and numerous others
Helping you climb the path to financial success
Boys and girls clubs
of larimer county
continued from page 28
• Business & Individual
Tax Services & Planning
• Business Start Up
• Bookkeeping, Payroll &
Quickbooks Consulting
• Auditing & Financial
Statement Preparation
FORT COLLINS
301 East Olive Street
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970.493.6869
Health & Life Skills – These programs are designed to incorporate healthy living into everyday
life, and include emphasis on good nutrition, internet safety skills, and prevention education on the
use of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.
www.rlrcpas.com
GREELEY
4631 W. 20th St Rd, Ste. 101
Greeley, CO 80634
970.304.9420
WINDSOR
825 Main Street
Windsor, CO 80550
970.493.6869
CHEYENNE
PO Box 483
Cheyenne, WY 82003
370.631.5598
The Arts – From performing to visual art this program helps members to express their creativity. The
Clubs offer pottery, choir, bucket drumming, piano
lessons, photography, and craft projects.
Sports, Fitness & Recreation – Clubs offer basketball, golf, baseball, softball, tennis, and football,
as well as non-traditional sport programs.
Boys & Girls Clubs programs have taken members from the clubhouse to the White House, from
the community baseball diamond to Yankee Stadium, and from the high school stage to Hollywood.
Celebrity alumni include: former President Clinton,
Bill Cosby, Michael Jordan, Brad Pitt, Neil Diamond,
Denzel Washington, Jennifer Lopez, and Kool &
The Gang.
While many Club alumni have achieved distinctive careers, the average alumnus is not famous.
Most have achieved success by getting an education, raising a family, serving their country, pursuing a career, and supporting their community.
However, alumni have strong feelings about their
individual Club experiences: 80 percent say Club
staff helped them learn right from wrong; 95 percent indicate the Club was the best thing available
in their community, and, 52 percent say that participating in the Club “saved my life.”
How you can help
VOLUNTEER
BGCLC has 500 volunteers in their database,
but they always need more. Why not share your
skills with a youngster and make a difference in the
world? There are many ways you can help. Check
out BCGLC online at www.bgclarimer.org for more
information.
DONATE
There are many ways to donate - here are a
few suggestions:
Colorado Childcare Contribution Tax Credit:
BGCLC encourages donors to increase their gift
and benefit from Colorado Childcare Contribution
Tax Credits.
In addition, individual donations can be made
at any time, in any amount. Annual giving is contributions from individual donors and bequests in a
will and estate plans or planned gifts of securities.
Property can also be designated for an annual program or restricted to the Endowment Fund. In-kind
gifts of goods or services for special projects or for
administrative needs are always welcome.
Wright has a few more goals aside from filling Moby Arena. She would love to find a place
to take all 300 kids for a week of summer camp,
and she wants to raise $10 million in the next 10
years. With Wright’s proven track record of strong
leadership and powerful vision, she’ll most likely
succeed!
Gloria Willis is a freelance writer living in Fort Collins with, Bob, her husband and Pogo and Bella,
her two Blue Heeler puppies.
40
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
fort collins
symphony
continued from page 30
of Fort Collins Symphony, the Symphony Guild
and the Symphony Board of Directors. Working
together to fundraise and keep things running,
these two organizations play important roles in
maintaining the orchestra.
The Symphony Guild is made up entirely of
volunteers – 167 of them to be exact. The Guild
is a non-profit organization dedicated solely to
supporting the orchestra financially, socially, and
educationally. The Guild holds major fundraisers
each year to support the orchestra.
Beyond that, the Guild also organizes
educational opportunities within the community.
One of their main focuses is childhood education
and exposing school children to the wonders of
music. “Most recently, they sponsored a ‘musical
zoo’ where young children were given the
opportunity to try out a musical instrument with
the help of orchestra members,” says Kaptur.
“We believe musical exposure is important for the
younger generation and the Guild helps make that
possible.”
The Symphony Board, which is also made
up of volunteers, is involved in fundraising and
community outreach as well. “The Board’s mission
is to enhance life in Northern Colorado by providing
entertainment and education through the
production of high-quality orchestral music,” says
Kaptur. “The board is responsible for governance,
advocacy, and fundraising.”
The Fort Collins Symphony, like many
orchestras across the country, is struggling
financially this season. The orchestra, supported
by ticket sales, individual contributions, corporate
sponsorships, grants, and fundraising events, has
seen a decline in financing because of the present
economic situation. “We are currently seeking
businesses interested in becoming active partners
in enhancing cultural life in Northern Colorado,”
says Kaptur. Kenney adds, “It’s times like these that
we see how much a community loves its orchestra.
And, groups such as the Fort Collins Symphony live
on such love.”
Due to celebrate its 60th anniversary next
year, the Symphony is hoping that their two
spring fundraisers will enable them to continue
entertaining and educating Fort Collins for years to
come. The Guild’s Kentucky Derby Party is May 2nd
from 2pm to 5pm at the CSU Equine Center (www.
FCSymphonyGuild.org). The event is complete with
cool mint juleps, games, and prizes during the
famous Kentucky Derby horse race. For tickets and
information, visit www.comcastTIX.com, or call
1-877-544-TIXX.
And don’t miss the Symphony’s new Friday
Night Lite program offered on select Friday nights
from 7pm to 8pm. Performed at the University
Center for the Arts (UCA), the Friday Night Lite
program is just that – a lighter version of the
Symphony’s Saturday night concerts. “It’s a shorter
version of our Saturday night concert,” says Kutz
Osterberg. “It’s a great way to catch an hour-long
condensed version of a full program and still have
time for dinner and drinks.” For a schedule of
events, visit www.fcsymphony.org.
Allie Comeau is a Fort Collins freelance writer.
Family & Philanthropy 2009
41
Community Pillars
bill and ruth brown
By Jim Sprout
Photo By Warren Diggles
Deputy sheriff meets wife in chorus line
Well not exactly, but they did meet in a variety show on the University
of North Dakota campus and were married in 1961. Bill had decided
to follow his father’s career as an FBI agent, and served for a short
period as a bailiff in the Bakersfield area, but chose an Air Force
commission instead. Ruth, being one of five daughters born to a
successful farm implement dealer, decided she wasn’t cut out for
equipment sales, and became an English teacher. This lasted for
three years until she had twins.
A
After fulfilling their Air Force commitment, Bill and Ruth decided to first find the place they really wanted to live and second, find a job for Bill in that area. This decision brought them
to Denver where Bill worked as an Allstate Insurance adjustor
while studying for the Bar Examination. Bill learned that the law
firm of Fischer and Beatty, which at that time consisted of Albert
Fischer, Ward Fischer, Jim Beatty, and Phil Potter, was looking for
a new lawyer. That was 40 years ago, and Bill is still with the
firm. Bill recalls Ward Fischer as a wonderful man and mentor
who stressed and exemplified the concept of giving back to the
community. One of his most proud moments was when the firm,
Fischer, Brown, Huddleson and Gunn, received the Collins Award,
now known as the Community Builder Award. Bill thinks that this
may have been the only time the award has not been given to
an individual.
Community service has always been a special part of their
lives. Ruth believes “that if you love the place you live, you want
it to be the best it can be, and that takes working together.”
Her involvement has ranged from the Poudre School system,
Project Self-Sufficiency to church related service such as Habitat
for Humanity, and providing meals for those down on their luck.
She was also active in the Junior Women’s Club the precursor to
the Junior League. Both Bill and Ruth have always had a special
passion for the United Way. Bill served as co-chairman for the
Larimer County United Way’s 2008 campaign, and is currently
on the steering committee for “Pathways Past Poverty,” an effort to address the increasing levels of poverty in our community.
He is a past trustee for the Community Foundation of Northern
Colorado, and a former President and Trustee for the Fort Collins
Symphony Board. The community service list is long for Bill and
spread among many leadership roles like the Chairman of the
Eagle Scout Board of Review, to a charter member and past president for Sertoma Club. Bill says, “The best way to develop relationships and balance in your life is through community service.”
Bill has also been very active in his professional career as a
water attorney. He has served on the Northern Colorado Water
42
Bill and Ruth Brown
Conservancy Board and has been involved in many local as well as
state committees dealing with water issues. Bill is a past president
of the Larimer County Bar Association and was awarded that organization’s “Professionalism Award” in 2000.
Both Bill and Ruth believe that most of the lessons in life they
have learned are centered on relationships, values and family. In
other words, making good choices, keeping your word and being a person of integrity. Ruth’s advice would be “that people are
what’s important in your life, and the relationships you make, not
all the trappings.” They feel that success in life is measured by
taking care of yourself and family, helping others in time of need,
and doing your best to raise kids you can be proud of. They are
very proud of their children who all now have professional careers
and are particularly pleased by their willingness to be involved in
community service. Bill feels that he has especially been rewarded
by the opportunity to work with two of his children in the law
practice and the partnership and friendship he has had for more
than 35 years with Bill Gunn and third generation, Bill Fischer.
During this next stage of life, Bill and Ruth do not see any
major changes. Bill has learned to experience each day as a gift,
and both are thankful for all the blessings they have received with
special emphasis on five grandchildren. They each would like to
be remembered as growing old with grace, and believe that they
are getting more liberal and less set in their ways as they age. Bill
intends to stay active in the law practice and with community
and regional water issues. He hopes that as a northern region we
learn to cooperate and work together better to develop an environmentally sound water supply and management system for our
future growth. Ruth will continue to work behind the scenes continually giving back to the community and the people she loves.
We are grateful as a community to Bill and Ruth Brown for
more than forty years of dedicating their lives to helping make
Fort Collins and Northern Colorado a better place to live.
Jim Sprout is the Chairman of First Western Trust Bank,
Northern Colorado, and a regular columnist for Style Magazine.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
fort collins
good samaritan
continued from page 32
resident finds the fullest possible life in a safe,
secure, and loving home. Vocation refers to each
staff members’ belief that they have been called
to care for people “in a Christian community that
offers them respect, support, and opportunities to
grow.” Service is Good Samaritan’s goal to reach
out and meet the needs of the community they
inhabit and invite local residents to find a greater
meaning by volunteering in the Good Samaritan
Community.
Volunteerism is an important aspect in all of
Good Samaritan’s services. “Every center has its
own group of active volunteers,” according to Myers. Water Valley has between 15 and 40 volunteers depending on need. And, says Myers, “there
is always a need for additional volunteers.”
Volunteers are utilized by Good Samaritan for a variety of very practical reasons, such as helping out
in the gift shop, pouring coffee in the dining room,
and assisting with office tasks. These volunteers
also visit, play games, and spend quality time with
residents who greatly appreciate the special attention. Good Samaritan welcomes groups of all ages,
families, organizations and individuals to become a
part of their group of volunteers.
Good Samaritan is a not-for-profit organization. All revenue is funneled back into the community and utilized for resident services. “Donations
to Good Samaritan are placed towards the purchase of larger scale items not part of the overall
budget,” says Jensen, “such as staff scholarships,
memory gardens, van purchases and wheelchair
lifts.” Good Samaritan gratefully accepts gifts from
individuals in the community through general donations, endowments or bequests.
Originally, Good Samaritan had a dual purpose, recalls Myers. The first was to find housing
for homeless seniors. Their second mission was
to provide services for handicap children. In the
1950’s we split and what eventually became Banner Health took over the services for children, she
explains. Today, Good Samaritan focuses services
on the senior community. Their Christian social
ministry organization seeks to provide seniors with
a meaningful life in their latter years by providing
not only appropriate levels of care but also affirmation of their value that in Christ they are someone
special.
“Good Samaritan works to weave compassion
and hospitality into the daily routine of their tenants.” This driving force motivates all staff to provide a service level that is unparalleled in both longevity and dedication in Northern Colorado. “We
want to make this the best season of their lives,
enriching their lives spiritually, mentally, educationally, socially and physically,” says Jensen.
“Good Samaritan as a whole is looking at baby
boomers and how they will affect senior housing
trends. We will be making slow changes to meet
these needs, including types of foods and activities preferred by the next generation. We want to
be proactive about the future and our services,”
concludes Myers.
Angeline Grenz is a freelance writer living in Fort
Collins with her husband, Josh, and Saint Bernard,
Bella.
Family & Philanthropy 2009
2 0 th annual president ’ s circle dinner
January 31
Union Colony Civic Center:: Greeley
Historic Bourbon Street was the setting for the 20th
annual President’s Circle Dinner for 300 guests. This
year’s event French Quarter Masquerade included a
delectable New Orleans-style dinner and served to
recognize retired Greeley physician Dr. Jerry Weil.
Dr. Weil has tirelessly devoted himself to local
children’s literacy programs to help thousands of
children learn to read. Proceeds to benefit a new
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Machine for the NCMC
Breast Health Center. Photos courtesy of Juan Leal.
Nancy & Jerry Weil
(Dr. Weil was President’s Award recepient)
Emily & Doug Kemme
Mike & Kelly Nichols
Jolynn McClure, Brenda Lucio, Shirley Lobato
Emily Kemme, Masoud & Vonda Shirazi
Angela & Royal Lovell
Sandra & John Shupe
Anu & Sanjay Gupta, Shirley & James Lobato, Jolynn & MickeyMcClure
43
hope lives!
C H AT A M O U R D E U X
continued from page 34
February 7
Fort Collins Senior Center:: Fort Collins
This 2nd annual Fort Collins Cat Rescue (FCCR)
fundraiser provide a capacity crowd a purrrrfect
evening of social mixing with savory hors
d’oeuvres and sinful desserts. Guests fancied &
bid on over 150 silent and live auction items and
helped to raise more than $25,000 for FCCR and
their continual work helping the feline population
and spays and neuters, which to date has had
more than 1700 adoptions and the Low Cost Spay
& Neuter Clinic has performed more than 7600
spays & neuters.
Jeff Swanty
Linda Dute, Tom Welsh
Sarah Swanty, Anna Neubauer
Greg Belcher, Leslie Vogt, Judy Calhoun
Beth-Holly Garretson, Sally Korshak
Jan Link, Leslie Quitmeyer, Britt Boehner, Debbie Chesonis, Jen Swanty, Ruth Swanty, Jan Thydean
44
not be able to afford them. Without these important partnerships, Hope Lives! could not
serve the many women it does.”
Throughout the year, Hope Lives! holds
several signature events to raise funds and
awareness for the organization. This year, they
invite the community to join them on May 30th
for the Pink Boa 5K Run/Walk and in October
for the 9th Annual Hope Lives! Benefit Gala.
This year’s gala will have a new green twist by
incorporating environmentally friendly and responsible components into all aspects of the
event in an effort to minimize impact on the
planet. Hope Lives! asks you to join them as
they Celebrate Life in the Pink…and Green!
Another popular event is the ever-popular
Bridesmaids Bowling for Breast Cancer, which
took a hiatus in 2009, but will be back in the
spring of 2010. They are also planning a new
and exciting fundraising event called Cups of
Hope, where bras are decorated and embellished by Northern Colorado artists and community members then auctioned off at a cocktail party celebration.
Hope Lives! the Lydia Dody Breast Cancer
Foundation is using creative and innovative
ideas to fundraise. “We’re always striving to do
better,” says Sargent, “If you just rely on the
past, you could be setting yourself up for disaster. Thinking outside of the box for continued
support and development for the organization
will be especially key this year.”
Petrovic adds, “Special events, however, are
not the only way to help Hope Lives! We rely
heavily on individual and corporate donations
throughout the year and would like to thank
the community for its continued support. If you
have been touched by cancer in your own life,
please consider making a donation in memory
or support of someone, or perhaps you would
like to remember Hope Lives! in your will and
estate plans. As always, Hope Lives! could not
do what it does without the support of committed volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, Hope Lives! would like to hear from
you.”
Although the Hope Lives! office is small,
and the paid staff is minimal, the atmosphere
is compassionate and nurturing. Sargent says,
“Marsha has been a wonderful addition to
Hope Lives! It’s difficult to wander into a day
not knowing what it will hold, but Marsha encounters that everyday. She does a phenomenal
job for the women who enter through these
doors.” Dody adds, “Marsha has a passion for
our cause and the women we serve. She demonstrates that commitment through her compassion, her hard work, and the many positive
relationships she builds for the organization.”
The mentality of Petrovic, Sargent, and
Dody walks in sync with the mission of Hope
Lives!: to support, educate, and empower
women who have been diagnosed with breast
cancer. So when the world does stop for yet
another woman, she is not left hanging on the
last words of the doctor. Rather, she can cling
to hope, because hope is most definitely living
in Northern Colorado at Hope Lives!
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
simply red
February 13
Hilton :: Fort Collins
This pre-Valentine’s Day celebration had 260 guests
dressed to the nines enjoying a great evening. The
5th annual dinner-dance also honored Laurie Klith,
recepient of the 2009 Lamplighter Award, for her
spirit of collaboration with a view toward bringing
people together for the common good. More than
$25,000 raised will benefit TEAM Fort Collins and
their programs to educate and prevent abuse of
alcohol, drugs and tobacco among youth, their
families and the community.
John & Jeanie Aronson
Harry Deveroux, Laurie Klith-2009 Lamplighter Award Recipient,
Scoot Crandall
Corkie Odell, Connie Hanrahan
Rich & Susan Harrison
Candy & Tim Wirt
R A M S T R O N G VA L E N T I N E C E L E B R AT I O N
February 14
Donnan Home :: Fort Collins
This Valentine’s Day Celebration saw nearly 100
community members come together to celebrate
relationships, partnerships and survivorships at the
3rd annual RAMSTRONG event. This event raised
more than $32,000 to help RAMSTRONG and its
mission to help improve the lives of local people
affected by cancer, to inspire and empower them
to live with, through and beyond cancer.
Rachel Peterson, Sandy Albrecht, Diane Hogerty
Eileen Pearson, Terry McNeal, Dennis Hogerty,
Chuck McNeal, Gene Markley
Family & Philanthropy 2009
Becky Vasos, RC Callan
Michelle Boyle, Tasha Ballard
Aki Palmer
Karen & Carl Spina
Julie & Tim Rickett, Mary Seaman
45
M A M M A M I A ! S I N G - A L O N G PA R T Y !
February 17
Stonehouse Grill :: Fort Collins
Nearly 150 community members participated in this lively evening of singing and dancing at the Mamma
Mia Sing-Along party. Honoring Abba, many of the attendees dressed in 70s style outfits. Highlights
included Guest Bartenders, contest for best bartender, a silent auction and mystery balloon bonanza.
Proceeds to benefit OpenStage Theater and their mission to provide quality theatre that captivates the
heart and mind this year celebrating their 36th season.
Dawn Putney, Marge Brodahl, Helen Gray
Jane Sullivan, Kathi Dougherty
Bruce Freestone
Amy Madden Copp, Doug Johnson
Bob McCluskey, Jean Lamb, Lydia Dody
GROWING HAND IN HAND, WOMANGIVE LUNCHEON
February 19
Fort Collins Country Club :: Fort Collins
The focus of the 3rd annual WomenGive
luncheon, Growing Hand in Hand, was helping
women and girls become self-reliant. More than
200 women came together to learn about the
challenges and barriers single mothers face in the
community. The WomenGive program currently
funds childcare scholarships for single parents
who want to continue their education and has
helped 44 women since it started in 2006.
Photos courtesy of imagecatherman.com.
Elaine Lemay, Mary Atchison
46
Prue Kaley, Deanna McCrery
Jacque Niedringhaus, Kathy Miner
Judith Aranow, Mary Carraher, Connie DeMurcio
Janet Mabry, Sheila Benshoof, Dawn Duncan
Jean Sutherland, Marcia Donnan
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
girls night out
February 20
Agave Room at The Rio:: Fort Collins
More than 220 women delighted in seeing the
latest hot fashions from our Northern Colorado
boutiques modeled by local models at the 2nd
annual Mardi Gras Fashion Show. The spirited
evening raised $20,000 to benefit the Macdonald
Family Charity and their mission to grant dreams
to children from 2 to 18 living in Larimer or Weld
counties. Children are terminally ill, chronically
sick, injured, from a foster care environment or
from a low-income family. To date Macdonald
Family Charity has granted 5 dreams since 2007.
Denise Perich, Don Brown
AJ & Molly Macdonald
Mary Barretta
Foundation
continued from page 36
continued from page 38
to start their own foundation or partner with an
established foundation with more money and
power.
He says, “We have already received thousands
of dollars from friends and relatives who loved
Mary.” The family is hoping to hold their first
fundraiser this fall at Harmony Club Golf Course.
Ron says this would give people a chance to play
the exclusive course while supporting a worthy
cause.
Bree says any fundraisers they plan will be
based on fun, healthy living. “We want to focus
on the positive aspects of our mom’s life and on
the thousands of people she touched through
her dance and gymnastics classes. We want that
aspect of her life to be her legacy, not just what
happened to her in the last year of her life.”
Ron says Mary bravely fought the disease with
chemotherapy and radiation treatments until her
last days. He was by her side each step of the way.
She asked him on the last day of her life to live the
rest of his life with joy and to take care of their
family for her. He was able to hold her in his arms
as she passed away, with their daughters at her
bedside.
“This has been so hard for me,” he says, “but
I know Mary would not want me crying or moping
around. I can’t do anything to help our family, or
help others fighting this disease, if I can’t move
forward in my own life. I feel like I am finally doing
that.”
Anna says that through the entire ordeal
her mom’s thoughts were only of her family.
“My mom was a superstar, tough, courageous,
and amazing until the end. That last day in the
hospital I read a few chapters of Marley and Me
to her; she laughed at all the funny parts. She held
Catalina and experienced the joy of her youngest
granddaughter – and she asked one of her closest
friends to pray for God to take her quickly if He
wasn’t going to heal her. God did just that; He took
her quickly.”
Anna, Bree, and Mariah all spoke of their mom
as a beautiful, loving person who had a great
influence on their lives. They all said they believe
her death may extend their lives because of the
awareness they now have. “She lived a clean and
healthy life, seeing her doctor regularly for all the
recommended cancer screenings. Unfortunately,
right now there are no standard screenings for
lung cancer,” Anna said. “We are hoping to
change that.”
Reporter Heidi Benson asked, in a San Francisco
Chronicle article, “Why are there no lapel ribbons
for lung cancer?” Her answer: “There simply aren’t
enough survivors to amass a movement.”
The Baretta family is hoping to help gather that
movement. Ron says, “Mary encouraged hundreds
of people throughout her life. We want her to have
the same influence through her death.”
says Matt Hoeven. “It’s a matter of working with
teachers to show them how to incorporate new
technologies into the classroom. The teachers
who understand the technology will be mentoring the ones who don’t, in order to spread the
knowledge.”
Because quality teachers produce quality education, PSDF also honors and recognizes the top
teachers in the school district each year at the
“Excellence in Education” spring ceremony in
March. Awards and stipends are given to teachers who go above and beyond and who are dedicated to learning and student achievement. “We
have excellent teachers in PSD and they are a critical part of our community,” says Hoeven. “There’s
a reason why PSD receives national accolades –
we have excellent educators.”
PSDF is run by a volunteer board of directors
and about two dozen other volunteers who serve
on the selection committees and organize the Excellence in Education ceremony and the annual
Community Breakfast. Volunteers know better
than anyone that collaboration is key for PSDF.
“The Foundation has become a great collaborator
within the community,” says Zwetzig. “We work
with the Community Foundation, PSD itself, and
the Poudre School District Partnership program to
enrich the lives of our students and, in turn, the
community.”
“Collaborating with the community results
in more and more opportunities for the students
and the teachers,” says Demma. One great example of this collaboration is the effort between
PSDF and the Community Foundation, which now
manages PSDF donor-advised funds. These funds,
which are essentially memorial scholarships set up
by donors, are set aside for high-school students
entering college or teachers seeking continuing
education. “We now collaborate with the Community Foundation to help organize our donoradvised programs to increase efficiency, increase
exposure, and to reduce costs so we can maximize the dollars that flow into the classroom,”
says Demma.
The Foundation relies on support from the
community to fund the SPIE grants, teacher stipends, and scholarship programs. “The majority
of the money in the program comes from individual donors,” says Hoeven. Demma notes that
85 percent of every dollar donated to PSDF goes
directly to teachers and students in the classrooms
of PSD.
The annual Community Breakfast is responsible for the majority of the funds raised each year.
Held on April 23rd this year, from 7:30 to 8:30
a.m. at the Fort Collins Marriott, the breakfast is
a celebration of the Foundation’s previous year’s
achievements with an eye to the future. Guests
at the breakfast include business owners, parents, retired educators, grandparents, and other
individuals who care about the education of PSD
students. If you’d like to attend this special event,
volunteer with PSDF or serve on the board (they’re
currently looking for an attorney director) contact
Executive Assistant Greta Irvin at 970-490-3206
or email her at [email protected].
Donations are being accepted to the Mary
Baretta Grace Foundation in care of Bohlender
Funeral Chapel - 121 W. Olive. Ft. Collins, 80524.
Diane Haviland, Deborah Drake, Mina Muirhead
Family & Philanthropy 2009
psd
Foundation
Connie Hein is a freelance writer living in Windsor
and the author of the Toliver in Time series of
Children’s books.
Allie Comeau is a Fort Collins freelance writer.
47
SWEET INDULGENCE
February 28
Hilton :: Fort Collins
More than 250 guests enjoyed a delicious evening
of desserts, champagne, music, a silent auction
and being part of the 1st annual Growing
Stonger, Living Sweeter Dessert Competition.
The scrumptious evening helped to raise more
than $12,000 to benefit Northern Colorado AIDS
Project and their programs to improve the quality
of life for people infected with HIV/AIDS and to
help reduce the spread and stigma of the disease.
Shannon Medllicott, Kayla Moersen, Jessica Varnon
48
Judges-Lynne Eppel, Kristen Browning-Blas
Dawn Duncan, Rob Timme
Victoria Monfort, Paul Chet
Jory Hawkins
Shauna & Clayton Troxell
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Christy Bush, Ken Pilot, Teri Kerkvleit
Cora & Jerry Mitchell
Family & Philanthropy 2009
49
G ive 1 0 G rand G ala
February 21
Hanger at FC/Loveland Airport ::
Loveland
More than 200 guests attended the 2nd Annual
Give 10 Grand Gala. The Give 10 Initiative
is a partnership to inspire increased giving in
Larimer County. The black-tie event had a disco
theme complete with entertainment by KC and
the Sunshine Band and food reminiscent of the
1970’s. For more information on the Give 10
Initiative, visit www.give10initiative.org.
Photos courtesy of imagecatcherman.com.
Tom Sutherland, Bob Everitt
Brown & Melissa Abrams, Gordan Thibideau
Eileen Pearson, Gene Markley
Bruce & Muriel Hach, Jennifer & Oren Anderson
MARDIS GRAS
February 24
Lincoln Center :: Fort Collins
Nearly 250 guests adorned in beads and masks
celebrated Fat Tuesday in Mardi Gras style at the
7th annual event. A light supper provided by many
locally owned restaurants tantalized guests and
provided energy for lots of dancing to Zonky Tonk
Zydeco. Proceeds to benefit Bas Bleu Theater and
their mission of providing excellence, diversity and
vitality in the arts for Fort Collins and the Front
Range region.
Mike & Marta Farrell
50
Wendy & Doug Ishii
Dick Easley, Ellie & Bob Weakley
Donn & Mary Kay Turner
Peter Frosio, Saundra Skrove
Tom Sutherland
Ken Ecton, Sandy Walker
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