Focus on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter January 2023

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on FORT MORGAN

F o r h a p p y h e a l t h y , f u e l y o u r s e l f w i t h d r e a m s a n d g r e e n sT e r r i G u i l l e m e t s

RY WELLNESS

MENTAL WELLNESS MONTH

The World Health Organization defines mental wellness as “ a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

January has been designated as Mental Wellness Month as an effort to recognize the importance of attending to our mental health, especially seeing the vast prevalence of mental health issues and disorders that exist in our world. Thankfully and in part due to research, the emphasis that mental health is just as important as physical health is an idea that has been seen rippling through popular culture.

TIPS FOR IMPROVING MENTAL WELLNESS

It is possible to learn and practice skills that improve mental wellness that can be turned into habits. These skills include:

Review - acknowledge a challenge you faced, take a deep breath and let it go

Reflect - however small, consider and appreciate positives in your day. Regroup - offer support to your colleagues and ask for help when you need it

Re-energize – after work, turn your attention to home and focus on relaxing and resting

Self-appreciation - recognize strengths and weaknesses Resilience - cope with and recover from negative events Affiliation - develop & maintain a support network Eat well – good for both physical and mental health Get enough sleep – between 7 and 9 hours

Exercise and self-awareness activities such as yoga and meditation can also help reduce stress and improve mental health. Be grateful - Practicing gratitude every day can invoke feelings of thankfulness and optimism that make managing challenges easier. Learn a new skill - Creative hobbies can provide a sense of pride and achievement

Ask for help when you need it – It is a sign of strength to reach out to resources and support when your mental wellness is suffering.

JANUARY WELLNESS

ORANGE JUICE WELLNESS ELIXIR

How to Boost Your Mood and Health During the Winter

Fighting inflammation is key, especially during the winter. Sipping on an 8ounce serving of orange juice is a win-win: it is an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C, which can help fight inflammation. Additionally, OJ delivers electrolytes that can aid in hydration. It is naturally sweet, too. Our favorite way to incorporate 100% orange juice? In a warm, slightly spiced elixir. Of all our winter wellness tips, this is the most delicious one. You’ll want to sip on this nourishing drink all winter long. Check out the recipe!

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup orange juice

1 lemon, juiced

1/4 cup carrot juice

3 tablespoons freshly grated ginger

2 tablespoons freshly grated turmeric pinch black pepper

1/4 cup coconut milk optional: pinch cayenne pepper and 2 teaspoons honey

DIRECTIONS: 1.

Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend together, then simmer on the stove for 5 minutes. Drink!

MENT PROFILE

CITY MANAGER

TheCityManagerisresponsibleforoverseeingthedailyaffairsofour municipality.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto:budgetoversight, implementationoflegislationenactedbycouncil,ensuringcity utilitiesandservicesarerunningsmoothly,coordinatingcity developmentprojects,andservingasthepublicfaceofourlocal government.TheCityManagerworkswiththeMayor,CityCouncil andheadsofeachdepartmenttomakesureweareservingthe interestsofthepeopleofourmunicipality.

Meanwhile,theAdministrativeAssistanttotheCityManageris availabletohelpwithmeetingandtravelcoordination,providing customerservicetothepublic,andcompletionofvariousprojects.

our WORK our INSPIRATION

Brent enjoys giving back and working for the citizens of our great city. He is excited to see Fort Morgan grow and know that he is helping to guide and move our community forward. Similarly, having a direct and positive impact on the people and place where we live is what inspires Dana to work for the City of Fort Morgan.

Thank you to Brent for all he does to support our hardworking employees as we work together to make Fort Morgan a great place to live, work and play!

DEPARTMENT PROFILE

CITY MANAGER

Dana has been with the city just over two years. In addition to serving as Administrative Assistant to the City Manager, she is also cross-trained to serve as Deputy Court Clerk in the Municipal Court and is often in that building as well.

Her hobbies include spending time with her dogs, camping, cooking, and reading.

Brent Nation

Brent has been working directly for the City for a little over 10 years. He also served on City Council for 3 years and provided consulting services to the City for almost 20 years prior to becoming a city employee.

He enjoys watching his CSU Rams play football and is holding out hope that this rebuilding decade will be over soon. He also has a passion for hockey. He loves the Colorado Avalanche and until just recently played rec hockey in a weekly league in Greeley.

Dana Jorgenson

MENT PROFILE

CITY MANAGER

W h e n y o u c h a n g e y o u r t h o u g h t s , r e m e m b e r t o a l s o c h a n g e y o u r w o r l dN o r m a n V i n c e n t P e a l e

Did you know?

A City Manager fulfills a wide variety of duties, and therefore must have varied skills, such as communication, fiscal management, diplomacy and leadership, project management, and public speaking

There is no universal pathway to becoming a City Manager, although it is customary to hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and sometimes a Master’s degree as well. FUN FACTS!

The City Manager's office is located in Historic City Hall (HCH), which was built in 1908, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

The offices of the City Clerk, Economic Development and Marketing, and the Director of Community Services are also in HCH.

The building originally housed not only the City offices, but also the Municipal Electric Generation Plant and Water Pumping Station.

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING

Nice old school bowling alley. Great atmosphere and everything you could want from a bowling experience. Highly recommended.

Love this place and the new owners.

Great atmosphere the staff is really friendly and great food as well reasonably priced.

MORGAN LANES

So why purchase a bowling alley during the pinacol of national and international economic adversity? Brothers Tyson and Kyle Groves, along with Tyson’s wife, Allison, weren’t necessarily avid bowlers. However, after another downturn in the oil industry, Tyson decided he wanted to do something different and perhaps a little more stable. Why not work for yourself, he reasoned A conversation with the previous owner planted an idea in his mind, and he convinced Kyle and Allison to go into business together. Actually, the trio embarked on three businesses – a bar, a restaurant (in which Mom Groves helps with), and a bowling alley, which is situated half way between its nearest competitor alleys in Sterling and Greeley

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING BUSINESS OF THE MONTH MORGAN LANES

From the start of their ownership in September of 2020, the Groves started transforming Morgan Lanes into a family entertainment center. The dining area was remodeled with an expanded menu, walls were removed and painted, and the central bowling operations and pro shop were repositioned to transform this 60+ year old building They also remodeled the outside, adding an outside patio area, which contributes to its desired family entertainment vibe. Most recently, they partnered with HGTV for additional remodeling touches, such as sporting a large 3D statue of a bowling ball and pin designed by local artist Ann Iunerich, adding outdoor games such a giant chess piece set and Jenga, and painting the signage and exterior parts of the building.

The bowling operations are dedicated to both competitive and casual bowlers alike Although seven leagues regularly visit the bowling alley located at 300 East Railroad Avenue, the business also hosts special parties, recreational outings, and event fundraisers for such organizations as the Alzheimer’s Association, SHARE House, the FFA, and the MCC HOSA Nurses Association Morgan Lanes even organizes a special military veterans’ tournament.

The Groves stated, “We feel that it’s important to be here for the community. Many community groups rely on this place. We appreciate the opportunity to see the smiles on the faces of individuals from NORESCO as well as to work with the area schools to reward good behavior for deserving students ”

The community, in turn, appreciates what Morgan Lanes brings to Fort Morgan Rachel Braun noted in her Facebook review, “Such a good time every time The food is awesome and it is such a positive environment to spend time with family and friends. Highly recommended.”

Each month, the Business of the Month distinction is given to a Fort Morgan business that excels in such areas as pride in their business, top-notch customer service, growth, active involvement in area organizations and programs, and community contributions that assist in creating a better quality of life.

We recognize and thank the December Business of the Month recipient, Morgan Lanes, its 10 employees, and the entire Groves family for the outstanding work and contributions they provide in order to make Fort Morgan a great place to live, work, and enjoy.

Notice-YouthSportPrograms

•AllspecialrequestsforfutureregistrationsfortheCity ofFortMorgan’syouthsportsprogramswillbelimitedto immediatefamilymembersonly.

•AllplayersmustberegisteredthroughtheCityofFort Morgan’sregistrationsoftware,whichcanbedoneatthe Fieldhouseoronlineat https://secure.rec1.com/CO/fort-morgan-co/catalog

•Therewillbenooutsidecommunityteamspermittedto joinouryouthsportsleagues.Allteamswillbe considered“FortMorgan”teams.

•Allpracticesandgamesfortheseleagueswillbeheld inFortMorgan.

•Allyouthsportsleagues(soccer,baseball,volleyball, flagfootball,andbasketball)willrun5weeks’worthof gamesin2023.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SeniorCenter

FridayMovieAfternoon:1/6/23:2P.M.-4P.M.:Grabaseat,getready forlights,camera,action! Moviefeatured:HelloDolly.ThisfilmstarsBarbra StreisandandWalterMatthau.Presentationintheafternoon.Popcornand sodaprovided.

SeniorNightOut:1/11/23:OldChicago:4P.M.–8P.M.:Bringthecrew orgosoloandenjoyanightoutoftownwithdinnerandgoodcompany!This monthweheadtoOldChicagoPizza&TaproominGreeley,CO Bus departsfromSeniorCenterat4:00p m andshouldreturnaround8p m $8 fortransportation Mealonown

MatterofBalance:WorkbookandExerciseProgram: 8:30A.M.–10A.M.:FeaturedonWednesdaysfor8weeks: Anew exerciseprogramthatfocusesonfallprevention.8sessionsfrom8:30–10 a.m.oneveryWednesdaystarting01/18/23–03/08/23.Thisclassfeatures groupdiscussion,problem-solvingstrategies,andsimplebalanceexercises tohelpolderadultsdevelopskillstopreventfalling.Limitedto12 participants.RegisterbyJanuary13th.

PieDayContest1/17/23:2P.M.-4P.M.:Bakeyourbestpieandletthe judgesdecidewhowinstherollingpintrophytitle!Anannualfavoriteevent whereeveryonegetsasliceofthepie!FREEFORSENIORSTOATTENDAND TOENTER.Contactstaffforquestionsortoenterthebakeoff.

NationalWesternStockShowProRodeo:1/19/22:Worldchampion bullsandbroncs,cowboysandcowgirlsrollintoDenverforthefirstmajor prorodeocompetitionoftheseason.Youdonotwanttomissaminuteofthe match-up!DepartingfromSeniorCenterat11:30a.m.Willreturnby5p.m.

JanuaryBirthdays’Party:1/27/23:2P.M.-4P.M.:Isyourbirthdayinthe monthofJanuary?Comerecognizethosewhocelebratedthismonthwitha birthdayparty!Cakeprovided!