RM Parent Magazine | September | 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021 • RMPARENT.COM

COLD, FLU OR

DELTA VARIANT

Play around with disc golf

Fun and healthy school lunches Empowering kids with trust and respect Chalk pastel art

SPECIAL INSERT Preserve the harvest G

s

RATIN CELEB

ear y 5 2 norther

ing of serv ents r a p o d a n color

SPECIAL SECTION: AFTER THE BELL RMPARENT

|1

2

| RMPARENT

RMPARENT

|3

Affordable, Fun, In-Home

Tutoring!

We Come To You! First Session Free...thru September 30TH, 2021

30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee

No Registration Fees All Tutors Local & Safety Trained

Call 970-541-3785

theapextutors.com

NEW

After School Kindness, Inc. Bef.+After School Locations: FORT COLLINS

Early Childhood and School Age

PROGRAMS

Liberty Common, Ridgeview Classical, Ascent Classical Charters St. Joseph Catholic, Harmony Presbyterian Church

LOVELAND

Loveland Classical Charter St. John’s Catholic School

In-Home Childcare Services Available

www.afterschoolkindness.com

We make learning FUN while staying safe Childcare Nation

www.childcare-nation.com

(Ages 2.5 to 7) Must be potty trained Early Childhood Location: 400 E. Boardwalk Dr., Ft. Collins Hours: 6:45am to 6pm- M–F Open Yearly 4

| RMPARENT

FREE

Registration Fee

+ up to 30% off

for qualified parents!

-First ten callers only-

Winter, Spring and Summer Camps 7am to 6pm

Space is limited, Call Now to Reserve your spot:

970-744-9284

SEPTEMBER 2021

Departments

Special Sections

PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Harvest time—Enjoying the fruits of our labor

AS WE GROW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Cold, flu or Delta variant—When and where to get tested

Harvest Seas on 2021

BOUNTY: PRESERVE THE HARVEST

LOCAL FOOD AND

Check out farmers markets and food stands

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . 10

FARM GUIDE

squash The versatile page 4

Help eliminate

food waste

End of summer fling—Play a round of disc golf

page 2

INSIDE:

YOUR GUIDE TO FARM STANDS AND FARMERS’ MARKETS

LEARN AND LIVE . . . . . . . . . . 12

HARVEST 2021

|1

Chalk pastel art—Decorate your sidewalk

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14 Eclectic offerings in NoCo—Youth business/music competitions, museum offerings, trolley rides

A DV E RT I

SING SU PPLE

AFTER THE BELL

MENT

HEALTHY LIVING . . . . . . . . . . 16 Fun and healthy school lunches—Fill those cute lunch boxes with variety

Explore extracurricular and enrichment opportunities for kids of all ages, and parents too!

CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0

Events and activities for parents, kids and families

TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Feature

Isn’t it rich?—Appreciating family in our lives

School District News GR-E 6 School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Northridge receives honors, Greeley West High School rebuild topping ceremony

Poudre School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs partner to launch program, School is Cool, Pack to School

Thompson School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 New students welcomed back, Riverview grand opening

18 YOU GOT THIS

Give your kids space to fail and learn from their mistakes. Kids build confidence and inner strength when we get out of the way and let them take the lead.

ABOUT THE COVER: Lillian loves to play pretend, princess movies and playing with her little sister.

Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, skysopendesign.com.

RMPARENT

|5

perspective

Harvest time

Enjoying the fruits of our labor

M

y little garden went a bit nuts this year. I’m not sure why. At one point I was thinking about looking for the machete to pare back the spaghetti squash. And even though I kept it to one standard tomato and one cherry-tomato plant, which I vined up a string on a pole, the tomatoes are a little crazy too. I’m in my seventh decade with a few gardens under my belt (so to speak) and I still get pretty stoked to pick that first tomato. We grilled some of the jalapenos last weekend with a little goat cheese and wrapped them in prosciutto.

Last year, I built this little 5- by 6-foot box and filled it with a good mix of soil. It’s just big enough to have a little fun with but not too much work. This year I added some random leftover organic fertilizer that I found piled with the gardening supplies.

Seasonal eating can still be a thing. We’re now hitting what we call BLT season. It feels enough like fall to bake some bread and the garden tomatoes are killer. Add some good bacon and local lettuce and oh, my!

We definitely aren’t going to live off the garden, but there’s something enjoyable about seeing a new squash coming on and watching it grow.

I was reading Lisa Boesen’s feature story in Bounty about how to preserve and prepare squash and pumpkins. Some foods just seem so seasonal—watermelon, peaches, caprese, zucchini—and hard squashes signal fall and winter to me. Her story had me longing for cooler weather just so that I could have some roasted butternut squash with rosemary sprinkled on it.

The garden as a cycle of life is a well-worn metaphor for a reason.

I dug the seeds for my spaghetti squash from a squash that my cousin in Nebraska had given me. I still marvel that the seed contains the fruit which contains the seed and on and on. I have a great little terrasse of climbing morning glories that greets us every morning. The seeds were harvested from last year’s plants which were harvested from the plants the year before and on and on.

The cycle of seasons is also an oft-visited metaphor for the cycle of life and as we head into autumn and then winter, we can celebrate this time of harvesting what we have nurtured during our lives and take the opportunities for quiet reflection.

We can also marvel at the passing of the seed to the next generation and look forward to the spring of a new life sprouting.

Grow well where you’re planted.

Scott

6

| RMPARENT

SEPTEMBER 2021 • Volume 25, Issue 4 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 ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Susan Harting susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com COVER PHOTO Cheri Schonfeld www.skysopendesign.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Theresa Baer, Lea Hanson, Lynn U. Nichols, Scott 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 Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not consitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2021 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS:

RMPARENT

|7

as we grow Cold, flu or Delta variant When and where to get tested

LY NN U. NICHOLS

S

chool’s begun, and with it comes the start of the annual cold and flu season. Yet, this year there’s another player sitting at the lunch table—coronavirus’s unwelcome cousin, Delta. Since many symptoms cross over between these three viruses, how’s a parent to know what a child might have?

Here’s how to tell the difference, along with tips on getting your kids tested and knowing when to call the doctor.

IT’S A COLD, FOR SURE If your child’s illness comes on slowly and she or he doesn’t have a headache, body aches or fever, it’s likely just a cold.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) flus more typically produce fevers, headaches, and body aches, and come on quickly. Cold symptoms often start with a sore throat or runny nose that doesn’t keep your child down, and they tend to only last a few days to a week versus up to three weeks or so, as with the flu and the coronavirus.

THE GRAY ZONE BETWEEN THE FLU AND THE CORONAVIRUS Here’s where it gets trickier. The CDC says the flu and the coronavirus share several symptoms: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache and possibly vomiting and diarrhea. If your child’s sickness comes on fast, especially with a fever and shortness of breath, it’s best to get them tested for coronavirus to know for sure.

There are a few ways to tease the two apart. For example, the coronavirus has the hallmark trait of causing a change or loss in taste and smell. This can happen with the flu, but it’s more common with the coronavirus. However, some reports referenced by a Yale physician show that the Delta variant isn’t causing a loss of taste or smell as

8

| RMPARENT

commonly as the original coronavirus.

Also, headaches didn’t make the top of the list for the first coronavirus, but they do so more often with Delta, along with runny nose, sore throat, and fever. Also, if you can pinpoint your child’s exposure to someone who was sick, know that flu symptoms typically come on faster—between 1 to 4 days, where the coronavirus comes on most commonly 5 days after exposure, but it can start before or after that.

If your child has several concerning symptoms, call your doctor to see if they recommend bringing him or her in. If your child is having trouble breathing, complaining of pain or pressure in their chest, are confused or lethargic, or have a bluish tone to their face or lips, take them to urgent care or the emergency room.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is saying a COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5 to 12 will be available midwinter, a welcome present just in time for Christmas. A vaccine for kids ages 2 to 4 will follow soon afterwards. In the meantime, go buy yourself a reliable thermometer and a good supply of masks for your kids, if you haven’t already, and do your best to stay calm.

COVID-19 testing sites in NOCO

Most pharmacies (Walgreens, King Soopers, CVS, Walmart, etc.) offer COVID-19 testing, and most insurance providers cover testing. The rapid test is close to 99 percent accurate for active illness, and antibody tests tell you if you’ve had coronavirus or been exposed. The sites listed below reflect COVID-19 testing specifically. The best time to get tested is between 5 and 7 days from exposure.

Larimer County Health Department, Free Appointment required: larimerhealth.secure.force. com/RegisterForTest Mondays, 9-11am, 200 Peridot Ave., Loveland Tues., Wed., 9-11am, 1524 Blue Spruce Dr. Fort Collins M-F, 9-12, The Ranch, Loveland UCHealth Harmony Campus, $ 4630 Snow Mesa Dr., Fort Collins, CO 8am-4pm, M-F, inside and drive thru 8am-Noon, Sa, Sun NextCare, $ 8am-8pm, M-F 1011 39th Ave, Greeley, 2144 Main St. #8, Longmont Walgreens, Drive Thru, $ Wed-Mon, 9am-5pm Locations throughout Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Longmont Appointment required: www.walgreens.com/ findcare/covid19/testing

RMPARENT

|9

family activities

End of summer fling Play a round of disc golf

LEA HANSON

F

risbee golf—or disc golf—isn’t a new sport, nor is it new to northern Colorado. But it remains new to many people.

Frisbee golf is a fun, user-friendly and low-entry game that gets lots of people outside, hanging out and engaging in strategy. It’s as much a physical game as a mental one, with the need to balance long drives with precision curves as you move about the course. Courses are similar to golf courses (thus, its name) with a tee-off location and a hole (basket) and courses meander through parks, natural areas, and more.

There are many ways to play frisbee golf, especially as a family. It’s most always free, the rules are simple, but there is a lot of opportunity to master the skills. So, kids and adults, beginners and experienced players, and people of all abilities can easily play together. Plus, even though it contains the word “golf,” it isn’t very time-consuming. Like regular golf, most frisbee golf courses have either 9 or 18 baskets. Playing 18 baskets typically takes a group of four around 2 hours.

Another perk of frisbee golf is that it doesn’t require much gear

10

| RMPARENT

and for a novice to get started, few things are needed. This makes the sport and pastime accessible for most.

Like any sport, beginner gear is more affordable than that for expert-level players. For example, a basic frisbee golf disc can run anywhere from $8 to $20 with the average price being around $12. Experts get fancy with having several types of discs: those for putting, those for driving. There are carrying cases, and more.

To go Frisbee golfing for the first time, you need at least one disc.

That’s it. Although most experienced players will tell you need the following: 3 discs (preferably 6), a bag to carry your discs, some courseappropriate accessories (water, snacks, disc retriever, towel, mini marker disc, sharpie), and a good local course to play disc golf on.

Northern Colorado has many courses to play:

BELLVUE/LAPORTE

Cache la Poudre Disc Golf Course, 3511 W County Rd. 54G, LaPorte Golden Eagle, US Hwy Forest Service Rd. 100, Bellvue

FORT COLLINS

Aggie Greens Disc Golf, S. Overland Tr. Edora Park, 1420 E Stuart St. ULTRA, 2685 Busch Dr.

GREELEY/EVANS

The Outback, 1501 65th Ave., Greeley Pioneer Park, 3701 Ponderosa Ct., Evans University of Northern Colorado Course, starts north of Butler-Hancock and ends at Candelaria, Greeley

LOVELAND

Mehaffey Park, 3350 W 29th St.

WINDSOR

Oxbow Disc Golf, 7025 Eastman Park Dr.

RMPARENT

| 11

learn and live

Chalk pastel art Decorate your sidewalk

THERESA BAER

S

idewalk chalk art has taken on a whole new meaning compared to the simple hopscotch games I drew as a kid. There are entire events focused on chalk art now such as this month’s Pastels on 5th in Loveland (see sidebar) and local libraries hosting chalk fests this past summer. If you’d like to get outside with your family this fall for a fun, creative and easy activity, consider chalk pastels for bright bold pictures. Of course, the chalk pastels can be used on paper too but it’s messy so for beginners, working outside is suggested.

SUPPLIES Projects with chalk pastels require little preparation and just a few simple items.

The only supplies you really need are the chalk pastels which can be purchased at craft or general merchandise retailers like Target. Vicky Bryant, event director for the Pastels on 5th event says, “Be sure to select non-toxic pastels. When washed off, it’s going down storm drains so it’s got to be safe for the environment.” Also avoid anything with oil which is more difficult to blend and doesn’t wash away as easily with water. For blending small areas, use a finger or cotton swabs or buy blending sticks.

For large areas, use cotton balls.

When asked about any recommended tools DaLisha Verdeyen, artist coordinator for Pastels on 5th (and artist herself),

12

| RMPARENT

Chalk it up to Art

replied, “Sponges, paint brushes and water! Play with different techniques and blending. Gloves are nice as well so you don’t chew up your fingertips.” Stencils or templates can provide additional inspiration or embellishment. For cleanup, use wet wipes or a damp towel or wash hands at a sink.

TECHNIQUES Hold the pastels like a pencil to simply draw with them to make bold, crisp lines or lay flat to use the side for larger areas, or do both for varied textures. You can layer colors on top of each other and/or blend the colors to add depth and dimension. Blending provides a soft, smoother appearance and sometimes adds motion to an image, such as with the tail of a shooting star. Experts suggest blending in one direction and not doing too much to avoid removing too much chalk. For example, hold down a template cutout like a star and draw thick lines with 1–2 colors around the template and blend outward

Check out this sidewalk chalk art festival featuring incredible artists, live music, food vendors, a kids’ art area and an artist marketplace. Plus, the event benefits the nonprofit Alternatives to Violence, which supports people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

Pastels on 5th

Saturday, September 11, 10am–5pm, 5th Street & Lincoln Avenue www.pastelson5th.org

from the star, then gently lift up the template and blow away the excess chalk to see a glowing effect.

INSPIRATION Need some ideas to get started? Try to…

• Design a mosaic using blue painters’ tape to separate colors or individual images and pull tape off after coloring.

• Create a landscape image like an ocean sunset or the mountains.

• Make a comic strip storyline with friends, family, pets, etc.

• Mimic an artist’s painting or a picture from a favorite story.

• Experiment, have fun and let your imagination run wild, and don’t forget to take a picture!

RMPARENT

| 13

community news Eclectic offerings in NoCo

Youth business/music competitions, museum offerings, trolley rides THERESA BAER

LARIMER COUNTY STRONGLY RECOMMENDS MASKS FOR ALL INDOORS Last month, Larimer County health officials strongly recommended residents wear masks in public indoor settings regardless of vaccination status due to the rapidly increasing threat of the COVID-19 Delta variant. Health officials are “calling on unvaccinated residents to make the decision to get vaccinated without delay” and asking both vaccinated and unvaccinated to wear masks in public indoor settings to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

See www.larimer.org/health/ communicable-disease/coronaviruscovid-19 for the full details or updates as information changes quickly.

GREELEY HISTORY MUSEUM OFFERS EVENING ACCESS The Greeley History Museum located at 714 8th St. offers evening hours on the second Thursday of each month. Museum at Twilight is a special event from 4–8pm that offers visitors opportunities to explore the galleries, hear from guest speakers, enjoy light refreshments, take behindthe-scenes tours and more. The event on September 9 is co-hosted by the Hispanic Women of Weld County.

Regular Greeley Museum admission applies: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors ages 60+, $5 for youth ages 3–17 and $3 for SNAP/EBT cardholders. A $25 family rate includes a maximum of two adults and four youth. Museum members receive free admission. For more information, visit greeleymuseums.com or call 970-350-9220.

MUSIC SHOWCASE/COMPETITION FOR AGES 22 OR YOUNGER Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 105.5 The Colorado Sound and 14

| RMPARENT

Bohemian Foundation present Sonic Spotlight, a music showcase and competition for northern Colorado musicians aged 22 or younger.

“Sonic Spotlight seeks fresh sounds from any genre; selected artists and bands will get a chance to work with industry experts, connect with creative peers, receive radio airplay, create a professional music video, play festivals, win prizes, perform live, and level up their music.” Two showcases will occur this fall with a panel of music industry veterans who will determine which artists advance and ultimately this year’s winner of Sonic Spotlight. View www. sonicspotlight.org for details and apply

by September 13.

CATCH THE TROLLEY BEFORE IT’S GONE All aboard! The Fort Collins Trolley season ends this month. Dating back to 1907, the trolleys or streetcars were the first major transportation in the city. The only remaining stretch of track runs along Mountain Avenue from

City Park to Old Town Fort Collins on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm, May through September. It leaves every 30 minutes from City Park with boarding locations at City Park (1501 W. Oak St.), Shields Street, Loomis Street, and Howes Street. They are currently only accepting cash for fares that run $2 per adult and $1 for seniors and children with those under 3 free.

Learn more about its history at www.fortcollinstrolley.org.

YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION DAY On Saturday, September 25 from 10am until 4pm local youth will gather to train and inspire other youth on five different educational areas focused on climate change and how to take action.

The educational aspects including talking about climate change, acting on it through community service, learning about it with an expert panel session, DIY discussion on composting and biking, and activating or fundraising for a cause. This event

is led, organized, and implemented by youth who are aware of the effects of climate change on our planet, and they want to do something about it.

The Sustainable Living Association is the guiding nonprofit supporting their endeavor. Learn more at www. sustainablelivingassociation.org/events/ youth-climate-action.

MENTAL HEALTH: MIND MATTERS EXHIBIT RETURNS The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery (FCMoD) announced the return of “this thought-provoking special exhibition (which) provides informative and hopeful experiences to help open the door to greater understanding, conversations and empathy toward the challenges of mental health.” Set to open on September 25 and run through January 2, the exhibition offers all ages an opportunity to explore hands-on experiences that share facts, feelings and issues surrounding mental health.

See heartfelt videos about personal experiences, play a quiz show to test your knowledge, destroy worries in the Worry Shredder, pick up a family/group conversation guide for after you leave and learn about local resources/services.

Visit www.fcmod.org to learn more and buy tickets.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR TOURNAMENT (YET) RETURNS THIS FALL Young adults ages 18 and under are invited to “discover what it takes to make your ideas a business reality”

with fun, hands-on weekend sessions throughout October. Participants will work with local business leaders to build a business model and compete against their peers to win up to $2,200 to start their new enterprise. No experience is required and no idea is too small.

An information and idea session will be held Thursday, September 30 from 6pm to 8 pm at 200 W. Oak St. in Fort Collins. Training and mentorship will occur over four consecutive Saturdays from 10am until 3pm: October 9, 16, 23 and 30 with a final pitch event on Saturday, November 6. Learn more and apply online at www.larimer.org/ larimer.org/ewd/yet, or contact the CareerRise Team at 970-498-6608 or careerrise@larimer.org.

CHILD TAX CARE CREDIT NOW AVAILABLE Recent changes to the Child Tax

Credit mean eligible families could receive up to $250 per month per child between the ages of 6–17 and up to $300 per month per child under the age of 6. Most families who filed a tax return will receive their payments automatically. If you haven’t already, file a 2020 tax return or use the IRS Non-Filer Sign-Up Tool to receive the advance monthly payments in the coming months. Visit www.irs. gov/childtaxcredit2021 for further information and to check your eligibility.

RECORD-BREAKING YEAR SERVING 1,026 CHILDREN The annual Realities For Children Back to School Drive provided 1,026 local children in need with brand new backpacks, school supplies and gift cards thanks to the support from hundreds of individuals and more than 50 northern Colorado businesses and organizations. This year’s back-toschool needs were at a record high due to a challenging school year as a result of the pandemic. The supplies were distributed to children who have faced abuse, neglect, abandonment or are at-risk. Donations are accepted yearround. If you’d like to donate a new backpack, new school supplies or a Visa gift card for next school year, your donation is tax-deductible and can be dropped off at their office at 308 E. County Rd. 30, Fort Collins, CO 80525 or learn more at www.realitiesforchildren.com/services/ back-to-school.

RMPARENT

| 15

healthy living

Fun and healthy school lunches Fill those cute lunch boxes with variety

LEA HANSON

I

f you’re a caregiver who packs school lunches, you know it can feel tedious. And sometimes we don’t even think our kids appreciate that work because the lunch box comes home almost as full as when it left us that morning. Additionally, many of our kids want exciting foods packed in cute, individually wrapped packages in their lunches while we’d often prefer to toss some baby carrots in a sandwich bag and call it good.

The Food Bank of Larimer County and the USDA recommend a whole grain, a lean meat or meat alternative, some fruit, a veggie, and low fat milk. Some examples include yogurt and granola, cucumbers and ranch dressing, a pear, and 1 percent milk. An example of a lunch pack provided this summer through the Lunch Lab can be found at https:// foodbanklarimer.org/ featured/kids-cafe-summerschedule-2021/. Another example is build-your-own-pizza (cheese, pepperoni, marinara on flatbread). Or, carrots with ranch dressing, peach cup, and 1 percent milk.

Luckily, the two concepts (fun and healthy) don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Lo and behold, we can choose to send kids to school with healthy lunches that will fill their bellies and be cool and fun.

Aiming for variety is the easiest way to do this. Michele Marquitz, Program Director at the Food Bank for Larimer County says this is easier than one might think. For example, on the whole grain option, 16

| RMPARENT

you can use a variety of types of buns, f latbread, or use a tortilla.

With meat/meat alternative you can alternate between types of deli meat or hummus.

Here is one thing that is overlooked, packing lunches isn’t just about the food, it’s about love. For most of us, packing lunches is just as much about the daily gift of love as it is about good food. As caregivers, we know what our kids like to eat, but one of the reasons companies make money with cool lunch packaging supplies and carriers is because the feelings that go along with food also matters a lot, especially for kids who are in school.

And even more so during times of emotional uncertainty… such as a global health pandemic. This is one of the big reasons caregivers want to

pack a lunch, even when food may be otherwise available to their child. And this takes time.

One way to lessen the amount of time it takes to prepare lunches is finding out if children have access to a microwave at their school, Marquitz says. “Most do, actually, they can make a batch of sandwich fillings or a soup, freeze individual batches, and pack one serving in the lunch.”

For families who do not have access—or have limited access to food, Marquitz says the Food Bank’s mobile pantries are excellent options. There are three: • Poudre High School the first and third Thursdays every month from 5-6:30pm • Grace Place in Berthoud on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month from 10-11:30am • Foothillls Unitarian Church on the second and fourth Sundays of the month from 1-2:30pm

RMPARENT

| 17

You got this

Empowering kids with trust and respect Lynn U Nichols

A

s much as we wish we could ensure our kids only experience joy and success, life happens.

A fumble loses the game, a paper earns a poor grade, a friend hurts feelings.

The best we can do is prep our kids to respond with grace and confidence, learn from what happens, and stand strong rather than crumble the next time they face a challenge. Often, the best way to build inner strength and confidence is to get out of our kids’ way and let them take the lead. Let them try, let them fall, let them speak, and let them be.

LET THEM TRY It’s tempting to take over for our kids, whether it’s jumping in to tie a kindergartener’s shoe because you are running late for school, or helping to create the poster for a science fair project. We want our kids to succeed.

Yet when we do for them rather than letting them do for themselves, they don’t integrate what it takes 18

| RMPARENT

to accomplish tasks or advocate for themselves. This can result in a lack of confidence or kids getting easily overwhelmed by roadblocks.

“When parents jump in to save their kids from failure, it usually comes from a place of ego or fear. In the end it creates codependency. Kids who are allowed to try learn to deal with stress and they develop a sturdy backbone that sustains them through future challenges,” says Dannie Mironski, MA, LPC, N.C.C., co-owner of Parent-Child Interaction Center, which offers a full range of counseling services for teens, adults, and couples in areas such as stress management, depression, conflict management, anger management, anxiety, and sexuality to families in Fort Collins and Boulder.

A simple way to let kids try is empowering them to make choices for themselves. When they are small, let them pick out their clothes, choose between healthy items for their school lunch, take relatively safe risks with their body, like climbing low boulders

or jumping from rock to rock. As they grow, expand the choices by asking them for input when it comes to family outings or household chores, and honor their answers.

“Allowing children to make decisions promotes autonomy and free will,” Mironski adds.

If kids are scared to try something, like confronting a friend or talking with a teacher, role play with them. You be the teacher or friend and let your child talk, without interruption. The key is sending the message that you back them up.

“Start by validating their emotions, as in, ‘I hear you. That sounds hard.

You feel like you were treated unfairly.’

Then ask what they want to do about it and if needed, give gentle guidance,” Mironski suggests.

As a general rule of thumb, by second or third grade you can start suggesting that your children tell their teacher, coach or childcare provider themselves when they have a need or concern. Until then, it’s fine to be their

advocate. By fifth grade, they should be handling most conflicts by themselves to prepare them for middle school. If they have learning challenges, you may need to play a more prominent role while still letting them take the lead.

LET THEM FALL Kids mess up. We all do, so do whatever you can to normalize that truth. Send messages that it’s okay to not know the answer, to get confused, and to make mistakes. Show them that you mess up, too. Acknowledge your mistakes by casually saying in front of them, ‘Oh, I made a mistake. Now I know for next time.’ When kids learn that it’s okay to get it wrong, they will be more willing to roll with mistakes or mishaps instead of seeing them as the end

of the world.

A great way to boost your child’s confidence is simply offering words of support.

Take every opportunity to send messages through words and actions that say ‘I believe in you. I am lucky to have you in my life. You are worthy.’

“Sometimes, kids just need to hear your respect for them, as in, ‘I trust that you can handle this.’ When you believe in them, it helps them feel secure in themselves. If you fix every problem for them, you may see insecurity, neurosis, or on the other spectrum, entitlement,” Mironski adds.

Most importantly, allow for

‘do-overs.’ Encourage your child to own their mistake, say sorry when needed, and then literally wash your hands of it, saying, ‘Well, you are done with that,’ helping them let go and move on. No one is perfect, and that’s okay. What’s perfect is accepting the imperfection and moving ahead despite it.

LET THEM SPEAK Take every opportunity to talk to your kids about what’s happening in their lives. Ask open-ended questions, bite your tongue when you want to interject advice, and explore options with them in an open, respectful way. Studies show that when there is good communication between kids and their parents they don’t engage in as many risky behaviors when they are teens.

Be a good listener. Reflect back what you hear. Remember, there is no ‘one talk’—talk continually. State your values.

Laugh together. Keep perspective.

When kids are rewarded for speaking up, they feel important. They start to believe that

what they have to say is valuable. When they feel like they are heard they have better self-esteem. This leads to more communication, more healthy risk taking, and more leadership practice—all of which are valuable life skills.

LET THEM BE It’s easy to fall into the thinking that we know what’s best for our kids—what sports they should play, what grades they should get, what values they should hold, and how they should live their lives. Yet truly, our job is simply to tend the soil so our kids can grow and thrive into whatever beautiful or funky plants they are destined to become.

“As humans, we each go through so much that shapes us. A big barrier to becoming who we are is fear and anxiety. As parents, we have the opportunity to give unconditional love, which breaks down fear and builds confidence,” Mironski says.

To love unconditionally is simply to accept your child for who they are and love them for simply being themselves. There are no conditions placed on the love, like accomplishments they must achieve to earn your love.

It’s there like solid ground, even when they screw up. You may not always like what your kids do or the choices they make, which is fine to say especially if safety is involved, but remind them that their choices or actions don’t change how you feel about them. Relish in who they are, cherishing every last quirky, goofy, different, and amazing way they inhabit the world.

RMPARENT

| 19

20

| RMPARENT

Harvest Season 2021

LOCAL FOOD AND FARM GUIDE

squash The versatile page 4

Help eliminate

food waste page 2

INSIDE:

YOUR GUIDE TO FARM STANDS AND FARMERS MARKETS HARVEST 2021

|1

Help eliminate food waste Compost, don’t overbuy, eat what you prepare

ARTEMIS BACCARI

F

ood waste, what is food waste? It is the over consumption of uneaten food. Food waste is a global issue affecting not only the environment but also our animals. Food that is not eaten is sent to a landfill. When food piles up it emits greenhouse gasses that are very potent and harm our air. These pollutants make up 8 percent of all greenhouse gasses, and in fact if food waste were a country, it would rank third under the United States and China for global emissions every year. Animals are affected because they are attracted to and eat the poisonous food, which is dangerous for them. Birds will often choke, and other animals will get sick from the mingling of rotten food and plastics. Food waste occurs when people buy or make a large amount of food that goes uneaten and is then thrown away, but there is still hope, and you can help!

WHAT YOU CAN DO

There are many ways that you can help eliminate food waste. They are simple and only take a small amount of time and energy.

2|

HARVEST 2021

First, you can compost. Composting takes the food that would have been thrown away and repurposes it into soil and energy for growing plants.

Don’t overbuy food. Buy only what you need and will eat.

Eat all the food you prepare. Don’t throw out those leftovers! Take them for lunch or reheat them another night.

MARKET SALVAGES FOOD

Another way to help is to shop at Vindeket Market which is located at 1317 Webster Avenue in Fort Collins.

Vindeket is an organization that takes food from grocery stores that would have been thrown out and gives it back to the community. Shoppers can take as much as they would like. It has fresh produce, dairy, breads and other baked goods; it even has a vegan section.

They don’t ask for you to pay, but they appreciate donations. One other cool fact is that Vindeket is composed only of volunteers, and they would love for you to join them. Check out their website at www.vindeketfoods.org.

One thing Vindeket market knows is that expiration dates are fake. Most expirations dates are set by companies and are not even close to the truth.

The dates are often set early so that people will purchase food more often.

This increases a company’s profits, but it also increases food waste.

So another easy way to help is to determine if food is good on your own.

I am a sixth grader and in fifth grade we did a project where we picked a world issue, informed our class, and took action. I choose food waste. When I was researching, I was very surprised and thought that people should be informed of this issue that is affecting many animals, people and the environment. I decided to volunteer at Vindket and write in this magazine so people could help and be aware. Once people are aware they start to wonder about the ways they can help, and then they take action. Thank you for reading this and becoming informed. I hope that you choose to take action.

HARVEST 2021

|3

LISA BOESEN

THE VERSATILE SQUASH

Make delicious soups, salads, main dishes and pies

A

hh. The crispness of the air.

The aspens are golden, and the ash trees are green, red, orange, and yellow—all at the same time. It’s fall here in northern Colorado and all we need is a pumpkin to round out the feeling of autumn and start dreaming of Halloween and Thanksgiving.

But wait. There are so many more options than the traditional carving pumpkin at our disposal. Yes, there is the beautiful pie pumpkin, a.k.a. cucurbita moschata or cucurbita maxima. But pause at any farmer’s market in Larimer, Weld, or Boulder County, and you might get home with a magnificent Cinderella pumpkin, four acorn squash, two butternuts, and a gorgeous delicata squash. So, which are edible and how do you process?

First, squash has a quite fascinating history. A wild vine in Central America, the Norte Chico people began to cultivate it for food, baskets, and utensils. Central American people

4|

HARVEST 2021

wiped out a great majority of their large animal sources which carried the seeds in the wild so cultivating crops became important. The squash family is part of the Central American Three Sisters of farming—squash, beans, and corn. The corn provided support for the beans, while the squash kept the weeds down and kept the water from evaporating.

Interestingly, these three vegetables are also the basis for Southern succotash.

Second, there are two groups of squash.

Summer squash includes zucchini, yellow and pattypan among a few others. The skin is thinner, and they are generally available in the hotter, summer months.

Winter squash varieties have tougher skins, although the newer varieties, such as the delicata and sweet dumpling varieties, have thinner skins which can be eaten when cooked. In addition, all are edible but smaller winter squashes tend to be sweeter than the larger, Cinderella-style pumpkins. A pumpkin is also a type of squash in the Cucurbitaceae family and

preparation is essentially the same, albeit a larger produce item.

CURING AND STORAGE

Winter squash store well, particularly here in Colorado. Feel free to cure it first. Curing winter squash requires about 10 to 14 days of simply letting the squash sit in a warm place with good air circulation and not letting the squash get wet. I’m pretty sure squash at the winter farmers’ market is cured—but always ask.

Curing winter squash—Set it on an elevated rack or mesh frame (a cake cooling rack would work) and let the air circulate.

Storing winter squash—Store at 50 degrees to 55 degrees F with a relative humidity of 50 to 70 percent.

Higher humidity can result in rot. Store cured squash on a shelf or rack, not on the floor. Keep the skins of cured squash dry to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria.

COOKING AND PREPPING HARD-SKINNED SQUASH (MOSTLY PUMPKINS)

Pressure cooking—If your pressure cooker or Instant Pot is large enough, you can pressure cook a three-pound pie pumpkin whole. Yes, whole. My suggestion is to read and follow the instructions for your specific device but, in general: Place the pumpkin in a steamer basket in the electric pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot) adding enough water to come to the bottom edge of the basket.

Pressure cook on high for about 15 minutes. Your pumpkin flesh will be a little wetter as it is a steam cooking process so be aware of that in your dish.

Peel, puree your pumpkin flesh, and freeze in portions in the freezer.

If your puree is too wet, heat the puree over the stovetop on medium low heat to cook off some of the moisture.

Cool and package to freeze.

Note: You can also pressure cook the cut and seeded sections of the pumpkin but

reduce pressure cooking time to 5 minutes.

Roasting—Cutting a hardskinned squash or pumpkin may be challenging. You need a very sharp knife, a cutting board, leverage, and instructions. In general: If your pumpkin is not completely flat on the bottom, slice enough off the bottom to create a flat base to work with.

Place the pumpkin on its flat bottom. Starting along the side of the stem (not on the stem), cut down through the pumpkin flesh to the bottom of the pumpkin.

Repeat the process on the remaining three sides. (Tip: this is also how to cut a bell pepper!)

Remove the seeds. You may either roast the pieces as is, or remove the flesh from the skin, cube, season, and then roast. Roast in the oven at 400 degrees 15-30 minutes (depending on the size of the pieces) until the pumpkin is easily pierced with a fork.

Smoking—This has to be one of the best ways to prepare part of your pumpkin and squash stash. Follow the cutting instructions above. Place on prepared smoker pans and smoke at 225 degrees until you can easily pierce the flesh with a paring knife or fork.

Cool. Skin. Puree. Package.

THIN-SKINNED SQUASH

Most thin-skinned squash are smaller, and thus, much easier to handle. A good sharp chef knife and a smaller knife to remove the seeds is recommended. Since the squash are smaller, cuter, colorful, and more decorative looking, they open up different possibilities for roasting or stuffing.

After cutting in half, scoop the seeds out and stuff with a stuffing or sprinkle on oil and spices.Bake at 350 degrees or roast at 400 degrees until fork tender.

Alternatively, cut the smaller squash in half, and depending on the shape, cut in rings, half-moons, or whatever shape the squash seems to give you.

RECIPE IDEAS

Although traditionally we think of pumpkins and winter squash for a side dish or a pie for the iconic Thanksgiving

meal, winter squashes cross all cuisine lines. Roasting is the beloved way to prepare a root or vine vegetable. Yet, there are so many other magical ways to use the prepared flesh.

First, think soup, salad, main dish, or dessert. Then, in addition to roasting, think steam, bake, smoke, mash, blend/ puree, stuff, grill, fry, or my favorite, marry with another vegetable. Beyond the basic roasted cubes and squash casserole, winter squashes can be used to fill Italian ravioli, Indian dosas, and French crepes, elevate mashed potatoes, enhance soups, fry as a fritter, blend in a salad, and yes, act as moisture in a cake.

A puree of cannellini or garbanzo beans and pumpkin or butternut squash with a dash of Berbere spice mix offers the diner an opportunity to receive more protein and fiber. Not a spicy fan? A touch of thyme or marjoram will work just as well.

Enjoy these wonderful harvest veggies of the fall. You won’t be disappointed.

HARVEST 2021

|5

2021 NoCo Farmers Markets Berthoud Local Farmers Market Fickel Park in downtown Berthoud Saturdays, 9am–noon, June 19–Sept. 25 http://berthoudlocal.org Erie Farmers Market Briggs Street between Wells and Moffatt, Erie Thursdays, 5–8pm, May 13–Sept. 9 www.realfarmersmarketco.com Estes Valley Farmers Market Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave., EP Thursdays, 8am–1pm, June–Sept. www.facebook.com/EstesValleyFarmersMarket Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park 700 S. Railroad Ave., Loveland Sundays, 9am–1pm, June 6–Sept. 22 www.cityofloveland.org/farmersmarket

Fort Collins Farmers Market 1001 E. Harmony Rd. in front of Ace Hardware (rain or shine) Sundays, 10am–2pm, May 2–Nov. 13 Wednesdays, 10am–2pm, June 16–Sept. www.fortcollinsfarmersmarket.org Fort Collins Farmers Market on Drake 802 W. Drake Rd., FC (weather permitting) Saturdays, 9am–1pm, June 19–Sept. www.fortcollinsfarmersmarket.org/drake Greeley Summer Farmers Market Union Pacific Depot, 902 7th Ave., GR Saturdays, 8am–Noon, Mid-May–Oct. www.greeleygov.com/fm Larimer County Farmers Market 200 S. Oak St., Fort Collins Saturdays, 9am–1pm, May 22–Oct. 30 www.larimercountyfarmersmarket.org

FARM STANDS Anders Farm 8443 US Hwy. 8, Fort Lupton www.facebook.com/RAndersFarm Bartels Farm 3424 E. Douglas Rd., Fort Collins www.thebartelsfarm.com www.facebook.com/The-BartelsPumpkin-Patch-137755902661 Desiderata Ranch 4617 CR 2, Berthoud http://desiderataranch.org Garden Sweet 719 W. Willox Ln., Fort Collins www.gardensweet.com

6|

HARVEST 2021

Loveland West Farmers Market at Jax 2665 W Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland Tuesdays, 9am–1pm, May 4–Oct.26 www.facebook.com/Loveland-West-FarmersMarket-at-Jax-183999268919957 Timnath Sunday Market 4138 Main St., Timnath Second Sundays, 9am–1pm, May–Oct www.coloradofeedandgrain.com/ sundaymarket Virtual Farmers Market Order online Sundays, 8am–Wednesdays, 6pm Delivery Saturdays Noon–4pm or Pick up Saturdays Noon–2pm www.nocovirtualfarmersmarket.com Windsor Farmers Market Boardwalk Park, 110 5th St., Windsor Saturdays, 9am–1pm, June 12–Sept. 11 www.windsorgov.com/FarmersMarket

Something about being on a farm just feels good. The pace feels relaxed and your interactions, maybe, more genuine. So swing by a farm stand soon and pick up some deliciousness while you’re at it.

Green Dog Farm Off CR54G next to Overland Foods, Laporte www.greendogfarmcsa.com Happy Heart Farm 2820 W. Elizabeth St., Fort Collins www.happyheartfarmcsa.com Hazel Dell Mushrooms 3925 E. CR 32 (Carpenter Rd.) Fort Collins www.hazeldellmushrooms.com Heritage Lavender 4809 Foothills Dr., Berthoud www.heritagelavender.com

Hoffman Farms, LLC 3545 W. 0 St., Greeley www.hoffmanproduce.com Jodar Farms/Fort Collins Vine Farm Order online/pick up Fort Collins or Wellington www.jodarfarms.com Long Shadow Farm Order online/pick up Berthoud www.longshadowfarm.com Ollin Farms Order online/pickup: 8627 N. 95th St., Longmont www.ollinfarms.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

HARVEST 2021

|7

8|

HARVEST 2021

A DVERTISING SU PPLE ME NT

Affordable, Fun, In-Home

Tutoring!

We Come To You! First Session Free...thru September 30TH, 2021

30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee

No Registration Fees All Tutors Local & Safety Trained

NEW

theapextutors.com

After School Kindness, Inc. Bef.+After School Locations: FORT COLLINS

Early Childhood and School Age

PROGRAMS

Call 970-541-3785

Liberty Common, Ridgeview Classical, Ascent Classical Charters St. Joseph Catholic, Harmony Presbyterian Church

LOVELAND

Loveland Classical Charter St. John’s Catholic School

In-Home Childcare Services Available

www.afterschoolkindness.com

We make learning FUN while staying safe Childcare Nation

www.childcare-nation.com

(Ages 2.5 to 7) Must be potty trained Early Childhood Location: 400 E. Boardwalk Dr., Ft. Collins Hours: 6:45am to 6pm- M–F Open Yearly

2 | RMPARENT

| AFTER THE BELL

FREE

Registration Fee

+ up to 30% off

for qualified parents!

-First ten callers only-

Winter, Spring and Summer Camps 7am to 6pm

Space is limited, Call Now to Reserve your spot:

970-744-9284

Everything you need, IN STOCK

• Dance Shoes • Dance Wear • Pointe Shoes (fitter in-house) • Multi-child Discount • College Discount

10%OFF

ANY PURCHASE OVER $50 Must present coupon. Not valid with any other offers.

Exp. 8/31/21

970-691-0091

649 N. Denver Ave., Loveland www.EncoreDanceEmporium.com

AFTER THE BELL

| RMPARENT | 3

Perfect learning

environments start at

• Resource Books • Workbooks • Hands-on Materials • Personalized • Science Kits Learning Kits • Educational • Classroom Games & Toys Decorations

We’re h ere to help you!

970-674-2997 | 1290 Main Street | Windsor | knowledgebound.net 4 | RMPARENT

| AFTER THE BELL

AFTER THE BELL

| RMPARENT | 5

now

Teaching Hunter Jumper lessons to riders of all ages!

Registering

for

After School Ride at NIGHT in our lighted arena After-school and Saturday lessons available

Stefanie Hoffman, Owner/Instructor

970.402.2536

inspirationridingacademy.com

6 | RMPARENT

| AFTER THE BELL

The Dream Starts Here!

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

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

• Beginner - Advanced Girls & Boys • Preschool Open Gyms

• Birthday Parties • Summer Camps • Preschool Classes • Competitive Teams • Homeschool Open Gym • Tumbling Classes

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

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

.com AFTER THE BELL

| RMPARENT | 7

INGe ! t h e T v i A GCELEBRE AR S Gif Become a

h t l a e H Healer

of

31 Y

All Natural Lotions For Sale

NC I A L AID & SCHOL ARS FINA H I P S AV

A IL A B L E F O R T H O

S E W H O Q U A L IF Y

GIFT CARDS FOR SALE

Call to schedule your massage.

SANITATION POLICY IN PLACE

970-353-1047

Student therapists available at discounted rates.

www.natural-therapy.com | 625 8th Ave. | Greeley

• Infant Program

(Fort Collins Only)

• Toddler Program • Preschool Program • Utilize Creative Curriculum • Nutritious Breakfast, Lunch & Snack • Financial Assistance Available • Dedicated Professional Staff • Nonprofit Agency • Qualistar Rated

O P E N: :0 0pm 6:30am - 6 A ALL YE R

teaching-tree.org 8 | RMPARENT

| AFTER THE BELL

LOVELAND CENTER

2109 Maple Dr. Loveland, CO 80538 (970) 667-7240

FORT COLLINS CENTER

424 Pine St. Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 493-2628

AFTER THE BELL

| RMPARENT | 9

10 | RMPARENT

| AFTER THE BELL

RMPARENT

| 21

greeley district 6 news Northridge receives prestigious honors

Northridge High School, STEM Academy was one of two academies nationwide to be awarded the Sanford I. Weill Award for Excellence at NAF Next 2021 annual conference this summer, held virtually.

Mr. Weill is the Chairman and Founder of NAF and is a renowned global philanthropist. NAF is a national network of education, business, and community leaders who work together to ensure high school students are college, career, and future ready.

This prestigious award recognizes a select number of NAF academies exhibiting the highest standards for public-private partnerships for the benefit of students. This honor was established in 2013 on the occasion of Mr. Weill’s 80th birthday and is awarded annually.

Northridge High School, STEM Academy has been part of NAF for nearly a decade and in 2018, combined into one STEM Academy—housing Engineering, IT, Mathematics, and the Sciences. This expansion allowed the 22

| RMPARENT

high school to accommodate hundreds more students and promote equity in connecting to additional career pathways. Former City of Greeley Mayor Tom Norton currently serves as the academy’s Advisory Board Chair and has worked with members to amplify the schools’ work in the community— including mock interviews, securing guest speakers, and recruiting for internships in the fields of engineering, architecture, IT, and through city positions.

Northridge High School STEM Academy has also reached Katherine Blasik Distinguished level for the last two years— NAF’s highest level of achievement.

Hialeah Gardens High School, Academy of Health Sciences, in Hialeah Gardens, FL also received this esteemed recognition.

GREELEY WEST HIGH SCHOOL REBUILD TOPPING CEREMONY Adolfson & Peterson Construction, the contractors building the new Greeley West, hosted a Topping

Ceremony commemorating the placement of the final and highest steel beams on the new building.

Three beams were actually placed and had been signed by students and staff in the spring and by others attending the ceremony. The beams will remain exposed and visible in the north classroom wing of the new building.

The new Greeley West is slated to be completed and open by August 2022. The existing school will be demolished in the summer of 2022 and a new parking lot and landscaping will replace it.

The rebuild project is on schedule and on budget.

Community members also had the opportunity to visit the construction site through the multiple community tours held by D6 staff on Saturday, July 24th & 31st. This tour allowed the public to get an inside view on the current process of the school construction and the progress being made.

Clean out your closet for cash We pay cash on-the-spot for women’s fashion

970-223-6636

4519 S. College | Fort Collins

Call or visit our website to learn more

ClothesMentor.com/fort-collins

RMPARENT

| 23

poudre school district news PSD, Boys & Girls Clubs partner to launch program

Middle school students in Poudre School District experienced hands-on learning in a new way this summer.

PSD, in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County (BGCLC), launched a comprehensive, workforce development program. Each week, students were bused to various industry centers where they learned from expert working professionals.

The program was designed to give students a safe place to be during the summer where they had hands-on experiences and exposure to different career paths. Over nine weeks, the program featured more than 15 community agencies and businesses representing multiple industries: technology, construction, energy, healthcare, art, hospitality and more.

With each experience, about 50 participating PSD students met experts in the field, toured an industry location, and applied the skills they learned in a hands-on simulation activity. Read more at psdschools.org/news/.

SCHOOL IS COOL Rulers, glue, pencils, markers, binders, folders, notebooks, loose-leaf paper and 24

| RMPARENT

more were stacked on countless tables in Johnson Hall at Colorado State University as School is Cool teams prepared for the annual tradition of providing PSD students with school supplies.

In its third decade, School is Cool (SIC)is a community outreach effort managed and organized

by Colorado State University (CSU) employees. SIC’s mission is to help PSD K-12 students achieve academic success by providing them with school supplies.

In 2020, over 200 SIC volunteers stuffed backpacks with supplies for more than 2,800 students at 47 PSD schools. This year the program anticipates equipping over 2,500 students in 51 schools, including the new Bamford Elementary School. And since 1992, SIC has helped more than 50,000 students.

Read more at psdschools.org/news/.

PACK TO SCHOOL OtterCares Foundation, the charitable arm of Otter Products, annually hosts its Pack2School one-day event where students can pick out their school supplies, free of charge. Due to COVID-19, this event looked drastical-

ly different the past two school years. This year, instead of students shopping for their own supplies, each backpack was filled with crucial supplies and delivered to schools for their teams to hand out to Pre-K-12 students in need of school supplies.

Supplies are purchased

by OtterCares, and backpacks were stuffed by Otter Products and OtterCares employees. There were over 200 volunteers who donated their time and talents to support the cause.

OtterCares supported about 2,000 students this year, including 400 Early Childhood Education students.

OtterCares’ mission is to inspire students to become entrepreneurs and philanthropists. To learn more about OtterCares, visit its website. Read more at psdschools.org/news/.

MEALS Thanks to an extension of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s school district reimbursement program, PSD

will once again offer free meals to any enrolled PSD student during the 202122 school year.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS Find resources for Mental Health, Health and Wellness and more through Student Services. Access Student Health programs and services and keep up with Colorado’s required immunizations.

SAFETY AND SECURITY Anonymously report issues with a tip to Safe2Tell. Learn more about the School Resource Officer program and School Safety and Security at PSD online.

CALL FOR COMMUNITY We need you! Volunteer on one of the many district committees: District Accountability Committee, District Advisory Board, and more. Volunteer or partner with schools directly. Join a Parent Teacher Organization or School Accountability Committee through your school directly.

DISTRICT COMMUNICATIONS District communications and inclement weather procedures are available on our website, social media, and email (Update your contact information on ParentVue). Participate in and watch Board of Education meetings. Meet your new Superintendent Brian Kingsley and follow him on Twitter @edukings.

REQUIRED SAFETY NOTIFICATIONS PSD requires parents/guardians to review the Student Rights and Code of Conduct, available through Parent Vue. View the PSD Policy Regarding Treatment of Students, Families, Public. State law (C.R.S. 22-1-124) requires schools to notify parents how to access records on the Sex Offender Registry.

DON’T FORGET YOUR MASK, PSD! Masks are required for everyone in PSD buildings. Masks are NOT required outdoors.

Please wear protective masks that

A HYBRID EVENT

LAUNCHING ONLINE AND IN SELECT TOUR VENUES

cover the nose and mouth, with multiple layers and that fit snugly against a person’s face. When we all wear masks, the likelihood of being quarantined after exposure goes down considerably.

For the latest on COVID-19 protocols, visit the PSD 2021-22 Health and Safety webpage.

VIRTUAL OPTION Interested in virtual school options this year? Poudre Global Academy Virtual is one of two tracks, the existing hybrid and 100-percent online, offered through Poudre Global Academy. For more PGAV information, visit PGAV’s website.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Know a preschooler who could benefit from going to school in PSD and connecting with professional, compassionate educators? To learn about the application process and more, visit the Early Childhood Education webpage.

SAVE THE DATE!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER

18 10 am - 4 pm

PRESENTED BY:

Tickets and Information: www.poudrelandmarks.org 970.221.0533 RMPARENT

| 25

thompson school district news Riverview PK-8 school opens

T

he big moment arrived! Thompson School District hosted a grand opening ceremony of the new Riverview PK-8 School on Thursday, August 12th, from 5 to 7pm. The turnout was phenomenal. Families and the community toured the new school and learned more about their amazing new community.

This new school, as well as all of the other TSD bond projects, would not have been possible without the passage of the district’s 2018 bond measure. Thank you so much for your continued support of our students and our entire TSD community!

WELCOME BACK TO OUR ALMOST 15,000 TSD STUDENTS! On Monday, August 16th, we welcomed our kindergarten, sixth- and ninth-grade students to their new schools. This transition day allows the students to learn the layout of their new school and become comfortable with their peers.

All students were welcomed back with enthusiasm from teachers and staff at all schools on August 17. We are so excited to have our students back in the classroom ready to learn!

26

| RMPARENT

Buy one cupcake Get one FREE!

SW corner of Horsetooth & College, west of Safeway

970-225-1040

buttercreamcupcakery.com

172 North College Avenue

970-482-2505

RMPARENT

| 27

28

| RMPARENT

RMPARENT

| 29

SEPTEMBER 2021

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 & COMMUNITY EVENTS

TUESDAYS Dad’s Cafe The Matthews House hosts this weekly online meeting for dads to connect with other dads from the community to discuss protective parenting factors. Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83632696273.

THROUGH NOVEMBER 12 Loveland Sculpture Quest Free, family-friendly self-guided scavenger hunt to explore Loveland’s outdoor public art and win prizes. All ages. Five LV locations: Benson Sculpture Garden, Benson Sculpture Garden at North Lake Park, Civic Center & Downtown LV, McWhinney-Hahn Sculpture Park, and Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra. www.visitlovelandco.org/scavengerhunts/ sculpture-quest.

30

| RMPARENT

SEPTEMBER 4 THROUGH 6 Windsor Harvest Festival Enjoy a Big Ol’ Block Party theme featuring 15+ hot air balloons, parade, farmers market, live music, vendors, BBQ and fireworks. All ages. Various Windsor locations. 7am–9:30pm. www.windsorharvestfest.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Windsor Cruise in Car Show See some of the coolest street rods, customs and more, along with great music and food. Free to spectators. $15/$20 registration required to enter a vehicle.

Proceeds benefit Windsor’s Scholarship Program. Eastman Park, WS. 10am–2pm. www.recreationliveshere.com/226/ Windsor-Cruise-in-Car-Show.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Realities Forever Family Ride Motorcycle ride dedicated to helping local children who have been abused, neglected, abandoned or are at-risk who are in placement and waiting for a ‘forever family’ of their own. $40/driver; $20/ passenger donations benefit Realities for Children. Thunder Mountain HarleyDavidson, LV. Check-in/breakfast 9am; Ride 10:30am. www.realitiesforchildren. com/events/forever-family-ride.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 The Taste Walkabout Date night opportunity! Take a leisurely walk around historic Old Town Fort Collins to enjoy delicious creations at 17 Walkabout establishments. Visit as many locations as you can and be entered for a chance to win prizes. Supports Food Bank for Larimer County. $28. Old Town, FC. www.foodbanklarimer.org/taste.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department Mountain Festival Annual fundraiser featuring book sale, silent auction, free ice cream, bake sale, plant sale, craft vendors, live entertainment, food trucks, educational demos and kids’ activities, plus commemorative presentation in memory of those who perished at the World Trade in 2001. Admission, parking, and hayride shuttle to/from parking lot are free. 11830 Rist Canyon Road, west of Bellvue. 10am–4pm. www.rcvfd.org.

Pastels on 5th Sidewalk chalk art festival featuring incredible artists, live music, food vendors, a kids’ art area and an artist marketplace.

Benefits Alternatives to Violence (ATV.) All ages. 5th Street & Lincoln Ave. in front of Loveland Museum, Downtown LV. 10am–5pm. www.pastelson5th.org.

RMPARENT

| 31

Fall Into Blues Fest Enjoy a full day downtown celebrating blues music with local beers and delicious food. The Foundry Plaza, Downtown LV. 1–7pm. www.downtownloveland.org/ onesweetsummer.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Brickmasters Build a creation with the library’s Legos and display it all month. Ages 4+. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 3:30–5pm. www.lovlib.org/events.

The Family Center FIESTA Lively event filled with margaritas, dancing and auctioned prizes. Supports The Family Center/La Familia. $45–75 Casa Margaritas, 1027 W Horsetooth Rd., FC. 2–6pm. https://thefamilycenterfc.org/fiesta.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Kids Crafterschool: Painting with wool (Wet Felting) After-school creative fun with supplies provided. Registration required. Grades 3–8. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave. GR. 3:30–4:30pm. www.mylibrary.us.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 4th Annual Poudre Pour Celebrate the Cache La Poudre River with fun and learning including craft beverage tastings, appetizers, presentations on many facets of “water issues” in NoCo, kids’ activities, live music, more. Proceeds support Poudre Heritage Alliance.

Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St., WS. 2–6pm. www.poudreheritage.org/event/ poudre-pour-2021.

PAWS to Read A licensed therapy dog sits calmly while children read aloud to them, allowing children to become more relaxed and confident about reading. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., GR. 4–5pm. www.mylibrary.us.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Kids in the Park Encourage kids to get outside and play.

Learn about new and exciting recreation activities, play in the park, dance to live music, enjoy savory snacks from the food trucks, and of course, fly kites.

All ages. Twin Silo Park, 3350 Kechter Rd., FC. 10am–2pm. www.fcgov.com/recreation/kidsinthepark.

LIBRARY & BOOK EVENTS

SECOND TUESDAYS We Are Board Hang out and play board games with your friends. Bring your favorite game or select from the library’s collection. Snacks provided! Ages 12–19. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 4–6pm. www.mylibrary.us.

SATURDAYS Family Fun Saturdays Fun STEM projects and activities for the family every week. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 2–4pm. www.mylibrary.us.

32

| RMPARENT

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Teen Tech Teens explore new technologies, build robots, experiment with mad science and create their own masterpieces. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 4–5pm. www.mylibrary.us.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 PAWS to Read Register for a visit with a licensed therapy dog. Therapy dogs sit calmly while children read aloud to them, allowing children to become more relaxed and confident about reading. Registration required. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 6:30–7:30pm. www.mylibrary.us.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Loteria Mexicana A traditional game similar to Bingo the whole family can play! All ages. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 6–7pm. www.lovlib.org/events.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Virtual Spanish Clay Modeling Workshop Artist Memo Plastilina teaches children how to create a Quetzal bird from Central America using clay and its pre-Hispanic symbolic representation. Interpretation to English available. Registration required to receive Zoom link and instructions on how to pick up materials. Ages 5–12. PRPLD Zoom meeting. 11:30am–1pm. www.poudrelibraries.org.

Biology Block Party: Discovering Science in the Community Get face-to-face with plants, ecosystems, and critters of all kinds! Learn how you can have a positive impact on our environment through science with some hands-on activities. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., GR. 2–4pm. www.mylibrary.us.

Tech Afternoon Come play with some of the library’s robots and technology.! Grades K–5 and their families. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 2–3:30pm. www.lovlib.org/events.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Create ‘n Donate Gather with friends to make something to donate to our community! Examples include handmade blankets and a cat scratching hanger. There is potential for students to complete their community service hours by joining this program.

Registration required. All ages. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., Evans. 4–5pm. www.mylibrary.us.

CONNECT TO NATURE

MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS The Gardens Read and Seed in English Garden story, movement/song plus natureinspired activity. Ages 2–4 with adult.

Registration required. Free/members; $8/ non-member child; $11/ non-member adult (includes gardens/butterfly house.)

Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10:15–11am or 11:15am–Noon. www.fcgov.com/gardens/read-and-seed.

SATURDAYS The Gardens Read y Seed en Español ¡Es tiempo de explorar en los Jardines!

Garden storytime, movement/song plus a hands-on, nature-inspired activity. Ages 2–4 with adult. Registration required.

Free/members; $8/non-member child; $11/ non-member adult (includes gardens/ butterfly house.) Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10:15–11am or 11:15am–Noon. www.fcgov.com/gardens/read-and-seed.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Astronomy & Skygazing Brief, family-friendly astronomy activity followed by skygazing. Telescopes provided. All ages. Registration required.

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, FC. 7:30–9:30pm. www.fcgov.com/events.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Skygazing Volunteers from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society provide telescopes and share their knowledge about the stars, planets, galaxies and more. Registration required. Soapstone Natural Area, 22998 Rawhide Flats Rd., Wellington.

7:30–10pm. www.fcgov.com/events.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 (Rocks) From Basement to Desert Discover the oldest rocks in Larimer County, the Great Unconformity and the red rocks shed from the ancestral Rockies. Moderate 4-mile walk. Ages 12+.

Registration required. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, FC.9am–2pm. www.fcgov.com/events.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Campfire at Nix Farm: Dogs and Cats ARE Wildlife Cozy evening by the campfire with nature stories and s’mores! Learn about dogs and cats that call Fort Collins home, both wild and domestic. All ages. Registration required. Nix Farm (Natural Areas Office), 1745 Hoffman Mill Road, FC. 7–8:30pm. www.fcgov.com/events.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Skygazing Volunteers from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society provide telescopes and share their knowledge about the stars, planets, galaxies and more. Registration required. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, FC. 7:30–9:30pm. www.fcgov.com/events.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Bat Walk Join bat biologist Amanda Bevan for a guided “bat walk” to learn more about local bats and important ecological roles they play on the Front Range. All ages.

Registration required. Gateway Natural Area, 5215 Poudre Canyon Hwy, Bellvue.

6:30–8pm. www.fcgov.com/events.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Songwriters in the Round Concert Enjoy great music from Liz Barnez, Megan Burtt, Alysia Kraft and Bonnie Sims plus food and all ages fun in this beautiful outdoor venue. Benefits The Vegetable Garden. $20 in advance, $25 at door, kids 12 and under free. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry, FC. Doors open 5:30; Show 6:30pm. www.FortCollinsNursery.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Campfire at the Cabin: A Bird’s Life Cozy evening by the campfire, complete with nature stories and s’mores! Easy 2-mile round-trip hike to learn about local year-round resident birds and summer visitors, and discover how birds use seasonal signals and Earth’s magnetic fields to migrate long distances. All ages.

Registration required. Coyote Ridge Natural Area, meet at the cabin (details online), FC. 6–7:30pm. www.fcgov.com/events.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Youth Climate Action Day Local youth will gather to train and inspire other youth on five different educational areas focused on climate change and how to take action. This event is led, organized and implemented by youth who are aware of the effects of climate change on our planet AND they want to do something about it. Location TBD. 10am–4pm. www.sustainablelivingassociation.org/ events/youth-climate-action.

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25 3 Encaustic Art Exhibits With a shared focus on encaustic (pigmented hot wax) flashpoints, light affects and watercolor encaustic beautifully underscores where material and intent converse and fuse. All ages. $7/ages13+.

Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave. LV. Museum hours. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

THROUGH NOVEMBER 13 Tony Ortega’s Magia Chicana A survey of painting, prints and sculpture

by Denver-based artist, Tony Ortega, exploring the magic of Hispanic culture woven into the tapestry of America. All ages. Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave, LV. Museum hours. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

How We Hold It— Containing Our Lives Exhibit highlights the beauty, artistry and diversity of vessels and containers from around the world. All ages. Free during First Friday Art Walk. Global Village Museum, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. Tuesday–Saturday 11am–5pm. www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

MUSEUM EVENTS

Color and Pattern: The Spirit of West Africa Exhibit showcases beads and textiles from West Africa. All ages. Free during First Friday Art Walk. Global Village Museum, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. Tuesday– Saturday 11am–5pm. www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 5 Life in One Cubic Foot Exhibit Experience the diversity of animals/ plants within “biocubes” with photos, videos, hand-on activities. Free with general admission. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. www.fcmod.org.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Glow Painting Learn to paint a magical landscape that will come to life and glow in the dark.

Grades 1–5. $24/member; $30/nonmember. Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave, LV. 3:45–5pm. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS OtterBox Digital Dome Shows Blast off to discovery viewing short films on a gigantic 39-foot diameter dome screen. Shows vary by day: One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure; Dream to Fly; and CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story. $2–4 plus museum admission. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. www.fcmod.org.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Centennial Village: Last Day of the Season Celebration Enjoy wagon rides all day, heritage skills demonstrations, guided/self-guided tours of museum and Buffalo Soldiers’ performance at 2pm. All ages. Admission varies. Centennial Village Museum, 1475 A St., GR. 10am–4pm. https://greeleymuseums.com/events.

RMPARENT

| 33

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Pastels on 5th Sidewalk chalk art festival featuring incredible artists, live music, food vendors, a kids’ art area and an artist marketplace.

Benefits Alternatives to Violence (ATV.) All ages. 5th Street & Lincoln Ave. in front of Loveland Museum, Downtown LV. 10am–5pm. www.pastelson5th.org.

SEPTEMBER 11 THROUGH OCTOBER 31 Loveland Art Studio Tour Preview Exhibition Enjoy the work of artists featured in the 13th annual Loveland Art Studio Tour, a highly competitive juried art show representing a wide variety of media.

All ages. Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave, LV. Museum hours. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Kid + Adult Art Class: Sand Mandalas Draw out mandala patterns and then use colored sand to make them burst with color.

Ages 5–12 with an adult. $32/member; $40/non-member. Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave, LV. 5–6:30pm. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Tot Art Class Introduce your toddler to the wonderful world of art. Ages 3–5 with an adult. $16/member; $20/non-member.

Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave, LV. 10–11:30am. www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Containing Identities: Social Roles of Ceramics in the Pueblo Southwest Samantha Fladd, assistant professor of anthropology at CU Boulder, will examine ceramics in the Pueblo Southwest. $5/ person. Register online. All ages. Global Village Museum Zoom presentation.

6–7:30pm. www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Nature in Pastel Explore the hues of nature with pastels to capture the beauty of a sunset over the Rocky Mountains or the texture of a Front Range lily pond. Grades 1–5. $24/member; $30/non-member. Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave, LV. 3:45–5pm. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

34

| RMPARENT

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Kid + Adult Art Class: Miniature Garden Create a world of magic, nature and whimsy in a container garden, using tiny plants, models and a variety of other treasures.

Ages 5–12 with an adult. $32/member; $40/non-member. Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave, LV. 5–6:30pm. www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

ENTERTAINMENT

WEDNESDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22 Odell Brewing Summer Music Sets Free live music on outdoor patio. Odell Brewing Company, 800 E. Lincoln Ave., FC. 5–7pm. www.odellbrewing.com/ locations/fort-collins.

SEPTEMBER 2 THROUGH NOVEMBER 14 Peter Pan High-flying Tony Award-winning musical and one of most beloved family shows of all time. All ages. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown. Times vary. 970-744-3747, www.coloradocandlelight.com.

SEPTEMBER 3 THROUGH 18 Cry It Out Three new mothers, three different backgrounds, one shared struggle, this comedy with dark edges shares the power of female friendship, motherhood and the effect social and economic status has on parenthood in America. $15–22. OBC Wine Project, 824 E. Lincoln Ave., FC. 8:30pm. 970-221-6730, www.lctix.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Movies in the Park: Back to the Future (PG) Free outdoor movie night. Eastman Park, 7025 Eastman Park Dr., WS. 8:30pm.

970-674-3500 www.recreationliveshere.com/movies.

SEPTEMBER 10, 11, 12 Goodguys 23rd Colorado Nationals Features over 2,000 1987 & older hot rods, customs, muscle cars, trucks and classics, plus vendor exhibits, Nitro Thunderfest Vintage Dragster Exhibition, Burnout Contest, Swap Meet, Cars 4 Sale Corral, a Specialty Auto Auction, kids’ activities and more. $20–$25/adult; $10/kids 7–12.

The Ranch Event Complex, LV. 8am. www. treventscomplex.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Fall Into Blues Fest Enjoy a full day downtown celebrating blues music with local beers and delicious food. The Foundry Plaza, Downtown LV. 1–7pm. www.downtownloveland.org/ onesweetsummer.

Garden Concert Series: Mestas-Teppa “VG” Duet Monthly socially distanced outdoor concert series through October. Seating limited to 100 people. Various FC locations.

Times/ticket prices vary. www.offthehookarts.org/gardenseries.

SEPTEMBER 13, 14, 15 Garth Live Tribute Stunning tribute to the music of Garth Brooks featuring Drew Baloh, who has an uncanny resemblance to legendary country music icon Garth Brooks. All ages. $62.95/person, includes dinner. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown. Times vary. 970-744-3747 www.coloradocandlelight.com.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 An Evening with Karla Bonoff One of the finest singer/songwriters of her generation, Bonoff’s songs have become hits for Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd, and Linda Ronstadt. Many of Bonoff’s ballads are classics. $35. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, 417 W. Magnolia, FC. 7:30am. 970-221-6730, www.lctix.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Songwriters in the Round Concert Enjoy great music from Liz Barnez, Megan Burtt, Alysia Kraft and Bonnie Sims plus food and all ages fun in this beautiful outdoor venue. Benefits The Vegetable Garden. $20 in advance, $25 at door, kids 12 and under free. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry, FC. Doors open 5:30; Show 6:30pm. www.FortCollinsNursery.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Herbie Hancock U.S. Summer Tour In addition to being recognized as a legendary pianist and composer, Herbie Hancock has been an integral part of every popular music movement since the 1960s.

All ages. $100+. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 6pm. www.lctix.com/herbie-hancock.

RMPARENT

| 35

SEPTEMBER 20 & 21 On the Rocks Denver’s own Modern Rat Pack Quartet, these four gents bring the best of the Rat Pack sound with vocal stylings spanning decades, including music from Frank Sinatra, The Four Seasons, The Beach Boys and everything in between. All ages. $52.95/person, includes dinner. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown. Times vary. 970-744-3747, www.coloradocandlelight.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 9th Annual Superhero 10K, 5K, 1M, Kids Fun Run Runners can participate in person in 10K, 5K, 1-mile and a free kids run (or virtually in a half marathon, 10K, 5K or 1-mile from Sept. 11–19) followed by a free family carnival. Proceeds benefit Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy.

Greeley FunPlex, 1501 65th Ave., GR. Start times vary. www.lifestoriesweld.org/superhero-run.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Los Chicos del 512: The Selena Experience Selena was the undisputed queen of Tejano music, and Los Chicos del 512 will transport you back to her heyday in the 1990s. Streaming available. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. 7:30pm. https://ucstars.showare.com.

Dash 4 Hope 5K Run & Walk Richter Orthodontics hosts annual event for suicide prevention and survivor support with 100 percent of funds raised donated to the Weld County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Richter Orthodontics, 6244 W. 9th St., GR. 8am. 970-507-8618, www. richterorthodontics.com/about-us/events.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Peppa Pig’s Adventure Join Peppa Pig on an exciting camping trip in the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. $31–71. The Ranch Event Complex, LV. 6pm. www. treventscomplex.com.

ACTIVE-ITIES

SATURDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER Yoga in The Gardens on Spring Creek Embrace natural outdoor setting of botanical gardens. Registration required.

All skill levels. Ages 13+. $15/class.

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

SEPTEMBER 5 THROUGH 7 Windsor Virtual Labor Day 5k Grab your closest friends or family and enjoy the view of hot air balloons while on foot along any of the great trails Windsor has to offer. Windsor Trails., WS. You choose the time. www.recreationliveshere. com/245/Windsor-Race-Series.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 FORTitude 10K Runners, joggers, walkers will “wave start” and weave through Fort Collins finishing festival-style with 15+ food trucks, drinks and live music. Virtual options also available. All ages. www.bolderboulder.com.

36

| RMPARENT

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Open Streets Explore 1–2 miles of car-free, familyfriendly streets. “Ride the Route” to discover Activity Hubs with live music, food trucks, health- and wellness-inspired activities, and participant-made art. Jackson Ave. and City Park Ave. from Mountain Ave. to Bennett Rd., FC. 10am–3pm. www.fcgov.com/openstreets.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Fall Equinox Marathon Half Marathon, 5-Mile Enjoy the wild and scenic beauty of the Poudre River Canyon on a point-topoint downhill course with post-race food and beverages. $60-$120. Buckhorn, Mishawaka Amphitheater, Gateway Natural Area, Poudre Canyon. 6:30am/7:30am starts. www.equinoxhalfmarathon.com.

LambFam Fall 5K Organized by Fort Collins High School DECA. All ages. $10/elementary/middle/ high school students; $22/adult. Fort Collins High School, 3400 Lambkin Way, FC. 9am. www.active.com/fort-collins-co/ running/distance-running-races/lambfamfall-5k-2021.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Full Moon Bike Ride Magicically navigate the Poudre River Trail under a full moon on this self-paced 18-mile round trip ride. For younger riders, consider turning around at Poudre Learning Center to shorten. Simply show up with the required bike, helmet and working bike light. All ages (parent/ guardian must accompany riders under age 18.). Greeley–start at Rover Run Dog Park or Windsor–start at Kodak Trailhead. https://poudretrail.org/news-events.

ONGOING RECREATION & FITNESS Estes Valley: https://evrpd.colorado.gov/recreation Fort Collins: www.fcgov.com/recreation Greeley: https://greeleyrec.com Loveland: www.lovgov.org/services/parks-recreation Windsor: www.recreationliveshere.com

RMPARENT

| 37

Get Away

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

Book Your

Fall Vacation NOW

Visit us on Facebook for upcoming events.

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

www.beavermeadows.com • 970-881-2450

38

| RMPARENT

RMPARENT

| 39

time out Isn’t it rich?

Appreciating family in our lives SCOTT TITTERINGTON

W

e added a fourth generation to the family this year. Finnegan Fletcher Titterington was born June 12 to Alli and Andy.

He’s pretty darn cute and he can even lift an eyebrow now, a trick dubbed by Alli as “the eyebrow raise.”

Members of all four generations, on both sides of their little family, live in Fort Collins. That’s a lot of family! It wasn’t always like this.

When we moved to Fort Collins nearly 30 years ago, our nearest immediate family members, my parents, were nearly 500 miles away—not exactly weekend distance.

Aly was 6 years old, and Andy was 3. We didn’t know anyone in town. Kristin had read that Fort Collins was the place to live, so we checked it out, agreed with the pundits and moved here.

As typical long-distance families, we would gather at major holidays, and the kids would spend a couple of weeks at grandma and grandpa’s home in the summer.

All that has changed! As we stayed in one place, bit by bit, family members moved to the area. My parents moved out here within a year of retirement, nearly 20 years ago. They were here to see their grandkids compete in sports, perform in the orchestra, and graduate high school and college. Birthdays and holidays, big and small, became family affairs. We took vacations all together or sometimes the grandparents and grandkids. Other times Kristin and I and my parents.

Kristin’s brother Kevin and his wife, Kristi, started stopping through Fort Collins, too. And they became our go-to playmates. They’ve been retired for a while and recently bought a house in the south end of town.

And to complete the family proximity picture: Kristin’s sister, Tracey, lives 40

| RMPARENT

in Boulder, and Aly lives in Lakewood.

Still with me through the whole family tree diagram? Cool.

Remember Finnegan? (Cuz this is a song about Finnegan.)

Fin doesn’t really do a lot right now, outside of the eyebrow raise. He turns a little to one side. He’s not much of an ambi-turner yet. He’s pretty good at eye contact though and he has a killer little smile. On the other hand, a lot happens because of Finny. Andy and Alli moved back to Fort Collins because of Finny. We gather more often.

And there’s this thing about having that next generation around that brings us together. He’s a little gift that keeps giving…and pooping.

We were sitting downtown on a

patio this week with Alli, Andy and the Finster, and I realized that he was there because we were there and we were there because he was there.

My brother, Troy, and his wife and two daughters were in town for a few weeks this summer, too. Our mom was super-psyched. Troy and family live in Paris, the one in France, and haven’t been able to travel for a couple of years.

So brother Kevin, with Kristi’s expert choreographing, got some pictures of the family. I just like looking at the pictures and feeling gratitude.

It’s just incredible to me how our world has become so much richer with all the family moments we’ve been able to share.

RMPARENT

| 41

42

| RMPARENT