Longmont Magazine - Nov/Dec 2022

If you read that with the robust

ing voice of Tevye, you’re probably my kind of people and if you didn’t, it might be time for a Fiddler on the

Tradition plays a big role in our lives and communities and this time of year pays special tribute to that. This year is especially meaningful to many as it’s really the first year that many tradition al holiday events are making a more confident return and spreading their own holiday cheer as they go

It’s more important than ever to sup port local events and businesses as so many have taken a deep hit over the past couple of years and their recovery affects us all. Longmont Downtown Development Authority is return ing with its incentives to shop local with their Winter Passport and Small Business Saturday incentives And, while it’s important to consider where your money is being spent, it’s just as important to support local nonprofits whether through their holiday fund raising events or via Colorado Gives Day Local nonprofit organizations depend on community involvement to continue with their much needed services.

Whether giving or giving back or a bit of both fits your traditional vision of the season, we wish you Happy Holi days and we’ll see you next year!

Misty Kaiser

MARKETING AND PUBLICATIONS EDITOR

Misty Kaiser kaiserm@timescall.com 303.473.1425

MARKETING & ADVERTISING FEATURES COORDINATOR Greg Stone stoneg@dailycamera.com 303.473.1210

RETAIL ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Christine Labozan clabozan@times-call.com 720.494 5445

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emma Castleberry, John Teehan, Pam Moore, Shelley Widhalm, Adam Goldstein, Linda Thorsen Bond

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tim Seibert

LONGMONT MAGAZINE

A Publication of the Longmont Times-Call 303.776.2244; 800.270.9774 longmontmagazine.com

Longmont Magazine is published six times a year Copies are inserted into the newspaper and are available at the Chamber of Commerce, visitor locations and businesses throughout the area

Longmont Magazine distributes 23,000 copies to Longmont, Berthoud, Boulder, Dacono, Del Camino, Estes Park, Firestone, Frederick, Gunbarrel, Johnstown, Lafayette, Louisville, Lyons, Mead, Milliken, Niwot and Platteville. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher

EDITORIAL & EVENTS: To submit a story idea, call 303.473.1425 or email LongmontMag@times-call.com or kaiserm@timescall.com Miss something? Find

MAKING A DIFFERENCE GENEROSITY GENERATES HAPPINESS;

Colorado Gives Day set for Dec. 6

PRNewswire/ Research shows that spending money on others and charities can boost wellbeing and promote happiness. That makes Colorado Gives Day, set for Tues day, Dec. 6, potentially the happiest day in Colorado when Coloradans come together to give and support Colorado nonprofits

This year, Coloradans can give a buck to any of the 3,200 nonprof

its participating in the 24 hour Colorado Gives Day event

Community First Foundation’s Colorado Gives Day on Dec. 6

“Good things happen when you give a buck,” said Kelly Dunkin, president and CEO of Community First Foundation, the organiza tion that runs Colorado Gives Day “From mental health care to pro

tecting the environment, every day in Colorado our nonprofits keep us happy, healthy, and safe Colorado Gives Day is the perfect opportu nity to say thank you by donating to your favorite nonprofits.”

Beginning Nov 1 and continuing through Colorado Gives Day on Dec 6, all donations made to non profits on ColoradoGives.org get a boost from a $1 4 million Incentive

Fund that increases the impact of every dollar donated

The online giving platform is free for eligible nonprofits and recently debuted a new look with features that make fundraising even easier. “With just a click, donors can search, find, and give We make it easy and safe for donors to support their favorite nonprofits,” said Erica Thornley, vice president of product development “ColoradoGives org is a robust social giving tool that helps donors find and connect to the causes they care about most all in one place ”

Colorado Gives 365 supports im pactful giving every day of the year through ColoradoGives org, provid ing easy to use fundraising tools for both donors and nonprofits.

“Community First Foundation cre ated Colorado Gives 365 to help people discover and support orga nizations that match their passions and interests every day of the year,” added Dunkin. “But by giving on Colorado Gives Day on Dec 6, we hope to bring joy and happiness to everyone in Colorado.”

Kelly Dunkin, President and CEO Community First Foundation

Colorado Gives Day is made pos sible by Community First Founda tion with support from FirstBank and sponsors, including: Delta Den tal of Colorado; Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA); Gary Philanthropy; Janus Hender son Investors; Amazon; Daniels Fund; Graystone; Intermountain Healthcare; Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe, PC; Noodles & Company;

T Mobile for Business; Trinchera Blanca Foundation; Enso Counsel ing, PLLC; JE Dunn Construc tion Group; Martin/Martin, Inc ; Syntrinsic Social Capital; Denver7; Grounds for Promotion; Rocky Mountain PBS; Entravision; 5280; Comcast / Xfinity; and Mile High Outdoor

About Community First Foundation

Community First Foundation has been connecting donors and innovative Colorado nonprofits since 1975. As the community foundation serving Jefferson County, we are committed to connecting people, ideas and nonprofits so that all of Jeffco is thriving We help donors with philanthropic plan ning, support nonprofits with grants and resources, and together, build resilient and connected communities Our work is rooted in radical listening and a commitment to equity and inclusion

In 2021, 73,000 donors raised more than $55 million for 3,151 nonprofits on Colorado Gives Day. Community First Foundation launched the online giving platform that powers Colorado Gives Day in 2007, and since then, donors have given more than $511 million to Colorado nonprofits.

Community First Foundation created Colorado Gives 365 to help people discover and support organizations that match their passions and interests every day of the year

Some local nonprofits to support on Colorado Gives Day

Are you thinking about sharing the wealth and donating on Colorado Gives Day, but aren’t sure where to put your money? Coloradogives.org creates a user friendly space to help you browse area nonprofits with ease. Here are a just few ideas to get you started:

Arts, Culture, Humanities

• Can’dAid distributes water, pro vides opportunities for underserved youth to experience music, arts and the outdoors; and protects and re stores the environment.

• Firehouse Art Center providing life enhancing experiences through art appreciation, art education and self expression

• Longmont Community Foundation Improving life in the St. Vrain Valley through philanthropy and charitable leadership

• St. Vrain Historical Society “ as suring a future for our community’s past” though the historical preserva tion and education

• Friends of the Longmont Muse um supporting a center for culture and exploring history, experiencing art, and discovering new ideas through programs, exhibitions, and events

Health

• Longs Peak Hospital Foundation— provides funding to support research and education, patient financial assistance, community health programs, and enhancements to patient care

• Longmont United Hospital Foun dation promoting and supporting Longmont United Hospital commu nity programs

• Recovery Café Longmont—sup ports adults as they break the cycle of addiction, or overcome a recent crisis or trauma

Animals

• Good Life Refuge a farm animal sanctuary providing medical care, feed and bedding

• Longmont Humane Society the only open admission shelter in our service area, caring for over 4,000 animals each year, regardless of age, health or breed

Human Services

• A Woman’s Work A fund for local women bridging the gap from need to financial stability

• Colorado Friendship provider of weekend food for food insecure chil dren at local elementary schools, hot meals and clothing for the un housed, and aid for disaster victims

• Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley provides safety, support, and resources to individuals affected by domestic abuse

• Friends of the Longmont Senior Center— promotes the activities of the Longmont Senior Center

• The Inn Between provides sup portive housing and promote stabil ity to diverse homeless families and individuals

• True North Young Adult Services provides a safe environ ment and support for young adults who have experienced the foster care system or have been affected by abuse, neglect, or homelessness

• OUR Center helping people move

toward self sufficiency by unifying community resources.

Education

• Crossroads School—assists students who have experienced academic and/ or behavioral struggles in traditional schools, to reach their potential

• Flagstaff Academy The Burton Memorial Fund provides opportuni ties including outdoor education, field trips, and band

• Friends of the Longmont Public Library— provides essential support for the library, their services and community programs

• TLC Learning Center a pediatric therapy and early childhood center for infants, toddlers, and preschool children

• Wild Plum Center for Young Children and Families a leader in pro viding early childhood education and developmental services for children and empowering parents

These are just a handful of the many nonprofits that depend on community support to continue offering their valuable services Take some time to look around and find something that suits your idea of giving at coloradogives.org and donate on Dec 6 to enhance your contribution

OSKAR OBLUES SKAR BLUES

Home Made Liquids & HSolids ome Solids

Remains RIndependent emains Ind

to my roots as a restaurateur. We’ve learned a ton over the past 25 years and we are excited to bring Oskar Blues Fooder ies back and better than ever before,” says Katechis

With a new leadership team, the Oskar Blues Fooderies are solidifying their position as community staples in Boulder County

Longmont Oskar Blues Fooderies, founded in 1997 in Lyons, Colo., announces a new leadership team under the direction of Founder and Owner Dale Katechis Kat echis tapped Michael Gleason, who has spent the past decade growing the Barcelona and Bartaco brands, as operating partner to continue building the Oskar Blues Fooderies’

position as leading family restaurants and community spaces in Boulder County.

Following the height of the pan demic, Katechis and Gleason have worked to update Longmont’s Oskar Blues Home Made Liquids & Solids and the founding location of the iconic Oskar Blues restaurants, the Oskar Blues Grill and Brew In Ly ons, to bring people together with a fresh take on these local favorites

“Keeping it real has always been at the core of what Oskar Blues is all about, and I’m enjoying returning

Guests will notice the Fooder ies’ continued investments in staff and recent updates to the restaurants and outdoor areas Longmont’s Oskar Blues Home Made Liquids & Solids has a recently renovated patio this year and has brought back the beloved backyard train to full functionality In Lyons, Oskar Blues Lyons Grill and Brew will continue to feature local music acts for Friday and Saturday on its patio, which features local art and kid friendly activities

Gleason, who started his career in hospitality in the French Quarter of New Orleans, joins the Oskar Blues Fooderies team with more than a decade of experience managing res taurants in Colorado. “I fell in love with hospitality on Bourbon Street, and I have a real passion for blues guitar and cajun food I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Oskar Blues Fooderies team, which has a menu with authentic cajun influence and such enthusiasm for provid

ing a space for the community to come together over live music,” said Gleason.

Oskar Blues Fooderies have been serving delicious food and brews across Colorado’s front range for more than 25 years Before Kat echis grew Oskar Blues Brewery to international fame, Katechis founded the original Oskar Blues restaurant in Lyons, Colo., in 1997.

Since launching the first Oskar Blues restaurant, Katechis has become a serial entrepreneur, innovative think er, irreverent leader, and self made success. Today he plays an active role in strategic growth and development as a board member and advisor for Longmont based nonprofit Can’d Aid as well as several Colorado based companies, including Veritas

Katechis, Founder and Owner

Fine Cannabis, Weller CBD Bever ages, and Wander + Ivy Wines His focus, as always, is on supporting the community and finding creative and innovative ways to drive value and growth for emerging brands.

Following the sale of CANarchy Brewery Collective and Oskar Blues Brewery to Monster Beverage Cor poration earlier this year, Longmont’s

Oskar Blues Home Made Liquids & Solids and the founding location of the iconic Oskar Blues restaurants the Oskar Blues Lyons Grill and Brew remain under independent ownership by Katechis

With dishes honoring the cajun flair of the original Oskar Blues restau rant menu, Oskar Blues Fooderies offer a family friendly atmosphere, great patio seating, frequent live mu sic, and an updated service model

Oskar Blues Lyons Grill & Brew and Oskar Blues Home Made Liquids and Solids are both open seven days a week, 11 a.m. 9 p.m. Sunday Thursday and 11 a.m. 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday View the menus and find out more about upcoming events online at oskarbluesfooderies com

Keeping it real has always been at the core of what Oskar Blues is all about...

LOCAL BUSINESSES HONORING VETERANS ON

In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill offi cially establishing Veterans Day on November 11 of each year Since that time, Veterans Day has been observed by Americans across the country to honor former members of the armed forces and veterans of all conflicts

Veterans Day provides a platform for publicly hon oring the sacrifices of current veterans and expressing gratitude to them Many businesses take this day to thank veterans with offers of free or deeply discounted meals, drinks, and services. Longmont and its surrounding areas are no different.

Here are a few local businesses do ing their part to acknowledge what veterans have done for the US and the cause of democracy worldwide

A DRINK TO GET YOU GOING Ziggi’s Coffee®

With respect and gratitude for their service, Ziggi’s Coffee® is offering veterans and active duty military

BY JOHN TEEHAN for LONGMONT MAGAZINE

personnel one free 16 oz. drink per person this Veterans Day, with valid military ID or proof of service. Join Ziggi’s this Veterans Day as they honor veterans and active duty military members for their contin ued commitment in their communi ties Ziggi’s offers a wide selection of handcrafted beverages, from coffee classics to signature favor ites, an assortment of delicious food options, and a kidZone menu featuring kid friendly items.

(Offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts Ex cludes bottled beverages and all other menu sizes Offer excludes online and mobile app orders.)

All Ziggi’s Coffee locations ziggiscoffee com/find a ziggis

A ROOF OVER A HEAD

GreenPoint Roofing

For the fifth year in a row, Green Point Roofing will be donating a roof replacement for a veteran in need from the local community Owner Scott Brasington, built GreenPoint Roofing on a founda tion of community service. They feel it is extremely important to

give back to the community, especial ly the veterans who have fought for us

They are currently accepting nomina tions for this year’s recipient 1030 Boston Ave., Longmont 720 684 5500 greenpointroofing.com

THE ALLAMERICAN BURGER Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

Bad Daddy’s will be honoring veterans on Veterans Day again this year with a free BD’s All American

Burger and chips for all veterans who present a valid ID. This offer is good at all Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar locations. baddaddysburgerbar.com

NOTHING LIKE A SPARKLING CLEAN CAR

Breeze Thru Car Wash

Breeze Thru Car Wash will be offer ing free car washes to all active duty and veterans for Veterans Day this year Stop by any of their 12 locations on Vet erans Day to receive a free Premium Shine car wash breezethrucarwash com/locations/

The team at GreenPoint Roofing donate a new roof to a veteran in need each year (Courtesy GreenPoint Roofing)

A BRIGHT SMILE

Dental Horizons

Presenting “Freedom Day Giving You a Day of Free For a Lifetime of Freedom,” Dental Hori zons will be offering free dentistry for veterans and military families from 8 a m to 4 p m on Friday, November 11

Services provided are a limited exam with radiographs, fillings, extractions, and clean ings Please call for more information

600 S Airport Rd , 200A Longmont 720 526 3146

dental horizons com

AT A LOCATION

NEAR YOU

It’s not just Colorado.

Businesses all across the country are doing their small part to honor veter ans and active duty mili tary this Veterans Day Here is a very small list of national chain busi nesses with something to give to veterans and active military this year:

• Buffalo Wild Wings

• Caribou Coffee

• Chick fil A

• Chili’s Grill & Bar

• Dunkin’

• Ikea

• Joe’s Crab Shack

• Olive Garden

of businesses offering specials to veterans and active military online at Veteran com and MileHighontheCheap com

LISTEN TO THEIR STORIES

Veterans should receive more than just free meals and discounts on this day Veterans Day is also a chance to genuinely show them your gratitude.

If you want to appreci ate our veterans better, consider asking them questions. When did they serve, where did they serve, and what branch did they serve in? What did they do while serving, and what was it like? Why did they serve?

You won’t completely understand the service you are honoring them for until you hear their story It will mean the world to them and might help you appreci ate our soldiers and the freedoms they fought to preserve for all of us.

Talk to a veteran today

• Smashburger

• Starbucks

• Texas Roadhouse

You can find a more complete list

Last year, over 30 volunteers at Dental Horizons provided free dentistry to veterans and their families on Veterans Day (Courtesy Dental Horizons)

The quaint, picturesque town of Hygiene will delight your senses as you travel just minutes west of Longmont. The small historic, agricultural community has green pastures, farms and a sense of community. Popular with bicyclists and locals you will find hometown eateries, unique gifts, local artisans work and businesses that will treat you like family.

Support Hygiene and come see what you are missing!

SUPPORT LONGMONT

SmallBusiness and Support the Community

BY LINDA THORSEN BOND for LONGMONT MAGAZINE

Lucky for us, Longmont and neighboring Niwot are rolling out the red twinkle light carpet with perks, prizes and presents that will put pep in our holiday shopping step.

November through De cember, we will be enticed with incentives that include Longmont’s Winter Passport, Small Business Saturday, Artist Sunday, and lighted extrava ganzas galore

PASS GO WITH WINTER PASSPORT

Your passport can take you lots of exciting places even when you stay here at home

Yes, Virginia, there is a new way to shop!

This year as you approach the holi days, join me in making a vow Let’s all say it together: “This year shop

ping will be more fun, the gifts I give will be more unique and I won’t put the same old same old stuff under the tree I deserve excitement!”

There Now don’t we all feel better?

This holiday season, the Winter Passport is your ticket to support ing local businesses. When you buy local, you support the community economy plus the businesses of downtown Longmont have made it easy and filled with holiday fun

Festive shoppers stroll through downtown Longmont, (Courtesy LDDA)

You’ll earn stickers on the Winter Passport when you eat, drink, and shop your way through Longmont’s local businesses. And the more stick ers you earn, the closer you get to winning great prizes

The Winter Passport started five years ago and according to Colin Argys, marketing specialist for the Longmont Downtown Development Association (LDDA), it has grown in popularity since the day it began “The Winter Passport emphasizes the importance of shopping lo cally in the holiday season, ” he said. “When people choose downtown as their main shopping destination, they

make a difference in our economy at lots of one of a kind businesses.”

There are 50 to 60 downtown busi nesses involved, including retail shops, restaurants, craft beverage companies, and personal services

Each $10 spent at a participating business earns the shopper a sticker that goes on the passport. To be entered in a drawing for great prizes, fill your passport with 10 stickers and drop it in the Winter Passport box at St Stephens Square at Fifth and Main Streets or at the LDDA office 320 Main Street, or mail it to the LDDA office. Those stickers really add up, and Argys said you can fill as

many passports as you want

There are drawings throughout November and December for prizes donated by the merchants At the end there’s a grand prize drawing from ALL the passports Some examples of passport prizes are a retro themed gift basket with nostalgic candy, toys, and surprises for the kid at heart from The Obscure Closet, gift certificates from restaurants includ ing Flavor of India, Jefes Tacos & Tequila, Rosalee’s Pizzeria, and The Roost. You might win a $50 bottle of bourbon from Abbott and Wallace Distilling. Jensen’s Guitars is even donating a ukulele! The many prizes

Left to Right: Artists Julie Neri, Rachel Mitchell and Julia Zuniga are three of the artists represented at this year’s EBCA Holiday Art Show and Sale. (Courtesy EBCA)

are listed at downtownlongmont. com/creative district/events/holi days/winter passport.

Jennifer Ferguson, who owns Bricks and two other Longmont business es, has jumped wholeheartedly into the passport experience Her events start when the Winter Passport be comes available Nov. 12 with Taste the Bricks as food vendors giving samplings of their products. On Nov 13 for Second Saturday, her Miracle on 4th Street event closes the street in front of her shop for booths of more than 50 vendors selling their wares. “I started Bricks as a pop up store in the LDDA office and opened the store at 512 Fourth Ave. almost two years ago, ” she said “We’re a huge advocate of the Winter Passport event and on the first Saturday we’re setting up for businesses that have prod ucts in Bricks and other Colorado (locations) to sell their wares on the street. There are professionally made products such as wooden cutting boards, candles, and bath bombs along with food products and Longmont key chains and T shirts. Last year shoppers earned so many of the stickers!”

Jason Wetzel said Brown’s Shoe Fit has participated every year since Winter Passport started. “It’s a great community event,” he said “It promotes our businesses and sense of community and brings lots of people here shopping We’ve do nated gift certificates for the prize drawings every year and we love to have people in (the store) looking for stickers ”

Kayla Bliven, manager of Inspire Hair & Skin at 512 B Main Street, loves the Winter Passport to sup port local businesses. By collecting passport stickers at the salon, you might win one of the two gift cards for 90 minute facials that Inspire has donated During the week of Thanksgiving, Nov. 21 25, the salon will have 25 percent off Aveda products plus hair and skin care, hair color, cutting, styling, full spa services, facials, waxing and mas sage

SHOP SMALL

Nov. 26 is national Small Business Saturday, downtown’s biggest shop ping day of the year Argys said the all day affair includes roam

ing holiday characters, ice carving, carolers, and giveaways as a thank you to local shoppers. Brown’s Shoe Fit is also participating in Small Business Saturday, and Weitzel said it adds to the fun It’ll be Dan sko Day, as Weitzel is hosting the Dansko representative in the store. At the end of the day, there will be a drawing for a free pair of Dansko shoes, including women’s comfort footwear, clogs, active, fashion, and casual shoes

On Nov. 25 and 26, you can also spin a wheel at Inspire to win gift cards and products

ART FOR ALL

Longmont’s artists are getting into the holiday spirit, too. The Fire house Art Center is part of Small Business Saturday and expands that to include Artist Sunday on Nov 27 The gallery has maxed out its space with 13 booths open both days from 12 to 5 p.m.

Firehouse executive director Elaine Waterman, said, “This is obviously beneficial for the artist commu nity, the living artists working in

Artists of all media sell their work at the Firehouse Art Center on Artist Sunday (Courtesy Firehouse Art Center)

Longmont There is a wide range of people creating things, artisanal and craft and fine art. People can find such a wide range to purchase for friends and loved ones I think that going into art markets, you never know what you’re going to find You might have a friend who collects something in a really small niche and you find a gift for that friend that you would never have been able to find if you hadn’t gone into the art market We’re glad to be part of downtown’s program to support the arts, the culture, and the creators of Longmont ”

Also on the Small Business week end, the East Boulder County Artists (EBCA) has 35 artists participating at their Holiday Art Show and Sale from 10 a m to 5 p m Saturday and 10 a m to 4 p m on Sunday in the former LOCO Gastropub restaurant building at 380 Main Street.

A SMALL BUSINESS WEEKEND IN NIWOT

Niwot has four upcoming holiday events called Niwot Holiday Magic According to organizer Deborah

Read Fowler, Friday, Nov 25 is En chanted Evening when Santa arrives in a horse drawn sleigh at 6 p m followed by musical entertainment throughout Old Town and Cotton wood Square.

The annual holiday parade is the next day starting at 11 a m Partici pants march down Second Avenue from Murray Street to Niwot Road. When the parade finishes Santa will be in the Left Hand Grange until 1 p.m. to take children’s gift wish lists. Since that’s also Small Business Saturday, locally owned businesses will welcome shoppers with festive drinks and carolers all day

On Dec. 3 and 10, the Spark Per forming Arts Community will have progressive performances of The Nutcracker outside around town There will be a German Christmas market in Left Hand Grange and the Emporium from 10 a m to 4 p m In addition to festive magic, an old fashioned photographer will be doing wet plate photography

Santa will be at all four events and there will be treats such as chestnuts

and candy canes Niwot Business Association sponsors the events.

THINGS HAPPENING

Nov 12 Second Saturday in Long mont: the launch of the Winter Passport, holiday open houses at downtown businesses.

Nov 13 Sunday, local shop Bricks hosts Miracle on 4th Gift Market

Nov. 25 Longmont Holiday Tree Lighting: Civic Center Plaza, 350 Kimbark, Longmont.

5:30 6:30 p.m., crafts and activi ties

6:30 7 p m Plaza Lighting Cer emony.

Light up the Holidays in downtown Longmont with giveaway bags, holi day music, laser show, hot drinks and treats, craft activities, and santa!

Nov. 25 Niwot Tree Lighting starting at 6 p m

The “Holiday Magic” abounds in Niwot. (Courtesy Niwot Business Association)

Nov 26 Small Business Saturday: shop small businesses, roaming holiday characters, ice carving, carolers, giveaways as thank you to local shoppers.

Nov. 27 Artist Sunday: nation

wide effort to focus on local art for holiday gifts. Visit Firehouse Art Center, 677 4th Avenue, in Long mont

Dec 9 Longmont Lights: Roos evelt Park is lit up with thousands

of holiday festival lights 700 Longs Peak Ave. 5:30 8 p.m.

Dec 10 Jingle All the Way parade starts at , 5 p m at Longs Peak Av enue and Coffman Street.

Bricks in Longmont hosts Miracle on 4th, allowing artists to sell their work. (Courtesy Bricks)

Longmont Holiday Traditions 2022

BY PAM MOORE for LONGMONT MAGAZINE

Our traditions as family, friends and even community, in many ways, are what define our relationships Day to day traditions like sharing stories over the dinner table, or monthly movie nights enhance our lives, but

holiday traditions have a space all their own.

Longmont gives residents several opportunities throughout the season to add to

their collection of holiday traditions with annual community events Mu sic, twinkling lights, and of course visits with Santa, are all included.

The Longmont Tree LIghting, historically held at the 6th Avenue Plaza makes a move to the Library and Civic Center Plaza this year (Courtesy City of Longmont)

Holiday Tree Lighting

Longmont’s Holiday Tree Lighting event will return on Friday, Novem ber 25 from 5:30 to 7 p m , for the 12th consecutive year, according to marketing specialist Colin Argys

While the event will showcase the traditions the community looks forward to, including lighting of the tree, holiday themed music, cultural programming, craft activities, food and beverages, an appearance by Santa, and goodie bag giveaways, there will also be plenty of new traditions to embrace, says Argys

The biggest change for 2022 is the location. While it has previously been held in the 6th Avenue Plaza just west of the intersection of 6th and Main, this year, the event is moving to the Library and Civic Center Plaza at 350 Kimbark, on the west side of the Longmont

Library off of Kimbark St.

There will be new entertainment to look forward to, as well. “This year’s event will feature a holiday laser display, a DJ playing family friendly holiday music, a reading from a local author, craft activities, sweet treats, warm drinks, and Santa! We’ll also be lighting up 17 trees with holiday lights in the plaza area dur ing the event,” says Argys

For more details, visit downtown longmont.com/holidays

Niwot’s Enchanted Evening

Attendees of Niwot’s Enchanted Evening can expect an event steeped in tradition The celebra tion, held November 25, the Friday after Thanksgiving, from 6 to 9 p m , is now in its 20th year While it has always featured community, music, and lights, it now features more vendors and entertainment than ever before, says Linda Klue

ber, Niwot Business Association member and event co chair.

Per local tradition, the tree lighting takes place while the town waits for Santa to arrive in a horse drawn carriage to greet the children at the Grange, says Klueber. Guest can also enjoy music in various loca tions, including the songs of carol ers, quartets, harpists, banjo players and guitarists, she says Hayrides, carriage rides, and the chance to shop with local retailers and ven dors will also be available “People love the community’s comradery and the classiness of the entire event,” says Klueber

For more details, visit: Niwot com

Longmont Museum Holiday Show

Back again for the seventh year in a row, the Longmont Museum’s annual Holiday Show will delight guests of all ages. Hosted by Justin Veach, the manager of Stewart auditorium, the event will feature some of the best musicians and performers in the region, including the Boulder KlezmerConsort, The

Niwot’s Enchanted Evening is a magical tradition in Northern Colorado. (Courtesy Niwot Business Association)

& The Collective

The event takes place on Saturday, December 3, with two perfor mances scheduled for 3 and 7 p.m. at the museum, located at 400 Quail Road in Longmont. Ticket prices are $15 for museum members, $18 for students and seniors General admission is $20 Guests are encour aged to wear festive attire and to come early to sip on the Longmont Museum’s signature holiday cocktail or beverage of their choice at the cash bar

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit: longmontcolorado gov/Home/Components/Calen dar/Event/45739/2085

Longmont Lights

Held on December 9 and 10 at Roo sevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Ave , Longmont lights has something for everyone. Guests can take a casual stroll through the park to enjoy the sparkle of millions of holiday lights or put on skates and enjoy the ambiance while gliding through

the Longmont Ice Pavilion.

For more details, visit: longmon tcolorado gov/ departments/ departments n z/ recreation services/community events/longmont lights

Longmont Symphony The Nutcracker

On December 3 and 4, the Long mont Symphony presents its annual performance of The Nutcracker With the exception of 2020 due to COVID 19, the event has occurred every holiday season for over 25 years, according to Laurie Brook, Longmont Symphony’s executive director

Ticketholders can expect all the same holiday traditions they’ve come to know and expect over the years, says Brook. There’s no substitute for “the special joy and wonderment that the children ex perience with this magical produc tion Many of the children come all

dressed up for this Holiday event,” she says. But it’s not just the kids who create a festive atmosphere “The smiles and joyfulness we see in everyone is very special,” Brook notes.

The Longmont Symphony is also offering something new this year, a special performance known as a “Gentle” Nutcracker According to Brook, it is “specially designed for neurodiverse individuals, their fami lies, and caregivers. This is a unique opportunity for these individuals, so they too, can enjoy the magic of The Nutcracker ”

For more details, visit longmontsymphony org

Mestas Abbott Latin Jazz Quartet, and Hazel Miller

The Nutcracker performance with the Longmont Symphony (Courtesy Longmont Symphony)

5 Ways to Make Sure Your Car is ROAD TRIP READY

BY ADAM GOLDSTEIN for LONGMONT MAGAZINE

Travel is as essential a part of the holiday sea son as eggnog, carols and ugly sweaters

Traipsing off to the relatives’ house for the annual holiday dinner often means packing up into the car for that long road trip, a voyage that can carry its own perils in terms of road conditions, weather and wear/tear on an auto mobile While a journey via automobile may be the safest, most convenient and most affordable way to travel this holiday season, it’s essential to take some simple steps before heading off to make sure that your vehicle is up for the trip

We talked to Charles Patterson, owner of Steve’s Automotive in Longmont, about the most impor tant and, often, easiest measures to take to ensure that your car can get you to and from your holiday desti nation safely

Make sure you’re up to date on your oil change

Getting regular oil changes can add thousands of miles to your car While the traditional wisdom was to change the oil every 3,000 miles, fuel efficiency and technology in most modern cars has stretched that in terim out to anywhere from 7,500 to 10,000 miles Whatever the specific recommendation for your vehicle,

it’s critical to make sure to follow those guide lines regularly.

“Maintenance starts very simply, with oil changes,” Patterson said, citing the large amount of customers he sees who neglect this most basic step. “It’s a big fac tor If you keep up on your oil change, these cars will last substantial miles.”

Check your fluids “Winterizing” your car is critical step to withstanding the winter weather swings in Colo rado. By ensuring that all of your fluid levels are at the proper levels to last through the cold months, you’re upping your chances of making it through one of those long treks without any issues.

“When we winterize a vehicle, we check to make sure the coolant can last, that the windshield fluids and blades are good, and we complete all the other inspections,” Patterson said. “Important to make sure your coolant can last to 30 degrees or below; it’s important to check you power steering fluid levels ”

Basic maintenance starts with oil changes (Courtesy Steve’s Automotive)

Tires and brakes

Oil changes and fluid main tenance are important, but so are the parts of the vehicle that keep you moving on the road and that keep you stop ping Brakes and tires have to be maintained, and regular inspections are a key part of avoiding an emergency on the roadside “Make sure your treads are OK,” Pat terson said, “Make sure you get regular tire rotations and brake checks.”

Connections and power are key

Even with all the new fangled tech nology in modern vehicles, it’s still important to monitor the basic con nections that keep your headlights shining, your battery firing and even

your radio pumping those tunes It’s always worth getting an inspection to ensure that all of the wires are connected where they supposed to be, and to ensure that your current

battery can survive frigid tem peratures and long hauls

All-in-one approach

While all of these issues can be tackled piecemeal, or as the need arises, it’s much wiser to approach upkeep in a compre hensive way The crew at Steve’s Automotive prides themselves on an inspection designed to check on all of the fundamen tals outlined above, so that any driver planning on a holiday getaway needn’t worry about their oil, their tires, their brakes or their connections.

“We do a 30 point inspection. We go over everything to make sure it’s good It’s roughly $70,” Patterson said. “Customers can come in for an oil change, and we’ll go through that whole inspection ”

Tires with good tread are important to safety on the road. (Shutterstock)

Holiday Cocktails to Impress Your Guests

Winter Orange Whiskey Cocktail

Serves Four

• 1 cup fresh orange juice

• ¼ cup Grand Marnier liqueur

• ½ cup Spirit Hound Straight Malt Whiskey

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 large egg white

Combine orange juice, Grand Marnier, whiskey, vanilla, egg white and ice cubes in blender Blend until frothy

Divide among four glasses and garnish each glass with orange peel twist and serve.

Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned

Serves One

• 1/2 ounce pumpkin syrup

• 2 dashes orange bitters

• 1 orange wedge

• 2 ounces Breckenridge bourbon

• 1 splash club soda (optional)

Garnish: cinnamon stick

We all want to impress our guests with our holiday meals, but what about your cocktail game? Wyatt’s Wet Goods is here to help make you look like a professional.

Wyatt’s Wet Goods 1250 S. Hover St., Unit C, Longmont (303) 485-9463, wyattswetgoods.com

Add the pumpkin syrup, orange bitters and orange wedge into an Old Fashioned glass and muddle.

Add the bourbon, a large ice cube and a splash of club soda (optional), and stir gen tly with the cinnamon stick to combine.

Winter Orange Whiskey Cocktail

Longmont Holiday Traditions Add Fun to Giving Back

BY SHELLEY WIDHALM for LONGMONT MAGAZINE

When you think of the holidays, do you think of going for a run, danc ing at a fancy ball, touring homes in the neighborhood and bidding on Christmas trees?

If you’re familiar with Longmont’s holiday traditions, then you ’ ve likely heard of the Longmont Turkey Trot, Rotary Holiday Ball, TLC Christmas Tree Festival and the Gift of Home Tour Not only do these events offer fun things to do during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, they’re also a way to give back to your local community

Longmont Turkey Trot

The Longmont Turkey Trot 10K and 2 Mile Run/Walk, in its 47th year this year, is one of the fastest, most scenic courses in the area, landing nearly two weeks before Thanksgiv ing on Nov 12 Online registration closes Nov. 9 and in person registra tions Nov 11 and Nov 12 will carry a late entry fee.

“It’s so popular because it’s a 10K and 2 Mile so there’s something for everyone. People are just looking for the tradition of it every year,”

“Around that time of year people are looking to do stuff ”

Serious and amateur racers, plus those who just want to take a stroll, will meet at Altona Middle School, 4600 Clover Basin Drive The 10K course has a wheelchair division, and there’s a group rate for 15 or more racers. The race begins at Util ity Road behind the middle school with the 10K starting at 9 a m and the 2 Mile five minutes later

said Samantha Calhoon, recreation program coordinator for the city of Longmont

The Longmont Turkey Trot benefits the City of Longmont Youth Scholarship Fund. (Courtesy City of Longmont)

The 2 Mile awards will be present ed at 10 a.m. and the 10K awards at 11 a.m. for overall male and female winner; plus there will be winners in each of the age groups. The turkey mascot will be hold ing a golden ticket and wearing a top hat and bowtie to go with the theme, which this year is Willy Wonka

After the race, racers (the estimate is that there will be 2,000) and visitors can sample food, swag and other goodies at the Vendor Village set up at the middle school Racers also can partake in a com plimentary post race meal

Proceeds from the Turkey Trot will benefit the City of Longmont Youth Scholarship Fund, which provides $100 for youth to spend on recreation programming. For more details about the race, visit longmontcolorado.gov.

Rotary Holiday Ball

Once racers have done their run,

maybe they’ll want to dance at the festive Rotary Holiday Ball, a formal dance presented by the Longmont Twin Peaks Rotary the Saturday before Thanksgiving

The ball, started as a fundraiser in 1988, is 7 10 p m Nov 19 at the historic Dickens Opera House, 300 Main St.

“It’s a great, great time,” said Rich ard Schenker, past president of Twin Peaks Rotary and chairman of the organization committee for the ball “People get revved up for it It’s become a Longmont tradition.”

The ball will feature live music with dancing to WASH, Colo rado’s hottest party cover band, hors d’oevres, desserts and liba tions, plus a $1,000 cash holiday drawing

“They’re tremendously talented. They just rock,” Schenker said. “People show up They get a cocktail Boom the band starts at

7. They don’t sit down. They’re dancing all night long.”

The ball is a fundraiser for the Ro tary, which carries out the mantra of “service above self,” to raise funds for scholarships and local charities Since the event started, the Rotary has donated more than $250,000 to the scholarship fund and to nonprofits like OUR Center, The Inn Between of Longmont, Inc., A Woman’s Work Longmont, the Longmont Com munity Foundation, the YMCA and Golf Rules.

The event also serves as a way to thank supporters by throwing a party, while also kicking off the holidays

“Everything we do is about find ing and keeping friends,” Schenker said “Everything we’re doing is for the betterment of the commu nity to build friendships and help people less fortunate than us ”

The annual Rotary Holiday Ball helps support Rotary community assistance programs. (Courtesy Twin Peaks Rotary)

The Rotary has 250 tickets avail able for the ball, which cost $75 per person Tickets can be purchased at twinspeakrotary.org or ACE or from a member of the Rotary.

Christmas Tree Festival

After doing some running and dancing, bring in the Christmas season with TLC Learning Center’s Christmas Tree Festival.

The TLC Learning Center in Long mont started the Christmas Tree Festival in 1981 as the preschool’s largest fundraiser for educational and therapeutic services the

preschool is an inclusive school founded in 1956 Donors decorate themed Christmas trees that are raffled off in two ways an online format started during the CO VID 19 pandemic and an in person event at the Longmont Museum, where it’s been for the last several years.

The virtual event Nov 20 Dec 4 will feature 30 to 50 trees, while the in person event 10 a.m. 1 p.m. Dec. 11 will include more than 50 trees on display Themes range from tech to toys, experiences, board games and all ages, and the trees will be

decorated with ornaments, gifts and gift cards, valued at a minimum of $150.

“We decided to keep the virtual piece so more people can jump in,” said Amy French Troy, develop ment and communications manager for the TLC Learning Center and event coordinator of the TLC Christmas Tree Festival

Attendees can purchase raffle tick ets and drop them at the tree they want to “win ” Between announce ments of winners, there will be presentations about student success

TLC Learning Center’s Christmas tree festival is a holiday favorite that also benefits the center’s services. (Courtesy TLC Learning Center)

stories, school happenings and h l hi b fi great way to celebrate the holiday ” F h Troy said. “It’s people and a ter

Tickets go on sale Nov 7 and are $85, including admission to the Tree Festival, food from Jules Gourmet Catering, a complimenta ry beverage and a book of six raffle tickets. Winners will be announced Dec 11 Visit learningwithtlc org/ ctf for more details.

Gift of Home Tour

The Longmont Gift of Home Tour is a fundraiser benefitting Habitat for Humanity of the St Vrain Val ley in Longmont.

The tour, now in its 56th year, will be Dec 1 3 with a VIP opening night party 6 10 p.m. and opening night home tour 6 9 p m on Dec 1, followed by general admission home tours from 1 7 p m Dec 2 and 9 a.m. 3 p.m. Dec. 3.

Christmas Tree Festival guests are invited to bid on themed trees, virtually or in person.

(Courtesy TLC Learning Center)

The self guided tour will feature

four Longmont homes in differ ent neighborhoods that will be “dressed up” for the holidays by decorators and décor stores. At tendees can browse for holiday decorating ideas and to purchase

items for sale.

For more information, visit thegiftofhome.org.

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

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

The Gift of Home Tour supports Meals on Wheels while generating beautiful holiday decorating ideas. (Courtesy Gift of Home Tour)

H o w T h e s e

S m a l l B u s i n e s s e s C e l e b r a t e

HolidayTraditions

The holidays are a busy time in Longmont and the Front Range. Communities come closer as they find new ways to celebrate, and Longmont’s small business owners are creative and intentional about how they use their holiday time. From an elaborate dinner celebrating their employees to a joyful window display, here is how your favorite Longmont small busi nesses celebrate the holiday season.

BY EMMA CASTLEBERRY for LONGMONT MAGAZINE

The Flower Bin

The Flower Bin hosts an open house every year on Thanksgiving weekend. The popular event includes a visit from Santa and his elf, refreshments like holiday cookies and apple cider, and music by a harpist and dulcimer player This year’s harpist is Shelby Roberts, a student at CU Boulder, and Jeffrey Rogers, who has been playing dulcimer at this event for more than 20 years. This is also when The Flower Bin has a complete inventory of holiday green ery, including live and cut trees, garlands, and Flower Bin grown poinsettias

SNOW Apparel

A well loved holiday tradition at SNOW Apparel is Gentlemen’s Shopping Night, an event that first started in 2017 “On the last work evening for downtown businessmen, we offered a shot of whiskey with every gift card purchase,” says store owner Snow White. “Each year the celebration grew larger. Last year for our 5th anniversary men’s night, Dry Land Distillery provided a ‘proper’ tasting of their award winning whiskeys This year we’ll have more shot glasses!”

Don and Lee Weakland

Snow White

Barbed Wire Books

Customers and visitors alike look forward to the elaborate displays set up at Barbed Wire books involving their signature mannequin, Barb Dwyer. “Each year, our mannequins Barb Dwyer being one of them celebrate Christmas in our window with a vignette that sometimes shows the things that can go wrong at Christmas: Santa’s GPS’s failing right at an inopportune time, his wagon getting stuck in a snow drift, or he and Mrs Claus dream ing of a Caribbean vacation,” says Kathe Heinecken, owner of Barbed Wire Books. The store is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas) but passersby can view the displays anytime

Blue Agave

Alex Lepe, owner of Blue Agave Restaurant in Longmont, uses the holidays as an opportunity to celebrate his dedicated staff “We do a dinner for the employees,” he says “We close before Christmas only for one day and make them dinner.” The feast includes classics like pozole, tamales, and pork loin, as well as ponche navideño, a warm drink made with fruit and cinnamon sticks. “We do it to say thank you for their work for us and the way they help the business,” says Lepe.

Happy Hounds Dog Care Center

Holiday traditions look a little different at Happy Hounds Dog Day Care, because the holidays are one of the absolute busiest times for their staff “In this industry, we don’t take off for the holidays, really, “ says Happy Hounds owner Olivia Neill “We are here, making sure everyone’s dogs are safe while they travel Some years in the past, we have done a sort of “We Survived the Holidays” party where I take ev eryone out to lunch or breakfast We try to celebrate when the popular traveling season is over.”

As for Neill personally, she celebrates the season with anything holiday lights related, whether it’s Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo or the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, or Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanical Gar dens. She also makes a point to see The Nutcracker every year in Boulder

Olivia Neill

Kathe Heinecken

Alex Lepe

FEELING THE STRESS OF HIGH ENERGY BILLS? New programs help lower costs

(BPT) Soaring energy prices equate to rising energy bills for households nationwide. This is a burden in particular for low income people on a tight budget. No one should have to go without the energy necessary to heat and power their home, and now, thanks to numerous programs and incentives, there are more options to keep costs down for those that need it most

This fall, you can make a change for yourself and others on ENERGY STAR Day, an annual celebration of the benefits of energy efficiency, including saving energy, money and protect ing the planet. Consider these opportunities to make energy efficiency upgrades and help lower your energy bills and save money Learn about these and other ways to save energy and money at energystar.gov/SaveForGood.

Rebates and tax incentives

Through rebates and tax incentives, ENERGY STAR certified products like heat pump water heaters, clean heating and cool ing, and household appliances are becoming more affordable while enabling customers to save on their monthly energy bills. For example, ENERGY STAR certified heat pumps are eligible for a $300 federal income tax credit for residential en ergy efficiency, plus rebates and incentives from local utilities in many areas

Ultra-efficient upgrades

When upgrading heating and cooling elements of the home, look for options with superior efficiency. Heat pumps, for instance, are more efficient than furnaces or boilers and serve double duty with heating and cooling, making them usable year round Combine heat pumps with other high impact energy efficiency improvements for an ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade to achieve significant energy and cost savings while transitioning from fossil fuels to a cleaner, healthier, more comfortable home

Support from local utilities

Local utilities may offer energy efficiency upgrade support for low income customers When available, these programs typically include a home energy assessment accom panied by direct install of energy saving devices including ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats

Eligibility is usually based on house hold size and income in relation to a percentage threshold above the Federal verty Level or Area Medium Income (AMI). Depending on where you live, these programs may be working with state agencies who provide low income services more broadly.

Weatherization assistance programs

Each U S state offers a Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) available for households that qualify (such as those that already qualify for Supplemental Security Income, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, and other income eligibil ity criteria). This program includes a home energy assessment and help with weatherization upgrades, like attic insultation, and fixing or replacing old water heaters.

Low-income assistance programs

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LI HEAP) offers help with home repairs and upgrades based on household size and income For example, a four person household with an annual income of $39,750 would qualify for LIHEAP and could get a replacement for a broken heating and cooling system through this program

The typical household spends nearly $1,900 a year on energy bills. With ENERGY STAR appliances, you can save 24% or about $450 in household energy costs while helping prevent climate change. Those savings are on top of assistance pro grams, rebates and tax incentives that help keep every home comfortable while staying on budget Learn more at energys tar gov/SaveForGood

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING

December 26, 2022-January 7, 2023

After you ’ ve removed all decorations and lights from your tree, drop it off to be recycled into mulch or turned into fish habitat Drop off locations:

Roosevelt Park 8th Ave. and Pratt St.

Garden Acres Park 18th Ave and Tulip St

Kanemoto Park S. Pratt Pkwy. and S. Coffman St. Centennial Park Alpine St and Verdant Circle

Waste Diversion Center 140 Martin St., Longmont

HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER RECYCLING

You CAN place paper wrapping paper in your curbside recycle container. There are still a few things that are not allowed, such as: metallic wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, ornaments, tissue paper, fluorescent or dark paper or pa per covered in tape The Waste Diversion Center will also have three designated bins for cardboard.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS RECYCLING

November 27, 2022 January 9, 2023

Have you recently upgraded your holiday lights or have some strands simply stopped working? Don’t throw them away, wrap each string into a ball and drop them off at the Waste Diversion Center in a specially designated bin to recycle your light strands

BLOCK STYROFOAM® MATERIAL RECYCLING

Check the white foam packing around all of those elec tronics and toys and bring any white foam block only(no foam sheets, foam wrapping, foam peanuts, food grade foams or other plastic materials) to the Waste Diversion Center, year round. Please stop at the attendant’s window for directions to the special collection bin and don’t forget to bring a current city utility bill and ID indicating you are a city resident

View the full Holiday Recycling Guide and find more information at longmontcolorado gov/departments/ departments n z/trash and recycling/special services events/holiday recycling

FOOD Feeding Those in Need on THANKSGIVING

Non-profits with Open Doors

Visions of Thank dance around in o of year. Dinner ta festive form com dinnerware, wine candle sticks Enti arranged not far f turkey trimmings cornbread stuffing hungry guests star plating up helping of cranberry mashed potato It’s no surprise Thanksgiving ranks as the No. 1 favorite holiday in America, ac cording to trend reports like those on statista.com.

Holiday tradi tions are all about spending time wit friends and family and reconnecting tastebuds with all scrumptious food savored one that o cial day. Foods ma of love and time t passed down thro

BY ELISE OBERLIESEN for LONGMONT MAGAZINE

It all sounds so idyllic and festive Unless it’s another cold night with nowhere to go on one of the most cherished holidays. Thankfully, ofits in Long fray to help less oy the simple hot meal during to Hope for mont and Out United Re ce Center (OUR nter) for provid g Thanksgiving meals to anyone n Longmont experiencing homeless ness and food scarcity. Both organizations need donations and volunteers nterested in erving up food nd smiles during e holiday season.

Where to Find urkey Dinners

or Longmont Thanksgiving essiah Lutheran 5:30 to 7 p.m. Day, said Alice

Sueltenfuss, executive director.

“People can have a sit down meal and we will start serving at 6 p m If the temperature is below 32 degrees that night, people will have a chance to receive emergency shelter.”

She expects the staff and volun teers to serve about 60 people on Thanksgiving Day. Staff will also serve Thanksgiving leftovers the fol lowing day Sueltenfuss encourages anyone to stop in on Friday in case they missed Thanksgiving dinner or want to nibble on yummy holiday leftovers

Where: Thanksgiving meals will be served at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1335 Francis Street in Longmont

Where to Find Thanksgiving Lunch

Spread the word that OUR Center is another place to find Thanksgiv ing meals And it’s available to any

one who stops in. There’s no need to sign up or register, said Elaine Klotz, development director, with Outreach United Resource (OUR) Center, in Longmont.

“On Thanksgiving, OUR Center will be providing a lunch just like we do 365 days a year, from 11:30 a m to 1 p.m.”

“The difference on Thanksgiv ing we want to serve anyone in the community that wants a meal It’s free and open to anyone in the community.”

In past years, Klotz said they’ve had turnouts upwards of 200 people More recently, they’ve had a dip in numbers likely from the pandemic, she said OUR Center will follow any

“The difference on Thanksgiving— we want to serve anyone in the community that wants a meal.

Elaine Klotz Development Director OUR Center

Boulder County health guidelines related to COVID, she added.

Outside of holiday hours, OUR Center serves breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday, Klotz said Staff also serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., seven days per week, through a registration process However, on Thanksgiv ing, she said it’s open to anyone and registration is not required.

OUR Center also distributes dog and cat food on site every third Tuesday of the month, between 9 and 11 a m The service is provided through a partnership with Colo rado Pet Pantry, Klotz said

Where: Thanksgiving meals will be served at OUR Center, 220 Collyer St , in Longmont

TWO WAYS TO VOLUNTEER

Interested in volunteering at Hope for Longmont? Call Andy Schwartz, volunteer manager at (720) 494-4673 extension 104. The organization needs volunteers in their Soup Angels program and to serve food during the holiday season. Blanket donations and men’s jeans, sizes 30 to 34 are much needed items.

OUR Center needs volunteers in the Café to help prepare meals, serve food, and chip in for cleanup duty Volunteers can also help in the Market, which functions like a grocery store with food and toiletries. Or donate clothing items like new socks and underwear, all ages. Plus male and female teen clothing. Visit OUR Center online or call (303) 7725529.

SAW IT, WANTED IT

Gift Cards reign supreme for everything from that hard to shop for person to reserves for last minute holiday guests. Many local retailers, restaurants and services offer cards or certificates to please even the pickiest person while still keeping your dollar in the community. Here are just a few ideas for the gift-giving season.

SNOW Apparel

Choosing clothes and accessories, even for someone you know well, can be daunting Why not let them do their own shopping at a beau tifully curated boutique? The focus at SNOW Apparel is on made in America, Fair Trade and organic products, which is better for everyone! (520 Main St Unit B1, Longmont, (303) 434 8566, snowapparel.us)

Brown’s Shoe Fit

One can never have too many pairs of shoes especially here in Colorado Weather changes on a dime, every activ ity has its own specialized footwear, and fuzzy slippers are oh so nice when the weather dips below freezing A gift card will get your recipient the pair that they actually need and want (373 Main St , Longmont, (303) 776 2920, stores.brownssho efitcompany com/longmont)

Presser Foot

If you don’t sew, you probably have no idea what your favorite stitcher wants, but Presser Foot does From top notch machines, to fabrics or even classes, Presser Foot gift cards cover everything they could possibly need (2430 Main Street, Longmont, (303) 485 6681, thepresserfoot.com)

Downtown Gift Card

We all have at least one impossible to buy for person on our gift list. You could make some meaningless trinket purchase OR you could support your community and give them something they’ll appreciate with a Downtown Gift Card. With more than 70 participating Downtown businesses, they’ll have their choice of ways to spend it, from dining to shopping, or even spa and salon services. Avail able at downtownlongmont com/visit/gift card

The Mountain Fountain

Move over Omaha Steaks, this year Longmont chefs dream of locally sourced meat from the Mountain Fountain. Why give them frozen boxes when you can give them a gift card and they can pick their own fresh whenever they’re ready, along with many other Colorado products. (11809 N. 75th Street, Longmont, (720) 487 2571, themountainfountain.com)

Eagle Heart Wisdom Healing

It’s been a tough couple of years for many of us, Katy Rose offers gentle healing sessions and gift certificates help you give someone the deeply personal gift of peace of mind. (2204 18th Avenue, Suite 227,Longmont, (720) 667 7928, eagleheart life)

4 ways to protect your HOLIDAY PACKAGES

(BPT) A recent survey conducted by Chamberlain Group found that 69% of homeowners worry about their package deliveries going missing during the holidays, adding to the stress they feel this time of year. Adding to the already hectic holiday season, the survey also found that 74% of homeowners take extra measures to ensure they are home when their packages arrive, including canceling plans/staying home from work to wait for the package Fol lowing are four ways to protect your holiday packages without having to worry about reorganizing your day:

Get deliveries inside your garage

From getting neighbors to grab packages to exploding glitter bombs, homeowners are not short on ideas for how to keep porch pirates at bay However, if you really want to get serious about protecting your pack ages, you’ll want a smart garage door opener. Smart garage door openers by LiftMaster and Chamberlain in clude myQ smart garage technology that works with some of the nation’s largest retailers, like Amazon Key and Walmart+ InHome, for a convenient, secure in garage delivery experience With in garage delivery, you don’t have to worry about packages going

missing or groceries being left out in the rain Packages and groceries are securely delivered to the garage where they stay until you are free to get them, whether you’re home or away.

You might already have a myQ smart garage door opener and not know it. Look up at your opener to see if there is a myQ logo and a Wi Fi logo, or if it says “powered by myQ” on your garage opener Then download the myQ app and link to Amazon Key or Walmart+ InHome in app

If you don’t have one, you can easily add myQ to your existing garage door opener with a myQ Smart Ga rage Control device.

Request a signature

If you are ordering expensive items online, it’s smart to require a sig nature for delivery Requesting a signature ensures that your online purchases are never left unattended

If you’re not at home, the mail car rier will typically leave a note with op tions for rescheduling the delivery or picking up the package in person

Do the neighborly thing

Work with neighbors and friends to look after each other’s packages. If a neighbor is home when you are expecting a delivery, ask permission to have packages sent to their address or have them hold deliveries that come to your front door Don’t forget to treat them to some holiday cookies as a thank you

Put your packages on hold if you’re traveling for the holidays

If you’re traveling this holiday sea son, check to see if your mail carrier or delivery service offers a temporary hold on eligible packages. Placing a hold on deliveries ensures the pack ages are kept in a secure location until you can retrieve them and can be a convenient way to ensure pack ages don’t pile up on the porch while you’re away When you return from your travels, you can pick up your packages or have them delivered to your home depending on the service.

Give yourself the gift of peace of mind by trying out some of these package delivery tips and spend more time enjoying the moments that mat ter

Chamberlain Group, Inc. commissioned a 10 minute, online quantitative survey among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 U S adults ages 18+ who own a house with a garage The survey was fielded in July 2022

CALENDAR

Local holiday entertainment is as much a part of the season as baking cookies and wrapping presents. Events have finally returned in their full versions with all the holiday spirit they can muster. Music and dance, art and philanthropy, it’s all happening to make your holidays com plete. Make your plans and get your tickets early so you don’t miss a thing!

LONGMONT COMMUNITY CROCHET GUILD

First Wednesdays, 6 to 9 p.m.; Firehouse Art Center, 667 4th Ave., Longmont

The Longmont Community Crochet Guild holds free monthly meetings in Longmont All skill levels are welcome. Meetings typically include learning new crochet skills and techniques, sharing inspiration, helping beginners, and crocheting for charity For more information, find them on Facebook and Instagram

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE

November 1- 25; Left Hand Tasting Room, 1265 Boston Ave., Longmont

Benefitting OUR Center Bring in a non perishable item and receive $1 off your first pint every time you visit the Left Hand Brewing tasting room between now and Thanksgiving. All donations will go to OUR Center to help further their mission of “paving the road to self sufficiency”.

lefthandbrewing.com/event/canned food drive supporting the our center

VETERAN’S DAY PARADE

November 11, 11 a.m.;

Downtown Longmont

See Longmont’s annual Veterans Parade in recognition of all veterans. Entries will display military organizations, color guards, military vehicles, classic cars and more! Presented by: American Legion Post 32.

VETERAN’S DAY DINNER

November 11, 5 p.m.; Copper Sky Distillery, 110 Emery St., Suite C Longmont

As a thank you to local veterans for their service, veteran owned Copper Sky Distillery presents catered event starting at 5 p.m. until the food is gone High Country Bank will be sponsoring food from Urban Field

47TH ANNUAL LONGMONT TURKEY TROT 10K OR 2M

November 12, 9 a.m.; Altona Middle School, 4600 Clover Basin Dr , Longmont Benefitting City of Longmont Recreation Ser vices Youth Scholarship Fund

Runners, walkers, spectators, and volunteers will gobble up one of the most scenic, 10k or 2 mile courses around! Fees are $20 22 for the 2 mile course and $22 26 for the 10K course with funds going to support the Recreation Services Youth Scholarships There are early registration options online and to register on the day of the event, you must be in line by 8:15 a m and a $5 late fee will be applied Race t shirts are only guaranteed for pre registered entrants. Races will be held regardless of weather and refunds are not available longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments n z/ recreation services/community events/turkey trot

TLC CHRISTMAS TREE

FESTIVAL

Virtual event: November 20- December 4

In-person event: December 11, 10 a.m. -1 p.m. Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Road, Longmont Benefitting TLC Learning Center early childhood education center for infants, toddlers, and preschool children

TLC Learning Center’s Christmas Tree Festival is back with some thing for everyone! Purchase raffle tickets online during the Virtual Event Nov. 20 Dec. 4 and find out if you’re a winner on Dec. 11. You can also attend the live event for friends, fun, and oodles of those fabulous trees!

Both events will feature dozens of themed trees Each tree and its items are valued at a minimum of $150 These raffles are independent of each other, and there will be dif ferent trees for each, so feel free to participate in both! learningwithtlc org

SUGAR

PLUM TEA PARTY

November 26-27, 1 and 4 p.m.; Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Xilinx Summit Retreat Center 3100 Logic Dr., Longmont

The Sugar Plum Fairy warmly invites you to CSB’s 10th Annual Sugar Plum Tea Party Experience a magical afternoon tea service including: an assortment of teas and finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets, musical ac companiment during tea concluding with a Mini Nutcracker performance and photo opportunities with characters from the show Tickets for this holiday favorite don’t last long so get yours today! centennialstateballet org

ART & SIP: BLOCK

PRINT HOLIDAY CARDS

November 17, 6:30-9 p.m.; Lognmont Museum 400 Quail Rd., Longmont

Grab a drink and get creative with these Thursday Night classes for adults Beer, wine, and snacks will be available for purchase in the Atrium Bar These classes are designed to guide beginners as well as bring new skills to experienced artists and crafters. Get a jumpstart on your holiday preparation in this linocut block printing class Design and print

SANTA STORY TIME

December 10, 10 a.m.;

Longmont Museum,400 Quail Road, Longmont

Celebrate the holidays at a story time and brunch with Santa Enjoy cookies and cocoa and happy holiday cheer as Santa shares his stories with your whole family. Make sure to have your holiday wish list handy and, parents, bring a camera!

This special event is designed for children accompanied by an adult. (Tickets required for anyone age two and older ) This event sells out, so get your tickets early Visit longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments e m/museum/events performances/holiday events for information and tickets

UNITED IN CHANGE’S HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE

December 17, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.; 700 9th Ave., Longmont

United In Change will be collecting toys for families in need and donations for their non profit. All toys collected will be given to families spending the holidays in the hospital with their little ones. It will be a $10 donation or a $10 toy to enjoy all the awesome festivities There will be games, crafts, vendors, live music, and a special visit from the big man himself Santa Claus! unitedinchange.org

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY

December 17, 10 a.m.; Mountain View Cemetery, 620 11th Ave, Longmont

Wreaths Across America will remember and honor our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud. Visit wreathsacrossamerica org/COMVCL to sponsor or volunteer.

HANDCRAFTED HOLIDAY MARKET

December 10-11, 10 a.m. 5 p.m.

Boulder County Fairgrounds

9595 Nelson Rd., Longmont

This year the market will host more than 30 local vendors at the fairgrounds, giving shop pers the opportunity to find that perfect unique gift while supporting local artisans Offering everything from jewelry, bath and body prod ucts, pottery, glassware, and home décor to fine art and photography, you won’t leave empty handed

longmontartisanmarket.com/ for more information.

THE NUTCRACKER

In-person and live-stream:

December 17, 2 p.m and December 18, 1 p.m. Niwot High School, 8989 Niwot Road, Niwot

The classic holiday tale of Clara and her prince as they travel to the land of sweets comes to life on stage Guests are invited to attend in person or purchase live stream tick ets for a link to view the performance from home. centennialstateballet org