RMParent Magazine | May | 2023

Calming stations for big feelings

Family gardening fun

SPECIALSECTION: SUMMERTIME AND

Road trip to Wyoming

Favorite garden tools

SPECIAL SECTION

Growing season 2023

Know where your food comes from when you shop for your eggs, meat, milk and so much more at a local farm or ranch. Plus, check out the list of Farmers Markets and Farms Stands in our area.

Browse family activities and enrichment opportunities coming up this summer!

ABOUT THE COVER

Cover kid Raina loves gymnastics, circus, swimming, and playing with friends.

Photo shot by Cheri Schonfeld, courtesy of Sky's Open Design. www.skysopendesign.com

Summer is coming—The freedom of being a dork

WHEN THE CHILDREN WERE elementaryschool aged, we lived in Poudre Park in the Cache la Poudre Canyon. In the summer on many days, the kids would head out to play in the neighborhood—ride their bikes, chase the chickens (or be chased the roosters), collect rocks or bugs or other stuff. They would hang out for hours in the big crotch of the mighty willow in the front yard. Sometimes we would go for a float on the river or a walk in the hills.

Some days Andy would put on his bicycle helmet in the morning when he headed out and just leave it on all day. A practice we were fully supportive of! Aly took rock climbing classes in the summers. Old friends would come by and stay for a few days. Life felt like one big, lowkey adventure.

We didn’t get TV, so that was never really an option. The grandparents would send video tapes of the Olympics and other highlights from the outside world, but pretty much we were media-free. That seems almost unimaginable now!

I believe Aly and Andy, both grown now, would agree that those 5 years in the canyon were formative for developing their view, their sense of how to be in the world and the feeling that life was an adventure. There was also a feeling of being free to do what made sense to you, what we called being the dork family, where we didn’t have to do anything just because other people were doing it, because we were the dorks and it didn’t matter what we did.

That’s where freedom begins—when we feel to our core that we are the dorks, when we let go of our egos, and preconceptions and our opinions and we open up to being a dork. When you’re a dork, you don’t care about judging or being judged, about competing or comparing, you just go about your dorky business.

Some people think that freedom is something that you have because you can do what you want. But doing what you want starts with not being a prisoner to your own cage of thoughts and opinions and preconceptions. True freedom is an open, clear mind.

Andy sent me a meme the other day that has a guy saying, “When you buy pants from Costco, that’s when you don’t care anymore. That’s when we let go of our egos and begin our spiritual journey.”

I started out to write about kids, summer and learning through experience, but I guess it took a little turn into dorkland, but I’ll try to connect them here. Here we go: to learn something we have to be open to new experiences and ideas and not just trying to defend our own ground. For our kids this is the best time to experience pushing outside their comfort zone and experiencing new things. That’s all I got.

Dork on amigos, Scott

PUBLISHER

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

EDITOR

Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR

Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Susan Harting susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com

COVER PHOTO

Cheri Schonfeld

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Theresa Baer, Lea Hanson

Katie Harris, Sarah Mowder-Wilkens

Lynn U. Nichols

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING PO Box 740 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Voice 221-9210 • Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com

Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not constitute 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. ©2023 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER:

Family Health

Children and anxiety

WHEN A CHILD MISBEHAVES, we often assume they are acting this way because they want to; however, it’s often because they haven’t learned the tools needed to process their feelings and manage their outward reactions.

As parents and caretakers, it is important to recognize that we can support them in fostering healthy emotional regulation strategies.

What is a calming station?

INSTEAD OF A TIME OUT, try setting up a calming station in your home. This is a designated spot for children when they need some time and space to calm down their bodies and process their big feelings. Rather than punishment and negative reinforcement, a calming station is meant to be positive as it stimulates emotional regulation, structure, and security.

Setting up a calming station in your home

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO have a big space or budget to set up a calming space at home! Work with your child to figure out what they’d like to see in the space. Ideas include:

Bean bag, yoga mat, and/or fun pillows

Soft blankets or weighted blankets for older children

• Signs or cards with positive affirmations

• Journals and writing tools

• Fidget toys

• Books

• Art supplies

• Puzzles

• Feelings posters and/or conflict resolution sheets

• Headphones with calming music

Everyone can benefit from a calming station

CALMING STATIONS ARE NOT just for young children; tweens, teens, and young adults can benefit from them too. In fact, several local schools have designated calming rooms for any student to use throughout the day.

“Wellness rooms and areas allow kids to practice and take charge of regulating their emotions,” shared Kelly Glick, Mental Health Education and Connection Specialist for Poudre School District. “Having these dedicated spaces builds children’s capacity to practice lifelong coping skills in a safe place. Instead of us telling kids to regulate, we need to use less language, while also decreasing sensory input. This allows them to recalibrate, so to speak.”

Together, find a spot that your family is comfortable with and does not need to be taken down or put away. If possible, ensure that the space is not completely isolated— children shouldn’t be forced to figure out their emotions alone.

Important Tips

PRACTICE USING THE calming space as part of a pre-bedtime routine or show your child how you use the space for your own self-care. Think of how great it would be if you also had a quiet spot to go when you need to work through your own feelings!

Sarah Mowder-Wilkens, LCSW, LSSW is the Mental Health & Prevention Coordinator for Poudre School District.

Gardening fun for the family

Plan and plant together Theme gardens

IT’S GOOD TO CHOOSE VEGETABLES your family will eat. To add to the fun of planning, think of your family’s favorite foods and design a garden to supply the ingredients. Perhaps you’ll grow a “pizza or pasta garden” with a variety of tomatoes, green peppers and onions or a “salsa garden” with tomatoes, spicy peppers, onions and cilantro. You could focus on fruits with a garden of different colored raspberries or or blueberry bushes, strawberries and watermelons. Or make it a “giant” garden by going BIG with large plants that offer large rewards throughout the growing season with goodies like zucchini, corn, pumpkins, watermelons and giant sunflowers.

Attracting helpful insects

INVOLVE THE KIDS IN the planning and planting. Being part of the process will encourage children to eat the fruits of their labor. Gardens can be any shape or size, in the ground, within raised beds or using containers, which can also work well for produce like strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce, peas–even potatoes. But when deciding location, always consider areas with sufficient sunlight and easy access to water.

Ask your kids for help in deciding where and what to plant. Encourage a variety of veggies that provide a rainbow of colors for lots of different vitamins as well as visual appeal. Depending on their age, youth can help research companion plants – those that help one another and are good to plant together, such as carrots and tomatoes. The kids can plant the starters you’ve purchased from a nursery (or sown from seed at home) and/or follow the directions on the packets for seed depth and spacing. Explain the importance of consistent watering, weeding and harvesting at the right time and with care for maximum production.

MANY INSECTS ARE BENEFICIAL to your garden and can aid in the process of growing and producing food. Here a few well-known helpful insects kids can easily recognize:

Bees and butterflies are attracted to plants that produce nectar and pollen such as squash, tomatoes, and peppers. These bees and butterflies are responsible for pollinating the flowers which become our fruits and vegetables, a service that is essential to our food supply. Don’t kill the bees!

Ladybugs are another beneficial and beautiful insect to have as they eat many of the bad bugs, such as aphids, that can damage and destroy your vegetables. You can attract ladybugs by planting dill and fennel and some nurseries offer a batch of ladybugs for sale. Have the kids look for ladybugs in red, orange and yellow.

Praying Mantis are another beautiful bug that helps by eating many of the bad bugs, including caterpillars, moths, beetles and crickets. These large, bright green insects truly look like they are praying, and are attracted to tall grass, shrubs, dill and marigolds.

Gardening with kids

Gardening tools for kids

Where to shop: Bath Garden Center

2000 East Prospect Road, Fort Collins

https://shop.bathgardencenter.com

Get your kids their own, special, kid-sized tools for gardening and garden care this summer. Even better, let each child have their own set for which they are solely responsible for caring for, storing, and cleaning. Depending on what is age-appropriate, getting tools for each person can instill responsibility. If your little one is too little to be handling a shovel, then get them a garden wagon that they can use to hold plants, dirt, or weeds. Kids’ yard and garden tools help improve hands-on skills. It also helps kids to develop a sense of nature, learn about plants while they grow flowers or help parents do garden work. Perfect to turn gardening into family fun and get kids out and away from electronics screens.

Garden Decor

Where to shop: Chill Pots

1215 Main St Unit H, Windsor

https://www.chillpotz.com/

The best garden décor is handmade. And pops of color in addition to the food and flowers themselves add quite a bit of beauty to the look. Take a family outing to paint planters or pots that enhance and beautify your garden this year. Even better, paint a gnome or fairy to watch over your garden goods. Kiln-fired ceramic will stay bright and strong for years to come and create lasting memories and stories for your family over the years. Chill Pots in Windsor is a locally owned paint-your-own ceramic shop that is the perfect place for creating your garden décor family outing.

No need for an appointment; walkins are welcome. In addition to painting ceramic, visitors can also build something new

Starting From Scratch

Where to shop: Happy Life Gardens

2000 37th St., Evans

https://www.happylifegardens.com/index.html

Starting a garden from scratch is a lot of work and can be overwhelming to many. It is not just a matter of clearing grass and planting seeds in the dirt. However, it’s a task that almost everyone can master. Most garden centers have the tools and staff expertise needed to start this work, but Happy Life Gardens offers online tools you can peruse at home to make final decisions about where you’d like to put your garden, whether the weeds and plants that currently exist in the space will help or hinder your project, and more. Their website offers tools to identify bugs, weeds, and diseases. And, also to help you choose the plants that will best flourish in your space.

Spring in Wyoming

LATE SPRING IS AN IDEAL TIME to travel north across the Colorado/Wyoming border, where the average daytime temperatures hover around 60 degrees; the plains come alive with brightcolored wildflowers; and moose, bison and elk calves can be spotted in the area’s national parks.

Day 1:

Day 2:

After a six hour drive, arrive at Grand Teton National Park where opportunities for family fun, including kayaking, fishing, horseback riding and hiking, are just gearing up for the summer. A handful of easy, one- to twohour hikes gives visitors multiple

Day 3:

options to explore the beauty of the park without running into large crowds. We recommend Taggart Lake or Heron Pond, both of which have beautiful spots to stop for a picnic and a family photo along the way. Later, camp out in the park or head to nearby Jackson for the evening. Visit www.nps.gov/ grte/index.htm to learn more.

Your journey begins in a little place called Vedauwoo on the southeastern side of our northernly neighbor, approximately an hour’s drive from Fort Collins. Affectionately dubbed Wyoming’s “rocky oasis”, the area is popular among rock climbers, hikers and mountain bikers. Experienced climbers will enjoy the wide range of climbs, while families with younger children can explore the unique rock formations. Camping is the way to go here, with both tent and RV sites available on a first come, first served basis at the Vedauwoo Campground, and dispersed camping allowed as well. For more information visit www. vedauwoo.org/camping-at-vedauwoo/.

Day 4:

Another couple of hours on the road will find you at the entrance to the Tetons’ older, bigger and better-known sister park. Home to rainbow-colored hot springs, hydrothermal mudpots and even geysers, a family could easily spend several days exploring the park’s rich and unique natural features. During your time there, make sure to catch as many of these highlights as you can: a visit to Old Faithful, a boardwalk stroll around a thermal basin, a hike through Mammoth Hot Springs, a wildlife watching tour with a local outfitter or on your own. Lodges and campgrounds are scattered throughout the park and should be reserved ahead of time. For details visit www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm.

Spend another half day in Yellowstone before heading towards home. If you missed Jackson Hole on the way up, we recommend stopping to peruse the shops and galleries in downtown Jackson and, for dinner, trying the local game at Gun Barrel Steak and Game House (www.jackson.gunbarrel.com). Be sure to stop for a family photo under one of the famous antler arches before leaving town!

LOCAL FOOD AND FARM GUIDE

Growing Season 2023

INSIDE:

YOUR GUIDE TO FARM STANDS AND FARMERS’ MARKETS

All Natural makes all the difference.

Everything you eat starts with how it is raised and how it gets to you. Know what you and your family are eating.

WE OFFER

• Black Angus cattle selected for high marbling genetics, locally farm-raised in large pastures in a low stress environment

• NEVER EVER given antibiotics, hormones, or steroids or fed animal by-products

• Available by quarter, half, or whole, cut and packaged just the way you want it

• Dry-aged for tender, moist, consistently great flavor.

www.blueskyfarmcolorado.com

(970) 222-7147 • Rbluesky8@msn.com • Windsor, CO

Please request a cutting instruction sheet to place your order. LET

The Regional, a true taste of Fort Collins in a charming, inviting nook in Old Town. Sourcing from many local farms and small businesses in the community to bring you a delicious variety of unique, organic, and thoughtful dishes made with so much love, you can taste it!

Business Hours- 7 days a week

Mon- Fri Lunch and Dinner

Sat and Sun Brunch and Dinner

Happy Hour every day 4-6

130 S Mason St. Fort Collins, CO. 80524 web: theregionalfood.com

(970) 689-3508

eat local • drink local

PARTNERING PURVEYORS & LOCAL FARMS

Folks Farm, Native Hill Farm, Well Fed Farmstead, Belafonte Farm, Jodar Farm Hazel Dell Farm, Lone Pine Cattle, High Point Bison, Happy Lucky Tea Bean Cycle Coffee Roasters, Life’s A Booch, And Many Local Breweries and Distilleries!

restaurant oyster bar craft cocktails

Container gardening

Katie Harris

’Tis the season for gardening, and if you’ve found the task too daunting to try in the past, this year’s the time to get started! Read on to find out why you can have your own garden, regardless of any space, time or physical constraints that may be holding you back.

WHY TRY IT?

Let’s start with the obvious reason: You want to! Container gardens brighten up the landscape, attract birds and desirable insects, and can save you money on your grocery bill!

The perfect solution in small spaces, all it takes is a pot or two outside your front door to get started. Small gardening pots are portable, making them convenient to bring inside and protect in poor weather, or to move to a new locale as desired.

Not only that, but compared to larger, in-ground gardens, containers tend to attract fewer weeds and use less water overall. Best of all, they are easy on the back. Consider setting small containers on a table or bench as you plant or opt for larger pots that sit high off the ground already.

WHAT TO GROW

Container varieties of many plants can be found at your local gardening store. Other options include dwarf varieties which stay small and require less space. When choosing plants, the sky is the limit. Flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables can all be grown in pots, and many can be mixed together to create a more attractive and efficient raised garden.

While a large variety of plants can be grown in Colorado, some make better choices than others for beginners. Zinnias and petunias are favorite flower varieties to start with, while peas, beans, and radishes are some of the easiest vegetables to grow. From the fruit family, strawberries, peppers, tomatoes and squash tend to be fairly foolproof, and basil and chives make great starter herbs.

USEFUL TIPS

It’s important to give your plants a strong start by selecting the right containers. While nearly any type of pot, basket, barrel or tub can be used for planting, whatever you choose should have proper drainage. You can easily

create your own drainage if needed by drilling or poking holes in the bottom of a container.

Next, it’s time to choose a location for your garden. Check the planting instructions on your seed packets or plant containers and follow sunlight recommendations, which may call for shade, partial sun or full sun.

When you’re ready to plant, be sure to purchase potting soil, which is formulated for container planting, rather than garden soil. Keep in mind that plants in containers need to be watered more frequently than plants in the ground, and soil should be kept damp to a knuckle deep at all times.

Follow directions on the seed packet or container when planting to ensure proper spacing and pot depth and add stakes or trellises to containers when called for.

Finally, keep track of what you plant and record your successes along with any lessons learned in a journal to refer back to next year. Reap your rewards, learn from your mistakes, and you’ll be a gardening pro in no time! Happy planting!

2023 NoCo Farmers Markets

Berthoud’s Fickel Farmers Market

Fickel Park, 620 Mountain Ave., Berthoud

Thursdays, 4–7pm, June 8–Sept. 21 www.berthoud.org/1385/Farmers-Market

Erie Farmers Market

Briggs Street between Wells and Moffatt, Erie Thursdays, 5–8pm, May 1–Sept. 14 www.realfarmersmarketco.com

Estes Valley Farmers Market

Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave., EP

Thursdays, 8am–1pm, June 1–Sept. 28 www.facebook.com/EstesValleyFarmersMarket

Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park 700 S. Railroad Ave., Loveland

Sundays, 9am–1pm, June 4–Sept. 24 www.cityofloveland.org/farmersmarket

FARM STANDS

Bartels Farm 3424 E. Douglas Rd., Fort Collins www.thebartelsfarm.com www.facebook.com/The-Bartels-PumpkinPatch-137755902661

Desiderata Ranch 4617 CR 2, Berthoud http://desiderataranch.org

Folks Farm & Seed 2917 S. Taft Hill Rd., Fort Collins www.folksfarmandseed.com

Garden Sweet 719 W. Willox Ln., Fort Collins www.gardensweet.com

Green Dog Farm 3421 West CR 54G, Laporte (next to Overland Foods) www.greendogfarmcsa.com

Hazel Dell Mushrooms 3925 E. CR 32 (Carpenter Rd.), Fort Collins www.hazeldellmushrooms.com

Fort Collins Farmers Market

1001 E. Harmony Rd., FC (rain or shine) Sundays, 10am–2pm, May 7–Nov. 12 Wednesdays, 10am–2pm, June 14–Sept. 27 www.fortcollinsfarmersmarket.org

Greeley Summer Farmers Market

Union Pacific Depot, 902 7th Ave., GR Saturdays, 8am–Noon, May 6–Oct. 28 www.greeleygov.com/fm

Larimer County Farmers Market 200 S. Oak St., FC (courthouse parking lot) Saturdays, 9am–1pm, May 20–Oct. 28 www.larimercountyfarmersmarket.org

Loveland West Farmers Market at Jax 2665 W Eisenhower Blvd, LV

Tuesdays, 9am–1pm, April 18–Nov. 7 www.facebook.com/ LovelandWestFarmersMarket

Timnath Sunday Market

4138 Main St., Timnath Second Sundays, 9am–2pm, May–Oct. www.TimnathFarmersMarket.org

Windsor Farmers Market Boardwalk Park, 110 5th St., Windsor Saturdays, 8am–12:30pm, June 3–Sept. 9 www.windsorgov.com/FarmersMarket

Something about being on a farm just feels good. The pace feels relaxed and your interactions, maybe, more genuine. So swing by a farm stand soon and pick up some deliciousness while you’re at it.

Heritage Lavender 4809 Foothills Dr., Berthoud www.heritagelavender.com

Hoffman Farms, LLC 3545 W. O St., Greeley www.hoffmanproduce.com

Hope Farms

1601 N. Shields St., Fort Collins www.cultivatehopeco.org

Jodar Farms/Fort Collins Vine Farm

Order online/pick up Fort Collins or Wellington www.jodarfarms.com

Long Shadow Farm

Order online/pick up Berthoud www.longshadowfarm.com

Native Hill Farm

2100 CR 54G, Fort Collins www.nativehillfarm.com

Ollin Farms 8627 N. 95th St., Longmont www.ollinfarms.com

On the Vine at Richmond Farms 3611 Richmond Dr., Fort Collins https://onthevineatrichmondfarms.com

OwlTree Farm 4605 E. CR 58, Fort Collins www.owltreefarmco.com

Papa Joe’s Honey 4855 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland www.facebook.com/PapaJoesLocalHoney

Raisin’ Roots Farm 2229 W. Vine Dr., Fort Collins www.facebook.com/raisinroots

Sunny Daze 901 S. CR 5, Fort Collins www.sunnydazegardens.com

Tigges Farm 12404 CR 64½, Greeley www.facebook.com/tigges.farm

Support your local farms

Nowhere in the commercial food chain can you handpick the producer of your food as you can when you buy from local farmers. Oftentimes, you can see and tour the farm and meet the farmers when you purchase items or pick up your share. Some farms make additional opportunities for community and relationship building by offering opportunities to work at the farm in exchange for food or simply to learn about and be a part of the process. Proximity, transparency, and communication allow you to hold important conversations and choose from among those who grow their vegetables or raise their local meats in

the humane and sustainable ways that matter to you.

Local food is often more nutritious because smaller local farms produce more accessible seasonal organic produce, organic meats, grass-fed meats, healthier pastured and freerange meats and eggs, produce, and more. Local food endures less premature harvesting and stress in shipping and handling, which prevents more quality and nutritional degradation.

Local food is also more delicious. Extending lines of production and handling impact many things about the food including quality, nutrition, and flavor, too. Local food reaches you at the peak of ripeness under

the best harvesting conditions in the shortest possible time, which is reflected in the taste.

MEAT

Amy’s Grass Fed Beef | Bellvue http://www.barncatservices.com/beef/ index.html

Amy’s Grass Fed Beef is a small, family-operated farm raising only forage-fed, hormone- and antibioticfree cattle, which roam on high-altitude mountain pastures. Grass fed and grass finished, the beef is then processed at a small, custom plant in Evans, Colorado and sold by the whole, half and quarter. To place your order, call or complete the website order form.

Eggs, meat, milk and so much more

Lea Hanson

Craig Angus Ranch | Fort Collins

https://craigangusranch.com/

Craig Angus Ranch has been producing top quality beef since 1978. Customers can choose from grass-fed or grain-fed cattle and can buy a whole, half or quarter cow. Pork is also available once a year each summer and can be purchased whole or half. For full details on pricing, processing and ordering, check out the website.

Living Water Ranch

https://www.livingwaterranchcolorado.com/ This family-owned ranch began when the Stahla family learned just how much better grass-fed meat can taste.

After purchasing their Livermore ranch just a few years ago, they got to taste the results for themselves and now offer it to customers throughout the region. Sold by the half, the quarter and by individual cuts, this is one of the few places you can pick and choose your cuts of grass-fed, Colorado grown beef.

EGGS

Jodar Farms | Fort Collins

https://www.jodarfarms.com/ Jodar Farms has been raising chickens and pigs for 14 years using free-range and pasture-based growing methods. “By creating habitats for the animals that allow them to partake in natural behaviors; our products have proven to be some of the highest quality when it comes to flavor, freshness and grade.”

Laughing Buck Farm | Fort Collins

https://www.laughingbuckfarm.com/

Laughing Buck Farm is a fun and educational farm offering programs and special events for families and children throughout Northern Colorado. In addition to camps, classes and lessons, the team sells farm-fresh eggs and organically raised, sustainable pork fed on a diet of garden thinnings, windfall apples, goats-milk whey and kitchen leftovers.

Windsor Dairy | LaPorte

http://windsordairy.com/

In 2015, the long-standing Windsor Dairy sold their dairy farm and no longer offer raw milk, raw milk cheese, raw pork or raw e ggs. However, the family still raises grass-fed and grass-finished beef available as quarters, halves or whole cows.

NOCO KIDS SUMMER CAMP

Formerly Choice City Christian Camp

For Grades 1-6 • Camp runs concurrently through school summer break.

Activities Include:

MUSEUMS • FORT FUN • PUTT PUTT • TOURS • ARTS AND CRAFTS

MOVIES • BUMPER BOWLINGS • ROLLER SKATING • SWIMMING

A nondenominational Bible study begins each day

All tickets and admission fees are paid by the camp. The only items your child needs to bring every day are a lunch, water bottle, sunscreen and appropriate clothing or extras (such as swimsuits or towels).

Fully-licensed day camp for grades 1-6

Call Cat Colonna at: 970-786-9809 nocokidsacademy.com/summercamp cat@nocokidsacademy.com

Travel back to a time of club houses, Converse shoes, and coonskin caps!

This spring, re-live the 1950s and take a walk down Klickitat Street as Beverly Cleary’s beloved books are brought to life in Debut Theatre’s Henry and Ramona!

Henry and Ramona is a slice of life collage of community, childhood, and friendship featuring such memorable characters as aspiring paperboy Henry Huggins, his best friend Beezus Quimby, and her little sister Ramona, the neighborhood menace. With friends new and old by his side, 12 year old Henry grapples with the responsibility of earning a coveted paper route to prove himself to his family and neighbors. Along the way, there will be fun, laughter, and the ridiculous antics of five year old “Ramona The Pest”.

During her fifty-year career, Beverly Cleary published over 40 books for young readers. Her lifelike, endearing tales of energetic kids and cheerful communities have been cherished childhood favorites for generations, having sold over 91 million copies between 1950 and today.

This May, Debut Theatre Company is excited to celebrate over 30 years of empowering young artists through performance of classic literature with a fun-filled production of Henry and Ramona. Join us for an evening (or afternoon) of lively vintage theatre for all ages!

WHERE: Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre

417 West Magnolia, Fort Collins CO

COST: $10 per ticket, on sale March 1

TICKETS: Lincoln Center Box Office: 970.221.6730

www.lctix.com

CONTACT: Artistic Director Lee Osterhout-Kaplan, Debut Theatre Company, 827 Riverside Avenue, Fort Collins CO, 80524, 970.224.5774

WEBSITE: www.debuttheatre.org

ABOUT DEBUT THEATRE COMPANY: Co-founded in 1991 by siblings Lee Osterhout-Kaplan and Gregg Osterhout, Debut Theatre Company is based in Fort Collins. It is Northern Colorado’s only troupe structured, non-profit, young person’s theatre school and acting company. In addition, it is the only hands-on, year-round, professional children’s theatre in Colorado. DTC offers troupes, classes, and workshops for a wide range of ages, talents and interest levels. DTC trains creative young people in the theater arts and provides community productions for the benefit of regional adults and children.

Through “hands-on” experiences, the Debut founders believe that learning is best done by doing and that quality arises through pride of ownership and participation. The actors don’t just act. They participate in the design and construction of everything from posters to costumes to sets. Debut’s members are Debut!

District 6 teacher is a finalist for national award

Early College Academy math teacher Sidney Cerise is a finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the highest national recognition for K-12 teachers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.

Cerise is only the second District 6 teacher to receive this recognition.

According to the Colorado Department of Education, “To be selected as a Colorado state finalist is the highest honor given annually for the teaching of mathematics in the State of Colorado.”

Cerise has worked at Early College Academy since 2017. She was hired in District 6 at Franklin Middle School in 2013, where she served as a math teacher and coach.

Historically, awardees receive a certificate signed

by the President and a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. They also receive a $10,000 award from NSF.

PRAIRIE HEIGHTS RECOGNIZED FOR TURNAROUND

Representatives from the

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), Gradient Learning, and the Search Institute visited Prairie Heights Middle School to celebrate the school’s progress. Under the leadership of Principal Stephanie Knox, Prairie Heights prioritized one-on-one mentoring with students and expanded professional learning opportunities for teachers. These initiatives fostered a positive school climate and culture and teacher collaboration, helping Prairie Heights achieve the highest rating on the Colorado Department of Education’s school performance framework.

“Prairie Heights Middle School exemplifies what is possible when schools combine a focus on supporting the whole child with a commitment to continuous improvement,” said Sandra Liu Huang, head of education at the

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. “I want to recognize the teachers and school leadership team for their dedication to continued growth.“

Every student at Prairie Heights meets weekly with a mentor to discuss their progress at school and reflect on personalized goals for their learning. Mentoring is a core pillar of Summit Learning, a comprehensive approach designed to drive student engagement, meaningful learning, and strong student-teacher relationships.

Teachers at Prairie Heights participate in ongoing professional learning communities where they regularly review student performance and co-create interventions to meet the specific needs of every student. Teachers also attend a summer training institute hosted by Summit Learning.

OPENS THIS MONTH!

For more information: www.mylibrary.us/linc

REALITIES FOR CHILDREN

Our 40 Partner Agencies are an esteemed group of nonprofit organizations committed to collaboration, fiscal efficiency and providing the best possible continuum of service for the needs of Larimer County children. Partner Agencies receive support from our organization in emergency funding, youth activities, community awareness, event sponsorship, item distributions and facilities space.

2023 PARTNER AGENCIES

501 8th Ave, Greeley

PSD recognizes staff at first-ever PSD Celebrates event

PSD held the first-ever PSD Celebrates awards event on March 30 to honor exceptional staff across the district. Congratulations to the 2023 award winners and nominees!

Association of Classified Employees Award Winners

• Liz Rodarte—Health Tech, Fort Collins HS

• Debbie Doner—Literacy Para at Bamford ES

• Carly Cooley— Behavioral Specialist at Kruse ES

• Kat Gebhart—Software Engineer for Information Technology

• Nikki Arensmeier— Enrollment Coordinator of the Early Head Start/ Head Start program, Fullana

Don Morford Custodial Employee of the Year Award —Karl Trujillo, Head Custodian, Wellington MHS

Substitute of the Year Mario Campanella, Eyestone Elementary

Student Worker of the Year—Brady King, Student Tech, IT, student at Fossil Ridge HS

Brett Holm Transportation Employee of the Year—Eli Wilson, Bus Operator

Mary Hull Awards

• Collaborative Award— Morgan Kueter, Science Teacher, Fossil Ridge HS

• Honorary Award—Shelly Densberger, Vocational Para, Cooper Home

• Special Services Provider

(SSP) Award—Kimberly Spurlock, Speech/ Language Pathologist

• Licensed Teacher Award—Ryan Miller, ILS Teacher, Poudre HS

• Lifetime Achievement Award—Renee Ostergren, Integrated Services Coach

Outstanding Educator Awards

• Kathryn Kvidera, 1st grade teacher, Johnson ES (PreK-5)

• David Maynard, 4th/5th grade teacher, Stove Prairie ES (PreK-5)

• Kaitlyn Jones, Language Arts teacher, Lesher MS (grade 6 – 8)

• Kristy Bibbey, Science teacher, Poudre HS (grade 9 – 12)

• Mackenzie Tucker, PE teacher, Fossil Ridge HS

(newcomer to PSD)

Outstanding Administrator/ Professional

• Cecilia Bonertz, Dean, Kinard MS (school-based)

• Sarah Siple, Director of IT Software Development and Support (central-based)

GRADS AT A GLANCE KICKS OFF Get ready to meet the class of 2023 and discover how they connected with their passions. In this year’s Grads at a Glance series, we brought industry professionals together with students in their fields, helping them kick-start their futures after graduation. Check out these compelling conversations on the Grads at a Glance website. https://adobe. ly/3GldSzI.

Kaitlyn Tollefson has a passion for mental wellness

For Berthoud High School senior Kaitlyn Tollefson, mental wellness isn’t just something she hears adults talk about – it’s the issue she has planned all of her career goals around.

The Thompson School District Boettcher finalist has been aware of the importance of mental health since kindergarten, when she was diagnosed with ADHD after struggling with a difficult teacher. In middle school, learning of a friend’s suicidal thoughts motivated Kaitlyn to start figuring out what she could do to help.

Now in high school, Kaitlyn has put together an extensive resume consisting of multiple seats on various wellness committees and boards and many hours spent testifying before the Colorado State Legislature about the importance of focusing on mental health, especially for school-aged youth.

“Making the world a better place has always been something I’ve cared about,” Kaitlyn says. “I want to leave change in the world. I don’t want to be sitting in my 80s or 90s thinking, I wish I would have impacted more people.”

Kaitlyn has testified before many committees, including the one that led to the passing of the bill which mandates that health insurance companies in Colorado cover one

mental health visit per year separate from physical exams. But Kaitlyn says there is still a lot of work to be done in addition to changing the laws.

“We can target the political aspects all we want, but if mental health isn’t destigmatized and talked about in day-to-day life, there’s not going to be much progress,” she says.

Kaitlyn’s parents, who are both doctors, supported her in standing up for what she believed in from a young age, and some of her earliest activism involved creating Science Fair projects that helped people with issues such as anxiety and difficulty focusing. She did projects that sought to find healthy ways to manage stress and pain and created something she called Calm Kits – an idea she came up with after researching ways to destigmatize mental health issues. The purpose of the kits is to help others learn how to make kits of their own and how to use them to safely manage stress. Kaitlyn has received several grants to make the kits and distribute them in in various places, including many schools.

By age 15, Kaitlyn began testifying before the Colorado Legislature and working toward convincing adults that it’s critical to take mental health concerns seriously.

“In a perfect world, no one will struggle with mental health issues because of lack of access or education,” she says. “Mental health is everchanging. We can always pull forward and make the world better.”

Kaitlyn is also the president of BHS’ chapter of Sources of Strength, which aims to provide support for students to rely on when they need it and emphasizes how important it is for everyone to have a net to catch them when they are in crisis – one of the reasons she’s decided to make a career out of working toward improving mental health care.

“We are getting there. We have to take little steps since there are so many facets,” she explains. “We’re not in a place that

is great, and maybe not even good, but we are going forward. Schools are starting to see that.”

Kaitlin will be attending University of Colorado at Boulder this fall and she aspires to study psychiatry and public health before going into a career in politics so she can create change in the culture of how mental health is perceived.

“Suicide is the number one cause of death for our age range,” Kaitlyn says of her concern for her generation’s mental wellness. “Colorado as a state is last in a lot of ways caring for mental health, but those statistics are not set in stone. They’re something we can change, and I’m really passionate about staying in Colorado to make changes.”

New children’s museum, neighborhood grants, and teen ambassador program

Fort Collins Household Hazardous Waste Collection

To help residents dispose of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) responsibly, City of Fort Collins is holding a collection event on Saturday, May 20 from 9am until 3pm at City of Fort Collins Streets Facility, 625 Ninth Street in Fort Collins. According to the Utilities webpage, “HHW is any substance containing ingredients that could negatively affect your safety, health (or that of a pet/animal) or the environment when disposed of incorrectly.” These substances “are found in everyday products and can be poisonous, corrosive, flammable, explosive or reactive.” Most of the following are accepted: household batteries, pesticides, herbicides/ fertilizers, cleaners,

fluorescent light bulbs, pool chemicals, vitamins, painting products, automotive fluids, and personal care products. Items not accepted include: tires, electronics, asbestos, explosives, pharmaceuticals, bio-waste and commercial waste. To learn more, visit www.fcgov.com/utilities/ residential/hazwaste.

Children’s museum coming to Northern Colorado Designs are progressing and a location has been selected for the future Children’s Museum of Northern Colorado (CMNC) for children 10 years of age and younger. The project began in 2015 and received 501(c)3 nonprofit status in 2017 to serve younger children and families in Larimer and Weld counties. With input from local leaders and

child advocates, CMNC will focus on playful, hands-on learning with interactive, social experiences to support and foster the development of young children. Exhibits include bubble and water galleries, science test lab, community and farm-to-table role-play, artist studio, STEM lab, and playzones for toddlers, blocks/construction and dance/music. The 16,700-square-foot facility will be located in Centerra South near Rocky Mountain Boulevard and Highway 34 in Loveland. The Board of Directors continues to seek funding to bring the concept to fruition. Learn more and donate to the cause at www.nococm.org.

Safe2Tell Colorado Student Ambassador Program Safe2Tell Colorado, the program allowing anyone to anonymously report anything that concerns or threatens them, their friends, family, or community, is now accepting applications for the Student Ambassador Program. Safe2Tell is actively searching for high school students who are “positive examples in their school and community and who embody social consciousness, empathy, and compassion.”

According to the website, “ambassadors provide insight and feedback on

the Safe2Tell program and ensure that (their) work stays youth-centered.”

Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors interested in student safety, mental health, and/or equitable access to resources can learn more and apply online at https://safe2tell. org/student-ambassador. Selected students begin the program in the summer and continue through the end of the school year.

Apply for neighborhood grants to support your community

The City of Fort Collins offers Neighborhood Mini-Grants which “foster positive relationships and a sense of community pride through engagement and inclusion of neighbors.” Grants typically range from $150 to $1,500 to support sustainabilityfocused neighborhood events, workshops, and projects that bring neighbors together. Some examples include cleanup activities, youth/teen engagement, safety signs, fitness/education classes, neighborhood entrances, etc. Applications for Round 2 are due by May 26 with award decision made by early June for projects to be complete this summer between June and August. Learn more and apply at www.fcgov.com/ neighborhoodservices/grants.

Photo Credit: City of Greeley Museums 1934-RSK kneeling with 22 rifle

Community Calendar

May events

FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

SUNDAY, MAY 7

Wheels for Meals Car Show

37th annual event supporting Meals on Wheels. Ed Carroll Motor Co., FC. https:// wheelsformeals.weebly.com

TUESDAYS, MAY 16 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 19

Foco Food Truck Rally

Enjoy 15+ food trucks and free live music. City Park, FC. www.focofoodtruckrally.com

MAY 25 THROUGH 30

Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall Veterans Plaza, Spring Canyon Park, FC. https://veteransplazanoco.org

SATURDAY, MAY 20

Kite Festival & Kids to Parks Day Loveland Sports Park, LV. www.lovgov.org/services/ parks-recreation/events

Bohemian Nights presents Global Sounds

Clebrate music from around the world. Old Town Square, FC. www.bohemiannights.org

FREE Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off

Safely dispose substances that could negatively affect your safety, health (or that of pets/animals) or the environment. City of Fort Collins Streets Facility, FC. www.fcgov. com/utilities/residential/ hazwaste/#cb-35935-5001

MAY 25 THROUGH 29

Memorial Day Weekend Field of Honor

View 500 American flags flying as a tribute to our country’s heroes. Spring Canyon Community Park, FC. www.rotaryfcbreakfast.org

ENTERTAINMENT

THROUGH MAY 13

Henry and Ramona Debut Theater Company bring Beverly Cleary’s book to life. Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre, FC. www.lctix.com

THROUGH JULY 22

Deutschland Through Students’ Eyes Exhibit

German trivia contest May 13. Curated by German language students at Fort Collins High School. Global Village Museum, FC. www.globalvillagemuseum.org

MAY 4 & 5

Singing in the Rain Jr. Greeley Options School Presents. Union Colony Civic Center, Hensel Phelps Theatre, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com

FRIDAY, MAY 5

Lorna’s Swingset Colorado’s popular gypsy jazz band will perform during First Friday Art Walk. Global Village Museum, FC. www.globalvillagemuseum.org

MAY 5 & 6

High Country Dance Showcase Rialto Theater, LV. www.rialtotheatercenter.org

SUNDAY, MAY 7

Centennial Children’s Chorus 40th anniversary concert. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. www.lctix.com

FRIDAY, MAY 12

Astronomy & Skygazing: Wildlife by Moonlight Brief, family-friendly astronomy activity followed by skygazing. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events

MAY 12 & 13

Spring SOAP Show SOAP (Slightly Older Adult Players) presents their annual family-friendly show. Fort Collins Senior Center, FC. Tickets available at Center or call 970-221-6644.

SATURDAY, MAY 13

Fort Collins Figure Skating Club: Spring Ice Show EPIC, FC. www.fortcollinsfsc. org/ice-show

Fort Collins Symphony: Escape to Hope Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. www.lctix.com

Billy Currington Concert Budweiser Event Center, LV. www.treventscomplex.com

SUNDAY, MAY 14

Face Vocal Band Mother’s Day Concert

Internationally acclaimed all-vocal rock band. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. www.lctix.com

THERESA BAER

FRIDAY, MAY 12

Poet Laureate presents

Rosemerry Trommer

“Her animated delivery of poetry goes beyond reading, into full blown performance.” Rialto Theater, LV. www.rialtotheatercenter.org

SATURDAY, MAY 20

Sounds of Cinema

Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra presents. Union Colony Civic Center, Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com

MAY 26 & 27

Addams Family

A Dance Place presents junior and teen casts. Union Colony Civic Center, Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com

FRIDAY, MAY 27

Kevin Nealon

Actor, comedian and author best known for cast member/ writer on Saturday Night Live. Rialto Theater, LV. www.rialtotheatercenter.org

MONDAY, MAY 29

Skygazing

Northern Colorado

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

ACTIVE-ITIES

FRIDAY, MAY 5

Adult Field Day

Adults-only axe throwing, tugof-war, beer pong, cornhole, competitive casino gambling. Mehaffey Park, LV. www.lovgov.org/services/parksrecreation/events/ adult-field-day

SUNDAY, MAY 7

Colorado Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K 301 Maple St., FC. www.comarathon.com

SATURDAY, MAY 13

Fort Collins Mother’s Day 5K Run/walk for all ages, from competitive runners to families. FC. www. fortcollinsmothersday5k.com

SATURDAY, MAY 20

Bike Fix-It Bonanza

Free bicycle safety checks and minor adjustments. 10am–3pm. Walk and Wheel Skills Hub, FC. www.fcgov.com/ bicycling/bfib

Mobile Recreation Trailer

Free sport/rec activities for youth/families. Loveland Sports Park, LV. www.lovgov. org/services/parks-recreation/ events/mobile-recreation-trailer

SATURDAY, MAY 27

Colorado Run 10k/5k Run, Walk, or Ruck

Totally Tough 10K run/walk/ ruck or Flat & Fast 5K run/ walk. Spring Canyon Park, FC. http://coloradorun.com

Additional summer programs available through local recreation department: Estes Park: https://evrpd. colorado.gov/recreation

Fort Collins: www.fcgov.com/recreation

Greeley: https://greeleyrec.com

Loveland: www.LovGov.org/ActivityGuide

Windsor: www. recreationliveshere.com/160/ Activity-Guide

KATIE HARRIS

Caving in to the “mom car”

ON MY 16TH BIRTHDAY

I withdrew all the money I’d saved up working at a local amusement park for the past three summers and, cash in hand, I walked to an address in a local newspaper ad and bought a used Jeep Cherokee, sight unseen.

In retrospect, buying a car on a whim, without my parents’ knowledge, and without so much as test driving the vehicle first, was probably slightly reckless. The fact that the owner of the Jeep accepted money from an unaccompanied minor, no questions asked, seems a bit sketchy looking back as well. But, at the time, I was a newly licensed, working woman with not much on my mind but a serious determination to crank up some Sublime and off-road every last one of the mountains surrounding my little home town. And I was dead set on securing the car that could take me there.

I know where you think this story’s going, but in fact that old Jeep turned out to be a great first vehicle. Other than the occasional flat tire as I became the four-wheeling pro I was born to be, it never gave me a hint of trouble, all the way up until the day, a year later, when my best friend rolled it, totaling my first car beyond recognition.

Next up was a Wrangler—my true dream

car! I remember spending day after day driving that beauty around a school parking lot, cussing up a storm as the reality that I might never learn to drive a stick set in, and I realized that my parents might be taxiing me around in my own dream car forever.

I did finally learn to drive it, sort of, and that first cruise with the top off was just as freeing as I’d always known it would be. Right up until I swallowed a mouthful of gnats that swarmed the inside of my open air dream machine at 50 mph, nearly sending me off the road as I fruitlessly swatted at them.

My next purchase was a bright blue Ford F-150 which, to my surprise, I loved even more than the Wrangler. That is, until I found myself trying to lift car seats in and out of the

raised cab and wrangle errant groceries from the back of the bed.

And so, in the end, it was becoming a mom that finally convinced me to ditch the “cool” car and settle for a safe, convenient (no, not a minivan) mom car. A Nissan Rogue, and let me tell you, it was luxury like I’d never imagined.

Still, you better believe I decked that ride out in bumper stickers from all the hippest places we traveled, desperately attempting to ditch the mom car stigma and retain a shred of my own identity, heated seats or not. I may have even taken it up to the mountains a time or two, just to see how it handled off-road.

Since caving all those years ago, I’ve driven a few other cars, all of them “mommish”, and

culminating in my current vehicle, an enormous boat of a Ford Expedition which I conveniently tote my four kids and all their gear around in. The 16-year-old inside me still lets out a silent scream every now and then as I slow roll the penultimate mom car (still not a minivan) to my son’s baseball practice. And you better believe I keep my back windows covered in bumper stickers to this day, just to keep that little shred alive, even as I revel in the comfort of leather seats and lumbar support. And on the increasingly rare occasion that I find myself driving without any of the kids in tow, I roll down the windows, crank up a Sublime song on one of the oldies stations, and let that 16-year-old inside me belt it out.