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Community Living
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Hectic Holidays
Tips to Minimize Stress and Maximize Wellbeing
O ered by: Jessica Ahmed - Brighton Acupuncture
The holidays are an opportunity to connect with family and friends, take a restful break from work and experience gratitude for our gifts in life, but often we are so stressed out that we can’t fully enjoy ourselves. For this reason, it may be the most important time of year to keep up exercise, diet and wellness routines, but it is also the easiest time to stray from healthy habits.
With a little planning, you can indulge without wreaking havoc on your health. Here are a few suggestions:
Diet and Exercise: If you love great food as I do, holidays are a time when even more exercise is necessary to maintain your weight (trying to lose weight this time of the year is very challenging!). Sneak in 10-minute bursts of extra exercise throughout the day if you are too busy to extend your current workouts. Fill up on vegetables, water and protein before holiday feasts so that when you inevitably indulge in high-calorie, starchy and fatty foods, you can control your portions.
Acupuncture: Increased holiday stress can lead to irritability, anxiety, moodiness, digestive disorders, tense muscles and pain. Acupuncture helps you better deal with stress by calming the nervous system, reducing muscular tension and triggering the release of endorphins, your body’s painkilling and stress-reducing hormones.
Cultivate Gratitude: Take a moment to be thankful for someone or something in your life. Even during the most di cult times, we can access a little contentment through gratitude, so try writing down ve things for which you are grateful each day for a week. Consider expressing this gratitude in your community by volunteering, or simply nding opportunities to express kindness and compassion in your everyday life.
Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care and Memory Care
Where you are able to enjoy an Where you are able to enjoy an independent, yet secure lifestyle, independent, pursuing new interests and pursuing new interests and expanding your circle of friends. expanding your circle of friends.
e Holidays Just Got Happier at Inglenook
Matt Abston comes from 25 years of culinary experience. He has worked at the Brown Palace Hotel, Doubletree Hotel, Arvada
Center of Performing Arts, Forest Hills
Country Club, and the Owner and Operator of DMA Creative Catering. He has an
Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts that he received in 1997. He lives in
Westminster, CO. We are very lucky to have Matt here and have him share his many years of experience.
Call for your virtual tour and special o ers
Tour Inglenook from the safety and comfort of your own home! We will show you around and answer any questions you may have!
To schedule your virtual tour, call Nellie at:
303.659.4148
2195 E. Egbert St. • Brighton • 80601 • www.inglenookatbrighton.com Assisted Living | Independent Living | Memory Care Hospice Care | Rehabilitation | Respite Care
(puzzles on Page 43)
HOLIDAY RIDDLES 1) What do you get if you cross a Christmas tree with an apple? A pine-apple! 2) How do Christmas trees keep their breath fresh?
By sucking on orna-mints!
Gourmet Sweet Potato Classic Recipe
Once you taste this, you won’t ever go back to the marshmallow-topped variety! I have peeled and cooked in the microwave, and also boiled the sweet potatoes. ey taste the same no matter how you cook them. So, use the technique that works best for you!
Ingredients
5 sweet potatoes ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ cup butter 2eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ cup white sugar 2 tablespoons heavy cream ¼ cup butter, softened 3 tablespoons all-purpose our ¾ cup packed light brown sugar ½ cup chopped pecans
Directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F {175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2
Bake sweet potatoes 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until they begin to soften. Cool slightly, peel, and mash.
Step 3
In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, salt, 1/4 cup butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and heavy cream. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Step 4
In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup butter, our, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Mix with a pastry blender or your ngers to the consistency of course meal. Sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
Step 5
Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until topping is crisp and lightly browned. Prep: 20 mins Cook: 1 hr 5 mins Total: 1 hr 25 mins Servings: 8 Yield: 8 servings
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving:
381 calories; protein 3.8g 8% DV; carbohydrates 50.7g 16% DV; fat 19.2g 30% DV; cholesterol 82.1mg 27% DV; sodium 201.1mg 8% DV
Seventy-nine acres of significant farmland and water preserved in Historic Splendid Valley
O ered by: Anneli Berube, Ag Innovation Specialist
The City of Brighton and Adams County, with the expertise of e Conservation Fund, have successfully preserved 79 acres of prime farmland in Historic Splendid Valley, the vibrant agricultural area south of Brighton and within the Greater Denver Metropolitan area. is partnership, along with grants from the Adams County Open Space Sales Tax program and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), have enabled a conservation easement to be placed on this property to allow farming to continue while ensuring the land will not be subdivided or developed. e farmland is located south of Brighton along 144th Avenue and Sable Boulevard, adjacent to other preserved farms to the north and west. e preservation of this area furthers the mission of Historic Splendid Valley to protect one of the state’s last remaining areas of urban agricultural land with available water rights to ensure that food production can continue for the bene t of the local community and the region.
“ is is a story of local community pride in a city with such rich agricultural heritage,” said Greg Mills, Mayor of the City of Brighton. “ is is a critical piece of the area’s identity and will now be preserved for future generations to come.”
“ e Historic Splendid Valley project bene ts Colorado’s local food security, agricultural heritage and water conservation. It protects resources in an area identi ed as the single best place left in the greater Denver Metro area for growing, processing and distributing local food crops, as well as water rights from one of Colorado’s oldest ditches,” said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. “ anks to the foresight and commitment of the Morimitsu family, the prime soils and water essential to farming this land are being preserved, helping sustain one of Colorado’s most established agricultural operations.”
“Preserving these local farmland properties provides many immediate and long-term bene ts to our community,” said Emma Pinter, Adams County Commissioner and Board Chair. “ e fresh fruits and vegetables grown on these farms are distributed locally and regionally, including supplying our local food bank and pantries, and help sustain the history and heritage of the area, while supporting our local economy.” e Conservation Fund, a national environmental nonpro t focused on conserving land and water in ways that make both environmental and economic sense, acquired the property when it came up for sale and brought the multiple partners together for an outcome that bene ts the community and the local food economy. Grants awarded to this project from Adams County and GOCO were combined to complete the conservation easement permanently protecting the property’s irreplaceable soils, water rights, and open space resources. More than 80 percent of Adams County residents recently voted to make the County’s Open Space Sales Tax program permanent, showing the popularity of this critical funding source for preserving important open space and agricultural lands and creating, improving and maintaining parks, trails and recreation facilities.
“With sti competition from developers for these farmlands and water rights on Brighton’s edge, the urgency and threats are as high here as anywhere in the State,” said Christine Quinlan of e Conservation Fund. “Adding the Morimitsu family’s historic farm to the conservation e ort in Historic Splendid Valley boosts the community’s economy and retains its agricultural heritage.”
“We’re proud to invest Colorado Lottery proceeds in the conservation of farmland for the production of local crops as well as a scenic bu er of land for people in cars and on bikes cruising by to enjoy,” said GOCO Executive Director Chris Castilian. “And we’re especially grateful to the Morimitsu family who made the permanent protection of the land possible.”
About the farm
Prior to this land being homesteaded, it was used by indigenous Arapaho and Cheyenne people who would camp near the South Platte River while following bu alo herds across the plains. e farmland was homesteaded in 1879 by Richard and Olive Talbot both of whom constructed many of the structures on the property. After leasing the land from the Talbots for six years, Suekichi “George” and Toi Morimitsu purchased it in 1939. e Morimitsu family owned the property for the next 80 years. George and Toi raised 12 children on the farm. ey grew vegetables like onions, corn and beans to sell to the local pickling company, Kuners. Members of the Morimitsu family recall stories of the kids hoeing the rows of crops on their way to and from Pleasant Plains School on 144th Avenue and Potomac Street, including a trip back and forth for lunch each day. e family’s long tenure on the property saw them through World War II, in which three of the Morimitsu sons fought, while the second son, Kiyoshi, stayed home to tend to the farm. When George passed away in 1963, operations were turned over to his son Hayato, who went by Henry. Henry and his wife Taeko farmed the property, continuing to grow a variety of vegetables until Henry retired in 1986. ey also raised three children on the farm. Following Henry’s retirement the property was leased to Petrocco Farms, which still farms it to this day.
“Our family is honored to be given the opportunity to leave a legacy in Historic Splendid Valley. It was a long and sometimes di cult process to bring all parties together to sell our farm to e Conservation Fund, but in the end we feel that it was worth the work to see this prime farmland preserved for the bene t of future generations,” shared Amy Bokn, daughter of Henry Morimitsu.
With the conservation easement in place, the parcel was recently purchased by Petrocco Farms, a local farm with deep roots in the area. e Petrocco family has been farming since the early 1900s and in Splendid Valley since 1960. Headquartered near Brighton, today their operation comprises over 3,000 acres in Adams and Weld Counties. Petrocco grows a variety of vegetables, from cabbage and onions to leafy greens and sweet corn. ese crops are largely distributed from the Petrocco Farms processing facility, located approximately one mile as the crow ies from the Morimitsu Farm property. is abundant variety of vegetables can be found in many of Colorado’s largest food chains and food service outlets. e farm also donates thousands of pounds of produce to food banks throughout Colorado, including Food Bank of the Rockies and Colorado Care & Share, and to local events like Welby Days and Mt. Carmel Summer Festival. “As farmers, we are the stewards of this land,” said Dave Petrocco, Sr. “We take great pride in our growing practices and the vegetables we grow. Preserving this farm, which is central to our operation, helps ensure that high quality food can continue to be grown in this area for many years to come.”
COMPLETE THE FAFSA AND RECEIVE HELP, FEEDBACK AND IDEAS ON WRITING ESSAYS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS.
DECEMBER 8 Virtual
JANUARY 12 In-person at Anythink Libraries, 327 E. Bridge St., Brighton
“GET THE GREEN” YOU NEED TO ATTEND COLLEGE!
Please RSVP at brightonco.gov/growinggrads Questions? Contact Abby at 303-655-2186 or agmartinez@brightonco.gov
Trees for 2021 Tree Program available for order
e City of Brighton’s Tree Program is returning in 2021 with seven species of trees available for purchase. e species of trees available are selected speci cally for Brighton’s water demands and soil conditions. e tree program is intended to encourage tree planting, species diversity and water conservation within the City.
Trees available for purchase include Discovery Elm, English Oak, Bur Oak, Chanticleer Pear, Hackberry, Catalpa and Hotwings Maple.
To place an order, go to brightontreeprogram.com. Trees are $75 each (payments are non-refundable) and are limited to two per household. is program is for residents living within Brighton city limits. Trees will be available for purchase until they are sold out.
Tree pick-up will be in the Spring of 2021. Due to the evolving nature of COVID-19, safety guidelines will apply to distribution. Details of the distribution will be released at a later date on the City’s website and social media channels.
All trees purchased through the City’s tree program must be planted within city limits, on public right- of-way or on private property.
If you have questions, please contact Adam Rhodebeck, If you have questions, please contact Adam Rhodebeck, City of Brighton Forester, at arhodebeck@brightonco.gov or City of Brighton Forester, at arhodebeck@brightonco.gov or 303-655-2048. 303-655-2048.
since 1977 Coloradoserving
YOUR BRIGHTON
EXPERTS
CLOSING EACH TRANSACTION
627 East Bridge Street • Brighton, CO 80601
www.heritagetco.com
NYSE: FNF
5 Tips for Buying New Home in a Fast Moving Market
O ered by: Scott and Lora Nordby - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
The Denver metro real estate market hasn’t had any signs of slowing this year. Earlier in the year, when most of the state was under a stay-at-home order, demand continued to grow. is resulted in a fast-moving summer and autumn for real estate that has continued into the last few months. Next year is set up to continue this trend, so if you’re considering buying a new home, check out these tips before you start home shopping.
Know Your Limits
It’s important to get pre-approved and consider what monthly payment you’re comfortable with, so you can stay in the range that meets your budget before you begin looking at homes.
Wiggle Room
Consider looking at homes on the lower end of your budget. is gives you wiggle room to make quick counter o ers in a bidding war.
e 80/20 Rule
If you look at a home that meets 80% of your requirements, make an o er. When homes are only staying on the market for days and not weeks, it’s important that you be quick to get your o er on the table. Remember, someone else looked at the home yesterday that you want to make a decision on tomorrow.
e Letter
In a hot market, some real estate professionals will help you write “ e Buyers Letter”. is short and sweet note to the sellers helps them put a story with the o er, which can set you apart from other bidders. Lean on your REALTOR® for help with this, as there are thing’s you’ll want to emphasize and things to avoid saying.
Get a Champ in Your Corner
When houses are bought and sold quickly, it’s important to work with someone who knows the market, knows the neighborhood, and is invested in helping you reach your real estate goals. Be sure to work with a REALTOR® who is full-time, so they are available to negotiate on your behalf when you nd a house that you’re ready to make an o er on!
If you’re ready to buy a new home, call us at 303-905-8850. We can make sure you know the process, have all your questions answered, and are set up to nd the home of your dreams.
Happy Holidays
From Our Family To Yours
Alexa Galindo Alex Wenzl Alicia Luevano Andrea Chirich Brandy Cridlebaugh Deanna Gamboa Deb Stephenson
Denia Luevano Diana Gamboa Donelle Thompson Emily Miller George Martinez Janelle Howard
Jenna Power Jillian Nunez Josh Dutton Karen Wambolt Kristina Neuenberger Linda Hepperle
Liz Peterson Lori Monteleone Mandy Jury Miguel Morris Rhonda Engle Scott & Lora Nordby
Shannon Wester Stan Wester Tabatha Ratli Tara Basagoitia Todd Miller Tracy Younger Yvonne Saenz
Here for you now. And forever.
Whether you’re ready to buy or sell, or if you just have questions, our agents are here for you. For life.
Contact one of our local agents today and see why we were named the most trusted and loved brand among real estate agencys. InnovativeRE.com • 303-289-7009
