RM Parent Magazine

JULY 2018 • RMPARENT.COM

TIME

together IT MATTERS

MOST SANDWICH CAREGIVERS

pulled in too many directions

Free flicks under the stars Clean produce

Play a round... of golf

The value of chores

SPECIAL SECTION:

FIT KIDS RMPARENT

|1

now

BACK TO SCHOOL

SAVE

UP TO 70%OFF CA$H FOR YOUR KIDS STUFF!

Registering

for

FALL

Teaching Hunter Jumper lessons to riders of all ages!

Lesson Horses

available

After-school and Saturday lessons available

Clothing, Equipment Toys and books!

We buy ALL seasons...Everyday!

Call today to discuss your training goals Stefanie Hoffman, Owner/Instructor

970.402.2536 Like us on Facebook

LASER TAG NOW OPEN! FORT COLLINS LASER TAG NOW OPEN! ESTES PARK LASER TAG NOW OPEN! FORT COLLINS North College Lanes GREELEY 555 S St Vrain Ave BROOMFIELD Horsetooth Lanes 830 N College Classic Lanes (970) 586-8625 100 Nickel St 217 W Horsetooth (970) 484-4777 2454 8th Ave (303) 466-9700 (970) 226-6327 (970) 353-4275

2

| RMPARENT

inspirationridingacademy.com

Celebrating Northern Colorado’s only nonprofit speech and language clinic specializing in childhood speech, language and reading development.

25 years!

Children’s Speech Reading Center

AND

WE OFFER: Screenings and Evaluations Speech and Language Therapy Reading Development Early Childhood Literacy Scholarships and sliding-scale fees for incomes up to 100k 

Medicaid Provider

970-419-0486 csrckids.org FORT COLLINS OFFICE

1330 Oakridge Drive, #10 LOVELAND OFFICE

1511 E. 11th Street, # 290

RMPARENT

|3

Fort Collins Favorite Fun and Friendly Pediatric Dental Experience

Our mission is to provide individualized and compassionate oral health care for all children

“Great with my daughter and very quick since 18-month-olds don’t like to sit still!

Great first dental appointment.”

—Kristin M.

Specializing in Dentistry for Toddlers, Children, Teens and Special-needs Patients

50% DISCOUNT For New Patients

INCLUDES EXAM, CLEANING, X-RAYS AND FLUORIDE.

-MENTION THIS AD WHEN CALLING(970) 484-4104

4609 S. Timberline Rd.• Suite 103B

www.RockiesKidsDds.com 4

4

| RMPARENT

JULY 2018

Departments PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Times of our lives—our most precious gift is our time

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

Clean food, clean bodies—limit pesticide exposure by choosing fruits and vegetables wisely

Special Sections

FIT KIDS

FIT KIDS

Explore the possibilities for this summer and see what programs these providers have for your families.

ADVERT

ISING

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . 10

SUPPLE

MENT

Free flicks—catch a movie under the stars

LEARN AND LIVE . . . . . . . . . . 12 Go play around…of golf—SNAG yourself some family fun

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14

Get smart, buckle up, vaccinate—Supportive programs and safety reminders enhance NoCo

HEALTHY LIVING . . . . . . . . 16

Part of the team—chores benefit kids in many ways

CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0 Events and activities for parents, kids and families

Features 18 QUALITY TIME TOGETHER Many experts define successful parenting as simply spending quality, positive time with your kids. Forget enrolling them in every activity and sport imaginable and simply spend time listening to, talking with, and doing things together as a family. Quality time together says they are important enough to demand your time and attention.

TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 0 It’s not whether you win or lose—but what you learn from being on the field

School District News Poudre School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The new MAC welcomes Tavelli Elementary Students, PSD offers free meals for children this summer at three schools, Rocky graduates surprise retiring Johnson Elementary kindergarten teacher, Bauder students talk about the native countries during Flag Day event, PSD seniors receive prestigious scholarship offers and appointments

Greeley-Evans District 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 School Kickoff Community Celebration Aug 11, Cary Smith named principal at Greeley Central

Thompson School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Dr. Marc Schaffer joins Thompson School District

20 R EALITIES OF THE

SANDWICH GENERATION

Parenting is hard. So is caring for aging parents. Put them together and you can feel sandwiched between two demanding tasks that pull you in too many directions.

When most people think of caregivers, they think of paid professionals; however, most caregivers are, in fact, unpaid family members or friends.

ABOUT THE COVER: Hazel, loves bathtubs, chasing the dog, giving kisses and bedtime stories with Mom and Dad. Photo shot on location at Fossil Creek Park by Cheri Schonfeld, courtesy of Sky's Open Design.

RMPARENT

|5

perspective The times of our lives Our most precious gift is our time

A

family camping trip, an evening at an outdoor movie, watching a kids’ soccer game, barbequing together on a Sunday evening. All appear to be small events in the bigger scope of things, but every single one is important too. Every bit of time that we give each other says that you matter to me and I matter to you. Growing up knowing that you are important to someone and that that person is tied to you just makes everyone feel good.

I’m not a psychologist, though I play one at home when I psychoanalyze everyone, but we sure seem to value ourselves when it’s clear that someone else values us.

We were walking by city park lake the other day and I saw two different examples of how to fish with your kid or not. In one, a man and boy were fishing together, each had a fishing pole and they were getting ready to toss them out. In the other, the man had a fly rod and was thoroughly engaged in his casting and presentation while the boy sat on a bench and watched.

Guess which kid was having the most fun. Guess which one was bored out of his mind. Guess which of the boys is going to be excited to go fishing again and hang out with dad. So I’m thinking that when you’re spending time together, make it good time together. What might I mean by that?

Well, maybe it’s doing something that you both want to do. Or maybe it’s doing something simple, like getting ice cream, but while you’re eating it, no one is checking emails or Instagram. Maybe it’s a camping trip where it’s easy and natural to hang out together outside of everyone’s everyday. Maybe it’s just a little bike ride around the neighborhood.

Take a minute to read Lynn Utzman’s story about spending quality time together. She helps us understand why it matters and what constitutes “quality time.” She also gives us a nice list of suggestions.

We also have a few stories with ideas. In family activities, Katie Harris tells us where to catch free outdoor movies near us, and in Learn & Live Kim Sharpe describes SNAG (Starting New at Golf ) to introduce kids and adults to the game by using oversized plastic clubs and tennis-like balls.

Summer is the perfect time to be active with your kids and let them know they matter. So get out there and create some bonds. You’ll probably have some fun too.

Happy trails, Scott

6

| RMPARENT

July 2018 • Volume 23, Issue 2 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING 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 MANAGER Susan Pettit COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lea Hanson, Katie Harris Lynn U. 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. ©2018 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS:

RMPARENT

|7

as we grow

Clean food, clean bodies

Limit pesticide exposure by choosing fruits and vegetables wisely LY N N U. N I C H O L S

T

is the season of fresh fruits and vegetables! It’s never easier to control the quality of produce that you buy than during the summer months. By shopping locally, selecting organic, or growing your own fruits and vegetables you can limit the amount of pesticides your young children are exposed to through food. It’s well known that children, thanks to their developing bodies, absorb more pesticides, leaving them vulnerable to neurological effects that can cause autism, ADHD and learning disabilities, according to Pesticide Action Network (PAN). By getting into good habits, you can protect your kids from overexposure.

BUY LOCAL PRODUCE There’s nowhere better to buy fresh, local produce than at your neighborhood farmer’s market. Northern Colorado has an abundance of weekend markets to attend. Ask the farmers about their pesticide use, and try to buy from farms close to home for ultimate freshness.

The shorter time between picking and plate means more nutrients are obtained in your fruits or vegetables.

In Fort Collins, attend farmer’s markets in Old Town by the courthouse at 200 W. Oak Street, and at 802 W. Drake Road. In Loveland, check out Jake’s Farm, a permanent stand and one of various farm stands in rural areas.

Shop from May through October.

You can also join a Community Supported Agriculture co-op, or CSA, where you get to pick up fresh veggies each week.

Check out Green Dog Farm, Native Hill Farm or Happy Heart Farm in Fort Collins, or Sunrise Farm in Loveland.

SHOP WISELY AT THE GROCERY STORE If you don’t have time to hit up a farmer’s market or farm stand, be selective at the grocery store. By buying what’s in season, 8

| RMPARENT

Naughty and nice

Keep this list of the “dirty dozen” handy and buy those items in organic only.

you are likely buying food that’s more local. Watch for stickers that source produce from Colorado and select those.

People can argue that organic produce is not truly organic, due to pesticides blowing in from nearby fields or soil that grew non-organic produce in the past. Yet the fact remains, fewer pesticide residues are found on organic produce than conventional produce, according to the USDA. When bought in season, organic produce is often close to the price of conventional produce. For your bottom line, you might just buy certain produce that’s organic. See the sidebar lists for guidance. You may also believe that we don’t use harsh pesticides in the United States, so buying US produce is fine.

According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), all pesticides have some level of toxicity and pose a risk to babies and children. Babies are especially vulnerable because their immature kidneys and livers cannot readily remove pesticides. Children’s lower weight and high metabolisms also increase their risk for pesticide damage.

This year’s dirty dozen include strawberries, spinach, nectarines, apples, peaches, pears, cherries, grapes, celery, tomatoes, sweet bell peppers and potatoes, according to Dr. Axe. Conversely, the list of the Clean 15 includes avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, cabbage, onions, frozen sweet peas, papayas, asparagus, mangos, eggplant, honeydew, kiwi, cantaloupe, cauliflower and broccoli.

It’s best to protect their young brains, organs and nervous systems by being picky about produce.

GROW YOUR OWN It’s not too late to sow seeds, especially of fast-growing plants like lettuce, spinach, radishes, beans, arugula, baby carrots, and beets. Growing your own means you get to control the pests naturally, and you get the big bonus of eating food picked that day—even that hour. You can taste the nutrient-dense difference! Plus, there’s the fun of going out and gathering your own vegetables—kids are much more motivated to eat their own finds. Remember, the more you expose your kids to new foods, the more they are likely to eventually eat them.

RMPARENT

|9

family activities

Free flicks

Catch a movie under the stars K ATIE HARRIS

T

hings are heating up this month in Northern Colorado. That’s why a free outdoor evening movie on the big screen is a great way to pass the dog days of summer outdoors with the people you love, without burning to a crisp.

Rhonda Welch, special events coordinator for the City of Greeley and co-founder of Greeley Neighborhood Nights, the city’s version of an outdoor movie night, says the free event is a great way for families to enjoy a movie together without going to a costly theater.

“We see everyone from senior citizens to families to teens,” says Welch.

“One parent brings a blow-up pool full of blankets for the family to lie in, we have a group of teens who carry a sofa over to sit on, and groups of neighbors often meet with picnic dinners.”

Greeley Neighborhood Nights, going on its 22nd year, takes place Friday evenings in July and August and features pre-show entertainment at 7pm, such as face painters, puppet shows and lawn games. A food truck offering free snacks and meals to kids ages one to 18, along with discounted snacks for adults, is also available on site thanks to the local school district. The movie begins around 8pm. The event rotates from park to park to make it as easy as possible for everyone to attend.

In Windsor, a similar event takes place on select Friday nights June through early September. Also a rotating event, Windsor Movies in the Park begin at 8:30pm and are free to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets to lounge on while they enjoy the feature. Special events, such as family campout night and drive-in movie night may require prior registration or an entrance fee.

The City of Loveland has partnered with Kaiser Permanente to offer Movies 10

| RMPARENT

in the Park Friday nights and some Saturdays in June and July. Movies start at dusk, or approximately 8:15pm, and rotate from park to park throughout the season.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, as well as picnic dinners, however alcohol is not permitted.

At the Centerra shopping center in Loveland, Movies on Main takes place Friday evenings in July, thanks to a partnership with the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse. Free, family-friendly events begin at 7pm and movies start at dusk, or around 8:45pm.

Fort Collins’ version of a free outdoor movie night takes place Tuesday evenings in July and early August.

Movies start between 8:15 and 8:30pm on the Old Town Square stage, and free popcorn is available for guests.

No matter where you live, opportunities for free family entertainment in the great outdoors are waiting right around the corner. Grab the blankets and picnic basket and head out for a

Find your Movie Night Greeley Neighborhood Nights www.greeleygov.com/activities/ neighborhood-nights Windsor Movies in the Park www.windsorgov.com/908/ Movies-in-the-Park Loveland Movies in the Park www.cityofloveland.org/departments/ parks-recreation/events/movies-in-the-park Centerra Movies on Main www.thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com/ event/MOVIES-ON-MAIN/2145505088/ Fort Collins Outdoor Movie Nights in Old Town Square www.downtownfortcollins.com/?/events/ dda-movie-night

night of good old-fashioned fun.

‘It’s kind of a throwback to the drive-in days only this is in our neighborhood park,” says Welch. “It’s a great way to get everyone together.”

RMPARENT

| 11

learn and live

SNAG yourself some family fun Go play a round

KIM SHARPE

H

ave you ever wanted to learn to golf, but can’t imagine how in the world you’d be able to hit that tiny little ball with that tiny little club? Well, imagine no more!

SNAG®—which stands for Starting New at Golf—introduces kids and adults to the game by using oversized plastic clubs and tennis-like balls. Picture Little Tykes™ clubs for big people and you’ll kind of get the idea.

In 2012, Cattail Creek Golf Course in Loveland opened Colorado’s first SNAG® mini-course. Since that time, Jim Dargis, the head professional at both Cattail Creek and The Olde Course at Loveland, says the SNAG® course averages about 5,000 rounds per year. “I’m amazed at how popular it is.

We see kids, beginners, parents and grandparents out just having a good time. On the mini-course, kids can run,

12

| RMPARENT

scream and holler, and nobody cares.”

That, of course, is not the case with standard golf, a game built on etiquette and tradition. While SNAG® teaches people the basics of how to swing a club and get a ball from the tee to the green, plus safety, like where to stand when someone else is swinging a club, it doesn’t emphasize golf’s conventional rules.

The SNAG® website (www. snaggolf.com) says that SNAG® “is the best first touch program to effectively teach the game of golf to people of all ages and ability levels…[it] focuses on simple, structured instruction for all new learners and a modified form of golf that allows play in non-traditional venues. The goal of SNAG® is to eliminate geographic and demographic barriers that traditional golf presents.”

Dargis adds that SNAG® is very user friendly and the perfect family

activity. “If we can introduce people to golf in a fun way, they’ll likely play the game for a lifetime.”

The City of Loveland offers lessons for kids from age 5 through 95 using the mini-course. Information about group lessons can be found at www. cityofloveland.org—search for the Leisure Times Activity Guide.

RMPARENT

| 13

community news

Get smart, buckle up, vaccinate Supportive programs and safety reminders enhance NoCo KIM SHARPE

GREELEY STUDENTS GET AN ACADEMIC BOOST Many students who attend Billie Martinez, New Hope Academy, Chappelow, Ann K. Heiman and Dos Rios Elementary schools in Weld County School District 6 are doing better in school and socially, thanks to the City of Greeley Youth Enrichment Program.

Students enrolled in the program, which focuses on improving literacy and math skills, plus attendance and behavior, saw an increase in literacy test scores and a huge decline in behavior incidents.

The After School Program takes place at the Rodarte Community Center and Anna Gimmestad site. The program promotes a safe learning environment that provides tutoring, homework help and reading assistance by UNC elementary education students. Each program participant completes a half hour of homework, tutoring or reading upon arrival. Afterwards they participate in 14

| RMPARENT

activities provided by community partners like High Plains Library District, Weld County Extension STEM, UNC String Project, SAVA Speak Up!/ START Program and area Boy Scouts.

Both the Rodarte Community Center and Anna Gimmestad site are offering a Fun in the Sun (FITS) summer camp program where students will continue to build on the foundation established this school year and to prevent summer learning loss. Weekly themes have been established for the program throughout the summer incorporating science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum. For more information about the After School Program or Fun in the Sun camp, please visit www.RodarteCC.com or call 970350-9430.

RABIES IN WELD COUNTY So far this year, 10 skunks tested positive for rabies in nearly all corners of Weld County. Rabid skunks have been found near Ault, Briggsdale, Gill, Greeley, Hudson and Windsor. A rabid bat also was found near Windsor. Colorado-wide, more than 160 skunks have tested positive for rabies Any mammal, including humans, is at risk for contracting rabies. “The risk of human exposure to rabies increases when pets and domestic animals are not properly vaccinated.

If you are in direct contact with a rabid animal, such as a skunk or bat, your risk is much higher,” says Mark Wallace, Weld County Health Department executive director. The best prevention is to vaccinate your domestic pets and livestock.

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that affects the nervous system; it causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and is transmitted in saliva through the bite of an infected animal. The virus can also be transmitted in saliva to an open cut, scratch or wound. Signs of rabies include increases in saliva and drooling, nocturnal animals seen out during the daytime, slow or difficult movement, and confusion or aggression. If a person suspects they have been exposed to rabies, they should contact their med-

ical provider immediately. Medicine is available to prevent rabies if started before symptoms appear. Untreated, rabies can be fatal.

For more information about rabies and vaccines, visit the Colorado Health Department of Health & Environment at www.colorado.gov/ pacific/cdphe/rabies.

CLICK IT EVERY TRIP Last year, nearly half of all vehicle occupant fatalities in Colorado were people who weren’t wearing their seat belt. Buckling up is the single most effective way to prevent serious injury or death on the road.

In 2017, Colorado’s seat belt use rate dropped from 84 percent to 83.8 percent, ranking our state 36th in the nation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 58 lives could be saved ev-

ery year if Colorado had 100-percent seat belt use.

The Colorado State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies throughout northern Colorado work together to educate the public about Colorado’s seat belt laws and the importance of buckling up every trip, every time. They also want people to know that if you choose not to buckle up, you could be fined. Fines for not buckling up start at $65, and parents or caregivers caught with an improperly restrained child can receive a minimum fine of $82.

Colby Zander, Greeley Patrol Officer, says, “Law enforcement is out writing tickets to make sure everyone is driving sober, buckling up, slowing down and getting home at the end of the day.”

Learn more about the seat belt law (Click It or Ticket) enforcement in Colorado at www.codot.gov.

RMPARENT

| 15

healthy living

Part of the team

Chores benefit kids in many ways LEA HANSON

A

s parents, we know that giving kids responsibilities is the right thing to do, yet many of us aren’t sure how much is enough. However, giving kids chores may be one of the most important things we’ll ever do. Kids who do chores learn responsibility and gain important life skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. David Hulac, Associate Professor of School Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado says, “The common wisdom is that chores teach kids responsibility, perseverance and hard-work.

We assume that kids who do not do chores will not learn these tasks. However, the current status of the literature on parenting suggests that chores reflect how responsible, resilient, and hard-working a child already is.” This combined with the fact that kids tend to save their worst behavior for their parents; we should not necessarily assume that kids not completing chores well reflects generally on their future.

CHORES FOR PRESCHOOLERS Preschool children can be given simple chores such as picking up their toys each day, picking up their room, and/or putting dishes away after a meal. These sorts of chores teach them that they are responsible for their own messes.

Young children often respond well to sticker charts that help remind them to do their chores. Since preschoolers may not yet be readers, a chart with pictures of each chore can be a good reminder. Once they’ve completed each chore, they earn a sticker.

CHORES FOR SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN When children begin attending school, their responsibility with chores should increase as well. School-aged children should continue with chores that relate to picking up after themselves and responsibilities can be increased on top of that.

16

| RMPARENT

As chores become more complex, teach them in a step-by-step manner how to do each task. For example, if a child is expected to put his own clothes away, teach him where to put the clothes and discuss your expectations clearly.

Praise kids for their efforts and encourage them to meet expectations.

around the house gives them a sense of accomplishment—even if they’re complaining about it. Doing chores also helps kids feel like they’re part of the team; whether that’s a small family team or a larger community team. Pitching in and helping family members is good for them and it encourages good citizenship.

CHORES FOR TEENAGERS Teenagers need chores that will prepare them for the real world. Assign chores such as meal preparation, cleaning the bathroom, mowing the lawn, or doing the laundry. These life skills will be important after high school and foster and prepare them for independent living.

Giving an allowance can motivate and also serve as a way to teach about managing money. Make an allowance system similar to the way your teen will earn money at a job. Provide payment one time per week. Don’t give out any loans and don’t hand out money if your teen hasn’t earned it.

QUID PRO QUO Hulac says, “Sadly, chores are often a source of power struggle between parents and kids in which parents feel no power to enforce whether or not the kids complete their chore, and so they simply resort to yelling or other coercive methods. This is frustrating for everybody in the house.” It’s a struggle, but parents ought to remember they’re the bosses.

Hulac says, “Don’t allow the child to do an activity they like until they finish a chore. Many kids like their computer time. Parents should control all electronics that a child has, and only allow them to play with those when the chores are completed. If a child does not complete their chores, the electronics stay in time out. When using contingencies like this, it is important to keep the child’s ability to delay gratification in mind.”

BENEFITS KIDS GAIN FROM CHORES Kids feel competent when they do their chores. Whether they’re making their bed or sweeping the floor, helping out

STRENGTH IN MOTHERHOOD

We are

HIRING Rocky Mountain Publishing is seeking a high-energy, enthusiastic individual for their southern territory, which includes Loveland, Windsor and Greeley. The ideal candidate will: Have sales or advertising experience Work in an outside-sales capacity visiting existing & prospective accounts Be a creative, motivated team player Have presentation and account-management skills and experience.

Resumes are being accepted through August 1, 2018 and may be sent to: Greg Hoffman, Advertising Director: greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com

Enroll in a FREE class Pre- and post-natal fitness and wellness programs to help make moms strong in body, mind and spirit.

Plus a network of other moms to support every stage of motherhood from pregnancy through postpartum and beyond.

Classes are offered year-round in Greeley, Windsor, Loveland, and Fort Collins.

970.714.1889

noco.fit4mom.com

RMPARENT

| 17

Quality time

together

Sending the message to your kids that they matter

D

id you know that many experts define successful parenting as simply spending quality, positive time with your kids?

Forget enrolling them in every activity and sport imaginable and simply spend time listening to, talking with, and doing things together as a family. Sure, activities add to their depth of knowledge and build skills, but what matters most is growing kids who not only know how to do things, but know how to sit and be with themselves, and like their own company. By spending time with your kids you send the message that they matter. Quality time together says they are important (and funny and smart and worthy) enough to demand your time and attention.

“As humans, we don’t just long for relationships, we long to express ourselves—to be seen and known by others,” says Dr. Carl Nassar, Director and Licensed Psychotherapist (LPC, NCC, CIP) with Heart-Centered Counseling in Fort Collins.

WHY TIME TOGETHER MATTERS A study published in the Journal of Family Issues found that adolescents who believe they matter to their families are less likely to be violent. The study defined mattering as a combination of three elements—a sense of awareness, importance and reliance. What does this mean for you, as a parent? By staying in tune with your kids’ current events and interests, you maintain awareness. By spending time and energy on your kids’ interests, you let them know they are important. Finally, by allowing your kids to sometimes lead and make decisions, or ask them for their opinion or advice, you let them know you rely on them. Showing confidence, as in, ‘I know you can do it,’ or ‘You’ll

18

| RMPARENT

Lynn U. Nichols

figure it out’ is another way to show reliance—you rely on them to succeed and make their way. They integrate your vote of confidence into who they are and let it guide their ventures out in the world.

PROVIDE LOOSE STRUCTURE, AND LET THE REST HAPPEN NATURALLY Nassar isn’t a big advocate of simply hanging out together as he often sees this quickly morph into each person drifting to his or her media of choice for easy entertainment. Being together yet separate isn’t really constructive family time.

“With zero plans, hanging out can quickly become everyone doing separate things, so when you plan family time, focus on things that don’t take a lot of planning—like walking for ice cream, or taking a bike ride with phones left behind. Keeping it simple, with no real intention to accomplish a task, lets you enjoy the process and simply be together,” he adds.

Consider things you can do togeth-

er as a family that are not too demanding. Maybe that’s fishing, boating, gardening or hiking. Enjoying the outdoors together often goes over well.

“Nature helps us acclimate to a slower rhythm, a rhythm that’s more conducive to connection,” Nassar says.

Summer is also the time to tackle fun family projects like building a gocart or backyard fort. Remember, it’s the process, not the product that counts.

Working towards a goal together unites families, teaches new skills and helps kids develop a sense of personal and family pride.

Of course, taking road trips to visit new places, see family or go camping are great backdrops for family bonding.

Kids love to see their parents play and be lighthearted—in other words, act more like they do. A Disney Time Survey of 1000 people found that quality family time increases while on vacation.

Parents who responded said they were more apt to feel excited, calm, affection-

ate and sillier than if they were home.

Sharing inside jokes and laughing at life’s little challenges strengthens a sense of family and builds a belief that we’re all in this together.

Remember, quality trumps quantity of time, as several studies on family time show. Go into your time together with a conscious effort to keep it light and free of stress and negativity. Consider ways you can build your child up, offering real praise when it’s called for, and showing real interest in what they have to say.

Creating a strong family base for your kids gives them a solid launching pad for life. When kids experience high quality relationships within the family, they often experience high quality relationships outside of it as they grow into young adults.

“We all long for contact and it’s in our families that we have our deepest relationships. When we feel safe and secure growing up, we experience a world that’s safe and secure,” Nassar concludes.

BUILDING BLOCKS FOR BUILDING BONDS

Need a little help getting your creative juices flowing on how to spend quality time as a family? Try these, then make up some of your own—there’s no rules except to spend time together and enjoy each other.

ESTABLISH MEALTIME AS FAMILY TIME

PLAY GAMES

Make the evening meal sacred. Keep the conversation light and positive, so that kids associate mealtime with comfort. Encourage your kids to talk about something new and different, outside of school and sports. During the summer, play Frisbee, bocce ball, corn hole, or other yard games while you grill.

Have weeklong marathon monopoly games, or having one night that’s deemed family game night is an easy backdrop to time together. To mix up family game night, go to a coffee shop or brewery that has games on hand, or go to a game place and play pinball or skee-ball together.

Try Fort Fun, Pinball Jones or The Summit.

ATTEND SHOWS AND CONCERTS

LEAD CLUB ACTIVITIES

Northern Colorado has endless opportunities to bring a blanket or chairs and hang out and listen to music outdoors in the summer. Year round, find plays, musicals and shows to attend together, with a dessert debriefing afterwards.

Consider leading a project for Odyssey of the Minds, 4H, or Scouts to show commitment to your kids’ interests and to spend time with them and their peers.

READ TOGETHER

Let your child read to you, or you read to them every day.

Your patience and interest sends a clear message that you care.

PLAN WEEKEND GETAWAYS

Sometimes, it’s hard to relax and be present when there is a running list of what needs to be done going through your head. That’s when it’s best to leave it all behind and get out of town. When you are away, all you really can do is be together. Rent a yurt, cabin, hotel room or camp.

Once you’ve made your plans, relax and let whatever happens, happen.

BUILD THINGS TOGETHER

It’s summer, so there’s time to tackle a large, fun project.

How about building garden beds, a chicken coop, a gocart, or a fort together? Maybe you’d rather buy a large canvas and create a family painting, all contributing to an abstract piece of art—or make scrapbooks together of past family vacations.

SEEK AFTERNOON OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Weekly, get out and explore a new outdoor place. With 115 city parks in Larimer County, and 43,000 acres of open space, there’s no shortage for new places to hike, bike, play, fish, swim, explore and relax together.

RMPARENT

| 19

Realities of the sandwich generation Raising kids, taking care of older parents, feeling like you’re in a pickle

Kim Sharpe

P

arenting is hard. So is caring for aging parents. Put them together and you can feel sandwiched between two demanding tasks that pull you in too many directions.

According to the Pew Research Foundation, nearly one out of eight Americans are both raising a family and caring for a parent who can’t quite function well independently.

Members of this sandwich generation are typically in their 30s and 40s. They are juggling helping with homework, extra-curricular activity schedules, errands, chores, getting dinner on the table and myriad other tasks involved in daily family life.

They also have been called upon to help mom, dad or in-laws deal with life tasks and perhaps medical issues.

Plus, 60 percent of them work outside of the home either full or part time. Whoa! That’s a lot to handle.

CALL IT LIKE IT IS If you can relate to this scenario, you must “first and foremost, self-identify as a family caregiver,” says Lynette McGowan, caregiver program support coordinator with the Larimer County Office on Aging.

When most people think of caregivers, they think of paid professionals—those who work as a home-care aid or visiting nurse.

However, most caregivers do not fall into that category, but rather are

20

| RMPARENT

unpaid family members or friends.

According to AARP, “in 2013, about 40 million family caregivers provided 37 billion hours of care worth an estimated $470 billion to their parents, spouses, partners and other adult loved ones.

Given those numbers, caregivers should not underrate their services.

So, if you check in with mom on a regular basis, take your father-inlaw to a doctor appointment, provide meals and help your mother-in-law with housekeeping, regularly remind your dad to take his medications— basically if you do for others what’s expected in a family structure— you’re officially a caregiver.

McGowan says once you self-identify with this title, a whole world of support opens up to you.

“When one begins to recognize this role then they can find resources and get the assistance they need to help them juggle all their responsibilities.”

PLAN FOR THE INEVITABLE Another important layer of the caregiving sandwich is planning. Everyone should do it early and often, as plans may need to change. But planning for age-related realities doesn’t come easy.

“It’s common for older adults to resist help or to make plans for their less-independent future,” McGowan says. “Caregivers can help them by

Resources for building a better sandwich • AARP – 888-687-2277, www.aarp.org

• Family Caregiver Alliance/National Alliance for Caregiving – 800-445-8106, www.caregiver.org • Larimer County Office on Aging – 970-498-7750, www.larimer.org • Weld County Area Agency on Aging – 970-346-6950, www.weldgov.com

becoming their ally. Let them know they’re not alone—that you struggle with making decisions about things like advance directives, too. Put them at the center of the conversation so they feel they still have control over their lives.”

She also recommends that as many family members as possible participate in the planning process, even if that means facing difficult family dynamics.

RALLY THE TROOPS Assumptions about who should do what. Expectations about who should pay for costs related to caregiving. Blaming others when things don’t go well. All of these things can severely complicate caring for loved ones, fuel resentment and bitterness, and unfortunately, tear families apart.

The best way to prevent or deal with all of these issues is to communicate with everyone involved. “Communication is crucial,” says McGowan. And while she admits that it may seem impossible to get everyone on the same page, “people should find a time to hold family meetings or conversations. This doesn’t mean everyone has to physically be around the same table. Take advantage of technology to help everyone be present.”

She also says there are many online resources about how to have family meetings, even when family members are resistant. “Keep inviting everyone’s participation and input, but sometimes you may have to let go if you don’t get everyone’s support. Be okay with knowing you did the best you could.”

TIME OUT Another critical part of caregiving is caring for yourself.

“Caregivers must keep themselves intact. If they don’t, they will burn out,” McGowan explains. “In our business, we call it compassion fatigue. It’s when someone gives and gives and gives without replenishing themselves.”

She also emphasizes that it’s not selfish to carve out time for yourself.

The Family Caregiver Alliance says, “There’s no doubt that finding time for yourself may seem impossible some days, but finding simple breaks that rejuvenate you may help revive your sense of self when you feel overwhelmed by an onslaught of needs from others.”

McGowan’s best advice for the sandwich generation is to “be realistic about expectations of yourself. Prioritize tasks knowing that not everything is of equal importance and let some things go.

Also recognize the importance of taking care of yourself and seek support or ask for help from others so you can stay sane.”

RMPARENT

| 21

WE ARE MOBILE Reach all of northern Colorado via print and digital marketing with Rocky Mountain Publishing.

Read all of our publications on your mobile device.

MARCH 2017 • RMPARENT.COM

SPRING 2017

SERVING NORTHERN COLORADO • FIFTYBETTER.COM

TEE OFF AT A LOCAL DISC GOLF COURSE

ROAD TRIPPING Road tripping —with—

with toddlers

toddl ers

PREPARING YOUR GARDEN

HEALTHY BODY HABITS for kids

Mindfulness and your health

Sample a local craft

Destinations and

wayside breaks

PLUS

THE 2017

of DIRT

THE UGLY SIDE:

CHILD ABUSE IN NOCO

FIND IT IN THE

DIRECTORY

PIT STOPS

Church

WHAT food labels CAN TELL YOU

[BIG BIKE]

Finding your passions

beer

FUN, FUN, FUN

Front Range staycation

THE REGION’S

RiDE 2017 GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO BICYCLING CULTURE & EVENTS

Pots and plots—

BIKE

CALENDAR

Ditch the pavement for dusty dirt trails, fire roads, meandering two tracks, and crunchy gravel roads

BEST

FAMILY CALENDAR!

INSIDE: LIFESTYLE, ACTIVE [AND HEALTH DIRECTORIES] RMPARENT

|1

GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO BICYCLING CULTURE AND EVENTS

RiDE | 1

To Advertise, contact: Greg at 970-689- 6832

1

greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com

2

Scott at 970-980- 9183

scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com

FIT KIDS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT RMPARENT

| 23

Hiatt Farms Montessori School • A Bilingual Montessori Farm School

Visit us online for our

Open House information

970-775-8448

6664 North County Road #13 Loveland, Colorado 24

| RMPARENT

Now Accepting Applications

HiattFarmsMontessori.com

RMPARENT

| 25

The Dream Starts Here!

Book your WE time at the Mini-Course at Cattail Creek.

Offering gymnastics classes for ages 18 months to 18 years of age in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.

H H Bring in this ad and receive 2 free classes! H H — For new customers only —

• Beginner - Advanced Girls & Boys • Preschool Open Gyms

• Parent –Tot Classes • Summer Camps • Preschool Classes • Competitive Teams • Homeschool Open Gym • Competitive Cheer

970-663-3173 • Premiergymnastics.net 1410 East 11th Street • Loveland

Dreaming of Horses? gargotfarm.com

• Individual & small-group instruction • After-school and weekend lessons • Schooling Shows • Safe, trained horses and ponies • Indoor & outdoor arenas • Emphasizes horse and child connection

SUMMER CAMPS

Ages 6-10—June 4-8 & July 9-13 Ages 11-14—June 18-22 & July 30-August 3

303-818-3524

Dr. Margot Nacey, Owner, Lic. Clinical Psychologist#1716 Molly Brame, Instructor, USHJA Certified

222 N. County Road 23, Berthoud • m_brame@comcast.net

26

| RMPARENT

easy Fun and y golf la way to p you r e th e wh er are a golf t! o n or

$7 per round, $6 (5-12 yrs.), 4 & under FREE Price includes equipment rental.

Specialized SNAG (Starting New At Golf)

equipment available

• Zero intimidation • Self-teaching Stations • 9 Holes of Fun

970-663-5310 | 2116 W. 29th St. | Loveland | GolfLoveland.com

Weeknight

Soccer Leagues AGES 3-11 YEARS

REGISTER AND PAY BY JANUARY 20TH AND RECEIVE

$25 EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT! coloradostorm.com • (970)484-8328

For more information, contact cayla.deacon@coloradostorm.com

RMPARENT

| 27

Today is the perfect day to begin your child’s musical journey at Foundation Music School!

Fort Collins Favorite Fun and Friendly Pediatric Dental Experience

Call us today!

• Family Music classes

Our mission is to provide individualized and compassionate oral health care for all children

• Zumbini • Music Camps • Instrument-Prep Classes for ages 3 1/2 - 6

3663 South College Unit 13, Fort Collins

970.407.9084

“Our son loves to go to the dentist because of your fantastic staff and fun atmosphere!”

• Music Therapy

—J. Walters

• Group and Private Instrument lessons

-MENTION THIS AD WHEN CALLING(970) 484-4104

4609 S. Timberline Rd.• Suite 103B

www.foundationmusicschool.org

www.RockiesKidsDds.com 5

All camps include:

3 hours of themed games and activities, karate lesson, and snack

AGES 5-8 8:30-11:30am Monday-Friday

AGES 9-13 12:30-3:30pm Monday-Friday

$189/week, additional family members ½ price! Limited spaces available.

Register by May 1st and

save $40!

BACKGROUND-CHECKED BLACK BELT INSTRUCTORS • STATE-OF-THE ART FACILITIES

“Mind”craft Week

JUNE 11-15 Use your skills to build in the real world!

Wild West Week

JULY 16-20 Saddle up, lasso in a rip-roarin’ good time!

Kids Ninja Warrior Week

AUGUST 6-10 Train like a ninja to overcome life’s obstacles.

970-204-9977 • KaizenIBBA.com 1833 E Harmony Rd, #5 (behind Cinemark on Timberline)

28

| RMPARENT

50% DISCOUNT For New Patients

INCLUDES EXAM, CLEANING, X-RAYS AND FLUORIDE.

Visit our website for our full schedule of classes and camps:

Kickin’ Karate Summer Camps!

Specializing in Dentistry for Toddlers, Children, Teens and Special-needs Patients

now

Registering

for

FALL

Teaching Hunter Jumper lessons to riders of all ages!

Lesson Horses

available

After-school and Saturday lessons available

Call today to discuss your training goals Stefanie Hoffman, Owner/Instructor

970.402.2536

inspirationridingacademy.com

ado’s

N Color

E T A M I T L U party AND NORTHER

a

Play are

Buy one get one free of equal or lesser value EXCLUDES FUN AND GAMES PASS

_—OR— $10.00 OFF your birthday package EXP 6/30/18

ROLLERLANDSKATECENTER.COM 970-482-0497 • 324 S. LINK LANE • FORT COLLINS

RMPARENT

| 29

PRIVATE INSTRUCTION Piano • Voice • Percussion with Theory Sight-Singing, Ear Training & Dictation ALL AGES

EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC CLASSES 10-Week Sessions Parent/Caregiver Interaction, FREE Observation Class

Mention this ad for 10% OFF your first Month of Services!

NEWBORN – FOUR YEARS

THEORY CLASSES MUSIC THERAPY & ADAPTED LESSONS Designed to support academics (IEP/504), learning and physical delays, social/emotional disabilities (ADD, ADHD, autism), hospice and palliative care. ALL AGES

Individuals/Groups Vocalists/Instrumentalists Be versatile & grounded in musicianship Sight-Singing, Dictation & Solfège ALL AGES

tamara@thrivemusicstudio.com • www.thrivemusicstudio.com (970)215-5070 Tamara Rowland, MA, MT—BC Music Education and Music Therapy

Northern Colorado’s Favorite Parenting Magazine.

Pick up your FREE copy today!

visit us online at: rmparent.com 30

| RMPARENT

RMPARENT

| 31

32

| RMPARENT

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:

RMPARENT

| 33

poudre school district news The new MAC welcomes Tavelli students • Beattie Elementary School, 3000 Meadowlark Ave, June 4 - June 29 • Laurel Elementary School, 1000 East Locust Court, June 4 - July 27

Lunch will not be served Wednesday, July 4

Fifth-grader Deondray Weddington smiled as he read his answer scrawled in orange crayon on a worksheet.

“My favorite place is the MAC bus,” he said.

Just an hour before, Deondray and about 20 of his Tavelli Elementary School classmates stepped inside PSD’s new Mobile Academic Classroom or MAC for short. They were the first group of students to get a peak of the classroom that had just rolled up to their neighborhood during summer break.

“It’s really nice,” he said. “I’m excited to spend time here with my friends.

What was once an old school bus, the MAC is an exciting classroom for Tavelli students. Standard bus benches have been replaced with bright custom-made furniture. White boards line the sides of the bus, offering kids a place to write, and a reading area in the back invites students to take a seat and pick up a book.

“It was very emotional,” Tavelli Principal Christine Hendricks said about seeing students excitedly flock to the bus for the first time. “To see it all come together was just amazing, really.”

Hendricks developed the idea for the MAC with PSD Superintendent Dr. Sandra Smyser and Tavelli Assistant Principal Shirley Woods. They had been brainstorming ways to keep kids engaged over the 34

| RMPARENT

summer without the expense of transporting them across town to get to class.

“We all looked at each other and thought ‘what if we just go to them?’”

Hendricks recalled.

MAC students will explore science, technology, literacy and math over the summer, with a chance to explore passion projects and play outside.

Parents of Tavelli students who live near the Bull Run apartment complex can stop by and sign their students up when MAC is in session between 9am and 11am. Monday through Thursday outside the Bull Run apartment complex.

FREE MEALS FOR CHILDREN THIS SUMMER AT THREE PSD SCHOOLS The PSD Child Nutrition Program is offering meals to children (for free!) and to adults (for a modest price) this summer.

Any child 18 or younger can receive free breakfast and lunch this summer from June 4 - July 27. Adults can also enjoy nutritious breakfasts for $2 and lunches for $3.75.

Breakfast served: 8–9am Lunch served: 11:30am–1pm. Lunches include an entree, milk and eight different fresh fruits and veggies to choose from.

Free meals will be served at: • Bauder Elementary School, 2345 W. Prospect, June 4 - July 27

ROCKY GRADUATES SURPRISE RETIRING KINDERGARTEN TEACHER Cloaked in maroon graduation gowns, seven Rocky Mountain High School seniors tiptoed through the halls of Johnson Elementary School, an eager entourage of camera-toting teachers following quietly behind them.

They were on a mission.

As they approached the door for Mrs. Lorrie Unrein’s kindergarten classroom, a few of them turned to each other and nervously giggled. It was almost time for the big reveal.

Mrs. Unrein was their kindergarten teacher 12 years ago. These students, who started their school career in her classroom, wanted to give her a proper sendoff as she completed her own and retired.

“I remember her smile,” Teagan Liufau said. “She’s one of the most genuine people I think I’ve ever met. She’s really authentic and kind, and I remember me, being 5 years old, looking up and seeing that smile every day. That was pretty special.”

When the students walked through the doors wearing their caps and gowns, they first encountered a stunned silence.

The kindergarten students in the classroom shifted around on their seats.

Then, Mrs. Unrein beamed.

“Oh you guys,” she said, pulling them into a group hug as her kindergarten students looked on.

One of her former students turned to the class and told the students that she once sat in their seats with Mrs. Unrein as her teacher.

“And look how big they are now,” Mrs. Unrein cut in, laughing.

The students lingered for a few minutes, reminding each other of happy memories they’d shared in Mrs. Unrein’s

classroom more than a decade ago.

“We started with you,” former student Rylee Bundy said. “We wanted you to end (your career) with us.”

BAUDER STUDENTS TALK ABOUT NATIVE COUNTRIES DURING FLAG DAY EVENT Students sitting in front of Fatma Abuseda and Yara Zrigan stretched up in their seats, waving their hands in hopes of asking their burning questions.

“Who is Libya’s biggest ally?” one boy near the front asked the two Bauder Elementary School fifth graders. “How big is Tripoli?” questioned another.

“Why did your family move here?” a girl near the front asked.

Fatma and Yara beamed at the class and took turns responding to their schoolmates’ questions about Libya, the country where both students lived before moving to the United States. Their presentation was part of Bauder Elementary School’s biannual Flag Day Parade, an event that encourages students who have immigrated to the U.S. to teach other students about their native countries.

Students in the school get “passport stamps” after each presentation and locate the countries they learned about on a map.

Students across the school listened intently as their peers gave presentations about places including Iraq, Mexico and Peru.

Some students brought food to share with other students. Others wore traditional garb from their countries.

Fatma and Yara talked about Libyan food and culture – Yara said her favorite part about living there was how close she was to the beach – and answered their classmates questions about a variety of questions including Islam, politics and geography.

After their presentation concluded, the students flocked outside, where they watched the official Flag Day Parade.

Students who presented walked around the school carrying their native country’s flag, a final opportunity for students to explore new cultures.

“I wanted them to learn about our holidays and our prophets,” Yara said.

PSD SENIORS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS AND APPOINTMENTS Congratulations to these outstanding

seniors who have excelled academically and earned notable scholarships!

U.S. Military Academy Appointments

• Joseph Elson, RMHS • Taylor Marzolf, RMHS • Madelyn Bennet, RMHS • Monique Roche, PHS (US Air Force Academy)

Presidential Scholarship Program

• Chelsea Wang, Fossil Ridge High School

Each year, up to 161 students are named Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. U.S. Presidential Scholars are guests of the Commission during the National Recognition Program and enjoy an expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with government officials, educators, and other accomplished people. To commemorate their achievement, the Scholars are awarded the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.

National Merit Scholar Program National Merit Scholars are selected from the finalists group. This list is updated as high schools notify us of students selected.

• Genna Campain, Fort Collins High School • Eunice Chen, Fort Collins High School • Catherine Liu, Fort Collins High School • Ashley Zhou, Fort Collins High School • Chelsea Wang, Fossil Ridge High School • Emma Daharsh, Liberty Common High School • Catherine Molenaar, Liberty Common High School • Perry Nielsen, Liberty Common High School • Sedang Park, Liberty Common High School • Samantha Burrell, Poudre High School • Jenna Gorham, Poudre High School • Jana Jones, Poudre High School • Daniel Kang, Poudre High School • Grace Kenyon, Poudre High School • Kelsey Straw, Poudre High School • Tyler Joseph Dunaisky, Ridgeview Classical Schools • Joseph Elson, Rocky Mountain High School • Jace Fulton, Rocky Mountain High School

National Merit Scholars score in the top 1 percent academically. Three types of National Merit Scholarships are awarded: a one-time $2,500 award, a corporate-sponsored achievement

scholarship or a college-sponsored merit scholarship. National Merit Scholars earn this elite designation through a two-year testing and application process.

National Hispanic Scholar • Perry Nielsen, Liberty Common High School • Emma Eddy, Poudre High School • John McLaurin, Rocky Mountain High School

The College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program recognizes about 5,000 of the 250,000 Hispanic/ Latino juniors who take college board tests. The recognition is an exceptional academic honor.

Boettcher Foundation Scholarship Finalists • Jay Chandra, Fossil Ridge High School • Anuja Gore, Fort Collins High School • Shreya Pandit, Fossil Ridge High School • Maddison Schink, Poudre High School • Chelsea Wang, Fossil Ridge High School

The Boettcher Scholarship, sponsored by the Denver-based Boettcher Foundation, is a merit-based scholarship available to Colorado graduating seniors who provide service to community and school, and are top students in their class, display leadership and demonstrate character. Only 42 scholarship were offered across the state.

The four-year scholarship includes expenses to attend the Colorado school of the recipient’s choice: full tuition, fees, a book allowance and an annual stipend for living expenses. The scholarship also includes lifelong programming and support to ensure that students reach their full potential as community leaders.

Daniels Fund Scholarship • Laura Rencher, Liberty Common High School • Grace Wankelman, Poudre High School

PSD seniors who have demonstrated strong character and a determination to succeed in life have been named Daniels Scholars and receive funding to attend the college or university of their choice. The Daniels Scholarship is a supplemental scholarship to all other financial resources, including the family contribution, available to the student.

After other financial aid resources have been applied, the Daniels Scholarship covers the remaining expenses. Students also receive a laptop and printer.

RMPARENT

| 35

greeley-evans district 6 news School Kickoff Community Celebration August 11 Greeley-Evans School District 6 is hosting its fifth annual School Kickoff Community Celebration on Saturday, August 11 at Island Grove Regional Park, 501 North 14th Avenue in Greeley.

Through sponsorships and donations, District 6 has raised enough money to give away 3,800 backpacks filled with school supplies. Backpacks will be given out to District 6 students only. Students must be present at the event to receive a backpack.

Student names will be checked against registration lists. If students are not registered in District 6, preschool through 12th grade, registration must be completed at the event through the District 6 Registrar before a backpack will be given to the student.

Once a student’s registration is confirmed, they will be given a ticket to receive a backpack. All students who receive a ticket will be guaranteed a backpack, and can pick it up anytime during the event. There are different backpacks and supplies for all students.

Volunteers will begin confirming registration and issuing tickets for backpacks at 8am. The giveaway will begin at 10am.

This year, a free brunch will be served to those who attend, while supplies last.

Join us for breakfast burritos, fruit and juice.

Brunch service will begin at 10:30am and will be served until supplies run out.

More than 70 community booths will be featured at the event, providing information, services and entertainment for students and their families. The event also includes a petting zoo provided by FFA students from Greeley West High School, free face painting, balloons, carnival games, student entertainment and many fun activities for families to enjoy. Emergency vehicles from the Greeley police and fire departments, a Greeley-Evans Transit bus and District 6 school bus will also be available for viewing and tours. The District 6 Nutrition Services Department will have its El Fuego food truck available.

Banner Family Practice and Mountain Vista Orthopedics will be on site to perform sports physicals for students at a 36

| RMPARENT

no cost. Families can get information about schools and District 6 programs, register their student for school, and complete a free- and reduced-lunch application on site.

More than 200 volunteers help make this event possible, performing a variety of tasks from stuffing backpacks to serving lunch and handing out backpacks.

The title sponsor for the event is Banner Health/North Colorado Medical Center. Principle Sponsors are DS Constructors, LLC, Extraction Oil and Gas, Greeley Stampede Foundation and Greeley Redeye Rotary. Premier sponsors are Northern Colorado Speech Therapy, Monfort Family Foundation Fund, High Plains Library District, ABC Bright Beginnings, Sunrise Community Health, NCMC Foundation, and Flood and Peterson.

Major backpack sponsors are The Success Foundation serving Greeley Evans Schools, Our Saviors Lutheran Church and Staples. Other backpack sponsors are FMS Bank, Aims Community College, The Community Foundation Serving Greeley and Weld County - Littler Fund, Tom and Donna Roberts, Sea Level Operations, Trinity Episcopal Church, UMB, Weld Family Chiropractor Clinic, Weld Schools Credit Union and Greeley After-Hours Rotary. Another 14 sponsors provided funding for school supplies and lunch.

For more information on the School Kickoff Community Celebration, please visit www.greeleyschools.org/kickoff.

CARY SMITH NAMED PRINCIPAL Greeley Central High School will have a new leader in August. Cary Smith, who has worked as an assistant principal and teacher at Greeley Central, will take the helm as principal in July.

“Cary Smith has a deep commitment to Greeley Central, having served there for 19 years in a variety of roles,” says Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch. “Most recently he served as the Academic Assistant Principal. He has 29 years of teaching English Language Arts experience. He has experience as a head coach and department chairperson. He has led and served on various district and building committees.”

Mr. Smith replaces Kent Henson, who served for two years as principal at Greeley Central before being hired as the District 6 Assistant Superintendent for Support Services this spring. Mr. Henson will assume his new duties in July.

Mr. Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. He also earned a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Northern Colorado.

visit rmparent magazine online for: community news school lunch menus family activities events calendar

.com RMPARENT

| 37

thompson school district news Dr. Marc Schaffer joins Thompson School District I could not be more pleased and honored to be serving as the next Superintendent of Schools for Thompson School District. My commitment to the district and to all of you is to serve each student, staff member, our communities and the Board of Education in a way that honors our excellent traditions, as well as keeping an eye toward our growth and future needs. This is an exciting challenge and one that I will fully dedicate and embrace.

As I think about aligning my core values, I look at the Thompson School District mission as being a school district that empowers, challenges and inspires all to learn, achieve and excel. As I set out to provide leadership and vision for the district, I commit to work in partnership and solidarity with the Board of Education, our staff members and our communities.

I also commit to being student centered and student focused. I will always take the time to listen to all stakeholders and do my very best to be responsive and caring. School districts exist to serve students and their needs—I will never lose sight of this.

I wanted to share with you a little bit of my background and experiences.

Please know that I have proudly dedicated my entire professional career to public education for nearly 25 years. I have served in a wide array of teaching and leadership capacities and have acquired a broad and diverse skill set centered on serving students, being responsive to communities and having an unwavering commitment to equity and diversity.

I have held a number of administrative roles, from high school dean and middle school principal to director of middle school education and assistant superintendent. My administrative experiences, combined with 10 years of classroom instruction at the elementary, middle and high school levels, have provided me with a broad range of 38

| RMPARENT

experiences and skills that I am excited to bring to my role in Thompson.

Please know that above all, I value relationships and working with people. I do prefer face-to-face conversations and I will always take the time to listen and understand. Relationships are built on trust, and as your new superintendent, I commit to earning your trust by being visible, responsive to your concerns and having an open-door policy.

I am a proud graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. I also have a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Illinois University.

I am excited to be joining the Thompson community by living within the district and sending my daughter

to middle school this fall. My wife Liz, daughter Elana and two Labrador Retrievers, Lila and Aliya, are super excited to have made this move to Thompson School District.

In closing, I look forward to this upcoming school year and the exciting work that lies ahead of us. Thompson School District is a world-class organization with remarkable students, a talented and dedicated staff, an extraordinarily supportive Board of Education and engaged and vibrant communities.

I look forward to working hard and sharing in our collective celebrations and accomplishments. The best is yet to come… and I can’t wait to be a part of it all!

Sincerely, Dr. Marc Schaffer

Buy one cupcake Get one FREE!

SW corner of Horsetooth & College, west of Safeway

970-225-1040

buttercreamcupcakery.com

172 North College Avenue

970-482-2505

RMPARENT

| 39

J U LY 2 0 1 8 ONGOING MONDAYS Be You Parenting Online Live Radio Show Listen live or hear archived shows. 11am12pm. www.inspiredchoicesnetwork.com/ author/marydravisparrish.

MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS Read and Seed Youth Program Preschool readiness activities including story and related craft. Ages 2-5 with adult. Registration required for groups over five students. $3. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10-10:45am & 11-11:45am. 416-2486 www.fcgov.com/gardens.

MONDAYS, TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS Music Lab at the Library Try instruments and explore music in other fun ways. All ages. Mondays, 11am at Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. Tuesdays, 1:30pm at Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. Thursdays, 1:30pm at Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org.

TUESDAYS Old Firehouse Books Writer’s Workshop Uninterrupted writing time and discussions with fellow writers.

Registration required. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6-7:30pm. 484-7898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

TUESDAYS, THROUGH JULY 31 Noontime Notes Concert Series Family friendly lunchtime concert series with small-scale music performances. Oak Street Plaza, FC. 11:30am-1pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

TUESDAYS, JULY 10 THROUGH AUGUST 7 Outdoor Movie Nights Free, family friendly event features a new movie on a blow up screen. Old Town Square Stage, FC. Dusk ~ 8:15pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

SECOND & FOURTH THURSDAYS Hugs Social Group for Grandparents and Other Kin Raising Kin Connect with others in similar situations.

Mountain View Presbyterian Church, 2500 N. Garfield Ave., LV. 11:30am-1:30pm.

669-283 www.GrandFamilyCoalition.com.

THIRD THURSDAYS Children’s Book Reading with OtterCares Monthly reading event about how to follow your dreams, enjoy snacks and meet Ollie the Otter. PreK-1st grade. Otter Shop, 151 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 11am12noon. 825-5650. www.facebook.com/ottershop.

FIRST FRIDAYS Downtown Sessions Concert Series Free, family friendly concerts featuring a diverse line up of small- to medium-sized Colorado musical acts, plus beer service.

Old Town Square Stage, FC. 6-9pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

JULY 1 THROUGH 31 Find Waldo Local Presented by Old Firehouse Books, explore Old Town and support local businesses as you search for everyone’s favorite traveler.

Various Old Town locations, FC. 484-7898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

The Bard in the Bar Scavenger Hunt Inspired by Where’s Waldo and presented

by Old Firehouse Books. Adults search for the Bard himself at some of Old Town’s best bars and breweries. Ages 21+. Various Old Town locations, FC. 484-7898 www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

JULY 2, 18, 19, 25 Book Talk with Authors Authors Deedie Runkel, Andrew Shaffer, Nick Arvin and Clay Bonnyman Evans discuss their newest books. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St. FC. 6pm. 484-7898 www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

Hours of Operation: M-Th 8-5pm, Fri 8-4 Fort Collins (970) 493-7442

Loveland (970) 493-7442

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

40

| RMPARENT

Join us this season for the best of Fort Collins: bikes, beer, farms, food and fun.

We create fortified connections through events with a purpose.

F O R T I F I E D C O L L A B O R AT I O N S . C O M CULTIVATED BY:

RiDE on To advertise in RiDE, call Greg or Scott.

We have discounts for early-bird advertisiers.

OUR 2018 SEASON 7/15 Heart of Summer Farm Dinner 7/28 Tour de Farms 8/26 3 Forks Progressive Farm Dinner 9/16 Harvest Moon Salmon Bake 10/7 Harvest Brunch 10/20 Bounty and Brews Beer Dinner 11/11 Mad Farmer Dinner

Support business that supports bicycling.

In Fort Collins call Greg Hoffman 970-689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com

All others call Scott Titterington 970-980-9183 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com

RMPARENT

| 41

THURSDAYS, JULY 5 THROUGH 26 Loveland Summer Concerts Featuring FACE Vocal Band, Narrow Gauge, Rusty 44 Band and Jarabe Mexicano. Location varies, LV. 6:30pm.

962-2120, www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

THURSDAYS, JULY 19 THROUGH AUGUST 2 Magic of Sleep Causes of sleep loss and treatment. Age: 18+. $15. Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. 10:30am-12pm, 221-6644 www.Fcgov.com/recreator.

JULY 11 THROUGH 14 Seuss on the Loose Presented by Front Range Family Theatre Project. Kids/tweens. Harmony Library, outside FRCC Student Center Plaza, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10:30am and 2pm 221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

JULY 21 OR 22 Kokedama Create a self-contained hanging planter out of living moss, soil and plants. All ages. $30. Gulley Greenhouse, 6029 S. Shields St., FC. 10:30am-12pm. www.gulleygreenhouse.com/event.

JULY 12 THROUGH 14 Summer Sale All ages. Global Village Museum, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 11am-5pm. 221-4600 www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

TUESDAYS, THROUGH JULY 24 Kids’ Summer Movie Club Free screenings of Smurfs, Pete’s Dragon, Paddington 2, E.T. and more. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 10am and 2pm.

962-2120, www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

JULY 12 THROUGH 15 Downtown Summer Sales Meander historic downtown as 25+ of Old Town’s most unique shops bring fun displays and great savings right to the downtown sidewalks. Downtown FC. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

JULY 13 THROUGH 15 Poudre River Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. Friday/Saturday-9am, Sunday-12pm 221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

FRIDAYS, THROUGH JULY 27 Movies on Main Family friendly outdoor films. All ages.

Promenade Shops at Centerra, Main Plaza, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. 7pm. 461-1285 www.thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com/ events.

Teen Volunteer Corps Group work projects include sprucing up library, shifting materials, etc. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 10am. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

THROUGH JULY 27 Old Firehouse Books Summer Reading Program Free summer reading program for kids, teens, adults. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 484-7898 www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

JULY 28 AND 29 “At the Beach” Miniature Garden Plant a “beach” mini garden with plants, sand, sea glass, beach chair, more. All ages. $35. Gulley Greenhouse, 6029 S. Shields St., FC. 10:30am-12pm www.gulleygreenhouse.com/event.

Tribute to Beloved Comedienne Gilda Radner at Fort Collins Fringe Festival One-woman show featuring the many characters of Saturday Night Live’s late Gilda Radner. All ages. Single tickets-$10 plus a purchase $5 FoCo Fringe Fest Button. Bas Bleu Theatre, 401 Pine St., FC. July 28-5:30pm and 9:15pm, July 291:30pm. 412-2716 www.focofringe.wellattended.com.

THROUGH JULY 29 Beats and Brews: FoCo Taproom Music Tour Five breweries collaborate to celebrate music, beer and family friendly events while supporting FoCo Cafe. $25.

Locations vary. www.facebook.com//FoCoCafe/events.

WEDNESDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 8 Lagoon Summer Concert Series Featuring Equally Challenged, Jake Gill, Edison, The Jakarta Band, and The Wendy Woo Band. Bring lawn chairs/ blankets. Food trucks onsite. All ages.

West lawn of Colorado State University’s Lory Student Center. 6pm. www.lagoonseries.com.

WEEKDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 10 Kids Out to Lunch in Laramie Healthy, fresh, local ingredients, and activities like gardening and crafts.

Ages 0-18-free. Adults-$1.50 donation.

Reservations helpful. Labonte Park, 968 N. 9th St., Laramie, WY. 11:30am-1:30pm M-F. 307-223-4399 www.feedinglaramievalley.org.

42

| RMPARENT

Book your child’s dental exam today!

FREE EXAM

for children under 2!

A general dentistry practice that’s all about kids and young adults, ages 0-20!

970-635-4353

126 East 29th Street Loveland

www.kindergrins.com Monday - Thursday 8-5

$75 New Patient Exam Includes Exams, Cleaning, Fluoride, X-Rays.

One coupon per patient. New patients only and without insurance. Not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at visit.

Expires: 7/31/18 RMP0718

FREE light-up toothbrush for NEW patients One coupon per family. Not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at visit.

Expires: 7/31/18 RMP0718

Get Away

Close to Home Yet Far Away ~ Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, 80545

Book Your

Summer Vacation NOW

Visit us on Facebook for upcoming events.

Lodging, Campground, Restaurant & Bar, Hiking, Fishing, Disk Golf & More

www.beavermeadows.com • 970-881-2450

RMPARENT

| 43

2018 Independence Day thFun

Wednesday, July 4

ESTES PARK Coolest Car Show (9am-3pm), Estes Park Events Complex (at the Fairgrounds at Stanley Park), patriotic concert by the Estes Village Band (7pm), Performance Park Amphitheater (west end of downtown), fireworks over Lake Estes (9:30pm). www. visitestespark.com/events-calendar/special-events/july-4/ FORT COLLINS Parade (10am), live music from local bands and symphony, food trucks (4:15pm), fireworks (9:35pm weather permitting). Old Town/City Park. www.fcgov.com/july4th.

GREELEY Run4Greeley 5K (7:15am), parade (9am), Greeley Stampede events—concerts, rodeos, family shows, demolition derby, kids activities, midway games/rides, food vendors, beer garden and fireworks (9:30pm). Island Grove Park, 501 N. 14th Ave. www. greeleystampede.org.

LOVELAND Flag raising (10am), school-house tours, vendor booths and train rides (11am), dancing, mobile recreation trailer, music concert (8-9:17pm) and fireworks (9:17pm).

North Lake Park, 2750 N. Taft Ave. www.cityofloveland.org/July4th.

TIMNATH Local food trucks, kids’ activities, live music and a pyromusical fireworks display.

Timnath Reservoir, 5824 E. CR 40. 6-10pm. www.timnath.org/4th-of-july-2018.

WELLINGTON Pancake breakfast (7-10am), parade (10am), family fun fest with vendor booths, food, inflatables, music (begins 10am), car show (11am-4pm), fireworks (dusk). Centennial Park. www.townofwellington.com.

WINDSOR Four-Legged Fun Run (8am), snack food vendors and fireworks display (9:10pm).

Boardwalk Park, by Windsor Lake. 674-3500, www.windsorgov.com/550/July-4thActivities.

44

| RMPARENT

THROUGH AUGUST 12 Fit Families on the Move!

Keep families moving and active this summer. Registered families receive a FITPASS for 300+ discounted/free activities in FC, LV, WS. $7 (ages 2+). Locations vary. www. healthykidsclub.org.

THROUGH AUGUST 18 Healthy Kids Run & Fit.Teen Run Series Run Series (ages 5-12) & Fit. Teen Run Series (ages 1318) includes six local races in northern Colo. Participants can earn prizes. Registration required. Kids-free, teens-$10 per 5K. Location varies. www.healthykidsclub.org.

THROUGH AUGUST 19 Poudre Libraries Summer Reading Challenge: Rock On! Variety of fun activities including books, music, makerspaces, more. First 5,000 to sign up and visit a library earn a prize (while supplies last). All ages.

Register in person or at www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

THROUGH AUGUST 26 Grease Rock’n’roll musical packed with energy and vibrant 1950s pop culture. All ages. Dinner/show $69 per person. Book before July 4 with code VPTBIRD149 for $149 family 4-pack.

Midtown Arts Center, 3750 S. Mason, FC. 225-2555 www.midtownartscenter.com.

MONDAY, JULY 2 Bonnie Phipps – Music for Kids This funny, intelligent performer presents upbeat songs and stories. All ages. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10am. 221-6740, www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Discover the Wizard in You Day of wizardry with potions, herbology, wand making, magical creatures, more. Registration required. Grades K-5. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4 Independence Day Celebrations See page opposite for city events.

Global Village Museum Community Day Free admission all day. All ages. Global Village Museum, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 11am-5pm. 221-4600 www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 5 Raptor Tools Look in-depth at raptors and amazing adaptations that help them survive. Limited to first 30 kids and their caregivers.

Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 2pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Library Escape Room Get your friends together to solve puzzles, uncover clues, have fun and escape the room.

Grades 6-12. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 2pm. 888-861-7323, www.

MyLibrary.us.

Create: Sensors OR Weird Science: Star Spangled Slime Two sessions, same time every Thursday. Ages 5-12. WindsorSeverance Library 720 3rd St., WS. 3-4pm.

686-5603, www.clearviewlibrary.org/event.

Rec & Tech in the Park Tech toys, drones, lawn games, crafts, snacks. All ages.

Lakeview Park, 512 Mallard Dr., Severance. 4-5pm. 686-5603 www.clearviewlibrary.org/ event/770596.

Join us

From 5:30-8pm at the Front Range Village Courtyard, 2720 Council Tree Ave, for this FREE concert series to benefit CASA of Larimer County.

LIVE music • Food • Beer • fun!

THURSDAY, JULY 12 GUERRILLA FANFARE WITH opener: EMMA MARIE THURSDAY, JULY 19 WENDY WOO WITH opener: KIANA RAY THURSDAY, JULY 26 BLACK MOON HOWL WITH opener: GRACE KUCH THURSDAY, AUGUST 2 MAXWELL MUD WITH opener: MY DOG ATE CHAD THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 COLONY FUNK WITH opener: JULIA KIRKWOOD For more information or Questions visit:

Fortifiedcollaborations.com

RMPARENT

| 45

FRIDAY, JULY 6 Teen Council: Murder Mystery Plan a murder mystery party for other teens at the library. Grades 6-12. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 2pm.

221-6740, www.PoudreLibraries.org.

MONDAY, JULY 9 Cowboy Steve Get ready for a fiddle sawin’, yee-hawin’ foot-stomping good time. All ages. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10am.

221-6740, www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Family Bingo Night Play BINGO and win prizes with family and friends. All ages. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6:30-7:30pm.

686-5603, www.clearviewlibrary.org/ event/752752.

Grand Opening of “Culture through the Visual Lens: Semester at Sea Photography” CSU students share images from China, Japan, Cambodia, Ghana, India, Morocco, Vietnam and South Africa. All ages.

Adult-$2.50, Students/seniors-$1.50, Ages 4-12-$.50, Under 4-free. Global Village Museum, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 6-9pm. 221-4600 www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

Kid Zone: Shapes of Rhythm, Colors of Sound Explore artists like Wassily Kandinsky whose art was often built around sounds.

Ages 6-9. Registration required. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 1pm and 3pm. 221-6740, www.PoudreLibraries.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 12 Fire Station Fun Crafts, activities, learn about the fire house and equipment they use. Ages 2-6.

Severance Fire Station, 9 Timber Ridge Pkwy., Severance. 10:30-11am. 686-5603, www.clearviewlibrary.org/event/759045.

Walking Tour: Greeley’s Creative District and Historic Preservation Have walking shoes and water bottle.

Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 6:30pm. 350-9222 www.greeleygov.com/hp.

Rock Garden Concert Series: Sean Kelly of the Samples with Shaley Scott Retail space turned concert venue with beer and wine tent, food trucks. This concert benefits The Vegetable Garden. $15/advance, $18/door, free-12 and under.

Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry St., FC. Doors-5:30pm, Show-6pm.

482-1984, www.facebook.com/pg/ FortCollinsNursery/events.

SATURDAY, JULY 7 Wildflower Walk Join Larimer County naturalists for a guided wildflower walk. All ages.

Registration required. Devil’s Backbone Open Space parking lot, just west of Loveland off Hwy 34. 8-10am. http://offero.larimer.org.

Yoga in the Gardens Taught by a Family Balance instructor.

Bring mat, water bottle and sunscreen. All levels. Ages 12+. $10. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 8:15-9:15am.

214-7434, www.fcgov.com/gardens.

Discover Music Explore instruments, discover music technology and make your own instrument. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 10:30am. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Dinosaur Dig Miniature Garden Workshop Go on an archaeological dig for your dinosaur bones and then create a miniature garden for them. All ages. $30. Gulley Greenhouse, 6029 S. Shields St., FC. 10:30am-12pm. www.gulleygreenhouse. com/event/dinosaur-dig-2.

Cherry Pie Celebration Delicious cherry pie and ice cream, live music, children’s activities, vendor booths.

In front of Loveland Museum Gallery, Peters Park and 5th St., LV. 5–8pm www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

46

| RMPARENT

TUESDAY, JULY 10 SafeSitter Essentials with CPR Learn safe babysitting skills and resources.

Ages 11-13. $45. McKee Medical Center Conference & Wellness Center, 2000 N. Boise Ave., LV. 8am-3pm. 810-6633 www.bannerhealth.com/calendar.

Tiny Trekkers Crafts, stories and fun facts. Ages 2-5 with adult. Registration required. Devil’s Backbone Open Space parking lot, just west of Loveland off Hwy 34. 9:30-10:30am or 10:30-11:30am. http://offero.larimer.org.

Promenade Kid Days Hands-on activities and demonstrations.

Grades K-5. Promenade Shops at Centerra, Main Plaza, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. 11am-2pm. 461-1285, www. thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com/events.

Smoothie Sensation Learn how to supercharge your smoothie so you can play hard and tackle the day.

Limited to first 20 kids. Grades K-5.

Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 2pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11 The Story Bakers Professional actors turn students’ original stories into sketch comedy and live drama skits. All ages. The Lincoln Center lawn, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 10am. 2216730, www.lctix.com/story-bakers.

FRIDAY, JULY 13 Discover Hip-Hop Learn fundamentals of hip hop and fun choreography with Top Notch Dance Company. Grades K-5. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 2pm. 888-8617323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Food Bank of Larimer County Summer Soiree Tour new distribution center and enjoy great food, live music from Liz Barnez, and drinks from Coyote Gold and Loveland breweries. $35. Food Bank for Larimer County HQ, 5706 Wright Dr. LV. 5-8pm. www.foodbanklarimer.org/events.

SATURDAY, JULY 14 Family Yoga at The Gardens Ages 4+ with adult. Kids-$10, Adults-free.

Gardens on Spring Creek; 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 8:15-9am. www.fcgov.com/gardens.

Houska Garage Band Event Live music, tasty bites, drinks, silent auction, kids’ activities. All ages.

Donations accepted for underprivileged and abused children in our community.

Houska Automotive Service, 899 Riverside Ave., FC. 5:30-9pm. www. houskaautomotive.com.

RMPARENT

| 47

SUNDAY, JULY 15 Classic Miniature Gardening Create your own miniature fantasy world with just a few plants, accessories and a little imagination. $40. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry, FC. 11am12:30pm. 482-1984 www.FortCollinsNursery.com.

MONDAY, JULY 16 Dan Crow Shares Music and Stories One of America’s most beloved children’s entertainers. All ages. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10am. 221-6740 www.PoudreLibraries.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 17 Super Fun Concert w/ Bradley Weaver Sing along, act out songs, or make a ruckus with various percussive instruments. All ages. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10-10:45am. 686-560 www.clearviewlibrary.org/event/753214.

Old Town Musical Scavenger Hunt Ages 12-18. Registration required. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1pm.

221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18 STEAM for Little Learners Explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) concepts through fun and exciting activities.

Registration required. Birth-Pre-K. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 11am. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Library Escape Room Get your friends together to solve puzzles, uncover clues, have fun and escape the room. Grades 6-12. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 12pm. 888861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Tween Zone: Geology Rocks Explore geology, chemistry and more through hands-on activities. Ages 10-13.

Registration required. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 2pm 221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

Junior Ranger Hike Learn about places to go, what to do and how to be safe outdoors. Ages 8-12.

Registration required. $6 day-use fee.

Devil’s Backbone Open Space, just west of Loveland off Hwy 34. 5-7pm. http://offero.larimer.org.

48

| RMPARENT

THURSDAY, JULY 19 Cultivating Compassion Free up compassion energy, open hearts and cultivate greater kindness. Ages 18+.

Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. 10:30-11:30am. 221-6644 www.Fcgov.com/recreator.

SATURDAY, JULY 21 Wild World of Butterflies Learn about the people who love butterflies and the people who poach them. All ages.

Registration required. Eagle’s Nest Open Space, near Livermore/US287 junction.

8-10am. http://offero.larimer.org.

Read and Seed Classes at the Downtown Farmers’ Market Free story and related craft. Ages 5+. City County Building, 200 W. Oak St., FC. 1011am. 416-2486, www.fcgov.com/gardens.

Robotics: Not Your Average Petting Zoo Play, learn and dance with robots.

Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 10:30am. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

History and Hobo Days Includes gold panning, jump house, concession stand, bake sale, train safety games and prizes. All ages. Colorado Model Railroad Museum, 680 10th St., GR. 11am-2pm. 392-2934, www.cmrm.org.

Hobo Stew Dinner, live bluegrass and silent auction.

All ages. $40/person. Colorado Model Railroad Museum, 680 10th St., GR. 6-8pm.

392-2934, www.cmrm.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 24 Tiny Trekkers Crafts, stories and fun facts. Ages 2-5 with adult. Registration required.

River Bluffs Open Space, east of I-25 between Windsor and Timnath. 9:3010:30am or 10:30-11:30am http://offero.larimer.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25 Guided Neighborhood Bike Rides: POET Neighborhood Free bike tune-ups followed by ride to CSU Lagoon Concert. Overland Park Shelter, 2930 Virginia Dale Dr., FC. 4:30-7:30pm. Ride departs 5:30pm.

221-6987, www.fcgov.com/bicycling.

FRIDAY, JULY 27 A Vintage Affair Classic wine and beer tasting event to benefit Pathways Children’s Healing Garden. Ages 21+. Tickets online or Wilbur’s Total Beverage-$80. Lory Student Center Grand Ballroom, CSU campus. 6:30-9pm. www.pathways-care.org/ava.

SATURDAY, JULY 28 What About Ravens?

Join Larimer County naturalists to learn about these brilliant birds—their adaptations, habitats, more. All ages.

Registration required. Devil’s Backbone Open Space parking lot, just west of Loveland off of Hwy 34. 8-10am. http://offero.larimer.org.

Sci Fi Days Star Wars character meet and greets.

All ages. Adults-$10, Seniors (65+)-$8, Children (4-12)-$5, Children (3 and under)-free. Colorado Model Railroad Museum, 680 10th St., GR. 10am-4pm.

392-2934, www.cmrm.org.

Old Firehouse Books Summer Reading Party – Kids/Teens/Adults Light refreshments and games, Kids get free book. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 10am-kids, 1pm-teens/ adults. 484-7898 www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

MONDAY, JULY 30 Flower Power and Sit-Ins: Greeley in the 1960s Pre-Chautauqua event in keeping with the 1960s theme. Come dressed in 1960s clothing. Hensel Phelps Theater, 651 10th Ave., GR. 6:30pm. 350-9222 www.greeleygov.com/hp.

TUESDAY, JULY 31 Happy Birthday, Harry Potter!

Join in for cake, games and fun to celebrate Harry’s birthday. Ages 12-18.

Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 1pm. 221-6740 www.PoudreLibraries.org.

RMPARENT

| 49

time out It’s not whether you win or lose...

But what you learn from being on the field

K ATIE HARRIS

M

y 8-year-old son was uncharacteristically glum after his soccer game last weekend.

He’d played well, ran hard, and almost scored a goal on a difficult shot, yet I could tell something was off.

After the game he ambled over and leaned his head against me, burying his face in my side. In response to, “Good game,” I received a mumbled, “Thanks.”

Deciding not to push him for answers in front of his team, I wrapped an arm around him and we headed for the car. On the drive home I casually asked how he felt the game had gone.

A glance in the rearview told me he was blowing off steam on his tablet, and likely wouldn’t respond with more than a grunt, so it was nothing short of a miracle when my show-no-emotion kid decided to open up.

“I was mad most of the game, Mom,” he said. “One of the kids on the other team said our team was really bad, loudly enough so we could all hear.”

My heart broke a little at that moment, partly due to the mama bear instinct that rose to the surface on hearing that my son’s feelings had been hurt, and partly because his team, who’d stuck together for years through ups and downs, never showing anything but positivity win or lose, deserved better.

At the same time I was awed by the mature, matter-of-fact way my 8-year-old spoke up and expressed his feelings. No longer a little kid, my son understood that another child had been unkind, and he was able to calmly put his feelings into words, rather than tears or anger.

Sensing a turning point in my son’s maturity, and in our communication with each other, I resisted the urge to take control of the conversation, offer advice, or criticize the other child, his parents or coach for allowing him to

50

| RMPARENT

exhibit such poor sportsmanship. Instead, I took a deep breath and let the car fill with silence for a few minutes, allowing my son to formulate any further thoughts he might have on the matter.

Before long he continued, “I feel better now though, because really I don’t even care that much about winning, I just want to play and have fun. I like my team no matter what anyone says.”

Even at a little league level, it is so easy to get wrapped up in keeping score, in worrying about how our own children’s athletic abilities compare to others’, or in whether or not the referees are fairly calling shots. When we express those concerns out loud, our children learn to judge themselves by the same standards.

On that 10-minute drive home, I learned more about my son, and from him, than during any hour-long soccer game that season. Kids don’t want to compare themselves to others. They don’t want to judge themselves and their team on whether or not they win the game. They want to have fun, run out some energy, and see the proud look on their parents’ faces when they give it their all.

By really listening to the wisdom of an 8-year-old, and refraining from immediately cutting in with my two cents, I was reminded of a valuable lesson that day. The old cliché holds true: it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.

RMPARENT

| 51

52

| RMPARENT