CVL Sep-Oct 2020-Web

September/October 2020

THROUGH THE FLOOD: ONE MAN’S JOURNEY FROM SURVIVOR TO BAKING HIGH SUCCESS (HIGH ALTITUDE, THAT IS)

TWO UNIQUE CARBON VALLEY KIDS ALL-AGES COLORING CONTEST Contents

From the Editor 4 BBQ Tip: How to Pick a Good Brisket 6 all is for Baking High (High Altitude, That Is) 8 F Decisions for a Family Caregiver 10 Flavor Carbon Valley Coloring Contest 16 Estate Planning 32 BBQ Tips features page 6 Carbon Valley Kids 12 2 Minutes of Tech: Passwords 14 CARBON VALLEY RESOURCES 20 Community Spotlight: How to Weld County Foster Care 34 win at the Cover Story: Through the Flood 24 YOGA 28 baking Oh The Things I Didn’t Know... 36 Values-Based Budgeting 37 game at altitude

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Carbon Valley Life is produced and published by Genevieve Mellott Design. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information. Want to share your thoughts? Have ideas? Are there errors or omissions? Email [email protected].

I would be lying if I said that most Theo Pangilinan, discovered a number years I don’t heave an exasperated sigh of years ago. when I see Halloween candy in stores When you delve into these pages, August first, or roll my eyes at all the you will discover informative articles, pumpkin-spiced nonsense littering inspiring stories, and a little bit of fun my path all Autumn long (leave it for mixed in for good measure. Most of the pies and lattes, people!) Still, this this issue is what I would call “shared year I don’t mind so much. There is knowledge,” and I am infinitely grateful something reassuring about prepping to the writers and professionals who for the change to the coming season, cared enough to make it available to even in silly little things that used to all of us. May it also serve as part of be an annoyance. Other signs are very our seasonal comfort, uniquely relying welcome indeed: the subtle chill that on one another as we enter into the returns to Colorado evenings or the call next unknown, and, as so many folks of birds instinctively flying to their next are saying, knowing that we are “in destination. These things trigger what this together.” Who knows? our minds long to know, that we’ve Maybe as you’re enjoying done this before and know what to a relaxing read, digging expect. into a bag of black This fall, I hope you will consider and orange M&Ms two things: first, in every generation, while lighting there have been unforeseen tumultuous a pumpkin events. Those hard times passed, and spice candle, so will ours. Second, while sometimes someone we may not like the change and across town pressure accompanying those events, is doing the they have the capacity to bring out the same thing. Or best in us, even if we think we are not at least they’ll strong enough. If you shift your focus be thinking to helping others, if you learn to lean on about it.  those who offer a hand, if you let go of control and latch onto your faith – you may just find the peace you need, just as the protagonist of our cover story,

Genevieve lives in Firestone with her husband, three kids, and two dogs. She enjoys thunderstorms, gardening, and long walks around the reservoir... when the kids aren’t fighting or whining. 4

BBQ Tip: How to Pick a Good Brisket by Dan the BBQ Man

As a barbeque competitor and and tender results. But what about caterer, I often get asked how to make the quality of the brisket itself while a better brisket. When people learn just still in the Cryovac? Did you know that how hard we work to cook a “perfect” you can increase your chances of brisket for those judges, they want cooking a supremely tender brisket some tips that might step up their own just by knowing how to pick one? Like backyard game. Why brisket? Patience choosing a pineapple, not all of them and persistence are virtues challenged are the same. If you know how to pick by many a stubborn brisket. They take the sweet ones, they are totally worth it. a while to cook, and not everyone Not all of us can afford to buy high- figures them out right away. How can end Wagyu briskets at three times the a brisket be stubborn? I wondered price. So we find ourselves standing at the same thing until I learned a little the local grocery store or big-box outfit, more about them. For this article, I gazing into the sea of briskets looking will be discussing full packer briskets, for the perfect slab. What do you look which are the most common to use for for, and how do you know you got the smoking. This term means the point best one out of the bunch? and the flat muscles are still connected in one brisket pack. Most folks who cook with beef There are a few things to consider before you even get your brisket on the smoker. Yes, your choice of rub ingredients, injections, and sauces are very important for constructing the best flavor. And how long you smoke it, at what temp, when you wrap or if you wrap and how long you let it rest are all important in ensuring juicy

6 understand that marbling is a great flexible it is and how easy it bends over way to tell if your brisket has good your arm or edge of the shopping cart. fat content between the meat fibers, If it bends easily in the Cryovac, it will which renders down during the cooking likely be more tender when it is cooked. process and turns into delicious, Finally, look at the grain of the meat tenderizing juices. For this reason, and see what direction it is running. choosing a Prime grade brisket over a The grain is the “lines” or fibers in the Choice brisket may be a better option meat that are running parallel from end from the start. to end. If you are looking at the brisket When searching through the lengthwise, the more parallel the grain briskets, don’t be afraid to pick it up is to the cut of the brisket, the more and inspect it closely. The big solid tender it is likely to be. fat chunk on the point end, called Hopefully, these tips will help you the “deckle,” can sometimes be the next time you are shopping for a disproportionately large, and after good brisket and will take your smoking trimming it out can lead to a lot of game to the next level!  weight loss that you’ve paid for by the pound. Also, the fat cap that runs along the underside of the brisket should be thinner than the meat, but sometimes Dan Milam is the pitmaster and co-owner it’s the other way around, and you of Chase’N’Smoke BBQ catering and end up with more fat than beef. While competition team with his wife Jacqueline, holding it up from its center, test how based in Firestone. 7 Baking High (High Altitude, That Is) by Angela Peterson

One of the most important aspects which will change the texture of your of baking, in my mind, is being able to cake and can lead to more irregular adjust for altitude since most people pockets of air in your batter. So, it is are using recipes found online or in very important to understand how to a cookbook and not developing their adjust the recipe so that you can have own. “Why do I need to worry about the best outcome possible each time! the altitude I’m baking at?” you may If you are getting your recipe from ask. The altitude affects the amount a blog, and it isn’t apparent where of air pressure there is, which affects the writer lives, go to their About Me how quickly things rise, how much section or Introduction; they usually moisture is lost, and how the leaveners state where they live there. If not, feel react. High-altitude baking means free to reach out to them and see that there is less air pressure, causing where they are testing these recipes. baked goods to rise faster and lose If you are getting your recipe from a more moisture, and it causes the cookbook, you can generally rely on chemical reaction in your leaveners where the author is currently living, to occur more quickly. The change which usually is listed in their bio on in the chemical reaction taking place the back sleeve, or you can probably causes larger gas bubbles to form, 8 Google them and find out. I have found that unless it is specifically a high- altitude or regional cookbook, then it is ShortD’s /’SHôrdēz/ noun: safe to assume it is made for baking at fine purveyor of exquisite sea level. coffee beans, roasted to So, how do you know if you need perfection and surprisingly to adjust your recipe? Simple: if there is a chemical leavener present in the affordable. See also: yummy recipe, then you need to adjust. Your next question is probably, “What is a chemical leavener?” Baking soda Small-Batch RoaSted on demand PeRfect foR home and office and baking powder are the two fRee deliveRy Within caRBon valley types of chemical leaveners used in baking. Baking relies on the specific Call with Code CVl910 for $2 off one interactions that take place between pound of light or dark roast flour, leaveners, fats, and liquids, so when the air pressure changes due to altitude, these ingredients also need to change to facilitate the specific Quality, One Bean at a Time! interactions desired. Here is the most precise way shortdsbeans.com 720.352.9508 to adjust your recipe, adjusting for [email protected] altitudes over 3,500 feet: Chemical Leavener – Decrease 40% • Increase liquids (water, milk, sour Flour – Increase 4% cream, eggs, etc. but not oil) by 1 Eggs – Increase 10% to 2 tbsp for first 1,000 ft, and 1 1/2 tsp per additional 1,000 ft Sugar – Decrease 6% • Decrease chemical leaveners by Fats – Remain the same (oil is a fat, not 20% above 3,500 ft, by 50% above a liquid) 5,000 ft, and by 75% above 6,500 ft Liquids – Increase 15% Making Bread? However, if you are making a 9-in. • Yeast is a biological leavener and cake and using cups and teaspoons will also need adjusting if you are instead of going by weight, it is not easy baking at a high altitude. You should to adjust 6% of a tsp. Here are some decrease yeast by 25% above 3,500 quick rules to help you be successful ft and account for a shorter rising without having to pull out your scale! time.  • Increase oven temperature by 15-25 degrees Angela has worked for a number of celebrated • Decrease the baking time by 20- chefs in the Boston area, including James 30% Beard-awarded chef Jody Adams at Trade, and under two-time Food Network finalist Joshua • Increase flour by 1 tbsp at 3,500 ft, Livsey at Harvest. She then became the Pastry and by 1 tbsp for every additional Chef at Catalyst Restaurant and then at Fox & 1,500 ft the Knife under James Beard-awarded Chef Karen Akunowicz. She now owns her own local • Decrease sugar by 1 tbsp per cup donut bakery, Colorado Shield Maiden. 9 Decisions for a Family Caregiver by Inga Juzysta

George was a happy-go-lucky their own and a career they are also 69-year-old man living in his castle with managing. While it’s great they are in his wife June, 67 years old. They have close contact with their parents, the three grown children, one of whom stress and hurry of the day might not lives in the next town over, about 15 allow for good observation, or maybe miles away. George and June have it gets harder and harder to make enjoyed their retirement immensely: frequent stops to visit and provide visiting grandchildren, playing bingo, assistance. and fitting in a round or two of golf with George and June were fortunate their friends. They had done a good that one of their adult children lived job planning for retirement and how only 15 miles away and could visit wonderful it would be, and then George regularly, but that child also had was diagnosed with an aggressive, very active children, a household to chronic illness known as Parkinson’s. manage, and a career. Most of the Herein begins the tale of caring for caretaking for George was put onto his George. loving wife of 40 years, June. One of the most significant June is known as the “spousal concerns for an older caretaker.” The adult as they age: spousal caretaker who will be providing “...the spousal often has the hardest care when something caretaker has a 63% time of all as they are happens to them and living daily with the they struggle to care higher mortality person they love and for themselves? for whom they must Generally, it is the rate than non- provide care. The adult child who is in spousal caretaker is regular contact with spousal caregivers often overwhelmed, their parent(s) and exhausted, and may assisting with chores of the same age.” run out of patience around the house, very easily. getting groceries, According to a report from the and even some housekeeping. Sound Family Caregiver Alliance, the spousal familiar? This situation is wonderful as caretaker has a 63% higher mortality it keeps the parents interacting with rate than non-spousal caregivers of their family and also allows the adult the same age. They also have higher child to keep an eye on the home and levels of stress hormones, which then their parents. cause a reduced immune response, This group of people is known as making them susceptible to infection the “Sandwich Generation” as they and chronic disease. Therefore, the have children (or grandchildren) of spousal caregiver is at a higher risk for

10 You don’t have to care alone.

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health concerns than even the person In this instance, George, June, and for whom they are caring. their adult children have considered What are the options at this point the three options and have come to for George and June? There are three realize that it is just too difficult for the options from which the family can family to manage George’s condition choose: without help. As a first step, they have decided to interview several non- 1. Continue with family providing care medical home care agencies to find the and helping where they can. best fit for their needs as George and 2. Moving into assisted living June would prefer to stay in their home. Secondly, they will also tour some of 3. Hiring a non-medical home care the local assisted living communities agency to provide care for George to understand what they provide and if As you might have gathered from this may be an eventual next step for reading above, option #1 is probably the George and June. most stressful on the family and can Understanding and being aware of lead to greater complications. Option what services and options are available #2 is reasonable if the couple is willing in your community is an essential first and ready to move from their home step in navigating aging and providing and give up things like cooking and the care for someone with a chronic autonomy of living in a home. (As a side disease. The more a family knows note: assisted living communities are about their options, the easier it is to not letting family in during the COVID make informed decisions.  pandemic and they are not letting their residents out.) Option #3 has its challenges as well but offers the Inga Juzysta is the owner/director of client most significant opportunity to remain care of Always Best Senior Care in Longmont. Prior to opening in 2012, Inga worked as an independent at home and provides the independent massage therapist for 17 years. highest amount of stress relief for the She was the primary caregiver for her mother family. The non-medical home care before losing her to breast cancer in 2009. caregiver is the “special sauce” that This loss led her to pursue an MBA in health keeps a family safely in their homes care from Regis University in Denver, Colorado in 2011. Her past personal and professional by providing “activities of daily living” experience coupled with her education assistance and much-needed respite have strengthened Juzysta’s desire and for the family caretaker. determination to care for others. 11 Carbon Valley Kids

“Lion” by Olivia, age 13, Frederick 12 The Burgeoning Artist

Olivia , an eighth-grader from Frederick, has the kind of talent that makes people take notice. (She was nominated to be one of our Carbon Valley Kids by her school!) Her painting “Lion” (left) poignantly depicts the king of beasts. Olivia likes to paint landscapes and animals and draw people. She has been in Girl Scouts for eight years and plays golf. Here’s to you, Olivia! Keep up the awesome work! The Quarantined Black Belt

Zoe from Firestone has been attending Tran’s Martial Arts & Fitness in Longmont for five years. This past November, she began what was to be a six-month training for her 1st-degree black belt test in Muay Thai. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, her studio had to stop holding live classes to ensure the safety of both instructors and students. Without hesitation, Master Tran pivoted instead of panicked and began hosting classes, advanced training, and W.O.D.s (workouts of the day) via Zoom. In addition to her Zoom training, Zoe’s dad began working with her on the fitness portion of the test. From April to June, she was training five to six days per week. In the last two weeks, Zoe started sparring with her dad, as this was also a requirement to earn her belt. Not only was Zoe required to complete the training, but she also needed to maintain a B average with her grades, or she would not have been able to test. She finished her last quarter with a 3.5 GPA. Due to Covid-19, her test was changed to a one-day test that occurred on Saturday, July 25th, beginning at 8:30 a.m. She started with the fitness portion and moved onto ten rounds of one-minute sparring. The remaining testing consisted of Thai pad combinations and Muay Thai Katas. Zoe completed her testing shortly before 11 a.m. and was awarded her 1st-degree black belt in Muay Thai along with a classmate. When awarding the belts to Zoe and her classmate, Master Tran commended them on their ability to preserve and continue on the path they desired. He said that training for a black belt is just like training for life: you never know what will come at you, or how hard it may be, but if you keep your faith, focus, and determination, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Congratulations, Zoe! May your hard work and flexibility continue to pay off!

It is our privilege to share wonderful things local young people are accomplishing. Do you know a person up to age 19 who wants to submit art or writing for this section, or who needs recognition for what they’re doing? Email [email protected]. 13 2 Minutes of Tech: Password DOs and DON’Ts by Ashton Mellott

How many times has a forgotten someday haunt you. password plagued you? Once? Twice? Let me introduce you to the More times than you care to recall? wonderful world of password Password management is a crucial managers. For those of you who are aspect of today’s modern age when unfamiliar with the term “password everything is connected to the Internet, manager,” it is an application that and seemingly every site has a login. securely stores your passwords in In this article, we are covering ways an easily accessible location. Several to keep our personal information safe examples of password managers though password complexity. are Dashlane, KeePassXC, Keeper, Have you found yourself using or LastPass. There are many options something like “Password2019” for available to consumers; the choice a website login (credential), and you depends on the features required must change it to something new? Do by the end-user. For personal use, you have a go-to password for logins? I use Dashlane (https://dashlane. Is it a combination of a dictionary word com) for managing my essential login with a number, i.e., “Woodstock99” or information. It has an application that “Chewbacca19”? Do you choose to go installs on Windows, macOS, iOS, and to “Woodstock100” or “Chewbacca20”? Android. There is even a set of browser Have you taken things to the next plugins that allow you to auto-fill level and used a variation of the same website forms to make life easier. password for every site? I’m here to tell So why would a person take you, no, plead to you to please stop. advantage of such a tool? Three Using simple passwords for secure words: it’s more secure. Using simple sites like social media or banks will 14 passwords to access sensitive is that the vendor cannot access information is a big no-no. Hackers use your stored passwords; you own and complex algorithms or strategies like manage a master password to unlock credential stuffing, phishing, password those passwords. There are options spraying, and others to decipher your available that run locally on a computer simple password easily, so it’s not a or that your geeky friend can host on a matter of IF they will discover it, but web server, but those come at a price, WHEN. Here are some best practices too. for password complexity: To summarize proper password use • Use at least 8-characters for every and complexity: password - the more, the merrier • Find a password manager that • Use a combination of uppercase, meets your needs lowercase, number, and special • Update your passwords regularly, characters for each password: i.e., but not too often that you forget to WCV9F{=E,KAbkd-+ do it • Create unique passwords for • Don’t use dictionary words each and every site - stop reusing passwords Happy surfing! And stay safe! • Change your passwords, especially Ashton is an IT Director in Boulder with a B.S. in for high-security sites like banking Information Technology and more than a dozen or government, at least every six years of hands-on technical experience. He lives months in Firestone with his zany, good-natured family. • Don’t share your passwords with everyone - share them only with those you know and can trust EXAMPLES BAD Passwords: • awesomedog1 • sunshine12 • coolguy18 GOOD Passwords (please don’t use these): How do you like • Da$up#aPhAJ*cRe3 Carbon Valley Life • *@7X#JjI6j4e#cC2ax • 8c0e^zi&ISEk%9&0Wa magazine? A caveat to some of the password managers available is that they are Suggestions? cloud-based, which means that the passwords are stored using encryption (read “secure”) and are accessible Send your comments and via the Internet. Before you start feedback to hyperventilating, one of the best [email protected] features of this type of application

15 Carbon Valley Life Fall 2020 Coloring Contest

16 Carbon Valley Life Fall 2020 Coloring Contest ENTRY INFORMATION WHO: Any Carbon Valley resident or business owner WHAT: Color the artwork on page 16 for a chance to win a prize in one of three age groups: up to 9, 10 - 17, and 18+. WHEN: September 1 - October 15, winners announced Sunday, October 25 WHERE: Email a photo or scan of your finished work with your name, age, and town to [email protected]. Some entries will be displayed on the Facebook event page. Winners will be announced on Facebook and via email. WHY: Because it’s fun!

SPECIAL THANKS to local artist Rachel Knight for contributing the coloring page drawing! For information about her work, email [email protected].

17 Would you know the face of hunger if you saw it?

The Carbon Valley Help Center is excited to host our 7th annual Empty Bowls Project for our community. Although this year’s event will look different, it will make just as much an impact on those we serve! The need is real and right in our backyard. This year to keep our bowls from being empty, we not only need to fill them with love & hope but also physical as well as financial resources so we can give to our neighbors.

An online, month-long fundraiser will take place this OCTOBER. SIGN UP TO SPONSOR OR SUPPORT

carbonvalleyhelpcenter.org [email protected] Look Through Your Windows, Not AT Them

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19 Local Resources

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FIRESTONE CONTINUED FREDERICK CONTINUED DACONO Public Works Municipal Court Mailing Address 333 Fifth St City Hall PO Box 100 PO Box 639 512 Cherry Ave Firestone, CO 80520 Frederick, CO 80530 PO Box 186 Phone: 303-833-3544 Phone: 720-382-5530 Dacono, CO 80514 or 720-382-5531 Phone: 303-833-2317 Municipal Court cityofdacono.com 2 Park Ave Police Department Firestone, CO 80504 333 5th St City Clerk Phone: 303-833-0811 ext: 3812 Frederick, CO 80530 Phone: 303.833.2317 x 123 Mailing Address: Police Department PO Box 435 City Manager 2 Park Ave Frederick, CO 80530 Phone: 303-833-2317 x 134 Firestone, CO 80504 Phone: 720-382-5700 Phone: 303-833-0811 Non-emergency Phone: Public Works 720-652-4222 Phone: 303-833-2317 Frederick Firestone Fire Protection District Frederick Firestone Fire Municipal Court 8426 Kosmerl Pl Protection District Phone: 303-833-3095 x 140 Frederick, CO 80504 8426 Kosmerl Pl Phone: 303-833-2742 Frederick, CO 80504 Police Department Phone: 303-833-2742 PO Box 117 Firestone Water Toll Free: 1-855-833-2742 Dacono, CO 80514 Phone: 303-531-6270 or Phone: 303-833-3095 303-531-6286 Frederick Water Phone Payments: 1-855-546-7605 Phone: 720.382.5603 Mountain View Fire Rescue After-Hours Dispatch Phone: Utility Billing: 720.382.5500 3561 N. Stagecoach Rd 720-652-4222 (property west of I-25 within the Longmont, CO 80504 [email protected] town boundary) Phone: 303-772-0710 Barefoot Lakes Water Left Hand Water District [email protected] Little Thompson Water District Phone: 303-530-4200 835 E. Hwy 56 lefthandwater.org Dacono Water Berthoud, CO 80513 Phone: 303-833-2317 ext. 121 Phone: 970-532-2096 MEAD After hours emergency: 303-598- [email protected] 1704 Barefoot Lakes Stormwater Town Hall (Town of Firestone) 441 Third St FIRESTONE Office Phone: 303-833-3291 PO Box 626 Mead, CO 80542 Town Hall FREDERICK Phone: 970-535-4477 151 Grant Ave townofmead.org PO Box 100 Town Hall [email protected] Firestone, CO 80520 PO Box 435 Phone: 303-833-3291 401 Locust St Town Clerk firestoneco.gov Frederick, CO 80530 Phone: 970-535-4477 Phone: 720-382-5500 Town Clerk frederickco.gov Town Manager Phone: 303-833-3291 Phone: 970-535-4477 [email protected] Town Clerk Phone: 720-382-5500 Municipal Court Town Manager Phone: 970-535-2643 Phone: 303-531-6255 Town Manager Phone: 720-382-5500 Public Works Public Works Phone: 970-805-4185 Physical Address Public Works Facility 7500 Pine Cone Ave 7301 Eagle Blvd Firestone, CO 80504 Frederick, CO 80504 Phone: 720-382-5800

20 Local Resources

MEAD CONTINUED GAS Carbon Valley Academy 4040 Coriolis Way Police Department Black Hills Energy Frederick, CO 80504 537 Main St 888-890-5554 303-774-9555 PO Box 31 blackhillsenergy.com carbonvalleyacademy.org Mead, CO 80542 Non-Emergency Phone: Xcel Energy Centennial Elementary 970-350-9600, Option #4 Phone: 1-800-895-4999 10290 Neighbors Pkwy General Phone: 970-805-4194 XcelEnergy.com Firestone, CO 80504 [email protected] 720-652-8240 Source Gas centenniales.svvsd.org Mountain View Fire Rescue 303-833-3313 3561 N. Stagecoach Rd sourcegas.com Coal Ridge Middle School Longmont, CO 80504 6201 Booth Dr Phone: 303-772-0710 ELECTRIC Firestone, CO 80504 [email protected] 303-833-4176 United Power crms.svvsd.org Little Thompson Water District Phone: 303-637-1300 835 E State Hwy 56 unitedpower.com Firestone Charter Academy K-8 Berthoud, CO 80513-9237 (formerly Imagine Charter) Phone: 970-532-2096 SANITATION 5753 Twilight Ave Firestone, CO 80504 Longs Peak Water District Town of Mead 303-772-3711 9875 Vermillion Rd Phone: 970-805-4198 imaginefirestone.org Longmont, CO 80504 441 Third St Phone: 303-776-3847 Mead, CO 80542 Frederick High School 5690 Tipple Pkwy UTILITY PROVIDERS Saint Vrain Sanitation Frederick, CO 80504 Please verify which are available in your area. 11307 Business Park Cir 303-833-3533 Firestone, CO 80504 fhs.svvsd.org TV, INTERNET, & PHONE Phone: 303-776-9570 After Hour Sewer Emergency: Legacy Elementary Century Link 303-994-7572 7701 Eagle Blvd Phone: 1-866-963-6665 stsan.com Frederick, CO 80504 centurylink.com 720-652-8160 CARBON VALLEY REGIONAL legacyes.svvsd.org Exede LIBRARY Phone: 1-844-605-2426 7 Park Ave, Firestone, CO 80504 Mead High School exede.com 1-888-861-READ(7323) 12750 County Rd 7 mylibrary.us Longmont, CO 80504 Viasat 720-494-3940 Phone: 1-855-894-5665 CARBON VALLEY CHAMBER OF mhs.svvsd.org viasat.com COMMERCE 8308 Colorado Blvd #203 Prairie Ridge Elementary Xfinity Firestone, CO 80504 6632 St. Vrain Ranch Blvd Phone: 1-800-934-6489 carbonvalleychamber.com Firestone, CO 80504 xfinity.com 720-494-3641 CARBON VALLEY RECREATION pres.svvsd.org Hughes Net PARKS & RECREATION DISTRICT Phone: 1-855-838-7680 701 5th St Thunder Valley K-8 hughesnet.com Frederick, CO 80530 600 Fifth St 303-833-3660 Frederick, CO 80530 DirectTV cvprd.com 303-833-2456 Phone: 1-866-810-7892 tvk8.svvsd.org directv.com SCHOOLS PRESCHOOLS AND DAYCARES Dish St. Vrain Valley School District Phone: 1-855-597-4856 395 S. Pratt Pkwy Busy Bee Preschool LLC dish.com Longmont, CO 80501 6931 Summerset Ave 303-776-6200 Firestone, CO 80504 www.svvsd.org 303-506-8825 thebusybeepreschool.net

21 Local Resources

PRESCHOOLS AND DAYCARES Little Sprouts Childcare Fox Run Park CONTINUED 5869 Scenic Ave 5365 Fox Run Blvd, Frederick Firestone, CO 80504 Moore Farm Park Catching Butterflies Preschool LLC 720-323-7276 5533 Palomino Way, Frederick 10657 Durango Pl No Name Creek West Firestone, CO 80504 Monarch Preschool, LLC. 9120 Harlequin Cir, Frederick 970-301-0942 10220 Echo Cir No Name Eagle Park catchingbutterfliespreschool.webs.com Firestone, CO 80504 5750 Pintail Way, Frederick 720-633-7808 Raspberry Hill Park Centennial Preschool 8259 Raspberry Dr, Frederick 10290 Neighbors Pkwy Ms. Nicole’s Village Rinn Valley Firestone, CO 80504 612 Sundance Way 3390 Rinn Valley, Frederick Phone: 720-652-8240 Dacono, CO 80514 Savannah Park centenniales.svvsd.org 855-688-6329 620 1/2 Ralston St, Frederick www.myvillage.com/preschools- Summit View Estates Firestone Charter Academy childcare/ms-nicoles-village-dacono 5134 1/2 Mt Pawnee, Frederick (formerly Imagine Charter) The Farm Park 5753 Twilight Ave ‘Ohana Montessori 9201 Grand Mesa Ave, Frederick Firestone, CO 80504 340 Maple St Wyndham Hill Clubhouse Phone: 303-772-3711 Frederick, CO 80530 6401 Saratoga Trl, Frederick imaginefirestone.org 720-510-2756 Wyndham Hill Park ohanatogo.org 2615 Emerald Dr, Frederick Forever Young Child Care LLC Clarke Ranch Park 4389 Bramble Rd Rising Stars Child Care & Preschool Frying Pan Dr, Frederick 970-402-3997 9899 Bluegrass St Firestone, CO 80504 FIRESTONE Frederick Discovery School 303-257-0384 Firestone Regional Sports Complex 607 2nd St 6850 Tilbury Ave, Firestone Frederick, CO 80530 Spark Discovery Preschool Harney Park 303-679-1413 555 8th St 10245 Devonshire St, Firestone Frederick, CO 80530 Hart Park Home Away From Home Phone: (720) 652.7906 467 Jackson Ave, Firestone Day Care Center sdpk.svvsd.org Mountain Shadows Park 10149 Neighbors Pkwy 11267 Carbondale St, Firestone Firestone, CO 80504 The Children’s Courtyard of Neighbors Point Park 720-333-4889 Frederick 10140 Neighbors Pkwy, Firestone homeawayfromhome- 6501 Frederick Way Onorato Park daycarecenter.business.site Frederick, CO 80530 125 Granville Ave, Firestone 303-833-9001 Patterson Park Kiddie Cove Childcare childrenscourtyard.com 6572 Shenandoah Ave, Firestone 5384 Neighbors Pkwy Prairie Ridge Park Firestone, CO 80504 Tiny Tykes 6440 St Vrain Ranch Blvd, Firestone 435-619-4441 9350 County Rd 13 Sagebrush Park Firestone, CO 80504 10645 Echo St, Firestone Kid’sLIFE Preschool 720-296-2710 Settlers Park 451 Oak St www.tinytykesco.com 11447 Deerfield Dr, Firestone Frederick, CO 80530 Stoneridge Park 720-443-1160 PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS 5174 Ruby Ave, Firestone lifefrederick.org/kids-life-preschool This list was compiled by Haley Bartlett and copied with permission from her DACONO Little Blessings Preschool website at youraussieagent.com Clem Dufour Park & Splash Pad 6151 Snowberry Ave 99 Glen Creighton Dr, Dacono Firestone, CO 80504 FREDERICK Sharpe Farms 303-482-5352 Crist Park Flying Circle Blvd, Dacono littleblessingspreschoolllc.webs.com 450 Elm Street, Frederick Sweetgrass Frederick Rec Area Sweetgrass Parkway, Dacono Little Critters Daycare 8201 Colorado Blvd, Frederick 6131 Utica Ct Carriage Hills Park Please note: this list is for Firestone, CO 80504 6702 6th Street, Frederick informational purposes. It is not 303-817-7139 Coal Ridge Park exhaustive, and changes may have littlecrittersdaycare.net 305 1/2 Warwick Street, Frederick occured due to COVID-19.

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23 Through the Flood: One Man’s Journey From Survivor to Success by Genevieve Mellott

CRASH! Theo awoke abruptly from his slumber on the sofa, sure that someone was breaking into his home. He bolted upright to assess the situation. At that moment, the front door flew open, and his feet came down onto the floor into inches of murky, rising water. Theo’s son Aiden was in the single bedroom of their home that sat alongside the North Saint Vrain River. He waded in to collect Aiden, and by the time they reached the exit, the water was at Theo’s knees. “My cat!” yelled Aiden. Theo placed his son outside and ventured back in to get the soggy feline. Now the water was even higher, and Theo knew that if their car wouldn’t start, they were not making it out. It was close to midnight, Theo Pangilinan, photo © Lorene Nardell September 11, 2013. Present day: “Nobody’s ever asked It’s been a vehicle for me to do all the me that,” commented Theo Pangilinan things I like to do.” For some people, (pronounced Pahn-guh-lee-nan) when that would mean money to buy luxury asked what his business means to him. items or to live a glamorous lifestyle, There was a pause. (Admittedly, it was but not for Theo. Beneath his refined an odd question.) “It means a whole lot. and remarkably calm exterior, the wheels are always turning, and a history of physical, mental, and emotional tests A pre-flood South St. Vrain Creek meanders peacefully through Lyons, © James Frank have shaped the now-confident human who values people more than profit. To truly understand the journey and what he has accomplished, it is best to start when Theo was a young man in Boulder. Even at that age, he had developed a flair for business from watching his entrepreneur father. Theo found a coffee shop for sale and bought it. That was the beginning of a legacy. After opening a second coffee shop and then partnering in a sandwich shop, it 24 was only a short time before he owned for the chain. and managed six locations. He was Two weeks later, doctors diagnosed deliberately hands-on and devoted to his mother with stage 4 kidney cancer. his work. His new position allowed him the In the years that followed, Theo flexibility to move back to Saint Louis married and had a son. Despite the to be with her, and they were able to importance of family, it was difficult spend her last months together. Then, to let go of control over the day-to-day with all her children surrounding her, she operations at the businesses, and he passed away on Mother’s Day 2012. spent much of his time there. He was Returning to Colorado to be with content with what he had built. Then his wife and child, life was different. Theo missed his son’s first trip to the Priorities were different. The grief was beach. It was his wake-up call. Selling still fresh. Not long after, Theo started his businesses, he happily traveled the coaching his son’s baseball team. He country with his son during the months then found work with a restoration that followed. company - it was a career that suited Then it was time to return to work, him. but where would he begin to look? The Later that same year, Theo learned time he had spent building relationships his marriage was ending. In less than through his businesses had not been twelve months, his productive, normal wasted. Theo quickly began receiving life had turned upside down. Theo was job offers from former customers. One no longer a family man and a multiple- told him that the operations manager business owner. He was still grieving for a major restaurant chain wanted the loss of his mother, and his career to speak with him. Like clockwork, growth seemed at a dead end. Now everything seemed to fall into place. he began juggling the reality of being a Theo took a job opening new markets

St. Vrain Creek aftermath in Lyons, September 13, 2013. This September is the seven-year anniversary.

single dad. His son lived with him part- The next day was no better. Having time in a one-bedroom cottage on the worked through the night to help in St. Vrain River in Lyons. The cumulative Lyons, Theo left town early to see how changes were devastating. his friends in Boulder were faring. It Doing his best and keeping his eyes was even worse there. His job counted ahead, the months passed. About a on him to help alleviate flood water year later, Theo was sitting talking with damage all along the front range, and a friend. “It finally feels like things are he began mitigating right away. He getting back to normal,” he said. He had slept in his office before he finally had a adjusted to his new life and was making break. Before he knew it, three days had the best of it. passed as he tirelessly worked, all the time still in wet clothes. Two weeks later, the unimaginable happened. The rainfall that occurred Theo walked into a shoe store in between September 11 and 13, 2013, Longmont. He purchased a pair of was more than that on record for any socks and shoes. As he sat down to entire month in Colorado’s history. put them on, he recalls a thought that Experts refer to it as a “500-year flood.” forever changed him: “I had never been And it was this event that had Theo and so thankful for a dry pair of socks and his son scrambling for their lives. shoes.” At this point, he was unable to return to Lyons, so he kept working. Thankfully, their car did start, and Flooding washed out roads in multiple Theo raced to higher ground to drop off cities. Finally, about ten days later, he Aiden with his mom. Theo then sprang was reunited with his son, but the local into action, alerting neighbors, knocking damage was far from over. He spent on doors, and encouraging anyone he nearly two months living in hotels, and could find in the flood plain to evacuate. he and Aiden pretended they were on 26 vacation, which made it fun. When things finally began to be livable again in Lyons, it was the middle of 2014. They moved into their new home with nothing more than suitcases and a hammock for Aiden. But things were looking up. The problem was Theo was still working for the same company. He wanted out of what is often seen as a disreputable industry. After contemplating his next move, it was as if he heard the voice of his mother saying, “Just do it differently.” And that is precisely what he did. Care Restoration was formed in late 2014 and began taking jobs in January of 2015. Serving the Carbon Valley with an office in Frederick, Colorado, Theo and his team take the terms “care” and “restoration” to a whole new level. The team members pride themselves on their knowledge and continuing education. They seek to care for buildings, yes, but the community as well, helping individuals, organizations, and the environment by giving back, both through services For others who may be going and volunteerism. They especially through hard times, he offers: enjoy doing pro bono work for older homeowners, charities, and others in There’s a beginning, middle, and end dire need. to everything. Figure out where you are and know that there’s an end to Looking back on the events that it. It’s okay not to be okay; feel it and have shaped his life to this point, Theo move through it. There are people has uncommon wisdom. He says, “Our who are feeling the same way. Every biggest weakness as humans is our person on the planet can find one inability to accept change… we’re here thing to be grateful for. Kindness for a higher purpose… the moment I let releases hormones that make you go, everything fell into place.” For most feel good, so go find someone to people, this concept is not only scary do something nice for – people but also counterintuitive. Theo, however, always remember someone doing comes from a point of retrospect and something nice for them. perseverance that proved successful. It is all too easy to get trapped in It is sage advice. No matter what circumstances. Theo adds that the one a person is experiencing, letting go, thing he would change in all he has learning, and giving could prove to be been through is to “lean on friends and the keys to unlock a better future. It did family more.” for Theo Pangilinan. 

27 Yoga A Practice in Working-Out and Working-In by Jenna Drennen

Photo © Crystal Myers 28 Rolling out your mat for the first and Buddhism, yoga refers to a group of time and integrating a yoga practice physical, mental, and spiritual practices into your daily life may seem daunting. focusing on posture-based progressions Beginners often feel intimidated by some of movement. Connecting mind, body, of the more complex yoga terminology, and breath, yoga flows work to direct our complicated poses, or the athletically built attention inward in an attempt to become yogis frequenting fancy yoga studios. more mindful of our experiences moment While embarking on any new physical or emotional journey can be potentially overwhelming, designing a yoga practice that meets your needs and enriches your life is easier than you think. Whether you are old or young, just beginning or an accomplished athlete, the practice you establish aims to unify the mind, body, and spirit through the exploration of balance, stretching Photo © Crystal Myers techniques, breathing, and meditation. to moment. This cultivated awareness The beauty of yoga lies in its power to lends itself more to a practice than a task strengthen the body while simultaneously or goal, as the work is continuous, and calming the mind, and you don’t need our minds and bodies become more to be an experienced yogi to reap the flexible as they constantly evolve. The countless benefits a yoga practice can westernization of yoga over the last 50 offer. Yoga begins right where you are- years primarily focused on yoga as a not where you were yesterday, or where form of exercise grounded in successive you long to be tomorrow, and it is often postures or “Asanas.” Asanas connect in acknowledged that the only prerequisite flowing sequences referred to as Vinyasas to adopting a yoga practice is the ability to and are often accompanied by meditative breathe. Whether committing to a routine breathing exercises aimed at stress relief home practice or exploring the numerous and relaxation. classes nearby, our community offers As you explore the types of yoga options for every skill level and style to most suited to your customized yoga accommodate your needs. practice, it’s important to understand Understanding the philosophical that the variations and schools of yoga background and objectives associated are as numerous as they are diverse. It with yoga ideology allows you better to is often helpful to create an inventory of tailor your expectations and goals for what you wish to gain from your practice, your practice. Derived from a 5,000-year as some disciplines center on vigorous history rooted in ancient Indian Hinduism activity, while others are geared toward a 29 gentler, more meditative approach. Among injury. Apart from the obvious physical these categories, there is often substantial benefits, yoga has been shown to aid crossover, allowing for a more meaningful in the reduction of stress, anxiety, and union of the mind, body, and spirit. depression, while promoting quality Vinyasa-style yoga is typically one sleep. Finding ease in movement while of the most commonly practiced forms. getting comfortable in stillness guides Synchronizing breath with dynamic fluid the meditative process, and as we learn movements connecting poses, this type to exhale the past and inhale the future, of flow is ideal for those wishing to ground mindfulness begins to penetrate every their practice in cardiovascular balance facet of our lives. In chanting “Namaste” and strength training, while still enjoying at the close of a yoga session, we are the calming benefits of connecting breath literally stating, “I bow to you” to the other to movement. Ashtanga flows center participants sharing our practice. In doing on similar concepts, but follow a more so, we foster the unity yoga nurtures, structured, sequential path. While no recognizing and celebrating the light or two Vinyasa classes are alike, you will be “soul” in others as we simultaneously familiar with the precise sequences and recognize it in ourselves. As individuals poses walking into an Ashtanga class. come together energetically through Power yoga combines the discipline of a their shared practice, the benefits of that Vinyasa flow with a faster, more intensified practice are felt more profoundly. strength-training emphasis. Setting up for that first sun salutation While sustained movement flows offer may feel unnerving, but introducing yoga countless benefits, the meditative stillness into your daily life is easy and affordable. and deep passive stretching characteristic Studios and gyms typically provide all of Restorative and Yin Yoga promote the equipment and props needed, but healing and recuperation, while providing if you are practicing from home, a few a much-needed respite from the frenetic basic supplies are helpful. Yoga is usually activity of daily life. Grounded in mindfully practiced in bare feet, using a yoga mat restful poses held for extended periods, with grip to stabilize your poses, and Restorative yoga often uses props such as wearing comfortable clothing helps. Above bolsters, blankets, and blocks to support all else, finding a space in your home free the body in poses that require little to no of distraction allows you to fully commit muscular effort. Designed to focus on to your practice and enjoy the mindful relaxation and decrease stress, Restorative movement and stillness that accompanies yoga practice can improve flexibility while it. increasing circulation. Whether you are establishing a yoga Regardless of what types of yoga routine from the comfort of your own characterize the bulk of your practice, home or looking to join a community the evidence-based physical and mental class, the tri-town area hosts a wealth health benefits are well documented of options. Asana Rebel, Peloton Digital and numerous. Yoga has been shown and GLO, are among some of the most to increase muscle strength and tone highly-rated downloadable apps offering while improving respiration, energy, and basic technique instruction while giving circulatory health. Assisting flexibility and you the freedom to tailor your practice to balance, many athletes find that integrating your unique schedule. Offering free trials a yoga practice into their daily routine and reasonable monthly membership fees, heightens their athletic performance these apps let you conveniently commit to while offering increased protection from a daily yoga practice without ever leaving 30 First Time Clients $55 / 60 Min $85 / 90 Min Add $10 for Deep Tissue

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home. If a community class better fits and your practice serves as a mirror to your lifestyle, the Carbon Valley Recreation look at yourself from within. Remind Center offers Align-N-Flow, All Levels yourself that each pose holds repose, and Yoga, and Gentle Yoga. Each of these when it doubt, just breathe.  weekly or bi-weekly classes is suitable for yoga novices while offering modifications challenging enough for seasoned yogis. Jenna lives in Firestone with her husband, two Full Circle Yoga in Longmont is just a short kids, and a house full of animals. She enjoys, running, gardening, and climbing mountains in 10-minute drive from Firestone and offers her spare time. free weekly community classes in the park, and a beginners’ series tying together anatomy and introductory concepts. For those wishing to practice social distancing while still maintaining a connection to a yoga community, Full Circle Yoga offers a variety of Zoom classes live-streamed from their in-studio sessions. As you embark on your yoga journey, remind yourself that yoga philosophy teaches us to be comfortable where we are, rather than where we think we should be. Yoga is not focused on self- improvement, but rather self-acceptance, Photo © Crystal Myers

31 Estate Planning: Ensuring Your Wishes Are Known to Your Family by Margrit Lent Parker

We all know we should do estate for her medical care and treatment? planning to make clear our wishes for Who can make financial decisions our young children (who will be their for her? If you end up incapacitated, guardian?) or our belongings (who will would you prefer to have made written inherit our assets?) when we are not instructions ahead of time and chosen around anymore to tell anyone. But who you trust to make decisions for what often fades into the background is you? Would you prefer to ease your another important aspect of planning: family’s anxiety about what your wishes for when we are alive but incapacitated are, and who should make decisions for you? Unfortunately, putting off planning for incapacity means it will be too late to manage your life decisions when it strikes. Let us pause for a moment to expand on the effect that the absence of planning can have on one’s family. Say that a husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He knew he needed to complete estate planning, but work, life, and health got in the way, and he just didn’t get it done. And, because these things can be hard to talk about, his family wasn’t sure about his medical wishes or even about his wishes for ceremonial rites or burial. He did well with treatment for a while, but suddenly and unable to convey our wishes or his health began to decline rapidly. make our own medical or financial With no completed estate planning, his decisions. A current example that family had to cope not only with the brings this harshly into focus is the stress of imminent loss of a loved one severely ill COVID-19 patient on a but also with not having certainty about ventilator for days or weeks at a time. his wishes. This added anxiety can be Another all too common example all-consuming and can result in family is a person, often elderly, who develops conflict. It is also avoidable. dementia or other mental illness that Fortunately, there are several renders that person unable to make planning documents that you can put crucial decisions, whether temporarily in place to declare your wishes to your or permanently. Who can make medical family and your medical providers for decisions for her? What are her wishes a time when you cannot make such 32 decisions. These include: • a General Power of Attorney Until people can do this... • a Medical Power of Attorney • an Advance Directive for Medical/ Surgical Treatment, often called a ‘Living Will’ • an Authorization for Release of Health Information (HIPAA Authorization) • Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (‘MOST’ forms) • a CPR Directive You Need Tracy A General Power of Attorney allows you to designate a person to manage Mobile: (720) 272-0183 your financial affairs on your behalf. [email protected] WWW.TRACYSOLDMINE.COM Likewise, a Medical Power of Attorney gives your agent the authority to speak on your behalf regarding medical treatment. The Living Will is your opportunity to declare your wishes as to whether and for how long medical providers should carry on life-sustaining measures when you have a terminal planning documents work so that you illness or are in a persistent vegetative can use them to order your affairs state. A HIPAA Authorization grants consistently with your goals. And, your designated individuals access to as your circumstances and planning your personal health information and needs change, you can take advantage the ability to speak with your health of the existing relationship with your care providers. ‘MOST’ forms, often lawyer and reach out for help with used for individuals with a chronic adjustments. It is never too soon to give or terminal illness, provide direction yourself and your family the peace of about preferences regarding medical mind that you have plans in place and treatment at the end of life. An have already answered these difficult individual completes these and CPR questions.  directives with medical professionals, not a lawyer. It is never too soon to begin planning for incapacity. With the help Margrit Lent Parker practices law in Firestone of a legal advisor, completing these providing estate planning and business legal documents—and all of your estate services. After over a decade of commuting to planning—doesn’t have to take long. Denver, she is thrilled to now be filling a need by Your lawyer will team up with you to serving the Carbon Valley community where she learn about your goals and wishes, lives with her husband and young son. When not helping clients, Margrit is outside with her help you develop a plan that fits your family, whether enjoying the great outdoors or goals, facilitate the required signing gardening at home. Contact Margrit at www. formalities, and show you how your lentparkerlaw.com. 33 Community Spotlight: Weld County Foster Care

What is the mission of Foster Care in option, we look to our foster parents Weld County? for placement. Foster care is meant to Greater awareness and advocacy be a support to families, rather than a across the board is needed to be able substitution for parents. to adequately care for children and youth in the foster care system who What if a family is unsure they meet are there, through no fault of their own. the criteria to offer their home? Children are placed in foster care when Foster families make a big difference the adults in their lives are currently in the lives of children and youth in unable to adequately and appropriately crisis. Whether you’re single, married, care for the child’s needs. Foster care widowed or divorced, currently with or is meant to be a temporary solution to without children, homeowner or renter, help address safety concerns so the you can be a foster parent for Weld child, youth, or sibling group may be County. We need foster parents who able to safely return home. are patient, willing to learn how to care for children and youth with trauma In general, who are the children who experiences and can provide a safe and need foster care? nurturing home. Children and youth who have been removed from home have What is the process for been removed due to fostering a child? significant concerns The first step in around physical, becoming a foster mental and parent is attending emotional safety a foster care in the home. orientation, which Safety is always is an introduction the priority and to what we try to keep fostering looks children with their like, including families whenever the steps to we can by certification. No providing support commitment is and resources required to attend needed to help get orientation. The things back on track. If orientation is just meant safety concerns remain an to be an opportunity to learn issue, we try to place children more about the process and help and youth with kin as a temporary those interested make an informed placement while parents work toward decision about fostering. People who a treatment plan to be reunited with decide to move forward with becoming their children. When there is no kinship foster parents complete the application 34 Life’s Too Good Not To Feel It

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and background check process, attend also inquire about Weld’s legally free required training, and participate in children and youth who are waiting for a home study, which is a series of an adoptive family. interviews within the applicant’s home to help us determine your ability to In what ways can a person help if they safely and appropriately foster children cannot currently foster a child? and/or youth. There are other ways you can help besides fostering. For instance, you Is adoption an option after foster can become a Foster Family Helper, care? a Respite Provider, or help to create There are some cases when parental more awareness within your sphere rights of children and youth in foster of influence about the needs of at- care are terminated or relinquished. In risk children, youth and families in our these cases, and when there are no kin community. available to be a permanent option, a foster family may be approached about If a family is interested in fostering or whether they would be willing to adopt. wants more information, whom should There are no expectations that foster they contact? families adopt. The majority of foster Visit www.weldgov.com/fostercare to children are reunited with their family, learn more and to register for Foster which is the goal of the department. Care Orientation, and other ways to be Individuals and families who are foster involved. care certified through Weld County may 35 Oh, The Things I Didn’t Know... About Money by Christina Martinez

Growing up, I learned what my and in a career of teaching people dad thought were two very important how money works? Mainly, things about finances: balancing my it’s because I want you to checkbook by hand and filling out my know that I am human. I 1040-EZ. The $50/month I was putting am not just spouting on my dad’s dresser was funding this facts and coming thing called a Roth IRA, but I wouldn’t from a position know that for another eight years. of being “better I thought it was offsetting the car than.” I was insurance for the vehicle I was driving. once a mess Funny, right? when it came It’s easy to laugh at this, but the to money and sad fact is financial illiteracy started had to gain at a very early age for me. My first job knowledge was sacking groceries at the local store so that I when I was 15. I was making $3.65/ could change hour and working Friday evening after my behaviors school and on the weekends. I wasn’t around money. It taught how to set some of the money took time. It took aside into a savings account for a rainy patience. It took day or a larger purchase in the future. effort. It has been I was living in the moment. And it was worth it! moment by moment. I worked & earned Financial literacy a paycheck. Then I spent the paycheck. starts in the home. It begins Every penny of it. This cycle continued with communication. We first learn for years, and when I wanted more about money from those around us. money, I would just work more hours or And it is our responsibility to learn get another job. how money works so we can teach Does this sound familiar? At one how money works. The problem is point, I was working two jobs around that talking about money and gaining 40 hours/week and going to college financial knowledge has not always full time. The crazy thing is I was living been fashionable. Isn’t it interesting at home with my parents, was on a that it is completely acceptable to talk full-tuition scholarship, and still not about and even celebrate the money saving any of the money I was making. we spend, but how often do you ask for It only got worse after I applied for and a high-five from a friend to celebrate received my very first credit card. having $10,000 in savings? We are also comfortable asking others where Why am I sharing this with you, they dine out, what movies they pay to especially knowing that I am a licensed see, what cars they drive, where they Financial Professional for 17 years vacation, what neighborhood they live

36 in. But have you ever found yourself answering but also asking these asking a friend how much they have questions. Then I started on the path of saved for a rainy day or who helps becoming financially literate. I realized them with their money? Do they have I needed to answer these questions for enough life insurance, what type, and is myself if I was ever to help anyone else. it individually owned, or do they just rely And that is why our mission with on company benefits? Are they taking the HOWMONEYWORKS® movement full advantage of a company match is to eradicate financial illiteracy. Learn in their employer-sponsored more at www.howmoneyworks.com/ retirement plan? Sadly, we cmpdm or contact me directly at live in spending-driven as 303.887.7790.  opposed to a savings- driven society. Uncomfortable, isn’t it? I was Christina Martinez is a Financial Professional with World Financial Group Insurance Agency, once very LLC (WFG). World Financial Group and How uncomfortable, Money Works are not affiliated companies. not only 261733-0820

Values-Based Budgeting by Lauren Kmetz

With student cash flow to pay off debt, save for your loans, credit card debt, future, and craft the life you want to and rising housing costs, live. many Coloradoans have been Introducing a better way to struggling with money, even in years budget… one in which you prioritize of a strong economy. The challenges spending on what you love. Deprivation of 2020 have increased financial isn’t sustainable, and a challenge stress for countless families in our shouldn’t equal misery. Many of us community. The need for money are guilty of “lifestyle creep” where management in our homes is stronger we have let our expenses needlessly than ever. increase by trying to keep up with the The word “budget” seems to have Joneses. Let’s evaluate what brings a negative connotation for most us true, lasting happiness to pinpoint people. They believe that budgeting where to direct our money. means they cannot spend money on Step One: Identify Your Core Values things that are important to them. But managing spending doesn’t have to The starting point of this exercise be restricting- it fuels liberation. By is to narrow down your top three reducing spending on expenses that values. Take a moment to reflect on do not bring you value, you can free up what is important to you. Consider 37 your goals, experiences, and get the value you desire at a lower relationships. Why do you get out of cost. Be creative to find satisfactory bed each morning? Avoid settling on alternatives. ideals that should be your priorities Is it time to cut the cord? Choose based on societal pressures. Choose an inexpensive streaming service over the three values that speak to you the pricey cable. Utilize libraries for free most. access to books, digital downloads, If you have a partner or children, movies, and much more. Research cell have them perform the same exercise phone data plans for less than $20 per and discuss it together. Even though month. Buy clothes at consignment you’re in the same family, your values shops (and maybe sell some while and goals will differ. Acknowledge that you’re at it.) Learn to cook well at each person who contributes to the home. Exercise outdoors rather than household budget deserves to spend at a boutique gym. Get quotes on your money on the things that they value auto and homeowners insurance. most. Ask yourselves if your spending Consider refinancing your mortgage to is in alignment with your values and a lower interest rate. Choose a reliable goals. What expenses come to mind used car over a financed vehicle. The that you can reduce? decisions may be tough at first, but the Notice that most personal values freedom will be well worth the pain. are not necessarily things money can Step Four: Plan for Next Month buy- they are priceless. My top three Allocate where to spend each values are health, quality relationships, dollar before the money goes out and independence. Money alone the window. A budget is simply an cannot afford these qualities, but estimate and will become more money is a tool to allow greater accurate with time. Implement this access to them. For example, healthy ongoing practice to reduce stress ingredients to cook, gifts for my loved around your family’s finances. ones, and retirement savings are Schedule a Monthly Money Date (with investments into my ideals. wine ideally) and review what could be Step Two: Review Your Bank adjusted. Make it fun, dream big, and Statements hold one another accountable for your Analyze your last three months of financial success. credit or debit card statements line To find information about living a by line. Recognize the emotions that financially free life and to download arise confronting these expenses. Do the Discover Your Core Values you smile remembering a dinner at Exercise, please visit antoracpa.com/ your favorite restaurant? Do you regret resources.  purchasing new shoes that haven’t left their box? Look for memberships or subscriptions you don’t use. Identify what does not bring you joy. Eliminate Lauren Kmetz is a Certified Public Accountant what does not serve you. with a dedication to help individuals achieve financial success on their own terms. She Step Three: Let’s Cut Expenses! consults on accounting and tax topics, helping people get organized financially, pursue tax There are infinite ways to reduce optimization strategies, and reduce stress monthly spending if you put your over money. Antora CPA, LLC is based in mind to it. Challenge yourself to Westminster and provides services remotely. 38 Only One Hour Away... And Away From It All

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