ECR November 2015

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Volume 1  Issue 11  November 2015

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Creatin g Community By Connecting Neighbors “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. —PSALM 29 : 11”

Jeannie Hulse: An Erie Household Name

By Jan Sciacca

W

hen the Erie Consumer Report was launched in January 2015, regardless of where I went or who I met, I kept hearing about a woman by the name of Jeannie. Usually no one said her last name.

Everyone would nod, as though they all knew her. This week, I had the privilege of talking with Jeannie Hulse about what she does in and for the community of Erie to give her such name recognition.

Jeannie Hulse is a State Farm insurance agent but her business is officially named Jeannie Hulse Insurance and Financial Services, Inc. You know her

and found herself working for agents here.

When State Farm wanted to plant a State Farm agency in Erie, Jeannie applied for the position and was accepted. She and her husband Robert and their son Brian made the move from Arvada to Erie 13 years ago.

For the first two years, her agency was located in Erie Village.

Then in 2005 she and Robert purchased the Briggs Street property on what Jeannie refers to as a “wing and a prayer.” Downtown wasn’t as busy in 2005 and the Hulses were still working at trying to be accepted as “locals.” That’s quite a

In 2005 she and Robert purchased the Briggs Street property on what Jeannie refers to as a “wing and a prayer.”

525 Briggs Street business location well.

Her building is on the east side of Briggs Street and has the bright red awning with her name on it.

Jeannie says it hasn’t always been that way. Before arriving in Erie she was employed by several State Farm Insurance agents. She began acquiring her insurance knowledge as a junior in high school when she worked for an agent in the Omaha area. Jeannie moved to Colorado in 1981

statement from someone who is now so well known.

With Jeannie being the type of person that embraces opportunities and gets involved in things quickly, joining the Erie Chamber of Commerce and Erie Optimist Club, was a natural. She has served on the Erie Chamber Board of Directors and served as President for two years. She has remained active in the Optimist Club as well.

Jeannie Hulse Insurance and Financial Services, Inc.

Jeannie is licensed to sell all of the more than 150 products that State Farm Insurance offers. These products include Auto Insurance, Home and Property Insurance, Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Banking Products, Annuities and Mutual Funds.

Jeannie is first to say that she sells products for a big company but is a selfemployed independent contractor who loves Erie and Erie residents. She lives here and shops here as much as possible.

Jeannie says contrary to what some people may think, her role is a compassionate one.

Many times she’s shown up at a client’s home and presented a check as a benefit for a loss they’ve experienced. She knows what that blessing feels like as the first benefit check Jeannie presented was to her own family after her mother passed away.

Jeannie wants the community to know that she “will keep their best interests at heart over everything else.”

Jeannie sponsors or co-sponsors many community events. Examples are the upcoming Pilgrimage Run scheduled for November 26. She also sponsored a Chamber Business After Hours at her agency in September.

Jeannie Hulse

When you’re in the area, stop in and see Jeannie and her staff. The office is also touted as pet friendly. Jeannie Hulse’s phone number is 303.828.4002 and her email is jeannie@jeanniehulse.com. Her scheduled office hours are 9 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday and she’s available by appointments on evenings and Saturdays.

Jeannie’s website is jeanniehulse.com.

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Page 2

The Consumer Report of Erie—Bringing Residents Information About Area Businesses

What’s On My Mind

Vol. 1, Issue 11

Kelly Martindale, Publisher

Death Shines a Spotlight on Life

D

eath surrounds me. It seems every month someone I care about dies.

Or someone I care about is filled with sorrow from the loss of their loved one. I can think of four women; mothers, my friends, where fall is not about beautiful leaves falling to the ground but where the ground was opened and now holds the vaults, the final resting place of their child.

Just yesterday morning, a long-time friend of our family died in a house fire. A few weeks ago, my uncle died leaving my mother the last survivor in her family.

Death. A part of life. Death. Gets closer as we grow older.

Death first visited me when I was ten.

My uncle drowned and my grandma was at our house when she got “the call.” A year later in the same month, my toddler nephew was hit by a truck. Over the next twenty years I would experience other deaths of family members but the one that changed my life forever was my own daughter. She was nine. I had just turned thirty. And about twelve years later, my oldest son would see his last day on earth at age twenty-three.

Death. For far too many years I lived in death’s shadow, shrunk back in fear, unsteadily moving forward with the flipping pages of the calendar.

And all the while I professed to be a Christian, a believer in Jesus Christ. But

I was scared, prone to panic attacks and angst-ridden about my other children. I was a nervous wreck. Yet, I believed. Or did I?

What is life? Breathing, family, rain, grace, creeks, freedom, the seasons, love, snow dusted mountain tops, a good book, forgiveness, camping, flowers, trust…life is a gift.

The last five years or so have revealed a deeper truth about me. I was wrong in what I believed or rather, what I believed about Jesus was wrong. Not everything but a good amount was a distortion of the real truth. And the only way for me to realize that was to read the Truth for myself. To study it and ponder it and sort it out…to spend time in the Truth. I had to quit hearing what others were saying and I had to see it, read it, experience it, for myself.

Because death isn’t the end-all but instead, death shines a spotlight on life.

What is life? Breathing, family, rain, grace, creeks, freedom, the seasons, love, snow dusted mountain tops, a good book, forgiveness, camping, flowers, trust…life is a gift.

Life on earth may be tragically hard, but it’s LIFE! Make a choice, daily, to live it to its fullest. Don’t live in death’s shadow any longer. We’ve been given life through the death of one who loves us more than any other human being on this planet or in the entire universe. That’s a lot of love.

Open Meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous All meetings are held at United Methodist Church of Erie, 604 Holbrook Rd, Erie,CO 80516. Tue & Fri 12 noon, “Erie Early Risers;” Fri 7:30pm “Erie #1;” Wed 8:30pm “Kneeling Camels” All are open meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, all are welcome.

Any questions? Please visit www.bouldercountyaa.org

Registration for Monarch Preschool 2016-17 school year coming soon

M

onarch Preschool will begin registration for the 2016-2017 school year on Monday, January 4.

Morning preschool Monday-Thursday, with extended care options, is available. New this year, afternoon kindergarten classes will be offered MondayFriday. Both preschool and kindergarten class sizes are among the smallest in the area, focus on all areas of development, and are taught by a veteran kindergarten and preschool teacher, along with an assistant teacher. During its first year, the preschool has been full since the beginning of the school year. Currently, we are building a brand new, 1400 square foot classroom that should be open in January 2016. Interested families should visit our website at monarch-preschool.com or facebook.com/monarchpreschool. To schedule a tour at your earliest convenience, contact the owner, Colleen Wildenhaus at 720-633-7808.

Preparing Relationally for the Holidays it really just six weeks until Christmas? it. Begin to dissipate Is How am I going to handle the the pain by finding frustration, stress, and fake conversations the freedom that that come with spending time with my mom? Can I just stay in my room and watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ instead?

Sound familiar? We all have those family members. The individuals that hurt our feelings, stomp on our dreams, criticize, judge, and create drama at every turn. But 4 years ago, I decided I wanted things to be different and I embarked on a mission that has completely transformed my relationship with my mom.

How did I do this? I hired a life coach, read a lot of books, journaled extensively, had difficult conversations and most importantly, committed to seeing my mom with a new set of eyes. What I learned about her in the process helped to dissipate the countless years of bitterness I had toward her. Today our relationship is the best it’s ever been. Did she change?

A little. But the real transformation came within me and how I related to her.

Do you have a difficult person in your life, one that has caused a lot of pain, hurt and disconnection? Do something about

exists when you open your heart and your mind to a new way of being with others.

Do you desire change? Are you willing to do what YOU can to create stronger, more loving relationships? Take charge!

Create a new legacy for your family.

I would love to connect with you as your life coach and help you create richer, more fulfilling relationships with your loved ones. My coaching business is intentionally designed for the purpose of creating new possibility and freedom, new hopes and dreams, and greater insight into living life and relationships to the fullest.

Patrice Gerber is the founder of Intentional Connections, a relationship coaching business that focuses on creating a legacy of love, hope, possibility and joy in life relationships.

Patrice can be reached at: cell: (937) 361-0033; website: intentional-connections.com; e-mail: intentionalconnections0313@gmail.com

Many of us remember the Old Testament words of a harsh God but never really read the Word about the loving, forgiving, accepting, graciousness of the Lord…we are stuck in the old. It’s like watching ¾ of a great movie and never seeing what happens at the end. The end might surprise you. It’s worth the effort and time to see what happens in the New Testament.

Oswald Chambers, writing about centering our lives on Jesus, said, “We are not asked to believe the Bible, but to believe the One whom the Bible reveals.” Jesus himself put it this way as he responded to religious leaders who challenged him: “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life” (John 5:39–40, NIV).

As John wrote, “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them” (1 John 4:16) PRAYER:Father, thank you for giving us your living and active Word, the Bible.

I have so many messages coming at me each day it’s hard sometimes to know what is true and what is of you. Help me to always remember that I can turn to you at any time and whenever I doubt, I can turn to your Word to guide me. Amen

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Locally Owned & Operated Since 1999: Kelly J Martindale Sales: Kelly Martindale • Jan Sciacca Production: Flipside Production Kelly Martindale Writers: Kelly Fordyce Martindale Jan Sciacca • Peggy Blewett www.erieconsumerreport.com www.facebook.com/erieconsumerreport The ECR is a member of the Erie Chamber 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 Erie Consumer Report. The Consumer Report assumes no responsibility for any outcome to any businesses, any advertiser, any people or any government entity.

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This paper has up to 20% post-consumer waste and the ink is soy based.

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Take Part in Illuminating the RLF Tree of Life with the purchase of a memorial light In Celebration of those we’ve loved and lost.

Lights of Life

Memorial Lighting Ceremony Thursday December 3, 2015 6:30 - 8:30pm

at the Bella Sera Event Center 45 Strong Street, Brighton, 80601 ~Refreshments Following~

Richard Lambert Foundation Family Grief & Healing Center

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303.776.8499

Vol. 1, Issue 11

The Consumer Report of Erie—Like Us on Facebook: Facebook/ErieConsumerReport

FRP Apparel: From Basement to Regional Outlet

By Jan Sciacca

E

rie’s FRP Apparel, owned by Sandy Hutzley, is a thriving regional custom apparel, screen printing and embroidery shop. Sandy had no idea her “basement” business that allowed her to be a stay-athome-mom, would evolve into a business that serves Erie, the Front Range, and distant places like Durango, Wyoming and beyond.

FRP Apparel is a one-stop shop for anyone desiring custom printed apparel, embroidered professional apparel, banners, decals, promotional items and trade-show giveaways. Sandy and her team will take your logo, format it and implement it in any and all products you desire. FRP is known for its quality work, great customer service and value prices.

Tom and Sandy moved to Colorado from California in 2006. They were seeking a better quality of life for their kids. After visiting Erie, Sandy became convinced Erie would be the family’s new home. She sent Tom house hunting, when he wasn’t at his new job in Wheatridge, while she and the kids worked on packing the household and selling their California place. While Tom kept telling Sandy Erie was “so far away,” she didn’t waver because she knew it would be their new home town. Finally, their California house sold and the family was on its way to Erie.

With Sandy’s background in the sporting goods industry as a Purchasing Manager for an off-road Motorcycle Company, Tom and Sandy thought a FRP Apparel’s Product Showroom

custom apparel business would be a perfect fit for Sandy. It was Sandy’s intent to do custom apparel work in the basement and then be available for the kids when they were dismissed from school in the afternoons.

When the business launched in March 2007, Sandy decided to call herself Front Range Promotions.

As the business grew and the jobs diversified, the name was changed to FRP Apparel.

FRP outgrew Tom and Sandy’s basement after two years. Then the Hutzleys moved the company to downtown Erie but soon outgrew that space. Industrial space was scarce in Erie but Sandy was adamant that they would wait until the right space became available, rather than relocate the company out of town. Space became available in 2014 and they moved to their present address at 1020 Carbon Ct., Erie. Now the company is bursting at its seams again.

One of the company’s growth spells occurred in 2009 after Sandy, who desperately wanted an embroidery machine that could handle the increased volume better than her single head 15 color machine, saw a listing for such a 4 head 15 color machine on Craig’s list. The machine was located in Evergreen so she wasted no time in heading there to see it. If it was the machine she hoped and dreamed that it was, she had no idea how she was going to pay for it. Thinking outside the box, she paid for the new machine with cash and traded the rest for the couple’s travel trailer. The new machine handles larger and more complex jobs.

A lot of new business comes by word-of-mouth from clients and from Sandy’s involvement in the Erie Chamber of Commerce. When Sandy started her business, she did what she thinks all business people should do. She joined the Erie Chamber of Commerce. When it was time to renew her dues the next year, she

Page 3

Local

Happenings Erie Healers and Wellness Providers

M

FRP Apparel owner Sandy Hutzley realized she had only been to a couple of events. She made a personal commitment to herself to “Get Involved” in the Chamber and in Erie.

So in 2009 Sandy became part of the Chamber group called the Ambassadors, which had just launched. Sandy would continue her support and leadership on the Chamber Board of Directors by holding the offices of Vice President, Secretary, and President for four terms. She is the current president and will retire from her role at the end of the year to be Past President for the next term. Sandy declares, “My involvement with the Chamber defines me as much as my business does.”

When asked what advice she might have for an entrepreneur, Sandy advises “Support your community and the community will support you. People will do business with people they know, like and trust. You have to put yourself out there and get involved in your community.”

FRP Apparel, located at 1020 Carbon Ct., can be reached by phone at 303-942-1679, by email at sandy@ frpapparel.com and on its website at frpapparel.com. Hours are Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm.

eet your local Erie healers and wellness providers! Join us for a panel discussion and then an opportunity to consult with any healer you want to know better. There is No Fee for this event. Date: Saturday Nov. 21st at the Erie Community Center Doors will open at 9:45 and the event goes until 11:30.

Daylight Donuts Anniversary

D

aylight Donuts of Dacono will be celebrating 13 years in business with our Annual Sale of $1.99 for 1 dozen GLAZED donuts on November 19th ONLY. (limit 2 dz. First come,first served).

We will begin collecting raffle entries on November 1, 2015. Each time you visit us from 11/1/15 thru 11/18/15, enter to win various door prizes or a FREE Turkey. We will be giving away FOUR Turkeys. Patrick and Linda host this event every year as a way to say thank you very much to our customers!

Happy 13th Anniversary!

Page 4

The Consumer Report of Erie—Bringing Residents Information About Area Businesses

Vol. 1, Issue 11

7 Steps to Take Before You Buy a Home Longmont Florist – One of the

Nation’s Best — Serves Erie Daily

M

ost potential homebuyers are daunted by the fact that they’re about to agree to a hefty mortgage that they’ll be paying for many years. The best way to relieve that anxiety is to be confident you’re purchasing a home you can afford with the most favorable financing. These 7 steps will help you make smart decisions about your biggest purchase.

1. Decide how much home you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home priced 2-3 times your gross income. Remember to consider costs every homeowner may cover: property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and community association fees.

2. Develop your home wish list. Be honest about which features you must have and which you’d like to have. Come up with your top 5 must-haves and top 5 wants to help you focus your search and make a logical, rather than emotional, choice when home shopping.

3. Select where you want to live.

Make a list of your top five community priorities, such as commute time, schools, and recreational facilities. Ask a REALTOR® to help you identify 3-4 target neighborhoods based on your priorities.

4. Start saving. Have you saved enough money to qualify for a mortgage and the required down payment? Loan requirements can vary greatly. Discussing options with one or more reputable lenders can assist with this process and help you better understand the best fit for your mortgage needs.

5. Ask about all the costs before you sign. Other costs can be involved besides your down payment.

Home inspections, lender fees and transfer fees are just a few examples. An experienced REALTOR ® and a reputable lender can provide you with estimates for these fees early in the process.

By Jan Sciacca

L

6. G et your credit in order. A credit report details your borrowing history and typically includes a credit score. Lenders lean heavily on this report to determine your qualifications for a loan. Credit requirements vary depending upon the type of loan you are considering. You’re entitled to free copies of your credit reports annually. Order and then review to ensure the information is accurate.

7. Get prequalified. Meet with a lender to get a prequalification letter that says how much house you’re qualified to buy. Gather all paperwork your lender needs.

This typically includes W-2 forms verifying employment and income, copies of pay stubs, and 2-4 months of banking statements.

Cindy Campbell with RE/MAX Alliance has been a REALTOR ® in the tritown area for 9 years and a tri-town resident for 17 years. She can be reached at 303-881-7413 or Cindy@ ColoradoWelcomeHome.com.

The Pilgrimage Run is coming to Erie on Thanksgiving Day Voted one of the top Colorado running events!

So

you thought Thanksgiving was about Turkey, eh? We’re glad you don’t any longer! A new and refreshing ‘replacement’ for your typical Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot is here. The mission, to make a direct and positive impact on the community we call home.

Join us by running, walking, pushing a stroller or pulling a wagon on this great 2 mile course. The route is made up of 90% paved trails and 10% streets, making it a fantastic family event and easy for anyone to participate! Both courses are very flat and forgiving!

Proceeds from each year are given

to a nominated family or person in the community who is facing a hardship. This is done each year through voting by the Hardship Gift Panel, a group made up of 20 local area business owners and citizens.

Please visit www.thepilgrimagerun. com for more information or to register.

ongmont Florist, owned by Brad Golter and his wife Lisa Boberschmidt Golter, actively serves Erie, Louisville, Lafayette and Boulder daily with a wide variety of quality, fresh flowers and plants, some of which are grown locally. Although Longmont Florist was founded in 1969 by Brad’s parents, Brad and Lisa have been sole owners since 1998.

While the Golters have served a wide swatch of the I-25 Corridor for years, they have been actively serving Erie since early summer. Earlier in the year, they acquired the phone number of the former Flower Nook. Most of the store’s business comes from word of mouth, repeat customers, the website and simply the fact that their reputation is impeccable. Brad also boasts about the skilled team of designers, friendly salespeople and the delivery team from their two locations who strive to accommodate special requests and deliveries. One example of their delivery protocol is that in extremely cold weather, the flowers are wrapped to protect them.

Brad and Lisa are proud of the freshness and longevity of their flowers.

They also want the community to know that they can send an order anywhere.

Initially, some customers would go to the internet and purchase flowers. But there has been a shift back to customers calling Longmont Florist, their local provider, to arrange for their special delivery, wherever it might be. In addition, customers use Longmont Florist’s website. Longmont Florist has been granted the prestigious Teleflora “Top 50” award, given to only 50 florists of the approximately 16,000 member florists throughout the U.S. and Canada. This means that of all U.S. flower shops sending orders through the Teleflora network, Longmont Florist is recognized as being in the top 1%.

Although holidays are stressful times for a florist, Brad says his favorite holiday is Valentine’s Day. He says it starts with weeks of stressful planning, a few wild and crazy days, followed by a concentrated peak of activity and an adrenaline rush throughout. He also enjoys his time away from the business when he can fly fish, pheasant hunt and camp as a family, which is harder to do these days since his four kids range in age from 17 to 23 and live busy lives.

I’ve had experience with Longmont Florist on both a business and personal level. As a longtime employee of Howe Mortuary in Longmont, I’ve seen Brad go out of his way to accommodate the families in need. His arrangements arrive early, are more substantial than

Lisa and Brad Golter

other shops and are fresher. When floral arrangements from two companies sit side by side, it’s easy to discern which one is from Longmont Florist. It emanates quality. On a personal level, Longmont Florist assisted my daughter when she was married earlier in the year. They communicated well with her throughout the process. The bride had wanted lots of color, texture and brilliance in her American-Latino bridal bouquet.

Designer Linda even added colorful parrot feathers to the bouquet, compliments of a parrot that used to live at the Longmont Florist’s owners’ home. They gave the bride the flowers of her dreams at a cost less than her mother imagined.

Quality, superb customer service and affordability are the reasons why Longmont Florist has earned its impeccable reputation.

Longmont Florist and Longmont Florist North share the same website, computer system, delivery team and staff.

The website is Longmontflorist.com. The locations contact information is: Longmont Florist, Inc., 614 Coffman St. Longmont, CO 80501, 303-776-2804, 800932-4876, info@longmontflorist.com Longmont Florist North 650 20th Ave. Longmont, CO 80501 303-776-4077 800-238-7953, lfn@longmontflorist.com

The Knights do it again!

Saturday October 10th The Knights of Columbus Council 15751 along with Saint On Scholastica Catholic Church parishioners gathered for the second time this year and volunteered their time to clean up County Line Road from Hwy 7 to Vista Parkway.

For more information contact Oscar Cisneros, Advocate at Knights of Columbus Council 15751 at 303.974.0674.

First Month On Us! Call Eric for Details

gy | Field Ener Eric Kleffner

| | SolarCity Consultant

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city.com | www.solar larcity.com leffner@so ek | 48 37 720-227-

Vol. 1, Issue 11

The Consumer Report of Erie—Like Us on Facebook: Facebook/ErieConsumerReport

235 Wells Street PO Box 97 Erie, CO 80516 Phone (303) 828-3440

Page 5

Elle Cabbage, Executive Director

www.eriechamber.org

Upcoming Chamber Events

Chamber Holiday Events

Country Christmas and Parade of Lights Friday, December 4 5:00pm – 9:00pm Historic Downtown Erie Call the Chamber office if you would like to enter the parade!

303-828-3440 Parade applications and Santa letters are on Website Event Calendar (Please see article on back page of this issue)

Chamber Holiday Open House Wednesday, December 9 3:00pm – 7:00pm Chamber Office, 235 Wells Street

Welcome New Members!

Deters Law, LLC Stefanie Deters 685 Briggs Street Erie, CO 80516 p) 720-541-9008 e) stefanie@deterslaw.com

Miranda Design Studio Laurie Miranda 1574 Westin Drive Erie, CO 80516 p) 303-842-1290 e) lauramiranda@aol.com

The Chamber Office is open Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm. Stop in today to find out how a Chamber membership can enhance your business.

Chamber Master 101 – Member Orientation Tuesday, November 24 8:30am – 9:30am Tuesday, December 29 8:30am – 9:30am Chamber Office conference room 235 Wells Street, Erie, CO RSVP to 303-828-3440 Bring a laptop or iPad! Erie Chamber LEADS GroupThe ‘Miner’s Guild’ Thursday, November 19 7:45am – 9:00am Thursday, December 3 7:45am – 9:00am Thursday, December 17 7:45am – 9:00am The Old Mine, 500 Briggs Street, Erie Visitors Welcome!

For more information, call the Erie Chamber at 303-828-3440

Shawne Beeson Barrie Goettsche

By Jan Sciacca was 2010 when I first met Francesca Battistelli. In all fairness, I was merely an admiring fan to the young single Gospel/ Christian Pop singer-songwriter. She was on a stool by the pool on the KLOVE Caribbean cruise. They were crystal clear . . . her memorable voice, her acoustical guitar and the song “Free to be Me.” As the years progressed, I continued to see her. Next she was newly married. Two years later, she and her husband had started a family. We all experience our own journeys of faith and it was interesting to watch how Francesca’s music blossomed and expanded as her own family did as well. It was with great honor that I was able to discuss some of the simplicities of complexities of life with her in late September.

Francesca has an interesting but smart approach to her entertaining wardrobe. While other performers maintain huge traveling wardrobe closets and accessories, Francesca tends to use three outfits that she wears over and over.

Last year she read about some great men and women who have decided to wear the same clothes every day in order to save their brains for more important matters and to avoid mental clutter. She tried it and it works for her. Her new-found habit has changed a bit this year when she discovered that she and her husband are expecting their third child in February. I imagine the wardrobe has obviously changed but has maintained its’ simplicity.

Nashville is home for Francesca now but when she tours, she’s on the road with her husband and their two children. The day I spoke to her she was in North Dakota.

Although living on the road as a family

unit is rewarding, it has its challenges too.

Francesca has not faltered with her schedule but some nights have been especially taxing as this pregnancy has been tougher on her than the others.

As with other song-writers, many of Francesca’s songs have interesting origins.

That’s the case with the song, “Giants Fall.” Francesca wrote the song after a 14-year-old girl named Mallory wrote to

Francesca. All her friends told her she was crazy for trying to reach out to the star to sing at a fundraiser luncheon for an organization the youth had started 3 years earlier. Mallory’s organization had raised $20,000 to help children in Uganda receive education. Mallory wanted a big star to help bring attention to the cause.

As Francesca’s husband Matt was reading the email to Francesca, Francesca stopped him and had him reread it. Shortly after, they had rescheduled their plans and they were on their way to Mallory’s fundraiser, with Francesca as the

Wednesday, November 25 10:30am – 11:00am Gaucho de Argentina 656 Kattell Street, Erie Network at Noon Tuesday, December 1 11:45am – 1:00pm “Networking During the Holidays” Erie Community Library 400 Powers Street, Erie You must RSVP as lunch is catered Call the Chamber 303-828-3440 Colorado Business Summit Wednesday, February 17 8:00am-1:00pm Lionsgate Event Center, Lafayette

CONGRATULATIONS TO NEWLY ELECTED 2016 BOARD MEMBERS!

Singer-Songwriter Francesca Battistelli to Perform December 17 in Greeley

It

Ribbon Cutting Wednesday, November 18 4:30pm – 5:00pm Country Financial 1319 W. Baseline Rd, Suite 100, Lafayette

performer. In the meantime Francesca being moved by the request, wrote “Giants Fall,” a tribute to Mallory. More about Mallory’s charitable organization can be found at projectyesu.org.

Francesca Battistelli will perform at 7 pm, December 17 at Monfort Concert Hall in the Greeley Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., Greeley. Inspired by jazz greats and contemporaries such as John Mayer and Sara Bareilles, Francesca has a Grammy nomination, 22 Dove Award nominations, and 6 Dove Award wins to her credit, including Artist of the Year. Her debut album, “My Paper Heart,” went gold in 2012, and she has sold more than 1.1 million albums and downloads.

Tickets range $38-$75 and are available at https://ucstars.showare.com or by calling the Union Colony Civic Center Box Office at 970.356.5000. Discounts are available when quantities of 10 are purchased. Contact the Civic Center Box Office for details.

Take a close listen to If We’re Honest—the stunning, soulful and openhearted third album by Christian music superstar Francesca Battistelli, a GRAMMY® Award nominee and six time Dove Award winner—and you will hear that her latest song cycle is a deeply honest and powerful piece of work vividly reflecting the 28-year-old singersongwriter’s own journey.

—Source: www.francescamusic.com

Jeannie Hulse Jody Linvingood

Edelweiss Alpacas Farm Tours hough the weather is getting colder, Tpleasant we Coloradans enjoy many sunny and days yet in the winter. Edelweiss Alpacas will continue to be open for farm tours for individuals, families and groups throughout December and January. Our store also continues to feature warm and fashionable alpaca clothing and other items that make great Christmas gifts. Call us at 303-932-2816 for an appointment – we’ll try to schedule for the nicer days.

Wishing you a wonderful and blessed holiday season this year from Dave and Carol Hinrichs!

ERIE ROTARY CLUB

Every Wednesday morning 7:30 a.m. at the Briggs Street Café Please join us and learn about how Rotary International helps in ERIE and ALL OVER the world.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL SERVICE ABOVE SELF For more information on the Erie Rotary Club visit www.clubrunner.ca/erie-co/

Page 6

The Consumer Report of Erie—Bringing Residents Information About Area Businesses

Vol. 1, Issue 11

Erie Community Library Events November 15, 2015 to December 11, 2015 Erie Community Library, 400 Powers Street, Erie; 1-888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Thanksgiving Harvest of Stories “Tellabration” – Thursday, November 19; 4:00 pm. The Northern Colorado Storytellers will celebrate the season with a feast of funny, engaging, and interactive tales. Donations of nonperishable food items for the Erie Community Food Bank will be collected.

Local History Series: The Indians of the Colorado Plains – Thursday, November

19; 7:00 pm; Erie Community Center, 450 Powers Street. Join us in exploring the cultures of the Plains Indians and the challenges they faced in a changing world.

Movie and a Craft: “The Emperor’s New Groove” – Monday, November 23; 2:00 pm. Watch a movie and then make a fun craft after the film to take home. Rated G. Grades K-8; registration.

Handmade Holiday – Tuesday, December 1; 4:00 pm. Craft some handmade gifts for your friends and family. Grades 3-5.

Registration.

Felting Fun for the Whole Family – Tuesday, December 1; 6:00 pm. Learn how to make a one-of-a-kind needle felted snowman or penguin ornament. Ages 10+.

Registration.

Handmade Holiday – Tuesday, December 1; 4:00 pm. Craft some handmade gifts for your friends and family. Grades 6-12.

Registration.

A “Nutcracker” Storytime with the Longmont Dance Theater – Wednesday, December 9; 5:00 pm. Storytime and

performance followed by photo opps, crafts and activities.

Conversation with the author: Carter Wilson – Thursday, December 10; 6:30 pm. This month’s author is Erie resident Carter Wilson, whose most recent book, The Comfort of Black, hit the shelves in August.

Book Tasting – Friday, December 11; 6:30 pm. Dress up and have a night out with other teens while sampling books and tasty snacks. Registration.

Operation Santa in Erie, CO

R

emember when you were little and sat on Santa’s lap telling him that you had been good all year and really wanted a toy horse or wind-up car for Christmas? Remember your excitement and anticipation a week before Christmas, a day before Christmas, Christmas Eve night or even in the wee hours before everyone woke up on Christmas morning?

The Erie Optimist Club helps to make these memories for children in Erie so that they have a brighter Christmas through Operation Santa.

Santa and his elves with their fleet of pick-up trucks travel through the streets of Erie the Sunday before Christmas delivering gifts to children who otherwise might not have the means to receive a gift of their choice.

Each year right after Thanksgiving, trees are put up in the lobbys of Great Western Bank, First Bank and Summit Bank and this year for the first time in the lobby at the new Erie Police Station. The Erie Optimist Club adds ornaments to the trees that have the gift wishes of children who live in Erie.

Prior to hanging the ornaments, letters are sent to families with children in the Erie feeder systems that could use a little help providing gifts. The letters are filled out by the families and returned to the Optimist Club who then create the ornaments that list the gift wishes of each child.

Once the ornaments are hung on the trees, the real magic begins. Generous individuals go into the banks or the police station and choose an ornament.

Then they purchase gifts from that child’s wish list and return the gifts to the banks wrapped in beautiful, sparkling packages.

The Optimist Club then comes together on the Saturday before the gifts will be delivered to sort the packages into boxes for each family. Then after taking inventory of each families gifts, Optimist members go shopping. They purchase gifts or gift cards to ensure each child in each family receives the same number of gifts.

On the Sunday before Christmas, the boxes with gifts are loaded into a fleet of pick-up trucks and surrogate Santas and their Elves (there are two Santa standins) plot their courses throughout Erie delivering the gifts to about 40 families.

Operation Santa began over 20 years ago with Erie’s Police Chief, but for at least 20 years, the Erie Optimist Club has been handling the event. When the Optimist Club took over the event, it was housed in an Optimist member’s house. The gifts took over the house. The gift sorting was done in the living room and dining room of the house. The gift sorters were running into each other and soon it was obvious that a new location was needed to stage the event. They moved to the basement of another Optimist member’s house but also outgrew that venue. Eventually they were able to use Erie Elementary School’s gym to stage the event.

Each year, the generous public provides gifts ranging from Barbie dolls, to dump trucks, Legos, electronic games and skateboards. Bicycles (with helmets of course) are one of Santa’s favorite gifts to deliver. The child’s eyes light up and they can’t believe their good fortune.

The Erie Optimist Club would like to thank all of the banks, the police department and the people of our community who purchase gifts for these children. With the help and generosity of the people in and around Erie, these families are fortunate enough to enjoy a merrier Christmas! For information about Operation Santa contact Bea Lease at 303 828-3315.

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Santa and his elves with their fleet of pick-up trucks travel through the streets of Erie the Sunday before Christmas delivering gifts to children who otherwise might not have the means to receive a gift of their choice.

All of the donated gifts!

Erie Churches St. Luke Orthodox Church (Eastern Rite) 8:00 a.m. Orthros, 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy, Sun. School 11:15 a.m.

303 665-4013 www.stlukeorthodox.org 722 Austin Ave. Erie CO 80516 Fr. David Mustian, Pastor

Calvary Bible Church 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

615 Evans St. Pastor Adrian Boykin 303.442.3484 info@calvarybible.com Crave, a place for students, meets at 10:30am (High School) in the lobby and 10:30am (Middle School) in the Student Ministries room.

La Iglesia Bautista Messiahville le ofrece un servicio Cristiano en Espanol todos los Lunes alas 7:00 p.m.

La direccion es 4700 County Road 6 Erie Transportacion gratis llame 303-669-5180

Rejoice Lutheran Church Sun. Worship: 9:30 a.m.

Renovations are completed & we areworshipping at 3413 Lowell Lane, Erie.

303-828-3953 www.rejoicelutheran.net Pastor Ruby Narucki

Bible Baptist Church of Erie 5050 NE County Line Rd 1 Erie, CO 80516 (1 mile south of Hwy 52) James M. Duncan, Pastor 303-828-5109 Email: jmduncan@usa.net www.biblebaptisterie.com

New Hope Fellowship/Erie Baptist Church Corner of Cheeseman & High, Erie Sun. 10:00 a.m. & Children’s 10:30 a.m.

(303) 828-0638 Pastor Dr. Mitch Gardne

Flatirons Community Church Sat. 5p & 6:45p and Sun. 9a & 10:45a 355 W South Boulder Road, Lafayette 303-664-5524 Jim Bergen

Erie United Methodist Church 604 Holbrook St, Erie (across Town Hall) Sun 9:00 a.m. Worship & Sunday School for Children and Youth, Nursery provided Office: (303) 828-3906 erieumc@gmail.com Pastor Rev. Emily Flemming

Life Song Church of Erie Sun. School 9:15 a.m. Service 10:30 a.m.

303-828-1040 470 Briggs Street, Erie www.lifesongchurch.org

Impact Rock Church Saturdays 5 p.m.

(303) 835-4214 www.impactrock.com 470 Briggs St Erie, CO 80516

Grace Church Worship Sat 6 p.m., Sun 8:30, 11:15 a.m.

2415 Lake Park Drive, Longmont, CO 80501 303-772-5685, www.graceefc.org Pastor Jeff Foote

Orchard Church Erie Sunday Services 10:00 a.m.

Erie High School, 3180 County Road 5 Erie, Colorado 80516 (303) 485-0922 www.orcharderie.com Pastor Nick Olson St. Scholastica Catholic Church Main & Wells, Erie, CO (303) 828-4221; parishoffice@ stscholasticaerie.org Fr. Hernan Florez, Pastor Fr. Robert Wedow, Parochial Vicar Weekday Masses: Tuesday, 6:00pm; Confessions at 5pm Wednesday thru Friday, 9:00am; Confessions at 8:30am Saturday, 7:30am; Confessions at 7:00am Weekend Masses: Saturday, 4:00pm Sunday, 8:30am, 11:30am Communion Service: Monday, 9:00am Centerpoint Community Church 10 a.m. Sundays @ Red Hawk Elementary (West entrance) http://www.centerpoint.tv/

The Consumer Report of Erie—Like Us on Facebook: Facebook/ErieConsumerReport

Vol. 1, Issue 11

Page 7

St. Vrain Habitat Begins First Home in Erie Urgency In Change Flood Repair: A Collaborative Effort

H

abitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley (HFHSVV) commenced construction on its first home in the Erie area. This home is part of Habitat’s ReBuild program and is being built in partnership with the Langer family who lost their original house in the flood of 2013.

This home will be the first built in conjunction with Flatirons Habitat for Humanity. Since the Langers’ home lies in-between the Flatirons and St. Vrain Habitats’ service areas, both affiliates are collaborating to ensure this family can return to a safe, sanitary, functional home.

“We are excited to be working with Flatirons Habitat for Humanity on this project. The Langer family lost so much during the flood and it makes us extremely happy to be able to engage two communities in helping rebuild this family’s farm home,” said Dave Emerson, Executive Director of HFHSVV. On Wednesday, October 14, both Habitats and the Langer family had a ground

blessing ceremony to celebrate breaking ground on the site of their new home. The home is being built at the highest point on the Langers’ property to ensure their future safety during possible flood events.

As with all Habitat partners, the Langers will contribute sweat equity to help build their home. Volunteers are needed for this project and can sign up through either stvrainhabitat.org or flatironshabitat.org.

HFHSVV Background: Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley (HFHSVV) is a nonprofit, Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing in the community and to make simple, decent, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. In the last 27 years Habitat has built 67 houses throughout the St. Vrain Valley and has funded the construction of more than 115 homes internationally through its tithe program (donating 10% unallocated funds per quarter to affiliates outside of U.S.). HFHSVV is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International.

From left to right: Kris Fitzgeral-Rohr, Case Worker from Boulder Longterm Flood Recovery Group; Father Joe Saenz, Ben Langer; Justin Langer; Greg Langer; Lisa Langer; Dave Emerson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley; Susan Lythgo, Executive Director of Flatirons Habitat for Humanity.

W

hen you cost and compare that to what else they p e r s o n a l l y could be buying. See the roadblocks and have an illness, or quit before they start because they think have family and they’ll fail. Think that a year from now friends that are they’ll have more time and be able to make suffering with a the change then. disease or illness, Doers... Understand the importance or even a loved and schedule the time necessary to get one’s death, this will the results they want. Know there will often put a sense of be road blocks, but are determined to urgency in how you overcome them. Surround themselves change some of your own habits and with others who have the same goal. want to improve your health.

Find the time by cutting out less I’m surrounded by people who are important activities. Know there will either considering it or are in the process never be a perfect time to start and the of transforming their health or life. I best day to start is today. hope by reading this today you’ll take Would you say that your health is one a moment to decide where of your top three priorities in You have you’re at with this and if you your life? If that’s true, are you need help going forward. the ability spending your time, energy and Many people want to to change, resources on your health? Are be happier, healthier, more exercising and breaking a but it starts you fit, have less pain, have more sweating five days a week? Are with a energy, etc., but only a few you educating yourself on what decision. are actually willing to invest you should be eating for healthy the time, energy, money, and nutrition? Are you surrounding reputation to see it come to be. yourself with friends who are There’s a big difference in the doing the same? mindset of those who are talking about You have the ability to change, but it wanting to change and those actually starts with a decision. Once you decide, doing the work in the process of take that step and ask for help. Contact transforming themselves.

Tracy Rewerts NASM CPT, FNS, WFS at Here are some differences between www.TimeForChangePersonalTraining. the talkers and the doers: com or call 303-828-2856 and we can Talkers...are afraid of what others will talk about your goals. think/say about them. Will look at their busy schedule and aren’t t willing to move Contact Tracy Rewerts, NASM Certified things around to make the time. Allow less Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist valued activities like TV, technology, etc to at www.TimeForChangePersonalTraining.com take over their lives. See how much it will or 303-828-2856 for details and questions.

I’m surrounded by people who are either considering it or are in the process of transforming their health or life.

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Page 8

The Consumer Report of Erie—Bringing Residents Information About Area Businesses

Vol. 1, Issue 11

Erie Chamber of Commerce prepares for its Annual Country Christmas and Parade of Lights! ick off your holiday season with a specialties including funnel cakes, kettle parade fun! As always, safety during our community events is top priority. With K hometown favorite tradition, Erie’s corn, brats and more! over 4,000 people attending the Country Country Christmas and Parade of Lights!

On Friday December 4th from 5-8 pm, the evening will be filled with exciting things to do throughout Historic Downtown Erie. “Bundle Up” and bring your family to hear the sweet sounds of Christmas Carols sung by local schools and churches on Moffat and Briggs Street, witness the living nativity scene, and starting at 6 pm you can sing Christmas Carols as you ride throughout the Historic Downtown on a complimentary Christmas hay wagon ride. Plus, an all-time favorite to enjoy is the Chamber’s free s’mores, prepared “by you, for you” over the open fire pits!

You’ll want to visit many of Erie’s local downtown businesses, enjoy a Christmas cookie or two, sip some hot chocolate, and meet some of our community’s finest professionals! The Art Coalition of Erie “ACE”, located at Pierce and Wells Street, will have their annual Open House filled with beautiful art and wood works affording everyone an opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping. Come hungry! Dine-in at our local restaurants or eat-on-the-go at Santa’s Workshop with

Beginning at 6:30 pm the holiday spirit comes to life with the bright, colorful, and entertaining Parade of Lights lead by the Erie Police Department and the Mtn. View Fire Protection District. A few of our

entries include Boy Scouts Troop 62, EHS Marching Band, Erie’s hot air balloons, hand decorated floats, and more! The parade begins from the south end of Briggs and Perry Streets and proceeds north to Wells Street. Everyone is welcome to join in the parade: there is no parade fee – only

Christmas and Parade of Lights, the Erie Chamber asks for your help in continuing to provide a safe evening by ensuring your children refrain from entering the streets during the parade.

All parade entries will enter Maxwell Street off of County Line Road (directly north of the Erie Community and Recreational Center).

Application forms are available at the Erie Chamber Office and online at www.eriechamber. org. Have your cameras ready because at the end of the parade, Santa arrives fresh from the North Pole to meet the children at his workshop on Moffatt and Briggs Street. Each child will receive a small holiday goodie bag prepared by Santa’s helpers from the Erie Historical Society.

Available now are “Letters to Santa” that are completed by your child/parent and

hand delivered to Santa’s Mailbox located outside State Farm Insurance Agency on Briggs Street. Each child will receive a letter “From Santa” before Christmas Day! We will also be collecting food and new toys for Erie families.

Would you like to volunteer? Please contact the Erie Chamber at 303-828-3440 for more information on any Country Christmas and Parade of Lights activity.

Special Alert! We just received word that December 4th is going to be a clear, brisk evening, perfect for all the Country Christmas and Parade of Lights activities!

Impact Rock Church: A Growing Erie Church on the Move!

By Jan Sciacca

I

mpact Rock Church, Erie’s nondenominational church that has been sharing a building with Life Song Church downtown for three years, is on the move! The Erie Board of Trustees granted approval this month for the church to relocate to the Austin Commons, 710 Austin Ave, Suite 200, Erie. The location owned by Rich Berman will provide the church body with 4800 square feet of space.

In a recent discussion, I asked Pastor Mark Harper how he would describe Impact Rock. It’s listed as a nondenominational church but if someone is new to Erie, I wondered what else could he tell me. He responded that Impact Rock is a “traditional values church but not traditional values deliverable.” I knew exactly what that meant. To me, that means it’s alive and growing and filled with the Holy Spirit.

After much prayer, affirmation from local pastors, and perceived confirmation from God, Impact Rock was launched on January 2, 2010 in Mark and Kara Harper’s

living room in Westminster. The Harpers, their three kids and twelve others were present. By May, they had outgrown the living room and had moved the church to the Erie Community Center. Although they had more space, the situation was confining because they had to leave at 7 pm when the facility closed for the day. From day one, Mark and Kara Harper believed that God wanted them to plant a church in Erie, Colorado. They believed He would guide, direct and provide everything that was needed.

Impact Rock Church celebrated its fifth anniversary this year. It’s spent the past three years meeting on Saturday nights in Life Song Church’s building and being very grateful to Pastor Matthew and later Pastor Stephen of Life Song for allowing them the space.

Impact Rock Church has grown to 120 parishioners and is ready for its own space.

There will be changes and opportunities.

The church will ready its new space and open at the new location in January.

Worship services will move from Saturday

IRC Men uniting and praying evening to Sunday morning. Pastor Mark knows that some will welcome the day and time change but others may not. Some will embrace wanting to “be the church” and volunteer to help with their new space.

Others may not. Pastor Mark concentrates on the positive and the doors that have been continually opened for Impact Rock Church. He believes that as long as he keeps his focus on God and what God wants for the church, than he can effectively lead, guide and direct through the transition.

Mark and Kara Harper serve as Lead Pastors at Impact Rock Church. Mark passionately leads the Eldership at Impact Rock and oversees the preaching of the Word. Kara oversees the Worship Team, leading in lifting up the name of Jesus

Christ and bringing the Impact Rock Church into the presence of God through praise and worship.

Impact Rock Church believes in constantly raising up leaders who will lead in their marriages, homes, families, work places, neighborhoods, places of recreation and at Impact Rock. To accomplish this call, Impact Rock Church holds Leadership Training Classes several times each year, to which the entire church is invited to attend. The church currently meets at 5 pm on Saturdays at 470 Briggs Street. The church phone number is (303) 835-4214, the website is impactrock.com and the contact email is mark@impactrock.com.

Above: Lead Pastor Mark Harper addressing the IRC congregation Below: The Harpers (left to right) - Acacia, Mark, Kara, Kadence and Jordan

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