RMParent March 2017

MARCH 2017 • RMPARENT.COM

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Front Range staycation WHAT food labels CAN TELL YOU

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MARCH 2017

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

A person’s a person—let’s do what we can to pitch in for everyone

WOMENS HEALTH . . . . . . . . 8 On the road to connection—five tips for successful road trips with toddlers

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . 10 Tour de Front Range—spring break close-tohome adventures

LEARN AND LIVE . . . . . . . . . . 12 Drive, chip and putt…a disc—try disc golf for a new way to walk in the park

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14 Honor, assistance and health—northern Colorado cares about supporting people

HEALTHY LIVING . . . . . . . . 16

Learning from labels—the nutrients and ingredients in your food

CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Events and activities for parents, kids and families

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

Special Sections SUMMER CAMP GUIDE AND DIRECTORY

SUMMER CAMP MARCH 2017 • RMPARENT.COM

Enrich your child’s life Camp this summer with a camp Direc tory experience. Spend some Summer camp time planning together sampler then pick from the many Off t0 camp safely LIST OF opportunities: day or advertisers residential, adventures, science, academics, nutrition, athletics, arts and more. And find out what are the key questions to ask when choosing a camp to help ensure a safe environment for your child.

BY CATEGORY PAGE 16 ALPHABETICAL PAGE 18

PAGE 8

PAGE 12

PAGE 46

Features THE FEAR AMONG US 18 When the prevailing message is that we live

in a near utopia, it is hard to believe we have ugly societal issues, such as child abuse and neglect. But we do our whole community, our own families and ourselves a disservice if we do not admit to and address them.

Papa’s Changes—talking to grandkids about dementia

School District News Greeley-Evans District 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

20 F IT FOR THE RIGHT

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

Social media and easy access to the internet have a direct impact on our kids’ body images and self-esteem. So how, then, do we take the focus off looks and put it on to health when we talk with our kids about maintaining a healthy weight and body image.

The Burroughs to play benefit concert, new principals hired, nutrition director steps down, students can open-enroll into Fred Tjardes school

PSD calendar of events, girls explore STEM through after-school club, the Big Picture with Dr. Smyser: PSD prepares students for the real world

Thompson School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Grant for greenhouse and chicken coop, students visit manufacturing business, students earn awards, VEX Robotics Team earns invitation to Colorado State Championship

Lunchbox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 School menus for Poudre, Thompson, Greeley-Evans and Windsor

REASON

ABOUT THE COVER: MacKayla, loves taking lessons on her favorite horse Bella, making arts and crafts and drawing. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, courtesy of Sky's Open Design and location courtesy of Inspiration Riding Academy.

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perspective A person’s a person

Let’s do what we can to pitch in for everyone

W

hen a house burns up (or down, I’m never sure which way they burn), families can be left with little to nothing. Tables, chairs and kitchen counters might be lost in the fire but lost too are stuffed animals, photos, clothing, anything that was saturated with often-toxic smoke. As the fire fighters and paramedics leave, Red Cross volunteers arrive to help the families begin to piece their lives back together. They offer comforting words, a little money, and a road map to help the families take the first steps toward recovery.

The volunteers are there to help whoever is in need, period. I’ve seen this first-hand as a volunteer myself. What a great thing! People show up to help people who really need it right then. No worrying about anything except trying to figure out how to best be of help.

Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross, sent out a letter to volunteers. In it she says: “As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and as a humanitarian organization, we stand proudly by the seven Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. These principles compel us to endeavor to provide services to anyone and everyone who need them in times of emergency. They also compel us to remain a neutral and impartial party so we can access and help people on all sides.

“In addition to this effort, the Red Cross is in vulnerable communities every day–providing services without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, class, sexual orientation or immigration status. During times of emergency, the Red Cross welcomes everyone to our shelters. We do not require identification from shelter residents or when installing smoke alarms or providing other services. We provide help to refugees here in the United States, the Middle East, Europe and elsewhere, and we go to great lengths to be seen as a beacon of hope for all people. This will not change. On a personal note, it’s the reason why I joined the American Red Cross and why I feel so privileged to serve with all of you.”

I think that’s a powerful statement. It basically says that we need to take care of people, especially those who are most vulnerable.

On a related note, please read Kim Sharpe’s story about child abuse and neglect here in northern Colorado. It’s a sobering reminder that even in our idyllic area, we have children who live in fear and constant anxiety.

Again, collectively we need to take care of the most vulnerable among us and not turn a blind eye to problems.

As Horton said as he defended the Whos, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”

Thanks, Scott

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MARCH 2017 • Volume 21, Issue 10 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING 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 Sharon Klahn, Debbie Lee, Rob Martin, Susan Pettit, Nikolai Poppen-Chambers COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lea Hanson, Katie Harris Lynn U. Nichols, Linda L. Osmundson Kim Sharpe, Janet Werst

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. ©2017 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

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first years

On the road to connection Five tips for successful road trips with toddlers LY NN U. NICHOLS

R

oad trips provide a chance for families to connect through playing together—something that our busy lives don’t always allow. Creating a strong family base for your kids gives them a solid launching pad for life.

Besides, kids love to see their parents play and be lighthearted—in other words, act more like they do. A Disney Time Survey of 1,000 people found that quality family time increases while on vacation. Parents who responded said they were more apt to feel excited, calm, affectionate and sillier than if they were home. Sounds like the favorite emotions of a toddler!

With that said, travelling with toddlers can be a challenge. Their tolerance for sitting still when they don’t want to is short, as you know, and car seats are confining. Here are some tips to keep the focus on fun: 1. GET ORGANIZED AND STOCK UP ON SUPPLIES. Pack a separate backpack or bag full of anything you might need within easy reach including spare clothes, diapers/ wipes, favorite snugglies, toys and medicines, along with a separate snack bag and small drink cooler. Bring healthy snacks but let the rules bend a little when it comes to food. If you don’t normally buy squeeze yogurt, animal crackers, juice boxes, or another new treat, do it. You’ll be glad when you need to get them back into their car seat after a pit stop.

2. BRING LOTS OF EASY ENTERTAINMENT. Pack their favorite music, stories and rhymes and plan to sing and play along.

Road trips are always more fun with a mini back pack or zip bag full of fun surprises. Keep it on hand and dole it out for melt downs or boredom as a positive way to turn the mood. Let them pick one new item to explore at a time. Think

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economical, like dollar store books and toys. Also, play silly games, like I spy, I’m thinking of…, what’s that (animal or other) sound, puppet play, and telling jokes.

3. PROMOTE SLEEPING IN THE CAR. If possible, have some activity in the morning and hit the car around nap time.

End the trip by early evening so prolonged sleeping doesn’t keep them jumping on the hotel beds all night. Let them wear jammies or sweats in the car. Feed them foods that make them sleepy like dairy products, walnuts and turkey, which contain tryptophan. Or, use road trips as an excuse for a little sugar as it spikes their blood sugar, causing it to fall sharply and make them sleepy. Since candy can create a hyper blast, time it with an upcoming active pit stop and they just may fall asleep once you get back in the car.

4. SCHEDULE IN REST STOPS. Rather than blazing through to get there, plan on stopping every few hours to stretch, change diapers and run around. Most rest stops provide green spaces, or check the map ahead for a small town park for some swinging and old fashioned teeter-tottering.

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

5. LET THEM CHOOSE. Of course mom or dad should create the structure for the trip, but letting your toddlers make minor decisions, like, should we eat lunch at Qdoba or Chipotle or spend an hour swimming at a community pool or visiting a roadside attraction, helps to keep them engaged.

If fights occur, implement the turntaking rule. With toddlers, it’s best to stick to either/or choices as in, ‘Do you want to read Goodnight Moon or Curious George?’ rather than the open-ended, ‘Which book should we read?’

Now that you have a few tips, go for it! You might even form some new family rituals, like returning to a favorite spot or always playing an epic game of kickball when you arrive at the cousins’ house in Kansas.

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family activities

Tour de Front Range

Spring Break close-to-home adventures KATIE HARRIS

I

f you’re planning on staying in town for spring break, and hoping to fit in a family adventure or two while the kids are out of school, a local tour might be right up your alley. Local tours are available at multiple nearby locations, providing opportunities for a one-of-akind glimpse inside unique Colorado businesses and landmarks. Not only that but they are a cheap (and often free) way to fit in some family entertainment. Your child might just discover an interest they never knew they had.

Loveland is known for its hundreds of pieces of bronze artwork scattered throughout the city, including two walkable sculpture parks. Its best-kept secret is that it’s also home to one of the world’s largest foundries, where visitors can take a guided tour of the bronze casting process, from start to finish.

Tours of Art Castings of Colorado, located at 511 8th St. SE, are available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30am. Adult tours cost $5 apiece, and kids are free. For details or to book, visit www.artcastings.com.

In Boulder at 4600 Sleepytime Dr., Celestial Seasonings has become well known for its factory tours. Guests have the opportunity to sample several teas, learn about the history of the company, and tour the manufacturing facility to see how tea is stored, blended, and packaged. Tours last 45 minutes and are available on a first-come, firstserved basis Monday to Friday, from 10am-4pm, and Sunday from 11am3pm. Tours are available at no cost, but children under 5 will not be allowed in the factory. More information can be found at www.celestialseasonings.com.

Also in Boulder, just a block away from Celestial Seasonings at 6055 Longbow Dr. is the Leanin’ Tree greeting card plant. Because its tours are lesser known than Celestial 10

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Seasonings, they are also less crowded.

Tour guides will explain the entire printing process from adding ink to cards, to cutting them to size, to making envelopes as they take you through the working factory. Guests receive a complimentary greeting card with their tour, and have the opportunity to browse the owner’s personal Western art museum located on site. The tour and museum entry are both free of charge. Tours are available Monday through Friday, at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm. For more information visit www.leanintree.com.

The Denver Mint is a must-see for adults and kids alike. Recommended for ages 7 and up, the tour covers the history of the United States Mint as well as coin production. Tours operate Monday through Thursday from 8am to 3pm, and last approximately 45 minutes. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the

ticket window on Cherokee Street between West Colfax Avenue and West 14th Avenue. Photo IDs are required for entry and all visitors are subject to security screenings. For a list of prohibited items, and more information on tours visit competition.usmint.gov/ visiting-the-united-states-mint-indenver-colorado/.

The Molly Brown House, located at 1340 Pennsylvania St. in Denver will appeal to the history buffs in your life. A guided tour is the only way to view the historic Victorian-era landmark, which was once home to the “Unsinkable Molly Brown”—Titanic heroine and activist. Tours last 45 minutes and are available every 30 minutes from 10am-3:30pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and from noon3:30pm on Sundays. Cost is $11/adult and $5/child (children under age six are free). More information can be found at www.mollybrown.org.

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Six themed, community dinners featuring local chefs, breweries and farms collaborating to support non-profits.

Dates and tickets at fortifiedcollaborations.com PHOTO BY RICHARD HARO

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learn and live

Drive, chip and putt…a disc!

Try disc golf for a new way to walk in the park KIM SHARPE

F

lying saucers and UFOs in NoCo? Yep! Both exist in the form of disc golf, which can be an Unbelievably Fun Outing!

Disc golf is a game played in a park that’s similar to the game played with a ball and clubs, but instead, players use Frisbees® or discs. The object is to get your disc from a starting point a “tee” to a “Pole Hole®”—a raised metal basket suspended on a pole in the ground—in the fewest amount of throws. It’s a come-when-you-want, as-you-are, cheap way to have a good time, and you don’t have to have any special training or skills.

Local disc golf pro KC Terry estimates that most kids can probably get the hang of the game and begin to get a decent flight on a disc starting at about age 6. Terry says, “I would anticipate distractions [“Squirrel!”] shifting their attention away, thereby cutting the round short. So at this age…playing on one of the nine-hole courses in the area is probably the best bet.”

The shorter, more wide-open courses good for beginners would be the ones at Boltz Middle School or Fort Collins High School. For a little

Discology 101 –

where to play, how to play, gear to play • All Things Disc Golf www.allthingsdiscgolf.com • Best Disc Golf Discs www.bestdiscgolfdiscs.com • DG Course Review www.dgcoursereview.com • The Disc Golf Scene www.discgolfscene.org • Northern Colorado Disc Golf Club www.nocodiscgolf.com • Professional Disc Golf Association www.pdga.com • The Wright Life www.wrightlife.com/disc-golf-courses/

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more challenge because there are lots of trees, try Cache La Poudre Elementary or check out Oxbow Natural Area in Windsor. Some of Loveland’s courses would probably be good to try as well.

A great thing about disc golf is that it doesn’t require a lot of equipment.

For totally casual play, one simple disc or Frisbee® will do. Of course, you may want to expand your disc collection to add some designed and weighted, especially for mid-range or long throws or chip shots and short putts. And then you’d need a way to tote your disc collection, like a bag or a cart. “There are lots of bags and pull-behind carts on the market now that are designed to carry anywhere from 20-30 discs at a time, along with snacks, extra layers and accessories,” Terry, who works for The Wright Life, says. “But for most casual players, just a putter, mid-range and driver (plus maybe a starter bag) is sufficient for any shot that presents itself on the course. Maybe bring a backup disc in case you dunk one in the lake!”

If you want to learn, go out to a local course and simply watch how others play the game, then give it go. If you want a little instruction, Terry recommends going online where there are tons of

tutorials by enthusiasts and top pros alike who answer questions about technique and disc selection. But don’t be too hard on yourself or take it too seriously. Just get out there and try it; it’s a blast!

Disc golf courses • Aggie Greens – Hughes Stadium, Fort Collins [18 holes / Long / Moderate difficulty]

• Beaver Meadows – Red Feather Lakes [18 holes / Long / Challenging difficulty] • Boltz Junior High – Fort Collins [9 holes / Short / Basic difficulty] • Cache La Poudre Middle School – Laporte [9 holes / Very short / Moderate difficulty] • Edora Park – Fort Collins [18 holes / Medium length / Moderate difficulty] • Fort Collins High School [9 holes / Short / Moderate difficulty] • Oxbow Natural Area – Windsor [12 holes / Short / Moderate difficulty] • Sundance Trail – Red Feather Lakes [18 holes / Long / Challenging difficulty] • Wellington Disc Golf Course [18 holes / Medium length / Moderate difficulty] LIST PROVIDED BY THE WRIGHT LIFE

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community news

Honors, assistance and health Northern Colorado cares about supporting people KIM SHARPE

C

elebrate achievement. Train for a career with scholarship support. Empower young girls to be themselves. Connect children, youth and families experiencing mental-health and substance-abuse issues to helpful resources. Stay a step ahead of cancer by getting screened.

These are all messages reverberating through the northern Colorado community, which reflect its giving, caring spirit. Read on to learn more.

STUDENT NAMED DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMAN OF COLORADO Kate Fitzgerald, a Rocky Mountain High School student, has been named Distinguished Young Woman of Colorado for 2017. Young women across the nation participate in interviews, fitness, self expression, talent and scholastics resulting in scholarships for furthering their education. Fitzgerald was named the overall winner and placed first in the categories of fitness, and interviews, and talent, resulting in $1,750 in college scholarships.

Fitzgerald is a member of the National Honor Society, student council, peer counselors and DECA/FBLA. She hopes to attend the University of California– San Diego to study marine biology after graduation. She will join representatives from all 50 states this June in Mobile, Alabama, to participate in personal development activities and community service projects before competing for the opportunity to become the 2017 Distinguished Young Woman of America (previously known as America’s Junior Miss) and for additional cash scholarships.

MCKEE OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MEDICAL PURSUITS The McKee Scholarship Program is accepting applications for the 2017-2018 academic year for general medical education scholarships and Marge Schafer 14

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Nursing Scholarships. The program is open for students pursuing medical careers and who have a permanent address in the Thompson School District.

Ashley Kasprzak, McKee Medical Center Foundation fund development program specialist, says, “…the Foundation and the McKee Volunteer Leadership Council provide scholarships for students pursuing medical careers for multiple reasons. We want to foster a highly educated workforce that will consider working in healthcare in our region. Plus, we want to give back to community by supporting students. Healthcare offers a multitude of well-paying careers with high job satisfaction, yet it can take a great deal of resources to attain that career. The McKee Foundation wants to help defray some of the costs of higher education.”

Applications are available online at www.mckeefoundation.com (click on Scholarships at the bottom of the page) and at the McKee Medical Center Foundation office. Completed applications must be emailed or submitted

to the McKee Foundation by 5pm on March 10.

EMPOWERING YOUNG WOMEN Voices Carry Child Advocacy Center serving Larimer County is hosting a Young Empowered Women (YEW) program, a mentoring group that serves as a resource and network of support for girls ages 10 to 15. The group’s goal is to empower young girls with their own potential to be leaders in their lives, as well as in their communities.

“The YEW encourages girls to seek and celebrate their ‘true selves’ by giving them a safe space, encouragement, structure and support to embrace their important journey of self-discovery,” says Ana Pasini, Voices Carry bilingual family advocate and prevention facilitator.

“A strength-based approach helps girls identify and apply their power and voice as individuals and as a group, focusing on issues that are important in the lives of adolescent girls.”

Topics to be discussed include learning about self, connecting with

others, mindfulness, exploring healthy living and planning for the future.

The aim of the program is to build confidence by applying new-found leadership abilities, passion, power and purpose and share it with the world.

The group meets on the third Thursday of each month from 6-8pm at Voices Carry Child Advocacy Center, 5529 S. Timberline Road in Fort Collins. There is no charge and dinner will be served. All 10- to 15-year-old girls are welcome.

CAYAC TEAM CONNECTS FAMILIES TO MENTAL HEALTH HELP There’s a new team in Larimer County.

The CAYAC (Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Connections) Team is a partnership of the Health District of Northern Larimer County, SummitStone Health Partners, Poudre School District and other community resources.

They work together to support local families struggling to find help for children who could be suffering from a mental illness or substance use disorder.

Parents sometimes are unsure if the behavioral issues their children are experiencing are just a “normal phase,” or the result of a developmental issue, mental illness or substance use, says Lin Wilder, director of the Healthy Mind Matters

program at the Health District. “Parents looking for answers have told us that they didn’t know where to start, and that they often got little support in a process that can be very lengthy as a child grows and changes.” The CAYAC team works to increase families’ access to assessment services that can pinpoint potential problems and smooth a path toward appropriate treatment, and then help connect families with treatment providers.

That team includes a child/adolescent psychiatrist; a child/adolescent clinical psychologist; a school liaison from Poudre School District’s mental health team; two care coordinators; mental health specialists; and a family support partner, an individual who has “walked in the shoes” of families seeking help and can offer support and guidance based on experience.

Major funding for the CAYAC Team comes from The Denver Foundation and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Children Youth and Families Branch. The Health District and SummitStone Health Partners also provide funding.

For more information, call 970221-3308, Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm. If you are experiencing a crisis, visit or call the SummitStone Walkin Crisis Center (1217 Riverside Ave.,

Fort Collins; 970-494-4200), go to your nearest emergency room, or call 1-844493-TALK (8255) or 911.

FREE CANCER SCREENINGS AVAILABLE TO WELD COUNTY WOMEN The Weld County Health Department now offers free cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to eligible women aged 21 through 64. The Department also offers free breast cancer screenings for women ages 40 to 64 who meet the same eligibility requirements.

“Many forms of cancer are preventable if women get screened early,” says Mark E. Wallace, Weld County Health Department executive director.

To qualify for free screenings, a woman must earn an income of no more than 2.5 times the federal poverty level (www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/ eligibility-calculator), be legal US citizens, and have no health insurance or have health insurance with high deductibles or co-pays.

If a woman enrolled in the Women’s Wellness Connection is diagnosed with cancer, most will qualify for treatment through Health First Colorado’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.

For more information about the Women’s Wellness Connection program at the Weld County Health Department, visit www.weldhealth.org or contact Samantha Wittrock, community health outreach worker, at 970-4002400 or swittrock@weldgov.com.

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healthy living

Learning from labels

The nutrients and ingredients in your food LEA HANSON

P

eople look at food labels for different reasons: grasping vitamin and nutrient intake, monitoring ingredients, deciphering processed food from non-processed, and more. Whatever the reason, many consumers would like to know more about how to use this information more effectively and easily.

Reading nutrition labels gives you facts about the product’s ingredients, important nutrients, and the recommended daily values (DV) of those nutrients. There are two sections to the nutrition information on food labels: the Nutrient Information and the Ingredient List. It’s important to note that the nutrient amounts listed on a nutrition label indicate the amount in one serving, not the total amount in the container (unless specified). To determine the total calories in the whole package, multiply the calories per serving by the total number of servings.

UNDERSTANDING DAILY VALUES Daily values (DV) help evaluate how a particular food fits into your daily meal plan. DVs are average levels of nutrients for a person eating 2,000 calories a day.

A food item with a 5 percent DV of fat provides 5 percent of the total fat that a person consuming 2,000 calories a day should eat. Parents need to remember that children often need to eat fewer than 2,000 calories in a day, so keep this in mind and consult your pediatrician for your child’s needs.

UNHEALTHY CULPRITS There are a few items listed in the Nutrient Information without a DV percentage: trans fats, protein, and sugars. Trans fat is easy: there is not an agreed upon recommended amount. No amount of trans fat is healthy, but experts cannot yet agree on what amount 16

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is—for lack of better words—safe. If you tend to err on the side of caution, just try to have none.

For protein, a DV percent is required to be listed if a claim is made for protein, such as “high in protein.”

Otherwise, none is needed unless the food is meant for use by infants and children under age 4. Current scientific evidence indicates that protein intake is not a public health concern for adults and children over age 4.

Sugars, like trans fats, have no recommendations regarding the total amount to eat in a day. Most health professionals agree that less is more when it comes to sugar. Keep in mind, the sugars listed on the Nutrition Facts label include naturally occurring sugars (like those in fruit and milk) as well as those added to a food or drink.

Check the ingredient list for specifics

on added sugars.

THE INGREDIENTS LIST Foods with more than one ingredient must have an ingredient list on the label. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. Those in the largest amounts are listed first. This information is particularly helpful to individuals with food sensitivities and allergies, those who wish to limit added sugars, or those who are vegetarians and/or vegan. A good rule of thumb is to scan the first three ingredients, because they are the largest part of what you’re eating. If the first ingredients include refined grains, some sort of sugar or hydrogenated oils, assume the product is unhealthy. Another good rule of thumb is if the ingredients list is longer than 2–3 lines, you can assume that the product is highly processed.

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The fear among us Acknowledging and preventing child abuse and neglect Kim Sharpe

B

eautiful scenery. Award-winning schools and universities. Diverse arts and cultural activities. Acres of parks and open spaces. Unique shopping and dining opportunities. Hundreds of miles of walking and biking trails. Rivers running through it.

All of these features make the northern front range of Colorado a highly desirable place to call home. Plus, northern Colorado communities often are touted as the best places to live, work, raise kids, bicycle, retire and more.

When the prevailing message is that we virtually live in utopia, it is hard to believe we have ugly societal issues.

In fact, some people would rather turn a blind eye than directly look at the unsightliness of issues like poverty, alcoholism, homelessness and child abuse.

But we do our whole community, our own families and ourselves a disservice if we do not admit to and address them.

This article focuses on one of those 18

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ugly issues: child abuse and neglect. It’s intended to raise awareness and offer suggestions for what you can do to help prevent it.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT DEFINED Child neglect can be physical, emotional, educational or medical. Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S. 19-1-103) say child abuse or neglect is any “act or omission…that threatens the health or welfare of a child.” They go on to specifically say abuse is “Any case in which a child exhibits evidence of skin bruising, bleeding, malnutrition, failure to thrive, burns, fracture of any bone, subdural hematoma, soft tissue swelling, or death…

Any case in which a child is subjected to unlawful sexual behavior…Any case in which a child is a child in need of services because the child’s parents, legal guardian, or custodian fails to take the same actions to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision that a prudent parent would take.”

HOW COMMON IS IT? Voices Carry Child Advocacy Center serving Larimer County says, “Historically, the national prevalence rate was one in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused by the age of 18 years, however, this number has now changed to one in 10 children will be sexually abused before the age of 18. Additionally, it is estimated that seven to 12 percent of children are sexually abused. It is difficult to determine concrete numbers of this issue due to under-reporting and social taboos, however researchers continue to attempt to collect accurate data.

However, in 2016 we had 290 incidences of abuse or neglect referred to Voices Carry for a forensic interview. This rate is typical for most counties our size.”

According to Life Stories: Child & Family Advocacy, in 2015, the Weld County Department of Human Services assessed 2,692 children for abuse with 699 of those children substantiated for

abuse or neglect. That is one in 113 of Weld County’s children.

According to the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center (SAVA), 83 percent of high school young women will experience sexual assault in their four years at school; 79 percent of young men will.

Regardless of which statistic you consider, none are acceptable.

WHEN TO SUSPECT ABUSE Some signs of abuse are very evident and others are not. And the presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring. “When signs appear repeatedly or in combination, you should take a closer look at the situation and consider the possibility of child abuse,” advises the federal Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Professionals who work with children, such as health-care providers, teachers, counselors, therapists and child-care providers are required by law to report any suspected child abuse. Private citizens are not required to report suspected abuse, but may feel a moral and ethical obligation to do so, and should know reports can be filed anonymously.

Signs of physical abuse may include

have been sexually abused, believe them and seek help.”

PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN To protect your own children, be involved them. Know who their friends are and make a point to meet their friends’ parent. Also, listen to your gut. If leaving your child with someone—even a family member—doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. Additionally, beginning at a young age, talk to your children about appropriate touch. Veteran Fort Collins Police Sergeant Jon Holsten, wrote “The Swimsuit Lesson” (www.swimsuitlesson. com) and offers it as a way to discuss this difficult issue with children.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Voices Carry helps victims of abuse by providing a child-friendly, neutral environment to talk to highly trained professionals through a forensic interview. During the forensic interview, the non-offending caregiver is provided with support and resources through their family advocate program.

For over 30 years, ChildSafe has provided comprehensive outpatient therapy for victims of child abuse, pri-

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month

To report abuse or neglect, or for information or help: • In Larimer County, call Larimer County Department of Human Services – Child Protection at 970-498-6990 • I n Weld County, call Weld County Department of Human Services at 970-352-1551 Ext. 6211

bruises, broken bones, burn marks, black eyes. Signs of sexual abuse may include inappropriate sexual contact with another child or adult, and excessive touching of their genitals.

Lisa Poppaw, executive director of ChildSafe, says, “While the signs and symptoms look different for each child, behaviors such as regression, sexualized play, aggression, disassociation, and avoidance or fear of certain individuals may indicate that a child has been sexually abused. Physical symptoms may include sexually transmitted diseases, rectal or genital bleeding and/ or discharge, frequent urinary tract infections, and bruising or scaring in the genital area. If a child discloses that they

marily child sexual abuse, their nonoffending family members and adults who were molested as children. “We offer a multitude of therapeutic modalities including individual, family and group therapy, play therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and Neurofeedback,” says Poppaw. “We tailor our approach to fit the needs of each individual client, and offer a sliding scale for our fees that are as low as $5 per session. We do not turn anyone away for any reason, including an inability to pay. Our mission is to repair the damage done to victims and their families, reduce the risk of re-victimization and prevent the cycle of abuse from carrying over into

future generations.”

SAVA offers therapy services by therapists that are specifically trained to deal with sexual assault trauma. In its Weld County office, “We also provide play therapy to children that have experienced sexual assault,” says Chelsea Wilson, SAVA executive director.

SAVA also has a rape crises hotline that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This line is staffed by specially trained, volunteer advocates who provide support and resources to anyone who is affected by sexual violence. Callers remain anonymous.

SAVA also provides advocacy services in the hospital, at the police department or in court. “Our advocates can accompany and support a survivor as they are trying to navigate the system,” Wilson says. “We can assist in filling out paperwork, such as victim compensation forms or protection orders. We can also help connect victims to other resources in the community to assist in meeting other needs that often get ignored or neglected when a person goes through trauma.” All of these services are available for both primary and secondary survivors.

At the end of the day, Poppaw brings it down to the basics: “If we don’t begin focusing our efforts and dollars on treating victims of adverse childhood experiences, like child abuse, we will never move the needle in any consequential way on issues such as homelessness, substance abuse, and mental illness that cost our community millions.”

Realities for Children

With a strong coalition of local businesses, youth agencies and community members, Realities for Children Charities supports a safety net in northern Colorado to improve the lives of children who have been abused, neglected or are at-risk. They serve youth in four ways: disbursing emergency funds, supporting youth agencies, building community awareness and providing youth activities. To learn more, log onto: www.realitiesforchildren.com or call, 970-484-9090.

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Fit for

the right

reason

Raising kids to love their bodies Lynn U. Nichols

T

oday more than ever, kids worry about their appearance. Gen Z-ers are the first generation to be able to share photos instantly on social media and invite peers to comment freely on their every thought, move, pose, smile and outfit. Kids can be brutal. Is this free-wielding, my-right-to-say-myopinion-about-YOU mentality is healthy for our kids? One thing is for sure, social media and easy access to the internet has a direct impact on our kids’ body images and self-esteem. If nothing else, it increases the temptation to compare themselves to others.

So how, then, do we take the focus off of looks and put it on to health when we talk with our kids about maintaining a healthy weight and body image?

It’s hard to find the right balance, not unlike being on a teeter totter with your child. To both stay happily floating on the same plane you can’t dominate too much and neither can they. As a parent, you have to keep that balance by going 20

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easy with suggestions, comments and guidance, and know when to apply pressure and rules, and when to not.

Some habits that will get you there are modeling healthy habits, gently educating about food and what each type of food provides, and most importantly, not commenting on their bodies or what they eat.

YOU’RE THE TEACHER, TEACH WELL As parents, we share our lens of the world with our kids. If we stand in front of the mirror and lament about our heavy thighs and fuss over our fly-aways, we teach them that it’s normal to dislike our bodies and how we look.

“It’s a big responsibility for parents to pass on a healthy body image to our kids. I am very conscious to never use the word fat, never belittle my body, or body shame myself in front of my daughters,” says Julia Tompkins, a personal trainer & yoga instructor at UCHealth Poudre Valley Medical Fitness in Windsor and Mindstream Yoga in Fort Collins.

That also goes for not making comments about your kids’ bodies or looks.

Even saying, ‘you look pretty (or handsome) today’ may seem like a compliment, and is fine at times, but when you comment too often on your kids’ physical appearance they learn to overly value looking good, and see it as something that’s important to achieve.

“It’s about role modeling. Instead of

commenting about what their body looks like, I comment on what it allowed them to do, like mastering a skill on the balance beam,” Tompkins adds.

FOOD IS FOOD, IT JUST DOES DIFFERENT THINGS It’s also true with food. If you say, ‘Oh, I (or you) shouldn’t eat this,’ or label foods good or bad or ban certain foods from your lives, you make food taboo (and it’s human nature to want what’s taboo).

That doesn’t mean you let go of the reins and let your kids eat whatever they want,

whenever they want, it means keeping a neutral attitude about foods while still guiding choices. Supply limited access to sweets and processed foods, and model that such foods are occasional, once or twice a week treats, not daily staples.

You have control over what foods enter your house, so choose wisely. When you shop, focus on whole foods that are close to their natural state, rather than processed foods. If a food has more than five ingredients, it’s likely processed.

“Read the labels. If you can’t pronounce something, it probably doesn’t need to be in your body,” Tompkins says.

Of course your kids are going to get sweets outside of the house, so it’s best to try to relax about that. When it’s your turn to supply the snack at school or the game, pick something healthy, and avoid drinks high in sugar. If there’s one habit to break or not begin, it’s regularly drinking sugary drinks, and that includes much more than soda. Scratch sports drinks, coffee drinks, juices, and even some smoothies and protein shakes from your shopping list. Buy quick, healthy snacks to pack for stops between activities, like water, fruit, healthy bars, boiled eggs, veggies and dip, nuts, seeds, and even jerky.

Rather than labeling certain foods as

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good or bad, educate your kids about what different foods do for their bodies. Baking cookies together on Sundays is a fun activity, just let them know that even though cookies taste good, we don’t eat them that often because sugar weakens our bodies making it harder for them to perform in sports or fight off colds and flus.

“I have a picky eater so I try to educate her on eating a variety of foods.

I say, ‘I know you really like to play basketball and veggies and fruits help your body play better.’ But I know that if I push my picky eater, she pushes back so I try to find that healthy balance of gently educating without forcing it,” Tompkins says whose a big proponent of eating a substantial breakfast to get the day started out right.

CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY Make it a goal to focus on what your kids’ bodies can do when their healthy, rather than what they look like. Think about the message your words are sending before you speak.

“I like to say, ‘your body is a machine, and you have to feed that machine and oil that machine to keep it working well,” Tompkins says.

Teach, and live, the truth that a healthy body allows us to do what we want to do. If we are out hiking, a strong body lets us scramble up that boulder. If we are chasing a ball in soccer, a strong body lets us get to the ball fast.

“If my kids complain about taking a family bike ride or walk, I help them understand that we have a dog and he needs exercise too. If my daughter says it’s too hard to ride her bike up the hill, I try to change her perspective by saying, ‘feel how much your heart is pumping and how hard your legs are working!’

Whenever you can, make exercise a fun family affair, not a task,” she adds.

Celebrating the achievement and modeling how good you feel after exercise with a high five and a, ‘wow, I feel great!’ further brings the message home.

Healthy living is a constant balancing act. If you stay conscientious of the lessons you are teaching, and try to live a healthy lifestyle yourself, your kids are more apt to love their bodies—and so are you.

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Achievable, positive family goals for healthy living

Forming healthy habits goes hand-in-hand with setting goals. As a parent, you can model constructive goal setting for your kids. Make it a habit to state goals out loud or model writing them down, and your kids will likely start to mimic you. For example, if you say, ‘I’m going to walk/run/bike 20 minutes each day around the neighborhood,’ and you do it, you’re giving a good lesson in goal setting. Studies show that when kids see a skill or witness a new habit in action, they are more likely to adopt it. Make goals a family affair for more impact.

Don’t forget to celebrate accomplishments by putting a star on the calendar, or making a poster of a thermometer or a 7-section caterpillar and filling in each day with a different color. Or, take a photo of your child achieving a goal or celebrate with a fun family outing. Goals are easier for kids when they are broken into steps, and when they see some quick success, like within a week. Rather than tackling all of your and your kids’ unhealthy habits at once, start with just a few. Here are some ideas: • Make sodas or sugary drinks an occasional treat that you have only when you’re out • Drink a big glass of water before every meal • Put chips or snacks in a small bowl rather than eating out of the bag • Practice mindful eating by not eating in front of the TV or another screen • Race to be the last done at the dinner table: Eat slow and chew your food • Use screen time as a reward after exercise • Play an active game every day after school • Have dessert or a sugary treat just once or twice a week • Do an active family activity three times a week

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greeley-evans district 6 news The Burroughs to play benefit concert for District 6

A benefit concert featuring Greeley’s own soul rock band, The Burroughs, will be held on Friday, Apr. 14 at Greeley Central High School, with all the proceeds from ticket sales going to fund backpacks and school supplies distributed at the 2017 School Kickoff Community Celebration on Aug. 12 at Island Grove Regional Park.

The Greeley Stampede sponsors the Burroughs at The Castle.

The concert will be held at 7pm in the Greeley Central High School Auditorium, 1515 14th Avenue.

Band members will host a clinic, and question and answer session for Greeley Central Arts Magnet students before the performance.

A Greeley Central music group will open for the band, and several students will perform a song with The Burroughs.

The Burroughs are known for high-energy, crowd-friendly live shows that get people moving. They have performed at venues throughout 24

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Colorado, and have opened for the Steve Miller Band.

Tickets will be $15 for adults, and $10 for students ages 17 and under. All seats will be general admission and pre-purchased tickets can be picked up at the will call at Greeley Central beginning at 6pm the night of the performance. Tickets are now available at the District 6 Web store by visiting https://greeley. revtrak.net/tek9.asp and clicking on The Burroughs at the Castle icon.

To learn more about The Burroughs and listen to samples of their music, visit www. theburroughssoul.com.

NEW PRINCIPALS HIRED; NUTRITION DIRECTOR STEPS DOWN The Greeley-Evans School District 6 Board of Education approved the hiring of two new principals during its regular meeting Monday, Feb. 13. In another personnel change, Nutrition Services Director Jeremy

West has submitted his resignation to District 6.

Christopher Keiffer will take over the leadership of Chappelow K-8 Arts Magnet after current principal Sandy Cosner retires in June. Mr. Kieffer has worked in education for 20 years. He has 12 years of administrative experience, including 8 years as a K-8 principal in an artfocus school in Arizona. He also worked as a classroom teacher and a literacy coach in a Title 1 school.

He is currently serving as a middle school principal in the Poudre School District. Kieffer holds master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Cabrini College and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

“Mr. Kieffer’s extensive experience is an excellent match for Chappelow K-8 and District 6. He looks forward to serving, once again, in a K-8 arts-focus school,” says Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch.

Melanie Jones has been hired to serve as the principal at Platte Valley Youth Services Center. Current Principal Richard Paull will also retire in June.

Ms. Jones brings extensive experience as a special educator and as a leader in the Division of Youth Corrections. She has more than 20 years of experience in the youth corrections/education services.

She has a Master’s in Special Education from University of Northern Colorado and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services. Additionally, Jones has completed her principal licensure from The Principal Institute.

“The staff and I are excited to have her as the new leader at Platte Valley,” Dr. Pilch says.

Jeremy West, who has served as the director of Nutrition Services since August of 2008, will be leaving District 6 to accept a post in the nutrition services department in Jefferson County School District.

Mr. West was recruited to the position, and says he is excited to be working and learning about serving meals to students in a much larger school district, about four times the size of District 6.

Mr. West and his staff helped ushered in a “food renaissance” in District 6, transitioning from serving processed foods to making healthy, fresh meals for students from scratch.

“This is a huge loss for District 6, but West has done a wonderful job hiring and training his staff,” Dr. Pilch says. “We know our excellent, nationally-recognized meal program will continue.”

STUDENTS CAN OPEN ENROLL INTO FRED TJARDES SCHOOL The Greeley-Evans School District 6 Board of Education approved the new Fred Tjardes School of Innovation at its regular meeting Monday, Feb. 13. Students are invited to open enroll into the school for the 2017-18 school year.

Open enrollment forms are available

on the District 6 website at www. greeleyschools.org/openenrollment.

The completed forms for the Fred Tjardes School of Innovation must be returned to the Administration Building, 1025 9th Avenue in Greeley by 4pm, Friday, Mar. 10.

The Fred Tjardes School of Innovation is a new school in GreeleyEvans School District 6 that will focus on project-based learning for students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade. The school will be located in downtown Greeley, and will open in August 2017, pending full approval by the state Board of Education.

Space is limited in the Fred Tjardes School of Innovation, so parents are encouraged to open enroll students as soon as possible. For more information, visit www.ftjschoolofinnovation.com.

Interested students and parents are also invited to attend a community meeting where questions about the new school will be answered. The meeting is Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6pm at the Rodarte Center, 920 A Street in Greeley.

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poudre school district news Girls explore STEM through after-school club

A hush fell over a computer lab full of girls at Lopez Elementary as the notes of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star floated out over the room.

Fifth grader Kenley, face furrowed with concentration but alive with joy, plinked out the tune on lumps of playdough with wires sticking out leading into a small circuit board.

As she hit the final note, a little cheer went up across the room.

This is the Fashion Tech Club, a STEM-oriented after-school group designed to get girls interested in the traditionally male-dominated subjects. A grant from the PSD Foundation helped to provide the tools the girls use — including Makey Makey invention kits, design software, and a 3D scanner and computer.

In another corner of the room, fifth-grader Malia Quiroz sat in front of a computer, peering at what appeared to be an image of Darth Vader superimposed over a rainbow paint splatter.

“I’m trying to make a wristband that will control the character on the screen when you move, kind of like a Wii,” she explains. “So like, when you move your arm, Darth Vader will move his arm too.”

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Though she says she’s “not the best” with tech, since joining the club a few months ago she’s learned how to use the 3D printer, taught other students how to use it, and decided she wants to learn to code.

That’s the kind of thing that media specialist Sarah Weeks and parent volunteer Marie Vans, who collaborated to write grants for the technology, love to

see. As a research scientist at Hewlett Packard, Vans knows firsthand that girls are underrepresented in STEM fields.

“I have my PhD in computer science, and all the way through school there were no girls in my classes. I feel really strongly about getting girls interested in STEM, because of some of the roadblocks that I’ve had in my own career,” she says.

She’s hoping that the work Lopez is doing to expose girls to STEM early will set an example locally for other schools.

“We know from research that if girls see in elementary school that STEM is not nerdy, that it’s something they can do, that they’re more likely to pursue STEM careers later on,” Vans says.

Lopez is just one school in the district implementing unique approaches to get girls interested in science.

At Shepardson Elementary, every single student, starting in kindergarten, has opportunities to explore a makerspace full of robots, sewing machines and invention kits. At Tavelli Elementary, teachers are blending art and science into unique circuit art projects that let girls access their creativity. At Preston Middle School, connecting STEM learning to real-world outcomes through

the Engineering Brightness program has proved to be the key to motivating girls to learn to solder and code.

And though the end goal is to encourage girls to pursue STEM careers, the process is about helping each person to develop to her whole potential.

“We want girls to feel empowered and find their voices,” Weeks says.

THE BIG PICTURE WITH DR. SMYSER: PSD PREPARES STUDENTS FOR THE REAL WORLD When Sandra Smyser was 13—before she became a doctor or a superintendent or a teacher—she was a babysitter.

And she was the only kid in the neighborhood comfortable looking after two children who had profound autism.

“Back then, most people didn’t know what autism was,” she explains.

“But I realized I had a knack for taking care of kids with autism. I could figure out how to help.”

As she entered high school, she began connecting with more opportunities to work with people with disabilities.

She worked as a paraprofessional in the summer and with a program for adults during the school year. Someone

connected her with a job raising money for the Special Olympics. Slowly, she began to move towards her career path, eventually earning a doctoral degree in special education.

Now, as superintendent, she’s passionate about helping the 30,000 students in the district to explore and connect with their potential career paths.

“We want students to have a realistic view of what the job market is, and what work is like. In all of our schools, we’re developing and trying new options to give students more experiences so they are better prepared to make career decisions for themselves,” she says.

Sometimes, those experiences are

internships with local community partners. Other times, it’s encouraging high school students to explore free college classes or bringing professionals to campus to share their knowledge.

Providing a wide-range of career exploration options is one of the key goals identified by Sheila Pottorff, who filled the newly created position of Director of Post-Secondary and Workforce Readiness this year.

“We want to help students know who they are, so they can make informed decisions as they make their learning journey through PSD,” Pottorff says.

To do so, the district relies on community partners who open their doors and volunteer their time to give students a preview of their dream careers. Those real-world experiences allow students to apply the skills and knowledge they’ve learned in an academic setting, and helps them acquire essential skills like time management and organization.

“Our District Ends focus on developing every aspect of each student, from their academic knowledge to their social and emotional skills and their post-high school plans,” Smyser says. “It’s about being ready for everything that comes after graduation.”

For more information on PWR programs or to volunteer to host a student in your business, please email Sheila Pottorff at SPottorff@psdschools.org.

PSD Calendar of Events March 13-17..... S pring Break, No school K-12 March 21........... 6 :30pm, Board of Education business meeting, JSSC, 2407 Laporte Ave.

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thompson school district news Students visit manufacturing businesses enrolled in an agriscience class have the opportunity to participate as active members in the Thompson FFA Chapter, a student organization that promotes premier leadership, personal growth and career success.

A committee of the NOCO Manufacturing Partnership entitled “Manufacturing Rocks!” created two tours for Thompson School District students to visit and get a hands-on experience in a manufacturing setting. Forty students from Thompson Valley High School and forty from Walt Clark Middle School visited local manufacturing businesses Hach and Aleph Objects, Inc. The high school students visited Hach and the middle school students traveled to Aleph Objects.

This program runs twice per year to show young people in the district the new and exciting opportunities available in a manufacturing career. This is not the traditional assembly line that many people think of when they hear the word “manufacturing.” Students may consider taking a manufacturing course in high school or pursuing an internship with a local manufacturer.

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GRANT PROVIDES FOR AGRICULTURE EDUCATION Thompson School District’s Agriculture Education program was recently awarded a Colorado FFA Foundation Grant in the amount of $3,500, which will provide funding for a greenhouse and chicken coop on the Thompson Valley High School campus.

Following the greenhouse and coop construction this spring, Thompson students enrolled in agriscience classes will have the opportunity to learn about plant and animal systems first-hand. Students will be involved in planting and harvesting crops grown in the greenhouse, hatching and raising chickens, collecting eggs and marketing the products that result from the “mini farm”.

The agriculture education program in Thompson School District currently serves over 100 students, with the majority attending Thompson Valley and Berthoud High School. All students

STUDENTS EARN AWARDS Congratulations to Loveland High School’s Caitlin Parets, who has been named a finalist for the 2017 Boettcher Scholarship. Also, congratulations to Alyx Job (also of Loveland High School) and Caitlin Parets for being named as finalists for the National Merit Scholarship.

Congratulations to Evyn Batie, a junior at Mountain View High School, who has been elected to the position of president of the Northern Colorado District of Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

The Northern Colorado District is one of ten districts in the state of Colorado. FCCLA is a national student organization whose mission is to promote personal growth and leadership development through family and consumer sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community

EVYN BATIE

leader, members develop skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge and career preparation. As president, Evyn will work with a team of eleven other officers. This group plans and runs an annual conference for 350 Family and Consumer Sciences students and teachers each fall. She will also represent the Northern Colorado District at the State Conference in April.

ROBOTICS TEAM EARNS INVITATION TO CHAMPIONSHIP Berthoud High School’s VEX Robotics Team 1069B Argonauts won the “Excellence Award” at the Roosevelt High VEX Robotics Qualifier. This award earned them an invitation to compete at the Colorado State Championship on February 25. Berthoud’s 1069F Livewire team previously qualified for State, as did the 974X Cyberbrains team with Thompson School District students from Loveland.

Photo Credit: Julie Mizer. Standing left to right: Samuel Mizer, Michael Creager, Joel Rozum.

Front kneeling: Jake Rafferty & Henry Mizer. Not pictured: Ryan Schmad, Connor Siruta and Coach Michael Mizer.

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lunchbox POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT—Elementary student lunches are $2.55, secondary student lunches are $2.80 and reduced lunches are PK-5 free, grades 6-12 $0.40.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Teriyaki meatballs & rice; hamburger/ cheeseburger 2 Chicken drumstick & roll; mac n’cheese 3 Pepperoni or cheese pizza; veggie wrap 6 Hamburger/cheeseburger; Philly cheesesteak sandwich 7 Cheese & ravioli & roll; mac n’cheese 8 Thai chicken & rice; chicken & patty sandwich 9 Beef taco & rice; chicken bites & roll 10 Meat lovers or cheese pizza; veggie wrap 13-17 Spring Break—No school!

20 Chicken drumstick & roll; mac n’cheese

21 Beef lasagna; cheese calzone & marinara 22 Asian noodles & meatball; chicken patty sandwich 23 Chicken tacos & rice; hamburger/ cheeseburger 24 Meat lovers or cheese pizza; chicken Caesar wrap 27 Taco burger; chicken nuggets 28 Meatball sandwich; chicken Alfredo 29 Orange chicken & rice; hot dog 30 Beef & bean burrito; chicken patty sandwich 31 Pepperoni or cheese pizza; chef salad w/roll

MIDDLE SCHOOLS 1 Asian Bar—Teriyaki chicken/beef & egg roll 2 Taco bar Beef or chicken & rice 3 Philly cheesesteak sandwich; chicken nuggets 6 Honey Sriracha boneless wings; chicken nuggets 7 Cheese calzone & marinara; spring vegetable rotini 8 Teriyaki beef chicken & egg roll 9 Beef & bean burrito 10 Bacon cheeseburger; pancake & sausage wrap 13-17 Spring Break—no school!

20 Hot dog; honey sriracha 21 Chicken Alfredo; meatball sandwich 22 Asian bar; Genera; Tso steak & chicken & egg roll 23 Beef & bean burrito 24 Mac n’cheese; mashed potato & chicken bowl 27 Chicken parmesan sandwich; BBQ pulled pork sandwich 28 Cheese calzone & marinara; chicken nuggets 29 Sweet & sour meatball & chicken & egg roll 30 Taco bar, beef or chicken & rice 31 Tortilla soup bar

THOMPSON R2J SCHOOL DISTRICT—Elementary lunches are $2.75. Secondary school lunches are $3. Reduced lunches are PK-5 free, grades 6-12 $0.40.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Baked ziti; chef salad w/roll 2 Chicken w/mashed potatoes & gravy; Caesar salad w/roll 3 Grilled cheese sandwich; garden entrée salad w/goldfish 6 Bosco sticks w/marinara sauce; PBJ dipper basket 7 Chicken tender salad; burrito grande 8 Chef salad w/roll; mac n’cheese 9 Caesar salad w/roll; sweet & sour chicken w/rice 10 No school!

13-17 Spring Break! No school!

20 Hamburger; fruit salad w/yogurt 21 Chicken quesadilla; chicken tender salad w/roll 22 Meatball sub; chef salad w/roll 23 Pancakes & sausage; Caesar salad w/roll 24 Pizza; garden entrée salad w/goldfish 27 Pizza stick; fruit salad w/yogurt 28 Beef tacos; chicken tender salad w/roll 29 Chicken Alfredo pasta; chef salad w/roll 30 Turkey w/mashed potatoes & gravy; Caesar salad w/roll 31 BBQ pulled pork sandwich; garden entrée salad w/goldfish

MIDDLE SCHOOLS 1 Baked ziti; chicken dipper bites 2 Chicken w/mashed potatoes & gravy; enchiladas 3 Grilled cheese sandwich; garden entrée salad w/goldfish 6 manager’s choice; fruit salad w/yogurt 7 Chicken tender salad; manager’s choice 8 Chef salad; manager’s choice 9 Caesar salad w/roll; manager’s choice 10 No school!

13-17 Spring break! No school!

20 Hamburger; fruit salad w/yogurt 21 Chicken quesadilla; chicken tender salad w/roll 22 Meatball sub; pizza roll 23 Dominos pizza; Caesar salad w/roll 24 Pancakes & sausage; garden entrée salad w/goldfish 27 Pizza stick w/sauce; fruit salad w/ yogurt 28 Beef tacos; French bread boat 29 Chicken Alfredo pasta; hamburger 30 Chicken Alfredo pasta; chef salad w/roll 31 BBQ pulled pork sandwich; garden entrée salad w/goldfish

GREELEY DISTRICT 6— Elementary lunches are $2.55, and middle school lunches are $2.80, reduced-price lunches are K-2 free, 3-8 $.40.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Buffalo chicken; PBJ 2 Hamburger/cheeseburger; turkey & cheese hoagie 3 Chicken, bacon, ranch or cheese pizza; PBJ 6 Mac n’cheese; beef hoagie 7 Taco; chicken salad sandwich 8 BBQ Chicken; PBJ 9 Stuffed shells w/red sauce; ham & cheese wrap 10 Green chili chicken or cheese pizza; PBJ 13 Pancakes w/sausage; Italian sandwich

14 Bean & cheese burrito; chicken fajita wrap 15 Teriyaki chicken; PBJ 16 Chicken queso gordita crunch; turkey & cheese hoagie 17 Hawaiian or cheese pizza; PBJ 20-24 Spring Break! No school!

27 Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich; Beef hoagie 28 Sloppy Joe; Pesto chicken salad wrap 29 Hot dog; PBJ 30 Philly panino; ham & cheese wrap 31 Roast ham w/roll; PBJ

MIDDLE SCHOOL 1 Buffalo chicken; PBJ 2 Hamburger/cheeseburger; turkey & cheese hoagie 3 Chicken, bacon, ranch or cheese pizza; PBJ 6 Mac n’cheese; beef hoagie 7 Taco; chicken salad sandwich 8 BBQ Chicken; PBJ 9 Stuffed shells w/red sauce; ham & cheese wrap 10 Green chili chicken or cheese pizza; PBJ 13 Pancakes w/sausage; Italian sandwich

14 Bean & cheese burrito; chicken fajita wrap 15 Teriyaki chicken; PBJ 16 Chicken queso gordita crunch; turkey & cheese hoagie 17 Hawaiian or cheese pizza; PBJ 20-24 Spring Break! No school!

27 Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich; Beef hoagie 28 Sloppy Joe; Pesto chicken salad wrap 29 Hot dog; PBJ 30 Philly panino; ham & cheese wrap 31 Roast ham w/roll; PBJ

WINDSOR SCHOOL DISTRICT—Price for elementary lunch is $2.75, for middle school students, $3. Reduced lunches are elementary, free; middle school, $0.40.

1 Popcorn chicken; corn dog 2 French toast; green eggs & ham 3 Cheesy breadstick w/marinara sauce; fish sandwich 6 Chicken tenders & waffle sticks; PBJ 7 Chicken street tacos; mini cheeseburger 8 Pancakes w/sausage patty; pancake on a stick 9 Mini raviolis; PBJ 10 Cheese & veggie pizza; breakfast wrap 13 Grilled cheese & tomato soup; PBJ

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14 Chicken sandwich; mini cheeseburger 15 Teriyaki chicken; corn dog 16 BBQ sandwich; PBJ 17 Personal pan pizza; fish sandwich 20 Hot dog; PBJ 21 Chicken Alfredo; mini cheeseburger 22 Chicken & black bean chili 23 Beef burger; PBJ 24 No Lunch 27-31 Spring break!

SECONDARY SCHOOL 1 Orange chicken; cheese pizza

2 French toast; green eggs & ham 3 Steak & cheese; cheese pizza 6 Chicken tenders & waffle sticks; cheese pizza 7 Chicken street tacos; cheeseburger & fries 8 Pancakes w/sausage patty; pancake on a stick 9 Lasagna; popcorn chicken 10 Cheese pizza; meatball sub 13 Teriyaki chicken; cheese pizza 14 Rotini w/tomato sauce; French bread

pizza 15 Burrito bar 16 BBQ sandwich; hot dog wrap 17 Personal pan pizza; fish sandwich 20 Chili dog; cheese pizza 21 Chicken Alfredo; hot ham & cheese sandwich 22 Chicken & black bean chili; cheese pizza 23 Cheeseburger; chicken tenders 24 No Lunch 27-31 Spring break!

GREELEY-EVANS YOUTH LEAGUE

2017 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 RMPARENT

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March 2017 ONGOING Car Seat Distribution and Education Class Provides a new car seat and education on how to use it properly to families who otherwise cannot afford a seat. $30 donation requested. One car seat per family per year. Offered once in LV and twice in FC each month. Dates and time varies. 970-495-7508, www.sklarimer. org/car-seat-resources/. Se Habla Español.

Become a Master Naturalist!

Learn about local ecology and public speaking, then lead field trips through natural areas. Training consists of 70 hours of classroom and field lessons, March 21–April 20. Adults. Application deadline: March 7. City of Fort Collins, Natural Areas Department, 1745 Hoffman Mill Rd., FC. 970-224-6118, www. fcgov.com/naturalareas.

MARCH 13-17 Spring Break Garden Superhero Camp Hands-on experiential activities. Halfand full-day camps available. Ages 5-11. Prices vary. Registration required.

Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 970-416-2486, www.fcgov. com/gardens.

Spring Bike Camp 1 Learn basic rules and safety tips with a Safe Routes to School instructor. Ages 9-12. $140. Registration required. EPIC, 1801 Riverside Ave., FC. 8:30am12:30pm. 970-416-2357 www.fcgov.com/recreator.

THROUGH MARCH 12

Forever Plaid A funny, nostalgic romp that features some of the best pop songs from the 1950s.

Ticket prices vary. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., FC. Johnstown. Times vary. 970-744-3747, www.coloradocandlelight.com.

THROUGH APRIL 24 The Parent Café Join other parents, share stories, build a support network, grow friendships and learn how to better parent utilizing the Strengthening Families Protective Factors. Dinner and children’s activities provided. Registration required. Free.

Thompson School Admin. Bldg., 800 S. Taft Ave., LV. 5-7pm. 970-413-1321, www.thematthewshouse.org/families/ parent-cafe/.

THROUGH JULY 30 Painting the World Beautiful On display will be the exquisite works of three local artists: Don Vogl, Rosalie “Rosie” Sinnett, and Joe Flores. Global Village Museum of Arts and Culture, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. Times vary. free admission. 970-221-4600 www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS (except holidays) Read & Seed Preschool Program Stories and activities that build early language comprehension, fine motor skills and curiosity about the world.

Preschoolers and their grown-ups. $3 per participating child; no charge for adults.

Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10am & 11am. 970-416-2486, www.fcgov.com/gardens.

TUESDAYS THROUGH MARCH Chess Club Learn rules and strategies for chess from approved instructors who teach beginners through intermediate levels of play. Ages 6-10. Loveland Public Library, children’s story time room, 300 Adams Ave., LV. 4-5:30pm. 970-962-2587, www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

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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WEDNESDAYS Eat to Live, Not Live to Eat A registered dietician will help you eat healthy in the real world. Ages 18+. $20 for initial appointment; $10 follow up.

Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. 9am-12noon. By appt. only. 970-2216644, www.fcgov.com/health-wellness.

WEDNESDAYS THROUGH MARCH 8 Buddy Reading Trained adult volunteers are ready to play the Zirkel Reading Game designed to engage children in a fun reading experience while encouraging use of important reading strategies and skills.

Ages 6-11. Loveland Public Library, children’s story time room, 300 Adams Ave., LV. 4-5pm. 970-962-2587, www. lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

WEDNESDAYS, THROUGH MARCH 29 Powerful Tools for Caregivers Acquire 35 helpful tools for caregiving to help you avoid burnout and be a better caregiver to your loved one. Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 2000 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 1-3pm. Call 970-495-8560, www. larimer.org.

‘Tis the Season for All Things Green!

Rose gardening, growing vegetables, beneficial plants, more! Loveland Public Library, Gertrude Scott Room, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 970-962-2401, www. lovelandlibrary.org/events.

WEDNESDAYS, THROUGH APRIL 19 Parent Education Speaker Series A drop-in parent education speaker series. Topics include anxiety, depression, suicide, substance use in schools, sexuality, ADD and ADHD, cutting, more. Adults. Free; includes dinner.

Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Connections, 1302 S. Shields St., Ste. A13., FC. 5:30-6:30pm. To reserve a space, email Katherine, kchu@healthdistrict.org.

FRIDAYS, MARCH 10-31 Healing thru Meditation & Spiritual Wisdom Simple yoga breathing, visualization, positive affirmations and meditation.

Ages 18+. $40. Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. 10-11:30am. 970-2216644, www.fcgov.com/recreator.

MARCH 1 Early Literacy Fair Interactive learning activities based on the five practices of Every Child Ready to Read.

Kersey Library, 413 1st St., Kersey. 2:30pm.

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

Tic Tac Flashlight Learn to make a tic tac flashlight. Ages 9+.

Registration required. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6:30-7:30pm.

970-686-5603, www.clearviewlibrary.org.

MARCH 2 Daisylocks & Seed Bombs A story/craft event. All ages. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 9:30-10:30am. 970-221-6738, www. fcmod.org.

Early Literacy Fair Activities based on the five practices of Every Child Ready to Read. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., Evans. 10:30am.

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

Seuss Celebration Join this fun Seuss-abration! Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 4pm. OR Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 5:30pm. 888-861-7323, www.

MyLibrary.us.

MARCH 3 Scrabble @ Your Library A game of words. All ages. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., Ste. 200, FC. 10am. 970-221-6740, www. poudrelibraries.org.

Noches en Familia Children’s stories, crafts, puppets and music in Spanish. All ages. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., Ste. 200, FC. 5pm.

970-221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

Egypt: Gift of the Nile All ages. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 4-6pm - VIPs/Members; 6-9pm - general public. 970-221-4600, www. globalvillagemuseum.org.

MARCH 4 High Plains Landscape Workshop Sustainable landscapes that reflect a sense of place. Adults. $85. Drake Centre, 802 W. Drake Rd., FC. 8:15am-3pm. 970-4162486, www.fcgov.com/gardens.

Loveland Family Fair For kids and families to play and learn.

Giveaways, and info about community resources and area preschools. The Life Center, 1511 E. 11th St., LV. 9am-12noon. 970-407-7069, www. bereadylarimercounty.org.

Little Explorers: Animal Senses Discover how senses help animals survive and meet their needs. The Denver Zoo brings real animals! Ages 3-6 and their families. Limited to the first 30 people. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., Evans. 10:30am. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Crafty Tales Stories, songs and a special craft about friends. Ages 3-6 with their families.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10:30-11am. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org.

Seed Swap & Giveaway A seed exchange and seed-starting event.

All ages. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 11am. 970-221-6740, www. poudrelibraries.org.

Seuss Celebration Celebrate Dr. Seuss with a family movie matinee. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 1:30pm. 888-861-7323, www.

MyLibrary.us.

Detective Science: Investigation Learn about identification by lip prints, teeth prints and handwriting. Grades K-3.

Limited to the first 20 people. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., Evans. 2pm.

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

A Concert to Benefit Kids Presented by Townsquare Media and featuring the band FlipSide. Proceeds benefit child abuse prevention and response at Voices Carry Child Advocacy Center. Adults. $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Nixon’s Rocky Mountain Smokehouse & Tavern, 6520 S College Ave., FC. 7-11pm. 970-407-9739, www. voicescarrycac.org.

Masters of Our Universe Concert The Fort Collins Symphony will showcase classical superheroes Mozart, Beethoven and Stravinsky. Ticket prices vary. Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7:30pm.

970-221-6730, www.fcsymphony.org.

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MARCH 5 Russian Story Time Russian parents, linguists and specialists in child education host a culture class. Ages 18 months-8 years. Register by emailing tatiana. samokhina@gmail.com. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 1:30-3pm. 970686-5603, www.clearviewlibrary.org.

LEGO Assemble, Build, Create What scientific inventions, gadgets, and designs can you make with LEGO bricks?

Ages 5+. Harmony Library, 4616 South Shields St., FC. 2pm. 970-221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

Animal Afternoon Enjoy good books and reading to friendly animals. Grades K-5. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 3pm. 970-221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

Release Party for Camille Dungy Celebrate the release of Dungy’s new book, Trophic Cascade. The Forge Publick House, 255 Old Firehouse Alley, FC. 4-5:30pm.

970-484-7898, oldfirehousebooks.com.

MARCH 6 Book Talk and Signing with Mark Sundeen Sundeen will discuss his newest book about the art of “unsettling” and trying to live a simple life. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6pm. 970-484-7898, oldfirehousebooks.com.

MARCH 7 Yoga Zoo @ Severance Town Hall Move your body like animals. Ages 2-6 with their families. Severance Town Hall, 3 Timber Ridge Pkwy., Severance.

11:15-11:45am. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org.

MARCH 8 Teen Job Fair Where teens can find a job. Social security number required for entrance. Preregistration required. Ages 14-21. Island Grove Event Center, 501 N. 14th Ave., GR. 5-7:30pm. 970-400-6715, www. connectingcolorado.com.

Get Smart: Avoid ID Theft Learn ways to minimize your risk. Ages 18+. Foothills Activity Center, 241 E. Foothills Pkwy., FC. 6:30pm-7:30pm.

970-416-4280, www.fcgov.com/recreator.

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Nesting Raptors Learn about the habitat and breeding behavior of raptors. All ages. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6:30pm.

970-221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

MARCH 9 Mandarin World Language Story Time Stories, crafts, puppets and music presented in Mandarin by CSU students.

All ages. Harmony Library, 4616 South Shields St., FC. 5:30pm. 970-221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

MARCH 10 Beyond the Classroom: LED Cards Make a greeting card that lights up with circuits. Grades 3-5. Registration required.

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

Can-Can Robotics Design and build your own Can-Can Robot. Brought to you by the CSU Extension Office. Grades 5-8. Registration required. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 2pm. 888-861-7323, www.

MyLibrary.us.

Freaky Friday Go back in time and play retro games.

Grades 6-12. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 3:30pm. 970-221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

MARCH 11 Sharin’ O’ the Green Fun Run For kids and families. Prices vary; kids under 17 free. Registration required.

Library Park, 207 Peterson St., FC. 8:30am. www.raceroster.com; keyword: Sharin’ O’ the Green 2017.

Lucky Joe’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Old Town Irish Party Get your Irish on! All ages.

Downtown Fort Collins. 10am. www. downtownfortcollins.com.

Card & Coffee: Paper Crafting Workshop Create gorgeous greeting cards. Supplies provided. Ages 12 (with parent or guardian helper)-Adults. $5 payable in cash to instructor. Registration required.

Loveland Public Library, Erion Room, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 10am-12noon. lynnlohman@gmail.com, 630-901-6738, www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

Teen Art Café Discover and experiment with several different art tools, approaches and formats.

Grades 6-12. Registration required.

Harmony Library, 4616 South Shields St., FC. 11am. 970-221-6740, www. poudrelibraries.org.

Use Your Noodle Make Asian noodle bowls. Ages 6-9.

Registration required. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 2-3pm. 970686-5603, www.clearviewlibrary.org.

MARCH 12 Super Greens Journey into the wondrous world of leafy greens. Enjoy a cooking demo and food tasting. Ages 12-Adults. Registration required. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1:30pm. 970-221-6740, www. poudrelibraries.org.

Animal Afternoon Enjoy good books and reading to friendly animals. Grades K-5. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., Ste. 200, FC. 3pm.

970-221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

MARCH 13 aMAZEing Art With Spheros Build an obstacle filled maze and then navigate a Sphero robotic ball through it.

Ages 5-12. Harmony Library, 4616 South Shields St., FC. 10am-12noon. 970-2216740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

Colorado Blueprint of Food and Agriculture Town hall discussions about the future of Colorado’s food system. SW Weld Services Building, 4209 County Rd. 24 1/2, Longmont. 1-3pm and 6-8pm. www. foodsystems.colostate.edu.

MARCH 14 Gaga for Green Fun activities all having to do with the color green! Ages 2-5. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10:30-11am.

970-686-5603, www.clearviewlibrary.org.

MARCH 15 aMAZEing Art With Spheros Build a maze and navigate a Sphero robotic ball through it. Ages 5-12. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., Ste. 200, FC. 10am-12noon. 970-221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

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Anime Club Watch anime favorites, chat about manga, eat yummy snacks! Grades 6-12. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., Ste. 200, FC. 4pm. 970-221-6740, www. poudrelibraries.org.

MARCH 18 Gaga for Green Fun activities all having to do with the color green. Ages 2-5. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10:30-11am.

970-686-5603, www.clearviewlibrary.org.

Push-Button Programmable Robotics Create your own robot and navigate it around a course. Grades 2-5. Limited to first 15 people. Kersey Library, 413 1st St., Kersey. 4pm. 888-861-7323, www.

MyLibrary.us.

Mini Wind Turbines Learn about the importance and power of wind turbines while you make your own. Ages 4-8. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., Evans. 2pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

LEGO Club Create LEGO masterpieces. Grades 1-12.

Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., Evans.

4pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Discovery Zone A place for kids and parents to explore and create together. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., Ste. 200, FC. 3:30pm. 970-221-6740, www. poudrelibraries.org.

MARCH 16 Gaga for Green Fun activities all having to do with the color green! Ages 2-5. Severance Town Hall, 3 Timber Ridge Pkwy., Severance.

10:30-11am. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org.

Pan Mexicano Celebrate Mexican Cuisine. Make and eat Molletes. Ages 16+. Registration required.

Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., Evans.

6pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

MARCH 17 Tech Girls Rock STEM workshop filled with activities; meetings with women working in the STEM field; meals and snacks. Sign up

by March 8 to be entered into a laptop drawing. Free. Girls ages 10-18; non-club members welcome! Boys & Girls Club, 2500 E. 1st St., LV. 9am-3:30pm. www. techgirlsrock.eventbright.com.

Quilting Basics Learn basic quilting techniques. Assemble a simple quilt block. You must know how to use a sewing machine. Ages 12+. Registration required. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 10am. 888861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us. aMAZEing Art With Spheros Build an obstacle filled maze and then navigate a Sphero robotic ball through it.

Ages 5-12. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10am-12noon. 970-221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

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MARCH 19

Game Day @ Your Library Play one of our board or card games or bring a favorite from home. All ages.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 12noon. 970-221-6740, www. poudrelibraries.org.

Classic Fairy Gardening Class Build a miniature fantasy world. $40. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry St., FC. 11am-12:30pm and 1:30-3pm. 970-482-1984, www.

FortCollinsNursery.com.

MARCH 20 Spring Break Activities Drop-in activities. Grades K-5. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1-3pm.

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

MARCH 21 Spring Break Boredom Busters 3D printing fun. Grades 6-12. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm.

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

Spring Breakout: Tie-It-Up String Crafts String crafts. Grades K-5. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1-3pm. 888861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

MARCH 22 Messy Hands Art Paint, draw and more. Ages 3-6 with their families. Registration required. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10am.

970-221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

Senior Transportation Focus Groups Share feedback on transportation challenges for older adults living in unincorporated Larimer County. RSVP required. Berthoud Senior Center, 248 Welch Ave., Berthoud. 10-11:30am. 970498-7751, www.larimer.org.

Mind/Body Connection Learn how attitudes, relationships, feelings and emotions affect health and longevity. Ages 18+. $10. Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. 10am-12noon.

970-221-6644, www.fcgov.com/recreator.

Spring Breakout: Get Your Game On Drop-in activities. Grades K-5. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1-3pm.

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

Bike Rodeo A fun bike safety skills course. Grades 3-5. Berthoud Elementary, 560 Bunyan Ave., Berthoud. 3:30-5:30pm. www. thompsonschools.org.

Bedtime Yoga Stories, calming yoga poses and breaths.

BYO mat (some provided). Ages 3-6 with their families. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6:30-7pm. 970-6865603, www.clearviewlibrary.org.

An Evening with Gayle Forman Forman will discuss her adult novel, Leave Me. Fort Collins Hilton, 425 W. Prospect Rd., FC 7pm. 970-484-7898, oldfirehousebooks.com.

MARCH 23 Spring Break Boredom Busters Have fun with screen printing. Grades 6-12. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm. 888-861-7323, www.

MyLibrary.us.

Spring Breakout: Build-A-Thon Drop-in activities. Grades K-5. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1-3pm.

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

An Evening with Peter Heller Colorado author Heller will discuss his new novel, Celine. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-484-7898, oldfirehousebooks.com.

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Bicycle Friendly Driver Discuss traffic laws and responsibilities of both bicyclists and drivers to avoid crashes.

Ages 15+. Westbridge Medical Suites, 1107 S Lemay Ave., FC. 7-8:30pm. 970-2216987, www.fcgov.com/bikespring.

MARCH 24 Spring Breakout: Find It Friday A scavenger hunt event. Grades K-5.

Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 10am-5pm. 888-861-7323, www.

MyLibrary.us.

Beyond the Classroom Connect, explore and discover in a nontraditional forum. Grades 3-5. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm.

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

It’s a Girl Thing: Mom-Daughter Book Discussion Read and discuss Nory Ryan’s Song by Patricia Reilly Giff. Girls, Grades 4-6.

Free; includes complementary copies.

Registration required. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., Ste. 200, FC. 6:30pm. 970-221-6740, www. poudrelibraries.org.

MARCH 25 Coding for Kids Create stories, games and animations with easy-to-learn prior programming experience is needed! Ages 8-16.

Registration required. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10am. 970-2216740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

Kids Explore Art Explore and create art using various art tools and techniques. Materials provided.

Grades K-5. Registration required.

Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10am. 970-221-6740, www. poudrelibraries.org.

Interesting Reader Society Discuss books, movies, music, more!

Grades 6-12. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 11am. 970-221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

Imagineart Explore and create unique works of art using various art tools and techniques.

All materials provided. Grades 5-8.

Registration required. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 1pm. 970-2216740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

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MARCH 26 Writing Workshop: Prompts That Spark Write about six prompts in class before sharing with others. Grades 6-12.

Registration required. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1pm. 970-221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

Rippin’ Rockets Build a drinking straw and balloon rocket. Grades 2-5; limited to first 15 people. Kersey Library, 413 1st St., Kersey. 4pm. 888-861-7323, www.

MyLibrary.us.

MARCH 27 Camera Club Have fun with color and black & white photography. Bring your own camera or use one of ours. Ages 8-11. Registration required. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 3pm. 888-861-7323, www.

MyLibrary.us.

Senior Transportation Focus Groups Share your feedback on transportation challenges and opportunities for older adults living in unincorporated Larimer County. RSVP required. LaPorte Presbyterian Church, 3820 W. CR 54G, Laporte. 10-11:30am. 970-498-7751, www.larimer.org.

Handmade at the Library Make a bowl-shaped hot pad. Participants must know how to operate a sewing machine. Ages 18+. Registration required.

Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 6pm, 888-861-7323 or www.

MyLibrary.us.

MARCH 28

Y is for Yoga Build literacy skills, and healthy minds and bodies through books, songs, rhymes and yoga! Ages 3-6. WindsorSeverance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10-10:45am. 970-686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org.

Anime Club Watch anime favorites, chat about manga, munch on snacks! Grades 6-12. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 4pm.

970-221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

MARCH 29

Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children Training Prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Adults. $10 ($15 registration after March 24). ECCLC, 1730 S. College Ave., Ste. 200, FC. 6-8pm. 970-377-3388, www.ecclc.org.

Messy Hands Art Paint, draw and more. Ages 3-6 with their families. Registration required.

Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10am. 970-221-6740, www. poudrelibraries.org.

MARCH 30

Bike Rodeo A fun bike safety skills course. Grades 3-5. Carrie Martin Bike Elementary, 4129 Joni Ln., LV. 3:30-5:30pm. www. thompsonschools.org.

MARCH 31

Improve Sleep Naturally Learn how to get a good night’s sleep.

Ages 18+. $5. Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. 9:30-11am. 970-2216644, www.fcgov.com/recreator.

Beyond the Classroom Connect, explore and discover in a non-traditional forum. Grades 3-5.

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

MyLibrary.us.

Donna Cooner Book Release Party Celebrate the release of local author Cooner’s newest teen book, Worthy.

Coopersmith’s Poolside, 5 Old Town Square, FC. 5-8pm. 970-484-7898, oldfirehousebooks.com.

Skygazing Northern Colorado Astronomical Society volunteers provide telescopes and information. All ages. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area parking lot, 3340 Carpenter Rd., FC. 7:30-9:30pm. 970416-2815, www.fcgov.com/naturalareas.

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A lifelong love of learning begins at The Academy

HOURS: 8:30-12:30, Monday through Friday Preschool: ages 3-4 for 2 or 3 days • Pre-K: ages 4-6 for 3, 4 or 5 days

WEEKLY PRESCHOOL GYMNASTICS CLASS PROVIDED WITH YOUR ENROLLMENT.

The Academy Early Childhood Program is a part-day morning program, with quality student ratios, and child-driven instruction.

CoreKnowledge curriculum supports the academics, independence and social skills that will benefit your child for years to come.

970-226-0306 • www.gkgymnastics.com • 2026 Lowe Street

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time out Papa’s changes

Talking to grandkids about dementia LINDA L. OSMUNDSON

W

ith America’s aging population, more and more people/children face some form of dementia through a relative. My husband has dementia, not Alzheimer’s but probably one of the many other forms. Unfortunately, the only accurate diagnosis comes with an autopsy.

I’ve learned a lot about dealing with dementia. For instance, little white lies are not only okay but necessary. They prevent arguments. A person suffering with dementia loses the ability to reason. Therefore, they are always correct, even when they are wrong. White lies save you from stress.

As a writer, I want to help parents show the progression of dementia which children might face with their grandparents. The short story below, “Papa’s Changes,” illustrates some common experiences caregivers, family members and especially children may encounter. These examples help a child understand what to expect. The story illustrates in actions how a dementia sufferer changes and how love can still be a part of the dementia process.

When my husband fell and broke a neck vertebrae, our grandson drew Papa’s picture. He included the walker with papers piled on the seat, the neck collar, his glasses and a big smile. As an activity, you might copy some of the examples of the story on separate sheets of paper and have the children draw the before or after. Or, divide the paper in half and draw both.

Share “Papa’s Changes” with your children who are facing dementia in their loved one.

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Papa’s Changes

My Papa has changed.

Papa liked to work in his garden. I helped him plant the vegetables. But now…Papa forgets to water the garden.

Papa liked to pull weeds from among the flowers. I helped him. But now…he pulls flowers as well as weeds.

Papa liked to play catch with my twin brothers. But now…Papa can’t catch the ball so he sits and watches them.

Papa liked to dance with Nana. Sometimes he even danced with me. But now…he falls and can’t clap in rhythm.

Papa liked to drive when he and Nana went on long trips. But now…Nana drives.

Papa liked to send me emails. I look and look for a new email. But now…he doesn’t turn on his computer.

Papa liked to treat our family to dinner in a restaurant. He figured the tip and paid the bill. But now…Nana pays the bill and we all thank Papa.

Papa liked to walk fast. He walked circles around Nana and me. But now…we hold his hands and slow our steps to match his.

Papa liked to tell stories about the “good ole days.” But now …he tells about walking to school in the snow again and again.

Papa liked to watch football on TV. He’d yell “Yea!” when the team made good passes and scored. But now…he naps and misses the touchdowns.

Papa liked to dress up in a suit, white shirt, and tie. But now…he buttons the shirt crooked and can’t tie the tie.

Papa liked to read stories to me. But now…I read to him.

Papa liked to call me Princess. But now…he can’t remember my name.

Papa has changed. But I still love him.

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