SCOTT TITTERINGTON Perspective It’s that odd time
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SUMMER all year long and when it finally gets here it seems to fly by. A visit to the grandparents here, guests visiting there, a well-deserved vacation, a camp or two and then wham, it’s August and we wonder where the so-called lazy days of summer went.
Now we’re at the time when we’re still enjoying summer but looking at back-to-school time right around the corner. Sometimes it feels like a little split in our minds. We want to live the endless summer but we also are starting to plan for those days back in the classroom.
Much of life reflects that dichotomy. We want to be free and we want to be secure. We want to be healthy and we want that big bowl of ice cream too. We want that pet dog and we don’t want to clean up after it, feed it and pay vet bills.
I’m not ready to go down the rabbit hole of how to have it all, but I will posit that being happy right now oddly enough helps us to be happy in the future. Good presence leads to good futures. Enjoy the moment and plan for tomorrow, but don’t let some vague dread of what might happen get in the way of your present peace of mind.
This issue threads that not-so-tiny needle. So to help you eke the most out of the rest of the vacation time, Theresa Baer offers up some end-of-the-summer local outings while Katie Harris suggests an excursion to Nebraska. And for little adventures and activities all month long, check out our calendar of events.
When you turn your mind to back-to-school, Lynn Nichols helps you prepare your child for returning to school with ideas about how to calm the jitters, get organized and set up a sleep schedule. Lea Hanson offers some ideas of products that might help you be prepared.
So let’s get out there and help our kids enjoy the final days of summer even as school looms. It’s good practice for life to learn to enjoy the moment even though life in general tends to be untidy, complicated and sometimes downright hard.
Soak it up,
Scott
AUGUST 2024 • Volume 28, Issue 3
PUBLISHER
Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210
scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com
EDITOR
Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210
kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com
ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR
Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832
greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Susan Harting susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com
COVER PHOTO istock photo
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Theresa Baer, Lea Hanson, Katie Harris, Lynn U. Nichols
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING PO Box 740 Fort Collins, CO 80522 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 constitute 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. ©2024 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER:
Stay healthy—Back to school tips
IN A MATTER OF WEEKS, our kids will be back at school. Things tend to get a little loosey goosey over the summer months for many households: sleep schedules are shifted, eating schedules are irregular, and pool baths are the only baths they take. Sadly, straying from these routines tends to happen slowly while the shift back to them when school begins is a swifter shift.
We spoke with Amy, a registered nurse from the Youth Clinic of Northern Colorado, and she had a lot to say—both from a parent perspective and as a health professional. Overall, set a reasonable bedtime, include breakfast every day, and support them memorizing new school-related information.
Get enough sleep
More than half of children in middle school and high school don’t get enough sleep. This is harmful and leads to an increased risk of illness. Children who don’t sleep long enough each night also have difficulty learning and socializing. Now is the perfect time to get into good sleep habits. Ensure your child goes to bed at a consistent time each night and gets at least eight to 10 hours of sleep before waking up. “The biggest thing in our house is a good sleep routine,” she says. “Sleep is important for behavior, memory, and keeping your immune system healthy.” The best way to transition back to a consistent school-night routine is to slowly get back to that earlier bedtime, Amy says.
Keep your hands clean
“Hand hygiene is incredibly important as the school year begins and it's the best way to prevent the spreading of germs,” Amy tells us.
Schools are notorious for being covered in germs and having hundreds of students near each other every day is a perfect storm for illnesses to spread. Studies show those who wash their hands regularly have 24 percent fewer sick days due to respiratory illnesses and 51 percent fewer sick days due to gastrointestinal illness. Remind kids to wash their hands before eating, after using the restroom and after coughing or sneezing.
Don’t skip well checks
Annual well checks are important, don’t skip it. “Even if something doesn’t seem ‘wrong,’ health professionals have the ability to see the whole picture and give valuable feedback, Amy says. These visits include so much more information for both kids and caregivers that can help them learn about and understand their bodies both physically and mentally. Health professionals use these visits both to react to things that are currently happening, but also to provide information that both kids and adults ought to know.
Stay safe crossing streets
Before sending your child back to school is the perfect time to review walking safety tips—especially for crossing the street. Teach your child to use the sidewalk, stop and look both ways, and use crosswalks. It’s also important to avoid distractions while walking, like looking at a phone or playing games with friends.
A lighter backpack
Did you know backpacks can cause lasting damage to your child’s neck, shoulders, and back? If a bookbag is too heavy, your child could get injured. Experts recommend backpacks should weigh no more than 5-10 percent of your child’s body weight. E.g. if your child weighs 50 pounds, their filled backpack should be five pounds or lighter.
Finish up summer with movies, adventures, markets
Take in an outdoor show
GRAB SOME CHAIRS or blanket and head to one of these last remaining outdoor movie screenings this summer. Shows start at dusk. Arrive early to get a good spot. Visit the Holiday Twin Drive-In at 2206 South Overland Trail to experience classic summer fun through early fall. View what’s
A trip to the
farmers’ market
LOVELAND FARMERS’ MARKET has been voted one of the 10 best farmers’ markets in Colorado and it’s easy to see why. In addition to its incredible local offerings, this market also features fun events for families throughout the summer and into fall. Watermelon Daze and Beer Garden happen Sunday, August 18. Artist Markets take place on August 25 and September 29. There’s also the Honey Festival on Sunday, September 8. Visit Fairgrounds Park at 700 S. Railroad Avenue in Loveland from 9am until 1pm and learn more at www.LovGov.org/FarmersMarket.
The Timnath Farmers’ Market is another to check out on the second Sundays through October from 10am to 3pm at the historic Colorado Feed & Grain landmark. Enjoy music and other entertainment as you shop local produce and foods plus a diverse collection of artisan offerings such as jewelry, apparel, cutting boards—even a pop-up bookshop!
showing and “How to Drive-In” at www. holidaytwin.com.
Both Loveland and Windsor have free Movies in the Park. Visit North Lake Park in Loveland on August 30 to see Barbie–it’s also Mom’s Night Out with wine, food trucks, photo booth and more. Windsor is showing Racing Stripes at Boardwalk Park on August 9 and Space Jam at Eastman Park on August 23. Visit LovGov.org/ PRevents or www.recreationliveshere. com/217/Movies-in-the-Park to learn more.
The Lyric at 1209 North College Avenue in Fort Collins offers outdoor screenings on select days through October 5, though not all titles are familyfriendly. It is recommended you arrive 30–60 minutes early to find parking, secure a spot on the lawn, and make sure you can get food or drink before the movie starts. Visit www.lyriccinema.com/ outdoor-movies to learn more.
Learning
Adventures
LEARN ABOUT Windsor’s past with familyfriendly, accessible walks on local trails.
Community members of all ages will learn about the nature and local history on Saturday, August 3 beginning at Boardwalk Community Park. The program is free but registration is encouraged at www.recreationliveshere.com/calendar.
Enjoy stories and s’mores around the campfire at the Coyote Ridge Natural Area cabin on Friday, August 9 from 6:30pm to 8pm and learn about canines that call Colorado home, including the most recent and largest–the gray wolf. Registration is required at engage.fcgov.com/Calendar.
Look to the night sky with volunteers from Northern Colorado Astronomical Society as they share knowledge of the stars, planets, galaxies and more on Friday, August 16 from 8:30pm to 10:30pm at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area in Fort Collins. Learn more and register at www.fcgov.com/events.
Favorite Things
Best Lunch Containers
BACK TO SCHOOL MEANS lots of new gear and supplies. One school supply too often overlooked is the lunch container. Lunch boxes and bags get as beat up as most things our kids use daily, and sadly need to be replaced as often as notebooks and folders. So, as we think about our upcoming back-to-school purchases, we might as well get exactly what we want. We’ve done some research and found options that meet caregivers’ needs (sturdy, the right size, works with hot and cold items) as well as a cool design.
EcoLunchBox, 3-in-1 Splash Box
Buy from: The Cupboard
152 South College Ave., Fort Collins
Fresh & Save
Plastic Flat
Vacuum Lunch Box
Buy from: Jax
1200 N College Ave., Fort Collins
With a vacuum-sealed lunch container, you can meal plan lunches, too! Prepare healthy salads, colorful grain bowls, or delicious soups the evening before or even days in advance. The smart vacuum pump slows down oxidation, so salads stay crisp and green, with the vitamins and flavors locked in. To reheat, simply place the unsealed extralight and breakproof containers in the microwave. The handy compartment divider included with the lunch box ensures foods stay separated, keeping them in tip-top shape hours and days after they’ve been packed.
This is a large stainless steel container with leak-proof silicone lid. The non-slip tabs on the lid are embossed for easy opening, especially for small hands with underdeveloped dexterity. The lunchbox bottoms are designed to be stacked for compact storage and additional pieces can be used for stacking and separating (e.g. Splash Pod, $14). Not only does this option ease worries about leakage, the steel and silicone combination is lighter (it weighs 9.5 oz.) than glass and is nonbreakable. Finally, it’s non-toxic: free of estrogen-mimicking toxins commonly found in plastic, such as BPA (bisphenol-A), BPS (bisphenol-S) and phthalates. Dishwasher safe, not microwave safe.
Danica Heirloom 3-Tier Tiffin
Buy from: The Cupboard
152 South College Ave. Fort Collins
Made from stainless steel, this cute and compact container has 3-tiers of stackable round, stainless steel tins with a lid. These stackable tins are held together with a convenient snap closure to ensure your food stays locked inside, maintaining warm temperatures for several hours. This Danica Tiffin eliminates the need to pack disposable dinnerware. It is safe to wash in the dishwasher and has a convenient carrying handle. Finally, the small size (4.75” diameter, 6” height) is perfect for the smaller portions needed by kids.
Nebraska highlight tour—History, hiking and beach time
TAKE A LONG WEEKEND to explore some of the top sites our neighboring state to the east has to offer on this easy, inexpensive trip to Nebraska. Need a last minute summer getaway? This trip fits the bill with stops to explore national landmarks, hike, and hit the beach!
Day 1:
Make your way to Nebraska by taking I-25 north into Wyoming, where you’ll exit the freeway and head east for a pit stop at Fort Laramie. Explore the national historic site, which served as the largest military post on the northern plains until the late 1800s and has undergone mass restoration over the past few decades. Currently, there are eleven restored buildings on site for visitors to explore, including a post trader’s store from 1849, post surgeon’s quarters built in 1875, and lieutenant colonel’s quarters built in 1884. (www.nps.gov/fola/index.htm)
Continue east into Nebraska to Agate Fossil Beds National Monument where the first complete skeletons of Miocene mammals were discovered over one hundred years ago, and where the west’s ranching history meets Lakota heritage at the park’s visitor center. Hike the 2.8-mile interpretive Fossil Hills Trail over national wetlands to see where the skeletons were found, or the 1-mile Daemonelix Trail to view spiral corkscrew fossils left in the rocks from ancient land beavers known as Paleocastors. (www.nps. gov/agfo/index.htm)
Day 3:
Every summer vacation needs a beach stop, and this one has just the place. From Scotts Bluff, continue two hours southeast to Lake McConaughy for a day at the lake before heading home. Affectionately known as “Big Mac” by those who frequent it, Nebraska’s largest reservoir is known for its fishing, camping, and white sand beaches. Boating is also allowed on the lake, and visitors to the area can rent boats at any of the local outfitters. Recreating is allowed on all shorelines unless signs prohibit it, which means plenty of room to spread out and enjoy yourself on your mini beach vacation! (www.outdoornebraska.gov/location/ lake-mcconaughy/)
Day 2:
Today, explore Scotts Bluff National Monument, just a 45-minute drive from Agate Fossil Beds. Scotts Bluff, which sits high above the North Platte River, is best known for the role it played as a stop on the Oregon Trail, California Trail, Mormon Trail and Pony Express. As you enter the area through the opening in the canyon, you’ll see covered wagons to your left just before the monument’s entrance. Peruse the visitor center to learn about the area, then head out on the Oregon Trail Pathway to search for the deep wagon ruts (swales) left over from pioneer days. For a more serious hike, find the Saddle Rock Trailhead behind the visitor center, and continue 1.6 miles to the top of the bluff. After exploring the area on foot, drive the 1.6-mile Summit Road to the top of the bluff, where the whole family will be thrilled by the narrow tunnels, steep drop offs and scenic overlooks. (www.nps.gov/scbl/index.htm)
•
It’s school time! It’s school time!
Are your kids ready? Are your kids ready?
THE TRANSITION FROM SUMMER—long, relaxed days with few obligations—to school can be a tough one for kids of all ages. Here are ways to smooth the transition and set your kids up for success.
CALM THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR JITTERS
It’s totally normal for kids to feel a little anxious when thinking about starting a new school year. While preparing kids for school by setting up healthy habits and getting supplies in order goes a long way, don’t forget to talk with your kids about their worries.
“Excitement and anxiety can feel a lot alike in the body. If your child gives you a cue—like saying their stomach hurts—take it and dig deeper,” says Heidi Kalak with Heidi Kalak Counseling, LLC, in Fort Collins. “The new school year brings a lot of unknowns and anxiety exists in unknown places.”
Kids tend to label anxiety as a feeling that something’s wrong or a feeling of being out of control. If you notice signs of anxiety—bad sleep, stressful dreams, anger, irritability, emotional outbursts, and trouble focusing—ask your child or teen if they are worried and help explore why. If their worry is school-related, start talking.
“Help kids label their feelings and normalize what it’s like to feel anxiety,” Kalak says. “You can say, ‘It looks like you are feeling nervous. Do you want to talk about it?”
Also, share a time when you were nervous to start school, or something else as a child or adult. Describe how you were feeling and how you got the courage to do what you needed to do—and how it turned out well. Pay extra attention during the transition years.
HELP THEM GET ORGANIZED
Give your kids a boost by helping them get organized. Most kids revel in picking out new notebooks, pencils, crayons, and rulers for the new school year. Do it well ahead of time so they feel prepared. Letting them pick out a special backpack or lunchbox can help turn feelings of anxiety into feelings of excitement.
If your child has trouble with organizing different subjects—especially when they are new to middle school and the multitude of classes—consider colorcoding their subjects. Blue notebook and folder for math, green for science, yellow for history, and so on.
If your child has a habit of doing their homework but failing to turn it in, try creating an assignment folder that’s used only for work that’s completed and ready to turn in. That way it won’t get lost or float loosely in a backpack.
Planning ahead helps reduce stress, and kids need to be taught how to plan ahead. It’s okay to coach them, by saying, ‘So you have a tournament and a test next week, when can you find time to study?’ Don’t be afraid to pull out the calendar.
GET THEM BACK ON TRACK WITH SLEEP
Depending on your kids’ ages, they need around 9 to 9.5 hours of sleep a night. Since summer is ending and sleeping in is not an option, it’s time to wind back the clock. Start a new habit by slowly adjusting their bedtime each night for a few weeks before school begins. By turning bedtime back mere minutes each day, you will help them have a successful first day of school. For example, if your child has to get up at 6:30am to make the bus, they’ll need to be in bed by 9:30pm to get their needed 9 hours.
Teens need nearly as much sleep as younger kids, but often do not get it. It doesn’t help that the school bell rings earlier for middle school and high school kids. According to studies by the National Sleep Foundation, the typical high school student’s natural time to fall asleep is often around 11pm. Thanks to changes in their circadian rhythm during teen years, they’d also prefer to sleep until
Homework apps that empower kids
We all rely on our calendars and lists to keep our lives organized. Encouraging your kids to make lists and use other organization tools helps them gain control over their schedules and homework due dates. Here are some top apps to consider:
List-making app: Google Keep
The best known tool for organizing is list making. Google Keep is sticky notes on steroids. Kids can type, record audio, draw and add photos. They can create checklists to track assignments and support the list with audio notes on how to complete it. Free.
Daily planner app: myHomework
This daily planner with a calendar lets your child track due dates for assignments, highlight test dates, and track progress of long term projects with reminders and widgets on any type of device. Free and paid options available.
Note-taking/transcription app: Dictation on iPhone; Notability
If your child has some challenges with learning via the traditional lecture format or if they have a 504 plan or an IEP, get permission from teachers to allow them to use a notetaking app or simply using a speech-to-text built-in feature on their phone that lets them record the lecture and transcribe it. An easy place to start is by using Voice Memos on an iPhone, which kids can label and save in files for each class. Android phones have similar features. Free.
Another option is Notability, which allows kids to record lectures with the added feature of letting them annotate PDF textbooks, among other features, depending on if you use the free or paid version.
This is just the start, so do some exploring and find one that’s right for your child.
10am—not an option on school days. While it seems awkward to make your pre-teen or teen go to bed earlier or at the same time as they did in elementary school, it’s necessary for their school success.
FEED THEM WELL
Make lunchtime both nutritious and fun to boost your child’s day. Try giving sandwiches a twist. Instead of bread, try bagel thins, tortillas that come in vegetable flavors, flatbread and pitas and fill them with anything from egg, tuna, hummus to nut butters—almond, cashew and peanut—ranch dressing, vegetables, and beans.
Kids love finger foods and dips. Buy lunch containers with compartments, and then pack them with ranch dressing or guacamole for dipping carrots, celery, pepper strips, snap peas, or cucumbers. How about fruit slices—grapefruit, oranges, watermelon, grapes, apples—with yogurt? Nuts and trail mixes are also great choices.
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School District News: Poudre
Kindergarten ready: Learn more about PSD’s kindergarten program
KINDERGARTEN IS AN exciting and important step in your student’s educational journey. In Poudre School District, you’ll find students are supported in many ways with caring teachers and staff, positive school and classroom culture, as well as a collaborative, safe and welcoming learning environment.
This is a community where you and your family belong; where parents are welcome and where children are given the resources to flourish in their own ways.
“Teachers and staff put so much energy into meeting kids where
they’re at and supporting them in every way... I am just so grateful my kids go to school here,” says Carolyn Snyder, a mom of two students at Bamford Elementary School.
If you’re not already enrolled in PSD, we’d love to welcome your family. It is not too late to register for the 2024-25 school year! Visit psdschools.org/ onlineregistration to start the registration process. For more information about kindergarten in Poudre School District, check out our “How to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten” guide at the following link qrco.de/ PSDkindergarten24.
FAQS ABOUT PSD’S KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
Where will my child attend kindergarten?
PSD has 33 amazing elementary school programs. You can type in your address at www.psdschools.org/schoolresources/school-locator to see which school is in your neighborhood or you can learn more about applying for a school choice slot at another PSD school at www. psdschools.org/schools/school-options-choice.
What programs do PSD elementary schools offer?
From bilingual education to Core Knowledge, International Baccalaureate to Leader in Me, STEAM/STEM to traditional neighborhood schools, there’s something for every learner in PSD. Learn more at psdschools.org/schools.
When can my child start kindergarten?
Children must be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1 of the respective school year to register for kindergarten.
How do I register my child for kindergarten?
Visit psdschools.org/onlineregistration to start the registration process.
School District News: Thompson
Berthoud High senior shares passion for agriculture
FOR ANYONE WHO KNOWS Berthoud High senior Catherine (Cate) Schlagel, it comes as no surprise that her dream is to become an agriculture teacher and Future Farmers of America adviser. Cate has attended Berthoud schools since kindergarten and has never known a time when she wasn’t around agriculture.
“It’s been generations;
both sides of my family are into farming and cattle and making that their whole lives,” she says. “It’s something I’ve grown up with.”
As a senior at Berthoud High School, Cate was president of the BHS Future Farmers of America chapter, a club that her late mother started at the school. When Cate was in eighth grade, her mother passed away after
battling leukemia for a year and a half. Cate remembers how challenging that time was for her family, especially once her mother went to a hospital in Texas, where she spent her last months from October 2019 to January 2020. Cate’s mother had been a teacher at Bill Reed Middle School for 20 years when she got sick, and Cate has many fond memories of
the time she got to spend with her mom, particularly working with cattle.
“I think I’m a lot more hardworking than a lot of kids my age,” Cate says. “If I didn’t put in the work, the success wouldn’t show. It taught me a sense of responsibility and how to care for things.”
Kate says she has gained so much from her many years in 4-H and FFA that it has made her passionate about teaching agriculture to our country’s youth.
“Ag is important because everything around us is agbased, whether you eat it, wear it, or drink it,” she says.
Cate will attend Texas Tech University in Lubbock in the fall, majoring in agriculture with a minor in education. While she says she can’t wait to move to Texas, she worries about leaving her dad and her older sister, who has intellectual disabilities. Helping to care for her sister has taught Cate a lot.
“My sister’s challenges give me a different perspective of the world,” she says.
“You have so many opportunities laid out in front of you that they can’t have.”
But Cate is anxious to be in a new environment and meet new people.
“I’m beyond excited,” she says. “My whole family lives within a two-mile radius of us. I will miss them, but they can come visit.”
Natural areas safety, food bank concert, youth grants and teen center
STAY SAFE WHEN OUTDOORS
Mid-summer through early fall is the most common time for local ponds/ lakes to have harmful algal blooms that are toxic to humans, pets and wildlife. Keep your family safe by keeping pets out of water; never drink water (nor allow pets to) from outdoor water bodies; use hand sanitizer or wash hands with soap if you touch the water.
Larimer County Department of Health & Environment also warns of bats that may be carrying rabies, which is nearly 100 percent fatal in humans if medication is not administered soon after contact. If you come across a sick/ injured bat—or find one in your home—contact NoCo Humane Animal Protection & Control at 970-226-3647. If you’ve handled a bat or been bitten/scratched,
contact the Zoonosis Hotline at 970-498-6666 to assess risk.
Be aware by watching and listening for rattlesnakes and keep pets on leash to keep them safe. If you see a rattlesnake, give them time and space to move off trails.
When thunder roars, go indoors! If you see or hear lightning, stop all outdoor activities; seek safety in vehicles, buildings or low areas; avoid water, high ground and open spaces; and wait 30 minutes after a storm passes before continuing outdoor activities.
COMMUNITY CONCERT TO RAISE FUNDS
Benefiting the Community Services Center and Food Bank of Wellington, the Cereal Box Community Concert will be held Thursday, August 15 from
6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Chateau Wellington, 6411 Cottonwood Shores Dr., Wellington. The Fort Collins-based rock band Funky Business will headline the Cereal Box Concert. Admission is a $10 donation plus a box of cereal. Kids are free. Your $10 donation provides 40 meals for families in the Wellington region. Additional donations collected at the event will benefit the Community Services Center of Wellington Capital Campaign to build a permanent home for the Wellington Food Bank. Purchase concert tickets online at www. wellingtoncsc.org/events and learn more at www. wellingtoncsc.org.
9/11 DAY OF SERVICE GRANT
Youth Service America’s
“We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants” are for organizations, schools and even youth changemakers aged 5 to 25 to lead service projects on or around September 11, 2024. Programming efforts should honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, their families, and those who rose in service in response to that tragedy. Learn more and apply at ysa.org/campaigns/911day.
WELD COUNTY TEEN CENTER
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Weld County recently opened a Teen Center known as “The CLUB” serving youth ages 13–18 from the greater Greeley and Weld County area as a place for teens to connect with adults, empower them to find their passions and voice, and accomplish goals. The newly renovated, 15,000 square foot facility, located at 1407 2nd Street in Greeley was originally constructed in the 1940s as a roller-skating rink. The new building enables the organization to serve over 120 teens daily with core programs around Education, Health/ Wellness, Leadership/ Service, Sports/ Recreation, and The Arts. Visit www.bgcweld.org/ teencenter for hours and registration information.
August events
FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
THROUGH AUGUST 28
One Sweet Summer Event Series
Celebrate fun activities throughout each week with live music, Kids on the Plaza, fitness classes and more! Downtown LV.
www.downtownloveland.org/ onesweetsummer
FRIDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13
Downtown Greeley Friday Fest
Free live music, face painting, fire spinners, bubbles, balloons and more. Downtown GR. www. greeleydowntown.com/ special-events/friday-fest
TUESDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 17
FoCo Food Truck Rally
Food trucks and free live music. City Park, FC. www.focofoodtruckrally.com
AUGUST 2 THROUGH 6
Larimer County Fair and PRCA Rodeo
Live music, carnival, 4H events and rodeo. The Ranch Events Complex, LV. www.treventscomplex.com/ events/larimer-county-fair
AUGUST 3 AND 4
Fort Collins Art Festival
Fine visual art and handcrafted goods plus live music and community fun. Linden Street between Walnut and Jefferson, FC. www.coloradoevents.org/ fortcollinsartfestival
AUGUST 9 AND 10
Pets ‘n’ Popsicles
Enjoy cold popsicles, crafts, games, farm animals and wagon rides (Saturday.) Centennial Village Museum, GR. www.greeleymuseums. com/events
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
Poudre RiverFest
Family-friendly celebration promoting restoration and education about the river corridor. New Belgium Brewing Company, FC. www.poudreriverfest.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
Fort Collins Peach Festival
Music, food, drink and entertainment for all ages and, of course, everything peaches. Civic Center Park, FC. www. fortcollinspeachfestival.com
Monster Day Greeley
Celebrate monsters in a positive way encouraging imagination/creativity with music, art, food and costumes. Downtown GR. www.monsterdaygreeley.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
Watermelon Daze at the Loveland Farmers Market Watermelon eating contest and other watermelon themed activities.
Fairgrounds Park, LV. www.LovGov.org/ FarmersMarket
AUGUST 23 AND 24
Severance Days
Football, live music, booth shopping, kids activities, parade, fireworks, food and fun! Severance Community Park. www.townofseverance. org/2024-community-events/ pages/severance-days-2024
Loveland’s Amaizing Corn Roast Festival
128th annual event with parade, live music, corn shucking contest, cornhole competition, booths, duck races and roasted corn. Fairgrounds Park, LV. www.loveland.org/events-2/ corn-roast-festival
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31
Cruise-In Car Show
See the coolest rides in town…classic cars, street rods, customs and more. Eastman Park, WS. www.recreationliveshere. com/calendar
ENTERTAINMENT
THURSDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 15
Windsor Summer Concert Series
Bring your lawn chair or blanket for live music, food trucks and family fun. Boardwalk Park, WS. www.recreationliveshere. com/calendar
Family FunPlex Concert Series
Bring picnics and chairs/ blankets for family-friendly live music. Family FunPlex outdoor amphitheater, GR. www.greeleyrec.com/familyfunplex
FRIDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 30
Music on the Lawn at Foothills
Local live music, a beer garden, vendor markets and more. Foothills Mall, FC. www. shopfoothills.com/events
THURSDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 5
Bohemian Nights: Thursday Night Live Series
Free live music showcasing a diverse lineup from Colorado and beyond. Old Town Square, FC. bohemiannights. org/thursday-night-live
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 8
Disney® High School Musical Disney Channel’s smash hit musical featuring the students of East High. Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown. coloradocandlelight.com
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21
One World, One Family Exhibit Intergenerational exploration of indigenous peoples around the world and their cultures. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, FC. globalvillagemuseum.org
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
Free Live Jazz with Lorna’s Swingset Colorado’s popular jazz band performs during First Friday Art Walk. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, FC. globalvillagemuseum.org
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
Skygazing
Volunteers from Northern Colorado Astronomical Society provide telescopes and share knowledge of stars, planets, galaxies, etc. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, FC. www. fcgov.com/events
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21
Super Cool Kids Karaoke
Kids of all ages and parents can belt their favorite tunes on the stage. The Lyric, FC. www.lyriccinema.com/movie/ super-cool-kids-karaoke
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30
Loveland Movies in the Park –Mom’s Night Out
Get a babysitter and come watch and sing along. Adult beverages, food truck, photo booth and Bad Mom Bingo. North Lake Park, LV. www. LovGov.org/PRevents
Rick Springfield
Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and musician. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com
FRIDAYS, AUGUST 9 AND 23
Windsor Movies in the Park
Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Various parks, WS. www.recreationliveshere. com/217/Movies-in-the-Park
ACTIVE-ITIES THROUGH AUGUST
UCHealth Healthy Kids Run Series
Free family-friendly in-person one-mile fun runs and onemile on-your-own-courses at local parks. FC, GR, LV, WS. www.uchealth.org/services/ community-health/healthykids/run-series
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
Swim-In Theater
Watch Ice Age on the big screen and bring picnics or enjoy food trucks. Centennial Pool, GR. www.greeleygov. com/calendar
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
Windsor Trails to History
Learn about Windsor’s past with family-friendly, accessible walks on local trails. Boardwalk Community Park, WS. www.recreation liveshere.com/calendar
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
Glow Night Swim
Swim late at night, outside under the stars. Winona Outdoor Pool, LV. www.Lovgov.org/Swimming
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
Campfire at Coyote Ridge Cabin: Canines of Colorado
Two-mile round-trip easy hike with one large hill each way to enjoy campfire and stories. Coyote Ridge Natural Area, FC. www. fcgov.com/events
AUGUST 9 AND 10
The Choice City Running Festival
Running events and activities for all ages/abilities (walk, jog, run or race) including 1-Mile, 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. Mountain Avenue and Civic Center Park, FC. www.choicecityrunning.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
Free Trailathlon
Family-friendly event to actively participate in outdoor activities like walking, running, biking, climbing, fishing, archery, bird watching, art, whittling, exploring (scavenger hunt)
and more. Poudre Learning Center, GR. www.poudretrail.org
AUGUST 17 AND 18
The Strongest Man on Earth Competition of ultimate strength. The Ranch, LV. www.treventscomplex.com/ events
AUGUST 20 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11
Music & Movement Demo Class
Free demo class for kids age 0–5. Flourish Music Academy, GR. www. flourishmusicacademy.com/ music-together
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
Tour De Fat
Annual costumed bike and beer parade and festival. Old Town & New Belgium Brewing, FC. www.newbelgium.com
Severance Days 5K & Kids Fun Run
Supports Rangeview
Elementary School and Windsor Gives. Severance Community Park. www. runwindsorco.com/#races
New Early Orthodontics Helping Kids to Live a Healthy Life
A silent crisis among children today is having a devastating effect on their physical health and social well-being.
An estimated 80 percent of children have a condition causing at least one of the following symptoms: ADD/ADHD, difficulty in school, restless sleep, delayed or stunted growth, decreased IQ, crowded/crooked teeth, nightmares/ night terrors, aggressive behavior, chronic allergies, swollen adenoids or tonsils, and dark circles under eyes. These conditions have a common thread: chronic reduction of oxygen being delivered to the brain. Undiagnosed & untreated, these children face a life of health problems. We have a proven solution.
Airway orthodontics is a revolutionary approach to orthodontic treatment that focuses on correcting not only the alignment of teeth but also the underlying airway issues. It recognizes the crucial role of proper breathing in overall health and wellbeing, particularly in children.
Most children show signs of incorrect dental and facial development at an early age. Two of these children have a mouth-breathing habit and two have an incorrect swallow pattern. They are great candidates for NEO’s New Early Orthodontics program.
An integrative approach
Traditional orthodontics has primarily focused on aligning teeth for aesthetic purposes, often overlooking the underlying causes of malocclusion. Airway orthodontics takes a holistic approach by considering the relationship between dental and facial structures, jaw development, and overall health.
Symptoms of airway issues
Airway issues can manifest in various ways, and it’s important for parents to recognize the signs and symptoms. Some common indicators of airway problems in children include:
Snoring—Persistent snoring, especially accompanied by pauses in breathing, can be a sign of obstructed airflow during sleep.
Mouth breathing—Children who consistently breathe through their mouths rather than their noses may have difficulty with nasal congestion or airway obstruction.
Daytime fatigue—Chronic tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and poor academic performance may result from disrupted sleep due to airway issues.
Sleep disturbances—Restless sleep, frequent waking, night sweats, or bedwetting can be linked to sleep-disordered breathing.
ADHD-like symptoms—Airway problems may mimic attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, including impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity.
Facial abnormalities—Underdeveloped jaws, recessed chins, open bites, or crowded teeth can be indicative of airway issues.
Key components
Diagnosis and screening: Dentists and orthodontists trained in airway orthodontics carefully evaluate a child’s dental and medical history, conduct comprehensive examinations, and may utilize advanced diagnostic tools like cephalometric X-rays or 3D imaging to assess airway patency and function.
Early intervention: Early detection and intervention are crucial in airway orthodontics. Identifying and treating airway issues in childhood can help guide jaw growth, promote proper breathing, and potentially prevent more severe problems later in life.
Non-invasive treatments: Airway orthodontics emphasizes non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical approaches whenever possible. Orthodontic appliances, such as expanders or myofunctional devices, are used to guide jaw growth, widen the dental arches, and improve nasal breathing.
Life-changing benefits
Airway orthodontics has the potential to transform lives by addressing the underlying causes of airway issues. Schedule a consultation at neosmiles.com today for a full airway and orthodontics evaluation.
Road Trips—Time to connect with teens
AS A SINGLE PARENT with a single kid, road trips are a small group. And by ‘group’ I mean it’s the two of us. But, it’s actually the time my teenager and I get along the best.
Teenagers and kids aren’t the only ones who struggle with disconnecting from their phones. I do. And from what I can tell, most adults do. When we’re at home and submerged in our daily routines, it’s worse for me. I find myself constantly trying to squeeze in one additional task. Whether that’s schedule a make up practice for sports, sending that last email in the evening to get my inbox above the fold, meal planning, or simply reading and responding to my besties group text so I can maintain connection with my own friends, there is always so much to do. Even when each, isolated task is ‘easy’ and ‘quick’ this emotional labor takes a lot of time. A LOT of time.
But, when we’re on vacation, most of those things simply don’t need to be done. Work is on hold, household tasks are hold, and my social life isn’t happening. At least beyond labeling a funny shared Instagram reel as “Ha ha.” Even though I know logically that it’s best for both me and my kiddo
to put down my phone and give full attention to her and our shared situation in the moment, it doesn’t seem possible all the time. But on vacation, it does.
Road trips especially. Time in the car is precious when it comes to parenting teens. It’s a great place to spark conversation, listen to the music they like, and just banter and share for long periods of time. And, besides using the map that’s displaying through the dashboard screen, my phone is off limits.
Creative car games aren’t just for entertaining unruly small kids, either.
Older kids start to
appreciate more complex or more humorous games, and are better at making them up, too. We like to tag crass words to the name of RVs, tell stories about other drivers, and just chat. Which is unusual. Most caregivers of teens will attest that uninterrupted conversation is hard to come by, especially for long periods of time. Not in the car, baby!
And, with one parent and one kid in a smallish crossover, there isn’t anyone else to talk to. Not even the dog (like we have on the 20-minute-each-way trips to and from sports practice). I’m all she’s got
for riveting convo. And, while on a normal day I don’t think she’d describe me as “riveting,” after four hours on the highway, she tends to feel differently. Or she’s desperate. Either way, I’ll take it.
I remind myself often that my job is actually to get to know my child for who she is and who she’s becoming. She’s no longer an extension of me and while she still absolutely needs my guidance in life, she’s her very own person with her own personality – one she doesn’t always show to me fully.
But in the car – and on the road – she starts to.
