RM Parent Magazine | December 2021

DECEMBER 2021 • RMPARENT.COM

LESS STRESS,

MORE CHEER 5 ways to celebrate differences this holiday season

Creative handmade gifts

Ring in a sustainable season

Making sense of separation anxiety

Winter holiday family fun

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DECEMBER 2021

Departments

Special Sections

PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Who’s a good boy?—Our furry family members

WOMENS HEALTH . . . . . . . . . . 8 Less stress, more cheer—Find balance this holiday season

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . 10 Winter holiday family fun—Seasonal delights to savor together

FROSTY FITNESS

Explore winter enrichment opportunities from a variety of programs throughout northern Colorado.

A DV E RT I

SING SU PPLE

MENT

LEARN AND LIVE . . . . . . . . . . 12 Crafting up gifts—Homemade items spread love, foster creativity and skill-building

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14 Community support—Insurance enrollment, free youth therapy and meals, vets remembered

HEALTHY LIVING . . . . . . . . 16

Ring in a sustainable season—Create an annual celebration cycle

CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0 Events and activities for parents, kids and families

Feature 18 MAKING SENSE OF

SEPARATION ANXIETY

All parents have to leave their child with someone else at some point. If the child is suffering from separation anxiety, it is so difficult to leave. Find ways to help with the transition and learn when to seek help.

TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 A girl and her puppy—So cute and so much work

School District News GR-E 6 School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Chevron to Support the Tointon Academy of Pre-Engineering, Changes to Board of Education directors

Poudre School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 PSD schools collect food and funds for CSU’s C.A.N.S Around the Oval, Wish for Wheels FoCo rolls out nearly 350 bikes, helmets to PSD students

Thompson School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Mary Liakas puts in the effort

20 5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE DIFFERENCES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The holidays are a time of celebration. We get together with those close to us and enjoy a meal, visit or just time spent being together.

It’s a perfect opportunity to teach our kids about empathy, tolerance and generosity and to instill an appreciation for people who are different from us.

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perspective Who’s a good boy?

Our furry family members

I

smiled as I read Lea Hanson’s story about getting a new puppy for her household.

Puppies are wonderful, horrible things and her story pushed me down memory lane and maybe you’ll go there too. I thought of Maggie, a great Pyrenees who was a puppy when Aly was born. They were both so cute. Maggie became Aly’s companion and protector. Never aggressive, she would just place herself between Aly and anything she perceived as a potential threat.

And then we got Oly, a gentle Newfoundland. Andy played so hard with Oly. In fact, he had an era of shirts that had torn cuffs from wrestling and chasing. And the list goes on through Dale, Daisy, Betty, Frida and Charlie. You might have a similar list and it’s funny how the introduction of a puppy is different at different ages.

Lea talks about this with how her 11-year-old daughter has stepped up to care for their new puppy.

So I started wondering about why we love our dogs, because, frankly, there are some times when I’m not sure why we have them around. Of course, there’s the unconditional love thing. They are always so happy to see us walk through that door. It’s clear time and time again that we are the most important thing in the world to them and not just because we feed them and walk them. They know that we’re all part of this together. And they are all in.

Even Frida, a street dog who we got used, is fully part of the pack now.

So we got the unconditional love thing and the practical stuff such as they get us to go out for walks and they protect us or at least alert us when something is amiss, which turns out to be a pretty big list in our household.

But I think there is something else. I’m reminded of a bumper sticker (because that’s where you can distill wisdom down to 10 words or so) that said, Oh Lord, please make me the person that my dog thinks I am. And in some ways, I think that our dogs make us rise. Our daughter, Aly, has a lab mix who needs a special diet, I guess, so Aly cooks her food for every meal, food that looks pretty dang good. It gives me hope that when I’m older and more enfeebled that I can get a meal out of her every once in while too.

I think that when we get home and we’re greeted with the round of slobberies that we feel better and that we’re likely to be nicer to others. Dog as a pebble in the ripple effect. And I think many of us have met someone in some capacity that affected our lives, even if just for that moment, while out walking a dog. Dogs ask us to be our better selves and then accept us completely as we are.

I recently saw a dog meme that has a wolf thinking, Gee, that fire sure looks nice. What’s the worst that could happen? Then the caption says, 10,000 years later, and the next picture is of a pug dressed up like a sunflower.

Have a woofing great holiday and don’t forget to get Fido a bone, too Scott

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DECEMBER 2021 • Volume 25, Issue 7 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Susan Harting susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com COVER PHOTO istockphoto.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Theresa Baer, Lea Hanson Lynn U. Nichols, Emily Zaynard

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING PO Box 740 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Voice 221-9210 • Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not consitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2021 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

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women’s health Less stress, more cheer Find balance this holiday season

LY NN U. NICHOLS

I

t’s tempting to go all out for the holidays in an attempt to make them memorable, but having too many expectations can leave you feeling stressed and disappointed. This season, find a healthy balance between doing things to please yourself and your family, and pleasing others. After all, it’s your holiday, too.

With holidays often come obligations. It’s okay to take a step back and choose events rather than simply getting caught up in attending or holding events because that’s what people expect. Stop for a moment and consider what events and activities you truly enjoy each year, and make those a priority. Get the whole family involved in deciding which activities are high priority. If you can, limit activities to a few per week. Limiting events allows for extra time to do the things you really want to do—like creating new or unique rituals for your immediate family.

After you have items on the calendar that truly sound enjoyable, fit in other activities that you feel you definitely have to attend, whether it is an extended family dinner or a work party. If you have to go to something that you are not looking forward to, remember that you can limit how long you stay, or split obligations between parents and kids, sending just half of your family to an event. Another idea is spreading out holiday plans into the new year. Think about traveling to see family after the holidays—it will be cheaper, you will all be less frazzled, and places will be less crowded.

To keep stress at bay, maintain your exercise routine during the holidays as best you can. Nothing beats stress like a good workout. Plus, it makes you feel better about eating those special holiday treats that you are bound to have. To keep your weight steady during

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the holidays, be picky about what you indulge in. If you don’t absolutely love a special holiday sweet or side dish, skip it. Save the calories for only those things you love, like eggnog with nutmeg on top or sugar cookies with frosting. Try to remember when you are reaching for a third treat that while it feels great in the moment, eating too much sugar only adds to your and your kids’ stress levels, and sets you up for illnesses. Plus, letting kids indulge in everything because it’s the holidays only makes the comeback from it that much harder.

When it comes to gifts, try not to go overboard. Yes, kids are toy-focused but at the end of the day what means more is you sitting down and playing with that toy with them rather than seeing how big a stack of presents they can accumulate under the tree. Consider

planning an outing in the new year in place of a gift so you all have something to look forward to once the presents are unwrapped. You can make it special by putting a note in their stocking or wrapping tickets to a fun event and putting them under the tree.

By being realistic about spending, you won’t have to feel the stress of paying off a holiday long past into the new year. If money is tight, think outside the (gift) box by giving the gift of time. Maybe your son or daughter wants to learn how to ice skate or loves sledding in the wintertime, or they’d like you to teach them a special skill, like knitting or playing the guitar. These are gifts that last a lifetime and create strong family bonds. Looking back, it’s what your kids will remember long after the toys are broken and gone.

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family activities

Winter holiday family fun Seasonal delights to savor together EMILY ZAY NAR D

W

e are lucky to live in a region where each new season offers a unique f lavor of fun! Heading into the winter holidays means that the daylight hours might be shorter but the opportunities for family bonding are plentiful.

NIGHT LIGHTS It’s no secret that the Gardens on Spring Creek are a delight in the spring, summer and fall. The winter season finds the Gardens growing and glowing with hundreds of thousands of twinkling LED lights.

Tickets are required and a timed entry allows families to wander this wonderland and discover the displays together. A favorite destination is the color blossom show on the great lawn. This installation features 700 blossoms united with color and light to add twinkle to your season. Check hours of operation and purchase your tickets here: https://www.fcgov.com/ gardens/garden-of-lights At the intersection of Hwy 34 and I-25 your family will find a hidden gem that sparkles in winter.

Tucked behind the north-east corner of the Promenade shops retail center, the Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra hosts Loveland Winter Wonderlights. This free event features an open-air stroll through a park transformed by lights and music.

A 30-minute synchronized program guides you through the park and runs continuously from 5 to 9pm. Make your visit especially meaningful by bringing canned goods to donate to a collection for the Larimer County Food Bank. Learn more and view the schedule for select live programs at: www.visitlovelandco.org/ winterwonderlights/.

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SKATE DATE For families who like a little excitement with their “togetherness,” ice skating is the perfect blend of thrill and sometimes spill. Skaters gather at the Greeley Ice Haus, where open sessions are available and private parties can be booked. Wear your snuggliest sweater for a little extra padding and head out on the ice! Dates and times for public skating sessions can be found here: https://bit.ly/3l5vBkk. Does your family prefer more of a spectator role? To see how ice dancing is done by the pros, visit the Greeley Ice Haus on December 10 or 11 for the Razzling Dazzling Skating Spectacular. This annual ice show is hosted by the Mountain View Skating Club and sanctioned by the USFSA. Admission is $7 and kiddos 2 and under are free. Reserve your tickets by calling 970-350-9402.

TOBOGGAN HILL Don’t deflate that inner tube just yet, “summer floats” transition nicely to “winter slides” when you climb a hill and let gravity (or mom) pull you through the powder. Weather permitting, you can find several sledworthy hills in northern Colorado.

Look no further than the Aggie Greens Disk Golf Course (across from Holiday Twins Drive in), in Fort Collins for a hill that welcomes beginners as well as toboggan aficionados. Loveland’s prime hill is easily the one at Kroh park just west of the North Monroe Avenue. It can get pretty crowded, so be sure to get there early!

Whether sliding, gliding, or twinkling, enjoy the arrival of winter. Take advantage of living in northern Colorado and savor the seasonal fun to be had with your family this winter break!

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learn and live

Crafting up gifts

Homemade items spread love, foster creativity and skill-building THERESA BAER

H

omemade gifts elicit warm, fuzzy feelings for recipients but they also deliver a sense of purpose, generosity and pride for giftgivers. Instill a gift-giving mentality in your children and have fun with them making arts and crafts to share for holidays, birthdays or just to brighten another person’s day. A quick search online or a visit to local craft stores will yield a plethora of ideas for all ages from painting projects, salt dough creations, jewelry-making, weaving, beading and so much more. Alternatively, you can look for kits and classes available locally, including free options!

FREE LIBRARY CRAFT KITS & WORKSHOPS Beginning December 1, the Loveland Public Library at 300 N. Adams Avenue is offering free Kids’ Craft Kits to make at home, while supplies last. Pick up your supply kit and watch the video tutorial on Facebook to complete the project. This is an ongoing program, with different crafts each month.

The Poudre River Public Library District in Fort Collins offers Winter Take-and-Makes for children, teens and adults this month too. Children can build their own snowman–no snow required! Each kit includes instructions/materials to make one snowperson plus a coloring page and hot cocoa challenge. Tween and teens in grades 4–12 can create a hanging illuminated star where each kit includes instructions/materials to make one illuminated star, including conductive tape, LEDs and a coin cell battery.

Finally, teens 12 and up or adults can create embroidered felt snowflakes with a kit that includes instructions/ materials for at least two snowflakes, an embroidery needle and ideas for further projects. All kits will be available at all

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three Fort Collins libraries December 1–31, or while supplies last.

In Greeley, the High Plains Library is offering two crafts at Centennial Park Library. There is an etched glass ornament-making workshop for ages 12–18 on December 6 from 6–7:30pm where participants will learn to create a stencil and then etch the glass to make a permanent design that can be duplicated on other items for multiple gifts. Teens and adults can pick up the Holiday Sparkle Chain Maille Earrings Take-and-Make kit on December 13 that includes materials and instructions to make one pair of beaded chain maille earrings.

Kate Gesick of the High Plain Library District says, “Participants will need at least one pair of chain nose pliers to open and close the jump rings. It is easier with two pair of chain nose pliers.” Registration is required for both crafts at https://mylibrary.evanced.info/ signup to ensure the necessary supplies.

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS The City of Fort Collins has a Holiday Gift Making Workshop for ages 16 and up that will take place on Thursdays, December 2 and 9 from 4:30–6pm at the Senior Center. The cost is $40 and participants will create up to three unique gifts for the holidays. Visit https://webtrac.fcgov.com to sign up.

Another option is through Michaels, the retail craft store, and their Kids Club Winter Workshops.

The free online beginner classes take place each day from December 1–12 at 3pm MT. Parents/caregivers can choose from various ornaments, decorations, puppets, photo holders and more. View options and book online at www.michaels.com/ winterworkshop?#id=kids-winterworkshop-series. You will need to buy your own materials. Supply lists are available on that site plus instructions if you want to take on the projects on your own.

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community news Community support

Insurance enrollment, free youth therapy and meals, vets remembered THERESA BAER

KIDS FOR COLORADO GIVES Colorado Gives Day is Tuesday, December 7. As part of the annual day of giving to Colorado nonprofits, parents can teach their children the joy of charitable giving. Through the Kids for Colorado Gives site, www.

KidsforColoradoGives.org, kids can learn “What is a nonprofit?” and “Why do nonprofits need donations,” do activities in the free Giving Kit, and search and donate to causes that most interest them in their community.

To donate, children need to ask their parents/caregivers to purchase a Giving eCard and send it to them. Once they have a Giving eCard, the kids can search for nonprofits by name/keyword or by cause and then donate.

COLORADO HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN Colorado residents can now enroll in health insurance for 2022 through Connect for Health Colorado, the official health insurance marketplace for Coloradans. The American Rescue Plan provides financial help for health insurance and makes health coverage offered through Connect for Health Colorado more affordable.

Open enrollment runs annually from November 1 through Jan. 15. During this time, anyone can enroll or make changes to their health insurance. However, for coverage to begin on January 1, action must be taken by December 15, 2021.

To learn more and enroll, visit www.connectforhealthco.com.

FREE PREPARED MEALS IN GREELEY AND LOVELAND The Colorado Food Cluster (www.coloradofoodcluster.com) provides free fully prepared meals for Colorado children and youth in families that are having a hard time during the 14

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current public health crisis. Meal boxes are free to any student 18 and under and each box includes seven breakfasts, seven lunches and fourteen snacks, plus milk and orange juice. Currently, deliveries are made within 20 miles of Greeley, and expanding soon to new areas. No proof of income is required–only basic information about parents and their student.

Thompson School District families can pick up a KidsPak bag at Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Avenue, or Berthoud Community Library, 236 Welch Avenue. Each bag contains enough food for six meals and families with more than one child are eligible for two bags each week. In Loveland, snacks are also available to all youth ages 0–18 (up to grade 12) during all business hours, in the library teen space.

If you are experiencing food insecurity or know someone who is, additional resources are available at Food Bank of Larimer County, www.foodbanklarimer.org, or Weld Food Bank, weldfoodbank.org.

FREE THERAPY SESSIONS TO ALL COLORADO YOUTH Funded by the Colorado Department of Human Services Office of Behavioral Health, the I Matter program (www.imattercolorado.org) is a “temporary behavioral health services program to provide access to mental health and substance use disorder services for youth, including addressing needs that may have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.” The program provides up to three free

sessions for youth 18 years of age or younger or 21 years of age or younger if receiving special education services, and reimburses participating providers, which are licensed clinicians from agencies and independent contractors.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE Larimer County Commissioners recently unanimously approved an amendment to the county’s rental assistance grant program agreement, agreeing to use $1.5 million in funds now that were originally set for the program’s second phase. The Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance Program distributes federal funds to counties and municipalities to help prevent evictions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated economic result. The funds are handled in Larimer County through Neighbor to Neighbor.

For more information on the program, as well as ways to sign up for rental assistance, visit the county website at www.larimer.org/erap or Neighbor to Neighbor’s website at www.n2n.org or call 970-829-0296.

DONATIONS NEEDED FOR BERTHOUD ADAPTIVE PARK Colorado-based nonprofit Can’d Aid is raising funds to build a fully accessible public playground in Berthoud. Berthoud Adaptive Park was inspired by the needs of a Berthoud family, Lauren and Richard Bowling, and their fouryear-old son Miles, who is dependent on a wheelchair for his mobility and independence. The Bowlings found the closest accessible playground is 40 minutes away in Fort Collins and began to envision an inclusive playground for children and parents with a wide range of disabilities—a complex and expensive project. Learn more about their story, the project and donate any amount you are able online at https://bit.ly/3kQx3GY. The Braly Family Foundation will match up to $25,000 in donations through December 31. All donations will be used to create as many accessible and inclusive options as possible. Can’d Aid is organizing fundraising efforts and also plans to host community events to provide volunteer labor when appropriate.

WINTER READING CHALLENGE High Plains Library District (www. mylibrary.us) is promoting a familyfocused at-home reading and activity challenge for winter break exploration from December 17 through January 2. Join in to help YES!bot complete a micro-cosmic rescue mission to innerspace. Activity logs and science toolkits will be available starting December 10, while supplies last, with toolkits limited to one per household. Return completed logs for prizes by January 9.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA The nationwide Wreaths Across America program will again be presented at Linn Grove Cemetery in Greeley to honor departed veterans and first responders. Volunteers are needed Saturday, December 18 at 10am at 1700 Cedar Avenue to help place fresh evergreen wreaths on the 1,860 graves. No registration is necessary. Wear warm clothes including gloves. You can also support the event by sponsoring a wreath for $15 each. Visit https://tinyurl.com/ waalinngrove to learn more.

NEW BERTHOUD REC CENTER Berthoud celebrated the grand opening

of the Berthoud Recreation Center at Waggener Farm Park. Located on 32 acres adjacent to the Loveland Reservoir, the 50,000-square-foot building at 1000 North Berthoud Parkway has been under construction since 2020.

The facility features fitness areas, an indoor aquatics center, two-court gym and more. Outdoors, just south of the facility, visitors will enjoy multi-purpose athletic fields, trails and community open space, a large destination playground with a full basketball court, a rentable pavilion and a skate park. Visit www.berthoud.org/departments/parksrecreation to learn more.

TRAIL ETIQUETTE REMINDER Please remember the following trail etiquette this winter. Check COTREX (https://trails.colorado. gov) or the Larimer Natural Areas website (www.larimer.org/ naturalresources/trails) for updated trail conditions or closures. Check the parking lot cameras before you go to determine availability and bring extra layers as weather can change quickly. If you come across mud on the trails, go through the puddle and not around to prevent trail widening and preserve the natural spaces.

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healthy living

Ring in a sustainable season Create an annual celebration cycle

EMILY ZAY NAR D

H

olidays are a time to celebrate the passing of the seasons and to connect with our families and traditions. They provide a rhythm to the year and a time to renew our hopes for the future. This season, create an earthfriendly celebration cycle that prioritizes reuse, regifting and reimagining.

REUSE Reusing items that we already own is a great way to cut down on holiday waste. Curate your holiday decorations to include reusable items that have meaning to you and your family. Resist the urge to splurge on that 6-foottall, bluetooth-connected, singing nutcracker by rediscovering treasures that you already have in your collection.

Attaching a memory or anecdote to your holiday items allows your family to relive and share stories each year.

Transform decorating for the holidays or setting the table, into a storytelling celebration of family lore.

Rather than opting for the waste of paper plates and napkins, break out the fancy stuff! Turn the celebration up a notch by dabbing that cranberry sauce off your face with a re-useable fabric napkin. Celebrate by saying “Good day, sir!” to your save-it-for-the-company plates, silverware, or serving dishes. Not only are they special, but they are also reusable and don’t need to be composted.

REGIFT Regifting is a polarizing concept but stick with me. Being on the receiving end of a ceramic clown set that inspires more fear than lighthearted whimsy, is a strong argument for redistributing the wealth of the holidays.

Regifting is also a great opportunity to give long-admired grown-up items to children. A favorite baseball cap from

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Bonus: Recycle

Recycle your tree and holiday waste to create earth-friendly habits all year long.

TREE RECYCLING Remove all items from your tree before dropping off, including lights, wire, hooks, ornaments, tinsel, and fake snow.

grandpa’s collection or one of mom’s fancy fountain pens is a personal gift that tells your child you trust them with a valued possession. This type of “regift” can inspire pride in “growing up” for kids and serve as a physical reminder that they are worthy of trust.

Age-appropriate heirlooms and ceramic clown sets aside—regifting can also include the ribbons and wrappings you received last year. Repurpose those saved “bits and bobs” to make this year’s gifts sparkle. Cut down on wrapping waste by regifting decorative boxes, baskets, and bags!

REIMAGINE The past few seasons have shown that reimagining our traditional mind-set can be the key to moving forward sustainably. Use this time of year to reflect together and make adjustments to what your family prioritizes. Are there traditions that no longer serve your

• Fort Collins: ​​www.fcgov.com/recycling/ atoz/items/?item=136 • Greeley: https://greeleygov.com/ services/recycling • Loveland: www.lovgov.org/services/ public-works/trash-recycling RECYCLE PACKAGING Boxes and paper can often be recycled through your curbside pickup. Check with your provider to confirm which items can be placed in the residential co-mingle bins.

family and can be let go? What about creating new traditions that value equity and kindness to others? Re-imagining our smallest habits can cut down on physical waste and free up more time to focus on what really matters.

This season, keep and cherish what you can re-use and let go of some things by re-gifting them. Making small—even imperfect—efforts each year creates a larger celebration cycle that carries habits past the holidays and into a more sustainable future.

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Making sense of separation anxiety Katie Harris

N

early all parents can relate— the pleading eyes, little hands clinging to your pant leg, maybe even a wail as they’re gently pulled from your side while you make your escape. Leaving a child who’s suffering from separation anxiety is one of the toughest battles we moms and dads face, and one that often leaves us baffled as to how best to handle the situation without making it worse.

According to Brian Mesinger, pediatric psychologist at The Youth Clinic for the past 25 years, there are two distinct types of separation anxiety: developmental and clinical.

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“Separation anxiety that occurs in toddlers is considered a normal developmental stage,” explains Mesinger. “We usually see it around age 12 to 14 months as stranger anxiety, with kids getting extra clingy to mom, then again around age 2 when they’re trying to do things by themselves for the first time. These are

both very normal.”

Less common is what’s known as clinical separation anxiety. Typically seen in older kids, this condition often goes hand-in-hand with a shy temperament and anxious attachment to a primary caregiver. Clinical separation anxiety can result in difficulty coping with regular activities,

start building independence early such as school and sports.

“Clinical separation anxiety becomes a big problem when it’s not caught and dealt with early,” says Mesinger. “If it goes on long enough it can lead to other negative behaviors, such as power struggles, which can be nearly impossible to correct.”

The best way to avoid battles down the road, according to Mesinger, is to start preparing early.

“Pay attention to the temperament you’re dealing with when kids are still little,” he advises. “If a child is shy and very attached to mom, start practicing for separations before they happen.”

Mesinger suggests leaving small children with grandparents more often, allowing them to wander into another room at home without immediately following, and letting them lead the way down the grocery store aisle, to help teach independence at an early age.

Equally important to preparing for separations early on, is handling them appropriately when they do crop up.

“The way parents deal with early separation anxiety can set the stage for how kids handle it down the road,” says Mesinger. “We need to reinforce independence by telling kids what a great job they did when they do attempt things on their own, and then leaving it at that. What we don’t want to do is reinforce the fear by constantly talking about it.”

Mesinger says it’s okay to do a trial run before taking a child to daycare or school for the first time, but once or twice is enough. After that, plan a goodbye ritual ahead of time, such as a high five, fist bump or hug, and follow it with a quick goodbye, then walk away.

“The longer you stay and drag out your goodbyes, the harder you’ll make it on your child in the long run,” he explains. “Over talking, baby talking, and showing concern on your own face can also have a negative impact on your child’s ability to cope.”

Mesinger suggests packing a transition object, such as a teddy bear or picture of mom and dad in the child’s backpack, and letting teachers and staff members know ahead of time if your child might have difficulty saying goodbye, so that they can make themselves available at drop-off time to help with the transition.

“Check in with the teacher or daycare staff later to see how things went,” he says. “If your child was fine, or at least functional, once you left, then it’s okay. Remember that parents always see the worst of it.”

While in most cases it’s best to push through and trust that things will get easier, rather than bail an anxious child out of a difficult situation, there are times when it’s necessary to seek outside support.

“If you’re dealing with school refusal you need to see someone pretty quickly,” says Mesinger. “I get kids sometimes who have already been out of school for six weeks, and it becomes

extremely difficult to get them back at that point.”

He says that when separation anxiety encroaches on other aspects of a child’s health, causing headaches, stomach aches or nightmares, it’s also time to turn to a professional.

In general though, the best route is to be consistent and steadfast in your commitment to your drop off routine.

“The hardest thing is seeing your child upset; at times to the point of what looks like a panic attack,” says Mesinger. “But when you get to that point, soothing them with your voice won’t work. You’ve really got to say your goodbyes and leave.”

Once your child has made it through his time without you, feel free to slather on the praise, just don’t dwell on it too long.

“The most important thing you can do,” adds Mesinger, “is be understanding, validate their feelings, acknowledge what a great job they did, and move on.”

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5 ways to celebrate differences

this holiday season Lynn U Nichols

D

uring the holidays, our hearts are open. We feel connected by a universal feeling of celebration. We share smiles with strangers, give cheers with friends, and appreciate our loved ones in ways we often don’t during the rest of the year. It’s the perfect time to teach our kids about empathy, tolerance, and generosity, and to instill an appreciation for people who are different than us. Here are four ways to help kids broaden their emotional repertoire and celebrate differences this holiday season.

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1. VOLUNTEER TO HELP PEOPLE IN NEED Nothing teaches empathy like putting your kids in someone else’s shoes. We often live inside our own community bubbles, so breaking out of our bubbles and experiencing a totally different take on how to live life is eye opening for our kids. And the more differences in people and families that our kids experience, the more accepting they will be of differences in general.

A great way to practice empathy is to volunteer. Through volunteering, kids

Instill an appreciation for people who are different from you

gain a wider perspective on the world, and get the message that they should respect everyone, even those who live or look differently than they do. Volunteering is also empowering for kids because they leave with the take-home message that they have value, and that they can make a difference in someone’s life.

It doesn’t always have to be a big formal outing to volunteer. Sometimes, it’s simply being kind and helpful to people at home, school or in the community. Encourage your child to help the person who sits next to them in math class or invite a child over who is new, or reach out to a child who might be going through a rough time.

Not everyone is born with the same capacity for empathy. Some kids naturally have more than others. That doesn’t mean that it can’t be learned. All kids are capable of empathy, whether it comes naturally or not.

The best way to teach empathy and kindness is to simply model it yourself.

Offer to pick up your neighbor’s papers while they are out of town or walk the dog of the elderly woman down the street. Bake cookies for your neighbors, hold the door for the person behind you at the store, and offer for someone to go ahead in the grocery line. If this is the way you live your life, so will your kids.

2. PRACTICE BEING A GOOD SPORT While watching football or another sport with your kids this winter, watch your own language and reaction when your team misses a goal. Instead of blaming a referee for a bad play, make a joke or say something like, “Well, that didn’t go well for our team. Maybe we will have better luck next time.” If you witness poor sportsmanship—like players fighting or name calling—talk about how the players could have handled it better, and discuss what it might say about the player’s or coach’s character.

To drive the message of tolerance home even more, consider signing your child up for a unified sports team through your city’s recreation department. Athletes of all abilities play as teammates against other integrated teams with opportunity to compete in Special Olympics.

3. GET TOGETHER WITH A FAMILY FROM A DIFFERENT CULTURE It can take practice getting comfortable talking with someone from a different culture, or whose first language is not English, but don’t let moments of feeling uncomfortable stop you or your kids from reaching out. Kids in general are uncomfortable with things they are not familiar with—like someone who looks different or sounds different. It’s less an issue of racism and more an issue of feeling comfortable.

That’s why it is so important to expose your kids to all kinds of people early on and throughout their childhood. Doing so teaches tolerance and acceptance. It helps kids see that different isn’t wrong, it’s interesting.

To drive the message home, find common ground with your new

friends. This shows your kids that people who are not like us on the outside often have the same feelings or wants and needs on the inside.

4. ATTEND DIVERSE HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS An easy way to introduce your kids to different cultures is attending various holiday celebrations around town.

Consider going to a different church to see how they celebrate their culture’s winter holidays. For example, attend the menorah lighting to celebrate Chanukah in Old Town Square in Fort Collins on December 5 at 4pm or find a Kwanza event. Or, attend International Night at the Library in Fort Collins where students and community members share their experiences of other countries or their home country. The event is held on the second Tuesday at the Old Town Library and every fourth Thursday at the Harmony Library at 6:30pm. Or, head down to Denver to experience even more diverse events.

When attending, use inclusive language when talking about the event and look for opportunities that show acceptance. If your child makes an insensitive statement, explain how making quick judgments and applying stereotypes always divides rather than unites.

5. ENCOURAGE GIVING, NOT JUST RECEIVING 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 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 and spending quality time with those they love. As people, when we give, we feel good. We are social creatures by nature.

If someone appreciates us, we feel joy.

This season, open your heart, practice empathy, and celebrate all the wonderful differences that we see in our loved ones and the people we encounter in our community.

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greeley district 6 news Chevron to Support the Tointon Academy of Pre-Engineering

The Success Foundation Serving Greeley-Evans Schools has received a $100,000 donation from Chevron to support the Tointon Academy of PreEngineering. “This is an exciting time for our school district and community, and we greatly appreciate the opportunity to partner with Chevron in supporting initiatives that will advance the goals of this new school,” says Julie Hill, Success Foundation executive director.

The Tointon Academy of PreEngineering will open August 2022, providing a comprehensive, highachieving, pre-engineering program to students in Greeley-Evans School District 6 in grades preschool through 8th grade. The school will be available to students throughout District 6 through an open enrollment process and the district will work to attract students who are underrepresented in the field of engineering, including students of color and female students. “It is so rewarding to see this new school and new concept come to life,” says Dr. Deirdre Pilch, District 6 Superintendent. “We cannot be successful alone and are grateful to have partners like Chevron who are willing to support the new curriculum, help us train the new staff, and ensure we can build a schoolwide culture around pre-engineering 24

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and multiple pathways to graduation.”

In addition to funding, Chevron will be a formal business partner of the school, allowing their engineers to be involved in a variety of capacities including working directly with students and serving on the school advisory council.

“Chevron recognizes the importance of sustaining a meaningful partnership with Greeley-Evans School District 6 that will have a broad and long-lasting impact on both students and educators,” says Hodge Walker, vice president of the Rockies Business Unit. “The Tointon Academy of Pre-Engineering will not only open career pathways for students, but it will also help them develop critical thinking and inquiry-based skills that extend far beyond the classroom and workplace. We are proud to sponsor and be part of this exciting opportunity.”

The construction of the Tointon Academy of Pre-Engineering is being funded by the bond issue approved by voters in November 2019. After receiving a recommendation from a naming committee, the District 6 Board of Education voted unanimously to name the school after Bob and Betty Tointon, community leaders and strong supporters of public education in District 6. The school will accommodate approximately

900 students and is located in West Greeley at the intersection of 71st Avenue and 4th Street.

CHANGES TO BOARD OF EDUCATION DIRECTORS D6 says goodbye to Board of Education directors John W. Haefeli, Rhonda Solis and Ray Talley, who have collectively given 18 years of service to District 6.

During their tenure on the board, these board members supported the following achievements and initiatives: • The development of Innovation2020, the district strategic plan that outlined a new mission, vision and values and goals for District 6, which has driven the work in our system.

• The development of Innovation2030, the revision of the district strategic plan that will lead the work in the system for the next 10 years.

• Passing the first-ever mill levy override for District 6, bringing in essential local tax revenue to support students and personnel in the district.

• Passing a $395 million bond issue that is allowing District 6 to address more than $1 billion in deferred maintenance in schools and buildings throughout the system.

• Creating new and lasting

partnerships with organizations, businesses and churches throughout the community that are helping District 6 meet the needs of its 23,000 students.

• Repairing relationships with the Greeley Education Association and bringing in a new model for consensus building that has allowed multipleyear contracts with educators and has solved significant staff-related problems in the system.

• Improving graduation rates and significantly reducing the number of schools on the accountability clock with the state of Colorado.

• Creating and enhancing career pathways and concurrent enrollment in college so that students can truly find a path to their future.

We also welcomed three new Board of Education members: Kyle Bentley, Rob Norwood and Taylor Sullivan, who were sworn in along with Board President Michael Mathews, who won a second term on the board. Congratulations to our newest Board members!

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poudre school district news PSD schools collect for CSU’s C.A.N.S Around the Oval dollar donated equals two meals for clients of the Food Bank for Larimer Country.

Poudre School District students and staff are giving back to the community during these challenging times. This fall, several schools participated in C.A.N.S. Around the Oval, Colorado State University’s 35th-annual food and fund drive. All donations benefit the Food Bank for Larimer County.

Congratulations, to PSD’s top CANtributors : Kinard Middle School (first place), Rocky Mountain High School (second place) and Riffenburgh Elementary School (third place).

Kinard and Rocky Mountain won not only top CANtributors spots among PK-12 schools but were also among the top 10 total CANtributors in the community campaign. Kinard took third place and Rocky Mountain won fourth place overall.

C.A.N.S. Around the Oval raised about $66,500 in funds and collected over 19,000 pounds of food in donations.

Donation totals from PSD’s top five participating schools:

• First place: Kinard Middle School $4,559 donated funds which equals 9,199 meals | 2,375 pounds of food • Second place: Rocky Mountain High School $2,995 donated funds which equals 5,992 meals | 4,269 pounds of food

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• Third place: Riffenburgh Elementary School $1,451 donated funds which equals 2,902 meals | 920 pounds of food • Fourth

place: Preston Middle School $711 donated funds which equals 1,423 meals | 1,300 pounds of food • Fifth

place: McGraw Elementary School $732 donated funds which equals 1,465 meals | 929 pounds of food

Dollars make a difference: Every

WISH FOR WHEELS FOCO ROLLS OUT NEARLY 350 BIKES, HELMETS TO PSD STUDENTS When Kimberly Gutirierrez-Cuevas went to school on a recent fall day, she wasn’t expecting the surprise that awaited.

As part of the 2021 Wish for Wheels FoCo event, the Harris Elementary School second grader got a new bicycle and helmet—and with them, a renewed sense of independence.

“It’s my favorite color,” she said, appreciating the blue bike that sat before she and her dad. “I like my bike.

If my parents let me, I will ride this bike to school.”

The best part of wheeling out the donated bikes “is the smile, the one you cannot erase,” said Yara Gonzalez, a fourth-year paraprofessional at Harris, who helped with the event.

“The joy the students have of receiving something they want and appreciate as a surprise is indescribable.”

Denver-based nonprofit Wish for Wheels FoCo has donated bikes to PSD schools for the past two years,

and its leadership is hopeful to make its work a long-standing tradition.

In the event’s inaugural year, the 2020-21 school year, Bike Fort Collins joined Wish for Wheels to give a new bike and helmet to the 257 second graders at each of PSD’s six Title I schools. This year, that total climbed to more than 325.

Dave Dixon, executive director of Bike Fort Collins, a nonprofit in Fort Collins, said that bike donations connect students to the outdoors and other students. And by giving bicycles to every student at the Title I schools, he said, there is no stigma for the students who have never had a bike before.

Watching them get their bike, he said, is like giving a birthday present on a random day of the year. It fills him with joy.

Pete Wood, a volunteer for Wish for Wheels FoCo, heard about this opportunity to build and distribute bikes at PSD schools through his local church.

The bike-building process took

about two hours. Volunteers then loaded the bikes on a truck and stored them at a warehouse until they were delivered to schools.

Because of their size, each bike typically lasts a student three years, allowing them to grow.

“The bikes last year were a blessing.

We had to hunt down students who were out riding their bikes,” Gonzalez said.

“Kids were not staying at home as much and watching novelas with their parents.”

Dixon said that Wish for Wheels and Bike Fort Collins were introduced during the pandemic. Bike Fort Collins wanted to keep biking at the forefront of students’ experiences during remote learning, and Dixon wanted to meet the needs of students and PSD schools.

“We are extremely grateful for everyone who funded the bikes and built the bikes,” he said. “We are thankful for PSD’s partnership, as well.”

Students at these PSD Title I schools received bikes and helmets during this year’s event:

• Bauder Elementary School • Harris Elementary School • Irish Elementary School • Laurel Elementary School • Linton Elementary School • Putnam Elementary School

PSD HEADLINES: Stove Prairie celebrates 125th school anniversary; McGraw Elementary’s Cathy Bowles receives state award for work with students, families; Former students find joy, purpose as principals of PSD schools; PSD parent steps up for her child, other students, by driving a bus; and more at psdschools.org/news 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.

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thompson school district news Mary Liakas puts in the effort

Mary Liakas, a junior at Thompson Valley High School, has spent years exploring many different interests and activities—more than she can even list off the top of her head—and it has taught her a lot about her goals.

“I think with anybody, you’re just interested in what you’re interested in,” she explains. “I’ve been very fortunate with the successes I have had. My mom is an elementary school teacher, so I kind of got a head start on reading and math.

But I was taught that when somebody is not where you’re at, why don’t you talk to them? Why don’t you raise your hand and ask the question they are afraid to ask?”

It was that mindset that led to the creation of Varsity Tutors, the academic support group Mary started at TVHS to help her fellow students.

She originally intended for the group to provide tutoring to student athletes to ensure they could remain eligible.

“For some students, exercise and health and wellness are their life. So if you can’t do what makes you happy because you’re not good in school, you shouldn’t be penalized from what you love. Why should they be penalized because they don’t understand a subject?” Mary says.

Mary explained that when two of her friends found themselves unable to play football due to their academic ineligibility, 28

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she had the idea to provide a convenient, school-based group of peer tutors, covering as many subjects as possible, for student athletes. TVHS principal Jaymie Cruickshank was very supportive of Mary’s idea and allowed Mary to do a presentation for the school’s staff, where she received a lot of positive feedback.

“I started to think, maybe this could actually happen,” Mary says. She

began to work out the details, which involved recruiting students to work as tutors during their Extended Learning Opportunity time, figuring out how to identify students in need of help, and working with teachers to get permission for tutors to come into study hall classes to help students in need of support.

It was during all of this planning that Mary realized there was a bigger problem to solve.

“My original idea, and the reason I created Varsity Tutors, was to exclusively help athletes,” explains Mary, who is a varsity tennis player herself. “But I would never turn a student away just because they don’t have the athletic capability. We end up helping a lot of non-athletes too.

At this point, we don’t even ask people anymore what sport they do, because we’re here to help you learn, and your athleticism shouldn’t hold you back from getting help.”

Now, students coming for tutoring come from many different sources,

including referrals from the athletic department for ineligible athletes, and students recommended by teachers for help. Varsity Tutors has 11 student tutors and helps dozens of students each week.

“I’ve learned that sometimes just to hear the information from peers, through a different voice or different explanation, that benefits everybody,” Mary says. “All of the teachers I’ve talked to are very excited about this program. Eligibility rates have gone up, Fs have gone down. It’s a very successful program so far.” Her next goal is to find an accurate way to measure the effectiveness of the tutoring group, and to use the data to tweak the program.

Varsity Tutors is just one of the many areas to which Mary commits her time and energy. In addition to running the program and playing on the TV tennis team, Mary is also president of Thompson Valley’s DECA and FBLA clubs, sits on TV’s Principal Advisory Team, is in charge of social media and announcements for the TV Student Council, works parttime as a cashier at Scheel’s, is a member

of National Honor Society and the City of Loveland’s Youth Advisory Committee, and says that she was recently honored to serve as the emcee for TV’s Homecoming pep assembly.

Mary hopes all of this hard work will translate into a career in business, particularly in finance, which she considers to be an important aspect of everyone’s lives.

“I was brought up with the value to use your voice to make positive change, versus not using it at all,” Mary says, crediting her mom Michelle (a teacher at B.F. Kitchen Elementary School) and her sister Emma (a freshman at Syracuse University in New York) with inspiring her to do her best.

“My mom is a huge reason I am as successful as I am. She says it’s doesn’t matter what grade I get or if I win or lose, it just matters how much effort I put in—and I can always do better. I can always put more effort in. If you start putting in effort now, it’s going to carry into adulthood.”

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DECEMBER 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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2 Hope at the Holidays—Downtown Greeley Food & Drink Tour Enjoy a 4-course progressive dinner through downtown Greeley. Proceeds benefit Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy to support Weld County youth who have been abused or neglected. $100/4-course tour; $25/dessert and after-party. Various locations, downtown GR. 5–10pm. www.lifestoriesweld.org/hope-tour.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 Colorado Gives Day: Kids for Colorado Gives As part of the annual day of giving to Colorado nonprofits, kids can search and donate to the causes that most interest them in their community. www.KidsforColoradoGives.org.

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LIBRARY & BOOK EVENTS

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. Topics include: magic sand, books to movies, and vinyl record craft. Registration required. Grades 3–5. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave. GR. 2–3pm. 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.

DECEMBER 1 THROUGH 31 Loveland Library Take Home Kids’ Craft Kits Pick up a supply kit and watch the craft video tutorial on Facebook starting the first of each month (or next day the library is open). First come, first served while supplies last. Loveland Public Library 300 N. Adams, LV. www.lovlib.org/events.

Poudre River Library Winter Take-and-Makes for All Children make a snowman, tweens/teens create an illuminated star, and teens/adults create an embroidered felt snowflake. Kits include instructions and materials for one project. Available while supplies last. Old Town Library, Harmony Library, Council Tree Library, FC. www.poudrelibraries.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1 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.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 Ornament Etching for Teens Make one-of-a-kind glass ornaments. First learn to create the stencil and then etch the glass to make a permanent design. Ages 12–18. Registration required. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 6–7:30pm. www.mylibrary.us.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8 Kids Crafterschool: Gnomes After-school creative fun with supplies provided. Registration required. Grades 4–8. 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, DECEMBER 10 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.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13 Holiday Sparkle Chain Maille Earrings Take & Make Kits Make beaded chain maille earrings with this Take & Make kit that includes all the materials and instructions to make one pair. Registration required. Teens/adults.

Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave. GR. All day. www.mylibrary.us.

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.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 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.

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DECEMBER 17 THROUGH JANUARY 2 YES!Sparks Winter Challenge Help YES!bot complete a micro-cosmic rescue mission to inner-space in this familyfocused at-home reading and activity challenge. Activity logs and science toolkits will be available starting Dec. 10 while supplies last. Return completed logs for prizes by Jan. 9. High Plains Library District libraries. www.mylibrary.us.

DECEMBER 18 THROUGH JANUARY 8 Winter Weave Along Warm your heart and community by adding to weaving art installations.

Supplies provided. All ages/abilities.

Harmony Library, near the Round area OR Council Tree Library, upstairs atrium, FC www.poudrelibraries.org.

DECEMBER 19 THROUGH JANUARY 3 Your Magic Library: Learn to do magic tricks The Loveland Library has arranged for virtual tutorials to learn to perform magic tricks with Cody and Wolfe. Virtual @ yourmagiclibrary.com, use passcode: Readingismagic2. www.lovlib.org/events.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 20 Winter T-Shirt Making Kids can learn how to use an iron on vinyl to decorate a t-shirt (provided).

Registration required. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 2–3pm. www.mylibrary.us.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21 Winter Painting for Kids Create a canvas masterpiece with staff guidance. All supplies provided.

Registration required. Grades 2–5 Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 10am and 4pm. 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 nature-inspired 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.

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. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 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.

MUSEUM 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 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 DECEMBER 31 Jacob Lawrence: 3 Series of Prints & Sauda Mitchell One exhibit features Jacob Lawrence’s depictions of civil rights confrontations to scenes of daily life, these images present a vision of a common struggle toward unity and equality, a universal struggle deeply seated in the depths of the human consciousness. The other exhibit features Sauda Mitchell’s creations to pay homage to the past—ensuring her work uplifts, educates, and expresses the Black experience. All ages. $7/ages 13+. Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave, LV. Museum hours. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

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Gateway to the Rockies: A Visual Trip Down Highway 34 The Museum’s collection of Property Record Cards trace the development of support businesses along this heavily traveled corridor. Historic advertising materials provide additional proof that Highway 34 did indeed provide a Gateway to the Rockies. All ages. Loveland Museum, Dunning Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave, LV. Museum hours. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

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, DECEMBER 2 Kid + Adult Art Class: The Alley Wand Shoppe Make your own Harry Potter-style wands!

Draw inspiration from the classrooms of Hogwarts to hand-craft one-of-a-kind sculptural wands using all kinds of magical tricks and materials. Ages 5–12 with an adult. $32/member; $40/non-member.

Loveland Museum Beet Education Center, 201 E. 5th St., LV. 5–6:30pm. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 National Lionel Train Day Fun activities for the kids about all things Lionel Trains! Colorado Model Railroad Museum, 680 10th St., GR. 10am–4pm. www.cmrm.org/events.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 Youth Art: Sunflowers in Winter Make sunflowers come to life in winter with inspiration from Van Gogh. Grades 1–5. $24/member; $30/non-member.

Loveland Museum Beet Education Center, 201 E. 5th St, LV. 3:45–5pm. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

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SATURDAY, 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.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1 Broadway’s Next Hit Musical Master improvisers gather made-up, hit song suggestions from the audience and create a spontaneous evening of music, humor, and laughter. All ages. $39; $54 VIP. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

Family Tree Workshop Paint a custom watercolor tree to collect the names of your unique family story.

This will be a meaningful gift, family connection activity and special wall art feature. Ages 12+. $40/member; $50/nonmember. Loveland Museum Beet Education Center, 201 E. 5th St, LV. 1–3pm. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

DECEMBER 3 & 4 Acoustic Eidolon Come experience the passion, connection and energy as these masters of the cello and guitar draw you into their musical realm with humor and poignancy. All ages. $23/adult, $18/senior/student.

Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 Youth Art: Winter Watercolors Create a winter scene using pastels and watercolors to bring in the holiday spirit.

Grades 1–5. $24/member; $30/nonmember. Loveland Museum Beet Education Center, 201 E. 5th St, LV. 3:45–5pm. www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

ACTIVE-ITIES

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17 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 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.

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.

DECEMBER 1 THROUGH JANUARY 1 Holiday Hundo Virtual Challenge Virtual challenge for runners/walkers, cyclists and dogs to complete 100 miles on foot or by bicycle throughout December. $35. www.frontrangefreeze.com/holiday-hundo.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 Sweaty Sweater Race: 5K Run/Walk &Kids’ 1-Mile Bring your most hideous, outrageous, bulky and unforgettable ugly sweater for this fun-filled event supporting local families in need through Adopt-A-Family.

Virtual option also available. $30. Foothills Mall, FC. 9am 5K; 10:15am kids’ run. www.frontrangefreeze.com/sweatysweater-race.

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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. Special ticketed events include Whoville Holiday, Teddy Bear Bash and Watercolor & Wine. www.ucstars.com or 970-356-5000. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. Hours vary. www.GreeleyFestivalofTrees.com.

THROUGH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 Santa’s Workshop Old Town Square Visit with Santa! Take your own pictures for free or a professional photographer is also available. Old Town Square, FC. Noon–6pm (Dec. 24, noon–4pm).

484-2020, www.downtownfortcollins.com.

SATURDAYS, THROUGH DECEMBER 18 Carriage Rides Enjoy a free magical carriage ride around Foothills. No reservations required. Pickup across from Cinemark Theatre & Bistro, 215 E. Foothills Pkwy., FC. 5–7pm. https://shopfoothills.com.

Photos with Santa at Centerra Take pictures of the family with Santa for free. Bring your camera, there will not be a photographer. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. Days/times vary. www. thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com/events.

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.

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.

THROUGH DECEMBER 22 Classic Christmas Movies at the Rialto View hits such as It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. All ages. $9.

Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm.

970-962-2120, www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

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.

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Visit Santa at Foothills Meet and get a photo with Santa.

The Shops at Foothills, 215 E. Foothills Pkwy., FC. Times vary by day. https://shopfoothills.com.

THROUGH FEBRUARY 14 Fort Collins Downtown Holiday Lights Dazzling display of thousands of sustainable LED lights. Old Town, FC. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

THROUGH FEBRUARY 28 Skate The Pond at Foothills Bring your skates (or rent a pair at The Skate Shack) and hit the ice on northern Colorado’s largest outdoor rink.$7/adults and kids 4+, $3 skate rental.

The Pond at Foothills, 215 E. Foothills Pkwy., FC. Days/times vary. https://shopfoothills.com.

THROUGH FEBRUARY 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+. Skate with Santa Dec. 9 and 16. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. www.TheIceRinkAtTheShops.com.

DECEMBER 1 THROUGH 31 Holiday NightLights Help shine light into the darkness of child abuse with the Realties for Children NightLights event. Tree lighting (inperson or livestreamed from website): Wednesday, Dec. 1, 6pm. Visit any night during the month for the lights show. First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College Ave., FC. www.giveanightlight.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2 Hope at the Holidays—Downtown Greeley Food & Drink Tour Enjoy a 4-course progressive dinner through downtown Greeley. Proceeds benefit Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy to support Weld County youth. $100/4-course tour; $25/dessert and after-party. Various locations, downtown GR. 5–10pm. www.lifestoriesweld.org/hope-tour.

DECEMBER 2 THROUGH 4 Habitat for Humanity Gift of Home Tour Self-guided tour of homes “dressed up” for the holidays by decorators and decor stores and will feature items for sale and decorating ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Fragile decorations on display—parents should use their best judgment about bringing young children. $30; $45/VIP. Various Longmont homes (address provided to ticket buyers).

Times vary. www.thegiftofhome.org.

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. In-person and livestream available. $15–$40. Lincoln Center Performance Hall 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. Times vary.

970-221-6730, www.lctix.com.

DECEMBER 3 THROUGH JANUARY 22 Nativities and Festivals of Light Features créche scenes from around the world as well as art and artifacts relating to Festivals of Light such as Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and the Chinese Lantern Festival. All ages. Free Friday/Saturday, Dec. 3–4 otherwise $5/adult; $3/senior or student; $1/ages 4–12; Children 3 and under free.

Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 11am–5pm.

221-4600, www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 Santa Visits Loveland Library Young children can join Santa for special storytimes. Registration required. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 10am or 11am. www.lovlib.org/events.

Windsor Wonderland Experience a one-on-one with Santa, firetruck and horse carriage rides, yard games, s’mores, tree lighting and carols.

Read more about pictures, time to be in line and winning a VIP experience with Santa. Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St., WS. Noon–5pm. www.recreationliveshere. com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=67.

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.

Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra: Poinsettia Pops Featuring the GPO, soprano Jalyn Webb, The Greeley Chorale and Greeley Children’s Chorale in a performance of seasonal favorites and beloved carols. All ages. $25/$37. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. 7:30pm. www.ucstars.com or 970-356-5000.

SATURDAYS, DECEMBER 4, 11, 18 Breakfast with Santa Enjoy breakfast and a visit with Santa, along with a goody bag. Bring your camera, as there will be no photographer. Tickets are limited and MUST be purchased in advance in the Management Office between Aéropostale and Sunglass Hut for $15 cash only. On the Border at The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. 8:30–10am. www. thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com/events.

Visit Santa’s Reindeer Since Santa isn’t able to visit this year, the reindeer are stopping by to pick up letters and wish lists to bring to Santa for you.

Reservations required. Bath Garden Center, 2000 E. Prospect Rd., FC. 10am–3pm. www.bathgardencenter.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.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 FoCo Cafe’s 9th Annual Party with a Purpose Support FoCo Cafe on Colorado Gives Day for food, drinks, music, and more.

All ages. Odell Brewing Co. 800 E Lincoln Ave, FC. 7–9pm. Cost: $20+donation to the CO Gives Day website. www. facebook.com/events/1205677263264251.

THURSDAYS, DECEMBER 9, 16 Skate with Santa Skate with Santa on these select evenings.

Ice skating tickets can be purchased online in advance or at The Ice Rink. Bring your camera, there will not be a photographer. $8.50/child 12 & under, $10.50/ages 13+. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. 4–5pm. www. thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com/events.

DECEMBER 10 AND 11 Razzling Dazzling Skating Spectacular The holiday ice show is back! Don’t miss this exciting figure skating exhibition. $7/ person; children 2 & under free. Greeley Ice Haus, 900 8th Ave. GR. Friday, 7pm; Saturday 3pm. 970-350-9402 https://greeleyrec.com/greeley-ice-haus.

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.

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Colorado Dance Theatre Presents The Nutcracker See Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet The Nutcracker with dancers from many northern Colorado dance studios, CDT’s own orchestra and the Greeley Children’s Chorale.

No children under age 3. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. Friday/Saturday 7:30; Sunday 2pm.

970-356-5000, www.ucstars.com.

DECEMBER 10 THROUGH 26 Garden of Lights Stroll through hundreds of thousands of twinkling LED lights, see Santa, displays, music, and entertainment on weekends. $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.

DECEMBER 11 THROUGH JANUARY 2 Christmas Walk in the Woods View the beautiful lights and take as many photos as you’d like with backdrops that include Santa’s House, Elf Work Shop, 1968 Chevrolet Christmas truck and more.

No pets. Buy tickets online.

The Woods, 1750 Savage Rd., LV. 5–8pm daily. 970-667-3002 www.christmaswalkinthewoods.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12 Afternoon with the Polar Express Drop in for crafts, games, stories and Christmas fun including a special message and gift from Santa, while supplies last. All ages. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St. Evans. 1:30–4:30pm. www.mylibrary.us.

Rocky Mountain High Experience®: A John Denver Christmas Rick Schuler’s enchanting holiday show tribute features favorite hits and weaves in Denver’s heartwarming inspirational carols and holiday classics. $59 ($29.50 with code DENVER). Lincoln Center Performance Hall, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 2pm.

970-221-6730, www.lctix.com.

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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.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 Here We Come Wassailing: Christmas Traditions of Visitation Explore the English custom of wassailing, displays of Christmas lights and nativities in Brooklyn, and a trek through the snow in the Carpathian Mountains in the Ukraine. All ages. $5. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, Zoom presentation 6–7:30pm. 221-4600 www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

DECEMBER 15 THROUGH 26 Candy Cane Hunt Santa’s elves have hidden 12 candy canes in the library. Find all 12 hidden candy canes and receive a surprise! See a staff member for your game sheet and to pick up your surprise. All ages. Old Town Library, Harmony Library, Council Tree Library, FC. www.poudrelibraries.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17 The Holiday Spectacular High Country Conservatory of Dance takes you on a magical journey through all the traditions of Christmas. Experience favorites from “The Nutcracker,” “A Christmas Carol,” and other holiday classics. $15–$25. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6730, www.lctix.com.

DECEMBER 17 AND 18 A Candlelight Christmas The Larimer Chorale presents their holiday concert featuring excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration, familiar and new carols plus professional soloists. First Presbyterian Church, 531 S College Ave. FC. Times vary. 970-221-6730 www.lctix.com.

Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Christmas Brass The GPO’s big, bad, brass section takes center stage for this joyful showcase of holiday hymns and carols. $37/adult. First United Methodist Church, WS on Friday; First United Methodist Church, GR on Saturday. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 www.ucstars.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 Teen Council: Hogwart’s Yule Ball Muggles and wizards will enjoy refreshments, music, games and perhaps a mystery to solve or quest to complete.

Formal robes welcome but not required; school robes or street wear also acceptable.

Ages 12–18. Registration required. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave. #200 FC. 6–8pm. www.poudrelibraries.org.

4th Annual Improv for a Claus Multi-cultural family-friendly holiday sketch show across Colorado using local news and holiday stress, to showcase the humor surrounding us during the holidays.

100 percent of the ticket proceeds donated to Feed My Starving Children. $12–$20.

Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7pm.

970-221-6730, www.lctix.com.

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.

‘Tis the season to be jolly!

Come and Visit YOUR Local Toy Store for All of Your Holiday Delights

Shop Online at clothespony.com or call us for personal shopping help Follow us on

(970) 224-2866 • 111 N. College Ave.

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time out A girl and her puppy So cute and so much work

LEA HANSON

W

e lost our dog, the best yellow lab to have ever lived, in August. Even at my daughter’s ongoing request, I truly believed I’d wait until spring (after ski season).

Well, we went ahead and got a new little rascal. And even though we raised the previously mentioned lab from week 10 or so, I forgot how big a pain in the booty puppies can be.

Rory, a beautiful brown giant Schnoodle, really is dumb. And I say that with love because of course she’s not smart yet; she’s a puppy. Of course I remembered puppies whine during crate training and have accidents all over the place, but I forgot about other things they don’t know how to do. Like walking on a leash, going up and down stairs, playing with a toy, and more.

The significant difference this time around is that when the yellow lab was a new puppy to us, we also had a brandnew baby. The two were born exactly three months apart (dog first). This time, I have an 11-year-old who can not only help do things, but also wants to help, as well.

My kid has plenty of responsibilities and she’s mostly a thoughtful person. But caring for a pet is a new level of work for her and it’s great to see her take on the work… and the problems. I went out for a walk this afternoon and when I returned, she told me with joy about how Rory had peed and pooped on the rug. I asked if she cleaned it up and she looked at me like I was bananas. Of course she had; and she told me this with some level of disdain in her eyes. This, coming from a girl who cannot close the silverware drawer. Even when I remind her to do so.

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complaining about them, but I also think she actually doesn’t mind. Her love for animals, and now this one as her pet, is genuine. It’s beautiful. And it also forces me to check myself because I’m already annoyed and tired. And I realized this morning I don’t get to sleep in for like another six months.

Who’s the whiny tween now?

But I look forward to the love and presence this floof will add to the house.

I didn’t realize how much I was used to a pet until I started feeding a few of the

neighborhood cats. Like daily. And I don’t really even love cats.

I suppose if you’re an animal person you’re one through and through and probably are forever. And we grow to love the ones we choose to bring home with us.

The best and seemingly cosmic part? I looked closer at Rory’s paperwork this morning as I called our vet to make her first appointment. And she was born in August, one day before the yellow lab left us. She’s perfect.

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