Christmas in Berthoud 2021

Christmas in BERTHOUD 2021

BWS

BERTHOUD WEEKLY SURVEYOR “Covering all the angles in the Gar Garden Sp Spot” © Berthoud Weekly Surveyor November 25, 2021

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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2021

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2021 Christmas in Berthoud© 2021 is published in Berthoud, Colo., by the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor. The publisher reserves the right to edit, classify or reject any advertising or news copy. Liability for any newspaper error in an advertisement shall not exceed the cost of space occupied by error. The publishers assume no liability for any advertising which is not published for any cause.

The publisher assume absolutely no obligation or responsibility for subject matter in copy placed by its advertisers or their agents.

It is also understood that the advertiser and the agency placing such advertising jointly and severally agree to indemnify Berthoud Weekly Surveyor, LLC against all expense, loss or damage sustained by reason of printing such copy.

Subscription rates are $37 per year to residents of the 80513 zip code, online subscribers, and $47 per year to zip codes other than 80513.

BWS

BERTHOUD WEEKLY SURVEYOR “Covering all the angles in the Garden Spot”

440 Mountain Ave., Berthoud

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Index The advertisers in this magazine are businesses that support the Berthoud community in many ways. Please support them with your patronage.

Christmas coloring contest ...........................................3 Cutting out cookies .......................................................4 Tips to host holiday parties with ease .........................5 Three very different & cozy getaways for the holidays ......................................................................................6&7 Horseback caroling and Cowboy Christmas usher in the holiday season .........................................................8 Unusual Christmas gift ideas..............................10&11 The traditions of Chanukah .......................................12 Santa Cops/ SnowFest/Wildfire Holiday Artisan Market .........................................................................14 How to reduce the risk of home fires .........................15

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A drawing will be held for 2 gift baskets — 1 for ages 3 - 7 and 1 for ages 8 - 12.

Thank you to our sponsors: Metrolux Theatres (Loveland), Rise Artisan Bakery and Simply Shabulous

Christmas Coloring Book

Contest Entry Form

Child’s name:

Age:

Parent’s name: Home address: City: Parent’s contact phone: Parent’s email:

State:

Zip:

Contest open to children ages 3 - 7 and 8-12. All entries must be received by Dec. 16, 2021. Contest entries will not be returned.

Contest entries may be displayed or published in print and online by this newspaper. Children of newspaper and sponsor employees are not eligible to win. Winners’ parents will be notified by phone and email December 17, 2021.

One entry per child.

Mail or hand deliver coloring page with completed entry form to: Berthoud Weekly Surveyor Christmas Coloring Contest 440 Mountain Ave. Berthoud, CO 80513

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2021

Cutting out cookies

Special to the Surveyor Baking is a holiday tradition in many households. The aroma of freshly baked cakes, pies and cookies wafts through the air of many homes this time of year, and that makes the holiday season even more special.

Cookies are a tradition passed down through the ages. In medieval Europe, small, spiced cookies were exchanged as treats, and people still bake and share gingerbread cookies today.

Cut cookies are some of the most popular cookies to make during the holiday season. Some families may have their share of favorite cookie cutter shapes and dough recipes. Certain techniques can make holiday baking sessions easier and ensure consistent results.

Work on a lightly oured, cool surface, such as a cutting board or stone countertop. Never work on a warm surface, which can cause dough to spread and stick.

• Roll out the dough between two sheets of baking or parchment paper. Betty Crocker recommends a thickness of about 1/8 inch, unless noted in the recipe. This prevents the dough from sticking, and parchment enables you to easily transfer rolled-out dough to a refrigerator or elsewhere.

• When rolling out dough, portion it out into a few smaller amounts to roll out more easily. This will also help it to chill more readily.

• Cookies cut most easily when the dough is chilled.

Refrigerate the dough for as long as possible, ideally an hour or more even overnight. The more chilled, the firmer the dough will be.

• Rubber rolling pin rings that slip onto each side of the rolling pin can help ensure that the dough is being rolled out to a uniform thickness.

Dip cookie cutters into our with each cut. Work from the center and move out to the edges when cutting out your designs. Try to maximize space and avoid scraps and rerolling.

• Some expert bakers say that metal cookie cutters cut cleaner than plastic ones. Whichever cutter you use, cut the cookie by pressing straight down; try not to twist or jiggle the cookie cutter when using it. Doughs with a high butter content can help, as the extra grease helps separate the dough from the cutters.

• If cut cookies have gotten warmer, place them in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up again and then cook. This will guarantee the cookies will not spread or distort while baking.

Extra steps may seem like they will take a lot of time.

However, the extra effort and attention to detail will help produce cookies that win rave reviews.

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CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2021

Tips to host holiday parti with ease

By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor

Hosting a holiday party can be stressful from the social, financial, and time-management pressures, but there are a few great ways to get festive without feeling overwhelmed and out of control.

Start by planning ahead to square away as many details as possible and to avoid being overworked the day of the party, scurrying about doing everything last minute. Prepping weeks in advance helps prevent last-minute errand runs or trips to the store to restock low food and beverage items.

The key to creating an event is to plan, organize and keep to a theme, important for the invitations that need to be sent out and for table settings and décor. The theme can be a color scheme like burgundy and forest green, seasonal fruit like cranberries or pumpkins, a holiday song, or things associated with cold, like snowmen and snow akes. Selecting a theme helps create cohesion in a room or space and ties the party together, even if it’s just two or three key decorations — if they are set up hodge-podge, the party might otherwise feel disjointed.

Once the theme is set, create invitations accordingly, making sure to send them out early. A good time is around Halloween when seasonal calendars start filling, particularly during the few Saturday nights in December. Giving guests advance notice ensures those who want to attend won’t make other plans. Good etiquette dictates they need at least three weeks’ notice for an event, according to The Emily Post Insti-

tute.

Now that the invites are out, make a list to keep track of everything that needs to be purchased. Determine which steps need to be taken and the time needed to carry out each step to create a loose schedule, back timing from the date of the event. If the party is large, delegate tasks by asking family and close friends to help and be sure to include them on the invite list. Assign them roles, such as helping with the arrangements or aiding in the kitchen.

Next, select a menu, ideally aligned with the chosen theme. Start with what’s already in the house (this applies to party supplies and decorations, too), checking the refrigerator, pantry and cabinets. Then make or purchase the rest, choosing items based on the occasion — a dinner party reuires a plated meal, while late-night festivities might call for appetizers, finger foods and desserts. Shop for ingredients two weeks out, saving the fresh items, like produce or cheese, for a final trip one to two days before the event. Avoid making everything from scratch, which can be time-consuming, instead choosing a couple of signature dishes to show off to guests.

Be sure to supply enough food and beverages to not run out, leaving guests hungry and thirsty. Picking the items up on the event day might be inconvenient, causing someone to have to leave the party, and some stores might not be open if the hour is late.

Set up the food and beverages at stations where it’s best for guests to socialize. Instead of putting the items in the kitchen, place them in different locations, allowing for guests to move around and mingle.

Add some music, but there’s no need to hire a deejay.

Buy some wireless speakers and use an app like Spotify or Pandora to create a playlist fitting to the party theme or incorporating holiday-themed songs, giving more time for other tasks, while also enhancing the festive mood.

Make sure there are plenty of trash cans, preferably one per room, to simplify and speed up the cleanup.

Lastly, once guests arrive, give them a warm welcome, greeting them as close to their arrival time as possible. Show them the nearest bathrooms and provide a place for a coat check, designating an area for coats, bags and purses such as a bed or the front closet.

With proper planning and organization, a festive holiday party can be created that will add cheer to any calendar. Once the party is over, send out thank you cards, reminding guests of what they enjoyed about the party and letting them know you were glad they were there.

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Three very different and cozy getaways for the holidays

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hether you’re looking forward to soaking at a hot springs destination, traveling with the family to a ski resort, or just curling up with a good book this holiday season, these three towns are a good choice for the holidays.

Grand Lake, Colorado This Colorado town may be known as a summer playground, but it is a charming winter destination. From the snowmobiles parked in front of Sagebrush BBQ & Grill to the hearty souls sitting out on the frozen lake ice waiting for a fish to bite, this town is a winter wonderland.

Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging offers several options for a winter stay all on the shores of Grand Lake which freezes completely over each winter. There are cabins, a motel, as well as two multi-bedroom apartments perfect for groups or families.

All of these properties are in town and guests enjoy a short walk to coffee shops, restaurants and shopping. The brand new Wild About Birds store has everything from bird projects to keep the kids busy during a family vacation to bird seed, bird figurines, bird earrings and much more, all birdy-related, of course.

If you have dreamt of doing it in the winter, Grand Lake makes it possible. From ice fishing outfitters who will drill the hole in the ice and bait your hook, to outfitters who will rent you a snowmobile, it’s here. The Winding River Resort even offers sleigh rides, just like those on Hallmark cards.

If you’d like to burn a few calories, strap on snowshoes and take a number of hikes around the area. VisitGrandCounty.com has a list of the snowshoe and cross-country ski trails that are open in 2022.

To get a real sense of what Grand Lake and the surrounding area went through, and continues to go through, due to the Troublesome Wildfire, visit Troublesome Stories at 315 Pitkin Street in downtown Grand Lake.

Glenwood Springs, Colorado What’s better than snow collecting on your head while soaking in a hot springs pool? Not much. This, and more, can be yours with a stay in Glenwood Springs.

There are many hotels in Glenwood Springs, but two of the most unique are Hotel Denver and Hotel Colorado. With a style that blends modern and historic into a comfortable aesthetic, Hotel Denver has been welcoming guests since 1915.

Across the river from the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool,

it is within walking distance of everywhere you want to be in this quintessential Colorado town. Grab a calamari taco at Slope & Hatch or sit down for excellent Indian food at Marsala & Curry. Find the perfect winter read at the Book Grove or enjoy a warm drink at Bluebird Surveyor Cafe.

Columnist Next to the famous hot springs pool, is one of the state’s most stately buildings, Hotel Colorado.

Dressed to the nines, complete with turrets and blonde and red brick, presidents and other notable people have stayed within these walls. At 128-years-old, the hotel is looking better than ever, and looks even nicer when decorated in lights and shrouded in freshly fallen snow.

Heidi The Glenwood Hot Springs Pool Kerr-Schlaefer is a must during any trip to town, whether by train, plane or automobile. Open year-round, this is the largest hot springs pool in the world. Its size means there is plenty of room for everyone. There is even a spa at the hot springs for those guests wanting a soak and a massage.

Twenty-five minutes away is one of Colorado’s most

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family-friendly ski resorts, Sunlight Mountain. Check for Ski, Swim and Stay specials every winter.

Vail, Colorado If a few powdery turns are on the agenda, head to Vail.

Not only is it the largest ski resort in Colorado, it is iconic throughout the world as a ski haven.

Antlers at Vail may not be directly in the middle of the action of Vail Village, but its riverfront pool deck more than makes up for its quieter location in Lionshead Village. While this heated pool and two adjacent hot tubs are fabulous in the summer, they’re a delight when snow is falling.

This is condominium living, and Antlers can even provide condo meal deliveries prepared by the property’s own Chef Barry. This is an excellent way to feed the entire family without having to hassle with reservations during the busy holiday season.

Vail boasts 5,317 skiable acres, and that is 2,169 more

acres than the state’s second-largest ski resort, Keystone.

Whether it’s bombing down blacks or spending the day playing in the Back Bowls, this is a resort with skiing available for every level.

Lionshead Village is a short, free bus ride away from Vail Village where shopping until you drop is readily available. The Village boasts such names as Gorsuch and The Pet Boutique. Vail is extremely dog-friendly, with Fido allowed in nearly every hotel in town, including Antlers at Vail.

Colorado is an international winter destination, but we are lucky enough to live here. Why not explore the state’s offerings this holiday season?

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Horseback caroling and Cowboy Christmas usher in the holiday season

By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor For more than two decades, members of Larimer County Horseman’s Association have brought Christmas cheer to Berthoud with their Christmas caroling on horseback. The group is gearing up for the annual event this year that will coincide with the Cowboy Christmas event held by The Rancher’s Wife on Saturday, Nov. 27.

The caroling, which began in the early 1990s, originally took place during Christmas in Berthoud and after the cancellation of that event coincided with other Berthoud Chamber of Commerce Events. However, the pairing of Cowboy Christmas, an annual event that celebrates the kick-off of the Christmas Season in and outside the famous grain elevator in town with the horseback carolers has become a perfect pairing.

The horses and riders will begin preparing for the ride between 9 and 9:30 a.m. outside of Turner Middle School, many of which will be decked out in full holiday décor.

“We enjoy getting out with our horses and dressing them up and getting into the Christmas spirit and sharing it with people who don’t have access to horses.” Said Bonnie Templeton president of the Larimer County Horseman’s Association.

Cowboy Christmas will be from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27 at the Rancher’s Wife located at 604 Third Street and will include locally made artisan booths, food, Berthoud High School groups fundraising event, miniature horses and ponies, the horseback carolers and of course the man himself Santa Clause will make an appearance for visits and pictures.

“We’ll set off from Turner at 10:30 and head down Massachusetts Avenue,” explained Templeton. For those who don’t live in old town Berthoud, Templeton said lining up along Massachusetts Avenue would be a great location to see the horses and enjoy the caroling. Although caroling will take place in front of the Rancher’s Wife, the group will continue through town and stop as they pass pedestrians to sing a carol or two as well so if you do live in the area make sure to step outside to enjoy.

“We sing traditional carols,” said Templeton. “Ones that are fairly easy to sing.” Although many riders will be on horseback the group will also be pulling a trailer with hay bales for members who want to participate but aren’t able to bring their horses.

The group has members from across Larimer County including families from Berthoud. They are a non-profit 501C3 organization. Formed in 1972 to be an advocacy group for the use of horses in Larimer County, LCHA works hard to ensure future generations will have equine recreational opportuni-

ties in Larimer County.

Templeton did say that caroling will be canceled if the roads are icy or unsafe for the horses but said the group is hoping for good weather and looking forward to continuing their tradition, Our horses’ safety is our first priority, she said, but if recent weather patterns stick you might see some folks wearing shorts.

Along with caroling, the group holds several other events each year for its members, including ride-outs, evacuation training, educational meetings, picnics and parties. Anyone interested in joining Larimer County Horseman’s Association can visit www.larimerhorseman.org to find out more, or attend one of the group’s meetings listed on the site, which are always free and open to the public.

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CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN BERTHOUD • 2021

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Unusual Christmas gift ideas

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or more years than I can remember, I have written an article suggesting unusual or offbeat Christmas gift suggestions. This year’s theme is gadgets and gizmos.

In no particular order, here are some gift ideas for you to consider.

Let’s start with an umbrella. It’s getting to be that time of the year for storms. A site called www.bluntumbrella.com has a selection of umbrellas starting at $79. By the way, the company name is in reference to having no tip on the top of the umbrella. This umbrella is touted to be waterproof (a good attribute for an umbrella) and windproof.

Rookie weatherman standing in a hurricane not included.

This next item may be on my wish list. It’s an LED ring light that clips on your cellphone or laptop. It puts you in a good light while you are on a Zoom meeting. No more harsh room lights or darkness as you chat.

The ring looks to be a bit wider than

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a cellphone It has three adjustable Surveyor light levels and the color temper- Columnist ature can be changed too. Anything that can make me look better needs to be on my list. Look up Olumi LED ring light on Amazon. The cost for this bright idea is $9.99.

Any handyman or handywoman can’t pass on a handydandy all-in-one tool. In this case it’s the Kelvin Bob 17 found on McDonnell Amazon. The palm-sized gadget consists of 17 tools. These include a small hammer, tape measure, liquid level, light, screwdriver and 13 bits. It is available in both pink and black on www.Amazon.com. For around $25.

Staying with the all-in-one theme, the next gift idea is a compact (about 9 inches by 2 inches), first aid kit. eep it in the car, boat, home, backpack, etc.

The unit contains more than 60 items.

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The VSSL first aid kit costs $130 from www.vsslgear. com. Inside the tube-shaped container are bandages, a thermometer, antibiotic cream packs, burn cream packs, blister pads, tweezers and medical gloves. But wait, there’s more. There is also a compass, LED ashlight and emergency whistle.

Who doesn’t like their back scratched A company called Bearback (www.getbearback.com) has the ultimate itch reliever. For only, $21.97, one can have a scratcher with customtuned bristles , a non-slip comfort grip and a pivot hinge on the handle to get to those hard-toreach spots.

The handle folds and extends to 17 and collapses to 9.5 .

All this for $22.97 what a deal!

Another useful and utilitarian gift is a collapsible water bottle.

This leakproof, nontoxic drinking bottle is made of food-grade silicone and BPA-free plastic. It is 4.5 inches in diameter and stands 6 inches tall and can hold 17 ounces. It collapses to a height of 1 inches.

The price is $24.95 at www.itsthoughtful.com.

My last suggestion is something I have never seen before. A USAbased company called www.benshot.com sells beer glasses, cocktail glasses, shot glasses, wine glasses, decanters and even coffee mugs with a bullet embedded in the side. Other varieties of their glasses have a golf ball, shotgun cartridge or guitar pick in the glass. Each one must be handcrafted, meaning no two glasses are exactly alike. Prices start at about $25 per item.

I hope this list sparks some ideas for you to purchase for someone you care for.

Merry Christmas.

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ThE tRaDiTiOnS oF ChAnUkAh Special to the Surveyor For eight nights each winter, candles burn in commemoration of a miraculous and joyous event.

Chanukah, often referred to as the Festival of Lights, commemorates an ancient miracle that occurred after the Jewish people waged a hard-fought battle against religious oppression.

A small contingent of Jewish warriors led by Judah Maccabee rebelled against Syrian Greek rulers who desecrated the holy Second Temple in Jerusalem and tortured and persecuted those who did not adopt their religious beliefs. After the Maccabees came out victorious, they set out to rededicate the Temple, which included lighting a menorah. They could only find enough oil for the candelabra to burn for one night. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight nights and the Temple was kept holy. This miracle is the inspiration for Chanukah.

Various iconic Chanukah traditions have been borne out of that evening in 164 BCE. Below are some of the most prominent traditions associated with Chanukah festivities.

Lighting the menorah The menorah is traditionally a seven-branched candelabra lit by ritually-pure olive oil used in Jewish places of worship. However, in commemoration of the Chanukah miracle, a special menorah, called a hanukkiah, is used. This menorah is a nine-branched version that enables a candle to be lit for each day the rededicated Temple candles burned. The middle, highest candle from which the others are lit is called she shamash. The hanukkiah is traditionally placed in a visible space, such as the front window of celebrants’ homes.

Playing with the dreidel Jews were forbidden from studying their own religious texts like the Torah, but they found ways to do so anyway. They would quickly hide their books and take out spinning tops to pretend to be playing with them when the Greeks were watching. In commemoration, these little tops, or dreidels, are taken out on Chanukah.

The dreidels are marked with four Hebrew letters, which represent the phrase “nes gadol haya sham,” or “a great miracle happened there.”

Eating fried foods Frying foods in olive oil has become tradition and a way to acknowledge the miraculous Temple oil burning.

elly-filled doughnuts called sufganiyot are popular, as are latkes, which are fried potato pancakes.

Donations and gifts In addition to Chanukah gelt (small chocolate coins) and money given out to children and adults, many Jewish families make “tzedakah” (donations) to nonprofits and other charitable organizations during Chanukah. The sixth night of Chanukah has recently become associated with charitable giving and other gifting.

Family time In addition to these traditions, Chanukah is an ideal opportunity for Jewish family members to gather under one roof. It also may be an opportunity for them to share their celebrations and religious customs with non-Jewish friends.

Chanukah is a celebratory time that looks back to a significant miracle in Jewish history. It’s an opportunity to engage in many different traditions with family and friends.

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Special to the Surveyor Santa Cops is a non-profit organization consisting of representatives from Fort Collins Police Services, Loveland Police Department, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, Timnath Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office and Colorado State University Police. Santa Cops of Larimer County works to provide toys for children in need within Larimer County to enhance the relationship between children and law enforcement within our communities for Christmas and throughout the year.

These are children who come from all walks of life and differing circumstances, but all are faced with limitations in their homes. Our mission is to promote a positive law enforcement image with these children. Children need to experience officers as caring people who are willing to provide positive support.

Each Christmas season, our officers personally deliver these presents to the children of the families that apply for our program. Families must live in Larimer County to be eligible.

Santa Cops needs and appreciates the financial support of corporations, small businesses and individuals in addition to our annual fund-raising efforts.

If you would like to make a cash donation to Santa Cops of Larimer County you may write a check to Santa Cops of Larimer County. We will be sure to send you a receipt acknowledging your donation for tax purposes. Since the Santa Cops of Larimer County is a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt organization, your contributions are tax-deductible.

Make checks payable to: Santa Cops of Larimer County P.O. Box 270693 Fort Collins, CO 80527-0693 To apply for assistance this year you must fill out and bring an application in person and you must be a resident of Larimer County.

Please have the application filled out prior to arrival. Please bring your photo ID, proof of residency within Larimer County (if the address is not correct on your ID; this can be a utility bill, school records, lease agreement, etc.), and proof of guardianship of each child age 16 and younger (this can be birth certificates, social security card, medical cards, school records, etc.).

For more information and/or an application visit santacopslarimercounty.org/.

If you are unable to print out an application, blank copies will be available at any law enforcement agency within Larimer County. We will also have some applications printed out at each application day drop-off.

Incredible artists along with an assortment of their larger-than-life snow sculptures will make their return to Berthoud to compete in the Colorado Snow Sculpting Championship. Berthoud Main Street will be hosting the event as part of the annual Berthoud Snowfest Dec. 8 - 11, 2021.

The Colorado Snow Sculpting Championship begins packing snow into the enormous cylindrical molds on Monday, Dec. 6 along Fifth Street west of Fickel Park. Artists will begin their creations on Wednesday, Dec. 8 and the sculptures will be completed by Friday. The community has the opportunity to vote on their favorites and will select the people’s choice award

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winner. Voting will open Saturday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m that day. Each vote will be $1 that will be deposited into the team’s bucket at the south end of the displays. Awards will be presented to the artists on Saturday evening after the votes have been tabulated.

The parade will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. down Mountain Avenue beginning at Second Street and ending at Eighth Street. Santa will stop at Fickel Park to turn the lights on in the park, announce winners of the sculpting competition and for sing-along caroling.

The snow sculptors come from all over the state of Colorado with the top three finishers of the competition earning invitations to compete at the National Snow Sculpting Championship in Lake Geneva, WI. The best viewing times are on Friday night and Saturday morning as the impressive, but temporary works of art are coming together.

Wildfire invites you to the 2021 Holiday Artisan Market.

We look forward to introducing our growing Berthoud community to local artists. This is the perfect opportunity to get your last-minute holiday gifts. All items are handmade.

Friday Reception - Dec. 3 - 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday Market - Dec. 4 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public. The reception on Friday is a festive event filled with merriment, shopping, music, appetizers and drinks. This is a great time to get to know the participating artists and the stories behind their work!

Music performed by Berthoud based David Tilmon, an acoustic finger-style guitar player. We invite you to bring your family and friends to enjoy this magical holiday evening.

425 Massachusetts Ave., wildfirearts.org

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How to reduce the risk of home fires this holiday season Special to the Surveyor Safety might not be the first thing people think of as the holiday season approaches. Faith, celebrations, decorations, and holiday dinners all come to mind when considering the holiday season. But that doesn’t mean safety should be left out of holiday planning.

Tend to your tree. Live Christmas trees are awe-inspiring, but they also pose a significant fire risk. The National Fire Protection Association urges celebrants to purchase only healthy trees with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Such trees are less likely to dry out, especially when well-watered throughout the season. Dry trees can catch fire more easily than healthy trees if embers from nearby fireplaces or candles drift in their direction.

Recognize that location matters when decorating. The NFPA notes that Christmas trees should always be placed at least three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, space heaters, heat vents, candles, and even overhead lights. If decorating with candles, never place them on the tree or on tables where other ammable decorations have already been placed. Chanukah menorahs should never be placed near curtains or other decorations.

Turn off all lights and extinguish all lit decorative items when leaving the home or going to bed. Lit candles and menorahs should never be left unattended. The NFPA recommends turning tree lights and exterior decorative lights off when leaving the home or going to bed.

Photo from Berthoud Fire Protection District Facebook page

Utilize a fire screen on fireplaces. Embers can catch on trees, decorations or anything else that’s ammable if they escape the fireplace. Fire screens prevent that from happening by ensuring embers from burning logs stay in the fireplace. Like candles and menorahs, fires burning in a fireplace should never be left unattended. Make sure all embers have been extinguished before leaving the home or going to bed. eep discarded trees away from your home. A 2014 analysis from the NFPA found that none of the ten days with the largest share of Christmas tree fires were before Christmas. Dried out trees still pose a fire risk even after they’ve been removed from a home. When discarding a tree at the end of the holiday season, place it at the curb or keep it a safe distance away from your home and garage until you can.

Fire safety measures are an important component of the holiday season that can prevent this joyous time of year from turning tragic.

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all of us at the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

Surveyor contributors and staff Ryan Armagost Sue Arnott Caroline Creager Mark French Becky Hemmann Rudy Hemmann Virginia Huppe Dan Karpiel

Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer Jim Kilpatrick Kristine Leonard Bob McDonnell Angie Purdy Amber McIver-Traywick Diane Wells Shelley Widhalm

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