Advertise on podcast: This Is Berthoud

The Library's new HVAC system is going in! This is how a project like this works.

Bees, butterflies, and other bugs play an important role in our local ecosystem. Steve from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation joins us to share the important role these creatures play in our lives and how simple choices we make can help sustain and enhance their environment in return. Learn more about the Xerces Society here: https://www.xerces.org/

Food insecurity is a problem that impacts many of our community members. Thankfully we have multiple organizations that work to ensure no one in our community is forced to go hungry. Representatives from two of those organizations, KidsPak and the Food Bank of Larimer County, join us to talk about how they address food insecurity, what to do if you're experiencing food insecurity, and what to do if you're in a position to help.

Rafael serves as the Family Advocate and an Investigator with the Larimer County Coroner's Office. He shares with us what role Larimer County has to fulfill after a death, what kind of support they're able to offer to family and loved ones after someone dies, and how interactions will vary from the versions we see on TV. This topic is difficult to consider, but know that support and resources are available from people who care about you in your grief.

Steve and Bailey from the Rural Alternative for Transportation (RAFT) share a history of transportation in and around Berthoud, what's next for RAFT, and how our community can get involved in this volunteer-driven local nonprofit. To speak with a RAFT dispatcher or to become a volunteer, you can call 970-532-0808.

Amie takes the opportunity to talk about Artificial Intelligence, how the library may or may not utilize new and emerging AI tools, and things for our community to consider as they explore the world of AI. There's no legal, medical, financial, or any other kind of advice in this episode. Each listener is responsible for their own choices regarding AI use.

R. L. Maizes, also known as Rachel, joins us to talk about the differences between writing short stories and writing novels, what it's like to be an author far from any publishing hubs, and how living in Colorado has impacted her writing. Rachel's books, available for checkout at the library, include We Love Anderson Cooper, Other People's Pets, and her latest A Complete Fiction.

Alex, Water Resources Administrator for the Town of Berthoud, joins us to share what we can expect in this season of drought, how water resources are managed on a local and regional level, and what each of us can do to minimize the impact of low snowpack and water levels.

Will Cornelius, editor of the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor, talks breaking news stories, bias and neutrality in journalism, and the advantages that come with reporting the news in a small community. Plus we play a quick game of "identify the bias in these headlines" for your listening enjoyment.

Larimer County Master Gardeners Kathy, Mary, and Cyndi join us to talk about growing vegetables and fruit-- even in a drought year-- and how to share your extra produce with those facing food insecurity. From apples to zucchini, your garden can thrive and your produce can make a difference in the community. For (fantastic) gardening info, visit the Larimer County Master Gardeners page here: Larimer County Master Gardeners Sign up for more information about the Grow and Give program here: Larimer County Grow and Give newsletter

The Berthoud Historical Society, the Town of Berthoud, and your Berthoud Community Library have teamed up to gather your stories about life in Berthoud. Everyone in our community has a story to share about their life here, whether it took place 50 years ago or last week. Now is your chance to add your voice to our community's history. Learn more about the project and how to share your stories here: Berthoud Stories Project Join us for a pop-up Storytelling Session in April or May.

Christian Samora, Town Clerk for the Town of Berthoud, visits the library to share everything that goes into a local ballot. Learn about how candidates and initiatives make it onto the ballot, how the Town handles elections in a transparent manner, and why you should exercise your right to vote in local elections. The next Town election is April 7, 2026, and you still have time to register to vote.

Brittany, owner of our local independent toy store Marley and Moose, joins us to share the joys and challenges of building community through running a retail store. Check out Marley and Moose's eco-friendly, no-battery toys by visiting the store at 250 Mountain Avenue, or visit their website, marleyandmoose.com

Did you know our community is home to not one, not two, but three observatories? Meinte Veldhuis, President of the Little Thompson Observatory, explains where our observatories are, what they're used for, how they came to be, and how each one of us can get involved. To book an observatory visit: https://www.starkids.org/ To get a current star map: www.skymaps.com

When a sudden job loss, medical diagnosis, divorce, or mental health crisis threatens the stability of you and your family, who is there to help you? Here in Berthoud, it's House of Neighborly Service. Through their programs such as utility assistance and food distribution, as well as partnerships with other agencies for services like mental health care and tutoring, HNS has been helping our community navigate and recover from crises for decades. If you need some help, if you can give some help, or if you just want to understand what HNS is all about, Diane and Cherri share everything you need to know in this episode.