Familiar Face – Sharon Blatchley

Niwot's walkability is one of its best features, and for those who regularly stroll, over time they're likely to repeatedly cross paths with folks doing their own version of movement in the great outdoors. Since her relocation here in January 2018, Sharon Blatchley has been one of those out and about regulars. Blatchley, in the company of her brown and white spaniel, always offers a friendly wave and smile. Instead of being passing ships, we asked Blatchley some questions to learn about her life.

Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) – Tell us a bit about where you're from and how Niwot became your home.

Sharon Blatchley (SB) - The decision to move to Niwot, with its small town atmosphere, its local services, its great weather (most of the time), its friendly and welcoming residents, its location between two cities, it's great walkways and trails, its love for animals, and it is dog country too,...but mostly, it was to be near my son Rob and his family who also live in Niwot. It's proven to be a great fit. Unfortunately the loss of my husband prompted the move.

We lived in a small town in central New York state and raised two children, one of whom (Caitlin and her family) live in a more metropolitan area in Pennsylvania. We had encouraged our children to move closer together so we could visit them and our four grand boys more frequently, but we understood that they have to be where there are jobs and areas that suit their individual interests.

LHVC – What educational and career path did you take?

SB - After high school graduation I attended nursing school and then worked full time as a registered nurse at the local hospital in New York state - starting at $2.02 an hour. Then, for many years I was employed at the Department of Social Services in Adult and Child Protective Services. After retirement I worked part time for the Health Department, Office for the Aging and lastly, I was an instructor working with junior and senior high schoolers earning their Certified Nursing Assistant certificates.

I finally obtained my BS while working full time and going to night classes for 10 years. Some said I had BS a lot sooner than that...a little humor never hurts.

LHVC - It would be fun to know about the canine companion accompanying you on your daily walks.

SB - Pixel is my extremely lovable, but spoiled (my fault) seven-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She was named Pixel by my husband who was a photographer, plus she has the Blenheim Spot on the top of her head. Unfortunately she has developed a disease far too common in Cavaliers - mitral valve disease. Medication has stabilized her and she is doing well. She loves her walks, but if she seems tired, I put her in her stroller to ride.

LHVC – In what ways have you stayed connected to the community?

SB - Volunteering for many years at the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in New York was my most fulfilling experience. I was fortunate enough to be involved with a group to develop a low-cost spay-neuter clinic for the shelter and community animals. The community, staff, volunteers, and businesses pulled together and we were able to develop the clinic on site thanks to a generous donation of a building as a starter.

Gradually the operating room, recovery, post-op, and waiting room came together with the vet, vet tech, SPCA staff, and volunteers. I volunteered frequently in the clinic as did others. The community really responded and there was usually a waiting list for animals to be spayed or neutered. SPCA staff care for animals that are abused or neglected and have medical problems. They have incredible resolve to help these animals to heal physically and emotionally. They're determined that these animals will find their forever home, if at all possible.

I also volunteered at the Longmont Humane Society walking dogs. They had a very professional and in-depth training for volunteers. Traveling back and forth for my move made scheduling difficult, but I found my time at the Longmont Humane Society very enjoyable and fulfilling.

LHVC - Are there hobbies you enjoy?

SB - Memories and the scrapbooking of those memories has been a bit of an obsession. I was a Creative Memories consultant and it helped me to document many of our family events and complete albums for each of the children and their children. My current album project is documenting the life and times of my children's grandparents and great grandparents in terms of their work lives, the values of their era, and antidotes that shed light on their personalities.

LHVC - Any exciting upcoming plans you can tell us about?

SB – It's been a long time since my two kids and their families have been able to get together for a vacation, and this year it is happening. We will all be spending a week at a lake house in Maryland. A shady front porch overlooking the water, a good read, and a cool drink....yes.

In 2022 my children and myself are going on a cruise to Alaska. I'm so grateful to their spouses who are very supportive of this opportunity for us.

LHVC - How would you summarize your life to date?

SB - If ordinary was measured in degrees, I would have a masters.

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