Brighton Honorably Mentioned As Bicycle Friendly Community

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Yes, it is true – the City of Brighton, through Bike Brighton is an “Honorable Mention Bicycle Friendly Community”!

Offered by: Mark Heidt, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation

The Bike Brighton Sub-Committee, known as Bike Brighton, was created by a Brighton City Council Ordinance on June 18, 2013. Bike Brighton is a sub-committee of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The Ordinance states that the Bike Brighton Sub-Committee was created to obtain Bicycle Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists (LAB), and to create more bicycling opportunities within Brighton.

The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) was formed May 30, 1880. The League is responsible for selecting Bicycle Friendly Communities, Bicycle Friendly Universities, and Bicycle Friendly Businesses. The Bicycle Friendly Community Application is 52-pages in length. Most communities do not take the time to fill out the application or if they apply for the “Bicycle Friendly Community” status they are not approved. The requirements are many and stringent. Bike Brighton, on behalf of the City of Brighton, applied for this status in 2013 and failed to receive the nod, but did receive “pointers” from LAB on how to make the application better.

Bike Brighton, over the next 6 years worked on improving the application within the following areas related to bicycling within a community: engineering, education, enforcement, evaluation, encouragement, and inclusiveness for everyone. Additionally, LAB looks at how over time a community decreases fatalities and crashes, and increases ridership. You may have participated in the Full Moon Bike Rides or a Bicycle Rodeo that Bike Brighton led. Or seen their booth at a citywide event or at a school. Or you may have helped with obtaining bicycle changes within Brighton. Or ridden on a trail or used a bike lane. All of these areas of bicycling helped with the next submittal of the application.

So, six years later in 2019 Bike Brighton, on behalf of the City of Brighton, again completed the Application to become a “Bicycle Friendly Community”. In late November 2019, Brighton became an “Honorable Mention Bicycle Friendly Community”. The status levels for being an approved Bicycle Friendly Community are from lowest to highest: Honorable Mention, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Fort Collins and Boulder are near the top of the ratings within the United States.

The new goal for the Sub-Committee named Bike Brighton is to reach the Bronze status within the next two to three years, and to encourage businesses to become bicycle friendly. Join the biking fun within the community as we become more bicycle friendly.

If you want more about Bike Brighton, or want to join some of the events that they lead, then please go to their website: www.brightonco.gov/bikebrighton or call the following phone number 303-655-2170

Going Forward…

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Currently, no one really knows how much life and the economy will change after the current pandemic is over. Many things have the potential to be different as business models and individual habits will change. However, when all is said and done, people will still want and need to be emotionally and socially connected to others.

Hearing loss has always been a barrier to human connection. More people than ever are experiencing something very similar to what many individuals with untreated hearing loss experience every day of their life. Many people are struggling with their mental and emotional health as they are forced to be isolated from family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. While this isolation is short term and will eventually come to an end, those same feelings of anxiety, irritability, isolation, and loneliness are often a constant condition for those with untreated hearing loss. For those whose hearing loss remains untreated, those feelings may be present for the remainder of their lives.

During the past month a number of situations arose where individuals with hearing loss were unable to communicate effectively with their loved ones due to hearing aids not working and other issues. The levels of frustration ranged for minor irritation and miscommunication to anger, confusion, and resentment. I am grateful that I was able to be here to help out and relieve some of the stress that was being felt.

More than once, I was able to witness an individual’s face light up when they suddenly began to hear again. Witnessing the change in body language, countenance, and facial expressions of a person who becomes reconnected is one of the greatest joys giving the gift of hearing. Many of us will feel the same sort of joy when we get to reunite for friends and family members we have been prevented from connecting with during this time.

The uncertainty of what policies regarding business closures and social distancing will be in effect at the time this article is published have made it very difficult to know what to advertise and promote during the month of May. Given the unknowns, Blue Ribbon Hearing & Tinnitus Center will plan to continue our policy of appointments only for all services. We will continue to be creative to meet the individual needs of each patient, and provide the best hearing aid technology available at the best price.

Please note, due to the increasing number of robocalls we receive and filter out, your call will always be answered by a recording and require a response from you, even when we are in the office. Please press 1 to speak to someone. As we are increasing the amount of time we spend cleaning before and after each patient, if we do not answer when you call, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.

Thank you for your continued support.

How Vaccines Work

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Offered by: Richard W. Martin, M.D. – Brighton Pediatrics, P.C.

The immune system is designed to recognize pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that do not belong in the body. Specialized immune cells present antigens (distinctive molecules from these pathogens) to B cells and helper T cells to create antibodies against the pathogen and, in some cases, create long term memory B cells to protect against future infection. Vaccines mimic these antigens to produce immunity in the same way without causing infection. Since specialized immune cells are plentiful in muscle tissue, intramuscular injection is often an effective route for immunizations. Some vaccinations are effective with just one or two doses; others require several doses a few months apart to stimulate immunity.

Some infections (e.g., smallpox and measles) create lifelong immunity and others (e.g., pertussis and influenza) only temporary immunity. The same applies to immunizations. The most effective vaccines produce long-lasting antibodies and memory B cells to rapidly boost antibody levels if needed. Live virus vaccines (e.g., measles and chicken pox) are the most effective, but other vaccinations that are not live (e.g., HPV and hepatitis B) also produce lasting immunity. However, the influenza vaccine is effective only about ½ to 2/3 of the time, partly because strains of influenza vary from one year to the next. Predicting which strains to include in the influenza vaccine for the coming year is challenging.

Attempting to develop a vaccine that would protect against all strains of influenza is an important area of research. Development of a vaccine against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is presently the highest priority. In the long term, an important goal is the development of a vaccine and antiviral medications that would be effective not only against COVID-19 but also against other novel coronaviruses that may emerge in the future.

Brighton Pediatrics sincerely thanks everyone in the community who has been sheltering at home and supporting our Medical and Emergency Response community. We have not stopped the virus yet, but because you stayed home and practiced social distancing, you have prevented a true public health catastrophe. Please continue to protect yourselves and your family as we start to open things back up. Please call our office if there is anything we can do to help you through this difficult time.

Visit our website at www.brightonpeds.com or FaceBook for more information on our office hours and visits in office or by Telehealth.

Click here to view Brighton Pediatrics on The Brighton Buzz Business Directory

Brighton Pediatrics

Keeping Children Safe Around Water

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Offered by: Michele Tuepker, MD – Premier Pediatrics

With warmer days approaching, families will be spending more time around water. Drowning and near-drowning are leading causes of injury-related death and emergency room visits, with risks highest in children under the age of 4 and adolescent males. In children under the age of 4, unsupervised, unexpected access to water is the major factor in these preventable accidents.

While pools, and large bodies of water carry risks, drowning is possible in small amounts of standing water, including in buckets, toilets, etc. Water safety has many components, including but not limited to the ability to swim. Whenever possible, children should be introduced to the water at a young age. Lessons can benefit children as young as 1, but a healthy respect for water safety is just as important. An adult should always be in the water and within arms reach of a child who is unable to swim. Judicious use of life jackets should be encouraged, especially in large bodies of water, even for proficient swimmers.

It is important, however, to ensure that life jackets do not provide a false sense of security for individuals who do not know how to swim. Barriers around swimming pools should be secured when pools are not in use. Children should be taught to stay away from water without a responsible adult present, and nobody should be in the water without someone outside of the water whose job it is to lifeguard. Learn CPR. Have a fun and safe summer.

Click here to view Premier Pediatrics on The Brighton Buzz Business Directory

About The Haven Team

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Offered by: Dan & Beth Cochran – The Haven Team, Keller Williams

Dan & Beth Cochran have been living, working and volunteering in the Brighton community for over 20 years.

Dan has always worked in the Denver/Northern Front Range area. Over the past 19 years, he has coached several different sports, but became the most passionate about soccer when his kids started playing. Dan was one of the founding board members who started the local competitive soccer club 14 years ago; he has worn many hats as a volunteer with the club and he still loves to coach!

Many years ago, Dan and Beth volunteered at their church by helping run the kid’s youth ministry along with many other great volunteers. For the past 8 years, Beth has been working in the Brighton and surrounding area as a case manager for children with special needs. She is also a family advocate for a local non profit. Beth also volunteered for the local soccer club for several years. She served on the board of the local Mom’s Club and volunteered for many years at their kids’ schools.

We love Brighton and the community here and we have a passion for helping people. We look forward to meeting and serving more in people in our community through our real estate business. We look forward to meeting you and getting to know you!

We would love to walk with you on your journey to a new home! Please give us a call and let us answer your questions or concerns with a free no- obligation consultation. We would love to be your real estate partner.
Call Dan & Beth with The Haven Team today at: 303-709-3501

Congratulations Class of 2020!

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Offered by: Jan Hepp-Struck, Hepp Realty

I am struck by the contrast between this time last year—our community full of excited high school seniors and their parents looking forward to their senior prom, end-of-year recognition assemblies, and that once-in-a-lifetime milestone walk across the graduation stage to receive their high school diploma—and this year with the devastating, albeit necessary, decision by the school district to switch to virtual ceremonies instead. My heart breaks for all of the students and families who won’t be able to enjoy and share that very special experience!

None of us could have imagined a few months ago how devastating this pandemic would be and the far-reaching impact it would have on so many lives, and in so many ways. I want to take this opportunity to send you all a special shout out and let you know that the community is feeling the loss with and for you. You are not alone!

It is my sincere hope that you will not allow this loss to diminish all that you have accomplished in your life thus far.

My hope for you is that you will take to heart the knowledge that what doesn’t kill you does, indeed, make you stronger.

My hope is that you will be able to overcome this disappointment and always remember that even when life throws curve balls, it is how you choose to respond that will determine the memories you have to look back upon in years to come.

There is much to be said about turning lemons into lemonade. And on that note, I would like to raise a very large and delicious glass of lemonade to all members of the graduating class of 2020, and offer you my sincere congratulations and blessing for much joy and success as you venture forth on the next stage of this unpredictable adventure called life!

For proven expertise in establishing your home value and/or searching for a new or existing home, please call Jan at: (303) 520-4340.

Click here to view Hepp Realty on The Brighton Buzz Business Directory

Hepp Realty

In This Together…

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Offered by: Melissa Rippy – Rippy Insurance Agency / Allstate

The COVID19 crisis has resulted in an unprecedented decline in driving, leading to fewer accidents since less cars are on the road. On April 6th, Allstate announced personal auto insurance customers will receive a Shelter-In-Place Payback and receive 15% of their monthly premium for the months of April and May, totaling more than $600 million given back to policyholders. Our customers can expect the payment between late April and mid-May for the April payback, and by mid-June for the May payback.

Since our lives have also become more digital as of late, Allstate is offering free identity protection for the rest of the year to all US residents who sign up. This will not only proactively monitor for signs of fraud and provides restoration if your identity is stolen, but it will also notify you of data breaches. Customers can sign in or download the Allstate mobile APP to take advantage of this offer.

I have been a Brighton small business owner for six and a half years and a resident for over 14 years. Over the past month, my agency has been doing our part to help fellow small business owners THRIVE. We have partnered with Big Choice Brewing and offered free six packs, teamed up with Pinocchio’s and Copper Rail Bar & Grill to give away spaghetti meals to our community. We provided 100 burritos to the night shift at Platte Valley Medical Center and fed those who needed a meal through Bubba Chino’s and Cheese Love Grill. We partnered with South Philly Cheesesteaks of Brighton, Heidi’s Deli and Blackjack Pizza of Brighton too. We are all in this together. #WeAreBrighton

Click here to view Melissa Rippy, Rippy Insurance on The Brighton Buzz Business Directory

Allstate Rippy Insurance

Retain Control as You Age!

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Offered by: Michael A. Dolan – Dolan & Associates, P.C.

As you advance through the golden years, you may start to experience loss of control in your life. You begin to realize that you can’t do everything you did when you were younger, both physically and mentally. Caring for the yard and maintaining the house becomes harder and eventually even driving and handling the checkbook can become a challenge.

You know that you are struggling in your day-to-day life, but your pride and concern over loss of control prevents you from asking for the help you need to keep yourself safe and protected. Then your kids show up and have the nerve to suggest that you sell your home and consider moving into an apartment or even an assisted living facility.

These transitions are hard but are often the right choice for you as you grow older.

An effective estate plan, that encourages family involvement and communication, can allow you to maintain control for a longer period of time as you age. Getting your family involved early can allow you to stay in control longer.

You need to realize that your children don’t want to take control anymore than you want to give it up! Starting early and allowing for a gradual transition produces better results for everyone involved. Don’t let a lack of planning on your part result in others taking control while you are still able! Take appropriate steps now and plan ahead for when you will need help later in life. This will enable you to remain in control as long as possible.

If you are not sure how to get started with the process, I encourage you to get some education around the subject. If you would like to learn more about available estate planning options, please visit: www.EstatePlansThatWork.com to sign up for a complimentary on-line educational workshop.

Click here to view Dolan & Associates on The Brighton Buzz Business Directory

Dolan Associates

Tax-Deferred Accounts Get (Temporary) Boost from CARES Act

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Offered by Tim Roberts – Edward Jones

You need to primarily rely on yourself to protect your health during the coronavirus. But from a financial standpoint, you may have gotten some relief – or at least some flexibility from the recently passed $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Retirement account holders, including owners of IRAs and 401(k)s are usually required to start taking distributions from these accounts once they reach age 72. The CARES Act waives these required minimum distributions (RMDs) for all employer plans and IRAs in 2020, with the exception of defined benefit plans. If you’ve already taken your distribution for 2020, you can put the funds back in your retirement account if you meet certain requirements.

Of course, if you needed – or will need – the money from the RMD for your cash flow needs, you won’t have to return it. But if you don’t really need the money, avoiding an RMD in 2020 or returning an RMD to your retirement account will give the funds more time to grow on a tax-deferred basis before the RMDs are once again required in 2021.

Another CARES Act provision allows for the 10% early withdrawal penalty to be waived for withdrawals up to $100,000 from qualified retirement accounts, including IRAs and 401(k)s, for individuals who qualify for COVID-19 relief. Qualifying individuals include those who are diagnosed with COVID-19, have a spouse or dependent who is diagnosed with COVID-19 or experience adverse financial consequences as a result of COVID-19, including quarantines, layoffs, business closures or child care responsibilities. Income tax on the distribution would still be owed but could be paid over a three-year period. Employer plan participants also may increase the amount that can be taken as a loan from a qualified retirement plan from $50,000 to $100,000 for 2020. While the CARES Act allows these penalty-free withdrawals and increased plan loan amounts, you will need to contact your plan administrator to determine whether these options are available in your plan.

Even though you may be able to access these funds penalty-free, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should do so. Try to exhaust some of the other provisions in the CARES Act first, such as the mortgage or student loan relief, or using the direct payment to bridge the gap on current expenses before taking a distribution or loan from your retirement account. If you decide to take a withdrawal or loan, work with your financial advisor to consider developing strategies to contribute/pay back these funds over time to reduce any long-term impact to your retirement goals.

Please consult with your tax professional before making any CARES Act-related moves with your retirement accounts. Partnering with your tax and financial professionals can help in the decision-making process. In the meantime, stay safe, stay healthy and keep looking forward to brighter days ahead.

Busy Times At Brighton Express Delivery!

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Offered by: Brighton Express Delivery Service

While some businesses have experienced significant slowdowns during our Covid-19 crisis, business has increased for us at Brighton Express Delivery! We are thankful for the growth of our business and are happy to serve the needs of our clients with food deliveries, grocery and pharmacy deliveries and running any other errands you may need for us to do. We are CDC compliant and wear masks and gloves on all of our deliveries. One aspect of our business has been curtailed and that’s our laundry service due to germ transmission with the virus.

Taking the place of Laundry Service in our list of services is Pet Transport to/from Vets, Groomers, and Kennels. This idea arose from our collaboration with Kay Olson of Home and Heart Pet Sitting, 303-909-9525. We look forward to working with Kay and her clients in this new endeavor.

We’ve also expanded our area of service to include Ft. Lupton, Platteville, Gilcrest, LaSalle, Milikin, Fredrick and Firestone. Thank you so much for supporting our growing business!