MOUNTAIN PARENT MAGAZINE: APRIL MAY 2019 by MOUNTAIN PEARL Magazine

MOUNTAINPARENT APRIL + MAY 2019

R O A R I N G

SEASONAL SNIPPETS

S.O.S.

F O R K

VA L L E Y,

WHAT'S HAPPENING

C O L O R A D O

EVERY AGE & STAGE

RECREATION & OUTDOORS

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When one door closes, another door opens.

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MOUNTAIN PARENT

A PR IL+M AY 2019 ISSUE 12

In this Issue

FEATURES:

Navajo Rocks Add another biking destination to your family-friendly mountain biking bucket list.

Be You It isn’t always easy to be yourself, and this gets much harder when you feel that your gender identity won’t be accepted by your friends. Campus GSAs, teachers, activists and parents are changing this.

The Art of Being ENOUGH This Mother’s Day, consider a motherhood manifesto that calls us to rethink how we care for ourselves – a practice taught in the Teen Parent Program at Yampah Mountain High School.

THE NEW PLAZA ICE RINK

at Snowmass Base Village offers free skate rentals and skating daily from noon until 9:00 PM. Find more “Fringe Season Freebies” in our What’s Happening calendar section.

SPECIAL SEC TION:

DEPARTMENTS:

Seasonal Snippets backcountry hut trips + a snow safety field trip DIY Springtime mini gardens for an Easter or Earth Day centerpiece Helping Hands Mountain Valley Developmental Services’ greenhouse Around The Table a Passover seder with recipes & wine pairings Good Sports Meet an elite Valleywide G17 travel soccer team What’s Happening weekly ongoing + April & May events Out & About "society" snapshots from here and there Up Next a sneak peak at our Summer Staycation

MOUNTAINPARENT

7 11 14 17 49 54 60 62

S.O.S.

S U RV I VA L K I T

S.O.S. SURVIVAL KIT a.k.a. Summer Camp Sign Up 20 Ways to Survive our busy season

30 Summer Programs with activities for every age, every stage, every interest and every day of the week.

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MOUNTAIN PARENT

Dear Readers, WE LOVINGLY DEDICATE THIS EDITION to the memory of Owen Green, Michael Goerne and Arin Trook who died this winter in backcountry avalanches. Our hearts are with their families and friends, and the countless children whom they taught and coached. This edition’s Backcountry Skiing and Snow Safety articles gave us deep pause – do we pull these stories, which now remind us more acutely of these tragedies? We decided that to do so might be to lose some of the spirit with which these men lived their lives. It seems more honoring instead to teach our children how to get out and explore our majestic mountains as Owen, Mike and Arin did. We find comfort in the words of Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, “Should you shield the valleys from the windstorms, you would never see the beauty of their canyons.”

Lauren Suhrbier Publisher

Kathryn Camp Editor

Owen Green

Michael Goerne

Arin Trook

I grew up with Owen in Atlanta, GA.

Dear Mike, I wish I could go back in time to tell you how much I appreciate you, how much I value our friendship, how much I respect you, how proud I am to call you my friend. I think – and hope – you felt it. You welcomed me into the Aspen Lacrosse Community the minute I arrived in the Valley. You involved me and empowered me to help build what we have today with Aspen lacrosse. You supported my thoughts, pushed me to think beyond the moment and helped make our ideas a reality. You made me a better person. Our relationship has been a fun ride and we were just hitting our stride. Eleven years into our friendship, it feels like we were just beginning.

Arin was a light in our community, a husband, father, son and brother, an unforgettable educator, and an inspiring force for good throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. As a teacher and naturalist at ACES for 23 years, he championed environmental and social justice issues, and passionately worked to build community and inclusivity through education and kindness. As Education Director, he expanded ACES’ environmental science education programs from Aspen to Rifle.

COVER ARTISTS

ELANA & LILY ROYER Lilybart

“CAT-SITTING”

“Our inspiration for this piece came from a litter of kittens that we fostered years ago. We brought them with us to visit my sister Michelle, who is an avid birder. Michelle felt adamant that the kittens stay inside, so her many bird feeders would remain safe – especially for the nesters with hatchlings on the way. Well, somehow a kitten got out. When we discovered him, he was sitting contentedly under a tree, watching a pair of robins flying to and fro. The look on the cat’s face – of stoic, yet bewildered acceptance – is what Lily and I tried to capture here.”

... Elana Royer

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Find new content between issues, plus more current events on our online What’s Happening community calendar.

DISCLAIMER

The opinions and views expressed by contributors to Mountain Parent are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Mountain Parent Magazine is registered with the State of Colorado. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without permission is prohibited.

CONTACTS:

editor@mountain-parent.com kathryn@mountain-parent.com mountain-parent.com and on Facebook

SAY HELLO:

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He was one of the greatest friends I will ever know. Not a day goes by when I do not think about him, his smile, his pure ambition to be the best person he could be, and his absolute love for the Aspen community. Owen was younger than me, but I looked up to him. He lived every day like it was his last and accomplished more in 27 short years than most people do in 80. He knew exactly what he wanted in life and did everything in his power to meet his goals. In high school, we played on a two-time state championship lacrosse team. Owen later recommended me for a coaching position with him at Aspen Lacrosse, where we took the 2017 AHS team to the semi-finals. We also shared a passion for snowboarding and spent countless days boarding some of the greatest powder. Owen deeply loved his family, his friends, fishing, hiking, and his beautiful girlfriend, Kali Kopf. His love for them was truly mesmerizing! Owen, I will always love you, your family and your enjoyment for life, every single day. I will forever hold you in my heart as a reminder to live life with love, passion and adventure. You will always be missed and will always be admired! Love you, brother! Perrin Williams

It is hard to process what losing you will mean to our community. Watching you manage and coach 1000s of young athletes was an incredible sight. You made each and every athlete feel special and unique. Your ability to connect with kids from kindergarten to college and beyond was effortless. Your dedication to making their experience on the field great was endless. You were the fuel for Aspen’s lacrosse culture, for our lacrosse family. Your reach was far beyond the lacrosse field. You did everything 110% percent and brought those around you along for the ride. Your energy was contagious and inspiring. You never settled. You were always pushing yourself to grow. Our community is grieving your loss. There is a huge void and it will be impossible to fill. I want to honor your efforts and your direction. One day at a time, I will do my best; for you. Mike, you were so much, to so many people. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life. I am forever grateful. Love you ~ Meredith Meredith Elwell

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“Arin’s talent as an educator is unmatched — from his engaging storytelling skills and deep understanding of environmental science to his ability to address diverse audiences with his message of progressive environmental and social awareness,” said Chris Lane, CEO of ACES. “Arin was also a veteran outdoor educator as well as yoga instructor; there is only one Arin Trook in this world,” Lane said. “This organization will forever be inspired by his work and his commitment to community, diversity, and family.” Recently, Lead With Love’s Gina Murdock posted apt and wise words from Arin, “Perhaps the most profound action we can take today is the simple act of walking through the wild world.” She went on to remember, “Arin was an incredible story teller. Animated and completely embodied, he brought the world alive. He was fully engaged in all that he did and he moved through this world with so much enthusiasm and zest for life.” Our community extends its love and support to Arin’s family during this difficult time. From ACES, your Roaring Fork Valley friends, family and beyond - thank you Arin - for all you gave to our world.

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Contributors

IAN ANDERSON

RICHARD CAMP

LYNELLE LINDBERG

SARAH KUHN

MAEVE MCGUIRE

HOLLY RICHARDSON

RABBI EMILY SEGAL

MATT URMSON

Ian fell in love with his future wife, Sari, when she flew past him on a mountain bike climb. Thankfully, she waited for him at the top. Today, Ian is still trying to keep up with Sari on a bike, as well as their two kids Juniper (11) and Axel (9). A 13-year resident of the RFV, Ian works as the PR director at Backbone Media.

When Maeve isn’t playing soccer, she enjoys skiing, hiking with her dogs, or playing basketball at Aspen High School, where she is an International Baccalaureate candidate. She is the editor of the Skier Scribbler (the AHS student newspaper), a member of Model U.N., and her class vice-president. In the future, she hopes to travel the world with her sister.

Visit www.rfta.com to preview all Spring schedules.

Full disclosure: Rich is the loving spouse of MP’s editor – the man who handles midnight omelets during deadlines. He is also a generous sounding-board for story ideas, so when we started imagining a feature on mud season getaways, we looped him in. After reading Ian’s advice, he immediately started planning a father/daughter biking weekend. Then he employed his landscape architecture talents to create the map you will find on page 20. What a guy!

Holly lived in the Roaring Fork Valley briefly at age 18 while training for distance running in the mountains. She ran all over the world, literally, and landed back here in 1999 after studying Waldorf Education in England. She has worked primarily for WSRF ever since. She and her husband Dan are the parents of two teenage boys, Henry and Noel. You can find “Holly Poppins” with her ukulele, bells, silks and puppets, teaching free Musical Storytime classes at our local libraries. Contact her: holly@waldorfcarbondale.org.

Lynelle has been creating mini gardens with her two daughters for more than a decade. She and her family moved from Minnesota to the valley in 2016 and she started working at Eagle Crest Nursery shortly thereafter. As a store manager at Eagle Crest Nursery, she rolls up her sleeves to contribute to the buying, merchandising, training and selling. She loves teaching the fairy gardening and kids planting workshops at Eagle Crest Nursery, where she gets to work alongside enthusiastic, budding gardeners.

Emily is the Rabbi of the Aspen Jewish Congregation, a progressive and welcoming Jewish community which serves the entire Roaring Fork Valley. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia and an ordinee of Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, and she is proud to serve on the national board of the Women’s Rabbinic Network. When she is not teaching Torah in coffee shops or leading song and prayer on mountaintops, Emily can be found escapist baking or exploring the valley’s ski slopes and hiking trails with her husband and children.

Sarah is a fine art and family portrait photographer based in Carbondale. Her two kids are her favorite (and somewhat reluctant) muses. We collaborated with Sarah to create the portraits you will find on pages 14 and 28-31.

Matt runs the MVDS greenhouse vocational program, providing valuable job training, and helping grow all the plants and produce. Before moving to the Valley to manage the MVDS greenhouse, he worked for 8 years as a wildlife biologist, serving government agencies and universities from Alaska to Louisiana as a predator specialist. He also worked with African wildlife as an Animal Keeper at the Maryland Zoo. Matt enjoys anything that gets him into the woods, reading and cooking.

SE A SO N A L

S N I PPE T S

WHAT TO

know BEFORE YOU go LIFE CHANGES AFTER KIDS. “I gave birth to my cojones,” says a dear friend, who shall remain nameless here because her MP-reading mother may well swoon over the literal translation of this phrase. This is a truth many of us share, on both accounts. However, and this is a central tenet of MOUNTAINPARENT: with good planning and the right gear, your days of adventure are far from behind you. In fact, sharing your love of the mountains with your children can be the greatest adventure of all. Backcountry Skiing is another set of words likely to make our mothers fret, with due cause, considering what we know about the outlying risks. The truth is, you can safely get out there into the quiet deep of the wilderness on kid-friendly hut trips, and you can do this without fear, by seeking the guidance of experts. The 10th Mountain Division Hut Association is an Aspen-based nonprofit founded to provide exactly this kind of support, while also managing a system of 34 backcountry huts. We asked for advice: 1. Take baby steps. A successful summer backpacking trip is a good prerequisite. This way, your child has experienced the grunt of carrying clothing, gear and food across miles of solid ground before attempting to do so while skiing or snowshoeing. (Time now to start planning and training for this summer and next winter...) You could even plan a summer hut trip to learn the ins and outs of the hut experience without the stress of winter conditions. Some huts are approachable by four-wheel drive high clearance vehicles.

PHOTOS:

A properly fitting backpack can make all the difference when you’re carrying a heavy load and learning how to ski with a pack.

Here are a few things to consider: Make sure the pack is sized to the length of your child’s torso. Some packs feature adjustable suspension, which allows the pack to grow as your child grows. Make sure that hip and sternum straps fit comfortably snug, so that the pack will move with your child, rather than shifting around. Then parents should supervise packing and sherpa heavier essentials so kids can handle their load. credit: {KC}

2. Start small. Plan backpacking day trips on skis, where your child can carry their water, lunch, snacks and an extra layer. This helps acclimate them to the feeling of skiing while carrying a load, and it gives you a chance to gauge their threshold for distance and their comfort level with various inclines. Try Ashcroft Ski Touring area. 3. Gear Up. A classic ski pulk or Chariot® with ski accessories is essential for bringing small children along on cross-country ski trips. After your children outgrow the royal treatment (i.e. riding in a parent-horse-drawn carriage), you can save this gear for future hut trips, making it easier to haul food and other heavy essentials, like wine and guitars. 4. Consult experts. Jenifer Blomquist or Pat Essig, the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association’s reservationists (who both have kids and love to help families plan for success) can recommend huts based on distance and route, so that your destination fits your group’s skills and experience. First visit www.huts.org to read their trip planning advice, especially their “Family and Kids Trips” page. Call (970) 925-5775 when you are ready for specific guidance. 5. Manage Expectations. Make sure your kids understand that you will cancel the trip if snow conditions warrant it. You can follow storms and get up-to-the-hour information about avalanche danger at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s website: www.avalanche.state.co.us {KC}

PHOTOS:

(Round Inset) Credit: Philippe Devanne; (L-R) Fresh tracks down West Willow Basin at Snowmass Ski Area; 5th grade students riding the Elk Camp lift with patroller Gabi Benel; trying on a patrol backpack equipped with an avalanche air bag; Digging for a hidden avalanche beacon. credit: {KC}

Monica Viall

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SAFETY first The temptation to ski out of bounds, to hike up to West Willow Basin in the U.S. Forest Service land behind Snowmass Ski Area for a few turns in fresh power – this lure is quite obvious from the ski patrol warming hut at the top of Elk Camp. You can stand on the deck of the hut, where members of patrol regularly grill hot dogs for guests, and look across the Snowmass Valley at S curves carving the snow. Occasionally, you can spot an ant-sized person making his or her way down and across the slope. This adventure is legal and encouraged, “if done in a safe manner – with avalanche education, a partner, and the appropriate safety gear,” says patroller Gabi Benel, who leads a Snow Safety Program for Valleywide 3rd and 5th grade class field trips. “We want kids who grow up here to understand the Skier Responsibility Code, and that the snow pack is dynamic, and how this translates into the risks of avalanches. This way, kids will be better equipped to make good decisions and to ski or snowboard with respect.” Students, teachers and chaperones get firsthand experience searching for buried avalanche beacons. They get to handle inert models of explosives that are the same weight and shape as the real thing used to trigger slides in order to make high-risk areas safe. Students can experience

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wearing a patrol backpack equipped with an inflatable air bag, which can save a life if properly used – an essential piece of gear for those whose professional training has prepared them to enter harms’ way. The students ski and board with patrol to experience the Responsibility Code first hand. They also learn about basic winter ecology, the predominant weather patterns in the Valley and how they affect the snow pack. This creates a sense for the reality of avalanche rescue, and the role of ski patrol when it comes to safety at the resort. Kids are encouraged to ask questions, share their own experiences, and practice calling for patrol when they are injured or come across an injured skier. There is also a lesson in sneaking Oreos when teachers aren’t looking! “We’d like them to get to know the ski patrol and feel comfortable stopping in to see us when they are up on the mountain,” Benel said, adding, “and of course, we want them to know that ski patrollers are approachable and nice, and love to ski!” {KC}

Summer Workshops at the Aspen Art Museum use art on view as a starting point for unique, creative art-making opportunities for a wide range of ages and interests. Small class sizes encourage making friends and developing individual expression!

June 3–August 16, 2019 For questions, call 970.925.8050 or email education@aspenartmuseum.org. AAM education programs are made possible by the Questrom Education Fund. Support for Education Workshops is provided by the Melva Bucksbaum and Mary and Patrick Scanlan Education Workshop Fund. Scholarships for AAM Workshops are funded by Cari and Michael J. Sacks.

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HOM EL I FE

DIY

Springtime

MINI GARDEN LY N E L L E L I N D B E R G Eagle Crest Nursery El Jebel

YOU’RE EAGER TO GARDEN, but it’s mud season. While hearty greens and root vegetables can definitely be seeded now, you might also enjoy some instant gratification. These mini gardens make an easy afternoon project with your child. They can be enjoyed as an Easter or Earth Day Centerpiece – or made for a teacher’s end-of-year gift. 9

SUPPLIES: planting container with tray pebbles horticultural charcoal potting soil plants and seeds moss sand pebbles miniature accessories

THIS SPRINGTIME MINI GARDEN can move outside after nighttime temperatures consistently remain above freezing. Choose a spot beneath a hosta leaf, under a tree in a shady spot, in a birdbath or an abandoned tree stump. After making this table-top version, you might plan a larger scale fairy garden in an old bathtub or raised garden. Add a bench, a tiny birdhouse and a bird bath, and you have created a secluded space for children (and fairies or dinosaurs) to linger. If you have room, add a path that leads to a solarlighted miniature house, complete with a picket fence. Or choose mini garden furniture, cheerful signage and vivid toadstools. Find things in nature to add to your mini garden, such as: pine cones, sticks, dried berries or crystals. Have fun! The possibilities are endless.

ONE:

Select your container. One with drainage holes is best when using live plants. Plastic or terracotta pots work great. These can be simple or ornate. Glass bowls and jars show off layers of pebbles and soil. Recycled teacups work for mini gardens where sprouts form a forest. Just be sure that your container is deep enough to support healthy root growth for the plants you choose.

TWO:

Choose a theme – English cottage, fairy tale, naturebased, tree house, beach scene, farmyard, prehistoric dinosaur forest. Let your imagination take over. The miniature watering can, terra cotta pots and dragon flies shown here work with our Spring garden theme. Add a vintage truck, and it becomes a farmyard. Castles, mushrooms and unicorns can help make a classic fairy tale theme.

THREE:

Pick your plants – choose miniature plants that need the same quantities of light and water. Use ferns for trees, lipstick or goldfish plants for bushes. Baby tears make a nice ground cover and ivy and angel vine are great climbers. Miniature violets, roses, kalanchoes and poinsettias add color. Consider a mini tree as a focal point. Perhaps you’ll want to sprout seeds for added interest. Cat grass, wheat grass or micro-greens are good options.

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{D I Y:

SPRINGTIME MINI GARDEN

}

FAIRY GARDEN CLASS Eagle Crest Nursery Saturday, April 27 10: 00 AM

Learn techniques and find inspiration for creating a miniature garden fit for a fairy, gnome, troll or dragon. This is a fun parent-child / grandparentgrandchild activity. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. $30 per project Materials provided: a container, soil, plants and enough accents to create a miniature landscape. Attendees can purchase additional fairy garden items for 15% discount on the day of the class. Call to sign up: (970) 963-1173

MAINTAIN YOUR MINI GARDEN

FOUR:

Layer your materials. First place a layer of pebbles for drainage if you are using live plants. You could add a layer of horticultural charcoal next, shown here. Charcoal is a good addition when you expect that a plant will live in the same pot for a long time. It absorbs excess water from the roots, guards against bacteria and fungus, and keeps the soil sweet and fresh smelling. Top with potting soil appropriate for your plants. Shape it for adding vertical components like a hill or stairway.

FIVE:

Before planting, decide where you might place stepping stones, “rivers” made of blue glass, or vertical elements such as stairs. You might even sketch your layout. It adds visual interest to cluster two plants together and position one separately. Think about which plants will want to spread out or trail over the edge of your container.

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SIX: Add moss for texture, plus SEVEN: Add your accessories. sand, pebbles and rocks. Create pathways with stepping stones, or add movement by creating stone rivers. Use small gravel to cover the soil. This will later keep your accessories from getting muddy when you water, and it makes it easier to change around your mini garden throughout the year.

Furniture, such as chairs, benches, garden tables, and swings are fun. Pick out stepping stones and lights (solar, string or seed lights), gems, fencing or a welcoming sign. Of course, critters, fairies and gnomes add life and character. The photos above show (L-R): vintage camper; garden fairy with hens, sheep, snails and a bunny; mini garden furniture with reindeer moss, ready for a tea party.

Remember to water and fertilize carefully because everything is little. Trim back branches occasionally for visual interest and to keep the scale small. Add seasonal touches such as small blooming summertime annuals, like violets. Add mini pumpkins for fall, and string mini lights for winter.

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H EL PI N G

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Blooming

WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED

MOUNTAIN VALLE Y DE VELOPMENTAL SERVICES GROWS FAR MORE THAN PL ANTS IN THEIR GARDEN M AT T U R M S O N Mount ain Valley Development al Ser vices Greenhouse Manager

“MY FAVORITE PART IS TAKING CARE OF PLANTS,” says a client who is carefully digging holes in a raised bed in one of Mountain Valley Developmental Service’s greenhouses. He lifts a tender broccoli seedling from a starter container and places it into the dirt. “It’s peaceful. They’re like part of my family.” Mountain Valley Developmental Services (MVDS), a community nonprofit organization, provides support for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. One way they do this is through is a vocational job training program within a commercial greenhouse facility that sells plants and flowers to retail and business customers. The greenhouse operates year round. On any given day, you can purchase over 11 different types of house plants, including spider plants, purple hearts, dracaena and succulents. Heading into Spring, they sprout 27+ species of annuals and perennials, including geraniums, begonias, lupine and yarrow. This year, look for a unique variety of milkweed cultivated because it attracts pollinators, namely, the yellow and black imperial swallowtail that enchants local gardeners and hikers alike. Plus, the greenhouse staff and clients are growing vegetables such as kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli and a variety of tomatoes. Save room in your garden for Pruden’s Purple, an heirloom tomato variety which grows deep maroon-blushed fruit that weighs up to one pound.

Whether trimming tired blooms, planting or watering seedlings, collecting and sorting seeds, feeding chickens, hauling dirt or turning compost – the peaceful joy of these activities permeates the place, and one imagines, the plants. This purposefulness rings true with the greenhouse staff’s philosophy of permaculture, which is about working with, rather than against, nature. It is an approach to plants and to people, to all living things, with prolonged, thoughtful observation – valuing the whole functionality of a system, rather than narrowing the focus to a single product or single linear process. In other words, the greenhouse staff is supported in their personal and professional growth. As the staff members grow in confidence and new skills, they help each of MVDS’s clients to work within their individual strengths. Everyone thrives. So do the plants. Everything is integrated. The greenhouse is “green,” with solar heating, natural fertilizer, on-site worm composting, and an active commitment to organic practices and reducing the facility’s carbon footprint. PHOTO: (above) Sarah Kuhn

SAVE THE DATE

GOOD NEIGHBORS

SPRING GREENHOUSE SALE

GARDENING WITH SOPRIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Saturday, May 4 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Weekdays: April 30 – May 10 9:00 AM –5:00 PM MVDS Greenhouse 700 Mt Sopris Drive, GWS (970) 945-2306

PHOTOS:

Pick up Mother’s Day flowers to plant in her garden, including begonia, delphinium, dianthus, echinaceae, gazania, lavender, lupine, asters, marigolds, milkweed and garden vegetables.

“

Ms. Erica Lehmkuhl’s second grade class visited to feed the chickens, check on their carrot and lettuce sprouts, and learn how to transplant broccoli seedlings with MVDS clients. By the end of the school year, they will harvest salad fixings for a classroom picnic. Credit: (top) Sarah Kuhn (bottom 2 and quote) {KC}

I knew I was in the right job when I asked the clients about their favorite songs and musicians, and then made a playlist. Each client would light up as their favorite artist/song played – ear-to-ear smiles – as some danced and sang along while watering and working.” . . . M AT T U R M S O N

As part of the organization’s mission to the community, MVDS has collaborated with Sopris Elementary School. The campus is immediately adjacent to the facility. The classes walk over and care for six large raised beds in one of the two greenhouses. They grow lettuces, spinach, carrots and other vegetables for their classrooms. They provide lunchroom compost for worm beds and they feed the chickens. In the summer, MVDS staff and clients take care of the school’s classroom turtle and tortoise. “A big component of the grade two curriculum is life science,” explains Erica Lehmkuhl, SES second grade teacher and head of the school gardening program. “Through this work, we can learn about botany, the components of the soil, and the life cycles of worms and other creatures living in the garden. Plus, kids are often happy to eat green vegetables that they have grown. We plan classroom celebrations around each thing we harvest.” The benefits are mutual. The garden classroom provides an opportunity for the students to interact with MVDS clients on a regular, ongoing basis. Activities where the clients can teach the students places these adults in the role of expert, laying the groundwork for a completely different view of people with disabilities for the SES students. Would you like to visit the greenhouse? And give your children a chance to meet some of the extraordinary people who make it grow? The plants are grown for retail sale, so that members of the broader Valley community can engage with MVDS and its clients. The greenhouse is open year round, and features monthly sales and a big, yearly Spring Sale. By shopping at the MVDS greenhouse, you can buy organic, shop local and support the organization’s mission, literally providing the fruits of labor.

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A RO U N D

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OVER SEDE R PA I R I NGS PAG E 18

ALL ARE WELCOME FOR A TR ADITIONAL PA SSOVER SEDER R A B B I E M I LY S E G A L Aspen Jewish Congregation

“LET ALL WHO ARE HUNGRY COME AND EAT! Let all who are in need come and celebrate Passover with us.” These words are said around Passover seder tables year after year, the world over, as Jewish families and their dear ones celebrate this yearly springtime festival of freedom. The Passover seder is essentially a mash-up of a service and a meal, with the act of asking questions and retelling the story of the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt at its core. It is one of Judaism’s longeststanding rituals, with its origins in the Torah (the first 5 books of Hebrew scriptures). Replete with special roles for kids to proudly take, invigorating conversation for the grownups, songs for everyone, and a table piled high with food, the Passover seder is the ultimate community and family gathering. It is not only a celebration of freedom from oppression – ancient pharaohs and modern dictators alike – but it is a yearly reminder for the Jewish community that we were once slaves in Egypt, so we know the heart of the downtrodden; through our mythical-historical memory we know what it is like to be oppressed and therefore we must always be the ones to lift up the vulnerable and the needy; we know what is like to be cast aside as “other” and as “different” so we must open our tents (and our doors and our tables and our communities) to those who may at first seem unlike ourselves. The Exodus is not only the quintessential triumph of the few over the many, the weak over the powerful. It is also the moral compass of the Jewish community. Retelling the story of the Exodus every single year, we hear it speak to us: You were strangers in a strange land. You became wanderers with shoes on your feet. When you see oppression, cry out. You are God’s mighty hands with outstretched arms and now it is your job to lift others up.

How does the Exodus speak to us? Not just in the words we speak, but in the food we eat. Every food eaten as part of the seder meal has a special meaning. And as we eat each food, the story of the Exodus again becomes part of ourselves. Food is not just food after all, for the Jewish community or for any of us. Food is memory. Food is sustenance. Food is delight. Food is love. For me personally, Passover not only transports me spiritually into the story of the Exodus, but it transports me back to my grandparent’s kitchen with my Grandpa working on his “famous” mashed potatoes while whistling happily through his teeth and my Grandma helping me up onto a stool to roll matzah balls with her out of the sticky batter, just so. It transports me to the dining room table in my childhood home covered in our special holiday table cloth – a patchwork of stains from Passover wine spilled in years past (“the ghost of Passover 1984!”) as we tap out the beat singing “Dayeinu!” together, thanking God for the numerous miracles of Exodus, gratefully acknowledging that any single miracle would have been dayeinu, enough for us.

“

Food is memory. Food is sustenance. Food is delight. Food is love . . . It transports me to the dining room table in my childhood home covered in our special holiday table cloth – a patchwork of stains from Passover wine spilled in years past as we tap out the beat singing Dayeinu! together, thanking God. . . . R A B B I E M I LY S E G A L

It holds me in the sanctity of this very moment as my 7-year-old and 4-year-old laugh as egg whites and sugar become “fluffy” meringue that forms the basis of their favorite kosher-for-Passover chocolate cake. And it allows me to catch a glimpse of the future I imagine – of my children (God willing) grown into adults, passing to their own little ones the joy of family and friends coming together in gratitude and the sacred obligation of opening our doors and our hearts to those who still long for a freedom of their own.

Passover Seder

RECIPES CHAROSET

JULIE WEISBERG SCHLAFER Aspen Jewish Congregation SPINACH MATZAH FARFEL KUGEL

Serving Size: 8 Ingredients: 2 Granny Smith or Empire apples 1 cup walnuts, toasted ¼ cup honey 3 tablespoons sweet red wine 2 teaspoons cinnamon Directions: Combine all of above in bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

RABBI EMILY SEGAL’S

explanation of the symbolic meaning of each part of the Passover Seder meal + a recipe for “Matzah Crack.”

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ALL ARE WELCOME

Aspen Jewish Congregation’s Passover Seder Friday, April 19 – 6:00 PM Aspen Chapel RSVP by April 12 (970) 925-8245

EASY BRISKET Serving Size: 8

Serving Size: 12

Ingredients: 3 cups chicken broth, boiling 1 lb. matzah farfel 6 eggs ¾ onion, chopped ¼ cup schmaltz 1 ½ large carrot, finely chopped 3 ribs celery, finely chopped 1 ½ qts spinach, coarsely chopped 1 ½ teaspoons salt ¾ teaspoon pepper Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350. In a bowl, stir broth and farfel and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in eggs gently. 2. In a skillet, sauté onion in schmaltz, add carrot and celery and cook for 5 minutes until crisp yet tender. Stir in spinach and add salt and pepper. Sauté until spinach is not dry, yet not mushy either. Combine farfel with vegetable mixture and bake in a greased 7 x 11 baking dish for 30 minutes. Serve immediately, or cool and then freeze . Note: This freezes well. If frozen, bring to room temperature. Add ½ cup of chicken broth and cover to reheat.

Ingredients: 1 4-5 pound beef brisket salt pepper garlic powder onion powder paprika 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 pound baby carrots 8-10 stalks celery, diced 1 ½” thick 4 onion, thickly sliced 2 bay leaves (optional) 1 46-ounce can of tomato juice 2 cups red wine Directions: 1. Place vegetables in roasting pan. 2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 3. Season brisket and place on top of vegetables. Add tomato juice, bay leaves and wine over top of meat. Place 2 sheets of parchment paper on top of meat, then cover with aluminum foil.

For a wine to be considered Clean-Crafted, it must satisfy the following guidelines:

grown without synthetic pesticides sustainable, organic & or biodynamic tended by actual people vinified by hand zero grams of added sugar zero added chemicals slow crafted naturally occurring antioxidants low sulfites independently lab tested

6. Slice cooled meat on the bias (across the grain) then place meat back in roasting pan and baste with the sauce. Cook 30 minutes more at 275 degrees. Serve.

4. Bake 3-4 hours until tender. Remove meat to cool.

“ W I N E A S N AT U R E I N T E N D E D

5. Make sauce by puréeing some of the baking liquid with vegetables to thicken.

My recipe – gather your family and dear friends. Prepare timeless dishes with the best ingredients, made from scratch, cooked with joy. Choose a wine crafted with the highest integrity that will compliment and elevate the flavors of the meal. Raise your glass in sacred ritual, then drink with gratitude and love.” ... P A U L A E A T O N Independent Wine Consult ant

PAULA EATON’S PASSOVER WINE PAIRINGS: 2017 Val De Resa Blanco Navarre, Spain

2018 Inizi Hi-Jump Rosé Mendocino County, CA

A family-owned vineyard run by brothers Andrés and Ramón Serrano since 1995. They follow biodynamic methods and firmly believe that the health of the soil is of the utmost importance. The Garnacha Blanca grapes were hand-picked from 25-year-old vines, destemmed, lightly crushed and pressed. Then, the juice was fermented on native yeasts and aged in stainless steel tanks. ($22)

Inizi means “beginnings” in Italian, stemming from the four founders’ belief that each bottle of wine begins in the vineyard. Started by two husband-and-wife teams that hold “day jobs” in the wine industry who came together to create wines that showcase the purity of the fruit and land. ($27)

2017 Fieldhouse Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino County, CA Certified organic for 20+ years, owned by same family for 50 years. These Cabernet grapes were hand-picked on September 21, 2017 into half-ton bins, then transferred into stainless steel tanks for a long, slow fermentation ($32)

PAULA EATON Independent Wine Consultant (970) 948-3197 www.ScoutAndCellar.com/paulaeaton

MOUNTAINPARENT A P R I L+ M AY F E AT U R E S

Navajo Rocks Family-Friendly Bike Trails near Moab Moab’s reputation as a mountain bike mecca is well deserved. With over 200 miles of singletrack through some of the world’s most unique and breathtaking landscapes, it should be on every rider’s bucket list. While Moab rides like Captain Ahab, the Whole Enchilada and Mag 7 are world famous for their technical challenges, in recent years Moab has also built over 100 miles of beginner and intermediate singletrack that’s perfect for kids and families. Here is a primer on Navajo Rocks, a destination to add to your list. IAN ANDERSON Carbondale

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MOUNTAINPARENT

TRAIL MAP NAVAJO ROCKS MOAB, UTAH

Mineral Canyon Road

BLM 340 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mineral Point Road

Gemini Bridge Road

Canyonlands National Park Campground & Visitor Center

Island in the

Sk y Road

Dead Horse State Park Campground & Visitor Center

Navajo Rocks HOW TO FIND IT

We’re proud to serve families in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond!

From downtown Moab, drive 11 miles North on State Highway 119, passing the entrance to Arches National Park. Turn left onto State Highway 313, “Dead Horse Mesa Scenic Byway,” which winds through the Navajo Rocks area on the way to Canyonlands National Park.

WHERE TO CAMP

Horsethief Campground (see map) is conveniently also the trailhead of two fun, approachable easy loops described below. No reservations = sites are first-come. Amenities: fire pits and picnic tables at each site; vault toilets and trash dumpsters. Further down Highway 313 (south of area shown on map), you’ll find Dead Horse State Park. Or, veer right onto Island in the Sky Road to get to Canyonland National Park. Reserve sites for both parks through www.reserveamerica.com. Amenities: camper / trailer sites with electrical hook up, tent sites, picnic tables, fire rings, toilet facilities and visitor’s centers where you can learn about hiking trails inside each park. Dogs? Dead Horse, yes. Canyonlands, no.

RESOURCES

The folks at the Moab Adventure Center (25 E. Center Street in downtown Moab) go above and beyond to help visitors navigate the many trails, backcountry roads and options, from attractions to dining, and can provide detailed descriptions and maps. www.moabadventurecenter.com The Mountain Bike Project website offers extensive descriptions, photos, elevations and even videos. The site covers almost 40 thousand mountain biking trails, both in the U.S. and abroad. www.mtbproject.com

LET US HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR HOMEOWNERSHIP DREAMS C ONTAC T US TO LE A R N MO R E

1 GREEN: WRANGLER & ROWDY

(Located in the Horsethief Campground.) Wrangler – at less than a mile long, this trail is a perfect introduction to mountain biking and was built with kids in mind. There’s fun, sticky slickrock to explore and a couple of easy obstacles to challenge new riders. Add the adjacent Rowdy loop trail for extra mileage and a step-up in technical challenge. Balance bike friendly.

2 BLUE: MUSTANG

Look for signs for the Mustang trailhead. This three-mile loop is ideal for intermediate riders who love singletrack. The trail climbs just over 300 feet to a high point, followed by a fun, flowy downhill before circling back to the start.

3 BLUE: RAMBLIN’

Park at the Navajo Rocks parking lot off of Hwy 313. With long stretches of wide open slickrock to explore, this trail is a favorite for the kids. There are a handful of technical moves and short climbs, which are a fun challenge for more experienced riders to try. This trail is best ridden west to east and can be easily shuttled.

4 BLUE: BIG MESA Add this 3 mile loop onto Ramblin’ for more

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mileage and more technical riding – and stellar views.

TIPS for

Mountain Biking with your kids. Start on a balance bike. Teaching children to ride, whether on dirt or the pavement, is easier with a balance bike. Without pedals or cranks, kids as young as two can learn to balance on two wheels, and it makes the transition to pedal bikes much faster. Choose the right kids’ bike. Your kid doesn’t have to have a fancy, fullsuspension bike to start riding (though there are more and more high-performance kid’s bikes on the market). Look for something that’s as lightweight as possible, and has a good set of hand brakes. Gear shifters on kids’ bikes are often cheap and tough for their hands to manipulate, so a single speed bike is fine. If you’re looking to upgrade – wider, knobby tires can give them more confidence on the trails. Then let out some air, 10-15 PSI of pressure is plenty for most kids.

They ride, you run. As your child is just learning to ride off road, they can often be intimidated by steep hills or rocks. Building confidence is the key to helping your child to find a love for any sport. It can really help to spot your child by running behind them and giving them a push when they need it. We learned quickly to just think of our kids’ rides as a trail run for us. Gummy Bears Snacks and candy are a great motivator for kids on a bike ride. We always carry a stash in our jersey pockets. Take breaks Instead of trying to tackle a bunch of mileage on rides with your kids, make it a fun adventure. Stop lots and give your kids a chance to run around and explore off the bike.

Offer a tow A couple of years ago we discovered the Tow-Whee. It’s a bungee cord wrapped by tubular webbing. It fits over your saddle and quickly attaches to your kid’s bike stem. It’s been a game changer for our family rides, allowing us to ride together further and faster. Consider running shuttle Most kids don’t appreciate the benefits and satisfaction of a good, lung burning climb on a bike. Running a car shuttle can take extra coordination and hassle, but it also maximizes the fun factor. Often, I’ll drop my wife and the kids at the top of a ride, then drive to the end and ride up to meet them halfway.

PHOTOS

(Previous page) The author and his family on top of Rustler’s Loop in Loma, CO. (Above) Using the Tow-Whee to climb up Prince Creek. Credit: Ian Anderson.

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MOUNTAINPARENT FEATURE

IT’S OKAY. GO AHEAD. JUST BE YOURSELF. This advice sounds elemental, perhaps so rote we don’t truly hear it. However, sometimes this adage is far from easy. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: “TO BE YOURSELF IN A WORLD THAT IS CONSTANTLY TRYING TO MAKE YOU SOMETHING ELSE IS THE GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT.” This is especially true for those who don’t fit into neatly packaged masculine and feminine gender boxes. The moment a child is born, we proclaim them “A Boy!” or “A Girl!” But what if it isn’t this simple? To “Be Yourself” can feel to many like a joyous dare and an invitation to shine. However, this mostly innocuous phrase can be isolating and scary if you don’t seem to fit in. It gets even harder for the child who hears a whisper inside that says: ”I’m not what you see, I’m not what you expect me to be. THIS is me.” As one Carbondale Middle School student expressed, “if I can’t be myself, does this make me invisible?” THE ANSWER IS NO. AND YES. THE TRUTH IS, IT’S COMPLICATED. “What I tell kids all the time is, it gets better,” says Alfred Lafave of Rocky Mountain Gay for Good. (GFG). He visits student groups along with GFG Board member Janet Gordon, who is a counselor trained in supporting tweens and teens and their families. On a recent Thursday lunch gathering at Carbondale Middle School, students colored invitations with rainbows, unicorns and bubble letters proclaiming, “Be You” and “All Are Welcome.” “What was it like when you started telling people?” a sixth grade girl softly asked, not looking up, while making rainbow hearts. “I won’t sugar-coat it,” Lafave answered, “It was hard. But eventually, I was seen. And now I feel accepted exactly as I am.”

Throughout the Roaring Fork Valley right now, there are a number of initiatives intended to support LGBTQ+ students with precisely this – being seen – being accepted and included exactly as they are, as well as finding ways to cope with situations in which they don’t feel seen or safe. STUDENT-LED GSAs (GSA = Gay-Straight Alliance; or Gender / Sexuality Alliance) These are student and communitybased campus initiatives that started in pockets throughout the U.S. during the 1980s. They create a safe place for students of all gender identities and sexual orientations to find support and friendship.

IF I CAN’T BE MYSELF, DOES THIS MAKE ME INVISIBLE?

Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale and Bridges High Schools, as well as CRMS, sponsor campus GSAs. Students at Glenwood Springs, Coal Ridge and Parachute High Schools are attempting to form GSAs on their campuses. Last school year, students at Carbondale Middle School formed the youngest GSA on the Western Slope.

“It is quite unique to find a middle school GSA,” said CMS prevention specialist Kari Yuen. “But the years spanning grades 5 and 8 can be the most difficult time for children who feel isolated. It is especially challenging for those who don’t feel accepted due to their gender identity.” She cites statistics provided by Healthy Kids Colorado, a division of the State’s Department of Public Health & Environment. “Kids who identify as LGBTQ+ are four-times more likely to hurt themselves, or consider or attempt suicide, and also least likely to reach out for support.” So GSAs build community within schools by emphasizing respect, inclusion, and acceptance. They discuss common language for speaking about gender identity, in hope of helping kids learn how to speak about themselves and each other, so that mutually respectful language can ripple out into their broader school communities. (See “Golden Words” on page 27.) Roaring Fork Valley GSAs are finding support from the school district and faculty-sponsored diversity efforts. The groups manage their own fundraising and have been awarded grants from local nonprofits, including Aspen Out, One Colorado and Rocky Mountain Gay for Good. CMS students made a formal request that the Town of Carbondale create an inclusion plan, which is in the works. Official recognition builds acceptance. ASPEN OUT This community nonprofit has raised funds and awareness for 42 years by organizing the annual

KIDS WHO IDENTIFY AS LGBTQ+ ARE 4X MORE LIKELY TO CONSIDER OR ATTEMPT SUICIDE, AND ALSO LEAST LIKELY TO REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT.

Aspen - Snowmass Gay Ski Week. Six years ago, they began supporting Roaring Fork Valley youth by funding various projects and by providing support from Janet Gordon, who works directly with the GSAs to provide group mentorship, healthy discussions, and individual counseling. The group recently hosted an event for the Valley’s LGBTQ+ youth during Gay Ski Week, where kids from seven different schools gathered for ice skating and burgers.

Ascendigo.org | 970.927.3143 24

“The kids found affirmation from the adults who were there. It’s something that many straight people can take for granted – the expectation of acceptance, the sense that they will grow up to find love,” Gordon explains. “So when these kids see happy, confident LGBTQ+ adults walking around holding hands, they get to internalize the message that they are going to be okay. Life gets much better after high school. They will grow up, and they’ll find love and acceptance.” EVERYONE WELCOME On storefronts around the Valley, you’ll find new rainbow stickers created by Deva Shantay of True Nature Healing Arts, so that local businesses can demonstrate acceptance and diversity. Business owners can drop by True Nature to pick up a $2 sticker for their storefront. “I felt compelled to create something that would welcome parts of the population that often feel that they don’t belong or fit in - and in the present political climate, can even feel unwanted and disrespected,” Shantay explains. “This sticker lets each person know they are welcome and accepted, while providing a sense of safety and comfort.” THIS IS ME Shantay opened the door to deepening community-wide understanding of gender-identity last fall by offering a camp for LGBTQ+ children and their parents. The weekend workshop at True Nature Healing Arts was called “This is Me.” It included a free community screening of Katie Couric’s National Geographic documentary titled

Gender Revolution. Other activities included adult yoga, discussion and therapeutic work. Children enjoyed outside adventures and visiting the Smiling Goat Ranch. They also made screen-printed t-shirts on the Carbondale Arts Rosybelle bus, and sculpted with clay using materials from Carbondale Clay Center. “I found that the beauty was in getting people together as a community, seeing that we are all allies for each other and our children, and knowing that we can learn from each other’s experiences,” Shantay, the mother of a transgender daughter, shares. Not all of these children nor their parents have found the journey of acceptance easy, which is why mutual understanding is so important. “One thing we can do is practice being upstanders,” explains Lorri Knaus, CMS librarian and GSA advisor. “I am an ally, not an expert. What I can do is this – I can be vocally supportive and visible in welcoming everyone no matter what.” BE YOU Visible signs of support go a long way toward creating inclusiveness. Carbondale Middle School’s GSA created rainbow-colored Be You bracelets, given to anyone in the school or broader community who wants to wear it in support. The rainbow invitations the students have been making at their weekly meetings will go to GSA groups throughout the Valley, inviting students to join them in the first ever community-wide Pride Parade. Everyone is invited to participate, to walk with the CMS group, or to simply wear rainbow colors in support.

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EVERYONE IS INVITED THE WORD DANCE

Friday, April 26 6:00 – 10:00 PM The Launchpad, Carbondale

(“Word” = “prom” spelled upside down and backwards.) This annual event started in 2015 by Mo Bautista, a Basalt High School student who received a 5Point Film Festival Dream Project grant to fund a dance for the local high school LGBTQ+ community. The gathering combined dancing with slam poetry (thus providing a double meaning for the event’s title). The the Basalt High School GSA has continued to organize the dance after Bautista graduated. It is free and open to all high school students, and typically draws between 50-75 kids from every school in the Valley. This year, DJ Dylan will provide the tunes, and adult volunteers from the Rocky Mountain Gay for Good organization will chaperone. The event will be funded through donations and help from RE-1 School District’s Diversity Fund.

PRIDE PARADE

Friday, May 3 – 5:30 PM downtown Carbondale The focal point of the Carbondale Chamber’s May First Friday celebration, the Pride Parade, is the first-ever community-wide event of its kind. And it is being planned almost entirely by Carbondale Middle School students, who are coordinating with Town of Carbondale staff and the Chamber. It will culminate in the Annual Family Block Party at the Village Smithy. All are welcome. At least 30 kids will join together in carrying Aspen Out’s enormous Pride Flag, a universally recognized rainbow-striped symbol of inclusion. “It has been awesome to see how these students have taken the lead,” says Knaus. “And it’s been incredible to experience the affirmation they are receiving from the Chamber and Town, which have met this idea with a lovely, supportive, positive vibe. It makes me proud of my community and these kids.”

LOVE IS ...

the name of a new book written by local Montessori teacher Cathy Heyliger. Off the press in February, this is a children’s book that helps families talk about gender identity in open and accepting ways. The author found inspiration from the struggles of her two sons who came out in their early teens. Love Is ... for everyone exactly how they are. Be sure tosay hello to the author, Cathy Heyliger, at the Family Block Party, where she will be signing copies. You can also find Love Is... at Explore Booksellers in Aspen.

GOLDEN WORDS .

How we speak about gender identity can be accepting and welcoming – or not. Parents can lead by example, helping their children to adopt inclusive language. LGBTQ+ is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Questioning. It is a commonly used term that can help someone express how they wish to describe their identity. Many mistake the Q to mean Queer, which is a pejorative term dating back to the 18th Century. The + is preferred by many as a way of including those of any gender identity. GSA has historically stood for “Gay Straight Alliance.” The nationwide trend is to shift this term to “Gender and Sexuality Alliance,” to be inclusive of transgender students and others. “The whole point is to include, love and accept,” says Knaus, explaining why the CMS group has adopted the more contemporary language. However, other local groups choose to continue using the traditional nomenclature. “Sometimes we forget that the S in GSA stands for Straight,” explains Kate Bradley, the faculty adviser for Basalt High School’s GSA. “Inclusion is a vital component of this movement, and one of the most effective elements of these groups is that students of every orientation and sexual identity are showing up in support of one another.” A group of students in Aspen has chosen to call themselves “Alphabet Soup,” because, as the group’s mentor Janet Gordon explains, “these children have felt excluded all their lives, and they do not want to exclude anyone by assigning a label. So their group welcomes anyone who identifies with any letter under the rainbow.” There is a problem with labels. On one hand, they give people a way to identify themselves and a way to relate to others who choose the same label. “But we don’t want people to feel confined by a label. Whatever you identify as, you belong exactly as you are,” Gordon says. In doubt about what words to use? “Be direct,” suggests Knaus. “Respectfully ask what words feel right to the individual and follow their lead.” And, in case you’re wondering why rainbows? Because a rainbow is made with every color, and everyone can fit under it. Why unicorns? Because unicorns are both genders and are therefore free of prescribed gender roles. Unicorns get to be themselves, exactly as they are. So should everyone. {KC} PHOTOS

(Page 24) Handmade invitations created by the Carbondale Middle School GSA. These will be delivered to every GSA in the Valley, and throughout CMS, inviting the everyone to join the group at the Pride Parade. (Page 25) Everyone Welcome stickers created by Deva Shantay for local businesses to display on storefronts, sending a visual message of community-wide inclusion. (This page, right) All In Members of Carbondale Middle School’s GSA form a ring wearing Be You bracelets, the group’s symbol of inclusion. Credit: {KC}

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The students and children of the Teen Parent Program

YAMPAH MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL

MOUNTAINPARENT FEATURE

I I MOTHER’S DAY PROCLAMATION

FOR HERE & NOW

MOTHER’S DAY BEGAN after Julia Ward Howe’s passionate 1870 “Appeal to Womanhood throughout the world” – a call for peace and international justice, for women’s voices to be heard and given agency in the decisions of their time. This call, the urgency of it, exists now as much as ever. Indeed, it seems imperative that “women of one country . . . be too tender of those of another country, to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs,” as Howe wrote. We mothers carry this plaintive cry while soothing babes on hips, stirring dinner pots, and managing the constancy of home and work. Meanwhile, we may be carrying something that our forebearers did not – a sense that we aren’t doing enough, that we ourselves are somehow lacking – and this feeling does not serve us, nor our children, nor the world. So MP asked parent-child teacher Holly Richardson to share what she brings her classes – her own loving, humorous and gritty perspective: permission to joyfully banish doubt and earnestly care for self. This is what Holly shares each month as a guest teacher in the Teen Parent Program at Yampah Mountain High School. As these young mothers (and one father) find the truth inside themselves, that they are perfectly ENOUGH, we might also recognize the ‘Here and Now’ face of Julia Ward Howe’s motherhood manifesto. {KC} por traits: SARAH KUHN photographer

THE ART OF BEING

ENOUGH ...A MOTHERHOOD MANIFESTO H O L LY R I C H A R D S O N parent - child teacher

Yampah Mountain High School Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork Guest teacher at branch libraries from Aspen to New Castle In parent-child class, I’m not going to tell you “how to” parent, as if I see myself as an expert. Instead, I share stories about my struggles with parenting because we’re all trying to figure it out, and we’re in this together. For example, more than 15 years ago when I was pregnant, on bed rest with my first child, I read too many parenting books. I practiced hours of meditations and visualizations to support a natural birth. I attended parenting workshops. I really wanted to know what I was doing. After my son was born, this vigilance (and certainty that I was ill-equipped for the honor of being his mother) continued. One bleary-eyed night, I even Googled GREEN POOP in a panic because my baby had exactly this in his diaper. (There’s a term for this: “Poogle-ing.”) I trusted a website more than my own intuition. It’s hard to feel our own wisdom at 3:00 AM, or anytime when we feel stretched, strapped, doing our best (parenting, working, keeping house, driving our kids to and from, making ends meet, striving to stay present, patient, joyful...) often feeling like our best is not enough. My mother, born in 1935, has never believed she is not enough, not once, not a day in her life. I was born in 1970 and my experience has been very different than hers. The passing down of wisdom from generation to generation has been replaced

by the science of parenting. Studies, podcasts, blogs, volumes of “How To Do This or That” (sleep, eat, discipline, etc.) abound, with more information than one could digest in a lifetime. I think we all do this – we search outside of ourselves for answers on how to meet the needs of our children. Yes, there are a lot of wonderful resources out there... However, I’ve come to believe this: the deepest knowing actually lies in each and every one of us. Mama I’m here to tell you: YOU ARE ENOUGH. YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH. I’m also here to tell you that you need your friends. I remember pushing a stroller down the sidewalks of Glenwood Springs to get some fresh air, and feeling so alone – as I rarely saw anyone else doing the same. It was during this time that I first sought professional emotional support. I eventually gathered a motley crew of parents who were in the same boat. We started getting together weekly with our children. They became a lifeline to sanity for me. This taught me LESSON TWO: Parents are not meant to raise children in isolation. The teen parents at YMHS could have taught me this had I known them at that time. They are being held in community, parenting together with others their age, and supported by teachers and administrators who understand what they are going through.

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I YMHS

TEEN PARENT PROGRAM To many, teen pregnancy might seem like the end of the world. “It is certainly the end of childhood for the mothers,” explains Sally Kilton, YMHS Teen Parent Advisor. “We support these young parents through their rather quick transition into parenthood.”

Teachers can help facilitate conversations that lead to building connections. Friendship takes time, and it happens more readily when we can share honestly about ourselves and our lives with our children. I will often start a classroom discussion with a story about my beloved, somewhat smelly, sometimes gross, occasionally sarcastic teenage sons. Once we get past the illusion that our kids are perfect, it’s a whole lot easier to laugh and talk and be real. It’s easier to relax and share when everyone is working on something, like handwork or a craft, rather than looking at each other, staring across a table. At YMHS, we have made our own books of wisdom and gratitude, and Mothers Day flower crowns (shown here). LESSON THREE: If we take care of ourselves, then we will be in better shape to weather the weather. We do this two ways: outwardly and inwardly. Adequate sleep, nourishing food, exercise, and time in nature all fall into the first category. We’ve all heard the metaphor about parents putting on their oxygen mask first. The trick is having the energy to do so. This is where inward work helps. Inner care takes building muscles in daily practices of mindfulness, kindness towards self, quietude, gratitude, and as Eckard Tolle wrote: “Be the ever-alert guardian of your inner space.” We must listen to our inner dialogue and pay attention to those deep recesses.

What does this look like in a parent-child classroom? I try to bring activities that parents can take home with them. Stretching and breathing are good ways to start, as are uplifting or soothing songs. Lighting a candle can remind us that this time together is special. We share tea and a simple snack. We talk about how we can choose to start each day. No matter what, we have the power to decide how we will get out of bed. I often wake up knowing there will be challenges. My fifteen-yearold will most likely not want to go to school for the umpteenth day in a row – and at 5’, 11” tall, he is too big for me to put in a car seat! My thirteen-year-old may still be in an adolescent funk. My husband works long hours and I’ll need to navigate the day without his calming presence. I take time with a heart mediation that came from my mentor and friend Sharifa Oppenheimer (which you can find at www.Mountain-Parent. com). I end this by naming one specific thing for which I am grateful. I then walk into my quiet bathroom. I feel the warm floor beneath my feet. I smile intentionally into my eyes in the mirror. I take a deep breath, bringing my consciousness into my body and resting it in my heart, and I say to myself: “YOU ARE ENOUGH, MAMA. YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH.”

WEATHER INSURANCE: If it rains or snows bring the vehicle back within 48 hours after an Ultimate Wash and we will rewash it.

This is accomplished in a program that has been developed by the school’s principal Leigh McGown over the past 25 years. At its heart is a nurturing environment where student parents continue their studies in the building where their children are cared for throughout the school day. “This isn’t just childcare,” explains Laura Carmichael Smith, the school’s social worker and pottery and comprehensive health teacher. “We support these parents in becoming their child’s first teacher, helping them see that their child absorbs everything they do. So we guide them in connecting and playing with their child throughout the school day.” During parent-child time, cell phones go into a basket. Mothers nurse, bottle or spoon-feed their children and play or read a book. During Teen Parent classes, the students learn about early childhood development, attachment styles, children’s literacy, how to self-soothe and how to manage issues like anger or depression. They work with Donna Holley, the school’s college advisor / teen parent counselor who helps them plan their next steps beyond graduation, following their interests and applying for scholarships. “We ask students what world they want to live in, and then help them create it for themselves,” Holley says. “Becoming a parent is a humbling journey in itself,” said April Moon, the school’s student liaison. “Becoming a parent while you are still a child is this tenfold, but our student parents aren’t in it alone.”

THE VALLEY’S SOURCE FOR: Car Washing Detailing Quick Lube

New Tires & Changes Express Detailing Headlight Restoration

745 BUGGY CIRCLE, CARBONDALE • (970) 963-8800 31

A one time introductory visit for families with a child birth to three years old. Families receive age appropriate parenting kits.

(970) 945-1234

Partners for a Healthy Baby

Up to five visits, scheduled at the family’s convenience to talk more in-depth about topics of their choice.

Bright by Three

to ly Visi r Progra i am

Nurse-Family Partnership

Healthy Families Aspen to Parachute

Designed for firsttime parents to cover all topics that arise throughout pregnancy until the baby is two years old.

Supports and educates families with all aspects of parenting during pregnancy until the child is three years old.

because babies don’t come with care instructions...

401 23rd Street, Suite 204 Glenwood Springs www.familyvisitor.org

nonprofit spotlight underwritten by

34 32

Umbrella’s commitment: giving back 1% of gross revenue to community organizations

(970) 704-9130 UMBRELLA-ROOFING.COM

MOUNTAINPARENT

S.O.S.

S U RV I VA L K I T

{ a.k.a. S U M M E R C A M P S I G N U P }

S.O.S. THE

MOUNTAINPARENT SURVIVAL KIT

Save Our Souls: the international call for help may seem like hyperbole, but is it?

The big picture: According to the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women, “working mothers work the longest hours of anyone in the world, when paid and unpaid work are combined.” This amounts to an average of two-and-a-half hours more work per day than men worldwide. Women are ranked globally according to workplace safety, pay equity, opportunity and other factors intended to measure quality of life. While women in the U.S. are considerably better off in every measurable category than those in developing nations, we also land well below top-ranked Scandinavian women, who benefit from paid family leave and paid childcare, and who are notably the highest wage earners in rankings of lifetime pay equity compared with their male counterparts. Meanwhile, in a recent study conducted by the American Psychological Association, we see that the role of fathers is changing significantly for our generation of parents. According to the study, fathers today spend 66% more time actively engaged in household and child-rearing responsibilities than their fathers or grandfathers did in 1971. Studies show two major factors involved in this upswing: an increase in maternal income and a decrease in paternal work hours. In other words, we are the pioneer generation for workplace / homelife parity. What does this mean to families in the Roaring Fork Valley? We live in a region with consistently low unemployment rates, on average half the national average. According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, individual median incomes here are between 10k and 15k higher than the national average (44% higher). This sounds good. Right? Except that the average income in the RFV hovers surprisingly lower than the statewide average cost of living. Meanwhile, median home prices here are eye-popping compared with elsewhere. For example, $200,000 is the average cost nationwide for a two bedroom single-family townhome. An equivalent home in Garfield County averages $361k; Eagle = $526k; Pitkin = $662k. To make it all add up, more than 17% of our workforce in Garfield and Eagle Counties commutes to Pitkin County for employment. While we have plenty here to be grateful for, especially the freedom to choose to live in one of the most expensive and beautiful communities in the world – that feeling of being stretched in multiple directions, often well-beyond our comfort – that feeling is real. We feel it, and our children feel it. This is especially challenging in summertime, when our children are out of school precisely when the Valley’s economy cranks up higher in many professions than during ski season (think: realty, construction, development, agriculture, and even Valleywide tourism). Before you send up a flare or set your text alert to the S.O.S. Morse code, let us help. We’ve compiled 20 Ways to Survive our busy season, with details on everything from local childcare referrals to making the most of our commutes, and sneaking a workout into our workdays. Then, let us introduce you to 30 Summer Programs, because we’re with you. Unless our children are safe, unless they are happy, nourished and engaged while we’re at work, then it all gets a lot harder, impossible really. We echo your distress. Dot. Dot. Dot. Dash. Dash. Dash Dot. Dot. Dot. Let’s turn S.O.S. into Satisfyingly Outlandish Summer. {KC}

Babes

parents w/

&Toddlers

{

S E E K S H E LT E R .

For parents of infants and toddlers, finding a CHILDCARE ENVIRONMENT that fits their family’s lifestyle and budget can indeed feel like finding shelter in a storm. Fortunately, we have two local resources that can provide referrals for licensed childcare options near your home: Kids First (970) 928-7111 serving Pitkin County Early Childhood Network (970) 928-7111 serving Garfield and Eagle County

C U LT I VAT E YO U R T E A M .

TEENAGE BABYSITTERS offer care in your home, often flexible hours, and the opportunity for a life-long connection with your family. Whether you are looking for date-night support or summertime childcare while you work, be sure that your sitter is well-trained for this responsibility.

A pirate comedy for kids grade 1-4!

Valley View Hospital’s SafeSitter® program is designed to train sitters ages 11-14 in best practices and First Aid. The full-day course is $55, a good investment in your childcare network. Upcoming class dates: April 7 and May 19 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM (970) 384-7566 to register. Basalt Rec Department’s American Red Cross Babysitter Training: April 24 & 26 See page 52 for more information.

FIND YOUR V ILL AGE .

It takes a village to raise a child, but first you need your village. Attend parent-child classes, show up for storytime at the library, go to the park and the pool, meet your friends’ friends. In time, you will gather a circle of parents with shared interests whose kids’ ages and activities match yours. You’ll know when the time is right to ask for (and reciprocate) support, or even create a friendly childcare cooperative.

APRIL

12th & 19th @ 6:30 PM 13th & 20th @ 2:00 PM

TICKETS: AGES 13+ $12 AGES 6-12 $10

located in downtown

CARBONDALE 35

Kinders

parents w/ through

Tweens

{

GI V E YOURSE LF CRE DIT

About working – we’re ALL working parents. Whether we’re clocking in or living on a newborn clock – it’s real. It matters. And no pressure or anything, but when we’re home with our kids (paycheck or not) this is the most important work we’ll ever do. Lean in, stay-at-home peace-maker power broker. This S.O.S. is for all of us.

C A S T A W I D E N E T.

In our Valley, we are home to 20 elementary / middle schools, which funnel into only 7 high schools. So we can view enrollment in summertime programs as an opportunity for our children to make friends outside of their school year circles. These friendships in the broader community can help them feel at home later, when they enter the social melting pot of high school.

Kalamaya | Goscha is an award-winning boutique mountain law practice that specializes in family law, divorce, personal injury, criminal defense, and DUI defense. For us, everything is personal. We have offices in Aspen, Glenwood Springs and Edwards. For more information

KALAMAYA.LAW 970-315-2365 36

{

parents

w/Teens

S T E E R T H E S H I P.

There’s a nautical saying about teenagers – they are often quite eager to sail, but they’re not always ready to steer the ship. Case in point: summer vacation. Teens have outgrown many of our excellent local programs, which are mostly geared for kids who need adult supervision. However, if left on their own, even the most responsible kids can find themselves in situations their parents might wish to avoid. (Get the latest intel on Vaping at Mountain-Parent.com.) Or teens may simply fill their free hours with Playstation 4 and the third season of Stranger Things, which is set to drop on July 4. Parents can take a proactive and preemptive role in helping teens make good choices by helping them to plan their summer. We offer a few ideas.

CALL FOR A LIFEGUARD

The ultimate teenage summer job – working as a lifeguard at the pool – can give kids their first chance to gain hands-on life skills, while earning somewhat more than pocket change. American Red Cross Lifeguard Trainings: Applicants must be 15 years old and pass various skills tests, including swimming 300 yards, treading water without arms or hands, and retrieving a ten pound brick from the bottom of the pool. Online hours are required prior to classroom instruction. Aspen April 25-28; register through CMC. Aspen Rec Center Pool. (970) 544-4105 Carbondale: May 10-12; register by May 8 Carbondale Rec Center & John M. Fleet Pool (970) 510-1290 Note: Parents looking for part-time employment, a family pool pass and a chance to mentor young professionals are encouraged to inquire about Carbondale’s Lifeguard Training program.

T H E

ENCOUR AGE SERVICE

“Service helps them (teens) realize that we don’t live in a narcissistic world, and it gives them purposeful work. They learn to appreciate their down time,” Barbara Rose Balock told us in a Boredom-Busting interview in our July 2018 edition. (Find it online at Mountain-parent.com) Volunteers ages 12-17 typically need parental signatures to sign up. Pitkin & Garfield County Libraries Help with shelving, youth services and special events. Contact your local branch library or drop in to fill out a volunteer form and learn how you can be of service. C.A.R.E Walk, play with, bathe, train and socialize dogs and / or cats. Ages 16+ can sign up to help transport animals to events, take dogs hiking, or cover much-appreciated clean-up shifts. (970) 947-9173

S C H O O L

O F

ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET TER REGIS N OW E R UMM F O R S S S E S! CLA

Glenwood Springs Carbondale Basalt Aspen

NEW THIS SUMMER! DANCE IMMERSION CAMPS Dance immersion camps allow students to explore different types of dance including ballet and jazz, as well as options for tap, contemporary, musical theater, improvisation, and choreography.

PHOTO: ROSALIE O’CONNOR

Weekly camps run 9am-3pm, Mon.-Thurs., culminating in a showcase on Thursday afternoons at 2pm. Open to students ages 8 & up.

Classes start June 10 PLEASE REGISTER FOR CLASSES ONLINE

www.aspensantafeballet.com or contact Melanie Doskocil at 970-925-7175 x106 37

{

Hey

Mom

DID YOU K NOW?

According to Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, stay-at-home moms and dads account for 1 in 5 parents. Meanwhile, 64% of mothers with children under the age of 6 are employed outside the home; 70% of these are working full time. By comparison, in 1974, an average of 60% of mothers with children under the age of 18 did not work.

9. “I know if Mama ain’t happy, 10. ain’t nobody happy.” B E H A P P Y.

... Jeff Foxworthy

L O O K F O R L E V I T Y. M I X T H I S W I T H G R I T.

Sometimes all we need is a friend who is carrying the same load, who can make us laugh about it, and feel heard and understood. Sometimes that someone is an author whose heroine is there for us until the wee hours. Check out A Door Opens, by Elisabeth Egan, about a mother of three who leaps at a chance for professional fulfillment and then must find a way to make it all work. Sound familiar? Same here.

AT THE CARBONDALE CLAY CENTER

11.

L E T G O O F G U I LT

It’s normal to feel a pang when we’re dropping our children off on the first weekday of summer. Of course, we would rather go to the pool than rush to a meeting. However, instead of weeping at the park-and-ride, let’s remind ourselves that our professional lives teach our children invaluable life lessons: • Money truly does not grow on trees. It helps kids value it differently when they see us working for it. • Our career opportunities demonstrate the importance of a good education. • When we share our talents, we can make the world a better place. • Creative fulfillment at work helps us find energy for all that we do. • By planning and balancing our priorities, we teach our children to do the same. • When both parents work and share household chores, kids learn teamwork. • When the workday ends, it’s over. By shifting focus to our families, we show our kids that commitment matters at work and at home.

WHERE FAMILIES ARE BORN Aspen Valley Hospital is one of 16 hospitals in Colorado designated as “Baby Friendly.” Our team of doctors, midwives, registered nurses and lactation consultants is here for you every step of the way, ensuring you receive extraordinary, personalized care for this experience of a lifetime.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT • Childbirth preparation classes for new and returning mothers, partners and siblings • Pain management techniques to support your birth plan • Post-discharge phone calls to address your unexpected questions and concerns • Lactation follow-up consultation • Weekly “Bosom Buddies” support group 0401 Castle Creek Road, Aspen | 970.544.1130 | aspenhospital.org |

Schedule a pre-admission navigation, tour or class today.

AspenValleyHospital

12.

{

working

Workout

OM.

Plan Sunrise and Lunchtime yoga classes into your work week, and find your flow on and off the mat. ASPEN Aspen Shakti 535 E. Hyman Avenue (970) 925-1655 Lunch: 12:00 PM M-F “Shakti Vinyasa Flow”

CARBONDALE Kula on Main 443 Main Street (774) 563-0216 Sunrise: 5:30 AM Tues, “TAC Epic Strength” 6:30 AM W, “Prana Flow” Lunch: 12:00 PM M, W, F “High Noon Boost”

O2 408 South Mill Street (970) 925-4002 Sunrise: 6:00 AM M-F “O2 Fit” 7:00 AM M-F “Hot Flow” Lunch: 12:00 PM M-F “O2 Flow”

True Nature Healing Arts 100 N 3rd Street (970) 963-9900 Lunch: 12:00 PM M-F “Invigorate” daily + Pilates on Wed. + Steady Wisdom, a Vedanta Study Group on Thurs.

BASALT

GLENWOOD SPRINGS

Vimana Yoga 23300 Two Rivers Road (970) 927-1230 Lunch: 12:00 PM M, W, F “Vimana w/ Emily”

Providence Apothecary 713 Cooper Avenue (970) 928-3440 Lunch: 12:00 PM Tues & Friday “Power Hour”

Mermaid Camps Delightful & Small Art & Swim Camps in RVR in Carbondale with Pam Porter

Summer Mermaids 2019 Camps, ages 6-10

• Rose Mermaids: June 10-13 • Mango Mermaids: June 18-21 • Lemon Mermaids: June 24-27 • Emerald Mermaids: July 15-18 • Turquoise Mermaids: July 22-25 • Indigo Mermaids: July 29-Aug. 1

Learn more & sign up: THECREATIVEFLOWSTUDIO.COM 40

Enroll now!

JAS BEAT LAB June 10-14

10am-1pm at Roaring Fork High School

The JAS Beat Lab is an opportunity for small groups of students to compose, arrange, perform, and mix original music using the professional recording software Reason 8. Introduces students to the concepts of computer-based music production in a studio environment while having them create the music that is being recorded.

JAZZ CAMPS

Advanced: June 17-26 Intermediate: July 15-27

10am-3pm at Roaring Fork High School

College music students from the Denver area will join the June group for the last two days of the camp and will perform with them at the Glenwood Springs Summer of Music at Two Rivers Park. The July group will also perform at the Glenwood Springs Summer of Music at Two Rivers Park as well as the Carbondale Mountain Fair.

INFO:

jazzaspensnowmass.org 970.920.4996

Youthentity

Youth Career Internship Programs

Open to all high school students Learn real-world skills Earn class credits

Career Ready, Life Ready. youthentity.org

13.

PL A N A PE A K S A N D VA LLE YS “ POWE R LU NCH ”

Whether you’re catching a gondola ride for a noonish top-to-bottom, or jogging up and down the Ute Trail, you’ll find yourself navigating a rise and fall in terrain to make the most of your lunch break. Here are a few hour-plus power runs (or bike rides) within steps of our Valley’s downtown centers. ASPEN East of Aspen Trail A 7 mile round trip alongside Highway 82 up Independence Pass. Crushed gravel paths, connective boardwalks over wetland areas and a steady uphill climb make this a good way to clear your head after that big meeting. BASALT Arbany Kittle West Trail From Hwy 82, turn North onto Bishop Lane, and then left onto Holland Hills Road. Continue to Kelli Court, where you will find a small parking area. You will break a sweat even on a chilly day, hiking, trail-running or mountain biking up this dog-friendly dirt trail. With a gain of just over 2000 vertical feet in 1.95 miles , it’s Stairmaster in a scrub oak forest.

A Community Event

A diverse marketplace offering access to locally-grown farm fresh food and artisan venders from around Colorado

WILLITS Glassier Trail From Willits Lane, drive South to Hooks Lane, which will take you to Hooks Spur, where you will find a parking lot that abutts the Rio Grande trail. Walk or bike this flat, paved stretch for .8 mile to the Glassier Open Space trailhead. This intermediate-to-moderate trail is NOT dog friendly. Also be aware of a seasonal wildlife trail closure from Dec. 1 – May 15. This 1.6 mile route follows a band of red rock cliffs to the East, through sage meadows, to join the Buckhorn Traverse, which offers a steep uphill climb through scrub oak to the Crown BLM area.

CARBONDALE Red Hill Recreation Area Thanks to a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Aspen Valley Land Trust, this hiking and biking area now features a pedestrian and dog-friendly approach to the trailhead from a parking lot at the intersection of Highways 82 and 133. Take your pick of short, steep charging trails for an intense workout rewarded by a spectacular view of the skyline from Independence Pass to Mount Sopris, and up the Crystal Valley. GLENWOOD SPRINGS Boy Scout Trail This trailhead is a quick walk from downtown Glenwood Springs. You’ll find the well-marked route at the deadend of East 8th Street. Follow the trail up 2.5 miles with a 1,500 foot elevation gain through a sagebrush meadow. The trail peaks at a plateau overlooking the City of GWS and Glenwood Canyon. From here, you can either treat this like an out-and-back lunch break –or you can continue further by turning at a T intersection onto the Lookout Mountain Trail. For more ideas, we suggest that you visit one of our excellent local outdoors retailers, who will gladly point you in the right direction.

Every Saturday

June 15 – October 5 8:30 am – 3 pm East Hopkins – South Hunter – Hyman

www.aspen-saturdaymarket.com 41

14.

{

F I R S T S T O P : R F TA .

If you haven’t bussed it since B.C. (before children), chances are, you haven’t experienced Veloci-RFTA, the first rural rapid transit system in the nation. Commuters can count on a BRT bus arriving at one of ten stations every twelve minutes (or less) throughout peak hours. They can track their bus’s arrival time on “next bus” monitors at each station, or in real time on a live GPS map available online. Then, make the most of the ride with free WIFI at all Veloci-RFTA stations and buses.

working

Commute

15.

This summer, adventure with ACES! From June through August, ACES offers fun and educational kids’ camps at Hallam Lake in Aspen and Rock Bottom Ranch in Basalt. Summer offerings include: DAILY DROP-IN, WEEKLONG & OVERNIGHT options

WE - C YCLE .

The community-supported bike share program operates from May until the snow flies, providing free use of bikes for short (30 minute or less) one-way rides around the City of Aspen or Basalt, El Jebel and Willits. This makes it easier to ride the bus for your working commute, because you can hop on a bike at any Veloci-RFTA station to pedal the rest of the way. Large cargo baskets and an easy phone app take the hassle out of the shuffle – and give you a good excuse for dressing bike-savvy business casual.

16.

BIKE THE RIO GRANDE

The 42-mile continuous multi-use trail from Aspen to Glenwood Springs runs along the former Rio Grande railroad right-ofway, providing a trafficfree route from one end of the Valley to the other. Arguably among the most scenic bike commutes in the U.S., this Rails-toTrails project connects to spur trails around Basalt, through Carbondale up the Crystal River Valley, and in Glenwood Springs to a designated scenic byway along the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon. The slightly downhill angle of the trail from Aspen makes it a popular home-fromwork commuter option. Load your bike at one of 24 RFTA stations where buses equipped with racks run continuously from 6:00 AM until 7:30 PM, starting in midApril through Labor Day. Note: A section of the trail between Carbondale and Rock Bottom Ranch is closed annually during the winter season. It will reopen this year at 5:00 PM on April 30.

17.

E-BIKES & TRAIL ETIQUETTE

Motorized vehicles are prohibited on most of the Rio Grande Trail, except for Class 1 & 2 electric bikes, which are allowed only on a stretch of trail between Two Rivers Park in GWS and Emma Road in Basalt. Meanwhile, equestrian use is restricted to unpaved areas unless posted, and all riders and pedestrians must yield to horses. Dogs must be leashed at all times. All waste must be carried out or disposed of in marked bear-proof bins. Cyclists must use an audible signal and yield to pedestrians.

18.

A COMMUTER BAG

The RFV’s answer to the briefcase is a backpack loaded for the biking commute. To help you plan for potential wardrobe changes, as well as emergency essentials, here is a list of gear you’ll need: • helmet (non negotiable) • watch (to get whereever on time) • bright, seasonal clothing (think: sun, wind & skid protection) • water • snacks • sunglasses • pant clips (to keep loose fabric from getting stuck in your chain) • bike light • headlamp

2019 SUMMER THEATRE EDUCATION PROGRAMS

• bike bell • repair kit with pump, extra tubes, a set of tire levers and a patch kit. • stuffable rain jacket • Panniers / frame seat bags a great commuter add on. Try this shop local lead: Defiant Packs.

19.

IF YOU H AV E A FAVORITE C A M PING S P O T , S H H H . . . Our local summertime

economy is fueled by visitors from the front range and beyond, so campsites that can be reserved are often booked by mid-April. If you haven’t already made a plan, we recommend doing so post haste. Go to www.Recreation.gov to find an interactive guide to more than 500 Colorado campground areas. Searches can be filtered by site type (ie. tent only, hiking approach, cabin, or RV) or by amenities such as waterfront location and electrical hook up. You can factor in the required level of effort, and consider necessary permits, historic tours, horseback riding or even snorkelling.

20.

REMEMBER:

R &R

“The quickest way for a parent to get a child’s attention is to sit down and look comfortable.” ... Lane Olinghouse American Writer

{

plan your

S.O.S. SAVE OUR SCHEDULES

Let us introduce

something for ever y age and stage

Summer Programs

for ever y in tere s t and ever y day.

(970) 925-5756 ASPENNATURE.ORG AGES: 4 +

(970) 923-3181 ANDERSONRANCH.ORG AGES: 4+

(970) 927-3143 ASCENDIGO.ORG AGES: 7 +

ACES / Rock Bottom Ranch

Anderson Ranch Art Center

Ascendigo

DATES: JUNE 3 - AUGUST 16

DATES: JUNE 10 - AUGUST 16

DATES: JUNE 16 - AUGUST 9

Hallam Lake in Aspen and Rock Bottom Ranch in Basalt. Options include drop-in, daily, weekly and over-night camps for all interests, including many partnership camps focused on art, photography, fishing, and more. Don’t forget to check out exciting overnight camping and sleepaway options for ages 11-14!

Your kids can explore photography, beading, printmaking, 3-D printing, kit building, multimedia, masks and more. The beautiful campus in Snowmass is a home for growing children’s imagination. Most camps run from 9:00am - 3:00pm.

Summer adventure camps. The model and teaching methods are centered around athletic growth and fostering independence. Participants get the opportunity to try rock climbing, wake-boarding and wake-surfing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and much more! The summer residential program is located at Colorado Mountain College- Spring Valley Campus, and is designed to help promote independent living while fostering friendships and social skills.

Aspen Art Museum

Aspen Historical Society

Aspen Sante Fe Ballet

DATES: JUNE 3 – AUGUST 16, 2019

DATES: JULY 11 - AUGUST 3

DATES: JUNE 10 - AUGUST 2

Summer Workshops at the Aspen Art Museum offer creative art-making opportunities for a wide range of ages and interests. Most Workshops run from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Explore the past with kid-friendly activities and stories led by the AHS Education staff. This program is provided for free courtesy of Aspen Valley Hospital. When: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10:30 AM

Students learn in small classes in a supportive environment that fosters confidence and individual accomplishment as well as technique and artistry. Weekly dance immersion camps for students ages 8+. The weekly dance camps will give students the opportunity to try a variety of dance styles at their Glenwood Springs studio. Summer weekly classes for students age 3+ are offered at each studio - Glenwood, Carbondale, Basalt, Aspen.

(970) 925-8050 ASPENARTMUSEUM.ORG AGES: 4 +

EMAIL: education@aspenartmuseum.org

(970) 925-3721 ASPENHISTORY.ORG AGES: 3+

(970) 925-7175 ASPENSANTAFEBALLET.COM AGES: 3+

2019 SUMMER ART CAMPS 9:30AM - 3:30PM June 10 – 14

(970) 544-4130 ASPENYOUTHCENTER.ORG AGES: RISING 4TH GRADE AND UP

(877) 282-7736 ASPENSNOWMASS.COM/CAMP AGES: 3+

Aspen Youth Center (AYC)

Aspen-Snowmass

DATES: YEAR-ROUND. SUMMER PROGRAMMING STARTS IN JUNE.

DATES: JUNE 10 - AUGUST 30

Join in for art, cooking, science, sports, outdoor adventures, and DODGEBALL! AYC is FREE and wants to meet YOUR kids! Come daily or once a week, AYC is a drop in facility located in the Aspen Rec Center. Aspen Youth Center is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer (June – August).

Camp Aspen Snowmass is the big mountain camp for kids with big appetites for fun. Programs include downhill biking, rock climbing, fishing, rafting, rocket building, mountainboarding, arts and crafts, hiking, overnight campouts, ropes courses and the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster! There is even an overnight camp for ages 6+. Prices are steeply discounted with the purchase of a 5-day punch pass (the Validation Pass).

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

June 17 – 21 ARTITECTURE

June 24 – 28 THE ART FORCE AWAKENS

July 1 – 3 CREATIVE BY NATURE & STARS AND STRIPES

July 8 – 12 THE STORY OF THE FOREST

July 8 – 12

12.

13.

Carbondale Arts

Camp Smashbox

DATES: THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

DATES: JUNE 10 - AUGUST 16

Rosybelle, the Mobile Maker Bus, will offer a variety art forms for children to explore. Mediums include: Digital Animation, Painting, and Rock & Roll. Find Rosybelle at the Launchpad – 76 S 4th St, Carbondale; or at the New Castle Recreation Center – 23 W Main St, New Castle.

It’s a wild and wacky outdoor adventure camp that sends kids home exhausted and has them coming back the next morning begging for more. A typical day may include some combination of challenges, team-building, crafts, adventures, obstacle courses, cardboard creations, and heavy doses of nature and wet or messy play. Camp SmashBox Aspen/Snowmass is hosted at the Snowmass Chapel.

(970) 963-1680 CARBONDALEARTS.COM AGES: GRADES K - 12

FANTASTIC FASHION

July 15 – 19

(480) 395-2980 CAMPSMASHBOX.COM AGES: GRADES K - 6

SALTY EXPLORATIONS

July 22 – 26 JUNIOR NATURE ILLUSTRATOR

July 22 – 26 WILD KINGDOM

July 29 – August 2 ARTBOT ADVENTURES

July 29 – August 2 PROJECT PHOTOSHOOT

August 5 – 9 ANIMAL ART

970.927.4123 www.theartbase.org

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Handmakery

(970) 309-7686 HANDMAKERY.COM AGES: MIXED

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JAS Aspen

(970) 920-4996 JAZZASPENSNOWMASS.ORG AGES: MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL

DATES: JUNE - AUGUST

DATES: JUNE 10 - JULY 27

Let your artist’s heart soar as they’re inspired by color + collaboration + connection + community + childhood + creativity in the beautiful children’s art studio in the heart of downtown Carbondale! Jump into art enrichment through hands-on exploration and mixed-media making + creating in our specialized classes, camps, workshops, special evenings, and art events. At HANDMAKERY they love to inspire children, develop creative confidence, and create a community connection within a colorful + creative environment! Most art workshops will run Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM!

The JAS Summer Camp is designed for middle and high school students of the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. The Camp provides direct music instruction from professional musicians, including private lessons and group workshops as well as live performance elements.

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AVSC

Camp Cozy Point

Carbondale Clay Center

TEAMAVSC.ORG/SUMMER AGES: 7+

(970) 922-0025 CAMPCOZYPOINT.COM AGES: 4 - 18

DATES: THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

DATES: JUNE 6 - AUGUST 16, VARIOUS SESSIONS

DATES: JUNE 10 - AUGUST 16

AVSC offers a wide range of summer camps including mountain biking (all abilities!), trampoline and ramp camps, and on-snow opportunities at Buttermilk.Visit the website for dates, pricing, and details.

Camp Cozy Point is an equestrian day camp for beginners to experienced competitors and focuses on cultivating confident and responsible riders with a foundation in basic horsemanship. Riders learn confidence, safety and responsibility in a fun environment. Most programs are Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM. The Wee Rider Camp is from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM with an extended day option.

The Carbondale Clay Center offers summer ceramic camps for kids age 5+. Kids will either be handbuilding or learning use the wheel. Themes include dinosaurs, mountains, superheroes, under the sea and other topics with creative spark. Classes are either afternoon or morning sessions, depending on the age and date of the program.

(970) 205-5100

14. City of Aspen Aspen Rec Department (970) 544-4100 ASPENRECREATION.COM AGES: 5+

DATES: JUNE 16 - AUGUST 9 Aspen Recreation Department offers many camps and classes over the course of the summer for all ages. Swimming, day camps, golf, rock climbing, and even art at the Red Brick. There is so much to choose from!

15.

Crow Canyon Archeological Center

DATES: JUNE 16 - AUGUST 9

DATES: JUNE 16 - JULY 13. REGISTRATION DEADLINE MAY 2.

(970) 925-8050 THECREATIVEFLOWSTUDIO.COM AGES: 6-10

Located at River Valley Ranch in Carbondale. Join artist/ teacher, Pam Porter, for these small, creative camps. Do mermaid art in the mornings and swim in the afternoons. Children don’t need to be RVR residents to attend. Monday through Thursday (one is Tuesday-Friday), 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, ages 6-10.

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Roaring Fork School District

Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra

DATES: JUNE 24 - JULY 26

DATES: JUNE 10 -14 Hosted at the Launchpad in Carbondale 9:00 AM - 3:15 PM, Monday - Friday

The Summer Advantage program is a free five-week program providing skill-building in math and reading, enrichment and talent development, and fun Friday activities with free breakfast and lunch. Application deadline is April 14. It is open to Basalt and Carbondale students in grades K-3. In Glenwood Springs, students in grades K-4 are encouraged to apply and will attend the program at Glenwood Springs Elementary School. Learn more or complete an application here: summeradvantage.org/for-parents

16.

Creative Flow Studio

19. (866) 924-7226 SUMMERADVANTAGE.ORG AGES: K - 4TH GRADE

(970) 963-2529 CARBONDALECLAY.ORG AGES: 5+

(970) 306-1235 RFYO.ORG AGES: 7 - 18

Open to students who play Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass. Students learn fiddle and blues tunes, the basics of improvising, leading tunes and soloing.

(800) 422-8975 CROWCANYON.ORG AGES: 12-18

Don’t just learn about archaeology. Do it! Crow Canyon Archaeological Center offers weeklong camps throughout the summer for kids to dig with professional archaeologists, learn about the American Indian history and cultures, and more. Crow Canyon is currently excavating sites inhabited by ancestral Pueblo Indians (Anasazi) nearly a 1,000 years ago. USA Today named the summer program one of the 10 best adventure camps for kids. Located in Cortez, Colorado.

21.

Rock and Roll Academy

(970) 379-9685 ROCKANDROLLROARINGFORK.COM AGES: 8 - 14 DATES: JUNE 24 - AUGUST 16 Summer Rock Band Music Camps for kids. A powerful musical and social program with a modern band format and instruments. No experience necessary. Instruments and instruction provided. Kids form bands with new friends, choose and play music they love, and have a blast preparing a mini-concert at the end of the week.

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Snowmass Village Parks & Rec

SOL Theatre

The Art Base

DATES: JUNE 3 - AUGUST 23

DATES: JUNE 10 - AUGUST 16

DATES: JUNE 10 - AUGUST 9

The Town of Snowmass Village offers a kid’s day camp for ages 5-14 years, which involve arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games, swimming and field trips. These camps are designed to build confidence, encourage creativity and emphasize teamwork among participants. Camp sessions are weekdays from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Snowmass Village Recreation Center. Register in person at the Recreation Center, online, or via phone at 970-922-2240.

Make new friends, and join the fun of acting and signing in a stage production. There are 5 week-long camps offered throughout the summer. The hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Summer Art Camps are all-day/week-long programs designed to explore art fundamentals and community participation through hands-on artmaking, gallery visits, and a final exhibition or event. Each week is themed-based and offers a creative art-making experience for all ages and abilities. Scholarships available.

(970) 922-2240 SNOWMASSRECREATION.COM AGES: 5 - 14

25. The Farm Collaborative (970) 379-2323 THEFARMCOLLABORATIVE.ORG AGES: 5 - 11

(970) 274-0894 SOLTHEATRECOMPANY.ORG AGES: 7 - 12

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Theatre Aspen

(970) 925-9313 THEATREASPEN.ORG AGES: GRADES K - 12

DATES: JUNE 10 - AUGUST 16

DATES: JUNE 10 - AUGUST 4

Guided by nature, the 10-week summer camp program provides children of all ages with hands-on fun at the unique half-acre “FarmPark” of outdoor gardens and greenhouses.

Summer with Theatre Aspen enhances creative impulses, strengthens collaborative skills, builds confidence, and much more. It empowers students of all ages to meet life head-on wherever they go, and in whatever circumstances they find themselves, whether on stage, in the classroom, the workplace or beyond. Weekly camps are offered throughout the summer.

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Town of Carbondale

YMCA of the Rockies Camp Chief Ouray

(970) 510-1290 CARBONDALEREC.COM AGES: PROGRAM DEPENDENT Camps and classes are offered over the course of the summer for all ages. Don’t forget to check out swimming classes offered summer long at the pool.

(970) 963-1616 CAMPCHIEFOURAY.ORG AGES: 7 - 18

DATES: JUNE 9 - AUGUST 13 For over a century, Camp Chief Ouray (CCO) has been the adventurous playground and traditional overnight camp for kids age 7 - 17. Campers live in cabins with two counselors and six to nine other children of their own gender and age. Located on 5,100 acres of mountains, valleys, streams and meadows — boredom is simply not an option.

(970) 927-4123 THEARTBASE.ORG AGES: 4+

27. Town of Basalt

(970) 927.8214 X 400 BASALTEXPRESSREC.ORG AGES: 4 -14 DATES: SUMMER LONG Camps and classes are offered over the course of the summer for all ages. Activities include swimming, golf, day camps, hiking and more.

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More Options

Here are some more organizations to reach out to for summer programming: Camp Invention Ajax Adventure Camp Beyond the Bell Bob Johnson Hockey School Camp Run-a-Muk Camp Chip-a-Tooth CMC: Reach Your Peak Summer Camp Cooking School of Aspen Crystal Springs Ranch Glenwood Toys and Gifts Math Camp for Girls Mountain Kids Academy Sanborn Western Camps Train Your Brain Wildwood School Windwalkers

GOOD

S PO R T S

Eye

ON THE BALL REFLEC TIONS FROM MIDFIELD

MAEVE MCGUIRE A spen High School

I WATCH THE SPIRALING BALL plunge over the opposing team’s defense and directly into my teammate’s feet as she sprints to the corner flag. With one swift movement, she flicks the ball across the field and onto Eryka’s head - GOAL! The crowded sideline erupts with cheers from our nervous parents. Our team instantly storms to the center of the field and begins to celebrate. Thirty-five minutes later, however, we march off the field with our heads hung low; this tie felt like a loss. Though we played well most of this tournament - competing against talented teams from all over the nation - this final tie was not enough to bring us to the semifinals. 49

PHOTOS

(Previous page) The author, Maeve McGuire playing against Basalt on AHS’s varsity team. Credit: Leah Moriarty (Above) The FC-G17 team ready to play in the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup: (L-R) Anika Scherer (Moab, UT), Ella Johnson (Glenwood- GSHS), Delaney Card (Basalt-BHS), Paige Rightmire (GSHS), Maeve McGuire (Aspen- AHS), Grace Romero (AHS), Alexis Tarumianz (AHS), Caprice Seeman (AHS), Kelley Francis (AHS), Eryka Napoleon (Kauai, Hawaii- HI), and Dina Hayes (HI).

ROARING FORK VALLEY SOCCER PROGRAMS (BY AGE) PRE-K – GRADE 3:

Community Rec Programs Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale & Glenwood Springs for boys (fall) and girls (spring)

GRADES 4 -7:

Community Club Teams for boys (fall) and girls (spring) Designated by age brackets: Under age 12 – “U12” Under age 14 – “U14” Aspen United: Roaring Fork Soccer Club: (Basalt & Carbondale) Football Club of Glenwood

GRADES 8 - 12:

Community Club Teams for boys (fall) and girls (spring) U 16 and U19 + All Valley Select (AVS) summer travel teams

GRADES 9-12:

Varsity and JV teams at these local high schools: Aspen, Basalt, Roaring Fork, Glenwood Springs and CRMS for boys (fall) and girls (spring)

After our consolation game that evening, we sat on the sideline and debriefed the tournament - a post-game tradition. We were in agreement that eventhough we could’ve performed better, we played extremely well given the circumstances. These were our first games after a long winter of basketball and skiing, and we were a mismatched team that had never played together before. Our team, made up of players from almost every high school in the Valley (Aspen, Basalt, Roaring Fork, Glenwood, and Coal Ridge) as well as players from Utah and Hawaii, challenged teams that had been playing together for years. During this tournament, we tied every game 2-2, a curse, we half-joked. Though it is challenging to play in a tournament with girls you don’t know well, it is a test we were all pretty acquainted with. Since 2014, many of us had played together on a competitive travel team made up of players from all over the Valley. AVS (All Valley Select) has given boys and girls from grades 8-12 an opportunity to train, compete and improve their skills throughout the summer. This program has allowed me to become good friends with girls from other schools I would’ve otherwise never met. This team has also given me the opportunity to learn from and play for all kinds of coaches, whose skills and insights I can bring to my other teams. Drawing from the successful summer programs offered by AVS, Football Club Glenwood decided to create a similar traveling team (FC-G17) for the fall tournament season, coached by Brad Jordan and Evan Segal. Three days a week, players from Aspen to New Castle would trek up to Glenwood’s CMC fields for training. With this pool of about 40 players, we would train, academy style, and two teams would be created for games and tournaments. Though these trainings were intense and sometimes exhausting, it was refreshing to be surrounded by committed players, many driving an hour each way for training. As a result of this commitment, our fall season was wildly successful. We won our league, made up almost entirely of front range teams. We also won several tournaments.

Our last tournament, the Las Vegas Mayors Cup, presented a challenge for us to improve our skills before the high school season. It also gave us the opportunity to showcase our skills in front of college coaches and scouts. After our last game on Saturday night, we all parted ways for the long travel home. With this separation came a shift in focus. A little over a day later, Aspen High School girls soccer held our first official training session of the high school season. As we dashed up the overheated, steamy stairwell, I heard our assistant coach Michelle Gray yell, “This is for Basalt!” With one last burst of motivation, we all push to the top of the stairs and begin to chant, “We are Aspen, mighty Aspen. No one likes us . . . we don’t care!” As we raced back up the stairwell I begin to think about our upcoming season. In less than a month, many of us will have to face our fellow teammates on the field and compete for the League title as well as a spot in the State Playoffs. A drastic contrast strikes me as I think about my fellow FC-G17 teammates. Though the town-totown rivalries are still very clear, playing against your friends adds a fun and unprecedented aspect to the game. Understanding exactly how our opponents play and where their next run is going to be gives us an immediate advantage, although it is two-sided. Though these games are light-hearted in nature, playing against our old teammates usually becomes intense and can quickly become a game of physicality. After 90 minutes of close and rough play, someone has to walk off the field with a loss. Though emotions and passion run strong throughout the game, we conclude the game with big hugs as we pass through the conventional ‘good game’ line. On the short bus ride home, I often find myself contemplating these games. Whether I am frustrated or ecstatic with the result, I always find myself thanking my opponents, my teammates, and my friends for the opportunities the beautiful game of soccer and this Valley have given me.

Aspen RECREATION DEPARTMENT 0861 Maroon Creek Rd, Aspen 970.544.4100 aspenrecreation.com

SUMMER DAY CAMP

FEE: $44 online residents $66 online non-residents DATES: June 3 - August 21 AGES: 5 - 10 years old (must be attending kindergarten) DROP OFF: 7:30 – 9:30 AM PICK UP: 3:30 – 5:30 PM LOCATION: Aspen Elementary School Days will be packed full of fun & educational activities such as swimming, skating, science, nature and weekly field trips. Children will be placed in groups based on the grade they are going into for the 2019/2020 school year. This is a State licensed program.

CHESS WIZARDS CAMP

FEE: $275 / WEEK TIME: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM AGES: K - 8TH grade TIME: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM DATES: Session 1: July 15-19 Session 2: August 12-16 LOCATION: Aspen Recreation Center Chess Wizards has been teaching the game of chess since 2002. The interactive curriculum makes learning fun for new and seasoned players alike. Our camps are led by experienced instructors, and provides our students with a memorable camp experience.

YOUTH TENNIS

FEE: $20 / clinic | $180 for a 10 lesson pass AGES: 5 - 18 Dates and times vary. The Aspen Tennis Club offers a variety of tennis clinics from Mighty Mites for our littlest player to Top Guns for our advanced player. Check our website for information about the Gordon Family Junior Tennis Scholarship

CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY WITH US!

AFTERSCHOOL CLUB

SWIM LESSONS

WEEKLY SAILING CAMP

YOUTH BASEBALL

OUTDOOR ROCK CLIMBING

This program is designed for kids who want to learn more about sailing.

*Volunteer coaches are needed*

REC RIDERS MTN BIKING

RED BRICKER CENTER FOR THE ARTS: WEEKLY CAMPS

AT THE ASPEN REC CENTER Choose the Green Room or the Aspen Youth Center for older kids. Includes pool, climbing and skating if available. Add-ons: Themes with set-up, color schemes, cakes and more. AT THE RED BRICK Fee includes tables, chairs, setup and tear-down. Add-ons are available for an additional fee, including bounce houses, aerials, trampolines and more. See the website for rental fees.

AT RUEDI RESERVOIR FEE: $250 / week AGES: 10 - 15 DATES: Session 1 June 24 - June 28 Session 2 July 8 - July 12 Session 3 July 22 - July 26 Session 4 August 5 - August 9 (advanced only) TIME: 10:30 AM leave Paepcke Park 4:00 PM return to Paepcke Park (pick up/drop off is available at the Basalt Store)

FEE: $52 / class online AGES: 10 and up TIME: 8:45 AM - 2:00 PM DATES: Beginner / Intermediates: “Skills & Drills” June 10 and 17 Intermediate Trail Rides: July 1, 15, 29 and August 12 Kids must be able to ride the green and blue local trails. We will be riding for 4 - 5 hours a day and approximately 10 - 15 miles. Class will include skill instruction and trail etiquette with a Level 2 BICP Certified Instructor.

FEE: $15/day, Wednesdays $20 DATES: Aspen School District calendar AGES: Kindergarten - 10 years old TIMES: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 3:15 - 5:30 PM Wed: 1:55 - 5:30 PM LOCATION: Aspen Elementary School Cafeteria The Afterschool Club is a state licensed program. The program includes homework help and lots of fun recreational activities like crafts, games & field trips on Wednesdays.

FEE: $132 online / $138 in person DATES: June 3 - July 20 TIMES: vary AGES: 7 - 8, 9 - 10, 11 - 12, 13 - 15 LOCATION: Aspen Community Fields Teams practice 2x/week and games are scheduled according to facilities availability. This program focuses on teamwork, sportsmanship and the fundamentals of baseball. Also available: Youth T- Ball, ages 5 - 7 & Girls Softball, ages 8 -10, 11-12, 13-15

FEE: $34 / month online. Call for private lessons. DATES: Monthly TIMES: Days based on specific class. AGES: Ages 6 months and up LOCATION: Aspen Rec Center Beginners learn to be safe in the water and develop basic swim skills in a fun environment with their instructor. Various levels of classes to choose from. Private lessons for kids and adults are available.

JR A.R.O.C.K FEE: $62 / class online DATES: June 24, July 8, 22 + Aug 5 TIMES: 8:45 AM - 1:00 PM AGES: 5 - 7 A.R.O.C.K FEE: $104 / class online DATES: June 25, July 2, 9*, 16, 23*, 30 and Aug 6* TIMES: 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM AGES: 8 and up LOCATION: Red Brick Recreation Center and local climbing areas. No experience or equipment needed. *Advanced class, see website for requirements.

FEE: $275 / WEEK TIME: 9:30AM - 3:30 PM DATES: Weekly Mid July - August Week-long day camps where children explore different themes each week through a variety of mediums such as papier-mâché, ceramics, mosaic, painting, collage and more! In addition to art making, campers will venture outside for a picnic and play in the park and enjoy weekly field trips to experience and see art in Aspen. Register at RedBrickAspen.com

• LEARN MORE AT ASPENRECREATION.COM •

Snowmass VILLAGE PARKS, RECREATION & TRAILS

2835 Brush Creek Road, Snowmass Village – 970.922.2240 snowmassrecreation.com

RECREATION CENTER PASSES

There are a variety of memberships available at the Snowmass Village Recreation Center. Whether you want to work out for the day or have ambitious fitness goals that may take a little longer we offer something for every budget. You don’t have to live in Snowmass Village to enjoy our great facility. Options include youth and adult one time daily visits, monthly, yearly and a 20 visit punch card.

RECREATION DEPARTMENT 101 Midland Avenue, Basalt 970.927.8214 x 400 Basalt.net/recreation

DROP IN PICKLEBALL

YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL

SPRING T-BALL

FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGES: 7 -10 years DATES: April 15 - May 20 TIME: 4:30 - 5:30 PM / Mondays FEE: $30 WHERE: Arbaney Park This class is for kids who love football and want some noncompetitive practice and fun. Each practice will include physical fitness and stretching, skills practice in throwing, catching, punting and field goal kicking, and a 30-minute flag-football scrimmage. If any Monday session is cancelled due to rain, it will be rescheduled for the Friday of that week. Register by 4/11.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BABYSITTER TRAINING

We have partnered with Les Mills to bring Body Pump to Snowmass. Body Pump is a barbell workout with light to moderate weights with lots of repetition to build strength, get lean, toned, and fit fast. Using bar, bench and plates. For our full schedule of all our classes, including our virtual and classes visit our website at snowmassrecreation.com. We will also be doing fitness class events once a month, so follow the Town of Snowmass Village Parks, Recreation, & Trails on Facebook for updates on fun events.

PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS

Here at The Snowmass Village Recreation Center, we offer not only group but private swim lessons. We have privates available all season long. Summer group swim classes are offered May through September.

Basalt

LES MILLS BODY PUMP

DATES: April 24 & 26 TIME: Wed 2:00 - 5:00 PM, Fri 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM AGES: Boys and girls ages 11-16 FEE: $50 WHERE: BMS This course provides the new babysitter with the right tools to become a great babysitter. Learn about leadership, basic care, safety, and first aid. Successful babysitters will receive a handbook, first aid kit, and a CD with great information, tools you can use for babysitting, and games. Attendance for both days is mandatory. Classes are for babysitters 11-16 years old.

DAYS: Tuesday and Thursday TIME: 9:00 - 11:00 AM DATES: through April FEES: Members- Free. Nonmembers- $10.00 drop in fee Meet your friends and have a great time! Join us every Tuesday and Thursday mornings for some Pickleball fun.

AGES: 4 - 7 years DATE: April 23, 25, 30, May 2, 7, 9 TIME: 3:30 - 4:30 PM DAYS: Tues / Thurs FEE: $35 WHERE: Arbaney Park This is a great time to start spring training for baseball season for children ages 4 - 7. Learn how to catch, throw and learn all about America’s favorite past time. Please register by 4/19.

SUMMER PROGRAM GUIDE

VISIT BASALT.NET/RECREATION Basalt Recreation Department has a slew of fun programming for children. · Games, Games, Games Day Camp · Youth Sports Day Camp · Fly Fishing · Beading with D.D. · Jr. Golf with Roaring Fork Club · Adventure Hikes · Rock Climbing · Tennis Lessons · Swim Lessons · Dangerous Book for Boys & Girls Day Camp

SPRING BREAK + MORE: KIDS DAY CAMPS

TIME: M - F, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM DATES: March 25-20, April 1, May 17 FEES: $45 per day AGES: 5-14 Join your friends for a fun filled day/week of recreation and adventure, utilizing our great facilities so close to home. Activities will include but are not limited to indoor rock climbing, swimming, ice skating, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, playground, volleyball and much more. Schedules can be found online: snowmassrecreation.com.

DROP IN BASKETBALL

DAYS: Monday TIME: 7:00 - 8:30 PM DATES: through April FEES: Members- Free. Nonmembers- $10.00 drop in FEE AGES: 16 and up Meet your friends and have some fun! Join us every Monday night through March for Drop In Basketball.

PRE-K-1ST GRADE SPRING SOCCER

DAYS: Tues/ Thurs DATES: May 14, 16, 21, 23, 28,30 TIMES: 3:30 - 4:20 PM AGES: 4 - 6 years WHERE: Arbaney Park FEE: $35 This class is designed for the young new soccer players or seasoned expert. We teach players how to properly dribble, pass, and SCORE with fun drills. There will be plenty of game time allowed as well. Please register by 5/13.

Carbondale RECREATION & COMMUNITY CENTER

567 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale 970.510.1278 carbondalerec.com

PARENT TOT ZUMBA

DAYS: Fridays TIME: 10:30 - 11:15 PM AGES: 2 - 5 years FEE: $5, $6/ (non-members) This Zumba program is designed for 2-5 year olds to take with their parents or guardians. Come join the dancing fun.

YOUTH BASEBALL/SOFTBALL

DATES: May 20 - July 20 TIME: Based on team AGES: 7 - 15 years FEE: $90 DEADLINE: Register by April 5 Learn new skills, make new friends, play other town’s teams, and most of all—HAVE FUN!! Please refer to age categories online. All ages are determined as of August 1, 2019. Must have own mitt. Uniforms included in fee.

CARBONDALE NINJA WARRIOR

SK8 LESSONS MAY SESSION

ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT

SPRING INTO FUN FAMILY BLOCK PARTY

DATES: May 9, 16, 23, 30 TIME: Wednesdays Level 1: 4:30 - 5:30 PM Level 2: 5:30 - 6:30 PM AGES: 5 + FEE: $65 / full session Whether you’ve never skated before or want a chance to perfect new tricks, join instructor Chris Johnson at the Carbondale Skate Park for coed skate lessons. Lessons are offered for two different skill groups. Must sign up for full session-each session is 4 lessons.

DATES: April 5, 12, 19 TIME: Fridays, 3:45 - 4:45 PM AGES: 8 - 11 years FEE: $40 NEW FOR 2018! Keep your kids moving after school! We’ll use all the rec center has to offer to create a different obstacle course each day. Once constructed, we’ll spend the remainder of our time trying to finish the obstacle course before the clock hits zero!

DATES: Saturday, April 20 AGES: 1 - 8 YEARS TIME: 10:00 AM start (9:30 AM for raffle registration) FREE! Join Carbondale Recreation for its Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Sopris Park. We need help finding the 6,000 eggs we will be hiding all over the park! Please arrive promptly because the hunt only lasts a few minutes. Be sure to bring your own basket to collect the eggs. Participants will be divided up according to age. Raffle winners will be drawn following the Hunt.

BABY STORYTIME TUESDAYS/ 10:30 AM

Ages: 0 - 24 months Learn songs, bounces and rhymes to share with your child, with a few stories thrown in.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME WEDNESDAYS / 10:15 - 10:45 AM Ages: 3 - 5 Storytime for preschoolers!

TODDLER STORYTIME WEDNESDAYS / 11:00 - 11:30 AM Ages: 2 - 3 Storytime for toddlers!

AFTERSCHOOL WEDNESDAYS WEDNESDAYS / 2:45 - 4:00 PM

A new activity every week for school aged children. Featuring science experiments, crafts, games and more! Always creative and always fun.

DATE: Friday, May 3 TIME: 4:00 - 8:00 PM FREE! Join Carbondale‛s FIRST FRIDAY in May at the 4th Street Plaza. Enjoy KidZone activities and a bounce house and arts & crafts. Also, meet some of Colorado Animal Rescue’s sweetest adoptables! Admission is free with a suggested donation at the door and cash bar/food. 100% of the proceeds benefit our local animal shelter, valley recreation and youth arts programming.

SPECIAL EVENTS ESCAPE ROOM APRIL 12 + MAY 10 / 4:00 PM

Ages 10+, will be given a challenge that will require them to work together to win a prize! Each session will provide a different puzzle to solve and a different theme. Participants will unlock multidirectional locks, use UV lights to uncover secret messages, and solve word problems in order to “break out” of their rooms.

MONEY SMART WEEK WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 3:00 - 5:00 PM FINANCIAL AWARENESS FOR TEENS

Join us for a fun filled and profitable presentation. Each participant will receive a goodie bag, $10 and other great surprises courtesy of Alpine Bank. The topics she will cover include: • Banking Products • Investing/Saving for the future • Loan application process • The importance of building a strong credit report • Deciphering a credit report

ALL AGES SUMMER READING KICK OFF MAY 29

pitcolib.org

Visit our website for detailed information about fun and engaging summer reading programs!

W H AT ’ S

H A PPE N I N G

Today? MONDAY VISIT OUR WEBSITE

WWW.MOUNTAIN-PARENT.COM Find more local activities or to submit your events. Our online calendar is a free community resource, created to connect parents with organizations and activities that enrich our parenting, or nourish and entertain us, both parent and child alike.

MUSICAL MONDAY

AFTER SCHOOL ART

Bring your toddler for a morning with “Holly Poppins,” whose ukulele, bells and beautiful voice will have you singing and skipping all the way home.

The instructor, Liz Waters will meet BES students at the campus flagpole and walk with them to the Art Base. Meanwhile, this multifaceted community art studio is located conveniently across from the school bus drop off for ACDS, ACS and WSRF. So students can explore “Things with Wings” every Tuesday in April and “All Things Pets” in May.

FRENCH CHAT

MOTHER’S VILLAGE

Parlez vous Francais? Join this lunchtime gathering for adults who wish to strengthen their French vocabulary, comfort and language skills. French will always be a beautiful language no matter how you speak it. Ne soyez pas timide.

FREE – 2nd Tuesdays of each month: April 9, May 14 Share the joys, breakdowns, breakthroughs and challenges with other mamas. Enjoy a cup of tea and a warm embrace! RSVP: familynestcolorado.com.

KID CARE

TWEEN + TEEN TUESDAY

This Monday –Thursday program is designed to give parents a morning or early evening for shopping, dining, spa time, soaking or working out in downtown GWS. Children ages one and walking through seven years. Up to 2 hours, with low fees or FREE with membership

For 6 weeks starting April 16, artists will explore involved processes and an array of high-quality supplies and materials. Through a creative challenge, each artist will grow in their independence, expression, individualism, and confidence. The session will be followed by a miniexhibit and reception.

9:00 - 10:45 AM Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork

12:00 PM Pitkin County Library

8:20 - 11:30 AM 4:00 - 7:00 PM Glenwood Springs Community Center

Art for life. (And for every holiday & occasion.)

Greeting cards, journals and gift wrap created to raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis. Available in stores from Aspen to GWS and online:

lilybart.com

TUESDAY 3:30 - 5:30 PM the Art Base

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM The Family Nest, Carbondale

4:00 - 5:30 PM Handmakery

WEDNESDAY BOSOM BUDDIES

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

9:00 AM Bonfire Coffee

PIANO CLASSES IN SPANISH

This is a social group that also provides professional and peer counseling for breastfeeding mothers. Call (970) 544-1130 for more info.

A morning gathering for adults who wish to explore the deep spiritual truths revealed in the Torah. Join Rabbi Emily Segal of the Aspen Jewish Congregation for an informal discussion over lattés.

One-on-one Spanish language piano instruction from Sonia Roldan for budding-to-accomplished musicians ages 3-17. The program is offered through Carbondale Arts.

TOP CHEF

INFANT -TODDLER STORYTIME

ARCHERY

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Aspen Valley Hospital

2:50 PM Aspen Youth Center

Valleywide early-release Wednesdays offer extra hours after school for more fun. Kids who love watching Iron Chef or who simply cannot learn enough about creating in the kitchen will have a blast mixing, rolling, baking, stirring and decorating delicious recipes at AYC. If you’re lucky, maybe they’ll even bring samples home to share!

COFFEE + TORAH

After School the Launchpad

4:00 – 5:00 (ages 9-13) 5:00 - 6:00 (teens - adult) Rising Crane Training Center

10:30 AM Carbondale Branch Library The foundation of literacy is a love of stories and books, beginning in early childhood. Here is a FREE morning activity where children’s literature is joyously celebrated. Kids can begin a lifeling appreciation for the library while parents can meet other like-minded mothers and fathers.

Every week, beginning April 12, kids and adults can learn the art of this fun, challenging, mindfull sport from a master. Hone concentration skills. Develop strength and poise. Tap into your inner Robin Hood or Katniss Everdeen!

LENTEN FRIDAY FISH FRY dinner special weekly through Easter Red Rock Diner

If you grew up with this Lenten tradition, you’ll feel like you’re home again. Marty Voller serves up his Grandma Ann’s hand-crusted cod fillets with fried chips every week until Good Friday at the kidfriendly silver-bullet diner in Carbondale.

PHOTO

(courtesy of Snowmass Village, Parks, Recreation & Trails) Longer, warmer days = plenty to do, even after the lifts close. Just show up at any of our community parks and find local parents with kids eager to climb, swing and make new friends.

W H AT ’ S

H A PPE N I N G

April

APRIL 3: RAISING KIDS IN A MODERN WORLD 6:00 PM Aspen Youth Center This is a workshop to support you in facing parenting struggles. It will cover suicide prevention, failure to launch, depression, anxiety, ADHD and more.

FIND MORE EVENTS:

M O U N TA I N - PA R E N T. C O M

APRIL 5: RMS APRÉS SKI PARTY

APRIL 6: ACDS BLUE GREEN NIGHT

APRIL 9, 16, 23: BABY & ME HERBALISM

APRIL 11: POSITIVE PARENTING

7:00 PM Aspen Glen There’s a lot more to skiing than snow! Join the fun at “Chateau” Aspen Glen to raise funds for Ross Montessori School. Dinner, comped drinks, DJ Running Man & silent auction.

LOOK TO CELEBRATE OUR

ANNIVERSARY IN JUNE

9:30 - 11:00 AM CMC Glenwood Springs Join Certified Herbalist Chrissy Lee-Manes of Providence Apathecary and her little one to explore herbs that you can use confidently for childhood ailments and botanical self-care for both baby and mama. Recommended age: birth to 18 months.

7:00 PM Belly Up, Aspen The annual benefit party for Aspen Country Day School, with hors d’opouvres, drinks, live music, dancing and silent auction. With special rates at the Limelight Hotel in Aspen.

5:30 - 7:30 PM Glenwood Springs Community Center Hosted by Roaring Fork School District, this free event will offer positive parent solutions and essential brain science that all parents should know. For families of all ages. Free dinner and childcare.

Door Prizes - Demos - Food & More

Learn more in the next issue of Mountain Parent

M-F 9am - 6:30pm • Weekends 10am-5pm 970-963-1700 •Next to City Market in El Jebel

APRIL 7, 14, 21: CLOSING DAYS AT OUR LOCAL SKI RESORTS APRIL 7: SUNLIGHT MOUNTAIN

Annual Yard Sale / Spring Music Series Finale Live music from Whiskey Stomp & Friends kids games and slopeside family fun.

APRIL 7: BUTTERMILK / TIEHACK Bacon Appreciation Day

A Buttermilk tradition: all you can eat bacon, featuring bacon doughnuts from ColoraDough & bacon samplers around the mountain. Plus music, an outdoor bar, face painting, kid’s games, and bacon beer.

APRIL 14: ASPEN HIGHLANDS Bowl BBQ

Join the longstanding local’s last day tradition – hiking Highlands Bowl for informal BBQ hosted by Ski Patrol, before taking one last lap on the Bowl. Too super chill to plan a time. Just show up when you smell the Q.

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APRIL 21: SNOWMASS Elk Camp Surf & Snow Beach Party

Watch the first-ever Snowmass Pond Skim competition on a man-made water feature below Elk Camp restaurant. Kids activities, tubing, alpine slide, live music and blender bikes. No ski pass? No problem! Gondola foot passes up to Elk Camp are FREE so you can join the fun!

APRIL 21: ASPEN MOUNTAIN 80s Prom

Pull that old prom dress out of your closet and start brushing up on your favorite Duran Duran lyrics. Maybe you’ll even get crowned Prom Queen or King. Sorry kids – looks like this closing day scene is geared toward grown-ups.

APRIL 20: CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH EASTER EGG HUNT 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Cornerstone Christian Church, Willits All are invited to join in this benefit for Lift Up. Bring a nonperishable or monetary donation. Easter baskets, egg hunt, face painting, bouncy houses, cookie decorating, live inspirational music and lunch from Show Groovin’ BBQ.

APRIL 4: JOYFUL PARENTING SERIES

APRIL 5: UPHILL BREAKFAST CLUB

APRIL 6: WSRF SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

APRIL 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21: SOPRIS SUN MOTHER’S DAY PORTRAIT SESSIONS

5:30 - 7:00 PM Basalt Regional Library In this 3 part parenting class, Lauren Raymond shares strategies for living and parenting more joyfully. Explore ways to improve your own level of joy so that you’re fully equipped to engage positively with your children, and how to infuse more joy into your interactions with your children and improve your relationship with them.

7:00 PM The Temporary, Willits It’s time to put on your dancin’ shoes for a night of disco to benefit the Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork. Live music with Boogie Machine, silent auction, go-go boots and sequined jumpsuits.

APRIL 12, 13, 20, 21: TRTC “BLUENOSE”

2:00 PM and 6:30 PM Thunder River Theatre Company, Carbondale TRTC’s Theatre for Young Audiences series presents “Bluenose,” a pirate tale that explores acceptance, diversity and self-esteem. Look forward to humor punctuated with polished singing and dancing, juggling and sword fighting. Recommended for ages 6+.

APRIL 25: 5POINTS DREAM PROJECT AWARDS

1:00 - 3:00 PM Carbondale Rec Center Teachers are invited to bring classes for a FREE awards ceremony and reception honoring this year’s Dream Project honorees. Seven students from the Roaring Fork Valley who exemplify 5Point’s guiding principles are awarded scholarships and a chance to explore their personal boundaries while living their own best adventure.

8:45 – 10:00 AM Buttermilk Ski Area This is the last Friday Morning Uphill Breakfast Club in which uphill skiers enjoy breakfast in the Cliffhouse restaurant after hiking up the mountain.

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Calling all local mothers with babies born within the last year to join in a long-standing Mother’s Day tradition: a free portrait session for photos in the Sopris Sun’s annual special edition. Call photographer Mark Burrows photographer to schedule. (970) (970) 379-4581

APRIL 12: BLUE LAKE PRE-K’S GALA: DATE THROUGH THE YEAR

6:00 - 10:00 PM The Orchard Gathering Center, Carbondale Silent auction, door prizes, dancing and music by DJ Dylan, photo booth, games with prizes, great food, and fantastic drinks.

Looking for something special? designer clothing unique bling beautiful accessories sparkling tableware interior accents select furnishings

970-927-4384 144 Midland Avenue • Basalt www.heirloomsresale.com

APRIL 27: 5POINTS YOUNG & YOUNG AT HEART 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Carbondale Rec Center A consciously curated selection of films for younger audiences which exemplify 5Point’s values: Purpose, Respect, Commitment, Humility and Balance. FREE for under 12. Tickets go fast. Followed by a free community ice-cream social + activities and community art until 2:20.

APRIL 26-27: ACDS ALL-SCHOOL THEATRICAL PRODUCTION OF “FRAMED”

Friday: 5:00 PM; Saturday 6:00 PM Wheeler Opera House A musical written by the 8th grade class and performed by the whole school. When a piece of conceptual artwork goes missing, some students become the prime suspects. It’s up to them to clear their names! In pursuit of the missing art, they uncover a deeper meaning.

PHOTO

(courtesy of 5Points Film Festival) BIG WORLD (Nepal, 13min) As parents, how do we teach our kids that there is a world beyond social media, standardized tests and soccer practice? In April 2018, Eddie Bauer athlete David Morton and his seven-year-old son Thorne embarked on a week-long stand-up-paddleboard journey down the Karnali and Bheri Rivers in Western Nepal. David makes his living guiding some of the world’s most incredible peaks and Nepal is like a second home. He wanted to deepen Thorne’s understanding of the world beyond their Seattle neighborhood. Engaging with this world helps us grow. “There’s a basic paradox to parenting,” says David. “You have to keep your kids safe, but you have to teach them to take risks and follow curiosity. Life is undeniably richer with a little bit of daring.”

970-216-5365 familynestcolorado.com facebook/familynestcolorado Birth & Postpartum Doula Support • Childbirth Classes • Meet the Doula Nights • Support Groups for Moms & Dads • Certified Placenta Encapsulation • Breastfeeding & Baby Care Classes • Community Gatherings

W H AT ’ S

H A PPE N I N G

May SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS:

M O U N TA I N - PA R E N T. C O M

MAY 11: MS WALK-A-THON

5:30 AM – 1:30 PM 1521 Grand Ave, GWS A 5K Run / walk plus pancake breakfast and silent auction to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

MAY 21: KIDS FIRST CHILDREN’S PARADE

10:00 AM Aspen Fire Station Everyone loves a parade! Here’s a chance for our community to see how many young children attend childcare programs in Pitkin County. 300+ kids from every local EC program will travel from fire station to the fountain on the Mill Street mall. Parents and siblings are welcome to join the fun.

MAY 2: READ WITH ME DAY

10:00 AM Aspen Kids First This is the kickoff event for Kids First’s monthlong celebration of May as the Month of the Young Child. The organization is sending volunteers into every early childhood classroom from Aspen to Carbondale to read a book to the children.

MAY 14: MUSICAL STORYTIME

10:30 AM Glenwood Springs Branch Library Join Miss Holly “Poppins” Richardson for a FREE parentchild class designed to bring together playful seasonal songs paired with a simple puppet story. Holly’s ukulele, bells and silks will get everyone skipping and singing along. A fun morning outing for mothers, fathers and grandparents with lap babies and toddlers through preK.

MAY 21: RFHS & CMS CHOIR POPS CONCERT 5:30 PM Roaring Fork High School Auditeria The culmination of the school year’s choral work, in a public concert featuring soloists, quartets and ensemble groups from the middle and high school choirs.

MAY 3 – FIRST FRIDAY PRIDE PARADE & FAMILY BLOCK PARTY

5:30 PM downtown Carbondale Carbondale Chamber’s monthly Main Street celebration is always kid-friendly – and especially so this month with the annual Family Block Party on the lawn of the Village Smithy. Look for crafts, outside games for all ages, and music – all kicked off by a Pride Parade where everyone is invited to stand up for gender acceptance and inclusion.

MAY 19: SONIC SHOWDOWN

2:00 - 5:00 PM The Temporary, Willits Young musical talent: all forms and genres are welcome. DJs, bands, soloists, vocalists, rappers, collaborations, etc. Pro musicians will offer critique after each performance. JAS will rewarding possible future performances at the June or Labor Day Experiences, complimentary recording time at a local studio and other perks.

MAY 31: ACDS LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

9:30 AM Graduation Aspen Country Day School To swap over classrooms in time for the Aspen Music Festival and School’s summer season, ACDS enjoys the earliest last-day-of-school in the Valley. ALL OTHER STUDENTS: let the countdown begin. From this date, you have between 3-5 more school days left!

www.sarahkuhnphotography.com

BONEDALE BIKE WEEK MAY 4: MAYFAIRE

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Walforf School on the Roaring Fork All are welcome for this family-friendly celebration of Spring. Arrive early for the crowning of the Mayfaire king and queen, and stay for Maypole dancing, flower crowns, seasonal crafts and a marionette play. Organic lunch.

MAY 4: ARC FREE FAMILY FUN DAY

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM The Aspen Rec Center All local families living from Aspen to GWS are invited for a free day at the ARC with their children. This special day is offered in conjunction with Kids First’s Month of the Young Child celebration.

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS for kids, adults, and everyone who wants to put “the fun between their legs.” Bike Week promotes bike awareness and car-less transportation in Carbondale and beyond. Look for giveaways, plus a raffle with big-ticket prizes. Here is a rundown of events geared toward kids, from toddlers on balance bikes to teens:

SATURDAY, MAY 18: BONEDALE BIKE JAM

9:30 AM registration North Face Park A free-ride contest from striders to pros, many divisions and contest options. Pump track time trials, best trick jam sessions and more.

SUNDAY, MAY 19: MOUNTAIN BIKE POLO

PHOTO

One highlight of WSRF’s annual Spring festival on the first Saturday of May is making flower crowns. If you’ve never made one before, it’s easy. Just let one of the school’s parents or students help you get started. Choose from among hundreds of sustainably-grown non-toxic flowers – roses, sunflowers, crabapples, lavender, peonies and more. Many blossoms are locally grown and donated from nearby gardens. Even if the weather is seasonally chilly, you’ll feel like Spring in glorious flowers. (credit: Anne Menconi)

KINDERGARTEN & EARLY CHILDHOOD Enrollment and Registration Days

KINDERGARTEN April 5 (Friday), 7:30 am - 5:00 pm Kindergarten is open to all students who will be five years old on or before October 1, 2019.

THE EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM April 10 (Wednesday), 7:30 am - 5:00 pm The early childhood program is open to all children between the ages of 12 months (and walking) and 5 years.

CONTACT

970-384-6000 www.rfschools.com

KINDERGARTEN INFO NIGHTS: • Sopris Elementary: April 1 from 6 to 7 pm • Crystal River Elementary: April 2 at 5:30 pm • Glenwood Springs Elementary: April 3 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm • Basalt Elementary: April 4 at 6 pm

3:00 PM - until dark Hendrick Park Bring a mountain bike, wear a helmet, closed toed shoes, gloves. Loaner mallets will be available and all ages encouraged.

MONDAY MAY 20: KIDS BICYCLE SAFETY RODEO

4:00 - 6:30 PM Carbondale Recreation Center Bike helmet required! Basic bike safety + bike obstacle course. Prizes will be awarded and bike mechanics from Aloha Mountain Cyclery will be on hand to show you how to keep your ride in tip-top shape.

THURSDAY MAY 23: DIGITAL SCAVENGER HUNT 5:00 - 8:00 PM Aloha Mountain Cyclery Teams of two to six people all ages bike around town collecting photos of hunt items. Helmets required, costumes strongly recommended!. Finale raffle and party with music, beer, and pizza.

SUMMER ADVANTAGE PROGRAM The Summer Advantage program runs June 24 through July 26, Monday through Friday (except July 4), from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. This FREE five-week program provides skill-building in math and reading, enrichment and talent development, fun Friday activities with free breakfast and lunch. Learn more or complete an application here: www.summeradvantage.org/for-parents Applications must be completed by April 14.

O U T

A BO U T

Students of YAMPAH MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL along with teacher Annalise Appel, at a Valentine’s luncheon for cooked for classmates, faculty and guests from the community. ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET’S FOLKLORICO Spring recital ended tragically for Ximena Garcia (front, left – credit: Jordan Curet). While she and her brother performed, their home in Willits was destroyed by a fire. The family lost everything, including their pets, but no people were harmed, and firefighters were able to prevent the blaze from spreading the nearby homes. ASFB has launched a GoFundMe page to help the family recover: “Garcia-Family-Emergency Fund.”

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Every-other year, SUNLIGHT SKI AREA hosts the WINTER SPECIAL OLYMPICS. This year, 140 athletes competed in the games, which included a tandem race, shown here. An able-bodied skier teams up with a disabled athlete to race the 825’ course. JUGGLING JIM’S Magic Workshop is one of the ways that GLENWOOD TOYS AND GIFTS is more than a toy store. Their basement creative space will undergo renovation this May, adding stairs and an indoor tree house with slide. ASCENDIGO’S annual Blue gala at the HOTEL JEROME raised funds for “elevating the spectrum for individuals with autism.” The event offered guests and elegant way to “paint the town red,” or actually, blue (the color of autism awareness).

GET YOUR CAMP ON! CAMP CHIEF OURAY MINI CAMP August 11-13, Ages 7-10

A camper’s first time away from home can be a little scary, but Mini Camp will put kids, and parents right at ease! This 3-day, 2-night experience is designed to introduce beginner campers to overnight camp.

CampChiefOuray.org | 970-887-2648

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JUNE

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STAYCATION THE

#LOVEWHEREYOULIVE IDEAL ITINERARIES HOSTING GUESTS OFF THE BEATEN PATH EATING EXPLORATION LODGING DEALS ADVENTURING

MOUNTAINPARENT G U I D E TO SAVO R I N G SU M M E R In this edition the S.O.S. guide is all about supporting parents during the three months of balancing work and school break. Our June/July edition will be all about making time to savor summer. Grand vacations are not needed! A weekend, a night or even an afternoon is all you need when you #LoveWhereYouLive.

SO, L E T â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S S TA R T PL A N N I N G . . . . RAFTING. CONCERTS. THEATRE. BEST UNKNOWN B&Bs. RENTALS. BIKING. SECRET

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GOLF. ADVENTURE RIGHT HERE. BLUEGRASS. KIDFRIENDLY EATS. FIND A BABYSITTER. FESTIVALS. TRAIL TIPS. SUN DAY A FTERNOON FREEBIES. IDEAS.

RATES & PACKAGES. SLEEPING IN. BEATING THE HEAT.

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DEALS.

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DRIVE

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YOUR VISITORS MIGHT NOT LEAVE...

Advertising Reservation Deadline: Wednesday, May 8 Perfect for hotels, summer camps, day adventures, outdoor guides, restaurants and others wishing to connect with local households and visiting families from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.

Please Contact: Lauren Suhrbier, Publisher, (970) 319-3939, mountain-parent.com

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Learn more, schedule a FREE donation pick-up, or to sign up to volunteer at HabitatRFV.org

MOUNTAIN PARENT MAGAZINE: APRIL MAY 2019

Articles inside

Backcountry adventures with kids: What to know before you go.