Brighton Buzz August 2023

Dawa Sherpa Publisher

The Brighton Buzz

Yes,

also a good

to remind ourselves to watch those sidestreets, crosswalks and intersections, and yield to the flashing red lights as school buses begin their daily trek through our neighborhoods. It seems like it was yesterday when my kids were taking their first trip to school – how quickly they grow up.

Speaking of growth, the local school districts that serve our communities have added several new facilities in the past few years and continue to grow with the area’s growing demand. Kudos for those with the forethought to ensure our youth remain in good hands now, and in the future.

And, along those same lines, our local business community continues to grow as well. From the mainstays we have come to know and trust to the newcomers offering new products and services – the wheels of our local economy keep rolling along. You can find many of those businesses within this month’s issue of The Brighton Buzz. Stop in for a visit!

There’s a lot going on this month in our communities, so…

Stay

Mid-year Year-over-year Comparison for Adams County

In years past, this would be the height of the buying and selling season with buyers with kids wanting to be settled in before the school year starts, and others to be done with it before winter and the holiday season. Yes, things are not hopping like they were a year ago. at said, and at the risk of sounding like a broken record about this crazy up and down real estate market, the bag is mixed and there are still some bright nuggets of light which show that, though it can be a bit on the challenging side, buying now if you are able is still very doable! A few summary points worth noting in the Adams County market year-overyear comparison for June:

not account for seller concessions and/or down payment assistance)

Trends are showing a little relief for buyers. At the time of writing this, Freddie Mac had just announced a slight drop in interest rates, a welcome sign from the highest rates of the year the previous week. Additionally, though still down year-over-year, the decline in new listings is showing a little improvement. For sellers, buyer demand is still higher than available inventory, so the time it takes to sell is still lower than pre-pandemic levels according to Chief Economist Danielle Hale.

For proven expertise in establishing your home value and/or searching for a new or existing home and ensuring you are getting the best deal possible, please call Jan at (303) 520-4340.

O ered by: Jan Hepp-Struck, Hepp Realty

Behzad Molavi MD, FACC, FSCAI

Rajesh Sharma MD, FACC, FSCAI

Matthew McDiarmid MPH, FACC

Franchesca Neil FNP-BC

Qaisar Khan MD, FACC, FSCAI

Don’t Miss Out! Know the Teacher Tax Deductions You Can Take Advantage Of The Ultimate Teacher Guide to Tax Deductions

As a teacher, you dedicate your life to educating the young minds of our future generation. A survey of teacher spending in 2021 reported that teachers spend an average of $750 per year. Did you know you may be able to deduct some of those expenses? Whether you need to buy supplies for your classroom or attend professional development workshops, there are a variety of deductions that you can claim come tax time. Let’s look at how you can maximize your tax benefits while enhancing your teaching methods.

Professional Development:

Attending professional development workshops and conferences is essential for staying current with the latest education practices. Tax laws allow you to claim for any expenses incurred for attending these events, including registration fees, travel expenses, accommodation expenses, and meal expenses.

Books for the Classroom:

Books play an instrumental role in educating young minds. From textbooks to novels, you can claim for any books you purchase for use in your classroom. You may also claim subscriptions to online education platforms and websites that help your students learn.

Supplies:

From art supplies to pencils and paper, teachers spend a lot of their own money on classroom supplies. Fortunately, most purchases on classroom supplies can be claimed as tax deductions.

Computer Equipment and Software:

In today’s digital age, computer equipment and software are just as vital to education as paper and pencils. ankfully, as a teacher, you can claim for any device that you purchase that is used for educational purposes or purchased specifically for edtech in the classroom. Similarly, the software you use, such as productivity software or educational apps, can be claimed as well.

Athletic Supplies:

As a teacher, being an assistant coach or leading students in athletic activities can also lead to tax deductions. Any equipment, uniforms, gym accommodations, and even team trips, in some cases, can be claimed for a deduction.

Being a teacher is a rewarding job that calls for a significant amount of dedication and passion. erefore, it’s important to be aware of the tax deductions that are available and ensuring to take advantage of them. is guide provides you with the essentials on what tax deductions you’re entitled to, be sure to keep receipts for all transactions and organize your paperwork. Tax guidelines can seem tricky, if you need additional help, call our office at (720) 979-7733

What Happens After Surgery?

O ered by: Brighton Clinic of Chiropractic

I’ve seen many people where surgery has basically given them their lives back or brought back function when they thought it was gone forever. Surgery can be a crucial intervention to bring relief of pain and an improvement in health and motion. However, like any medical procedure, it is not without its potential side effects. Understanding these side effects is essential for patients and their families to be prepared during the recovery process and beyond.

Immediately after surgery, it is common to have pain or discomfort, swelling and or bruising, fatigue and weakness, and scarring. It can also be common to have other conditions or long-term effects that were not expected that can lead to more doctors’ visits or altered recovery.

ere are no guarantees that you will not have long-term effects after your surgery. A loved one of mine recently had what I considered a needed and important orthopedic surgery. Since this time, she has had more physical problems and long-term effects than she could have imagined. She believes she had good care and that her doctors shared with her all the information that they knew, and yet there are still many unknowns, and she is living with them daily now.

Just last month, a member of our extended family was recommended for neurosurgery. ey had the surgery two days after the recommendation, believing this was the next step. ey did not do any pro and con research. We are finding there may be lasting effects, including extensive pain, that were not researched properly ahead of time. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees with health care.

Take a step back and determine if there are options to surgery. Have you considered all options and consulted with differing experts? Don’t rush into surgery without investigating the pros and cons. Have you tried the alternative approaches first (chiropractic, physical therapy, Rolfing, massage therapy, acupuncture, functional medicine providers, etc.)? Matter has its limits. Patients should communicate openly with their healthcare team to address concerns of short and long-term effects. Maintain a good line of communication with the nurses and other professionals that can help with your questions. Take your time to make this important decision. Call us at 303-993-6092 to schedule your consultation with us to see if we can help.

We're more than just a great rate

Bank-issued,

5.25

1-year

Tim Roberts, CRPC™ Financial Advisor

129 S 4th Avenue Brighton, CO 80601-1000 303-659-2301

Retirees: Talk finances with your grown children

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Tim Roberts - Edward Jones

Whenyou’re retired, you’ll likely have some financial concerns — just like all retirees. However, if you’ve invested regularly and followed a longterm financial strategy, you should be able to address most issues that come your way. But there’s one important action that’s sometimes overlooked by retirees: sharing their financial situation with their grown children. And this knowledge can benefit everyone in your family.

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 07/14/2023. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

FDI-1916M-A © 2022 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AECSPAD

You might be surprised by the concern your children have for your financial well-being. Consider these findings from a 2023 study by Age Wave and Edward Jones:

• 66% of millennials (generally defined as ranging from 27 to 42) worry that their parents or in-laws may not have enough money to live comfortably in retirement.

• 83% of millennials would rather know their parents are financially secure in their retirement, even if it means their parents pass on less money to them.

If you have children in this age range or older, or who soon will be, how can you address their concerns and potentially improve your financial outlook?

Communication is the key. By openly communicating with your family about your financial status, you can reduce anxieties and misperceptions. If you’re in good financial shape, your adult children may be reassured that you won’t be needing their assistance. And if you are feeling some financial pressures, you can inform your children of the steps you are taking to improve your situation.

One such step may be to reduce your cost of living — the less you spend day to day, the better your ability to preserve your investment and retirement accounts. You may be able to reduce costs in many small ways, such as ending streaming services you no longer use, but you could make an even bigger impact by downsizing your living arrangements. In fact, 72% of today’s retirees have downsized or are willing to downsize to reduce their housing costs, according to the Age Wave/Edward Jones survey. Downsizing isn’t for everyone, but if it’s a possibility for you, it may be worth considering because the savings could be significant.

You may also be able to reduce or consolidate your debts. Start by understanding how much and what kinds of debt you have. en, consider ways to lower your payments, such as refinancing. For example, if you’re carrying a balance on multiple credit cards, you might be able to transfer the amounts you owe onto a single card with a more favorable interest rate.

Here’s another move to consider: Adjust your investment mix to possibly provide you with more income in retirement. During your working years, you may have invested primarily for growth — after all, you could be retired for two or more decades, so you’ll need to draw on as many financial assets as possible. But once you’re retired, your investment focus may need to shift somewhat toward income-producing opportunities. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll still need some growth potential to help keep ahead of inflation.

One final suggestion: Let your children know if you already have a strategy in place to meet the potentially high costs of long-term care, such as a nursing home stay. is burden is certainly something you won’t want your children to take on.

By informing your children about your financial picture, and how you’re trying to improve it, you can ease everyone’s minds — so keep the lines of communication open.

ered by:

It was the 9th grade at my all-boys school many years ago. I don’t remember many things, but this one incident, I remember quite well.

A classmate was returning to his desk from getting his graded paper from the teacher. A confident young man, good in sports, but who happened to walk pigeon toed. As he walked back to his desk, some boys blurted out jokes about his “funny walk.”I thought it funny too, so I joined-in, repeating the things I heard them say.

Although he ignored everyone else, he stopped by my desk and said calmly: “Willy, I have no problem with you, why are you bothering me?” At that moment, I was embarrassed, ashamed of myself, and never forgot the moment. I realized that I was acting like a bully, even though I never thought of myself as one. I thought that I knew better, but I guess I had forgotten, just to be part of the crowd.

Many of our children encounter situations like this every day, either as the bully, the victim, or as a bystander. It is our duty to help them choose what is right. Or just - as with me - to remind them...

As an adolescent I was glad to be reminded:

• “Don’t be a bully and never join them.”

• “If you see someone being bullied, don’t stand by, stand up - for yourself and for others.”

ere is always something you can do when you see bullying! Together we can end it!

Willy Strohmeier Colorado Karate Club

Do you need Medicare Part B?

O ered by:

A lot of confusion comes with Medicare. One thing that I get asked a lot is, “Do I need Part B?”

ere is good reason for this question. A lot of folks hear about $0 premium Medicare Advantage Plans (a.k.a. Part C) with all sorts of added benefits and think the plan is completely $0/month. is is where the misunderstanding can cause a big problem if not handled properly.

When you turn 65 and do not have any other creditable coverage from an employer through active employment, it is recommended that you get Medicare Parts A & B. If you do not get Part B when you turn 65, you could be penalized. e penalty is pretty steep too. Medicare will add 10% to the monthly premium for every 12 month period you go without having Part B.

Remember, this is if you DO NOT have creditable coverage through an employer.

e penalty will get added for every 12 month period you go without Part B and there is no cap. For example, if you delay getting Part B for 6 years, you’ll have a 60% increase in your monthly Part B premium when you do get it. is penalty will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Now, back to our first question. If you want to take advantage of all the benefits included in $0 premium Part C, you need to have Part B. Why? Well, Medicare takes the money they collect from you for the Part B premium and they send it to the insurance company who is offering the Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan. en the insurance carrier sets the parameters of what your financial responsibility is for healthcare in the MA plan .

So in a nutshell, Medicare is paying the insurance company to manage your healthcare by using the money you pay from your Social Security check each month. Without your money, they don’t have the funds to pay the MA plan.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give me a call: 720.626.6524.

is past life regression and soul retrieval, etc.

Maybe you’ve been curious about all this, have heard about it, but you have no idea what it really is, or if it would benefit you? Come and ask some questions. is will be

Offered by: John Wilson, B.S., BC-HIS - Blue Ribbon Hearing & Tinnitus Center

Themost recent hearing healthcare seminar I attended had some class sessions with topics being familiar and repetitive while others had information that was new, informative and exciting. For me, the bit of information that was most intriguing had to do with the average age of firsttime hearing aid wearers. When I first started working with patients sixteen years ago the average new wearer was over 70 years old and had waited seven to ten years to purchase their first set of hearing aids from the time that they were first diagnosed with a hearing loss. e most recent research indicates the average age for first-time hearing aid users has decreased to closer to 60 years of age, about a decade younger than before. Personally, I have seen a significantly greater number of people in their 30s and 40s begin wearing devices to treat mild-to-moderate hearing loss and tinnitus. e main reasons I believe individuals have started wearing hearing aids at a younger age include improvements in technology, increased awareness about the benefits of wearing hearing aids, and the change in stigma related to wearing hearing aids.

As I have written about previously, technological improvements are continually implemented. As technology improves and processing power increases, sound quality becomes more natural and background noise is dealt with more effectively. e latest technology in the Genesis AI devices is actually designed to process incoming sounds and deal with noise the same way the human brain does normally. e processor, or computer chip, in the hearing devices is significantly faster and more powerful than previous processors. is technology is helpful because the longer a patient waits to get help when they have a hearing loss, the more the ability to hear and understand in noise

is permanently lost. Getting hearing aids sooner leads to a much better overall experience, easier adjustment period and better long-term outcomes.

Informing medical professionals, potential patients, and their friends and family members about the importance of getting hearing aids as soon as possible to improve long term brain function has led to an increase in public awareness. Research efforts between audiology professionals, neuroscientists and medical personnel have proven that individuals with hearing loss who wear hearing aids perform better on cognitive exams, experience better emotional, mental, physical and overall health, have better social lives, better interpersonal relationships, better sleep, and more energy. (Struggling to hear uses lots of energy and is mentally exhausting.) Treating hearing loss is also a key to dementia prevention.

e stigma of having a device in the ear has changed, partly because hearing devices have shrunk and wearing devices like Apple EarPods has become fashionable. Many of my patients remember a grandparent or older relative with hearing loss wearing a body aid, which is a box that was worn somewhere on the body and had a wire that ran up to a piece in the ear. e deluxe models had a wire known as a “Y cord” that had two ear pieces. (Fans of the Rocky movies may remember seeing the character Mickey wearing a body aid.) Today’s hearing aids models are much smaller, much more powerful, and can be customized to fit a much greater range of hearing loss types and severities. Please call us if you are interested in hearing better using the best technology available today. ank you for continuing to support our locally owned and operated, independent small business!

Mom Said “It’s All Taken Care Of”

O ered by: Dolan & Associates, P.C.

Mary had an attorney draft up some estate planning documents. She placed them in her safe deposit box. When her children came to a family dinner, she proudly told them that she had met with a lawyer and her estate is “All Taken Care Of.”

Mary took a critical step towards having an estate plan that would help things go more smoothly on her death. However, like many people, she led her kids to believe that because she had some documents upon her death there would be nothing else to do.

Look at it from the perspective of the children. ey took their mom at her word, that “It’s All Taken Care Of,” and unfortunately assumed that there was nothing to do upon her death. is is a critical mistake many families make. e reality is that there is a lot to do when a person dies. ere are no magic documents that miraculously take care of things. Someone has to do something at the time of your death, and it is usually family members.

Most family members don’t know what to do, how to do it, or understand how they should pay for the assistance they need. ere is a 100% chance you’re going to die. And there is a 100% chance that someone will need to do something after your death. If things are going to go smoothly and effectively after your death, you must take steps to prepare your family. Prepare them to know what to do, how to do it, and how to pay for it.

Remember, estate planning is a process of preparation prior to your death. It is not getting a certain type of document. By taking the time to prepare, you can be assured that the process will go more smoothly for your family.

If you would like to learn more about available estate planning options, visit: www.EstatePlans atWork.com to sign up for a complimentary educational workshop.

Hills Academy adds programs,

Homeschool Enrichment options

O ered by:

Hills Academy is gearing up to start school this month and we are so excited for the addition of our Infant and Toddler programs as well as a Homeschool Enrichment option for Kindergarten and 1st Grade. Our vision here at Hills Academy, is to provide a premium quality environment for children ages 6 weeks through early elementary, where they can grow socially, spiritually, physically, and academically in a safe and loving environment.

Our Infant and Toddler classes will focus on providing the best possible care for your little one while they are away from home. Teachers will incorporate developmental learning, Bible stories, and forming the very important connections that young ones need to be able to grow and blossom.

Our Preschool and Pre-Kinder classes will provide an environment where your child can explore, engage, and develop into wonderful little people including focus on their spiritual growth as well as their academic, social/emotional, and physical growth.

Our Homeschool Enrichment class will join you on the journey of your child’s education and foster an excitement and passion for learning in a structured, play-based classroom including PE and music class.

Enrollment is open now and the first step is to schedule a tour. Please visit our website at hills.academy or call the Director, Tobbi Monroe at 720-634-8756, for more information and to schedule a tour. Also, we are hiring teachers and aides. We look forward to having you a part of Hills Academy!

Who You’re Going To Call

Must I Start Medicare at Age 65?

When working past the age of 65, many people choose to continue on their employer insurance plan.

Did you know you do not have to take either Part A or Part B of Medicare? at’s right, this is one of many Medicare misconceptions. If you have employer group insurance from your own current employment or that of your spouse(with employer of more than 20 employees) you can delay Medicare until that coverage ends.

A key consideration is participation in an HSA, as this is not allowed once you begin any Part of Medicare. However, it often makes sense to begin Part A, if you have earned it at no cost and are are not contributing to an HSA. Other considerations should include the current cost for employer coverage and the cost of medications.

If self-employed then beginning Medicare to avoid penalties in the future is the appropriate choice.

I teach about these enrollment rules and timelines in my Medicare 101 classes offered locally. Scan the QR code on the adjacent ad for my local, August Medicare events or call to find out more. Individual appointments are available upon request, no cost for services.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

O ered by: Headwaters Health and Wealth LLC - Lisa Asmussen

Preventing Drownings

Thesingle biggest thing that parents can do to prevent drowning is to never leave a child unattended around any body of water. is includes pools, bathtubs, buckets, lakes, rivers, etc. ere have even been drownings in toilets and in pet bowls.

Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of unintentional injury in children and can have devastating consequences. It usually results in death or permanent brain injury.

Swim lessons are also a good way to protect your children, but they don’t make a child “drown proof.” e American Academy of Pediatrics did research and the research showed that children ages l-4 can benefit from taking swim lessons. Swimming lessons are generally not beneficial for children under one-year-old. Swimming lessons are not a substitute for adult supervision around water.

Drowning Prevention measures include fences around home pools, life jackets on boats or around open water, and counseling teens about the risks of alcohol or drugs around any body of water.

If you have any questions, please contact us at: Brighton Pediatrics or visit our website at www.brightonpeds.com

O ered by: Abby Hughes, M.D. - Brighton Pediatrics

Stay Healthy, Stay Hydrated

Offered by: Premier Pediatrics

Water is the most important nutrient, and most of us are not getting enough. Water helps regulate body temperature, is vital for our circulation and helps with chemical reactions in the body. Our lean body mass is up to 75% water and we cannot survive even a few days without water.

Odds are, if you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. It is important to remember that at higher altitude, moisture evaporates more quickly and you need more water to stay hydrated than you would at sea level. In general, water is the best way to stay hydrated and drinking half your body weight in water daily is a great way to be sure you are getting enough. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, make it a goal to drink 75 ounces of water per day… that’s a lot!!

If you are in extreme heat or doing strenuous activity such as hiking, yard work, weight lifting or running for more than one hour, you will likely need electrolyte replacement as well. It is important to replace potassium, sodium and carbohydrate losses. Good options for this include electrolyte drinks (Gatorade, Powerade, Pedialyte). Remember that electrolyte drinks are made to replace losses and are only recommended when needed because they do contain extra sugar that we do not otherwise need.

Top: Ellen McCormick, M.D. | Michele Tuepker, M.D. | Debra Campbell, D.O. | Janine Lechleitner, CPNP

Bottom: Jamie Campbell, M.D. | Joseph Smith, M.D. | Caroline Albert-Martin, M.D.

City of Brighton bringing out heavy machinery at fi

Touch-A-Truck event

Offered by: City of Brighton

e City of Brighton will be bringing out its heavy machinery for the fifth annual Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Brighton City Hall (500 S. 4th Avenue).

Kids of all ages will get the opportunity to go behind the wheel, climb and explore vehicles of all sizes, and meet the people who operate them. Police cars, fire trucks, Flight for Life (landing at 11 a.m.; subject to availability), tractors, snow plows, loaders and much more will be at the event. Kids in attendance will get to help decorate one of the city’s snow plows with paint.

is year’s Touch-A-Truck will also feature Bike Brighton’s Bike Rodeo. Children will be guided through a safety course to learn important skills for safe bike riding — please bring your own bicycle.

ere will also be a drawing for giveaways. Limited parking will be available at City Hall. Please be courteous of parking in residential areas — be aware of road restrictions (i.e. don’t block fire hydrants), property access and safety. If you have questions about Touch-A-Truck, email communications@brightonco.gov.

Bike Brighton will also host their Bicycle Roundup & Rodeo here!

3 Bathroom

Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid

Remodeling a bathroom is nearly always more expensive than you expect, but costs can really escalate if you make any errors in space planning, new fi xture selection, or quality of construction. Here are three steps you should carefully consider.

Planning the work

Your remodeling plans should solve existing issues, such as those regarding functionality, accessibility, and ultimately, your property’s value. Plans should meet current building and safety codes and improve the home’s attractiveness.

Budgeting

Some homeowners underestimate the costs of renovations and then cut corners to fit an unrealistic budget. e Family Handyman advises that the money you save by doing the work yourself can come back to bite you. It’s too easy for DIYers to buy the wrong sized drainage piping or install them at the wrong slope for proper drainage, causing frequent clogs and leaks. It’s also common to skip installing ventilation fans, but they’re important to help prevent mold, mildew, and household odors. If you’re not a licensed plumber or electrician or trained carpenter, you should budget for professional help.

Layout changes

According to Architectural Digest, the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel is changing your bathroom layout, including the labor required to remove, demolish, and dispose of current fi xtures and surfaces. Tearing up floors to relocate plumbing pipes and changing the electrical wiring for new light fi xtures and outlets is expensive. If the interior design changes you want to make truly add value to the home, go ahead. Otherwise, stick to improving surfaces and fi xtures only.

Your Forever Agent® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate is always here to help with your real estate needs and questions. Call us at 303-905-8850 or visit BHHScore.com to connect with someone who is knowledgeable about real estate in your neighborhood.

Offered by: Scott and Lora Nordby, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate

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SCL Health (now Intermountain Health) provides the safest and highest quality care in the region. Our collaborative team of surgeons are ready to get you back to what you love doing - pain free. Schedule