TIME OUT

Students learn and connect during Eco Week

Red, green and yellow. Salmer Bader, a fifth-grade student at Johnson Elementary, learned that these are the colors that poison ivy can turn in the fall.

It was an observation he and his Johnson Elementary classmates made while hiking the Wells Gulch Trail in Lory State Park as part of a three-day Eco Week adventure this month.

The students also fished, shot bow and arrows, and asked a lot of questions.

For classmate Omar Campos, “This was my first-time hiking, and it was tiring. There were a lot of rocks.” He did, however, like the view of Horsetooth Reservoir— the first time he has ever seen it.

Ultimately, Eco Week is an opportunity for students get their hands dirty and dig into learning more about the world.

This excursion allows students to hang out with their friends, hike, explore and learn about the environment that surrounds them. They learned about ecology, the ecosystem and how plants and animals interact together in various terrains.

Students are also introduced to new professions they might not be able to interact with in a “normal” school setting. For Bader, she said the experience was amazing to learn how to fish and do archery for the first time. “I even got seven shots in a row,” she proclaimed.

Adrienne Steinle, fifth-grade teacher at Johnson Elementary, has participated in Eco Week for 15 years. She loves the hikes because they allow interactive learning for kids, which she feels is the best way for students to learn about the environment and careers they may not otherwise know about.

During overnight trips prior to COVID-19, Steinle said she enjoyed the campfires at night and seeing kids build connections under the stars. Steinle said that Eco Week means new experiences for students. Only about one of three students in her class have been hiking.

Maggie Harrington, Johnson alumni and parent helper, reminisced about her Eco Week experience as a fifth-grader.

“I was able to participate in an overnight Eco Week trip where you stayed in cabins and went on hikes. It was a lot of fun. The days were long, but I remember it was like a giant camping trip sleepover, with what felt like no adults,” she said. “There were chaperones, but it felt like it was only you and your friends hanging out.”

As a long-time tradition in PSD, Harrington has a son who participated this year and a nowsophomore who participated when she was in fifth grade. Her daughter, she remembers, also enjoyed the overnight experience, being in the mountains and cabins for three days with her friends.

“I hope it is a tradition that keeps on going and other kids will participate in, because it was the highlight of my elementary school career,” said Harrington. “Even as an adult, I am learning a lot during this trip.”

UNITY IN COMMUNITY: PSD SCHOOLS CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Poudre School District strives to honor individuals and their diverse backgrounds—all of which come together to comprise the beautiful mosaic that is our PreK-12 community. That work continues during Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 every year. Read more at psdschools.org/news

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON HEALTH CENTER AT LINCOLN MIDDLE SCHOOL

In a matter of months, Lincoln Lancers can walk down the hall for pediatric medical and mental health care that they may not otherwise have access to outside of school. Read more at psdschools.org/news

GET INVOLVED IN PSD:

Get involved today and become part of one of the district’s many committees. Currently, the District Accountability Committee, Audit Committee and Special Education Advisory Committee are looking for members. Read more at: www.psdschools.org/community/community-committees

HEALTH AND WELLNESS:

Find resources for Mental Health, Health and Wellness and more through Student Services. Access Student Health programs and services and keep up with Colorado’s required immunizations. For the latest on COVID-19 protocols, visit the PSD 2021-22 Health and Safety webpage.

For the latest PSD news, including student experiences, visit psdschools. org/news

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION:

Know a preschooler who could benefit from going to school in PSD and connecting with professional, compassionate educators? To learn about the application process and more, visit the Early Childhood Education webpage.

A celebration of the old and the new

Thompson School District has had a lot to celebrate these past few months. Not only did Riverview PK-8 School have a tremendous grand opening, but we also welcomed the public to a celebration of the new Ferguson High School and Thompson Career Campus. Both of these projects were funded by our 2018 Bond measure, and we are excited to see the buildings filled with students who are enjoying the new experiences that are possible.

The month of September marked the 100th birthday of Big Thompson Elementary School, which is located in west Loveland near the foothills of the Rockies. At the end of the month, students and staff held a celebration which included some specialized learning activities as well as a group photo to commemorate the occasion. We were also excited to host a public anniversary event recently, providing tours of the building and opportunities to learn more about the long history of this very unique building. Like every other school within our district, the community of students, families and staff at Big Thompson is special. The strength and talents within that community are a major reason the school has continued to thrive decade after decade. It has been a wonderful treat to be able to celebrate this special milestone with them.

While Big Thompson Elementary is one of the oldest buildings in the district, the brand new Sunrise Thompson Health Clinic is among the newest. The clinic is a partnership with the great team at Sunrise Community Health and is available to all students within TSD, along with their siblings. It’s a convenient and friendly place for families to access basic health services such as immunizations, sports physicals, wellness checks and behavioral health assistance. We know for a fact that proper healthcare is critical in allowing each child to learn and thrive. This partnership with Sunrise Community Health is a huge step in ensuring that students and families are able to access the healthcare services that they need. On October 11th, an Open House was hosted at the clinic, which featured a ribbon cutting ceremony and an opportunity for families to tour the facility and learn more.

NOVEMBER 2021 EVENTS CALENDAR

Please check websites for the status of the following events as cancelations or postponements may have been announced after our publication date.

FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

THROUGH NOVEMBER 12 Loveland Sculpture Quest

Free, family-friendly self-guided scavenger hunt to explore Loveland’s art and win prizes. All ages. Five LV locations: Benson Sculpture Garden, Benson Sculpture Garden at North Lake Park, Civic Center & Downtown LV, McWhinney-Hahn Sculpture Park, and Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra. www.visitlovelandco.org/ scavengerhunts/sculpture-quest.

NOVEMBER 27 & 28 Rocky Mountain Train Show

One of the oldest train or hobby shows in the Rocky Mountain region. $8/adult, Free/ kids 12 and under and Scouts in uniform. The Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Cir. LV. Saturday, 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-3pm. https://rockymountaintrainshow.com.

LIBRARY & BOOK EVENTS

THROUGH NOVEMBER 3 Story Stroll: Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead

Interactive self-guided story stroll experience featuring “Gustavo, the Shy Ghost” by Mexican artist Flavia Z. Drago. Each stop on the path features another portion of the story. All ages. Old Town Library Park, 201 Peterson, FC. www.poudrelibraries.org.

SECOND TUESDAYS We Are Board

Hang out and play board games with your friends. Bring your favorite game or select from the library’s collection. Snacks provided! Ages 12–19. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 4–6pm. www.mylibrary.us.

FRIDAYS Beyond the Classroom

Interactive, enrichment experiences are ideal for online or home-schoolers and more. November topics include: magic sand, books to movies, and vinyl record craft. Registration required. Grades 3–5. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave. GR. 2–pm. www.mylibrary.us.

SATURDAYS Family Fun Saturdays

Fun STEM projects and activities for the family every week. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 2–4pm. www.mylibrary.us.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Día de los Muertos

Visit the library to submit your own poetry or memories to honor lost loved ones for Día de Los Muertos. For ages 3+, pick up a free Sugar Skull Kids’ Craft Kit while supplies last. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. www.lovlib.org/events.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Brickmasters

Build a creation with the library’s Legos and display it all month. Ages 4+. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 3:30–5pm. www.lovlib.org/events.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Celebración comunitaria del Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead Community Celebration

Community members gather to commemorate and honor their deceased love ones during this cultural celebration. Altars, sugar skulls, typical food sampling, crafts, Storytime, music, dance, and more. All ages. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 3–5pm. https://nocodiademuertos.org.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8 PAWS to Read

Register for a visit with a licensed therapy dog. Therapy dogs sit calmly while children read aloud to them, allowing children to become more relaxed and confident about reading. Registration required. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 6:30–7:30pm. www.mylibrary.us.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Kids Crafterschool: Print Making

After-school creative fun with supplies provided. Registration required. Grades 3–8. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 3:30–4:30pm. www.mylibrary.us.

PAWS to Read

A licensed therapy dog sits calmly while children read aloud to them, allowing children to become more relaxed and confident about reading. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., GR. 4–5pm. www.mylibrary.us.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Kids’ Tech Afternoon

Come play with some of the library’s robots and technology. Grades K–5 and their families. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 2–3:30pm. www.lovlib.org/events.

Noches en Familia (Family Nights)

Celebrate culture, traditions and community! Connect to Latinx’s cultural roots through children’s stories, music, puppets, crafts and traditional games like Lotería. Fluent speakers and those interested in Spanish language and/or Latinx culture welcome. Registration required. All ages. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 4:30-5:30pm. www. poudrelibraries.org.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Create ‘n Donate

Gather with friends to make something to donate to our community! Examples include handmade blankets and a cat scratching hanger. There is potential for students to complete their community service hours by joining this program. Registration required. All ages. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., Evans. 4–5pm. www.mylibrary.us.

Loteria Mexicana

The whole family can play this traditional board game similar to Bingo, practice your Spanish, and win prizes! All ages. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 4:30–5:30pm. www.lovlib.org/events.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Holiday Snacks for Teens

learn how to make some fun and festive snacks! Sapna Von Reich, a native of Northern India, will teach new recipes, both sweet and savory, using just a few simple ingredients. Registration required. Ages 12–18. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave. #200, FC. 4:30-5:30pm. www.poudrelibraries.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Teen Tinker Tuesday

Delve into hands on experience in Maker projects that embrace creativity and innovation. Ages 11–17. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 2–4pm. www.lovlib.org/events.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Teen Volunteer Service Project

Earn volunteer hours by helping out with a project that will benefit local causes. Ages 11–17. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 1:30–4:30pm. www. lovlib.org/events.

CONNECT TO NATURE

MONDAYS, TUESDAYS & SATURDAYS The Gardens Read and Seed in English, en Español

¡Es tiempo de explorar en los Jardines! Garden story, movement/song plus natureinspired activity. Ages 2–4 with adult. Registration required. Free/members; $8/ non-member child; $11/ non-member adult (includes gardens/butterfly house.) Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10:15–11am or 11:15am–Noon. www. fcgov.com/gardens/read-and-seed.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Skygazing

Volunteers from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society provide telescopes and share their knowledge about the stars, planets, galaxies and more. Registration required. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, FC. 7–9pm. www.fcgov.com/events.

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS OtterBox Digital Dome Shows

Blast off to discovery viewing short films on a gigantic 39-foot diameter dome screen. Shows vary by day: One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure; Dream to Fly; and CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story. $2–4 plus museum admission. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 408 Mason Ct., FC. www.fcmod.org.

THROUGH NOVEMBER 13 Tony Ortega’s Magia Chicana

A survey of painting, prints and sculpture by Denver-based artist, Tony Ortega, exploring the magic of Hispanic culture woven into the tapestry of America. All ages. Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave, LV. Museum hours. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

How We Hold It—Containing Our Lives

Exhibit highlights the beauty, artistry and diversity of vessels and containers from around the world. All ages. Free during First Friday Art Walk. Global Village Museum, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. Tuesday–Saturday 11am–5pm. www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

Color and Pattern: The Spirit of West Africa

Exhibit showcases beads and textiles from West Africa. All ages. Free during First Friday Art Walk. Global Village Museum, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. Tuesday–Saturday 11am–5pm. www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

THROUGH DECEMBER 11 Degrees by Odette England

Exhibition of large-scale photographs in various forms during and in the aftermath of the Australian bushfires of 2019–2020. CSU’s Hatton Gallery, Visual Arts Building, 551 W. Pitkin St., FC. 10am–4pm M–F, Noon–4pm Saturday. https://art.colostate.edu/events/degrees.

THROUGH JANUARY 2 Mental Health: Mind Matters Exhibit

Exhibit returns to build greater understanding of the importance of mental health with personal experience videos, hands-on explorations, meaningful conversation guides, more. All ages. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 408 Mason Ct., FC. www.fcmod.org.

WEEKENDS THROUGH JANUARY 9 Forces of Nature Exhibit

Through many mediums, regional artists exhibit their interpretation of aweinspiring forces of nature. Art & Heritage Center, 116 5th St., WS. Noon–4pm. www.recreationliveshere.com/AHC.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Youth Art: Colorful Creatures

Paint Pop Art creatures using the color wheel. Grades 1–5. $24/member; $30/nonmember. Loveland Museum Beet Education Center, 201 E. 5th St, LV. 3:45–5pm. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

SATURDAYS, NOVEMBER 13, DECEMBER 11 Super Science Saturdays

Explore specific kinds of science including horticulture, hydrology and atmospheric science, and how each contribute to sustainability. Ages 6–15. $10. Windsor Art & Heritage Center, 116 5th St., WS. 9–10am. www.recreationliveshere.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Tot Art Class

Children and their adult helpers will explore a new Eric Carle book and complete fabulous art projects. Ages 3–5 with an adult. $16/member; $20/nonmember. Loveland Museum Beet Education Center, 201 E. 5th St, LV. 10–11:30am. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

ENTERTAINMENT

THROUGH NOVEMBER 14 Footloose

Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.. All ages. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown. Times vary. 970-744-3747 www.coloradocandlelight.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 El Guayabo / The Guava Tree

Emiliano Messiez, a popular tango pianists in the U.S. has a story to share about the hardest year of his life–the third grade–when he moved from Mexico to Colorado. This special presentation for young people is a story of displacement and resilience, of thinking back on bullies who hurt us and friends who saved us. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. 6:30pm. 970-356-5000 https://ucstars.showare.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Lance Burton Master Magician & Friends

This master magician has won numerous awards, been featured 15 times on “The Tonight Show” and had a 16-year run in Las Vegas. He will not disappoint! $32–63. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. 7pm. 970356-5000, https://ucstars.showare.com.

NOVEMBER 11 THROUGH 13 CATS

Record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 970-221-6730, www.lctix.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12 The Long Run “Colorado’s Tribute To The Eagles”

An evening of classic hits from the Eagles, and their solo careers. $25. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

NOVEMBER 13 & 14 The Little Mermaid Jr.

The talented students of Noco Theatrix journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in this story adapted from Disney’s Broadway production and the motion picture. Hensel Phelps Theatre, GR. 2:30pm and 6:30pm. 970-356-5000, https://ucstars.showare.com.

NOVEMBER 26 THROUGH JANUARY 30 The Sound of Music

The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical, featuring cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteeen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown. Times vary. 970-744-3747, www.coloradocandlelight.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27 The King is Back: An Elvis Tribute Starring George Gray

Experience the history of Elvis’s greatest hits. Whether it was rock or gospel, Elvis set the world on fire with his charisma and unique sound. All ages. $17–25. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 https://ucstars.showare.com.

ACTIVE-ITIES

MOST SATURDAYS Kids Nite Out Loveland & Windsor

Kid’s Nite Out (KNO) Across America provides games and activities such as swimming, dancing to a DJ, sports tournaments, arts and crafts, and more with different themes each event. Ages 7–14. $15/person; dinner vouchers, +$7. Chilson Recreation Center, 700 E. 4th St. LV or Windsor Community Recreation Center, 250 N. 11th St., WS. 7–10:30pm. www.kidsniteout.org.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Horsetooth Half Marathon

Join the 48th annual event and enjoy reservoir and foothill views on this challenging course before kicking back at the New Belgium post-race party. Begins at Holiday Twin Drive-In and ends at New Belgium, FC. 8:30am. https://horsetoothhalf.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Fort Collins Thanksgiving Day Run

28th annual 4-mile run/walk and kids’ fun run. $38/adult, $25/youth 17 and under. Mountain/College Ave., FC. 8:45am. www.fctdayrun.com.

NOVEMBER 5 THROUGH FEBRUARY 14 Fort Collins Downtown Holiday Lights

Dazzling display of thousands of sustainable LED lights. Old Town, FC. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12 THROUGH FEBRUARY 2022 Ice Rink at The Promenade Shops at Centerra

Your admission includes complimentary skates, all-day admission and skate assistants at no extra cost. $8.50/child 12 & under, $10.50/ages 13+ The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. www.TheIceRinkAtTheShops.com.

NOVEMBER 13 THROUGH JANUARY 2 Loveland Winter Wonderlights

Free, walkable holiday lights display with inflatable igloo and 30-minute musical light shows daily. Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, just east of the Promenade Shops, U.S. Hwy. 34 and I-25 on Sky Pond Dr, LV. 5–9pm. www. visitlovelandco.org/winterwonderlights.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Mannheim’s music styling dubbed “18th Century Classical Rock” is largely credited with establishing the New Age genre of music. $45–85. Budweiser Events Center, LV. 7:30pm. www.treventscomplex.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Tour de Turkey

Donate a frozen turkey to neighbors in need and have a little fun with New Belgium. Fort Collins, 2535 S. College Ave. and Loveland, 261 E. 29th St. 7am–5pm. www.foodbanklarimer.org/tour-de-turkey.

NOVEMBER 19 THROUGH DECEMBER 19 Santas Quest

Families seek to find names of Santa Claus figurines cleverly hidden in storefront windows of participating businesses for a chance to win Downtown Fort Collins Gift Cards. Downtown FC. www. downtownfortcollins.com/event/santas-quest.

NOVEMBER 23 THROUGH DECEMBER 22 Classic Christmas Movies at the Rialto

View hits such as A Christmas Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. All ages. $7. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 THROUGH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 Santa’s Workshop Old Town Square

Visit with Santa! Take your own pictures for free or professional photographer is also available. Old Town Square, FC. Noon–6pm (Dec. 24, noon–4pm). 484-2020, www.downtownfortcollins.com.

NOVEMBER 24 THROUGH FEBRUARY 5 Old Town Square Skate Rink

Free admission and skate rentals. Open weekends plus extended holiday days. Old Town Square, FC. Times vary. 970-221-6683, www.downtownfortcollins. com/skate-rink.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Fort Collins Thanksgiving Day Run

28th annual 4-mile run/walk and kids’ fun run. $38/adult, $25/youth 17 and under. Mountain/College Ave., FC. 8:45am. www.fctdayrun.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Face Vocal Band: Christmas Connection

Start the holiday season with some cheer and bring the whole family to enjoy Face’s special brand of all-vocal rock. $26–36. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, 417 W. Magnolia, FC. 7:30pm. 970-221-6730, www.lctix.com.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26 & 27 Holiday Artisan Market

Find uniquely crafted gifts at this premier craft fair featuring 100+ artisans and crafters. Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. 10am–4pm. www.fcgov.com/recreation.

NOVEMBER 26 THROUGH DECEMBER 4 32nd Annual Festival of Trees

Support the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra and Union Colony Civic Center while enjoying beautifully decorated trees, wagon rides (Nov. 27 and Dec. 3), wreath sales, auction and more. $5/adult; $3/kid 12 and under; $3/senior. www.ucstars. com or 970-356-5000. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. Hours vary. www.GreeleyFestivalofTrees.com.

DECEMBER 1 Realities for Children Nightlights

Help shine light into the darkness of child abuse with the Realities for Children NightLights event. Tree lighting (in- person or livestreamed from website): First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College Ave., FC. 6pm Visit any night during the month for the lights show. www.giveanightlight.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 Timnath Holiday Lighting Festival

Join Santa, the Mayor of Timnath and neighbors for the official lighting. Old Town Timnath. 5:30–7:30pm. www.timnath.org/holiday-lightingfestival-2021.

DECEMBER 3 THROUGH 5 40th-Annual The Nutcracker

Canyon Concert Ballet’s treasured production includes 125 dancers, 250 beautiful costumes, special effects, fantastic lighting, and sets and features the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra. Inperson and livestream available. $15–40. Lincoln Center Performance Hall 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. Times vary. 970-221-6730, www.lctix.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 The Nutcracker Tea

Enjoy a fancy afternoon High Tea with music, photos with Nutcracker dancers, prize drawings, and of course an assortment of pastries, fruit, cakes, and wonderful teas. Guests are encouraged to dress up and bring their favorite doll. $65–75. Lincoln Center Canyon West Ballroom, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 12:30pm. 970-221-6730, www.lctix.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 Nativity presented by Lighthouse Dance

The incredible story of Jesus’ birth told through the art of dance including ballet, contemporary and hip-hop. All ages. $20. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 4:30pm and 7pm. www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

DECEMBER 10 THROUGH 12 Loveland Choral Society: We Need A Lot of Christmas

Loveland’s premier holiday musical tradition returns with inspirational traditional and contemporary carols, seasonal favorites and a “Sparklejollytwinklejingley” medley from Elf, performed by LCS voices and Christmas Orchestra. All ages. $23/adult, $18/children 14 & under. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. Times vary. www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

DECEMBER 10 THROUGH 26 Garden of Lights

Stroll through a whimsical, twinkling winter wonderland illuminated by hundreds of thousands of LED lights. Adults / Children 12+: $10/adult or child 12+; $5/child 5–11, Free/children 4 and Under. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. www.fcgov.com/gardens/garden-of-lights.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13 Face Vocal Band Holiday Concert

Fill the season with some cheer and bring the whole family to enjoy Face’s special brand of all-vocal rock. All ages. $43. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Ebenezer Scrooge, that most unrepentant and miserly of fellows, is made to see the light as he survives a merciless battery of revelations by the ghosts of his own life: Jacob Marley and the Christmas Spirits of Past, Present and Future. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, 417 W. Magnolia St. FC. 7:30pm. 970-221-6730 www.lctix.com.

Christmas with the Nelsons

Heart-warming multi-media live concert experience tells the story of three family Christmases in the lives of America’s Favorite Family. Features Matthew and Gunnar Nelson. All ages. $45. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

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Celebrating 40 years, in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Hooray! My daughters can drive stick-shift cars

Dad retires from teaching stick shift to teenagers

KRIS KODRICH

Amazing. Both my daughters drive stick-shift cars competently.

Such a wonderful sense of fatherly accomplishment.

Now, I will not fear if either daughter is on a cross-country trip with some future boyfriend suddenly incapacitated by bad Mexican food in his old, rusty, red Chevy Camaro with a manual transmission. They will be able to slide behind the wheel before the zombies emerge at night in some creepy abandoned town off the main highway.

What a relief!

Bianka, 16, is the latest skilled motorist in the family. Her big sister, Kalia, 20, drives a 2015 Subaru Forester with a manual transmission. So Bianka, naturally, also wanted a stickshift car. Unexpectedly, I inherited a 2007 Chevy Cobalt with manual transmission last year. And when I showed her a photo of the sporty twodoor coupe collecting dust in California, she had to have it.

First, though, I had to teach her to drive on my little black 2013 Honda Fit, with automatic transmission. When I offered to give her the Honda, she said, “No way. It’s ugly.” But the older, grayish blue Cobalt spoke to her. So I had to clean it out, replace the brakes, and drive it to Fort Collins from San Diego. Fortunately, it didn’t break down going across the sizzling Mojave Desert or over the precarious Vail Pass.

Once Bianka passed the driving test for her license in an automatic, it was time to teach her all the mysteries of a manual transmission.

Anyone who has ever trained someone on stick-shift knows that it is not a pleasant experience. I warned both daughters that whatever I shouted at them would not be personal. “Yelling is a requirement to teach stick-shift,” I reassured them.

I must have taught Kalia well, because when it was time to get her a car, she fell in love with the red Forester with manual transmission. We later discovered it also had a nifty feature called hill assist, which helps hold the car in place when getting it started on a hill.

For Bianka, the Colbalt has no such fancy gizmo. Heck, it doesn’t even have power windows or door locks. So, besides the usual teaching of the shifting process in an empty school parking lot on evenings and weekends, I had to work up the courage to let Bianka drive up a few small hills in a nearby neighborhood. At stops, the car would start to roll back, I would scream, Bianka would get scared, and pedestrians would stare. “She’s learning to drive stick-shift,” I’d shout out the window with a strained smile. The hills got a little larger until finally Bianka said the lessons were too stressful.

“I’m going to avoid all hills, forever,” she said, firmly. And after months of regularly driving solo to school and around town, Bianka still avoids hills. When she wants to go to Horsetooth Reservoir with her friends, she bums a ride with someone else.

I wonder how many thousands it would cost to add the hill assist feature to the old Cobalt.

Kris Kodrich teaches journalism at Colorado State University. He is no longer available to teach stick shift to teenagers.