The holidays — a time to be with family and friends, create new memories and enjoy good food. The holidays, however, can also be a time of stress — from traveling on winter roads to confronting feelings of loss or loneliness. Here are some quick tips and resources to help make the holidays hassle-free.

Over the hills and through the woods

Traveling by car this holiday season? Make sure you arrive safely with these tips from our Weld County Public Works team and Office of Emergency Management.

Car care: Check your tires for good tread and proper inflation. Pack an emergency kit with blankets, coats, shovels, extra clothes, water and high-energy food like granola, just in case. For more tips, read Tip No. 10 in the Weld County Emergency Preparedness Tips.

Weather awareness: Pay attention to weather reports to make the best decision on when the best drive times will be and check out our “Winter Weather Toolkit” at www.weld.gov/go/pio. 

Respect the plow: Driving for conditions means driving safely near snowplow trucks. Stay at least 250 feet behind a plow truck to allow snowplow drivers space to safely treat the road, a process that involves spreading material behind and on the sides of the truck. And because the material applied by snowplow trucks often creates a cloud of snow on both sides of the truck, greatly reducing visibility, resist the urge to pass a plow. For questions about Weld County’s snow and ice control procedures, visit the snow and ice control webpage.

A safe home is a happy home

Maybe you’re staying home for the holidays, or you have family coming to you. Although we’ve had a taste of winter weather already, if you haven’t completed your winter weather checklist, now is the time. Here are some to-do items from our Office of Emergency Management.

• Check batteries in carbon monoxide detectors and test the devices to make sure they work.

• Plan for safe, alternate sources of heat if your main source goes out.

• Make sure gutters and downspouts are not draining on sidewalks or driveways where ice might accumulate.

• Have ice melt and a snow shovel at the ready. Remember, cold weather can put an added strain on your heart as your body works to stay warm, so be sure to take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.

Find more preparedness tips at www.weldoem.com

Time to eat!

Food is definitely a focal point during the holidays. Our Health Department and our Family and Consumer Science Specialist with CSU Extension have the following reminders to make sure you aren't sidelined by your dinner side dishes.

• Clean: Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before, during and after handling food. Clean and sanitize any surfaces that come into contact with raw meat and its juices to avoid spreading bacteria.

• Separate: Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods, and avoid washing poultry to prevent bacteria from splashing in your kitchen. Instead, pat dry with paper towels.

• Cook: Thaw and cook your meat safely. Thaw it in the refrigerator (about 24 hours for every four - to five-pounds), in a cold-water bath (changing the water every 30 minutes) or in the microwave, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Never thaw meat on the counter or in hot water. To make sure your meat is fully cooked, use a thermometer to check its internal temperature. 

• Chill: After cooking, make sure to refrigerate any perishable food within two hours. This helps avoid the "danger zone," where bacteria can grow quickly. Keep hot foods above 140°F and cold foods below 40°F when serving. Store leftovers in shallow containers and keep them in the fridge for up to four days or freeze them for up to six months for the best quality.

Dinner’s done — Now what?

There are lots of great things to do during the holidays in Weld County and one place to start is by checking out our Discover Weld website! From zipping down indoor waterslides at local recreation centers to having fun at a local library (including wood carving at the LINC and laser tag at the Kersey Library) to a visit down memory lane at a local museum, there’s always something going on for the entire family.

• Museums: Museums Discover Weld
• Greeley Winter Farmers' Market: Farmers' Market | City of Greeley
• Libraries: Locations and Hours – High Plains Library District
• Rec Centers in Weld County: Swimming, Skating & More – Discover Weld and click “Recreation Centers.”

What to look out for in aging loved ones

During your holiday visit, if you notice your aging loved one could use a little extra help, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Weld County Area Agency on Aging (AAA). The AAA staff can connect you with community partners who offer services including assistance with chores, meal preparation and long-term care support. They can also help your loved one find fun ways to stay active and engaged in the community.

Healthy eating: Friendly Fork Senior Nutrition Program. With 22 sites located throughout Weld County, the Friendly Fork Senior Nutrition Program offers older adults aged 60 or older and their spouses the opportunity to enjoy a meal while engaging in social and educational opportunities. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Friendly Fork voicemail at (970) 400-6955 or emailing friendlyfork@weld.gov. 

The program is offered to those 60 and older as well as those currently residing in a subsidized housing complex that offers a meal site. Participants are welcome to contribute whatever they can toward toward their meal. A suggested donation of $5 is posted at each meal site, and participants also have an opportunity to purchase meal tickets. Attendees can bring a guest under the age of 60 to dine with them, but the guest must pay a fee.

Chores/in-home services: AAA has a range of internal services to assist Weld County seniors with tasks around the house. The Chore Service Program provides funds for chore services to seniors who are unable to do chores themselves. The program is designed to help maintain independence and can include moving furniture, cleaning basements or porches, clearing walkways of ice and snow, leaf raking and more.

The In-Home Services Program provides grant funding to seniors requiring assistance with personal care and homemaking services in the home. Some examples of services include bathing, dressing, laundry assistance and meal preparation.

Long-term care services: If you believe your loved one could benefit from round-the-clock care, a nursing home or assisted living facility could be an option. The Weld County Home and Community Supports Division offers long-term care eligibility services. Learn more by calling (970) 400-6950.

For those who already reside in a nursing home, assisted living or memory care facility, Weld County's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides advocates who help ensure long-term care residents are supported and protected. To learn more about the ombudsman program, visit the webpage, call (970) 400-6128 or email WeldOmbudsman@weld.gov. 

To learn about other AAA services, visit the AAA Internal Services page and select the appropriate tab.

Not feeling the holiday cheer? That’s OK

For many people, the holidays aren't necessarily a time of happiness. The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, in collaboration with partner agencies, has helpful information to combat loneliness and feelings of isolation. It’s important to know you aren’t alone. To learn about resources available to help, please visit the Acts of Connection webpage.

It's been a busy year for Weld County Government, and we'll bid farewell to 2024 in our final issue by revisiting a few newsworthy moments and recapping some significant accomplishments in our pursuit to serve residents every day.