Weld County Parents May 2017 by The Greeley Publishing Company

MAY 2017

MOTHER LODE Stop feeling guilty over “me” time

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Seven Colorado hikes you can do with kids

SPRING CLEANING

Hints and tips for the toughest home organization projects

BONDING in the

DIRT Time in the garden with children brings life lessons and connections

SUMMER SNACKING

Healthy snack ideas for summer fun, nutrition

May 2017 WELD COUNTY PARENTS 1

Operating Hours: Vary from 5:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Open year round including snow days and days out of school! Child Care Assistance and United Way Assistance Accepted

Program Quality Rating

Before and After School-Age Centers: Enroll now for Summer Camp! (970) 352-2222 Ext. 3

On-site at 9 locations, transportation to/from 18 schools across Greeley/Evans, Windsor/Severance, and Johnstown/Milliken. We are excited to offer a variety of specialty/sports camps this summer:

6/6-6/9 Swim Lessons 6/20-623 VBS 7/5-7/7 JR Golf 7/18-7/21 Art Camp 7/25-7/28 Cheer Camp

6/13-6/16 Lego Robotics 6/27-6/30 Tennis Camp 7/11-7/14 Soccer Camp 7/25-7/28 Football Camp 8/1-8/4 Cooking Club

Sign up for five days a week and get a sports camp for free! (Must sign up by May 19th, 2017.) Refer a friend and both families get a free week of care! Our professionally trained staff is dedicated to providing the most comfortable and happy environment for your children. An environment that not only stimulates educational growth, but most importantly, provides love and care. We want your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day with us to be filled with fun, love, growth, and safety, and your day to be filled with peace of mind.

40 Years of Excellence

2 WELD COUNTY PARENTS May 2017

Center Locations:

ABC West: 5000 W. 11th Street, Greeley, CO (970) 352-2222 Ext. 1 Serving children ages 1-6, including transportation to kindergarten. ABC Central: 1511 12th Avenue, Greeley, CO (970) 352-2222 Ext. 2 Serving children ages 1-12, including transportation to kindergarten.

F E AT U R E S

Andie England works her way up the final stretch to Blue Lake, a gorgeous spot in the Indian Peaks. The Indian Peaks are one of northern Colorado’s best-kept secrets. Photo by Dan England/dengland@greeleytribune.com.

Asaiah Sanchez, 6, right, leans in to look at Neyonmie Herrera, 6, plant during gardening class at Bella Romero K-3 campus in Greeley. Photo by Joshua Polson/ jpolson@greeleytribune.com

Hiking Adventures

Gardening & Kids

pg. 6

Seven hikes you can do with your kids in northern Colorado.

Mother Lode: Feeling guilty over “me” time is a common but fruitless feeling pg. 4 Upcoming Events May-June Calendar pg. 12

pg. 8

Time in the garden with children brings lessons, bonding

Celebrating Weld County’s Children Photo collage pg. 16 Spring Cleaning: Do you use it? Do you need it? Do you love it?

Summer Snacking Think healthy snacking for the kids this summer pg. 21

pg. 18

ON THE COVER: Faith Karnitz, 8, of Greeley, puts the finishing touches on her fairy garden, which she made in a class at The Windsor Gardener, 6461 Colo. 392 in Windsor in late March. Fairy gardens are a great way to teach children the value of gardening, while letting their imaginations explore.

PUBLISHER Bryce Jacobson

CREATIVE SERVICES SUPERVISOR Amy Mayer

EDITOR Randy Bangert

LEAD DESIGNER Joshua Aho

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bruce Dennis CREATIVE MANAGER Kyle Knoop

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Theresa Myers Nikki Work Dan England Kathleen Duff

Send editorial-related comments and story ideas to: rbangert@greeleytribune.com

BUSINESS MANAGER Doug Binder

SALES MANAGER Stephanie Mighell

For advertising inquiries, contact: bdennis@greeleytribune.com

MANAGING EDITOR Sharon Dunn

WELD COUNTY PARENTS MAGAZINE 501 8th Ave. P.O. Box 1690 Greeley, CO 80632 For all editorial, advertising, subscription and circulation inquiries, call (970) 352-0211.

May 2017, Volume 1, Issue 2. Published by: Greeley Publishing Co., publisher of The Greeley Tribune, Windsor Now, the Fence Post, Tri-State Livestock News, Prime, Premier, Explore Weld County, and Energy Pipeline May 2017 WELD COUNTY PARENTS 3

Mother Lode: Feeling guilty over “me” time is a common but fruitless feeling

BY THERESA MYERS FOR WELD COUNTY PARENTS

inding balance in your life is difficult sometimes.

When you having a demanding job, volunteer for wonderful organizations, have a family, friends, pets and a desire

4 WELD COUNTY PARENTS May 2017

to have some kind of social life, it can get pretty tough to find that balance. The other night, I went downstairs after dinner with my work computer in hand, fully intending to finish up several things I simply didn’t have time to do during the day. Instead, I spent two hours watching “The Office” on Netflix. My computer was open, it was on, and I got nothing done. I felt really guilty. I knew it was just going to make my week more difficult. But it also felt really good in a way. My daughter

was watching with me and we talked a lot about life and politics and stuff. It is rare for me to simply sit and do nothing. Even if I do watch a television show or a movie, I am often answering emails, or folding laundry or ironing. I feel like it’s the only way to stay on top of things. It can also be exhausting. I work long hours. I have people and pets to care for. Carving out any time for “me” is tricky. I do exercise nearly every morning,

which is awesome. I sneak away to a movie every once in a while, especially during awards season. I have drinks or dinner with friends every few weeks. I go to concerts or on hikes with my husband. Still, sometimes the balance of work and family demands, coupled with the guilt a mother feels when she isn’t available to cook dinner, or care for a sick teenager, can be overwhelming. And there it is: guilt. A mother’s best friend and worst enemy. And it never ends. Guilt is the barrier to finding balance. It forces us into unnecessary decisions and choices. If I asked my husband and daughter if they would rather me stay home than go to a movie, they would probably say, “I don’t care.” I know they want me around and available, but a couple more hours here or there doesn’t make a huge difference. Maybe I think they value my company more than they do. I even feel guilty when I can’t take my dog, Dixie, for a walk in the morning. She is so excited when I get up, and when she realizes I am not getting ready for a walk, she looks so disappointed. I know it is probably just in my mind, but it makes me feel so bad. Maybe it’s impossible to shed the mom guilt. I thought it would get better as my children got older, but it doesn’t. There are still only so many hours in a day to be there for all those in your life who need you. Balance is something I will continue to seek. I find as I get older, it is more and more important to spend time with those you love and who add value to your life. It’s important to spend time doing things you love to do, whether its work or play. It’s important to take time

for yourself occasionally, without guilt. And once in a while, you need to give yourself permission to watch mindless reruns on TV.

Still, sometimes the balance of work and family demands, coupled with the guilt a mother feels when she isn’t available to cook dinner, or care for a sick teenager, can be overwhelming. — Theresa Myers is the director of communications for GreeleyEvans School District 6 and lives in Greeley with her husband and two teenage daughters. She can be reached at myersfreelance@msn.com.

THE CITY OF GREELEY AND THE GREELEY CHAMBER PRESENTS

6 OF COLORADO’S BEST BLUES BANDS INCLUDING GREELEY’S OWN “THE BURROUGHS”

June 9th

in Downtown Greeley 5 pm to 12 am

June 10th

at Island Grove Arena 11 am to 11 pm

“IT AIN’T NOTHIN’ BUT A PARTY ”!!

For more information visit our website: greeleybluesjam.com May 2017 WELD COUNTY PARENTS 5

The England family poses for a picture near Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs. This hike is steep and a drive but short and beautiful. Photos by Dan England/dengland@ greeleytribune.com.

Hiking Kids Seven hikes you can do with your kids in northern Colorado BY DAN ENGLAND FOR WELD COUNTY PARENTS

hen I think of Dad, I think of the mountains.

I don’t know what our relationship would be like if I hadn’t started hiking with him when I was 13, but I don’t have to worry about that. We have the 6 WELD COUNTY PARENTS May 2017

mountains. We took many trips together, including some gnarly ones, and we once spent a week together climbing Mount Rainier in the winter. This is why I take my kids hiking. It’s not the only reason. I love to go, still,

obviously. You’ve probably read my Path of the Month column for years in this paper. But my main goal is for my kids to experience the outdoors the way I got to do it with my father for many years. That’s why I live in Colorado now. I hope when my kids

think of the mountains one day, they think of me. When I’m picking a hike to do with my kids, I have some criteria: Does it have a cool destination? Kids do better when they know there’s something cool to see at the end, such as a waterfall or an awesome lake or river. Bringing a small reward when you reach your goal, such as M&Ms, is a good idea too. I like M&Ms. Is it short? Most kids don’t want to hike for more than three hours. Is it close? Most kids also don’t want to drive for more than two hours to a hike. • Is there relatively easy terrain? I wouldn’t take kids on steep, rocky or

so bring sunscreen and hats and don’t leave in the afternoon on a hot summer day. It’s a half-hour from Greeley in Loveland off U.S. 34 West. • Mills Lake — One of my favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park. This one starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and offers the stunning Alberta Falls about halfway through the hike, giving you a chance to quit early if the kids aren’t having it. It’s about 5 miles round-trip with only 700 feet elevation gain. • Blue Lake — This hike is 6 miles total, but you get to cross a really cool creek, and it’s in one of the most gorgeous areas in northern Colorado, the Brainard Lake

Jayden, Andie and Allie England hike up Devil’s Backbone in Loveland up to the Keyhole. The short hike is a good way to experience to fun trail with your kids.

exposed hikes. That’s for mature audiences only. • Is it fun? Are there rocks to climb along the way? Is there a cave where they can eat lunch? What about a stream where they can splash around a bit? Fun things to do along the way will cut down on the whining. Here are seven hikes that I think meet those requirements pretty well: • The Keyhole at Devil’s Backbone — This hike is less than 3 miles with a fairly gentle climb. I train for my ultramarathons out at Devil’s, but this short hike is usually crowded with kids. Devil’s has something for everyone. It is out in the open, however,

Recreation Area in the Indian Peaks. If this one is too far, Lake Isabelle is about half the distance. • Horsetooth Falls — This hike is 2 miles long, round-trip, and is located in the busy Horsetooth Mountain Open Space in Fort Collins. The falls run the strongest in late May through mid-June. It’s a neat spot where the kids can splash around. Keep an eye out as to when they will peak. Also, you can do the falls from Soderberg, where there’s more parking, if you don’t mind walking closer to 4 miles round-trip up a steep start. Starting from Soderberg, however, allows you to do a loop hike, if you don’t mind running back to your car.

• Josephine Jones Park — This trail is a mile-and-a-half from the top to the bottom and back, and it’s in Greeley, with a nice pond and playground at the bottom. There’s a good view at the top. I’ve also run out there probably 10,000 times. This is a good test to see how your kids hold up during a hike. • Hanging Lake — This Glenwood Springs jewel is not close to Greeley, and it’s really steep. But it’s also one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever seen, with a bonus destination to Spouting Rock. Your kids will get to see trout in the clear water. Just be sure to keep them out of it. • Mount Bierstadt — If you want to attempt a 14er with your kids, this is a good one. It’s 6 miles total, which isn’t bad for a mountain, and you gain less than 3,000 feet, which is also easy for a mountain but long for a hike. It’s also less than three hours from Greeley, and that’s with some traffic. All the rules of a 14er still apply, meaning you have to start at sunrise to avoid the storms, and altitude sickness is a real possibility, and you’ll have to be in decent shape even with all the breaks you’ll need to take. But this is well within the range of most upper-level elementary school students and beyond. — Dan England has climbed more than 200 peaks, including all of the state’s 54 14ers, and logged thousands of miles on Colorado’s great trails. He is the Adventure and NextNC editor for the Tribune. He also occasionally guides hikes and snowshoes, mostly 14ers. He can be reached at dengland@greeleytribune. com or 392-4418. Follow him on Twitter @ DanEngland.

Andie England works her way up the final stretch to Blue Lake, a gorgeous spot in the Indian Peaks. The Indian Peaks are one of northern Colorado’s best-kept secrets.

May 2017 WELD COUNTY PARENTS 7

Children and their parents clamor for plants to put in their fairy gardens in late March during a fairy garden class at The Windsor Gardener. Photo by Sharon Dunn/sdunn@ greeleytribune.com.

Bonding in the Dirt Time in the garden with children brings life lessons and connections with parents and the earth BY NIKKI WORK FOR WELD COUNTY PARENTS 8 WELD COUNTY PARENTS May 2017

hen a child asks Vickie Dennis, owner of Flowers for 3 Greenhouse in Milliken, if they can pick a flower, the answer is always “yes.” That way, she can teach the kids something – every flower, strawberry or tomato they take will grow back.

The real beauty of gardening isn’t in the colors or shapes of plants. It’s in the transfer of knowledge, Dennis said. That’s why Flowers for 3 Greenhouse is a family-friendly business. It’s never too early to introduce children to gardening, she said, because it’s never too soon to teach them something new. “It’s rooted in the fact that plants sustain life,” said Cathy Pascal, a retired elementary school teacher who recently taught a gardening course at Bella Romero Academy in Greeley. “For children to learn that early is so important.”

LESSONS IN THE DIRT From the time Dennis’s own triplets were infants, she carried them through the greenhouse just to show them the colors and let them smell and touch the plants. Gardening helps activate all their senses and teaches children about a variety of subjects, from insects and weather to where their food comes from. “When they’re growing, their little world is so tender and so wide open to stuff. (Gardening) should be one area they should be open to smell, to touch, to taste,” Dennis said. Growing things also teaches values, such as responsibility, said Michelle Heronema, who recently taught a fairy gardening class at the Windsor Gardener. Fairy gardening is a type of small-scale gardening where not only are plants planted, but figurines of animals, gnomes, buildings and May 2017 WELD COUNTY PARENTS 9

ultimately, a fairy, are arranged in a pot. Sometimes, other figures such as gargoyles, are available to appeal to more children. At the fairy gardening class, she talked to the excited group of kids about what kinds of plants they could put into their fairy’s garden and what kind of care they would require. She taught them about watering and about how much sun each kind of plant needs – as well as how they could mix things up and keep them exciting for their fairy. The entire concept mixes practical knowledge with whimsy and magic. “The kids are ecstatic about it. It’s kind of a little bit of everything you want to see as a kid,” Heronema said. “If they get excited about it and it’s something that’s theirs and there’s some ownership to it, I think that’s huge.” The class at the Windsor Gardener wasn’t 9-year-old Addyson Heward’s first time creating a fairy garden, but it was her first chance

Addyson Heward, 9, of Windsor is all grins as she finds the right pieces to add into her fairy garden, which she was building at The Windsor Gardener. Addyson already has been building fairy gardens at her home, but this class in late March introduced live plants into her gardening efforts. Photo by Sharon Dunn/sdunn@greeleytribune. com.

to put live plants in it. The Windsor girl started making the gardens when she was 7, and it has instilled a passion for growing things. “You can build (the garden) however you want. I change mine (at home) all the time,” Addyson said. “I just love changing it so it’s not 10 WELD COUNTY PARENTS May 2017

all boring.” Carli Taylor-Drake said through gardening, her daughter is learning how to treat every living thing with respect and take care of something on her own. It’s great to see her daughter already finding her passion at only 9 years old. “She just flourished in it,” Taylor-Drake said. “My daughter loves the outdoors and nature and learning about how things grow.” Pascal, who also teaches a course at the Poudre Learning Center and works at Pope Farms Produce & Garden Center in Greeley, said learning to garden is also a way for kids to overcome their fears. During the class she taught, Pascal would hold an earthworm in her hands for the children to look at. Some of the children told her they disgusted or afraid of bugs, but after seeing the worm was harmless and learning how much it helped their plants, most of the children were willing to hold it as well. They even named their worms and drew pictures of them. Pascal said gardening helps replace that sense of fear with a sense of wonder. GROWING A FUTURE Even though Addyson is still in grade school, Taylor-Drake said she can see the passion she has for gardening blossoming into a lifelong hobby, if not a career path. Cheryl Schall feels the same about her youngest daughter Skylar. She’s been working in the garden since she was about 2 years old. She spends time throughout the week working on her garden, and once school gets out, she won’t miss a day. Her favorite thing to grow is cherry tomatoes, largely because she loves to eat them. Even when Schall takes Skylar to the grocery store, she picks up different fruits and vegetables and asks her mother, “Can we save some of these seeds and see if we can plant them somewhere?” It’s that kind of passion that society needs in the youngest generations, said Susan Pope, owner of Pope Farms Produce & Garden Center in Greeley. Since only about 1 percent of the population is involved in farming and ranching, it’s important to cultivate the next generation of growers. Pope’s grandchildren have it a little easier than some others because they get to learn on the farm and from their grandmother. But teaching children that the things they like to eat come from the ground, rather than the produce aisle, is something even parents who have no farming experience can do. Pope recommends starting with easier, hardier plants, such as salad greens, tomatoes or peppers. She also thinks the key to getting kids involved is to pick foods they like. For one of her granddaughters, that means growing watermelon and cauliflower. That way, children are invested in both the process and the product. Flowers for 3 Greenhouse’s Dennis thinks that whether children want to farm because of their start in gardening, they’ll likely grow up more appreciative of the environment. They may want to farm, predict the weather, breed plants or even engineer better growing systems. That’s why Flowers for 3 Greenhouse hosts field trips for preschoolers, elementary-aged children and also high schoolers involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math programs (STEM). “It can make an impact,” Dennis said. “If we start young with our kids, we have future growers. We have people that are going to help us in our future.” Not only can an early start gardening cultivate a future in food

production, but it can help picky eaters try new foods. “They will try things they picked, rather than bought at the store,” Pope said. “They’ve grown up with it.” BLOOMING TOGETHER Skylar Schall and her older sister, Ashlyn, 12, have gardened with their father since she was a toddler. That’s daddydaugther bonding time, Cheryl Schall said, and it’s one of Skylar’s favorite parts of gardening. Skylar is just the latest in a long line of gardeners – her father learned from his parents. They learned from their parents. It’s that family experience that ties them to the dirt and ties them together. One of the benefits of gardening as a family is that it’s something everyone can do — there’s no age requirement. Babies learn from the new colors, smells and sounds. Toddlers can play in the dirt. Children can pull weeds and eat their favorite foods straight from the vine. “It gets parents and kids doing

something together,” Dennis said. “Watching the world through our child’s eyes shows a whole new open world out there.”

Susan Pope, owner of Pope Farms Produce & Garden Center in Greeley, answers a customer’s questions recently at the business. Pope said one of the best ways to get kids involved in gardening is by letting them grow what they like, since they’ll be more invested in the outcome. Photo by Nikki Work.

For Taylor-Drake, spending quality time with her daughter was the best part of attending the fairy gardening class. “It’s fun to watch her do it completely on her own. She does a better job than I do,”

Taylor-Drake said with a laugh. She also appreciates that time in the garden is time outside and away from screens. “Nowadays, everything is so tech-driven, it’s so great to get out and do something,” she said. “There’s other things besides the computer. There’s times to enjoy and take some time to bond.” At the fairy gardening class at the Windsor Gardener, each child got to pick the fairy they thought would fit best in their garden. Before they even begin planting, some children have a specific fairy in mind, said Pope, who also sells fairy garden equipment at Pope Farms Produce & Garden Center. It may be one they’ve seen on TV or one with wings in their favorite color. Everything in their garden, from gnomes to pathways to a little house, is designed with that fairy in mind. But Skylar Schall doesn’t like fairies. When it came time to pick the figure for her magic garden, she chose a tiny chicken. Heronema gave her a second chicken figure to keep it company as the garden — and Skylar — grow.

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2017 EVENTS C May • MUSIC AND MOVEMENT, 10-10:30 a.m., May 1, Fort Lupton Public and School Library, 425 S Denver Ave., Fort Lupton. Ages 2 and up. This is an interactive time that includes, stories, rhymes, music, movement and a craft. It is fun for both the child and the caregiver. Call (303) 857-7180. • WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES, 6-7:30 p.m., May 3, Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., Evans. Bring your own movie snacks and water bottle. All movies will be rated PG. (Families). Call: (888) 861-7323. • PAJAMA NIGHT, 6-6:45 p.m., May 3, Eaton Library, 132 Maple Ave, Eaton. Come to the Eaton Library in your pajamas to enjoy story time. (Children). • SENSORY STORY TIME, for children with special needs, 10:3011:30 a.m., May 6, Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., Greeley. Sensory story time is designed specifically for children who have a hard time in large groups, are on the autism spectrum, or are sensitive to sensory overload. We will use preschool-level books, songs and movement. Sensory will be held on the first Saturday of the month. Registration is required and limited to 12 families. Call Audrey at (970) 506-8567 or email adrake@highplains.us. • FAMILY FUN SATURDAYS, 2-4 p.m., May 6, Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., Greeley. Library theater. Call: (970) 506-8471. • MUSIC AND MOVEMENT, 10-10:30 a.m., May 8, Fort Lupton Public and School Library, 425 S Denver Ave., Fort Lupton. Ages 2

Tribune file photos.

and up. This is an interactive time that includes, stories, rhymes, music, movement and a craft. It is fun for both the child and the caregiver. Call (303) 857-7180. • PAJAMA NIGHT, 6-6:45 p.m., May 10, Eaton Library, 132 Maple Ave, Eaton. Come to the Eaton Library in your pajamas to enjoy story time. (Children). • TEEN NIGHT AT CRC, 6-9 p.m., May 12, Windsor Community 12 WELD COUNTY PARENTS May 2017

Recreation Center, 250 N. 11th St., Windsor. Enjoy a fun, safe environment for teens on Friday nights! School ID required. No bags, purses, backpacks of any kind allowed in the building. School dress code will be enforced. Participants must be accompanied by a parent if they would like to leave before 9 p.m. For Grades 6 - 8 only. $5 at the door. • FAMILY FUN SATURDAYS, 2-4 p.m., May 13, Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., Greeley. Families matter. Fun literacy activities

for the whole family. Play with us and take home some terrific ideas for additional fun at home. Call: (970) 506-8471. • MOTHER’S DAY SKATE, noon-1:30 p.m., May13, Greeley Ice Haus, 900 8th Ave., Greeley. Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Ice Haus. Cost: Adults $5, 5 and under $1.50, skate rental, $2 per person. Mothers receive free admission and skate rental. • MUSIC AND MOVEMENT, 10-10:30 a.m., May 15, Fort Lupton Public and School Library, 425 S Denver Ave., Fort Lupton. Ages 2 and up. This is an interactive time that includes, stories, rhymes, music, movement and a craft. It is fun for both the child and the caregiver. Call (303) 857-7180. • LEGO CLUB, 4-5 p.m., May 17, Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., Evans. Riverside will be hosting a monthly LEGO club, open for grades 1-12. A new theme will be chosen each month to base your creations after and challenge your creativity. Call: (888) 861-7323. • PAJAMA NIGHT, 6-6:45 p.m., May 17, Eaton Library, 132 Maple Ave., Eaton. Come to the Eaton Library in your pajamas to enjoy story time. (Children). • 5th GRADE TEEN NIGHT AT THE CRC, 6-8 p.m., May 19, Windsor Community Recreation Center, 250 N. 11th St. Enjoy a fun, safe environment for teens on Friday nights! School ID required. No bags, purses, backpacks of any kind allowed in the building. School

Enroll now for

CALENDAR dress code will be enforced. Participants must be accompanied by a parent if they would like to leave before 9 p.m. For Grades 5th-graders only. $5 at the door. • TEEN NIGHT OUT, 6-9 p.m., May 19, Greeley Recreation Center, 651 10th Ave., Greeley. Greeley

Summer Camp!

noon, May 20, Mead Ponds, 1501 Weld County Road 34, Mead. 8-9 a.m., free clinic put on by the Division of Wildlife; 9-11 a.m., fishing derby; 11-11:30, lunch and prizes. Kids get a free fishing pole. All 16 and over must have a valid Colorado fishing license to fish; or buy a one-day pass for $5. • MUSIC AND MOVEMENT, 10-10:30 a.m., May 22, Fort Lupton Public and School Library, 425 S Denver Ave., Fort Lupton. Ages 2 and up. This is an interactive time that includes, stories, rhymes, music, movement and a craft. It is fun for both the child and the caregiver. Call (303) 857-7180. • PAJAMA NIGHT, 6-6:45 p.m., May 24, Eaton Library, 132 Maple Ave., Eaton. Come to the Eaton Library in your pajamas to enjoy story time. (Children). • CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., May 26-28, Centennial Village Museum,

Middle School students, come hang out with your friends on a Friday night at the Greeley Rec Center. Enjoy dancing, sports – volleyball, indoor soccer, basketball, or learn how to climb The Rock! Bring your school ID and $7 for admission, snack and drink concessions sold separately. It’ll be a blast! • FAMILY FUN SATURDAYS, 2-4 p.m., May 20, Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., Greeley. Puppet Playhouse. Create your very own puppet then put on a show for your family and friends. Supplies provided. Call: (970) 506-8471. • FISHING CLINIC AND DERBY, 9 a.m. to

 STEAM Activities  Fun and Educational Field Trips  Specialty/Sports Camps  Swimming  Vacation Bible School  Summer Reading Program  And much more!!

Call 970-352-2222 x3 For More Details

8th Annual

Thursday, July 20, 2017 Boardwalk Park 4:00-8:30pm

• Free admission • Activities • Find a variety of foods • Expanded beer garden • Local business booths In partnership with

HONORING HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES!

1475 A St., Greeley. Admission is $8 adults, $6 Seniors (60+), and $5 children (3-17). Family Rate: $18 (max. of 5 people). Step back in time to Colorado’s Centennial Decade 1866-1876 and help us celebrate Centennial Village’s 40th Anniversary! Learn about each of the homes, their original locations and when they were moved to Centennial Village. Native American tepees, buffalo soldiers, blacksmithing, timber cutting, and home tours will be part of the festivities. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 pm. Sunday, www.centennialvillagemuseum. com • FAMILY FUN SATURDAYS, 2-4 p.m., May 27, Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., Greeley. Open Mic. Share a favorite book, poem, song,

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MAY 24TH • UNC BALLROOM May 2017

Purchase tickets at Greeleytribune.com/ WELD COUNTY PARENTS 13 bestpreps2017

EVENTS CALENDAR dance or story with us. Call: (970) 506-8471. • F.I.S.H. (FAMILIES INVESTIGATING SCIENCE AT HOME), 9 a.m. - noon, May 27, Poudre Learning Center, 8313 West F St., Greeley. Cost: $1 per child. Topics vary, including fly fishing,

• SIDEWALK ART, 10-11 a.m., June 5, Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., Greeley. Use your imagination, play with friends and

nature photography, amphibians and the environment, science fair projects for the whole family, backyard naturalist, Mother-daughter science, and family camping. Details: (970) 352-1267. • SUMMER FUN, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., May 27, Riverside Library and Cultural Center, 3700 Golden St., Evans. Join the Evans Police Department and the library in kicking off summer the healthy way. This two-part series will get you moving. Join us for hopscotch, hula hoops and freeze tag. Then join us on June 24 at City Park in Evans for soccer, basketball and other fun. Call (888) 861-7323.

June • SENSORY STORY TIME, for children with special needs, 10:3011:30 a.m., June 3, Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., Greeley. Sensory story time is designed specifically for children who have a hard time in large groups, are on the autism spectrum, or are sensitive to sensory overload. We will use preschool-level books, songs and movement. Sensory will be held on the first Saturday of the month. Registration is required and limited to 12 families. Call Audrey at (970) 506-8567 or email adrake@highplains.us. • JOHNSTOWN ANNUAL BBQ DAY, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 3, Parish Park, Johnstown. 6-9:30 a.m., kids fishing clinic; 10 a.m., parade; 10 a.m., 4 p.m., family games, including a climbing wall, 200-foot zip line, and human gyroscope. Foood booths and craft fair, too. 14 WELD COUNTY PARENTS May 2017

create beautiful artwork to share with the community. Chalk will be provided, but bring your creativity with you. Call (888) 861-7323. • HEALTHY PLANET HEROES, 11-11:45 a.m., June 7, Farr Regional Library, Greeley. The Earth needs a superhero and there’s only one person for the job...YOU! Learn how easy and fun it can be to save the environment by reducing, reusing and recycling. Registration required: Grades K-2 only. Call (888) 861-7323. • MARBLE MAZE MANIA, 10:30-11:30 a.m., June 8, Carbon Valley Library, 7 Park Ave., Firestone. Design your own paper plate marble mazes while listening to a book about forces and gravity. Try out a large marble maze and take home two completed mazes of your own! Registration required; Grades K-2. Call (888) 861-7323. • TRUCK ZOO, 2-3 p.m., June 8, Riverside Library, Evans. Get firsthand experience with police cars, fire engines, construction vehicles, health vehicles and more. Learn how they operate and what they are used for. Bring your camera. Call (888) 861-7323. • BUILD A BETTER SNACK, 1-2 p.m., June 9, Lincoln Park Library, Greeley. Bring your appetite and come to the library to make

EVENTS CALENDAR and taste some fresh snacking ideas. Grades 3-5. Call (888) 8617323. • COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLE, 2-3 p.m., June 10, Carbon Valley Library, Firestone. Experience the magic and excitement of playing world percussion instruments (drums, bells, shakers and scrapers) in a community setting. All instruments are provided. Call (888) 861-7323. • FAMILY BIKE NIGHTS, 6:30 p.m., June 13, meet at Discovery Bay, 715 E. 24th St., Greeley. Family Bike Nights are fun and casual

through a series of whimsical, fun and entertaining drawing lessons. Call (888) 861-7323. • TRASH TALK!, 2-3 p.m., June 19, Riverside Library, Evans. Learn how our everyday choices affect the environment and discover alternatives that help the planet. Grades 6-8. Call (888) 861-7323. • TRUCK ZOO, 10:30 a.m.- noon, June 17, Centennial Park Library, Greeley. Get first-hand experience with police cars, fire engines, construction vehicles, health vehicles and more. Learn how they operate and what they are used for. Bring your camera. Call (888) 861-7323. • INVENTION-ATION, 2-3 p.m., June 21, Farr Regional Library. Become an inventor and explore the importance of the scientific method. Create your own crazy invention to show off in this interactive science workshop. Registration required; Grades 3-5. Call (888) 861-7323. • CENTENNIAL VILLAGE AT THE GREELEY STAMPEDE, 11 a.m. 8 p.m., June 24-July 4, Island Grove Regional Park, 1475 A. St., Greeley. Centennial Village is part of Colorado’s premier western celebration, the Greeley Stampede! Your paid Stampede admission gets you access to all that Centennial Village has to offer including Buffalo Soldier demonstrations on weekends, daily tours and demonstrations, and the Guns of the West antique guns presentation. Don’t forget to visit the museum’s heritage farm animals and stroll through the historic grounds. For a complete lineup of Stampede events, visit www.greeleystampede.org/events. For more information about the museum, visit www.centennialvillagemuseum.com. • SUMMER FUN, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., June 24, City Park, Evans. Join the Evans Police Department and the library for soccer, basketball and other fun. Call (888) 861-7323. • GUMDROP ENGINEERING, 2-3 p.m., June 27, Riverside Library, Evans. Participate in fun team challenges to design the strongest building, build a rock-solid tower and become puzzlesolving masters. Grades 3-5. Call (888) 861-7323. • FUN WITH DOTS, 2:30-3:30 p.m., June 28, Kersey Library, Kersey. Explore Pointillism — art made entirely of dots! Bring the family and create your own art by making different designs or pictures using dots. Call (888) 861-7323. • THE FORCE IS STRONG WITH TRIVIA, 6-8 p.m., June 30, Farr Regional Library, Greeley. Do you love Star Wars? Then join us for trivia questions about your favorite galaxy. Grab some friends, your lightsaber, and get ready. Costumes strongly encouraged. Registration required starting May 27.; Grades 6-8 only. Call (888) 861-7323.

3- to 5-mile rides for the whole family. City staff will be on-hand to provide bicycle education and tips. Helmets are strongly encouraged and be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. This is a free ride and there is no fee to participate. • DREAM AND DRAW A BETTER WORLD, 1-1:50 p.m., June 14, Farr Regional Library, Greeley. A unique and action packed 48-minute program that takes children and their parents/caregivers May 2017 WELD COUNTY PARENTS 15

Celebrating Weld County’s Children

Jeremiah Hall, 9, looks at his new temporary tattoo, applied by a member of Bikers Against Child Abuse. Members of the group do not release their names for security purposes. Before Jeremiah turned away, the biker asked for the fee for temporary tattoos: a high five.

After much deliberating, Leeann Salazar, 4, picks out a free book provided by United Way of Weld County at the Northern Colorado Children’s Festival. More than 100 vendors provided free or low cost activities at the festival April 8 at Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N. 14th Ave. United Way of Weld County has put on the event for 36 years to celebrate young learners and help promote family fun. Leeann can be seen picking up her choice: “All Pigs are Beautiful” by Dick King-Smith. Photos by Trevor Reid/treid@greeleytribune.com

Halo Munoz, 7, shouts with joy as she speeds through the Bike Rodeo April 8 at the Northern Colorado Children’s Festival. Denver-based bike company Pedal Positive provided the bikes, including the four-wheeled berg Halo rode.

16 WELD COUNTY PARENTS May 2017

Allyson Turner, 9, laughs as she comes down from launching into the air on a bungee jump April 8 at Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N 14th Ave., in Greeley. Allyson’s grandmother, Leah Cordova, takes her to the Northern Colorado Children’s Festival every year.

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Spring Cleaning: Do you use it? Do you need it? Do you love it?

Gutman playroom before. Photos for Weld County Parents.

Gutman playroom after.

BY NIKKI WORK FOR WELD COUNTY PARENTS

any of Christina Morton’s clients tell her she’s as much a therapist as she is a professional organizer. When she helps them declutter and clean their homes, she’s not just putting things in their places. She’s teaching them how to get organized and stay that way. And most of all, she’s there to help. This time of year, her help is in high demand. With the weather warming up and spring cleaning on the mind, more people are tackling the projects they put off through winter. For parents, it’s

18 WELD COUNTY PARENTS May 2017

an especially busy time of year, Morton said. She gets calls regularly from parents who want to unearth the kids’ summer gear or get the garage in shape for bikes, sporting equipment and more, but they don’t know where to start. “It’s kind of seasonal. Clients call at the beginning of the year for new year’s resolutions, then it gets a little quiet,” said Julie Gutman, a professional organizer and owner of Denver’s Simplify Me LLC. “Spring, with spring cleaning and the renewal of that, people start calling.”

But the biggest obstacle to getting organized is getting started, she said. Often, getting

Christina Morton

organized feels daunting or time-consuming. When people get overwhelmed, that’s how a junk drawer becomes a junk house, Gutman said. “I believe that everything in your home or office should have a home, a place where it lives,” she said. It’s like an umbrella on a rainy day — it’s only good if you can find it. Both Gutman and Morton tell clients that spring cleaning is about setting up systems so that you can find and access the things you need — and keep it that way. Gutman recommends looking at what you do and don’t use and making sure that your most often used items are at hand. Those that you only use once a month or less should be put somewhere they’re less accessible, and that will help declutter a space.

“For example, if your breadmaker is sitting on the counter, or the first thing you see when you open a cabinet and you haven’t made bread for two years, that’s not the right system. That’s not where the thing should live,” she said. The right organizational system looks different for every person, Morton said. There’s no right or wrong way to organize, and taking the time to figure out what works for you is important. Morton, owner of The Organizing Co. in Boulder, recommends starting small. Pick one project you can tackle easily and without stress, no matter how inconsequential it seems. Succeeding at putting away the dishes or hanging up clean clothes can then motivate you to tackle more. When you’re ready to tackle more, that’s when it’s time to start sorting objects and make the hard choices. Many people have trouble letting go of things, but Morton recommends when deciding what to keep, people ask themselves three questions. “Do you use it? Do you need it? Do you love it?” Morton said. “Free yourself from all the other reasons we hang onto things.” One of the reasons Morton said she encounters most often is guilt. People inherit items that they don’t use and aren’t

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sure if they can get rid of them. The answer to that question is almost always yes, she said. It takes a paradigm shift for her clients to realize that by getting rid of grandma’s things, they aren’t getting rid of grandma. To remedy that, Morton recommends people find a cause they’re passionate about and donate any unwanted items. Once they’re gone, remember that they’re going to someone who will need, love or use them. “That’s our fear a lot of times. People who are really attached to things want their things to be loved,” Morton explained. “It’s about reminding them that someone else will love their things if they’re not using their things to their full potential anymore.”

Julie Gutman

That can be especially difficult with kids, Gutman said, but many children will be more willing to let go of their

unused toys if parents reassure them that they’re helping a child who doesn’t have anything to play with. Another tactic Gutman recommends is when a child asks for a new toy, telling them they can’t get it unless they get pick out an old toy they don’t want anymore. Another way to limit the amount of clutter in kids’ room is to rotate toys in and out. By putting some toys into storage, then swapping them out, children will feel like they consistently have something new to play with. Getting children involved in keeping the house clean at a young age is vital to helping them learn organizational skills, Morton said. The earlier you teach them the routine of cleaning up, you’ll have less of a battle getting them to clean when they’re older. If starting small works for you, then try starting small with your kids, Morton said. Instead of telling them to clean their room, tell them to pick up their Legos or put their dirty clothes in the hamper. After that task is done, you can give a different one. Gutman recommends giving each member of your family a small basket. At the end of the day, make it a routine that everyone grabs their basket and fills it with the things in the common areas that belong to them.

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with them to put their clothes in their drawers or pick their books up off the floor. If you choose which cleaning battles to pick, you’re less likely to meet resistance on every request, Morton said. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by spring cleaning, it’s OK to call a professional for help, Gutman said. There’s nothing embarrassing about getting help organizing from someone who’s good at it, she said. “I think a lot of people think that organizing is something they should be able to do themselves,” Gutman explained. She used an example of a family she helps often in which both parents are doctors. “I can’t make people healthy like that family can, and they’re not able to organize. That’s OK. Everyone has their own skillset.”

TIPS FROM THE PROS

Morton garage before.

• Sort like items with like items. Start with one category, such as sporting goods. Once those items are all together, move to the next. • Don’t purchase a bunch of containers if you don’t know what you’re going to do with them. • Pick an organization to donate unwanted items to. If you know your belongings are going to help someone, it may be easier to get rid of them. • If you’re not using something, don’t feel guilty about getting rid of it. If you’re thinking, “I might use it someday,” consider if it’s worth keeping for an off-chance, or if you do end up needing it, will you be able to use something else or repurchase the item easily. • Find designated spaces for everything. When things get messy, put each item back in its predetermined space. • Make cleaning a routine for children, just like brushing their teeth and bathing. • Organize or clean something each day so the tasks don’t pile up. A LITTLE EXTRA HELP

Morton garage after.

For older children, who may be resistant to chores, both Gutman and Morton recommend incentivizing. “I have several clients who tell older kids to clean up everything that they want to keep. If they don’t want to clean it up, they don’t want to keep it,” Gutman said. “It actually works quite well. It’s a good motivating factor for older kids.” Rewarding them for doing their chores is also a good motivator, but not if the reward is buying them additional items that will 20 WELD COUNTY PARENTS May 2017

turn into clutter. If they’re younger and they clean for 15 minutes, Gutman recommends rewarding them with an extra 15 minutes of free time or even letting them stay up 15 minutes later. If they kids are older, tell them if they spend time cleaning up, they can spend longer with their friends or playing video games afterward so their time isn’t lost. Morton also suggests that parents pick their battles. If a child is disorganized, sometimes, it may not be worth it to argue

If you think you may need some help getting organized, consider calling a professional organizer. Organizers can help with single rooms or entire houses and can teach you tricks to becoming more methodical. Christina Morton, The Organizing Co. Boulder, Colo. www.theorganizingco.com (303) 872-8505 info@theorganizingco.com Julie Gutman, Simplify Me LLC Denver, Colo. www.simplifymenow.com (720) 515-7195 Julie@simplifymenow.com

Summer Snacking

Think healthy snacking for the kids this summer BY KATHLEEN DUFF FOR WELD COUNTY PARENTS

aybe healthy snacks are not the first thing that comes to mind when children think of summer.

But a dash of creativity, a sprinkle of research and heaps of fun just may make healthy snacks an important part of those casual, warm months. In fact, summer is a great time to introduce kids to more nutritious options. A bounty of fresh produce and myriad recipes that help reveal the origins of food can make this a “cool” summer for kids and their parents. Focusing more on making food fun, paying attention to when we are hungry and planning ahead rather than restricting food are some key recommendations from Jamie Erskine, director of the School of Human Sciences and professor of nutrition and dietetics at the

University of Northern Colorado. “Sometimes, we need help with identifying snacks and meals, especially in summer, when we have busy schedules and a lot of kids are in sports or activities or are in a camp. Meals are sometimes forgotten. And it’s real important from a health standpoint — not just nutrition — but from a social standpoint, to eat together,” said Erskine, who is a registered dietitian. She suggests making kids a part of choosing, shopping for and preparing snacks. For younger children, keeping healthy options, such as fresh fruits or cut-up vegetables with ranch dressing on hand and in sight let them make their own choices. Making smoothies together allows children to experiment, and bringing kids into the kitchen to help is essential to engaging them in making better food May 2017 WELD COUNTY PARENTS 21

choices. Still, healthy snacking is a process that can take time, patience and a sense of balance. Heather McEwan of Greeley says her 6-year-old daughter, Kayla, tends to eat the same foods over and again — an approach not unusual for young children. While variety isn’t part of her repertoire, her choices aren’t necessarily unhealthy. Kayla enjoys the apple slices her mother puts into her lunch box every day. She also likes bananas and is sampling baby carrots. And Heather does her part by looking for high-quality items that are lower in sugar, limiting her daughter’s intake — something not too difficult because Kayla doesn’t love sweets. “I make things for dinner and offer it for her to try it, but so far she keeps to the things that she prefers,” Heather said, adding that she will continue trying. Much like Erskine suggested, Kayla also is learning food preparation from her dad, Kyle, who often makes bread with her in the kitchen. Changing teenagers’ snacking habits can be even more challenging than their younger counterparts. Erskine suggested parents can invite teenagers along for trips to the grocery store to let them pick out some of their snacks and perhaps learn to read food labels along the way — a skill that can help them for a lifetime. “For teenagers, ask what are their preferences. Compromise and gradually change those habits,” suggested Erskine.”Modeling is huge for parents. Teenagers need to eat quite a lot, but perhaps start with

some guidelines. You can tell them, ‘Here are some snack foods, but make sure you get whole grain, fruit and protein into your diet, as well.’” Barriers to better eating exist While summer may bring more opportunities for fresh produce and other healthier choices, barriers to better nutrition still exist. Erskine said, “There are areas in the country where access to healthy food is more difficult. Even parts of Weld County are pretty rural, and sometime the access is not as easy. Cost can be an issue. However, with education there are some low-cost options that are healthier than others.” Educating families about food sources and different approaches, such as buying fresh produce rather than more expensive individually wrapped items, is a step toward reducing some of those barriers. Diana Flagle, chef and kitchen manager at the Weld Food Bank, agrees that engaging kids in their food choices and preparation is essential to developing healthy habits. Flagle and her crew make up to 290 snacks and 200 hot meals five days a week for children as part of the Kids’ Cafe, a partnership with after-school programs in the county. That number jumps to nearly 900 meals a day in the summer. “Everything is focused to be healthy,” Flagle says of the Food Bank’s commercial kitchen. She meets with children regularly to gain their opinions about food choices. “They have to know that you respect their viewpoint and that you hear what they are saying and putting it to use.” Twice a month, her kitchen crew prepares snacks with kids at the Rodarte Community Center, 920 A St., Greeley. Wearing chefs’ hats and gloves, the children have an opportunity to see where food comes from and also learn how to handle food safely. “We may make something like pizza rolls. It’s interesting to see how they understand the process of making a snack. You can tell which kids have been in the kitchen at home.” Flagle said her kitchen focuses on offering a variety of snacks to give kids an opportunity to taste foods they might not see at home. She added, “We do get a fair amount of fresh food, and we incorporate that into our meals.” Produce is often frozen and then

RECIPES FROZEN BANANAS Dip a peeled banana in low-fat yogurt before rolling in crunched-up cereal. Freeze for two to four hours. FUNNY FACE Simply arrange a few fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, strawberries and grapes on a plate to look like a happy face. ANTS ON A LOG Fill celery sticks with low-fat cream cheese and top with a few raisins. Courtesy of Healthy-snacks-for-kids.org MANGO ORANGE CARROT POPSICLES 1-1/2 cups diced mango (fresh or frozen) 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 cup carrot juice In a blender (preferably a high-speed blender), puree all ingredients until completely smooth. Pour into your favorite popsicle mold and free 3-4 hours or until completely firm. Courtesy of superhealthykids.com 22 WELD COUNTY PARENTS May 2017

used for recipes such as garden spaghetti sauce. While limited by both budget and the type of food that is donated to the Food Bank, nearly every item in the kitchen is made from scratch. That takes planning and a dedication to nutrition. Hydration is essential While her food choices are limited, McEwan’s daughter, Kayla, drinks plenty of water throughout the day. That’s a habit that Erskine would like to see emphasized for children in addition to healthy snacking. “Kids don’t need to have sweetened

water. They can put in lemons or limes if they want. We don’t need pop or diet pop,” she said. “National data is showing that people are drinking more water these days than soft drinks.” She noted that children who participate in sports, in particular, need to focus on hydration. And she suggested that coaches could get on board by encouraging better hydration and snack options, too. “Kids in organized sports need to keep hydrated. They need electrolytes, but water is still best. Sports drinks are OK, too, but

many have sugar in them Your snacks will provide those electrolytes.” Erskine said even the concept of snacking has received a bad reputation, with many thinking of snacks as something extra, such as desserts, or heavily processed foods laden with preservatives. But healthy snacking is particularly important for growing children, who need to have nutritious fuel for their bodies to thrive. “Really, it doesn’t need to be fancy. It’s about balance.”

next day, for example. • Show teenagers how to read labels to better understand sugar, salt and preservative content. Eventually, they will learn to make their own choices from the readily available information. • Experiment with foods, such as nut butters and roasted vegetables. • Keep cheese to appropriate portion sizes. • Try making fruit and vegetable smoothies. • If fruits and vegetables aren’t offered at one meal, double up on them at the next. • Allow for choices; don’t dictate what children

should eat. Keep fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein on hand and let the kids learn how to make items that suit them. • Model, model, model. The kids are watching what adults eat and how they approach food. • While the snack should look appetizing, there is no need for major prep time or “perfection.” • Don’t deny all sweets and treats, just keep them in balance with other foods. • Hydrate. Water is always the best option. Recommendations from Jamie Erskine, Ph.D, registered dietitian

NUTRITION NOTES • Small children can join their parents in the kitchen by washing and preparing foods with supervision. Older kids can prepare snacks on their own or with parents. The more familiar children become with the kitchen and utensils, the more likely they will want to experiment with their own snacks. • Focus on fresh, rather than individually wrapped snack items, which can be more expensive and are often laden with preservatives. • Think non-traditional. Last night’s leftovers of pasta or homemade pizza make great snacks the

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