MyWindsor Magazine - March 2023

announces roster additions fights for his right to keep his lawn commode

DIRECTOR OF THE CLEARVIEW LIBRARY DISTRICT

OnTheCover

Kling

This month MyWindsor pays tribute to valuable local resource the library From book clubs and storytimes to craft programs and pub trivia, the Windsor-Severance Library is working to offer fun free events for adults, teens and children of all ages

Managing Editor Tamara Markard

Graphic Designer Layne Petersen

Marketing Features Coordinator Greg Stone

Contributing Writers And Photographers Anne Delaney, Jadyn Watson-Fisher

MYWINDSOR MAGAZINE PO Box 337228, Greeley, CO 80633-7228

www.GreeleyTribune.com/Special-Sections

For all editorial, advertising and circulation inquiries, call 970.352.0211. Send editorial-related comments and story ideas to: tmarkard@greeleytribune com

For advertising inquiries contact Advertising at Advertising@GreeleyTribune com.

Published by Prairie Mountain Media, publisher of The Greeley Tribune

Proudly Serving Weld County!

I called McCreery and Sun for an estimate on a new furnace for my home. When Scott Butterworth came into my home, he was very friendly, professional, super knowledgeable, and most importantly honest. While he was looking at my furnace, he noticed a few things that needed some attention. Rather than getting an estimate for a new unit I was given some valuable information on how to keep my current unit running properly Thank you, Scott, I greatly appreciate your honestly, time, attention to detail and excellent conversation.

- Lynette Nava

DIRECTOR OF THE CLEARVIEW LIBRARY DISTRICT

HOMETOWN HEROES

Our next Hometown Hero is Christy Olson of the Clearview Library District, who works as a Mobile Services Assistant.

BIZ411

Axis Garage Doors owner Dustin Roth keeps overhead low, so he is able to charge less than other garage door companies, and can charge up to $30 less

FEATURE STORY

Ann Kling and the library district oversee the Windsor-Severance Library, and they haven’t shushed people in ages

TREAT YOURSELF TO WELLNESS

Whether printed or digital, the power of words remains as strong as it’s ever been.

FACES OF THE FUTURE

Windsor student Oliver Knowles makes a name for himself in robotics and academics

WINDSOR'S MAGICAL FOREST

The event allows adults, teens and children to exercise their creative muscles through building various structures using old donated Christmas trees.

COOKBOOKS

Cookbooks at the library give the opportunity to try before you buy

NOTES FROM TOWN HALL

Check out the events happening at the Windsor Town Hall in the near future.

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Check out things happening at Windsor High School and Severance Middle School.

SAVE THE COMMODE

A RainDance resident fights to keep his comical,yet controversial, lawn decoration.

SPORTS

Future Legends signs restaurant deal with Rolling Smoke Barbecue.

SPORTS

Northern Colorado Hailstorm announce roster additions, preseason matches.

CALENDAR

Catch Spring fever by getting out and about in Windsor at these fun events.

FINAL THOUGHT

An Irish blessing.

Christy Olson of the Clearview Library District is our next Hometown Hero

Hello and welcome to another edition of MyWindsor magazine!

First off, I want to thank the community of Windsor for the feedback and suggestions that I have received for story ideas as well as names of businesses, community members and students that would be great candidates for the Biz411, Hometown Heroes and Faces of the Future pieces. I appreciate each and every email and phone call that I have received

Over these past few months working on the magazine, I have truly enjoyed getting to know the people and community of Windsor. Your admiration for your community has fueled my passion and excitement for the MyWindsor magazine, pushing me to strive to make it more informative, educational and engaging for all readers So again, feel free to reach out to me either by email or phone with your suggestions, ideas, comments, concerns or just to say “hey ”

This month we have another packed issue that focuses on an amazing resource in the community: the Windsor-Severance Library

In this edition, MyWindsor chats with Ann Kling, director of the Clearview Library District, to talk about what local libraries bring to communities and how they benefit all ages as well as what renovations and expansions are in store for the library district and community

We also have an update on the Colorado Hailstorm roster and a partnership between Future Legends and Rolling Smoke Barbecue

You can also read about a RainDance resident’s fight with his HOA to keep a comical, and somewhat controversial, lawn decoration in tack along with our regular features such as the community calendar, Hometown Heroes, Biz411 and more

Again, thank you for your support of the MyWindsor magazine.

Have a wonderful March,

Tamara Markard Managing Editor

CLEARVIEW LIBRARY DISTRICT’S MOBILE SERVICES ASSISTANT

CHRISTY OLSON

In her role as a mobile services assistant, Olson works with the library’s bookmobile, providing outreach programs and taking the library out to the community

BY TAMARA MARKARD

Whether it’s a teacher who inspires students to be their best, a kid who shovels the driveway for their elderly neighbors or a company that donates services, time and products to the community, there’s no shortage of local heroes in our community.

MyWindsor’ s Hometown Hero feature is a way to recognize and thank the people and companies who strive to make our community better through their time, talents, generosity and kindness.

Do you know a person, business or organization that would make a great story for the Hometown Hero feature? Then send their

name and contact information to Tamara Markard at tmarkard@ greeleytribune.com.

Staying in line with this month’s theme honoring the Clearview Library District, Hometown Heroes is highlighting Mobile Services Assistant Christy Olson

Olson has worked for the Clearview Library District for over six years, first as a part-time employee and most recently signing on as a full-time staff member at the Windsor-Severance Library

“I was so surprised to be chosen for this because there’s so many people that work here who are dedicated and creative,” Olson said, laughing.

“I provide preschool story times at the schools and I do after school neighborhood stops with the bookmobile And we go to neighborhood parks in the evenings,” Olson explained. “I feel like I have one of the coolest jobs out there ”

If you’ve never visited the bookmobile, it’s basically a library on wheels with books for all ages, games, movies, music CDs and more. You can also get a library card while visiting Olson and the bookmobile.

“So we have a little bit of everything that the library offers, only in a smaller capacity. We have a teen area and a craft area,” she said. “Plus, people can request things be put on the bookmobile in the event they

Mobile Services Assistant Christy Olson can often be seen behind the wheel of the Windsor-Severance Library's bookmobile (Courtesy/ Christine Henschler)

THE SAYING “NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES” IS SO TRUE WHEN IT COMES TO PEOPLE WHO CONTRIBUTE AND GIVE BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITY.

can’t make it over to the library. They will request it and we will take it to their stop.”

A new feature to the bookmobile is the addition of public Wi-Fi Folks needing to check an email or surf the internet can come out to one of the bookmobile’s scheduled stops, log in to the Wi-Fi and do what they need to do.

As the mobile services assistant, Olson is also in charge of driving the bookmobile to its scheduled stops. Since the bookmobile is a revamped school bus and allows only the driver and one passenger to ride in it, drivers of the bookmobile don’t need a special commercial driver’s license to man the bus.

“I love it! I’ve always liked to drive so I find it really fun,” Olson said. “It’s not as hard to drive as people think it would be.I feel like a celebrity, waving to people everywhere I go. I get to drive it in parades sometimes, so that really fun.

Inside the library, Olson heads two virtual book clubs as well as the in-person Babies with Books and Storytime with American Sign Language programs

“About five years ago the library allowed me to start taking classes for ASL.Teachers use ASL a lot for many reasons and it’s a really valuable tool,” Olson said. “From there I’ve taken it further and further. Learning it was harder than I expected. It’s a visual language and it’s subject based. But I really enjoy it.”

For Olson, being part of the library is more than just driving around a bus full of books. Libraries are a vital part of the community

“The value of libraries to the community and how important they are, I just wanted to be a part of that and ensure that they stay strong,” Olson said. “Libraries just do so much. The bookmobile now goes to the 55 plus apartments It’s so important for them to have that connection and I really enjoy

stopping there.”

Despite the rise in popularity of electronic and digital books, libraries continue to draw community members of all ages through the doors.

“There’s been a lot of studies that show people still like to have that book in their hand. Library users are still really wanting printed materials,” Olson commented.

Olson got into the library business after returning to the workforce after her children started to get older.

“I’ve always loved libraries and I had an opportunity to do something that I love,” Olson said. “As soon as it popped into my head, I wanted to work in public libraries.”

Before coming aboard the Windsor-Severance Library staff, Olson volunteered at her children’s school library and worked with the High Plains Library District for three years in Greeley.

“Then this job was posted and within two weeks I was like ‘here I am!’ I never thought I would be in outreach; I always imagined working inside the library,” Olson said. “It’s so cool how it worked out because my job changes all of the time and it’s really fun I get to explore and learn new things.”

Moms assist as children browse through the Bookmobile's supply of books. (Courtesy/Clearview Library District)

“I PROVIDE PRESCHOOL STORY TIMES AT THE SCHOOLS, AND I DO AFTERSCHOOL NEIGHBORHOOD STOPS WITH THE BOOKMOBILE. AND WE GO TO PARKS IN THE EVENINGS.

I FEEL LIKE I HAVE ONE OF THE COOLEST JOBS OUT THERE.”

Biz411 | TOP-NOTCH CUSTOMER SERVICE

Each month MyWindsor highlights a local business to share what services and products it offers the community.

From plumbers to pet shops and breweries to hardware stores, and everything in between, every business plays a part in the success of a community.

Do you know of a business that would be a great candidate for the Biz 411 feature?

Then send the name of the business and any contact information to Tamara Markard at tmarkard@ greeleytribune.com.

omeownership can be sweet, that is until something unexpected happens and you are cracking open your checkbook to pay for repairs

In addition to the financial strain, finding a reputable, honest and experienced company to do the repairs can also add stress to the situation

When it comes to repairing or replacing a garage door, both finances and finding the right company go hand in hand

A broken garage door can be more of just an eyesore, it can threaten the security of a home, said Dustin Roth, owner of Axis Garage Doors out of Severance.

While he’s been contemplating starting his own business for a while, Roth officially kicked off Axis Garage Doors on Jan 1, 2023

“I knew I had motivation and I knew I had a good work ethic,” Roth said “I already had a lot of the tools and I have been around the garage door business for a long time.”

The company ’ s name and the bright orange “A” are nods to his passion for hunting.

“I’ve never shot an Axis deer, but I want to. They are an invasive exotic species in Texas and they’re all over Hawaii,” Roth explained

BY TAMARA MARKARD

“I really enjoy hunting and that’s my passion. Hunting is what saved me from getting into trouble It’s important to me so I bring it with me everywhere.”

With little overhead, Roth is able to charge less than many larger garage door companies. He will also match competitors’ prices and beat it by $30

Some of the most common repairs Roth encounters when it comes to garage doors are sticky tracks and rollers, broken springs and/or cables, and garage door openers that need adjustments or reprogramming.

“I haven’t had any issues getting parts It seems like it’s been on the up and up coming back from COVID,” Roth said.

Of course, there are times when the entire garage door needs to be replaced due to damage from hail, wind or a new or distracted driver who forgets to hit the garage door button before backing up.

“That’s a pretty common thing,” Roth said, chuckling.

For customers that

need a total door replacement, Axis can take care of the installation including removing the damaged door, prepping the area, installing new tracks and rollers, setting springs and cables and connecting everything up to an electric garage door opener if applicable.

If you need to replace a broken door or are looking to upgrade to add more curb appeal to your property, Axis offers a variety of door styles, handles and hinges and window options as well as insulated and non-insulated door options.

And if you ’ re looking for a unique color not commonly offered, Axis has you covered. They can paint your door whatever color you are aiming for, from Coral Bells to Tantalizing Teal and everything in between

Whether your garage door needs repairs or you’re looking for a new garage door altogether, Severance’s Axis Garage Doors can help. (Credit/ Shutterstock)

Axis Garage Doors, owned by Dustin Roth, offers repairs, installations and custom orders for customers in Windsor and around northern Colorado. (Courtesy/Dustin Roth, Axis Garage Doors)

In addition to providing repairs, installations and custom garage door designs to people in the communities of Windsor and northern Colorado, Roth is focused on providing top-notch customer service.

“I always ask my customers if there is anything at all that they are unhappy with before I leave, that way I can fix it right away I want to make sure they are happy with my work,” Roth said. “I am very quality and safety focused.”

Part of his customer service mission is to give customers all of their options for repairs and/or replacements without any pushy sales tactics

“A customer may not have an insulated garage door and that might be a benefit to them, but if that’s not in their budget, I totally understand,” Roth said. “I will give them a recommendation, but I am not here to push anything I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I suckered someone into something they didn’t need that’s really big with me ” Roth also wants to be the kind of

employer where employees are valued for their work and contribution to the company.

“I started at the bottom I was a high school drop out because high school wasn’t for me. So I left there and I worked my way up from laborer to foreman with LPR Construction,” Roth explained. “They helped me get my GED and really cared about me and made me feel like part of the family. That’s where I learned a lot about owning a business ”

Paying employees a livable wage, encouraging growth of their skills and mentoring them are just a few of the things Roth is striving for as a future employer.

“I want to get the best of the best so that I can have really good quality, safety and customer service type people who have respect for me and my name, ” Roth said “It’s one of the greatest things where someone is willing to help you and take you under their wing I want to do that for others ”

LEADING LOCAL LIBRARIES

Ann

CLEARVIEW LIBRARY

DISTRICT DIRECTOR FOR

From housing scrolls and books made of delicate parchment paper to cabinets filled with Dewey Decimal cards and microfiche slides to laserdiscs and CDs, and now e-books and computers offering access to unlimited information, community libraries have come a long way.

Also gone are the oldschool librarians who stoically stood guard behind

the counter, shushing and shaming patrons for talking or making any noise in the eerily quiet building.

And instead of the ominous silence, local libraries are filled with children laughing and singing, teens socializing with their peers and adults gathering to talk about more than just the latest number one read on the New York Times Best Sellers list.

“We haven’t shushed people in ages,” quipped Ann Kling, director of the Clearview Library District. Kling and the library district oversee the Windsor-Severance Library, located at 720 Third St. in Windsor.

Throughout the years, local libraries have transitioned from just buildings with books to places where every patron who walks through the door has an equal opportunity to learn and expand their knowledge and skills.

“When I started, technology and the internet didn’t exist, everything was books. But libraries keep morphing,” Kling said. “Libraries level the playing field so that if there is a

The Clearview Library District’s bookmobile brings the library out to the community through stops at parks, schools and residential communities (Courtesy/ Clearview Library District)

Ann Kling, director of the Clearview Library District. (Tamara Markard/Staff Reporter)

family who doesn’t have means, they still have access to the same things that the kids who go out and buy these things have access to.”

The Windsor-Severance Library is a safe space for all, Kling added. No one is criticized or kicked out.

“Libraries are still one of the few places left that are open to everybody When you come through the door, it’s paid by your tax dollars,” Kling said.

Libraries have also become places where people can meet and make friends.

Through its programs like Babies and Books, Family Bingo, book clubs, trivia events and classes and groups for teens, the Windsor-Severance Library offers opportunities for all ages of community members to make connections and socialize.

“You can be in storytime with your child and there’s another mom your age, so you make a connection. Or you’re a person who is a senior citizen who just moved here and want to make new friends so you come to a program,” Kling said. “It’s that connection that libraries are all about.”

Kling joined the Clearview Library District in November 2011 after moving from Buffalo, N.Y to be closer to her kids and grandkids who live in the Denver area.

“It’s a story that happens a lot, especially in Colorado. My son came here to go to graduate school and he met his wife. He told me ‘Mom, I’m not coming back.’ And his sister got a job at Six Flags in Denver and she and her boyfriend moved out here,” Kling said. “So I was back there by myself and I thought, ‘what am I doing here?’ Especially when my son and his wife had my first grandchild.”

While Kling had no problem finding open library jobs, many were located in mountain towns where real estate and rent prices were extremely high.

“I went to an interview in Basalt and it was great They had already broken ground for a new library and the staff was amazing,” Kling explained. “But then I started driving around to see what real estate looked like and a little tiny ranch house was around $750,000 and a trailer in a

trailer park was $250,000 and that was in 2010.”

After withdrawing her name from the applicant pool, Kling looked into a library job in Boulder. Again, the cost of living exceeded what she would make on a library director’s salary

“They warned you up front; you won’t be able to live in Boulder,” Kling said. “They said I’d have to live in one of the ‘L towns’ Lyons, Loveland, Longmont— and drive in everyday.”

It wasn’t until she was at a conference that a recruiter gave Kling a heads up on a job opening

The Windsor-Severance Library offers a variety of programs for adults, teens and children of all ages (Greeley Tribune file photo)

at the Windsor-Severance Library.

Kling was familiar with Fort Collins, but never heard of Windsor. Despite being discouraged, Kling looked into the housing market in the area, researched the community and submitted her application for the position. After a second interview, Kling was offered the job and accepted immediately.

“It’s only a little over an hour away from Denver where my kids are. It’s a great library, it’s a great community and this is a nice place,” she said.

As the community continues to grow, Kling is working to provide additional library resources to the town. However, finding funding to grow and expand the library district’s resources is a bit trickier than finding funding to

support fire and police departments and schools.

“If you talk to the fire chief and the school superintendent, we have the same issue. The rapid growth within our district, that’s hard to keep up with,” Kling explained. “We fall after the school district, after the fire district, after the police so funding is an issue when you need to grow.”

At the time the WindsorSeverance Library opened in 1997, the town’s popula-

tion sat at around 9,800 residents. Since then, the population of Windsor has ballooned to nearly 27,000— a 172% increase. According to a study commissioned by the library district, the town is projected to reach 211,662 residents by 2045.

Unlike other entities and organizations in the community, the library district doesn’t have the option to propose an increase to the town’s sales tax. Funding for the library district comes from property taxes and any request to increase funding for the library would need to take place through a mill levy, which would be voted on by the community

“No one really wants to pay more property tax, and I understand that,” Kling said.

Despite their limited budget, Kling and the library board are dedicated to doing what they can to improve services and resources for the community.

The Windsor-Severance Library is currently undergoing renovations to

A statue of children reading sits outside the main entrance of the Windsor Severance Library at 720 Third St. in Windsor. (Greeley Tribune file photo)

The Windsor-Severance Library is located at 720 Third St in Windsor (Tamara Markard/ Staff Reporter)

spruce up its interior look.

“Parts of the building were looking shabby. The last time the WindsorSeverance Library was renovated was in 20082009. They planned to get the bookmobile and added a garage and redid the whole color scheme,” Kling explained.

Once renovations are completed, patrons can expect to see new paint and carpet, new furniture, additional meeting spaces and more.

“I hope people will be happy when they get to see it with all the furniture in there,” Kling said. “We will have a brand new meeting room on the north side of the building so that will be available for book clubs or other groups to meet ”

The renovation project includes a larger dedicated area for teens and a programming room for younger kids.

“There will be a gaming room and some nice furniture. It’s behind a door and glass wall so they will have more privacy than what they had before,” Kling said. “We are hoping that the teens will come and use that space.”

While the library is open to the public during construction, the renovation project is expected to be completed by early to mid-March.

“The library will have a fresh new look and I am excited for the community to see it,” Kling said.

In addition to the renovation project, the library

district is working on the design for its second branch that will be located in Severance.

On Oct. 1, 2020, the town of Severance met with the library district to explore a collaboration between the two organizations to build a new branch of the library

The town and library district we able to come to an agreement for 1.72 acres of land, located south of Harmony Road and directly west of town hall, to be used for the branch.

The land, currently owned by the town, is being provided to the library district “in perpetuity at either no cost or a nominal cost,” according to the report. The land is valued at over $575,000.

“Truly, libraries are palaces for the people,” Kling said “It’s that whole idea where you can come in and learn something, meet someone new, improve your life or inspire yourself, or just have a nice quiet place.”

To learn more about programs and classes offered at the Windsor-Severance Library, as well as volunteer opportunities, hours of operation, how to get a library card and other information, go to www clearviewlibrary.org or call (970) 686-5603

Ann Kling, director of the Clearview Library District. (Courtesy/Clearview Library District)

the importance of

THE WORLD’S OLDEST KNOWN LIBRARY WAS FOUNDED SOMETIME IN THE 7TH CENTURY

THE WORLD’S OLDEST KNOWN LIBRARY WAS FOUNDED SOMETIME IN THE 7TH CENTURY

he world’s oldest known library was founded sometime in the 7th century B C for the “royal contemplation” of the Assyrian ruler Ashurbanipal. Located in Nineveh in modern day Iraq, the site included a trove of some 30,000 cuneiform tablets organized according to subject matter Most of its titles were archival documents, religious incantations and scholarly texts, but it also housed works of literature including the 4,000-yearold “Epic of Gilgamesh.”

Among the first libraries in the country was The Library Company of Philadelphia, which was founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin The library was the first American subscription library supported by members that allowed members to borrow books

While the 1960s were a time of change for the libraries in the U S , librarians were hesitant to adopt new technologies such as the punch card system The punch card system is over 70 years old and was one of the earliest forms of auto-

B.C. FOR THE “ROYAL CONTEMPLATION” OF THE ASSYRIAN RULER ASHURBANIPAL.

B.C. FOR THE “ROYAL CONTEMPLATION” OF THE ASSYRIAN RULER ASHURBANIPAL.

Local libraries offer much more than just shelves of books Many host free educational and recreational activities for all ages (Credit/Shutterstock)

mation introduced into libraries In the 1960s, microfilm was used extensively in libraries

Now comes the technological storm.

Computers, and more importantly the internet, changed the dynamic of libraries in regard to how relevant they were to society. Whereas libraries were previously the repositories of a majority of human knowledge, the internet began to take over in the 1990s With the advent of broadband and internet portals, knowledge storage has shifted very heavily, although not exclusively, to online sites Even printed books, journals and newspapers are accessible online Once digitized, information can be rapidly searched, copied and distributed

This change has revolutionized the spreading of information both beneficial and deadly. Due to its rapidity and the costs involved, libraries have struggled to keep up with the blinding speed of tech advances Despite all of that, we must keep our libraries safe and secure as repositories of knowledge. Open to everyone, rich or poor, libraries are

a form of glue which can help to bind us together as a people and enrich lives in ways which have no measure.

Of course, many of us can download books to our laptops or tablets and read them at our leisure, however while convenient, it lacks the human contact that reading a book at the library, store or even a local reading/book club can provide Reading can enrich lives and bring people together as they experience new ideas Reading allows us to travel in our minds to faraway places and different times, to alien worlds and dangerous quests all from the safety of our easy chair Reading can take us to romantic places and interludes and can comfort the lonely and the ill It is powerful medicine for the mind and can bring us peace even in the midst of chaos.

Those who cannot read miss out on much of life and struggle to exist in our modern world.

I was told of a somewhat poor little boy who learned to read using catalogs from departments stores such as Montgomery Ward, JCPenney and Sears. Whenever a new catalog came out

his grandmother gave him the old ones to read. The little boy avidly read every page of those huge catalogs and learned so much from them. They opened a whole new world for him. That little boy became a physician. I know him well, he is my husband.

M.Ed,.LPC, is a licensed professional counselor who works out of the Medical Hypnosis and Counseling Center at 1180 Main St., Suite 5B in Windsor She has more than 30 years experience as a counselor and is board-certified in medical hypnosis.

Sandi Y. Squicquero

can open up new worlds for people of all ages (Credit/Shutterstock)

OLIVER KNOWLES

ARTICLE AND PHOTO BY TAMARA MARKARD

The future of a community lies in its youth. As elders pass on and leadership roles are handed down to the next generation, it’s the young people that will shape the future of a community as well as the nation.

Some of these young men and women are athletes and musicians, while others are making waves in the world of academics and community service. No matter what their achievements, they all help shape our community one way or another

Each month, MyWindsor will feature two students from Windsor high schools for the Faces of the Future feature.

If you know of a high school student that would be a good candidate for the Faces of the Future feature, send their name and contact information to Tamara Markard at tmarkard@greeleytribune.com

This month, MyWindsor introduces readers to Windsor High School’s Kayla Knifong and Tanner Garcia.

From athletes and musicians to class presidents and stand-out scholars, the youth of Windsor play an important part in the future of the community

OLIVER KNOWLES

Year in school: Freshman.

Favorite subject: My favorite subject in school would be robotics or just engineering in general.

What clubs, sports and/or other extracurricular activities are you a part of? I am a part of the Robotics Club where we build a robot to com-

plete a challenge and go to competitions to compete against other teams. I am also a part of German Club where we are having some students go to Germany and some are hosting students coming from Germany. I am just hosting. How has being part of these extracurricular activities helped shape your high school career?

Being part of these groups helps me get really involved in something and has helped me build important team skills. What are some of the goals you have for your high school academic career? Some of the goals I have for my high school academic career is to graduate a year early. I am currently on track to be able to graduate a year early as I had a few math credits from last year. And, if I take a few extra classes I will be able to graduate early

What are your future aspirations? My future aspirations are to be a pilot and I have even already started flying gliders. Another thing that I would like to do is to be a robotics engineer and I have as mentioned, I have some experience with robotics. One more thing I would like to do is be a drone videographer I have already been doing things with my camera drone for a few years now.

Windsor High School's Oliver Knowles. (Tamara Markard/Staff Reporter)

BY TAMARA MARKARD

Magical ForestWindsor’s

The town of Windsor’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department hosted another successful Magical Forest event on Feb. 25 at Eastman Park.

The annual affair draws dozens of adults, teens and children to come out and exercise their creative muscles through building forts, huts, castles and other structures using old donated Christmas trees.

The trees are collected through the town’s free Christmas Tree Recycling program. The program offers Windsor residents a safe alternative to recycling their Christmas trees, which are mulched and repurposed in outdoor spaces to help keep the community beautiful.

The free event was sponsored by Heidi Washburn State Farm, the Greeley Stampede, the Human Bean and Ascent Classical Academy.

Arlo Kimbell, 10, right, and his friend Antoine Bazoin, 10, work to drag a huge Christmas tree while building a fort during the 4th annual Magical Forest event in Windsor The free event was hosted by the Windsor Parks Recreation and Culture (Jim Rydbom/ Staff Photographer)

The Human Bean provided free hot cocoa to keep builders warm and toasty in the nippy temperatures.

At the end of the day, prizes were awarded to the most creative and unique structures created at the event.

Creations crafted from the trees will be left up in the park for around two months for kids and parents to enjoy. After that, they will be taken down and the trees will be shredded with the mulch being distributed in landscaping throughout the community

For more information on other events hosted by the Windsor Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, go to www. recreationliveshere com

Ewan Pelletier, 6, right, helps his dad Jeff Pelletier saw tree branches as they work together to build a fort during the Magical Forest event held Feb. 25, 2023 in Windsor.(Jim Rydbom/Staff Photographer)

Bryan Kimbell works on the roof of a Christmas tree fort at the 4th annual Magical Forest event at Eastman Park in Windsor Feb.25, 2023.(Jim Rydbom/Staff Photographer)

A snowman welcomes you into a Man Cave maze during the 4th annual Magical Forest event held near Eastman Park in Windsor on Feb 25, 2023. The free familyfriendly was hosted by the Windsor Parks Recreation and Culture.(Jim Rydbom/Staff Photographer)

BY EMILY KEMME

COOKBOOKS AT THE LIBRARY OFFER A FREE OPPORTUNITY TO TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

For Maria Mulreaney, reading cookbooks is as relaxing as reading a novel.

Although she owns a huge collection and as an avid cook actually uses them, the adult services assistant for Clearview Library District agrees that checking cookbooks out from a library rather than curating your own collection is a good idea.

“There’s no shortage of inspiration when it comes to cookbooks, and the library is a fabulous resource to try before you buy because a book might not always be a good fit for you, or you might end up only liking a couple of recipes. Giving it a test run with a library book gives you a chance to try a few recipes first,” she said.

She thinks Clearview, which serves Windsor, Severance and west Greeley, has a fun

collection.

“There’s an entire culinary world to explore, from Indian cuisine, vegetarian recipes, craft cocktails, desserts, vegan and more. We have a vast array of topics waiting for patrons to explore and dig in,” Mulreaney said

Jennifer Bradley, Clearview’s adult programming and collection development librarian, agrees.

“Even if you know you’re into Mexican or Italian food, if you walk into the library a book on cooking Indian food might catch your eye and you’ll discover a whole new world,” Bradley said.

Clearview utilizes the Dewey Decimal System which numbers books by topic and has a range between 0 to 999. While you’ll find cookbooks catalogued

under the number 641, Mulreaney creates displays throughout the year to highlight the library’s collection, and the newest books are kept up front for easy spotting.

“I often do a table setting with the cookbooks to spark interest, and especially around the holidays when people are doing a lot of cooking and baking,” she said.

In addition to hardcover titles, the library’s periodical section subscribes to a few cooking magazines and receives new issues whenever a magazine publishes them, often monthly or sometimes quarterly. Clearview subscribes to Cook’s Illustrated, Real Simple and Food Network publications.

Although Bradley has noticed a preference for print books, interest in

Check out a variety of cookbooks from your local library and get everyone in the family in on the fun. (Credit/Shutterstock)

e-books is increasing

The library system has hundreds of magazines and periodicals that are digital, including Real Simple and Cook’s Illustrated, that are available for check out through Clearview’s website.

The check out time for cookbooks is handled the same as other works of non-fiction. New books, a status that lasts for six months, may be checked out for 14 days. If no one has put a title on hold during that period, library patrons can renew the title twice.

After the six-month new title period has expired, non-fiction books may be checked out for 21 days. If it is not on hold, a title will auto-renew twice.

To return a physical book, magazine or periodical, the Windsor branch has drop boxes on site, and there are additional drop box locations around Windsor and Severance. There is also a bookmobile where books can be checked out and placed in return bins outside the vehicle.

The bookmobile makes regular scheduled stops at Harmony Ridge, Windshire Park, Severance Town Hall, Windsor Charter Academy, 55 Resort Apartments at Water Valley, Poudre Heights Park, Cherry Park at RainDance, Longview Park and Hazelton Park. Check Clearview’s website for the rotating schedule.

The beauty of e-books and digitized magazines is that you don’t have to physically return them. Patrons may check out as many as they like for 21 days, after which access is automatically shut down,

eliminating that nagging worry that you’ve forgotten to return a book or might return it late.

Fines are only charged on new adult materials, video games and Interlibrary Loan items, according to Clearview’s website.

To check out titles from Clearview, all you’ll need is a library card, which is available at no cost To get one, you must be a Colorado resident with a photo ID and proof of your current address. Children younger than age 14 need a parent or guardian to sign for them to obtain their card.

If the world of cookbooks seems overwhelming, Mulreaney offers guidance on Clearview’s monthly blog, The Cookbook Nook, which is located on the district’s website under the news section.

“We feature a cookbook in our collection every month, detailing what’s unique and special about that book, and the author is reviewed. And the library staff prepares a recipe and reviews it,” she said.

Popular posts have included Half-Baked Harvest, written by Tieghan Gerard, a local Colorado resident who has published three cookbooks centered on simple, wholesome yet slightly decadent recipes, and The Korean Vegan by Joanne Lee Molinaro, a skilled storyteller who weaves her family’s immigration

stories with traditional Korean fare prepared for vegans.

For cookie lovers, check out James Beard Award-winner for Best Baking and Dessert Book in 2017, Dorie’s Cookies by Dorie Greenspan. Another favorite is “Prep +

Rally” by Dini Klein, who offers a guide to prepping ingredients on weekends for assembly during the week.

“It’s great because it provides a shopping list for meal prep, rather than cooking from scratch,” Mulveaney explained. “For example, it will have you roast a chicken and then make four different meals from it, like a soup, tacos and more. ”

Bradley noted that other popular titles are Celebrate with Babs, an Instagrammer chock full of holiday meal ideas, and the perennial favorite, Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa cookbook by Ina Garten.

A few of the library collection’s most unique titles are a Spanish cookbook, Mi Cocina by Food52 Sweet Heat series host, Rick Martinez, breakout hit, The Wok: Recipes and Techniques by culinary wizard J. Kenji López-Alt who uses a science-based approach

to cooking at home —and The Lazy Genius Kitchen, by Kendra Adachi.

“That one is a smart cooking methodology, something that’s popular now and is about cooking healthy and making good use of the ingredients you have on hand,” she said Perhaps because library patrons can test recipes before making

a commitment to buying, or because it’s a chance to branch out and learn something new that’s also tasty, cookbooks are very popular titles, Bradley said. Of the nearly 8,000 nonfiction titles Clearview owns, three of the top 20 books in circulation are cookbooks: “Pillsbury One Dish Meals,” “Taste of Home,” the annual book series, and “Slow Cooker” recipes.

And the best part about checking out a library cookbook? If what’s available doesn’t whet your appetite, new titles are added monthly and are ready for you to read, savor and ponder, all while planning your next culinary adventure.

The Windsor-Severance Library is located at 720 Third St. in Windsor It’s operating hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, go to www.clearviewlibrary.org or call (970) 686-5603.

The great thing with picking up cookbooks from your local library is that you get to try it before you buy it. (Courtesy/Shutterstock)

If what’s available doesn’t whet your appetite, new titles are added monthly and are ready for you to read, savor and ponder, all while planning your next culinary adventure (Credit/Emily Kemme)

Notes Windsor

BY TAMARA MARKARD

With so much going on with life, work and home, it can be tough to keep up on the happenings in local government.

While you can stream Windsor Board meetings online anytime, sitting through the program can be tedious and time consuming.

MyWindsor’ s Notes from Town Hall can help you track the issues and work going on throughout Windsor without you having to do any of the leg work

However, if you have time to spare, or enjoy board meetings, check out the Town of Windsor’s boards and commissions, as well as the meetings on demand feature at http://bit.ly/3kT89Jy.

Join a Board or Commission

The town of Windsor currently has 14 board and commission vacancies,

which they are looking to fill with civicminded community members.

The Board of Adjustments has four positions open with two regular positions and two alternate positions available. The regular positions have one term expiration date of September 2026 and the other term expiring in September 2023. The incumbent taking the September 2023 position can be reappointed to a four-year term. The two alternate positions are scheduled to expire in September 2026

The Historic Preservation Commission has three positions available. One regular position is open with the term expiring in March 2024 and two regular positions are available with term expirations in March 2026

The Water and Sewer Board is looking to fill two regular positions with terms expiring in March 2028

Windsor Housing Authority has one regular position open with the term also expiring in March 2028.

The Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Board has one opening for a regular position with a term expiration date of September 2023

All positions require residency within the town of Windsor and some positions do require a particular area of experience or vocation. Interviews to fill vacancies will be scheduled shortly after the application deadline Applications accepted until filled.

To learn more about vacancies, boards and commissions, or to submit an application, go to http://bit. ly/3coXX5s.

For additional information or questions, contact Town Clerk Karen Frawley at (970) 674-2404 or by email at kfrawley@windsorgov com

Notes from Town Hall features some of the latest news from Windsor Town Board and commission meetings as well as press releases from public services and public safety (Greeley Tribune file photo)

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a month dedicated to helping raise awareness around child abuse and neglect.

SEE ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS APRIL

Windsor High School club Celebrates Wellness and Healthy Eating

By ANNE DELANEY

A Windsor High School student club hosted a nutrition fun night earlier this month, offering tips for children and adults on food choices and education on all-around health and wellness.

The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is a career and technical education group with 25 members in the Windsor High chapter. FCCLA members are enrolled in classes focused on subjects such as child development, interior design, fashion design and Family and Consumer Sciences Leadership.

The Feb. 16 night at the high school was an event focused on the Weld RE-4 School District’s nutrition and hospitality pathway, according to Director of Communications and Public Relations Katie Smith. The district offers multiple pathways, or types of courses to lead students to career or education after high

school, within its career and technical education programs.

The FCCLA’s fun night featured two tracks. Maura Benton, the district’s assistant director of nutrition services, hosted a demonstration in the children’s track on making foods incorporating all food groups. Mary Kampschroeder, a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Windsor High, facilitated a workshop on nutrition and wellness for adults.

Jessica Teal, lead of the Family and Consumer Sciences Department at Windsor High and advisor of Windsor High FCCLA, said the group is engaging in the national program of community service by creating engaging and fun family nights each month.

Teal said at the nutrition night, the FCCLA member led the food demon-

stration while the district’s Nutrition Services representatives taught proper knife skills, food preparation measuring and nutritional skills. The FCCLA Colorado Association website says the organization’s mission is to promote personal growth and leadership development through family and consumer sciences education The association focuses on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge and career preparation.

February is American Heart Health Month February is also career and technical education month.

Severance Middle School Drama Club to present Monty Python’s ‘Spamalot Young@Part’

By ANNE DELANEY

The Severance Middle School Drama Club will perform Monty Python’s “Spamalot Young@Part” beginning Thursday at the Severance High School auditorium in

Severance

The show schedule is 6 p m Thursday & Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday The doors open 30 minutes before show time

Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens (65 and up) and $7 for adults Tickets are available at the door Cash and credit cards will be accepted.

School and drama club director, is directing the show

“Spamalot Young@Part” is the authorized 60-minute edition of the award-winning Broadway musical comedy “Spamalot,” but reworked for elementary, middle school and youth theaters, according to Theatrical Rights Worldwide. Theatrical Rights Worldwide is a plays and musicals licensing company

“Young@Part” musicals are made for younger actors, with song keys changed where needed, and songs and scenes edited for time and content, according to the Theatrical Rights Worldwide website

The middle school adaptation retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table

On Broadway, “Spamalot” won three Tony Awards in 2005 including for best musical The show was “lovingly ripped off” from the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail ”

Windsor High Theatre Company Hosting "Chicago: Teen Edition"

By ANNE DELANEY

The Windsor High School Theatre Company will be hosting a production of “Chicago: Teen Edition” at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16 through Saturday, March 18 at Windsor High School, 1100 Main St.

The production is comprised 26 cast members, 20 technicians and 15 student musicians. The show will be filled with dancing, singing and live music for all ages of community members

Tickets for the show are $9.75 to $12 per person online and $10-$15 per person at the door Tickets can be purchased in advance by going to https:// whstheatreco booktix com/

For more information, contact Theatre Educator and Director Julie Estrada at Julie estrada@weldre4 org

Cathy Verbyla, a music and theater teacher at Severance Middle

RAINDANCERESIDENT

BY TAMARA MARKARD

One of the privileges of owning a home is the ability to make it your own through decorations, landscaping, paint and décor both inside and out

For Sean McGarry, a resident of Windsor’s RainDance community, he was given the opportunity to show the area just how much he truly is king of his castle when a unique, yet slightly controversial, item surprisingly showed up

Shortly before Halloween, McGarry returned home to find a random toilet sitting in his front yard

“I’m kind of a really positive person and try to find the best in every situation so instead of getting mad, I thought let’s have fun with this,” McGarry explained

The next day, McGarry bought a gleaming gold skeleton and plopped it down on the toilet seat. A few days later, someone added a candle, magazine and toilet brush to the display.

FIGHTS TO KEEP HIS COMICAL, YET CONTROVERSIAL,

Just as the weather changes with the seasons, so have the toilet’s decorations

For Thanksgiving, McGarry pulled out his turkey decoy to sit on the throne and surrounded it with a large inflatable turkey and turkey yard stakes

When Christmas came around, McGarry was inspired by the reason for the season

LAWN DECORATION

and gifted the community with another stunning lawn display This time the toilet was transformed into Santa’s sleigh, complete with lightup reindeer and a big cheery snowman.

For Valentine’s Day, the toilet was turned into a kissing booth. While McGarry admits that he “threw together” February ’ s decorations, it’s no less

A custom-made door sign greets visitors to Sean McGarry’s home located in the RainDance community (Tamara Markard/Staff Reporter)

In December, the toilet was transformed into Santa’s sleigh, complete with reindeer (Courtesy/Sean McGarry)

funny with its pink toilet seat beckoning someone to share a kiss with their sweetie on the other side

McGarry was still waiting for March’s decorations when MyWindsor spoke with him, but if he stays true to his word, it will surely be another display folks won’t want to miss.

With each month filled with either holidays or celebrations like National Donut Day, Bladder Health

Month or sporting events like the Super Bowl, McGarry has an endless selection of ideas to choose from when it comes to decorating the toilet

“I’ve met so many people in my neighborhood because they just come over I can’t believe how it has blown up, ” McGarry said. “I want to keep it going ”

Despite the humor, the commode has been a thorn in the side of the HOA

On Feb 7, McGarry

received a letter from Advanced HOA Management

out of Denver warning him that the toilet is in violation of the HOA’s codes

The HOA notified McGarry that he needs to attend a board meeting to file a formal plan to the Architectural Review Committee for consideration of approval for his new decoration

However, McGarry disagrees After scouring the HOA’s rules and regulations, the toilet falls into “ a gray area ”

“If I read the rules right, I can literally move it to the backyard and they can’t do anything about it,” McGarry said. “I don’t think they can do anything about it now because it’s not a permanent structure.”

MyWindsor was able to track down a copy of the RainDance HOA rules and regulations online and after reading the document line by line, McGarry may well be in his right to keep his controversial lawn décor

According to the “Decorations, Seasonal and Holiday” section of the document, “approval is not required, as long as the decorations comply” with certain standards listed by the HOA

Some of the standards include:

• Figurines, lawn ornaments or other displays may not be mounted on roofs or located outside of lot fences

• Sensitivity to light levels should be applied

when installing decorative lighting

• Exposed spotlights are prohibited

• Decorations for any other holiday may be displayed no more than two weeks prior to the holiday and must be removed

within one week following the holiday

And since the toilet is not permanent and can be moved, the HOA’s rules around permanent decorations/decor also do not apply to McGarry’s lawn toilet.

RainDance resident Sean McGarry stands next to his lawn decoration, a festively decorated toilet. (Tamara Markard/Staff Reporter)

For Thanksgiving, homeowner Sean McGarry decorated his lawn commode with turkeys. (Courtesy/Sean McGarry)

“There’s no member of the HOA who lives here They are picky as to when they drive through. There are houses that have been here from the original area build and they have no fences or not-painted fences, no landscape, ” said Jenelle Friday, who lives directly behind McGarry “My aunt knows how to find us because of the toilet It’s not harmful to anybody; it’s not offensive We love it ”

“It brings more joy than anything,” Brett Friday added

To see the entire RainDance HOA guidelines and use standards, go to https://bit ly/3ky74Hr

MyWindsor reached out to Matt Esposito, community manager of RainDance with Advanced HOA Management for comment about the possible HOA violations and what the management company planned to do about McGarry’s unusual lawn decoration. Esposito declined to comment about the situation

McGarry decided to take his plea to keep the commode public and he started a GoFundMe page to help cover any HOA fees as well as to purchase new decorations for the toilet.

“I actually started that as a joke I just can’t believe it’s turned into this,” he said.

As of the end of February, the GoFundMe was up to $335 Donations range from $5 up to $50 with one anonymous person pitching in $100

Some of the people donating to the fund left funny and supportive messages to McGarry and his mission

“We take piano in the neighborhood and my kids crane their heads out the window to see what the toilet looks like this week,” wrote Nicole Meldrum.

Sabrina Miller penned a heartfelt plea that reads “Our family cannot imagine how dreary our lives would be without this fine décor greeting us every morning as we start our days, and each night before laying our heads down to get a good night’s rest I beg the community to band together in this very important time and save our neighborhood mascot ”

Ben Cruz’s message was short and sweet with just “fight the power!” and Tracy Bower wrote that the lawn com-

mode “must be preserved as a historical landmark of this neighborhood ”

While several of the residents in the neighborhood get a hoot out of his unique lawn décor, some are not so keen on the commode.

MyWindsor knocked on the door of one of McGarry’s neighbors to get their take on the toilet and was met with hesitation and the comment, “he’s a good neighbor so I really don’t want to say anything.”

McGarry has also received some flack over the toilet from fellow residents in posts to the RainDance community Facebook page.

“Some neighbors don’t like it and think it’s inappropriate,” he said.

The decorated toilet isn’t McGarry’s first attempt at trying to make people smile

During COVID, he and some of his friends were part of the Crumbl Bandits. The group would purchase

Crumbl Cookies and randomly leave them on the doorsteps of neighbors, coworkers, strangers and friends. The group was similar to the popular Wine Ninjas, who did the same thing, except with goodie baskets of wine, spirits, beer and other treats.

“My dad died about nine years ago and before he died, one of the last things he said to me was ‘life must be lived, and it must contain laughter’,” McGarry explained “So I’ve taken that as a mission to make as many people laugh as possible ”

For updates on McGarry’s campaign to keep the lawn commode, or to make a donation to his GoFundMe account, go to http://bit.ly/3EISST3. To see the infamous toilet in person, or to snap your photo alongside the possible historical icon, head over to the 1700 block of Country Sun Drive in Windsor and look for the gleaming porcelain throne in the yard

Making light of a “crappy situation,” RainDance resident Sean McGarry purchased a gleaming gold skeleton to perch on a toilet let in his yard. (Courtesy/Sean McGarry)

Future Legends signs restaurant deal with Rolling Smoke Barbecue

BY JADYN WATSON-FISHER

Future Legends Complex remains under construction, but it just announced the addition of a new barbecue restaurant at the location. Rolling Smoke Barbecue, originally from Denver, brings its cooking to northern Colorado. The restaurant works to provide “down-home, southern-style” eats. It first began in 2014 as a food truck, before opening a physical location in 2017 at Stanley Marketplace.

This will be the company ’ s first location outside of the Denver metro.

Owner and founder Terry Walsh originates from Oklahoma, where his love of barbecue began

“The Future Legends staff’s vision and foresight in bringing such an amazing concept to the region felt like the right fit when we toured the grounds of what we feel like will be the premier sports complex not only in Colorado, but the entire country as well,” Walsh said in a statement “We are all excited to continue the expansion of Rolling Smoke BBQ and Future Legends is the perfect fit for our culture and values.”

Walsh began barbecuing in his backyard and has since worked to provide food with a flavorful mix of wood, smoke and spices reminiscent of the south.

The restaurant’s menu offers ribs, meat plates, macaroni and cheese bowls, collard greens, cole slaw, seasoned fries, among other items.

“BBQ is a staple here in northern Colorado and has been a high priority for us to find the right partner that fits this community and our audience. Rolling Smoke is the quintessential BBQ company that embodies everything we have been looking for and more, ” Future Legends Complex Executive Director Casey Katofsky said in a statement. “To add the first ever Rolling Smoke location to Northern Colorado is truly a wish becoming a reality.”

The complex is set for a soft opening this year, with the bubble dome and several baseball fields completed. It recently announced the creation of a pickleball club, as well, which plays right outside the dome.

Northern Colorado Hailstorm announces roster additions, preseason matches

BY JADYN WATSON-FISHER

Northern Colorado FC’s 2023 roster is shaping up with the addition of signees and contract extensions of players from 2022

McClain Clarke, 18, from Broomfield signed a two-year deal with the Hailstorm after working with the team during 2022 practice sessions He looks forward to friends and family attending matches and to getting to learn from his older teammates

“He came up and trained with us for part of last season and showed a lot of quality and ambition,” Hailstorm coach Éamon Zayed said in a statement “He epitomizes our philosophy here of trying to find talented youth locally. I think he’s one for the future with the Hailstorm.”

The club added 25-year-old goalkeeper Edward Delgado

Known as Lalo, he previously played with Phoenix Rising and Las Vegas Lights FC

With the Lights, Delgado recorded a save percentage of 64% of shots faced He played at Westmont College in California, winning 66% of his starts, earning 22 clean sheets and saving 80% of shots faced. He ranks in the

program’s top 10 for eight different statistical categories

“Goalkeeping was a position where we wanted to add strength, for sure, ”

Zayed said. “He and Johan (Peñaranda) are fantastic goalkeepers They’re gonna compete for that number one spot, and hopefully next year that position will be solid ”

Valentín Sabella from Spain comes to Windsor, as well. He helped the Florida Soccer Soldiers upset Charlotte Independence in the U.S. Open Cup in 2019, scoring the game-tying goal that led to its victory via penalties.

Billy King comes to northern Colorado from Scotland, where he played in the top two divisions King turned pro at 18, spending time with multiple clubs in his 10-year career

King played for the Heart of Midlothian in his first four seasons During the 2014-15 season, he helped the team win the Scottish Championship after recording 13 assists and eight goals. He added a second championship with Rangers FC after being loaned to the club

He added the Football

Association of Ireland cup in 2021 He played for St Patrick’s, which is in the country’s top division He scored 12 goals in his three seasons.

“I finally got my man, ” Zayed said “He has a fantastic pedigree and background. What he brings is not just level of experience, but quality He’ll add assists and goals from that position, which I felt we lacked last year I’m expecting big things.”

Northern Colorado welcomes Enock Kwakwa to the roster to bolster the midfield.

Kwakwa spent seven years in Sweden, playing in its top leagues, and helped his team finish in the top-4 four seasons in a row

Though Kwakwa focuses on defense, he scored two goals and added three assists

Most recently, he was with the Charleston Battery on the USL Championship level

Bruno Rendon joins the Hailstorm’s defensive attack in his second season Rendon previously played with the AC Syracuse Pulse MLS teams showed interest, but Rendon felt like he had a future with the Windsor club

Lucky Onyebuchi Opara signed with the team earlier this month after spending several seasons in Latvia and was on loan for half a season in the Swiss Super League

Finally, Ryan Wittenbrink signed his first deal with the Hailstorm two weeks ago He played at Indiana, with 10 goals and nine assists in his final season with the Hoosiers

Wittenbrink participated in the NCAA College Cup, scoring the winning goal in the semifinals, and earned a spot on the College Cup AllTournament team

FC Dallas picked Wittenbrink in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft but he did not

sign with them His manager, however, contacted Zayed about the young player. Zayed signed him quickly

The team also renewed contracts with Marky Hernández, Nortei Nortey, Arthur Rogers and Leo Folla

Hernández played in 23 games last season, adding 206 successful passes He was hampered by injuries last season, and Zayed hopes the team can get a full year out of the midfielder this year.

Nortey returns to Windsor for a second season He had two goals, including a gametying goal against South Georgia Tormenta

Folla played in 21 matches, starting 16 He had eight blocks, second on the team, and 32 clearances. His lone goal came on a set piece opportunity vs Richmond

Lastly, the club re-signed League One Defensive Player of the Year Arthur Rogers Rogers broke the league’s single-season record for chances created, with 80

He added 289 crosses, as well, breaking the previous record of 211

“Arthur was fantastic for us last year He’s the MVP here,” Zayed said “We’re amped to have him back.”

The team plays in seven preseason matches, but only one is open to fans.

They can see the new squad at Denver University on Feb. 24. The game is at 5 p m at Diane Wendt Sports Fields, and no tickets are needed. Fans cannot attend the other matches, including several at the Future Legends Complex bubble dome.

The club officially opens its season on the road on March 25 at Chattanooga Red Wolves FC Its first home match is set for May 27 against Central Valley Fuego FC

MARCH2023

COMMUNITYCALENDAR

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT PREVENTION EVENT

Friday, March 3, 1-5 p.m. Windsor Police Department, 200 N. 11th Street

Windsor Police are partnering with the Colo Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA) to host a free Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention event at the Windsor Police Department Receive a heat-proof, destruction-proof theft prevention kit that etches a serial number into the catalytic converter To participate, sign up for a time and number of kits needed based on number of vehicles Bring your vehicle identification numbers (VIN) to the event where the do-it-yourself anti-theft kit will be registered to your vehicle The event is a drive-through event, so plan to pull through the police department roundabout to receive your kit Once home, residents will use the easy-to-follow etching instructions. Preregistration is required. To register, visit bit ly/CatalyticKit Space is limited so sign up today.

CLEARVIEW LIBRARY DISTRICT BOOKMOBILE

Monday, March 6, 3 p.m.

The Clearview Library District’s bookmobile is scheduled to stop at 3 p m Monday, March 6 at Harmony Ridge, 36181 Kingswood Drive, Windsor. All ages are invited to see what the bookmobile has to offer

PUB TRIVIA

Thursday, March 9, 6 p.m.

High Hops Brewery

6461 County Road 392

Adults age 21 and older can put their knowledge to the test at Pub Trivia, 6 p m Thursday, March 9 at High Hops Brewery, 6461 County Road 392 Prizes will be awarded to the top three scoring teams Registration is not required and games are free to play For more information, go to http://bit.ly/3KbQGaa.

INDOOR FUN TRIATHLON

Saturday, March 11

Windsor Community Recreation Center

250 N. 11th Street

Windsor

The Indoor FUN Triathlon will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 11 at the Windsor Community Recreation Center, 250 N 11th St The event will challenge participants age 12 and older to complete 20 minutes of swimming, 20 minutes on a stationary bike and 20 minutes of walking, jogging or running on the elevated track The cost to participate in the event is $32 per person. For more information, or to register, go to http://bit ly/3E8WixO

IT'S ALL GREEK TO ME!

Monday, March 13, 6 p.m.

Bottled Olive Pantry

1550 Main Street

Join the Bottled Olive Pantry at 6 p m

Monday, March 13 for It’s All Greek to Me! at 1550 Main St , Unit 130 The class will teach attendees how to make spanakopita, a Mediterranean salad, chicken gyros and baklava All ages are welcome to attend and admission is $51.25 per person. For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to www thebottledolivepantry com

SIP, SWAP & SHOP FOR A CAUSE

Tuesday, March 14, 6 p.m.

Words of Windsor

631 Birch Street, Unit B

Sip, Swap and Shop for a Cause benefitting the Friends of the Library is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 at Words of Windsor, 631 Birch St , Unit B Bring a book to swap, learn about the Friends of the Library, make a donation and more All ages are welcome to attend the free event For more information, go to http://bit.ly/3IrT0sb.

WOMEN OF WINDSOR NETWORKING GROUP

Tuesday, March 21, 5:30 p.m.

The Windsor Mill Tavern

301 Main Street, Unit C

The Women of Windsor Networking Group will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 21 at The Windsor Mill Tavern, 301 Main St , Unit C The free event invites women to support other women in their lives. For more info, or to register, go to http://bit ly/3YA9DaC

MASTER GARDENER PRESENTATION: START YOUR OWN GARDEN

Tuesday, March 21, 6 p.m. Pikes Peak Room, Windsor-Severance Library

720 Third Street

Join the Windsor-Severance Library for a Master Gardener Presentation: Start Your Own Garden at 6 p m Tuesday, March 21, Pikes Peak room at the library, 720 Third St The free class, 18 and older, will teach how to start a garden, what plants grow best here and tips and tricks. Registration is required: http://bit ly/40Xv7Qm

DADDY DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT

Friday, March 24, 6-8 p.m. Community Recreation Center 250 N. 11th Street

Don’t miss this event! The formal evening features a dance, light refreshments, and activities for you and your child to enjoy. Register early as space is limited, signing up a parent and each accompanying child Call (970) 674-3500 to register; online registration is not available. Age: 4-12 Recommended Cost: $15

Get the Support YOU NEED

Counseling and creative therapies are available to assist children, teens, and adults through the confusing and overwhelming emotions that arise during such a difficult time. We are here to help guide those in need through the healing process, regardless of age or financial situation.

Please contact us at 970-663-3500 or pathways-care.org/griefandloss

KARAOKE NIGHT

Saturday, March 25, 7-10 p.m.

The Sand Bar at Pelican Lakes

1600 Pelican Lakes Points

The Sand Bar at Pelican Lakes is hosting a karaoke night from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, March 25 at 1600 Pelican Lakes Points. The free event is open to all ages and singing abilities. For more information, contact The Sand Bar at (970) 674-1100

SPRING BREAK MORNING AT THE WINDSOR HISTORY MUSEUM

Wednesday, March 29, 10 a.m.

Windsor History Museum

100 N. 5th Street

Spring Break Morning at the Windsor History Museum is scheduled for 10 a m Wednesday, March 29 at 100 N. 5th St. The free event welcomes community members of all ages to participate in fun activities, tours of the red caboose, games and more. Registration is not required For more information, go to http:// bit ly/3xqVyQV

BABIES AND BOOKS

Friday, March 31, 9:30 a.m.

Maroon Peak Room

Windsor-Severance Library

720 Third Street

Babies and Books is set for 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 31 in the Maroon Peak room at the library, 720 Third St. The program, designed for little ones ages birth to 6 years and their caregivers, will feature books, rhymes, songs and sensory and movement activities. Registration is required and can be done by going to http://bit.ly/3EaKRpn.

DEAR W ANDERER , EVERYWHERE’S ON THE TABLE.