Our Holiday Season is right around the corner and our thoughts turn toward celebrating with family and friends and gift giving. As we ponder the perfect gift for each of our loved ones, it occurs to me that we all need a little more joy permeating our world. Our existence, currently, seems like an ever changing snow globe that can be shaken various times of day with a different and often unsettling outcome. One of the ways we can be assured to deliver this cherished gift of joy to our loved ones is by cultivating the happiest moments and memories this special time of year.
So, how can we bring joy to others? Several ways that come to mind is by being attentive and listening to the wishes made having more to do with non-monetary outcomes. Offering a helping hand, giving a compliment that bolsters confidence, making a favorite dish for someone who you know will enjoy every bite, and of course, a good batch of Christmas cookies always elevates spirits! Being there for someone when the turkey comes out less than perfect, but, making the best of any circumstance is a well appreciated joyful gift. Having fun with everyone even though this aunt or uncle are always a bit weird can mean a great deal to their family member close to you. A big plus to these offerings is that they’re not wrapped in paper, but love.
When it comes down to it, the simple things in life with meaning are the best gifts. We feel blessed to bring you this December issue and hope that you’ll enjoy all the wonderful offerings inside.
Happy Holidays from all of us at The Brighton Buzz!
Offered by: Richard W. Martin, M.D. – Brighton Pediatrics, P.C.
Cold weather means busy pediatricians’ offices and a lot of absences from school. We’re not sure why some viruses thrive and multiply better in cold weather, but it may be because people are spending more time crowded indoors, and because some viruses spread better when the air is dry.
Four important respiratory viruses to know about are parainfluenza, influenza (A and B), RSV, and rhinovirus. Parainfluenza (specifically type 1) is the most common cause of croup in young children and peaks in the fall. Croup presents with a distinctive cough that sounds like a seal barking, a hoarse voice, and sometimes a distinctive sound called stridor with breathing in.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which usually peaks in January and February, is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (not to be confused with bronchitis). RSV is so common that almost all children have had at least one infection with RSV by the time they reach two years of age. Many children just have a runny nose and cough but, mostly in children under two years of age, it can work its way down the respiratory tract into smaller airways called bronchioles, causing wheezing and breathing difficulty.
Influenza occurs from late fall to early spring, usually peaking in February. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, achy muscles, cough, stuffy nose and sore throat. Influenza may lead to secondary bacterial infections including ear infections and pneumonia.
Rhinovirus, the “common cold” virus, is present throughout the year but peaks in the cold weather months. Almost half of all upper respiratory infections are caused by rhinoviruses. In addition to the common cold, they can also sometimes cause bronchiolitis (second most common cause after RSV).
Good handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. The next time your physician or nurse practitioner tells you, “It’s just a virus,” you can ask them, “Do you mean just a rhinovirus?”
Offered by: City of Brighton Communications Office
The mayors and commissioners of Adams County are asking for nominations for the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Awards (ACMCYA). This award focuses on teenagers who have triumphed over great odds and serve as inspirations and role models for their peers.
Each year, this program recognizes young people in grades 6-12 who have overcome personal adversity to create a positive change in their own lives or for those around them. If this sounds like a person who may not be in a school setting but is under the age of 20, those nominations will also be accepted.
This program provides businesses, the community and civic leaders an opportunity to actively demonstrate their support for the young people in all of our communities and recognize them for their accomplishments. Businesses may also help by making a monetary or in-kind donation.
If you know of a student who would be a good candidate to be recognized by the community, please help us identify them. Contact Abby Martinez at the City of Brighton Office of Youth Services at 303-655-2186 or agmartinez@brightonco.gov for a nomination form or for questions about the program.
The deadline to submit your nomination is January 31, 2020.
Most everyone loves the Holiday Season! The only drawback is how busy it becomes. Do you ever wonder how you’ll get everything done? There’s an answer to that question. Call Brighton Express Delivery and let us take the busy out of your Holidays. We can bring you lunch or dinner, buy and deliver groceries, pharmacy orders… Really any kind of small delivery. Call us the next time you need help finishing your “To Do” list. We’re here to make your holidays Merrier! 720-661-8771
Offered by: John Wilson, B.S., BC-HIS – Blue Ribbon Hearing & Tinnitus Center
Wearing hearing aids can truly be life altering. Individuals can benefit from hearing aids whether they have a mild or a profound hearing loss. While each individual will have different results, the following stories show how much of a difference treating hearing loss can make.
A few months ago, a patient came for a second opinion after being told there was nothing that could be done about the debilitating tinnitus they were experiencing. Although the patient’s situation was somewhat unique, it was apparent to me there was something that could be done. A thorough exam and hearing test provided the information we needed to determine the appropriate solution. After the test, we fit the patient with a device that brought relief to both their tinnitus and hearing loss. The effects of the device were immediately obvious as a look of overwhelming discomfort was replaced by a look of relief as tears began to well up in the patient’s eyes. After several months the patient is still experiencing relief, and has been told by co-workers, family members and friends how thankful they are that the patient is back to their normal self.
Last month, a patient came in after experiencing tinnitus for many years. The patient has parents who wear hearing aids and was aware of how much they could help, if they were worn regularly. During the initial visit the patient received relief from their tinnitus and expressed that it was so much more relaxing to hear clearly and have the tinnitus be gone. During the first follow up after getting devices for both hearing loss and tinnitus, the patient expressed how much more easily they heard customers at work was and that at the end of the day they were not nearly as tired as in the past. They also said they were able to fall asleep faster and sleep better as the tinnitus was no longer mentally disruptive throughout the day.
Just this week, a patient came in after talking to a friend who recently purchased hearing aids. The patient was having problems hearing others, especially with noise. Men’s voices were somewhat easier to hear and understand, but women’s voices were almost impossible. After a consultation, thorough exam, and explanation of hearing loss, the patient tried on a pair of hearing aids. The first thing the patient expressed was their own voice sounded louder. Then after a few minutes, the patient asked if they were speaking softer. I replied yes, and the patient explained how much clearer and more comfortable their own voice sounded compared to when they were not wearing hearing aids. The patient continued to explain how much more relaxed they felt as they were actually listening to the context of our conversation as opposed to straining to hear what was being said. Finally, the patient explained that they would have done something much sooner had they known how much they were missing and what a difference it would make.
With each patient and their hearing loss being unique, Blue Ribbon Hearing & Tinnitus Center strives to take the time to find the best solution for each individual. This Holiday season, we hope to be able to give as many individuals as possible the gift of better hearing. We will also make a contribution to our local charity, Almost Home, for each hearing aid purchase through December.
Offered by: Scott & Lora Nordby – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
When opportunity strikes, you may find yourself ready to relocate to Colorado. Whether it’s a job or career change, being closer to family, or maybe you visited our beautiful state and found yourself taken with the culture – when the time comes, you want to be ready.
While many aspects of moving your home remain the same (packing, transferring utilities, etc), moving states adds a few more items to consider. While the following list isn’t exhaustive, it can certainly be a good place to start.
Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail
You’ve likely heard the old adage, “Begin with the end in mind.” Essentially, that means to start at your goal, and plan in reverse. If your goal is to be settled before the new job starts, begin with that date and work backward to ensure that all the steps you normally take to manage your lifestyle are considered in order to start your job as settled as possible.
Have a Budget in Place
Make sure you know as many fees and costs as possible. From movers/moving truck to groceries for your new home, you want to make sure you account for as much as possible so you can be best prepared. Nothing is worse than realizing halfway through the process that you may figured out everything but forgot to factor in groceries when you arrive.
Home Sweet Home
Buying a home in a new state requires some serious intel. You may find a home that is perfect, and doesn’t look to be far from your workplace on the map. But talk to any of the locals and you’ll find out that distance is straight up I-25 during rush hour and what looked like a 35 minute drive is really more like 85 minutes. This is why you want to work with an experienced REALTOR® who understands your goals and can use his or her knowledge to help you find a new place to hang your hat.
Don’t Forget Fido
Colorado is one of the most canine friendly states in the country. When you make the decision to move her, check local laws requiring breed and license requirements. You wouldn’t want to come all this way and learn that your new home is in a city with breed ban or learn the hard way that a license is required.
Relocating is serious business, and we want to help make it as easy as possible. Whether you’re relocating to Colorado or to another state, we want to help. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Innovative Real Estate has a relocation specialist that can assist you with your move. Call us at 303-905-8850 so we can help you get started!
Offered by: Scott & Lora Nordby – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
The seasonal shift in real estate is very much underway, but don’t let that discourage you from setting (and meeting!) your real estate goals in 2019.
The Denver Metro Association of REALTORS (DMAR) released their home sales data for the month of September and found that while the market in its seasonal transition and is still qualified as a seller’s market (which is largely determined by the amount of inventory), there are signs that buyers have definite opportunities.
So if you have a plan to buy or sell in 2019, how do you capitalize on market conditions?
Begin the Process
Selling your home? Start packing and staging so when your home hits the market, it’s not a time crunch in order to meet the deadline. Especially with the holiday’s approaching, being ahead of this will limit unnecessary stress.
If you’re buying a home, make sure you’re pre-approved for a home loan. Getting pre-approval will ensure that you know your budget, and how much money you are prepared to invest in the process (earnest money, down payment, moving costs, etc.). Nothing is more frustrating than finding a home that you love, only to find out that it’s out of your budget.
Get Clear on Your Goals
Do you have a job that you are relocating for? Are you expecting to get top dollar for your home? Is the neighborhood you are looking in the priority? Knowing the answers to this will help you navigate the process. For example, if the goal is deadline oriented (e.g. your new job starts in 120 days and you need to be there in order to start), you may be willing to make more concessions on neighborhood or price in order to achieve your objective. Conversely, if you have a price in mind that you are willing to accept for your home, you may be more willing to stay on the market longer in order to get the right buyer.
Engage a REALTOR
This should go without saying, but there are definite benefits to working with a real estate professional. Your REALTOR should have experience with current market conditions, have had success buying and selling during peak and off-peak seasons, and have access to a network that will help you achieve your goals before the end of the year.
Don’t let approaching season discourage you from reaching your goals. If you want to get your home listed, or have questions about the process, call us at 303-905-8850. We can answer your questions and help you plan what’s next for your home and your family.
Offered by: Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce
& Tourism Bureau
Brighton, CO (October 25, 2019) – The Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau has been chosen as a Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion through the American Express Shop Small campaign. We are pleased to announce this special event is brought to you by the partnership of Discover Brighton Colorado, the Downtown Partnership Committee, Brighton Economic Development, and the City of Brighton. This is an exciting opportunity for the Chamber as it gives us additional resources to share with our community to encourage local shopping and dining this holiday season. Small Business Saturday is about more than just shopping at small businesses. It’s a cause that helps support our local economy and promote a unique, vibrant, and diverse community. Small Business Saturday is a nationwide movement fueled by shoppers, business owners, and organizers who come together and celebrate the community because they know it matters. Small businesses play a key role in helping Brighton thrive. By shopping or dining at your favorite local places throughout the year, you’re showing your support for small businesses and making a positive impact in your community.
We will host a Small Business Saturday block party featuring your favorite retailers, restaurants, and bars in Downtown Brighton on Main Street. Bring your family along for a fun day of shopping, dining, and fun!
How can you get involved? If you are a local business please reach out to us with information on any deals or special activities you have planned! We want to ensure our Shop Small Campaign is a huge success. Large businesses can also get involved by supporting your community and sponsoring the shop local movement. And each and every one of us can support our local businesses by shopping local throughout the holiday season.
Check our website www.BrightonChamber.com on November 1st as we will continue to add retail and business partners to the list of participants, and be sure to look out for special sales, deals, and promotions that many of the retailers will be offering. We look forward to seeing everyone shopping local in Brighton! Keep an eye out for more details about our Brighton Shop Small Saturday event plans in the coming weeks.
About the Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau has been the primary voice for area business in nearly every industry from farming, agriculture and healthcare to small retail business and large-scale manufacturing since 1955. The Chamber’s vision is to be the connector, catalyst, and champion for area businesses to expand the local economy and its mission to deliver, preserve and create a robust business community. Visit us online at: www.brightonchamber.com
About Downtown Brighton
The original business district for the City of Brighton. Check out what is new on Main Street, plenty to do for the entire family.
About Brighton, Colorado
Founded in 1887, Brighton, Colorado is located 20 miles northeast of downtown Denver and is home to a diverse population of approximately 39,000 residents. To learn more about Brighton, visit www.brightonco.gov
Offered by: City of Brighton Communications Office
A wreath is often perceived as a Christmas decoration, but it’s actually a symbol of eternal life. This December, you will see wreaths placed at the graves of veterans who are buried in Elmwood Cemetery and Fairview Cemetery as the city joins Wreaths Across America (WAA) to sponsor veterans and honor them through the 2019 holiday season.
Wreaths Across America is a national program that places wreaths at the graves of our nation’s veterans. This year, the City of Brighton is proud to announce that both Elmwood Cemetery and Fairview Cemetery will be participating in this program and will be placing wreaths on Saturday, December 14th.
The event on December 14th will begin with a short ceremony for each branch of the military. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m. and then volunteers will begin lying the wreaths on veterans gravesites. Volunteers are needed to help distribute wreaths but there is no need to sign up in advance. The event will end once all wreaths have been placed; the more volunteers, the quicker the wreaths will be placed. This event is fun for all ages and a great way to honor our local veterans during the holiday season.
The City of Brighton is currently accepting donations. Wreaths are $15 and 100% of your money will go to funding a wreath at the gravesite of a veteran in Brighton. Our goal is to raise $52,000 to purchase 3,500. If this goal is exceeded, additional wreaths will be purchased and kept in Colorado to go to other state cemeteries that do not have enough wreaths for all its veterans. Please note that all donation amounts are appreciated and accepted.
Please visit www.brightonco.gov/WAA if you’re making a donation using a credit or debit card or contact Cemetery Manager Aaron Corr via at: acorr@brightonco.gov or call: 303-655-2060 to arrange a time to drop off cash or check.
In 2018, WAA placed 1.8 million wreaths at 15,000 cemeteries including 22 national cemeteries and Normandy. This year, WAA is projecting 2.35 million wreaths will be placed thanks to the donations collected.
Offered by: Joel Hartl, M.D. – Brighton Pediatrics, P.C.
It’s becoming increasingly evident that vaping can cause lifelong harm to your child. Every day, there are more and more cases of vaping-related lung disease. We are unsure what is causing it, but it is leaving a wake of devastated lungs. Children with vaping-related lung disease are often diagnosed with “lipoid pneumonia.” This is a condition where oily chemicals are vaporized into the lungs and cause a severe inflammatory reaction. This inflammation leads to permanent lung scarring similar to lifelong smokers or coal workers.
Please have a discussion with your child about the dangers of vaping before it is too late. Please call Brighton Pediatrics if you have questions or would like to make an appointment to discuss this further.
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