RMParent March 2016

MARCH 2016 • RMPARENT.COM

Soothing

TEETHING PAINS

Go fly

Spring Break!

TAKE A FAMILY TRIP OR TRY A STAYCATION

a kite

Get physical INDOORS Region's

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Family Calendar!

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MARCH 2016

Departments PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

On the road, again—like a band of gypsies we go

FIRST YEARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Take a bite out of teething—soothe your baby with the follow options

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . 10 Get physical indoors—swim, skate, bounce and tag your way to fun

LEARN AND LIVE . . . . . . . . . . 12 Fly high with kites—designs and styles for everyone

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14 Learn and play in northern Colorado—classes, resources help residents do both

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

Involving kids in active citizenship—teach them how to be a part of their community

CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4

Events and activities for parents, kids and families

TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 4

The importance of naps…for parents—why a quick snooze works wonders for a parent’s disposition

Special Section SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

MARCH 2015 • RMPARENT.COM

Enrich your child’s Camp Directory

BY CATEGORY PAGE 14 life this summer with ALPHABETICAL PAGE 16 a camp experience.

Spend some time planning together then pick from the many opportunities: day or residential, adventures, tech topics, academics, Summer camps nutrition, athletics, Be safe arts and more. And find out how to keep your family safe when you’re camping and hiking.

EXCITEMENT, ADVENTURE & LEARNING PAGE 8

LIST OF

advertisers PAGE 44

IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS PAGE 12

Features 18 DESTINATION NOCO

Sticking around northern Colorado for Spring Break doesn’t mean you’re in for a dull, boring time. There’s plenty to do in in our own backyard that will leave you feeling like you’ve taken a break from the normal routine.

School District News Greeley-Evans District 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 New principals appointed to District 6 schools, wellness coordinator honored by CEI and Kaiser Permanente

Poudre School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

20 TAKE A SPRING BREAK

Thompson School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

If you are on the fence about going somewhere over spring break, don’t hesitate.

Nothing creates bonds like doing an activity together—laughing and sharing successes or screw-ups. These special times happen easiest when we step out of the everyday.

PSD calendar of events, unified basketball transforms students’ lives, dads volunteer through D.O.G.S. program, FCHS students build electric vehicle

Students attend LEAD conference, dual language immersion programs, Boettcher Scholarship finalists named, leadership conference, unified team wins game, new principal for Garfield, student fundraiser helps parent

Lunchbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

FAMILY TRIP

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

ABOUT THE COVER: Stella, 6, loves dancing and first grade. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com.

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perspective On the road, again

Like a band of gypsies we go

O

h the Spring Break road trip…we always headed south. The year was 1996.

We were getting ready to launch RM Parent magazine and we were thinking that it might be our last big vacation for a while. (And we were right!) Andy was 7 and Aly was 9. So we packed up the Subaru, which had 110,000, and Aly and I headed out for LA. That was a great little trip in itself. We camped in the desert in Utah, stopped for a long lunch in Las Vegas, and rolled into our hotel in LA that night.

Kristin and Andy flew in the next day and we headed south.

What an adventure we were on! We crossed the border at Tijuana in the early afternoon and kept on driving. That night we pulled into a little hotel that seemed far away from anything we knew just as a wrathof-God rain storm was brewing. Our room flooded that night. We kept heading south and spent that night camping on a remote beach on the Pacific Ocean. That’s when Andy got the 104-degree fever. We stopped at a farmacia in the next town, as we crossed from the west coast of the Baja Peninsula to the east coast. A group of women offered lots of advice.

We gave him a little Mejoral (children’s Tylenol) and cooled his head. The fever came down and we carried on.

We picnicked in the desert that day, then took the big drop out of the mountains to the coast at Santa Rosalia. We carried on to Concepcion Bay where we found a quiet little beach with cabana. We camped on that beach for several days. It was a quiet little paradise. We then headed down to Loreto for a couple nights in a hotel. We spent the days playing on the beach and renting kayaks. We hoofed it back up to Santa Rosalia to catch the ferry over to Guaymas, Sonora on the mainland for the shortcut back home. It was in Santa Rosalia that I discovered my debit card would no longer work at the ATM. We were out of Travelers Checques (remember those) and I didn’t have enough cash for the ferry. Oops. Turns out 7-year-old Andy did. So we made the ferry…the kids watched Dumb and Dumber on the monitor and the captain let us look out the window in the control room.

My card worked on the mainland. We spent the last night camping on the beach in Mexico, just outside San Carlos then busted for home the next morning. Andy and I dropped Aly and Kristin off in Phoenix and they flew home and we hammered it with stops at the Grand Canyon and our friends’ tepee near Aspen.

So why the walk down memory lane? Well, what’s not immediately apparent in my itinerary here is all the time we spent talking and playing and being a little scared and laughing together. We all got to know ourselves and each other in ways we never could have had we stayed home.

So take a day, take week and do something over Spring Break with the family. You’ll make more than good memories!

Happy trails…

Scott 6

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MARCH 2016 • Volume 20, Issue 10 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CALENDAR EDITOR Kim Sharpe calendar@rockymountainpub.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION Wendee Brungardt Sharon Klahn, Kyle Moyer COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lea Hanson, Katie Harris, Richard Keller, Lynn U. Nichols, Kim Sharpe

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING 825 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 Voice 221-9210 Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not consitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2016 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

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first years

Take a bite out of teething Sooth your baby with the following options

LY NN U. NICHOLS

I

f you could fill a bucket with all the drool and fussing your baby is doing these days, read on. You likely need tips on teething. Babies drool. It’s what they do as they haven’t learned how to swallow their extra saliva yet, but if your baby’s drool seems more robust than usual, it could mean she is getting ready to pop a tooth. Here are some ways you can soothe her, and hopefully gain some better sleep and more pleasant days.

Babies start showing signs of teething around three months and it continues until around 2 years when they have a full set of teeth. Bottom front teeth come first, followed by the top. Babies get their first pearly white between 5 and 12 months of age. That’s when things get messy and loud with a lot of drooling and fussing. It hurts when teeth push through tender tissue!

Besides, having swollen gums makes it hard to sleep and eat, something your baby might put on hold when a tooth is coming in. Babies also can get lowgrade fevers with teething, up to 101 degrees. Here are some ideas—traditional, homegrown and alternative—on soothing your baby’s pain.

LET HER CHEW Teething babies like to chew on hard and semi-hard objects. Biting down and applying pressure soothes swelling. The object can be as simple as a frozen wash cloth or her favorite natural rubber toy. If you want to get fancy, you can buy teething items specifically made for babies, including wood teethers or mesh teethers—gadgets with handles and a mesh bag for putting frozen fruit inside to raise the taste appeal.

But don’t let her suck on a bottle of formula, milk or juice for hours or at bedtime as this can cause tooth decay.

You can also give her chilled applesauce, slushy juice, a cold spoon to suck on, or even a popsicle. Some moms go 8

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for a big piece of celery, watermelon rind or large carrot, but watch closely to make sure she doesn’t bite off bits that are too big to swallow.

RUB THE GUMS Use a clean finger or knuckle for a quick solution, or a damp washcloth to massage her gums. There are even gum massagers designed for babies that look like mini toothbrushes.

GO NATURAL Visit your local natural foods store and you’ll find several options to soothe your baby’s teething pain. Homeopathic solutions are thought to help as are items containing chamomile. If you can’t make it to the store, brew some chamomile tea, chill it, and then soak a washcloth in it for your baby to chew on.

FREEZE IT Cold helps reduce swelling. You can make slushies of frozen water, chamomile tea or even breast milk in ice cube trays. Turn them into a slushy delight and spoonfeed them to your baby. Or, simply wet a

washcloth, wring it out, and place it the freezer. Let her suck, chew and drool.

WHEN IT GETS BAD, GIVE A PAIN KILLER If she’s especially cranky or if you detect a fever, it’s time to go for the hard stuff.

Try baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen but never aspirin. When needed, use over the counter pain medicine at bedtime as your baby feels the pain more at night.

AVOID NUMBING CREAM Pass on the numbing medication for your baby’s gums. Often saliva washes it away quickly and it may numb your baby’s throat, affecting his natural gag reflex.

WIPE HIS CHIN Drool can cause skin irritation so keep a towel handy!

Like with every stage, this too shall pass. By the time your baby turns into a toddler at 2, you’ll likely be past teething and on to other things, like climbing every object in site, building forts out of your couches and bedding and spinning in circles until he’s giddy.

Enjoy it all—even the drool.

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family activities

Get physical—indoors

Swim, skate, bounce and tag your way to fun KATIE HARRIS

A

fter being cooped up inside all winter, we’re all ready to buckle down and get started on those “get fit” New Year’s Resolutions we made way back in January. The only problem is, unpredictable spring weather can make our get-healthy goals challenging.

Never fear! Indoor recreation and sports centers have been popping up across Colorado in recent years, and there are more options than ever before for indoor exercise the whole family can enjoy.

Battle Zone Arena, 5616 McWhinney Blvd, Loveland offers soft dart combat for all ages. Get more information on this unique indoor activity by calling 970-292-8342 or visiting www.battlezonearena.com.

Chilson Recreation Center, located at 700 E. 4th St, Loveland, features an 8-lane lap pool and hot tub, along with a leisure pool with a lazy river, children’s play area, zero depth entry, and speed slide. Chilson also features three racquetball courts, available by reservation, and an indoor fitness track, weight and cardio equipment. Call 970962-2386 or visit www.ci.loveland.co.us for more information.

Edora Pool and Ice Center (EPIC), located at 1801 Riverside, Fort Collins, features a 50-meter pool, complete with four diving boards, a warm water pool, and a wading pool.

In addition, EPIC’s two indoor ice skating rinks are available for skating year round, with public skate hours.

A cardio/weight room is also available for public use at EPIC. For more information and hours of operation call 970-221-6683, or visit www.fcgov.com/ recreation/epic.php.

The Edge Sports Center, at 4450 Denrose Ct, Fort Collins, is open for batting practice in batting cages, tunnels, and bullpens. To utilize the facility call 970-472-0048, or visit 10

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www.edgesportscenter.com for details.

Think outside the box with a trip to Fly High Trampoline Park, located at 218 Smokey St. in Fort Collins. A foam pit, dodgeball, and wall-to-wall trampolines will keep kids and grown-ups alike entertained for hours. For details visit www.flyhightrampolinepark.com or call 970-305-5300.

Visit the Greeley Recreation Center at 651 10th Ave. or the Family FunPlex at 1501 65th Ave. for family fun in Greeley.

The rec center offers a rock climbing wall, two gymnasiums, racquetball courts, and a swimming pool. In addition to a fitness center, the FunPlex features an indoor waterpark with warm water, multiple slides, and fountains. Visit www.greeley gov.com or call 970-350-9400 for more information on both centers.

Jumpin’ in Loveland (6065 Sky Pond Dr, Unit N118) offers jumping in the form of bounce houses. Visit www. jumpinfun.com or call 970-776-9756 for more information on how you, too,

can jump out that pent up energy!

The Summit (4455 Fairgrounds Ave, Windsor) offers laser tag and bowling. Visit them online at www. thesummitwindsor.com or call them at 970-663-6363.

Loveland Laser Tag features laser tag, laser maze, and ropes course. More information can be found at www. laserfuncenter.com or by calling 970663-9999.

The Windsor Recreation Center at 250 N. 11th St. in Windsor offers open gym daily, with varying hours.

During this time, the gym will be open to all ages with basketball played on one side, and volleyball nets set up if space allows. Preschool open gym takes place on various days throughout the week and is an opportunity for parents and children to play together with equipment such as gym mats, beanbags and balls. For a current listing of hours visit www.windsorgov.com/668/CRCOpen-Gym or call 970-674-3500.

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learn and live

Fly high with kites Designs and styles for everyone

KIM SHARPE

Where to buy kites:

Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys 111 N. College Ave., 970-224-2866 or www.clothespony.com Hobby Town 3500 S. College Ave., FC. 970-226-3900 or www.hobbytown.com Into The Wind 1408 Pearl St., Boulder. 303-449-5906 or www.intothewind.com

Where to learn more about kiting: Rocky Mountain Kite Association https://sites.google.com/site/rocky mountainkiteassociation/ milehikite@yahoogroups.com American Kitefliers Association www.kite.org

D

o you like the wind? Have you ever wanted to fly like a bird?

Then flying a kite might be a hobby for you!

Kites were invented in China during the 5th century (401-500 BC) as a way to communicate with people far away. Made of paper, silk and bamboo, they were used during wartimes to signal that a city was under siege.

Todd Cornell, assistant director of CSU China programs, says it was during the 7th century and the Tang Dynasty, when “kites became prettier and more intricate, decorated with calligraphy or made in the shapes of different animals.”

Paul Glasspoole, coordinator of the Rocky Mountain Kite Association (RMKA), explains that now, there are four kinds of kites. There is a basic single line kite, the kind many people make as kids.

Next is a dual line kite, which you can control left or right. “The majority of people 12

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fly these,” he says. “They’re also known as stunt kites. Four-line kites are called Revolution or power kites. They are named that because they pull you and are usually attached to a kite buggy [that rolls across the ground]. I tried one out recently in Nevada and got going 48.8mph!” The fourth type is a depower kite which can lift you off the ground so you sail. They most commonly are used on beaches by the ocean.

Pat Hendrick, a kite enthusiast who travels the world with her kite, says, “It’s so great to teach kids something like kite flying. It can be quite powerful and helps to bond with them. It’s about creating memories and bonding and it spans generations.”

Cornell thinks, “Flying kites is fun, relaxing and a neat way to get outdoors and connect with nature.”

If you want to learn to fly a kite, it’s the perfect time of year to do so.

March’s windy weather is traditionally associated with flying kites and April is

National Kite Month.

Rick Hypes, a member of the RMKA, says, “If you go to a park and see someone flying a kite, just talk to them.

Kite flyers are a pretty gregarious group.

Chances are they’ll show you how to fly.”

Glasspoole says that RMKA members get together almost every Sunday of the year at parks along the front range. “When someone new shows up, we teach them how to fly and give them kites to use.”

You also might consider attending a kite festival. Hendrick says, the best one is in Fano, Denmark, but since that might be a bit far to travel, you can enjoy Kites in the Park on May 15 in Fort Collins’ Spring Canyon Community Park, 2626 W. Horsetooth Road. It’s a free event hosted by the City of Fort Collins and the Confucius Center at CSU, and will feature kite flying, demonstrations, competitions and kite making. (www.fcgov. com/recreation/kites.php).

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS

Fly a Kite

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community news

Learn and play in northern Colorado Classes, resources help residents do both

KIM SHARPE

To truly appreciate the location where you live, it’s important to understand more about it. That’s why Larimer County offers a course about its inner workings to adult residents through each calendar year. The first class of 2016 is getting ready to begin.

Another way to appreciate a place is to experience it, like going camping and playing in a park or playground. NoCo offers great places to do it all.

LARIMER COUNTY 101 If you live in Larimer County, you might want to better understand how its government works. To do that, take a Larimer County 101 (LC101), a nine-week, free class introducing Larimer County residents to County services and the people who provide them. The sessions meet on Thursday evenings March 24-May 19, 6-9pm, in and around Fort Collins.

You can apply online at the County’s Larimer 101 web page: http://larimer .org/news/larimer101.htm. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, February 24. Information about previous classes also is available on the web page.

The class size is limited so that interaction and dialogue can occur. Those who can meet on all class dates will be given first priority. Larimer County will strive to choose participants based on a wide geographic scope representing the county.

Session leaders strive to make 101 classes as interactive as possible. Sessions are held in several County facility locations: downtown Fort Collins, The Ranch, the Sheriff ’s Office, Alternative Sentencing, Community Corrections, and the Landfill. The concept was designed to provide participants with an inside look at the workings of Larimer County government and the services provided. Participants will be asked to role play County Planning scenarios, 14

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brain-storm Public Works resource issues, make decisions on challenging Human Service issues, and more. Participants will interact with each other, elected County officials and staff.

Topics covered include: the County’s budget; elections; how land use decisions are made; navigating the criminal justice system; building roads and bridges; understanding Human Services and public health; jobs and the Workforce Center; Larimer County’s history; the Virtual Courthouse, the website; how property taxes are assessed; how the Coroner’s Office operates; a look at the Sheriff ’s Office, District Attorney’s Office; and more.

For more information or a hardcopy application, contact Michelle Bird, business operations coordinator, 970498-7015, mbird@larimer.org or Tom Clayton, public information, 970-4987005, tclayton@larimer.org.

CAMPSITES, PARKS FILLING FAST FOR SUMMER FUN If you’re planning on camping in one of Larimer County’s natural areas or having a party at a Loveland city park, make your reservations now. The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources and the City of Loveland anticipate another busy summer at its campgrounds and parks.

Larimer County offers camping at Horsetooth, Flatiron and Pinewood reservoirs; Carter Lake; and Hermit Park Open Space. In addition to tent and RV campsites, Larimer County offers camper cabins at Horsetooth Reservoir and Hermit Park, tipis at Flatiron Reservoir and an Airstream trailer at Horsetooth Reservoir.

Campgrounds at Horsetooth Reservoir are already full for the July 4 weekend and almost full other weekends in early summer. Other campgrounds are filling

fast. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance, so many of the County’s most popular campsites are already full through early July at all campgrounds.

“If you plan to make a reservation, remember that 180-day window,” says Reservation Specialist Brad Frye. “Early summer weekends are nearly full, so think ahead when making reservations for later this summer. Or plan a midweek stay when campgrounds are quieter and lots of great campsite options are still available.”

To make a reservation, please visit www.larimercamping.com or call (800) 397-7795. For additional information on entrance fees, campground amenities, reservoirs, open spaces and more, visit www.larimer.org/naturalresources or call (970) 619-4570.

In Loveland, reservations are being accepted for park gazebos, pavilions and shelters. You may reserve a space in person at the City of Loveland Parks & Recreation Administration Office (500 E. Third St., Ste. 200) or online through the City’s WebTrac reservation system (www.cityofloveland.org/webtrac).

Many special events are held in the parks each year, and it is best to have a reservation before sending out invitations or promoting those special events. If you have any questions about the various park locations, capacities or requirements, call 970-962-2727, Monday-Friday, 8am4:30pm, or see more information online at www.cityofloveland.org/parks.

universally accessible, the playground represents American West and Native American themes that give a nod to the historical significance of Island Grove Regional Park,” says Boyd referring to a trading fort, tipis, buffalo, pottery and river representations that will be incorporated throughout the playground.

For information and to see playground renderings visit www.AvensVillage.com.

The next Club Z! awards will be presented in May 2016. Nominations are due April 15. For applications and more information, www.clubztutoring.com.

LOCAL STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT Three Poudre School District students have been awarded a Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Annual Achievement Award. Open to all northern Colorado students grades 5-12 with varying levels of talents and abilities, the Club Z! Annual Achievement Award recognizes academic performance, service, merit and achievement.

Ashley Castaneda, a Poudre High School senior in Fort Collins, was selected as an Honorable Mention award winner for the club’s National Award.

She was presented with a cash prize of $500 to honor her perseverance and strong spirit in the face of adversity.

Gustavo Lagunas Castaneda from Boltz Middle School and Annika Mahler from Rocky Mountain High School each were awarded $100 scholarships.

All three students were nominated by teachers and counselors.

GREELEY PLAYGROUND GETS MAKEOVER The City of Greeley Parks Division recently removed 20-year-old playground equipment located at the future site of Aven’s Village at Island Grove Regional Park.

“A break in the weather [in January] allowed the ground to thaw enough to begin demolition of the old structures in preparation for the new playground,” says Parks Planner Sarah Boyd. “Once the snow melts, we’ll begin removing existing pea gravel for grade preparation and concrete work.”

Boyd says playground equipment has been ordered and she’s continuing to assess each and every detail associated with the playground’s construction.

“Aside from having a goal of being RMPARENT

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healthy living

Involving kids in active citizenship Teach them how to be a part of their community LEA HANSON

Get involved

W

ith the Presidential elections right around the corner, adults are not the only ones who will be soon surrounded by campaign propaganda. There may not be a better time to have conversations with our kids about citizenship: what it is, why it is important, and how they can impact their communities by knowing about it.

Just as children must be taught to tie their shoes, read and write, solve math problems, and understand science concepts and events in history, so must they be guided in developing the qualities of character that are valued by their families and by the communities in which they live.

Citizenship means being a member of and supporting one’s community and country. Voting, conserving natural resources, and taking care of oneself, our community, and our world are all part of citizenship.

Although young people cannot yet vote, local and national governments make policy decisions every day, on health, education, and welfare issues that have large impacts on the lives of children and young people.

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Research reveals that participating in community service programs and learning about the importance and value of serving others can have a powerful influence on positive character development. As parents, we all want our children to grow up to be responsible citizens and good people.

We want them to learn to feel, think and act with respect for themselves and for other people. We want them to pursue their own well-being, while also being considerate of the needs and feelings of others. We want them to recognize and honor the democratic principles upon which our country was founded. We want them, in short, to develop strong character.

Knowing about who is running for President of the United States is one thing, but knowing about issues in our own local communities can be just as (if not more) important and are more accessible to kids. In order to introduce your child to local government and the types of issues they work on, one of the best ways to educate your child may be to bring him or her with you to a local or state elected official’s listening session or council

Activities that foster citizenship in children: • Take your child with you when you vote.

• Ask your child to describe what would happen if there were no rules or laws at home, in school, in traffic or against stealing, attacking, etc.

• Participate in community-building activities, such as cleaning up parks and assisting with school activities.

• Have kids read, analyze and debate newspaper articles on various topics concerning civic life.

• Visit historical museums, monuments, and/or national parks.

• Discuss taxes and why our local, state and national governments need income for police, firemen, prisons, roads, etc.

• Encourage kids to participate in community service projects such as recycling, picking up litter, and volunteering for other worthwhile projects.

• Encourage your child to write a letter to local, state, or national official on a topic that is important to your family.

meeting/hearing.

Fort Collins City Council meetings are the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 6pm. You can watch in person at City Hall or stream the meeting online or on local cable channel 14 Greeley City Council meetings are the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month 6:30pm at 1025 9th Avenue, Greeley.

Loveland City Council meetings are the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 6pm at the City Council Chambers, 500 East Third Street, Loveland. You can also watch the meetings via live video feed at: www.ci.loveland.co.us

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Destination

Destination NoCo

NoCo

Take a spring break staycation in your own back yard...

Kim Sharpe

W

hile frolicking on a warm, sunny beach may sound like the perfect spring break activity, especially after our recent snowy weather, a tropical vacation is not in the budget for most families; staying close to home will be the plan for the majority. But sticking around doesn’t mean you’re in for a dull, boring time. There’s plenty to do in northern Colorado that will leave you feeling like you’ve taken a break from the normal routine.

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A NATURAL CHOICE One of NoCo’s biggest attractions is the great outdoors. Rivers and recreation trails run through it. The mountains are a stone’s throw away.

If a wild outdoor adventure is what you’re seeking, learn where you can explore nature by visiting the following websites:

• Fort Collins Parks, www.fcgov.com/parks • Loveland Parks & Recreation, www.city ofloveland.org/parks

• Greeley Parks, www.greeleygov.com/ activities/parks • Larimer County’s Parks and Open Lands, www.larimer.org/naturalresources

If you don’t mind driving for about an hour, Rocky Mountain National Park (www.rockymountainnationalpark. com) is just up the road in Estes Park.

And Lumpy Ridge, a world-renowned rock-climbing mecca known for its majestic granite slabs, has miles of hiking trails. A popular Lumpy Ridge

hike leads to Gem Lake. The trail often is free from snow during early spring months. (www.rockymountainhiking trails.com/lumpy-ridge-loop.htm) STEP BACK IN TIME Cowboys and Indians. Pioneers and the old west. There is so much history right where we walk every day. To learn more about how the west was won and developed, you can visit several museums.

In Greeley, Centennial Village Museum, Greeley History Museum, Meeker Home Museum and White-Plumb Farm Learning Center are treasure troves of historical relics and facts. Find details about hours of operation and entrance fees online at www.greeleymuseums.com.

The Colorado Model Railroad Museum at the Greeley Freight station (www.cmrm.org) offers a look at how the iron horse helped settle the west.

And Greeley’s Missile Site Park takes visitors back into the Cold War Era of national defense. It is a former nuclear warhead site constructed in 1961, which was controlled by the Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Call 970-381-7451 or go online to www.co.weld.co.us/Depart ments/BuildingsandGrounds/Missile SitePark.html for information about free guided tours.

Stroll through time when you stroll through the Boxelder Schoolhouse and Auntie Stone’s Cabin, both located at Library Park in Fort Collins (www. fcmod.org) or the Avery House (www. poudrelandmarks.com). Franklin Avery, one of the city’s founding fathers and founder of First National Bank built the Avery House in 1879. A tour through this elegant family home will help you imagine what life was like in Fort Collins around the turn of the 20th century.

Another historic treat is a visit to the John and Inez Romero House Museum or The Museo de las Tres Colonias (www.museodelastrescolonias.org). This adobe brick structure, built in 1927, honors the Hispanic immigrants who moved to northern Colorado to work in the sugar beet fields.

The Estes Park Museum (www. estesparkmuseumfriends.org) is another history hot spot where you can learn

about the Estes Valley from the Ice Age through today.

Celebrate our area’s rural heritage by visiting The Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum and the McCarty-Fickel Home, both located in Berthoud (www. berthoudhistoricalsociety.org).

GET CULTURAL Northern Colorado offers a variety of ways for people to enjoy world-class cultural events. Several venues attract performers, musicians, entertainers and artists from all over the world. Many make their home here.

The Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley houses the Monfort Concert Hall and the Hensel Phelps Theater.

Both host some of the best professional cultural events in the area. Learn more at www.ucstars.com.

Loveland’s Rialto Theater opened in 1920 as a silent-film theater. Today, the Rialto’s historic charm makes it one of northern Colorado’s premier performing arts venue. For a list of scheduled events and ticket information, visit www.rialto theatercenter.org or call 970-962-2120.

The City of Loveland also is known for its visual art collections. The Loveland Museum Gallery hosts exhibits from around the globe. It also holds

art classes for kids and adults on a year-round basis. Learn more at www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org or by calling 970-962-2410.

In Fort Collins, art connoisseurs and inquiring minds alike will enjoy the exhibits at the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art. As an added bonus, the museum is offering free kids art activities every Saturday through midMarch. Visit www.ftcma.org or call 970482-2787 for more information.

If you’re interested in international folk art, the Global Village Museum (www.globalvillagemuseum.org) in downtown Fort Collins is a must see.

All of the museum’s exhibits and special events strive to “…inspire visitors to learn more about world cultures, people, art, and history in order to promote understanding and peace.”

Your family may enjoy touring around our culture-rich communities to view various sculptures and other artistic attractions, such as the Benson Sculpture Garden (www.sculptureinthepark. org/garden) in Loveland. The cities of Fort Collins and Greeley have maps that note where public art can be found.

Download the maps from their websites at www.fcgov.com/artspublic and www. greeleygov.com/activities/public-art.

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Take a sprin

g br e a

k f am

il y

You’re apt to feel more excited, calm, affectionate and sillier than at home

tri p

…

Lynn U. Nichols

Q

uick, think of a childhood memory. Did it involve a family vacation? Often, adults have fond memories of family travels. We tend to remember these moments more vividly than others. Maybe it’s because when we travel we experience new things, and the first time we see something it often sticks in our minds. Sharing firsttime experiences helps bond families together as does setting ourselves loose of daily obligations.

If you are on the fence about going somewhere over spring break, don’t hesitate. Nothing creates bonds like doing an activity together—laughing and sharing successes or screw-ups. These special times happen easiest when we step out of the everyday. A Disney Time Survey of 1,000 people found that quality family time increases while on vacation.

Not only did family members say they were more likely to learn something new about each other, they also said they were more apt to feel excited, calm, affectionate and sillier than if they were home. So do it! You’ve got a lot to gain.

READY, SET, CONNECT! Travelling, whether by plane or car, often provides ample time to simply sit and be together, something that rarely happens in real life. Use this time to connect by sharing family stories, reminisc20

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ing about your childhood and theirs, and discussing whatever random topic pops in your heads. In other words, now is your chance to tell your kids about your quirky Aunt Hilda or your best friend in first grade—or to finally explain why the sky is blue.

MAKE A BUCKET LIST It’s also a time to make a family bucket list. Make a wish list of things you want to do together while on spring break or during the coming summer, and in future years. Let everyone add as many items as they like, no matter how unreachable or silly they might be. You’ll be surprised what your family comes up with—and the list will reflect what your family values.

You might even form a few new family rituals, like returning to a favorite hiking or camping spot or always playing an epic game of family softball together when you visit the cousins in Kansas.

“Traveling together is a way to develop family rituals and routines which increase family stability,” says Andrea Holt, a licensed marriage and family therapist with Poudre Valley Health System’s Family Medicine Center.

PLAY TOGETHER, STAY TOGETHER Just as you and your spouse need a date night now and

THREE GREAT SPRING BREAK FLINGS Moab, Utah

7-hour drive www.discovermoab.com Hankering for the Grand Canyon but it’s too far? Go to Moab instead, especially if you love mountain biking, jeeping and camping, if the weather allows in Arches and Canyonlands Parks. The red rocks, arches and canyons will reset your stress button.

1

San Diego, California

2-hour flight or 16-hour drive www.sandiego.org It’s always 78 degrees in San Diego, no matter what month it is—that’s what people say, anyways. And prices on discount airlines like Frontier and Spirit are often affordable. Get a condo at Mission Beach and try surfing or just walk the boardwalk and visit the shops and restaurants.

2

then to fortify your marriage, your family needs time alone to strengthen its bonds. Creating a strong family base for your kids gives them a solid launching pad for life. Imagine that each time you spend quality hours together you are hammering another nail to strengthen that base. Road trips provide a chance for families to connect through playing together—something that our busy lives don’t always allow.

“There are a lot of fun games to pass the time, like counting how many blue cars you see or playing car bingo,” says Holt.

Kids love to see their parents play and be lighthearted— in other words, act more like kids.

GET OUTSIDE—FOR THE HEALTH OF IT According to studies cited by the national Children and Nature Network (CNN) (www.childrenandnature.org), kids’ stress levels drop within minutes of seeing green spaces. A study by a researcher at the University of Illinois supports this, finding that people who lived near green spaces cope better with everyday stress, are less aggressive, concentrate better and are more able to manage problems.

Outside time and unstructured play often go handin-hand. Did you know the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends kids get 60 minutes of unstructured, free

Santa Fe, New Mexico

7-hour drive www. santafe.org If your idea of fun is getting in some culture and seeing visual or performance art, Santa Fe is for you. Lots of adobe, history, great restaurants, and art museums await. Highlights include The Plaza and the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, among several others.

3 play every day? That’s because it’s good for developing kids’ brains and bodies.

“Unstructured play is hugely important. Studies on elementary kids show imaginary play is a large part of brain development. Kids who are allowed ample opportunities for unstructured play learn how to negotiate relationships and how to think critically and problem solve,” Holt says.

LET THERE BE JUNK FOOD While junk food may not be your regular choice, it’s a great break from the usual while travelling. Let everyone pick a favorite treat for the drive or plane ride, and relax rules a bit while you’re gone. Relaxing certain rules while on vacation helps siblings connect. They feel like they are getting away with something together.

Take turns deciding how you’ll spend your days. Of course mom or dad should create the structure for the trip, but letting kids choose between a hike around town or in the hills, or whether or not to leave the pool or stay for another hour helps everyone feel heard and respected.

Just do it! Plan a get-away whether it’s for a weekend skiing or a week road tripping to a warmer destination.

It’s a great way to invest in your family.

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& 12 Runs

Book your Rocky Mountain

n t e u v d re!

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970-881-2450

BeaverMeadows.com

info@beavermeadows.com

Celebrating 40 years, in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

GREELEY-EVANS YOUTH LEAGUE

2016 Summer Baseball & Girls’ Fast-Pitch Softball Baseball Teams age 6 to 17 • Softball Teams age 6 to 16 REGISTRATION DEADLINE MARCH 31 Register online at www.geyl.org

Volunteer Coaches Register Now Email your name, and requested age division to mimi@geyl.org.

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

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

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

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greeley-evans district 6 news Wellness Coordinator honored by CEI and Kaiser

Rachel Hurshman, wellness coordinator for District 6, is a recipient of the Kaiser Thriving Schools Honor Roll award.

She will receive the award at the 2016 Colorado Healthy Schools Summit in Denver on Friday, March 4.

The award recognizes individuals who are championing sustainable, healthy school environments. The program celebrates and recognizes innovation and elevates best practices.

Only 14 awards are given away in the United States.

Rachel will receive her award during a luncheon March 4. In addition, the District 6 Nutrition Services department will be recognized for being named K-12 Innovator of the Year by Food Management Magazine.

The Colorado Education Initiative and Kaiser Permanente host the Summit.

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NEW PRINCIPALS APPOINTED TO DISTRICT 6 SCHOOLS New leaders have been hired to take over principal roles at Greeley Central High School and Dos Rios Elementary School.

At the Monday, Feb. 22 meeting, the Board of Education approved the appointment of Kent Henson as principal of Greeley Central and Matt Thompson the principal at Dos Rios.

They replace current Greeley Central Principal Mark Cousins and Dos Rios Principal Lydia Bates, both of whom are retiring at the end of the school year.

Henson and Thompson will begin in their new positions in July 2016.

Since 2012, Henson has served as Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services for West Ottawa Public Schools in Holland, Michigan. Prior to becoming Assistant Superintendent,

Henson served as Principal of West Ottawa High School for six years.

Henson earned his Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Curriculum and Professional Development from Grand Valley State University.

Henson has extensive experience with secondary curriculum and programming including: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, dual enrollment, and early college programs. Henson was also a science teacher and athletic and activities coach for 19 years and a high school assistant principal for one year.

“I was impressed with the students, faculty, administrative staff and community members that I met in Greeley a couple of weeks ago,” Henson says. “I am very excited to become the next principal at Greeley Central High School.”

Thompson is currently the Assistant Principal at Dos Rios Elementary School. Before joining District 6, he was an assistant principal and school leader in Weld County School District RE-3J for six years. Matt earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Northern Colorado and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Education Degree in Curriculum, Instruction, Innovation, and Change, at the University of Northern Colorado. In his current work at Dos Rios, he leads the Positive Behavior Committee and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Programs, while he serves as the liaison between the school and the supporting community organizations.

Thompson was also an 8th-grade English teacher at Weld Central Junior High.

“It is an honor to be selected to continue to serve the students, staff and families of Dos Rios,” Thompson says. “We are thoroughly excited to be in a position to continue in the great work we have already begun, including becoming an International Baccalaureate World School.”

Now

Registering for Spring and Summer 2016!

— Call Office for Details — or Vist us at ccballet.org

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poudre school district news FCHS students build electric vehicle

A group of teenage boys hovers around a small electric go-kart in the north wing of Fort Collins High School, tinkering with wiring, brakes and bolts.

There’s an unstructured freedom in the class. Whoever can make it comes, with the only stipulation that they have to accomplish something by clean-up time.

One boy drops a wrench on the car and sparks fly. There’s laughter, nervous jumps back, and someone exclaims, “Oh I see — it completed a circuit to itself.”

They’re learning to be engineers.

An Innovation Grant, a program that provides $300,000 a year from the 2010 Mill Levy to fund teacher’s creative ideas for meeting the district’s learning goals, funds the electric car project.

The atmosphere hums with clanking and chattering. Their goal is to build an electric go-kart that’s as efficient as possible. The team will compete against other local high schools — including Rocky Mountain — in a distance competition 26

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on April 2 that Technology Education teacher Catherine Sondgerath organized.

“I want the students to be successful after high school by exposing them to projects like this,” she explains. “They should have access to extracurriculars that aren’t just sports-related and really give them a challenge.”

But the skills and camaraderie the electric car team is developing are analogous to any sports team, Sondgerath says. The students practice communication, teamwork and problem-solving.

“We first tested the brakes in the car by rolling it down a hill,” ninth grader Lincoln Brandt says with a grin.

Brandt heard about the team through an Exploring Engineering class, which exposes students to the basics of the subject — metal, wood, design, drawing and critical thinking. Working on the car has helped him find a tribe of like-minded friends.

“I like having people around who are into what I’m into,” he says.

UNIFIED BASKETBALL TRANSFORMS STUDENTS’ LIVES Getting cut from the freshman basketball team turned out to be one of the best things to ever happen to Ben West.

Seeking an outlet for his athleticism, he ventured into the first unified basketball practice at Poudre High School three years ago. He walked into a gym full of students with and without disabilities — and didn’t recognize a single person.

“I showed up thinking it would be a cool experience, and it turned out to be way more than that,” he says.

Three years later, now a senior, Ben points to unified basketball as one of the defining experiences of high school, which helped him learn to be more gregarious and open-minded.

“Now when I see kids with disabilities it’s more than just a high-five in the hallway,” he says. “They’re my friends.

I go and talk to them. It’s neat to see those relationships developing.”

that my new friends don’t have disabilities. They have abilities. They have abilities that we can all learn from. I now realize that we are not just a community; we are a family. What I now know is that difference in our world is an invaluable subject for individuals and community. As I move forward into my life, I will seek out diversity, knowing that it gives me perspective and knowledge.”

The unified sports program — which includes basketball and flag football teams at all the comprehensive high schools, along with other Special Olympics events — gives all students a chance to form friendships with people they wouldn’t otherwise normally interact with.

“Because of basketball, the athletes are known for who they are rather than for their disability,” assistant coach Lisa Owsley says. “They’re known around school as a basketball player.”

About 10 athletes and 20 partners practice twice a week, and usually have one game each week. Earning letter jackets from CHSAA gives the kids a chance to feel like part of the school in a way that previously would’ve been impossible.

“For a lot of parents, this is the first time they’ve been able to cheer for their kids in a sporting event,” Owsley says.

And while she points out that it can be a life-changing experience for those students and families, unified basketball is equally impactful to the students without disabilities who join the team.

As Ben put it in one of his college admissions essays: “One day after Unified practice, I approached my teammate, Lee. We conversed for over an hour, finding connections such as our interest in Scooby Doo, Disney films and fly-fishing. This moment brought an epiphany; I realized

DADS VOLUNTEER THROUGH D.O.G.S. PROGRAM Pictures of a dozen smiling dads and kids beam out from a bulletin board hanging in the entryway to Beattie Elementary.

The school’s Watch D.O.G.S. program—Dads of Great Students—invites dads or other father figures like grandparents or uncles to spend a day volunteering in classes.

“Schools are such a female-dominated working environment, so we’re trying to get more positive male role models into the buildings so that kids have both the male and female aspect,” school counselor Chloe Werner explains.

She coordinates the program, making sure that teachers know when dads will be coming and have tasks ready for them. Often, the dad’s role is to provide a more individualized level of attention to students than the teacher is able to, working with students who need a little extra support or love.

“We help out throughout the day, whether it’s in PE, music, art. We read

PSD Calendar of Events March 14-18 ... No school K-12 March 8 .......... 6 :30pm, Board of Education meeting, Johannsen Support Services Complex, 2407 LaPorte Avenue.

March 22 ........ 6:30pm,

Board of Education meeting, Johannsen Support Services Complex, 2407 LaPorte Avenue.

to kids or work on their problem areas,” dad Crip Erickson says.

Erickson, the dad of a kindergartner and fourth grader at Beattie, has been regularly volunteering for about three years. His first volunteer day was a surprise visit on his son’s sixth birthday.

“I think it was the best day at school for him,” Erickson remembers with a smile.

Dads get to see their own kids throughout the day, but also spend time working in every grade level. They sport bold t-shirts, and pass out pencils, stickers and high fives generously as they rotate through classrooms.

“Hopefully when the kids see the Watch D.O.G.S. they’ll feel like there’s a little more of a presence here looking out for them,” Erickson says.

The focused adult attention allows the kids to thrive, and gives the dads an inside look at what a real day at their child’s school looks like.

“We try to incorporate families in as much as we can,” Werner says.

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thompson school district news Students attend LEAD conference

The Thompson Valley High School Student Council attended the Leadership Experience and Development (LEAD) Conference in Washington DC. While there, they collaborated with over 1,200 students from around the world on new ways to strengthen leadership, school spirit and community service. During their free time, they were also able to tour the Pentagon and see other sites on the National Mall.

LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAMS Thompson School District offers Dual Language Immersion Programs in Spanish in two schools: Truscott Elementary School and Cottonwood Plains Elementary School. The program utilizes a 50/50 model, where instruction is delivered 50 percent of the time in English and 50 percent of the time in Spanish by two qualified teachers. Dual Language Immersion is an academic program that enhances the development of content in two languages-English and Spanish, as well as literacy in both 28

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languages, so that students will graduate ready for college, career, and life in a globally competitive economy. Truscott Elementary and Cottonwood Plains Elementary are now accepting applications for Open Enrollment/School of Choice for both kindergarten and first grade.

Even if your child was not able to enroll in kindergarten last year, your child can start this great dual language immersion program in first grade.

This unique program builds student linguistic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in both English and Spanish. Students learn standards-based content as they become linguistically and academically proficient in two languages.

Give your child the gift of language! Enroll in a TSD Dual Language Immersion Program. Please contact Truscott Elementary (970.613.6900) or Cottonwood Plains Elementary (970613-5900) to learn more.

BOETTCHER FINALISTS NAMED Thompson School District is proud to

announce that three district students have been named as 2016 Boettcher Foundation Scholarship finalists. They are among the elite pool of approximately 100 finalists statewide who will be considered for the 42 scholarships that will be awarded this spring. TSD finalists include Richard Dudley Ortecho (Loveland High School), Justin Moritz (Loveland High School) and Sierra Goldstein (Thompson Valley High School).

Created and managed by the Boettcher Foundation, the Boettcher Scholarship is a Colorado scholarship for high school seniors. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious merit-based scholarships in the state. The Boettcher Scholarship covers the cost of a scholar’s tuition, fees and books for eight semesters/12 quarters at approved Colorado four-year universities or colleges. Additionally, Boettcher Scholars receive a living stipend.

Boettcher Scholarship application information is distributed by high school counselors every September to eligible seniors. All applicants are then notified through the online system, and semifinalists are requested to submit three letters of recommendation.

Approximately 100 finalists are interviewed at the Boettcher Foundation in March. Soon after, the 42 winners are notified. The winners then have until mid- to late-April to accept or decline the Boettcher Scholarship.

STUDENTS QUALIFY FOR CONFERENCE Congratulations to Mountain View High School Future Business Leaders of America students on a job well done at the District 1 Leadership Conference.

They represented themselves and the school with great pride. Eight students also qualified for the State Leadership Conference in Vail. They include Grace Roth, Maisy Montagu, Josh Rosen, Megan Heesemann, Mercedes Renshaw, Taylor Fielding, Katie Scofield and Jackson Tyrell.

LHS UNIFIED TEAM WINS GAME On February 10, the Loveland High School Unified Basketball team played the Poudre Impalas Unified team. LHS ultimately prevailed with a final score of 38-36.

Special Olympics Project UNIFY is a national project funded by the U.S. Department of Education that is implemented within elementary, middle and high schools across the nation. Its goal is to activate youth around the country in an effort to promote the importance of inclusive school activities.

Special Olympics Project UNIFY is designed to change perspectives, enhance relationships and boost acceptance among students with and without intellectual disabilities by utilizing the existing sports and education-related initiatives of Special Olympics in combination with programs within school communities. Each school that is taking part in Special Olympics Project UNIFY initiatives is committed to ensure that Special Olympics Unified Sports, school community collaborations and youth leadership are achieved within their school.

NEW PRINCIPAL FOR GARFIELD Thompson School District is pleased to announce that it has named John Kleiber as principal of Garfield Elementary School, effective July 1, 2016. He will fill the position that will be vacated by Karen Briski, who is retiring from the district.

Mr. Kleiber is currently serving as an assistant principal at Franklin Middle School in Greeley, Colo. His work within the school includes experience as an instructional leader, school assessment coordinator, 504 coordinator and as a blended learning coordinator. Mr. Kleiber’s past experience also includes service as a 3rd-grade and 5th-grade teacher, an assistant principal position at Ann K. Heiman Elementary School in Greeley, an instructional coach for many Greeley-area elementary schools and as a 21st Century Community Learning Center site facilitator at Bella Romero Elementary School in Greeley.

“I am overjoyed to be joining this amazing community and school,” Mr. Kleiber says. “Though we’re just getting

started in getting to know each other, my time spent in the building seeing students and meeting teachers and parents has been incredible. I anxiously await each coming conversation and opportunity to get to know the remarkable Garfield Elementary community.”

Mr. Kleiber earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Colorado State University-Pueblo and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Northern Colorado.

For more information, please contact Michael Hausmann, Thompson School District Public Information Officer, at 613-5011 or at michael. hausmann@thompsonschools.org.

STUDENT FUNDRAISER HELPS PARENT After hearing of a parent’s battle with cancer, a group of Berthoud Elementary School students partnered with a staff member’s husband who works for a sticker company. They asked Mrs. Witting if they could design and sell stickers as a fundraiser. The students designed a breast cancer awareness sticker and sent it to Tom Witting from Sticker Giant for production. The students will be selling the stickers for $1.00 at the annual Book Fair after school on Wednesday, March 2nd and all day on Thursday, March 3rd. All of the proceeds will go to the Petrovich family to aid in their medical costs.

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lunchbox POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT—Elementary student lunches are $2.45, secondary student lunches are $2.70 and reduced lunches are $0.40. Entrees offered daily: Elementary—a variety of fruits and vegetables, milk and juices; Secondary--hot and cold sandwiches, fruits and vegetables, deli salad and pizza.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Cheese ravioli; chicken bites & roll 2 Asian Teriyaki rice bowl w/chicken; hamburger/cheeseburger 3 Beef tacos & cilantro lime rice; cheesy fried beans 4 BBQ chicken or cheese pizza; tuna sub 7 Toasted cheese sandwich & tomato soup; chicken nuggets 8 Spaghetti & roasted veggie meat sauce; meatball sub 9 Sweet & sour meatballs; chicken patty sandwich 10 Chicken enchilada bake; trout treasures

11 Pepperoni or cheese pizza; Mediterranean pasta salad 14-18 Spring break!

21 Sloppy Joe; mac n’cheese 22 Penne & meat sauce; cheese calzone dipper w/marinara 23 Asian Noodles w/chicken; grilled chicken sandwich 24 Green chili pork bowl; hamburger/ cheeseburger 25 Meat lovers or cheese pizza; chicken cilantro wrap 28 Trukey gravy & roll; chicken nuggets 29 Turkey w/veggies; rotini w/roasted

spring veggies & chicken 30 Orange chicken & rice; hot dog 31 Beef burrito; chicken patty sandwich MIDDLE SCHOOLS 1 Spaghetti & meatball; cheese ravioli 2 Asian Teriyaki rice bowl w/chicken 3 Beef & chicken taco bar; cilantro lime rice 4 Trout treasures; mac n’cheese; bbq chicken pizza 7 Philly cheesesteak (beef or chicken) 8 Rotini w/roasted spring veggies & chicken; Veggie lasagna 9 Asian bar—Orange chicken/beef 10 Beef & bean burrito bar

11 Turkey gravy & roll; baked chicken & roll 14-18 Spring break!

21 Chili cheese dog; chicken bites & roll 22 Spaghetti & roasted veggie meat sauce; meatball sub 23 Asian bar; sweet chili steak/chicken & egg roll 24 Green chili bowl w/pork/chicken 25 Mac n’cheese; mashed potatoes & chicken bowl 28 Philly cheesesteak (beef or chicken) 29 Chicken nuggets; penne & meatsauce 30 Asian bar; sweet & sour meatballs/chicken 31 Beef & bean burrito bar

THOMPSON R2J SCHOOL DISTRICT—Elementary lunches are $2.75. Secondary school lunches are $3. Reduced lunches are $0.40. Offered daily: PBJs & fruit.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Pizza stick; chicken tender salad 2 Hamburger; chef salad 3-4 No school!

7 Chicken breast nuggets; Caesar salad w/roll 8 Chicken Alfredo w/penne; crispy chicken tender salad w/roll 9 French bread boat; chef salad 10 Shepherd’s pie; taco salad 11 Taco; garden entrée salad w/goldfish 14 Hamburger; Caesar salad w/roll 15 Pizza; crispy chicken tender salad

16 Chicken patty sandwich; chef salad w/roll 17 Enchiladas; taco salad 18 Teriyaki chicken bowl; garden entrée salad w/goldfish 21 Grilled cheese sandwich; Caesar salad w/roll 22 Chicken parmesan sandwich; crispy chicken tender salad w/roll 23 Mac n’cheese; chef salad w/roll 24 Turkey chipolte burrito; taco salad 25 Chicken strip basket; garden entrée salad 28-31 Managers choice

SECONDARY SCHOOL 1 Pizza stick; chicken tender salad 2 Hamburger; chef salad 3-4 No school!

7 Chicken breast nuggets; Caesar salad 8 Chicken Alfredo; chicken tender salad 9 French bread boat; chef salad 10 Shepherd’s pie; taco salad 11 Taco salad; garden entrée salad 14 Hamburger; Caesar salad 15 Pizza; chicken tender salad 16 Chicken patty sandwich; chef salad w/ roll

17 Enchiladas; taco salad 18 Teriyaki chicken bowl; garden entrée salad 21 Grilled cheese sandwich; Caesar salad w/roll 22 Chicken parmesan sandwich; chicken tender salad 23 Mac n’cheese; chef salad 24 Turkey chipolte burrito; taco salad 25 Chicken strip basket; garden entrée salad 28-31 Manager’s choice

GREELEY DISTRICT 6—To obtain a complete meal, student gets an entrée and can select 1-3 sides. Elementary lunches are $2.55, and middle school lunches are $2.80, reduced-price lunches are $.40. Offered daily: PBJ. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Sloppy Joe; chicken salad sandwich 2 Cheese ravioli w/sauce & breadstick; PBJ 3 Chicken cordon bleu sandwich; ham & cheese wrap 4 Cheese or green chili chicken pizza 7 BBQ pork sandwich; beef hoagie 8 Buffalo chix sandwich; Chicken fajita wrap 9 Chicken taco; PBJ 10 Lasagna w/breadstick; turkey & cheese hoagie 11 Hawaiian or cheese pizza; PBJ 14 Mac n’cheese w/roll; beef hoagie 15 Taco; chicken salad sandwich 16 BBQ chix sandwich; PBJ 17 Bean & cheese burrito w/green chili; ham & cheese wrap

18 Chicken bacon ranch or cheese pizza 21 Teriyaki chicken w/rice; Italian sandwich 22 Cheese enchiladas w/fiesta rice; chicken fajita wrap 23 Pancakes w/sausage links; PBJ 24 Ham roast w/roll; turkey & cheese hoagie 25 Cheese or pepperoni pizza Spring break!

MIDDLE SCHOOL 1 Sloppy Joe; chicken salad sandwich 2 Cheese ravioli w/sauce & breadstick; PBJ 3 Chicken cordon bleu sandwich; ham & cheese wrap 4 Cheese or green chili chicken pizza 7 BBQ pork sandwich; beef hoagie 8 Buffalo chix sandwich; Chicken fajita wrap

9 10 11 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 24 25

Chicken taco; PBJ Lasagna w/breadstick; turkey & cheese hoagie Hawaiian or cheese pizza; PBJ Mac n’cheese w/roll; beef hoagie Taco; chicken salad sandwich BBQ chix sandwich; PBJ Bean & cheese burrito w/green chili; ham & cheese wrap Chicken bacon ranch or cheese pizza Teriyaki chicken w/rice; Italian sandwich Cheese enchiladas w/fiesta rice; chicken fajita wrap Pancakes w/sausage links; PBJ Ham roast w/roll; turkey & cheese hoagie Cheese or pepperoni pizza Spring break!

WINDSOR SCHOOL DISTRICT—Price for elementary lunch is $2.65, for middle school students, $2.90. Reduced lunches are $0.40. Salad bar is served daily with entrees. Offered daily: PBJ and yogurt.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Popcorn chicken 2 Mac n’cheese 3 Big Daddy’s cheese pizza; turkey & cheese sub 4 No lunch served 7 No lunch served 8 Mini cheese pizza bagels 9 Chicken & black bean chili w/cinnamon roll 10 French toast sticks 11 Thin crust cheese pizza/fish patty sandwich 14 Chicken sandwich; mini cheeseburger

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15 Teriyaki chicken 16 Cheesy nachos; corndog 17 Turkey BBQ sandwich 18 Cheese breadstick w/marinara; fish patty sandwich 21 Chicken tenders; mini cheeseburgers 22 Cheese quesadilla 23 Ham patty; corndog 24 Hamburger 25 Stuffed crust cheese or pepperoni pizza; fish patty sandwich 28 Popcorn chicken; mini cheeseburgers 29 Mini cheese ravioli 30 Hard shell taco; corndog

31 Mac n’cheese SECONDARY SCHOOL 1 Chicken sandwich 2 Mac n’cheese 3 Chili dog 4 No lunch served 7 Mandarin Orange chicken 8 Turkey & gravy 9 Chicken & black bean chili w/cinnamon roll 10 French toast sticks w/sausage 11 Steak & cheese sub 14 Chicken wings 15 Teriyaki chicken

16 Bean & cheese burrito 17 Cheeseburger 18 Pepperoni calzone 21 Chicken tenders 22 Chicken noodle soup 23 Ham patty 24 Chili nachos 25 Meatball sub 28 Chicken sandwich 29 Lasagna 30 Taco 31 Mac n’cheese

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MARCH 2016 ONGOING MARCH 1 AND 15 Bright by Three Infant Group You have the power to shape your child’s future. This class will give you some simple ways to begin. The class will provide parents and caregivers with educational tools, books and games to make the most of these important developmental years. Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., LV. 12noon-1pm. 970-495-7500 or www. uchealth.org.

MARCH 1 THROUGH MAY 2 Scavenger Hunt by Bike Spring is a perfect time to ride a bike, so grab your bike and roll around town on this fun, family friendly and self-paced adventure. Follow FC Bikes on Facebook and Twitter for weekly clues, or download clues in advance. Locations and times vary, FC. www.fcgov.com/bikespring.

MARCH 1 AND 4 Story Theatre, Spring 2016 The Theatre Pals return with another hilarious play by Karen Christopherson: “A Story Whoop-de-do!” from the British Isles. Old Town Library, Community Room Combo, 201 Peterson St., FC. 4:30-5:15pm. 970-221-6740 or www. poudrelibraries.org.

THROUGH MARCH 6 Hello, Dolly!

Dolly Levi is a delightful scheming busybody who makes her living as a matchmaker in the glamorous 1800s New York at the turn of the century. Ticket prices and show times vary. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown. 970-755-3748 or www. coloradocandlelight.com.

MARCH 1 THROUGH 14 Great Plates of Downtown During Great Plates, 36 downtown restaurants will offer dinner specials at a price of $25 or $2.50 breakfast deals.

Attendees will enjoy downtown during this culinary celebration while supporting the Food Bank for Larimer County.

Times and locations vary, FC. www. downtownfortcollins.com.

MARCH 4 THROUGH 6 Pirates of Penzance Your whole family will cheer this funfilled production directed by Timothy Kennedy. Ticket prices and show times vary. Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. Fourth St., LV. 970-962-2120 or www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

THROUGH MARCH 25 Ring of Fire This Broadway show delivers a heartfelt musical tribute to the country legend Johnny Cash. Ticket prices and times vary. Midtown Arts Center, 3750 S. Mason St., FC. 970-225-2555 or www. midtownartscenter.org.

MARCH 4 THROUGH JUNE 18 Encounters: Images and Words This display features a father’s poems and photographs for his children conveying the personal significance of the many persons and places he has encountered.

Prices vary. Global Village Museum, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 11am-5pm. 970221-4600 or www.globalvillagemuseum. org.

MARCH 5 AND 19 Winter Ecology: A Snowshoeing Trek for Kids & Familes Discover the serene beauty of RMNP in the wintertime on this four-hour snowshoe hike. $15. Rocky Mountain Conservancy-Field Institute, 1895 Fall River Rd., EP. 9am-1pm. 970-586-3262 or www.visitestespark.com.

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

Loveland (970) 493-7442

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

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Scrumptious Yarns and a fabulous staff to help you with all your knitting needs.

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

Garbage Garage 1408 West Mountain Ave. Fort Collins (970) 407-1461 mysisterknits.com Hours: Tues. 10 am to 8 pm , Wed. - Sat. 10 am to 5 pm .

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

(970) 498-5772 larimer.org/solidwaste

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MARCH 7 AND 30 Bicycle Friendly Driver Certification Course Be one of the certified Bicycle Friendly Drivers in Fort Collins. Learn how to safely navigate roads when cyclists are present, discuss rights and responsibilities, and how to avoid crashes or conflicts. Edora Pool Ice Center, 1801 Riverside Ave., FC. Times vary. 970-2216987 or www.fcgov.com/recreator.

MARCH 7 AND 30 Everyday Cycling: Go by Bike Learn the benefits of using a bike everyday, whether to work or school, for errands or socializing. Ages 10+. Northside Aztlan Center, 112 Willow St., FC. Times vary. www.fcgov.com/recreator.

MARCH 7, 14 AND 21 Strumming in the Stacks All you need to bring is your talent and creativity as you learn to play guitar in this casual environment. Grades 5-12.

Registration required. Riverside Library, Group Program Room, 3700 Golden St., EV. 4-4:45pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

MARCH 12 AND 26 Fort Collins Winter Farmers Market The market will feature a variety of vendors including past favorites and some newcomers. Opera Galeria, 123 N. College Ave., FC. 9am-1pm. www. nocofoodcluster.com.

MARCH 20 THROUGH APRIL 30 Stitches and Stories Miniature Quilt Show March is National Quilting Month, and in celebration of quilts (and the stories behind them) Lincoln Park Library and Sew Downtown are sponsoring a Miniature Quilt contest. Lincoln Park Library, 919 7th St., GR. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

MARCH 24 THROUGH 27 Disney on Ice Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove a magical medley of Disney tales in one jampacked ice show that commemorates the legacy of Disney animated films. Ticket prices and show times vary. Budweiser Events Center, 5290 Arena Circle, LV. www.budweisereventscenter.com.

MARCH 28 THROUGH 30 Color My World–Spring Break STEAM Activities Join the library for some Spring Break STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) fun. Activities vary by day. Centennial Park Library, Meeting Room, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1-2pm. 888-861-7323 or www.

MyLibrary.us.

WEDNESDAYS Parent and Child Yoga Read a story then move through the story using kid-friendly yoga poses focusing on listening, breathing and movement. Ages 2-5. $10. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10-10:45am. 970-4162486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.

MARCH 14 THROUGH 18 Spring Break Camps The Gardens on Spring Creek is hosting two different Spring Break adventure camps. Junior Garden Ranger Camp, 9am-12noon. Garden Explorer, 1-4pm.

Pack a lunch if you would like to attend both camps. Ages 5-11. Registration required. $125/camp. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 970-4162486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.

TUESDAY, MARCH 1 The American West as Living Space Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Pulitzer Prize awarded for excellence in writing. Discuss the experience of the west through numerous authors. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 6pm.

970-506-8622 or www.MyLibrary.us.

MARCH 16 AND 17 World Games for Kids Have you ever played Noughts and Crosses or Potsie? Play games that kids play in our country, as well as from other times and places. Old Town Library, Community Room Combo, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10-11am. 970-221-6740 or www. poudrelibraries.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 Seuss-a-cadabra!

Local magician Mark Strivings will bring to life the many books and characters of the immortal Dr. Seuss with laughs, cheering, magic and fun. Erie Library, Living Room, 400 Powers St., Erie.

10:30-11:30am. 888-861-7323 or www.

MyLibrary.us.

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Manga: Character Drawing for Kids Learn how to draw the popular Manga style cartoons using easy to follow techniques and colored pencils. Grades 6-12. Carbon Valley Library, Meeting Room, 7 Park Ave., Firestone. 4-5pm.

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

V. E. Schwab Book Talk & Signing Bestselling sci-fi author Victoria Schwab will talk about her latest book in the “Darker Shade of Magic” series, A Gathering of Shadows. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-4847898 or www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3 School Out Science This is a hands-on science program for elementary students. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 2-3pm. 970962-2754 or www.cityofloveland.org.

World Language Storytime: Arabic Enjoy children’s stories, crafts, puppets and music presented by PRPLD staff and CSU Arabic students and staff, that invites fluent speakers, as well as those interested in a new language, to enjoy an afternoon in community and family. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave. #200, FC. 5:30–6:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 4 Sherlock-in All Sherlockians, Holmesians and fans of the books, movies and TV shows are invited to this mysterious and slightly suspect teen after-hours party at the library. Grades 6-12. Registration required. Carbon Valley Library, Meting Room, 7 Park Ave., Firestone. 6-8pm.

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

Noches en Familia A time of children’s stories, crafts, puppets and music in Spanish, that invites fluent speakers, as well as those interested in Spanish to enjoy an afternoon in community and family.

Council Tree Library, Community Room (C), 2733 Council Tree Ave. #200, FC. 5-6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 5 Empowered Parents-Getting a Reboot Learn the skills, techniques, questions and empowering tools that will build your confidence and joy in parenting.

Registration required. $20. Thrive Wellness Center, 383 W. Drake Rd. Ste. 201, FC. 10am-12noon. www.beyouparenting.com.

Robotics An introduction to EV3 Robotics with hands-on building and programming in a non-competitive environment.

Registration required. Ages 8-17.

Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 4-6pm. 970-962-2548 or www.cityofloveland.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12 St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Irish Fest Celebrate the luck of the Irish parade and party. Over 80 floats and Irish themed entries will parade along the streets of historic Downtown Fort Collins. Old Town Square, FC. 10am. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

The Cat in the Hat Story Time The Cat in the Hat is coming to Old Firehouse Books to join in for a story time and craft to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ 112th birthday. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 10am. 970-484-7898 or www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 Frankentoys @ the POD Join in for a mix and match creature lab.

Creepy or cute…what will you create?

Grades 6-12. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 5pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Discover NASA: Space Science STEM activities centered on space, led by Anne Holland of Space Science Institute, National Center for Interactive Learning.

Grades K-12. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 10:30am. 888-8617323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Diversity Forum: Ethnicity in the Media Give rise to issues in diversity by engaging in thought-provoking activities and dialogue. Teens and adults.

Harmony Library, Community Room (H), 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 970-221-6740 or www. poudrelibraries.org.

Discover NASA: Adventures in Space Learn about craters, channels and volcanoes on other planets. Led by Erin Wood from the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 10:30am. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Magical Magnets WOW Children’s Museum will teach you about magical magnets. You’ll also create a magnet craft to take home. Grades K-3.

Limited to first 25 children who arrive.

Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 1pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

SUNDAY, MARCH 6 Peppa Pig Live!

Peppa Pig, star of the top-rated TV series airing daily on Nick Jr., is hitting the road for her first-ever U.S. theatrical tour, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash! Ticket prices vary.

Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 5pm. 970-221-6730 or www.lctix.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 7 Terrific Games for Two Pair up to learn fun and fabulous twoplayer games with Kirsten from The Nerd Store! Teens and adults. Lincoln Park Library, 919 7th St., GR. 5pm. 888-8617323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8 Eggs at Erie!

Join staff as they set up the incubator, set the eggs inside and tell a little bit about the life cycle of a baby chick. Visit again in 21 days to see the newborns. Erie Library, Storytime Room, 400 Powers St., Erie. 11am-12noon. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

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Soft Circuits and Light Up Pizza Join in for some electrifying fun and build your own circuit using fabric and thread that conducts electricity. Grades 5-12. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 1pm.

888-861-7323 or www.

MyLibrary.us.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10 Sharpie Painting Create an abstract painting with this easy craft using sharpies and rubbing alcohol. Grades 6-12.

Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 4-5pm. 970-9622548 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Teens After Dark Planned for teens, by teens, this not-to-bemissed evening will include a live DJ, photo booth, games, contests, food, prizes and more!

Grades 6-12. Registration required. Erie Library, 400 Powers St., Erie. 7-10pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

FRIDAY, MARCH 11 Jack and the Giant A Rock ‘n Roll version of the classic folk tale Jack and the Beanstalk. Presented by students from The Premier Performing Academy of Arts and Knowledge (TPAAK) and Colorado Early Colleges (CEC). $10. Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. Fourth St., LV. 7pm. 808-258-5031 or www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

Nature Mandala Art Activity Create beautiful Nature Mandalas inspired by natural materials. Fort Collins Museum of Art, 201 S. College Ave., FC. 1-3pm. 970-482-2787 or www.ftcma.org.

Fantasia Live with the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra This concert features accompanying scenes from Walt Disney’s original Fantasia (1940) and Disney Fantasia 2000. Ticket prices vary. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13 Harlem Globetrotters The Harlem Globetrotters are preparing for their most epic tour in history, as the world famous team celebrates its 90th anniversary world tour, with over 320 games in North America alone. Ticket prices vary. Budweiser Events Center, 5290 Arena Circle, LV. 12:30 & 2pm. www.budweisereventscenter.com.

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MONDAY, MARCH 14 Be Good to Yourself: How to Develop and Organize a Care Team Whether you need assistance in certain areas of your own life or the life of someone you care for, learn how to develop a balanced care team. Old Town Library, Community Room 2, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10-11am. 970-221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

Chick Egg Candling During the baby chicks incubation period, children can experience candling, where they shine a bright light through eggs to see the embryos. Erie library, Storytime Room, 400 Powers St., Erie. 4-5pm. 888-861-7323 or www.

MyLibrary.us.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15 St. Patrick’s Day Story Time Local author Natasha Wing will lead a St. Patrick’s Day story time by reading her picture book The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 10:30am. 970-484-7898 or www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

Early Literacy Fair…On the Road to Reading Read, write, sing, talk and play with your children! Visit any time during the free fair for lots of fun, interactive learning activities based on the 5 practices of Every Child Ready to Read. Kersey Library, 413 1st St., Kersey. 1pm. 888861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Square Dance Party!

All ages can head to the library and take a lesson in square dancing, the official folk dance of Colorado. Old Town Library, Community Room Combo, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6:30-8:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17 Cool Shades Decorate a pair of sunglasses to keep by adding your own personal touch. Grades 6-12. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 3:30-4:30pm. 970-962-2548 or www.cityofloveland.org.

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St. Patrick’s Day Irish Dance Celebration Irish dancers from Celtic Steps School of Irish Dance will keep you entertained with jigs, reels, hornpipes and ceili dances. Erie Library, Living Room, 400 Powers St., Erie. 5-5:30pm. 888-8617323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

FRIDAY, MARCH 18 Face Vocal Band This internationally acclaimed all-vocal rock band from Boulder captivates audiences with their infectious energy punctuated by an endearing love of performance. $20. Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. Fourth St., LV. 7:30pm. 970-9622120 or www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 19 Discover NASA: Star Wars Party Help to send off the Discover NASA Exhibit! Wear your favorite Star Wars outfit, play Star Wars trivia and make Star Wars themed crafts. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 10:30am.

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

Stars of Tomorrow Join the Loveland Big Thompson Kiwanis Club for its annual Stars of Tomorrow Show where students from around the community will showcase their talents before a live audience in competition for scholarship funds. $10. Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. Fourth St., LV. 7pm. 970962-2120 or www.cityofloveland.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 21 Out of Bounds Out of Bounds weaves together video footage, striking illustrations and stories heard from parents, teachers, principals, social workers and other adults who work with students and sometimes feel powerless to help against bullying. $5.

Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 6:30pm. 970-365-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 22 Cheesemaking for Teens: Mozzarella Learn the science behind cheesemaking with The Art of Cheese. In this handson experience you will make mozzarella string cheese from start to finish. Grades 6-12. Registration required. Erie Library, 400 Powers St., Erie. 4-6pm. 888-8617323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

THURSDAY, MARCH 24 World Language Storytime: French WLS is a time of children’s stories, crafts, puppets and music presented by PRPLD staff and CSU French students and staff, that invites fluent speakers as well as those interested in a new language, to enjoy an afternoon in community and family. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave. #200, FC. 5:30–6:30pm. 970221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26 Smart Cycling Learn on-bike handling skills paired with an engaging classroom session to learn rights, responsibilities, and how to avoid crashes and conflicts. A bike and helmet is required, but can be provided if necessary. Registration required.

Westbridge Medical Suites, 1107 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 8:15am-4:30pm. www.fcgov. com/recreator.

MONDAY, MARCH 28 2016 Classic Movie Nights Featuring great comedies–Seems Like Old Times, 1980, PG. Loveland Library, Gertrude Scott Room, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 6:30-8pm. 970-962-2754 or www.cityofloveland.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29 Healthy Kid’s Snacks Learn to prepare healthy and delicious snacks with the help of a dietitian from the North Colorado Medical Center Community Wellness Department.

Grades K-5. Limited to the first 20 children who arrive. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 1pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 Soft Circuits and Light Up Pizza Join in for electrifying fun and build your own circuit using fabric and thread that conducts electricity. Grades 5-12. Kersey Library, 413 1st St., Kersey. 1pm. 888861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31 Code Challenging Puzzles Ever wondered how computer games are programmed? Go through a series of puzzles that will teach you basic computer coding. Grades K-12. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 1pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

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time out The Importance of Naps…for parents Why a quick snooze works wonders for a parent’s disposition RICH KELLER

T

he Witching Hour. For the young this is normally around midnight on an average weekday. For parents, particularly those creeping toward the mystical limit of Middle Age, the Witching Hour is approximately 2pm. Maybe 1:30 if they get up early or have a heavy lunch.

This is the time when eyelids get heavy, your appendages rubbery, and one becomes crankier than a 3-yearold denied an extra episode of Paw Patrol. It’s the moment of the day when, as one walks through the living room, the sofa attempts to lure the exhausted into its warm and comforting embrace for a power nap.

Some parents shun the sofa, down a chocolate bar with a Red Bull chaser, and push through the rest of the day, most likely building an extension on the house with all of their new energy.

Others go unto the soft cushions and enter such a deep sleep they don’t realize their kids are home until the tykes wake them up and ask what’s for dinner. The latter folks are my heroes. The ones hopped up on sugar and caffeine I hire for 20-minute paint jobs across the entire interior of my home.

Since the birth of my first child 15 years ago, the nap has been my friend, be it at home or at work. Naps were part of my daily recharge for energy or reboot for emotional stability.

To paraphrase the younger generation – naps are da bomb. Or perhaps they’re dope, or groovy. Though I can’t keep track of the current slang vernacular, I can say the nap is an important part of any parent’s day. Why would some rest not be required to begin the afternoon shift at the home office? Would you let the power on your phone die without recharging it?

Doubtful, since you’re *this close* to reaching level 200 on Candy Crush.

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Even though your kids think of you as a robot servant, you know when your body requires rest. It’s what keeps you sane when the children come home and ask you to drive them somewhere, build them something, or pick up some stuff needed for the next day’s PTO bake sale. Naps provide energy to clean up after them, cook them meals, help them with homework, and put them to bed. Oh, it also helps parents work out some logical consequences when little brother pours lemonade over older sister’s recently-coiffed hair.

Just like a newborn or a cat needs naps, so do us parents. Granted, we’re not growing or licking strange areas of our bodies, but we are breaking down a bit as the day goes on. By the middle of the afternoon, the couch looks

much better than a sink full of dishes, a basket full of clothes, or a desk full of work. And while your brain may scold you for being inefficient, your heart tells you the truth—you need to relax.

In conclusion, parents, I say unto thee…Do not cast aside the cushions of the sofa. Embrace them for their comforting and energizing bliss. Recognize them as the savior of your sanity prior to an afternoon of soccer practices and play dates. Disregard the machinations of your head and allow your heart to escape into a dreamland. In other words, just go to sleep.

Rich Keller is the owner of Wooden Pants Publishing in Fort Collins. More information about Rich and his books at www.woodenpantspub.com.

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