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NorthFortyNews.com Powered by Northern Colorado’s Entertainment & Lifestyle Magazine A PREVIEW OF WHAT’S GOING ON IN NORTHERN COLORADO HAPPY HOWLIDAYS! ADVENTHEALTH AVISTA THERAPY DOGS SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER See page 9 NORTHERN COLORADO’S WEEKLY INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS Week of December 23, 2024 | Volume 32 | Number 38 new Addie and friends (Photo Courtesy Advent Health) PAGE 9 Indoor Plants for Dark Spaces PAGE 3 Fort Collins Fort Collins Man Found Guilty of Kidnapping and Child Abuse in High-Stakes Standoff PAGE 2 DIGITAL NORTHFORTYNEWS.COM WEEKEND EDITION (RELEASED EACH FRIDAY) (Photo courtesy the Melting Pot) The Melting Pot: Celebrating 20 Years of Fondue and Community in Fort Collins PAGE 5 3720 Draft Horse Dr Loveland, CO 80538-9005 970-593-6283 CLOTHING | HARDWARE | RANCH SUPPLIES FAMILY OWNED AND FRIENDLY ! SEE AND SAVE -- WEEKLY ADS ARE AT bomgaars.com In the Region USPS Warns Coloradans to Delete 'smishing' Texts About Packages PAGE 10 Loveland Loveland Police Launch Photo Speed and Red-Light Enforcement Connect Communities. | NorthFortyNews.com 2| Week of December 23, 2024 North Forty News is published weekly by North Forty News LLC and distributed digitally at NorthFortyNews.com. The advertising deadline is 10 days prior to distribution. North Forty News LLC 2601 Lemay, Ste 7, PMB 227, Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-221-0213 (phone) • 970-221-0213 (fax) email: info@northfortynews.com website: www.northfortynews.com facebook: northfortynews • twitter: @northfortynews The weekly printed version is available via post-mail each week. Subscribe at: NorthForty.news/subscribe See our website for the latest subscription prices. All original news and art materials in this publication, with the exception of paid ads, are copyright 2019 and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. North Forty News is not liable for errors in contributors’ materials, original writing or advertisements. In the event of a publisher’s error, liability will be limited to the printing of a correction notice or ad of the same value. @northfortynews northforty.news New content every day! Publisher Blaine Howerton bhowerton@northfortynews.com VP Sales & Marketing Matthew Dierlam mdierlam@northfortynews.com Advertising Matthew Dierlam Blaine Howerton Art Director/Page Layout Blaine Howerton Your support helps us provide coverage of Northern Colorado communities. Support North Forty News in the following ways: Advertise - ads@northfortynews.com Donate - northfortynews.com/donate-now Shop - northfortynews.com/market Subscribe - northfortynews.com/subscribe OUR MISSION As Northern Colorado’s only independently-owned, regional weekly, we connect communities and the people who live in them by providing news of hyper-local events and of businesses, nonprofits, government leaders, and individuals who are working hard to make a difference while successfully meeting the challenges of our time. Starting January 2, 2025, the Loveland Public Library will adjust its hours and services due to ongoing budget and staffing challenges. These changes reflect a citywide effort to address a multi- million-dollar annual revenue shortfall and maintain essential operations. NEW LIBRARY HOURS The updated schedule provides limited access to library resources: •Monday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. •Tuesday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. •Friday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. •Saturday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. •Sunday: Closed SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS Several popular services will no longer be offered or will incur new fees: Printing and Copying: Free printing and copying will be discontinued. Patrons can print using a debit or credit card, with charges of $0.10 per black-and-white page and $0.50 per color page. DISCONTINUED SERVICES: • Prospector Interlibrary Loan • WiFi Hotspot Checkout • Poster and 3-D Printing • Computer Classes • Kanopy Movie Streaming • Community Impact The Loveland Public Library has long been a vital resource for Northern Colorado residents, offering programs and services that foster learning and connection. While these reductions reflect the city's financial constraints, the library remains committed to supporting the community with its core offerings. “We understand these changes may significantly impact how you use the library,” library representatives stated. “We deeply appreciate your understanding during this challenging time.” LOOKING AHEAD Despite the setbacks, the library continues to provide access to books, digital resources, and programs that inspire and engage residents. Community members are encouraged to support the library by utilizing its services and advocating for its future. For more information about the changes, visit the Loveland Public Library website or stop by during the new operating hours. Loveland Public Library Announces New Hours and Service Changes for 2025 BLAINE HOWERTON | NorthFortyNews.com A jury has convicted Colten Sirio of multiple felony charges, including first- degree kidnapping, menacing, and child abuse, following a harrowing February 7th standoff near City Park Avenue and West Elizabeth Street in Fort Collins. The incident, which involved a firearm, a female victim, and two young children in a stroller, ended with no harm to the victims thanks to the swift response of Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS). THE INCIDENT On the day of the crime, FCPS officers were alerted to a suspicious man walking alongside a woman pushing a stroller. Upon arrival, officers identified the man as Colten Sirio, already wanted on an active warrant. When officers attempted to arrest Sirio, he brandished a firearm, pointing it at the woman and threatening her life. Refusing to comply with law enforcement commands, Sirio escalated the situation by holding the woman at gunpoint while continuing to walk. As the standoff unfolded, an officer fired a single shot, striking Sirio in the shoulder. He was then arrested, and the victims, including the two children, were safely rescued. Following protocol, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office activated the 8th Judicial District’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) to investigate the officer's actions, later deemed justified by the District Attorney’s Office. THE TRIAL The trial, which began on December 10th, showcased extensive evidence, including video footage of the standoff, phone calls from the victim, and the recovered firearm. Prosecutors Dave Cheval and Lara Maierhofer, specializing in special victims and domestic violence cases, argued that Sirio’s actions demonstrated a clear disregard for human life and safety. After deliberation, the jury found Sirio guilty of the following charges: • Three counts of First-Degree Kidnapping (F2): Each carrying a mandatory sentence of 16–48 years in the Department of Corrections (DOC) and fines up to $1,000,000. • Three counts of Second-Degree Kidnapping (F3): Each with a mandatory sentence of 8–24 years in DOC and fines up to $750,000. •One count of Menacing (F5): A sentence of 2–6 years and fines up to $100,000. •Two counts of Reckless Endangerment (M2): Up to 120 days in jail and fines up to $750. • Two counts of Child Abuse (M2): Up to 120 days in jail and fines up to $750. SENTENCING AND COMMUNITY IMPACT Because Sirio was on parole at the time of the offenses, the charges fall into the aggravated range, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 72 years and a potential maximum of 216 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for February 3rd, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. Have tips or concerns? Contact the DA’s Office at (970) 498-7200 or email 8thdistda@co.larimer.co.us. Fort Collins Man Found Guilty of Kidnapping and Child Abuse in High-Stakes Standoff BLAINE HOWERTON | NorthFortyNews.com LOVELANDFORT COLLINS (Photo by Mohammad Danish from Pexels)Connect Communities. | NorthFortyNews.com Week of December 23, 2024 | 3 LET YOUR HOLIDAY SPIRIT SHINE AT Select Nights Dec. 5–29 EVENT DATES: Tickets and more information at: FCGOV.COM/LIGHTS Indoor Plants for Dark Spaces Laurel Aiello | Fort Collins Nursery Shopping for houseplants can be discouraging if all you have are low-light spots for them to live in. Most houseplants are accustomed to sunny, tropical locations rather than gloomy offices or windowless basements, so the options are fairly limited when it comes to choosing the right plant for a dark space. However, there are several houseplants that need very little light to survive: SNAKE PLANT Arguably the hardest houseplant to kill, snake plants are tough as nails and thrive on neglect. All they need is a little light, even if it is just a window well or a north-facing window with the blinds shut. Snake plants prefer to go completely dry between waterings and can stay in their pots for quite some time, making them great plants for those “set and forget” places in the house. ZZ PLANT Similar to the snake plant, ZZ plants can handle spaces with little to no light and require minimal attention to survive. Thanks to their bulbous, water-storing rhizomes, they won’t mind if weeks pass between waterings, and they like to stay semi-root-bound, so you’ll rarely need to size them up to a larger pot or move them to a bigger (or brighter) space. POTHOS Pothos are another quintessential low-light houseplant, but with draping foliage as opposed to an upright growth habit. They can thrive in a variety of settings, from dark corners to reception desks, effortlessly cascading or climbing up a wall. It’s easy to overwater pothos in low light, so allow the soil to dry out significantly to prevent leaves from wilting and turning yellow. FERNS If your house is humid, a fern might be the perfect plant for your dimly lit space. Still, ferns require medium indirect light and will need a grow light to tolerate a basement or windowless room. Place them near a humidifier, in a bathroom, or above the kitchen sink to emulate the warm, humid climates they thrive in, and give them water when the soil surface feels dry. SPIDER PLANT One of the easiest houseplants to care for, the spider plant is another low-maintenance option for shady spots indoors. They’ll be happy with a few hours of diffused morning light, though they may need the help of a grow light in darker areas. Allow them to go halfway dry between waterings, and hang them up to watch their baby “spiderettes” trail over the sides of the pot. PEACE LILY Almost anyone can recognize a peace lily, with its shiny leaves and white flower spikes. Peace lilies prefer medium indirect light and can make even fluorescent-lit lobbies and stairway landings look tropical and lush. Water your peace lily when the top half of soil feels dry, though their leaves will droop to let you know if they have gone too long without a drink. MEDIUM LIGHT PLANTS If all you have is an east-facing window, or if you have grow lights in a spot with no natural light, there are many other houseplants to consider. Scheffleras, begonias, calatheas, dracaenas, lucky bamboo, dieffenbachias, parlor palms, and Chinese evergreens can all tolerate medium indirect light, though they always appreciate brighter light if possible. When in doubt, add a grow light to give your houseplants a greater chance of success indoors. Any plant—even the snake plant—will appreciate some artificial sun rays. 484-8588 484-8588 LaPorte Email wps@waynespumpservice.com visit www.waynespumpservice.com Locally owned and operated for over 40 years “GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME” “GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME” Member Colorado Water Well Contractors Association LIC. # 1292 BONDED It's not just news. It's your neighborhood. Be Informed. NorthFortyNews.comConnect Communities. | NorthFortyNews.com 4| Week of December 23, 2024 IN THE REGION Many folks are still expecting holiday packages this week and the United States Postal Service is warning customers not to fall for "smishing" scams. John Hyatt with the Postal Service said smishing is the practice of sending fake text messages to smartphones asking users to click on a link to resolve a ZIP code or other issue with a pending package. He warned personal data is what the sender is after. "Basically, criminals trying to obtain personally identifying information about a person, such as accounts, usernames, passwords, dates of birth, credit card numbers, things like that," Hyatt outlined. In 2020, the Internet Crime Complaint Center reported more than240,000 victimsof smishing, phishing and other fraudulent schemes, costing more than $54 million, with the average person losing about $800. Smishing texts can be relentless this time of year but Hyatt stressed you should never follow the message prompts. "When you get a suspicious text message, if you click on those links, it will take you to a website that could be downloading onto your phone," Hyatt explained. "Once you submit that information then they use it for nefarious purposes." Hyatt emphasized you will only receivetext messagesfrom the Postal Service if you have gone online and registered for such services. "You can sign up to receive text messages about a tracking number," Hyatt added. "Or you can go into the tracking service and put the number in and then ask for text message updates or even an email update on usps.com." He said the Postal Service's "Informed Delivery" program is being used by millions of Americans to receive legitimate messages about what packages are on the way. USPS Warns Coloradans to Delete 'smishing' Texts About Packages ERIC GALATAS | Colorado News Connection Shocked anxious 70s retired senior Caucasian woman elderly female grandmother looking mobile phone cellphone pensioner read message getting bad scam notification bank debt health medical problems home. (Photo provided by Colorado News Connection) Each office independently owned & operatedSeven Conveniently Located Offices: Wellington 4006 Cleveland Ave (970) 206-8343 Fort Collins 125 S. Howes St, Ste 120 (970) 482-1781 Fort Collins 4703-A Boardwalk Dr (970) 226-3990 Loveland 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd. (970) 669-1234 Greeley 1275 58th Ave, Ste A (970) 330-5000 Your source for real estate in Wellington, Fort Collins, and all of Northern Colorado. No one sells the “North 40” like RE/MAX Alliance Featured Properties 23+ ACRES W/ WATER 503 W County Road 66, Fort Collins $1,275,000 | MLS #1013788 4 Bed 3 Bath 2 Car 3,086 SqFt Call The Kinzli Team 970-568-3600 | info@kinzlirealestate.com 4.92 ACRES 13600 N. County Road 17, Wellington $995,000 | MLS #1018990 4 Bed 3 Bath 3 Car 3,594 SqFt Call The Kinzli Team 970-568-3600 | info@kinzlirealestate.com 20 ACRES 3805 Davis Ranch Rd, Bellvue MLS #1015758 4 Bed 2 Bath 4 Car 3469 SqFt Call Louise Creager 970-217-6843 | LouiseCreager@gmail.com Call The Kinzli Team: 970-568-3600 info@kinzlirealestate.com | www.kinzlirealestate.com inking about listing your property? Give us a call today for a free market evaluation and sound advice. Visit Our Website for All of Our Listings. No One Has More Local Experience. HELPING NOCO SELLERS ACHIEVE SUCCESS 4.93 ACRES 106 Beartrap Rd, Red Feather Lakes MLS #1004771 4 Bed 4 Bath 3941 SqFt Call Louise Creager 970-217-6843 | LouiseCreager@gmail.com Windsor 6355 Fairgrounds Ave, Ste 100 (970) 593-0999 8321 W. 1st St., Wellington $299,900 | MLS #1020478 2 Bed 1 Bath 1 Car 826 SqFt Call The Kinzli Team 970-568-3600 | info@kinzlirealestate.com Fort Morgan 618 E Platte Ave (970) 480-5511 37.8 ACRES 151 Stone Cutter Rd, Bellvue MLS #1012690 3 Bed 5 Bath 3 Car 1952 SqFt Call Louise Creager 970-217-6843 | LouiseCreager@gmail.com We are grateful to all our clients & friends for a wonderful year. We wish you all the Best for the Holidays & a Wonderful 2025. 5.44 ACRES 33040 Poudre Canyon Rd, Bellvue MLS #1016702 Call Louise Creager 970-217-6843 | LouiseCreager@gmail.com • Campground Investment • 2 Shower Houses • Main House + 5 Cabins, 9 RV Sites, Multiple Tent Sites SHOP & 89 ACRES 6700 E. County Road 92, Carr $750,000 | MLS #1022324 2 Bed 2 Bath 2 Car 2,616 SqFt Call The Kinzli Team 970-568-3600 | info@kinzlirealestate.com 10.06 ACRES 244 Blue Grouse Ln, Bellvue MLS #1014647 4 Bed 5 Bath 6 Car 4143 SqFt Call Louise Creager 970-217-6843 | LouiseCreager@gmail.com Don’t wait to be ready to Buy or Sell - Many buyers are in line waiting for your home! Call Louise Today! Louise Creager ABR, CNE, CRI, REO, SFR, e-PRO, Military Specialist 970-217-6843 | LouiseCreager@gmail.com www.LouiseCreager.com 7372 Dunes St, Wellington $515,000 | MLS #1021448 3 Bed 4 Bath 3 Car 2557 SqFt Call Liz Fritz 970-231-1892 | lizfritz970@gmail.comPO Box 1587 • 4000 Washington Ave. • Wellington CO 80549 info@wellingtontoystorage.com http://wellingtontoystorage.com New Units, Friendly Service NorthFortyNews.com SceneNoco.com For two decades, the Melting Pot has been a beloved destination in the heart of Old Town, Fort Collins, offering more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Known for its interactive dining and warm hospitality, the restaurant has become a staple for celebrations and special occasions. To mark its 20-year milestone, I spoke with Alex LaBracke, who has played a pivotal role in maintaining the restaurant’s legacy, to uncover the secrets behind its enduring success. Be sure to read the ENTIRE article -- we have an exclusive coupon for our readers! From Illinois to Fort Collins: ALEX LABRACKE’S STORY Alex LaBracke’s journey to Fort Collins began in rural Northern Illinois. Annual ski trips to Colorado inspired him to make the state his home, and he moved to Fort Collins as a young adult to attend Colorado State University. Reflecting on his connection to the area, Alex said, “Old Town is a magical place.” His appreciation for the community has fueled his dedication to making the Melting Pot a memorable part of Fort Collins’ dining scene. WHAT MAKES THE MELTING POT UNIQUE? “The Melting Pot is an experience-oriented fondue restaurant,” Alex explained. “It’s known for memorable dining experiences and the genuine service and hospitality our team provides.” Whether it’s a romantic evening with rose petals and candles or a lively birthday celebration with friends, the Melting Pot caters to a wide range of occasions. A LEGACY OF FONDUE AND COMMUNITY The Melting Pot first opened its doors in November 2004, and Alex joined the team in 2011. Over the years, the restaurant has become synonymous with celebrations. Its signature 4-Course Experience has been a menu staple for the entire 20 years, offering guests cheese fondue, fresh salads, an entree course with meats, seafood, and vegetables, and a decadent chocolate fondue for dessert. “Our cheese and chocolate fondues are by far the most popular,” Alex shared. “They’re prepared tableside by our servers and served with endless ‘dippers’ that keep guests coming back for more.” OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN OLD TOWN Old Town businesses have faced challenges in recent years, but Alex remains optimistic about the area’s appeal. “Old Town is a magical place, and events like the annual Great Plates Restaurant Week help bring people together to experience all the unique dining options we have to offer,” he said. The Melting Pot’s success is also rooted in its commitment to creating a positive work environment. “Happy team members lead directly to happy guests,” Alex emphasized. “We go above and beyond for our team, and they, in turn, do the same for our guests.” CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF SUCCESS As the Melting Pot celebrates two decades in Fort Collins, Alex credits its success to focusing on guest experiences and maintaining a team-first approach. “Guests don’t just come here because they’re hungry,” he explained. “They come to treat themselves to a luxurious, indulgent night out to remember.” PLAN YOUR VISIT Ready to experience the magic of the Melting Pot? The restaurant’s hours are as follows: •Monday–Thursday: 5 PM – 10 PM •Friday: 4 PM – 10 PM •Saturday: 3 PM – 10 PM Sunday: 3 PM – 9 PM Visit their website at meltingpot.com/fort-collins-co to make a reservation. Mention this article to receive $10 off when you purchase a 4-course Experience. Join the celebration and discover why the Melting Pot has been cherished in Fort Collins for 20 years and counting! THE MELTING POT: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF FONDUE AND COMMUNITY IN FORT COLLINS BLAINE HOWERTON | New SCENE (Photo courtesy the Melting Pot) (Photo courtesy the Melting Pot) (Photo courtesy the Melting Pot) (Photo courtesy the Melting Pot)Connect Communities. | NorthFortyNews.com 6| Week of December 23, 2024 CITY BUZZ 1205 W. Elizabeth Campus West 493-1103 FORT COLLINS, Colo. — The iconic Pianos About Town program, a beloved fusion of public art and music in Fort Collins, is on the hunt for fresh talent and piano donations for its 2025 season. This unique initiative invites artists of all backgrounds to transform pianos into stunning works of art while offering the public a chance to enjoy both the creative process and spontaneous musical expression around town. Call for Artists: A Canvas with Keys Pianos About Town is seeking diverse artists and concepts, with a focus on emerging talent and innovative designs. Selected artists will receive a $1,000 honorarium for their work. To apply, artists or teams must submit a letter of intent along with a concept rendering by Feb. 19, 2025, before 4 p.m. MST. Applications are reviewed and selected by the City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places committee. The program encourages artists to attend two optional virtual sessions for guidance: Virtual Presentation and Q&A: Date: Jan. 29, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Learn about the application process and participate in a live Q&A with program staff. One-On-One Application Review: Date: Feb. 12, 2–6:30 p.m. (by appointment) Get personalized feedback and recommendations to enhance your application. For more details and to apply, visit fcgov.com/ art-calls. Donate a Piano, Inspire a Community The program also relies on community-donated pianos, which serve as the "canvas" for these artistic transformations. If you own a full- size upright piano in good working condition (at least 48 inches tall), consider donating it to this program. Professional movers will collect qualifying pianos free of charge in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Wellington, and nearby areas. To donate, email a photo of the piano to Liz Good, Visual Arts Coordinator for the City of Fort Collins, at lgood@fcgov.com or call (970) 416-2646. About Pianos About Town Since its inception in 2010, Pianos About Town has brought art, music, and community spirit to the streets of Fort Collins. Modeled after similar projects, including a global initiative by British artist Luke Jerram and Denver’s 16th Street Mall installation, the program has become a local treasure. It provides paid opportunities for visual artists, enhances public spaces with vibrant artwork, and creates moments of joy through impromptu music performances. A collaboration among the City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places Program, the Downtown Development Authority, and the Bohemian Foundation, Pianos About Town continues to enrich the cultural landscape of Northern Colorado. Follow the journey of these musical masterpieces on Facebook and Instagram for updates, artist highlights, and more. Whether you’re an artist ready to make your mark, a piano owner with an instrument to share, or simply a fan of the arts, Pianos About Town invites you to join in the celebration of creativity and community. For more information, visit fcgov.com/pianos. PAINT, PLAY, INSPIRE: PIANOS ABOUT TOWN SEEKS NEW ARTISTS AND PIANO DONATIONS IN 2025 BLAINE HOWERTON | NorthFortyNews.com 12/27 10TOTHECHEST10TOTHECHEST 12/31 GIMMEGIMMEDISCOGIMMEGIMMEDISCO 1/11 1/10 SWITCHMANSLEEPIN’SWITCHMANSLEEPIN’ 1/09 12/28YACHTYGOTBACKYACHTYGOTBACK THEDROPTINESTHEDROPTINES SILVERADASILVERADA SODOKU SOLUTION CHECK OUT THE PUZZLE ON PAGE 7. prairiesagecreative.com 307.214.4360 prairiesagecreative@gmail.com Graphic Design · Websites · Marketing Social Media · Illustration Bring your ideas to life. /PrairieSageCreative @mollyboxart Specializing in small businesses and nonprofits PHOTO COURTESY BOHEMIAN FOUNDATION. Piano painted by Amelia Caruso Artist Ren Burke paints a piano in Old Town Fort Collins. The Pianos About Town program is now accepting applications.Connect Communities. | NorthFortyNews.com Week of December 23, 2024 | 7 CITY BUZZ SEE THE SOLUTION ON PAGE 6 Northern Colorado’s Farm Supply Store 225 N. W. Frontage Road, Fort Collins CO 970-221-5300 • pvcoop.com Contracts for propane are out. Call the office for details. FORT COLLINS, CO — Canyon Concert Ballet is set to bring a beloved classic back to life this January with Romeo and Juliet, the timeless story of young love, feuding families, and heartbreaking tragedy. Set against the backdrop of Verona, this stunning ballet—set to Sergei Prokofiev's unforgettable score—offers a fresh opportunity to experience the emotional depth and beauty of Shakespeare's iconic tale. From January 10-12, 2025, Fort Collins audiences will be transported into the passionate world of Romeo and Juliet at The Lincoln Center. With dramatic choreography, lavish costumes, and breathtaking sets, Canyon Concert Ballet invites viewers to rediscover this legendary love story as though it were the first time. The production promises to be an emotional journey, filled with striking movements and profound moments of love and loss. A DIRECTOR'S PASSION FOR THE STORY Michael Pappalardo, Artistic Director of Canyon Concert Ballet, speaks of Romeo and Juliet with deep reverence. “This ballet holds a special place in my heart because it combines the raw beauty of dance with one of the greatest love stories ever told,” says Pappalardo. “The music, the movement, and the emotion create a world where love and tragedy intertwine, reminding us why ballet is such a powerful art form.” The tragic tale centers on the forbidden love between Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, two young lovers caught in the bitter feud between their families. Secretly married, their lives take a devastating turn when Juliet takes a potion to appear dead in order to escape an arranged marriage. Believing she has truly passed, Romeo takes his own life, and upon waking, Juliet does the same. The ballet’s beauty lies not only in its choreography but in the raw human emotions of love, conflict, and sacrifice that still resonate today. Pappalardo continues, “The story is eternal— love, conflict, and sacrifice are as relevant today as they were centuries ago. Every time I revisit this ballet, I discover something new to share with audiences. It’s a deeply human and profoundly moving experience.” A SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCE FOR NORTHERN COLORADO Whether you're a longtime fan of the ballet or experiencing it for the first time, Canyon Concert Ballet's Romeo and Juliet promises to captivate audiences with its emotional intensity and stunning performances. The production will be performed at The Lincoln Center in Fort Collins on: • Friday, January 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM • Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM • Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM Tickets are available for purchase now through the Lincoln Center website at: tickets.lctix.com. For Northern Colorado residents, this production offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a world where dance, drama, and music converge in one of ballet’s most beloved works. Don’t miss this chance to experience the enduring power of Romeo and Juliet—a story of love, loss, and fate that continues to captivate audiences across generations. Note: Make sure to secure your tickets early as performances are expected to sell out quickly! REDISCOVER THE TIMELESS TRAGEDY OF 'ROMEO AND JULIET' AT CANYON CONCERT BALLET IN FORT COLLINS NEW SCENE | NorthFortyNews.com ADVERTISE HERE LOW RATES. GREAT EXPOSURE. Contact Matt 970-541-0149 mdierlam@northfortynews.comFriday, December 27 All Day Happy Hour @ The Passenger, The Passenger Restaurant, 5 pm -8:30 pm Garden of Lights, Gardens on Spring Creek, 5 pm -9 pm Hardcore for The Holidays: Toy Drive, Aggie Theatre, 8 pm Mad Dog Blues Records Their Ninth Album in Front of a Live Studio Audience, The End Lafayette, 7:30 pm -9 pm NoCo Winter Wonderland, Colorado Youth Outdoors , 5 pm -8:45 pm Post Holiday De-Stress & DIY Workshops, Board and Brush Fort Collins, 6:30 pm -9:30 pm Saturday, December 28 Free Live Music with David Tilmon!, The Passenger Restaurant , 5 pm -8 pm Garden of Lights, Gardens on Spring Creek, 5 pm -9 pm Heavy Gus, Elke, The Coast , 7 pm NoCo Winter Wonderland, Colorado Youth Outdoors, 5 pm -8:45 pm Post Holiday De-Stress & DIY Workshops, Board and Brush Fort Collins, 10 am -1 pm Wiji Moma, Stephen Lear Band, Splintered Autumn, 100 Nickel , 8:30 pm Yachty Got Back, Aggie Theatre , 5 pm -7 pm Sunday, December 29 Garden of Lights, Gardens on Spring Creek, 5 pm -9 pm Karaoke Night 🤩 , 830 North , 7 pm NoCo Winter Wonderland, Colorado Youth Outdoors, 5 pm -8:45 pm Monday, December 30 Boombox Bingo, 2454 West , 5 pm NoCo Winter Wonderland, Colorado Youth Outdoors, 5 pm -8:45 pm North 40 Pub Runners: Monday Night Runs, Sparge Brewing , 6 pm -8 pm Open Mic at The Lyric, The Lyric, 6 pm Open Mic Night!, The Lyric, 5 pm Tejon Street, 830 North , 8 pm Xtreme Music BINGO, Sparge Brewing, 6 pm -7 pm Tuesday, December 31 All That Glitters New Year's Eve Ball, The Agave Room , 8 pm -1 am Chris Higgins NYE!, the Comedy Fort, 10:30 pm Gimme Gimme Disco, Aggie Theatre, 7 pm New Years Eve Bash w/ Tumbledown Shack, 830 North , 9 pm New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance Party feat. DJ LL Dope, The Mishawaka, 7:30 pm New Year's Eve: Galactic Disco, The Lyric , 5 pm NoCo Winter Wonderland, Colorado Youth Outdoors, 5 pm -8:45 pm NYE Dance Through the Decades Party, Dicken's Opera House Longmont, 9:30 pm -12:30 am NYE Mystery Menu Blind Tasting Dining Experience!, The Passenger Restaurant , 4:30 pm -6:30 pm NYE Mystery Menu Blind Tasting Dining Experience!, The Passenger Restaurant, 7 pm -9 pm Wednesday, January 1 2025 Riverside Renewal **AT RIVERSIDE COLORADO**, Riverside Colorado, 9 am Thursday, January 2 A Special Evening with Artist in Residence, Cary Morin!, The Atrium , 7 pm Finally Some Bad News, the Comedy Fort, 7:30 pm Hooligan's Holiday - A Tribute to Motley Crue, 2454 West , 8 pm Me Oh My Craft Nights, Me Oh My Coffee and Pie, 5 pm -8 pm Post Holiday De-Stress & DIY Workshops, Board and Brush Fort Collins , 6:30 pm -9:30 pm Story Swap, The Lyric, 6:30 pm Friday, January 3 Laurie Kilmartin, the Comedy Fort, all day Velvet Johnson & The Bro Short Get Down, 830 North , 8 pm Winter Wonderland Make & Take // Family Craft, Board and Brush Fort Collins , 5 pm -8 pm Saturday, January 4 Ski (Movie), The Lyric, 7 pm Wildlife Hero Training Class: Bird Rescue & Handling , Northern Colorado Wildlife Center, 10 am -11:15 am Winter Wonderland Make & Take // Family Craft, Board and Brush Fort Collins, 10 am -1 pm Sunday, January 5 A Hand Up for Austin Young and Family, Buffalo Rose, 12:30 pm Donny Most - Mostly Swingin' (w/MJO), Dazzle Denver , 4 pm Yoga With Carson, The Lyric, 9 am Monday, January 6 Open Mic at The Lyric, The Lyric, 6 pm Tuesday, January 7 Eno (2024), The Lyric, 7 pm Wednesday, January 8 Broad Strokes Presents: Grief and The Unknown, The Lyric, 6 pm Lead Lunch and Learn: Smashing Limiting Beliefs: Unleashing Your Inner Power with Jen "Bee" Blanco, BBB Serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming, 11:30 am -1 pm Merry and Bright: Color and Stripe, The Lincoln Center, 1 pm -6 pm Mystery Menu Blind Tasting Dining Experience!, The Passenger Restaurant, 6:30 pm Wild Card Wednesdays, The Lyric , all day Thursday, January 9 DC Connect | featuring: Downtown Partnership, desk chair workspace, 9 am -10 am Me Oh My Craft Nights, Me Oh My Coffee and Pie , 5 pm -8 pm Shain Brenden, the Comedy Fort, 7:30 pm Silverada at the Aggie Theatre, Aggie Theatre , 8 pm The Poudre River Trail: Poudre Pub Talk, New Belgium Brewing, 6 pm -7 pm Friday, January 10 Jay Jurden, the Comedy Fort , all day Merry and Bright: Color and Stripe, Lincoln Center, 1 pm -6 pm Murder Mystery Co Presents: Best Laid Plans, The Lyric, 7 pm Musketeer Gripweed w/ Erik Lunde, The Coast, 7 pm Switchman Sleepin' at Aggie Theatre, Aggie Theatre, 8 pm "The 39 Steps" at OpenStage Theatre & Company, 417 W Magnolia St , 7:30 pm Saturday, January 11 Colorado Jazz Sextet - “A Night in New Orleans,” with Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield, Aurora Fox Arts Center , 7:30 pm Free Yoga Open House, Resilient Soul Yoga, 8 am -4 pm Romeo & Juliet, The Lincoln Center , 2 & 7 pm "The 39 Steps" at OpenStage Theatre & Company, 417 W Magnolia St, 7:30 pm "The 39 Steps" at OpenStage Theatre & Company, 417 W Magnolia St , all day The Droptines, Aggie Theatre, 7 pm The Practice Power Workshop, Online , 9 am -1 pm Sunday, January 12 Bach Cantata BWV 151, Plymouth Congregational Church, 6 pm -7 pm Comedy Brewers at Bas Bleu Theatre, Bas Bleu Theatre Company , 7 pm Dickens Glitz n Glam Drag Show!, Dickens Opera House, 6 pm Moms Unhinged!, the Comedy Fort , 7:30 pm Romeo & Juliet, The Lincoln Center, 2 pm Stories on Stage presents “Big Fat Liars”, Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center , 2 pm Them Dirty Roses, Aggie Theatre, 8 pm Monday, January 13 Open Mic at The Lyric, The Lyric , 6 pm Wednesday, January 15 Merry and Bright: Color and Stripe, Lincoln Center, 1 pm -6 pm Trades Night, Sparge Brewing, 6 pm Thursday, January 16 Behind the Bars: The Stories of Inmate Artists, Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 6 pm -7:30 pm CMHA – Concrete Paver Installer Course – Westminster, CMHA – Concrete Paver Installer Course – Westminster, 8 am -4 pm Hard Man Soft Boy, the Comedy Fort , 7:30 pm Me Oh My Craft Nights, Me Oh My Coffee and Pie , 5 pm -8 pm Moms Unhinged Comedy Show, Dickens Opera House , 7 pm -9 pm "The 39 Steps" at OpenStage Theatre & Company, 417 W Magnolia St, 7:30 pm Friday, January 17 Bowling w/ The Burroughs, 2454 West - Live Music, Bowling, and Arcade, 7 pm Chloe Radcliffe, the Comedy Fort, all day Merry and Bright: Color and Stripe, The Lincoln Center , 1 pm -6 pm MUZZ, Aggie Theatre, 8 pm Snow and Stars Fest, The Coast, 7 pm "The 39 Steps" at OpenStage Theatre & Company, 417 W Magnolia St, 7:30 pm Saturday, January 18 Book Sale at Berthoud Community Library, Berthoud Community Library , 10 am -4 pm Hamfest 2025, The Ranch - McKee 4H Building, 8 am -1 pm Hassle-Free Travel to Estes Park Festival, Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures , 9:30 am -5:30 pm Shrek Rave at Aggie Theatre, Aggie Theatre, 8 pm "The 39 Steps" at OpenStage Theatre & Company, 417 W Magnolia St, 7:30 pm Wildlife Hero Training Class: Mammal Rescue & Handling, Northern Colorado Wildlife Center , 10 am -11:15 am Sunday, January 19 Yoga With Carson, The Lyric, 9 am Monday, January 20 Open Mic at The Lyric, The Lyric , 6 pm Tuesday, January 21 Gulo Gulo Poetry Open Mic + Writing Workshop, Wolverine Farm Publick House, 6 pm Wednesday, January 22 Merry and Bright: Color and Stripe, Lincoln Center, 1 pm -6 pm Sabotage!, the Comedy Fort, 5 pm Calendar.SceneNoco.com Wildlife Hero Training Class: Bird Rescue & Handling , Northern Colorado Wildlife Center January 4 (10 - 11:15am) - Learn how to safely intervene when you find a wild animal in distress. We have thousands of events on our online calendar! calendar.scenenoco.com Weekly sneak peek REALITIESFORCHILDREN.COM a division of HTLF Bank PUBLICATION SPONSORS LIGHT SPONSORS STAR SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR Thank you to our 2022 Sponsors!Connect Communities. | NorthFortyNews.com Week of December 23, 2024 | 9 Lifestyle l Health l Mental Health l Excercise l Nutrition CROSSWORD SOLUTION CHECK OUT THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE ON PAGE 11. This holiday season, the beloved therapy dogs of AdventHealth Avista are donning festive outfits and bringing joy to patients, staff, and visitors alike. Since 2011, these canine companions have been offering comfort, love, and support to those in need, proving that sometimes the best medicine has four paws and a wagging tail. MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT AT ADVENTHEALTH AVISTA Patients at AdventHealth Avista frequently describe therapy dog visits as “the best medicine possible.” Currently, the facility boasts a team of 18 therapy dogs, each trained to provide emotional and physical support. This December, these furry friends are spreading even more cheer by dressing in holiday-themed attire to brighten the days of everyone they encounter. “Seeing a therapy dog dressed in holiday gear can instantly lift someone’s spirits,” says a patient. “They bring a sense of warmth and joy that’s truly special.” THE BENEFITS OF A WAGGING TAIL Therapy dogs offer numerous physical and emotional health benefits. Research shows that spending time with therapy animals can: •Lower blood pressure and reduce overall pain. •Improve cardiovascular health. •Decrease feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Whether it’s a gentle nuzzle or a playful tail wag, these dogs help create a healing environment during a season that can be challenging for many. MEET THE HOLIDAY HOUNDS The therapy team includes some of AdventHealth Avista’s most beloved pups, such as: • Guinness • Charlie • Izzy • Addie & Ginger • Sunny • Crystal • Hamilton • Jesse • Cotton Each therapy dog brings their unique personality and charm to brighten the lives of patients and staff. BRINGING CHEER TO NORTHERN COLORADO AdventHealth Avista’s therapy dog program highlights the incredible bond between humans and animals, reminding us all of the power of kindness and connection. This holiday season, their festive spirit is a reminder of the simple joys that can make a big difference in someone’s day. AdventHealth Avista Therapy Dogs Spread Holiday Cheer NORTH FORTY NEWS | NorthFortyNews.com Addie and Ginger (Photo courtesy Advent Health) Cotton (Photo courtesy Advent Health)Next >