RM Parent | February | 2019

FEBRUARY 2019 • RMPARENT.COM

Raising CITIZENS OF THE world

REGION’S BEST FAMILY CALENDAR!

WAYS TO SAY I LOVE YOU TO YOUR KIDS 3 STEPS TO PLAYDATE SUCCESS DATE NIGHT IDEAS TO STAY CONNECTED CARING FOR LITTLE TEETH

SPECIAL SECTION:

Women + Family HEALTH GUIDE

wINSIDEx 2019

CAMP

PREVIEW

RMPARENT

|1

RECYCLE YOUR KIDS STUFF FOR

CA$H NOW STOCKING UP FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

(970) 266-9999 4519 College Ave. Fort Collins, CO Corner of College & Harmony next to McDonald’s

STORE HOURS:

Monday - Saturday: 9am-7pm Sunday: 10am-6pm onceuponachild.com | Like us on Facebook

B

LASER TAG NOW OPEN! FORT COLLINS LASER TAG NOW OPEN! ESTES PARK LASER TAG NOW OPEN! FORT COLLINS North College Lanes GREELEY 555 S St Vrain Ave BROOMFIELD Horsetooth Lanes 830 N College Classic Lanes (970) 586-8625 100 Nickel St 217 W Horsetooth (970) 484-4777 2454 8th Ave (303) 466-9700 (970) 226-6327 (970) 353-4275

2

| RMPARENT

RMPARENT

|3

4

| RMPARENT

FEBRUARY 2019

Departments PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 All about love—taking time to appreciate everyone

WOMENS HEALTH . . . . . . . . . 8 The art of making friends—3 steps to playdate success

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . 10 Visit a specialty-museum in Denver—learn about aircraft, transportation and firefighting

LEARN AND LIVE . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ways to say I love you—teaching kids how to communicate this core emotion

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14 Get ready, get set, get out—new play spaces, resources for families

HEALTHY LIVING . . . . . . . . . 16

Caring for little teeth—help your chewers develop good dental habits

CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0 Events and activities for parents, kids and families

TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Leaving the slime behind—one mom’s quest to help her daughter learn to recognize and express emotions

School District News GR-E 6 School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 District 6 graduation and dropout rates improve, District 6 team concludes three days of negotiations

Poudre School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Kids celebrate culinary arts with dishes from around the world, CDE honors PSD schools, Elementary students write and perform original songs

Special Section Wome n HEALT + Family H GUID

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

FEBRU ARY 2019

Learn to recognize warning signs for mental health problems. Also, breastfeeding brings lots of benefits to you and your baby. Plus, how to boost fertility the second time around. And make this winter safe at home and at play.

E

Winte

r safety at home and pla y PAGE

Warni for me ng signs nta problel-health ms PAGE

4

Breast feedin for a g great start PAGE 8

Findin g the secfer tilit y time aroond und PAG E 10

2019 CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

Get a first look at the camps and programs these providers have coming up for your families.

Features 18 CITIZENS OF THE WORLD As parents, we have to be conscious to promote unity, embrace differences and teach kids skills of negotiation and cooperation. All it takes is one positive encounter to help break down barriers and prejudices. Let’s commit to having diverse experiences this year and to seeking them out for our kids.

20 DATE NIGHT!

Before kids enter the picture, a committed relationship is centered around the two people in it. Once children come on the scene, parents often become absorbed with their new responsibilities and their marriage gets lost. Before this leads to dividing you as a couple, prioritize and make time for coupledom.

Thompson School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Superintendent community forums, Ignite your child’s imagination, mark your calendar, TSD launches new bond website, presentation wows students, students present projects at science fair

ABOUT THE COVER: Payson loves superheroes, geocaching and hanging out with his dog “Bogey.” Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, courtesy of Sky's Open Design.

RMPARENT

|5

2

perspective All about love

Taking time to appreciate everyone

A

s I look through the editorial mix this month, I notice that the issue is full of love. Maybe the thought of Valentine’s Day, which I know is not for everyone, at least turns our minds that way. I guess it would be nice to recast Valentine’s Day as a day when we just love and appreciate all the people around us.

Maybe the most important person in our spheres to start heaping lots of love on is ourselves.

Our little critical minds tell us that we’re screwing up all over the place, that we’re not reaching some mythical, social-media-driven dream world, that we were too hard on our kids last night and on and on. I think we have to start by sending ourselves a metaphorical Valentine that says Dear Me, I love you, always, no matter what.

Then we can send that same message out to the world.

Kim Sharpe dives right in her Learn & Live column with some pithy advice about teaching our children how to communicate love and why that matters. She follows up with a list of activities that we can do with our kids that can help kids (and us) express our feelings of love.

In Time Out at the end of the magazine, Lea Hanson goes down a similar road as she works with helping her daughter learn to express her emotions in a constructive way. She’s not specially talking about love. In fact, she’s talking about anger, but she carries the same basic sentiment of wanting to help her child learn to understand what she’s feeling and then use her words to express it in a constructive, clear manner.

Date night! Kim Sharpe’s feature story, discusses the importance of maintaining a relationship between committed life partners by spending one-on-one time together outside of their parenting role. And in true Kim Sharpe fashion, she inspires with many ideas of inexpensive, closeto-home ideas to get you closer.

And finally, Lynn U. Nichols pushes us to take our love beyond our special someone, our family, and our friends to those whom we maybe don’t even know, those who might look and act differently from us, those whose values might appear to be far from our own. She offers three ways that we can help our children to learn about people and get to know people who are different from us and to then come to appreciate them.

In a way, it is the greatest love, when we realize that we are all just trying to figure things out as we go and that we are all in this together one way or another and that we’re not the only ones feeling uncertain about how our world is turning. This empathy for all is what can elevate our day and lives beyond just getting by.

I think I’ll make February a month to actively appreciate everyone in my close circle and my larger sphere, too.

Love, Scott

6

| RMPARENT

January 2019 • Volume 23, Issue 9 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Kim Sharpe kim.rmpublishing@gmail.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Susan Pettit susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com COVER PHOTO Cheri Schonfeld, Courtesy of Sky’s Open Design - skysopendesign.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lea Hanson, Katie Harris Lynn Nichols, Kim Sharpe

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING PO Box 740 Fort Collins, CO 80522 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. ©2019 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS:

Snow Tube Park with Lift

& 13 Runs

Book your Rocky Mountain

n t e u v d re!

A

Year Round Resort & Recreation Venue

Restaurant & Bar, Family Lodging, Campground & Camper Cabins Trout Fishing Y Hiking Trails Y Disc Golf Y Hunting Camps Snow Shoeing Y Snow Tube Park with Lift & 12 Runs Out Door Ice Skating Y Pond Hockey Y Cross Country Skiing

970-881-2450

BeaverMeadows.com

info@beavermeadows.com

Celebrating 40 years, in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado RMPARENT

|7

as we grow

The art of making friends 3 steps to play-date success

LY N N U. N I C H O L S

P

lay dates are great for both kids and parents, because you both get to make friends. Long before you pack a snack and head out the door, arm your child with solid friendship skills and remind yourself how to best resolve any conflicts that might arise. With a little preparation and a good attitude, having a fun play date is as easy as 1-2-3.

1. TEACH BASIC FRIENDSHIP SKILLS Strong friendship skills often begin at home, and the dinner table is a great place to practice. Promote taking turns while talking, not interrupting, and speaking in a kind tone. If your daughter likes to dominate the conversation, enforce turn taking.

You can be very structured about it: go around the table and everybody gets their turn. When your son interrupts, ask him to wait until you, or others, finish speaking. The table is also a great place to teach manners. When it comes to getting along with others a simple please and thank you go a long way.

Kids don’t automatically know how to be a friend. Show by example the power of smiling, sharing, giving compliments and having friendly body language. If your daughter struggles with friendships, try role playing. Have her practice initiating a conversation by talking about things in common, what’s going on at school, current movies, or an activity the two have in common. Then, role play language of how to initiate and end meetings and conversations. If your child is shy, start with one-on-one playdates for more success.

2. KNOW WHAT’S NORMAL FOR YOUR CHILD’S AGE/STAGE Toddlers and preschoolers tend to engage in side-by-side play, so if your young child isn’t interacting much with a friend during play dates, don’t force it.

It’s great to reinforce good friendship 8

| RMPARENT

skills, as in, ‘Look how happy you made Ethan by sharing your Legos’ or, ‘Do you notice when you smile and laugh your friend smiles and laughs, too?’ They can practice these skills now, which will come in handy when they start school.

Kindergarteners and first graders often don’t deal with emotions in words, and they are more interested in playing than talking. Second graders tend to struggle with issues of fairness, name-calling and feeling left out.

Cliques, especially among girls, are big in early elementary years.

Third grade has been dubbed the tattle tale year. Kids tattle for a variety of reasons—some are sticklers for rules, others want attention and still others want power and revenge. If your child tattles, figure out why. Is it merely because her friend is getting in the way of something she wants, or is she simply tired and cranky? Listen to see if she feels threatened by a friend’s behavior, and let her answer guide your reaction. A good rule of thumb is to teach your child to tattle only for safety reasons, or if they feel scared.

3. LET THEM WORK IT OUT, BUT STEP IN IF THINGS ESCALATE With play dates, conflicts happen. It’s

vital to stay calm and resist jumping in to fix things. Getting involved early on sends the message that you don’t trust your child to work it out on his own.

Besides, it robs him of the chance to try out conflict resolution skills.

However, if you see something you don’t like, such as aggressive or inappropriate behavior, step in: Call them on it in a calm yet firm way. Pull him out of the situation and say, ‘I see this and that’s not okay. Please go try to do this, instead.’ If you want a child who shows respect to others, don’t tolerate mean or rude behavior. Always impose a consequence for hitting, name-calling, and swear words.

If your child struggles with getting along on playdates, watch for patterns. Once you’ve identified a problem (e.g. your child brags too much, talks without listening, invades the personal space of others) you can start working on a solution (e.g. listening, turn-taking, and stepping back). Don’t worry about pointing it out—you won’t make it worse, or make her feel bad. Just do it in a matter-of-fact way. Reward her as she makes improvements, and reflect back on her progress.

Book your child’s dental exam today!

FREE EXAM

for children under 2!

Educational Toys & Games STEM & Science Kits Sensory Products A general dentistry practice that’s all about kids and young adults, ages 0-20!

Teaching Supplies Tutoring

970-635-4353

126 East 29th Street Loveland

www.kindergrins.com Monday - Thursday 8-5

$75 New Patient Exam Includes Exams, Cleaning, Fluoride, X-Rays.

One coupon per patient. New patients only and without insurance. Not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at visit.

Expires: 2/28/19 RMP 0219

FREE light-up toothbrush for NEW patients One coupon per family. Not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at visit.

Expires: 2/28/19 RMP 0219

25% OFF

Any one, in-stock item!

Limit one coupon per customer.

Not valid with additional sales/coupons.

EXPIRES FEB 28, 2019 RMP0219

RMPARENT

|9

family activities

Visit a specialty museum

Learn about aircraft, transportation and firefighting K ATIE HARRIS

Y

ou may have visited Denver’s better known museums, such as the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver Art Museum and the Children’s Museum of Denver, all of which are spectacular in their own rights, but have you made the trip to some of the capital city’s lesser known museum destinations yet?

Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum features more than 50 aircraft on display plus interactive exhibits including flight simulators. Located on the grounds of the former Lowry Air Force Base, a key training facility from 1937 to 1994 and one of Colorado’s largest employers in the 1980s, the museum now houses everything from a rare B-1A Lancer supersonic bomber (only four of which were ever produced for the U.S. Military) to a 3/4-scale replica of Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Starfighter from Star Wars Episode IV. The museum’s space and rocketry exhibits include a display of the Titan missile, successfully launched 322 times; an Apollo 15 lunar moon rock; and a tribute exhibit to some of the 64 astronauts with ties to Colorado. Four simulator experiences and rotating temporary exhibits guarantee guests something new to see with every visit.

Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum is located at 7711 E. Academy Blvd. Denver. The museum is open M-Sa, 10am-5pm and Sunday, noon5pm. Admission is free for children 3 and under, $8.50/ages 4-16, $15/ ages 17 and up, $11.50/ages 65 and up, active military and veterans. Visit www.wingsmuseum.org for more information.

At the Forney Museum of Transportation visitors of all ages can learn about historical transportation through a collection of over 600 10

| RMPARENT

artifacts collected over the past 60 years. From motorcycles to steam trains to bicycles to sleighs, guests will be hard pressed to find an aspect of transportation that is not covered at the museum. Some of the nonprofit museum’s most popular exhibits include a 1923 Hispano Suiza Victoria Town Car, with a movie career including appearances in multiple 1930s-era war movies; a 1923 Kissel Speedster or “Gold Bug” owned by Amelia Earhart from 1924-1929; and a Big Boy locomotive, nicknamed the “Titan of the Wahsatch.” Die-cast models and toys, vintage clothing and fire apparatuses round out the extensive collection at the Forney Museum of Transportation. Located at 4303 Brighton Blvd. Denver, the museum is open M-Sa from 10am-5pm and Sunday from noon-5pm. Admission rates are free for children under 3, $6/ages 3-12, $12/adult, and $10/ages 65 and up. To learn more visit

www.forneymuseum.org.

Discover the history of firefighting while learning about fire safety at the Denver Firefighter’s Museum.

Education is the museum’s primary goal, which it accomplishes through documents, photos and artifacts as well as educational programming. The museum is housed in the Station One building, built in 1909, and opened to the public as a museum in 1980. Guests can take part in an upcoming event, such as “Firehouse Tales for Tots” on Feb. 6th or National History Day in Colorado Film Festival: “Firefighters Built This City” on Feb. 16th, or can tour the museum on their own or on a guided tour (with a minimum of 10 guests). The museum is located at 1326 Tremont Pl. Denver and is open Tu-Su from 10am-4pm. Admission is free for kids 4 and under, $6/ages 5-13, $9/adult, and $8/age 65 and up.

To learn more visit www.denverfirefightersmuseum.org.

GREELEY-EVANS YOUTH LEAGUE

2019 Summer Baseball & Girls’ Fast-Pitch Softball

Gently Used Kids Clothing, Toys, Furniture and Equipment at up to

70% OFF RETAIL

Baseball Teams age 6 to 17 • Softball Teams age 6 to 16 REGISTRATION DEADLINE MARCH 31 Register online starting Jan. 22nd at www.geyl.org

Volunteer Coaches Register Now

Buy

Email your name, and requested age division to mimi@geyl.org.

Sell

Repeat

970-301-4865 2000 35th AVE. GREELEY

Teams are filled first-come, first-served according to player and coach requests. Register early for best chance of requested placement.

Mon-Sat 10-8 Sun 12-5

Games are played mid-May through the end of July in the evenings, during the week.

www.OnceUponaChildGreeley.com M /onceuponachildgreeley

6501 W. 20th St. • Greeley • 970-339-8286 • www.geyl.org

GET

$5 off of a OR 20% off an $30 purchase entire order

offer not to be combined with other coupons, one coupon per customer.

RMPARENT

| 11

learn and live

Ways to say, “I love you!”

Teaching kids how to communicate this core emotion KIM SHARPE

L

ove. Whether that romantic connection you have with a partner or the strong emotional bond you feel towards a child, other family member or friend, all humans naturally experience it. Communicating love, however, is something humans have to learn to do—or learn to do well. February, often touted as the month to celebrate love, is the perfect time to hone our ways of expressing our loving feelings and help our children learn to express them, too.

Why, you might ask, is it important for kids to learn to express love? Carl Nassar, Heart-Centered Counseling president and therapist, says, “Because it’s an expression of who they are and their naturalness.

Because it’s how kids learn that there is room for all that they feel. Because just like we want our kids to learn to cry and to learn to express their anger in healthy ways, we also want them to express their joy and their vitality and their delight and their love.”

For Valentine’s Day—or any day of the year—here are some creative ways kids can say, “I love you!”

SWEET TREATS. Kids love to measure, stir and squish ingredients together that turn into treats to eat and share with others. They also get to be creative when they decorate their handmade goodies.

MAKE A MEAL. Sticking with the food theme (because the path through the stomach is a popular way to get to someone’s heart), ask your child to help you plan, shop for ingredients and prepare a special meal for

someone they love. They’ll feel appreciated and loved themselves when you ask for their assistance, and gain a sense of accomplishment, too.

SILLY LOVE SONGS, POEMS AND LOVE LETTERS. Sometimes it just feels more comfortable to tell others how we feel by writing it down. Invite your child to express their love to someone by composing a little ditty and then letting you record them singing it. Or perhaps give them time to come up with a rhyme or write a letter professing their affection.

AT YOUR SERVICE. Serving others is one of the most common ways humans show love. Help your child make a list of nice things to do for someone and then create coupons or favor tickets using scraps of paper or index cards to give as a gift.

PICTURE PERFECT. Because a picture is worth a thousand words, encourage kids to draw or paint how much they love someone.

12

| RMPARENT

EXPERIENCE THE INTEGRATIVE SPORTS MEDICINE DIFFERENCE. Whether your goal is to play, coach, or just be able to get there and watch, we are on your side.

What differentiates us from routine orthopedic care?

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

• •

970-488-1673 2020 S. College Ave. Unit C, Fort Collins

Celebrating Northern Colorado’s only nonprofit speech and language clinic specializing in childhood speech, language and reading development.

Children’s Speech Reading Center

Injury prevention and treatment Utilizing diagnostic ultrasound to determine best course of treatment

•

Highest concentration of live stem cells available to help regenerate bone and soft tissue

•

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment to activate healing in injured joints or tendons in your shoulder, knee, elbow, hamstring, Achilles, hips and ankle

AND

WE OFFER: Screenings and Evaluations Speech and Language Therapy Reading Development Early Childhood Literacy Scholarships and sliding-scale fees for incomes up to 100k

Learn more at: Dr. Abrahamson, MD

25 years!

integrativesportsmed.com 

Medicaid Provider

970-419-0486 csrckids.org FORT COLLINS OFFICE

1330 Oakridge Drive, #10 LOVELAND OFFICE

1511 E. 11th Street, # 290

RMPARENT

| 13

community news

Get ready, get set, get out New play spaces, resources for families

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF GREELEY

KIM SHARPE

REVAMPED GREELEY PARK OPEN The old Sunrise Park at 1120 4th Ave. has been revamped, renamed and is open. The park’s new name is the Charlie and Laura Archibeque Park, named in memory of City Council member Charlie Archibeque and his wife Laura.

“I am really excited to see the entire project come to an end so that the park can be turned back over to the residents. The playground colors, the new shelter and bathrooms, and irrigation system will bring the Sunrise community a fun place to gather for years to come,” says Sarah Boyd, City of Greeley parks planner. “Spring will bring reseeding of the entire park, but impact is anticipated to be minimal.”

14

| RMPARENT

HELP SHAPE MAKEOVER OF FORT COLLINS CITY PARK The City of Fort Collins is searching for community members who are interested in shaping the future City Park. A maximum of 32 community members will be selected to participate in a two-day Community Engaged Design Workshop that will help define a vision for one of Fort Collins’ oldest and largest parks.

Interested participants are required to complete an application and must be available to participate in the design workshop on March 7 and 8.

For more information, visit www.fcgov.com/parkplanning or call 970-416-2192.

NEW NATURAL AREA NEAR LOVELAND A new natural area opened in east Loveland, providing access to the Big Thompson River corridor for fishing, wildlife viewing and passive trail use. The Boise Bend Natural Area lies south of the river at 1225 S. Boise Ave. across from Old St. Louis Natural Area and west of Boise Avenue.

The 12-acre property includes a quarter-mile natural-surface trail providing access for nature exploration and wildlife watching. New fishing access is available along one-third mile of the waterway, where a healthy brown trout population thrives. A small trailhead area provides parking, site information and a map of the property.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WELLINGTON BOYS & GRLS CLUB

Leashed dogs are welcome, but owners must pick up and properly dispose of pet waste; bags are provided. The city plans to offer guided bird walks and other activities at the site in the future. More information is available at www.cityofloveland.org/openlands.

LARIMER COUNTY RECEIVES FUNDING FOR NATURAL AREAS Larimer County’s outdoor public spaces received a financial boost. Late last year, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) awarded three grants to projects in Larimer County. The City of Loveland received an $84,309 grant to restore and enhance seven acres of riverside and floodplain land on Medina’s Crossing Natural Area. GOCO awarded a $54,000 Youth Corps grant to the Colorado State Forest Service to support its Elkhorn Creek Forest Health Initiative at Ben Delatour Scout Ranch. A $18,000 Youth Corps grant given to the City of Loveland will help enhance the Willow Bend Natural Area for wildlife and visitors by removing 650 invasive Russian olive, Siberian elm and tamarisk trees.

“This investment by GOCO does

much more than protect our iconic landscapes,” says CYCA Executive Director Scott Segerstrom. “It places our corps members on the path to earning a college degree, starting their career, and discovering the confidence to become community leaders.”

Visit www.GOCO.org for more information.

NEW HOME FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS IN WELLINGTON The Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County, with the help of Sage Homes and other donors, have purchased the Wellington Community Church and will retrofit it to serve more than 100 youth per day.

For the past 20 years, the club has operated in a renovated park shelter, which it has outgrown. Sage Homes of Northern Colorado donated half a million dollars to the Boys & Girls Club in Wellington to buy and remodel the church. The new club will be renamed Sage Homes Boys & Girls Club.

For more than 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County has offered safe and positive out-ofschool programming for young people.

They have eight sites in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Wellington, and a summer site in Estes Park. The clubs serve more than 3,000 youth each year, only charging $20 for an annual membership fee. Learn more at www. begreatlarimer.org.

ESTES CHILDHOOD CENTER EXPANDS TO FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER The Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success (EVICS) has a new home and expanded mission.

It’s relocated to a larger space at 1182 Graves Ave., Unit A, which allows the organization to offer more to families.

Nancy Almond, EVICS executive director says, “Our mission will remain early childhood support, but we will be able to provide more comprehensive wrap-around services for families, connecting them to resources, building relationships with families, helping them set goals and succeed.”

EVICS offers several volunteer opportunities and invites community members to stop in anytime to check out their new location. Learn more about EVICS at www.evics.org or call 970-586-3055.

RMPARENT

| 15

healthy living

Caring for little teeth

Help your chewers develop good dental habits LEA HANSON

I

nstilling good dental hygiene in children is very important. Just like looking both ways before crossing the street and coughing into their sleeves, good oral hygiene should be instilled in kids’ daily routines from an early age. As adults, brushing and flossing are ingrained as part of your daily routine. But it’s not that way for your kids. They need to be shown the proper way to care for their teeth so they will develop good dental habits.

Here are some ways to ensure your children develop a good oral care routine that will last a lifetime.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE Kids do what parents and older siblings do; so be sure all family members brush and floss their teeth each morning and night. When little kids see oral hygiene as a part of your daily routine, they’ll naturally want to make it part pf their own.

When it’s possible brush together (at least the kids if you have more than one) so it becomes a group activity.

And remember, until your kids are at least 6 or 7, they’ll need some help brushing to ensure their teeth are properly cleaned.

LET THEM SELECT THEIR SUPPLIES Let kids choose a toothbrush and toothpaste. Whether they’re choosing based on color, a favorite character, or something else, kids’ tooth brushes and pastes are meant to be fun. If your family can swing the extra dollar(s), challenge yourself to give in to the more expensive, but more fun options. Just remember kids younger than 3 shouldn’t use a toothpaste that contains fluoride because fluoride ought not to be swallowed.

16

| RMPARENT

ESTABLISH A ROUTINE Everyone should brush their teeth in the morning and before bed. For kids, setting a timer helps them get accustomed to brushing without being asked as well as knowing how long to brush. Additionally, stress the importance of brushing after eating candy and sugary snacks; this removes food and bacteria from teeth, helping to prevent decay and erosion.

USE SONGS AS TIMERS Make brushing fun with songs. Look for silly songs about brushing on the Internet that you can sing while brushing. Or, let kids listen to their favorite song as they brush. Tell them they need to keep brushing until the song is over to be certain they brush long enough to clean

their teeth adequately. Two minutes brushing time is recommended.

MAKE IT A TEACHABLE MOMENT If your child does get a cavity and must have it filled, make sure he or she recognizes the need to improve their own oral care as a result. Going to the dentist should never feel like a punishment, but be certain your child recognizes that cavities can usually be avoided if they’re taking proper care of their teeth and gums.

GET ROUTINE DENTAL CARE Everyone in the family needs to have regular dental checkups to ensure their teeth and gums are healthy. Visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and exams.

RMPARENT

| 17

CITIZENS OF THE WORLD Promoting unity and embracing differences LYNN U. NICHOLS

I

n today’s political climate of division, we have to be extra conscious as parents to promote unity, embrace differences and teach kids skills of negotiation and cooperation.

“More than ever, children are exposed to news media that often presents over-simplified or biased perspectives on world events that promote racism and radicalization. It’s vital that we raise our young people as local and global citizens,” says Rosa Leon, a teacher from Venezuela who offers a camp in Wellington on the Spanish language and culture.

All it takes is one positive encounter to help break down barriers and prejudices. A grandfather who doesn’t

18

| RMPARENT

support immigration rights befriends a Meals on Wheels volunteer from Guatemala, a mother who gets to know her son’s new school friend’s Sudanese parents. More often than not, it’s parents that are afraid of differences, not our young kids. Let’s challenge ourselves by committing to having diverse experiences this year, and seeking them out for our kids. Consider it a late New Year’s Resolution for 2019.

1. EXPOSE KIDS TO DIFFERENCES EARLY ON When kids live in a racially-diverse place they are less likely to see differences between races, according to a recent study in the journal Child Development.

In northern Colorado, if you want to

expose your kids to people from different backgrounds and races, you will likely have to make an effort (see sidebar for ideas). But don’t delay. A German study shows that kids start perceiving the idea of separate groups of people—or an us versus them mentality—around age 6 or 8. Before then, kids are naturally color blind. That’s why it’s important to promote a sense of unity and inclusion, starting when kids are young. The more exposure to people who are different than them, the better.

2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS At Poudre School District (PSD), every school has its own unique, age-appropriate

approach to promoting inclusivity, including both in-school and after-school events. For example, the district teams up with Colorado State University’s Cultural Centers to create programming for students to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and present Cesar Chavez Student Awards. The International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in the Fort Collins and Loveland school districts attract students of different backgrounds to come together in the classroom and celebrate cultural differences with international events.

Here are a few ideas for promoting friendships across racial and economic lines. Enroll your kids in activities with the Boys and Girls Club in your county. The nonprofit brings kids of all backgrounds together under innovative programs that focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership. The Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County has a summer program that promotes moving in the outdoors, performing community service and doing STEM projects.

Another idea is simply signing your child up for a class offered by your city’s recreation department where he can meet kids from diverse walks of life. Maybe that means signing up for a sports team in a more diverse area of town or joining a unified sports team.

The City of Fort Collins has a unified sports youth soccer team where able-bodied kids are teamed up with kids with intellectual and physical disabilities (see sidebar).

On a free Saturday, visit the Global Village Museum of Arts & Cultures in Fort Collins. Through February 23 they are featuring stories and textiles from the Ayore people of South America and through May, a Russian Perspective (see sidebar).

Watch for international or cultural events, like the annual Greeley Multicultural Festival in October that highlights performances from 20+ cultures or the annual Fort Collins International Winter Fest in December at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.

If you haven’t exposed your kids much to other cultures, they might respond with unacceptance at first. Just

like with introducing new foods, it may take several exposures before they become comfortable.

“In the beginning, it was more difficult for my students to understand why it’s important to learn about and respect other cultures, but now my students know what to expect and they really enjoy learning about something new,” Leon says.

3. GIVE LIFE LESSONS THROUGH YOUR ACTIONS As a parent, you have the most influence over how your kids view others and how they view the world. Make a conscious effort to take little actions that show your commitment to unity and diversity. You may have to step outside your comfort zone to do so, but it will pay off. Make small efforts, like engaging in a conversation with a parent from a different background, visiting a foreign restaurant or shop and talking with the staff about their homeland, attending a political or community event with your child that promotes equality and diversity and visiting a diverse city.

Use inclusive language when talking about people who are different than your family and look for opportunities that show acceptance—even if it’s simply watching a documentary on another culture or attending a cultural event. Teach kids that differences are not an excuse to separate but a reason to come together and explore. Use music as an example. Point out that the more instruments a band has, the richer the sound. Or how it’s hard to pick one favorite song, because each is unique and has its own pleasing sound—just like we all do as individuals. Promote cooperation on the playing field and resist placing blame when things go wrong. If your child makes a racist or insensitive statement, explain how making quick judgments and applying stereotypes may feel like it brings us up momentarily, but that it ultimately isolates us and makes our world small.

“I always say to my students that one culture is not better than another, they are just different, and they are all beautiful,” Leon concludes.

Upcoming opportunities in NOCO International Night at the Library Fort Collins Students and community members share their experiences of other countries or their home country.

Old Town Library Every 2nd Tuesday, 7pm Harmony Library, Front Range Campus Every 4th Thursday, 7pm Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, Fort Collins Ongoing displays and activities; in February: Stories and Textiles from the Ayore People and Russian Perspectives 200 W. Mountain Ave, Unit C Fort Collins Open Tues – Sat, 11am to 5pm with evening shows. globalvillagemuseum.org Fort Collins Recreation Unified Sports Athletes of all abilities play as teammates against other integrated teams with opportunity to compete in Special Olympics. For info: 970-416-2024 or bmcdowell@fcgov.com.

Youth Soccer ages 8 – 21—both child and family options March 21 – April 25, Wednesdays, 4 to 5pm, $22 child, $30 family Adult Soccer ages 16 and up March 21 – April 25, Wednesdays 5:15 – 6:15pm, $22 Spanish Spring Camp, Wellington week-long camp over spring break.

Spanish language and culture lessons including music, crafts, games, cooking, outdoor & water sports, lunch & snacks. For more information contact Rosa Leon at rosaleonf3@gmail.com.

Summer camp also available, weeklong June – August. $370 per week.

March 18 – 22, 9am – 4pm

RMPARENT

| 19

Date night!

Kim Sharpe

Keep your love alive with some special time together 20

| RMPARENT

I

t’s not selfish. It’s not bad parenting.

It’s just a fact. Parents need to take time to be a couple.

Before kids enter the picture, a committed relationship is centered around the two people in it. Once children come on the scene, unless we’re careful not to let it happen, kids can become the center of the universe.

Parents often become absorbed with their new responsibilities, mired in family-life routines, and their marriage gets lost in the midst of it all. Before the “divide-and-conquer” strategy for accomplishing daily tasks (like, “You go get groceries and an oil change while I stay here to do laundry and change Junior’s diaper.”) leads to di-

viding you as a couple, prioritize and make time for coupledom.

Research by The National Marriage Project says taking time to go on dates is important for several reasons. Dates offer uninterrupted time for communication. They re-infuse novelty and playfulness into a relationship. They foster a sense of commitment and say to the world, “Our relationship matters.” They help a couple de-stress and enjoy time away from the pressures of the daily grind. And finally, “...date nights allow couples to focus on their relationship, to share feelings, to engage in romantic activities with one another, and to try new things, date nights may strengthen or rekindle that romantic spark that can

be helpful in sustaining the fires of love over the long haul. All of these things can foster higher levels of sexual satisfaction in their marriage or relationship.”

Here are some ways to enjoy time together while not straying too far from home: GET COOKING Feed your desires by taking a cooking class. The Cooking Studio, Farm Fusion and The Teaching Kitchen @ Ginger and Baker can help you learn to satisfy your appetites in new, creative ways.

PLAN YOUR ESCAPE If you like playing around all locked up with your partner, you might enjoy an escape room experience.

These literal rooms filled with hidden clues to solve puzzles and riddles are where you can play around and work as a team. Search the web for an escape room near you.

Digital

date ideas

For more date ideas, check out these local event calendars.

• Estes Park www.visitestespark.com/events-calendar/ • Fort Collins www.downtownfortcollins.org • Greeley www.greeleycalendar.com • Loveland www.visitlovelandco.org/events/

GREAT SKATES First choose wheels or blades and then head out to a local rink.

Rollerland Skate Center provides a remodeled space where you can roll around together. Edora Pool Ice Center, NoCo Ice Center and the Greeley Ice Haus will help you glide, slide and chill out. In the winter months, you can enjoy outdoor skating at The Ice Rink at The Promenade Shops at Centerra, Sheldon Lake in Fort Collins City Park and Dorsey Lake at the YMCA in Estes Park.

BOWL ‘EM OVER Strike out for a fun date and go bowling. There are lanes aplenty at The Summit in Windsor, Highland Park Lanes in Greeley and Sweetheart Lanes in Loveland. Chippers Lanes, located in Fort Collins, Greeley and Estes Park, even has live

music several nights each month.

DINNER AND A SHOW The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Johnstown and the Midtown Arts Center in Fort Collins both bring Broadway to our backyard.

Take in an entertaining musical and an elegant dinner all at the same time. You’re sure to get rave reviews and maybe end your evening with an encore you can script yourself.

ART AMORE Northern Colorado is for lovers... of art! Whether you visit a local art gallery or one of Loveland’s sculpture parks, or want to create your own masterpiece at one of several “paint-your-own” places, like Studio Vino in Loveland or Pinot’s Palette in Fort Collins, getting artsy might just be the way to add a splash of color to your relationship.

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE With acres and acres of open, natural space from Lory State Park west of Fort Collins to the Pawnee National Grassland east of Greeley and so much in between, you don’t have to wander far to find a place to have a wild time.

RIDE, BABY, RIDE! Rev up your relationship by grabbing a set of handle bars, saddling up and pedaling along some of the nearly 200 miles of paved recreation trails that weave through our region.

If you need a set of wheels, rent a Pace bike in Fort Collins (https:// ridepace.com/fortcollins/).

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY Get down and get groovin’.

Dancing is a popular way for couples to connect and find a common rhythm. Club Tico and the Sundance Steakhouse & Saloon are two places in Fort Collins where you can get in sync.

RMPARENT

| 21

Women+ Family FEBRUARY 2019

HEALTH GUIDE

Winter safety at home and play PAGE 2

Warning signs for mental-health problems PAGE 4

Breastfeeding for a great start PAGE 8

Finding fertility the second time around PAGE 10

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

| RMPARENT | 1

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

Winter wonderland safety Make this winter safe at home and at play

W

hether your family is at home cozying up to a warm fire or out enjoying all the activities winter brings, Safe Kids reminds you to keep safety in check.

AT HOME “Families today are better at understanding the importance of having working smoke alarms in every sleeping area, and most recently carbon monoxide (CO) alarms,” says Alison, Safe Kids Larimer County coordinator. “Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it is odorless, invisible, and it can kill. CO can make a child seriously ill in small doses that might not noticeably affect an adult.”

According to a recent study, children younger than 5 years old have the highest estimated rate of CO-related visits to the emergency room among all age groups in the United States. More than 25 kids die from CO poisoning every year.

Important safety tips to protect your families from CO poisoning:

• Prevent CO buildup in the first place—make sure heating appliances are in good working order and used only in well-ventilated areas.

• Don’t run a car engine in the garage, even to warm it up; move the car outside first.

• Install a CO alarm outside every sleeping area, on every level of your home and at least 15 feet away from every fuel-burning appliance.

• When you test your smoke alarm each month, check the batteries on your CO alarms at the same time—replace the batteries twice a year.

• Never use a stove for heating. Have all gas, oil or coal burning appliances inspected every year to ensure they’re working correctly and are properly ventilated.

If a CO leak is suspected, call 9-1-1 immediately. Get out of the house into fresh air. Do not open doors or windows.

Fire personnel will want to verify a leak and identify the source so it can be fixed. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, 2 | RMPARENT

fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or confusion.

“CO alarms are available at hardware stores for about $20,” adds Weston.

“That is a small price to pay to help detect odorless, poisonous gases in the home before it’s too late.”

AT PLAY Don’t leave safety at home when headed out to enjoy winter sports! Parents are reminded to use proper safety equipment, training and supervision when it comes to themselves and their children.

Nationwide, more than a quarter million children a year are injured while participating in winter sports. Safe Kids Larimer County offers a few simple precautions:

• Kids need to be dressed appropriately, take lessons, be actively supervised and stick to safe terrain. For most winter activities, protective headgear is recommended.

• Helmets are a must for anyone skiing, snowboarding, sledding or ice skating. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, ski helmets could prevent or reduce the effects of 53 percent of the head injuries suffered by children younger than15 while skiing or snowboarding.

| WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

• Did you know? Roughly 3,000 kids a year suffer serious head injuries from sledding. A good sledding hill does not lead to a street, a body of water or a crowded gathering place. In addition, the CPSC reminds parents and kids to inspect sleds regularly for worn, damaged or loose parts that could break or snag at high speed.

• Children under 6 should not be riding a snowmobile, and nobody under 16 should be driving one. All snowmobile drivers and passengers should be wearing helmets designed for high-speed motor sport —a bike helmet isn’t sufficient for going up to 90 miles per hour.

• Dress in layers. Wear sunscreen. Stay hydrated. Kids—or caregivers—who become distracted or irritable, or begin to hyperventilate, may be suffering from hypothermia or altitude sickness, or they may be too tired to participate safely in winter sports. They need to go indoors, rest and warm up.

Remember that even though winter is not ‘trauma season,’ parents should never take vacation from safety.

For more information, please visit www.safekids.org or contact Safe Kids Larimer County at 970.495.7502.

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

| RMPARENT | 3

Because

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

grey matter

Learn to recognize warning signs for mental-health problems

matters

One out of four people—adults and children—suffer from some form of mental illness or emotional disorder.

I

n 2016 in Larimer County, 80 people committed suicide, according to the Larimer County Coroner’s Office. The number is not final for 2016 as some cases are pending. Four of those were youth or children under the age of 18. Last year in Weld County, at least 46 lives were lost to suicide; two of those were youth ages 10-18.

Twelve percent of teenagers said they have had suicidal thoughts and eight percent said they’ve attempted suicide at least once, according to the 2015 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey.

These numbers and percentages scream out for attention. They emphasize that human brains are part of the human body and just as susceptible to illness as other parts, like hearts or stomachs or lungs. They underscore the fact that “mental health issues are common and nothing to be ashamed of,” says Emily Leetham, who coordinates local Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Trainings.

4 | RMPARENT

Kim Sharpe

WHEN TO BE CONCERNED Mental health issues often are hard to detect, especially in children, because sometimes they’re written off as normal developmental phases or willful bad behavior. In teens, symptoms of mental issues often are confused with the moodiness and rebellion they sometimes display that’s related to drastic hormonal changes and trying to navigate the journey from childhood to adulthood.

North Range Behavioral Health offers an extensive list of symptoms at: www.northrange.org. Symptoms that suggest a child may be struggling with mental-health issues include:

| WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

Recurring bad dreams Headache or upset stomach that happens repeatedly, but doesn’t appear related to illness Destroying toys and other items Persistently disruptive behavior at school or home with little understanding of consequences Being very afraid of certain places, peo-

ple or things roblems with learning, including at P school or about routines at home Eating problems, both eating too much and eating too little Persistent conflict with others

Additional behaviors that suggest a form of treatment might be helpful for teenagers include:

Sadness or moodiness that lasts a week or more Overly-sexualized or promiscuous behavior Angry or assaultive behavior Persistent school problems, including truancy, failing, problems with peers Not being motivated for school, hobbies or friends Statements about not wanting to live or efforts to hurt him/herself or others Hurting animals or being deliberately mean to younger children or older adults Involvement with law enforcement, including stealing, assault, lying, or vandalism Delinquent behavior, gang involvement Running away from home or school Changes in sleeping habits Repeated lying.

GET HELP

Receive mental health, substance use or emotional support for you or someone you know… u Emergency (for police, ambulance, etc.) – 911 u National Suicide Hotline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255) u Colorado Crisis Support Line – Available 24/7/365. Call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or Text TALK to 38255. u Colorado Crisis Services – http://coloradocrisisservices.org. Offers local care to people of all ages in behavioral health crisis: In Larimer County at 1217 Riverside Ave., Fort Collins. 970-494-4200.

In Weld County at 928 12th St., Greeley. 970-347-2120. u Mobile Crisis Units are available to travel across Weld and Larimer Counties to reach people in crisis and transport them to services. Call 970-494-4200 in Larimer or 970-3472120 in Weld County to reach a local Mobile Crisis Unit.

More Local Resources u Child, Adolescents and Young Adult Connections (CAYAC) – 970-221-3308 www.mentalhealthconnections.org.

u Clear View Behavioral Health – Serving the Loveland/Johnstown are of northern Colorado. www.clearviewbh.com, 970-461-5061.

u Heart-Centered Counseling – Same day appointments in Fort Collins, Greeley and Loveland. Accepts Medicaid, Medicare and all major insurances. www.heartcenteredcounselors.com, 970-310-3406.

u Mental Health Connections – A partnership between the Health District of Northern Larimer County and SummitStone Health Partners. 525 W. Oak St. (located inside SummitStone Health Partners), Fort Collins. Walk-ins: 8am-4pm.

Phone help available 24 hours: 970-221-5551. u North Range Behavioral Health – Serving Weld County communities. www.northrange.org, 970-347-2120. u SummitStone Health Partners – Serving Larimer County communities with locations in Fort Collins, Loveland and Estes Park. www.summitstonehealth.org, 970-494-4200.

“Parents and teachers are often the first adults to notice when a child is struggling with mental health, however, other family members, coaches, youth leaders, social service workers, etc., might notice issues, too,” says Leetham.

That’s why she feels “anyone and everyone” should become better educated about mental health and can benefit from taking a Mental Health First Aid course. “It was created to lessen the stigma around mental health issues and to encourage people to seek care and help.”

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID MHFA is an eight-hour course that gives people the skills to recognize warning signs for mental health or substance use problems, as well as the tools to help someone who may be developing a mental health-related problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

YMHFA is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people, such as parents, family members,

caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other community providers.

The Health District of Northern Larimer County and Connections Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources will offer YMHFA trainings on Friday, Feb. 24, and Thursday, March 23, 8am-5pm, at the Health District, 120 Bristlecone Drive in Fort Collins. The training is free, but space is limited. (For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Emily Leetham at 970-494-4370 or eleetham@healthdistrict.org.)

Summitstone Health Partners and North Range Behavioral Health also frequently offer the trainings.

Check their websites or call for upcoming training dates and details.

“We all just want to make sure everybody has the opportunity to equip themselves with the tools to reach out and offer support when they see a kiddo struggling,” says Leetham.

A COMMUNITY THAT CARES Many other groups are working to raise awareness about mental illness and the resources available to help people in need.

The Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Connections (CAYAC) is a grant-funded service that helps youth and their families identify mental health and substance use concerns and get connected to proper care. It’s a partnership between Summitstone, the Health District and Poudre School District. Since its establishment in August 2016, its team has helped 300 families.

“We know oftentimes families have no idea where to go for help when they have a child acting out in class, who’s labeled as stubborn or bad,” says Kristen Cochran-Ward, CAYAC coordinator. “We want parents to know resources are available to help them when they feel at their wits end. We can help connect them to those resources.”

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

| RMPARENT | 5

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

Connect to Customers

DIGITALLY RMParent now offers digital advertising on our website and message sharing/distribution via our social media network.

Augment your current messaging or launch a new campaign with advertising in both print and digital media formats!

2% Average Advertising Click-through Rate

3% RMParent.com Click-through Rate

Greg at 970-689-6832

Greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com

6 | RMPARENT

Scott at 970-980-9183

Scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com

| WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

| RMPARENT | 7

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

Breastfeeding for a great start Celebrate the beauty of breastfeeding LY N N U. N I C H O L S

C

hoose breastfeeding to give your baby a great start. Celebrate that your body not only grew a baby, it’s also providing all the food your baby needs until about six months of age.

Now that’s the real beauty of breasts.

If you are currently breastfeeding or you did when your kids were young, give yourself a pat on the back for providing a slew of benefits to not only your baby, but to yourself. Babies who are breastfed have fewer infections, skin diseases, allergies and digestive problems. Celebrate the literal boost you’ve given your child to start life on the right track, as breastfed babies have higher IQ scores. Finally, breastfed babies are at a lower risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity later in life, and they have a lower incidence of some forms of cancer.

You are also taking care of yourself by breastfeeding. Women who breastfeed have a lower likelihood of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer. It also lowers your risk for long-term obesity, reduces your risk for postpartum bleeding, and the biggest obvious bonus—helps you return to your prepregnancy weight faster. High five to you!

SUPPORT YOURSELF BY SEEKING SUPPORT While all these perks for you and your baby sound great, you may feel unsure about your potential success with breastfeeding. All area hospitals have lactation specialists or nurses especially trained in breastfeeding available to new moms.

Take advantage of them. Establishing good latch-on techniques from the start reduces the chance of sore nipples and speeds up milk production.

While sore nipples, leaking and clogged milk ducts do occasionally occur, they can be worked through early on to get you on track again. Most moms experience some soreness when first 8 | RMPARENT

starting to breastfeed. If the soreness becomes more severe, seek help from a lactation specialist immediately—some insurance companies pay for home visits or call your local hospital for free- or reduced-rate services. A lactation specialist can come to your home and help you learn to position yourself and your baby in your own favorite chair or couch.

If your baby is born early or has health problems and ends up in the neonatal intensive care unit, your road is harder, but you can do it. There are several resources for moms in this situation.

In most hospitals, moms can come in and breastfeed whenever they want and pump to provide breast milk to be fed to their child through a feeding tube or bottle.

If you are looking for assistance or just camaraderie with other breastfeeding moms, try La Leche League, friends who have breastfed, and breastfeeding support groups and classes at local hospitals.

BEASTFEEDING IN PUBLIC Another reason to give yourself kudos is for breastfeeding in public, even if it can

| WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

feel uncomfortable at times. When you think about it, why should it? Your body is simply doing what it’s meant to do.

In the state of Colorado, wherever a mom is allowed to be she can breastfeed.

Once breastfeeding becomes second nature, you realize how wonderful it is to have a ready supply of milk with no worries of whether or not you brought a bottle and kept it safe from contamination, or having to rush home when the next feeding time comes around.

If you feel funny about going out in the world with a hungry baby, here are some tips to make it easier: Practice at home in front of the mirror, avoid draping a big blanket over you as you’ll likely feel more conspicuous—try a bulky shirt instead. Or try the cape that’s available, with an opening at the neck to easily view your baby but still have some cover up. A protip: Buy a front-facing baby backpack that puts your baby’s head facing your breast for easy, inconspicuous access.

Breasts are beautiful! No doubt your baby thinks so and is grateful for the good nutrition, cuddles and closeness breastfeeding brings.

Fort Collins Favorite Fun and Friendly Pediatric Dental Experience

Our mission is to provide individualized and compassionate oral health care for all children

“Everyone was very friendly.

My kids felt comfortable and were happy throughout their visit.”

—Thalyta S.

Discover our amazing therapy clinic with Northern Colorado’s FIRST and LARGEST sensory gym

Specializing in Dentistry for Toddlers, Children, Teens and Special-needs Patients

50% DISCOUNT For New Patients

INCLUDES EXAM, CLEANING, X-RAYS AND FLUORIDE.

-MENTION THIS AD WHEN CALLING(970) 484-4104

4609 S. Timberline Rd.• Suite 103B

www.RockiesKidsDds.com 3

970-682-3743 970-818-0197 970-305-5070 integratedpedstherapy.com aspenspeech.com tannerautism.com

Schedule back-to-back therapy sessions with any of our highly qualified disciplines:

• Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy • Speech Therapy Serving • Feeding Therapy clients fr om birth to • ABA therapy 21 • Music Therapy • Hippotherapy

OPEN GYMS: The second Saturday of each month with adaptive yoga, starting in December.

GYM RENTALS: Birthday parties, community events and toilet training clinics for the hard-to-train child.

4650 Royal Vista Circle, Ste 100 | Windsor, CO Off I25 and the Windsor exit

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

| RMPARENT | 9

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

Finding fertility …the second time around

LY N N U. N I C H O L S

I

t seems a no brainer that if you want a second or third child, it will happen easily, right? After all, you know you can get pregnant and carry a baby.

Yet, it’s fairly common that couples have a hard time getting pregnant the second time around. Several factors play in, including the food you eat. The good news is there are things you can do to boost your fertility.

CHANGE HABITS, INCREASE CHANCES According to the Cleveland Clinic, several factors make it hard to get pregnant again.

The first is age—the only one you can’t control—as women in their mid to late 30s and older have fewer eggs. Being overweight is also a barrier to getting pregnant, for both you and your partner. Extra weight in women means higher levels of testosterone that can inhibit ovulation; in men, extra pounds increase estrogen levels, reducing sperm counts. Then there’s alcohol. People who have more than seven drinks a week are less fertile, because alcohol may disrupt hormones and hinder sperm production and motility. Of course, smoking is off the list as it can damage sperm and eggs.

CUT BACK ON COFFEE AND ALCOHOL You know alcohol isn’t great because of what it may do to your hormones, but there’s another reason you shouldn’t drink a lot when trying to conceive— alcohol is a diuretic. In other words, it makes you pee a lot, which dehydrates you. The same is true for caffeine, so limit coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks and black tea. Also skip diet sodas, because artificial sweeteners can mess with your hormone balance.

Being dehydrated makes it harder to get pregnant. Dehydration dries a woman’s cervical fluid and a man’s ejaculate fluid.

Switch to herbal teas, as some are thought to increase fertility including maca, red 10 | RMPARENT

raspberry leaf, nettle and dandelion, but avoid ginseng and licorice teas.

ADOPT A MEDITERRANEAN DIET Eating whole, real foods close to the source like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains, along with limiting your meat intake, helps you become more fertile. A study in Spain of 2,000 women found that only 17 percent of women who ate a Mediterranean diet had problems with fertility, compared to 26 percent of women who ate a lot of fatty meats and processed foods. A Harvard School of Public Health study of over 18,000 women also found that women who ate a diet that was high in meat, carbohydrates and trans fats were more likely to have trouble with ovulation. Switch out meat for a plant-based source of protein, such as nuts or beans for better luck at getting a baby bump.

SKIP THE SOY Soy is a phytoestrogen, which disturbs hormone levels for both you and your partner. You may not realize it, but energy bars are often packed with soy lecithin. Other foods that contain phytoestrogens are sesame seeds, wheat

| WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

berries, barley and oats.

When trying to conceive, it’s wise to avoid raw fish (think sushi), runny or undercooked eggs and fish that might have high mercury, including swordfish, orange roughy and yellowfin tuna. On the other hand, eating fish is important because it’s loaded with Omega-3s, an important nutrient for a developing fetus. Eat low mercury fish including catfish, shrimp and salmon.

If you are actively trying to get pregnant, taking a prenatal vitamin now is wise. While you are at it, buy your partner a good multivitamin, as certain nutrients, including vitamins C and E, L-Carnitine, zinc and folic acid, boost sperm production.

WEAR LOOSE SHORTS Has your partner taken up biking and does he really sweat it up in his bike shorts? If so, he’s heating up his testes and thereby reducing his sperm count.

The same is true for men who take testosterone supplements.

While changing your lifestyle habits isn’t easy, it is possible. Wanting to get pregnant again is great motivation to get started.

Celebrating Northern Colorado’s only nonprofit speech and language clinic specializing in childhood speech, language and reading development.

25 years!

Children’s Speech Reading Center

AND

WE OFFER: Screenings and Evaluations Speech and Language Therapy Reading Development Early Childhood Literacy Scholarships and sliding-scale fees for incomes up to 100k 

Medicaid Provider

970-419-0486 csrckids.org FORT COLLINS OFFICE

1330 Oakridge Drive, #10 LOVELAND OFFICE

1511 E. 11th Street, # 290

Pick up your FREE copy today!

Northern Colorado’s Favorite Parenting Magazine.

visit us online at:

rmparent.com

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

| RMPARENT | 11

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

12 | RMPARENT

| WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

| RMPARENT | 13

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

PICKY EATING AND MEALTIME EXPLORATION

By Northern Colorado Feeding Therapy Team

M

ealtimes can be hard. Getting your child to eat what we think is healthy and needed for a wholsesome diet can be a struggle. As parents, it’s one of the biggest things that we don’t compromise on. We must feed our children and if they won’t eat what we give them, we give them something else. For most children these are occasional battles, but for some this represents a difficult cycle of picky eating that in turn could lead to more problems eating down the road. By focusing on healthy and positive eating habits early on, you are laying the groundwork for a life-long successful eater.

Mealtimes are not only a part of everyday routines but are a necessity for growth. They foster the development of expressive/receptive and social language, fine motor and sensory skills.

Here at the Northern Colorado Feeding Therapy Team, we see a wide variety of children from the picky eater who just needs a little support to the very medically complex child. Please don’t hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns.

IDENTIFYING PICKY EATING Can you answer yes, to any of these questions about your child? If you can, a discussion with your doctor may be appropriate to determine if a feeding evaluation is needed.

Try these strategies to help make your mealtime more pleasant for all. n Integrate movement before mealtimes to get sensory systems ready to eat. This could be a few jumping jacks, animal walks, a lap around the table or a movement song. n Involve your child in preparing meals with you. Using cookie cutters to prepare foods in fun shapes increases creativity and willingness to explore new foods. n How we perceive the food on our hands is how we expect it to feel in our mouths. Talking and using descriptive words lets children know what to expect. n Children are creatures of habit. Be consistent in your mealtime routines. n Serving meals “family style” involves the entire family and makes it more fun. n Give your child a job for mealtimes. He or she could set the table, decide where people sit, describe the food, pass dishes, be the person that excuses everyone from the table, etc. n Offer new foods 10 different times to increase likelihood of acceptance. Children need multiple exposures to decide whether they like a new food.

n Does he or she eat less than 20 age appropriate foods/flavors? n Does he or she have tantrums or meltdowns at more meals than not?

n Allow a reasonable time to eat, usually 10-20 minutes. Setting a timer can help.

n Does he or she refuse to eat entire categories of foods (e.g. won’t eat puree textures or crunchy foods)? n Do you find yourself often having to make separate meals for him or her?

970-305-5070

970-682-3743

970-818-0197

CONTENT SPONSORED BY: integratedpedstherapy.com aspenspeech.com tannerautism.com

14 | RMPARENT

| WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

EXPERIENCE THE INTEGRATIVE SPORTS MEDICINE DIFFERENCE. Whether your goal is to play, coach, or just be able to get there and watch, we are on your side.

What differentiates us from routine orthopedic care?

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

• •

Injury prevention and treatment

•

Highest concentration of live stem cells available to help regenerate bone and soft tissue

•

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment to activate healing in injured joints or tendons in your shoulder, knee, elbow, hamstring, Achilles, hips and ankle

970-488-1673 2020 S. College Ave. Unit C, Fort Collins

Utilizing diagnostic ultrasound to determine best course of treatment

Learn more at: Dr. Abrahamson, MD

integrativesportsmed.com

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

| RMPARENT | 15

WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

16 | RMPARENT

| WOMEN + FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

CAMP GUIDE 2019 PREVIEW

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

| RMPARENT | 1

DO YOU HAVE A PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY YOU’D LIKE TO ADVERTISE? ivity

& Act Program YOuth

August

2018 •

.com

rmparent

Gu id e

-school

s update

Back-to

PAGE 10

gr a m

P ro Y DIRECTOR • PAGE 16

RY

BY CATEGO • PAGE 18 AL ALPHABETIC

OL

SCHO ars calend E 44 PAG

Reach Thousands of Parents with RMParent’s

Program & Activity

List of

ISERS ADVERTE 46 PAG

Series

Distribute throughous t

Find out how we can help your business!

School

in northes r Colorado n !

FOR BUSINESSES IN FORT COLLINS, CONTACT:

Greg at 970-689-6832 • greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com FOR BUSINESSES IN GREELEY, LOVELAND, WINDSOR, ESTES PARK AND OTHERS, CONTACT:

Susan at 970-301-3320 • susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com

2 | RMPARENT

| CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

| RMPARENT | 3

4 | RMPARENT

| CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

| RMPARENT | 5

Dreaming of Horses?

The Dream Starts Here!

gargotfarm.com

• Individual & small-group instruction • After-school and weekend lessons • Boarding & training

Offering gymnastics classes for ages 18 months to 18 years of age in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.

• Safe, trained horses and ponies

H H Bring in this ad and receive 2 free classes! H H

• Indoor & outdoor arenas

— For new customers only —

• Emphasizes horse and child connection

303-818-3524

• Beginner - Advanced Girls & Boys • Preschool Open Gyms

Dr. Margot Nacey, Owner, Lic. Clinical Psychologist#1716 Molly Brame, Instructor, USHJA Certified

• Parent –Tot Classes • Summer Camps • Preschool Classes • Competitive Teams • Homeschool Open Gym • Competitive Cheer

970-663-3173 • Premiergymnastics.net 1410 East 11th Street • Loveland

222 N. County Road 23, Berthoud • m_brame@comcast.net

ado’s

N Color

ULpTarItMy AANTDa E NORTHER

Play are

Buy one get one free of equal or lesser value EXCLUDES FUN AND GAMES PASS

_—OR— $10.00 OFF your birthday package EXP 3/31/19

ROLLERLANDSKATECENTER.COM 970-482-0497 • 324 S. LINK LANE • FORT COLLINS

6 | RMPARENT

| CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

GREAT SELECTION

and prices

Shoes Tights Dancewear Accessories

Ballet, Tap & Jazz • Toddler through adult

970-691-0091

645 Denver Ave., Loveland • www.EncoreDanceEmporium.com

CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

| RMPARENT | 7

Straight, Happy…Smiles For Life!

Today is the perfect day to begin your child’s musical journey at Foundation Music School!

3663 South College Unit 13, Fort Collins

970.407.9084

Call us today!

• Family Music classes • Zumbini • Music Camps

FREE

Orthodontic Consultation

• Instrument-Prep Classes for ages 3 1/2 - 6

Visit our website for our full schedule of classes and camps:

www.foundationmusicschool.org

| CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

Three

styles of braces!

• Music Therapy • Group and Private Instrument lessons

8 | RMPARENT

Options for everyone!

Dr. TC Hardy | Board Certified Orthodontist

1) Lingual Braces (hidden braces) 2) INVISALIGN™ 3) Clear and Colorful– Ceramic Braces

Most Insurance accepted • Invisalign & Hidden braces available Flexible financing • 3D Digital Impressions

Call Us Now for your appointment! 970-980-2145 MENTION THIS AD AND WE WILL MATCH YOUR DOWN PAYMENT... up to $500! www.TaftHillOrthodontics.com | 1015 S Taft Hill Road, Unit Q

CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

| RMPARENT | 9

10 | RMPARENT

| CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

| RMPARENT | 11

12 | RMPARENT

| CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

Looking for a fun option to keep your kids moving this summer?

The Colorado State University Youth Sport Camps are back for the 2019 season. The camps, which started in 1970, are health and fitness-oriented programs aimed at youngsters to promote healthy and active lifestyles within the community. This year marks their 49th anniversary.

As in previous years, the camps offer a wide variety of weeklong programs related to health and fitness. These programs include sport-specific training camps like basketball, soccer and volleyball, as well as multi-activity camps such as Field Sports and Music and Movement. FunLIFE is a camp that emphasizes participation in a variety of noncompetitive fitness activities.

186F Moby B complex

See www.ysc.colostate.edu for a schedule and list of camps.

This year includes the Extreme Outdoor Adventure (EOA) camp.

The EOA camp includes activities like mountain biking, rock climbing and an overnight trip to the CSU Mountain Campus for hiking and a high ropes course session. This camp is open only to campers ages 10 and up due to the technical, off-campus activities.

This summer, the Youth Sports Camps will be going beyond the borders of Fort Collins, with camps being offered to those who live near Castle Rock, Colorado. “We will be doing four weekly camps throughout the summer in and around the Miller Activity Center in Castle Rock,” said Brian Butki, director of the Youth Sport Camps. “This will allow us to expand the healthy and fun impact of the camps to a new

community and a new population of families. We’re excited to see where this new adventure leads us.”

Fun and safety are two of the most critical components in the Youth Sport Camps. Fortunately, the camps utilize a large number of counselors to supervise and mentor the kids. A majority of the counselors are students at CSU, and they are selected for their teaching/coaching skills, sports knowledge, passion and desire to make a difference in the lives of the campers. Counselors will interact with the children while also teaching the fundamentals of the focus sports.

“We want to continue to innovate our programming and activities to meet the evolving needs of our community. Most of all, we want to show our campers how to have fun in a healthy way,” Butki said.

Get information and register online at: www.ysc.colostate.edu CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

| RMPARENT | 13

Fort Collins Favorite Fun and Friendly Pediatric Dental Experience

Our mission is to provide individualized and compassionate oral health care for all children

“Great with my daughter and very quick since 18-month-olds don’t like to sit still!

Great first dental appointment.”

—Kristin M.

Specializing in Dentistry for Toddlers, Children, Teens and Special-needs Patients

50% DISCOUNT For New Patients

Northern Colorado’s Favorite Parenting Magazine.

Pick up your FREE copy today!

INCLUDES EXAM, CLEANING, X-RAYS AND FLUORIDE.

-MENTION THIS AD WHEN CALLING(970) 484-4104

4609 S. Timberline Rd.• Suite 103B

www.RockiesKidsDds.com 4

14 | RMPARENT

| CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

visit us online at: rmparent.com

CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

| RMPARENT | 15

May 28 – August 16 For children entering K- to 8th Grade Through innovative programming and the use of active learning practices focusing on obesity prevention, lifelong fitness, and skill development, the Youth Sport Camps support the educational and public service commission of the Department of Health and Exercise Science at Colorado State University by providing the benefits of physical activity and healthy lifestyles for youth in the community.

970-491-6318 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & EXERCISE SCIENCE 100F Moby B Complex • Fort Collins

16 | RMPARENT

■ Baseball/Softball (grades K-8)— 1-week sessions from 5/28 to 7/6 ■ Basketball (Grades 4-8)— 1-week sessions from 6/25-8/16 ■ Colorado Adventure Camp (Grades 5-8) – Helps campers to explore outdoor activities and pursuits.

1–week sessions from 5/28-8/9 ■ Field Sports (Grades K-8)—Provides campers a brief “taste” of several different sports. 1-week sessions from 5/28-8/16 ■ Fun LIFE (Grades K-6)—Fitness, nutrition and recreation camp. 1-week sessions from 5/28-8/9 ■ In-line Hockey (Grades 4-8) —1-week sessions from 6/3 to 6/28 ■ Golf (grades K- 8) 8:00-10:00am only. 1-week sessions from 5/28- to 8/9 ■ Lacrosse (Grades K-8) — 1-week sessions from 6/3 – 8/2

■ Music and Movement (Grades K-8) )— Explore the combination of dance, aerobics and non-contact martial arts from 6/3-8/16 ■ Smart Fit Girls (ages 12-14) A girls-only camp focusing on healthy physical, social, and personal development through physical activity. 6/27 – 8/2 ■ Soccer (Grades K-6)— 1-week sessions from 6/25 to 8/16 ■ Sport Science (Grades 5-8) - A look into the science of movement and activity. 1-week sessions from 6/10-8/16 ■ Super Sports Camp (Grades K-7)—A combination of sports, swimming lessons and other enrichment activities. 2-week sessions from 6/3-8/16 ■ Tennis (Grades K-8)—8:00-10:00am only. 1-week sessions from 6/3-8/16 ■ Volleyball (Grades 4-8)—1-week sessions from 7/8-8/16

Get information and register online at: www.ysc.colostate.edu

| CAMP GUIDE PREVIEW

Buy one cupcake Get one FREE!

SW corner of Horsetooth & College, west of Safeway

970-225-1040

buttercreamcupcakery.com

172 North College Avenue

970-482-2505

RMPARENT

| 23

greeley district 6 news District 6 graduation and dropout rates improve On-time graduation rates for GreeleyEvans School District 6 reached an alltime historical high in 2018, with more students than ever graduating on time and fewer dropping out before receiving a diploma, according to information released by the Colorado Department of Education today.

The four-year graduation rate in District 6 topped 81.5 percent, exceeding the statewide graduation rate of 80.7. The District 6 dropout rate also fell to 2 percent in 2018, down from 2.3 percent in 2017. This is below the state drop out average of 2.2 percent.

Nearly 100 more students graduated from District 6 in 2018 than in 2017, 1,250 compared with 1,156. In addition, 24 fewer students dropped out of school in 2018 as compared to 2017.

The 2018 increase helps move District 6 toward reaching graduation goals set in its strategic plan, Innovation2020, which states that by 2021, 90 percent of students will graduate on time.

“This is incredible news for our students and our staff,” said Superintendent Deidre Pilch. “It shows that we are doing the right work, intervening with students as early as possible when we see them struggling or failing. We are working to know our students better and incorporate their goals and aspirations in their plan for graduation and beyond. This increase represents a tremendous amount of work and focus by our staff and students. We still have work to do, but we are heading in the right direction.”

In the 16 categories based on ethnicity, gender and other traits, District 6 exceeds the state rate in 14 of those categories. Latino students, which make up nearly 2/3 of District 6 students, saw an on-time graduation rate of 76.7 percent, compared with the state average at 73.4 percent. Students 24

| RMPARENT

who are economically disadvantaged graduated from District 6 at a rate of 76.4 percent, compared with the state average of 70.7 percent.

In Colorado, 53,240 students graduated. District 6 represents about 2.3 percent of the total number of graduates in the state.

Here are the 2018 on-time graduation rates by high school:

• Early College Academy: 100 percent, 30 graduates • Frontier Charter Academy: 100 percent, 80 graduates • Greeley Central High School: 82 percent, 282 graduates • Greeley West High School: 82.3 percent, 320 graduates • Jefferson High School/Greeley-Evans Alternative Program: 62.5 percent, 162 graduates • Northridge High School: 81.5 percent, 220 graduates • Union Colony Preparatory School: 94.1 percent, 32 graduates • University Schools: 100 percent, 123 graduates

DISTRICT 6 TEAM CONCLUDES THREE DAYS OF NEGOTIATIONS A team of educators from the Greeley Education Association, school and central administrators, and members of the Board of Education concluded three days of initial contract negotiations on Friday, January 18.

The team will now move ahead with smaller committees that will work on issues raised during the sessions. The continuing work groups include: Time and Learning Committee (workload), System of Services for Students and Staff (student behavior; school and staff safety), Joint Study Committee on Professional Development and Compensation Committee (pay and benefits). After the contract is finalized, another committee on educator leave will also be formed and begin working on that issue. In addition, the Substitute Committee will reconvene to further analyze the substitute shortage.

The team is scheduled to reconvene Thursday, March 28 to report on progress and review the compensation package.

RMPARENT

| 25

poudre school district news Students write and perform original songs

Rylee Shimek felt a little shy when her fourth-grade class first started writing a song together.

After all, it can be intimidating to stand up in front of the whole class and share your ideas for melodies and song lyrics. But as she and her peers started raising their hands—timidly at first— and making suggestions, the class started gaining steam.

Soon, the whole room was abuzz.

Seven classes at Laurel Elementary recently wrote original songs to perform in front of the whole school at an assembly.

“I hope this helps the students learn how to value each other’s ideas, and recognize the values of ideas, even if they’re not chosen for the final product,” Laurel music teacher Molly Kelly said. “I want 26

| RMPARENT

to show them that music isn’t that scary.

You can do it.”

COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HONORS PSD SCHOOLS The Colorado Department of Education announced Wednesday that it is honoring 18 Poudre School District schools with prestigious awards for academic excellence and student academic growth.

Among the PSD schools to receive these distinguished awards is Putnam Elementary, which has earned the Centers of Excellence Award for a second consecutive year. Just 15 Colorado schools were selected for this award that recognizes schools with a student population of which at least 75 percent of students are at-risk, and that have demonstrated the highest rates of

student growth, along with impressive academic results.

Seventeen other PSD schools were selected for the Colorado Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award or the John Irwin Schools of Excellence Award. Two of those 17 schools were honored with both awards. Liberty Common Charter School was honored with the state’s High School Growth Award.

“We are proud of the hard-working and talented educators we have in PSD, and it is fitting that we should acknowledge their accomplishments,” said Todd Lambert, PSD’s assistant superintendent of elementary schools. “All of our schools take great care of their students. To have so many recognized by the Colorado Department of Education is truly an honor.

We never take our success for

granted. We know it’s about the work between the teachers and the students, and we’re blessed to have so many high-performing teachers in our schools.

They’ll celebrate for a bit and then aim even higher next time.”

CDE also honored Harris Bilingual Elementary, Livermore Elementary, Red Feather Lakes Elementary, Traut Core Knowledge Elementary, Bacon Elementary, Bennett Elementary, Bethke Elementary, Dunn Elementary, Fossil Ridge High School, Kinard Core Knowledge Middle, Kruse Elementary, Liberty Common Charter School, McGraw Elementary, PSD Global Academy, Tavelli Elementary, Werner Elementary, and Zach Elementary.

CDE will recognize the award recipients at a ceremony this spring.

KIDS CELEBRATE CULINARY ARTS WITH DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD PSD works to challenge, motivate and inspire students to achieve excellence in their personal areas of interest. At a recent Kids Culinary Celebration, students from around the District celebrated their family heritage and showed off family recipes from around the world.

RMPARENT

| 27

thompson school district news Students present projects at science fair

Over 80 students in elementary and middle school presented their projects to volunteer judges from our community.

The judges spoke to all students about their projects and asked questions about their experiments. They spent hours working with students to determine what the students learned by completing their projects. Students were judged on their thoroughness, scientific thought, clarity, and creative thinking. Thompson School District would like to thank the over 40 community volunteers who made this event a success.

Kevin Gonzales and Alex Knueven from Turner Middle School hosted a science show between the judging events and the awards ceremony.

Diana Perko and Melissa Sellers, parent volunteers, helped to organize the fair and work with the judges to ensure a wonderful experience for the students and volunteers.

Secondary student winners will be able to show their projects at the Longs Peak Science and Engineering Fair on Feb. 13 at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

28

| RMPARENT

Winning projects: Kindergarten to first grade • Honorable Mention: M&M Melt by Shyla Moore—Berthoud Elementary

• 3rd: Fossil Fun by Bridger DeGooyer— Winona Elementary

• 2nd: What Shape Bubble Can You Make? by Raeghan Flannery—Mary Blair Elementary • 1st: The UV Light by Emma Walters— Berthoud Elementary

Second to third grade • Honorable Mention: Pencil Resistors by

Indira Moss—Ivy Stockwell Elementary

• 3rd: Which Rolls Fastest? Solids or Tubes?

by Meghan Clingan—Big Thompson Elementary • 2nd: Tasty Smelly Science by Zoe Smith— Garfield Elementary • 1st: What is the Best Soil for Growing Bean Plants? By Lizzy Mahon—Ponderosa Elementary

Fourth grade • Honorable Mention: Optical Osmosis

by Hannah Chiaravalle—Ivy Stockwell Elementary • 3rd: Water Rocket Water Test by Rachel and Ben Bogan—LEAP School

• 2nd: Laws of Attraction—Do They

Run Hot and Cold? by Elizabeth Westerfield—Namaqua Elementary • 1st: A Falling Parachute by Levi Smela—Big Thompson Elementary

Fifth Grade • 3rd: Does Murky Water Mean Life? by Claire Schroeder—Berthoud Elementary

• 2nd: Steamy, Bubbly, Explosion! by Avonna Vu—Centennial Elementary 1st: The Foam Dart Discovery by John Mahon—Ponderosa Elementary

Secondary Behavioral and Social Sciences/ Medicine and Health • 2nd: What Makes Your Teeth Dirty? by Harris Reckase—Turner

• 1st: Flaming Fabrics: The Burning Question

by Emily Klos—Turner

Chemistry • 5th: Heating Water with a Peanut by Sarah Paterson—Turner

• 4th: Cookie Mystery by Jessica Willemsen—Turner

• 3 rd: The Hamper by Haley Hanks—Turner • 2nd: It’s Hot, It’s Cold...It’s Lava! by Addison

Calendar of events Feb. 9 High School Chess Tournament— Loveland High School Feb. 18

No School

Feb. 23 Middle School Chess Tournament— Loveland High School Feb. 28 No School— Ignite Camp K-5 Students Mar. 1 No School— Ignite Camp K-5 Students Mar. 18 TSD Spring Break starts (ends March 22)

Kapaun—Turner

• 1st: Ammonia Eater, Which One is Hungrier?

by Auden Hepp—Turner

Energy and Transportation • 3rd: Solar Panel by Gavin Barkeen—Turner • 2nd: Xbox Battery Volts by Seth Anderson— Turner • 1st: Wind Turbines: Blade Length Test by Josiah Quist—New Vision Charter

Engineering • 3rd: The Ability of a Lego Car to Climb With

Varying Gears, Tires and Battery Weight Location by Ian Hopkins—Turner • 2nd: Water Filter Straw Experiment by Sara Hamill—New Vision Charter • 1st: How Bluetooth Range Changes with Weather and Battery Power by Wyatt Schmidle—Turner

Math and Computer Science • 3rd: Take the Risk by John Schachterle— Turner

• 2nd: Shuffle Wizard by Colton Kyvik— Turner

• 1st: Hey, Google! Do You Spy on Me? by Chance Hill—Walt Clark

Physics • Honorable Mention: Static Change by Lucas Garcia—Turner

• 3rd: Time Dripping Away by Carson Mead— Turner

• 2nd: Light Camera by Sydney Downey— Turner

• 1st: Turn Back Time: A Demonstration of Laminar Flow by Caiden Day—Turner

Earth and Plant Science • 3rd: Photosynthetic Floatation by Cecilia Chiaravalle—Turner

• 2nd: Digging Geophysical Science! How

Does Soil Change With Depth? by Paul Westerfield—Mountain View HS • 1st: Growing with Grey Water: Gross or Great? by Grazia Novak—Turner

SUPERINTENDENT COMMUNITY FORUMS TSD Superintendent Dr. Marc Schaffer will host a follow-up round of community forums: • February 25—Room at the Chilson Center in Loveland • February 26—Berthoud High School • March 4—Thompson Valley High School

All forums will be held from 6:308pm. The forums are an excellent opportunity to ask questions, share your thoughts and learn more about what is happening in the district. For more information, please call 970-613-5000.

TSD LAUNCHES NEW BOND WEBSITE This site will serve as the primary information hub for projects that are being made possible by the passage of a $149-million bond ballot measure. The website will feature announcements, photos, videos, updates and much more as TSD partners with the community over the next five-plus years to complete related projects.

Visit www.tsdbond.org to view project schedules, photos, advisory committee meeting information and much more.

PRESENTATION WOWS STUDENTS Photographer and naturalist Perry Conway presented at Big Thompson Elementary School of Nature and STEM. His exciting presentation explored the state’s amazing ascent from eastern prairie grasslands to Alpine glaciers and tundra. The kids enjoyed every minute of it.

IGNITE YOUR CHILD’S IMAGINATION Want your child to learn while school is out? Ignite offers one-day STEM camps that meet on select district professional days when students are not in school.

Ignite registration for February 28 and March 1 is now open.

Kindergarten to 2nd-grade camps—Once Upon a Time is a twoday camp. A student can attend one or both days. Register for both days and save 20 percent.

Third- to fifth-grade camps—Challenge Master! is a two-day camp, yet the activity themes differ each day. A student can attend one or both days. Register for both days and save 20 percent.

Ignite will be held at High Plains School , Lucile Erwin Middle School,Turner Middle School, and Walt Clark Middle School.

Choose the school you want to attend. Register at: https://bit.ly/2RjuH72.

RMPARENT

| 29

FEBRUARY 2019 ONGOING MONDAYS Be You Parenting Online Live Radio Show Listen live or hear archived shows. 11amNoon. www.inspiredchoicesnetwork.com/ author/marydravisparrish FIRST WEDNESDAYS Hugs Social Group for Grandparents and Other Kin Raising Kin Connect with others in similar situations.

Mountain View Presbyterian Church, 2500 N. Garfield Ave., LV. 11:30am-1:30pm. 6692837, www.GrandFamilyCoalition.com.

FOURTH THURSDAYS Hugs Social Group for Grandparents and Other Kin Raising Kin Connect with others in similar situations.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 5450 S. Lemay Ave., FC. Noon-2:30pm. 669-2837 www.GrandFamilyCoalition.com.

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS, FEBRUARY 1-16 Eagle Watch Volunteer Master Naturalists explain the eagles’ natural history and help visitors view them through spotting scopes and binoculars. All ages. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, entrance on Carpenter Rd./ CR 32, approximately one mile west of I-25, or two miles east of Timberline Rd. on north side of Carpenter Rd., FC. 4-5:30pm. 416-2815 www.fcgov.com/naturalareas.

SATURDAYS, FEBRUARY 2 & 16 Greeley Winter Farmers’ Market Hardy root crops, winter squash, greenhouse-grown produce, locally raised meat, fresh breads, coffee and honey. Zoe’s Café and Events, 715 10th St., GR. 9am-Noon. www.greeleygov.com/fm.

TUESDAYS, FEBRUARY 5 THROUGH MARCH 12 Lincoln Park Singers Be a part of Lincoln Park Singers Spring session. Rehearse with them on Tuesdays to prepare three songs to perform for family and friends on March 19. Ages 6-10. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St. GR. 4:30pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

FEBRUARY 8 & 9 Loveland Sweetheart Festival: Love, Locks and Lights Inaugural event with the largest Love Lock sculpture in the U.S., a race, laser shows, contests, more. Paid activities will be cash only. All ages.

Downtown Loveland. www.LovelandSweetheartFestival.com.

SATURDAYS, FEBRUARY 9 & 23 Fort Collins Winter Farmers Market Veggies, meats, eggs, seasonings, baked goods, more. Opera Galleria, 123 N. College Ave., FC. 9am-1pm. www.focomarket.org.

Discovery Lab: Total Dissection of the Heart Families explore the heart inside of us by dissecting a sheep’s heart with the help of our trained staff and volunteers. Not for the squeamish, but certainly for the curious. Ages 8+ with adult. Registration recommended. $5/family of 6 ($4/member family). Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 1:30-2:30pm.

221-6738, www.fcmod.org.

SATURDAYS, FEBRUARY 23 AND MARCH 2 Così fan tutte – “A School for Lovers” – for Kids Loveland Opera Theatre presents this opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with interactive performances, educational sessions about sets/costumes and a peek backstage. $12/adult and $10/ children. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 2:30pm. 962-2120 www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

Hours of Operation: M-Th 8-5pm, Fri 8-4 Fort Collins (970) 493-7442

Loveland (970) 493-7442

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

30

| RMPARENT

RMPARENT

| 31

THROUGH FEBRUARY 25 Motones vs. Jerseys Hear the greatest songs of the 1960s in this interactive concert where the audience votes for the winners of each competition round. Sundays $35 dessert/show, Mondays $50 dinner/ show. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown. Sundays, 6:15pm; Mondays, 6pm. 744-3747 www.ColoradoCandlelight.com.

THROUGH MARCH 3 Nunsense The Little Sisters of Hoboken are in dire need of funds and decide to put on a variety show. Featuring tap and ballet dancing and comic surprises. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown. Times vary. 744-3747 www.ColoradoCandlelight.com.

THROUGH MAY 15 Greeley’s 2019 Landscape Lecture Series Greeley’s Water Conservation program presents free workshops to promote sustainable landscape practices. RSVP required. City Center South Building, 1001 11th Ave., GR. 6pm. 350-9210 www.greeleygov.com/LandscapeLectures.

THROUGH MAY 26 Once Upon a Playground Take an interactive journey from the past to the present and beyond and share in playground nostalgia with historic images. $4 plus general admission (Free/members). Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 221-6738 www.fcmod.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Poudre River Forum Event brings together those most concerned about the Poudre as a working river—delivering urban and agricultural economic benefits—and those concerned about the river’s health. $60, includes breakfast, lunch, social hour. Drake Centre, 802 W. Drake Rd., FC. 8am-5pm. http://prti.colostate.edu.

32

| RMPARENT

Beyond the Classroom: Shaving Cream Art What kind of art can you make?

Marbleized paper, puffy paint and playdoh. Registration required. Grades 3-5. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Noches en Familia Celebrate culture, traditions and community, and connect to the Latinx’s cultural roots through children’s stories, music, food, puppets, crafts and traditional games, like lotería. All ages. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 5pm.

221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Coding for Kids We use the Hour of Code in this class to learn the basics of drag and drop coding and explore computer programming. No prior programming experience is needed!

Registration required. Registration opens 14 days prior to class date. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10am.

221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

Micro-Farming: Big Food, Small Spaces Boost urban garden productivity by learning to utilize commercial farmers’ techniques for irrigation, plant placement, more. $18. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry St., FC. 10am-Noon.

482-1984, www.FortCollinsNursery.com.

Sensory Event for Children with Special Needs Specifically designed for children who have a hard time in large groups, are on the autism spectrum or are sensitive to sensory overload. Includes songs and movement. Registration required.

Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave. GR. 10:30am, 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

The Lion King Presented by A Dance Place. $8, Ages 2 and under free (obtain ticket from box office). Union Colony Civic Center, Hensel Phelps Theatre, 701 10th Ave., GR. 1pm, 3:30pm, 7pm. 356-5000 www.ucstars.com.

Houseplant Care Learn the important principles of care to grow healthy, beautiful plants. $18. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry St. FC. 1-3pm. 482-1984 www.FortCollinsNursery.com.

Mountainfilm on Tour A selection of culturally rich, adventurepacked and incredibly inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival. Matinee $12, Evening show $16. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 2pm and 7pm. 962-2120 www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

YOuth

August 2018 • rmparent.com

Guide

SERVING NORTHERN COLORADO • FIFTYBETTER.COM

CUT YOUR GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

updates

HELPING KIDS RECOVER

It’s family Yoga time

Program

DIRECTORY

BICYCLING MAYOR IN NOCO?

Enjoying your holiday guests

INSIDE: LIFESTYLE, ACTIVE [ AND HEALTH DIRECTORIES ]

2

SAFE SNOW SHOVELING

Nature therapy

PAGE 44

PLUS Guide SCHOOL DIRECTORY

BEST

Destinations and wayside breaks

BY BIKE

YOUR GUIDE TO

FARMERS MARKETS AND FARM STANDS

Healthful food MEET A FARMER THE 2018

PAGE 46

CALENDAR

BIKE

CONNECTING h CROPS TO CUISINE Restaurants sourcing local food

CHEERS to craft beer

BIG

Local fame leads to national acclaim

THE BIKE DIRECTORY GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO BICYCLING CULTURE AND EVENTS

RMPARENT

Escape the ordinary

Shop

L-O-C-A-L

AT A FARM STAND

PLUS

List of

FIND IT IN

FAMILY

CALENDAR!

COLORADO

SERVED AT SCHOOLS

ADVERTISERS

Program &Activity

SHOPPING DIRECTORY

2018-2019

SCHOOL

REGION’S

RESTAURANT & LODGING GUIDE

Local Food and Farm Guide

calendars

YOuth

OUTDOOR RECREATION

FORT COLLINS

PIT STOPS

BY CATEGORY • PAGE 16 ALPHABETICAL • PAGE 18

through a winter wonderland

HARVEST SEASON 2018

COOL GEAR AND GADGETS

2018 GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO BICYCLING CULTURE & EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS

Facing fears

A day in Denver

RiDE

PAGE 10

LOSING A LOVED ONE

IN 2018

The DATING GAME after 50

Back-to-school

2018 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

BIKE-FRIENDLY BUZZ

visit

Program & Activity

JANUARY 2018 • RMPARENT.COM WINTER 2018

RiDE | 1

Explore a foodie’s paradise in Northern Colorado

THE OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO | FORT COLLINS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RESOURCE GUIDE

|1

RMPARENT

| 33

Grand Opening of Russian Retrospective Celebrating the world’s largest country, this exhibit will showcase a variety of spectacular nesting doll eggs as well as artwork, artifacts, and treasures from the Russian Federation. All ages. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 6-9pm.

221-4600, www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

Fort Collins Symphony Masterworks 3 Concert: London to Leningrad Hear George Frideric Handel’s stellar “Music for the Royal Fireworks” and Dimitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9. Guest pianist Hsing-ay Hsu will display keyboard pyrotechnics performing Stravinsky’s Concerto for Piano and Winds. $35-55, $5/students with ID. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7:30pm. 482-4823 www.fcsymphony.org.

RENT 20th Anniversary Tour Award-winning Broadway musical that follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. $24-47.

Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave. GR. 7:30pm. 356-5000 www.UCStars.com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4 School’s Out, Library’s In: Puff Mobiles STEM challenge to harvest the wind.

Design, build, test and compete with a wind-powered sail car of your own creation. All materials provided.

Registration required. Grades 2-5.

Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

School’s Out, Library’s In: Button It Create unique and fun buttons with button makers. Variety of media provided, but feel free to bring your own pictures. Grades K-12. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 2pm.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Checkmate Monday Learn and play chess with family and friends. All ages. Range View Elementary School, 700 Ponderosa Dr., Severance.

4-5pm. 686-5603, www.clearviewlibrary. org/event/1447690.

34

| RMPARENT

Explore the Human Climate with Carol Smaldino This author and psychotherapist will discuss her new book on the connections and divisions between people. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6pm. 484-7898 www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

The Science of Recovery with Christie Aschwanden This author, athlete and journalist explores the world of sports recovery and searches for the best remedies to achieve peak athletic performance. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6pm.

484-7898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Loveland’s Talking: What’s the Most Impactful Relationship You’ve Ever Had? Seasoned adults in Loveland share stories with local high school students. Bring magazines to cut up for your own vision board. Chilson Senior Center, 700 E. Fourth St., LV. 1:30-3pm. www.cityofloveland.org.

Huggable Hearts Create together, with your own hands, a huggable DIY craft that you can take home. Ages 9-12.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St. WS. 6:30-7:30pm. 686-5603 www.clearviewlibrary.org/event/1470004.

Discovery Zone Have fun discovering crafts and experiencing science. Ages 5+. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave. FC. 3:30pm. 221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Crafterschool Learn about mosaic art and create your own masterpiece in this after-school craft program. Supplies provided. Grades 3-5. Registration required. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 3:30pm.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7 In the Dome: Cassidy’s Present Learn to appreciate the present moment and everything it has to offer in the Otterbox Digital Dome, then head to the Learning Lab for a craft. Ages 3-5.

Registration recommended. $5/child ($4/members). Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10:15-11am. 221-6738, www.fcmod.org.

Independence! #Adulting Learn life hacks for maximum independence. This month: re-attach a button, hem a garment or sew a tear in Rescue Sewing. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 4pm.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

RMPARENT

| 35

Dwarf Conifers You’ll Grow to Love Workshop on dwarf and smaller form conifers, from fir to pines. Learn which to avoid/love and how to be successful with those you choose. $18.

Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry St., FC. 1-3pm. 482-1984, www.

FortCollinsNursery.com.

Shadow Play Shadow Art, Oh My! Explore the sun’s light using different materials like feathers, wire and blocks to play with shadows to make unique shadow art. Ages 6-9.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St. WS. 2-3pm. 686-5603 www.clearviewlibrary.org/event/1470245.

Discovery Zone Have fun discovering crafts and experiencing science. Ages 5+. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 3:30pm. 221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Beyond the Classroom: Black History Jeopardy Learn new facts and compete for prizes during this fun, informative game.

Registration required. Grades 3-5.

Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave. GR. 1pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Animaniacs in Concert While the cartoon plays on the screen accompanied by composer Randy Rogel and the CSU Symphony Orchestra, the original voice actors bring their characters to life. All ages. $15+. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7:30pm.

221-6730, www.lctix.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Museum Takeover: Heartbreakers Dive into the deepest ventricles of the heart and see what makes your ticker tick with fun, interactive stations taught

by CSU biomedical students. Ages 5+.

Normal admission fees. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10am-1pm. 221-6738, www.fcmod.org.

36

| RMPARENT

The Wonder of the Spring Garden Learn about great plants that brave the early spring season. $22. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry St., FC. 10am-Noon. 482-1984 www.FortCollinsNursery.com.

Little Explorers: Make-It with a Heart Valentine crafts for little ones to make and give. Presented by Wishes Come True Entertainment. Ages 3-6. Limited to first 30 children. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 10:30am.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Research Rendezvous Teens working on projects for National History Day—Triumph & Tragedy?

Librarians can help with research or finding the perfect document/picture to help you earn a perfect score. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. Drop-in between 1-4pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Tween Winter Lock-In Together, take on a challenging scavenger hunt, play exciting games, make awesome arts and crafts, and eat delicious food.

Ages 9-12. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 7-11:59pm. 686-5603 www.clearviewlibrary.org/event/1474787.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Shape It Up! Play with circles, squares and triangles.

Ages 2-5. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10:30-11am. 686-5603 www.clearviewlibrary.org/event/1470254.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Riverside STEAM Club: Science of Sound Discover how sound works. Make a popsicle stick harmonica, cup telephone and dancing oobleck. Grades K-5.

Limited to first 15 kids. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 4pm. 888-8617323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Rocky Mountain Raptors: Radical Raptors Meet the raptors that don’t do anything normal. All ages. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 6:30pm. 221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org.

WE ARE MOBILE Reach all of northern Colorado via print and digital marketing with Rocky Mountain Publishing.

Read all of our publications on your mobile device.

Program & Activity YOuth

Guide

January 2019 • rmparent.com

RiDE

BIKE-FRIENDLY BUZZ COOL GEAR AND GADGETS BICYCLING MAYOR IN NOCO?

2018 GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO BICYCLING CULTURE & EVENTS

Program

PIT STOPS

DIRECTORY

BY CATEGORY • PAGE 24 ALPHABETICAL • PAGE 26

FIELD TRIPS

Destinations and wayside breaks

BY BIKE

School

CALENDARS PAGE 44

List of

SCHOOL

ADVERTISERS

DIRECTORY

PAGE 46

PAGE 10

PLUS

THE 2018

BIKE

CALENDAR

FIND IT IN

BIG

BIKE DIRECTORY THE

RiDE | 1

GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO BICYCLING CULTURE AND EVENTS

0119 PnA.indd 1

12/21/18 10:19 AM

HARVEST SEASON 2018

WINTER 2018

SERVING NORTHERN COLORADO • FIFTYBETTER.COM

Local Food and Farm Guide The DATING GAME after 50 YOUR GUIDE TO

FARMERS MARKETS AND FARM STANDS

Healthful food SERVED AT SCHOOLS

Shop

L-O-C-A-L through a winter wonderland

MEET A FARMER

AT A FARM STAND

Enjoying your holiday guests

CONNECTING h CROPS TO CUISINE Restaurants sourcing local food

SAFE SNOW SHOVELING

INSIDE: LIFESTYLE, ACTIVE [ AND HEALTH DIRECTORIES ]

Nature therapy

1

2

Connect to your Customers Online 2% Average Advertising Click-through Rate

3% RMParent.com Click-through Rate

RMParent now offers digital advertising onour website and message sharing/distribution via our social media network.

Rmparent.com offers a 3% click-through rate which is 1% above standard, helping you reach more customers online.

Augment your current messaging or launch a new campaign with advertising in both print and digital media formats!

FOR RATES AND SPACE RESERVATION, CONTACT:

Greg at 970-689-6832

greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com

Susan at 970-301-3320

susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com RMPARENT

| 37

David Wilcox Performer/storyteller holds audiences rapt with a simple guitar, thoroughly written songs and fearless ability to mine the depths of human emotions. $36, VIP upgrade +$15. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 962-2120 www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 For the Spectrum Geared for families with children on the autism spectrum, explore books, different activities and have fun in an inclusive and accepting environment. Registration required. Ages 2-8. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 10:30am.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Ready, Set, Create! Clean up our World Investigate sources of pollution and ways to clean up our environment. All supplies provided. Registration required. Grades 2-5 (caregivers encouraged to participate).

Presented by High Plains Library District and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 2pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Fall In Love with DimeStories!

Three-minute prose read by the writers— not usually themed, but love in the air this month. The Forge Publick House, 255 Old Firehouse Alley, FC. 6:30pm signups, 7pm readings. 484-7898 www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Little STEAMers: Valentine Science Build, craft and experiment with all things Valentine’s themed Ages 3-5 with caregiver. $5/child ($4/members), caregivers free. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10:15-11am and 2:15-3pm. 221-6738 www.fcmod.org.

Dog Tales Event builds early literacy skills by reading with PAWS dogs, crafting and interactive play. Ages 2-6. Severance Town Hall, 3 Timber Ridge Pkwy., Severance.

10:30-11am. 686-5603 www.clearviewlibrary.org/event/1447463.

38

| RMPARENT

Valentine’s Day Chocolate & Wine Tasting Event Backstage Rialto fundraiser event with wine, light hors d’oeuvres and Nuance chocolate. Afterwards, view 1971 film Harold & Maude. Limited availability. $99/couple, $59/individual, $8/movie only. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm chocolate/wine, 8pm movie.

962-2120, www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Beyond the Classroom: Science of Sound Look into how sound works. Make a popsicle stick harmonica, cup telephones and dancing oobleck. Registration required. Grades 3-5. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Who is Russia? A Historical Perspective Presented by Steven Seegel, professor of Russian, East European, and Eurasian history at UNC. All ages. $5. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 2-4pm.

221-4600, www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

World Language Event: Arabic Fluent Arabic speakers and those interested in learning can enjoy children’s books, crafts, puppets and music. All ages. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 4pm. 221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Game Day at Your Library Play a board or card game from our collection or bring a favorite from home.

All ages. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon. 221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org.

Northern Colorado’s Favorite Parenting Magazine.

Boy Oh Boy!

SPRING IS ALMOST HERE

Pick up your FREE copy today!

Like us on

(970) 224-2866 • 111 N. College Ave.

visit us online at: rmparent.com

RMPARENT

| 39

Kodo: Evolution Masters of traditional Japanese taiko drum mark their 35th anniversary with a new and exciting display of raw athleticism and rhythmic mastery. All ages. $15+. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7:30pm. 221-6730 www.lctix.com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Build Club Electronics–turn up the power.

Experiment with circuits and see how they add a whole new level of fun to LEGO designs. Grades K-5. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10am.

221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Melting Ice Science Make awesome colorful sun catchers.

Ages 9-12. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6:30-7:30pm. 686-5603 www.clearviewlibrary.org/event/1474607.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21 closed2open Volunteering Event All of Otter Products is closing up shop for a day to volunteer in the community, and the community is invited to join in as Otters inspire kids to change the world. www.facebook.com/ottershop.

40

| RMPARENT

In the Dome: Wild Ones—Observing City Creatures Explore the urban landscape in the Otterbox Digital Dome, then head to the Learning Lab for a craft. Ages 3-5.

Registration recommended. $5/child ($4/members). Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10:15-11am. 221-6738, www.fcmod.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Beyond the Classroom: Green Screen Art Film yourself touring the Grand Canyon, the Mariana Trench or even Mars! Learn how to take the act of being in front of the green sheet and transforming it into the picture or film of your wildest imagination. Registration required.

Grades 3-5. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

ChildSafe Trivia Bowl Put on your thinking caps for an evening of fun trivia to support ChildSafe. All ages. $50/ticket, $90/couple, $500/table.

The Agave Room above The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, 149 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 6:30-9:30pm. 472-4133 www.childsafecolorado.org/triviabowl.

Family Bingo Night Play BINGO and win prizes with family and friends. All ages. Range View Elementary School, 700 Ponderosa Dr., Severance. 6:30-7:30pm. 686-5603 www.clearviewlibrary.org/event/1448343.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Teen Letter Writing for InCoWriMo February is International Written Correspondence Month, or InCoWriMo. Learn to craft a letter to friends/family or introduce the Greeley Community to someone abroad—no personal information will be shared. All supplies provided. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. Drop-in between 11am1pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Little Al Dinosaur Be a paleontologist for the day. Touch real dinosaur eggs, teeth and bones and help rebuild “Little Al” the Allosaurus and other dinosaurs. Registration required. All ages.

Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 2pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Jason Bishop International award-winning illusionist whose show currently features exclusive large illusions, award-winning sleight of hand and “close-up” magic. $36, VIP Upgrade +$15. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 8pm. 962-2120 www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 A Circus of Short Stories by Mark Mayer Celebrate the release of this short story collection, where each story is a look at the different misfits of the circus. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 2pm. 484-7898 www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Y is for Yoga Build literacy skills and healthy minds and bodies through books, songs, rhymes and yoga. Ages 3-6. WindsorSeverance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10-10:45am. 686-5603 www.clearviewlibrary.org/event/1474860.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Germans from Russia Presented by Kenneth Rock, professor emeritus of history at CSU, and Cheryl Glanz of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia. All ages. $5.

Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 5-7pm.

221-4600, www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Little STEAMers: All About Snow What causes snow to form? Can you make a snowstorm in a jar? Explore this fun weather phenomenon. Ages 3-5 with caregiver. $5/child ($4/members), caregivers free. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10:1511am and 2:15-3pm. 221-6738 www.fcmod.org.

Art from the Page Inspire your little artist to create their very own art from what they see in a book. Ages PreK. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 10am. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Little Al Dinosaur Be a paleontologist for the day. Touch real dinosaur eggs, teeth and bones and help rebuild “Little Al” the Allosaurus and other dinosaurs. Registration required.

All ages. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 10am. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Open Art Making for Families Open-house style workshop to explore art making and learn about the Museum’s classes. Ages 3+. Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 11am-2pm.

962-2410 www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

OUTSpoken Poetry Slam Share your original poetry in three minutes or less and take a shot at winning a prize. Ages 13+. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 6pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

International Contemporary Ensemble With a global perspective, this contemporary classical music ensemble performs a diverse array of chamber works. All ages. $22+, $10/student.

University Center for the Arts – Organ Recital Hall, 1400 Remington St., FC. 7:30pm. 221-6730, www.lctix.com.

RMPARENT

| 41

time out Leaving the slime behind

One mom’s quest to help her daughter learn to recognize and express emotions LEA HANSON

N

ow that my daughter is 8 years old, she’s a bit more emotionally robust. Or at least she ought to be. I have noticed the past year or so has been a bit of a transition when I think about the balance between providing emotional support and emotional challenge. Frankly, it’s probably been too long of one. My bad. When she was little my approach wasn’t much different from that of other parents. She’d fall and get “hurt” and cry. I’d hug, snuggle, and say, “Oh honey, that must have been scary. How can I help you?”… on the outside. Meanwhile on the inside I’m saying, “Good lord, you’re fine.”

That’s because she was little and completely unable to name her feelings or express them in a way that made much sense. It seemed to be the options for emotional reaction included a very short list: laugh, cry, neither. Now, her ability to name emotions is stronger and she’s able to delineate what type of sadness she’s feeling. Is she lonely, guilty, depressed, hurt? If she’s angry, is she frustrated, humiliated, embarrassed, mad? Let me clarify: Being able to decipher these different types of feelings is my expectation. Is it too much?

Today, I picked her up from afterschool care and they were in the middle of making slime. I arrived and they were experiencing some mixing difficulties.

As a result, I was only able to delay departure a few minutes and she didn’t get slime to bring home. TEARS. I called her out: “I feel as though tears might be too big of a reaction in this situation. I can see you’re disappointed you didn’t get the slime, but I don’t think tears are the best way to show me that.” She gets it. I know she does. And, after a few minutes she was able to acknowledge that and we talked about what a better and more productive response would have been. Yet, I still felt a tinge of mom

42

| RMPARENT

guilt as though I was slighting her feelings and making them seem unimportant to me.

But they are unimportant to me.

Well, the tears are, at least. See what I’m doing here? I’m talking (writing) out of both sides of my mouth. But it’s tough and I know I’m not alone. We also all parent quite differently and as a result (of this and a million other things), our children turn out to be extraordinarily different people when they become adults. We all probably

know an adult who may throw a bit of a fit because their partner wants to leave a fun place before they’re ready to leave. And we all have different reactions to that situation.

Teaching my daughter to be emotionally robust is important to me. I want her to have grit and persistence. I also want her to be kind and considerate. Am I part of the double standard that expects women to be everything?

Maybe. In the meantime, “I’m sorry you didn’t get to make the slime.”

RMPARENT

| 43

44

| RMPARENT