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Unforgettable memories are made here! Enjoy endless adventure and fun together in one extraordinary place.
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Kids and Pets and Summer: Oh, My!
Hailing from the film world, I’m often reminded of the well-known adage of avoiding, when possible, working with children and animals on a production. But really, when it comes to our daily living, where’s the fun in that? Especially during summertime – these balmy, activity-packed days throughout our naturally splendid region.
One obscure media professor recently opined that the real reason show business folks say no to children and animals is that they are worried they’ll be upstaged. This actually goes back to vaudeville days when acts hated going on after shows involving children and/or animals for fear the audience would already be clapped out!
A quick peek online clinches it: human beings tend to be the kind of people who love watching and interacting with kids and pets. After all, you never know what they’ll do, where they’ll go or, as Golden Age television’s Art Linkletter taught us so many decades ago, what they’ll say next.
Having lived in Greeley for a few months now, and having experienced so much of what our quaint, rural college town has to offer, I have to say that, without kids or pets of my own, even I know that life with the young and the furry adds so much to our day-to-day routine.
Romping around with my friends’ kids or engaging in deep, philosophical conversations with their dogs, cats, fish or, in Greeley in particular, horses, cows and chickens, embellishes my worldview to such an extent that I know I can’t be alone in my admiration.
As such, I am delighted to have helped navigate the trusty ship Greeley Lifestyle through the adventurous waters of our August edition focusing on kids and pets.
In venturing through the following pages, you too will be invigorated by the refreshing splashes of stories, interviews, spotlights and photos on subjects such as the new SmartLabs courtesy of the Success Foundation, how pint-sized ice skaters are keeping cool at the Ice Haus, how to raise and maintain your own chickens in your backyard and how one of the nation’s top Women’s Volleyball players is working at UNC to inspire the next generation of future leaders.
Thanks for the memory,
MATHEW KLICKSTEIN, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @GREELEYLIFESTYLE
Taylor Henderson, Lyndsey Oates, Mathew Klickstein
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tiara Rose Photography, Shel Francis Creative
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
A full mouth implant rehabilitation is utilized to restore the natural beauty of your teeth when your teeth are beyond repair. All cases are restored in provisional restorations prior to completing the case to ensure ideal esthetics, speech, and function. Once all these requirements are met, the case can be finalized with a full arch implant prosthesis that will give you the ultimate in beauty and function. All full mouth reconstruction cases begin with an hour consultation with Dr. Thompson and our amazing team to help you achieve the results you desire.
Single Implants
Full Mouth Reconstruction with All-on-4
BARK SAFE INTERNET SURFING FOR KIDS
Raising kids in the digital age isn’t easy. With so many dangers lurking online, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your children. Bark allows you to monitor your child’s online activity and alerts you of any red flags.
Monitor Content:
Get key insights into your child’s online world and receive warnings about potential issues.
Receive Alerts:
Get automatic alerts via email and text when Bark’s algorithms detect risks.
Set Location Alerts:
Get notified when your kid arrives at or leaves a set location.
Bark is included with our 2.3 GIG internet package, and can be purchased with 1 GIG or 500 Mbps for $10/month.
ProtectIQ adds an extra layer of security at the router level, which means safer surfing on all your devices. It blocks malicious content, scans for viruses, and alerts you right away if any suspicious activity occurs.
ProtectIQ is included with all internet packages.
ExperienceIQ provides even greater network control. Set up content filters, block specific apps or sites, set up device-specific time limits and more!
ExperienceIQ is included with all 1 GIG or 2.3 GIG internet packages. It can be purchased with 500 Mbps for $5/month.
city scene
1: Greeley-ites gather for weekly arts & crafts meetup at John Galt Coffee 2: Santa's early season's greetings with Pirate Radio's George Gray (right) at KGXY Fly-In 3: Summer athletes work hard at SOAR during the offseason 4: Rodz & Bodz Movie Cars & More Museum owner Zack Loffert at his Content Creator Car Show 5: Life Stories Pull For Youth 2024 winners: Sturgeon Electric – Mark Sterkel, Colton Boxberger, Jacob Printz, Mike Sisneros 6: UNC Football hosted its second annual “No Limits” camp with over 100 individuals with disabilities joining the team at Nottingham Field 7: Jared Chandler hosts the Comedy Open Mic at Stella's Pinball Arcade & Lounge
8: Steven Mozeika shows off first and second place ribbons at regionals for the Special Olympics 9: Front Range Interiors owner Jeff Ullum rocks out at the Evans Chamber After Hours 10: Alex Bray finishes strong in the 100M walk event for the Special Olympics 11: The Grit's Moo Moo visits the Greeley Stampede Rodeo 12: Competitors ready for the Mutton Busting at the Greeley Stampede 13: Cowboys strut around the Greeley Stampede grounds 14: The Greeley Stampede Western Art Show Reception (L to R: Gene Haffner, Lisa Sherrod and Jolene Yates)
15: Chevron Greeley: proud presenting sponsor of the 2024 Greeley Stampede 16: A few of the amazing volunteers behind the Greeley Stampede 17: Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies Physicians, Spouses and Leadership team with Trent Johnson at Greeley Hat Works 18: Chicken Salad Chick representing at the Greeley Stampede 19: Miss Rodeo Colorado contestants at the Greeley Stampede
ALLO’s All-Fiber Network Coming to Kersey
ALLO Fiber announced a transformative FTTP project in Kersey, providing up to 10 Gigabit internet speeds alongside robust telephone and video services. Supported by a State of Colorado grant, this initiative promises enhanced educational and business opportunities. Construction aims to elevate connectivity with symmetrical speeds and advanced Wi-Fi 6 routers. On top of all that, ALLO ensures exceptional customer service, offering tailored solutions for residents and businesses alike. Visit AlloFiber.com/ Kersey for more details.
Servicing Greeley, CO & Surrounding Areas
Balance Health Brings on New Practitioner
Balance Health is excited to announce that Lindsey Hill, FNP has joined the Balance Health team to provide personalized, direct primary care services to the NoCo community. He has a strong background in emergency services, ICU care and gastroenterology. His southern charm and experience will make anyone feel comfortable on the exam table! He will start accepting new patients on August 12th. Call Balance Health at 970.330.0333 to schedule your appointment.
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Established in 1977, Independent Roofing is a long-standing business in the community that is owned and operated by Weld County natives, now being passed from one generation to the next. for nearly 50 years, we have witnessed many changes to business strategies and operations but what has not changed is our core values. These are our beliefs that have kept us steady in an ever evolving and challenging world.
GOD | FAMILY | COUNTRY
Specializing in sloped, flat, commercial roofing and metal application. We are fully insured with a liability policy through Security Insurance, and our Workers’ Compensation is through Pinnacol Assurance.
2024/25 Musical Gems
UNC CAMPUS COMMONS PERFORMANCE HALL
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 | 2 PM BEETHOVEN CAMERATA
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 | 7:30 PM GREELEY CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 | 7:30 PM BOULDER CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 917 10TH AVE, GREELEY, CO | SUNDAYS AT 2PM
SEPTEMBER 15 | COLORADO PIANO TRIO
OCTOBER 13 | LONDON MUSIC CLUB
NOVEMBER 10 | BITR CELEBRATES VETERANS DAY WITH A VOICE RECITAL FEAT. CHARLES MOORE (TENOR) AND GJERGJI GAQI (PIANO)
JANUARY 26 | COLORADO PIANO TRIO
MARCH 9 | COLORADO PIANO TRIO
APRIL 6 | SPECIAL PIANO RECITAL FEATURING INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED VIRTUOSO SANDRO TSOMAIA MAY 4 | FUTURE STARS STUDENTS SHOWCASE
TICKETS AND SEASON PASSES AVAILABLE ONLINE AND AT THE DOOR. MORE INFORMATION AT BEETHOVENINTHEROCKIES.COM
Volunteers Needed for Caring Canines Therapy Dog Program
Caring Canines, a Northern Colorado non-profit therapy dog program, seeks volunteers in Windsor and Greeley. Founded in 2017, their mission is to enhance quality of life through therapeutic interventions. They serve schools, assisted living facilities and youth centers, focusing on self-regulation, coping strategies and more. With nearly 100 teams, they need more volunteers to meet growing demand. Interested? Visit caringcaninescolorado.org. Or join their team in making a difference by emailing info@caringcaninescolorado.org .
Want to be featured? GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ GREELEY
Autumn by Jim Klein
CHICKENS IN YOUR VERY OWN BACKYARD
So, You Want to Raise Chickens at Home? Here's How!
ARTICLE BY MATHEW KLICKSTEIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIARA ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY
Raising chickens in your backyard can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family, especially if you have young children. Not only will you get fresh eggs, but you’ll also enjoy natural pest control and a step toward sustainable living. Plus, kids can learn valuable lessons about responsibility, empathy and where their food originates.
Max Shelley and his chickens.
“Raising chickens in your backyard can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family.”
In Northern Colorado, with its warm summers and crisp fall weather, the climate is perfect for raising happy and healthy chickens. Whether you’re new to this or already have some experience, here’s a seasonal guide to help you and your feathered friends thrive.
SUMMER LOVIN’
When summer arrives and the days get longer, it’s important to ensure your chickens are comfortable. Provide plenty of shade in their coop to shield them from the intense Colorado sun. Placing heat-tolerant plants around their area can create natural cooling spots. Make sure the coop is well-ventilated to prevent overheating.
Hydration is essential during hot summer months. Keep multiple water sources available and change the water frequently to keep it fresh. Adding electrolytes to the water can help chickens cope with
the heat. Dust baths are a natural way for chickens to stay cool and clean, so set up an area with fine sand or diatomaceous earth.
FEEDING AND CARE
A balanced diet is crucial for egg-laying hens. Along with quality commercial feed, you can give them kitchen scraps and garden trimmings for extra nutrients. Summer is a great time to treat your chickens with fresh fruits and vegetables from your garden or local farmers market. Be sure to avoid toxic foods like avocados and raw potatoes.
Regular health checks are important, especially in summer when pests like mites and flies are more active. Use natural remedies or poultry-safe insecticides to keep these pests away. Watch for signs of heat stress or dehydration, such as panting or lethargy, and take immediate action if needed.
Lucy, Max and Oliver Shelley enjoying their home-raised chickens.
FALLING INTO FALL
As summer turns to fall, the cooler temperatures in Northern Colorado provide a great environment for your chickens. Let your chickens free-range in the yard to forage for insects and enjoy the last of the garden harvest. This not only supplements their diet but also keeps them mentally stimulated.
Fall is also molting season for many chickens, when they shed old feathers and grow new ones. Support their health during this time with protein-rich treats like mealworms. Keep their coop clean and dry to prevent bacterial growth, as wet conditions can lead to health issues.
BENEFITS FOR KIDS
Raising chickens can be particularly beneficial for young children. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Responsibility: Caring for chickens teaches kids about responsibility as they help with daily tasks such as feeding, watering and cleaning the coop.
2. Empathy and Compassion: Interacting with animals can foster empathy and compassion in children as they learn to understand and care for another living being.
3. Education: Kids can learn about biology, life cycles and where food comes from, gaining a deeper understanding of nature and sustainability.
4. Outdoor Activity: Taking care of chickens encourages children to spend time outdoors, engaging in physical activity and connecting with nature.
5. Family Bonding: Raising chickens can be a shared family activity, providing opportunities for parents and children to work together and strengthen their bond.
Top: The Shelley children taking a peek at their backyard chicken coop. Bottom: Lucy Shelley feeding her chickens.
“Each day brings new opportunities for you and your children to enjoy the many rewards of raising chickens in your backyard.”
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
Raising backyard chickens in Northern Colorado also helps fortify community relations and environmental sustainability. Engage with local groups or online forums to share tips and experiences.
Locally, you can also work with Greeley’s Blooming Health Farms, a working aquaponic chicken farm that employs at-risk youth between the ages of 15 and 24.
Through its “Rent The Chicken” program, Blooming Health Farms offers hassle-free rental packages that include egg-laying hens, a movable coop and feed. This specialized service is
available in Greeley, Fort Collins, Boulder and Denver from May to November.
You’ll get: fresh, homegrown eggs right from your backyard every day through an easy-tohandle “turnkey experience.” This means that, from delivery to pick-up, Blooming Health Farms handles all of the logistics, so that you can focus on the joy of raising chickens.
Whether you’re starting with a few hens or expanding your flock, each day brings new opportunities for you and your children to enjoy the many rewards of raising chickens in your backyard.
Happy Chicken Keeping!
Oliver Shelley loves raising chickens!
TRANS F O RMING YOUR OUTDOORS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIARA ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY
FAMILY ROOTS & GREEN DREAMS WITH FISHER LANDSCAPING
Founded in 1987, Fisher Landscaping Inc. maintains its dedication to family values that go far beyond mere business matters. Tammi Fisher, alongside her sons Tyler and Jeff, leads their team with a passion for community, quality craftsmanship and a commitment to their Greeley neighbors.
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Opposite: Weston Stone block garden boxes are a low-maintenance, lifetime solution for raised gardens. Large paver steppers are a good alternative to a solid path. Outdoor lighting creates a great accent for nighttime enjoyment.
This Page: Colorado buff boulders and slab steps. Mega Arbel Paver pathway creates a natural feel to a traditional paver path. Stone veneer for accenting or matching the existing landscape creates a cohesive space.
Paver pool deck designed and installed by Fisher Landscaping. "We have created partnerships with trusted businesses, such as pool builders and general contractors to create outdoor living spaces,” says Tyler Fisher.
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Tammi cherishes the daily collaboration with her sons, highlighting how their close-knit bond continues to be the foundation of both their company and personal lives.
Colorado
a
buff accent boulders in bed areas adjacent to the pool create depth and height.
The Pergola provides a beautiful and
functional shaded area for entertaining.
In addition to building spaces for families in the community to create memories, the Fisher family enjoys their own spaces as well.
Specializing in custom landscaping solutions such as expansive outdoor living spaces, intricate water features and sustainable irrigation systems, Fisher Landscaping excels in individually customizing each project to meet their clients’ unique visions. With over 35 years of passionate service to residential customers, their reputation for excellence and specialized care is firmly rooted in their shared community.
In Greeley and beyond, Fisher Landscaping Inc. isn’t just transforming landscapes— they’re cultivating a legacy of family-first values that continues to flourish.
Colorado buff flagstone, boulder wall and slab steps. Using natural boulders to create retaining walls and steps is a great solution for retainment and aesthetics.
Meet up at our seven micro-breweries, discover our one-of-a-kind shops, or grab your bike to explore part of the 500 miles of gorgeous Colorado trails. From live music to live-it-up adventures, if you’re ready for summer lovin’, Greeley’s got it.
Sparking Success with SmartLabs
Success Foundation's SmartLab Project Sparks Accessible Learning Across School District 6
Dedicated to the mission of building a strong and healthy community by bringing resources together in support of PK-12 education, the Success Foundation’s central vision is to create a venue for advancing youth education. The local organization works to accomplish this through strong partnerships, diverse collaboration, progressive planning, financial support and advocacy.
Most recently, the Success Foundation is proudly celebrating its partnership with School District 6 in providing SmartLab learning environments for all students.
Heralded as “the next step in learning,” SmartLabs engage all learners in a hands-on, project-based approach in which Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines are engaged.
SmartLab sessions are highly personalized and empower students to shape their learning to meet their individual interests, abilities and styles. SmartLabs contribute to the development of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, effective application of technology and creativity.
Spearheaded by Greeley-Evans School District 6 Superintendent Dr. Deidre Pilch, this initiative came to be after
Dr. Pilch took a tour of a similar learning space. She envisioned this space in District 6 and believed that it would have a great impact on the children in our area. Aligned with the District’s Innovation2030 plan, SmartLab implementation commenced in 2019 and will conclude in 2024, with the final four labs set for installation this summer.
“This is our largest fundraising project to date — raising over $4 million — and we are so grateful to all the donors who have made the project possible,” says Julie Hill, Success Foundation Executive Director.
“We could not have done this without former board member, Mike Shoop, who chaired our fundraising committee and was instrumental to our efforts.”
Upon completion, 21 labs will be available district-wide, spanning elementary, middle and K-8 levels — making District 6 the nation’s largest SmartLab adopter. Success Foundation donors primarily funded the project, with mill levy override dollars sustaining it.
“SmartLabs are allowing us to enhance our career pathway programs,” cheers Dr. Pilch.
“This is a great example of our community coming together to support education!” concludes Julie.
“
We are so grateful to all the donors who have made this project possible.
Opposite Page: A student shows how basic color coding creates different instructions for a robot during his time in the SmartLab earlier this year at Scott Elementary.
Top Left: Two students lean in close to glance through the bridge they built together during their time in the SmartLab at Madison STEAM Academy earlier this year.
Top Right: A colorful grid stretches across a student's desk as she works on a project at the Bella Romero Smartlab.
Middle: A student shows off one of the small robots they work with while spending time in the SmartLab earlier this year at Scott Elementary.
Bottom: A student smiles as she works on building a tower during her time in the SmartLab earlier this year at the James Madison STEAM Academy SmartLab.
THANK YOU TO THE SUCCESS FOUNDATION’S DONORS
Atmos Energy
Ehrlich Family - In Memory of Holly Ehrlich
Ed & Renee Holloway
Knoph Family Foundation
JBS
Monfort Family FoundationIn Memory of Kaye Monfort OtterCares Foundation
Richmark
Shoop Family Foundation
Weld Community Foundation
Betty L. Tointon Fund
The Weld Trust
Hundreds of individual community donors
Top: A tiny robot follows a student's basic programming and pathways he drew out for it during a visit to the SmartLab at Scott Elementary.
Bottom: A finished project sits on the desk next to a student as he checks the instruction manual at the Heiman SmartLab.
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ARTICLE BY LYNDSEY OATES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY UNC ATHLETICS
THE NATIONAL ICON OF WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL ON HER DAY-TO-DAY AS UNC COACH
MEET
LYNDSEY OATES
Lyndsey Oates, UNC's Head Women's Volleyball Coach
I have always loved athletics, and I have long kept in the back of my mind the thought that, one day, I would have a career in sports.
When sports broadcasting — my major in college — didn’t work out, I thought I would coach for a year until
I grew up in Eaton, graduated high school in 1998 and attended UNC Volleyball camps as a kid. My mom coached, and I remember attending clinics with her at UNC. I also attended many games as a fan and looked up to the players as role models.
“I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS MY TEAM.”
I figured out what I really wanted to do. That was back in 2002. Ever since, I have been taking it one year at a time.
I especially like coaching at the college level. It is competitive, it and involves a lot of different things for me to oversee (event and travel planning, budgeting, youth camps and marketing… in addition to recruiting, scouting and training).
What I like best, though, is the growth we get to witness and be a part of as coaches. We see and experience the growth of teenagers who enter our program as freshmen, as they become mature adults that graduate and go out into the world. There really is so much change that takes place over that four to five-year period as these young athletes make many major life decisions.
After graduating from Louisiana State University, taking the graduate assistant job at UNC felt like coming back home. I love Greeley, and it has been a great home in all stages of my life.
I am a morning person, so I usually get up around 5 a.m. when my husband leaves for work. I am able to get in about two hours of work before my two kids (Dylan, 10 and Rylee, 8) wake up. I usually start with some quiet time reading my Bible or a devotion.
During the season, this is also a time I spend watching a lot of film of matches to prepare for our opponents. Then, after taking the kids to school, I head into the office.
Over my 20-plus years of coaching, I have learned that the most important thing is my team. This is why I prioritize my relationship with them (individual
CONTINUED >
meetings, journal writing and film time) and why I work so hard to be prepared for them. Practices can only be efficient and productive if I am prepared.
I meet with each player bi-weekly so that I can touch base with each individual about all the things in her life outside of volleyball. When we know each other as people, not just as a coach or athlete, it is more enjoyable and the strong relationship that is built allows me to say the hard things while I coach them.
The athletes also prepare a journal entry every day telling me about their goals, school, family and other things in their lives, and I write back each day in response. This is just another form of communication that allows me to
“I KEEP FOCUSED ON CONTINUING TO MENTOR AND BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE ATHLETES AS
THEY NAVIGATE THIS PIVOTAL TIME IN THEIR LIFE.”
connect with each athlete individually every day.
Right now, there are big challenges in college sports. There has been a lot of change in the last few years, and there will be even more change coming. It is easy to get caught up in things I don’t have any control over. But, I keep focused on continuing to mentor and build relationships with the athletes as they navigate this pivotal time in their life.
Cooling off at the Ice Haus
LIVELY SUMMER PROGRAMS AT GREELEY'S DOWNTOWN CHILL SPOT
ARTICLE BY TAYLOR HENDERSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHEL FRANCIS CREATIVE
For most Greeley residents, summertime kicks off the transition outdoors to pools, picnics and other warm-weather activities. We embrace the sun and relish taking a break from the snow. For figure skaters, however, the winter lasts year-round. While school is out, they have more time to train, and with hockey in the off-season, they have increased access to the rink. As it turns out, more figure skating takes place in the summer than in the winter.
The Ice Haus has increased its skating programs in recent years — with more group classes and advanced technique sessions — to meet the needs of its hard-working, high-level skaters and to satisfy a growing interest in skating lessons. Their Learn to Skate (LTS) sessions run Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday for adults, covering “Basic ½” to “Basic 6” and “Snowplow 1” to “Snowplow 4.” Participants in the LTS Program also have access to the “Pre-Free-Freeskate” sessions on Saturdays.
Concurrent to the LTS program, the Ice Haus’ specialty classes are for advanced skaters who meet the prerequisites specified on the recreation website. Titles for these classes include “High Jump and Spin,” “Off-ice Jumping,” “Mobility,” “Axel” and “Artistry.” Skaters interested in competitions can register for the Learn to Compete program, which provides four lessons, edited music, two choreographed routines and coaching at two to four tournaments in August and September.
Though hockey is in its off-season, the Ice Haus also offers multiple training programs for the sport in summer, including Club Hockey, which offers its third season of the year on Sundays through September 15th.
The Ice Haus also caters to the casual skater with public skates every day from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., plus Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The disco ball and colored lights come out Friday and Saturday for the Cosmic Skate, also at 6:30 p.m. Private lessons and freestyle sessions occur throughout the week at various times, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the Ice Haus website – greeleyicehaus.com
Morgan Decamp
One young, avid skater, Bryleigh Hice, started in the Learn to Skate program at five years old, during the fall of 2019. Her parents thought skating was an important life skill to have and foster. Bryleigh herself says everyone should try skating and have some fun with it. She returned to Learn to Skate two years later, once COVID regulations allowed city facilities to reopen, and continued passed the basic skills level. The Ice Haus coaches encouraged Bryleigh to begin private lessons, which her grandmother gifted her for Christmas in 2022. Since January 2023, she’s been skating under Sarah Bott.
Sarah is a USFSA-certified coach who specializes in freeskate, jumps, artistry, off-ice and power. She is one of many of the highly qualified staff at the Ice Haus, some of whom
have trained at the World Arena and skated on Team USA. In addition to her 15-20 yearround private lesson students, Sarah teaches group classes at the Ice Haus. The rink and skating club won first-in-state in the Colorado Compete USA series the past two years, and Sarah anticipates another gold this year.
Sarah lauds Bryleigh as a bright student and fast learner, who always makes her laugh.
“It’s such an honor to be her coach,” Sarah says. Bryleigh finds practices rewarding, despite the repetition required to master certain skills. (Figure skating “moves” are known as skills). She enjoys learning new things because, over time, she improves. A few of her favorite skills are the halt lutz, waltz jump and scratch spins. She’s currently working on backward three turns and backspins.
Ziva LeRoy
Ice skating, unlike soccer or basketball, is not a sport that kids can do in their backyard or at the park. Even if some of their training happens off the ice, they need a rink to practice and skates to wear. The Ice Haus provides an essential space for any child—or adult—interested in learning to skate. It offers the facility, equipment and coaching, the three biggest barriers to entering any sport.
By offering rental skates and drop-in classes, the Ice Haus reduces the financial burdens associated with entering a sport like figure skating, allowing kids to try it out before they register for a multi-week class or purchase skates. The same goes
for adults, whose work schedules might prevent regular attendance. Sarah reiterates that her primary goal is to provide the pure joy and fun of skating for her students. She believes in the importance of instilling confidence and self-esteem in her skaters, both in their sport and their lives.
Utilizing the Ice Haus facilities, Bryleigh demonstrates that children can train to achieve their desires and perform in an enormous rink by themselves, which is precisely what Sarah strives to teach her students and precisely why Greeley residents are so fortunate to have this resource here right in town.
Haley Madsen
Pasta Fresca
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a nationally accredited program housed under Life Stories Child and Family Advocacy. The CASA program recruits, trains and supports volunteers from the area to be an advocate for children and to give them a voice in Dependency and Neglect court cases. Visit lifestoriesweld.org/ be-a-casa/ if you would like to find out more about becoming a CASA and personally connecting with a child in the community.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIARA ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY
JORDAN BARKLEY
In line with his being a lifelong educator with a 24-year career spanning Alabama to Colorado to Texas, Jordan proudly took on the role of becoming a CASA volunteer. Bolstered by his background in education, he advocates for children and adolescents in need, inspired by the positive impact teachers had on his own life. Each interaction with the children he works with fills him with purpose and gratitude, reinforcing his belief in the transformative power of advocacy programs like CASA.
MAYRA GONZALEZ
Mayra, a seasoned insurance pro at State Farm in Loveland, has a deep love for community service. When not in the office, she unwinds with books and video games. Inspired by the 2018 film Instant Family starring Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne, she joined Life Stories in 2021, becoming a dedicated CASA. Mayra believes in the impact CASAs have on foster children's lives. Her goal? A fully supported future for every child in Weld County. She dreams of a day when Life Stories can reach them all. Mayra finds hope in the tireless work of the staff, ensuring every child feels heard and supported.
POLLY KURTZ
Originally from Billings, Montana, Polly settled in Greeley in 2007 after more than two decades living in Springfield, Missouri, working in behavioral health and higher education nonprofits. Retired as Executive Director of the national nonprofit Collaborative Family Healthcare Association in 2017, Polly is married with four grown children and two grandkids. After being introduced to the CASA role during a fundraiser, Polly became a volunteer herself. Polly values her work as a CASA as an amplifying voice for children in complex situations, offering personal attention often overlooked in overwhelmed systems. Her bond with a young adult in her first case reinforced the profound impact of advocacy, inspiring others to consider volunteering, too.
Direct Primary Care
WE ARE CHANGING THE WAY HEALTHCARE IS DELIVERED
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FRANK MORGAN, M.D. JEN WENNING, F-N.P.
AUGUST 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 3RD
Annual Pickers' Paradise
Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 3000 35th Ave. | 7:00 AM
Come on out to the Trinity Lutheran Church and School from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for their combination garage sale and bake sale! And, of course, you can also get a handle on one of their famous porkchop-on-a-stick while you're picking through the paradise! For spaces or more information, please call 970.589.3253.
AUGUST 4TH
'Cakes and Eggs with Blooming
Health Farms
Glenmere Park Pavilion, 1600 Glenmere Blvd. | 9:00 AM
Join Blooming Health Farms' pancakes and eggs breakfast bash! You'll get: a short stack, scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit cocktail and hot/cold beverages. You'll experience: chick petting zoo, chicken races, "'Pics with Chicks" Popup Photo Booth, meeting the "Chicken Whisperer," games and more! All ages are welcome, and all proceeds benefit the mission of Blooming Health Farms. BloomingHealthFarms.com
AUGUST 11TH
This Is How We Roll for MDA: Benefit Car Show
St. Michael's Town Square, 3050 6th Ave. | 10:00 AM
All are welcome at this public showcase of impressive cars, trucks and motorcycles. Hosted by Greeley's local National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) branch. All proceeds benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). $25 registration at the show. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine! For more info, call Gaylan: 970.381.4823.
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BEGINNING WEEK OF AUGUST 19TH
SOAR’s Fall Sports Performance
SOAR, 965 59th Ave. Unit B
Beginning the week of August 19th with up to ten weeks of training available, sessions available for athletes in 6th-12th grade. After school from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. or 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
SOAR’s seasonal Game Changer Basketball Performance session, led by a former collegiate basketball player, will also be offered for those preparing for this winter’s basketball season! Register at SoarAthlete.com.
AUGUST 30TH
Rick Springfield at the Union Colony Civic Center UCCC, 701 10th Ave. | 7:30 PM
Rick Springfield is well known for creating some of the finest power-pop hits of the ’80s. A Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and musician — Springfield sold 25 million albums and scored 17 U.S. Top 40 hits, including “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers” and “An Affair of the Heart.” Tickets are $58-$98. Get yours today at UCStars.com or call 970.356.5000.
AUGUST 31ST
Summer Cornhole Series
The Rush Event Center, 1112 40th St., Evans | 11:00 AM
All ages and skill levels welcome at this seasonal cornhole competition hosted by Evans' The Rush, brought to you by Colorado Cornhole Connection. $20 for team registration. Sign-in is at 11 a.m., with bags provided at Noon. Guaranteed six game minimum; prizes go to the top six teams. Food and beverages will be for sale, and players over 21 receive a free drink! events
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