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mywindsor GUIDING YOU THROUGH THE BEST OF WINDSOR

FOOTBALL IS BACK

Windsor School Districtâ€™s plans for the upcoming football season

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

Tips and advice for a fun and safe Halloween during the pandemic

Cute Halloween costume ideas for the children

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contents

| OCTOBER 2020

06 | EDUCATION

Students athletes return to the football ﬁeld beginning October 8th when the football season ofﬁcially starts

08 | EDUCATION

Windsor school district postpones bond measure

09 | COSTUMES

WINDSOR MILL

How coaches are dealing with the fall sports season amid a pandemic

Fun outside the box DIY Halloween cotumes that you can make with your kids

10 | COMMUNITY

Have a fun and safe Halloween with these great tips

12 | HEALTH

Learn how to deal with and overcome the fall blues

13 | FALL

How to keep your Halloween from turning into a COVID nightmare

14 | BUSINESS

Business owners reﬂect on one year anniversary of Windsor Mill

18 | COMMUNITY

Friends of a Woman’s Place membership campaign more crucial than ever

19 | SAW IT, WANT IT!

With a location nearby in Greeley, Crumbl Coookies is not far away.

20 | FINAL THOUGHT

With the dog days of summer starting to become a thing of the past, a local windsor family takes one last swim in windsor lake

OCTOBER 2020 | mywindsor | 3

ON THE COVER

windsor Managing Editor | Page Designer Brian Sathe Contributing Writers and Photographers Anne Delaney, Kathleen Duff, Bobby Fernandez, Luanne Kadlub, Emily Kemme, Alex McIntyre,

MYWINDSOR MAGAZINE

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

With summer behind us and autumn in the air, now is the time to get outside and start enjoying all of the outdoor fall activities in the Windsor area. SHUTTERSTOCK

Send editorial-related comments and story ideas to: JMartin@GreeleyTribune.com. For advertising inquiries contact Advertsing at Advertising@GreeleyTribune.com. Published by Prairie Mountain Media, publisher of The Greeley Tribune

Support Local. There are many ways to strengthen our community, and one easy way is by supporting local. Whether itâ€™s a restaurant, boutique, home and garden store, apparel or shoes, auto dealer or other service provider, supporting local has many benefits, and building a stronger community is only one of them. Our local businesses give our community character, create vibrancy and bring us unique experiences.

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OCTOBER 2020 | mywindsor | 5

education | SPORTS

Chris Jones, Windsor football team gearing up for unexpected fall season ALEX MCINTYRE BY BOBBY FERNANDEZ

s an educator and football coach at Windsor High School, Chris Jones has been imploring his young pupils to wear their masks and take seriously safety measures put in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. But, there are certain types of facemasks Jones’ football players weren’t expecting to wear until much later in the school year: the facemasks on their football helmets. “I think our minds were pretty much set on doing a certain (practice) routine twice a week and being ready come February and March,” Jones said Sept. 23, the day before official fall football practices began. “We were looking at the big picture — the long view, not the short view. Now, we’re completely focused on the short view.” The football season was originally slated for the Colorado High School Activities Association’s Season C, beginning with practices on Feb. 22, 6 | mywindsor | OCTOBER 2020

because of the pandemic. On Sept. 16, Gov. Jared Polis announced the state has conditionally approved CHSAA’s request to allow certain outdoor sports — football, field hockey and sideline spirit — to take place this fall.

“We’re all on the same page — the school board, the administration, the football staff, parents, players” Hours after Polis’s announcement, CHSAA officials voted to approve variances, offering schools in Colorado the option of playing football during the fall or in the spring. The decision to play this fall was a league-wide decision within the

Class 4A Northern 1 Conference, which Windsor is a part of. In fact, 36 of 42 4A teams (85.71%) opted to play in the fall, the second highest percentage of the state’s seven classifications. Practices began on Sept. 24, just four days after schools and school districts officially informed CHSAA whether they would play in the fall or spring. Games are slated to begin Oct. 8. During the past couple months, Jones, his coaching staff and his players have been conducting voluntary practices with reduced group sizes, following the state’s crowd limitations and social distancing recommendations. Previously, those practices — held anywhere from one to four days per week, depending on the week — were being held with the idea of staying sharp and getting in some early preparation for the spring season. Now, the football season has come much sooner than expected.

Though the regular season will be just six games, rather than the normal 10, Jones said he plans to be patient with his football team, seeing as how they had much less time than normal to get ready for the season. “We’re all on the same page — the school board, the administration, the football staff, parents, players — we just have to really think about how fast we want to attack this,” Jones said. “It’s a very fragile environment here at any high school. If we go about this like we have to get something things in or certain things done, then we’re going probably overlook the most vital thing, and that’s just the health and well-being of our athletes.” Windsor opens its season on the road against Greeley Central, Oct. 9 at District 6 Stadium. The playoffs begin Nov. 21. “Are we eager as heck to get out

ALEX MCINTYRE

there? You betcha,” Jones said. “Can we not wait to get to a game? Yeah. But, if getting to a game means we overlook some of the health precautions we need to abide by and potentially shut down the whole school, I’d rather be patient.” Jones is in his 13th year coaching the Wizards, but none of those previous 12 years were quite like this one. Still, as exciting, and surprising, as it is to be playing football during

the traditional fall season — months before Windsor and other schools expected to play — Jones said he, his staff and his players will keep their eyes on the bigger picture. They are playing football this fall in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. They will continue to take all the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from this deadly virus. The game of football — as much joy as it brings to these players and their families — is of secondary importance. “There are so many people that have been affected by this disease,” Jones said. “There are people who are never going to watch a football game again. So, just putting it in perspective is important. … But we’ve been engaged with our kids and immersed with football the best we can in this situation.”

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OCTOBER 2020 | mywindsor | 7

education | BOND ISSUE

WELD RE-4 SCHOOL DISTRICT SEES IMPACT OF NO BOND REQUEST School system declined to pursue measure, citing pandemic BY ANNE DELANEY

he Weld RE-4 School District might revisit a bond measure with school system taxpayers as soon as next year, after declining months ago to request a vote in the upcoming November general election. Weld RE-4 Chief Operating Officer Jason Seybert said this week the district could seek the measure as soon as 2021 though a formal decision won’t be released until the spring. “We are watching the outcome of 2020 bond initiatives in other Colorado districts, keeping tabs on our local economy, and working closely with the towns of Windsor, Severance and West Greeley to monitor growth and development,” Seybert wrote in an email. In May, the district serving approximately 7,500 students in Windsor and Severance ceased consideration of a $180 million bond measure citing “fallout from the global pandemic” as a factor. 8 | mywindsor | OCTOBER 2020

A news release on from the board of education on May 18 explained the move, saying it wasn’t the right time for the request. “It’s time for us to look out for a community that has always looked out for our school district,” according to the statement. “The fact is that the financial struggles and many uncertainties we are facing both personally and as a community are looming large.” In Seybert’s email, he wrote the district is already seeing two implications of the no-bond request this year. Seybert said the district is not seeing any slow down in growth or development in the Windsor, Severance and west Greeley areas. By delaying the bond, needed building construction is also delayed. The district considered a bond to build two new elementary schools, renovate Windsor Middle School, an expansion of Severance Middle School and the completion of necessary maintenance projects in all schools. “We are facing a possible situation

where as soon as 2021-2022, we will have online students returning to physical classrooms and an increase in enrollment of new students coming from newly completed housing developments in our area,” Seybert wrote. In January, Seybert said district elementary school capacity was 105% and 107% at the middle school level. He said the district is managing its needs, helped by a respite from the “steady and steep enrollment increases” from previous years. Seybert said the district expects it official student count to show a 1% increase in student population this year. The 700 students enrolled in the Inspire4 online program during the pandemic have also eased any physical crowding in buildings. The other implication of holding off on the bond measure this year is the district will have to re-evaluate its construction plans “to ensure that they are still relevant for the needs of the community and factor in any changes to construction costs,” Seybert said.

An Outside-the-Box, DIY Halloween Costume Combination or “boxtumes.” Not only are boxtumes a simple way to save money by upcycling delivery boxes you’ve accumulated, but making them can be a fun activity for the whole family. Your creations can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Turn an everyday hero into a Halloween superhero this year with a DIY Fire Truck Boxtume, or make it a duo costume perfect for siblings by adding a DIY Fire Hydrant Boxtume to match. With Amazon Prime’s fast, free shipping,

(FAMILY FEATURES)

ven though Halloween may look a little different this year for many families, there are still ways to make the most of popular seasonal traditions, like costumes, spooky decor and festive treats. Rather than venturing out to look for a costume, get creative at home with everyday craft supplies and delivery boxes to make unique, low-cost costumes –

any crafting supplies or candy you may need – and the box for your DIY creation – could be just one order away. Share your upcycled box creations on social media using #Boxtumes, and find more inspiration and simple how-to guides at amazon.com/ boxtumes2020. Members can also extend their spooktacular fun with Halloween-themed movies, books and music available through Amazon Prime’s entertainment benefits.

DIY Duo Firefighting Boxtumes Projects courtesy of Michelle Nhu

Fire Truck Supplies and Instructions:

Fire Hydrant Supplies and Instructions:

Amazon Prime boxes, variety of sizes Scissors Paint brushes Red acrylic paint White acrylic paint Gray acrylic paint Hot glue Hot glue gun Markers, variety of colors (optional)

Have your child sit in different size boxes to find one that fits comfortably. Save other boxes for later. Using scissors, cut out top and bottom of box to create truck shape. Using reserved boxes and scissors, cut out two ladders, six medium circles and six smaller circles for wheels, rectangles for front and back windshields, six small squares for windows and equipment doors, four circles for headlights and seven thin rectangles for grill. Using paint brush, paint large box mostly red or get creative and use separate paint brushes to paint white stripes down sides of box and half of front gray for grill.Then paint ladders, grill pieces and medium wheel circles black.Paint small wheel circles and equipment doors gray and windows and lights white. Once paint dries, use hot glue and glue gun to adhere each piece to fire truck as desired. Use markers to outline windows and add dots to small wheel circles and equipment door handles, if desired.

2 Amazon Prime boxes Scissors Hot glue Hot glue gun 3 empty tape rolls 1 cotton headband Red acrylic paint Black acrylic paint Paint brushes Blue pants or skirt Blue tulle (optional) Blue felt pieces (optional) Select box that fits around your child’s torso. Using scissors, cut box into eight equal-sized rectangles. Assemble rectangles vertically into octagon and glue together using hot glue and glue gun. Using scissors, cut holes for arms on two sides of octagon. Glue two empty tape rolls to outside of arm holes and one on front to mimic nut on fire hydrant. On flat piece of another box, draw dome shape that will fit your child’s head. Use scissors to cut it out then glue bottom to stretchy,cotton headband. Using paint brush, paint cardboard pieces red. Use separate brush to paint black stripes on corners of octagon. Once paint dries, boxtume is complete.

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OCTOBER 2020 | mywindsor | 9

community | FALL FUN

Safe trick-or-treating, pumpkin patches and a Halloween Blue Moon ensures Halloween can still be spectacularly spooky Hankins Farms offers the experience of finding the perfect pumpkin outside on a beautiful fall day. (Photo courtesy: Hankins Farms).

BY EMILY KEMME MARKETING FEATURE

f all childhood’s treasured activities, Halloween ranks near the top. The chance to masquerade as another persona is exhilarating. Will you be a super-hero? A princess, dragon or evil villain? Given these tense times, lighthearted fun dressed up in a costume is needed now more than ever. For many reasons, the least of which is that masks have become daily wear, Halloween 2020 looks spookier than normal.

Keeping with Trick-or-treating traditions The Town of Windsor plans to continue its annual holiday trick-or-treating event at the Windsor History Museum, 100 N. 5th Street, but it will be as safe as possible, Laura Browarny, Culture Supervisor for the Town, said. The museum is a series of buildings in a park-like setting. Last year, over 3,000 kids and adults interacted with businesses passing out candy and coordi-nating activities and games. Attendance this year will be limited to help keep it a safe event. Advance free registration is required to track the number of people in the park to prevent overcrowding. Registration will assist with contract tracing, if necessary. Expect a time slot with a thirty-minute window to show up. Because the maximum park limit is 175 people, hours have been extended from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Oc-tober 31 event. 10 | mywindsor | OCTOBER 2020

Browarny expects that if they fully book, about 600 people will go through the exhibits, a substantial drop in attendance from previous years’ events. There is no age limit, but plan to register even non-trick-or-treaters. That’s right — even Grandma has to register. Check the Windsor Parks, Recrea-tion and Culture Facebook page for updates. To register, visit www.recreationliveshere.com. There will be hand sanitizer stations throughout, a one-way loop to limit back-and-forth interactions, and designated separate entrances and exits. Masks are suggested but not required for the outdoor event. Candy will be dropped into bags to limit contact and touching. Historic buildings will not be open for touring. “We’re working on ideas to have a safe Halloween experience so kids can get a lot of bang for their buck,” Browarny said. She encourages people to take their time trick-or-treating in the museum area, and then continue on to Main Street, where the Windsor Chamber of Commerce is planning events with downtown businesses. Trick-or-treat down-town that day from 1 to 4 pm. “Halloween will be normal, with businesses handing out candy to Windsor trick-or-treaters. Costumes are encouraged, and because the event is outside, masks are as-needed. Social distancing is also encouraged,” Executive Director of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce Michelle Vance said.

The Windsor Police Department underscored the need for people en-gaged in Halloween activities to follow Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment guidelines for a healthy holiday. “As we did throughout the summer, we want people to live their lives but responsibly and safely under the circumstances,” Commander Aaron Lopez said. The police department cancelled its Community Halloween Party this year. Sponsored by the department and the Windsor Optimist Club, Lopez said the practicality of having large numbers of people in a confined area wasn’t ad-visable. “The event, held annually in the Community Recreation Center gymna-sium, entails close contact and the exchange of edibles, so it’s not prudent with the current health risk,” he said. The Windsor Police Department is not presenting an alternative event this year for Halloween. Commander Robert Holt cautioned, “There might be a lot less people handing out candy and being engaged on Halloween.”

Visiting a pumpkin patch might be just the ticket for a seasonal outdoor outing with your family. Just north of Johnstown, Hankins Farms is open on October weekends. Reduced contactless activities include a corn maze, scavenger hunt, and pump-kin patch. Scan a QR code into your mobile phone to play games while walking through the maze, which takes about 20 minutes to complete. Geared for kids ages 6 to 13, the two family oriented mazes are similar to Clue — participants collect clues about the suspect, location and the weapon to solve “The Farm Scene Investigation.” “We have two mazes to get people through with scheduled times to allow for social distancing,” Darren Hankins said. Masks are encouraged, but because it’s outside, and although the CDPHE suggests wearing masks where there might be interaction with people, Hankins said there’s space to roam.

If you like big pumpkins, Hankins Farm is the place. “We pride ourselves in the size of our pumpkins. It’s a different experience from the grocery store. We’re selling the experience of finding the perfect pumpkin outside on a beautiful fall day,” Hankins explained. “We’ve farmed the area since 1910. The pumpkins are a side project to connect people with where they get their food from.” How big are Hankins’ pumpkins? Some are giant, sitting about two feet tall, weighing in at 50 pounds. Too much activity? Keep it lowkey and stay home while pondering the full Halloween Blue Moon on October 31. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, this October will see two full Moons. A full Moon on the holiday only occurs eve-ry 18 to 19 years, making this Halloween spookily special.

CDC HALLOWEEN GUIDELINES FOR LOWER RISK ACTIVITIES CONSIDERED SAFE ALTER-NATIVES: • Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household • Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends • Decorating your house, apartment or living space • Hold a Halloween scavenger hunt with lists of Halloweenthemed things to look for while walking outdoors from house to house • Having a virtual Halloween costume contest • Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with

JENNIFER FINCH, WELD COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, RECOMMENDS THESE STEPS FOR STAYING AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE WHETHER YOU ARE TRYING TO AVOID COVID-19, THE FLU, OR ANY OTHER VIRUS:

• Having a scavenger huntstyle trick-or-treat search with your household members in and around your home

• Wash your hands frequently (as well as frequently touched surfaces) • Cover your cough, and if you feel better wearing a mask by all means, wear a mask

source: www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/ daily-life-coping/holidays. html#halloween

• Keep distance betweeen you and others not living with you — approximately 6 feett • Stay home if you are feeling ill • Avoid large crowds Finch adds, “Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Halloween, Thanksgiving just an average day, eve-ryone eve-ryon should be participating in these simple ways to stay healthy.”

2019 trick-or-treating at the Windsor History Museum. (Photo courtesy: Town of Windsor Museums).

health | FALL BLUES

Overcoming the Fall Blues Fall is known for its splash of vibrant colors that punctuate the landscape. But for many, this is also the season of the Fall “blues” (Photo: Shutterstock). BY KATHLEEN DUFF MARKETING FEATURE

all is known for its splash of vibrant colors that punctuate the landscape - bright yellows, warm oranges and blazing reds. But for many, this is also the season of the Fall “blues” - a time of sadness, isolation and depression. Officially known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, the ailment can be debilitating and can lead to substance abuse, problems at work or school and even suicidal behavior. Sandi Y, Squicquero, M.Ed., LPC, a Northern Colorado counselor, explained that SAD is defined as a mood disorder in which people have normal mental health throughout the year but then experience depression when seasonal changes are approaching. Although many associate SAD with the fall and winter months, it can occur in March and June, as well. Sunny states, including Colorado, don’t have as many cases of SAD, but it can occur anywhere. Diagnosis occurs when a patient experiences the symptoms the same time of year for two years. The cause is essentially unknown. “Some say it is due to limited exposure to light. Some researchers say it can have a genetic component. Two-thirds of those who suffer from it have a relative with a major mood disorder,” said Squicquero, who owns The Medical Hypnosis and Counseling Center in Windsor. 12 | mywindsor | OCTOBER 2020

Patients often report associated physiological issues such as pain or a craving for carbohydrates while in the throes of the disorder. It’s also been linked to increases in the body’s production of melatonin, a natural hormone that controls a person’s sleep-wake cycle. Those who live in higher latitudes or northern states are more likely to report SAD. Young people are more prone to the disorder, and women are 70 percent more likely to have SAD than men, said Squicquero, who has been a counselor in Windsor since 2006. Some speculate that young women are more likely to have the disorder because they may stay at home with small children and become isolated. Although much remains unknown about SAD, Squicquero said it’s important to address it for what it is - a depressive disorder. And those who have it are not alone. A number of coping strategies have emerged that can help. Among them: Light therapy has shown to help some patients. Squicquero also recommends that her patients take a walk during the brightest part of the day to increase their exposure to light. Be cognizant of weight control and nutrition. Those with depression may experience eating disorders or overeat, which can lead to other health issues. Exercise. Squicquero understands that many patients are reluctant to join a gym or commit to regular exercise, but she

suggests taking it slowly. A simple walk or an online class can change a person’s mood. Consider prescription medication, such as antidepressants. “A lot of people are fearful of taking medication for depression, but I say try it. If you need it for the rest of your life, that is fine. But not all do. At least stay on it until you feel better,” she said. As a counselor, Squicquero offers medical hypnosis, psychotherapy and telephone therapy. She also uses cognitive behavior therapy, talk therapy and journaling for her patients. During hypnotherapy, for example, patients remain aware and in control but are guided into a state of deep relaxation. By having greater access to the patient’s subconscious, the counselor uses word association, dream analysis or age regression to help patients identify the root cause of their problems. She then uses gentle suggestions to help patients untie their subconscious and replace negative thoughts or behavior with positive approaches. Help can come with one approach or through using multiple mechanisms and treatments. But the key to successfully treating SAD is establishing goals and committing to the process. “Bottom line is that not one thing will help everyone. There is no magic bullet. Everybody presents with different problems or concerns,” she said. As with just about everything else these days, COVID-19 is only exacerbating mood disorders such as SAD. “It’s added to the fear of isolation,” Squicquero said. The virus has led some to fear leaving their homes, which also can be detrimental to those with SAD. She recommends small steps, such as getting out of the house for short periods of time or going out to a restaurant for a socially-distanced meal.. Some have lost access to professional help because they no longer have health insurance. “Go to your minister or go to a friend and talk it out. Talking about our problems is so important to addressing them.” “We are getting into full stressors - the winter months, COVID, the election, fires and the riots. Any kind of fixed stressor can involve depression,” she said. “We need to get through the winter. We have a lot going on in our little world in Northern Colorado.” HELP IS AVAILABLE

The Medical Hypnosis & Counseling Center, PC is located at 1180 Main St., Suite 5B in Windsor; call (970) 674-0191 or visit www.medhypnosis1.com.

fall | HALLOWEEN

How families are keeping Halloween from turning into a COVID nightmare BY PRISCILLA BLOSSOM KAISER HEALTH NEWS

DENVER – For Laura Stoutingburg and her family, Halloween has always been a monthlong celebration of corn mazes, pumpkin patches and, of course, trick-or-treating in their suburban Denver neighborhood. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the mother of two to change their plans. “Traditional trick-ortreating house to house does not feel like a smart choice to me this year,” Stoutingburg said. Families across the nation are haunted by the same dilemma: How can they safely keep the pandemic from overshadowing Halloween? Can families trick-or-treat and go to haunted houses, or should they opt for lower-risk activities at home? Health experts say families should err on the side of caution when it comes to trick-or-treating and other traditional fall activities. Much depends on each family’s comfort with taking risks and ensuring they adhere to safety standards and common sense, they said. Masks should be worn by all, even if not part of a costume. “My kids love going to the farm ... to go pumpkinpicking, apple-picking and all those things we do in the fall,” said Dr. Aaron Milstone, a professor of pediatrics and an associate epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. But, he added, “if you show up at the pumpkin patch and it’s packed with people, that’s not the right time

Halloween. (Photo: Dreamstime/TNS).

for you to be there.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released Halloween guidelines that warn against high-risk activities like traditional trick-or-treating, haunted houses and costume parties, as well as hay and tractor rides, among other things. The federal agency is also clear on the need for social distancing, mask-wearing and hand-washing to continue. Many parents are coming up with creative alternatives for Halloween night. For Stoutingburg, 30, that means hosting a small sleepover with relatives that features pumpkin-carving, cupcakedecorating and a scavenger hunt. Jody Allard and her family also will forgo their usual tricks and treats. Allard, 42, lives in Seattle and has a rare genetic disease putting her at higher risk for COVID-19. The mother of seven said her family will make new traditions this year. “We’re going to make a bunch of different fun foods

from the Halloween shows they like to watch on the Food Network, and we’re going to watch kid-friendly Halloween movies,” Allard said. In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 44-year-old writer Jamie Beth Cohen’s daughter came up with the idea that she and her brother dress up in costumes and trick-or-treat inside their own home, with their parents behind the doors of various rooms, waiting with candy. “She’s excited to wear a costume without a jacket and get lots of the kind of candy she likes,” Cohen said. Maya Brown-Zimmerman and her family of six never miss out on trick-or-treating in Cleveland. But they will this year, with BrownZimmerman, 35, at higher risk for COVID-19 because of multiple lung diseases. Instead, her family will use their costume money on new Halloween decor, and her four kids, ages 3 to 11, will search for candy at home. “I’ll hide eggs of candy in the front yard for my little kids,” she said. “After they go

to bed, the older kids will have a hunt for eggs in the dark in our backyard with flashlights.” For families still hoping to trick-or-treat this year, though, what can be done to stay as safe as possible? The Harvard Global Health Institute created a website to help parents assess their risk level for Halloween activities with a color-coded map of county COVID data. It shows which counties are “lower-risk” zones for COVID (green and yellow), where parents might feel more comfortable allowing their children to trick-or-treat, and which are higher-risk areas (orange and red), where online parties and very small gatherings are recommended instead. Milstone said families should think less in terms of green versus red zones and more in terms of staying safe no matter what, especially considering asymptomatic carriers. “Rather than people getting a false sense of security that ‘My area is a low-risk area, so I’m just gonna go and do whatever,’ I would say ideally everyone practices the same safe things,” he said. Dr. Heather Isaacson, a pediatrician with UCHealth in Longmont, Colorado, said masks must be worn by all and has a simple suggestion for the reluctant: “Decorate those masks and incorporate them into the costumes.” People who hand out candy also should wear masks, added Dr. Alok Patel, a pediatrician and co-host of the “Nova” and PBS Digital Studios show “Parentalogic.” If trick-orCONTINUED - See Page 17. OCTOBER 2020 | mywindsor | 13

business | WINDSOR MILL

OWNERS REFLECT ON FIRST YEAR IN REBUILT WINDSOR MILL

by BOBBY FERNANDEZ

s Mick Occhiato and Tim Downey celebrate their first year doing business at the historic, and beautifully renovated, Windsor Mill, they likely envisioned that initial year feeling like more of a victory lap than a full-scale, gut-wrenching marathon. Two years after an unidentified arsonist burnt the building nearly to the ground, the mill was finally ready for commercial tenants to move in this past fall, after countless hours of hard work restoring and revitalizing the building at 301 Main St., in Windsor. It’s a good thing Downey and Occhiato are accustomed to being patient and withstanding challenging times because nothing could quite prepare them for the continued stress and uncertainty they would face even after they had seemingly crossed the finish line and opened up shop in the mill. ALEX MCINTYRE

Downey’s Windsor Mill Tavern — a restaurant and pub — opened Oct. 2, 2019. Occhiato’s Cacciatore at Heller’s Kitchen — an Italian restaurant with an existing location in Fort Collins — opened nine days later, on Oct. 11. And about half a year after they opened their doors for the first time, they — and many other businesses throughout the state and the country — had to shutter their doors because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the statewide “stay at home” order, nonessential businesses had to close their doors from March 17-May 27. During this time, restaurants could allow takeout and delivery only. It was quite a tough break for any small business — much less two like Cacciatore’s and the Windsor Mill Tavern, just beginning to gain a footing in their new

ALEX MCINTYRE

markets. “Our first five months were awesome,” Downey said. “Windsor accepted us, and we were building great relations with the town. It was just a fun environment. It still is. Taking that three months off, and trying to struggle through with some to-go food, taught us a lot.” Since May 27, restaurants have been allowed to open their dining rooms at 50% capacity, or no more than 50 people. But for Cacciatore’s and many others, it’s taken a bit longer to get all of their regular business back. Upon opening the new Cacciatore’s location — nearly three times larger than its Fort Collins counterpart — a year ago, Occhiato and company began to build familiarity with its new, unique community and customer base. And, certainly, there are some significant differences between Windsor’s population and that of Fort Collins. Among them, the median age in Windsor is 38.8, according to the town’s website, and 14% of residents are 65 years or older, according to the latest U.S. Census estimates. In Fort Collins, the median age is 29.3, according to the city’s website, and 10.3% of the population is 65 or over, according to Census estimates. As statewide restrictions have loosened, Occhiato said customers

have returned in larger numbers to his Fort Collins location more quickly than they have in Windsor, likely a result of older adults being more cautious toward COVID-19 and being more heavily impacted by the disease’s effects. “Each week, it continues to get a little busier and busier in the Windsor area, compared to where we were (earlier in the pandemic),” Occhiato said. “It was pretty grim there for awhile. … That whole downtown area was just so bare, even through the middle of the summer. There weren’t a lot of people coming out.”

“And, I think as more time passes, more and more people will get back into that comfort zone of coming out and supporting t he W indsor re s taur a n t s a n d br e w e r y l o c at ion s ,” As Cacciatore’s and the Tavern enter their second year of doing business in the Windsor Mill, Occhiato and Downey push forward with cautious optimism, hoping the worst of the pandemic is in the rearview mirror. Cacciatore’s is introducing new wine pairing dinners using wines from the California region — perhaps serving as a subtle step toward business returning to normal. “And, I think as more time passes, more and more people will get back

into that comfort zone of coming out and supporting the Windsor restaurants and brewery locations,” Occhiato said. “I just think it’s taken Windsor just a little bit longer to get that comfort level built up.” Patrons of the Tavern should also be seeing some new offerings, with an Oktoberfest theme, this fall. In addition to beginning to bounce back from the peak stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cacciatore’s and the Windsor Mill Tavern also stand to reap the benefits of a Windsor Mill building that continues to become more of a destination for those wanting to dine, drink and simply have a memorable time. In recent weeks, The Mill Event Venue — which hosts wedding and other special events — and Peculier Ales, a craft brewery and taproom, filled the building’s final vacancies. Pandemic aside, the Windsor Mill is steadily — albeit, patiently — developing into a destination for the residents of Windsor and beyond. “It’s just a fun area now that all four of us are operating,” Downey said. “And, we’re good partners. We all get along, and they are fun businesses. It’s a fun building, to begin with. Then, to have different restaurant destinations and the event venue upstairs, I think it’s only going to get better from here, for sure.”

OCTOBER 2020 | mywindsor | 15

55&Better

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2020 55 & BETTER VIRTUAL EXPO AND WEBINAR! The free event will offer an abundance of tips, local advice and the latest trends in health and nutrition, elder law, financial and retirement planning, reverse mortgages, real estate from active adult communities to assisted living facilities, home care, leisure, lifestyle, fitness and much more. VIRTUAL EXPO

OCTOBER 18 – DECEMBER 30 The virtual expo will showcase local experts and resources with helpful information, photos, videos and contact information.

WEBINAR SERIES

OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 6 The moderated webinar series will broadcast live 12 to 1 p.m. Sessions will also be available for on-demand viewing.

55 & BETTER MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 21 & 24 The expo magazine will publish October 21 in the Loveland Weekly and GT Weekly and October 24 in Loveland Reporter Herald and Greeley Tribune.

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Halloween (continued) treaters see candy-givers without masks, he suggested wishing them a “Happy Halloween” and passing them by for the next home. “If people are outside serving candy without a mask, consider the added risk of potential respiratory droplets flying around, including in the candy bowl,” said Patel. When it comes to handing out candy, it’s a good idea to maintain as much distance as possible. “Think outside of the box with ideas like a reverse trick-or-treating, where kids stay home and dress up and neighbors do a parade and throw candy,” said Isaacson. She also recommended creating individual goody bags in place of bowls of treats. “You could go all out and make candy chutes or a giant spider web with candy trapped in it. In some ways, the physically distanced candydelivery ideas sound more fun,” said Patel. As for the candy itself, Milstone isn’t as concerned about wrappers as about handwashing. The primary message is, “Don’t let your kid eat candy with dirty hands,” he said. That means no eating candy until they’re able to get home to wash properly. While you could technically sanitize wrappers, said Dr. Rita Nasseri, a Los Angeles physician and mother of three, “the safest solution is to buy your own candy and give your children that as a treat.” As for teens, who may want more independence, Dr. Sam Dominguez, a pediatrician specializing in infectious diseases and medical director of the microbiology lab at Children’s Hospital Colorado, recommended that small groups of friends get together outside and carve pumpkins or watch a projected movie – while wearing masks, of course. Nasseri advised something similar, adding that food served buffet-style and communal

candy should be avoided. In Boone County, Missouri, currently experiencing a rapid uptick in COVID-19 cases, Karina Koji said her family will stay home on Halloween night. They plan to dress up in costumes and face masks and give out bags of individually wrapped candies. They’ll also leave candy bags in the driveway for anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable coming up to the door. “We shouldn’t let the pandemic take Halloween from us,” said Koji, 45. “We’ve all had to give up so much. It’s entirely possible to celebrate this fun holiday while staying healthy and keeping ourselves and others safe.” Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

THE 2020 CELEBRATING WOMEN

27th annual Honoring Six Outstanding Women of Weld County

Saturday, October 24, 2020 A Virtual Event! Event info: www.fawpdv.org Proceeds Benefit A Women’s Place Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence.

Jacquie Bowen

Business & Medical Professional Leader

Alexia Peake Inhulsen

n E n Li�

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

Brandi Nieto

Health and Wellness Entrepreneur

Advocate for Women and Children

Lucie Wisehart

Susie Velasquez

Community Volunteer

H n M

Karen Giebler

Community Champion

Legal Services

Entertainment by instrumental crossover string group Spinphony! Donations can be made anytime at: coloradogives.org/fawpgala2020 PRESENTING SPONSORS:

fawpdv.org OCTOBER 2020 | mywindsor | 17

community | CELEBRATING WOMEN

2020HonoreeBreakfast.jpg : Past and current gala honorees along with Friends of A Women’s Place board members gather at the 2020 Honoree Breakfast. (Photo courtesy: Friends of A Women’s Place).

Friends of A Woman's Place Membership Campaign More Crucial than Ever BY LUANNE KADLUB MARKETING FEATURE

ncreased instances of domestic violence is one of the unwelcome outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic, with emergency shelters nationwide experiencing steep increases in crisis calls. Weld County is no different. In April, when residents were first told to shelter at home, A Woman’s Place, Greeley’s shelter for victims of domestic violence, received double the number of crisis calls, according to Diane Heldt, executive director. “When you have to be quarantined, for some people that’s not really safe,” said Jean Schober Morrell, one of the original founders of A Woman’s Place and past board president of both A Woman’s Place and Friends of A Woman’s Place. “One advocate said our help is needed more now than ever because of it.” The shelter has been full, she added, with the average stay a couple weeks, sometimes longer. It is with this as a backdrop that Friends of A Woman’s Place is in the middle of its annual membership campaign to raise funds to support the shelter and its staff. On Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Friends of A Woman’s Place will present its 27th annual Celebrating Women – Online Virtual Gala. The live stream will be available both on Facebook and YouTube and links 18 | mywindsor | OCTOBER 2020

will be provided at fawpdv.org closer to the gala. The event will be available for later viewing as well.

This year’s honorees include: • Business and Medical Professional Leader: Jacquie Bowen O.D., owner and optometrist, See Life Family Vision Source, Greeley • Community Champion: Karen Giebler, Greeley • Health and Wellness Entrepreneur: Alexia Peake Inhusen D.C., owner, Peake Wellness Center, Greeley • Advocate for Women and Children: Brandi Nieto, The Law Office of Brandi L. Nieto LLC, Greeley • Legal Services: Susie Velasquez LLC, Greeley • Community Volunteer: Lucie Wisehart, LaSalle Each honoree will be highlighted in a video during the online gala, Executive Director Diane Heldt will provide an update on the shelter and Spinphony Electric String Quartet of Denver will perform throughout the event. Their performances were pre-recorded by Andy Nagel at Moxie Theater in downtown Greeley. In addition, those who donate at sponsorship levels — $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000 — will be recognized on screen during the video gala. In 2019, Friends of A Woman’s

Place raised $90,000 for A Woman’s Place through both its corporate and membership campaigns. It costs about $150 per day to house a victim of domestic violence. Last year the shelter housed 540 survivors of domestic crime — a 15 percent increase from 2018, answered 819 calls, and offered Advocacy services 8,531 times. Volunteer service hours came to 3,168. A Woman’s Place was founded in 1977 when members of the Weld Chapter of the National Organization for Women sought to find out what happens with victims of domestic violence in the community. “We found out that there were three reported batteries per day,” said Schober Morrell. Five years and lots of work later, along with grants from the city of Greeley, A Woman’s Place opened its doors in 1981. In 2003, an addition to the three-story shelter designed by Greeley architect Robert Shreve doubled its capacity. A Woman’s Place is the only domestic violence shelter in Weld County and has offices in both Greeley and Fort Lupton. Those interested in making a contribution during the membership campaign may do so by sending a check payable to FAWP, P.O. Box 337751, Greeley, Colo. 80633. If in a domestic violence situation and you need help, call A Woman’s Place crisis line at (970) 356-4226 or toll free at (866) 356-4226.

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The very first Crumbl openeed in Logan, UT while Sawyer, Crumbl’ss COO and Co-founder, attended Utah State University. Since then n, the franchise has expanded to over 75 locations in 11 states, nationwide. Each one, growing the Crumbl family and spreading fast, fresh and gourmet cookies to Crumblrs everywhere!

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OCTOBER 2020 | mywindsor | 19

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The Windsor Reader's Choice Contest Opens Friday, October 2nd! Cast your vote for your favorite businesses in the Windsor area to grant them the title of Best in Windsor on our website from 10/2/2020 - 10/14/2020.

Visit www.GreeleyTribune.com/ReadersChoice

Feature Winners Edition Publishing in our MyWindsor Magazine on November 2nd.

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