Arriving at this time of year seems like we’ve taken the “scenic route” to the month of December. Winding our way through the varying hills and valleys of 2020, we have all taken different routes than we’re used to in order to navigate the year. It feels somewhat similar to watching an episode of “The Amazing Race” with all the pitfalls along the way. Let’s celebrate the fact we’ve made it to December 2020 and we’re all winners for doing so!
Nonetheless, we’ve arrived just in time to sprinkle Holiday Cheer on our 2020 journey. It’s amazing how Christmas decorations can lift spirits and take us to a time that elicits fond memories and child-like excitement. This year, making preparations to decorate, buy gifts, bake some delicious cookies, and all that goes along with “The Holidays” is a welcome diversion from our raging pandemic. This year’s gift is the feeling of joy we receive from engaging in these happy thoughts and activities.
We’ve created our December issue as another way to spread joy to you and your families. Please note the wonderful offers inside and the well wishes of our advertisers. We hope you enjoy the season and find The Brighton Buzz to be a great resource toward making that happen!
From all of Us At The Brighton Buzz, Happy Holidays!
As I write this article, the election is fast approaching. In fact when you read this, it may already be over. This election season has been quite contentious. Social media plays a role and it is only going to get worse, unless something changes.
Why? Because the computers and phones we spend so much time paying attention to are designed to capture our attention at any cost. Unfortunately, sociologists are finding that they are designed to reinforce material that we are interested in, to the exclusion of any di ffering viewpoint. Some think it is an evil plot, but in reality, it is how they sell more advertising.
As individual’s opinions are pulled farther and farther apart, they can no longer actively and openly discuss societal issues without relationships being impacted. What can we do?
One of the things I have learned from the many estate planning clients I have had the pleasure of serving, is that caring for others and being cared for by others are two of the most important things in life. This wisdom is quickly lost when we fight with neighbors, coworkers, and family over the latest political issue social media has used to capture our attention.
Love first, and try and in fluence second. Don’t destroy your relationships with those around you battling over topics or issues on which you are marginally informed, or even worse misinformed.
World peace is not in the hands of politicians or world leaders, it is simply about how we treat each other on a day-to-day basis. So the next time you want to go to battle with those around you, remember that the issue you are fighting about will pass, but the relationship you destroy may never mend.
Medicare is the federal health insurance program created in 1965 for people ages 65 and over, regardless of income, medical history, or health status. The program was expanded in 1972 to cover certain people under age 65 who have a long-term disability.
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility (SNF) stays, some home health visits, and hospice care. Part A benefits are subject to a deductible ($1,408 per benefit period in 2020). Part A also requires coinsurance for extended inpatient hospital and SNF stays.
Part B covers physician visits, outpatient services, preventive services, and some home health visits. Many Part B benefits are subject to a deductible ($198 in 2020), and, typically, coinsurance of 20 percent.
Part C refers to the Medicare Advantage program, through which beneficiaries can enroll in a private health plan, such as a HMO or PPO, and receive all Medicare-covered Part A and Part B benefits and typically also Part D benefits. In 2020, More than one-third (36%) of all Medicare beneficiaries – 24.1 million people out of 67.7 million Medicare beneficiaries overall – are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans; this rate has steadily increased over time since the early 2000s. (per Kaiser Family Foundation)
Part D covers outpatient prescription drugs through private plans that contract with Medicare, including stand-alone prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage. New for 2021, beneficiaries will have the option to enroll in a Part D plan participating in the new Senior Savings Model, in which enhanced drug plans cover insulin products at a monthly copayment of $35 in the deductible, initial coverage, and coverage gap phases of the Part D benefit. Participating plans do not have to cover all insulin products at the $35 monthly copayment amount, just one of each dosage form (vial, pen) and insulin type (rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting).
Supplemental coverage fills the gaps in original Medicare and is offered by private insurance companies. A Colorado regulation has established a special enrollment period for 2021, Jan-June, allowing changes for enrollees in Plan F or Plan C. Contact me for details to see if this may be an option you would like to consider.
Medicare is my specialty; you have options, and it is the time of year to choose for 2021.
I can clarify any Medicare questions you may have. Call 303-887-8584 to get individual attention for your needs.
Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. This is an advertisement. Calling the telephone number in this advertisement will connect you to an independent licensed producer/agent.
You’ve probably seen an Invisalign ad recently. They have spent millions of dollars perfecting their aligner system for straightening teeth and they want everyone to know it! Dr. Bryan Nelson is the #1 single provider of Invisalign in the Region and has spent years working with Invisalign to perfect the art of digital case management and he now has an office in Brighton. 4th Avenue Orthodontics is now Trinity Orthodontics.
Advanced digital case planning allows us to take comprehensive photos of your teeth using Itero scanning technology. We produce a digital roadmap for moving teeth to their ideal position. This, along with Dr. Nelson’s exceptional skill takes the guesswork out of teeth movement resulting in treatments being done in 12-14 months! Even the most di fficult cases are getting amazing results using Invisalign. Invisalign is also great for early treatment on young kids and alleviates the need for bulky oral appliances. At your FREE consultation, scans of your teeth will produce a simulated picture of the end results before treatment even starts.
Dr. Nelson has made the teeth straightening process even easier by developing the F.A.S.T. System – Few Appointments Straight Teeth. Using video communication, photos, texts, and phone calls to accommodate virtual appointments, your time away from home/work/school is cut in half; plus, your risk of Coronavirus exposure is much less.
Offered by: Willy Strohmeier – Colorado Karate Club
It was the Summer of 2008 at the National Karate Championship in Houston, TX. I was fighting in the open weight division against another member of the National Karate Team. He was about a foot taller and about 30 lbs heavier than me. With time running out, down by two points, I lunged forward with a combination that fell short. He counter attacked with a punch that struck my face with a cracking noise. I knew right away that my left cheekbone had been crushed. While I felt no pain, as the nerves had been severed on impact, I knew it was a serious injury.
That was the end of Nationals for me that year, and a long way of recovery that included hospital visits and reconstructive surgeries. I was already 35 years old, but there was still plenty of fire within me.
My wife asked me to stop competing, and I gave it a thought… about 5 seconds worth…I wasn’t done yet. I loved competing, was in great shape, and had plenty of experience that helped me overcome the 10-17 year gap with my opponents. After that, I went on to compete very successfully for another four years, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
People asked me if I was afraid to compete after what had happened. I competed for almost three decades, there were always the butter flies in my stomach the morning of the competition. But once I stepped into the ring, it was all business. No nerves, and especially, no fear. Regardless of the size or skill of my opponent, fear never entered my mind. But I do recall squaring against an opponent and seeing the fear in his eyes. I knew that in his mind, he was already defeated. The match was only a formality.
We tell our students, if you’re afraid of getting hit, you will get hit. If you’re afraid of getting hurt, you will surely get hurt. If fear dominates your thoughts, it will come for you. Just like poor, stricken Job put it, “For what I fear comes upon me, And what I dread befalls me.” – Job 3:25
Today, I look around and I see widespread fear, that paralyzing fear I saw in my opponent’s eyes years ago. As a competitor, I preferred to fight and risk injury, rather than give into fear and carry on with life-long regrets. However, I was never reckless, I prepared well, weighed the risks, and moved forward with full knowledge and confidence in my abilities.
I think that if we can properly understand the challenge in front of us, weigh the risks, and take action, we can move forward with courage and determination, rather than timidity and fear. As the Polish physicist Marie Curie said over a century ago: “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less”.
One survey found that 79% of small business owners expect at least some of their retirement income to come from tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts.¹ If you have yet to develop a retirement plan for your business, or if you’re not sure the plan you’ve chosen is the right one, here are some things to consider.
How much can my business a fford to contribute?
The cost of contributions may be managed by the plan type.
A simplified employee pension plan (SEP) is funded by employer contributions only. SEP contributions are made to separate IRAs for eligible employees.²
Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees of Small Employers (SIMPLE) IRAs blend employee and employer contributions.³ Employers either match employee contributions up to 100% of the first 3% of compensation, or contribute 2% of each eligible employee’s compensation.
A 401(k) is primarily funded by the employee; the employer can choose to make additional contributions, including matching contributions.⁴
What plan accommodates high employee turnover?
The cost of covering short-tenured employees may be reduced by eligibility requirements and vesting.
With the SEP-IRA, only employees who are at least 21 years old and have been employed in three of the last five years must be covered.
The SIMPLE IRA must cover employees who have earned at least $5,000 in any prior two years and are reasonably expected to earn $5,000 in the current year.
The 401(k) and defined benefit plan must cover all employees who are at least 21 years of age. Under the SECURE Act, these retirement plans are open for employees who have either worked 1,000 hours in the space of one full year or to those who have worked at least 500 hours per year for three consecutive years.
Vesting is immediate on all contributions to the SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA and 401(k) employee deferrals, while a vesting schedule may apply to 401(k) employer contributions and de fined benefits.
Do I want to maximize contributions for myself (and my spouse)?
The SEP-IRA and 401(k) o er higher contribution maximums than the SIMPLE IRA. For those business owners who are starting late, a defined bene fit plan may offer even higher levels of allowable contributions.
My priority is to keep administration easy and inexpensive.
The SEP-IRA and SIMPLE IRA are straightforward to establish and maintain.
The 401(k) can be more onerous, but complicated testing may be eliminated by using a Safe Harbor 401(k). Generally, the de fined benefit plan is the most complicated and expensive to establish and maintain of all plan choices.
T. Lloyd Worth can be reached at 303-558-0214, or Lloyd.Worth@LPL.com.
¹Gallup, March 16, 2017. Most recent survey available.
²Like a Traditional IRA, withdrawals from a SEP-IRA are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. Under the SECURE Act, in most circumstances, once you reach age 72, you must begin taking required minimum distributions.
³Like a Traditional IRA, withdrawals from a SIMPLE IRAs are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. Under the SECURE Act, in most circumstances, once you reach age 72, you must begin taking required minimum distributions.
⁴Under the SECURE Act, in most circumstances, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plan in the year you turn 72. Withdrawals from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plans are taxed as ordinary income, and if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2020 FMG Suite.
Have you been struggling with trying to figure out how everything works in this wonderful world of Medicare?
Whether you’re new to Medicare or you’ve been on Medicare for a few years, it’s confusing to figure out how everything works. A lot of folks may not realize that the help of an Insurance Agent who focuses on Medicare is a free service.
There are so many insurance agents in this world and so many different levels of customer service. My parents are both on Medicare. When I’m meeting with a client, I treat everyone as if they were my parents. And, I should point out, I love my parents!
That means that I want the best for each of my clients. That also means I’ll be honest with you.
I don’t think you should be left on your own to tackle something as convoluted as Medicare without guidance. Now of course, some of you are naturally gifted at grasping all of the ins and outs.
As an insurance agent who specializes in Medicare, I recertify to offer Medicare insurance plans every year. That recertification process can mean 50 hours of classes and testing.
Included in all that is insurance company specific information. That just means we get to know the nitty-gritty details about what makes each company different.
So this is my plea to you, if you are struggling to figure out what is best for you in 2021, please call me. I love to help people and I don’t charge for my services.
Just remember, December 7 is the last day you can make any changes. So please don’t wait till the last minute. 720.626.6524
On October 8, Bellco Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of its newest branch location in Brighton.
“We have tremendous membership support in the fast-growing Brighton area, so it only made sense to expand our presence and open a new branch to better serve our members who live and work there,” said John Rivera, Bellco’s senior vice president and chief retail officer.
The new branch is located at 450 E. Bromley Lane, in the Palizzi Marketplace, near the intersection of Sable Boulevard and Bromley Lane. The branch includes a full-service lobby, open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. In addition to the full-service options, members can conduct self-service banking transactions with the Express Teller Machine and have access anytime with 24-Hour ATM service.
“We are so pleased to welcome Bellco Credit Union to Brighton and appreciate the investment that they are making in our community. As a long time Bellco member, I am excited to have not only the convenience but also the exceptional service provided by Bellco right here in Brighton,” shared Yvette Martinez, Community Concierge for the Brighton Chamber.
In celebration of the new branch and in keeping with its commitment to the communities it serves, Bellco is supporting local organizations through donations. During today’s grand opening event, Bellco donated $2,500 to Almost Home, which provides assistance to those in the community that find themselves experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
Bellco also made a donation of $1,000 to the Friends of Barr Lake, which provides funds to enhance education, recreation, and conservation at Barr Lake State Park. As part of this support, Bellco is also providing a one-day pass to the park to any existing or new members who opens an account at the Brighton location during the month of October. The pass can be used any day before November 30.
Now in its 84th year, Bellco continues to provide the technology solutions members need to manage their money including online and mobile banking, mobile check deposit and phone and video appointments for members who wish to speak with a Bellco financial specialist without going to a branch.
A key indicator of a good community is how it comes together in times of need to help those less fortunate and/or adversely impacted by external factors beyond their control. This coming together happens through partnerships between local organizations, businesses, non-pro fits, and residents. What is now known as the annual Thanksgiving Meals Project is a perfect example of this.
It started from humble beginnings with a partnership between the VFW Post and Meals on Wheels program in the mid 90s and has grown steadily ever since. According to Bob Grant, a long-standing Kiwanis Club of Brighton member and the Thanksgiving Meals Project coordinator, Kiwanis joined the partnership in 1998 with approximately 80 meals delivered. In 2010, the United Methodist Church signed on and in 2012 the program delivered a new record 550 meals.
After the original VFW post disbanded in 2014 the project found a new home base of operations when the Brighton Elk’s Club joined the partnership, providing larger dedicated kitchen facilities and additional volunteers, including Char Wolf as head cook. Volunteers from the Brighton High School DECA club and the Greater Brighton Neighborhood Volunteers also joined the e fforts in 2014, and the program expanded to more than 800 hot meals delivered to 208 different locations, followed by an all-time record of 1,204 meals delivered in 2015.
Over the past five years, the project has averaged more than 600 volunteer hours and delivered around 800 meals each thanksgiving, including a hot and cold plate. The dedicated volunteers won’t even let weather stand in their way, and still managed to deliver over 800 meals to more than 200 different locations in the middle of the Thanksgiving snowstorm of 2019. Many other community partners have stepped up to assist through donations, financial support, and volunteers, since 2014 including the Adams County Sheri ff’s Department, United Power, School District 27J, Brighton Business Builders, Safeway, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Let Your Light Shine, Brighton Senior Center, and dozens of Brighton citizens who show up Thanksgiving morning to help with delivering the meals.
The project receives referrals for shut-ins, seniors, the homeless, and citizens facing socio-economic and physical challenges, from many di fferent organizations, including the schools, food banks, churches, Meals on Wheels, housing managers, and others who are aware of people in need. To get a meal(s) delivery, recipients/referrers are asked to provide a location, phone number, how many meals are needed, and a guarantee that someone will be there to accept the meals between 10:00am and 12:00pm Thanksgiving morning. In compliance with health and safety precautions, this year’s program includes a no-contact protocol with meals placed on the doorstep for recipients.
I have been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Brighton since 1987 and am proud of the positive impact the club has had within Brighton. If you need a meal, know anyone in need of a meal, or you are interested in volunteering to help deliver meals, please contact Bob Grant at 303-902-0586.
For proven expertise in establishing your home value and/or searching for a new or existing home, please call Jan at (303) 520-4340.
An escape room is an interactive, adventure based experience where you are immersed into a story and must work as a team to find clues and solve puzzles in order to prevail! You will enter a themed room and have one hour to complete your “mission”. Your mission will vary depending on which of our rooms you choose. Think interactive theater meets Sherlock Holmes.
Will I really be locked in a room? No, we are not locking you in. You will never be trapped or without the help of our trained sta ff. Just know if you walk out of your room before completing your mission, it does not count as a win! We want our guests to be safe while having the adventure of a lifetime (or hour). When you enter our rooms, we want you to feel like you are in another place and lose yourself in the story, not worry about being trapped.
Is this for kids or adults? Our rooms are for everyone, however, children under the age of 13 must have an adult in the room with them. We do caution that some of the puzzles may be di fficult for younger children to solve and the room themes may be scary for little ones. Call us if you have any questions.
Team building/Corporate Events Looking for the perfect team building experience for your group? An escape room is the perfect answer! Your group will form lasting bonds while working together to complete their “mission”. Escape rooms require critical thinking, problem solving, and communication to be successful. It’s the perfect team building activity! We offer flexible booking hours outside our normal hours to fit your work schedule.
Call us today to schedule your next event! We are so excited to introduce our first room, Contamination! Be sure to check out our VIP page and sign up to receive email noti cations with upcoming promotional offers and information on our next room! 720-583-0213
O ffered by: Anneli Berube, Ag Innovation Specialist The City of Brighton and Adams County, with the expertise of the Conservation …Read More »
Testimonials
Stayin in The Buzz
December 31, 2019
I got a call from Susan at the Brighton Buzz asking if I wanted to
advertise n the next issue. My response was that I either needed to keep
my ad running or fold the business.
About 90% of the calls that I receive include a comment like, ”I
saw your ad in the Brighton Buzz…. . “
The majority of my calls take me inside a home, it is not unusual for somebody to pick up a copy of the Buzz and say they found me right there. The Buzz that they show me is frequently not the latest issue. The Buzz has great holding power! At the same time, I can always tell when The Buzz has hit mailboxes. My phone starts ringing. A lot of people seem to look through it right away.
The cost per home is low, the cost per response is
reasonable. Am I going to continue to advertise in the Brighton
Buzz? You can count on it!
Roome Paget
Gray Guy Handyman Service, LLC
Brighton, CO
Susan is Superb!
July 19, 2015
Wonderful! Well written! Informative! Susan is Superb!
Susan is Amazing!
July 19, 2015
Susan is Amazing! Thanks for all your had work. We all appreciate it.
Advertising process was flawless!
July 19, 2015
Advertising process was flawless! The ad looked great, the responses are already coming in and Susan was terrific to work with. Thank you! We'll definitely be working with you guys again!
