Evergreen Lifestyles December 2021

LIFEST Y LES AN ADVERTISING SECTION OF EVERGREEN NEWSPAPERS | VOL. 13 ISSUE 11 • DECEMBER 2021

A CPA Firm Where Clients Take Center Stage: The Robert & Associates Distinction

The Robert & Associates, LLC team members are known for their professionalism and responsiveness.

FEATURE

OF THE MONTH

By Cindy Lempke Special to Lifestyles

Robert & Associates, LLC proudly distinguishes itself as different from the stereotypical image of a certified public accounting firm. Realizing that most people are hesitant to openly discuss their finances and are somewhat intimidated by working with tax professionals, Robert & Associates makes an extra effort to be welcoming, transparent and responsive to their clients.

“We make it a priority to return phone calls,” said firm founder and owner Susanne C. Robert. “We’ve attracted many new customers based on our reputation for getting back to people on a timely basis and taking the time to answer their questions.”

Interacting with clients is Robert’s favorite part of her job, and the main reason she chose public accounting instead of working for a company as an in-house accountant. “I enjoy working for a variety of clients whether they are managing their households or running a business,” said Robert. “Everyone has a tax story. Our job is to get to know our clients’ stories and go beyond Please see ROBERT & ASSOCIATES, Page 2

Susanne C. Robert, CPA works with clients to address their unique tax situations.

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ROBERT & ASSOCIATES From Page 1 preparing tax returns to engage them in proactive planning to avoid any unwelcome surprises at tax time.”

A Full Service Firm for Small Businesses Robert is particularly passionate about working with small businesses and advising new business owners. An active participant and treasurer of the Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce and a long-standing member of Women in Evergreen Business, Robert has a special place in her heart for entrepreneurs.

“I’ve helped many small businesses decide what type of business structure is most advantageous. Self-employment tax and retirement plans are among the key issues we discuss with our clients.”

Small businesses take advantage of the

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firm’s full suite of services that include bookkeeping, preparation of financial statements, tax projections and filing of estimated quarterly tax payments, accounting and payroll system implementation, and sales tax management.

Hiring Robert & Associates to handle these duties frees up owners to focus on day-to-day operations and growing their businesses.

More than 30 Years of Experience Starting her own firm has been an extremely rewarding experience for Robert, who cut her teeth in CPA firms from an early age. While attending the University of Nebraska, Robert got her first job at a public accounting firm in Lincoln where she gained hands-on experience in payroll, bookkeeping and taxes. The opportunity inspired her to pursue her CPA license which required Please see ROBERT & ASSOCIATES, Page 7

The Robert & Associates team fosters a collaborative, fun, and customer-focused working environment.

Your Partner in Success

• Professional, experienced team • Personalized service • Proactive tax planning • Preparation of individual and business tax returns

303-231-1045 robert-associates.com Susanne C. Robert, CPA

31207 Keats Way, Suite #205, Evergreen ph: 303-231-1045 • robert-associates.com

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LIFEST Y LES | DECEMBER 2021

After the craziness of the last year and a half, Mountain Home can’t wait to welcome you HOME for the HOLIDAYS! We know how much you’re looking forward to gathering with your loved ones and cozying up by the fire after sharing a wonderful meal… we are too.

The supply chain struggles are real, so to be ready before the holidays, we’ve been receiving all our Holiday décor over the last few months and it’s now on the floor and ready for you to swing by! Come see what you might need to make these holidays more special than ever...

We have a great selection of furniture on the floor ~ available for purchase NOW! Things like cozy sofas and sectionals (including reclining sofas that don’t look like recliners… yes, that’s a thing) comfy swivel chairs, big ottomans and coffee tables for those family board-game nights, dining/ gathering tables and chairs… and all sorts of lovely table settings (dishes, cutlery, glassware, platters, placemats, napkins) for your holiday dinner gatherings!

Some of you found our hidden LADIES LIFESTYLE section over the last year or so… a curated selection of lady’s wear including cowboy boots, wool & cashmere sweaters, boho blouses, leather bags, scarves, fab leather & suede jackets, Pendleton hats & coats (think Yellowstone!) and a great selection of handmade jewelry from our favorite female artisans.

Here’s the latest… we recently added a MEN’S LIFESTYLE section in time for the Holidays!! The poor guys in Evergreen don’t have many local spots to get a nice Pendleton sweater, suede/cord jacket or plaid shirt… not to mention the guys’ gift ideas we’ve brought in ~ rugged leather dop kits, wallets & travel mugs to name a few. It’s time the guys got a little more attention up here!

So swing by for a visit ~ we’d love to see you!

MANY HAPPIES AND HOLIDAY WISHES TO YOU AND THOSE YOU LOVE. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON ~ ALEXA AND THE MH ELVES XO 27965 Meadow Drive, Evergreen, CO www.mountainhome.net 303.674.3345

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Call or email to learn more: 303 679-8777 Lisa.Carter@cassialife.org

a ministry of

31383 Frost Way, Evergreen ElkRunAssistedLiving.com

Elk Run Assisted Living offers: Apartments Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Respite Speech Therapy Rehab Suites Independent living with services

Newly Remodeled Apartments

The location you love.

The lifestyle you’re looking for

Elk Run Assisted Living:

Reflecting on a Good Year for the Folks Living Here

By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles

Albert Einstein once said, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow…” As the 2021 year commenced, Elk Run Assisted Living, the seniors assisted living and respite care community located at 31383 Frost Way in Evergreen, took Einstein’s words to heart.

In January and February 2021 residents experienced an enhanced feeling of safety and hope when 93% of them received the COVID-19 Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The community then marched into March amidst the “sound of music” when several residents learned the art of handbell playing and the wafting melodies of bell chimes echoed throughout the community’s hallways.

In April, May, and June Elk Run

residents continued to adhered to Coronavirus safety protocols and enjoyed daily life while trying to regain a pre-COVID-19 state of normal. By mid-year Elk Run gained 20-plus new residents, more residents than ever before in its history; and, in July the community also welcomed Kristin Fite as its new Executive Director.

August through November found Elk Run embarking upon an exciting “era of new” that included newly-renovated apartments, new décor, an improved website with updated community photographs, new residents and ways to welcome them, and the addition of health-conscious activities designed to help residents achieve a higher level of mind, body, and spirit wellness.

“I am thrilled to add Tai Chi classes to our Activities Agenda,” stated Elk

Run’s new Therapeutic Activities Director Ellen Hussey in November. “Tai Chi, a low impact exercise, puts minimal stress on muscles/joints, making it suitable for many older adults with or without chronic conditions,” explained Ellen, a Tai Chi Instructor and a physical therapist.

Elk Run provides comprehensive assisted living services/options (medical, respite, personalized care services, and hospice) for seniors, as well as independent living for active people 65-plus seeking more leisure fun time and less home-related responsibilities. The community’s well-trained 24/7 staff now includes two onsite nurses and additional maintenance personnel.

Remodeled basic one-bedroom apartment and/or studio rentals tout kitchenette/private bath, personal call system/mobility-assistance features, and

unlimited snacks. Community amenities spotlight an elegant dining room, three daily culinary team-inspired gourmet meals, a professional beauty/barber salon, Great Room with fireplace, and a library with internet service.

“New people bring with them new energy, a lifetime of experiences they can share, and endless opportunities to enrich each other’s lives,” said Kristen Fite, Elk Run’s Executive Director who is proud of the community’s current growth surge.

Life is all about being at the right place at the right time. For the best time of your life, considering a residence change to Elk Run Assisted Living might help make 2022 a good year for you! Contact Lisa Carter at 303-679-8777 for more information about Elk Run’s services, programs, and living options.

5 Holiday Travel Tips for Pet Parents (StatePoint) Traveling with pets over the holidays? Whether you’re taking to the skies or the highways and byways, bringing furry friends along for the ride can sometimes be stressful for pets and people alike. Consider these tips to make the journey easier on everyone: 1. Pack right: Be sure to pack more than enough food and medication for your pet for the duration of your scheduled travels and beyond. You’ll want to make sure that your pet is all set should unforeseen circumstances arise, such as weather-related travel delays. You should also bring with you a water supply for your pet, bowls for food and water, a leash, carrier, a veterinary first aid kit, and of course, your pet’s favorite toys. And if you’re traveling somewhere cold and snowy, pack dog boots to protect paws from

snow, ice and salt.

2. Support smooth sailing: Many dogs find travel particularly stressful. However, you can help support balanced behavior while on the road this season by giving your dog SurityPro Calm Soft Chews, a smoky bacon-flavored CBD soft chew for dogs.

Formulated to support your dog’s ability to cope with everyday stress, these chews can also be useful for those pet parents who are staying home during the holidays and expecting to entertain frequent guests. From Canopy Growth, the industry leader in CBD science for pets, SurityPro offers an easy way to give just the right amount of CBD to your dog. The brand partners with veterinarians, scientists and leading academic institutions to create chews and drops that support dogs’ joint

health and flexibility, healthy aging -- including cognitive function and eye health -- and products that enhance their physical and mental well-being.

For more information and directions for use, visit www.SurityPro.com.

3. Be prepared: Losing a pet is every pet parent’s worst nightmare, particularly when you are in an unfamiliar location. Microchipping however, can help unintentionally separated pets and families reunite safely and happily. This is especially important for jet set pets who are often far from home.

4. Play by the rules: Understand the state-by-state rules for driving with your pet. For example, a handful of states require that dogs be harnessed in the car with a dog seatbelt. Wherever your travels take you, driving with pets harnessed or in a crate is safer for both

you and pets. Pets should never distract the driver or sit in the front seat where the impact of the airbag could hurt your pet if deployed.

5. Fly smart: Flying? Your pet should be in good health before taking to the skies. If you’re unsure if your pet is fit for air travel, consult your veterinarian. You should also be aware that some airlines have banned particular breeds from flying due to breathing issues caused by the length of their snout.

Know the rules and recommendations before booking your flight.

With some smart travel strategies, you can help ensure the merriest season of the year stays happy and healthy for you and your pet.

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LIFEST Y LES | DECEMBER 2021

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Give Your Home A Gift This Holiday Season The holidays bring visions of stockings, hung on the mantel above a crackling fireplace.

Your surrounded by moments of joy and peace with your family, especially during the holiday season. If your fireplace brings you headaches instead of joy, it may be time to consider making improvements to create the perfect ambiance in your home.

Mountain Hearth & Patio specializes in helping families like yours create the ideal centerpiece for their holiday memories. We offer an array of fireplace, stove, and insert options that will introduce warmth, beauty, and safety to your home. Whether you want to burn wood or gas, our nationally certified technicians and staff will help you and yours experience the comfort that a new fireplace can bring.

Do you picture a roaring yule log in the fireplace when imagining time spent with your family over the holidays? You’re not alone!

Tis the season when burning wood is most appreciated. Wood burning hearth appliances are perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in your living space. The smell of burning wood and the sound of crackles and pops of the fire make sentimental moments all the more poignant. But if your woodburning experience is lackluster, consider upgrading your appliance to get the most heat into your home.

Today’s modern wood burning fireplaces, stoves, and inserts aren’t just for aesthetics.

They serve as an excellent source of heat too.

Modern wood-fueled hearth appliances are hyper efficient, providing long lasting heat and upgrading an outdated fireplace is great for the environment too. In fact, wood burning fireplaces, stoves, and inserts are required to be

certified by the EPA to meet certain efficiency standards.

New wood burning fireplaces are designed to be framed into your wall. In fact, you can even have the ambiance of a fireplace in a room where there never was one before.

Wood fireplaces put out an incredible amount of heat. These efficient appliances come in a variety of sizes and styles, so we can help you select the perfect one for your space. You can choose design options such as doors and other accessories to make your wood burning fireplace uniquely your own.

Inserts that burn wood have many of the same characteristics of wood burning fireplaces. Except wood inserts are designed to go into an existing traditional masonry or factory-built fireplace and can turn an old, outdated drafty appliance into a modern highly-efficient heater. Like woodburning fireplaces, inserts are very efficient heaters that will keep you warm and can be customized to fit your style.

Wood stoves are freestanding hearth appliances which are also designed to be EPA 2020 certified and powerful heaters for your living space. Woodburning stoves are made from one of three materials, chosen for their heating characteristics: steel, cast iron, or soapstone.

Steel stoves heat up and cool down quickly, heating the room as long as the fire burns.

Cast iron stoves heat up a little more slowly and continue to radiate heat for a while after the fire dies down and are available in a range of colors. Soapstone stoves take the longest to heat up but radiate heat into the room for long after the fire has died down.

Gas burning hearth appliances bring an added touch of convenience to the comfort and warmth provided by fireplaces. These hearth appliances have all the ambiance and atmosphere of wood burning with the added touch of an instant start and thermostat control. It doesn’t matter if you’re on natural gas or propane, you can still upgrade your gas-fueled hearth appliance. Gas appliances are also highly customizable, with various options to create the aesthetic you want for your living space. With contemporary and traditional options to choose from, you can have exactly the fireplace your family’s needs.

Gas fireplaces, like wood fireplaces, are designed to be installed into framing, whether in new construction or a remodel. They can be put where there was never a fireplace before.

These hearth appliances are powerful heaters that can serve as an aesthetic feature in your home. Gas fireplaces have the widest variety in size and the most customization options with different fronts, logs, burner media, and refractory panels to choose from to create the perfect look for your space.

Gas inserts are also very customizable with many of the same aesthetic options that you find in fireplaces. These appliances are a great option for upgrading an older fireplace for looks, convenience, efficiency, and heat. They’ll put a stop to drafts and increase the heating efficiency of your room and can transform the look of your existing fireplace. All while being fully customized to suit your style.

Gas stoves are freestanding appliances.

With gas you have the option of either a cast iron or steel stove chosen for the same heating

characteristics as with wood. Cast iron stoves, both wood and gas, can be customized with enamel finishes in a variety of colors to choose from. These stoves are great heaters and bring the convenience of gas with the classic look of a wood stove.

Gas and wood burning hearth appliances require annual service. This service ensures that your fireplace, stove, or insert functions at peak performance every year, maximizing your efficiency, safety, and keeping your fireplace looking pristine. Wood-fueled hearth appliances produce creosote, a black tar-like substance that when built up becomes a fire hazard. This substance is also acidic and can degrade your chimney over time if not removed annually during a sweeping. Gas fireplaces require cleaning and inspections on an annual basis as well. During this service we refresh the burner media, clean the glass and refractory panels, and check the functions and operation of all electronic components of the fireplace.

Mountain Hearth & Patio has more certified technicians and staff than any other hearth company in the Denver metro. Our team of highly trained professionals can help you create the perfect environment to make holiday memories with your family. Whether you’re looking for a new fireplace or you just need annual service or repair to keep your current unit running safely and efficiently, we can help. Call our office at (303) 679-1601, email us at Office@MtnHP.com, or visit our website to get in touch and see our portfolio.

We’ll bring safety, beauty, and warmth to your home this holiday season!

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Shop Small Shop Local Happy Holidays!

I LOVE promoting our local businesses, but this time of year, it’s distinctively special.

There are so many reasons to shop small, but I was very surprised to learn that there are so many people that do not understand this concept. Emma Watson has been quoted as saying “As consumers we have so much power to change the world by just being careful what we buy”.

So, to any of you that do not understand what Shop Small really means; it’s about building and saving communities, creating jobs, keeping money in the local economy, investing in entrepreneurship, nurturing a sense of community, supporting the environment by reducing waste and conserving energy. Did you know that local business generates 70% more local economic activity per square foot than big box retail stores?* If any of this makes sense to you, the next step is doing something about it; like keeping your holiday shopping as local as possible. Afterall, there’s so much to choose from, so to start you in the right direction, here are some wonderful places scatter around the foothills: Evergreen Gallery in Downtown Evergreen I love sharing my experiences of shopping at Evergreen Gallery with the most amazing works of art; big, small

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in every bite which you’re your friends and family will recognize when you wrap up these treats for holidays gifts. Buying your treats from Ernie’s means you’re not only shopping small and local, but also from a military Vet. Thank you for your service, Tina!

Alpen Way Chalet in Evergreen When you don’t have room for friends or family that want to be here for the holidays, you MUST ensure they stay at Alpen Way Chalet! Lisa and Tommy have done such a beautiful job in beautifully updating each of their rooms. My husband and I have also loved staying where we’re treated so kindly and professionally.

They make our stay so peaceful and lovely each time we’ve been. Don’t forget this option when you have an overflow of house guests.

and everything in between. Several years ago, Beth Riser did an amazing job of having the store completely renovated. I feel like I’m actually browsing through an authentic gallery. HA! Imagine that.

Here, there’s a price point for everyone.

Thank you Beth for all the beautiful gifts I’ve been able to buy over the years.

The Soap Shop in Downtown Idaho Springs

Well, recently I made the plunge.

After years of efforts to eat “clean”, I finally realized how I was sabotaging myself. I’ve learned that the toxins that come in soaps and lotions from big corporate companies, stay in my body and prevent me from losing weight. Boy did that surprise me! Using their soaps and lotions that they actual manufacture themselves, has changed all the dry itchy skin I get in the winter….and they smell wonderful which makes for fantastic small gifts.

Ernie’s Bakery in Kings Valley You MUST try their amazing treats, especially the muffins! Everything comes from Tina’s mom’s family recipes and are so delicious. You can taste the love

Client Advocate

Barber Stop (2) locations in Evergreen While on the topic of family and friends coming to visit, I always end up with a visitor that’s so rushed before traveling that they arrive wanting a quick haircut. You have a local Barber! Lisa has an array of professionals that are each amazing! I’ve sat in their shop and heard firsthand how happy EVERY customer is when they leave.

So the next time you leave your house to buy something remember; “you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want”. ** And as always remember, Life happens fast, so protect what matters most with RPM Agency, who is YOUR local Independent Insurance Agency. Call us at 720-683-0010 We truly want to help. *picksandgiggles.com **Anna Lappe

RPM Partners with Multiple Carriers to Get the Best Coverage for Clients

• Customized coverage comparisons • Individualized quotes no automated templates • 24/7 customer service

Broker Advantage

• Meeting client needs not sales quotas • Partnerships with multiple carriers means Michele Robbins better value for clients Owner/Agent

Home Business Auto Life

Let’s Get Started for You! info@rpmagency.com 720-683-0010 www.rpmagency.com

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ROBERT & ASSOCIATES From Page 2 a major in accounting, a professional licensing examination, an ethics test, and a commitment to completing 40 hours of continuing education each year. The job also planted the seed for growing her own firm.

When Susanne and her husband Bryant made their home in Evergreen 23 years ago, she knew that this community would someday be the ideal location for her business, too. After working “down the hill” for a CPA firm where she quickly achieved full partnership, the time had come to open an office centrally located and near the Evergreen Parkway.

“It is absolutely wonderful to work in Evergreen,” said Robert. “This is a beautiful community with a terrific lifestyle, a vibrant network of businesses, and clients who appreciate quality work performed by a professional firm convenient to where they live.”

In our mountain community, The Robert & Associates team has become the first choice for individuals seeking professional assistance with preparing their tax returns. The team works with clients to understand their unique tax situations, identify pre-tax deductions and adopt other strategies that minimize their tax burden.

Giving Back to the Community Just as her firm as grown to six professional team members, so has

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Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors, business associates, and clients gathered for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the Robert & Associates updated and expanded offices.

Susanne’s involvement in philanthropic endeavors. In addition to her engagement in the Evergreen Chamber and Women of Evergreen Business, Susanne serves as an officer and past president of the Mountain Foothills Rotary Club, treasurer of the Boogie Benefits fundraising team, treasurer of the wildlife education nonprofit Wild Aware, and financial consultant to Resilience 1220.

“I enjoy giving back,” said Robert.

“My great uncle was a Rotarian and I believe in Rotary’s mission of supporting causes around the world and in our own backyard. Being part of the Boogie organizing committee is also near and dear to my heart because music is foundational in my life and the Boogies

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benefit so many worthy nonprofits in our community.”

An Award-winning CPA with Deep Family Roots Susanne received special recognition for her contributions to community service and the business community when she was one of four inductees into the Rocky Mountain Area Women in Business Hall of Fame in October.

When asked what is most professionally rewarding for her, Susanne’s face lights up as she speaks of her firm. “It makes me so happy to grow my firm, employee talented people and contribute to our business community, she said. “My team brings diverse perspectives and talents to the job of serving our customers.”

On a personal level, connecting with family is first priority for Robert who was born in Northern Ireland and achieved her dream of moving to the United States to live in the Denver area. Susanne’s favorite way to spend time is being with her husband, two children and granddaughter. When tax season concludes, she also can be found traveling with family and camping.

During tax season, Robert is energized by working seven days a week. “I love working,” said Robert. “Being a CPA gives me the chance to organize finances, put things in their right place and make sense of the bottom line. Most of all, I feel good when I can use my knowledge of tax law to put my clients at ease.”

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