RMParent October 2015

OCTOBER 2015 • RMPARENT.COM

Breaking up

SIBLING BATTLES .......................................

TRICK-OR-TREAT

Spots

Fantastic FALL

FESTIVALS

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DISCOVERING

passions

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HITTING GOLD

with archery

food and farm guide

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RECYCLING CENTERS

NEAR YOU

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FEATURED BONUS

FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

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OCTOBER 2015

Departments PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

There is no finishing line—Giving our kids room to muddle along

AS WE GROW . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Helping kids become—discovering their own passions

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . 10

Spooky good fun—Halloween happenings for the whole family

LEARN AND LIVE . . . . . . . . . . 12 Hitting gold—stay on target for family fun through archery

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14 Supporting healthy communities—appliance rebates, community resources, services for caretakers, and West Nile virus

HEALTHY LIVING . . . . . . . . . 16

Recycling for the health of our planet— separate, remanufacture or convert waste products

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

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

The messy calendar—how my life changed when my daughter went to high school

School District News Thompson School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Students kick off school year, volunteers help prepare school, brain breaks, new sign on administration building

Poudre School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Fossil Ridge wins awards for including students with disabilities in sports, students preview careers through new internship program, calendar of events

Greeley-Evans District 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 District 6 hosts sixth annual Citizens Academy, stadium renovations celebrated with skydivers and dignitaries, 92 D-6 students earn AP Scholar status

Lunchbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 School menus for Poudre, Thompson, Greeley-Evans and Windsor

Special Section BOUNTY: HARVEST Discover the bounty that awaits you in our area in this extensive local food and farm guide.

HARVEST 2015

LOCAL FOOD AND FARM GUIDE

NORTHERN COLORADO FOOD CLUSTER Growing Strong

Many Reasons

TO EAT LOCAL LAND ACCESS FOR

Farms & Ranches

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT:

The Kitchen

FARM DIRECTORY ....................................

Poetry of

CORN MAZES AND

PUMPKIN PATCHES

THE GROWING PROJECT

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FALL & WINTER

WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

Family Health Guide 2015 - 2016

Sick kid?

WHO DO YOU CALL? Teen-driver SAFETY

Raising an EMPATHETIC CHILD GET THE MOST FROM YOUR DOCTOR’S VISIT

RMPARENT.COM

FEATURED BONUS

FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE Find out when you

should call the doc or keep your child home from school.

And when you do have an appointment, learn how to get the most out of it. And fire prevention week is in October, so get ready! Plus, check out our extensive list of healthcare providers.

Features 18 BATTLEFIELD: HOME

Sibling fights happen, but they don’t have to bring down the house. The trick is figuring out when to step in and break it up and when to let your kids practice working it out. Here are some ideas, along with thoughts on how to avoid regular battles in the first place.

20 BOUNTIFUL HARVEST OF FAMILY FUN

Fall festivals enjoy a rich history in this area and across the nation. If you are looking for a fun weekend getaway, look no further as northern Colorado has some of the best festivals of the season.

ABOUT THE COVER: Zareya, 2, loves rollerskating, swimming, horses, playing baby dolls and helping people. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com.

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perspective There is no finishing line Giving our kids room to muddle along

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ife is not a race…or a checklist…or a series of goals to attain. And we certainly shouldn’t be racing someone else’s race or checking off someone else’s list or striving to attain someone else’s goals. But sometimes we push these things on our kids…for a variety of reasons…usually with the good-intentioned idea that we want them to “succeed” in life.

From time to time, maybe we need to pause and ask ourselves what it means to succeed in life.

And whose success is it anyway…

I just read Lynn Nichols’s As We Grow column about how we can guide kids to discover what activities resonate with them. The trick it seems is not imposing our biases on them while still encouraging them to try out new things. I think we can expand that idea to just about every part of their (and probably our own) lives.

Life tends to be a pretty messy thing that we’re just trying to figure out while we muddle along and we tend therefore to want to make it a little cleaner and predictable by latching onto things. So we put our kids in some organized activity because it’s there and it’s convenient and maybe their friends are doing it too. So it’s not really a bad thing. But, maybe, our kid doesn’t really want to do that activity, or any structured activity.

We may remember how great those days on the baseball or softball team were for us and how we just know our kids will love it if they just give it a chance…or not.

I think life is a little like that. We jump into something secure and predictable because it feels too squishy if we don’t have something going on. But we can miss a lot if we just power through and don’t take time enjoy each and every moment.

There’s a Billy Collins poem that I really like (actually there are many). I think it might apply to my blithering of today.

My Hero Just as the hare is zipping across the finish line, the tortoise has stopped once again by the roadside, this time to stick out his neck and nibble a bit of sweet grass, unlike the previous time when he was distracted by a bee humming in the heart of a wildflower.

So I know it’s hard with children of all ages because we want so much for them, but if we can relax and let them “nibble a bit of sweet grass” along the way, they might not cross the finish line, but they’ll be doing what they want and becoming who they are. And isn’t that what we really want for them?

Thanks for reading all the way to the end, Scott 6

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OCTOBER 2015 • Volume 20, Issue 5 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CALENDAR EDITOR Kim Sharpe calendar@rockymountainpub.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION Wendee Brungardt Sharon Klahn, Kyle Moyer COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Katie Harris, Lea Hanson, Kris Kodrich, Lynn Nichols, Nancy Nichols, Kim Sharpe, Janet Werst

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING 825 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 Voice 221-9210 Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not consitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2015 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS:

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as we grow

Helping kids become Help them discover their passions

LY NN U. NICHOLS

T

he beauty of being human is that we are all unique and there is only one of us. Helping kids become who they truly are—by tapping into what makes them tick—is one of the most important jobs we have as parents. It’s a hard one too, because it demands we put down our own expectations and resist the urge to get in there and botch it up by trying to choose for them, rather than letting them discover their own passions.

What’s tricky is kids are constantly developing and they may not even know that they love something, like macramé or woodworking or playing the viola until someone shows it to them. That means exposure is king. Show your kids as much about the world and how it works and what makes it shine that you can. Then, observe. Watch for clues and piece together the types of activities that make your child burst at the seams.

What’s great about kids is they are often pretty exuberant when they discover something they like. It’s trickier to sort out innate skills they might have, but if you are watchful you’ll notice what they seem to pick up easily or what they seem relaxed and happy doing.

IF THE (SPORT) SHOE FITS We’re really good as parents at exposing our kids to organized sports, and that’s fine as many kids find enjoyment in sports. But it’s also important to think outside the box when it comes to physical activities.

Some kids’ personalities or temperaments simply do not fit the physical and social demands of playing on a team sport. Maybe they prefer to work on one skill and master it versus many at a time. Maybe they don’t have the aggressive qualities some team sports demand. Maybe they simply don’t like crowds. Whatever the reason, honor it.

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There are hundreds of individual sports for kids to try out from archery, biking, climbing, disc golf, dance, fencing, figure skating, gymnastics, martial arts, Pilates, running, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, tennis, and yoga, just to name a few. Luckily, we live in an area where most of these are available for kids to try.

The beauty of individual sports is that they are tailored to distinct strengths and attributes. They build self-reliance and inner confidence. With most individual sports, there are no benchwarmers.

Encourage your kids to try a variety of sports and activities, especially in elementary and middle school. The more they try, the broader their base of life experiences will be and the better chance you’ll hit on what makes them tick.

HAVE THEM STICK TO IT Ideally, when kids want to try out a new activity, it’s best to do it in a way that they don’t have to make a major commitment right off the bat. Recreational

activities are good ways to try something new. It’s important for kids to follow through and stick things out, and trying something in a more casual setting helps this happen. Let them decide when they feel serious about an activity. If they do decide to go out for the track team, encourage them to finish the season.

LEARN YOUR CHILD’S RHYTHM Every child’s comfort level with activity is different. Some prefer to run from one event to the next. Others feel overwhelmed with just making it to school and a practice a few times a week. One way is not better than the other. What’s imperative is matching your child’s activity level with their nature.

Know and honor your kids’ preferences for down time. When picking activities, take cues from your kids on how much they can handle. There may be vast differences even in your own family.

Take time to gauge your kids’ stress levels. Are they doing too much? Too little?

Support them in finding a healthy balance while discovering who they are.

Connect

with your customers

RMParent offers new and small businesses instant credibility, community and value‌

we’re local to serve local.

We want to help your business succeed by offering you new advertiser discounts and incentives custom-made to fit any budget.

Find out what we can do for you: Greg at 970-689-6832 Greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com Scott at 970-980-9183 Scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com

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family activities

Spooky good fun

Halloween happenings for the whole family KATIE HARRIS

T

here’s never a dull moment in northern Colorado during October, with costumes to be donned, candy to be collected, and mazes to get lost in. This month, discover a new fall tradition at one of our locally organized trick-or-treat events. It’s guaranteed to be a spook-tacular time!

Following are some community trick-or-treating events. These are a safe way for kids to participate in Halloween fun with the family.

■ OLD TOWN HALLOWEEN ZOMBIE FEST KIDZ KRAWL

Oct. 24, 2-6pm, Oak Street Plaza, Fort Collins $12 wristband purchases five kid-friendly gifts; $10-30 for on-site Halloween make-up artists, Ages 2-12 Krawl in costume and receive prizes from local vendors. Proceeds benefit Turning Point. www.oldtownzombie.com/kidz-krawl/ ■ HOWL-O-WEEN Oct. 24-25, 4-8pm, Centennial Village Museum, 1475 A St. Greeley, $1/child, $2/adult Dress up in your favorite costume, trick or treat at historic structures, check out the costume contest, try your hand at the carnival games. Don’t forget to head over to the “Haunted Hall House” and have your fortune read by “Boot Hill”. www.greeleymuseums.com/locations/ centennial-village/ ■ TINY TOT HALLOWEEN Oct. 30, 10am-1pm, Old Town Square, Fort Collins, Free event, Ages 7 and under Enjoy trick or treating at downtown shops.

Check out the darling costumes worn by the young Halloween crowd. Participants meet in Old Town Square where they receive their goodybags so that they can visit local merchants for yummy treats. Crossing guards will be on had at major intersections. www.visitftcollins.com/events/tiny-tothalloween-0

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■ HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL Oct. 31, 10am-2pm, Peters Park and 5th Street, adjacent to the Loveland Museum/ Gallery, Free event Dress up the family and head into town. Trick or treat in downtown Loveland, then head to Peters Park for the costume contest for all ages, food, vendor booths, more trick or treating, and entertainment. http://cityofloveland.org/index.aspx? recordid=74276&page=2168 ■ COMMUNITY HALLOWEEN PARTY Oct. 31, 6-8pm, Community Recreation Center, 250 N. 11th St. Windsor, Free event Fun games and safe treats sponsored by the Windsor Police Department and Windsor Optimist club www.windsorgov.com/calendar.aspx?EID=2352

Keep it safe when trick-or-treating • Children under the age of 12 should trickor-treat and cross streets with an adult.

• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far to the side as possible.

• Cross the street at the corner (crosswalks, traffic signals) and watch for cars backing out of the driveway.

• SLOW DOWN when driving through the neighborhoods. Children move in unpredictable ways. Park the car and walk with your kids…it’s great exercise for everyone!

Safekids Larimer County provided safety information. www.sklarimer.org

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learn and live

Hitting gold

Stay on target for family fun through archery KIM SHARPE

Follow Through

If you want to explore archery as an individual or family activity, northern Colorado has many indoor and outdoor ranges, retail stores and clubs where you can receive instruction.

NoCo Archery Clubs, Instruction, Retail Stores, Ranges Archery Depot 2435 8th Ave., Unit A, GR. 970-351-8262 or www.archerydepotco.com

W

elcome to this new column about trying new things that could enhance your life and bring you enjoyment. Each month I’ll feature an activity you may not have considered for you and your family. If you have suggestions for topics, you can email me at kim.kbccommunications@ gmail.com. Make the subject line read, “Live & Learn idea.” Thanks!

“Without thinking, I pull an arrow from my quiver and send it straight at the Gamemaker’s table. I hear shouts of alarm as people stumble back. The arrow skewers the apple in the pig’s mouth and pins it to the wall behind it. Everyone stares at me in disbelief.” Katniss Everdeen In case you’re not up to speed on pop culture, meet Katniss. She’s the heroine in the hit book series and films, The Hunger Games. A 16-year-old, strong-willed teen, she’s a master with a bow and arrow, having honed her skills out of necessity as the sole provider for her family.

While using a bow and arrow dates back to prehistoric times, and has been a favorite pastime of many since then, “The Hunger Games created an explosion in people wanting to get involved in archery,” says Jim Flores, president of the Greeley Archers club.

Flores, his wife and six children 12

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(ranging in age from 11 to 25) got involved in the sport after one of his sons suffered a baseball injury. “Archery is a fantastic family sport. It teaches kids how to control their emotions, how to be focused when there are a lot of distractions, and that if you make a bad shot, just let it go and focus on the next.

It helps you learn about yourself as much as about shooting an arrow.”

Bobby Hunt, who’s also a member of the Greeley Archers along with his wife, son (5 years old) and daughter (3 years old), agrees. “Archery is not only something fun that children of all ages can enjoy, but a skill and talent that can follow a child throughout his or her life.

It can help a child with body stamina; working together to ensure safety; stamina while working; self esteem; math skills; distance perception; hunting skills and strategies; leaderships skills; and most importantly it’s fun!”

Amanda King, a 13-year-old Fort Collins student who was introduced to the sport through Girl Scouts, recommends “…new archers find a good coach that understands body mechanics to help you know how form translates into the shot. I hope to go far in the sport (like to the Olympics) and proper form keeps you from getting injured so you can shoot for a long time.”

Colorado Youth Outdoors 209 E. 4th St., LV. 970-663-0800 or www.coloradoyo.org Estes Park Gun & Archery Club www.epgunarchery.com.

Fort Collins Archery Association 2825 Frontage Rd., FC www.ftcollinsarchery.com Gannett Ridge 3006 E. Mulberry St., FC. 970-493-4505 or www.gannettridge.com Greeley Archers www.greeleyarchers.com Jax’s Mercantile 1200 N. College Ave., FC. 970-221-0544 or www.jaxmercantile.com Junior Olympic Archery Development www.coloradojoad.org Loveland Archery Exchange 907 N. Van Buren Ave., LV. 970-667-2934 or www. laxarchery.com Northern Colorado Rod & Gun Club 4809 W. CR72, Laporte. 970-282-1648 or www.ncrgc.org Rocky Mountain Archery 4518 Innovation Drive, FC. 970-226-5900 or www.rockymountainarcheryfc.com

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community news

Supporting healthy communities

Appliance rebates, community resources and services, and West Nile virus KIM SHARPE

N

orthern Colorado residents who could use a little extra cash, resources to make life a bit less stressful and knowledge about how not to contract West Nile virus are in luck.

The City of Fort Collins is offering rebates to residents who upgrade appliances to be more energy efficient.

Weld County is offering a one-day event to connect people to services they need. Larimer County is offering classes about how to care for aging loved ones or those who require special care. And since West Nile virus remains a threat into the fall as long as temperatures remain warm, there are simple steps people can take to avoid getting it. Read on to learn more.

REBATES FOR NEW APPLIANCES Fort Collins Utilities is offering double rebates on qualified appliances through December to help residential customers save money on their utility bills.

Residents who replace an older refrigerator or freezer can receive a bill credit of $70 (regularly $35) for recycling their appliance. Residents purchasing qualified ENERGY STAR® dishwashers will receive a bill credit of $50 (regularly $25) and those purchasing clothes washers will receive a bill credit of $100 (regularly $50).

Utilities water customers also can receive double rebates on WaterSense® toilet purchases through December.

Rebates of $100 or $150 (regularly $50 or $75) are available for replacing and recycling up to two toilets per qualifying account.

Purchases must be made from September 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015, and applications must be submitted by January 15, 2016, to receive the double rebates. Refrigerators or freezers for recycling must be scheduled for pickup by January 31, 2016.

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Applications and qualification details are available at participating retailers and online at www.fcgov.com/ rebates-programs. For more information email utilities@fcgov.com, call 970-4162032 or TDD 970-224-6003.

WELD COUNTY RESIDENTS CONNECT Weld County residents can learn about and get connected to community resources during a one-day event to take place on Friday, October 16, noon4:30pm, at the Island Grove Park, North 14th Ave. and D St. Individuals and families struggling with housing instability, job loss, age, health problems and other issues can find help at the Weld Project Connect.

Upon arriving, participants will find a welcome, festive environment. Each person or family is greeted by a community volunteer who helps the guest navigate through the available services and stays with the guest at the event until they’ve received all of the services

they need. All the services provided the day of the event are free and there is free system-wide bus service in Greeley and Evans on the day of the event.

Services available at the event will include: women’s wellness and mammograms; chiropractic and acupuncture; documentation assistance; education and career counseling; employment services; flu shots; hair cuts; legal services; financial counseling; pet licenses; veterans services; and many more.

For more information, call 2-1-1 or visit www.weldprojectconnect.org.

SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE CARING FOR LOVED ONES If you hire someone to care for a loved one while you work, call your mom weekly to see if she is okay, help a parent with finances, take your spouse to doctor’s appointments or have a loved one living with a chronic illness, you could find support if you take a Powerful Tools

for Caregivers class. You will acquire ‘tools’ to reduce stress, better communicate your feelings, balance your life, deal with difficult emotions and locate helpful resources. A coalition, which includes the Larimer County Office on Aging, is sponsoring several classes this fall.

• Mondays, October 5-November 9, 5:30-7:30pm, Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Services, 4401 Union St., Johnstown (1 mile east of I-25 off of Hwy. 34). Call 970-619-3458 to register.

• Wednesdays, October 7-November 11, 5:30-7pm, Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Drive, Fort Collins. Call 970-221-6644 to register.

• Thursdays, October 8-November 12, 9:30-11:30am, Foothills Unitarian Church of Fort Collins, 1815 Yorktown Ave., Fort Collins. Call 970-493-5906 to register.

For more information, contact Lynette McGowan, caregiver support coordinator, Larimer County Office on Aging, at 970-498-7758 or lmcgowan@ larimer.org.

WEST NILE VIRUS THREAT CONTINUES INTO FALL Colorado’s Indian summer weather makes it possible for people to be bitten by mosquitoes and contract West Nile virus well into the fall, especially since there have been higher than average infected mosquito numbers reported in northern Colorado throughout the summer. Some risk for West Nile infections will exist until the first hard frost.

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) confirmed the first reported human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the County for 2015. A 36-year-old woman was diagnosed with the more serious neuroinvasive form of the disease after developing symptoms in midAugust. The Greeley resident was hospitalized and has been released.

In Larimer County, one person with West Nile encephalitis, one person with WNV meningitis and five people with West Nile fever have been reported in Fort Collins, most since mid-August.

“Fortunately most individuals infected with WNV will not show any symptoms,” says Dr. Mark E. Wallace,

MD MPH, Weld County Health Department executive director.

About one in five people who are infected will develop a fever and display other symptoms, such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. “Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months,” Wallace adds. A small number of people (less than one percent) will develop a serious neurologic illness such as meningitis or encephalitis.

West Nile virus is carried by birds and transmitted by mosquitoes that bite the infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit the virus to humans, horses and other birds. West Nile virus symptoms usually appear three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Although serious illness can occur in anyone, people 60 and over or those who have medical conditions which may weaken the immune system are at a greater risk for serious illness.

There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection. The best defense against contracting WNV is to avoid being bitten by a mosquito infected with the virus.

County health officials recommend the four D’s to prevent mosquito bites and to reduce breeding areas:

■ Apply an effective mosquito repel-

lent—such as Deet, to exposed skin and clothing.

■ Drain standing water that provides breeding places for mosquitoes. Use a mosquito dunk (larvacide) if you have standing water that you cannot drain.

Avoid overwatering lawns, as mosquitoes can breed in very small amounts of water.

■ Avoid being outside during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

■ Dress in long sleeves, pants and a hat in areas where mosquitoes are active.

For more information specific to Larimer County, visit www.Larimer.org/ westnile. For Weld County information, visit: http://www.co.weld.co.us/ Departments/HealthEnvironment/ Zoonotic(AnimalRelated) Diseases:WeeklyUpdate.html.

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healthy living

Recycling for the health of our planet Separate, remanufacture or convert used or waste products LEA HANSON

Learn More

Garbage Garage www.larimer.org/SolidWaste/GG/GarGar.htm

W

aste has a huge negative impact on the natural environment. Even when waste is properly disposed of in safe, community landfills, harmful chemicals and greenhouse gasses are released from garbage.

One of the simplest ways to contribute to reducing waste and the harmful side effects is recycling.

By definition, recycling is the process of separating, collecting and remanufacturing or converting used or waste products into new materials. It helps extend the life and usefulness of something that has already served its initial purpose by producing something that is useable.

Few people today are surprised by the option and importance of recycling and most northern Colorado families already do it. Yet, most families are not aware of the full breath of items that can be recycled rather than thrown into the trash. Recyclable materials commonly include biodegradable waste, clothing, glass, metals, paper, and plastics. Additional items that are often overlooked include yard waste, furniture, batteries, electronics, 16

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and even household appliances.

The majority of us in northern Colorado are fortunate enough to live in communities that offer curbside recycling services. Meaning, we simply place recyclable materials into a separate bin and the sanitation service of our choice collects it, sorts it, and manufactures and/or repurposes it on our behalf. All of this for a fee that is affordable to most households. For those who choose to do the work themselves, there are a number of easily accessible locations in our communities to drop off your recyclable materials.

Northern Colorado Recycling Drop-off Centers: ■ Larimer County Recycling Center

www.co.larimer.co.us/solidwaste/ recycle.htm 5887 South Taft Hill Road, Fort Collins ■ Fort Collins City Drop-off Facility www. fcgov.com/recycling/dropoff.php 1702 Riverside Avenue ■ Loveland Recycling Center www.cityofloveland.org/index.aspx?page=188 400 N. Wilson Avenue, Loveland

Located at the Larimer County Landfill in southern Fort Collins, the center had its grand opening in April 2003 and continues to host scheduled tour groups as well as drop-in visitors. The Larimer County Garbage Garage center features educational and interactive displays about the problems associated with an overabundance of trash.

“Patty Packrat” directs visitors, starting with the Mountain of Trash and from there you can choose from a variety of exits into areas depicting various methods of handling waste: reducing, reusing and recycling or landfilling. Then enter the kitchen/garage area to learn what household hazardous wastes are and how to safely handle them.

Tours include methods of handling waste. Garbage Garage is a popular educational destination for all ages ranging from pre-school-aged kids to senior citizens. They even offer scavenger hunts for kids’ groups.

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BATTLEFIELD:

home

Figuring out how and when to

break up sibling fights

Lynn U. Nichols

I

f you are a parent of more than one kid, likely there are days you feel like an officer of the law, minus the uniform and whistle. Sibling fights happen, but they don’t have to bring down the house. The trick is figuring out when to step in and break it up and when to let your kids practice working it out. Here are some ideas, along with thoughts on how to avoid regular battles in the first place.

WHEN TO STEP IN Kids will fight. Not allowing kids to fight is doing them a disservice. Arguments and disagreements help them learn how to resolve conflict, negotiate, be assertive and solve issues.

“For parents, the trick is deciding when to step in and when to let them solve their own problems,” says Andrea Holt, Marriage and Family Therapist with UCHealth’s Family Medicine Center in Fort Collins.

She recommends using the idea of a bell curve to help you weigh your decisions on when to intervene: “In that chunky middle part that makes up most of the bell, let them work it out.

On the extreme left end where there is mild disagreements try not to intervene and on the right end, where there’s hitting, kicking, or safety concerns parents need to intervene,” she says.

Know that you’ll never get it right every time. You will make the wrong

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call, and when you do, fess up.

That’s a lesson in itself.

“After its over sit them down and say, ‘I waited too long to step in on that one and next time I’ll watch more closely;’ or say, ‘Shoot, I should have waited and let you two work that one out. I don’t want to be solving your problems,’” Holt adds.

Of course there shouldn’t be any hesitation to step in when fists fly and there are safety concerns: “When it gets intense or unsafe, your intervention can be as sharp as it needs to be,” she advises.

After the fight, initiate a brief discussion with both kids asking them what worked, what didn’t, and what they could do differently next time.

RULES TO LIVE BY Households run better when parents use a few well-oiled rules. For example, no hitting, no pushing, no hair pulling, no throwing things—in short, no physical violence. Doing so earns instant consequences like time outs or loss of privileges.

“These behaviors, along with name calling and bullying are problematic between adults so it’s our job as parents to help kids learn early on not to develop these habits when in a conflict. It’s important they learn to express emotions without belittling or degrading the other person,” Holt says.

Consider the top five behaviors you simply will not tolerate and draw a line in the sand. Keep it black and white. If they break one, that’s it. No negotiation. They sit, they spend time alone, they earn a chore, they can’t

When anger strikes

When our kids explode we may not know how to react in the moment, or how to best help them manage their anger. Here are some ideas:

Help kids identify their emotions

Sometimes kids are frustrated, sometimes they are insulted and sometimes they are all out angry. Helping them identify their feelings helps them figure solutions and calm down. A great way to do this is to reflect back to your child what you are seeing. If he’s jamming his pencil in his paper you can say, ‘Gosh it looks to me like you are frustrated. Do you know what that means? It means something isn’t going your way and you are not happy about it. Is that right?’

“Be careful not to label the emotion for them, instead come from a curious stance and point out the observable behavior,” Holt advises. She also suggests having your child rate his anger from 1 to 10 or labeling it as a color (with red or black often indicating extremely angry).

Create a Mad Box

When younger kids get angry, Holt likes to use a Mad Box to help them purge their emotions.

She suggests filling a box with items that can be physically manipulated, like play doh, cush balls, silly putty, finger paint, broken crayons for hard scribbling, paper to shred and bubble wrap to pop. “It gives them a satisfying, productive outlet for their anger. Basically it’s getting them out of their head and into their body so they can purge their intense emotions in a healthy way,” she adds.

Get active

For older kids, getting active can help release anger. Going for a run, exercising, dropping and doing 20 push-ups all work. “Any physical activity that gets out the anger in a non-threatening way is good. Even taking a shower helps to metaphorically wash off what’s making them angry,” Holt says. Playing loud music, pounding on drums, drawing and journaling also work.

Craig McFadden, a licensed behavioral health specialist with Mountain Crest Behavioral Health Center in Fort Collins, also recommends teens practice deep breathing techniques.

“Or, have them simply splash cold water on their face. It creates an autonomic response that literally relaxes the nervous system and shocks them into calming down.”

Take some time

If your child is really angry, have them spend time alone in a safe, calming place like the hammock in the back yard, a rocking chair or on the front porch swing. If it’s a heated situation, you might also need a time out.

“If inside you are feeling angry and have the urge to win, get even or say something you might regret, take a break. Walk away and come back together when you both are ready,” McFadden concludes.

ride their bike to their friend’s house, they lose the car –whatever fits the crime best.

“With young kids, I like to say, ‘When you hit (kick, bite, lie), people don’t like to be around you.’ Then I instantly remove them from the social situation. It’s a real lesson on how the world works,” she states.

AVOID SIBLING RIVALRY IN THE FIRST PLACE Of course your kids will fight, but there are ways to minimize battles.

One is fostering respect for differences. If they have different personalities

and like opposite things, take turns letting them share their individual worlds with their siblings. Maybe it’s playing legos, looking through hairstyle magazines or going fishing.

Each gets their own time to shine and show the others something that makes them tick. Give it a name like “What I Like” and keep it fairly short and simple to promote success.

“Another trick is banning the word ‘always.’ Because it’s rarely really always,” Holt suggests.

Saying those dreaded words, ’You should be more like your sister (or brother),’ is a major set up for sibling

rivalry and negative competition. It breeds the idea of favoritism.

“A better way to say the same thing is, ‘I would like to see you make better choices.’ I think that’s what parents are going for when they say that anyways. What they really want is an improved behavior,” she says.

Saying what you want in a positive way empowers kids rather than making them feel bad. For example, if your child is getting poor grades, you can say: “I know you can do better in math.” Or if they make a poor decision, say: ‘I see you make good choices all day long but this time you didn’t. I’d like to see you do better next time, and I know you can.’

If you hear things like, ‘you like him better!’ or ‘you don’t love me,’ check it out. Send the message that it’s not a matter of better or worse, it’s just that they are different kids.

“Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, one child may demand more time and attention. Be sure to counter that with special attention to the child who isn’t demanding it. In general, it’s really important for parents to spend individual time with each child,” Holt says.

When fighting and rivalry seem constant and deep-seeded rather than sporadic and acute, it may be time to seek professional help.

KEEP IT POSITIVE A key way to keep fighting to a minimum is to praise your kids when they resolve conflicts well. If you see them getting along, point it out. If you witness your daughters resolve a disagreement, tell them what they did right as in, ‘You did a great job telling your sister your feelings and she did a great job apologizing. Well done!’

“Building on success is so much easier than disciplining and continually correcting. Praise leaves them with a good feeling—and lets them understand the positive outcomes of their efforts—making them want to do the same thing again next time,” Holt concludes.

UCHealth sponsored this article.

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| 19

programming ourCORNUCOPIA kids DISCOVER A

OF FESTIVALS IN NORTHERN COLORADO

BOUNTIFUL HARVEST

of family fun NANCY NICHOLS WITH KIM SHARPE

Fall is a fabulous time of year for enjoying harvest and heritage festivals as a family. If you are looking for a fun weekend getaway, look no further as northern Colorado has some of the best festivals of the season.

Fall festivals enjoy a rich history in this area and across the nation. Traditionally many festivals sprang up during this time of year as a result of farmers coming together to help each other harvest their crops. Think corn in the Midwest, pecans in the South, cranberries in the Northeast and chili peppers in the Southwest.

Residents of many agricultural communities still help each other during harvest season, and for the rest of us, 20

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regional festivals help keep the tradition strong by giving non-farmers an excuse to join in the fun.

Of course, Americans everywhere celebrate the mighty pumpkin this time of year due to its close association with one of our nation’s most hallowed holidays—Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is in fact a wonderful example of a traditional fall harvest festival. This special day for family gettogethers and sumptuous feasts dates back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians on the East Coast came together to celebrate a successful harvest for which the Pilgrims were especially grateful after a terrible year filled with sickness and scarce food supplies.

You can still find harvest festivals throughout the nation, including here in northern Colorado. Additional reasons to celebrate this time of year include traditional German Oktoberfests and other festivals related to the changing of the seasons and brilliant displays of fall color in the landscape.

Whatever your reason for seeking out a festival this fall, you will find a wide selection of family-friendly activities in our region. Most of the events listed here are quite close by, easy to get to and entertaining for family members of all ages.

13TH ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL AND CORN MAZE

Harvest Farm, Wellington Oct. 2-31, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Ten-acre corn maze, pig races, hay-wagon rides, corn cannons, petting zoo, natural play area, hay-bale maze and more. Proceeds benefit 209acre working farm and long-term rehabilitation center for men. www.harvestfarm.net.

ANDERSON FARMS FALL FESTIVAL

Erie, Open daily through Nov. 1, hours vary by day (check website).

Corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, barnyard pedal karts, farm animals. Terror in the Corn: haunted hayride and ghost town, zombie paintball hunt and more. www.andersonfarms.com.

FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL AT MILLER FARMS

Platteville, Open daily through mid-November, 9am-6pm.

Practice harvesting and learn how to be a farmer.

Also enjoy a hayride, haunted corn maze, jumping pillow, antique tractors, hay pyramid, petting zoo and more. www.millerfarms.net.

FRITZLER’S CORN MAZE

La Salle, Through Oct. 31, Wednesdays and Thursdays –5-9pm, Fridays–5-10pm, Saturdays –11am-10pm, Sundays–12noon-6pm.

Pumpkin patch, campfires, zombie paintball slayer, helicopter rides, jumping pillow, Scream Acres Haunted Corn Maze, ghost hunt and more. www.fritzlermaze.com.

THE HOLLOW AT HANKINS FARM

Johnstown, Through Nov. 1, Saturdays, 9am-6pm and Sundays, 12noon-6pm.

Corn maze, zip line, pumpkin patch, trampoline, hay bale maze and more. www.hankinsfarms.com.

MAZZOTTI FARMS

Hudson, Through Oct. 31, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-5pm.

Corn maze, pumpkin patch, create your own scarecrow, giant slide, petting zoo and more. www.mazzottifarms.com.

OCTOBREWFEST

Greeley, Oct. 2-3, Friday, 5-10pm and Saturday, 11am-9pm.

Beer, brats, games; kids’ area with face painting, arcade and other activities; polka dancing; pie-eating contest; stein-lifting contest. www.greeleydowntown.com

17TH ANNUAL ELK FEST

Estes Park, Oct. 3-4, 10am-5pm Celebrate the annual elk rut with bugling contests; archery range; exhibits; Rocky Mountain Raptor Program; Mountain Man Rendezvous; arts and crafts; Native American music, dancing and storytelling; self-guided elk watching; children’s area with elk-themed activities; beer garden. Also includes 1st Annual Rut Run 5K on Saturday. www.visitestespark.com/eventscalendar/special-events/elk-fest.

5TH ANNUAL AUTHENTIC GERMAN OKTOBERFEST

Berthoud, Oct. 3, 11am-6pm Food vendors, arts and crafts, beer garden, pretzel-eating contest, music, polka dancing. www.berthoudoktoberfest.com.

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Denver Botanic Gardens, Oct. 9-11, 9am-5pm Wide variety of pumpkins available from 10-acre pumpkin patch. Pumpkin-carving demonstrations; hay, pony and barrel train rides; jumping pillow; carnival games; face painting; live music; corn maze; bull rides; food and drink. www.botanicgardens.org/pumpkin-festival.

5TH ANNUAL HARVEST BALLOON FESTIVAL

Sterling, Oct. 17, 1-8pm Balloon rides (limited, reservation required), pumpkin carving, music, food, live entertainment, face painting, games. www.harvestballoonfestival.com

FORT COLLINS FALL FEST

Fort Collins, Oct. 17-18, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Seasonal celebration featuring visual art, handmade items, and affordable art made by local and regional artists. Meet the artists, patio cafe, live music. More information: www. colorado.com/events/fort-collins-fall-fest.

TIGGES FARM

Greeley, Oct. 17-18, 10am- 6pm, Oct. 24-25, 1-4pm “Down on the Farm” weekends: 3rd Annual Tractor Show Oct. 17-18 (kid friendly) and Pumpkin Patch Haywagon Rides Oct. 24-25. www.tiggesfarm.com.

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| 23

thompson school district news

Students kick off school year: Thompson School District was proud to welcome students back to school for the 2015-2016 academic year.

Elementary students, 6th graders and 9th graders kicked off the new year with “Transition Day” on August 20, a time to get readjusted to school life and get settled in to their new surroundings. All other grades began their year on August 21.

On September 4, the district dedicated a new sign that has been installed at the north end of the TSD administrative building at 800 South Taft Avenue in Loveland. This project was completed in a partnership with Front Range Community College, who is also listed on the new signage. The College leases a significant portion of the administrative building from the district. The new sign is a very welcome addition; the old one that was at the location was extremely dated and no longer functioned correctly. TSD Board of Education members Lori Hvizda-Ward, Dr. Carl Langner, and Denise Montagu took the wraps off the new sign, along with Superintendent Dr. Stan Scheer and Andy Dorsey, the president of Front Range Community College.

Brain breaks: Van Buren Elementary students experienced activity stations organized by Andrea Walker of TSD Nutrition Services, emphasizing the importance of “brain break” activities to teachers and students. Teachers will utilize some of these activities to keep students in the most receptive state of learning. Exercise increases the oxygen supply to the brain. Van Buren will incorporate brain break activities to relieve stress and re-gain the attention of learners throughout the school day.

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Volunteers help prepare school: Over 45 adults and children donated over 90 hours of volunteer work during the annual Faith-in-Action event at Ponderosa Elementary School. These amazing volunteers, who are members of both Faith and Good Shepherd Churches, helped teachers and staff with special projects in several classrooms, completed a multitude of copying and laminating requests, put up bulletin boards and conducted a general cleanup of the exterior of the school building, including weeding, trimming bushes, and cleaning up the two playgrounds in anticipation of students returning to school.

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| 25

poudre school district news Fossil Creek wins sports inclusivity award “That teammate mentality really comes into play in the classroom,” she says.

“Students feel better in school. They’re more academically connected in classes.

They try to achieve their academic goals like they achieve their athletic goals.”

But they’re not the only ones. Unified sports laid the groundwork for a culture of inclusivity, which now dominates entire Fossil Ridge community, from parents, to teachers, coaches and students.

“We didn’t anticipate the impact that the unified sports teams would have on the general education population,” Coy says. “The culture change was amazing to see. Students were telling us it was the most valuable experience of their educational career, that it changed their lives.”

The Colorado Special Olympics named Fossil Ridge High School the 2015 Project Unify School of the Year.

Project Unify is a national initiative funded by the US Department of Education for elementary, middle and high schools to create and foster inclusive school environments through unified sports. The program helps students with and without intellectual disabilities to build relationships by pairing them together on sports teams.

“Our philosophy is that if inclusion is something we want to see portrayed in the community, we should be modeling it in our public high schools,” says integrated services coach Erin Coy, who oversees unified sports at 19 PSD schools.

Fossil Ridge was the first school to catch the vision of what unified sports could be, hosting the initial Special Olympics track and field event for students from Poudre and Thompson School Districts five years ago. The annual competition now attracts more than 500 students each spring. Soon after, Fossil put together a team of unified athletes to play exhibition games with the Denver Nuggets, Harlem Globetrotters and Poudre High School. The unified sports program quickly expanded into all the 26

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comprehensive high schools, with official unified basketball teams popping up at each comprehensive high school in 2013.

During the fall of 2014, Fossil again paved the way for district-wide expansion of unified sports teams by volunteering to host the local Special Olympics flag football tournament. Starting this school year, unified flag football teams will launch at all of the four major high schools.

The camaraderie has led to tremendous growth in the social, physical and intellectual growth of students with disabilities, Fossil Ridge assistant principal Julie Chaplain says.

STUDENTS PREVIEW CAREERS THROUGH NEW INTERNSHIP PROGRAM A new program launched this year to challenge, connect and cultivate students: the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) Internship Program.

Available in every content area from math to music, the program places high-achieving students in 75-hour-long internships, giving them a chance to explore a future career path. In the first year, students completed biomedical research at the university level, shadowed dentists and doctors, and learned what life is like as a Fort Collins police officer.

“This gives students an authentic

experience,” coordinator Kelly Kappel explains. “The internship lets them confirm or deny whether they should pursue that field in college.”

Fossil Ridge senior Ben Martella spent his summer in a CSU research lab under the tutelage of Dr. Shane Kanatous, a biologist studying how seals’ muscles utilize oxygen while they hold their breath during long dives.

“I was treated just like a graduate student,” he says. Ben spent hours poring over past studies to conceptualize and design his own experiment. He grew, cultured and differentiated his own cells, spending more than 100 hours on the experiment over the summer.

The internship gave him a glimpse into the life of a research scientist, from the constant trips to the lab at all hours to monitor cells to the thrill of discovery and frustration of contamination.

Assignments like reflective journaling throughout the summer helped Ben and other students to process their own thoughts and gain insight into their future career path.

“Every single day I learned something new,” says Poudre High School student Mimi Mijiddorj, who feels certain after splitting her hours between a pediatric dentistry and chiropractor that a career in oral health care is for her.

“I got to sit in with each of the staff.

Having that hands-on experience put the whole internship to a new level—I got a really good feel for how it all works and what it takes to run a business,” she says.

That real-life experience is what makes the internship so valuable, according to Kathy Hanson, Career and Technical Education Coordinator, who coordinates several business/school partnership programs for the district.

“Students learn about related careers within the fields that interest them,” Hanson explains. Mimi, for example, realized she would be happy as either a dentist or a dental hygienist. “What better way to learn than being outside of the classroom, sitting with a mentor, actually building a robot or doing research?”

The program bridges the gap between students and businesses, with the

PSD Calendar of Events October 6 ....... 6 :30pm, Board of Education meeting, Johannsen Support Services Complex, 2407 LaPorte Avenue.

October 15 ..... N o School K-5 October 16 ..... N o School K-12 October 20 ..... 6 :30pm, Board of Education meeting, Johannsen Support Services Complex, 2407 LaPorte Avenue.

intent to create value for both groups.

Community partners benefit from the students’ fresh ideas and insight, while kids get to engage in the workforce, often for the first time.

“I would definitely recommend this program,” Mimi says. “You can do it during the summer, fall or winter, and the coordinators will find any kind of internship for you.”

For more details on the application process or becoming a business partner, contact Kelley Kappel at kkappel@psd schools.org or 970-402-0114.

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greeley-evans district 6 news

Stadium renovations celebrated

At 6:50pm Friday, Sept. 4, an airplane could be spotted above District 6 Stadium. Black dots appeared in the sky, and quickly, the forms of five members of the Thunderstorm Skydiving Team came into focus. Within minutes, the five skydivers landed on the new turf at District 6 stadium, and presented commemorative footballs to officials from Greeley-Evans School District 6 and the city of Greeley.

It was an exciting start to the 2015 football season, now played on new turf installed over the summer.

The turf project at D6 Stadium was funded by the city of Greeley, which gave the school district nearly $2 million to pay for the installation of the turf, both at D6 Stadium and the D6 soccer stadium. The city paid for the installation out of Quality of Life tax funds used to increase recreational and fine arts opportunities in Greeley.

The installation of turf will allow the city and District 6 to increase the use of the District 6 stadium. Other upgrades include 28

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new scoreboards at both the football and soccer stadiums, new and improved lighting at the football stadium and new signage.

DISTRICT 6 HOSTS SIXTH ANNUAL CITIZENS ACADEMY Greeley-Evans School District 6 is now accepting registrations for its sixth annual Citizens Academy beginning October 5, a program that gives residents the opportunity for an up-close look at the 13th largest school district in Colorado.

The Citizens Academy will be held the first Monday of each month during the 2015-16 school year, from 11am – 1pm, at various schools and sites throughout the district. Participants will get to tour facilities, visit classrooms, meet staff and learn about the various aspects of the district. Topics covered include district finances and budgeting, curriculum and instruction, school safety and discipline, special programs such as Career Pathways and blended learning, classroom management, safety and security, athletics and extracurricular ac-

tivities, transportation services, student nutrition and wellness, facility maintenance and much more.

Most importantly, residents will get the chance to have their questions answered directly by those involved in educating and offering services to more than 21,000 students in District 6.

The complete schedule of Citizen’s Academy meetings are as follows:

• Monday, Oct. 5, District 6 Administration Building, 1025 9th Ave., Greeley • Monday, Nov. 2, Heiman Elementary School, 3500 Palermo Ave., Evans • Monday, Dec. 7, Chappelow K-8 Arts and Literacy Magnet, 2001 34th St., Evans • Monday, Feb.1, Prairie Heights Middle School, 3737 65th Ave., Evans • Monday, Mar. 7, Greeley Central High School, 1515 14th Ave., Greeley • Monday, Apr. 4, Transportation Office, 155 East 27th St., Greeley • Monday, May 2, District 6 Service Center, 2508 4th Ave., Greeley

There is no cost to attend the Citizens Academy, and participants will

receive lunch during the meetings. The class size will be small in order to allow the opportunity for in-depth conversations.

To register for the Citizens Academy or to find out more information, please contact Communications Director Theresa Myers at 348-6003 or tmyers@greeleyschools.org. Enrollment is limited, so please register by Sept. 28.

NINETY-TWO D-6 STUDENTS EARN AP SCHOLAR STATUS Ninety-two students from Greeley-Evans School District 6 high schools have earned prestigious AP Scholar Awards from the national College Board organization for their exceptional achievement on Advanced Placement exams taken in May 2015.

Barbara Lundebjerg, a graduate of Greeley Central High School, was named a National AP Scholar. Lundebjerg took 11 AP exams during her high school career, scoring a 5 on three exams, a 4 on seven exams and a 3 on one exam, earning her this highest honor.

Greeley Central High School led among District 6 high schools with 35 AP scholars this year. Greeley Central also had 35 AP Scholars last year.

The College Board’s Advanced Placement program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses and exams while in high school. District 6 offers more than 20 Advanced Placement courses to high school students. Students who score well on AP exams are eligible to receive college credit, advanced placement in college, or both at more than 3,200 colleges and universities across the United States.

At the end of each summer, the College Board recognizes those students who have taken multiple AP exams and scored well on them: • A P Scholar: Students who earned

•N ational AP Scholar: Students who

earned an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken and had scores of 4 or higher on at least eight exams.

The 2015 College Board Advanced Placement Scholars from District 6 are listed below. Some of these students were seniors in May 2015 and are now attending colleges and universities across the United States, or engaged in other education or career opportunities. Others were juniors in May, and are now in their senior year of high school.

GREELEY CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL AP Scholar: Amaya Arevalo, Andrew Arvola, Ryley Bowen, Henry Chhor, Jordan Cobb, Laura Cutler, Hernan Dominguez, Krisha Hicks, Emma Kerr, Rachel Krieger, Emma Krombholz, Gabriela Marquez, Danielle Miller, David Miller, Loran Moir, Sophie Pell, Valeria Ramos, Morgan Smith, Matthew Villarreal, Kayley Vogel, Isabelle Wolfe; AP Scholar with Honor: Paige Kadavy, Joseph Martinez, Maxwell Martinez, Candence Speelman, Elias Vanloo, Geny Varghese AP Scholar with Distinction: Katy Campbell, Mallory Cranwell, William Hunter, Barbara Lundebjerg, Conner Shaw, Hayden Smith, Katiana Uyemura; National AP Scholar: Barbara Lundejerg.

GREELEY WEST HIGH SCHOOL AP Scholar: Israel Carlos, Alejandro Castillo, Sergio Chacon, Adriana Copas Gan, Nathaniel Gorsline, Nikki Harris, Colton Kindvall, Casey Roth, Tonya Schiestel,

Andra Turner, Benjamin Wood; AP Scholar with Honor: Darcy Ficek, Ciera Freeman, DiAnna Rowe; AP Scholar with Distinction: Chase Harms; Elizabeth Parker; Jacob Rogers.

NORTHRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL AP Scholar: Clair Arndt, Paige Arndt, Nancy Caudillo, Kendall Haffner, Rhyane Hemphill, Nicolette Peerman, Aizlyn Pranke, Adrian Quinones Rivas, Jeremy Segelke, Jarrod Short, Maira Soto; AP Scholar with Honor: Shania Buffington, Connor Seivley; AP Scholar with Distinction: Cassidy Francies; Jacquelyn English, Jordan Gage, Brandon Roberts.

National AP Scholar: Katrina San Nicolas.

FRONTIER ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL AP Scholar: Allison Channell, Daniel Crews, Jade Darnell, Erin Eberhard, Allison Hare, Tara Hoffman, Jenna Mcallister, Hannah Mow, Hunter Noel Victoria Whitmore, Trey Young; AP Scholar with Honor: Joseph Ramirez; AP Scholar with Distinction: Victoria Palmer, Justin Wardell.

UNION COLONY PREPARATORY SCHOOL AP Scholar: Morgan Mancini.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOLS CHARTER SCHOOL AP Scholar: Alexis Deviney, Alexis Hoecher, Brittany Hoffner, Amanda Horn, Hawah Kallon, Stephanie Vegter; AP Scholar with Honor: Seth Hill, Lucas Kolanz, Alexandra Multer.

scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.

• A P Scholar with Honor: Students who earned an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and had scores of 3 or higher on at least four exams.

• A P Scholar with Distinction: Students who earned an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and had scores of 3 or higher on at least five exams.

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lunchbox POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT— Elementary student lunches are $2.45, secondary student lunches are $2.70 and reduced lunches are $0.40. Entrees offered daily: Elementary—a variety of fruits and vegetables, milk and juices; Secondary—hot and cold sandwiches, fruits and vegetables, deli salad and pizza.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Beef burrito; chicken nuggets 2 Pepperoni or cheese pizza; turkey & cheese wrap 5 Cheese sandwich w/tomato soup; BBQ chicken filet sandwich 6 Beef lasagna; ranch chicken bites w/ roll 7 Sweet & sour meatballs; fried rice 8 Beef tacos & cilantro lime rice; mac n’cheese 9 BBQ chicken or cheese pizza; egg salad sandwich 12 Potato bar w/chili; chicken nuggets 13 Spaghetti & meatballs; ham & cheese sub

14 Asian teriyaki rice bowl w/chicken; hamburger/cheeseburger 15/16 No school!

19 Taco burger; mac n’cheese 20 Rips 100% fruit juice slushy orange mango; cheesy chicken pasta bake 21 Asian noodles w/chicken; trout treasures 22 Chicken fajita bowl; chicken patty sandwich 23 Meat lovers or cheese pizza; Caesar wrap 26 Hot dog; pulled pork sandwich 27 Cheese ravioli; chicken parm sandwich 28 Orange chicken & rice; hamburger/ cheeseburger

29 Cheese or pepperoni pizza; turkey & cheese wrap MIDDLE SCHOOLS 1 Chicken & beef fajita bowl 2 Smothered pork or bean & cheese burrito 5 Pulled pork sandwich; BBQ chicken filet sandwich 6 Meatball sub; cheese ravioli 7 Asian bar 8 Beef & chicken taco bar 9 Trout treasures; mac n’cheese 12 Buffalo Joe sandwich; Southwest chicken sandwich 13 Beef lasagna; chicken nuggets 14 Asian bar

15 Beef & bean burrito 16 No school!

19 Ranch chicken bites w/roll; mac n’cheese 20 Cheesy chicken pasta bake; meatball sub 21 Asian bar 22 Beef & chicken taco bar 23 Chili cheese dog; potato bar w/chili 26 Philly cheesesteak 27 Chicken sundried tomato pesto pasta; penne & meat sauce 28 Asian Bar 29 Chicken & beef fajita bowl 30 Smothered pork or bean & cheese burrito

THOMPSON R2J SCHOOL DISTRICT — Elementary lunches are $2.75. Secondary school lunches are $3. Reduced lunches are $0.40. Offered daily: PBJs & fruit.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Nachos w/cheese; taco salad 2 Fish nuggets; rips slush 5 Grilled cheese sandwich; Caesar salad 6 Pizza; chicken tender salad 7 Chicken breast strips; chef salad 8 Chicken burrito bowl; taco salad 9 Meatball sandwich; garden entrée salad 12 Lo Mein, chicken w/veggies 13 BBQ chicken pizza; chicken tender salad 14 Asian chicken salad; hamburger 15 Chicken pesto lasagna; taco salad 16 No school!

19 Grilled chicken sandwich; Caesar salad 20 Pretzel w/cheese sauce; chicken tender salad 21 BBQ sandwich; chef salad 22 Turkey chipotle burrito; taco salad 23 No school!

26 Chicken breast nuggets; chicken salad 27 French bread boat; chicken tender salad 28 Hamburger; chef salad 29 Chicken taco; taco salad 30 Mac n’cheese ; garden entrée salad SECONDARY SCHOOL 1 Nachos w/cheese; meat lasagna 2 Fish sandwich; Ribs slush

5 Grilled cheese sandwich; chicken breast nuggets 6 Pizza; chicken patty sandwich 7 Chicken breast strips; hot ham & cheese sandwich 8 Chicken burrito bowl; French bread boat 9 Egg roll w/popcorn chicken; meatball sandwich 12 Lo mein, chicken & veggie; pulled turkey BBQ 13 BBQ chicken pizza; hot ham & cheese sandwich 14 Asian chicken salad; hamburger 15 Chicken pesto lasagna; turkey hot dog

16 No school!

19 Grilled chicken sandwich; cheese nachos 20 Pesto pesto w/chicken; pretzel w/ cheese sauce 21 Pizza bar; BBQ sandwich 22 Turkey chipotle burrito; chicken breast nuggets 23 No school!

26 Chicken breast nuggets; BBQ sandwich 27 French bread boat; hot ham & cheese 28 Burger bar 29 Chicken taco; hot dog 30 Mac n’cheese; popcorn chicken

GREELEY DISTRICT 6 —To obtain a complete meal, student gets an entrée and can select 1-3 sides. Elementary lunches are $2.55, and middle school lunches are $2.80, reduced-price lunches are $.40. Offered daily: PBJ. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 BBQ chicken w/roll; Italian hoagie 2 Cheese or green chili chicken pizza 5 BBQ pork sandwich; chicken fajita wrap 6 Cheese ravioli w/red sauce & bread stick; club hoagie 7 Chicken soft taco; PBJ 8 Pot roast w/roll; ham & cheese hoagie 9 Hawaiian or cheese pizza; PBJ 12 Meatball sub; chicken salad sandwich 13 Philly steak panino; Stromboli panino

14 Shepherd’s pie w/roll; PBJ 15 Baked Ziti w/breadstick; Italian hoagie 16 No school!

Please check website for the rest of the month—they were not available at the time of publication.

MIDDLE SCHOOL 1 Herb chicken w/roll; Italian hoagie 2 Cheese or green chili chicken pizza 5 BBQ pork sandwich; chicken fajita wrap 6 Cheese ravioli w/red sauce & bread stick; club hoagie

7 Chicken soft taco; American grill 8 Pot roast w/roll; ham & cheese hoagie 9 Hawaiian or cheese pizza; PBJ 12 Meatball sub; chicken salad sandwich 13 Philly steak panino; Stromboli panino 14 Shepherd’s pie w/roll; PBJ 15 Baked Ziti w/breadstick; Italian hoagie 16 No school!

Please check website for the rest of the month—they were not available at the time of publication.

WINDSOR SCHOOL DISTRICT — Price for elementary lunch is $2.65, for middle school students, $2.90. Reduced lunches are $0.40. Salad bar is served daily with entrees. Offered daily: PBJ and yogurt.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Popcorn chicken 2 Cheese or veggie pizza 5 Fish & dip 6 Hamburger 7 Hard shell taco 8 Curly spaghetti w/tomato sauce 9 Big Daddy pizza 12 Hot dog 13 Teriyaki chicken 14 Chicken & black bean chili 15 Waffles & sausage patty

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16 No school!

19 No school!

20 Ravioli 21 Cheesy nachos 22 Chicken tenders 23 Cheese breadsticks & marinara dip 26 Mac n’cheese 27 Alfredo twists 28 Soft shell chicken taco 29 Popcorn chicken 30 Personal pan cheese pizza SECONDARY SCHOOL

1 Fish & chips 2 Meatball sub 5 Spicy chicken 6 Cheeseburger 7 Hard shell taco 8 Lasagna 9 California club 12 Wiener wrap 13 Teriyaki chicken 14 Chicken & black bean chili 15 Waffles & sausage patty 16 Pepperoni calzone

19 No school!

20 Curly spaghetti 21 Cheesy nachos 22 Chicken tenders 23 BBQ turkey sandwich 26 Mac n’cheese 27 Alfredo twists 28 Three cheese enchiladas w/green chili sauce 29 Fish & chips 30 Steak & cheese sandwich

FALL SALE Oct. 9-11

Save up to

70% Fun It’s shy Tra al It’s cation du E s ’ It It’s the

Garbage Garage Larimer County’s waste & recycling education center at the Larimer County Landfill in Fort Collins

Larimer County Farmer’s Market Since 1975!

FORT COLLINS EXCLUSIVE GROWER’S-ONLY MARKET — we grow what we sell —

May 16, to October 24, 2015 8:00am to Noon 200 W. Oak Street LARIMER COUNTY COURTHOUSE PARKING LOT

www.larimercountyfarmersmarket.com www.facebook.com/larimercountyfarmersmarket

WE ACCEPT

BENEFITS!

Get Fresh in Old Town on Saturdays

(970) 498-5772 larimer.org/solidwaste

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OCTOBER 2015 ONGOING OCTOBER 1 THROUGH 4 The Importance of Being Earnest Dashing men pursue fair ladies, but matters are complicated by the imaginary characters invented by both (PG). Ticket prices and show times vary. Norton Theatre, 501 20th St., GR. www.greeleychamber.com.

OCTOBER 3 AND 4 Elk Fest This event features competitions, archery, elk-themed kids’activites and more. Bond Park, EP. 10am-5pm. 970586-6104 or www.visitestespark.com.

OCTOBER 6 AND 20 Bright by Three Infant Group These classes provide parents and caregivers with educational tools, books and games to make the most of these important developmental years. Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., LV. 1pm. 970-495-7500 or www.uchealth.org.

OCTOBER 7 AND 14 Messy Hands Art for Preschoolers Explore whimsical, original art forms and techniques including paint, collage, drawing and more. Ages 3 1/2-6 years. Registration required. Harmony Library, Community Room (H), 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 970-221-6740 or www. poudrelibraries.org.

OCTOBER 13 AND 20 On the Road to Reading Early Literacy Fair Visit any time during the fair for lots of fun, interactive learning activities based on the five practices of Every Child Ready to Read. Locations and times vary.

1-888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

OCTOBER 10 AND 24 Teen Hiking Trips Discover some of the numerous hiking trails in Larimer County. Hike locations vary, all trips depart from Northside Aztlan Community Center. $25.

Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 E. Willow St., FC. 9am-2pm. www. fcgov.com.

OCTOBER 15 AND 16 School’s Out Day Camps These camps are available for children ages 5-11 years. Pack a lunch and come spend a day gardening, cooking, crafting and discovering. $45/child.

Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 9am-4pm. 970-416-2468 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.

OCTOBER 16 AND 23 Monster Maché Learn how to use newspaper, tape, recycled obects and much more to create a fun papier maché monster. Two-part class. Grades 3-6. Registration required. $30 ($24 for museum members).

Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 970-962-2410 or www.cityofloveland.org.

OCTOBER 16-18, 23 AND 24 The Boxcar Children A year into the Great Depression, times are hard for Americans. Author Gertrude Chandler Warner’s beloved story unfolds in rural Illinois. $8. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. Show times vary. 970-221-6730 or www.lctix.com.

OCTOBER 19 THROUGH 25 United Way of Larimer County’s annual Make A Difference Day This week-long event includes activities ranging from flood clean-up, to helping with an event for homeless to raking a neighbor’s leaves. Event locations and times vary. www.uwaylc.org.

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

Loveland (970) 493-7442

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

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Scrumptious Yarns and a fabulous staff to help you with all your knitting needs.

1408 West Mountain Ave. Fort Collins (970) 407-1461 mysisterknits.com Hours: Tues. 10 am to 8 pm , Wed. - Sat. 10 am to 5 pm .

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OCTOBER 24 AND 25 HOWL-O-WEEN Don your best costume and head to Centennial Village for tricks and treats as you stop at each of the historic structures for candy. Children - $1, adults - $2. Centennial Village Museum, 1475 A St., GR. 4-8pm. www. greeleymuseums.com.

FRIDAYS THROUGH DECEMBER 11 Friday Morning Tot Art Let your young artist explore the world of art. A parent or guardian must accompany the child during the session. Ages 3-6.

Registration required. $10 ($8 for museum members). Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 10:30-11:30am. 970962-2410 or www.cityofloveland.org.

WEDNESDAYS, THROUGH NOVEMBER 18 Buddy Reading The Kids Read game is designed to engage children in a fun reading experience while encouraging them to practice important reading strategies in an interactive way. Loveland Library, Storytime Room, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 4:30-5:30pm. www.cityof loveland.org.

YEAR ROUND AVAILABILITY Tree Trunk Activity Lessons For classroom, family or daycare. Arborthemed lessons about trees for Pre-Kmiddle school. Two arbor-themed kits available. Refundable deposit upon check out. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.

THROUGH NOVEMBER 18 Speaking of Spanish This is a fun and interactive Spanish class for adults. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. $40.

First United Methodist Church, 533 Grant Ave., LV. Beginner Spanish – 12noon-2pm, Intermediate Spanish – 9-11am. 970-481-2818 or www.speakingofspanish.com.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS, OCTOBER 5 THROUGH NOVEMBER 12 Powerful Tools for Caregivers This class helps family caregivers acquire the ‘tools’ to increase their selfconfidence, reduce stress and more.

Dates, times and locations vary.

970-498-7758 or lmcgowan@larimer.org.

THURSDAYS, THROUGH DECEMBER 10 Gallery 101 This fun and exciting 12-week program provides an interactive education and prepares you to become a Museum tour guide. Prices vary. Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 5-7pm. 970-962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

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Discovery Zone Root viewers, explorer tables, garden tools, tames and activities. Open to all ages. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. Saturdays – 10am12noon, Sundays – 12noon-2pm. 970416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 Cartoon Your Pet! Bring photos of your favorite pet and learn to draw with the basic steps to cartooning. $20 ($16 Museum Members).

Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 4:30-6pm. 970-9622410 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Loveland Museum Tour Take an in-depth tour of the historic galleries and a behind-the-scenes tour of the collection. $10 suggested donation.

Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 5:30, 6pm and 6:30pm. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 Learn to...Sew! Learn how to use a standard sewing machine and acquire the basic skills needed to create your own garments, crafts, home decor and more. This program is for teens and adults.

Registration required. Lincoln Park Library, 919 7th St., Ste. 100, GR. 10am-1pm. 1-888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 Guided Natural Area Bird Walk Join Natural Area Volunteer Irene for a guided bird walk from Mehaffey Park to Meadowbrook Natural Area. Mehaffey Park, 3285 W. 22nd St., LV. 8-10am.

970-613-0966 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Heritage Fest Numerous activities and demonstrations for the whole family.

From children’s games and crafts to storytelling and native dancers, the event will provide hours of fun.

Boardwalk Park, 10 N. 5th St., WS. 12noon-5pm. www.windsorgov.com.

Robokids Hands on robotics for ages 4 and older.

Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 1-2pm. www.cityofloveland.org.

Author event with Mary Davis-Parrish Empowered Parents Empowering Kids is a parent-centric book that helps parents improve themselves so that they can offer their child the best. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 2-3pm. 970-4847898 or www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

Neighbor to Neighbor Annual Polo Championship Guests can enjoy food, beverage, a silent auction and mingle with players.

The match will be followed by a live auction, photos and reception. $55. The Ranch, 5280 Arena Circle, Suite 100, LV. 2-5:30pm. www.N2N.org.

Loveland Loves Origami This activity is taught by Janet Deen, retired school teacher and member of Origami USA. Loveland Library, Children’s Study Room, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. Class times vary. www.cityofloveland.org.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 Eracism Film and Discussion An Americal Denial - the film probes deep into the United States’ racial psyche and weaves a narrative that exposes some of the potential underlying causes of racial biases still rooted in America’s systems and institutions today. Old Town Library, Community Room Combo, 201 Peterson St., FC. 5-7pm. www.poudrelibraries.org.

Dreaming of Horses?

Hey Fort Collins, Visit our NEW Location!

1200 South College Avenue

gargotfarm.com

• Individual & small-group instruction

Preschool Dance, KinderDance, Jazz, Lyrical, HipHop, Ballet, Tap, & More!

• After-school and weekend lessons • Boarding & training • Safe, trained horses and ponies • Indoor & outdoor arenas • Emphasizes horse and child connection

970-443-5467

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

3833 W. County Road 8, Berthoud • gargotfarm.com

It’s Not Too Late to Register for Fall Classes!

GREELEY | WINDSOR | EATON | FORT COLLINS

(970) 590-9530

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Locally Grown: A Musical Feast Celebrate the harvest season with a gourmet farm-to-table dinner and musical selections from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Ticket prices vary. Fort Collinc Country Club, 1920 Country Club Rd., FC. 970-221-6730 or www.lctix.com.

Learn Tatting!

Tatting is a technique for handcrafting a particularly durable lace constructed by a series of knots and loops.

Loveland Library, Mt. Dunraven Room, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 10am-12noon. 970-962-2401 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Author Event with Al Roker Today Show weatherman Al Roker will speak about and sign copies of his new book, The Storm of the Century. $17/ticket. University Center for the Arts, 1400 Remington St., FC. 3pm.

970-484-7898 or www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 Lucha Library Get up close and personal with international professional wrestlers. The program will be bilingual (English and Spanish). Riverside Library and Cultural Center, 3700 Golden St., Evans. 6-8pm.

1-888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 Oh Heck Yeah!

Bring the family to experience this immersive street arcade that uses the power of play to strengthen the social, physical and economic fabric of place.

Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 5:30-8:30pm. www.cityof loveland.org.

Children’s Hospital Colorado presents Sports Safety and Nutrition Learn more about injury and concussion prevention, and optimal nutrition practices for your child’s performance. Registration required. Erie Community Library, Meeting Room, 400 Powers St., Erie. 5:30-6:30pm.

1-888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Teen Author Event with Scott Westerfield, Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti These three teen authors will celebrate the release of their super-hero themed book, Zeroes.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-484-7898 or www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 TeaInk Enjoy tea, a snack and some creative writing challenges. No writing experience required, just an open mind.

Grades 6-12. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 4-5pm. 970-962-2548 or www.cityofloveland.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 International Walk to School Day Students in K-12 schools in Fort Collins will celebrate walking to school along with schoolchildren throughout the United States and around the world. Various locations and times, FC. www.fcgov.com.

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Mystic India: The World Tour The show features renowned musicians, brilliant dancers, breathtaking aerialists and acrobats. Ticket prices vary. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 Story Time with Tino the Tortoise Author Carolyn Ahern and her friend Tino the Tortoise will tell stories and share craft time. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 10am. 970-484-7898 or www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

Girl Power - Learn to Code!

Using the Hour of Code, create stories, games and animations with easy to learn drag and drop computer programming. Ages 8-16. Registration required. Harmony Library, Computer Lab, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10am12noon. 970-221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

Front Range Chamber Players Children’s Concerts Front Range Chambers Players musicians explain their instruments and musical selections to the audience and involve children in the performance.

Council Tree Library, Community Room (C), 2733 Council Tree Ave., #200, FC. 11am-12noon. 970-2216740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 Recycled Percussion A junk rock band is a wild mix of unorthodox talent, extreme athleticism, musical precision and insane antics, performed on recycled instruments. $32. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7:30pm.

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

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 Robotics This class offers an introduction to EV3 Robotics with hands-on building and programming in a non-competitive environment. Ages 8-17. Registration required. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 4-6pm. 970-962-2548 or www.cityofloveland.org.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 PEEPs - Pre-school Environmental Education Programs Each program offers information and activities to bring children into the world of nature. Session times vary. River’s Edge Natural Area, 960 W. 1st St., LV. 970217-3173 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Colorado Spiders - A Brief Introduction This talk will highlight the diversity, anatomy and physiology of the ten most common spiders found in your backyard and also will identify which spiders are dangerous to people. The Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 5:30pm. www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Fortified Farm Dinners

6

OCTOBER 10, 5-10 pm 4th

L

ANNUA

Are you prepared

for

Flu season?

To Benefit The Growing Project

Board-Certified

inside the greenhouse at Jordan’s Floral Gardens

Pediatrician

900 N Taft, Fort Collins, CO 80521

Locally and Independently owned For tickets and more information, visit:

fortifiedcollaborations.com/purchase-tickets

COURSES

BREWERIES AND CHEFS

ALL LOCAL

........... ....

COMMUNITY STYLE DINING ........... ....

ABUNDANT SILENT AUCTION ........... ....

LIVE MUSIC

Flu shots for Children and Parents ($25 for parents)

Urgent Care Hours: M-F, 8-9am and 4-5:30pm

Conveniently located to Loveland, Johnstown, Greeley, Windsor and Berthoud at the intersection of I-25 and Hwy 34.

........... ....

FREE SHUTTLE FROM OLD TOWN AND MID TOWN

970-619-8139 | 4880 Thompson Pkwy | Suite 116 Johnstown

thompsonriverpediatrics.com

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 Creatures of the Night Learn about snakes, bats, owls, insects and other creatures that are active at night. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 11am-12noon. www. cityofloveland.org.

Creative Upcycling The program offers a variety of handson activities and opportunities to learn through repurposing and reusing everyday materials. Featured this week-picture frames. Garbage Garage, Larimer County Landfill, 5887 S. Taft Hill Rd., FC. 10am-12noon. www.larimer.org.

Hogwarts Kid’s Halloween Party The magic of Harry Potter comes to life in this Harry Potter party for ages 12 and under. $10. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6pm. 970-484-7898 or www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

Clue: Killer Food It’s after hours and the library has transformed into a wickedly goofy scene of crime. Grades 6-12. Carbon Valley Regional Library, Meeting Room, 7 Park Ave., Firestone. 6:30-8:30pm. 1-888861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 The French Nest Open-Air Market Vintage, antique, artisan goods.

Handmade and hand-collected. Music, delicious food and fun. Civic Center Park, 225 Laporte Ave., FC. 9am-3pm. www.frenchnestmarket.com.

Brickmasters LEGO building club. Free build with occasional challenges and experience with cubelets and robots. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 10am-3pm. www.cityofloveland.org.

Tiny Yoga for Preschoolers Children’s yoga is integrated along with many other mind/body activities to make an incredibly fun class. Ages 3-5. Erie Community Library, Storytime Room, 400 Powers St., Erie. 10:30-11am. 1-888861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

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NoCo Farmer’s Markets

Enjoy locally grown produce and other food-stuffs through early fall.

MONDAYS Larimer County Community Corrections Farmers’ Market Corn, green peppers, Jalapeno peppers, hot peppers, dill, pumpkin, basil, chives, cucumbers tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini, cilantro, onion and garlic. Just south of Prospect past Timberline Rd., 2255 Midpoint Drive, FC. 9am-1pm. www.larimer.org.

TUESDAYS, THROUGH OCTOBER Loveland Farmers Market Vegetables, eggs, fruits, baked goods, meat, birdhouses, honey, specialty foods and goods. In front of Hobby Lobby, 3133 N. Garfield Ave., LV. 11am-3pm. www.fortcollinsfm.com.

WEDNESDAYS Native Hill Weekly Farm Stand High-quality, naturally grown produce, bread, coffee. Beaver’s Market, 1100 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 4-7pm. www.nativehillfarm.com/ markets.

WEDNESDAYS, THROUGH OCTOBER Fort Collins Farmers Market Vegetables, fruits, plants and flowers, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, pet treats, specialty foods and goods from 40 vendors.

Parking lot of ACE Hardware, 1001 E. Harmony Road, FC. 11am-3pm. www.fortcollinsfm.com.

THURSDAYS, THROUGH OCTOBER 1 Estes Valley Farmers Market Produce, fruit, breads, cheeses, smoothies, flowers and more. 107 MacGregor Ave., EP (in Bond Park next to the public library).

8am-1pm. www.facebook.com/EstesValley FarmersMarket.

THURSDAYS, THROUGH OCTOBER Wellington Farmers Market Baked goods, flowers, honey, sausage, jewelry, sauces, fruit, vegetables, birdhouses, coffee, desserts, pumpkins and skincare.

3815 Harrison Ave., Centennial Park, Wellington. 4-8pm (or dusk). www.wellingtonco farmersmarket.org.

SATURDAYS, THROUGH OCTOBER 24 Larimer County Farmers Market Breads and pastries, eggs and meat, fruits and vegetables, flowers, crafts and jewelry, jams and jellies, skin care, sauces and salsas, wine, yogurt and cheese. Larimer County Courthouse parking lot, 200 W. Oak St., FC. 8am-12noon. www.larimercounty farmersmarket.colostate.edu/index.shtml.

SATURDAYS, THROUGH OCTOBER 31 Greeley Farmer’s Market Locally grown and produced food products, including in-season fruits and vegetables, meats, cheese, honey, baked goods, roasted chiles and more. Union Pacific Depot, 902 7th Ave., GR. 7:30am-12noon. 970350-9783 or www.greeleygov.com/activities/ farmers-market.

SUNDAYS, THROUGH MID-NOVEMBER Fort Collins Farmers Market Vegetables, fruits, plants and flowers, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, pet treats, specialty foods and goods from about 40 vendors. Parking lot of ACE Hardware, 1001 E. Harmony Road, FC. 11am-3pm. www.fortcollinsfm.com.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 Preschool Prep Preschool registration begins in January.

Learn more about the registration process for the 2016-17 school year at this lecture.

Erie Community Library, Meeting Room, 400 Powers St., Erie. 6-7pm. 1-888-8617323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 Wendy Darling, Peter Pan Party Celebrate the magic of Peter Pan with author Colleen Oakes at this party.

Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6pm. 970-484-7898 or www. oldfirehousebooks.com.

College Prep: How do I get in?

Students or parents can attend to learn about practical college planning and lowering the cost of college. Erie Community Library, Meeting Room, 400 Powers St., Erie. 6-8pm. 1-888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Money Matters: Teaching Kids Learn hands-on approaches to educating kids (ages 5-12) about money. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 6:307:30pm. www.cityofloveland.org.

ImagineArt Explore and create unique works of art using various art tools and techniques.

Wear clothes that can get messy! Grades 5-8. Registration required. Harmony Library, Community Room (H), 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 1-3pm. 970-221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 Annual Halloween Double Point Race and Chili Cook-Off BMX Pros and Amateurs battle, costumed riders race and a chili cookoff. Epic BMX Track, Saber Cat Drive, across from Fossil Ridge High School, FC. 2:30-6pm. 970-568-9860.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 On the Funny Side of the Street: A Night of Brighter Laughter These performers prove that comedy can be smart, friendly and breathtakingly funny without being vulgar or pejorative. $22. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

Hogwarts Teens & Adults Halloween Party Potterheads ages 13 and up will love this Harry Potter themed Halloween party! $10. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6pm. 970-484-7898 or www. oldfirehousebooks.com.

Game Day @ Your Library Play a board game from the library collection or bring a favorite from home. Old Town Library, Community Room Combo, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1-5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.

Campfire Tales Party games and crafts will be followed by spine tingling tales from the Traveling Rainbow Tellers. Clearview Library, 720 Third St., WS. 6:30-8:45pm. www. clearviewlibrary.org.

Colorado’s Yampa River and 100 Years of Rocky Mountain National Park Celebrate 100 years of Rocky as well as one of the last free and wild rivers of the American West. Ticket prices vary. Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. Fourth St., LV. 6pm. 970-266-1711 or www.LegacyLandTrust.org.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 Paint Your Own Mason Jar Thirsty? Learn how to paint on mason jars to create a glass that will be uniquely yours. Ages 9-12. Registration required.

Clearview Library, 720 Third St., WS. 6:30-7:30pm. 970-686-5603 or www. clearviewlibrary.org.

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Spooky Stories in Library Park Spend a night under the moon filled with stories from near and far designed to give you chills. Bring chairs and blankets to sit on and dress warmly. Ages 6 and older.

Old Town Library, Library Park - West Lawn, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6:30-8pm. www.poudrelibraries.org.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26 Great Westerns Bring the whole family to enjoy this classic - Cimarron (1931). Loveland Library, Gertrude Scott Room, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 6:30-8:30pm. www. cityofloveland.org.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 Tiny Toy Halloween Participants in this event meet in Old Town Square to receive a goodie-bag before visiting local merchants’ shops.

Old Town Square, FC. 10am-1pm. www. downtownfortcollins.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 Harry’s Halloween Celebrate Halloween at Hogwarts.

Wizard wear encouraged. Lincoln Park Library, 919 7th St., Ste. 100, GR. 4-6pm. 1-888-861-7323 or www.

MyLibrary.us.

Veggie Tales Live Enjoy these friendly garden characters live. Budweiser Events Center, 5280 Arena Circle, LV. 6:30pm. 970-619-4122 or www.budweisereventscenter.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 Rialto Theater Tour Rialto staff will give tours of the stage, dressing rooms, projection booth, and theater and share information about its rich history. $10 suggested donation.

The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 5:30, 6 and 6:30pm. www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Spooky Science and STACKS Spooktacular ways to connect with science, math and other STEM curriculum. Grades 4-8. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 7-8:30pm.

1-888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience Rock to the music of the Beatles where the audience creates the playlist for the night. $28. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 Halloween Family Fun Festival Celebrate with the annual Downtown Trick-or-Treating event, vendor booths, food, a costume contest and more.

Peters Park and 5th St., adjacent to the Loveland Museum/Gallery, LV. 10am2pm. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Halloween Enchanted Garden The Gardens on Spring Crek is delightfully transformed into the Halloween Enchanted Garden for just a single day of the year. $5/child. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10am-2pm. 970-416-2468 or www.fcgov. com/gardens.

Community Halloween Party Fun games and safe treats for everyone.

Don’t miss this annual event sponsored by the Windsor Police Department and the Windsor Optimist Club. Community Recreation Center, 250 N. 11th St., WS. 6-8pm. www.windsorgov.com.

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time out

The messy calendar

How my life changed when my daughter went to high school

T

he first year in high school means getting slammed with papers, deadlines and meetings.

Oh yeah—my freshman daughter has it pretty busy, too.

Whenever I’m asked how Kalia is adjusting to high school, I readily say “Great.” She’s in the International Baccalaureate program, already is earning college credit in Spanish, likes her teachers, has new friends, and even made the volleyball team.

But then I start to describe how it’s hard to keep track of all the activities associated with high school, and it becomes obvious that I’m no longer talking about Kalia.

We’re the ones who have to squeeze back-to-school meetings into our schedules. We’re the ones who fill out endless forms. We’re the ones who have to know what time her practices end on any particular day. We’re the ones who have to be careful not to schedule any weekend adventures that, heaven forbid, overlap with any of the parties and other social activities planned by her friends.

Our kitchen calendar has become a lot more complicated and messy lately.

And don’t get me started on all the fees that apparently now are part of a free public education.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad to pay the fees associated with an amazing high school experience. For instance, I think it’s pretty cool that a $50 fee gets her a laptop computer.

I truly am appreciative that Kalia is in a great school, where I know the teachers and staff are dedicated to the students.

I think back to my own high school experience, where I had some pretty awesome teachers, too.

The biggest difference now, though, I think is the level of involvement of parents.

I don’t think my parents ever met any of my teachers. (I even had to 42

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KRIS KODRICH

check with my sister, who’s nine years older than me, to see if maybe I was misremembering that. She didn’t recall our parents coming to her high school, either. She thinks it was just a different era–kids were much more independent and could roam around even in a big city with little worry.)

Back then, I told my parents what high school I was going to attend – it was my choice. But then I had to figure out everything on my own – from what classes to take to how to get to school.

Living in a big city, I had to figure out which city bus would get me there on time. My parents never once drove me.

I try to explain to Kalia about the importance of being more independent.

Certainly not relying on us to take her everywhere would be a good start.

A Transfort bus stops a block from our house. It will drop her off about three blocks from her school. Not bad.

I’ve suggested a few times that we try it out instead of having me drive her every morning. But she won’t have it. Oh, we did try it once. She conveniently walked so slow to the bus stop–despite my repeated urgings to pick up the pace–that we missed the bus.

No doubt, Kalia likes sleeping the extra hour. (Buses come only once an hour here–not every 10 minutes as in a big city.)

She also likes, I’m sure, the door-todoor chauffeured service. I must admit, I’d like that, too.

Kris Kodrich teaches journalism at Colorado State University.

Loveland Recreation Department

Something for all ages A high-quality, state-licensed program that focuses on critical thinking, Kindergarten readiness, discovery and social-emotional-physical development.

Enroll NOW for preschool and Pre-K classes. AM and PM options available H Large Group/Circle Time

H Art/Cooking Enrichments

H Small Group/Lesson Time

H Gymnastics/Gym Time

H Child-Directed Center Time

H Small, healthy snacks served daily

Call NOW to inquire about openings for the 2015-2016 school year! H H H Visit us online at www.CityofLoveland.org/SmallFries for more information

H H H

Chilson Recreation Center Fencing & Amazing Athletes Ballet, Hip Hop, & Kids Zumba Gymnastics for ages 1.5 & Up Preschool Science and Art Art & Pottery Classes for All Ages Yoga: Parent/Tot, Youth & Teen LEGO Engineering and Chess Wide Range of Youth Sports

970-962-2458 • 700 E. 4th Street • Loveland www.cityof loveland.org/smallfries

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