My Windsor December 2020

windsor DECEMBER 2020

GUIDING YOU THROUGH THE BEST OF WINDSOR

SHORT FILM, SERIOUS MESSAGE

Windsor resident Ben Hess’s ‘Maggie’ portrays human trafficking in realistic light

ALL EYES ON CRIME

Windsor Police ask residents to register cameras to help with crime prevention

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contents

| DECEMBER 2020

07 | COMMUNITY

Windsor Police Department to participate in Santa Cops

08 | HOLIDAY

We share a couple of our favorite holiday treat recipes

10 | LOCAL

Local Windsor resident creates a short film focusing on human trafficing

10

SHORT FILM, SERIOUS MESSAGE

Windsor resident Ben Hess’s ‘Maggie’ portrays human trafficking in realistic light

16 | HOLIDAY

Don’t let 2020 bring you down, brighten up your holiday season with these light displays

20 | COMMUNITY

Windsor club encourages literacy through Little Free Library project

24 | COMMUNITY

Don’t let COVID-19 stop you from being a holiday helper

28 | HOLIDAY

Make the perfect holiday statement with these gifts from local retailers

34 | FINAL THOUGHT

With the end of the year closing in and the holidays around the corner, we want to wish everyone a safe and happy holidays & happy new year.

4 | mywindsor | NOVEMBER 2020

28

12 | HOLIDAY

A list of the top 10 mustsee holiday flicks

14 | EDUCATION

Windsor hoops coaches prepare for an uncertain season

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windsor

ON THE COVER

Managing Editor | Page Designer Brian Sathe Assisting Page Designers Misty Kaiser, Greg Stone Contributing Writers and Photographers Darian Armer, Anne Delaney, Bobby Fernandez, Luanne Kadlub, Emily Kemme, Tamara Markard, Alex McIntyre, Trevor Reid, Jadyn Watson-Fisher

MYWINDSOR MAGAZINE 501 8th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631 www.GreeleyTribune.com/MyWindsor For all editorial, advertising and circulation inquiries, call 970.352.0211.

The holidays are upon us, but how are Windsor residents handling the holidays amid a pandemic?

SHUTTERSTOCK

Send editorial-related comments and story ideas to: JMartin@GreeleyTribune.com.

For advertising inquiries contact Advertsing at Advertising@GreeleyTribune.com.

Published by Prairie Mountain Media, publisher of The Greeley Tribune

Support Local.

There are many ways to strengthen our community, and one easy way is by supporting local. Whether it’s a restaurant, boutique, home and garden store, apparel or shoes, auto dealer or other service provider, supporting local has many benefits, and building a stronger community is only one of them.

Our local businesses give our community character, create vibrancy and bring us unique experiences.

WE INVITE YOU TO THINK, SUPPORT AND BUY LOCAL. START BY SUPPORTING THE LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPERS!

GREELEY TRIBUNE | GT WEEKLY | MYWINDSOR 6 | mywindsor | NOVEMBER 2020

community | SANTA COPS

Windsor Police to participate in Santa Cops

BY TREVOR REID

T

he Windsor Police Department will join more than a dozen law enforcement agencies to help gather and distribute toys to children in need across Weld County.

The department will collect new, unwrapped donations of toys and gifts in original packaging for families facing difficulties this holiday season. Gifts can be dropped off 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Windsor Police Department, 200 N. 11th St. A container is located in the lobby so donations can be made without having to be in contact with others.

Donations will be accepted through Dec. 17.

Monetary donations can also be made via credit card by texting SANTA to 707070 or by mailing a check to Santa

ALEX MCINTYRE

Cops of Weld County, 2875 W 10th St., Greeley, CO 80634.

Santa Cops is in particular need of gifts for teens ages 12-17.

Greeley Police Officer Ariel Maes, president of Santa Cops of Weld County, said the countywide organization served 2,500 families in 2019.

"Windsor PD always participates," Maes said. "They're really good at getting donations and bringing a lot to the

program as a whole."

Those who attend in-person learning through Weld Re4 schools in Windsor and at Windsor Charter academies can drop off donations in the school lobbies, all of which will be collected and provided to the program.

Families are referred to Santa Cops by local law enforcement agencies, schools, probation and the Weld County Department of Human Services.

For more information about Windsor's participation, call (970) 674-6400. For more information about Santa Cops, go to greeleypd.com/santa-cops.

Santa Cops is also on AmazonSmile, meaning people can support the program by going to smile.amazon.com and registering to support Santa Cops of Weld County. Amazon will donate 0.5% of registered users' eligible purchases at no added cost. A link is also available on the Santa Cops website.

Call on us.

You’ll recognize the area code.

Call us when you need us. Or, we’ll call you, to see what you need. Whether it’s financial advice or just a friendly voice on the other line, we’re here. That’s local banking.

Talk to a personal banker today at 970-282-2400.

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NOVEMBER 2020 | mywindsor | 7

holidayy | SWEET TREATS

Sweet Treats To Help Warm Up Your Holidays

by Darian Armer

G

rowing up I often wished my family had a holiday baki king i tradition like many of my friends and their families. Lefse, homemade apple pie, gingerbread houses, even eggnog felt like something I was missing out on.

But every year we had the same old-fashioned sugar cooki kies i my Papa made. Sugar cooki kies i shaped like stars or trees with homemade frosting. The cooki kies i were delicious but they felt so plain, so average to me. I wanted a special tradition.

The first Christmas I hosted I went all out. I scoured Pinterest and vowed to make every recipe I pinned. I baked Rice Krispie trees covered in icing and M&M &Ms, M complete with tiny stars at the top. I dipped pretzel sticks in white chocolate and covered them in varying toppings. I made peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate, every cooki kie i imaginable and made sure to have apple pie and pumpki kin i pie, both. I even undertook eggnog cooki kies. i

My family was impressed, but something was missing.

Papa’s sugar cooki kies. i It turned out the fancy baki king i didn’t make the holidays any happier. Papa’s sugar cooki kies i did. Papa passed away February 2019 and the holidays seemed a little dimmer that year. My mom got out the recipe for Papa’s sugar cooki kies i and started a new tradition with my two-year-old tw w tw twins. w Watching them laugh in the kitchen kii as flour, sugar, and rolling pins went everyw ywhere, w I knew there was one recipe that meant home, holidays and love. Papa’s OldFashioned Sugar Cooki kies. i Whatever recipe or tradition your family passes down, embrace it. From simple sugar cooki kies i to extravagant tablescapes, create your own holiday traditions that mean home and love. `

Papa’s Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies Recipe: You will need: • • • • • • • •

1 ½ cup flour ¼ tsp salt ¾ tsp baking powder ½ cup sugar ½ cup butter 1 egg ½ tsp vanilla 1 ½ tbsp cream

LEFT: The author’s mom and twins bake Papa’s Old-fashioned Sugar Cookies.

BOTTOM: The original recipe for Papa’s old-fashioned sugar cookies.

Directions: 1.

2.

3.

Sift together flour, salt, baking powder and sugar. Cut in soft butter until particles are fine.

Add egg (slightly beaten), vanilla and cream. Blend thoroughly, chill, roll out and sprinkle with sugar after cutting out cookies with cutters.

Bake on ungreased sheet at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

Make the icing: Add two parts powdered sugar to one-part milk. Stir until desired thickness. Ice cookies, add sprinkles if desired and enjoy!

And, yes, even though they were overkill, they were absolutely delicious and adorable, so here’s the Rice Krispy Treat Christmas Tree recipe from Pinterest’s Cincyshopper.com.

Rice Krispie Treat Christmas Trees: You will Need: • • • • • • • • • •

6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal 3 tbsp butter 10.5 oz marshmallows Green food coloring 12 miniature Reese’s cups 1/3 cup M&M Minis 12 candy stars 3 cups powdered sugar 3 tbsp milk 3 tbsp corn syrup

Directions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.

Add enough food coloring to make the mixture dark green. Remove from heat.

Add the Rice Krispies cereal and stir until cereal is well-coated. Allow to set for From Cincyshopper.com four minutes.

Butter your hands and form mixture into cone shapes. Place cones onto prepared pan. Allow to cool and firm up for several hours Mix powdered sugar, milk and corn syrup in a bowl until smooth.

Transfer to piping bag or zippered bag to pipe onto cookies. Pipe like a garland around each tree.

Space M&M minis like ornaments onto the garland. Pipe a dab of icing on top of the tree to act and glue and attach star.

Place a Reese’s upside down on pan. Pipe icing on it and place tree on top. Allow to set.

Impress your friends and family! Enjoy!

NOVEMBER 2020 | mywindsor | 9

local | SHORT FILM

Windsor resident Ben Hess’s ‘Maggie’ portrays human trafficking in realistic light

BY TAMARA MARKARD

T

he term “human trafficking” — also known as sex trafficking, sexual exploitation or prostitution— tends to bring to mind situations similar to the Liam Neeson movie “Taken” where young white women are snatched up by Russian mobs during visits abroad and sold to wealthy men.

While parts of that may be true, a majority of human trafficking takes place right here in the U.S. and surprisingly, in northern Colorado.

According to an article written

by Greeley Tribune reporter Anne Delaney in February 2020, data from the Avery Center for Research and Services estimated 272 individuals were trafficked in Greeley in 2019. The National Institute of Justice estimates that for every one trafficker there are five victims, equaling around 54 traffickers in Greeley.

A new short movie, “Maggie” portrays a powerful story of human 10 | mywindsor | NOVEMBER 2020

trafficking in a realistic light.

The movie, based off of true stories of survivors of sex trafficking, was written, directed and edited by Windsor resident Ben Hess and filmed in the Denver metro area, Loveland and Greeley. Loveland filmmaker R.W. Perkins produced the movie.

“Maggie” stars Calista Masters as Maggie, Marc Brown as Daddy and Luz Lescano as Amber.

“It is prevalent in Greeley, Fort Collins, Loveland, along the I-25 corridor, it’s definitely not as obvious as if you were to drive down Colfax.

The typical truckload of kidnapped girls, do we see that up here? No, well at least not that we know of,” Hess said. “But there is a lot of it in the very non-stereotypical, non-traditional way, like the runaway girl who is having sex with people in order to have a place to stay. That technically falls in the same realm.”

The film follows a young woman named Maggie who is thrust into the world of sex trafficking by her

boyfriend, Daddy. Audience members watch as Maggie struggles with the emotional, verbal and physical abuses that often come with being trafficked, while trying to get out of the grip of her boyfriend/pimp. Amber, a fellow victim of Daddy’s sex trafficking befriends Maggie.

“It (human trafficking) is prevalent in Greeley, Fort Collins, Loveland and along the I-25 corridor. The typical truckload of kidnapped girls, do we see that up here? No, well at least not that we know of,” Hess said. “But there is a lot of it in the very non-stereotypical, non-traditional way, like the runaway girl who is having sex with people in order to have a place to stay. That technically falls in the same realm.”

Hess partnered with The Avery Center in Greeley for their input and advice on the film.The center assists at-risk individuals who are currently experiencing or previously experienced commercial sexual exploitation.

“I knew I wanted to make sure it was true to realistic events,” Hess said.

“I worked with those guys to make

sure I was staying true to some things that could happen in real life.”

The center also allowed Hess the use of its house for filming and Angie Henderson, lead Data Analyst and Training Coordinator and Megan Lundstrom, director of Research for the center helped with casting.

“I cry every time I see it because it’s such a good storyline and I know it comes from a place where it is informed by real life experience,” Lundstrom commented. “It ties in so deeply with The Avery Center, it’s very meaningful.”

One thing that Lundstrom really appreciates about the film is that it touches on human trafficking in the LatinX community with Maggie being of Latin ethnicity.

“That’s a community that’s not talked about at all in trafficking,” she said. “That was groundbreaking to me to see that final piece. That story isn’t being told especially in movies or documentaries.”

While short films are typically

defined as running 40 minutes or less, including all credits, Hess packs a lot of drama and emotion into the 22:13 minute film.

“I don’t know that I could tell a story in 20-minutes and it hits all the points in this girl’s life experiences,” Lundstrom said. “Also, you understand the story-arc but you want to understand the characters more.

“We told Ben that he has to do a full-length movie about this,” she added.

Never having produced a short film before, Hess was nervous that the film would be too long or not make sense from a narrative standpoint.

“I feel like I was able to put it together in a way it made sense for the most part,” he explained. “Of course, if I could go back and do certain things over again I absolutely would. But I am pretty happy with the way it came out.”

His efforts have definitely paid off as the film has garnered several awards including the San Francisco

Indie Shorts Fest 2020 Best US Drama, Best Colorado Short at the 2020 Horsetooth International Film Festival and Best US Director, Actor and Actress at the Venice Shorts Fest in October 2020. The film has also been nominated for Best Drama Short at IndieX Fest as well as Best Production Design for the 2020 Indie Short Festival.

Hess is currently working on some music videos and has more short films in the works as well as plans for a fulllength feature film.

“I have to do things one at a time because I have to be really careful about balancing my full-time job and my home life,” Hess said, laughing.

“Obviously this takes up a lot of time.”

To see a free screening of “Maggie,” go to https://bit.ly/35tr0kp.

For more information on The Avery Center and its programs, go to www. theaverycenter.org.

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holiday | MOVIES

Grab the remote, let’s watch a movie!

Here’s a list of the top 10 must-see holiday flicks

JARAYA JOHNSON CTW Features

I

t’s that time of year again – time to put on matching festive pajamas and turn on your favorite holiday films. Of course, there are a few classics that your family has to see every holiday season to get everyone in the spirit. However, if you’re interested in switching things up this year, here’s a list of films that you could incorporate into your holiday plans.

DRAMA/HORROR

THIS CHRISTMAS (2007)

This drama-filled holiday movie stars well-known names such as Chris 12 | mywindsor | NOVEMBER 2020

Brown, Loretta Devine, Idris Elba, Columbus Short, Lauren London, Regina King and David Banner.

The film follows the Whitfield family as they all gather at their childhood home with their mother for Christmas. But each family member holds their own secret. Watch lives unravel and a family changed in this Christmas film.

BLACK NATIVITY (2013)

In this musical drama, based on Langston Hughes’ play with the same name, a mother, Naima (Jennifer Hudson) and a son, Langston (Jacob Latimore) are torn apart for the holidays when the pair receive an eviction notice on their small Baltimore home. Naima sends

Langston to New York to spend Christmas with his estranged grandparents. The story follows Langston as he fights to be reunited with his mother. He learns a few life lessons, gains long-lost friends and family and a new look on the world along the way.

BETTER WATCH OUT (2016)

This film, filled with twists, turns and holiday gore, would possibly be a change in your holiday movie traditions. Ashley (Olivia DeJonge), a well-known babysitter, travels to her favorite family, the Lerners and their 12-year-old preteen, Luke (Levi Miller), to babysit one last time before she moves away forever. But the night

turns less jolly when the two have to protect themselves from trespassers.

Looking for a weird plot twist this Christmas? Babysit with Ashley to find out how the night begins and how long it takes to end.

COMEDY

A MADEA CHRISTMAS (2013)

Travel to Alabama with Madea (Tyler Perry) and her niece Eileen (Anna Maria Horsford) as they drive up to surprise Eileen’s daughter Lacey (Tika Sumpter) after she says she isn’t coming home for Christmas.

Lacey has her own secret that she’s trying to keep under wraps for as long as possible. She eloped with her white husband, a peer from college.

In Eileen’s eyes, that is not a good look for her daughter or their family.

Watch Lacey’s lie unravel just days before the most wonderful time of the year. *Disclaimer: This film touches on topics of racism, interracial dating and does have instances of explicit language.

HOME ALONE (1990)

The first of the film series, Home Alone, is widely known for following the interesting and, sometimes, dangerous adventures of Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin).

He was accidentally left at home for Christmas when his family set off for Paris. He spends the holiday dodging and comically setting traps for robbers who plan to steal from his family home. If you want a whole night of Home Alone, check out the rest of the series.

and should not be wasted feeling hatred toward friends.

CLASSICS

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (1965)

Though this isn’t exactly a movie, it’s a must-see Christmas TV special. It focuses on Charlie Brown, a young child battling seasonal depression and his thoughts on Christmas. This short touches on what young children may experience, including bullying, depression and anxiety. When Charlie Brown is asked to direct a Christmas play, he realizes that his “friends” don’t have faith in his directorial skills. Watch what happens on Charlie Brown’s Christmas to find out where the phrase “Charlie Brown tree” originates.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (1964)

You know him, you love him – It’s Rudolph! This film is narrated by Sam the Snowman (Burl Ives), and the audience gets to go through a world of emotions felt by Rudolph. It begins with him getting teased because of his bright red nose and attempting to hide it. When he tries to fit in with other reindeer and join the reindeer games with a fake nose, it falls off, and other competitors see him for who he really is, a red-nosed reindeer. He goes on a journey that shows his strength and

tenacity despite his distinctiveness.

But even though Rudolph’s uniqueness may mark him different from the bunch, he is rewarded for being unique and saving Christmas!

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993)

When Jack Skellington falls into Christmastown, he is exposed to a world of bright colors, snow, decorations and gifts that he is unaware of. With hopes of bringing Christmas to his friends in Halloweentown, Jack, the pumpkin king, takes Santa Claus away from his duties to take on the role. When he does that, Christmas is altered forever for children in Christmastown.

THE POLAR EXPRESS (2004)

Wouldn’t it be cool if a train drove past your window on a dark, snowy night and the conductor told you to hop on if you wanted to go to the North Pole? Maybe it sounds a little creepy, but the children on The Polar Express didn’t think so. Ride on the Express with believers (and skeptics) eager to meet the man himself, Santa Claus. The passengers’ wildest dreams come to life as they embark on their miraculous journey and they learn that if you believe in something hard enough, it can happen.

THE BEST MAN HOLIDAY (2013)

This film, a mixture of comedy and drama, also known as a “dramedy,” is a continuation of the 1999 film entitled The Best Man. The 2013 film is set 14 years later when best friends reunite to celebrate Christmas together. Old flames reignite, and so do old feuds, but one tragic event that will change their lives forever brings them closer than ever before.

This heart-string-pulling movie isn’t like your typical Christmas flick. The film is made to get you to shed a tear or two and realize that life is precious NOVEMBER 2020 | mywindsor | 13

education | SPORTS

ALEX MCINTYRE

WINDSOR HOOPS COACHES PREPARE FOR UNCERTAIN SEASON

BY BOBBY FERNANDEZ

T

his basketball season is sure to be unlike any of the other 30 years Karin Nicholls has spent coaching. And, that’s not just because she’s coaching at the high school level for the first time after three decades coaching in college and at the club level.

The same is true for Jon Rakiecki, who has extensive experience coaching in high school.

Rakiecki is entering his fifth year as Windsor High School’s boys basketball coach. Nicholls is entering her first year coaching the Wizards’ girls team.

They approach these seasons - set to kick off in early January - with plenty of uncertainty. That uncertainty has nothing to do with the experienced, battle-tested teams they’re coaching.

Rather, the COVID-19 pandemic has Rakiecki and Nicholls unsure of what games and practices will look like with important safety measures and crowd restrictions in place. They and their players are just hoping to 14 | mywindsor | NOVEMBER 2020

have a full, uninterrupted season — a season the Colorado High School Activities Association deeming months ago would start Jan. 7 and end March 6, with 14 regular season games, plus a postseason.

“I think what this pandemic has created is going to be an appreciation of the opportunity to play this sport that we love with the people that we love,” Rakiecki said. “Having so much being limited and being taken away from us over the past nine months, when the game comes, we are going to be ecstatic, enthusiastic and we’re not going to take that game for granted.”

Nicholls is a member of the women’s basketball hall of fame at Bradley University (Peoria, Ill.), where she graduated in 1990.

She spent about 20 years coaching and recruiting at the college level, at the University of Illinois, the University of Nebraska, Truman State University (Kirksville, Mo.), the University of Texas-Pan American (now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas), Youngstown (Ohio) State University, Mercyhurst University (Erie, Penn.)

and the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

She moved Colorado in 2009 and she now runs the Colorado SOAR club, based out of Greeley.

But even with all her coaching experience, nothing could quite prepare her — or anyone, for that matter — for the unique, challenging environment this pandemic has created.

“I’m trying to prepare our players for every scenario, and we’ve talked about how the key word has to be ‘flexibility’,” Nicholls said. “We can’t get too high and we can’t get too low.

There have been setbacks in every person’s life since last March, and we realize that. … When we’re allowed to practice and there’s no one in the gym, that’s exactly what we could see (during games) in January.”

With the opening of Windsor’s Weld RE-4 School District sister school Severance High School a year ago, Windsor’s enrollment has allowed it to drop back down to 4A. The Wizards are a member of the newly formed Northern Colorado Athletics Conference.

Pandemic permitting, the girls and boys teams could be in for long campaigns once again after making dual runs to the second rounds of the Class 5A state tournaments this past February.

Windsor’s girls team is coming off a 13-12 season, while the boys went 16-9 a season ago — a season that ended abruptly during the state tournament because of the pandemic.

Though much of Nicholls’ first few months at the helm at Windsor has been limited to videoconferencing — with occasional in-person workouts — she has already familiarized herself enough with the team through those early meetings, and through club ball, to know of the program’s longstanding winning culture.

“We have an incredible group and a core group that understands basketball and has great belief in the direction that I believe we can go,” said Nicholls, who takes over at Windsor for Jim Porth. “Right now, it’s a 14-game season.

There really isn’t time to warm up. We kind of need to have everything established, even if it’s over Zoom meetings.”

Another impact of the pandemic, Windsor’s basketball teams are just now getting together in preparation for the upcoming season, when normally, they would have plenty of court time together during the summer and fall.

Without having all the fine details ironed out just yet, Rakiecki said he expects to have a deep squad, anchored by its seniors but with plenty of balance and no shortage of players in all classes capable of contributing.

“We are very excited about the team we have coming back for this basketball season,” Rakiecki said. “We have a wealth of experience, mixed with some young players. It makes us really excited about the opportunity to play.”

WINDSOR HOOPS AT A GLANCE Girls Coach: Karin Nicholls, first season Last year: Windsor went 13-12 (10-6, fourth place,

in the 5A/4A Tri-Valley Conference), advancing to the second round of the 5A playoffs.

Last year’s statistical leaders: Points — Kylie

Sanger, jr. (13.5 points per game); Rebounds: Jackie Jensen, sr. (3.0); Assists: Carryn Leto, sr. (1.1); Steals — Sanger, jr. (1.9); Blocks — Jensen, sr. (0.3)

Boys Coach: Jon Rakiecki, fifth season Last year: Windsor went 16-9 (12-4, second place, in the 5A/4A Tri-Valley Conference) and advanced to the second round of the 5A playoffs.

Last year’s statistical leaders: Points — Ben

Hageman, jr. (15.9); Rebounds — Hageman (8.1); Assists — Lance McGinnis, sr. (3.9); Steals — McGinnis, sr.

(2.0); Blocks — Jaden Kennis, jr. (0.4) NOVEMBER 2020 | mywindsor | 15

All is (Still) Bright During this Unusual

Holiday Season

by Emily Kemme

A

t first glance, the 2020 holiday season doesn’t seem to glow with its customary luster.

Although the Covid-19 pandemic has cramped American’s style, it turns out there are still plenty of ways to put some twinkl tw w kle l into the season in a safe, socially distanced way. Here are a few events to experience around Windsor and from home that are designed to reki kindle i faith in human kindness kii in ways that warm and welcome.

Windsor Churches Walnut Street Christmas Walk: Bethel Lutheran Church partners with First United Methodist Church, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, and First Christian Church for their first ever Christmas Eve walk from 5-7pm. Each church will display spectacular visual events for the community, including a live nativity scene, a light show depicting the Christmas story, and more.

Viewers may walk or drive by to experience.

“Our hope is that after this last year of uncertainty, division and frustration in our country, we can provide a sense of unity, hope and love for our community,” Mandy Toms, Bethel Lutheran’s Family Ministry Director said.

Due to Covid-19 concerns about gatherings, the four churches will hold online Christmas Services on their websites.The Walnut Street Christmas Walk will only be cancelled if there is a statewide shutdown due to the pandemic or inclement weather.

Windsor Community tyy Church is hosting His Little Feet, a children’s choir that gives voice to orphaned and vulnerable vu u children around the world. The livestream concert may be viewed on the church’s YouTube Channel.

Foundations Church Windsor partners with Calvary Chapel, Commission Church, and Christ Church to host a socially distanced Christmas Worship at 4 pm on December 20. Scott Cox, Pastor of Calvary Chapel, said everyone is welcome.

He hopes this will turn into a Christmas tradition for Windsor. 1159 Main St., Windsor.

Festivals Celebrate the season spectacularly at RainDance WinterFest, Wednesdays through Sundays from Nov. 27th to Jan. 3rd. Holiday lights, a skating rink, the World’s Largest Rocki king i Horse, Everest Climb N Slide, and more are presented by RainDance Communities and Ted’s Sweetw twater w Grill.

WinterFest attractions are cleaned and sanitized after use and masks are encouraged at all times.

Enter a contest to win prizes, including a $2,500 Visa Gift Card. Cost: $20/person; Children under 5 free; Ice skating is free on synthetic ice sheet and $10/person once rink is frozen. 2191 Covered Bridge Pkwy wy., y Windsor.

twinkl tw w kling l lights display on graded dirt roads offers a safe, contactless experience. Expect outdoor and wildlife themed light sculptures with holiday music transmitted through your car radio. Tickets must be purchased in advance or reserved online for the 15 minute drive. The display runs from November 27 - December 31. To reserve your timed spot, visit NOCO WinterWonderland.

Music Adds Sparkle Missing your favorite live holiday conceert this year?

The Fort Collins Symphony and Maesttro Wes Kenney present the Sounds of the Seasoon V irtual Concert on December 6, 12, 13, and 19th h. A festively decorated stage serves as the backkdrop for timeless holiday classics. Tickets for the 70-m minute virtual concert are available through the Lincoln Center box office at LCTix.com or 970.221.66730.

Each ticket provides a one-time streaming access to the concert on your preferred electronic deevice.

Wreaths Across America If the season calls for some quiet contemplaation, the Town of Windsor is sponsoring a virtual Wreeaths Across America event, aired by December 22 for the community to view. “This virtual event will acknowledge the veterans of our community that have been laid to rest at the Windsor Lakeview Cemetery,” Recreation Coordinator Lexie Spykstra said. Wreaths will be laid in a private event on December 19, 2020 at 12 P.M.

Do-It-Yourself Twinkle Tour The time-honored tradition of piling into the car — along with those in your household — and taki king i a DIY light tour is always guaranteed to brightten the holidays. Stop by one of Windsor’s coffeee shops and order cocoa, coffee, or a winter warmerr to boost your spirits and bask in the glow of your W indsor neighbors’ efforts to light up the night.

A Mile of Light Colorado Youth Outdoors presents Winter Wonderland, a Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza benefitting a wide range of Weld and Larimer County non-profits. The one mile long NOVEMBER 2020 | mywiindsor | 17

community | EVENTS

Downtown Windsor celebrates the season with

Elf Hunt & More

BY TAMARA MARKARD

I

f you’re looking for fun and festive activities to celebrate the holiday season, the town of Windsor has all your bases covered from shopping to entertaining family members of all ages.

Elf Hunt

Mark gifts off your shopping list while hunting for some elusive elves at the 5th annual Elf Hunt in downtown Windsor.

“The goal of the hunt is to give folks a family friendly fun way to explore some of the great shops that Windsor has to offer,” said Matt Ashby, executive director of Windsor Downtown Development Authority (DDA). “Everybody loves the Elf on the Shelf game with their families, and we thought what a wonderful tradition to bring to downtown Windsor and encourage people to hunt the elf and add some of that fun and magic to their holidays.”

The free program features 33 Windsor businesses including Fusion Light and Design, 425 Main St., 18 | mywindsor | NOVEMBER 2020

Lil’ Flower Shop, 417 Main St. and Windsor Mill Tavern, 301 Main St. all housing hidden elves inside their businesses.

Elf hunters can pick up a form at any of the participating businesses with the Elf Hunt logo in their window and begin their search or download the form online at windsordda.com.

For folks not wanting to do inperson elf hunting, the event is being offered virtually this year as well.

The DDA has partnered with fifteen of the participating businesses to launch a virtual version of the stores.

“Hayden Outdoors Real Estate gave us a connection to their real estate photographer who has documented 15 of our stores with these virtual tours,” Ashby explained. “So not only do people have the option of visiting in person, they also have the option of hunting the elves online. This gives our retailers a little bit more of a leg up on the web presence as far as the shopping opportunity goes as well.”

By nature, elves are extremely good at hiding, so you may have to look carefully around each store to find each one on the list.

Once an elf is found, simply mark it off on your form and move on to the next one.

After you have found your five elves, or all of them, turn in your completed form to Toast Coffee and Wine Bar at 205 4th St. by Dec. 5, Dec. 12, Dec. 19 or Dec. 23 for a chance to win $100 gift certificates to any participating business.

Contest participants must find at least five elves to be eligible for prizes.

Participants have five chances to

win and winners will be chosen on the following dates: •

First winner drawn on Saturday, Dec. 5

•

Second winner drawn on Saturday, Dec. 12

•

Third winner drawn on Saturday, Dec. 19 Fourth winner drawn from online submissions on Wednesday, Dec. 23

•

•

Overall winner with the most elves found named on Wednesday, December 23.

Shoppers who support participating businesses on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28 will receive free gifts.

Players must be at least 18-years-old to participate in the hunt and do not need to be present to win.

For more information, or to see a complete list of participating businesses, go to windsordda.com/ElfHunt.

Windsor Wonderland

On Dec. 5, Windsor Wonderland kicks off from noon to 5 p.m. at the Boardwalk Park Market Pavilion, 100 N. 5th St. Santa will be arriving on a historic fire truck from the WindsorSeverance Fire Museum. Families and children can get their photo snapped with Santa standing alongside the fire truck.

Registration is required and participants can choose from time slots beginning at 12:30 and continue

every half-hour until 5 p.m.

Photos are limited to one per family.

The free event will feature all the fun of past years’ event, but with COVID-19 safety precautions in mind.

Attendees are asked to wear masks and maintain social distancing.

For more information, or to register for a time slot, go to bit.ly/395Le65.

Holiday Home Based Business Showcase

Nix the usual gifts of socks or a scarf in exchange for some unique handmade items created by local artisans and crafters at the American Legion’s holiday shopping extravaganza in

Downtown Windsor from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at 624 Ash St. The event will feature a variety of Windsor homebased businesses where you are sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

In addition to shopping from a vast array of one of-akind seasonal items and gifts, visual art and handmade treasures, the free event will include food vendors, seasonal drink specials as well as activities geared toward the entire family.

For more information, go to windsorchamber.net/events/ details/holiday-homebaseshowcase-4686.

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community | LITTLE LIBRARY

ALEX MCINTYRE WINDSOR, CO – NOVEMBER 06:Kris Kazian, right, and Ron Clark, left, work to install a Little Free Library on behalf of the Windsor Rotary Club at 226 Elm St. in Windsor Nov. 5, 2020.

Windsor club encourages literacy through Little Free Library project

BY ANNE DELANEY

L

ess than an hour after a Little Free Library went up in front of his Windsor home, Elm Street resident Brian Warden was already planning the care and maintenance of the approximately 5-feet high structure.

Warden’s future plans for the library included a weather-resistant coating on the wood post, and maybe even a cover for the turquoise box with a yellow door to prevent precipitation from accumulating during the winter.

Kara Warden, Brian’s wife, was just glad to see the library standing after nearly a month of planning and preparation. The Wardens will serve as stewards, or caretakers and the

20 | mywindsor | NOVEMBER 2020

point of contact, for the library in front of their home.

“I’ve wanted a Little Free Library for years,” Kara Warden said. “I think they’re cute and I think the idea is brilliant. Read a book, and it’s nice to share with anyone else. For me, it was a no-brainer.”

The library sits on the southeast side of the Warden’s home, across the street from the pickle ball courts at Windsor’s Main Community Park. Members of the Rotary Club of Windsor installed the library as part of a club project, and in an effort to support Rotary International’s emphasis on literacy.

Rotary International is volunteer service organization where the members engage in communityoriented projects to have a sustainable impact.

Young children, from pre-school into elementary grades, will be the target age group for the Elm Street library.

“Kids like to get on their devices,” said Rotary Club of Windsor member Ron Clark, manager of the club’s Little Free Library project.

“We want to do anything we can to introduce a young person to books.”

The Elm Street library is the fifth Little Free Library put up by the Windsor rotary since July. The other four have also been built in Windsor: 300 Amber Dr., 8791 Cherry Blossom Dr., 625 Oak St. and at the corner of Water Valley Parkway and Cobble Drive.

The club has a goal to install 12 libraries in Windsor and Severance

by July 2021.

Clark, the steward of the Water

Valley Parkway library, said the rotary club does not currently have locations set for the other seven planned libraries. They want to install two in Severance.

Little Free Library is a non-profit book sharing organization started in Wisconsin in 2009 and incorporated three years later. The Little Free Library motto is ‘take a book, share a book,’ according to the organization website.

Little Free Library sells library kits, or the library can be constructed from scratch. Purchasing a kit then enters the library into the Little Free Library registry with the option to add the library to the organization’s worldwide map.

There are 14 Little Free Library locations in Windsor and Severance, according to the map.

Clark said the Windsor club received a $3,000 grant from a regional rotary district for half of the cost of the libraries to get started with the local project.

The Wardens, as stewards of the Elm Street library, are not solely responsible for providing books. They’ll receive assistance from the Windsor rotary, and, of course, from anyone who wants to contribute.

“It’s more than books and reading,” Rotary Club of

ALEX MCINTYRE Windsor resident Kara Warden, steward of a new Little Free Library on Elm Street in Windsor, center, stocks the library with books after it was installed by the Rotary Club of Windsor outside her home on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020.

Windsor president Robina McWilliams said. “This is a huge community project.”

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community | CRIME PREVENTION

Windsor police ask residents to register cameras to help with crime prevention

BY TREVOR REID

T

he Windsor Police Department is creating a database to help investigators make use of residents’ and business owners’ surveillance cameras with the permission of the camera owners.

Property owners with surveillance cameras are asked to register their cameras with the department, so police can quickly contact property owners to request footage that could potentially help police identify, apprehend and prosecute criminals. Officers who respond to burglaries, assaults and other crimes will be able to see a secure map of nearby locations with cameras, so they can quickly contact relevant camera owners, according to a town news release.

The Secure Streets program is not intended for active or live feed surveillance or for monitoring residents in neighborhoods. Officers will not have remote nor direct access to residents’ private video systems. Police will have to secure the owner’s permission and cooperation to view, download or copy any recorded incident.

They will only ask to view footage relating to specific criminal acts for use as evidence, the release states.

Property owners are not required to register their cameras, and they can unsubscribe anytime.

Registration requires minimal personal information, including the location and number of cameras. Details are kept confidential in a secure database only accessible by authorized staff, according to the release.

“We know that the use of video monitoring devices is on the rise,” Police Chief Rick Klimek said in the release. “Our goal is to tap into this resource as a way to deter and solve crime and we’re asking residents to help. Hopefully we’ll have so much participation that criminals will find it hard to commit crimes in Windsor.”

To register, go to WindsorPD.com/secure. Anyone with questions about the program may contact the department at (970) 674-6400.

Greeley police started a similar program in 2019, the Neighborhood Watch Camera Program. For more information or to sign up, go to GreeleyPD.com/ neighborhood-watch-camera-program.

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community | GIVING

Pandemic or no pandemic, Santa needs your help

BY LUANNE KADLUB

T

his is not your typical holiday season. Many people are furloughed or out of work as a result of COVID-19, students are stuck at home for remote learning as a result of the pandemic, and toilet paper and paper towels are disappearing off grocery shelves once again because, well, just because you never know.

The pandemic has also affected the way those in our community can get involved in volunteer opportunities and lend a helping hand — or two — during this holiday season.

The good news is there are ways you can help, it’s just not as hands-on as in years past.

Let’s take a look:

Windsor Food Pantry The Windsor Food Pantry is in need of donations of groceries and sundries throughout the year, said Brenda Heckman, pantry director, and the holidays are no exception.

24 | mywindsor | NOVEMBER 2020

“We need everything but canned green beans and corn,” she said. “We have plenty of those.”

This year she anticipates providing more than 60 Christmas boxes to Windsor area residents. Donations can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at Windsor Food Pantry, located inside Faith Church of Windsor (formerly Faith United Church of Christ), 1020 Walnut St., Windsor. Need more information? Call 970-329-1588 for more information.

Santa Cops The Windsor Police Department has once again teamed up with Santa Cops of Weld County to collect new, unwrapped donations of toys and gifts in original packaging for children referred to the program by local law enforcement agencies, Weld County schools, Weld County Probation and the Weld County Department of Human Services.

Gifts can be dropped off 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Dec.17 at the Windsor Police Department, 200 N. 11th Street. You’ll find a container inside the Police Department lobby to leave drop off donations safely and without having to be in contact with others, according to the police department’s website.

Another way to help Santa Cops is by making a monetary donation through a credit card by texting SANTA to 707070 or mailing a check to: Santa Cops of Weld County, 2875 W 10th St., Greeley, CO 80634.

Santa’s Toy Shop

For more than 40 years, the Windsor Optimist Club has been sponsoring Santa’s Toy Shop to provide gifts to Windsor area students and gift bags for seniors.

Traditionally, the club puts giving trees up at various Windsor area businesses with tags describing a children’s wishes. This year, because of COVID-19 precautions, the club

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Because many people are opting to shop online this holiday season, the Salvation Army said in a press release that it might incur a 50 percent decrease in funds raised through its popular red kettles program. Last year the nonprofit raised $126 million.

How can you help? Red kettles and ringers are still stationed outside several stores (consider given generously). Also, the Salvation Army and Walmart encourage you to #RescueChristmas through their Angel Tree partnership. Supporters can donate in person at most Walmart stores or online by going to salvationarmyusa. org/usn/walmart-angel-tree.

0

Operation Rescue Christmas

sustainability and church connection. But the nonprofit needs your help. Consider hosting a giving tree (or take a tag or two off a giving tree and return with the requested gifts), visiting the virtual giving tree, making monetary donations, or sponsoring a family’s Christmas gifts. All of this can be done on the nonprofit’s website, Serve68.org.

Windsor’s partner churches — Bethel Lutheran Church, Living Rock Church, Windsor Community Church, Timberline Church — Windsor, and Traverse Christian Church — will host families for a gift distribution event.

For more information, visit Serve68.org or call 970-4495401.

reader’s

2

instead put up posters at those same businesses detailing how to make monetary donations or to obtain information about requested gifts.

Deadline for making donations is Dec. 7 with distribution to families who signed up in November planned later in the month.

Information for both making monetary donations or requesting information for desired gifts can be found at windsoroptimistclub.org/santastoyshop.

R

D

S

MEDHYPNOSIS1.COM NOVEMBER 2020 | mywindsor | 25

Home, Sweet Home. atHome

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For advertising information call Elvonney Poole at 970.392.5645 or e-mail epoole@greeleytribune.com 26 | mywindsor | NOVEMBER 2020

local | SPORTS

New partnership brings minor league baseball team to Windsor

BY JADYN WATSON-FISHER

Northern Colorado will have a minor league team based in Windsor starting next year.

Future Legends Complex and the Orem Owlz, owned by the Katofsky family, announced Monday the team, currently based in Utah, will move to the Windsor sports complex next season. The team will become the Northern Colorado Owlz.

The Owlz — a part of the Pioneer League — will join the MLB Partner League, which joins the MLB and independent baseball groups from Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Utah.

“This departure is bittersweet. We have been fortunate to spend the last 15 years in Utah, and are so grateful for the support the Orem fans, community and corporate partners have shown us,” said Jeff Katofsky, Owlz owner and Future Legends Complex developer, in a press release. “However, we look forward to serving the Northern Colorado community and providing high level competition and affordable family fun, alongside youth sports and entertainment.”

According to the press release from the Owlz franchise, the new league will feature affiliated minor league baseball players, major league players and independent athletes working toward an MLB contract.

The partnership, Katofsky said, lays a foundation for a “revamped” Pioneer League. The league will

feature seven other teams, and pending continued COVID-19 restrictions, the teams will play a 92-game season. It will start on Memorial Day 2021 and end in September. Katofsky said he hopes to see the team win a championship as soon as next year.

Fans should get to see the Owlz play 46 home games. The previous league format only allotted for 38.

Future Legends Complex will house more than 20 outdoor fields and baseball diamonds, a bubble dome for football and basketball, participant lodging, hotels, restaurants and other entertainment options.

The 118-acre complex is under construction and expected to host a variety of entertainment and sporting events — from high school to professional — when it fully opens in 2022.

The Katofsky family co-founded the Future Legends Complex and is the lead developer on the project.

“We hope that when kids come here and experience all that Future Legends has to offer, including the chance to interact with professional baseball players from the NoCo Owlz, they will be inspired to continue with their sports dreams,” Katofsky said.

The league will include the Grand Junction Rockies and Rocky Mountain Vibes, based in Colorado Springs.

As part of the partnership, MLB

will provide initial funding for operating expenses, install scouting technology in the league parks, work on joint marketing and fan engagement, and it includes policies for player transfers to MLB clubs.

The Pioneer League joins the American Association, the Atlantic League and Frontier League in the new endeavor.

H n M

n E n Li�

• Hospice • Palliative Care • Grief & Loss Support • Volunteer Opportunities

NOVEMBER 2020 | mywindsor | 27

HOLIDAY Gift Guide Make the perfect holiday statement with these gifts from local retailers.

The Lékué Jar to Go is focused on promoting a healthy and easy meals or snacks on the go and keeping them fresh in the fridge during the night.

GIFTS for the

($15.99-$19.99 Warm Hugs Mixes &

HOME

Gifts Boutique, Boutique 809 10th St., Greeley)

With more time at home, sometimes the best gift is one that elevates their living spaces.

Buffalo- and cow-hide wallets, available in a number of styles and sizes, along with fixed or folding knives—the perfect gift this holiday season. ($40 and up — Santa Fe Craftsman,

118 North College Ave., Fort Collins)

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Sand Art by Klaus Bosch is a fun, decorative, interactive work of genius made of sand, water, and air. Give a little sparkle and tranquility with one of a kind sand art.

With Completed Repair Must present coupon.

Not valid with other offers.

Expires 1/31/21.

($34.99 and up — Santa Fe Craftsman, 118 North College Ave., Fort Collins)

$1795

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Need a great holiday gift idea? Santa Fe Craftsman carries some on the most beautiful pieces of pottery and baskets around. These elegant keepsakes are sure to make anyone’s day. ($17.99 and up — Santa Fe Craftsman, 118 North College Ave Fort Collins)

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Water Heater Includes Installation

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$495 New Toilet

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Furnace System Includes $3295 Installation

Starting at

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NOVEMBER 2020 | mywindsor | 29

Coco + Carm men Embrace Fashion Fastener keeps cardiggans and blazzers in place and d glasses on han nd.

Need a lift? Hop in with a new chairlift tee. Soft grey melangestyle heathered sweatshirt with french terry interior finish. Hand printed in Fort Collins.

(Akinz, 15 Old Town Square, Ste. 132, Fort Collins or akinz.com/shop/mensclothing/need-a-lift-hoodie/)

($199.99 —Warm Huggs Mixes & Gift fts ts Boutique, 809 10th St., Greelley or warmhhugsmixes. com)

Hip Bag Company creates unique handbags made to be worn on the waist for hands free carrying and comfort.

Each bag is made from reclaimed and exotic leather, studs, and embellishments to highlight any personality. ($64.99 and up — Santa Fe Craftsman, 118 North College Ave Fort Collins)

GIFTS they can

Waffle rib beanie with faux leather patch engraved with Akinz Dawn Rising mountains and sunshine design. Available in rust orange, military green and black. Made in USA.

WEAR Comfortable, elegant or a little of both, gifts they can wear keep you near year-round.

(Akinz, 15 Old Town Square, Ste. 132, Fort Collins or akinz.com/shop/hats-beanies/ beanies/dawn-rising-waffle-rib-beanie)

and women’s sizes.

Colorado Cities and 14ers Tee— perfect for your favorite Colorado lover or peak climber!

Available in men’s

($29.99—Warm Hugs Mixes & Gifts Boutique, 809 10th St., Greeley)

30 | mywindsor | NOVEMBER 2020

Minnetonka and Lamo brand moccasins are the perfect shoes for stepping into winter! Find shoes, boots, or slippers— a pair for him, for her, and even for the kiddos. ($45.95 and up — Santa Fe Craftsman, 118 N. College Ave., Fort Collins)

Spice up their earring collection with a unique new set for any occasion with a great price point. ($12.99 and up — Santa Fe Craftsman, 118 N. College Ave., Fort Collins)

This handcrafted hood with attached cowl neckwarmer is perfect for windy bike rides, winter walks and hitting the slopes. Handmade to order in Colorado. Please allow up to five days to ship if listed as out of stock.

(Akinz, 15 Old Town Square, Ste. 132, Fort Collinss or at akinz.com m/ shop/accessoories/ scarves/verssehooded-cow wlneckwarmerr/)

Textured d leverb backks featuriing a round d cluster of rich blue sapphires are the anchor to the vibrantly striking turquoise and rock crystal teardrops dangling below. Set in Sterling Silver these earrings are the perfect pop of color for your wardrobe.

Show your love with this rare larimar bracelet!

Five beautiful heart-shaped larimar gemstones are linked with sterling silver hearts in this delightful and fanciful design. Embrace your wrist and your heart with love!

Walk with grace and beauty with our Daria earrings. An absolutely stunning strand of sterling silver and white sapphires gently flow across a pear-shaped larimar gemstone. Pairs perfectly with our Daria Necklace. An outstanding look.

(Weiss Jewelers, 955 52nd Ave. Ct. Suite 200, Greeley or https://www.weissjewelers. com/product-page/sterling-silver-sapphireearrings-with-turquoise-rock-crystal-teardrops)

(Weiss Jewelers, 955 52nd Ave. Ct. Suite 200, Greeley or https://www.weissjewelers. com/product-page/oating-heart-larimarbracelet)

(Weiss Jewelers, 955 52nd Ave. Ct. Suite 200, Greeley or https://www.weissjewelers. com/product-page/daria-earrings)

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NOVEMBER 2020 | mywindsor | 31

home | HOME IMPROVEMENT

Christmas Lights Lights are a cost-effective holiday accessory that adds to the happiness and joy the holidays bring. Whether you’re in the running for best on the neighborhood block for your lights display, or your Christmas tree is bright enough, they add the perfect touch of sparkle to any space.

DECIDING Lighting options are endless, therefore making the perfect selection that fits your taste and personality can be a challenge.

Placement of lights is another thing to consider when deciding between LED and incandescent. Here are some characteristics to consider: •

Durability – Exterior Christmas lights are made to withstand the freezing temperatures that winter brings. Depending where you live and the weather trends, interior lights could be universal for both indoor and outdoor use.

•

Cost – Upfront costs for LED lighting is more expensive because of their longevity. LED lights tend to last 3-4 years

•

Theme – Deciding which style light option is best for the season can depend on the crowd, the mood, and the overall

•

Energy Efficiency – LED lights use as little as 10% of the energy incandescent lights use. While LED lights shine brighter and faster, incandescent filament takes a while to heat up and product light. Using LED lighting will reduce the risk of fire because their heat is subtle and hard to notice.

•

Distance – Depending on the area you are looking to cover, bundles range from as small as 20 count to 300 count.

longer than classic incandescent, making them a better investment in the long run.

look you are going for. Ranging from large bulb lights, mini string, icicle and more, lights are a great way to customize your space.

Available in a variety of styles, colors and sizes, making sure you have the right amount of lights is crucial to a successful holiday season. Keeping an extra set of replacement bulbs on hand is recommended to get the most out of your lights.

TYPES OF LIGHTS •

String/Rope – usually used on Christmas trees, roofs, canopies, and more

•

Icicle – primarily used on exterior edging such as gutters and house trim

•

Projector – offers a range of characters, designs, and colors to give your house exterior some character

•

Novelty – adds a retro/antique flare to your home with its throwback design

32 | mywindsor | NOVEMBER 2020

home | HOME IMPROVEMENT

Time to Change Your Furnace Filter MENARDS— Why is it so important to change your furnace filter? Let’s review some of the best reasons.

SAVES MONEY

When your air filter is functioning properly, your HVAC system runsmore efficiently. This conserves energy, lowering your utility bill. Italso prevents the need for future repairs, which makes the upfrontcost of replacement filters much more appealing.

INCREASES FURNACE LIFESPAN

A clogged filter can result in an overworked system, reducing yourfurnace’s lifespan and turning “replacement time” into a necessityrather than an option.

IMPROVES AIR QUALITY

An old furnace filter loses its ability to trap pollutants and allergens.

Dirty air is circulated, causing health concerns. A new filter captures these allergens, making the air being circulated safe to breathe.

How often should you change your furnace’s air filter?

• High-efficiency filters do not need to be changed as often • Your furnace filter will likely need to be changed in peak seasons of use, such as winter (heating) and summer (air conditioning). During these periods of frequent system use, you should check your filter monthly and replace it as needed.

• Households containing pets or smokers typically require regular filter changes. More contaminants in the air such as pet hair, dander and smoking by-products result in clogged filters.

• Look for a manufacturer recommendation on your air filter’s packaging that lists the filter’s standard lifespan.

For more information on home improvement topics visit menards.com.

REDUCES REPAIRS

Regularly changing your furnace filter keeps other problems at bay.

A clean filter means fewer repairs.

INCREASES ENERGY EFFICIENCY

As already mentioned, an efficient system produces efficient energy use. A clean filter helps prevent energy waste.

KEEPS HOME CLEAN

Do you enjoy breathing fresh air? That is the air filter’s job. A clean filter results in clean air, which results in happy skin, eyes and lungs.

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final thought

End of the Year & Holiday Salutations

WITH THE END OF THE YEAR CLOSING IN AND THE HOLIDAYS AROUND THE CORNER, WE WANT TO WISH EVERYONE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HAPPY NEW YEAR. 34 | mywindsor | NOVEMBER 2020

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