Landscaping in Loveland, CO

Love is in the air … and the mail … in the northern Colorado city of Loveland.

Every year, tens of thousands of people from around the world route their Valentine’s Day cards to the “Sweetheart City” to get a special inscription and the coveted Loveland postmark. The re-mailing tradition has been going on for nearly 80 years and is the largest of its kind in the world, according to Mindy McCloughan, president and CEO of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce.

At its height, program volunteers processed more than 300,000 pieces of mail per year. That number dropped to 100,000 to 125,000 as people turned to email and social media messaging.

Volunteers dressed in Valentine’s-themed garb gather before the big day to stamp thousands of envelopes with the special postmark and cachet.

“Love is our message — Hearts are our brand. Happy Valentine’s Day from the City of LOVEland,” the cachet reads in part.

One of the more seasoned volunteers, 89-year-old Joyce Boston, has been stamping since 1997.

“What do I get out of it? Is a lot of new friends. Friendship. Spreading love. I love spreading love,” she said. ”And I love doing volunteer work. It keeps me, gives me a reason to keep living. Yeah. Keeps me young.”

In addition to the Valentine re-mailing program, Loveland holds a Sweetheart Festival, crowns a Miss Loveland Valentine and is decorated year-round with hearts attached to lampposts and featured in murals. There’s also a large metal “Love” sign at the visitors’ center, where people attach padlocks engraved with names and messages of love.

“In a time when there is such uncertainty in the world, what greater thing to do than to share love and compassion and hope with those around the world when it’s just time when it’s needed most?” McCloughan said of the program, which receives mail from all 50 states and 110 countries.

Loveland is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Denver.

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The discussion about an inter-city passenger train service along Colorado’s Front Range goes back to at least the 1970s, and now that vision could be only a decade away, according to Andy Karsian, general manager of the Front Range Passenger Rail District.

On Monday, he appeared before the Loveland Transportation Advisory Board to update members on planning for the ambitious project and how the stars have aligned to move it further ahead than ever before.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Karsian said. “We know that finding funding for infrastructure and transportation projects in Colorado is all about timing. Now a district has been created, we’ve got state support,” and there are billions of dollars in federal grants available thanks to 2021 legislation, he said.

The proposed Front Range Passenger Rail will stretch between Pueblo and Fort Collins, with stops along the way in Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Denver, Boulder, Longmont and Loveland. Eventually, Karsian said, planners would like to see it extended from Cheyenne to New Mexico.

The passenger trains will make use of available track owned by freight rail companies Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) and Union Pacific, Karsian explained, in an effort to be as “efficient” as possible and keep costs as low as possible.

He also said that cities along the route will be responsible for building their own railway stations for stops.

The quasi-governmental rail district was formed by the Colorado General Assembly in 2021, and will oversee financing, construction and operation of the service. If approved by Colorado voters in a future election, the district will have the authority to levy a tax that will help fund the line.

The district is governed by a 17-member board of directors composed of representatives from local governments along the route plus state officials. Representatives from the railroads, Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) and the states of New Mexico and Wyoming are non-voting members of the board.

Though the district is new, Karsian explained that studies and analysis for Front Range rail has been underway by state transportation planners seriously since 2010. Along the way, the group completed feasibility studies, preliminary designs and cleared several hurdles that have helped the district skip a few steps in the federal granting process.

Still, even if everything goes according to plan, he said, the first riders on the Front Range Passenger Rail won’t be embarking for at least five, but probably closer to 10 years. That also assumes that voters give the district the ability to collect taxes, which Karsian called the biggest “caveat” in the conversation.

“All of this is dependent upon the future blessing of taxpayers in the district to make this a reality,” he said. “That has to happen in order for Front Range Passenger Rail to succeed.”

As of yet, there are no firm dates for such an election, as much of the details and logistics are still being considered. However, Karsian said the district will continue to engage with stakeholders in 2024 and is working with the Colorado General Assembly for more permanent state funding.

With details so scant, there is no word yet on where Loveland’s station might be built, though city public works director Mark Jackson said that an interdepartmental team of city staff is considering several options.

Loveland's Centerra South project has been a topic of conversation for a while; especially when it comes to a Whole Foods supermarket being a part of it.

That conversation has come to an end. Will it get back on track?

Oh, to have been a fly on the wall when it comes to this particular meeting in Loveland; it sounds like a lot of strategy went into getting Centerra South shut down.

When news of the Centerra South project came out, many were excited that there would be a new supermarket there, on the east side of town. Even though it was a "not-loved" Whole Foods, at least it was something.

Sure, Natural Grocers opened up a new location in Downtown Loveland, that store really serves a "niche" community, and again, is not on the east side of Loveland. That side of town has needed a large market for years.

According to The Coloradoan, Loveland Mayor Jacki Marsh "took the bull by the horns" and got the resolution that had OK'd McWhinney's Centerra South project rescinded.

She got three new City Council members to join her in her fight against it, along with two others, who had already been on her side.

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According to The Coloradoan, the mayor's presentation about rescinding the resolution took nine of the 10 minutes that the council allots for "new business." That didn't leave much time for a discussion about it.

It sounds like there was some strategy involved, in my opinion.

The Loveland Mayor has long felt that including "blighted" farmland for this particular Urban Renewal Project is wrong, and that the citizens of Loveland don't want Centerra South to happen, either.

From the The Coloradoan, Mayor Jacki Marsh:

Centerra South is not what the people want.

If you've lived in Loveland for a longtime, like I have, you know there is animosity when it comes to just about anything, "McWhinney."

Many will argue that the McWhinney family has been in Loveland for generations, and they haven't done anything that any other family wouldn't do; Others will argue that they are changing Loveland for the worse, and getting far too many tax breaks.

According to The Coloradoan, Mayor Marsh is ready to take this to court, and have them weigh in on it.

There are a lot of in-and-outs, so to speak, about Centerra South and what it could mean to Loveland and McWhinney; but, if anything, it does push the project much further down the road.

That leaves the citizens on the east side of Loveland still "wishing" for a supermarket, for who knows how long.

New mega outdoor world destination retail store will offer vast assortment of quality gear at great prices, supported by genuine, friendly expert service

LOVELAND, Colo. (August 23, 2023) – Bass Pro Shops announced plans today for a new destination retail store in Loveland, Colorado.

The opening of the 130,000 sq. ft. Outdoor World will mark the sixth Bass Pro Shops location in Colorado, as it continues to expand its presence to serve the passionate sportsmen and women in the Rocky Mountain region. This new location will offer the widest selection of quality products at the best prices around, providing genuine, friendly expert service.

“We are very excited to announce this new location and continue to strengthen our relationship with the western sportsmen and women of Colorado and beyond,” said legendary angler, and noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. “This new store will make it easier for the people and families who love to hunt the mountains and high plains of the West and fish its rich streams to spend time together in the great outdoors.”

Located along US I-25, Loveland is a major thorough-fare from Denver to Cheyenne, Wy. that frequents many hunters and outdoorsmen and women seeking adventure across the range of the Rockies. The announced retail store will anchor the new “Brands at the Ranch” development.

“Having Bass Pro Shops select and anchor our ‘Brands at the Ranch’ Project will indeed ignite the original vision for this area and will most certainly relocate the retail center of gravity of Northern Colorado to the crossroads corridor,” said The Water Valley Company CEO, Martin Lind. “We are so honored they have chosen our project and this site!”

Voted America’s Best Retailer For Outdoor Gear

In addition to a vast assortment of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, the store will showcase industry-leading boat brands, including TRACKER, NITRO, MAKO, SUN TRACKER, REGENCY and TAHOE. Built by Bass Pro’s White River Marine Group, the World’s Best-Selling Boats are sold factory direct at money-saving prices. The store’s inventory will be tailored to the needs of hunting and fishing in the region. In addition, the new location will display a selection of new TRACKER OFF ROAD ATVs and side-by-side vehicles, America’s fastest growing brand of off-road vehicles.

More than just a fishing and hunting store, the retail destination will offer equipment and clothing for all outdoor adventures, including hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, camping, and other related outdoor gear. A gift and nature center will feature a wide variety of outdoor-themed and related items, including Big Cedar Home & Cabin décor and accessories. Men’s, Ladies’ and Children’s apparel sections will offer a wide assortment of brands, including RedHead, TrueTimber, ASCEND, World Wide Sportsman, and Natural Reflections, along with many more popular brands for greater selection, quality and value.

Immersive outdoor features

In addition to providing customers with the outdoor products they love, a team of talented artists and craftsmen will design the store’s localized imagery to celebrate the beauty of the Rocky Mountain region and reinforce its immersive outdoor theme. The signature creativity and attention to detail are hallmarks of every experience envisioned by Johnny Morris, who often is referred to as “The Walt Disney of the Outdoors” for his knack to create immersive experiences that connect people with nature.

Unique exterior and interior motifs have branded Bass Pro Shops as visually appealing, high-quality outdoor retail destinations that customers love. In addition to providing a fun outdoor experience indoors, Bass Pro Shops locations feature a large aquarium and water features stocked with native fish species, thousands of local antiques and artifacts, hundreds of trophy fish and wildlife mounts, and murals depicting local scenes.

Celebrating conservation and community

Conservation, another trademark of Johnny’s and a signature company value, will play an important role in the store’s mission. The new location will host dozens of events throughout the year aimed at connecting new audiences – and particularly children – to the outdoors. Hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities will be offered such as “Gone Fishing,” an annual event which aims to introduce families to fishing through catch-and-release ponds, casting games and free fishing seminars with the goal of creating the next generation of conservationists. More than 100,000 kids caught a fish at Bass Pro Shops events last year alone, many for the first time. The store also will support local conservation organizations that protect wildlife and habitat.

10% Discount Every Day to Honor Those on the Front Lines

Bass Pro Shops recently announced the expansion of their Legendary Salute Program honoring veterans, active military, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and state fish and wildlife agency employees, doubling their discount to 10% on almost everything in all Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations in the United States and Canada (with a 5% discount on firearms and ammo). This program honors those who have or are currently serving on the front lines in Mississippi and throughout the country who defend our freedoms including our opportunities to hunt, fish and spend time in the great outdoors.

Bass Pro Shops CLUB program rewards customers and supports conservation

The new location also will proudly showcase Bass Pro Shops CLUB, the outdoor industry’s premier loyalty program recognizing the company’s most loyal customers. Benefits available to CLUB Members include extra savings on gear with exclusive discounts, the ability to redeem points for free gear, and exclusive access to unique events – both in-store and at some of the top hunting and fishing destinations around the world. CLUB Members play a key role in supporting Bass Pro Shops’ conservation mission.

Bass Pro Shops: Celebrating more than 50 Years as the World’s Leader in the Great Outdoors

Last year, Bass Pro Shops celebrated 50 years of serving those who love the great outdoors. As an avid young angler Johnny Morris started Bass Pro Shops with passion from a single location in an 8-square-foot section of his dad’s liquor store in Springfield, MO. Today the company enjoys the support of the most dedicated customer base in the outdoors. Bass Pro Shops has long been recognized as the World’s Leading supplier of premium fishing tackle and adds to that by recently being voted America’s #1 Retailer for Camping & Outdoor Gear.

Bass Pro Shops’ dedication to offering the widest selection of quality products at the best price and to providing genuine, friendly expert service lie at the foundation of the company’s culture. Bass Pro Shops, named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers” is expected to employ more than 115 “Outfitters” at its new Loveland location, many of whom will come from the local region. The new retail store is expected to open in 2025. To learn more and apply to join the team of World’s Foremost Outfitters visit basspro.com/careers.

About Bass Pro ShopsBass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the- best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors.

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Customers will enjoy a friendly grocery shopping experience with nutritional health resources, 100% organic produce and an array of natural food and products at Always Affordable Prices^SM

LAKEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for the holidays, Natural Grocers^® is pleased to announce the upcoming official Grand Opening of its new store in Loveland, CO on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Located at 745 N. Lincoln Ave., this will be Natural Grocers' forty-fifth store within the state of Colorado.

Natural Grocers' good4u^® Crew will kick off the festivities at 8:20 AM with a $2,500 donation presentation to Food Bank for Larimer County —its local food bank partner, followed by an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the store manager and additional community leaders. Doors will open at 8:27 AM, with exciting giveaways, fantastic discounts, samples and sweepstakes within a friendly atmosphere.

"We've been serving the people of Colorado since 1955. We look forward to bringing nutritious food to Loveland and its surrounding communities at prices they can afford—one of the main principles Natural Grocers was founded on in 1955 and that we continue to uphold today," said Raquel Isely, Vice President of Marketing for Natural Grocers. "The Loveland area offers that perfect Colorado mix of front range and rural living. Folks here are interested in where their food comes from and are familiar with the process. The Loveland Downtown District has done an amazing job rejuvenating an area with such a rich history.

Our new store is centrally located with easy access to support the nutritional health of our customers and the dynamic environment and culture that Loveland openly embraces. After over ten years of planning, Loveland is now the perfect home for Natural Grocers. We welcome the community to join in the fun and discover what makes the Natural Grocers shopping experience delightful and unique, including all of your Thanksgiving celebration needs."

GRAND OPENING EVENTS – FREEBIES, DISCOUNTS & SWEEPSTAKES

Grand Opening festivities at the new Loveland location start on November 15 with 25% off the entire store for 3 days!^[i]

Additional high-quality products from every department will also be available at impressive discounts of up to 50% off Natural Grocers' Always Affordable Prices^SM, through December 31, bacon and bacon alternatives ($2.99/package), Natural Grocers^® Brand Organic Cheese shreds and slices ($2.99/each) and Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Raisins (.99¢/lb).^[viii]

{N}POWER^® MEMBERSHIP

For even more savings, customers can join {N}power, Natural Grocers' free rewards program for exclusive discounts, digital coupons, rewards benefits, and other members-only features.^[ix]

To join {N}power, visit www.naturalgrocers.com/npower.

THE NATURAL GROCERS' EXPERIENCE

Serving communities with a wide range of natural and organic options since 1955, Natural Grocers will support the Loveland area with world-class customer service from its knowledgeable and friendly good4u Crew, healthy recipes for all diets and high product standards. Customers can enjoy access to fresh, 100% USDA certified organic produce, high-quality organic and natural groceries, 100% free-range eggs, 100% pasture-based dairy, 100% non-GMO prepackaged bulk goods, dietary supplements, body care, and household essentials at an Always Affordable Price. Natural Grocers also prioritizes humanely sourced and sustainably raised meats.

STORE FEATURES

The company, ever-conscious of its environmental impact, has utilized sustainable building features and energy-saving innovations, such as non-toxic building materials and 100% LED lighting. The store features a contemporary layout for an efficient, yet friendly checkout experience.

FOOD BANK PARTNERSHIP

Natural Grocers will partner with Food Bank for Larimer County for its "Bring Your Own Bag Program" to serve people of Loveland and its surrounding communities who are facing hunger. Each time a customer brings their own shopping bag, Natural Grocers will donate five cents per shopping trip to this organization.

Amy Pezzani , CEO of Food Bank for Larimer County stated, "We are pleased to welcome Natural Grocers to the Loveland community and as a continuing partner in our food rescue efforts. Each year, Food Bank for Larimer County rescues approximately 3 million pounds of food from local retailers – food that otherwise would end up in the landfill – so our food rescue partners are one of our most important allies in feeding Larimer County."

ABOUT NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGE

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC) is an expanding specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care products, and dietary supplements. The products sold by Natural Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines and may not contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners, or partially hydrogenated oils. The Company sells only USDA-certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products, and free-range eggs. Natural Grocers' flexible smaller-store format allows it to offer affordable prices in a shopper-friendly, clean, and convenient retail environment. The Company also provides extensive free science-based Nutrition Education programs to help customers make informed health and nutrition choices. The Company, founded in 1955, has 167 stores in 21 states. Visit https://www.naturalgrocers.com for more information and store locations.

^[i] Offers valid only from 11/15/2023 to 11/17/23, are redeemable only for in-store customer purchases at Natural Grocers' Loveland, CO location, and cannot be combined with other offers. Quantity limited to stock on hand; no rain checks. Pricing excludes taxes and is subject to change without notice. Natural Grocers reserves the right to correct errors. Void where prohibited by law.

^[ii] Quantity limited to first 150 customers in line at Natural Grocers' Loveland, CO location. No rain checks. Limit one gift card per customer 18 years or older. Valid 11/15/23 only. Void where prohibited by law.

^[iii] Quantity limited to first 250 shoppers at Natural Grocers' Loveland, CO location. No rain checks. Limit one per customer, 18 years or older. Valid 11/15/23 only. Void where prohibited by law.

^[iv] Prize wheel available 11/15/23 at Natural Grocers' Loveland, CO location. No purchase necessary. Quantity limited to stock on hand; no rain checks.

^[v] Quantity limited to first 500 shoppers at Natural Grocers' Loveland, CO location. No rain checks. Limit one per customer, 18 years or older. Valid 11/15/23 only. Void where prohibited by law.

^[vi] Quantity limited to first 50 customers in line at Natural Grocers' Loveland, CO location. No rain checks. Limit one set of bags per customer, 18 years or older. Valid 11/17/23 only. Void where prohibited by law.

^[vii] No purchase necessary. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Open only to legal respondents of the following states who are at least 18 years old at the time of entry: AZ, AR, CO, ID, IA, KS, LA, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA and WY. Void where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes starts on 11/15/2023 and ends on 11/29/2023. For official rules and complete details, visit www.naturalgrocers.com/sweepstakes. Sponsor: Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc.

^[viii] Offers valid only from 11/15/2023 to 12/31/23, are redeemable only for in-store customer purchases at Natural Grocers' Loveland, CO location, and cannot be combined with other offers. Quantity limited to stock on hand; no rain checks. Pricing excludes taxes and is subject to change without notice. Natural Grocers reserves the right to correct errors. Void where prohibited by law.

^[ix] Customers can sign up for {N}power here. Message and data rates may apply. See naturalgrocers.com/privacy for the Company's Privacy Policy and naturalgrocers.com/terms for the {N}Power terms of use.

^[x] Offer available to {N}power members only. Limit 4 of each item per {N}power member. Offers valid only from 11/15/23 to 12/31/23, are redeemable only for in-store customer purchases at Natural Grocers' Loveland, CO location and cannot be combined with other offers. Quantity limited to stock on hand; no rain checks. Pricing excludes taxes and is subject to change without notice. Natural Grocers reserves the right to correct errors. Void where prohibited by law.

SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.