February 2023 Our Broomfield™ Magazine

Photo by Pat Eichner

Cover Photo by Pat Eichner

EDITOR FROM THE Our Intention

For those of us living in the cold of the wintery Colorado climate, Valentine’s Day is quite nicely placed. A moment to warm ourselves from within by sharing our caring for others.

In this issue we aim to bring you a bit of that warmth. Bette Erickson sat down with Paul and Martha Derda for an endearing chat about long-term love underpinned by joy and positivity, and Lisa Payne shares ideas for a local outing with friends OR family for Valentine’s Day and also provides us with heartwarming recipes for sharing with your sweethearts. Our friends at Avista remind us of the importance of good self care in order to be healthy for others, and Kristen Beckman shares some of the caring impacts of local organization Youth for Youth. Finally, I am excited to share a new monthly editorial feature, “The Faces of Broomfield.” Check out page 36 to learn all about it.

All of these things bring a single word to mind for me. Intention. Several years ago, I sat in church listening to a homily about loving with intention. It was a saying that lived on our refrigerator white board for years after: “Love each other with intention.” An excellent reminder of what family love should be.

It is a bit late to be setting resolutions, but that word keeps coming to me in vivid ways the past few weeks and feels like a guide for the new year. Intention. Love with intention. Live with intention. Conduct your business and personal interactions with intention. I like it better than the trendy “mindful,” because it is more active. There is purpose behind it. Intention.

Tammy Degenhart and I have had the pleasure the past several weeks of visiting the winners of our January issue Our Favorites survey. It has been great fun to stop in on Broomfield’s favorite businesses, share congratulations, drop off the plaques, and grab a photo. You can see some of the fun on our Facebook page. Each meeting reminds me why we live here, why we work here, and truly what a special place Broomfield is. Thank you once again for the opportunity to help you make intentional connections with others in Broomfield through these pages. It is our honor!

Thanks for reading,

Tina Eichner, Editor & Publisher

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Tina Eichner

BUSINESS MANAGER

Pat Eichner

ART DIRECTOR

Stacey Horne

DESIGN CONSULTANT

Matthew Clark

SALES COORDINATOR

Jason De La Cruz

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT

Tammy Degenhart ASSISTANT EDITOR

Megan Mayes

EVENTS & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Allison Eichner

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kristen Beckman

City of Broomfield

Lisa Payne

Missy Ruzicka

Bette Erickson

OUR BROOMFIELD™ IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE: AND THE 2021 BROOMFIELD SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR!

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EVENTS

Our Broomfield™ is Broomfield’s resource for local events and happenings. To submit an event for consideration, email event details including time, date, and location to info@OurBroomfield.com. Our Broomfield™ Magazine reserves the right to accept or decline any event submission at the Publisher’s discretion.

COMMUNITY CONTENT

Our Broomfield™ Magazine is a monthly community lifestyle magazine for Broomfield and the surrounding area. We aim to publish a magazine by, for, and about the businesses, organizations, and people of our great city. Our Broomfield™ is a magazine for all of us because it’s our community. It’s Our Broomfield. Our Broomfield™ Magazine and Our Broomfield LLC does not accept, publish, or endorse political advertising or content.

All inquiries should be sent to the Publisher at Our Broomfield LLC, P.O. Box 371, Broomfield, CO 80020.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

FEBRUARY 25

Bal Swan Ball

For more than 50 years, Bal Swan Children’s Center has provided high-quality early childhood education to the families of Broomfield and the surrounding area. As a non-profit preschool, Bal Swan Children’s Center is committed to the social and emotional development of children with special needs in an inclusive environment alongside their peers with typical needs. As such, Bal Swan Children’s Center’s mission and vision is to provide early childhood programs in support of a more inclusive world where all people experience a sense of belonging. Fundraising is a vital part of the school’s foundation to help children. By attending “Our Future In Bloom,” Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the Omni Interlocken Hotel and Resort, you can learn more about how Bal Swan is an integral part of the Broomfield community. The Bal Swan Ball is Broomfield’s longest standing black tie event. The theme of the 2023 Ball is “Our Future in Bloom” and the evening will include dinner, entertainment, and dancing. Look forward to aerial dancers, live music, casino games, and more. Guests will include community and corporate leaders, elected officials, and residents from Broomfield and many other surrounding Denver communities! To register visit https://www.balswan.org/ bal-swan-ball

FEBRUARY 2

Chamber Annual Meeting

The 2023 Broomfield Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting will be held on February 2, 2023, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.at Roots, 1200 Miramonte St., Broomfield CO 80020. Breakfast is included. Mayor Guyleen Castriotta will kick off the State of the City, reflecting on 2022 and looking forward to the future of Broomfield.A speaking panel will then present inspiring educational keynotes on Economic Development. For full details and to register, visit https://www.broomfieldchamber. com/

FEBRUARY 4

Baby Goat Yoga

Get in some relaxation and barnyard cuddles at Baby Goat Yoga at the Orchard Town Center. Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga is hosting this event. They describe their goat yoga as sanitary, hilariously lighthearted, and fun for all ages. With your

$25 ticket, you will get a 45-minute yoga lesson followed by a 15-minute cuddle session. Visit Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga, LLC on Facebook or rockymountaingoatyoga.com to find more information, view lesson times, or reserve your spot.

FEBRUARY 11

Valentine’s Day at the Broomfield Depot Museum

Bring your valentine to the Broomfield Depot Museum and make your own vintage Valentine’s Day cards on February 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Try your hand at writing with a traditional fountain pen while learning more about the history of Valentine’s Day. Limited spaces and supplies will be offered on a firstcome, first-serve basis. This event is free to the public. For full details visit: https:// compass.broomfield.org/event/valentines-day-broomfield-depot-museum

Broomfield Depot Museum

BUSY FAMILIES

WALKING FOOD TOUR

“Why not plan your own walking food tour as a date night or girls night out? What about a date with your son or daughter? How about taking your parents for a fun evening out on the town? A team building event at work? The options are endless!”

By Lisa Payne

I have a really unique idea for your Valentine’s Day celebration or next date night. Plan your own walking food tour with your spouse, kids or even friends!

My husband and I love walking food tours. We do them in every city we visit. It’s the best way to learn about local food and a whole lot of local history. We’ve also done haunted tours and beverage tours. We did a food tour today in downtown Denver with our kids for their first time and they loved it. We started at a coal fired pizza joint off 21st and walked our way to amazing empanadas, Colorado green chili, fry bread tacos, and ended at Union Station with custard tarts. We are so full and happy and a little more knowledgeable about our amazing city.

As we were walking around, I thought, why not plan your own walking food tour as a date night or girls night out? What about a date with your son or daughter? How about taking your parents for a fun evening out on the town? A team building event at work? The options are endless!

And being the idea person that I am, I started thinking that there are so many options within the food tour realm. You can pick a neighborhood and find restaurants within a few blocks or a mile loop. Near Broomfield there are several towns with a downtown area to walk. Louisville, Lafayette, and Arvada to start and in Broomfield you can do this at the Arista Development. Technically it could also be a driving food tour if you want to hit places that aren’t within walking distance of each other.

And when my mind goes the direction of driving, the food tour gets so much more creative! You could do a “bakery” tour, the best pizzas in town tour, the best seafood tour, or a desserts tour. And with a driver you can do a cocktails tour, a wine tour, or a craft beer tour. I mean come on, this could go on and on! Eating out will never be boring again!

Here is a simple plan to get you started:

Pick an area or neighborhood with a good mix of restaurants. If you are driving you can do a category to try different pizza spots or desserts. But if doing the actual walking food tour, pick an area with at least four to five restaurants you can walk to in a three-hour window with a stay of about 30 minutes at each one. Know when each restaurant opens/ closes and the distance between them. Make sure the last one is dessert!

Timing is important. If this event is Friday or Saturday night you will need to call ahead to make sure they know your plan and reserve a table. If you don’t want to mess with reservations, plan for a midafternoon when restaurants are slower and you can pop in.

Do a little research before you go, and find out the specialty items at each stop so you can order right away and get on your way. If there are two of you, I would pick one item to share at each restaurant so you don’t get too full. Or only order appetizers to share.

If you don’t want to go through the effort of designing your own tour, google “walking food tour” and the city and see what you find. I wish you a fun new way of eating out!

Lisa Payne writes about food, family, and home. You can reach her at paynefam6@gmail.com.

EVENTS COMMUNITY

FEBRUARY 11

Intro to Canine Massage Workshop

Bee A Good Dog is Celebrating Puppy Love Month by hosting workshops to help Broomfield dog owners build deeper connections with their furry friends. On Saturday, February 11, there will be a hands-on instructional workshop taught by Claire Primo, Advanced Canine Massage Therapist & Certified Veterinary Nurse from Peak Animal Wellness and Massage. You can bring your own dog to this class to learn how to implement animal massage into your dog’s every day wellness routine. Sign up for this $175 class including a three-hour guided lesson, workbook to take home, and Q&A session with the expert. Find more information and save your spot by visiting beeagooddog.com.

FEBRUARY 12

WeatherTech Cars and Coffee

Meet fellow car enthusiasts at WeatherTech for an early morning car show and open house from 9:00 a.m. to noon on February 12. The state of the art showroom and store is located at 8741 Destination Way. If you haven’t visited yet, this is a great opportunity to see what WeatherTech can do for your car and home. Stop by to see the show cars or come and show off your own car! There will be food trucks and coffee. Bring a friend! www.weathertech.com.

FEBRUARY 16

The Broomfield Mardi Gras

The Broomfield Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2023 Broomfield Mardi Gras and Business Awards event on Thursday, February 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Establishment at Bradburn. The event is expected to have a large turnout of local business owners, staff, and community members who are excited to show off their businesses for other participants and local leaders. The event will include New Orleans inspired dishes from Broomfield chefs, casino games, dancing, extravagant costumes, and an awards ceremony. Visit the Calendar tab at members.broomfieldchamber.com to register or find more information.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

FEBRUARY 19

K9 First Aid and CPR Class

Bee A Good Dog is Celebrating Puppy Love Month by hosting workshops to help Broomfield dog-owners build deeper connections with their furry friends. On Saturday, February 18 there will be a K9 First Aid and CPR course designed to give you the necessary information and skills to stabilize an injured animal until you can reach professional veterinary care. This hands-on class covers over 20 first-aid items including: first aid kits, torn pads, dog fights, seizures, broken bones, electrical injuries, muzzling, bleeding control, and choking. Sign up for this life-saving $89 class that includes six hours of instruction, a class participation packet, and a pet first aid certificate. Find more information and to save your spot visit beeagooddog.com.

FEBRUARY 25

BSO Music of Eastern Europe

The Broomfield Symphony Orchestra is proud to present Music of Eastern Europe. The show will be held on Saturday, February 25 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Broomfield Auditorium. The performance will feature dances by Brahms, Bartok, and Dvorak. They will also be performing Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8. The Broomfield Civic Orchestra (now known as the Broomfield Symphony Orchestra) was formed by local musicians in 1981 to provide residents with opportunities to participate in and enjoy orchestral music, a tradition they are proud to uphold. Visit broomfieldsymphony.org to learn more and purchase your tickets!

MARCH 31

Broomfield Women’s Event

The second annual Broomfield Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Event, “I AM...” will be hosted by the Chamber and its Business Ladies Inspiring Success (BLIS) Leads Group on March 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Lionsgate Event Center. Tickets will include a lunch buffet, a drink ticket, access to ten local women-owned business booths at the expo, speakers, networking, and entertainment. To register and learn more visit: https://members.broomfieldchamber.com/events/details/ broomfield-women-s-event-19338?calendarMonth=2023-03-01

Summer Camps Are Coming!

Register by April 1 and Save!

Themed One Day Camps Include: Princess Academy, Encanto Fever, Frozen Wonderland, Descendants, Under the Sea, Barbie Blast and MORE!

Check Out Our Week Long Summer Dance Samplers and Experience Every Dance Style!

8001 Arista Pl., #130

Broomfield www.usavinca.com

In March 2020, we opened. In March 2020, we had to close it. This is an incredible journey, but we could not make it without you, our customers. Thank you for being so supportive! Vinca is a modern European cuisine restaurant with an extended wine selection (over 300 different wines). Our focus is on the high quality of our food, made from scratch. We invite you to fulfill your dream with us here at Vinca.”

UNDERSTANDING HOW YOUR Property Taxes ARE DETERMINED

By The City and County of Broomfield

Property taxes impact everyone, whether you own a home or rent a property, so it’s important to understand what goes into the process of determining property taxes and who is involved. The offices of the assessor and treasurer are the two key offices involved in the property tax process.

Property tax is determined by a consistent formula: the assessment rate multiplied by property value multiplied by tax rate. Assessors only affect one of these variables - the value of a property. Assessors don’t set tax rates. An assessor is only interested in fairly determining property values.

An assessor determines the value of an individual’s property by looking at similar properties that have sold, their sale prices, and the terms and conditions of each property sale. Aspects including square footage, location, and age help assessors determine how comparable one property is to another. Details like an extra bathroom or finished basement can drastically change the value in two otherwise identical homes.

Local governments, school districts, special tax districts, and any other tax authority that levies taxes will set the tax rate to ensure tax revenue is adequate to provide necessary services for the following year. The value of a property does not affect the amount of property tax needed. Even if everyone’s property value was cut in half by the assessor, the tax rate would be raised to generate the same amount of tax revenue.

The treasurer is then responsible for preparing property tax notices for property owners. Property taxes are charged to homeowners who own real estate based on the property values determined by the assessor and mill levies certified by tax authorities.

The treasurer then collects and disburses the property tax revenue, which funds programs and services to the identified taxing authorities. The local taxing authorities set mill levies

based on a projected budget and the property tax revenue required to adequately fund the services they provide to taxpayers. Of a Broomfield resident’s tax bill, only about 25% is given to the City and County of Broomfield to fund its operation.

Property owners in the City and County of Broomfield receive property tax notices late January every year through mail or electronically. This happens regardless if taxes are paid by property owners directly or through a mortgage company.

The property tax notice contains information about the property including the legal description, property address, values, and breakdown of taxes to be distributed to each tax authority. Payments can be made in full or in two installments. It’s best to confirm whether an individual or their mortgage company is responsible for making the payment.

Want a more in-depth look at your specific property’s notice? Stop by the Broomfield City Council Chambers at One Descombes Drive on Thursday, February 2 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for an in-person “How to Read your Notice” workshop. Bring your tax notice to the meeting and a City and County of Broomfield employee will walk you through what everything means. Or you can learn more at Broomfield.org/ PropertyTax.

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WINTER

Favorite Winter Snowshoe Hikes to Enjoy with Family and Friends

By Bette Erickson

When it comes to winter hiking, it’s never better than on snowshoes. Be ever-mindful, however, to snowshoe on a good, solid snowpack. Several years ago, I broke my foot when the webbing on my

snowshoe caught on a tree root spiking up through shallow snow. Suffice it to say I like to think I’m much more careful when out snowshoeing these days.

Following are a couple of my favorite snowshoe destinations.

Marshall Mesa

A serene and scenic valley showcase I liked to hike with locals when I first moved to Boulder is nearby Marshall Mesa. Home to the first coal mining activity between 1860 and continuing through the 1930s, the town site that was once called Marshall provided coal for heating, railroads, and steam engines. At one time, Marshall had 900 residents and boasted three saloons. Several spots along the trail system offer historical markers with information regarding the settlement. Given a good snowstorm, the Marshall Mesa landscape is a near-ideal place to snowshoe. To begin the outing, start from the Marshall Mesa Trailhead, following the Marshall Valley Trail east (left) for just less than a mile as it leads you to Community Ditch, crisscrossing another lower irrigation ditch on the way. Next turn west (right) and follow the Community Ditch footpath almost all the way to Broadway. Saunter your way along the vast expanse, enjoying the views of the towering Front Range to the west. Eventually, where the route

The author standing on frozen Emerald Lake looking at Hallett Peak

takes a sharp right, you’ll be set to follow the footpath back to the trailhead, completing about a 3-mile loop.

To the trailhead: The trailhead is located at 5258 E. Eldorado Springs Drive, just east of the intersection of Hwy 93 and Marshall Rd. You can get to it by following Marshall Rd west past Costco in Superior.

Distance: 2.79-mile loop

Difficulty: Moderate effort on snowshoes

Elevation gain: Rolling hills

Dogs: Yes, on leash

Information: 303-441-3440

RMNP Emerald Lake

If you’re looking for the quintessential snowshoe outing, the route to Rocky Mountain National Park`s Emerald Lake, past three other now frozen lakes, will delight as it travels through snowy, hushed, and forested terrain. Take the trail into the woodlands to your south and west of Bear Lake to tiny Nymph Lake at a half-mile into the forest. Continue 0.6 mile to Dream Lake, eventually following the trail to Emerald Lake as the route gently climbs to the large

lake. Look for the boxy distinctive profile of Hallett Peak dominating the skyline. After snapping some Insta-worthy pictures and perhaps enjoying a snack, return carefully the way you came. To the trailhead: Take U.S. 36 north out of Boulder through Lyons to Estes Park. Drive west from Estes Park to the RMNP Beaver Meadows entrance station. Follow Bear Lake Road to where it dead ends at the parking lot. Fee: $30 for a day park pass, or $35 for a seven-day pass.

Distance: 3.6 miles round-trip

Difficulty: Moderate effort on snowshoes

Elevation gain: 605 feet

Dogs: No

Information: 970-586-1206

Bette Erickson writes about people, places, and events. Contact her at bette_erickson@hotmail.com.

The Marshall Mesa loop

Dream Lake

Broomfield’s Very Own Valentines Paul and Martha Derda Share Their Love Story

By Bette Erickson

In longtime Broomfield residents Paul and Martha Derda’s orbit, many people know them as a fun, caring, and respectful couple. And so when many of us think of Valentines, the Derdas come to mind. Married some 61 years ago, the couple exudes the happiness and hopefulness of young children. You’d be hard pressed to find other long-married couples as positive as Paul and Martha.

When asked about the secret to their happy marriage, the couple agrees it takes three things: prayer, hard work, and a willingness to inspire others.

“By inspiring others, you become a happier person,” Martha explained. “Take life seriously but have fun and have a sense of humor.”

Paul, with tongue firmly in cheek, says the real secret to a happy marriage is knowing that although your wife may ask for your opinion ... that doesn’t necessarily mean she wants your opinion.

“We’re very blessed to have a wonderful family, too,” Paul adds. That family includes two adult daughters (Debra and Denise and their spouses), five grandchildren, and a 3-year-old great-granddaughter, with another on the way.

Since moving here from Chicago 44 years ago, the couple have been inspirational in shaping all it is we love about Broomfield. Paul, now 81-years old, served as Broomfield’s director of parks and recreation from 1978 to 2002 and was a key decision-maker in the implementation of Broomfield’s first Master Plan. It was Paul, alongside our community’s first city manager, George DiCiero, and other city leaders that designed parks to be within walking distance of every young person, without needing to cross a major artery.

Others might know Paul as the namesake for Broomfield’s award-winning recreation center, the Paul Derda Recreation Center (PDRC). He also MC’d numerous city and county events, including the annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony, the Great American Picnic-Fourth of July event and

the famed Broomfield Days celebration.

His wife Martha, 80-years old, is equally distinguished, having served two-full terms from 2009 to 2017 on Broomfield’s City Council representing Ward 5.

The couple met and married while still in college at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Martha was a cheerleader at a rival high school while Paul played football. He hadn’t met her yet when she was crowned Homecoming Queen out of a student class of 900 at Topeka High School. They had planned a honeymoon road trip to Lake of the Ozarks, but a day before the wedding Paul’s car broke down. So, they borrowed Martha’s mom’s car and drove only to Kansas City to honeymoon instead.

To this day, they explained, they’ve still not visited Lake of the Ozarks.

Bette Erickson writes about people, places, and events. Contact her at bette_erickson@hotmail.com.

Paul and Martha Derda pose for the cover of Broadlands Magazine with their dog, Shadow. Photo by Janeen Joy Photography

Paul and Martha Derda sing, “Happy Trails to You” while leaving the 2021 Broomfield Days festivities. Courtesy photo

Enjoying a Christmas celebration, Paul and Martha Derda beam while holding their great-granddaughter, 3-yearold Maddie. Courtesy photo

Valentine’s Day Supper

Soup to Warm Your Heart (and Oreo Truffles for Dessert!)

Hunter’s Barley Soup

• 1 cup chopped bacon

• 4 cups groud venison or beef

• 2 cups diced onions

• 1 cup diced carrots

• 1 cup diced celery

• 1 cup diced red pepper

• 1 cup diced potatoes

• ¾ cup raw barley

• 3 garlic cloves chopped

• ½ cup tomato paste

• 3 oz. beef bouillon cubes

• 1 ½ oz. chicken bouillon cubes

• ¼ cup Worcestershire

• 1 tsp. ground rosemary

• 1 tsp. thyme

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• 3 quarts water

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 cup red wine

• ¼ cup red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp. orange zest chopped

• 1 tsp. dry mustard powder

• ½ tsp. nutmeg

• ½ tsp. allspice

• ½ tsp. ginger

Directions:

Sauté bacon and venison or beef with garlic until brown. Add onions, carrots, celery, red peppers, and potatoes. Boil for 20 minutes with 3 quarts water. While boiling, add both chicken and beef bouillon cubes, Worcestershire, tomato paste, rosemary, and thyme.

Cook barley in a separate pot with 1 gallon of water. Add to soup mixture when cooked without the extra water.

In a separate pan, caramelize the sugar, then add the red wine, red wine vinegar, orange zest, dry mustard, allspice, nutmeg, and ginger. Simmer until all the sugar is dissolved and add to the soup.

Thicken with ¼ cup of cornstarch dissolved in ¼ cup of water. Yield: 1 Gallon

By Lisa Payne

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and why not whip up a super simple, warm and cozy meal for your family instead of going out?

Soup is always an easy answer; it can cook all day in a crock pot or can be cooked days before and warmed up on the stove as needed. Serve with crusty warm bread and Oreo Truffles for dessert.

I first had this soup at the top of a mountain in Vail years ago. Or was it Breckenridge? It’s been so long that I can’t remember where we were or the name of the restaurant. What I am sure about is that it was the most delicious soup I ever tasted. And when I taste something so addictive, I always ask for the recipe. Do not let all of the ingredients scare you. It makes a whole gallon and freezes great. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Hunter’s Barley Soup

Oreo Truffles

Oreo Truffles

• 36 Oreo cookies (1 package)

• 8 ounces cream cheese

• 8 ounces baking chocolate

Directions:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then crush the Oreos in a food processor. Mix together the Oreo crumbs and cream cheese with a hand mixer. Use your hands if you need to. Use a small cookie scoop to scoop the dough. Then roll into a ball with your hands and place on the baking sheet.

Freeze for 10-15 minutes.

Melt the chocolate and stir until smooth. Use a fork to dip the balls into the chocolate. Tap the edge of the bowl to get the smooth finish. Use a toothpick to help slide the ball onto the pan. Allow to harden.

Lisa Payne writes about food, family, and home. You can reach her at paynefam6@gmail.com.

2nd Annual Women in 2nd Annual Women in B i E t Business Event

Dale Wilsher

YOUR AUTHENTIC PERSONALITY

Leveraging your WHY: The Secret to Purposeful Leadership Dale shows how to leverage your motivation and mission for life, work, or business to the full

* M o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n a d d i t i o n a l s p e a k e r s t o c o m e !

T i c k e t s

$ 5 5 f o r M e m b e r s

$ 6 5 f o r N o n - M e m b e r s

* R e g i s t e r b e f o r e M a r c h 1 5 t h a n d g e t $ 1 0 o f f y o u r r e g i s t r a t i o n f e e !

MARCH 31, 2023

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Sponsors:

Y o u c a n r e g i s t e r n o w f o r t h e s e c o n d a n n u a l B r o o m f i e l d C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e W o m e n i n B u s i n e s s E v e n t " I A M " i s h o s t e d b y t h e C h a m b e r a n d i t s B u s i n e s s L a d i e s I n s p i r i n g S u c c e s s ( B L I S ) L e a d s G r o u p .

T i c k e t s w i l l i n c l u d e a l u n c h b u f f e t , a d r i n k

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n e t w o r k i n g , f o o d - d r i v e a n d e n t e r t a i n m e n t

In order to celebrate and recognize successful women in business, we will be honoring the 60th anniversary of Broomfield FISH and its founding by six women from Broomfield churches in 1963! Please celebrate with us for their six decades of service in our community and the inspiring women who laid the foundation for Broomfield FISH by bringing non-perishables and toiletries to the event

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*Sponsorship opportunities are still available

Youth-Led Group Addresses Health Topics that Impact Broomfield Teens

By Kristen Beckman

Ayouth-led group is amplifying the voices of the community’s teenagers about health-related issues that impact them. Broomfield Youth for Youth is an advisory group for Broomfield Communities That Care (CTC), a community coalition made up of more than 50 community members that aims to address the underlying causes of youth health and behavioral problems and implement substance abuse prevention strategies for youth. To serve this purpose, Y4Y was launched in 2018.

The group, which won The Heart of Broomfield Award last fall for their commitment and service to the community, focuses on youth substance use prevention, improved well-being, and forming positive relationships. Y4Y typically comprises

between eight and 16 advisers. The advisers are now employees of Broomfield Public Health and Environment, which has been a big step forward in formally recognizing their expertise and creating more equity between youth and adults, said Laura Paulson, youth projects coordinator.

“Each year, we focus on a new topic that we think youth and adults need to be more informed about, and we try to share information that we sort through from sources such as Healthy Kids Colorado and work with professionals to present this information in the most comprehensive way,” said Adviser Saba Kord, a junior at Legacy High School. “This way, Broomfield as a whole can lay a solid foundation that can help the community, both older and younger generations.”

Paulson emphasized that most youth are not using substances like alcohol and marijuana. Recent data from the 2021

Healthy Kids Colorado Survey found that 85 percent of high school students in the Broomfield/Boulder region do not use marijuana, and 72 percent do not use alcohol.

“When we share these statistics with the community, most people are very surprised and estimate that use is much higher,” said Paulson. “We really want to bring attention to these data points to show that not using substances is actually the norm.”

The group’s recent focus has been on re-invigorating Y4Y’s social media presence, doing parent/youth outreach at organizations such as The Refuge, hosting a youth selfcare night in December at Broomfield inventHQ with another scheduled in May, participating in Broomfield Days and presenting at conferences such as Public Health in the Rockies and The American Public Health Association Annual Meeting. All of this work is an addition to advising CTC.

“Y4Y provides information that supports the positive social norming of drugs/vaping, which will hopefully lead to a more informed youth and adult audience that can make choices regarding their health with all of the information available to

Continued on page 30

“Why did you get involved in Youth for Youth?”

Lydia Seedorf, Freshman, Northglenn High School

“I chose to be involved in Y4Y because I wanted to contribute my voice to an organization that was created with the purpose of putting microphones in the hands of young leaders and amplifying their voices on issues that both concern and affect them. I was intrigued by the focus on substance use prevention and the general mental well-being of teens. Youth For Youth has helped me to connect with teens with similar passions and has given us a shared purpose. It has also provided me the courage to approach adults with these issues and engage them in conversation. I have learned over the years that, if we show how much we care and know about these issues, adults are inclined to listen to our ideas with open ears.”

Saba Kord, Junior, Legacy High School

“I chose to be involved with Y4Y after being a part of TAB (the Broomfield Library Teen Advisory Board) and understanding how important it is to be a part of making the community a more positive space for youth. As a result of being a part of Y4Y, I have been able to meet so many like-minded teens, meet amazing adults who share the same goal as Y4Y, and interact with the community through events such as National Night Out and Broomfield Days.”

Valerie Kim, Junior, Stargate School

“I started with last year’s summer internship, which was a wonderful experience that I learned a lot from. I really liked the youth-led and community-focused approach. I feel more connected with the Broomfield community through Y4Y and have made new friends who are all committed to learning about and improving our community.”

Continued from page 29

them,” said Kord. “Additionally, we try to have a presence in different places, such as high schools and other organizations (such as The Refuge) in Broomfield that are trying to create a more supportive society.”

Y4Y does an intensive summer project every year on a topic chosen by youth and staff depending on what’s happening in the community and what makes sense for the interests and skills of the group at the time.

“Last summer, we had a lot of new advisers, so we chose a topic (creating positive norm messaging around marijuana use in youth) that would allow us to work on a lot of foundational skills, such as learning about prevention, public health, marketing, data, etc.,” said Paulson. “Summer 2023’s project is to be determined, and will really be shaped by the youth advisers.”

There are many ways the community can support Y4Y’s efforts, but one of the most important is listening to young people.

“Having a trusted adult is one of the biggest protections against youth substance misuse and poor mental health outcomes,” said Paulson. “Especially when conversations are difficult or uncomfortable, listening with empathy and non-judgment is so important, and something we all can do.”

Broomfielders can get involved by supporting CTC and following Y4Y on social media. For more information visit Y4Y on Instagram (@broomfieldy4y), online at www.broomfield. org/y4y or email youth4youth@gmail.com.

Editor’s Note: In this issue of Our Broomfield I am proud to announce a new partnership with Raven Astrom and premiere the print version of “The Faces of Broomfield.” Raven is a local business person and an active member of the community. She is also the host of “Faces.” Each month Raven will profile a different community member from her website, TheFacesofBroomfield.com. Thank you, Raven, for this great endeavor to help us get to know each other better! This month, let’s get to know Raven...

Hello and welcome to my page!

I’m excited to share a little about myself, my family, and the community of Broomfield, Colorado! My family moved to Colorado when I was very young. I was raised in Boulder (Go Buffs!). And even though I said I would move back to Minnesota as soon as I was old enough, Colorado took hold and I have never looked back! My husband and I have raised our family here and are grateful that each one has decided to stay near and raise their families.

I am a realtor with Compass Colorado and what I enjoy the most about being a realtor is that Colorado residents are wonderful! It’s all about people for me and building relationships. This is something I take great pride in and many of my clients are now my friends! I wasn’t always a realtor. Before earning my real

estate license, I was in healthcare and was an NICU RN for more than 20 years with the majority of that time spent at Avista Hospital in Louisville. During my Healthcare Career, in addition to being an NICU RN, I was a Case manager, a Hospital Educator, earned my doctorate in psychology at CU Boulder, led Process Improvement Teams for UCHealth medical residents, and conducted research! Whew! However, corporate healthcare changed a lot during that time. Healthcare became more about the dollars and less about the patients and I wanted to be able to choose people over corporations.

A career change was imminent and in reviewing my options Real Estate was in the forefront and something I always wanted to do! I had a lot of personal real estate experience, I knew how to put people first and negotiate on their behalf, and I was willing to work hard.

Becoming a realtor was a no brainer! My love and enthusiasm for Colorado and the people who live here fuels my drive to help my clients find the right home and right neighborhood for them. When the opportunity came to share more about the community via The Faces of Broomfield, I was so excited. Here was the perfect vehicle to share their stories. What an honor it has been to meet so many people and we are just getting started! Our community is defined by its people. We are telling the story of our community to each other and to the world, one face at a time. I would love for you to nominate someone great who lives or works among us! Contact me anytime. Thank you very much.

–Raven

ADVERTISER

INDEX

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RE/MAX – Christina Surprenant www.broomhood.com

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Smile High Dental www.smilehighdental.com

The Law Firm of Bruce Danford www.brucedanford.com

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TYCO Plumbing www.tycoplumbingco.com

Unique Heating & Air www.uniquehvac.com

Vinca www.usavinca.com

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February is the Month of Love! Spread Kindness and Practice Self

Care to Beat the Winter Blues

February is commonly recognized as the month of love but here in Colorado that month also comes in the middle of winter when our days are shorter and the weather is colder. We don’t get outside as much as we would like, and it can be a tough time of year for many. The care team at Avista Adventist Hospital has some ideas about how to shake away the February blues and help you fill your month with the true meaning of love.

February may be one of our coldest months, but we are lucky that in our state the year comes with 300 days of sunshine. Take advantage of those sunny days and reach out to a friend or neighbor to go for coffee and take a walk in the great outdoors. Getting fresh air, exercise, and enjoying the time with a friend can make the difference in making an ok day turn into a great day.

It’s easy to curl up on the couch and binge watch show after show eating junk food, especially when it is cold outside. Maybe next time you’re ready to curl up,

consider making an event out of it. Invite friends for a watch party and have everyone come up with healthy themed snacks to enjoy together. Learning new recipes and sharing new memories will make those cold weekends more enjoyable.

While you are making memories with others, also be sure to take time for yourself. According to Chaplain Mark McCulley at Avista Adventist Hospital “Self-care is a form of love and it is essential to our well-being.” Make sure you are getting enough rest so your body is ready to take on a new day. Take time to go to your favorite exercise class, spend some time journaling your thoughts, plan on eating healthier, and enjoy the little things that bring you happiness. It’s just as easy to show yourself love as it is to show it to others, in fact loving yourself makes it easier to spread that love to others.

Speaking of others, the elderly members of our community might also be struggling during this time of year. Having just enjoyed many family-filled holiday celebrations, many struggle with

feelings of loneliness in the quiet time that follows. Make a point to check in with parents and grandparents, see if they need anything from the store while you are out, or maybe just surprise them with ice cream! You will find a small gesture will brighten up their day and fill both your hearts with joy.

Living in Colorado we know winter brings snow, what better way to spread love this winter than to help your neighbors dig out of the latest snowstorm. Those 10 inches of snow won’t seem so miserable when we all work on digging out together. If you’re one of those lucky enough to wake and find your walks already being shoveled by your wonderful neighbor, maybe make them a thermos of cocoa as a thank you.

It’s our ability to love and help others that truly makes us a strong community and makes filling this month with love a joy. Follow these tips to keep a smile on through the cold of winter and warm your own heart as well as the hearts of those around you!