CVCRFeb23

The Small Business Administration, along with tracktherecovery.org, estimated that 30.2% of small businesses closed in April 2020 because of COVID-19. One year ago this month, small businesses were up only 3% since COVID started. How is it then, that Grandpa’s Pawn and Gun, an independently owned business, is celebrating their 29th Anniversary this year?

• Great Service

• Professional Staff

• Huge Product Variety

• Available Inventory

• Low Interest Loans

These points make Grandpa’s customers come back, over and again. Their customers are made up of all ages, gender, race, religious, and political beliefs. Several main issues unite these people: The love of our country, need for supplemental cash, the Second Amendment, hunting, and freedom.

Rod Brandenburg, owner of Grandpa’s Pawn and Gun says, “Nobody should live in fear about protecting and providing for their family.” Besides providing low interest loans, Rod and his staff will help you know if you should purchase a firearm and what will work for you. If you need to sell a firearm, they’ll help with that also. They have

resources for entry level shooting classes, conceal carry training, plus information to help you stay safe and secure.

They carry new and used firearms and you can order something specific also. If you need to transfer a gun, they do that too! Besides, Rod, two other long-term staff are ready to help you.

Brady, after fifteen years at Grandpa’s says, “I still enjoy what I do. I get to help people out and play with guns.”

Brady’s experience as a gun collector, gun smith, and avid hunter of waterfowl and big game can help any customer with most every question.

His enjoyment at work comes from being a part of “the family.”

He says, “Rod is very good to his staff, and I couldn’t ask for a better boss.”

Chris, also at Grandpa’s for fifteen years agrees with Brady as to having a wonderful job and feeling like part of Rod’s family. Chris says the best part of his job is, “Having the ability to help people who are down and out and need a loan. It’s nice to help them get through a tough time with some money.” Chris’ positive attitude may come, in part, from the blessing of still being alive. He’s a 20-year bone cancer survivor after being

given only a 3-5% chance of survival and a 0% chance of keeping his leg. He’s alive and has his leg, thank God. Chris has a degree in Gun Smithing and Political Science. He’s available and ready to help anyone regarding firearms, from a newbie to the highly experienced. And one more thing; bring your kids and Chris might just keep them entertained with magic tricks! He’s available for parties too. “I do it for the cake,” he says.

Grandpas has something for everyone: jewelry, gold and silver, musical instruments, clothing, fishing gear, bicycles, construction tools, and equipment, all for affordable prices. The inventory is ever-changing.

If money is an issue, take advantage of low interest collateral loans. Grandpa’s Pawn and Gun is a store for every person in the family.

Grandpa’s owners are a 5th Generation Colorado Homestead family. They are located at 104 9th Avenue in Longmont. You can find them at www. facebook.com/grandpaspawnandgun also IG @grandpaspawnandgun and at www. grandpaspawn.net, or call 303.772.7952.

NOTE: Grandpa’s is looking for experienced, knowledgeable employees with great personalities and the ability to work with people of all dispositions and beliefs. Must have wide variety of knowledge of guns, pawn business, gold/ silver, jewelry, music, and ability to recognize quality used items, and pass background check.

CHEMICAL OPERATORS CHEMICAL OPERATORS

Requirements: Must pass drug test & background check and have a HS diploma or GED. Must be able to pass a basic math and reading assessment.

Company Benefits: BSC offers medical, dental, vision, flexible spending,

Valentine Candy & Gifts

Locally Hand Crafted

You won’t have to go far to find something sweet for your special Valentine. LoriLee’s Chocolates & Gifts is located in downtown Frederick, 539 Oak Street. The shop is open weekly Wed-Fri 4-6 and Sat 11-5.

You’ll find an assortment of hand crafted chocolates, chocolate covered strawberries (available on the 13th and 14th), candy and cute gifts.

Valentine’s Day is Tuesday February 14th. The shop will be open for your convenience February 12th,13th and 14th. Sunday 12-4, Monday & Tuesday 12-6.

Area Mayors’ Report—For those of us who do not attend meetings

the Police Department’s web pages will look and feel more like their own website. To sign up for notifications of interest, please visit: cityofdacono.com/list.aspx

z Budget details for 2023:

z I’m pleased to have Dacono’s information back in the Consumer Report. Please follow the City’s Facebook page and my Mayoral Facebook page for news and updates between Consumer report editions. facebook.com/CityOfDacono and facebook.com/ AdamMoreheadCityOfDaconoMayor

z Our City website is in the process of a refresh, so our important news and information are easier to access. In addition,

Mead Mayor, Colleen WhitloW

z Responsible Growth:

Construction has started on the new QuikTrip convenience store located on Hwy 66, adjacent to I-25. The Mead site will offer larger store footprint and two fueling islands. The developer is also adding public improvements to the area that include the reconstruction of Foster Ridge Drive and Highland Drive, installation of a traffic

FrederiCk Mayor, traCie Crites

♦ The City’s 2023 budget includes significant investment in street and road projects. In 2005 the City began a long-term project to replace the streets, sidewalks, and water lines in the original areas of Dacono, known as Old Town and the Glens. This year, the last phase of that project will be completed. The next significant project in Old Town and the Glens will be a similar multi-year project to improve the sidewalks and street crossing accessibility.

♦ - One of my highest priorities is working with CDOT, our neighboring communities, and the County to begin planning for improvements to SH 52. The City was part of a large coalition of communities, counties, and CDOT that took an essential first step by creating an Access Control Plan (ACP) and performing a Planning & Environmental Linkages (PEL) study from the Weld/Boulder County border east to I-76. While we

signal at Foster Ridge Drive and Hwy 66, and construction of an additional east-bound deceleration lane on Hwy 66. QuikTrip is expecting to open their Mead location later this year.

z Reliable Infrastructure: Excavation work related to the box culvert extension has started at northeast corner of CR 7 and Hwy 66. Most of the work is expected to occur off the road, but minimal traffic impacts may occur. This project will widen the concrete box tunnel to improve road safety and is to future Colorado Department of Transportation intersection improvements. The box culvert extension should be completed by the end of April.

z Public Safety: Thanks to generous donations through Shield 616, Mead Police Department was supplied with lifesaving protective gear for all our officers. Shield 616 was founded to provide all-day rifle protection and body armor for first responders who served and safeguard the community.

z Fiscal Stability: The Street Improvement Fund, created

welcome growth in the area, the highways connecting our residents to the region desperately need improvement.

♦ - The City’s Urban Renewal Authority wrapped up their I-25 Corridor Study from SH 52 south to Summit Blvd. (WCR 9). The study will help guide our efforts to attract the desirable development our residents want to see in that area. While it’s frustrating to see a lack of activity along that prime interstate frontage, the City has been implementing strong economic development policies and programs to incentivize the type of businesses everyone wants. Shopping, restaurants, and entertainment are the most requested types of businesses people ask me about. The I-25 Corridor Study will allow the City to enhance our land use code so those types of businesses are prioritized.

z I can be reached at Adam.Morehead@ CityOfDacono.com or 303-833-2317 x126

to collect the additional 1% sales and use tax approved by voters in November 2021, collected $2.6 million in revenue during 2022 and is projected to accumulate $2.4 million throughout 2023. The Board of Trustees approved $4.1 million in expenditures during 2023 to help improve our road network. Any remaining funds can be carried over and applied to subsequent budget years to help fund larger street projects. This fund can only be used for maintaining and improving the roadways in Mead.

z Connected Community: Mead Recreation has opened registration for spring youth volleyball and soccer. For detailed information on season dates and fees, visit: bit.ly/meadsports Stay up to date on town projects and news by subscribing to our monthly Mead Messenger and signing up for email notifications: www.townofmead.org/newsletter/subscriptions. If you are new to Mead, check out our Resident Information webpage!

z Happy February, Frederickians! I hope you can get out and love one another this month!

z As your Mayor, here are some things I am excited to share with you in FebrUary:

z Agilent Technologies has chosen the Town of Frederick for its multimillion-dollar expansion project! frederickco.gov/ ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1413 . I would like to thank our staff for their incredible comradery in securing this opportunity for FRED. I am wildly impressed and proud of each one of you!

z Town of Frederick’s 2023 Scholarship Program is now accepting applications. All applications and corresponding documents must be received no later than Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, to be considered. frederickco.gov/984/Scholarship-Program . Looking forward to meeting our seniors!

z Frederick Water Plans-Frederick is dedicated to investing in existing and future transportation, water, stormwater, and technology while planning for sustainable growth and development. The Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) is a proposed water supply project coordinated by the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWCD) that would create 40,000 acre-feet of new water supplies to 15 water providers. This water is developed by constructing off-stream reservoirs to capture peak river flows without contributing to agricultural dry-up. Frederick is currently a participant in NISP in the amount of 2,600 shares yielding 2,600 acre-feet of high-quality water. As such, the Town recently adopted Resolution 23-R-01, to approve the 19th Interim Agreement to continue participation in this project to provide a dedicated water resource for Frederick’s future.

z Frederick Reusable Shopping Bags – As you know (if you’re like me, you forget this until you already have a cart full of groceries) as of Jan. 1, Colorado businesses are required to charge consumers a 10cent fee for each plastic and paper bag they carry out of their store. As a Frederick resident, we’d like to help! Please stop into Town Hall (401 Locust St.) or Administrative Services (311 Fifth St.), Monday – Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm, to say (hi) and snag a free reusable bag, save yourself some money, and share your love for Frederick.

z 2023 Sponsorship Opportunities – Our highly anticipated Frederick events are just around the corner and wouldn’t be nearly as elaborate and enjoyable without our sponsors. Join the opportunity

to celebrate community: frederickco.gov/805/2023-SponsorOpportunities

z New Town web pages- As we continue to evolve as a Town, it is our goal to show consistency and thought in every action. We truly want you to be involved - We will continue to communicate our plans, process, and strategic goals with transparency! A few new services and departments in Frederick seeing some well-deserved sunlight and action are our Parks and Open Space: frederickco.gov/972/Parks-and-Open-Space and our Victim Services: frederickco.gov/963/Victim-Services

z Special Days in FRED:

z Happy School Resource Officer Day (Feb.15) to all SRO’s especially to Luke, Andy, and Brad! You make a difference in our community every single day. Thank you for being you!

z Also, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on Jan. 9 to show support for local, state, and federal law enforcement. This past January, the men and women of the Frederick Police Department were called upon to serve and protect our community during a critical incident. FPD, and surrounding agencies, responded and showed tremendous bravery! We appreciate you, Law Enforcement!

z Random Act of Kindness Day is Feb. 17. Let your kindness be contagious!

z Happiest of National Engineers Week, Feb 19-25, to the BEST of the BEST: Arthur, Brian, Charles, Eli, Jason, Kathy, Kevin, Ryan, Sarah, and Zackery!

daCono Mayor, adaM Morehead

1999-2023 4 4 4

Food for the Soul: It’s All About the Love Health

For many years our motto at Abundant Life Church has been ‘It’s all about the love’. I’d like to share with you the Biblical basis for this from Mark 12:28-34. Jesus makes it clear in this passage that one of our central purposes as His followers is to not simply have love talk, but a love walk. The fellow who initiates conversation with Jesus is a scribe, one of Israel’s most learned men, and a modern day equivalent to a lawyer or judge. They were often the MOST educated men in the nation, and very influential. This man recognizes Jesus has answered well in His discussion with the Sadducees and asks Him an astute question about the Law, saying “What commandment is the foremost of all?” Jesus responds from the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy chapter 6: “The foremost is, HEAR O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH. The second is this, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Allow me to break this down for easier digestion.

Jesus begins with an imperative by saying in essence “Hear, pay attention, listen.” He is saying to the Israelites within the sound of His voice, (plus any future followers), you’ll need to understand of

first importance your need to have ears to hear. Unless you focus on what the one true God says you have no chance of proper obedience. Stay tuned in to the Lord of the universe and let Him have your sole obedience. This unnamed scribe was very intelligent and very religious, but still not a true follower of the Living God. He is commended by Jesus as being close to the kingdom of Heaven, but as you all know, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. To be saved you must go ALL IN, not just be curious. Then Jesus ‘fills in the blanks’ with the four requirements of genuine love for God. When we learn to love God this way, it will lead us to do everything by which He will be honored and pleased, and when this truth takes root in our lives as our number one priority- no command of the Lord will ever be grievous to us.

If we would do as Jesus asks, we’ll love God with ALL our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Biblically our ‘heart’ is the center of our being- not just the blood-pumping organ in our chest. So, since Christ renews my heart when I am born again, I must choose Him above all else, and seek to daily grow in my personal relationship with Him. Loving the Lord wholeheartedly puts me well on my way toward obeying the greatest commandment ever. Next, I am to love Him with all of my soul. My soul is not a part of me- it’s ALL of me, me as a living being and one who is eternal. God created us to live forever with Him, but He doesn’t force eternal life on us, and many will choose eternal

&WELL BEING

death by rejecting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Mankind became a living soul from the very hand and breath of God in the beginning, so to love Him with all of our being is the essence of this second part of the love commandment. Loving Him with all of our mind makes more sense to us, unless we limit that to our brain only. In the New Testament, ‘mind’ most often refers to a person’s understanding, views, or opinions. The mind Biblically is simply our inner being, or the sum total of all our mental, emotional, and spiritual faculties, without drawing fine distinctions between them. Finally, we’re to love God with all our strength, and this doesn’t mean our muscles. Strength is the ability to let the past go and forgive. Strength is NOT responding when someone lies or gossips about you. Strength is about worshiping without fear and remaining faithful when life is caving in on you. Or praising God when all the lights go out. Strength is quiet but mighty. Strength is faith when you determine to push through instead of quit, and it’s developed through challenges more than exercise. The sooner we learn that the joy of the Lord IS our strength, the sooner we will increase our love for Him in this area. Spiritual muscles will benefit us far more than larger biceps.

Your heart, soul, mind, and strength are all you have to offer God. As we practice loving Him in these ways, there will come a time when we love Him more than we love ourselves. Such love is entire- my whole brain and my whole emotion and all of

my strength and energy. All of me for all of Him. making the Triune God our first love will make loving our neighbor far easier. Nothing will be lacking in my ability to serve God and man where this kind of love prevails, because love never fails/ it is never rendered inoperative. As I learn to love God with all the powers of my inner being, my life will change for the better daily.

Many people then and now stand in awe of Jesus’ words and actions but hesitate to give their lives to Him. God can handle all of your doubts and questions and fears. Since your eternal destiny hangs totally on what you do with Jesus, please own that you are a sinner, and invite Him to be your Lord and Savior. That is only the beginning of new life in Christ. As a totally satisfied ‘customer’ of the past 53 years, I can tell you I have never had a day of disappointment. Give God a chance to work His magic in your own life. It starts with Jesus.

Come join us at Abundant Life Church, 4380 Highway 66, east of I25 on the south side. Together we will walk with you on this faith journey. Check us out at www. alcworshipwarriors.

org Church starts

at10:00 am

Do

www.UnitedWay-Weld.org/LEAP

1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435)

Do Meaningful Social Connections Matter?

Ah, Valentine’s day. Not a day that I tend to celebrate specifically. I prefer the spontaneity of flowers, a special handwritten note or even some chocolate from my loved one(s) on any random day. Why do we have to designate a day to publicly demonstrate that you love someone? Frankly, frequent social connections including with your romantic partner; but also with family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues are so good for us!

One landmark study showed that lack of social connection is a greater detriment to health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure. (Science, 29 July 1988, Vol 241, Issue 4865). WOW. So why do meaningful social connections matter? They will make you live longer, impact your physical health, reduce stress, make you feel better about your life and yourself, and improve your habits.

By nature, we as human beings are inherently social. In terms of your health, it’s not about the number of social connections that you have but rather about the quality or how meaningful those connections are. If you want to reap the benefits of a happy and healthy life, it’s important to learn to cultivate your relationships to make them deeper and more satisfying, so that when you are faced with challenges (stress, growth, medical issues, change), you can turn to these people for support. The strongest social connections provide you with:

z Appraisal - honest feedback and constructive criticism

z Companionship - make you feel more socially accepted

z Emotional support - people who nurture and motivate you to keep moving forward no matter how hard life gets

z Useful information - information that helps you solve problems (accountants, lawyers, health coaches, etc.

z Tangible support - resources, favors – for when you find yourself in a tight spot and you need someone to bail you out.

It’s difficult to get all of that from a single person. Who do you go to when you are in a “funk” for a pick me up? Who do you admire and talk to when you want to change your eating or exercise habits? Who do you call when you are totally stressed out from work? Who do you turn to when someone has “hurt” you? After any of those conversations, how much better do you feel? This is why establishing connections with different kinds of people is important. Try to belong to different groups, to volunteer in different ways. Perhaps you can get involved with a church, the neighborhood, a running group, a book club, a volunteer organization, etc.

When I coach my clients through weight loss, changing habits, dealing with stress it’s difficult to do that without considering the support or social connections they have. How are your social connections? Is this something you need to focus time towards? It’s not easy sometimes but as a coach, I can help you navigate that.

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

720-259-0444

vkupfner@superiorinsure.com

This independent business owner lost home and office in Marshall Fire Call for Quotes Today! https://gofund.me/57a05308

You Can Learn to Help Save a Life!

With the attention drawn to what happened on the field during a recent NFL game, and the actions taken to save the life of a player, taking CPR classes is again in the spotlight. Crews in Cincinnati utilized CPR and used a Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to restore the player’s vital signs within minutes, which saved his life. Getting help to someone in distress immediately can make all the difference. Mountain View Fire Rescue is proud to offer in-person classes where instructors give in-depth lessons on the emergency life-saving procedure and will also show how the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used. We have classes both on weeknights and on the weekends to better fit a busy schedule. Below is a list of our CPR/AED and CPR/AED + First Aid class times and dates, plus a link where you can sign up, to learn how to save a life!

Saturday 2/4/2023 CPR/AED 9:30AM-12:00PM or 12:30PM-3:00PM

Wednesday 2/8/2023 CPR/AED 6:00PM-8:30PM

Saturday 2/11/2023 or Saturday 3/11/2023 for CPR/AED & First Aid 9:30AM-4:00PM www.mvfpd.org/cpr-first-aid-classes

The Pride of the Glens Open House

The Pride of the Glens invites you to our open house at the new Community Center Friday, February 3rd from 3pm-6pm to celebrate our new community space at 209 4th St. Unit B in Dacono!

Coalition Leaders are filling up the calendar with free classes and services for community members in Dacono! Zumba anyone? Learn to sew, gather with friends to play cards or come to a monthly family movie night! 2nd “2oosdays” at 2 is a monthly drop-in for anyone wanting to connect with information about services or resources like the Area Agency on Aging, 60+ Ride, Habitat’s Critical Home Repair Program or others! Creating Shared Community Space was identified as a priority in the coalition’s work plan last fall. St. Vrain Habitat for Humanity began leasing the space and provides organizational support, resource development and technical assistance to the group. The resident-led coalition, the Pride of the Glens has inspired community building and collective action improving the quality of life for residents in the Glens neighborhood for the past four years.

Their first project was landscaping the berm and installing new benches at Clem Dufour Park in 2018. Since then, they advocated with CDOT to improve the pedestrian crosswalks at Hwy 52, installed the “Glens of Dacono” gateway stone, host semi-annual free dumpster days, partnered with the small-business owners to rehab the Dacono commercial parking lot and host educational and social programming for the community. Pride of the Glens includes over 60 diverse residents and a leadership team who meets monthly.

Interpreting, childcare and home cooked meals allow for all residents to participate fully and in their first language, either English or Spanish. Sharyl McCune, a resident leader shared that “coalition members all care deeply about family and community. Just because we don’t speak the same language doesn’t mean we don’t feel the same way!”

The coalition’s leadership and projects are guided by their vision, “proud to live in a quiet, friendly community where all our dreams can come true” and values; Community, Communication, Fun, Inclusivity, Service, Peace & Commitment. St. Vrain Habitat has completed 14 new construction builds and 27 Critical Home Repairs in the Glens of Dacono and is currently hiring a Part-Time Coalition Coordinator. For more information or to share ideas for programs and resources, please reach out to the Neighborhood Revitalization Manager, Krystal Winship Erazo at 720-899-0893 or kwinshiperazo@stvrainhabitat.org or visit stvrainhabitat.org

you need help paying your utilities this winter? Colorado’s Lowincome Energy Assistance Program or LEAP may be for you. LEAP helps Colorado families, individuals, older adults and those with a disability to pay a part of their winter home heating costs.

Alternative Medicine: Winter

One of the foundations of Chinese Medical theory is the concept of human beings living their lives in harmony with the seasons. Each season corresponds to specific organs and tissues and their function within the human body. Since we are now deep into Winter, I would like to share thoughts relating to this cold, quiet season.

Winter is a time for rest. Just as the trees and plants are dormant and conserving their energy for renewal in springtime, so should we as human beings. If we have a current exercise program, this would be the time to slow down a bit. Quiet, reflective exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga, t’ai chi, and pilates are great for winter. These types of activities offer “quiet time” for our minds while strengthening and stretching our muscles.

According to Traditional Chinese Medical theory, Winter corresponds to the element, Water. Water makes up two thirds of the weight of an adult. Water assists in carrying nutrients in the blood, and helps to rid our bodies of toxins. And, water is incredibly adaptable, it fits into any shape provided, no matter what the temperature, which reflects the emotions associated with the Water element of “going with the flow” and courage/fear. The organs associated with the Water element are the Kidneys and Bladder.

The Kidneys are the storehouse for our “vital Energy,” or Jing, which is passed on to us from our parents. It is thought that while we cannot change this constitutional essence, we can preserve it through lifestyle choices. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and assist in the fight or flight response. Each time the Kidneys need to respond to fearful or stressful situations, we dip into this “vital essence” reserve. Emotionally, the balanced picture for the Water element and a healthy Kidney relates to inner strength, self confidence, and excellent follow through. This person has a strong will and is not discouraged by difficulties and obstacles. Some physical manifestations of Kidney energy weakness include pain of the low back, legs and knees. The Urinary Bladder collects the contaminated fluids and lets it go appropriately. It is flexible enough to hold a large amount of fluid without too much discomfort. The key to understanding the Bladder is adaptability, control and self-mastery. A healthy Bladder relates to a person’s confidence and ability to know themselves in familiar and unfamiliar situations.

According to Chinese Medical theory, the Water element also corresponds to bone, bone marrow and teeth. As we travel deeper into the body we know that bone gives us structure for a solid foundation. The strength, density and form of the bones depend upon the health of the Kidneys. Today, many people are concerned about the condition of their bones and calcium intake. There are many foods to choose from that are calcium rich, and interestingly enough, at the top of this list are foods that come from water: seaweeds. For instance, three and onehalf ounces of Hijiki, Wakame, Kelp or Kombu provide 1,400 to 800mg of calcium. Almonds provide 233, parsley 203, garbonzo beans 150, quinoa grain 141, black and pinto beans 135, yogurt 121 and milk 119 mg calcium (Healing with Whole Foods, by Paul Pitchford).

It is also believed that the salty flavor enters the Kidney and Bladder. It is important to ingest a reasonable amount of salt, since an excess amount can injure these organs. All salt comes from the sea, but refined salt is processed in such a way that the minerals are leached out. Sea salt is typically slightly grey and will be in the form of a powder, granule or larger crystals than table salt. Whole sea salt has a mineral profile most similar to that of our blood.

The goal for winter is to have no goals, but rather, store up ideas and plans for use in spring, and do as little as possible. It is important to get plenty of rest, try slower, more meditative exercises, drink plenty of clean water and eat warm, nourishing foods like soups and stews. I hope you enjoy this winter season, and please take care!

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

Mindset Is Key When Sticking to Your Fitness Goals

When you read this article, it will be about 4-5 weeks into the New Year. It’s around this time when a lot of people start to lose the motivation they had at the start of the year when it comes to improving their health and working on their fitness goals. To help get past this point, it’s all about mindset.

At the start of 2023, you may have reflected on the past year thinking about what goals you achieved or did not achieve. Why some things went better than expected and why other things didn’t happen at all or were difficult. Hopefully you learn something from the good and the bad. Learn from those experiences and move on to create new and better ones.

quote “The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results.” thinking. We have to choose to change.

When your thinking changes, your behavior follows. That is the beginning to a path of success. Even if you didn’t start yet, today is a new day. It’s time for change and a fresh start!

Time For Change Fitness Group Classes, or my Mobile or Virtual Personal Training Sessions might be just the change you need to improve your health and work on your fitness goals. My programs are easy to follow, and designed with interval training using full-body workouts to turn on your after-burn. This will increase your metabolism and help you burn calories long after your workout is over.

If you need help getting started on your health and fitness goals, it’s not too late. Contact Tracy Rewerts, NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist at www. TimeForChangePersonalTraining.com or

To my twins..

Happy 21st Birthday, Makenzie and Marissa Parker

We are proud of each one of you girls. You both bring joy and some heartaches. LOL We will also love and be here for you.

Love, Mom and Dad

Happy 7th birthday, CoCo!

Mom & Dad love you so much, honey!!

Happy 11th birthday, Lukey!

We love you very much!

Mom & Dad

Happy 4th birthday to Hearth Rae!

You are a light to this world and bring smiles to every room. We love your imagination and you’re such a joy for life. The kindness, love, and thoughtfulness you exude is inspiring for all. May the Lord bless you and keep you, sweet girl!

BRIDES, when you purchase your gorgeous wedding dress now through – March 31st on your rst visit to DWB mention this Ad and receive a complimentary Bride Sweater (retail value $63.00)

FREE

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

I would like to thank the Firestone police officer that stopped and finished shoveling my sidewalk during the first snowstorm. As a senior citizen it really made my day that she was willing to take the time and energy to do a much better job than I was doing and get me out of the cold.

Sincerely, Sherry

Lousberg

Happy 1st Birthday to our precious Linaya Michelle.

You are a very special little girl, can’t wait to celebrate with you & watch you grow.

Love, Nana aka Christina, Pops aka Jason, Auntie Marissa & Auntie Makenzie.

Happy 8th Birthday!

John, our tap dancing cowboy, celebrated on January 15!

You are full of surprises and talents.

We love you so, so much.

You Can Be A Storyteller!

Happy 9th Birthday Aubrie!!! Thank you for bringing so much sunshine to the world!!!

Hope this year brings you lots of blessings!!

Love Mom, Dad, Bella, and Andrew!

The St Vrain Valley Storytellers bring stories to life for kids in the St. Vrain Valley School district, Kindergarten through 5th grade. Our volunteers – mostly older adults - share the rich oral tradition of tales that teach and enchant, tales we tell (rather than read.) How can you become a St. Vrain Valley Storyteller? Attend four 3-hour training classes held in Longmont. The first of our 4 training sessions is February 28. Following the training, new tellers get to observe an experienced teller in a school classroom. When fully trained, we offer support to place our tellers in classrooms. For details on this exciting Storytelling opportunity, please contact Marianne Balin (mbalinhome@gmail.com).

February 11 is 211 Day in Colorado

February 11 (2/11) is 211 Day in Colorado. As 211 Colorado was founded in 2002, this is the 20th time that 211 Day has been celebrated as a community reminder of the need for 211 Colorado.

“211 Colorado is a critical resource for Colorado families, be they facing an everyday disaster like job loss or accident or illness or if they are caught up in a natural disaster like a flood or wildfire,” noted Lyle SmithGraybeal, chief operating officer with United Way of Weld County and the 211 Colorado Collaborative vice-chair. “Whatever the difficulty, be it personal or community-wide, 211 Colorado is ready to assist.”

Ben’s recent call to 211 Colorado represents a common story of help provided. Ben had been out of work and struggling to afford food. He learned from a friend that he may be eligible for ongoing food benefits, but had not asked for help before and wasn’t sure what was available. The 211 Colorado SNAP navigator took Ben’s information and uploaded his application into the online benefits system. The navigator then found Ben two nearby food pantries that he could make use of while waiting for a determination of eligibility.

With seven partnering organizations and four contact centers statewide, anyone can make use of 211 Colorado via phone (dial 2-1-1), text (send zip code to 898-211) or at the www.211Colorado.org website. The service is available in English, Spanish and other languages.

“Each year 211 Colorado makes around 16,000 referrals to resources throughout Weld County and the seven other northeast Colorado counties,” noted Margie Martinez, the 211 Colorado @ UWWC coordinator. Visit www.211Colorado.org

Event Calendar

☐Platteville Lions Club BINGO

Friday, Feb. 24th. Open at 5:30pm. Starts at 7pm. Platteville Community Center at 508 Reynolds Avenue. $12 for all games, cash only please. Daubers for sale. Concessions sold by the Boy Scouts. Proceeds go to the Valley High School youth wrestling club

☐Interfaith Quilters of Longmont will celebrate the 37th Annual Quilt Sale on March 3rd (4-8p) and 4th (9a-3p).

$2 entry fee. First Lutheran Church, 803 Third Avenue in Longmont, Colorado. The proceeds benefit the O.U.R. Center and the Safe Shelter of the Saint Vrain Valley. Interfaith Quilters of Longmont gather most Mondays, 9a-2p at First Lutheran Church. Bring your lunch. More info at www.interfaithquilters.org our email is interfaithquilts@gmail.com

☐Coffee with Christ of every month 8-9a. Inquire at coffeewithchrist2023@gmail.com location and info. For Christian women, all denominations to join a group where we women can sharpen each other. Bring your favorite mug-we provide the coffee!

☐Firestone’s 2023 Events Need Sponsors More info email firestoneco.gov. or www.firestoneco.gov/events

☐CV Rotary BINGO Saturday, Feb. 25 - $1,000 Total Cash Payout! United Power Bldg., 9586 E. I-25 Frontage Rd. Doors open at 6p, games start 7p. For more info www.carbonvalleyrotary.org

☐Patriot’s Tea Feb. 11

Carbon Valley Chapter, National Society

Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). Kris Scott presents the Good Citizen’s and American History Essay contest winners. Coal Ridge Middle School and Frederick High School student winners will be recognized! Nelda Pennington shares interesting stories of our chapter’s patriots. For info email CarbonValleyChapterNSDAR@gmail.com

Family | Criminal | Tax | Civil | Estate | Mediation

Living Benefits?...Call Me! bcolvin@farmersagent.com

$25.00 per person. RSVP by February 3rd with payment. Also a Shoe drive through September. Drop off at the Legion during open hours daily from noon to closing. We always need volunteers.

☐Veteran’s Info Qualified Listeners,

More info: day phone 307-633-7061, night phone 307-633-7212. Plus Veteran Travel Reimbursement The VA is streamlining their Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS) reimbursement for all eligible Veterans, including non-VA care known as

Homemade Italian dinner served. RSVP Feb. 7. Pay at door or online at https://bit.ly/3wvi5f3

☐Daddy/Daughter Sweetheart

Dance Feb. 11, 6-8p, FREE, Grace Community Church, Johnstown, RSVP by texting “DANCE” to 970.517.2855

Real E$tate Re$ource$

New Housing Rehab Program

3. You must be current with your mortgage.

4. Your household income must be below 80% Area Median Income for Weld County. More details on the program will be available on the Town of Firestone’s website, www.firestoneco.gov

the program is launched the Town of Firestone will accept applications from incomequalified homeowners, who need assistance making necessary code corrections and health and safety repairs to their homes. Applications will be processed on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS until funds have been depleted. This service is funded by the Town of Firestone and by a grant from the Weld County CDBG Program.

Initial Qualifications:

1. You must own a home within the Town of Firestone.

2. You must have homeowner’s insurance.

For the Love of Family

One of the biggest parts of the equation, when it comes to helping a loved one to find the right fit in terms of senior care, is the role of the family. Most often, this is the adult children, but sometimes it can be grand children or nieces and nephews, working on behalf of the older adult navigating all of the pieces of the senior care puzzle.

The process of understanding the needs of the loved one, as well as anticipating future needs, and deciding what the next right move may be, are daunting for even the most “functional” of families. And we all know there ain’t no such thing as functional!

The truth is that everyone sees the situation through a different lens. If it’s a group of siblings who are coming together on behalf of their parents, each of them had a different experience growing up, had a different relationship with that parent, and has a different relationship with each of their siblings. This is life, and it’s a beautiful thing.

Although it’s helpful to have a respectful spirit of cooperation in the decision-making

process, with the goal of keeping the best interest of the older adult at the forefront, the reality is that different opinions and vantage points ensure that a variety of options are being entertained, and every detail is being considered. The key is collectively laying some ground rules that everyone can agree upon, that allow for freedom of expression for all, while maintaining respect for one another, allowing the end goal, the care, safety and wellbeing of the older adult, to always be at the forefront.

Next month, I’ll share some ways that families can actually be strengthened by the process of coming together to help their older loved ones get what they need in their next chapter.

Lindsay Adams is a local senior advisor with Assisted Living Locators. She offers a no-cost service helping older adults and families to find senior living and care. Call her at (303) 775-6312

Thank You Carbon Valley Help Center Supporters

In 2022 you donated 21,324 pounds of non-perishable food. 1,258 Carbon Valley residents received 20,193 pounds of food. The recipients included 532 children and 216 senior citizens. Your financial donations provided funds to pay 67 utility bills totaling $16,200 and 52 rent/mortgage payments totaling $48,000 and $2,500 for 3 auto repair bills. All in all, CVHC made 122 financial assistance grants which equaled $66,642.

We’re operating with a skeleton crew of dedicated volunteers who process and distribute donations of non-perishable food and toiletries to residents of the Carbon Valley. Our Case Manager works online and in person to offer referrals and assistance grants to residents experiencing household instability. We do that thanks to the food and monetary donations from individuals as well as local corporate, government, and agency sponsors.

Candidate Forums

United Power will host the following Meet the Candidate Forums where members can learn more about each of our director candidates.

Monday, March 13 | 6:30 p.m.

Riverdale Regional Park

Rendezvous Room, Waymire Dome 9755 Henderson Rd, Brighton 80601 View Livestream at www.unitedpower.com

Tuesday, March 14 | 7:30

When:

Thursday,

Friday,