NEDERLAND - So far in 2025, the Nederland Food Pantry (NFP) has worked to mitigate funding fluctuations and a paucity of products by pursuing innovative partnerships, establishing new policies, and setting goals that will bolster their commitment to the Peak to Peak community.

The organization has solidified some of these goals through their move into the new location at 196 West 1st Street. Though the location has been a blessing, it has created the need for many additional resources, including backup power, a new garden space, and more storage to keep the pantry’s food fresh. 

With the goal of raising funds for these amenities, NFP will be rolling out a series of fun, educational, and exciting events throughout the year.

On Saturday, March 22, one of the first of these events was launched at Busey Brews, not only to fundraise for an outdoor walk-in cooler, but also to celebrate the Astrological New Year.

Thanks to the efforts of NFP Executive Director Betty Abel, Busey Brews owners and staff, NFP Fundraising Committee members, and members of the NFP Board of Directors, the community was welcomed to celebrate the Astrological New Year by having experts read the stars and offer spiritual guidance.

Karen Anderson of Distant Star Astrology helped to link participants to their past lives through the practices of Astrology and Tarot reading. Chelsea Bates offered her powers of intuition, guidance, and healing. 

Monica LaSalle and Dawn Mahowald welcomed attendees and provided friendly and intimate conversation while using their backgrounds as astrologers to help them navigate their own journeys. 

Annabelle Nelson used her mastery with Tarot to send participants on the path of self-reflection and spiritual discovery. Mindy Leary offered stones and crystals, as well as found items and jewelry, all of which held mysterious pasts and healing energies.

A.J. Koziel also provided guests a chance to experience his gift of Reiki, using his healing hands to reduce others’ stress and bring them to a state of total relaxation. And a special shout out goes to Frank Sanders, who was there to teach the real science behind the star signs.  

These amazing conjurers of spiritual wisdom, healing, and knowledge helped to make NFP’s Astrological New Year event such a success that it seems written in the stars that it will return in one celestial cycle.

In addition to the Astrological New Year event, online and social media campaigns have launched, as well as a series of courses hosted by NFP at Busey Brews. This includes the recent “14 Days of Kindness” event that took place in February,. 

These courses are available to NFP clients as well as to the community as a whole. They will teach interested participants such sustainable-living activities as bread baking, garden-to-table cooking, and raising chickens. 

The next of this course series, “Sourdough 101,” will be held at Busey Brews at 6 p.m. on April 2, 2025. 

The Nederland Food Pantry is located at 196 West 1st Street and is open Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon. For more information go to: https://www.nederlandfoodpantry.org.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a food emergency after operating hours, call 720-418-0892 for assistance.