Derby Bicycle
AsSherpa Publisher
summer quickly draws to a close, the excitement and anticipation of a new school year is already upon us. And, if you’re like me (and my kids), it can be both exhilarating and overwhelming.
Gathering school supplies is first up. Schools are great at posting their supply lists on their websites. Common supplies such as notebooks, pens, pencils, binders, and backpacks can go quickly, so shop early for the best and “trendiest” selection. Many of our local businesses offer unique options that you may not find in major stores or online.
Something often overlooked and hard to schedule are the necessary medical check-ups, sports physicals, eye exams, and dental appointments. Equally important is making sure that immunizations are up-to-date. Check out our Health & Wellness section (pages 39-42) for the many options in our communities ready to serve you.
Whether it’s changing grades or changing schools, it can be an anxious situation for kids of any age. Consider checking out school orientations or open house options. Doing so can help alleviate jitters and help your kids become familiar with the school layout, a new classroom, and their teachers – and possibly make a new friend or two before the first day of class.
It’s time to get back into the daily school routine, setting academic goals, and scheduling those extracuricular activities.
Ready. Set... August is here!
How Estate Plans Work
At its very core, what people refer to as “estate planning” is simply a set of instructions.
Instructions for who handles things if you become disabled before you die, what to do when you die, and who should do it.
As you know, instructions do not produce a result, and sometimes having incomplete or poor instructions can even cause more frustrations than having no instructions at all. ink back to the “assembly required” item you purchased that provided you a page of instructions with tiny drawings, arrows pointing everywhere, and the text was in a foreign language you didn’t understand. Were you frustrated? But they gave you instructions…!
To produce a desired result people need clear well prepared instructions. Remember, someone will implement and carry out those instructions. Will they be angry and/or frustrated when the time comes to implement your instructions?
To have an estate plan that allows things to go smoothly when the instructions are implemented upon your disability and death, more is needed than just instructions. Investing the time to prepare quality instructions, coordinating your property with the instructions, preparing your loved ones to carry out the instructions, and adjusting the instructions when things change in your life, are all critical elements of an estate plan that will produce the results you want and expect.
If you have questions about effective estate planning, I encourage you to gain more knowledge about available planning options, by visiting www.EstatePlans atWork.com to sign up for a complimentary educational workshop.
HelloAugust! Summer vacations are winding down, kids are about to head back to school, and very soon the temperatures will be cooling a bit. Fall is the best time of year to maximize your backyard and enjoy some “staycationing.” Think time with family and friends hanging out in your backyard oasis, delicious aromas of freshly grilled meals, toasted marshmallows around a fire pit, and backyard movie nights.
If your backyard isn’t quite at oasis standards yet, here are a few quick and easy ways to get it there, and bonus, if you’re thinking of selling your home, the upgrades you make should add to the appeal for potential buyers.
Cozy seating area: A comfortable seating area is essential for any backyard oasis, and now is a great time to get deals on weather-resistant furniture. Be sure to arrange it so it’s conducive to conversation.
Ambient lighting: The right lighting can transform even the most mundane backyard into an enchanting space and there are so many options these days from solar powered garden lights to string lighting, with your choice of warm or cool tones, and colors. Be sure to place the lights strategically around the seating area, pathways, and plants to highlight features and ensure safety.
Outdoor rugs and accessories: Incorporating outdoor rugs and accessories like decorative pillows, candles, and garden sculptures can not only increase the comfort level, but also add personality and charm to your backyard oasis.
Water feature: The sound of flowing water is soothing and can mask background noise so adding a water feature like a small fountain can help bring a sense of tranquility to your space.
For proven expertise in establishing your home value and/or searching for a
or
home, please call Jan at (303) 520-4340
Offered by: Jan Hepp-Struck, Hepp Realty
Valuable Resources
The importance of treating even mild hearing loss is clear to me based on my own experience and clinical research on the topic. More than a decade ago a man came to see me to have his hearing checked since he was struggling to hear and understand his family. I tested his hearing and found he had a mild hearing loss then told him his hearing was not bad enough to treat and to come back in a year to check to see if it changed. A year later I called him to schedule his annual test and he said he did not need my services since he had gone somewhere else and purchased hearing aids soon after our initial visit because I did not listen to his original complaint. I was shocked. Everything I had been taught up to that point was that hearing loss had to be at least a certain severity in order to be treated. Since that time, I have had many experiences that confirm my current belief that even mild hearing loss should be treated to improve communication in the short term and decrease the likelihood of dementia in the long term.
I was reminded of this experience a couple of days ago when a man came in for a hearing test. He had initially visited my office 2 years ago because his wife was concerned that he was struggling to hear. At that time, I found a large amount of wax in both canals which could explain his difficulty with hearing and understanding her. ( is is the part of the article where I usually remind people to not use q-tips as they push wax deeper into the canal.) After the wax was removed, he noticed some improvement in his hearing and decided not to complete the test at that time. Although he initially could hear better, the improvement was not long lasting. His wife noticed that he continued to favor one ear, regularly asked her to repeat, and he told her he also had trouble understanding people, especially women, at work.
Although he was reluctant, she persuaded him to come in again and this
time to be tested. We found only minor ear wax, and after removal he noticed no improvement in his hearing, so he decided he would finally have a hearing test. Testing showed he had mild hearing loss. Were it not for the experience I had many years earlier, and that both he and his wife noticed his struggles understanding, I would have just told him it was no big deal. Instead, we all decided it would be a good idea to have him try on some Genesis AI hearing aids. Once we put the hearing aids on and his wife began speaking, he immediately smiled a huge smile and said everything sounded so much more crisp and clear. He had me turn the aids off and on several times for comparison and was thrilled at how much more “vibrant” his wife’s voice was. He said he felt like he did the first time putting on glasses and that everything that was once blurry became sharp, clear, and in focus.
I was pleased and only mildly surprised that he was so excited to be hearing more clearly. Based on 17 years of experience, I know that when a person complains of hearing loss or other hearing issues, they are not making it up and it is not “just in their head.” Every complaint is valid and should be addressed per the patient’s request. Many individuals with worse hearing loss than the individual mentioned require significantly more persuasion from family and friends before seeking help. Unfortunately, due to waiting so long, they usually do not get to enjoy the greatest benefit from wearing hearing aids. Waiting leads to degradation of the auditory system and sound processing part of the brain, which limits the
of amplification. Treating hearing loss sooner is better.
I come into the Karate school the students fi le in for their lessons. One of my young students, Lincoln, walks into the school with his mom and we greet each other; he walks toward me with a postcard in his hand and says: “Here Sensei... “ On the postcard he had written: “ ank you for teaching me, I love Karate. Love Lincoln” along with a Karate stick figure. I was touched and so happy to get this wonderful and unexpected gift.
I get similar notes, drawings, and even special toys from my students. Once, a three-year-old gave me his toy keys which made musical sounds. I was honored but a bit confused, his mom explained that it was his favorite toy, and that he wanted me to have it.
I am very much moved by the generosity and gratitude of my students, and it makes me reflect on what a positive effect these little, thoughtful gifts have on me. I know that my attitude, my self esteem, and my mood all took a positive boost from Lincoln’s postcard. It also made me reflect about all the people that I could impact positively if I actually expressed my gratitude for them in a concrete way.
While most of us are polite enough to say “thank you” to others, think about how much more thoughtful it is to give someone a note, to actually write down your appreciation for them. I am not talking about going out and buying a greeting card, no, most of my “ ank you” notes are pages torn off school notebooks, in fact, I never even thought about what they were written on until just now. It is about what is on the paper.
Someone once said that gratitude is acknowledging that someone has done something for us that we could not have done for ourselves. Lincoln’s note reminded me of that, and that I also must be more proactive in showing my gratitude to others. It takes only a few minutes to do so, but it can change a person’s life, or at the least, their day.
ank you to all our Colorado Karate Club families for your continued support and trust.
Colorado Karate Club
Valuable Resources
How
to market cycles?
O ered by: Tim Roberts - Edward Jones
5.15
4.75 4.55 6-Month 1-Year
The movement of the financial markets can seem mysterious — and yet, if we look back over long periods, we can see definite patterns that consistently repeat themselves. As an investor, how should you respond to these market cycles?
2-Year
or visit your local financial advisor today
Tim Roberts, CEPA®, CRPC™ Financial Advisor
129 S 4th Avenue
Brighton, CO 80601
303-659-2301
*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 07/17/24. 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-1867N-A AECSPAD 22683818
To begin with, it’s useful to know something about the nature of a market cycle and its connection to the business or economic cycle, which describes the fluctuations of the economy between periods of growth and contraction. Issues such as employment, consumer spending, interest rates and inflation can determine the stage of the business cycle. On the other hand, the market cycle refers to what’s happening in the financial markets — that is, the performance of all the different types of investments
e market cycle often anticipates the business cycle. In other words, the stock market may peak, or hit bottom, before the business cycle does the same. at’s partially because the financial markets are always looking ahead. If they foresee an event that could boost the business cycle and help the economy, such as the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates, they may become more “bullish” on stocks, thus driving the market up. Conversely, if the markets think the business cycle will slow down and the economy will contract, they may project a decline in corporate earnings and become more “bearish” on stocks, leading to a market drop.
Once you’re familiar with the nature of market cycles, you won’t be surprised when they occur. But does that mean you should base your investment strategy on these cycles?
Some people do. If they believe the market cycle is moving through a downward phase, they may try to cut their perceived losses by selling stocks — even those with strong fundamentals and good prospects — and buying lower-risk investments. While these “safer” investments may offer more price stability and a greater degree of preservation of principal, they also won’t provide much in the way of growth potential. And you’ll need this growth capacity to help reach your long-term goals, including a comfortable retirement.
On the other hand, when investors think the market cycle is moving upward, they may keep investing in stocks that have become overpriced. In extreme cases, unwarranted investor enthusiasm can lead to events such as the dotcom bubble, which led to a sharp market decline from 2000 through 2002.
Rather than trying to “time” the market, you may well be better off by looking past its cycles and following a long-term, “all-weather” strategy that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon and need for liquidity. And it’s also a good idea to build a diversified portfolio containing U.S. and foreign stocks, mutual funds, corporate bonds, U.S. Treasury securities and other investments. While diversification can’t protect against all losses, it can help protect you from market volatility that might primarily affect just one asset class.
Market cycles often draw a lot of attention, and they are relevant to investors in the sense that they can explain what’s happening in the markets. Yet, when it comes to investing, it’s best not to think of cycles but rather of a long journey – one that, when traveled carefully, can lead to the destinations you seek.
Why I Do What I Do
As a licensed Medicare agent, I guide individuals through the complex landscape of Medicare plans and options. With years of experience, I am well-versed in the intricacies of Medicare eligibility, coverage, and enrollment processes.
I work closely with my clients to assess their healthcare needs, explain available plan options, and assist them in selecting the most suitable coverage tailored to their circumstances. And I provide ongoing support to my clients, addressing any concerns or changes in coverage requirements and ensuring they maintain adequate healthcare protection. My service is of no cost to you, the client.
Being a Medicare agent offers numerous rewards beyond financial compensation. ere’s the enjoyment of helping individuals navigate the often-confusing healthcare system, providing them with peace of mind and security in their coverage choices along with building meaningful and lasting relationships with my clients.
Being a Medicare agent is a rewarding vocation and it’s my personal passion to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure they receive the care they deserve.
If you’d like information and guidance about Medicare, please give me a call.
If you’d like to learn more about this gratifying profession, give me a call or scan the QR code; I’m growing my team.
Who You’re Going To Call
MEDICARE
Medicare has been pretty consistent…until 2025
There is a lot of buzz around the changes that are about to take place in the Medicare world for 2025. What I have noticed from listening to a few different Webinars on the topic is that this will mostly impact the Medicare Part D coverage.
e great thing is that the coverage changes are actually in favor of the person on Medicare. e downside is the insurance companies are going to have to figure out how to offset the cost of all the awesome enhancements for Medicare members.
LegalShield Independent Assoc.
720.665.6015
Jen@JenniferBellBenefits.com www.JenniferBellBenefits.com
Since negotiations and fine tuning are still underway, we are not sure which plans will be impacted. Something to keep in mind is that two types of plans will be impacted: Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription coverage and stand alone Prescription Drug Plans.
ere have been whisperings about plans possibly leaving the area or making changes to the monthly premiums. As we prepare for what is to come, please know that you will get a letter from your current plan letting you know if your plan will be changing. is letter will likely come in September so be sure to open all your mail.
If you are currently on a Medicare Advantage Plan, you might see a reduction in added benefits. We are hopeful that plans will keep the three favorite added benefits of dental, vision and hearing. However, you might see a loss or reduction in the extras like additional money for fitness equipment, over-the-counter products or groceries.
ere is no need for panic right now. Please just be on the lookout for the changes to your plan. If you find out that your specific plan will not be offered in 2025 or you are losing benefits that you really like, we can help you make a plan change during the Annual Enrollment Period, Oct. 15Dec. 7. Just call our office to schedule an appointment.
With the increase in popularity of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts, some with dubious credentials have sought to cash in by opening their own gyms. At Zingano Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we believe that outstanding results come only from an outstanding training program taught by dedicated, qualified instructors.
Who You’re Going To Call
Top 5 Business Accounting Tips for Success
Offered by:
Effective accounting is crucial for the success and sustainability of any business. Here are the top five accounting tips that can help you manage your business finances more efficiently.
1. Maintain Accurate Records: Keeping detailed and accurate records of all financial transactions is essential. is includes invoices, receipts, and bank statements. Accurate records not only help in tracking your business performance but also simplify tax preparation and auditing processes.
2. Separate Personal and Business Finances: Mixing personal and business finances can lead to confusion and complicate tax reporting. Open a separate business bank account and use it exclusively for business transactions. is separation helps in maintaining clear financial records and enhances your business’s credibility.
3. Utilize Accounting Software: Investing in reliable accounting software can save time and reduce errors. ese tools can automate tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting. Popular options include QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks, which offer user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive features tailored to small businesses.
4. Regularly Review Financial Statements: Regularly reviewing your financial statements, such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, is crucial. is practice helps you understand your business’s financial health, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
5. Consult with a Professional Accountant: Even if you manage daily accounting tasks, consulting with a professional accountant periodically can provide valuable insights. ey can offer strategic advice, ensure compliance with tax laws, and help with complex financial planning. By following these tips, you can enhance your business’s financial management, leading to better decision-making and long-term success.
See
FIRESIDE CHATS
Offered by: Wellyssa’s Well
Join me on August 17th, at 8pm in Wellyssa’s beautiful garden. Come find a seat ‘round the fire watching the sun set, as we discuss various topics on energy healing, what it is and how it works, what 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. This will be a friendly and informal conversation.
This event is FREE. Light beverages will be provided, or bring your own.
RSVP for address in Todd Creek.
Home Improvements
Staying Healthy during the School Year
Offered by:
Dr. Joseph Smith - Premier Pediatrics
Looking for some ways to stay healthy during the upcoming school year? Here are some ideas:
• Year-round activity is important for health. Keeping our bodies moving has been shown to have long-term physical and mental health benefits.
• Healthy eating can likewise have long-term physical and mental health benefits. ere are many great resources to help with healthy eating choices that are easy to carry out in the home (see myplate.gov).
• Communication about life-decisions is critical in today’s world. Families that discuss the challenges that will face a child or youth while at school will be able to help them think through that challenge so that they are more likely to make a good and healthy choice. Frequent (non-nagging) communication is best.
• Avoiding respiratory illness: much of the spread of respiratory illness is by contact. Providing simple rules for hygiene can go a long way. Encourage your child to sing the alphabet song in his or her mind while washing hands. e time it takes to get to the letter “z” is about the right amount of time to spend washing. Also, never touch anything from the neck up without washing your hands first (including eating).
Understanding Neurofeedback:
A Back-to-School Solution for Children with ADD and ADHD
Offered by: Christy Kennedy, BCN
Is your child struggling with difficult behavior and you want to avoid medications?
As the new school year begins, many Brighton parents are exploring ways to support their children’s learning and well-being. One method gaining attention is Neurofeedback, a drug free, non-invasive therapy offering hope for children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Neurofeedback can also help manage stress, insomnia, and depression, making it a versatile tool for mental health.
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to teach self-regulation. Sensors placed on the scalp measure brainwave patterns and provide immediate feedback, helping the brain learn to function more efficiently.
How Neurofeedback Helps Children with ADD and ADHD
Children with ADD and ADHD often struggle with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Neurofeedback targets these issues by training the brain to maintain balanced brainwave patterns. Here’s how it helps:
• Improved Focus and Attention: Neurofeedback encourages the brain to produce brainwaves associated with focus and attention, helping children stay on task and improve academically.
• Reduced Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: By promoting stable brainwave patterns, neurofeedback can decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity, making it easier for children to control their behaviors.
• Enhanced Self-Regulation: Neurofeedback trains the brain to manage emotional and behavioral responses, leading to better social interactions and a more positive school experience.
Benefits Beyond ADD and ADHD
Neurofeedback is beneficial for anyone looking to improve mental health and cognitive function. Additional benefits include:
• Calming the Brain: Neurofeedback can help manage stress and anxiety by promoting relaxed brainwave patterns, useful during the back-to-school transition.
• Insomnia: Neurofeedback can help regulate sleep patterns, improving sleep quality and daytime functioning.
• Depression: Neurofeedback can balance brainwave activity associated with mood regulation, reducing symptoms of depression and promoting a positive outlook.
How to Get Started
As Brighton families prepare for the new school year, neurofeedback offers a promising approach to improving focus, behavior, and mental health. Christy Kennedy, M.S., BCN is the only Board Certified Neurofeedback practitioner offering this service in the Brighton area. If you’re interested in Neurofeedback for your child or yourself, give us a call at 720-317-3022. We will assess your needs and create a personalized program.
Neurofeedback is typically administered in a series of 40 to 60-minute sessions and we accept HSA/FSA payments.
Kelly Fausey,CPNP
Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury in children and can have devastating consequences. It usually results in death or the child will have permanent brain injury.
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.
e single biggest thing that parents can do to prevent drowning is to never leave a child unattended around any body of water. is also includes pools, bathtubs, buckets, lakes, rivers, etc. Anywhere that there is water. ere have even been drownings in toilets and in pet bowls.
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 show that children ages 1-4 can benefit from taking swimming lessons. Swimming lessons are generally not beneficial for children under one-year-old. Swimming lessons are not a substitute for adult supervision around water. ere should always be an adult present when a child or children are near or in water.
If you have any questions, please contact us at: Brighton Pediatrics or visit our website at www.brightonpeds.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
7:45
Community Living
Do Decks and Patios
Add Value to Your Home?
Inthe middle of a summer heat wave, adding a patio or deck to your home might seem like a waste. However, patios and decks offer significant returns on investment (ROI) if done well. According to LakeMartindock.com, new decks or patios can return 80% to 100% of your investment. Composite decks can deliver an additional 6% ROI over standard wood decks.
ExtraSpace.com notes that a new patio can cost around $5,300, returning over 80% ROI. Refinishing an existing patio for $1,400 can yield nearly 500% ROI. Updating a deck or patio can address safety issues and enhance versatility for gatherings.
Calculating ROI for outdoor projects is challenging due to material grades, design complexity, and site access. Building costs start at $25,000 for small spaces with a patio, pergola, and fire pit. Larger spaces with additional features average $45,000, while high-end projects start at $96,000. Innovations like OLED TVs, smokeless fireplaces, and hot tubs can further enhance these spaces.
ROI improves by solving issues like insects, sun glare, and extreme weather. Solutions include insect repellent systems, retractable screens, heat lamps, cooling misters, and ceiling fans.
Proper scale and light/shade balance may require professional help, especially if planting trees or accommodating play areas. Even existing patios or decks may need remodeling to enhance privacy and space for family and friends. Homebuyers value extended living spaces that are both practical and beautiful.
Outdoor living spaces have grown in popularity. Trends include:
- Indoor comfort outdoors: Extending home style and practicality to outdoor areas.
- Personalized spaces: Unique design elements like custom landscaping and outdoor art.
- Privacy: Privacy walls, vertical gardens, and strategically-placed sitting areas.
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly materials, native plants, and smart technologies.
- Edible gardens: Growing herbs, vegetables, and fruits.
- Year-round usability: Fire pits, heaters, and pergolas.
Landscape lighting, combining uplights and downlights, is essential for beauty and security. Smart cameras and sensors managed by mobile devices are also popular.
Outdoor living spaces now focus on lifestyle, offering benefits like creativity boosts, stress reduction, and improved sleep. Enhancing backyards can provide a new way to enjoy the outdoors and find peace.
Your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate Forever Agent SM is always here to help with your real estate needs and questions. Call us at 303-905-8850 or visit BHHScore.com
Offered by: Scott and Lora Nordby, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate
Hosted by the Cancer Centers of Colorado at Platte Valley Hospital
Topics include HPV Guidelines for Related Cancers, the Importance of Breast Self Exams, Mammograms & Preventative Measures to Reduce Overall Risk, Colorectal Screening Standards, Prostate Guidelines for Prevention, and a Survivorship Panel.
Date: September 27, 2024
Location: Waymire Dome at Adams County Fairgrounds
9755 Henderson Rd. Bldg. 1 Brighton, CO 80601
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Scan the QR Code to RSVP!
