0713 RM Parent July 2013

JUly 2013 • RMPARENT.COM

Family friendlY Music

Strains

and sprains

Tween

independence

Using and reusing

Fire

safety

Melon

Special section:

mania

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JULY 2013

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

Letting out the leash—Experience is the key to being safe

AS WE GROW. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

When to say yes, when to say no—giving ‘tweens safe opportunities to break out on their own

Family activities . . . . . . . 10

Special Sections FIT & FUN Check out this special advertising section for ideas about what your kids can do to stay active and engaged.

ADVERTISING SUPP

LEMENT

Music and fresh air—catch these live concerts with local bands

Healthy living . . . . . . . . . 12 Waste not, want not—re-purpose household items

Community news . . . . . . 14 Something’s in the air that makes it hard to breathe easy, tobacco alert, Yea for Youth, mammograms on the move

Features 20

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

Melon mania—take your pick of these sweet and juicy fruits of summer

Safe KIDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Trauma season is here—active supervision helps keeps kids out of the emergency room

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 6

eep strains and K sprains ofF the summer activity list

There’s nothing like warm weather and long days to tempt us to get out and get active.

Don’t let a twisted ankle or muscle sprain ruin your plans. Follow these tips from three local family medicine doctors to stay injuryfree this summer.

Events and activities for parents, kids and families

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

Goodbye vogue fashion days—hello practical, rayon-wearing mom

School District News Thompson School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Packin’ it up for kids, nurturing the artistic side, Loveland Habitat for Humanity and Loveland High School celebrate partnership, TSD celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week

Poudre School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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Don’t get burned

Practice fire safety around grills and fireworks

Johnson Elementary has giving group of volunteers, Cache La Poudre schools celebrate 100 years, Eyestone students display their published novels

Greeley-Evans District 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 District 6 receives Expelled and At-Risk Student Services grant, District 6 receives BEST cash grant for Greeley West renovations

ABOUT THE COVER: Ella, age 8, likes to jump rope, canoe, dance and do gymnastics. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com.

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perspective Letting out the leash Experience is the key to being safe

W

ell, it looks like we’re hitting the injury-prevention theme pretty hard this month. We dish up trauma prevention (p18), which works because this is, as they say, trauma season.

That’s followed by fire safety (p20)...grills, fireworks and gasoline, another timely story. And just in case we might have missed something, we round it out with a feature about preventing and treating minor injuries from being active (p22).

I hesitate to write this lest I invite disaster, but we’ve been lucky with the kids and injuries. And it’s not because our kids have stayed inside, where it is allegedly safer and watched a screen of some sort or another most of time. In fact, it was quite the opposite. They have always been active, and maybe that’s the best thing.

We lived up Poudre Canyon for several years when the kids were young.

Many days, they would get up in the morning and put their helmets on and just wear them. They climbed trees, rode their bikes on the gravel road and ran around with the chickens. (I would say chased the chickens around, but it was usually the other way around. Midnight, in particular, was a very territorial rooster.) When their friends would visit, it was always clear which ones were used to being active and which not so much.

We didn’t get TV in the canyon or have video games, so that was never an option. Friends who hadn’t practiced being physical would sometimes get hurt...you know, fall out of a tree or crash a bike on the gravelly hill. It was sad to see...not just because no one likes to see gravel ground into the forearm of a child, but also because I wanted them to enjoy being active.

We also did a fair bit of boating...rafting and inflatable-kayaking... when we lived up there without an injury. We always wore wet suits, helmets and life jackets and we practiced rescue techniques.

I guess where I might be going with this (I’m never really sure) is to say that we best help our kids stay out of trouble by giving them a little bit more leash to do things as they seem to be able to handle it...kind of letting them practice with judgment so that when they’re out on their own they’ll be able to make a decision based on real past experience. Of course, it’s our job to try to keep them safe in the meantime. No doubt, accidents happen even when we’re doing everything right...that slide into second base that doesn’t go so well and an ankle gets twisted. In my opinion though, the biggest mistake we can make is to not let our kids experiment with being physical and taking controlled risks. Because that day will come when they find themselves at the bottom of a tree and their friends are sitting in branches 10 feet off the ground.

I’m just saying...

Scott Titterington, Publisher

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July 2013 • Volume 18, Issue 2 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 Alisa Gaston-Linn, Lea Hanson, Richard Keller, Kim Sharpe, Lynn Utzman-Nichols, Janet Werst

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

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as we grow

When to say yes, when to say no Giving ‘tweens safe opportunities to break out on their own L ynn U t z m a n N i c h o ls

I

s your almost teen asking to do things you are not quite comfortable with yet? Welcome to the world of ‘tweens.

Tweens, kids ages 9 to 12, want to flex their independence muscles. They want to venture into the world of adults, even if they are not quite ready. It’s all part of growing up, and you are bound to feel uncomfortable with this new stage. The trick is figuring out when to say yes, and when to say no. Is your fear making you say no?

Or is it a safety reason? Would it be okay for your 10-year-old to cross Shields on her bike under certain circumstances? And when can she hang out at the park alone with friends? Here are some ideas on making the passage through this inbetween age a little easier.

Opportunities to spread their wings A great way to introduce independence to your ‘tween is to fade into the background, literally. Let’s say your 11-year-old wants to hang out at the pool with friends.

Great. Offer to drive and announce that you will be sitting on the chair in the corner if they need anything. So your son wants to play football at the park with friends. Sounds good. Let him know you’ll be taking a walk around the park while they gather. That way you can keep an eye on things without intruding. Offering to drive, hosting a get-together or organizing a gathering always gives you more opportunity to be present at a distance.

It’s a bit trickier when they want to walk or bike places alone or with friends.

That’s when you’ve got to sit down and set boundaries and rules. Maybe you are comfortable with the bike path with a friend, but not alone. Or you are okay with your son riding a mile to a friend’s house as long as he wears a helmet and crosses only at lights. Trust me, the first few times are going to be scary, but that’s okay. This is a time for both of you to stretch your wings.

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Having set rules before things come up, helps. Consider establishing standing rules, like if your ‘tween rides to a friend’s house, she has to call when she arrives and again before she leaves. Or if you are at a downtown concert with friends, he can wander but has to check in every half hour. You can also insist on riding a new bike route with them the first time.

The more you can involve them in coming up with rules, the better. If you hardline it with ‘tweens, and especially teens, they might lie and hide to get what they want.

through all the tantalizing, confusing and frightening information that comes their way.

Now, more than ever, parents need to act as filters and sorters of information, helping kids interpret what it all means.

Even if exposure is limited at home, it may not be at the friend’s house. Get ready to listen and discuss. Forget lectures; kids need guidance. They may act tough but many are scared or uncomfortable by what they see.

Limit media time, keep M-rated games away and ban R-rated movies. Get to know the parents of your kids’ friends,

Safety in cyber world Now that you’ve got ideas on how to let ‘tweens explore the physical world safely, let’s talk about the cyber world. Today’s kids are exposed to adult themes much earlier than ever before, thanks to an explosion of media in the last decade. Throw in the fact that kids are developing physically much earlier and you have what some experts call a loss of the pre-teen years—a seemingly overnight transformation from 9 to 13.

The problem is that ‘tweens don’t have the cognitive abilities that teens have to sort

and let them know your rules and boundaries. Decide an appropriate age for cell phones and Facebook and stick to it, regardless of when friends get such privileges.

Also, know that buying a tablet opens kids up to a world of information—even more so than a computer. To allow exploration, let them view Facebook with you, use a cell phone to occasionally text or pick a game that is just a little out of your comfort zone.

Being a parent means you are constantly letting go. Do it thoughtfully and with attention and you will be fine.

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family activities The Lagoon at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, www.lagoonseries.com

Pack up your blanket, picnic dinner, lawn chairs and bring your friends and families to the CSU campus for six weeks of great music. The Lagoon Concerts are dedicated to providing a local venue for bands to present a unique community opportunity. Dancing is encouraged and well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Music and fresh air…

Catch these live concerts with local bands L E A HA N S O N

W

hat could be better than hanging out in the fresh air with the family and listening to music on a cool summer evening (or noon)? Well, doing that for free! Find a show near you or check out something at a new venue.

Bohemian Nights Thursday Night Concert Series Thursdays through August 8, 7pm, Old Town Square Fort Collins www.downtownfortcollins.com/events/ bohemian-nights-presents-thursday-nightlive-concert-series

Visit Old Town Square in Fort Collins Thursday evenings for free and fun entertainment. Bring your lawn chairs and dancing shoes to discover new music.

J uly 11: Jurassicasters featuring Dave Beegle (Rock Classics) July 18: Selasee and the FA FA Family (Reggae) July 25: Wasteland Hop (Hip Hop) Aug. 1: Diana Castro Band (R & B Classics) Aug. 8: The Congress (Rock)

Foote Lagoon Concert Series Thursdays through August 8, 7pm, Civic Center and Foote Lagoon Amphitheater, Loveland

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www.ci.loveland.co.us/index.aspx?page=737

Hear great music in a beautiful venue. Sit or dance in a circular venue while watching local musicians on a round stage located inside the Foote Lagoon.

Bring a picnic to enjoy before, during, or after the show. For weather cancellations, call 970-962-2770 after 5pm.

July 11: Colcannon (Celtic) July 18: Buckstein (Country) July 25: Creole Stomp (Cajun) Aug. 1: Hit & Run (Bluegrass) Aug. 8: Todo Mundo (World/Latin)

Friday Fest Fridays through September 20, 5pm, 9th Street Plaza, Greeley www.greeleydowntown.com/signature-events/2013-friday-fests

Venture to downtown Greeley for a taste of local music and sense of community. Greeley’s music scene attracts talented bands from every genre.

J uly 5: Halden Wofford & The Hi Beams July 12: Thomas and Tyler with local boys “Wild Nights” July 19: Chris Daniels & The Kings July 26 Greeley Arts Picnic kick-off

Lagoon Summer Concert Series Wednesdays through August 14, 6:30pm.

July 10: Mark Sloniker July 17: The Wendy Woo Band July 24: Tumbling Dice July 31: Retro 80s Aug. 7: The Blues DoGS Aug. 14: Amplified Souls

Noontime Notes Concert Series Tuesdays through August 6, 11:30am, Oak Street Plaza, Fort Collins www.downtownfortcollins.com/events/ noontime-notes-concert-series

Take a break for lunch every Tuesday and view a wide variety of performers. Pack your lunch and bring yourself, your family, and your colleagues to Oak Street Plaza to enjoy the outdoors and quality musicians.

J uly 2: Steve Eulberg (Mountain and Hammered Dulcimers) July 9: Interstate Cowboy (Western Swing & Ranch Tunes) July 16: Cary Morin (Acoustic Original Rock & Folk) July 23: The Just Jazz Quintet (Your Favorite Jazz) July 30: Mark Sloniker, Colleen Crosson & Friends (Jazz Piano) Aug. 6: Rodney James & the High Gear Daddies (Rock-n-Roll, Rockabilly)

Streetmosphere Friday-Sunday through July 27, 12:30pm, Old Town Square and Oak Street, Fort Collins www.beetstreet.org/streetmosphere

Sponsored by Beet Street, this event features up to five performers each day including musicians, magicians, storytellers, dancers, artists, and more! Take a tour of downtown Fort Collins and stop by each performer’s station to be thoroughly entertained.

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healthy living

Waste not, want not Re-purpose household items

L e a H a ns o n

E

ach day, the average American generates about 4.5 pounds of garbage. Our society creates a lot of waste. Although recycling is essentially mainstream, this landfill alternative still uses precious water and energy. Simplistic living includes using and owning less; even those who create minimal amount of trash may be surprised by how many common household items can be assigned a new purpose and, therefore have a longer life before it ends up in the landfill or the recycling bin.

There are lots of no-brainers such as reusing newspaper for packing or wrapping gifts and saving the rubber bands that come on produce.

But there are all kinds of things we throw away that can instead be creatively reused for another important and common purpose.

Give waste a new life

Old t-shirts > rags

Worn out T-shirts can be cut into pieces and used for rags. These new pieces can replace paper towels for cleaning, dish towels for drying, and more. An additional bonus is T-shirts, especially worn ones, create very little lint to be left behind after cleaning mirrors and windows.

Grocery produce bags > doggie clean up

Even those who bring cloth bags to the grocery store tend to bring produce home in the smaller plastic bags. Instead of throwing them away, store them and reuse them for cleaning up after your dog at the park. Although many parks in northern Colorado have doggie bag dispensers at our disposal, try using fewer by bringing your own.

Tinfoil > wire sponge

Those perfectly good pieces of used foil 12

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wrap, balled up, can be used instead of steel wool to scrub glassware. And, after it has served its new purpose as a scrubber, you can still recycle it.

Instead of wasting it, put buckets in the shower to catch that water and later use it to water your indoor and outdoor plants.

Sidewalk chalk > silver cleaner

Egg carton > seedling starters

Ketchup bottle > pancake batter dispenser

Reusables you’ll (re)use often

Most of the small, end pieces of sidewalk chalk just get thrown away. Since chalk is a natural moisture absorber, tie a few of these scarp pieces in cheesecloth and store them with the good silver to slow tarnishing.

Make no-mess pancakes with the help of an empty, cleaned ketchup bottle.

Pour in the batter, then more easily squeeze out precise proportions.

Cardboard tube > cord storage

The cardboard tube from a spent roll of toilet paper or paper towels can be reused to neaten or store unruly, tangled extension cords. Fold up cords and store then in a cardboard tube or make longer cords you’re using shorter and less unruly.

Empty paper towel cardboard tubes can also be used to store plastic grocery bags, if you use them, for neater and more compact storage.

Shower water > plant nourishment

While you are waiting for the shower to warm up, gallons and gallons of water can be flushed down the drain.

Divide an empty egg carton and you have two starter palettes for 24 seedlings. A bonus is that you can write directly on the carton to label the plant and can forego adding identification sticks of another kind.

Sandwich bags

Regular packing of kids’ lunches can require using many plastic bags. Instead, think about a reusable option.

LunchSkins sells a reusable sandwich bag for reducing your daily lunchprint.

In Fort Collins, these are for sale at Debnroo (www.debnroo.com).

Water bottle

Most in the northern Colorado region are already in the know about reducing the use of plastic bottles. Invest in one or two stainless steel or BPA-free sturdy, plastic bottles and reuse them daily. In terms of cases of bottled water? Just don’t buy them.

Coffee cup

Like the concept of a water bottle, many have already caught on. But, if you’re not already bringing your own mug to the coffee shop, look into it. Especially if you visit the coffee shop regularly.

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community news

Something’s in the air...

And that makes it hard to breathe easy

B y K IM S HA R P E

B

reathing. It is one of those automatic body functions we take for granted…until we struggle to do it. For some people, living along the Front Range can present breathing challenges because polluted air gets pushed up against the mountains and just hangs there, making air quality poor. Bright sunshine and temperature inversions (Colorado’s coveted warm days and cool nights) seem to make the problem worse.

Of particular concern are the ozone levels and particulates in the air from wild fires.

Ozone Action Alerts are issued on days when meteorologists from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) expect weather conditions to lead to increased ground-level ozone concentrations in the metropolitan-Denver and Front Range region. The cities of Loveland, Fort Collins and Greeley are included in the alert area.

Elevated levels of ground-level ozone can cause symptoms in people that include stinging eyes and throat, chest pains, coughing and respiratory distress. Those at highest risk of symptoms due to elevated ozone levels include the elderly, young active children and anyone with a pre-existing respiratory condition, such as emphysema or asthma. Even healthy adults who spend a lot of time working or exercising outdoors may be affected by elevated ozone levels. During ozone alert days, people can lower their risk of developing symptoms by limiting prolonged outdoor exercise. Particularly sensitive individuals may even be advised to stay indoors.

Ozone is different from most other air pollution in that it is not emitted directly into the atmosphere. Instead, ozone forms in the lower atmosphere.

Those emissions are volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. The sources of these ozone forming emissions include cars and trucks, industrial

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operations, oil and gas wells, residential activities, such as mowing lawns and using paints and stains, as well as from naturally-occurring sources such as volatile organics from evergreen trees.

Ozone alerts provide specific health advice for people who may be affected by elevated ozone levels and they inform the community about steps that can be taken to help reduce ozone during those times.

Because ozone formation occurs when air emissions bake in the hot summer sun, citizens can help by taking voluntary steps to reduce these pollutants, including: • Keep cars tuned and tires well inflated to increase mileage and reduce fuel use • Stop at the click when refueling your car or truck to limit vapors at the gas pump • Refuel after dusk in the summer to avoid the period of intense sunlight • Commute by bicycle or bus, and combine or postpone errand-related trips during an alert if possible • Avoid idling unnecessarily while waiting in drive-through restaurants or banks, parking lots, train crossings, etc.

• Delay lawn mowing until evening to avoid the period of intense ozone formation • Avoid painting and staining projects in the heat of the day • Use water-based paints and stains.

Ozone also occurs in the upper atmosphere at an altitude of 10 to 30 miles above the Earth’s surface. This upperlevel ozone is not a form of air pollution, and in fact blocks ultraviolet rays thereby protecting us from skin cancer, cataracts and possibly immune system damage.

More information about ozone in our region is available at www. ozoneaware.org. A link on that website allows individuals to sign up to receive a daily email ozone level advisory. Ozone air quality alerts also are published in most daily newspapers, on Fort Collins

Cable Channel 14 and on several metroarea television news channels.

To help residents keep track of air pollution levels related to wild fires, the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment posts on its website (larimer.org/ health/chs/wildfire) wildfire smoke health advisories throughout the summer fire season. The page includes wildfire smoke advisories and forecasts for the Larimer County region, as well as links to regional and state air quality information.

More attempts to clear the air Due to some unexpected funding received from the CDPHE, Larimer and Weld Counties are boosting their efforts to inform northern Colorado residents about the harmful effects of using tobacco products. Youth, young adults and residents of multi-unit housing developments are among those being targeted with specific advertisements through a variety of media, including local radio, billboards, bus shelters, magazines, college newspapers, cable television stations and targeted listeners on Pandora Internet radio. A complementary campaign is taking place at the state level that will further increase messaging around tobacco’s negative consequences.

In Larimer County, there has been an emphasis to “…engage youth as leaders by bringing them into the process rather than us designing a program for them,” explains Andrea Clement-Johnson, health education supervisor for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment. Youth in Estes Park, Fort Collins, Loveland and Wellington have been identifying community needs and prevention messaging that they feel will resonate with their peers.

For example, Wellington youth sent letters to that town’s mayor and trustees asking them to ban smoking in public parks and it looks promising that they will. And

some of the radio ads that will be aired were developed by youth in Fort Collins and Estes Park. “It’s very exciting to see youth know themselves as leaders and have positive experiences based on something they initiated,” says Clement-Johnson.

Yea for youth Another northern Colorado-based program that puts youth in charge is the International Telementor Program (ITP).

Through ITP’s electronic mentoring process, middle, high school and college students consult with professionals from 22 countries in a variety of industries to address societal issues. Locally, some are improving wildlife habitat at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in Loveland, others are addressing restoration needs of the High Park Fire area near Fort Collins and still others are improving growing conditions at the Pachamama Organic Farm in Longmont. Most of the projects students design are in STEM subjects—science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

They choose a topic of interest to them, research who is on the cutting edge of work in their chosen topic area and then ITP pairs them with appropriate professional mentors who help them design and implement real, valid work. By the time they complete their project, they have begun to develop solid professional networks, and create and execute extraordinary plans for their academic and career futures.

“The ‘sage on the stage’ is being replaced by the ‘guide on the side’ and authentic learning is taking place,” says David Neils, ITP founder and president.

“The world our current students operate in is much more technical and global— and constantly changing,” explains Michelle McMillen-Reffner, Social Studies teacher and Gifted and Talented curriculum facilitator at Fort Collins High School. “With a program such as ITP, businesses can provide the opportunity for experts in their fields to interact with students and provide cutting edge information, tools, and advice.

Teachers are available to help students with content, skill work, time management, and monitor the responsible, safe, and ethical use of technology.”

Several companies champion and support ITP by providing funding and mentors. This past school year, HewlettPackard provided both to support northern Colorado students. Other companies that support ITP include MasterCard, Intel, Google, Thomson Reuters, Merck Pharmaceutical and Wells Fargo.

“We couldn’t do what we do with-

out the support of leading companies with ‘Dollars for Doers’ programs that allow employees to volunteer as mentors and help pay for their experience,” Neils says. “The Intel Involved program is the perfect example. It awards funding to ITP based on the number of hours Intel employees volunteer. Companies like Intel and our other sponsors know that the time and money they invest in students today will pay off in better prepared, experienced employees tomorrow.”

For more information about ITP, visit www.telementor.org or its affiliate blog site at www.personaltraction.com.

Middle School students communicate with their mentors via a secure web-based interface.

Mammograms on the move In partnership with Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, The Women’s Resource Center hosts a bi-monthly mobile mammogram screenings. The mammography van provides a convenient and fast way for women to receive their annual mammograms. Services are available for insured, uninsured and underinsured clients, and there are free and reduced-cost options available.

All exams are interpreted by a trained breast radiologist. The van will be in Loveland and Fort Collins on July 12 and July 26 respectively. For more information or to schedule an appointment in Loveland or Fort Collins, call The Women’s Resource Center at 970484-1902. To learn if the mammography van is scheduled to visit a community near you, call 303-318-3400.

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nutrition

Melon mania

Take your pick of these sweet and juicy fruits of summer R i c h a rd K eller

I

have many memories of my childhood summers. There were the days I left home in the morning and didn’t come back until dinner, the long bike rides to new destinations, the tryas-hard-as-they-could fireworks display in my local town, and getting together with my friends and doing nothing at all. What I remember most of those hot, humid, East Coast days was the introduction of the summer fruits. Though I was okay with plums and peaches, what I craved were my summer melons.

These days cantaloupes and watermelon are available year-round in some areas of the country. However, I still feel summer starts with the first bites of these sweet treats. And despite a juiciness that may put off some youngsters, melons need to be a part of your healthy diet. Here is a nutritional breakdown of some of the most common varieties available at your local produce stand.

Cantaloupe Cantaloupe is one of the sweetest melons and one of my personal favorites.

Kids may be turned off by its orange color, rough skin, and pulpy center full of seeds, but they’ll be rewarded with a soft and delicious treat once they get past those features. Cantaloupe isn’t as juicy as, for example, watermelon, which allows the melon to be eaten in slices or balls and be added into juices, cold soups, and salads.

While half of the cantaloupe is removed in the form of its rind, the remaining edible portion is low in calories thanks to its water solubility. The melon’s orange flesh is a sign it contains beta-carotene, which converts into Vitamin A for healthy skin and eyes.

Cantaloupe is also a good source of the infection-fighting Vitamin C. Mineralwise, the melon provides a large dose of potassium in each slice. This can be the

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reason why you feel better eating some of this during a hot, thirsty day.

Honeydew The smooth, plain-skinned melon may not seem like anything spectacular until sliced to expose the green fruit inside.

Honeydews tend to be larger and heavier than cantaloupe but not as sweet. In fact, the melon can be downright bitter if not cut at the proper ripeness, so make sure the rind’s hue is creamy brown and somewhat soft before serving.

Honeydew is a free fruit – saturated fat free, trans-fat free, and cholesterol free – and low in sodium. Like cantaloupe, honeydew is packed with Vitamin C as well as B6 and potassium. The melon can be eaten plain, combined with yogurt, or added to salads and juices.

Watermelon A favorite of children and adults alike— even if it’s just for the spitable seeds.

With a shiny green rind and deep pink or red hue, it’s the melon that defines summer for many Americans. There is a good deal of natural sugars included in

an average slice of watermelon; however, they’re superseded by the low amounts of saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol, and large doses of Vitamin C and potassium.

Your family can choose from a few varieties. The traditional is riddled with large black seeds. While some are eager to see how far they can spit them across the yard, kids are turned off by the byproduct and afraid they’ll swallow them.

For these folks, the seedless watermelon is a perfect alternate. You can also purchase smaller versions of this melon with a pink or red flesh and a speckled or yellow rind.

Casaba The downside to this yellow-rind melon is its lack of sweetness compared to the other summer varieties. The upside – it can keep for longer without spoiling.

With a season that runs from June to October, a single serving of casaba melon is low in fat, cholesterol, sodium, and natural sugars. It packs a whopping 62 percent of daily Vitamin C and is a good source of fiber and potassium.

Pick up your FREE copy today!

Northern Colorado’s Favorite Parenting Magazine.

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safe kids

Trauma season is here

Active supervision helps keep kids out of the emergency room JANET WERST

S

ummer is a memorable time for most children with less time in the classroom and more time playing outside. Whether it is swimming, bike riding, or playing in the back yard it can lead to a higher exposure to serious, yet preventable, injuries. Parents can take some simple tips to ensure that children enjoy their favorite summertime activities while avoiding a visit to the emergency room.

This summer, children ages 14 and under will be rushed to emergency rooms nearly 3 million times for serious injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes, drownings, bike crashes, pedestrian incidents, falls and other hazards. “In the injury prevention community, summer is also known as ‘trauma season’ because of the dramatic increase in the number of children injured from May through August,” says Janet Werst, Safe Kids Larimer County Coordinator. Sadly, by the end of this summer, more than 2,000 children will die because of injuries that could have been prevented.”

Parents and caregivers should keep these tips in mind so safety stays a top priority this summer: • Actively supervise your child when engaging in summertime activities, such as swimming and playing on playgrounds and backyards.

• Use the appropriate safety gear for your child’s activities, such as a helmet for wheeled sports and sporting activities, a car seat or booster seat as appropriate, and a life jacket for open-water swimming and boating.

• Role model proper safety behavior. Children are more likely to follow safety rules when they see their parents doing so.

• If you have a pool or a spa, it should be surrounded on all four sides by a fence at least four feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates, and it should be

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equipped with an anti-entrapment drain cover and safety vacuum release system.

An inflatable pool needs to be surrounded by a fence, just like any other pool, and parents need to empty these pools when not in use.

streets, parking lots or unfenced yards adjacent to busy streets.

• A pply sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher to your child’s exposed skin 15 to 30 minutes before going out, and reapply frequently.

• Make sure your home playground is safe.

Keep 12 inches of safe surfacing, such as mulch, shredded rubber or fine sand, extending at least six feet in all directions around the equipment. Remove hood and neck drawstrings from your child’s clothing.

• Keep children away from the grill area while preheating and cooking, and while the grill is cooling.

• Remove potential poisons from your yard, including poisonous plants, pesticides and pool chemicals.

• Walk all the way around a parked vehicle to check for children before entering a car and starting the motor.

Don’t let children play in driveways,

• M ake sure your child drinks plenty of water. A child who seems tired or achy should rest in the shade or go inside for a while. Get immediate medical help any time a child’s skin is hot to the touch (with or without perspiration), if a child has a seizure, or if they become otherwise disoriented in hot weather.

Active supervision, proper protective gear, and other simple prevention steps will help your child avoid danger. For more information about summer safety visit www.safekids.org.

Janet Werst is the Injury Prevention Coordinator at UCHealth.

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keep strains and sprains the

off

summer activity list Tips from local doctors for preventing injuries this summer by lynn utzman nichols

T

here’s nothing like warm weather and long days to tempt us to get out and get active. Don’t let a twisted ankle or muscle sprain ruin your plans. Follow these tips from three local family medicine doctors to stay injury-free this summer.

Warm it up Before hitting the trail, move and stretch. “Cold muscles don’t absorb shock or impact as well as warm muscles,” says Dr. Brienne Loy, a family medicine doctor with Family Health Care of the Rockies in Fort Collins. She 20

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recommends stretching at least 5 to 10 minutes before and after exercise.

“When people go from zero to 60 we see a lot of muscle strains and pulls,” adds Dr. Kevin Felix, family medicine doctor with CHMG Primary Care, North Loveland.

Some current studies challenge whether stretching is helpful or not. A recent large Croatian study that surveyed 104 studies of athletes found that when they only stretched without other warm ups they experienced some muscle strength loss, especially before weight lifting or sports

that demand jumping. Stretching creates flexibility, but stretched muscles are slightly weaker. That’s why some experts just recommend stretching afterwards.

Yet the jury certainly isn’t out. The American Council on Exercise recommends stretching before and after a workout, as they say less stiff, more flexible muscles are less likely to injure.

Stretching reduces muscle tension and overall stress, the risk of lower back pain and increases range of motion.

In particular, Dr. Matt Ptaszkiewicz, another family medicine doctor

with Family Health Care of the Rockies, sees knee injuries without stretching: “Often with running I see a lot of knee pain, particularly IT Band injuries.” The IT band runs from the hip to the knee along the outer thigh. It easily tightens up and without stretching, tugs at the knee joint, causing pain.

Be an “all-week” warrior For us parents with busy work-a-day lives, weekends are often the only time to do the sports we love. It’s tempting to be weekend warriors and take it to the extreme—playing three rounds of golf or hiking to a summit. “Weekend warriors run a higher risk for joint and muscle injuries,” says Loy. A common sports injury is chronic tendonitis, which kids can experience, too. Ruptures of the Achilles tendon are also common. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 10,000 people each year visit the ER for a sport or exercise injury.

Sitting in front of the computer working or playing games all day can cause back pain for both adults and kids: “Without regular exercise, hamstrings shrink up, get tight, and pull on back muscles,” adds Dr. Ptaszkiewicz.

To create balanced, sturdy muscles, work out most days and do a variety of activities, not just one sport. But ease into it—deciding to run a half marathon in two months and hitting it hard every day can cause injury, too.

If your son plans to build muscle by lifting weights, great! But get him proper training first. Lifting incorrectly can cause injury—especially in teenage boys who like to push it and prove their power. He may feel sore after a workout, but if he feels stabbing or sharp pain, he should stop lifting and apply ice. If the pain doesn’t go away in a few days, get him to the doctor.

The CDC recommends children and adolescents get 60 minutes of moderateto-intense exercise a day. That may sound like a lot, but your kids might be reaching that by simply being their exuberant selves. If your child isn’t already involved in a team sport or active summer camp, sign her up. There are tons of opportunities through various sport facilities in town as well as city recreation departments. Week-

ly practices and games help meet exercise recommendations with ease.

Keep your core strong Draw a line from your belly button around your back: these are your core muscles.

Keeping them strong helps avoid injury: “When core muscles are strong they support the spine, pelvis and shoulders and ready them for impact during sports,” says Loy who recommends Pilates and yoga to build core strength.

Traditionally, people think of crunches or sit ups as exercises that strengthen the core. These do, but abdominals are only one set of our core muscles. You don’t have to get fancy; tried and true exercises are best for the core: sit ups, pushups and squats for example. Others include the Pilates’ plank, back bridges and hip thrusts or lifts.

Make it fun for your daughter by getting a DVD of core exercises and join her on the family room floor—or make up your own routine and do it to her favorite music. Instilling exercise habits early makes them last a lifetime.

Does your child have a swayback?

Core exercises can help with that. A strong core means less back injury, more balance and better posture.

When injury happens Loy’s favorite sport is road running, despite a few twisted ankles over the years.

She now carries an ace bandage when she runs. If you twist an ankle running, she advises you to: “Stop immediately. Sit down and take pressure off of it. If it feels

better within a few minutes, you can run again but never try to run through pain.”

If you fall and twist an ankle, when should you see a doctor? “If you have extreme pain and are unable to bear weight on it, that’s a warning sign. You might have a fracture,” Felix says. Hearing a pop or snap at the time of the fall is a sign that you might have broken it.

Yet if you can bear weight and it gets better each day, it’s most likely a sprain.

With most twisted ankles there will be swelling and bruising. WebMD recommends treating with the PRINCE technique: Protection (ankle brace), Rest (crutches, if severe), Ice (for the first 24 to 72 hours), NSAIDS (acetaminophen for pain), Compression (ACE bandage) and Elevation (keep it raised). Depending on the severity of the sprain it will heal in a week or two.

If it gets worse, not better, see a doctor.

Ptaszkiewicz enjoys mountain biking. He’s seen a few crashes in his days.

Make sure the bike’s geometry fits the rider to avoid over-the-handlebar crashes and shoulder injuries. Also: “Learn to clip out quickly so you don’t fall over when stopping, wear a helmet, and make sure your seat is at a proper height for good leg extension.”

Injured your shoulder, arm or hand?

“If you feel numbness, tingling or weakness, get it checked out,” concludes Loy. Now that you’re set, get out! Don’t forget your water bottle and sunscreen.

This monthly feature article is sponsored

by UCHealth.

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Don’t get burned

Practice fire safety around grills and fireworks

By Janet Werst

T

he summer months are a time when families enjoy doing a variety of activities outdoors; however, it’s also when barbecue grills and fireworks can cause devastating residential fires and serious injuries to children. According to the United States Fire Administration, each year almost 5,000 Americans are injured by charcoal/ wood-burning and propane grill fires.

Additionally, more than 8,500 people are injured by fireworks annually. Children under 15 years old account for 39 percent of the estimated fireworks injuries.

Statistics show the majority of grill fires on residential properties occur from May through August.

Fireworks also cause serious injuries, including devastating burns and other injuries to children. In fact, the risk of fireworks injury is highest for children ages 5-14. The National Fire Protection Agency reports that sparklers and other novelty items, which are typically, viewed by parents as relatively harmless fireworks for children, cause serious burn injuries and account for 43 percent of all emergency room fireworks injuries.

Safe Kids Larimer County urges

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Put it out with water immediately and dispose of it.

Closely supervise children around fireworks at all times.

Do not give children sparklers or allow them to pick up fireworks or other novelty items.

Check with your local city/county ordinances to find out if fireworks are legal in your area.

parents to practice these safety tips recommended by the United States Fire Administration to reduce the risk of a residential fire or a trip to the emergency room.

Grilling safety Use the grill only outdoors; position the grill well away from siding, deck railings, out from under eaves and overhanging branches and a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.

Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill and grill components.

Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because flames can flashback up into the container and explode.

Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a grill.

When cooking food, use long-handled grilling tools to give plenty of clearance from heat and flames. Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill to prevent it from being ignited when the grill is hot.

Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches

or lighters to an adult immediately.

Supervise children around outdoor grills.

Dispose of hot coals properly— douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.

If you smell gas while cooking on a propane gas grill, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.

Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.

Sunscreen is flammable. Do not apply aerosol sunscreen near a grill or open flame.

Gasoline safety Never use gas to start a fire.

Keep gas out of reach of children.

Out of sight isn’t enough, for any age.

Store your gasoline where children cannot access it in a well-ventilated area outside your vehicle and living space.

Use gasoline containers with a spout and automatic shut-off feature that will prevent overfilling of fuel tanks.

Never use makeshift containers to store gas; children may think it’s a beverage and drink it.

Keep gas away from any source of heat, spark or flame. Even common household appliances like water heaters and clothes dryers can ignite gas vapors.

For more information about summer fire safety visit www.safekids.org.

Janet Werst is the Injury Prevention Coordinator at UCHealth.

Fireworks safety The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit a professional fireworks.

Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby.

Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.

Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a device does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it.

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September 14th 10am to 2pm Old Fairgrounds Park Pavilion, 710 S. Railroad Ave.

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Sidewalk Sale

July 18-21

Like us on (970) 224-2866 Facebook 111 N. College Ave. RMPARENT

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thompson school district news Packin’ it up for kids • James Garcia, Lucile Erwin Middle School • Ryan Smith, Turner Middle School • Dianna Croft, Walt Clark Middle School • Kim Eklund, Berthoud High School • Brian Miller, Ferguson High School • Mandy Maestas, Mountain View High School • Doug Halvorsen, Thompson Valley High School

Stan Scheer and Laurie Shearer tie in a “bag off” for KidsPak.

TSD Superintendent Stan Scheer competed in a KidsPak “bag off ” on May 8 with Laurie Shearer, President of the Thompson Education Association. The “bag off ” was a friendly contest to see which team could prepare the largest number of food packs in the shortest amount of time. The contest ended in a tie.

A program of the Rotary Club of Loveland, KidsPak is a weekend hunger relief program for children in the Thompson School District. The program partners with each school in the district to provide much-needed packs of food that meet the nutritional requirements for children. It partners with the Food Bank for Larimer County to create a specific menu each week to meet these needs. Program volunteers create and distribute approximately 290 packs of food every week.

TSD celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, the teachers listed below were recognized at the Board of Education meeting on May 15. Quotes written by students about these teachers were shared with those in attendance.

Thompson School District is grate28

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ful for all of the amazing work by our tremendous teaching staff !

• Michelle Ostler, Berthoud Elementary School • Stephanie Hawkinson, B. F. Kitchen Elementary School • Rebecca Bice, Big Thompson Elementary School • Terry Bartlow, Carrie Martin Elementary School • Teresa Stockley, Centennial Elementary School • Laurie Lambert, Cottonwood Plains Elementary School • Jeff Thomas, Garfield Elementary School • Dean Book, Ivy Stockwell Elementary School • Marie Williams, Lincoln Elementary School • Ami Custer, Monroe Elementary School • Tina Bierbaum, Namaqua Elementary School • Amy Pett, Ponderosa Elementary School • Melody Dreiling, Stansberry Elementary School • Leslie Jones, Van Buren Elementary School • Roger Torrez, Winona Elementary School • Jason Lund, Bill Reed Middle School • Mike Himlie, Conrad Ball Middle School

Loveland Habitat for Humanity and Loveland High School celebrate partnership In culmination of this year’s Geometry in Construction class at Loveland High School, students, their parents and Thompson School District faculty joined Loveland Habitat for Humanity for an open house as a final class project: the “unveiling” of the home the students built for a Loveland Habitat family.

The event on May 28 began with the Geometry In Construction Home Open House in the Ward Subdivision. Those invited were involved in the Loveland Habitat Home Blessing and were able to tour the home built by the students and homeowners Robert and Carrie.

Nearly every day for months, Robert and Carrie traveled to Loveland High School to work side by side with the students in the class. The Loveland couple put in sweat-equity hours through Loveland Habitat for Humanity, while the Geometry in Construction students earned geometry and construction credits at their high school.

“It seems slightly surreal that it’s our house,” Robert says about the three-bedroom home that is now on its foundation.

Through the program, the Geometry in Construction students learned life skills and how to give back to others, says Gwen Stephenson, executive director of Loveland Habitat for Humanity.

“The students feel like they are giving back to the community,” Stephenson says. “When they work

alongside the family, they know they are making a difference for real people. We wanted to honor all of the students, the faculty, vendors and all Loveland Habitat’s sponsors and supporters during the open house.”

Geometry in Construction teachers Scott Burke and Anne Larson are proud of the students and say the program this year has been the best so far.

“I’ve just seen the quality of work and learning improve,” Larson says. “The students really enjoyed working with Carrie and Robert and they did a great job for them.”

After the open house, attendees returned to Loveland High School for a program about the home featuring presentations and a slideshow documenting the year’s progress. Another open house was held later on for those who could not attend the first one. Thompson School District provided bus transportation to and from the open house beginning at Loveland High School.

Loveland Habitat for Humanity was incorporated in 1987. Since that time, the organization has built 108 homes, rehabilitated two homes and completed 20 repair projects. The affiliate has built over 200 homes internationally through its tithe. It is currently building homes in Willow Park and will soon begin construction in Boise Village North. The affiliate also operates The Loveland Habitat ReStore & Thrift located at 5250 N. Garfield. For more information about Loveland Habitat, the homeownership program, volunteer opportunities or the ReStore, please call 970-669-9769 or visit www.lovelandhabitatforhumanity.org.

Nurturing the artistic side Over 300 students, friends, family and community members attended Garfield Elementary School’s recent art show.

The show featured the talents of three local artists - Abbie R. Powers, David Hartman (a former Big Thompson Elementary School teacher) and Silke Goss (a Big Thompson Elementary School parent) - who presented live demonstrations of their art process. Ruth Hale shared her gifts on the piano and Hillary Shefter provided music on her harp.

Students, their parents and TSD faculty attended an open house for new homeowners Robert and Carrie.

Fans admire the artist at work.

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poudre school district news Johnson Elementary has giving group of volunteers

Marcie Johnston is the VBC at Johnson Elementary.

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!

Marcie Johnston has served as VBC at Johnson Elementary since 2011. She works full time at Colorado State University and was not able to volunteer consistently during the day. This position has allowed her to help the Johnson community outside 30

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of school hours. Her husband, Kevin, volunteers weekly in their son’s first grade classroom. For the past two years, she has been involved in the Johnson PTO. One of her favorite PTO activities has been introducing and co-chairing a series of “Family Fun Nights.” These events are not intended to be fundraisers, Johnston says, but rather designed to enhance and promote a sense of community among students, parents, and staff.

Since the inception of the Family Fun Nights, Johnson Elementary has hosted a “Pizza and Movie” night, a “Hawaiian Luau” night, and “Night at the Circus.” Activities included games, face painting, music/dance, cake and cupcake walks, photo booths with various props, and, the Johnson community’s house favorite, a banana pie-eating contest! Johnston says, “For me, the best part of these events—what makes all those months of planning and preparation worthwhile—is seeing the kids’ eyes light up at every surprise around the corner. Whether it’s the juggling teacher, a clown balloon artist on stilts, our principal dressed up as a fortune teller, Cam the Ram, a favorite CSU athlete, or their teachers serving up pizza or cotton candy.” They have a huge teacher/staff turnout for these nights, which makes it even more exciting for the children. “They just love seeing their teachers and principal having fun outside the classroom,” says Johnston.

In her spare time, Johnston enjoys attending CSU athletic events, especially women’s basketball games with her family. She also enjoys taking her children, with the help of her husband, to all of their after-school athletic events and activities.

Johnston says, “These events, of course, could not be put on without the help of our wonderful parents and teachers. Johnson Elementary School

has the most giving group of volunteer parents, grandparents, and siblings, who donate hours of their time for many events, and work to enhance learning every day in the classroom. I feel so lucky to be part of this fabulous family.”

Cache La Poudre schools celebrate 100 years In 1913, four small rural school districts consolidated to form Cache La Poudre School District # 60. Several different buildings were used at this time, including a three-story brick building with an exterior fire escape slide. Horse-drawn “buses” would pull up in front of the school buildings to discharge the students.

Now, 100 years later, CLP elementary and middle schools have two state-of-the-art buildings, complete with Smartboards and enthusiastic students and teachers.

While the facilities are different now, the same proud heritage of the CLP community, cooperation, and commitment that existed 100 years ago continues to this day with the schools looking forward to future successes in an ever-changing world.

Both schools will soon receive authorized status as International Baccalaureate World Schools. All of the successes and all of the positive changes at CLP schools have been possible because of the century-long support from the Cache La Poudre community.

More than 500 people gathered to celebrate a century of heritage in education in the Cache La Poudre community on May 18. Boy Scout Pack 87 posted the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Cache La Poudre Elementary principal Roxann Hall gave a short history of the schools, and their importance to the community. Several previous principals joined her on stage to address

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the enthusiastic crowd.

Student and teacher alumni from 1930 to the present also attended the celebration. CLPMS Jazz Ensemble and CLPE RiverSong Choir performed to conclude the ceremony. Other activities included: a luncheon, historic demonstrations by second-and fourth-graders, games—old and new, building tours led by fifth-graders, and an excellent remembrance movie.

In the last hundred years, thousands of lives have been touched in a profound way by CLP schools. The community enthusiastically plans to continue this tradition during the next 100 years!

Eyestone Elementary students publish novels Congratulations to Eyestone Elementary students Milayo Garner, Riley Quast, Baily Coombs, Isabella Suhr, Hayden Moore, Becca Meikel, Ethan Milligan, and Cody Blais who have written and published their own novels. Students worked at home, on their lunch hours, recesses, and any other spare time to edit/revise and perfect these novels for publication.

Students also designed their own covers, and many have even created Accelerated Reader tests to share with others. Each school-appropriate book will be featured in the school and classroom library for checkout by Eyestone students for years to come.

The following novels can be found on Amazon or in the author’s Createspace store: • Cody Blais, 1st published novel, The Amulet of Budatata • E than Milligan, 2nd published novel, Eden’s Apple • Hayden Moore, 2nd published novel, The Legend II • Milayo Garner, 1st published novel, Olivia and the Christmas Spectacular • R iley Quast, 1st published novel, In Mysterra • Baily Coombs, 1st published novel, The Challenge • Isabella Suhr, 1st published novel, Willow 32

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More than 500 people gathered to celebrate a century of heritage in education in the Cache La Poudre community on May 18. Community members, parents, students and teacher alumni from 1930 to the present attended the celebration.

Eyestone students display their published novels.

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greeley-evans district 6 news District 6 receives Expelled and At-Risk Student Services grant Greeley-Evans School District 6 has received a grant from the Colorado Department of Education to institute programs to help keep students in school.

The Expelled and At-Risk Student Services grant will give District 6 $268,328 to target students at-risk of not graduating on time, reduce suspensions, improve the climate and boost the graduation rate at high schools. District 6 is one of 10 districts statewide to receive the grant.

The four-year grant will be used to hire student graduation interventionists at Greeley Central, Greeley West and Northridge high schools. Part of the duties of the interventionists will be to identify and track 40 freshman students who are at-risk for not graduating on time and help them to stay engaged in school.

The EARSS grants are provided by the CDE for educational and support services to students who are: • Expelled.

• At-risk of being expelled. Includes those already on suspension or who present behaviors likely to violate the Student Code of Conduct.

• Habitually truant or at-risk of being declared habitually truant.

The goal of the program is to prevent suspensions and expulsions, restore attendance and keep students in school.

District 6 receives BEST cash grant for Greeley West renovations Greeley-Evans School District 6 has been awarded a $1.5 million cash grant from the Building Excellent Schools Today program through the Colorado Department of Education.

The grant funds will be used for the renovation of Greeley West High School, including roof repairs and extensive removal of asbestos from the interior walls, floors and ceilings. District 6 will put in approximately $420,000 in matching funds, bringing the total project to more than $1.9 million.

When the asbestos is removed 34

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during this project, new lighting and ventilation covers will be installed in some areas of the school. Some asbestos flooring will also be removed and replaced.

The other large portion of the project involves roof repairs where seams are leaking, causing damage to the interior of the school.

In addition, having the asbestos removed will create the opportunity for additional renovations at Greeley West in the future, Eads says.

Most of the project will be completed in the summer of 2014, between the end of the term and the beginning of the 2014-15 school year.

The grant awarded to District 6 is the largest given by the BEST Board of Directors this cycle. BEST grants are funded through revenues collected from School Trust Lands and the State Lottery. A large portion of the funding comes from oil and gas revenues collected on the trust land throughout the state, including Weld County.

Schools serve meals throughout summer Greeley-Evans School District 6 will again be serving meals to children between the ages of 1-18 years old throughout the summer at several schools.

These meals are free for any child and are served regardless of whether the child would qualify for free and reduced meals through District 6. Both breakfast

and lunch are served at the sites Monday through Friday.

Here are the school serving meals this summer, their location, and the time and dates meals will be served:

• Centennial Elementary School, 1400 37th Street, Evans; June 3-27; breakfast from 7:30-8am and lunch from noon-1pm • Heiman Elementary School, 3500 Palermo Avenue, Evans; June 3-27; breakfast from 7:30-8am and lunch from noon-1pm • Jackson Elementary School, 2002 25th Street, Greeley; June 3-27; breakfast from 7:30-8am and lunch from noon- 1pm • John Evans Middle School, 2900 15th Avenue, Greeley; June 3-27; breakfast from 7:30-8am and lunch from noon-1pm • Madison Elementary School, 500 24th Avenue, Greeley; June 3-27; breakfast from 7:30-8am and lunch from noon-1pm • Maplewood Elementary School, 1201 21st Avenue, Greeley; May 28-Aug. 2; breakfast from 7:30-8:30am and lunch from 11:30am-12:45pm • Shawsheen Elementary School, 4020 W. 7th Street, Greeley; May 28-Aug.2; breakfast from 7:30-8:30am and lunch from 11:30am-12:45pm • Northridge High School, 100 71st Avenue, Greeley; June 10-27 and July 8-25; breakfast from 7:30-8:30am and 11:30am-12:45pm

Questions should be directed to the District 6 Nutrition Services at (970) 348-6600.

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J U LY 2 0 1 3 ONGOING Through July 7 Greeley Stampede Rodeos, concerts, youth activities and an Independence parade—what could be more fun. Island Grove Park, GR. www. greeleystampede.org.

July 11-14 The Little Mermaid, Jr. by Peanut Butter and Jam Revue This classic Disney title contains all of the songs from the Academy Award® winning animated feature film as well as three new songs from the Broadway show. Lincoln Center, FC. 11am. 970221-6730 or www.lctix.com.

Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale!

Thousands of books for sale. Harmony Library, 4616 South Shields, FC. www. poudrelibraries.org.

July 19-28 Cheyenne Frontier Days The world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western Celebration. This year’s musical lineup includes: Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean and others. Watch ropers and riders, peruse western artisan booths and more. Cheyenne, W Y, www.cfdrodeo.com.

July 26-28 & Aug. 1-4 The Mostlies: Parody Night present Fifty Shades of Grey…Hair The Mostlies present their annual musical, comedy, parody revue. The show is rated PG-13. Lincoln Center, FC. 11am. 970-221-6730 or www. lctix.com.

July 12-21 Bonnie and Clyde: A new musical Presented by Up in Lights Productions.

At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow went from two small-town nobodies in west Texas to America’s most renowned folk heroes and the Texas law enforcement’s worst nightmares. Rialto Theater, 228 E. Fourth St., LV. 970-962-2021 or www. cityofloveland.org.

July 26-Aug. 4 South Pacific presented by the Stampede Troupe South Pacific, the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical that premiered on Broadway in 1949. Greeley Central High School, 1515 14th Ave., GR. 970-3565000 or www.ucstars.

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.

Through Sept. 1 The Sound of Music This lavish and critically acclaimed production tells the uplifting true story of the Von Trapp family’s flight across the mountains and works its magic once again, for young and old alike. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Market Place Dr., Johnstown, CO. 970-744-3747 or www. coloradocandlelight.com.

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Married or living with your partner?

Have a child aged 10-14?

If so, you can participate

in a study examining family relationships and children’s health!

If you participate, you can earn up to $80 for you and your family.

For more information, send an email to: chhs-hdfs_Family_lab@mail.colostate.edu

call: (970)491-5129 or visit: frdl.colostate.edu.

Primary investigator: Dr. Rachel Lucas-Thompson Study title: Family Relationships in Early Adolescence

Above

Stand the Crowd Don’t get lost in the

digital divide!

to Advertise in :

Fort Collins, call Greg Hoffman at 689-6832 Lovland, Greeley and Windsor, call Scott Titterington at 980-9183.

With both print and digital mediums, RM Parent and RM Senior offer your business immediate credibility, distinctiveness and a visual presence that social media alone just can’t offer.

Our readers are educated, earn better than average incomes and own their own homes. Monthly print magazines are GROWING in popularity as consumers and small businesses look for comprehensive and in-depth coverage that only a locally-written and produced publication offers.

With local distribution in the school districts and at over 1,500 distribution locations, RM Parent and RM Senior connect with who you want to reach on an intimate level.

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Noontime Notes with Kevin Cook— Master of Morning: Lark Bunting Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon. www.poudrelibraries.org.

Wednesday, July 10 Smirk presented by Children’s Summer Series Physical comedian Reid Belstock and innovative juggling ace Warren Hammond have teamed up to bring you their hilarious new show, Smirk! Picnic blankets are encouraged. Lincoln Center lawn, FC. 11am. 970-221-6730 or www.lctix.com.

Thursday, July 11 Thursday Night Live Concert Old Town Square, FC. 7-9pm. 970-4846500 or www.DowntownFortCollins.com.

Monday, July 1 Anasazi of the American southwest#3: New Mexico, Rio Grande Area Pueblos A unique presentation of Puebloan culture, Southwest travel, historical pueblos, colorful archaeological sites, ancient rock are and more. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7pm. www.poud Tuesday, July 2 Noontime Notes: Steve Eulberg (Mountain and Hammered Dulcimers) Oak Street Plaza, Old Town, FC. 11:30am-1pm. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

Great Decisions—Iran How can the United States and Iran move forward? Is the existence of Iran’s nuclear program an insurmountable obstacle? Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. www.poudrelibraries.org.

Thursday, July 4 Thursday Night Live Concert Old Town Square, FC. 7-9pm. 970-4846500 or www.DowntownFortCollins.com.

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Friday, July 5 Downtown Summer Sessions Concert Series Local Colorado bands, local craft beer and summer fun! Old Town Square, FC. 7-9pm. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

Scrabble @ Your Library Players of all ability and experience levels are welcome. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 10am. www.poudrelibraries.org.

Saturday, July 6 Movie Night: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom The action-packed sequel to the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. www. poudrelibraries.org.

Tuesday, July 9 Noontime Notes: Interstate Cowboy (Western Swing & Ranch Tunes) Oak Street Plaza, Old Town, FC. 11:30am-1pm. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

Friday, July 12 Downtown Summer Sessions Concert Series Local Colorado bands, local craft beer and summer fun! Old Town Square, FC. 7-9pm. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

Sunday, July 14 Author Peter Heller visits Best selling Colorado author of “The Dog Stars”. Book sales and signing after presentation sponsored by Old Firehouse Books. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2pm. www.poudrelibraries.org.

Genealogy Program—Military Records Emphasis will be on types and examples of available records, where to find them and how to get copies. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2pm. www. poudrelibraries.org.

Monday, July 15 Old Town Tunes with the Honey Dewdrops The Virginia-based roots duet of Laura Wortman and Kagey Parris. With a blend of new Americana and traditional fold music, they focus on dynamically blending the sounds of instruments and voices by singing and playing into a single microphone. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2pm. www. poudrelibraries.org.

PARTY TRAYS • WEDDING COOKIES MADE TO ORDER ICE CREAM SANDWICHES WE DELIVER, WE SHIP!

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Money Matters Learn ways to spend less as you get ready for back-to-school shopping.

Harmony Library, 4616 South Shields, FC. 7pm. www.poudrelibraries.org.

Tuesday, July 16 Noontime Notes: Cary Morin (Acoustic Original Rock & Folk) Oak Street Plaza, Old Town, FC. 11:30am-1pm. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

From Underneath You, They Come Learn the secrets of how to create ghoulish zombie make-ups and other special effects. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. www. poudrelibraries.org.

Wednesday, July 17 Smirk presented by Children’s Summer Series Doctor Noize - a singer and multiinstrumentalist with a passion for interactive pop/rock and a degree in classical music from Stanford — dazzles and inspires audiences to be musicians and creators themselves. Lincoln Center lawn, FC. 11am.

970-221-6730 or www.lctix.com.

Money Matters Learn ways to spend less as you get ready for back-to-school shopping.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. www.poudrelibraries.org.

Thursday, July 18 Thursday Night Live Concert Old Town Square, FC. 7-9pm. 970-4846500 or www.DowntownFortCollins.com.

Genealogy Program: The Migration West—A Genealogy Story The story of Mary Bader Arbuthnot and her genealogical story of migration and settlement from Scotland to Boulder County. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6:30pm. www.poudrelibraries.org.

Friday, July 19 Downtown Summer Sessions Concert Series Local Colorado bands, local craft beer and summer fun! Old Town Square, FC. 7-9pm. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

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Monday, July 22 The New Christy Minstrels The talented New Christy Minstrels preform an evening of folk music mixed with a touch of Broadway. Rialto Theater, 228 E. Fourth St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2021 or www. cityofloveland.org.

Tuesday, July 23 Noontime Notes: The Just Jazz Quintet (Your Favorite Jazz) Oak Street Plaza, Old Town, FC. 11:30am-1pm. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

Tuesday Theater for Kids: Jim Jackson’s Big Bubble Circus Jim Jackson conjures a fantastic circus out of his trunk. Magic, juggling, balancing, and comedy are combined with the wonder and science of ordinary soap to create the Big Bubble Circus.

Rialto Theater, 228 E. Fourth St., LV. 10am & 2pm. 970-962-2021 or www. cityofloveland.org.

Wednesday, July 24 Teens Create: “Altered” Book Journals Using books, paper and other inexpensive and “repurposed” materials, you will create beautiful and unique handmade journals. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 1:30. www.poudrelibraries.org.

Thursday, July 25 Thursday Night Live Concert Old Town Square, FC. 7-9pm. 970-4846500 or www.DowntownFortCollins.com.

Friday, July 26 Downtown Summer Sessions Concert Series Local Colorado bands, local craft beer and summer fun! Old Town Square, FC. 7-9pm. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

So much MORE than your

NEIGHBORHOOD POOL!

ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND AMENITIES OFFERED AT FCC • FCC Club Fit • Rocky Mountain Physical Therapy on-site • Personal Trainers • Raquetball and Handball Courts • Salon Giorgio: Full Service Salon and Spa • Summer Camps for Kids • Over 30 Yoga Classes per week

• Kids’ Club House: Air Hockey, X boxes, foosball, and more!

• Kids’ Club Daycare • Swim Team • Swim Lessons • Spring Creek Trail access • Kiddie pool with family changing area nearby • Outdoor pool with a slide!

• Children’s playground • Sand Volleyball court

CONTACT MEMBERSHIP FOR MORE DETAILS

970-224-CLUB membership@fcc.net

www.fortcollinsclub.net

1307 East Prospect Road Fort Collins, CO 80525 Follow us on:

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Bill Chrastil A talented songwriter and an accomplished instrumentalist, Bill Chrastil’s high-energy show is a salute to music legends. The evening’s line-up includes 50s/60s favorites, Country, Classic Rock, and several of Chrastil’s original songs. Rialto Theater, 228 E. Fourth St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2021 or www.cityofloveland.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

family Saturday, July 27 Foothills Night Out + Lipstick The 11th annual Foothills Night Out, a fundraising event benefitting Foothills Gateway, Inc. and the Namaqua Center, presents the musical comedy Lipstick. Rialto Theater, 228 E. Fourth St., LV. 6pm. 970-962-2021 or www. cityofloveland.org Tuesday, July 29

YOUTH

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

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

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

m&Activity GUIDE

L 2012 RMPARenT.cOM

guide

sOsIng

mmer mps

IvITIes fOR R cHILd 8 ldcAre

OOL cAtion endARs 74

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Greeley WWW.RMPARENT.COM

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

TH Program&Activity Activity

ivities

2012-2013

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

l resources for parents in northern Colorado Loveland Noontime Notes: Mark Sloniker, Colleen Crosson & Friends (Jazz Piano) Oak Street Plaza, Old Town, FC. 11:30am-1pm. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

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

August 2012 • rm West GreeleyAugust Farmers Market 2012 • rm

Windsor

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

GET IN ON A FIVE

ISSUE SERIES! SPECIAL DISTRIBUTION

Fort Collins, Greeley Loveland and Windsor Schools

Program & Activity Program Directory YOUTH BY cATegORY 20

ALPHABeTIcAL 22

T Of eRTIseRs 76 lthcAre

sPrINGSERIES

School DiStrict tness School DiStrict page 8 Series, changeS The RMParent Youth Program and Activity is the region’s most complete guide to before and fLYeR secTIOn 50 Program after school activities.

To promote your business or service to active northern Colorado families in Fort page 8 changeS Ail Directory Collins, Greeley, Loveland, Windsor and beyond, contact us today!

Collins: Greg Hoffman, 970-689-6832 or greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com vices In FortSchool calenDarS For all other areas: Scott Titterington, 970-980-9183 or scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com cATegORY 20 School calenDarS page 58 BY 42

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Program AlPHABeTicAl 22 Directory

By category 16 Program Directory

F

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720-883-6739 RMPARENT

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time out

Goodbye vogue fashion days...

Hello practical rayon-wearing mom

Al i s a A . G a s t o n - L i nn

A

few weeks ago, after coming home from playgroup, I went to fill the humidifier for my daughter’s room before her nap and noticed the water was turned off. I spotted city trucks in front of our house and saw workers digging so I decided to go outside and ask about the situation. Because she was already in her pajamas and without socks, I picked up my 2 1/2-year-old instead of having her walk alongside. As I headed down the steps of our front deck, I lost my footing and tumbled down onto the pathway. We hit the cement hard, both of my knees throbbing and scraped, and her back scratched a bit (I protected her head with my hand). She was fine, but I was so embarrassed. The workers didn’t see because of some shrubs—at least if they did, they were gracious enough to pretend they didn’t. The thing I felt most ridiculous about was that I was wearing high shoes.

You may be wondering what I was doing wearing high shoes at playgroup.

The shoes are clogs, so they’re easy to slip on and off, but they also have a threeinch heel. However, there’s more to it. In my jeans and long-sleeved cotton T-shirt, I added the shoes to grasp at some sort of fashion sense that I seem to have lost since I became a stay-at-home mom.

Before I had my daughter, I worked at an organization with roughly 300 people.

Whenever I went into the office, I wore a skirt or dress and high heels even though no dress code existed and most of the people there wore jeans.

But as soon as the baby came and I quit my job, it was like someone played a trick on me and replaced my voguish wardrobe with denim and plain, boring shirts.

Where are my beautiful flowing skirts?

Where are my dreamy blue stilettos, my red strappy heels, and my high black sassy sandals? I used to rarely wear jeans—camping sites are where I strolled around in them.

Now jeans are my staple even though there 44

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are plenty of nice-looking casuals. In the summer I at least manage to wear hipster shorts with my flip-flops.

I know how I got this way. Soon after my daughter began eating solids, I drove around with her one day running errands, and after about two hours I stopped to put gas into the car. As I stood waiting for the pump to finish, wearing sandals, I glanced down and noticed a piece of cheese stuck

out various tops with colorful designs in light materials, encouraging me to try them on, I figured out why. She confirmed, “You look a bit drab these days.”

It was not an insult, she was only trying to help me spruce up my appearance, knowing that my stylish days had gone.

My wardrobe graduated that day from simply cotton to rayon with gorgeous prints and vivid colors. I can put away

to my big toe. It had obviously been there since lunch. So, understanding that from then on it would be impossible to leave the house without having food stuck to my shirt, my pants, or my big toe, I gave up. Not that there’s anything wrong with casual. I know a lot of moms who feel comfortable in jeans and T-shirts and look beautiful. But I personally feel content in a dress and heels, unless of course I’m hiking or hitting the family festivals.

Recently my mother surprised me with a shopping trip. After she pointed

the jeans and wear cute casual skirts, as long as I can remember to sit sideways on the floor at playgroups. And my flat sandals aren’t so bad.

But I did manage to find my former fine-looking skirts, dresses, and fancy heels. They’re waiting for me on every date night with my husband. I can wear any pair of my three-inch-heels and know that I can balance a bit better without holding a toddler. And if I fall, hopefully the patrons at the martini bar will pretend they didn’t see it.

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