Boulder County Kids Winter 2011 Issue

Page 1

Volume XVII No. 4 Winter 2011

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

Winter Scene by Brice Anderson, age 7

WINTER ISSUE!

BOULDER County Kids An Individualized Education

Helping Children to Be Exceptional, Accelerated and Creative

Small Class Sizes • Nationally Accredited • Ages 3–14 Half- or Full-day Academic Preschool–Middle School Accredited Full-day Kindergarten & Grades 1–8

Open House and Tour:

November 9, December 7, & January 11 November 16 for Middle School Only (or call to schedule a personal tour) 7203 W. 120TH AVENUE BROOMFIELD

(303) 469-6449

broomfieldacademy.com

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Ice Skating Fun For The Whole Family Open Daily mid-November thru mid-February Youth Skating Lessons Begin in January Private or Semi-Private Lessons Available Great for Birthday Parties!

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Page 2 • Bouldercountykids.com

Bring in this ad for $1 off skate admission or rental at the Ice Rink. Original ad only, photocopies will not be accepted. This offer is valid through February 2012. In the heart of downtown Boulder

13th & Walnut (303) 209-3722 www.bouldericerink.com

BOULDER County Kids

BETTER. BRIGHTER. Boulder Country Day.

Boulder Country Day School surrounds your child in a learning environment that’s better in so many ways. With a brighter chance for success, they’ll become filled with confidence ready to take on any challenge. PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, November 3rd, 9:00 a.m. RSVP 303-527-4931 x 248 www.bouldercountryday.org/events Pre-school through 8th grade

Scan to RSVP

Winter 2011 • Page 3

BOULDER COUnty KiDs COVER SPONSOR:

BOu O er Va

e

WINNER: BEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION in Boulder County

In addition to being Boulder’s most GREEN financial institution, we’re now its most GOLD! Thanks to all our members, employees, and the community for honoring BVCU with this outstanding recognition. Not already a BVCU member? Discover why we’re not only “Boulder’s Best Financial Institution” but its most eco-conscious. Visit: www.WeCareColorado.com to learn more.

WINNER: BEST LOCAL EMPLOYER in Boulder County

Anyone can join. Everyone can benefit. Stop by one of our convenient branches or visit www.bvcu.org to join today.

Where Kids & Savings Grow Hand-in-Hand Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government

NCUA

National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency

Federally insured by the NCUA

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

Boulder Valley Credit Union

Better Banking. Naturally.

303.442.8850

Over 28,000 sur-charge FREE ATMs Nationwide, including ATMs in most every 7-11 store.

Note: Many of our covers come from monthly student K—12 art displays at the Boulder Valley Credit Union at 5505 Arapahoe Avenue next to the Boulder Dinner Theatre. Check it out!

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS is a Division of Martin

House Publications, Inc. Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 17114, Boulder, CO, 80308. Phone number: (303) 939-8767. Copyright 1995 to 2011 by Boulder County Kids. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Boulder County Kids encourages your submission of articles, photographs, and ideas. We reserve the right to edit all submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication. Viewpoints of the articles are not necessarily the viewpoints of Boulder County Kids. Materials will not be returned. Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the publisher. Printed with soy-based ink. See submission guidelines at www.bouldercountykids.com

The Tiny Tim Center 1/2 -

Ages 2 5 Bring your child for a classroom visit • Low adult/child ratios in every classroom • Serving children with and without special needs • Nationally accredited for excellence in preschool standards • Highly qualified teachers and therapeutic staff • Enrichment programs available (Yoga, Write Now handwriting program and more...) • Lunch Bunch Relief, hope and sheer • Scholarships available

joy are the emotions my husband and I felt once we finally stumbled upon The Tiny Tim Center ... There has been such a positive change in our son in 3 shorts weeks ... -Wendy and Justin Everett

Please visit or call for more information 611 Korte Way • Longmont • 303-776-7417

www.tinytimcenter.org

Page 4 • Bouldercountykids.com

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS Serving Boulder County, Broomfield, Estes Park, & Surrounding areas WINTER 2011

Contents

Volume 17 No. 4

Articles titled in blue are great reading for kids, green for directories.

From the Publisher ..................................................................... 5

Cover Story-Brice Anderson.............................. 5 Boulder Art Talk

.................................................... 6

Kids’ Planet ......................................................... 8 Paperless Office .................................................. 10

Izzy’s Garden ......................................................... 14 SEVEN COMMON BANKING MISCONCEPTIONS ................. 16

Extending the Same Compassion... ....... 17 News about Town.............................................. 18 Healthy Kids .............................................................. 19 Three Ideas for Getting to School in the Mornings......... 20

Concert Etiquette 101............................ 21 What Do I Do Now, Romona?......................... 22

Holiday Gift Ideas........................................................ 24 Porsche’s Educational Tips ................................... 26

Avery’s Avid-Reader Corner ............................ 27 CHILD CARE/PRESCHOOL DIRECTORY....... 28–32 PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY............................ 33–34 HEALTH CARE DIRECTORY ......................................... 35

Environmental Health Tips ..................... 35

Birthday Party Directory ................................................. 36–37 AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS ................................ 38–41

Winter Calendar of Events........................................ 42–45 Editor in Chief - Jennifer Martin Cool Cover Art - Brice Anderson Official Mascot - Luna Best in the World Printers - Longmont Daily Times-Call Distribution Gurus - CircServ To Perfection Editing & Proofing (really the gal is so good!) - Linda Carlson The Most Awesome Web Designer - Bolderwomen: www.bolderwomen.com

www.bouldercountykids.com • (303) 939-8767

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

H

Photo courtesy of Raye Harris Photography Studio in erie.

olidays are coming up, snow will be on the ground, and we can all tuck in for a wonderful winter. We have lots of great ideas this issue for art projects, concert and holiday productions, holiday shopping reviews, and tips and suggestions for the whole family. Take good care, and please do be in touch with us. We love hearing from you. Best to you and your families!

Jennifer Martin and Luna www.bouldercountykids.com jennifer@bouldercountykids.com

(303) 939-8767

Don’t miss out on the next issue.

Get the Word Out!

Reach 20,000 families in Boulder County, Broomfield County, and surrounding areas! Spring issue deadline is JANUARY 10th. That issue covers February, March and April. CAMP ISSUE! Please call early to reserve your space! Calendar of Events listings are published at no charge and on a space-available basis. All advertising information and forms are available online, please check out our Advertising Page at www.bouldercountykids.com. Calendar events must be submitted online at www.bouldercountykids.com on our Calendar Submission Form. Receipts will be sent back to you.

Boulder County Kids • PO Box 17114 • Boulder, CO 80308

(303) 939-8767

advertising@bouldercountykids.com • www.bouldercountykids.com

Suzuki Violin, Viola and Cello School

Boulder Suzuki Strings

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For information call (303) 499-2807

www.bouldersuzukistrings.org

COVER STORY

Brice Anderson

Jennifer Martin, Publisher

Openings available for private lessons: Ages 4 through high school Beginner through advanced The Program Offers: Weekly private lessons and twice-monthly group lessons. Note reading, theory & string orchestra. Studio & community concerts & recitals.

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ur cover artist is Brice Anderson who just turned 7 on October 25th. He goes to Community Montessori and is in the 1st grade. He has one sister, Zoe, age 4. The cover is done with acrylic on paper, inspired b y t h e s t o r y, Snow Lambs while studying at Sunflower Art Studio in B o u l d e r. H i s favorite classes in school are music, art and P.E. His favorite foods are Japanese rice, cookies and pie. Brice doesn’t like any vegetables except rhubarb. Proto’s for dinner is a favorite. He loves to read and is now reading BFG (short for “Big Friendly Giant�) written by Roald Dahl. Brice’s top pick for movies is Free Willy 2 and likes to watch Dinosaur Train on TV. For music, Brices likes to listen to Barenaked Ladies and play the keyboard. He plays soccer, and his favorite things about winter are sledding and drinking hot chocolate. Brice says, “I like to play games. I like to read the sports section of the newspaper every day. My favorite baseball team is the Boston Red Sox, because I was born during the 2004 World Series when they won. I like to go on the computer. I love wolves. I like to eat ice cream.� he cover sponsor is Boulder Valley Credit Union, which provides kids with an excellent environment in which to save money and provides incentives, activities, events and mascot visits. To join, or for more information, call (303) 442-8850 in Boulder and (970) 577-0750 in Estes Park, or you can also visit www.bvcu.org

Members of the Boulder Valley Suzuki Teachers

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Winter 2011 • Page 5

BOULDER County Kids

Boulder Art Talk Art to the Rescue!

by Brenda Niemand

Photo courtesy of Pinque Clark

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ou know they’re coming. Even in our blissfully sunny Boulder winters, there will be those dark, dreary days, too wet, cold, or miserable to urge the kids outside to play. Or you’ll have an ill child at home, recovering but not yet fit for playmates. But not to worry: With a little forethought you can be prepared for some art projects that will engage your youngsters, unleash their imaginations, and result in a finished product you’ll all be proud of. And what fun you’ll have in the process! Lisa Holub, director of Education at Clementine Studio in Boulder, has come up with a few ideas to get you started. Mostly the materials are things you’ll have around the house, but you might start stockpiling some items in preparation. Keep a shoe box for accumulating items such as buttons, yarn, sticks, old costume jewelry, bottle caps, corks, and other bits and bobs that can be used to embellish and decorate. Don’t recycle every last cardboard or paperboard box, paper tube, and oat-

meal box, because these can be used as building components. In addition, colored tissue paper has endless uses, as do pieces of felt and fabric. And whatever you do, don’t throw away those old crayons! You’ll need a glue gun as well as white glue (Lisa is a big fan of Mod Podge, which is found in hobby stores). From these mundane items your budding Picasso will create wondrous items— no problem.

Project 1: Abstract Relief Begin with a sturdy piece of cardboard, say 9 x 11 inches, though the size

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isn’t important. Using fullstrength glue, affix a few small shells, buttons, yarn, tees to the cardboard--something to give dimension to the surface--and then cover the entire piece with lightly diluted Mod Podge or white glue. Gently press onto this base assorted pieces or strips of tissue paper, which can be overlapped to create new colors, to cover the surface completely; it’s OK if the tissue breaks, since you will build at least three layers, adding more of the thinned glue as necessary. Eventually the small items will lose their individual identities as they form a colorful abstract bas relief. Let the piece dry and then finish with another coat of glue, to give a varnished effect (or the parent can apply real varnish to achieve this). The artist will be surprised and delighted by the alchemy that has transformed such ordinary materials into a work of art.

Project 2: Crayon Stained Glass ZZZ VKHSKHUGYDOOH\ RUJ : 'U\ &UHHN 3NZ\ 1LZRW

Page 6 • Bouldercountykids.com

For this project, a parent is required first to peel and

shave old crayons, putting each color in its own muffin cup. Cut two identical sized pieces of waxed paper. Use masking tape to tape down the edges of the first sheet to the work surface. Spread or sprinkle the shaved crayons to cover the sheet almost to the tape. Mixing colors will create interesting effects and provide a lesson in color creation. When satisfied, tape the second sheet of waxed paper on top of the first. The next step is for the parent, who will heat an iron to low heat (some trial and error here) and place it on the paper and lift it off, working over the whole piece. Do not attempt to move the iron back and forth across the paper. The heat of course melts the crayon and creates a glorious stained-glass effect! When the piece has dried and cooled, remove the tape. The artwork can be hung in a window to catch the light, or it can be cut into pieces for a mobile, using a dowel or coat hanger and ribbons or yarn to attach the “stained glass� pieces.

Project 3: Cardboard Construction Some young artists enjoy working in a larger scale and eschew tabletop art for constructs such as an automobile, house or fort, animal, train, or monster. Spread a plastic drop cloth and provide an assortment of cardboard boxes and tubes. The artist plays with the boxes to concoct the desired object, then uses a glue gun (wielded by a

BOULDER COUnty KiDs parent for those under 8, Lisa advises), to attach the boxes to one another. The assemblage may be painted or decorated with washable paints, if desired, and ornamented by gluing on bottle caps or other ephemera. The result will be satisfying and impressive.

Project 4: Treasure Box

Publisher’s Note:

Consignment Boutique for Women & Children

3183 Walnut Street

in the Walnut Gardens Shopping Center

Boulder • 303.442.2703 www.childishthingsconsign.com $10 off any $50 purchase expires 12/31/11

OPEN: Mon-Sat: 10 - 6 • Sun: 11 - 5

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Brenda Niemand is a retired editor of history and arts publications who now enjoys volunteer work with Boulder nonprofits, including Open Arts and the CU Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of Pinque Clark

This project starts with a tissue box, either rectangular or square. Using Mod Podge, cover the top with a piece of paper board or manila envelop, to eliminate the oval opening. Next, the parent wields a sharp knife or scissors to cut three sides of the top to form a lid. The artist then coats all sides of the box with slightly diluted glue and presses on a collage of fabric, colored tissue paper, decorative paper, or cut-out paper pictures or photos in a decoupage process. If desired, the underside of the lid may be decorated also, by folding the fabric or paper over its edges to cover it. Let dry, then coat the whole box with another coat of glue as varnish. When that is dried, the surface can be embellished by gluing on shells, “jewels,” buttons, glitter, or whatever tickles the fancy. Lastly, a closure may be made by attaching a yarn loop and a button. The box is now ready to be filled with treasures! These projects all offer some of the delights of artistic endeavors—exercising the imagination, visualizing and effecting an image, experiencing the interaction of colors and textures, enjoying the satisfaction of creating a unique object, and relishing

THINK ECO-FRIENDLY•THINK RECYCLED • THINK CHILDISH THINGS

the surprise of seeing the finished piece. The artist is an explorer who makes exciting discoveries without leaving the house. According the Lisa, these four projects can be tackled by youngsters from age 3 upwards, with varying degrees of parental help or encouragement. And she should know. The staff of Clementine Studio oversees a busy schedule of art classes for tots to teens, with 2 or 3 classes and a total of up to 30 students each day. The large room, cheerful and bright, is bursting with containers of tantalizing materials for art-making, and the faculty is creative and enthusiastic. There, as at home, you needn’t wait for a foulweather day to have fun making art!

B!Xipmftpnf-!Xfmm.Cbmbodfe!Dpnnvojuz/ B!Xipmftpnf-!Xfmm.Cbmbodfe!Dpnnv B!X B Xip X Xi ip pmf mft mf mftpnf-!Xf ftp ftp tpn pn nff-!X nff--!X f-! !X Xfffm X fmm. mmm.Cbmmb mm mbo Lisa Holub, Director of education at Clementine Studio in Boulder located at 2775 Valmont Road in Boulder. They can be reached at (303) 443-2520 or please check o u t o p e n a r t s c l e m e n t i n e . o rg . Clementine is the educational partner of OpenArts, the Boulder nonprofit organization that also sponsors Open Studios, Open Arts Fest, and edLinks.

For more information on art teachers and art classes, check out our After School Directory on page 38.

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Exciting and inspiring kids about science! Science Discovery provides unique hands-on experiences that connect students to current CU science.

Science Discovery offers classes throughout the year.

Register online today!

303.492.7188 colorado.edu/sciencediscovery Connecting kids to CU science since 1983.

Winter 2011 • Page 7

BOULDER COUnty KiDs Kids’ Planet... with Thorne Ecological Institute Drawing by Kara Priest

WANGARI MAATHAI

W

by Dr. Oakleigh Thorne, II

angari Maathai, the Nobel Peace Prize winner and environmentalist from Nairobi, Kenya, in Africa, died on September 25 this year at the age of 71. She was an amazing woman, and that’s why I want to write this column about her. Professor Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977 by paying poor rural women a few shillings to plant trees. This improved their livelihoods by creating firewood for cooking, making better access to clean water, and reversing the effects of deforestation. This movement has planted over 30 million trees in Africa. It has helped almost 900,000 women to establish tree nurseries. Professor Maathai was also a patron of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Billion •

Tree Campaign. Those who knew her as a mother, relative, coworker, colleague, role model, and heroine admired her determination to make the world a peaceful, healthy, and better place for all of us. She worked for justice, democracy, and nonviolence and against ignorance, dishonesty, and environmental destruction. She often risked her life to campaign and coordinate

lafayette’s Bilingual Early Childhood Program

licensed Child Care Bilingual Preschool Curriculum Safe & loving Environment Nutritious Meals & Snacks

ages

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Page 8 • Bouldercountykids.com

women and young people for her Green Belt Movement. She was loved and respected for her charm, good humor, optimism, conviction, and bright intellect. This she took from her native Kenya to the highest international debates on climate change, rights of women, poverty, and inequality. She was not afraid to speak truth to power! The head of the UNEP called her “a force of nature, strong in character, and able to survive sometimes the harshest of conditions.” Wangari Maathai was born on April 1, 1940, in the foothills of Mount Kenya in the town of Nyeri. As a star student, she won a scholarship to study biology in the United States at Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas, receiving a bachelor’s degree in 1964, then a master of science degree from the University of

Pittsburgh. Returning home, she earned a doctor of veterinary anatomy from the University of Nairobi. She was the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree! In December 2002, Dr. Maathai was elected to Kenya’s parliament and later was appointed assistant minister for the environment and natural resources. In 2009, she was appointed as a United Nations Messenger of Peace for her commitment to human rights around the world. She received many awards, including France’s Légion d’Honneur in 2006, the Nelson Mandela Award in 2007, and Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun in 2009. She also received honorary doctorates from several universities. Wa n g a r i M a a t h a i h a s been an inspiration to young women and girls throughout Africa and the rest of the world. We are saddened by her death and will miss her warm spirit. I hope you will look up and read all you can about this wonderful person, and that you will strive to make the world a better place, just as she did. Dr. Thorne is founder and honorary president of Thorne ecological Institute in Boulder (now called Thorne Nature experience). They have helped “connect kids to nature” for more than 55 years. For information about their classes for children, please check out www. thorne-eco.org or e-mail info@ thorne-eco.org or call (303) 4993647.

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303.554.0050

Thorne Natural Science School

Year-Round Education

Now enrolling for Fall 2012-13 2, 3, 4, & 5-Day Program Options Ages 2-1/2 to 6 years Friday Morning Parent/Tot Group 6 months to 3 years

Kindergarten / Preschool

NEW After-School Felting and Crafts Club for children ages 5 to 12 years Prospective Parent Presentation Saturday, November 12th, 10:30 – noon RSVP Call Mindy Upton • 303-443-4965 3046 11th Street, Boulder www.BlueSkyKindergarten.com

Hands-On Fun in Nature Boulder and Littleton Locations

Ages 3 - 15 For more information & free catalog of programs call, e-mail or check out our website!

www.thorne-eco.org • info@thorne-eco.org

(303) 499-3647

Peanut Butter Players

Peanut Butter Players Present Warm Family Fun

BABES IN TOYLAND

at

Call

303-786-8“PBP� (8727)

Harlequin Center for the Performing Arts (990 Public Road—Lafayette)

Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7:30 pm and 2 p.m. on Dec. 10 and 17 Adults: $10 Children Under 12: $8 Tickets at the door or call

303-786-8727

Come Save with Us! Longmont’s newest children’s consignment and resale store! Shop our clean and organized store full of designer and name-brand children’s clothing and equipment.

Accepting

Winter Gear, Toys, & Baby Equipment!

15% OFF Anything Regular Price! No limit. Must bring in ad for rebate Expires 1/31/12

Shop Kids Resale & Consignment 900 S. Hover Rd. • Longmont • shopkidsconsignment.com Mon-Fri: 10 am to 7 pm; Sat: 10 am to 6 pm; Sun: 11 am to 5 pm

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www.peanutbutterplayers.com

Winter 2011 • Page 9

by Karelle Sharf

BOULDER COUnty KiDs PAPERLESS OFFICE

W

e’ve been hearing about the “paperless office” for almost as long as we’ve had access to affordable personal computers, and yet most of us are drowning in paper, wasting time looking for documents in file cabinets, and feeling guilty about the trees that are felled to drown us in that paper. As it turns out, with a minimum of effort we can cut down the amount of paper that crosses our desks and stop participating in the paper madness. Some of the benefits: REDUCE CLUTTER Frees up space on your desk and in your office, reducing the need for filing cabinets.

SAVE TIME & EFFORT I think I spend 25% of my working time looking for pieces of paper, not looking for information in my computer—my Mac’s search function is incredibly efficient when used properly. SAVE MONEY Think about paper, printers, their ink or toner cartridges, filing cabinets and all their supplies, and the space necessary to store them.

S E A R C H E V E R YTHING Much easier to do using the computer’s search function than trying to remember where you filed something two years ago. SHARE DOCUMENTS EASILY You print or copy a document and then mail it. It takes days, not to mention your time. Or you can search, attach, and e-mail it, and they

can have it in fifteen minutes. You choose. BACKUP PHYSICAL DOCUMENTS Please tell me you back up your computer. Add the paper that now is digital and you can have a secure backup, even available from anywhere with an Internet connection on the planet, with cloud storage. SAVE THE PLANET Whatever we can do to this end is a benefit. Our children will thank us. There are a lot of fairly simple things you can do to start on this now. Start with paperless billing from the phone company, credit card companies, the utilities, magazine subscriptions, and so on. Most of those bills can also be paid online. Most of the people I have heard from who resist this move

E l d o r a d o Yo g a D a y C a m p for Kids - Summer 2012 O f f e r i n g 7 We e k - L o n g D a y C a m p s - M o n d a y through Friday - 9 am to 3 pm Session Session Session Session Session Session Session

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,

June 4 - 8 Eldorado Yoga Day Camp June 11 - 15 June 18 - 22 Ages 5 - 15 June 25 - 29 $250 per week with 50% July 9 - 13 July 16 - 20 discount for siblings July 23 - 27 Kids and teens will have a blast at our fun-filled camps. In a Ki beautiful natural setting they will enjoy a free-spirited yoga arts and nature camp that integrates the wonderful body/mind/heart benefits of yoga. Memorable quotes from Eldorado Yoga Day Camp Jai said to his Mom, “I love yoga camp so much I want to go for the next 85,000 years.” And another said, “When I wake up after I sleep, I can’t wait to come back to camp!” “We love Yoga Kids Camp! The beautiful location and programs staffed by kind and experienced Counselors. This is a camp unlike most you’ll find. Arts, crafts, games, hiking, music, and yoga... all offered in an environment that nurtures kids and brings out the best in them. It’s great Summer fun! --Debbie mother of a camper returning for the 3rd summer.

E l d o r a d o M o u n t a i n Yo g a (303) 249-1671

www.EldoradoYoga.org #OUNTY 2OAD s "OULDER #/

Page 10 • Bouldercountykids.com

cite security as their major concern. However, security experts say there is more risk in sending a check through the mail. When you get to the confirmation page, save it as a pdf or put it in a document management program on your computer. If you run a business, perhaps you can invoice your customers electronically, creating a pdf of the invoice and e-mailing it to them. Even if you don’t take credit cards, you could also offer Paypal as a means of payment. Many teachers, especially in upper grades, now ask for assignments to be submitted electronically, so your children can jump on that bandwagon, too. Even if a teacher wants paper, your child can do all their editing on screen and only print the final version to hand in. Following are services that will help you to stop junk mail: Fill out a form here: www.optoutprescreen.com/ or download a set of instructions here: stopjunkmail.org/sample/ kit.pdf And then there’s all the rest of the paper that crosses your desk. There’s an answer for that, too—a document scanner combined with optical character recognition (OCR) to create searchable pdfs. Searchable pdfs differ from the pdf your all-inone scanner makes insofar as they display a graphic of the document, beneath which is a layer of text created by the OCR making the document searchable. A document scanner is different from the scanner on your multifunction or all-in-one device. It’s lower resolution and not as high color fidelity, it’s fast, it duplexes on a single pass (i.e. scans both sides of a piece of paper), it offers an automatic document feeder and automated functionality once you set it up properly, and gener-

BOULDER County Kids

ally comes with OCR software. Scanning all that paper has to be dead easy, or most people with busy lives just wouldn’t do it. The idea is to set the papers in the feeder, push a button, file the pdfs in their correct computer directory and then take the papers out of the other end, either file them if you must keep them, shred them if they are private, or recycle them. Now they’re digital, organized and stored on the capacious hard drive of your computer. And now you can back them up, either onto a local hard drive, to a “cloudbased” backup service, or both. A local backup drive is fast and convenient, but an online backup service offers security against theft or fire. A good backup system is automatic, thorough, and incremental—that is, it backs up what’s new or changed after the first full backup. Obviously there is a lot more to this topic. There is an inexpensive ebook with excruciatingly detailed recommendations and instructions, Take Control of your Paperless Office, available at www.takecontrolbooks.com/ paperless-office. Consider how your family’s life would be better with less paper clutter. Karelle Scharff is an information technologist and the owner of Best MacSolutions, is an Applecertified help-desk specialist, and a member of the Apple Consultants Network (www.bestmacsolutions. com), based in Ward. She provides training, service, and support to small businesses, home-based businesses, and individuals. Call her at (303) 459-3363.

Boulder County’s Award-Winning Community Music School

Experience the joy of music-making at Rock y Mountain Center for Musical Arts — all ages & abilities! • Early childhood: Music Together, Meet the Instruments, Dalcroze • Lessons on all instruments and voice - Suzuki & Traditional • Jazz and rock for teens & adults • Adult Ensembles: Concert Band, Jazz, and Women’s Vocal • Kaleidoscope Concert Series - Nov. 5 - Wil Swindler’s Elevenet (11-Piece Jazz Ensemble) -Dec. 10 - Taarka (Indie/Gypsy/Chamber/Folk) -Feb. 11 - Jayme Stone’s Room of Wonders

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Technology Enrichment for Kids Send your kids to K-TEC: Kids’ Technology Enrichment Classes, that is. Bits, Bytes, & Bots Kids’ Technology Enrichment Connection (K-TEC) offers technology enrichment for kids ages 6 and up. We provide after-school programs, home-school programs, summer and holiday camps, birthday parties and inschool workshops. We utilize the popular Bits, Bytes, & Bots curriculum and offer classes in pre-engineering (grades 1-2) and robotics engineering (grades 3-6) with Lego®, Stop Motion Animation Movie Making and Video Game Making, to name a few. We have been providing technology enrichment to Boulder County kids and surrounding areas for many years. Please check out our website and area recreation center sites for classes and camps.

For an online version, please check out www.bouldercountykids. com and go to contents for direct links to the websites listed.

303-494-2687 • boulder@bitsbytesbots.com www.boulderco.bitsbytesbots.com

Winter 2011 • Page 11

BOULDER COUnty KiDs Active Boulder Kids Early Childhood Education Center

More Magic!!

New Westminster Store!

New Website!! Licensed full- and part-day and drop-in preschool programs offered for ages 2 ½-6. Play-based, creative curriculum, learning centers, and outdoor play. Creative fun programs, small classroom sizes, caring teachers. Active play, exploration, and learning.

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A great place for Gift Shopping! Melissa & Doug Toys Dress-up Costumes Kids’ Art Supplies, Puppets Cuddly Animals of All Sizes Hand-Crafted Jewelry, Cards and Art &XOWLYDWLQJ &ULWLFDO 7KLQNLQJ 7HDFKLQJ WR 6WXGHQWV¡ 6WUHQJWKV ,QVSLULQJ D /RYH RI /HDUQLQJ

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Come Take a Spin on the Hand-Carved Magical Menagerie in Nederland, CO

www.carouselofhappiness.org

303-258-3457

Winter 2011 • Page 13

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

Izzy’s

Garden Photo courtesy of Growing Gardens

by Isabella Martinez

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ello, my name is Isabella Martinez. As I sit to write this article there is a crisp breeze in the air. I am also sipping a nice cup of green tea mixed with a clover honey that my Cultiva group harvested in the hot summer. Even while the bees hibernate people can still enjoy their sweet gift. I always find delight in sharing with my family and friends the golden honey that is cultivated through the Cultiva project. Readers please know that there will be a winter farmers market, in Boulder and Longmont. So, if your sweet, red heart desires it, you may purchase some local honey or lip balm there along with other winter veggies. These veggies might include kale, varieties of squash and

Beekeeping at Growing Gardens in Boulder.

plump, juicy beets. I think it is so important to eat local foods. As I have been involved with Cultiva and farming food, I have learned that eating healthy and locally grown foods support many aspects of our daily lives. Harvesting one’s own food or buying from local farmers markets supports a strong healthy body. Meeting the farmers who have grown the food helps the consumer know where the food they are eating is from. Also purchasing food from local farms helps support our economy. I think that local honey is a miraculous remedy for allergies or is a sweet tasty delight.

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Page 14 • Bouldercountykids.com

Honey that is locally harvested is beneficial to a person who suffers from allergies. Some people think that a teaspoon of the community’s honey a day helps a person resist local allergens. My mother, who has bad allergies, often nibbles on organic apples dipped in honey, because not only is the honey tasty, but also my mother knows it helps her allergies. Bees take local plants’ pollen from all over an area and bring it back to the hive. With this pollen they create the natural cure for allergy relief, honey. It helps your allergies because bees collect pollen from all different plants, and when you eat it enough, you become immune little by little and your body forms a defense against the specific allergen. My family delights in honey, we use it as an allergen defense as well as a sweetener in almond muffins. We also use honey as a homemade face mask and in a self-made winter lip balm. It is simple to make a face and lip balm with local honey. My herb teacher, Brigitte Mars, is very keen on local honey. She has taught

me that honey is moisturizing for skin and helps draw impurities out of it. For a face mask, just apply the honey to your face and neck, massaging gently as you tap in circular motions. Even some shampoos contain honey. If you would like, you can put a very small amount in with your shampoo to help condition your hair. For Christmas last year, my best friend, Felina and I made lip balm from local honey to give as gifts. You can purchase materials at Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary. We followed the recipe from Brigitte Mars’s book, Beauty by Nature. The recipe we used is for tined lip balm. Felina and I experimented with adding mica to the recipe. It gives a shimmer to the lips. Felina’s older sisters, Luisa and Cilia, enjoyed the lip balm. Think of this: A pound of honey requires the collective work of 556 bees flying 35,584 miles. They do this as work but also for the benefits for our planet. If it were not for bees, I would not be having my last sip of honey tea. Bees are a truly incredible gift to our world.

BOULDER County Kids Accredited, Curriculum-based, Close to Work

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CCLC® at UCAR offers quality early childhood education in a fun learning environment conveniently close to UCAR campus. Come meet our highly trained, caring staff and take a tour of our state of the art facility.

CCLC at UCAR 3050 34th Street Boulder, CO 80301 Open 7:30am – 6:00pm

Now enrolling for ages 2½ to 5 year olds! Schedule a tour today! Call 303-443-5595 or visit www.cclc.com for more information © 2011 Knowledge Universe Education LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Still don’t have your afterschool activities planned yet?

Don’t Worry!

Check out pages 38 to 41 Four PAGES of

AWESOME Programs! Winter 2011 • Page 15

7

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

SEVEN COMMON BANKING MISCONCEPTIONS

by Steve Carr

M T

M

illions of consumers across the world have discovered credit union advantages: save money on financing, earn more on their savings, and reduce the service fees they pay on financial services. However, there are myths and misconceptions about credit unions that confuse people and obscure the truth about their mission. Let’s set the record straight. yth: Credit unions are really just like banks. ruth: Credit unions provide many of the same services that banks offer. However, credit unions differ from banks in that credit unions are not-forprofit and banks are for profit. Credit union members are the owners/shareholders and have an equal vote in determining the direction of the credit union. And all earnings go back to the owners/ shareholders in the form of great rates and low fees. It’s about putting people before money. Conversely, bank customers are not stockholders/owners and thus tend to pay higher fees and loan rates and earn lower rates

M T

on savings, to help the bank stockholders/owners maximize their earnings/profits. yth: Banks provide services at lower costs than credit unions. ruth: As stated previously, bank profits go directly to the bank stockholders/owners. The bank is their investment, and they strategize to maximize their profits through fee income and profit margin from what they earn from loans and payout on savings, in general. Therefore, credit unions have historically provided their members with lower-cost financial services and saved their members more money compared with bank customers. For example, financing a new $25,000 car for 60 months at a credit union results in average savings of $236 a year over what you’d pay at a bank. From time to time, bank promotions may offer some services at a cost savings, but when comparing cost savings overall and over the long

M T

Page 16 • Bouldercountykids.com

run, credit unions win hands down. yth: Bank customers are more satisfied than credit union members. ruth: National surveys from industry leaders have polled consumers for many years and have never found this to be true—and here’s proof: •According to the American Banker Gallup surveys, credit unions have outranked banks in customer satisfaction by a wide margin for the past 21 years. • Forrester Research, a respected market research firm, asked consumers to rate their financial institution on value delivered and service provided. Credit unions made the top tier for both. • Informa Research Services, in their annual consumer satisfaction survey, found that credit unions score highest for satisfaction and loyalty. yth: Banks have more locations and in-network ATMs nationwide than credit unions. ruth: Due to the cooperative nature of credit unions, credit unions actually provide a larger number of locations and in-network ATMs nationwide than any one bank. Credit Union Service Centers and in-network ATMs are located in every major city and on or near major college campuses. Locations can be found online.

M T

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yth: Banks are safer for my savings and investments than credit unions. ruth: Both banks and credit unions are equally safe, because all deposits are federally insured to $250,000 by FDIC for banks and NCUA for credit unions, which are both backed by the U.S. federal government. yth: Banks provide more services than credit unions. ruth: Historically, this was the case, but today many credit unions provide the same personal banking services found at banks, including savings, investments, checking, personal loans, mortgages, online services, and so on. yth: Banks are locally owned just like credit unions. ruth: Just as you should buy locally, you should bank locally, so the money you put into your credit union stays local, benefiting your community through loans. Credit unions are also legendary for supporting their communities through generous sponsorships and volunteerism. The largest banks are not headquartered in Colorado, so your local dollars do not stay in Colorado much less in your community. Unfortunately, local banks do not have the nationwide accessibility that credit unions do.

M T M T

Steve Carr is a vice president at the Boulder Valley Credit Union at 55th and Arapahoe in Boulder. Call (303) 442-8850 or visit www.bvcu. org for more information, if you have any questions or would like to share a financial myth that we can expose.

BOULDER COUnty KiDs Extending the Same Compassion to Our Children as We Do to Strangers

I

by Jessica Dancingheart

was inspired to write this column after reading about how the Dalai Lama at a Stanford University fund-raiser luncheon pointed out that as humans we have “limited compassion” for people in our close circle and “genuine compassion” for strangers. I have been riddled by this truth for years, wanting to figure out how to offer the same amount of grace and compassion to those I am very close to as I do to those that are a little farther from my heart. It truly amazes me to listen over and over again to my clients and friends as they describe how surprised they are to hear somebody mention a “nice” quality in their child that they don’t experience themselves. I am equally amazed when I watch people be more forgiving of a stranger than they are of their own child or other “close” person. But, I understand this behavioral difference. I have witnessed repeatedly in my workshops how differently adults behave toward their children than toward strangers. I am fond of offering an exercise to my workshop participants. In this exercise, I divide the group into two. I ask one group to write down what they would say to their child or partner who lost a

library book that was taken out in the participant’s name. I ask the other group to write down what they would say to a neighbor who lost the book. The responses tend to be strikingly different. There is an air of forgiveness in the latter that is missing in the former. Sometimes the former set of responses includes a tone of anger. The closest explanation I have for why this happens is that, when there is an angrier, “limited compassion” response, we have an expectation or some sort of belief that the person who made the mistake is somehow reflecting on our self-worth. So the question is how do I take somebody that I have a lot of attachment to, expectations of, and love toward and make them like strangers, so as to give them dignity and genuine compassion? My answers have been slow to come. They are to ask: 1) What is the expectation? Is that a fair expectation? In other words, would

you demand the same of a stranger without their buy in? 2) Am I seeing what was done as a reflection of my “goodness”? If so, is it really true that my sense of value is tied to somebody else’s actions? In other words, am I taking something personally that I need not take personally? 3) Am I in a teaching or connection mode? I sometimes notice that I think I have an idea of how things should be, and I forget that really what is more important is connection before educa-

tion. Many times if I stop to connect, I find my world widens past the “should” to new and more exciting possibilities. I offer these questions as a gentle guide and a way to help relationships become stronger, when I or a client get stuck in a place of “limited compassion” I would like to suggest that you ask yourself these questions the next time you find yourself upset at a loved one, or when you are ready to educate before connecting.

Jessica Dancingheart is a mother, communication coach, and the founder of Opening to Possibilities. She gets a thrill out of watching her clients become empowered. She enjoys facilitating the “aha” moment, as her clients realize that they have many choices, as they employ her tools to tap into their own strength and values. To learn more about her and her services, call (303) 589-8420 or visit www. OpeningToPossibilities.com.

Winter 2011 • Page 17

BOULDER County Kids

News about Town...

Announcements:

F

riends School announced their new Head of School is Steve de Beer.

S

unflower Preschool, a Montessori-based preschool in Boulder with a science/outdoor emphasis, cerebrated their 30th Anniversary. Founded in 1981, they are located at 3340 Dartmouth. With their dedication to the environment, they were honored in 2008 with a PACE (Partners for a Clean Environment) accreditation and became a Certified Wildlife Habitat Site by the National Wildlife Federation this last June. Please visit them at www. sunflowerpreschoolboulder. com or call (303) 494-2012 for more information.

J

udy Archibald’s new book The Mutt & The Mustang hit the stands this last summer with rave reviews. Based on a true story, Judy was inspired to write a children’s book. You can watch a video of Kody riding plus view sample pages of The Mutt & the Mustang online at www. judyspetpals.com. The newly

released book is available on Amazon and many local stores, including Colorado Horse Rescue in Longmont, where she will be signing books on Saturday, December 10th, from 11 am to 2 pm.

C

olorado Gives Day (CGD) is on Tuesday, December 6 and runs for 24 hours. This is a targeted 24 hours to encourage Coloradan’s and beyond to “give where you live.” Colorado Gives Day is an initiative to increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. Colorado Gives Day is presented once again by Community First Foundation and FirstBank. Donations will be accepted through GivingFirst.org, with a goal to inspire and unite Coloradans in supporting hundreds of local nonprofits.

D

reamcatcher Direct Instruction Centers has been providing supplemental educational services to our community for over fifteen years. Dreamcatcher is proud to announce that for schoolyear 2011–2012, they are approved and listed as a provider for “Turnaround” on the Colorado Department of Education website. A school that does not make Adequate Yearly Progress for two consecutive years must be identified for School Improvement. Dreamcatcher can implement any one of the four “Turnaround” models that are

Page 18 • Bouldercountykids.com

most frequently adopted. See www.cde.state.co.us for more information. F o r t h e f i f t h y e a r, Dreamcatcher is on site at Justice High School, the college preparatory school for students who are truant, expelled, or in the criminal justice system. This year marks their first year contracting with the 20th Judicial District Probation Department for working with individuals who cannot be placed in public schools. For more information, please call (303) 444-8422 or e-mail admin.dreamcatcher@ gmail.com.

T

he Colorado Lottery announced September 22 that the Lafayette Skatepark is the recipient of a 2011 Starburst Community Award, which recognizes excellence in the use of Lottery proceeds in community projects implemented to enhance a community’s environment. Also, a Starburst Community Award was given to Boulder County Parks and Open Space for using Lottery dollars to complete the “missing link” in a very popular trail system in Boulder County. The Mayhoffer-Singletree Trail Project completed the last 1.5 miles of the trail system that provided a west to east trail connection to more than 150 miles of Boulder County trails. Boulder County Parks and Open Space utilized a Lottery-funded Great Outdoors Colorado grant of

$150,000 to construct the trail.

M

orning Glory Playgroup, a licensed Waldorfinspired child care program just opened their doors in Lafayette. Offering a beautiful, nurturing, nonjudgmental, homelike environment, they are offering half-day and full-day options. Contact Charlotte Ingold at (303)9260224 or check out www. morninggloryplaygroup.com

S

unSational Energy & Science Exhibit opens on November 12 in honor of WOW! Children’s Museum’s 15th Birthday. An interactive exhibit dedicated to improving the understanding of solar science, the impact of the sun on our daily lives, and the importance of solar power. The exhibit will open and be prepared with participation from scientists at the University Center for Atmospheric Research, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, the University of Colorado at Boulder, the Boulder Astronomical and Space Society, and the staff at Namasté Solar. This exhibit has been made possible through a generous grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

by Joan Nagel

D

HEALTHY KIDS

espite all the debate about health care reform, some families might not know about the health benefits already available to Colorado children, pregnant women, and some parents through Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). Medicaid and CHP+ are free or reduced-cost public health insurance plans that provide comprehensive health benefits including medical visits, prenatal care, hospitalization, prescriptions, and vision, dental, and mental health services. Co-payments range from $0 to $20, and preventive visits like checkups and vaccines are always free. Medicaid benefits may also include coverage of medical expenses for up to three months prior to date of application. While the eligibility criteria differ between the two programs, in general applicants must meet income guidelines, be Colorado residents, and be either a U.S. citizen or a lawfully present immigrant in order to qualify. Because it may seem complicated to sort through eligibility and paperwork requirements, Boulder County Healthy Kids Initiative, a program of the Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services, is available to help. At Healthy Kids, families can talk to an enrollment specialist, who will screen them for eligibility and help them through the enrollment process. Healthy Kids offers same-day appointments in our Boulder and Longmont offices. We also have staff

cal or dental providers, provide referrals to other programs in the community, and serve as an ongoing resource to help families during their continued enrollment in the programs. It’s not a secret that times are tough for many Colorado families. That’s why Boulder County Healthy Kids is here to help!

located in both the Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley School Districts to make it easier for families to enroll. Even better, Healthy Kids staff can provide immediate coverage for pregnant women and children who appear eligible for the programs through the Presumptive Eligibility (PE) program. PE provides Medicaid or CHP+ benefits to clients while they wait for their applications for ongoing benefits to be completed. Even though eligibility for health insurance programs is based on income, many middle-income families might not realize that their children qualify for the Child Health Plan Plus. CHP+ is a health insurance option designed for families with incomes over the limit for Medicaid who either are not offered insurance through their employer or cannot afford private insurance. For example, children living in families that earn as much as $4,657 per month may be eligible for CHP+. It’s important to note, too, that CHP+’s upper income limits are flexible since dependent care costs, adult health insurance premi-

ums, medical expenses, child support, and alimony are deductible expenses. Finally, once families are enrolled, Healthy Kids staff will help families find medi-

For more information about Medicaid and CHP+ and for help applying, please call Boulder County Healthy Kids at (303) 4411589.

Winter 2011 • Page 19

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

3

THREE IDEAS FOR GETTING TO SCHOOL IN THE MORNINGS

by Sherry Lewis

S

and incentive to work with it. This helps remove you from the position of “morning police”, trying to keep everyone moving. Try to keep it fun. With practice and success, some kids have reduced the number of alarms they use, while being more successful in getting out the door.

ome are eager to get up, but many resist it. And once people are up, getting ready and out the door on time is another matter. Here are some simple ways to help make it easier.

1.

Start with a conversation Talk with your child (or spouse) about how mornings are going and how you would like to see them to go instead. Get their ideas. Create a positive problem-solving atmosphere and get an agreement to try to make it positive for everyone. Making it a game helps!

2.

Plan for 10–15 minutes of gradual wake up Set two alarms for waking up. The first can be a gentle one that disturbs sleep, but allows for gradual wake up. Waking up to pleasant music is one way to facilitate this. Make sure your family understands that this is their personal time, and when the second alarm goes off, it’s time to get moving.

3.

Set timers or alarms for morning tasks required to get ready Start with a list of what needs to happen: get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth & hair, make lunch, gather things, and walk out the door. Decide how much time is needed for each task, including 5 minutes to get from the door (with your things) to the

Page 20 • Bouldercountykids.com

car and have the car moving. Set a watch, cell phone, timer, or clock alarms to go off at the intervals decided upon. Kids have fun using their cell phones, picking different sounds as alarms to signal that it’s time to move to the next task. Letting them choose the sounds and set the alarms (with your agreement) gives them more motivation

Sherry Lewis is a licensed professional counselor and the founder of Success Strategies 4 Kids. Her background includes 14 years as a school counselor, and, she was Counselor of the Year in Colorado in 2001. She worked as a schoolbased therapist in Adams County for several years and is currently in private practice in Boulder, Colorado. She is the proud parent of five grown children. “I help kids have healthy friendships, feelings, and families.” Visit www. SuccessStrategies4Kids.com for more information and to see a schedule of upcoming Friendship and Anger workshops for kids.

BOULDER County Kids

Concert Ediquette 101 movements. An entire orchestral piece can be up to 50 minutes in length, with three or four movements. The rationale for this suggestion is that applauding between movements of a four-part piece, is comparable to critically viewing only one-fourth of the Mona Lisa. In other words, a great masterpiece is more revered as a complete work of art. Therefore, it is suggested that you reserve your appreciation for the conclusion of the entire piece.

W

e recommend that when you bring young children to the symphony, select an aisle seat in the rear of the auditorium in order to ensure an easy, non-disruptive exit. Please remember that talking, noisy candy wrappers, and other similar disruptions are bothersome and distracting to your neighbors and the musicians. Please remember to turn off all cell phones,

pagers, and alarms before the concert begins. In addition, all cameras, video recording equipment, and flash photography are prohibited in the concert hall. If this

Family Concert Schedule Check out our calendar on pages 42-45 for more information.

Boulder Bach Festival November 12 - Fall Education Program at WOW! Children’s Museum, Lafayette Boulder Ballet and Boulder Philharmonic November 25-27 - The Nutcracker at Macky Auditorium, Boulder Longmont Symphony December 3,4 - Nutcracker Ballet December 13 - Candlelight Concert January 28 - Family Concert Ballet Nouveau December 9-11 & 16-18 - The Nutcracker at the Pinnical Charter School, Denver Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra December 3 - Christmas Story, Boulder

is your child’s first experience attending a concert, we encourage you to consider attending our Family Concert or Nutcracker Ballet performances—both of which are geared toward our younger listeners. There is always a question as to when to applaud —or not to applaud. The program you receive at the concert will guide you through the evening’s performance. Traditional concert protocol suggests saving your applause for the very end of the piece and never between

The Longmont Symphony Orchestra gladly welcomes young listeners to their concerts. The Longmont Symphony Orchestra presents 6 subscription concerts, a Christmas Candlelight Concert, and two Nutcracker Ballet performances with the Boulder Ballet. All concerts are held at Vance Brand Civic Auditorium, located at 600 E. Mountain View Ave., in Longmont. For concert information and ticket prices, please go online and check out www.longmontsymphony.org. Tickets may be purchased by calling the LSO office at (303) 7725796.

a tradition rediscovered

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by Robert Olson of the Longmont Symphony

All kids have a chance to meet the cast & learn a dance from the show.

KIDS TIX START AT $21

Winter 2011 • Page 21

BOULDER County Kids

Drawing by Fritz Scholder

WHAT DO I DO NOW, ROMONA? Romona Scholder, M.A., RNCS Psychotherapist

Q

. Is there any significant data on a child’s state of mind depending on whether they are the oldest child, middle child or youngest child? Does it really make a difference? Signed curious

A

. I need to disclose that I am a firstborn. Firstborns are more likely to believe the mythology of birth order differences. We’re said to be more intelligent, conscientious and have more of the necessary characteristics to become leaders of countries and corporations. The idea of birth order differences is a good example of soft research and even softer science. I suspect firstborns are behind it all.

The differences lie within each individual family, in which one child receives the most attention, the better education and even the best food. The size of the family has an effect on differences between children. In a smaller family, there are more available resources to go around. Your child’s state of mind can be affected by many things. The firstborn is dethroned by the arrival of the second child. This will affect the child’s later life, but the effect can be ameliorated by how the parents handle the situation. Someone compared the study of birth order differences with astrology. There are many elements other than birth order that affect our life paths. Your parenting skills and your child’s particular strengths have a far greater influence on a healthy self-image than birth order.

Q

. They say learning a second language is good for your brain. I know children learn languages faster than adults do, but does that help children’s brains develop better? Signed parent of a three-year-old.

A

. This week at my monthly professional lunch, I learned that one of the participants is multilingual. When I questioned her about it, she told me that having learned a second language at a young age, the third was easier and the fourth even more so. Just as exercising your child’s body increases their physical abilities, so, too, does exercising your child’s brain. Children who learn a second language at a young age have enhanced spatial relations and problem solving skills as well as higher SAT scores, according to various sources. When your child learns a second language early, the brain is trained to be more flexible and more able to multitask and focus. Beyond those advantages, I feel that in the world your child will occupy as an adult, being multilingual will assure him a more participatory place in society. Our country is becoming more diverse, and I often wish I could speak the language of those around me. Giving your child a second language will be good for our society as well as for him personally.

Q

. M y 1 4 - y e a r- o l d daughter is constantly picking at her face. It is getting to be a problem with her acne, and we try telling her to keep her hands off. She is also eating very little and wants to exercise all the time. She also complains that she is tired. Do we need her to see a therapist? Signed concerned parents.

Page 22 • Bouldercountykids.com

A

. Your awareness of and quick response to your daughter ’s symptoms is to be commended. You have also seen the possible connection between the compulsive behaviors your daughter is exhibiting. All this has happened when she is at an age when help is the most beneficial. It is difficult being an adolescent in any generation, but it appears to be increasingly difficult in the present climate of teenage demand for ultimate perfection. Children going through the transition to adulthood are often disappointed in their appearance. They find the imperfections of their bodies unbearable. This disappointment can manifest in the behaviors you are describing in your daughter. Yes, therapy is a good idea. In addition to that, perhaps you could address some of the underlying problems of a more positive body image and socialization. Instead of exercise, could your daughter participate in a team sport? Have her see a dermatologist she likes, one who has an understanding of the psychological effects of acne. She needs to be approached with positive, affirmative comments rather than criticism or admonitions. Find her passion, an outside interest that can be encouraged. Her negative self-image is fueling her behaviors and should be addressed in positive ways.

BOULDER County Kids

ADD

ADHD

BRAIN INJURY

ANXIETY

TRAUMATIC

For more information please contact:

Kerri Honaker, LPC, Clinic Director 303-417-1797303-417-1797 | KHonaker@neuroAgility.com www.neuroAgility.com

LEARN

Kerri Honaker, M.S., M.A., LPC Earle Shugerman, MD :DOQXW 6WUHHW 6XLWH %RXOGHU &2 &KHUU\ &UHHN 1R 'ULYH 6XLWH : 'HQYHU &2

We accept most major credit cards. Insurance coverage may apply

ASPERGER’S

Sleep

Athletes

ADL is proud to work with you and your school to make Boulder County safe and inclusive for all people.

For more information please contact the Anti-Defamation League:

303.449.2607 • Boulder@ADL.org

Winter 2011 • Page 23

TALENT

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

Holiday Gif

by Sarah Hagerman

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ith the holidays fast approaching, it’s easy to feel pressured to find that perfect gift for the children in your life. But instead of getting them something they will play with alone, you may consider getting a gift that will involve the whole family. There are oodles of fun and fabulous options for toys and activities that will encourage multigenerational play. Here are some of our favorites at Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe. A great starting point is to think of activities that families can do together. To encourage creativity in the kitchen, there are many cookbooks aimed towards the younger set. An especially unique and fun pair of books is Wookie Cookies: A Star Wars Cookbook and Star Wars Cookbook II: Darth Malt and More Galactic Recipes. These books are perfect for multiple generations of Star Wars fans, with simple but tasty recipes and delightful photos that recreate scenes from the films. May the forks be with you! There are many games and puzzles designed for multi-

generational play, such as Camp, which teaches players of all ages about wilderness survival skills and wildlife facts, with questions designed for different age levels. Spot It! by Blue Orange Games is a card matching game that is simple enough for players as young as four, but fast-paced enough for adults to enjoy. The variety of activities in Dicecapades!, a mixture of dice games, physical challenges, artistic creations and trivia questions, are guaranteed to keep the whole family on the edge of their seat. For quieter play, Blokus is a classic strategy game and Mensa award-winner that encourages healthy brain activity, as players scheme to fit all their pieces on the board. When it comes to puzzles, Ravensburger has many beautiful designs in varying degrees of difficulty —they even make one with 32,000 pieces! You can dedicate a corner of a room as the puzzle corner, set up a table with chairs, and then leave the puzzle out for everyone to put together. Your family will

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have quite a sense of accomplishment when it’s done. Storytelling is a valuable activity that encourages not only creativity, but also multigenerational conversations. Rory’s Story Cubes use dice printed with pictures to spark on-the-fly inspiration. Or you can pick up a pack of eeBoo’s Tell Me a Story cards. Each card set features a different theme, such as Mystery in the Forest or Little Robot’s Mission, to inspire original— and sometimes off-the-walltales. For a simple and fun conversation starter, grab a Chat Pack for Kids. The set contains 156 cards, each with different questions to get your children thinking and talking. Learning about science and nature together can instill an early passion for these subjects in your children. Consider one of the Scientific Explorer kits—they come in a variety of subjects, from Backyard Science to My First Chemistry Kit,

but the Ice Cream and Soda Pop kits are an especially fun way to learn about chemistry, while making a tasty, cold treat. A backyard birdwatching experience can easily be created with bird calls, binoculars and a make-yourown birdhouse kit. Or, before bedtime, take the opportunity to teach your kids about the constellations. Klutz makes a great guide called Backyard Stars: A Guide for Home and the Road. You can even take the stargazing inside by creating constellations with glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling. Building and design toys are very rewarding to work on together. Classics like Erector Sets or newer building systems like K’Nex, which features some aweinspiring projects like a sixfoot ferris wheel, will foster a sense of teamwork and accomplishment. High-tech toys like Snap Circuits or Rokenbok have consistently won awards for their educa-

BOULDER County Kids

ft Ideas

tional value and will inspire budding young engineers. And you can’t go wrong going low-tech and making paper airplanes. Klutz has a great book on this, with several paper choices and designs. Instilling new holiday traditions is a wonderful way to bring families closer together before exchanging gifts, underscoring family time over materialism during this season. Elf on the Shelf combines the fun tale of an elf who reports back to Santa on how children are behaving. Each book set comes with its very own elf, for parents to hide in a different location each night for their children to find the next morning. Parents will love hiding the elf, and children will delight at finding him every morning. Finally, creating a gift for a loved one together is not only a wonderful way to encourage artistic expression, but emphasize the importance of giving and not just receiving. Grandparents especially love personalized, handmade presents, such as Make

a Plate by MakIt, a kit for kids to turn their artwork into a dishwasher-safe plate, or Illustory by Creations by You, where a child can write and illustrate an original story, then send it away to be published as a professionally typeset, color copied book. For older children to design gifts, Harrisville Designs makes a beautiful potholder loom kit. Ornaments and picture frames are always welcome, personal options, and you can check out some of the cute kits by Creativity for Kids for inspiration or think about what you have around the house. The possibilities are endless!

We hope some of these suggestions will help you in your gift-giving and holiday planning. Remember, if you have questions or need suggestions, you can stop into any of our Grandrabbit’s locations and speak to our friendly and knowledgeable staff or check out www.grtoys.com. Happy holidays, from all of us at Grandrabbit’s!

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0 Winter 2011 • Page 25

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

Porsche’s Educational Tips

Suggestions today to increase your child’s success tomorrow!

Is it possible for our Children to Overcome Personality Conflicts with Teachers by Porsche Young

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ur children often begin the school year with enthusiastic promises to complete assignments and study for tests. We breathe a sigh of relief as we listen to them tackle homework, and we listen with pride to their good intentions. Then, as the weeks pass, we begin to notice an assignment or two that was completed too quickly or that was not even turned in. When we inquire about this apparent dissolution of academic resolve, we sometimes hear a barrage of complaints that can be roughly summarized as, “The teacher hates me!”

Dispel Fear

Our hearts sink when we hear such a statement. We had hoped that all teachers would always have the patience and kindness required to see beneath the surface and treat our children fairly. As we see the enthusiasm for this school year become battered and tossed aside, our initial reaction is often denial. We may attempt to convince our child that it couldn’t possibly be true. Or, that perhaps today was not a great day and that tomorrow probably will be better. In other words, we may attempt to dispel our children’s fears and replace them with hope. Such a technique occasionally works, particularly with younger students.

However, more often, children are so solidly convinced about the presence of a severe personality conflict that they require a different line of reasoning. Rather than attempt to brush over their concerns, offer to sit down (preferably in a relatively quiet spot) and listen. Although it may be difficult, do your best to allow your children to talk, saying as little as possible yourself. Listen to their entire list of reasons and allow them to state exactly WHY they are upset with this particular teacher.

Remain Neutral

When it is your turn to speak, try not to take the side of either your child or the teacher. Siding with the teacher might result in your child becoming upset with YOU as well. Siding with your child, might result in

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BOTH you and your child being upset. Instead, ask a question such as, “What do you think you should do about this?” In theory, such an open-ended question encourages children to at least think about a possible solution to their problem. It also encourages them to accept some responsibility and to use problem-solving skills. This technique occasionally works, particularly with students who have been reasonably successful in school. Unfortunately, many students will react by saying they do not plan to turn in homework or that they will never talk to the teacher again! Rather than begin a lecture about their vow of revenge, ask as calmly as possible, “How will your actions help you?” The point here is to encourage children to focus

on their future. Do they have plans that include technical training or college? In terms of preparing them for their future, how important is the information (or the final grade) in this class? Suggest that whether or not this particular teacher is fair or kind, it may be critical to their future goals that they manage to earn a reasonable grade in the class. It is important that children know we hear their concerns, and it is also important that they learn to survive and succeed in a world that includes unfair or unkind people. If your child is not inclined to pursue such forward thinking, ask questions such as, “Why do you think this teacher is so angry (or so unfair)?” Or, “Are you the only student this teacher seems to dislike?” The purpose of such questions is to encourage children to put themselves in the teacher’s shoes. How does the rest of the class respond to that particular teacher? Even more importantly, how has your child been treating the teacher?

Extend Compassion

The point is that teachers are subject to the same complexity of emotions as the rest of us. When we feel unappreciated or disrespected or ignored, we often react by becoming unresponsive, judgmental or hurtful toward

others. Teachers are probably inclined to have similar emotions affecting their behavior. As with any deteriorating relationship, it is necessary for SOMEBODY to alter behavior in order to improve the negative interactions. Ask your students if they are willing to conduct an experiment. Such a suggestion does not mean our children are at fault. Merely, it is an experiment to be approached with a bit of amusement. What if THEY made the steps necessary to repair the communication deficit in the relationship? What if THEY made it a point to smile, to ask questions, to turn in homework and to appear interested in the class? Children may groan when you offer this suggestion, but determine if they are willing to conduct such an experiment for even one week. You may need to offer a bribe, but usually this approach has positive results because most people respond well to those who treat us kindly. Classroom personality conflicts do not have to result in a school year of anger and resentment. We do not have to become upset or disheartened when we hear of them. By listening to our children and coaching them to experiment with a different approach, we can assist them in improving their classroom interactions. Students

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

who acquire this skill will be learning how to be successful, even when they are faced with a difficult environment at work, with neighbors or with their own family members.

Porsche Young is owner of Learning Power, a learning system that is a step above tutoring® (for PreK-12th grade), located in Boulder. Porsche has received international acclaim for her ability to combine learning with biofeedback, puzzles, games and educational software. Porsche resides in Boulder and has five children and twelve grandchildren. For more information about this article, or to schedule Porsche to speak to your group, call her at (303) 9380136 or please e-mail, porsche@ learningpower.us

Is Your Party Planned? Check out pages 36–37

Avery’s Avid-Reader Corner Review by Avery Katz, age 14

Title:

The Boxcar Children

Grades: 2 and up Author: Gertrude C. Warner Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company Price: $4.99 (Barnes and Noble)

Summary: The first book in the series tells the story of the four Alden children, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny, who are orphans. One night, they take shelter in a bakery after buying some bread with the little money they have. In exchange for allowing them to spend the night, they agree to help around the bakery. However, when they overhear the plans for the baker to take Benny to a children’s home because he is too little, they run away. Finding an abandoned boxcar, they start a new life. They furnish their boxcar with items collected from a local dump and come across a dog with a hurt paw. Benny names the dog “Watch,” and it growls when there is a strange noise outside late at night. Henry ends up working various odd jobs in a nearby city for a young doctor, Dr. Moore, in order to earn money for food. He also does gardening for the doctor’s mother, Mrs. Moore. The children’s lives are pleasant and full of hard work, the only question is, will they be able to continue on their own?

What I liked about the Book: There were multiple reasons why I liked The Boxcar Children. The first reason is that I grew up reading this book. Actually, I grew up listening to this book since it was one of the first things my mom read me. I also enjoyed this book because of the detail the author wrote with, as well as the way she portrayed its main characters. I would recommend this book not only for children, but also preteens, teens, and adults, because even though the content is aimed for a younger audience, all age groups will find it to be extremely interesting.

Winter 2011 • Page 27

BOULDER County Kids CHILD CARE/preschool Directory 

Acorn School for Early Childhood Development—Boulder 2580 Iris Avenue (303) 938-8233 Contact - Kathy Azevedo Ages: 6 weeks - 6 years Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F Hours: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Acorn School is a full-day program serving a diverse population from 6 weeks to 6 years old. Our small group sizes, low ratios, and our primary caregiving philosophy make us a high-quality early care and education program. Two meals & snacks served daily. 4-star Qualistar rated center. NAEYC accredited. Now enrolling all ages. www.facebook.com/theacornschool W: www.theacornschool.org E: kathy@theacornschool.org

Active Boulder Kids Preschool & After School Care—Boulder 5001 Pennsylvania Ave. (303) 499-9854 Contact - Kristen Argow Ages: 2 1/2 - 9 Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F Hours: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm A world of creative and fun discoveries and adventures! We provide imaginative programs and activities that promote social/emotional growth. We teach life skills and encourage the child’s learning through active play and exploration. Small classroom sizes, caring qualified teachers, nature/play-based/learning centers. W: www.activeboulderkids.com E: ka@activeboulderkids.com

Autana Bilingual Montessori Preschool—Boulder 4732 Greylock St. (720) 935-9740 Contact - Raquel or Patricia Ages: 21/2 - 6 yrs Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F Hours: 8 am to 4 pm Autana Preschool is a bilingual Montessori home-based preschool. We offer a warm and loving home atmosphere, Montessori learning areas, education for peace, joy of learning, full immersion Spanish (bilingual staff), nature-oriented activities, a strong sense of community, and a vegetable and flower garden. W: www.autanaschool.com E: info@autanaschool.com

Bixby School—Boulder 4760 Table Mesa (303) 494-7505 Contact - Jack Kim Ages: 2 yrs 9 mos - 6 yrs Licensed Year-round Hours: 5 1/2-hour program. Extended Hours: 7:15 am to 5:45 pm Children participate in a wide variety of developmental activities, including art, music, science, dramatic play, and small and gross motor. W: www.bixbyschool.org E: preschool@bixbyschool.org

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Blue Sky Kindergarten/Preschool—Boulder 3046 11th St. (303) 443-4965 Contact - Staff Ages: 21/2 - 6 yrs. Licensed Year-round plus summer camp program. Program Days: M-F, Hours 8:30 am to 1 pm, plus aftercare to 3:30 pm. Our rich curriculum embraces the arts and honors the seasons: gardening, handwork, music, puppetry, crafts, movement, baking, and storytelling. NEW Sky Bridge Afterschool Art Program and Growing Gardens Club, 3:30-5 pm for ages 4-10 years. Morning Glory Program for parents & toddlers 6 months to age 3. W: blueskykindergarten.com

Bookworms Early Learning Preschool—Lafayette 401 West Baseline Rd. (303) 666-4449 Contact - Stefani DiAnne Ages: infant - pre-K State License #1601514 Year-round Program Days: M-F. Hours: Based on need, call to schedule. Welcome. Our philosophy focuses on the whole child through a combination of self-directed and teacher-guided activities. We believe familiarizing children with social concepts is equally as important as teaching lessons in math, language, and science. Our bilingual immersion program introduces early learning concepts equally in both languages and encourages multiculturalism. Our environment is eco-healthy, and our vegan/vegetarian recipes use organic, natural whole foods from local growers when available. Menus accommodate allergies and food restrictions. CCCAP approved and separate infant/toddler room. Curriculum provides for twin/close age siblings and other special behavioral situations that arise for parents. W: www.bookwormspreschool.com E: info@bookwormspreschool.com

Boulder Country Day School—Boulder 4820 Nautilus Court N. (303) 527-4931 x248 Contact - Patti Lemlein Ages: Preschool - 8th Grade Licensed August - May/Camp Program Days: M-F Preschool Hours: 8 am to 1 pm or 3 pm Before- & after-school care and enrichment classes available. Accreditations: NAIS, and ACIS. Small class size, one-on-one attention and a welcoming and caring environment distinguishes the preschool program at BCD. Inviting classrooms and creative outdoor spaces encourage active participation in a mix of activities and materials designed to enhance children’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth. The academically based curriculum is a mix of teacher-directed/childinitiated activity. Summer camp available in June and July. W: bouldercountryday.org E: plemlein@bouldercountryday.org

BOULDER County Kids CHILD CARE/preschool Directory

Boulder County Head Start—Boulder 3482 N. Broadway (720) 564-2210 Contact - Susi Gritton Ages: 3-5 Licensed September - May Program Days: M-F (full-day) or Tu-F (half-day). Boulder County Head Start is a FREE, comprehensive (health, nutrition, family supports, social/ emotional, and physical development) preschool. In addition to a quality experience that supports school readiness skills for your child, we believe our job is to help families connect with resources and support families’ engagement in their child’s education. Income guidelines for eligibility apply. W: www.bouldercounty.org E: sgritton@bouldercounty.org

Broomfield Academy—Broomfield 7203 W. 120th Ave. (303) 469-6449 Contact - Pat Garner, Principal Ages: 2 1/2+ Licensed Year-round, including summer Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm before/after-school option (7 am to 6 pm). Days: M-F. 2, 3, or 5 days/week. 1/2-day & full-day options. Academic preschool and jr. kindergarten. Nationally accredited (NIPSA). An individualized education helping children be exceptional, accelerated, and creative. Individual student learning plans, small class sizes, advanced curriculum, character education, and service learning programs, monthly field trips related to curriculum, before- and after-school programming, specialty classes in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, art, swimming, music, technology, and physical education. Five-acre campus with creative outdoor spaces, a swimming pool and a teaching garden for ages 2 1/2 -7. W: www.broomfieldacademy.com E: principal@broomfieldacademy.com

Children’s Alley—Boulder 2222 14th Street (303) 449-1951 Contact - Staff Ages: 6 weeks - 12 yrs Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-Th 7:30 am to 8 pm, Friday 7:30 am to 6 pm and Saturday 9 am to 5 pm. Drop-in, temporary child care center. Children are scheduled one day at a time, and fees are based on a sliding scale. Call at 2 pm to reserve child care for the following day. You may reserve ahead for Saturdays. Center features caring, experienced teachers, and nutritious meals and snacks are included. Please call or visit our website for more information. W: www.ywcaboulder.org E: childrensalley@ywcaboulder.org

Children’s House Preschool—Boulder 3370 Iris Walk Court (303) 444-6432 Contact - Michael Knuckey Ages: 21/2 - 51/2 yrs Licensed September through May Program Days: M-F morning sessions, 8:30 am-11 am or 12 noon, M-TH. Afternoon sessions 12:30 pm to 3 pm. Full-time option is available. Bringing books to life through the Storybook Journey since 1970. Our preschoolers explore and experience themes from children’s literature in a fully integrated way through dramatic play, art projects, cooking, science experiments, planting, block building, tactile play, music, and movement. Children discover the joys of becoming an author when their dictated stories are read to the class. Director Elaine McCarthy BCAEYC’s “Educator of the Year 2010” has been with the school since 1992. W: www.childrenshousepreschool.org E: info@childrenshousepreschool.org

Cottage Schools Preschool & Child Care—Boulder/Longmont 805 30th Street/1301 North St (Boulder) 1941 Terry St.(Longmont) Boulder (303) 449-4380/(303) 546-6814/Longmont (303) 651-3780 Ages: 6 weeks - 12 yrs Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F Hours: A variety of schedules available. Known in Boulder and Longmont for their “home away from home” atmosphere combined with their balanced learning programs, the Cottage Schools offer quality education and nurturing child care. Whether in their Montessori program in Longmont or their creative curriculum program in Boulder, the children enjoy a happy and relaxing environment where they develop their potentials and their natural enthusiasm for learning. The dedicated and enthusiastic teachers and caretakers are committed to guiding the children’s exploration, creative expression, social and emotional growth, and early academic learning in a way that leads to children’s feelings of success and self-confidence.

Dream Makers Preschool—Boulder Boulder (720) 274-0101 Contact - Deb Gedenberg Ages: 2 1/2 - 5 yrs Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F Hours: 9 am to 1 pm, with optional extended day program until 3:15 pm (choose any two, three, four, or five days). The enriched learning environment at the enchanting Dream Makers cottage promotes a natural ongoing process that empowers children to make positive choices throughout their lives. By nurturing both intellect and spirit using the Love & Logic approach, your child’s capabilities are unearthed while playing, exploring, and making friends in a safe setting, among sensitive, loving teachers. Get ready for kindergarten! Our extended day pre-K program on Thursdays from 1 to 3:15 pm enhances your child’s elementary school knowledge & experience for easy transitioning into kindergarten. Summer programs available for ages 2 1/2 - 8. Maximum enrollment of 15 children.

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BOULDER County Kids CHILD CARE/preschool Directory 

Exploring Minds Academy—Erie 4051 E. County Line Rd (303) 828-3452 Contact: Katie Ages: 6 wks -6 yrs. Licensed Year-round Programs Days: M-F Hours: 6 am to 6 pm Quality early learning programs below market rate, accept Colorado’s Childcare Assistance Program. Qualistar Rated Program. Highly trained teachers in early childhood education work as partners with our parents to create a learning environment that is appropriate for each child. Specially designed classrooms filled with activities that encourage learning through discovery. Flexible full- & part-time programs. W: www.exploringmindsacademy.com

Friends’ School—Boulder 5465 Pennsylvania (303) 499-1999 Contact - Mari Engle Friedman Ages: 3-5 yrs Licensed & Accredited August - May/Summer Camp Program Days and Hours: Call for days and times. A supportive community committed to educating the whole child— head, hand, and heart. Play and exploration-based preschool with a focus on relationships, communication, art, and a foundation for pre-academic skills. Small classes, low student/teacher ratios, wide variety of high-quality materials and experiences. Sliding-scale tuition based on family income and additional financial aid available. ACIS accredited, NAIS member. W: www.friendsschoolboulder.org E: info@friendsschoolboulder.org

Jarrow Montessori School—Boulder 3900 Orange Court (303) 443-0511 x113 Contact - Cindy Grace Ages: 18 mos to 12 yrs Licensed August - June Program Days: M-F, Hours: 8:30 am to 11:30 or 3:30. Before care starts at 7:30 am for students 3 and up. Aftercare until 6 pm. Established in 1964, Jarrow Montessori School is the oldest Montessori school in Colorado. We offer a child-centered program, focusing on the whole child. Our curriculum emphasizes a balanced approach to the academic, social, emotional, and physical development of each child. Jarrow provides a multiage-level learning environment prepared by knowledgeable & dedicated teachers. Call for a private tour of our beautiful 3-acre campus. W: www.jarrow.org E: cindy.grace@jarrow.org

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McGregor’s Garden Preschool—South Boulder 3535 Eastman Ave. (303) 499-9341 Contact - Barbara or Don McGregor Ages: 2 - 5 years, (must be age two by Sept. 30, please). Licensed for 12. Program Days: M-F, Hours: 7:15 am to 5 pm. Very active, loving child care in our happy home near Martin Park. Husband and wife team (both former elementary teachers). Full preschool program. Lots of field trips in the big blue van (we provide 12 car seats). Healthy, homemade meals, including cooking lessons. Arts and crafts, science, gardening, music, dance, games, puzzles, building, digging, hiking, and fishing. We climb trees and play in creeks. Plenty of creative free-play in our interesting home and in our shady backyard. We emphasize social skills. Fun for your child; peace of mind for you. Closed during BVSD Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Breaks, with no charge when closed. Celebrating our 21st year. E: barbara_don_mcgregor@msn.com

Meadowdale Kinderhaus—Niwot 7378 Meadowdale Drive (303) 827-6292 Contact - Stacie Schaefer Ages: 2 - 5 yrs Licensed Year-round Hours: M-W, 9 am to 1 pm (extended care available till 3 pm) Waldorf-Inspired home preschool located in Niwot. Nurturing and protecting childhood in a small group setting is a key element to our Kinderhaus. Play is the heart of the program, and life is the curriculum. Offering a mixed-age program in a beautiful nurturing environment. Children experience baking, painting, finger plays, stories, gardening, and tending to gentle farm animals. Media-free and wholesome organic snack and lunch are provided.

Miss Catherine’s Creative Learning Center—Boulder Miss Catherine’s Infant Center—Boulder 6525 Gunpark Drive, Suite 340 (303) 530-1820 5280 Spine Road, Suite 104 Contact - Catherine Médal Ages: 6 weeks - 6 years Licensed, NAEYC accredited Year-round Toddlers/preschool/pre-K: M-F, MWF or T/TH full day 7 am - 6 pm. Infant Center: M-F, 7 am to- 5:30 pm. “Nurturing the whole child through creative learning.” Children learn best through the arts and music. Each child moves at his/her own pace to each developmentally appropriate group. Music teacher. Classical music during rest time. Creative curriculum. Limited space. Infant Center has 1 to 4 ratio of teachers to students.

BOULDER County Kids CHILD CARE/preschool Directory

Montessori Academy—Lafayette 801 N 111th Street (303) 926-8321 Contact - Jean Chorbajian Ages 21/2-6 years Licensed August - May/Summer Camp Program Days: M-F Hours: 7:45 am to 5:30 pm. Full- and half-day programs, with before- & after-school care. Montessori Academy provides a challenging and nurturing environment that leads children toward confidence, independence, and a life of learning through discovery, observation, and positive, helpful friendships. We offer preschool and kindergarten programs in a nurturing environment that respects each individual child. Montessori Academy has been an American Montessori Society member school since 2002. Our lead teachers are certified and have extensive classroom experience. Music and Spanish are each offered 2 afternoons a week. Schedule a tour today and see plans for a new, specially designed building. W: www.montessoriacademylafayette.com E: montessori.academy@mac.com

Morning Glory Playgroup—Lafayette 210 S. Carr Avenue (303) 926-0224 Contact - Charlotte Ages: 2-5 years Licensed August - May/Summer Camp Program Days: M-F Hours: 1/2 day 9 am to12:30 pm and full day from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Morning Glory Playgroup is a home-based child care program. We offer a nurturing environment while educating your child through imaginative play, music, movement, games, crafts and arts, nature walks, and activities that support everyday living. Licensed family child care training/LifeWays training and certification in progress. W: www.morninggloryplaygroup.com E: wingold@frii.com

Mountain Shadows Montessori School—Boulder 4154 63rd Street (303) 530-5353 Contact - Jan Ferwerda Ages: 12 months to 12 years Toddler ~ Primary ~ Elementary ~ AMI-Accredited & Licensed Program Days: M-F, 9-month program for ages 12 months to 12 years and 9 or 12-month programs for ages 3-5. Hours: Full day: 8:30 am to 2:50 pm, half day: 8:30 pm to 12 noon, extended hours program 7:15 am - 5:30 pm. Mountain Shadows Montessori School is the only fully accredited AMI (Association Montessori International) school in Colorado. Located on a beautiful 12-acre country campus in Boulder, MSMS has continuously provided excellence in Montessori education since 1976. At Mountain Shadows, children joyfully learn to reach their full potential while developing skills for living a successful life. Call today to schedule your personal tour of our campus. W: www.mountainshadows.org E: admissions@mountainshadows.org

Mt. View Preschool—Boulder 355 Ponca Place (303) 494-3557 Contact: Donna McNellis Ages: 3 - 5 Days and hours: M-F. Full-day options. Preschool is a play based preschool for children 3-5 offering preschool classes and options for extension of care. www.mvpreschool.org mtviewenroll@yahoo.com

My Second Home Bilingual Child Care Center—Lafayette Lafayette (303) 664-1098 Contact: Denise Oliver Ages: 21/2 - 6 years Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F Hours: 7:15 am to 5:30 pm Bilingual child care with bilingual preschool curriculum. We provide a variety of high-quality activities for children in Spanish & English. We also incorporate art, crafts, music, dance, cooking, indoor & outdoor games, & many more activities to enrich our learning program & make it fun for children. Ask about our summer camp programs! W: mysecondhomechildcare.com E: Denise@mysecondhomechildcare.com

Patience Montessori School—Boulder 3600 Hazelwood Court (303) 449-5214 Contact - Patience Schutrumpf Ages: 6 weeks - 6 years Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F. Hours: 7:30 am to 6 pm Patience Montessori is a private multicultural Montessori school for children from the ages of six weeks though six years; we accept children who are not potty trained. Patience Montessori offers a child care program as a service to working parents; we are open yearround. Our teachers are Montessori-accredited and group-leader qualified. W: patiencemontessori.com E: patience@patiencemontessori.com

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BOULDER County Kids CHILD CARE/preschool Directory

Sandpiper Montessori—Boulder Gunbarrel area (303) 516-1786 Contact - Lyn Mead Ages: 3 - 5 Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F. Hours: 7:30 am to 5:45 pm Sandpiper Montessori is a personalized, home-based educational environment where children attend either three, four, or five days a week with Lyn Mead, MA Ed., a certified Montessori teacher with over thirty years of experience. Spanish classes, ASL experiences, and music and movement opportunities augment offerings in the practical life, cultural study, language, math, and sensorial areas. Children learn to become responsible members of a childsized school community. W: sites.google.com/site/sandpipermontessori E: sandpiper.montessori@gmail.com

Shepherd Valley Waldorf School—Niwot Hwy. 119/Hwy. 52 (303) 652-0130 Contact - Melanie Reiser Ages: Pre-K/KG/Parent Licensed September - June/Summer Camp Program Days: 2-, 3- and 5-day Pre-K/KG programs & parent/child classes. Hours: Pre-K-K, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. After-school care available to 5:30 pm. The mixed-age Waldorf kindergarten is a world of play, makebelieve, imitation, expression. Learning at this time is best fostered through imaginative activity, stories, songs, crafts, free play, circle time, and outdoor play. The preschool kindergarten teachers create an environment where beauty, love, and security radiate from a homelike setting that gently helps children adjust to the social world of the classroom. W: www.shepherdvalley.org E: enrollment@shepherdvalley.org

Strawberry Farm Strawberry Farm PreSchool—Boulder 1020 Portland Pl. Contact - Rita Batiste (303) 709-0549 or Carolee Corey (720) 289-5911 Ages: 0-6+ Licensed August - May, plus camp Program Days: M-F, 9 am to 5 pm. (2, 3 and 5 day options). August 15th - May 31st, Summer camp: June 1st - August 15th. Nature, & community-based program with experiential learning as the touchstone. All natural/organic snacks and lunch provided. Student/Teacher Ratio 3:1. W: www.strawberryfarmboulder.com E: admin@strawberryfarmboulder.com

St. Stephen’s Christian School—Longmont 1303 S. Bross Ln. Contact - Jen Arndt (303) 702-1812 Ages: 3-6 yrs Licensed September - May Program Days: T/W/ or TH (3- to 4-yr-olds), T/W/TH (4- to 5-yrolds) Hours: 8:45 to 11:15 am. After-school enrichment classes T/W,

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from 11:15 am to 2:15 pm now available. The goal of St. Stephen’s is to develop each child’s mind, body, and spirit, while establishing strong foundations of knowledge and positive self-image in a creative, loving, Christian environment. We offer small class sizes with experienced certified teachers and a student/ teacher ratio of 6:1. Now scheduling tours. W: www.ststephenslongmont.com E: jenniferarndt@comcast.net

Sunflower Farm Sprouthouse Program—Longmont 11150 Prospect Road (303) 774-8001 Contact - Bren Ages: 2.5 to 5 yrs Year-round Program Days and Hours: M-F. Choose 1 class per week or several. Mornings: 9 am to 1 pm, Afternoons: 1:30 to 4 pm This is an early childhood, outdoor, nature program. Even on cold days, we bundle up and walk the farm, feed animals, build snowmen, collect eggs, climb the giant tree house, catch toads, or follow bugs. Inside activities include books, blocks, and our large recycled creative art building, where children choose from painting, woodworking, sculpting, fabric art, sensory materials, and more! This is a drop-off program, however, parents are welcome to stay anytime. W: www.sunflowerfarminfo.com E: bren@ecentral.com

Sunflower Preschool—Boulder 3340 Dartmouth (303) 494-2012 Contact-Debbie Ellman Ages: 2 1/2 - 6 Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Part-time schedules available. Sunflower Preschool, which opened its doors 30 years ago, offers a small, eco-friendly, play-based, hands-on nurturing environment where children learn through exploration and discovery. At Sunflower Preschool our classrooms are Montessori-based with a science and nature emphasis. The teachers are all well-paid professional ECE teachers who have been a part of the Sunflower staff for years. Please come take a look at our unique children’s science museum as well as the multi-sensory outdoor environment*. *PACE certified since 2008, *Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. Limited openings for 2011–2012 school year. W: www.sunflowerpreschoolboulder.com E: info@sunflowerpreschoolboulder.com

Treehouse Learning—Louisville 175 North 96th St. (303) 666-1950 Contact - Nancy Benson, Ph.D. Ages: Infants - Kindergarten Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F, 3 - 5 full days Hours: 7:30 am to 6 pm Treehouse Learning offers early education and child care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, plus full-day kindergarten. Our curriculum is comprehensive, including social skills, sign language, Spanish, art, music, movement. Professional staff, small groups, low ratios, top-quality snacks and lunches, beautiful facility and grounds. Located in the Indian Peaks area, near 95th & Baseline; founded and locally owned by Dr. Nancy Benson. Limited availability in all groups. W: www.treehouselearning.com

BOULDER County Kids SCHOOL

Private Schools o Alexander Dawson School—Lafayette 10455 Dawson Drive (303) 665-6679 Contact - Admissions Office Ages: K - 12th grade Licensed & Accredited September - June/Camp Program Days: M-F, 175 days. Hours: 8 am to 3:25 pm, plus AfterSchool Academy. A well-rounded, Renaissance approach. Student/teacher ratio of 7/1, daily enrichment (art, music, computers, library, foreign language, sports), stimulating academics, superb teachers. W: www.dawsonschool.org E: admissions@dawonschool.org

Bixby School—Boulder 4760 Table Mesa (303) 494-7508 Contact - Pat Baker Ages: K - 5th Grade Licensed 9-month & year-round Hours: 8:30 am to 3:15 pm (7:15 am to 5:45 pm extended day) Small group instruction in language arts, mathematics, geography, science, music, art, and history, with curriculum geared to challenging each student’s needs. We teach to individual strengths, so every child thrives. W: www.bixbyschool.org E: office@bixbyschool.org

Boulder Country Day School—Boulder 4820 Nautilus Ct. North (303) 527-4931 x 248 Contact - Patti Lemlein Ages: Preschool - 8th Grade Licensed August - May/Camp Program Days: M-F Hours: 8 am to 3 pm, middle school until 3:15. Before & after school care and enrichment classes available. Accreditations: NAIS, ACIS, and Approved Middle Years International Baccalaureate School. Situated on a picturesque, safe, and private 5.5acre campus, Boulder Country Day School is a small, independent school that provides a well-rounded classical education distinguished by academic excellence and social development in a caring and supportive learning environment. Summer camp in June and July. W: bouldercountryday.org E: plemlein@bouldercountryday.org

Boulder Valley Community Open School—Boulder 6717 S. Boulder Rd. (303) 588-4971 Contact - Dawn Maggio Ages: 5-18 August - May Program Days: M-F Hours: 8 am to 3 pm. BVCOS is a new independent school, that opened fall 2010! Our model is based on democratic decision making, multiage groupings, and student-directed learning. We offer an Earned Discount Program, which can discount tuition by 10%. Homeschool programs are also available! W: www.bvcoschool.org E: info@bvcoschool.org

Broomfield Academy—Broomfield 7203 W. 120th Ave. (303) 469-6449 Contact - Pat Garner, Principal Ages: 2 1/2 - 14 yrs Licensed Year-round, including summer Program Days: M-F. Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Before- and afterschool programs. Academic preschool through middle school. Nationally accredited (NIPSA). An individualized education helping children be exceptional, accelerated, and creative. Individual student learning plans, small class sizes, advanced curriculum, character education, and service learning programs, monthly field trips related to curriculum, before- and afterschool programming, specialty classes in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, art, swimming, music, technology, and physical education. Five-acre campus with creative outdoor spaces, a swimming pool, and a teaching garden. Year-round enrollment. W: www.broomfieldacademy.com E: principal@broomfieldacademy.com

Colorado Virtual Academy Statewide Online Public School Web: K12.com/CO (866) 339-6818 (toll free) Contact - Amy Valentine Ages: K-12th grade Cost: Free School year With Colorado Virtual Academy (COVA), your child can thrive in school. We’re a tuition-free, online public school serving Colorado students in grades K-12 with award-winning courses from the comprehensive K12 curriculum, ongoing support from Colorado-licensed teachers, an active, vibrant school community, and extracurricular activities. A program of Adams 12 Five Star school district, COVA is the only statewide virtual public school program in the state offering the complete K-12 experience. Also, even though they are enrolled in an online school, COVA students can still participate in their school district’s extracurricular athletics and activities.

Friends’ School—Boulder 5465 Pennsylvania (303) 499-1999 Contact - Mari Engle Friedman Ages: K-5th grade Licensed & Accredited Aug - May/Summer Camp Program Days: M-F Hours: 8:30 am to 3:15 pm Aftercare and enrichment classes 3:15 to 5:30 pm A supportive community committed to educating the whole child—head, hand, and heart. Experiential and integrated curriculum, emphasizing academics, problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Small classes, low student/teacher ratios. Sliding-scale tuition based on family income and additional financial aid available. ACIS accredited, NAIS member. W: www.friendsschoolboulder.org E: info@friendsschoolboulder.org

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BOULDER County Kids

Private

SCHOOL

Hillside School—Boulder 6717 S. Boulder Road (303) 494-1468 Contact - Kathy Sherman Ages: 1 - 9th grade Licensed August - May/Summer program Program Days: M-F Hours: 8 to 11 am and 12 to 3 pm Hillside provides specialized, research-based instruction for students with learning differences such as dyslexia in grades 1-9, in a caring, supportive environment. Experiencing real academic growth allows our students to discover their full potential and become successful learners in all academic areas. W: www.hillsidelearning.org E: kathy@hillsidelearning.org

Jarrow Montessori School—Boulder 3900 Orange Ct. (303) 443-0511 x 113 Contact - Cindy Grace Ages: 18 mos to 12 yrs Licensed August - June Program Days: M-F, Hours: 8:30 am to 11:30 am or 3:30 pm. Before care starts at 7:30 am for students 3 and up. Aftercare until 6 pm. Established in 1964, Jarrow Montessori School is the oldest Montessori school in Colorado. We offer a child-centered program focusing on the whole child. Our curriculum emphasizes a balanced approach to the academic, social, emotional, and physical development of each child. Jarrow provides a multiage-level learning environment prepared by knowledgeable and dedicated teachers. Call for a private tour of our beautiful threeacre campus. W: www.jarrow.org E: cindy.grace@jarrow.org

Mountain Peak Private School—Longmont 1833 Sunset Place (720) 494-1622 Contact - Tom Buckett Ages: 3 - 12 yrs (6th grade) Licensed August - June/Summer Camp Program Days: M-F Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MPPS is an independent, nonsectarian school that focuses on educating the whole child. Recognizing that each child is unique, MPPS entitles its teachers to individualize curriculum based on each child’s developmental stage. We offer learning experiences that reach beyond the core academic areas beginning at the preschool level. We strive for excellence by nurturing each child’s intellect, curiosity, and social growth. And because studies have shown that large class sizes adversely affect learning, we are committed to keeping our classes small (15 or fewer for K-6th grades, smaller for preschool). Before/after-school care, daily PE, art, music, foreign language. W: www.mountainpeakschool.com E: mountainpeak@comcast.net

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Schools The Patchwork School—Louisville 1428 Main St. (720) 271-6729 Contact - Michele Beach/Elizabeth Baker Ages: K-5, Preschool and Toddlers August - May Program Days: M-F Hours: 9 am to 3 pm. Before and aftercare, from 8 to 9 am and 3 to 5:30 pm. The Patchwork School is a nonprofit, democratic school in Louisville, Colorado. We offer full-time and part-time programs for children ages 1 1/2 to 5 years old and kindergarten through 5th grade, as well as an after school program. Our philosophy is composed of principles from Democratic Education, Reggio Emilia, and Humane Education. We are committed to preserving every person’s right to a life of self-direction, meaning, and joy. W: www.thepatchworkschool.com E: info@thepatchworkschool.com

Shepherd Valley Waldorf School—Niwot Hwy. 119/Hwy. 52 (303) 652-0130 Contact - Melanie Reiser Ages: 3-14 Licensed September - June/Summer Camp Hours: M-F, 8:30 am to 3:20 pm, with after hours to 5:30 pm Shepherd Valley Waldorf School offers a developmentally appropriate, balanced approach to education that integrates the arts and academics for children from preschool through eighth grade. It encourages the development of each child’s sense of truth, beauty, and goodness and provides an antidote to violence, alienation, and cynicism. The aim of the education is to inspire in each student a lifelong love of learning and to enable them to fully develop their unique capacities. Call for a personal school tour. W: www.shepherdvalley.org E: enrollment@shepherdvalley.org

Tiny Tim Center—Longmont 611 Korte Pkwy (303) 776-7417 Contact - L.J. Ferebee Ages: 2.5 to 4 NAEYC Accreditation Hours: M-Th. Half- and full-day options. Preschool offering an inclusive classroom environment for both special needs and typical children. Low teacher to student ratios. Scholarships available to families who qualify. W: www.tinytimcenter.org E: LJFerebee@tinytimcenter.org

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

heaLth care directory Boulder 

Advantage Electrolysis Rebecca Feldman, C.E. 2885 Aurora, Suite 15 D

(303) 444-6861

W: www.advantageelectrolysis.com Electrolysis and laser hair removal. Fifteen-minute to one-hour treatments with 20 years experience. $10 off first visit. Hours: Mon-Th: 10 am-5 pm. Call for appointment. See ad.

Healthy Ecologies Karen Strawn

neuroAgility, PC Kerri Honaker, M.S., M.A., LPC 2501 Walnut St. Suite 205 (Boulder) 3773 Cherry Creek No. Drive, Suite 690W - (Denver)

(303) 417-1797

W: www.neuroAgility.com Ages: 7 and up Diagnostic evaluations for ADHD and brain injury. Brain mapping and neurofeedback as an alternative to a medication approach. ADHD support groups now available for parents/adults/significant others. Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 am to 7 pm. See ad.

(303) 594-6680

Blog: www.healthyecologies.com E: karen@healthyecologies.com Ages: All We support families who have environmental sensitivities, food sensitivities and learning challenges. We identify and remove major triggers that cause reactions in the home. We then educate the child/family to prevent further exposures and build health back. Check out our weekly blog site for tips and articles on environmental health.

Environmental Health Tips

HEALTHY TOY CHOICES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

1. Avoid soft plastics, PVC plastic or vinyl in toys. Some are now labels BPA free. 2. Be careful of lead paint with imported toys and plastic coating on American-made wood toys. 3. Avoid toxic flame retardant in sleepwear.

Towards Wholeness and Balance Deborah Hoff, B.S., R.N.

(303) 579-0849

W: www.towardswholenessandbalance.com E: deb_hoff@hotmail.com Ages: All Energy Medicine for Body/Mind/Spirit, You don’t have to believe anything, it works anyway! Experience improved health and a new sense of well-being. Tools include the BodyTalk System, medical intuition, Reiki, flower essences. Locations in Boulder and Lafayette. Hours: Call for appointment.

4. Buy local—farmer’s markets or Christmas fairs are good places to buy lovingly made toys. 5. The best gift you can give is to play with your child. Buy interactive games or toys you can play together. SITES TO CHECK OUT: www.HealthyToys.org— Consumers database listing toxicity/nontoxicity in toys, www.best-child-toys.com, www.nncc.org/Healthy/toy. safety.html, www.cpsc.gov—U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.HealthyStuff.org—Researching Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Stuff To read more about healthy toys, check out Karen’s blog at

HealthyEcologies.com

Winter 2011 • Page 35

BOULDER County Kids

Birthday Party Directory Boulder Boulder Rock Club Indoor Rock Climbing Ages: 6 and up 2829 Mapleton Ave. Looking for a fun place to have your child’s birthday party? Have them climb our walls, not yours. Kids love to climb, and parents love to watch them. You’ll be the hero of the neighborhood when you host your child’s party at the Boulder Rock Club. We’ll take care of the climbing. You provide the food and decorations. Our birthday party room will be yours for the duration of the party as well. Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, 1 to 3 pm, and 3:30 to 5:30 pm. Contact: Jen Herling 303-865-3557 jherling@totalclimbing.com www.totalclimbing.com

Broomfield Eco-Cycle Party with the Planet! Eco-Inspired Birthday Parties from Eco-Cycle Ages: 4-12 On sale now! Eco-Cycle’s “b-earthday” parties combine fun activities and crafts with green values. Party themes include: Eco-Art, Green Thumbs Garden Party, Jungle Jam, Papermaking with Pizzazz, and the Green Teams. We travel to your party venue. See our website for more details and information about sale pricing. Proceeds support Eco-Cycle’s School Environmental Education Programs and are a tax deductible contribution. Flexible times. Contact: Kate Nelson 303-444-6634, x 103 schools2@ecocycle.org www.ecocycle.org/kids/parties

Gymboree Play & Music of Boulder

Clementine Birthday Parties Ages: 3 - 10 2775 Valmont New larger location! Parties designed with your child in mind. Art parties with high-quality materials and lots of fun for all for 11/2 hours. Minimum of 8 and maximum of 20 children. Optional extras of cakes, invitations, and gluten-free treats. Hours: Saturday morning and afternoon slots available. Contact: Staff 303-443-2520 lisa@openartsclementine.org www.openartsclementine.org

Ages: 1 - 5 2525 Arapahoe Ave., H-7 Fun Birthday Parties! Flexible Sundays (Saturdays, from 2pm). Have your child’s birthday party at Gymboree, and we do all the work! Customized parties and agespecific birthday activities. Call for all the details. Contact: Kristin Hawley 303-546-0081 boulderco@gymboreeclasses.com www.gymboreeclasses.com

Bits, Bytes & Bots Lego-Themed Birthday Bash Broomfield Academy Splash Parties Ages: 3 - 18 7203 W 120th Avenue Birthday parties in Broomfield Academy’s very warm indoor saltwater pool are a blast. And very affordable! Pool rental and lifeguard fee is $60 per hour (2-hour minimum). Heated and fully enclosed pool building is perfect for the kids to play games in the pool, in any kind of outside weather, including the snow! Bring your own birthday cake. Or, have pizza delivered! Or, bring your own food. It is an easy way to have a party. This pool is great for kids—and our lifeguards are fun to have in the pool during your party! Call to reserve your pool party today! Private, semiprivate, and group swim lessons are also available after school and on weekends. Parent-tot class on Saturdays. Contact: Anica 303-469-6449 www.broomfieldacademy.com

Countywide Adventure Quest, Storytelling & Swashbuckling with Renaissance Adventures

Imagination Circus Arts Ages: 7 and up 4747 N 26th Street Circus Birthday Parties! $230, 2 hours, 2 instructors, 10 kids. Bring your party to the circus for a birthday adventure with a big top theme! Including circus games, trapeze, Spanish web, face painting, and more! Hours: Call for your reservation. Contact: Marcy Gallardo 303-548-9340 marcy@imaginationcircusarts.com www.imaginationcircusarts.com

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Ages: 5-16 Boulder/Denver Be the hero of a mythic quest! Choose from storytelling, sworddueling, or Adventure Quest, an active Renaissance-themed game, where the kids are the heroes of a mythic quest! Solve mysteries and riddles, swashbuckle with foam swords, or cast magic spells, and negotiate peace treaties. Offering summer camps and birthday parties since 1995. Contact: Staff 303-786-9216 www.RenaissanceAdventures.com

Ages: 6 - 13 Fun Lego-themed birthday parties. Two hours of fun with models and robots, while kids learn how to program their models to make them move, dance, sing and tweet, drum roll, or participate in our Sumo Robot Match. Kids participate in challenges with models/ robots like our Sumo Robot Match. We provide all the equipment; you provide the location. No experience necessary for kids to have a great time. Please call for prices and availability. Contact: Carol Brackman 303-494-2687 www.boulderco.bitsbytesbots.com

Fun in a Bubble Ages: 4 and up Wiggle and giggle with your kids! Fun for family members of all ages! Have a party where your family can learn the art of bubblology. Your child will experience and learn how to make “unbreakable” bubbles, make wands out of household items, stand in a bubble, make a smiley face and exotic shape bubbles, and many more activities. Children have had so much fun they ask, “Do we have to go eat cake?” Nancy will travel to your party site in Boulder County and surrounding areas. Call for fees. Contact: Nancy Winkler 303-709-4767 nancy@funinabubble.com www.funinabubble.com

Lafayette

BOULDER County Kids

Longmont Louisville

Superior

le Bob L. Burger Birthday Parties Ages: 3 - 10 111 W. Baseline Road Birthday Parties at the Recreation Center on Saturdays or Sundays. Choose from swimming or gymnastics! Price includes 10 kids’ admissions to the facility, 1-1/2 hours in the party room, cake, candles, tablecloth, paper goods, and one of 16 special party “themes.” Fees: $100-150. Additional children can be added for $3/child with a limit of 20 children. Contact: Kathy Apjoke 303-665-0469 kathya@cityoflafayette.com www.cityoflafayette.com/recreation

Dog House Music Ages: 5 and up 525 Courtney Way Rock & Roll Birthday Parties! Authentic rock & roll birthday parties for kids, teens, and adults. Rock & roll makeover, interactive music video games on our giant flat screen, live performance by teen band. Hours: By appointment. Contact: Gary Lennox 303-664-1600 Contact@doghousemusic.com www.rockandrollbirthday.com

Airborne Gymnastics & Dance Ages: 3 and up 1816 Boston Avenue One hour of gymnastics fun, 45 minutes in the party room!! Trapeze, ropes, trampolines, foam pit! Rock climbing and dance parties also available. Fees: Prices start at $130. Contact: Staff 303-651-1456 pam@airbornegym.com www.airbornegym.com

Birthday Parties at The Longmont Humane Society Ages: 5-11 9595 Nelson Road Birthday memories abound when you spend your special day with the animals at Longmont Humane Society. Play games, tour our stateof-the-art shelter, play AnimalBingo, visit with a special pet, receive an autograph dog & goodie bags. All proceeds go to the care & comfort of our homeless animals. 501(c)3 Nonprofit. Check our website for info & party invitations. Fees: $150.00 for a 2-hour party. Contact: Brianna 303-772-1232 X 264 brianna@longmonthumane.org www.longmonthumane.org

Triple Creek Ranch Paint Famous “Dandy” the Palomino Horse Ages: 4 and up 4255 Nelson Road 2 hours. Birthday star and guest spaint and decorate “Dandy” the famous, beautiful palomino horse. Yep, it’s washable! Decorated clubhouse, face paint, games, horse rides, crafts, open gifts in the magical tepee, and catch your b-day wishes in your dream catcher! Nonstop creative touches & entertainment on a beautiful 64-acre horse ranch. Kids and adults leave saying it was the best party they’ve ever been to! There’s not another party in town like this one for your horse-crazy b-day star! We also have a smaller one-on-one party for your B-day star with Dandy, call for more information. Fees: $350. Contact: Lynn McChesney 303-444-4291 lynntriplecreek@gmail.com www.triplecreek-ranch.com

Mountain Kids Gymnastic-Themed Parties Ages: 2-10 yrs 474 S. Taylor Ave. (in the Colorado Technology Center) Gymnastics-themed birthday parties include 1 hour of gymnastics time with our enthusiastic birthday party staff. Activities include a gigantic obstacle course, trampoline, games, relays, parachute play, and 30 minutes of party time for cake, presents, and other party activities. We provide the party host, invitations, thank-you notes, and party favors, and of course take care of all the cleanup! Great parties for kids of all ages! Call for fees. Contact: Anna Narvaes 303-665-8287 anna@mountain-kids.com www.mountain-kids.com

Reel Kids Birthday Parties Ages: 5 and over Superior Marketplace, 602 Center Dr. # E A one-of-a-kind experience to star in a short film. Action-packed party comes complete with costumes, high-energy improv games, and a professionally edited DVD for each party guest. 2 1/2 hours. Member of Town of Superior, Boulder Chamber of Commerce and BVSD/LLL. Hours: Subject to availability. Contact: Tracey Hinkley 303-530-7600 traceyhinkley@gmail.com myreelkids.com

Westminster

Nederland FatCats Birthday Parties Birthday Party at The Carousel Ages: all 20 Lakeview Drive Rent the entire carousel or our upstairs party room. Party givers are welcome to bring their own treats; many local restaurants are able to provide food and drink. Fees: Party Room $40 per hour (includes 10 ride tickets). Entire carousel (available when we are not open) $125 per hour, which includes unlimited rides during your event. Call for more details. Days and Hours: we are always open Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm; please call for additional days and hours. Contact: Carousel Director 303-258-3457

Ages: all 10685 Westminster Blvd. Best Package includes: A two-hour celebration with bowling, shoes, two slices of pizza per child, unlimited soft drinks, balloons, party decorations, 10 arcade tokens, and a free game pass per child, a personal party host, group photo, a tour of the pinsetters, a souvenir bowling pin, and FatCats T-shirt for the birthday child. All for $18.99. Good Package includes: Everything in the “Best” package except food and 4 instead of 10 tokens per child. All for $15.99. Minimum of 10 bowlers for each package. Plus tax and 15% gratuity. Call to book your special party! Contact: Irene or Danielle 303-466-7515 www.fatcatsfun.com

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BOULDER County Kids

After-School Programs Adventure Wild Earth’s Children Boulder County

Ages: 4-17, plus family outings Primitive Skills & Nature Awareness. Reconnect with the earth through primitive skills & nature awareness. Experience the natural world as never before. Fire by friction, wild edibles, tracking, adventures, and more. Hours: Ongoing programs, check our website for details. C: Simon Harrison simon@wildearthschildren.org www.wildearthschildren.org P: 303-823-0875

Arts & Science

BVSD Lifelong Learning Boulder

Ages: 6-12 Offering high-quality, affordable after-school classes, Thanksgiving and winter break camps, and no-school day classes. We provide instruction in the arts, languages, science, and collaborative classes with the YWCA, The Spot Bouldering Gym, and various local organizations. Classes meet at BVSD schools and other locations in Boulder County. Please visit our website for complete class listings, hours, and to register for classes. C: Lifelong Learning Registrar lifelong.learning@bvsd.org www.bvsd.org/LLL P: 720-561-3768

Clementine Art Classes Boulder

Bits, Bytes & Bots Tech Enrichment Countywide

Bits, Bytes, & Bots kids learn 21st Century skills like programming and engineering. We offer after school classes and homeschool classes in engineering and pre-engineering using the award-winning LegoŽ engineering bricks and robots. Classes reinforce the new Colorado State Standards for College and Career Readiness and the National Technology Standards for 21st century learning. Prepare your kids today for the world they will live in tomorrow. Check website often for locations and activities. If you would like a class offered at you child’s school, please contact us. C: Carol Brackman www.bitsbytesbots.com P: 303-494-2687

Ages: Children to adults 2775 Valmont Clementine Studio™ is a fulltime, art enrichment program with hands-on, multimedia programs that encourage independent exploration of age-appropriate art materials in a nurturing and inspiring environment. Weekly classes, workshops, camps, parties, and more. For a complete listing, please visit our website. Hours: Call for times and days. C: Lisa Holub lisa@openartsclementine.org www.openartsclementine.org P: 303-443-2520

CU Science Discovery Boulder

Ages: 5-13 3400 Marine Street Are you looking for an enriching experience that is so much

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fun your kids won’t even realize how much they are learning? CU Science Discovery offers a variety of after-school and student day off/holiday programs designed to inspire budding science enthusiasts. Programs explore technology and science using hands-on activities that are sure to delight. Please register online or by phone. C: Anjali Maus www.colorado.edu/sciencediscovery/ P: 303-735-2230

I

Iris Studio RIS Boulder

S

Ages: 5-11 TUDIO 706 Iris Avenue Kids’ Art Classes. Pam Porter has her master’s in art educa) ' ! #%' % tion and offers classes in her # &' # beautiful studio that are cre ##' & ! "' %* ative, process-oriented, and lots of fun! Located 1/2 block $

))) % &&'( # '*$ $ #! west of Foothill Elementary School. Days and Hours: After school on weekdays. Holiday and summer camp schedules. Birthday parties, too! C: Pam Porter pamporter@me.com www.irisstudio.typepad.com P: 303-402-9556

Counseling

Rocky Mountain Counseling Services Louisville

Ages: 6-17 Therapy groups for Kids. LPC, registered play therapist. We offer a Girls’ Empowerment Group, Teen Support Group, and My Two Homes Group. C: Monica Ramunda, MA, LPC, RPT mramunda777@yahoo.com www.rockymountain counselingservices.com P: 720-304-7611

Dance

Sunflower Kids Art Studio Boulder

Ages: 3.5 - 15 5345 Arapahoe Avenue #6 Our children are taught in small, cozy groups, which allows each child to explore at their own pace and receive individual attention from the instructor. Sunflower Kids teaches children everything they need to know to create paintings that both kids and parents will be proud of. Hours: Classes held every day. Please see our schedule and online gallery for more information. C: Lika Maldutis lika@artsunflower.com www.artsunflower.com P: 720-939-7545

Boulder Ballet School Boulder

Ages: 3-Adult The official school of Boulder Ballet, under the direction of Ana Claire. Recipient of the Florence Ruston Award for Overall Excellence, Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award, and Best of Boulder Award. Program Days: M-F, Sat. Hours: 9 am-7 pm+ C: Kendra Motsinger P: 303-443-0028

BOULDER County Kids Boulder/Broomfield

Ages: All Join our dance family, where EVERYONE is a star! Fun, friendly, and expertly trained staff, personalized evaluations and recommendations for continual development, and live video observation! All ages and abilities! Special programs for preschool age, boys only, all-star poms, as well as competition and performing teams. Monthly packages and drop-ins available! Check out our stateof-the-art facilities today, and schedule your studio tour and one-on-one meeting to design the perfect class schedule. C: Staff info@elitedanceacademy.net www.elitedanceacademy.net/bck P: 303-442-3745 - Boulder P: 303-466-8626 - Broomfield

Ballet School Boulder

Ages: 3-18 2590 Walnut Street Treat your child to an opportunity to study with the experts at the Lemon Sponge Cake Ballet School. We offer classes to students ages 3 though 18. Classes range from creative movement, pre-ballet, ballet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 to the unique, exciting Lemon Sponge Cake Youth Programs, learning unique choreography and on-stage performances. Days/Hours: M-Sat with afterschool hours. C: Jenifer Sher jenifer@lemonspongecake.org www.lemonspongecake.org P: 303-545-2298

DRUMS

environment, tailored to your child’s unique learning style. All levels and abilities welcome. Berklee College of Music graduate with 20 years of teaching experience. Ask about summer camp and group lessons! Located in downtown Louisville next to The Art Underground. Hours: Weekday afternoons/ evenings & Saturdays C: Christopher Beers info@afterbeatdrumschool.com www.afterbeatdrumschool.com P: 720-837-5410

Empowerment

Success Strategies 4 Kids Boulder

For ages 6-16. Interactive, fun workshops for kids. Helping kids gain communication skills, reduce aggression, decrease behavior issues, and build friendships. SECRETS OF FRIENDSHIP: Six Skills to Make and Keep Friends. ALTERNATIVES TO ANGER: Strategies to Deal with Anger. Days & Hours: Tuesdays, 5:30 to 7 pm, 5 sessions. Fees: $175. ($150 early registration). C: Sherry Lewis slewis.consulting@gmail.com www.ss4k.com Facebook.com/sLewisCounselor LinkedIn.com/in/SherryLewisCounselor Twitter.com/sLewisCounselor P: 303-915-4421

Ages: 8 and up Private lessons in a creative

Guitar

Boulder Guitar Studio Boulder

Ages: 6 and up Guitar and bass guitar lessons for all ages, styles, & levels. Learn your favorite songs & the fundamentals, techniques, theory, & reading skills behind them. Custom approach determining your interests & focus on having fun while reaching goals. Fees: $30 per 30 minutes, $40 per 45 minutes, $50 per hour. Days and Hours: M-F, 10 am-7 pm. C: Lee Johnson lee@boulderguitar.com www.boulderguitar.com P: 303-442-2379

Gymnastics

Ages 5-12. 1428 Main Street The Patchwork School is now offering after-school hours! Join us for gardening, art, music, animals, and more. Program Days: M-F

Mountain Kids Gymnastics & Dance Louisville

Ages: Walking and up 474 S. Taylor Avenue At Mountain Kids there are mountains to climb, rivers to cross, jungles to conquer, and fun to be had. Also, strength, flexibility, coordination, confidence, and new skills are acquired every day. Students discover their amazing movement potential through GYMNASTICS & DANCE classes in a safe, creative, and nurturing environment! We make moving and learning fun! Transportation available from select schools. Programs & times vary. Please call or visit our website for more information. C: Anna Narvaes anna@mountain-kids.com www.mountain-kids.com P: 303-665-8287

Jewish Studies

Cheerleading

Enrichment

The Patchwork School Louisville

Afterbeat Drum School Louisville

Hours: 3-5:30 pm. C: Christy Lochary info@thepatchworkschool.com www.thepatchworkschool.com P: 720-271-6729

AIRBORNE GYMNASTICS & DANCE Longmont

Ages: All 1816 Boston Avenue Dance, gymnastics, cheer tumbling, and rock climbing classes for children. After-school and Saturday classes available. C: Staff pam@airbornegym.com www.airbornegym.com P: 303-651-1456

Congregation Nevei Kodesh—Boulder 3269 28th Street Ages: 6-13 years We provide Nevei Yeladim (Oasis for Children), a Jewish Renewal school with innovative programs in Hebrew, Jewish culture, and Torah study, designed to inspire, delight, and nourish your child’s spiritual growth. Program Days: Sun-Th. Hours: afternoons/eve. C: Sue Salinger W: www.NeveiKodesh.org E: school@neveikodesh.org P: 303-443-4567

Winter 2011 • Page 39

BOULDER County Kids

After-School Programs Music Music Together® of Boulder Ages: Birth-5 Small intimate parent/child programs. FREE demo classes offered throughout the year. Call for times and fees. Two Boulder locations—downtown and north. C: Jane Simms Roche www.musictogetherboulder.com P: 303-530-0434

Music Together® Boulder/Fort Collins

Ages: Birth-4 Research-based early childhood music & movement program, incorporating singing, movement, and instrument play for children & caregivers. Mixedaged classes/siblings welcome. Free demo/brochure. Weekly 45-minute classes. Call for fees. C: Jane Smolens www.mountainsongmusic.com P: 303-413-1120

Music Together® Big Kids Boulder

Ages 5-7 The next musical step for your 5, 6 or 7-year-old. The Big Kids class blends elements of the beloved Music Together® curriculum with new musical activities perfect for older children. C: Jane Smolens www.mountainsongmusic.com P. 303-413-1120

Piano Parlando School for the Arts Boulder

Ages: All 2590 Walnut St. (Dairy Center) Parlando School for the Arts offers private instruction, group classes, and ensembles for students of all ages and abilities, on all musical instruments and in voice and musical theater. Our faculty of 50 of the region’s best teachers provide instruction to more than 700 students each week. More than half of our faculty have advanced degrees in music. C: Staff info@parlando.org www.parlando.org P: 303-442-0006

Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts Lafayette

Ages: All 200 E. Baseline Road Lessons, classes, and ensembles. Full member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education RMCMA is committed to providing highquality musical experiences for people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, and financial circumstances. We value excellence in arts education and access for all members of the community. Hours: M-F, 9 am - 9 pm C: Nancy Brace brace@comusic.org www.COmusic.org P: 303-665-0599

Sandy Burrell Music Studio Niwot

a) Intro to Flute, 6 weeks b) Intro to Violin, 8 weeks c) Intro to Music,1 semester d) Penny Whistle Program Fees:$10/class. Pay by session. Call for current class times. C: Sandy Burrell sisb1358 at comcast dot net P: 303-652-3287

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Group Piano/ Keyboard Class Boulder

Ages: 6 and up Children learn musical notation, theory, composition/improvisation music in a fun, supportive, creative environment. Weekly one-hour classes. Small groups of 6 children or fewer. Keyboards provided during lesson time. Jane Smolens has been a piano/music educator since 1986. C: Jane Smolens www.mountainsongmusic.com P: 303-413-1120

Rose Garden Music North Boulder

Ages: 4 to 84 Deep LOVE of teaching music in a joy-filled, humorous way that leads to success & musicality for each student. Individualized, customized program that focuses on intrinsic motivation. Performance opportunities, emotionally safe, nonjudgmental, supportive, and happy environment. Extensive background in piano performance, composition, pedagogy, psychology, & childhood development has proven invaluable with children of all ages as well as adult students! NPR endorsement. Hours: By appointment C: Jessica Dinsdale rosegardenmusic@aol.com P: 303-442-2690

Swimming Swim•Float•Swim! Home of Infant Aquatics Longmont

Harmonious Music Piano and Accordion Louisville/Westminster

Ages: 4 and up. First lesson free! Master’s degree in piano, accordion, and musical performance. Fun and loving instruction in your home, using traditional methods of reading and playing, coupled with The Russian school of piano/accordion playing techniques: Lessons focus on music as an art form and how it has the ability to portray its different feelings, moods, and emotional experiences associated with everyday life. Days: Monday-Saturday C: Nina Soloviova www.harmoniousmusic.webs.com P: 303-502-8224

Ages: 6 months and up. Diagonal Trade Center 795 S. Sherman Street Boulder County’s best swim lessons are in Longmont! At Swim•Float•Swim! your child will learn to swim safely in weeks, not years. Our brandnew, child-friendly, indoor, warm-water saline pool means no more shivers for little ones. We are swim lesson experts— certified, professional, mature instructors teaching survival skills & stroke development. Hours: 7 am-7 pm, M-F C: Judy Heumann judy@infantaquatics.com www.swimfloatswim.com P: 303-499-2229

BOULDER COUnty KiDs theater

SAT/GED prep, homework help, advanced math, and creative writing. Flexible payment plans. Refund policy. Hours: M - Sat, 8 am-8 pm C: Staff www.dreamcatcherlearning.com P: 303-444-8422

Violin

BOULDER SUZUKI STRINGS Boulder

MATHNASIUM MATH ONLy Learning Center

Lafayette

ROCKy MOUNTAIN THEATRE FOR KIDS Boulder

Ages: 5-15 5311 Western Ave., Ste. D (near Arapahoe & 55th)

Boulder’s premiere children’s theater offers Boulder’s best theatrical training in acting & auditioning, musical theater, improvisation, voice, dance, & more. After-school programs, school-day-off camps, and summer camps. C: Stuart Motola info@theaterforkids.net www.theaterforkids.net P: 303-245-8150

tutoring

DREAMCATCHER Direct Instruction Centers Boulder

Ages: 5 to Adult 5440 Conestoga Court We promise one grade level increase in 30 hours of instruction, or we will teach your child for free! Oneon-one supplemental educational services in reading, spelling, math, writing, critical thinking, and study skills. Research proven curriculum guarantees one grade level in only 30 hours! Also: ACT/

Grades: 1-College Calculus 2770 Arapahoe Rd. Ste 114 Math Is Important! Mathnasium’s affordable, proven, customized programs work with kids to build a solid MATH foundation that makes sense to them. Our programs increase confidence and help kids understand & do their homework. Catch-up and enrichment, private lessons, special summer camps & SAT/ ACT math prep programs. WARNING: Your child could become crazy about math! Hours: 3 to 7 pm, M-Th; Sundays, 2:00 to 5:00 pm C: Lisa & Alan Iguchi boulder@mathnasium.com www.mathnasium.com/boulder P: 720-890-9000

THE BRAIN CONNECTION COLORADO Erie

Ages: 7 to Adult Does your BRIGHT child STRUGGLE in school? Lack ATTENTION or FOCUS? Lack MOTIVATION? Lack SELF-CONFIDENCE? Fail to take RESPONSIBILITY for LEARNING? Fail to THINK LOGICALLY? Is your GIFTED child bored? Provide UNLIMITED potential for those with DISABILITY as well as those with HIGH ability. INDIVIDUALIZED program using BRAIN-BASED programs such as BrainWare Safari, Interactive Metronome, and The Listening Program. Call or e-mail now for a FREE consultation. info@BrainConnectionColorado.com www.BrainConnectionColorado.com C: Mary Hill P: 303-808-7796

Ages: 4-18 Suzuki music instruction by registered faculty in violin, viola, & cello. Private & group lessons, note reading, theory, public performances, and more. Call for fees and times. Program Days: M-F C: Staff P: 303-499-2807

BCK Online!

It Is Free to Subscribe! GET IT EARLY! • COUPON PAGES LIVE WEB and E-MAIL LINKS ARCHIVED PAST ISSUES Volume XVII No. 4

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

Winter Scene by Brice Anderson, age 7

WINTER ISSUE!

www.bouldercountykids.com Winter 2011 • Page 41

BOULDER County Kids

Winter Calendar of Events NOV

ART/MUSEUMS

November 4-12—Denver Children’s Museum of Denver Denver Arts Week Programming for ages 0-8, at 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. The littlest members of our community can learn all about the extraordinary world of art, music, and dance with special performances by Colorado Ballet, Colorado Children’s Chorale, Swallow Hill Music, and Cherry Creek Dance, plus the exciting Room of Clay. Call Heather Reider at (303) 561-0101 or e-mail heatherr@cmdenver.org for more information or check out mychildsmuseum.org November 5, 6—Westminster Children’s author and illustrator appearance at Applewood Arts Festival for all ages, from 9:30 am to 5 pm on Sat and from 11 am to 4 pm on Sun, located at Standley Lake High (9300 W. 104th). Come meet the creators of the Aldo Zelnick comic novel series for kids 7-13! Signed and personalized books make a special holiday gift. Call Karla Oceanak at (970) 6724878 or e-mail oceanak@comcast. net for more information or please check out www.aldozelnick.com Ongoing—Boulder The CU History Museum is open year-round for ages 6 and up. Seven rooms chronicling CU’s history and alumni accomplishments and space exhibit with moon rock from NASA. FREE. Located on the CU Campus. Call (303) 4926329 for more information. Ongoing—Louisville Louisville Historical Museum at 1001 Main Street. Museum Hours: T/W/Th, & 1st Saturday of every month, 10 am-3 pm. Free. Tours available. Call Carol Gleeson at (303) 665-9048 or e-mail gleesoc@ci.louisville.co.us or www.ci.louisville.co.us/museum. htm for more information.

BOOKS ’n’ STORYTELLING

M/TH/SAT—Boulder Boulder Public Library story times at 10:15 am, located at Main, Reynolds, & Meadows Branches. For all ages, but designed for ages 5 & under. Sat stories in Spanish/ English. Main Library, Marcelee Gralapp Children’s Library: M,

Th, Sat, at 10:15 am, Reynolds Branch Library: Tues at 10:15 am, Meadows Branch Library. Call Melanie Borski-Howar at (303) 441-3099 or e-mail howardm@ boulder.lib.co.us or www.boulder. lib.co.us/youth for more info. T/W/TH—Longmont Longmont Public Library story times for ages birth to 6, located at 409 4th Avenue. Lap-sit, toddler, and preschool story times 10:15 and 11 am T/W mornings; Spanish story time Th evenings at 6:30, bedtime story time Th nights at 7 pm. Call children’s and teen services at (303) 651-8477 or check out www.ci.longmont.co.us/library T/W/TH—Louisville Louisville Public Library preschool story time on T/W for ages 3-6, at 10:30 am and 1 pm, located at 951 Spruce. 30-minute sessions with theme-based stories, including fingerplays, feltboard, and songs. Also, for ages 12 mos-3 yrs, at 10:30 am on Th, twenty minutes of brief stories, songs, fingerplays, or feltboard. Call Michele KolmanWeber at (303)-335-4821 or e-mail kolmanm@ci.louisville.co.us or check out www.ci.louisville.co.us for more information. Wednesdays—Thornton Rangeview Library—Thornton Branch story time for ages 3 to 6 at 10:30 am & 1 pm, located at 8992 Washington St. Children’s librarian reads a story, and then the children do a craft with a related theme. Call Ann Myers at (303) 288-2001 or e-mail amyers@rangeviewld.org or www.rangeviewld.org Every Sunday—Boulder Boulder Public Library Go Club for ages 5-16, from 2:30 to 5:30 pm, located at 1000 Canyon. Call Melanie Borski-Howar at (303) 441-3099 or e-mail howardm@ boulder.lib.co.us for more information or check out www.boulder.lib. co.us/youth/ for more info.

CLASSES ’n’ WORKSHOPS

November 7-28—Lafayette City of Lafayette Bob L. Burger Recreation Center Zumbatomic! Zumba for kids ages 4-7 and 8-12, from 3:45 to 5:20 pm, located at 111 West Baseline Rd. This course teaches Zumba’s exciting formula with the psychology and physiology relevant to kids. Basic Zumba steps like Salsa, Merengue, Raggaeton, and Hip-Hop are modified to the appropriate age level. Mondays for 4 weeks. Call Debbie Wilmot at (303) 665-0469 or

Page 42 • Bouldercountykids.com

e-mail debbiew@cityoflafayette. com for more information or check out www.cityoflafayette.com

December 14—Boulder Music Together with Mountain Song Music Studio present a FREE demo class for ages 0-4 and their caregivers, at 9 am. A researchbased music and movement program. Have fun building basic music competence through singing, movement, instrument play, integrating a variety of musical styles/tonalities/rhythms to build a solid musical foundation. We also offer Music Together Big Kids— the next musical step for 5 to 7 year olds (a drop- off class). RSVP to Jane Smolens at (303) 413-1120 or jsmolens@mountainsongmusic. com. For more information check out www.mountainsongmusic.com Nov 28 to Dec 19—Lafayette City of Lafayette Bob Burger Recreation Center After School Gift Making for ages 5-11, from 4:15 to 5:30 pm, located at 111 W. Baseline Road. Come explore and create great holiday gifts for your loved ones. We will be working with glass, clay, fabric, and ceramic tiles. Call Debbie Wilmot at (303) 665-0469 or please e-mail debbiew@cityoflafayette.com for more information or check out www.cityoflafayette.com M/T/W/F—Longmont Playgroups for parents and children, on M: 10 am to noon, infant and toddlers: W: 10 am to 12 pm, mixed-ages, F: 10:30 am to noon, & bilingual (Spanish) 0-4 play group on the 1st and last Fridays. Also, Fatherhood Connection every Tues, from 7 pm to 8:30 pm, support and education for dads. Children’s Services can also help with child care referrals. Call St. Vrain Valley Center at (303) 776-5348. M/T/W—Boulder/Longmont HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties Healing Circles Grief Groups for ages 6-18, evenings. Healing Circles provides grief-support groups for children, teens, and parents. Donation requested. Call (303) 604-5300 or e-mail griefcenter@ hospicecareonline.org or check out www.hospicecareonline.org for more information. All Winter—Boulder Reconnect with nature through our Earth Adventures series. Young Foxwalkers for 4 to 6-yearolds and their families. Earth Adventures for 7-12 years and their families, and Survival Skills for teens. All in and around the Boulder area. Call (303) 823-0875 or check out www.wildearthschil-

dren.org for more details.

1st/3rd Thursdays—Longmont Calvary MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), bimonthly meetings for moms of children ages 0-5, from 9 to 11:30 am, at 2101 Gay Street. MOPS is dedicated to encouraging moms of young children. Find friendship and acceptance where we understand that “mothering matters.” Child care provided. Call Rene or Lauren at (303) 776-2400 or please e-mail maclemensen@mesanetworks.net 1st & 3rd Fridays—Boulder Mothers & Babies—Leaders’ support group, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, at 7100 S. Boulder Rd. Also offers support groups for new moms and babies under 6 months old for a nominal fee. Call (303) 530-0698 or visit our website at www.momsandbabies.org for more information. 1st Tuesdays—North Denver ICAN of Colorado—monthly meetings for adults, from 7 pm to 10 pm. at 3131 Osceola Street. A safe forum for information on pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. Women who have experienced a cesarean can share their feelings, and expectant parents can discuss birth options, with the latest research relating to cesarean and VBAC. Call Kristi R. Conroy at (303) 477-6243 or please e-mail icanofcolorado@hotmail.com 2nd and 4th Mondays—Boulder First Presbyterian Church MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), for ages infant to 5, from 9:15 to 11:15 am, at 1820 15th Street. Mornings include food, craft, or activity, speakers with subjects relating to moms, and discussion time that deepens relationships with your group. Children are cared for in parallel program called MOPPETS. Call MOPS information line at (303) 402-6455. 2nd Tuesdays—Lafayette La Leche League of Lafayette holds monthly breast-feeding support meetings for all ages at 9:30 am, at 100 West S. Boulder Rd. Helping mothers worldwide to breast-feed through mother-tomother support, encouragement, information, and education. Babies and children welcome! Call Linda Peirce at (303) 499-0680 or check out lafayettelll.wordpress.com 2nd Wednesdays—Boulder La Leche League of Boulder monthly breast-feeding support group meets from 6:30 to 8 pm, located at 4394 Apple Court. Dedicated to providing education, information, mother-to-mother support, and

encouragement to women who want to breast-feed. Babies and children welcome. Call Amanda at (303) 666-6850 or e-mail Afrederick@ live.com for more information. 3rd Tuesdays—Boulder Local mothers are invited to a free meeting of the Boulder County chapter of Mothers & More. We connect moms through evening meetings, speakers, moms’ night out, book discussions, children’s activities, and MORE. Come and meet us! For more information check out www.meetup.com/ Mothers-More-Boulder-County 3rd Tuesdays—Boulder La Leche League of Boulder monthly breast-feeding support group from 10 to 11:30 am. An international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization, dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breast-feed. Babies and children welcome. Call Molly (720) 9223549 or Diane (303) 444-9849 for information and meeting location. 1st & 3rd Saturdays—Boulder The Language of Food presents The French Cooking Club for ages 6 to 12, from 1 to 4 pm, located at 1140 South Lashley Lane. “Le Club de Cuisine Française,” Practice the French language, exchange ideas and information with recipes, vocabulary, cultural information, maps, and drawings. Call Marie Nicoletti at (303) 819-4084 or please e-mail her at thelanguageoffood@gmail.com for more information or check out www.thelanguageoffood.com 2nd & 4th Sat—Longmont Old Firehouse Art Center Saturday Art Experience (SAE) for ages 5-12, at 2:45-4 pm, located at 667 4th Ave. Free to members. Membership starts at $35/year and is good for the whole family. Limited space. Call (303) 651-2787 to register or e-mail firehouseart@mac.com for more information or check out www. firehouseart.org Daily—Countywide Boulder County WIC Program. Supplemental foods and nutritional health education for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women with children up to 5 years. Ongoing enrollment at 5 clinic sites. Boulder Office: 3305 Broadway; San Juan Office: 3100 34th St. in Boulder; Longmont Office: 529 Coffman, Suite 200; Salud Clinic: 231 East 9th in Longmont; Tri-cities Office: 1345 Plaza Court North 3A in Lafayette. FREE. Call (303) 441-1451. Tuesdays—Boulder Stepmother Support Group for adults, from 6 to 7 pm, at 255 Canyon, Suite 201. A safe, supportive environment for sharing your feelings and finding solutions to challenges facing you and your stepfamily. Call Paula

BOULDER County Kids

Schild at (303) 908-6557 or e-mail prschild@sugarloaf.net or check out www.paulaschild.com for more information.

Ave. Call Lika Maldutis at (720) 939-7545 or e-mail lmaldutis@ gmail.com or visit our website at www.artsunflower.com

Tuesdays—Longmont New Leaf Wellness Mom’s Group for all ages, from 9 to 10:30 am, located at 600 S. Airport Road. Active moms who meet weekly with our kids at various locations and trailheads for fitness and fun. Once-a-month health topics with doctors. Call Cecilia at (720) 8773671 or cecilia@nlcwellness.com or www.nlcwellness.com

Ongoing—Boulder The Little Gym of Boulder open enrollment at 4800 Baseline Road, Suites C106-108. Year-round open enrollment for all our classes, free trial class! Call Brooks Crosby at (303) 444-4742 or please e-mail tlgboulderco@thelittlegym.com or www.tlgboulderco.com

Thursdays—Boulder Beyond MOPS...the next step. Join us for SAMS (School-Age Moms). New group for mothers of schoolage children (kindergarten-12th grade) to share their joys and challenges. Includes guest speakers, child care, and refreshments. 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. Cost: $5. Boulder Valley Christian Church, 7100 S. Boulder Rd. Call Jan at (303) 494-4248 or Darcy at (303) 9261590 for more information. Thursdays—Broomfield Tough Love Parent Support Group will meet at the United Church of Broomfield at 825 Kohl Street, from 7 to 9:30 pm. Call Jerry Hart at (303) 494-4598 for more information. Friday Evenings—Lafayette City of Lafayette Bob Burger Recreation Center Friday Night Fun Club for ages 7-13, from 7 to 10 pm, located at 111 West Baseline Rd. A structured, supervised program that offers a safe, social, and recreational atmosphere. Held every Friday night during the school year. Call Debbie Wilmot at (303) 665-0469 or e-mail debbiew@cityoflafayette. com for more information or check out www.cityoflafayette.com Saturdays—Boulder Boulder Public Library, Main Children’s Library Young Creative Writers for ages 8-12, from 10 to 11 am, located at 1000 Canyon Blvd. Writing is fun in this popular and free class for kids in 3rd through 6th grades! Call Melanie Howard at (303) 441-3099 or check out www.boulder.lib.co.us/ youth Weekdays—Boulder/Lafayette Boulder County Head Start Enrollment drive for ages 3-5 years, from 8 am to 4 pm, located at 3482 N. Broadway. Boulder County Head Start is recruiting for its free, comprehensive preschool with full- and part-day classes. Income guidelines apply. Call Susi Gritton at (720) 564-2210 or e-mail sgritton@bouldercounty.org for more information. Ongoing—Boulder Sunflower Kids Art Studio offers year-round classes for ages 3.5 to 15, new location at 5345 Arapahoe

Ongoing—Boulder Bilingual Tots offers full immersion Spanish, French, Mandarin, German, Japanese, Hungarian, Russian, Italian, and ESL classes, for ages 0-5 at several locations in Boulder and vicinity. For schedules and to register, visit www. bilingualtots.com or with questions call Agnes Farkas-Roszell at (303) 561-1900 or please e-mail her at agnes@bilingualtots.com Ongoing—Boulder County Infant Aquatics—Swim instruction for ages 6 months to 6 years. Teaching children to swim and back float independently in weeks, not years, at the warm water indoor water park at the Holiday Inn Express in southwest Longmont. Visit www.infantaquatics.com to see how skilled your child can become. Contact Judy Heumann (303) 499-2229 or e-mail judy@ infantaquatics.com Ongoing—Longmont MOMS Club of Longmont West for preschool ages. Support group designed just for you, the athome mother of today! Call Jen Dickhans at (303) 827-3400 or please e-mail at membership@ longmontwestmoms.com or e-mail jen_bill03@msn.com for more information or check online at longmontwestmoms.com

JUST FOR FUN

Through November 28—Denver Marmots like Digger, the mascot for the Mordecai Children’s Garden, hibernate over the winter to ensure they return the following spring refreshed and ready for the warmer weather. Much like marmots, Mordecai Children’s Garden will be open through November 28, weather permitting, and then close for “hibernation.” It is scheduled to reopen on March 3, 2012. All at Denver Botanic Gardens. Check out www.botanicgardens. org for more information. November 5—Boulder Bixby School Preschool Open House for all ages, from 10 am to noon, located at 4760 Table Mesa Drive. Parents of preschoolers are invited to visit Bixby’s preschool, meet the teachers, and tour the beautiful campus. Children are welcome. Please RSVP to office@ bixbyschool.org or call (303) 4947508, ext. 0 or for more informa-

tion or please do check out www. bixbyschool.org November 5—Denver Night of the Museums, Denver Arts Week for all ages, from 5 to 10 pm. FREE. In partnership with Visit Denver’s Denver Arts Week—the annual night Denver’s greatest attractions open their doors for FREE—Museum visitors will enjoy extended hours to see T. Rex Encounter and permanent exhibitions, including Expedition Health, Space Odyssey, Prehistoric Journey, and Egyptian Mummies. All at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Check out dmns.org for more information. November 12—Lafayette WOW! Children’s Museum 15th Birthday Party from 10 am to 12 pm, located at 110 N. Harrison Ave. WOW! is celebrating 15 years in the Boulder County community! Help us blow out our birthday candles, enjoy a musical performance by Boulder Bach Fest, face painting and crafts, too! Explore the new SunSational Energy & Science exhibit! All included with museum admission! Call Katie MacDonald at (303) 604-2424 or please check out www.wowchildrensmuseum.org November 12-13—Boulder Sacred Heart of Jesus School Chriskindl Market for all ages, from 10 am to 3 pm, located at 1317 Mapleton Ave. Inspired by the markets of Germany, Sacred Heart of Jesus School will host an indoor Christmas market, filling our gym with a variety of vendors selling Christmas gifts, high-quality arts and crafts, Advent wreaths, packaged food, and more. Call (303) 447-2362 or check out www. shjboulder.org/school for more information. November 17—Longmont Longmont United Hospital Annual Gift Shop Sale for all ages, at 7 am to 3:30 pm, located at 1950 Mountain Avenue. Sale in the hospital’s gift shop. Call the volunteer office at (303) 651-5205 or e-mail lkinder@luhcares.org for more information. November 25—Estes Park Estes Park Catch the Glow for all ages, from noon to 6:30 pm, located at downtown Estes Park. A Christmas kick-off celebration: visits with Santa, carolers, and more, all topped off with a 5:30 pm lighted parade. Call Suzy Blackhurst at (970) 577-9900 or check out www.visitestespark.com for more information. November 30—Boulder Friends’ School Preschool parent information meeting for adults only, from 6 to 7:30 pm, located at 5465 Pennsylvania Ave. Tour the school, meet our exceptional teachers, and learn about our playbased, creative, hands-on, pre-aca-

Winter 2011 • Page 43

demic curriculum for children ages 3-5. Call Mari Engle Friedman at (303) 499-1999 or please e-mail info@friendsschoolboulder.org for more information or check out www.friendsschoolboulder.org Mid-Nov to Mid-Feb—Boulder The Ice Rink at One Boulder Plaza is scheduled to open in mid-November and runs through mid-February. They are expecting 40,000 skaters and spectators over the course of the season and will once again offer public ice-skating, kid’s and adult’s lessons, and broomball leagues. Call Cindi Indermill at (303) 209-3732 or please e-mail her at cindi@ oneboulderplaza.com for more information. Every Tuesday—Boulder Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe Playday Program for ages 2 - 7, at 10:30 am, located at 2525 Arapahoe. One-hour programs full of stories, science, arts, and imagination. Each week has a new theme and experiences designed with fun and learning in mind! Call Betty Quigley at (303) 443-0780 or check out www. grtoys.com 2nd & 4th Weds—Lafayette Flatirons MOPS—Meeting for mothers of children ages 0 to preK, from 9 am to 11:30 am, at 400 W. South Boulder Rd. Fellowship, Fun, & Food for moms. Child care provided. Call (303) 665-5021 x 264, or mops@flatironschurch.com for more information. 4th Mondays—Boulder Boulder Senior Services Grandparents Raising Grandkids Group for ages 45+, from 10 to 11:30 am, located at 909 Arapahoe Ave. Connect and get emotional support plus meet others in similar situations. Free child care. Call Sandy Hollingsworth at (303) 4414388 or e-mail hollingsworths@ ci.boulder.co.us or please check out boulderseniorservices.com 4th Tuesdays—Erie La Leche League of Erie monthly breast-feeding support group for all ages, at 10 am, located at the Community Library meeting room. Information, education, and support to all women who are interested in breast-feeding. Babies and children always welcome! Call Linda at (303) 499-0680, or linda@peircefamily.net or erielll.wordpress.com Ongoing—Boulder Monthly art exhibits from Boulder Valley schools, at Boulder Valley Credit Union, at 5505 Arapahoe Avenue. Call LeAnn at (303) 4153514 for more information. Ongoing—Boulder Fiske Planetarium presents Public Astronomy Shows for ages K-20. $4 for adults, $3 for children/ seniors. Call (303) 492-5001 or (303) 492-5001 or www.colorado. edu/fiske for more information.

BOULDER County Kids

Ongoing—Boulder The Business Women’s Connection currently has a few openings in their weekly group of women professionals from the Boulder County area. We are a weekly group supporting one other both professionally and personally. Please check www.businesswomensconnection. com for more information and to see how to visit our group.

Ongoing—Longmont MOM’S Club of Longmont East. Mothers with children of all ages who offer support and fun activities for moms and their children. Weekly park days, all ages and infant/toddler playgroups, field trips, moms’-night-out get-togethers, monthly meetings w/speakers & discussions, lasting friendships. Call Elizabeth Johnson at (303) 678-1573 or please e-mail us at momsclub.longmonteast@gmail. com or you can also check out our website at momsclub.longmonteast. googlepages.com/home

MUSIC ’n’ THEATER

November 4-5—Boulder Boulder Suzuki Strings Solo Recitals for ages 3 to 18. Call for times. Located at 355 Ponca Place. Violin, viola, and cello students perform solo recitals in classical and modern repertoire. Call Amy Gesmer-Packman at (303) 4992807 or please e-mail info@bouldersuzkistrings.org for more information or check us out online at bouldersuzukistrings.org November 5—Lafayette Peanut Butter Players auditions for Babes in Toyland for ages 5 to 85, from 1 to 4 pm, located at 990 Public Road. Everyone who auditions gets a part in Babes in Toyland, which will be performed on Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17. Call Jo Anne Lamun at (303) 786-8727 or e-mail pbpjl@infionline.net for more information or please check out www.peanutbutterplayers.com November 13—Nederland Play-Ground Theatre Company presents The Funny People for ages 3 and up, at 4 pm, at The BackDoor Theater, located at 740 Highway 72 North. A world premiere of a children’s TV pilot, starring Jeff Haycock and Mia Sole! Humor, adventure, and valuable lessons, this fresh sketch comedy show will capture the imagination of kids and parents alike. The twenty-two minute pilot is jam-packed with adorable, twisted characters, inspired by folklore and modern pop culture. Based on two decades of classic material developed at Colorado’s beloved Play-Ground Theatre, The Funny People translates live performance to television in a special brand of family entertainment. Call (303) 258-0393 or check out www. playgroundtheatre.com

Page 44 • Bouldercountykids.com

November 25-27—Boulder Boulder Philharmonic and the Boulder Ballet present The Nutcracker for all ages, located at Macky Auditorium, CU Campus. Friday, 4 pm, Sat/Sun Matinee at 2 pm and Sat evening at 7 pm. America’s favorite ballet, featuring a cast of 80 dancers, full scenery, beautiful costumes, and special effects. Classical choreography is infused with theatrical magic, circus arts, and a rare sense of humor. The company dancers are joined by students of the Boulder Ballet School and members of the Boulder Children’s Chorale, who provide a delightful attraction for young audience members. Call Boulder Philharmonic at (303) 4491343 or e-mail info@boulderphil. org for more information or check out www.boulderphil.org

Dec JUST FOR FUN

December 2 to Jan 1—Denver BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT – Lighting Up the City for all ages, nightly, at the Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street. One million colorful lights draped in elegant designs will illuminate the plants and hardscape features throughout the Gardens. Romantic and popular kissing spots will return, as well as the popular HoloSpex glasses that magically transform the lights into shimmering snowflakes. Each night, seasonal entertainment will be provided, and a captivating group of seasonal plants will be on display. Check online at www. botanicgardens.org for more information. December 2 to Jan 1—Denver TRAIL OF LIGHTS – Lighting Up the Country for all ages, Wednesday through Sunday evenings, at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. One million colorful lights draped in elegant designs that illuminate the plants and hardscape features on a charming country forest path—a new holiday tradition. Tour the restored 1880s homestead that will be decorated in a charming Colorado country Christmas motif. Guests can also enjoy warm drinks to ward off the chill during the walk through the Gardens’ trail. The popular HoloSpex glasses, which magically transform the lights into shimmering 3-D shapes, will be available. Check out www.botanicgardens.org for more information. December 3—Denver Children’s Museum of Denver Snack with Santa for ages 0-8, from 10 am to 1 pm, located at 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. Dress

your little ones in their holiday best and come take photos with Santa Claus! This event is the perfect way to get pictures for your holiday cards and ornaments in a quiet, safe setting. Children will also enjoy hot cocoa and get a bag of goodies to take home. Call Heather Reider at (303) 561-0101 or e-mail heatherr@cmdenver.org for more information or check online at mychildsmuseum.org December 3— Lafayette Lafayette Chamber Home for the Holidays for all ages, from 10 am to 2 pm, located at Old Town Lafayette, Festival Plaza. Bring the family to Old Town Lafayette for a day of holiday shopping while enjoying street corner caroling, visit with Santa and his reindeer and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Call Pat Vero at (303) 666-9555 or e-mail pvero@q.com for more information or check out www. lafayettecolorado.com December 4—Boulder YWCA of Boulder County Holidazical for all ages, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, located at 2115 13th Street. Kick off the holidays with the YWCA’s Holidazical, featuring a special performance by Rebecca Folsom. Event is designed for adults and children of all ages and includes lunch, entertainment, and a silent auction. Tickets are $40 adult/$20 child under age 12. Event is held at the Hotel Boulderado, and proceeds benefit the YWCA. Call Leanne Fisher at (303) 4430419 or e-mail leanne@ywcaboulder.org for more information or please check out www.ywcaboulder.org December 6—Colorado Colorado Gives Day is on Tuesday, December 6, and runs for 24 hours. This is targeted to encourage Coloradans and beyond to “give where you live.” Colorado Gives Day is an initiative to increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. Presented once again by Community First Foundation and FirstBank, Colorado Gives Day will help support many valuable programs. Donations will be accepted through GivingFirst.org, with a goal to inspire and unite Coloradans in supporting hundreds of local nonprofits. December 8—Longmont Longmont United Hospital Giant Bake Sale for all ages, from 7 am to 3:30 pm, located at 1950 Mountain View Ave. Home-baked cookies, pies, and cakes. This sale is a fundraiser for the Longmont United Hospital volunteers. Call the volunteer office at (303) 651-5205 or e-mail lkinder@luhcares.org for more information. December 10—Longmont Colorado Horse Rescue Open House for all ages, from 11 to 3 pm, located at 10386 N. 65th

St. Visit rescued horses, refreshments, learn about Colorado Horse Rescue. Book signing by Judy Archibald, author of children’s book, The Mutt & the Mustang. Call (720) 494-1414 or e-mail info@chr.org for more information or check out www.chr.org December 31—Denver Children’s Museum of Denver Noon Year’s Eve for ages 0-8, from 9 am to 4 pm, located at 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. Join us when we transform the plaza into our own Times Square! With ball drops every hour from 10 am to 3 pm., rainbows of confetti, bubble wrap fireworks and sparkly art projects, families can enjoy New Year’s festivities all before bedtime. Call Heather Reider at (303) 561-0101 or e-mail heatherr@ cmdenver.org for more information or check out mychildsmuseum.org/ December 31—Lafayette W O W ! C h i l d r e n ’s M u s e u m WOW!’s Annual New Year’s Eve Party from 10 am to 12 pm, located at 110 N. Harrison Ave. Ring in the New Year (a few hours early!) Musical performance, noisemaker crafts, parade around the Museum and special countdown at noon! Refreshments compliments of Whole Foods Market in Superior! All included with your Museum admission! Call Katie MacDonald at (303) 604-2424 or check out www.wowchildrensmuseum.org

MUSIC ’n’ THEATER

Dec through Jan—Longmont Longmont Symphony presents family concerts on December 3,4: Nutcracker Ballet; December 13: Candlelight Concert and January 28: Family Concert. Call (303) 772-5796 or check out www.longmontsymphony.org for more information. December 3—Boulder Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra Pro Musica Colorado Christmas Story for ages 10 and up, at 7:30 pm, located at 1421 Spruce Street. Collaborating with St. Martin’s Chamber Choir to bring you the rarely performed masterpiece, J. S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. $35 Premium, $24 Regular, $5 Student. Call Pro Musica Colorado at (720) 4430565 or please do e-mail info@promusicacolorado.org for more information or check online at www. promusicacolorado.org December 3, 10—Boulder Boulder Suzuki Strings Holiday Concerts for ages 3 and up, call for times and locations. Violin, viola, and cello students perform classical and holiday classics. Call Amy Gesmer-Packman at (303) 4992807 or please e-mail info@bouldersuzkistrings.org or check online at bouldersuzukistrings.org

BOULDER County Kids

Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17—Lafayette Peanut Butter Players Babes in Toyland for ages 3 and up, at 2 pm. and 7:30 pm. located at 990 Public Road. A new version of the Victor Herbert classic operetta makes a perfect family outing for the holidays performed by a large cast of talented young people and adults. Call Jo Anne Lamun at (303) 7868727 or e-mail pbpjl@infionline. net for more information or check out www.peanutbutterplayers.com

Dec 9-11 & 16-18—Westminster Ballet Nouveau Colorado The Nutcracker for ages 3 yrs. and up, at 2 pm & 7:30 pm, located at 1001 W. 84th Ave. A family-friendly production returns to delight audiences of all ages with gorgeous dancing and beautiful sets. All kids are invited on stage after the show & given the chance to meet the cast for photos! Free parking! Cost: Regular ticket prices: $49 Prime, $35 Standard, $22 Value, Child/ Student/Senior ticket prices: $42 Prime, $31 Standard, $21 Value. Call Box Office-Elaine at (303) 466-5685 or please e-mail info@ bncdance.com for more information or check out bncdance.com

Jan CLASSES ’n’ WORKSHOPS

January 17, 18—Lafayette W O W ! C h i l d r e n ’s M u s e u m January Discovery Days from 10 am to 2 pm, located at 110 N. Harrison Ave. This Month’s Topic: Snow, Discover your Inner Scientist! Dropin and explore our monthly informal hands-on science sessions, included with your Museum admission. Call Katie MacDonald at (303) 604-2424 or please do check online at www. wowchildrensmuseum.org

JUST FOR FUN

January 14—Denver Children’s Museum of Denver Fire Truck Grand Reopening! for ages 0-8, at 10 am, located at 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. The much-loved CMD Fire Station No. 1 exhibit is undergoing exciting updates, like more switches, levers, and working parts on the fire truck, a firefighter bunk and kitchen, a pole, a dispatch station, and much more. Join us for the grand reopening! Call Heather Reider at (303) 561-0101 or e-mail heatherr@ cmdenver.org for more information or check online at mychildsmuseum.org/Default

January 14—Lafayette Lafayette Chamber 16th Annual Lafayette Quaker Oatmeal Festival for all ages, from 7:30 am to 1 pm, located at Baseline and Public Rd. A popular family event, focusing on healthy lifestyle. Unique festival includes an oatmeal breakfast, certified 5K, health fair, oatmeal baking contest. Health Fair features health screenings. Call Pat Vero at (303) 666-9555 or e-mail events@ lafayettecolorado.com for more information or check out www. lafayettecolorado.com January 14—Lafayette Lafayette Chamber for all ages, from 7:30 am to 1 pm, located at Baseline and Public Rd. The 5K Walk/Run is open to runners and walkers of all skill levels. Kids, strollers, and dogs are welcome (limit of one dog per participant). Cash prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers. Call Pat Vero at (303) 666-9555 or e-mail events@lafayettecolorado. com for more information or check out www.lafayettecolorado.com for registration. January 14-16—Estes Park Estes Park Winter Festival for all ages, all day, at the Fairgrounds at Stanley Park. Kids play in an ice castle maze and on interactive ice displays. For the family: Try out snowshoe options at Winter Trails Day. Jan. 15, in Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoy the chili cook off. For the adults there’s wine tastings and brew tastings as well. Call Suzy Blackhurst at (970) 577-9900 or check out www.visitestespark. com for more information. January 22—Countywide Girl Scouts of Colorado Girl Scout Cookie Time! This year Girl Scouts will sell cookies on the spot to their eager customers during door-todoor sales instead of the traditional order now, get your cookies later system of the past. Booth Sales in front of retail locations will run from Feb. 10 to March 4, and, this year, you’ll be able to pay for cookies at booth sales by credit card! The cost of cookies is $3.50/package, and all proceeds go to support Colorado’s Girl Scout Leadership Experience. For more information visit www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org or call (303) 778-8774 or check out www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org January 31—Boulder Friends’ School Preschool Parent Only Info Meeting for adults only, from 6 to 7:30 pm, located at 5465 Pennsylvania Ave. Tour the school, meet our exceptional teachers, and learn about our play-based, creative, hands-on, pre-academic curriculum for children ages 3-5. Call Mari Engle Friedman at (303) 499-1999 or please e-mail info@ friendsschoolboulder.org for more information or check out www. friendsschoolboulder.org

MUSIC ’n’ THEATER

January 9-14—Broomfield The School of Ballet Nouveau Colorado is hosting a free week for kids & adults dance classes, for ages 1 and up, located at 3001 Industrial Ln. #12. Anyone interested in taking free fitness and dance classes can drop in and try a variety of classes all week long. Please RSVP online. Classes offered for beginner through advanced. Wear comfortable, easy-to-move-in exercise or dance clothing. Ballet slippers suggested but socks will work. Call front desk staff at (303) 4665685 or e-mail info@bncdance. com for more information or check out bncdance.com/school January 16—Broomfield Ballet Nouveau Colorado MLK Day Off Day Camp for ages 5 to 13, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, located at 3001 Industrial Ln. #12. Students are invited to spend the day with BNC on their day off from school. Enjoy this fun-filled day of dance, theater, and activities celebrating multiculturalism. Cost is just $40 per student and includes breakfast. If you plan on participating, you must sign up by Jan. 10. Call the front desk staff at (303) 466-5685 or e-mail info@bncdance.com for more information or check out bncdance.com/school

Submitting Events Boulder County Kids

• If you have a dated calendar event in February, March, or April, please let us know by January 5th! One-listing per-month limit on a space-available basis, with nonprofit and free dated events prioritized. Please go to www. bouldercountykids.com, click on the calendar button and fill out the automated calendar form. To be on our e-mail reminder list, e-mail to calendar@bouldercountykids.com with an E-mail Reminder Request in the subject line. We will send you back a receipt on all submissions and requests.

Winter 2011 • Page 45

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Call today to reserve your spot.

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Come visit and observe

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7th Annual Nutty Nutcracker Saturday, December 17th 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm Vance Brand Civic Auditorium Skyline High School, Longmont CO

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Winter 2011 • Page 47

1(: &/$66 2))(5,1* The Next Musical Step for Your 5-, 6-, or 7-Year-Old! The Big Kids class blends elements of the beloved Music Together curriculum with new musical activities perfect for older children.

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Enroll in a Big Kids class at a Boulder Music Together center near you!

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