RM Parent November 2017 by RM Publishing

NOVEMBER 2017 • RMPARENT.COM

Ready, set ...pet! Make those memories last...

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LEARNING ADVENTURES True meaning for your holiday

traditions

Ho liday

health goals

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FAMILY CALENDAR!

Ring in the season with local celebrations

Holiday Events Guide

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NOVEMBER 2017

Departments PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Oh, Pets—How we love you, mostly

WOMEN’S HEALTH . . . . . . . . 8 Making merry, making meaning—creating family traditions during the holiday season

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . 10 Have an indoor adventure—entertaining and learning breaks for the whole family

LEARN AND LIVE . . . . . . . . . . 12 Make memories last—check out these places where you can assemble memories

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14 Living well—NoCo communities demonstrate how it’s done

HEALTHY LIVING . . . . . . . . 16 Have a merry mindful holiday—set goals to stay on the health wagon this season

CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4

Events and activities for parents, kids and families

TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 The joys of holiday crafting?—creating with kids requires a different outlook

Special Sections WINTER WARMUPS

Explore the possibilities for this winter and see what programs these providers have for your family.

BRAVO!

A DV E RT I S I N G S U PPLEMENT

WWAINRMTEUPRS

Holiday event guide The holidays are here and you can experience their cheer in so many ways. Northern Colorado is home to many favorite holiday activities you won’t want to miss.

Features READY, SET…PET 18 There are plenty of good reasons to get

a pet, but is your family ready for one? It’s important to get a pet for the right reasons, be aware of your limitations, and to be thoughtful when selecting a pet. Here are a few tips on deciding if it’s the right time to become pet owners.

School District News Poudre School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 PSD calendar of events, Unity Night is a time to get acquainted at Dunn Elementary, Shepardson Elementary seeks business partners, meet the Rotary Teachers of the Year,

Greeley-Evans District 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Fred Tjardes School receives $5,000 Succeeds Prize, student council to host districtwide talent show, teachers at Centennial Elementary receive science grant

20 HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Jingle bells ring. Choirs sing. Lights glow, so you should go…enjoy the holidays in NoCo. Its sights and sounds are sure to cheer even the Scroogiest of souls.

Thompson School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 LISA students spend a day at experiential learning center, JROTC wins Shoot N Scoot Invitational, sophomore class learns CPR, TSD names IT director, TSD concludes series of public forums

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

ABOUT THE COVER: An adventurer at heart, Lux loves climbing, playing, dancing and feeding ducks. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, courtesy of Sky's Open Design.

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perspective Oh, Pets…

NOVEMBER 2017 • Volume 22, Issue 6

How we love you, mostly

uppies are wonderful, horrible things. They’re so cuddly and cute and they make us laugh and smile and then they chew up our favorite shoes and pee on the new rug. They’re little four-legged lessons in unattachment. With our last puppy, I lost attachment to countless socks (missing or chewed), a couch (cushions destroyed), pillows beyond count (though the feather mess was quite amusing), shoes and more shoes, and I’m sure a bunch of other things that I became so unattached to that I can’t even remember what they were. And it doesn’t even have to be puppies. We adopted a used dog, Frida, from Animal House (love that place). It was a hard decision because we already had a miniature dachshund, Betty, and Dale, a chow mix. Frida was a little thing and a bit skittish and clearly needed a forever home. It took me about 3 days to come around to the idea that Frida should be part of our household. That was 4 years ago and she’s still not completely housebroken but we see consistent, but slow, progress. Maybe I’ve been a little long on describing the horrible side because there is a wonderful side too. First, in my mind, is how they worm their way into your heart. You get to practice receiving (dependably if it’s a dog; not so much if it’s a cat or gold fish) and giving (less consistently than we might like to admit) unconditional love without the issues that seem to accompany human relationships. And of course, it’s great for the family. Kids get to practice responsibility and caring and patience and generosity. And, pets add a certain unpredictability to the household, which is good for us. It shifts us off thinking we have control of every bit of our world…in case, we occasionally thought that we did. I like the bumper sticker that says: “Oh lord, please make me the person that my dog thinks I am.” They help us be our better selves. They make us change our plans so that we can go home and let them out or take them to the vet. They greet us when we get home as though we’re the most important people in the world (and to them we are). And that makes us smile and maybe shake off that bad meeting we had or let that interaction with an angry customer go. Please take a moment to read Lynn U. Nichols story about pets. She does a great job at looking at when and if a pet is right for you and your family. Also, and this is no small thing, please check out all the holiday info that is packed into this issue. ‘Tis the season. Thanks, Scott

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PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Kim Sharpe calendar@rockymountainpub.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION Sharon Klahn, Debbie Lee, Rob Martin, Susan Pettit, Nikolai Poppen-Chambers COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lea Hanson, Katie Harris, Lynn U. Nichols Kim Sharpe

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING 825 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 Voice 221-9210 Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not consitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2017 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

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Making merry, making meaning Creating family traditions during the holiday season LY N N U. N I C H O L S

or most of us, holidays are steeped with rituals that define who we are as a family and bring us together. Take a moment to consider your holiday traditions. Which ones bring true meaning and joy and which feel like you are doing them simply to go through the motions? Consider introducing some fresh ideas to spruce up your celebrations this year. It doesn’t matter how big or small, traditions help ground us as a family, and bring comfort and joy. INCLUDE THE KIDS IN CREATING NEW TRADITIONS Set up a family meeting prior to the holidays to discuss how each member would like to see things carried out. When deciding which traditions to keep and which to toss, consider these questions: Are your current rituals working for both you and your kids? Is obligation or commercialism defining how you spend your holidays? What values and ideas do you want to honor within your family? Keep the established things that work and add new activities for spice. Figure out how to get everyone’s top wishes and negotiate the rest. AVOIDING COMMON MISTAKES Changing traditions brought in from our family-of-origin can bring up feelings of loss. Some relatives won’t understand and may pressure you to conform to the old ways. If that happens, let your relatives know up front that you care about their feelings and will honor some of their wishes, but that it’s important for you to establish your own traditions with your spouse and kids. Going along with something just because it’s the way it has always been can create resentments. Holidays are supposed to be fun, 8

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but people often feel stressed-out around the holidays, mostly because they fear they’ll let someone down or that their holiday won’t match some perfect image. Holidays also are challenging when there has been a divorce or death in the family. While switching gears after a loss is hard, it’s also a chance to reinvent the holidays. When making new traditions, ease into it by incorporating pieces of the old traditions. Be flexible, and try to make plans based on what brings joy rather than what’s expected. MAKE A RITUAL OF GIVING Giving is never more on our minds than during the holiday season. It is a time when families and friends come together to share not only gifts, but also themselves with each other. Kids may be focused on their Santa wish list, but don’t be fooled. They are also soaking in the magic of the season—

the joy and satisfaction that comes from giving to others. Make traditions around giving. Maybe that means baking cookies for friends, helping to hang Christmas lights for an elderly person in the neighborhood, or volunteering at a food bank or local shelter. Giving is an important part of life. When we give, we feel good. We are social creatures by nature. If someone appreciates us, we feel joy. Giving improves self-esteem and self-image. All kids get in trouble or do something wrong at times, and they may harbor feelings of being bad at some level. But when they give or are kind, they gain some of that back. It helps them think, ‘I am a good person after all.’ When we feel good about ourselves we want to share that goodness with others. And that’s a feeling we want our kids to have all year long—not just during the holiday season!

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family activities

Have an indoor adventure

Entertaining and learning breaks for the whole family K ATIE HARRIS

npredictable fall weather is no reason to stop exploring all that northern Colorado has to offer. This month, experience the indoor opportunities the region has to offer for all ages with a visit to a museum, fun center or escape room. For the social studies buff in your family, the Global Village Museum in Fort Collins offers a look into cultures from around the world. The “Life in Istanbul” exhibit explores the recent development of Turkey’s most populous city through the bright, colorful paintings of artist Gabrielle Reeves, a native of Casper, Wyoming who moved to Istanbul in 2011. The temporary exhibit runs through the end of the year and is housed in the Hall Gallery. More than 21 miniature houses and hundreds of miniature folk dolls make up the International Folk Art in Miniatures exhibit. The permanent exhibit, which was donated by founding museum member Jeanne Nash, is housed in the Mundoville Gallery at the museum. The Global Village Museum also features a Hall of International Textiles, including appliqué, batik, cross-stitched, embroidered, beaded and hand-painted wall hangings and textiles; and the Stewart Price Collection of for-sale global items. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am-5pm and costs $5/ adults, $3/seniors and students, and $1/ child (ages 3 and under are free). For more information call 970-221-4600 or visit www.globalvillagemuseum.org. Active families will enjoy the endless opportunities the Greeley Family FunPlex has to offer. An impressive indoor water park featuring three slides, a lazy river and a zero depth entry area with a 10

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large family locker room area are just the beginning. The indoor sports court offers ample room for basketball, volleyball, inline hockey and soccer, and the outdoor miniature golf course is open year round weather permitting. In addition, in pleasant weather families can rent bikes from the FunPlex for $8 each to explore the adjacent Sheep Draw Trail. The Greeley Family FunPlex is open Monday through Friday from 5am-10pm, Saturday from 7am8pm and Sunday from 11am-8pm. Admission is $5.50/adult, $4.50/ages six-15 and seniors, and $1.50/ages five and under. To find out more call 970350-9401 or visit www.greeleyrec.com. Adventurous types can put on their detective hats and attempt to solve clues to escape from Loveland’s Clueology Escape Rooms. Seventy-five minutes locked in a

room together solving puzzles and disarming booby-traps is the perfect opportunity for family bonding. Clueology rooms include The Fallout Room, a hidden cabin in the woods harboring stolen government files and a patrol robot who will need to be defeated to escape; Defeat the P-D-P, where it’s up to you to disarm a nuclear powered biological device before it’s too late; and Escape from Alcatraz, where time is ticking away to escape prison and avoid execution. Clueology Escape Rooms are suitable for young children with parental supervision but recommended for ages 10 and up. Guests may leave at any time if the experience becomes too scary. The cost of admission to book an escape room is $26/guest, and appointments may be booked online at www. clueologyrooms.com. Call 970-7760356 for more information.

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learn and live

Get scrappy as a family Put together a memory book this year

KIM SHARPE

Making your memories last

Check out these places where you can assemble memories. A ‘Scrapin” Place 6880 N. Franklin Ave., Loveland 663-0035, 481-0338 http://ascrapnplace.com Leave A Legacy 1827 E. Harmony Rd., Fort Collins 226-0102,www.facebook.com/ LeaveALegacyInc/ NOCO Crop Stop 7499 Westgate Dr., Ste. 102, Windsor 237-1075, www.nococropstop.com Scrap 2 It 1015 W. Horsetooth Rd., #107 Fort Collins, 797-2174 www.scrap2itstore.com

eople appreciate experiences more than possessions, so rather than giving family and friends a lot of stuff this holiday season, why not focus on having fun with them instead? Children (and adults) will remember quality time spent together much longer than receiving the latest and greatest toy or gadget, especially if you make preserving those experiences part of your family fun. Karen Griffiths Lachelt, NoCo mom of four, says scrapbooks are a way to remember “…things we do together. It is valuable when you use your scrapbooks as reference material to answer ‘What year did we...?’ For as a scrapbooker you are also the family historian.” And kids love participating in saving family memories, too. Compiling scrapbooks that use cute stickers, charms and stamps, made popular by Creative Memories™ and Stampin’ Up© a

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couple decades ago, is still a popular way to record family history. Many stores in northern Colorado offer materials and space to build memory books of this sort (see sidebar for a list of local scrapbook stores). A more modern take on scrapbooks are journals, like SMASH™ books, into which you can jot down notes and cram ticket stubs, receipts, photos and other momentos. Actually, this version of documentation is more like the “commonplace books” that became popular in 15th century England. They were/ are a way to save information and memorabilia. Each book becomes a unique collection of individualized history. Another way to record family fun is to use a digital photo book creator. This method isn’t as hands-on or tactile as working with paper,

The Treasure Box 1833 E. Harmony Rd., Fort Collins 207-9939

pencils, markers, scissors and glue, but it can be just as creative in a virtual way. Leave A Legacy in Fort Collins is the local store that specializes in digital memory preservation. It offers DIY or DFY (Done For You!) services, however, the DFY option won’t provide another fun family activity to record. The online Shutterfly™ (www.shutterfly.com) and Mixbook© (www.mixbook. com) sites receive high marks from users, as does Pint Size Productions (www.pintsizeproductions.com), which specializes in the creation of durable board books for your youngest family members. Whichever method you choose, your scrapbook creations will be appreciated for generations.

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community news

Living well

NoCo communities demonstrate how it’s done KIM SHARPE

orthern Colorado communities strive to help its residents live healthy, safe and fulfilling lives. Here’s the latest… ‘TIS THE SEASON FOR DIVERSE MUSIC The Fort Collins Symphony, under the direction of Maestro Wes Kenney, has begun its 68th season titled “A Season of Diversity.” From culturally diverse symphonies to a violin concerto featuring 16-year-old Japanese-American pianist and violinist Ray Ushikubo. The symphony will also perform African American composer Adolphus Hailstork’s moving hymn interpretations in Three Spirituals for Orchestra. The vibrant Cubanesque rhythms of Mexican composer Arturo Marquez’s Danzon No. 2 will conclude the exciting kick off of the season. For more information about the upcoming Fort Collins Symphony Season, visit www.fcsymphony.org or call 970-482-4823. DRIVE SMART IN WELD COUNTY Weld County-DRIVE SMART Weld County (DSWC) recently received a grant from State Farm to support its Teen Driving Program for Weld County high schools. The overarching goal of DSWC is to reduce motor vehicle related injuries and deaths among teens. Weld County continues to rank as one of the counties in the state with the highest rates for motor vehicle related injuries and death. The State Farm award will allow DSWC to increase levels of coordination among community partners and educate the community on the risks and protective factors associated with teen motor vehicle injuries and deaths. The State Farm award also will provide funding for the Parent of Teen Driver Classes (PTD), which teaches

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parents and teens about Colorado’s Graduated Driver’s License laws. PTD encourages parents to design contracts with their teens to establish acceptable boundaries and consequences for their young drivers. For more information on DRIVE SMART Weld County and its community programs visit: www.drivesmart weldcounty.org or call 970-400-2325. FIRE ON THE PLAINS The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department, in coordination with The Nature Conservancy, will be conducting several prescribed fires within Soapstone Prairie Natural Area in the fall and winter of 2017-2018. The Natural Areas Department

conducts prescribed burns to accomplish a variety of management goals including reducing weedy vegetation, improving plant community composition for habitat goals, or to reduce the presence of hazardous fuels. This season’s efforts will focus on improving habitat for migrating birds and rare plants. Additionally, burning will help to diversify the grassland habitat promoting native grasses, such as buffalo grass and blue grama, which are adapted to fire and respond well to conditions created following a fire. Prior to burning, information about burn-related trail or area closures will be posted on the trails conditions webpage (www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/status. php) and on NOCO trail report (www. nocotrailreport.org). Smoke advisory

signs will be posted along any potentially affected roads. Officials will closely monitor smoke dispersal to avoid impacts to motorists and residents. To mitigate concerns, the Natural Areas Department will burn only under conditions that promote good smoke dispersal. Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is closed in December, January, and February. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information see: www.colorado.gov/cdphe/wood-smokeand-health. Concerns or questions regarding this prescribed burn can be directed to Jennifer Roberts, Natural Areas Environmental Planner, jroberts@fcgov. com , 970-221-6584 or the Natural Areas Department at (970) 416-2815. LOVELAND BABIES CAN COME WITH INSTRUCTIONS Loveland Public Library has teamed

up with The Baby Box Company and has “Baby Boxes” available for new and expecting parents who complete the Baby Box University free online course (complete the online course at www. babyboxuniversity.com/login, then print out or take a screen shot of your certificate and take it to the library to receive your free baby box). Baby Boxes started in Finland as part of their Universal Health Care for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) prevention. Baby Boxes provide a safe sleeping environment for infants for the first five to six months of age, they meet or exceed all of the applicable tenets of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Health Canada and European Standards. The boxes also come with diapers, breast pads and an age-appropriate book provided by Bright by Three.

GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE SPIKES IN WELD COUNTY From January to the end of August 2017, there were 167 confirmed cases of enteric disease in Weld County compared to 138 cases during the same time period in 2016. The month of August saw nearly a doubling of cases of campylobacteriosis (32 cases), E. coli (seven cases), and cryptosporidiosis (six cases). Local health officials say the enteric disease cases are widespread throughout the county, and nearly all were contracted where humans and animals interact, such as where people work with or near animals, and even on outdoor sports fields where geese tend to congregate. In general, diseases that cause severe stomach distress, including cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea are on the rise. The illnesses, also known as enteric diseases—include campylobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, salmonellosis, and others. The microorganisms that make you sick enter the human body via swallowing contaminated food, water or exposure to the bacteria from feces or urine from animals, but there’s a simple way to prevent getting sick. “Proper handwashing is your best defense against many diseases and illnesses,” says Mark E. Wallace, Weld County Health Department executive director. “It’s essential to wash your hands before eating, drinking or touching your face.” Prevention of enteric diseases include the following:

• Wash hands with soap and water after working with or near animals, using the bathroom, changing diapers, working outside or caring for someone who is sick. • Always wash hands before preparing food, eating, drinking or touching one’s face. • Use a hand sanitizer product when soap and water are not available, but remember hands must be clean from dirt for the sanitizing product to be effective. • Do not drink untreated water, even if it looks clear, such as from a mountain stream or lake.

For handwashing fact sheet and more information, visit www.weldgov. com (click on Health Hot Topics). RMPARENT

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healthy living

Have a merry, mindful holiday Set goals to stay on the health wagon this season LEA HANSON

ost holidays are associated with specific foods and activities, many of which aren’t healthy and aren’t a part of our normal routine. It’s too easy—and more enjoyable—to become relaxed and indulge in all the holiday glutton. But, if we want to avoid paying the price come January, it’s better to make a plan now that can keep us on track. Adults gain, on average, more than a pound of body weight during the winter holidays—and are not at all likely to shed that weight the following year. The news is worse for those already overweight who can gain up to an extra five pounds per holiday season versus just one. The good news is people who report the most physical activity through the holiday season show the least weight gain; some even manage to lose weight. Brad Downs, ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist and owner of Mountain Fitness (www. bemountainfit.com) and trainer at the Fort Collins Club, says most people with whom he works simply want to know how to stay on track with the goals they already have. He says, “I think the best approach is simple: be mindful. And that’s different for everyone.” Nonetheless, Downs recommends a few tips from which most people can draw as they put together goals for the holiday season. ADJUST WEEKLY GOALS AS NEEDED Slight adjustments with both fitness and nutrition matter. Keep it basic: If you know the coming week includes a holiday party, also plan into your schedule more time for exercise. CONTROL YOUR PORTIONS Don’t mindlessly snack on everything

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on the party spread. Choose to eat what you LOVE and avoid the things you only like. You don’t have to be logging food intake to be in control of portions, either, Downs says. “It really can be as simple as don’t eat a lot at once.” STICK TO YOUR NORMAL DIET Even when you’re planning to indulge in treats at a party or event, eat throughout the day as you normally would. Downs says, “Too many people ‘save up room’ or make the entire day a wash (cheat day) but it’s actually better to just stick to the normal routine and have the treats on top of that.” STAY HYDRATED Dehydration masks itself as hunger. Downs says, “When you’re hydrated, all of your body systems work better and

you’ll have more energy for exercise, which is important if you’re planning to do more of it than normal.” MANAGE STRESS Get in your daily workout, meditation, yoga, or hike. “People get so stressed over the holidays for various reasons (family, kids, spending money). But if you go into parties stressed, it’s more likely you may eat or drink that stress away,” Downs says. “Allow your goal-setting to be specific to you,” Downs says, “if you LOVE pumpkin pie, just eat it. But then, maybe run a few extra minutes that morning.” The key is being mindful and planning ahead; think of holiday habits like you do budgeting money: Do you want to blow it on garbage or on a very special, one-of-akind item or event?

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Ready, set…

pet!

Deciding what pet, if any, is the P ets are good for your wellbeing. Your blood pressure drops when you pet them, they provide an open, non-judgmental source of comfort, and they help bring your family together, giving everyone something to rally over and laugh about. Pets also have a practical use—they teach kids how to care for someone other than themselves and learn about chores. There are plenty of good reasons to get a pet, but is your family ready for one? While it seems like every family you know owns a pet, that’s not necessarily true. According to the American Pet Products Association, 68 percent of households own a pet. You want to make sure the pros outweigh the cons. Here are a few tips on deciding if it’s the right time to become pet owners.

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DECIDING IF YOUR KIDS ARE READY

Pets are great companions and offer the chance for kids to learn important life lessons, but they have to be ready to handle the responsibilities of pet ownership. How do you know if your kids are ready to care for a pet? And which pet is right for them? “A common mistake people make when selecting a pet is not recognizing the needs of the particular animal that they choose. For example, your child might want to get a friend for their hamster, but hamsters may not want a friend in their cage and they might fight. It comes down to doing good research and learning how much training and obligations a pet needs,” says Lauren Parsons, Volunteer Human Education Coordinator for the Larimer Humane Society. If you think your child is ready to care for a pet, start with the simple

things. Your child can learn responsibility and compassion by readying your pet’s dinner, checking its water bowl and replacing dirty water with fresh, making sure they have a clean environment, and giving them lots of love. Whether your child is ready for a pet or not depends more on your child’s nature than anything else, but here are a few guidelines. Is your child able to take care of his own basic needs? Can he dress himself, use the toilet alone and get a snack if needed? Then he might be ready. Toddlers and preschoolers don’t know how to control their strength or emotions and can hurt a small pet. School age is often a good time to get a pet. Getting a pet that your child can keep in her room might also be something to consider—if you are not keen on having a pet underfoot. Teenagers can usually handle pets but may not have the time for them.

Larimer Humane Society Open House at New Location 3501 E 71st Street, Loveland, CO Saturday, November 4, From 10am - 2pm

right fit for your family WHICH PET IS RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY?

Each pet comes with its own pros and cons list. A dog or cat, for instance, will provide the most affection and interaction but will demand the most care. Is your child ready to commit to picking up after your dog in the yard or taking the dog for a daily walk? If not, this responsibility will fall on you. Dander associated with fur—and how your child might react—is also something to consider before getting a dog or cat. When choosing a pet, consider how long it will live and if it needs special food or supplies. Reptiles and amphibians including lizards, turtles, frogs, iguanas, snakes, toads, chameleons and salamanders are interesting to watch, but carry salmonella—a bacteria that can cause stomach upset. If your child is good at personal hygiene, or willing

to wash his or her hands each time after holding the pet—and also willing to clean the cage regularly—reptiles might be a good choice. However, they often demand live food like meal worms or crickets, ...which means weekly trips to the pet store. Consider how that fits into your schedule. Some people think guinea pigs are a good way to go, and they certainly can be. It’s a pleasure to feed them lettuce scraps and carrot peels and watch them squeal in delight. They can be calm and allow some cuddling and holding, but sometimes remain skittish. Cage upkeep can be a challenge as it’s a large cage that demands regular cleaning. If you are not quite ready for a guinea pig, try a gerbil or hamster. After all, the smaller the pet, the less mess they make. Hamsters can be

quite entertaining, even when they get out in the house and you have to move furniture to find them. There’s even a mini version—robo hamsters—that are amazingly fast and fun to watch. Rats can also be great pets as they are more intelligent and often like to be held. “What I have learned working with animals and children is that small mammals are a lot more manageable. The smaller the pet, generally the smaller amount of responsibility,” Parsons says. Teach your kids how to provide the right amount of attention and the right type of attention to their chosen pet. Pets often respond differently to affection than people do, or even other pets. Help your child read a pet’s cues, which can differ by animal. “Tail wagging in a dog is a green light behavior while tail twitching in a cat is a hands-off behavior. Likewise, when a dog rolls over and presents its belly it wants pets, but when a cat rolls over and shows its belly, petting it will break its trust,” Parsons says. TIPS FOR ADOPTING

If you plan to visit the shelter and select a pet, consider your options before you go. Most shelters have online pictures and descriptions of animals, including the Larimer Humane Society (larimerhumane.org). Dogs go fast, so if you see one you like don’t hesitate too long once you definitely know you are ready. When you get to the shelter, take the time to really hang out with the animal to make sure your personalities match. “It really comes down to fit. Every animal has their own personality, so make sure yours match. With dogs, make sure you pick one that matches your energy level and availability. Some dogs require more exercise, and have a harder time being at home alone all day while you work than others. Finally, we encourage people to consider older animals. Everyone wants a puppy but there are advantages to older dogs,” concluded Ben Barnhart, Director of Development and Community Relations for the Larimer Humane Society. RMPARENT

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Holiday happenings Kim Sharpe

ingle bells ring. Choirs sing. Lights glow, so you should go…enjoy the holidays in NoCo. Its sights and sounds are sure to cheer even the Scroogiest of souls.* Greeley resident Cheryl Kohl says, “The one thing we never miss is the Festival of Trees at the Union Colony Civic Center (UCCC).” The festival begins the day after Thanksgiving and features a winter wonderland of trees and wreaths decorated by local businesses, individuals and organizations. There’s even a Candy Cane Lane, which showcases evergreens decorated with ornaments made by children. Kohl says she also enjoys the Greeley Lights the Night parade, which goes through downtown and ends in Lincoln Park. “Since the UCCC and Lincoln Park are right next to each other, it definitely makes for a beautiful evening since we tend to walk through

*Plan your holiday fun using the Bravo guide found on page 32 of this issue of RM Parent.

Ring in the season with fun, local celebrations 20

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the park after the Festival of Trees to go eat at one of the restaurants downtown.” Do you like to celebrate the holiday’s National Lampoon style? If so, don’t miss the light display at the Greeley Grizwalds. Claire Damon says taking in this festive attraction, which is in her grandmother’s neighborhood, has been one of her family’s traditions for at least 10 years. “It’s truly a spectacular light show and they have their own radio station that synchronizes the lights to Christmas music!” Get all the details at http:// mike.btfh.net. The Estes Catch the Glow Parade is another local favorite. Fort Collins mom Janet McClellan says, “It starts the holiday season for me. Cool, crisp Rocky Mountain air; happy, festive people; a feeling of magic; and sometimes there’s even snow. A night of drinking hot chocolate while snuggled under a blanket with my girls surrounded by twinkling lights provides memories I will always treasure.” Sharon Lock-Mallow, NoCo mom and grandma, says the Estes parade’s atmosphere makes her “…feel like I’ve stepped back in time a bit to a slower time, where it’s not so commercialized. It’s a good way to spend time with family.” If you plan to catch the Estes parade, keep in mind that U.S. Highway 34 is closed through the Big Thompson Canyon until Memorial Day 2018, so visitors must use U.S. Highway 36, which goes through Lyons and up the Saint Vrain Canyon. In Fort Collins, Realities for Children lights up the night and many children’s lives with its NightLights event. Held December 1st of each year, a 50-foot tree is illuminated with more than 30,000 lights that are sponsored by individuals and businesses to raise money to help abused children. The tree lighting event is free to the public

and includes music; warm soup, hot cocoa and cookies; and photos with Santa. Learn more at www.realitiesforchildren.com/nightlights/. Another illuminated favorite is Fort Collins Gardens on Spring Creek’s whimsical light display. NoCo mom Deb Ham says, “It’s spectacular and the festivities include warm drinks and music, plus it’s very accessible for those with disabilities and the elderly.” But NoCo holiday traditions include so much more than lights, like ice-skating at Loveland’s Promenade Shops at Centerra and buying gifts at one of many artisan fairs, like the one held at the Fort Collins Senior Center the weekend after Thanksgiving. Rose Marie Caglioti Massaro says, “We try to see a holiday musical every year. Besides it just being fun, it’s an experience the whole family enjoys, it showcases wonderful local talent, and my own daughters get to see children their age show a commitment to a craft. Plus, the shows are often renditions of older stories, like Scrooge, A Christmas Carol and the Nutcracker, so I really love seeing my girls enjoy the same shows and stories I enjoyed as a kid.” Erin Sunderland Scarlett says she and her husband love taking their daughter to Old Town Fort Collins to visit Santa. She says, “The cool cabin in the center of old town feels traditional and cozy.” But Santa makes appearances throughout NoCo, so if you don’t make it to Old Town, catch Old Saint Nick at another of his many hang out spots. To wrap up the season, Kathleen Bracke’s family enjoys snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park on New Year’s Eve day. “It’s great way to close out the year.”

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He was dreaming… of a

little girl with a big heart that could give him a good home with plenty of room to run.

She was dreaming...

of a house that her parents owned in which she could finally adopt a best friend.

I want to help you find a home, one for you and the loves of your life.

Buying a home is more than signing papers and getting a key, it’s about creating new dreams, new hopes and fulfilling all the promises that you always hoped you could.

Brandy Formanek • Broker Associate (970) 310-0610 • brandy@frii.com • www.BrandyKnowsHomes.com

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poudre school district news Unity Night is a time to get acquainted

The smiles were big at Dunn Elementary School’s Unity Night. Students and parents dressed in their cultural best as they crowded into the gym to learn more about each other’s heritages, eat (mostly cookies) and play games from different countries. The recent fall event also included a parade on school grounds with students waving flags and proclaiming, “Dunn Unity! Dunn Unity!” As an International Baccalaureate World School, Dunn prides itself on its multi-cultural student population. The first Unity Night was held last spring after the PTO and a group of teachers decided to start an annual cultural event at the school. Students played games from Mexico, the Middle East and Brazil. It was all about building community and having family-friendly fun while learning about other cultures. A second springtime event will be held later in the school year. 24

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SHEPARDSON ELEMENTARY SEEKS BUSINESS PARTNERS “We believe that kids can change the world. If you have a problem, we want to help. It’s amazing the solutions these kids come up with,” comments Alissa Poduska, principal of Shepardson Elementary School. Ms. Poduska’s comments were her introductory request to nearly 50 local business leaders to partner with the STEM elementary school on its Problem-Based Learning initiative this year. The program, in its second year at Shepardson, provides an opportunity for students to learn about a challenge in a local business or organization, talk with subject-matter experts as part of their research and then propose solutions. Last year, Shepardson students tackled communication about pick up and drop off issues, reducing environmental footprints and how to engage with older generations. Yvonne Myers, director of Columbine

Health Systems, says that when kindergarteners came to the assisted living facility in the spring, both sides won. “The benefits were many for us. Our residents are grandparents and mentors. When they talked to the kids, they got purpose. They love interacting with the community and we hope that this experience will also inspire these young people to take care of us when they get older,” Myers tells the potential partners. “There is no negative to doing this. You’ll make a difference and we all will win.” Dr. Tony Frank, president of Colorado State University and keynote speaker for the second-year launch event, says that as the child of a teacher, he recognizes the important role education plays in our community. He encourages the audience to harness the power of public and private partnerships. “When I think of the K-12 education system, I think about what our teachers do, how important their job is to

bring all students along. But they can’t do it alone. The role of a mentor is an essential one.” Dr. Frank says. “I encourage all of you to become involved as mentors with PSD. Think, share your passion with students and get involved…with your support we can transform lives.” ROTARY TEACHERS OF THE YEAR Rhonda Ewan, Speech Language Teacher at Shepardson Rhonda Ewan has been working in PSD for more than 30 years as a Speech Language Specialist at various locations throughout the district. Most recently, Rhonda has been a part of the expanding autism program at Shepardson STEM Elementary and continues to find encouragement and joy in helping nonverbal students become verbal. She works with an amazing team of administrators, teachers and support staff at Shepardson, which makes coming to work each day a pleasure. Rhonda is married with three daughters and enjoys following our Colorado sports teams. She works in her spare time volunteering and “paying it forward” whenever she can. “I knew I always wanted to be a teacher because I loved my third grade teacher — she encouraged me so much. I teach because I absolutely love working with kids of all abilities. All of my kids have some kind of special needs. Some days are a challenge, but the kids make it worth getting up every morning. They teach me so much, and I love watching them grow. Working and celebrating with them is not just fun, it’s the best part.” Jennifer McCoy, First Grade Teacher at Riffenburgh Jennifer McCoy has been an educator for 13 years, 8 of these years in

Poudre School District. She is a graduate of Fort Collins High School, received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wyoming as well as her Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning from Colorado State University Global Campus. She enjoys being with her family, her husband, Torrey, son, Elijah, a freshman at Montana State University and daughter, Briery, a freshman at Fort Collins High School. Mrs. McCoy also works in the community in other roles. She was a business owner, running a breakfast lunch restaurant with her husband for 12 years. She is highly involved with organizations in and outside of schools, namely as PTO president from 2010-2012, Gridiron booster board member from 2014-2017, and as a business sponsor for Taste of the Nation from 2000-2011. Jennifer has found her bliss in the classroom, working with her students to empower them with knowing their own learning. She encourages boundless inquiry, to instill confidence within her students to make mistakes, find solutions through trial, and celebrate goals achieved and reflect goals yet achieved. “People search their whole life for something what that fills their heart. Teaching fills my heart because I get to work with wonderful people. I get to see all the growth, learning and love that comes from our youth. It’s such a joy to be a part of that.” Becca Wren, Seventh Grade Science Teacher at Lincoln After graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in science education, Becca joined Lincoln Middle School as 7th grade, 8th grade, and newcomer science teacher, but now she

PSD Calendar of Events October 1: I n-State College Planning Night, Rocky Mountain High School October 10: Board of Education Meeting, 2407 Laporte Ave. October 16: Post-Secondary/College Planning Night, Fort Collins High School October 19: Elementary schools not in session October 20: No school K-12 October 24: Board of Education Meeting, 2407 Laporte Avenue

has a home in 7th grade science. She got her Masters from Concordia University in educational leadership, and currently also serves as team leader, yearbook teacher and volleyball coach. More than anything else, Becca is passionate about building students’ character, and codirects a program called COPACK, which stands for Colorado Promotes Achievement, Character, and Kindness. She firmly believes that all students have the ability to be successful; they just need to be given the right tools, coaching, and opportunity. In her spare time, Becca enjoys hiking, traveling the world, backpacking, sports, working in her garage, and spending time in the sunshine. “The kids keep me on my toes, especially in middle school. They’re at a turning point in their life, deciding where to go and what to do. Each day is a new challenge, a new celebration, and a new victory. You have such an opportunity to create change with kids every single day. The most rewarding part is watching kids grow, to see the epiphanies they can have when they’re willing to step outside of their comfort zone.”

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greeley-evans district 6 news Fred Tjardes School receives Prize

Before a large audience and live broadcast, The Fred Tjardes School of Education was awarded $5,000 as a runner up for The Succeeds Prize. The Succeeds Prize is a prestigious award, recognizing the educators and schools leading transformation through innovation in public education. The Succeeds Prize, Excellence in Innovation Award, is sponsored by Colorado Succeeds, 9News and mindSpark Learning. The three founders of the Fred Tjardes School of Innovation – David Edwards, Caitlin Konecny and Courtney Luce–applied for the award, which included creating a video about their program and attending a live interview. 26

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STUDENT COUNCIL TO HOST DISTRICT-WIDE TALENT SHOW The Greeley-Evans School District 6 Student Council of Representatives is hosting a District-Wide Talent Show on November 17, 2017, at 7pm at Northridge Auditorium. This is a benefit for children in need at Christmas, so there is an entry fee of $5 or new/gently used toys, or wrapping paper. The Council is auditioning students from every high school in District 6 for the talent show. It is part of their Weld Meld effort to unify all schools in District 6 for a common purpose and goal. The show will be open to the public. Tickets will be available at the door.

TEACHERS AT CENTENNIAL ELEMENTARY RECEIVE SCIENCE GRANT Congrats to the fourth-grade teachers at Centennial Elementary School, who were recently awarded the “For the Love of Science” Bond Family Grant. Dr. Dick Bond, former president of the University of Northern Colorado, and family members continue to be involved with District 6 and many of our schools have benefited greatly from their generosity. This grant will allow the teachers to partner with the Science Department at the University of Northern Colorado to purchase much-needed curriculum material and prepare them with lesson plans that will prepare Eagle elementary students for the future.

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thompson school district news Students spend a day at experiential learning center

Each year, students in the Loveland Integrated School of the Arts (LISA) program spend a day at the Heart J Center for Experiential Learning near Loveland. The group attends workshops focused on team building and also participates in a variety of fun activities, including drumming, songwriting, slam poetry and air painting. It is a great experience for the students, who are provided with a wonderful opportunity to reinforce some important skills in a peaceful and enjoyable setting. TSD NAMES IT DIRECTOR Thompson School District has named Dr. Matt Kuhn as Executive Director of Information Technology Services. Dr. Kuhn is filling the position that was vacated by Josh Smith, who has departed the district. Dr. Kuhn most recently served as 28

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the director of technology for Englewood Schools in Englewood, Colo. In addition to supervising the district’s technological infrastructure, he led the team’s strategic planning efforts and worked continuously to support classroom teaching and student achievement initiatives. Dr. Kuhn’s career also includes experience as a managing instructional technology consultant with McREL International and as an education programs manager with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. He previously served as a principal in Aurora, Colo., and also as a physical science teacher in Cherry Creek Public Schools and as a science and math teacher in Littleton Public Schools. Dr. Kuhn is a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, where he managed a team as a military intelligence officer.

“I am very excited to be part of a district that includes growing communities, improved student achievement and engaging technology for students,” Dr. Kuhn says. Dr. Kuhn earned a Bachelor of

Science degree in Aircraft Engineering Technology from Embry Riddle University in Daytona Beach, Fla., and a master’s degree in Science Education from the University of Denver. He earned his Ph.D. in Educational Technology Administration from the University of Denver as well. TSD CONCLUDES SERIES OF PUBLIC FORUMS On November 8, Thompson School District will conclude its series of public forums that are designed to facilitate a community-wide discussion regarding the challenges that the district is facing and potential solutions. The final forum will be held Wednesday, November 8th, at 6pm at the High Plains Environmental Center in Loveland. Thompson is a complex school district. Its accomplishments are impressive and its challenges are often intricate. Because of this, it is imperative that the community works together to identify problems and then solves them together. To assist in this process, the community forum will be presented in a different way than what visitors may be used to. Rather than a simple presentation of information followed by a “question and answer” session, the forum is designed to encourage open dialogue from all participants. The conversation will move where it needs to in order to address the ideas and issues that are brought forward by attendees. District staff members will be on-hand to provide information and to clarify challenges. However, the participants will dictate the flow of the meeting. A facilitator to help guide the process will be on-hand, which will ensure both an open conversation that gets all concerns on the table and one that moves the group toward collective agreements around priorities. For more information on the upcoming forum, please visit www.thompson schools.org/HelpUsPlan.

in every event to win the recent Cheyenne Central High School “Shoot N Scoot” Invitational. SOPHOMORE CLASS LEARNS CPR Over the past several months, Thompson School District has worked with local officials to expand Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training

for its high school students. Recently, members of the Thompson Valley EMS team, Loveland Fire and Rescue Authority and Emergency Dispatch trained the entire sophomore class at Mountain View High School on how to perform CPR. Every student was also given a hands-on kit to take home for additional practice.

JROTC WINS SHOOT N SCOOT INVITATIONAL Congratulations to the district’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps ( JROTC) Raiders team for their victory RMPARENT

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lunchbox POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT—Elementary student lunches are $2.65, secondary student lunches are $2.90 and reduced lunches are PK-5 free, grades 6-12 $0.40. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Teriyaki meatballs & rice, chicken patty sandwich 2 Beef taco & rice, chicken tenderloin 3 Meat lover’s or cheese pizza; veggie wrap 6 Tomato soup & grilled cheese; chicken nuggets 7 Spaghetti & roasted veggies & meat sauce; turkey gravy & roll 8 Thai chicken & rice; hamburger/cheeseburger 9 Beef & bean burrito; trout treasures 10 Pepperoni or cheese pizza 13 Chicken drumstick & roll; mac n’cheese 14 Lasagna w/veggies; cheese calzone & marinara 15 Asian noodle & meatball; chicken patty sandwich 16 Meat lovers or cheese pizza; chicken Caesar wrap 17 No school!

20 Hamburger/cheeseburger; chicken nuggets 21 Meatball sandwich; chicken Alfredo 22-24 No School! 27 Hamburger/cheeseburger; Philly cheesesteak sandwich 28 Cheese ravioli & roll; mac n’cheese 29 Teriyaki meatballs & rice; chicken patty sandwich 30 Beef taco & rice; breaded chicken tenderloin MIDDLE SCHOOLS 1 Teriyaki beef chicken & egg roll 2 Beef & bean burrito 3 Tomato soup & grilled cheese 6 Turkey gravy & roll; chicken drumsticks & roll 7 Cheese calzone & marinara; spring veggie rotini 8 Asia bar: orange chicken beef & egg roll 9 Taco bar: beef or chicken & rice

10 Philly cheesesteak sandwich; meat lovers pizza 13 Hot dog; chicken nuggets 14 Chicken Alfredo; meatball sandwich 15 Asian bar: General Tso steak & chicken & egg roll 16 Beef & bean burrito 17 Mac n’cheese; trout treasures 20 Chicken parmesan sandwich; BBQ pulled pork sandwich 21 Cheese calzone & marinara; chicken nuggets 22-24 No school! 27 Honey Sriracha boneless wings; chicken nuggets 28 Spaghetti & meatballs; cheese ravioli & roll 29 Teriyaki beef, chicken & egg roll 30 Beef & bean burrito

THOMPSON R2J SCHOOL DISTRICT—Elementary lunch is $2.75; secondary lunches are $3. Reduced lunches are pre-K-5, free; 6-12, $.40. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Chicken strips 2 Meat lasagna 3 Frito pie 6 BBQ pulled pork sandwich; chicken Caesar salad 7 Enchiladas 8 Pancakes & sausage 9 French bread boat 10 Teriyaki chicken bowl 13 Hamburger; turkey sandwich 14 Cheesy nachos/taco meat 15 Chicken Alfredo pasta 16 Turkey pot roast, mashed potatoes & gravy

17 Orange chicken w/rice 20-24 No school! 27 Chicken breast nuggets; chicken Caesar wrap 28 Cheese quesadillas 29 Farmers breakfast 30 Pizza stick SECONDARY SCHOOL 1 Chicken strips; chicken sandwich 2 Meat lasagna; BBQ pulled pork sandwich 3 Frito pie; pizza stick 6 BBQ pulled pork sandwich; chicken Caesar wrap 7 Enchiladas; breaded chicken sandwich 8 Pancakes & sausage; pizza

9 French bread boat; popcorn chicken 10 Teriyaki chicken bowl; hamburger 13 Hamburger; turkey sandwich 14 Cheesy nachos w/taco meat; meatball sub 15 Chicken Alfredo pasta; BBQ pulled pork sandwich 16 Dominos pizza; spicy chicken sandwich 17 Orange chicken w/rice; pizza stick 20-24 No school! 27 Chicken breast nuggets; chicken Caesar wrap 28 Cheese quesadillas; breaded chicken sandwich 29 Farmers breakfast; pizza 30 Pizza stick; popcorn chicken

GREELEY DISTRICT 6— To obtain a complete meal, student gets an entrée and can select 1-3 sides. Elementary lunches are $2.55, and middle school lunches are $2.80, reduced-price lunches are K-2 free, 3-8 $.40. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Hot dog; PBJ 2 Philly steak panino; ham & cheese wrap 3 Cheese or pepperoni pizza; PBJ 6 Mac n’cheese w/roll; beef hoagie 7 Soft shell taco; chicken salad sandwich 8 Chicken gumbo w/green chile & cornbread; PBJ 9 Stuffed shells w/garlic knot; ham & cheese wrap 10 Chicken, bacon, ranch or cheese pizza; PBJ 13 Tortilla soup w/tortilla; pesto chicken salad wrap 14 Cheese enchiladas w/fiesta rice; chicken fajita wrap 15 Pot roast w/dinner roll; ham & cheese wrap 16 Toasted turkey w/dinner roll; turkey & cheese hoagie 17 Pepperoni or cheese pizza; PBJ

20 Chili w/cinnamon roll; chicken fajita wrap 21 Teriyaki chicken w/brown rice; turkey & cheese hoagie 22-24 No school! 27 Breakfast for lunch; PBJ 28 Salisbury steak w/rice pilaf; beef hoagie 29 Chicken queso gordita crunch; PBJ 30 Pork carnitas w/tortilla; Italian sandwich MIDDLE SCHOOL 1 Hot dog; PBJ 2 Philly steak panino; ham & cheese wrap 3 Cheese or pepperoni pizza; PBJ 6 Mac n’cheese w/roll; beef hoagie 7 Soft shell taco; chicken salad sandwich 8 Chicken gumbo w/green chile & cornbread; PBJ

9 Stuffed shells w/garlic knot; ham & cheese wrap 10 Chicken, bacon, ranch or cheese pizza; PBJ 13 Tortilla soup w/tortilla; pesto chicken salad wrap 14 Cheese enchiladas w/fiesta rice; chicken fajita wrap 15 Pot roast w/dinner roll; ham & cheese wrap 16 Toasted turkey w/dinner roll; turkey & cheese hoagie 17 Pepperoni or cheese pizza; PBJ 20 Chili w/cinnamon roll; chicken fajita wrap 21 Teriyaki chicken w/brown rice; turkey & cheese hoagie 22-24 No school! 27 Breakfast for lunch; PBJ 28 Salisbury steak w/rice pilaf; beef hoagie 29 Chicken queso gordita crunch; PBJ 30 Pork carnitas w/tortilla; Italian sandwich

WINDSOR SCHOOL DISTRICT—Price for elementary lunch is $2.90, for middle school students, $3.15. Reduced lunches are elementary, free; middle school, $0.40. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1 Hamburger; corn dog 2 Chicken tenders; turkey & cheese sub 3 Big Daddy cheese or veggie pizza; PBJ w/string cheese 7 French toast sticks w/sausage patties; breakfast burrito 8 Chicken black bean chili w/cinnamon roll ; mini cheeseburgers 9 Big Daddy cheese or Hawaiian pizza; turkey & cheese sub BBQ Pork sandwich; PBJ w/string cheese 10

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13 Meatball sub; PBJ w/string cheese 14 Cheesy nachos; mini cheeseburgers 15 Teriyaki chicken; corndog 16 Turkey & gravy w/mashed potatoes; PBJ w/string cheese 17 Big Daddy cheese or veggie pizza; turkey & cheese sub 20 Mac n’cheese; PBJ w/string cheese 21 Chicken street tacos; mini cheeseburgers 22-24 No school! 27 Hot dog; PBJ w/string cheese 28 Chicken Alfredo; mini cheeseburgers

29 Hamburger; corn dog 30 Chicken tenders; turkey & cheese sub MIDDLE SCHOOL 1 Mandarin orange chicken; hamburger 2 Chicken tenders; cheeseburger 3 Turkeyclub wrap; hamburger 7 French toast sticks w/sausage patties; cheeseburger 8 Chicken black bean chili w/cinnamon roll; hamburger 9 BBQ pork sandwich; hamburger 10 Steak & cheese sub; hamburger

13 Potato bar; hamburger 14 Cheese enchiladas; cheeseburger 15 Teriyaki chicken; hamburger 16 Turkey & gravy w/mashed potatoes 17 Meatball sub; meatball flatbread 20 Mac n’cheese; hamburger 21 Chicken street tacos; cheeseburger 22-24 No school! 27 Chili dog; hamburger 28 Chicken Alfredo; cheeseburger 29 Mandarin orange chicken; hamburger 30 Chicken tenders; cheeseburger

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Bravo! 2017

HOLIDAY EVENTS GUIDE

Ongoing Events NOVEMBER 3 AND 4 Holiday Art Show Explore fine art as you enjoy live music and snacks. Majestic Gathering Place, 315 E. 4th St., LV. 11/3-1-7pm; 11/4-10am-6pm. www.majesticioof.com. NOVEMBER 17 THROUGH DECEMBER 31

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, NOVEMBER 18 THROUGH JANUARY 7

Winter Wonderlights Lovelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Winter Wonderlights is a new walkable holiday lighting attraction for the entire family. Chapungu Sculpture Park, Sky Pond Dr., LV. 5-9pm. 970667-3882, www.visitlovelandco.org.

NOVEMBER 24 THROUGH DECEMBER 2

A Christmas Story The whole family will love the take on this classic holiday movie. Ticket prices and showtimes vary. Midtown Arts Center, 3750 S. Mason St., FC. 970-2252555, www.midtownartscenter.com.

Festival of Trees Lobbies will turn into a winter wonderland filled with trees, wreaths and holiday collections. Adults-$2.50; All other ages-$1.50. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. www. greeleyfestivaloftrees.com.

NOVEMBER 18 AND 19

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Estes Park Holiday Market The Holiday Market will feature many hand-crafted and collectible items. Estes Park Conference Center, 101 South St. Vrain Ave., EP. 11/18-9am-5pm; 11/19-10am-3pm. 970-586-9519, www. estesparkholidaymarket.com.

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Grand Opening of Nativities & Trees: Global Traditions Harpist Kris Hickman will enliven the grand opening of this event. Global Village Museum of Arts & Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 6-9pm. 970-2214600, www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Thanksgiving Sides Enjoy making delicious and wholesome side dishes for Thanksgiving. 18+. WindsorSeverance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6-7:30pm. www.clearviewlibrary.org. Manage Holiday Spending Learn tips, tricks and resources for beating holiday financial and emotional stress. Foothills Activity Center, 241 E. Foothills Pkwy, FC. 6:30-7:30pm. 970-221-6644, www.Fcgov.com/recreator. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

A Lot Like Christmas Beloved scifi novelist Connie Willis will discuss her latest book, A Lot Like Christmas. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-484-7898, www. oldfirehousebooks.com.

Events by Date FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Holiday Bazaar at McCreery House Enjoy drinks and appetizers as you explore the wares from 20 local artisans. William H. McCreery House, 746 N. Washington Ave., LV. 4-7pm. www.mccreeryhouse.com. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Chronicle of the Creche Reverend Larry Kunter will discuss both the facts and the legends of the history of the nativity scene. $5 (Members free). Global Village Museum of Arts & Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 1-3pm. 970-221-4600, www.globalvillagemuseum.org. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Spice Up Your Holiday with Healthy Seasonings Flavorings added to favorite holiday dishes may be good for brain health. $5. Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. 2-3pm. 970221-6644, www.Fcgov.com/recreator. Gifts in a Jar Make your own personal gifts this year! Celebrate the season by making unique edible gifts in a jar. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6:30-7:30pm. www.clearviewlibrary.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Holiday Open House Holiday music, treats, trees, décor, ornaments and more! Santa on site for tykes with toy lists. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry, FC. 10am-3pm. 970-482-1984, www.FortCollinsNursery.com. 7th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Visit with Santa, enjoy snacks, shops and live music. The ceremonial tree lighting will occur at 6pm. George Hix Riverside Plaza, 184 W. Elkhorn Ave., EP. 4-7pm. www. visitestespark.com. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22

Museum Adventures for Kids – Family Flags Thanksgiving is a time for family and feast. Celebrate what the holiday means to you by making a flag that you can wave over the dinner table. Please bring a lunch. Ages 6-11. $20 ($1 Museum members). Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 10:30am-1:30pm. 970-962-2410, www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Catch the Glow Christmas Parade & Celebration Get ready for the evening parade with family hayrides and visits with Santa. Elkhorn Ave., Downtown, EP. 5:30pm. 970577-9900, www.visitestespark.com. Face Holiday Concert This all vocal band will bring cheer for the whole family with their holiday season opening performance. $36, Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia, FC, 970-221-6730, www.lctix.com

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NOVEMBER 2017 ONGOING THROUGH NOVEMBER 3 Funds for Natural Areas Enhancement The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department invites members of the Fort Collins community to propose enhancement projects for funding through the Natural Areas Enhancement Fund. Applications must be submitted no later than 5pm Friday, November 3, 2017. Funds will be awarded in December 2017. Applications at www.fcgov.com/ naturalareas/enhancement-funds.php. THROUGH NOVEMBER 5 The Music Man This Tony Award-winning musical comedy is family entertainment at its best. Ticket prices and showtimes vary. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown. 970-7443747, www.coloradocandlelight.com. THROUGH NOVEMBER 26 Picasso Exhibitions Explore Picasso’s mastery of the print medium with two exhibits that celebrate the artist’s extraordinary talents. $5 (Museum members free). Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. Museum times vary. 970-962-2563, www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

WEDNESDAYS, THROUGH DECEMBER 13 Parent Education Speaker Series The Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Connections (CAYAC) team hosts these courses on a variety of topics. Dinner included. RSVP to blothrop@ healthdistrict.org. Health District, 120 Bristlecone Dr., FC. 5:30-6:30pm. 970224-5209, www.healthdistrict.org. NOVEMBER 2, 9 AND 16 StorySprouts Dance You and your child(ren) are invited to dance as a community to celebrate everything to love about the earth! Ages 2-5 with parent/caregiver. Registration required. $10. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10-11am. 970416-2486, www.fcgov.com/gardens. NOVEMBER 3 THROUGH 5 Wolfpack Ninja Tour Get healthy with your family by participating in a group obstacle course. Ticket prices vary. Budweiser Events Center, 5290 Arena Cir., LV. 8am-8pm. 970-619-8681, www.wolfpackninjas.com.

NOVEMBER 9 THROUGH 11 Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella All the moments you love plus some surprising new twists! Ticket prices and showtimes vary. Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. www.lctix.com. NOVEMBER 9 AND 23 Grand Family Coalition Grandparents or relatives raising their kin hear from educational speakers. Childcare provided with advance RSVP. Locations and times vary. 970-699-2837, gail@ grandfamilycoalition.org. NOVEMBER 10 THROUGH 12 Military Appreciation Weekend All military service members, past and present, will receive free entry into the museum. Ticket prices and event times vary. Colorado Model Railroad Museum, 680 10th St., GR. 970-392-2934, www.cmrm.org. Poudre River Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale Funds raised support the Summer Reading Challenge and many other programs and services. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. Times vary. www.poudrelibraries.org.

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

Loveland (970) 493-7442

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

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NOVEMBER 16 THROUGH FEBRUARY 14 Disney’s Beauty and the Beast This beloved tale features all of the classic songs, as well as some new ones for the stage. Ticket prices and showtimes vary. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown. 970-7443747, www.coloradocandlelight.com. NOVEMBER 17 THROUGH 19 Mary Poppins The world’s most “Practically Perfect” nanny takes the stage in this musical adventure, complete with a live orchestra. Ticket prices and showtimes vary. Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. www. lctix.com. SECOND AND FOURTH THURSDAYS, THROUGH DECEMBER Hookin’ Up – Crochet Class & Group BYOP (bring your own project). Beginners bring: H crochet hook and some worsted weight yarn. Teens and adults. Loveland Library, Erion Room, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 10:30am12:30pm. 970-962-2401, www. lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

Young Artists’ Art Show Experience the delightful works of art created by young artists. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 3:30pm. 970-221-6740, www. PoudreLibraries.org. Cupcake Decorating Ready for temptation? Learn the basics of cupcake decorating! Grades 9-12. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6:30-7:30pm. www. clearviewlibrary.org. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Indigenous Knowledge: Visual Storytelling and the Long Term Effects Illustrator Kristian Bad Hand leads a workshop on comic books as storytelling tools. Registration required. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org. Monty Python’s Spamalot A joyous musical, filled with wild characters and wilder shenanigans. Pay what you can. Lincoln Center, Magnolia Theatre, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7:3010pm. 970-221-6730, www.lctix.com.

MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS Read and Seed Youth Program Approximately 30-45 minutes of preschool readiness activities, including a story and related crafts. Ages 2-5. $3. 10-10:45am & 11-11:45am. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 970416-2486, www.fcgov.com/gardens.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3

FRIDAYS Beyond the Classroom These interactive, enrichment experiences are ideal for Frontier Elementary students, home-schoolers or on-line academy youth. Grades 3-5. Registration required. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

GLOW GLOW is an inclusive youth group for teens with alternative identities. WindsorSeverance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 4-5:30pm. www.clearviewlibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Holistic Nutrition Lunch and Learn Bring a dish to share or $5 and learn how to improve your life, starting with your gut. Pathways Holistic Healing Center, 134 W. Harvard St., FC. 970-682-2694, www.pathwaysholistic.com.

Tot Art – Celebrating Dia De Los Muertos Celebrate in the art room. Ages 3-6 with adult. $12 each ($10 Museum members). Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 10:30-11:30am. 970-962-2410, www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Warren Miller’s Line of Descent This action-packed film will have you itching to get out and hit the slopes. $16. Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 6:30 & 9:30pm. www.lctix.com. Family Tradition: Acoustic Show In The Round Country Music Royalty arrives in Loveland with this special version of Family Tradition. Ticket prices vary. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 970-962-2120, www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Passport to Your Open Spaces Hike: Red Mountain Work to complete your Larimer County passport with a hike to the hard passport post. Red Mountain Open Space, 799 Red Canyon Rd., Wellington. 9am-2:30pm. 970-619-4565, www.larimer.org/ naturalresources. Concert For The Kids Bring the family downtown for a celebration of children’s entertainment by some of Colorado’s top-rated musicians and performers. Programmed for ages 2-7. $8, accompanying adult free. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 10am-12noon. 970-962-2120, www. rialtotheatercenter.org. Book Signing with Junior Sajbel Local author Junior Sajbel will be in the store signing copies of his books. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 1:00pm. 970-484-7898, www. oldfirehousebooks.com. Mad Farm Dinner The final event of the year will feature a 5 course harvest dinner by The Kitchen chefs with beer and cider. 21+. $90. Hope Farms, 1601 N. Shields St., FC. 5-9pm. www.fortifiedcollaborations.com Pumpkin Destruction Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater’s time is over; now it’s time for Asher Asher Pumpkin Smasher! Tigges Farm, 12404 CR 64 1/2, GR. 1-2pm. www.clearviewlibrary.org. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7

American Girl Club Focus on the stories and historical time period of a different American Girl each month. November: Kaya, a Nez Perce girl growing up in 1764. Erie Library, Meeting Room, 400 Powers St., Erie. 4-5pm. 888861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

Bean-to-Bar Chocolate with Megan Giller Old Firehouse Books is partnering with Nuance Chocolate to host author Megan Giller as she talks about her new book. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6pm. 970-484-7898, www. oldfirehousebooks.com.

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Rocky Mountain Raptors: Raptor Hangouts Learn about and meet the diverse locations that raptors use to make their homes. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 6:30pm. 970-221-6740, www. poudrelibraries.org. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9

Be Ski Fit Expert advice on ski strengthening and stretching by MCR Outpatient Rehabilitation. $10. Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. 4-5pm. 970-2216644, www.Fcgov.com/recreator. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Family Winter Comfort Foods Learn how to prepare some of your favorite comfort foods with a healthy twist. $12-30. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 1-3pm. 970-4162468, www.fcgov.com/gardens. Book Talk and Signing with Ed Darack Ed Darack will be in the store talking about his latest book The Final Mission of Extortion 17. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6pm. 970-484-7898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com. John le Carre: An Evening with George Smiley Old Firehouse Books is participating in The Lyric Cinema’s event, which will help raise money for Doctors Without Borders. $10. The Lyric Cinema, 1209 N. College Ave., FC. 6:30pm. 970-4847898, www.lyriccinema.com. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Free Admission Day at the Museum Enjoy the variety of exhibits currently offered at the museum. Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 970-962-2410, www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org. Domestic Violence in our Community Learn about the effects of domestic violence on children, services offered at Crossroads Safehouse and volunteer opportunities. Crossroads Safehouse, 528 S. College Ave., FC. 4-9pm. 970-5302353, www.crossroadssafehouse.org.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Book Talk and Signing with Becky Mandelbaum Becky Mandelbaum will be in the store discussing her debut short story collection. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6pm. 970-484-7898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

Stargazing with the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society Get an up-close look at the night sky. Telescopes provided. Devil’s Backbone Open Space, 1725 Hidden Valley Dr., LV. 7:30-9:30pm. 970-619-4489, www. larimer.org/naturalresources.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Helen Thorpe Helen Thorpe will be discussing her latest book Newcomers. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6:30pm. 970-484-7898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com. Gallery Talk Learn about Michelangelo’s sculptures and his lasting influence on figural art. Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 5:30-6:30pm. 970-962-2410, www. cityofloveland.org.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17

School’s Out Day Camp Pack a lunch and spend a day investigating gardening, pollinators, harvesting, cooking and exploring. Grades 1-5. Registration required. $45. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 9am-4pm. 970-416-2486, www.fcgov.com/gardens. Cool Tech Toys for Kids and Kids at Heart Try out technology toys, learn about upcoming programs digital literacy. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 12noon. 970-221-6740, www. poudrelibraries.org. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Book Signing with middle grade author Stel Pavlou Pick up a signed copy of Stel Pavlou’s new middle grade scifi novel and chat with the author. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 11am. 970-484-7898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Classic Miniature Gardening Class Create your very own miniature fantasy world with plants, accessories and some imagination. $40. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry, FC. 11:00am12:30pm & 1:30-3pm. 970-482-1984, www.FortCollinsNursery.com.

Teen Cooking Club This month you will make and eat all sorts of BARS! Ages 12-18. WindsorSeverance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 4-5:30pm. www.clearviewlibrary.org.

Museum Adventures for Kids – Winter Inspirations Be inspired by winter’s natural beauty and its furry creatures and use airdry clay to create your own seasonal sculpture. Please bring a lunch. Ages 6-11. $20 ($1 Museum members). Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 10:30am-1:30pm. 970-962-2410, www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org. Family Retro Gaming Night Show your kids how to play your favorite old games. Ages 10+. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-2216740, www.poudrelibraries.org. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Skygazing at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area Dress warmly and bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Registration required. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, 3340 Carpenter Rd., FC. 7:30pm. 970-4162815, www.Fcgov.com/naturalareas. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Book Talk and Signing with YA author Mindy McGinnis Mindy McGinnis will be in the store talking about her latest book, This Darkness Mine. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6pm. 970-484-7898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com. Mindful Movies: More Than Honey A Swiss documentary film about honeybee colonies in California, Switzerland, China and Australia. Wolverine Farm Letterpress & Publick House, 316 Willow St., FC. 7-8:30pm. 815-901-7922.

Fortified Farm Dinners

Fortified Farm Dinner

Mad Mad Farmer Farmer Dinner Dinner Saturday, November 4 6-9 pm

Saturday, 4 Hope Farms’ November Event Barn 1601 N. Shields • Fort Collins 6-9 pm Hope Farms’ Event Barn

1601 N. the Shields Celebrate end •ofFort theCollins 2017 growing season and the farmers Celebrate the end of the 2017 growing season who feed our and the farmers whocommunity feed our community

Family-Style Dinner by The Kitchen Family-Style Dinner by The Kitchen paired with beer by with Soul-Squared Brewing Company paired beer by Soul-Squared Brewing Company

Benefits Poudre Valley Community Farms

Poudre Valley Community Farms TicketsBenefits and more information at: FortifiedCollaborations.com

Tickets and more information at: FortifiedCollaborations.com

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time out The joys of holiday crafting? Creating with kids requires a different outlook LEA HANSON

’m actually a pretty creative and crafty person. I use the word ‘actually’ because you probably wouldn’t know this by observing my current parenting style. I buy Halloween costumes from the store, spend money on kits I could emulate for a fifth of the cost, and only one time made cookies that looked like reindeer. Before I had a child, you could often find me on a weeknight preparing for the holidays by crocheting (the cutest ever) winter hats, hand-making notecards, and baking holiday loaves for our friends and neighbors. And I regularly used my sewing machine for lots of amazing projects. Now, my weeknights— pre-holiday or otherwise—mostly just include wine and television. What happened to me? I’ll just say it: crafting with kids just isn’t as fun. Mostly because it’s messy and not at all relaxing. Many crafts are meditative: knitting, crocheting, sewing, painting, beading, etc. Before kids, I found these types of activities relaxing, fun, and was even known for inviting people over to do them. Once I got out my robust bead supply and invited eight friends over to make jewelry. Here is what it was like: nine women, drinking wine in glasses with stems, laughing and story-telling. Few had done this craft before, so I spent most of my time happily offering tips, assisting with the tiny tools, attaching clasps, and twisting the wires just so. Everyone left having had fun and with a few new jewelry items. Here is what that would look like with kids, even if you halve the number of guests: four children and me, dumping tiny beads that were once organized neatly into small containers onto the table – and therefore

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onto the floor. Me repeating, “try this way” a million times. Me picking up tiny beads. Me trying not to yell, and then trying not to cry. Me wanting to assist with tiny tools and attaching clasps but children grabbing and yelling, “NO, I can do it!” and then needing to use ten times as many clasps because they keep breaking. No one finishes a piece of jewelry and no one had fun. Deep breath. I wrote above, ‘crafting with kids just isn’t as fun,’ but now that I took a deep breath, that’s not really the case. I do love crafting with kids but it’s just (really) different now. In fact, I enjoy crafts with kids so much that whenever I

have to (get to?) care for two or more of them at once, I plan a craft. But these days I’m doing simplified versions of what I might do if I were on my own. Instead of jewelry-making with beads, it’s friendship bracelets with embroidery thread. Instead of crocheting winter hats, we’re weaving hot pad holders. Instead of sewing custom purses, we’re hand sewing felted creatures with yarn. So, I guess I’m not mad about it. It’s fun to see kids create and a joy to be a person who helps them learn useful skills. But, I still look forward to using seed beads again in a way that doesn’t totally stress me out.

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