CVCRJan23

The Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive

The Firestone Charter Academy Preschool Program partnered with Scholastic books to be a part of their “Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive”. This program offers a chance for families and children facing adversity to be able to not only get a new pair of pajamas, but for every pair of pajamas donated, Scholastic Book Clubs will donate a brand-new book.

The Firestone Charter Academy Preschool asked their families to bring new pajamas in for a couple of weeks, and by the end of their donation period were able to collect 30 pairs of infant, child and adult pajamas!! The preschool team is proud of this

accomplishment and thank all the families that contributed to this great cause.

The donations from this drive will be taken to a shelter in Longmont that partners with the Scholastic program. All the books will then be sent directly from Scholastic to be distributed to the same shelter.

The Firestone Charter Academy preschool staff and their families hope this donation will truly bless the families that are in need within our community.

Project Warm Up

In 2017, Firestone Charter Academy began working with Jenni Lovins, a community member and realtor, to join in the efforts of Project Warm Up, an organization that collects and makes fleece blankets for

children in foster care. In 2017 Firestone Charter Academy completed 58 blankets, 57 in 2018, 72 in 2020. In 2022, Student Council set a goal to make 80 blankets. This December, Firestone Charter Academy’s Student Council collected fleece and cash donations to purchase fleece. Students in Kindergarten and up, plus teachers and parents, all participate in this worthy cause. Children are helping children and the students at Firestone Charter Academy love knowing that their creations are going to other children their ages. (above)

We place a strong emphasis on character education and teaching these values to our students. It begins with personal responsibility, but as students grow in this value we help them to see their responsibility to the larger community through experiences in charity.

We are proud of our students.

Malcolm Heals

Because of the generosity of so many readers, Malcolm had surgery and has just finished his four weeks of healing. He’s doing well and has started to want to run!

At the moment, he’s not allowed to do anything but walk, no running, jumping or climbing. But he wants to! He’s using all four legs about half the time and cautious on three legs the other times.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and generous financial help. Malcolm and his family are so grateful to each of you.

Christmas Tree P/U

American Heritage Girls Troop CO 0139 will recycle your Christmas tree and in return you’ll be a proud sponsor of our troop.

On Jan. 7th, we’ll pick up your live Christmas tree and take it for recycling! Please make sure tree/tree boughs are free of wire, ribbon, tinsel, ornaments. They cannot be recycled with those items still attached. Thank you! Donations:

1. By cash or check (in envelope please) placed on your porch somewhere hidden (specify on form).

2. Through the church website: https:// nhcc.life/give

Pick up 8am to 5 pm. Please have tree out by 8am. Link to register: https:// tinyurl.com/AHGCO0139TreeRecycle

Firestone Charter Academy Preschoolers holding donated pajamas.

Michelle turns 34 this month. Happy Birthday my love. You bring me so much happiness & joy & I wish you a wonderfully happy birthday. Love you honey!

Happy 2nd Birthday Georgia! You are always giving hugs and taking care of your babies. It’s bitter sweet knowing you’re not a baby anymore. Love, Mom, Dad & your big sisters Piper & Amelia

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Join the Move & Lose 10 Week

Reset Challenge, + NEW Class!

Ladies, join the Move & Lose 10 Week Reset Challenge starting the week of January 2nd - 7th. See my article in this paper or my website for details. Fitness Group Classes Offered: NEW Mobility/ Pain-Relief Class 8:30am, Interval/ Strength Training Tuesdays 9:30am & Weds 7pm, CoreFirst Trainer Class Fridays 9:30am. Many Personal Training packages available. Contact Tracy Rewerts, NASM Certified Personal Trainer & Arthritis Fitness Specialist at https:// TimeForChangePersonalTraining.com or call 303.828.2856.

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

make the process more visible to the residents.

z Hello fellow neighbors. I hope everyone had a great holiday.

z The town adopted the budget for 2023. Thank you to those who attended the hearing. One of the changes to the budgeting process was the publishing on the town website the draft budget and updating it throughout the process. I addition was more public discussion of the budget prior to the official public hearing. I hope to continue efforts to

z Work on the water treatment plant continues. There have been significant delays in the construction due to vendor and material availability. The projection is for it to be ready to go live in first quarter of 2023. The plants significance is access to water resources not accessible by our primary supplier of potable water. As demand and growth continues, the plant will position the town to diversify its water sources.

z The town is working with the sanitation district to complete replacement of sewer pipes and replace sidewalks and pave streets in Historic Firestone. This work will continue through 2023 as the weather permits.

z Our water supplier Central Weld County Water District has informed the town of a significant price increase to the town for potable water starting in January. The staff and

development pays its own way.

z Reliable Infrastructure: Town staff reviewed proposals for the State Hwy 66 pedestrian connection and has selected Otak, Inc. to complete design plans. The consultant will consider both an underpass and alternatively, a pedestrian bridge option. The project will create vital north-south access to fully connect the community and provide a pedestrian gateway to cross State Hwy 66.

board looked at the impact of the increase and determined it was necessary to raise rates to the town businesses and residents. The town has hired a consulting firm to assess the cost of managing the water system and recommend a rate structure the best ensure the lowest cost to the residents. This study should be completed in first quarter of 2023.

z The staff continues to work to provide audio and video of the board meeting. This has been requested by many residents and will be a great benefit to engage residents more directly.

z The Christmas Walk along the Saint Vrain bike trail was a huge success. Thank you to the residents who contribute and volunteer their time to put this wonderful display on each year.

z Thank you all and look forward to seeing you at our board meetings.

balanced 2023 Budget. Budget work started in July 2022. The Board of Trustees reviewed all financial information and discussed revenue, expenditures, and objectives for 2023. The 2023 budget reflects our commitment to the identified priorities of responsible growth, reliable infrastructure, public safety, fiscal stability, and a connected community.

z Responsible Growth: Development Impact Fees increased by 3.66 %, effective January 1, 2023.

This increase is in accordance with the Impact Fee Study recommendations that was approved by the Board of Trustees in 2021. Impact fees are used for capital projects like roads, municipal buildings, and park improvements. These fees are implemented to ensure that new

z Public Safety: Crews are working along 3rd Street and Welker installing underground power lines. Utility work is being done ahead of the power poles being removed and is part of the intersection improvement project. The new intersection will enhance mobility, safety, and connectivity at one of the Town’s key intersections. We expected the intersection to be under construction in 2024.

z Fiscal Stability: The Board of Trustees approved a

updates, upgrades, and genuine thoughtfulness for their futures.

4. 2022-2023 Strategic Plan- The Town’s Strategic Plan has six focus areas with goals prioritized to meet the needs of our growing community. High on our list is to bolster our community with new retail and economic development. These goals reflect the voices of the community and guide our program-based budget. In addition, having a plan gives staff clear direction and the Board of Trustees a roadmap when making policy decisions.

z Connected Community: Make sure you stay up to date on all town 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! This is a great resource for information related to police services, fire department, utilities and more: https://www.townofmead. org/communications/page/resident-information

more. Where is Oprah to give out these plans when you need her?

9. Economic Development- in 2022 we welcomed over 250 new jobs in Frederick, and we continue to share with the Commercial and Industrial markets that things are different and better here in Frederick. New businesses of all sizes in Frederick is a trend we are excited to carry into 2023!

z 2022 was memorable and 2023 is looking to be our best year yet! We love looking back on our biggest wins each year. Here’s my spin on a few of FREDerick’s 2022 accomplishments that we are celebrating as we continue to be Built On What Matters.

1. CIP Roadwork – CO Blvd mill & overlay/CO & Tipple Intersection/Alley-Thank you for your support and patience on this much-needed improvement. YOU said this was a priority, and we are happy to help make your commute safer and with less congestion and stress. MORE construction in the future, check out the Transportation Master Plan to see what’s next.

2. Community Satisfaction Survey: Your voices at work- and I love that! Please continue participating in our surveys for Downtown improvements, an updated Comprehensive Plan, and our POST prioritization. Your voice will always matter!

3. Created a Parks & Open Space Department-with over 30 parks in FRED; we need more than a plan to maintain and enhance these valuable places to gather. Along with our neighborhood parks and open space- FRA, Crist Park and Centennial will all see some

5. ICMA Conference: The Town of Frederick was invited to present at this prestigious conference as a leader in the communication space and share with other municipalities how we keep our residents at the center of everything we do. We were also featured in a video to highlight Frederick on a national level and showcase just how intentional we are in being a community with a bright future. You can view that video here: (774) Town of Frederick, Colorado - Built on What Matters - YouTube

6. Business Retention Programs- We all know how difficult running a business is for any size or industry. We also know that business is the backbone of our growing community. While it’s important to attract new business and economic development to our town; we must protect, preserve, and celebrate the business community that has helped us become the town we are today. They are FRED, and we want them to succeed and love being a Frederick business. These programs will assist them in a variety of ways and we are honored to make this a priority.

7. Working Towards Our Water Future: We don’t just go with the flow; we are creating the bends that will see us into a more secure and sustainable future with a Water System Management Plan, A Raw Water Plan, a Water Efficiency Plan, A Storm Water Plan, and many experts to help us implement along with way.

8. Master Plans completed - 25/52 East Subarea Plan, GIS Strategic Plan, Outfall System Plan, POST Master Plan, and so much

z -It’s sure chilly in January, but one way to warm your heart is to join us at the Carbon Valley Volunteer Fair on Jan. 21st, 10am to 2pm at the United Power Service Center. We have so many opportunities to join in our FRED fun, and we hope you consider participating.

z -Ready to recycle that Christmas tree? Starting Through Sunday, January 23, 2023, you can drop off your tree in the fenced area located on the southeast corner of 8th Street and Maple Avenue near the entrance to Centennial Park (630 8th Street). Please place trees behind the fence and do not drop off trees on the sidewalk or outside the fenced-in area. Live trees only, please! Remove all plastic bags, tree stands, decorations, and lights. The Town of Frederick Public Works team will recycle all trees through a woodchipper onsite.

z -With Spring upon us (maybe I am stretching here) please plan to join us for our Tree Sale 2023 starting February 1. Take advantage of the Town’s bulk tree order and purchase at a discount. We have a wide variety of trees to choose from that are low to moderately low water demand. Mark this on your 2023 FREDerick Calendar!

z -Bella Rosa annual golf pass sale begins January 1, to January 31. What a great way to swing into the Spring! https:// bellarosagolf.com/

z Everything is better in Frederick, and I’m

Mead Mayor, Colleen WhitloW

Firestone Mayor, dreW Peterson

FrederiCk

Mayor, traCie Crites

It finally happened! And now we are IN it!

The year 2022 has died and gone away, parties and celebrations are in the rearview mirror, New Year’s resolutions are probably already broken for most of us, and yet fresh hope arises that 2023 will be new and improved and hopefully better.

If you think about it, most every new year comes with a ‘fresh start’ and the hope that we will be happier and healthier and maybe wealthier this year than last. We want wars to fade away, along with diseases and other earthly challenges, and just want to make progress in the ‘happily ever after’ mindset. But will this year be any different than last? What must change for us to have better results and less headaches? How can we insure improvements and not more of the same? Is there anything I can do to truly move ahead in life and love and liberty in 2023?

YES THERE IS. I will let you in on a little-known secret that could change your life for the better if you really desire to end this new year in better condition than you ended the last one. But it doesn’t come without a cost. I don’t mean financially, but personally. This change isn’t something that money can buy, or most everyone with money would already have done so. It is however a change available to every person on the planet who earnestly desires a much better life. And the ‘fringe benefits’ even outweigh the betterment you will receive from following my formula in the

year 2023.

OK already, so just what is this magic pill? What can you possibly offer that isn’t already being sold or at least advertised to improve our lives? It isn’t magic OR sold, and yet millions have discovered it to be amazingly effective in general life improvement with far-reaching impact on every aspect of our lives and relationships now and in the future. Are you ready to listen?

As one who has personally experienced wonderful results in my life and family and job from taking advantage of this ‘secret’, I will now disclose to you information, that taken seriously and applied to your own life will absolutely work for you and those you love. Here is how you can learn firsthand what you need to know to enjoy your new and improved life, and it starts with a reading assignment. Open up a Bible to the book of John and read it through. You will find in the contents many things about the life and work and words of Jesus, and in those 40 pages you will come face to face with the secret of which I speak. This ‘secret’ is a Man who came from God to earth to make you a personal invitation to hook up with Him for eternity, and in the process to enjoy more productivity and pleasure and purpose along the way.

Not only will your life improve for the better as you daily interact with Him, but you will meet others on the same path who will encourage you and stir you to unimaginable blessings as you get to know God on a personal basis instead of as some cosmic killjoy out in space. Having

Always, Never, Just, and Only - Oh My!

Most of us are familiar with the quote by Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right”. When we talk to ourselves and to others, the words we use matter. Words make the difference between success or not. Between peace or discord. Between the feeling of success versus defeat. How many times has your inner dialog or the conversation you had with someone else gone completely awry because the wrong word was used. I’m suggesting we be more aware of a few key words that are used all too often but have a similar limiting impact as can’t. They are – always, never, just and only.

Let’s start with the definition of always and never. Always – at all times; on all occasions. Never – not at all. We are human. We are complex. We make mistakes. Should we be defined by always and never? It’s human nature to gravitate towards the negative. Using these words really don’t give us much grace for mistakes or growing.

Let’s use the example of losing weight. When that internal dialog says things like “I always blow it” or “I’ll never be able to do this”, what do you think the impact of those words have on your weight loss journey? Is there compassion in those words for what you did succeed at? How would things look if you used different words? And really, how often are things always or never? Do you really never eat right or exercise?

2023 Carbon Valley Volunteer Fair

Whether you are a nonprofit organization that recruits volunteers or looking

an opportunity to give back to your community, the Town of Frederick has the perfect opportunity at our Volunteer Fair.

Nonprofit organizations that serve Weld County are invited. Please visit our website at www.frederickco.gov/VolunteerFair to sign up before the January 10, deadline.

The goal is to support nonprofits and help individuals find meaningful ways to give back to community. Organizations will host booths to share volunteer opportunities. Please feel free to contact our Communications and Engagement Department at 720.382.5510, if you have any questions. Hope to see you at the Fair!

January 21, 2023, 10 am to 2 pm, United Power Carbon Valley Service Center (9586 E. I-25 Frontage Road)

now walked with Him for over 53 of my 76 years, I can attest to a multitude of changes in my life and direction that have resulted in more happiness than I ever could have imagined. A better marriage and family, better work ethic and interactions with fellow employees, and a future that is alluring and certain.

Now before you go off in a huff because you had a bad church experience or felt misled by some people who called themselves Christian, let me ask you a question. Have you ever had a bad steak? Most of us have. Did you stop eating meat? Or did you stay away from that restaurant and find a better one? Please don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Religion is manmade efforts to get to God, whereas Christianity is God’s effort to get through to man. I was ‘somewhat religious’ before I met Jesus, but after establishing a personal relationship with Him I turned my back on religion as ineffective. God wants us to know Him in a personal way and have regular interaction with Him- not get stuck in a religious grind with a stack of do’s and don’ts.

I will leave you with this very serious request. Open the Book of John and read it as an adult with a view to analyzing what you read, asking God to speak to your mind and heart as you take in Jesus’ words and works. Then IF YOU WANT TO KNOW whether or not Jesus really can change your life, do as I did on 2-14-1970 on the cold drive home after a weekend retreat with a bunch of serious followers of the Lord. With my eyes wide open (since I

was driving my car on that evening) I prayed and asked Jesus to forgive my sins and make me a new person.

A simple prayer, but serious, as I had kept 2 men up all night asking them questions, and I wanted to know if what they said worked for them would work for me. And it did! I felt flooded with peace as soon as I prayed, and my life has never been the same since that night. Having all my sins paid for and gone was why I felt the peace of God, and that peace has never left me over all these decades. Much has changed in my speech and direction, but all for the better. And a primary ‘fringe benefit’ of following Jesus is the fact of knowing I will have eternity with Him. That’s a happy ending to a happy story, and it can be yours if you choose.

Guarantee yourself a better 2023; get started with Jesus and come visit Abundant LIfe Church for more encouragement in how to grow your faith. We’ll be glad you did, and so will you.

Jim pastors at Abundant Life Church, meeting at 4380 Highway 66 at 10:00 am, where visitors become friends and all of us seek to grow ever closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Come experience the joy of the Lord with us.

Now onto the words just and only. These are minimizing words and used way too often. I removed those words from my vocabulary 6 years ago after I had a total knee replacement. I was an endurance athlete and now I couldn’t even get to the bathroom without discomfort and breathing heavily. I realized how diminishing those words were so I stopped saying to myself, “I only ran 3 miles”. I was lucky to be walking! I hear my clients when they recap their week say things like, “I just drank 1 glass of water” or “I only got to the gym once”. Don’t lessen your success. You drank a glass of water when you didn’t drink water before or applaud yourself for getting to the gym once. That’s once more than last week.

Our health is a journey – not a destination. So much of working with my clients is about applauding success and helping them reframe the way they talk to themselves and to others. As you work on changing or improving your weight, fitness, stress levels or relationships, pause a moment and think about the words you use. Being more precise with your words will make a difference. Lida Johnson, Certified Health Coach, Nutritionist, and Personal Trainer at Head-to-Toe Coaching, 203.260.2880. www.HeadToToeCoaching.com Lida@HeadToToeCoaching.com

Health&WELL BEING

Alternative Medicine: 2023, Year of the Water Rabbit

There is a lot to share about Chinese New Year, changes are coming and it’s fun to explain things in more detail through Chinese medicine and the Five Elements. For example, two consecutive years are spent in the same element (there are five elements: fire, earth, metal, water and wood). 2022 was the year of the yang water tiger, here is the link to that article : http://daisylear.com/2022-year-of-the-water-tiger/

We will spend 2023 with the Yin Water Rabbit.

The fun superficiality of the Chinese calendar runs deeply from observations made thousands of years ago that still apply to life today. Like Chinese medicine, the calendar is pervasive throughout all aspects of being human, affecting day to day living, farming, health care, etc. As we strive to live in harmony with our environment, we also notice how we change and respond with each season. Each season corresponds to the Five Elements; fire/summer, metal/autumn, water/winter, wood/spring, and earth/transition between seasons. And like everything you can possibly think of, each element also has Yin/still or Yang/active aspects. 2023 is a Yin Water Element cycle; yin water represents the more still bodies of water such as ponds and lakes. The deeper the water, the more still it tends to be. Yin water needs a strong and still (yin) Earth Element to create boundaries. Water’s corresponding season is winter, the associated environment is cold, the direction is north, the taste is salty and the color black.

Now that we’ve looked at water in our environment, let’s see what’s happening inside each of us. According to Chinese medicine, Water corresponds to the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder, water metabolism, bone and bone marrow, the reproductive organs, lower back, knees and ankles, head hair and the pertaining sense organ ears/hearing. From this list it is obvious that these aspects of ourselves are typically exuberant when we are young, and naturally decline as we age. However, certain circumstances and stress can cause one or more of these areas to wane earlier than “normal”. In a human life cycle, Winter is associated with our waning years. Emotionally, the water element is associated with courage and fear. Water also corresponds with money and responding more intuitively to situations.

The Water element is ever changing - emotional. Water takes on the shape of anything it is poured into, and likewise freezes into any shape. If we tune into water, this can help us “go with the flow”.

Each year the animal changes. There are twelve animals, 2022 was the year of the yang water Tiger. The Year of the Yin Water Rabbit begins January 22, 2023 and ends February 9, 2024. People born in the year of the Rabbit : 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023.

Observing rabbits in nature also provides us with lots of information about what to expect this year. We see that they sit very still and can camouflage into their surroundings. Not only are they quick, but run in a confusing zig zag pattern from predators. Their noses and ears are very sensitive. When they sense danger, they use their back legs to thump at the ground to warn other rabbits that danger is near. This thumping can be heard underground to warn rabbits and kits in their burrows. They live underground by digging extensive and complex burrows, which helps keep them safe, but also warm in winter and cool in summer. They are quite territorial about these burrows and do not like sharing their spaces. Rabbits have scent glands on their chin and will “chin” objects to indicate that something is theirs, a way of marking their territory. They can become quite aggressive and can be heard growling. Fertility is high because the kits’ average survival rate in the wild is 6-8 months. If they survive past this age, rabbits can live 5 to 10 years. In the wild, kits are cared for by the mother. However, if the kits wander from the territory, father rabbit will bring them back.

Putting this all together, stability may be more easily attained in 2023 even though it may take some effort to find “stillness” when there is chaos or threats nearby. We may find ourselves having to defend our ‘territory’ or perhaps, another solution is possible. Because the water element corresponds with emotions, the yin water aspect may help us find the courage to look more deeply at ourselves and our surroundings. Whatever the situation, we can use this heightened sensitivity to help us make leaps forward. While reading about rabbit behavior, I also learned that they jump into the air and click their heels together to indicate happiness and excitement!

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

Move & Lose 10 Week Reset Challenge & New Class Offered

Ladies, it’s Time For Change and to get your health back on track in the new year! Join us at Time For Change Personal Training and Fitness Group for the Move & Lose 10 Week Reset Challenge 2023. The purpose of this challenge is to improve your overall health by getting your body moving and gaining lean muscle. By also losing fat, and to help improve your nutrition and water intake.

The key to your fitness success will be creating a new habit of workouts and healthy eating with a plan in place. This challenge makes it easier for you to commit and see results because there’s a team of women who have similar life circumstances, priorities, and goals who sign up and dedicate their time to the challenge and workouts too.

It’s a $20 buy-in for the Move & Lose 10 Week Reset Challenge and will include a weigh-in, complimentary body composition analysis, and Reset Guide to give you tools to succeed. At the end of the 10 weeks, the person with the highest % of weight loss will earn a cash prize from everyone’s buy-in. Plus, there will be prizes throughout the challenge to earn for different fitness activities.

To be a participant in the Move & Lose 10 Week Reset Challenge, it’s required you

attend once per week my Time For Change Fitness Group Classes OR be a Personal Training client (each of these has a different price depending on which you choose).

Registration and weigh-ins for this challenge will be in person January 2nd - 7th, 2023. See my website for details on when and where for specifics.

There’s also a New Fitness group offered called Mobility/ Pain-Relief Class on Mondays at 8:30am. Interval/Strength Training on Tuesdays at 9:30am and Weds at 7pm, and Corefirst Trainer Class on Fridays at 9:30am. Please visit my website for details on all of these.

This challenge is about committing to something. It will get you moving, so why not have extra accountability and motivation to keep you going? What if you could improve your health and feel stronger? You can, and I hope you’ll join us. Are you ready to improve your health? Go to www.

TimeForChangePersonalTraining.com to find out more about the Challenge, my Fitness Group Classes, and Personal Training. Contact Tracy Rewerts, NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist/Arthritis Fitness Specialist at 303-828-2856

William “Bill” Hubbard McMurray Jr.

November 2, 1952 to December 16, 2022

William “Bill” Hubbard McMurray Jr. of Firestone, Colorado passed away in Longmont, Colorado on Friday, December 16, 2022. He was 70 years old.

Bill was born in Hamilton, Ohio on November 2, 1952. He was the only son of Bill Jr. and Joan (Ertell) McMurray. He had two sisters, Patti and Jeannie. The family moved to Brighton, Colorado when Bill was a child. He was raised in Brighton and graduated from Brighton High School. Bill attended the University of Colorado at Boulder for his undergraduate studies, as well as Pharmacy School, where he earned his Pharmacology Degree.

In 1980, Bill opened his pharmacy in Frederick, Colorado. It was there that he met the woman that would become his wife. Helen Susuras was working at the bank across the street and when Bill saw her, it was love at first sight. Helen and Bill were married the following year and remained happily so until the day he died. Bill and Helen welcomed two beautiful daughters, Natalie and Emily.

Bill was a pharmacist. He owned and operated Dacono Drug & Liquor, with Helen, for 30 years. He retired in 2010. He had a passion for golf and even attended CU Boulder on a caddy scholarship. Bill was an avid fly fisherman for many years. He enjoyed meticulously

caring for his yard. He loved his family more than anything, including his beloved golden retriever, Sofie, and his grand-corgi, Lewis.

Bill was a devoted husband and father. He was loved and will be dearly missed.

Bill is survived of his loving wife of more than 41 years, Helen McMurray; daughters Natalie McMurray of Firestone, Emily Walz (Eric) of Eagle, Colorado; sisters Patti McMurray of South Carolina, and Jeannie Miller of Greeley, Colorado; and by his grand-corgi, Lewis.

No services are planned at this time. Contributions can be made in Bill’s memory to the Carbon Valley Help Center. Cremation entrusted to Howe Mortuary. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the McMurray family.

Platteville Lions Club BINGO

The first bingo session of 2023 is Friday, Jan. 27th. Open at 5:30pm. Bingo 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

Carbon Valley Chamber

QPR Training Event

January: QPR Training, North Range Behavioral Health. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives.

Jan. 12, 2023, 11:30am-1:00pm, $20.00 for members & $25.00 for non-members and walk-ins. Location at United Power Carbon Valley Service Center. 9586 East I-25 Frontage Road, Longmont

Casino Night with the Carbon Valley Chamber

Saturday Jan 21, 2023 | 6P-10P | Games begin at 6P | Gymnasium @ Carbon Valley Recreation Center | $75 individual tickets, $125/couple (Includes heavy apps, two drink tickets, and $200 ‘casino cash’) | 10% net proceeds to benefit the Carbon Valley Help Center www.business.carbonvalleychamber.com/events/details/casino-night-postponed17989?calendarMonth=2023-01-01

Jenn Venerable, Executive Director for more info Info@ carbonvalleychamber.com Register www.business.carbonvalleychamber.com/events/register/17989 Join us for a fun night out for a great cause in the Carbon Valley. Must be 21 to attend Attire: “Classic Hollywood” (dress to impress)

Do you need a Realtor representing you when buying a new home from a builder? Technically, no, but then you would have no one on your side. As a Buyer’s Agent, your Realtor is representing your interest when you purchase any home, new construction, resale or a repo, and in most cases, your agent is paid by the seller or listing brokerage.

The sales price is no different if you are represented by your own agent or if you work directly with the builder’s staff at the sales office. With the price not being any different, and the builder paying your agent, there is no reason not to be represented when you are buying a new home from a builder. The builder’s sales staff are usually very knowledgeable and friendly, but they are looking out for the builder, not the buyer. It is important for you to have someone on your side to advise you of the current market conditions to consider in the negotiations.

In many cases, you can’t change what is being offered by the builder but having another set of eyes involved on your side is beneficial in several ways. First, in helping you decide what options make sense for you to get, your Realtor can give you advice on what items will help down the road for resale, and which ones will not. That doesn’t mean that you won’t get a specific feature, but at least you will make an informed decision.

Next, your Realtor will be there with you to go over the purchase contract and help make sure you understand things or let you know if you should get legal advice.

Builder contracts are written by the builder’s attorney for the benefit of the builder, so you need to make sure you understand things. You also have someone on your side all through the process so that you can ask questions or handle issues that can come up, such as if a particular option you contracted for was overlooked.

When it is time for your walk through, your Realtor provides an extra set of eyes to pick up on punch list items that need to be taken care of. Then, prior to, and at closing, you have your agent to go over and discuss your settlement figures showing all the debits and credits and the amount you need to bring to buy the home.

Most builders have specific processes for registering you and your Realtor, so be sure if you stop by a builder sales office to let them know who your Realtor is and then let your Realtor know what builder you stopped by. There is no substitute for having a professional on your team.

Vision Boards w/Your Grandkids

January is the perfect time to reboot your life, and creating a Vision Board allows you to have your goals and dreams right in front of you. Whether you want to read more, start a new hobby, or incorporate more daily movement into your life, making a vision board is a creative way to keep your intentions at the forefront.

What is a Vision Board? A vision board is a collection of images and words that represent a person’s goals or intentions they wish to accomplish over a period of time. Consider involving your grandkids and making an afternoon of it. Sharing big and small goals can be a great way to connect, and the process of creating a vision board is a fun activity for all ages.

You’ll need a few simple supplies like posterboard, tape, scissors and magazines, or access to a computer. Find images either in print or online, of activities and places that attract you.

Perhaps traveling more is on your

list of things to do in the New Year. Get as specific as you can with images that draw you in. Involving your grandkids also allows for good conversation as you gain insight into the things that are important to them.

Don’t forget to display your board somewhere where you will see it each day. You can even make a color copy of it and have a smaller version that is more portable.

Or, if you are a digital wiz, check out the many Vision Board programs that you can do on your phone or other device. The finished product makes a great screen saver.

Enjoy this special season of renewal. No matter what age you are, everyone can get excited about a fresh start.

Lindsay Adams is a Senior Advisor with Assisted Living Locators of N. Colorado. She offers a nocost service to older adults looking for senior living options. She can be reached at (303) 775-6312.”