TIME OUT

PSD schools collect for CSU’s C.A.N.S Around the Oval

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 • 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 dollar donated equals two meals for clients of the Food Bank for Larimer Country.

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.

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, 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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

A girl and her puppy

So cute and so much work

LEA HANSON

We 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.

I think what’s most impressive to me is that my daughter is taking on these roles and not only not verbally 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.