Carbon Valley | Mead | Erie Consumer Report
l kellymartindale | cvcr1999 martindalemedia | t@CVCR1999 f/CarbonValleyConsumerReport www.yourhomepagenews.com For
Fortress Strength Gym Builds Strength and Community in Frederick
A new locally owned gym in Frederick is o ering Carbon Valley residents a place to strengthen more than their muscles.
Fortress Strength Gym, located at 7800 Miller Drive, was founded by Valeria RiveraCataño and Felipe Rivera Mendoza. e husbandand-wife team describe themselves as “the family behind Fortress Strength Gym,” and their family-centered approach in uences the welcoming environment they are working to create.
e gym o cially celebrated its arrival with a Carbon Valley Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 23, 2026. Although Fortress is new to the Frederick business community, its owners have a clear vision for what they want the facility to become.
Fortress is designed as an independent strength-training gym where members can exercise on their own schedules. Members receive 24-hour, seven-day-a-week access, making the facility convenient for early risers, night-shift workers, parents, commuters, and anyone whose schedule does not t traditional gym hours. Memberships are o ered without long-term contracts.
Strength training is at the center of the facility, but the owners do not want Fortress to be a place where newcomers feel pressured or intimidated. In its public messages, the gym emphasizes a friendly community where people can train without feeling as though they must prove themselves or perform for others.
at philosophy is especially important for people who may be stepping into a gym for the rst time or returning after a long absence. Fortress has promoted itself as a space where women can feel comfortable, capable, and con dent.
e gym also works with independent tness and wellness professionals, allowing members to connect with additional guidance and services. is gives people options beyond exercising alone and creates opportunities to pursue tness goals at their own pace.
Faith is an important part of the owners’ vision. e Fortress website explains that the gym was founded to
provide something di erent from a tness culture driven by trends, pressure, or appearances. Its mission is “to forge strength in body, mind, and spirit through purposeful training, faithcentered values, and community.”
e business name was inspired in part by Psalm 18:2, which describes the Lord as “my strength and my fortress.” For Valeria and Felipe, the word fortress represents strength that is patiently built and carefully protected. eir philosophy is that lasting strength develops through commitment, preparation, resilience, discipline, and consistency.
e gym’s message is not that someone must already be strong before walking through the door. Instead, Fortress invites people to begin where they are, train with purpose, and become stronger over time. at approach extends beyond physical tness. e owners see exercise as an
A Centennial Celebration
opportunity to practice personal responsibility, care for the body, develop discipline, and live according to one’s values. eir goal is to create an atmosphere where people can “train freely, grow con dently, and pursue strength that lasts.”
Fortress Strength Gym is a member of the Carbon Valley Chamber of Commerce. e facility’s sta ed o ce hours are generally 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., while members have round-the-clock gym access. Local businesses may ask about employeegroup membership rates.
For Valeria and Felipe, opening Fortress is about more than lling a building with exercise equipment. It is about building a strong, encouraging community where people feel welcome, supported, and capable of making meaningful progress.
Fortress Strength Gym is located at 7800 Miller Drive in Frederick. For membership information, visit www. fortressgym.club, call 720-775-8891, or email O ce@fortressgym.club. Check out their instagram video of the gym at www.instagram.com/p/DWE0Q11kSZ-/
Older woman celebrating 100th birthday with cake Are you or someone you know celebrating a 100th birthday this year? We want to celebrate, too! e Centennial Club honors residents turning 100 or older with a proclamation by the Weld County Board of Commissioners at a livestreamed board meeting, as well as recognition on our social media channels. Get started by completing a short questionnaire. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone birthday with you or a loved one!
Kelly MartindaleOWNER/Publisher
What's OnMy Mind
January usually gets credit for fresh starts.
We buy new calendars, make resolutions, clean out closets, and promise ourselves we will nally become more organized. But for many of us, January arrives in the middle of winter when the days are short, the weather is cold, and our energy is still recovering from the holidays.
August feels di erent.
Perhaps it is all those years we spent preparing for school. Even long after our children are grown, the sight of notebooks, sharpened pencils, backpacks, and freshly stocked store shelves can make us feel as if something new is about to begin.
August brings us back to a rhythm. Vacations wind down. Children return to classrooms. Churches, clubs, and community organizations resume familiar schedules. Meetings appear on calendars again. Even the tra c changes.
For families with school-age children, the transition can feel anything but peaceful. Bedtimes must be moved earlier. Lunches need to be packed. Forms must be completed. Shoes that t perfectly in May have somehow become two sizes too small by August.
Yet beneath all that activity is an invitation to begin again.
Fresh starts do not belong only to children carrying new backpacks. Adults
need them too.
Perhaps summer did not unfold as you hoped. e vacation never happened. e garden struggled. Family relationships remained complicated. You did not complete the project you planned, lose the weight you wanted to lose, or spend as much time with the people you love as you intended. at does not mean the rest of the year is lost.
August gives us an opportunity to pause and ask a few honest questions. What is working in my life right now? What is draining me? What have I neglected? What is one small change that would make my days healthier, calmer, or more meaningful? e answer does not need to become an ambitious list.
Maybe your fresh start is returning to an earlier bedtime. Perhaps it is taking a walk after dinner, calling someone you have missed, attending church again, or setting aside fteen minutes each morning to read and pray. It might mean nally making an appointment you have postponed or clearing one cluttered surface in your home.
Small beginnings matter.
August also o ers our community a chance to begin again together. Teachers and school employees are preparing to welcome students with di erent abilities,
personalities, family circumstances, and needs. Some children will arrive eager and con dent. Others will walk through the doors carrying anxiety, grief, nancial hardship, or problems no one else can see.
A new school year gives all of us an opportunity to become more attentive neighbors.
We can donate supplies without embarrassing the family who needs them. We can slow down near school zones and show patience with buses. We can encourage teachers instead of assuming the worst when a problem arises. We can notice the child standing alone, welcome the new family on our street, and thank the custodians, crossing guards, cafeteria workers, coaches, secretaries, and volunteers whose work often goes unnoticed.
Fresh starts become more meaningful when we help someone else experience one.
e Bible reminds us, “ e faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lamentations 3:22–23, NLT).
We do not have to wait for January, a birthday, a Monday, or the perfect circumstances to make a change. We do not have to repair everything at once. Every morning o ers another opportunity to
choose di erently, extend kindness, restore a relationship, or take one step toward the person we want to become.
August may not come with reworks or a midnight countdown. But it arrives carrying sharpened pencils, empty calendar pages, new routines, and quiet possibilities. Maybe that is exactly the fresh start we need. Deadline for Every Issue of the CVCR is the 15th of Each Month... Late??? Try Anyway!
National Night Out on August 4
On Tuesday, August 4, neighborhoods all over Frederick will join in National Night Out. is annual event brings people together to celebrate
and build stronger connections with neighbors and local rst responders.
Between 5 and 7 pm, over 10 neighborhoods will host gatherings across town. Residents can meet neighbors, take part in family-friendly activities, and connect with Frederick police o cers and local re ghters. From barbecues and food trucks to ice cream socials or just meeting in the park, each event helps make Frederick safer, stronger, and more connected.
roughout the evening, rst responders will visit di erent neighborhoods, stop by gatherings, answer questions, and spend time with residents. National Night Out is a great chance to get outside, meet your neighbors, and help make Frederick an even more welcoming place.
You can nd the list of 2026 con rmed neighborhood stops on the Frederick Police Department Community Programs webpage. Check it out and plan to join a gathering near you!
Dacono’s National Night Out - Free BBQ, Music, Activities and a Movie!
e City of Dacono invites residents to come together annually on the rst Tuesday in August for a fun- lled evening at National Night Out. is free, family-friendly event is a great opportunity to connect with neighbors, enjoy local entertainment, and build positive relationships with our local rst responders.
Event Highlights Include:
Free BBQ with hamburgers and brats, hosted by the Dacono Police Department
Kona Ice truck treats following dinner
Live music
Face painting, games, and activities for all ages
A chance to explore police vehicles and re apparatus
Outdoor movie at dusk
Schedule of Events:
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.: BBQ, live music, and activities
8:00 p.m.: Movie begins
Volunteers Wanted for Dacono
Music & Spirits Festival
Dacono is gearing up for our Annual Music & Spirits Festival on August 1st. is highly anticipated event has some of the best live music of the year and so much more. Volunteer Opportunities are available and come with some great perks! See our website for more details and to ll out an application.
Local Student Pursuing Dance Training
My name is Kristina, and I am a single mother of three here in Colorado. I’m reaching out in hopes that you might consider supporting a local young dancer who has dedicated nearly her entire life to pursuing her dream.
My daughter has been dancing since she was just 3 years old. rough years of hard work, countless hours of training, and unwavering determination, she has recently been accepted into CLI Conservatory in Massachusetts, a pre-professional dance program. is opportunity is the result of years of commitment, sacri ce, and perseverance, and we couldn’t be more proud of what she has accomplished.
While this is an incredible milestone, the nancial reality of making it possible has been overwhelming. As a single mother raising three children, we’ve faced several unexpected hardships this year, including major vehicle repairs and other emergency expenses that have stretched our nances beyond what we can manage alone.
I’m reaching out to businesses and individuals throughout the area because I know how powerful a supportive community can be. If you or your business is able to sponsor a portion of her journey with a donation of any amount—or simply share her fundraiser with your employees, customers, or on social media—it would mean more than words can express. Every dollar brings her one step closer to an opportunity she has spent 15 years working toward.
If you choose to support her, please know that your generosity is helping invest in a hardworking young artist who has never stopped believing in her dream.
You can read her story and donate here: https://gofund.me/d27edac12 ank you for taking the time to read our story and for everything you do to support families and young people in our community. We truly appreciate your consideration and any support you are able to provide.
Drumroll, please... The Chainsaws & Chuckwagons
e Chainsaws & Chuckwagons event has wrapped up for another year, and we’re excited to announce the winners of the 2026 carving competition! is year, talented carvers lled Centennial Park with creativity and skill, turning huge logs into detailed art over four days.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Chainsaws & Chuckwagons Carving Competition:
First Place: Dustin Grant from DeBeque, CO
“Happy Birthday” A carving celebrating America 250 and Colorado 150.
Second Place: Matt Ounsworth from Fort Collins, CO
“Prairie Proud” A very large bison bust.
Third Place: Joe Srholez from Gypsum, CO
“River Rodeo” A bear riding a large trout.
Carver’s Choice: Matt Ounsworth from Fort Collins, CO
ank you to American Arborist Services who donated all the logs. anks also to everyone who watched the carving, enjoyed the food trucks and vendors, bid in the quick carve auctions, voted for People’s Choice, and cheered for the artists. See photos of the winners and finished masterpiece carvings!
Teen crash fatalities have increased by 91% in the last decade
As teens look ahead to traveling more while school is out for the summer, the Colorado Department of Transportation reminds them that their actions behind the wheel matter. Tra c fatalities among youth aged 15 to 20 in Colorado reached a tragic record high in 2025, with 86 drivers and passengers killed. e spike marks a 91% increase in youth crash deaths since 2015.
e 100 Deadliest Days of Summer — known for a spike in crash injuries and fatalities — is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During this time period last year, 225 people died on Colorado roadways, 16% of whom were between the ages of 15 and 20. According to the National Highway Tra c Safety Administration, teen crashes are the leading cause of death for teens 15 to 18 years old.
Teens face the greatest risk of crashing during the rst three months after getting their driver’s license. Once they are driving on their own, studies show their general inexperience and increased risk-taking drastically spike their chances of getting into a crash. According to the Colorado State Patrol, the top factors for teen driving crashes in 2025 were distracted driving, speeding, lane violations, following too close and animal involved crashes. Nationally, teenagers consistently have the lowest seat belt usage of any age group, and in Colorado, 39% of teen drivers who die in crashes were unbuckled.
“CDOT cannot stress enough the importance of life-saving actions young drivers must take,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “We have seen some positive trends with teenage drivers who use good behaviors such as putting phones away, respecting speed limits and wearing a seatbelt. When consistently used, these behaviors help to prevent crashes and fatalities. Driving a vehicle is an immense responsibility requiring safe driving behavior that parents and all adults should model for young drivers so they observe, learn and adapt good, safe habits from the very start. ”
Downtown Frederick Block Party
e Downtown Frederick Block Party is becoming a yearly tradition! is year’s event is expanding into an even bigger celebration of everything that makes our community special. Families from across the region will enjoy a full day of entertainment and activities in the heart of Down Town Frederick, CO, including:
A 5K Run bene ting local Colorado high schools
A First Responder Pancake Breakfast
40+ local vendors showcasing small businesses and artisans
Live performances from ve Colorado bands
A dedicated Kids Zone with family-friendly activities & FREE childcare
Great food, community engagement, and much more
We are currently seeking community partners, day of volunteers, and sponsors who share our commitment to supporting local businesses, rst responders, schools, and families. Every sponsorship directly helps make this event possible while providing valuable exposure for your business and demonstrating your commitment to our community. Contact us at Isaac@mecolongmont.com.
Tomato Festival at Trapper Days!
Event Date: Saturday, September 11 & 12, 2026
About:
Since 1908, this long-standing celebration highlights the best of Fort Lupton – its people, commerce, and history, along with our pride in northern Colorado. e 2026 event will be bigger than ever!
Friday, Sept. 11: Downtown Street Dance! Enjoy live music and dinner in historic Downtown Fort Lupton. e weekend kicks o the evening of Friday, Sept. 11, from 6pm - 8pm with a Street dance at 4th and Denver featuring the Amy Biondo Ensemble, food, activities, and fun.
Saturday, Sept. 12: Pancake Breakfast at the Firehouse,7am - 10am. Parade will be Downtown, between 2nd Ave. and 14th Ave. **ALL ACTIVITIES after the parade are at Railroad Park, 4th Ave. and Paci c St. from 11am - 3pm. Walk over and enjoy: Live music, car show, Luche Libre wrestling, vendor market, HiPPops Gelato truck, Big Belly Bros BBQ, e Corn People, CC Kettle Corn, 4 food trucks, slot car racing demo, crafts, and more.
MEAD MAYOR, COLLEEN WHITLOW
Responsible Growth: The Town of Mead will welcome its newest school this month when Big Sky PK-8, a Saint Vrain Valley School District prekindergarten through eighth grade school, opens for the 2026-27 academic year. Big Sky is a state-of-the-art facility located on a shared campus with Mead High School, thoughtfully designed to foster connection between the two school communities. The school is taking a phased approach to its launch, initially opening to grades PK-6 and aiming to build a strong, positive culture around its first sixth grade class.
CRITES
I hope you are enjoying the final weeks of summer and finding time to make a few more memories with family, friends, and neighbors.
The Frederick Police Department will kick off August with National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4. This annual tradition brings neighbors, police officers, and firefighters together in a positive and welcoming setting. Strong communities are built through relationships, and I hope you will take this opportunity to meet the people who live nearby and connect with the first responders who serve Frederick every day.
As students prepare to return to the classroom, I am dedicating my August office hours (August 5, from 5-6:30 pm, and August 19, from 5-6:30 pm) to Frederick’s youth. Their voices matter. I want to hear what they enjoy about our community, the challenges they see, and their ideas for Frederick’s future. Our young people have valuable perspectives, and they deserve opportunities to be part of the conversations shaping the community
Reliable Infrastructure: Thanks Fund sales and use tax approved by invest in maintaining and improving Mead’s done in Mulligan Lake Estates, along Grand Run and Sorrento Estates. Additional improvements Weld County Road 28 and Weld County our transportation network for residents
Area Mayors’ Report—For those
Public Safety: The Mead Police 9-year-old Lani Schaad with a Life Saving during a near-drowning incident involving also received the Mayor’s Coin of Excellence According to the family, Lani saw his younger and immediately dove in to pull her to safety. been underwater for approximately 20 her back to the surface. His actions exemplify we hope to see in our community.
Fiscal Stability: An independent
they call home.
On a personal note, as children’s voices, goals, and well-being daughter will be pursuing her educational, faith-based school as a member of the family decision, but I believe it is possible while continuing to fulfill the responsibility
I understand that residents decision means for my role as mayor. residence; I remain a registered elector, of my term through November 2028. Serving has been one of the greatest honors of Frederick and to the important work still That work includes continuing for Frederick’s youth, including the Town’s District for a future community center that resources, and gathering spaces for young
August also brings us into an budget process. The budget supports day, including police, streets, parks, development. However, Town revenue can be spent on any need. Frederick revenue sources are legally restricted.
FREDERICK MAYOR, TRACIE
T-Bonz Grill Now Open in Dacono
We are excited to announce the soft opening of T-Bonz Grill. We are proud to be part of the Dacono and Tri-Town community and look forward to serving you. Our goal is to provide great food prepared in-house, with a strong commitment to using local ingredients and supporting local vendors whenever possible.
Our regular hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM for brunch service.
We o er nightly specials and planning on having a prime rib special on the weekends. Enjoy Appetizers, Soup, Salad, Burgers and Sandwiches PLUS Steak and other entrees.
We look forward to welcoming and serving our community.
Please join us at 500 8th St Dacono, CO 80514!
$62 MILLION. That’s the reality in Denver’s commercial sex industry.
Behind that number are women and children who have been exploited, silenced, and stripped of their sense of worth. is is happening in our communities. Right now.
And we are stepping in.
Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch has partnered with Re- ned to provide a pathway out of darkness and into healing for survivors of sexual exploitation.
But here’s the truth:
Healing takes time. Healing takes relationship. And healing takes resources.
At Graceful Oaks, survivors experience trauma-informed animal empowerment sessions that rebuild con dence, restore identity, and create a safe space to begin again. rough Re- ned, they receive consistent, compassionate support during the most critical stages of recovery.
Together, we are ghting for lives to be restored.
But we cannot meet the need without you.
Right now, there are women and children waiting for services… waiting for safety… waiting for someone to say, “You matter.”
Your gift today directly impacts a life in recovery.
It provides:
• Safe, healing environments
• Trauma-informed care
• Life-changing connection and support
Give today.
Stand with survivors.
Be part of their story of restoration.
Pray. Connect. Donate.
Because every life is worth ghting for.
Chalae Collard, Founder & CEO
Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch | programs@goyr.org
Other Activities at Graceful Oaks
those of us who don’t attend meetings
Thanks to the 1% Street Improvement voters in 2021, we’re continuing to Mead’s roads. This year, work has been Grand View Drive, and within Coyote improvements are taking place along County Road 7 as we continue enhancing residents and visitors alike.
Police Department recently recognized Saving Award for his heroic actions involving his younger sister, Kaylin. He Excellence for his courage and bravery. younger sister submerged in the pool safety. The family estimated Kaylin had 20 to 30 seconds before Lani brought exemplify the courage and compassion independent audit team has completed the
a mother of three, supporting my well-being also matters deeply to me. My educational, athletic, and faith journey at a Class of 2030. This was not an easy possible to do what is best for my family responsibility Frederick voters entrusted to me. may have questions about what this mayor. Frederick will remain my primary elector, and I intend to serve the remainder Serving as mayor for the past six years of my life. I remain fully committed to still ahead of us.
continuing conversations about opportunities Town’s offer to the St. Vrain Valley School that could provide additional programs, young people and families. an important part of the Town’s annual the services residents rely on every water, stormwater, and community revenue does not go into one account that maintains separate funds, and many restricted. Water fees must support the water
Town’s 2025 Financial Audit. The audit resulted in no findings of malfeasance related to the Town’s financial statements or federal awards, reflecting sound financial management and compliance with applicable accounting and federal requirements. By providing an objective evaluation of the Town’s financial operations, the annual audit helps ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds while giving residents confidence that Town resources are being managed effectively.
Connected Community: Join us for National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 5:30 p.m. in Town Park. This annual event is a great opportunity to connect with neighbors while celebrating partnerships that help keep Mead safe. Enjoy vehicle displays, free kids’ activities, complimentary hot dogs and burgers, and live music from Rock Revival. Bring your family, meet members of our public safety teams, and help us celebrate another great evening of community in Mead. Keep up with what’s happening in Mead by subscribing to the monthly Mead Messenger and signing up for email updates at www.townofmead.org/portal. New to Mead? Visit the Resident Information page at bit.ly/47PocLg for helpful resources.
system, transportation revenue must support transportation needs, and development impact fees may only be used for eligible growth-related improvements. These requirements provide transparency and help ensure public dollars are used for their intended purposes.
Transportation remains one of our most significant long-term challenges as our roads age, our community grows, and construction costs increase. Through the budget process, we must continue balancing immediate maintenance needs with the long-term investments necessary to keep Frederick safe, connected, and moving forward.
One of those investments is the Municipal Services Center at 7400 Eagle Boulevard. The facility will bring together Public Works, Engineering, and Parks employees, including team members working in Water, Stormwater, Fleet, Facilities, and Streets. Consolidating these operations will improve coordination, increase efficiency, reduce long-term costs, and strengthen the essential services our community depends on.
Residents should also have recently received Frederick’s annual Drinking Water Quality Report in the mail, and available on our website. I am pleased to share that Frederick’s water quality remains excellent. The report provides information about water testing, results, and required standards, and I encourage you to review it and learn more about the work that goes into providing safe and reliable drinking water.
Thank you for staying engaged, sharing your voice, and supporting the betterment of Frederick. It is an honor to serve you.
RealESTATE&LocalRealtors
One of the questions I hear almost daily is, “Should I wait to sell, or is now still a good time?” e answer may surprise you.
After several years of an incredibly fast-paced market, Northern Colorado has settled into something much healthier: a more balanced market. Buyers have more homes to choose from than they did a year ago, which means sellers need a stronger strategy than simply putting a sign in the yard and waiting for multiple o ers. Inventory has been increasing across Northern Colorado while home values have remained remarkably resilient. Well-prepared, correctly priced homes are still attracting serious buyers, while overpriced homes are often sitting longer. (IRES MLS: Come Home to Colorado)
For homeowners in Frederick, Firestone, Dacono, and the surrounding Carbon Valley communities, this shift isn’t bad news—it’s simply a di erent market that rewards preparation.
Today’s buyers are more informed than ever. ey’re comparing homes online, paying close attention to condition, and negotiating repairs or seller concessions when appropriate. at means presentation, pricing, and marketing matter more than they have in years.
e good news? Buyers are still moving to Northern Colorado.
Our area continues to attract people looking for Colorado’s lifestyle,
excellent access to major employers, and communities that o er small-town charm while remaining close to Denver, Boulder, Longmont, and Fort Collins. Demand hasn’t disappeared—it has simply become more selective.
As a local REALTOR®, I’ve found that the homes receiving the most attention all have a few things in common:
ey enter the market priced strategically from day one.
ey are professionally prepared and photographed.
ey receive consistent marketing both online and within the local community.
Sellers stay exible and responsive as the market provides feedback.
e biggest mistake I see isn’t that homes are selling for less—it’s that some sellers are using pricing strategies from 2021 in a 2026 market.
Real estate has always been local. While national headlines often focus on interest rates or broad market trends, what’s happening in Carbon Valley can look very di erent from what’s happening elsewhere. Every neighborhood, price point, and property type tells its own story.
If you’ve been wondering what your home is worth—or whether moving makes sense for your family—don’t rely on headlines alone. A personalized market analysis can provide a much clearer picture of your options.
Whether you’re planning to move next month or next year, understanding today’s market is the rst step toward making a con dent decision.
Kendra Bajcar, LPT Realty, 970.571.0525
Health Dept. Webinar Series
Health department to host webinar series on health care access, mental health, and a ordability
e Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment will host three public webinars highlighting ndings from the 2025 Weld Community Health Survey. e upcoming webinars will examine health care access, mental health, and the nancial pressures a ecting the health and well-being of Weld County residents.
Conducted every three years, the Weld Community Health Survey provides detailed information about residents’ health, experiences, needs, and priorities. Local governments, health care organizations, nonpro t agencies, and other community partners can use the ndings to guide programs, services, and policies.
e upcoming webinars include: Mental Health
9 to 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25
Topics will include mental health care use, barriers to receiving care, social isolation and loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
Affordability
9 to 9:45 a.m. on Tues., Sept. 29
Topics will include housing cost burdens, food insecurity, and residents’ concerns about a ording health insurance and medical care.
All three webinars will be held online through Microsoft Teams. Participants may attend individual sessions or join the entire series to gain a broader understanding of the factors a ecting health in Weld County.
Registration information and additional details about the webinar series are available at www.weld.gov/go/ healthsurveys.
HealthSPIRITUAL&Mental&Physical
Reawaken Your Faith: Explore the Roots of Your Belief
Torah Club: Unrolling the Scroll – Beyond the Shallowness, Into the Depth of God’s Word
Have you felt a hunger for more in your spiritual walk? Are you seeking a study that moves past repetitive teachings and o ers a truly meaningful encounter with the Word of God? Torah Club: Unrolling the Scroll is a year-long Messianic Jewish small group Bible study speci cally designed for individuals ready to embark on a deep, authentic exploration of scripture.
is is not just another Bible study; it’s a journey into the heart of the “real Jesus” and the biblical framework He established. You’ll gain the essential tools needed to understand the Bible within its original historical context, leading to profound personal growth and renewed spiritual vitality. Over the course of the year, you will:
Discover Jesus’ Bible: Engage with the Torah – the rst ve books of Moses – through a Jewish lens, understanding the very scriptures that Jesus Himself studied, taught, and ful lled.
Uncover Foundational Truths: See how the Old Testament beautifully lays the groundwork for the New Testament, providing a comprehensive and cohesive view of God’s redemptive story.
Grasp Jesus’ Core Message: Delve into the profound truths about His coming Kingdom and the ultimate culmination of all things, o ering a fresh perspective on His mission.
Experience Life Transformation: Apply the timeless lessons learned to your daily life, watching as Jesus powerfully transforms you and those around you through a deeper connection to Him.
As part of the Torah Club global learning community, you’ll receive comprehensive lesson workbooks packed with insightful commentary and focused questions, weekly video introductions to guide your study, and access to an exclusive online community for shared learning and encouragement.
is 54 lesson, enriching, one-year study commences in October. If you’re ready to break free from super cial learning and embrace a challenging, rewarding path to knowing Jesus better, this is for you. Cost $80
To learn more or to join our next class, please reach out to Robin at 720-382-3511. (TorahClub.org)
Mobile Health Services Expanded Through Behavioral Health Partnership
e Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE), in partnership with e Weld Trust and North Range Behavioral Health, is expanding access to behavioral health services through the county’s Public Health Mobile Unit.
e new partnership embeds a North Range Behavioral Health team member directly into Weld County Public Health outreach activities and mobile health operations, helping connect residents to mental health support, behavioral health navigation, case management, crisis support, and community resources. e initiative is fully funded through support from e Weld Trust and re ects a shared commitment to improving access to care for Weld County residents, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
“Behavioral health access remains an important community health need in Weld County, especially for residents facing transportation, geographic, and other barriers to care,” said Shaun May, Division Director for Public Health Services at Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment. “By integrating behavioral health services into our mobile health outreach e orts, we are working to bring support directly into communities and create more accessible pathways to care.”
Under the agreement, North Range Behavioral Health will provide up to 40 hours per week of behavioral health support services through the mobile health program and outreach activities. Services may include behavioral health consultation, early intervention, psychoeducation, family support, referrals, community resource navigation, and crisis management services.
“ is partnership represents the type of collaborative, community-based approach needed to address growing behavioral health needs across Weld County,” said Kim Collins, Chief Executive O cer for North Range Behavioral Health. “Meeting people where they are can make a meaningful di erence in connecting individuals and families to care earlier.”
e Public Health Mobile Unit was launched to expand access to preventive and public health services throughout Weld County, with a focus on rural communities, underserved populations, and residents who may face barriers accessing care. e addition of behavioral health services further expands the mobile unit’s ability to provide integrated, community-centered care.
e Weld County Board of County Commissioners approved the agreement in April 2026 following a public work session discussion on the partnership.
“Weld County is a great place because people come together to solve problems and support one another,” said Chair Scott James of the Weld County Board of County Commissioners. “ is partnership is another example of what can be accomplished when local organizations work together”
For more information about the Weld County Public Health Mobile Unit, visit https://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Health-and-Environment/WeldCounty-Public-Health-Mobile-Unit.
Let’s do Bible Study: Atonement
Do We Truly Understand “Atonement”?
When you hear the word atonement, what comes to mind? Do you immediately think of sin, blood sacri ce, and forgiveness in Leviticus?
Most of us do. But before we make blanket statements about biblical terms, we must let Scripture speak for itself. In the Torah, the Hebrew word translated as “atonement” is kaphar. By tracking this word, we discover its meaning is much broader than we think.
Consider how kaphar is used across these ten passages:
Genesis 6:14: To cover the ark with pitch (bitumen).
Genesis 32:20: To appease/pacify an angry Esau with gifts.
Exodus 30:11–16 & Numbers 35:31–32: A nancial ransom for a life.
Leviticus 16:16–18: To cleanse the sanctuary using sacri cial blood.
Leviticus 4:20: e traditional sacri ce to forgive sin.
Numbers 16:46–48: An intercession using incense to stop a plague.
Numbers 31:50: A thanksgiving gift of gold jewelry for God’s protection.
Deuteronomy 21:1–9: To purge bloodguilt over an unsolved murder using a heifer (not a sin o ering).
Numbers 25:10–13: A zealous intervention (stopping a plague through swift justice). e Takeaway: is process reveals that kaphar does not always mean blood atonement. is does not diminish blood sacri ces; Leviticus 17:11 clearly teaches that blood is given on the altar to make atonement for life within the sacri cial system. Rather, it shows that the Hebrew concept of kaphar is broader than “blood sacri ce for every kind of atonement.”
Did you start this study de ning atonement strictly as forgiveness for sin? Looking up every passage where a word is used is essential before making broad claims. Kaphar is used as gifts, money, incense, and to waterproof a boat. Remember the old saying: “Never say always or never.”
Join the Conversation! Send questions or comments to FirestoneBibleStudy@gmail.com.
Area Churches
Abundant Life Church | Pastor Jim Coleman 4380 CO-66 | Longmont 80504 970.535.0311 | www.alcworshipwarriors.org
New Horizons Christian Church 701 Carbondale St. | Dacono Pastor Rob Thomas 303.833.3013 | www. NHCC.LIFE
L.I.F.E. Fellowship Frederick 451 Oak Street | Frederick Pastor Brady Thornton 303.304.1159 | www.lifefrederick.org
Rocky Mountain Christian Church 5860 Majestic Street | Frederick Pastor Matt Cote 303.652.2211 | www.rmcc.org
Carbon Valley Church of Christ Thunder Valley K-8 in Frederick Pastor Clayton Johnson 720.438.5430 | www.carbonvalley.church
RINN United Methodist Church Rev. Lin Cheek, Pastor 3783 Bella Rosa Pkwy | Frederick 303.776.1578 | www.rinnumc.org
Destiny Church | Pastor Rob Rocca 307 S Fulton Avenue | Ft Lupton www.yourdestinychurch.org
Purpose Church | Pastor Brian Thompson 9993 Cty Rd 11 | Firestone 303.651.1640 | www.purpose.church
Guardian Angels Catholic Church
109 S. 3rd St. | Mead Rev. Ronald Cattany, KHS 970.535.0721 | www.meadangels.org
Frontier Church-Carbon Valley 701 Carbondale St. | Dacono Pastor Steve Osborn
720.418.8400 | www.frontierchurchcv.org
St. Theresa Catholic Church 5503 Bella Rosa Pkwy | Longmont Father Hernan Florez Albarracin 303.833.2966 | https://www.sttheresafred.org/
Calvary Chapel Carbon Valley Frederick, Colorado Pastor Joe Kitto 720.201.3337 | www.calvarycarbonvalley.church
Flatirons Church | Pastor Jim Burgen 355 W South Boulder Rd | Lafayette 303.664.5524 | www.flatironschurch.com
White Fields Community Church 2950 Colorful Ave. | Longmont Pastor Nick Cady 303.775.3485 | www.whitefieldschurch.com
Carbon Valley Lutheran Church 10916 Cimarron St (behind Ziggis) | Firestone 720.745.8590 | www.carbonchurch.com
Tri Town Baptist Church
Johnson Street | Frederick 303-833-2826 | www.tritownbaptist.com
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church
S. Park Ave. | Ft. Lupton, CO. 80621 303-857-6827 |
LocalNEWS&otherInformation
When a Community Solution Needs a Community Commitment
I was born and raised in Greeley. Like many people who grow up here, I left for a time, then chose to come back.
I returned because this community matters to me. Weld County has always felt like a place where neighbors show up, work hard, care deeply, and step forward when something important needs to be done. at is why conversations about homelessness matter so deeply right now.
For seven years, the Housing Navigation Center and Shelter has served individuals and families experiencing homelessness. It is far more than a shelter. It is a centralized hub where people receive coordinated support from 16 partner agencies, connect with case managers, eat a meal, shower, wash clothes, and begin rebuilding stability and dignity.
Recently, a potential partner preparing to assume operations of the center withdrew from negotiations because of unforeseen circumstances. While disappointing, this gives our community an opportunity for an honest conversation about responsibility and sustainability.
e reality is simple: homelessness is not a United Way problem. It is a community problem, and community problems require community solutions.
Across Weld County, organizations champion collaboration, safety, compassion, prevention, and care for neighbors. e Housing Navigation Center is where those values become action.
For seven years, United Way of Weld County has lled a role far beyond what most United Ways are designed to do. United Ways traditionally convene partners, identify gaps, coordinate resources, and help communities solve problems. Operating a shelter requires intensive sta ng, facility management, security, fundraising, compliance oversight, and around-the-clock leadership.
Annual operating costs average approximately $3 million. United Way has received generous support from Cornerstone partners, donors, and local foundations. However, those investments were intended to strengthen United Way’s broader mission, not inde nitely place much of the responsibility for a community-wide homelessness response on one organization.
at imbalance is increasingly di cult to sustain. United Way recently announced budget reductions, restructuring, and sta eliminations because of declining revenue, changing funding sources, and economic uncertainty. ose painful decisions reinforce a larger truth: no single nonpro t can carry a community-wide challenge alone. e center must be supported as shared community infrastructure.
e center exists because fragmented services were failing people. Instead of requiring individuals to navigate agencies scattered across the county, partners created an accessible system of care under one roof. Every day, people enter seeking shelter, mental health support, healthcare, housing and employment assistance, and a path forward.
Homelessness a ects our neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, businesses, rst responders, and public spaces. All of us share responsibility for addressing it.
Supporting the center is not simply a donation to United Way. It is an investment in coordination, public safety, housing stabilization, prevention, and human dignity. It can also reduce strain on emergency rooms, law enforcement, schools, and crisis-response systems.
Most importantly, this is solvable.
ree million dollars is signi cant for one organization. Spread among municipalities, healthcare systems, businesses, foundations, faith communities, and residents, it becomes a manageable investment in shared infrastructure and outcomes.
As public systems reassess priorities, resources tighten, and nonpro ts face increasing pressure, collaboration becomes more essential. Reducing investment in prevention does not eliminate homelessness. It shifts the burden elsewhere, often at greater nancial and human cost.
is is not a call for one organization to x homelessness. No single agency can. It is a call for Weld County to decide who we want to be.
Will we look away because the problem is complicated and expensive? Or will we recognize that caring for vulnerable neighbors is a shared commitment?
A strong community is not de ned by the absence of hardship, but by how people respond to it together.
I want to live in a Weld County where people matter, housed or unhoused. I want compassion and accountability to coexist, collaboration to be more than a mission statement, and our community to recognize that stability and dignity for one group strengthen us all.
If you believe no one in Weld County should be left without shelter, support, or a path forward, now is the time to act. Contact United Way of Weld County to learn how you, your organization, or your community group can help through funding, partnership, advocacy, or direct involvement. Good intentions are not enough. is work requires committed partners stepping forward together.
e question is not whether this resource is needed. We see the answer every day.
e question is whether we are willing to sustain it together.
*Caitlin Bergeron serves on the Board of Directors of United Way of Weld County.*
Via Mobility Services
1999-2026
Frederick seniors (60+) and people with special abilities can ride free with Via Mobility Services, a customer-focused transportation program that helps those unable to drive due to age, health, disability, or income stay connected and independent. Service runs Monday through Friday, 8 am to 3 pm, with rides available within Frederick, Firestone, Dacono, Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, and Lafayette (some routes are limited to speci c days). Registration is required before your rst ride. Contact a Via Mobility Specialist by calling 303-444-3043.
Strength Training Classes and Discount!
Join us for Strength Training Classes 3 times per week on Mondays & Fridays at 9:30am, and Wednesday evenings at 7pm. Get $10 O a 4 Session Personal Training Package! See website for details - https://beginlifeanew.com/group-fitness-classes/ or call 303.828.2856 for more info. Tracy Hites, NASM Certi ed Personal Trainer, Orthopedic & Arthritis Fitness Specialist, Corrective Exercise Specialist.
A Breeze Pet Friends Pet Sitting
Hello everyone I’m Donna Calabrese with A Breeze Pet Friends. I provide in your home care for your dogs...cats...farm animals etc...I am fully Insured..Bonded and CPR certi ed..I have been in business for over 17 years. Give me a call of text 720 879 1423 and we can set up a free meet and greet .I will provide references etc...
Aims to Host Northern Colorado Allied Health Collaborative Summit
Healthcare professionals, educators and students are invited to a day of networking, innovation and cross-disciplinary growth at the 2026 Northern Colorado Allied Health Collaborative Summit.
Hosted at the Aims Welcome Center, 4901 West 20th Street in Greeley, on Friday, October 23, the summit provides professional development, collaboration and networking from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
e keynote speaker is Dr. Beth Longenecker, the founding dean of the University of Northern Colorado’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNC-COM). Longenecker brings a wealth of experience in osteopathic medicine, both as a physician and administrator at higher education institutions.
is year’s summit will o er targeted professional development and continuing education opportunities to help attendees stay current and meet certi cation requirements. Expert-led breakout sessions explore the latest techniques and innovations in phlebotomy, strategies for clinical excellence in medical assisting and practical approaches to leadership, management and professional growth. e event includes dedicated networking time, giving healthcare professionals, educators and students opportunities to connect, exchange ideas and strengthen partnerships across Northern Colorado.
From 2012–2023, the Northern Colorado Allied Health Collaborative Summit was presented by Northern Colorado Health Sector Partnership. is year and beyond, Aims Community College will present and host this event.
“ is summit re ects Aims’ commitment to strengthening Northern Colorado’s healthcare workforce through education, community collaboration and meaningful professional
Powering the Local community
Super
Hero Day at Anderson Farms - August 9!!
Join us for an epic day of fun and adventure, where heroes of all ages unite! Celebrate your favorite heroes with exciting activities for the whole family, including super pony rides, colossal Clydesdale photos and colorful face painting to transform into your favorite character.
Superhero Day includes:
Admission to the Sun ower Field
A EXCLUSIVE Superhero Bucket for taking Flowers Home One Pony Ride or Photo with a Clydesdale
Exclusive Face Painting
- Pony Rides, and Face Painting open 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
A $ 75.00 Value !
https://tickets.andersonfarms.com/p/sun owers/super-hero-day #andersonfarmssun owers
development,” said Dr. Leah L. Bornstein, Aims Community College CEO and President. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for organizations wanting to connect with the regional healthcare community. Sponsors receive recognition at the event, reserved tables and more. Learn more about sponsoring the event by contacting the Aims Foundation at foundation@aims.edu or 970-339-6556.
e cost to attend is $50 for professionals, $35 for preceptors and $20 for students (with valid student ID). Visit aims.co/health-summit to reserve your spot and purchase tickets. Proceeds from the summit support scholarships for Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy certi cation exams, helping remove nancial barriers for future healthcare professionals.
Local isn’t just where we are. It’s who we are. It’s neighbors helping neighbors and communities powered with a shared purpose
That’s The Power of Local.