Congratulations to the Class of 2020 and a Big Thank You to our advertisers that made this special issue possible!
Volume 13 • Edition 11
June 3, 2020
Over 11,000 Papers Distributed
Serving rural Adams, Morgan, and Weld Counties
“Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light” George Washington “If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed” Thomas Jefferson
Farmers in Historic Splendid Valley Move Forward with the 2020 Growing Season Despite Challenges In the midst of these unprecedented times, some things are still happening as they always do. This is true for Historic Splendid Valley farmers who are moving ahead to grow produce and flowers, and raise goats, chickens, and much more. Right now, these farmers are tending seedlings in greenhouses, planting cool season crops, pruning lavender, protecting young plants from the elements, tending to winter wheat, and caring for goat kids and chicks. Despite everything happening in the world, farmers are still growing our food and other agricultural products that we depend on. And they are doing it with a positive attitude and the optimism that every spring brings. “Spring on the farm is normally the most optimistic time for a farmer. It is the time when we finally get into the fields and have a fresh start so to speak – a time when we plan to hopefully correct all of the mistakes we made last season, a time of hope for a better year than the previous one, kind of a fresh start,” explained Robert Sakata of Sakata Farms. Of course, this is not to say that local producers aren’t facing a myriad of challenges related to the COVID-19 crisis. Facing the uncertainty of demand and market channels, and the effects of social distancing on farm visitation, some farms have already made adjustments. Berry Patch Farms is planting two new strawberry fields this year to help ensure the safety of employees and the public who comes in droves every summer to pick their certified-organic berries. Minoru Farm, which specializes in Asian varieties of vegetables, is in its first year of production. Having originally planned to sell at farmers markets, their model has shifted to include some Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm shares. “With the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for knowing where your food comes from has increased, along with the public’s realization of the importance of supporting small local businesses. I got the message that I needed to step up and offer what I could,” said Jade Sato of Minoru Farm. Sonflower Ranch was planning to offer tours to preschoolers and first-graders this spring, but those have been canceled. In response, they are offering self-guided, no-contact tours right now for families looking for something to do close to home. While there are still some opportunities to visit farms and farm stores, Red Daisy Farm is providing an opportunity to grow-your-own. In response to postponed weddings and other events that provide much of the demand for their flowers, Red Daisy is now offering cut flower garden kits. These kits offer a nice variety of 72 flower plugs that people can plant and grow at home. There is also the important consideration for all of the farms’ employees and, by extension, their families. From increased food safety trainings on top of an already rigorous program, to acquiring protective equipment to keep workers safe, this is an ongoing consideration for farmers. And there are still the anticipated challenges of farming in Colorado in the spring. Recent snowstorms have delayed plantings, or had farmers scrambling and putting in 18-hour days to get the crop in the ground before snow falls. Petrocco Farms, who raises a variety of vegetables for local and regional distribution in Historic Splendid Valley, shared that it is still early to speak much about this upcoming season, with so many unknowns to come. They are hopeful for better times ahead, and are working hard to ensure their products will be available in grocery stores and local farm markets later this year. Though there are some plans and adjustments that can be made now, there is a lot that remains to be seen. Historic Splendid Valley farmers, like farmers across the country, are preparing to make additional changes and get creative. Palizzi Farm is looking to make some changes this year by exploring a produce driveup service and local delivery options. At the moment, they are planting in the fields and their greenhouses are full of seedlings. A little further south, Palombo Farms is opening early for the season – in June. They will be offering curated produce boxes available for curbside pickup. “As folks are cooking at home and seeking ways to support our community, we’re hopeful they’ll look to family farms, such as ours, for their fresh produce,” said Joe Palombo of Palombo Farms Market. The City of Brighton and Adams County have long recognized the importance of preserving the prime farmland of Historic Splendid Valley, supporting the local food system,
and promoting agritourism. These initiatives support our local economy and the health and wellbeing of residents in and around Splendid Valley. There are a number of opportunities to support these farms now, and there will be many more once the harvest season begins. Anna of Apple Lavender Farms, whose local lavender can be purchased at the Berry Patch Farms store, reminds us that “buying local helps small farms continue providing quality produce and products with minimal impact on the environment, transportation or distribution.” Sakata Farms mentioned potential opportunities to support food pantries and food banks as the season goes on. Cont. on Page 3, See Farmers Move Forward
Dear Weld Re-3J Community,
The district’s current override is scheduled to expire at the end of the 20212022 school year, but we need to start planning now so that we can prepare
While working through the challenges of school closure and remote
future budgets. Extending the district’s mill-levy override will help ensure that
learning, we have also been looking at the district’s future. An important
our students and teachers receive the resources needed for safe and healthy
part of this work includes the feedback that we have received from the
schools and necessary educational and classroom resources.
community over the past year through surveys on our performance, priorities and management of the district. In the coming months, we will likely ask for
The reverse side of this postcard includes key data from our recent Community Surveys. Many of the responses show strong support for the
additional community input about the district’s budget and priorities for district district’s Strategic Plan and education priorities, and they also show desired, resources—especially as we move forward from the coronavirus pandemic.
new priorities. A summary of the district’s recent Community Surveys is
One of the upcoming issues for the district is its current mill-levy override, available online at Re3J.com. approved by voters in 2016. This voter-approved override has provided
Over the coming months, the district will be hosting a citizen task force
invaluable resources to address our district’s Strategic Plan priorities. We
to look at our mill-levy override and budgeting priorities. We encourage all
have successfully utilized the mill-levy override to:
community members to provide input into our process by contacting us at
Retain quality teachers and reduce teacher turnover Replace outdated textbooks and materials Update instructional technology Properly fund maintenance of district facilities to extend their useful life
Re3J.com. Sincerely, Cindy Baumgartner President, Board of Education
Greg Rabenhorst Superintendent of Schools
Visit www.Re3J.com for additional Community Survey results
Work on CO 52 Near Hudson Begins Week of June 1 Motorists can expect delays
WELD COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation, in cooperation with Castle Rock Construction of Colorado, LLC, plans to begin construction on Colorado Highway 52 near Hudson the week of June 1. This project will help move cars through the area efficiently and improve safety and access to CO 52 by installing a roundabout at the Love’s and westbound ramps intersections, a traffic signal at the eastbound off ramp, and the addition of a sidewalk along the north side of CO 52 to increase pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. Construction limits and traffic impacts are expected from mile point 31 and 32 along I-76 and along CO 52 from just west of County Road 12 ½ to the BNSF railroad crossing in Hudson. Motorists should expect up to 20-minute delays during construction. Speed limits during construction will be reduced to 35 mph. Work will take place Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE: Page 2: Way of the World Page 4-14: Weld Re-3J School District Updates Page 6-11: Weld Central Class of 2020 Page 16: Farm & Home Lumber Under New Management Page 16: Meet 4-H Member - Kaylie Blake