RM Parent June 2016

JUNE 2016 • RMPARENT.COM

Swimmin’ holes

Love of Reading Natural textures for your BABY

Summer

field trips

MUSEUMS, LIBRARIES AND NATURE CENTERS

ACUPUNCTURE RELIEF... no-needle techniques for kids REGION’S

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The Adventure Begins

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JUNE 2016

Departments

Features

PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Super Toddler Perception—exploring as if everything is new

FIRST YEARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Discovering the world—stimulate your baby’s brain with textures in nature

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . 10 Beat the summer heat—cool down at an outdoor pool or splash & spray park

LEARN AND LIVE . . . . . . . . . . 12 Find adventures, explore new worlds—reading helps reduce the academic summer slide

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14

Realities for Children creates Homebase, Larimer Boys & Girls adds new location, Loveland Youth Gardeners grows, if you suspect child abuse, Help Preserve Open Space celebrates 20 years

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

Smart snacking—healthful munchies are part of sound nutrition

18 THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES

Summertime is for kicking back and enjoying a break from the school-year structure, but it doesn’t have to mean a break from learning.

Summer is the perfect time to explore the world, other cultures, nature and just about anything that interests you.

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

Events and activities for parents, kids and families

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

A Disney World survival guide—make a plan, book ahead, have fun and enjoy the ride(s)

School District News Greeley-Evans District 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 District 6 retirees honored at special reception, District 6 to host regional summer meal kickoff event,

Poudre School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 PSD calendar of events, GEMS program provides hands-on STEM learning for girls, Grads at a Glance

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

Community explores Thompson Reinvented plan, district celebrates teacher appreciation week, students take class afield, Loveland High students receives Boettcher Scholarship, summer meal program kicks off

20 ACUPUNCTURE FOR KIDS

When seeking treatment for their young children, parents don’t often think of acupuncture first.

Yet it has many applications for children, even those younger than age 6. When someone says acupuncture, the first thing we think of is needles. Yet there are many other components to acupuncture…a gamut of no-needle, hands-on techniques and pediatric herbal tinctures to give young children relief from a variety of ailments.

ABOUT THE COVER: Paden, 6, likes playing soccer and is looking forward to flag football and camping this summer. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, courtesy of Sky's Open Design.

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perspective Super Toddler Perception Exploring as if everything is new

L

ynn Nichols writes about babies and toddlers learning about the world through touch. Think grass on bare feet and rocks warmed by the sun. It made me want to go walk around barefoot in the grass and experience that feeling again.

Just watching a toddler explore a new environment is pretty inspirational and maybe a little scary for those of us who aren’t around them very often. I think we forget how to be explorers ourselves, opting often for the ol’ tried and true…yellow mustard for me, please. Thanks. No, no I don’t want to try that lumpy brown stuff.

But what if we could go through each moment of each day really noticing stuff. I’ve tried it. It’s hard to stay focused right there babylike and really see and hear and touch and smell and taste the world. I’ve been in a circle when someone (the group leader) got out some raisins and passed them around. The instructions were to look closely at the raisin and then roll it around in your hand and between your fingers.

Next was smelling, followed by popping it in your mouth. It was almost shocking to notice how the raisin felt and tasted rolling around in my mouth. When we finally bit down, we were all pretty amazed at how much there was to a little raisin that we normally grab by the dozen and eat without really noticing.

Now, when I remember to pause and notice, I’m equally astounded by everyday things…soap bubbles while doing dishes, dew on leaves, even the sound of birds in early morning seems more dramatic. Somewhere, between toddlerhood and adulthood we forgot to notice every little thing. We got too busy and too distracted maybe. Our thoughts are off somewhere else and we don’t notice how yummy the soup is because we forgot to pay attention to the soup while we catch up on our emails.

So, when I get a chance I’m going to watch some toddlers…maybe down at the new Old Town Square running through the dancing water, maybe chasing a pigeon or just rolling around on the grass. I’m going to try then to channel my inner toddler to get back to a place where every moment of every day is an exploration of being right here on the spot with whatever is going on. I will call it STP—Super Toddler Perception.

Have a great start to your summer, Scott

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JUNE 2016 • Volume 21, Issue 1 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CALENDAR EDITOR Kim Sharpe calendar@rockymountainpub.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION Wendee Brungardt, Sharon Klahn Andy Titterington COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lea Hanson, Katie Harris, Kris Kodrich, Lynn Nichols, Kim Sharpe

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

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

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS:

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first years

Discovering the world

Stimulate your baby’s brain with textures in nature LY NN U. NICHOLS

F

rom holding a smooth, sunwarmed rock to feeling the sensation of grass on the bottom of their feet, nature provides the perfect playground for babies and toddlers to explore different textures and stimulate their senses. Here are some fun ways to explore the outside world with your baby or toddler.

BARE THOSE TOOTSIES Did you know the bottom of our feet have about 200,000 nerve endings?

Encourage your baby to walk on different surfaces from grass to sand to smooth rocks and bumpy garden dirt.

Once you make sure there is nothing sharp or dangerous, let the sensory exploring begin.

GET WET Water stimulates our skin and soothes our minds. Enjoy the baby pool with your little one but don’t forget to also go to the beach. Get out and encourage playing in the rain or jumping in puddles. Running through the sprinkler or simply discovering the sensation of water pumping out of a hose in the backyard all have value.

START COLLECTING Toddlers and older babies love to discover objects. Bury plastic toys in the sandbox and dig them up together, or have your baby help pick tomatoes or apples in the yard. Let her take apart a flower, petal-by-petal or collect rocks and throw them in the water at the reservoir or a pond. Get in the habit of going on nature hikes with a basket or bag and see what you can find.

COUNT AND CATEGORIZE To promote early math skills, look for ways to teach sequencing, cause-and-effect and shapes and sizes. Collect

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different colored rocks and count them or sort various leaves and talk about their differences. Point out items in nature that are round, square, sharp or soft. Talk about what’s warm and what’s cold—how the sun warms rocks or how the Popsicle you are enjoying is cold.

GET MESSY Set up a temporary art table outside and let your young child get messy. Or when it rains or the hose makes a puddle, let them take a mud bath. Remember, it’s all for stimulation-sake!

LET THEM LEAD When you play with your toddler outside, let him direct and make choices of what happens next. Active play helps hardwire synapses in your baby’s or toddler’s brain. Research shows that when kids get a lot of chances for unstructured, imaginative play, they are

happier and well adjusted. Free play helps kids solve problems and cope with stress. According to studies cited by the national Children and Nature Network (CNN), kids’ stress levels drop within minutes of seeing green spaces.

YOUR BABY’S BRAIN From ages 0 to 3, your child’s brain is rapidly growing. When she turns 3, she’ll have about 1,000 trillion pathways or synapses—twice as many as you have as an adult. All this growth equals amazing “sponge” power to soak up everything you share with her.

The good news is it doesn’t take special toys or an advanced degree to know how to best stimulate your child.

Lots of play and involvement in daily tasks is all it takes. You don’t have to pack their schedules with expensive classes. Kids develop and learn through playing and being active and there is no better place to do so than outside.

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family activities

Beat the summer heat

Cool down at an outdoor pool or splash & spray park KATIE HARRIS

P

ool season is upon us. From outdoor pools with fun features, to spray parks for a quick cool down, to beaches for long lazy days, you’ll find the perfect spot for a swim in our guide. As of Memorial Day weekend, all destinations for summer water fun are officially open for business. Grab the floaties and lather on the sunscreen, it’s time to hit the pool!

Outdoor pools

Berthoud Pool, 200 7th St, Berthoud Features: shallow and deep ends, diving board, and lifeguard on duty 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. Discounted punch passes and family passes also available. Swim lessons and swim team also offered. Call 970-532-1600 or visit www.berthoud.org/ parks_rec/pool.php for details.

Centennial Pool, 2315 Reservoir Rd, Greeley Features: spray pool, shallow and deep ends, large water slide, lifeguard on duty Open swim hours: M-F, 1-5pm; Sa/Su Noon-5pm.

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 Features: Kiddie pool, water slide, lap lanes Open swim hours: M-F, 1-5pm; Sa, 10am6pm; Su, 1-6pm. *Pool will open at 1pm on June 25th and July 16th.

Cost: 5 and under, $2.25; Ages 6-17 and 50 and up, $3.25; Adults, $3.50. Discounted punch cards also available.

Swim lessons available. Call 970-674-0826 or visit www.windsorgov.com/index.aspx ?NID=276 for details.

City Park Pool, 1599 City Park Dr, Fort Collins Features: Water slides, lazy river, kids’ water play structure, zero-depth entry Open swim hours: M-F, 11am-7pm; Sa/Su, 10am-5:30pm Cost: Under 2, free; Ages 2-17 and ages 60 and up, $6; Adults, $7. Discounted punch

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cards also available.

Call 970-221-6202 or visit www.fcgov.com/ recreation/cityparkpool.php for more information.

Discovery Bay, 715 E. 24th St, Greeley Features: Water slides, zero-depth entry, kids’ water play structure Open swim hours: Daily, Noon-5pm.

Cost: 5 and under (accompanied by a paying 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 Features: Water slide, lap lanes, kiddie pool, spray features 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. Discounted punch passes also available.

Swim lessons available. Call 970-962-2435 or visit www.ci.loveland.co.us/index.aspx ?page=231 for details.

Splash and Spray Parks

Fairgrounds Park, 700 S Railroad Ave, Loveland Features: Large spray park, play equipment, pavilions, trail access Hours: 9am-7pm Cost: Free Call 970-962-2000 or visit www.ci.loveland. co.us/index.aspx?page=619 for details.

Fossil Creek Spray Park Features: Large spray park, play equipment, pavilions, trail access, athletic fields 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 Features: Large spray park, event complex Hours: 2-5pm Cost: Free Call 970-353-4253 or visit greeleygov.com/Rec reation/Aquatics.aspx for more information.

Loveland Sports Park, 950 N Boyd Lake Ave, Loveland Features: Spray park, play equipment, pavilions,

athletic fields 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 Features: Spray park, downtown shopping 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 Features: Spray park, downtown shopping Hours: Daylight hours Cost: Free Call 970-461-1285 or visit thepromenadeshops atcenterra.com for more information.

Spring Canyon Community Park 2626 W Horsetooth Rd, Fort Collins Features: Large spray park, play equipment, pavilions, trail access, athletic fields 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 Features: Large spray park, pavilions Hours: 1-4pm Cost: Free Call 970-356-2594 or visit greeleygov.com/ Recreation/Aquatics.aspx for details.

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learn and live

Find adventures, explore new worlds Reading helps reduce the academic summer slide KIM SHARPE

T

he old maple tree in our backyard provided a shady hideout on any given sweltering summer day. I had a special spot up among its leafy canopy where I’d shove a couple of pillows in a “Y” made by two of its large branches. It’s the place from which I departed to assorted foreign lands or began many adventures, all with the help of a variety of books. And when I wasn’t reading them, I was writing them…well, stories anyway.

Given the long periods of free time summer offers, it’s a perfect time to encourage your child to read. Not only do books provide escapes to other lands and education about other ways of living, but daily reading also helps ensure your child won’t suffer from summer slide. More than 100 years of research show kids lose academic ground during summer months when they aren’t regularly engaged in learning activities, such as reading selfselected books of interest to them.

Paula Watson-Lakamp, Poudre River Public Library District communications manager, says, “Parents and caregivers can help stem summer slide by reading themselves, because children who see the adults in their lives reading often tend to read more themselves.”

She adds that access to books is critical.

Public libraries are an excellent free resource for books, as well as trained librarians to guide children and families in selecting great materials.”

There are quality online libraries of free children’s books, too. For a start, try www.UniteforLiteracy.com and the International Children’s Digital Library at http://en.childrenslibrary.org/.

NoCo’s libraries put much time and energy into planning summer reading programs and activities to encourage summer reading. They all have programs that reward readers with prizes, plus additional special events and 12

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activities. Here’s a sample of what they have in store for your family.

ERIE The Reading Team! Book Club For kids in grades 3-5 Meets once a month, June-August Erie Community Library 888-861-7323 or www.mylibrary.us Read a new book each month, then get together to talk about it, play games and have snacks.

FORT COLLINS “Game On” Summer Reading Challenge For babies through adults June 1 through August, 970-221-6333 or www.PoudreLibraries.org/srp Prizes awarded for reading hours logged.

Special STREAM (Science Technology Reading Engineering Arts and Math) programs and activities.

GREELEY Summer Comic Book Club For teens Wednesdays, June 8-July 27 Farr Regional Library

970-506-8532 or www.mylibrary.us Come join the club where we talk comics, read comics, watch comic movies, discuss which characters would win in fights, and generally do a lot of important work. Snacks are likely. Nerdiness is definite.

Summer Reading Adventure For kids birth-18 Any High Plains Library District location Kids earn prizes for time spent reading or being read to.

970-506-8532 or www.mylibrary.us Loveland Public Library Move, Learn, Discover Sign up for the summer reading program June 1—July 31. Earn badges, learn secret codes and play games.

970-962-2665 or www.lovelandpublic library.org WINDSOR/SEVERANCE Summer Reading Program For kids birth through adults At any Clearview Library location www.clearviewlibrary.org Prizes and special events.

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community news

Growing together

Supporting our kids, celebrating our space KIM SHARPE

O

ur children are our future. This certainly isn’t an original statement, but it’s an important one to repeat often. And if follows that to ensure our future is bright, we must protect and support our kids. Protecting our natural spaces also is important, because natural resources are finite. Here are some ways our kids and Mother Earth are being cared for in northern Colorado.

REALITIES FOR CHILDREN CREATES HOMEBASE Realities For Children has announced the plan to provide a Homebase Facility and Youth Activities Campus in northern Colorado for the children they serve.

Located between Fort Collins and Loveland, this site will provide a Larimer County centralized facility and campus space for their headquarters, youth activities and item distributions. It will also provide needed facility access to all Realities For Children Affiliate Agencies to strengthen their ability to heal along the path.

Every dollar donated to this campaign will be generously matched by the Richardson Family Foundation.

You can become a part of this legacy of service by donating a Brick on the “Path of Healing” that will be featured at the entry to the Homebase facility.

Community support is critical in creating this world-class model of youth services collaboration.

Please visit www.RealitiesHome base.com for additional details.

LARIMER BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS ADDS NEW LOCATION The Larimer Boys & Girls Clubs recently added a fourth permanent club location in west Loveland, housed at Sarah Milner Elementary School in

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partnership with the Thompson School District. This club joins three others open year round in East Loveland, Fort Collins and Wellington. Two more summer clubs are open at Winona Elementary in Loveland and in Estes Park during the summer months.

“We are excited to continue growing to serve more kids in Larimer County, especially those who need us most,” says Kathi Wright, Larimer Boys & Girls Clubs executive director.

Weld County is home to five Boys & Girls Clubs, too. They are located in East Greeley, West Greeley, Milliken, Fort Lupton and Galeton.

For information about clubs in Larimer County, call 970-223-1709 or visit www.bgclarimer.org. For information about Weld County clubs, call 970-3531278 or visit www.bgcweld.org.

LOVELAND YOUTH GARDENERS GROWS Loveland Youth Gardeners is celebrating 20 years of serving Loveland youth and the community using sustainable gardening to promote personal development and healthy lifestyles for youth facing extra challenges. They’re also celebrating a new home with a recent ground breaking at 907 S. Lincoln Ave., Loveland.

Alyssa McConkey, the organization’s executive director says, “It is with full and grateful hearts that Loveland Youth Gardeners celebrates 20 years of working with youth to cultivate skills, stewardship, and service through growing food. In addition to our anniversary, we are excited to break ground at our new location where we will have space to grow our programs, expand food production, and more effectively engage our community. We thank the many individuals who have been a part of LYG’s success and look forward to a thriving and productive future serving the community together.”

Loveland Youth Gardeners summer programs are filling up, but its Green Adventures Camps still have space available. The organization also is partnering with other nonprofits like the Salvation Army to do fall gleaning, Summit Stone to host a once-a-week therapy program, and Thompson School District to develop a pilot program specifically to serve school gardens.

For more information and to schedule a time to visit the gardens, contact McConkey at 970-669-7182 or alyssa@ lovelandyouthgardeners.org; or visit www.lovelandyouthgardeners.org.

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF FORT COLLINS

IF YOU SUSPECT CHILD ABUSE From 2007-2013, 202 Colorado children died of abuse or neglect (Washington Times, April 18, 2014). Thanks to 208,999 calls from concerned Coloradans reporting suspected child abuse and neglect in 2015, social services agencies throughout Colorado assessed the safety and well being of 48,836 children and youth, and discovered that 11,462 of the reports were founded.

Steps were taken to stop the abuse.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call 1-844-CO-4-KIDS, a statewide hotline offered by the Colorado Department of Human Services for reporting suspected abuse. It directly links callers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to appropriate call-takers among the state’s 64 counties and two tribal nations.

Counties historically have received and handled reports of child abuse and neglect, which has not changed. The hotline was established to streamline the reporting process. Callers who are unsure of the county in which the child is located, speak a language other than English or Spanish, or are deaf or hard of hearing are directed to a certified

call-taker at the Hotline County Connection Center for assistance.

All reports of suspected child abuse and neglect remain confidential.

HELP PRESERVE OPEN SPACES CELEBRATES 20 YEARS It’s been 20 years since Larimer County voters passed a citizen-initiated, quarter-cent sales tax for conservation and recreation and the Open Lands Program was implemented. Funding is split between Larimer County and cities and towns in the county.

The funding has supported the building of new parks, open spaces and natural areas. It also has helped protect wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, natural scenery, agriculture, and the county’s history by preserving important sites, structures and artifacts.

The public is invited to join the celebration throughout the coming months. An education series includes the following sessions: • June 3, Birding Tour with biologist Jeff Birek, Eagle’s Nest Open Space • June (date TBD), Guided Mountain Bike Ride with Dave Marotti, Red Mountain Open Space • July (date TBD), Artist Workshop, location TBD

• July 30, Wildflower Hike with Dr. Paul Alaback, Hermit Park Open Space • Aug. 20, Predator Hike with David Neils, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch Conservation Easements Registration is required for each session and opens a month prior to a session’s specified date; however, dates and times are subject to change. If you have questions or need more information, contact Heather Young at 970619-4489 or hyoung@larimer.org.

The county also has established a passport program to encourage people to explore its open spaces. Prizes will be awarded to those who collect rubbings in a special passport booklet. For questions or more information, call 970-6194561 or visit www.larimer.org/passport.

Lastly, there are many ways to volunteer and help Larimer County’s open spaces continue to be a great local resource. Some of the upcoming projects are: • June 10, Volleyball court construction, Hermit Park Open Space • June 17, Restoration and weed removal work party, Blue Sky Trail • August 6, New trail construction, Hermit Park Open Space To register as a volunteer and for more information, email Pam Mayhew at pmayhew@larimer.org.

RUNNING DEER NATURAL AREA

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healthy living

Smart snacking

Healthful munchies are part of sound nutrition LEA HANSON

K

ids are eating machines. Even the pickiest eaters seem to always be asking for food. Kids want snacks and for the most part, they need them. Kids’ metabolisms are quite different from adults’ and it is important to understand these differences and allow kids to snack with some level of intention.

Unplanned, random snacking can lead to problems. Kids who are allowed to eat whatever they want whenever they want won’t learn to understand nutrition and some will experience struggles with their weight.

Nonstop snacking can also interfere with kids’ appetites and can disrupt their natural instinct to experience hunger and fullness. On the flip side, 16

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snacks can actually help kids achieve a healthy weight when they are timed correctly. Most children and teens need to eat every three to four hours throughout the day to meet their MyPlate daily food plan: Younger kids need to eat three meals and at least two snacks a day.

Older kids need to eat three meals and at least one snack a day (they may need two snacks if they’re going through a growth spurt or if they are very physically active).

But how much do kids need to eat? Elizabeth Donovan, Nutrition and Programs Manager for the Food Bank for Larimer County says, “When I provide nutrition counseling to families with children, the biggest

lesson was portion control. As a parent or caregiver, it’s hard to know how much is too much and conversely, how little is too little for children. And of course the appropriate portion size changes with age and activity level.”

Donovan recommends this helpful resource to better understand portions: www.helpguide.org/articles/ healthy-eating/nutrition-for-childrenand-teens.htm.

Parents and caregivers should offer planned meals and snacks consistently throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is to offer snacks a few hours after one meal ends and about one to two hours before the next meal begins. Postponing snacks until a few hours after a meal helps prevent kids from refusing food at a meal and then begging for more food as a “snack” just after the meal ends. On the other hand, putting a stop to snacking immediately before meals encourages a healthy appetite at mealtimes. Above all, remember the bottom line: if snacks are planned, coordinated with meals, and served consistently at regularly scheduled times, kids are more likely to maintain a healthy weight.

It’s easy for adults to fall into the trap of buying individually wrapped snacks simply because they’re convenient although they may not be the healthiest options. Donovan says there are many ways to make healthy snacks that are still convenient. She says planning can be the easiest tip. “If your child loves cut fruit or carrot sticks, make a large batch on the weekend to have throughout the week. You can have a drawer in the kitchen with shelf-stable snacks (trail mix, granola bars, bagged cereal, etc) that you’ve pre-portioned into containers that kids can grab and go with and the same thing for the fridge.”

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Acupuncture for kids

No-needle, hands-on techniques give kids

RELIEF

W

hen Megan and Brett Ledeker first started feeding their baby daughter Maya solid foods, it didn’t go well. They noticed that when they fed her foods that contained egg she would throw up. The reactions became severe enough to land her in the emergency room (ER).

“She was continuously throwing up and she became limp and lethargic. The ER doctors told us there was nothing they could do. We felt so hopeless,” says Megan Ledeker.

After that, Maya’s parents avoided eggs as best as they could but they wanted a permanent solution. That’s when they learned that acupuncture might help. Emma Goulart, LAc, with The Acupuncture Clinic of Fort Collins, applied a treatment using Shoni-shin—a no-needle technique that gently balances 18

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the body’s systems. Goulart also used Chinese herbal pediatric tinctures to aid in Maya’s digestion and eventually had the family add back minute amounts of egg over time, allowing her body to make the proper enzymes to digest the egg.

“After about four months of treatment, Maya was able to eat a whole egg without any reaction. Where conventional medicine left us feeling helpless, acupuncture empowered us,” Megan says.

ACUPUNCTURE AND KIDS When seeking treatment for their young children, parents don’t often think of acupuncture first. Yet it has many applications for children, even those younger than age 6. When someone says acupuncture, the first thing we think of is needles. Yet there are many other components to acupuncture. Goulart

incorporates a gamut of no-needle, hands-on techniques and pediatric herbal tinctures to give young children relief from colic, teething, fevers, ear infections, upper respiratory illnesses, eczema, asthma and allergies, among other conditions.

“Because kids are so pure and usually much healthier than adults, they respond particularly well to acupuncture,” she says.

Acupuncture stimulates blood flow and releases neurotransmitters and endorphins. It promotes natural healing by turning on the immune system.

“We don’t inject anything with acupuncture, we’re simply activating the body to do its job,” Goulart adds.

Goulart rarely uses needles with children, but after age 5 she may use special, super-thin needles for more serious circumstances that demand a

PHOTO BY: CAROLYNSPRANGERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Lynn U. Nichols

deeper treatment—and then only if the child and parent are comfortable doing so. In these cases the needle is placed, then removed, almost immediately. The practice of placing a needle and leaving it in during a resting period is reserved for older kids.

AN ALTERNATIVE TO DRUGS FOR CHRONIC CONDITIONS Rarely do kids get through childhood without an ear infection. Next to the common cold, it’s the most frequently diagnosed illness for kids in the United States. Ear infections are often painful and may be accompanied by a fever. The traditional solution is treating with antibiotics for acute cases, or putting in ear tubes for reoccurring infections.

“I often have moms come to me after their toddler or preschooler has had multiple rounds of antibiotics for ear infections. When I resolve the issue they are so relieved,” Goulart says.

Goulart uses techniques to stimulate blood flow to the ear, often resolving the issue within days. For kids with chronic ear infections, she likes to see them periodically for “tune ups” to keep infections at bay. She also sends home herbal eardrops for parents to apply themselves.

“When a young child starts complaining that her ear hurts, or a baby is tugging at his ear and fussing, it’s so helpful to have an herbal tincture on hand to start the healing process immediately,” Goulart says.

When treating allergies and asthma, Goulart often starts by strengthening the gut. She also considers food allergies and sensitivities.

“Our immune system comes from our gut, so when allergies occur it’s a sign that the gut is not 100-percent balanced.

A lot of people with allergies say they get worse when they, say, eat dairy or another commonly challenging food,” she says.

SPECIFIC TECHNIQUES USED Chinese medicine is based on the meridian system, a 12-channel pathway in the body through which our life-energy, or “qi” flows. Acupuncturists stimulate points along this pathway to jumpstart healing by opening energy flow and activating organ systems. One method

used with kids is Shoni-shin, which relies on touch rather than needles for young children.

Shoni-shin, which originated in Japan 400 years ago, is gentle and painless.

Acupuncture points are stimulated by tapping, pressing, rubbing and brushing the skin with a set of small tools. Most kids find it very relaxing, even enjoyable.

“Typically, I have a child lie down and I run a tool up and down the channels of

their bodies. I have had toddlers come in and point to where they want work done, and when I check for tension spots they are often right. When kids grow up using alternative approaches, like acupuncture, they are more likely to seek natural solutions when they are older,” Goulart concludes.

Kids often find relief with acupuncture for chronic conditions in typically 5 to 8 treatments over a relatively short

Chinese healing techniques to try at home Goulart offers the following three techniques to use preventively or when your child is mildly ill. These techniques activate our bodies to naturally heal or come into balance.

Pull and Roll

Open your child’s energy flow by having her lie face down on her stomach and gently lift up the skin along her spine with your thumb and forefinger as you roll the skin from the lower back up to the neck. Do this a few times a week for maintenance.

Tummy Tumbler

Massaging your child’s tummy can stimulate organs and the immune system. While he lies on his back, gently massage his tummy in a slow, wide, clockwise circle. Make at least three rotations.

Palm Power

Our hands and feet contain microsystems that can activate all of our bodily systems. With your thumb, rub the middle of your child’s hand, where it forms a depression. Rub in a circular, clockwise motion along the edge of the depression. Make 20 or more circles on each palm.

their body, starting with the head and going to the lower back, then from the hands to the shoulders, and so on. Kids love it. I can even perform Shoni-shin while they are playing,” Goulart says.

Goulart also uses a bodywork method called tui-na, which is neither massage nor chiropractics. She massages along the spine and where she finds tension she gently massages outwards.

“Our central nervous system is housed in our spine so every single part of our body is connected to the spine.

Releasing tension in the spine releases tension elsewhere, including internal organs,” she says.

Goulart also uses Chinese herbal tinctures to heal ailments. One example is a warming herb that she places in a special stick called a moxa stick. The stick is warm, not hot, and further stimulates acupuncture points for added healing.

“It’s such a gift to introduce kids to alternative medicine when they are young because kids are so in tune with

amount of time. For simple ailments, such as a fever, results are seen much more quickly. Children require much shorter appointment times for their treatments, so Goulart offers 15-minute and 30- minute sessions.

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E CONT R U T N I NU E Explore V ES exciting AD … learning E opportunities H this summer

PHOTO COURTESY OF GARDENS ON SPRING CREEK

T

KIM SHARPE

A group of children take direction from some expert Gardens volunteers on how to use potting soil to grow beautiful plants.

S

ummertime is for kicking back and enjoying a break from the schoolyear structure, but it doesn’t have to mean a break from learning. Summer is the perfect time to explore the world, other cultures, nature and just about anything that interests you. You can do this by traveling to exotic places, of course, but when time and budgets don’t allow, there’s plenty of learning opportunities and adventure available close to home.

Cultural cognition

Libraries and museums are great places to make new discoveries. Their staff all work hard to plan interesting programs and

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activities for children, teens and adults.

Jenni Dobson, Loveland Museum/ Gallery curator of education, says, “Museums offer a wide array of educational opportunities that can vary by season, exhibit and location. If you visit our museum, we have multiple resources for all age groups to enhance your learning, from scavenger hunts to hands-on interactive exhibits.”

One long-standing tradition of the Loveland Museum is running three summer sessions at the Lone Tree School, an historic one-room school located at Loveland’s North Lake Park. Any child entering grades 2-9 is eligible to participate in the educational program, which

simulates the typical school day and activities of the late 19th century.

Greeley’s Centennial Village Museum and Bee Family Centennial Farm Museum also offer people a chance to travel back in time and experience what life was like when the west was being settled by pioneers.

Throughout every year, libraries offer many classes and learning opportunities, too.

“During the summer, the library is a very natural place of wonder for children of all ages,” says Micaela, High Plains Library District program coordinator. “At the High Plains Library District, May 29

marks the kick-off of our Summer Reading Adventure which provides numerous opportunities for children to engage with new ideas and interests. Classes on Zumba, yoga, cooking, chess or Zen art are just a few of the free learning adventures waiting for families at the library.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF GARDENS ON SPRING CREEK

Natural insights

Another way to learn new skills in the summer is to take your lessons outdoors.

One local organization that specializes in helping kids enjoy outdoor fun is Educo Leadership Adventures.

Educo recently joined forces with No Barriers USA. Their new alignment brings the addition of the No Barriers Curriculum to Educo’s Adventure Programs throughout Colorado that include camping, backpacking, rock climbing, white water rafting and mountain boarding for youth 10 to 16 years of age.

Educo Adventure Programs have a tiered pricing structure and full “camperships” for those who qualify. “We want to make the wilderness and outdoors available to everyone,” says Nick Pellitteri, No Barriers associate director of Colorado Adventure Programs.

Pellitteri says Educo/No Barrriers also partners with other programs in the area, like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County and Kids @ Heart, to offer summer camps for their participants.

Many of these groups use the Educo Adventure Camp near Red Feather Lakes.

Places like the Poudre Learning Center in Greeley, the CSU Environmental Learning Center and Gardens on Spring

Creek in Fort Collins, and Loveland Youth Gardeners in Loveland also offer many educational programs and activities designed to connect kids and adults to nature.

“The Gardens on Spring Creek believes providing young people and families space to connect with nature is critical to the overall health and well-being of our community,” says Korrie Johnston, Gardens on Spring Creek fundraising and marketing coordinator. “We provide them the space to be creative, to discover the world around them and to be together in an unplugged environment. Our hope is that by providing this space, they will be driven to protect and nurture the natural world around them.”

In Estes Park, the YMCA of the Rockies offers day camp and overnight programs that give kids an opportunity to horseback ride in the mountains, hike, develop archery skills, swim, create crafts and more.

Playful perception

We often think learning has to come in formal, planned ways, but that’s not necessarily the case. Many of life’s most important lessons come during times when we’re simply playing.

“Do not underestimate the power of unstructured play,” says Susan Stiffelman, MFT, an educational therapist and author of Parenting Without Power Struggles. “Playing catch in the yard, dancing in the living room, and chasing after lightning bugs provide opportunities for intellectual, physical and personal development.

Entertaining and educational

Learn and have fun at many northern Colorado locations

MUSEUMS Bee Family Centennial Farm Museum 4320 E Co Rd 58, FC www.beefamilyfarm.com or 970-482-9168 Loveland Museum/Gallery 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org or 970-962-2410 Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 408 Mason Court, FC www.fcmod.org or 970-221-6738 City of Greeley Museums Several locations, www.greeleymuseums. org or 970-350-9220 LIBRARIES Clearview Library 720 3rd St., WS, www.clearviewlibrary.org or 970-686-5603 Estes Valley Library 335 E. Elkhorn Ave., EP, www.estesvalley library.org or 970-586-8116 High Plains Libraries District Several locations throughout Weld County www.mylibary.us Poudre River Public Library District Several locations throughout Fort Collins www.poudrelibraries.org Loveland Public Library 300 N. Adams Ave., LV www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org or 970-962-2665 NATURE CENTERS CSU Environmental Learning Center Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States Off E. Drake Road, FC www.csuelc.org or 970-491-6675 Gardens on Spring Creek 2145 Centre Ave., FC, www.fcgov.com/ gardens or 970-416-2486 Loveland Youth Gardeners 907 S. Lincoln Ave., LV www.lovelandyouthgardeners.org or 970-669-7182 Poudre Learning Center 8313 West F St., GR www.poudrelearningcenter.org or 970-352-1267

Young preschoolers learn all about how seeds grow during the weekly Read & Seed program at the Gardens.

YMCA of the Rockies www.ymcarockies.org

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greeley-evans district 6 news summer meal kickoff event Here are the retirees honored and their years of service: Rick Ayers, teacher,

Greeley-Evans School District 6 is hosting the Summer Food Service Kickoff event for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Mountain Plains Regional Office from 11am-1pm Tuesday, June 7 at Centennial Elementary School, 1400 37th Street in Evans.

Partners from Weld Food Bank will be onsite with their Mobile Food Pantry to distribute food for families in need and the District 6 food truck “El Fuego” will be offering samples of its menu items. This along with a community partner fair, special guests from Fuel Up to Play 60 and school garden tours will make for a great time to learn more about the healthy and nutritious meal program in District 6. The event is open to the public, and many local and state officials will be on hand help kickoff the Summer Food Service Program.

District 6 will begin its Summer Food Service Program on May 31 and will continue through August 11. Breakfast will be served 7:45-9am and lunch will be served 11am – 1pm. All sites will serve meals Monday through Thursday.

No meals will be served on Fridays.

The federally-funded Summer Food Service Program provides free breakfast and lunch to any child between the ages of 1 and 18. Adults can also eat for a small fee.

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Here are the sites serving meals this summer:

• Centennial Elementary School, 1400 37th Avenue, Evans • Heiman Elementary School, 3500 Palermo Avenue, Evans • Jefferson High School, 1315 4th Avenue, Greeley • Maplewood Elementary School, 1201 21st Avenue, Greeley • Salida del Sol Academy, 111 E. 26th Street, Greeley • Scott Elementary School, 3000 13th Street, Greeley • Shawsheen Elementary School, 4020 W 7th Street, Greeley (lunch only)

DISTRICT 6 RETIREES HONORED AT SPECIAL RECEPTION More than 40 District 6 employees who have or who will retire this year were honored at a special reception Tuesday, May 17 at the Greeley Country Club.

A total of 48 employees will retire this year from District 6, some after decades of service to the district. Many of those and their families were in attendance Tuesday night to be honored and receive a gift from the District. Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch, Board of Education President Roger DeWitt, and retiree Sharon Wright addressed the audience.

1990-2016; Sharon Bailey, teacher, 19972015; Mary Baker, health clerk, 2007-2015; Robert Bates, instructional coach and teacher, 2013-2015; Lydia Bates, principal, 2007-2016; LuAnn Beeman, teacher, 1994-2016; Art Benavidez, warehouse driver, 2007-2016; Marilyn Bradley, nurse, 2002-2016; Elizabeth Brazzel, teacher, 1982-2016; Amy Burkholder Pardo, teacher, 2001-2016; Madonna Busson, kitchen manager, 1999-2016; Deanna Butherus, teacher, 1982-2016; Connie Canali, teacher, 2008-2016; Maria Conklin, teacher, 20062016; Mark Cousins, principal, 2001-2016; Wayne Eads, chief operations officer and interim superintendent, 1992-2015; David Gonzales, teacher, 1981-2016; Daniel Gray, assistant building manager 2007-2016; Michelle Harr-Anderson, teacher and instructional coach, 1985-2016; Deanna Hawley, office manager, 2004-2016; Mike Heatherly, teacher, 2006-2016; Kenneth Hoyland, project manager, 1985-2015; Jeff Kamps, special education assistant, 20132016; Lynn Kennedy, teacher, 1982-2016; Ginnie Krough, teacher, 1992-2016; Edward Martinez, teacher, 1987-2016; Alan Moore, custodian, 2007-2015; Connie Newton, assistant warehouse manager, 1991-2015; William Osentoski, teacher, 1984-2016; Laura Peeke, 1989-2016; Jim Poush, roofer and carpenter, 1987-2016; Ruth Reilly, teacher, 1993-2016; Ann Richards, school psychologist, 2012-2016; Frederick Scholfield, grounds crew chief and foreman, 1987-2016; Stephen Scott, teacher, 20132016; Larry Scovil, teacher, 2005-2016; Judy Smith, teacher, 2008-2016; William Smythe, teacher, 1987-2016; Theresa Stauss, teacher, 1984-2016; Michael Stieb, teacher, 2000-2016; Carolyn Terry, teacher, 1988-2016; Brenda Trautner, teacher, 19812016; Andrea Tunison, teacher, 1992-2016; Stephen Vail, counselor, 1985-2016; Jennifer Vestecka, teacher, 1989-2016; Sharon Wright, teacher, 1980-2016; Ruth Wydeven, teacher, 1997-2016; and Laura Zweck, transportation route manager, 1983-2016.

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poudre school district news Hands-on STEM learning for girls

Giggles echoed down the main hallway at Zach Elementary School. More than a dozen girls crowded in groups around desks, each trying to construct a tower strong enough to survive the “earthquake machine.”

Several female Colorado State University students hovered above them, giving tips and helping the girls think through the logic behind their design.

“This kind of stuff is not something I was part of as a kid,” junior Madison Harrison, a health and exercise science major, says as she surveys the room full of spaghetti, toothpicks and marshmallows. “I only had one hands-on science project in eighth grade.”

That lack of experiential learning is what motivated her to get some fellow STEM-oriented college friends together to create GEMS, Girls Excelling in Math and Science.

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“Science is so fun, but you have to have that hands-on experience to understand and love it for what it is,” she explains. “I would love for these girls to find a love for science.”

The genius of the program is that it leverages kids natural bent to play then adds another level of critical thinking and experimentation to give them a taste for scientific inquiry.

“This is the kind of learning kids remember; when they’re in charge and exploring,” gifted and talented math teacher Jan Nimlo says. “GEMS is exposing them to concepts that they wouldn’t regularly see in the classroom, with the freedom to get in there with inquiry, hands-on learning from making mistakes, and discovery.”

She worked with Harrison to develop the activities for the program, which ranged weekly from extracting DNA from

bananas to testing the acidity of beet juice to creating a giant, active volcano model.

“I love the science experiments that we do,” Grace Carpenter, a fifth grader says as she puts the finishing touches on her marshmallow tower. “My mom always says don’t play with your food.”

Neighboring Zoe Armon, a third grader, grinned and agreed: “I like that we get to build things that my mom would say no to.”

Due to popular demand, GEMS ran two series this spring and plans to continue the program in coming years.

GRADS AT A GLANCE: MEET ARMOND DAI OF FORT COLLINS HIGH SCHOOL When Armond Dai started high school, he didn’t think of himself as athletic or artistic.

But then he tried out for a musical, and the swim team. He signed up for an art class, and a weight-training class first

GRADS AT A GLANCE: MEET CATHERINE BARISAS OF POLARIS EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING SCHOOL Catherine Barisas, a senior at Polaris Expeditionary Learning School, is

CATHERINE BARISAS

thing in the morning.

“I put myself out there, and it’s made my high school experience so much richer,” he explains. “Anything new can really change how you experience life.”

He learned that lesson while living abroad in China for a year with his family, just before starting high school. Despite the walls of culture shock, a language barrier and stereotypes, Armond found much in common with his global peers.

“The most important thing I learned is that there are good, genuine people all around the world — I firmly believe that,” he says.

He came back to Fort Collins High School fluent in Mandarin and open to self-discovery.

“Armond spends time pondering ideas that other students never think about. He is an ebullient spirit and cares about the world around him,” school counselor Cindy Benger says.

He volunteers in the community, works as a lifeguard, competes on the swim team, and has earned recognition as a National AP Scholar and Eagle Scout.

Next year, he plans to study architecture — appreciating its marriage of art and science — at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

quiet, but secretly spunky. She lights up when she starts talking about photography — in particular, portraiture — her favorite subject in school and hobby outside of it.

“I really like how a subject’s expression captures the moment,” she says, explaining how one of her favorite pictures she’s taken is a black and white portrait of her dad, caught joyfully in mid-laugh.

The art form provided her with a means of reconnecting with the world after a difficult start to high school.

Catherine struggled to make friends and find her place during her freshman year.

An illness during her sophomore year led to a long depression.

“I felt invisible,” she says. During

her junior year, she started fresh at Polaris Expeditionary Learning School, a smaller setting with only about 30 other kids in the senior class. The close-knit environment made it easier to find support, and the teachers introduced her to photography.

“Photography really helped me transition,” she explains. “I’m able to use it to communicate with other kids, to create a conversation.”

As she dove deeper into the medium, experimenting with light and shutter speed, learning how to put her subjects at ease to get the best photo, her newfound skills released her inner talent. She started winning big awards — three Gold Key Awards from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and scholarships to CSU and UNC. “Photography has pushed me to know my capabilities and know that I can do it,” Catherine says.

Leading an after-school photography club has helped her overcome her natural shyness, and she’s confidently planning to attend college outof-state next year, to challenge herself even further.

ARMOND DAI

PSD Calendar of Events June 14 ...... 6 :30pm, Board of Education meeting, Johannsen Support Services Complex 2407 LaPorte Avenue.

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thompson school district news Explore Thompson Reinvented plan

TSD students, families and community members took time recently to explore the district Master Plan Committee’s proposed “Thompson Reinvented” plan through a series of five community forums that were held throughout the district. Forums were held at Berthoud High School, Loveland High School, Coyote Ridge Elementary School, Thompson Valley High School and Mountain View High School.

Thompson School District’s Master Plan Committee is composed of students, community members and staff who meet monthly to review and forecast capital needs in the district. In April 2015, the MPC leadership presented a concept entitled “Thompson Reinvented,” which utilized a “win-win” strategy to address a wide scope of issues facing the district. The Board of Education charged the MPC to expand the plan and provide a cost estimate for the concept. Architects were engaged to analyze the concepts, estimate project costs and draw general layouts for each element of the plan. Topics of discussion at the community forums included school boundaries, 28

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school re-organization, choice programs available within the district, the K-8 model of schools and specific projects that have been identified at individual schools. All attendees were invited to submit their feedback and comments anonymously via a survey form. The information that has been gleaned will be presented to the Board of the Education for the group’s consideration.

To learn more about the “Thompson Reinvented” plan, including the opportunity to view the plan details in full and a copy of the presentation from the community forums, please visit www.thompson schools.org/thompsonreinvented.

STUDENTS TAKE CLASS AFIELD Big Thompson Elementary School’s 3rdand 4th-grade classes attended a field trip to Rocky Mountain National Park recently. The weather was gorgeous for the trip and the volunteer rangers were incredibly knowledgeable. The group learned how to take the temperature of the soil, measure the speed of the wind, and how to distinguish the different trees in the area by using their pine needles for clues.

DISTRICT CELEBRATES TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK Thompson School District celebrated 2016 National Teacher Appreciation Week from May 2 to May 6. Throughout the week on the district’s Blog (www.tsdblogs.com) and other social media sites, the district featured photos and inspirational words submitted by students and families throughout the district. TSD expresses its gratitude to all of its teachers, who work so hard each and every day to make a difference in the lives of students.

LOVELAND HIGH STUDENT RECEIVES BOETTCHER SCHOLARSHIP Thompson School District is proud to announce that Loveland High School’s Richard Ortecho has been named one of forty-two seniors in the state of Colorado to receive a 2016 Boettcher Foundation Scholarship. Richard plans to attend the University of Colorado.

Boettcher Scholarships recognize Colorado’s top students by providing them with the funds to attain an excellent in-state education and access

to additional opportunities to enrich their time in college and beyond. Boettcher Scholars become part of a vast network of alumni and community leaders who will support and engage them throughout their lifetimes.

Established in 1952, the Boettcher Scholarship program awards 42 scholarships each year. The Boettcher Scholar community includes more than 2,400 individuals who have gone on to make their marks in business, politics, academia and other endeavors. Among them are a Nobel Prize winner, a MacArthur “Genius Award” recipient, multiple Rhodes Scholars, U.S. Ambassadors, CEOs, elected officials, and numerous leaders in the business, academic and nonprofit communities. The Boettcher Foundation increased the number of scholarship awarded annually from 40 to 42 last year, thanks to a generous, ongoing donation from B. Grady and Lori Durham of Denver. Boettcher Scholarships include virtually all expenses to attend the Colorado school of the recipient’s choice: full tuition, fees, a book allowance and an annual stipend for living expenses.

SUMMER MEAL PROGRAM KICKS OFF Thompson School District’s Nutrition Services Department has announced their sponsorship of the 2016 Summer Food Service program. The program is designed to feed children ages 18 months to 18 years old free of charge during the summer months.

The program runs through Friday, July 29, excluding the week of July 4th. A nutritious breakfast and lunch will be served at five open sites throughout the district. Serving times will be 8am-9am for breakfast (no breakfast on Fridays) and 11:30am-12:30pm for lunch (Monday through Friday). Some TSD summer programs (such as Camp READ) will also serve meals. Please check with your specific program for more information. The Summer Food Service program will be hosted at the following locations: Monroe Elementary School, 1500 N. Monroe Avenue; Bill Reed Middle School, 370 W. 4th Street (No breakfast); Sarah Milner Elementary School, 743 Jocelyn Drive; Lincoln Elementary School, 3312 N. Douglas Avenue; and Winona Elementary School, 201 S. Boise Avenue. For more information, please contact the district’s Nutrition Services office at 613-5143.

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JUNE 2016 ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 18 Encounters: Images and Words A father’s poems and photographs convey the significance of his travels.

Prices vary. Global Village Museum, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 11am5pm. 970-221-4600 or www. globalvillagemuseum.org.

THROUGH JULY 10 Into The Woods Familiar storybook characters get tangled up together and take a magical journey into the woods. Prices and show times vary. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown. www.coloradocandlelight.com.

JUNE 1 THROUGH JULY 20 Am I Hungry? 8-week Mindful Eating Program Learn to eat foods you love without overeating. $65. Women’s Clinic, Westbridge Room, 1107 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 12noon-1:30pm. 970-495-8560.

JUNE 5 THROUGH JULY 9 Kids’ Summer Reading Program Kids ages 12 and under are challenged to read at least 15 minutes a day.

Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 970-484-7898 or www. oldfirehousebooks.com.

JUNE 5 THROUGH AUGUST 13 Adults’ & Teens’ Summer Reading Program Adults and teens over 12 years old are challenged to read five books this summer. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 970-484-7898 or www. oldfirehousebooks.com.

JUNE 6 THROUGH 10 Lone Valley School Day Camp Spend the week with the Centennial Village schoolmarm, playing and learning unique history lessons.

Ages 5-13. Registration required. $75. Centennial Village Museum, 1475 A St., GR. 9am-12:30pm. www.Greeleyrec.com.

JUNE 8, 15, 22 AND 29 Summer Comic Book Club Join the club for teens to talk comics, read comics, watch comic movies, discuss which characters would win in fights and generally do a lot of important work. Snacks are likely. Nerdiness is definite. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 1pm. 888-861-7323 or www.

MyLibrary.us.

JUNE 8, 15, 22 AND 29 Library Running Club All abilities welcome. Ages 10+. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 6:30pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

JUNE 9, 16, 23 AND 30 Park It and Read Meet at the northeast corner of Lincoln Park each Thursday to read together in the shade or sun. Lincoln Park, 9th Ave. and 7th St., GR. 10:30am. 888-8617323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

JUNE 10 THROUGH 12 Taste of Fort Collins A community celebration.Ticket prices and event times vary. Washington Park, 321 Maple St., FC. www. tasteoffortcollins.com.

JUNE 11 AND 12 Estes Park Wool Market and Fiber Festival Hands-on activities; fuzzy, approachable animals; entertaining performances; and shopping. Estes Park Events Complex, 1209 Manford Ave., EP. Saturday, 9am5pm; Sunday, 9am-4pm. 970-577-9900 or www.visitestespark.com.

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JUNE 14 THROUGH 17 Improv Fun! Improvisational comedy is one of the most exciting art forms in the world. Grades 2-5. $120 ($96 museum members). Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 10:30am2:30pm. 970-962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.com.

JUNE 21 THROUGH JULY 1 Moviemaking: Loveland History for Kids, by Kids Have you ever wondered what goes into making a movie? Grades 4-8. $240 ($192 museum members). Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 10:30am-2:30pm. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelangmuseumgallery.org.

JUNE 25 THROUGH JULY 3 The Secret Garden Based on the best-selling children’s book by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Adults-$19; Students-$12. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. Times vary. www.ucstars.com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 Nature Nuggets - Hurry Scurry!

Mice and squirrels are vital to the natural food web. Ages 3-7 and guardian. Registration required. Magpie Meander Natural Area, meet at Soft Gold Park, 520 Hickory St., FC. 9:3010:30am and 11am-12noon. www. naturetracker.fcgov.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3 Geology Underfoot at the Devil’s Backbone Gain insights into the geology of this local landmark. Devil’s Backbone Open Space, Plaster Mill Rd., LV. 10-11:30am.

970-619-4565 or www.larimer.org/ NRregistration.

Bike Art Show A bicycle art show featuring local artists.

Downtown Artery, FC. 6-10pm. www. bikefortcollins.org.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 4 Fire Hydrant 5 The second run in the Healthy Kids Run Series. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Drive, LV. 970-495-7511 or www.healthykidsclub.org.

National Trails Day Volunteers of all ages are invited to help maintain trails. Registration required.

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, 10184 Co Rd 32C, LV. 8am-1pm. www.fcgov.com/ naturalareas.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5 Open Streets This free event will get you moving in a unique festival environment. Corbett Drive from Harmony to Kechter, FC. 10am-3pm. www.fcgov.com/openstreets.

MONDAY, JUNE 6 The BIG Show High-energy entertainment, including hula hoops, tumblers, jugglers and more.

Old Town Library, Library Park, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10:30am-11:30am. 970221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

Martial Arts Workshop Learn self-defense methods. Waivers available online or at the library.

Registration required. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 11am.

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

Babysitting 101 Teens learn top-notch babysitting skills. Receive Babysitting 101 certification. Ages 12-18. Harmony Library, Community Room (H), 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 12noon-5pm. www. poudrelibraries.org.

Bicycle Friendly Driver Become a certified Bicycle Friendly Driver in this popular class. Ages 16+.

Childcare available. Raintree Athletic Club, 2555 S. Shields St., FC. 5-6:30pm. www.fcgov.com/bikesummer.

Teen Health Focus Group Discuss your thoughts about the health topics that relate to your teen’s life.

Focus groups in English and Spanish.

Childcare and snacks provided. Receive a $25 gift card for participating. First United Methodist Church, 917 10th Ave., GR. 6:30-8pm. 303-692-2611 or www. tinyurl.com/WeldCoTeenHealth.

WEDNEDSAY, JUNE 8 Stroller Stroll Bring your child (under 3 years old), stroller, and snacks to explore from the ground up in a kid-friendly natural area.

Registration required. Ross Natural Area, meet at the playground at Rolland Moore Park, 2201 S. Shields St., FC. 10-11am. www.naturetracker.fcgov.com.

Zumba Kids High energy dance party for kids.

Grades 3-5. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm. 888-8617323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Miniature Zen Garden Make a peaceful miniature Zen garden out of simple materials. Grades 6-12.

Registration required. Greeley Rec Center, Room 102, 651 10th Ave., GR. 1pm.

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 7 Tiny Trekkers Nature-filled program with crafts, stories and outside play time. Ages 2-5. Devil’s Backbone Open Space, 1725 Hidden Valley Drive, LV. 10-11am.

970-619-4565 or www.larimer.org/ NRregistration.

THURSDAY, JUNE 9 Clearview Olympiad Jump, hop, hula hoop, balance, stretch and more at the Library. Ages 5-12.

Clearview Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 3-4:30pm. 970-686-5603 or www. clearviewlibrary.org.

Parachute Party Sing, dance and move with the parachute. Ages 18 mos.-5 years.

Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 10:30am. 888-861-7323 or www.

MyLibrary.us.

Rub a Reptile A selection of reptiles, for a hands-on visit. Recommended for families with children ages 5+. Council Tree Library, Community Room (C), 2733 Council Tree Ave. #200, FC. 7-7:45pm. 970-2216740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

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NoCo Farmer’s Markets

Enjoy locally grown produce and other food stuffs at Farmers Markets throughout northern Colorado.

SATURDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 24

WEDNESDAYS, JUNE 15 THROUGH SEPTEMBER

Drake Road Farmers Market 802 W. Drake Rd., FC. 10am-1pm. www. drakeroadfarmersmarket.com.

SATURDAYS, THROUGH OCTOBER 22 Larimer County Farmers Market Larimer County Courthouse parking lot, 200 W. Oak St., FC. 8am-12noon. www. larimercountyfarmersmarket.colostate.edu/index.shtml.

SUNDAYS THROUGH MID-NOVEMBER Fort Collins Farmers Market Parking lot of ACE Hardware, 1001 E. Harmony Road, FC. 11am-3pm. www.fortcollinsfm.com.

SUNDAYS, JUNE 26 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25 City of Loveland Farmers Market 700 S. Railroad Ave., LV (at the far north end of Fairgrounds). 9am-1:30pm.

Loveland Farmers Market In front of Hobby Lobby, 3133 N. Garfield Ave., LV. 11am-3pm. www.fortcollinsfm.com.

Yarn Storming Event Yarn Storm the fence while enjoying music and good company. Railroad Avenue between 3rd and 4th Sts. in Downtown, LV. 4pm. www. cityofloveland.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Family Nature Club For families with children 12 and under.

Registration required. Nix Farm, 1745 Hoffman Mill Rd., FC. 9-11am. www. naturetracker.fcgov.com.

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WEDNESDAYS JULY 6 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28 AND SATURDAYS, THROUGH OCTOBER 29 Greeley Farmers Market Union Pacific Depot, 902 7th Ave., GR. 970-339-2417 or www.greeleygov.com.

THURSDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER Estes Valley Farmers Market 107 MacGregor Ave., EP (in Bond Park next to the public library). 8am-1pm. www.facebook.com/EstesValleyFarmersMarket.

THURSDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER

TUESDAYS AND SATURDAYS, THROUGH OCTOBER

FRIDAY, JUNE 10 Skateboard Competition No entry fee, lots of food, music, and, of course, skating! Ages 13-19. Registration required. Clearview Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 1-3pm. 970-686-5603 or www. clearviewlibrary.org.

Fort Collins Farmers Market Parking lot of ACE Hardware, 1001 E. Harmony Road, FC. 11am-3pm. www.fortcollinsfm.com.

Wellington Farmers Market 3815 Harrison Ave., Centennial Park, Wellington.

4-8pm (or dusk). www.wellingtoncofarmersmarket.org

Discovery Zone at the Gardens Have fun, get dirty and learn.

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

CCC Summer Choral Festival Concert Featuring participants of the CCC Summer Choral Festival Camp. University for the Arts, Griffin Hall, 1400 Remington St., FC. 11am. Ccc.m2hub.com.

Bike Rodeo 2016 Bike rodeo outside for children. Inside, learn about bike safety and repairs.

Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 2-4pm. 970-962-2754 or www. cityofloveland.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 13 STORYWALK® Take a walk and read a book at the same time! This program is for toddlers, preschoolers and families. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. English9:30am; Spanish-10:30am. 888-8617323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta-Fun Sing-alongs, zany props, sign language and more. Old Town Library, Library Park, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10:3011:15am. 970-221-6740 or www. poudrelibraries.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 14 Giant Games Giant versions of popular family games including Jenga, Connect 4 and Kerplunk. Grades 6-12. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 2pm.

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

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Family Bike Ride Fun and casual 3-5 mile ride for the whole family. Helmets required. Family FunPlex, 1501 65th Ave., GR. 6:307:30pm. www.greeleybikes.com.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15 Toddlers on the Trail Ages 3 and under. Registration required.

Riverbend Ponds, meet at the parking lot off Timberline and Cairnes Drive, FC. www.naturetracker.fcgov.com.

Jeff and Paige Songs, storytelling and interactive play to engage kids with music and movement.

Lincoln Center Lawn, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 10:30am. www.lctix.com.

Junior Olympics Be prepared to get wet, wild and messy.

Ages 9-11. Registration required. Old Town Library, Community Room 1, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2-3:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

Junior Ranger Hike to Horsetooth Falls Learn about local geology, ecology and more with Larimer County. Ages 7-12.

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, 6550 W. County Rd. 38 E., FC. 5-7pm.

970-619-4565 or www.larimer.org/ NRregistration.

The Wendy Woo Band Don’t miss this energetic performer.

CSU Lory Student Center, West Lawn, 1101 Center Ave. Mall, FC. 6-8:30pm. www.lagoonseries.com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 16 What Does the Fox Say? Information and activities to bring children into the world of nature.

Ages 2-5. Namaqua Park, 730 N. Namaqua Ave., LV. 9:30-10:30am & 11am-12noon. 970-962-2643 or www. cityofloveland.org.

Hug a Tree Stay safe in the wilderness, even if you get lost. Council Tree Library, Community Room (C), 2733 Council Tree Ave #200, FC. 7-7:45pm. 970-2216740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 17 Campfire at the Cabin Spend an evening cozy by a campfire complete with stories and s’mores.

Registration required. Coyote Ridge Natural Area, Spring Mesa Rd., FC. 8pm. 970-416-2043 or www.fcgov.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18 MakeIt: Green Scene Use green screen technology to create pictures. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 10am. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Family Night Walk Enjoy a short walk with interactive activities and stories about.Registration required. Location provided at registration.

8-9pm. www.naturetracker.fcgov.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 19 Father’s Day 5K The third run in the Healthy Kids Run Series. Downtown, FC. 970-495-7511 or www.healthykidsclub.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21 Intro to Meditation Teens: need to de-stress? Learn the essentials of meditation. Grades 6-12.

Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 2pm. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 Bike to Work Day Bike to work and you’ll find free breakfast at 40+ breakfast stations located all across Fort Collins. Various locations, FC. 6:30-9:30am. www.fcgov. com/bikemonth.

Salida Circus Olympic Games Get ready for the Circus Olympic Games!

Lincoln Center Lawn, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 10:30am. www.lctix.com.

Bonnie and the Clydes Dynamic harmonies, guitar solos and unique vocals. CSU Lory Student Center, West Lawn, 1101 Center Ave. Mall, FC. 6-8:30pm. www.lagoonseries.com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23 Professor Sprout’s Herbology 101 Come dressed as your favorite Harry Potter character to learn. Grades 3-5.

Registration required. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 1pm. 888861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

MONDAY, JUNE 27 Live Candyland Draw cards and race to the finish!

Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 12noon-1pm. 970-962-2548 or www.cityofloveland.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 28 BMX Show Spectacular stunts on the ground and in the air. Ages 10+. Clearview Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 1-2pm. 970-686-5603 or www.clearviewlibrary.org.

Sleep Better Sew your own pillow case. All materials provided. Grades 6-12. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 2pm.

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

Teen Sphero Maze Madness Use creativity and teamwork to move through simple steps of the design process. Grades 6-12. Harmony Library, Community Room (H), 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 970-221-6740 or www. poudrelibraries.org.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 BMX Freestyle John Parker will wow the audience with a bicycle freestyle performance, and then will discuss and sign his youth empowering book, “Whaddya Want?”.

Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 10am. 888-861-7323 or www.

MyLibrary.us.

Mr. Kneel’s Hip Hop for Families Positive, informative and self-esteem building music for children. Lincoln Center Lawn, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 10:30am. www.lctix.com.

Maxwell Mud The three gentleman of Maxwell Mud deliver a crowd-pleasing experience that falls between the classic rock and roll that everyone loves and a distinctive sound of their own creation. CSU Lory Student Center, West Lawn, 1101 Center Ave. Mall, FC. 6-8:30pm. www. lagoonseries.com.

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time out A Disney World survival guide

Make a plan, book ahead, have fun and enjoy the ride(s) KRIS KODRICH

S

urviving Disney World is the ultimate test for a family. Waking up at the crack of dawn, catching shuttles to the crowded theme parks, narrowly making scheduled Fast Pass times at Space Mountain, not getting lost on Tom Sawyer Island, not collapsing of exhaustion after 15 straight hours of fun, not going broke.

As someone who recently survived the ordeal, I’m going to lay out some survival strategies for those whose summer vacation plans include Mickey’s commercially excessive yet embarrassingly entertaining home.

Now, I’m a planner. So when we decided to go to Disney World for our second time as a family, I sprang into action, finding good deals, booking free hotel rooms using airline miles, buying discounted passes.

Since I’ve also lived in Florida, it was easy to plan a trip staying with family in Miami for the holidays, spending beach days at Miami Beach and Delray Beach, visiting favorite haunts in Key West, and showing the kids the lifestyles of the rich and famous in Palm Beach. And eventually we wound up at Disney World.

The key is to absolutely exhaust everyone each day. That was quite easy on the longest and most crowded days possible – December 30 and 31. With Christmas celebrations still continuing and the party scene for New Years in full steam, the parks were open past 2am each night, so, yes, we did spend a full 17 hours at the Magic Kingdom the first day but a mere 16 hours at Epcot on New Year’s Eve. Disney knows how to throw a party.

My two daughters, Bianka, 11, and Kalia, 15, got the full club atmosphere of a non-stop dance scene as Disney DJs blasted hits by everyone from Selena Gomez to Pink to the tens of thousands

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who danced along the landscaped streets and plazas all night. And the fireworks – Bianka was practically in tears when she exclaimed that the New Year’s Eve fireworks “are absolutely the best I’ve ever seen in my life!”

So how did we survive? Here are some tips. * Plan. Get your Fast Passes to attractions like Space Mountain or Epcot’s Test Track 30 days before your visit (earlier, if you’re staying at a Disney hotel). We walked right past two-hour lines and hopped on the rides. Also, it makes sense to book your lunch early, too. We had reservations both days in great sit-down restaurants – including Epcot’s fancy Marrakesh Restaurant, where we ate Moroccan kebobs and couscous while belly dancers performed. * Don’t forget kids need more than a big breakfast and lunch. As Bianka likes to remind me, I forgot to get the girls anything to eat after lunch at the Magic Kingdom, except for a Mickey

Mouse ice cream bar * Let the kids have fun. Keep an eye on them, though. But you can still let kids decide on most of the itinerary. And let them have your Fast Passes if they want to do Space Mountain twice in a row! * Reward yourself, too. Figure out goofy things that you might like to do. I dragged my kids to the Enchanted Tiki Room to watch the animated singing parrots, a personal favorite. The Moroccan restaurant with belly dancing? My idea. And I really liked the taste of the Moosehead beer at the Canada pavilion. Surprisingly, Bianka enjoyed that pavilion, too, so she didn’t mind wandering the canyon and looking at the waterfall while dad got another beer to fully appreciate Canadian culture.

See, it all works out.

Kris Kodrich teaches journalism at Colorado State University.

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