Memorial Day Travel Abounds

The National Day of Prayer

A celebration of the National Day of Prayer was held on Thursday evening, May 6th, in Schey Park in Keenesburg. Destination Ministries was joined by the Community United Methodist Church, and presented the 2021 National Theme drawn from 2 Corinthians 3:17: “Lord, Pour Out Your Love, Life and Liberty.”

With approximately 45 people in attendance, each speaker spoke from their own perspective, with each speaker presenting one of the 7 Centers of Influence: Business, Church, Education, Family, Government, Media, and the Military. One by one, the speakers came forward to present their topics, which included introductory remarks, Scripture selections from the Bible, and a prayer.

The following are the speakers who spoke on each of the 7 Centers of Influence.

Business – Tara Dreilling, Owner of Simpler Times

Church – Pastor Linda Meyer and Pastor Perry Wm. Bell

Education – Pastor Linda Meyer, Community United Methodist Church

Family – James Johnson

Government – Mayor Ken Gfeller

Media – Greg Beasley

Military – Pastor Perry Wm. Bell, Destination Ministries

Music was provided by Matthew Perry, and we sang “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America.”

We look forward to having this event in the same location next year, and would hope that more churches and the local communities would join us!

As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers are still needed at organizations across Weld County

Bill and Jan Eastin made the most of a year that many people would like to forget. The Greeley couple positively impacted thousands of people in 2020 by making masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After reading a book about the history of the flu in the United States and Europe, the Eastins put their mask-making skills to good use by providing 1,200 masks to United Way of Weld County (UWWC) for distribution. Their first set of masks went to North Range Behavioral Health in April 2020. When North Range advertised their need for homemade masks in the Greeley Tribune, the Eastins volunteered their time and made a difference. With a small group of seamstresses and the help of several quilters and friends who knew someone with unused material, they found fabric, T-shirts and thread for their project. “Our small group decided to make masks for the highest risk groups in our community – the assisted living and nursing home facilities,” the Eastins said. “Also at that time, there were not enough PPE for many of the employees at the hospital. We then made them a priority as well.”

The Eastins recalled that every time they thought they’d run out of something, someone would come through with whatever was needed. All told, more than 3,300 masks – at no charge – were distributed in the community thanks to the volunteering efforts of the Eastins and their friends.

April was National Volunteer Month, but really, every month could be reserved for volunteers. Volunteer hours were down at UWWC in 2020 due to events being canceled and quarantine measures taking hold because of the pandemic. The Eastins, though, found their way of volunteering and helping the community right out of their home.

In 2019-2020, UWWC had 840 volunteers totaling 7,715 hours of volunteer time. In 2018-2019, UWWC had 1,321 volunteers totaling 9,485 hours of volunteer time. So you could see the dent that the pandemic made in the number of volunteers and volunteer time from one year to the next.

As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to remember that volunteers are still needed at organizations across Weld County. Whether it be in person at the Weld Food Bank, Guadalupe Shelter or UWWC Housing Navigation Center, or as a delivery driver for homebound community members through Meals on Wheels or 60+ ride, the opportunities to volunteer are available to you. Even in your own home completing Service to Go projects, crochet or sewing projects like the Eastins did in 2020 or lending your marketing/design talents to a local nonprofit of choice, the chances to volunteer are endless.A quote from boxing legend and activist Muhammad Ali sums up the importance and value of volunteers - “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.”

Volunteering helps support programs that strive to make Weld County a healthier, stronger, more connected community. Volunteering is a critical component to the success of the type of community we should want to live in. Meaningful community solutions require more than money, programs or policies. The kind of real and lasting change that benefits everyone is only possible when people from all walks of life are willing to roll up their sleeves and go where their time and talent are most needed.

The UWWC Connect volunteer webpage is a great resource to find volunteer opportunities year-round. With 89 agency profiles and 98 volunteer opportunities listed, the volunteer webpage features opportunities to volunteer with nonprofits, government agencies, schools and other agencies/programs throughout Weld County. Please visit www. unitedway.org/volunteer to find a volunteer opportunity for you.

Nicole Quinn is the volunteer coordinator and a donor engagement manager for United Way of Weld County.

Nearly 700,000 Coloradans traveling in surge over last year. JO ANN BOWEN

DENVER (May 11, 2021) - Amid increasing consumer confidence and the continued roll-out of COVID-19 vaccinations, AAA projects a substantial rebound in the number of Americans planning to travel this Memorial Day holiday weekend. More than 37 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more between May 27 and May 31. That’s a 60 percent increase from last year, when only 23 million traveled - the lowest volume on record since AAA began recording in 2000.

All told, AAA Colorado projects nearly 692,000 Coloradans will contribute to the ranks of these travelers. An overwhelming majority, 642,000, will take to the roads.

“A year’s worth of pent-up demand is being unleashed this summer, as Americans anticipate the kick-off to the season,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA - The Auto Club Group. “Travel bookings with AAA - The Auto Club Group have surged recently, setting the stage for what should be a busy holiday weekend and an exciting summer.”

“For many people, this will be their first summer vacation in two years, and things will look a little different,” Haas continued. “Because of the pandemic, many theme parks and hotels are running at reduced capacity, and some services are not currently available. Cruise lines are also accepting bookings, but their policies may vary based on whether you’re vaccinated. That’s why we encourage travelers to plan ahead and work with a trusted travel advisor, to ensure they get the best advice and value for their vacation.”

Surges in AAA Travel Bookings to Colorado

AAA Travel, the nation’s largest leisure travel agency, has seen a surge in online traffic and bookings on AAA.com, especially for hotels and car rentals, as we head into the summer travel season. AAA booking data suggest that domestic travel and road trips remain the biggest drivers of travel recovery in the near term.

While Orlando and Las Vegas are the top Memorial Day destinations, Colorado is well-represented in AAA data - with Denver coming in as the nation’s fourth-most popular road trip destination and Colorado Springs the fifth-most popular spot for hotel, airfare, and car rental bookings.

“The secret’s out: With world-class outdoor recreation and the robust travel infrastructure to back it up, Colorado is the place to be this summer,” said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA. “That’s great news for our economy, even if it means dealing with higher gas prices and a little extra traffic for a while.”

Huge Increase in Air Travel, but Most Travelers Hitting the Road

With 34 million Americans planning Memorial Day road trips, auto travel is expected to increase 52 percent over 2020. More than nine in ten memorial day travelers will drive to their destinations, as many Americans continue to substitute road trips for travel via planes, trains, and other modes of transportation.

Still, after 2020’s historically low air travel volume, this Memorial Day will see nearly 2.5 million Americans boarding airplanes - nearly six times (+577%) more than last year. Air travel is down only 23 percent over 2019, suggesting a sustained and growing increase in travel confidence. AAA reminds air travelers that masks are required in all airports and on board.

In contrast, just 237,000 Americans are expected to travel by other modes, including bus and train, this Memorial Day. This is the second-lowest volume on record, higher only than the 185,000 who traveled in 2020. In 2021, travel via these modes will be 88 percent below 2019 levels.

Drivers Beware: Worst Times to Hit the Road

INRIX predicts drivers will encounter the longest travel delays before the holiday weekend, particularly during the afternoons on Thursday, May 27 and Friday, May 28. Drivers in several major U.S. metros, including Denver, could experience double the travel times compared to a normal trip, while Atlanta, Houston and New York drivers could see more than three times the delay on the busiest corridors.

“Although vehicle trips are down as much as 40 percent in some metros, afternoon congestion is nearly back to pre-pandemic levels. With the increase of holiday travelers to the typical afternoon commute, drivers in the larger metros should expect longer delays heading into the holiday weekend,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst, INRIX. “Travelers should anticipate delays to start on Wednesday and continue through Memorial Day. Our advice to drivers is to avoid the evening commute times and plan alternate routes.”

Prepare for Higher Gas Prices

The 34 million Americans traveling by car this Memorial Day should anticipate gas prices to be at their most expensive since 2014, with the national average likely cresting the $3 per gallon mark. Colorado’s average pump price for a gallon of unleaded currently sits at $3.01, and will continue to rise as demand builds ahead of the Memorial Day holiday. Prices are currently highest in Glenwood Springs, at $3.31 per gallon, and cheapest in Boulder-Longmont, at $2.94.

“It’s true that nobody likes to pay more for gas,” McKinley said. “Still, rising prices tend to signal an improving economy, and our research has found that they don’t deter motorists from hitting the roads, especially during Memorial Day. As gas prices rise, travelers tend to look for more free activities or eat out less, but they’ll still take their planned trips - especially in 2021, after a year of being cooped up inside.”

AAA to Rescue more than 468,000 Travelers

AAA expects to rescue more than 468,000 Americans at the roadside during the Memorial Day travel period, the vast majority of whom will be stranded due to a preventable breakdown. Before hitting the road, plan your route in advance and ensure your vehicle is road-trip ready. A good mechanic can help. Find one you can trust at AAA.com/Repair.

To get placed directly in a rescue queue without going through dispatch, AAA members should visit AAA.com/Service or through the AAA mobile app. Otherwise, call or text: 1-800-AAA-HELP.

“COVID Ain’t Over”

Although it has become safer to travel, the travel environment is more complex than ever due to the dynamic public health environment. AAA has resources to help at AAA.com/Travel. Planning ahead is more important than in past years for hotel rooms, rental cars, and even restaurant reservations.

AAA notes that the actual number of holiday travelers could fluctuate as we approach Memorial Day. If there is an increase in reported cases attributed to new COVID-19 variants, some people may decide to stay home, while others may note the strong progress in vaccinations and make last-minute decisions to travel. AAA recommends working with a travel agent, who can help if you need to make any last-minute changes to travel plans as well as explore travel insurance options and help you plan a vacation that meets your needs and comfort level this summer.

AAA urges those who choose to travel this year to exercise caution and take measures to protect themselves and others as the pandemic continues.

Jo Ann Bowen, 83 of Hudson passed away on January 6, 2021, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood after a short battle with cancer. She was born in Pueblo, Co on June 5, 1937. Jo lived most of her life in Colorado. She spent the last twelve years living in Hudson volunteering at the Hudson Library, Fort Lupton Rec. Center, as a Foster Care Provider for Lifeline Puppy Rescue, and Weld County Mobile Food Truck. She was preceded in death by her husband Vernon I. Bowen. Survivors include her two brothers, Jack Knafelc (Shirley) and Joseph Greening (Connie), four sons; Terry DeNiro (Pam), Mike DeNiro (Julie), Pat DeNiro (Kim), Jon DeNiro (Nynne), and two stepsons; Phillip Bowen (Maria) and Vernon Bowen (Pam), 19 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held in her honor. Information will be announced at a later time.

Hoyt Cemetery Memorial Day Service

Monday, May 31, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Refreshments to follow at the Hoyt Community Center

Wyatt Wilcox The Wagoneers 4-H club met on Monday, April 26.

Unfinished Business Discussed:

Manuals for Projects – Manuals that were ordered are ready for members to pick up. However, some projects no longer will have print issues: • Model Rocketry Unites 1 & 2 • Leathercraft Unit 1, 3-7 • Cake Decorating Units 1 – 3

Animal ID Days for Sheep and Goats: • Monday, May 3, 4 – 6 PM at Island Grove Park in Greely • Tuesday, May 4, 4 – 6 PM at Island Grove Park in Greely • Wednesday, May 5, 4 – 6 PM at Briggsdale School FFA Shop • Thursday, May 6, 4 – 6 PM, at Southeast Weld County Fairgrounds in Keenesburg

Swine Exhibitors – All exhibitors will have to send in their 3 photos of each nominated pig to show at the fair by Thursday, May 6 at 5 PM.

Horse ID Forms – Horse ID forms must be submitted through 4-H Online this year by May 1.

Animal Care and Housing Forms – Members who are working with animals on projects will have to have completed, and submit a signed and approved Animal Care and Housing Form to the Extension Office. The form is provided in two ways. 1. Filled out online at 4-H Online or the 4-H Website if you have your animal at your residence. 2. Or printed from the 4-H Website and handwritten if you do not have your animal at your residence for special circumstances.

Fairgrounds Clean Up Day – The weekends of May 15 & 16, and June 12 and 13 are available for volunteers to sign up and help keep the Southeast Weld County Fairgrounds nice and clean.

New Business Discussed

Congratulations to Elizabeth Spayd for being awarded a scholarship from the Weld County 4-H Foundation.

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