RM Parent Magazine | February | 2024

Indoor fun

Encourage creativity in kids

Road Trip: Phoenix

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Grow good humans by volunteering. Kids learn empathy, have better self-esteem and pick up life skills. Volunteering gives them an opportunity to contribute to their community and to learn the value of giving back.

One small act at a time

I WAS RUNNING ONE MORNING at the Riverbend Ponds off Timberline when I came across a curious thing. I stopped to look and at my feet was a beautiful watercolor that was painted right at the spot where it lay. It was large too, 16 inches by 20 inches it turned out. I picked it up and there was a note that said: This is abandoned art. Please take if it brings you joy! It’s an original watercolor painting depicting this beautiful Riverbend Ponds scene. The purpose of abandoned art is to bring joy to some unsuspecting finder…maybe YOU! Wishing you well!

It’s now framed and hanging in the living room, not only because it’s an inspiring work of art, but also as a constant reminder of the generosity of a stranger. I wonder what that person thought as she walked away, abandoning her lovely creation.

I find that level of generosity inspiring. It’s selfless and rewardless. It makes me wonder what I can do to make someone’s day, moment, life a little better. Things like that can be pebbles thrown in a pond that make waves on distant shores. You never know what impact they might have.

Generosity truly begins at home and in the neighborhood with those we’re closest to. It’s the best for practice, and it really can take practice. Once we start being generous at home with our time and our energy, we see how it creates an environment that is more uplifted and pleasant to live in.

We can be generous in so many ways—with our time and energy, “hey, I’ll get those dishes tonight,” or with our things, “go ahead and wear my hat,” or with our attitude, “go ahead and watch your show. I can watch mine later.” Sometimes generosity is just showing that we care how someone’s day went. A little check-in to say, “hey, I see you and you matter to me.”

Once we practice at home with our closest people we can move it out into the neighborhood…step by step. I don’t know about your neighborhood, but there’s always dog poop in mine that I can pick up. It’s a small gesture and I don’t expect applause, but I know that I’m doing my little bit to make the park more pleasant for us all.

In her feature story this month, Lynn Nichols writes about how volunteering benefits your kids and the whole family, well really, the entire community. It’s a way to help kids discover for themselves how to be generous and to practice it and why that matters. It might even help you feel a stronger connection to people, the community, your family and just the whole thing that is the life we lead.

Thanks for reading,

Scott

FEBRUARY 2024 • Volume 27, Issue 9

PUBLISHER

Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com

EDITOR

Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.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

Susan Harting susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com

COVER PHOTO istock photo

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Theresa Baer, Lea Hanson

Katie Harris, Lynn U. Nichols

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING PO Box 740

Fort Collins, CO 80522

Voice 221-9210 • Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com

www.RMParent.com

Rocky Mountain

SCOTT

Avoiding sports injuries

Sports injuries are on the rise

THE PICTURE OF YOUTH SPORTS in America is changing. Youth athletes often begin their competitive sports careers as early as age 7, with some youth participating in organized sports activities as early as age 4, if not sooner. With an estimated 25 million scholastic, and another 20 million organized community-based youth programs in the United States, the opportunity for injury is enormous.

Sports injuries are the second leading cause of emergency room visits for children and adolescents, and the second leading cause of injuries in school. Approximately three million youth are seen in hospital emergency rooms for sports-related injuries and another five million youth are seen by their primary care physician or a sports medicine clinic for injuries. These numbers leave out the injuries not seen by a physician.

Injuries of any kind are the worst. They are painful, change mobility for a period time (sometimes permanently), and are increasingly leading to kids quitting their loved activity. In a recent study of 1,500 kids from across the country, it was found that 67 percent of children aged 10-14 years old quit sports because they were injured.

When to see a doctor

WHILE IT’S IMPORTANT TO RESPOND promptly to injuries, not every injury warrants a visit to the ER, the clinic, or is it even worth the cost of a co-pay for those who are insured. Pain can be a sign of injury, but it can also just be stress or overuse. Most healthcare providers recommend the R.I.C.E. method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) for at-home, predoctor sports injury treatment. If the pain does not go away after one or two days of rest, it’s time to consult a physician. Besides breaks or dislocations, other signs of an acute sports injury that require immediate care include inability to bear weight on a leg. Intense pain and swelling.

After a suffering a seemingly minor injury, R.I.C.E: Rest –keep the injured area supported and avoid using for 48-72 hours. Ice – apply ice to the injured area for 20 minutes every two hours for the first 48-72 hours. Compression – apply a firm elastic bandage over the area, extending above and below the painful site.

Minimize the risk

THE BEST WAY TO AVOID sports injuries is to have the proper equipment. Protective equipment, like helmets, pads, and shoes, are very important for injury prevention. Parents need to understand how to properly outfit their child before practices begin.

Teaching your child how to listen to and learn what’s “normal” for their own body is another preventative technique. Make sure your young athlete understands they should seek help if experiencing pain or something just doesn’t feel right. Warming up is always a good idea that should become a habit for all athletes before starting an activity or sport.

Finally, general body wellness will help the body fend off injuries and even aches and pains. This starts with nutrition: Young athletes should eat a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and maintain a regular eating schedule. They should also have adequate water before, during and after play, and watch for any signs of a heat-related illness, including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, or fainting.

Fun

Indoor fun

Museums & classes

Greeley has several museums to explore. Greeley History Museum showcases Greeley and Weld County’s history through permanent and temporary exhibitions, educational programs and more. Centennial Village Museum, open May–August, offers a living history experience with 8 acres of gardens and over 35 historical buildings, costumed interpreters, farm animals, and many community events. Visit greeleymuseums.com.

In Fort Collins, all ages enjoy the exhibits and activities available at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, fcmod.org. There you can watch a film in the dome theater, learn Fort Collins history, explore musical exhibits and participate in individual/family classes. Families can also explore the various exhibits that come to the Museum of Art Fort Collins, moafc.org, along with workshops and classes.

The Loveland Museum, www.thelovelandmuseum.org, features exhibits of both art and history and offers a wide selection of classes, camps, workshops and community events for all ages.

Family Fun Centers

If your family just can’t decide on one particular activity, check out the following facilities that offer an array of active fun.

Chipper’s Lanes, www.chipperslanes.com, located in Estes Park, Fort Collins and Greeley, offers bowling, laser tag, arcade games, axe throwing and live music though activities vary by location.

Fly High Trampoline Park, foco.flyhightrampolinepark.com, in Fort Collins has a variety of trampoline courts focused on sports or open jumping as well as a launch pad with a foam pit.

Fort Fun, www.fortfun.biz, in Fort Collins offers laser tag, arcade games, bumper cars, escape rooms indoors. Outdoor options, when open include mini-golf, go karts, giant slide, bumper/paddle boats.

Jumpin’, jumpinfun.com, in Loveland provides a variety of inflatable bounce houses for ages 1-10.

Loveland Laser Tag, www.laserfuncenter.com, in Loveland features laser tag, ropes course, arcade games, bumper cars, climbing wall, escape room, laser maze and more.

Main Event, playatthesummit.com, in Windsor offers bowling, laser tag and arcade games.

Rollerland Skate Center, rollerlandskatecenter.com, in Fort Collins features quad or inline skating, a laser maze, arcade games and indoor playground for the littles.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, www.urbanair.com, in Fort Collins features go-karts, climbing walls, ropes course, trampolines, playground, Sky Rider and more.

Swimming & skating

Whether liquid or frozen, water entertains children of all ages. Look to the following facilities for local indoor pools and skating options and check websites for fun upcoming events.

In Estes Park, head to the Estes Valley Community Center, www.colorado.gov/pacific/ evrpd, for lap swimming or leisure playtime with a lazy river and water features.

In Fort Collins, www.fcgov.com/recreation, both Mulberry Pool and EPIC have indoor pools for leisure and lap swimming but EPIC also has two indoor ice arenas for cool skating experiences with no bitter wind.

Greeley’s Family FunPlex features an indoor waterpark with play features, slides and lap swimming while the Recreation Center offers a pool for lap swimming and diving. For indoor ice skating, broomball and more, head to the Greeley Ice Haus—don’t miss fun upcoming events like American Girl Doll Skate. See greeleyrec.com for details.

Loveland’s Chilson Recreation Center, www.lovgov.org/services/parks-recreation/ chilson-recreation-cente, has both lap lanes and a leisure pool with play features, slide and lazy river. They also have an evening glow swim party coming soon.

In Windsor, the Recreation Center, www.recreationliveshere.com, offers a pool with play features, lazy river, waterslide and three lap lanes.

Favorite Things

LEA HANSON

Arts & Crafts Supplies

MOST KIDS LIKE TO BE creative; but kids’ abilities and interests vary greatly. Whether your child likes to get dirty or stay clean, likes to build or take apart, likes glitter and pipe cleaners or nails and wood, there is no question that creating has enormous benefits for kids. Creative activities help build fine motor skills; boot cognitive, analytical, and problem solving skills, improves self-confidence and self-esteem, can relieve stress, and can even improve mental health. Creative projects can foster a child’s natural imagination, and also helps them develop other essential life skills that will stay with them for years to come.

Bead & Metal Art $5-500

NoCo Bead & Metal, 4655 West 21st Street Circle, Greeley

If you are sick of making things out of empty toilet paper rolls, puff balls, and sticks of glue, the niche craft area of beads and metal work is something to consider. Kids can make beautiful home décor, jewelry to keep or gift, and more. NoCo Bead & Metal is a locally-owned and operated specialty shop at which you can buy supplies and get ideas for creating. Kids of most any age can create simple bracelets and necklaces; and more patient and older ones can make complex suncatchers, wire sculptures, and even robots, toys, and games.

Quick & Easy Whittling for Kids (Book) $13

Woodcraft of Loveland, 3718 Draft Horse Drive

Putting a knife in your kid’s hand might seem scary, but this book teaches a creative outlet in addition to learning how to hold and be comfortable with a sharp object. This fun, kid-friendly guide to whittling wood is the perfect introduction to the rewarding craft of woodcarving for children. The books offer simple techniques and 18 step-by-step projects kids can complete in just one sitting that will get them excited about woodcarving. All they need are two basic tools, a handful of twigs and branches, and a bit of creativity to get started! It has introductory sections on safety, materials, tools, and carving techniques, and then presents a collection of fun and functional beginner wood carving projects and full-size patterns that both kids and adults will love, from a mushroom and a ship to a whistle, ring-toss game, kitchen utensils, and more.

Color Wheel Guide $8-14

Jerry’s Artarama, 3524 Mason St., Fort Collins

There is a reason kids learn the color wheel in school. But there is a lot more to the color wheel than most of us realize. Color is theory. It is both the science and art of using color. It explains how humans perceive color; and the visual effects of how colors mix, match, or contrast with each other. Color is also perception. Our eyes see something (the sky, for example), and data sent from our eyes to our brains tells us it’s a certain color (blue). Objects reflect light in different combinations of wavelengths. Our brains pick up on those wavelength combinations and translate them into the phenomenon we call color. Understanding the color wheel and color harmonies (what works, what doesn’t and how color communicates) is just as exciting as that new box of crayons. No, really.

February in Phoenix

FOR THE PERFECT COMBINATION of warmer weather and a family-friendly tourist scene, visit Phoenix this month. The trip takes approximately 13 hours by car, which can be broken up with a fun stop in Santa Fe or Albuquerque. We recommend visiting in late February or early March to take advantage of the Rockies spring training schedule and catch a low-key game for cheap!

Day 1:

Make the six hour drive to Santa Fe where a quick, energy-burning pit stop will have you climbing boulders and exploring petroglyphs at Bandelier National Monument (www.nps.gov/band/index.htm), or discover the stunning architecture, impressive art scene, and array of shops and restaurants the downtown area has to offer (www.santafe.org/visiting-santa-fe/ neighborhoods/plaza-and-downtown/). Alternatively, you could proceed an hour further along your route to Albuquerque where you can walk the streets of historic Old Town, admiring the traditional Spanish buildings (www. albuquerqueoldtown.com/), or spend a few hours at the ABQ BioPark, a living environmental park which includes a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden and cluster of fishing ponds surrounded by a walking path (www.cabq.gov/ artsculture/biopark).

Day 2:

Continue on to Phoenix where, whether you’re a die-hard fan or can’t tell the difference between a baseball and a tennis ball (they’re the green ones), you can’t miss the opportunity to show off your Colorado pride at a Rockies spring training game. Games rotate between Phoenix and neighboring Arizona cities beginning Feb. 23. Take advantage of cheap tickets during this low-key time of year when good seats are easy to come by. Your kids will cherish the memory of seeing the game up closer than they might get to at the home stadium and may even luck out with a few autographs (stay until the end for your best shot!). Bonus—you can soak up some of that blissful winter-in-Arizona sunshine while you’re at it (www.mlb.com/rockies/spring-training).

Day 3:

On day three head to a place that’s been consistently voted one of the top children’s museums in the country, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Your kids will be enraptured from the moment they walk through the door by “The Climber”—a towering tree fort where kids of all ages can climb, slide and explore. Next, get lost in the “Noodle Forest”—a giant space overflowing with hanging pool noodles. From there, pedal cars, a grocery store, an art studio, and an impressive baby and toddler area await you. Plan on at least a few hours at the museum so you don’t miss out on any of the fun to be had (childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/).

Finally, head back outdoors to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. The 30-acre park features a large playground, carousel, and an operating train, in addition to large grassy areas and mature trees to picnic under. Train and carousel rides run every 30 minutes on weekdays and continuously on weekends (www.therailroadpark.com/).

KEEP

Sign up to volunteer!

Growing good humans by volunteering

IT’S THE MIDDLE OF WINTER, and life is getting stagnant. Mix it up with something new that will shift the focus away from unhealthy habits, like spending too much time on media, toward something positive that will help build character in your kids, and give them a sense of belonging. What is this magical solution to the winter doldrums, you ask? Volunteering!

“It’s a hard time to be a human and a kid right now, so helping them connect with others in the community is beneficial,” says Courtney Gaskins, MFT, a marriage and family counselor in Loveland who sees kids throughout Northern Colorado.

Volunteering has a ton of benefits you may have never considered. Here are four ways volunteering is good for your kids and your whole family:

PRACTICING EMPATHY

Helping others teaches the most basic of life lessons: that nurturing, sharing, and caring

are a big part of being human. It also teaches that helping others feels good. Volunteering lets kids practice their softer side and put themselves in someone else’s shoes. They get to realize that life goes beyond their own classrooms and front doors.

“Volunteering is a tangible way to make a positive impact. It creates connection within families and helps them connect to something bigger than themselves, giving them a sense of having a place in the community,” Gaskin says.

Developmentally, it’s appropriate for children to be egocentric. Volunteering is a way to gently shift that and help kids gain empathy. Getting out and seeing that there are different kinds of people in the world who have different kinds of struggles and ways of living helps do that.

“You can start simple, like going through your young child’s toys to donate, and talking about how the toy brought them so

Lynn U Nichols

Where to volunteer in NOCO

Don’t know where to start? Check out the United Way of Larimer County, which serves as a clearinghouse for nonprofits and human service agencies needing volunteers. Click on the volunteer now button for tons of immediate opportunities, with an option to sort by interest.

Or, you can kick off your new family volunteering habit at a fun event. Attend the Trout Tank, Volunteer Match-A-Thon, a free event where several area nonprofits present ways to volunteer. The event is at The Lyric Cinema in Fort Collins on April 24, 6pm.

It helps kids practice both subtle and not-so-subtle skills. Kids learn practical skills like record keeping, time management, and how to balance commitments. But they also learn how to get along with others and to navigate differences in beliefs, culture, race, age, lifestyles, and appearances. In other words, volunteering presents many teachable moments about the bigger world.

Consider volunteering as a family. When you volunteer with your child, you not only strengthen family bonds but you get a chance to create teachable moments where your kids can ask meaningful questions, which you can then answer. Yet, volunteering alone is equally as important, especially for older kids.

When older kids volunteer alone, they get to practice adulting and being independent. Maybe they have to find a ride, show up on time, and fit volunteering in their busy school schedule. They learn that people rely on them, and they learn to be reliable.

“It can also help kids figure out their passions and purposes,” Gaskins adds.

PUTTING KIDS ON A POSITIVE TRACK

much joy, and how they can help bring that same joy to another child,” Gaskin says.

RAISING SELF-ESTEEM

When kids volunteer they often hear genuine appreciation for their efforts. If your child struggles at school, they may not get a lot of positive feedback in their lives. Volunteering is a way for them to feel valued, which helps them feel good about themselves. Helping to better someone else’s lives is motivating to better our own.

“Volunteering gives kids a sense of purpose. It raises their self-esteem and helps them feel more connected to themselves and others,” Gaskin says.

A recent study suggests that volunteering can raise teenagers’ feelings of self-worth, and may impact their view of themselves even one year later. It makes sense. Taking positive actions affects who we are.

LEARNING IMPORTANT LIFE SKILLS

Volunteering teaches kids and teens skills that they need to succeed in the real world, now and in the future.

It may not seem obvious at first glance, but volunteering has been found to improve students’ grades. A part of it is simply exposing kids to more of the world, where they can connect what they learn in the classroom to their own lives. For example, if your child is learning about the environment in school and they help build trails at a local park, they will likely be more interested in what they are studying. That interest will likely lead to more learning and better grades.

Volunteering also boosts your teenager’s chances to land a job or get into a desired college. Employers and college applicant reviewers often read between the lines to discover a youth’s character—and to determine if they are balanced and equipped enough to succeed. Volunteering helps kids stand out.

Volunteering also teaches the lifelong, positive practice of giving back. When kids volunteer, they feel a part of the community. When we feel we belong to something, we want that something to thrive. It may be why research shows that youth who volunteer are more likely to vote as adults—and continue to stay involved in their community.

When deciding where to volunteer, consider your child’s likes and dislikes. If they are interested from the start, they will want to keep doing it. “Start by thinking about what your child is passionate about. Do they like animals? Do they like to bake?” Gaskins says.

Or maybe they love being outdoors, walking dogs, or helping older people. Just start, and it will keep rolling on its own from there.

CA M P GUIDE

Global Business Academy

For high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors

July 14-24, 2024

In this action-packed academy, students develop international and core business skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, negotiation, ethics and more. They’ll discover new ways to apply business to their passions and to create a better world, all while getting a taste of college life in the CSU campus dorms in Fort Collins, Colorado. Join us in July 2024!

Apply by June 1 csubiz.com/bizcamp-rmp

KindConnect has been bringing kindness to Larimer County children since 2019 and we are happy to share that our KindConnect Program has recently expanded to benefit children in need in Weld County! All donations received through KindConnect are used within the county they were donated in.

New Early Orthodontics

Helping Kids to Live a Healthy Life

A silent crisis among children today is having a devastating effect on their physical health and social well-being.

An estimated 80 percent of children have a condition causing at least one of the following symptoms: ADD/ADHD, difficulty in school, restless sleep, delayed or stunted growth, decreased IQ, crowded/crooked teeth, nightmares/ night terrors, aggressive behavior, chronic allergies, swollen adenoids or tonsils, and dark circles under eyes.

These conditions have a common thread: chronic reduction of oxygen being delivered to the brain. Undiagnosed & untreated, these children face a life of health problems.

We have a proven solution.

Airway orthodontics is a revolutionary approach to orthodontic treatment that focuses on correcting not only the alignment of teeth but also the underlying airway issues. It recognizes the crucial role of proper breathing in overall health and wellbeing, particularly in children.

Most children show signs of incorrect dental and facial development at an early age. Two of these children have a mouth-breathing habit and two have an incorrect swallow pattern. They are great candidates for NEO’s New Early Orthodontics program.

An integrative approach

Traditional orthodontics has primarily focused on aligning teeth for aesthetic purposes, often overlooking the underlying causes of malocclusion. Airway orthodontics takes a holistic approach by considering the relationship between dental and facial structures, jaw development, and overall health.

Symptoms of airway issues

Airway issues can manifest in various ways, and it’s important for parents to recognize the signs and symptoms. Some common indicators of airway problems in children include:

Snoring—Persistent snoring, especially accompanied by pauses in breathing, can be a sign of obstructed airflow during sleep.

Mouth breathing—Children who consistently breathe through their mouths rather than their noses may have difficulty with nasal congestion or airway obstruction.

Daytime fatigue—Chronic tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and poor academic performance may result from disrupted sleep due to airway issues.

Sleep disturbances—Restless sleep, frequent waking, night sweats, or bedwetting can be linked to sleep-disordered breathing.

ADHD-like symptoms—Airway problems may mimic attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, including impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity.

Facial abnormalities—Underdeveloped jaws, recessed chins, open bites, or crowded teeth can be indicative of airway issues.

Key components

Diagnosis and screening: Dentists and orthodontists trained in airway orthodontics carefully evaluate a child’s dental and medical history, conduct comprehensive examinations, and may utilize advanced diagnostic tools like cephalometric X-rays or 3D imaging to assess airway patency and function.

Early intervention: Early detection and intervention are crucial in airway orthodontics. Identifying and treating airway issues in childhood can help guide jaw growth, promote proper breathing, and potentially prevent more severe problems later in life.

Non-invasive treatments: Airway orthodontics emphasizes non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical approaches whenever possible. Orthodontic appliances, such as expanders or myofunctional devices, are used to guide jaw growth, widen the dental arches, and improve nasal breathing.

Life-changing benefits

Airway orthodontics has the potential to transform lives by addressing the underlying causes of airway issues. Schedule a consultation at neosmiles.com today for a full airway and orthodontics evaluation.

PSD School Choice second-round application period opens

IT’S NOT TOO LATE to apply to Poudre School District’s School Choice program! The second-round is now open for families who missed the first-round application period.

PSD has a wide array of fantastic schools that offer that fit students’ interests and needs.

PSD’s School Choice program allows families to select the school that best meets their child’s educational needs based on space availability and eligibility requirements. An application is required to attend a school that is not a student’s neighborhood

school or to attend a choice-only school.

Second-round applications are based on priority ranking and the date and time of when the application was submitted. They are placed on the waitlist after first-round applicants within the applicable priority ranking.

Learn more on the School Options and Choice web page.>> https://www. psdschools.org/schools/ school-options-choice

Those with questions about the School Choice policies or procedures may email choice@ psdschools.org.

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS WITH PSD’S HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING GUIDE

Whether your plans include a two-year or four-year college, military service, heading straight into the workforce—or you’re hoping to figure out what you want to do next in high school— PSD has options for you.

PSD is Northern Colorado’s premier school system for career and college readiness, with multiple CTE options and more than half of PSD students graduating with free college credit. Find your right fit with the guide on PSD’s website!>> https://www.

psdschools.org/academics/ high-school-planning-guide Explore pathways, graduate with options:

• Earn multiple college credits at no cost to you or your family

• Explore several career pathways and discover your calling

• Graduate high school with an associate degree

• Learn job-ready skills through CTE options

• Earn credits through work-based learning with 225+ businesses to choose from

• Take your first year of college courses while PSD covers tuition

Jennifer Kingston, 1994 Thompson Valley High School Graduate

What have you been doing since graduation, and what is your proudest accomplishment?

My life has been full since high school. I attended college, married, and have 2 amazing children. I started out as a substitute teacher, then was hired and started working at Monroe Elementary School. I ended my 10 years at Monroe as the secretary, when I was offered an opportunity to work at the district office working in Learning Services. Eventually, I moved to my current role in Safety and Security. This is my 18th year in TSD. My proudest accomplishment is my kids!

What is your best memory of school?

Some of my best memories of school were at Thompson Valley High School. The staff and students made it so much fun to attend school.

What do you know now that you wish your younger self had known?

That I was capable of so much more than I ever thought. Life is about balance. Once you learn how to balance what is important in your life, things become easier.

What advice would you give to students in school now?

Never stop! If you get frustrated, that is okay, but failure is NOT an option.

Take care of yourself and be kind to yourself. Hold yourself accountable. The saying, show me your friends and I will show you your future—it’s true! Everyone in this world needs support, choose wisely.

If you could wave a magic wand and change something about your school years, what would it be?

I would make it last a little longer. I wish I would have cherished the time more; it was a wonderful experience for me.

How did school prepare you for what you are doing now?

Schooling has helped me be accountable and successful. What I learned the most is to have self-pride, work hard, and help all.

What do you hope to accomplish in the future?

I hope to accomplish a sense of pride and success in the young students in our district. Our district is amazing, and I hope to accomplish the simple goal to inspire students to love learning. Time goes fast—enjoy!!

THERESA BAER

Valentines , snow fun, and medication disposal

LOVELAND VALENTINE PROGRAM

Hurry to get your valentines postmarked from the Sweetheart City! The Loveland Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Postal Service have partnered for 78 years to provide their internationally renowned Valentine Remailing Program and it is the largest of its kind in the nation. In addition to sending your own valentines with the special Loveland postmark, you can also purchase this year’s card design at $12 each which includes processing, postage, shipping and inscribing, if you so desire. Blank cards are also available. This year’s deadlines are February

1 to mail internationally; February 5 to mail within the continental U.S.; and February 7 to mail within the state of Colorado. View the design, available inscription and make purchases of this year’s card online at loveland.org/purchasevalentine-cards.

SKIING AND TUBING IN WINDSOR? YEE-HAW!

A new family-friendly snow attraction has come to northern Colorado. Hoedown Hill, a 12acre tubing, skiing and snowboarding destination, is located next to RainDance Resort at 1775 RainDance National Drive, in Windsor. Touted as having North America’s

longest tubing run at nearly 1,200 feet, visitors of all ages can also experience skiing, snowboarding, a ski and ride school and two terrain parks at an affordable price. No rental gear is available onsite–visitors are directed to visit their exclusive rental partner, Mountain Rentals in Loveland, for gear. Hoedown Hill is open five days per week (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) with day and night passes available. To get the full scoop and reserve your time, visit hoedownhill.com.

GREELEY HOMELESSNESS UPDATE

The City of Greeley’s Housing and Homeless Solutions Department hosted its first community meeting of the new year last month. The intent of the meeting was to share an update on the city’s homelessness initiatives as well as ways to either get involved to end homelessness or connect with organizations providing resources to those in need. For those unable to attend, a video recording of the presentation will be posted to the city’s Speak Up Greeley website after February 9 at SpeakUpGreeley. com. This online engagement site also provides residents an opportunity to tell the City what you think about the homelessness initiatives and other projects/

matters going on in Greeley. To learn more about Greeley homelessness, visit www. greeleygov.com/homeless andhousingservices.

PROPER MEDICATION DISPOSAL KEEPS FAMILIES SAFE

According to TakeMedsSeriously.org, the online resource for the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, “The abuse of prescription medicine is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States, particularly among teens. Nearly 224,000 Coloradans misuse prescription drugs each year.” You can do your part to prevent further misuse by learning to safely use, store and dispose of prescription medications. Properly disposing of expired or unused medications eliminates not only the possibility of the medications being misused (keeping your family safe) but also protects the environment as medication flushed down toilets can enter our drinking water and potentially harming humans and wildlife. Visit takemedsseriously.org/ safe-disposal to learn what is accepted and view an interactive map and/or list of the 30+ secure takeback boxes in northern Colorado or the 300+ available statewide.

Community Calendar

February events

FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

FEBRUARY 2 THROUGH 19

Fort Collins BookFest

Presented by Poudre Libraries, this annual event features literary activities for all ages. Youth-specific events Feb. 10 and 19. focobookfest.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Sweetheart Festival

Live ice carving, art demos, music/dance, kid zone, community mural, more. Downtown LV. www.visitloveland.com/ sweetheartfestival

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Loveland Valentine’s Day Group Wedding/Vow Renewal

Takes place on the ice prior to Eagles Hockey Game. Blue Arena, LV. www. valentinesdayinloveland.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Little Shop of Physics Open House

Free science fun for all ages. CSU Lory Student Center, FC. www.lsop.colostate.edu/ open-house

Freezy Daze

THERESA BAER

Winter shoppingland with BOGO deals, live ice and wood sculptors, artisan booths, etc. Downtown GR. www.facebook.com/ events/1071463007315500

ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS THROUGH FEBRUARY 24

Eagle Watch

Bald eagles from the north make Fort Collins their winter home. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov. com/events

FEBRUARY 2 THROUGH MAY 25

Collections: Unexpected Treasures

Exhibition/examination of unusual collections and motivation behind. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, FC. www.globalvillagemuseum.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra: Our Blue Marble Immersive 4D performance will deepen your connection to our planet. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com

Mountainfilm on Tour Adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated from Telluride Mountainfilm Festival. Rialto Theater, LV. www.Lovgov.org/Mountainfilm

FEBRUARY 3 AND 4

Brick Fest Live Nation’s largest touring LEGO brick-themed event with life sized models, hands-on activities and attractions. The Ranch, LV. www.treventscomplex.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience Songs, stories and videos are brought to the stage. With video of Johnny. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com

FEBRUARY 8 THROUGH APRIL 7

Crazy For You® A zany rich-boy-meetshometown-girl romantic comedy. Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown. www. coloradocandlelight.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Call of the Wild Multi-media adventure based on the beloved Jack London novel. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. www.lctix.com

Global Adventures: Chinese New Year Dinner at Hunan Chinese Cuisine with speakers sharing stories of experiences/travels in China. Hunan Chinese Cuisine, FC. www.globalvillagemuseum.org

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Skygazing

Northern Colorado Astronomical Society volunteers provide telescopes and share knowledge of stars, planets, galaxies, etc. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events

STOMP

International percussion sensation for all ages. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com

Black Opry Revue

Showcasing the stories that Black artists offer to country, folk and blues. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. www.lctix.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17

The Three Little Pigs Opera Performed by the Loveland Opera Theatre for all ages. Loveland Public Library, LV. www.lovlib.org/events

FEBRUARY 16 AND 17

The Stampede Troupe: Night at the Wax Museum

Hysterical meets the historical. Hensel Phelps

Theatre, GR. ucstars. showare.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

The Marshall Tucker Band

The U.S.’s first truly progressive Southern Rock ban. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www. ucstars.showare.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Airplay

Umbrellas fly, fabrics soar, balloons swallow people and snow swirls, filling the stage. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com

FEBRUARY 24 AND 25

NoCo Theatrix: The Marvelous Wonderettes

Off-Broadway hit takes you to the 1958 prom. Hensel Phelps Theatre, GR. ucstars. showare.com

ACTIVE-ITIES

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Family Art Challenge: Magnificent Magnets Families work together to create a piece of art for library display. Clearview Library, WS. www.clearview. libnet.info/event/ 9715102

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Winter Bike to Work (or Wherever) Day

Free breakfast and mechanic stations for safety checks and minor adjustments. Around FC. www.fcgov.com/ bicycling/bike-to-work-day

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Sweetheart Classic 4-Miler All ages. Downtown LV. www.sweetheartcityracing. com/events

Run Love 5K & 10K

frontrangefreeze.com

Winter Walk: Animal Tracking

Join volunteer naturalists searching for signs of wildlife that call this region their home. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, FC.

www.fcgov.com/events

FEBRUARY 15 AND 17

Winter Walk: Prairie Dog February Frenzy

Observe and discuss prairie dog behavior. Coyote Ridge Natural Area, FC.

www.fcgov.com/events

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Postpartum Depression (PPD)

By Dr. Monique Larson, DAOM

Having a baby is an exciting time for a new mother that brings with it many changes. When a woman goes through the birthing process, there are many different physical, emotional, and lifestyle shifts that occur. Some women may experience the “baby blues” two to three days after childbirth. Symptoms vary from crying unexpectedly, mood swings, feelings of anxiety or depression, and difficulty sleeping, to name a few. These symptoms can subside, but for some women they are more severe and longer lasting, a condition known as Postpartum Depression (PPD). It is important to understand that PPD is not a fault or a mental weakness, but a common complication of giving birth that can be treated.

In Chinese medicine, the birthing process is an active time known as a “yang state” where the body is warm, the energy is full, and body fluids are at a high level. After the birthing process, the body becomes more “yin” in nature; the body’s temperature decreases and there is a loss of blood and fluids, causing the vital substances and energy to become deficient. The more deficient a woman feels, the harder it is to feel stable as a new mother. An acupuncturist can help by identifying the specific organ imbalance and applying an individualized treatment plan, using modalities such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary recommendations. With these tools, we can nourish the body and bring it back into balance.

Symptoms of PPD include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, weight issues, lack of concentration, hopelessness, insomnia, mood disorders, irritability, fatigue, menstruation disorders, thyroid disorders, digestive issue, physical pain, hemorrhoids, restlessness, or unwanted thoughts. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a natural and effective approach to healing.

Having support during this pivotal time is invaluable as it supports a woman with her new foundation for both her and her family. Please feel free to contact the Traditional Chinese Medical Clinic for any Postpartum Depression and Postpartum support at www.tcmclinic.org

Dr. Monique Larson, DAOM

Time out

weekends

During winter break, I took my teen daughter and three of her friends on a staycation to Estes Park. We went on a ghost tour, went out to eat, they sat in the hot tub, and I hid in my room of the rented vacation home watching episodes of Better Call Saul. Yes, of course, they had fun, but I also learned that just spending time away from their normal lives had lots of other benefits.

My daughter and I have always loved traveling and going on adventures together, whether we are treating ourselves to dinner or taking a trip to another state. As a person, I’ve always valued experiences more than I value items; as a parent, I can see that giving my daughter adventures of travel and new experiences has benefits beyond measure.

Trying new things, visiting new places, and experiencing new cultures and

settings expands the mind and view of the world. When we see what’s “normal” in another place or culture, we learn and become more open-minded. We also feel more comfortable in new and different experiences. We’re less scared of the unknown.

It’s good for kids to experience people who are different from themselves and those with whom they most often spend time. Sure, they experience these types of diversity in school, on teams, and in other local experiences, but when they are far away from their “bubble” physically on top of being around people who are different

from them, the stakes are higher–as is the learning. Being, in a situation in which they only knew each other, created some bonding they could not have experienced in the same way at home. A former colleague of mine used to say, “the best way to ensure you have good kids is to make sure they have good friends.” I buy it. One of the most important things for developing brains and bodies is emotional support and belonging; having a solid circle of people plays a big part in this process. Learning to trust others with your feelings, secrets, and learning that there are people in the world who love and enjoy you when you’re your genuine, weird self, is essential in life…and a skill many don’t learn until

adulthood. I am learning that suggesting and creating experiences that allow my daughter to bond with her friends promotes and supports her selfesteem and happiness.

But these teenage girls were not the only ones who bonded. I was able to create connections with the three friends in a way I believe matters. I don’t have any inclinations to be friends with my daughter’s friends in the same way she is, but I do value being a trusted adult in their lives. And I hope my daughter feels that way about some of her friends’ moms.

Finally, let’s not forget that adventures are fun. And that’re reason enough to do them. They give us fun memories, great stories, and the drive to do more.