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FEBRUARY 2013

Departments Perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 A month for the heart—So much seems to be riding on one little organ

Women’s health. . . . . . . . 8 Get moving and be happy!—aerobic exercise has tons of health benefits

Family activities . . . . . . 10 Treasures abound at new museum—explore music, ancient people, nature and more through interactive exhibits

Healthy living. . . . . . . . . 12

Love the Earth—kids can create Valentine cards using household items

Special Sections Women’s Health Guide

Moms benefit from yoga, so find a class that is right Wom for you. Prenatal yoga, HEALTHenG’sU IDE postnatal yoga and yoga for moms all have physical and mental benefits. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the US. Educate yourself on symptoms and prevention of heart disease.

And breathe easy when you detox your home.

try yoga for mom s and mom s-to-be p6 fit exercis e into your sch edule p8

matters of the heart p10

2013 • rmpa rent.com

detox you r house p14

Community news. . . . . . 14 Walk with a Doc program, Bike-riding skills, Hip Hop with Teen Fort Collins, Reduce stress, Learn parenting skills at local classes, and pick up some smart money management tips

Nutrition. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Beating the winter blues—elevate your spirits with healthful, nutritious choices

Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Events and activities for parents, kids and families

Time Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Mom needs a time out—prepare your sitter and your kids and enjoy the day!

School District News Thompson School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Schools honor Martin Luther King, Jr. through various activities, Thompson Education Foundation and King Buick GMC partnership honors Thompson School District educators through TEF award, Links of Love raises money for Melanie Litt of Ponderosa Elementary and the National Kidney Foundation

Poudre School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Coordinator says Lincoln volunteers show devotion and consistency, early childhood program enrollment clinics offer insight into the program, internet safety presentations provide tools to keep everyone safe, kindergarten registration is Feb. 7, students learn compassion and respect through peace circles, calendar of events

Greeley-Evans District 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

District seeks applicants for design committee, Kathy Azari is a Teacher Who Makes a Difference, West Senior named IBM High School Hero of the Week

Lunchbox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Features 18 When teens date...

Dating is something teens and preteens have to practice in order to someday create a lasting love relationship of their own. Feel free to give pointers along the way, even set a few rules as needed, but leave the judgments behind just as you do when they’re learning any new skill.

20 Family night out— no cooking!

Take a night off from cooking and enjoy a night out on the town, without the family-sized price tag! Find the complete and up-to-date list of northern Colorado restaurants offering free and discounted meals for kids, along with the days of the week to take advantage of these great offers.

ABOUT THE COVER: Ethan, 7, is a Fort Collins kid who enjoys bowling and rockets. He has two sisters and pet goldfish. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com.

School menus for Poudre, Thompson, Greeley-Evans and Windsor

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perspective A month for the heart So much seems to be riding on one little organ

S

o I guess that it’s the month we talk about the heart, that fickle thing beating in our chests. We really would like it to be steady most of the time, and usually it is, but when it gets erratic we’re not always sure what to do. I’d say go see a doctor. My heart went a little cuckoo last year, but with some lifestyle changes (turns out we can make choices) and a few mineral supplements, I’m back on track with a steady, dependable heart. But I’ll tell you, it gets your full attention when you’re hooked up to all those machines that are reading electrical impulses and taking real-time video of your ticker. Funny how having the consequences of my choices be so clear, made it easy to make changes! And I’m healthier overall for it.

In our Women’s Health department (p8), Kim Sharpe talks about that organ in our bodies that pumps our blood. As Kim notes, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the US and that more women than men have died from heart disease in the past three decades. She goes on to explain that women’s symptoms are oftentimes more subtle than men’s, and that they are easier to miss or misdiagnose.

Now to the “other” heart. If we want to see erratic, volatile, unpredictable and sometimes downright baffling, let’s look at the young teen heart. I love Saint Exupery’s quote: “One sees clearly only with the heart; Essential things are invisible to the eyes.” But I’m not sure he was talking about young “love.” OK, maybe it was cynical for me to put the word love inside quotation marks, because as I remember (from a long, long time ago) those first bouts with that feeling seemed more real than any science lab or math test.

In her feature story (p16), Lynn talks about teen dating and that heart (well maybe it’s not exactly the heart!) She helps us understand how to guide our teens when they utter the words “I love you” to another teen.

You can have some influence on the whole dating or going-with thing or whatever they call it, and Lynn reveals some ways you can be effective and things you should avoid. She also notes how important it is for us to model good relationships.

And finally on a light note, Ann Schimke (p12) gives us a sack of good ideas about creating “green” Valentines. You can show your love and still love the Earth with these great ideas.

One final thought about love: Maybe for February, we should aspire to love and be kind to everyone we meet. A little smile or word of encouragement goes a long ways. If we slow down a bit and take the time to realize how much we appreciate the people in our lives and then take a moment to tell them or show them, it might just become a habit, because we’re going to get really good feedback...such as, they’ll smile back and be nice to us or someone else.

I’m just saying...

Scott

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February 2013 • Volume 17, Number 9 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com Calendar editor Aly Titterington calendar@rockymountainpub.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION Wendee Brungardt, Sharon Klahn, Rob’s Bike Courier Service COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Katie Harris, Richard Keller, Ann Schimke, Kim Sharpe, Lynn Utzman Nichols

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING 825 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521 Voice 221-9210 Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not consitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2013 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

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women’s health

Get moving and be happy!

Aerobic exercise has tons of health benefits Ly nn Utz man-Nichols

W

ant to know the secret to happiness? It’s in those running shoes shoved in the back of your closet and that yoga mat rolled up in the trunk of your car. Well, maybe not the entire secret to happiness, but one that will certainly do when you need a mood adjustment. Have you ever felt worse after getting exercise than you did before you started? Especially when it brings you out into the world with other people or on a nature trail where light glints off water or wildflowers shout their colors? Doubtful. More likely, you feel lighter and more able to tackle the rest of your day, regardless of what’s going wrong at the moment.

There’s a real, physiological reason for this. According to the Mayo Clinic, when you get your blood pumping your brain releases neurotransmitters and endorphins which are “feel-good” chemicals—they improve your immunity and reduce your perception of pain. Mayo also claims that harmful immune system chemicals that play a role in depression are reduced with exercise, and that increasing your body temperature may calm you.

There are several research studies that show exercise decreases depression and anxiety. As reported by the Harvard Medical School, a study that divided people with depression in three groups showed exercise worked as well as antidepressants. One group received Zoloft.

The next participated in an aerobic exercise program. The third did both. At the end of 16 weeks, the results were dead equal—60 percent to 70 percent of all participants were no longer classified as majorly depressed. Keep in mind that the drug group responded quickest. Yet, a follow-up study of the same folks found that that the effects of exercise lasted longer than that of anti-depressants. In other words, six months later those that kept on exercising were less depressed than

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their drug-only counterparts.

In addition, exercise helps regulate every system in your body. When blood is pumping and pushing oxygen into your cells, you improve the health of your entire body, including lessening fatigue, improving mood and reducing cravings. Of course, exercise also has tons of health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, strengthening your heart,

ways you can get aerobic exercise beyond the treadmill at the gym. Ask yourself, ‘What sport or activity that I’ve never tried looks fun?’ How about road biking or mountain biking? Or, bring back the 90s and get some rollerblades for the bike trails. There’s always hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. If jogging intimidates, tell yourself it is okay to go on a run-walk where you alternate

increasing energy, improving muscle and bone strength and reducing body fat which helps ward off diabetes and other chronic diseases.

So how much do you have to exercise to get mood-altering benefits?

According to a recent study, the more the better. Researchers found that walking fast 35 minutes a day, five days a week, or working out aerobically for 60 minutes three days a week, did the trick.

When it dropped to 15 minutes for five days a week results weren’t as great. The key seems to be aerobic exercise.

Aerobic exercise is defined as “achieving a moderate level of intensity over a relatively long period of time.” In other words, your breathing is elevated, but you can still talk. There are several

bursts of running with walking.

Have you tried kettle bells yet?

They’re the new rave to get the most workout in the shortest amount of time.

Buy a DVD and dedicate a half hour, 5 days a week and you’ll not only feel happier but look better, too. Joining an exercise class or a team sport is extra motivating and its regular schedule will keep you on track.

Anything helps. Half of it is simply getting out there and working up a sweat. Regardless of how long you last, you will most likely have a new, better perspective when you’re done—especially if you get outside and feel the sun on your face or enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend after a class. Find something you enjoy doing, and do it. Today.

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family activities

Treasures abound at new museum Explore music, nature and more through interactive exhibits K a t i e Harr i s

F

rom the moment you step foot in the new Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, it becomes clear that Fort Collins has officially outdone herself this time. Features such as the world class Otter Box Digital Dome Theater and highly popular Music and Sound exhibit make it easy to imagine you’ve traveled hundreds of miles to some big city landmark, rather than just a short drive across your own hometown.

“We’ve designed something that’s completely new and different,” says Annette Geiselman, co-executive director of the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. “People come in and they expect science and history, but we have so much more than that.”

The museum, which opened in November last year, replaces both the former Fort Collins Museum and the Discovery Science Center. It is a collaboration plus so much more.

While visitors may recognize several of the exhibits, such as the Frank Miller Stagecoach, FCMoD has turned even the old favorites into new adventures.

“You can still see the stagecoach but now you can interact as well, by pulling a lever and finding out how much horsepower it generates, and how much you can generate yourself,” says CoExecutive Director Cheryl Donaldson.

Donaldson says the new museum provided the opportunity to integrate hands-on science and history. While FCMoD continues to acquire artifacts the Fort Collins Museum never had space for, it’s now combining those artifacts with interactive, scientific experiences.

So who can enjoy the museum?

“It truly is for every age,” says Geiselman. “We were very specific in making it that way.”

10

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While small children might spend hours designing and building mazes at the Imagination Playground exhibit, older kids and teens appear perfectly content to practice a new instrument or chill out in one of the music infused chairs in the Music and Sound area.

The museum isn’t just for kids, adults can just as easily become mesmerized as they journey from zone to zone, experiencing all FCMoD has to offer.

Take the Otter Box Digital Dome Theater for example. The 360-degree hemispheric dome is one of the most technologically advanced digital domes in the world right now, according to Geiselman.

The theater is similar to a planetarium, but that’s just the beginning.

Whether taking in a family show, such as “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure,” or exploring the solar system together in “Cosmic Journey,” you’re in for an interactive experience you’ll never forget.

Fort Collins infused Culture was another important consideration when designing the museum, and Fort Collins culture is embedded into many of the exhibits at FCMoD. For example, in the Music and Sound zone guests can explore the history of the Fort Collins music scene, and visitors to the Natural Areas exhibit can explore features of Fort Collins’ very own natural areas.

Don’t miss the First Peoples exhibit, which reveals the story of the first people to inhabit North America, over 11,000 years ago, as evidenced by the famous Lindenmeier Site in present day Fort Collins.

On a nice day, guests might spend their whole visit enjoying views of Old Town Fort Collins, the Poudre River and the mountains from the Observation Deck at the top of the museum.

In fact, this experience is one of several that can be enjoyed free of admission through an access elevator inside the museum entrance.

The museum is also setting the bar high in Fort Collins when it comes to sustainability and green building. Becoming LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified was one of the original goals when planning FCMoD’s design. The museum building makes use of recycled flooring, solar panels, and a steel structure composed of a high percentage of recycled material.

What’s next?

Running out of things to do at FCMoD would be hard to accomplish, nevertheless the museum has even more in store for the future.

Geiselman says there are four zones in the museum that are being revisited for expansion in the near future: Energy and Sustainability, Water, Early Childhood and Live Animals.

“What distinguishes us is, we really strive to provide incentive for the visitor to come back many, many times,” says Geiselman. “There are layers and layers of experience here.”

Museum information Fort Collins Museum of Discovery www.fcmod.org 408 Mason Ct, FC 970-221-6738 Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm Admission: Adult, $9.50; Senior, $7; Student with valid I.D, $7; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and under, free.

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healthy living

Love the Earth

Kids can create Valentine cards using household items B y A n n S c h i m ke

V

alentines Day card exchanges have been a staple of school celebrations for years, but they don’t show much love for the environment. Many parents feel forced to buy classroom packs of Spiderman or Barbie cards, plus a plastic bag of suckers to properly accessorize the cards.

Instead of sending impersonal store-bought Valentines to school this year, why not consider a hand-crafted version for the classroom exchange?

A variety of options are available that don’t take much time and rely mostly on household items such as paper or cardboard. There are also printable options online that include jokes or activities instead of candy.

the middle. In some years, my kids have decorated the hearts with stickers. In addition to being a quick craft, this Valentine can be made with cardboard boxes plucked from the recycling bin. Think colorful cereal boxes or cracker boxes.

Origami heart page markers This simple but elegant origami heart is probably best for upper elementary children who have the dexterity to fold paper precisely. Perhaps the best part is that it requires only paper. Even pretty magazine pages would work. There are step-by-step photos and instructions at www.bloomize. com/fold-a-heart-page-marker/.

Chocolate kiss rings If you already have a stash of pipe cleaners in the house like I do, this will be a fun and unique Valentines craft. Each ring requires two pipe cleaners, one Hershey’s kiss, and, if you wish, a paper tag. The foil-wrapped Hershey’s kiss, which is positioned upside down, serves as a pseudo diamond in this ring. For easy instructions, go to: http://spoonful. com/crafts/let-friendship-ring.

Chocolate kiss hearts This super-easy craft has been a standby for my family when it comes to Valentines exchanges. Essentially, it’s a heart shaped piece of construction paper or card stock (about three or four inches tall) with a Hershey’s kiss in foil glued to 12

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Heart-shaped crayons This Valentine is appealing, useful and will help you get rid of all your old, broken crayons. Basically, you melt down your old crayons in a silicon heart mold pan or ice cube tray for about 15 minutes in a 250 degree oven. (I’ve done it in a metal non-stick muffin pan and it worked well, but the shapes were plain old circles.) Make sure you mound your crayon bits slightly in the molds since they will settle as they melt.

If you wish, cut out circles from cardstock or cardboard to mount the crayon hearts on once they’ve cooled completely. Use glue dots to attach the crayons to the circles and write a Valentine message around the edges. For pho-

tos and instructions, go to: http://www. chefmessy.com/2009/02/happy-valentines-for-crayon-out-loud.html.

Cupid’s pencil arrow This craft will require a couple dozen new pencils, but at least they don’t cause cavities and they’ll be used long after February 14.

First, cut out a heart (three to four inches across) from card stock or thin cardboard. Decorate it with stickers or a Valentine’s message such as, “You’re just write for me!” or “You’re all write!” Use a hole punch to make a hole on each side of the heart, and thread the pencil through. For photos and instructions, go to: http://spoonful.com/crafts/write-card.

Valentine finger puppet These paper hearts have hand-drawn faces and two holes at the bottom for a pair of kid fingers “hearts legs.” Cut a heart shape out of colorful card stock or paper board. Decorate the upper half of the heart with eyes, nose and a mouth and write a Valentine’s message on the back. At the bottom of the heart, use a hole punch to make two holes (at least a half inch apart.) Then use scissors to enlarge the holes until a child’s fingers fit snugly in them. For photos and instructions, go to: http://spoonful.com/crafts/ valentine-finger-puppet.

Nature cards from the Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy offers downloadable Valentines cards that just need to be printed, trimmed and folded. Each animal-themed card includes a Valentines message and a suggestion for an outside nature activity. To download the cards, go to: www.nature.org/ourinitia tives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/ massachusetts/explore/valentines-daykids-cards.xml.

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community news

Love yourself B y K IM SH A R P E

It’s February. The month associated with love. And whether or not you are in a romantic relationship, there’s much to celebrate!

Take time to nurture your mind, body and spirit to stay energized and healthy. After all, we can’t care for others well if we aren’t well ourselves.

Take a walk Women’s Resource Center in Fort Collins is introducing the national “Walk with a Doc” program. “Walk with a Doc” encourages healthy physical activity and strives to help reverse the nationwide obesity epidemic to improve the health and well-being of our country. Once a month, medical professionals meet with members of the community for a brief chat about timely health-related issues (like how to avoid getting the flu), blood pressure screenings, some healthy snacks and a walk in a park. The walks are open to people of all ages and activity levels…and dogs on leashes. Make it a monthly family affair!

For more information, contact Jennifer Hahnke at jhahnke@womens-resource. org or 970-407-7039.

Walk schedule: • R olland Moore Park, 2201 South Shields Street, FC—Feb. 23, May 22 and Oct. 26 • S pring Canyon Park, 2626 West Horsetooth Road, FC—June 22 and Sept. 28 • C ity Park, 1500 West Mulberry Street, FC—Mar. 30, July 27 and Nov. 23 • F ossil Creek Park, 5821 South Lemay Avenue, FC—Apr. 27, Aug. 24 and Dec. 28

Ride a bike The City of Fort Collins offers Traffic Skills 101 courses throughout the year to help people feel more confident and comfortable riding their bikes on trails and streets. This free course, based on League of American Bicyclists curriculum, covers sharing the road, rules of the road, bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, 14

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on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques. It’s recommended for students above the age of 14 years; you don’t need to be a Fort Collins resident to attend.

Take the whole course in one day or break it into smaller chunks.

• W hole-Day TS101 Course When: Saturday, Feb. 9, 8:30am-4pm Where: City of Fort Collins Transportation Planning Department, 281 N. College Ave., FC. The classroom portion of the course is taught in Conference Room A at 281 N. Colleg Ave. Parking-lot drills and on-street practice take place in an adjacent parking lot and on Fort Collins streets.

Cost: Free, includes lunch • TS101 Lunch & Learn Series When: Wednesdays, 12-1pm, Feb. 20 & 27 and Mar. 6. Concludes on Saturday, Mar. 9, 8:30am-12:30pm Where: City of Fort Collins Transportation Planning Department, 281 N. College Ave., FC. The classroom portion of the course is taught in Conference Room A at 281 N. College. Parking-lot drills and on-street practice take place in an adjacent parking

lot and on Fort Collins streets.

Cost: Free, includes coffee and snacks on Saturday

To register for either TS101 course, contact Nancy Nichols at nnichols@ fcgov.com or 970-416-2357.

Dance Northern Colorado is home to one of the best Hip Hop events in the nation!

People of all ages can attend the Down for Life Hip Hop Expo on Saturday, February 23, beginning at 6pm, to enjoy performances by local dance crews, an all-styles street battle competition, free style competitions, live art, a community mural, a stage production by Rythm EFX (rythmefx.com), food, vendors and of course, hip hop music. There’s a $3 entrance fee at the door.

The Hip Hop Expo is hosted by Team Fort Collins, the City of Fort Collins Recreation Department, Poudre School District and Rythm EFX, and supported by NoCo businesses.

Stacey Clark of Team Fort Collins says, “All the supporters of Down For Life Hip Hop Expo believe that

Hip Hop is drug and alcohol abuse prevention. Kids need to be able to tap into their ‘spark’ be it soccer, basketball, skateboarding or Hip Hop.” Contact her for more information at 970-224-9931 or go to the Down for Life website (down4lifexpo.org).

Reduce stress Greeley’s High Plains Library District has scheduled a series of free “Good For You” classes to help parents learn how to maximize their health by reducing stress with relaxation techniques. The library is partnering with several professional community organizations to provide practical classes that will inspire individuals to be their best. Take one class or take them all! Visit mylibrary.us or call 888-861-7323 for more information.

Love your kids with good parenting Parents often get a rude awakening when they leave the hospital with their first newborn child and realize the little bundle of joy didn’t come with instructions. Fortunately, many opportunities exist in Larimer and Weld Counties for parents to learn tricks of the trade.

• Nurturing Parenting Class This is a free 14-week course based on a nationally acclaimed parent education program which provides gentle guidance and support for parents. It focuses on skill building and coping strategies, and is designed to enhance parents’ self-awareness and thereby increase understanding of their children.

When: January 22-April 23, 9:30am-12noon Where: In Fort Collins (exact location to be announced at pre-registration) To preregister, call Lutheran Family Services at 970-356-6751, ext. 8874.

• Incredible Years Parenting Classes These classes are bundled into a 10-week program that helps parents gain confidence and competence, and foster positive social behaviors in their children. The classes are free and include child care. Pre-register by calling the contacts listed below.

In Fort Collins When: February 4-April 8. Mondays 911am or Tuesdays 5:30-7:30pm

Where: Touchstone Health Partners, 2001 S. Shields, Building K Contact: Regina Hariri; 970-494-4200

In Loveland When: February 4-April 8. Tuesdays 10:30am-12:30pm or Wednesdays 5:307:30pm Where: Touchstone Health Partners, 1250 N. Wilson Avenue Contact: Abbey Schneider; 970-4944273 • Best Start for Babies In this parent education program, parents learn more about their baby’s development, activities for bonding, and how to find helpful resources. The classes are free and held for three hours each week for 10 weeks.

Free child care and dinner will be provided at each class for the whole family. Also, parents are entered in weekly drawings for baby prizes, such as diapers or car seats.

Moms, dads, older brothers and sisters and other support people are welcome to attend.

The classes, presented in English and Spanish, began January 31 (but it’s not to late to join) and will be held every Thursday until April 4, 5-8pm. Register today by calling 970-377-3388, ext. 212.

• Parents as Teachers/Family Night This Estes Park program offers a free Family Night (5:30-7:30pm) the second Thursday of every month throughout the school year at Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Avenue. It is open to all families with children ages birth to 5 years. The evening includes dinner, a parent/child activity and a 45-minute parent discussion time while children are cared for by experienced volunteers. Family Night will not be held in February due to a scheduling conflict with Valentine’s Day. For more information, call the Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success at 970-586-3055.

Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, will talk about the importance of connecting kids with the natural environment. Attendees will gain insight into research-based child development strategies, plus activities to engage children of all ages. The registration fee is $50 ($60 for walk-ins, space permitting) and $35 for college students (with current ECE or other Education Courses).

For more information, contact United Way of Weld County Promises for Children at 970353-4300 or visit www.UnitedWay-Weld.org/ PromisesForChildren/Love2Learn. Registration is available online as well.

Love smart money management The love of money is said to be the root of all evil, but loving smart money management just makes “cents.” The Larimer County Extension regularly offers money management classes to help individuals budget and make wise spending choices.

• Money Talk Financial Education Series Money Talk is a five session financial education series for women and their partners. This non-commercial series provides information and hands-on action steps for improving personal financial knowledge and skills in a supportive learning environment.

When: Mondays, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 and Mar. 4, 6-8:30pm Where: CSU Extension, Larimer County, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins.

Cost: $40 per individual or $50 per couple (2 people, 1 workbook) Visit larimer.org/extension/money or call 970498-6018 for more information and to register.

• Love to Learn Conference The 7th Annual Love to Learn Conference, to be held on Saturday, February 23, at the University of Northern Colorado’s University Center, will feature dozens of sessions about parenting and child care, vendors and networking opportunities, Keynote speakers Tina Reeble and Julie Rose, both with Nature Explore, a collaborative project of Arbor RMPARENT

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nutrition winter. First, many of them, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets, are in season during the colder months. Second, they are low in fats, cholesterol, and carbohydrates while loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, including carotenoids like beta-carotene. Third, root vegetables work great in a number of hot dishes, such as soups and stews, where they tend to maintain their original nutrients.

Beating the winter blues

Elevate your spirits with healthful, nutritious choices R i c h ar d K eller

T

here are two types of winter people – those who love it and those who hate it. Even in northern Colorado, where we receive more days of sunshine and milder temperatures than other areas of the country, seasonal doldrums can set in, including more serious ailments like S.A.D. - Seasonal Affective Disorder. When a family member is affected by this mild form of depression it can lead to low energy levels, body soreness, and exhaustion.

S.A.D. also causes an increase in appetite, and this may lead to weight gain as many folks with the ailment rely on foods heavy in fat and carbohydrates to satisfy their cravings. The good news is there are a number of healthy alternative foods that serve the same purpose as empty-calorie entrees, as well as curb the effects of winter weariness.

Whole grains We’re not talking about wheat bread here, especially if it’s the prepackage kind bought from the supermarket shelves. Though it does contain fiber 16

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and essential vitamins and minerals, it doesn’t provide the necessary complex carbohydrates and proteins needed to help produce the natural moodstabilizing chemical serotonin. During the shorter, colder days of winter it’s serotonin that regulates winter blahs and moderates dulled emotions.

Instead, think quinoa, the grain-like seed with low-saturated fats and high protein and complex carbohydrates. Also consider brown rice, another low-fat, high-protein grain with large doses of Manganese and glucose regulator vitamin B6. If craving pasta or bread, switch the enriched, white products you have at home for whole-wheat alternatives; carbohydrates will be the same, but fiber and protein contents will be more favorable. In addition, essential vitamins and minerals will remain in the food, rather than be stripped when the brown husk is removed from these products.

Root vegetables There are several good reasons to increase the intake of root vegetables during the

Soy products Since soy allergies are very common, especially in children, this winter blues food may need to be taken off the list. If no one in your family has issues, then soy products should be part of a balanced meal.

One cup of any soy variation has enough vitamin B6 to help produce needed serotonin in the body. You may also want to substitute regular milk for the soy variety.

Studies have shown this type of milk has enough vitamin D to help curb symptoms associated with S.A.D. Agave nectar One of the items people crave while in the midst of the winter doldrums is foods high in sugar. Not only is this bad when it comes to weight gain and overall health, but studies have connected refined sugars with some forms of depression, including S.A.D. The reason – when sugars start to break down in the body they use up the naturally produced, mood-stabilizing B. If something sweet is absolutely needed during the coldest days of the winter, substitute white sugar with agave nectar. Though higher in calories than regular sugar, less of it needs to be used in recipes due to its increased and concentrated sweetness.

Together, these types of foods can help soften the edges of the winter doldrums and conditions like S.A.D.; however, they aren’t a total cure-all.

If symptoms continue to get worse it may require special treatments such as sun lamps and, for a time, antidepressant medicines. Consult with your local health provider to obtain more information on how to treat these forms of winter depression.

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Family night out—no cooking!

Children can eat free or at low cost at many local restaurants

By Katie Harris

I

t’s easy to use a growing family as an excuse to give up eating out, but having young kids at home shouldn’t stop you! Below, find the complete and up-todate list of northern Colorado restaurants offering free and discounted meals for kids, along with the days of the week to take advantage of these great offers. Take a night off from cooking and enjoy a night out on the town, without the family-sized price tag!

Monday Buffalo Wild Wings www.buffalowildwings.com 4711 W 29th St, GR, 970-330-9988 150 E Harmony Rd, FC, 970-266-9464 1505 Rocky Mountain Ave, LV, 970-461-1999 $1.99 kids meal with purchase of adult entree Cafe Mexicali www.cafemexicali.com 2925 S. College Ave, FC, 970-266-9292 4629 Centerplace Dr, GR, 970-339-8585 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree Derby Grill www.derbygrille.com 110 Bunyan Ave, Berthoud, 970-532-0986 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree Fish www.fishmkt.com 150 W Oak St, FC, 970-224-1188 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree

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The Garlic Knot www.garlicknotpizza.com 2601 S Lemay Ave Unit 30, FC, 970-221-5668 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree

Black Eyed Pea www.blackeyedpeacolorado.com 4312 S College Ave, FC, 970-226-6661 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree

Larkburger www.larkburger.com 2539 S College Ave, FC, 970-484-8141 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree, after 4pm

Culvers www.culvers.com 3502 W 29th St, GR, 970-339-8680 Free kids meal with purchase of adult meal, 5-8pm, dine-in only

Palomino Mexican Restaurant 3390 W 23rd St, GR, 970-506-1610 Kids eat free all day

Famous Dave’s www.famousdaves.com 2880 E Harmony Rd, FC, 970-282-8227 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree

Texas Roadhouse www.texasroadhouse.com 4633 S Timberline Rd, FC, 970-207-0006 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree from 4-10pm

Tuesday 3 Margaritas www.3margaritasmex.com 3400 S. College Ave, FC, 970-225-3811 1417 Cheyenne Ave, LV, 970-669-4441 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree Applebees www.applebees.com 4306 S College Ave, FC, 970-225-1041 4100 W 10th St, GR, 970-346-9493 213 E 29th St, LV, 970-593-0655 $.99 kids meal with purchase of adult entree

Fazoli’s www.fazolis.com 4624 S Mason, FC, 970-204-6865 $.99 kids meal with purchase of adult entree from 5-8pm, plus arts and crafts activities George’s Pizza and Gyros www.georgesloveland.com 104 E 29th St, LV, 970-669-9999 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree McAlister’s Deli www.mcalistersdeli.com 1120 S. College Ave, FC, 970-493-5700 2550 E. Harmony Rd. #102, FC, 970-2823733 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree, after 5pm

Moe’s Original Bar B Que www.moesoriginalbbq.com 181 N College Ave, FC, 970-484-7675 Free kids meal with purchase of adult platter

Old Chicago www.oldchicago.com 147 S. College Ave, FC, 970-482-8599 Free kids meal with adult purchase after 4pm

Perkins www.perkinscolorado.com 310 S College Ave, FC, 970-484-5981 2297 Greeley Mall, GR, 970-352-9251 2222 W Eisenhower, LV, 970-663-1944 6020 Stallion Dr, LV, 970-685-4082 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree

Old Country Buffet www.oldcountrybuffet.com 118 W. Troutman Pkwy, FC, 970-282-8294 Kids eat for $.99, 5-8pm, plus enjoy family activities and balloons.

Wednesday Culvers www.culvers.com 918 S Lemay Ave, FC, 970-493-3639 Free kids meal with purchase of adult meal, after 4pm, dine-in only HuHot Mongolian Grill www.huhot.com 249 S. College Ave, FC, 970-416-0555 2720 Council Tree Ave, FC, 970-568-8136 College location: Kids eat free during evening hours.

Front Range Village location: Kids eat for half price with purchase of select adult meal, after 4pm.

Inca Mexican Restaurant www.incamexican.com 2413 S College Ave, FC, 970-484-3400 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree, 6-8pm Old Chicago www.oldchicago.com 4709 S. Timberline Rd, FC, 970-207-9456 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree, after 4pm 2349 W 29th St, GR, 970-330-1116 $.99 kids meal with purchase of adult entree, 4-9pm The Rustic Oven www.therusticoven.com 2350 E Harmony Rd, FC, 970-226-2300 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree, 4-8pm

Thursday Beau Jo’s www.beaujos.com 100 N College Ave, FC, 970-498-8898 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree CB and Potts www.cbpotts.com 1415 W Elizabeth, FC, 970-221-1139 $1 kids meal with purchase of adult entree

Wahoo’s Fish Tacos www.wahoos.com 2310 E Harmony Rd, FC, 970-204-0729 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree, after 4pm

Saturday Denny’s www.dennys.com, 420 Centro Way, FC, 970-221-1493, Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree, 4-10pm The Egg and I www.theeggandirestaurants.com 3830 W. 10th St. C-1, GR, 970-353-7737 2305 W. 27th St. 509A, GR, 970-392-1191 Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree Perkins www.perkinscolorado.com 310 S College Ave, FC, 970-484-5981 2297 Greeley Mall, GR, 970-352-9251 2222 W Eisenhower, LV, 970-663-1944 6020 Stallion Dr, LV, 970-685-4082 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree Texas Roadhouse www.texasroadhouse.com 4633 S. Timberline Rd, FC, 970-207-0006 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree, 11-3pm Wok and Roll www.wokandrollteriyaki.com 2801 S. College Ave, FC, 970-223-6555 Kids eat free with purchase of select adult entree

Sunday Coyote’s Southwestern Grill www.coyotesgreeley.com 5250 W. 9th St, GR, 970-336-1725 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree Dickey’s Barbecue Pit www.dickeys.com 2331 23rd Ave, GR, 970-330-7005 Opening February 7: 2721 S. College Ave, FC, 970-797-2610 Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree; free ice cream everyday with meal purchase

Island Grill www.islandgrillrestaurant.com 2601 S. Lemay Ave #12, FC, 970-266-0124 110 E. 29th St, LV, 970-685-4498 Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree Fort Collins location: all day Loveland location: after 4pm La Luz Mexican Grill www.laluzmexicangrill.com 140 E. Boardwalk Dr, FC, 970-267-9444 Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree McGraff’s www.mcgraffsamericangrill.com 1602 E. Eisenhower Blvd, LV, 970-669-8847 Kids eat for $.99 with purchase of adult entree Nordy’s Bar-B-Que and Grill www.nordysbbq.com 151 N. College Ave, FC, 970-568-8358 Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree, 5-7pm Palomino Mexican Restaurant www.bestcoloradomexicanfood.com 6190 Crossroads Blvd, LV, 970-292-8690 Kids eat free all day Paninos www.paninos.com 310 W. Prospect Rd, FC, 970-498-8292 Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree Pueblo Viejo 185 N. College Ave. Ste. 102, FC, 970-221-1170 4630 Royal Vista Cir. #101, WS, 970-204-9860 Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree, 5-9:30pm Ryans Sports Grill www.rsportsgrill.com 925 Harmony Rd, FC, 970-229-0017 Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree (not including Superbowl Sunday)

Everyday IHOP www.ihop.com 1502 Oakridge Dr, FC, 970-226-3154 1002 S. College Ave, FC, 970-484-2257 5450 Stone Creek Cir, LV, 970-203-9300 Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree, 4-10pm everyday.

Souza’s Smokin BBQ www.fortcollinsbbq.com 1005 W. Stuart St. Ste. A-1, FC, 970-232-9412 Kids eat free all day, everyday with purchase of adult meal.

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When teens date...

Helping your child navigate the tricky waters of relationships

By Lynn Utzman-Nichols

D

o you have a 13-year-old who just announced she is ‘going with’ a boy in her class and is already texting the words, ‘I love you’ to him? Or, do you have a 17-year-old who just celebrated a year anniversary with his girlfriend? Navigating dating relationships is new and often scary territory for parents of teens. While you won’t be sitting next to your daughter in her boyfriend’s car—yikes!—rest assured, you do have some influence on her dating relationships.

First, know that the words ‘I love you’ don’t mean the same thing as they did when we were kids. They are said much more casually these days. If it bugs you, simply replace ‘love’ with ‘like’ and you’ll be closer to the mark—at least when it comes to preteen or middleschool relationships that arrive fast and furious and are often gone within a week.

Remember, dating is something teens and preteens have to practice in order to someday create a lasting love relationship of their own. Feel free to give pointers along the way, even set a few rules as needed, but leave the judgments behind just as you do when they’re learning any new skill.

“Especially with preteens and young teens, having some adult guidance around a dating relationship is good.

You don’t want to hover, but stay aware.

Know where the relationship is at and 20

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what’s concretely happening in it at all times. Give more guidance and oversight to younger teens, and step back as they grow older,” advises Dr. Kathy Sigda, a child and adolescent psychologist with Mountain Crest Behavioral Healthcare Center in Fort Collins.

Show, not tell, what it’s like to be in a healthy relationship We all know kids model our behavior and that’s probably truest in love relationships. There’s a good chance how you treat your spouse is how your teenager will treat his or her girlfriend/ boyfriend. If there’s a way you can improve—by listening better, calmly discussing differences, etc. start now—your teen is watching! It’s akin to altering your bad driving habits when your teen takes driver’s ed. Lessons may have already been taught, but right now they’re extra aware of the details.

“Consider what take-home message your teens are observing in your relationship with your spouse or partner.

Do they see mutual respect? Caring?

Healthy affection? Conflicts resolved in a positive way?” asks Sigda, who thinks it’s especially important for fathers with daughters to consider. “Fathers communicate to their daughters what to expect from men by how they treat their daughter and their spouse.” Of course, the same is true for mothers and sons.

“It’s not just a do as I say, but a do as I do. Modeling healthy relationships and healthy communication styles teaches teens how to be good boyfriends and girlfriends,” adds Sigda.

Help your teen maintain a healthy balance The last thing parents want to see is their teen getting obsessed with a boyfriend or girlfriend, especially if there are red flags that things are not all that healthy emotionally. Your first impulse might be to demand the relationship end. Don’t. “If you forbid them to see each other or even limit their time together, it will backfire. Instead, build up the rest of your teen’s life,” advises Sigda.

Make plans for family outings, facilitate your daughter going out with her best friend once a week, require she join a school club, or encourage involvement in activities she enjoys. “Tell her, ‘I’m not going to say you can’t see your boyfriend, but you have to spend time with your family and friends, too,’” suggests Sigda. That way, when the relationship ends, she’ll have something to fall back on, and the fall won’t be so hard.

If risky or unhealthy behavior is suspected, address it In Sigda’s work, she often counsels troubled teens. Many of the teen girls she has worked with have been in unhealthy

relationships. “Some say, ‘my boyfriend saw a picture of me on Facebook and made me take it down,’ or ‘he has my password so he can see everything I say.’

These are red flags. The girls don’t see a problem with it since there is no physical abuse, but the controlling behavior is a concern,” she says.

If you see patterns or behaviors in the relationship that concern you— such as being disrespectful, controlling, demanding, negative—discuss them. Also, develop a relationship with your teen’s boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s parents, so you can discuss your concerns with them, too.

While Sigda generally advises parents to resist prying, she acknowledges that when you have a reason to snoop or speak your mind, you should. “Your job isn’t to be your teen’s best friend.

Sometimes, you will have to ask the hard questions or set unwelcome consequences and it will be uncomfortable, and that’s okay. But first, get clear on your own emotions and leave them out of the conversation,” she advises.

That’s especially true when it comes to judging your teen’s boyfriend or girlfriend—which will never go over well.

Speak from the heart, and from a ‘higher parent’ place (as in, what would your ‘best parent self ’ do in this situation?).

If needed, set limits over what is acceptable—such as banning closed doors when the two are at your house.

“Share the characteristics of a healthy relationship with your teen— mutual respect, caring and concern for each other’s wellbeing. Another sign of a healthy relationship is taking things slow and in a set order, like establishing emotional intimacy before becoming physical,” states Sigda.

A challenge is when you suspect your older teen is having sex. “One mother I know that has teens has a giant bowl of condoms in the bathroom.

It’s giant so that no one notices when one’s missing. She says, ‘Use one if you need to, I won’t ask.’ She doesn’t see it as giving permission. As a parent, you can clearly state your expectation that your teens abstain from sex until a later point in their lives, but at the same time you need to acknowledge that they will

make their own decisions,” says Sigda.

Also, let your teens know you are available to answer any questions they might have about sex. While teens in our area do get some information in school, it’s taught under an abstinence framework so some details, especially on birth control and STDs, may be missing.

“Have the conversation. The last thing a parent wants is for their teen to have an unexpected pregnancy or to catch an STD,” adds Sigda.

Be a fly on the wall A great way to monitor your teens dating is to simply be around, or in the background. Offer to drive in the carpool and be privy to your younger teens’ conversations. Have the Superbowl or end-of-the-year party at your house and listen while serving the pizza. “Kids sort of forget you are there and you learn a lot by hearing them talk,” says Sigda. To get more information from your teen, try the car. “Conversations in the car often go well because there’s not direct eye contact, which makes it less threatening for your teen,” she adds. Ask open-ended, casual questions and don’t act shocked, even when you are. The more ‘cool’ you react, the more your teen will be willing to talk to you. Nothing slams a door quicker than judgment or reprimand.

In general, Sigda advises that you “answer the questions teens are asking rather than overloading them with a bunch of information they’re not asking for.” Yet if you sense your teen is open to talking, take the hint but let them guide how much and for how long. Giving indirect lessons on healthy relationships by pointing out how couples relate on television or in public is also helpful. “It lets you speak about your values around dating relationships in a more subtle way,” says Sigda.

Another way to monitor a relationship on the sly is through social media.

For example, if you are your son’s ‘friend’ on Facebook, you can follow his dating relationship online. “We think of relationships existing face-to-face but in the teen world (especially preteen) they often exist for the most part online or via text.

It’s how teens’ communicate and relate to each other. It’s much less private than

it used to be, and that can be to your advantage,” adds Sigda who suggests parents set guidelines around social media.

A good place for preteens to practice dating is in groups. Whether or not your child is mature enough or old enough to date one-on-one is completely up to your individual family.

Be there for the breakup Finally, most teenage love relationships will end. Breakups can be devastating to teens. “Don’t minimize it or say it’s just puppy love. Teen breakups can be as emotionally intense as adult breakups. If it looks serious say to your teen, ‘It seems like this feels like the end of the world for you, let’s figure out how we can get you through it,’” concludes Sigda.

If your teen’s life is well balanced and she has other things that give her confidence, she’ll get over it, eventually.

It’s all a lesson in how to be in a love relationship and hopefully someday she’ll get it just right.

University of Colorado Health sponsored this article.

Girl Talk Have a preteen daughter between the ages of 9 and 12?

Explore the changes of puberty with her and a group of peers.

This class is for girls and mothers to learn about the physical and emotional changes that puberty brings. It will foster communication between you and your child around topics such as friendship, physical changes, menstruation and emotions.

What: Girl Talk, offered by UCHealth’s Poudre Valley Hospital When: Tuesday, Mar. 5, 6:30-8:30pm Where: Poudre Valley Hospital, Indian Paintbrush Room, 1024 S. Lemay Ave., Fort Collins Cost: $25 per mother/daughter Register: 970-495-7500 RMPARENT

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Angel House

The Matthews House

(970) 663-1716 101 East 6th Street, Loveland, CO 80537

www.angelhouseihn.org The Angel House provides shelter, meals and comprehensive case management and mentoring for homeless families with children through a collaborative effort of churches to provide meals and shelter, a staffed Day Center that gives families an address and phone number while looking for housing and employment, and a close working relationship agencies to find housing. control of their with lives,local shape positive futures for If needed, job training is also provided to assist themselves and become successful contributors families in reaching self sufficiency.

Partnered in service with 19 Affiliate Youth Agencies, Realities For Children Charities provides support for the unmet needs of abused and neglected children in Larimer County. Each month in Parent Magazine a different Realities For Children Affiliate Agency will be featured.

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un F s ’ It shy l a r T a It’s cation Edu s ’ t I It’s the

Garbage Garage Larimer County’s waste & recycling education center at the Larimer County Landfill in Fort Collins

(970) 498-5772 larimer.org/solidwaste

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thompson school district news Thompson schools honor Martin Luther King, Jr. bulletin board in the children's area at the Loveland Library, featuring a variety of lessons using Arts Integration.

Stansberry Elementary

Stansberry first-graders completed some reading lessons on Dr. King, focusing on peaceful solutions to problems. Other classes worked on reading and writing prompts surrounding the theme of "How will you keep Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream alive?"

Lincoln Elementary

Students have been studying Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the music classes. They learned that he spoke out for peace and freedom and that he believed in peaceful ways of protesting unfair treatment. Students also took a brief quiz on his life through a reflection writing of their own dreams for society Namaqua Elementary Jared King, General Manager of King Buick GMC, was proud to announce a new partnership with the Thompson Education Foundation and Thompson School District.

This year was Dr. King's 84th birthday celebration. And although he is no longer with us in body, the power of his inspiration and deeply held beliefs lives on. His legacy continues to create valuable educational opportunities for our youth. Below are just a few of the activities that were produced in our schools in honor of the special day: Loveland High

ter Drive the week of Jan 22. The goal was to collect as many jars of peanut butter as possible to give to the House of Neighborly Service in Loveland for distribution to families in food baskets. This was a service project in honor of MLK's “Day of Service” to the community, which was on January 21st.

Spanish students from IB Spanish teacher Genie Rys' class read parts of MLK's speech in Spanish and completed some reading comprehension and writing activities based on the vocabulary and grammar in the speech.

Coyote Ridge Elementary

Cottonwood Elementary

Garfield Elementary

The school held a Peanut But24

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After reading some books about Dr. King, kindergarten students wrote about which trait he showed and why.

Students also worked on an art project to go along with their writing.

The school created a display for the

Kindergarten students completed “read alouds” and a variety of other activities designed to emphasize Dr. King’s powerful message.

Van Buren Elementary

In honor of MLK Jr., students created a timeline of Dr. King's life and recorded significant events that happened to him. They also created doves to hang in the classroom with the powerful words that they brainstormed: peace, love, equality, dream, leader, friendship and respect.

TEF Educator Award to feature King Buick GMC car leases A Thompson Education Foundation and King Buick GMC partnership honors Thompson School District educators in that "new car smell" kind of way this year. Thompson Education

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Melanie Litt receives check with Linda Crocker, Instructional Coach at Ponderosa Elementary.

Foundation will hold its fifth annual “Educators Appreciation Breakfast” on Friday, March 8, 2013 at 8am at Embassy Suites Loveland. During the breakfast, the winners of the Educator of the Year awards will be announced.

The Educator of the Year awards recognize outstanding Thompson School District staff members for excellence in education through their ability to empower, challenge, and inspire. Thompson Education Foundation will honor these educators with the following 2013 categories:

• 2013 Elementary Teacher of the Year (pre-kindergarten - fifth grade) • 2013 Secondary Teacher of the Year (sixth grade - twelfth grade) • 2013 Principal of the Year • 2013 Classified Employee of the Year • 2013 Administrative, Professional, or Technical Employee of the Year • NEW THIS YEAR! Educator of the Year (to be chosen from among all the nominations)

King Buick GMC believes in education and the work that teachers do every day in the classroom. The company feels the best way to give 26

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back to the community is through education support; building strong programs that will produce a highly trained workforce that can increase innovation and energy for American manufacturing. To honor Thompson School District educators, King GMC will provide a 60-day lease on a new automobile to each of the category winners and a 24-month lease to 2013's new category, Educator of the Year. This notable sponsorship brings a new level of significance and excitement to the annual awards.

Nominations for Thompson School District Educators of the Year were received from co-workers, parents and community members. The Educator of the Year Selection Committee criteria include a candidate's dedication to their work, a high level of skill, and the ability to inspire those they interact with in the course of their work.

In addition to the Educator of the Year announcements, the March 8 breakfast will feature presentations from Thompson Education Foundations'

2012 Creativity Grant recipients. Creativity Grants are one of the many ways that TEF supports the students and staff in the Thompson School District. Creativity Grants provide up to $1,000 for educators to implement unique learning experiences for students. Through the Educator of the Year breakfast, previous grant winners are able to demonstrate to the community the inspiring ways that they have used their grants to motivate students to learn. Reservations for this event opened on January 28th.

Links of Love for healing Melanie Litt of Ponderosa Elementary School, who received a kidney transplant in December due to kidney disease, was presented a check in the amount of $3,400 to assist with the expenses.

To raise the money, students and staff at Ponderosa created a project called "Links of Love." Paper chain links were sold for $1 and then displayed in the school's main stairway. Fifty percent of the money will be donated to the National Kidney Foundation to aid in the research of kidney disease.

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poudre school district news Lincoln volunteers show devotion and consistency

Monica Eddy is the Volunteer Building Coordinator for Lincoln.

Poudre School District has over 17,000 volunteers, consisting of parents, grandparents, seniors and community members. Managing that many volunteers in 48 schools is quite a feat! Helping the PSD’s Volunteers & Partnerships office manage the multitude of volunteers at each school site is a Volunteer Building Coordinator (VBC). These dedicated volunteers donate many hours to ensure the volunteer program at their school is a success. Some have done it for many years, starting in elementary schools, and continuing in this volunteer position even after their children move on to middle school and even high school!

Monica Eddy, VBC for Lincoln Middle School, began actively volunteering at her daughters’ elementary school. When her oldest moved on to middle school, she still wanted to be involved. She learned of the VBC position becoming available, and she felt it would be ideal for her. Eddy says, “It allows me to be in the know on where they need volunteers. This is now my second year at Lincoln, so, essentially my daughter and I are both 7th graders!”

“I am amazed at the devotion and consistency of our Lincoln volunteers,” states Eddy. She recalls one event last year where dozens of volunteers worked tirelessly for a couple of months to plan an event. The payoff for the school was tremendous! Eddy enjoys receiving on28

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going training as a VBC, and attending the quarterly meetings with other coordinators. She says, “We glean ideas from one another and learn new things.”

A good portion of her evenings are spent around the dinner table with her family, reading aloud as dinner is finished up. They sometimes play board games and it’s where “a lot of good conversations take place.” She enjoys teaching her daughters new things and learning from them, as well. Her husband, Jim, is responsible for getting them out to see the great outdoors and the occasional CSU volleyball game.

Eddy says, “I am quite happy with the simple things in life. My Christian faith keeps me pretty grounded. A good book and knitting makes me happy, and I love baking. So, if I can eat something at the same time, it’s the trifecta!”

Eddy states, “The kind and generous volunteers at Lincoln really make my job so easy. It can’t go without being said that the staff is always so grateful and complimentary of our community of volunteers.

I believe that is a big reason they continue giving of their time. They know that what they do really matters.”

Early Childhood Program enrollment clinics offer insight into the program Early Childhood Education is excited to announce two open houses in February for families interested in the Early Childhood 3-5 Preschool program for 2013-2014. The open houses will feature an Early Childhood classroom where families can visit and experience the program first-hand. Early Childhood staff will be available to answer questions about enrollment and curriculum as well as the comprehensive services that are offered when their children are enrolled.

February open houses: • 5 to 7pm., Thursday, Feb. 21, O’Dea Elementary, 312 Princeton Road • 5 to 7pm, Thursday, Feb. 28, Bacon Elementary, 5844 South Timberline Road

Families are encouraged to attend any one of these evenings to visit with staff, see a classroom and apply for one of the program’s no-cost or tuition-based program options. For more information, contact the Early Childhood enrollment office located at 220 N. Grant Ave., or call 490-3204.

Internet safety presentations provide tools to keep everyone safe Fort Collins police are hosting free Internet safety presentations for families to increase awareness and provide tools to keep everyone safe from the dangers of the Internet.

Topics covered will include: • Sexual predators • Online enticement and grooming • Social networking websites • Cyberbullying • Email, Instant Messaging (IM) Smartphones, and Sexting

Family sessions will be held in the Fort Collins Police Services Community Room, 2221 S. Timberline Road, from 6:30 to 8:30pm on Tuesday evenings (Feb. 5, March 5, April 2, & May 7). Families will be divided into three groups: adults; pre-teens 8 to 12 yearolds; and teenagers 13 to 18-year-olds for age-appropriate presentations.

Research shows that:

• 1 in 5 kids are subjected to unwanted sexual solicitation on the Internet; • 1 in 5 teens ages 13-19 are taking photographs of their intimate parts and sending them to friends; • 25 percent of kids sexually solicited on the Internet told a trusted adult; and • 64 percent of teens report posting personal photos on the Internet and 58 percent report posting personal information such as where they live.

Much like a large metropolitan city, the Internet is a wonderful place with so many available resources. You would never drop your child off in a big city and expect them to explore it and

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Fourth-graders at McGraw Elementary , an International Baccalaureate World School, talk to each other during a weekly Peacekeeper Circle. Peacekeeper Circles is a community-building program that empowers students to express themselves respectfully to each other in a safe environment.

remain safe. The goal of this presentation is to give your family awareness and tools to keep everyone safe from the dangers of the Internet.

Contact Detective Keith Maynard at (970) 416-2051 or by e-mail at kmay nard@fcgov.com to reserve your space.

Register kindergarteners on February 7 Kindergarten registration for students entering school in PSD in fall 2013 is scheduled for 7am to 6pm, Thursday, Feb. 7, at most elementary schools. Parents must register their child at their neighborhood school even if they are applying for a school-choice option. Children who will be 5 years old on or before September 15, 2013, are eligible to register.

On the day of registration, parents should bring their child’s birth certificate (original or certified preferred), immunization records, and emergency contact information.

There is no tuition for half-day kindergarten programs; full-day programs are $2,100 per year; inquire at your school for specifics. The first payment is due at the time of registration; the remainder is due in nine monthly installments from August 1, 2013 - April 1, 2014. Full and partial scholarships may be available; check with the school for eligibility requirements.

One-way transportation is provided for kindergarten students attending a half-day program who live more than one mile from their neighborhood school.

Round-trip transportation is provided 30

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for students in an all-day program who live more than one mile from school.

Transportation is not provided for School Choice students (those who attend a school outside their attendance areas).

Students learn compassion, respect through Peace Circles Sitting in circle, students in Sara Porter’s fourth-grade class listen intently to each other as they take turns talking about what they appreciate about each other, as well as anything that is bothering them. Instead of talking behind each other’s’ backs, the classmates look each other in the eye and talk about how they feel. There are smiles and tears and sometimes apologies are offered.

“We communicate with each other about things we want other people to improve on and comment on things we want them to keep doing,” says fourth-grader Camden Opfer.

Porter’s fourth-grade class meets once a week in a Peacekeeper Circle to talk about what they appreciate about each other, air grievances, give apologies or express empathy or joy for a classmate. Porter’s class is one of several classes at McGraw Elementary, an International Baccalaureate School, participating in Peacekeeper Circles, a community-building program that empowers students to express themselves respectfully to each other in a safe environment.

Porter says the circle time gives students a chance to share how they feel about someone’s behavior, as well as helps them understand their classmates’ feelings and views.

“It teaches students that they are not the only person in this world and that their behavior can affect others positively or negatively,” she says. “It gives students a chance to give a sincere apology and fix their own problems.”

When the Peacekeeper Circles began, students were taught how to share their perspectives respectfully.

Students are now taking the communication skills they are learning beyond circle time and using them to build courteous relationships on the playground and at home.

“We want them to take what they are learning in circle time and apply it in real life. I think that’s a real asset,” Porter says.

Fourth-grader Reagan Parke believes the weekly circle time has helped bridge gaps between students that may not have gravitated toward becoming friends.

“It has made us closer. We don’t have as many issues as we had in the beginning of the school year,” says Reagan.

“I feel like I have more friends because we can express ourselves better Camden agrees, saying, “Before there were some kids we didn’t want to play with. Now we play with more people.”

Porter says initially students were a bit unsure about circle time, but now they look forward to it. For more information about Peacekeeper Circles, please visit their website.

Calendar of Events Feb. 7 ..... Kindergarten registration will be held all day at most elementary schools.

Feb. 12 ... 6:30pm, Board of Education business meeting, Johannsen Support Services Complex, 2407 LaPorte Ave. Feb. 18.... Teacher Collaboration Day, no school for K-12 students.

Feb. 25.... The PSD Board of Education will host two community engagement sessions. One will be held from noon to 1pm at the Fort Collins Downtown Library, 301 Olive Street. An evening one will be held from 7 to 8pm at the Fort Collins Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields.

Feb. 26.... 6:30pm, Board of Education business meeting and work session, Johannsen Support Services Complex, 2407 LaPorte Ave.

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greeley-evans district 6 news District seeks applicants for design committee Greeley-Evans School District 6 is looking for community members interested in helping design a new middle school that will incorporate ideas to take our students through the next 50 years.

District 6 is seeking a diverse group that will directly reflect the community. Business leaders, community members, parents, students, teachers and District 6 staff are invited to apply for the Design Advisory Group (DAG) for the new middle school project.

Voters approved an $8.2 million bond issue in November that will be used as matching funds for a Building Excellent Schools Today grant to replace John Evans Middle School.

Members of the group will meet about every two weeks for six months to discuss the design of the school, including the layout, building materials, interior features and landscaping, helping to create the best model for the next generation of schools in District 6.

Applications for membership are available online at www. greeleyschools.org under the Get Involved tab, advisory committees and councils, or by calling 348-6101.

Completed applications may be returned to Bevin Arch at barch@ greeleyschools.org or at the Central Administration Building, 1025 9th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631.

Deadline for applications is February 1, 2013.

Kathy Azari is a Teacher Who Makes a Difference Kathy Azari, music teacher from Brentwood Middle School, is featured as a Teacher Who Makes a Difference on District 6 Channel 16, and on the District 6 website at www. greeleyschools.org.

Azari has taught at Brentwood Middle School for 22 years. While she has seen many changes over the 32

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Kathy Azari, music teacher from Brentwood Middle School.

years, her commitment to teaching has never wavered.

“I feel like we are really doing a great job in all our schools educating all our children,” Azari says.

Azari says she loves teaching at the middle school level.

“That has been the joy of my teaching career, to have those kids for three years,” Azari says.

West senior named IBM High School Hero of the Week Katie Weber, a senior at Greeley West High School, has been named IBM High School Hero of the Week.

The program is designed to recognize those who excel in the activities arena – athletics, music, speech and leadership – as well as in the classroom. Students must exhibit qualities such as citizenship, and participation in schools as well as the community. The Colorado High School Activities Association, IBM of Colorado, 850 KOA Radio and the Denver Broncos sponsor the award.

Weber was named Front Range

League Player of the Year by opposing coaches for leading Greeley West High School to an 18-7 record.

She was also named to the Colorado Coaches of Girls’ Sports All-State Game, was the MVP of the Greeley West/Greeley Central rivalry game in 2011, and has been an all-conference volleyball player for three years.

Weber was nominated by Greeley West Athletic Director Jeff Cranson.

“Katie is a great all-around student, athlete and person,” Cranson says. “She is the one who rallies her teammates when things get tough, the one who helps freshmen students find their classrooms on the first day of school, and is always willing to lend an ear to anyone in need.”

Weber will be recognized on 850 KOA and will be invited to attend an end-of-the-season reception in March for all recipients at Invesco Field.

This is the second District 6 student to receive this honor. Tony Dennis-Lopez, a senior at Northridge High School, was named the IBM High School Hero of the Week in October.

Katie Weber, Hero of the Week

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lunchbox Poudre School District —Elementary student lunches are $2.15, secondary student lunches are $2.40 and reduced lunches are $0.40. Entrees offered daily: Elementary—a variety of fruits and vegetables, milk and juices; Secondary--hot and cold sandwiches, fruits and vegetables, deli salad and pizza.

Elementary school 1 Spaghetti; PBJ; pepperoni pizza 4 Cheese pizza; meatball deli; PBJ 5 Veggie lasagna; cheeseburger; veggie wrap 6 Asian rice bowl; chicken sandwich; hummus & veggies 7 Chicken drumstick; beef burrito; Mediterranean wrap 8 Mac n’cheese; French toast sticks; tuna sandwich 11 Yogurt & fruit box; turkey & cheese wrap; chicken quesadilla 12 Beef burrito; chicken nuggets; PBJ 13 Chef salad; hamburger; corndog 14 Veggie wrap; Teriyaki chicken dip-

pers; chicken sandwich 15 Turkey & cheese deli; cheese pizza; hummus & veggies 18 No school!

19 Yogurt & fruit box; mac n’cheese; chicken enchilada bake 20 Chicken quesadilla; cheeseburger; ham & cheese deli 21 Hotdog; chicken nuggets; PBJ 22 Mediterranean wrap; pepperoni pizza; cheese raviolis 25 Beef burrito; yogurt & fruit box; sausage pancake wrap 26 Grilled cheese sandwich & tomato soup; chicken sandwich; PBJ 27 Chicken broccoli Alfredo; chef salad;

chicken nuggets 28 Veggie wrap; BBQ chicken sandwich; cheese pizza Secondary schools 1 Cheese ravioli; baked chicken 4 Mac n’cheese; Asian rice bowl 5 Veggie lasagna; burrito 6 Chicken nuggets; fruit & yogurt parfait 7 Baked chicken; rotini pasta w/sauces 8 Chicken broccoli Alfredo 11 Nachos el Grande; penne pasta w/ sauces 12 Teriyaki chicken dippers; beef tacos 13 Chicken nuggets; chili w/cinnamon roll

14 Orange chicken w/rice; Philly cheesesteak 15 Asian rice bowl; burrito 18 No school!

19 Rotini pasta w/sauces; burrito 20 Chicken nuggets; chicken enchilada bake 21 Baked potato bar; spaghetti 22 Turkey gravy w/potatoes; Asian rice bowl 25 Cheese ravioli; chicken quesadilla 26 Italian lasagna; beef tacos 27 Chicken nuggets; egg roll w/brown rice 28 Baked chicken; burrito

Thompson R2J School District —Elementary lunches are $2.50. Secondary school lunches are $2.75.

Reduced lunches are $0.40. Offered daily: PBJs & fruit.

Elementary schoolS 1 Egg roll w/veggies & brown rice; fruit & yogurt plate 4 Turkey w/mashed potatoes; Ceaesar salad 5 Cheese pizza; baked potato 6 Burger; rice & bean burrito 7 Chicken burrito bowl; baked potato 8 French bread boat; fruit & yogurt plate 11 Pancake w/sausage; Caesar salad 12 Jambalaya; baked potato 13 Turkey hotdog; rice & bean burrito 14 Taco; baked potato

15 Fish nuggets; fruit & yogurt plate 18 No school!

19 Chicken parmesan; baked potato 20 Sloppy Joe; rice & bean burrito 21 Nachos; baked potato 22 Orange chicken w/brown rice; fruit & yogurt plate 25 Mac n’cheese; Caesar salad 26 Pizza stick; baked potato 27 Chicken patty sandwich; rice & bean burrito 28 Mini chicken tacos; baked potato

Secondary schools 1 Egg roll w/veggies & brown rice; fish tacos 4 Turkey w/mashed potatoes; PBJ 5 Cheese pizza; chicken fajita wrap 6 Burger; chicken parmesan 7 Chicken burrito bowl; meatball sandwich 8 French bread boat; hot ham & cheese sandwich 11 Pancake w/eggs; BBQ pulled pork sandwich 12 Jambalaya; Cuban sandwich

13 Chicken breast strips; burger 14 Taco; pork rib sandwich 15 Fish nuggets; grilled chicken sandwich 18 No school!

19 Chicken parmesan; burger 20 Hot roast beef sandwich; PBJ 21 Nachos; meat lasagna 22 Orange chicken w/brown rice; French bread boat 25 Mac n’cheese; veggie quesadilla 26 Pizza stick; BBQ chicken nugget 27 Chicken patty sandwich; nachos 28 Mini chicken tacos; Santa Fe brown rice

Greeley District 6 —To obtain a complete meal, student gets an entrée and can select 1-3 sides. Elementary lunches are $2.25, and middle school lunches are $2.50, reduced-price lunches are $.40. Offered daily: PBJ. Elementary schools 1 Hot wings w/roll; tuna salad sandwich 4 Sloppy Joe; turkey & cheese wrap 5 Chicken w/brown rice; PBJ 6 Meatball sub; chicken salad sandwich 7 BBQ chicken w/roll; ham & cheese sandwich 8 No school!

11 Chili w/tortilla; turkey & cheese wrap 12 Fiesta pollo roll-up; PBJ 13 Baked ziti; chicken salad sandwich 14 Chicken w/dinner roll; ham & cheese hoagie

15 Veggie pizza; tuna sandwich 18 No school!

19 Taco w/rice; turkey & cheese wrap 20 Lasagna w/breadstick 21 Chicken sandwich; ham & cheese hoagie 22 Pepperoni pizza; egg salad sandwich 25 Hamburger/cheeseburger; turkey & cheese wrap 26 Burrito; chicken salad sandwich 27 Spaghetti; PBJ 28 Turkey w/dinner roll; ham & cheese hoagie

Secondary schools 1 Hot wings w/roll; tuna salad sandwich 4 Sloppy Joe; chicken fajita wrap 5 Chicken w/brown rice; PBJ 6 Meatball sub; club wrap 7 BBQ chicken w/roll; ham & cheese hoagie 8 No school!

11 Chili w/tortilla; turkey & cheese wrap 12 Fiesta pollo roll-up; PBJ 13 Baked ziti; chicken salad sandwich 14 Chicken w/dinner roll; Italian wrap 15 Veggie pizza; tuna sandwich

18 No school!

19 Taco w/rice; club wrap 20 Lasagna w/breadstick; PBJ 21 Chicken sandwich; ham & cheese hoagie 22 Pepperoni pizza; egg salad sandwich 25 Hamburger/cheeseburger; turkey & cheese wrap 26 Burrito; chicken salad sandwich 27 Pasta w/meat sauce; PBJ 28 Turkey w/dinner roll; Italian wrap

Windsor School District —Price for elementary lunch is $2.30, for middle school students, $2.50. Reduced lunches are $0.40. Salad bar is served daily with entrees. Offered daily: PBJ and yogurt.

Elementary schools 1 Pizza dippers 4 Taco 5 Chicken nuggets 6 Mac n’cheese 7 Grilled cheese sandwich 8 Cheese or variety pizza 11 Chicken veggie fried rice 12 Spaghetti w/meat sauce

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13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 23

Burger Pizza dippers No school!

No school!

Hotdog Pancakes w/sausage Chicken tenders Big daddy pizza Super nachos

24 Ravioli 27 Sloppy Joe 28 Orange chicken w/brown rice Secondary schools 1 Steak & cheese sandwich 4 Taco 5 Chicken nuggets 6 Mac n’cheese 7 Grilled cheese sandwich

8 11 12 13 14 15 18 19 20

Hot & spicy chicken sandwich Chicken veggie fried rice Spaghetti w/meat sauce Cheeseburger Meatball sub No school!

No school!

Weiner wrap Pancakes w/sausage

21 22 23 24 27 28

Chicken tenders French dip Super nachos Stuffed shells Sloppy Joe Orange chicken w/brown rice

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FEBRUARY 2013 ONGOING Through February 3 The Mural Project: A Portrait of Loveland Through Young Eyes Over the course of the past year, 14 Loveland students have created 200 black and white images of Loveland using a 4x5 monorail view camera.

970-962-2563 or www.cityofloveland. org/museum.

Through February 24 Forever Plaid Share the story of four up-and-coming singers who are killed in a car wreck, and miraculously return to earth for their chance to perform at the show that never was. Midtown Arts Theatre, 3750 S. Mason St., FC. 970-225-2555 or www. adinnertheatre.com.

Through March 11 Anything Goes All aboard for Cole Porter's Tony Award-winning musical romp across the Atlantic. When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention head out the porholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course of true love. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Market Place Dr., Johnstown, CO. 970-744-3747 or www. coloradocandlelight.com.

Through March 23 A Year with Frog and Toad A fun show for kids and parents!

Midtown Arts Theatre, 3750 S. Mason St., FC. 970-225-2555 or www. adinnertheatre.com.

Through March 30 Pinkalicious An entertaining show for the whole family! Midtown Arts Theatre, 3750 S. Mason St., FC. 970-225-2555 or www. adinnertheatre.com.

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Through March 30 How I Became a Pirate A show for kids and parents alike.

Midtown Arts Theatre, 3750 S. Mason St., FC. 970-225-2555 or www. adinnertheatre.com.

Noches en Familia Come and enjoy a time of stories, crafts, puppets, and songs in Spanish. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 5-6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Through March 30 The Unsinkable Molly Brown Enjoy the remarkable story of Molly Brown, whose feisty determination takes her from the mountains of Colorado to the palaces of Europe. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Market Place Dr., Johnstown, CO. 970-744-3747 or www.coloradocandlelight.com.

Bullshot Crummond A mad spoof of 1930’s grade B detective movies, complete with spills, chills, evil arch enemies, a damsel in distress, and cliffhanger that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 8pm. 970-2216730 or www.LCTIX.com.

February 21-23 Disney’s Beauty and the Beast This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Friday, February 1 Publisher Basics Learn the basics of Publisher to help you easily create, customize, and publish materials such as newsletters, brochures, flyers and catalogs. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 9-11am. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Scrabble @ Your Library Players of all ability and experience levels are welcome. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 10am - Noon. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Great Ideas Discussion Group Join this group for a stimulating and fun discussion of the great philosophical questions. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 2-3:30pm. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Ultimate Gaming Teens (grades 6-12) come and join us in the teenseen for all sorts of gaming!

There will be video games - Wii, Xbox and Playstation - and board games.

Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 3:30-5:30pm. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Saturday, February 2 Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow This youth talent competition attracts the best of the best! The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 6pm. 970221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

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Dr. Milnor’s Office offers discounts of up to 10% OFF and reasonable payment plans to fit your budget.

June 3 – August 16 For Children entering K- to 8th Grade

—

■ Baseball/Softball (grades K-8)— 1-week sessions from June 3- July 12

■ Lacrosse (Grades K-8) — 1-week sessions from June 10 – August 9

■ Basketball (Grades 4-8)— 1-week sessions from July 1 – August 16

■ Music and Movement (Grades K-8) )— Explore the combination of Dance, Aerobics and Noncontact Martial Arts from June 10 – August 9

■ Colorado Adventure Camp (Grades 5-8) – Helps campers to explore outdoor activities and pursuits. 1–week sessions from June 10 – July 8.

■ Field Sports (Grades K-8)—Provides campers a brief “taste” of several different sports.

1-week sessions from June 3 – August 13

970-491-6318

■ Fun LIFE (GradesK-6)—Fitness, nutrition and recreation camp. 1-week sessions from June 3 – August 16 ■ In-line Hockey (Grades 4-8) —1-week sessions from June 3 – June 28

■ Soccer (Grades K-6)— 1-week sessions from July 1 – August 16 ■ Super Sports Camp (Grades K-7)—A combination of sports, swimming lessons and other enrichment activities. 2-week sessions from June 3 – August 16 ■ Tennis (Grades K-8)—8:00-10:00am only. 1-week sessions from July 15 – August 16 ■ Volleyball (Grades 4-8)—1-week sessions from July 15 – August 16

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Loveland Loves Origami: Wrinkle, Ruckle, Crease!

Learn how to understand origami instructions, get ideas for classroom activities, or to just enjoy sharing with others your favorite origami models. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 11am-1pm. 970-9622401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Microsoft Publisher: Basic Class Attendees will learn how to create a publication by using a template. They will also learn how to add pictures and format their publication. River of Life Fellowship, 3161 E. County Road 62e, Wellington, CO. 9:30-11:30am & 1:303:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.Poudre Libraries.org.

Excel Beyond Basics Excel is a spreadsheet program used for automating calculations, creating charts, forms, and more. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10am - Noon. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Teens Create: Cool & Crazy Cupcakes for Valentine’s Day Cupcakes, icing, candy melts, and other decorator items will be provided along with expert tips on making unique designs that will be fun to eat. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 1-3pm. 970-221-6740 or www.Poudre Libraries.org.

Writing Workshop: Building Character We’ll look at techniques for making our characters come to life in our stories. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 14pm. 970-221-6740 or www.Poudre Libraries.org.

Sudoku Simplified Test your skills of logic with Sudoku!

Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 11am-1pm. 970-962-2401 or www. cityofloveland.org.

Bullshot Crummond A mad spoof of 1930's grade B detective movies, complete with spills, chills, evil arch enemies, a damsel in distress, and cliffhanger that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 8pm. 970-2216730 or www.LCTIX.com.

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Nunset Boulevard The Little Sisters of Hoboken have gone Hollywood in the latest installment of Dan Goggin’s international smash-hit Nunsense franchise. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 6:30pm. 970356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Boot Camp for New Dads For men, taught by men! North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9amNoon. 970‑378-4044 or www.Banner Health.com/NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. Breastfeeding: Off to a Good Start Designed for expectant parents who are considering breastfeeding. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9amNoon. 970‑378-4044 or www.Banner Health.com/NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. Infant CPR Participants will learn infant/child CPR and how to treat choking. In addition learn the basic emergency and first aid skills. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-Noon. 970‑378-4044 or www.BannerHealth.com/NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Sunday, February 3 Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 3pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Big Game Blowout for KIDS Take the kids to the Family FunPlex the day of the BIG GAME and enjoy fun and food! Human bowling, parachute game and other inflatable games. Family FunPlex, 1501 65th Ave., GR. 3-8pm. www.greeley.macaronikid.com.

Monday, February 4 UNC Symphony Orchestra Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

Microsoft PowerPoint: Basic Class The focus of this class will be on learning how to navigate between the different views in PowerPoint and using the templates, drawing tools, and slide mas-

ter. Family Center, 309 Hickory Street, FC. 10:30am-12:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Prepared Childbirth Ask questions and make informed decisions about issues surrounding the birth of your baby. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 6-8:30pm.

970‑378-4044 or www.BannerHealth. com/NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. Kindle & Library eBooks This class will demonstrate how to check out and download Loveland Library eBooks as well as free Project Gutenberg eBooks, and answer frequently asked eReader questions. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 5:30-7pm. 970-9622401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Tuesday, February 5 Natural Childbirth: Coping Strategies for Pain Management Strategies for labor and delivery include relaxation, breathing, visualization, movement, or massage and use of tools such as birthing balls, aromatherapy, or rebozos.

Poudre Valley Health System, First Floor Conference Room, Westbridge Medical Suites, 1107 S. Lemay Ave, FC. 7-9:30pm.

970-495-7500 or www.phvs.org.

Microsoft Word: Avanzado Aprenda a escribir cartas, hacer graficas, folletos y mucho mas con Word. Asista al curso Basico o al Avanzado si ya lo ha usado antes. Family Center/ El Nidito, 309 Hickory Street, FC. 6-7:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Great Decisions: Future of the Euro Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Kathryn Voelker, Conducting Recital Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Noontime Nature with Kevin Cook Master of hoarding: Clark’s Nutcracker.

Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 12-1pm. 970-962-2401 or www. cityofloveland.org.

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Model Railroading with Doug French Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 6-7pm. 970-962-2401 or www. cityofloveland.org.

HypnoBirthing: The Mongolian Method Through self-hypnosis, special breathing, and visualization, HypnoBirthing teaches you to release all prior programming about birth. You may lessen or even eliminate the discomfort of labor and birth and the need for medication. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 6-8:30pm.

970‑378-4044 or www.BannerHealth. com/NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Wednesday, February 6 Bright Beginnings for Infants Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 10-11am. 970495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Microsoft Word: Avanzado Aprenda a escribir cartas, hacer graficas, folletos y mucho mas con Word. Asista al curso Basico o al Avanzado si ya lo ha usado antes. Family Center/ El Nidito, 309 Hickory Street, FC. 10:30am12:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Kindles @ Your Library In this class we will show you how to download library eBooks to your Kindle anywhere, any time. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7-8:30pm.

970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. iLearn Technology: Computer Basics 101 (Windows 7) Are you ready to set aside your fear of computers? This is the class for you!

Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 11am-1pm. 970-962-2401 or www. cityofloveland.org.

Nighttime Nature with Kevin Cook Master of hoarding: Clark’s Nutcracker.

Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 12-1pm. 970-962-2401 or www. cityofloveland.org.

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Wednesday’s Wild World of Art: Valentine Collage Make a card or a festive Valentine’s Day decoration. Loveland Museum/ Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 3-4pm. 970-962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Anime Junkies Any teens (grade 6-12) interested in Manga and Anime, come join us.

Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 3-4pm. 970-962-2401 or www. cityofloveland.org.

Thursday, February 7 Teen Thursday Art Exploration: Watercolor Snowscapes Create magical snow scenes with watercolor. Loveland Museum/ Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 3-4pm. 970-962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Facebook Learn about social media using Facebook, the world’s largest social networking website, with over 500 million users. You can easily connect with old friends and keep up to date with family, friends, and co-workers.

Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 6:30-8:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Friday, February 8 Ultimate Gaming Teens (grades 6-12) come and join us in the teenseen for all sorts of gaming!

There will be video games - Wii, Xbox and Playstation - and board games.

Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 3:30-5:30pm. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Tot Art Fridays: Let it Snow Create finger-painted snow scenes.

Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 10:3011:30am. 970-962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Harmony in the Round with Front Range Chamber Players Come join us for an evening of chamber music with The String Quartet Sojourn, which consists of select members of the Front Range Chamber Players Program.

Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Publisher Beyond Basics Go beyond the basics in Publisher to create, customize, and publish materials such as newsletters, brochures, flyers and catalogs. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 9-11am. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Saturday, February 9 Winter Farmers Market Get some local products. Opera Galleria, 123 N. College Ave., FC. 10am-2pm.

970-219-3382 or www.BeLocalNC.org.

Masterworks #3: Music for Lovers We present to you a special telling of Shakespeare’s timeless classic, Romeo and Juliet. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970-2216730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Chess @ Your Library Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join us for these informal drop-in chess games. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 11am-1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org. iLearn Technology: PowerPoint 101 In this class learn to navigate PowerPoint, use layouts, themes and graphics, generate notes and handouts.

Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 9:30am - Noon. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

African Drum and Dance Workshop with FALE Celebrate Black History Month by learning African drumming, dancing and singing. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-3pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Make Valentine Cards Make a special card for someone you love. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 1-3pm. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Knitting Club Learn to knit or work on a project in a social setting. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 3-5pm. 970-9622401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Spanish Prepared Childbirth Ask questions and make informed decisions about issues surrounding the birth of your baby. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-1pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. UNC Gala Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Connecting Mind & Body Join our massage therapists from Twenty Three Trees Medical & Wellness Spa, as well as meditation and yoga specialists from Poudre Valley Medical Fitness for this event. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 10:30am-12:30pm. 970-4957528 or www.pvhs.org.

Baby Care 101 Prepares expectant parents in the basic care of newborns for the first few months. Topics include signs of illness, safety, development, and parent adjustment. Poudre Valley Hospital, Indian Paintbrush Room, 1024 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 9am-Noon. 970-4957500 or www.pvhs.org.

Foothills Pops Band: Love & All That Jazz Enjoy some swing dancing and a silent auction. Embassy Suites, 4705 Clysdale Parkway, LV. 7:30pm. 970-593-6200 or www.foothillspopsband.org.

Sunday, February 10 Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 3-4pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Monday, February 11 Combined Leagues Honor Bands Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

UNC Faculty Recital: Flute Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 8pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

Microsoft Publisher: Basic Class Attendees will learn how to create a publication by using a template. They will also learn how to add pictures and format their publication. Family Center, 309 Hickory Street, FC. 10:30am12:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

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iLearn Technology: Gmail 101 Learn email skills crucial for staying connected in today’s world! Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 9:30-11:30am. 970-962-2401 or www. cityofloveland.org.

Nook & Library eBooks This class will demonstrate how to check out and download Loveland Library eBooks as well as free Project Gutenberg eBooks, and answer frequently asked eReader questions. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 5:30-7pm.

970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Tuesday, February 12 Baby Care 101 Prepares expectant parents in the basic care of newborns for the first few months.

Topics include signs of illness, safety, development, and parent adjustment.

Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., LV. 6pm. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Tiny Trekkers A nature-filled program designed for your toddler and you. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 9-10am.

970-679-4489 or www.larimer.org/ naturalresources.

Kevin Cook: Colorado Birds Great stories of life and living. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon -1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Kids’ Club Tuesday: The Princess Bride Join us for a Valentine’s Day inspired movie delight with this hilarious classic that is sure to have you laughing out loud! Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 3:30-5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Microsoft Word: Avanzado Aprenda a escribir cartas, hacer graficas, folletos y mucho mas con Word. Asista al curso Basico o al Avanzado si ya lo ha usado antes. Family Center/ El Nidito, 309 Hickory Street, FC. 6-7:30pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

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Answer Cache: Databases for Adults This class will introduce you to the world of databases and eResources, and enable you to expertly find information on topics ranging from Art to Zoology from online journals, newspapers and reference books! Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 6:30-8:30pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

International Night Please join Bob Michael for a presentation about his trek from Pokhara, Nepal, into the great south cirque of Macchapuchare, the unclimbed sacred 23,000’ mega-Matterhorn of the Himalaya. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday, February 13 Paco Pena As guitarist, composer, dramatist, producer and artistic mentor he has transformed perceptions of this archetypal Spanish art form. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX. com.

Wednesday’s Wild World of Art: Snowman Sculpture Use Model Magic to create whimsical creatures. Loveland Museum/ Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 3-4pm. 970-962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Breastfeeding Basics Learn techniques that can help breastfeeding go smoothly. Topics include process of breastfeeding, ways to prevent and care for problems. Dads welcome.

Poudre Valley Hospital, Indian Paintbrush Room, 1024 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 7-9pm.

970-495-7500 or www.pvhs.org.

Valentine Spa Day This year’s keynote speaker is Sharon Sheets. She will speak on nurturing yourself and your important relationships. You will be able to enjoy a sampling of spa services, snacks and some time with your girlfriends. Chilson Senior Center, 700 E 4th St, LV. 1:454pm. 970-495-8560 or www.pvhs.org.

Natural Areas Virtual Tour and Volunteer Open House Enjoy learning about the Fort Collins Natural Areas Department. Location given with registration. Noon-1pm. 970416-2480 or www.fcgov.com.

Ripped Pages: Creative Writing Club Teens (grades 6-12) who are interested in expressing themselves through written word are invited to join in this creative writing workshop. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 3-4pm. 970962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Thursday, February 14 Happy Valentine’s Day!

Rocky Mountain Raptors Carin Avila from the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program will bring the oldest ambassadors - Golden Eagle, Turkey Vulture and Swainson’s Hawk. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 6:30-7:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Social Security Tips and Strategies PVH and MCR Foundations invite you to hear Jim Saulnier, CFP and Scott Rulon, CPA share tips on how to maximize your benefits and reduce taxes you may have to pay. Poudre Valley Hospital, Cafe F, 1024 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 12-1:30pm. 970-495-7500 or www. pvhs.org.

Microsoft Word: Avanzado Aprenda a escribir cartas, hacer graficas, folletos y mucho mas con Word. Asista al curso Basico o al Avanzado si ya lo ha usado antes. Family Center/ El Nidito, 309 Hickory Street, FC. 10:30am12:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

VOCA PEOPLE The VOCAPEOPLE began as an overnight YouTube sensation and now is a world-renowned show that has dazzled audiences in over 20 countries around the globe. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Antioxidants Everything you have wanted to know about what is in your food, but were afraid to ask. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Games & Puzzles @ the Library Games and puzzles for families to play at the library. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 3-5pm. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Friday, February 15 Great Ideas Discussion Group Join this group for a stimulating and fun discussion of the great philosophical questions. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 2-3:30pm. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Pink Floyd LaserSpectacular After 25 years of touring, Paramount’s LaserSpectacular has become a cult classic, presenting the music of Pink Floyd like you’ve never seen before. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm.

970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Excel Basics Excel is a spreadsheet program used for automating calculations, creating charts, forms, and more. Learn the basics in this class. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 9-11am. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

History Comes Alive: Harriet Tubman Meet Harriet Tubman, the incredible woman who was an escaped slave, an African-American abolitionist, humanitarian, and Union spy during the American Civil War. Storyteller Cassandra Sewell will bring her to life and take you on a journey to Nineteenth Century America. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7-8:30pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Ultimate Gaming Teens (grades 6-12) come and join us in the teenseen for all sorts of gaming!

There will be video games - Wii, Xbox and Playstation - and board games.

Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 3:30-5:30pm. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Skygazing Volunteers from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society provide telescopes for public sky viewing. Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space, CO. 79pm. 970-221-6311 or www.fcgov.com/ naturalareas

Saturday, February 16 Winter Farmers Market Get some local products. Opera Galleria, 123 N. College Ave., FC. 10am-2pm.

970-219-3382 or www.BeLocalNC.org.

Adam Trent Magic Trent blends dance and song with innovative stage illusions, charming wit, and emotion to create an experience that is part magic show, part concert, and part stand up comedy. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 2pm & 6pm. 970221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com. iLearn Technology: Microsoft Word 101 In this class, learn how to create, modify, save and print documents, and so much more about the word-processing system.

Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 9:30-11:30am. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org. iLearn Technology: Microsoft Excel 101 This class will introduce the basic functions and features of Excel. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 12:30-2:30pm. 970-962-2401 or www. cityofloveland.org.

Internet Searching Let the pros teach you how to use subject directories and search engines to search more easily and effectively.

Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7-8:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Microsoft Powerpoint In this class, you will learn how to add graphics, animation, transitions, sounds, and charts to a PowerPoint presentation.

Canyon Ridge Baptist Church, 4608 W. County Rd. 52 E., Bellvue, CO. 11am-1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Teen IRS: Interesting Reader Society Meeting Join this special group of young adults in grades 6-12 who meet monthly to talk books, movies, music, and other topics of interest to teens. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 11am-1pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

GPO Connoisseur Concert # 4: Music and Poetry Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Sunday, February 17 The Ten Tenors They continue to bring rock and classical music together kicking and screaming; creating a sound that is uniquely theirs.

The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970-221-6730 or www.

LCTIX.com.

Game Day @ Your Library Play a board or card game from our collection or bring a favorite from home.

Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1-5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Monday, February 18 Bright Beginnings for Infants Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. McKee Medical Center, 2000 N. Boise Ave., LV. 11:15am. 970-4957528 or www.pvhs.org.

School’s Out Movie: National Treasure Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1-3:15pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Money Matters: 12 Money Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

School Out Science School age children are invited to do a variety of experiments. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 3-4pm. 970962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

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UNC Faculty Recital: Nat Wickham, Trombone Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 8pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

Tuesday, February 19 Bright Beginnings for Infants Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., LV. 12pm.

970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Improv 4 Tweens Have fun playing improv games designed to bring out your inner actor.

Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 4-5:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Navegacion del Internet Aprenda a usar los buscadores para encontrar informacion util en el internet sea para investigacion, escuela o pura diversion! Family Center/ El Nidito, 309 Hickory Street, FC. 6-7:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

DIY Textbook Charms Join us in making textbook charms, out of old text pages. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 3:30-5pm. 970-9622401 or www.cityofloveland.org. iLearn Technology: Computer Basics 201 (Windows 7) Next Steps In this class, you’ll learn about different drives, discover folders and how to utilize them, learn how to organize and save files, and explore downloads.

Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 5:30-7:30pm. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Wednesday, February 20 APPLE Join the Adolescent Patron Producers of the Library Experience. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 3-4pm. 970962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Navegacion del Internet Aprenda a usar los buscadores para encontrar informacion util en el internet sea para investigacion, escuela o pura diversion!

Family Center/ El Nidito, 309 Hickory

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Street, FC. 10:30am-12:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday’s Wild World of Art: Draw Your Pet Bring a photo of a furry, feathered, or scaly friend for inspiration. Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 3-4pm. 970-962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org. iLearn Technology: Microsoft Word 201 In this continuation from Microsoft Word 101 you will learn visual elements such as Text Box, Word Art and Clip Art, learn how to insert a picture into a document, learn how to add page borders, and learn how to create tables.

Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 5:30-7:30pm. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Russian National Ballet Theatre Dedicated to the timeless tradition of classical Russian Ballet, The Gala Program will feature selected acts from well know ballets such as The Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Allegro, Cinderella and Swan Lake. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970-2216730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Money Matters: 12 Money Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Bright Beginnings for Infants Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 10-11am. 970495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Thursday, February 21 Texas Tenors Since wowing audiences as the highestranking vocal group ever on America's Got Talent, the Texas Tenors, comprised of JC Fisher, Marcus Collins and John Hagen, have sung their diverse brand of harmonic, pop melodies all across America. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Genealogy Program Two genealogical Gems: PERSI and Diectories. Both of these resources will help you find interesting details about your ancestors' lives. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6:30-8:45pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Webpage Design with SnapPages SnapPages allows you to create an entire website online with drag and drop simplicity. Learn how to create a great looking website with ease! Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 6:30-8:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Nooks @ Your Library In this class we will show you how to download library eBooks to your Nook from home anytime. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7-8:30pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Friday, February 22 Excel Beyond Basics Excel is a spreadsheet program used for automating calculations, creating charts, forms, and more. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 9-11am. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Ultimate Gaming Teens (grades 6-12) come and join us in the teenseen for all sorts of gaming!

There will be video games - Wii, Xbox and Playstation - and board games.

Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 3:30-5:30pm. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Saturday, February 23 Preservation and Restoration of Old Documents Presented by Larimer County Colorado Genealogical Society. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 9:15am. 970962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Winter Farmers Market Get some local products. Opera Galleria, 123 N. College Ave., FC. 10am-2pm. 970-219-3382 or www.

BeLocalNC.org.

Answer Cache: Databases for Kids For upper elementary and middle school students - this class will teach you how to find trusted sources that will impress your teachers. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10am - Noon. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Microsoft Access Class Microsoft Access is a database tool that can help you store and manages large amounts of information of various kinds.

Family Center, 309 Hickory Street, FC. 10:30am-12:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday, February 27 Bright Beginnings for Two-Year-Olds Learn how to promote early literacy, brain development, and a healthy/safe environment for the active twos. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 1011am. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Visiting Author: Jenny Milchman Milchman will speak about her new book, “Cover of Snow”. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-3:45pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Tuesday, February 26 Father – Daughter Dance Make lasting memories with your daughter, as this evening of dinner and dancing. Greeley Recreation Center, 651 10th Ave., GR. 1pm & 6pm. www. greeley.macaronikid.com.

Navegacion del Internet Aprenda a usar los buscadores para encontrar informacion util en el internet sea para investigacion, escuela o pura diversion!

Family Center/ El Nidito, 309 Hickory Street, FC. 10:30am-12:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Library eBooks A class on accessing eBooks on iPads, iPhones and Android devices. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1-2:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Symphony LectureHandel’s Messiah.

Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon-1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

iLearn Technology: Internet 101 Learn how to use the internet, web pages, browsers, and search engines.

Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 9:30-11:30am. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org. iLearn Technology: Gmail 201 Continue expanding your email skills.

Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 12:30-2:30pm. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Grand Night for Singing The Greeley Chorale presents the 18th annual Pops & Pasta dinner show and silent auction. Mary Catholic Church Parish Hall, 2222 23rd Ave., GR. 970356-5000 or www.greeleychorale.org.

We're having a Baby: A Class for Siblings Kids will learn what a new baby looks like, how to become a “big helper,” and how to make friends with the new baby.

North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9:30-10:45am. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Monday, February 25 Father – Daughter Dance Make lasting memories with your daughter, as this evening of dinner and dancing. Greeley Recreation Center, 651 10th Ave., GR. 6pm. www.greeley. macaronikid.com.

Navegacion del Internet Aprenda a usar los buscadores para encontrar informacion util en el internet sea para investigacion, escuela o pura diversion! Family Center/ El Nidito, 309 Hickory Street, FC. 6-7:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. iLearn Technology: Microsoft Excel 201 A contination of the Microsoft Excel 101 class. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 5:30 – 7:30pm.

970-679-4489 or www.larimer.org/ naturalresources.

Poudre School District Elementary Honor Choir Elementary Choirs from Laurel Elementary, Olander Elementary and Werner Elementary will perform, followed by the 2013 Poudre School District Honor Choir. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7pm. 970-2216730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Nutrition Roundtable This monthly group discusses different aspects of healthy lifestyles that are enhanced by incorporating good nutritional choices (without giving up your favorite foods). Feel free to bring a meal to the group. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 67:30pm. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Wednesday’s Wild World of Art: Charcoal Self Portrait Bring a photo of yourself for inspiration.

Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 3-4pm. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org. iLearn Technology: Computer Basics 101 (Windows 7) This class is for true beginners. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 5:307:30pm. 970-679-4489 or www.larimer. org/naturalresources.

Thursday, February 28 Games & Puzzles @ the Library Games and puzzles for families to play at the library. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 3-5pm. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

In The Mood This show celebrates idols of the 1940s.

Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

International Night Please join Bob Michael for a presentation about his trek from Pokhara, Nepal, into the great south cirque of Macchapuchare, the unclimbed sacred 23,000' mega-Matterhorn of the Himalaya. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

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time out

Mom needs a time out

Prepare your sitter and your kids and enjoy the day!

K A TI E H A R R IS

A

s I write this, my two cherubs, ages 3 and 5, are at home with their first babysitter. That’s right, I’m one of those. No daycare, no sitters, not for the first five years of my daughter’s life.

I left them, the 3-year-old hiding under his bed with a flashlight and the 5year-old fighting back tears and coloring in the safety of her bedroom, thinking this might have been easier if I’d done it years ago. The poor babysitter.

You might think I’m crazy. But there’s no one obvious reason for my never having left them before, it’s a mixture of things.

This year, one of my resolutions was to finally buckle down and find a good sitter. So, last week, I turned to a trusted friend of mine and asked to “borrow” the high school freshman who occasionally watches her kids.

That’s how I ended up here, breathing in the stale smell of library books and finally, finally, enjoying an hour of writing without the shenanigans of two kids being played out in the background.

Oftentimes, I think I must be the only parent in the country who never goes out without her kids. I think that’s not true though. So, for parents like me, if there are any, or for anyone with kids 0, 1, or 2 years old, preparing to leave her child alone with someone for the first time, I researched some handy tips to make things go more smoothly, for the sitter, your child, and for you!

Finding a sitter: If your friend’s can’t help you out, don’t despair! There are lots of ways to find a reliable, caring sitter for your child.

Post an ad at your neighborhood common area.

Check local university listings.

CSU Career Center connects potential employers with students searching for employment. Use the Career Center to browse compatible students with inter46

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est and experience in childcare. Visit career.stuser.colostate.edu/Employers/ Default.aspx to get started.

Contact a babysitter contracting company, such as www.care.com or www.sittercity.com.

If your friends don’t have any recommendations, try asking other adults you trust. Post an ad and ask around at your child’s school, church or work.

Preparing your sitter Emergency contact numbers: An easy-tofind list should include phone numbers for you and your husband or another adult family member, at least one trusted neighbor, your pediatrician, veterinarian if applicable, and poison control. Also, www.safesitter.org recommends leaving your own address and clear directions to your house, in case emergency services are needed for any reason.

Major household rules: You’ll want to go over a few of the biggies. By letting the babysitter know your expectations, you’ll prevent stress and disappointment for yourself and for her, and make it clear to your kids that rules are to be followed even when you’re not home.

Explain routines: Let your sitter know when and what your kids can have to eat and drink while you’re gone, and

show her where to find things in the kitchen. Walk her through your child’s bedtime routine, including where to find any favorite blankets or stuffed animals. If your child is afraid of the dark, or insists on a sip of water before bed, make sure she knows those things as well. Make things as easy as possible on her and your kids by laying out pajamas, nighttime diapers, toothbrushes, a favorite book to read and anything else she’ll need for bedtime.

Discuss discipline: Describe your usual method of discipline to your sitter and what behavior issues require discipline in your household. If your sitter disciplines your child in the same way and for the same things as you do, your child will expect it and will be less likely to lash out or withdraw. www.safesitter.org recommends allowing 30-45 minutes for orientation and discussion with your sitter before leaving her with your child for the first time.

Most importantly, once your sitter is settled in and you’re ready to leave, give hugs and kisses, but make a quick exit. Especially if your children are nervous about being left without you, it’s best not to dawdle. Try to relax, and know that you will be a better parent for having taken care of yourself too!

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