CVCRDec22

Breydyn Mendoza of Firestone in World Championship

Most everyone has heard of and watched American Ninja Warrior, at least a time or two. Unlike most of us couch potatoes, Firestone’s Breydyn Mendoza (left) started competing in Ninja and Spartan racing in 2019. His dad, Joey, (right) was training in the sports and Breydyn joined in.

Now, at eleven-years-old, Breydyn fully transitioned over to Spartan and gave up Ninja because he realized he dominates in Spartan competitions. Breydyn is 8 for 8 with 1st place and sometimes beats the older male division which is 12 to 14-yearolds. Breydyn is competing in the World Championship in Lake Placid, Florida on December 10th.

Ninja obstacle courses, while difficult, tend to be shorter in length, 1 minute to maximum around 5 minutes. These competitions are mainly indoors utilizing upper body movements that are more dynamic, and lower body balance and agility.

Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) is Spartan, Tough Mudder, Savage, and smaller venues such as Terrain Race and Rugged Maniac. These courses are outdoors and involve anywhere from one mile up to a 24-hour challenge. The upper body skills are not as dynamic as Ninja, and you’ll sometimes see some lower body balance but not much. Spartans get muddy, carry heavy objects, crawl under barbed wire, climb over walls, and conquer

other obstacles such as:

The Firewall

The Gauntlet

Weighted Burpees

Police Barracades

Car Hurdle

There are many other obstacles with names just as intimidating. You might compare Ninja training to Spartan training like weight training is to CrossFit. Either way, send prayers and positive energy to Breydyn on December 10.

Breydyn’s dad, Joseph (Joey), is a Performance Coach, Fitness & Nutrition Coach, and the Performance Director, at Warrior Playground in Longmont. He believes that all must “Create their own reality” in order to achieve anything in life.

He guides individuals to believe they can always reach the next level by never giving up or giving in to the easy road. Joseph loves to inspire people to become stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally for life. He educates his clients about the importance of setting realistic goals, the benefits of holistic nutrition and other wellness strategies that support a truly healthy lifestyle.

Joey’s been in the fitness industry since 2009. He says, “I’ve been competing in OCR sports since 2019. I have 17-1st place finishes, 3-2nd place finishes, 4-3rd place finishes, The only race I did not podium was my very first race. I took 3rd in the North American Championship at Lake Tahoe, California in 2021.”

Firestone’s Mendoza family enjoys many activities. Olivia (15) plays competitive softball for Mead High School. Kris (18) played soccer until graduating from Mead. Bradlee (7) plays football, soccer, competes in Spartan races and rides a dirt bike. Breydyn (11) plays football, baseball, soccer, golf, and Spartan. Ladina competed in competitive Judo and loves being a mom! Joey played many sports and boxing. They love drag racing and do most everything as a family.

For more information contact Joey at Warrior Playground | 33 S. Pratt Parkway Suite 200, Longmont, CO 80501 | (303) 485-1000.

Dates: Dec 9th & 10th from 6 to 8pm

Dec 16th & 17th from 6 to 8pm

Break out those Christmas sweaters because the 8th Annual Christmas Walk is coming up! There will be Hot Chocolate and Apple Cider for all, as well as ornament decorating for the kids. Each night will showcase special guest choirs, local school bands, and even Santa himself will be making an appearance!

Sponsors so far:

Interstate Rental | United Rentals | FirstBank Consumer Report for Carbon Valley, Mead, and Erie

From He Gets Us

No matter what we think of Christianity, most people can agree on one thing. During his lifetime, Jesus set a pretty good example of peace and love. And it’s not like he had an easy life.

He faced insurmountable controversy. So often, he was the target of unjustified hate. How did he stifle his outrage?

Sometimes, he didn’t. Jesus channeled his anger in defense of others when it really mattered. When he saw opportunists taking advantage of the poor, he confronted them without hesitation. But he knew how to pick his battles. Once, a group of men spit in Jesus’ face, struck him, and slapped him, and yet, he did nothing to retaliate.

Living today, it’s hard to imagine how he swallowed his rage. We’ve all noticed our blood boiling when politics come up in conversation, and we’ve felt the temptation to lash out on social media. It seems that every day, we’re faced with something new to fight about. Even though our anger is often justified, it’s taken a toll on our ability to engage with one another. And honestly, it doesn’t feel good.

By telling this story, we remind ourselves that even when we’re tested and trolled, we have the option of rising above.

Scripture References: Matthew 5:3848, Luke 22:47-53, Mark 12:13-17

#Activist#Justice#RealLife www.hegetsus.com

Boulder Pregnancy Resource Center Christmas

Open House

FREE

Serving SW Weld County: Firestone, Frederick, Dacono, E. Erie, E. Longmont & Mead (22,000)!

The ONLY Colorado publication to reach Consumers in our area every month via print and most social media platforms!

For Display Advertising or to have a feature written or to send press releases or classifieds, e-mail carbonvalley@gmail.com or call 303.833.5997.

Deadlines: 15th of each prior month.

Classified Ads: FREE up to 30 words

Locally Owned & Operated Since 1999: Kelly J Martindale Sales: Kelly Martindale  Jennifer Holsclaw Production: Kelly Martindale Writers: Kelly Fordyce Martindale  Betty Heath You can read past issues at https://issuu.com/consumerreport The CVCR is a member of the Carbon Valley, Erie and Mead Area Chambers of Commerce

The opinions expressed in features, columns, press releases, letters to the editor, etc. are not necessarily those of the Owner and publisher of the Carbon Valley Consumer Report. The Consumer Report assumes no responsibility for any outcome to any businesses, any advertiser, any people or any government entity. We DO NOT have a mailing list. Please Recycle.

Friday December 2nd, 4:30

to 7:30pm | Saturday, December 3rd, 12:30 to 3:30 Snacks and

| Come see our expansion and celebrate all the wonderful things God has been doing at BPRC this Year. We look forward to seeing you.

2334 Broadway, Suite D | Boulder, CO 80304 | 303-960-7915

Parking is available behind the building accessed through the alley. Turn east on Mapleton Ave off of Broadway and left into the first alley. We are the 2nd Building on your left. Side street parking is also available.

December 6th, on Colorado Gives Day, select the Carbon Valley Help Center for a one time or recurring donation.

Goto coloradogives.org to schedule your donation now!

ZoeAnn turns 10 this month! Happy Birthday to you...You add joy and laughter to every moment. You were perfectly gifted to this family. Can’t imagine life without you in it. May this next decade give you God’s perfect plan for your life.

Deadline for Every Issue of the CVCR is the 15th of Each Month...Late??? Try Anyway!

We do NOT have a mailing list. Please recycle.

We couldn’t be more proud of you, son. Keep being kind, amazing, and never stop being yourself. Happy 12th Birthday Ryan!

Love, Mom and Dad

Kelly Martindale, Publisher

Birthday Announcements. Send high resolution photo with birthday message in subject line to carbonvalley@gmail.com by the 15th of each month.

Rome Day at Firestone Charter Academy

The third-grade classes at Firestone Charter Academy did not “fiddle while Rome burned.” They spent weeks learning and exploring Roman culture. They celebrated Rome Day on Friday, November 18, 2022. Rome Day fits into our school’s mission which is to positively shape the hearts and minds of students by providing them with a classical, Core Knowledge curriculum that is academically rigorous and content rich, a safe environment in which character is modeled and promoted, and a community in which to build trusting relationships with others.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day.” For weeks, the third-grade classes studied Roman government, geography, timelines, culture, architecture, society, religion, and art. The classes learned about Roman Legends and Myth, like: Romulus and Remus, Psyche and Cupid, and Jason and the Lion. The students discussed the changing forms of government: monarchy, republic, dictatorship, imperialism. They explored the geography around the Mediterranean Sea. They studied the different types of polytheism and monotheism in the Roman era. Third graders researched Roman art through ancient examples of architecture, mosaics, and sculptures. They looked at the different perspectives of those who were involved in Rome’s history. Finally, they analyzed how Rome still influences our culture today!

“When in Rome, Do as the Romans do.” Rome Day was full of fun activities: costumes, games, STEAM, and a feast. The students wrote a biographical paragraph about a Roman. Then they dress up as Romans, e.g. a Patrician, a Plebeian, a god, a goddess, Julius Caesar, Constantine the Great, Hannibal, Vercingetorix, Justinian, or Cleopatra. Lastly, the students played a guessing game where the class tried to guess who they were after being given clues. They created mosaics using beans and paper plates. The third grade feasted on apples, cheese, grape juice, pita bread, etc. They played Roman games of hopscotch, casting lots, and jacks. The students built Aqueducts, the Colosseum, and/or the Colosseum with Gladiators in it.

“All roads lead to Rome.” Using what they understood in their Roman Unit, the students will extend their understanding about art, government, society, and architecture throughout other units of study. In Art, the third grade will further their learning of mosaics using ceramic tiles and clay. They will also study the art created by Early Indigenous People of North America and be inspired by it. Students will learn about government from the Vikings, the Early Indigenous Peoples in North America, and the Early European Settlers. They will compare and contrast this with what they learned about in Rome. Just as they built aqueducts

Area

Mayors’

culmination of the third grade’s exploration of Ancient Rome. They spent weeks delving into this topic, analyzing the different perspectives, and contemplating its influence. The rest of the third-grade year will connect Rome to our other historical units of study. From here on out, they have “crossed the Rubicon!”

z Christmas in the Park is December 3, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at

Mead Town Park

z Responsible Growth: The Home Depot Distribution Center, located in Access 25 Logistics Park by I-25 and WCR 34, is scheduled to open by the end of the year. They received a Temporary

Report—For those of us who do not attend meetings

Certificate of Occupancy, which allows them to move in equipment, train staff, and prepare the facility for full operation.

z Reliable Infrastructure: Traffic signals are being installed at the I-25 & WCR 34. The new signals will provide more efficient traffic flow by controlling both on and off ramps at Mead exit 245. The interchange improvement was coordinated through CDOT and funded by the Access 25 Logistics Park development. The traffic signals should be fully operational by the end of the year.

z Public Safety: The Mead Police Department received a $250,000 grant from U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Police Services (COPS). The COPS Hiring Program grant will assist Mead in stabilizing staffing so that the Department can send new officers to patrol and backfill vacancies.

of you recently shared your sentiments with the Board of Trustees regarding the intersection of Tipple and Ridgeway. We hear your concerns and are actively working on a solution to provide a safer crossing for all modes of travel at that location. In addition, our Capital Improvement Projects for 2023 include MANY transportation improvements. I look forward to working with our community to make these much-needed changes that we have all worried about for far too long.

z Fiscal Stability: Development Impact Fees will be increased by 3.66% starting January 1, 2023. This increase is in accordance with the Impact Fee Study recommendations that was approved by the Board of Trustees in 2021. Development impact fees are a onetime fee imposed by the Town of Mead on new development projects, both residential and commercial, to pay for all or a portion of the costs of providing public services to the new development. These fees help reduce the economic burden on Mead.

z Connected Community: Celebrate the holidays with us! Mead’s annual Christmas in the Park is December 3, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Join the fun with a jaunt down our alpine slide or a trip around the synthetic ice rink! For more information, subscribe to our monthly Mead Messenger and email notifications: https://bit.ly/2St4Ye7. If you are new to Mead, check out our Resident Information webpage!

z Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to you, Frederick!

z Good news, Frederick! The Colorado & Tipple intersection reopened on schedule on November 11 after a necessary full closure. It looks so nice and will be much safer for our commuters. While completing the full intersection closure is a big step, more action items still need to be executed until this project is complete. Please be aware there will be construction crews working on the intersection. Let’s do our best as a community to keep them safe. Stay up to date with Road Work Updates at FrederickCO.gov/Roadwork

z I know traffic concerns our residents’ hearts, and many

z ‘Tis The Giving Season! One of our best-loved community programs, Santa Cops, is the perfect opportunity to give back to the community. Each year, the Frederick Police Department accepts donations and helps families that may not be able to provide Christmas gifts to their children. You can help the Frederick Police Department buy gifts for local families in need! Donate (cash, check, or credit cards accepted) at 333 Fifth Street, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. Call 720.382.5700 for more info.

z Please join us for the Festival of Lights on Saturday, December 3, in Downtown Frederick. The “highlight” of your evening might be the parade along Fifth Street at 5:30 pm. But there is a ton of holiday magic to experience from 5 pm to 8 pm. In addition to the lighting of the trees, this event will be full of festive cheer with free carriage rides, local vendors, a food truck, ice sculptures, selfies with Santa, holiday music, and carolers. See the full schedule at FrederickCO.gov/FOL

z For the last 20 years, the Weld County Sherriff’s Office has provided Victim’s Assistance services to municipalities in Weld County, including Frederick. In July 2022, we were notified that the Sherriff’s Office would no longer provide this service as of January 2023. Our PD researched and weighed several options to best meet the needs of our community. The option that best serves Frederick is collaborating with other south Weld law enforcement agencies in starting a Victim’s Assistance Unit. This unit will serve the Frederick, Firestone, Dacono, and Mead communities. The unit will be a section of the Frederick Police Department, and the other agencies will share in the cost of running the unit. Providing adequate Victim Assistance is crucial to the role of our department and providing a service that our citizens need. We are proud to lead the way!

z The Town of Frederick Economic Development Office is currently involved in several programs to continue the Downtown revitalization process that is included as part of the Community and Economic Vitality section of the Strategic Plan. As part of these continued efforts, the Economic Development team is beginning the necessary steps for the Town to become an official Colorado Main Street Community. Please be on the lookout for opportunities to share your stories and suggestions for revitalizing

historic and lovely downtown. This project is soley focused

Mead Mayor, Colleen WhitloW

FrederiCk Mayor, traCie Crites

Mark 11:15-18 tells the story of Jesus cleansing the Temple. He wasn’t at all happy at the shopping center scenario being presented in a place that was designed to be holy to God and to those of the Hebrew faith. It wasn’t just the fact of all the buying and selling and money being exchanged, but WHERE it was taking place. Hundreds of pilgrims had poured into the city of Jerusalem for the annual Passover event, and it was certainly a convenience for them to be able to purchase animals for the sacrifices. That in itself was not the sin, but this practice resulted in a noisy confusing atmosphere in a place meant to be reserved for quietness and meditation.

Careless and irreverent behaviors don’t belong in places of worship, and on that day, Jesus drove out both buyers and sellers. He herded out animals. He dumped money by overturning tables. We see in this a small display of the wrath of God against sin! The temple had been intended as a road to God, not a road to merchandising. Worship had taken a back seat to commerce. If anyone present

had wanted to pray it would have been challenging amidst the craziness. In fact, Jesus accuses them of making God’s house ‘a robber’s den’.

We come now to the Christmas season, 2022, a much-loved and popular time of year in America. Stores are brimming with things to buy, Christmas music blares from speakers, traffic is thick as shoppers vie for the best deals, and merchants whistle all the way to the bank, or at least they hope to. Bargains have been advertised since before Halloween, and many are now eager to snatch them up.

Is there much difference in the first century merchandising in the Temple and the 2022 merchandising in every town in the USA? One big one- stores are meant to sell stuff, so it is entirely OK for them to do what they do aggressively in our free market economy. It is in no way wrong or illegal, so they have complete freedom to pursue gain and sell, sell, sell.

But how should a Christian handle such an atmosphere? We too like to gift our families and friends, since giving is a godly characteristic. Is there any culpability in us who call ourselves followers of Jesus as we join the thousands of others in pursuit of the best deals while listening to Jingle Bells and

Catching Butterflies Preschool Now Enrolling

Catching Butterflies Preschool is enrolling for the 2023-24 school year. Your 3-5 year old will have a blast joining in with us. We have a full themed literacy based preschool curriculum taught by a Colorado licensed teacher, exciting FIELD TRIPS, enrichment classes, Gymnastics, and so much more for a fun filled active program! Your child will thrive at Catching Butterflies Preschool. Visit our Facebook page https://m. facebook.com/Catching-Butterflies-Preschool-LLC-545846508897028/ and website catchingbutterfliespreschool.webs.com. Call Miss Josie at 970-301-0942 to schedule a tour. We would love to have your family join us.

We claim to understand that this celebration we call Christmas should be about Christ- not Santa Claus. After all, St. Nick wasn’t born on Christmas Day, but Jesus was. If we would use this holiday time to more pointedly promote the kingdom of God and the birth of a Savior, perhaps some changes for us are in order. Wishing others a ‘Merry Christmas’ is appropriate, rather than a ‘Happy Holiday’. At least we are calling it by the right name.

Bringing genuine Christmas cheer is definitely not about booze, but about the light of Christ, which should permeate our faces and greetings and responses. Who we ARE in Christ needs to shine through our daily activities, even as we shop. Take Jesus with you into every store. There will be people you meet who are exhausted- both clerks and shoppersand hearing a word of encouragement from you may make their day.

Just as you take cash or cards with you to buy, do you take some literature to hand out to some you will meet in your shopping? Maybe some preprinted gospel tracts or your personal testimony tract. People need the Lord, and far too many lives are lost in

this very season due to depression or loneliness or the conclusion that nobody cares.

Show them that you care enough to speak

up about your Lord and Savior. Even go out of your way to deliver hope to strangers. You may make a lifelong friend in so doing, or even save a life.

Ask the Lord to fill you with Himself for this task daily, and let’s make this the best Christmas ever by allowing our Savior to be seen in our actions and heard from our lips as we go about our normal routines. And pray for (or even with) the people you meet. We too must be about our Father’s business.

Jim pastors at Abundant Life Church, 4380 Highway 66, just east of I25 on the south side. Church starts at 10 am and YOU and you family are invited to understand the reason for the season as we celebrate Jesus each week. Get a sneak preview at www.alcworshipwarriors.org then come and meet some happy followers of Jesus.

Goal Setting and Intentions

The beginning of a new year is an exciting time. It’s typically a specific time when many people set goals (or New Year’s resolutions) which may include losing weight, getting fit, reducing stress and anxiety and overall life balance. I typically set my “big” goals around my birthday. This always seemed more fitting to me. Regardless of when you set goals, just set them. Today, I want to talk about goals versus intentions and why they aren’t mutually exclusive.

A goal is specific as it involves the expectations, actions, and results you want to achieve. Something in the future. We can describe intentions as our overall willingness to do something. It’s the energy we put into action at the start of the action. Your intentions keep you focused on being in alignment with your values now. The present. With your intention in mind, you have the flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing present!

I like to say, “Health is not something you attain and then you’re done. It’s a constant journey”. Let’s say you have a goal of losing 20 pounds or getting off your diabetes medication. Your “success” is based on that external result with many obstacles in the way between now and then. If you attain that goal, the satisfaction is often temporary and then you create a new goal. And then if you do not attain that goal, you feel discouraged, disappointed, or maybe even ashamed and are likely to give up.

What would it look like if you changed the focus of that weight loss from the future to the present? What if each day you have the intention of eating mindfully in order to feel good now. You make conscious decisions about when, what, how and how much to eat by weighing all your available options in that moment. I coach my clients to make the best choice they can in any given situation. This seems to ease the anxiety and stress of the overall goal. Doing this creates awareness which is truly the beginning of change and ultimately to a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.

Don’t get me wrong. Effective goal setting is a valuable and important skill that may help you take the necessary steps to achieve a desired result in the future. I encourage goals unless they cause you to miss out on the present or to get down on yourself because your willpower is not working.

As my experience with mindfulness evolves, I realize that achieving my goals is only a small part of creating a life I love. My intention to live fully and vibrantly makes that life a daily reality.

Lida Johnson, Health Coach, Certified Nutritionist, and Personal Trainer at Head-to-Toe Coaching www.HeadToToeCoaching.com or Lida@ HeadToToeCoaching.com 203.260.2880.

Prairie Greens Christmas Bazaar

Prairie Greens Christmas Bazaar

Hosted by Bubbie’s Sweet Booth with 14 plus vendors. Please come and join us on Saturday December 3rd from 10am to 4pm at 7781 Mountain view Dr. Frederick, Co 80530...There will be a potato bar and drinks available for a small fee.

Looking for crafters, bakers, candy makers, ETC....FREE ENTRY

Mobile Personal Training and Fitness Group Classes!

Ladies, join us for Time For Change Fitness Group Classes. Interval/Strength Training Mondays at 8:30am, Tuesdays at 9:30am, Weds at 7pm; CoreFirst Trainer Class Fridays at 9:30am. See website for details on how to sign up. Mobile Personal Training where I come to you! Also, use your HSA/FSA for Personal Training For Arthritis. Contact Tracy Rewerts, NASM Certified Personal Trainer & Arthritis Fitness Specialist at www. TimeForChangePersonalTraining.com or call 303.828.2856.

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer or even Silent Night? Perhaps not in the purchases, but how about the spirit of the season?

Alternative Medicine: VA’s Community Care Network

Several years ago the VA created a Community Care Network (CCN). Since October of 2017, veterans using the Cheyenne and Denver VA have been provided with visits for acupuncture at my office in Longmont. Happily, travel time for appointments is much less burdensome. There have been many changes along the way, and now the VA is also offering acupuncture services on site in Loveland and Denver. Be sure to ask if there is a CCN provider closer to your home or place of work to request a specific office. Acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic care are part of your health care benefits.

The CCN provides an opportunity for veterans to see a wider variety of health care professionals apart from the VA. The following provides a general outline of how it works and what to expect:

•Veterans can ask for acupuncture, massage therapy, physical therapy and chiropractic care through the CCN by first speaking with their primary care provider (PCP) at the VA, either in person, over the phone, or through myhealthyvet.

•Requested care does NOT have to be service connected.

•The PCP may then authorize visits and provides the information to the CCN department.

•Veterans may request a specific in-network CCN provider.

•According to the Mission Act, No Veteran Left Behind, appointments are required to be scheduled within 28 days.

•If you are told that you must drive to the VA instead of a CCN provider that is closer, inform them that this information is incorrect.

•TriWest calls the veteran and the provider to set up appointments. The veteran will receive paperwork in the mail detailing how many visits were authorized. The CCN provider takes care of submitting invoices and treatment notes. The veteran is not responsible for payment. Eligibility for the CCN program :

•Veterans must either be enrolled in VA health care, or be eligible for VA care. > Veterans may be eligible for VA care without needing to enroll at the VA <

•For more information about eligibility, the link below provides a fact sheet: www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/docs/ pubfiles/factsheets/VA-FS_CC-Eligibility.pdf

“I am fortunate enough to have had Daisy for my care. As a combat vet, I came home with my fair share of issues that needed addressing. Getting approved through the VA was fairly seamless and I highly recommend her service to all of my battle-buddies out there that need help. Having been utilizing acupuncturists for 14 years, I know the difference in quality care and Ms. Lear is top notch.”

Client Testimony

Daisy Lear, MSOM, Dipl.Ac., L.Ac., practices Chinese medicine & acupuncture at 19411 Ute Hwy | Longmont, CO 80503. Her phone number is 303.587.3557, her email is daisylear@gmail.com or visit website at daisylear.com. She is a Healthcare Provider for CIGNA and Aetna. She is the Director of Acupuncture for Veterans and their Families also and you can learn more at www.daisylear.com

Special Promotion & Give The Gift of Health

Are you struggling to find the perfect gift? Not sure what to get someone for Christmas and want to avoid the crazy shopping in person? Then look no further, give your loved one, friend, or even yourself, the gift of health! Looking ahead to 2023, the key to fitness success will be creating a new habit of workouts and healthy eating with a plan in place and I’m here to help.

Gift certificates are available in any amount for Mobile Personal Training where I come in person Or for my Fitness Group Classes: Interval/Strength Training and CoreFirst Training online and in person. Your loved one can live anywhere (even out of state) and connect with me to help improve their health. Check out my website for details on my programs, availability, rates, etc.

Special Promotion for a limited time only: Purchase a 10 Session Personal Training Package (1 hour Session Package only) and get your 11th Session Free Or purchase a 10 Session Fitness Group Punch Card and get your 11th Punch Free (open to new and current clients, limit 1 punch card). Hurry, these specials must be purchased before December 17th.

Are you ready to make your health a priority and take advantage of one of the special promotions above or want to give the gift of health?

Contact Tracy Rewerts, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, and Arthritis Fitness Specialist at www. TimeForChangePersonalTraining.com or call 303-828-2856.

Homeowners have only three to four minutes to evacuate in the event of a fire, research shows. This is such an important issue that I wanted to share this information from the National Association of Realtors and the Fire Safety Research Institute in this month’s article.

Deadly house fires are growing in frequency—and many homeowners have less time to get to safety. Newer homes and furnishings are burning faster, research shows, giving owners just three to four minutes to evacuate when a fire breaks out. Thirty years ago, when homes were built to different standards, owners had about 17 minutes to evacuate. In just three minutes or less, a room could be more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and filled with deadly levels of toxic gas from the smoke.

FSRI recommends homeowners take the following precautions:

•Make an escape plan. Every household should have a fire escape plan, Kerber says. However, one in three Americans says they do not have one— mostly because they’ve never thought to, according to an FSRI survey. Have a plan A, B and C that identifies two ways to get out of every room. If you cannot escape, plan C should be getting behind a closed door, turning on the light and dialing 911 for help.

•Check smoke alarms regularly. Three out of five home fire deaths are attributed to properties without a working smoke detector, according to the National

Fire Protection Agency. Check smoke detectors monthly. Change them out every 10 years. Make sure they are installed in all bedrooms and on all levels of the home, including the basement.

•Close bedroom doors when sleeping. FSRI has launched a campaign, Close Before You Doze, after conducting research showing the protective barrier a door can offer in the event of a house fire. A closed door can prevent deadly levels of carbon monoxide, smoke and flames from entering a room. Further, a 900-degree Fahrenheit temperature difference can exist between a room with an open door and a closed door.

Here is a link to a video showing the difference between an open door and closed bedroom door in a fire: org/programs/close-before-you-doze

Chamber Casino Fundraiser

The Carbon Valley Chamber announced that their Casino Night fundraiser, which will benefit the Carbon Valley Help Center, has moved to a new night: Saturday, January 21st, 2023 from 6:00-10:00pm. The event will take place at the Carbon Valley Rec Center in Frederick, and tickets include heavy appetizers from local restaurants, two drink tickets, and $200 in “casino fun money” for the game tables including Craps, Roulette, Blackjack, and Texas Hold’em. Prizes will be awarded for winners, and door prize drawings will be held throughout the evening. Make it a date night in your own neighborhood, or grab a group of friends for this fun night out on the town. Tickets can be purchased online at bit. ly/CVCasinoNight; must be 21 to attend. Theme is “Classic Hollywood” (think: Ocean’s 11) and participants are encouraged to dress to impress. Tickets are $50 individual/$90 couple before December 21, 2022 (prices will increase in January) and you do not need to be a chamber member to attend. Contact the chamber office with any questions, 303-8335933 or info@carbonvalleychamber.com

In my work as a Senior Advisor, I

My mother had early onset dementia at the age of 61. Because of her age, our family wasn’t quite clued into what was happening, and chalked her memory issues up to other lifestyle choices. At the time, my parents were set to retire to Florida, but once they made the move, my mom’s condition worsened and what was anticipated as a beautiful new season soon turned sour.

The next few years was spent watching my mom lose her independence and become more confused.

This, coupled with my dad’s sadness, and inability to care for her, led to her eventual move to a memory care community where she lived, before passing on at age 66.

My biggest regret during that time was not knowing more about Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of

dementia. Knowing the ins and outs of a disease doesn’t keep you from the sadness that takes over when you begin to “lose” your loved one, but for me it may have helped me be more prepared for what was happening, and perhaps to have more compassion for what her life was like.

If you have a loved one with dementia, seek out information and support through the Alzheimer’s Association. There are Community Education classes, both online and in-person, (coming to the Carbon Valley in January), as well as support groups and a 24/7 support hotline. Go to www.alz.org for more information.

Lindsay Adams is a Senior Advisor with Assisted Living Locators of N. Colorado, offering a no-cost service to help older adults find independent, assisted living and memory care. She can be reached at (303)775-6312.