EDITOR FROM THE Our Teamwork
Our lives have meaning because of the people and activities within them. And this magazine helps give my life meaning through bringing information to the community I love and connecting businesses with readers. And I often write here about the other things that tie me to Broomfield and how living here has impacted my family through the decades.
For most of my adult life I have been involved with publishing in Broomfield in connection with many amazing people and numerous great projects and publications. In January, we celebrated some of those people as Our Broomfield held the second annual Our Favorites Winners Celebration (see page 32). This is a new favorite personal tradition. We were thrilled to gather more than 150 magazine partners for an evening of fun, food, and friendship and recognize those businesses you voted as the Best of Broomfield.
As we packed up our gear after the party and went home tired but smiling, I was thinking about the core team that makes Our Broomfield happen. They are pictured here with me.
Tammy Degenhart deftly handles our business relationships on a daily basis. Moving about the community, networking, making connections, and managing our sales function. She is adored and priceless.
Jason De La Cruz coordinates sales, billing, traffic, and art. He is a consummate master of details and I rely on him to work with our advertisers and make sure we get 100s of small things right each month. Jason has been part of the Our Broomfield effort for more than 20 years!
Stacey Horne makes these pages sing with her design! I have known and worked with Stacey for nearly 30 years and her artistic eye and talented hands bring impact and beauty to each advertisement and each page, every issue.
In the past several months our extended team has continued to expand, now including Emily Moore of Lingows as our Digital Consultant. Watch soon for information about enhanced digital offerings and in the meantime, join our digital mailing list - see the QR code below and on the cover.
We are also proud to now partner with the Crescent Grange for the Our Broomfield History Series! Learn more on page 30. And watch next month for exciting details about an expanded relationship between Our Broomfield and the City and County of Broomfield.
You need great teams to do great things! And I am thankful for the great people who stand shoulder to shoulder with me each day and for the other awesome Broomfielders we partner with!
Thanks for reading,
Tina Eichner, Editor & Publisher
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Tina Eichner
BUSINESS MANAGER
Pat Eichner
ART DIRECTOR
Stacey Horne
SALES COORDINATOR
Jason De La Cruz
ADVERTISING CONSULTANT
Tammy Degenhart
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Megan Mayes
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!
Website and digital assets managed by Lingows
ABOUT
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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, 13480 Echo Drive, Broomfield, CO 80020.
CONNECT WITH US
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Our Town Around
March
Women’s Safety Day
March 4: The Broomfield Police Department is excited to once again host Women's Safety Day on Tuesday, March 4 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Broomfield Community Center. The event is being planned, and will be hosted, by members of the BPD’s “Her Own Hero” women’s self-defense team. Women’s Safety Day will feature mini safety sessions, demonstrations, and informational booths on a variety of safety topics that pertain to women in the community including safe social media use, safe online dating practices, situational awareness, and more. This event is open to women of all ages!
4 7-8 5
Prom Swap Shopping Day
8
Our Broomfield History Lecture Series: Broomfield’s Beginnings
March 5: Have you wondered about how Broomfield came to be? The Broomfield History Speaker Series presented by Our Broomfield Magazine and the Crescent Grange will dive into numerous aspects of our community and tell the stories of the creation of Broomfield. The series kicks off on March 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Crescent Grange with an introductory presentation about the beginnings of Broomfield and the Crescent Grange. Join Our Broomfield Editor and Publisher Tina Eichner, Broomfield Museum Coordinator David Allison, and Crescent Grange President Barbara Gehring for an evening of storytelling about the early days of Broomfield. The speaker series format will be a one-hour live, in-person topical presentation with a local “expert” or panel aligned with the topic of the day, interviewed by a moderator. Each program will include 30 minutes for audience Q&A and 30 minutes for light refreshments and socializing/networking. For more information visit: https://www. crescentgrange.org/our-broomfield-history-series-part-1/
44th Annual Student Art Show
March 7-8: Come celebrate the creativity of Broomfield’s K-12 students at the 44th annual Student Art Show at the Broomfield Community Center. This honorable event gives students the opportunity to be a part of a true art exhibition and reception. Hundreds of pieces of art will be on display for the exhibition and students who competed in the Annual Broomfield Piano Festival will be performing for the artist’s reception. The artist’s reception will take place on March 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the gallery will be open the following day from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. New this year, bring art supplies, new or used, when you visit to be donated to Broomfield elementary schools.
March 8: It’s Prom Season 2025 and time for the Broomfield Library's annual prom swap! Ditch the mall and opt for an eco-friendly way to shop for prom attire. Bring your unwanted (and clean) formal wear and/or accessories to the Broomfield Library and take a new-to-you dream outfit home. For each dress, suit, pair of shoes or accessory you donate, you receive credit to trade for a new-to-you item of the same category. Don’t have anything to donate? That's ok! All are welcome on shopping day. Donations can be dropped off at the library’s second floor reference desk from now until March 8. Shopping will take place between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, in the Eisenhower Room.
Grant a Dream: Night of Dreams Gala
March 8: Join us for a gala experience like no other in support of Grant a Dream Foundation. Bring your best gentleman or lady to the most exquisite dream come true in North Denver as we raise a glass to help wonderful parents who care for chronically ill or special needs children. Grant a Dream Foundation's 2025 a Night of Dreams Gala will be at The Chateaux in Broomfield and feature a plated dinner! This will be an amazing evening filled with hope and inspiration, exciting entertainment, spectacular auction items, poker, and giving to help Grant a Dream Foundation say yes to supporting the needs of parent caregivers. To purchase tickets for this event, visit www.grantadream.org.
8
BOWLING + ARCADE + LASERTAG + LIVE MUSIC
BUSY FAMILIES
Spring Clean Your Mind
By Lisa Payne
Spring is in the air and it’s time to clean! This time of year I get the urge to declutter, deep clean, and buy a few new throw pillows in a bright color to freshen up a room. But just as important as tidying up physical spaces, it’s easy to neglect something that is just as important to clean – our mental well-being.
Just as a cluttered home can create stress and anxiety, a cluttered mind can also hold us back from growth, clarity, and inner peace. Spring cleaning your mind is about shedding negativity, organizing your thoughts, and creating space for new perspectives and personal growth.
Have you noticed that when you come home from work and walk into a messy house, you immediately feel more stressed and overwhelmed? That is because your cortisol levels (the stress hormone) make it harder to focus and feel that inner peace we crave when being in our sacred space.
The same is true of our minds. If it is filled with mental exhaustion, negative self-talk, the struggle to stay motivated and focused, holding onto past regrets and being stuck in repetitive thought patterns … how do you get anything else accomplished?
Luckily there are ways to help your mind shed what is weighing it down and clear space for more positive and productive communication.
Try journaling to clear your mind at the end of the day, or even beginning of the day. I have been writing in a journal each night since senior year started for my son. It has helped me process my emotions and big feelings that I may otherwise be suppressing and taking out in other less desirable ways. But I’m also documenting all the fun he is having and staying focused on how exciting this next big step in life is going to be for him.
I think I mention this in every other article … please try meditation! Even five minutes of sitting in silence and
deep breathing, asking the universe to help calm your mind, does wonders for shifting your whole perspective. It is essentially training your mind to quiet on demand which is a skill we can all use for life.
Another thing that I find myself doing is setting mental boundaries. I limit my exposure to the news, social media, and energy-draining people. Pay attention to how your body feels in any given moment, and if the stress starts creeping in, take that as your cue to excuse yourself.
One last bit of advice that always helps me see a new perspective is to refresh your mind with new experiences. Take a drive somewhere you’ve never been. Take a cooking class or any class that speaks to your creative side. Learn a new skill or reach out to someone you haven’t talked with in years. Anything to make your mind and heart feel refreshed and alive.
Once you put these things into practice, you will experience improved focus, the ability to silence the negative mental chatter, feel a sense of peace and clarity and have way more energy and motivation to deal with all the big events coming your way.
Happy spring to you and may your mind become wide open and able to experience all of the beautiful awakenings that spring has to offer.
Lisa Payne writes about home, food, and family. You can reach her at paynefam6@gmail.com.
Our Town Around
March
SuperiHER Women’s Business Conference and Expo
March 14: The Superior Chamber of Commerce Women's Business Conference, SuperiHER, will empower women in business through networking, professional development, and inspiration. The conference will address challenges and opportunities women face in the workplace, offering insights and strategies for career success. Topics covered will include leadership, work-life balance, entrepreneurship, and more. SuperiHER will also feature a Women's Expo, allowing attendees to showcase their businesses and connect with potential clients, partners, or investors.The conference will take place Friday, March 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Omni Interlocken hotel. To purchase tickets, visit www.superiorchamber.com.
Romeo and Juliet — The Choice
March 22: Don't miss the March 22 Colo rado Conservatory of Dance Production of Romeo and Juliet — The Choice. This performance gives the audience a chance to weigh in on the ending to the story! Romeo and Juliet is a classic Shakespearean play about two star-crossed young lovers from dueling families who tragically take their lives at the conclusion of the play. In 1936, Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev composed the initial draft of a ballet of the title work in the form of a piano score. In this version, Prokofiev gave the story a “happy ending” where Juliet wakes up before Romeo’s despair leads him to suicide. Prokofiev never orchestrated this ending, choosing instead to adapt his final published orchestra score to the original fate of the lovers to placate critics. Performances are at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Maple ton Arts Center in Denver. Get details and tickets at www.ccdance.org/choice.
Our Town Around
The Life and Songs of Eric Clapton
March 23: Join us at the Broomfield Auditorium on Sunday, March 23 at 2:00 p.m. for a matinee show celebrating the life and music of Eric Clapton. Experience timeless hits like "Layla," "Wonderful Tonight," "Tears in Heaven," and "Change the World," performed live, along with captivating stories and multimedia elements that bring Clapton’s journey to life. Purchase tickets for this event on the Auditorium page at www.broomfield.org.
April
Spring Spectacular
April 19: The Broomfield Spring Spectacular is back for 2025 at the Broomfield Community Center on Saturday, April 19! Enjoy the Spring Artisan Market from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. featuring handmade arts and gifts from local creators, perfect for upcoming Easter, Mother’s Day, and graduation events. Capture a photo with the Easter Bunny from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Then, enjoy free family fun with inflatables, face painting, games, and crafts. And bring cash to fuel up at the Dancing Bee Cafe, open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with breakfast and lunch options benefitting Broomfield Meals on Wheels.
FRIENDS TopGolf Tournament
April 27: Tee off for FRIENDS on Sunday, April 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at our TopGolf Tournament! Enjoy an exciting team competition, delicious lunch, refreshing beverages, and a fantastic silent auction—all supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Be a sponsor, golfer, spectator, or donate an auction item. Every swing makes a difference. For information about Sponsorships & Registrations visit: www.friendsofbroomfield.org/topgolf2025
May
BCAH Gala: Elevate Creativity
May 2: Join us for the 3rd Annual Art Gala: Elevate Creativity on Friday, May 2, at 6:00 p.m. at The Establishment in Bradburn. The Broomfield Council on the Arts & Humanities (BCAH) invites you to an unforgettable evening of spectacular indoor/outdoor performances, a silent auction, and the highly anticipated Creative Immersion Room, "Elevate Yourself Creatively." Enjoy a wow factor evening while supporting BCAH's mission to make creative experiences accessible to all. As this is Broomfield’s own Met Gala, the dress code is creative black tie. This vital fundraiser supports BCAH's diverse programs, benefiting 35,000 annually. Don't miss this chance to elevate creativity in Broomfield! For ticket information, visit www.artsinbroomfield.org.
2025 Broomfield Community Survey
Empowering Residents, Shaping the Future
As the City and County of Broomfield continues to grow and evolve, the 2025 Community Survey provides an opportunity for residents to make their voices heard. Whether a lifelong resident or new to Broomfield, the survey offers everyone a chance to weigh in on how the city can better serve their needs and priorities. Unlike prior years where a random selection of residents received paper surveys, this year residents will have the opportunity to participate in the survey through a link received via text message directly to your mobile device. Text messages with the survey link will be delivered to residents on Feb. 24. In an ongoing effort to ensure that Broomfield remains a vibrant, well-served community, the City and County of Broomfield has partnered with Magellan Strategies, a respected independent public opinion and survey research firm, to conduct the 2025 Broomfield Community Survey. This survey offers residents the opportunity to provide valuable input on a variety of issues, from their perceptions of the quality of life in Broomfield to their evaluations of local amenities, government performance and community priorities.
If you were not among the residents to receive a text message, you can submit a form at Broomfield.org/ CommunitySurvey to verify Broomfield residency and be sent a link to the survey.
By The City and County of Broomfield
The survey not only invites residents to rate how they view life in Broomfield but also seeks their feedback on the effectiveness of the services and programs provided by the City and County of Broomfield. By collecting insights into these areas, Broomfield aims to foster a deeper understanding of community needs, preferences and concerns. The City and County of Broomfield can then use the data collected to improve services and prioritize projects in ways that directly benefit the community.
Key Areas of Focus in the 2025 Survey
aspects of life in the city residents feel most positively about, as well as areas that may need improvement.
Community Amenities
The 2025 Broomfield Community Survey encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, providing residents with the opportunity to share their views on several critical aspects of life in Broomfield. Some of the main areas explored in the survey include:
Quality of Life in Broomfield
Residents are asked to rate their overall quality of life in Broomfield, considering factors like safety, access to public spaces and the overall sense of community. This information helps the city understand how people perceive the livability of Broomfield and which
Local amenities such as parks, recreational facilities, libraries, and other public spaces are an integral part of any community’s identity. The survey gathers resident opinions on the quality and accessibility of these amenities, helping Broomfield identify which services are working well and which may require attention or investment.
Service Priorities and Fiscal Sustainabilit
y
The City and County of Broomfield seeks to understand which services and programs are most important to its residents and through the survey, residents can weigh in regarding areas such as public safety, transportation, health services and the environment.
As we strive to maintain fiscal sustainability, this data will enable city leaders to prioritize initiatives that matter most to the community.
could not have been more impressed with In Memoriam. e professionalism, attention to detail and overall care and sympathy they showed us in our darkest hours was amazing. ey have and still are answering all of our questions as we navigate the loss of our father. e warm boutique type atmosphere was so inviting and comforting compared to other places that tend to be stale and cold. We as a family would highly recommend In Memoriam when you are dealing with some of the hardest times of your life.”
In 1916 the
Crescent Grange
Offers Community Gathering Space in the Spirit of its Origin
By Kristen Beckman
For more than a century, Broomfield’s Crescent Grange has been a place for the community to gather. Today, the Crescent Grange is working to revive the era when gathering spaces were both affordable and central to community life.
Granges rose to popularity in the late 1800s. The Crescent Grange is part of the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, founded in 1867. Its original purpose was to give support to farmers and farm communities after the Civil War.
Local chapters spread quickly across the United States, and Grange chapters were established in Colorado in the 1870s. There were once approximately 20,000 Grange chapters throughout the United States, with more than 850,000 members. In Colorado, there were nearly 500 Grange halls. Today, the number of active Grange chapters is much smaller, with around 1,500 remaining nationwide, and only 40 left in our state. Many original Grange halls have either been repurposed, preserved as historical sites, or lost over time.
In 1915 the Crescent Grange Chapter sold stakes at $10 per share to finance the construction of their own Grange Hall. The land was donated by Adolph Zang, the brewer and owner of much land here in Broomfield. In 1916 the current Crescent Grange building was built. The area where the Hall was built was called Zang’s Spur, for the railroad spur to his land. The earliest Grange Members were the Zangs, the Brunners and the Churches of Church Ranch.
Nestled in the heart of Broomfield, the Crescent Grange has served as a community hub since 1898. In 2008, members began to revitalize the building, the organization, the property, and the unused back lot. They created a community garden, repainted the building, and replaced the roof, plumbing, and lighting. In the summer of 2010, the Grange members transformed the garden into the permaculture model with the addition of several bee colonies.
Today, the Grange’s board, led by President Barbara Gehring, has been working to upgrade the 1,000-square-foot building into a modern event space for the community. “There’s always something to maintain in a historic building like this,” said Gehring. “We fund that upkeep by renting the space to the community for events, classes, seminars, concerts, rehearsals, and lectures, ensuring this affordable venue remains available for everyone.”
Over the years, the Grange has hosted weddings, showers, memorials, and a wide variety of other gatherings. “We also organize our own events,” Gehring added. “From lectures and concerts to Sound Bath Yoga sessions, we’re always looking for ways to connect with the community.”
current Crescent Grange building was built. Today, the space is rented to the community for events, classes, seminars, concerts, rehearsals, and lectures.
Recent improvements to the building include refinished hardwood floors, new stage curtains, event lighting and modern amenities like Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV, and a sound system. The Grange has also added a green room for performers, a disability ramp, and introduced trash, recycling, and cleaning services. Even the front door was replaced with one that finally closes properly!
The next big goal is to install an ADA-compliant bathroom. This project was planned before COVID but has been delayed due to rising construction costs. Currently, the only bathrooms are located in the basement, with no elevator access.
“Our goal is to make the building more accessible,” said Gehring. “But we need help and funding to make that happen.”
The Grange accepts corporate sponsors and private donations, and anyone can become a Friend of the Grange for $50 per year. With that they get access to being part of the garden group and the garden’s produce as well as a 15% discount on rental rates.
“The Grange is more than a venue—it’s a place where connections are made, ideas are shared, and history is honored,” Gehring adds. “As a nonprofit, we rely on local support to maintain and preserve our historic space for the community to enjoy.”
The Grange also will raise funds through its upcoming speaker series in conjunction with Our Broomfield magazine. The series includes an introductory presentation about the beginnings of Broomfield, a history of the Crescent Grange and additional topics to follow this year about Broomfield including philanthropy, business, arts and culture, sports and recreation, governance, immigration and other topics.
The kickoff for the series is March 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Grange for just $10 — "Basically the price of a fancy coffee and a muffin. And hey, if you feel inspired to donate a little more, we won’t stop you … our future ADA bathroom thanks you in advance!” added Gehring with a smile.
For more information, visit www. crescentgrange.org.
Sunday–Thursday 11:00am to 9:00pm Friday & Saturday 11:00am to 10:00pm
Monday–Thursday 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Helping Heroes Heal with the Love of a Dog
By Kristen Beckman
Frank Griggs has spent more than a decade of his life on a project that has deep personal meaning to him – helping veterans and first responders live with post-traumatic stress disorder through the love of a dog.
The trauma that triggered Griggs’ own PTSD happened on his 19th birthday. He was a Marine serving in Vietnam in 1969 when his company took mortar fire in the jungle and several of his fellow soldiers were killed.
“My life actually changed that day,” recalled Griggs. “And I mean, seriously, it changed for the worse.”
He said he lived in denial that he had PTSD for many years until he hit a breaking point that caused him to quit his job and withdraw from the world. It was his service dog, an English Cream Golden Retriever named Maximus Amicus Bodidlius, also known as Bo, who helped him learn to live again.
Bo was the first graduate of the Veteran’s Puppy for Life program that Griggs started in 2015. The project grew out of a challenge Griggs gave to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Arvada Chapter, where he served as commander. His goal for the chapter was to place one service dog with a veteran living with PTSD within a year.
“We found out real quick that that was an expensive proposition,” said Griggs. At the time, a service dog could cost between $20,000 and $30,000, and today the cost is closer to $45,000, he said.
So Griggs became certified as an advanced trainer and canine behaviorist so he could train puppies to be PTSD service dogs for veterans. His personal experience with PTSD lends valuable expertise to the training both the dogs and their handlers receive. The training regimen is based on no harm and no fear techniques centered on building a bond and relationship between the handler and the puppy.
The non-profit organization places an eight-week-old puppy with a veteran or first responder living with PTSD. That person is responsible for providing all of the care the puppy needs while the puppy learns to detect and respond to the handler’s PTSD episodes. Sometimes providing that level of care is difficult for a person living with PTSD because many times they are withdrawn,
Hero’s Puppy for Life is now offering socialization sessions for puppies under six months old that have received their second set of shots. Puppy playtime is extremely important for dogs to learn how to socialize with each other. The program is called Pup ‘N Cup. “You bring the pup, you bring the cup, and I’ve got the coffee,” said Griggs. Sessions are scheduled every other Friday morning and Sunday afternoon.
but that responsibility can also give them a reason to work toward recovery and an easier way to re-engage with the world.
To date, the program, which rebranded as Hero’s Puppy for Life after expanding to include first responders, has graduated 102 puppies from its program, all of which are Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant service dogs. Each individual’s PTSD may manifest differently, and dogs can be trained to do a variety of things to help. For Griggs, PTSD manifests as anger, and Bo is trained to distract him from situations when his anger is rising by barking or pulling at him. Griggs said Bo’s behavior allows him to make a conscious decision between continuing on a self-destructive path or walking away. He also performs tactile interruption by leaning his nearly 100 pounds into Griggs’ body, providing deep pressure that helps interrupt intrusive thoughts.
Recently, Griggs opened his basic canine training course to anyone who wants to train a service dog. He asks for a donation and applies those funds to helping provide more service dogs to veterans and first responders.
“We want to put what we created to use so that we can fund our organization and keep it growing. My goal is to expand across the United States,” said Griggs. “I can't tell you of a greater thing in life than to see these lives changed.”
For more information, visit www. heropuppyforlife.org or call Frank at 303-946-3321. He can also be reached at frankgriggs@heropuppyforlife.org.
FAMILIES CHOOSE LEGEND
“My mom lived at Legend of Broomfield for over three years. These people are dedicated, caring, professionals who I don’t think get enough credit for the important work they do or how much positive impact they have on the people they care for.”
–WAYNE
SBringing The Community Together, One Performance at a Time
BCP Presents Night Watch
By Missy Ruzicka
ince its founding in 2016, the Broomfield Community Players (BCP) have become a shining star in the local arts scene, captivating audiences with a variety of performances that range from light-hearted comedies to dramatic thrillers. As a volunteerdriven group, BCP brings together individuals of all ages and backgrounds, offering a space for both seasoned actors and beginners to explore their talents and showcase their creativity. The group has produced a wide array of plays, from the laugh-out-loud moments of Plaza Suite to the gripping suspense of Death Trap, and most recently, the heartwarming and emotional performances in Steel Magnolias. Each production serves as a testament to the power of community theater and the passion of its actors, crew, and audience.
What makes BCP stand out is its commitment to building a theater community that encourages collaboration, growth, and connection. As a program of the Broomfield Council on the Arts & Humanities (BCAH), the group offers a space where anyone—whether an experienced performer or a firsttime actor—can participate and contribute to the magic of live theater. The productions they create are more than just shows; they are opportunities for individuals to learn, grow, and become part of something bigger than themselves.
Their recent production of Steel Magnolias was a perfect example of the magic BCP creates. With sold-out performances and rave reviews, the show demonstrated the group’s ability to deliver both powerful, heartfelt performances and unforgettable moments. The production's success didn’t go unnoticed— Steel Magnolias earned the Broomfield Community Players a Broadway World Denver nomination, a significant honor
for the group.
For information and a link to buy tickets visit https://www.facebook.com/ broomfieldcommunityplayers/
Jo Ramsey, who directed the show, was nominated for Best Director, while Melissa Williams and Adrianne Hampton received nominations for Best Actor. “This recognition places the Broomfield Community Players alongside some of Colorado’s most respected theater companies like Candlelight and the Arvada Center,” said Ramsey. Being nominated is a huge accomplishment, and the entire team at BCP is thrilled to have their hard work and dedication recognized.
The Broomfield Community Player’s dedication to creating diverse, engaging, and high-quality theater experiences for its community continues with their upcoming production of Night Watch by Lucille Fletcher. Running from April 25–27 at the Broomfield Auditorium, this psychological thriller promises to captivate audiences with its eerie atmosphere and tense, suspenseful story. The play centers on Elaine Wheeler, a woman whose insomnia and disturbing visions of dead bodies in the window across from her Manhattan townhouse begin to unravel her sanity. As those around her—including her husband, best friend, and a psychiatrist—question her grasp on reality, the tension builds to a chilling climax. This suspense-filled production, featuring a talented cast led by Beth Crosby as Elaine and Daniel Flaherty as her husband, John, will have theatergoers on the edge of their seats. Tickets for Night Watch are available online for $25 (adults) and $22 (students and seniors), plus fees. Don’t miss the chance to see the Broomfield Community Players in action as they continue to bring classic suspense to life on the stage.
Mark Your Calendar for March 5! Our Broomfield and the Crescent Grange Present
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
7901 W 120th Ave Broomfield CO 80020
$10 at the door
Have you ever wondered about how Broomfield came to be? The Broomfield History Speaker Series presented by Our Broomfield Magazine and the Crescent Grange will dive into numerous aspects of our community and tell the stories of the creation of Broomfield. The series kicks off on March 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Crescent Grange with an introductory presentation about the beginnings of Broomfield and the Crescent Grange. Join Our Broomfield Editor and Publisher Tina Eichner, Broomfield Museum Coordinator David Allison, and Crescent Grange President Barbara Gehring for an evening of storytelling about the early days of Broomfield. The program will also include a preview of future topics to include: Broomfield Philanthropy, Business in Broomfield, Arts & Culture, Sports and Recreation, The Creation of a City and County, Governance, and more!
To register visit https://www.crescentgrange.org/ourbroomfield-history-series-part-1/ or email info@crescentgrange.org
Our Broomfield Celebrates 2024 Favorites Winners at Chipper’s Lanes!
Last month, the Our Broomfield staff had the honor of gathering family, friends, key Broomfield partners, and dozens of the 2024 Our Favorites Contest Winners at Broomfield’s 100 Nickel St., Chipper’s Lanes to celebrate and recognize the best businesses in Broomfield.
Each fall, Our Broomfield conducts a survey of Favorite Broomfield businesses in numerous business categories. The winners are announced in the January issue. To view the full list of winners and learn more about Our Broomfield’s Our Favorites check out the January issue. https://issuu.com/ourbroomfieldmagazine/docs/issuu_ourbroomfield_jan25
*All photos courtesy of Tim Seibert, Flatirons Pro Media.
Thank you to our donors and sponsors!
100 Nickel St., Chipper's Lanes
Flatirons Pro Media Tim Seibert
Mr. Broomfield Paul Derda
Danay Powers from the Sugar Cookie Store Emily Moore from Lingows
the buffet.
Guests enjoyed a night of bowling at Chipper's Lanes!
Our Broomfield's Tammy and Tina with Digital Expert Emily Moore from Lingows. Danay from the Sugar Cookie Store enjoys
Congrats to Allied Medical! Eat up!
Friends, networking, fun, and smiles!
Our Broomfield is a family affair. Pat, Tina, and Allison Eichner. Not pictured: Megan Mayes.
Congrats to Leslie and Natalie from Nutri-fit by Natalie!
Mr. Broomfield, Mr. Paul Derda, served as the Master of Ceremonies and had a little fun with Tina and her husband Pat. That's Shaun and Shauna from Chipper's behind the counter.
St. Pat’s Favorites to Please Your Irish-for-a-Day Crowd
SBy Lisa Payne
t. Patrick’s Day is around the corner, and here are two recipes that I always love. The Shepherd’s Pie is from the Food Network and it never disappoints. The Boston Cream Pie is a fan favorite from our own Tina Eichner! She has been making it for our friend group every year for the annual St. Patty’s Day party and we devour it.
Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 rib celery, sliced
• 1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, quartered
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup canned low sodium beef broth
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups Mashed Potatoes, recipe follows
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, optional
Mashed Potatoes:
• 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled quartered
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• Freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, mushrooms, garlic, half the salt, and oregano. Cook until vegetables are
Easy Boston Cream Pie
Cake
• 1 box yellow cake mix
Follow package instructions for two nine-inch rounds. After baking, let cakes fully cool and then split each cake into two layers using a serrated knife or a thick piece of thread pulled through.
tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until mushrooms are soft and tomato paste has turned brick red, about 8 minutes more. Stir in the beef, the broth, the remaining salt, the Worcestershire, and some pepper, breaking up any large clumps of meat, cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 3 minutes. Transfer the meat and vegetables to a 2-quart oval casserole dish and spread the mashed potatoes over the top, leaving a 1/4inch border around the edge. Make a decorative pattern on the top of the potatoes, if desired. Sprinkle with cheese, if using, and dot with the remaining tablespoon of butter. Bake until potatoes brown and the juices bubble around the edge, about 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Mashed Potatoes:
Put the potatoes in a saucepan with cold water to cover by about 1-inch and add the salt. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, uncovered, until the potatoes are tender but not mushy, about 15 minutes. At the same time, combine the milk and butter in a small saucepan and warm over low heat until the butter is melted. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm. Drain the potatoes and return to the saucepan. Toss the potatoes over medium heat until dry. Add the heated milk mixture and mash the potatoes until just slightly chunky, then stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Cream Filling
• 1 cup cold milk
• 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding
• 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
Whip the cream into thick peaks and flavor with vanilla and sugar to taste. Or use store bought prepared whip cream. Mix the vanilla pudding thoroughly with 1 cup of cold milk. It will be thick. Fold pudding into cream and spread filling on top of the bottom layer of each cooled cake. Carefully place the top layer of cake over the cream.
Chocolate Ganache Topping
• 2 (1 ounce squares) unsweetened baking chocolate or your favorite fancy dark chocolate bar, coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk
Microwave chocolate and butter on high for one minute in a small microwave safe bowl. Stir until chocolate is melted. Add powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk; mix well until smooth. If you like more chocolate, double this recipe for the two cakes.
Immediately spread the chocolate over the top of each cake letting it drip down the sides of the cake. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.
Theresa Battista
such as highlighting and balayage!
By Bette Erickson
Meet David Allison
About David Allison
David is the History and Museum Supervisor for the City and County of Broomfield. He and his wife Molly have four children and a Labradoodle. David is a writer, basketball enthusiast, and enjoys food – cooking, baking, eating, and debating it.
Editor’s Note: Each month Our Broomfield Magazine profiles different members of the community. Through Our People: Meet "insert name," our goal is to introduce Broomfield change-makers and highlight their contributions.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: My job is all about the nexus of history and community. I enjoy partnering with people to showcase underrepresented or previously untold stories from people in Broomfield.
Q: Tell us a little about your career path.
A: I started museum work in 2002 at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park north of Indianapolis. I dressed in
historic clothing, portraying characters from an 1836 village and an 1886 farm. I came to Colorado in 2011 and held a variety of managerial positions at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Along the way I wrote a book – Living History: Effective Costumed Interpretation and Enactment at Museums and Historic Sites (2016) and edited another book – Controversial Monuments and Memorials (2018, 1st edition, 2023, 2nd edition). I also earned a Master of Arts in U.S. History and an MBA along the way.
Q. What do you and your family enjoy during your free time?
A: We love pickleball and playing board games.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Broomfield?
A: I'm a big fan of Pho Duy. The food is always spot on and they have good service.
Q. Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in our community?
A: I met Dr. Carolyn Love when she led a training session and workshop at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science a few years ago, then bumped into her at an event in Broomfield shortly after I started working here. I was surprised and delighted, as her insights into this community and her passion for equity and ending racism are inspiring. I worked with her on the Broomfield Out Loud project. Her story of coming to Broomfield in the early 1980s and being one of the only black families in town is simultaneously heart-breaking, revealing how communities can change for the positive over time.
Q. What do you enjoy most about Broomfield's history?
A: The explosive growth in Broomfield and its origins as a small farming community is fascinating.
Q. What is something you find unique about Broomfield?
A: There are some amazing organizations doing wonderful work in the community.
Q. What advice would you give to people living in or relocating to Broomfield?
A: Get involved and ask questions. The organizations across town are places of true connection and offer Broomfield residents positive ways to build their community.
Q. Who inspires you to be a better person?
A: I am inspired by my Dad, who in recent years has suffered from a variety of ailments – including a brain tumor and leukemia – yet maintains his faith and positivity.
Bette Erickson writes about people, places, and events. You can reach her at bette_erickson@hotmail.com.
David Allison at the Broomfield Depot Museum.
INDEX
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