CVCRFeb24 by Consumer Report for Carbon Valley, Mead and Erie

Consumer Report

Carbon Valley | Mead | Erie

Volume 25 • Issue 2 • February 2024 • Since 1999 • carbonvalley@gmail.com

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C re a t in g Commu ni t y B y Conne c t i ng N ei g hb o rs

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

Longmont Climbing Collective Local Author’s Raw New Book

Do you know anyone, personally, who’s named a mountain peak? Me either. Until now! Longmont Climbing Collective (LCC) owner, Bryan Hylenski, has climbed the tallest peaks in the world. Plus, he named a peak in the Indian Himalayas “Hana’s Men,” after his daughter. His team completed the first climb of its western ice face in 2013. This world class climbing gym boasts the tallest walls in the state, top notch climbing and fitness equipment, fitness classes, yoga classes, a designated kid’s zone with slide and ninja warp wall, and a recovery room with two plunge pools and a sauna. Add to that, they have the country’s finest outdoor climbing wall, offering top rope climbing, lead climbing, speed climbing, and drytooling that guests can enjoy all year round. Outdoor area includes picnic areas, a dog park, and connects to the greenway, so you can ride your bike from anywhere in the city! This is a dream facility at a flagship location, with one in Loveland, and one opening in Greeley. M a r c h launches a sale for no registration fee with one-year paid-in-full

memberships. Includes Monthly Meetups and access to additional locations. Members range in age from 3 to 70! Launching their first “Longtucky Showdown” bouldering competition was a highlight where the best boulderer in the world (Daniel Woods) came to this event and won a Lifetime Membership. He’s a local resident and he wanted to be the inaugural winner of the first competition at the gym in his hometown. LCC has the best routesetters in the area, the most dedicated staff and the new facility has every feature any gym rat or climber could dream of. LCC is home to a beautiful yoga studio, world class fitness instructors, certified coaches, and an amazing front desk staff that cares and loves this gym’s members! Check them out today. Longmont Climbing Collective is open Monday-Friday from 6am-10pm and Saturday/Sunday 8am-8pm. They are located at 155 Pinnacle St., Longmont 80504. You can see their new bldg. on the north side of Hwy 119. For more information contact Nick Coutu, 860-368-9062, nick@climbingcollective.co and more photos at www. climbingcollective.co or instagram @climbing_collective

Losing My Child, Finding My God Losing My Child, Finding My God, takes the reader on the author’s journey through the unthinkable—a parent’s worst nightmare. But on that journey, she met the God she’d heard about as a kid growing up in the Bible belt. The story begins with the unexpected and unexplained loss of her first child about three hours after birth. It then details how God healed her heart in less than a year, blessed her with twins, and laid it on her heart to write that story. Now that story is written, and was just released January 1, 2024. If you’ve ever wondered where God is in the middle of tragedy, this book offers glimpses of His mysterious, seemingly illusive, yet ever-present nearness. It will grow your faith, refresh your hope, and settle your heart in the peace that passes understanding. A unique offering of this book is a portion written by her husband from his perspective. Men are often forgotten in these scenarios of loss, but they too have need for acknowledgment and support. To see more about the book, order the book, or connect with the author, visit stacywons.com.

Event Calendar

☐Carbon Valley Rotary BINGO Night - Save the Date! Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. Doors will open at 6:00 pm, BINGO games begin at 7:00 pm. Total cash payout of $1,000. Proceeds support literacy projects. United Power Service Center, 9586 E. I-25 Frontage Road, Frederick. Email info@ carbonvalleyrotary.org for information. ☐Platteville Lions BINGO Friday, February 23rd. Doors open at 5:30 pm, Bingo at 7 pm, at Platteville Community Center at 508 Reynolds Avenue. $12 for all games, cash only. Proceed go to Valley Youth Wrestling Club and Boy Scouts selling concessions

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Page 2 Consumer Report for Carbon Valley, Erie & Mead—Local News & Business Info for Residents Vol. 25, Issue 2

Kelly MartindalePublisher What's OnMy Mind Leap Year, February 29, 2024 I sighed a breath of relief for the extra day this year. Maybe I’ll catch up. Then I remembered the hostages and war in Gaza—an extra day of terror. Bereaved parents, siblings, and children…an extra day of grief. Those struggling with diseases or having a difficult recovery have an extra day in the month to suffer. Suffering is an ongoing experience while we live on this earth. Even in the Book of John in the Bible it’s written, “In this world you will have trouble….” John 16:33 (NIV) My life’s been one trauma or struggle after another. I’m a survivor—a very exhausted survivor. Even now, my family is fractured. Impending divorces threaten our peace of mind and familial structures. Others grieve over death. Missing my grandchildren’s birthdays and milestones breaks my heart. My elderly parents decline in health and abilities. Schedules, household issues, work, finances, projects—each stressful. Leap Year 2024, an additional day of unrest. Sitting with that thought, an additional day of unrest, my mind argues with itself. Even with all the issues listed above, is it possible to experience contentment? Ideas slam against my skull like a large steely against the obstacles in a pinball machine. I gaze at a piece of art my granddaughter created. She drew my happy place, the ocean. The beach, complete with a sandcastle, seashells, a crab and starfish, looking out

over the waves as a dolphin jumps and the sun sets. My blood pressure lowers, I can feel my heartbeat slowing. My happy place isn’t the ocean but with my family, each person I’m related to. My memory brings forth the image of my granddaughter creating the artwork. She wrestled with the scissors while cutting the different colors of construction paper. When finished, she presented her creation with a flare and a message, “Now grandma, you can be in your happy place whenever you look at this!” She’s correct. I look at her picture and it brings joy to my heart. Just like reading the rest of the verse above offers me security in the unrest. It’s written in John 16:33 (NIV) and Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 2023 and now into 2024, I’ve felt alone, scared, and disconnected from God. Yet, I know He’s with me. I’m fearful for my family members and all the sorrow they’re going through, but I know Jesus is watching over them. Nobody can take that confidence away from me. But Satan, an enemy of Jesus, therefore my enemy, never gives up torturing me. When I’m weak, tired, and living in fear, Satan’s deception wins, temporarily. I’m grateful to state, emphatically, Satan’s successes are limited. As I reach out to my Savior, I may not see Him, but I feel His presence

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quietly sitting with me. Silent, except His breath in me. Jesus keeps me moving forward, in huge leaps or a slug’s pace. Each day is the Lord’s. It’s not mine to plan, maneuver or manipulate. I strive to give it all to the creator of heaven and earth, and me. I was invited into the Kingdom of God when I was seven. I was naïve when I first believed how much Jesus loves me. Even with the deaths of my children, the tearing apart of families, and the emotional trauma of abuse and neglect, I still believe. I don’t wear rosecolored glasses and there’s nothing blind about my faith. Everything I need to know about living on this difficult planet, I’ve found in the Bible. My eyes are wide open to my reality and the battles on this earth. Now that my life is probably 75% over, I still believe the Lord loves me. This Leap Year, I’m choosing to cling to what God said to Moses many years ago, yet relevant today. At the burning bush, God said, “I am the God of your father, and I see the suffering of my people held captive in Egypt. I send you to rescue them and lead them to the land I promised them.” This is a summary of Exodus 3 (NIV) from www.drkatherinehayes. com/post/faith-brings-god-s-plan-to-life The God of the universe still cares about us in Gaza, in America, and around the world. He sees our torturous sorrows and He sent Jesus to rescue us, along with the message that Jesus is our hope and salvation, in Him we can trust.

Serving SW Weld County: Firestone, Frederick, Dacono, E. Erie, E. Longmont & Mead! The ONLY Colorado publication to reach Consumers in our area every month via print and many social media platforms! For Display Advertising, have a feature written, 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 | Production Writers: Kelly Fordyce Martindale  Betty Heath You can read past issues at

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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.

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Carbon Valley Help Center Needs Volunteers The Carbon Valley Help Center is looking for volunteers! Are you dependable, motivated, and able to lift 20lbs? Do you want to give back to your own community? We need volunteers who can work a 3 hour shift on Tuesday or Thursday between 9 and 3 either in our front office, or in our food pantry. Our volunteer application is on our website www.carbonvalleyhelpcenter. org, or you can call 303-833-6626 with any questions, or you can stop by. We are located at 150 Buchanan Ave., Firestone, CO 80520

Area Mayors’ Report—For those of us who do not attend meetings FREDERICK MAYOR, TRACIE CRITES

on What truly Matters – its people! And here’s some great opportunities to give back, to celebrate, and to recognize the important impact of PEOPLE. 1. The Town of Frederick Scholarship Program is now open to qualifying graduating seniors. This program is designed to assist Frederick students with post-secondary education expenses. Applications are being accepted online through February 23, 2024. https://www.

frederickco.gov/984/Scholarship-Program Happy February FREDerick! During a month known for its spirit of love and gratitude, I want to take this opportunity to express how full my heart is to be your Mayor! I am grateful to those who serve alongside me as Trustees, staff who work with great dedication to provide unparallel service, and of course our residents who are the foundation and heart of our community!  It is an honor to be part of a community that is Built 

MEAD MAYOR, COLLEEN WHITLOW

 Responsible Growth: The project at the 3rd Street and Welker Avenue intersection is advancing through our competitive bid process. We plan to enhance the intersection by adding left and right turn lanes on all sides, installing medians, connecting sidewalks on all sides, upgrading drainage systems, addressing two railroad crossings, and implementing a new traffic signal. The intersection reconstruction is scheduled to start in 2024, and we expect significant traffic disruptions during construction.

and an additional 160 hours of specialized police in-service training to become a “Practitioner” through the National Association of School Resource Officers. This designation shows your strong commitment to your school, students, and your community! 4. Believe it or not, the Town is already at work planning our season of events to ensure that they are nothing short of spectacular! A shout out of thanks to Jessica Hill, who coordinates our Town events! You too can help ensure success by committing to a 2024 sponsorship.

https://www.frederickco.gov/805/2024-Sponsor-Opportunities

2. National Engineers Week is February 18-24. These special team members focus on solving problems that improve everyday life around us. They take great care to protect our water resources and infrastructure. Thanks Engineers! 3. School Resource Officer Appreciation Day is February 15. I’d like to thank SRO’s and celebrate their role in mentoring and bridging relationships that support our future generations. And a big congrats to SRO Fairbanks who completed the 40-hour basic training course, the 24-hour Advanced SRO or Supervisors & Management training course,

5. Mayor Tea and Tee Time or Walk and Talks? I would love to resume monthly community meet ups and hear your perspective, share upcoming events and happenings in Frederick, and just spend time working on Fredericks future together. In previous years we have met at Bella Rosa for iced teas or walked around Centennial Park together, but I am open to other ways to connect. Please let me know your thoughts on when, where, and how often at Tcrites@FrederickCo.Gov or please find me on Facebook!

Our team is dedicated to keeping residents informed as we navigate this complex process.  Reliable Infrastructure: The bridge on CR 34, situated just west of CR 5 and spanning the Mead Lateral, was built in 1937 and has served the community for numerous years. Despite its ability to handle legal loads, noticeable signs of wear and tear have emerged. In a commitment to ongoing safety and reliable infrastructure, the Town has prioritized reconstructing the bridge. Successful grant applications have secured funding for the design, and the latest achievement is a grant of $1.6 million earmarked for the construction of a new bridge.  Public Safety: Public safety in police departments involves various aspects that contribute to the well-being and security of communities. Critical public safety aspects include community policing, crime prevention, emergency response, mental health crisis intervention, use of technology, transparency and accountability, training and professional development, and collaboration with other agencies and local schools. By focusing on these aspects, the Mead

Police Department aims to create a safer and more secure environment for the public while fostering positive relationships with the residents.  Fiscal Stability: The Department of Local Affairs Revitalize Main Street program awarded the Town of Mead $250,000 to help complete the Safe Routes to School construction. The grant program supports downtown vitality and community access to public streets and multimodal transportation. Colorado Safe Routes to School (SRTS) uses a comprehensive approach to make school routes safe for children when walking and bicycling to school.  Connected Community: Explore the exciting activities tailored for our mature, active community this year! Engage in our FUNctional Fitness sessions, ages 60+, offered twice weekly at no charge. Additionally, we welcome registrations for our bingo and lunch programs. Discover the variety of inclusive programs and events Mead offers at bit.ly/MeadCivicRec. New to the community?? View the Resident Information webpage, and don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly Mead Messenger and email notifications: https://bit.ly/2St4Ye7

Vol. 25, Issue 2 For The Carbon Valley, Mead & Erie —Like us at Facebook.com/CarbonValleyConsumerReport Page 3

Letter to the Editor: Greetings, I just wanted to notify the paper of an illegal crosswalk at 1st & Jackson St in Firestone, CO. Usually a newspaper inquiry will cause action whereas an individual voice will not. I believe you can cause this discrepancy to be fixed a lot easier than my words. On the east side of the crosswalk is the proper ADA ramp whereas the west side has an 8” curb. The picture shows my walker, the curb, and at the top is the white stripe of the crosswalk. This crosswalk is highly marked with a road sign indicating drivers are to yield from the painted diamonds to the crosswalk. It is evidently an engineering error when either the sidewalk & curb or the crosswalk was designed & installed. Not a big deal unless you are handicapped like me. Thank you, Greg Manning Editors Note: All LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are from those whose names are posted. They do not reflect an endorsement for or against the subject(s).

John Damsma - Firestone Trustee Candidate Who is Damsma? Out of high school, I enlisted in the US Air Force and served for 6 years. After being honorably discharged, I attended Calvin College with an emphasis on Psychology thinking one day I’d be a youth counselor. My career, however, was with United Parcel Service as driver and in management. Since retiring, I have worked for a local RV dealership, an oil field logistics company, a sports car company and currently am the commissioner of a small adult baseball league. I thoroughly enjoy playing baseball too. I have been a resident of the Town of Firestone since 2008. I lived in the Stoneridge community first and then moved to Barefoot Lakes in 2017. My son and two grandkids live in the area and seeing them every now and then is a real treat. Why be a Trustee? I’m running for Trustee because it appears that the current Board of Trustees is in need of more than one critical thinker who are not afraid to ask questions. I am one of those critical thinkers and I have lots of questions. I want to be a voice of reason for our residents. What values and experience do you have? Integrity, honesty, transparency in actions and a profound desire to guide our Town with fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth plans. Serving Firestone is in my DNA as I’ve dedicated time and effort by being involved on the Stoneridge HOA Board, the Firestone Parks and Trails Advisory Board, the Board of Trustees, the High Plains Library District Board and currently the Firestone Planning and Zoning Commission. My experience has led me to: gain wisdom, be compassionate, be accountable, be humble, be a good listener, and have a good understanding of the Rule of Law. How can you be contacted?: My email is denjhd@gmail.com and phone number is 303-726-1183. I ask for your vote and genuinely appreciate your support.

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Re-elect David Whelan for Firestone Trustee Hello Firestone neighbors! I’m excited to be running this year for the opportunity to continue serving you as a Trustee for the next four years. I have been a Firestone resident since 2011, and my wife since 2000. We have three wonderful children ages fourteen, eleven and nine. Professionally, my wife is a Spanish teacher and I have been in the financial industry for eighteen years, with the last eleven years dedicated to 401(k) plans. Being a Firestone Trustee continues my pattern of service to others which is one of my core values. Since 2009, I have been an MP in the Colorado Army National Guard. Since 2017 I have served on the board for the non-profit Brigit’s Bounty Community Resources. Over the last four years, you and I have faced national and local challenges together that impacted the Town. Through these challenges I have done my best as a Trustee to provide strategic governance for both the short term and generational future of Firestone. The result is that Firestone has continued to grow and thrive and is positioning itself to withstand future challenges. When I ran in 2020, I stated several overarching objectives I wanted to work on: infrastructure; business growth; affordable housing; water; and development of Central Park. Due to printing space constraints, I have listed just some of the things I have done over the past four years in advancement of those objectives. • Approved the development of the Firestone Master Transportation Plan, design work for the I-25 Frontage Rd/Firestone Blvd

intersection and grant funding for Via Transportation to provide free service to qualifying Firestone residents. • Approved Firestone City Centre/City Centre North development agreements. • Personally developed the new annual Friends of Firestone day of service, in partnership with Brother’s Redevelopment. • Approved financing for the St. Vrain Water Treatment plant; added thousands of acre-feet of water storage capacity and ~1,000 acre-feet of water to Firestone’s existing portfolio. • Approved leasing former Town Hall to CVPRD for establishment of a new Senior Ctr. • Approved affordable housing development and established a baseline of affordable housing units in order to receive funding via Proposition 123. • Approved Central Park master plan development.

Looking ahead, I will continue to work on objectives that residents have said are important to them and the quality of life they experience in Firestone. That includes such topics as land development, traffic and infrastructure improvements, accessibility to a variety of business services and recreation, and affordability. I know I can continue to provide strong governance in making decisions about these objectives, which will impact you and my family. It’s a responsibility I take seriously. My hope is that we can always keep an open dialogue about the Town and work together to find solutions that will benefit our current 19,000 residents and also the future generations who will visit, work and live in Firestone. Let’s connect! Nextdoor: Whelan for Firestone Trustee group and Facebook: @ reelectwhelanfortrustee

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Page 4 Consumer Report for Carbon Valley, Erie & Mead—Local News & Business Info for Residents Vol. 25, Issue 2

Health&WELL BEING Food for the Soul: Intentional Steps Forward I presented challenge in early January about taking intentional steps forward in our Christian walk this year. Yes, I jumped on the resolution-culture bandwagon, nothing wrong with that. Some people often feel stagnate, unknowledgeable, inadequate, weak in faith, or weak in their prayer life. I wonder if this describes more than just some people….Both Testaments describe our life with God as a walk. There is movement implied (and expected) in the metaphor of walking with God. There is a purpose to our walk and a destination we long to reach with wonderful rest at the end. The problem isn’t with people who do the best they can. The Christian walk is not an individual competition; all are victorious who are in Christ until the

end. The problem lies with our culture, a strong current hindering and slowing our progress, pushing us backward or knocking us off the path. Our culture (and Satan) is against the Walk and if we are not intentional about clinging to the Lord and being covered by the dust of our master’s footprints, then we will drift. Our enemy is certainly waging war on God’s people. Are we even aware that such a spiritual battle is taking place? I recently mentioned C.S. Lewis’ Screwtapes Letters in a lesson and it caused my wife to introduce it to our children. In this book, Screwtape is a demon, a senior tempter, writing letters of advice to a novice tempter named Wormwood. Take a careful look at an excerpt from this fascinating book: “You will say that these are very small sins; and doubtless, like all young

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Interfaith Quilters of Longmont SPRING SALE Interfaith Quilters of Longmont announces its 38th Annual Spring Sale! The Event will be Friday, March 1, 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturday March 2, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Doors of the Friendship Center at Longmont’s First Lutheran Church, 803 Third Street, will be open to the public. Proceeds from our sale benefit the OUR Center of Longmont and Safe Shelter of St Vrain. A $2 donation is requested each day. Interfaith Quilters of Longmont was organized in 1986. Early members Lee Donaldson, Maxine Bunker, Tracey Murphy and others met at Messiah Lutheran Church on Francis St. The Lutheran Brotherhood offered to match IFQ funds— $5000-—for the OUR Center of Longmont, an auspicious beginning for a fledgling non-profit. Today Interfaith Quilters of Longmont also contributes to the Safe Shelter of St Vrain with the proceeds from our Holiday Boutique and Spring annual sales. Each year we donate quilts upon request. During 2023 appropriate quilts went to Mountain States Children’s Home, Longmont United Hospital— Roberta’s Legacy, and Longs Peak Hospital—Palliative Care Unit. Interfaith Quilters, an eclectic group, have observed some members return to their earlier art education Others have broadened their artistic leanings. After 37 years of quilting and teaching, Tracey Murphy rediscovered Ceramic Art and Art History. She first painted botanicals in pastels. Now in clay she creates garden totems and structures. Karen Stalgren has sewn since age 7. An Occupational Therapist, Karen’s mechanical skills and crafting and sewing experience enhanced her therapeutic vibe. She began quilting in retirement, later joining two art quilt groups. She loves to experiment! Janet Mason speaks of inspiration. Quilting since 1994, Janet sees quilting encompassing all aspects of design. Her art quilts feature pictorial scenes that are given texture and depth with raw edge and needle turn applique. The latest Halloween quilt depicted trick or treaters, employing crazy quilting, ribbons and buttons. Please join us for the Interfaith Quilters of Longmont Annual Spring Sale!

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tempters, you are anxious to be able to report spectacular wickedness. But do remember, the only thing that matters is the extent to which you separate the man from the Enemy. It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing. Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed, the safest road to Hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” I hope you see the point. Without intentionally following Jesus (Discipleship), our Enemy uses the culture and our own complacency to herd us away from the Light and toward his own demise in Hell. Here are the intentional steps I outlined for our church to encourage growth and to fight our natural tendency to

drift. Each of these was a point in a sermon with explanations and applications, you’ll have to do some filling-in on your own. To intentionally STEP forward in your walk this year, purpose yourself to/for:

• Spiritual Growth • Time Together (with fellow Christians) • Engage in Evangelism • Prioritize Prayer, Please! Clayton Johnson preaches for the Carbon Valley Church of Christ meeting at Thunder Valley K8 in Frederick. Want to know more? carbonvalley.church

How can you show your love and support for Autism? The Carbon Valley Half Marathon and 5k has provided a way to bring our community together to support Autism research at Children’s Hospital Colorado. This will be our 12th year for our event! You can support in several ways 1. Participate in our event 2. Sponsor our event 3. Volunteer for our event 4. Donate to Autism research You can find all the information you need on our website, www.cvhalfmarathon.org or email director@cvhalfmarathon.org.

What’s Love Got To Do With It? You know the Tina Tuner song, “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” Well, everything. This is the month of Valentine’s Day. The day flowers, cards, and special dinners are given/received to demonstrate love. I’m not a fan of Valentine’s Day so much because I feel we should express and show our love towards someone every day (or at least as often as possible). I’m not talking just romantic love. I’m talking about the love of family, friends, and other social relationships. All these connections are critical to health. I often go back to the definition of health as defined by the World Health Organization. “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Physical health along with disease and infirmity are quantifiable. Certainly less quantifiable and definitely more of a feeling is how a positive interaction with your “connections” makes you feel great. When you feel love or a deep connection dopamine, the feel-good brain chemical associated with reward, is activated. Here are a few key reasons to cultivate relationships.  With consistent social and emotional support, you live longer.  The feeling of loneliness stimulates anxiety. Cortisol and adrenaline levels rise. Having strong, intimate relationships can mitigate anxiety  Just being in the presence of someone who greets us with positive regard and caring, i.e. when you feel securely connected, your stress levels go down.  There’s a lot of denial around medical illness. Individuals are more likely to shrug off something and say, “It’s not serious.” Someone who cares about you will notice changes with you and ask/encourage you to find out what’s going on.  Having great, real connections makes you happy. You laugh. You talk through stressors. You relax. You try new things. You produce dopamine. You are simply just happier!

Relationships (social connections) take work. Even though I’m not a gardener, I often use gardener analogies. “Like a garden, you can’t neglect your relationships and not expect to have weeds or perhaps something that is beyond repair.” Take the time to connect. It is that important to your health. When I work with my clients, the connections/relationships you have matter. Someone who is supported in their journey is typically more successful in attaining their goals and dreams. Someone who is fighting with the people in their inner circle about changing creates more challenges. Change is already hard enough. You need all the help you can get so surround yourself with those that support you in your journey. So, what’s love got to do with it? Well, everything.

Lida Johnson, Health Coach at Head-to-Toe Coaching. Certified Personal Trainer. Certified Nutritionist. Pre-diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Coach. Weight Loss Specialist. Behavior Change Specialist. www. HeadToToeCoaching.com or Lida@HeadToToeCoaching.com 203.260.2880.

Vol. 25, Issue 2 For The Carbon Valley, Mead & Erie —Like us at Facebook.com/CarbonValleyConsumerReport Page 5

Health&WELL BEING Unveiling the Inner Light: An Introduction to Reiki Cardio Dancing Classes Dance-based fitness classes are growing in popularity, Therapy Healing especially for adults in their 40’s and up. If you like dancing Reiki, an ancient Japanese healing art, isn’t a massage or a religion. It’s a journey inwards, a reawakening of your body’s innate wisdom. Through the light touch of a Reiki Master, universal life force energy – known as Ki – flows, restoring balance and harmony within. At Carbon Valley Integrative Therapies, we believe Reiki can be a transformative touchstone for anyone seeking:

• Relief from physical discomfort: Whether it’s chronic pain, tension headaches, or restless sleep, Reiki can soothe your body and mind, paving the way for deeper relaxation. • Emotional sanctuary: Let go of anxieties, find renewed hope, and experience a profound sense of inner peace as Reiki washes away stress and negativity. • Spiritual connection: Ignite your inner light, reconnect with your authentic self, and discover a deeper sense of well-being that transcends the physical.

Your Reiki journey unfolds in our welcoming wellness boutique, where gentle music and calming aromas create a sanctuary for your soul. As the practitioner guides Ki through you, you may experience warmth, tingling sensations, or simply a deep sense of calm washing over you. Reiki is a deeply personal journey, unique to each individual. Some find immediate relief, while others experience a gradual shift towards greater balance and inner peace. The beauty of Reiki lies in its ability to meet you wherever you are on your path, gently nudging you towards wholeness. Ready to awaken your inner radiance? Contact Carbon Valley Integrative Therapies today and schedule your Reiki session. Let us guide you on a transformative journey towards radiant well-being and rediscovered inner light. www.cvintegrativetherapies.com | 970.568.6860

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A Local Senior Advisor vs. The “Other Guys” Here in the Carbon Valley, we are accustomed to supporting local businesses. However, when it comes to searching for services on a bigger scale, sometimes our best efforts (an innocent Google search) land us with companies who might not be the right fit. Maybe you’ve seen the advertisement for the “other guy”, you know, the one that promises to find a nice place for your mom? Did you know that most of the time, this is just an intake person gathering your information and sending it out to every senior community in the area, regardless of its appropriateness. Oftentimes, you end up being bombarded with calls from sales people in communities that are not at all a good fit. This only adds to the feeling of overwhelm and confusion with the process. When you engage the help of a local senior placement advisor, you are linking arms with one of your neighbors who are experts in the field of senior living. They know every community in the area, from small residential homes, to CCRC’s (Continuum of Care Retirement Communities). They know what differentiates each community, and can speak to the level of care, care philosophies, staffing, longevity of staff, history of the company, and resident life. They know if there’s a walking path nearby, or if this particular community partners with the University to bring in guest speakers. They know if there’s a community garden on property, and if residents are engaged in the community. They know how far it is to the King Soopers, or the nearest Kaiser building. They know this because they are local to the area. In addition, a local senior placement advisor will NOT give your phone number and email to 20 different senior communities that will bombard you with calls.. We work on your behalf, and guide you to the handful of communities (seriously, 3-4) that could be the right fit, making the process so much easier. We take great care to help with all aspects of the decision making process, and also serve to connect you to other resources along the way. Again, because we live and work here, and we know the trusted professionals in the area that serve older adults. If you or a loved one are needing more information about senior living, please reach out. Lindsay Adams is a local Senior Advisor with Assisted Living Locators. She can be reached at (303) 775-6312.

LOCAL QUALITY PREMIUM BEEF

Mallory Mini Farm

ü Small locally owned and operated family farm ü We serve Carbon Farm Valley and surrounding areas ü Grass and grain finished beef ü Individual retail cuts, ground beef, 1/8 and 1/4 shares ü Vacuum sealed, frozen and ready to go ü Go to our website and order online with MC, VISA, Discover, AMEX, Google Pay, Cash App and Afterpay ü Pickup and delivery available the next day ü Please call Angela with questions at 970-308-5860

and fun, join us for my energetic Cardio Walking Workout class on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings. This dance party for beginners is low-impact, with moves and combos that are pain-free, easy to follow, and perfect for all fitness levels. The movements are designed to get you moving to some of your favorite tunes. No equipment or experience is required, and there are no wrong steps in my class. Each class is ~20-25 minutes long and you’ll get in 2000+ steps during that time. You may be asking what are some of the health benefits of a Cardio Walking Workout? Dance cardio works every muscle in your body and is an aerobic form of exercise. It strengthens your lungs and immune system, improves your cardiovascular health, can help with bone mass stimulation, and increases stamina. Dance fitness helps improve balance, agility, flexibility, and endurance, which all help reduce fall risk in older adults. It can also help maintain and improve cognitive skills in healthy older adults as you follow along with the steps and work on coordination. Dancing to music can help lift your mood, reduce negative emotions and stress by raising the ‘happy’ hormone serotonin. Ladies, my group fitness class may be one of the most beneficial ways to reach your health goals. In addition to the Cardio Walking Workouts, I also offer Interval/Strength Training and CoreFirst Training classes. Visit my website at www. TimeForChangePersonalTraining.com for info on each class or call 303-828-2856. Tracy Rewerts NASM CPT, CES.

Tressen Bryant | Lovin Life Coaching Activating upgraded core beliefs that support a life you love is the most important thing you’ll ever do for yourself. When you were born into this world you didn’t have imposter syndrome, you didn’t know the feeling of lack. Fear wasn’t dominating your decisions, and you didn’t know what “not good enough” was. You were you. An amazing, perfect, beautiful soul, in your new body. What is a core belief? A belief adopted by you as you began to experience the world around you. What is Identity? The way you perceive yourself to be, the behaviors you display when you believe your core beliefs to be true. How you show up in the world. Our core beliefs and identities form as patterns. We follow the same pathways throughout our day on autopilot, no longer choosing our beliefs, behaviors, and actions. We fully embrace the core beliefs and identities that help us to thrive but what can be done about the ones that are stealing our joy, creating addictions, keeping us from authentically expressing ourselves, operating in survival mode or just getting by? I’m Tressen Bryant of Lovin Life Coaching. I’m a transformational speaker and life coach, helping audiences and clients transform the damaging events of their lives into dynamic moments of change by upgrading and activating beliefs that fully support a life they love. Coming from my own dysfunctional path and negative core beliefs, I set out on a journey that has led me on a path of self-love, discovery, and supportive beliefs. I’m truly thriving, and I can help you do the same. I love speaking to audiences that positively influence the core beliefs and identity of those they serve: Parent groups, educators, human resources, health & fitness instructors, women’s groups, men’s groups, and LGBTQ+ advocates. I’m available to collaborate with you on your goals. It’s time to get back to that beautiful Soul of yours, live authentically, choose beliefs that support a life that you love. You can begin here, journal this powerful exercise: 1) What is one core belief that I didn’t choose? 2) How do I show up in the world when I believe this to be my truth? 3) Who would I be without this belief? 4) What do I want to believe instead? 5) What behaviors would I have if this new belief were true? 6) What is one small action I choose to activate this new belief? 7) Say it, feel it, practice being it! Before you know it, you have created a new pathway to a happier life! Live a Life YOU Love, Tressen To book Tressen as a speaker or to schedule a complimentary discovery call for coaching, 303-525-8102 or lovinlifecoaching@outlook.com You can find more information at www.lovinlifecoach.com or Lovin Life Coaching on Facebook

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Carbon Valley Rotary Club Supports Suicide Education

Carbon Valley Rotary Club presented a $2,000 check on Jan. 9, 2024 to support Suicide Education and Support Services (SESS) provided by North Range Behavioral Health. This is the fourth year in a row the Club has supported the program which provides Community outreach to reduce the stigma that keeps people from getting help when they are thinking about suicide. The SAFE:Teen program is designed to provide resources, help, and hope to middle/high school aged students. The students learn warning signs and walk away feeling empowered to reach out for support. For information about Rotary visit our site at www.carbonvalleyrotary.org

Camp Bloom! We are excited to announce the return of Camp Bloom! Kids will unplug, make new friends, and have fun in a safe environment. Participants will enjoy swimming, playing on the equipment at the gymnastics center, arts and crafts, physical activities, games and more! The safety of campers is our top priority. Space is limited, so sign up early! Registration District - $250 Non-District - $375 To register, visit www.cvprd.com For District sponsorship opportunities visit www. cvprdcom/2442/Sponsorship.

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Page 6 Consumer Report for Carbon Valley, Erie & Mead—Local News & Business Info for Residents Vol. 25, Issue 2 FREE Birthday Announcements. Send one high resolution photo w/ “birthday” typed in subject line to carbonvalley@gmail.com by 15th of each month.

Happy 22nd Birthday to Marissa Parker and Makenzie Parker on Feb. 28. Happy 27th Birthday to Makayla Parker on Mar. 14. Dad and I are proud of all of you girls. We will always love you. ❤ Love Christina and Jason Parker

Happy Birthday, Henry!! The coolest ELEVEN year old (wut?!) we know. You are AMAZING and deserve the best birthday ever!!! We love you so much.

Happy 5th birthday Hearthy! You are a one of a kind little girl who is tender hearted, thoughtful, and just so silly. You light up every room you enter with your sweet smile and laughter. You are a joy. We are so thankful God has gifted you to our family and we know you will do great things. May the Lord bless you and keep you. We love you immensely sweet girl!

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Vol. 25, Issue 2 For The Carbon Valley, Mead & Erie —Like us at Facebook.com/CarbonValleyConsumerReport Page 7

Obituaries and Memorials

Obituaries, Memorial Messages & photos are always FREE in our publications~ Please tell the funeral home to send obituary to us or you can e-mail to carbonvalley@gmail.com. Because we are a monthly paper, most funeral dates will be past. You may post funeral service information at www.facebook.com/CarbonValleyConsumerReport and we will share with the community.

Katharyn D. Watt

Joan Chalupsky (mother of Deb MacNeil)

May 19, 1984 - January 2, 2024

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Katharyn Desiree Smith. Kate passed away unexpectedly on January 2, 6:50pm. She lived her life with no regrets, enjoying every moment. She saw the best of things, even through the hardest of times. Katharyn is survived by her husband Timothy Watt and two wonderful children, Sunshine and Daze. There are no words to tell how lost we all are without you. We’ll love and miss you always... Services for Kate will be announced at a later date. “Without pain, without sacrifice, we would have nothing.” Tyler Durden.

John Joseph Herman

February 27, 1955 – January 8, 2024

John Joseph Herman, age 68, of Dacono, Colorado, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024. His son, John, daughter, Jo, and Ingrid, his beloved partner of 22 years, were at his side. John Herman was an oil field mechanic for K.P. Kauffman Company until he retired. He enjoyed his family, spending time at his cabin, gun shows, car shows, and gambling occasionally. John was born in Pueblo, CO. A Celebration of Life will be in the near future. A full obituary to be printed in the March issue and posted online for details of the upcoming service.

December 5, 1934 – January 8, 2024

Joan Chalupsky (aka “Mrs C”) passed away, in Hudson, FL, on January 8, 2024. She was 89 years “young”. The youngest of five children, Joan Marie Wink was born in Anamosa, Iowa on December 5, 1934. She is survived by one sibling, Delores Fratzke, who is 94 years old and resides in Calvert City, KY. In 1959, Joan was married to Gene Harold Chalupsky in The Little Brown Church in the Vale (Nashua, IA). That same year, they were blessed with one daughter, Debra Ellen MacNeil, who resides in Hudson, FL with her husband, Kevin. Joan’s only two grandchildren are residing in Colorado: Ian MacNeil (26/Longmont, CO) and Brian MacNeil (37/Boulder, CO). After Joan’s husband passed away in 2004, she moved in with her daughter and son-in-law, Kevin and resided with them in Frederick, CO. Joan was known by many residents in the Carbon Valley area. As a survivor (3x!) of breast cancer, she was a regular participant of the Carbon Valley Relay for Life. She was employed by the St. Vrain Valley School District from August, 2001 (Frederick Elementary) until her retirement (Coal Ridge Middle School) in December 2016. In 2019, Joan relocated to the Sunshine State (aka Florida) with her daughter and son-in-law. During her 89 years on this planet, she had a very positive outlook on life and always had a smile. Joan will be buried at Ft Logan National Cemetery with her husband. No service will be held. If you wish to contact her daughter, Deb, reach her at: debmac59@aol.com.

St. Vrain Valley Storytellers Training Join the St. Vrain Valley Storytellers for their next volunteer training (March 7,11,14 and 18 from 1:00-4:00 pm) and learn the art of oral storytelling! By becoming a part of our fun, loving community, you can: 1) Learn the tricks to becoming an amazing storyteller; 2) Receive ongoing training & support; 3) Have fun while making a positive impact on your community. We tell stories in the elementary schools of the St. Vrain Valley School district, in senior living venues, at summer camps and other community locations and events. To learn more or RSVP, contact Marianne Balin at 510.326.2398 or mbalinhome@ gmail.com. All training sessions take place at Intercambio, 1715 Iron Horse Drive, Ste. 130, Longmont, CO.

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Local schools can influence your property value in several ways, both positively and negatively. Most of the Carbon Valley is in the St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD), so that is the example I’m using in this article. When a school district is perceived as “good” it helps property values in that area whether homeowners have kids in school or not. When buyers with children are looking for a home, schools are often a major consideration, so if you have a desirable school district, there is a greater demand for homes in that district, thus putting upward pressure on prices. So even people without kids in school see the benefits of property values. Perception doesn’t always follow the facts. When something bad happens to a school district, it can take years to recover, even if the facts change quickly. A couple of decades ago, the SVVSD had some very difficult financial times, and the Carbon Valley was looked on as being a stepchild to Longmont, and thus less desirable. It took new leadership and several years of financial responsibility to change the facts and the perception. The SVVSD has come a long way since the early 2000’s and here are some of the current achievements: The four year graduation rate is the highest in the Denver Metro area at 93.3% The drop out rate is only 0.6% for all students Financial reserves are over $169 million and the bond rating is AA+ The District has built and expanded several schools in the area and has plans for a new high school and other improvements which you will be hearing about more this year. One of the other factors that makes a positive difference in property values in the Carbon Valley is the ability for students to open enroll to other schools in the district, not just the one they are located within. With the District offering various specialties in different schools (for example P-TECH in Frederick High or the Mead Energy Academy), people have a wide range of homes to choose from and still the children can get the education they are looking for. There are also 2 Charter Schools that add additional choices. Rarely is a school perfect for every person, but with continued involvement by the parents and community, we can empower SVVSD to continue to positively impact property values and make the Carbon Valley a good place to live and own property. Greg Zadel: 2011 Realtor of the Year, Colorado Association of Realtors | 2008 President, Colorado Association of Realtors | Zadel Realty | Call or Text 303-550-5817 | Firestone | greg@zadelrealty.com | www.zadelrealty.com

Senior Seller & Downsizing Seminars Planned TRUSTED BY THOUSANDS

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The Jenny Hart Team with Keller Williams 1st Realty is excited to announce a series of Senior Seller and Downsizing Seminars designed to assist seniors with the process of selling their home and transitioning to a more manageable living space. 2024 Seminar Dates: February 7, April 17, July 17, & November 12 | Each 9-11am at the United Power Training Center, 9586 E. I-25 Frontage Rd. B, Firestone, CO 80504. These seminars are a beacon of guidance for seniors contemplating a shift to a simpler, more comfortable lifestyle. Experts, including Jenny Hart, a realtor specializing in senior downsizing, Lindsay Adams from Assisted Living Locators, and Angelina Lafave with Edge Home Finance, will provide valuable insights and resources. Attendees can expect to learn about: • • • •

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This is a no-sales-pitch presentation. Critical Q&A provides support. To participate, please RSVP at least one week prior to the event by calling 970.518.7019 or by emailing TheJennyHartTeam@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.JennyHartRealtor. com or contact us directly at HartRealty@gmail.com. We look forward to welcoming you to our seminar and assisting you through your next big move.

Call or text 303.550.5817 | greg@zadelrealty.com

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Page 8 Consumer Report for Carbon Valley, Erie & Mead—Local News & Business Info for Residents Vol. 25, Issue 2

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Firestone Freethinkers 4H Club January brought a new year and some more new families to our 4H family. Recap of events: January 13th was the 4H showcase, which is like an open house to see and try project options for the new 4H year. The 4H showcase was very fun. We could make a pen out of wood using a lathe. We were also able to frost a cookie, for cake decorating, make leather coasters with stamps, a small scrapbooking tag and a light by completing the circuit. You could talk to and meet some of the project leaders and if you had any questions they were there to help. Upcoming events: - Monthly meeting 2/4 at the United Power building. - Cloverbud camp 2/10 (kids 5-7) - Last day to Join 4H and show at the 2024 fair March 1st If you have questions about 4H please reach out to Rachael Smith at 4rachael.smith@ gmail.com or Danielle Lammers at lammers4H22@gmail.com We wish you all the very best February from Firestone Freethinkers 4H Club. (Kenzie Lammers, reporter).

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