CVCRMay26

Carbon Valley | Mead | Erie Consumer Report

THE INSPIRATION FOR TROPICAL DREAMS

The Colors of Home by Edwina Perkins

Home isn’t a place. It’s a reckoning.

I awoke to yet another raw and rainy New England day. With the gray skies weighing on me, I wished I could fly away to Jamaica for a visit. However, our young family couldn’t afford a trip to my homeland then. I trudged up the stairs, yanked on the shower faucet, and turned it on high and hot as if it could wash away the winter blues. Suddenly, words, floating above the steady shhhshhh of the water. “Tropical Dreams, come my way. Pick me up for an Island stay…” And an amazing thing happened: my spirits lifted. The power of words.

Our four children grew up singing those first few lines of Tropical dreams with me. Eventually, I realized I was a writer. More than twenty-five years and many revisions later, Tropical Dreams has evolved into a vibrant celebration. Inspired by Jamaica’s lush landscape and culture, it includes characters representing my three granddaughters. Intertwined is a gentle message of the interconnectivity, interdependency, and harmony in diversity displayed in creation. What a thrill to have my debut children’s picture book release on the ten-year anniversary of launching my website, www.TattooItOnYourHeart.com obedience to God. I pray it lifts my readers’ spirits as it did mine.

After her husband’s death from leukemia, Ebony McMullen loads her three children into an overstuffed Suburban and drives fifteen hours from Colorado to North Carolina—back to the small town her husband once fled. She’s out of money. Out of options.

And forced to live in a house owned by the father-in-law who never wanted her.

Her oldest son, Owen, is angry and restless after legal trouble in Colorado. Scotty is desperate to belong on the high school football team. Destiny, bright and tender with Down syndrome, sees beauty everywhere— even where others see difference.

But in Home, difference is noticed.

• A diner waitress asks, “What are you?”

• A teacher assumes Ebony belongs in the kitchen.

• A rival father hurls a racial slur across a football field.

• And when someone humiliates Destiny in a cruel act meant to send a message, the family begins to unravel. Meanwhile, Ebony discovers that the

town’s roots run deeper—and darker—than she imagined. Long-buried secrets about Shane McMullen, her rigid father-in-law, threaten to fracture what little foundation they’ve built. And as old wounds surface and new betrayals emerge, Ebony must decide:

Will she keep surviving? Or will she fight for a home worth staying in?

The Colors of Home is a powerful story of grief, race, redemption, and the courage it takes to rebuild a family in a place that may not want them.

Because sometimes home isn’t where you’re welcomed.

It’s where you choose to belong.

Kelly MartindaleOWNER/Publisher

What's OnMy Mind

Elections in small towns and local communities often feel less dramatic, perhaps less important, than national races. But that perception is misleading.

In reality, local elections are where decisions are made that most directly affect daily life. School boards determine curriculum and policies that shape children. City councils decide zoning, taxes, and development. County commissioners influence infrastructure, emergency services, and public safety. These are not abstract issues. They’re the roads people drive on, the schools children attend, and the policies that affect neighborhoods every day.

Despite this direct impact, voter turnout in small communities is consistently low. There are several reasons for this.

1. Many people assume their vote doesn’t matter, especially in smaller races that receive little media attention.

2. Local elections often lack the visibility and urgency of national campaigns, so they’re easy to overlook.

3. People are busy, and without strong reminders or emotional engagement, voting drops down the priority list.

4. Finally, some feel disconnected or uninformed about local candidates, which leads to inaction rather than participation.

This low turnout creates a problem: a small percentage of the population ends up making decisions for everyone. In some local elections, outcomes are decided by a handful of votes. That means influence is concentrated among the few who show up, rather than reflecting the true and deeper values of the broader community.

There is a much larger connection

at play. The health of national elections is built from the ground up. Local voting habits carry into state and federal elections. Communities that neglect local voting tend to have lower engagement overall, including in races for the House, Senate, and presidency.

In contrast, communities that value participation at the local level tend to be more informed, more engaged, and more consistent voters across all levels of government. In that sense, strong local participation strengthens the entire democratic system.

For Bible believing Christians, voting carries an added dimension of responsibility. Scripture emphasizes stewardship, accountability, and seeking the good of the community. In Jeremiah 29:7, believers are instructed to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city.” Participation in elections can be one way of doing that.

“And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile [where you live today]. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”

Jeremiah 29:7 (NLT)

Voting is not about placing ultimate hope in political systems, but about responsibly engaging in the society where one lives. It is an opportunity to reflect values such as justice, compassion, and integrity in the public square.

Five reasons citizens should vote:

1. Local decisions directly affect daily life, often more than national policies.

2. Low turnout means each vote carries greater influence.

3. Voting ensures broader representation, not just the voices of a few.

4. Participation strengthens the overall Democratic Republic system.

5. It is a basic civic responsibility tied to freedom and self-governance.

Five ways to encourage voting:

1. Increase awareness by sharing clear, simple information about local elections and candidates.

2. Emphasize the real-life impact of local decisions rather than abstract politics.

3. Make voting social by encouraging friends, family, and church groups to go together.

4. Provide practical help such as reminders, deadlines, and polling location details.

5. Share personal stories that connect voting to meaningful outcomes in the community.

At the core, voting in small towns is not insignificant. It is foundational. When people show up locally, they build a habit of engagement that carries into every level of governance. When they don’t, decisions still get made—just by someone else.

The wider the array of people who vote, the better the beliefs of the people will be represented.

If you don’t vote, don’t complain.

I’ll be the first to admit, I haven’t voted in every election over the last 31 years of living here, but I do stand by my comment...

If you don’t vote, don’t complain.

And if you do vote, and it didn’t go your way, you’re welcome to send letters to the editor, here, and they will get published, FREE of charge.

Summer Babysitting Class

Date: Saturday, July 29, 2026

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Cost: $50

Location: FFFD Station 5, 3725 Glacier Way, Frederick, CO 80504

To Register: Email Sasha Story at sstory@fffd.us For more information, please visit our Babysitting Page

2026

Enchanted Peaks Slumber Parties

Sleepovers have long been a staple of childhood, but for many families, hosting them can come with added stress, from setup to cleanup. A Northern Colorado business is offering an alternative, transforming the traditional sleepover into a more structured and thoughtfully designed experience.

Enchanted Peaks Slumber Parties provides fully styled, in-home sleepover setups for children’s events, serving families across the Carbon Valley and surrounding communities. Each event includes individual tents, bedding, and themed décor, along with full delivery, setup, and next-day breakdown.

The business was founded by Firestone resident, Amanda Hansen, a mom of three daughters who saw an opportunity to create something that felt both special for kids and manageable for parents.

“I love anything that creates a little extra excitement for kids,” Hansen said. “There’s nothing better than seeing their reaction when they walk in and realize the whole space was designed just for them.”

Setups are designed around a range of themes, including under-the-sea and mermaid-inspired designs, music-inspired celebrations, travel-themed experiences, and gaming or adventure-style sleepovers. The variety allows families to choose an experience that reflects their child’s interests.

While the visual element is a key part of the experience, the service also reflects a growing interest in simplified, experience-based celebrations. Many families are opting for gatherings that feel more intentional, without requiring extensive planning or coordination.

By handling the logistics, Enchanted Peaks Slumber Parties allows families to focus on the experience itself. Children are able to enjoy time with friends, while parents can step back from the usual hosting responsibilities.

As demand for at-home celebrations continues, locally owned businesses like this are carving out a niche that blends convenience with a more personalized approach to events.

For more information, readers can search Enchanted Peaks Slumber Parties on Facebook or Instagram, or email enchantedpeaksco@gmail.com

Mead Motorheads Memorial Day

Classic Car Show

Hey car show fans, we’re proud to announce the return of our annual Memorial Day show in 2026!

We had to cancel last year’s show due to some new construction in the town of Mead, but this year’s event is a full go.

Happy third birthday Talis! You’re such a cute and sweet little girl. You are a light and joy to all those around you. May the Lord bless you and keep you! We love you immensely. Daddy, Mommy, Knightley, Hearth, and Finan

12th

love you to

and beyond always and

With this news comes another update that we’re extremely excited to share: the launch of our brand-new website https://www.meadmotorheads. com/

Questions? Comments? Concerns? We’re here to help! Please reply to this email or email us separately at meadmotorheads@gmail.com for assistance.

We look forward to seeing you at the event!

The Mead Motorheads Jim, Torrey, Danny, Craig, Dave, Charlie, Ken, Jeff, Evvy, and John FREE Birthday Announcements. Send one high resolution photo w/ “birthday” typed in subject line to carbonvalley@gmail.com by 10th of month. Keep to 30 words please.

Happy birthday to Knightley! You are the best biggest sister and we cannot believe you’re nine years old! You are so clever and fun to be around. May the Lord bless you and keep you. We love you immensely. Daddy, Mommy, Hearth, Finan, and Talis

GovernmentMAYORS&Elections&LocalNEWS

CVCR Election/Editorial Policy: The CVCR takes a non-biased approach in election support and Letters to the Editor. The CVCR does not endorse candidates but prints bios, platforms, and letters, FREE, as space is available and only edits for spacing.

United Power Hosts Annual Meeting on April 15: Meeting Highlights include Director Election Results, Local Energy Strategy, and New ERA Grant Update

United Power members gathered for the cooperative’s 2026 Annual Meeting on April 15 at Riverdale Regional Park in Brighton. More than 500 members and guests attended this year’s meeting, which included a video presentation highlighting the co-op’s 2025 accomplishments, the annual financial report, and a special presentation from United Power President and CEO Mark A. Gabriel. Results of the Director Election were announced at the conclusion of the meeting.

Voting in the Director Election was conducted via mail-in and electronic balloting. More than 4,700 member ballots were cast in the election. Running unopposed, South District incumbent Steven Douglas and Mountain District incumbent Tamra K. Waltemath retained their seats with each candidate receiving 3,996 votes. North District incumbent Virginia A. “Ginny” Buczek retained her seat with 2,496 votes. Her opponent Phil Tiffany received 2,110 votes. A new director was seated in the Central District, where Lisa Hough received 2,733 votes to challenger Vicki Erickson’s 1,797 votes. A ballot item that asked members to update the cooperative’s Articles of Incorporation to ensure they are clear, transparent, and consistent with current state laws and the cooperative’s bylaws passed with 3,635 votes in favor.

Board Chair Stephen Whiteside and Mark A. Gabriel shared a video presentation at the meeting highlighting how The Power of Local impacts the cooperative’s decision making and its everyday operations. Two years ago, United Power exited its wholesale power contract beginning its journey to energy independence. The cooperative is actively implementing its local energy strategy, known as hyper-localization, where more power is generated closer to the cooperative’s footprint and the communities it serves. Local energy also bypasses costly and congested transmission. The strategy was highlighted last year in the second version

of the co-op’s long-term action plan, Our Cooperative Roadmap.

“One of the most significant changes in United Power’s history was our transition to a new power supply strategy,” said Whiteside. “When we moved away from a single provider, we gained more local control over where our power comes from and our ability to plan for the future.”

“Independence provides the cooperative with flexibility to build a diverse energy portfolio that protects reliability and helps keep long-term costs in check,” Gabriel said. “This includes an expanding catalog of hyper-local projects, like Mountain Peak Power, which was energized last summer in partnership with Kindle Energy. This innovative natural gas peaking plant is strategically located outside Keenesburg adjacent to gas lines, making it an efficient and costeffective resource during peak demand events. Also, because it is located near a substation connected to a battery energy storage system (BESS), it will reduce costs and increase reliability for our members.”

United Power became one of the first electric utilities in the country to install BESS adjacent to its substations in 2024. These projects support the cooperative’s hyper-local strategy and are critical for resource adequacy, energy arbitrage opportunities, and shaving peak demand.

“Resources like Mountain Peak Power help ensure we have power when we need it most, right here at home,” said Whiteside. “It is another example of how investing locally supports reliability, flexibility, and long-term value for our members.”

Gabriel also shared that this week, the cooperative was the first awardee of 15 to receive funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities

Service Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program. The grant award, which will be paid over the next 10 to 15 years, will be used to help mitigate the rising cost of power and to stabilize rates for cooperative members. In September 2025, the agency confirmed that United Power was the first cooperative to submit and receive approval of its Community Benefit Plan Implementation Report, which was a condition to receive funds related to four energy projects already operating for the benefit of United Power communities. Three additional New ERA projects will come online by the end of 2029. United Power will continue investing in local communities, and fulfilling the cooperative’s commitments to advancing workforce development, access to energy assistance, support for rural farmers, and more.

“Simply put, just as we are securing new energy resources to support our membership, we are also ensuring the benefits of New ERA related to new jobs, reliability, and long-term affordability stay in our communities,” said Whiteside.

“We would like to extend a special thank you to our Congressional delegation, including Reps. Gabe Evans and Lauren Boebert as well as Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, for their support,” said Gabriel. “It has been a long road, but our amazing staff and the USDA staff made it happen.”

Paige Wagner-Maul, United Power Board Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, presented the cooperative’s financial report. Fiscal year 2025 marked United Power’s first full year of independence from its former single-source wholesale power contract, highlighted by the cooperative’s “A - Stable” investor-grade credit rating being affirmed by Fitch Ratings. This rating indicates a strong and stable financial

25-Year-Old Poised to Make History as Youngest Person Elected to the Colorado State Legislature

With over 1,000 approved signatures, Colton Jonjak Plahn has officially qualified for the June primary ballot this week, competing for the opportunity to represent over 65,000 constituents as the Colorado House District 19 (HD-19) Democratic nominee. At 25, a win in November would make him the youngest person elected in the history of the State Legislature.

Raised on a buffalo ranch near Lyons, Colorado, Jonjak Plahn is a native Coloradan, proud St. Vrain Valley Public School alum, and former Vice Chair of the Boulder County Democrats with a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Stanford University. Running an entirely grassroots campaign, he is committed to answering only to the people of HD19. Because of this, his policies rest on what he has dubbed the 3 C’s: Cost of living, because we should be able to afford our basic necessities without living paycheck to paycheck; Care, because we should be able to raise a child or go to the doctor without going into debt; and Classrooms, because public schools and teachers are the bedrock of our communities, and they should be compensated accordingly.

“Colorado deserves a representative who is energized, who thinks differently, and who is hungry to actually get things done,” said Jonjak Plahn. “I’ll bring an engineer’s mindset to this role: cut the noise, find the root of the problem, and build systems that work. At 25 years old, I have more at stake in the future of this State than anyone else in this race.”

As a candidate built by the community, not the party, Jonjak Plahn sets himself apart from the Democratic Establishment, which has already hand-picked a candidate through endorsements and PAC donations. In 2024, HD-19 voters watched this same tactic fail when their democratic candidate, chosen by fewer than 25 political insiders, lost the election. Inspired by the opportunity to restore power back to voters, Jonjak Plahn knocked on thousands of doors across HD-19 alongside more than 30 volunteers in the last several months alone, building a people-powered campaign the establishment did not anticipate.

“I know firsthand that voters are tired of candidates who prioritize their own interests above those they are supposed to serve,” said Jonjak Plahn. “They want someone with real conviction who will fight for what they believe in. That’s why I decided to petition onto the ballot- I am bringing democracy back to the people.”

Jonjak Plahn did not wait for permission to run. He has done the work, knocked on doors, collected signatures, and earned his place on the ballot. HD-19 will now have a choice: more establishment backed candidates, or someone who’s interested in working for the people. Join him at www.coltonforcolorado.com

outlook and will allow the co-op to pursue favorable interest rates as it continues to invest in its system.

Although margins decreased slightly, energy sales and revenue increased last year. Notably, certain aspects of the co-op’s May 2024 wholesale power contract buyout were determined in the co-op’s favor in 2025, lowering wholesale power costs and offsetting costs to the membership.

Gabriel concluded the meeting with a presentation about how United Power is taking a proactive position in an industry undergoing dramatic change. New technologies and projects are under development that promise to deliver answers to existing challenges, but the cooperative cannot afford to wait. Gabriel highlighted some expectations about United Power’s future energy demands and its strategy to address them.

“The future will not be defined by those who sit idle,” Gabriel said. “It will be shaped by those who act. United Power is doing exactly that. Planning strategically, investing wisely, and keeping our members at the center of every decision.”

Videos and information presented at the 2026 Annual Meeting, including the cooperative’s 2025 Annual Report, are available at www.unitedpower.com

About United Power

United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric coops in the nation, serving nearly 118,000 meters. Its 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

CVCR Policy: The CVCR takes a non-biased approach to Letters to the Editor. The CVCR prints letters, FREE, as space is available and only edits for spacing. We also print Election bios as space is available.

Area Mayors’ Report—For those

z Responsible Growth: As we near the end of the 2025-26 school year, we will soon add Big Sky PK-8, a Saint Vrain Valley School District pre-kindergarten through eighth grade school that sits on a shared campus with Mead High School. The school will open to students this fall for the 2026-27 academic year. Mead Police School Resource Officers (SRO) have built an atmosphere of trust and accountability

Frederick Mayor, Tracie criTes

z With the arrival of spring, May also marks the beginning of a busy season in Frederick. From community events to construction activity, this time of year brings many opportunities to stay engaged and connected with your local government.

z You will begin to see increased activity across town as roadway and infrastructure projects get underway. These are important investments that help sustain and strengthen our community for the long term. To keep residents informed, the Town maintains a dedicated webpage with updates on construction schedules, impacts, and project progress: frederickco. gov/716/Roadwork-and-Construction

throughout our local schools, and plans provide the new school with a fully trained z Reliable Infrastructure: Construction at the intersection of Weld County Boulevard (HPB). The Weld County Department the project, which will connect WCR is completed, crews will move to the complete a second roundabout. By late the two-mile stretch of HPB will be open z Public Safety: Mead is eliminating embracing DocuPet, a free, secure online access anytime. A pet’s profile is safely update as things change. With 24/7 lost tools for shelters, DocuPet helps reunite community a smarter, more reliable way

z Looking ahead, the Town of tax to keep pace with growth and increasing system. This measure may appear on the months, residents have opportunities to learn solutions, and share feedback to help inform

z One of those opportunities

Talk on Tuesday, May 13, at 6 p.m. Mesa Ave.). This is a valuable opportunity and discuss important topics, including measure, capital improvement projects, z Frederick continues its efforts with the Town’s full boundaries. Currently, multiple ZIP codes, which can create and service providers. As your Mayor, is represented clearly and consistently. accuracy for mail and deliveries, support and make it easier for businesses to operate Frederick. The Town is advancing this effort

GovernmentMAYORS&Elections&LocalNEWS

CVCR Election/Editorial Policy: The CVCR takes a non-biased approach in election support and Letters to the Editor. The CVCR does not endorse candidates but prints bios, platforms, and letters, FREE, as space is available and only edits for spacing.

New Coworking Space Now Open In Firestone

The First In The Tri-Towns

Leaf Coworking offers local remote workers, freelancers, and small businesses a professional home base without the commute to Boulder, Longmont, or Denver

Carbon Valley residents working from home have a new place to land.

Leaf Coworking opened April 1 at 11052 Cimarron Street in Firestone, offering the Tri-Towns their first dedicated coworking space — private offices, dedicated desks, and flexible drop-in memberships designed for the thousands of remote workers who live in Firestone, Frederick, Dacono, and Mead.

Until now, professionals in the Tri-Towns who wanted an alternative to the kitchen table have had to drive 20 to 40 minutes to a coworking space in Longmont, Boulder, or Denver. That changed this month.

“There are thousands of people in the Tri-Towns working remotely, and most of them have never had a workspace option close to home,” said William Goodrich, founder of Leaf Coworking. “Leaf is for the person who moved into one of the new neighborhoods off I-25, works from home most of the week, and just needs a real desk, fast Wi-Fi, and a quiet place to take a call — five minutes from their house.”

The space is built to feel more like a neighborhood place than a corporate office: natural light, wood accents, comfortable furniture, Colorado-inspired artwork, and a kitchen with coffee. Members get 24/7 keycard access, high-speed internet, a bookable meeting room, printing and scanning, and free on-site parking. All memberships are month-to-month.

Three membership tiers are available:

• Hot Desk — $175/month. Drop in any time and grab an open seat. Good for hybrid workers who need the space a few days a week.

• Dedicated Desk — $400/ month. A permanent spot that’s always yours, plus personal storage and a business address.

• Private Office — from $560/month. A lockable room for one to three people with a dedicated business address.

Leaf Coworking is operated by Ground Control, the Boulder-based flex workspace company behind The Studio, which has served Boulder’s coworking and events community since 2014. The Firestone location opened in partnership with John D’Amico, a longtime Firestone property owner who built the Cimarron Street building years ago and approached Ground Control about bringing a coworking concept to the Tri-Towns.

Introductory pricing and limited founding-member rates are available through the spring. Free tours can be booked at leafcoworking.com or by calling 720.336.0505.

About Leaf Coworking

Leaf Coworking is a professional workspace in Firestone, Colorado, serving the Tri-Towns and surrounding Carbon Valley communities. Leaf is operated by Ground Control, whose flagship location, The Studio, has served Boulder’s coworking community since 2014. Learn more at leafcoworking.com

those of

who don’t attend meetings

plans are in the works for the Town to trained SRO.

Construction has begun on a roundabout Road (WCR) 32 and High Plains Department of Public Works is managing WCR 32 to HPB. When this roundabout intersection of WCR 34 and HPB to late fall, the project will be finished and open to the public.

eliminating traditional pet licenses and online platform that pet owners can safely stored in one place and easy to lost pet recovery support and improved reunite pets with families faster — giving our way to keep furry friends safe.

Frederick is evaluating a potential sales increasing demands on our transportation the November 2026 ballot. In the coming learn more about the challenges, potential inform the path forward. opportunities is our next Community Tour and at Johnson Farm Park (9201 Grand opportunity to connect with Town leadership including the potential transportation ballot projects, and the ZIP code initiative. efforts to pursue a single ZIP code that aligns Currently, our community is divided among challenges for residents, businesses, Mayor, I believe it is important that Frederick consistently. A unified ZIP code would improve support emergency and service response, operate and be recognized as part of effort through coordination with the U.S.

z Fiscal Stability: Road work is scheduled to continue in May with reconstruction at the Grand View Estates and Mulligan Lake Estates neighborhoods. This work is part of our latest series of repairs, funded by the 1% Sales & Use Tax approved by voters in 2021. The Street Improvement Fund can only be used to maintain and improve Mead’s roadways.

z Connected Community: After a one-year hiatus, the 21st annual Mead Motorheads Memorial Day Car Show is set to return, bringing engines and excitement back to town. Hosted since 2004, this Memorial Day tradition will take place May 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mead Town Park. The free event invites the community to enjoy classic cars, live music, local vendors and great food, celebrating both automotive history and small-town spirit. Keep up with what’s happening in Mead by subscribing to the monthly Mead Messenger and signing up for email updates at www. townofmead.org/portal. New to Mead? Visit the Resident Information page at bit.ly/47PocLg for helpful resources.

Postal Service, collaboration with state and federal partners, and participation in a broader advocacy group working toward a long-term solution.

z May is also Public Works Appreciation Month, and I encourage our community to join me in recognizing the dedicated team in our Public Works Department, led by our new Public Works and Engineering Director, Keith Reester. Their work is essential to maintaining our infrastructure and keeping Frederick running smoothly every day.

z I would also like to welcome our newly elected and re-elected Board of Trustees: David Hickman, Ryan D. Antoni, and Windi Padia. Thank you for your willingness to serve and help shape Frederick’s future.

z Additionally, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Dan March for his years of dedicated service on the Board of Trustees. His leadership, thoughtful perspective, and commitment to Frederick have made a lasting impact on our community.

z Finally, I invite residents to join me during Office Hours at Town Hall on May 4, from 9 am to 10:30 am, May 14, 11 am to 12:30 pm, and May 20, 5 pm to 6:30 pm. These sessions provide an opportunity for oneon-one conversations, to ask questions, and share your feedback directly.

Simply Plourde Brings Handmade Creativity and Community Connection to Colorado

Springs

Simply Plourde, a handmade accessory business founded by Caitlin Plourde, is growing its presence in Colorado Springs while continuing to serve customers across the United States and beyond. Known for its fun, functional beaded products, the business offers a wide variety of handcrafted items including keychains, lanyards, bookmarks, pens, and more, all made with silicone beads and curated charms.

Simply Plourde began in early 2023 during Plourde’s maternity leave with her first daughter. What started as a small Etsy shop focused on digital prints quickly evolved into something more tangible and creative. “I realized I wanted something hands-on,” Plourde said. “When I found beaded products, everything really took off from there.”

Originally rooted in Brevard County, Florida, the business was shaped by a strong local small business community that encouraged growth through popup events and retail opportunities. That foundation helped build confidence and momentum, allowing Simply Plourde to expand into new markets after relocating to Colorado.

Today, Simply Plourde operates as a family-run business. Caitlin designs and creates each piece by hand, while her husband supports operations behind the scenes, assisting with finances, event setup, and logistics. The business now reaches customers locally through popup events and retail locations in Colorado Springs, maintains a presence in Florida, and ships nationwide, with occasional orders to Canada.

Serving a broad audience that includes moms, teachers, students, and gift shoppers, Simply Plourde stands out for its customization and variety. Customers can choose from a wide range of styles and charms, making each piece personal and unique. In addition to ready-made products, the business offers bead bar events and DIY kits, allowing customers to create their own accessories. These interactive experiences have become a central part of the brand.

“One of my favorite parts is watching people create something of their own,” Plourde said. “It’s not just about the product, it’s about the experience and connection.”

Customer feedback reflects that focus on quality and service. “Simply Plourde has some of the cutest items, and when I had an issue it was resolved right away,” said Julie O. Another customer, Carissa R., shared, “The designs are perfect and Cait is wonderful to work with.” Plourde, a stay-at-home mother of two, previously worked as a Memory Care Director and caregiver for her grandmother. That season of life, along with her current role as a mother, continues to shape the heart behind the business: creativity, community, and connection.

Simply Plourde regularly hosts bead bar events and continues to expand its product line with new designs and DIY offerings. Upcoming events and product launches are announced on social media.

Contact Information: plourdeprints@gmail.com www.simplyplourdeco.square.site Instagram & Facebook: @simplyplourdeco

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

First of all, I wish to congratulate Matt Hickman, Windi Padia and Ryan Antonio for winning their bid for Town of Frederick Trustee seats. I trust that you will serve the will of our residents!

EVERY VOTE MATTERS! The unofficial results by 10 pm April 7th was that Suzanna Healy won the third seat by one vote over Ryan Antonio. However when all ballots were counted including cured ballots, Ryan had actually won,by 5 votes!

The Town of Frederick mailed 12,210 ballots to registered voters. Election judges processed 1,591 ballots. 13% of the ballots were returned. With everything we are currently dealing with, it is NOT ok to squander your right and your privilege to VOTE! We ALL need to pay attention! We all need to show up! We all need to be present!

Our elections are critical. From the school boards, local, state and national!

Example: I know we used to think that school boards were inconsequential in the scheme of bigger things. But then these school boards started banning books! Taking away literature. Critical thinking is part of education.

Then you don’t vote for judges. I don’t them. Why bother. Because these are the judges who can block real bad Executive orders. Or can keep really bad people in jail or let them out to repeat crimes.

Side note: Our Voting Machines are SAFE and Secure! They cannot be tampered with! Tina Peters proved that! Even as the Election Clerk with her goon, they could not get past the security measures!

“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”

You have to show up to participate! Get out and VOTE in June! We must do better!

Shirl Garcia, Frederick

RealESTATE&LocalRealtors

Did you purchase or refinance your home with less than 20% down? If so, you likely have Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) if it was a conventional loan. Often times people forget about this as it is included in your monthly payment, but you may be able to get the PMI cancelled and reduce your mortgage payment.

Every loan is different, so you need to check with your mortgage company for exact details, but here are some general thoughts. The PMI may be automatically terminated by the lender once the loan reaches 78% of the original value of the property based on the amortization schedule. You received a copy of the amortization schedule when you got the loan showing the breakdown of principal and interest of each payment as well as the loan balance. As you may remember, most of the early payments of a loan are for interest, so the loan balance goes down very slowly during the first several years of the loan. So, if you borrowed $400,000, this wouldn’t take place until the balance got down to $312,000, which will take several years.

The quicker way that you might be able to get rid of paying the PMI is to request it based on the current market value of your property. Again, each loan is different, and lenders have their own specific guidelines for accomplishing this, so you definitely need

to contact your lender for the specifics. Basically, this means showing that the current loan balance is less than 80% of the current value of your home.

In the example above, if you paid $440,000 for the home, and had a loan of $400,000, rather than waiting for the loan balance to go down to $312,000, you could apply for the termination of the PMI if the property value is above $500,000. To calculate this on your home, take your loan balance and divide that by 0.80 (400,000/0.80 = 500,000).

With the way property values have increased over the last 3-4 years, your home may have gone up enough in value to eliminate the PMI in this manner. You will likely have to pay for an appraisal of the home to verify the value to the lender, but this way you may be able to eliminate the PMI without refinancing. That way you can keep your current interest rate which may be lower than the current market rates.

Greg Zadel CRB, CRS, GRI | Zadel Realty |

Frederick’s King Soopers Ribbon Cutting

On Wednesday, May 21, at 9 am, King Soopers will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony with community partners and Town of Frederick representatives to celebrate the completion of the Silverstone Marketplace project. The store will offer amenities such as Sushi, Murray’s Cheese Shop, Starbucks, pickup and delivery services, a drive-thru pharmacy, and an on-site fuel center.

National Police Week

It is National Police Week 2025, May 11–17. This week is a time to recognize law enforcement officers’ service, sacrifice, and dedication nationwide. The badge represents more than a job — it symbolizes a promise to protect and serve. Here in Frederick, our Police Department answers the call every day, from emergency response to building strong community connections. National Police Week is also a solemn reminder to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Memorial Day Ceremony

Join us at Crist Park on Friday, May 23, to begin your Memorial Day weekend with purpose and remembrance. This special ceremony honors those who gave their lives in service to our nation and includes the national anthem, moving stories of local service members, and a performance of Taps.

Friday, May 23, 2025 | 4 pm | Crist Park – 105 Fifth Street

Please stop by the event, grab a poppy pin, and stand with your neighbors to honor our fallen heroes. As part of the observance, we invite you to wear a red poppy pin—a powerful, nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice. Since World War I, the red poppy has honored the memory of those who served and died in all wars, reminding us of the price paid to protect our freedoms.

Firestone Earns Awards for Financial Reporting and Budget Excellence

The Town of Firestone is proud to announce that it has received two prestigious awards from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), recognizing excellence in financial reporting and budgeting.

The Town was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. The report was reviewed by an impartial panel and judged to meet the program’s high standards, demonstrating a clear and transparent communication of Firestone’s financial story.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. Earning this award represents a significant accomplishment for the Town and reflects the dedication and professionalism of Firestone’s Finance Department.

In addition, the Town received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2026 Budget. This award reflects the commitment of the Town’s governing body and staff to upholding the highest principles of governmental budgeting. To earn this recognition, Firestone’s budget document was evaluated against nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation.

These awards highlight Firestone’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound financial management. Congratulations to the Finance Department for their outstanding work and dedication to serving our community.

Colorado Voter Registration Page www.coloradosos.gov/voter/pages/pub/home.xhtml

LocalNEWS&otherInformation

SUMMER SHAPE UP CHALLENGE, Strength

Training Classes & SILVER SNEAKERS

Welcome!

Join the SUMMER SHAPE UP CHALLENGE starting mid April! Visit my website for details on how to join the challenge. Also, if you’re in Silver Sneakers, you can now use your membership for my Strength Training Classes Mondays & Fridays at 9:30am, and Wednesdays at 7pm. Visit https://beginlifeanew.com or call 303.828.2856 for more info. Tracy Hites, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Orthopedic & Arthritis Fitness Specialist, Corrective Exercise Specialist.

Pet Sitting

Spring is here...I’m Donna Calabrese with A Breeze Pet Friends. Fully Insured and Bonded with a CPR pet certification. I’d love to care for your furkids...including farm animals...I do daily dog walks...drop-in care...overnights in your home. Call or text me at 720-879-1423 and we can set up a free meet and greet. I will provide you with a list of references..Looking forward to meeting all of you

Frederick’s Official Election Results: April 7 Municipal Election

Official Election Results

On Thursday, April 16, the Town of Frederick Clerk’s Office announced the official results of the April 7, 2026, Regular Municipal Election.

Board of Trustees: Please join us in welcoming newly elected trustees Matt Hickman and Ryan D Antonio, along with Windi Padia, who was re-elected to the Town of Frederick Board of Trustees.

Voters also considered a ballot question regarding moving Frederick’s regular municipal election date to coincide with the November statewide general election in even-numbered years. Official results show that Ballot Question 1 passed.

Election Day Highlights:

The Town of Frederick mailed 12,210 ballots to registered voters

A team of 10 dedicated election judges processed 1,615 ballots

The voter participation rate was 13%

Before the election could be certified, several verification steps were completed, including processing signature cures, receiving eligible Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) ballots by the deadline, completing any required County signature verification, and blending protected ballots with outstanding ballots prior to final tabulation in accordance with election procedures.

Firestone Special Municipal Election Final Unofficial Election Results from April 21, 2026

Active Registered Voters: 14130

Total Ballots Cast: 2388

SHALL LORNA MORTON BE RECALLED FROM THE OFFICE OF TRUSTEE OF THE TOWN OF FIRESTONE BOARD OF TRUSTEES?

Yes: 1750

No: 620

SHALL RAYMOND BYRD BE RECALLED FROM THE OFFICE OF TRUSTEE OF THE TOWN OF FIRESTONE BOARD OF TRUSTEES?

Yes: 1722

No: 654

Town of Firestone Trustee (Vote for no more than one)

Bobby Matthews: 1559

Please Note: These are the final unofficial election results. Official election results will be certified by the Town Clerk’s Office by May 1, 2026.

Via Mobility Services

Frederick seniors (60+) and people with special abilities can ride free with Via Mobility Services, a customer-focused transportation program that helps those unable to drive due to age, health, disability, or income stay connected and independent. Service runs Monday through Friday, 8 am to 3 pm, with rides available within Frederick, Firestone, Dacono, Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, and Lafayette (some routes are limited to specific days). Registration is required before your first ride. Contact a Via Mobility Specialist by calling 303-444-3043.

Mead’s Summer Block Party

Join us as we kick off the summer with our signature Mead’s Summer Block Party on June 13 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. You have the opportunity to participate as a vendor, volunteer, and/or sponsor. All applications are due May 27.

You can also enter a team in the Cornhole Tournament. The event will also feature live music, a beer and wine garden, children’s activities, and much more.

Sign up today: https://meadchamber.org/summer-block-party/

13th Annual Golf Tournament

Get ready for one of the most enjoyable mornings of the year at Ute Creek Golf Course! This will be our 13th year hosting the tournament. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m., giving you time to grab a pastry and hit some practice balls before the 8:00 a.m. shotgun start.

After the tournament, join us for lunch and a fun-filled awards ceremony. Register today as an individual, team, and/or sponsor at: www.meadchambergolf.com

Registration ends July 12.

Annual Plant and Bake Sale

Mt Calvary Lutheran Church | 650 S Park Ave | Ft. Lupton

Saturday May 9th 9am-2pm

Beautiful plants, flower baskets also tomatoes peppers and herbs. We will also be selling baked goods. Make sure to buy some treats while you are here.

Area Churches

Abundant Life Church | Pastor Jim Coleman 4380 CO-66 | Longmont 80504 970.535.0311 | www.alcworshipwarriors.org

New Horizons Christian Church 701 Carbondale St. | Dacono Pastor Rob Thomas 303.833.3013 | www. NHCC.LIFE

L.I.F.E. Fellowship Frederick 451 Oak Street | Frederick Pastor Brady Thornton 303.304.1159 | www.lifefrederick.org

Rocky Mountain Christian Church 5860 Majestic Street | Frederick Pastor Matt Cote 303.652.2211 | www.rmcc.org

Carbon Valley Church of Christ Thunder Valley K-8 in Frederick Pastor Clayton Johnson 720.438.5430 | www.carbonvalley.church

RINN United Methodist Church Rev. Lin Cheek, Pastor 3783 Bella Rosa Pkwy | Frederick 303.776.1578 | www.rinnumc.org

Destiny Church | Pastor Rob Rocca 307 S Fulton Avenue | Ft Lupton www.yourdestinychurch.org

Purpose Church | Pastor Brian Thompson 9993 Cty Rd 11 | Firestone 303.651.1640 | www.purpose.church

Guardian Angels Catholic Church 109 S. 3rd St. | Mead Rev. Ronald Cattany, KHS 970.535.0721 | www.meadangels.org

Frontier Church-Carbon Valley 701 Carbondale St. | Dacono Pastor Steve Osborn 720.418.8400 | www.frontierchurchcv.org

St. Theresa Catholic Church 5503 Bella Rosa Pkwy | Longmont Father Hernan Florez Albarracin 303.833.2966 | https://www.sttheresafred.org/ Calvary Chapel Carbon Valley Frederick, Colorado

Pastor Joe Kitto 720.201.3337 | www.calvarycarbonvalley.church

Flatirons Church | Pastor Jim Burgen 355 W South Boulder Rd | Lafayette 303.664.5524 | www.flatironschurch.com

White Fields Community Church 2950 Colorful Ave. | Longmont Pastor Nick Cady 303.775.3485 | www.whitefieldschurch.com

Carbon Valley Lutheran Church 10916 Cimarron St (behind Ziggis) | Firestone 720.745.8590 | www.carbonchurch.com

Tri Town Baptist Church

420 Johnson Street | Frederick 303-833-2826 | www.tritownbaptist.com

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church 650 S. Park Ave. | Ft. Lupton, CO. 80621 303-857-6827 | www.mtcalvaryluth.org

Mead United Methodist Church 511 Palmer Ave | Mead 80542 970.535.4249 | Pastor Kay Marsh

St. Brigit Episcopal Church 110 Johnson Street | Frederick 720.208.0280 | www.stbrigit.org

32nd Annual Pig Roast Family Event 7

HealthSPIRITUAL&Mental&Physical

Rinn United Methodist Church, established in 1905 and celebrating 120 years, is hosting its 32nd pig roast from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on June 13th this year. Eating will be outside under a big canopy as other years. If weather is bad it will be moved indoors.

Entertainment will be by Dean Himes who offers a mix of country and popular songs and has been inducted into the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame and will have CDs available for purchase.

Our classic menu includes pulled pork and beef, baked beans, coleslaw, pasta salad, potato salad, dessert and a beverage. The price for the meal is $15 for adults and $6 for children 5 – 10.

We will again have a bake sale inside the church.

The church address is: 3783 Bella Rosa Parkway, Frederick (WCR 20 and I-25). For more information call the church at (303)776-1578, e-mail the church at info@rinnumc. org or go on our web site.

Come and enjoy visiting with friends and neighbors on June 13th. Mark your calendar now for great food, a great bargain and entertainment.

Weld County Celebrates Foster Care Month

The Weld County Board of Commissioners proclaimed May as Foster Care Month. They appreciate the dedication of foster caregivers, child welfare professionals, faithbased and community organizations throughout Weld County, who are improving the lives of children.

A year ago they acknowledged the Weld County families who opened their hearts and homes to more than 70 children and youth in out-of-home, non-kinship care. The Troyer family, was honored by the Colorado Department of Human Services for their 27 years of service in 2025. The Troyers have cared for over 60 youth, adopting four (two sibling pairs) and maintaining relationships with several other biological families after successful reunifications.

“Our hope is that more Weld County residents will be inspired by the Troyer family and others like them to consider making a difference for youth, children and families through foster care,” said Jamie Ulrich, Director of the Weld County Department of Human Services (DHS).

Many child welfare staff and community partners were present, including individuals from Youth for Christ, Weld County Faith Partnership Council, Bridge the Gap, Realities for Children, America’s Kids Belong and Timberline Windsor.

“Today and every day, we want to recognize the strength and resiliency of Weld County foster families, our child welfare staff and our community partners, who contribute to a safe and healthy community for all,” Ulrich said.

Commissioner Chair Perry Buck reiterated the collaborative efforts of caregivers, child welfare professionals and community organizations during that meeting.

“There is so much love in this room and I cannot thank you all enough for everything you do for children, day in and day out,” said Buck. “My heart is filled with gratitude for the DHS staff, the community associations and of course, the foster families. It takes a village to promote the well-being of children, and we have that in Weld County.”

To learn more about foster care in Weld County, including how to become a foster parent and other ways to get involved, visit www.weld.gov/go/fostercare

If you’re interested in true experience stories check out: www.a.co/d/07QgGEuK

Interested in becoming a foster parent, or simply learning more? Weld County offers online and in-person foster care orientations to help you get informed and take the first step. Visit www.weld.gov/go/fostercare to register for an upcoming orientation: virtual on April 8 or in person on May 6.

Let’s study the Bible: Salvation is from the Jews

When talking about differing viewpoints about religion and worship Jesus is talking to the woman at the well. (John 4:20-26). She believes in God, she thinks that her religion is right. Jesus, corrects her, saying: “You worship what you do not know, We worship what We know, for salvation is from the Jews”. This is an interesting statement. There are several points to look at here.

1. She is religious, but she is broken, and knows she is missing something. Jesus tells her that her way of life is wrong.

2. Jesus does not pull any punches when he says “salvation is from the Jews” He is clearly telling her that her viewpoint about God is the wrong viewpoint.

3. “We will worship in Spirit and in Truth” The question here is, What is truth? Well, the only Bible they have is Genesis-Malachi.There is no apostolic canon yet. So truth must be what is written. The God of the Jews is truth, always has been and always will be.

4. We need to be careful not to fall into a trap here of: ‘the spirit will guide me’ and end up like in Judges 17:6 and Judges 21:25 that says: “Every man did what what was right in his own eyes”

Currently there are 47,000 Judeo-Christian denominations, why is that? Because people are deciding for themselves ‘what is right’ There is a danger here. Regarding following the commandments, read how much David loves God’s commandments in Psalm 119. Paul says the law is holy, righteous and good (Romans 7:12, 22). 1 John 5:2-3 says: “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not burdensome”. Email me with any questions or comments FirestoneBibleStudy@gmail.com

Crisis Services Call, Text, or Chat at 988

When you live chat, call, or text 988, you’ll be connected with a trained specialist. They’ll ask a few questions to learn more about your concerns. Then they’ll listen to you and provide support. If needed, they’ll share relevant information and resources.

When you call 988, you have three options:

May is Weld County Older Americans Month

The Weld County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) proclaimed May, in 2025 as Older Americans Month. The proclamation recognizes and honors the immense influence that older adults have on our community and society.

Older Americans Month is not only an opportunity to highlight the contributions of older adults, but also for DHS to reaffirm their commitment to advocating for issues that affect aging populations in Weld County.

The Weld County Area Agency on Aging offers a wide range of programming, from the Friendly Fork program, which provides nutritious meals at 22 sites throughout Weld County, to the Weld Aging Well program, an innovative array of workshops and classes that promote health and wellness.

“These programs address the diverse needs of adults, underscoring the importance of ongoing advocacy to ensure these resources remain robust and accessible to all those who need them,” Ulrich said.

Through the incredible efforts of DHS team members and community partners, over 80,000 Friendly Fork meals have been served, 38,000 Meals on Wheels meals have been delivered, and access to in-home care, chore services, nutrition education, transportation, and dental, vision and hearing support have been provided.

DHS and the BOCC stands together in recognizing the strength, wisdom and contribution of older adults in Weld County not just in May, but every day. This proclamation serves as a call to action for the rights, dignity and well-being of all older Americans. To learn more about Weld County’s resources for older adults, visit www.weldaaa.org

Press 1 to connect with the Veteran Crisis Hotline

Press 2 to receive help in Spanish

The third option which everyone else can use, is to remain on the line to connect with a local crisis center. You’ll also have the option to talk to a trained specialist with similar experiences. As of July 17, 2025, the national 988 system will streamline its call routing. All help seekers—including members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community who previously used the “Press 3” option—will continue to receive affirming, compassionate, and confidential support from trained specialists.

Highlights from the Mead Town Manager

Mead After-Hours is a new summer event series created to enhance and replace the previous Rockin’ N Reelin’ Music and Movies. Instead of hosting multiple standard shows, the Town is shifting to two larger, more engaging events that focus on quality experiences, community connection, and family-friendly entertainment. The series includes two themed evenings: the Summer Social on June 26 and the Music MashUp on July 24, both held from 6-9 p.m. The Music Mash-Up will feature a high-energy lineup with three bands performing 40-minute sets across a mix of genres, creating a more dynamic and memorable experience for attendees.

A 24-hour ballot box will be installed by Weld County Elections prior to the June primaries. The drive-up box will be installed near the Community Center and will allow residents to vote right here in Mead.

The annual EGGstravaganza Egg Hunt was a fantastic kickoff to the event season this past Saturday at Ames Park . The event featured scheduled hunt times by age group, including ages 0–3, 4–8, and 9–12, helping create a smooth and enjoyable experience for participants. More than 13,000 eggs were distributed, making it a fun and memorable day for the community.