I think the best answer to that is: happy. Isn’t that what we all want for our kids? We’re happy when they’re happy and distressed when things aren’t going so well for them at any age from preschoolers to adults with their own kids.
At some point, most of us make a lurch toward security. We might not be happy, but at least we’re sleeping indoors and eating food within its best-by date. We’re led to believe, in our consumer society, that happiness comes from driving the right car and wearing the coolest clothing, according to whatever our peer group dictates.
A college education or a good job at the local manufacturing plant were once thought of as paths to a solid middle-class lifestyle, but people are rethinking their choices. Throw in the whole working-from-home thing and we have a lot of people questioning what they want from their lives and from their work.
So, some post-high school education seems desirable, but that seems to be evolving too. Lynn Nichols explores how to help your children enter the post-graduation world with confidence. Whether they’re headed to college, trade school, taking a gap year or heading straight into the workforce, taking time to talk about it helps them figure out what the options might be and what might be a fit for them.
It’s a changing world and our children won’t follow the same paths we did. Likely those paths have changed as have where they might take you.
The Dalai Lama has a view on happiness that might resonate.
“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.”
It’s tempting to want to over direct our kids. Letting them explore where they want to go and how they want to get there seems to me to be a better path to happiness.
Getting back the idea of what makes us happy, constantly seeking what we think we want can also drive us nutty. That feeling of never quite being satisfied and always wanting more may lead to building businesses and promotions at work, but it’s not necessarily a formula for happiness.
Again with the Dalai Lama: “We need to learn how to want what we have, not to have what we want in order to get steady and stable happiness.”
So I like to pause and look at my life and think what I’m grateful for. Gratitude for what we have and the people in our lives goes a long way toward helping us be happy.
Healthy fall, healthy family—Steps to avoid getting sick
KIDS ARE A VERITABLE SOURCE of germ spreaders. A 2015 survey discovered the younger your kids are and the more kids you have, the higher your chances for acquiring infections and the longer you run the risk of being sick. Kids who were under 5 spent 50 percent of the year with at least one respiratory virus. And households with six kids spent 87 percent of the year with one or more viral infections, compared to only 7 percent of the year for households without kids.
Be calm and consistent about germs
If your child touches a toilet in a public space and you respond with a lot of anxiety and say something like ‘NO! Don’t touch it! That’s dirty, it will make you sick,’ your child will match your anxious response, and with children, anxiety often shows up as misbehavior or continuing to do the exact thing you asked them not to.
Instead, remain calm and say something like, ‘Remember, right now we’re trying to stay away from germs. If you feel like touching something, you can hold my hand,’ and end the conversation.
Hydration and sleep
Avoiding getting sick in the first place
Your kids should be washing their hands every time they go to the bathroom, when they’re finished eating, anytime they’re exposed to dirt or other substances and every time they come in from outside to help stop the spread of germs.
Encourage kids not to touch their face or other surfaces. It can be hard for little kids to resist touching things. They can’t help it. And while it might seem annoying it’s normal. Kids explore their world through touch. If you think about babies, they’re putting everything in their mouths, and that’s how they explore the world around them.
Sleep is perhaps one of the most important elements of boosting your child’s immune system and its ability to fight off germs. When we sleep, our bodies conserve enough energy to fight off infection, and that downtime allows our bodies to heal. Making sure you keep regularly scheduled nap breaks or consistent bedtimes every night can go a long way to helping your kid develop a healthy body.
If your child struggles with sleeping transitions and routines, it can be helpful to give them a job to do, to allow some control in the situation. For example, every day before nap, have your child tuck in their dolls or superheroes. It’s also helpful to give as many age-appropriate choices as possible.
The more active your child is, the more important it becomes for them to have access to water and nutrition. Hydration is key to a healthy immune system, and your body needs nutrients to stay strong. Replacing processed snack foods with hydrating foods like cucumbers, celery and fruits can add additional benefits between meals alongside 100-percent fruit juice and just plain water.
The best way to make mealtime fun with your kids is to sit and eat with them. Children thrive when getting undivided attention time with their parents. It also helps to serve a ‘safe’ food with every meal, meaning a food you know your child likes and will eat, along with new fruits or vegetables that maybe they haven’t tried yet.
Pumpkin patches, fall festivals, trick or treating and more
Say “Trick-or-Treat!”
Pumpkins Galore
WHO DOESN’T LOVE a porch full of pumpkins? One of the oldest farms in Fort Collins, the Bartels Farm (thebartelspumpkinpatch.com) has been running an annual pumpkin patch for over 20 years along with a U-pick veggie garden including tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, cabbage, peppers, eggplant, and zucchini. Hay rides can also be had at this family farm, which is open daily in October.
At Spooky’s Pumpkin Patch (www.spookypumpkinpatch. com) in Fort Collins, the pumpkins come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and for every budget. Spooky’s prides themselves on their thick-skinned pumpkins which are long lasting, even after carving. While you’re there, be sure to pick up all the accessories, such as carving kits and patterns, battery-powered candles, straw bales and corn stalks. The patch is open daily in October.
For a unique experience, visit the Downtown Loveland Pumpkin Festival (www.downtownloveland.org/ pumpkinfestival), which takes place on Oct. 12th from noon-5pm in front of the Loveland Museum on 5th Street and Highway 287. The event will feature a pumpkin farmer’s market, as well as pumpkin painting, pumpkin sculptures, a guess-the-weight pumpkin contest and more.
Fall Festivals
HEAD OVER TO Anderson Farms (www.andersonfarms.com) in Erie for a stroll through a corn maze, a ride on a barrel train, or even a pony ride. At night, things take a sinister twist as the farm transforms for Terror in the Corn, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. The farm’s open daily in October and reservations are highly recommended.
Fritzler Farm Park (www.fritzlerfarmpark.com) in LaSalle also offers a spooky evening event, Scream Acres, while daytime visitors can expect family-friendly activities, such as pedal
STROLL MOUNTAIN AVENUE in downtown Berthoud on Oct. 26th from 3-5pm, where local vendors will be passing out candy to little ghouls, goblins, and princesses, too. The loot can be found from Fickel Park to B-Rad’s Arcade, and everywhere in between. Visit www.downtownberthoud.org for details.
Youngsters and their parents can enjoy the annual Fort Collins Tiny Tot Halloween, which takes place Oct. 31st from 10am-1pm. The event included 90 businesses last year throughout the downtown area and River District and is sure to delight again this year. To learn more visit www. downtownfortcollins.com/play/tiny-tot-halloween.
In Greeley, Howl-O-Ween Trick-or-Treat will take place on Oct. 19th and 20th from 2-6pm. The event is hosted by and will take place at Centennial Village Museum, and costs $4 per person ages 3 and up, free for under 3. Visit https:// greeleymuseums.com/events/ for details.
go-karts, pumpkin cannons, a Corn Flyer ride, corn maze and more. The farm is open Fridays through Sundays in October. Another kind of fall festival all together, Miller Farms Fall Harvest Festival (www.millerfarms.net) offers wagon rides out to the fields where guests can fill up to four bags with produce that they harvest themselves. There are endless possibilities to choose from and each guest will additionally receive a pumpkin to take home. Before leaving, check out the pedal tractors, hay pyramid, and “Croc-pit.” Miller Farms is open daily.
Baking with kids: Age-appropriate tools for young cooks
BAKING IS AN ACTIVITY we can do with kids that is fun and contributes to their learning and development. Baking directly contributes to children’s language development, reading skills, math competency, learning to follow directions, motor skill development, and their ability to be patient. In addition to measurable skill development, baking can build self-esteem and creates bonding while spending fun and quality time together.
3-Piece Chef’s Knife Set
Buy from: Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys 111 N College Ave, Fort Collins
No matter how you slice it, this set has you covered with three of our kid-safe multi-purpose serrated knives, one size for every cutting need. Handstand Kitchen products feature premium quality bakeware and cooking utensils designed to be safe and comfortable for kids ages 6 and older. This set is crafted for real kitchen use by small hands.
Kids Magical Baking Kit
Buy from: Jax, 1200 N College Ave Fort Collins
Sometimes it’s easier to introduce kids to baking when treats are involved! This baking kit includes recipes, tools, and decorations to inspire kid chefs to make magic in the kitchen. Simply add a sprinkle of fairy dust and a dollop of imagination. Each recipe is designed for kids to make with a grown-up assistant’s help and follows a magical theme. There are mermaidthemes pies, yeti donuts, an enchanted castle cake, magic pretzel wands, fairy sized cheesecakes and so much more.
Kids Cook Dinner: 23 Healthy, Budget-Friendly Meals from the Best-Selling Cooking Class Series
Buy from: Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St, Fort Collins
Written by Deanna F. Cook, this book puts kids in charge of making dinner! The text includes 25 easy, budget-friendly dinner recipes from the best-selling Cooking Class series. It teaches kids how to make tasty, healthy meals with easy-to-follow step-by-step photos. Recipes include a range of kid favorites, including Popcorn Chicken, Easy Cheesy Quesadillas, Pasta with Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella, Black Beans & Rice, Pizza, Meatballs with Creamy Sauce, Super Sliders, and Supper Salad. All recipes are written with kids in mind and keep the ingredients list simple; each one features easy-to-find pantry staples. Created for aspiring chefs ages 8 to 12, this text will give your kiddo everything they need to know to successfully—and proudly—put a healthy, homecooked meal on the table that the whole family will love.
Where two deserts meet: A journey to Joshua Tree
Day 1:
A 14-hour drive from Northern Colorado will have you pit stopping at Southern California’s Amboy Crater just in time for some serious stargazing. The 250-foot tall crater was designated a national natural landmark in 1973, thanks to its nearly perfect symmetry, and is home to lava lakes, collapsed lava tubes, spatter cones and basalt flows. Adventurous travelers who arrive early in the evening can take the 3.7-mile hike over the rim for an up-close look, while those not up to a strenuous hike can enjoy the incredible dark sky views over the Mojave Desert from the viewing platform. (Camping is prohibited at the crater. Continue on to Twentynine Palms for hotel lodging or to Joshua Tree National Park to camp.) Visit www.blm.gov/visit/amboy-crater-national-natural-landmark to learn more about Amboy Crater.
Day 2:
Start your day in the desert, where the motto is, “No water? No gas? No internet? No problem!” In other words, you’ll want to be prepared for the desert heat and to live without your cell phone for the day when you arrive at this stop on the tour. One of few national parks open 24/7 and not requiring an advance reservation, visit Joshua at your leisure, including early morning when crowds are thin and temperatures are mild. Check out the enormous natural garden of cholla cactus, marvel at Arch Rock, or take in incredible views of the San Andreas Fault and infamous Salton Sea on one of the several short and easy hikes in the park or try something more technical. Visit www.nps.gov/ jotr/planyourvisit/hiking.htm for the complete list.
In the afternoon, make the short drive to either Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum (www.noahpurifoy.com/) or Glass Outhouse Art Gallery (www.facebook.com/ TheGlassOuthouseartGallery/) for a fun and quirky look at southwest-themed desert art.
Day 3:
For a change of pace, drive 1.5 hours to Big Bear Lake where, if you’re lucky, you’ll hit peak leaf peeping season. A stark contrast to the desert oasis from the first two days, Big Bear is known for its mountainous terrain, colorful fall foliage, and lake recreation. It’s location in the San Bernardino Mountains makes it popular for mountain biking and hiking, as well as kayaking and paddle boarding through the 6.5-mile lake’s coves and inlets. Pop over to www.bigbear.com/ things-to-do/fall-season-fun/ to learn more.
Day 4:
Before heading home, spend a day in nearby Palm Springs, where our top picks include the Living Desert Zoo and Garden, where you can gain insight into the unique and fragile ecosystem that is the desert, and the creatures who call it home (www.livingdesert.org) and Palm Springs Windmill Tours, where you can learn firsthand about the alternative energy form and how it’s being utilized in California’s efforts to achieve netzero carbon pollution in the only tour-able private wind farm (www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/listing/palmsprings-windmill-tours/28472/).
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What’s next after graduation?
Lynn U Nichols
Explore options with your teen
IT’S CRAZY HOW FAST TIME FLIES once your kids become high school students. Before you know it, they will be celebrating graduation. Are they ready? Do they know their next steps when it comes to continuing their education or starting a career? Here are some ways you can help them hone in on what they plan to do after graduation.
BECOME AWARE OF CAREER OPTIONS
Career options after high school are expanding, and so are the pathways to attaining a career. There’s no one way or right way, and it’s never too early to explore career options with your kids. Maybe your child is interested in earning a twoyear Associate’s degree before tackling a four-year Bachelor’s degree, or maybe they are thinking about joining the military, learning a trade, taking a gap year, or putting off higher education and jumping right into the workforce. All of these are good options. Remember, life is long and they have time to explore and get it right.
Many families consider some type of college. Nationally, 62 percent of high school graduates go to college. In Colorado, that number sits closer to 50 percent, according to the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Our area school districts are working to increase access to college by helping kids start earning their college degree while still in high school.
Future Ready within the Poudre School District is a clearing-house for a buffet of career exploration options and a good place to start when figuring out next steps. It’s open to both middle school and high school students and it has an actual building at Foothills mall where parents and teens can walk in and get information, or join a learning session.
“We are all things career exploration. We help prep kids for whatever is next after high school, including college and concurrent enrollment (taking college classes during high school or after), exploring military service, or taking advantage of work-based learning opportunities (career tours, job shadows, informational interviews, internships, apprenticeships). We also help kids find scholarships and fill out FAFSA applications (government grant/loan program) for college,” says Kelsey Burger with Future Ready. Similar career ready programs also exist within
the Greeley-Evans School District 6 (Career & College Readiness) and the Thompson School District (Thompson Career Campus).
Burger says career and tech education options have expanded greatly in the last 10 years. In the past, high school graduates were limited to a few work sectors, like family consumer science and business. Now, the district helps students explore many more options, including opportunities in health sciences, architecture, and multimedia.
“In the past, college was seen as the steak and career and technical education (CTE) was seen as the hamburger. Today, college is still steak, but CTE is lobster,” Burger quips.
Yet, choosing one path, such as work-based learning or a two-year degree, doesn’t mean your child can’t also choose the other options.
“Parents are surprised by how much lines get blurred. Their teen might be getting an Associate’s degree from us at the age of 16, then go on to explore a CTE opportunity. It’s no longer this or that,” she says.
TAP INTO PASSIONS AND INTERESTS
Some teens have distinct interests and know exactly what they want to do. Yet, many do not. They need help exploring their interests and what career might be right for them.
From an early age, be observant of what your child is naturally drawn towards. Does he draw cartoons or write stories? Maybe you have a budding writer, cartoonist, or marketing executive on your hands. Does she love clothing or take great interest in decorating her room? Maybe she will be a fashion or interior designer. When you identify these interests, encourage them. Talk about what it’s like to work in that field and promote the skills that it demands. As your child gets older, help create opportunities where they might get exposure to the career. This could be setting up a job shadow with a family friend in a career of interest, or
suggesting a related first job.
Need more help getting started? All school districts in Northern Colorado offer their students access to xello— software that helps kids explore careers and assess their skills, interests, and strengths and match them with career options. If your child is a Poudre Schools student, they can log in to xello
nursing assistant, or a phlebotomist. Or, they could directly enroll in a four-year college and focus on biology, pre-med classes, or nursing.
If your child has a specific interest, consider having them sign up for a related college class during high school. With Poudre Schools, college classes are provided on site at area high schools,
from the Future Ready website.
“On xello, kids can access career matchmaker surveys, look at Colorado labor force statistics, and plug into work-based learning opportunities,” Burger says.
MAP OUT A PLAN
Begin by taking advantage of career exploration services at your child’s school. Once you have identified a career interest, learn the typical pathway to achieving that career.
Maybe your teen wants to work in the medical world, but they are unsure of the role. There are different paths to achieving the same end goal. They could start by working in an entry-level position as a receptionist, or take it a step further and obtain a certification in a specific area, such as becoming an emergency medical technician, certified
and off campus at area community colleges—it’s called concurrent enrollment and it is available at all three Northern Colorado school districts.
If your Poudre Schools child is interested in teaching or becoming a school counselor, have them explore the TREP program, which gets them two years of paid tuition, books and fees at either Front Range Community College or Metro State.
“There is also the statewide ASCENT program, which funds kids to take a fifth year of high school (and earn college credits) on a college campus. In 2024, we had 275 kids graduate from Ascent,” Burger says. By noticing your child’s interests and exploring careers early on and all along the way, you can help your child step into the world after graduation with confidence.
Fit& Fun
REALITIES FOR CHILDREN
School District News: Poudre
PSD again a top district in CMAS, PSAT, SAT achievement
POUDRE SCHOOL
DISTRICT IS ONE of Colorado’s top 10 districts for math performance and top 15 districts for English Language Arts performance, according to 2024 Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) testing.
The percentage of PSD students who met or exceeded expectations on CMAS English Language Arts, math, and science tests this spring again surpassed the state average by double digits in all grades taking these exams, continuing the long tradition of high performance on state assessments. Thirdthrough eighth-grade
students statewide take CMAS English and math tests, while the CMAS science test is limited to students in fifth grade, eighth grade, and high school juniors.
The state’s growth percentile measure tracks how much cohorts of students grow from one year to the next on CMAS tests. Growth tracking found the following.
PSD’s students in low-income households, Multilingual Learners, and students on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) all had higher growth in CMAS math and English performance in 2024 than they did in 2023 and grew more in their knowledge
year-over-year than their peers statewide.
PSD fourth and fifth graders surpassed the state average for growth in both CMAS English language arts and math performance in 2024.
PSD Superintendent Brian Kingsley says the results of this year’s testing prove that PSD remains one of the top school districts in the state and in the nation.
“It is our mission to ensure every student graduates from our schools prepared to pursue any career path they choose and succeed. Our 2024 statewide testing results show that more and more students are on track in their learning and
on track to graduate with options for their future,” Kingsley says.
PSD high school students also surpassed statewide performance by double digits for meeting or exceeding expectations on 2024 PSAT and SAT tests and PSD students saw growth in most categories.
PSD students earned higher scores on the PSAT9, PSAT10, and SAT Reading and Writing tests in 2024 than in 2023.
Freshmen and sophomores bested the state average for PSAT math scores by 20 percentage points and outpaced the state average for PSAT Reading and Writing scores by 18 percentage points.
High school juniors SAT scores were 14 percentage points higher than the state average on both the SAT math and SAT Reading and Writing exams.
PSD students earned higher PSAT and SAT scores on the Reading and Writing test in 2024 than in 2023.
Students on IEPs, students in low-income households, and minority students saw higher growth in PSAT and SAT Reading and Writing and math testing than the state.
Visit CDE’s website to view full results of this year’s CMAS assessments and PSAT and SAT tests.
School District News: Thompson
Dr. Olivia Gillespie—Treat kids like you want to be treated
FOR
YEARS, Lucile Erwin Middle School Principal
Dr. Olivia Gillespie sought the right career for herself. She had always felt drawn to education but having faced many challenges and struggles in her own school years she was hesitant to make teaching her career.
“I was the misguided kid in school,” she recalls. “I made some poor decisions. I had a teacher and coach, God rest her soul, and we
would walk around the track together at school and she said, ‘You should be a teacher.’”
Olivia spent time serving on different boards and youth organizations which, combined with what she felt was divine intervention, led her to a career advocating for youth.
“When you stop fighting it you find where you’re supposed to be. The first time I stepped into a classroom, I knew. It just
felt like home,” Olivia says. “It felt like I wasted all those years trying to run from it when I could have embraced it.”
After that, Olivia spent years working her way up through several positions in the education field, from being a classroom teacher, an administrator, and eventually doing policy governance for the Colorado Department of Education. She spent six years supporting the
178 school districts in Colorado through trainings, professional development, and guidance.
“You get to learn statute, and I’m a nerd that way,” Olivia says. “I love law and legislation. I just love what we did as a state agency. We weren’t perfect, obviously, but we were raising the voice of equity at a state level.”
But as much as she loved her job with the CDE, Olivia was always open to the idea of returning to education at the school level. She recalls learning that there was a principal opening at Erwin and being immediately drawn to LEMS, especially the close staff and their dedication to students.
“From day one, there was an electricity just walking through the halls here,” she says. “We are a huge family. The staff has bonded, and the kids respond to them.”
Olivia says she believes in always treating students the way she wants to be treated.
“I grew up in the system. I wasn’t always seen,” she says. “I couldn’t always see myself in the curriculum as a Black woman growing up. I’ve always said I was going to treat my kids the way I wanted to be treated.”
School District News: Greeley-Evans D6
Board President Mathews receives McGuffey Award
Greeley-Evans School District 6 Board of Education President Michael Mathews is the recipient of the McGuffey Award from the Colorado Association of School Boards.
The CASB McGuffey Award honors board members who bring committed and passionate service to their board work. Among other attributes, the award goes to board members who demonstrate a focus in serving all children, working for the community and going above and beyond to serve their school district.
Mathews was honored at the Board of Education meeting Sept. 16th. Board Vice President Natalie Mash said Mathews meets all the requirements of the award and more. She said the Board nominated Mathews for his ability to “lead with grace and collaboration.”
Mash cited Mr. Mathews’ work on the Mill Levy Override and Bond elections, leading the revamping of the District 6 Strategic Plan Innovation2030, supporting the change in the School Finance Act before the Colorado Legislature last session, leading during the pandemic and managing the Board Room during some challenging times.
Mathews thanked his fellow Board members and said it has been a true privilege to serve District 6. He said he has enjoyed watching the district change and grow over the years.
“To be part of this time in District 6, I feel very fortunate,” Mathews said.
Mathews was elected to the Board of Education in 2017 and will complete his second and final term in November 2025. He has served as Board president for the past six years.
Music programs, Youth Entrepreneurs, Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Mill levy vote
CRESCENDO FOUNDATION CREATED FOR MUSIC
With a love for music started by his mom and a desire to give back to a community that has given him so much, Greeley Realtor/Musician, John DeWitt, has created the Crescendo Foundation to support music programs for students in GreeleyEvans School District 6. DeWitt created the Crescendo Foundation in October of 2023 to help remove financial obstacles for District 6 students. Resources provided will support the day-today needs of musicians in District 6 music
programs. “The Crescendo Foundation is excited to make our first donation and look forward to growing our support in years to come,” DeWitt says.
Donations from the Crescendo Foundation will be made to the Success Foundation, the fundraising arm of District 6.
For more information about The Crescendo Foundation, please contact John DeWitt at 970-3027104 or johndewitt67@ gmail.com.
LATINÉ AND HISPANIC HERITAGE CELEBRATION
The Gardens on Spring Creek is hosting a family-
friendly celebration of Latiné-Hispanic culture that enriches our community. Spend a memorable day immersed in the heartwarming spirit of community, culture, and connection. There will be food, music, live performances, and activities for the whole family! Free Admission Day, Saturday, Oct. 5h, 10am4pm, free.
PSD REFERS MILL LEVY QUESTION FOR VOTE
At their Aug. 27, 2024, meeting, the Poudre School District Board of Education voted unanimously to refer a mill levy question to the Nov. 5, 2024, ballot. This mill levy, if approved by voters, will provide $49 million per year to improve and extend the useful life of the district’s school buildings and will allow the district to reprioritize more of its general fund for the recruitment and retention of teachers and staff, classroom resources, career and technical education, and neighborhood schools.
Information sessions will take place:
• Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 6pm, Timnath Middle-High School Auditorium, 4700 Prospect Road, Timnath
• Thursday, Oct. 3, at 5:30pm, Wellington MiddleHigh School Auditorium,
2856 Cleveland Ave., Wellington
• Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 6pm, Rocky Mountain High School Theater, 1300 W. Swallow Road, Fort Collins
• Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 5:30pm, Fort Collins High School Theater, 3400
Lambkin Way, Fort Collins
• Thursday, Oct. 17, at 5:30pm, Future Ready Center inside Foothills mall
The information sessions are being offered for transparency purposes only; these are not campaign events.
For more information about the mill levy measure, including support and opposition statements, please visit the 2024 Mill Levy webpage on our website:https:// www.psdschools.org/ community/2024-mill-levy.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR TOURNAMENT IN OCTOBER
Discover what it takes to make your ideas a business reality in a series of fun, hands-on weekend sessions. Ages 11-18, training and mentorship classes Saturdays Oct. 12—Nov. 2, 10am-3pm. Final pitch, Saturday Nov. 9. Pre-tournament orientation and ideation session, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 200 W. Oak Street, FC, 6-8pm. Questions: Call CareerRise Team at 970498-6608 or careerrise@ larimer.org.
The Fall of the House of Usher
After his sister Madeline falls ill, Roderick Usher is left alone in an increasingly ominous house. Soon despair and madness begin to seep into the desolate estate and the swamp that surrounds it. Set against a backdrop of crumbling walls and flickering candlelight, the play weaves together mysterious maladies, spine-tingling shadows, and whispering walls to tell this classic Edgar Allan Poe gothic tale.
Join us this October, for a spooky Halloween treat for the entire family, with Debut Theatre Company’s thrilling and chilling production of The Fall of the House of Usher at the Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre. As a guest of the Usher House, we invite you to come as you are or dress to match the gothic atmosphere of the show.
Friday Evenings: October 11, 18, 25 • 7:00 pm
Saturday Matinees: October 19, 26 • 1:00 pm
Saturday Evenings: October 12, 19, 26 • 7:00 pm
Sunday Matinee: October 13 • 1:00 pm
Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre 417 West Magnolia, Fort Collins CO 80521
$10 per ticket, on sale September 3, 2024
Lincoln Center Box Office: 970.221.6730, www.lctix.com
Appropriate for ages 7 and up. Show runs 2 hours in length. Effects include stage fog, spooky lights and sounds
www.debuttheatre.org
Community Calendar
October events
FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
Latiné and Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Live music and dancing, art making stations, local vendor market and delicious food. The Gardens on Spring Creek, FC. www.fcgov.com/gardens
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Poudre Pour Art & Culture Fest:
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Civic groups, performers, artisan demos, food trucks and activities for all ages. Windsor History Museum, Windsor. www.eventbrite.com/e/ poudre-pour-art-culturefest-tickets-935978887047
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
Teen Self Care Fair
Youth explore ways to practice self-care, including yoga, medieval longsword, art, aerial silks, music, and more, plus therapy dogs, community resources, free food trucks and giveaways. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, FC. www. allianceforsuicideprevention. org/events/teen-self-care-fair
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Artisan Street Fair
Shop local makers and artists and enjoy live music and food. Linden St, FC. coloradomarkets.com/ events/fort-collins-foco
ENTERTAINMENT
THROUGH NOVEMBER 10
Always…Patsy Cline
Charming musical with down-home country humor, true emotion, and Cline’s greatest hits. Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown. coloradocandlelight.com
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1
Weezer: Voyage to the Blue Planet Tour 2024 With The Flaming Lips and Dinosaur Jr.. Blue Arena at The Ranch, LV. treventscomplex.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse Live In Concert
View movie complemented by diverse ensemble of musicians/instrumentalists performing the soundtrack live. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. lctix.com
Ashley McBryde Grammy-award winning country singer. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. ucstars. showare.com
Jarabe Mexicano
Electic mix of genres ranging from Mexican Folk, Rock & Roll and Norteño/ Tex-Mex to Latin Rock, Trio Romántico and popular Cumbia. Rialto Theater, LV. rialtotheatercenter.org
Astronomy & Skygazing Brief, family-friendly astronomy activity followed by skygazing with telescopes from Northern Colorado Astronomical Society. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
OCTOBER 4 THROUGH NOVEMBER 23
Street Vistas: Oaxaca’s Día de los Muertos Exhibit Colorful papier-mâché skeletons, intricate street vignettes and traditional folk art display. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, FC. globalvillagemuseum.org
Jarabe Mexicano at Loveland Museum
Interactive concert where traditions of Dia de los Muertos are exposed through music, dance, singalong, discussion and Eurythmic participation. Foote Auditorium at Loveland Museum, LV. thelovelandmuseum.org/ programs-events
OCTOBER 7 THROUGH 9
Cash, Carter, and Company: A Musical Tribute Features Johnny Cash and June Carter songs. Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown. coloradocandlelight.com
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8
Sugar Skull! A Día de Muertos
Musical Adventure
Spirited candy skeleton takes a magical, musical journey to unravel the true meaning of Día de Muertos. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. ucstars.showare.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11
Our Planet Live
Learn how life has adapted through history with behindthe-scenes insights into working/filming in nature’s dramatic/challenging environments. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. ucstars. showare.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Sugar Skull! A Día de Muertos
Musical Adventure
Spirited candy skeleton takes a magical, musical journey to unravel the true meaning of Día de Muertos.
Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. lctix.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
The Petty Nicks Experience
Discover “What if” Stevie Nicks had joined Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. ucstars.showare.com
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
The Mysto REALLY BIG Magic Show
Spellbinding experience with Master Magician Mysto the Magi. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. ucstars.showare.com
ACTIVE-ITIES
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
Dive-In Movie Night
Enjoy Elemental (PG) while swimming/floating in the pool. Chilson Recreation Center, LV. LovGov.org/ swimming
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
Day of Adventure at Greeley’s Newest Natural Area
Explore dirt trails, learn about wildlife, hear stories and enjoy a scavenger hunt and food truck.. Missile Site Park, GR. speakupgreeley. com/newest-natural-area
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6
Windsor Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kids Fun Run
Choose your race including a kids timed run and free fun run. The Island at Pelican Lakes in Water Valley, Windsor. www. windsorcorace.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11
Glow & Go Bike Ride
Guided bike ride for families—arrive early to decorate bikse with glow sticks. Starts at Chilson Recreation Center, LV. LovGov.org/webtrac
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Long View Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
Various FC starting points ending in downtown LV. www.sweetheartcityracing. com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Run Fur Fun Spooktacular 5k race to benefit Animal Friends Alliance with human/ canine costume contests, race prizes. Odell Brewing Co., FC. savinganimalstoday. org/calendar/special-events/ run-fur-fun
FALL HARVEST FESTIVALS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival
Food trucks, beer, face painting, pony rides, pumpkin patch, more. Bond Park, EP. www.visitestespark. com/events-calendar
Fall Fest at Bath Garden Center
Family fun, delicious food or simply enjoy the beauty of autumn. Bath Garden Center, FC. www.facebook. com/events/2195678290813533
Stove Prairie Elementary Fall Festival
Vendors, silent auction, kids carnival, food trucks, live music, more. Stove Prairie Elementary, Bellvue. www.facebook.com/ events/2518381788354552
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
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. 5th Street in front of Loveland Museum, Downtown LV. www.downtownloveland.org/ pumpkinfestival
OCTOBER 17 THROUGH 20
Pumpkins on Parade
Artistic lighted displays and festive candy-free family activities. 6–9pm. The Gardens on Spring Creek, FC. www.fcgov.com/gardens
OCTOBER 18 THROUGH 31
Loveland Scarecrow & Scavenger Hunt Hunt for scarecrows designed by local artists all around Loveland and win prizes. www.visitloveland.com/scarecrow
PUMPKIN PATCHES & CORN MAZES
Anderson’s Patchwork Pumpkins Maze, hayrides, pet goats, gift shop. Oct. 5–31. Wed–Fri 1–5:30pm, Sat/Sun 10am–5:30pm. 15415 Hwy 14, Ault.
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
Hometown Harvest Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin patch, mini corn maze, pumpkin bowling. Thursday–Sunday through Oct. 27, hours vary.
7710 Weld Co Rd 62, WS. www. hometownharvestpumpkinpatch.com
Jack Lantern’s
Northern Colorado Corn Maze
Corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch, animals, activities. Fri–Sun, Oct. 5–27, 11am-6pm. 2318 S CR 5, FC. www.nococornmaze.com
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 10am-6pm through Oct. 1220 Langston Ln., LV. www.riverranchfarms.com
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
Sonrise Farm Colorado Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkins, hayride, play games on our lush grass game area, explore our straw bale maze. Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, 10am–6pm, Sonrise Farm Colorado, 36835 CR 21 Severance. www.facebook.com/ events/1215260119659591
Tigges Farm Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin patch, wagon rides, petting zoo, roasted chilies. 10am–6pmThurs–Sun through mid-Oct. 12404 WCR 64 ½, GR. www.tiggesfarmllc.com
HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Creepy Walk in the Woods
Fridays/Saturdays, Oct. 11–26, 7–11pm. NOT recommended for children under 11. 1750 Savage Rd. LV (base of Devil’s Backbone.) creepywalk.org
Greeley Trick or Treat Street
Friday, Oct. 25, 4–6pm. Downtown businesses give treats, plus booths, prizes and fun. 8th and 9th Street Plaza, Downtown GR. www.greeleydowntown.com/specialevents/downtown-greeley-trick-ortreat-street
Halloween on the Promenade
Sunday, Oct. 27, Noon–3pm. Goodies, free pumpkins, dog costume contest, more. Rock Bottom Brewery at The Promenade Shops at Centerra, LV. thepromenadeshopsatcenterra. com/event/halloween-on-thepromenade/2145576168
Haunted Night at Family FunPlex
Friday, Oct. 25, 5–8pm. Trick-ortreat through fieldhouse and mini golf course, costume and coloring contests, crafts, more. Family FunPlex, GR. greeleygov.com/ greeley-calendar
Howl-O-Ween Trick or Treat
Oct. 19–20, 2–6pm. Trick or treat at historical buildings, carnival games, a not-so-haunted house, costume contest. $4/person, ages 3+. Centennial Village Museum, GR. https://greeleymuseums.com/events
Loveland Trunk or Treat
Saturday, Oct. 12, 10am–Noon, Come in costume with a bag to trick-or-treat in a safe, fun environment. Loveland Police Department Parking Lot alternativestoviolence.org/events
Morning Fresh Dairy Halloween Tours
Oct. 18–30. Collect treats along the way of Halloween inspired farm tours. Bellvue. www.morningfreshdairy. com/tours-and-events/holiday-tours/ halloween-tours.html
Severance Trick-or-Treat Parade
Friday, Oct. 25, 3–5pm. Crafts, trick-or-treating, vendor booths and more. Severance Town Hall & Library. facebook.com/ events/829388369182936
Spooktacular Trick-or-Treat Event
Friday, Oct. 25, 4–7pm. Trick-ortreating, costume contest, game, plus Just Between Friends Northern Colorado Kids & Maternity Resale. Island Grove Regional Park- 4H Building, GR. www.facebook.com/ events/993863629180287
Spooky Bike Parade
Thursday, Oct. 31, 6–8pm. Costume bike parade with pre/post-ride fun. Mountain Ave. between Mason and Shields. focobikemob.com/ annualspookybikeparade
Friday–Sunday, Oct. 25–27, hours vary. Trick-or-treating, hayride and pumpkin barn for ages 10 and under. Registration required. Farm at Lee Martinez Park, FC. www.fcgov.com/treatsylvania
Twilight Tours of Lakeview Cemetery
Oct. 18, 25, 26, 30, hours vary. Guided by lantern light, discover unusual and often scandalous stories from the early Windsor pioneers buried in the cemetery. Registration required. Lakeview Cemetery, WS. www.recreationliveshere.com/160/ Activity-Guide
Wellington Trick or Treat Down Main Street
Thursday, Oct. 31, 3:30–5:30pm. 8225 Third St., Wellington. facebook. com/events/787596539947992
Windsor Halloween Carnival
Saturday, Oct. 26, 11:30am–4pm. Zombie Dash fun run, trick-or-treating, family activities and Howl-o-ween Yappy Hour. Boardwalk Park, Windsor. www.recreationliveshere.com.
KATIE HARRIS
Terrible 3s
MOVE OVER TERRIBLE
2S, there’s a new outlaw in town! We’ve all heard the saying, and many would agree that 2-year-olds are no walk in the park. But in my experience, there’s a far more sinister stage in the life cycle of the common kid, and that, my friends, is the 3-year-old.
These hyperactive, screechy little beasties terrorize their domains, playing wack-a-mole with unsuspecting family pets, dumping the contents of entire kitchen drawers in one fell swoop, and wielding sticks as swords, just looking for an eye to poke, on every family outing.
Just as you congratulate yourself on buying your last ever package of Pampers, foolishly thinking the worst is behind you, that’s when they sneak up, jumping on you from behind, wrapping their chocolatey hands from their 4th granola bar of the day all over your white shirt and shrieking directly into your ear drum that they want, no demand, another snack.
Your loving, devoted, mama’s boy has put on 10 pounds of weight that he uses without hesitation to hurdle himself onto your lap when you least expect it, upped the noise factor tenfold, and developed the attitude of a small but mighty teenager. And with
it comes the whining. The “I don’t want tos,” the “I’m not goings,” and the “Give mes”. And you’re tired, terrified, and on day 74 of the my-house-is-neverquiet migraine.
And then, just when you think you spawned a literal demon, your 3-yearold walks up to you one morning and says, “Mom, I’m glad it’s Fri-der-day because Fri-der-day’s the day I love you very most out of all the days.” And your heart melts just a little.
And afterwards, as you’re sitting in front of your computer, waiting for inspiration to hit, he walks up next to your desk, pulls his shirt up, point to his belly button, and says,
“Sorry, Mom, but my belly buddy really needs to talk to your belly buddy.” And you know exactly what you’re going to write about.
And when you sneak out for a walk together later that morning and he asks you if you hear something and you say no, he responds, “Oh, never mind, it’s just my legs honk-shooing because they’re so tired.” And, even though he’s too big now, you hoist him up on your hip and carry him the whole way home, taking in what’s left of that delicious baby scent in his hair, now mixed with the earthy smell of a preschooler.
And then, at nap time, you whisper, “You’re my
sunshine. And the warm little being curled up next to you whispers back, in all seriousness, “You’re my grocery store.” And you fail to hold in a snort. And before long you’re laughing together until you’re in tears, as you come up with the silliest terms of endearment for each other.
And finally, that evening, when he walks up and says, “Mom, when can we go on a date together?” And you look lovingly upon him and ask, “Aww, you want to go on a date with me?” He replies, “No, I want to go on a date with Dad, and I want you to drive us there.”
And you remember that 3 is, without a doubt, the new terrible 2.
