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Dig in!

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Cancer

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Earth Day

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Technology

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Special section:

Why

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APRIL 2013

Departments Perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

The pause that refreshes—Anticipation builds as spring hangs in the air

AS WE GROW . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Why siblings fight—What you can do about the competition and rivalry

Family activities . . . . . . . 10 Celebrate Earth Day all month—Appreciate and care for our natural surroundings

Healthy living . . . . . . . . . 12 Technology: Frenemy?—Take a screen break and enjoy the world around you

Community news . . . . . . 14

Nutrition campaigns, The 5210 Challenge, Sproutin’ Up reduces barriers for families to eat fresh produce, innovative FoCo Café, a new restaurant where patrons pay what they can, Eating Healthy on a Budget, get on a bike

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

Practicing what I preach—Do I take the nutrition advice that I give?

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Events and activities for parents, kids and families

Time out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 4

Poop where?—Big girl pants mean using the toilet, right?

School District News Thompson School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Lanny Hass named principal at Thompson Valley High School, Berthoud students dominate at robotics championship, Student Expo draws crowds

Poudre School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Tavelli volunteers help make fun activities possible, calendar of events, historical figures come to life at Johnson Elementary, nonprofits distribute books to students at Laurel Elementary

Special Sections Program & Activity Guide

APRIL 2013

Mix it up

Lunchbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 School menus for Poudre, Thompson, Greeley-Evans and Windsor

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PAGE 8

Plan for a safe camp experience for your children. Pack sunscreen, water, insect repellent and proper clothes and equipment. Find a healthy balance. Mix it this summer with structured activities and free time. Balance is the key. Plus, check out our extensive listing of camps and programs for your children.

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BY CATEGORY ALPHABETICA PAGE 16 L PAGE 20

Features 20 Cancer—yes or no

While the answer to reducing your risk of cancer lies in the well-worn spiel about eating well and exercising, when you learn the why behind it you’ll be blown away—maybe even surprised enough to actually make changes and improve your life and your chances to stay cancer free.

24 DIG IN!

Community gardens are popping up in neighborhoods, schools, and city corners. They grow everything from flowers to vegetables and the benefits of getting involved or starting a community garden are extensive, especially for children.

ABOUT THE COVER: Carter, who is 5 years old, is a Fort Collins kid who loves super heroes, baseball and playing with his little sister. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com.

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perspective The pause that refreshes Anticipation builds as spring hangs in the air

have a love-hate relationship with April...if you can have a relationship with a month! The temperatures are warming. Rain and snow fall (we hope!). The vultures return. Yeah, vultures. They roost in a few spruces nearby and the early birds (get the road kill) begin arriving on April 1 or so. It’s one of our family seasonal markers. Everything seems, as they say, pregnant with spring. The expectation grows and grows, but it takes all month, a brown month, into the beginning of May before full-blown spring arrives here at 5,000 feet above sea level. (Except last year when spring debuted in mid-April!) And so this issue of RM Parent is full of eager anticipation of gardening (Dig in! Page 18) and bike-riding (Community News, page 14) and all the rejuvenation that comes with the season. It even seems easier to eat healthful foods (Community News, page 14 and Nutrition, page 16) as we feel the promise of the cycle winding up again. I have come to really like gardening, by the way, and I don’t know why. I have found though that I love mixing up soil with the anticipation of it nourishing future plantings. Then there’s the actual sticking plants and seeds in the ground. Every morning I’m out there seeing what’s sprouting today or budding or fruiting. We’re a long ways from harvesting, yet, unless it’s early-season lettuce, but we can almost taste that heirloom tomato that’s already contained in the plant and the soil and the seed...just waiting for the right conditions to appear. Be sure to check out Aly’s story about community gardens (page 18) to see how you and your family can share this most basic and fulfilling of endeavors. I also love getting out on my bicycle as the weather warms. I’m a year-round rider, but it’s different once spring rolls around. In the winter, riding feels like a challenge that I meet as, wrapped up tight, I pull out onto a sometimes slick road and lean into the wind. As spring arrives, riding just becomes pure pleasure. And it becomes social as neighbors are out puttering in their yards or hanging out on the porch. In the spring we publish Ride, an annual guide to cycling events and culture in northern Colorado. Look for it at bike shops, restaurants and a lot of the places you pick up RM Parent. It’s chock full of interesting stories about our bicycling communities. Plus, you’ll find an extensive calendar complete with regular weekly rides, race series and classes. Finally, spend a few minutes with Lynn’s story about how you are in control of whether you get cancer. You’ll be surprised, maybe, about how much of it is up to you. I’m just saying... Scott Titterington, Publisher 6

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April 2013 • Volume 17, Number 11 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com Calendar editor Aly Titterington calendar@rockymountainpub.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION Wendee Brungardt, Sharon Klahn, Rob’s Bike Courier Service COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Writers: Lynn Utzman-Nichols, Katie Harris, Lea Hanson, Alisa A. Gaston-Linn, Kim Sharpe, Aly Titterington, Richard Keller

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

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as we grow

Why siblings fight

What you can do about the competition and rivalry L y nn U t z m an - N i c h o ls

t seems from the moment my second child was born, my boys started competing. Mostly, they fought over my attention. My first son wasn’t yet 2 when my second came along. He wasn’t thrilled to meet his new brother. Within a few hours, he asked the classic: “Mommy, when will he go back to the hospital?” His world of just mommy-and-me was shattered, and sharing was hard. Things became a little easier when my youngest got a bit older and started treating him like the king. He followed his older brother everywhere, belly-laughed at all his jokes, and let him pick every single game to play. Then, about age 3, he decided to challenge the kingdom. That’s when the competition and rivalry really began. Competing and fighting among siblings is normal. It will happen, but it doesn’t have to bring down the house. Read on to learn how to avoid fights, and how to handle them when they happen anyway. Keep household stress low If a child’s environment is calm, he is more likely to be calm, too. Kids sense your stress when you are running late, frustrated by not getting things done or feeling overwhelmed. Do your best to take care of yourself so you can be calm around your kids. Of course this is impossible all the time, but set it as a baseline. One way to create a calm house is having a solid routine in place. You’ve probably noticed that your little ones love routine. It makes them feel safe and in control of their world. Family dinners, consistent bedtimes and naps and regular outings help keep things calm and predictable. Keep in mind that kids who are hungry, tired or bored tend to fight more. If you notice the worst fighting happens before dinner, work in a light snack. If it’s before bed, consider an earlier bedtime or stricter bedtime routine. Also, keep stress low by not playing 8

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favorites or comparing. Avoid pigeonholing your kids as the smart one, the athletic one. All this seems obvious, but stereotypes can settle in without us noticing. Set ground rules Repeat often that fighting is not the solution to disagreements. Create ground rules around fighting. Here are some to consider: No hitting, kicking, punching—ever. No name-calling or tattling. If you tease your brother in time-out, you will go in time-out. If you fight over a toy, the toy goes away.

If you insist on going first, you will go last. Also, have kids take turns on who chooses the park, or who gets to pick the bedtime story. If one sibling wants to borrow something, and returning becomes a problem, have the borrower put up collateral. Help your kids learn how to work out their own conflicts. Teach them how to compromise, how to ask politely and how to wait their turn. Let your kids figure out how to divide items up fairly. If you do this enough, eventually they’ll take these skills on as their own. Finally, promote a sense of sacredness around sibling relationships. Create me time Remember, the whole purpose of growing

up is to grow into who we are, as individuals. Foster each of your kids’ interests and activities. Encourage them to have their own friends and have ‘alone time.’ Give them a separate space for their special things that’s protected from others. Also, give your kids one-on-one time. Maybe it’s time you two share doing a special activity that you both enjoy, or maybe it’s just that precious 10 minutes before bed. Kids who feel connected to you are more confident and less likely to feel a need to compete for your attention.

When they fight anyway Kids will fight or compete, despite all the things we do to prevent it. Here are a few, good ways to handle it. Fights often end with, “He started it!” Remind your kids that it doesn’t matter who started it, it takes two to fight and hold each child equally accountable. Give each child their own time to talk, and listen to each of their sides. It’s important they are heard. Step in early with a warning—count to three, or encourage words. If a ground rule is broken, give a consequence. If all else fails, cover your ears and go to your happy place. They just might surprise you and work it out on their own.

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family activities

Celebrate Earth Day all month Appreciate and care for our natural surroundings K a t i e Harris

pril is host to both Earth Day and Arbor Day, so what better month to get outdoors and celebrate nature? Take advantage of one of the local, family-friendly events taking place in the upcoming weeks, and introduce your children to their roles in caring for Mother Earth! Ongoing event: Read and Seed storytimes Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave, FC Garden-inspired storytimes plus a hands-on activity every Monday and Tuesday at 10am and 11am.$3/child, ages 2-4, visit www. fcgov.com/gardens for more information. April 2 noon-1pm and April 3, 6-7pm: Nature with Kevin Cook, Master of Survival: House Spatsy. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave, LV. Learn about house sparrows and how they’ve learned to survive. Free event, contact Bobbi at 970-962-2401 or kevin@ wildlifewindow.com for more information. April 5, 9:30am: Spring Break Detectives: Finding Nature’s Clues Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, off CR27, south of Masonville.Interactive education stations. Free event, limited parking, call Deborah Price at 970-217-3075 or visit www.fcgov.com/ naturalareas for information. April 6, Noon-4pm: Picnic on the Poudre Magpie Meander Natural Area, 520 Hickory St, FC. Come out and explore nature at one of our local natural areas. Free event, lunch will be provided, English and Spanish languages spoken, RSVP requested. Contact Nicole Stafford at 970-491-1661 or visit www.csuelc.org. April 9 and 23, 10am: Tiny Trekkers Devil’s Backbone Open Space, west of Loveland on Hwy. 34. Nature for kids! Free event, ages 2-5, visit www.larimer. org/nreducation/tinytrekkerslpl.pdf for more information.

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April 12, 8:30am-3:30pm: Great School Escape: Adaptastic! Part 1. ELC Drake Site, 2400 S. Cty. Rd. 9, FC Learn how animals survive in their habitats. $10/member, $40/ non-member, please register at www.csuelc. org or call Nicole Stafford at 970-491-1661 for more information. April 13, 10am-2pm: Carpe Diem ELC Drake Site, 2400 S. Cty. Rd. 9, FC. Take part in the river clean-up, invasive species removal, and vegetable garden preparation. Free event, lunch provided, all ages, RSVP by emailing elc@csuelc.org or calling 970-4911661, or visit www.csuelc.org for details. April 13, 9am: Tree planting. Namaqua Park, 730 N. Cty. Rd. 19E, LV. Participate in a community tree planting. Free event, all ages, call Rob MacDonald at 970-962-3441 for more information. April 15, 8:30am-3:30pm: Great School Escape: Adaptastic! Part 2. ELC Drake Site, 2400 S. Cty. Rd. 9, FC. Explore the adaptations that help plants survive, from willows to prickly pear. $10/member, $40/non-member, please register at www.csuelc.org or call Nicole Stafford at 970-491-1661 for more information. April 20, 11am-5pm: Earth Day Fort Collins. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave, FC. Featuring kids activities, booths and displays, arts and crafts, live music, guest speakers, local food & a beer garden. Free event, for more information please call 970-491-1661 or visit www. sustainablelivingassociation.org/sla-events/ earth-day-2013. April 20, 10am-3pm: Earth Day Celebration Gulley’s Greenhouse, 6029 S. Shields St, FC. Experience a bee exhibit and hive tour, watch a demonstration on square foot gardening, and make a wind chime from recycled materials. Small fee T.B.D, call Nancy at 970-223-4769 for more information.

April 20, 9am: Arbor Day tree planting River’s Edge Natural Area, 960 W. 1st St, LV Participate in a community tree planting. Free event, all ages, call Rob MacDonald at 970-962-3441 for more information. April 20, 11am-2pm: Earth Day 2013 Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct, FC Make a biodegradable seed planter, watch a free show in the Otterbox Digital Dome, and see the sun through a solarscope! Free with museum admission, visit www. fcmod.org for more information. April 20, 9am-noon: Annual Spring Waterway Clean-Up, Multiple Loveland locations Ages 6 and up, accompanied by a parent or guardian, ages 13 and up with a liability form. Dress in old clothes, work boots and gloves, visit www.cityofloveland.org/waterwaycleanup or call 970-962-2794 for more information. April 20, 8:30pm: Skygazing at Fossil Creek Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space, Carpenter Road, one mile west of I-25. Telescopes provided by Northern Colorado Astronomical Society. Free event, bring a chair or blanket, contact Deborah Price at 970-4162815 or visit www.fcgov.com/naturalareas for more information. May 4, 10am-1pm: F.A.N. (Families About Nature) Day, ELC Drake Site, 2400 S. Cty. Rd. 9, FC. Explore environmental science with the whole family! $10/family, free for GASP participants, lunch provided, RSVP requested by contacting Nicole Stafford at 970-491-1661 or visiting www.csuelc.org. May 11, 9am-noon: Poudre Trail-athlon Poudre River Learning Center, 8313 F St, GR Compete in up to nine fun and easy events. Free event, all ages, call 970-336-4044 or visit www.poudretrail.org/events.php for more information and to register.

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healthy living them, and turn them into permanent, longterm memories. Examples of downtime for younger kids can be a walk outside, coloring or reading a book. For teenagers and adults, taking time to meditate or exercise without listening to music gives the brain a perfect opportunity to rest and reconnect.

Technology: Frenemy?

Take a screen break and enjoy the world around you By LEA HANSON

ore and more families are putting moratoriums on technology choosing a particular time of the day or day of the week to refrain from using devices with screens: TVs, phones (but still allowing phone calls), tablets, computers, etc. Whether referring to this recess as No Tech Tuesday, Sans Screen Sunday, or the Unplugged Challenge, parents are seeing the benefits of limiting their kids’–and their own—exposure to technology. For most, the purpose of such a moratorium is to prevent over-exposure and also encourage more face-to-face connections. The average child today spends up to five hours a day in front of a screen. Nearly two-thirds of full-time workers own smartphones, up from 48 percent just two years ago. While most Americans, young and old, say our wired devices make life easier and more interesting, they are admitting that phones, tablets, and computers have increased their levels of stress and even led to feelings of isolation and difficulty concentrating. The past decade has shown a splurge of technology and while many of its effects are positive, some are not so positive. 12

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Sedentary bodies Exercise and movement is important at any age. Obesity in both children and adults is a problem for the majority of Americans. While one cannot fully attribute obesity and a sedentary lifestyle to technology use, it certainly plays a role. The reality is, when our kids are watching TV or playing video games, they aren’t moving, stretching, and strengthening their bodies. Can technology (re)wire our brains? Some attribute overuse of technology to poorer attention skills, for both children and adults. Too much multi-tasking or stimulation can have long-term effects on the way people think and behave. Our ability to focus is being undermined by constant bursts of information. Continuous stimulation provokes excitement and without it, we feel bored. Because we’re bored, we turn toward technological stimulation. And the cycle continues. Brains need rest, too Brains, especially growing ones, need downtime. Time away from stimulation lets the brain review the experiences, solidify

Being a technology role model Role modeling healthy use of technology to our kids is important. Parents have the ability and responsibility to illustrate how our devices can help us to better engage rather than disengage in ‘real life.’ What are we teaching our kids when we constantly look at our phones? What priorities are we modeling when our kids see us from the sports field looking down at a 4G tablet instead of looking up, watching them play? Dr. Sherry Turkle in her book, Alone Together, says kids easily feel hurt when moms or dads are on their devices instead of interacting. Break the cycle Once we’ve learned to rely on a device, it’s hard to resume doing things the “old fashioned way.” But, even the smallest change can enact a technological adjustment. Here are some easy alternatives:

• Exercise without music or television • Before bed, read instead using a tablet • Have more toys without batteries than toys with batteries in the house • Never underestimate the ability for the simplest activities to be stimulating: PlayDoh, blocks, drawing • Limit use of a screen in a vehicle; try chatting, listening to the radio, or simply looking out the window

If you feel as though your devices are taking over your family, consider creating guidelines around technology use in your home. Perhaps it’s no phones at the dinner table or no screen time an hour before bedtime. Perhaps your family sets a maximum number of minutes or hours of exposure per day. Perhaps it’s a full moratorium: one day per week, one week per month, or one month per year. Whatever your family chooses, celebrate the opportunity to spend time together - unplugged.

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community news

Springing into a healthy season

This time of renewal gives you the perfect chance to eat well and be active By KIM SHARPE

ave you noticed some trees have little buds on them and flowers, like daffodils and tulips, are poking up out of the ground? Soon our bland beige landscape will be infused with bright colors as trees and shrubs leaf out and flowers burst forth to welcome a new spring. This season of renewal and rebirth provides an opportunity to revisit New Year resolutions or intentions. Perhaps you resolved to eat healthier foods and build time for more physical activity into your days. If so, northern Colorado is the perfect place to be as many initiatives and efforts exist to help residents get and stay healthier.

neighbors may not be able to afford or have access to locally grown food. Sproutin’ Up partners with other organizations, such as the Food Bank of Larimer County, as well as community members who have green thumbs, to grow, harvest and distribute produce at weekly farmer’s markets held in specific communities from July though October. “One of the exciting things about Sproutin’ Up is how much the community can be involved in the organization. Although we have gardens where we

what they can for a meal made from fresh, locally grown ingredients. Instead of a cash register, a donation box will be on the counter. If patrons can pay more than what the meal actually costs, they will be encouraged to do so as a way to “pay it forward” and help others with meager means enjoy a healthy meal. People also may donate time working in the café in exchange for a meal. Jeff and Kathleen Baumgardner, the couple establishing FoCo Café, “… believe food is a common denominator

grow the produce, we also ask community members to donate locally grown produce. On any given day, I might come home from work and find my porch full of produce from all around Fort Collins.” People interested in volunteering to help at Sproutin’ Up farmer’s markets or growing food for the program can obtain more information at sproutinup.org. FoCo Café is another new nonprofit cooking up a unique service for northern Colorado. It will be a restaurant in Fort Collins where patrons pay

and that it has the power to bring people together.” They invite the public to join the FoCo Café community; information is online at fococafe.org and on Facebook. Interested persons also can meet and chat with the Baumbardner’s on Saturday, April 6. They will have a table at the Winter Farmers Market held inside Opera Galleria, 123 N. College, 10 am‑2 pm. An actual location for the restaurant will be announced soon. An upcoming presentation at the High Plains Library in Greeley will focus on “Eating Healthy on a Budget.”

Nutrition news One campaign to help people make healthier food and activity choices that’s gaining momentum in the region is the 5210 Challenge. It’s a simple way to remember to: • Eat at least 5 fruits and veggies every day • Limit TV and other screen time to 2 hours or less per day • Enjoy 1 hour or more of physical activity each day, and • Drink 0 sugary drinks.

In northern Colorado, the campaign is led by University of Colorado Health’s Healthy Kids Club (online at pvhs.org/5210). Nationally, 5210 began as a message of Let’s Go!, a program of The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Maine. Sproutin’ Up is a new nonprofit operating in Fort Collins and Loveland. Anne Genson, Sproutin’ Up’s founder, says, the program “is all about reducing barriers for families to eat fresh produce in northern Colorado.” Genson started growing food in her own backyard to share with those in need after recognizing that many of our low-income 14

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Mike Schwan, a registered dietitian and health educator with the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, will share tips about how to buy healthy food on a budget and demonstrate how to prepare a variety of healthy meals. It will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 6:30pm, at Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Avenue. For more information, contact the High Plains Library District at.mylibrary.us/. Estes Park runs a “Kids Café” during the summer months. The program is housed at the town’s elementary school and serves children in need, ages 3 to 18 years. Food for the Estes Park “Kids Café” is provided through a federally funded child nutrition program and sponsored by the Larimer County Food Bank. Breakfast is served at 8:30am; lunch at noon. In between, participating children are engaged in activities aimed at improving and/or honing literacy skills. Louise Olsen, one of the members of the committee that established this program in Estes, says, “Volunteers make ‘Kids Café’ possible. These include teachers, National Park employees, artists, musicians, the Learning Place staff and Eagle Rock students, as well as individuals who roll up their sleeves to work in the kitchen.” Roll Into Spring Bicycling is a great way to spend time as a family, enjoy the outdoors and get physical activity. Colorado ranked 4th in the 2012 Bicycle-Friendly State Rankings by the League of American Bicyclists, up from 22nd place in 2011. The League considers bicycle-friendly laws, infrastructure, funding, education and encouragement when making its ranking decisions. And northern Colorado is becoming more and more known as a bicycling mecca, many opportunities exist to ride. For people who don’t own a bike, but want to get out on two wheels, Fort Collins has a Bike Library that loans a variety of bikes and “tag-a-long” kid trailer bikes for an hour or up to seven days. It’s opening for the 2013 season on Friday, April 5. Hours of operation will be Monday–Thursday, 10am-12pm, and Friday–Sunday, 10am-3pm. A fun fact

is that there have been 15,544 bicycles checked out since the library was established in April 2008. Bikes are available for rent at the Lake Estes Marina in Estes Park. They have surrey-type pedal carts and cruiser bikes; child carriers are available, too. And some bicycle retail shops in Greeley and Loveland rent bicycles. Comfort and confidence cycling on trails and in traffic is part of a fun bike ride. Once again, many options exist to learn how to ride right. On Tuesday, April 23, 11:30am–1pm, plan to attend a “Lunch & Learn” presentation called “Enjoy Your Bike, Wheel to Wheel.” It will be offered at a Fort Collins business; the exact location will be announced soon at bicycleambassadorprogram.org. However, trained Bicycle Ambassadors can be scheduled to give a bike safety presentation to any group at any time for no charge (but donations are appreciated). The presentation also is appropriate for drivers of motor vehicles as a portion of it is dedicated to “Sharing the Road.” Call 970-495-7503 or email info@bicycleambassadorprogram.org to request a presentation. For a more advanced education in safe cycling, register to take a Traffic Skills 101 course. It’s based on the League of American Bicyclists curriculum and covers sharing the road, rules of the road, bicycle safety checks, fixing

a flat, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques, plus lunch and materials all for no cost! It’s recommended for people above the age of 14 years. For more information and to register, contact Nancy Nichols at nnichols@fcgov.com or 970-416-2357. The Colorado Children’s Day celebration, to be held in downtown Loveland on Wednesday, April 24, 1:30-4:30pm, will include a bicycle skills course for kids. There will be bicycles and helmets available for children and youth to use on the course. They’ll learn basic traffic safety and bicycle handling skills. Call 970-962-2446 for more information or visit cityofloveland.org and search for “Children’s Day.” If fixing a flat tire or adjusting the brakes on a bicycle is a barrier to riding more, attend a Neighborhood Open Garage on Thursday, April 24, 5:307:30pm, at 222 Laporte Avenue in Fort Collins. There will be bicycle mechanics on hand to help with maintenance issues, music, refreshments and giveaways. This event also is sponsored by the Bicycle Ambassador Program and highlights the Open Garage component of the program where some Bicycle Ambassadors (who are trained and background checked) hold monthly Open Garage events in their neighborhoods. Event dates, times and locations are posted on a calendar at bicycleambassdorprogram.org. RMPARENT

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nutrition

Practicing what I preach Do I take the nutrition advice that I give?

R i c h ard K e ll e r

or two years I’ve been providing nutrition advice to the parents and families that read RM Parent. During those times I’ve written about various foods that make your lives healthier and happier, I’m sure thoughts have gone through your head wondering if I abide by all my advice, or provide my family with an unending supply of high-fructose juices, fatty fast-food meals, and deep-fried Twinkies. The good news is I don’t do any of that—especially since Hostess went out of business. Fact is, since we moved to Colorado at the end of 2010, my eating habits, as well as those of my wife and children, changed considerably for the better. We may not eat a constant diet of couscous and kale, but we’re healthier than during our years living on the East Coast. Here are a few examples to, um, chew on. Breakfast With five kids, breakfast during the week is a simple operation—normally whole grain cereals, toasts, and bagels. For those who eat cereal, I secretly sprinkle flaxseed on top to provide an extra nutritional punch. Most weekends provide more time to cook in the morning. So the kids get eggs, scrambled or in an omelet with cubed ham and shredded cheese, with turkey bacon, or whole-wheat pancakes and waffles. On occasion, I will treat them to French toast made with challah bread. Lunch My children’s tastes vary greatly, meaning peanut butter and jelly sandwiches don’t cut it. Those who do partake in sandwiches usually deal in turkey or ham with some sort of cheese. For my oldest daughter, who has access to microwaves at her school, the meal is comprised of leftovers from the previ-

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ous night’s dinner. Regardless, we make sure the kids’ lunches are balanced out between lean proteins, carbohydrates, and small amounts of fats, usually in the form of a dairy product like cheese. If possible, some variation of green, leafy vegetables is included. They also receive a daily dose of fruit in their lunch bags. Again, the curse of children’s taste buds comes into play here, meaning their offerings comprise of apples, oranges, bananas, or, when in season, grapes. The older kids indulge in blueberries and strawberries when not exorbitantly priced. As for drinks – it’s water all the way. Unless we splurge and purchase some low-sugar, no fructose juice from a store like Whole Foods, our household is a pure water and low-fat milk residence. We even decided to forego flavored items like Capri Sun’s Rapid Waters when we discovered it contained a good amount of sugar per pouch. Dinner Once again, finicky eaters tend to make dinners a tough sell. We rely on standards like spaghetti, tacos, meat loaf, etc., but with numerous substitutions.

For instance, items that normally take ground beef, like meat loaf and meatballs, are made with 85 percent to 90 percent lean ground turkey. Whenever possible, we substitute the white, enriched pasta with whole grain. Though a tough sell at first, the kids have come around to the change in texture. We tend to use white corn taco shells rather than the yellow enriched and make sure the kids have black beans at the ready. Ground turkey is one of our meat selections, but we also use diced chicken mixed with pepper to give our fussy eaters a choice. When it comes to lasagna, we started moving away from the standard meat and cheese recipe and switched to some more vegetarian varieties. One recipe we will try again mixes shredded carrots, zucchini, and spinach into the tomato sauce and ricotta cheese. As you can see, even someone who writes about nutrition on a monthly basis is still finding ways to fine-tune my family’s diet to provide the most nutritious and flavorful combinations. I hope you’ll continue the journey with me.

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By Lynn Utzm an Nichols Can c er— yes or no You de cide. It’s up to you. Cancer—yes or no You decide. It’s up to you. By Lynn Utzman Nichols

on’t want cancer? Believe it or not, it’s (mostly) your choice. Through the choices you make each day, you determine your risk for developing cancer. Yes, you are reading this right: You are in control of whether or not you get cancer—at least many of you. So, make the choice—no cancer for me. While the answer to reducing your risk of cancer lies in the well-worn spiel about eating well and exercising, when you learn the why behind it you’ll be blown away—maybe even surprised enough to actually make changes and improve your life and your chances to stay cancer free. After speaking with a regional cancer doctor, I know I’m recommitted. Here’s what she has to say. “Two-thirds of cancers in the United States could be prevented with changes in lifestyle,” says Dr. Diana C. Medgyesy, an oncologist with Front Range Cancer Specialists in Fort Collins who has dedicated herself to cancer prevention. “It’s true that some people are genetically programmed to develop cancer—but only about 10 percent. The majority of people get to decide whether or not they will get cancer,” she adds. How exercising prevents cancer Okay, here is where some mind blowing happens. Did you know that fat is its own organ? It acts independently, like an organ, to produce hormones and inflammatory molecules! If that’s not an OMG, I don’t know what is. “More and more data show our “fat pads” are active endocrine organs. These

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organs of fat make our insulin levels go up, which increase our risk for cancer,” says Medgyesy. Since insulin stimulates cells to grow—and cancer is simply an overgrowth of cells that have become damaged—insulin feeds cancer. That means if you reduce your “fat pad” you reduce your risk for cancer. The best way to reduce fat is to exercise. But that’s not all. That fat pad isn’t done increasing your risk for cancer just yet. “Fat pads also produce inflammatory molecules that overuse your immune system,” she adds. When your immune system is busy dealing with chronic inflammation, it’s less able to do away with rogue cancer cells in the body that need destroying. Another good reason to put on those jogging shoes! Even though you are probably screaming for mercy, there is still one more reason to reduce that fat pad. It produces hormones all on its own! Particularly, it makes estrogen. That’s why overweight or obese women have a higher risk of cancer. “Certain hormones play a role in certain cancers, for example, estrogen is clearly linked to breast cancer,” adds Medgyesy. You’ve probably already headed out the door for a brisk walk, but if not, wait a minute. Just how much exercise do you need to prevent cancer? Three hours of moderate intensity exercise a week, or 30 minutes a day. This was determined by a recent study of 60,000 health professionals. “Those who exercised with moderate intensity three hours a week decreased

their risk of colon cancer by 50 percent,” says Medgyesy who defines moderate aerobic exercise as anything that equals a 15-minute-mile speed. “In other words, you can’t take a slow, chatty walk with girlfriends. It must be a brisk walk or light jog,” she adds. If you don’t love walking or jogging try swimming, biking or using the elliptical machine at the gym. Or, if you are super athletic, bump it up to high intensity—like mountain biking, cross-country skiing, running or an intense cardio workout class. “Higher intensity exercise probably decreases cancer risk even more, but moderate is enough and it’s more reasonable for people to do,” says Medgyesy. By the way, it doesn’t matter if you get your three hours in one, long workout a week or break it into a half-hour a day. It has the same cancer prevention effect. Finally, if you exercise and lose weight, you are giving cancer the double punch. That’s because exercise alone decreases insulin levels and inflammation in the body and increases immune strength. How eating well prevents cancer Okay, so you’ve recommitted to exercise. Good for you! Now, it’s time to take a quick look at your diet. Did you know that a diet high in fruits and veggies has been proven scientifically to reduce your cancer risk? This doesn’t mean you can’t eat meat, just do so in moderation. “There’s no data that say vegans live longer, but there is data that show a diet high in animal fat does increase cancer.

A study on red meat showed that people who ate two servings a day increased their risk for cancer. In a nutshell, the best diet is low fat and high fiber, with 80 percent of foods derived from plant sources and 20 percent from animal,” advises Medgyesy. To keep it simple, envision your plate as half fruits and veggies, one-quarter whole grains, like brown rice, potato, sweet potato, quinoa, etc., and one-quarter protein—which can be meat, eggs, dairy, soy or beans. If that seems like too big of a leap, try this: Simply cut down on your red meat and cheese intake. Or try having meat at just one meal a day, or whole days where you don’t eat meat or dairy at all. Cancer doesn’t happen overnight “Most people don’t realize that cancer is a 10- to 15-year process. It takes your cells that long to go from normal to cancerous. That means choices your kids make at 15 and 20 will affect their health at 30 and 35. It’s why starting early with healthy lifestyle habits is so important,” says Medgyesy. What’s great about cancer being a slow process is that we can change the course of our cells with the choices we make. “Lifestyle changes can alter this progression. They can literally turn precancerous cells back into normal cells, but once they become cancerous, there’s no going back,” adds Medgyesy. About 30 percent of cancers occur with no risk factors: “Sometimes cancer is a game with no rules. You can be a marathoner, have grandparents who lived to 100, and you still end up with cancer, despite having no risk factors,” says Medgyesy. Experts don’t know why for sure, but it could be excessive radiation or pollution exposure when young, or chronic inflammation. “The next step in cancer prevention, I think, will be blocking inflammatory pathways,” she adds. But remember, most of us get to say yes, or no, to cancer. We say it every day, with the choices we make. So go, take that power walk. Do it again tomorrow, and the next day, and change the course of your future health. This article was sponsored by UCHealth.

Four simple ways to reduce your kids’ cancer risk

While providing a healthy home with good food, regular exercise and low stress is the No. 1 way to prevent cancer in your child, here are four other simple ways you can decrease their odds. 1. Get enough vitamin D. There is only one vitamin proven to prevent cancer, and that’s vitamin D. You may have recently heard conflicting information on vitamin D, but Medgyesy is sold on getting at least 1000 I.U. per day. “Data show that cancer patients are often low in vitamin D. In one large study on breast cancer survivors, vitamin D levels were low in about 70 percent of the women. Studies have also found that the higher the stage of colon cancer, the higher the deficiency in D.” She believes the risk of getting too much D is low, as it takes a long time to build up in the body. So if your kids are not getting a lot of sun every day, consider a supplement. 2. Don’t smoke, and model responsible drinking. You already know smoking—even second-hand smoke—is linked to lung and other cancers, but did you know drinking alcohol also increases cancer risk? “There’s some controversy on this, but studies show two servings of alcohol per day increases

your risk of cancer,” says Medgyesy. Drinking in moderation or not drinking at all are good lessons to model to teens before they head off to college. 3. Avoid walking on busy streets during rush hour. “When I see people jogging down Harmony during rush hour I think, ‘You are not doing yourselves any good!’ There are clear links between air pollution and cancer,” says Medgyesy. While you are at it, check the radon levels in your basement—especially if your kids spend a lot of time there. 4. A baby aspirin a day, keeps cancer away. Okay, so this one is for you, not the kids. It’s just too fascinating to leave out. When scientists recently looked at 52 clinical trials on aspirin as a prevention tool for heart attack and stroke risk, they found something they weren’t looking for—a reduction in cancer risk. “Across the board, these studies showed that people who took a daily dose of aspirin for three years or more had less cancer. The study concluded that taking a baby aspirin a day protects you from developing multiple types of cancer, and dying from cancer,” says Medgyesy. How can this be? Remember, aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug. When inflammation is low in our bodies, our immune systems are free to do their cancer-destroying work. Check with your doctor first, as aspirin causes gastrointestinal bleeding in some people.

Cancer No More class

Got a spare hour to reduce your family’s cancer risk? Dr. Medgyesy has a lot of wisdom when it comes to preventing cancer. Come meet her, and learn about the fascinating journey cells take to become cancerous—and ways to stop them in their tracks. When: Thursday, April 25, 5:30–6:30pm Where: Front Range Cancer Specialists, 2315 E. Harmony, #110, FC Register: Contact Suzy at 970-212-7600 or email her at shard@frontrangecancer.com Cost: Free, light dinner provided Note: This class runs monthly, call for upcoming dates

Know a young woman with breast cancer?

Poudre Valley Hospital’s oncology social work department offers an ongoing cancer support group for young women facing the tough disease of breast cancer. In addition, the UCHealth hospitals— PVH and MCR—have nurse navigators who can help any cancer patient navigate the diagnoses and treatment of cancer, free-of-charge. What: Young Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group When: Last Monday of each month, 5:30–7pm Where: Group Real Estate Building, 2803 E. Harmony, Lower Level Conference Room, Fort Collins Cost: Free, Drop-in Info: 970-297-6165 or go to www.pvhs.org and select the Events & Classes tab.

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Dig in!

ommunity gardens are popping up in neighborhoods, schools, and city corners. They grow everything from flowers to vegetables and the benefits of getting involved or starting a community garden are extensive, especially for children.

What are the benefits? Community gardens help connect you and your children with interesting people. Together, start with a mound of dirt and end, ideally, with a plot of blooming, productive land. This process requires team-work in designing, planting, maintaining and harvesting. Children and adults work together every step of the way. Next comes the tangible reward. All your hard work pays off during harvesting season. This is an excellent way to expose children to healthy foods. Studies show that children who grow their own food are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables, as well as experiment with new foods. It may be the ownership they feel from the process of gardening or the concept of self-reliance they have gained in helping seed turn to fruit. Either way, your child will be asking for that second helping of salad. Children also learn the gift of giving and sharing. The Gardens on Spring Creek, in Fort Collins, have a Garden of Eatin’. Community members can sign up, alone or in groups, to volunteer. All produce is donated to the Fort Collins Food Bank. This is a great way to further get involved with your community. Use the garden as an educational tool for your children. Have kids record the height of the plants every week, and 24

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By Aly Titterington

Community gardens bring families

and neighborhoods together

when they sprout or bloom. Change variables in your garden. Use different soils, different varieties of the same plant or varying water amounts and record where the best plants grow. At the end, make graphs that the children will fully understand and be excited about. Gardens are a great place for creating art and stories. Take pride in your garden. Build a beautiful fence out of branches, or an intricate pathway with carefully chosen rocks. Create stories about the different plants or insects that visit your garden. The options are endless, so get to the drawing board! Children receive many life-long lessons from the overall experience. It gives them an alternative outlet for recreation, exercise and therapy. In our fast-paced world full of iPads and spelling tests, gardening can be just the tool to quiet your child’s mind. Working with dirt and plants can help melt away stressors. If your children resist gardening and the hard work involved, others in your community can help motivate and together create a peaceful space. Your children will learn patience. Today’s world is full of instant gratification, with everything from emails (instead of snail mail) to popping quarters in a machine and grabbing the soda down low. The wise Saint Exupery, author of the Little Prince, once wrote, “Old friends cannot be created out of hand. Nothing can match the treasure of common memories, of trials endured together, of quarrels and reconciliations and generous emotions. It is idle, having planted an acorn in the morning, to expect that afternoon to sit in the shade of

the oak.” Children must have patience when growing a garden. Getting your children connected with a community garden will help them learn leadership, patience, cooperation, and many other skills you may not notice for years to come. Get growing! Start your own community garden Embrace your creativity. You’ll need a plot of land, a committed group of people and funding. For land, consider schools, neighborhoods, churches or public spaces. • Find the people. If you’re working at a school, get a solid group of parents, teachers and students. Find someone willing to carry the program through the summer and into the next school year. In a neighborhood, find the committed enthusiast. • Get funded. Many supporters of community gardens are willing to fund your endeavor! Deciding what type of garden you want to plant may help narrow your grant/funding search. Or keep it broad and your options open for more opportunities. See below for organizations and grant opportunities. • Find a plot of land. Key considerations are sun, accessibility, and how much preparation will be involved in making it work. Andrew Glendenning, from Healthy Weld 2020, says, “Make sure that the location has a good water supply and tap.” You don’t want to end up with a huge water bill. Once you have found your plot of land, it should be easier to brainstorm what to do with it. • Making a designated area is key.

Planter boxes are popular. They hold nutritious soil well. You can place them

strategically. And they look nice with walkways in between them. Fencing is a key component if you have hungry critters in the neighborhood. • Next, it’s time to prep the area. In our dry Colorado environment, this typically means hauling in the good stuff, such as manure or highly nutritious soil. Glendenning recommends that you have your soil tested, especially if you’re working in an urban area and not sure of the land’s history, it could be contaminated. You can contact your city government for details on soil testing. Also, find out what kind of soil your specific plants like, for example, blueberry bushes love acidic soil. Prep will also include beautifying your plot. Take pride in your work. • Time to plant! (Finally). You’ll want to plan so that you are planting at the right time of year, typically spring. Plants can be picky when it comes to who their neighbor is, so do a little research about what plants like hanging out close to each other. For example, tomatoes and basil love each other. But when peppers are next to tomatoes, peppers will hog all the water. Design your garden before starting to plant.

• Now comes the long, but rewarding nurturing period. Your plants will need

water, nutrients and general lovin’. Be sure to weed your garden throughout the growing season. You don’t want those pesky weeds stealing water and nutrients. And it’ll keep your garden looking good. • And, finally...Harvest time! Enjoy the fruits of your labor. This is a good time to divvy up produce or donate produce to local organizations. Always remember to have fun! This should be a relaxing and therapeutic endeavor. Get involved with current gardens Starting your own garden will be exciting, but sometimes getting involved with a garden that is already established is a good way to learn the tricks of the trade. There are community gardens all over northern Colorado; it’s just a matter of finding them. Fort Collins

The Gardens on Spring Creek: This city-

different gardens. They have several plots of land that are rented out each year to community members. Unfortunately, they have all been rented for this coming year, but keep your eye on them for next year if you’re interested. They also have a the Garden of Eatin’, which accepts volunteers to help with some of the work. All produce goes to the Larimer County Food Bank. If you want to get your kids excited about gardening, check out the kids garden. Mulberry Community Gardens: This is a

great place to meet fun people and learn a lot about the process of gardening. Check out their website at www.Mulberry CommunityGardens.org or their facebook page at www.facebook.com/MulberryCG, for information about how to get involved, volunteer times and events, and the garden in general.

The Growing Project: The Growing Proj-

ect is a nonprofit that promotes the value of a strong, diverse, and just local food system to all residents of northern Colorado through direct agricultural experiences, education, and advocacy. They have twelve community gardens throughout the city. Fort more information, visit their website at www.theGrowingProject.org or email about volunteering at volunteer@ thegrowingproject.org.

Weld County Weld County Colorado Master Gardeners:

This is group of volunteers who are available and willing to answer all of your gardening questions. They offer classes, serve as mentors for gardening and community greening projects, and deliver knowledge-based gardening information to the public. If you need a hand getting a community garden started, they are excellent resources. On the website, you will also find articles on gardening, specific to this area. Learn more at www.WeldMasterGardeners.org. Healthy Weld 2020: Healthy Weld has awarded several grants over the past several years for community gardens. This year they are changing it up a bit and offering classes to help you succeed with your new garden. Classes offered in June are: “Controlling Pests” and “Food Preservation.” Check out www.HealthyWeld2020.com, www. greeleygov.com/communitydevelopment, or www.urbanfarmerexchange.blogspot.com for more information and connections. Weld County Schools with Gardens: Most

school gardens have their ups and downs. So, while these schools’ gardens may not be in full bloom, they at one time did have lovely plots, and are a good resource for information. Milliken Elementary, John Evans Middle School, Dos Rios Elementary School.

Gardening Resources Start your research today. Grants for community gardens can be found locally and nationally. Here are some ideas for getting started: Annie’s Grants for Gardens: www.annies.com/school-gardens/grants-for-gardens Captain Planet Foundation: www.captainplanetfoundation.org Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov/ogd The Herb Society of America: herbsociety.org/resources/educator-grants.html Home Depot Foundation: www.HomeDepotFoundation.org Kids Gardening: http://www.kidsgardening.org/ The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program: http://www.for-wild.org/seedmony.htm Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Grant Program: http://www.toolboxforeducation.com Seeds of Change: www.seedsofchange.com Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education: www.sare.org/Grants

run gardening site has a variety of

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ClimateWise Benefits Business

ometimes, a million doesn’t seem like a very big number. But for ClimateWise partners, a million is a big deal. And 59 million is an even bigger deal. That’s how many dollars business partners in the City of Fort Collins’ voluntary program saved since its inception in 2000. In 2011 alone, partners collectively saved more than $13 million. “These numbers say a lot about the ClimateWise business partners,” said Kathy Collier, ClimateWise Program Manager. “It shows that what we’re doing is working and it’s making a difference for our partners and our community.” Those numbers are being noticed throughout the country. Natural Capitalism Solutions, based in Longmont and founded by sustainability expert L. Hunter Lovins, recognized ClimateWise as a best practice program. Harvard University presented its Top 50 Innovative Government Program award to the program. ClimateWise is also a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Local Government Innovation award from the Alliance for Innovation, which is an “international network of progressive governments and partners committed to transforming local government by accelerating the development and dissemination of innovations.” The ClimateWise program model is making a difference in other communities as well. Durango developed its Four Core program based on it. Aspen, Vail and Park City, UT modeled their Save Our Snow program on ClimateWise. Both the University of Chicago and CSU have student research programs in place that are exploring the program model. Even the State of New Mexico has embraced ClimateWise assessment materials in its Green Zia Environmental Leadership Program. Michelle Vattano, past Pollution Prevention Coordinator stated, “...we contacted ClimateWise and found it to have a very successful program...we’re using some program assessment materials ClimateWise shared so we can improve and expand recruitment of businesses and adopt pollution prevention and waste minimization practices.” As the numbers grow, so too does the success of ClimateWise. And to its business partners whose efforts and ingenuity make those numbers possible, Fort Collins says, “Thanks a million!”

ClimateWise Reductions By The Millions ELIMINATE THE EMISSIONS Reduction of 149,000 metric tons of Co2e is approximately equivalent to: • 13 million trees planted or • 2 million fewer vehicular round trips between Fort Collins and Denver or • 176,000 fewer round trip airline flights between Denver and New York or • Removing 23,000 vehicles off the road this year or • Taking 452,000 60-Watt light bulbs (burning 24 hours a day) out of service EVERY DROP COUNTS Since 2000, 9 billion gallons of water have been saved which is the same as: • The water use of 13,000 homes (over the same period) • Filling City Park pool 42,000 times

BRIGHT IDEAS Cumulative electric energy savings since 2000 equals 586,000,000 kWh, which is the same approximate usage of 6,300 homes (over the same period). IT’S A GAS From 2000 through 2011, 14,600,000 therms of natural gas energy have been saved: approximately equivalent to the amount of natural gas consumed by 1,900 homes. DARE TO DIVERT 254,000 tons of waste has been diverted from the landfill in the past 12 years. That’s the approximate weight of 18,000 Transfort city buses.

- PA I D A D V E R T I S E M E N T-

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Ride where motorists can see you and Remember to ride WITH traffic

Call Traffic Operations for more information on the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program.

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thompson school district news Principal of Thompson Valley High School named wonderful legacy here within the Thompson School District,” he says. “I look forward to working with the community to continue the great things that are happening within the school and to further explore opportunities in the future.” “Lanny has the perfect background to lead the team at Thompson Valley,” says Dr. Stan Scheer, Superintendent of Schools. “His personal history with the school, as well as his service in a multitude of positions within the district, makes him an excellent fit as we move forward to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

Lanny Hass named Principal of Thompson Valley High School.

The Thompson School District is pleased to announce that Lanny Hass has been hired to become the Principal of Thompson Valley High School, effective July 1, 2013. Hass is filling the position that will be vacated by Mark Johnson, who is retiring at the end of the current school year. Hass, who is a graduate of Thompson Valley High School, has over 24 years of experience in the field of education. He completed his undergraduate work at Colorado State University before proceeding to earn his Master’s Degree in Mathematics at the University of Northern Colorado and his administrative licensure through CSU. Hass and his wife, Suzanne, have two sons. Hass has dedicated his career to the students and families of the Thompson School District. He served as a teacher at Berthoud High School, Bill Reed Middle School and at Thompson Valley before transitioning to the role of Assistant Principal at the location. In January 2012, Hass began work as the “Colorado Integration Project Manager” for the district, managing grant funding that has been awarded by the Colorado Legacy Foundation. Hass is looking forward to returning to a building that holds such a large personal connection. “Thompson Valley High School has a 30

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Berthoud High School teams dominate at robotics championship On Feb. 17th, 34 robotics teams from around Colorado converged on Pueblo for the Colorado VEX Robotics State Championship. CSU Pueblo hosted the VEX robotics competition in the large Massari Arena. The event was the sixth VEX robotics event of the season. Berthoud High School, with a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) focus program, took the most trophies. Team 1069D won the Excellence Award, the highest award of the competition, as well as the Robot Skills Champion designation. Another Berthoud High team, 1069B, along with 1826B (Faith Christian Academy) and 979C (Grandview High), won the Tournament Champion designations. Kent Denver School’s 3946A won the Design Award for the second year for their engineering design process and engineering notebook. These winners qualified for an invitation to the VEX World Championships in Anaheim, Calif., April 17-20, presented by the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation (RECF). The VEX World Championship draws 700 teams from 26 countries around the world to compete in the World competition. Another Berthoud team, 1069E, won the Judges Award while the Volunteer of the Year Award went to a Berthoud couple, Dan and Beth Schlagel.

Participants competed for the Tournament Champion title by strategically executing the game Sack Attack, driving robots they designed, built and programmed from the ground up using the VEX Robotics Design System. The VEX Robotics Competition serves as a vehicle for students to develop critical life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and project management, honed through building robots and competing with likeminded students from the community in a pulse-pounding, exciting, and nontraditional environment. The VEX Robotics Design System was created to be an affordable, accessible, and scalable platform used to teach STEM worldwide. Student Nutrition Expo draws DIVERSE crowd Mountain View High School served as the host site for the district’s first annual “Student Nutrition Expo” on Feb. 19. Parents, students and community members were invited to learn more about the district’s school nutrition program, as well as exciting career paths. Over 25 booths were available for visitors, as well as a variety of door prizes and a grand prize drawing. The expo also provided educational presentations, including “Nutrition 101,” “Food Safety,” and a Career Panel. Designed by Thompson Nutrition Services, the Expo was created with the following goals in mind: To increase awareness and understanding of the School Nutrition Program on behalf of parents, students and faculty alike; to encourage support and dispel misconceptions of the school nutrition program by allowing vendors to display products which meet the standards of USDA guidelines and are both flavorful and healthy; to encourage students to learn about potential career opportunities in the growing field of food and nutrition; and to increase participation in the school nutrition program in order to promote better health for all students. An estimated 785 students and teachers attended the event.

Now is a Great Time to Plant Trees! Fruit Tree Sale Buy one Get one 50%off! Apple, Peach, Plum, Cherry, Pear, Apricot Strong healthy trees ready to fruit starting at $59.99 ea!

4 5/31/13

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poudre school district news

Tavelli volunteers help make fun activities possible

Allison Hixson, VBC for Tavelli, says Tavelli has lots of willing volunteers.

Poudre School District has over 17,000 volunteers, consisting of parents, grandparents, seniors and community members. Managing that many volunteers in 48 schools is quite a feat! Helping the PSD’s Volunteers & Partnerships office manage the multitude of volunteers at each school site is a Volunteer Building Coordinator (VBC). These dedicated volunteers donate many hours to ensure the volunteer program at their school is a success. Some have done it for many years, starting in elementary schools, and continuing in this volunteer position even after their children move on to middle school and even high school! Allison Hixson, VBC for Tavelli, has been volunteering since 2007, and has been co-coordinating the volunteers since the 2011-12 school year. This will be her last year as VBC. Hixson says that Tavelli has a big group of people willing to volunteer, 32

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and feels that the teachers support their volunteers 100 percent. “I have formed many friendships through volunteering,” says Hixson. She volunteers in her daughters’ classrooms often, and volunteers in the science lab every Tuesday. “They get to do experiments every class and it is really neat to see them problem solve and work together. I love watching their little brains work in there,” Hixson says. She has also been involved in the vision and hearing screening, which allows her to “hang out” with other volunteers, as well as spend time with the children, putting names to faces and seeing their “little personalities.” The other event she loves to participate in is the annual Tavelli Duathlon. Students participate by running a half-mile, biking for a mile, and then finishing off with a half-mile run. The parent volunteers are spread throughout the course, cheering on the students, helping them with their bikes, and lifting their spirits while the students are running. She says, “You get to see the kiddos with their families, and afterwards, they enjoy pizza and oranges. That is a blast to help with!” In her spare time, Hixson enjoys going camping with her two girls and just spending quality time with them. Her older daughter will be moving on to middle school next year and her younger daughter will be in 4th grade. “I think that it is very important to have a volunteer coordinator at each school,” Hixson says. “It is actually a huge undertaking, but well worth it knowing that the volunteers are cleared through a background check before walking into classrooms.” She believes that without volunteers, a lot of the fun activities wouldn’t happen. Historical figures come to life at Johnson Elementary Famous Americans such as Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Oprah Winfrey fielded questions from stu-

dents, parents and staff during a special event at Johnson Elementary, which also brought other influential figures like Susan B. Anthony, Christa McAuliffe, Neil Armstrong and Steve Jobs, back to life. Johnson fifth-graders dressed up as famous people in American history and lined the hallways in chronological order, creating a “Living Timeline.” The historical figures came to life when approached by students, parents or staff, colorfully talking about their historical contributions and answering questions. “I was actually born in 1914 and I was the first person to break the sound barrier,” explained Chuck Yeager, portrayed by fifth-grader Bryson Orwick, dressed as a pilot. “I flew an X-1 fighter plane.” Fifth-grade teacher Diane Witteveld explained that the Living Timeline was the culminating activity of a five-week research project on famous Americans. “They learned how to research good websites and then did a report,” said Witteveld. “The second part of the project is the Living Timeline when they become that famous American. They had to prepare how they would answer some of the questions they might get.” “We have a lot of presidents from George Washington to Barack Obama and first ladies. We have a few athletes. Steven Spielberg is new this year,” Witteveld added, noting that the interactive project makes a big impression on students. “It’s something they never forget. It’s more than doing a worksheet.” Bryson, who liked making the artistic backdrop, wanted to research Yeager because of a family connection. “My great-grandfather knew him. They were both airplane mechanics in World War II,” he said, adding that he enjoyed the project. “You get to research someone you know nothing about and learn all of these cool things.” Fifth-grader Kieran O’Sullivan portrayed Patrick Henry, a politician

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Calendar of Events April 9 ......... 6 :30pm, Board of Education business meeting, Johannsen Support Services Complex, 2407 LaPorte Ave. April 12 ....... K - 12 Parent/Teacher Conferences, No School for students April 15 ....... K -8 Teacher Collaboration Day, No School for K-8 students April 22-26 .. N ational Public School Volunteer Week, Recognize school volunteers! April 23 ....... 6 :30pm, Board of Education business meeting and work session, Johannsen Support Services Complex, 2407 LaPorte Ave.

Johnson Elementary fifth-graders dressed up as famous people in American history and created a “Living Timeline” in school hallways. The historical figures came to life and talked about their contributions when approached by other students, teachers and parents.

who served as the Governor of Virginia and was involved in the independence movement in the 1770s. “He gave a famous speech Give me Liberty or Give me Death,” said Kieran, who was a little surprised at how much he enjoyed the project. “When you get started working on it, you might think it’s hard, but it’s really fun.” Fifth-grader Lindsey Beard characterized Pocahontas. “I learned that Pocahontas was a woman who fought for her beliefs. She did a lot of peacekeeping. I thought this project was a good way to learn,” she said. Second-grader Ella Anderson visited with many of the extraordinary people featured in the “cool” Living Timeline. “This shows people how the world was before we were alive. Sojourner Truth was my favorite. She stood up for women’s rights,” said Ella, “and she’s also my sister.” Nonprofits distribute books to Laurel Students Students at Laurel Elementary School of Arts and Technology recently received new books thanks to the work of two nonprofit agencies in northern Colorado. 34

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Representatives from Book Trust, a local nonprofit organization that provides books for kids from lowincome families and from the Community Foundation’s Encouraging Educational Excellence Fund (E3) distributed the books as part of their pledge to provide books to Laurel

students and to help inspire a passion for reading. Last year, the Community Foundation pledged to support Book Trust’s work at Laurel in the form of three annual $25,000 grants from the E3 Fund. This year the E3 Fund is allowing all 476 Laurel students the opportunity to choose and own books. Each month, through the Book Trust program, the children are asked to select books from Scholastic Book Clubs for themselves. Collectively, these students will own nearly 11,000 books by the end of the school year. For more information about Book Trust, visit their website.

Laurel Elementary students recently received new books thanks to two non-profit agencies in northern Colorado.

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greeley-evans district 6 news Marine Corps program offered

Lt. Col. Mark Newbold, regional director for the Marine Corps JROTC program, speaks to students recently at Northridge High School about the program that will begin there next year. Cadets from the only other MCJROTC in Colorado at Adams City High School also spoke to students about what to except as a participant in the program.

Greeley-Evans School District 6 was given final approval in February to institute a Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program next year. Four years in the works, this program will offer students grades 9-12 the opportunity to take leadership courses and learn more about what it means to serve in the military, says Greeley-Evans District 6 Superintendent Ranelle Lang. District 6 first applied for the program in 2009. “This is a strong, positive group for students to become affiliated with,” Lang says “The fact that we will be able to give students access to this training and a potential career is incredible.” The program will be available to all District 6 high school students and will be housed at Northridge High School. The Northridge MCJROTC will be only the second Marine Corps JROTC in the state of Colorado. The other is located at Adams City High School in Commerce City. In his notification letter to District 6, W.E. McHenry, director of the MCROTC 36

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Program, Training and Education in Quantico, Virginia, says, “Northridge High School has the cadet potential, community support and the necessary facilities to support a MCJROTC unit.” “We look forward to a long and successful association with Northridge High School,” McHenry says. The JROTC program will offer skills that will be valuable to any student, not only those who are interested in military service. The program emphasizes: • Being an informed and responsible citizen. • Character building through training in ethics, leadership and self-discipline. • Career exploration and educational opportunities after high school. • Learning about national security and the U.S. military. • Relationship building.

“The leadership opportunities, in addition to the basic exposure to military expectations and academic support, will be great for many of our students,” says Stacie Datteri, executive director of Learning Services for District 6.

Lang says many community supporters, such as the city of Greeley, U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall, and Rep. Cory Gardner, helped the approval of the program along. “We received many letters of support from members of our community,” Lang says. “This just shows that when the community comes together, it can bring great opportunities for our students.” Northridge High School Principal Wes Paxton, who was previously the principal at Adams City High School, says he is excited to begin the program and has already had student interest in enrollment. “Students can learn military skills, leadership skills and will perform community service,” Paxton says. “It’s going to be a benefit, not only to Northridge, but to the entire district.” Students must enroll at Northridge High School to participate in MCJROTC. Either current or retired Marine officers will teach the MCJROTC program. The Marine Corps will pay part of their salary. There is no mandatory military service requirement for high school students enrolling in MCJROTC, however, students who complete the program will have the opportunity to apply for college scholarships and possibly waive the first year of college-level ROTC. While visiting Northridge High School recently, Lt. Col. Mark Newbold, the regional director for MCJROTC said while entering military service upon high school graduation is a possibility for cadets, he encourages students to go to college first. “We want you to get a college degree,” Newbold told a group of Northridge students who attended an informational session. “You can drop out of college, but you can’t drop out of the military.” For additional information about the Marine Corps JROTC program, please contact Northridge Principal Wes Paxton at (970) 348-5202 or at wpaxton@greeleyschools.org.

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Kindergarten registration begins Greeley-Evans School District 6 elementary and K-8 schools will conduct registration for incoming students until April 26. Incoming kindergarten students must be 5 years old by September 1, 2013 in order to register for the 2013-14 school year. Incoming first graders must be 6 years old by September 1, 2013 to register for the 2013-14 school year. To register, parents or legal guardians need to visit the home school in their neighborhood, or the school in which they plan to open enroll their child in the fall. To register for school, a new student must have: • A birth certificate or its equivalent; • Up-to-date immunization records; • Name, address and telephone number of last school attended, if applicable.

If you do not know the name or location of your neighborhood school, you may contact the Transportation Office at 970-348-6800. Several schools are hosting evening

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registration events and open houses during the registration window. All registration information for each school is located at www.greeleyschools.org/ kindergartenroundup. District 6 buildings receive Energy Star rating Seventeen buildings in Greeley-Evans School District 6 have received an Energy Star rating from the Environmental Protection Agency, saving the school district thousands of dollars annually in utility costs. The Energy Star program rates buildings on a scale by how much energy is consumed and how much is saved. Buildings must receive a rating of 75 on a scale of 1-100. Since 2009, District 6 has saved more than 800,000-kilowatt hours of energy, which equates to nearly $90,000 in utility savings, or about $30,000 a year. “That is quite an accomplishment,” says Barbara Dehnert, chief of the EPA Region 8 Pollution Prevention and Toxics Unit. “These are the first buildings in Weld County to achieve this status.”

The District 6 buildings that have received the Energy Star rating are: Greeley Central High School, Centennial Elementary School, Chappelow K-8 Arts Magnet, Dos Rios Elementary School, Franklin Middle School, Heath Middle School, Jackson Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School, Martinez Elementary School, McAuliffe Elementary School, Meeker Elementary School, Monfort Elementary School, Romero Elementary School, Scott Elementary School, Shawsheen Elementary School, Winograd K-8 and the facilities building. Energy saving efforts ranged from changing to more efficient light bulbs to reprogramming heating and cooling systems to run more efficiently. District 6 Engineer Matthew Troop says he would like the school district to be a leader in energy savings in Weld County. “It’s all about communication and brainstorming,” Troop says. “We want to be leaders in Weld County for being good stewards of energy consumption.”

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lunchbox Poudre School District —Elementary student lunches are $2.15, secondary student lunches are $2.40 and reduced lunches are $0.40. Entrees offered daily: Elementary—a variety of fruits and vegetables, milk and juices; Secondary--hot and cold sandwiches, fruits and vegetables, deli salad and pizza. Elementary school 1 Ham & cheese deli; chicken sandwich; turkey pot pie 2 Yogurt & fruit box; mac n’cheese; chicken enchilada bake 3 Vegetable paella w/tofu; cheeseburger; chicken Caesar salad 4 Hot dog; chicken bites; PBJ 5 Mediterranean wrap; pepperoni pizza; cheese raviolis 8 Beef burrito; yogurt & fruit box; sausage pancake wrap 9 Grilled cheese & tomato soup; chicken sandwich; PBJ 10 Lasagna; chef salad; chicken nuggets 11 Veggie wrap; BBQ chicken sandwich;

cheese pizza 12 No school! 15 No school! 16 Yogurt & fruit box; chicken nuggets; cheeseburger 17 Mac n’cheese; pig in a blanket; Mandarin chicken salad 18 Turkey gravy & potatoes; PBJ; chicken sandwich 19 Spaghetti; chef salad; pepperoni pizza 22 Taco salad; meatball deli; chicken sandwich 23 Veggie lasagna; cheeseburger; turkey & cheese wrap 24 Asian rice bowl; cheese pizza; hummus & veggies

25 Chicken drumsitck; beef burrito; PBJ 26 Mac n’cheese; French toast sticks; tuna sandwich 29 Yogurt & fruit box; Chinese-American rice w/egg roll 30 Beef burrito; chicken nuggets; PBJ Secondary schools 1 Mac n’cheese; chicken taco 2 Black bean tostada; Italian spaghetti 3 Chicken bites; chicken enchilada bake 4 Baked potato bar; Spanish chicken 5 Turkey gravy w/potatoes; Asian rice bowl 8 Cheese ravioli; chicken quesadilla 9 Chicken nuggets; beef tacos 10 Italian lasagna; chicken soup & sandwich

11 Baked chicken; burrito 12 No school! 15 HS only: Beef Szechwan; chicken taco 16 Mac n’cheese; Chinese-American rice & egg roll 17 Chicken bites; beef tamale bake 18 Penne pasta w/sauces; pig in a blanket 19 Cheese ravioli; turkey pot pie 22 Mac n’cheese; Asian rice bowl 23 Vegetable lasagna; chicken nuggets 24 Burrito; fruit & yogurt parfait 25 Baked chicken; spaghetti w/meatballs 26 Chicken broccoli Alfredo; beef tacos 29 Nachos; penne pasta w/sauces 30 Teriyaki chicken; beef tacos

Thompson R2J School District —Elementary lunches are $2.50. Secondary school lunches are $2.75. Reduced lunches are $0.40. Offered daily: PBJs & fruit. Elementary schoolS 8 Chicken w/gravy & potatoes; chicken nuggets 9 Variety pizza; baked potato 10 Hamburger/cheeseburger; rice & bean burrito 11 Chicken burrito bowl; baked potato 12 French bread boat w/sauce; fruit & yogurt plate 15 Pancake w/sausage patty; chicken nuggets 16 Ravioli; baked potato 17 Turkey hot dog; rice & bean burrito

18 Taco; baked potato 19 Southwest queso pasta; fruit & yogurt plate 22 Chicken nuggets; jumbo stuffed pasta 23 Chicken parmesan; baked potato 24 Sloppy Joe; rice & bean burrito 25 Nachos; baked potato 26 Pork rib patty sandwich; fruit & yogurt plate 29 Mac n’cheese; chicken nuggets 30 Pizza stick w/sauce; baked potato Secondary schools 8 Chicken w/gravy & potatoes; PBJ

9 Variety pizza; chicken fajita wrap 10 Hamburger/cheeseburger; chicken parmesan sandwich 11 Chicken burrito bowl; meatball sandwich 12 French bread boat w/sauce; fruit & yogurt plate 15 Waffle; chicken strips 16 Ravioli; Cuban sandwich 17 Chicken strips w/gravy & potatoes; burger 18 Taco; pork rib patty sandwich 19 Southwest queso pasta; grilled chicken

sandwich 22 Chicken nuggets; sloppy Joe 23 Chicken parmesan; burger 24 Hot roast sandwich; spicy chicken sandwich 25 Nachos; lasagna 26 Pork rib patty sandwich; French bread boat 29 Mac n’cheese; vegetable quesadilla 30 Pizza stick w/sauce; BBQ chicken nugget & brown rice bowl

Greeley District 6 —To obtain a complete meal, student gets an entrée and can select 1-3 sides. Elementary lunches are $2.25, and middle school lunches are $2.50, reduced-price lunches are $.40. Offered daily: PBJ. Elementary schools 8 Sloppy Joe; turkey & cheese wrap 9 Chicken w/rice; PBJ 10 Chicken Alfredo pasta; chicken salad sandwich 11 BBQ chicken; ham & cheese hoagie 12 Hawaiian pizza; egg salad sandwich 15 Italian chicken melt; turkey & cheese wrap 16 Cuban sandwich; PBJ 17 Honey BBQ wings; chicken salad sandwich 18 Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich; ham &

cheese hoagie 19 Sweet & sour meatballs w/rice; tuna sandwich 22 BBQ pork sandwich; turkey & cheese wrap 23 Tacos w/rice; chicken salad sandwich 24 Lasagna; PBJ 25 Chicken sandwich; ham & cheese hoagie 26 Pepperoni pizza; egg sandwich 29 Hamburger/cheeseburger; turkey & cheese wrap 30 Waffles w/ham; sausage, egg &

cheese biscuit Secondary schools 8 Sloppy Joe; chicken fajita wrap 9 Chicken w/rice; PBJ 10 Chicken Alfredo pasta; club wrap 11 BBQ chicken; burger bar 12 Hawaiian pizza; egg salad sandwich 15 Italian chicken melt; turkey & chz wrap 16 Cuban sandwich; PBJ 17 Honey BBQ wings; chicken salad sandwich 18 Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich; Italian wrap

19 Sweet & sour meatballs w/rice; tuna sandwich 22 BBQ pork sandwich; chicken fajita wrap 23 Tacos w/rice; club wrap 24 Lasagna; PBJ 25 Chicken sandwich; ham & cheese hoagie 26 Pepperoni pizza; egg sandwich 29 Hamburger/cheeseburger; turkey & cheese wrap 30 Waffles w/ham; sausage, egg & cheese biscuit

Windsor School District —Price for elementary lunch is $2.30, for middle school students, $2.50. Reduced lunches are $0.40. Salad bar is served daily with entrees. Offered daily: PBJ and yogurt. Elementary schools 1 No school! 2 Chicken nuggets 3 Ravioli 4 Veg fried rice w/eggroll 5 Cheese or variety pizza 8 Chicken sandwich 9 Cheesy nachos 10 Waffle sticks w/sausage

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11 12 15 17 18 19 22 23 24

Beef stroganoff Pizza dippers Hot dog Mac n’cheese Fish & chips Big Daddy pizza Chicken tenders Asian delight w/brown rice Spaghetti & meatballs

25 Sloppy Joe 26 Pizza dippers 29 Honey BBQ chicken nuggets 30 Taco Secondary schools 1 No school! 2 Hot & spicy wings 3 Stuffed shells 4 Veg fried rice w/eggroll

5 8 9 10 11 12 15 16 17

Pizza burger Chicken sandwich Chili chips n’cheese Waffle sticks w/sausage Beef stroganoff Meatball sub Hot & spicy chicken sandwich Weiner wrap Mac n’cheese

18 Fish & chips 19 French dip 22 Chicken tenders 23 Asian delight w/brown rice 24 Spaghetti & meatballs 25 Sloppy Joe 26 Steak & cheese sandwich 29 Buffalo chicken flatbread 30 Taco

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APRIL 2013 ONGOING Through April 14 Annual Thompson School District Art Show Come see excellent art by local students. Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. -962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org. Through April 27 Noises Off Heralded as the funniest farce ever written, Noises Off follows the onstage and backstage antics of a mediocre touring company as they stumble and bumble from dress rehearsal to disastrous closing night.Presented by OpenStage. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com or www.openstage.com.

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

Tuesday, April 2 Smuin Ballet Michael Smuin merges classical ballet and contemporary dance. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com. Great Decisions: NATO Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org.

April 25-27 The Midtown Men Come see four stars from the original cast of Jersey Boys. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Prepared Childbirth Make informed decisions about issues surrounding the birth of your baby. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 6-8:30pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Monday, April 1 Author Tony Horwitz Visits Horwitz will speak about his latest book “Midnight Rising.” Hilton of Fort Collins, 425 W. Prospect Rd., FC. 7-9pm. 970221-6740. www.PoudreLibraries.org.

UNC Vocal Jazz Ensembles Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Labor and Birth for Teens This class was created for pregnant women ages 19 and under and their support partner. Discussion topics include labor and birth preparation, breathing, relaxing, and comfort techniques. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 4-6pm. 970‑378-4044 or www.BannerHealth. com/NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

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Wednesday, April 3 Nature Notes Club Meeting You’ll get the chance to journal in the vein of Leopold or Muir with this fun group of people. Location and time TBD. 970-679-4489 or www. childrenandnature.org/letsgo. Bright Beginnings for Infants This program focuses on nurturing interactions to support brain health. Poudre Valley Hospital, 1025 Garfield St., Suite A, FC. 10-11am. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Plant Select: Water-Wise, Beautiful Gardens Discover beautiful garden plants that thrive with less water, little care, and are adapted to our climate. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 6:30-8:30pm. 970-416-2486 or www. fcgov.com/gardens.

Thursday, April 4 HypnoBirthing: The Mongolian Method Through self-hypnosis, special breathing, and visualization, HypnoBirthing teaches you to release all prior programming about birth. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 6-8:30pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. UNC Chamber Wind Ensembles Concert Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 8:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Friday, April 5 Noches en Familia Come and enjoy a time of stories, crafts, puppets, and songs in Spanish. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 5-6pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. Scrabble @ Your Library Players of all ability and experience levels are welcome. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 10am - Noon. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. A Night with John Williams Enjoy this pops concert. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

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Saturday, April 6 The Care and Pruning of Roses Learn how to keep them at their best. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10am-Noon. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens. Water Saving Succulent Planters Get ideas for planting unique, lowmaintenance containers with succulents. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 1-3pm. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.

Sunday, April 7 Visiting Author Patrick Jones Nationally known author of realistic teen novels and a former teens services libraries. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-4pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Bob Johnson Tribute presented by Kream of the Krop Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 2pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Breastfeeding: Off to a Good Start Designed for expectant parents who are considering breastfeeding. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-Noon. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Monday, April 8 Tiny Trekkers: Bird Beak Buffet Bring your toddler and enjoy a morning filled with crafts, stories, and fun facts! Devil’s Backbone Open Space, west of LV, off of Hwy 34, LV. 8-10am. 970-679-4489 or www.childrenandnature.org/letsgo.

Boot Camp for New Dads For men, taught by men! North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-Noon. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Tuesday, April 9 Kevin Cook: Colorado Birds Great stories of life and living. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon -1pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org.

Infant CPR Participants will learn infant/child CPR and basic emergency and first aid skills. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 1pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Chromatic: The Crossroads of Color and Music Presented by Larimer Chorale. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 6pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

OB Anesthesia North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 7pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Celebrate Shel Silverstein April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating with a special storytime and craft focused on Shel Silverstein, legendary children’s poet, illustrator and songwriter. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 3-4pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Taste of Home: Cooking School Authentic family-favorite recipes handed down over generations and shared among loved ones. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7pm. 970-2216730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Picnic on the Poudre Explore nature with the whole family! Magpie Meander Natural Area, west end of Hickory St., FC. Noon. 970-491-1661 or www.childrenandnature.org/letsgo.

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Kids’ Club Tuesday: Scrabble Haiku In celebration of National Poetry Month, Take on the challenge of creating haikus using letters chosen by the luck of the draw. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 4-5:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

International Night: Nepal Watch a presentation on trekking in Lang Tang National Park. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. BabyCare 101 Prepares expectant parents in the basic care of newborns for the first few months. Poudre Valley Hospital, Westbridge Medical Suites, 1st Floor Conference Rm., 1107 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 6-9pm. 970-495-7500 or www.pvhs.org.

Wednesday, April 10 Colorado Raptors Rock! Celebrate Earth Day! This program will be about taking care of your environment and the reasons why. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 6:30-7:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Kindles @ Your Library In this class, we will show you how to download library eBooks to your Kindle anywhere, any time. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Breastfeeding Basics Topics include process of breastfeeding, ways to prevent and care for problems. Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., LV. 7-9pm. 970-4957528 or www.pvhs.org. Bright Beginnings for One-Year-Olds Special emphasis will be placed on the relationships between language, emotional and cognitive development. Poudre Valley Hospital, 1025 Garfield St., Suite A, FC. 10-11am. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Thursday, April 11 Essential Fatty Acids Find out what it is in the food that makes your body sing. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 3-4pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org.

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HypnoBirthing: The Mongolian Method Release all prior programming about birth. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 6-8:30pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Friday, April 12 Flash Reading Mob in Old Town Square Drop everything and read for 15 minutes. Old Town Square, FC. 1212:15pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Harmony in the Round with JJQ , Just Jazz Quintet Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with this five-piece combo. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7-8pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Verdi’s “La Traviata” The UNC Opera Theatre with the University Symphony Orchestra. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970356-5000 or www.ucstars.com. Tot Art Fridays: Signs of Spring Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 10:3011:30am. 970-962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org. Paths of Light Dance, Word and Image to Illuminate Our Way. A collaboration by IMPACT Dance and Pathways Services. Pathways Hospice, 305 Carpenter Rd., FC. 6:30pm. 970-663-3500 or www.pathways-care.org or www. ImpactDanceCompany.com.

Chess @ Your Library Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join us for these informal drop-in chess games. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 11am-1pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. Growing Great Greens The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 2:30-3:30pm. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens. Paths of Light Dance, Word and Image to Illuminate Our Way. A collaboration by IMPACT Dance and Pathways Services. Pathways Hospice, 305 Carpenter Rd., FC. 6:30pm & 8pm. 970-663-3500 or www.pathways-care.org or www. ImpactDanceCompany.com. Using Chickens for Pest Control This class presents how a neighborhood built a “chicken moat” then put a flock of laying hens to work on pest management. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 4-5pm. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/ gardens. Loveland Community Health Fair Promotes health awareness. McKee Conference and Wellness Center, 2000 Boise Ave., LV. 8am-1pm. 970-6694640 or www.bannerhealth.com. Verdi’s “La Traviata” The UNC Opera Theatre with the University Symphony Orchestra. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Saturday, April 13 Canyon Concert Ballet’s Cinderella A classic children’s tale told to you through the art of dance. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 2pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

BabyCare 101 Topics include signs of illness, safety, development, and parent adjustment. Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., LV. 9-10am. 970-4957528 or www.pvhs.org.

Spanish Prepared Childbirth Make informed decisions about issues surrounding the birth of your baby. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 8:30am. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

A Year with Frog and Toad Presented by UNC School of Theatre and Dance. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 1pm & 3pm. 970356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

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Sunday, April 14 Canyon Concert Ballet’s Cinderella A classic children’s tale told to you through the art of dance. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 2pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com. Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 3-4pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Organic Gardening Ecology Class Old Feed Store, 3612 W. County Rd. 54G, LaPorte, CO. 12-4pm. 970-224-3247 or www.sustainablelivingassociation.org. Jerusalem: Sacred & Profane from Rick Rays Films Discover one of the most fascinating cities on earth with filmmaker Rick Rays. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 2pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Monday, April 15 School’s Out Movie: The Lorax Come have fun! Old Town Square, FC. 2-3:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. Bright Beginnings for Infants This program focuses on nurturing interactions, a healthy & safe environment and games to support brain development and emotional health. McKee Medical Center, 2000 N. Boise Ave., LV. 11:15am-12:15pm. 970-4957528 or www.pvhs.org. Grandparenting North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 7pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Tuesday, April 16 Improv 4 Tweens Have fun playing improv games designed to bring out your inner actor. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 4-5:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

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Author B.A. Shapiro Visits Ms. Shapiro will discuss her latest work, “The Art Forger,” a literary thriller about the 1990 art theft from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. Hilton of Fort Collins, 425 W. Prospect Rd., FC. 7-9pm. 970-221-6740. www. PoudreLibraries.org. Bright Beginnings for Infants This program focuses on brain development and emotional health. Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., LV. Noon-1pm. 970495-7528 or www.pvhs.org. Prepared Childbirth Ask questions and make informed decisions about issues surrounding the birth of your baby. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 6-8:30pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. National Youth Service Day Awards Greeley City Council Chambers, 7th St. & 10th Ave., GR. 5:30pm. 970-350-9771. Wednesday, April 17 Natural Childbirth: Coping Strategies for Pain Management First Floor Conference Room, Westbridge Medical Suites, 1107 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 7-9:30pm. 970-495-7500 or www.pvhs.org. Nature Notes Club Meeting You’ll get the chance to journal in the vein of Leopold or Muir with this fun group of people. Location and time TBD. 970-679-4489 or www. childrenandnature.org/letsgo. The Hungry Tide Presented by the Mindful Movies & More Series. CSU, Behavioral Sciences Building, Room 131, FC. 7-9pm. www. fcgov.com

Thursday, April 18 Take 6 and Northern Colorado Voices Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

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Teen Thursday Art Exploration: Monet’s Garden Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 4-6pm. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org. 8th Grade Career Expo Find out what career paths interest kids these days. Island Grove Events Center, 501 N. 14th Ave., FC. 9am-3pm. 970350-9771 or www.islandgrovepark.com. HypnoBirthing: The Mongolian Method Through self-hypnosis, special breathing, and visualization, HypnoBirthing teaches you to release all prior programming about birth. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 6-8:30pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Friday, April 19 Prepared Childbirth Ask questions and make informed decisions about issues surrounding the birth of your baby. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 6:30-9pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. Saturday, April 20 Earth Day Fort Collins Presented by the Sustainable Living Association. A combination of activities for the entire family, local food and a beer garden. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 11am-5pm. 970416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens or www.sustainablelivingassociation.org. Street Beat Street Beat is a kinetic, maximum energy explosion of urban rhythm and dance, featuring the pinnacle of modern “street” choreography. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 2pm & 6pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com. Movie Night: Jason and the Argonauts Greek mythology comes to life in this exciting 1963 film adaptation of the story of Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-9pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Prepared Childbirth Make informed decisions about issues surrounding the birth of your baby. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 8:30am. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. Bear Necessities See this captivating presentation about local bruins. Devil’s Backbone Open Space, west of LV, off of Hwy 34, LV. 9:30am. 970-679-4489 or www. childrenandnature.org/letsgo.

Sunday, April 21 Enchanted April: Tales of an American Diva in Italy Join Opera Fort Collins for a delightful afternoon of live opera. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 2pm. 970-2216730 or www.LCTIX.com. Game Day @ Your Library Play a board or card game from our collection or bring a favorite from home. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1-5pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. Hey Kids! Spring is Here! Discover what’s in bloom. Devil’s Backbone Open Space, west of LV, off of Hwy 34, LV. 1pm. 970-679-4489 or www.childrenandnature.org/letsgo. A Great Day for the Irish Presented by Valentine City Chorus. An A Cappella Barbershop harmony show presented by the Loveland Colorado Chapter. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 2pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Monday, April 22 Tiny Trekkers: Animal Homes A morning full of crafts and stories for you and your toddler. Devil’s Backbone Open Space, west of LV, off of Hwy 34, LV. 10am. 970-679-4489 or www. childrenandnature.org/letsgo. Grandparenting North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 7pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

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Tuesday, April 23 How To Stay Financially and Physically Fit Presenters will help answer questions. Greeley Medical Center, 1900 16th St., GR. 9-10:30am. 970-495-8560 or www.pvhs.org. Prepared Childbirth Make informed decisions about issues surrounding the birth of your baby. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 6-8:30pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Wednesday, April 24 Weird Al Yankovic: The Alpocalypse Tour The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970-221-6730 or www. LCTIX.com. Battle of the Bards Poetry Reading & Awards Come to this special poetry reading event. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6:30-8:30pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Bright Beginnings for Two-Year-Olds This class explores positive guidance strategies and how to provide a supportive during the active two’s. Poudre Valley Hospital, 1025 Garfield St., Suite A, FC. 10-11am. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org. Couples Massage North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 7pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Thursday, April 25 Nooks @ Your Library In this class we will show you how to download library eBooks to your Nook from home anytime. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7-8:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. Greeley Central High School Spring Arts Gala Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

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HypnoBirthing: The Mongolian Method Release all prior programming about birth. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 6-8:30pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Friday, April 26 Celts, Kilts and Chorale The Greeley Chorale joins forces with the Fort Collins Pipe Band to celebrate the Celtic musical tradition. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com. Take It Outside with Your Commissioner Devil’s Backbone Open Space, west of LV, off of Hwy 34, LV. 9am. 970-679-4489 or www.childrenandnature.org/letsgo.

Saturday, April 27 Teen IRS: Interesting Reader Society Meeting Young adults in grades 6-12 who meet monthly to talk books, movies, music, and other topics of interest to teens. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 11am-1 pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. Library eBooks on your iPad/iPhone and Android Devices Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 3:30-5pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. Wildflowers of Devil’s Backbone Join naturalists for a fun-filled morning exploring flowers. Devil’s Backbone Open Space, west of LV, off of Hwy 34, LV. 8-10am. 970-679-4489 or www. childrenandnature.org/letsgo. We’re having a Baby: A Class for Siblings Kids will learn how to become a “big helper,” and how to make friends with the new baby. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9:30-10:30am. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Just Drip It! This hands-on class covers the basics of drip irrigation. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10amNoon. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov. com/gardens. Wet and Wonderful Water Gardening Get an introduction to water feature styles, equipment and how to design for easier ongoing maintenance. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 2-4pm. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov. com/gardens. Fruit Tree Grafting Sustainable Living Association. You will leave the workshop with not only knowledge, but with your own grafted apple tree. Fort Collins Wholesale Nursery, 2224 N. Shields St., FC. 10am-Noon. 970-224-3247 or www. sustainablelivingassociation.org.

Sunday, April 28 Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 3-4pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Todd Oliver and Friends Nationally known for his amazing reallife talking dogs and hilarious comedy, presents an all new show. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 2pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Monday, April 29 Prepared Childbirth Make informed decisions about issues surrounding the birth of your baby. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 6-8:30pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. Tuesday, April 30 Antarctic Lecture Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 11am-1 pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

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time out

Poop where?

Big girl pants mean using the toilet, right? A lisa A . G as t o n - L inn

e’re potty training. It’s been going fairly well for so far. My daughter is a champion at peeing in the little toilet and big toilet (with insert) so recently we broke out the big girl pants. But she refuses to poop in the toilet. I’ve been cleaning messy underwear for only a week and I have to be honest, it’s gross. I am not one of those moms who thinks her kid’s poop is cute. I’m not going to post a photo of her first poop in the toilet on Facebook. Actually, I have been completely stressed out about how to get my daughter to poop in the toilet so I don’t have to clean it up anymore. I could handle it when it was in a diaper, no problem. But in big girl pants? Yuck. I know what you’re thinking—she won’t poop in the toilet because she feels my anxiety and it’s rubbing off on her. You know that phrase, fake it until you make it? Believe me, the way I talk to my daughter about pooping in the toilet, she must think it’s the greatest thing since fish walked on land. What’s worse, she refuses to go to the bathroom at all in public restrooms. The thought of dealing with messy pants outside of my house causes me even more anguish. Many moms have told me to simply throw away the underwear when she poops in it. We all know money doesn’t grow on trees, and I’m pretty sure kids’ underwear doesn’t grow on trees either. I don’t have the budget to keep throwing away my daughter’s messy underwear. Another mom told me to have my daughter clean the underwear whenever she poops in it. Have you seen a 2-year-old’s dexterity? If I made her do that, not only would I be dealing with poopy underwear, I believe I would be dealing with a poopy toilet seat, possibly a poopy floor, definitely poopy little hands, and who knows what else? No thanks. 54

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I tell myself I can do this. Come on, it’s just poop. But then I ask, how long will I have to deal with this poop issue? And is it going to be an issue everywhere? Years ago my sister and I and her 3-year-old were hiking, and he had to poop. He was fully potty trained and having no issues doing his business anywhere anytime—we thought. It took over an hour for us to convince him that he could poop in the woods. “Bears poop in the woods. Squirrels poop in the woods. Birds poop in the woods.” At last, as he squatted down, he looked up and asked, “Are the bears watching me poop?” Uh, is this a trick question? If we say, yes, will he freak out and refuse to poop? If we say, no, will he be disappointed and refuse to poop? My sister and I looked at one another, and finally she said to him, “Maybe.” He pooped. There’s the other extreme—two moms have told me that their kids pooped outside because they didn’t

want to poop in a toilet. One pooped in a pasture instead of pooping in a neighbor’s toilet, and the other pooped in his own back yard. I have visions of my daughter refusing to poop in the library restroom after storytime, running outside the building, and squatting under the book drop. At least I wouldn’t have to clean poopy big girl pants. I know eventually my daughter will poop in the toilet. I know it’s not the end of the world if I’m dealing with messy big girl pants for a few months (gulp) or several. I’ll carry extra underwear and pants, I’ll never leave home without poop bags, and I’ll keep giving her the impression that pooping in the toilet is like winning the lottery (I have tried to bribe her with chocolate, for shame). Like every other transition, I’ll settle in, I’ll get into the groove, I’ll relax, and my daughter will do her business anytime anywhere. In the meantime, I’ll try not to stress over the thought of dealing with throw-up.

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