Teacher Wish Lists – 2026
Help local teachers stock their classrooms for the 2026-27 school year
Laurel Aiello
Laurel Aiello has always called Northern Colorado home. A Fort Collins native who now lives in Loveland, she enjoys long bike rides, tending to her garden, paddleboarding at Horsetooth Reservoir, camping and fishing in the mountains and listening to live music on a sunny downtown patio. She married her high school sweetheart in 2022 and is completely obsessed with her Great Pyrenees mix, Twyla.
Laurel got her start in magazine writing at Denver Life Magazine and has spent many years writing for regional lifestyle publications, including AvidLifestyle Magazine and NOCO Style. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in sociology from Colorado State University, where she got involved with student media and fell in love with the art of storytelling.
Selected works by the author:
NOCO’s 30 Under 30 – 2026
These young trailblazers are shaping Northern Colorado through entrepreneurship, volunteerism and more
NOCO Locals: Alexandra Ham
Name: Alexandra Ham City/town of residence: Johnstown Occupation: District instructional specialist, MTSS coordinator, truancy liaison and online administrator at Weld RE-5J School District What brought you to Johnstown? We moved to Johnstown in 2018. My...
A Look Inside The Buxton Hotel
The remodeled Best Western features a wellness center, bar and restaurant with pink details and Western touches
Gather ‘Round the Fire
Warmth, ambiance and connection make fire pits a favorite feature for outdoor living
NOCO Locals: Jeremy Garrett
Name: Jeremy Garrett City/town of residence: Drake Occupation: Musician and founding member of The Infamous Stringdusters What brought you to Northern Colorado? I was living in Nashville for about 13 years, playing full time as a musician with the ’dusters. We were...
Hooked for Life
Anglers find peace, wisdom and friendly competition on the river
NOCO Locals: Daniel Kostrewa
Name: Daniel Kostrewa City/town of residence: Severance Occupation: Owner of Hearth Restaurant and Pub and McCarty's at Eaton Country Club, Realtor, board member of the Windsor Downtown Development Authority What brought you to Northern Colorado? About 14...
Grow With the Flow
A veggie planting guide for NOCO gardeners