
Get Out and Explore
Get Out and Explore
Yep. And it could be yours for just $25 bucks.
Here’s the deal. After the Broomfield Rotary Police & Fire Golf Tournament on July 22nd, there will be a Golf Ball Drop. The three balls that land closest to or in the hole win cash prizes, up to $5,000!
Purchase as many golf balls as you want! All proceeds benefit the Police & Fire Fund supporting our local first responders in their time of need. Even if your ball doesn’t win, you can’t lose when you’re helping our local heroes!
SCAN TO LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE GOLF BALLS!
Golf Ball Drop takes place after the Broomfield Rotary Police & Fire Golf Tournament on July 22nd, at 4pm. When the balls drop, if your ball is in or one of the three closest to the hole, you win! Purchase your tickets for a chance to win prize money. After your purchase, you will be emailed a confirmation with your ball numbers. NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN!
1st Ball in or Closest to the Hole $5,000
2nd Ball in or Closest to the Hole $3,000
3rd Ball in or Closest to the Hole $2,000
You might have heard that Broomfield was recently recognized as one of the top 100 places to live in the country.
More specifically, it is actually ranked in the top 10.
Broomfield was given the distinction of being the 6th best place to live in the United States. Sixth. That means there are five better places to live. And as it turns out, Broomfield outranks 7th place Overland Park, Kansas by a mere two points.
Thanks for the recognition, Livability (the organization that made this list based on data points and an algorithm). Six out of 100 sounds nice, but you’re completely wrong. Broomfield is actually the BEST PLACE to live in the United States.
All the data, algorithms, and AI in the world can’t capture the real, HUMAN experience of what it’s like to live, breathe, and explore this beautiful place with a rich and storied history that inspires exploration, humanity, and a lifestyle built on community.
With that, Sarah and I are proud to introduce our friend and long-time local Tim Seibert. As you’ll learn in this month’s cover story, Tim has spent many years exploring our community, not only to capture the beauty and serenity of it all, but to also inspire others to experience Broomfield.
Broomfield can’t be understood through data and algorithms. If we want to know what makes this place number one, we have to pull our heads off the screens and GO EXPLORE.
Your Publisher,
JUSTIN SCHIERKOLK, PUBLISHER
PUBLISHER
Justin Schierkolk | justin.schierkolk@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Schierkolk | sarah.schierkolk@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Walker | julie@wordstellastory.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Sarah Schierkolk | sarah.schierkolk@citylifestyle.com, Kathleen Martin | Kathleen.Martin@elevationscu.com, Kevin Getz
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Flatirons Pro Media, David Glessner Works
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
1-7: Grant a Dream Foundation sent caregiver parents back home to their loved ones after a weekend retreat in Colorado Springs with hope in their hearts and smiles on their faces.
The Broomfield Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes the following new members. Please consider these businesses first when the need arises! Blue Mode Solutions, Chop Shop, Choza, Clean Queen, Kep Klen, Kimberly Morris Interiors, Smith & Weidinger, Summit Cleaning, The Loving Creative and Thrivent - David Grundy. For a full list of local businesses, head to broomfieldchamber.com .
-Mia Reinke
The City and County of Broomfield invites you to spend your Fourth of July at the Great American Picnic! Starting at 5 p.m. at Broomfield Commons, there will be fun for the whole family, with inflatables, concessions and food vendors and a beer garden for those 21+. Add a creative spin to your holiday in the one-ofa-kind Bike Parade, then enjoy live music starting at 6 p.m. The evening ends with a bang with fireworks set off at 9:15 p.m.
Congratulations to John’s Table, your neighborhood gathering place. John’s Table is a family-owned/operated hot spot where the food offered is made by their dedicated chefs who take pride in preparing dishes from scratch. Pair your meal with a craft cocktail, mocktail, wine, or a local beer and leave the cooking and cleaning to them so you can enjoy time with friends, neighbors, co-workers, family, or even a date night. They can’t wait to see you!
We’re
67% of families are vulnerable. If something happens to the parents, the state decides what happens with children and assets.
I will help you secure your family and their future.
Scan to get in touch.
BEHIND THE LENS OF LOCAL BROOMFIELD PHOTOGRAPHER, TIM SEIBERT
“It was the times we were forced to change plans due to weather conditions or timing issues that an image I captured became the most spiritual.”
For over 30 years, Tim Seibert worked in the newspaper industry as a circulation manager with a desire to provide exceptional customer satisfaction. Having always been a photography enthusiast of nature, Tim noticed on his morning drive to the newspaper that the topography of Colorado allowed him to actually see the morning light travel across the landscape.
“Getting up in the middle of the night allowed me to witness the quality light before, during and shortly after sunrise. That was my reward for this often thankless job,” Tim recalls. If you have ever been up with the birds to witness the alpenglow on the mountainside, you have had the privilege of observing one of God's magnificent creations.
Tim’s career at the newspaper ended in April of 2013. Not quite sure where he would go from there, he took a leap of faith and launched Flatirons Pro Media in September that same year. He built his
business on desire to deliver exceptional customer service to his clients by providing professional real estate, commercial and event photography.
Missing that satisfaction of capturing the early morning alpenglow during sunrise, Tim and the late Gerry Case (a fellow photographer, Heart of Broomfield recipient and otherwise known around town as Santa Claus) would travel to Rocky Mountain National Park, the Indian Peaks Wilderness and numerous Colorado State Parks to photograph mornings' first light. Each trip into the mountains would be a spiritual experience. Most times, they had a location and image in mind. “It was the times we were forced to change plans due to weather conditions or timing issues that an image I captured became the most spiritual,” Tim reminisces.
Due to the upswing in the housing market, Tim found his camera was being used for more real estate photography
“With
the combination of the unique Flatirons and the Indian Peaks, Broomfield has a “front-row seat” to the best Front Range mountain views in the state.”
rather than unique mountain landscapes. However, Tim soon realized that he did not have to go into the mountains to capture the beauty of nature, as Broomfield had many of its own beautiful parks and open spaces. With the combination of the unique Flatirons and Indian Peaks, Broomfield has a “front-row seat” to the best Front Range mountain views in the state. Lac Amora Open Space is that frontrow seat!
During one of his adventures around town, Tim snapped an early morning photo at Tom Frost Reservoir, located northwest of Midway and Lowell Boulevards. Naturally, Tim shared his photo on social media for others to witness Broomfield’s beauty. At some point, Bette Erickson, board member of the Broomfield Open Space Foundation (BOSF) and former Mayor Pro Tem, and Pat Quinn, former mayor and President of BOSF, “liked” his photo on Facebook.
BOSF was started in June of 2006 on a mission to protect, enhance and promote the enjoyment of our open spaces, trails and wildlife. Broomfield is fortunate to have an abundance of designated parks and open space primarily used for recreation, physical and mental wellness, and to appreciate Broomfield’s natural beauty. The city's Open Space, Parks, Recreation and Trails Plan (OSPRT) has a strategy to reach 40% public and private open
space and park land to serve a variety of functions, including conserving and protecting natural, cultural, historical, agricultural, and scenic resources; providing recreation opportunities; and shaping the pattern of growth and development. With the combination of the BOSF mission, the Open Space and Trails Department and Tim’s desire to capture the beauty of his hometown, a relationship was born.
On his own, Tim began photographing BOSF events, his favorite being the Kids Fishing Derby held every year at either Tom Frost Reservoir or Metzger Farm. By graciously sharing his photos for BOSF to use to promote their events, the City’s Open Space and Trails Department caught a glimpse of Tim’s gift for capturing nature and wildlife. Both members of BOSF and Open Space and Trails staff unanimously urged Tim to submit many of his images for Broomfield’s new Health & Human Services building. It’s with no surprise that the art selection committee bought 26 of his images. Many still hang there today, both in public and secure areas.
Tim’s relationship with BOSF and the Open Space and Trails Department continued, and in 2022, he was commissioned to capture 17 designated open spaces in all four seasons. Tim thought, “This should be easy—I already have most of those images.” That was until he was told he needed to include specific wildlife and people using
CONTINUED >
these spaces. The wildlife he could manage during his routine early morning exploring. The problem was, “There are very few people out at sunrise in our parks and open space,” Tim pondered.
Beginning in the spring of 2022, Tim ventured out at all hours of the day to capture Broomfield’s open spaces, the unique wildlife and the elusive humans not found at sunrise. According to Kristan Pritz, Director of Open Space and Trails for the City of Broomfield, “Tim's photos capture those magic moments in our open spaces by showing people enjoying the landscape, wildlife flourishing throughout the system and the simple beauty of open space.” Tim completed the project in the winter of 2022-23. Tim continues to spend each day using his passion to help his clients, whether that is helping homeowners sell or rent their home, event coordinators capture the essence of an event or business owners elevate their websites. In between it all, you will still find Tim in silence during sunrises, enjoying the peace and beauty of God's creation, right in his backyard.
“What I discovered over the last 10-plus years of photographing Broomfield is that we do not have to go to the mountains to find beauty. In my opinion, Broomfield has the best Front Range views in the state with the Flatirons and Indian Peaks at our front door. The beauty is right here in our open spaces and parks, many of which have mountain views, and others are little intimate areas like Metzger Farms’ abundant wildlife.”
WEE TRAVEL PRESENTS: Spain’s Classics & Portugal!
With Optional 4-Night Barcelona And Costa Brava Pre-Tour Extension 15 Days! (Space is limited) 20 Meals (13 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 5 Dinners)
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Seville Walking Tour or Guadalquivir River Boat Ride and much more!
Round-Trip Airfare Included!
Three Departure Dates to Choose from: October 12th, 19th, or 26th
Scan Code for More Information!
LEARN HOW STANG AUTO TECH BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER.
ARTICLE BY KEVIN GETZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID GLESSNER WORKS
Humans have always been exploring. Whether to find food, water, shelter, or even to discover what is over the next mountain, that exploration has been limited by how fast they can travel and what they can imagine. A baby’s crawl can’t take them far, but it sure can get them into trouble, as any parent can attest. A walking child can venture even farther from home to see the world and meet new people. Progressing to a bicycle and what seems an impossible distance to travel on foot becomes a breeze. Increased mobility helps us more easily determine what types of people and places we enjoy.
For many of us, the ultimate freedom to explore comes from driving an automobile. How many teenagers retire their bicycle the day they get their driver’s license and first car? Being alone in your car can be a private retreat as you drive along a winding mountain road or through the serene eastern plains. At other times, you can be alone in your car but surrounded by thousands of people on I-25 during rush hour. Some folks use a car simply for transportation. They fill it with gas and forget about everything else. Others go to the opposite extreme by keeping their vehicle spotless, name it, and treat it like part of the family. No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, each provides its own way to explore. The automobile allows us to connect with others, make friends, and share experiences.
That all stops when your car breaks down. No one gleefully states, “My car is in the shop.” When your two-ton friend is grounded, your emotional and financial well-being takes a hit. What are some things you can do to prevent that from happening?
“Budget for maintenance, even if you own a new car,” says Robert Blaes, the owner of Stang Auto Tech, who has been working on cars at his Broomfield shop since 1996. “People naturally budget for the car payment, gasoline, and insurance, but they often fail to budget for maintenance and repairs. Without proper maintenance, your vehicle will end up needing more frequent and costly repairs.”
“The number of moving parts in a car is amazing,” states the former Rocky Flats electrician turned auto enthusiast. “Our vehicles are exposed to extreme heat and cold, snow, rain, hail, dust, bumpy roads, potholes, and the added hazards of congested traffic. It’s surprising that cars don’t break down more often!”
CONTINUED >
Next, Robert recommends finding a good mechanic and then sticking with them. How do you know if you’ve found the right shop? “Interview them. Ask them their thoughts on maintenance and repairs. Ask them if they will explain why certain preventive procedures are necessary and what is involved with eventual repairs. It’s about having a relationship with your mechanic. When you find a good one, stick with him and tell your friends.”
With 28 years in the same location on West 116th Avenue, Stang Auto Tech has built a reputation for fostering relationships with both clients and staff. They have three expert technicians, three apprentices, five interns, and two service advisors. The business is a family affair with his wife, three sons, daughter-inlaw, and mother also involved.
Robert bought his first car, a broken-down Ford Mustang, as a high school project. His father and grandfather, part-time mechanics, cheered him on. He still owns that car. He continued to spend evenings and weekends doing the “gear-head thing,” almost exclusively on Mustangs. When he quit working at Rocky Flats to open a full-time auto service shop, he naturally named it Stang Auto Tech because of his love for Mustangs.
Stang is now a fixture in Broomfield. Many of their clients come from as far away as Castle Rock and Brighton, a testament to their work ethic and dedication. “It’s not just about parts and labor. It’s really a service that we provide, and parts and labor are just two of the ingredients,” Robert explains.
Grateful to the community for its success, Stang celebrates by hosting an annual Community Appreciation Day scheduled for September 7th, 2024, from 11:00 –2:00. This event is a chance for clients and technicians to meet each other outside of the garage. There is a bouncy house for the little ones. Burgers, hot dogs, cookies, soda, and Kona Ice are provided. An amazing car show fills the three surrounding parking lots. There is no fee to show your car or attend. Novice and experienced car
renovators can meet, swap stories, and show off their labor of love. Last year, they had 86 cars to admire. It is a fun event for the entire family that gets people outside doing something different. And the cherry on top? The event is a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Attendees donate money, and Stang Auto Tech matches those donations. What a great way to explore Broomfield’s vibrant business district, help those in need, and build relationships along the way!
- Kathy J.
EXPLORING DREAM HOME CONSTRUCTION IN THE FRONT RANGE
ARTICLE BY KATHLEEN MARTIN
“We get to see the owners’ excitement as their dream home, their perfect home, comes out of the ground.”
Children often plan their future houses, penciling treehouses, fire poles and slides. While the exact plans change quite a lot, some adults never let go of the dream of building a home of their own.
As Broomfield residents enjoy staying in beautiful mountain properties, they may start to envision building homes that break the mold and suit their needs. The process can be thrilling for everyone involved.
“We get to see the owners’ excitement as their dream home, their perfect home, comes out of the ground," said Paul Watkins, senior commercial loan officer at Elevations Credit Union.
However, there are practicalities behind these dreams, especially financial ones. Connecting with lenders early in the process helps home builders preview the road ahead and help them prepare.
“They don’t need to have made every decision already to start that conversation,” Watkins said. “The sooner they can engage a lender the better.”
FOR PEOPLE CONSIDERING CUSTOM BUILDS, WATKINS
OVER-BUDGET AND PLAN CONTINGENCIES.
The plans for a home can change quite a bit, but a loan may not reflect the cost of the final plans.
Over-budget to help give yourself a cushion, and plan to have contingency funds above the contractor’s estimated costs in case of cost increases.
CONSTRUCTION COSTS DO NOT ALWAYS EQUATE TO APPRAISED VALUE.
Many people assume they’ll make back the cost of higher quality materials, fixtures and innovative designs. But these elements are just one factor of home value.
Having as much detail as possible on a “specification sheet” document prior to appraisal helps ensure the appraised value reflects those aspects of your home.
EXPECT LENDING TO BE DIFFERENT FROM THE MORTGAGE PROCESS.
Though there are multiple construction loan types, they tend to have a shorter term than mortgages and require much
more money down. Think a handful of years and 20% down versus 20-30 years and 3-10% down.
DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE ON YOUR CONTRACTOR.
Lenders like Elevations will typically require a certified contractor for a project. Beyond that, make sure they have experience and expertise in building homes like the one you’re planning and check their references.
If a contractor doesn’t deliver, it could cost you much more and complicate your funding.
ENSURE LAND IS FREE AND CLEAR BEFORE YOU SEEK FUNDING.
Make sure you have the legal right to build on the piece of land you’re planning. To help ensure a project is not rushed, many financial institutions like Elevations also prefer you to already own the land before looking into construction lending.
FIND A TRUSTED CONSTRUCTION LENDER.
There’s so much pressure in planning and building your own home, but you don’t have to do it alone. Work with a lender who is experienced in construction lending and keen on guiding you throughout the process. That way, you can feel confident that they will look out for your best interests.
For example, Elevations Credit Union helps keep projects on track by making sure lien waivers (proof of payment for work or materials) get signed right away, which helps builders and contractors get paid appropriately.
Elevations takes pride in protecting their clients throughout the lending process, even sending inspectors to review construction progress.
“A new home build is often the largest asset someone will own, and we take that very seriously,” Watkins said.
Once an Elevations construction loan is complete, the lenders offer a variety of options, to convert the loan into a mortgage that fits the homeowners’ needs.
The top credit union mortgage lender by purchase volume in Colorado, the organization offers efficient mortgage processing. This makes it simple for homeowners to convert their construction loans to mortgages and builds to dream homes.
Insured by NCUA | Equal Housing Opportunity | NMLS #717246
A FUN AND CREATIVE TRAVEL SNACK
GUARANTEED TO SATISFY EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY.
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
Planning to load up the family truckster and head out on an adventure? This easyto-pack and satisfying snack is a great way to keep growling tummies quiet while you’re behind the wheel. Grab the kids, prepare it together, and try not to eat them all before you hit the road!
• 2 cups quick oats
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup apple butter
• 1 large banana, mashed (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pepitas
• 1/2 cup raisins
1/ Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2/ Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl of a stand mixer (or hand mixer). Mix until all the ingredients are combined and the dough is thick and heavy.
3/ Portion 1/4 cup mounds of cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten out into a cookie shape. (The cookies will not spread in the oven.)
4/ Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
5/ Cover leftover cookies and store at room temperature for up to 5 days or 10 days in the fridge.
Just on the outskirts of Austin, nestled on 400 acres of luscious and sprawling countryside, this fun-filled resort does not disappoint. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a family-friendly destination that offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Guests are transported to a simpler time where both adults and kids can be seen casually riding bicycles around the property or strolling along the Colorado River that hugs the resort. Open areas with yard games, outdoor game tables, sports courts and a mini golf course invite families to engage in activities that allow for quality time spent enjoying the outdoors.
Choose between an adventurous getaway or a serene escape, as Lost Pines Resort and Spa has something for everyone. Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more. Cool off poolside at one of the many pools, or float on the 1,000-foot lazy river.
The expansive, 18-hole, 7,200 yard golf course designed by award-winning architect Arthur Hills, allows
golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of this championship course.
A Texas ranch-style resort wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visit the Lost Pines corral for daily meet and greets with longhorns, miniature ponies, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas and pigs. Families can enjoy nightly movies on the outdoor movie screen. Scheduled kids activities are available day and evening throughout your stay. The expansive grounds allow guests to spend time exploring the activities on the property.
The resort offers a variety of dining experiences for the culinary enthusiast including six different on-site restaurants, each offering unique bites and beverages. Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at Stories, where all food is sourced from local purveyors. They also offer an expansive selection of wines, scotch, and mixed drinks. For a unique dining experience, visit the renowned, exclusive 10-seat omakase, Sushi By Scratch, with Chef Philip Frankland Lee. This menu-free establishment boasts a private and unexpected experience that is sure to please. Advanced reservations are required and encouraged as dining spots fill up quickly. For a more casual dining experience, visit one of the other four on-site restaurants including Maverick’s Roadhouse, buffet style dining at Heartwood House, light bites enjoyed poolside at Old Buck’s Place or eat alfresco at Maude’s Bar and Terrace.
After a day of making memories, retreat to the newly remodeled and spacious rooms and suites. The views are breathtaking, and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation.
The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the perfect vacation destination to recharge regardless of what stage of life you are in. For more information visit LostPinesResortandSpa.com
JULY 2024
“My
EVERY THURSDAY JUNE 6TH THROUGH JULY 25TH
Summer of Fun Concert Series at Flatirons Crossing Flatirons Crossing Food Court Plaza - Visit Us at One West FlatIron Crossing Dr Broomfield, CO 80021
The highly anticipated Summer of Fun Concert Series is back! Join us June 6 - July 25 (every Thursday from 6-8pm) in the Food Court Plaza for some live music in the sun and a beer garden provided by Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar! Additional activities include face painting, balloon twisting, lawn games and Kona Ice. Don’t miss out and mark your calendars today!
JUNE 17TH-JULY 26TH
Summer Dance Camps at
Colorado Conservatory of Dance
Colorado Conservatory of Dance - 3001 Industrial Lane, #12, Broomfield, CO 80020
For Ages 5 to 8 Years old. Every week, we carefully select a theme that adds vibrancy and depth to our activities. Whether drawing inspiration from popular culture or delving into the rich tapestry of literature, our themes are thoughtfully curated to enhance your experience and provide a dynamic, engaging environment. Head to ccdance.org for more information.
JULY 1ST, 5TH, 12TH, 17TH, 18TH & 19TH
Ninja Camps at
Warrior Challenge Arena
Warrior Challenge Arena - 3400 Industrial Ln. Broomfield, CO 80020
Team and Personal Challenges, Competition Games and High Flying Stunts are all facilitated by our friendly staff and catered to the skills of the group. When school is out, Warrior Challenge Arena is IN! *Times vary. Head to
CONTINUED
warriorchallengearena.com for more information.
JULY 14TH & AUGUST 11TH
Brunner Farmhouse - 640 Main St. Broomfield, CO 80020 | 4:00 PM
The Summer Sunday Festivals are FREE to the community and held once a month. Each festival features a booth portion with interactive stations from 4-6 p.m., followed by a live concert from 6-8 p.m. These events bring interactive and enriching experiences to the community and provide local artists the opportunity to connect with the public. There will be face painting, balloon artists and more. It’s fun for the whole family!
JULY 16TH
Revival Energy Center - 6343 W 120th Ave, Broomfield, CO 80020 | 7:00 PM
AcuDetox/AcuWellness uses a five needle protocol in the ear which can reduce stress and anxiety, ease pain, and improve overall health. Meanwhile, the energy enhancement system uses light and sound frequencies to promote deep, relaxation and mental clarity. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to enhance your physical and mental well-being. Reserve your spot today!
JULY 27TH
Broomfield Library - 3 Community Park Rd, Broomfield, CO 80020 | 2:00 PM
An Outdoor Gear and Clothing Swap is an event where new and gently used outdoor gear and clothing items are exchanged. Community members are encouraged to trade secondhand apparel and gear related to camping, hiking and any other outdoor adventuring. All items are available for free and while supplies last. Canned goods and toiletries are accepted in lieu of items to swap.
Roy is an HVAC slacker, neglecting his system, assuming “If it aint broke, don’t fix it”. Tom gets his HVAC system inspected yearly, avoiding thousands of dollars in lost efficiency and equipment breakdowns. ATTENTION