RM Parent June 2013 by RM Publishing

JUNE 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ RMPARENT.COM

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JUNE 2013

Departments

Features

Perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Water, the flow of life...—Actually, no metaphor here, just a simple account

FIRST YEARS. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The cost of green grass—protect your toddler from toxic lawn chemicals

Family activities . . . . . . . 10 Hot spots for cooling off—chill out at these outdoor pools, beaches and splash parks

Healthy living . . . . . . . . . 12

Breast milk

Teachers Honored at 2012-2013 Crystal Apple Awards, Thompson Valley student captures $10,000 scholarship

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

Books and so much more

School’s out but northern Colorado libraries want to keep kids reading. Check out the great events, storytimes, activities and fun that can be had at your library this summer. Don’t forget to sign up for prizes!

Slow the flow—follow these restrictions and tips to conserve water

Community news . . . . . . 14

Rolling to the top—Fort Collins earns Platinumlevel as a Bicycle Friendly Community

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

Label me this—a breakdown of some common ingredients found in your food

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4

Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby. Benefits include reductions in infections, diseases, obesity and better brain development. Moms benefit by lessening their chance of postpartum bleeding, have stronger bones and reduce their risk of ovarian and premenopausal breast cancer. More recently, a decreased risk for cardiovascular disease and post-partum depression.

Events and activities for parents, kids and families

Time out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Pool reflections—swim season evokes memories of those crazy days of youth

School District News Thompson School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Zach volunteer loves students’ enthusiasm for math, RMHS students teach Bauder students during heart dissection activity, PSD spring 2013 teacher survey results are positive

Greeley-Evans District 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Engage Online Academy receives multi-district designation from state, nine District 6 students named Daniels Scholars, District 6, GEA membership approve 2013-14 teacher contract

ABOUT THE COVER: Dylan, age 5. This summer Dylan wants to have water gun fights with his friends. He also wants to ride his bike and take swimming & tennis lessons. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com.

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perspective Water, the flow of life... Actually, no metaphor here, just a simple account

’m going to start with a little plug for our Family Directory 2013-14. It’s hot off the press and you can pick one up at most places where you pick up RM Parent. It’s chock full of resources for your family. I’m also going to say how excited we are to add back a glossy cover. It should protect your issue a little better and it makes those cute cover kids really stand out. Now on to one of the themes of this issue. Oh, water. It slakes our thirst (yes, I said slake), grows our strawberries, and cools us off. It’s the difference between Earth and Mars and I can tell you where I’d rather live, though aren’t you curious about where all the water went on Mars? So let’s start with the splish-splash fun. We have lots of choices when it comes to a water break. Katie Harris gives a good run down in her Family Activities story (page 10) about area pools, beaches and water parks. Find the one nearest you or take this as a challenge list for the summer and go explore. And be sure to read about Theresa Myers’ trip to the pool with her kids that reminded her of those crazy pool days of youth. And now the reality check on water...we have plenty for what we need, but we ought not waste it. I’m not a fan of the big green lawn. I’ll just say it right out. I had one once in cul-de-sac and it was a PITA (pain in the butt) to maintain, and for what? I could see it if we lived in Missouri (which we did once upon a time) and the grass just grows no matter how much you try to discourage it, but out here in 17-inches-of-rain-ayear land, it just seems wasteful. Now if you happen to have a big green lawn, you can keep it healthy and use a lot less water. See Lea Hanson’s tips in Healthy Living (page 12), and while you’re there, check out the watering restrictions for northern Colorado municipalities. And one last note about lawns (I hope I’m not overdoing this): Check out Lynn Utzman-Nichols’ First Years story (page 8) about protecting your toddler from toxic lawns. She points out how much more at risk little people are from chemical exposure and she makes suggestions for keeping your lawn and your children healthy. I’ll quickly mention the story by Katie Harris (page 18) about one of our greatest community resources: our public libraries. They offer so much more than just reading material. Check out the story, then check out your local library. And a final note: Fort Collins received a Platinum-Level designation as a Bicycle-Friendly community. It’s been 5 years or so since this designation has been awarded and only 3 other communities in the country share this level of commitment. Check out Kim Sharpe’s description in Community News on page 14. Also in Community News, check out all the cool things gardeners are doing to help feed the hungry across our communities in northern Colorado (I guess that was the final final note.) Thanks for reading, Scott Titterington, Publisher 6

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June 2013 • Volume 18, Issue 1 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, Cherese Macy, Rob’s Bike Courier Service COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lea Hanson, Katie Harris, Richard Keller, Theresa Myers, Kim Sharpe, Lynn Utzman-Nichols

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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first years

The cost of green grass

Protect your toddler from toxic lawn chemicals L y nn U t z m a n N i c h o ls

fter the late snows and reluctant sprouting of leaves, summer is finally here. If you’ve got little ones, fling open your back door and let all that freshness come in. Revel in the new green of summer. But before you go rolling down a grassy hill at home or at your local park, consider just what you and your little one might be frolicking in. Sure, it’s lush and pure green, but what makes it that way? Most likely a toxic cocktail of lawn chemicals. Not to put a damper on your fun, but there are some things you should know about lawn chemicals before you indulge. Did you know that we Americans use nearly 100 million pounds of pesticides at home on our lawns and gardens every year? And it’s not just fertilizers that stick to your toddler’s skin or are inhaled while he plays in that field of green—it’s weed and insect killers, too. These pesticides are toxic broadspectrum biocides—designed to kill living things that might wander in our yards or grow where they are not wanted. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) tested nearly 10,000 people for pesticides in their bloodstreams. One-hundred percent tested positive. The average person possessed 13 of the 23 tested chemicals. That might be enough to keep you off the grass, but there’s more. Your toddler’s body is at a much higher risk due to her small size and the fact that her internal organs are still developing. Crawling on grass, chemicals enter through her skin or as vapors that she breathes in. Several of the common lawn chemicals are linked to cancer and are known to damage the liver and kidneys as well as reproductive organs. You may believe that the EPA wouldn’t let any harmful chemicals come in contact with our kids. Of course they consider the fact that young children 8

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and pets come face-to-face with grass, right? Wrong. Most pesticides used today lack health and safety tests, but are sold and used anyway. Heavy pesticide exposure can make us sick. There’s a laundry list of symptoms from burning skin, throat and ears to tingling and numbness, dizziness and fatigue. Pesticide poisoning is even thought to be linked to learning disabilities.

invite neighbor kids and make it a race. If you are not into pulling weeds, try corn gluten. It comes in a fine powder and when spread on your lawn suppresses common weeds such as dandelions and crabgrass. The trick is applying it at the right time, when the weed sprouts are still young. Wet it down afterwards, and reapply in six weeks. Other natural weed killers include vinegar,

Now that you never want to put your baby down again, know that you do have alternatives to lawn chemicals, at least at home. If you want to feed your grass without applying a fertilizer, try compost. Spread a thin layer on your grass. If it’s time to buy a new lawnmower, consider a mulching mower that cuts your lawn clippings into fine pieces that then fall back into the grass and feed the soil. If you’ve got weeds, you can always deal with them the old fashioned way—pulling them before they seed out. After a rain, send your older kids out to pull weeds, roots and all, and pay them a buck for every plastic bag they fill. Heck,

salt and boiling water but aim well—you don’t want to damage nearby grass. You are likely to find other natural weed killers at your favorite garden store. Another way to prevent weeds is simply keeping your lawn healthy. If there are no bare patches, weeds can’t grab hold. Add grass seed to thinning or bare areas. Maybe you will disregard this article as too much worry and hype. It’s true, we can’t worry about everything or we’d never sleep. Do this one thing, at least: honor the little yellow flags the parks department puts in place after spraying chemicals on its fields and keep your little crawler off the grass until they’re removed.

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family activities

Hot spots for cooling off

Chill out at these outdoor pools, beaches and splash parks K atie Harris

choolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out and pool season has arrived in Colorado! Check out the list below for hours, prices and locations of all our local swimming hot spots!

Outdoor pools

Berthoud Pool 200 7th St., Berthoud Open swim hours: M-F, 1:10-4:30pm; Sa/Su, noon-5pm. Family swim: M-F, 4:30-7pm. Cost: 3 and under, free; Ages 4-17 and 55 and up, $2.50; Adults, $3. Call 970-532-1600 or visit www.berthoud. org/parks_rec/pool.php for details. Centennial Pool 2315 Reservoir Rd, Greeley Open swim hours: Daily, 1-5pm. No open swim July 5-7. Cost: 5 and under (accompanied by a paying adult), $1.50; Ages 6-17, $4; Adults, $4.50. Call 970-330-2837 or http://greeleygov.com/ Recreation/Aquatics.aspx for details. Chimney Park Pool 421 Chimney Park Dr, Windsor Open swim hours: June 1-2: 1-6pm. June 3-Aug. 16: M-Th, 1-5pm; F-Su, 1-6pm. August 17-30: Saturdays only, 1-6pm. No open swim July 20. Cost: 5 and under, $2.25; Ages 6-17 and 50 and up, $3.25; Adults, $3.50. Call 970-674-0826 or visit www.windsorgov. com/index.aspx?NID=276 for details. City Park Pool 1599 City Park Dr, Fort Collins Open swim hours: M-F, 10am-8pm; Sa/Sun, 10am-5:30pm Cost: Under 2, free; Ages 2-17 and ages 60 and up, $6; Adults, $7. Call 970-221-6202 or visit www.fcgov. com/recreation/cityparkpool.php for more information. Discovery Bay 715 E. 24th St, Greeley Open swim hours: Daily, 1-5pm. Cost: 5 and under (accompanied by a paying

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adult), $1.50; Ages 6-17 and seniors, $4; Adults, $4.50. Call 970-353-3538 or visit greeleygov.com/ Recreation/Aquatics.aspx for details. Winona Pool 1615 4th St. SE, Loveland Open swim hours: M/W, noon-7pm; All other days, noon-5pm. Family swim hours: Su, 10am-noon. Cost: Under 2, free; Ages 2-5, $2; Ages 6-17, $3; Adults, $4; Ages 62 and up, $3.25. Call 970-962-2435 or visit www.ci.loveland. co.us/index.aspx?page=231 for details.

Lakes and swim beaches

Boyd Lake 3720 N CR 11-C, Loveland Currently closed for 2013 season due to low water levels. Check website for possible opening late summer. Call 970663-2662 or visit www.parks.state.co.us/ Parks/BoydLake/Pages/BoydLakeHome. aspx for information. Carter Lake CR 8E, Loveland Open swim hours: Open daylight hours Cost: $7/ daily vehicle permit or $75/ annual vehicle permit for park entrance. Call 970-679-4570 or visit www.co.larimer. co.us/parks/carter.cfm for information. Horsetooth Reservoir CR 38E, Fort Collins Open swim hours: Open daylight hours Cost: $7/ daily vehicle permit or $75 annual vehicle permit for park entrance. Call 970-679-4570 or visit www. co.larimer.co.us/parks/horsetooth.cfm for more information. Lake Loveland 2626 N Taft Ave, Loveland Open swim hours: Daily, 10am-5pm, weather and staff permitting. Cost: Free, Call 970-962-2727 or visit www. ci.loveland.co.us/index.aspx?page=231 for information and water levels.

Windsor Lake 100 N 5th St, Windsor Open swim hours: Daylight hours, Cost: Free Call 970-674-2400 or visit www.windsorgov. com/index.aspx?NID=293 for more information.

Splash and spray parks

Fairgrounds Park 700 S Railroad Ave, Loveland Hours: 9am-7pm, Cost: Free Call 970-962-2000 or visit www.ci.loveland. co.us/index.aspx?page=619 for details. Fossil Creek Hours: 9am-7pm, Cost: Free, Call 970-221-6660 or visit www.fcgov.com/ parks/water.php for more information. Island Grove Splash Park 1300 A St, Greeley Hours: 1-3pm, Cost: Free, Call 970-353-4253 or visit greeleygov.com/Recreation/Aquatics. aspx for more information. Loveland Sports Park 950 N Boyd Lake Ave, Loveland Hours: 9am-7pm, Cost: Free Call 970-962-2000 or visit www.ci.loveland. co.us/index.aspx?page=621 for details. Oak Street Plaza, Old Town Fort Collins Hours: 10am-10pm, Cost: Free Call 970-221-6660 or visit www.fcgov.com/ parks/water.php for more information. Promenade Shops at Centerra, Loveland Hours: Daylight hours, Cost: Free Call 970-461-1285 or visit thepromenade shopsatcenterra.com for more information. Spring Canyon Community Park 2626 W Horsetooth Rd, Fort Collins Hours: 9am-7pm, Cost: Free Call 970-221-6660 or visit www.fcgov.com/ parks/water.php for more information. Sunrise Splash Park 325 12th St, Greeley Hours: 1-3pm, Cost: Free Call 970-356-2594 or visit greeleygov.com/ Recreation/Aquatics.aspx for details.

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| 11

healthy living

Slow the flow

Follow these restrictions and tips to conserve water L e a H a ns o n

ater is among the most abundant resources on the planet, but in northern Colorado, it feels increasingly sparse. But, droughts or not, practicing the conservation of valuable environmental resources is important in our homes. Not only do we contribute to the preservation of much-needed resources, we teach our children to respect and care for the world around us. The bulk of our area’s water supply comes from the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, which includes Horsetooth Reservoir, the Cache la Poudre River basin, and portions of the Michigan River basin that flows to the Poudre River via the Michigan Ditch and Joe Wright Reservoir system. Due to fire in our watershed, low snowpack, and drought conditions, this year is especially important to make efforts to limit water use. Water restrictions are in effect for this summer. Check your area for more details: • Fort Collins www.fcgov.com/utilities/what-wedo/water/water-supply-demand/ water-restrictions/ • Greeley www.greeleygov.com • Loveland http://www.ci.loveland.co.us/

Restrictions include day and time limits on lawn watering and restrictions on car washing and cleaning of impervious surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks. Although it’s very important to conserve water both indoors and out, water restrictions don’t impact water use inside of our homes. Nonetheless, it’s important to make efforts both inside and out. In addition to saving water, we can also save dollars on our utilities bills. Ways to save water: Inside Check for leaks – a small drip from a worn faucet can waste gallons of water per day. 12

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This includes your toilet: put a little food coloring in the tank. If, without flushing, the color shows up in the bowl, you’ve got a leak or a loose seal. This will cause your toilet to run at times in additional to when it’s flushed, thus wasting water.

nearly 60 percent of a person’s water usage can go toward lawn and garden care.

Put a plastic bottle or float booster in the toilet tank – put a few inches of sand or pebbles in a plastic bottle for weight. Put them in the tank away from operating mechanisms. This simply allows your tank to hold less water, thus saving water on each flush. You only need about three gallons of water in the tank to ensure proper and efficient flushing. Consider your diet. The simple act of eating uses water. For example, one serving of poultry can use up to 90 gallons of water to produce including the cost of raising the animal to transporting it to your home. Buying locally grown and raised food can drastically reduce this impact. Worse, a fast food burger can use as much water as 30 showers. Save the water that runs from the spout when you’re running it to heat up. Run it into a pitcher for watering plants instead of letting it run down the drain. Although there are hundreds of ways to save water inside the home,

are more resistant to disease. Consider the principles of xeriscaping (www.bathlandscapedesign.com/#/xeriscaping/ 4532349714). This alone can lower your outdoor water use 30-50 percent. Deep soak your lawn–water long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots. Luckily, the city’s water restrictions actually force you to do this. Put an empty tuna can on the lawn and when it’s full, you’ve watered the right amount. Use a broom, not a hose, to clean the driveway and/or sidewalks. In fact, don’t run a hose at all. Be sure you own a sprayer adapter so when you do need to use a hose, it’s not continually running. Even better, replace your spray nozzles with rotary nozzles and cut your water use by almost 30 percent. For hundreds of additional tips, check out the City of Fort Collins’ website (www.fcgov.com/utilities/tips) for water and energy saving tips within categories of “low cost” and “no cost.”

Ways to save water: Outside Plant drought-resistance shrubs and plants. Native plants use less water and

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| 13

community news

Rolling to the top

Fort Collins earns Platinum-level as a Bicycle Friendly Community B y K IM S HAR P E

As of May 13, 2013, northern Colorado is home to one of the nation’s four Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Communities. Fort Collins earned this designation from the League of American Bicyclists (the nation’s oldest bicycling advocacy group which dates back to 1880) for its intentionality to accommodate bicycles and promote safe bicycling. But Fort Collins is not alone in it efforts. Greeley is a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community. Loveland received an honorable mention when it applied in 2010. Regardless of designation, however, bicycling is a means of transportation and a way of life for more and more people in all NoCo communities. Bicycling for kids Children can hone their riding skills by participating in the FoCo Kids Bike Challenge. Each month through August features a different type of bicycle race. Similar to the Healthy Kids Run Series offered by University of Colorado Health’s Healthy Kids Club, the FoCo Kids Bike Challenge has merged all of the local summer kids’ bike races into one summer-long series. Children and youth ages 2-18 years old can race in any or all of the races. Participants are divided by age and ability. All racers are required to wear a helmet and parents must sign one waiver for each race series in the Challenge. The youngest age group (4 and under) may use balance bikes and tricycles. Pre-registration and day-of registration is accepted. These grassroots races are low-key family events followed by adult races that are open to the community. Adult racers must pay a small registration fee. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic and stick around for the all the fun. GET OUTSIDE While bicycling is a great way to get outdoors, there are so many more ways 14

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FoCo Kids Bike Challenge Races Oval Criterium Sundays, June 6–23, Day of Registration begins at 3pm. Race starts at 4pm. CSU Oval (closed paved course)

City Streets Criterium Tuesdays, July 2–30, Day of Registration begins at 5pm. Race starts at 5:30pm. 625 Ninth St., Fort Collins (closed paved course)

Lory Park Mountain Challenge Tuesdays, Aug. 6–27, Day of Registration begins at 4:30pm. Race starts at 5:45pm. Dirt mountain bike trail Please pre-register for the FoCo Kids Bike Challenge through the City of Fort Collins Recreation department by calling 970-221-6256 or online at fcgov.com/recreator with the activity #315982-01. For any further information about FOCO Kids Bike Challenge please call 970224-6032. Bikes and helmets will be provided to any FoCo Kids Bike Challenge participants who need them to race. Please pre-register for the FoCo Kids Bike Challenge through the City of Fort Collins Recreation department by calling 970-221-6256 or online at fcgov.com/recreator with the activity #315982-01. For any further information about FOCO Kids Bike Challenge please call 970224-6032. Bikes and helmets will be provided to any FoCo Kids Bike Challenge participants who need them to race.

to do so. Families can explore a variety of outdoor activities on Saturday, June 8—National Get Outdoors Day. Communities across the state will hold special celebrations; the northern Colorado event will be held at Spring Canyon Park in Fort Collins (3156 S. Overland Trail) from 10am to 2pm. Participants can experience hiking, standup paddle boarding, bird watching, slack lining, geochaching, and learn about camping and backpacking, interact with live animals and much more! The morning will start with a three-mile fun run led off by North Face-Sponsored Ultra Runner Diane Van Deren. Following the run at 10:30am, Diane will speak about her experiences as an ultra runner. Fashion-minded spectators will enjoy a fashion show featuring outdoor attire. For more information, visit getoutdoorsnoco. org or call 970-679-4561. Plant it forward The Gardens on Spring Creek and Food Bank for Larimer County (FBLC) are teaming up to fight hunger from the ground up. Through the Plant It Forward initiative, both groups are urging all home gardeners to plant extra fruits, vegetables and herbs this spring to donate to the hungry during the harvest season. One in 10 Larimer County residents receives food from the Food Bank’s food pantry program, with the majority of those children, seniors and single parent households. “At this time of the year, Fort Collins gardeners can decide to help the most vulnerable in our community by planting extra in their gardens,” explains Michelle Provaznik, Gardens on Spring Creek director. “Each member of the community can make a difference; no donation is too small.” Since 2010, community members through Plant It Forward have delivered 10,000 pounds of fresh food to the Food Bank for Larimer County. In its third growing season, The Gardens and FBLC organizers have set a goal for 5,000 pounds of produce to be delivered from area gardeners this year, which usually spans May through October. The Food Bank for Larimer County, located at 1301 Blue Spruce, will

accept produce donations Monday through Friday, 8am–4pm. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Avenue, will accept donations on Saturdays, 9am –4pm and on Sundays, noon–5pm. For more information regarding Plant It Forward, visit www.foodbank larimer.org or call 970-567-1643. Loveland’s Plant A Row For the Hungry (PAR) program has encouraged Loveland community members to grow extra vegetables in their gardens to help feed the hungry since 2005. Loveland Youth Gardeners initiated the program. To date, the large community network that makes up Loveland PAR has contributed more than 80,000 pounds of produce to needy families. People who would like to be a part of the Loveland PAR may call the Loveland Youth Gardeners office at 970-669-7182 or simply donate to area food banks mentioning their donation “is for Plant a Row!” Donations are accepted at the House of Neighborly Service, 6th and Cleveland Streets, Mondays through Thursdays, 9am–4pm (closed noon–1pm) or Loveland branch of the Food Bank for Larimer County, 2600 N. Lincoln Avenue, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9am–2pm. Weld County’s Food Bank received funding from the State of Colorado to establish a community garden. It is partnering with Alternative Homes for Youth (AHFY ) to build raised beds and compost bins. According to the Weld Food Bank, “The garden will provide new and exciting opportunities for fresh food, physical activity, horticulture therapy and life skills building for the residents of Alternative Homes for Youth and public groups arranged through Weld Food Bank. Research has shown that projects such as this not only provide youth with new skills, but also increase self-awareness, patience, empathy and trust…Plus, the fresh produce grown will be provided to Weld Food Bank clients!” The food bank is seeking volunteers to help tend the garden and do general upkeep of its surrounding area. For more information, contact Victoria at 970-356-2199 x323 or victoria@ weldfoodbank.org.

First-time moms receive support A first-time pregnancy can be challenging for anyone. If you are young, possibly single and earn a low wage, pregnancy can feel too overwhelming to bear. Fortunately, first-time eligible moms can receive support from the Nurse Family Partnership (NFP). NFP is a nationally recognized, evidence-informed program that pairs vulnerable first-time mothers with highly trained nurses who visit women in their homes from the early stages of pregnancy through their baby’s second birthday. Available in Larimer and Weld Counties, NFP nurses provide counseling on preventive health practices, including prenatal care, breastfeeding assistance, healthy eating, reducing tobacco, alcohol and drug use as needed. Other support includes increasing self sufficiency of mothers and helping them develop a vision for their own success, which may include further education and job training. “For every dollar invested, a community can see a return of five dollars or more,” says Dr. Mark Wallace, executive director of the Weld County Health Department, which oversees that county’s NFP. “Take for example breastfeeding. A mother who breastfeeds her baby for at least six months—but 12 months or more is even better—has lower medical visits due to respiratory or middle ear infections, and has lower risk for developing asthma, diabetes and obesity.” Studies show the program also reduces emergency room visits related to accidents and poisonings, lower child abuse and neglect, reduced behavioral and intellectual problems in the child, while also increasing the self-efficacy of the mother. “NFP has a proven record of improved prenatal health, fewer childhood injuries, fewer subsequent pregnancies and increased intervals between births so that both the mother and the child are healthy,” adds Brenda Graves, Larimer County’s NFP supervisor. “We also improve school readiness. And in Larimer County, we have a 40-percent increase in fathers being enrolled in our program, which is a very positive outcome!” To get more information about NFP, visit nursefamilypartnership.org. In Larimer County, call 970-498-6731. In Weld County, call 970-304-6417. RMPARENT

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nutrition

Label me this

A breakdown of some common ingredients found in your food R i c h a r d K elle r

hough you try to stay as healthy as possible by purchasing organic foods, growing your own produce, and making most of your meals and snacks by scratch, there are times when you pick up a prepackaged item out of necessity or because the kids enjoy it. While you’re pretty sure the colorful box you grab is full of nutrition, one look at its ingredients may give you second thoughts. What’s listed may be so unfamiliar to you that you immediately consider a degree in biochemistry in the middle of the supermarket’s dairy aisle. To help you avoid thousands of dollars of student loans, here are definitions of the most common items you’ll find on those grocery labels. Evaporated cane juice Found in many organic products, evaporated cane juice is a derivative of the sugar cane that other food sweeteners come from. The main difference is cane juice doesn’t go through the same chemical processing as refined sugar, allowing it to retain many of its nutrients. This includes a large dose of riboflavin, also known as B2 – a strong antioxidant that helps boost a body’s metabolism.

Xanthan gum is used to stabilize products intended to have a long shelf life. It is also used in gravies and sauces as a thickening agent. Xanthan gum has some health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol rates. In addition, the gum is used as a saliva substitute for those with chronic dry mouth, also known as Sjogren’s Syndrome.

Ascorbic acid Don’t worry about the name, because ascorbic acid is also known as Vitamin C. Commonly found in citrus and tropical fruits, bell peppers, and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, ascorbic acid is sometimes added to juices and other fruit-related products to provide an extra boost of Vitamin C, which isn’t a bad thing. One of the safest nutrients, Vitamin C helps boost immunity and strengthen both eyes and skin.

Lecithin Though you may recall seeing this ingredient on one product or another, your children would recognize it from the candy bars they’ve snuck past you every so often. That’s because lecithin is used as a stabilizer to avoid chocolate and cocoa butter from separating when chocolate candy is created. And while it may sound like something made in a chemical plant, lecithin naturally occurs in eggs and is created in a mix with soybean or sesame seed oil. Children and adults with soy allergies should avoid any product containing soy lecithin.

Xanthan Gum Besides being a food named during ABC games while on a road trip,

Pectin Families who get together to make homemade jams know a good deal about

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pectin. Used as an emulsifier and thickener, the agent is a primary ingredient in store-bought preservatives. The use of pectin helps lower high cholesterol and triglycerides and prevents colon and prostate cancer. Cochineal The removal of red dye used in processed food products has become a large point of contention in recent years. One of the reasons why may be the way the dye is created. One form of this product is cochineal. Also known as carmine, or carminic acid, the dye is a byproduct of the cochineal beetle. Needless to say, try to avoid products with this coloring agent. These are just some of the items you may find while shopping for your family. And while you may want to get something easy to make after a hectic day, don’t go to the supermarket uninformed. Do research ahead of time to find out the latest banned food substances and take this article with you to determine if, for example, the box of macaroni and powdered cheese is the right way to go. While it may look and taste fine, the ingredients inside could be doing your family more harm than good.

Life After Vision Loss: Help for People with Macular Degeneration

ow Vision Optometrist, Dr. Robert Stamm, Utilizing New Lens Technology to Help Nebraska and Colorado Residents with Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

New Lens Technology

New lens technology helps correct a basic problem experienced by those with macular degeneration. Recently developed new E-Scoop lenses from Holland now enable doctors to help patients with one of the chief complaints associated with macular degeneration—cloudy vision. Dr. Stamm, a low vision optometrist servicing Nebraska and the Greater Denver area, and is a member of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS), offers new hope and vision. “Macular degeneration not only causes central blind spots but reduces clarity,” says Dr. Stamm. “Most of my patients ask me for clearer vision.” Glasses that use the new technology bridge the gap between standard eyeglasses and spectacle head-borne telescopes. Whether your difficulty is night driving, bright light, sunlight

or simply seeing clearly into the distance, the E-Scoop lens placed over a standard eyeglass prescription can help. By combining six different optical properties into a twolens system, vision can often be enhanced. “We start with the patient’s prescription and then add prism to move the image to a healthy seeing part of the macula,” said Dr. Stamm. The lens has five distinct features that make vision clearer and sharper, with reduced glare: • The prism moves the image away from the damaged macular area. • The low vision prescription ensures that patients’ needs are met. • The yellow tint improves contrast. • The thickness of the lens, combined with the special “base” curve, makes objects appear slightly larger. • The anti-reflection coating allows more light through the lens. E-Scoop lenses provide some magnification by using a combination of special lens curvature and thickness. The lenses also incorporate a custom yellow filter and anti-reflective coatings. Dr. Stamm reports, “This is an example of two lenses being better than one.”

Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness and reading impairment in the country. Individuals with Macular Degeneration have difficulty seeing well enough to do activities that require fine detail vision like reading, driving, recognizing faces, and watching television. E-Scoop lenses can help vision by improving clarity for some people. “These lenses cannot make vision perfect, but they do make things better,” said Dr. Stamm. “They also assist with night driving and glare reduction.” About Dr. Stamm Dr. Robert Stamm received his bachelor›s degree in biology from Nebraska Wesleyan University and his doctor of Optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry where he specialized in retinal disease, contact lens fittings, and low vision. Contact Dr. Robert Stamm today for a free telephone consultation to see if you are a candidate for low vision care. (307) 345-5800 or Toll Free (877) 393-0025 www.LECVisionSource.com www.IALVS.com

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Breast milk The perfect food for your baby

By Lynn Utzman Nichols

aybe you’ve heard how breast milk is the perfect food for babies, that it makes babies smarter, and helps new moms shed weight easily. It’s all true, but there’s a recent finding that is even more compelling that will make you want to breastfeed: permission to eat chocolate! “Chocolate stimulates the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin helps your milk letdown and also stimulates your uterus to contract and shrink back to its prepregnancy size. So, feel free to indulge in a little chocolate while breastfeeding ,” says Sara Rathmell, RN, BSN, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with UCHealth who helps lead a breastfeeding support group at Medical Center of the Rockies (MCR) and has been known to hand out chocolate kisses to new moms. All lightheartedness aside, breast milk really is the perfect food for your baby. Besides, it makes you and your baby happy. “It’s so reassuring to know that no matter what, even in the middle of a disaster, you can feed your baby. It’s always healthy, always available, always at the right temperature, and always soothing and comforting to your baby!” exclaims Rebecca Boyd, RN, an IBCLC with MCR for UCHealth. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends six months of exclusive breastfeeding and up to a year with supplemental foods, and beyond per mother and child preference. That old idea that babies need more than breast milk at four months can be thrown out for good. It’s simply not true—and don’t let your mom or grandma convince you otherwise.

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Health benefits of breastfeeding A lot of women in the U.S. start breastfeeding but stop after a few weeks or months. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 77 percent of brand new mothers breastfeed. At six months, that number drops to 47.2 percent. Here’s why you should stick with it. According to the AAP, breastfeeding significantly decreases the risk of respiratory infections and ear infections in infants, as well as possibly reducing a number of chronic illnesses, such as Crohn’s disease, insulin-dependent diabetes, allergies and digestive diseases. It also helps prevent childhood obesity later in life and gives your baby a jumpstart at school—studies show breastfed babies have an IQ that’s six points higher than their formula-fed counterparts. But the benefits don’t stop with baby. The AAP also says that women who breastfeed lessen their chance of postpartum bleeding, have stronger bones and reduce their risk of ovarian and pre-menopausal breast cancer. More recently, a decreased risk for cardiovascular disease and post-partum depression were added to the list of benefits for moms. “Women who breastfeed also enjoy the perk of getting their body back in shape more quickly. Since breastfeeding demands up to 500 more calories a day, women can experience a healthy, gradual weight loss of about 1.3 to 1.6 pounds per month in the first 4-6 months,” Rathmell says. Formula companies continually attempt to mimic breast milk, but some elements just can’t be duplicated, such as immune factors. Breast milk contains a protective element that helps the body

produce healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract, which in turn, fights pathogens, such as E. Coli. Immune factors can form a shield around the intestines that ward off foreign proteins that cause allergies. That means fewer allergies in breastfed babies throughout life. This is particularly important for preemies, whose guts are more vulnerable. “It’s amazing how the composition of breast milk changes as your child matures. If your baby is a preemie, your breast milk is much more concentrated and higher in protein and protective elements,” Boyd says. When breastfeeding isn’t an option Of course, there are cases where moms can’t breastfeed due to medical or physical reasons. If this is you, don’t fret. “Formula at that point is not the end of the world. Your child will grow and thrive,” Rathmell says. However, if you really want your baby to benefit from breast milk, consider purchasing it from the state milk bank. “The milk is flash-pasteurized and is safer for an infant’s gut than formula. Yes, it’s expensive, but it is not more than some alternative formulas,” she adds. If you deliver at UCHealth (MCR or PVH) and can’t breastfeed, the hospitals offer free donor breast milk during your stay and can provide you information on where to purchase donor milk for when you go home. Whether you choose to try breastfeeding for the benefits or simply for the chocolate, keep at it! You’ll be glad you did—and your baby will, too. UCHealth sponsored this article.

Top breastfeeding concerns of new moms It hurts. It’s hard. You can’t produce enough milk. It leaves dad out. If you find yourself believing any of these preconceived ideas about breastfeeding, read on. You just may be surprised by the truth.

time, but you’ll get used to it quickly. “If you are pumping and return to work, your employer is legally bound to offer you a private place to pump, that’s not a bathroom,” adds Rathmell.

If I get pregnant again, I have to stop It hurts to breastfeed

I’m not producing enough milk “The number one concern of new moms is that they don’t have enough milk. Yet most of the time, they do,” says Boyd. New moms are surprised by how often their new baby wants to feed—sometimes on the hour—and assume their infant is desperately trying to get enough milk—which is not the case. “New moms have heard stories of moms not having enough milk. But when you really look into it you often find that the baby was using a pacifier early on or supplementing with formula which can reduce her milk supply.” says Rathmell. To help bring on let-down in the early days, infants often cluster feed on the second night. Cluster feeding means your baby nurses more frequently, sometimes every hour. It’s perfectly normal. Soon enough feedings will stretch to 8-12 times in 24 hours. Cluster feeding also occurs during baby’s growth spurts, which usually are at 2 to 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and again at 6 months. Keep in mind that let down doesn’t happen immediately. It takes a few days. “It’s reassuring to know that your baby doesn’t need a large volume of milk those first few days. On the first day, her stomach can only hold one teaspoon. You produce 5-6 milliliters of colostrum per feeding, so that’s enough. On the second day she just needs a tablespoon per feeding, which you provide. Typically, it takes about 3 to 4 days for your milk to come in; however, milk production can be delayed with risk factors,” Boyd says. You can tell when your newborn is getting enough milk when your breasts soften after feedings, your baby has six wet diapers and four yellow seedy stools every 24 hours after the fifth day, and he is gaining weight at early check-ups.

Breastfeeding in public is awkward “In the state of Colorado, a mother may breastfeed anywhere she has the right to be,” says Rathmell. To get comfortable, try practicing at home. Wearing a nursing cover is more conspicuous than simply wearing a bulky shirt and lifting it up. It may seem uncomfortable the first

Stop leaking by applying firm pressure to the nipple. If desired, wear breast pads but remember to change frequently.

When an infant is latched correctly, breastfeeding should not be painful. If breastfeeding is painful, it can often be corrected by simply adjusting the latch. Rathmell says, “There is this notion that breastfeeding is supposed to hurt at first, but that’s simply not true.” It’s not like walking barefoot in the spring and having to toughen up your feet. Nipples should always stay soft and supple. “When done correctly, breastfeeding feels like a pull and a tug, not painful,” says Boyd. She suggests air drying and using your breast milk to heal your nipples as it has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. “Lanolin may be used as a second choice for nipple care, and wash your hands whenever you touch your breasts,” she adds. Also, if your nipples are cracked and bleeding, don’t panic. After proper positioning, they will begin to heal while continuing to breastfeed your baby with a correct latch. Clogged milk ducts are another challenge that can occur, but not too often. If you feel a warm, tender red area or lump in your breast, you may have a clogged milk duct. To treat it, nurse more often, apply warm moist heat and gently massage your breast toward the nipple just before and during feedings. Finally, drink extra water and wear a loose bra. Some women also experience engorgement, where early on they feel great pressure but can’t release much milk. This can be alarming for women, but it’s temporary and is relieved by cluster feeding and by reducing swelling. “The best advice for engorgement is feed your baby, feed your baby. If little milk is flowing, apply a warm washcloth to your nipples. If you are unable to express your milk, use a cold compress wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling for 10 to 15 minutes pre- and post-feeding. When it starts flowing, your baby will continue to help relieve engorgement through frequent feedings,” says Boyd.

It’s messy Leaking may temporarily be a problem in the first three months, when milk supply is especially high. Usually, it occurs when you hear your baby (or even someone else’s baby!) cry.

So you’ve got a 1-year-old and just found out a new baby is on the way. Your first inclination might be to stop breastfeeding. But you don’t have to. “As long as there is no medical implication for pregnancy safety, you can continue to nurse your child,” says Boyd. Your supply might go down, but keep at it. When the baby comes, nurse him first and then your older child. “Years ago, a mom from Africa told me she was nursing her 5-year-old, her 2-year-old and her newborn. It’s absolutely possible,” she adds.

If I take medication, I can’t breastfeed Not true. Check with your doctor. There are a number of medications that are safe to use while breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding support Need help with breastfeeding or simply want to hang out with other breastfeeding moms? Attend a free breastfeeding support group or set a Wee Steps consultation: Breastfeeding Support Group at MCR and PVH Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland and Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins offer a no-cost, drop-in support group for breastfeeding moms at any stage. Certified lactation consultants facilitate the group, answer questions and weigh babies. MCR Group meets every Tuesday from 10am to noon and the first and third Monday from 5pm to 7pm (call to confirm if coming on Monday). Meeting is held in an MCR classroom; check with concierge for exact location. PVH Group meets Wednesdays at 1pm. Call MCR at 970-624-5100 or PVH at 970-495-8283 for more information. Wee Steps/Lactation Support Services in N. Colorado This no-cost service offered by UCHealth certified lactation consultants for moms who want help with breastfeeding or who have questions. Any mom, regardless of location or income, is invited to schedule a one-onone appointment, free of charge. Open to all moms in area, whether or not they delivered at PVH or MCR. Call MCR at 970-624-5100 or PVH at 970-495-8283 for more information.

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Books and so much

Libraries feature games, entertainment, performances,

prizes and on and on... Katie Harris

chool’s out for the summer and, if you’re like many parents, you may already be wondering what you’re going to do with a rambunctious kid 24/7 for the next couple of months. Whether you’re in need of healthy distraction for a restless teen, brain food for your elementary-school-ager, or a fun, parent-child activity to prepare your little one for school years ahead, your local library has a summer program for you. Berthoud Community Library www.berthoud.colibraries.org, 970-532-2757 236 Welch Ave, Berthoud • Summer Reading: New this year, kids

have the opportunity to complete a Bingo card to win prizes and incentives. Bingo squares to complete include attending a library program, writing a review on a library DVD and summer reading. Summer reading categories include Family Garden (early literacy), Dig into Reading (elementary), and Beneath the Surface (teens).

• Performances at Berthoud Community Center: Performances taking place

this summer are designed for children in grades 1 through 5, with all ages welcome to attend. They take place on Wednesdays at 2pm. • Story Times: Busy B’s storytime (babies and toddlers): Tuesdays at 10:30am Sweet P’s storytime (preschoolers): 22

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Wednesdays at 10:30am Family storytime: Fridays at 10:30am Clearview Library District www.Clearviewlibrary.org, 970-686-5603 720 3rd St, Windsor • Summer Reading: Keep kids reading

this summer with summer reading goals and prizes. Summer reading program age groups are as follow: Dig into reading (ages 0-5): Complete a total of three books and/or three adventures to win a bucket and shovel; complete six books and/or adventures to win a free book! Dig into reading (ages 5-13): Read three books to earn a Dig and Discover Archaeology Kit; read six books to earn a free book! Beneath the surface (teens): Read three books to earn a UV Light Pen; read six books to earn a free book! For every six books read, earn an entry into the grand prize drawing! Registration for summer reading will take place June 3-August 3, Monday-Saturday, 10am-noon and Monday-Thursday, 3-7pm • Summer programs: Little ones summer program, Tuesdays at 11am. Kids craft Program, Mondays at 2pm and 2:30pm, Live entertainment program for kids, Thursdays at 2pm, Teen summer program, changes weekly. • Book Mobile: The traveling book mobile

makes stops for storytimes throughout Windsor and Greeley. Call or visit the online calendar for daily locations. High Plains Library District www.mylibrary.us, 1-888-861-7323 Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave, Greeley Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave, Greeley Lincoln Park Library, 919 7th St, Ste 100, Greeley Glenn A. Jones M.D. Memorial Library, 400 S Parish Ave, Johnstown • Summer reading: Check off boxes on a

reading log to receive prizes! Each box contains an activity relating to reading and literacy. Kids may also read for 20 minutes in lieu of checking off a box. Summer reading is broken down into the following age groups: Pre-K, K-5, and teen. Receive a free book for completing all activities on the log! • Marvelous Mondays: Elementary-agers will exercise their creativity during these fun and free weekly programs at Centennial Park Library. Programs are first-come, first-served and take place from 4-5pm. • Beneath the Surface: Teens can search out something new to “dig into” each Tuesday at Lincoln Park Library from 2:30-4pm. • Dig into Reading, Drop-in Crafts: Stop into Glenn A. Jones M.D. Memorial Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 5pm for a 15-minute,

parent-assisted craft for kids.

• The Big Dig: Scientists at Work:Exper-

iments in biology, physics, chemistry, engineering and geology for 6-12 year olds at the Centennial Park library! Registration is required by calling the library or visiting online. • Storytimes:Twinkle Babies (Birth to new walkers): Tuesdays, 10:30am, Centennial Park; Thursdays, 9:30 and 10:30am, Farr Tales for Tots (New walkers to preschool-agers): Tuesdays, 9, 10 and 11am, Farr; Thursdays, 9:30am, Centennial Park Preschool Storytime (Preschool-Pre-K): Tuesdays, 10:30am, Centennial Park Music and Movement (All ages): Tuesdays, 9:30am, Centennial Park; Fridays, 10:30 and 11:30am, Centennial Park Family Storytime (All ages): Sundays, 2pm, Farr; Wednesdays, 10am, Lincoln Park; Fridays, 10:30am, Farr Reading Buddies: Wednesday, 4pm, Lincoln Park. Loveland Public Library www.cityofloveland.org/index.aspx?page=154 970-962-2665, 300 N Adams • Summer Reading: Read on 20 days

June 1 through July 31 to receive a free book and prizes! Complete both months to earn a raffle entry. Reading programs available for all ages, including pre-readers.

• Tuesday Family Shows at the Foote Lagoon: These free family shows take

place at 7pm at the Foote Lagoon south of the Loveland Public Library parking lot. • Wednesday Elementary Programs: These free programs are open to children entering grades 1-5. All programs take place in the Rumschmunkel Reading Room at the Loveland Public Library. • Storytimes: Humpty Dumpty Storytime (ages 0-2 1/2): Mondays and Thursdays at 9am,10am, and 11am Toddler Storytime (ages 2-3): Tuesdays at 11am; Wednesdays at 10am; Fridays at 10am and 11am Preschool Storytime (ages 4 and up): Tuesdays at 10am and 2pm; Wednesdays at 11am.

• Storyteller in the Park: Stories, songs

and an activity at a different park each day. Storytimes are geared for ages 3-8, and take place weekdays at 11am. This is a free event. Call or visit Loveland Public Library for daily locations.

Poudre Library District www.poudrelibraries.org, (970)221-6740 Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave Harmony Library, 4616 S Shields St Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St • Summer Reading: New this year, no

pre-registration is required for summer reading! Pick up a reading log at any Fort Collins Library or print it from the library’s website, and bring back the completed log to collect a prize June 17-August 4. Kids and teens earn a free book and a coupon for TCBY frozen yogurt by reading or listening for 10 hours. Babies and toddlers can earn a book and frozen yogurt by completing 10 activities on the reading log. All readers who complete and turn in logs will be entered in the raffle as well. • Readers to the rescue: For every five additional hours of reading after completing a reading log, $1 will be donated to the Wildlands Restoration Volunteers to support their efforts in the High Park Fire burn area. Reading hours must be turned in by August 4. • Photo Contest: Kids of all ages are invited to participate in this year’s photo contest to earn monetary prizes. Submit up to two photos to librarycontest@ poudrelibraries.org by July 26. The theme this year is “From Underneath,” and judges will look for photos that capture the perspective of looking up at the world around us. Age groups include 0-12, 13-17, and 18 and up. • Puppet Pals: Enjoy children’s stories acted out by puppets on the library puppet stage! Shows are geared for ages 3 and up. • Story Express: Traveling storytime is recommended for children 6 and under and takes place at 9:30am. see website for schedule. • Animal Afternoon: Elementary-agers can read to critters at 3pm on select dates, courtesy of Larimer Animal and

People Partnership.

• Dig, Dig, Dig: Discover hidden trea-

sures! Free program for ages 3-5.

• Family Night: Friday night at 7pm, en-

joy a craft, story, movie or presentation for the whole family at Council Tree Library! • Monday events for all ages: June 10, 2pm at Old Town Library Park and 7pm at Harmony Library South Lawn: Sound Ideas June 17, 2pm at Old Town Library Park: The Green Scene June 24, 2pm at Old Town Library Park and 7pm at Harmony Library South Lawn: Hip-Hop for Kids July 1, 2pm at Old Town Library Park: Buried Stories from the Past July 8, 2pm at Old Town Library Park and 7pm at Harmony Library South Lawn: Music Takes Flight July 15, 2pm at Old Town Library Park: Bug Songs July 22, 2pm at Old Town Library Park and 7pm at Harmony Library South Lawn: The Magic of Cody Landstrom. • Tuesday kids events: These activities are held at 2pm at Old Town Library. Registration is required by contacting the library on visiting online. • Teens Create: Registration Required by contacting the library or visiting online. June 8, 1:30-3:30pm, Council Tree Library: Duct Tape Crafts June 19, 1:30-3:30pm, Old Town Library: Dream Catchers! June 26, 1-2pm, Council Tree Library: Dirt Cakes! July 10, 1-3pm, Old Town Library: Origami July 24, 1:30-3:30pm, Council Tree Library: “Altered” Book Journals. • Storytimes: Peek-A-Boo Time (Ages 0-2): Mondays, 10:15am and 11:15am, Harmony Library; Tuesdays, 10:15am and 11:15am, Old Town Library; Wednesdays, 10:15am and 11:15am, Council Tree Library. • Summer Storytimes (Ages 2 and up):

Tuesdays, 10:30am, Council Tree Library; Thursdays, 10:30am, Harmony Library; Fridays, 10:30am, Old Town Library Park; Saturdays, 10:15am, Council Tree Library. RMPARENT

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thompson school district news Teachers Honored at 2012-2013 Crystal Apple Awards •B erthoud High School Rob Sommerfeld

At the 2012-2013 Crystal Apple Awards: Delaine Holdeman, Janette McCahan, Amy Burch, Laurie Shearer, and Kerrie Dallman-President of the Colorado Education Association.

Winners of the Thompson School District 2012-2013 Crystal Apple Awards were honored on April 19. Produced by the Thompson Education Association, the awards are designed to recognize excellence in the field of education throughout the district. Elementary schools nominated one teacher per building, while secondary schools nominated up to two teachers per building. The nomination forms were assessed using a rubric and then narrowed to three entries per level to compete for a cash prize. The three finalists’ applications were sent to a third-party reviewer who chose the final cash prize recipients. The cash award that was presented at each level was $250.00. Cash award winners: • Delaine Holdeman - Truscott Elementary • Janette McCahan - Lucile Erwin MS • Amy Burch - Loveland High School Crystal Apple Award Winners: •B erthoud Elementary Barbara Anne Ewing

• C oyote Ridge Elementary 24

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Stephanie Jepson

• C arrie Martin Elementary Denise Lewis

• T ruscott Elementary Delaine Holdeman

• V an Buren Elementary Kim McKee

•M ary Blair Elementary Marc Messervey

•N amaqua Elementary Sheila Perry

•W inona Elementary Julie Peters

• E arly Childhood

Margaret Schulz

• I vy Stockwell Elementary Angie Vincent

• L ucile Erwin Middle School

Tera Denning Janette McCahan •B ill Reed Middle School Karen Helfrich • L oveland High School Amy Burch Carrie Linville • T hompson Valley High School Beth Shupe

Thompson Valley student captures $10,000 scholarship The Comcast Foundation has announced the 2013-2014 recipients of its annual Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program awards. “Each year, we are excited to provide scholarships for these talented students,” says Charisse R. Lillie, President of the Comcast Foundation and Vice President, Community Investment of Comcast Corporation, who traveled to Denver from Comcast’s Philadelphia headquarters to announce the awards. “Comcast seeks students who demonstrate leadership abilities in school activities and who reflect a strong commitment to community service. These students are our future leaders, and we hope these scholarships will help to power their dreams for success.” A total of $73,000 in scholarship funding will be awarded to 55 Colorado students, with 53 students receiving $1,000 each, and two—Andria Kelly of Thompson Valley High School in Loveland and Tianya Jackson of Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College in Denver—each receiving $10,000. Students will receive the scholarship awards this summer as they prepare to begin college in the fall. “Each fall, we ask principals and guidance counselors to help us identify the best and the brightest high school seniors across Colorado for recognition as ‘Leaders and Achievers,’” says Rich Jennings, Senior Regional Vice President of Comcast’s Mile High Region. “Comcast is proud to honor these outstanding young leaders who are committed not only to their own academic and future success, but also are passionate about serving others in their communities.” The Comcast Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program provides $1,000 scholarships to students who

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Lanny Hass, who will become the principal at Thompson Valley High School on July 1, helped Andria to celebrate her special day.

strive to achieve their potential, are catalysts for positive change in their communities, are involved in their schools, and who serve as models for their fellow students. Each year in Colorado, two students are also selected to receive $10,000 scholarship awards. The philosophy behind the program

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is to give young people every opportunity to prepare for the future and to engage them in their communities. The program also demonstrates the importance of civic involvement and the value placed on civic involvement by the business community. “I am so impressed by the incredible talent of our students here in the

Thompson School District,” said Dr. Stan Scheer, Superintendent of Schools.” Since the program’s inception, more than 550 Colorado students have received a total of $667,000 in scholarship funding. Nationally, Comcast has awarded nearly $19 million to nearly 19,000 Leaders and Achievers Scholarship winners across the country. The Comcast Foundation was founded by Comcast Corporation in June 1999 to provide charitable support to qualified nonprofit organizations. The Foundation primarily invests in programs intended to have a positive, sustainable impact on their communities. The Foundation has three community investment priorities—promoting community service, expanding digital literacy, and building tomorrow’s leaders. Since its inception, the Comcast Foundation has donated more than $123 million to organizations in the communities nationwide that Comcast serves. More information about the Foundation and its programs is available at www. comcast.com/community.

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poudre school district news Volunteer loves students’ enthusiasm for math

Volunteer Building Coordinator Daniella Philliber.

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! Daniella Philliber has been co-coordinator at Zach Elementary for the past year, and has been actively volunteering and involved since 2006 when her first son started kindergarten. Since she works full time, she found the VBC position to be a perfect fit, as she could do most of the tasks at home. “This is a perfect volunteering position for anyone that cannot make it into the school on a regular basis. You can do it on your 28

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own time – all you need is organization,” says Philliber. She shares the VBC position with Diane Desrosiers, and says, “Between the two of us, we get the job done!” In the past, signing up for volunteer opportunities at Zach consisted of using paper forms that listed all volunteering opportunities for the year. Parents would sign up at the beginning of the year and the forms would be used to fill those needs throughout the school year. Philliber was successful at changing the process by utilizing an online signup program and emailing the volunteers through the volunteer software program. Philliber says, “I anxiously set up my first online signup sheet and then emailed all the Zach volunteers through the software program. I left my computer for about an hour and when I came back, I had a flood of email confirmations. I was amazed at the quick response and knew that this was going to work!” This new signup process has given their volunteers the power to schedule themselves. “My hopes are that we get a higher percentage of the school volunteering, we share the workload more evenly throughout the school, and that everyone feels that they can help out the school in ways that work for them, no matter how large or small,” says Philliber. Philliber has enjoyed helping in the classroom. Her favorite assignment was helping in a third grade math class, where she sat in the back of the classroom and worked with children one-on-one, going over their mistakes/questions, or testing them on their multiplication tables. Each child would come with their pencils sharpened, ready to tackle material they needed help with. She says, “I loved their enthusiasm to fix their mistakes and learn new material. I especially loved helping the kids pass

their multiplication tables. Every child wanted me to test them, so on the days that I came in, I was like a rock star! They all just lit up when I arrived. Who would have thought that multiplication was so cool!” In her spare time, Philliber enjoys reading and running. She also loves to ski, hike, and bike with her family. Philliber says their volunteers step up every day, wherever there is a need. She also says the staff at Zach is terrific. They help out the PTO when needed, and respond promptly to important requests. “We are one team when it comes to the children’s safety and education.” PSD spring 2013 teacher survey results are positive Results from the Teaching, Empowering, Leading, and Learning educator (TELL) survey show Poudre School District teachers think more positively about time, facilities and resources, community support and involvement, managing student conduct and teacher leadership than the statewide average. The Colorado educator survey is biennial and asks for teachers’ thoughts about teaching and learning conditions. “1,410 PSD teachers took the TELL survey,” says Dwayne Schmitz, PSD director of research and evaluation. “That indicates a 73.3 percent response rate for PSD compared to a 54.5 percent statewide response rate. So, more of our teachers took the survey and the results are very positive for PSD.” The spring 2013 survey showed that PSD educators agreed that their schools had support from the community, with 84 to 95 percent of survey participants agreeing with statements such as the community supports teachers, parents are influential decision makers and that the

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along really well and appreciate each other,” she says. Fifth-grade teacher Rita Brozka says the high school students are great role models for the students. “The Rocky students have a lot of knowledge. I also think our students just like having different teachers,” she says.

Rocky Mountain High School anatomy and physiology students shared their knowledge with Bauder Elementary fifth-graders. The students worked together on a heart dissection activity.

school maintains clear, two-way communication with the community. The majority of teachers surveyed also thought they had sufficient access to various resources. Overall highlights from the TELL survey in PSD include: From the spring 2011 to spring 2013, PSD increased its percentages of favorable outcomes on 92 of 94 items. The two items that did not increase moved down by less than one percent each. See TELL comparison of PSD 2011 to 2013. PSD outcomes are more favorable than the overall state’s outcomes for 93 out of 94 items. See results of PSD TELL survey versus state TELL survey Sping 2013. RMHS students teach Bauder students during heart dissection activity Bauder Elementary fifth-graders learned about the parts of the heart and how to be heart-healthy with the help of Rocky Mountain High School students. RMHS anatomy and physiology students shared their knowledge with Bauder students, guiding and teach30

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ing them while they examined and dissected hearts together during a science activity. RMHS teacher Carol Seemueller says the Rocky students enjoy working with the younger students, who are studying life systems and the human body. “Teenagers are such great teachers with elementary kids. They want to share what they know and they want to do a good job. They get

TOLMAR, Inc., presents check to program that helps feed Poudre School District families Gerry Lake, (below, far right) volunteer coordinator and chairman of the board of McBackpack, Inc., accepted a check for $8,199 from Mike Duncan, chief executive office of TOLMAR, Inc. TOLMAR employees also made a large food donation to the program, and TOLMAR, Inc., more than matched funds raised by employees. McBackpack will use the funds to continue sending home weekend food bags with PSD students, whose families are in need. In partnership with the Food Bank for Larimer County, McBackpack has been supplying food for families since 2007. TOLMAR, Inc., is a Fort Collins-based pharmaceutical research, development, manufacturing and commercial operations company specializing in dental, dermatology and oncology products. They employ over 400 employees locally.

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greeley-evans district 6 news Engage Online Academy receives multi-district designation Engage Online Academy, an online middle and high school operated by Greeley-Evans School District 6, has received approval from the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Board of Education to operate as a multi-district school. This means that beginning this fall, Engage can enroll Colorado students from outside the boundaries of Greeley-Evans School District 6. “This creates the opportunity for District 6 to attract more students and bring this quality education option to more students in our state,” says Deagan Andrews, director of eLearning Services for District 6. Andrews says the online academy has already garnered interest from surrounding communities, as well as from students and school districts on the eastern plains looking to offer this option to students. Students can enroll full-time for online classes, or just take one course. Andrews says Engage Online Academy is modeled after the very best online schools in the nation, and includes a wide variety of courses, including Advanced Placement classes. Engage also offers many opportunities to meet personally with teachers to get one-on-one help with classes. Engage will soon be moving to Cameron School, 1424 13th Avenue, where support services for both middle and high school students will be centralized and expanded. To enroll in Engage Online Academy, visit www.engageonlineacademy.org or call (970) 348-6262. Nine District 6 students named Daniels Scholars Nine graduating seniors from GreeleyEvans School District 6 have received the prestigious Daniels Scholarship. Paid for through the Daniels Fund, a private foundation started by entrepreneur and cable television pioneer 32

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Bill Daniels, these scholarships cover four years of tuition and fees, room and board, books and miscellaneous educational expenses for scholars who attend any accredited nonprofit college or university in the United States. Nearly 3,000 students applied for Daniels Scholarships this year. The foundation awarded 250 scholarships in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The Daniel Fund awards scholarships are based not only on academic success, but also on the character, leadership qualities and commitment to giving back to the community exhibited by students. “These scholarships will afford incredible opportunities for our students, and is a testament to their strong academic success and commitment to community service,” says Superintendent Dr. Ranelle Lang. “We are sincerely proud of their accomplishments and congratulate them on this recognition.” The nine District 6 Daniels Scholarship recipients for 2013 are:

• A riel Gutierrez, Greeley Central High School • Ivonne Morales, Greeley Central High School • Steve Marcantonio, Greeley West High School • Mark Retana, Frontier Charter Academy • Ashley Edinger, Northridge High School • Vanessa Martinez, Northridge High School • Nohely Mendoza, Northridge High School • Jesus Ochoa Mendoza, Northridge High School • Selena Palomino, Northridge High School

Since the program was launched in 2000, the Daniels fund has awarded more than $94 million in scholarships.

District 6, GEA membership approve 2013-14 teacher contract The Greeley-Evans School District 6 Board of Education and the Greeley Education Association have approved a new master agreement for the 2013-14 school year. GEA members ratified the contract April 24 by more than 90 percent of those voting, says GEA President David Delgado. The Board of Education also approved the contract Monday night by a unanimous vote. The focus of the negotiations was on improving student achievement and the continuation of the partnership between GEA and District 6 for stronger public schools in Greeley. This year’s negotiations process was collaborative, with both sides bringing numerous proposals that resulted in many compromises. Changes in the master contract include: • T eacher’s workday will increase by 30 minutes to an 8.5 hour day. • Planning time for teachers was standardized at all grade levels. • Added flexibility will be built into future academic schedules based on language changes to the contract. • A new health insurance benefits package for employees was approved. • Updated language to comply with the state New Teacher Effectiveness law was incorporated. • Teachers will be given regular performance and academic steps, as outlined in the master contract, for the 2013-14 school year. • A performance step in the master contract that was frozen in 2010-11 was restored.

These two actions will result in an average 5.88 percent increase for employees across the district. This contract will go into effect July 1, 2013 and continue through June 30, 2014.

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JUNE 2013 ONGOING Through June 16 Guys and Dolls: A Musical Fable of Broadway An 11-time Tony Award winning classic, this soars with the spirit of Damon Runyon’s Broadway. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Market Place Dr., Johnstown, CO. 970-744-3747 or www. coloradocandlelight.com. Through August 25 Shrek: the Musical This Colorado state premiere is certain to be the biggest endeavor ever presented by Midtown Arts Center. This show brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre to life. Midtown Arts Center, 3750 S. Mason St., FC. 970-225-2555 or www.midtownartscenter.com. June 1-29 A Midsummer Night’s Dream True love tumbles and bumbles in Shakespeare’s most popular and beloved comedy. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com. June 7-8 Greeley Blues Jam The best blues in Colorado! Island Grove Park, 501 N. 14th Ave., GR. www. greeleybluesjam.wordpress.com. June 7-9 Taste of Fort Collins This three-day festival offers attendees food from local and national restaurants, entertainment from regionally and internationally acclaimed musicians, and an eclectic display of fine artisans work as well as the region’s best crafters. Downtown, FC. www.tasteoffortcollins.com.

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June 22-23 Colorado Brewer’s Festival Join us and enjoy Colorado’s best beers, fabulous food, and stellar Colorado music. Downtown, FC. 970-484-6500 or www.downtownfortcollins.com.

Saturday, June 1 Meeker Home Open: The Meeker Children Explore the lives of Greeley’s founding family. Meeker Home Museum, 1324 9th Ave., GR. 10am-2pm. 970-350-9220 or www.greeleymuseums.com. Sunday, June 2 Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 3-4pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Hoop House Design & Construction Presented by the Sustainable Living Association. Old Feed Store, 3612 W. County Rd. 54-G, Laporte, CO. 9am-4pm. 970-224-3247 or www. sustainablelivingassociation.org. Daniel Tosh Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

Monday, June 3 Anasazi of the American Southwest: Part 2 Richard Grant will share photos from his trips to Chaco Canyon and surrounding Chacoan outlier sites in New Mexico. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7-8:30pm. 970-221-6122 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Read & Seed: Dragonflies This program will help your child develop fine motor skills while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and exploration of the natural world. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10-10:45am & 1111:45am. Ages 2-4 (with parent). 970-4162486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.

Tuesday, June 4 Beam Me Up! Teens Celebrate Star Trek Day To celebrate the recent release of the new Star Trek movie, take a look back and enjoy “Star Trek, The Wrath of Khan” (rated PG). Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 1-4:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Great Decisions 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. Read & Seed: Dragonflies This program will help your child develop fine motor skills while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and exploration of the natural world. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10-10:45am & 11-11:45am. Ages 2-4 (with parent). 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens. Noontime Notes Live intimate music featuring styles such as Latin, Folk, Bluegrass and Jazz with local Fort Collins trios and quartets. Oak Street Plaza, College Ave. & Oak St., FC. 11:30am-1pm. 970-484-6500 or www.downtownfortcollins.com.

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Wednesday, June 5 Root Crops: Growing in the Garden and Using Them in the Kitchen Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org.

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.

Bright Beginnings for Infants This program focuses on nurturing interactions, a healthy & safe environment and games to support brain development and emotional health. Poudre Valley Hospital, 1025 Garfield St., Suite A, FC. 10-11am. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Saturday, June 8 Facebook En esta clase aprenderá como crear y usar una cuenta de facebook. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10am-Noon. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org.

Thursday, June 6 Nooks @ Your Library In this class we will show you how to download library eBooks to your Nook from home anytime. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Thursday Night Concert: Mark Sloniker & Hugh Ragin Presented by Bohemian Nights. Jazz. Old Town Square, Fort Collins. 7-9pm. 970-484-6500 or www. downtownfortcollins.com.

Friday, June 7 First Friday Gallery Walk Old Town, FC. 6-9pm. 970-484-6500 or www.downtownfortcollins.com. Scrabble @ Your Library Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 10am-12:45pm. 970-221-6122 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Library eBooks on Your iPad/iPhone and Android Devices We will show you how to find the Overdrive, Freading and One Click Digital apps, download them to your device, and begin checking out library eBooks and eAudiobooks on your phone or tablet! Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10:30am12:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org.

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Teen IRS: Interesting Reader Society Meeting Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 11am-1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Perennial Bloom Tour Learn some of the best new varieties, what conditions they prefer and see how they perform in our garden. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 9-10am. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov. com/gardens. Greeley Blues Jam Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 11am. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

Sunday, June 9 Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 3-4pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. Monday, June 10 Sound Ideas A Khaen, a Didgeridu, Angklungs: Michael Stanwood plays them all and wants you to play them too in this unique, interactive, and often hilarious program. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-2:45pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org.

Read & Seed: Worm Bins This program will help your child develop fine motor skills while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and exploration of the natural world. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10-10:45am & 11-11:45am. Ages 2-4 (with parent). 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens. Tiny Trekkers Join our naturalist for a fun-filled morning with crafts, stories and fun facts. The Devil’s Backbone Open Space, W of LV. 10am. 970-679-4489 or www. larimer.org.

Tuesday, June 11 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. Read & Seed: Worm Bins This program will help your child develop fine motor skills while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and exploration of the natural world. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10-10:45am & 11-11:45am. Ages 2-4 (with parent). 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens. Games and Crafts! Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-3:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Where Ideas Hang Out Nationally known artist Scott Nash shares with tweens the inspiration for creating books and characters for various media. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-3:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. International Night: Findland Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. Scott Nash: Design, Illustration, and Beyond Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7-9pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org.

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Dance Factory Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 5pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com. Noontime Notes Live intimate music featuring styles such as Latin, Folk, Bluegrass and Jazz with local Fort Collins trios and quartets. Oak Street Plaza, College Ave. & Oak St., FC. 11:30am-1pm. 970-484-6500 or www.downtownfortcollins.com.

Wednesday, June 12 Scribble a Story with Scott Nash Nationally known children’s book author/illustrator Scott Nash tells stories, shares drawing tricks, shows where ideas hang out, and inspires kids ages 5-8 to create their own stories. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10:30-11:30am. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. How Not to Be a Starving Artist Scott Nash shares his diverse background as a nationally known author/illustrator. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 1-2:30pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Creating Characters through Animation Join nationally known author/illustrator Scott Nash as he shares his secrets for developing characters for animation. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. Bright Beginnings for One-Year-Olds This class explores how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. 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. Dance Factory Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 5pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

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Thursday, June 13 US Universal Pageant High-Fashion takes the stage. Women from all over the USA compete for the ultimate title of Mrs. US Universal 2013! The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com. Scribble a Story with Scott Nash Nationally known children’s book author/ illustrator Scott Nash tells stories, shares drawing tricks, shows where ideas hang out, and inspires kids ages 5-8 to create their own stories. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 10:30-11:30am. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. The Nashbox Studio Meet our nationally known Artist-inResidence Scott Nash and get a sneak peak at his current project as he sets up shop. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 1-3pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Family Night: Dig into Reading with Scott Nash Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Vitamins: the Spark of Life Learn how and why they keep you running. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Dance Factory Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 5pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com. Thursday Night Concert: Kizumba Presented by Bohemian Nights. Latin. Old Town Square, Fort Collins. 7-9pm. 970-484-6500 or www. downtownfortcollins.com.

Friday, June 14 Ignite #14 Ignite is a night of presentations on a variety of topics, with a twist. Each presentation has 20 slides that automatically advance after 15 seconds. It is a worldwide movement. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Family Fun Night: Project Pine Cone The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 6:30-8pm. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens. Greeley Conservatory of Dance Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 6pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

Saturday, June 15 It’s Showtime! Presented by Loveland Dance Academy. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 6pm. 970-221-6730 or www. LCTIX.com. Dig, Dig, Dig! Discover all kinds of hidden treasures. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10am-Noon. Ages 3-5. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Ocean Frontiers: Film and Panel Discussion Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 1-3pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Movie Night: The Mummy (1932) Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-9pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. Messages in Stone Easy hike with naturalist Ed. Devil’s Backbone Open Space, W of LV. 10am. 970-679-4489 or www.larimer.org. Camping Clinic Intro to camping skills and gear. Jax Outdoor, 1200 N. College Ave., FC. 11am. 970-679-4489 or www.larimer.org. Studio M Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 4:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Sunday, June 16 Game Day @ Your Library Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1-5pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org.

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Monday, June 17 The Green Scene Play-Ground Theatre Co. will delight and amuse with recycling pirates, green game show trivia, and the world’s first organic superhero, Supernatural. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-2:45pm. 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. Read & Seed: Wind Wishes This program will help your child develop fine motor skills while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and exploration of the natural world. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10-10:45am & 11-11:45am. Ages 2-4 (with parent). 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.

Tuesday, June 18 Improv 4 Tweens Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-3:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Read & Seed: Wind Wishes This program will help your child develop fine motor skills while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and exploration of the natural world. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10-10:45am & 11-11:45am. Ages 2-4 (with parent). 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens. Meet the Honey Badger! Make sound effects instruments and a mural of African animals, play a game, and enjoy sweet treats at this event starring that fearless digger, the Honey Badger of Botswana. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-3:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org.

2013 Farmer’s Markets

Check out the fresh produce and local products this summer at one of these farmers markets.

Fort Collins Fort Collins & Loveland Farmers’ Markets www.fortcollinsfm.com 1001 E. Harmony Rd. (in front of Ace Hardware) Sundays 11am-3pm Wednesdays 11am-3pm

Loveland Farmers’ Market www.lovelandfm.com Loveland Station Parking Area, W. Loveland Ave. & 2nd St., LV. Tuesdays 3-7pm

Greeley

Larimer County Farmers’ Market www.LarimerCountyFarmersMarket.org Larimer County Courthouse Parking Lot, 200 Oak St., FC. Saturdays 8am-Noon

Greeley Farmers’ Market www.Greeleygov.com Union Pacific Depot, 902 7th Ave., GR Saturdays 7:30am-Noon Wednesdays 3-6pm (starting July 10)

Drake Road Farmers’ Market www.DrakeRoadFarmersMarket.com 802 W. Drake Rd., FC (NW corner of Drake & Worthington) Saturdays 10am-1pm

West Greeley Farmers Market www.RealTimeFarms.com 2555 47th Ave., GR Sundays 10am-3pm

Loveland

Windsor Farmers Market www.Windsorgov.com 5th St. & Main St., Windsor Saturdays 9-12:30pm

Fort Collins & Loveland Farmers’ Markets www.fortcollinsfm.com Loveland Farmers’ Market 3133 N. Garfield (in front of Hobby Lobby) Tuesdays 11am-3pm

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Windsor

Bright Beginnings for Infants This program focuses on nurturing interactions, a healthy & safe environment and games to support brain development and emotional health. Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., LV. Noon-1pm. 970495-7528 or www.pvhs.org. A Dance Plane Spring Recital Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 6pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com. Noontime Notes Live intimate music featuring styles such as Latin, Folk, Bluegrass and Jazz with local Fort Collins trios and quartets. Oak Street Plaza, College Ave. & Oak St., FC. 11:30am-1pm. 970-484-6500 or www.downtownfortcollins.com.

Wednesday, June 19 Bright Beginnings for Infants This program focuses on nurturing interactions, a healthy & safe environment and games to support brain development and emotional health. Poudre Valley Hospital, 1025 Garfield St., Suite A, FC. 10-11am. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org. Natural Childbirth: Coping Strategies for Pain Management Strategies for labor and delivery to include relaxation, breathing, visualization, movement, or massage and use of tools such as birthing balls, aromatherapy, or rebozos. Poudre Canyon Room, Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., LV. 7-9:30pm. 970-495-7500 or www. pvhs.org. For the Love of Lavender This class will cover the basics of growing lavender, including tips on variety selection, planting, care and harvesting. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 6-8pm. 970-4162486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens. Where to Go in Larimer County Jax Outdoor, 1200 N. College Ave., FC. 11am. 970-679-4489 or www.larimer.org.

Thursday, June 20 Thursday Night Concert: Katie Glassman Presented by Bohemian Nights. Gypsy, Western Swing. Old Town Square, Fort Collins. 7-9pm. 970-484-6500 or www. downtownfortcollins.com. Family Night: Dirt Movers! Story and craft fun featuring dozers, dump trucks, diggers and more. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7-7:45pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org.

Saturday, June 22 WOTBV: Worms of the Book Variety Teen Book Club Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 11am-12:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Movie Night: Jaws Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6:30-8:45pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Sunday, June 23 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. Monday, June 24 Hip-Hop for Kids Neil McIntyre celebrates what it really means to be a kid with fun and inspiring hip-hop music. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-2:45pm; Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7-7:45pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. Read & Seed: Flower Press This program will help your child develop fine motor skills while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and exploration of the natural world. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10-10:45am & 11-11:45am. Ages 2-4 (with parent). 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.

Treasure Hunters The Rocky Mountain Prospectors and Treasure Hunters Club will present an informative program on how to get started treasure hunting. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org.

Tuesday, June 25 Colossal Caves! Become a cave explorer and create a super-sized glow worm, bats, salamanders, magic salt crystals, and more. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-3:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Construction Zone Come and build a fun time with us through stories, songs, games and a variety of construction projects. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-3:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. Writing Against Delusion Whether or not we’re interested in publishing, writing “make-believe” can help us peel away the unreliable internal narration, judgment and criticism that are bound to lead us astray in day to day life. Workshop led by Bonnie Nadzam. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Noontime Notes Live intimate music featuring styles such as Latin, Folk, Bluegrass and Jazz with local Fort Collins trios and quartets. Oak Street Plaza, College Ave. & Oak St., FC. 11:30am-1pm. 970-484-6500 or www.downtownfortcollins.com.

Wednesday, June 26 Teens Create: Dirt Cakes! Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 1-2pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

The Music of Marc Black Marc Black is an eclectic folk-rocker. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www. PoudreLibraries.org. Bright Beginnings for Two-Year-Olds This class explores positive guidance strategies and how to provide a supportive environment that promotes early literacy, brain development, and a healthy/safe environment during the active two’s. Poudre Valley Hospital, 1025 Garfield St., Suite A, FC. 10-11am. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Thursday, June 27 Thursday Night Concert: 3 Twins Broadband Presented by Bohemian Nights. R&B Americana. Old Town Square, Fort Collins. 7-9pm. 970-484-6500 or www. downtownfortcollins.com. Family Night: My Garden Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7-7:45pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org. Make it Loud Tap into the inspirational power of music. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Saturday, June 29 Tree Talk & Walk Learn about the trees in Fort Collins. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 9-10am. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens. Sunday, June 30 Tea with Queen Victoria Your presence is requested for tea and a display of jewels of the Victorian Era with background harp music. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1:30-3pm & 3:30-5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Dig, Dig, Dig! Discover all kinds of hidden treasures. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 1-2pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

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time out

Pool reflections

Swim season evokes memories of those crazy days of youth T h e r es a M y e r s

ou have to love Colorado. Winter, three days of spring and now summer. But it does get me excited for pool season. My younger daughter still likes hanging out at the pool with her friends. Once in a while I tag along. As I watch her and her friends do handstands and jump off the diving board from an acceptable, noninvasive distance, the smell of chlorine and coconut tanning oil bring me right back to my own childhood. When I was growing up in Louisville, the town had no municipal swimming pool. So, every morning in the summer, my mother and her two sisters would load up all us kids–11 total–and cart us to the Elks Club in Boulder for swimming lessons and sometimes more swimming after. Our mothers had to be crazy, packing us into station wagons with towels and picnic lunches. We fought and talked and made an incredible ruckus all the way to the pool, where we would tumble out of the cars shouting and run to the water. Still, some of the best memories I have from my childhood are wrapped up in those swimming pool trips. Like the time my Aunt Nadine leaped over a retaining wall fully-clothed and splashed frantically into the baby pool to “rescue” a little girl who was drowning, only to find the little girl’s mother a few feet away watching her daughter bob in the water, a skill the girl had apparently just attained and was showing off. Or, how about the time my sister, horribly terrified of heights, stood on the high dive trembling for about a halfhour before the instructor finally ran up behind her and they went off the board together. I do believe my sister’s scream is still hanging over Boulder and can be heard during violent thunderstorms. Then there was the time my mother, who was not a very good swimmer, was attempting to swim laps with my 42

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Aunt Nadine, who apparently took her self-appointed role as the “Saver of All” very seriously. While doing the crawl stroke, my mother apparently brushed against my aunt, who somehow took that to mean my mother was drowning and began calling frantically for the lifeguard. A young man, fully-clothed, jumped into the water and saved my Aunt Nadine. When he got her to the

back. “I can’t hear you!” This time he screamed, “Is @%$& a bad word!!” People started to turn to look at Randy and my aunt. “Randy, honey, you are going to have to speak up. I just can’t hear you!” she said. “I said,” he screamed, this time with all his might. “IS @%$& A BAD WORD!!!” The pool was silent. Everyone heard

side she was screaming, “Not me, her, HER!” and pointing in the direction of my mother who was sitting on the side, watching the rescue unfold. But the funniest, most often repeated story involves, yes, my Aunt Nadine and her young son, Randy. Randy was probably about 8 years old at the time, and had a reputation as a bit of a troublemaker. It was a busy day at the pool, when Randy yelled a question across the crowded water to his mother. “Mom,” he yelled. “Chuck (my brother) said @%$& is a bad word. Is it?” Well, it was the mack daddy of bad words, the ultimate in cussing. “What, Randy,” my aunt yelled

that time, including my aunt, finally. “Randy,” she growled. “Get over here right now!” By the time she was through with him, there was no doubt in Randy’s mind that what he’d been shouting at the pool was indeed a bad word. I must admit, my trips to the pool are a little more peaceful. Mostly I just read a book and paddle around during the adult swim, and of course fork over money when the girls need a snack. I hope my daughters have good pool memories when they are adults with children of their own. I just also hope they are a little more tame than mine.

Expires: 6/30/13 RMP0613

For Family Fun! Golf Loveland The Mini-Course

@ Cattail Creek FOR

ALL AG ES

Fun and easy way to play golf whether you’re a golfer or not!

Specialized SNAG (Starting New At Golf) equipment Zero intimidation • Self-teaching Stations • 9 Holes of Fun

$7 per round, including equipment rental.

970-663-5310 | 2116 West 29th Street, Loveland

www.GolfLoveland.com

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