February usually packages love as hearts and flowers — gestures that flare and fade. But in NOCO, care often looks more like what we build with our hands and protect for the long haul.
This week’s stories reflect that grit. Loveland’s Valentine Ladies sending handwritten messages across the globe. A county wildfire plan shaped by residents who want their neighborhoods better protected years from now. Lawns being redesigned for the climate we actually live in. A family turning sweat equity into a front door that finally belongs to them.
Around here, care isn’t just a feeling — it’s something we do. We mail it, plant it, and build it. Piece by piece, those intentional choices shape the future we’re all going to share. Let’s dig in!
– Megan
80 Years of Love:
The Legend of the Valentine Ladies
Sorting through a global outpouring of affection, Wilma Davies and Georgia Meikle process a valentines that traveled all the way from Japan. Credit: Coloradoan Library
In 1947, a local postmaster and a businessman decided the "Sweetheart City" should live up to its name. Eight decades later, the Loveland Valentine Re-mailing Program has become a global phenomenon. Every year, over 100,000 cards from 110 countries are sent here specifically to be hand-stamped with a special cachet and poem before being re-mailed to their final destinations.
The magic lies in the hands of the Valentine Ladies. For generations, this dedicated group of local volunteers (some who have been at it for over 30 years!) has gathered in the back of the Chamber of Commerce. Clad in their signature red, they spend two weeks hand-stamping every envelope with a custom verse and a special heart-shaped cancelation mark.
To these women, it’s living folklore—they see everything from 50-year-old love stories to notes for soldiers writing home. As we celebrate the program's 80th Anniversary this year, the tradition feels more vital than ever — a tactile reminder of connection in a chaotic world.
Want the 2026 postmark? You have to act fast:
Feb 4th (Tomorrow!): Deadline for cards mailed to the Postmaster for local delivery.
Feb 7th: Deadline for dropping cards in the giant red mailboxes around town.
Where to Drop & Go:
Loveland Chamber (Stone Creek Circle)
The Visitor Center (Hwy 34)
Barnyard Vet & Pet Supply (806 14th St SW)
SCHEELS in Johnstown
Ted Thompson founded Loveland's iconic re-mailing tradition in 1947, setting a 80-year legacy in motion. Credit: The Loveland Museum/Gallery Collection
Early whimsical roots: A young "Dan Cupid" helps out during the program’s first decade of operation. Credit: The Loveland Museum/Gallery Collection
Larimer County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
It’s no secret that living in Northern Colorado comes with a side of wildfire awareness—statistically, our county faces a higher risk than 92% of the rest of the country. To stay ahead of it, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office is refreshing its five-year protection plan, and they want to hear from us.
This isn't just paperwork; it’s the framework that helps our local communities qualify for state and federal mitigation grants. Whether you live in a downtown bungalow or a cabin in the foothills, your input helps ensure the county’s strategy for response and recovery is actually rooted in the reality of its residents.
The Goal: A countywide approach to resilience before, during, and after a fire.
The Deadline: Public comments are open now through February 13, 2026.
Why it matters: An approved plan keeps the door open for the funding needed to protect our rural and unincorporated neighborhoods.
The "Lazy-Lawn" Revolution
If you’re out in the yard this week enjoying the 50-degree weather, you’re likely staring at a patch of crunchy brown grass. That thirsty Kentucky Bluegrass is the most high-maintenance roommate you’ve ever had. Across the U.S., lawns gulp 9 billion gallons of water a day — more than any food crop — while offering zero snacks for our local bees and birds. I’ve been researching xeriscaping lately, and it turns out you can trade the Saturday mow for a "living carpet" that actually loves our high-desert climate.
The Groundcover All-Stars
When it comes to picking a "living carpet," we have some incredible local options that thrive in our high-desert wind and sun. If you need something that can handle the "dog-and-kid" traffic, Dog Tuff™ Grass is a Colorado-born hero that uses 80% less water than sod, though it does go golden-brown in the winter. For a sensory experience, Creeping Thyme smells incredible when walked on and feeds the pollinators, while Veronica 'Crystal River' stays evergreen all winter, and provides a carpet of blue flowers in the spring.
If you have a rocky or "difficult" patch of soil, Pussytoes thrive on neglect with their velvety, silver-green leaves, and the Colorado native Silverheels Ginger offers gorgeous, art-like foliage if you have the patience to let it spread. For big pops of color, the nearly immortal Winecups offer stunning magenta blooms (perfect for edges and banks), and Ice Plants bring neon brightness to the heat of July — just make sure they have well-draining soil so they don't get "wet feet" in the winter. Finally, Turkish Speedwell is a fantastic choice for a thick, lush green mat that stays vibrant deep into the fall, needing only a little extra water during our hottest weeks.
The Bottom Line
Savings: Reclaim your Saturdays and save $200–$500 per season on water. Most of these require zero mowing once established.
The HOA Factor: You’re protected. Colorado law (SB23-178) now prevents HOAs from banning water-wise plantings. Just show them an "intentional" plan.
Do This Now: You can't plant until May, but you can Sheet Mulch today. Lay cardboard over your dead grass patches and weigh it down; by spring, the soil will be prepped and ready for plugs.
Key to the City:
A New Chapter in South Loveland
In a housing market as tough as ours, seeing a local family unlock their own front door is the ultimate "Good in the Hood" moment. This past Tuesday, the Keeney family officially received the keys to their new Habitat for Humanity home in south Loveland.
The Story: After years of navigating high rents and cramped spaces, the family is finally trading a rental for roots. For the kids, it means the milestone of having their own bedrooms; for the community, it’s one more local family gaining the stability of homeownership.
How it Works: Habitat homes aren’t just "handed over." Homeowners like Hilarie put in 200 hours of “sweat equity,” swinging hammers alongside volunteers to build their own walls. They also complete financial education courses to ensure they’re ready for the long-term responsibilities of a mortgage and home maintenance.
How to Help: You don't need a tool belt to make a difference.
Shop or Donate: The Loveland Habitat ReStore (on N. Taft Ave) takes your gently used home goods and turns the proceeds into building materials.
Volunteer: Help on a build site or in the warehouse. No experience is required — just a willingness to help a neighbor.
From Berthoud in the south to the Wyoming state line up north, Fort Morgan in the east to Estes out west, each week we will to pull together a list of the top events happening all over Northern Colorado.
February 3 - 9, 2026
All Weekend Long
Greeley Home Expo @ Island Grove Event Center — Fri 12 to 6 PM, Sat 10 AM to 5 PM, Sun 11 AM to 4 PM (Greeley) — Planning a spring renovation or just dreaming of a better backyard? Connect with local pros and explore the latest in home tech and design. Free admission and parking. 👉 Get inspired
Hello, Dolly! @ Candlelight Dinner Playhouse — Various Times (Johnstown) — Catch the romantic exploits of Dolly Levi while enjoying a multi-course dinner. Tickets include dinner. 👉 Join the parade
TUESDAY 3rd
Gulo Gulo Writing Workshop @ Wolverine Farm — 6:00 PM (Fort Collins) — A free, low-pressure monthly session for poets and writers to find their flow. Free. 👉 Get the ink flowing
WEDNESDAY 4th
Pet Leslie & Friends @ Wolverine Farm — 6:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Whimsical rock and experimental vibes from our winter resident musician. $15–$20 suggested donation. 👉 Support local sound
THURSDAY 5th
Story Swap @ The Lyric — 6:30 PM (Fort Collins) — A night of community storytelling where anyone can take the mic to share a true tale based on the evening's theme. $10. 👉 Share your story
Mountain Glow Candle Bar Experience @ On the Rocks — 1:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Pour your own custom-scented candle while sipping on a craft cocktail. A perfect mid-week creative reset. $45. 👉 Get glowing
Robert Wilson Blues Band @ Avogadro’s Number — 7:00 PM (doors at 6) (Fort Collins) — Soulful, local blues to help you ease into the work week. Free. 👉 Beat the Mondays
FRIDAY 6th
Sight & Songs: Nicolas Durr Solo Exhibit @ Trimble Court Artisans / Mid-reception— 6:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Explore "The Space Between" in this solo exhibition featuring the intricate, nature-inspired works of local artist Nicolas Durr. Free. 👉 View the art
Poudre River Irregulars @ Avogadro’s Number — 4:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Kick off the weekend with traditional jazz and dixieland as part of the "First Friday at Four" series. $15–$20. 👉 Jazz it up
The Retake & The Organ Trail Trio @ Avogadro’s Number — 8:30 to 10:30 PM (Fort Collins) — A double header of local sounds in a classic NOCO venue. $15. 👉 Grab a seat
The Ocean Blue @ Aggie Theatre — 8:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Catch the 80s indie-pop legends for a night of melodic, nostalgic guitar sounds in Old Town. $47. 👉 Grab your tickets
The Mousetrap @ Lincoln Center — 7:30 PM (Fort Collins) — OpenStage Theatre brings Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery to life. Suspense, secrets, and a snowy manor—classic winter theater. 👉 Solve the mystery
First Friday Art Walk @ Downtown Fort Collins — 6:00 to 9:00 PM (Fort Collins) — A self-guided tour of local galleries, studios, and creative spaces. Explore the talent that makes our creative district hum. Free. 👉 Stroll and see
First Friday Art Groove @ Various Locations — 5:00 PM (Estes Park) — Ride the free trolley between galleries and creative shops for a night of art, refreshments, and mountain views. Free. 👉 Catch the trolley
Cozy Vision Boarding @ Happy Trails Coffee — 5:30 PM (Wellington) — Get intentional with the NoCo Boss Babes at this creative local meetup. 👉 Manifest Your Year
Della Mae @ The Armory — 7:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Grammy-nominated, all-female string band powerhouse delivering world-class bluegrass and Americana. $25. 👉 String-band magic
Riddim After Hours @ Sound Bar — 9:30 PM (Fort Collins) — Keep the energy high late into the night with heavy bass and deep riddim cuts. $15. 👉 Join the dance
SATURDAY 7th
Bouquets & Brews @ High Hops Brewery / The Heart Distillery — 10:30 AM (Windsor) — Craft a custom "floral" bouquet using unique wax candle flowers and a one-of-a-kind vase. Perfect for early Valentine’s gifting . All ages. $45. 👉 Build a bouquet
Beginner Japanese Mahjong (Riichi) @ Stodgy Brewing — 2:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Skip the American variant and dive into Riichi NoCo. Whether you're a total pro or one of the 16+ new faces learning for the first time, grab a brew (or a mocktail) and get playing. Free. 👉 RSVP to play
4th Annual Live Ice Carving @ Old Town Square — 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Watch world-class sculptors turn massive blocks of ice into intricate art right before your eyes. A true NOCO winter staple. Free. 👉 Watch the thaw
Valentine’s Market @ Visit Fort Collins — 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Shop local makers, find unique gifts, and soak up the early romantic vibes in the heart of downtown. Free entry. 👉 Shop for your sweetheart
The FoCo Sketch Kaboom @ The Lyric — 7:00 PM (Fort Collins) — High-energy, local sketch comedy that’s fast, funny, and uniquely Fort Collins. 👉 Laugh it off
Signature Concert 3: Spotlights in Drama @ Lincoln Center — 7:30 PM (Fort Collins) — The Fort Collins Symphony presents a night of virtuosity and dramatic flair. A sophisticated night out for the Crew. 👉 Hear the drama
Two of Hearts Burlesque Show @ Avogadro's Number — 8:30 PM (Fort Collins) — An enticing, high-glamour Valentine’s production by Tainted Hearts Burlesque. 18+. $18+. 👉 Feel the heat
An Evening with May Erlewine @ The Armory — 7:00 PM (Fort Collins) — One of the Midwest’s most prolific singer-songwriters brings her "Mother Lion" soulful folk to Old Town. $20. 👉 Heart-opening folk
Winter Farmers Market @ Foothills Mall — 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Fort Collins) — The local Saturday ritual continues. Grab your winter greens, sourdough, and local honey from our favorite regional producers. Free. 👉 Eat local
Snowshoe with a Ranger @ Rocky Mountain National Park — 2 to 3 PM (Estes Park) — A guided 2-mile trek through the winter wonderland of RMNP. Bring your own gear or rent nearby; reservations are a must. Free (with park pass). 👉 Trek the snow
Wine & Chocolate Festival @ Estes Park Events Complex — 12:00 to 6:00 PM (Estes Park) — The ultimate pairing. Sample pours from Colorado wineries alongside decadent treats from local chocolatiers. $40–$60. 👉 Sip and savor
Emo Night Karaoke @ Sound Bar — 7:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Dust off the skinny jeans and scream-sing your favorite anthems with a live band backing you up. $15. 👉 It wasn’t a phase
Berthoud Chocolate Walk @ Downtown Berthoud — 12:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Berthoud) — Spend the afternoon strolling through charming downtown Berthoud, stopping at local businesses to collect unique chocolate treats. A sweet way to support small shops. $20. 👉 Sweeten your Saturday
Encountering a Poet: Richard Hugo @ Loveland Public Library — 12:00 to 2:00 PM (Loveland) — Join local poet Mark Sanchez for a deep dive into the world of Richard Hugo. Free. 👉 Get poetic
Designing a Magical Kingdom @ Fort Collins Nursery — 9:30 to 11:00 AM (Fort Collins) — Learn how to transform your yard into a sanctuary for pollinators, birds, and local wildlife with expert landscaping tips. $18. 👉 Create a sanctuary
Vegetable Growing in NOCO @ Fort Collins Nursery — 12:00 to 1:30 PM (Fort Collins) — Get a head start on spring with this guide to mastering our unique high-altitude climate, short seasons, and fickle soils. $18. 👉 Prep the patch
Macramé Plant Hanger Workshop @ Fort Collins Nursery — 2:30 to 4:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Master basic knots to create a custom boho-style hanger for your favorite leafy friend. All materials included. $55. 👉 Get knotty
SUNDAY 8th
Jerro w/ Chief Ojih Dandan @ Aggie Theatre — 8:00 PM (doors at 7) (Fort Collins) — Close out the weekend with a deep dive into melodic house and high-energy electronic beats. 👉 End on a high note
Guest Artist Concert: Gabriel Balogh @ CSU University Center for the Arts — 7:30 PM (Fort Collins) — An evening of world-class classical guitar virtuosity in an intimate venue. 👉 Guitar vibes
Vinyl Sunday @ Purpose Brewing — 4:00 to 9:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Bring your own records or just relax with a rare, small-batch brew while the house collection spins. 👉 Drop the needle
The Great Gatsby @ The Lincoln Center — 2:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Experience the Roaring Twenties through this cinematic and decadent ballet performance. $25+. 👉 Live the legend
MONDAY 9th
King Youngblood @ Moxi Theater — 7:00 PM (Greeley) — Start the week with a shot of "Afropunk" energy. This Seattle-based outfit brings a powerful blend of soulful alt-rock and social activism to downtown Greeley. 👉 Rock into the week
Blue Monday @ Avogadro’s Number — 6:00 to 8:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Wind down the first day of the week with the regular "Second Monday" blues session. 👉 Beat the Mondays
The Realm: Keepers of the Earth @ Center for Creativity — 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM (Fort Collins) — Explore the intersection of art, culture, and environmental stewardship in this impactful local exhibit. 👉 Go global
An Evening with Cyril Neville @ The Armory — 7:00 PM (Fort Collins) — A rare opportunity to see New Orleans royalty and Neville Brothers legend bring some Uptown funk and soul to NOCO. $35. 👉 NOLA in the Rockies
Scott Artist Series: Ann Hamilton Public Lecture @ CSU — 5:00 to 6:00 PM (Fort Collins) — Catch a talk from the world-renowned visual artist at the University Center for the Arts. A rare opportunity for the local makers and art lovers. Free. 👉 Get inspired
Monday Mugs & Mingles @ FeelLove Coffee — 7:30 to 9:00 AM (Loveland) — Shake off the Monday blues with a casual morning meetup for caffeine and conversation with fellow locals. 👉 Morning mingle
