Focus on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter November 2022

fOCUS on FORT MORGAN

Nov 2022

M a r i e C u r i e

W e m u s t b e l i e v e t h a t w e a r e g i f t e d f o r s o m e t h i n g , a n d t h a t t h i s t h i n g m u s t b e a t t a i n e d .

BER WELLNESS

NATIONAL ADOPT A SENIOR PET MONTHASPCA and petfinder.com

founded “Adopt a Senior Pet Month” to improve the perception of senior pets as quality animals to adopt. So, if you are in the realm of looking to adopt, keep in mind, senior animals are just as, and sometimes, more adaptable than younger animals. Consider adopting an older animal when you look into adopting this year and use the hashtag #AdoptASeniorPetMonth when posting them to social media!

Here are some local shelters to visit!

P.A.W. Second Chance Animal Rescue Fort Morgan (970) 867-2352

Paws Helping Hands – Log Lane Village (970) 768-5683

Fort Morgan Animal Shelter –Fort Morgan (970) 542 3927

When the weather turns chilly, “Adopt a Senior Pet Month” reminds us of some four legged friends who need a family to cuddle up next to, too. In November, consider making a home for an older furry pet during Adopt a Senior Pet Month.

While the wriggly puppies and kittens make us smile with delight, you’d be surprised how well an older animal might fit into your lifestyle. There may be some adjustments with an older animal. Like humans, they may be set in their ways. But, in most cases, their history is known, and they can be easily matched with the right family or individual. So, if you are looking for a new companion, don’t overlook an older animal. You may be ignoring a loyal pet with a lot of life left in them.

NOVEMBER WELLNESS

HONEY BALSAMIC

Preheat oven to 475°F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Set aside. Place chicken pieces on the baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Give it a good rub to really work those seasonings into the chicken. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Drizzle a small amount of glaze onto each piece of

and using a brush to coat the chicken. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked

brushing the glaze on two more times during

Serve immediately.

MENT PROFILE

FORT MORGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

a y

M a r y

E v e r y o n e w a n t s t o b e a p p r e c i a t e d , s o i f y o u a p p r e c i a t e s o m e o n e , d o n ' t k e e p i t a s e c r e t .

our WORK

Economic Development encompasses everything from encouraging entrepreneurship, diversifying jobs, and building the tax base, to facilitating collaboration and promoting activities that spur economic activity. Some of her many and varied tasks include: identifying business prospects through industry research and networking; developing communication materials to inform the local constituents or future business prospects about community assets; and conducting industry analysis and reports used for recruitment.

Sandy is responsible for the Business of the Month recognition program, and serves as the city staff liaison for the historic preservation board and matters pertaining to its related CLG (certified local government) requirements and preservation efforts.

our INSPIRATION

Sandy is inspired by many facets of the position, and she is energized to come to work every day She is excited to collaborate with our community of economic development stakeholders on cultivating a vibrant local economy and addressing the questions of why someone would want to live, work, or visit here. Fort Morgan is ‘home’ to her, and she is elated to help shape its future and improve its well being.

The Economic Development Specialist has always thrived on a challenge and notes that the field of economic development is filled with them, especially now in light of post pandemic responses, pending inflation, a labor force paradigm shift, and housing shortages. She enjoys the opportunities to use her marketing skills and experience on various projects whether it is designing a historical walking brochure, creating an advertisement, assembling a promotional video, or recognizing a local merchant at a city council meeting as Business of the Month All of these are chances to tell the story of Fort Morgan and its people.

Thank you to Sandy for all she does to attract, retain and expand businesses and economic development for the City!

DEPARTMENT PROFILE

FORT MORGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Sandy SchneiderEngle

She is also currently working with several clients who are interested in development in the City’s Centre Pointe development sites on the east side of the city adjacent to the City’s fieldhouse complex. During the past 18 months, the City has sold 54 acres in this new, City owned development (with a potential for an additional 23 acres before the end of the year).

Sandy Engle joined the City staff in April of 2021 as the Economic Development Specialist. In her role, she is responsible for developing and implementing the municipal economic development strategic plan and serves as the City’s point of contact for economic development matters including business attraction efforts, existing business retention and expansion activity, and entrepreneurship growth prospects.

As part of her goal of supporting existing businesses, she actively participates on the Chamber, Morgan County Tourism, Pro15, Morgan County Economic Development, and Morgan Community College’s CACE boards.

Sandy provides business assistance through various trainings she organizes or collaborates on, promotes locally made products and initiatives, and manages the city’s façade and fire suppression grant programs. Occasionally, she authors grant applications and manages grant funded projects.

Recent projects underway include preparation for the annual Elf on a Store Shelf holiday event that kicks off November 14 and the administration of a historical grant survey project that she applied for on behalf of the Fort Morgan Historical Preservation Board. The Elf on a Store Shelf campaign is part of a broader shop local campaign that aligns with the economic development department’s goal of supporting Fort Morgan’s existing businesses and tax base.

With the likely outlook for increased visitor activity due to the HGTV project, she is preparing for a series of small business workshops that will help businesses take advantage of the community’s newly discovered “fame” as well as improving the merchants’ overall marketing efforts.

Many of her hobbies revolve around visual arts, and one can find her in her art studio creating collages, painting pictures, or snapping photos. A self proclaimed life long learner, she is currently completing an associate’s degree in multi media/graphic design. She is an avid reader and enjoys running/walking. Non profit and civic organizations have always held a special place in her heart, and she continues to contribute her time and energy to advance their missions through volunteer work.

She, and her husband, Denny, also maintain a 50 vine vineyard and small garden and cheer on the Broncos and the Golden State Warriors during the sport seasons.

MENT PROFILE

FORT MORGAN ECONOMIC

FUN FACTS!

There are many reasons Fort Morgan is attractive to businesses.

Some of these include:

Municipally owned utilities (e.g.- Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, and Sanitation) at the best rate in all of Northeast Colorado along with expedite access to infrastructure and usage

Available fiber optic network throughout the city providing gigabit service Competitive local, State, and federal incentives Access to skilled workforce and affordable cost of living

Did you know?

The City of Fort Morgan is a designated Certified Local Government (CLG) with a majority of our historical properties located in our downtown.

Our downtown features local restaurants, boutique shops, a historical movie theatre, and much more!

Our events provide our residents and visitors family fun entertainment year round.

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT &

Gone to this gym since freshman year of high school and the great vibes have been there since day one. Great place and great people who ke it more enjoyable. Not mention top of the line quipment and classes!

I love the Body Firm! eryone is really friendly. ey have a wide variety of ograms and equipment to eet every workout need. e trainers and instructors e very knowledgeable. I participate in the Silver akers program for seniors, nd I feel they have been lcoming to older people. t a great place to work out and get healthy!

THE BODY FIRM

TheBodyFirmFitnessCenterhasbeenselectedasthismonth’sBusinessoftheMonthrecipientforits valuablecontributionstoourcommunityandtothehealthofthosethatthisbusinessserves. Eachmonth thisdistinctionisbestowedonaFortMorganbusinessthatexcelsinsuchareasasprideintheirbusiness, topnotchcustomerservice,growth,activeinvolvementinareaorganizationsandprograms,aswellas communitycontributionsthatassistincreatingabetterqualityoflife.

Startingabusinessisnevereasy. Thereisatremendousamountofriskandchallenges,especiallywhen coupledwithayoungfamilytocareforandanoccupationchangewhenthefamilyfarmsold However,a drivingforcetobeabletochampionandofferaservicethatimprovespeople’slivesiswhatpropelled ownersMarkandPaulaHoughtolaunchthesuccessfulfitnesscenter.Thecouplespentoverayear researchingandplanningforthenewfacility,locatedat721EastPlatteAvenue,aswellasdeterminingifit couldremainopenandstayafloatinoursmallercommunity.

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT &

Challengeswereplentiful,particularlyinthebeginning years. Thegymoperatedfrom5:00a.m.to10:00p.m., sevendaysperweekwithmostoftheshiftsatthattime coveredbyPauladuetolowstaffingnumbers. Paula oftenjokesthatherchildrenwereraisedinthegym. Overthenexttwodecades,thebusinesswouldalso encounterthe2008recessionandpandemicshutdowns eventstestingthetenacityandthedeterminationtokeep fulfillingacommunityneedandthisoverridingpassion

TheHoughsopenedthedoorsofTheBodyFirmtheday afterChristmasin2001. Theyhadpresold150 membershipsbeforethatfirstdayofoperationsgiving themtheconfidencethatthiswasabusinessventurethat couldsucceed. Thebusinesshasgrownsincethenand nowservesnearly10percentofthelocalpopulation

Toachievethisremarkablegrowth,thebuildinghas experiencedmakeoversandrepairs,upgradesand reinvestmentinequipment,andtheadditionofvarious fitnessclassesandpersonaltrainerstoitsstaffofeighteen people Infact,these18individualsaremorethan employees,andPaulaisquicktorecognizetheirrolein thebusiness’scontinuedsuccess Theteammembers’ loveforfitnessandpeopleisevident,andthepositive atmosphereinthegymdisplayedonadailybasisis largelyduetotheircontributions

Inadditiontothisemphasisoncustomerservice,isthe remarkablecommitmentTheBodyFirmanditsowners haveforthecommunityofFortMorgan.TheBodyFirm trainersprovidefreeclassesforalmostanyorganization thatrequestsitaswellasspacefornonprofit organizationstoofferhealthyoptionsinthecommunity, suchasbreakdanceclassesforlocalyouthandKidzat TheirBestclientshavingaplacetospendtimeduringthe hotsummermonths Duringthethreemonthpandemic shutdown,oneofitstrainersofferedfreeonlineclasses toeveryoneinthecommunityoneverysingledayof closure Itisalsocommontoseethebusiness’smonetary supportofvariousnonprofitorganizationsatfundraising auctions.

THE BODY FIRM

The gift of time cannot be underestimated. Mark has been actively involved with the local Alzheimer’s Walk through his Edward Jones office and Paula is currently serving her 13th year as the Fort Morgan High School cross country coach. As Morgan County natives who were born and raised in the area, they continue to recognize the importance of actively supporting community efforts and outreach to enable Fort Morgan to thrive in the future.

Because of the Body Firm, its owners, and its team members, our community is fortunate to have a business committed to be a part of people’s health journey. We recognize and thank the October Business of the Month, the Body Firm Fitness Center, for the outstanding work and contributions it provides in order to make Fort Morgan a great place to live, work, and enjoy.

IN RECOGNITIONBIRTHDAYS & WORK ANNIVERSARIES!

11/20 11/21

11/6

11/7

11/11

11/12

11/13 11/16

11/18

Bob Covey

Ty Hamer & Alex Mai Dustin Heid

Jeffrey Castrup & J.W. Willis

Cathy Ruhl Jorge Rico Jr. Auden Rey

BIRTHDAYS

WORK ANNIVERSARIES YEARS OF SERVICE

11/1

Brian Herrera, 1 year

11/2 Harrison Godin Kevin Miller, 28 years

11/5 Alex Mai, 1 year

Cathy Ruhl, 10 years

11/19

William Vance, 4 years

11/22 Chris Bostron, 18 years

1/7

Mike Bennett, 6 1years

11/10 Victor Perez Vargas, 8 years

11/15 Harrison Godin, 2 years

11/27 Patrick Fitts, 5 years

11/29 John Brennan, 12 years

Adam Blake

Tyler Hedke & Tony Hochanadel

11/30 Carrie Carlson, 2 years

11/25 11/28 11/29

Bill Lorenzini & Lisa Samples Steven Kage Ruben Rios & Stephen Vosburg

November is a

THIS MONTH IS NO-SHAVE NOVEMBER

No-Shave November is observed each year to provide education about cancer prevention, to save lives and to aid those fighting the disease.

Thanksgiving celebrations have evolved throughout the years and now often include parades and Thanksgiving Day football games.

Turkey may not have been on the menu in 1621, but today almost 90 percent of Americans eat the bird on this holiday

Nov

UPCOMING EVENTS

SeniorCenter

GnomeMaking CraftingwithLisa:11/3/22:2p.m. 4p.m.:Learnhowtomakea festiveholidaygnomewithseasonalfabric Bringyourownfabricorfeelfreetoselect fromthefabricprovided.Suppliesprovided.Makeacutegnometoaddaspartofyour homedécoradditionthatcanstayupallyearlong!

FridayMovieAfternoon:11/4/22:2:00 4p.m.:Grabaseat,getreadyforlights, camera,action! Moviefeatured:It’saMadMadMadMadWorld(1963) Presentationin theafternoon.Popcornandsodaprovided.

101stArmyBandConcert@UnionColonyCivicCenter:11/6/22:10:30a.m.: Exhilaratingworldclassperformancetohonorveterans acomponentoftheCOArmy NationalGuard&musicambassadorsforthestateandUSArmy Hearthelargest ensembleintheregimentplayingavarietyofpatrioticmusic,marches,andconcert piecesinGreeley,CO.First,we’llgrablunch@Doug’sDinerfollowedbytheconcert. Costis$8fortransportation,mealonyourown

SeniorNightOut:11/9/22:4p.m. 7:30p.m.:Bringthecreworgosoloandenjoy anightoutoftownwithdinnerandgoodcompany!ThismonthweheadtoLuckyFinsin Greeley,CO. Briningyoutothesurfandturfseafood,sushi,andgrill!Busdepartsfrom SeniorCenterat4:00p.m.returningby8p.m.$8fortransportation.Mealonown.

MedicarePresentation&Meeting:11/10/22: 2:00p.m. 3:30p.m.:Hearfrom MedicarerepslivetoanswerquestionsonhowMedicareworksandhowyoucanensure yourowneligibility Findoutwhatbenefitscanhelpyou!FeaturedintheMainHall

MoneySmartPresentationbyGoldenBeltBank:11/15/22:3p.m.: Letusbriefyou oncommonfraudtechniquestargetingseniors You'llwalkawaywithstrategiesfor keepingyourmoneyandassetssafe.GetChecklistsonhowtoprotectyourselffrom variousschemes,learnthetypesofcybersecurityplatforms,beprovidedrefusalscripts, hearaboutthetypesoffinancialexploitationandhowyoucanreportelderfinancial abuse.PresentedbyTraciSchaeferandLoriPeterson.

MindfulMeditationwithMadeline:11/16/22:8:30a.m.:Indoorandoutdoorclass focusedonteachingdifferentmeditationandstressmanagementtechniques.Includes guidedmeditation,mindfulnessexercise,andgroupdiscussion Chairmeditation Featuredonceamonth!

NovemberBirthdays’Party:11/22/22:2p.m.-4p.m.:Isyourbirthdayinthemonth ofNovember?Comerecognizethosewhocelebratedthismonthwithabirthdayparty! Cakeprovided!