June 2023 Our Broomfield™ Magazine

Photo by Missy Ruzicka

EDITOR FROM THE Summertime Reading

One of my favorite childhood memories is going to the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Broomfield Public Library right after school ended in the spring to sign up for the summer reading program. The original

Broomfield Library was located where the Broomfield Veterans Museum now resides at #12 Garden Center.

According to the Broomfield.org website, in 1961 Bal Swan and the Turnpike Land Company donated land at #12 Garden Center for the first permanent library building. Upon request of Bal Swan, the library was named Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library and General and Mrs. Eisenhower were honored guests at the library dedication July 7, 1963.

I was first a patron a few years after that, in the mid to late 1970s. My mom would load my brothers, sister, and me up in the station wagon and we would drive over to the library to register. I can remember the smiling friendly lady, Mary Jane Bailey, Broomfield’s first library director, helping us sign up. There were colorful posters all around and a form that seemed very official to a seven- or eightyear-old. We would go home, each with our forms to track our reading and our own cloth bag filled with books. It was so exciting!

I was an avid reader and would voraciously dive in. You see, the more books you read, the more prizes you could accumulate. But for me it was more about having the longest list of books read possible by the end of summer. That old library held many good memories for me. It was a place of discovery for a growing mind and I remember combing the wooden drawers of the old card catalog, just reading cards until I found something that piqued my interest. Then off to the stacks to find the book! Do kids today even need to learn the Dewey Decimal System? The Internet has “replaced” many beautiful things.

I can also remember regular study dates at the library when I was first dating my now husband Pat, where there was probably more hand holding and shy looks across the table then studying going on.

I just moved my home office to a different room in the house, which caused a small packing and unpacking of “stuff.” Amongst the items, I rediscovered several books that I have accumulated in recent years, and not read yet, but pushed into one drawer or another. I now have a fresh stack of books beckoning me from a clean new shelf. And summertime is the perfect time to tackle some reading.

The Broomfield Summer Reading Program still exists today and kicks off June 1 with programs and prizes for readers of all ages - infants to adults! You can learn more at https://www.broomfield.org/2644/Summer-Library-Adventures and register in person at the Broomfield Library at 1 DesCombes Drive.

Until next month,

Tina Eichner, Editor

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!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

JUNE 3

Colorado Sky, Shadow Puppetry Show

In collaboration with Art Song Colorado, Boulder Opera, and the Broomfield Council on the Arts & Humanities, Sohap Ensemble dreamed up a genius and entertaining production of shadow puppetry and the premiere of a new chamber opera about the reintroduction of wolves to Colorado. This family-friendly story follows a wolf cub named Sky as he tries to fit in and make friends in his new home. After the production, there will be a 30-minute puppet-making workshop. Bring the kids and grandkids to see the performance on Saturday, June 3 at 6:00 p.m. at the Broomfield Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at events.humanitix.com/colorado-sky.

JUNE 9

Golf 4 A Precious Child

A Precious Child is celebrating the 15 year anniversary of their beloved tournament, Golf 4 A Precious Child. You can support this local non-profit by marking your calendar for June 9 at The Ridge at Castle Pines. Participants can look forward to a full day of play, contests, and a silent auction. Each ticket package includes 18 holes of golf, a light breakfast, cocktails and refreshments, lunch, and a swag bag. Visit one.bidpal.net/golf4apreciouschild2023south/ticketing to reserve your spot!

JUNE 10

Flag Retirement Ceremony

The Veterans Museum of Broomfield is hosting the 17th annual Flag Retirement Ceremony at 12 Garden Center on Saturday,

June 10 beginning at noon. The ceremony will include the Broomfield Police and North Metro Fire honor guard, representatives from the Veterans Museum, and local scout troops. The event will also include a performance by bugler Doug Chambliss from Bugles Across America, an open house at the Veterans Museum, and a patriotic hot dog cookout sponsored by North Metro Fire. Attendees may take part in the ceremony by helping to cut and properly retire flags that have been collected by the community. Bring the whole family to participate in this traditional event!

JUNE 10

Local Summer Artisan’s Fair

Visit the Skyestone Lodge on Saturday, June 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to shop with a variety of local artisan vendors! This event will showcase the work of local creatives including beautiful and unique handmade items such as porch leaner signs, photography, jewelry, handcrafted photo note cards, wall art, potholders, jewelry, household décor, and much, much more. This will be a great place to shop for unique, practical, reasonably priced gifts, so mark your calendar!

JUNE 11

WeatherTech Cars and Coffee

Meet fellow car enthusiasts at WeatherTech for an early morning car show and open house from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on June 11. 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.

Summer Sundays Festival

Throughout the summer, BCAH will be hosting free, family-friendly events with the purpose of connecting the community with creatives and celebrating all cultures and forms of creativity in art, performance, and science. The first event will be June 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Brunner Farmhouse. The event will include booths from local groups with interactive and educational themes, carnival games, performances from local artists, and a concert. The first concert will be performed by Groove N’ Motion, so don’t miss it!

JUNE 13 - SEP

Broomfield Farmers’ Market at Holy Comforter

The Broomfield Farmers’ Market at Holy Comforter returns Tuesday, June 13. The market will be open every Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. through September, excluding July 4. The Broomfield Farmers’ Market provides area residents with convenient access to high quality locally grown, farm-fresh produce sold directly by local farmers. Shoppers will also find baked goods, meat and poultry, jams and pickles, spices, salsas, freshly prepared meals, and more! For more information and updates throughout the summer, follow Broomfield Farmers’ Market at Holy Comforter on Facebook.

BUSY FAMILIES

Your Summer

By Lisa Payne

I have been guilty of completely filling my calendar with trips and outings before summer has even begun. I think if I have an empty weekend, I must not be taking full advantage of my summer. I leave no time for the in between moments of watching the sunset or enjoying my kids laughing together over something silly.

We recently got a puppy. We did not intend to get a puppy, but when the breeder where we got our lab Cooper from sent us a picture of a litter of white labs, we got in the car and drove to Utah to pick out our new family member.

I did not quite remember how much work a puppy is. It is like having a newborn baby. You must make sure they are active during the day so they sleep at night. You are awakened throughout the night when they have to go to the bathroom (or in my case he wants to play at 2:00 a.m.). You have to watch their every move so that they don’t chew your table or go to the bathroom in the house.

But the second they are snuggled on your lap or showing you some love, all the exhausting moments do not matter. You are filled with so much nurturing love that it’s almost overwhelming. And luckily the puppy/toddler phase is over much more quickly than with a child and also you can put them in a crate! Another fun thing is that I have several neighbors who also have a new puppy and we are having playdates and sitting around visiting together like we did when our kids were little. It is bringing back fond memories of those lazy summer days.

One thing that our new puppy has brought to our family is that we are all gathering in the same space together again. We all want to be with him and we are spending relaxing time together as a family. The kids have been off their phones by almost half their usual time. They are having nightly games of checkers. I watched last night as one of my kids looked around

the family room and said out loud, “I really like that we are all together more.” Wow.

This summer is going to be slower for us. My calendar isn’t full and I see a lot of family time in our future. This will be a summer to savor. I hope my kids feel like the summer is long, the way I felt as a child.

What are ways that you can savor your summer? I know sports can take a lot of your time, but what about those in between moments? That trip to Bahama Bucks after a hot day of baseball. The golden hour stroll to decompress your day. The trip to the farmers market to pick out dinner. The affectionate glance you give your significant other at the crowded soccer game. The extra hug you give your teenager, even if they are rolling their eyes while you have yours closed to soak in the moment.

A successful summer doesn’t have to be about where you traveled to or how full your calendar is. Find contentment in the whispers of the here and now, those moments that usually pass by without a glance. The free experiences that truly fill your soul. Happy summer my friends.

A successful summer doesn’t have to be about where you traveled to or how full your calendar is.

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

Stock photo

Broomfield Summer Concert Series Returns

The summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy some music, and you can do just that in our own community with the Broomfield Summer Concert Series sponsored by the Broomfield Public Library. A wide range of musical acts are set to perform, with all shows being free and open to the public. There will also be pre-show festivities including food trucks at each event. The series will kick off with “Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History through song” featuring Adrian Miller on June 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Broomfield Depot Museum. Visit broomfield.org/SummerConcerts for more information and to see the complete lineup of shows.

JUNE 22

Broomfield FISH’s 60th Anniversary Celebration

All are welcome for a free, fun-filled evening celebrating FISH’s six decades of ser vice with our Broomfield community. The celebration will take place on Thursday, June 22 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Broomfield FISH facility. Be sure to wear your tie dye! FISH will be hosting a food drive at this event, so please bring food or personal care items to donate. Learn more at www.broomfield fish.org/events.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

JUNE 25

Science + Art: Agri-Culture

BCAH is hosting a free event to provide a variety of educational booths and experi ences in the sciences and arts. Broomfield residents are welcome to attend on June 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Brunner Farmhouse and Gardens. There will be a va riety of educational and creative activities, including a hands-on experience with Plein Air painters. Bring the whole family to this outdoor educational experience!

JUNE - AUGUST

Planet Fitness FREE High School Program

School’s out, and the gym is in! High school teens, ages 15 to 18, can exercise for free at Planet Fitness all summer long. Planet Fitness is committed to helping teens kick start their summer fitness regimen with the Teen Summer Challenge. The challenge gives teens the opportunity to achieve the recommended level of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous daily physical activity. Learn more and get started on your FREE summer fitness program at the Planet Fitness at 4650 W 120th Ave Unit 1 in Broomfield.

Disney Dance Camp

Dance Arts Studio is excited to host Disney Dance Camp! Your little ones are sure to love this summer camp inspired by their favorite Disney movies. Kids ages 3 to 7 can join the daytime classes full of creative movement, crafts, and dance instruction. Classes will be held July 17 through 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Space is limited so be sure to register now at danceartsstudio.org or email dasbroomfield@msn.com for more information.

How to Breathe Easier this Summer

By The City and County of Broomfield

Summer is here and the City and County of Broomfield is starting a new campaign called the Your Air campaign to help residents stay aware of and improve their air quality. Colorado’s Front Range, including Broomfield, does not meet current federal standards for air quality. You may have noticed the air quality is so poor that on some days you can’t see the beloved Flatirons and Rockies.

What causes poor air quality, what does it mean for your health, and what simple steps can you take to improve it? Poor air quality in the Front Range is caused by ground-level ozone which is formed when industrial and vehicle traffic pollutants combine with sunlight and heat. This combination typically makes air quality worse in the summer, when days are hotter and sunnier. This makes an unpleasant haze and can also have a negative effect on lung health.

When inhaled, ground-level ozone can cause lung and throat irritation, coughing, pain when taking a deep breath, wheezing and trouble breathing while exercising. In some cases, it can also cause asthma attacks, an increased risk of respiratory infections, and an increased risk of hospitalization. These symptoms and risks can be much more likely as well as more severe for people with asthma or lung disease, people who work outdoors, older adults, babies, and children.

Before exercising or spending a lot of time outdoors on warm, sunny days, it’s best to check the ozone conditions in your area at Broomfield.org/YourAir. If ozone levels are high, think about spending more time indoors, choose easier outdoor activities, or plan your outdoor activities in the mornings and evenings.

Although air quality is impacted by commercial and industry sources, there are plenty of simple steps anyone can take to improve air quality! Everyone doing one simple step, over time, can make an impactful change.

Carpooling or vanpooling to share a car trip has plenty of

advantages, including keeping the air clean. In addition to gas savings, carpooling and vanpooling reduces parking woes and allows access to Metro Denver’s HOV Express lanes! Another way to improve air quality is skipping two car trips each week. Emissions from cars, trucks, vans, and motorcycles are some of the largest contributors to ground-level ozone in Metro Denver. If you skip two car trips each week and replace them with other ways to get around, you can help decrease traffic congestion and improve air quality.

Consider filling up your car with gas after 5:00 p.m. on hot, sunny days and avoid idling your car. When your car is stopped for more than a few minutes, turn off your engine to prevent air pollution. Don’t paint or use solvents on poor air quality days, as they can increase pollutants in the air that contribute to ground-level ozone. Switch to electric lawn equipment, and/or mow your lawn after 5:00 p.m. to prevent air pollution.

Protecting your health and improving air quality can be simple. Learn more about Broomfield’s Your Air campaign, sign up for air quality alerts, and find additional tips to breathe easy this summer at Broomfield.org/YourAir.

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Saving existing concrete is the most economical way to provide an even, safe surface. Leveling a concrete slab before it’s too damaged ensures the existing concrete will be around for years to come. In addition, there is minimal downtime.

SustainAbility Recycling:

Good for People, Good for the Environment

and traditional curbside recycling. Most post-consumer items such as milk jugs, peanut butter jars, and newspaper are made of a single material, which makes them easy to recycle. However, thousands of other items exist that are made of multiple materials, such as CDs, VHS tapes, and fire extinguishers. At SustainAbility, these types of hard-to-recycle items are collected and sent to downstream recyclers who are able to separate the different materials and recycle them.

Reuse is another important concept that SustainAbility incorporates into their

By Bette Erickson

Atruly sustainable and socially-conscious recycling facility is open in our community.

Of course, most all recycling facilities are socially-conscious and operate sustainably. What makes SustainAbility Recycling unique, however, is its commitment to not only Zero-Waste, but its employment of individuals who have developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Some estimates show that adults who have developmental and intellectual disabilities have an over 70% unemployment rate in Colorado.

“The state of CO has a recycling rate of only 16 percent. We offer the community affordable recycling options to help people live more sustainably, and recycle/reuse before sending materials to the landfill,” explained Rachel Nathan, SustainAbility Director. “Our Broomfield drop-off site accepts 20+ hard-to-recycle items that you cannot place in your curbside recycling bins, or bring to a traditional recycling center, such as electronics, sty-

rofoam, plastic bags, and books.”

The organization partners with environmentally responsible downstream recyclers for all focus materials who hold either eStewards or R2 certifications.

Recycling is great, but what about junk that is not recyclable?

Three Reasons to Recycle Old or Unwanted Paint

1. Someone else can use it. Latex paint can be reprocessed and made back into a new recycled product.

2. It prevents hazardous chemicals from entering the environment. When paint dries in a landfill, it produces gasses called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These vapors create ozone - a large contributor to smog.

Unlike SustainAbility Recycling, 1-800-GOT-Junk offers pick-up and haul-away services. Junk removal is available for your home or business including offices, retail locations, construction sites, and more. Pricing is based on how much space your unwanted items take up in the truck, starting with a minimum charge of 1/8th of a truck all the way up to a full truckload (equivalent to eight standard size refrigerators). For more information, or to book your free onsite estimate, visit www.1800gotjunk.com.

3. It conserves resources. Latex and oil-based paints are created using plastics and oils that take far less energy to simply reuse, than gather new.

Source: SustainAbility Recycling

It is important to make the distinction between hard-to-recycle materials

Courtesy photo

Courtesy

photo

Courtesy photo

model. Materials such as shoes, candle wax, and eye glasses are collected at their sites and donated to local partners for reuse in the community. SustainAbility Recycling is recognized by the State of Colorado as a Large Quantity Handler of Universal Waste. While dropping off materials at its Zero Waste Center, you will likely see one of the many dog helpers who come to work with their humans.

Follow SustainAbility Recycling on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. For more information or to contact SustainAbility Recycling, visit www.sustainability-recycling.com or call 303-425-9226.

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

The Broomfield location of SustainAbility is at 11811 Upham St. #5A West. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday; closed Sunday. Call 303-425-9226 for more information.

The $3 entrance fee covers Hard-2-Recycle (H2R) items and the opportunity to drop off reuse items.

Visit the website for more information: www.sustainability-recycling.com/copy-of-hardto-recycle-arvada and choose the Broomfield tab.

FAQs

How do people get their tickets?

Online registrants will receive confirmation of their registration via email and can present a printed ticket or QR code at the door.

The Taste of Broomfield is 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 27, at the 1STBANK Center, 11450 Broomfield Lane in Broomfield.

Tickets are available online at broomfieldchamber.com

General Admission

Are

alcoholic beverage samples included?

Yes! The Chamber requests that you have your ID (21+) if you would like to sample alcoholic beverages at the event. Everyone will be carded.

What is the Passport?

After checking in at the Registration Table, all attendees will receive a plastic tasting glass and “Passport” for the event to note the different food and beverages enjoyed. Visit all the listed booths to have it stamped by the vendor and bring the passport to the Broomfield Chamber table near the stage to be entered into a drawing for tickets to a show at the 1STBANK Center. Do not forget: You must be present to win.

Should I register early?

In the past, this event has sold out. To ensure the Chamber has enough food for all attendees, they will have a sellout point that once reached, no more tickets will be sold.

Can tickets be bought at the

door?

Yes, as long as the event does not sell out prior. Online sales will end Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. If available, tickets will be sold at the door for $50 (12 and over) and $15 (under 12).

Are volunteers sought for this event?

“As a non-profit, we couldn’t do these large events without the help of our volunteers. For those interested, there is a volunteer link on the homepage of our website, broomfieldchamber. com, as well as complete event details,” Warren said.

Choose your ticket price for the all-inclusive sampling event.

Early Registration Price: $35 After July 14, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.: $40

VIP

VIP (Includes early admission at 4:30 p.m., exclusive tastings in VIP room, and metal tasting mug): $65

Kids

Under 12 years of age: $15 Kids 3 years and younger: free

** Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable **

July 27 is the Broomfield Chamber’s Annual Festival of Local Food and Drink: The Taste of Broomfield

By Bette Erickson

People from throughout the north metro area look forward to gathering each year to attend the Broomfield Chamber of Commerce Taste of Broomfield Event. The public event is a great opportunity to join friends and neighbors for an evening to remember, sampling delicious local food and drink in an indoor street festival environment.

Participants get to enjoy bite-sized dishes prepared by an all-star lineup of talent from area restaurants serving up tasty attractions that reflect their signature style. Local breweries and distilleries will offer tastings as well.

Our Broomfield, an event sponsor, caught up with Andrea Warren, events director with the Chamber, and asked how many years the Taste of Broomfield has been going.

“The oldest document I could find for this event is from 1996,” she explained. “Making this our 27th year.”

When asked about any new restaurants that might be participating this year, she replied, “We have many new restaurants in Broomfield, and we look forward to hosting them to showcase their menus and new locations.”

She said the Chamber is expecting 30 to 40 food and beverage vendors, 12 non-profit organizations, and 15-20 local businesses. The Taste of Broomfield is one of those marquee annual Broomfield events, eagerly anticipated by the community. If you have not been, plan to attend this year and learn why!

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

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) had just more than 4.3 million visitors last year making it Colorado’s number one tourist destination. Located just 65 miles northwest of the Denver metro area, RMNP offers 260,000 acres of beautiful scenery that spans both sides of the continental divide from Estes Park to Grand Lake.

I remember going with my grandparents up to RMNP every summer for a picnic when I was a kid, and I still carry on that tradition multiple times a year with my family. Between the scenic highways and the abundance of wildlife and wildflowers in bloom, every trip up to the park offers something new. Outdoor enthusiasts can find adventures year round, from snowshoeing in the winter, to fly fishing

Indulge in Colorado’s Summertime Beauty at Rocky Mountain National Park

in the spring to amazing waterfall hikes in the summer. Wildlife sightings in RMNP could include mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, coyote, moose, and even the occasional black bear.

The iconic Longs Peak sitting at a towering 14,256 feet above sea level, is surrounded by 58 other peaks that reach above 12,000 feet. When you reach the Alpine visitors center on Trail Ridge Road you will have a panoramic view of mountain peaks that reach all the way to Montana. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in North America cresting at 12,183 feet above sea level, and is usually open from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Our family loves to take Fall River Road, which opened in 1913. This original road up to

the top is a one-way dirt road with extraordinary views you can’t get from the paved path.

Hiking is one of the best ways to see everything RMNP has to offer. With more than 300 miles of hiking trails there are hikes at every level of difficulty. Sprague Lake is a beautiful hike that is a little under a mile long and wheelchair accessible, but still with some of the most breathtaking views. One of our family’s favorite hikes is from Bear Lake to Alberta Falls, which is one of the park’s most photographed waterfalls. On our to-do list for this summer is the hike from Fall River Pass to Milner Pass along the old road route which was open from 19181932.

One of the most popular activities in

Story and Photos by Missy Ruzicka

Facing page: Elk on the road side of Fall River Road

At left: Beat Lake

Below: View from Fall River Road

RMNP is sports fishing. Today the park has growing populations of brook, brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Fishing is fun for all ages but those over 16 need to have a Colorado Fishing license which you can get down in town. There are some special regulations for fishing in a national park, so make sure you read up before you cast your line.

With more than 4.6 million visitors in 2019, the National Park Service has begun a reservation system effective May 26 –

October 22. If you know when your family would like to head up for a long weekend or maybe just a day trip, make sure to get your timed reservation either a month in advance, or if you are like us and don’t plan that far ahead, you can still be spontaneous as 40 percent of allotted reservations will be released at 5:00 p.m. the night before.

Go to https://www.nps. gov/romo/planyourvisit/ timed-entry-permit-system.htm for more information.

Outdoor enthusiasts can find adventures year round, from snowshoeing in the winter, to fly fishing in the spring to amazing waterfall hikes in the summer.

Find Joy in Gardening this Summer

Find Joy in Gardening this Summer

By Missy Ruzicka

There is nothing like serving summer dinner guests fresh tomato caprese made with fresh basil and tomatoes from your garden. There is something gratifying about planting, growing, and harvesting your own food. Although our growing season here in Colorado is short, there are still plenty of flowers and veggies you can grow in your own yard without being a farmer.

I never really tried my hand at gardening until that pesky summer of 2020, where I like many of you, was going a little stir crazy and needed something else to do. My mom has an amazing green thumb with beautiful gardens and house plants she has had for decades. I asked her what was the easiest

thing to garden and for the flowers that are most difficult to kill. With a quick run to the local gardening center, I had everything I needed to try my hand at being a gardener.

I’m not going to lie, it was tough setting it up and getting a handle on the weeds but after the first week or so, I found myself out on the back deck enjoying my morning coffee, looking at my beautiful flowers and the vegetable plants that were really taking off. I learned to take a step back and enjoy the quiet mornings of weeding my flower beds, watering my veggies, and finally finding why my mom spent hours outside in her yard.

Now Colorado is not an easy state to garden in for we have been known to have a crazy snowstorm in June, hail storms that can destroy your yard in a matter of minutes in July, weeks of heat and dry spells, and let’s not forget that gardening at elevation can be tricky.

We have had success with yellow squash, all kinds of peppers, and heirloom and cherry tomatoes. This year we are adding spinach and rhubarb to our list. I find it rewarding to share our bumper crop with friends and neighbors.

Growing vegetables is relaxing but watching your yard come to life with all the different flowers in bloom is probably the most rewarding part of gardening. My mom helped me plant a bunch of bulbs and flowers and I was amazed when our spring started off with tulips and daffodils, followed by my favorite irises of all different colors. Then as those began to fade, the roses and daisies came to life with sunflowers and black-eyed Susans rounding out summer. My yard is in a constant state of change, and blooms of color are forever blossoming and changing right up until that first snowfall.

Colorado’s summers tend to get hot, and about July all the pretty green grass starts to turn dull and brown in some areas. I asked the team at Olson Outdoors in Broomfield what I could do to help the grass during the dog days of summer and they suggested more frequent watering for a shorter time to help control the tempera ture of the clay which will help your grass roots. Instead of watering for 30 minutes 3 days a week, water 8 minutes for 5 days.

Gardening has been shown to lighten moods and lower levels of stress and anx iety. It’s relaxing to sit out on your back deck as the sun sets and see the fruits of your labor and realize that all that work was actually enjoyable.

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Broomfield’s Famed Farmers’ Market Opens June 13

By Megan Mayes

Agreat summer tradition is returning this month! Local shoppers can get ready for quality food and quality time courtesy of The Broomfield Farmers’ Market at Holy Comforter Church. This lively community gathering returns on June 13 and every Tuesday evening (except the 4th of July) through September. If you haven’t been before, be sure to put this on your summer calendar for a family night out because you will not regret it!

The Farmers’ Market is consistently connecting Broomfield residents with the highest quality seasonal produce and products that Colorado has to offer from 27 local vendors. There is something for everyone to enjoy from produce, baked goods, pork and poultry, microgreens, jams and pickles, to spices and salsas. Fans of fresh summer salads can look forward to crisp lettuce and sweet cherries being in season as the market opens this month. Shoppers will also find a wide variety of prepared foods, canned products, and even take-home ready to eat meals. Although the food quality is supreme, don’t think of the market as just another grocery shopping experience. It is a place for the community to gather and enjoy the summer. When you visit, plan some extra time for the live music, crafts and games for the kids, and delicious meals available from visiting food trucks. Dave Carter, the Volunteer Market Manager said, “Broomfield benefits when you have places where people can get together after work and relax and enjoy time with family and friends.” Be sure to visit their Facebook page to stay up to date on their weekly events, which include First Responders and Healthcare Workers Day on

July 11 and Teacher Appreciation Day on September 5.

The Broomfield Farmers’

The Broomfield Farmers’ market is run entirely by volunteers with the sole intention of serving the local community. The organizers take all of the net profits and give back to the community through grants and enhancements to the market. Shoppers using SNAP can have their benefits doubled up to $20, and vouchers for $10 are offered weekly to WIC clients. This is done with the hope of providing access to healthy and nutritious food to every community member. This generosity earned the farmer’s market team a Heart of Broomfield award.

The volunteers and vendors look forward to seeing you on June 13 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the opening day celebration and every Tuesday evening during the summer.

For more information or volunteer opportunities, please visit Broomfield Farmers’ Market at Holy Comforter on Facebook or email market@holycomforterchurch.net.

Farmer John displays his peaches

The band We Ain’t Dead Yet performs at a previous Broomfield Farmers’ market

Photo by Pat Eichner

Photo by Pat Eichner

By Kristen Beckman

Broomfield will host its 7th Annual Broomfield BrewHaHa festival from noon to 5:00 p.m. June 17 at Arista Park. The event started in 2016 and has been held every year except 2020 when it was canceled due to COVID-19.

The mission behind BrewHaHa is to spotlight the Arista neighborhood and businesses to Broomfield residents who live on the other side of US 36 and to acquaint new Arista residents with Broomfield’s community services, said Kay Gazaway, community events coordinator for the City and County of Broomfield.

“BrewHaHa is a fun afternoon where you can play on the grass, explore the vendor tents and dance to the music,” said Gazaway. “The food and beer are always delicious and children and dogs are welcome as the atmosphere is relaxed and playful making it a perfect afternoon out with friends or family.”

The event features fresh local brews, food trucks, lawn games, live bands, merchants, and more. Always a popular attraction, the lawn games include corn hole and giant versions of Jenga, checkers, and Connect 4. Bands this year are Andy in the San Luis, led by Nashville and Denver-based singer and songwriter Andy Hackbarth, and Daddyblue, one of Denver’s most popular bands performing Pop, Swing, Classic and Motown favorites. Before the music starts there will be free yoga on the lawn at 10:30 a.m. hosted by Broomfield Recreation.

Featured breweries include Wonderland Brewing, Westminster Brewing Company, and Luki Brewing,

Broomfield BrewHaHa

Broomfield BrewHaHa

Fresh Brews, Music, Food, and Fun

Fresh Brews, Music, Food, and Fun

Photos from previous BrewHaHa events

and food will be available from Taste of Texas, Kona Ice, Eats & Sweets, El Jefe’s Smothered Brats and Tots, La Distileria, and Ruby Ru’s. Beer tickets will be available for $5 and may be purchased with cash.

Festival goers will be able to shop from vendors offering handcrafted dog products like leashes and collars, leather bracelets and earrings, abstract art on wood panels, coasters and trays, craft cocktail and mocktail infusion kits, baby bows

and toddler headbands, mommy and me apron sets, handmade macrame wall art, crystal jewelry, and more. In addition, guests can visit with and learn about some of Broomfield’s service departments including Broomfield Police, the library, public health services, recreation and Open Space and Trails.

Months of work and many departments make BrewHaHa a success. Planning began in late 2022 with the selection of bands, said Gazaway. In January, or-

ganizers began contracting for the event infrastructure including stage and sound services, fencing, portalets, and zero waste. Between February and April, food trucks and breweries were signed on and permits and licenses were obtained, including an alcohol permit, street closure permit, temporary stage permit, park permit, and other details arranged, said Gazaway. In addition, organizers recruited and vetted vendors. Broomfield FISH partners with BrewHaHa to provide its refrigerator truck to keep beer cold throughout the day.

Broomfield Recreation takes the lead in planning the event and providing staffing for the day of the event. The team is supported by careful planning and collaboration with several other city departments including media and communications, streets, parks, and police, said Gazaway.

Those interested in volunteering for the event can be ambassadors for Zero Waste by helping guide guests to properly dispose of their compostable cups and plates. Visit www.broomfield.org/2454/ BrewHaHa for more information.

FRIENDS of Broomfield Invites Community to Luncheon and Fashion Show

By Kristen Beckman

This summer, FRIENDS of Broomfield will host its annual luncheon and fashion show featuring men and women with intellectual and developmental disabilities showing off the latest styles. The event, which is held in conjunction with National Friendship Day, will take place July 30 at the Chateaux at Fox Meadows and feature lunch, mimosas, and a presentation.

As usual, the fashion show will feature styles from fashion sponsors Dillards, MAC Cosmetics, and Vera Bradley. Male models joined the 2022 GirlFRIENDS event for the first time and have now become a staple. Participants from Lil’FRIENDs will also join the runway to create a show filled with diverse models. FRIENDS hopes to surpass last year’s 180 guests.

To prepare, the models will spend an afternoon picking out the outfits they want to strut on the runway.

FRIENDS hopes to raise $50,000 through the event to support its programs including Day, Residential, Supported Employment, and Social and Travel programs.

Members of the community are invited to support FRIENDS by purchasing tickets to the event, sponsoring the event, or making a direct donation. Tickets can be purchased online at the organization’s website friendsofbroomfield.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Sponsors of this year’s event include Blue Federal Credit Union, Our Broomfield Magazine, Viega LLC, FS Wealth Management, Front Range Roofing Systems LLC, Ramos Law, Source Communications, Broomfield Lifestyle, Centerpoint Insurance

Group and Bertagnolli Dental.

The theme of this year’s event is De’file’ de Mode des Amis (Friends Fashion Show).

“I love the Luncheon & Fashion Show because I get to dress up in a pretty outfit and impress the crowd as I walk the runway,” said Christina, a FRIENDS participant and fashion show model. This event is one of several that FRIENDS of Broomfield relies on each year to supplement the costs of its programs. FRIENDS has been working hard this year to raise funds to purchase a new bus that will accommodate its transportation needs. Accessible transportation allows FRIENDS to connect participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities to the community and create an inclusive environment for all.

This spring, FRIENDS hosted its annual Topgolf Tournament with a fundraising goal of $45,000 through a special transportation appeal. Proceeds will be matched by an anonymous donor. A new bus is expected to cost at least $90,000.

On July 8th, the FRIENDS Young Professional Board is hosting a Beer Pong Tournament to raise funds for the organization’s programs as well. The single-elimination tournament will be held at Jackson’s in Denver across from Coors Field.

FRIENDS also hosts an annual variety show in October along with FRIENDSgiving – an event featuring thankfulness-themed individual campaigns hosted by friends and families.

To learn more about FRIENDS or get information about upcoming events, go to friendsofbroomfield.org.

Photos courtesy FRIENDS of Broomfield

Broomfield FISH Celebrates 60 Years of Service

Sixty years ago, women from six Broomfield churches saw a need in the community and joined together to create FISH - or Fellowship In Serving Humanity - to help their neighbors. Initially operating out of their own homes, FISH members distributed up to 45 food baskets each year until 1977, when Cowboy Cleaners and Jim Van Buskirk’s Grocery Store started hosting the “FISH Cupboard,” which FISH used through 1983 to distribute up to 75 food baskets each year.

During the past six decades, FISH has grown from a small, all-volunteer-run organization to a bustling food bank and family resource center helping low-income residents to thrive. In 2022, FISH served 12,553 unduplicated people, distributed more than 1.4 million pounds of food, provided 138 families with utilities assistance, and helped stabilize 1,228 residents in their homes. FISH has grown from a staff of three full-time people and 60 regular vol-

By Kristen Beckman

unteers, to a staff of 17, with more than 200 regular volunteers and 20,000 volunteer hours.

Dayna Scott has served as the executive director at FISH for almost eight years. She was hired at a pivotal time of organizational growth and tasked with moving to a bigger building, increasing organizational capacity to meet the rising community need, and later with navigating a pandemic. As the organization celebrates its 60th anniversary, Scott shared some of FISH’s history, important milestones and plans for the future with Our Broomfield Magazine.

Q: What was the original mission of Broomfield FISH and how has that mission evolved over the past 60 years?

A: The original mission statement of FISH back in the 1960s was “to give assistance and comfort to anyone needing help and to provide such non-professional services as are necessary and possible.” The mission statement has since changed, but the

overall sentiment remains the same. Our current mission is: “to meet our neighbors’ basic human needs and provide them with the hope and tools to rise out of poverty.”

Q: What are some of the most significant or noteworthy milestones/accomplishments since it was founded?

A: In 1983, Shirley McGuinness became the first official employee, serving as the director and president of Broomfield FISH until she passed away in 2009. In 1984, the basement of the Broomfield Depot Museum became FISH’s home, and Shirley and volunteers distributed up to 600 food baskets per year.

In 1996, the city provided FISH with space in the basement at #12 Garden Center. That, along with office space at #26 Garden Center in 2005, became FISH’s home base. During this time, FISH distributed between 800 and 4,200 food baskets each year.

In 2015, the FISH board of directors re-

In 1969, Church Women United recorded their Articles of Incorporation and became FISH (Fellowship in Serving Humanity) of Broomfield.

One thing’s for certain after an adventure to the dunes — you’ll find sand everywhere. In every nook and cranny. Weeks later. WeatherTech can’t stop it from getting in your shoes, but we can keep it from invading your car’s cracks and crevasses this summer.

alized that the organization could not meet the growing need in the county at its current location. FISH worked with the Rotary Club and Sill-TerHar Motors to purchase a new refrigerated box truck so that they could increase food donations.

Between 2016 and 2017, FISH met with the City Council to talk about transforming the old police station, turned Department of Human Services building at 6 Garden Center, into FISH’s new headquarters. Community members Amy Bockman, Nick Powell, Steve Reynolds, and John Brunetti were instrumental in helping secure and design the new space. FISH signed a lease agreement with the City and County, and used a grant from the Lakin Family Foundation, to remodel 6 Garden Center. This was a critical milestone for FISH, as it allowed the organization to create a costfree, self-shop marketplace that offered dignity and respect to neighbors in need. It also meant FISH could expand services and help more families than ever before. During 2017, FISH helped 5,859 unduplicated residents and gave out 705,132 pounds of food.

In 2018, FISH joined the Colorado Family Resource Center Association and began offering an array of resources and programs designed to help low-income residents thrive. FISH continued its work to prevent hunger but also created new programs to address housing instability, promote self-sufficiency, and encourage whole-family health and well-being. During that year, FISH helped 6,047 unduplicated residents, gave out 889,107 pounds of food, and provided 369 residents with housing assistance.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, FISH had to pivot quickly to adapt operations and meet skyrocketing demand for assistance. In order to serve everyone in need safely, we had to shift from a self-shop marketplace to a drive-up food distribution model. We also had to increase staff and

switch to virtual/remote financial assistance appointments. On average we helped up to 1,200 families each month, distributed 150,000 pounds of food per month, and provided more than $100,000 per month in direct emergency rent and utility assistance.

Q: How does FISH serve the community today?

A: Generally, FISH serves residents in Broomfield County living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, offering food, emergency financial assistance, and referral services to more than 30 partner organizations, and strengths-based, whole-family development pathways. We have a cost-free, self-shop marketplace where families can access nutritious food. Our marketplace model centers on dignity and respect for residents, and allows our participants to have choice in the food they take home to their families. Our financial assistance programs help residents overcome barriers to self-sufficiency and move toward more stability.

Q: What are the goals for FISH for the next decade?

A: FISH’s primary goal is to meet the needs of low-income community residents and help them thrive. Ultimately, if we address the more systemic issues related to poverty, fewer residents will need safety net services. FISH has become more involved in the housing discussion in recent years because housing is our participants’ No. 1 barrier to self-sufficiency. Most of our families report spending 70 percent or more of their monthly income on housing, which leaves little for other necessities like food, healthcare or childcare. FISH is working in partnership with other agencies, nonprofits, and developers to find creative solutions to the affordable housing crisis in Broomfield.

Q: Why has the organization been successful over 60 years?

A: We credit some of our success these past six decades to our dedicated staff and volunteers. Two staff have been with FISH for more than 14 years – Sharin Oliver as a volunteer, volunteer coordinator, and operations manager, as well as Mike Lutz, who has grown with FISH as our food operations team manager. Volunteers have also been the heart and soul of our organization. In 2022, we were fortunate to have had more than 200 regular volunteers and many on and off-site groups give 20,000 hours to support our mission.

FISH’s success is also due to the incredibly generous support of our donors and our collaborations across the county have helped us to be successful. We work with more than 30 partner organizations and agencies that enable us to provide quality wrap-around support to families in need. Seven organizations co-locate with us on a permanent or regular basis at 6 Garden Center.

Q: How is FISH celebrating its anniversary with the community?

A: For our 60th anniversary, we are hosting a Yard Art Competition. All of our Broomfield neighbors are eligible to participate by decorating their yard and/or sidewalk around the theme of Broomfield FISH’s 60th anniversary. Send photos to events@ broomfieldfish.org by Friday, June 16.

Guest judges will select a winner from the submissions who will be announced at our 60th-anniversary celebration on Thursday, June 22 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 6 Garden Center. The celebration that day is free and open to the public.

We also encourage residents to share their stories and pictures of FISH from the past 60 years by emailing them to events@ broomfieldfish.org.

Courtesy FISH Facebook page

Favorite Foods for Relaxing Summer Nights Smoked Whitefish Dip

By Lisa Payne

Igrew up in Minnesota. Summers were filled with lake time and going “up north” to friends’ cabins on the many northern lakes. One cabin that I went to on many occasions was that of my dear friend, Lisa Walker. Her family had a cabin on Gull Lake.

What I love most about her cabin is that there are three structures. There is the main cabin, which is little with two bedrooms, a bathroom, and small kitchen. There is another small cabin that has bunk beds and a bathroom. The third structure is the “summer kitchen” and that is where all the cooking and hanging out and fun takes place.

That is the place where you smelled bacon and coffee first thing in the morning. That is where we packed up a picnic to take on the boat. And that is where we returned at 5:00 p.m. sharp for cocktails on the deck (or pop for the underage kids). Alongside the cocktails were always appetizers that were so delicious and hearty we did not need dinner. I hope you enjoy this Minnesota-y cocktail and bites all summer long.

Rhubarb Gin & Tonic

• 2 ounces gin

• 2 Tbsp. rhubarb syrup (see below)

• Tonic water

• Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish

In a rocks glass filled with ice, combine gin and rhubarb syrup. Top with tonic water. Garnish with fresh rosemary.

Rhubarb Syrup

• 4 cups chopped rhubarb

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup water

Combine rhubarb, sugar, and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to simmer, stirring occasionally until the fruit is soft, about 15 minutes.

Set a mesh strainer over a large bowl. Pour the mixture through the strainer and press the solids with the back of a spatula to extract more syrup. Pour the syrup into a mason jar. Cover and refrigerate.

• 8 ounces smoked whitefish

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 Tbsp. prepared horseradish

• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard

• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped red onion

• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped Italian flat leaf parsley or dill

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 Tbsp. chopped green onions or chives for garnish

• 4 ribs celery sticks, cucumber slices, water crackers or cracker of choice for serving

Combine ingredients from whitefish through lemon juice on the above list in a food processor and pulse until mixed but still has texture. Garnish in a pretty bowl with green onion or chives, and serve on a platter with vegetables and crackers for dipping.

Lakeside Cocktail Crackers

• 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning

• 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 (12 ounce) packages oyster crackers

Heat oven to 250 degrees. Cover 2 large baking sheets with aluminum foil.

Place seasoning pack and oil in a 3-quart plastic zip-top bag and shake to combine. Add oyster crackers and shake to coat. Distribute crackers evenly on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 20 minutes, shaking pans to redistribute crackers halfway through cooking. Turn off the oven, but leave the pans in for 15 more minutes so the crackers can lightly brown. Crackers can be kept in an airtight container for about 30 days.

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

Broomfield

though I do have 30 more kids at work … they are all my family as well.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?

A: I have been in the Hospitality Industry my whole life. I was also part of start up to connected jobseekers with Hospitality jobs.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?

the community a lot.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?

Jesus

“Chuy” Gutierrez, is the owner of 3 Margaritas on 120th Ave. in Broomfield. In 2021 he was the winner of the Broomfield Community Foundation’s Heart of Broomfield Gene Frank Award. He was recognized for being an active and generous Broomfield community supporter of many local organizations and activities, and for his work as a founder of the Chamba app. The free app, in Spanish and English, helps people in the Latino community, especially in hospitality jobs, find work. Chamba became a critical resource during the pandemic.

About Jesus: My name is Jesus Gutierrez, I am 27 years old. I am married to a beautiful person, Marina Gutierrez, and we have two beautiful daughters, Andrea and Lucia. I truly get my happiness from serving others.

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.

A: I am married with two daughters, al-

A: Jennie Pho and Ooka.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?

A: On and off since 2009

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?

A: Ben Vagher

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?

A: Money Heist on Netflix, because of all the good planning and problem solving.

Q: What advice would you give to people?

A: Work on yourself mentally so much that you only do things that make you happy, and do not care about the outside noise. Being mentally strong also helps with everything else in life.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?

A: I really like Broomfield FISH, they help

A: Simon Sinek – he is an inspirational leadership writer (he wrote “Start with Why”). Leadership is my way of life, and I would love to chat with him about life at a local coffee shop.

Q: What is your favorite thing about or something unique about our community?

A: A lot of people with big hearts, we saw it first hand through the pandemic.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

A: Opening up five more restaurants and spending a lot quality time with family.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

A: I can’t call my daughters by their names! I give them cute nicknames – as a sign of love of course!

Q: Who inspires you to be better?

A: I want to make my mother proud more than anything else, and my daughters and my wife.

Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?

A: Happiness, Love, Unity.

Editor’s Note: Each month Raven Astrom profiles 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!

Meet Jesus Gutierrez, Owner of 3 Margaritas,

Chuy Gutierrez at 3 Margaritas with a valued team member

Property Tax Appeals Due by June 8 What You Need to Know

By Missy Ruzicka

Sticker shock is one way to describe what many of us felt when we opened our property taxes this past month.

We’ve all heard the rumblings and maybe even let out a few expletives. With our property taxes being the topic of the hour, we thought it would be a good idea to get in touch with one of our resident realtors, Christina Surprenant, who was gracious enough to talk with us and help us pass some important information on for our readers.

For those who have not heard, last month homeowners in Broomfield and across Colorado got their notice of valuation on their houses, which gave us an estimation of our property taxes that will be due for 2024. Since June of 2020 Colorado has seen some insane home prices and a crazy seller’s market. With everyone feeling the squeeze, there is a lot of anxiety going around, Christina will help break it all down, explain how to protest, and offer a few silver linings.

The period of home valuation was July

1, 2020 – June 30, 2022 and home prices jumped in value during this time. Low interest rates, people flocking into Colorado, and a low inventory of houses have resulted in historic high prices. Houses during this time were selling thousands of dollars above the seller’s asking price and driving up the surrounding values.

Now that the housing market has slowed down and interest rates have climbed significantly, some fear their houses would never sell for the current evaluation. Good news, anyone can file an appeal with the Assessor to protest the current year value or the property classification. There are three ways to appeal; mail in the form that came with your valuation, email the assessor’s office, or make an appointment and appeal in person. But note, all appeals must be filed by June 8.

To file an appeal, gather three comparable sales of similar properties in your area during the evaluation time. If you are unsure how to get those, reach out to your realtor to help you. Christina Surprenant’s RE/MAX Momentum office has been very busy pulling comparables for everyone who has reached out. She points out that sending in appeals will show city

leaders displeasure in the results. Christina is chair on the Board of Equalization, and they understand the community’s worries, and want to assure that protests will not fall on deaf ears, and the team will also look at all appeals that come into the assessor’s office. You may not hear results of your appeal until August but make sure to get it in by the June 8 deadline.

Now for some silver linings. The valuation is a floating rate that is good for two years, and the next evaluation period might bring our taxes down for 2025. And for senior residents worried about their climbing property taxes there is the homestead property tax exemption which is available to homeowners who are 65 and older as of January 1 of the qualifying year and must be the primary resident and owner for at least 10 years. There is a bill pending, SCR22-002, that should make the ballot this fall which is meant to expand the homestead exemption to be based off the first $300k of a property’s value (up from the current $200k). The exemption would be made “portable” which would allow the senior population to take this exemption with them if they decide to “right-size” their home.

Thank you to the Our Broomfield™ Magazine advertisers for June 2023! Check out their websites to learn more and thank you for supporting our local business community.

1-800-Got-Junk www.1800GotJunk.com

3 Margaritas www.3margaritas.com

A-1 Concrete Leveling www.a1concretelevelingcolorado.com

Absolute Renovations 303-704-5241

Appearances Salon www.appearances.site

Arista Place www.aristabroomfield.com

Aspen Creek Heating & Air www.aspencreekHC.com

Avista Adventist Hospital www.avistahospital.org

Bal Swan Children’s Center www.balswan.org

Bella Macaron www.bellamacaron.com

Beyond the Brush Painters www.beyondthebrushpainters.com

Brenda French, CPA www.brendafrenchcpa.com

Broomfield Farmers Market @bfldfarmmarket

Broomfield FISH www.broomfieldfish.org

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Bullard Tree & Garden www.bullardtreecare.com

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DOC Automotive www.docautomotiverepair.com

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FirsTier Bank www.firstierbanks.com

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Mata Dental www.drmatadental.com

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O’Brien Law Firm, LLC (720) 984-2996

Olson Lawn Care www.olsonoutdoors.com

Pachner Exteriors www.windowreplacementdenver.com

Pearl Wok www.pearlwokrestaurant.com

Planet Fitness www.planetfitness.com

ProGreen of Denver www.progreen.com

PuroClean www.puroclean.com/pdr-co

Red Rocks Roof & Solar www.redrocksrs.com

RE/MAX – Christina Surprenant www.broomhood.com

Ripcord Painting www.ripcordpainting.net

Rocky Mountain Sports Club www.rockymountainsportsclub.com

Roll'em Out Shelves www.rollemoutshelves.com

School of Rock www.broomfield.schoolofrock.com

The Electricians www.theelectriciansco.com

The Law Firm of Bruce Danford www.brucedanford.com

TICO HVAC www.ticohvac.com

TYCO Plumbing www.tycoplumbingco.com

Unique Heating & Air www.uniquehvac.com

Wag N Wash www.wagnwash.com/broomfield

WeatherTech www.weathertech.com

Wee Travel www.weetravel.org

Windo Van Go www.windovango.org

Sports Physicals are an Important Touch Point for Youth Healthcare

School is just getting out for summer and the last thing any of us wants to think about is sports physicals for fall sports, but did you know that more and more summer camps are requiring pre-participation physicals for kids to attend? Check the requirements when you sign your child up for that acting or boy scout camp; chances are they will need a physical. The family practice physicians at Centura Health are here to remind you that it is never too early to schedule your child’s sports physical and that the physical will be good for an entire year. As children get older it can be more difficult to find time to get them into the doctor for regular visits. Between school, sports, and social lives, it seems the calendar is always full, and sometimes the sports physicals are the only time doctors get to touch base with this age group. The sports physical is important because it can be a helpful touchpoint to find and treat any health problems

that may hinder your athlete’s ability to compete at 100%, and also reduce their risk of getting injured. Pre-participation physicals will alert summer camp staff or coaches of any pre-existing conditions so you know your kids are in safe hands. Family practice physicians have really come to rely upon these appointments as a touch point to their younger patients. Building rapport with these kids is important so they know they have another safe adult they can come to for any reason. It is at this time that the doctor will ask questions as well as answer any questions the kids may have, building a relationship of trust that is so important these days. There is a lot of pressure on our kids, and it’s your physician’s role to help make sure their young patients are healthy, not only physically but emotionally too.

Colorado High School Sports Association has a form that must be filled out for high school athletes, but everything else that happens during the sports

physical appointment is routine. After getting the patient’s vitals of height and weight, the physician will go over family history, any old injuries and ask about any changes to overall health. They will listen to the patient’s heart and lungs, do a vision screening, and check reflexes and muscle strength for any symmetrical weaknesses. If anything should arise during the appointment, the physician will send your family to one of their trusted colleagues over at Avista Adventist Hospital.

Book your child’s sports physical or summer camp pre-participation physical sooner rather than later. Ideally you want to plan about a month before just in case there is a need to get a referral to see a specialist. This way you will have time to get things resolved before that ever-important first practice. With how busy life can get, it’s good to know you have someone helping make sure your kids are in perfect health to do all the things they enjoy!

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