RM Parent | July 2020

JULY 2020 • RMPARENT.COM

REAL

LIFE SKILLS Maintain balance

Cool off at a splash park

A story OF RACE

Enjoy your hike Camp cooking

SPECIAL SECTION:

FIT AND FUN! advertising supplement

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JULY 2020

Departments PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Not rid of COVID-19—Breaking our old routines and discovering the great outdoors

AS WE GROW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Maintain balance—Enjoy a calm rest of your summer

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . 10 Cool off at a splash park!—Find the water features in your neighborhood

Special Sections FIT KIDS

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

ADVERT

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14

ISING S UPPLE

MENT

Fun in the Sun

LEARN AND LIVE . . . . . . . . . . 12 Enjoy your hike—Check out Colorado’s world-class trails

FIT KIDS |

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1

Features

NoCo communities carry on—New ways to be entertained plus safe walking/biking info and kindness expo

HEALTHY LIVING . . . . . . . . 16

Camp cooking—Set up your camp kitchen

CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Events and activities for parents, kids and families

TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 0 Sassy or outspoken?—The Sassiest of the Sassy Girls

School District News

20 Here REAL LIFE READY are five skills that put practicality

aside and focus on the emotional and social skills kids need to leave home and navigate the world and handle what comes their way.

GR-E 6 School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 District 6 recognizes this year’s outstanding volunteers, Greeley West FFA students earn national, state awards

Poudre School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 2020-21 school year planning, 2020-21 transportation planning

Thompson School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 TSD learns, 2018 bond project update, Namaqua Elementary School mural, New principal

22 Racism STORIES OF RACE is alive and well in northern

Colorado, but many parents avoid talking about racism with their children if it doesn’t affect them negatively during everyday life. It’s just too uncomfortable, and besides they don’t really know what to say or how to say it.

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perspective perspective

Generosity Not rid of COVID-19 learning, being and doing

Breaking our old routines and discovering the great outdoors

A D

young man me in world a parking oes it feel as approached though the whole just lot yesterday. discovered that there is this thing, this are staying over space“My thatfamily we calland theIgreat outdoors? there and if we could get five dollars we could Parking lots at trailheads overflow; lakes team get a floaters pizza. Ifand weboaters; could get ten fill we with couldfamilies. get with parks two and that would cover us.”

Fishing families line the shore. It’s a big year for I had no idea whether his story was true. night-crawler dealers for sure.

He looked as though he was living rough, a I think it’s great. Sometimes I grumble though—gaunt, sunken cheeks, despairing little because I and our family have routinelyeyes.

Without hesitation, I pulled out my visited a variety of outdoor venues andwallet now and handed himmuch ten bucks.

I don’t know whyI celebrate I did it. He they’re just that more crowded.

But just mainly thiswasn’t return to threatening.

HeI’m wasn’t over imploring.

He just seemed to really need a nature.

In fact, heartened by it. boostAright then interacting withLouv him right therehis a couple feet decade andand a half ago, Richard published classicof book away, I just felt it was a moment.

Last Child in the Woods, Saving our Children from Nature Deficit It’s not thataI’m on acall mission giveout away all house, of our money.

I walk Disorder.

It was clarion to gettokids of the from behind and drive by plenty of people who are asking for a little push.

And screens of any type, push them out of the mall and get them into the I’m not driven to help others in bythe a sense of guilt or even a feeling of being woods.

So much happens woods.

Kids learn how to imagine and lucky enough to have it and these others don’t and so therefore it’s my figure things out. They’re physical. They push through hardships, such as social obligation to do it. Norshower, do I getand a big sense of satisfaction.

I have getting wet in a little summer find out that they won’t melt. a hard time why I especially feel compelled to help out might sometimes, Plus, it’spinpointing great for families, now when home be whethera scooping sidewalk formake a neighbor or stopping to push though a car, getting little tight.a No need to everything a big excursion, and other times not so much. those are great. A simple walk to the neighborhood park and back can be Every fall, of give oursthe comes withtohis air compressor an adventure all abyneighbor itself. And kidsby room explore and discover, and blows out our sprinkler lines.

He makes the rounds ourback up. to ask questions, to get a little tired, to maybe fall down andinget corner of the neighborhood and gets everyone ready for winter.

He We have a great line up for you in this issue to help you through doesn’t ask for anything.

He just does it because he can.

It is not a a these crazy days. Theresa Baer ticks down the list of how to prepare for transactional offer in any way. hike, what to take and how to figure out where to go. She also discusses Baer writes this month in her Learn andthe Live column how Theresa to get your kids engaged in the planning and on trail. about teaching children to be generous and to volunteer.

She also offers And how about camping, a natural social-distancing activity when some ideas about where and how.

The idea is to help children to be you keep to your household unit. Lea Hanson digs in on one of the bigger aware of others’ needs and to understand that themselves, have challenges of being away from home: setting upthey, a kitchen and meal something to offer. planning. Get your complete kitchen-supply list and some ideas about goalit.isShe’s for them, all of us, not just do generosity as an how The to pack done really the thinking fortoyou. activity that we have come to understand as something thatHarris we should And if you’re looking for that midday cool down, Katie has do because we’re lucky enough to have something and those some splash park ideas for you across northern Colorado alongother with some people struggling. Where we’re really headed with this is for our rules of are engagement. children to people are just like to they are, who just want toLynn be And forsee some greatwho insight on how stop that summer slide, happy just as they do and who don’t want to feel bad just as they don’t U. Nichols gives us ideas on how to be active, eat nutritiously and sleep wanttoto.maintain We wantbalance to get .beyond theAsthem and uscolumn. feelings.And We while don’t just well Read her We Grow drop money in a can and walk by.

We stop.

We talk and engage with you’re at it, check out her story about five skills to launch your preteens people who areadulthood. just like us. and teens into In the end, we want to be do generosity, though And finally, I encourage yougenerosity, to spend anot fewjust minutes with Angela the path to being generosity, it seems, lies through the path of doing McKee and Moira Mullen, who share their experiences as mothers of generosity.

African-American children here in northern Colorado, in the story I the Stories season,of race. wrote‘Tis called Scottto you, Best Scott 6 6

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OCTOBER 2019 • Volume 24, Issue 6 JULY 2020 • Volume 25, Issue 2

PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 PUBLISHER scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 EDITOR scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 EDITOR kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 CREATIVE DIRECTOR kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com Emily Zaynard CREATIVE DIRECTOR emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com Emily Zaynard ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 DISTRIBUTION MANAGER greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Susan Hartig DISTRIBUTION MANAGER susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com Susan Harting susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com COVER PHOTO

Cheri Schonfeld, Courtesy of COVER PHOTO Sky’s Open Design - skysopendesign.com istockphoto.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Theresa Theresa Baer, Baer, Lea Lea Hanson, Hanson, Katie Katie Harris, Harris Lynn U.Scott Nichols Lynn U. Nichols, Titterington

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING PO Box 740 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Voice 221-9210 • Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com Rocky Mountain Mountain Parent Parent magazine magazine is is published published Rocky monthly by

by Rocky Rocky Mountain Mountain Publishing, Publishing, Inc. Inc. monthly Publication of of this this paper paper does does not not consitute consitute an an enenPublication dorsement of of the the products products or or services services advertised. advertised. dorsement RMP reserves reserves the the right right to to refuse refuse any any advertiseadvertiseRMP ment for for any any reason. reason. The The opinions opinions expressed expressed by by ment contributors or or writers writers do do not not necessarily necessarily reflect reflect contributors the opinions opinions of of Rocky Rocky Mountain Mountain Publishing.

Publishing. the ©2019 Rocky Rocky Mountain Mountain Publishing, Publishing, Inc. Inc. All All rights rights ©2020 reserved. Reproduction Reproduction without without express express written written reserved. permission is is prohibited. prohibited. permission

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as we grow Maintain balance

Enjoy a calm rest of your summer LY NN U. NICHOLS

I

t’s easy during summer to let everything slide with later bedtimes, lax schedules and unhealthy snacking.

It’s fine. That is, until your kids start feeling out of sorts and off balance. Then it’s time to rein it in and find a healthy balance, once again.

EXERCISE YOUR WAY TO SANITY A quick way to get your kids back on track is with exercise. Exercise serves as a great reset button, often righting a foul mood or boredom. When your kids start fighting or won’t leave their phone or video game alone, declare that it’s time to get outside. Let them pick the activity to help with motivation. Visit a park you’ve never been to, find a new swimming hole or bike to a nearby store or restaurant for a snack. Not only will their mood improve, you’ll help them burn off some of those chips from earlier in the day.

Maybe you can start a new family tradition that becomes a weekly routine, like riding bikes to the tennis courts and seeing how many volleys you can make across the net, trying to continually break your record. Or, going to Saturday garage sales and purchasing old-school games like croquet and setting them up in the yard for fun family competitions. The possibilities are endless.

STOP THE EVERY-OTHER-NIGHT SLEEPOVERS Sleepovers are loads of fun, but they usually leave kids in a funk the next day due to lack of sleep. Dial them back so they become that exciting, unusual good time that they are during the school year.

We all know that getting good sleep is important for our health, mood and energy. Kids who get enough sleep behave better, have better attention, are able to learn more easily and remember things better. Poor sleep can lead to weight gain and depression. In other 8

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words, good sleep brings balance. Before school starts, make sure to dial back bedtimes, a few minutes a night for a few weeks, so your kids are back to presummer times and ready to learn.

EAT THE GOOD STUFF With families still somewhat hunkered in their homes thanks to coronavirus, it’s easy to grab a snack or go on a baking binge. While cooking and baking are great activities—and teach kids valuable skills—when we overdo our craft, it shows in our bellies. Also, have you noticed that the more sugar you eat, the more you want? If your family has been on a candy, cupcake, cookie diet as of late, make a conscious effort to eat more healthily.

Start by cutting out ‘free’ calories— foods you didn’t plan on during your day like snacks between meals. Then, replace sugary drinks like soda and juice with flavored water, making soda and juice the exception. Until we stop and notice, we

don’t realize how many calories are in the drinks we consume all day long. Finally, switch to a salad plate for meals. Fill it up, but think about its design. Reserve a third for meats and potatoes or bread and two-thirds for fiber—fruits and vegetables. Invite your kids to have input on the meals for the week. If they want fried chicken, suggest barbequed chicken on the grill. If they want fries, suggest mashed cauliflower instead. Sneak in healthy foods where you can.

Reinforce the school’s 5-2-1-0 plan through the Healthy Kids Club which advocates kids get 5 fruits and veggies a day, no more than 2 hours of screen time, always 1 hour of exercise and 0 sugary drinks. Your kids are likely familiar with the saying, so it’s a one-two punch.

It’s summer, but all the rules don’t have to go by the wayside. You might just find if you strike a healthy balance with exercise, sleep and eating right your kids will be on a more even keel—making life more pleasant all around.

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family activities

Cool off at a splash park!

Find the water features in your neighborhood KATIE HARRIS

A

s we enter the dog days of summer it’s hard to resist spending every waking hour near the water. Luckily, splash parks across northern Colorado are beginning to reopen!

Splash parks are a fun alternative to pools, with a few distinct advantages: • Splash parks give you the option of getting totally soaked or just catching a little mist, depending on the level of cool down you desire.

• They’re the perfect introduction to water for toddlers and preschoolers, who aren’t ready to explore the big pool yet.

• Most are part of larger parks, so kids can dry off on the playground before hopping back in.

• Best of all, splash parks are safer than pools, so parents can give kids more freedom to explore on their own.

LOVELAND—NOW OPEN WITH MODIFIED HOURS! Loveland’s two splash parks and waterfeature park currently run from 10am5pm daily. In addition to a large splash pad, complete with a variety of sprayers, misters and bubblers, Fairgrounds Park (700 S. Railroad Ave.) features a covered sand area for young kids, an innovative playground for big kids, and a river playground to dip your feet in. Loveland Sports Park (950 N. Boyd Lake Ave.) features a smaller splash pad surrounded by play structures for all ages. The park is also home to athletic fields, hockey rinks and a skate park. Mehaffey Park (3350 W. 29th St.) is home to a faux rock waterfall and a stream, which weaves through the playground. Walking and bicycling trails, pavilions and a dog park surround the newest park of the three, Mehaffey.

Visit http://www.cityofloveland. org/departments/parks-recreation/ parks-facilities for a full list of features at each park.

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GREELEY—NOW OPEN! Greeley’s two splash parks, Sunrise Splash Park (325 12th St.) and Island Grove Splash Park (302 N. 14th Ave.) feature splash pads with fountains, water guns and toppling water buckets, along with covered picnic areas. Sunrise Splash Park is now open daily from noon-4pm. Island Grove Splash Park is expected to open by early July. In addition, Greeley’s Discovery Bay Pool (715 E. 24th St.) and Centennial Pool (2315 Reservoir Rd.) offer splash pads for their youngest guests, in addition to pool play structures, water slides and zero depth entries. Find more information at https://greeleyrec.com/aquatics/.

FORT COLLINS—EXPECTED TO OPEN IN EARLY JULY, DATE TBD In Fort Collins, two parks offer spray areas along with a number of other amenities. Spring Canyon Park (2626

W. Horsetooth Rd.) is home to a large, accessible playground as well as a smaller playground for young kids with a sand and water area. The splash park abuts the playground and features jumping waterspouts that keep kids guessing where they’ll hit next. Fossil Creek Park (5821 S. Lemay) offers a more natural splash park option, with a rock waterfall, jumping waterspouts and natural boulders, all situated at the edge of a lake. The large park features a playground and plenty of room to picnic.

When open, Fort Collins’ two splash parks operate from 9am-7pm daily.

If you’re in the downtown area, visit Oak Street Plaza where water shoots up from the Cobblestone throughout the day. This is a perfect place for an after-lunch or mid-shopping trip cool down. Visit www.fcgov.com/parks/ recamenities.php to learn more.

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learn and live

Enjoy your hike

Check out Colorado’s world-class trails THERESA BAER

I

f you’re looking for a way to burn off some of your kids’ energy and change up your routine, hiking is great option. It provides a change of atmosphere, fresh air and exercise, plus it’s free! Use the following strategies and tips to keep kids motivated, entertained and safe along the way.

WHAT TO TAKE: Things happen. People can get hurt or lost. Weather can change quickly. Understand what can happen and be prepared for it. Bring backpacks that can carry plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, firstaid kit (with moleskin adhesive padding and scissors to cut it), fire-starting supplies and bug spray. Tie a whistle onto each child to blow if they get lost and take your phone to use GPS mapping to find your location or call for help, knowing it may not work in remote areas.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress in layers to be prepared for Colorado’s quickly changing weather. You can start out hot and quickly get cold and wet with our state’s afternoon thunder showers. Wear a hat to keep the sun or water off you. Longer socks and hiking boots or shoes with thick tread are recommended to keep you from slipping on moist grass or uneven terrain.

Make sure boots/shoes fit properly and are tied snuggly to avoid painful blisters.

If you or the kids begin to feel pain or a hot spot on your feet, apply moleskin to those spots to avoid blisters.

Safety Tips:

Keep children in your sight and teach them to observe wildlife from a distance.

Dress them in bright clothing with layers.

Have children carry their own water, snacks and a whistle to blow if they get lost. If a child becomes lost, begin to search immediately, call 911 as soon as possible and teach them these rules ahead of time: • Stay on the trail but stop walking!

• Stay warm in a protective but visible spot out of the wind.

• Frequently blow whistle (3 short bursts) or yell as loud as you can.

WHERE TO GO: Northern Colorado offers many hiking trails in the foothills, at reservoirs, natural areas and open spaces, and on into its beautiful national forests. Visit the Colorado Trail Explorer website at https://trails.colorado.gov to search for suggestions based on location, length, difficulty and more, or the Larimer County website at www.larimer.org/ naturalresources/parks.

KEEP KIDS MOTIVATED: If you haven’t taken the kids before, start easy and set reasonable expectations. Kids are not as resilient as adults

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and tire quickly. View maps or trail guides (available in paper, online or at the trailhead) and plan your route or set a goal together. By involving the kids in planning–even if it’s just the snacks you’ll take–they’ll feel more invested and be more likely to continue if it gets challenging. Look for trails with creeks, bridges, logs and rocks to climb onto.

Take breaks often, stay positive and reward accomplishments. Keep it fun by giving them time to explore. Encourage children to find a special walking stick.

Offer up magnifying glasses (available at dollar stores) to look at leaves, bugs or bark along the way, or give them a scavenger list of things to find and a bag to collect their treasures.

Teach your children to stay on the trail and pack out trash to preserve the area’s natural beauty, and remember it’s not necessarily your destination but the journey and time spent together that counts.

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community news NoCo communities carry on

New ways to be entertained plus safe walking/biking info and kindness expo THERESA BAER

displays, have been canceled this year due to health concerns over the risk of spreading the coronavirus. However, several cities and towns are still planning firework displays to celebrate our country’s independence and request that viewers watch from their yards or nearby open spaces at safe 6-foot distances. View the complete list of shows in this month’s event calendar.

FREE MEALS FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER Through July 24, the Poudre School District Child Nutrition Program offers free sack lunches to children under 18 from 11am until noon at Riffenburgh Elementary, 1320 E. Stuart Street in Fort Collins. No meals will be available on July 3.

Through August 14, the Food Bank of Larimer County’s Lunch Lab offers kids three meals and three snacks with each visit. No identification is required.

See below for specific days and times at each Fort Collins location. All sites are closed July 3.

• Laurel Elementary, 1000 Locust Street: Mondays, 11-11:30am • Lee Martinez Park, 600 N. Sherwood Street: Mondays, 1:30-2pm • Beattie Elementary, 3000 Meadowlark Avenue: Wednesdays, 10-10:30am • Fort Collins Farmer’s Market, 1001 E. Harmony Road: Wednesdays, 11am-noon • Old Town Library, 201 Peterson Street: Wednesdays/Fridays, 11-11:30am • Salud, 1635 Blue Spruce: Wednesdays, Noon-1pm • Linton Elementary, 4100 Caribou Drive: Fridays, 9-9:30am • Putnam Elementary, 1400 Maple

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Street: Fridays, 11-11:30am • Bauder Elementary, 2345 W. Prospect Road: Fridays, Noon-12:30pm • City Park (north side), 1501 W. Oak Street: Fridays, 1:30-2pm

THE SALVATION ARMY SEES CONTINUED DEMAND FOR FOOD ASSISTANCE During these unprecedented times, The Salvation Army provides traditional social services to those in need, including food and shelter, and currently is in urgent need of items to serve breakfast Monday through Friday. The organization requests plastic silverware, paper bowls, paper napkins, disposable coffee cups and ground coffee, as well as food and hygiene items. Donations can be made from 9am to 4pm Monday through Friday at their Fort Collins location at 3901 South Mason Street.

To learn of additional ways to help, call 855-768-7977.

FOURTH OF JULY ACTIVITIES MODIFIED DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC Most of the usual Independence Day festivities such as parades and food vendors, and even some firework

VIRTUAL SUMMER READING PROGRAMS Local library buildings may be closed to the public but that’s not stopping you and your kids from accepting their reading challenges through mid-August. With “A Summer to Imagine” theme the Poudre River Public Library district’s online program is filled with fairy tales and fantasy, enchanted forests and mystical lands, spellbinding science, weekly challenges, writing contests and more learning activities for all ages. Sign up online at www.poudrelibraries.org/src, track your reading and win prizes! The High Plains Library District is also hosting a virtual Summer Reading Adventure for all ages where each task is an adventure and in completing multiple adventures you will finish quests, and in conquering quests, you can unlock rewards and earn treasure prizes! Learn more and sign up at www.mylibrary.us/sra.

GREELEY’S FRIDAY FESTS GO VIRTUAL In-person Friday Fests have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, event organizers have developed virtual live events for this summer. The Greeley Creative District and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) launched a virtual form of the live event in June with

“entertainment, interviews and engaging conversation” and will continue to broadcast live at 7pm each Friday on both the Downtown Greeley Facebook page at www. facebook.com/DowntownGreeley and the Greeley Creative District’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ GreeleyCreativeDistrict.

LOVELAND’S POP-UP DRIVE-IN A SAFE SOCIAL EVENT & FUNDRAISER Through July 12, possibly longer, there is a safe social distancing, familyfriendly drive-in movie option at The Outlets at Loveland at ​5661 McWhinney Boulevard in the north lot. This pop-up event with LED wall technology allows shows to be watched during the day as well as at night. Shows are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, three times a day including 9am and 5pm for movies rated G or PG and 8pm for movies rated PG-13. Tickets can only be reserved online with a per car donation that, after event production costs, supports the Thompson Education Foundation (www.thompsontef.org), a nonprofit providing educational opportunities for students and teachers in the Thompson School District.

Movie-goers are also encouraged to

support the local Outlet businesses as well. Learn more at www.

LovelandDriveIn.com.

TEACHING KIDS AND TEENS BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN AND MOTORIST SAFETY SKILLS Online-learning resources that teach bicycling, pedestrian and motorist safety are available on the City of Fort Collins Safe Routes to School webpage at www.fcgov.com/saferoutes/ online-learning-resources. Featuring the same lessons taught during PE classes, the content includes the many benefits of walking or biking to school and other places. There are videos for elementary and middle school students, and for high-school students–and adults alike–there is also a link from the high-school page to an online version of Bicycle Friendly Driver course, which is appropriate for all drivers of motor vehicles.

NEW NATURAL AREA OPENED AT BOEDECKER BLUFF IN WEST LOVELAND The new Boedecker Bluff Natural Area in southwest Loveland provides access to the north shore of Boedecker Reservoir. With a walk-in entrance at Rossum Drive and West First Street,

visitors will discover a new onemile natural-surface trail for nature exploration and wildlife viewing and new fishing access along one-half mile of the reservoir. Leashed dogs are welcome but owners must pick up and properly dispose of pet waste using provided bags. In the future, the city will offer guided bird walks and other activities at the site. Learn more online at www.cityofloveland.org/openlands or by visiting Colorado’s official trails app, Colorado Trails Explorer, or COTREX at www.cotrex.org.

NORTHERN COLORADO KINDNESS FESTIVAL Next month’s Be Kind FoCo Kindness Festival will celebrate incredible nonprofit organizations, kids giving back, businesses who pay it forward, first responders, and everyday folks making the world just a little more kind. The third annual event will take place Saturday, August 1 from 11am until 2pm at Foothills Mall, 215 E. Foothills Parkway in Fort Collins with music, activities, games, food and a Spread-the-Kindness scavenger hunt in hopes of inspiring others to find more ways to pay it forward and be kind. Stay tuned to event details at www.facebook.com/ events/234913010860658.

SHARE YOUR LOCAL COVID-19 PANDEMIC STORIES, OBSERVATIONS AND PHOTOS Local museums are collecting information regarding this historical moment in time. The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is collecting stories, observations, sound, and video clips to document reactions to COVID-19 in Fort Collins. To learn more about the project or make a submission, visit https://fcmod. org/making-history. The Loveland Museum is also collecting stories and photographs to portray the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the life of the Loveland community, including an opportunity for kids to share their unique perspectives. Visit www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org/shareyour-story-covid-19 to learn more.

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healthy living

Camp cooking Set up your camp kitchen

LEA HANSON

C

amping with kids can be a challenge. When you throw cooking into the mix it can make it even more challenging because you don’t have all of the conveniences of home.

So get a Rubbermaid tub (the camp box!), buy some gear that will last, and fill up the tub so it’s always ready to go.

You don’t have to spend a crazy amount of money filling up your camp box either. If you’re just getting started, or need to upgrade a few items, you’ll be happy with the gear below.

Get a good propane stove. It’s hard to go wrong with a basic Coleman two-burner propane stove. For 40 bucks you’ll have something that will last until your kids are out camping on their own.

It’s nice to have dishes in the camp box. Sure, paper plates work great, but they’re wasteful and for fifteen dollars you can easily get study, plastic dishware at any outdoors store or even in the grocery store during summer months. If you camp more than a few times a year, it’s worth the purchase.

You need a decent water container.

You can wash your dishes in any old plastic tray laying around the house, but you DO need something clean and safe for your drinking/washing water. If you have room in your vehicle,

Camp kitchen checklist

I spent time with an associate in the camping department at JAX one afternoon and they recommended the following list to get your kitchen gear supply started on the right foot:

purchase a five- or seven-gallon water jug. If you’re in a smaller car and you’re tight on space, there are plenty of collapsible water containers that will work just fine. Just fill it up when you get to the camp site.

Storing a smaller, three-gallon plastic bin in your larger camping bin can work well for a sink while camping and for storing the items used for eating (plates, cups, utensils) inside the bigger bin during storage.

MEAL PLANNING If you’re introducing your kids to camping, it’s usually not the right time to introduce them to new foods.

Pack snacks they like and plan meals they can help create and will enjoy eating. If your kids are new to camping, they’ll like it more when they learn to associate their favorite snacks (chips! S’mores!) and other pleasant activities with the experience.

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o T able (collapsible or folding table is best for conserving space while traveling) o Stove o Fuel (small Propane tanks that screw into the table-top stove you’ve acquired) o Cookware (pots, bowls, plates, cups) o Cast Iron o Small pot with a lid (most food can be made in a cast iron pan, but boiling water and other meals are more easily prepared with a separate pot) o Hot pad o Utensils (eating utensils, a sharp knife, spatula, wooden spoon) o Cutting board o Matches/Lighter (a good lighter coupled with waterproof matches just in case) o Cooler o Lantern/headlamp o Foil and/or Tupperware o Soap and sponge o Plastic Sandwich bags o Trash bags o Napkins and hand towels (paper or cloth) o Cooking Essentials stored in a plastic pencil box: Cooking oil, salt and pepper, etc. Collecting individual condiment packages from take-out is easy) o Unscented baby wipes

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REAL LIFE READYy Lynn U Nichols

A

5 skills to launch your preteens and teens into adulthood 20

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s parents, our ultimate goal is to give our kids the knowledge, skills and confidence to step over the threshold into real life—work, college, and beyond. It’s a big job. There’s a million lessons we want to impart from the mundane like how to do your own laundry to the big ones, like how to be a productive member of society and a force of good in the world. The good news is you have 18 years to do it.

It’s best to start teaching lessons while they are still listening, so the sooner the better. It varies from kid to kid, but most parents still have influence in the preteen years, and a few lucky ones in the teen years. Here are five skills that put practicality aside and focus on the emotional and social skills kids need to leave home and navigate the world and handle what comes their way.

1. KNOW THYSELF AND THY FEELINGS Young adults who don’t sway in the wind of everyone else’s opinions tend to make it through young adulthood with a solid plan, seeing goals, like college, to the end. As parents, it’s easy to lecture rather than listen, but when we listen to our kids ideas and thoughts without judgement—and especially with a willingness to consider changing our minds or actions—they feel respected and believe what they say, feel and think have worth. This translates into self worth and confidence. The next time your preteen or teen shares their thoughts, really listen.

Being able to identify what you are feeling, accept your feelings, and know they are temporary is one of those skills that helps kids avoid the landmine of using drugs or alcohol or other destructive behaviors to bury uncomfortable feelings.

“Start talking to your kids about the true nature of feelings, explaining how some are not much fun to feel, but they won’t last. Kids need to know to expect times of discomfort,” says Tom Kowalski, MA, LPC, a licensed professional counselor in Fort Collins who has worked with middle school kids for over 25 years.

All it takes is one positive encounter with someone different than you to help break down barriers and prejudices.

Let’s face it, northern Colorado is not the most racially diverse place on the planet. If you want to expose your kids to people from different backgrounds and races, you will likely have to make an effort, like attending cultural events as a family, traveling, visiting larger cities, walking around diverse college campuses, challenging kids to read literature from another person’s viewpoint, volunteering at the homeless shelter, and so on.

The more exposure to people who are different than them, the better.

He recommends expressing uncomfortable emotions in front of your kids and showing them healthy ways to cope with them—sharing them, writing them down, exercising to name a few.

Letting our kids know we are human helps them be human. Having sayings, like ‘this too shall pass’ and repeating them as mantras can help ideas sink in.

“Contrary to what kids gather from music, social media, movies and poorly written literature, 100 percent of feelings are the human experience. By modeling how you deal with uncomfortable emotions, you give your kids a rich vocabulary to talk about their own feelings,” Kowalski adds.

3. LEARN HOW TO TALK TO PEOPLE Communication is hard and good communication takes a lot of practice.

Being able to tell someone ‘no’ or ‘stop’ gracefully is a skill. Expressing your true feelings when you know they won’t be accepted but it feels necessary for your own peace is a real challenge.

As with many skills, showing is better than telling.

“One way parents can teach communication skills is to think out loud. For example, in front of your child you could say, ‘I have to decide how to let my friend know that I was uncomfortable with that joke she told. It offended me so I need to find the right words to tell her that.’ Then explore your options out loud,” Kowalski says.

Good places to talk to preteens and teens is in the car while driving them to practice or lessons, at the dinner table, and while recreating on the weekends together. Kowalski also recommends getting involved in groups at school, church, and extended family gatherings.

“That way, parents teach and society teaches,” he adds.

Remind your kids to use ‘I’ statements when entering into a

yyyy 2. RESPECT OTHERS AND CELEBRATE DIFFERENCES Kids learn how to act respectfully when they are treated with respect. No matter how many times parents say that a preteen or teen should respect them, it won’t happen unless the child is treated with kindness and respect. One way to teach respect is to apologize when you are wrong.

When you admit you made a mistake, your kids see that like them, you screw up sometimes, but they love you anyway.

difficult conversation. Saying, ‘I felt bad (mad, upset, put down) when you said such-and-such about me’ is better than saying, ‘You were a jerk yesterday!’

It helps the person tap into empathy rather than defensiveness, helping to cool conflict.

4. EXERCISE THAT FRONTAL LOBE In order to succeed in college and work, kids need to know how to think critically. Challenge your kids by posing ideas without a clear answer, encouraging them to create arguments to prove or disprove a theory. Encourage them to go beyond what and to ask how and why. Expose kids to smart films, books, plays and music that heighten their senses and make them stop, think and question. Help them consider what it might be like to live in another person’s shoes.

Our schools are good at promoting critical thinking, especially the international baccalaureate (IB) programs, but other classes and schools as well. Recommend your middle and high school kids take offbeat classes, like philosophy, gender studies and sociology as their electives.

5. ADVOCATE FOR WHAT YOU NEED In real life, we need to be good at asking for what we want and setting boundaries. Kids will encounter bosses and coworkers that take advantage of them, college professors that give them a poor grade for a great piece of work, dating situations where they feel uncomfortable and need to leave.

Learning to state needs and correct mistakes with adults is hard, but encourage your kids to do so in middle school and high school. When they are confused about an assignment, suggest they email their teacher. When his boss at the fast food place gives him a double shift on Saturday, encourage him to politely remind the boss of his school and sports schedule. If he needs to practice, role play.

“Make suggestions, but don’t over talk. Preteens will listen to a point then stop so keep it short. Say something then leave and let them process, especially boys,” Kowalski concludes.

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Mothers recount the adversity their children face Scott Titterington

Stories of race W

hen Angela McKee stepped up to a microphone earlier this summer at a Black Lives Matter rally, she was not certain just what she was going to say. But she found her voice that day to tell her story.

She spoke about her life as a black child growing up in Laramie, WY, and how racism had affected her children, too, as they grew up in Fort Collins.

Racism is alive and well in northern Colorado, but many parents avoid talking about it with their children if it doesn’t affect them negatively during everyday life. It’s just too uncomfortable, and besides many of us don’t really know what to say or how to say it.

Since the video of the brutal killing of George Floyd at the hands 22

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of a police officer went viral across the globe, addressing the issues of how we treat each other and how that might be reimagined have come front and center in our national conversation.

“What we’re talking about is basic humanity,” says McKee, mother of three and business owner in Fort Collins, as she reflects on Floyd’s story. “And we’re finding that people are ready to listen.”

And McKee has a lot to say— stories, mainly, of growing up in Laramie as an adopted child in a white family and owning a salon, and the struggles she has witnessed of her own children being targets of racial hate and bullying.

She recounts the racism that she and her children have faced in

schools, being called the N-word and more from Kindergarten on. She also appreciates how people stood up for her when she moved to a small Catholic school and the positive experiences that she had at the Lab School at the University of Wyoming.

McKee speaks with clear pride that her daughter is studying at the University of Northern Colorado to be a Kindergarten teacher because she wants all children to have a strong, positive first experience in school.

Her children have had similar experiences in and out of school. It seems that in situations where people are being proactive instead of reactive, the result is much more positive. That’s if something gets addressed at all.

Talking points for parents Helping children understand and build empathy for those who look different and have different traditions than they do is essential work for parents and requires thoughtful, deliberate actions. Parents have to consider their own racial biases as they prepare to talk to their children. It’s tricky but necessary ground.

Following is a list of resources that can help parents address inequality, social justice, discrimination and basic fairness while also recognizing and celebrating the achievements

Poudre River Library District offers the following suggestions:

Colours of Us 37 Childrens’ Books to Help Talk About Racism and Discrimination www.coloursofus.com/37-childrens-books-to-help-talk-about-racismdiscrimination/

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards The award commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honors his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood. www.ala.org/rt/emiert/cskbookawards/coretta-scott-king-book-awards-

of people of color.

all-recipients-1970-present

Access the online version of RM Parent

Poudre River Library District Readers’ Café

magazine www.rmparent.com to click through to the links to the right.

Reading for Change page: https://read.poudrelibraries.org/books/selectreads.cfm?drID=240748

Other resources

A Parent’s Guide to Black Lives Matter

Glamour magazine

work towards racial equality.

Resources, Activities, and Tips for Families to empower children to

10 Books to Help Talk to Your Kids About Racism, as Recommended by Black Authors www.glamour.com/story/childrens-booksanti-rascism

https://yoopies.co.uk/c/press-releases/blacklivesmatter Thorough guide that suggests ways to talk to your children about the Black Lives Matter movement, the death of George Floyd, race and racism, achievements and contributions of minorities and being a role model. It also features an extensive resource list of books, films, podcasts and websites.

“Children of color don’t feel safe because teachers don’t address it,” McKee says of her children being bullied and called the N-word. She saw a day-and-night change when her child switched to Bennet Elementary School, where she found that the leadership of the school recognized institutional racism and worked hard to be proactive and understanding.

“I’m angry that this is even an issue for my daughter,” says Moira Mullen whose daughter, Siobhan, is 15. Moira is white and Siobhan’s father is an African man from Kenya who has lived and worked in the United States for decades.

Siobhan has been the target of racism from the time she started Kindergarten, from outright bullying to

being called racial slurs to more subtle micro-aggressions.

“Kids and adults would touch my hair,” says Siobhan Omwanda, who takes her father’s last name. “I was lucky if they even asked. Kids and adults would ask me if I even brushed my hair. When the school would have lice checks, I was always the first person in my class to get called down to the office.

“They would also ask if I was adopted, how I got my color of skin, come really close to my face and tell me my eyes were black,” she continues.

“They’re really just dark brown. And they said that my dad is a drug dealer.

Correction: he’s a plumber!”

All this can make a child feel

unwelcome and, eventually, confused and angry.

“When Siobhan is with her father, she’s always afraid because she thinks people—adults and people in power— are going to do stuff to him,” Mullen says. “She’s always looking in the rearview mirror. But she doesn’t feel that way with me.”

Siobhan is writing a lot of poetry now, Mullen says, expressing herself and talking about people being murdered and connecting that to her and her dad.

Through it all,Angela McKee is guardedly hopeful.

“The good news is that we are having these conversations,” she says. “It’s a start to figuring out the commonality we share as human beings.”

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greeley district 6 news District 6 honors this year’s outstanding volunteers

As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and our schools are incredibly thankful and fortunate to have so many supportive and committed public servants, advocates and champions.

Over the 12-month period of April 1, 2019-March 31, 2020, 1435 people volunteered for at least 30 minutes at 32 different school sites, a 4.4 percent increase from the 20182019 school year. These volunteers served a total of 30,310 hours, a 5 percent decrease from the 20182019 school year. This amount of generously donated time is equivalent to $849,286 in paid help.

District 6 volunteers are parents, family members, college students, business leaders, retired educators and more. They read stories, tutor students, supervise recess, organize events, facilitate extra-curricular activities, coach sports teams and mentor kids.

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They serve as positive adult role models and trusted friends. And they partner with our schools to improve student learning and achievement.

During the 2019-2020 school year, 53 District 6 volunteers logged at least 100 hours serving our students, staff and schools, an 83 percent increase from last year’s total of 29 people. To view a complete list of these volunteers, as well as their total service hours and school/sites, go to https://www.greeleyschools.org/ volunteer.

The COVID-19 health crisis will undoubtedly have an effect on how the volunteer program at District 6 operates moving forward. The district will continue to react to ever-changing updates from the Department of Health, the Governor’s Office, and the Colorado and US Departments of Education over the course of the summer and into the fall.

We hope to resume volunteer program operations sometime after schools reopen for in-person learning, but cannot commit to a concrete path forward at this time. Thank you for your passion, patience and dedication to helping our students learn and grow.

GREELEY WEST FFA STUDENTS EARN NATIONAL, STATE AWARDS Nineteen current and former agriculture students from Greeley West High School have earned state and national awards from Future Farmers of America, commonly known as FFA, for their exemplary supervised agricultural experience projects in agribusiness, farming, horticulture, livestock production, mechanics and more.

Greeley West has a long and proud tradition of educating exceptional agriculture students. Nine former Greeley West seniors who have earned state awards during the

2018-2019 school year went on to earn American FFA Degrees: • Alison Berg • Ashley Dhooge • Robert Erickson • Bryce Ewing • Kiara Johnson • Bobbie Moss • Riese Weaver • Sierra Weaver • Taylor Webb

This prestigious recognition is the highest honor awarded by the National FFA organization. These exceptional students spent at least 2250 hours on their Supervised Agricultural Experience projects and/ or made at least $10,000 in their entrepreneurship enterprise. They represent the top one percent of the FFA students nationally. Of the 50 students from Colorado who received American FFA Degrees, nine of them were from Greeley West.

Additionally, seven current

students earned State FFA Degrees, a recognition awarded to the top three percent of entrepreneurial Colorado agriculture education students who spent at least 750 hours outside of school working on their projects and made at least $2500 as a result.

• Kathryn Broderius • Syndie Davis • John Dillon • Ashley Folis • Josh Huntley • Ethan Turnbeaugh • Makenzie Yule

Ethan Turnbeaugh and Makenzie Yule also qualified as finalists for State Star, an award that recognizes students for their exemplary attitudes, involvement, community service and excellence while completing their Supervised Agricultural Experiences.

The State Star winners will be determined after finalists complete interviews in July.

Six current students also earned

State Proficiency Awards:

• Mitchell Bainter—First place in both Agriculture Sales and Diversified Crop • Taylor Webb—First place in Diversified Horticulture category • Bryce Ewing—First place in Agriculture Mechanics • Makenzie Yule—First place in Poultry Production • Ethan Turnbeaugh—Second place in Diversified Agriculture • Ashley Folis—Third place in Diversified Horticulture Bronze

According to the FFA website, Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor members who develop specialized skills through highquality, experiential and project-based Supervised Agricultural Experiences.

Greeley West’s four first place winners will advance to the National Proficiency Awards competition, which will be held during the National FFA Convention and Expo in October.

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poudre school district news 2020-21 school year planning

Poudre School District staff are preparing plans for the 2020-21 school year that allow PSD to be nimble in responding to the ever-changing health crisis and prioritize the health and safety of students and staff while providing a high-quality education.

PSD is prepared to deliver instruction via four educational phases that range from a most-restrictive to least-restrictive environment.

• Phase 1 – Remote-only • Phase 2 – Mostly remote; in-person for small groups only • Phase 3 – Hybrid at-home and in-person learning • Phase 4 – Return to mostly normal at-school instruction with some health protocols

We acknowledge there are imperfections with every phase, due to many factors outside our control. Nothing compares to a student’s experience of learning in school with their teachers and peers. Amid a new reality, we’re committed to maintaining PSD’s high standards in any phase of education.

Based on our current assessment, 28

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staff believe we may open in Phase 3 but are prepared to open in any of the other phases as required or permitted by health officials and conditions.

Phases 1 and 2 are not our first choice and we would enter them under guidance of public health officials. We would prefer to open in Phase 4 but know this is also dependent on public health guidance.

More information: https://www. psdschools.org/node/1563 2020-21 TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PSD will likely only be able to transport a limited number of students at the start of the 2020-21 school year, another challenging effect of COVID-19.

Based on current (as of June 1, 2020) Colorado Department of Education transportation guidance, only 10 students may ride on a standardsized, 77-passenger school bus and only 5 may ride on a special education bus, which holds 47 passengers.

As of June 2020, the district is committed to providing legally required bussing to students with

disabilities who have transportation as a related service in their Individualized Transportation Plan (ITP); students experiencing homelessness who qualify for services under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; and students in foster care that qualify.

Based on current routing estimates and on CDE’s social distancing guidance, PSD will likely bus fewer than 1,400 students who legally require transportation. During a typical year, PSD buses approximately 14,000 students, about half of our total enrollment.

If CDE guidance changes and allows for more than 10 riders on a standard bus, PSD may be able to provide transportation services to additional students.

As a result, families who don’t qualify for initial legally required busing, but feel they need transportation, are asked to apply online between June 17July 1. Application is NOT a guarantee of transportation services.

More information: https://www. psdschools.org/node/1566

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thompson school district news

2018 Bond update

Construction continues on the new Riverview PreK-8 School in the Thompson River Ranch subdivision.

Gymnasium walls were recently raised and crews continue to make rapid progress on the campus, which will open in fall 2021 with a capacity of approximately 1,000 students.

This fall, TSD will open the new Ferguson High School and Thompson Career Campus. The new space will provide an enhanced educational experience for FHS students, while the new TCC will offer robust career tracks for high school students throughout the district.

Additions of approximately 10,000 square feet are being constructed at both Berthoud Elementary and Ivy Stockwell Elementary schools to further enhance student capacity.

The additional space, which includes classrooms and support facilities, will be completed and ready for use this fall. Once again this summer, TSD will be completing roof repairs and replacements at many campuses throughout the district as well as several other necessary infrastructural projects that are wholly funded through the 2018 bond measure. For more information on district bond projects, please visit tsdbond.org.

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NEW PRINCIPAL NAMED Congratulations to Anne Marie Sanchez who was named principal of Ivy Stockwell Elementary School effective July 1st!

with Namaqua alumni/high school students Haley Nielsen, Haley Lawton, Izzy Stewart, Sienna Dallabetta, and Autumn Zhou, elementary students Gage and Cash DeVore and Ellen May Grant. A special shout out to the Namaqua PTA for funding this beautiful creation!

2020 SUMMER FOOD PROGRAMS Kids & Teens Eat FREE! To view the summer food distribution programs, please visit: ThompsonSchools.org/ SummerFood TSD LEARNS! Educational activities and fun for kids and families this summer. Check out these ideas and resources that can make this summer exciting for the whole family!

NAMAQUA MURAL DEBUT Namaqua Elementary School would like to present the finished mural created by the talented artist and Namaqua parent, Leizel Grant! It was a work of art from the heart and took a lot of planning, work, time, effort, and love. It represents Colorado and Namaqua perfectly. Staff are excited to have this addition in the school and can’t wait for everybody to see it in person this fall!

This beautiful mural was designed and painted by Leizel Grant in coordination

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J U LY 2 0 2 0

EVENTS CALENDAR Please check websites for the status of the following events as cancelations or postponements may have been announced after our publication date.

FESTIVALS, FAIRS & CELEBRATIONS

SATURDAY, JULY 4 Independence Day Festivities Please see our separate event listing for the individual city/town celebrations.

SATURDAY, JULY 25 2nd Annual LEGO® Creation Festival Teams/individuals have a chance to win.

Registration required. Open to the public to observe participating builders. All ages.

Old Town Square, FC. 10am–5pm. www. facebook.com/events/232831331088420.

JULY 31 THROUGH AUGUST 4 Larimer County Fair & PRCA Rodeo Please check for updates on schedules and COVID-related changes. The Ranch Event Complex, 5280 Arena Cir., LV. Friday 4–10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am–10pm, Monday/Tuesday 4–9pm. www.treventscomplex.com/events/larimercounty-fair.

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LIBRARY & BOOK EVENTS

THROUGH AUGUST 14 Poudre River Public Libraries Virtual Summer Reading Challenge The online program, A Summer to Imagine, is filled with fairy tales and fantasy, enchanted forests and mystical lands, spellbinding science, weekly challenges, writing contests and more learning activities. Sign up online, track your reading, win prizes! All ages. www.poudrelibraries.org/src.

THROUGH AUGUST 16 High Plains Virtual Summer Reading Adventure Each task is an Adventure. Finish five Adventures and you will have completed a Quest. Finish three Quests (15 Adventures) to unlock your reward.

Finish all 25 Adventures to achieve the Epic Quest and earn the bonus Dragon’s Treasure Prize! Ages 0–adult. https://www.mylibrary.us/sra.

MONDAYS Gnome Zone Weeklong Challenge Join the Summer Reading Gnomes for a fun challenge every week to do at home.

New challenges go live on library’s blog every Monday at 10am. Ages PreK–12. https://blog.poudrelibraries.org.

Teen Cooking Learn to make a new recipe each week on Instagram and their YouTube channel.

Ages 12–18. 3–3:15pm. https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/4343096.

TUESDAYS Tween Writers Write stories or poems with a group of creative writers, develop new skills and ideas. Ages 9–12. Registration required.

Zoom meeting. 1–2pm. https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/4323356.

WEDNESDAYS Getting Crafty Each week’s craft project uses simple supplies found around your home. Ages 6–12. YouTube, 3–4pm www.youtube.com/clearviewlibrary.

THURSDAYS The Works Develop your STEAM skills using everyday items found at home. Ages 6–12.

YouTube. 3–4pm. www.youtube.com/clearviewlibrary.

FRIDAYS Tween Zone Fun new activity or craft each week to do at home or in your neighborhood. New activities go live on library’s blog every Friday at 10am. Tweens. https://blog.poudrelibraries.org.

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FRIDAY, JULY 24 Campfire at the Cabin: Coyotes, Adaptable Canine Neighbors Cozy evening by the campfire, complete with nature stories and s’mores! All ages.

Registration required. Coyote Ridge Natural Area, meet your guide at the cabin (details online), FC. 8–9:30pm. www.fcgov.com/events.

SATURDAY, JULY 25 Skygazing Telescopes and information provided by Northern Colorado Astronomical Society.

Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, 3340 Carpenter Rd, FC. 9–11pm. 970-416-2815 www.fcgov.com/naturalareas.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 Nature Playdate Explore nature in a safe and accessible way with your little ones. Ages 3–7.

Registration required. Lee Martinez Park, 600 N. Sherwood St., FC. 10–noon 970-416-2815. www.fcgov.com/naturalareas.

MUSEUM EVENTS

VIRTUAL (ANY TIME) Loveland History/Art Activities Explore local history and complete a scavenger hunt, journal, take virtual tours, explore art and more. www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org/virtual-learning.

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6 Fantastical Worlds Exhibit Kerri Sewolt invites you to enter her world of fantasy tinged with the stark reality of the human condition. Loveland Museum Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 Drop in Discoveries: Where the Wild Things Are Drop in for family fun with model magic creatures. Supplies and inspiration provided. All ages. $5 suggested donation/ family. Loveland Museum Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 1–3pm. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

THURSDAYS, JULY 2, 16, 30 Discovery Live: Ask a Scientist Tune in live to hear from a variety of guest experts, ask questions, and discover science, history and art happening in your own backyard. All ages Facebook Live.

5pm. www.facebook.com/FOCOMOD.

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TUESDAYS, JULY 7 & 21 DomeLab Meetup This open meetup is for anyone looking to stretch their creativity by creating and collaborating on projects of all types. All ages. Facebook Live. 7–9pm. www.facebook.com/FOCOMOD. WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 Drop in Discoveries: Sea Creatures Drop in for family fun with liquid watercolors. All ages. $5 suggested donation/family. Loveland Museum Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 1–3pm. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 21 Tune-Out Tuesday Fort Collins Museum of Discovery offers a virtual short “Sky Tonight” astronomy presentation, then sit back and relax to soothing music and stunning 360° visions of the cosmos. All ages Facebook Live.

Noon. www.facebook.com/FOCOMOD. WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 Drop in Discoveries: Play with Your Food Drop in for family fun with model magic food fun. Supplies and inspiration provided. All ages. $5 suggested donation/ family. Loveland Museum Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 1–3pm. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

ENTERTAINMENT

VIRTUAL (ANY TIME) LCLIVE: During Intermission Blog series highlighting a variety of online entertainment from Broadway to comedy to classical music and more. https://blog.lctix.com/welcome-toduring-intermission.

THURSDAYS THROUGH AUGUST Windsor Summer Concert Series Enjoy live music, food trucks and a beer garden. All ages. Boardwalk Park 100 N. 5th Street, WS. 6:30–8:30pm. www.recreationliveshere.com/219/ Summer-Concert-Series.

FRIDAYS THROUGH AUGUST Greeley’s Virtual Friday Fest Live musical performances from Greeley musicians, interviews with musicians, mixed with features highlighting the city’s downtown businesses and creative community. 7–8pm. www.facebook.com/DowntownGreeley.

THROUGH AUGUST 23 Peter Pan Musical based on the play by Sir J.M. Barrie. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Market Place Dr., Johnstown. Times vary. www.coloradocandlelight.com.

FRIDAYS, JULY 10 & 24 Windsor Movies in the Park July titles include Coco (PG) at Boardwalk Park and Frozen II (PG) at Main Park.

Movies are free and start at 8:30pm unless otherwise noted. www.facebook.com/ events/1310584325811436.

ACTIVE-ITIES

SATURDAY, JULY 11 & 25 Adult Yoga at The Gardens Class led by a Family Balance Yoga instructor and held outside. Ages 18+. $15 (includes admission to The Gardens and Butterfly House). Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 9:15–10am.

970-416-2486, www.fcgov.com/gardens.

SATURDAY, JULY 18 Family Yoga at The Gardens Classes for a child and adult to practice yoga together outside. Ages 4+. $15/adult; $12/child (includes admission to The Gardens and Butterfly House). Ages 4+.

Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave. FC. 9:15–10am. 970-416-2486 www.fcgov.com/gardens.

ONGOING & VIRTUAL Estes Valley Recreation Explore swimming, golf, sports and fitness programs: https://evrpd.colorado.gov/recreation.

Fort Collins Recreation Discover a multitude of swimming, sports, skating and fitness opportunities: www.fcgov.com/recreation.

Greeley Recreation Check out swimming, ice skating, sports and more: www.greeleyrec.com.

Loveland Recreation Locate sports, fitness, swimming and more: www.cityofloveland.org/ departments/parks-recreation/chilsonrecreation-center.

Windsor Recreation Seek swimming, fitness and athletic programs: www.recreationliveshere.com.

I n d e p e n d a n c e D ay

Celebrations

FRIDAY, JULY 3 Berthoud Larger, higher fireworks display from Waggener Farm Park to be viewed from front yards or other socially distanced locations. No groups allowed to gather on or near property.

Begins at dusk, approximately 9:15pm. www.berthoud.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 4 Estes Park All festivities canceled due to COVID-19. www. visitestespark.com/events-calendar/summer-events/4th-of-july.

Fort Collins Community parade and evening fireworks display canceled due to COVID-19. See Larimer County Drive-in Fireworks Show below or visit www.fcgov.com/july4th for activities to celebrate remotely.

Greeley Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30pm, weather dependent. All other events canceled due to COVID-19.

Island Grove Park, 501 N. 14th Ave., GR. www.greeleystampede.org/p/events/fireworks.

Larimer County Drive-In Fireworks Show Partnership of City of Fort Collins, City of Loveland, Larimer County, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and The Ranch Event Complex. Gates at the south entrance will open for vehicle-only entry at 7:30pm. Fireworks run 9:15– 9:35pm. See website for off-site viewing locations and further details. The Ranch Event Complex, 5280 Arena Circle, LV. http://www.cityofloveland.org/government/july-4-2020.

Loveland Community events canceled due to COVID-19. See Larimer County Drive-in Fireworks Show above or visit http://www.cityofloveland.org/government/july-4-2020.

Timnath Fireworks display only. All other activities/festivities canceled due to COVID-19. View display at Timnath Reservoir from your home or nearby open spaces. Launch at 9:30pm (if weather delay, launch no later than 10:30pm.) https://timnath.org/4th-of-july-celebration-2020.

Wellington Firework show only. Parade, car show, vendors cancelled due to COVID-19. Dusk. www.townofwellington.com/calendar.

Windsor 5K and Four Paws Fun Run at Windsor Lake Trail at Boardwalk Park. New fireworks display launching site, 9:10pm. No on-site viewing. View from home, green spaces, etc., adhering to physical distancing guidelines. Between Poudre River Trail to the north and New Liberty Road to the south and between 7th Street to the east and Colorado Boulevard to the west, WS. www.recreationliveshere.com/216/July-4th-Activities.

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SATURDAY, JULY 11 Dragons: Return of the Ice Sorceress Presented by ScienceTellers, this virtual program features an interactive romp with music, humor and games for kids and their families. All ages. 2–3pm. Registration required for Zoom link: https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/4346541.

MONDAY, JULY 13 Teen Cooking Challenge: Ramen Adventures This week, you’re challenged to make the best tasting Ramen noodles possible. Ages 12–18. 4–5:30pm. Registration required for Zoom link: https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/4341404.

TUESDAY, JULY 14 LMNOPuppets Matt from LMNOPuppets needs your help to tell this story. All ages. 10:30– 11am. Registration required for Zoom link: https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/4341691.

SUNDAY, JULY 19 Virtual Escape Room: Harry Potter Virtual Harry Potter-themed escape room!

The link will be posted on July 19, but it can be completed any time. Ages 12–18. www.poudrelibraries.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 24 We Dream in STEAM: Static Electricity During this virtual program, CSU 4H youth development partner, Patrick Pulis, will teach the Van De Graff Generator and static electricity. Ages 6–12. 3:30–4:30pm.

Registration required for Zoom link: https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/4323324.

FRIDAY, JULY 31 G.L.O.W.: Poetry Slam G.L.O.W. is an inclusive group for teens and their friends. Join Kim from SPLASH for a Zoom meeting where you can socialize and perform original work in a safe, supportive environment. Ages 12–18. 4–6pm. Registration required for Zoom link: https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/4348699.

DIGITAL BOOKS, E-LEARNING RESOURCES & ONLINE STORYTIMES

Curbside pickup available–place holds online or call. Plus, no library card needed to utilize online resources during library closures: Clearview Library District: www.clearviewlibrary.org Estes Valley Library: www.estesvalleylibrary.org High Plains Library District: www.mylibrary.us Loveland Public Library: www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org Poudre River Library District: www.poudrelibraries.org

CONNECT TO NATURE

MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS Virtual Read and Seed Sessions Preschool readiness activities including story and related craft. View a new video each week. Ages 2–4 with adult. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. Online. 970-416-2486 www.fcgov.com/gardens/read-and-seed.

TUESDAY, JULY 28 Story Bakers The Story Bakers bring stories to life through short skits adapted from work written by the Tween Writers Club. All ages. 6–7pm. Registration required for Zoom link: https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/4323360.

THURSDAY, JULY 2 Firefly Night Walk Did you know Fort Collins is home to one of the largest firefly populations in Colorado? All ages. Registration required.

Reservoir Ridge Natural Area, meet in the parking lot off of Overland Trail, FC. www.fcgov.com/events.

THURSDAY, JULY 30 Teen Craft-a-Thon: Mini Canvas Art Join friends online for an evening of crafting. Ages 12–18. 6–7pm. Registration required for Zoom link: https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/4341229.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 Nature Playdate Explore nature in a safe and accessible way with your little ones. Ages 3–7.

Registration required. Gateway Natural Area, 5216 West Highway 14, Bellvue.

10–noon, 970-416-2815. www.fcgov.com/naturalareas.

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THURSDAY, JULY 9 Junior Naturalists: Nature Photography Explore, learn and grow your stewardship skills to become a Junior Naturalist! Ages 8–12 with adult. Registration required.

Riverbend Ponds Natural Area, meet at the Cairns Dr. parking lot off Timberline Rd. FC. 9:30–11:30am. www.fcgov.com/events.

FRIDAY, JULY 10 Campfire at Nix: Coyotes, Adaptable Canine Neighbors Cozy evening by the campfire, complete with nature stories and s’mores! All ages.

Registration required. Nix Farm (Natural Areas Office), 1745 Hoffman Mill Road, FC. 7–8:30pm. www.fcgov.com/events.

SATURDAY, JULY 11 Virtual Birds of Prey Presentation The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program and Eaton Library share information about these majestic birds and what you can do to help with their conservation. All ages.

Online meeting. 11–11:30am. www.facebook.com/events/262641705115417.

Astronomy & Skygazing: The Joy of Jupiter Telescopes and information provided by Northern Colorado Astronomical Society.

All ages.Registration required. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, 10184 Co Rd 32C, LV. 8:30–10:30pm. 970-416-2815 www.fcgov.com/events.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 Toddler Tracks with Book Bike Learn about nature through stories, activities, nature walks and hands-on projects. Ages 3 and under with adult caregiver. Registration required. Magpie Meander Natural Area, near 520 Hickory St., FC. www.fcgov.com/events.

THURSDAY, JULY 23 Junior Naturalists: From Source to Tap Explore, learn and grow your stewardship skills to become a Junior Naturalist! Ages 8–12 with adult. Registration required.

Gateway Natural Area, 5216 West Highway 14, Bellvue, FC. 9:30–11:30am. www.fcgov.com/events.

2020 NoCo Farmers Markets Because of Covid-19 dates might change, please check websites for updates.

Berthoud Local Farmers Market Fickel Park in downtown Berthoud Saturdays, 9am–Noon, June 20–Sept. 26 http://berthoudlocal.org Drake Road Farmers Market 802 W. Drake Rd., Fort Collins (weather permitting) Saturdays, 9am–1pm, April 18–Sept. 26 www.drakeroadfarmersmarket.com

Fort Collins Farmers Market 1001 E. Harmony Rd. in front of Ace Hardware (rain or shine) Sundays, 10am–2pm, May 24–mid-Nov. Wednesdays, 10am–2pm, June 17–Sept. www.fortcollinsfm.com Fort Collins Winter Farmers Market Opera Galleria, 145 N. College Ave., Fort Collins 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 9am–1pm, Jan. 11–April 11 www.focomarket.org

Erie Farmers Market Briggs Street between Wells and Moffatt, Erie Thursdays, 5–8pm, May 21–Sept. 10 www.realfarmersmarketco.com Estes Valley Farmers Market Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave. Thursdays, 8am–1pm, June–Sept. www.facebook.com/EstesValleyFarmersMarket Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park 700 S. Railroad Ave., Loveland Sundays, 9am–1pm, June 7–Sept. 27 www.cityofloveland.org/farmersmarket

Greeley Farmers’ Market Union Pacific Depot, 902 7th Ave. Saturdays, 8am–Noon, May 16–Oct. 31 www.greeleygov.com/fm

Loveland East Farmer’s Market at Jax 950 E Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland Tuesdays, 9am–1pm, June 2–mid-Oct. www.facebook.com/Loveland-East-FarmersMarket-at-Jax-183999268919957 Timnath Sunday Market 138 Main St., Timnath First Sundays, 10am–4pm, May–Oct www.coloradofeedandgrain.com/sundaymarket

Greeley Winter Farmers’ Market Zoe’s, 715 10th St., Greeley 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9am–Noon, Nov.–April www.greeleygov.com/fm

Virtual Farmers Market Order online Sundays, 8amWednesdays, 6pm Delivery Saturdays Noon-4pm or Pick up Saturdays Noon-2pm www.nocovirtualfarmersmarket.com

Johnstown Milliken Farmers Market Charlotte St. and Parish Ave., Johnstown Fridays, 4–8pm, June–Oct. www.johnstownmillikenchamber.com

Windsor Farmers Market Boardwalk Park, 110 5th St., Windsor Saturdays, 9am–1pm, June 20–Sept. 12 www.windsorgov.com/FarmersMarket

FARM STANDS

Please check websites for updates on hours and COVID-19 requirement changes.

Anders Farm 8443 US Hwy. 8, Fort Lupton www.facebook.com/RAndersFarm/

Green Dog Farm Fort Collins www.greendogfarmcsa.com

Bartels Farm 3424 E. Douglas Rd., Fort Collins www.thebartelsfarm.com

Happy Heart Farm 2820 W. Elizabeth St., Fort Collins www.happyheartfarmcsa.com

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

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

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

Larimer County Farmers Market 200 S. Oak St., Fort Collins Saturdays, 9am–1pm, May 23–Oct. 31 www.larimercountyfarmersmarket.org

Heritage Lavender 4809 Foothills Dr., Berthoud www.heritagelavender.com Hoffman Farms, LLC 3545 W. 0 St., Greeley www.hoffmanproduce.com

Jessup Farm Artisan Village Pop-Up Farm Stand 1957 Jessup Dr., Fort Collins www.jessupfarm.com Jodar Farms 5100 E. CR 48, Fort Collins www.jodarfarms.com Long Shadow Farm 101 Bothun Rd., Berthoud www.longshadowfarm.wixsite. com/longshadow Native Hill Farm 2100 W. CR 54G, Fort Collins www.nativehillfarm.com

On the Vine at Richmond Farms 3611 Richmond Dr., Fort Collins www.onthevineatrichmondfarms.com Papa Joe’s Honey 4855 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland www.facebook.com/ PapaJoesLocalHoney Sunny Daze 901 S. CR 5, Fort Collins www.sunnydazegardens.com Tigges Farm 12404 CR 64½, Greeley www.tiggesfarm.com

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

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time out Sassy or outspoken?

The Sassiest of the Sassy Girls

LEAH HANSON

I

don’t know if it’s being almost 10, COVID, summertime with fewer things to do and fewer people to see, or some combination of these things, but the sass-o-meter is registering off the charts at my house lately.

This morning was a rainy and cool morning so everyone slept later than they normally would. My daughter came to me as I was making coffee and began to speak. “Mom, you know what I like about mornings like this?” Like a jerk who interrupts even though I’m constantly telling her not to interrupt, I said, “What do you want for breakfast?” instead of “What do you like about mornings like this?

Pray tell!” And she put her arms straight out from her body, shoved her chin forward with the little minishake-of-the-head-move, and yelled, “WELL, I WAS gonna say something NICE, but then you went ahead and ruined my ENTIRE day!”

It was 7:15am and the day was already ruined. It’s amazing how quickly days can be ruined. Lucky for me, after about five minutes and a grumbly in her tubmly, she realized she’d have to do a reset in order to get the breakfast she desired and returned to the kitchen as though nothing had happened pleasantly requesting eggs and et cetera.

I’m one of those moms who doesn’t much correct my kid for being all that sassy. I see now I could have benefitted from doing that more. Yet, I stand by my ideology that I don’t want to stifle my kid’s voice and teach her that her opinions don’t count or matter because she’s a kid and must be blindly obedient. Plus, she’s quite polite to other adults and in public.

I realize I’m mostly just making excuses for her poor tone of voice and my own lazy parenting, but still.

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However, as things do, this concept has become further illuminated to me as my daughter has grown. I too much equated confidence to speak freely as general confidence and I know now—almost 10 years in—that’s not necessarily the case.

So, I’ve got some backpedaling to do. I know now that just because my daughter feels free to say what she means most of the time, and she trusts I’ll love her no matter what, doesn’t mean she’s confident in a

holistic way. She could just not care what people think, she might not yet realize the impact of her words, she could be over-compensating for other areas in which she isn’t so secure, and more. Probably all of these things.

No matter what it is, I’ve got some work on my plate. As parents, we never get it right. But we always try our best and make the best choices with the options we have at the time. At least the lot of us do. I can do better, and I will do better.

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