RM Parent Magazine | OCTOBER | 2023

OCTOBER 2023 • RMPARENT.COM

Costume All about fall

creations Will you be my friend?

Road trip: Highway in the sky Sports safety Nutritious nibbling

SPECIAL SECTION: FIT& FUN

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contents

DEPARTMENTS 6 Perspective

Right here, right now

8 Family

Health

Sports safety, Dental dos, nutritious nibbling

10 Family Fun

All about fall, Harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, and Halloween happenings

12 F avorite Things

Costume creations

14 Family

Travels

Road trip: Highway in the sky

30 C ommunity news

Young Entrepreneur Tournament, parent support plus new park and library

32 C alendar

Events and activities for parents, kids and families

36 Time

out

Farm Mama

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS 22 Greeley-Evans D6

Success Foundation awarded Weld Trust Grant for CTE Center, Ribbon cut on new Jefferson High, District 6 CTE Center

FEATURE 18 Will you be my friend?

Find four ways you can help your child make friends.

Some basic tips and skills can set your child up for successful relationships with friends.

Fit& Fun

24 P oudre

Browse activities and enrichment opportunities for your kids and family.

New materials offer support, guidance for student mental health, PSD launches Strategic Plan

26 T hompson

SPECIAL SECTION

A DV E RT I S I N G S U P P L E M E N T

Basecamp program launches, Alumni Spotlight—10 Questions with Andria Hautamaki

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Perspective

SCOTT TITTERINGTON

Right here, right now I GOT OUT OF TOWN a couple of times this weekend. On Saturday, I went for an early run at Lory State Park with our dog, Charlie.

It was one of those crisp, clear fall mornings and we had the trail pretty much all to ourselves. I trotted a little ways and then stopped to take in the morning (and kind of check in on my knee). I took a few deep breaths and noticed the fall leafy smell. I noticed the sun playing through the tall grasses and reddening leaves and rose hips. I noticed a someone walking a dog across the valley.

I also noticed that I was completely there at that moment. And I appreciated that my mind was right there with my body and my awareness. My mind tends to drift, as minds do, but right then, right there, my mind was mainly caught up in noticing. Then I noticed Charlie tugging on the leash. I think he was noticing all the animal smells that I was missing. So off we trotted.

I have found over the years that trail running pretty much demands that I stay present with each step. Whenever my mind starts to drift, I’m brought right back to the moment with a trip, and sometimes a fall, from a rock that I just didn’t notice because for just a few seconds my mind drifted off somewhere else.

The next morning, I went rock climbing in Vedawou with my daughter, Aly, and friend Clay. Much like trail running, lead climbing pretty much demands that you stay focused on what you’re doing right now, whether you are climbing or belaying, your presence is required.

I’ve noticed this with kids, most recently our grandchild, Fin. When we’re out playing explore, I don’t pull my phone out to check email or talk to someone else. I stay present with Fin, and he knows it. We just wander around noticing—bugs, ducks, streets, other kids. All the things that you notice when you’re present right here, right now.

In my experience, being out in nature, whether it’s on a remote trail or in the backyard, helps us be present and notice the world around us. Doing things together with no big agenda just a feeling of being together here and now matters. No amount of doing or having makes up for just being present together, though we often get mixed up on that.

Anyway, we have a lot of great suggestions for ways for you to enjoy the fall and harvest together. Take a minute and dig through this issue and then circle something to go do together where you can be present together right here, right now.

Thanks for reading, Scott

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OCTOBER 2023 • Volume 27, 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 Susan Harting susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com COVER PHOTO

istock photo

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Theresa Baer, Lea Hanson Katie Harris, Lynn U. Nichols

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING PO Box 740 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Voice 221-9210 • Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2023 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

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Family Health KATIE HARRIS

Sports safety, Dental dos, nutritious nibbling

Sports safety YOUTH SPORTS OFFER A multitude of benefits to children’s physical, mental and emotional well-being, but it’s important to keep in mind that children, whose bodies are still developing, can be at higher risk for sports-related injuries. As parents it’s our job to arm them with the tools they need to play safely.

The first step is to invest in the necessary equipment to lower their risk of injury. Before their first practice, talk to your child’s coach about what’s required as well as any optional safety gear available for their sport.

Next, make sure kids stay hydrated and be on the lookout for signs of dehydration, such as cramps, headache, dizziness or weakness. Apply sunscreen and bug spray when appropriate.

Finally, be familiar with the signs of concussion and understand how children are affected by these injuries. While most people associate concussions with hits to the head, they can also be caused by violent head shaking or a blow to the upper body. Symptoms vary and can include confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, and fatigue, among others. Some symptoms may not show up right away. Talk to your child’s coach and your pediatrician any time you suspect concussion in your child.

Dental dos PARENTS MIGHT BE surprised to learn that dental care should begin well before children cut their first tooth. In fact, as early as their first months of life, babies benefit from twice daily gum cleanings with a soft, clean cloth.

At age 1 parents should be brushing those early teeth with a toddler-sized toothbrush.

It’s also time to set up that first dentist appointment. Fluoride toothpaste at home beginning in the toddler years as well as regular varnishing at dental appointments is highly recommended and, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, can prevent up to one-third of cavities in primary teeth.

Around age 6 children many children are ready to brush unsupervised. Continue to encourage healthy brushing and flossing habits and talk to your dentist about applying sealants to help prevent cavities.

Nutritious nibbling HECTIC SCHOOL MORNINGS can make it tempting to toss the first prepackaged snack you find into your kids’ backpacks. While there’s plenty to be said for convenience, the easiest option often isn’t the healthiest. For a simple, make-ahead snack that will give your brood the energy boost they need to get through their day, without the sugar crash to follow, try these kidapproved options: No-bake energy bites Combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup

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peanut butter, 1/2 cup flax or chia seeds, 1/3 cup honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Roll dough into tablespoon sized balls and place on a wax paper lined baking sheet. Cool in freezer for at least one hour. Store at room temperature for up to three days or in the freezer for up to a month.

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degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Store in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, microwave for 20 seconds and serve with a side of marinara.

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Family Fun

THERESA BAER

Harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, and Halloween happenings With a chill in the air and leaves sprinkling down, the fall season has descended upon NoCo. It’s time for families to put on jeans and flannels and check out the numerous fall fun activities and events available in our neck of the woods. We’ve provided some highlights below and you can view the full calendar of events this month for dates and further details.

Pumpkin patches and corn mazes

Harvest festivals

NoCo’s vast agricultural scene lends itself well to hosting a variety of fun-filled pumpkin patches and corn mazes for families to enjoy.

You can select your pumpkins from the piles the farm has picked or, in some locations, grab a wagon and head into the fields to literally pick your own pumpkins and gourds. You can decipher the way through carefully carved corn mazes designed to challenge your sense of direction, and/or enjoy traditional hay rides, petting zoos and activities like barrel train rides and pumpkin bowling. Something from the Farm in Fort Collins even has a pumpkin trebuchet to see just how far those pumpkins can fly!

No matter which location you choose, don’t forget your camera as every location offers beautiful backgrounds for incredible fall family photos.

For eye-popping experiences, look to Fort Collins Nursery for staggering 1,600-lb fruits of the vine on display at their Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off and Fall Jamboree. Or check out hundreds of pumpkins artistically displayed at the Pumpkins on Parade event at the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins. With a pumpkin carving contest for youth, teens and adults, your family’s pumpkins could also be on display and help you win fun prizes. To see how professionals carve pumpkins, visit the Loveland Pumpkin Festival with sculptors carving pumpkins and enjoy the farmers’ market, food and music.

Halloween happenings Whether you seek an eerie adventure or a fright-free trick-or-treat experience, there are several events to help you and your family celebrate Halloween. Several events feature costume parades and contests, face-painting, carnival games with prizes and pumpkin decorating. Costumed youngsters can trick-or-treat safely at the Tiny Tot Halloween or Treatsylvania at The Farm in Fort Collins; Greeley Trick or Treat Street or Howl-O-Ween Trick or Treat in Greeley; and Halloween Hullabaloo at Centerra in Loveland.

For a more eerie experience for ages 8 years and up, consider the Twilight Tours of Windsor’s Lakeview Cemetery where costumed characters will guide visitors by lantern light and unveil unusual and scandalous stories from the early Windsor pioneers buried in the cemetery. The most daring can go for a Creepy Walk in the Woods near Devil’s Backbone in Loveland–note that it is NOT recommended for children under 11.

See our event calendar for details on these events and more!

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Favorite Things

LEA HANSON

Costume creations IT’S INCREASINGLY COMMON FOR seasonal stores—especially those centered around Halloween—to be the go-tos when seeking the essentials (and extraordinaries) for the holiday.

But there are still some very solid local options that should be considered this season.

Wear it Again, Sam 140 S College Ave, Fort Collins https://downtownfortcollins.com/go/wearit-again-sam A classic, vintage clothing store for some of the most excellent and authentic costume and clothing options in the area. This store is one of the best options for any costume having to do with decade or period pieces, especially for older girls and younger women. Costumes that require a more authentic garb—or simply people who want to avoid a costume-in-a-bag that might be replicated by a fellow party goer—will find their needs met at this store.

Life of the Party 4025 S Mason St Ste B, Fort Collins https://www.lifeofthepartystore.com/ In business for more than four decades, Life of the Party is not just hanging in there in terms of staying relevant, they continue to be a Northern Colorado go-to for costume shopping, especially during the Halloween season. Whether you are looking to rent (more than 400 costume options) or buy or are searching for the essentials for your group or yourself, they have seasoned professionals who can help. They can advise on wigs, period garb, fringe identities, and more. Life of the Party celebrates diversity; one specialty you’ll struggle to find elsewhere is the staff expertise in cosplay, drag, and more!

Country Crafts & Supplies 2200 Reservoir Rd, Greeley http://www.countrycraftsandsupplies.com/ Local shopping for crafting, crafting support, and crafting supplies, are less and less common. This option continues to be one of the best to places for those seeking the supplies and educational support to make their own costumes, decorations, and party favors. Owned and run by a mother/daughter team with a passion for crafting with needle and thread, their mission is to provide customers with a friendly online presence that offers the same old fashioned service they’d enjoy in their local, smalltown craft shop, along with a collection of educational and inspirational materials to encourage them throughout their creative journey.

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BONUS: Any Dollar Store While we always prioritize local purchases, sometimes a few supplemental, lowcost items can really tie a costume and/or decorated lawn together. Dollar stores have great options for lastminute trick-or-treat bags, head wear, and strings of lights.

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Family Travels

KATIE HARRIS

A trip across the “Highway in the Sky”

Day 4:

Day 1:

THE SWEET SPOT FOR traversing Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road lies between mid-September, when fall colors begin to appear along the ridges of the Rockies and the bugling of elk announces the onset of rut season, and mid- to late-October, when snowpack forces the steep, winding road’s seasonal closure (www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/road_status.htm).

Those lucky enough to visit the park during this window will experience some of the most scenic views the region, if not the country, has to offer as they make their way along the 48-mile stretch, reaching upper elevations of over 12,000 feet, on their way from Estes Park to the quaint mountain town of Grand Lake.

Before leaving RMNP in Grand Lake, stretch your legs on the easy .3-mile out-and-back trail to Adam’s Falls on the East Inlet Trail. Those familiar with the east side of the park will enjoy trekking a new trail, and the waterfall that awaits visitors at the trail’s end will delight even the youngest hikers (https://www.nps. gov/thingstodo/romo_adamsfalls.htm).

On your way home, be sure to stop by Fun City in Estes Park for a ride down the “big slide” (www.funcityofestes.com, open weekends in October), grab a craft beer and play pool and arcade games at the Estes Park Brewery (www.epbrewery.com), or catch a daytime tour of the haunted hotel which served as inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining”, The Stanley (www.stanleyhotel.com).

Note: If weather causes the early closure of Trail Ridge Road, the rest of the trip can still be accomplished via Interstate 70.

Start the day with a family fishing trip on the largest natural lake in Colorado, Grand Lake.

Fall is a great time for trout fishing on the stocked lake, which is widely considered an angler favorite (www.nps.gov/thingstodo/ romo_adamsfalls.htm).

Afterwards, just a 10-minute drive away, warm up at Hot Sulphur Springs, where no fewer than 19 all-natural hot spring pools, including nine kidfriendly pools, await you every day of the year. Walk-ins are welcome and a private pool can be reserved in advance (www.hotsulphursprings.com).

Day 2:

Continue 15 miles east to the BLM Kremmling Field Office for a map to the fossil ridge site, where evidence that the state we call home was once at the bottom of the ocean can still be seen today. Multiple well-preserved

Day 3: 14 | RMPARENT

fossils of marine invertebrate dating back 70 million years can be seen as you explore the area (blm.gov/office/ kremmling-field-office).

Afterwards, head to downtown Frisco, just 45 minutes away, where Main St. is lined with unique shopping and dining destinations.

Grab a new read at Next Page Books and Nosh, find something for the kids at Around the World Toys, and choose from the several downtown restaurants for dinner (www.townoffrisco.com/wp-content/ uploads/2020/10/2019-Edits-MainStreet-Mile-Main-low-res.pdf).

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Will you be my friend?

4 ways to help your child make friends Lynn U Nichols 18 | RMPARENT

IT MAY SEEM LIKE FRIENDSHIPS should come naturally for young kids, but it’s not true. Making and keeping friends is a learned skill—one we as parents can help foster. Here are four ways you can help your child be successful in the friend department.

1. Practice friendly language and actions at home You might not realize it, but if you are teaching your child manners, you are already teaching them strong social skills. They are learning how to be polite, take turns, and use friendly words—key elements of good communication.

To reinforce good friendship skills, compliment your child on sharing well or being a good friend. Give specific praise rather than general praise, such as, ‘I noticed how you let your friend pick what game to play. That was really nice. You

were being a great friend.’

“Have open conversations about the importance of being a good friend and the value of connecting and being accepting of others,” says Heidi Kalak with Heidi Kalak Counseling in Fort Collins.

If you witness your child being unkind, point it out. You can say, ‘It’s okay to get upset and make mistakes, but we don’t want to be hurtful. What could you do differently next time?’ Teaching the golden rule of treating people like we would like to be treated is a good lesson for kids to learn early on.

2. Talk, share, and role play to build confidence A great way to practice friendships skills is during play. For example, when your child is playing with dolls or dinosaurs, make the toys characters who are good

friends that go on adventures together. This lets you model a friendly tone of voice, helpful actions, how to give compliments, and how to offer encouragement.

“Fostering confidence at home and modeling that as a parent works really well to help kids learn how to be a good friend. Simply be friendly to people in front of them, make eye contact, and be kind,” Kalak says.

If your child expresses a desire to make more friends, let them know that it’s okay to go up to someone and say, ‘Hey, I want to play with you’ when they see someone having fun or someone sitting alone.

It’s crucial to create an atmosphere of acceptance around your child’s friendmaking process. Make it acceptable for your child to have awkward feelings.

You can send this message by sharing personal stories of times you made and lost friendships – something that’s especially helpful with older kids.

3. Teach your kids how to set boundaries To be comfortable in friendships, we all need to know how to set boundaries in a direct but friendly way. As parents, one of the biggest gifts we can give our kids is the permission to state their needs directly and clearly.

When you witness a friend doing something that’s making your young child uncomfortable – like grabbing toys out of their hands or pushing or shoving – help them form the right words in the moment or

afterwards. Afterwards, you could say to your child, “The next time Emma takes a toy you are playing with, you can say, ‘Stop that. I don’t like it.’ Let’s practice saying that in a calm but firm way, like this.” When stating boundaries, the fewer words, the better.

“You want your kids to be open to friends, but it’s okay for them to state a healthy boundary and say something like, ‘I don’t want to share right now.’ Kids need to learn confidence and personal space. As parents you can model how to maintain personal space through body language and words,” Kalak says.

Remember, your child doesn’t need to offer an explanation for wanting a behavior to stop.

“Teach them to make “I’ statements, as in ‘I felt upset that you took my toy,’ or ‘I feel hurt that you are playing with Sofie instead of me.’ It keeps the focus on your child and not the other person.

When we say ‘you’ people naturally feel defensive,” Kalak adds.

Kalak recommends labeling your child’s behavior with words other than good, bad, right, or wrong. Instead, she suggests using helpful, unhelpful, hurtful and unkind.

It’s less shaming to say to your child, ‘It seemed unkind of you to treat your friend in that way’ rather than, ‘That was wrong or bad to treat your friend that way.’

At school, advise your child to ask an adult for help if she doesn’t feel safe with another child, or feels bullied.

It’s harder to teach the more

subtle parts of friendship, like manipulation. You might hear a child say, ‘I won’t be your friend if you don’t do such and such.’ Try to help your child recognize this as blackmail and advise them to walk away.

It gives the other child the message that your child will not accept this bad behavior.

There’s a good chance the other child won’t try it again.

On the flipside, teach empathy. If your child has a not-so-friendly encounter with a girl in the sandbox, instead of saying ‘Stay away from her— she’s mean,’ say something like, ‘Maybe that girl is having a bad day.’ Or, if your child’s good friend missed school because he was sick, suggest making a get-well card.

4. Set your child up for success While it’s best to avoid making generalizations, boys and girls typically make friends for different reasons. More commonly, girls connect on a personal level. They share secrets and feelings. Since girls’ friendships are emotionallybased, they tend to change friends more often than boys.

On the other hand, boys tend to connect around activities and if they maintain the same activities, they often keep the same friends over time.

If your child is having trouble making friends at school, look elsewhere.

“Foster your child’s interests. Is there an academic club they could join or a sport team after school? Matching your child with other kids with similar interests is helpful when it comes to forming friendships,” Kalak concludes.

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New Early Orthodontics Helping Kids to Live a Healthy Life A silent crisis among children today is having a devastating effect on their physical health and social well-being.

An estimated 80 percent of children have a condition causing at least one of the following symptoms: ADD/ADHD, difficulty in school, restless sleep, delayed or stunted growth, decreased IQ, crowded/crooked teeth, nightmares/ night terrors, aggressive behavior, chronic allergies, swollen adenoids or tonsils, and dark circles under eyes.

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Most children show signs of incorrect dental and facial development at an early age. Two of these children have a mouth-breathing habit and two have an incorrect swallow pattern. They are great candidates for NEO’s New Early Orthodontics program.

An integrative approach Traditional orthodontics has primarily focused on aligning teeth for aesthetic purposes, often overlooking the underlying causes of malocclusion.

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Symptoms of airway issues Airway issues can manifest in various ways, and it’s important for parents to recognize the signs and symptoms. Some common indicators of airway problems in children include: Snoring—Persistent snoring, especially accompanied by pauses in breathing, can be a sign of obstructed airflow during sleep.

Mouth breathing—Children who consistently breathe through their mouths rather than their noses may have difficulty with nasal congestion or airway obstruction.

Daytime fatigue—Chronic tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and poor academic performance may result from disrupted sleep due to airway issues.

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School District News: Greeley-Evans D6

Success Foundation awarded Weld Trust Grant

THE SUCCESS FOUNDATION SERVING Greeley-Evans Schools was awarded $734,130 from The Weld Trust to help fund equipment for the new Career and Technical Education Center.

“The CTE Center will help students gain technical and academic skills toward high-demand, high-paying careers,” says Jeff Carlson, CEO of The Weld Trust.

“This will have a long-term positive impact for the Weld County workforce.

Julie Hill, executive director of The Success Foundation, wrote the application for the grant, which is largest awarded by The Weld Trust during this

22 | RMPARENT

grant cycle.

The Weld Trust is a philanthropic organization that works to promote excellence in health and education in Weld County. It is funded through the sale of North Colorado Medical Center to Banner Health in 2019.

The grant will help fund equipment needed for the Construction Trades, Cosmetology, Teacher Cadet, Cyber Security and Welding programs at the new CTE Center.

RIBBON CUT ON NEW JEFFERSON HIGH, DISTRICT 6 CTE CENTER The first ever Career and Technical Education Center in Greeley-Evans School District 6 and a new Jefferson High

School were officially opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 12th.

The two schools share a campus at the intersection of 14th Avenue and 2nd Street in Greeley. This new and renovated building was paid for through proceeds earned during the sale of the bonds and was added to the funded projects two years ago after the approval of the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee.

“I have never seen our students more excited to go to school,” says Jefferson High School Principal Larry Green. “This facility says a lot about the district’s commitment to equity, and ensuring all students have access to

the best learning spaces.”

The new Career and Technical Education Center is open to all District 6 students, and includes five new CTE Programs: Cosmetology, Information Technology with an emphasis on cybersecurity, Construction Trades with an emphasis on electrical, Teacher Cadet and Welding.

The former Jefferson High School at 1315 4th Avenue has been remodeled and renovated and is now the new Jefferson Junior High School. In addition, the building will house other District 6 programs including the Transitions Program, Audiology Program and Child Find.

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Friday Evenings: 7:00 pm October 13, 20, 27 Saturday Evenings: 7:00 pm October 14, 21, 28 Sunday Matinee: 1:00 pm October 15, Saturday Matinees: 1:00 pm October 21, 28 Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre 417 West Magnolia Fort Collins CO 80521

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RMPARENT

| 23

School District News: Poudre

New materials offer support, guidance

COMING OUT OF National Suicide Awareness Month in September, it’s crucial to keep mental health in mind year-round.

To do this, Poudre School District is working to increase awareness of mental health resources and reduce the stigma around needing and seeking help. Ask. Listen. Connect. You’ll be seeing these three words in classrooms, gyms, cafeterias, libraries, and performing arts spaces across PSD this year as the district rolls out a series of new communications about Mental

24 | RMPARENT

Health and Belonging.

The meaning of Ask, Listen, Connect is simple: if you know a student who is struggling, ask how they’re doing, listen to their answer, and connect them with a trusted adult or mental health support if they need it.

A series of new posters, postcards, restroom stall newsletters, videos, morning announcements, social media posts, and other materials talk about Ask, Listen, Connect and link to information about mental health services, starting difficult

conversations, and the new materials are available.

These materials were created with student input, and more student feedback will shape future content.

Visit the revamped PSD Mental and Behavioral Health webpage to learn more. https://www.psdschools.org/ programs-services/mentalhealth-services PSD LAUNCHES STRATEGIC PLAN PSD exists for our students. We are one district, one team with one plan, wanting the best opportunities,

experiences and success for every student.

PSD’s Strategic launched at the end of August and it is centered on three priorities— Literacy, Mental Health & Belonging and Graduate with Options. Over the coming months and years, we will work to bring the plan to life, and you can find more information at strategicplan. psdschools.org.

We want to thank every parent, guardian, employee, and community member who gave their input on the plan during the 2022-23 school year.

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| 25

School District News: Thompson

Base Camp program launches

BIG THOMPSON ELEMENTARY School of Nature and STEM is starting off this school year a little differently with a program called Base Camp that is designed to build culture, develop character, and foster courage to take healthy risks. Students are learning about these areas in different ways, including studying philanthropy and service through OtterCares Heartbeats lessons, and using teamwork to open puzzling “breakout boxes.”

The concepts learned in Base Camp will continue throughout the year as the students work on mastering these valuable skills.

BASE Camp helps develop character, build a strong culture, take healthy risks, and learn about philanthropy. The first week

26 | RMPARENT

of school ended with Big Thompson students and families coming together to create enrichment toys for animals at the Larimer County Humane Society. To complete the enrichment that the BASE camp created, the Larimer County Humane Society visited the school to teach the students a little bit more about their mission and how the student service project would support the animals. At the end of the presentation, students presented the toys they made for the animals.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 10 QUESTIONS WITH ANDRIA HAUTAMAKI Our latest “TSD Alumni Spotlight” features Andria Hautamaki, who graduated from Thompson Valley High School in 2003 and is a

freelance photographer and writer. Here is just a small sample of the spotlight.

Q: What have you been doing since graduation, and what is your proudest accomplishment?

A: After high school, I took a gap year in Costa Rica. Next, I attended Wheaton College in Illinois where I majored in English Literature. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I taught high school English as a Second Language (ESL) in Los Angeles, California for two years. Later, I completed my Master’s degree in International

Agricultural Development at the University of California, Davis. I currently work as a freelance photographer and writer. As a journalist, it’s rewarding to meet people from different walks of life and share the nuances of their experiences through text and photos.

Publications I’ve freelanced for in recent years include Smithsonian Magazine, NPR, National Geographic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Western Horseman.

To view the entire spotlight article, please visit: tsd.org/alumni-andria

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| 29

Community News

THERESA BAER

Entrepreneur Tournament , parent support, new park and library with multiple climbing paths and challenge levels that link children to climbers, a Cobra slide, an inclusive spinner, ADA swings, and an electronic, human-powered game to test fitness, agility and speed.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR TOURNAMENT The Young Entrepreneur Tournament (YET) hosted by the Larimer County CareerRise Team is back!

This no-cost program for youth 18 years old and under offers a four-week experience encompassing everything from business idea generation to business launch strategies, and will culminate in a business pitch competition where winners will take home cash prizes. A YET orientation session will be held Tuesday, October 3 from 6–8pm at 200 West Oak Street in Fort Collins.

YET sessions will run from 10am–3pm on Saturdays, October 7, 14, 21 and 28 and the final-pitch event will occur on the evening of Saturday, November 4. To

30 | RMPARENT

learn more, see videos of past tournaments, and to apply, visit www.larimer.org/ ewd/yet.

SAFECARE COLORADO PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM The Matthews House offers SafeCare Colorado, a free, in-home, and voluntary parenting support program for caregivers with children ages birth to 5 years to help make parenting easier, less stressful and more fun.

SafeCare providers work side-by-side with families once a week in their home or through virtual visits with the goal of helping parents and caregivers build on the skills they already have and make sure they have what they need to keep children safe, healthy, and thriving.

SafeCare meets with clients

for about one hour at a time and covers three different topics including Child Safety, Parent/Child Interaction, and Child Health. Learn more at www.thematthewshouse.org/ our-programs.

MAKEOVER FOR LOVELAND’S CIVIC CENTER PARK Civic Center Park, located between the Loveland Public Library and Chilson Recreation Center, is undergoing a makeover.

Expected to open early this month, visitors will find a new safety surface and new playground equipment that “allow(s) for cooperative play, creativity, problem solving, and exploration,” according to the city’s website.

Specific features include a Nucleus Core Climber which encourages exploration

CLEARVIEW LIBRARY DISTRICT TO OPEN SEVERANCE BRANCH Construction is underway on the Windsor-based Clearview Library District’s second branch west of the town hall in Severance. Ground was broken in May for the new 10,000-square-foot facility which will offer state-ofthe-art facilities, resources, and more programming opportunities for patrons.

According to the District’s website, the majority of construction costs are being funded by a lease from Glacier Banks with the remainder coming from the District’s reserve funds and a $500,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. No increase in the library district’s mill levy is currently anticipated.

The new library Severance branch is expected to open in February 2024.

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Community Calendar

THERESA BAER

October events FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 Latiné and Hispanic Heritage Celebration Ccelebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, food, dancing, art, lotería, resources and more. The Gardens on Spring Creek, FC. www.fcgov.com/gardens OCTOBER 14 AND 15 Vincon Family-friendly annual retro gaming convention. The Ranch Events Complex, LV. www.treventscomplex.com SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 Teen Self-Care Fair Explore yoga, art, dance, aerial silks, music, therapy dogs, community resources and giveaways. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, FC. www.facebook.com/ allianceforsuicideprevention OCTOBER 20 & 21 Loveland Ski & Sports Swap Sell your used outdoor gear, clothes and equipment and buy new stuff. Chilson Recreation Center, LV. LovGov.org/skiswap

32 | RMPARENT

OCTOBER 20 THROUGH 22 Friends of the Loveland Public Library Fall Book Sale Friday is member-only day.

McKee Building at The Ranch Events Complex, LV. www.treventscomplex.com OCTOBER 28 THROUGH NOVEMBER 4 Día de Muertos The Day of the Dead is an annual Latin American mestizo celebration to honor ancestors and loved ones. The Gardens on Spring Creek, FC. www.fcgov.com/gardens

ENTERTAINMENT

THROUGH NOVEMBER 12 Million Dollar Quartet Relive this 1956 jam session of Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley.

Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown. www.coloradocandlelight.com THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert Union Colony Civic Center, Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 Firefall American Folk/Rock music.

Union Colony Civic Center, Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 Astronomy & Skygazing: Surprises in the Sky Brief, family-friendly astronomy activity followed by skygazing. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events OCTOBER 13 THROUGH 28 Robin Hood The romance, the swashbuckling tale, the classic adventure. Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre, FC. www.lctix.com SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 Solar Eclipse Viewing Party Solar-themed stories and activities leading up to the solar eclipse. WindsorSeverance Library, WS. https://clearview.libnet.info/ event/8966964

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18 Global Adventures – African Bush Camps One participant will receive a two-night stay for two travelers at any ABC Expedition Camp. Global Village Museum, FC. www.globalvillagemuseum.org SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 Skygazing Northern Colorado Astronomical Society volunteers provide telescopes and share knowledge of stars, planets, galaxies, etc.

Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events OCTOBER 20 THROUGH 21 PRCA RAM Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo MAC Equipment, Inc. Indoor Arena at The Ranch Events Complex, LV. www.treventscomplex.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 The Manhattan Transfer’s 50th Anniversary and Final World Tour Grammy-winning jazz and pop vocals. Union Colony Civic Center, Monfort Concert Hall, GR. ucstars. showare.com Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra: ¡La Fiesta!

Traditional Mexican folk tunes and original pieces. UNC Campus Commons, GR. www.greeleyphil.org/tickets TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31 Halloween-Themed International Trivia Night Features 50 multiple-choice questions, with teams of six competing for prizes.

Costumes encouraged.

Global Village Museum, FC. www.globalvillagemuseum.org

Gregorian Chants Gregorian show on Halloween night. Rialto Theater, LV. www.rialtotheatercenter.org

ACTIVE-ITIES

MOST SATURDAYS Kids Nite Out Loveland & Windsor Safe, active fun. Chilson Recreation Center, LV or Windsor Community Rec Center, WS. kidsniteout.org FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 Family Art Challenge: Don’t Lose Your Marbles!

Families work together to create a piece of art for library display. Clearview Library, WS. clearview. libnet.info/event/8955240

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 Windsor Marathon, Half marathon, 10K, 5K & Kids Runs Family-oriented race with party at the finish.

The Island at Pelican Lakes in Water Valley, WS. runsignup.com/ Race/CO/Windsor/ WindsorColoradoRace SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 CSU Homecoming 5K & Kids Fun Run Run/walk traditional course and kids run one lap.

Oval at CSU, FC. www. chhs.colostate.edu/hes/ outreach-and-engagement/ homecoming-5k-race SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 Run Fur Fun Spooktacular 5K run to benefit Animal Friends Alliance.

SweetWater Brewing, FC. www.savinganimalstoday. org/calendar/specialevents/run-fur-fun

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 Narrowleaf Lake Run Four-, 7- or 10-mile race options, plus 1-mile Pumpkin Run and Kids Fun Run. Boyd Lake State Park, LV. breakawayathleticevents. com/narrowleaf-lake-run Additional programs available through local recreation departments: Estes Park: https://evrpd.colorado.gov/ recreation Fort Collins: www.fcgov.com/recreation Greeley: https://greeleyrec.com Loveland: www.LovGov.org/ ActivityGuide Windsor: www.recreationliveshere. com/160/Activity-Guide

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

.com RMPARENT

| 33

FALL HARVEST FESTIVALS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival Food trucks, beer, face painting, pony rides, pumpkin patch, more. Bond Park, EP. www.visitestespark.com/ events-calendar/fall-events/pumpkinsand-pilsners-festival SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Fall Jamboree Annual giant pumpkin contest plus fun kids activities. Fort Collins Nursery, FC. www.FortCollinsNursery.com Loveland Pumpkin Festival Pumpkin sculptors, decorate pumpkins (tickets required), farmers’ market, food, music. Noon–5pm.

Foundry Plaza, Downtown LV. www. downtownloveland.org/pumpkinfestival

Hometown Harvest Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin patch, mini corn maze, pumpkin bowling. Thursday– Sunday through Oct. 31, hours vary.

7710 Weld Co Rd 62, WS. www. hometownharvestpumpkinpatch.com

Candy Crawl at Fort Collins Marketplace Sunday, Oct. 21, Noon–2pm. Trickor-treating, pumpkin decorating, face painting, carnival games, live entertainment. www.facebook.com/ events/6449692228459459

Jack Lantern’s Northern Colorado Corn Maze Corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch, animals, activities. Friday–Sunday through Oct. 29, 11am-6pm. 2318 S CR 5, FC. www.nococornmaze.com

Howl-O-Ween Trick or Treat Oct. 21–22, 2–6pm. Trick or treat at historical buildings, carnival games, a not-so-haunted house, costume contest. $4/person, ages 3+. Centennial Village Museum, 1475 A St., GR. https://greeleymuseums.com/events

Osborn Farm Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin field daily. Hayrides, barrel train, petting zoo weekends only.

10am–6pm through Oct. 31, weather permitting. 1230 S Boise Ave., LV. www.osbornfarm.com River Ranch Pumpkin Farm Standard and molded skull/ Frankentstein pumpkins. Fri–Sun 9am6pm through Oct. 1220 Langston Ln., LV. www.riverranchfarms.com

OCTOBER 19 THROUGH 22 Pumpkins on Parade Hundreds of pumpkins arranged in artistic displays plus family activities. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. www.fcgov.com/gardens

Something from the Farm Pumpkin Patch Pumpkins, hayrides, bale maze and Pumpkin Trebuchet. Mon–Sat 9am–6pm, Sunday 10am–6pm through Oct. 31, weather permitting., 8020 S. Timberline Rd., FC. www.somethingfromthefarm.com

PUMPKIN PATCHES & CORN MAZES

Tigges Farm Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin patch, wagon rides, petting zoo, roasted chilies. 10am–6pmThursday– Sunday through mid-Oct. 12404 WCR 64 ½, GR. www.tiggesfarmllc.com

Anderson’s Patchwork Pumpkins Opens Oct. 7, Wed–Fri 1–5:30pm, Sat/ Sun 10am–5:30pm. 15415 Hwy 14, Ault. www.facebook.com/pages/AndersonsPatchwork-Pumpkins/323611887736304 Bartels Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin picking, corn maze, hayrides, more. 10am–6pm daily through Oct. 31,. 3424 E. Douglas Rd., FC. www. thebartelspumpkinpatch.com Fritzler Farm Park Pumpkin patch, corn maze (haunted at night) and family attractions. Weekends through Oct. 29, hours vary. 20861 CR 33, LaSalle. www.fritzlerfarmpark.com

34 | RMPARENT

HALLOWEEN EVENTS

Twilight Tours of Lakeview Cemetery Oct. 20, 21, 27, 28, hours vary. Guided by lantern light, discover unusual and often scandalous stories from the early Windsor pioneers buried in the cemetery. Ages 8+. $6. Registration required. Lakeview Cemetery, 32815 Highway 257, WS. www.recreationliveshere.com Morning Fresh Dairy Halloween Tours Collect treats along the way of Halloween inspired farm tours. Oct. 20–29. 5821 W County Road 54E, Bellvue. www.morningfreshdairy.com/ tours-and-events/holiday-tours

Greeley Trick or Treat Street Friday, Oct. 27, 4–6pm. Downtown businesses give treats, plus booths, prizes and fun. 8th, 9th and 10 Street, Downtown GR. www. greeleydowntown.com/special-events/ trick-or-treat-street-2020 Halloween Kid’s Party at The Playground Friday, Oct. 27, 5:30–8pm. Spooky music, costume contest, face painting, raffle and more. 1930 Greeley Mall, GR. www.facebook.com/ events/226433623386832 Treatsylvania at The Farm Friday–Sunday, Oct. 27–29, hours vary.

Trick-or-treating, hayride and pumpkin barn. Registration required. Ages 10 and under. Farm at Lee Martinez Park, 600 N. Sherwood St., FC. www.fcgov. com/treatsylvania 17th Annual Halloween Hullabaloo at Centerra Saturday, Oct. 28, Noon–3pm. Street festival with interactive activities, costume contest and trick-or-treating.

Fall River Drive, LV. www.centerra.com/ event/2023-halloween-hullabaloo Halloween Carnival Saturday, Oct. 28, 1–4p. Trick-ortreating, performers, face painting, vendors. Windsor History Museum at Boardwalk Park, 100 N 5th St., WS. www.recreationliveshere.com Tiny Tot Halloween Tuesday, Oct. 31, 10am–1pm.

Fright-free trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses. downtownfortcollins.com/do/tinytot-halloween

RMPARENT

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Time out

KATIE HARRIS

Farm Mama WELCOMING WHINNIES FROM the horses greet us each morning as we head to the coop to collect fresh eggs for breakfast, popping a few sweet tomatoes in our mouths from the rows of plants along our way—farm life has its perks.

Most days, raising kids on a hobby farm is every bit as charming as those who’ve dreamt of rural life might imagine. We pass our days in the great outdoors, where caring for the animals we keep is a labor of love and the routine is smooth and consistent. Most days.

But, as anyone who’s lived this life can attest to, farm life isn’t always peaceful, and it’s certainly not always smooth sailing.

With so many lives sharing this plot of land we call home, things can go awry at any point, and often do.

One of the more frequent causes of chaos on the farm is new life. As a mama of four, I count myself blessed to have experienced the joy of raising babies multiple times over the years. But on the farm, that journey never really ends.

In fact, around the time that our youngest moved into his “big boy bed”, I remember wistfully remarking to my husband that all our babies were growing up.

He laughed and replied, “You’ll never be done having babies.”

36 | RMPARENT

And of course, he was right. A few days ago, fresh from working in the backyard, my husband popped his head inside and, without divulging any details, told me I needed to come out and take a look at something.

Curious and a little worried, I threw my shoes on and followed him out back.

There, waddling out of a bush, far from the safety of her yard, was a hen.

And following right along behind her was a miniature version, not more than a few hours old.

This “unplanned pregnancy”; the result of a hen who’d flown the coop and been, unbeknownst to us, making her nest in a bush for the past few weeks, had me storming inside to chastise my teenager, the chicken

tender of the family, for failing to count her hens at evening lock up. She’d already talked us into buying more chicks than we thought necessary last spring and the last thing we needed was one more mouth to feed.

I grumbled to the others, muttering about responsibility and basic math the whole drive to the feed store, where we picked up a bag of chick food, and the whole way home, where we began converting one of the coops into a nursery for the new mother and her baby. I cursed our bad luck and threatened to turn my daughter’s prize rooster into stew if it happened again.

But that evening, after the rest of the family had gone inside, I sat in the chicken yard, watching

mom and baby for signs of distress, anxiously awaiting each sip of water and nibble of food. I dug up worms from the garden as a celebratory dinner for the first time mom and waited until the chick was nestled cozily under its mother’s wing before I left their side.

These days, our babies take the form of downy balls of fluff chirping contentedly in their basement brooder, of tiny fur creatures being licked clean by their feline mother, and of roly-poly puppies learning their way around the farm. It turns out it doesn’t matter whether they’re human or covered in fur or feathers, when it comes to caring for new life, once a mother, always a mother. Farm life isn’t always easy, but it’s a labor of love.

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MEMBERSHIP MATTERS! Business Membership is the backbone of Realities For Children and ensures service and programs to the families served through our Partner Agencies.

Make it part of your company culture to making a positive difference in the lives of children that have been abused, neglected, abandoned, or at-risk.

SCAN HERE

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP Email Realities For Children Membership Director, Shelley@RealitiesForChildren.com to join.

RMPARENT

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W O L EE N L A ON THE

PROMENADE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29TH | 12PM - 3PM Located near Rock Bottom and Best Buy Dog Costume Contest Cartoon Portraits Giveaways Face Painting Games Candy Spooky Selfie Station Pumpkin Patch and more!

Scan the QR code to learn more.

38 | RMPARENT

I-25 & HWY 34 | LOVELAND www.ThePromenadeShopsAtCenterra.com