more sustainable options for gifts, decorations, wrapping papper. Broaden your
by
about other holiday traditions,
incorporate them into your holiday celebrations.
SCOTT TITTERINGTON Perspective
Listening is loving
Our attention matters when it counts
I RETURNED A WEEK AGO from five weeks in South Carolina working in the aftermath of hurricane Helene. South Carolina, where I was anyway, didn’t have the flooding that we’ve seen so much in North Carolina. For the people in South Carolina, Helene roared through with high winds and tornados early in the morning.
People were left in the dark while their homes shook. Power was out in most places for four to 11 days. Trees blocked streets and, if you could get to a station, gasoline was in short supply. Most people hunkered down and made do the best they could. It seems most neighborhoods had their own chainsaw and tractor crews that cleared neighborhood streets.
My official role was to drive around and assess damage to homes and take pictures. I saw damage to roofs and ceilings and also to wells and septic systems. At some homes, large trees had crashed through into the bedroom or kitchen.
For some people, their lives were turned upside down; for others, a few days of clearing sticks and limbs from their property was all they needed to get back to normal. One family had both cars crushed by a tree.
I’d arrive at a home and after a brief introduction, I’d ask them what happened. Typically, we would start walking around the home looking at roofs, walls and skirting. We might check out a well or septic system that had been damaged and then we’d go inside to view any problems in there—ceilings coming down, damage to floors from leaks in the ceilings and even through windows and doors.
Although my official role was to assess broadly the damage to homes, my greater contribution, I believe, was listening to people. They’d been through a lot, and they wanted to tell me about it. Looking at their damaged home gave us the perfect opportunity for them to describe to me the night of the storm and their fear about what might happen. Many lived in mobile homes and just kept praying that it would hold up to the forces of nature.
Some people went further. They talked about their lives in general and how the storm had just added to their many challenges—family issues, job challenges, health concerns. One young man felt the weight of the world: His home was beat up; his first wife wasn’t helping with the older kids; his second wife was great but was home with the baby; his mom needed help and he’d lost his job because he had to take the kids to school and pick them up every day. He was overwhelmed and the storm was just one more thing.
I heard stories like that over and over. A middle-aged woman with rheumatoid arthritis whose home had been destroyed was sleeping on her neighbor’s porch while random folks from the neighborhood were putting in a new floor and patching the ceiling and fixing the doors. I did my assessment, but as important as that was, I gave her my attention and listened.
As the woman says in Hector and the Search for Happiness (worth watching), “Listening is loving.”
Thanks for reading (It’s like listening),
Scott
DECEMBER 2024 • Volume 28, Issue 7
PUBLISHER
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Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not constitute 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. ©2024 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER:
Family Cooking—Tips for keeping it fun
COOKING TOGETHER AS A FAMILY has many benefits, including improved health, strengthening family bonds and cultural traditions, and boosting kids’ confidence and self-esteem. It also creates connections and also— simply—teaches and models the necessary life skills our kids need.
Patterns developed in childhood can shape an adult’s relationship with food and set a foundation for healthy eating habits. Regular family meals can be a part of that process, giving parents and guardians a chance to get more nutritious foods into their families’ diets and model positive eating practices.
Equipment needed
Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and safer for kids. Learning how to cook is one thing, and learning how to navigate a kitchen safely is another. Children are very curious by nature, and love to be involved in anything and everything their parents are doing. And spending time in the kitchen is no exception. However, the kitchen can be a very unsafe place for a child, unless you do your due diligence and go over the rules regarding kitchen safety for kids before allowing them to join you.
The most common kitchen safety risks include fire, electrical issues, burns, slipping, proper handling of kitchen equipment, food safety, and food storage. But simply highlighting these to your kids won’t be enough, either. Instead, you need to make sure you explain to them what to do to prevent these things from happening and how to handle them properly if they do.
Keep it fun
Cooking with kids benefits everyone and can be fun. Kids in the kitchen are messy, inexperienced, and many have a hard time following instructions. But they are also curious, excited, and look forward to spending time with us. Here are some tips for making sure cooking with kids stays fun (both for them and for us).
Prepare: Gather and measure all ingredients ahead of time. This is especially helpful for young children with short attention spans.
Choose age-appropriate tasks: Kids can do many things we might not expect. Most are good at pouring, mixing, and mashing bananas.
Be patient: Allow extra time and be prepared (both mentally and physically) for some mess.
Choose easy recipes: Simple recipes with few ingredients are great for beginners.
Let kids customize: Allow kids to personalize their pizzas or bread their own chicken nuggets.
Keep it Simple
Start cooking something simple and let kids make decisions. Let your children choose something that you can do together. It doesn’t even have to be a fancy recipe. Making scrambled eggs is a quick meal that builds dexterity, uses a stove and pan while preparing a meal with only a few ingredients. As skills and tastes increase, you can start adding other ingredients… eventually creating an omelet, for example. Cracking the eggs, whisking them, adding everything else and shredding in the cheese is fun for them.
Explore your local library
GONE ARE THE DAYS when the local library was simply a place to borrow books. Libraries today are treasure troves of opportunity, offering everything from do-it-yourself hobby kits to borrowable museum passes to free-of-charge music classes. This month, check out what your community library has to offer!
Resources
If you’ve already perused your library’s collection of books, DVDs, audiobooks, and on-site technology, check out what else it has to…check out!
With themes like “sewing machines” and “metal detectors”, Windsor Library’s Explore Kits allow patrons to try their hand at a new hobby without the costly investment (https://tinyurl.com/w3svedx6).
The Fort Collins Library District offers crochet kits, telescope kits, take-home technology, and even cake pans and bakeware for special occasions (https://www. poudrelibraries.org/things/).
Lovelanders can take advantage of Loveland Public Library’s Makerspace, robot kits, and ukulele lending program (https://www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org/).
In Greeley, check out a telescope for an evening of star gazing, or take home a mom kit, chock full of resources on all things parenting (https://www. mylibrary.us/services/).
Berthoud Community Library’s seed library is a great way to start a first family garden or improve on an existing one (https://tinyurl.com/bddpd73w for more information).
Free passes
Storytimes
Stop by your local library for storytime! Offered to infants through preschoolers with a caregiver, these events encourage early literacy development through age-appropriate activities such as songs, stories and activities.
In Fort Collins, catch an all-ages storytime at the Harmony or Old Town location on Wednesday mornings at 10am or 11am. Bilingual storytime takes place at the same two locations on Tuesdays at 10am and 11am. The district also offers baby, toddler, and preschool sessions at various times and locations throughout the week (https://read.poudrelibraries.org/kids/storytime.cfm).
For a science-based storytime experience, visit Greeley’s Centennial Park Library, where Finders Seekers STEAM Storytime takes place Monday mornings at 9:30am. Meanwhile, music and movement storytimes take place Mondays at 9:30am at Greeley’s Farr Regional Library (https://tinyurl.com/z48bwkzp). Loveland Public Library’s list of storytimes, which includes archived storytime recordings for at-home enjoyment, can be found at https://tinyurl.com/3h8f2nha.
One of our region’s best kept secrets is the assortment of attraction passes available at no cost from our local libraries. These passes are available to anyone with a library card and can be used once per calendar year by reserving online. Read on to discover all the exciting places a library card can take you in Northern Colorado.
Loveland’s Sweetheart Pass allows you and your family to visit the Gardens on Spring Creek, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, Chilson Recreation Center, Loveland Museum and Artisan You (https://www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org/ services/sweetheart-pass).
Fort Collins’ Curiosity Pass includes attractions such as the Butterfly Pavilion, Colorado Railroad Museum, and
For a list of storytime offerings in Windsor visit https://tinyurl.com/2tsdrucm and check out https://tinyurl. com/5n7ee6cd to see what’s available in Berthoud.
Dinosaur Ridge, to name a few (https:// www.poudrelibraries.org/things/curiosity) . The Experience Pass offered through the High Plains Library District offers tickets to the Greeley History Museum, Centennial Village Museum, Colorado Model Railroad Museum, and Global Village Museum, among others (https://www.mylibrary.us/epass/).
Clearview Library District’s Adventure Pass includes visits to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Rogue Play Trampoline and Ninja Center, and more (https:// clearviewlibrary.org/adventure-pass).
Berthoud Library allows you to check out a state park pass for a week along with a backpack full of hiking essentials (https://www.berthoudcommunitylibrary.org/ state-park-pass).
Stay warm with these indoor activities
Dungeons & Dragons
Cost: Starter sets start at $16
Buy from: Gryphon Cooperative 1119 W Drake Rd C-30, Fort Collins
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is not as much of a fringe community as folks assume. It’s a fun tabletop role-playing game where players work together to create and tell a story in an imaginary world. The game is set in a medieval fantasy world, and players work together to guide their characters through a story that often involves
exploring dungeons, fighting monsters, and finding treasure. The game’s official age rating is 6 years old and older, although many parents agree that 8-10 is more realistic. If your children are on the younger side, it might be helpful for you, another adult, an educator, or an older child to act as the Dungeon Master to help the party and the mission move along efficiently. The game is filled with opportunities for creative thinking, strategy, and playing it together builds connection and creates shared stories and memories.
Catan
Cost: $60
Buy from: The Nerd Store 807 8th St, Greeley
Another strategy and epic journey experience. In CATAN (formerly The Settlers of Catan), players try to be the dominant force on the island of Catan by building settlements, cities, and roads. On each turn dice are rolled to determine what resources the island produces. Players build by spending resources (sheep, wheat, wood, brick and ore) that are depicted by these resource cards; each land type, with the exception of the unproductive desert, produces a specific resource: hills produce brick, forests produce wood, mountains produce ore, fields produce wheat, and pastures produce sheep. The recommended age to play the board game Catan depends on the version of the game; 10 and older for Catan Original and 6 and older for Catan Junior. Catan Junior is a simplified version of the original Catan game, designed to introduce younger players to the series. In Catan Junior, players take on the role of pirates building hideouts on tropical islands. The game features a “Ghost Captain” instead of a robber, and simplified building and trading rules.
Ancient Metal Puzzles
Cost: Starter sets start at $12
Buy from: Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys 111 N. College Ave., Fort Collins
Puzzle games are interesting and challenging to all ages and therefore, something families can do together. They are good for thinking because they can improve your brain’s health and activity in many ways, including mental speed, problem-solving, pattern recognition, sequence solving, and logic. Challenge the PhD in your family with this set of 12 challenging metal disentanglement puzzles! Each puzzle is solved in a completely different way with a range of difficulties. Themed to take puzzlers on a journey through the Copper, Bronze, and Steel Ages, these brainteasers make beautiful desk toys or fidgets for teens and adults.
Christmas in Colorado: a ski town sampler
NOT MUCH BEATS A white Christmas, so why travel beyond our glorious home state this season? Instead, take a drive across Colorado’s winter wonderland highway (a.k.a. I-70) and experience the magic of the holidays, ski town style!
Aspen
This beloved western Colorado town will host its 73rd-annual Wintersköl Celebration December 12-15. The event will kick off with a free holiday open house event on Thursday, Dec. 12th at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, followed by a Kidsculpt event and a community Rail Jam open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages on Friday. Saturday events will include a beer fest, Soupsköl, disco party, bonfire, parade and fireworks, while on Sunday the event will conclude with the Apple Strudel Downhill race (https://aspenchamber. org/events/winterskol).
Breckenridge
A bit closer to home, Breckenridge will host the Race of the Santas on Dec. 7th, featuring, you guessed it, hundreds of Santa Clause’s racing down Main Street. Afterwards, stick around for the Lighting of Breckenridge, when over 250,000 LED lights will transform the town into a Christmas village (https://gobreck.com/ event/lighting-breckenridge-race-santas).
Then, Dec. 12-14, stick around for the Ullr Fest, when locals and tourists alike will don Viking Helmets in tribute to Ullr, the Norse god of snow. Thursday events will include a helmet decorating party, crowning of the Ullr king and queen, World’s Longest Shotski Unofficial World Record Breaking Attempt, parade, and bonfire. On Friday, enjoy the Ullr Comedy Night, followed by an ice skating party, skating show, and holiday concert to wrap things up on Saturday (https://gobreck.com/event/ullr-fest).
Visiting later in the month? Don’t miss Breck’s Torchlight Parade on Dec. 31st (https://tinyurl.com/3r2dtnhs).
Steamboat Springs
Further north, take a trip to Steamboat where a plethora of holiday events await you. On Dec. 14th you won’t want to miss the Santa horseback procession, Santa Saddles Up, (https:// www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/events/santa-saddles-up), a drone show featuring holiday light formations (https://www. steamboat.com/things-to-do/events/holiday-drone-show), and a skate party complete with holiday carols and lights (https:// www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/events/holiday-skate-party).
Other seasonal events include Holiday Balloon Glow on Dec. 21st, when an array of hot air balloons will light up Mountain Village (https://www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/ events/holiday-balloon-glow), and the Hanukkah Mountain Celebration taking place on Dec. 28th to celebrate the Festival of Lights with songs and treats (https:// tinyurl.com/ufc2tfr3).
In addition, the New Year’s Eve Light Up Snow Cat Parade and fireworks will take place on Dec. 31 (https://tinyurl.com/2mwpwuw6).
Vail
Last but not least, Colorado’s most famous ski town will host events of its own all month. The Smile with Santa free photo event will take place Sundays in December (https://discovervail.com/event/smile-withsanta/), ice skating shows will happen on Dec. 7, 14, and 28 (https://discovervail.com/event/outdoor-ice-skatingshows-2/), with the Vail Ice Skating Spectacular taking place Dec. 22-23 (https://tinyurl.com/5fps36wx), and Silent Disco, where everyone can dance to the beat of their own music, will take place every Friday through the end of the year (https://tinyurl.com/wvs7fuf2).
Vail’s Village Tree Lighting will occur on Dec. 8th and will feature live caroling and special appearances by a certain jolly elf (https://discovervail.com/event/vail-villagetree-lighting-3/).
Finally, on Dec. 12-15, the Vail Kris Kringle Market will open up for business, featuring local holiday gift vendors along the bedecked downtown streets (https:// discovervail.com/event/vail-kris-kringle-market-4/).
Have a holly, jolly, sustainable holiday
YOU’VE CUT DOWN ON plastic waste by converting to reusable grocery bags and carrying around a refillable water bottle. How about extending that thoughtfulness to your holiday festivities? If the waste and havoc of the holidays bother you, it’s time to start some new, sustainable traditions. All it takes is a little creativity and a commitment to doing things differently. Here are some fun ways to begin.
Skip the fake boughs and head to the woods
Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down, and likely the plastic Christmas tree that you’ve noticed in the store was shipped from a factory overseas, then trucked thousands of miles. According to Sightline Institute, it takes 20 years to break even on
Building new traditions
Lynn U Nichols
your climate impact with a plastic tree versus a fresh one (assuming that you keep the plastic tree for 20 years). A better option—and a more pleasant one—is a real tree, harvested nearby.
Even more fun than buying from a local lot is going out to cut your own. Try private growers up Rist Canyon Road (from Laporte, CO) or take a day trip to the national forest near Red Feather Lakes, CO. You will need a permit from the Forest Service first, which will cost between $5 and $20 and can be purchased online. Best yet, if you have a fourth grader, you get a free tree! Don’t forget to recycle your tree. The cities of Fort Collins, Greeley, and Loveland have free dropoff sites for Christmas tree mulching.
Swap wrapping paper for homemade
What better way to let your kids get creative than putting out a ton of materials—paper grocery bags, old magazines, old maps, fabric, bandanas, leaves, pinecones, twine, markers, tape, glue, etc. —and let them go to town making their own wrapping paper for their gifts? If you love this idea, extend it to the gifts themselves.
Sustainable gifts for deep appreciation
Instead of encouraging your daughter to give your son another toy, have her make him his favorite cookies or treat and wrap them up in a box. He can give her a coupon book of favors, like doing her chores for the month of January, or nightly foot or back rubs
for a week. Homemade gifts, like knitted scarfs, sock puppets, a lightly loved handme-down stuffed animal, or wood-carved figurines carry more meaning because of the personal effort invested. For relatives, consider homemade treats or making a donation to a cause that they care about.
Give experiences rather than plastic toys
Instead of surrounding the tree with dozens of store-bought gifts, select two or three that your kids really want, then give them the gift of an experience, instead. Maybe it’s a dogsled ride, a day skiing or tubing, or a day kicking around a nearby downtown with tasty treats, a spa service, or a fancy meal. Better yet, go for some spontaneous fun by letting your kids plan a day of their dreams.
“Unstructured play is hugely important for brain development,” says Andrea Holt, Marriage and Family Therapist with UCHealth Family Medicine Center in Fort Collins.
To give the holiday extra meaning, volunteer as a family. You could serve meals at a shelter, give treats or crafts to residents of a nursing home, participate in a church event, or hand out $5 food gift cards to people who are homeless.
“There’s so much learning to be had from tangible life experiences. Volunteering presents many teachable moments about the bigger world,” Holt adds.
Invest in LED holiday lights
Sure, they cost more but you can feel good under their warm glow knowing that they will last a long time and not end up in the landfill next year. Over time, they will actually save you money on your electric bill. According to a past US Department of Energy study, if every home in the US replaced their conventional string lights with LEDs, the nation would save close to 2 billion kWh of electricity each month. Now, that’s something to get cheery about!
Introduce your kids to MORE holiday traditions
The holidays are a time of coming together and learning about other cultures is a great way to fuel that sense of unity. The two holidays that coincide with Christmas include Kwanzaa and Hannukah.
Kwanzaa, which means “first fruits” in Swahili, will be celebrated for a week from December 26 to January 1. The holiday was created in 1966, and the focus is celebrating the African culture and heritage, and building community with drumming, dancing, and cultural talks. During each of the seven days, a candle is lit to recognize the seven principles of African culture: self-determination, unity, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. The candles are in the African colors of red, black, and green. On the final day, gifts are given and received. If you are going to the Parade of Lights in downtown Denver this year on December 6 at 6pm, be sure to notice the Kwanzaa Parade that will take place at the same time, between the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library (2401 Welton Ave.) and the Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre (119 Park Avenue West).
Chanukah (Hannukah) is a Jewish holiday with deep historical roots: in 164 BCE, the Jewish people liberated their Temple from a Greek empire. The holiday is also known as the Jewish Festival of Lights and is celebrated around the world. It will take place December 18 to December 26, and involves candles, gifts, readings, and a game called dreidel. A candle is lit each day on a menorah—a candelabrum with eight branches. Each year, a giant menorah resides in Old Town Square in Fort Collins and is lit during a community celebration. Watch for the upcoming date and time of the lighting event. Traditionally, the lighting is followed by traditional Jewish foods and music.
FrostyFitness
FOR BUSINESSES IN FORT COLLINS, CONTACT: Greg at 970-689-6832 • greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com FOR BUSINESSES IN GREELEY, LOVELAND, WINDSOR, ESTES PARK AND OTHERS, CONTACT: Susan at 970-301-3320 • susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com
Read 12 books in a year with Adults Read On and earn prizes! Ages (16+) can participate by picking up a paper log at any branch, by downloading the Beanstack Tracker App and following the instructions, or by visiting highplains.beanstack.org/reader365 . For more details, check out www.MyLibrary.us/aro.
School District News: Poudre
Plan your path with the PSD High School Planning Guide
Did you know that students in the Poudre School District have multiple opportunities to:
Earn free college credit?
Graduate high school with industry certificates or an associate degree?
Explore in-demand career paths while in middle and high school?
Prepare for a career in the military?
Earn credit and money for job and internship experiences?
There’s so much to discover in PSD. Learn more about these options and so much more in the newest edition of the annual High School Planning Guide, available on PSD’s website in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
More than half of PSD students earn college credit before graduating, and 98 percent of students who take four or more courses in a career pathway graduate on time.
The guide covers rigorous Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) courses that prepare students for top universities, state-of-theart Career and Technical Education pathways that give students a head start on their dream career, and the many opportunities our students with disabilities receiving Integrated Services support have to prepare for a successful transition from high school to independent living.
Learn more about the options students have in PSD by following this link to the High School Planning Guide, available online. >> bit.ly/PSD-high-schoolplanning-guide
REGISTER FOR THE 2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR
Every school in Poudre School District has something great to offer, whether your family enrolls at your neighborhood school or selects a school through the school choice program.
To help families make their choice, we have created the ‘Choose PSD’ webpage, which provides information about our 54 schools and incredible array of programs, including Core Knowledge, International Baccalaureate, STEM/STEAM, dual language immersion, expeditionary learning, project-based learning, Leader in Me, online and homeschool programs, and myriads of career and college readiness options.
If you are enrolling a new student, applying for school choice, or referring a friend or family member to choose PSD in 2025-26, here are important dates to keep in mind:
• Enrollment to register a new K-12 student or a former PSD student returning to the district next year is now open as of Nov. 4, 2024.
• The first-round school choice application period opened on Nov. 4, 2024, and will close on Dec. 16, 2024.
• In-person kindergarten registration will be offered at elementary schools on Dec. 4, 2024. Check with your neighborhood school for operating hours. Families can also register a kindergarten student online at any time.
PSD provides endless opportunities for success, both in the classroom and beyond. We look forward to seeing you next year. Visit the ‘Choose PSD’ webpage to learn more about your options in PSD and find the best fit for your family. https:// bit.ly/choosepoudre-school-district
School District News: Thompson
Leo Hatherley—TSD Bus Driver
There are many reasons you could say bus driver Leo Hatherley is one of the most colorful members of the Thompson School District Transportation team. It could be the eyecatching multi-colored (and sometimes tie-dyed) clothes and beaded jewelry he wears, handmade by his beloved wife of 46 years. It could also be the thermos he has with him at all times full of his own special blend he has named Leo’s Rainbow Green Tea. Or perhaps it is the brightly colored artwork that he creates and also shares with others.
But it is probably all of those things, in addition to the fact that Leo brings a unique light and energy to any space he enters — especially the school buses he has driven for over 40 years.
Leo came to TSD 16 years ago after driving buses in the mountain area of Gilpin County for 20 years. He and his wife are both artists, and do not have children, but Leo enjoys being around kids and considers the TSD Transportation Department his second family.
“A big reason I really love school bus driving is that
I love people,” Leo says. “I like to keep in mind that the school bus driver is the first person in the morning to greet these kids. We see them first, and if we make a comfortable, welcoming environment, then they can feel good about going into the classroom and they will have a better chance to have a good day.”
Despite being semiretired, Leo still loves driving a bus part-time for TSD in the afternoons, sharing a route with another driver. Working for the Transportation Department is something he is passionate about.
“I want to say this about working here at TSD Transportation: I totally feel like it’s a second family,” he says. “My wife and I are a family, just the two of us, but this is my extended family.”
And it’s the interaction Leo is able to have with students that he says feeds his creativity and spirit.
“I will be 76 in January, but I feel quite young in many respects,” he says.
“When I talk to the kids, I don’t talk down to them.
As a school bus driver, I’ve found over the years that if you show respect to kids, you’re way more likely to be respected in return.”
Read 12 books in a year with Adults Read On and earn prizes! Ages (16+) can participate by picking up a paper log at any branch, by downloading the Beanstack Tracker App and following the instructions, or by visiting highplains.beanstack.org/reader365 . For more details, check out www.MyLibrary.us/aro.
School District News: Greeley-Evans D6
Greeley-Evans leader named Superintendent of the Year
The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) announced that Dr. Deirdre Pilch of Greeley-Evans School District 6 has been named 2025 Colorado Superintendent of the Year. She will represent Colorado in the 2025 School Superintendents Association’s National Superintendent of the Year program and is eligible for that award as the state of Colorado's honoree.
With nearly four decades’ experience in public education, Dr. Pilch is unflagging in her dedication to ensuring equity and access for all students. GreeleyEvans is the fifteenth largest
district in Colorado and serves as a refugee resettlement community with over 60 different languages spoken, and over 70 percent of students living in poverty.
One of her early accomplishments as superintendent was overhauling Greely-Evans’ English Language Learner program to address low achievement and growth rates among that student group. Dr. Pilch spearheaded a comprehensive new English Learner Master Plan that offered a strong continuum of services for multilingual learners (ML) and provided
in-depth training for teachers to successfully implement these new offerings. The results were powerful: there was an 87 percent increase in the number of ML students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses, a 19 percent increase in the number of ML students identified as Gifted and Talented, and a graduation rate increase of ML students of more than 13 percent. The Greeley-Evans’ graduation rate of this student group now outperforms the state average for the same sub-group.
Another hallmark of Dr. Pilch’s leadership is her skill in bringing together groups of people with disparate views. One of her first acts as a superintendent was to begin repairing the relationship with the educator’s union, when contract negotiations had reached a near impasse. She has worked diligently to build trust in the community and build relationships and partnerships that eventually expanded opportunities for students. Just two years after Dr. Pilch was hired, District 6 passed its first Mill Levy Override for additional operational dollars in 2017. Two years later, voters approved a $395 million Bond Issue, which replaced two buildings, constructed a new K-8 school, funded significant additions at several schools and provided much-need security
upgrades and renovations at every District 6 school, including charter schools.
Colleagues praise Dr. Pilch for her value around authentic dialogue and collaboration among groups with differing viewpoints. “Ultimately, we all share the desire that our students receive a strong public education and the support they need to succeed,” she said. “That’s far more powerful than the issues that divide us.”
“Deirdre has such a heart for students and at her core, believes every single one deserves to find joy in learning,” said Dr. Greg Rabenhorst, superintendent and chair of the selection committee. “Her vision is that educators help kids discover what they are good at and the areas in which they excel, so that they have the skills and confidence to succeed, no matter their background or where they live.”
The Greeley-Evans School District echoed their admiration and appreciation for Dr. Pilch.
Dr. Pilch will be recognized by CASE in the upcoming weeks in her district and celebrated as Colorado’s 2025 Superintendent of the Year at the AASA National Conference on Education in March 2025. As the state winner, she will be considered for the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year award.
Colorado Youth go green, Colorado Gives Day, NORAD tracks Santa, Recycle your tree
NONPROFIT COLORADO YOUTH OUTDOORS’ WINTER WONDERLAND GOES GREEN
NoCo Winter Wonderland drive-through display with 500,000 lights opens November 28
Each holiday season, Colorado Youth Outdoors presents a twinkling NoCo Winter Wonderland drive-through lights display.
But this year, instead of filling up noisy generators nightly with 30 gallons of gasoline (approximately 750 gallons over the 25-night run), CYO will go gasolinefree. That’s because area businesses teamed up to convert CYO’s magical onemile-long route to quiet, environmentally friendly, all-electric power.
The 15-minute tour features 19 light displays with 500,000 lights – that’s
one million if you count the reflections off CYO’s 12 ponds. It runs from 5pm to 8:45pm, through December 31, 2024, at 4927 County Road 36, near the intersection of Larimer County Road 5 and Kechter Road in Fort Collins. Tickets are available from coloradoyo.org/ events/ for $25 per vehicle.
The annual display, which raises operating funds for CYO, comes to life on the nonprofit’s 220-acre property. Details on the blog: https://tinyurl.com/ yjx8vdu2.
GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE
Colorado Gives Day is on December 10, and it’s easily the best day to give!
From November 1 through December 10, every donation you make will be boosted with a
$1M+ Incentive Fund, made possible by Colorado Gives Foundation and FirstBank. Each nonprofit will receive a share of the fund based on their percentage of the total raised. Plus, if you set up a new monthly donation, Colorado Gives Foundation will match your first monthly donation up to $100!
Thank you for your support and making this Colorado Gives Day the most successful yet. www.coloradogives.org/ organization/UWWC
NORAD TRACKS SANTA!
Each year NORAD reports Santa’s location on Dec. 24 to millions of children and families across the world. Because of the support, services and resources generously provided by volunteers and our government
and corporate contributors, NORAD Tracks Santa has persevered for more than 65 years.
The NORAD Tracks Santa Web Site receives several million unique visitors from more than 200 countries and territories around the world. Volunteers typically answer more than 130,000 calls to the NORAD Tracks Santa hotline from children across the globe. In addition to the phone line and website, children and the young-atheart can track Santa via mobile apps and our social media platforms. Access our Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels, and the official newsroom at: www.noradsanta.org Several contributors such as OnStar and Amazon Alexa also provide convenient ways to keep tabs of Santa’s location.
RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
Find tree drop off locations in your area. Remember to remove all decorations, including wire, hooks, lights, fake snow, tinsel and ornaments. For artificial trees in good condition that you wish to get rid of, try local thrift stores.
• Fort Collins www.fcgov.com/recy cling/atoz/items/?item=136
• Greeley greeleygov.com/ services/recycling
• Loveland https://tinyurl.com/yybp5yfh
Community Calendar
November events
FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
FoCo Café’s Party with a Purpose
Celebrate FoCo Cafe’s 10 Year Anniversary and help support their Meal Exchange program. Odell Brewing Company, FC. www.fococafe.org/ upcoming-events
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
Winter Solstice Celebration “Here Comes the Sun” Celebrate the “return” of the sun at dawn with hot chocolate and songs. River’s Edge Natural Area, LV. offero.cityofloveland.org/ Calendar
ENTERTAINMENT
THROUGH FEBRUARY 8
Exhibit: In Nature’s Studio Features the bounty and beauty of American landscape painting from the early nineteenth century through the early twenty-first century. Loveland Museum, LV. www.thelovelandmuseum.org
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play American alternative rock band. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. ucstars.showare.com
DECEMBER 6 THROUGH JANUARY 25
Ringing in the New: New Year Traditions Around the World Exhibit highlights the rich diversity of customs and practices marking the universal occasion. Free live jazz from Lorna’s Swingset opening night. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, FC. www. globalvillagemuseum.org
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13
Skygazing
Brief, family-friendly astronomy activity followed by skygazing with telescopes from Northern Colorado Astronomical Society. Fossil Creek Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS, DECEMBER 13 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28
Eagle Watch Bald eagles from the north make Fort Collins their winter home in communal roosts near the reservoir. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Winter Solstice with NoCo Astronomical Society Drop in to look at the sun with provided telescopes to learn about solstices and equinoxes. Loveland Public Library. www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org
A Colorado Adventure Free performance by Front Range Classical Ballet Academy students. Loveland Public Library. www. lovelandpubliclibrary.org
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
Alladin
Front Range Classical Ballet Academy presents. Lincoln Center Magnolia Theater, FC. lctix.com
ACTIVE-ITIES
DECEMBER 1 THROUGH JANUARY 31
Move Through
The Darkness Challenge
Zero-cost virtual challenge that empowers people to run, walk or exercise to make a positive impact on mental wellness during the winter months. www.movethrough.org
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Toy Drop 5K,10K, 15K
Take a run through Loveland and donate a toy to Realities for Children. Berthoud Brewing, LV. www. sweetheartcityracing.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Santa Catch Race
Fun 5k, 10k and 1 mile kids fun run. NOCO Sports Center,WS. www.runwindsorco.com
Sweaty Sweater Race 5K Run/ Walk &Kids’ 1-Mile
Support Adopt-A-Family through Serve 6.8 while sporting your ugliest sweater. Foothills Mall, FC. www.frontrangefreeze.com/ sweaty-sweater-race
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
PEEPS Annual Winter Walk & Birdfeeder Project
PEEPs Preschool Environmental Ed Program. River’s Edge Natural Area, LV. offero.cityofloveland.org/ Calendar
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31
40th Annual Resolution Run 5K Family-friendly, neighborhood streets 5K with kids, strollers, dogs and walker. Edora Pool Ice Center, FC. www.resolutionrunfc.com
HOLIDAY & SEASONAL EVENTS
THROUGH DECEMBER 7
Festival of Trees
Holiday magic supporting the arts. Union Colony Civic Center, GR. www.greeleyfestivaloftrees.com
THROUGH DECEMBER 15
Santas Quest
Family-friendly scavenger hunt. Downtown FC.
www.downtownfortcollins.com
THROUGH DECEMBER 24
Santa’s Workshop Old Town Square
Visit with Santa! Days/times vary. Old Town Square, FC. www.downtownfortcollins.com
THROUGH JANUARY 1
Loveland Winter Wonderlights
Walkable lights display and musical light shows plus live events with performances, Santa, reindeer, ice sculpting, artisan market, festive cocktails, more. Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, LV. www.visitlovelandco.org/ winterwonderlights
THROUGH JANUARY 12
Scrooge! The Musical Timeless musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown. coloradocandlelight.com
THROUGH JANUARY 26
Old Town Square Skate Rink
Enjoy winter seasonal fun on synthetic skating surface. Days/ times vary. Old Town Square, FC. downtownfortcollins.org/skate-rink
THROUGH JANUARY
Ice Rink at The Promenade Shops at Centerra
Main plaza next to Build-a-Bear at The Promenade Shops at Centerra, LV. www.thepromenadeshopsatcenterra. com/events
DECEMBER 1 THROUGH 31
Realties for Children NightLights
Help shine light into the darkness of child abuse. First Presbyterian Church, FC. www.giveanightlight.com
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone and Friends
Multi-GRAMMY Award® Nominee David Arkenstone. The Lincoln Center, FC. www.lctix.com
All-Choral Holiday Concert
Featuring Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, and CSU Chorus. First United Methodist Church, FC. music. www.colostate.edu/events
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
CSU Marching Band Parade of Lights Preview Parade University Center for the Arts and CSU Trial Gardens, FC. music. www.colostate.edu/events/2024csu-marching-band-parade-oflights-preview
Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas
Intimate performance of music and dance. The Lincoln Center, FC. www.lctix.com
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Program includes 15 musicians playing 20+ instruments with dazzling multimedia effects. Union Colony Civic Center, GR. www.greeleygov.com/greeley-calendar
DECEMBER 4 THROUGH 8
The Nutcracker Canyon Concert Ballet presents with Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. www.lctix.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
Dave Beegle and Tom Ewing’s Christmas Party!
Inspiring evening of Christmas melodies! Rialto Theater Center, LV. www.rialtotheatercenter.org/rialtopresents
DECEMBER 5 THROUGH 29
Garden of Lights
Whimsical light displays, Santa visits and live entertainment. Select days. Gardens on Spring Creek, FC. www. fcgov.com/gardens/garden-of-lights
DECEMBER 6 THROUGH 8
Breakfast with Santa Join Santa for muffins, milk, and memories! The Farm at Lee Martinez Park, FC. www.fcgov.com/recreation/ special-events
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Timnath Holiday Festival Old Town, Timnath. www.timnath.org/holiday-magic-intimnath
Nineteenth Annual Tuba Christmas
Enjoy traditional Christmas Carols played on tubas and euphoniums by a band of 90 musicians. Oak Street Plaza, FC. www.downtownfortcollins. com/do/tuba-christmas-1
Holiday Lane in Greeley
Holiday displays, live performances and gift market. 8th and 9th Street Plazas, GR. www.greeleydowntown. com/special-events
Larimer Chorale Presents the Dickens Carolers Old Town Square, FC. downtownfortcollins.com
Poinsettia Pops
Favorite holiday classics featuring Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, Greeley Chorale, Greeley Children’s Chorale and a local middle school student. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.greeleyphil.org/season
Holiday Harmonies
Harmony Road, northern Colorado’s newest and award winning mixed a cappella chorus presents contemporary, jazz and barbershop music. Lincoln Center Magnolia Theater, FC. www.lctix.com
Windsor Wonderland
Santa, tree lighting and more. Boardwalk Community Park, WS. www.recreationliveshere.com
DECEMBER 7 AND 8
Homesteader’s Holiday
Historical house tours, holiday crafts, music. Centennial Village Museum, GR. greeleygov.com/greeley-calendar
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 14 AND 21
Visit Santa’s Reindeer Bath Garden Center, FC. www.bathgardencenter.com/events
DECEMBER 10 THROUGH 13
Have an Upcycled Holiday!
Create meaningful holiday gifts by upcycling old materials with Larimer County’s Garbage Garage Education Center. Register by email to koteckab@larimer.org with subject “Upcycled Holiday”
DECEMBER 13 THROUGH 15
Loveland Choral Society: Let There Be Peace Rialto Theater Center, LV. www. rialtotheatercenter.org/rialto-presents
Colorado Dance Theatre: The Nutcracker Children under three years not permitted. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. ucstars.showare.com
DECEMBER 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22
The Stampede Troupe: Twas The Night Before Christmas Children under three years not permitted. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com
DECEMBER 13 THROUGH 31
Christmas Walk in the Woods Beautiful lights and photo opps at Santa’s House, Elf Work Shop, more. Santa visits select days! The Savage Woods, LV. www.christmaswalkinthewoods.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Visit Santa in Timnath and Scavenger Hunt Timnath Presbyterian Church. timnath.org/holiday-magic-in-timnath
Santa on The Farm
Enjoy time with Santa, s’mores, crafts, more. The Farm at Lee Martinez Park, FC. www.fcgov.com/recreation/ special-events
Greeley Makers’ Workshops
Create winter holiday decoration, treats and gifts. All around downtown, GR. www.greeleydowntown.com/ special-events/downtown-greeleywinterfest
DECEMBER 14 AND 15
Avery House Holiday
Open House & Boutique
Free tours plus holiday boutique in the Carriage House. Avery House, FC. poudrelandmarks.org
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
United States Air Force Band
Holiday Concert
Annual “Holly and Ivy” holiday concert with free tickets at Union Colony Civic Center, GR.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
Face Vocal Band: Best. Christmas. Ever! All-vocal rock. Rialto Theater Center, LV. www.rialtotheatercenter.org/ rialto-presents
Rocky Mountain Experience® A John Denver Christmas
America’s Top John Denver Tribute. The Lincoln Center, FC. www.lctix.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
A Classic Christmas with Frisson
Features the best and brightest of classical music’s stars. The Lincoln Center, FC. www.lctix.com
Redneck Tenors
Christmas Spec-tac-yule-ar
Unforgettable night of music and laughs. Rialto Theater Center, LV. www.rialtotheatercenter.org/rialtopresents
DECEMBER 19 THROUGH 21
Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra: Christmas Brass
Resounding trumpets and triumphant horns present holiday hymns and carols. Windsor, Loveland and Greeley. www.greeleyphil.org/season
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
Elevate Dance Center Presents Elf 2024 Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com
DECEMBER 20 AND 21
Larimer Chorale: A Candlelight Christmas Features glorious seasonal music selections. First Presbyterian Church, FC and Saturday matinee is also livestreamed. www.larimerchorale.org/events
DECEMBER 22 AND 23
The Nutcracker Sweets
Canyon Concert Ballet presents a special child and sensory friendly version of this annual classic set in The Land of Sweets. Rialto Theater Center, LV. www.rialtotheatercenter. org/rialto-presents
Holiday reconnections—Having adult children home for the holidays is cool
YEARS OF SAPPY HOLIDAY MOVIES filled with scenes of children playing with their shiny new toys around a glittering Christmas tree may make us empty-nesters yearn for the days of old.
But I’m here to tell you –even without young kids in the house, Christmas can still be a magical time.
Last Christmas, our two young adult daughters both returned home for the holidays – Bianka, the youngest, from her first year as a student at Oregon State University, and the other, Kalia, from her cozy studio apartment in Old Town Fort Collins, where she was enjoying her first year as a college graduate with a full-time job in her career area.
We didn’t know what to expect. Thoughts of their complaints of Christmas Past came to mind – denunciations about the poor quality of the holiday menu, about having to go to church, about our cheesy selection of Christmas presents for them. And they both said they would be bringing over boys – that was fine with us. Bianka was inviting over a high-school friend, Joseph, while Kalia said she and her boyfriend, Cahill, would actually stay in the house for a few days with us.
This had the makings
of a disaster—or an interesting experiment. Well, it turned out to be a perfect holiday. I’m not exactly sure how it happened—perhaps the males being present or our not forcing the girls to attend church may have played a role—but everyone wanted to spend time together. Maybe they just missed us!
We played board games and a murder mystery dinner game. We had delicious meals of homemade lasagna, butternut squash salad and other communal creations. We shared stories of their childhood. We watched animated movies and even “The Barbie Movie.”
The kids dug out the old Nintendo Wii console and played Mario Kart. Heck, we
even sang karaoke.
Kalia hooked up an amplifier and microphone to the downstairs TV and soon everyone was belting out their favorite songs. Kalia sang Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” about Romeo and Juliet and afterward said, “That song played such an important role in my life. I don’t think you know how many times I played it every night.” Bianka, whose bedroom was next to Kalia’s, quickly interjected, “Oh, yes I do.”
One of Bianka’s songs was Tim McGraw’s “Don’t Take the Girl,” and I remembered how we’d listen to that song over and over in the car when she was about 6 or 7. I relished all the memories descending upon us that night, as we sang
songs by Lady Gaga, Tom Petty, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac….
One evening, undoubtedly after we all had a little too much wine, we gathered around the Christmas tree in the living room while salsa music played loudly. Spontaneous dancing erupted. For an hour, we all got into a Latin holiday spirit. In our quiet neighborhood in Fort Collins, any neighbors passing our front window glimpsed a holiday dance party for the ages. A family unified and celebrating Christmas even without little children around.
I can honestly say, it was our best Christmas ever.
Kris Kodrich teaches journalism at Colorado State University.
