In a new place where home matters. Nature is essential. Good co ee or dinner with friends is footsteps away at the newly opened Hub Café. And community still means people getting together. Two new builders have added to the variety of single-family and paired homes for sale and new models are now open for tours. The time is now. The place is Kinston Centerra in Loveland.
Our theme for this month's issue is Investment. While sitting down to think about how we can incorporate that to make it engaging and have it become a way to connect our community, I began noticing an abundance of humans who give back, who serve others, and who share their gifts always leaving people better than they found them. When you take a step back and let yourself be still, you see the good and the light that others are shining.
So then I asked myself, what does that word mean to me? By definition, the word reads:
"An asset or item acquired with the goal of generating income or appreciation over time."
Digging deeper than a focus on money or gaining wealth, what are you doing every day to get where you want to go, to invest in your future, to help grow and become better? And then in turn, how are you investing in the people around you, and how are you sharing your gifts with others? With that being forefront in our lives, we decided to shift that definition toward a different focus for this issue.
As you read through our April features, I hope you find inspiration, an urge to connect more with your community and begin investing in yourself and things that you believe in.
Desiree Gustafson | desiree.gustafson@citylifestyle.com
Sarah Erickson | sarah.erickson@citylifestyle.com
Desiree Gustafson, Sarah Erickson
Dana Martin Creative, Delaney Morrow Photography, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels Loveland, Caring Canines, Loveland's Community Kitchen
Doors open at 7:30am
Enjoy food, music, gifts, prizes & more with your fellow cooperative members. Hear recaps, updates & what’s to come from your local energy experts.
Breakfast begins at 7:45am on Saturday, April 6 at the Embassy Suites in Loveland. Official invitations and Board of Director election ballots will be mailed to PVREA members in March.
RSVP by March 29 & be entered to win a $100 bill credit. Must be present to win.
Caring Canines is dedicated to bringing the benefits of interacting with friendly, well-trained therapy dogs to people in education, healthcare, and other community settings in Northern Colorado.
Their teams serve a variety of people and help individuals gain self-confidence, a respect for people and animals, and a desire to live a more positive and productive life.
Please contact them if you would like more information about how to become a volunteer.
Mon Petit is one of only a few medical spas in NoCo that offers Morpheus8, a premier and innovative skin treatment. Morpheus8 uses a unique tip that has 24 gold-plated and siliconetipped micro-needles that can go up to 4mm deep into the skin. It then uses radio frequency to create an intentional injury into the sub dermal layer of the skin sending collagen and elastin to help heal the treated area. Learn more at www. monpetitsalon.com.
Exciting news is coming to Loveland and Fort Collins! Verboten Brewing has officially expanded North. Owners, Josh and Angie Grenz, are excited to offer beer, spirits and food at the new location. With Hunter, current lead in Loveland, heading to FOCO, the Loveland location welcomes Kurt Kandler to the Verboten family. Kurt, former head brewer of Peculier Brewing Co in Windsor, will be adding his LOVE for HAZE, FRUITED SOURS, BA Stouts and Barleywines to the Loveland Menu.
Hub Café by Fresh Plate is your closeto-home spot for breakfast, lunch, happy hour or any time you want to sip, savor and socialize. Good food served up 100% Colorado fresh at a cozy little eatery right in the neighborhood.
Hub Café Serving Hours:
Breakfast 7:00am-10:30am
Lunch & Dinner 11:00am-close
Shared Plates 3:00-close
Located at Kinston Hub at Centerra, 6402 Union Creek Drive, Loveland, CO 80538. See you at the Hub!
Investment. As we began to brainstorm unique ways that we could tie in this month’s theme with our local communities in a way that would carry weight and provide connection, we began to look around at all the beautiful murals, sculptures, and art installations throughout our town. Loveland may have been branded as the sweetheart city, but it is known both nationally and internationally as an arts community.
From the sculpture invitational to the local galleries and the Loveland heart project, you can see the mark of the arts community and how they aim to enhance their surroundings in more ways than one all over town. What you can see visually only scratches the surface of the talent, passion, dedication, and drive that this community has. Their aim to help art be something more than just a decoration or thing to be admired; however, is not always something that is given a large enough lens to be seen in the scope that it deserves. The simple truth that we sometimes miss but that the arts community witnesses daily is this: art heals.
However broad a statement that may be, there is a truth to it and scientific evidence to back that claim up. What art means to each individual will vary and be unique and different to each of us because we are all complex and dynamic beings. No two of us will perceive any situation the exact same way, and in turn, no two of us will create or channel inspiration the same. Whatever art we choose to witness or produce, there is a therapeutic release that comes from
letting go of the things inside of us, of making sense of the storms within. The things we don’t process or bury are the things that art helps us to channel. You get to take those emotions, those memories, and feelings and pour them into building something tangible and real.
This small act of creation can be used in multiple beneficial ways; to heal trauma, as a release, a way to sharpen your focus and to help you accomplish more, as well as a way to decrease stress. When we participate in creative activities, we use our brain and our hands together, engaging multiple lobes in our brains. This helps keep us mentally sharp and reduces the odds of developing mild cognitive impairments. When our hands are activated by physical touch, our body releases endorphins and serotonin (our pleasure chemicals) into our brains and the levels of our stress hormone, cortisol, decrease. Basically, being creative reduces stress and makes us happy.
Many Loveland artists located within the local creator spaces are dedicated to sharing that with others and focused on how they can invest back into their communities through art. From promoting local artists who inspire in their spaces to offering classes for others to find a slice of peace, they are committed to sharing and to bettering those around them. Just as iron sharpens iron, the arts community finds immense happiness in helping to motivate and support others to begin their own inspired artistic journeys.
In Loveland, our arts community is a big part of the culture and town in a much larger way than most people see on the surface.
The simple truth that we sometimes miss but that the arts community witnesses daily is this: art heals. However broad a statement that may be, there is a truth to it and scientific evidence to back it up.
Expressing who you are by building something tangible that you can witness and share with others impacts more than just your immediate circle. Using your gifts to serve and to invest in others is something this world desperately needs more of. When we are authentically ourselves, we invite others to be vulnerable, to share their truth, and do the same. This creates a ripple effect that makes a much larger impact than we can see and because of that, our arts community is a bigger part of the culture in our town in a much larger way than most of us see on the surface. They let art heal, they help heal others, and they share that with all of us in our daily surroundings, all we have to do is pay attention. Now if that isn’t an investment, we don’t know what is.
Multiple pieces of acrylic and transfers on paper by Jennifer IvanovicPREMIER SERVICES AND TREATMENTS OFFER A VALUABLE INVESTMENT IN SKIN, HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
When Mon Petit Salon opened in 2012, owner Kamy Auker, knew that big things were in store for her cozy boutique salon in the heart of Loveland. Mon Petit Salon, which means “my little salon” in French, was born out of Kamy’s passion for offering the finest in hair, beauty and medical spa services and treatments coupled with her desire to create an intimate experience for her customers.
After being licensed in 2003, Kamy worked in large Aveda salons in Northern Colorado before moving to Loveland with her husband, Ryan, in 2006. She knew after making her way to Loveland, that she wanted to open up a shop of her own in the community that she loved. It wasn’t long after that, her husband had a fated dentist appointment in the space above where the salon is now. After one look, the pair knew that this was where the shop was meant to be.
With a history of working in big salons, Kamy also understood how important the atmosphere of a salon really is. Relationships with hair stylists often become quite deep, full of meaningful conversations and trust. It’s almost therapeutic. Therefore, it was very important to offer an intimate setting where her patrons felt comfortable, cozy, and at home. Private, snug and pleasant took precedence over buzzing and intimidating and it has served them well.
In December 2022, Mon Petit Salon acquired the space next door and expanded to Mon Petit Salon and Med Spa by creating a full-service medical spa. With the addition of medical spa treatments and services, Mon Petit continues to thrive and serve its customers in an even more comprehensive way.
Mon Petit is one of only a few medical spas in Northern Colorado that offers a number of the premier treatments provided by the InMode Optimus Laser suite of innovative aesthetic treatments for face, body, and skin. These include:
MORPHEUS8:
Kamy’s favorite and Mon Petit’s most advanced treatment, Morpheus uses a unique tip that has 24 gold-plated and silicone-tipped micro-needles that can go up to 4mm deep into the skin. It then uses radio frequency to create an intentional injury into the sub dermal layer of the skin sending collagen and elastin to help heal the treated area with minimal downtime. The average female stops producing collagen at the age of 31, so after that you have to tell your body to make it. That’s exactly what Morpheus does.
LUMECCA:
This treatment uses an Intense Pulse Light (ILP) to address reds and browns in the skin, including issues such as age spots, sun damage, scarring, rosacea and veins in the face.
FORMA:
A non-invasive skin procedure, Forma uses heat to increase collagen production which causes lifting, tightening, and contouring of the skin. A heated wand is rubbed on the skin anywhere on the body including the abdomen, arms, and face. Afterward, skin is visibly brighter and more lifted, and the jaw more defined.
DIOLAZE:
A Diode laser treatment that gets rid of unwanted hair in the fastest most effective way possible. Hair is gone within 4-6 treatments.
“I love offering services that truly help people.”
Kamy explains that she and her team have enjoyed learning all things skin since opening the medical spa in 2022. She loves supporting and guiding women in the community, especially as they age, take care of their skin and maintain vibrant, glowy, and youthful appearances.
“I love knowing that I can help women address issues that they’re having with their skin as they age. We all age, so it’s beneficial to know how we choose to approach it. And then seeing how the results make them feel and how excited they are.” She goes on to explain, “I love offering services that truly help people.”
Mon Petit also offers Botox, Juvederm, vitamin injections, filler, eyelash extensions, facials, microblading, DaVinci Teeth Whitening, haircuts, custom color and highlights, extensions, blowouts, special occasions and up-do’s, as well as semaglutide injections, and hormone replacement therapy.
Kamy’s cozy little salon has come a long way and continues to burgeon within the Loveland community. For a VIP yet intimate health and beauty experience of your own, Mon Petit Salon and Med Spa is a true gem within the Loveland business landscape.
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A treatment room at Mon Petit Salon and Med Spa“My favorite part of what I do is helping women address issues that they’re having with their skin, especially as they age."
When Kamy isn’t providing hair, beauty, and medical spa services, overseeing operations, or chatting with staff and clients at Mon Petit Salon and Med Spa you can be sure that she’s spending time with her husband, Ryan, and her four children.
When it comes to maintaining a balanced and thriving career, business, and life, she believes that a healthy lifestyle and self-care are key. Her personal skincare routine is very important and tries to stay out of the sun as much as possible. She's a big proponent of the Lumecca treatment offered at Mon Petit Salon and Med Spa and receives treatments regularly to help with sun spots. “I love the sun. That’s why I need Lumecca!” she says. She’s also an avid runner, trying to fit in a run whenever she is able, especially when feeling stressed.
Her motivation is largely being of service to others. She explains, “I love it when I’m able to do something for someone and it brings them joy and happiness.”
When it comes to success and what that looks like for her personally, it all comes down to balance. She tries to maintain a good balance between everything in her life—God, family, work, and fun. She also goes on to say that she wouldn’t be able to juggle it all without her husband, Ryan. They opened Mon Petit together in 2012 and have maintained a rock-solid work-life balance. In this regard, Mon Petit Salon and Med Spa really is a “mom and pop shop.”
Kamy in a treatment room at Mon Petit Salon and Med SpaThere is no deeper joy than that which accompanies helping others, especially when it’s right in your own backyard. Investing in and giving back to your community not only brings with it feelings of helpfulness, purposefulness, satisfaction and accomplishment, but it can breathe new life into a community and create a ripple effect of positivity and love that goes far beyond any one single person or cause.
So, what does it look like to give back to the community? There are many facets to giving back that go far beyond donating money. The act of volunteering, or freely giving of time, expertise, labor, and love can transform and uplift an entire community.
And there are so many ways to get involved and opportunities to get involved with. If you’re not sure how to get started, here are a few tips for finding and getting involved in volunteer opportunities in our community.
1. Consider what you would like to do Self-reflection is an important part of finding opportunities that truly resonate with you. What’s important to you? What cause can you get behind? How much time do you have to give? What skills do you want to use or develop? What do you want to gain from this experience? By answering these questions of yourself, you’ll be able to get a better idea of what volunteer experience best aligns with you.
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ARTICLE BY SARAH ERICKSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARING CANINES, MEALS ON WHEELS LOVELAND, LOVELAND'S COMMUNITY KITCHEN, LOVELAND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY2. Explore opportunities in the area
Once you’ve dialed in what you would like to do and what you’re looking for, it’s time to do some research and see what’s available. You can use sites like Volunteermatch.org to search for volunteer opportunities by location, cause area, or skill. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for ideas and suggestions. Or check out our list!
3. Reach out
Once you find an organization or organizations that sounds appealing to you and aligns with what you’re looking for, go ahead and reach out! See what sort of volunteer opportunities they have available and if these opportunities will work for you and your schedule. Be prepared, there may be an application and onboarding process that may take some time.
4. Make your decision
Now it’s time to determine if or which opportunity is the right one for you. It’s important to make sure that just as much as they may be screening you, you’re also screening them to ensure a healthy, beneficial, and proper match in all regards. A few things to consider include considering how communicative, organized, and helpful the staff seems as well as what types of ongoing training, opportunities, and roles are offered and available. And feel free to reach out to the organization with any additional questions or concerns.
5. Get started!
Once you’ve made your decision, the only thing to do now is to act. Get started and enjoy this new opportunity. Dig in. This is the good stuff.
Luckily for us, there’s an array of wonderful organizations in the Loveland, Berthoud, and Johnstown communities that are ripe with volunteer opportunities that are making a difference and enriching lives every day. The power to make a difference resides in each of us and the opportunities are endless. As Howard Zinn once said, “Small acts of kindness, when multiplied, can transform the world.”
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Below is a brief list of organizations within our community that are often in need of volunteers.
• Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud
• Johnstown Historical Society
• Combat Recovery Foundation
• AccentCare of Colorado Hospice
• Food Bank for Larimer County
• Easterseals Colorado WINGS
• Loveland Housing Authority
• Good Samaritan Loveland Village
• Loveland Youth Gardeners
• Kawasaki Kids Foundation
• Salvation Army of Loveland
• Hearts & Horses
• Be the Gift, Inc
• Loveland Community Kitchen
• Loveland Habitat for Humanity
• Caring Canines
• Colorado Youth Outdoors
• City of Loveland Open Lands and Trails
• Alternatives to Violence Loveland
• Friends of the Loveland Public Library
• Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County
• Thompson Valley Art League
• Berthoud Community Library District
APRIL 2024
THE LAST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH FROM APRIL TO OCTOBER 2024
The Promenade Shops at Centerra 6015 Sky Pond Drive, Loveland, CO | 8:00 AM - 11: 00 AM
Northern Colorado’s premier car event returning for its fifth season on April 28, 2024!
NoCo Cars & Coffee is a morning meet-up where car enthusiasts and car lovers alike, come together as a community to connect and display their vehicles. From classic and modern luxury vehicles to unique custom rebuilds, each car has a proud owner!
APRIL 5TH AND APRIL 6TH
Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch 2939 N County Rd 31D Loveland, CO 80538 | 5:00 PM
Come run on beautiful trails on private land at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch! This is the 5th year of Run the Ranch benefiting the Heart J Center. There will be 6 distances to choose from including a 5K and 10K on Friday. On Saturday there will be 4hr, 6hr, 12hr, and 12hr 4-person relay timed races. Friday 5-7 PM and Saturday 7 AM-7 PM, www.sweetheartcityracing.com/events/run-the-ranch
APRIL 10TH-13TH
Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, 1705 Clydesdale Parkway, Loveland, CO | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Maker Festivals featuring the event formally known as Yarn Fest returns to Loveland April 10-13, 2024, but this time we are bringing our bead and jewelry artists with us to the Embassy Suites Loveland! Our festival lineup will have thousands of fiber artists, and jewelry makers! www.makerfestivals.com
APRIL 14TH
418 E 4th St #100, Loveland, CO 80537 | 2:00 PM
Join us for an afternoon of self-discovery, transformation, and connection as we tap into the wisdom of our inner selves and embrace the power of circular breath. $45 2-5 pm
APRIL 20TH
2725 Rocky Mountain Avenue Loveland, CO 80538 | 7:00 AM
Celebrating 48 years of the Loveland Classic Race, the Earth Day 5K, 10K, and 1-mile race is run on a beautiful course on the Centerra Trails around Equalizer & Houts Lakes. The trails are a mix of paved bike paths & solid smooth dirt paths. Perfect for running or walking and no problem for those with running strollers for kids. Register at www.earthdayrace.com
APRIL 24TH
5500 W US-34, Loveland, CO 80537 | 5:30 AM
Unwind with a fun mat pilates workout that's great for beginners and pilates pros alike! Then reward yourself with a complimentary glass of locally crafted wine - included free with each ticket. Join local instructor Becka Repp from Grace & Power Fitness for a guided pilates class in our barrel room. Please bring your own mat and water bottle. https://sweetheartwinery.ticketleap.com/workout--wine---mat-pilates/
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APRIL 26TH
Pooch Party at Thunder Mountain Harley Davidson with Big Bones Rescue
4250 Byrd Dr, Loveland, CO 80538 | 11:00 AM
Join us in a fun and family-friendly event to help raise awareness and funds for Colorado Pet Pantry & Big Bones Canine Rescue. Big Bones Canine Rescue will be on-site with adoptable dogs!
APRIL 27TH
Skate-A-Palooza at Berthoud Recreation Center at Waggener Farm Park
1000 N Berthoud Parkway Berthoud, CO 80513 | 10:00 AM
Join us for our Third Annual Skate-APalooza! Roll over to the Waggener Farm Skate Park for a fun day all about skateboarding on April 27th at 10:00am. Bring your boards and helmets for skills competitions, live skateboard design activities, and pick up some new gear from skate-centric vendors!
APRIL 27TH
Johnstown SCHEELS Fish Fest
4755 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Johnstown, CO 80534-6506 | 8:00 AM
Come join us for a Spring Fishing Festival! Learn new techniques from leading industry vendors and local fishing experts, build your fishing network, save big on fishing gear, and enter for a chance to win great prizes!
Cost - Free 8 am - 2 pm