NoCo Winter 2019

RIVING N to Las a o as o e oo s o g tte ng g stage e no

E MOM SINGLE I have 2 looking to teach all, how hange a her guy

food, we need to meet immediately.

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FATHER OF EIGH energetic lady. Mu s, e fit an ea n an o n the n t a n ng o e

ADVENTUROUS seeks adventurou Please be employ to relocate. Espec black and white tu All responses will Looking for that P

GRANOLA EATIN LOVING, WORLD seeks woman of m st e fit an o e

Look no further.

Having one special person for your car, home and life insurance lets you get down to business with the rest of your life. It’s what I do.

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1101201.1

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL

Protecting the things you LOVE is what insurance is all about‌

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Pure Risk Advisors is an independent insurance agency for local

families and businesses. Working with an independent agent not only gives you more choices but it also gives you someone whose reputation is part of the service. Living and working in Erie, we are always right next door We work with scores of carriers allowing us to customize the right insurance solutions for life, home, auto and business needs.

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CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

TRISHA VENTKER

CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER TRISHA VENTKER CHIEF COPY EDITOR

JOHN SMALL

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

JONATHAN JACKSON

COVER PHOTO

DAVID ROSSA

PHOTOGRAPHER

TRISHA VENTKER

WRITERS

JANINE BOLON SUSIE GERMANY KATHRYN HUGHEY LPCC SARAH MONARES RAJ RAWAT

ABOUT THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITORIAL OFFICE 212.695.2959 TRISHA VENTKER VENTKER MEDIA GROUP

NoCo magazine offers businesses the most cost-effective way to reach consumers virally in the Northern Colorado region.

Trisha Ventker is an author, photographic artist, branding and social media expert, publisher of ELIFE, NoCo, Denver Colorado magazines and retired elementary school teacher. She also finds promoting and bringing local businesses together very rewarding and is the founder of NoCo mastermind networking group for small business owners and entreprenuers.

She is best known for her first book Internet Dates From Hell. It has since had the movie rights to it optioned by Paula Wagner. Trisha is also one of the first Indie Book authors to have a book optioned for the big screen. Trisha is originally from New York City, presently residing in Erie, Colorado for the past 11 years, with her husband and son.

NoCo is published by Ventker Media Group. All editorial material, including editorial, comments, opinion and statements of fact appearing in this publication, represents the views of the respective authors and does not necessarily carry the endorsement of Ventker Media Group.

WHAT’S INSIDE

SELF DISCOVERY As You Wish

LIFESTYLE Life Isn’t Always What You Make It

FEATURE The Glorious Georgia Tournai

LAW Common Law Marriage and Probate

PARENTING 5 Ways To Show Your Child Love

EDUCATION School Reform COMMUNITY NoCo’s Sweethearts INTERVIEW Dr. Hardy x 2

BUSINESS Speciality Food Companies

C O M E

S A Y

H I G H !

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Q & A | THE GLORIOUS GEORGIA TOURNAI WHERE DID YOU COME FROM? WHAT PROMPTED AN INTEREST IN HAIR AND THE FASHION INDUSTRY? Georgia: I’m originally from Casa Grande, AZ and I moved a lot as a kid, which kind of made me more of an outcast growing up. Because of my everchanging environment, I latched onto theatre in high school because that’s where I felt I best fit in. I loved not only performing, but being backstage and doing set design and hair and makeup for the actors. I came out as gay to my parents at a very young age and later had a friend who was transgender. We went everywhere to find a place for him to get his hair cut as his hair was really long at the time and he wanted it cut off.

No salon would do it so finally we decided to just purchase a pair of clippers and we went to his house to do it ourselves. It was at that moment that I realized where my true passion lied - I should do this. I shaved my head with him that day and it was the most freeing and liberating thing I’ve ever done, not just for myself but for someone else.

City Barber Shop Brush, Colorado

FEATURE That’s when I knew I had a higher purpose, to go to hair school, all the while knowing that I can change people’s lives through hair - because it’s never really about the hair. Since then I’ve purchased and own my own gender non-conforming barber shop, City Barber Shop in Brush, Colorado and have been named Greeley’s Best Hairstylist in 2018 and work at Black Opal in Greeley, Colorado when I’m not at my shop.

I’ve had the opportunity to be an educator and do hair for magazines, shoots, runway, and film since then - just trying to make my mark in the industry and the world.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS FOR 1 YEAR AND 5 YEARS OUT? Georgia: I recently took on a new business venture with my friend and business partner, Kelcie Ball, a fellow educator in the industry. It’s called REVEL COLLECTIVE and we provide various hands-on and teach-in classes for those in the industry that range from cut and coloring techniques, extensions, and business. For 2019 it is my goal to really hit the ground running with that and with

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING HAIR DESIGN? Georgia: Honestly, originally flat tops and fades were where I was my weakest. But just as I’ve always done I did what I needed to do to get the education to excel and eventually I overcame that weakness. I am now known for my flat top cuts, high and tights, fade work, and straight edge art designs within the community. Yes, I do things like photoshoots and editorials, but first and foremost my passion is clipper work and I have to say I dominate at it.

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY ABOUT HAIR AND STYLE?

other collaborations and classes with other industry professionals. I’d also like to go universal with my runway shows - I’ve done Denver’s and New York’s Fashion Week I’d like to expand to other places like Paris, London, and Milan. Lastly, I’ve been working on getting into the guild for crew members as a hair artist for films. By the end of the spring of this year I’ll be working on my second film.

Definitely by that 5 year mark I would hope to already have been in the guild and relatively seasoned.

Georgia: What first motivated me was allowing someone to be themselves in the littlest, but the biggest way. I’ve never had a problem being in my own skin and standing out myself, so I’m here to show others that they are their only limit, their possibilities are endless, and that it doesn’t matter how we define ourselves, just as long as we are ourselves. I use that philosophy now - love yourself first, the rest will follow.

TELL US SOMETHING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU: Georgia: I’m pretty sure someone stole my Hogwarts letter, but it’s fine. I’m doing pretty good for a Muggle.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE FASHION SHOW YOU CONTRIBUTED TO AND WHY? Georgia: I absolutely loved going to New York for Fashion Week. The vibe and just pure talent that you are immersed in is unreal - from the designers to production to teams - it’s just an amazing feeling. I can’t wait to go back in the fall. I look forward to it every season.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? Georgia: I love spending my free time with my wife, T. Tournai and 6 amazing pups. photographer KIM DESMOND @kimdesmondphotography

photographer DAVID ROSSA @drossa makeup artist REBECCA TRYGGESTAD @rebeckabeauty hairstylist GEORGIA TOURNAI @gstunnah hair assistant MICHELLE BRIANNE @michelleb.artistry models DANIELLE, CLARE AND JOYCE wardrobe stylist GEORGIA TOURNAI @gstunnah

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CONTACT ME TODAY!

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CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc. 515 Briggs St., Ste. E | Erie, CO 80516 NMLS3029 NMLS1774164

CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc. is an FHA Approved Lending Institution and is not acting on behalf of or at the direction of HUD/FHA or the Federal government. Subject property and borrower income and credit must qualify to USDA guidelines. Certificate of Eligibility required for VA loans.

All loans subject to underwriting approval. Certain restrictions apply. Call for details. NMLS3029 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)

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banking for good Member FDIC

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Laura Owen

As a current resident in Northern Colorado I am fully aware of the current market trends and what it takes to get a great deal on a listing or get top dollar for your current home. When it comes to getting the job done right, you can count on me! I have a lot of connections within the Northern Colorado area. One thing you will get with me is a personal relationship, In the end, that goes a long way.

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THERAPY WITH ME IS NOT LYING ON A COUCH EXPRESSING EVERY DETAIL OF YOUR CHILDHOOD. INSTEAD, WE WILL PLAN AND TALK. WE WILL LAUGH AND CRY. AND SOON ENOUGH …

YOU WILL HEAL. MA, LPCC, NCC

WATERSHED COUNSELING … A PLACE FOR HEALING • Parenting concerns • Marriage/Relationship Issues • Adolescents • Depression • Chronic Pain • Anxiety

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Dr. T.C. Hardy is currently one of the leading providers in the state of Colorado for incognito hidden braces (braces on the tongue side!).

As a Board Certified Orthodontist specializing in child, adolescent and adult orthodontics, he will give you the smile you have always wanted.

We live in the 21st century! Why is there so much metal in the mouth still?

At Hardy Orthodontics, our standard is the high quality, Clarity Advanced bracket. Giving you and your children the flexibility to have a clear aesthetic smile when needed (like school photos and weddings) or the option to let the colors really pop! In addition to the esthetics, the quality of the bracket makes for very efficient treatment as well as a bonding procedure that helps keep the teeth strong.

Namrata Hardy is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist who specializes in providing oral health care to infants, children, adolescents and individuals with special needs. Dr. Nam believes her role as a health care clinician for children is a

Laser Dentistry: NO SHOTS! NO DRILLS! An experience where both you and your child leave happy!

genuine privilege and she loves watching her patients grow up before her eyes.

Dr. Nam is committed to fostering good oral habits from a young age and empowering parents and children to take an active role in their oral healthcare. She believes every child is unique, and tailors her approach to meet their individual needs. Dr. Nam believes that positive dental visits from an early age, and regular visits to the dentist are important factors in setting children on the right track of good oral health for a lifetime.

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A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP IS IN YOUR REACH AND YOUR HEALTH IS WORTH IT!

Colorado’s Board Certified in Orofacial Pain, Credentialed in Dental Sleep Medicine with 30+ Years of Experience.

TOP

SPECIALIST REGAIN FUNCTION, END LIMITATIONS AND REST WELL. Specializing in the treatment of TMJ Dysfunction and Sleep Breathing Disorders, Dr. Mark J. Barnes has transformed the lives of countless patients providing long lasting solutions through identifying the root cause of pain while managing the secondary symptoms. Custom and highly specific orthotic appliances are provided for differing TMD conditions and offer an alternative to CPAP for patients suffering from snoring and Sleep Breathing Disorders.

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1373 Forest Park Circle, Ste 103-104, Lafayette CO, 80026

A BETTER AGENT. A BETTER EXPERIENCE. You can’t overestimate the influence of a real estate professional when you’re buying or selling a home. The best agent makes all the difference in terms of how quickly you’re in your new house, and negotiating a deal that makes the most of your investment. I promise to be that agent, expertly guiding you through every step of the process and making the road to your new home a smooth one.

OUR BETTER APPROACH: MARKET SHINE S TA G I N G P H OTO G R A P H Y EXPOSURE M A R K E T E D U C AT I O N N E G OT I AT I O N

HEATHER KEMP BROKER ASSOCIATE

720.837.7535 heatherkemp@porchlightgroup.com KempHomesCO.com

A BETTER AGENT. A BETTER EXPERIENCE.

“Heather was our real estate agent during our first home purchase and the process could not have gone smoother and it’s all because of her. She was available for any questions we had (and trust me, there were A LOT). She made sure to advocate for us every step of the way to ensure we didn’t get taken advantage of and that we got all the information on the house we could possibly need.

Heather is outgoing, kind, and will make your home-buying process a pleasant one.

- Justyna B.

WE’RE HERE TO

Help OUR COMMUNITY

MEDICINE HORSE PROGRAM is a nonprofit organization focused on mental health and wellness for everyone in our community. In a nutshell, we enhance the mental health of individuals, couples, families and groups through interactions with our horses. Many of our programs are provided at low/no cost, so that everyone can get the help they need. “Medicine Horse” relies on our generous donors and sponsors to continue and grow.

Did you know that Medicine Horse is under new management?

We are! In 2018 we’ve re-dedicated our efforts and begun to improve the barn and stall areas, refresh our offices, add additional pampering services for our horses and more programs. We’ve got even bigger plans for 2019 and beyond, so we hope you’ll come check us out and support our efforts.

We are based in East Boulder on Arapahoe Road, and we are always happy to have volunteers, sponsors, donors and all other folks who want to participate in our programs join us. Our calendar of events can be found on our Facebook page and more information about who we are and what we do can be found on our website at: medicinehorse.org and if you’d like to receive our newsletters and updates about fun events, etc. please click here to sign up.

HOW CAN YOU

Help?

1. Sponsor a horse: https://www.medicinehorse.org/sponsor-a-horse 2. Gift us something from our Amazon wish list.

3. Shop on Amazon Smiles and choose Medicine Horse Program & Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases back to our organization.

4. Become a Volunteer: medicinehorse.org/volunteer 5. Donate something for our 2019 Silent Auctions (May 4th Derby Days and Sept 14th Barn Dance are the next benefits) 6. Larger monetary donations and farm/barn equipment are always appreciated 7. Tell your friends! Follow us on social media, so we can expand our reach to help people: 8. Have a great story about how Medicine Horse has helped you or a loved one? Let us know, we’d like to highlight and share.

Your stories really help others. Please contact: natalie.longhini@medicinehorse.org if you’d like to share your story 9. Help us save wild mustangs through our Mustang Project: medicinehorse.org/the-mustang-project

Welcome to The Enclave at Berthoud Lake

As a 19 year Berthoud resident, Christine is a Northern Colorado real estate expert who has extensive newbuild knowledge, offers pre-marketing counsel, staging strategies, high quality comprehensive marketing tools and believes in client focused communication and care.

I invite you to enjoy the small town charm of Berthoud in Northern Colorado. The desirable Berthoud Schools serve our community and are a rich part of Berthoud’s fabric.

Berthoud’s convenient location northwest of I-25 allows for quick access to live the vibrant Colorado Lifestyle.

TPC Colorado | PGA TOUR Golf Course and Clubhouse are just minutes west on County Road 10E. Families can utilize the surrounding local lakes via developing recreational trails* designed to connect the parks and spaces per the Berthoud Comprehensive Plan.

Water ski and fish on Carter Lake, a mere 15 minutes away. Estes Park and renowned Rocky Mountain National Park are within a scenic hour’s drive.

VIDEO SPACE

VIDEO SPACE

Christine Torres | Realtor | Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 720-320-1405 | christine.torres@coloradohomes.com

“AS YOU WISH” FOR 2019

SELF DISCOVERY

AS

YOU WISH THIS IS THE 7-STEP PLAN FOR HAVING THE LIFE YOU WISH IN 2019 AND IT IS AVAILABLE ALL YEAR FOR FREE!

or write out that you want to weigh 155 pounds by “X” date.

Make the timeline achievable and within safe guidelines (I use a pound a week as a target.).

4. Tell someone else about your goals/ resolutions.

Accountability partners will help you stay on track. Tell your fitness coach, a friend or Facebook group to schedule checkins with on progress.” Ask a friend to email you the number of your situps, reps and overall exercise routine. Having this sort of buddy who checks in on you without judgment is a wonderful way to stay on track and to keep motivated.

5. Fake it until you make it!

By Janine Bolon 1. What is the real question?

The most important decision you can make about your New Year’s Resolutions is do you really want the changes you are asking of yourself? Just because you were told to be physically fit, mentally astute, financially well off, or whatever, the real question is, “Do I want this for me?” Break down your resolutions like this: • Physical Resolutions: (Get physically fit, make meals at home, declutter the house) • Financial Resolutions: (Debt-Free living, create a budget, start a savings account) • Mental Resolutions: (Listen before speaking, conquer a fear, take a class.)

• Spiritual Resolutions: (volunteer, meditate, find a church) 2. Write it down and re-read it frequently!

I have been coaching people in financial independence for over 30 years. This is the simplest investment in yourself. This is the #1 activity that keeps you on track to your awesome life.

3. Keep your resolutions concise and precise.

Focus on the behavior you want to gain rather than on the negative elements that have lead to your current situation.

Example: instead of writing as a resolution, “lose weight this year” (which begs the question of where it is to be abandoned?)

See yourself as already “on the path” to achieving your goals.

You don’t want “newcomer’s syndrome” where the new routine feels so alien you stop doing it. Walk, act and “self-talk”, like this routine is old hat and you’re in the process of ramping up the behavior, not starting from scratch.

6. Keep your list of goals SHORT! Have no more than four goals-at-a-time on your list, then focus on doing only ONE (yes, that is not a typo) thing a day to move you toward your three major goals.

7. 2019 is YOUR year!

Take real charge of your life! Yes, the economy is weird (to say the least). We have lost jobs, homes and marriages. By making a few core resolutions and adhering to them, you create the life you want, as you actively contribute to bettering the world, one goal at a time.

This year, wish for yourself 12-months of a “Purpose-Driven Life” that leaves you breathless and standing in awe of yourself and your accomplishments on December 31, 2019.

Janine Bolon is a Financial First-Responder who guides entrepreneurs and their employees to financial stability through the 60/40 Principle, 3 Minute Meditations and Mindful Living.

She also makes an awesome accountability coach. Just email her at: Janine@the8gates.com.

FREE QUOTE | WRITTEN WARRANTY | SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!

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LOCAL PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS

You can trust from house painting, to deck staining, to wallpaper removal, Fresh Coat offers a wide range of painting and painting-related services. Your team of professional painters will approach every job with service in mind, working every project as if it were theirs.

CABINET REFINISHING

If you choose to have our team refinish your cabinets, be assured that our team understands the professional process of refinishing with minimal interruption. This saves your family the hassle of a messy remodel in the kitchen or bathroom … both high traffic areas.

freshcoatpainters.com/longmont | 350 Terry Street, Ste. 300 | Longmont, CO 80501

GO AHEAD

LOL :)

Crack up, belly laugh, roll on the floor and share those pearly whites.

Go ahead ‌Laugh out loud RidgeviewKids.com

FREE EXAM for Kids Under Three* (303) 650-0310 14697 Delaware Street, Suite 210 Westminster, CO 80023 *Applies to new patients only. Offer may not be valid with insurance benefits.

LIFESTYLE

Life Isn’t Always What You Make It: THE PROBLEM WITH POSITIVITY AND GRATITUDE

BY SARAH MONARES There is an ongoing, relatively new movement that sounds amazing! Be GRATEFUL for what you have.

POSITIVE vibes only! It’s a utopian mindset where negativity and conflict don’t exist. We are being told to “choose joy” and never talk about the “heavy” stuff that could be considered uncomfortable! It’s a rah-rah mentality that is catching on like wildfire, but what many people, jumping on this bandwagon don’t realize is… it’s only making things worse.

We are being told from a million different angles that “Life is what you make it”. Something bad happens to you… find the silver lining. Have an issue with someone else that needs to be resolved… don’t talk about it; it’s too negative. The reality is that “shit happens”.

Sad, scary, painful things happen. Every, Single Day! And when they do, we are programing ourselves and everyone else not to be allowed to have true feelings about it. Shove it down deep. Shut your mouth. If you can’t say something POSITIVE don’t say anything at all.

It’s eating us away from the inside out.

organizations and of course-relationships.

It makes our society and the people of it emotionally inept. No one knows how to deal with “negative” emotions. Instead, we learn to do whatever we can to pretend they don’t exist. We are expecting ourselves to act like robots that only operate in “happy” mode. For the record… You are not a freaking robot!

We have to learn to lean into the discomfort and subsequently move through it, rather than go around it.

Avoidance doesn’t make it go-away Ever!

It can also be used as a control tactic. When someone says you’re “too negative” or belittles you for having feelings that don’t fall into the “positive only” category, It can be a manipulation strategy. It shuts people down and makes them feel like there is something wrong with them. It’s HEALTHY to have hard conversations. When we continually shut people down, it’s impossible to truly connect.

Don’t get me wrong; I think there is a time and a space for positivity and gratitude in our lives. However, we have to remember, the extreme of anything is never good. Both ends of the spectrum in reality DO exist (as they should). When we go all the way to one side of ANYTHING, we are not operating in life with a full or realistic view.

This is not a ticket to be a grump or permission to be a victim of your own life. That’s on the other side of the spectrum. We need to do what’s necessary to become a whole person. Finding that “in between” place, there we can face the discomfort head on, while also incorporating gratitude and positivity. We’ve got to pull our heads out of the sand and start dealing with the hard stuff too.

When gratitude and positivity are used to the extreme, they can and do HARM people, businesses,

Sarah Monares is a counselor, mentor, writer and speaker. Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

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Q & A | HARDY PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY & ORTHODONTICS | DR. NAMRATA HARDY

HEALTH 1. WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO COLORADO? I moved around a lot when I was younger, living in places like Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Boston and New York City. The saying that “change is the only constant in life� rings true to my experiences. It has made me a very open and accepting person, and professionally has allowed me to empathize with people from all different walks of life. I was lucky to meet my husband, TC, in dental school. He convinced me to move to his home state of Colorado. I am so glad we ended up here. I love the mountains and skiing! The Colorado front-range has so much to offer too, with great restaurants and plenty of activities to do. Colorado is a great spot for a family. We have a sweet two-year-old boy and another on the way.

TC was born and raised in Littleton. He had tons of fun growing up, but when it was time for college, he knew it was time to focus and ended up in Boston for undergraduate dental school, and stayed through

his orthodontic resident training. There is nothing like Boston for your education with so many amazing schools and bright students. TC was very fortunate to have had the support of his parents and family as he went through college and beyond. There is definitely no better place to be than Colorado, so when it was time to settle, he somehow convinced me to come out this way, and fortunately for him, I obliged.

2. HOW DID YOU MEET AND WHAT SPARKED A WORKING RELATIONSHIP? We both met in a dental school anatomy class! TC was a couple years ahead of me and was chosen by the school to be a teaching assistant for the 1st and 2nd year dental students. A few Facebook messages later and we were dating! After we were married, we both realized that we each have our own unique strengths and weaknesses that complement each other pretty well.

I am more Type A and particular, while he is more laid back. It works out perfectly! The best part of all is from the beginning we both knew what direction in dentistry we wanted to pursue. The combination of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics is great for our patients and

A functional bite, something people don’t recognize, is one , as related to the of the best options for facial smile and profile. By far the coolest of all, we offer the latest in technology, including laser dentistry which often requires no shots or drills for most of your typical dental procedures. Yes, you heard me, no shots and no drills!

Making it a much more comfortable and happy experience for kids. The two things kids (and most people are afraid of) are needles and that drill. With aser entistry, both are eliminated.

4. WHAT ARE YOUR 2019 GOALS?

great for us to be able to converse on treatment and support each other in the best way possible. Thank goodness neither one of us wanted to do root canals. Ugh. ;)

3. WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT WHAT YOU OFFER AT YOUR PRACTICE? There are so many things it is hard to even count. We are one of the few husband and wife duos that incorporate pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof. So that makes it very easy and convenient for our patients to be seen for both their dental and orthodontics appointments in one visit, where communication and records are easy to access and the care is phenomenal. We are both board certified specialists in our field, only a little over 50% of pediatric dentists and orthodontists go on to obtain this certification, so you know we will have the knowledge and expertise to treat you well.

TC is one of the few doctors offering and practicing with lingual braces (hidden braces) as an option. Even more invisible than clear aligners and none of the removing and placing back in the mouth you have to do with clear aligners either. With a separate section for orthodontics it is still a very comfortable experience for teenagers and adults alike.

As an orthodontic specialist he, and the orthodontic specialty as a whole, are focused on more than just aligning your teeth.

To bring smiles and healthy teeth to our community, to make a difference in that young patients’ life and curbing the fear of going to the dentist. Doing so by incorporating the unique training a pediatric dentist obtains with the most amazing benefits of aser entistry. To bringing confidence to the children, teens, and adults who always wanted to smile freely but w too afraid to because of being made fun of or were shy of their crooked teeth.

We really want to bring our team to the next level in 2019 with strong team commitment to providing the best care for our patients, as well as support for each other and the doctors. If you follow us on social media you will be seeing more and more fun team building activities. Our goal behind this is knowing that when you come in you will get to experience that spirit.

Lastly, we really want to work on getting the word out on Laser entistry and how amazing it is. Way too many people still don’t know what it is and what it can offer.

5. TELL US ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER AS A HUSBAND/WIFE TEAM THAT IS REWARDING OR CHALLENGING I think it’s great to be able to collaborate on tough or complicated cases together and deliver the best care to our patients. We also have a lot of fun with staff make it a priority to do fun little team building activities together.

The tough thing is it is way too easy to talk about work at home! Personal relationships versus working relationships can be very, very different as well and being able to navigate those waters on when to be professional vs when to be husband and wife is something we will be forever learning and improving on. The most important thing we have found is patients are always the focus at work and family the focus at home. Giving care and love to everyone always makes for a happy day.

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UPWITHPEOPLE.ORG/ERIE Up with People is a global education organization that empowers young people to be positive agents of change in their communities and the world. Through our unique blend of music, social action, and international travel, we impact communities for the better while providing youth the knowledge and experience they need for today’s complex global environment. For more than 50 years Up with People has been breaking down cultural barriers and enhancing understanding to help create a more hopeful, trusting and peaceful world.

BUILD YOUR BUSINESS WITH US! Join us at our Monthly Luncheons!

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Ready To Start A Food Business? One Founder’s Tips by Brady Stewart

So, you are considering starting a specialty food company? You’ve seen them at farmer’s markets, boutique stores, specialty food shops and even at the grocery store. Whether it’s pickles, hot sauces, kombucha or jellies/jams, it seems like everywhere one looks, there’s a new and creative craft food item. Like a lot of people, you’ve probably thought at some point “I could do that” or “I have a great recipe” or even “Could I make money doing that?”

BUSINESS Know Your Regulations

As someone who has started his own specialty food business and is still in the throes of expanding and building a small business, I get asked, “How did you get started?” For this reason, I decided to share some of my insights and experience about what it’s like to start a specialty food business in Northern Colorado.

You will need to understand that there are regulations and taxes. Even in a business-friendly and creatively open state like Colorado, this is true. That being said, this can vary wildly. Luckily there are multiple resources you can find online and from government agencies.

You can also contact a food company with a similar product. People are usually more than willing to help.

My recommendation would be to apply for a federal tax number and form an LLC. The rest will depend on your product and its potential market.

Know and Love Your Product

Know Your Target Customers

This should go without saying. Food should be a passion and a food business should be no different.

This is not a “get rich quick” scheme. It should be something one enjoys doing, in which one takes much pride. Also, people in Colorado know and love food and know what is good. They’ll know if something is less than qualitative. This fact can also be a “positive” as people in Northern Colorado are open to new, creative and quality products.

This took me a while to grasp. To whom will you be marketing and selling your product? This isn’t always just “people who eat”. Is your product for people who like to try new things? People who like a convenience factor in their food? People who enjoy buying local?

Determine your target market. I learned my “target customers” are people interested in cooking who are looking for new flavors and who enjoy a locally made product.

Know Your Outlets

Where do you want to sell? Farmer’s markets? Grocery stores? From your home? Online? Northern Colorado is a “foodie”- rich area, so there are plenty of options.

Almost every town has a farmer’s market. Breweries, distilleries and festivals provide opportunities for vendors.

There are also many boutique gift stores and specialty grocers that love to carry local products. Reach out to these businesses and events and put yourself out there.

Don’t forget online sale options through platforms like Shopify and Etsy.

Make Connections

Brady Stewart, the owner of J. Brady Seasonings LLC, started the company in 2017, out of his home in Fort Collins. You can find J. Brady’s at multiple retailers throughout Colorado and online. www.jbradyseasonings.com

One of the best things about starting a small business is getting to meet and interact with people who have similar interests. People get to see, taste and smell something you have made. That’s exciting! You also get to reach out to businesses, share your passion and convince them they should carry your product. You never know where a contact may lead.

Get to work!

Follow these 6 simple steps and see where it takes you! I guarantee good results! Again, stay “Colorado” positive and get going!

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Five Steps To Activate Your Public School Child’s Full Potential

BY RAJ RAWAT

EDUCATION To give your public school educated child the best chance at achieving his/her full potential, fill the gaps that most schools are not capable of bridging. Public schools are one of America’s greatest assets as its teachers’ dedication is second to none. Still, schools often can’t address the following shortfalls: 1. Teach your child to respect his or her teachers. Most teachers help shape children’s character by inspiring them. They also handle fears and insecurities. Showing respect to teachers will prepare your children for life, because respectful behavior creates possibilities to learn and grow.

Resource: You. 2. Teach basic life skills to the level that is important for adults to rise to full potential.

• What is healthy nutrition and what is healthy living?

• Why are sleep and exercise important?

• How to live the core values of truth and sincerity.

• How to interact with peers, adults and teachers.

• How to listen with the intention of understanding.

Resources: Libraries for books and videos; Places of faith for stories and practices; Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts-type of organizations for practical applications; YouTube and family for best practices.

3. Teach how to work with their hands to make things.

Many schools don’t have tool shops for wood and metal work. Give children the opportunity to make things. In certain schools a new movement is underway.

“The Makerspace Movement” is giving students and adults the opportunity to learn how to use tools to make things. They have 3D printers, laser cutters, wood saws, fabric-printing tools, circuit design and fabrication machines and more.

Resources: Many libraries now offer free access and have trained experts to provide guidance. Call your library or the school district to access these Makerspaces.

4. Find how to best teach your child. Your son or daughter may learn better in a way that the school’s

curriculum or lesson plan does not offer. Some students learn physics, mathematics and chemistry by doing the experiments and physically interacting with objects.

Learning from books may not come easy to them.

If your child is not learning from teacher-to-student lecture style or book reading, it means that the school system’s current lesson plan that is designed for “one shoe fits all” approach does not engage your child’s learning style. Don’t punish your child for his/her unique learning method.

Resources: Online resources like eduTopia and the NBC Parent Tool Kit are easily accessible and free. https://www.edutopia.org/ https://www.parenttoolkit.com/about/about-parenttoolkit 5. Focus your child on learning the content of the lessons - not the grades. Remove the test taking stress from your child’s mind. Multiple testing is irrelevant for the child’s life success skills. If the child gets the content, the results will start to show on the tests too. If the scores are not high, ask the teacher what the lesson plan objectives are. Then, work with your child to see that he/she understands the concepts and practices the book drills.

Resources: Teacher and online learning resources.

The schools and school districts do their best to serve thousands of students. You focus on your children.

Waiting for a system to address your child’s needs may take time that you can’t forfeit as every learning day passes. Parents have to be the best teachers, and the home has to be the best schoolhouse for the students to reach full potential.

Raj Rawat writes, speaks, and consults on achieving full potential. His book Find Your Everest Before Someone Chooses It For You resonates with people seeking progress. Raj is a co-host for a new KGNU radio program, 3D-Spotlight, which showcases role models of positive initiatives in education, healthcare, housing, transport, and energy. You can reach him at: Raj@ rajrawat.com

WILL YOUR PARTNER RECEIVE ANYTHING WHEN YOU DIE? Common Law Marriage and Probate

by Susie Germany Attorney, The Germany Law Firm, P.C. and Deputy Public Administrator, 17th

Life can change in an instant, as we may lose a loved one unexpectedly. Many find the prospect of marriage overwhelming, unnecessary or given the high divorce rate, they want a more non-conventional relationship.

Companionship, not investing shared assets and raising children becomes the focus of the relationship. Some may cohabitate, while others choose to keep separate households but share their free time together.

So what happens if a partner dies? What rights do the surviving partners have? Colorado is one of just a few states that recognizes Common Law Marriage. The law requires common law spouses to demonstrate intent, habit, reputation of being married and holding out publicly that they are married. This can be demonstrated by evidence of written intent to be married, referring to each other as spouses in public, having shared bank accounts, being on each other’s insurance plans, filing taxes jointly as married, cohabitating and raising children together.

This evidence is presented to the court to determine if in fact a common law marriage existed during both parties’ lifetimes.

LAW

“If a couple is not married and does not have evidence of being common law married, the surviving partner has no automatic right to inherit.”

Why is the question of common law marriage important when a partner dies? Because if someone dies without a will and is married, his or her spouse and minor children have rights to inheritance. If there is no will, or a will that does not provide for the spouse, the surviving spouse has a “spousal elective share”, which allows them to elect to take up to 50% of their spouse’s estate. If a couple is not married and does not have evidence of being common law married, the surviving partner has no automatic right to inherit.

Surviving partners often attempt to assert their rights as a common law spouse after the death of their partner in order to inherit at least a portion of the estate or to obtain Social Security survivor benefits. However, unless they can prove that the common law marriage existed, they may have no rights, in the absence of a will or trust which specifically gifts to them. Premarital or cohabitation agreements are helpful as well, to clarify what if any rights a surviving partner has to avoid situations such as a surviving partner having to move out of a home because the deceased’s children take ownership of the home and force an eviction.

Having a well drafted will, trust or other planning documents can alleviate much stress, hard feelings and expense for families left to sort out issues after a death.

As non-married couples do not have an automatic right to inherit in Colorado, planning for your loved ones becomes especially important.

Susie Germany has been an attorney for more than 16 years. Licensed in both Alaska and Colorado, she has practiced in the areas of criminal litigation, civil litigation and domestic law in addition to elder law, probate and estate planning.

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Amy Tallent, owner of The Tallent Company, is also a Johnstown Council member and the first woman to do so in 20 years. She cares significantly for this community, as well as, the community that raised her in Erie. Amy believes her gift in life is helping and connecting others and she loves doing so.

I love putting smiles on faces. When I moved to Johnstown three years ago, the opportunities to do so went wild. Wether it be capturing video of kids and parents in a parade or telling a story about an exceptional person in our community, I know that when I’m done smiles will grow.

DEANNE MULVIHILL

TOM WILCZYNSKI

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MAYOR OF MEAD

Tom has donated more than $18k to organizations such as: Realm Of Caring, Cannabis Clinicians, Cannabis Patients Alliance, Operation Cannabis Care, Grow For Vets, Parents4Pot, The Kiona Foundation, American Cannabis Nurses Association, Project CBD, Larimer County for Mental Health & more.

Colleen Whitlow is the current Mayor of Mead and has been an upstanding active resident for over 19 years. Colleen was one of the driving forces behind the Mead Urban Renewal Authority Commission to help draw business to Mead by providing incentives to businesses.

JONATHAN JACKSON

ANN BARON

LARIMER COUNTY RANGER

NORTHERN COLORADO COMMUNITY

Executive Director with the Berthoud Area Chamber of Commerce started with the chamber a little over five years ago. In that time, it has been important to grow the major events that the chamber sponsors in the community.

Entrusted with protecting and preserving Larimer County open spaces, local parks and parklands, Jonathan is a family man and public servant who strives daily to usure the safety of the community he’s sworn to protect and serve. When not in unifrom, you can often find Jonathan enjoying the outdoors with his wife and three tiny-humans.

Promoting and connecting businesses invigorates me. I founded Northern Colorado Community in 2016, A membership based, networking group which effectively offers valuable events. One wonderful event was an honoree banquet recognizing the “Ordinary Extraordinary People.”

Kathryn Hughey is a mental health therapist at Light of the Rockies Counseling. She specializes in trauma, and believes in the importance of education for preventing suicide and de-stigmatizing mental health issues.

PARENTING

5 WAYS TO SHOW YOUR CHILD LOVE

BY KATHRYN HUGHEY LPCC

As humans, I believe we’re made for connection. Connection is vital to feeling loved and accepted. Kids who feel loved and accepted grow in resilience which helps them bounce back from the hard stuff.

Unfortunately, many parents have no clue how to connect with their kids. I have good news! Connecting is a SKILL and you CAN learn it! It takes consistency and effort, but it is worth it when the end result is that everyone enjoys being with each other!

1 Listen to them

4 Be Kind We easily fall into daily habits where we bark out orders like drill

Therapist Darren Baughman, at Light of the Rockies says, “As

sergeants having little tolerance for deviations from our routine.

parents, we need to listen more and speak less. Think of it as

However, checking your words and actions, and showing kindness

the 80/20 rule. As a parent, I want to do 80% of the listening

shows your child they have value. Help them with the mess they

and 20% of the talking. When I listen, my child will better know

made. Comfort them when they’re upset.

themselves and I will better know what to say when it is time.”

5 Be Generous

2 Show them affection

When I hear the word “generous” money automatically comes

Your child NEEDS hugs and snuggles, and chances are you do too. Physical affection releases oxytocin (the hormone responsible for bonding and building trust), and reduces cortisol levels! Safe physical touch literally reduces stress and makes your child feel loved.

3 Engage Them Turn the tv off, put down your phone, and play with your child. If they’re older, take them out to coffee or do something they enjoy.

Give them your full attention and enter their world! They invite you in more than you realize! Here’s what an invitation might look like, “Hey Mom! Look at this cool drawing I made!” or “Dad! You’ll never guess what happened at school today”, or even, “My teacher made me so mad today…” Your kids are inviting you to connect.

to mind. However, generosity comes in many forms! With your words: it’s okay to hand out compliments, affirmations and praise.

This doesn’t mean we ignore the times when our kids need to take responsibility for mistakes, but our generosity can be in the form of language offering hope and growth rather than shame and despair. Be generous with your time! Dinner or chores can wait 5 minutes while you engage in your child’s world.

I read a book by Danny Silk called, Keep Your Love On. In it, learned that everything we do either builds

relationship or de-

stroys it. Next time you’re interacting with your child pause and ask yourself, “Is what I am about to say going to build our relationship or damage it?” and proceed as necessary. You might need to rephrase your words or adopt a kinder tone, but it will be worth it in the long run!

T I M E T O G R O O M Y O U R Sweetheart