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Article by Bethany Wiley, MPH Photography by Provided Originally published in Greeley Lifestyle Share article In a world competing for our attention, it is easy to feel scattered, distracted, or burnt out. For our well-being, it’s important to find moments to disconnect from busyness and bathe in quiet. The following families have found their second homes to be a sanctuary - a place of refuge from daily noise, hustle, and stress – and fostered an intentional connection with all who gather there. Kissimmee, Florida Tony and Lynette Belfiore first owned a condo in Grand Lake, Colorado which they enjoyed for several years. But as the kids grew up, got married, and had kids of their own, the space was a little tight for their growing family to comfortably gather. Tony, Lynette and their three grown children and spouses decided to join efforts to buy the next home that would offer the group a refuge. Now, the Belfiore Family owns two getaway homes: the Grand Lake home and the other in Kissimmee, Florida. Their Grand Lake home is exclusively for the family, whereas their Florida home, which is located minutes from Walt Disney World, serves as a vacation rental. Both getaway homes help the Belfiore family unplug from daily responsibilities. Sonja Belfiore, daughter-in-law of Tony and Lynette, is a local Real Estate Agent with Sears Real Estate and has practiced real estate for 10 years in Greeley. Her husband, Sean Belfiore, is an entrepreneur and, alongside members of his family, owns four Hiroshi Teriyaki Grills and four liquor stores in Northern Colorado. “We started going down to Florida to escape the cold and get a little further away from the businesses,” says Sonja. “When an opportunity popped up to purchase a rental there, since we had already been working well together on the first property, we decided to go for it!” The retired family members of the Belfiore family enjoy frequent trips to the vacation homes. Sonja and Sean try to vacation to the Grand Lake and Florida home once to twice per year with their two kids. While the getaways might not be as frequent as Sonja and Sean would like, they love having friends and family make use of the properties. “We love knowing that someone is getting to relax and be in a comfortable home away from home,” says Sonja. Sonja and Sean coordinate trips with other family members so they can enjoy sharing meals and staying up late playing games. “It’s such a blessing to gather together,” says Sonja. “There is a different level of relaxation and communion that happens when you don’t have anywhere to be, and you don’t feel like you are intruding on someone’s home or overstaying your welcome.” Being parents of young children, Sonja and Sean appreciate that the routines are simpler at their homes away from home. “Bedtime is so much easier,” says Sonja. “It’s different from being home because you don’t feel the pulls of your to-do list.” While their second homes have provided cherished memories, the Belfiore family admits that owning an additional home can come with challenges. “You have to check on it from time to time or have someone you trust check on it,” says Sonja. “But that’s so minute compared to all the other benefits.” Sonja recommends that if you’re considering a second home, be sure that you are comfortable with the worst-case scenario. She says that if you can budget and plan for that, everything else seems manageable and enjoyable. If you find yourself near Walt Disney World and need a vacation rental, you can consider the Belfiore Family rental in Florida by visiting: EncoreReunion.com/Stay/7578-marker/ . Red Feather Lakes, Colorado As the perfect location for a bachelor, fishing getaway, Greg Holmes fell in love with Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. So much so that he decided to design and build a cabin there. When he and his wife, Jonde, married, she too made it her home away from home. A few years later, Jonde’s parents, Tim and Jo Kramer, and her older brother, Kaleb Kramer, designed a family cabin in Red Feather Lakes – named The Kramer Family Cabin – and built it next door to Greg and Jonde. Prior to buying the land for The Kramer Family Cabin, Tim and Jo visited Jonde and Greg’s cabin and fell in love with the scenery and tranquility, prompting them to become neighbors. The Kramer Family Cabin was built by Big Horn Buildings, owned by Kaleb, and the exterior was completed by Independent Roofing, also their family business. 768 sq/ft with 3 side wraparound porch, post frame construction, 7/8” corrugated metal roof in Western Rust/azp, reclaimed pro panel wainscot, 1.5” core ten standing seam reclaimed, upper walls 1 ¼” galvanized corrugated, walls and soffit reclaimed barnwood and standing seam interior as well. Built for durability, longevity, and virtually maintenance free, the Kramer Family Cabin is truly a family cabin from the ground up. Tim loves the serenity he experiences when he visits the cabin. “The mountains are absolutely gorgeous, the wildlife is amazing, and you seldom see anyone,” says Tim. “It’s a restful getaway from daily stress and a great place to sit and do nothing.” Jonde says the cabin is a place where the family can experience absolute quiet and clear their minds. “It takes a minute to disconnect, to hear nothing, to just be quiet; it can be hard to wrap your head around, but absolute quiet does still exist!” says Jonde. “We don’t have TV, and at best we have spotty cell service. It’s wonderful!” At the cabin, the Kramer and Holmes families like to immerse themselves in simple pleasures like finding the paths the animals make or watching for bears. As a habit in daily life, the Holmes usually keep their phones within reach. But at the cabin, they’re sure to keep the binoculars close by. “It doesn’t take long to figure out that we’re in their [the wildlife] territory and to be respectful of that,” Jonde says. From the comfort of their cabins, they have viewed magnificent sunrises and sunsets, watched a mountain lion battle with coyotes, seen countless bears, moose, elk, spotted wolves, and even witnessed a dog tangle with a weasel. “It’s wild and isn’t for everyone, but we love it!” says Jonde. The Kramer and Holmes families are thankful for a few days where life is simple. “Day to day, it’s easy to see the mishaps, everything that didn’t go right, or schedules that didn’t pan out,” Jonde says. “But when we can take a day, a weekend or just a moment to look over this intricate creation, it’s easy to see that our blessings truly do rival the stars.” The Kramer and Holmes families agree that they are glad they took the leap to buy a second home. Whether you have a second home or not, it gives you something to consider – finding a sanctuary of your own that helps you unplug from the busyness of life and rest in the quiet. Granby, Colorado An unexpected opportunity appeared for Aimee Huston and her siblings in 2020 after receiving an inheritance from their Aunt Helen upon her passing. Aunt Helen was a big influence in Aimee’s life and always told her to “make her money work for her.” Aimee was determined to invest in something that would make her Aunt Helen proud, so in October 2020, Bob and Aimee Hutson purchased a two-bedroom condo in Granby, Colorado. Looking back, Aimee is forever grateful they followed the advice from her Aunt Helen. With the success of the rental market, and the enjoyment of their previous purchase, Bob and Aimee caught the real estate bug in March 2023 and purchased an additional property - a studio unit - in the same complex as their condo. Aimee says the complex offers great amenities with a steam room, outdoor pool, hot tubs, and a workout facility; plus, the studio unit is cozy and great for young families. Bob and Aimee rent out both units in Granby and find that one of the biggest challenges is trusting that the renters will respect and love their home as much as they do. Although the condo and studio are available for rent, Bob and Aimee often reserve a few days for themselves to rest and reset. And in order to maintain their home away from home, they visit every few months for upkeep. Aimee and Bob are the owners of Aunt Helen's Cafe and Wine Bar and Aunt Helen's Express. They have been operating the businesses for seven years in downtown Greeley. Although the Hutsons have lived in Greeley for 27 years and love calling it home, they appreciate having a second home to give them a reprieve from everyday life. Granby offers simplicity, time away, easy access to hiking trails, boating in Grand Lake, skiing in Granby Ranch or Winter Park, breweries in Fraser, but most of all – time to unwind. “We have a very simple life in Granby and feel relaxed when we’re there,” says Aimee. “Our biggest decisions are: hot tub or sauna.”

As the fastest-growing community in Colorado, Greeley remains a city that thrives on its vibrant collective spirit and deep connections. We asked prominent community members to share what makes living here so special—from welcoming neighbors and flourishing businesses to cherished traditions and picturesque landscapes. Jonde Holmes / Vice President, Independent Roofing Inc. I am deeply grateful for the incredible support and trust we've received from the residents, contractors and businesses of Weld County and the surrounding communities. As a family-owned and operated business, our roots run deep in this area, and we consider it an honor to serve the people who make this community so special. Every project we undertake is more than just work—it's our way of giving back to the place we've called home for years. From installing roofs to building lasting relationships, we take pride in our workmanship and commitment to quality. The kindness and loyalty we experience from our clients inspire us to continue providing reliable, trustworthy services with a personal touch. We truly appreciate the opportunity to be part of the investment in our neighbors' homes and businesses, and we look forward to continuing to serve our growing community for many years to come. Erick Ghent / General Manager, Ghent Chevrolet Cadillac The Greeley community is truly special, combining small-town charm with city amenities. I love the strong sense of belonging here. Neighbors know each other by name, and there's always a friendly face around town. Local businesses—from craft breweries to unique boutiques and restaurants—add character and provide excellent services. Coyote's Grill is a favorite spot, offering delicious meals and a welcoming atmosphere. I take pride in supporting our businesses, knowing they boost the local economy and community spirit. Community events like the Greeley Stampede and various festivals unite everyone, creating lasting memories. The parks and recreational areas are another great way for families and friends to gather and enjoy the outdoors. Our public service members—including firefighters, police officers and healthcare workers—keep our community safe and thriving. Their dedication is deeply appreciated. Tamra Heindselman / Realtor & Broker Associate, Austin & Austin Real Estate I absolutely love my community because it’s where my passions, family and career come together. Being a real estate professional allows me to help people find their perfect home, which is such a rewarding experience. One of my favorite aspects of listing a home is exploring the diverse architectural styles and witnessing how each seller's unique personality shines through in their home's design and decor. Guiding clients through one of life’s biggest decisions is more than a job—it's my way of making a positive impact on their lives and building lasting connections. Family is at the heart of everything I do. My community has provided a fulfilling environment where I’ve raised my children, and many wonderful friendships have been made. Taking care of my health is how I show love to myself, and I’ve found my happy place at HOTWORX. The workouts not only keep me strong but also energize my mind and spirit, allowing me to give my best to everything I do. Whether it’s helping a client, spending time with loved ones or focusing on fitness, I love being part of such a vibrant and supportive community! Bianca Fisher / Executive Director, Greeley Downtown Development Authority There’s so much to love about our city, but I must say that I love Downtown Greeley the most (surprise, surprise!). It’s simply impossible to recreate its unique charm that blends historic character with a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere. It’s here where local businesses and creative industries thrive—whether it’s quaint boutiques, award-winning breweries and distilleries, delicious restaurants or cozy coffee shops. I love how Downtown comes alive with events like Blarney on the Block, Friday Fest, the Farmers Market, Oktobrewfest and WinterFest. And when there’s no major event, there’s always entertainment to enjoy—whether it's live music, theater performances, axe throwing, fitness classes, pinball, comedy shows, museums, escape rooms or trivia nights. Not to mention a stroll through Lincoln Park, discovering the outdoor public art or cruising along the nearby Poudre River Trail for a dose of fresh air. The sense of community here is truly special, and I’m proud to lead the Downtown Development Authority with my incredible team! Melissa McDonald / State Farm Agent The thing I love about Greeley is the community and the people. We have the most outstanding and fantastic citizens who live here. We come together as a community when things need to be accomplished for the betterment of our city and our residents. Greeley is a generous place to live with big hearts that want to give back through volunteerism, supporting local businesses, donating and supporting nonprofits—keeping our city clean and supporting our local events. Our residents want to take care of our city and take care of each other where they live, work and play. There are a lot of things about Greeley that I love, but our people and our sense of community are what I’m most proud of. Troy Nickerson / Head Wrestling Coach, University of Northern Colorado Athletics The University of Northern Colorado’s (UNC) wrestling program thrives because of the incredible support from the Northern Colorado community. Greeley has embraced us, and together we've built a culture of excellence that reflects the values of hard work and perseverance. This community plays a vital role in UNC's success, whether it’s cheering the team on at matches or believing in the vision to grow the wrestling program into a national powerhouse. Local pride runs deep here, and it inspires the team to keep top talent at home while attracting athletes who want to be part of something special. Every milestone that is achieved—such as Andrew Alirez’s national championship—is a victory not just for the wrestling team but for everyone in Greeley. The bond shared with this community is unique, and it fuels everything the wrestling team does, on and off the mat. Together, UNC's wrestling team shows the nation what’s possible when belief and hard work come together. Lori Gama / Founder / President DaGama Digital Marketing Agency I love owning my business in Greeley because it’s a community of connection and possibility built on shared dreams and mutual support. As a long-time business owner, I’ve witnessed the remarkable camaraderie among local businesses that regularly band together to help our local nonprofits succeed. That’s what I love most about Greeley—the way we lift each other up. It feels like being part of a big extended family where everyone plays a role in making our community stronger. The more involved I become, the more I see how much and how many people from diverse perspectives truly care about this community. When challenges arise, solutions stem from collective effort and genuine care. Greeley is like life: it’s what you make of it. For me, it’s a place of connection, opportunity, family and joy. It’s a place where big ideas take root and grow because we believe in each other and support a future that shines with potential. Kim Desmond / Greeley-Evans School District Digital Media Manager / Business Owner, Photographer The beauty of Greeley lies in its ability to allow creativity and camaraderie to thrive. I love working for the Greeley-Evans School District and the residents of Greeley. Through a camera lens, I have been blessed to share the stories of triumph, partnership and love that make our community strong, connected and successful. These are your stories, my stories and our stories. Our shared experiences have played a vital role in fostering a culture of high expectations where we are encouraged to reach our full potential. The stories we tell inspire growth, resilience and a commitment to excellence in all that we do. I am honored to be part of a community that values creativity and storytelling. Together, we will continue shining a light on the heart of Greeley, celebrating what makes our community unexpected and equipped for the future. "[O]ur people and our sense of community is what I’m most proud of." Melissa McDonald "The Greeley community is truly special, combining small-town charm with city amenities." Erick Ghent

A few tips from Independent Roofing to maintain and secure your roof through the years! Inspect Regularly: Have a licensed roofing company inspect your roof for damaged, missing or cracked shingles, leaks or debris, especially after storms. Clear Gutters of Debris: Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your roof. Clean them regularly to prevent overflow. Trim Overhanging Trees: Branches that touch the roof can damage shingles and provide easy access for pests. Check for Leaks: Water stains on the ceiling may signal a roof leak. Address leaks quickly to prevent mold or structural damage. Ventilation: Proper ventilation helps reduce moisture buildup, which can lead to mold or roof damage. Ensure your attic is well-ventilated. Regular maintenance keeps repairs minimal, saving you money in the long run. For more information on Independent Roofing’s assistance and maintenance, or to set an appointment, please visit independentroof.com. Specializing in sloped, "at, commercial roofing, and metal applications, they are fully licensed and insured. LOCALLY SOURCED | HOME + DESIGN God, Family, Country Established in 1977, Independent Roofing is a long-standing business in the community, owned and operated by Weld County natives. Now passing from one generation to the next, the company has remained committed to its core values. For nearly 50 years, Independent Roofing has witnessed many changes in business strategies and operations, but one thing has never  changed—their unwavering principles. These values have provided stability in an ever-evolving and challenging world: