Chris R. / Greeley, CO

Honoring & Remembering

It happens every December. Some are seasoned pros; for others, it’s their first time. Some come because their parents served, some to help a grandparent place a wreath; some for school projects. They all come on a morning in December to remember and honor more than 1,600 veterans and first responders buried at Linn Grove Cemetery. Over the past seven years, the Wreaths Across America program at Linn Grove has seen more and more people of all ages participating. There are the Poudre River Young Marines who set up chairs and tables and uncase the 300 wreaths that are placed at Soldier’s Field. There is the Northridge Marine Corp JROTC, who presents the remembrance wreaths during the ceremony. And there are the volunteers who come to place the wreaths on the gravestones. I hope everyone can take some time this year to honor and remember those we have lost. Wreaths Across America at Linn Grove Cemetery Ceremony will take place Saturday, December 19, 2020, at 10 a.m.

Shineth C.-G. / Greeley, CO

Passionate Educator

After immigrating to Greeley in 2012, I worked as a substitute teacher in District 6 while completing the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program at UNC. I then taught at Aims, helping other immigrant students with their GEDs, citizenship applications, and English classes. Now, I’m able to offer personalized instruction through Colorado Language Program, a school I opened earlier this year.

Arayah G. / Greeley, CO

WRITING TO HELP OTHERS

When I was younger I liked writing stories and fairy tales on my phone. But as I got older I decided to make stories about things that people may struggle with. I enjoy writing, it passes time, helps me focus, and keeps me distracted. I think I get it from loving books. When I read a book I picture how the character would feel, so when I write, I hope that the person reading can understand real life struggles that maybe they didn’t understand before. 

Ed G. / Greeley, CO

A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

We had to close Code Ninjas for two months because of the pandemic. I began to think this whole business venture was a mistake. To my surprise, when we re-opened, we had lots of supportive parents returning with their little ninjas (all wearing masks, of course). We now have more students than we did before we closed.

David M. / Greeley, CO

MOUNTAIN MAN JOE MEEK

We love Greeley, the mountains, and Colorado! What a great honor and privilege it is to portray, in buckskins, our relative – the legendary mountain man Joe Meek and his Nez Perce wife, Virginia – at retirement homes and schools, at the High Plains History Festival at Centennial Village, and at special events.

Doc E. / Greeley, CO

BE LIKE BATMAN

Early in the lockdown, when people were putting teddy bears in their windows, I put my Knightmare Batman costume on a dummy – and placed it on my front porch with a sign: “Batman says, ‘Stay at your caves! And if you go out, wear a mask!’ Be like Batman.” Just a humorous diversion for the people walking by.

Roger D. / Greeley, CO

POPPING UP ALL OVER

I just experienced dill-pickle popcorn from a downtown Greeley shop!

Ed G. / Greeley, CO

FUN AND REWARDING

There’s a place right here in Greeley that teaches kids how to MAKE video games, not just play them. They’re new to our community, but CodeNinjas is already helping children with coding skills, problem solving, socializing, and STEM-based learning. Check ’em out over at Centerplace by the new Five Guys.

Erik S. / Greeley, CO

LIFE-CHANGING EATING

After watching a documentary on plant-based eating, I decided to give it a try. Believe it or not, I found a “Plant-Strong” cooking and wellness seminar right here in Greeley. It was a fun, group-learning environment focused on wellness. Chef Eric Aakko, MS MCHES presented: “We are all on a journey; and I hope to inspire or spark some new ideas or recipes in your personal wellness.” The samples were impressive, and yes, I bought a cookbook :p

anonymous / Greeley, CO

DIGGING THE PAST

I’ve learned that when you volunteer at the local museum, history is even more enjoyable!

anonymous / Greeley, CO

A NEW VIEW 

Back when I was a kid, I learned that the view up on the old Inspiration Point looking west – toward where the UNC football stadium is now – was jaw-dropping.

Perry / Greeley, CO

OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL 

Having sung with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra for 10 years – and now serving as a member of the UCCC Advisory Board – I’ve learned that there’s an amazing variety of opportunities open to everyone. And I do mean everyone. From boards and commissions to parks and recreation to the arts and all good things, the possibilities are endless! ​

Michelle K. / Greeley, CO

CHRISTMAS VILLAGES

When the Colorado Model Railroad Museum received a collection of Department 56 Christmas Villages I realized it was my turn, as the museum’s executive director, to get building. Thankfully, I got help from folks around the community who taught me how to use a hot knife on Styrofoam, how to operate a scroll saw, and how to use construction glue to create a miniature mountain display. The result is now on display at the museum.

Carol S. / Greeley, CO

GREAT HEALTHCARE

At the 2019 Thriving NOCO Summit at UNC, I heard from several healthcare leaders, including Dr. Mark Wallace with the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment and Kim Bimestefer with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. I learned a lot about the provision of healthcare and health needs in our community. Greeley does a lot of right things and we are fortunate to have great healthcare services here!

Michelle R. / Greeley, CO

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

When we were new to Greeley, my husband and I saw a poster for the Baby Animal Days event at Centennial Village in a local coffee shop. We were so impressed by the historical preservation and how much it mattered to the local community that I went home and applied for a job at the city. Now I’m honored to be a part of these annual events.

Bianca F. / Greeley, CO

FAMILY MEMORIES

My kids love to go fishing – and Greeley provides a number of opportunities for them to learn the skills and patience it requires. Their favorite spots are the pond at Bittersweet Park and the Poudre Learning Center. It’s not only been a great learning experience for them, but also a way to connect with their grandparents. (And, of course, an opportunity for all of us to create family memories.)