Broomfield Life

Broomfield Life BUSINESS | PROGRESS ELECTED OFFICIALS | HISTORY

2020

Where Business Meets Community

For 60 years, the Broomfield Chamber of Commerce has been supporting and promoting business in the Broomfield Area. The Chamber can help your business expand its reach through: Networking · Relationship Building Marketing · Education · Advocacy Sponsorship Opportunities and much more!

Chamber membership also lets the community know that you support a strong, thriving local business climate.

Let the Chamber help your business reach its full potential!

Broomfield Chamber of Commerce

303.466.1775 BroomfieldChamber.com Facebook.com/ BroomfielddChamberOfCommerce

Watch BroomfieldChamber.com for

Information on upcoming fall events, including Taste It Broomfield and Broomfield Day Trade Show Booths!

PALLONES

SELL HOMES WINNER!

Broomfield People’s Choice Awards Please Call Joan or Vinny Today for YOUR FREE Home Valuation in This Ever Changing Market

PALLONESELLS.COM JOAN - 303-810-9647 VINNY - 303-506-6610

broomfield life 2020 • 3

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

Joan and Vinny Pallone, Metro Brokers Real Estate

I

The Pallones and Broomfield: A Love Story

t was love at first sight for Realtor Joan Pallone and the town of Broomfield.

“When our family moved to Broomfield in 1979,” she says, “we knew we were home.” Joan arrived from a large city and she says Broomfield offered a wonderful sense of safety and neighborly community.

“As we have watched our small town grow into the larger town it has become, the family and faith values have remained true to our earlier days.”

Joan began her real estate career in 1990. “I wanted a job that centered on customer service,” she says.

“A job where I could make a difference in people’s lives, not just their day.” Joan calls it “a privilege” to help people find their perfect home.

Her philosophy as a Realtor centers around streamlining the homebuying process to transform what is sometimes a stressful experience into a wonderful one. “We all know that your home is your biggest investment, but the real treasure is having a safe place where you can just be,” she says.

Joan’s son Vinny started helping her out with the family business when he was in middle school. He’d hang up flyers, set showings and perform other real estate-related tasks. This familiarity with the industry nurtured a passion in Vinny to follow in his mother’s 4 • broomfield life 2020

footsteps. “It was no surprise to me that he would eventually join the business and become my partner,” Joan says. “It has been a great advantage to work together.”

But real estate expertise isn’t the only thing that connects the Pallone family to the Broomfield community.

“We have many connections to Broomfield after all of these years,” she says. Joan’s husband, now retired, taught and coached in Broomfield schools for many years. All five Pallone children attended Broomfield schools and Joan’s three sons have also coached in Broomfield at different levels.

The family has supported Bal Swan Children’s Center for 40 years and Vinny continues the tradition by sending the Pallone grandchildren to the school. The Pallones are also dedicated supporters of the Broomfield Community Foundation since its beginnings and Vinny has served on the foundation’s board.

Vinny has even used his performative talents to better the community. He performed to raise money at the “Dancing with the Stars” fundraiser for the Broomfield Community Foundation. “He was quite amazing, if I do say so myself,” says Joan with a smile. He also raised the most money as a singer for the “Broomfield Idol” Karaoke Fundraiser to benefit Broomfield FISH

Vinny and Joan Pallone

(Fellowship in Serving Humanity).

The Pallones are proud to call Broomfield home, but Vinny and Joan sell homes all of Colorado’s colorful counties.

With thirty years of experience, Joan thought she’d seen it all until the arrival of the pandemic in March. “We have had to find ways to navigate and make sure our buyers and sellers feel safe, but we have not missed a beat,” she says. “We absolutely love what we do and it shows. No one cares more or works harder to find the right situation for our buyers and sellers.”

For Vinny and Joan, real estate is about a lot more than buying houses. It’s about celebrating the beautiful place they call home and helping people. “This job is truly about all of the wonderful relationships we have been able to make,” Joan says. “There is nothing we would not do for our clients. They become friends and family to us.”

Learn more at online at pallonesells.com.

Pallone & Associates 4 Garden Center, Ste. L2 Broomfield, 303.466.4663 pallonesells@msn.com

MEMORY SUPPORT

SAVOR COMMUNITY

There are so many flavors to enjoy.

Retirement living offers many opportunities to enjoy and savor life.

At Villagio Broomfield, a vibrant memory support culture paired with a warm feel provides an environment ripe with possibilities for connection and enriching relationships.

CALL TO LEARN MORE!

720.650.7192 VILLAGIO OF BROOMFIELD 11952 Gray St. Broomfield, CO 80020 | villagioliving.com broomfield life 2020 • 5

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

Villagio Senior Living

W

Dedicated Memory Care Support with a Family Centered Approach

hen a loved one shows signs of memory decline, families consider future implications. If that loved one is no longer able to live at home, the next best choice is to expand the family with a team that will offer expert care, support, and love. Villagio Senior Living is a dedicated memory support assisted living community in Broomfield where the staff treats residents and each other like family.

“The driving word I think of for our whole value system is recognition; of our elders and what they can do, and recognition of our staff’s strengths and the magic that they can do in our community,” Villagio of Broomfield Executive Director Carisa Brown said.

Brown has been a nurse for over two decades, working in settings from home health to the ICU before coming in to Assisted Living leadership over 5 years ago. Additionally, the leadership staff recently became Certified Dementia Practitioners (CDP), so that no matter where residents are in their memory loss journey, the staff is supported to help residents respectfully live out their individual daily rhythms.

“Our residents are each in a different stage of their journey with their cognitive and physical decline,” Villagio of Broomfield Marketing Director Marlene McCaslin said. “We make sure that each one of them are celebrated for what they can do. It is a small community. We know our people so well. Our staff members just know how to redirect and console them. You have to kind of go into their world.”

For Brown, part of meeting the 6 • broomfield life 2020

needs of her residents is meeting them where they are at.

“That is part of specialized dementia care,” Brown said. “We really embrace our residents as our family; and our residents’ families as our family. We do everything together as a team.”

As all Colorado communities continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, Villagio of Broomfield has worked diligently to create a safe home for their residents.

“If there’s an emotional need, we make sure that they see their loved one on Skype,” McCaslin said.

“We are also doing courtyard visits now. Before COVID, we were very active with activities and our families joining in.”

Opened in 2016, Villagio of Broomfield was specifically designed with memory support in

mind, as demonstrated in many of its features. There are three separate villages within, each having their own dedicated dining rooms and courtyard spaces. This supports a feeling of togetherness without being overwhelmed by overly large groups. Large windows and abundant natural light is noted throughout the community.

“As we age with cognitive loss, we lose depth perception and peripheral vision, so lots of light is important,” Brown said. “With that loss of vision and depth perception, dark places on the floor tend to look like holes. So all of our flooring is the same neutral shade.”

For ease of care, each room and suite features roll-in bathrooms with no lips to step over, as well as tall ceilings, spacious floor plans, and a washer and dryer unit so

that each resident’s laundry can be done individually. Additionally, two of the villages are built as circles for the residents who need to stay on the move.

“Sometimes with cognitive loss, people have to be in constant motion,” Brown said. “So they might hit a corner and feel trapped, but with a circle, they can just keep going.”

Additionally, people with cognitive loss often feel overwhelmed if they are clustered into tight groups. Physical communication and body language become more and more important for those journeying through memory loss. The Villagio of Broomfield community was planned with these ideas of spacious movement and safety needs in mind. There are 51 private units with eight different floor plans, and some are large enough for a couple to move in together.

“If a couple has been married for 65 years and one has been the caretaker but can no longer do it, we can move in couples,” McCaslin said. “They don’t have to be separated.”

Villagio Senior Living 11952 Gray St., Broomfield, 720.619.2221,villagioliving.com

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

Broomfield Chamber of Commerce

The Broomfield Chamber of Commerce: Celebrating 60 Years of Serving Our Community On October 11, 1960, approximately seventy businesses and professionals held a meeting to discuss the formation of a Chamber of Commerce for the Broomfield Area. The idea was to create a chamber that would help stimulate business and economic growth in the community.

The Broomfield Chamber of Commerce was born a short time later and has been supporting and engaging the Broomfieldarea business community ever since.

Today, the Chamber boasts nearly 400 members, and is widely considered a valuable partner and advocate for local business. Whether it’s a small, independent vendor or a large multi-national company with headquarters in Broomfield, the Chamber works every day to help all find value, increase their reach, and make Broomfield an incredible place to work and live. Not only does

the Chamber offer creative marketing and networking opportunities for members, it also serves to amplify the voice of local business in matters of local, regional, and statewide importance. The Chamber is active on many panels, boards and committees invested in such topics as attainable housing, transportation, health, education, and more. It is also a founding member of the Northwest Chamber Alliance, a Gov. Jared Polis addresses the crowd at the group of seven area Chambers 2020 Broomfield Chamber Annual Meeting (January). focused on enriching the economic climate of the entire unprecedented uncertainty.

The Broomfield Chamber’s region.

The Chamber started the 60th anniversary has been The Broomfield Chamber also Facebook group Broomfieldnothing like was imagined, but offers specialized opportunities Area Business Strong, open it has been an unforgettable for business outreach and to all area businesses, to help one - full of twists, turns, education. These include its local merchants connect with changes in course, challenges, business-to-consumer and customers and each other, and to and opportunity. The Chamber business-to-business Leads find critical information about has been honored to serve this Groups, its Young Professionals pandemic response resources. community for the past 60 years, program (HYPE), and its The Chamber’s website also and is looking forward to many, ongoing Education Series, which became a repository of this many more. focuses each month on topics information. The Chamber, For more information contact of importance to members. In working with the Colorado the Broomfield Chamber of addition, the Chamber produces Small Business Development Commerce, 105 Edgeview a weekly video podcast series Center, also helped guide Drive, Suite 410, Broomfield, called Business Matters, that businesses through the call 303.466.1775 or visit focuses on topics and issues application process for economic BroomfieldChamber.com. affecting local business, as well as assistance loans. highlighting Chamber members.

As the COVID-19 Pandemic affected our community in 2020, the Broomfield Chamber shifted its focus in the early months to provide support, resources, and guidance to all businesses – member and nonmember alike - who were suddenly facing

broomfield life 2020 • 7

Our TOWN

Broomfield Town Square plans move forward despite pandemic

By Jennifer Rios Staff Writer

Plans for the Broomfield Town Square — a place developers and city leaders imagine being the heart of Broomfield — are moving forward despite financial worries brought on by the novel coronavirus.

So far Broomfield has committed $400,000 for civil engineering and design services that ultimately will provide a better overall estimate of how much the proposed Civic Center project will cost.

Preliminary cost estimates suggest the project could cost in the vicinity of $180 million to $200 million, without land costs, according to a memo prepared by the City and County Manager’s Office and Community Development. Cost estimates will be redefined as the project progresses.

Joe Vostrejs, with City Street Investors, said banks obviously want to be cautious, but at this time there’s no way to know what will happen in the future.

The sentiment is that it will pass,

Artist renderings courtesy of Civitas

An arial view rendering of the proposed Broomfield Civic Center and town square. he said, even though it seems like things are changing every month.

“That’s why I think our strategy now is smart,” he said to council members in late May, “which is — look, we have so much work to do before we’re even ready to get to financing. Let’s keep doing our work, keep our nose to the grind-

A rendering of the view from the waterfront of the proposed development 8 • broomfield life 2020

stone, get the project designed, get it entitled. Then whatever the reality is at that point, we’re all going to be able to make a decision together about, you know, do we pull the trigger on this?”

Obviously the project will need financing, he said, and if the market doesn’t support it at that time, devel-

opers will have no choice but to pause. That being said, Vostrejs said he thinks its a compelling project that is well supported through the financing structure they’ve put together with the city, which he thinks is going to make it a very attractive investment.

The future area of the town square, between Main Street and Spader Way, North of W. 120th Ave., is about 43 acres. Visions of the plan imagine it as a community gathering place within a pedestrian-oriented setting. It will be a town plaza with public amenities framed by mixeduse buildings — restaurants, entertainment and civic uses.

The current plan includes 483 residential units, with opportunities for affordable and “age-targeted” housing for seniors, and more than 81,000 square feet of commercial development, including 32,641 square feet within a new central plaza north of E. 1st Ave. and 49,163 square feet within the re-imagined Market Hall, currently the former Safeway building. At least 20% of all

An artist rendering of the proposed plaza for the project.

See square on 49

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

In Memoriam

Helping Families Say Goodbye

K

elsi Tesone Mathews, MSP, owner of In Memoriam, has two priorities: family and community.

She said, “Broomfield is certainly a city unlike any other and I’m thrilled I can share my experiences with my husband and our children here. We truly consider ourselves fortunate to be a real family taking care of real families.”

She grew up here and was a member of BHS class of 2006. Mathews has served as a funeral director for many years.

She explained their start: “In Memoriam started in 2017 when we began to see a necessity for Broomfield to have a choice when it came to end-of-life providers.

Not every funeral home is the same, just as not every person we care for is the same.”

In Memoriam is a family owned and operated funeral parlor and crematory located here in Broomfield. “We believe in having the difficult conversations and navigating planning ahead, but we understand that isn’t always the reality for a lot of families we serve,” she said.

“Death is already a subject a lot of people have a hard time talking about, but we want you to feel comfortable asking anything.”

In Memoriam is a fullspectrum funeral service provider. Mathews said, “We offer simple cremation all the way to traditional burials. We are unique in that we have our crematory on-site and specialize in unique offerings like witnessed cremation, home funerals, and private visitations. We are happy to answer any questions about our services and even offer our services to Spanish-speaking families.”

She is also a licensed advancedplanning specialist, which allows In Memoriam to put together unique prepaid funeral plans for families wishing to plan ahead or even families up against Medicaid spend-downs. They are proud to serve any and all religions, cultures, and beliefs. “We want our families to know that once your loved one enters our care,

they never leave and that funeral prices between providers can vary greatly so we can ensure you know who you’re working with,” she said.

In the last year, In Memoriam has been focused on getting their name out to anyone who may need their help. Mathews said, “We are so proud of our continued commitment to serve

the people of our community and even through these unprecedented times, we strive to find innovative and meaningful ways to help our families say goodbye.”

In Memoriam 7290 W. 119th Place, Broomfield, 303.997.6667, inmemoriamservices.com. broomfield life 2020 • 9

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

Kerwin Plumbing & Heating

A Full Range of Residential, Commercial Services When it comes to repairing or updating plumbing in a home or business, Kerwin Plumbing & Heating, Inc. offers a long list of services from replacing a faucet to a full remodeling and new commercial construction.

Kerwin Plumbing and Heating, located at 11704 Teller Street in Broomfield, is a second generation, family operated business that was established in 1978.

At the time, Bill Kerwin, Sr. and his wife, Carol, moved to Colorado from Illinois and decided to start a business. Initially, they managed Kerwin Plumbing out of their home with eight employees. They offered a number of residential services, including drain cleaning, backflow installation, water heater

and disposal installation along with commercial construction.

In 1985, their son, Bill Kerwin, Jr. joined the staff, later becoming president and buying the business when his parents retired in 1997.

Kerwin Plumbing & Heating now has a staff of 40 and just expanded its warehouse.

Under his tenure, Kerwin, Jr.

has concentrated on growing the commercial division to design and build plumbing systems for industrial and commercial improvements and for new commercial construction. The division works directly with architects, engineers and contractors to design and install systems in schools, large retail projects, grocery stores, community centers and medical office buildings.

In 2002, Kerwin, Jr., re-launched the service division to provide residential and commercial remodeling projects and repair services, such as replacing a faucet or water heater and drain cleaning.

The company aims to make customer service a priority

and is focused on caring for the environment, using the latest energy and water saving technologies and green plumbing products, such as energy efficient tankless water heaters, low-flow toilets and shower heads and faucets. “Our goal is to offer the best value to the customer,” Kerwin said. “They get our quality service for a fair price.”

Kerwin Plumbing and Heating is involved in the local community as well. It is part of the Broomfield Chamber of Commerce and Broomfield Community Foundation and supports several nonprofits.

Kerwin Plumbing & Heating, 11704 Teller Street, Broomfield, 303.466.3581, kerwinplumbing.com

Broomfield Based | SINCE 1978

5% Senior Discount

For all your plumbing service needs: Faucets, Sinks, Toilets, Disposals, Water Heaters, Radon Testing & Mitigation, Drain lines, Gas lines, Water lines, Valves, Shower/Tubes, Backflow device...

303-466-3581 10 • broomfield life 2020

www.kerwinplumbing.com

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

Wee Travel

A Passion for Travel Despite COVID-19, Wee Travel is open for business and booking trip reservations!

Practicing Safe Health Protocols Your Next Big Adventure Begins Here . . . at Wee Travel!

N

ancy Wee’s passion is infectious. Spend a few minutes visiting with her about her job, and you’ll find yourself itching to book a trip.

Even after more than 38 years in the travel business, much of it spent personally guiding group trips, she still gets excited about the prospect of hitting the road (or the sky, or the ocean, or the river...) again.

Wee Travel is a travel agency specializing in bus tours, river cruises, theater tickets, ocean cruises – you name it. In short, if you have any travel need, Wee Travel can help you create the perfect trip. Granted, you could book many of the same services online yourself, but without the personal interaction a skilled agent can provide, it’s much harder to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

While the staff at Wee Travel can assist with any kind of travel booking, they specialize in guided group trips. Most popular among these are Alaskan and Mediterranean cruises, though Wee is quick to point at that Caribbean cruises are well-liked, too. She explains that clients are fond of cruises for two reasons: one, because, apart from beverages, they’re all inclusive; and two, because they include multiple destinations, giving travelers more sight-seeing options than a singledestination trip.

Wee’s guided trips are particularly popular. Groups range in size from around 20 to nearly 100, often including a mix of friends and family who already know one another, and fellow vacation-goers who’ve yet to meet.

The advantages of a guided trip are considerable. Wee, who is, herself,

We Are Open!

very well traveled, can make recommendations about local tourist attractions, restaurants, sites and other entertainment.

Additionally, she secures a number of amenities for her groups, including special meals, cocktail parties and other events.

“Of course, people don’t have to stick with the group,” Wee explains. Some would rather explore on their own, and that’s just fine. However, if group members would prefer to take in the sites with a knowledgeable guide, she’s there to help everyone get the most out of their trip.

With deep roots in the Broomfield community, Wee Travel offers all the customer service and options you’d expect from a big business with the charm and personal attention of a small town specialty shop. What’s more, Wee Travel is a proud member of the local community, regularly supporting various community efforts, like Dancing with the Broomfield Stars and Broomfield Senior Resource.

Whether you’re booking travel just for yourself or interested in being a part of a group trip, be sure to contact the staff of Wee Travel the next time you’re headed out of town.

Wee Travel, 1380 W. Midway Blvd., Broomfield, 303.465.2118, weetravel.org

• Specializing in Escorted Tours & Cruises • Free Consultation • Family Vacations • Honeymoon • Weekend Getaway Trips

Nancy Wee has more than 35 years of experience and is a proud 50-year Broomfield Resident!

303.465.2118

1380 West Midway Blvd.

Broomfield, CO 80020

If it’s the world you want to see, talk first to Nancy Wee! I Email: Nancy@weetravel.net • Travel Leaders

broomfield life 2020 • 11

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

Prospect Ridge Academy

Winning by Creating Academic, Social and Ethical Leaders

P

rospect Ridge Academy started in a little strip mall in the Adams 12 Five Star School District with a commitment to Kindergarten through 5th grade students.

Ten years later, the tuition-free public charter school is ranked by US News and World Reports as the No. 1 high school in Adams 12 Five Star Schools and in the top three percent of high schools in the nation.

It has a big beautiful building and has expanded to classes for Kindergarten through high school students.

The foundation of Prospect Ridge is rigorous coursework, social and physical development through athletics and community service

leadership. Expectations are set high for the students, as they aspire and achieve their full potential as lifelong learners. The 75 seniors of the Class of 2020 have had 100 percent graduation and college acceptance

and have been offered almost $8 million in scholarships. In addition, they did 7,698 hours of community service.

High School principal, Adam DiGiacomo said, “At Prospect Ridge Academy, every student is known.

As a college preparatory school, our focus is on the whole student and preparing students to be successful throughout college.”.

The average class size is 25 for elementary, 26 for middle school and 23 for high school classes. The ratio of faculty to students is 1 to 9.

Athletics are important, with football, soccer, volleyball, track, golf, tennis, cheerleading and basketball among the opportunities. For the first year in

2019, Prospect Ridge cheer team was named the state championship team.

Community involvement is like no other school, according to DiGiacomo. “Our students, family and staff come together to bring the vision of academic, athletic and social leaders to life through the Miner Gold Rush, a one-mile and four-mile competitive running event. Prospect Ridge also helps meet the needs of our Bloomfield community through Miner Mania, our Kindergarten through 12th grade service day.”

Prospect Ridge Academy, 2555 Preble Creek Pkwy., Broomfield, K-8th Grade 720.399.0300, High School 720.723.2100, prospectridgeacademy.org.

Discover PRA P RA H High i gh School Ranks #1 in Adams 12 Five Star Schools &

Prospect Ridge Academy

2021 Enrolling K–12

A TUITION-FREE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

Top 3% in the Nation!

12 • broomfield life 2020

PRA is a rigorous college preparatory tuition-free public school with a strong math and science focus, a competitive athletics program and service leadership. Attend an Open Enrollment Presentation to learn more about PRA for Elementary, Middle and High School.

Go to ProspectRidgeAcademy.org to reserve your spot!

OUR TOWn

matthew Jonas / Staff Photographer

Seneyia Allen and Cervonte Allen pose for a portrait in Broomfield on July 23.

Pandemic has touched lives of nearly everyone in Broomfield

How the city/county has dealt with these ever-changing times

By Jennifer Rios Staff Writer

A global pandemic hit Broomfield on March 20, when the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was

reported.

As of July 23, city and county public health officials have reported 373 positive cases, 32 deaths and 6,634 tests.

The pandemic upturned lives, cratered portions of the economy and job market, turned science into a political football and, maybe most importantly, left segments of the population struggling with mental and physical health.

Housing

For some unhoused families in Broomfield, the pandemic also led to a roof over their head, which made the shelter-in-place order possible.

Broomfield nonprofits, including Broomfield FISH, The Refuge, and Broomfield Community Foundation, helped orchestrate a hotel voucher program in response to COVID-19.

Between donations, and Community Development Block Grant funds

from the City and County of Broomfield, the groups invested about $55,000 in the voucher program.

The program helped 38 people in the last two weeks of March through the end of April, Broomfield FISH Housing Advocate Manager Sharon Tessier said, and 21 people in May. At least three of those helped are in housing now, Tessier said. Four are working toward housing stability See Pandemic on 32 broomfield life 2020 • 13

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

Wag N’ Wash Broomfield

M

Wash ’em, Feed ’em, Spoil ’em and Love ’em!

ike Schreiber, owner of Wag N’ Wash Natural Pet Food & Grooming, has loved animals ever since he could remember. Not having a dog of his own growing up, he formed bonds with all of his friends, and neighborhood dogs. After adopting his first dog in 1993, he quickly realized the benefits and importance of a proper diet. “I’m committed to helping pet owners understand how important proper nutrition is to their pet companions, and Wag N’ Wash shares this same mission.

I’m comfortable and confident in knowing that I will provide pet products that are made with human-grade ingredients.”

14 • broomfield life 2020

Photo courtesy: Wag N’ Wash.

After years of working at the Chicago Board of Trade and in the telecommunications industry,

Mike is combining his experience, and passion for animals to follow his dream of operating a business

where he can aid in improving their quality of life. Mike and his wife Lisa , live in Broomfield with their recently rescued Saint Bernard / Boxer mix Finnegan, who is the store’s official treat shoplifter.

“We knew we wanted to begin our entrepreneurial journey with a pet concept,” said Mike. “We believe in Wag N’ Wash’s culture and atmosphere. We aim to provide a one stop shop where pet owners can “wash ‘em, feed ‘em, spoil ‘em, and love ‘em” all in one cool place.

Wag N’ Wash Broomfield, 1100 US Highway 287, Broomfield, 720.739.9274, wagnwash.com/broomfield.

WAG N’ WASH BROOMFIELD MARKETPLACE 1100 Hwy 287 Ste 1400 Broomfield, CO 800200 720.739.9724

wash ‘em

FEED ‘em

SPOIL ‘em

FREE

LOVE ‘em

Wag N’ Wash Natural Pet Food & Grooming loves your companion pets as much as you do. We are the premier destination for all your healthy pet needs, including fresh-baked dog treats, natural food, supplements, full-service grooming and self-wash facilities and toys.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING A LOCALLY-OWNED BUSINESS

ULTIMATE SELF-WASH

FOR NEW CUSTOMERS

Sign up for our V.I.P. (Very Important Pet) Loyalty Program to receive your first self-wash free!

VALID ONLY AT BROOMFIELD LOCATION. NOT VALID WITH OTHER OFFERS.

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

North Metro Fire Rescue District

Serving and Protecting Our Community Since 1946

S

ince 1946, North Metro Fire Rescue District has served to protect its citizens and their property with a high level of care, compassion and professionalism.

When the fire district was formed nearly 75 years ago, it consisted of 30 volunteer firefighters, one fire truck and covered a sparsely populated area of farmland.

Now, North Metro Fire consists of 128 full-time professional firefighters and 36 administrative, training and fire prevention staff who operate out of seven fire stations, a training center complex and its headquarters. Different from city fire departments, North Metro Fire is a special district governed by an elected board of directors who help establish policies and set the annual budget for the District.

Today, North Metro Fire responds to nearly 13,000 emergency calls annually and serves a population of approximately 123,000 people, including the City and County of Broomfield, the City of Northglenn and unincorporated areas of Adams, Boulder, Jefferson and Weld Counties.

The District covers over 60 miles of diverse landscape, including residential and commercial development as well

Photo Courtesy: North Metro Fire Rescue District.

as a busy regional airport and 125 miles of intersecting highways.

North Metro Fire is an allhazards agency equipped and committed to ensuring public safety through fire suppression, emergency medical services and patient transportation, hazardous materials response, technical rescue and wildland firefighting.

In addition to responding to emergencies, the fire district proactively works with residents and businesses to build a safer community through education, outreach and prevention.

Community programs include CPR training, car seat inspections, smoke alarm distribution for lower income families, safety presentations, a Citizens Academy and numerous other services to help prevent fires and injuries within the District.

Through extensive training, program development and interagency collaboration, North Metro Fire continues to be a strong fire service organization dedicated to providing a high quality of service and leadership within the northern region.

North Metro Fire Rescue District 101 Spader Way, Broomfield, 303.452.9910, northmetrofire.org broomfield life 2020 • 15

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

Starbuds

I

Shining High Above the Rest

t takes time for a business to lay down roots in a community and truly get to know its clientele.

The staff at Starbuds Louisville knows just how important it is to forge meaningful and lasting connections with customers – after all, they’ve been doing it for a decade. Starbud’s current location on West Dillon Road in Louisville opened as the medical marijuana dispensary Altermeds in 2009. The legalization of marijuana in Colorado that went into effect in 2014 spurred a change in the store’s name and its menu – the owners opted for the new and catchy Starbuds title and expanded their offerings to include both recreational and medicinal marijuana, as well as a host of other related products.

Through all of the changes in the store’s look, feel and products, however, its core mission has remained constant, according to Owner Bob Wahdan.

“We’re all about customer service here,” Wahdan said, pointing to the store’s formal slogan: “We pride ourselves on shining high above the rest” Whadan specified that the mission statement relates specifically to the store’s community roots and its dedication to getting to know the unique needs of every specific customer. “Customer service is the very key to what we do …

From the minute people walk in they experience it. We’ll work with the customer to see how we can help, whether their need is medical or recreational we tend to them accordingly.”

Simply put, the store is like the famed, fictional television bar “Cheers,” only with weed.

“This is the kind of place you 16 • broomfield life 2020

come in and everybody knows your name,” Wahdan said. “We love our customers and the community. Louisville is one of the best cities I’ve been a part of.

Everyone is so friendly and we’ve made great friends here.”

The store’s work in the community includes special offers for those in the most extreme kind of need. Starbuds’ Cancer Relief Program offers cancer patients a special deal on a strain of hash oil designed with medical patients in mind, with the goal of ensuring “that the cost of cannabis is one less hurdle on the road to recovery.”

Customer service may be the store’s guiding principle, but this value coexists with a consistent dedication to a quality product.

The locally owned and operated shop offers customers a broad array of top-notch cannabis strains, according to Manager John Seiple. These core products come along with a wide selection of concentrates, edibles and tinctures.

“The number of strains we have changes daily because we keep rotating the stock,” Seiple said.

“We try to keep everybody happy with our product.”

Indeed, the staff treats their

cannabis with the same dedication and attention that a master sommelier gives to their best vintages. The effort has paid off with recognition from the broader industry. In 2014, Starbuds’ Pootie Tang strain won one of the top spots for Best Colorado Sativa Flower in High Times’ Cannabis Cup competition.

Customers are rewarded for their loyalty to such awardwinning products. The store offers one of the industry’s best rewards program for returning customers with a point-based system for across-the-board purchases.

Customers get points for every dollar they spend, and can redeem their points for store credit.

“It works really well and the rewards keep going up and up the more they purchase,” Seiple said, adding that loyalty members are also first to receive notice of special discounts and exclusive events.

It’s another part of the store’s push to build relationships with customers and stand out in an industry that’s become increasingly crowded in the past five years. Starbuds customers know that they’ll be welcomed by knowledgeable and committed staff, that they won’t waste away waiting in a reception area and that they’ll have access to quality product.

It’s an approach that’s been developed over a decade, one that’s worked wonders at the Louisville location, as well as at the ten locations located across the state.

Starbuds, 1156 W. Dillon Road, Louisville, 720.389.6313, starbuds.us.

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broomfield life 2020 • 17

OUR tOWn

Virtually no event left untouched

Broomfield Days has yet to be cancelled

By Jennifer Rios Staff Writer

Thanks to the novel coronavirus, Broomfield families and organizations were forced to get creative with outdoor activities — from hosting neighborhood chalk art festivals to drive-in concerts — since many annual outings ended up being canceled.

Broomfield City and County recreation camps were open. Participants received daily temperature checks and health screenings, were encouraged to wear masks,and camp classes were limited 25 for outdoor activities and 10 for indoor. Outdoor pools are permitted up to 50% capacity or 50 people, whichever is fewer. Parties must maintain 6 feet physical distancing on all sides, according to the city, and masks should not be worn in the water.

As students and families wrap up summer activities and head into fall, Broomfield’s largest community event remains in the air.

Broomfield Days, an multiple-day event that draws thousands to Midway Park, is technically still on for Sept. 18 “We are still exploring our options and plan to make a decision in early August,” Broomfield spokeswoman Carolyn Romero said July 17. “We are putting out a smaller revised program guide next month with a lot of virtual programming options for the fall in consideration of the changing COVID conditions.”

“Traditionally, Broomfield Days is filled with activities including a 5K race, clown contest, parade, trade fair, craft festival, food booths, three stages of entertainment, demonstrations and great community spirit,” the guide will read. “This year, as COVID-19 remains a concern, we are taking a cautiously optimistic yet intentional approach to the planning and hosting of our community’s larg18 • broomfield life 2020

Elvis Cao, 6, plays inside a giant orb during Broomfield Days held on Sept. 21, 2019, at Midway Park. est annual gathering. At the time of this printing we are waiting for official guidance on large gatherings from the Governor’s office and local health officials.”

Event details will be available in early August at Broomfield.org/ BroomfieldDays and B-Rex.com by searching Broomfiled Days.

Edie Mann was named this year’s Broomfield Days Logo & Theme Contest winner. There were nine logo entries, which were turned in throughout February.

Mann’s design was inspired first and foremost by the year, which goes along with the tagline “Remember Yesterday. Celebrate Today.

Envision Tomorrow.” In mid-March, she said 2020 is an iconic year, both visually and literally.

Keri Dillingham, executive director of Broomfield Council on the Arts & Humanities, said BCAH holds the contests. The Broomfield Days Poster contest often draws entries from members of the Broomfield Art Guild.

“We are waiting to find out if the

City will hold Broomfield Days to see whether we will have a contest,” she said.

Other city events

Originally Wednesdays on the Waterfront, the city’s outdoor summer concert series, was postponed because of COVID-19. Later it was turned into a livestream concert.

Since the Bay Aquatic Park was closed for the season, the annual Dog Daze was likewise canceled.

The decision to close was made after consideration of public health guidance, significant financial implications and the required one-month preparation time needed to reopen the facility, according to the city.

Every year the Broomfield Open Space Foundation, City and County of Broomfield and Colorado Parks & Wildlife sponsors a free Kids’ Fishing Derby for children 6 to 12 years.

After a brief fishing clinic, children are typically given a pole and bait and turned loose to fish while supervised by an adult.

Broomfield’s annual Fishing Derby was canceled, along with the

Kira vos / Enterprise file photo

city’s Great American Picnic. The intent is to bring the derby back in May 2021, Pritz said.

Last year, more than 70 children caught fish on May 4, which set a new record, according to the city.

Broomfield Council on the Arts & Humanities

Logistically it was too difficult to organize a community Summer Sunday event, Dillingham said, but organizers tried to make the new event entertaining by adding art and live music and performers all while keeping it low-contact.

Those working at the event wore masks and residents were encouraged, but not required, to wear them. People who handed out goody bags wore gloves. Entertainment — from a hula hoop artist to musicians with the Broomfield Symphony Orchestra — was spread out.

So far this year BCAH has hosted two Summer Saturdays drive-thrus, socially-distant replacement for the decades-long Summer Sundays free See event on 48

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Lionheart Dry Cleaners

W

Broomfield’s Only On-Site Dry Cleaner

hen Broomfield residents – and neighboring city folks, too – want the best cleaning services for their clothes and home goods, they choose Lionheart Dry Cleaners.

“We are the only on-site, inhouse, full-service dry cleaner south of 144th Avenue in Broomfield,” says Lionheart Owner Mary Kay Valencia. “At other local cleaners you drop your clothes off and they send them elsewhere to be cleaned.”

Family owned and operated since 1994, Lionheart offers pickup and delivery service as well as possible same-day service. All work is performed on location.

Besides dry cleaning, Lionheart services include shirt laundry, alterations, repairs, leather cleaning, French laundry, wedding dress

preparation and preservation, waterproofing, pillow restoration, household items, drapes and rugs.

“We built our business around service – going the extra mile to make sure our customers have only the best. Clothes are personal, and it is our goal every day to make sure our services are up to a standard and as close to perfection as possible.”

After all these years, Mary Kay knows people not just as customers but as friends, neighbors, and partners in making Broomfield a better place to live.

History of Lionheart Mary Kay started in this field more than 30 years ago for another local dry cleaner, working as a dry cleaner and pants presser. A few years later her husband, a Broomfield Police

Commander, passed away. Daughter Annastasia was just starting law school and son Bill beginning his undergraduate studies at Adams State College.

“Dry cleaning was what I knew, but I was concerned that I might be too faint of heart to try it on my own.” Her kids disagreed and said, ‘You’re not faint of heart – you have the heart of a lion.’ Hence, the name.

She later became a certified Dry Cleaner with the International Fabric Institute and over the years has studied Leather Cleaning, Alterations and Wedding Dress Preservation.

Bill designed their logo and lion mascot and helped with advertising. Annastasia has now put her law degree to work for the State of Colorado. And, 14 years ago, Bill joined his mother as a

partner. Besides running most of the daily details he has become the repair, maintenance man and troubleshooter.

Lionheart has stayed in the same location – the northwest corner of 120th and Main. It has grown from just “family” to five fulltime employees and one part-time employee.

Bill and Mary Kay say, “We’re just an old-fashioned family business, and we struggle to stay that way. We feel it is important, and we consider our employees family also. If it wasn’t for those employees, both past and present, Lionheart Cleaners would not be what it is today.

Lionheart Dry Cleaners, 6785 W. 120th Ave., Unit D, Broomfield, 303.469.1520, lionheartdrycleanersbroomfield.com.

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broomfield life 2020 • 19

We provide food, emergency financial assistance and resources to neighbors in need.

• 50% more food distributed due to COVID19 • 5 X the amount of housing and utility requests.

Top Need: Financial Contributions

Join us in supporting Broomfield neighbors in need. Donate today at www.broomfieldfish.org

20 • broomfield life 2020

Better Together #WeAreBroomfield

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Broomfield FISH

A

Supporting Neighbors in Need

s the only food bank and family resource center in Broomfield, the Fellowship in Serving Humanity, or FISH, has started seeing nearly double the number of families as it did before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In May, FISH served 3,000 residents and distributed almost 150,000 pounds of food, which is 48 percent more than this time last year, according to Dayna Scott, executive director.

FISH serves vulnerable residents of Broomfield like children, seniors and people with a disability who are at or below the federal poverty guidelines. They provide food, rent, utility assistance, transportation assistance, and help finding resources for health care, employment, childcare and more to those who need it.

The nonprofit organization started in 1963 by a group of 6 women called Church Women United. “After reading an article in the New York Times, and by seeing a growing need in their young community, these friends were inspired to make a difference,” said Emily Crouse-Joo, community engagement and fundraising coordinator. “They started with holiday boxes. I happen to know this first hand because my grandma was one of these women.”

Before the pandemic, FISH was serving about 10 percent of the Broomfield County’s residents.

Since the middle of March, the number of families coming to FISH has doubled and they have seen an average of 80 families per day just for food. There has also been a spike in the number of families seeking emergency rent and utilities assistance. In other years, the nonprofit might receive 10 to 15 requests for financial assistance in a month. That has risen to more than 75 requests per month.

• Food donations can be dropped off in the donation bins at three King Soopers locations: on Colorado 287, 120th Avenue in Broomfield or West 136th Avenue.

• Needs include: cereal, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti-os, canned meat like chicken or tuna, peanut butter and ramen noodles.

While the organization used to be a marketplace where residents could come “shop” for food, staff members have since shifted the model to a drive up distribution center since the pandemic hit.

During this time, any Broomfield County residents in need can come once a week to pick up food, baby essentials, personal hygiene items and more.

FISH works with Meals on Wheels and Easy Ride to provide food to seniors and others who can’t get out of their homes.

Residents can also access emergency financial assistance and resources via remote appointments.

Call 303.465.1600 for details.

Scott said that other community members tell them, “Without FISH, I could not survive on a fixed income” and “My husband and I have been going through a very hard time. Fish has helped us in so many ways. We couldn’t be more thankful.”

FISH conducted its first “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” fundraiser this year to help support FISH since monthly expenses have gone up during this time. The fundraiser ran through the end of June and exceeded its goal of raising $100,000 by raising $120,000.

Staff members challenged

community leaders to raise awareness about FISH’s mission.

“This was the first year that we have held the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Challenge. It was very successful and our fundraisers had a very good time participating,” Joo said. “It was a fabulous event and I think that we will definitely consider it again.”

FISH usually hosts two other big fundraisers. “Broomfield Idol” was canceled in June but the company hopes to bring it back next year.

Plans for a “Harvest of Hope” luncheon held in October are paused for an in-person event. “We are currently filming our annual video (for the event) and anticipate a large fundraiser the beginning of November or end of October and it may be online or in-person with creative social distancing,” Crouse-Joo said.

The community can help in several ways • Volunteer: Volunteers are needed and COVID-19 has restricted who can volunteer.

Visit their website to sign up: broomfieldfish.org.

• Monetary: Costs for food runs $20,000 to 30,000 a month.

Financial assistance runs around $50,000 a month.

• Sign up for King Soopers Rewards cards, Amazon Smile and other company matching programs to direct business donations to FISH. FISH is incredibly grateful to our community for coming together to support our neighbors in need during this COVID pandemic! Find out how you can participate in our N2N Challenge by clicking here: coloradogives.org/ neighborshelpingneighbors.

Broomfield FISH Drive-Up Location 6 Garden Center, Broomfield Food Distribution Hours: 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Friday (no appointment needed) 2 to 6 p.m., Wednesdays (no appointment needed) Visit broomfieldfish.org for details or to volunteer Call 303.465.1600 for assistance.

E-mail: info@ broomfieldfish.org broomfield life 2020 • 21

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22 • broomfield life 2020

1998 West 10th Avenue, Broomfield, Colorado

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Rundus Funeral Home

A Family-Friendly Space for Gentle Goodbyes

W

hen it’s time to put a loved one to rest, there’s nothing that provides more peace than knowing you’re being taken care of by a family-owned funeral home with over two decades of service to the community.

Founded and built nearly 25 years ago by Vince and Jenna Rundus, the idea was to make Rundus Funeral Home a true pillar in the community.

“They wanted it to be a place where Broomfield families could come on their hardest day and know that they would receive the best care from the best people,” says General Manager Mike Dudley, a Broomfield native who grew up in the same neighborhood as Rundus. “We are a family-owned business that loves this community.”

But the torch has been passed: A second family has taken the reins. Several years ago Vince Rundus decided it was time to retire. But it was important to him that the new owners had a shared value for the care,

compassion and attentiveness that Rundus was known for. Dennis and Kim Bridges fit that profile.

So while it is in new hands, Rundus remains family-owned and managed by a Broomfield native.

Full-service funerals, family-style Besides a thoughtful family atmosphere, there are many things that set Rundus apart.

First, it’s a full-service funeral home specializing in complete pre-planning, at-need services when a death has occurred, as well as memorialization. To each service, a team of exceptional service professionals bring the kind of kindheartedness to make a difficult transition time a little lighter.

“Our team of directors, administrators and family services folks can guide you through the myriad of questions and concerns that arise when a loved one passes,” Dudley says. “And they do all of this with the utmost warmth, care and compassion.”

The funeral home is also freshly remodeled, so it feels comfortable and welcoming in what is always a great time of need. “We have a beautiful chapel and reception room, and we’re happy that we can accommodate families of all sizes,” says Dudley.

The context of Broomfield brings it all together beautifully.

“This is a fabulous community with a rich and vibrant history,” says Dudley. “I grew up here and am always happy to showcase our 42 photographs of historic Broomfield – everything from Shep the tollbooth dog, to the Crawfords and Broomfield’s first neighborhood and police officer – in our newly renovated building.”

Rundus also owns and operates its own on-site crematory. “This is important because it means that when a loved one is brought into our care they never leave our care. They stay with us for the entire time,” says Dudley. “This provides such peace of mind to families, knowing that their loved one’s dignity and care is preserved with our licensed staff.

With the increasing popularity of cremation this is becoming more and more important.”

During the pandemic, safety protocol is in place, but all funeral services are available.

“We are absolutely 100 percent still open and serving families,” says Dudley. The funeral home is practicing social distancing and requests that everyone wear masks. And for people that are not comfortable making arrangements in person yet, Rundus can also pre-arrange services over the phone and make at-need arrangements via Zoom and DocuSign.

In fact, Rundus Funeral Home is proud to be the first to offer families the option to live stream their loved one’s funeral or memorial service. “We believe that everyone should be able to participate in a service – whether it’s in-person or via a live stream for folks that can’t come in,” says Dudley. “It’s our family serving your family.”

For more information, visit rundus.com. broomfield life 2020 • 23

oUr ToWN

A cruise down memory lane

By Carol Taylor For the Enterprise

Broomcorn, the namesake plant of Broomfield is not a type of corn, but rather a variety of sorghum.

That comes later in the story.

Long before white Europeans settled the American West, Colorado land was home to over 50 indigenous tribes. Most recently, the Arapaho and Cheyenne called Colorado their home. After gold was discovered, these Plains Indians were forced to reservations out of state.

A pathway that is now Broomfield’s Highway 287 became an important thoroughfare and stagecoach stop for explorers of the American West. Named the Cherokee Trail after a party of Cherokee Indians who joined the gold rush in 1850, the route was later known as the Overland Trail.

The California gold rush of 1849 lured thousands through the region and a decade later in 1859 the Pikes Peak gold rush brought more.

Colorado Territory was formed in 1861, with 17 counties established.

The land of the future town of Broomfield was situated in Boulder, Jefferson, Weld counties. (Broomfield would later stretch into Adams County as well.) Land in the new territory was divided into sections that were each a square mile.

In 1873, the Colorado Central Railroad all but replaced stagecoach travel. Later, other railroads were built to connect with Denver that passed through and onto Boulder and Longmont.

The Homestead Act of 1862 brought settlers west to make their fortunes. Some, like Broomfield’s William Brown, who came from England in 1881 to work in the coal mines, became farmers when the mining life didn’t pan out. Brown claimed land in section 34.

In 1884, when the community of farmers and ranchers centered around Section 36 grew large enough for U.S. Post Office deliveries, Broomfield was chosen as the 24 • broomfield life 2020

name. Presumably the name came from broomcorn, which had flourished on nearby farms through drought and even plagues of grasshoppers. The tall grain yields long fibrous stems that were manufactured into household brooms and brushes. (Several towns in England were named the same, for their broomcorn fields.)

Homesteaders in the area also grew traditional crops like wheat, corn, alfalfa and fruit trees and they raised beef cattle and dairy cows.

A defining feature of the American West is the shortage of water, but Broomfield farmers were fortunate that Adolf J. Zang saw an opportunity. Zang was the only son of wealthy Denver businessman Philip Zang, a German immigrant.

In 1885, Adolf bought land in Broomfield and developed ditches and reservoirs for irrigation. Adolf continued to live in Denver as his primary residence, but he amassed acreage and built the Elmwood Stock Farm for raising his prizewinning muscular black Percheron draft horses, a working breed made for the farm.

Nevertheless, growth was slow and the population of Broomfield at the turn of the 19th century was only around 150 residents.

While the railroads still ran, transportation evolved and in 1908 Broomfield became part of Denver & Interurban running between Denver and Boulder. The electric railroad was replaced by a bus system in the 1930s, just before the Great Depression.

Broomfield residents formed schools and churches and the first bank – all of the necessities of a town. Other farm related businesses developed like the Broomfield Cheese Factory and the Silver Standard Flour and Feed Mill. Henry Crawford kept hundreds of beehives and also served as Broomfield’s postmaster.

When anyone had leisure time, See memory on 46

Enterprise file photo

In 1987, the Colorado Central Railroad, shown in this early day photo, all but replaced stagecoach travel.

Photo courtesy of Creative Machines

“Broom Corn” will be a suspended sculpture that will feature 12 stalks of broomcorn, the crop for which Broomfield was named, balanced in an ascending arc that moves with air currents inside the new Broomfield Community Center when it opens in the fall.

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Windo VanGo

The Genuine Art of Professional Window Coverings

W

indo VanGo has a name as memorable as the locals behind this longtime Broomfield window covering business. Current owner Andrew Redenbarger’s father, Ned, started the niche company 25 years ago. Andrew bought the business six years ago.

“Dad still works some weekends to help me focus on family and my three daughters,” Andrew says.

“And, he’s still telling the same jokes he has for the last 25 years.”

While Windo VanGo’s business has doubled under Andrew’s watch, he says it’s because of the strong establishment his father created. “I just built on a tremendous foundation, and feel really fortunate right now to not be co-dependent on things like new construction. We have really strong business relationships that can help us endure financial

challenges in the world right now.”

All in the family: They’ve got you covered Andrew started working at the family business in high school; so he understands the grit behind carpentry work. He went on to study architecture in college and pursued a career in corporate America before realizing what a gem Windo VanGo was in the community of Broomfield he called home.

“About 45 percent of business is local,” Andrew says. “That’s why our slogan ‘your hometown dealer’ rings true. We ask people where they hear about us and they say they just know us or we did their neighbor’s house, things like that.”

It’s a common sight to see Window VanGo vans around town, the expert crew always

ready with a friendly wave. “It’s a fun place to do business and it doesn’t really feel like work,” Andrew says. “Eighty percent of the time I’m talking to people about life.”

“We find solutions to people’s problems” But besides being genuine, there are some other reasons that Windo VanGo is Broomfield’s hometown choice: “We find solutions to people’s problems,” Andrew says. “They tell us what they want to have done, we listen to their desires, and we find the best products for their homes.”

The customer-centric approach is not always common in an industry driven by sales numbers.

“We’re not the $150-an-hour designers, we don’t have certain quotas to sell, and all we do is window coverings.”

And in a state with 300 days of

sunshine, there’s a huge demand for covering windows and repairs – and endless ways to combine function and fashion in window décor. Windo VanGo exclusively sells Hunter Douglas coverings, with about 40 percent of its product made right at the American-made brand’s manufacturing plant in Broomfield.

These days, Andrew says many Colorado customers are opting for “cellular” or honeycomb-style blinds, but Windo VanGo sells it all: sheers, shutter-style coverings, draperies, decorative cornices, and more. “We sell anything and everything with which you can cover a window,” he says. “With how much sun and how little natural shading we have here, customers are mostly interested in light control and energy efficiency, but we can always add a decorative flare after the fact.”

Windo VanGo is following retail protocol for COVID, which means the showroom is open by appointment with appropriate social distancing and limitations on visitor numbers. However, many customers are opting for the company’s virtual home appointment. “Basically, we drop off sanitized lookbooks and do a follow-up via Zoom,” Andrew says. A final in-person measure is still essential, but for those, Windo sales consultants and certified installers wear masks and gloves.

For more information about Windo VanGo window décor and services, visit windovango.org, call 303.420.3788, or make an appointment to visit the showroom at 1140 US-287 Unit 600, in Broomfield. broomfield life 2020 • 25

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broomfield life 2020 • 27

COUNCIL MEMBERS

MAYOR PATRICK QUINN

Term expires Nov. 2021 Phone: 303-623-1580 Email: pquinn@ broomfieldcitycouncil.org Background: The mayor was first elected Mayor in 2007 and served 3 terms, leaving office in 2013. Pat was elected Mayor again in 2019 and is currently serving a two-year term.

Pat has lived in Broomfield since 1981, where he and his wife Carleen are the parents to five daughters, all of who attended, or are attending Broomfield High School. Three daughters, Courtney, Marnie and Leslie are grown, and as Maddy says, “flown the nest.”

Alaine graduated from Broomfield High School in 2019 and is attending CSU. Maddy is currently attending Broomfield High School.

Education: Pat received a B.S. in Accounting from Colorado State University a while ago.

Community involvement: Pat has dedicated nearly 40 years to community service in Broomfield. His passion has always been Broomfield’s open space program having served on Broomfield’s Open Space and Trails Committee for eight years and on the Broomfield Open Space Foundation Board for 12 years.

28 • broomfield life 2020

WARD 1 ELIZABETH LAW-EVANS

Term expires Nov. 2021 Phone: 3303-4601295 Email: elaw-evans@ broomfieldcitycouncil.org Background: Elizabeth Law-Evans was elected by Ward 1 in 2013. Her current term ends November, 2021.

She is married with two wonderful children and a delightful daughter-inlaw. She has lived in Broomfield since she was born.

Education: Broomfield High School (1979), B.A. from University of Denver (Math and Geography, 1983), M.S. from University of Utah (Geography, 1985), Ph.D. from Colorado State University (Earth Resources, 1990) Community involvement: I’ve served in many different volunteer roles, including classroom volunteer, PTO/SIT at Birch Elementary, Assistant Scoutmaster of BSA Troop 337, Sustainability Committee, Chamber of Commerce Board, and Chair and Board Member at Broomfield FISH.

WARD 1 STAN JEZIERSKI

Term expires Nov. 2023 Phone: 720-272-2158 Email: sjezierski@ broomfieldcitycouncil.org Background: Stan is an attorney and owner of the Business Management Law Group.

He has served on Broomfield’s Local Licensing Authority and Zoning Board of Adjustment. He and his wife Amy have lived in Broomfield for more than 10 years. They have four children, Isabelle, Alexander, Nicholas and Reyna.

Education: Stan has an undergraduate degree in psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a law degree from the University of Colorado School of Law. Community involvement: Stan has been involved with Healthy Learning Paths, Broomfield Soccer Club, Flatirons Professionals Network and the Willow Park Owners Association.

WARD 2 WILLIAM LINDSTEDT

Term expires Nov. 2023 Phone: 720-635-7820 Email: wlindstedt@ broomfieldcitycouncil.org Background: William grew up in Broomfield and in 2017, he purchased his first home not far from where he was raised. He lives with his significant other, Bria, and their retired racing greyhound, Pax, in the historic Original Broomfield neighborhood. William Lindstedt was elected by the residents of Ward 2 in 2019.

Education: William holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado Denver. He is currently completing his Master of Public Administration degree also from the University of Colorado Denver.

Community involvement: William spent several years working as a staffer in the Colorado General Assembly, crafting public policy and helping Broomfield residents interface with their state government. Currently, William works as a public policy and public relations consultant.

William has been an active community volunteer in many local nonprofits, local civic groups, and as a youth chess coach.

WARD 2 SHARON TESSIER

Term expires Nov. 2021 Phone: 303-641-5433 Email: stessier@ broomfieldcitycouncil.org Background: Sharon Tessier has lived in Broomfield since 2007 with her husband, Josh, and her two children. She is an adjunct faculty at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She likes to garden, participate in sports, hike, bike and explore the outdoors.

Education: Bachelor of Science from the University of Rhode Island in 1991; Master of Arts from John F. Kennedy University in 1997; has 2 K years of Ph.D. work from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, with an emphasis in community service.

Community involvement: Helping to create and support the Emerald Elementary Garden Project and continue to serve the faculty, students and parents by helping and facilitating lessons that are garden-specific.

MARKETING FEATURE

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North Side Tavern Restaurant

I

Serving Chef-Made Comfort Food to the Community

n March, Steve Bauer was all ready and stocked up for St. Patrick’s Day, one of North Side Tavern Restaurant’s busiest days. That’s when he and the entire Colorado restaurant community were ordered to cease dine in service, just a day before St. Patrick’s Day, due to the pandemic. From that moment North Side Tavern Restaurant had to figure out how to operate partially opened for pick up and curbside service only. Things seemed grim in terms of making the business work, but Steve was surprised by what would transpire next for his Broomfield business.

“When we were closed, we reached out to our community of customers through a newsletter about our week to week thoughts and struggles operating through the COVID-19 dine in closure. The newsletter was a healthy way to get out our feelings and to let guests know what was going on from a local small business owner’s perspective. To our surprise the community came out in large numbers to support us and we are so grateful to them. The community not only came out for takeout, but also thanked us for staying open and encouraged us to keep going by saying they really wanted us to be around after the pandemic had passed and would do all they could to support our business,” says Steve Bauer.

The North Side Tavern Restaurant has always been focused on producing chef-worthy fare in a comfortable neighborhood setting with friendly service focused on supporting and being an active part of the Broomfield and neighboring communities.

The lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus feature an eclectic array of classic Colorado-themed fare that offers something for everyone.

From gourmet tavern burgers, gluten free fish and chips, classic sandwiches, soups and salads for

lunch to more intricate dishes like their most popular dinner entrée the fresh Salmon Rockefeller with lump crab meat, creamed spinach and fresh mashed potatoes served in the evenings. The tavern also has people coming back for it’s gluten free fried pickles, chicken wings, bison carpaccio, game meatloaf (bison, elk, venison and antelope mix), house made key lime pies and their famous messy churro sundae.

There is a special every day of the week. Monday is schnitzel and spaetzle, Tuesday is discounted tavern burgers and drinks, Wednesday wing specials, Thursday street tacos and margaritas, Friday is gourmet fresh fish night, Saturdays and Sundays offer mimosa brunch specials and the Sunday night prime rib special is a huge hit that sells out nearly every week.

The eatery has made operating safely for customers and staff a top priority with adjusted wellspaced seating inside and outside, sanitizing protocols, enforcing face covering requirements, as well as keeping pickup and curbside takeout operating for those not yet ready for a full-service dining experience.

“We are so grateful to be in this community. Our goal is to continue bringing a little bit of happy and normalcy back into our community through our service and food,” Bauer says. “Come see us, you’ll be glad you did” North Side Tavern Restaurant, 12708 Lowell Blvd., Broomfield, 303.466.8643, nstavern.com.

Real Food, Real People.

“You’ll Be Glad You Did!”

YES! WE ARE OPEN! THANK YOU BROOMFIELD! NORTH SIDE TAVERN RESTAURANT is your local neighborhood chef-driven American restaurant, featuring classical tavern fare with a Colorado twist.

Safe, Comfortable, Fun, Delicious Dining in Broomfield!

Inside Outside Patio Curbside Take-out

www.NSTavern.com

North Side Tavern Restaurant 12708 Lowell Blvd, Broomfield, CO 303-466-8643

broomfield life 2020 • 29

COUNCIL MEMBERS

WARD 3 JEAN LIM

Term expires Nov. 2023 Phone: 303-349-2745 Email: jlim@ broomfieldcitycouncil.org Background: Jean and her husband Charlie have lived in Broomfield for 5 years and have two adult sons.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Master of Arts in Theology, Xavier University. Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

Community involvement: Testified for three years at City Council, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the Colorado legislature to protect the health, safety and property rights of residents living near oil and gas developments.

Co-chair of Broomfield Concerned. Board member of Wildgrass Oil and Gas Committee.

College service-learning instructor working with Denver-area nonprofits.

30 • broomfield life 2020

WARD 3 DEVEN SHAFF

Term expires Nov. 2021 Phone: 970-344-8032 Email: dshaff@ broomfieldcitycouncil.org Background: Deven was elected by Ward 3 in 2017. He and his family have lived in Broomfield for nearly 10 years.

Education: Bachelor of Arts Music, Education Minor from College of Idaho; Master of Music Colorado State University Community involvement: Former chair/current member of Broomfield Cultural Council. Member of Civic Center Focus Group, SCFD Reauthorization Task-Force and Denver Public Schools Arts Resource Council.

WARD 4 LAURIE ANDERSON

Term expires Nov. 2021 Phone: 920-378-9654 Email: landerson@ broomfieldcitycouncil.org No other background or biographical information about Anderson was available at time of publication.

WARD 4 KIMBERLY GROOM

Term expires Nov. 2021 Phone: 303-374-4074 Email: kgroom@ broomfieldcitycouncil.org Background: Kimberly was elected by Ward 4 in 2017. Her current term ends November, 2021.

Kim grew up in Broomfield and considers herself a 2nd generation Broomfield’er and 4th generation Coloradan. Kim is excited to throw her name in the hat to represent the town she grew up in and where her two amazing boys call home. She has 26 years in corporate leadership roles as a Program Manager within four industries: Environmental Remediation, Information Systems, Aerospace & Defense, and Food & Beverage.

Education: Bachelor of Science business management; Master of Science environmental management & policy; MS computer information systems.

Community involvement: Kim volunteers as a board of director on Senior Resources of Broomfield and have more than 20 years of volunteering in youth organizations and schools.

WARD 5 HEIDI HENKEL

Term expires Nov. 2023 Phone: 303-359-4950 Email: hhenkel@ broomfieldcitycouncil.org Background: Heidi grew up in Parker and Niwot, Colorado and attended Baylor University and Colorado State University. After college, Heidi and her husband Scott lived in various states as Scott served his time as an Army Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division and as an Aide-de-Camp to Brigadier General Urias.

They settled in Broomfield and now have two children, Connor and Emerson, and a dog named Baron Von B. Education: Heidi holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a Secondary Teaching Credential for General Science.

Community involvement: Founder of Broomfield Moms Active Community 2018; CoChair Climate Conversations Event 2018; Co-Chair Meridian Elementary Fun Run and Fall Festival 2018; Scholarship Board Meridian Elementary 2017-2018; Westlake Math Tutor 2016-2018; Champa House Math Tutor 2013-2014; Kenya Missions Trip- Building aquaponics system 2014; Project SanctuaryCombat Veteran’s program 2014.

COUNCIL

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Council meetings take place the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Agendas are public documents, and follow a specific order:

WARD 5, MAYOR PRO TEM GUYLEEN CASTRIOTTA

Term expires Nov. 2021 Phone: 720-607-1527 Email: gcastriotta@ broomfieldcitycouncil.org Background: Guyleen was elected to represent Ward 5 on Broomfield City Council in 2017. She states she decided to run for office because women and minorities are underrepresented in all levels of government.

She says she’s always wanted to be an agent for positive change and doing what’s right.

Education: After graduating from the University of New Orleans with a BA in Communications, Guyleen landed her first journalism job at a local TV V affiliate working as an Assistant News Producer.

Working on multiple live news programs instilled in her a sense of urgency.

Jobs in producing and news promotions lead her to a career as a network marketing exec.

Community involvement: Prior to moving to Broomfield in 2013, Guyleen worked for the Downtown Women’s Center, a nonprofit in LA. LA A The DWC is nationally recognized as a prototype for unique and effective programs serving homeless women and ending homelessness.

1. Roll call 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Review and Approval of Agenda 4. Petitions and Communications (ordinarily should be limited to 5 minutes) 5. Citizens’ Comments This time is reserved for comments only on matters other than the public hearings listed on the printed agenda. To accommodate all persons wishing to speak and the Council’s business, speakers are requested to limit comments to no more than three minutes.

6. Community and Event Updates 7. Consent Agenda Items placed on the Consent Agenda may be removed by any Councilmember or upon the request of any persons present at the meeting prior to adoption of the Consent Agenda. Items removed from the Consent Agenda will be considered in order following approval of the remaining Consent Agenda items.

8. Convene as Board of Social Services 9. Convene as Board of Health 10. Convene as Broomfield Housing Authority 11. Council Business 12. Attorney’s Report 13. Manager’s Report 14. Convene as Urban Renewal Authority 15. Convene as Arista Local Improvement District Board of Directors 16. Special Reports 17. Councilmember and Mayor Requests for Future Action 18. Councilmember Reports 19. Adjournment

JENNIFER HOFFMAN

City/County Manager 303-438-6355 jhoffman@broomfield.org Jennifer Hoffman began her career with Broomfield in 1999 when the City and County transition began, serving as Broomfield’s Court Administrator from 19992005.

From 2005 to 2009, she lead Broomfield’s intergovernmental relations and state government lobbying efforts.

In September 2009, Jennifer assumed the newly-created position of Assistant to the City and County Manager. Duties include city and countywide management functions, heading up intergovernmental relations and coordinating Broomfield’s state and federal lobbying eff ffort f rts. t In 2013 Jennifer assumed the position of Director of Communications and Governmental Aff ffairs f depart rtment, t and she was promoted to Assistant City and County Manager in 2015.

She has a master’s degree in public administration from CU and a bachelor’s in political science from Metropolitan State.

Prior to Broomfield, she was chief public relations strategist and project manager for Monaghan & Associates Inc.

KEVIN STANDBRIDGE

Deputy City/County Manager 303-438-6300 manager@broomfield.org Kevin Standbridge came to Broomfield as city planning director in September 1995 from the planning department in Aurora. He was promoted to deputy director of Community Development, at the time a newly created position, in late 1999. He was named assistant city and county manager in spring 2002 and named deputy city and county manager in 2011.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental design from the University of Colorado in 1980, and later a master’s degree in urban planning and policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

ABBY YELLMAN

Assistant City and County Manager 720-887-2300 ayellman@broomfield.org Abby holds a Master’s in Library and Informational Sciences from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in History.

Abby has served Broomfield for the past four years in various capacities; from 20162019, she served as the Director of the Library and Cultural Affairs, and transitioned in 2019 to leading and directing the People, Innovation and Engagement team which included Human Resources and Payroll, Engagement and Innovation, as well as the Citizen’s Assistance Center.

In July 2020, Abby was appointed to the Assistant City and County Manager position. Duties include city/county-wide overall management functions, direct oversight and support of Broomfield departments and staff, as well as support and assistance to both City Council and the Broomfield community.

Abby is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the American Library Association.

broomfield life 2020 • 31

OUR TOWn Pandemic from page 13

www.iGIVE365.org =

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Student/Faculty ratio is 11:1 and average class size is 19

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42 Honors and AP classes offered / 35 clubs and organizations

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Apostolic and Campus Ministry programs, school masses, spiritual retreats, and mission trips



Comprehensive Fine and Performing Arts Programs

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21 Competitive Sports Teams

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34,000 sq. ft. school addition! 6 new classrooms, STEM/Robotics science lab, State of the Art fitness center, new auxiliary gym, enlarged cafeteria, counseling and music rooms

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97% of graduates in the past 4 years have attended a two or four year college or university

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Over the past 5 years, HFHS graduates have been offered over $69 Million dollars in merit-based scholarships to colleges and universities across the United States

Contact Admissions to schedule a tourr or for additional information

303-410-1411 www.holyfamilyhs.com

5195 W. 144th Ave., Broomfield, CO 80023

32 • broomfield life 2020

and about five left the Broomfield area and found jobs in other counties.

Seneyia Allen and her husband Cervonte Allen were were already staying at TownePlace Suites and experiencing financial hardships, when the staff there introduced them to Tessier. The couple had been having issues with the federal stimulus checks and unemployment, she said, and were low on food. Tessier, also a city council member, knew about the voucher program and helped secure safe housing for the couple for April and May. “She was phenomenal,” Seneyia Allen said. “We needed the help more than anything.”

They also went to FISH every couple of weeks to pick up food, which they were able to cook in the hotel room’s kitchenette. At this point they are building credit, paying bills and managing funds from their stimulus checks, Cervonte Allen said,

and looking into apartments.

Allen, who was born and raised in Kenya, came to America 11 years ago to join family here. In September she and her husband, born and raised in Kansas, moved to Broomfield for their jobs. The two were working, him at Vestas and her doing data input with a company in Westminster, until January or February when they experienced layoffs.

Cervonte said they were living at a Springhill Suites when COVID-19 hit and they lost their jobs. The couple moved around from hotel to hotel and eventually found their way to TownePlace Suites where they got to know everyone, from the manager to the cleaning staff, by name.

“I can’t imagine getting through this COVID situation without them,” she said about the hotel staff.

“They’ve been very patient, kind and very understanding. They really worked with us.”

The couple is also taking care of their physical, emotional and mental See Pandemic on 42

Kohl Street Kids Preschool & BASE Program

Our Passion, Their Future 825 Kohl Street 303-466-8355 x3

Director Connie Brown

kohlstreetkids@gmail.com

broomfielducc.org/ksk

Shepherd of Love Fellowship

Pastors: Al & Reva Ehmen & Carole Kellett Music & Drama Director Cathy Peters

Sunday Service

9:30 a.m.

It’s All About Jesus 1212 Miramonte Street

https://reachchurch.co

Sunday Morning Worship Service 10 a.m.

Sunday School (all ages) 9 a.m.

STUDENT IMPACT (grades 6-12) Weds. 7 p.m.

13550 Lowell Blvd., Broomfield

303-466-5749 or 303-469-0410 • shepherdoflove.org

Sharing and transforming faith, hopes, and lives!

You are welcome!

Sunday worship 9am Wednesday fellowship 5-9pm 1305 West 10th Avenue (303) 466-4823 www.lchope.org

Broomfield Baptist Church

A Place to Call Home We are Live Streaming Easter Services at: www.broomfieldbaptist.org/livestream Sunday Services Sunday Morning - 10am Sunday Afternoon - 12pm Wednesday Evening - 7pm C. JASON WALKER, SENIOR PASTOR 303.667.5368 | WWW.BROOMFIELDBAPTIST.ORG

Risen Savior LUTHERAN CHURCH

Sunday Worship 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School & Adult Bible Classes 9:20 - 10:40 a.m.

LCMS

3031 W. 144th Ave., Broomfield 303-469-3521 • www.rslc.org

ALL ARE WELCOME 825 Kohl Street, Broomfield 303-466-8355 broomfielducc.org Pastors: Michael Blackwood & Andi Fox Sunday Service: 10AM

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BROOMFIELD Pastor John Buechner Church Service 8:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Adult Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

350 Main Street • 303-466-4433 Information at www.pcofb.org

BEAUTIFUL SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL SUNDAY: Worship 8:00 & 10:30

Sunday School 9:15

THURSDAY: Worship 7:00 p.m.

6995 W. 120th Ave., Broomfield, 303-469-1785 303-469-2049 (School) www.beautifulsaviorbroomfield.org

Look in your ENTERPRISE every Thursday for the weekly Broomfield worship guide!

Call Pete Christiansen at 303.410.2646 for more information. broomfield life 2020 • 33

PUBLIC OFFICIALS BRENDA RICHEY

Chief Financial Officer 303-438-6200 brichey@broomfield.org

ANNA BERTANZETTI

Co-director of Community Development 303-438-6284 abertanzetti@ broomfield.org Anna Bertanzetti was hired as Planning Director in March 2013 after serving as a city planner for Broomfield since 2006.

Anna earned her master’s degree in geography from Arizona State University after receiving her bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of St. Thomas. She worked as a planner for the City of Avondale in Arizona before relocating to Colorado with her husband to live closer to family.

34 • broomfield life 2020

KA KATIE A ALLEN

City/County Engineer/ Co-Community Development lead 303-438-6380 kallen@broomfield.org Katie Allen began working for the Broomfield Engineering Division in 1995 and was promoted to the Capital Improvement Program Manager in 2007, and then the City and County Engineer in 2011. Allen graduated with a Master of Science degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering with a concentration in biomedical engineering from the University of Colorado in Boulder.

After college, Allen worked at NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California as a project engineer designing Space Station laboratory equipment.

After returning to Colorado, Allen transitioned her career to civil engineering while working for Wright Water Engineers. Allen earned her Colorado professional engineering license in 1997.

DAVID ALLEN

Director of Public Works 303-438-6362 dallen@broomfield.org David Allen was named director of Public Works in 2011 after serving as the department’s deputy director.

Allen began his career working in municipal public works and utilities departments in 1990.

David also worked as director of public works and utilities department in Northglenn. Prior to that, he was a water planning and resources manager in Anaheim, CA. A graduate of Colorado State University, Allen earned his master’s degree in civil engineering and water resources from the University of Southern California.

SHAUN SULLIVAN

City and County Attorney 303-438-6353 ssullivan@broomfield.org Shaun Sullivan was appointed city and county attorney and began serving in May 2018.

Sullivan served in leadership positions in the Denver City Attorney’s office for 14 years including acting City Attorney, Director and Assistant Director of Municipal Operations.

Prior to that, his practice focused on water rights and environmental compliance and liability as an assistant city attorney and in private practice for 21 years.

He graduated from Colorado College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and from the Georgetown University Law Center with a J.D.

Brenda Richey joined CCOB in 2018 as the Deputy Director of Finance and was then appointed to her current position in 2019. She brings over 20 years of experience serving in various diverse capacities, providing both policy and fiscal oversight in the private, nonprofit, and public sectors across all levels of government.

Richey earned her Masters in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs with a concentration in Environmental Management and Legal Studies from Indiana University.

Prior to joining CCOB, Richey served in several senior financial management positions, ultimately serving as the CFO for three agencies for the State of Indiana, concurrently. In 2019, Richey was appointed by Governor Polis to serve on the Advisory Committee on Governmental Accounting through 2023. She also serves as an elected Trustee on the Colorado Statewide Investment Pool Board.

Mary Oskay

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ONLINE Broomfield.org Facebook.com/Broomfield Twitter.com/Broomfield Instagram: Broomfield_co NextDoor: Broomfield City and County Tag #WeAreBroomfield on social media posts

EMAIL Visit Broomfield.org/bintheloop and choose lists to sign up for email updates and alerts.

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broomfield life 2020 • 35

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

KA KATHRYN A LYNIP Director of Library, Arts & History 720-887-2300 library@broomfield.org

Kathryn Lynip has served in various leadership roles at the Broomfield Library since 2013 and was promoted to the Director role in 2019.

She brings 15 years of experience in Library Services and a Master degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois.

Before discovering her career in library science she helped manage and grow a physical therapy practice, taught English in Poland and enjoyed many happy years as a manager at Borders book store.

Kathryn is an avid world traveler who loves Broomfield and her backyard best of all. She can be seen walking her dogs in the amazing Broomfield Commons open space several times a day.

36 • broomfield life 2020

CLAY SHUCK

Director, Parks, Recreation and Senior Services 303-460-6900 cshuck@broomfield.org Clay Shuck took the helm of Broomfield’s Recreation Services in September 2016.

He brings 30 years of Parks and Recreation experience in a variety of recreation positions in Colorado Springs, where he spent 24 years and worked his way up to Aquatics Program Coordinator.

Most recently, Shuck was the Deputy Manager of Recreation at the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, where he was responsible for the district’s four rec centers, four outdoor pools and program areas.

Shuck earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management both from the University of Phoenix.

Shuck’s family includes two college-age sons.

DAN CASEY

Director, Human Services 720-887-2222 dcasey@broomfield.org Dan took the helm at Broomfield Health and Human Services in March 2018 following an extensive career at the Colorado Department of Human Services.

He has extensive experience overseeing the review of a variety of human services programs including child and family welfare, selfsufficiency and workforce. He is very knowledgeable about best practices in the delivery of human services at the state and local level, is process oriented, has experience managing large departments, such as the Department of Quality Assurance, and is an effective communicator.

Dan also worked as a manager for the State in the 24-Hour Licensing and Monitoring Unit for the Division of Child Welfare for over five years. Casey began his career working in the Department of Youth Corrections and has experience working with multiple divisions and departments to best utilize services.

JASON VAHLING

SANDY HERBISON

Director of Public Health 720-887-2220 jvahling@broomfield.org

Assessor 303-464-5819 assessor@broomfield.org

Jason Vahling is director of the Broomfield Public Health and Environment Division, a position he started on February 2014. Vahling brought more than 16 years of public health experience to Broomfield and was previously employed by the Spark Policy Institute. Prior to joining Spark, Vahling was the director of the Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention Branch at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Most of his career has been spent in the public sector, including 11 years at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and four years in local government.

Vahling received his master’s in public health from the University of Northern Colorado and his bachelor’s in exercise and sports science from Colorado State University.

Sandy Herbison was appointed as assessor for the city and county of Broomfield in June 2014.

She leads a team of eight appraisers and administrative staff that discovers, lists, classifies and values all real and personal property in Broomfield. The Assessor’s Office also is responsible for maintaining public records, including ownership and parcel maps. The staff values more than 26,000 accounts worth approximately $8 billion dollars in market value.

The team achieves this through the use of mass appraisal techniques, application of statistical software and use of a Geographic Information System.

Herbison has a bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of ColoradoBoulder. She has lived in Colorado since 1979.

Prior to becoming an appraiser, she was a geologist for a geotechnical engineering company and worked in the health care industry.

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

Sylvan Learning

Inspiring Success

Make Next Year Better with a Summer at Sylvan Keep your child moving forward.

T

he professionals at Sylvan Learning of Broomfield believe that a child’s future success – both academic and in life – depends on a solid education. Children gain confidence by thoroughly learning fundamental skills that build on each other over the years.

Each learning program at Sylvan is personalized for the individual child, filling in gaps they may have in their education.

This helps ensure they are prepared to tackle more difficult content later.

Sylvan offers personalized tutoring, academic coaching, enrichment opportunities and test preparation. Personalized tutoring in reading, writing or math is perfect for kids who need to raise their grades and/ or test scores while increasing their self-confidence. Academic coaching guides children through additional study skills and helps them with the “how” of learning.

If a child is already ahead in their studies, enrichment and test preparation help with advanced subjects or achieving winning SAT and ACT test scores, and developing strong college-level skills.

The staff are passionate educators who love to inspire children to succeed. They are warm, caring and great at relating to kids. The tutors in Broomfield know how to engage and motivate each child in a personal way – building confidence and smiles, as well as skills and better scores.

All tutors are highly qualified: they are either certified teachers or have degrees in their subject.

For children with special needs, Sylvan Learning of Broomfield’s Director is a Special Education certified teacher, and many of the teachers are qualified in the best practices for assisting students with special needs.

To make its programs more affordable, Sylvan Learning of Broomfield frequently runs special offers and tutoring discounts, along with individualized payment plans and financing solutions. Sylvan can work with each family to find a solution that meets its needs.

Sylvan Learning of Broomfield, 3800 W. 144th Ave., Ste B1300, Broomfield, 720.961.6272, locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/ broomfield-co

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broomfield life 2020 • 37

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

KA KATERI A ABEYTA

Director of Information Technology 303-438-6241 kabeyta@ broomfield.org

Kateri Abeyta joined the Broomfield Information Technology team in 2017 as the IT Operations Manager responsible for customer support for technology services, application administration, and infrastructure operations.

She was appointed Director of Information Technology in 2020. A Broomfield native, Abeyta brings over 20 years of Information Technology experience to Broomfield with most of that experience in local government IT. Abeyta is passionate about delivering innovative and intuitive technology services to the City and County of Broomfield staff and the public that provides opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Abeyta earned her Masters in Information Technology Management from the University of Phoenix and her Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology Systems with an emphasis in Database Management from Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Abeyta enjoys spending her free time outside with her family.

38 • broomfield life 2020

JENNIFER ROBINSON

City and County Clerk 303-464-5898 jrobinson@ broomfield.org Jennifer began working for Broomfield part-time in 1999 as a Program Facility Supervisor in the recreation department while she also raised her two daughters. Jennifer then worked in Community Development for six years, supporting the Building, Planning, and Engineering divisions.

In 2016, she moved to the City Clerk division as Deputy City Clerk where she prepared the agenda and attended council meetings, handled liquor licensing, and recruitment for boards and commissions.

In 2018, Robinson was promoted to Deputy City and County Clerk where she supervised Recording and Motor Vehicle divisions, worked with elections, and led the City Clerk staff.

In January 2019, Jennifer was appointed

by Council for the City and County Clerk position. Jennifer is passionate about leading people, developing a team, and serving the community.

KRISTAN PRITZ

Director, Open Space and Trails 303-438-6335 kpritz@broomfield.org

Kristan Pritz joined the Broomfield staff in 2000 as the Director of Open Space and Trails. She worked with neighborhoods in northeast Denver on planning projects through the University of Colorado’s Center for Community Development and Design. She served as the Community Development Director for Vail, Colorado and also worked for the Denver water law firm, Petros and White and research consulting firm, E Source.

Pritz received her B.A. in Urban Studies from Carleton College and her Masters in Planning and Community Development from the University of Colorado/Denver. She completed her Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado School of Law and is a member of the Colorado Bar. She was awarded the Natural Resources Law Center Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Service in Natural Resources and Environmental Law.

JULIE MCCARTHY

Director of Court Services 720-887-2100 jmccarthy@ broomfield.org

Julie McCarthy was appointed as Director of Court Services in September 2015. Her responsibilities include managing the Municipal Court, which handles traffic, misdemeanor and code violation cases. She began her employment with the City and County in November of 2001 as a Deputy Court Clerk in the Combined Court. She helped facilitate this court in becoming the first “paper on demand” court in the area with mandatory electronic filing in certain case types. In 2003, Julie became a supervisor and then in 2012 focused on the municipal court after a reorganization.

A native of Colorado, Julie began her career in the court system in 1987, at the Adams County Courthouse in Brighton, Colorado. She started as an assistant division clerk, working with several different judges, and then worked as a division clerk until 2000.

Julie lives in Thornton with her husband and is devoted to their three crazy dogs. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with her grown kids, grandchildren, and family.

BERNIE BLOCK

Director, Performance and Internal Audit 303-464-5821 bblock@broomfied.org Bernie Block was appointed as Director of Performance and Internal Audit in January 2011.

He has 27 years of experience working in accounting, finance, and audit related positions.

He is a Certified Public Accountant and a graduate from the University of Arizona.

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

Animal Oasis of the Rockies

Helping Pets and their Families Feel at Home

A

nimal Oasis of the Rockies Veterinary Hospital in Broomfield aims to please – not just pets but the people bringing them in.

With the tagline “your pet’s home away from home,” the full-service veterinary hospital wants clients and their families to feel at home.

“We’re very mindful about being inclusive of everyone and their experience with us. It’s not only about the patient, it’s about making sure what we do is in the best interest of the entire family,” said Andrea Balogh, co-owner and hospital manager “It’s really that whole experience from start to finish that sets the tone for a great visit.”

Animal Oasis of the Rockies takes a progressive approach to medicine and provides both emergency and routine medical, surgical and

dental services. The list of services includes preventative health and vaccinations, emergency and critical care, neuter and spay surgeries, and dental cleaning with extractions.

They also provide diagnostic testing, radiology, ultrasound, laser surgery, cold laser therapy, behavioral medicine, nutritional counseling and acupuncture.

“Laser surgery is often what separates us from a surgical

perspective,” Balogh said. “It’s a more progressive approach to surgery. Utilizing a laser for our surgeries results in less bleeding, quicker recovery and less time under anesthesia.”

Animal Oasis of the Rockies was established this year after Dr. Stacey Huber moved from Florida where she owned Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital in Naples. In 2017, Huber and her family decided to sell the veterinary hospital in Naples and make Broomfield their forever home.

Huber has been a veterinarian for more than 18 years and is a 2002 honors graduate from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Dr. Huber’s skills are amazing and her ability to listen to her clients sets her apart,” Balogh said, adding that she keeps her knowledge up to

date, constantly learning about new products and procedures to be able to better treat her patients.

Initially, Dr. Huber offers house calls while they are awaiting the completion of the new clinic slated to open in early September.

“We have had the privilege of already establishing a client base through our house call services and look forward to continuing to meet the community once our clinic is open,” Balogh said. Animal Oasis will be offering a free pet exam for new clients through the end of the year.

“We love that our clients and patients become family. We want to make sure they have every opportunity to come meet us and get to know us,” Balogh said.

Animal Oasis of the Rockies, Brick and Mortar Location Coming Soon!

303.900.7765, aorvethospital.com.

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Schedule Online at: www.aorvethospital.com broomfield life 2020 • 39

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

ERNESTO CHAVEZ

Director, Special Projects 303-438-6241 echavez@broomfield.org Ernesto has been with the City and County of Broomfield since 2015, serving as the Director of Information Technology until recently.

He joined Broomfield with a diverse background in leading technical teams in the Department of Interior, U.S. Air Force, and in the private sector. Ernesto holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Leadership from LeTourneau University, a Master’s degree of Business Administration from University of Colorado, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from Colorado State University.

40 • broomfield life 2020

GARY CREAGER Chief of Police 303-438-6400 gcreager@broomfield.org

Gary Creager was sworn in as chief in December 2014. He began his policing career with the Arvada Police Department. He left Arvada as the Deputy Chief upon accepting the position as Chief of the Broomfield Police Department.

Creager holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and a master’s degree in the administration of justice.

He received professional leadership training through Northwestern University, Harvard University, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the FBI National Academy.

He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, board of directors for Colorado Chief’s Association, Colorado Information Sharing Consortium, and the Jefferson County Emergency Telephone Authority.

Creager is a Colorado native. He and his wife, Karen, have two adult sons and two beautiful granddaughters. He enjoys camping, hiking, travel, and golf.

DAVID RAMOS

DAVE YOUNG

Chief, North Metro Fire Rescue District 303-452-9910 dramos@ northmetrofire.org

District Attorney, 17th Judicial District 720-887-2199 website: adamsbroomfieldda.org

David Ramos was appointed chief of North Metro Fire Rescue District in January 2014, having served for 30 years as a firefighter and an officer.

A native of the northern Denver area, Ramos earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Metropolitan State College and joined North Metro as a firefighter in 1984.

In addition to managing the fire district’s business affairs and operations, Ramos is leading implementation of North Metro’s new strategic plan, which calls for further enhancement of services to the community while maximizing efficiency and keeping pace with the area’s growth.

Dave Young was elected district attorney by residents of Adams and Broomfield counties in November 2012 and again in November 2017.

He is responsible for the prosecution of more than 3,700 felony and 7,700 misdemeanor criminal cases each year.

As chief prosecutor for the 17th Judicial District, he is an aggressive prosecutor who is committed to working with local law enforcement agencies to guarantee the fair administration of justice and obtaining justice for victims of crime.

Young joined the District Attorney’s Office for in 2005 as a chief trial deputy and later assistant district attorney. He continues to prosecute high profile capital murder cases while supervising the staff of 64 attorneys and 102 support staff.

AMY BOCKMAN County Judge 720-887-2139

Judge Amy Bockman was first sworn in as Broomfield County judge in December 2006.

Before Bockman’s appointment by Gov. Bill Owens, she served as a part-time Denver County magistrate and as a Colorado State public defender.

Judge Bockman graduated in 1991 from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communications. She obtained her Juris Doctor in 1995 from the University of Denver College of Law. Judge Bockman worked as a defense attorney with the Colorado State Public Defender’s Office from 1995 until 2004.

In 2004, Judge Bockman was appointed by the Presiding Judge in Denver County to serve as a Magistrate in the Denver County Courts. In 2006, she was appointed to the bench as a County Court Judge by Governor Bill Owens. Judge Bockman’s case load presently consists of 80% criminal and 20% civil.

Bockman lives in Broomfield with her husband and children.

She’s up for retention in November 2020.

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

Aspen Creek Heating and Air

Family Owned & Operated

Heating & Cooling Professionals Family-run Fami mil ily-run and owned & Now Hir Hiring iriing in Residential & Commercial Sales, Repair, Service & Installation Call Aspen Creek Heating & Air Today!

(303) 464-7000 www. aspencreekhc.com

Safety and a Cool Home is Prime Business

W

ith some extraordinarily warm summer days hitting Colorado right in the middle of a global health event Broomfieldbased Aspen Creek Heating and Air has been busier than ever doing air conditioner and HVAC work – and taking extra special precautions to provide safety and security to its customers.

Shannon Nevin and her husband Dan started the business in 2010 and have built a reputation in Broomfield, Boulder and north Denver as a hard-working and reliable family-run operation.

“We love Broomfield and the whole area, and it’s been our home since 2005,” Shannon says. “All three of our kids have gone to Broomfield schools.

There’s just four of us running the company, plus one of our sons.”

Shannon says the additional concerns brought on by this year’s pandemic prompted Aspen Creek to modify the way the company does business, though they are still able to provide their full range of sales and service for heat pumps, boilers and furnaces. This time of year, the big push is for air conditioners, swamp coolers, plus air purification systems and housewide humidifiers.

“We make sure to wear masks when doing work inside and we’ve also arranged to provide contactless billing, to make customers as comfortable as we can. We’ve also got loads of

Dan Nevin and son Charlie

sanitizer on our trucks.”

While Aspen Creek is still a small operation, Shannon says the company has also benefited from plenty of repeat customers, a testament to the service the Nevins have been able to provide.

“Dan has been in the business since 1998 and is really good at boiler work, plus working on split systems and heat pumps, but as soon as the heat hit, people started calling about AC jobs.”

Aspen Creek is a big supporter of the Frank Shorter 5k run for Kids’ Health, sponsored by Healthy Learning Paths, as well as Broomfield’s A Precious Child.

If you’ve been having cooling (or heating) issues or have concerns about indoor air quality related to the COVID-19 outbreak, check out the blog on the company’s website, aspencreekhc.com, which offers some useful information. You can also call 303.464.7000. broomfield life 2020 • 41

OFFiciaLS

OUR TOWn pandemic from page 32

RANDALL DAVIS Presiding Municipal Court Judge 720-887-2100

Randall Davis was first sworn in as municipal judge in July 2011. He was appointed by City Council two another twoyear term, which expires in 2015.

Davis, a Broomfield resident, serves as a Colorado senior judge, and previously served as municipal court judge for Wheat Ridge from 1988 to 2001, magistrate for Adams County District Court from 1987 to 2001, and as a Broomfield County Court Judge from 2001 to 2006.

The municipal judge is responsible for hearing misdemeanor, traffic and code violation cases.

42 • broomfield life 2020

MONICA BRONCUCIAJORDAN Coroner 303-659-1027 coronerquestions@ adcogov.org

Monica BroncuciaJordan was first elected Adams County coroner in November 2010. She also serves as Broomfield’s coroner.

She served as a deputy Adams County coroner from 2005 to 2009, and performed more than 1,000 autopsies during the time period. She is trained in forensic evidence collection, and has collected forensic evidence for court proceedings in numerous homicide and criminal cases.

Broncucia-Jordan is certified in the completion of death certificates by the Colorado Department of Vital Records and Statistics and is a member of the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners. She received a bachelor's degree in biology form the University of Colorado.

health and caring for their pit bull terrier and border collie mix Samson, Seneyia’s emotional support dog.

She hopes that, thanks to COVID, people are more comfortable talking about personal struggles and mental illness.

Since she’s worked ever since she came to the U.S., Allen said she is taking some time to explore the area a bit by taking long walks and hikes with Samson. Seneyia said she and her husband are very spiritual and that prayers are getting them through this trying time.

“God is our anchor,” she said. “We’ve never seen God’s work so visible like we do right now. We see little miracles on a daily basis, but it’s vibrant this time.”

She is sharing the blessings she’s received, Allen said, by sending money to grandparents in Africa and to an out-of-state cousin who fell on hard times.

First responders

North Metro Fire Rescue District was fortunate to have only one employee test positive for COVID-19, EMS Coordinator/Captain Mark Daugherty said.

“This employee did not have any public/patient contact during this time period,” he said.

North Metro Fire presented a number of preventative and protective measures early on, he said, starting in early March.

Because of the “ever-evolving” understanding of the virus, the district has remained flexible and adaptable, as new recommendations have been published.

That includes adjusting emergency medical policy and protocol to ensure paramedics and EMTs are pro-

viding up-to-date medical care.

The personal protective equipment worn by the firefighters on every call was increased to include the minimum of goggles, N95 masks, protective gowns and Nitrile gloves.

If a patient needs invasive airway management, a more protective full-face mask and respirator are worn, Daugherty said, and most importantly, a surgical mask is placed immediately upon contact with all patients no matter the type of medical or trauma call.

Firefighters have also been practicing social distancing and wearing masks while in public and within the fire stations.

“Because the firefighters live in close quarters at work and then return home to their families, social distancing and mask wearing is incredibly important,” he said.

Call volume for medical emergencies declined by nearly 10% from April through the end of May as compared to the same time in 2019, Daugherty said.

This was a trend seen nationwide by EMS agencies and emergency departments.

“This decrease was concerning, as it indicated fewer citizens were calling 911 or going to the hospital when experiencing serious symptoms like chest pain, severe shortness of breath and stroke-like symptoms,” Daugherty said.

To help residents feel comfortable, and safe, calling 911, North Metro Fire used social media to bring attention to the precautions being taken by firefighters and by the hospitals. In recent weeks, call volume has returned to more nor-

mal levels compared to early spring, he said in late July.

EMS Supervisor Randy Delaney, who has been a paramedic for 25 years and with North Metro Fire for nearly 13 years, said more and more training, part of his duties, is being handled remotely instead of at the various stations. COVIDspecific training has been added to education, and since it’s a novel virus, that information is evolving.

Even to an auto accident, paramedics are wearing full protective gear, he said. The lowest rated mask they have in their arsenal is the N95, but what they use most is a half mask that uses different filters that plug into the sides, so it could be used as an N95 or N100. Another benefit is the masks are made to be cleanable and reusable. The department has about 130 to 135 personnel, Delaney said, but is starting to put out job offers for new hires.

“We just were able to outfit everybody in the last 30 to 45 days,” he said. “Items like that are incredibly hard to come by right now.”

Delaney said his family is in a unique position because his wife is a respiratory therapist, who wears even more protective equipment because of the aerosolized procedures performed at the hospital where she works. Where Delaney can wash clothes at the fire station, his wife changes at home in the garage before coming in the house.

His wife, a breast cancer survivor, has a tendency to be more immunosuppressed than the average person, Delaney said, and wears extra layers of PPE to protect herself.

Psychologically, this pandemic has definitely taken See pandemic on 44

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

Unfinished Furniture Colorado

Broomfield Store Fills Homes with Furniture that Fits

S

ince everybody has been spending much more time at home, it’s not surprising that homeowners are finding their way to Unfinished Furniture Colorado in Broomfield. Co-owner Richard Lambert says customers are looking for real-wood pieces that help them make the most out of the space they have. The store specializes in quality, honest-made Amish, American and locally-produced furniture.

Bookcases were part of the reason Lambert and his wife, Yvonne, purchased the business and the aspect Lambert enjoys most. “When my family moved here 15 years ago, I went looking for bookcases for our house. I looked everywhere but each style I found came in one size.

I ended up using three different styles of bookcases to fill the space,” Richard Lambert says. “The great thing about our bookcases is that there are so many styles and options”.

Unfinished Furniture recognizes this and offers a variety of styles, colors, widths, heights and depths.

In addition to bookcases and despite the name, Unfinished Furniture Colorado offers finished and unfinished real-wood bedroom furniture, kitchen pantries, carts and islands plus diverse tables and chairs.

“Recently, we had a customer come in who had kitchen chairs that were really worn. She wanted to match kitchen colors and style to her current table and we were able to come really close. She was very happy,”

Lambert says.

The store has a wide selection of paints, stains, topcoats and other finishes in an array of colors.

“Whether they are finishing it themselves or having it customfinished, they are looking to match or complement their décor, and the colors of their home,” he says.

Unfinished Furniture Colorado also stocks some wonderful furniture

for kids besides chest, dressers and beds. “There is a lot of fun children’s pieces. We have bookcases shaped like a dollhouse or a barn and a coat rack that’s shaped like a giraffe,” Lambert says.

Unfinished Furniture Colorado, 5095 W. 120th Ave., Broomfield, 303.443.8229, unfinishedfurniturecolorado.com.

We are committed to safe shopping . . . ~ A knowledgeable, personalized experience! ~ Real wood furniture of unparalleled value! ~ A large selection of unfinished and custom finished furniture. ~ Custom sizes on many items.

Call or visit our friendly, family owned store in Broomfield.

(303) 443-8229

Broomfield Plaza • 5095 W 120th Ave. • Broomfield, CO

www.UnfinishedFurnitureColorado.com broomfield life 2020 • 43

OUR TOWn

pandemic from page 42

its toll on them both.

One example is when he responded to a home where the father was very sick with all the COVID symptoms — cough, weakness and a high fever. He ended up being taken to the same hospital where another family member was admitted. Everyone else in the family was also positive, Delaney said, and no one was able to be with him when the father died.

“It was one of those eye-opening times,” Delaney said. “It shows you just how exactly sick people can be from this virus.”

He attributes the department’s health record to direction from fire chiefs who had the foresight to put measures “above and beyond” what some neighboring departments were establishing. Some people looked at medics as thought COVID “can’t be that big of a deal” and questioned the decision, but as things started to unfold, the “appreciation was certainly there” for those measures.

It’s not easy for people to accept change when its forced upon them, he said, and part of the issue initially was that you can’t see this virus, which made it harder to embrace.

“It’s not until people get sick that people really appreciate just how deadly this virus can be,” Delaney said.

There is a high survivability rate, and not everyone who gets it is going to show symptoms, but some people truly get sick and “can die almost in front of your eyes.” Protection is in place because they just assume someone has the virus, whether they’re symptomatic or not, “until someone proves to us that they’re not.”

District employees will wear the protective gear into the foreseeable future, he said.

One concern on the horizon for the team is what this virus will look like in the fall, coupled with the flu season.

Broomfield’s seniors

Fonda Buckles, Broomfield Senior Services manager, said it was important to keep up the nutrition pro44 • broomfield life 2020

Jennifer Rios / Staff Writer

North metro fire emS Supervisor randy Delaney said more training is done remotely and CoVID training is always evolving. gram offered to seniors during the shelter-in-place and the subsequent orders that allowed people more freedom, but still stressed caution for the elder population.

Typically Broomfield Meals on Wheel serves between 100 and 135 meals a day, she said. A hot meal is prepared in the kitchen, and frozen meals are sent to those unable to cook on the weekend. Lakeshore Cafe, where seniors could come for lunch and socializing, remains shut down during COVID times.

When it first hit, the group immediately began working with Broomfield FISH, which supplied boxes of non-perishable food for seniors.

Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers would then pick up the boxes and deliver the items along with the hot meal. Staff also met needs for things such as hand sanitizer. When FISH didn’t have an item, staff would make a trip to the store to buy it.

“Toilet paper was a big one,” Buckles said. “I think I was at the store every morning buying rolls of toilet paper.”

The third week in July was spent moving equipment into the newly renovated kitchen. A full reconstruction of the Broomfield Community Center began in September 2018.

The 96,088 square-foot project is projected to cost about $8 million, according to the city.

“When the new center opens, we’re hoping we’ll be able to slowly transition people into the Lakeshore Cafe,” Buckles said. “That is the most critical program.”

A hot meal is important, she said, but Lakeshore means so much more to visitors. When the cafe does open, they are looking at two separate meals a day to be able to space out residents. Even that will be a challenge for folks — some of whom live alone and come to visit — who have hearing impairments.

In June, senior services staff made 738 reassurance calls, which equated to about 150 residents they would call each week to visit and check-in.

The conversations were more than “how are you doing?” Buckles said, and focused on developing friend-

ships. Staff would ask questions about family visits and what was going on in their lives.

“When the staff are talking, you can hear the laughter as those conversations build,” Buckles said.

“Staff is sharing, residents are sharing. It truly morphs into a conversation because you get to know that person.”

She wants to continue that until seniors are back in the building.

In addition to caregiver respite, Senior Services Program Coordinator Lane Claxton receives 150 to 200 calls a month from older adults and families needing help navigating resources. Senior Services was recently awarded a grant for “information assistance” so that when people call in, staff can dig below the surface an of initial reason for the call and get to the core of a family or individual’s needs.

As a result, Claxton spends time with a caller and advocates for them making sure they get to the right person or agency. Something like See pandemic on 46

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

Plants of Distinction

Make the right choice for your trees Dan, owner of Plants of Distinction, has been in the green industry since the 1960s when his parents founded a retail nursery. He and his siblings taught themselves plant propagation, landscape design and installation.

Dan has been a Colorado resident resident for 38 years and a Br for 33. For the last 28 years he has been licensed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture to safely apply pesticides. He believes in Integrated Pest Management, that is before reaching for the sprayer, examine cultural practices to mitigate or even eliminate the need for using pesticides. Natural biological agents can also be encouraged and or introduced to aid in pest control as well.

Along these lines, to combat

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), discovered in Boulder in 2013, researchers have experimentally introduced a parasitic wasp from the same region of origin as EAB. It will be some time before the eness of this measure can

be determined, but at this time EAB as an exotic pest, has no natural enemies and our North American ash have no known resistive capabilities whatsoever. EAB appears to be 100 percent fatal to our ash trees.

can be Preventively protected using systemic insecticides. potential groundwater and pollinator hazards should be considered, soil drench and soil injection are commonly employed.

Basal trunk applications have also been but both shown to have some of these methods last only for one year and uptake and distribution of the product is less than certain. Dan utilizes direct trunk injections which last two years, and there is no doubt as to whether or not the product is in the body of the tree.

For more information on Emerald Ash Borer contact the Colorado Department Of Agriculture. Contact Dan for a free consultation by visiting ashborerprotection.com or by calling 720.270.2592.

EMERALD

THOUGH WE RELY UPON FIRST RESPONDERS TO SAVE OUR BACON, BORER IT’S A PRETTY GOOD PROTECTION BET THAT I CAN LICENSED, BEE AND SAVE YOUR ASH! GROUND WATER FRIENDLY

ASH

LICENSED FOR 28 YEARS • RESIDENT OF BROOMFIELD FOR 33 YEARS

CALL OR TEXT DAN 720-270-2592

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broomfield life 2020 • 45

oUr ToWn pandemic from page 44

In June, senior services staff made 738 reassurance calls, which equated to about 150 residents each week to visit and check-in. The conversations were more than “how are you doing?” Fonda Buckles, Broomfield Senior Services manager, said, and focused on developing friendships. Staff would ask questions about what was going on in their lives.

ments are now available during the workweek from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. including trips outside of Broomfield. helping a senior buy hearing aids, Clients have to be out of their appointwhich can cost $4,500, might take ments by 4:15 p.m. While transportafive funding sources and requires tion used to only go to the outskirt time and help to achieve. hospitals, such as St Anthony North “Everyone cares so much,” she said Complex, on Mondays, Tuesdays and about the staff, “and it’s so hard when Wednesdays, it’s now five days a week you have to say no. It’s easier to find a the hair salon. Residents still need to pick-up in May in response to COVID. during COVID. solution.” make an appointment, she said, but Waivers were created for clients to Senior Services is also working Some calls from seniors led to the sign and then prescription were prewith Cultivate, a Boulder-based nonevolution of Broomfield Pals — a pro- it’s a free service for people 60 and older. Some clients are still reluctant paid and picked up. Seniors would profit, that provides several services, gram that matches volunteers to to use transportation for fear of catch- schedule an appointment for drop-off. including grocery delivery. Once seniors who need someone to visit Senior Services is made up of a full- COVID is over the program is not with, need yard work done or chores ing the virus, she said.

Because of COVID, Denver Region- time resource coordinator, a full-time going away, Buckles said, and could around the house. active adult coordinator, full-time volal Council of Governments awarded include an existing model (one that Easy Ride and Meals on Wheels funding to support the transportation unteer coordinator, full-time kitchen can’t happen now because of the “didn’t miss a beat” and never shut supervisor, two full-time kitchen staff virus) where volunteers put away grodown during the crisis, Buckles said, program, which allowed senior serand two part-time kitchen staff mem- ceries inside the home. vices to be a little more flexible with although the transportation model bers. Three full-time people work in trip types, Buckles said. Instead of “They’ve been wonderful,” Buckles changed. transportation, which includes a people calling to request a trip to the said. “We couldn’t do this without Easy Ride trip counts are down, supervisor and eight temporary driv- partner and community members. store, staff has been able to deliver Buckles said, even though the buses ers. certain items to their home. Senior The success is because of volunoffer every trip type, including mediThe Easy Ride medical appointservices also started a prescription teers.” cal, nutritional and services such as

memory from page 24

the Zang reservoirs were a refreshing amenity for summertime swimming and rowing.

During the Depression, with Prohibition repealed, the Adolf Coors Company bought a grain elevator nearby and some farmers began growing barely, a key ingredient for beer.

Meanwhile, an idea had been percolating since the 1920s. A more direct road could cut the distance between Denver and Boulder by seven miles. By the 1940s, plans were in the works. The Turnpike Land Company was formed with some land purchased from the early settlers and construction began in 1950.

On January 19, 1952 a thousand people attended the opening of the Denver-Boulder Turnpike, with Governor Dan Thornton remarking, “… It will show Colorado’s beauty to the world.”

Boulder to Broomfield cost 15 cents per car, with 10 cents more to continue to Denver, paid at Broomfield, the sole stop. A favorite tale from this era was the friendly stray dog that began hanging around the tollbooth. Nicknamed Shep, he

46 • broomfield life 2020

became a beloved pet, adopted by the whole community.

The Front Range boomed in the 1950s with new employers at federal scientific labs like the National Bureau of Standards in Boulder and the Rocky Flats ‘top secret’ atomic plant in Jefferson County.

A development on parts of the old Zang ranch was created to house a growing workforce. Just over 900 houses in the ‘First Filing’ of Broomfield Heights subdivision went under construction in 1955.

Amenities like electric appliances and garbage disposals attracted thousands to come tour the first 18 show houses of the planned development.

The new community was touted as the perfect place to raise a family. Broomfield Heights was the best of country living combined with the latest in modern living. Residents would have the advantage of being minutes from both Boulder and Denver as well as within easy reach of mountain recreation. The ‘dream city’ of Broomfield Heights was even profiled in the national Architect and Engineer magazine.

As families moved in, more

schools were needed and then those were quickly filled to capacity. However, students still had to completed their high school education in Louisville and Lafayette until Broomfield High School was built in 1959.

Post Turnpike growth was astounding. In 1961, with a population approaching 5,000, the city incorporated and elected Don DesCombes as the first mayor. The city’s library opened in 1963. As former first lady and Denver girl Mamie Eisenhower donated many of the books, the building was named in her honor.

The ‘second filing’ homes at Broomfield Heights filled in in the following years. As a testament to its resounding success, the toll road was paid off in 1967, 13 years earlier than planned.

Growth was embraced in Broomfield just as neighboring Boulder was enacting growth-limiting measures. Two notable large developments were the Interlocken business park, which began in 1983 and Flatirons Crossing Mall, opening in 2000.

Conducting official business in

four separate counties became more difficult as the population grew. Broomfield took a bold step to go on its own and after passing on the 1998 state ballot, the City and County of Broomfield was formally established in 2001.

Old Broomfield, which in some ways seemed to be frozen in time, became part of the incorporated city of Broomfield the same year.

While mid centur y population growth had been swift, Broomfield exceeded that in the new millennium nearing 40,000 residents in 2000, surpassing 55,000 by 2010, and reaching close to 65,000 in 2015. Broomfield officials welcomed new companies with incentives and more housing was developed for new Broomfield residents.

The past has shown that in keeping with historic trails, Broomfield is positioned well for opportunity.

And like the broomcorn for which it’s named, the city has proven itself successful under changing circumstances.

For further reading: Broomfield: Changes Through Time, by Silvia Pettem.

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

Innovative Openings

Celebrating 40 Years of Exceptional Products and Service

C

elebrating its 40th anniversary in the summer of 2020, Innovative Openings has a long history of providing window treatment and patio shading solutions to Broomfield and the surrounding areas. This truly local company was started in 1980 by Colorado residents Rick Pease and Dave Friedlander, with a focus on insulating, and energy conscious shade products to make homes more comfortable and efficient.

From the start, Friedlander and Pease’s philosophy was built on exemplary service and proven, high quality products, which has left thousands of happy customers

who have referred the business to their family and friends. “We’re all about helping our customers make their homes beautiful and more comfortable” says Pease, “with sun protection, light management, and privacy. We’ll help you find the product that delivers what you’re looking for.”

In 1983, Innovative Openings entered the world of manufacturing, launching Insolroll Window Shading Systems, maker of award-winning solar shades, decorative shades and patio shades. Known for quality and innovation, Insolroll is now among the top roller shade manufacturers in North America. That connection

Shopping for Window Coverings & Patio Shading Has Never Been Easier!

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At Innovative Openings, we’ve reshaped our process to protect you while enhancing your home.

lets Innovative Openings customers purchase Colorado-made Insolroll shades at value prices with quick turnaround time.

In addition to Insolroll interior and exterior products, Innovative Openings features a broad product line including Hunter Douglas shades, blinds and shutters, KE Durasol, pergola awnings, and Oasis® Retractable Insect Screen Shades. The company’s top-shelf service is well known, and includes expert design consultation, skilled installation, and warranty service provided by employees with years of experience.

Locally, Innovative Openings has

installed shading products in many Broomfield communities, including Anthem, Broadlands, Skyestone, Spruce Meadows and Wildgrass.

The company supports 10 local charitable organizations that serve Broomfield, Boulder and beyond with a workplace giving program, in order to pay it forward to the community that has kept them in business for 40 years.

Innovative Openings Showroom, 667 S. Pierce Ave., Louisville, 303.816.8465, innovativeopenings.com

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Our tOWn event from page 18

from left cousins, gabriel funderburg, 7, Courtney funderburg, 8, and alayna funderburg, 6, soar up high as they spring on trampolines with eurobungy Colorado during last year’s Broomfield Days.

family festivals, redesigned to accommodate COVID-19 related health precautions.

For the first two Summer Saturday events, artists musicians and dancers have contributed their talents, including people from Dance Arts Studio, Broomfield Art Guild, Broomfield Symphony Orchestra and Boulder Ballet.

Broomfield County Commons, home to the first two physically-distanced events, is not available for the August event, Dillingham said, because sports tournaments needed the space. She still hopes to find a new location, but it was unclear as of late July where that would be.

Kira vos / enterprise file photo

Open Space and Trails

“The outdoors provides an everchanging and wide range of experiences — something we all need at this time to renew our spirits and to sustain our health,” Director of Open Space and Trails Kristan Pritz said.

Twenty ideas for creative outdoor activities for any age group can be found on Broomfield’s website at Safer at Home Activities by visiting broomfield.org/3125/Safer-at-HomeActivities. Recommendations run the gamut from building a fairy house and fishing at a local pond, to navigating the stars.

“Simple, fun, outdoor education activities” for children are highlighted through the Outside Everyday Challenge, she said, which can be found by visiting outsideeverydaychallenge.org. These activities are described in Spanish and English.

Hikers and trail enthusiasts — or people looking to explore the outdoors more — are also invited to take part in the Broomfield 100, a city and county program that gives residents the opportunity to explore the beauty and diversity of nature in their own backyards.

In light of COVID-19, Broomfield created a Broomfield 100 GIS application, which officials said became available June 6. The app can be accessed by visiting broomfield.org/ Broomfield100 and clicking on “Virtual Passport.”

Hikers can use it to plan each trail visit, find areas of interest along the way and add their name to the com-

48 • broomfield life 2020

trail Guidelines

Basic trail etiquette

Here is some basic information about enjoying the trails while physical distancing: •please observe all posted regulations, bring water, sunscreen, first aid equipment, and insect repellent. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.

•all trails allow dogs (on-leash) and are open to bikes, walkers, etc.

•all trails are aDa accessible, although some segments fall outside of aDa guidelines for slope and trail width. Before any mobility devices are used on the trails, trail users should refer to our aDa Trail information at broomfield.org/TrailUsage.

Tips courtesy of CCOB

munity guestbook to share trail adventures and engage with others while still physical distancing. To “complete” a loop or trail, hikers do not necessarily have to cover the entire trail, but rather visit to learn more about the area.

The 2020 Broomfield 100 kicked off on National Trails Day, June 6, and continues all summer long. The app has had nearly 1,000 hits on its website for this challenge.

The program promotes outdoor exercise, healthy living and learning and may feature pieces of public art.

For more info on Broomfield’s public art pieces, visit BroomfieldPublic Art.com.

According to the Broomfield Public Health Department, residents are not required to wear masks while using Broomfield’s public trails, but officials encourage everyone to wear a mask when 6 feet of social distancing cannot be maintained.

Park Services has witnessed an

increase in trail users since the COVID-19 restrictions took effect, Pritz said, but individuals and groups have also stepped up to assist in keeping the trails clean. Broomfield also partners with individuals and groups through the Adopt-An-Area Program where a designated section of trail, open space, or park is cleaned up a minimum of four times per year by the group. Those interested in participating can visit broomfield.org and search Adopt-An-Area-Program.

In the near future, the Broomfield Open Space Foundation is planning to launch an Open Space Ambassador program to provide on-site information to people visiting a specific property, Pritz said. Background on the site’s history, flora, and fauna is intended to enrich the visitor experience. Metzger Farm Open Space (120th and Lowell Blvd.) is proposed to be the first site for the program.

Learn more about the foundation by visiting broomfieldopenspacefounda-

Here are some guidelines to follow while on the trails: •Stay on the right side of the trail moving with the flow of traffic, except to pass. pass on the left.

•Do not block the path by standing in the middle; leave at least half of the trail open for passing.

•When bicycling, slow down and notify other trail users before passing.

•Bicyclists must yield to hikers.

•Stay on existing trails. avoid creating new trails and causing damage to the landscape.

•full trail etiquette can be found on the Broomfield Trail map at Broomfield.org/ trailmap.

•So long as you are maintaining a safe social distance of six feet from people who aren’t part of your household while wearing a face covering/mask, it is oK to go outside for exercise or fresh air. City and County parks without shared equipment and dog parks are open.

Tips courtesy of CCOB

tion.org.

“Broomfield staff is implementing several individual trail counters in 2020 to track trail usage in key locations, including the Lake Link Trail and the Sheridan underpass at Highland Park,” Pritz said. “Anecdotally, both Open Space and Parks Maintenance staff have noticed an increase in trail usage during the period of COVID restrictions.”

Our TOWN Square from page 8

residential units will be offered at 60% average median income.

A focal point of the project is enlarging the water feature by the Broomfield Amphitheater to a 4.5-acre lake that will wrap around the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library and Broomfeild Auditorium to the north and west.

In 2017, Broomfield selected a development team that included Urban Neighborhoods and City Street Investors, two of the teams responsible for redeveloping Denver Union Station, to craft a vision for the civic center land and develop it in partnership with the city. Milender White Construction, the Denver Union Station general contractor, was brought on as construction manager and cost estimator, Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber, Schreck for legal services and D.A. Davidson & Co. for financial modeling.

On May 21, 2019, Broomfield and the development team prepared a predevelopment agreement that Broomfield provide $400,000 in funding to support design and engineering of the project.

Council approved the agreement, which provides for a total reimbursement for the construction of public improvements of, not to exceed, $20 million, which is estimated to be over $42 million with interest. That money would be revenue generated from within the project — including property tax, sales tax, use tax on building materials and service expansion fees — to develop public infrastructure and private development that make up the town center.

Crawford and Vostrejs led several focus groups, featuring the same Broomfield residents, a few years ago to help hone in on guiding principals and how they wanted to use the space.

Christopher Parezo, with Civitas, an urban design, urban planning and landscape architecture firm, said the design came out of four overarching urban design frameworks — renovating the Safeway, expanding the lake, developing the town square that will be the heart of the project between the former Safeway and the lake, and developing a series of promenades

Jennifer rios / enterprise Staff

The long-vacant Safeway building location will be part of the proposed Broomfield Town Center project. that extend around the lake, through the Safeway lot and connect to open spaces around the water.

The team pulled together “character imagery” from existing downtown or town square areas as a way to make the Broomfield project a place to gather while working the community’s character into the site design. The Safeway building will open to the north and south and lead to a grand staircase that leads to the town square.

The plan includes a boat house or snack shop, or both, at the northern end of the western promenade to draw people to the water, he said. It will be clean water to house a healthy ecosystem for fish and plant life.

Tim Fredregill, development executive with Milinder White, talked about a space for a large Europeanstyle beer garden that will empty into green space between the library and apartments. It’s intended to be a space where adults and children feel welcome with views of the new lake.

“I think the concept as a whole will exist on the other side of the pandemic,” Fredregill said. “By the time we’re open we should be in a different world, but it’s something to be cognizant of.”

Ward 1 Councilwoman Elizabeth Law-Evans has received calls and emails from residents asking that Broomfield pause on the project until the community is out of what she calls the “COVID slump,” but that

she disagrees.

“I think we do need to keep moving forward on this and all our capital improvement projects because we don’t know how or when or what shape (this is) going to end,” Law-Evans said.

She has heard everything from a long, protracted recession, which she doesn’t believe, to bouncing out of it as quickly as it hit, which she also doesn’t believe.

Vostrejs said the Market Hall gives an opportunity to work with local tenants, which focus group members identified as a top priority.

Several commissioners with Broomfield Planning and Zoning were concerned about the number of parking spaces for the project and were not necessarily satisfied with answers they’ve heard from the developer so far.

Fredregill noted parking at the Safeway will remain and was designed to serve a 60,000 square foot building. The plan proposes to take out 20,000 square feet, he said, while still delivering the same amount of parking. Library and municipal building parking is not counted toward the parking count for the project.

He appreciates the concern, Fredregill said, and the team can dive in and make sure everyone is comfortable with parking spaces and reach the industry norm.

Ward 2 Councilman William Lind-

stedt, who grew up in Broomfield, remembers spending “way too much time” in Boulder and Louisville enjoying those downtowns.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “I think the vast majority of our residents are very excited about this civic center, downtown coming to fruition and I’m glad to be able to move forward.”

Fredregill said he estimates the project is about two years out from breaking ground. Deputy City and County Manager Kevin Standbridge said developers expect to break ground work on the Safeway building in late 2022 or early 2023.

Mayor Pro Tem Guyleen Castriotta also reaffirmed support for what she called a wonderful project “that’s been incubating for a long time.”

Broomfield loses a lot of revenue when people travel to neighboring communities to shop at local stores and eat at chef-owned restaurants, she said, so from an investment standpoint, this project would keep that money in Broomfield.

“So many people have asked about restaurants,” she said. “I know we have Arista and FlatIrons, but this would be the heart center … a place where people want to gather, meet friends, hang out, see some art and entertainment. I know it’s still going to be a lengthy process, but the reasons for having it haven’t changed.

We still need this and our residents want it.”

broomfield life 2020 • 49

MARKETING FEATURE

BUSINESS PROFILE

A Precious Child

Begins their 12th Annual Fill A Backpack Drive to provide backpacks and school supplies to children in need

A

Precious Child provides children in need with opportunities and resources to empower them to achieve their full potential. The organization provided basic essentials to 84 families in its initial year and, in 2019, served 57,497 children in need and an additional 7,562 adult caregivers throughout the Denver Metro area challenged by poverty, abuse, neglect or crisis situations. A Precious Child assists children and families in need with resource navigation and casemanagement services, as well as basic essentials including clothing, toiletries, school supplies, gifts for the holidays, educational opportunities and access to extracurricular activities that are often not available to children faced with their family’s economic hardship and other difficult life challenges. A future is envisioned where every child grows up to be a secure, self-reliant, contributing member of their community.

50 • broomfield life 2020

This year, A Precious Child is hosting their 12th Annual Fill A Backpack Drive which began on July 6, 2020 and ends on August 7, 2020. The organization works to collect new backpacks and school supplies for children in the most need in the community. Backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies are distributed to children through their Resource Center as well as their agency partners which include schools, human services organizations, at-risk youth centers, homeless shelters and foster care organizations.

“School may look different this year, but what remains the same is that children still need your help,” explains Carina Martin, CEO and founder of A Precious Child. “Our need is higher this year because so many families have lost their income and have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some families who were in a good place last year may have different circumstances now – and we want to be there to

support them,” said Martin.

“The Fill A Backpack program ensures underprivileged children get to start the first day of school, whether that’s at home or in the classroom this year feeling confident and prepared to succeed academically,” explains Misti Wright, Programs Director at A Precious Child.

“We have received requests for more than 23,000 backpacks from our Agency Partners this year,” and A Precious Child is adopting virtual donation options in order to provide a safe experience for all of their clients, donors, volunteers and staff.

The Fill A Backpack Drive brings together individuals, corporations and community organizations helping to collect supplies for children in need.

Community members who would like to support the Fill A Backpack program have various options, including hosting a general supply drive, hosting a virtual supply drive, hosting a virtual fundraising page, donating funds or volunteering their time.

A Precious Child’s main objective with their Fill A Backpack Drive is to give children a sense of normalcy by providing

them with these necessary supplies. With school ending so abruptly this past year, creating a solid foundation for the new school year is more important than ever.

By providing children in need with brand new backpacks filled with gradeappropriate school supplies, A Precious Child ensures that children in need can show up to school prepared, excited to learn and ready to begin the new school year on the same footing as their peers.

Supporters have three options to purchase the school supplies online. They can purchase supplies from grade specific Amazon Wishlists that A Precious Child has put together, purchase complete backpack kits from their Bulk Supplier or donate funds directly to the Fill A Backpack Drive.

The community can also drop off new backpacks and school supplies at A Precious Child located at 7051 West 118th Ave Broomfield, CO 80020 Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Please visit APreciousChild.org/ Fill-A-Backpack for more details or contact the Programs Team at Programs@APreciousChild.org.

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HELP SPONSOR A CHILD’S BACKPACK School may look a little different this year, but what remains the same is that there are still children that need your help. A Precious Child is now collecting new backpacks and school supplies.

For more information, contact Programs@APreciousChild.org or visit APreciousChild.org/Fill-A-Backpack