RM Parent | OCTOBER | 2019

OCTOBER 2019 • RMPARENT.COM

FOSTERING SELF-SUFFICIENCY

Screen time perils Youth sports matter

All things pumpkins

Classes with tweens

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OCTOBER 2019

Departments

Special Section

PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 It’s not the critic who counts—Be a doer not a watcher

AS WE GROW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Gain independence by giving it—Fostering selfsufficiency in the early grades

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . 10

FUN & FIT

Find the next big thing for you and your family in this active insert.

Classes to take with your big kid—Try cooking classes, crafting or adventures

Fit & Fun

A DV E RT I

SING SU PPLEM

ENT

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

All things pumpkin—Decorations, activities, food and memories to be enjoyed

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . 14

Safety, skills and new activities, Family safety expo, business skills for kids and attraction openings

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

Vegetarian kids—Get all the nutrition they need for growing bodies

Features 20 SCREEN TIME PERILS

It’s okay to limit your kids screen time. Limiting technology can foster positive results—from increased creativity, critical thinking, better emotional centeredness to replacing online friends with real friends.

CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 6 Events and activities for parents, kids and families

TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 0 Kid in college? No problem—Time for her to find her own way

School District News GR-E 6 School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 District students earn AP Scholar honors, District 6 hosts VIP Tours highlighting bond issue

24 WHY YOUTH

SPORTS MATTER

Last year high school sports saw its first decline in registration in 30 years. Find out why kids are dropping out of sports and what can be done to make it fun again.

Poudre School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 School year off to a great start! 93 percent of IB students earn full IB diploma

Thompson School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 TSD welcomes students, Early Childhood Center completes phase 1, Counselor of the year, Garfield community garden, Corn Roast Festival parade, Strive 2025

ABOUT THE COVER: Jack is an outdoors kid who loves riding his bike and helping grandpa in the garden and the woodshop.

Photo shot on location by Cheri Schonfeld, courtesy of Sky's Open Design.

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perspective It’s not the critic who counts Be a doer not a watcher

M

any factors encourage us to be spectators, to sit passively by while others take action. We become dependent on others to direct our actions, guide our thoughts, and influence our moods and self-concept. Report after report documents the amount of time we are spending on the couch watching something and not out and about doing something—anything.

Nowhere is this more evident than online where we spend countless hours comparing ourselves to others and distracting ourselves with mindless games. Sure we “interact,” in a way, but it’s a different flavor than what we get when we’re right there in the room with people sharing the sounds and smells and feel of being together.

In her feature this month, Lynn Nichols makes a case for reducing screen time with four reasons that you should limit it. She also offers ideas on alternatives.

In her Family Activities story about taking classes with your tween, Katie Harris has found a large handful of cooking, crafting and outdoor classes that you do with your big kid. Talk about not just sitting around and watching a show! Here you can get out and do something— participate. And then you’ll really have something to talk about, some new memories made. Remember that time that we learned to fence together?

And finally, Katie Harris writes about why youth sports matter and what might be fueling the dramatic decline in participation of youth team sports. She explores the issue and its implications, and the reasons that it might be happening.

I like the sidebar quotes. She refers to President Teddy Roosevelt’s famous quote about the man (person) in the arena. It goes, “It’s not the critic who counts; not the man (person) who points out where the strong man (person) stumbles, of where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man (person) who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if (s)he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his (her) place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.

If that doesn’t get us off the couch, what will?

So if you’re wondering if you should do something or watch something with the family, as a massive advertising campaign conditioned us to say: Just do it!

Scott

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OCTOBER 2019 • Volume 24, Issue 5 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Susan Hartig susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com COVER PHOTO Cheri Schonfeld, Courtesy of Sky’s Open Design - skysopendesign.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Theresa Baer, Lea Hanson, Katie Harris, Kris Kodrich, Lynn U. Nichols

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING PO Box 740 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Voice 221-9210 • Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not 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. ©2019 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

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as we grow

Gain independence by giving it Fostering self-sufficiency in the early grades LY NN U. NICHOLS

D

o you remember the first time you realized you were able to get through an entire news story without interruption? Likely, the stillness of the house and lack of little voices demanding attention felt so foreign it jolted you into a blissful moment of appreciation. You can have more of those. All you need to do is encourage independence, little by little in your kids. Before you know it, you could be reading a whole chapter of a novel without interruption! But first things, first.

Independence is a learned skill, it takes practice. Help your young kids master independence by first allowing small freedoms and working up to bigger ones. By doing this, kids learn that acting responsibly earns them more freedom. For example, start by letting your second grader ride his bike to his friend’s house down the block before letting him ride the entire block, and eventually the neighborhood.

For kids in the early grades, start with the morning routine. Get in a school prep routine the night before where you let your kids pack their own lunch, organize their backpack and pick out an outfit for the next day. Remember, mastering a small skill, first, like getting their lunch bag empty from the day before, then building upon that skill over time means the most success. Consider it a training session where you describe each step as you go through them, letting your kids know that by Christmas or their birthday or the end of the year you hope they can do it all by themselves. Once you have the nighttime routine mastered, do the same for the morning routine.

Encourage them to set an alarm and wake up on their own, get their face 8

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washed and teeth brushed and get dressed without your help. To facilitate an easy breakfast, cut up fruit the night before, hard boil eggs or set out oatmeal packets or cereal boxes.

Positive rewards go a long way.

When they complete a task on their own, say: ‘I knew you could do it.’ Or if they complain and say it’s too hard, use words like: ‘You’ve got this. I believe in you.’ Doing so instills confidence and pride. Carry the same empowerment message into everyday activities by letting kids make choices between acceptable options, and letting them take the lead on family activities. The more they feel trusted, the more they’ll have confidence to act independently.

One trick for making it work is consistency. If you get tired of waiting and you do a task yourself, they learn that if they whine or resist enough, you will do it for them. It’s easier

at first to do the job for them, but ultimately it impedes their success and growth. Keep things clear and direct, and don’t negotiate.

In order to allow small freedoms, a sound structure of rules and limits must first be established. Once rules are in place and respected, parents can feel assured that their growing children are ready to handle their newfound freedom. Establish key house rules around safety, screen use, homework and behavior, but don’t overdo it. Once kids know you won’t bend on rules, they are more willing to accept your expectations for independence.

There just might come a day when your third grader shakes you awake, all ready to go to school with backpack on, lunch packed and breakfast eaten. Don’t feel guilty, feel proud! You’ve raised an independent child and gained some of your own freedom along the way.

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family activities

Classes to take with your big kid Try cooking classes, crafting or adventures

KATIE HARRIS

F

inding activities that you and your teen or tween can both enjoy can feel impossible at times, but squeezing in quality time together is increasingly important as kids get older and busier. The following class offerings from recreation departments across northern Colorado are open to older kids and adults alike, so you can up your parenting game and connect with your big kid while learning something new together!

COOKING CLASSES A variety of unique cooking classes are offered this fall at the Chilson Recreation Center, located at 700 E. 4th St. in Loveland. In the Homemade Indian Flatbreads class, which meets Wednesday, Oct. 9th from 10am12:15pm, students have the opportunity to make spinach and mint bread, cauliflower and spiced chickpea flour bread, potato-stuffed bread, and Chai tea (class #464201-1). The Tasty Turkish Cuisine class on Thursday, Nov. 7th from 6-8:15pm, explores Turkish dishes such as red lentil and bulgur kebabs, mint and dill rice pilaf, black-eyed pea Pilaki, eggplant with yogurt sauce, and sesame Tahini Halva for dessert (Class #464203-1). In Slow Cooker Curries on Wednesday, Dec. 11th from 6-8:15pm, students make gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian dishes including spicy lentil soup, garbanzo bean curry, Saag (spinach curry), and vegetable Korma (Class #464204-1). All classes are open to ages 14 and up and cost $38 per participant.

To register, visit www.cityofloveland. org/departments/parks-recreation.

CRAFTING CLASSES Fort Collins Recreation offers crafting classes for everyone! Meet at Fort Collins Senior Center, located at 1200 Raintree Dr. for Felting, Needle Style. The class 10

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instructor teaches the needle technique method of felting on wool roving to create small, colorful sculptures. The theme on Saturday, Oct. 12th from 9am-noon is “Pumpkins,” and the theme on Saturday, Nov. 9th from 9am-noon is “Pilgrims.”

The class is open to ages 14 and up and costs $28 per person (Class #403436-02— pumpkins and #403436-03—pilgrims).

The Northside Aztlan Community Center at 112 E. Willow St. in Fort Collins offers the Curious Creations Club, where all ages can craft together through guided instruction. The theme is “Halloween Decor” for the upcoming class on Friday, Oct. 4th from 6-8pm, and cost is $36 per person (Class #418983-01). The Center also offers Family Art: Painting in Pairs for all ages. Family pairs are guided through a dual canvas program. The theme on Friday, Nov. 1st from 6-8pm is “Dia de los Muertos,” and the cost is $42 per pair (Class #418982-02). Register for Fort Collins classes at www.webtrac.fcgov.com.

ACTIVE AND OUTDOOR CLASSES Try your hand at fencing at the Windsor Community Recreation

Center, located at 250 11th St. Ages 13 and up can learn to fence together!

Classes take place on Fridays from 6-8pm, and fall sessions are offered Oct. 4-25 ($65, Class #314785-02), Nov. 1-22 ($35, Class #314785-03), and Dec. 6-20 ($49, Class #31478504). Also at the Center, learn T’ai Chi for Beginners, open to ages 12 and up.

Meet on Monday from noon-1pm, Nov. 4-Dec. 16 ($55, Class #31487004), or Wednesdays from noon-1pm, Nov. 6-27 ($40, Class #314785-05).

Windsor Recreation also offers Fishing: a class on top water bait casting, deep water spinner, and fly fishing for ages 8 and up. The class takes place on Oct. 9th and 12th, with the first class at the Center and the second outdoors. The class costs $10 per participant (Class #314960-04). Or, join the Day Hike class, also for ages 8 and older, and learn to prepare for a hike. The class meets on Oct. 16th and 19th, first at the Center and then outdoors. The cost is $20 per person (Class #314960-05.)

Register for Windsor classes at www. windsorgov.com/recreg.

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learn and live

All things pumpkin

Decorations, activities, food and memories to be enjoyed THERESA BAER

I

t’s pumpkin time and there’s definitely more fun to be shared than just carving a few triangles the night before Halloween. For me, carving is a fun, family tradition—my extended family gathers to eat, carve, and light up our creations in a group display every October. Yes, carving is at the top of the “things to do with pumpkin” list and here are some ideas to make your carvings a little more interesting. How about scraping just the surface off to thin the flesh for a filtered lighting effect, or using cookie cutters to make a design, or cut a large hole in the side and turn it into a diorama? Look for pumpkins with unique traits or blemishes and highlight them in your creations—turn different directions to use the stem for a nose or tail. Add household items such as ping-pong balls for eyes or sticks for crazy hair. If you’d like your pumpkins to last longer than those carved, add googly eyes, a mustache and western hat for a cowboy or googly eyes and gauze for a mummy, or assemble smaller black-painted pumpkins into various cat shapes.

For more sophisticated decor, paint them or add glue plus glitter, lace, leaves or buttons, or embellish with washi tape

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or colored pushpins. For your porch, wreaths with mini pumpkins can last for months. Stack one or two large pumpkins on empty planters or many of various sizes and colors onto a broom handle for a totem pole—paint faces, leave bare, or decorate as above for your desired look.

Having a party? Hollow smaller pumpkins for use as a vase with fall foliage–or a giant pumpkin and add ice to make a beverage cooler. Activities for your pumpkin palooza could include making bird feeders, seed art or necklaces, or even pumpkin sugar body scrubs. How about pumpkin bowling? For a study of force and motion with a somewhat explosive result, consider making a pumpkin catapult!

Directions can be found online and it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser if you have the outdoor space.

Don’t forget pumpkin foods— there are more than just pies and spiced lattes to be enjoyed. Pumpkins are

packed with fiber, potassium, vitamin C and plenty of beta-carotene, all offering the benefits of antioxidants, mood and immunity boosts, heart health, and stable blood sugar. You’ll want to use “pie” versus carving pumpkins or canned pumpkin for a quick, easy way to include in dishes. Recipes galore can be found online for cakes, cookies, breads, muffins, pies, roasted seeds, and soups—maybe serve in it hollowed pumpkins? Some especially unique ideas include French toast, sweet pumpkin butter or hummus spreads for bagels, breads, and crackers, or even ice cream. If you’re family isn’t thrilled with the flavor of pumpkin but you’d like to enjoy its health benefits, sneak pureed pumpkin into spaghetti sauces, chili, or fruit smoothies.

The list of things to do with pumpkin could go on and on—check out more on Pinterest. Hopefully these ideas got your creative juices flowing but regardless of how you choose to use pumpkins this fall, please involve your kids in the brainstorming, creating, and cooking—it will instill lots of fun memories and possibly traditions for a lifetime.

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community news Safety, skills and new activities

Family safety expo, business skills for kids and attraction openings THERESA BAER

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR TOURNAMENT FOR AGES 18 AND UNDER Young adults ages 18 and under can learn what it takes to make their business ideas a reality through a series of fun, hands-on weekend workshops.

With mentoring from local business leaders, participants will build a business model and pitch their plan to a panel of judges to compete for over $2,200 in prize money, including a $1,000 grand prize. A pre-tournament informational session will take place on Wednesday, October 2 at the Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development, 200 Peridot Ave. in Loveland and applications are due October 10. Tournament dates are Saturday and Sunday, October 12-13 and October 19-20 with the final pitch event on October 23 from 6–8pm. To get the details and apply online, visit www.larimer.org/ewd/young-adults/ careerrise/summer-opportunities/ young-entrepreneur-tournament-media.

FAMILY SAFETY & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EXPO Happening Saturday, October 5 from 10am until 2pm at The Ranch Fairgrounds, Thomas McKee Building, 5280 Arena Cir. in Loveland, this event is a collaboration of Larimer and Weld Counties to improve community safety. Attendees can meet local first responders, tour emergency vehicles, learn life safety skills and receive information regarding how to prepare for and respond appropriately to disasters. Don’t miss the preparedness cooking challenge and opportunities to win prizes like survival and kits, backpacks, flashlights and more.

Details can be found online at www.facebook.com/EmergencyPreparedness-Family-SafetyExpo-756006454522858.

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CITY OF LOVELAND FRESHENS UP CHILSON CENTER The City of Loveland recently performed a deep cleaning of and made repairs to the Chilson Recreation and Senior Center to better serve the community. Over the course of a week, areas such as the lobby, pool, locker rooms, gyms, fitness and dance rooms experienced tile repair and grout cleaning, hardwood refinishing, equipment cleaning, new faucets, toilet seats, air dryers and scales, carpet replacement and more. Classrooms were sanitized. The pool received new

easy stairs and the speed slide was rewaxed. The senior center received new projectors and screens and overhead speaker integration. View the details at www.cityofloveland.org/about/newsreleases or stop by to see for yourself at 700 E. Fourth Street in Loveland.

POUDRE RIVER WHITEWATER PARK GRAND OPENING Construction began in August 2018 for this $11.5 million project that started as an idea 20 years ago and opened last month. Open year-round from 5am until 11pm near the intersection

of Vine and College Avenue in Fort Collins, the Poudre River Whitewater Park offers ecological benefits and a more controlled recreational river experience. Visitors will find two boating features for kayakers and tubers, a pedestrian bridge, a children’s play area, and a south bank terrace with seating that overlooks the water and provides access to the Poudre trail. There’s a section of the riverbank offering full access for people with disabilities and beyond the river, visitors will find areas to sit and walk plus off-street parking. A grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, October 12 from 10am until noon at 101 E. Vine Drive in Fort Collins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, remarks from local leaders and live music.

CELEBRATING A GREELEY NATIVE AND INTERNATIONAL MATRIARCH The Union Colony Civic Center recently announced the Colorado premiere of a one-hour documentary on Lydia Ruyle or “Ya-Ya,” an artist and scholar who researched Goddesses for decades and at age 60 began creating Goddess Banners to inspire, empower and teach about “herstories” worldwide.

You can see “Herstory: The Visionary Life of Lydia Ruyle and the Banners

of the Divine Feminine” on Saturday, October 12 at 7:30pm or Sunday, October 13 at 2pm at the Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Avenue in Greeley. Tickets are available for $25 at www.ucstars.com.

UCHEALTH DEDICATES OVER $100 MILLION TOWARD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Over the next five years, UCHealth is dedicating at least $100 million to address behavioral health-care needs for patients across Colorado.

In addition to augmenting their existing behavioral health services, the funds will improve access to care

by integrating behavioral health with primary care, providing tele-behavioral health consultation services in emergency departments, primary care clinics and inpatient hospitals, as well as a new inpatient behavioral health unit. According to their September news release at www.uchealth.org, the organization is calling on other philanthropic organizations to provide donations of an additional $25 million to be matched dollar for dollar by UCHealth, which would bring the total investment to $150 million.

Donors may direct their funds to a specific need, program or location.

FUN NEW ADDITIONS TO THE GARDENS ON SPRING CREEK Construction is nearly complete for the Gardens on Spring Creek expansion.

Opening this fall, visitors will discover a new entrance and lobby and explore an expanded visitor’s center with more room for private party rental spaces and educational programming; a 1,500 square foot butterfly house home to hundreds of native butterflies; the two acre Great Lawn and stage; water-wise plants in the Undaunted Garden; native plants Prairie and Foothills Gardens; and the Wetlands for storm water management. Expect a grand opening celebration in November, a spectacular Garden of Lights this holiday season, and summer concerts beginning in 2020.

Details of these events will be posted online at www.fcgov.com/gardens.

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healthy living

Vegetarian kids

Get all the nutrition they need for growing bodies LEA HANSON

V

egetarianism has gone more mainstream in the past decade, including among kids. A nationwide survey by the Vegetarian Resource Group found that 3 percent of American youth, or about 1.4 million people between ages 8 and 18, are vegetarian; that is, they avoid meat, fish and poultry. That’s up from 2 percent 10 years ago.

Sometimes, parents who are already vegetarian decide to raise their kids the same way. Other parents start thinking more about heath and diet once they have children and cut out meat later on.

And, some kids who live in omnivore homes choose to become vegetarians themselves. Whatever the motivation, the American Dietetic Association says vegetarianism can benefit kids: In a policy statement the ADA points to research showing that vegetarian kids and teens take in less cholesterol, saturated fat and total fat and eat more fruits, vegetables and fiber.

NUTRITION AWARENESS Although there are clear benefits from a diet based on plants, there are things that parents of vegetarian kids should keep in mind to be sure their kids get the nutrition they need for their growing bodies. When thinking about possible nutritional deficiencies for kid vegetarians, most mistake protein as the most likely culprit. In addition to this being incorrect, parents and caregivers often overcompensate and end up giving children food with too much saturated fat and calories.

Iron is actually the most common nutrient deficient in vegetarians, and especially in vegans, who don’t eat any animal products. This is because ironrich plants have a type of iron that is harder for the body to absorb compared 16

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to iron found in animal products. Iron deficiencies are tricky because the symptoms are often not noticeable until kids get older, so it’s important to let your pediatrician know when your child is a vegetarian.

MEAL PLANNING In addition to overcompensating for a perceived lack in protein, parents and caregivers sometimes simply remove meat from the diet without thoughtfully replacing it with anything.

Compensating for possible nutritional deficiencies could be as simple as looking for plant sources of vitamins and minerals that are missing.

CREATING FAMILY STRATEGY Something as big as dietary change is best done as a family unit.

Whether your entire family chooses

Nutrients at a glance for vegetarians

•V itamin B12: dairy products, eggs, soy and rice drinks •V itamin D: milk, vitamin D-fortified orange juice, and other vitamin D-fortified products •C alcium: dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, dried beans •P rotein: dairy products, eggs, tofu and other soy products, dried beans, nuts • I ron: eggs, dried beans, dried fruits, whole grains, leafy green vegetables •Z inc: wheat germ, nuts, pumpkin seeds

a vegetarian diet or just one kid, the change is too big a project to make without a plan. One of the first steps is being authentic in your family’s or child’s reasons behind the diet. And, that the decision is one your child is making, to truly listen to and make meaning of their reasons.

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Supporting your Endocannabinoid System Stress, pain, and issues with sleep all have a connection to a certain part of our body. As part of our nervous system, our bodies are equipped with an endocannabinoid system. This system makes, sends, receives, and breaks down cannabinoids, such as the naturally occurring ones in our bodies, and also CBD. These cannabinoids are a crucial part of achieving and maintaining homeostasis, as well as helping regulate mood, appetite, and several other things.

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Between kids, family, friends, and time for yourself, life can be stressful. One way you can naturally support your body’s response to stress is with CBD. CBD seems to have a connection to Serotonin, the so-called ‘happiness hormone,’ helping to regulate mood. It may help balance those naturally occurring cannabinoids in your body, which may have been disrupted by patterns of stress.

Pain

Most of us have at least occasional discomfort, and many experience pain on a daily basis. In several studies, CBD has been found to decrease feelings of pain, and reduce inflammation with no side effects. It does this by interacting with receptors in the immune system, giving instructions to calm the body’s inflammatory response to pain.

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CBD has been commonly shown to support healthy brain functions which contribute to restful sleep. It is not a sedative, it will not make you feel drowsy or outwardly “sleepy.” Instead, CBD supports a number of bodily functions, namely the gastrointestinal tract as well as easing stress and supporting memory function. The benefit you may gain is to experience healthier sleep cycles naturally, and without prescribed medication.

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Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound extracted from hemp, a plant which contains very little (less than 0.3%) to none of the psychoactive THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) molecule. This means that with CBD extracted from hemp, you may experience relief from anxiety, pain, and positive impacts to your sleep, without the effects of THC. Full spectrum CBD contains less than 0.3% THC, broad spectrum and isolate contain no THC.

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Rule Technology so it doesn’t rule your kids Lynn U Nichols

4 reasons why you should limit access to media

I

f you have tweens or teens, their cell phones are likely an extra appendage, one that’s not in use. Cell phones are mini computers, giving us instant access to everything digital. It may seem like a constant use of technology is inevitable—why fight it—it’s simply what the future holds. Maybe you can’t win the fight completely, but there are some very valid reasons why you should try to at least limit technology use

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within your family. Here are four reasons why, along with ideas on alternatives.

1. TECHNOLOGY MIGHT STIFLE CREATIVE, CRITICAL THINKING With technology so accessible, it’s easy for kids to look up an answer, rather than ponder it themselves. While this is fine for facts, it isn’t ideal for more philosophical questions—or questions asking kids to think about human

behavior or a theme in a novel.

With the internet and smartphones, distraction is the norm and it’s nearly impossible to focus on one item for any length of time. This is changing how our kids pay attention. According to a recent article in Psychology Today, attention is the gateway to thinking and is highly influenced by the environment—and technology is training our kids to pay attention very differently than in the past.

Technology limits for kids It’s okay to limit how your kids use technology, they really won’t miss out on much. They might not understand why they shouldn’t be connected all the time, but you do. Decide on a few, solid rules of when, where and how much—and never negotiate—and you will be good to go. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Put phones, tablets and laptops to bed.

• When your kids go to bed, so do their phones, tucked in neatly on the kitchen counter, their chargers humming them to sleep. The physical act of putting the phone away will let them relax and likely get a better night’s sleep—and hopefully allow for some introspective thought. With driving teens, cell phones need to be in the glove box or in the backseat out of reach.

• Create closed hours for cell phones and entertainment devices.

• Make certain hours or times of the day off limits for cell phones. For example, no cell phone or media use until homework is completed, no media use within 30 minutes of bedtime, as it disturbs sleep.

• Use airplane mode during social gatherings or family time.

• A phone in airplane mode doesn’t get texts, eliminating the constant distracting ding. Make it a house rule that cell phones are in airplane mode during dinners, family discussions and family fun. With teens, make it a rule that their cell phone remains in airplane mode while driving, and cannot be used for music, which tempts teens to search for songs while driving.

Some argue this skimming versus diving deep is stripping away imagination and the ability to think critically.

Kids are still smart; it’s just a different kind of smart. Rather than remembering facts, they are learning where to find information. Rather than teaching extended focus, they are learning to identify important information amongst clutter and become skilled decision makers. It has been said that kids and young adults rely on the internet as their external brain.

They no longer have to hold a ton of information in their heads because it’s at their fingertips.

Help kids learn to think critically by going old school with books, games, puzzles and maps. Consider how we use GPS navigation to get around. Will young kids today who only grow up with navigation develop a natural compass?

Will they learn to hold a master map of

the streets of their cities or the structure of their countries in their minds? Get in the habit of having your child help with directions on a paper map, even if you’re just going around town.

Feed imagination by promoting free play and unstructured fun. Kids who engage in unstructured activities are happier and more well-adjusted than those who don’t. Free play is open-ended and child-led—and often involves the imagination.

Let kids of all ages take turns directing and making choices on family outings or daily decisions. Unstructured experiences have been shown to enhance how kids interact socially, solve problems and cope with stress, thanks to their often-unpredictable nature.

2. CONSTANT CONTACT TO MEDIA DISRUPTS EMOTIONAL CENTEREDNESS Kids, especially preteens and teens,

often experience a lot of up and down emotions. It’s part of growing up. Being able to tune in to what they are feeling allows them to learn about themselves and employ self-soothing techniques to stay centered emotionally. If they are constantly distracted by texts, tweets and snapchats, they don’t get a chance to find that inner calm or tap into their intuition.

Balance your kids online time with offline activities and daily habits that let them slow down and daydream.

Find what works best for your child.

Maybe they love to write—go pick out a cool journal or moleskin notepad and encourage them to journal when they have feelings come up. Take a family yoga or meditation class—or go one-onone with your teen—to give him a tool for when he needs to calm down nerves or overwhelm. If they love to be active, find a sport that’s meditative in nature, like skiing, biking, rowing, kayaking, RMPARENT

| 21

paddle boarding or skateboarding. They will likely find that by concentrating on avoiding that stump on the trail, or mastering that trick, they won’t have space in their brains for worry, and come home refreshed.

3. TECHNOLOGY AT OUR FINGERTIPS TEACHES INSTANT GRATIFICATION Patience and waiting for what they want has never been a universal strongpoint for kids. With the rise in technology, this may be even more challenging.

“Technology plays into how quickly kids expect results. It’s important to counter this habit by teaching patience and delayed gratification,” says Dr. Usha Udupa, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with UCHealth’s Mountain Crest Behavioral Health Center in Fort Collins. “If your child wants something, help her earn it. If kids don’t learn this skill, they may have a hard time later in life in school or work.”

Connect the idea that hard work and patience pays off. Kids who learn to work and wait for what they want will be more successful in future careers.

A number one complaint bosses have today is that young people expect

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continual excitement and challenge when in reality, most jobs demand completing at least some tedious tasks.

When your child sticks to a task, like raking the yard, mowing or shoveling the walk, reward them with praise or a favorite meal out.

4. ONLINE FRIENDS CAN’T REPLACE REAL FRIENDS Balance your kids’ online social interactions with lots of real-life interactions with friends. Learning to read facial cues and body language— and to sit with a friend and really listen—will help them achieve meaningful relationships.

“Kids don’t need to learn more technology skills; they need to learn more human skills. Knowing how to interact and talk with people will always be important,” Udupa says.

Social media is changing what it means to have a relationship. Teens might have “friends” in other states— they’ve never met them but they team up together on video games. Kids have several followers on Instagram, or include 20 people on their Snapchat list, but may not have a friend that they

really trust.

With social media, kids are always on—always accessible. Interactions are often brief and can be meaningless.

Social media also tends to set kids up to compare their lives to others, and often makes them feel inadequate.

Researchers have found that social media exacerbates attention deficit hyper activity disorder (ADHD), impulsive disorder, paranoia and loneliness when used to the extreme.

Teens especially are vulnerable to acceptance and rejection, and their heightened emotional sensitivity during this life stage, leaves them more vulnerable to mean or flippant comments made online.

Encourage real-live get togethers among friends by setting up your house to be the place to be. Have an open-door policy with plenty of snacks and quick meals on hand. Be willing to drive your kids and their friends to activities around town, or simply to meet at the park and mess around.

Team sports are another great outlet for social interaction and relationship building, as are weekends away for family fun.

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Why youth sports matter Katie Harris

Understanding the decline of participation in team sports

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r

H

igh school sports registration saw its first decline in 30 years during the 2018-19 school year, according to the annual High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

The findings, while noteworthy in themselves, are just one more piece of the puzzle of the overall drop in youth sports participation in recent years. According to City of Fort Collins Recreation Manager Marc Rademacher, who’s worked for the city’s recreation department for nearly 30 years, the trend isn’t just infiltrating sports at the national level.

“There’s no question about it,” says Rademacher. “We’ve seen a large decline in youth sports participation at the recreation level here in Fort Collins.”

According to Rademacher, the biggest drop in participation can be seen in the tackle football program, which saw a peak in registration at 800 players seven years ago, but only drew in 200 participants last season.

Tackle football has seen the largest decline at the national level as well, with 43,395 fewer participants for the 2018-19 school year than in 2017-18.

While the NFHS attributes the decline primarily to greater knowledge surrounding the risk of injury that comes along with the sport, football’s not the only sport to witness a decline.

Basketball has seen the second largest reduction in numbers at both the national and local levels; participation was down 23,944 this year at the national level and by 50 percent (from 2,500 to 1,200) at the local level.

While increased pressure to go competitive and work toward an athletic scholarship is often blamed for the drop in rec sports enrollment, Rademacher says it’s likely more complicated than that.

“Competitive sports are certainly part of it,” he says. “With girls’ softball, we had a really large program, nearly 700 girls, until a competitive program came into town and took our participation really low. The girls saw the opportunity to play competitive and at least half of them left. That was one place we really lost a lot of kids to competitive sports.”

Though the number of players in the recreational softball program has been on the rise since the competitive program closed a few years ago, Rademacher says the rec program’s numbers are nowhere close to what they once were.

Affordability can also play a role in whether kids decide to stick it out as they get older, or quit.

“Sports are a lot more expensive at the club level,” Rademacher says. “A lot of families can’t make that commitment. Especially at the middle school level, kids decide they don’t want to play for rec anymore. If they can’t afford to play on a competitive team they say this is not for me.”

In fact, according to the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS), nearly 70 percent of kids quit playing sports in middle school.

“NAYS has put out studies about why kids quit,” says Rademacher. “The number one reason is it just isn’t fun anymore.”

Whether it’s due to a coach who pushes too hard, a parent with unrealistically high expectations, or the loss of friends on the team to competitive or

How to keep youth sports fun: Tips from coach and Positive Youth Development Scholar, Dr. Peter C. Scales

• Teach them to love playing more than winning: “If you only have fun when you’re winning, or when your child is winning, you’re in for a lot of unfun days!”

• Model sportsmanlike behavior: “Attitude is a decision that I can’t make for them. But as their coach I can project an image of relaxation, acceptance, confidence, and gratefulness that can help them decide to be positive and have fun again.”

• Stress the pride in being a “doer” rather than a “watcher”: “. . . As President Teddy Roosevelt said at the turn of the 20th century, someone who is “in the arena” doing exciting things and taking risks, not just watching others.”

• Teach them that their performance in a particular match isn’t everything: “Sometimes, what they most immediately need is simply to see that I believe in them and know that their worth as a human being has nothing to do with the outcome of this match.”

• Know when to coach, and when to step back and simply believe in them: “...Giving them strategy ideas during the match sometimes can be too much ...I’m confident they’ll compete as best they can.”

• Pay attention to your own verbal and non-verbal communication: “Just like coaches, parents’ words and nonverbal behavior during practices and matches, and on the ride home, can either communicate that same belief, calmness, and enjoyment in their child’s play, no matter what, or communicate doubt, anxiety, disappointment, and conditional rather than unconditional love.”

• Make time for laughter: “Almost always, when I tell them to look up to the sky and look around and realize how lucky they are to be playing, this gets their minds off of how they’re doing . . . they typically smile or laugh at how totally not helpful I was, and release some of the tension and bad feelings, get looser, and start having fun again.” (“Keep the Fun in Youth Sports by Helping Kids Love the Game More Than How They Perform,” Feb. 22, 2019, www.positivecoach.org)

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| 25

individual sports, Rademacher says it’s the job of youth sports professionals to keep sports fun.

“Kids who quit in middle school usually don’t go back,” he says. “If we can get them through until high school, still playing, the honor and pride in playing for their school usually takes over. That’s something they’ve looked forward to since they were kids.”

Of course, putting that plan into action is no easy task, and like so many things, it takes a village.

“As adults we have to really think about what can we do to make sports fun and make kids want to stay,” Rademacher says. “Part of that is trying to get the message across that playing wherever you’re at is good for you and improves your skills.”

In an age when fewer children are getting a healthy amount of daily 26

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exercise than ever before, sports can literally be a lifesaver. According to NAYS, climbing obesity rates remain one of the most serious health challenges facing children today. The organization suggests that an hour of exercise each day—an amount achievable in a single practice or game— can have a significant impact.

And while there are many avenues kids can take to improve their physical health, the life skills gained through team sport participation are invaluable.

“Aside from the health benefits, team sports teach so many great life lessons: how to work with people, how to work for a coach, how to deal with disappointment, how to win, so many different aspects,” said Rademacher.

In addition, being part of a team as a kid can lead to being part of a team as an adult, thereby continuing

the habit of good health.

“I think that there are a lot of sports that can be lifetime sports: tennis, basketball, these are sports you can play your whole life and that’s where recreation comes through,” says Rademacher. “If we can keep kids playing through high school they might play intramural in college or keep going as adults.”

Perhaps the biggest benefit to playing on a team, and the aspect youth sports professionals will be focused on in their efforts to keep sports fun and kids playing, is the relationships built between teammates.

“We see kids leave their teams to play competitive and they end up quitting because they’re not playing with their friends anymore,” says Rademacher.

“A lot of the best friends people make for life are through youth sports.”

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greeley district 6 news District 6 students earn AP Scholar honors

A record number of students in Greeley-Evans School District 6 have earned the prestigious AP Scholars award for their outstanding performance on 2019 Advanced Placement tests, with four students earning the highest distinction of National AP Scholar. This year, 120 District 6 students earned AP Scholar honors.

The College Board’s Advanced Placement program offers students the opportunity to take challenging collegelevel 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.

Annually, the College Board recognizes those students who have taken multiple AP exams and scored well on them: • AP Scholar: Students who earned scores of 3 or higher on three or 30

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more AP exams.

• AP 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.

• AP 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.

• National 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.

• AP Capstone Seminar and Research Certificate: Students who earned

scores of three or higher on AP Seminar and AP Research, but not on four additional AP exams.

• AP Capstone Diploma: Student who earned scores of 3 or higher on AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP exams of their choosing.

Greeley Central High School led

among District 6 high schools with 47 AP scholars this year.

District 6 has nearly doubled the number of students achieving AP Scholar status over the past few years. In 2012, the number of AP Scholars was 57. Over the past 13 years, the College Board has named more than 1,000 District 6 students as AP Scholars.

The College Board’s AP exams are developed by a national committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that the exams are aligned with the same high standards expected by college faculty at some of the nation’s leading liberal arts and research institutions The 2019 National AP Scholars for District 6 are:

• Hayden Hein, who is a senior at Greeley Central High School, scored a 5 on seven tests and a 4 on two tests.

• James Krombholz, who graduated in May from Greeley Central High School, scored a 5 on three tests and a 4 on six tests.

• Indigo Parlin, a senior at Greeley Central

High School, scored a 5 on six tests and a 4 on four tests.

• Brooklyn Johnson, who graduated in May from Northridge High School, scored a 5 on three tests and a 4 on seven tests.

The remaining 2019 College Board Advanced Placement Scholars from District 6 are listed below. Some of these students were seniors in May 2019 and are now attending colleges and universities across the United States, or engaged in other education or career opportunities.

GREELEY CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

• AP Scholar: Aidan A. Schuttler. Alexandria T. Joseph, Alexis Arredondo, Alfredo J. Ochoa Hernandez, Anna L. Rutledge, Ariela R. Rodriguez, Brian M. Davis, Daniel E. Fuente, Diego Raya, Emily M. Nolin, Grace L. Patrick, Heather M. Yackey, Izel N. Guzman, Kayla J. Brower, Kyria I. Smith, Lanie M. Freeland, Leona K. Armagost, Lesly N. Alvarez-Rivera, Lincoln Severt, Madeline B. Brabo, Madrigal J. Frederick-Law, Michael T. Klemm, Neyver Soto-Velasques, Nimo A. Elmi, Olivia Staubitz, Philip A. Steitz, Riley F. Wooten and Stefeny G. Krombholz • AP Scholar with Honor: John M. Mathews, Jory E. Hundley, Makayla A. Martin, Meghan E. Wampler, Rudi A. Herrig • AP Scholar with Distinction: Ashton J. Mott Severt, Gavan W. Blackburn, Gianna Uyemura, Hayden L. Hein, Indigo N. Parlin, Jaeda C. Shackley, James H. Krombholz, Kathryn R. Canterbury, Lindy C. Muttel, Mazlyn G. Freier andTaylor R. Henderson

NORTHRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

• AP Scholar: Amy R. Haining, Carson A. Doney, David Thang, Emily O. Chaparro, Erica Horning Gabriel X. Castro, James A. Hermance, Kennedy C. Michnewicz, Khalil N. Bhanji, Madison K. Van Soest, Shane T. Loewe, Tomas G. Martinez, Wyatt A. Carpenter

DISTRICT 6 HOSTS VIP TOURS HIGHLIGHTING BOND ISSUE Greeley-Evans School District 6 is hosting two informational VIP Tours highlighting schools that will be replaced or have significant repairs and renovations if the 2019 Bond Issue 4C passes in November.

The tours are from 8am to 1pm, September 26 and October 3. Both tours will start at Northridge High School. Participants will have a brief orientation and tour at Northridge, before boarding a school bus and traveling to McAuliffe STEM Academy, Greeley West High School, Chappelow Arts Magnet K-8 School and Madison Elementary School. The group will then return to Northridge High School.

“We believe it is important for the voters of Greeley and Evans to have a chance to see one of our newer schools, Northridge, and the sites that have significant needs that we are proposing to address with this bond issue,” says

Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch. “This is an important ballot measure for our communities and it is essential for voters to have the facts and see first-hand the conditions of these facilities so they can make an informed decision in November.”

Participants will be provided factual information about 4C, and will have a chance to ask questions at each stop and on the bus in between locations.

Greeley West High School and Madison Elementary School are proposed for a complete rebuild in the 4C Bond Issue. Both schools have significant structural issues and are greatly over capacity. McAuliffe STEM Academy K-8 and Chappelow Arts Magnet K-8 are also over capacity, and will receive significant additions if the bond issue is approved. Chappelow will also receive a new performing arts space. Every school in District 6—including charter schools— will receive repairs, renovations and dollars for career and technical education spaces.

Refreshments and lunch will be served. Northridge High School has ample parking. Space on both VIP Tours is limited, so please sign up today.

To register for the tour, visit www. greeleyschools.org/VIPtour. Anyone with questions can call District 6 Chief of Communications Theresa Myers at (970) 348-6003 or email tmyers@ greeleyschools.org.

GREELEY WEST HIGH SCHOOL

• AP Scholar: Autumn R. Truitt, Brayden Startzer, Brendan J. McCune, Brody N. Clark, Dakota C., Kessinger-Soto, Ivanna X. Rizo, Jackson m. Morgan, Jasmine S. Demeyer. Jonathan M. Ordonez, Joshua D. Morehead, Karla J. Ibarra Ruiz, Maliya L. Suntych, Mara R. Johnson, Rebecca A. Nava,, Riley A. Reynolds, Ryan Wethington, Terence V. Williams and Vincentius Farnando • AP Scholar with Honor: Gracejit K. Chahal and Luisa V. Zamora • AP Scholar with Distinction: Jennifer A. Sample and Megan E. Battleson RMPARENT

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poudre school district news 2019-20 school year off to a great start!

Excitement was in the air as Poudre School District students reunited with their friends and teachers at the start of the 2019-20 school year.

Each school has its own traditions to celebrate this time of year. Some roll out a red carpet for arriving students; others play music and greet students with high fives as they hop off the bus, some plan fun team-building activities to help students adjust to a new year.

No matter what a particular school’s traditions are, the goal is the same: To welcome each and every student and celebrate the endless possibilities of the new school year.

Blevins Middle School Principal Melissa Wagner told incoming sixth graders that their three-year journey in middle school will go by fast.

“But I want you to stop and enjoy this moment,” Wagner said. “This is 32

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a chance to start fresh and make new friends. … We want to inspire everyone, every day.”

PHS INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE GRADUATES GET JUMPSTART ON COLLEGE CREDITS—93 PERCENT EARN FULL IB DIPLOMA Congratulations to the 2019 graduating Poudre High School International Baccalaureate program graduates for earning full IB diplomas. These outstanding students exceeded the national and international average for diploma completion and individual exam scores.

Results showed that 93 percent of the IB senior class of 2019 earned their full IB diploma, far outpacing the international average of 79 percent and the national average of 70 percent. In addition, the average score earned by the

125 PHS upperclassmen who sat for IB exams was 5.0, well above the passing score of 4.

The rigorous two-year diploma program requires students to complete major self-directed projects, community service work and collegiate-level coursework. Each senior leaves high school with at least 24 college credits applicable at any public Colorado college or university.

In order to graduate, students took end-of-course exams in the subjects they studied—English, a second language, math, history, science and the arts.

“The staff at PHS is incredibly proud of the achievements of our 2019 IB graduates,” IB Director and Assistant Principal Cori Hixon said.

“These students represent some of the finest compassionate, open-minded, and motivated individuals who undoubtedly have much to offer their communities. And, along with the social skills obtained in the IB program, academically they have the skills needed to tackle future pursuits. We wish them the best and celebrate their accomplishments.”

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thompson school district news Welcome Back TSD Students

Thompson School District is excited to have all their students back in class! We are looking forward to a year full of fun and learning!

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER AT STANSBERRY PHASE 1 COMPLETE Celebrating the completion of the first phase of Thompson’s new Early Childhood Center at the Stansberry Campus.

CORN ROAST FESTIVAL PARADE The Thompson School District team had a wonderful time walking in the Corn Roast Festival parade. Thank you to the Loveland and Berthoud Community for your continued support.

STRIVE 2025 Thompson School District is proud to announce “Strive 2025,” its new 34

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five-year Strategic Plan that was formally adopted by the district’s Board of Education.

“Strive 2025” encompasses the district’s “Portrait of a Graduate,” as well as four distinct Focus Areas upon which all of the district’s work and efforts will be anchored: • Student Achievement • Inclusive and Supportive Culture • H uman Talent • Stewardship of Resources

For more detailed information, please visit www.thompsonschools. org/Strive2025.

Thank you to all of the students, families, staff and community members who assisted the district with the development of the “Strive 2025” Strategic Plan. Your guidance throughout this process has been invaluable and we are extremely grateful for your partnership.

GARFIELD COMMUNITY GARDEN On Tuesday, August 27 Garfield Elementary School kicked off their new shiny community garden! The day started with an introduction from Spencer Harris from Nutrien (a community sponsor of our garden), and Alex Brandy from Big Green (garden builders and support team).

After the ribbon cutting was completed, the kids and volunteers got to work. Garfield Elementary students helped by moving the soil and planting the garden while also enjoying a tasting activity.

DANIELLE CASE, 2019 MULTI-LEVEL SCHOOL COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR High Plains School Counselor Danielle Case was recognized by Colorado School Counselor Association as the 2019 Multi-level School Counselor of the year. Congratulations Danielle!

Danielle Case, 2019 Multi-level School Counselor of the Year

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OCTOBER 2019 FALL FESTIVITIES WEEKENDS, OCTOBER 4 THROUGH 27 Harvest Farm Fall Festival Corn maze, wagon rides, petting zoo, nightly bonfire, pumpkin patch and more.

All ages. Harvest Farm, Wellington.

Fridays/Saturdays 10am–8pm, Sundays 1–6pm. www.harvestfarm.org.

THURSDAYS THROUGH SUNDAYS, OCTOBER 4 THROUGH 31 Northern Colorado Corn Maze Corn maze (haunted at night), scavenger hunts, pumpkin patches, seasonal décor, animals, pedal cars, more. All ages.

Northern Colorado Corn Maze, 2318 S CR 5, FC. Hours vary. 308-5843 www.nococornmaze.com.

OCTOBER 5 THROUGH 31 Something from the Farm Pumpkin Patch Pumpkins, hayride and bale maze, Corn Cannon, and Pumpkin Trebuchet (operates only on weekends). Something from the Farm, 8020 S. Timberline Rd., FC. Monday–Saturday 9am–6pm Sunday 10am–6pm. 282-1135 www.somethingfromthefarm.com.

OCTOBER 8, 12 Library Costume Party Don a costume and enjoy snacks, music and crafts. Ages 2–5. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10:30–11am.

686-5603, https://clearviewlibrary.org/ event/3101703.

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OCTOBER 10, 11, 17, 18 Mini Pumpkin Chuckin’ STEM Activity Learn recycling basics then develop a catapult to launch small, candy pumpkins.

Ages 3–6. Registration and parental participation required. Larimer County Garbage Garage Education Center, 5887 S, Taft Hill Rd., FC. 10:30–11:30am.

498-5772, www.larimer.org/events.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Fall Jamboree Annual giant pumpkin contest plus beer tent, food truck and fun activities for kids.

All ages. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry St., FC. 10am–3pm.

482-1984 www.FortCollinsNursery.com.

Glowing Goblin Eyes STEM Activity Review recycling basics, decorate a goblin and create a circuit to make its eyes glow.

Ages 7–12. Registration and parental participation required. Larimer County Garbage Garage Education Center, 5887 S, Taft Hill Rd., FC. 12:30pm.

498-5772, www.larimer.org/events.

WEEKENDS, OCTOBER 18 THROUGH 27 Fear of the Dark Prison Break Haunted House Two-story 3,000 square foot haunted house. $20. Chippers Lanes Horsetooth, 217 W. Horsetooth Rd., FC. Hours vary.

286-0802 www.chipperslanes.com.

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS, OCTOBER 11 THROUGH 26 Creepy Walk in the Woods NOT recommended for children under 11. Profits benefit northern Colorado philanthropic needs. Ages 11+. $20. Base of Devil’s Backbone, just west of Loveland.

Gates open 6pm, tours start 7pm. www.creepywalk.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 THROUGH 19 Hogwarts Halloween Casting spells, creating potions, eating chocolate frogs, drinking butterbeer and playing Quidditch. Ages5–14. Registration required. Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 E. Willow St., FC. 221-6655.

6–9pm each night. www.fcgov.com/recreation/hogwartshalloween.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 Haunted Library Find the library’s wayward spirit with Rocky Mountain Paranormal Society and help it cross to the other side. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 6pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

OCTOBER 19 THROUGH 20 Howl-O-Ween Trick or Treat Trick or treat at historical buildings and enjoy carnival games, a not-so-haunted house and costume contest. All ages. $3/ person, ages 3 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Centennial Village Museum, 1475 A St., GR. 3–7pm.

OCTOBER 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 31 Harrington’s HAAunted House of Horrors Fundraiser for Harrington Arts Alliance.

Kid friendly day October 27, 11am–2pm, $5. All other days $12/ages 11 and under, $15/ages 12+. Majestic Gathering Place, 315 E. 4th St., LV. Hours vary. 568-8370 www.lovelandhauntedhouse.com.

OCTOBER 23, 24, 25 DIY Costume Workshop Care for the Earth and create your own costume with used materials. Ages 3–10.

Registration and parental participation required. Larimer County Garbage Garage Education Center, 5887 S, Taft Hill Rd., FC. 10:30am. 498-5772, www.larimer.org/events.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 Beyond the Classroom: Trick or Treating Discuss candy distributions, sorting, routes and understanding how variables affect outcomes (candy type and/or quantity/ quality). Registration required. Grades 3–5. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 2pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

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Teen Scream After Hours Movie Wear comfy clothes for PG-13 scary movie and popcorn. Grades 6–12. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 5:30pm.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Film: Young Frankenstein Starring Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Marty Feldmen. Rated: PG. $6. Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm.

962-2120, www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

Film: Beetlejuice Starring Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton. Rated: PG. $6. Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm.

962-2120, www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

THROUGH OCTOBER 31 Bartels Farm Pumpkin Patch Punkin chunkin, farm animals, kids’ mini straw maze, hay rides, corn maze plus seasonal decorations and pumpkins! All ages. The Bartels Farm, 3424 E. Douglas Rd., FC. 10am–6pm. 493-3853 www.thebartelsfarm.com.

OCTOBER 25, 26, 27 Treatsylvania Trick-or-treating, hayrides and pumpkin patch. Tickets on sale Oct. 2 for $5/child and must be purchased in advance. Ages 10 and under. Farm at Lee Martinez Park, 600 N. Sherwood St., FC. Friday 6–7:30pm, Saturday 6–8pm, Sunday 1–3pm and 5–7pm. www.fcgov.com/treatsylvania.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 Halloween Party & Petting Zoo Costumes, petting zoo, crafts, games, activities and treats. All ages.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 2–3:30pm. 686-5603, https:// clearviewlibrary.org/event/3102087.

Haunted Library Find your wayward spirit with Rocky Mountain Paranormal Society. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 6pm.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Halloween Eye Ball Sixth annual fundraising gala with costume contest. All proceeds are used to provide services to people with low vision throughout Colorado who are in need of training, counseling and tools. The Agave Room, 149 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 6:30–11:30pm.

Osborn Farm Pumpkin Patch Field of pumpkins, barrel train, hay rides, seasonal décor. Vendors/hay rides on Saturdays/Sundays only. All ages. Osborn Farm, 1230 S Boise Ave., LV. 10am–6pm. www.osborn.farm.

Tigges Farm Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin patch plus wagon rides, petting zoo, roasted chilies, farm equipment museum, barn quilt gallery, more. Tigges Farm, 12404 WCR 64 ½, GR. 9am–6pm.

686-7225, www.tiggesfarm.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 Tiny Tot Halloween Toddlers and their guardians trick-or-treat for candy from downtown businesses and their costumed staff. Old Town, FC. 10am– 1pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

3D Spooky Movie Celebrate the paranormal season. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 4pm.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Tricks and Treats at FCMoD Trick-or-treating and activities throughout the museum. All ages. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 5–8pm.

221-6738, www.fcmod.org.

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THROUGH NOVEMBER 2 Fritzler Farm Fall Festival Pumpkin patch, corn maze (haunted at night), and many fun family attractions.

All ages. Fritzler Farm, 20861 CR 33, LaSalle. Hours vary. 737-2129, www. fritzlerfarmpark.com.

WEEKENDS, OCTOBER 11 THROUGH 26 Patricia MacLachlan’s Sarah Plain and Tall Heartbreaking and heartwarming story about family presented by Debut Theatre Company. $8. All ages. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia, FC. Times vary.

221-6730, www.lctix.com.

THROUGH NOVEMBER 3 Nightmare City Haunted House Ages 16+ only! $13, $15, $ 20. Next to ARC Thrift store, 2393 W. 27th St. #528, GR. Times vary. www.nightmarecityhaunt.com.

OCTOBER 12 THROUGH JANUARY 12 Game Changers: Live the Video Game Evolution Explore the past and uncover the future of gaming. Try operating a supersized Nintendo controller, play Tetris on a giant Game Boy and more. Members-only opening Oct. 12. $6/person ($3/members) in addition to admission. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10am–5pm. 221-6738, www.fcmod.org.

ONGOING

FOURTH THURSDAYS OCTOBER 1 THROUGH 31 It Knows No Face: Portraits of Suicide Survivors Exhibit of large scale portraits by Randy Bacon of suicide survivors plus stories from each person about the impact on their lives. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Murder Mystery: The Riddle of the Raven Look for clues and enter your solution – if correct, you may win a prize at the reveal Nov. 1. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

OCTOBER 3, 17 Music Technology with Soundtrap Learn to use Soundtrap software to create songs. Registration required. Grades 6–12.

Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 6pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

OCTOBER 11 THROUGH 13 Craft & Gift Show Features 130+ artisan vendors, giveaways, food and children’s activities. Island Grove Event Center, 14th Ave. and A St., GR. Friday Noon–5pm, Saturday 9am–5pm, Sunday 10am–4pm. www.greeleytribune.com/craft.

Cole Porter: Musical Genius Presented by Loveland Choral Society. All ages. $21. Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. Friday/Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 3pm.

962-2120, www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

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OCTOBER 19, 26 Discovery Lab: Eye Dissection Families dissect a cow eye together. Ages 8+ with adult. Registration recommended. $5/family of 6 ($4/member family). Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 11am–Noon and 1:30–2:30pm.

221-6738, www.fcmod.org.

OCTOBER 25 THROUGH 27 Frozen JR The Stampede Troupe presents the modern classic from Disney onstage. $12/adult, $10/student. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. Times vary by day. 356-5000 www.ucstars.com.

THROUGH DECEMBER 14 The Moon Museum: Unofficial Art on Apollo 12 Complex ways in which art and technology are interrelated. All ages. Gregory Allicar Museum of Art, University Center for the Arts, 1400 Remington St., FC. 10am– 6pm. 491-1989 www.artmuseum.colostate.edu.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1 High Plains Chautauqua: Looking Forward—Community Meeting Explore ideas and provide input for community humanities programs in Greeley and Weld County. Light supper provided.

Registration required. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 5:30pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3 In the Dome: Under One Rock Explore the habitat of ants, worms, slugs and beetles then make a craft in the Learning Lab. Ages 3–5. $5/child ($4/members). Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10:15– 11am. 221-6738, www.fcmod.org.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 Noches En Familia Celebrate Latinx’s cultural roots through stories, music, food, puppets, crafts and games. All ages. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave. FC. 5pm. 221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org.

Donna Cooner Book Release Party Local author Donna Cooner celebrates her fifth YA book, Fake. Free taco bar provided. All ages. Illegal Pete’s rooftop, 320 Walnut St., FC. 5–7pm. 484-7898 www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

Two Exhibit Openings with Brazilian Music Día de los Muertos: Day of the Dead Altars and Inspirational Women: Rising through Adversity open and Bole Bole performs from 5–7 pm. Free admission 6-9 pm. All ages. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 221-4600, www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

Little Plates for Little People Raise funds for Teaching Tree with music/ dancing, brews/spirits, tasty food and 100+ silent auction baskets. $50. The Drake Center, 802 W. Drake Rd., FC. 5:30–9pm. www.teaching-tree.org.

Skygazing with Northern Colorado Astronomical Society Telescopes provided. All ages. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, 3340 Carpenter Rd., FC. 7–9pm. 416-2815 www.fcgov.com/register.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 Family Safety & Emergency Preparedness Expo Meet first responders, tour vehicles, learn safety skills and learn disaster preparedness. All ages. The Ranch Fairgrounds, Thomas McKee Bldg., 5280 Arena Cir., LV. 10am–2pm. www.facebook.com/EmergencyPreparedness-Family-SafetyExpo-756006454522858.

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Farmers

MARKETS Greeley Farmers’ Market The Depot, 902 7th Ave. Saturdays, 8am-Noon, May 18-Oct. 26 Zoe’s, 715 10th St. 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9am-Noon, Nov.-April www.greeleygov.com/fm Johnstown Milliken Farmers Market Charlotte St. and Parish Ave., Johnstown Fridays, 4-8pm, June-Oct. www.johnstownmillikenchamber.com

Crafty Tales: Scarecrows and Pumpkins Stories, songs and a special craft. Ages 3–6. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10:30–11:30am. 686-5603, https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/3101618.

International Observe the Moon Night View night sky wonders with UNC’s Physics and Astronomy Department.

Telescopes provided or bring your own.

Bishop-Lehr Hall, UNC, 501 20th St., GR. 7pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Complete Works of William Shakespeare at Warp Speed The Reduced Shakespeare Company irreverently performs all 37 plays—in 97 minutes. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 356-5000 www.ucstars.com.

Fort Collins Symphony (FCS) Premieres “A Light in the Ocean” New composition by composer Chris Pilsner plus Prokofiev and Berlioz. All ages. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, 417 W. Magnolia, FC. 7:30pm. 221-6730, www.lctix.com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 Murder Mystery: Ravenwood Castle Uncover clues and question participants to solve the mystery. Registration required.

Grades 6–12. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 2pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

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Larimer County Farmers Market 200 S. Oak St., Fort Collins Saturdays, 9am-1pm, May 19-Oct. 26 www.larimercountyfarmersmarket.org Timnath Sunday Market 138 Main St., Timnath First Sundays, 10am-2pm, May-Oct. www.coloradofeedandgrain.com/ sundaymarket

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 Fall Into Art, Oh My! Celebrate fall by creating artwork using gravity, pipettes, paint and nature items.

Ages 6–8. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 3:30–4:30pm. 686-5603, https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/3101648.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 Kids Crafterschool: Fall Leaf Lanterns Supplies provided. Registration required.

Grades 3–5. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 3:30pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Nightmare Chasers: Dreamcatchers Design and create a nightmare chaser (dreamcatcher). Ages 12–18.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St. WS. 4–5:30pm. 686-5603 https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/3101729.

QPR Suicide Prevention Program QPR provides basic level suicide prevention information, outreach and education. Registration required.

Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave. GR. 6:30pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10 Little STEAMers: Insects, Bugs & Creepy Crawlers Learn the differences between insects, arachnids and arthropods and meet some up-close. Ages 3–5 with caregiver. $5/child ($4/members), caregivers free. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10:15–11am and 2:15–3pm. 221-6738 www.fcmod.org.

G.R.E.A.T.: A Kinship Support Group G.R.E.A.T. (Grand, Resourceful, Empowered, and Treasured) offers grandparents or other kin raising kin relevant resources and discussions and self-care activities. Bring lunch (drinks/ dessert provided). Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. Noon. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Clearview Homeschooler’s Academy: Glowing Mad Science Lab Mix glowing potions and experiment with globs of goop. Ages 5–12.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 1–2pm. 686-5603 https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/3101792.

National Geographic Live: On the Trail of Big Cats Get daringly close to tigers, leopards, jaguars and cougars through unforgettable stories and images of award-winning photographer Steve Winter. All ages. $15.

Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia, FC. 7:30pm. 221-6730, www.lctix.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 Loveland Connect Event for homeless or near homeless to find resources in one location. All ages.

Truscott Elementary, 211 W. 6th St., LV. 7am–1pm. 962-2517, www.lifecenternoco. org/serve/loveland-connect.

Photography Lab: Cyanotypes Discover an earlier form of modern photography. Learn basics of developing and create an original print to take home.

No cameras needed. Registration required.

Grades 6–12. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 2pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

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Poetry Slam Watch or perform in a safe environment where all are supported as they share their original work. Ages 13–18. WindsorSeverance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6–7:30pm. 686-5603 https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/3101807.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 Rope for Hope event benefiting House of Neighborly Service Edgers raising minimum of $1000 will rappel off 5-story parking garage in downtown Loveland. Foundry in Downtown Loveland, 350 N. Cleveland Ave., LV. 8am–5pm. 667-4939, x135 www.honservice.org.

Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Fall Jamboree Annual giant pumpkin contest plus beer tent, food truck and fun activities for kids.

All ages. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry St., FC. 10am–3pm. 482-1984 www.FortCollinsNursery.com.

Read and Seed Learn about “Too Many Pumpkins” and decorate a mini pumpkin. Ages Pre-K–10.

Old Town Farmers’ Market, 200 W. Oak St., FC. 10–11am. 416-2486 www.fcgov.com/gardens.

Grand Opening of Poudre River Whitewater Park Official opening of new recreational river experience. All ages. Poudre River Whitewater Park, 101 E. Vine Dr., FC. 10am–Noon. www.fcgov.com/ parkplanning/poudre-river-park.

Family Day at Gregory Allicar Museum of Art Drop-in for art activities led by CSU Art Education faculty/students plus science activities with CSU’s Little Shop of Physics. Ages 5–12. Gregory Allicar Museum of Art, University Center for the Arts, 1400 Remington St., FC. 10am–2:30pm. 491-1989 www.artmuseum.colostate.edu.

The Art of the Garage Tour 2019 and After Party Join the Museum of Art Fort Collins on a tour some of the finest visual, musical and automotive treasures. $25/tour only, $40/ tour + party. Fort Collins, locations TBA. Tours 10am–4pm, After party 4–6pm. www.moafc.org/art-of-the-garage-tour.

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Dungeons & Dragons Tabletop role-playing games. No experience/materials required. Ages 12– 18. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. Noon–4:30pm. 686-5603, https:// clearviewlibrary.org/event/3101843.

SAFE: Teen Provides resources, help and hope to middle/high school students with basic suicide prevention information, outreach and education. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Book Signing with Stephie Morton Local author Stephie Morton will sign copies of new children’s book, Three Lost Seeds. All ages. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 1–2pm. 484-7898 www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

Sugar Skulls and Bread of the Dead: Understanding Día de los Muertos Presentation traces the history of the holiday from its role in the Aztec Empire to its place in modern Mexico. $5 (includes museum galleries). All ages. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 2–4pm. 221-4600 www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

Center for Family Outreach Masquerade Ball Hors d’oeuvres, libations, live music and dancing in masquerade ball attire plus aerialists, stilt walkers, magicians. $75.

Hilton Fort Collins, 425 W. Prospect Rd. FC. 6–11pm. www.tcffo.org.

8th Annual Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Charity Ball Support your local firefighters with live/ silent auctions. Ages 21+. Embassy Suites, 4705 Clydesdale Pkwy., LV. 6pm– Midnight. www.terryfundco.org/events.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 The Doubleclicks—Live in the Dome Billboard-charting sibling duo sing about dinosaurs, cats, social anxiety, identity and feelings and feature cello, guitar, meowing cat keyboard, more. All ages. $10/adult ($8/member), $5/child ($3/members). Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 4pm. 221-6738, www.fcmod.org.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 Tween Top Chef Fun, friendly and delicious cooking competition. Ages 9–12. WindsorSeverance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 3:30–4:30pm. 686-5603 https://clearviewlibrary.org/event/3101852.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15 Early Literacy Fair: Mother Goose Fun, interactive learning activities, crafts and musical games. Ages birth–PreK. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 9am. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Music in the Museum Concert Series Explore music and the visual arts with concerts in the galleries. Performances

by CSU music, art/art history and music/ theater/dance departments. All ages.

Registration required. Gregory Allicar Museum of Art, University Center for the Arts, 1400 Remington St., FC. Noon– 1pm and 6–7pm. 491-1989 www.artmuseum.colostate.edu.

Lego Building: Monsters in the Dark Grades K–5 (under age 8 with caregiver).

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1pm. 221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

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Cashore Marionettes Joseph Cashore presents Life in Motion with marionette masterworks. All ages. $25/person or $75 family bundle of 4, 5, or 6 tickets. Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 962-2120 www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 Greeley Multicultural Festival Celebrate diverse cultures with music, performances, food, demos and crafts.

Campus Commons on UNC campus, 2125 10th Ave., GR. 11am–5pm. www.greeleymulticulturalfestival.org.

Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure Immersive experience in ocean depths where prehistoric marine reptiles lived eons ago. All ages. $15. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, 417 W. Magnolia, FC. 2pm and 6pm. 221-6730, www.lctix.com.

Discovery Zone: Science and Slimy Stuff New activity each month. Ages 5+ with caregiver. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave. FC. 3:30–5pm.

221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

Discovery Zone: Science and Slimy Stuff New activity each month. Ages 5+ with caregiver. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave. FC. 3:30–5pm.

221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

Meet the One and Only Wolfgang with Steve Greig Steve Greig will discuss new kids’ book, a heart-warming story of acceptance and family. All ages. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6pm. 484-7898 www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 Canada’s Ballet Jörgen: Anne of Green Gables First full-length ballet based on beloved novel Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. All ages. $15. Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia, FC. 7:30pm. 221-6730 www.lctix.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17 In the Dome: Over on the Farm See pigs, goats, horses and turkeys, then visit the Learning Lab for a craft. Ages 3–5. $5/child ($4/members). Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10:15–11am. 221-6738, www.fcmod.org.

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Teen Craft-a-Thon Needle felting a Halloween-themed creation. Ages 12–18. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6–7:30pm.

686-5603, https://clearviewlibrary.org/ event/3101866.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 School’s Out Movie: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Animation, adventure, comedy. Rated PG. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave. FC. 10am. 221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org.

Stargazing with Northern Colorado Astronomical Society Telescopes provided for viewing stars, galaxies and planets. All ages. $9 daily entrance permit required. Ramsay-Shockey Open Space, Pole Hill Rd., LV. 7–9pm. 619-4489 www.larimer.org/events/natural-resources.

Jurassic World In Concert: With the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra Watch this record-breaking film in HD while full symphony orchestra performs the iconic score. $25, $37. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm.

356-5000, www.ucstars.com.

Prohibition Party for Crossroads Safehouse Secret entry speakeasy, costumes, big band, hors d’oeuvres, beverages, more.

Ages 21+. $75. Hilton Fort Collins, 425 W. Prospect Rd., FC. 6–10pm. www.crossroadssafehouse.org.

Astronomy & Skygazing Brief astronomy program for families and skygazing. Telescopes provided. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, 10184 W. CR 32C, LV. 6:30–8:30pm. 416-2815 www.fcgov.com/register.

Face Vocal Band All-vocal rock tunes of Maroon 5, Imagine Dragons, CSNY, Charlie Daniels and more plus amazing original music. All ages. $25/person. Rialto Theater Center 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 962-2120 www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 Spooky Miniature Gardening Class Create your own spooky, Halloweenthemed fantasy world with plants and accessories. All ages. $40. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry St., FC. 11am–12:30pm. 482-1984 www.FortCollinsNursery.com.

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Annual Museum Gala: Fiesta Mexicana Fundraiser for Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures with live entertainment and silent/live auctions. $50/person. All ages. Fort Collins Country Club, 1920 Country Club Rd., FC. 4–7pm. 221-4600 www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

Author Visit with Andy Griffiths Celebrate the release of the 9th book in the children’s book Treehouse Series: “The 117-Story Treehouse: Dot, Plots, and Daring Escapes.” All ages. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm.

221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21 Teen Cooking Club Making a variety of creepy Halloween treats. Ages 12–18. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 4–5:30pm.

686-5603, https://clearviewlibrary.org/ event/3101910.

Juilliard String Quartet Experience unparalleled artistry and enduring vigor. All ages. $35/person.

Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 962-2120 www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22 Y is for Yoga Build literacy skills and healthy minds and bodies through books, songs, rhymes and yoga. Ages 3–6. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10–10:45pm.

686-5603, https://clearviewlibrary.org/ event/2022760.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 Kids Crafterschool: Pinata Supplies provided. Registration required.

Grades 3–5. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 3:30pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 Little STEAMers: Pumpkin Science Make pumpkins erupt and explore gooey guts (might get messy). Ages 3–5 with caregiver. $5/child ($4/members), caregivers free. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10:15– 11am and 2:15–3pm. 221-6738 www.fcmod.org.

History Brown Bag Series: History & Artifacts of the Colorado Railroad Museum Presented by Greeley Historic Preservation Commission. Colorado Model Railroad Museum (free admission), 680 10th S, GR. Noon–1pm. 350-9222, www.greeleygov.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 Gentle Persuasions Dog Training Learn about dog training and good canine manners. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 6pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 STEM Workshop for Early Childhood Professionals & Homeschoolers STEM in the Mountains explores ways to bring hands-on learning to young children. Receive 5-hour certificate of completion. YMCA of the Rockies, Legett Youth Building, EP. 9am–2:30pm (lunch provided). http://bit.ly/RAFTSTEAM. Sábado Warhol One-day exhibition of Andy Warhol works features tours in Spanish/English, music, art activities and giveaways. All ages.

Gregory Allicar Museum of Art, University Center for the Arts, 1400 Remington St., FC. 10am–5pm. 491-1989 www.artmuseum.colostate.edu.

Book Signing with Erin Morris Author and U.S. Army veteran Erin Morris will sign copies of Who is Sam the Soldier?, her new children’s book.

All ages. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 1–2pm. 484-7898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

A Very Hogwarts Murder Solve the mystery of Professor Binns’ murder at the roaring ‘20s Hogwarts.

Wizard robes or flapper dresses encouraged. Registration required.

Grades 6–12. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 3pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28 Tween Fear Factor Compete together to see who has the guts and gumption to overcome their wildest fears. Ages 9–12. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 3:30–4:30pm.

686-5603, https://clearviewlibrary.org/ event/3102093.

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fortified farm dinners

8 chefs make for

community dining at its best!

In and about the Fossil Creek Nursery tickets at: fortifiedcollaborations.com

visit rmparent magazine online for: community news healthy living family activities events calendar

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time out Kid in college? No problem Time for her to find her own way

KRIS KODRICH

O

ur oldest daughter is off to college.

And she’s on her own – kinda. She’s all of 1.4 miles away from our house, living in a residence hall at CSU. While not as exotic as Montana State, Oregon or Hawaii that she also considered, CSU is definitely the most affordable option. So, I won’t complain.

On Facebook, new CSU parents fret about how they will survive with their sons or daughters so far away.

My daughter returned home twice the same day I moved her into her air-conditioned suite.

Now, I’m wondering if I should feel guilty for not missing her more.

I insisted that I help her on Move-In Day. “It’s not just a big day for you. It’s a big day for me. I want to be there.” She reluctantly agreed, and we had her packed in 5 minutes.

As we were checking in, she spotted me getting ready to talk with someone I know from campus. “Do not talk to anyone, even if you know him,” she pleaded.

Nevertheless, seeing all the boxes we had to carry to the third floor, I recruited some sorority members who were there eagerly to help. In her room, I talked with Kalia’s new roommate from Massachusetts and her family. Miraculously, Kalia didn’t seem to mind and went about making her bed and putting things away. I stayed longer than I anticipated, but after 30 minutes I said my good-byes.

“Have fun this weekend, be safe, and meet lots of people,” was my parting bit of fatherly advice as I hugged Kalia.

The following day, Kalia’s mom and I attended a picnic for new students and parents, and we tried to track down Kalia. We texted her a few times and scanned the crowd.

Finally, after some worry on our part, 50

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Kalia texted us as we were leaving.

“At work,” was her message. AaarrggghhhI I couldn’t believe it. Strategically, I resisted the urge to angrily text her about how she should be attending all the orientation activities, joining clubs, meeting people, and having a great, first-ever college weekend. Instead, I just texted, “OK,” and reminded her of a few other orientation activities that weekend.

It seemed to work, as the next day she attended a street fair on campus and other events. I even convinced her to meet us for dinner at her residence hall that next week. Afterward, she showed us the improvements she made to her room. We then went to Lucky’s Market so we could fill her roommate’s mini fridge with healthy snacks. That weekend, Kalia texted me a photo of herself with two new friends at the CSU-CU football game

in Denver. Her beaming and smiling face under a new CSU cap indicated she was having a blast.

As for me, I’m worried that I’m not missing her as much as other parents miss their kids at college. Oh, I do worry about her. I hope she is doing well in her classes, eating right, getting involved, and making the right kind of friends.

But I want Kalia to be her own person. I can only hope that we raised her well and she is making the right decisions for herself.

I have faith that she’s going to do all right.

Kris Kodrich teaches journalism at Colorado State University He is the proud father of two daughters – Kalia, who’s in her first year at CSU, and Bianka, who’s in her first year at Poudre High School.

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