Enrichment for little brains and bodies
Digital resources for parents
Head to El Paso
Fun family games
helping them to develop skills to understand that others also have feelings and emotions. Resilience comes from experiencing disappointments
overcoming them over and over.
SCOTT TITTERINGTON
IT IS VERY HARD TO BE present for our people and everyone else, especially when there are so many ways to be easily distracted. And we like to be distracted. A lot of that has to do with our own struggles as we try to get through every day. We all have challenges—health, money, relationships, caring for others, substance challenges, school and work conflicts and on and on. Much of the time, we need a break, so we turn on the TV or we start scrolling our favorite social media, or we get lost in a book or we get sucked into the news, whatever it is that takes our attention away from here and now relieves some of the stress from our immediate situation.
The problem is that our current situation includes our family and although we don’t really mean to, we’re escaping from them too when we take our break. So instead of being right there with our kids, who are sitting right next to us, we’re off in the Caribbean with some friends of friends on a kayak excursion, or we’re getting outraged at something some politician said (that was probably taken out of context and was presented to instill maximum anger, and now we’re not just distracted, but we’re angry too.)
Even if we don’t have a device in our hands, we have very busy minds that jump from this to that to the other thing and although we might be nodding and minimally engaging, we’re not really there because we’re thinking of how we forgot to pick up that package of burger at the store and now what are we going to do for dinner or we’re trying to put the afternoon schedule together in our head for two kids that need to be in three different places.
What got me going on this line of thinking is the feature story that Katie Harris wrote about building empathy and resilience in our kids, which is a pretty heavy lift that requires us to help our kids work towards these advanced developments. She talks about how kids have the kernel of these in their minds but that they need fostered to expand and grow.
The basic groundwork for that is being present and engaged so that we can communicate these advanced ideas through our actions and words. I’m not usually a sports-metaphor person, but here we go. We need to nail the blocking and tackling before we can execute more advanced offensive and defensive plays.
Being present and engaged in an intentional way is that blocking and tackling. So, let’s set down our phones, turn off the TV and computer, clear our minds with a few deep breaths and make a commitment to be there completely for our kids. They notice!
Thanks for being here for me.
Scott
MARCH 2025 • Volume 28, Issue 10
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
Susan Harting susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com
COVER PHOTO istock photo
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Theresa Baer, Lea Hanson, Katie Harris
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 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. ©2025 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER:
DIGITAL RESOURCES IN FAMILY HEALTH offer numerous benefits. These apps provide easy access to medical information, advice, and tools for managing health routines, making it easier to track vaccinations, appointments, and nutrition. Many apps offer features like reminders, health assessments, and expert consultations, promoting better overall health management. They can also help parents monitor their children’s physical activity, online safety, and more. With access to personalized health data, parents can make informed decisions, save time, and enhance communication with healthcare providers, ultimately improving the family’s health outcomes and well-being.
While many Northern Colorado parents and caregivers use the My Health Connection app (called “UCHealth” in the app store) to manage their own health appointments, prescriptions, and caregiver messaging tools, too many don’t realize you can add your child’s profile to your account and manage all family members through their own sign in. To add a child or family member, create your own account with My Health Connection and follow these instructions (https://www.uchealth.org/accessmy-health-connection/sharing-my-health-connectionaccounts/) to “request family access.” There are varying ways to request access for different ages; the groups include children aged 0-13, teenagers aged 14-17, and dependent adults.
The Bark app is a child’s online activity. like cyberbullying, pornography, and sexting. Bark also allows parents to set screen time limits and block inappropriate websites.
What Bark does
• Monitors texts, emails, social media, and more
• Alerts parents to potential issues like cyberbullying and adult content
• Helps parents set healthy time limits
• Helps parents create schedules for when devices can connect to the internet
• Helps parents select which websites their child can access
• Tracks location using live GPS, location alerts, and check-ins
While online safety is of utmost importance to any parent, many also have worries about any tool that uses AI to track a digital footprint. Bark respects a child’s privacy by only surfacing potential concerns and can help parents get their child the support they need based on the many settings available.
These two apps do similar things but for different devices. Apple Screen time works for iOS users and Google Family Link works with Androids. Both are recommended for kids who are under the age of 13. The New York Times ranked these options as the two best options for monitoring your child’s screen time. The apps are easy to use, allow for the limiting of distracting apps (TikTok, YouTube, and other apps are designed to be addictive), allow for scheduling screen-free time and also track overall use. The tracking of overall use includes allowing parents to see how their child is using their device, such as how much time they spend on social media or games.
WHETHER YOUR YOUNGSTER’S A budding Albert Einstein, a Jane Goodall in the making, or perhaps aspires to be the next Susan B. Anthony, encourage that spark with a club right up their alley! Each of these programs is designed to help kids discover or further explore their interests with activities that nourish their minds and bodies, and set them up for a lifetime of success, no matter where the road leads them.
The 4-H (https://4-h. org/) program, established in 1902, offers opportunities for members ages 5 and up to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and take part in community service activities, with a goal of inspiring compassion, hard work, and dedication. 4-H open enrollment takes place each fall. To learn more or find a club near you visit https://tinyurl.com/4euhee2t in Larimer County or www.weld4h.org/About-4-H/Clubs in Weld County.
Since 1910, Scouting America (www.scouting. org) has led over 130 million youth in improving their communities while developing traits such as loyalty, bravery, courtesy, and helpfulness. Kids ages 5 and up can take part in activities such as hiking, camping, and wilderness survival, as well as participating in community service projects culminating in an independent Eagle Scout project to better their community. To learn more or to join a local club, visit https://beascout.scouting.org/.
Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. (www.girlscouts.org), founded in 1912, provides girls ages 5 and up with opportunities to develop leadership skills, help out in their community, make friends, and participate in a variety of adventures. To find a troop near you visit www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org.
Rugged Research offers its Little Rangers program for kids ages 3-6 at parks throughout Larimer County. Aimed at inspiring curiosity about nature, each hour-long class includes a naturethemed activity, lesson, and story. To register visit www. ruggedresearch.org.
Older kids can take advantage of Colorado Youth Outdoors’ seasonal programs, which provide opportunities for teens with an adult parent or mentor to learn skills such as fly fishing, archery, small bore, and trap shooting on its 220 acre expanse in east Fort Collins. To learn more and sign up visit www. coloradoyo.org.
Robotics programs give kids a leg up in some of the fastest growing industries in the world. Many schools offer Colorado FIRST or VEX IQ after-school robotics clubs, where kids can learn to build, program, and drive robots, even competing in competitions which test their robot’s abilities to complete tasks and navigate courses. If your child’s school doesn’t currently offer a club, find one nearby by visiting https://coloradofirst.org/ or www.robotevents.com/robotcompetitions/vex-iq-competition.
Have a kid who prefers one-on-one games of strategy? The Loveland Public Library (www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org) offers Chess Club for Kids each Thursday from 4:15-5:15pm. School-aged kids are invited to learn from volunteers and hone their skills by playing against each other.
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FAMILY GAME NIGHT IS A GREAT way to bond, create memories, and unwind together. It brings everyone into a shared experience, encouraging teamwork, friendly competition, and laughter. Whether it’s a board game, card game, or video game, it promotes communication and problem-solving skills while allowing for relaxation
What’s the Point Cost: $20
Buy from: Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys, 111 N. College Ave., Fort Collins
“What’s The Point?” is a quick, easy-to-learn, strategic game with a playful theme featuring cacti. Players try to collect sets of cacti cards by using various action cards to gain an advantage, including the ability to “see and steal” from other players’ hands. This game’s simple rules make for high replay-ability (a bonus when adding any board game to your family game library). The basic gameplay is straightforward to understand, but the action cards add a layer of strategy, allowing for diverse gameplay. Its fast pace keeps the game exciting and prevents players of all ages from getting bored.
away from daily stress. Game nights also help strengthen relationships, giving family members the chance to connect without distractions. The laughter and playful moments foster a sense of belonging and joy, making it an important tradition that strengthens family ties and nurtures positive, lasting memories.
FREE
Charades is fun for all ages and families because it taps into creativity, imagination, and teamwork. Players get to act out clues in a playful way, which encourages laughter and bonding. For younger players, it’s a chance to develop communication and expression skills in a fun environment, while older participants enjoy the challenge of thinking on their feet and interpreting the actions. The game doesn’t require any special skills or equipment, and everyone can participate regardless of age. The unpredictability of each round keeps the game fresh and entertaining for everyone involved! Charades can be especially exciting when each time your family plays, you create clues that are based on a theme. Keep it local by making that evening’s theme “local places we love to go,” or “names of neighborhood streets.”
Mario Party Cost: Used from $20
Buy from: Games Ahoy, 982 E Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland If your family has a Nintendo Switch game console, you’ll love this game. Mario Party is considered fun for the whole family because it’s a simple, accessible party game with a variety of short, quick minigames that anyone can pick up and play, regardless of age or skill level, making it perfect for casual gamers and competitive players alike.
Mario Party Minigames utilize easy to learn controls, so even the family members who aren’t “into gaming” can easily catch on and play. Another plus is the game duration. Most minigames are short, meaning quick wins or losses that don’t feel too impactful and keep the game flowing. Finally, isn’t the whole point of family game night a little light competition? Mario Party minigames are easy and low stakes, so the focus can stay on having fun and playing together rather than intense competition.
SPRING BREAK’S RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, and as those who booked airfare months ago begin packing their bags, the rest of us are feeling the pressure to get something on the books, and fast.
Fear not, because we’re here to make life a little easier, with our ultimate spring break road trip, including a week’s worth of adventure and exploration. Forget the passports and airport security lines and read on for the spring break vacay your kids will never forget.
The delicious 70-degree (on average) day that greets you as you step out of your car in El Paso, Texas will be worth the 10-hour drive it took to reach your base camp for the next few days. Head to Paseo de las Luces (https://visitelpaso.com/) to stroll the shops and restaurants beneath the twinkling lights before resting up for tomorrow’s adventures.
After a long day of driving, head out into the boot capital of the world today and stretch your legs! You may want to pick up your own pair of authentic El Paso cowboy boots as you take in historic downtown, admiring the colorful murals and southwest architecture of this Texas-Mexico border town.
Later, visit any of El Paso’s many museums, such as The Wigwam Museum (www.facebook.com/ Wigwammuseum/), Old El Paso County Jail Museum (www.losportalesmuseum.org/oldcountyjail), or perhaps the one of a kind House of Sugar (www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/27865).
Pack a picnic lunch because today the real exploring begins! Head out of the city, 2.5 hours east to Carlsbad Caverns National Park (www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm). One of the only caverns in the country where visitors can enter and explore on their own, Carlsbad is home to the largest single cave chamber in the country. Explore the 1.25-mile Big Room Trail or its .6mile shortcut trail at your leisure, or perhaps make your way down the steep, 1.25-mile, Natural Entrance Trail. Afterwards, explore the sights and trails above ground, and stop by the
In the wee hours of day four, continue southeast along the border of Texas, 4.5 hours to yet another national park, Big Bend (www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm). Spot a javelina, identify dinosaur fossils, and hike one of the several kid-friendly trails where you can find yourself exploring the ruins of historic farmhouses, entering the depths of a canyon, dipping your toes in the Rio Grande, or even soaking in a natural hot spring. It’s back to El Paso for the evening.
Today, another unique site awaits you as you say goodbye to El Paso and head north to White Sands National Park (www. nps.gov/whsa/index.htm). The world’s largest gypsum dunefield encompasses 275-square miles of welcoming white sand. Hike, bike, or, our personal favorite, grab a saucer from the gift shop and sled the miles of dunes. Head to Santa Fe, New Mexico for the evening, a great midway point before your drive home tomorrow. Enjoy a plethora of dining, shopping, entertainment, and lodging options in the country’s oldest state capital.
visitor center to learn how the 119 total caves were formed. *This park requires a timed entry ticket, reservable at www.recreation.gov.
On your way back to El Paso, detour to Guadalupe Mountains National Park (www.nps.gov/gumo/index.htm) where you can picnic at the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef, under the 1,000-foot limestone cliff that is El Capitan and nearby Guadalupe Peak, the highest mountain in Texas. After lunch, hike one of the many trails or take a scenic drive before heading back to home base for the night.
Katie Harris
IF YOU’VE EVER LEANED BACK AND closed your eyes for a moment or two, after a particularly grueling day, only to hear an impatient little voice say, “Mommy, it’s not bedtime, get up and play with me!” Then you may already know that empathy is a skill which takes time to master.
One of the “soft skills”—abilities that are considered general life skills rather than being specific to a particular job or task—empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings, and it doesn’t always come easily.
In fact, while children are born with the capacity for complex skills like empathy, their development hinges on their
interactions with the role models in their lives. The feelings and reactions we model, the conversations we have, and the time that we spend all play a role in determining whether they reach their full potential.
Because empathy requires children to notice the feelings of others, and then relate to those feelings, it’s a characteristic that takes time, practice, and life experience to develop.
“Developmentally, kids start out being very inwardly focused,” explains Ali Anderson, K-4 counselor at New Vision Charter School in Loveland. “It takes
A child who is resilient often has a bigger capacity for empathy, due to their positive sense of connection and emotional awareness, while an empathetic child’s increased sense of belonging provides the coping skills to foster resilience.
In her daily work with elementaryaged students, Anderson spends a good deal of her time paving the road to empathy and resilience, but developing such complicated skills isn’t always a straight-forward route.
“I really try to focus on helping our students learn about different emotions and feelings, how we experience them, and what we do with them. We also practice noticing how others are feeling.”
Once Anderson puts the building blocks into place, she says it’s really the child’s “way of being” that becomes most important.
“It’s less about what I teach them and more about the way our teachers, parents, and other adults in a child’s life engage with them that makes the difference. When kids are surrounded by adults who are showing them what it looks like to be empathetic and resilient, that’s what makes the biggest difference.”
effort on a parent’s part, a teacher’s part, a coach’s part, a counselor’s part, to teach kids how to look outside themselves and recognize that other people also have feelings, and it’s possible that these feelings could be different from their own.”
Empathy’s partner, resilience, meanwhile, is an advanced skill which requires experience with overcoming difficulties time and again to acquire.
“Resilience is being disappointed, feeling discouraged, and trying again anyway,” says Anderson. “It’s learning to be brave and believe in yourself, and that’s really fostered through connection.”
Perhaps the hardest, but most important thing a parent can do in helping their child develop these skills, is to own up to their own mistakes.
“When we as parents lose our cool, which we all do, we can say to our child, ‘I apologize, this is how I was feeling, and this is how I should’ve reacted.’ Talking it through with them, naming our own feelings, and teaching them how to handle them appropriately—that’s how we encourage empathy and resilience in our kids,” says Anderson.
In addition, Anderson says it’s crucial that parents make time every day to play, talk, and model these
skills for their kids. When spending time with her own children at home, Anderson likes to incorporate these skills into their everyday lives.
“I’ll say, ‘I know you want to play with the red-haired doll, but I’m playing with her right now. You can have a turn when I’m done.’ Or, ‘I’m sorry, but today you are going to use the blue cup instead of the purple cup.’”
She explains that, by giving her kids opportunities to practice resilience when they don’t get their way at home, she’s setting them up to be able to react appropriately when the same thing happens at school.
“Challenges are part of life, so if a child can face them and process them and learn from them with a trusted adult early on, in an encouraging environment, that’s when the big learning and character development happen,” says Anderson.
It can be tempting to get lost in our phones while our kids are playing contentedly, or to give in to screen time when they throw a tantrum, especially when the efforts we do make to practice these skills with them don’t seem to yield much, but Anderson reminds parents that change doesn’t happen overnight.
“These are certainly not characteristics you can teach once and expect a child to understand and demonstrate,” says Anderson. “The language has to be part of their everyday lives and experiences to really develop into a practiced habit.”
She says every day is a new opportunity to teach the skills that will help kids succeed throughout their lives.
“I think what it comes down to is being present with your kids: engage with them, talk with them, challenge them and be their cornerstone. Celebrate their wins and help them work through their struggles,” says Anderson. “Go against the grain—get involved and stay involved!”
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.
Fort Collins-based nonprofit OtterCares recently awarded nearly $70,000 in grants to six Poudre School District schools. The grants will fund a student climate challenge project at Fossil Ridge, an Innovation Station at Harris Bilingual, 3D printing at Lincoln Middle School, a learning lab at Polaris, a Virtual Reality/Flight Simulator Makerspace refresh at Preston, and a technology upgrade for the theater at Timnath Middle-High School.
Poudre School District is proud to announce its highest four-year graduation rate since 2010, with the Colorado Department of Education reporting an 87.3 percent graduation rate for the Class of 2024. This represents a 0.4 percentage point
increase from 2023’s rate of 86.9 percent and exceeds the statewide graduation rate of 84.2 percent.
While comparable data prior to 2010 is unavailable, this achievement solidifies the Class of 2024 as potentially the most successful in PSD history regarding graduation rates. It also highlights a significant milestone in the district’s ongoing commitment to student success, demonstrating three consecutive years of graduation rates exceeding 85 percent—a consistency not seen in previous years.
“Our students and staff deserve immense credit for this achievement,” says PSD Superintendent Brian Kingsley. “Their hard work, dedication, and focus on supporting every student lay the foundation for these results. While we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed
to closing gaps and ensuring every student has the tools to succeed.”
Although the 2024 graduation rates reflect improvement across the district, PSD recognizes that challenges remain. Graduation rates for students supported with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, and Asian students continue to lag behind the state average for similar peers.
Notably, English Language Learners (ELL) in PSD achieved a remarkable milestone, graduating at a rate of 78.2 percent—surpassing the statewide rate for similar peers, which stands at 70.7 percent. This progress demonstrates PSD’s commitment to supporting all students, particularly those facing additional barriers to success.
With three consecutive years of graduation rates above 85 percent, PSD is setting its sights even higher. The district will set a 90 percent graduation rate target, reinforcing its mission to ensure all students graduate with options for their future.
“Our work is not done,” says Superintendent Kingsley. “Every student deserves the opportunity to graduate and thrive. We will continue to prioritize equity and excellence in education until all students, regardless of background or circumstance, achieve equally high outcomes.”
The consistent improvement in graduation rates reflects PSD’s strategic focus on academic support, student engagement, and personalized pathways to success. From innovative programs to dedicated staff, the district remains steadfast in its belief that every student can achieve greatness.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024 and everyone who played a part in this achievement!
Each month, I have the opportunity to share with our community the incredible and extraordinary things that our nearly 15,000 students accomplish in the classrooms, in the arts, through athletics and activities, and even within our community. We are proud of our students and their journeys and achievements as they matriculate from early childhood through high school and beyond. These achievements and celebrations are only realized through the collective efforts and dedication of our incredible staff, our supportive parents and guardians, our business, educational, religious, and nonprofit partners, as well as our caring and engaged community.
Our work in Thompson School District is anchored in our Strategic Plan, Strive 2025, as well as within our Portrait of a Graduate. These documents are more than words on a page; they are commitments and assurances to our students, our parents, and our community members
that the work we do in TSD is important, necessary, and foundational in preparing our students to be college, career, and community ready.
This school district also has a deep and unwavering commitment to our equity principles, which are not only found within Board of Education policy but are also entrenched in the work we do each and every day. These principles focus on the value and dignity of each of our students by creating environments that are safe and supportive and are designed to meet their educational, mental health, and socialemotional needs. Our equity policy recognizes that all of our students have worth, and all of our students have the right to access and pursue their educational journeys in safe, supportive, and inclusive environments. Our students continue to thrive and achieve, from outstanding student growth and achievement to strong graduation rates and a myriad of post-secondary placements ranging
from college options to workforce options and the military. The educational journey begins in early childhood when our students exhibit curiosity and develop school-readiness skills all the way through their elementary, middle, and high school experiences. Our district also works hard to cultivate business partnerships, create real-world learning opportunities, and provide experiences through the arts, athletics, and co-curricular activities. We aim to be a full-service, fully immersive experience for each of our students.
We affirm to our community that Thompson School District is a place where students can and will learn, develop, and thrive. We will prepare our students to be outstanding citizens, self-advocates, critical thinkers, effective communicators, and collaborators. We recognize and understand that our students have unique needs. We also understand that our students are individuals, who have a name, have a story, have a history, and have worth. Most importantly, our students have dreams and aspirations for their futures, and it is incumbent on us as a school district and a community to help them reach their fullest and best potential – without barriers or burdens.
In closing, as the proudest superintendent in the state of Colorado, I want to continue to reaffirm our district’s commitment to supporting each of our students – every day – from January through December. I am deeply grateful and appreciative of our incredible staff, our supportive parents and guardians, and our amazing community. Together, Thompson School District will deliver on meeting the needs of each of our students!
Sincerely,
Dr. Marc Schaffer Superintendent Thompson School District
Greeley-Evans School District 6 staff members were honored January 30th at the “Oscars of District 6,” the Success in 6 Awards, held at Aims Community College Welcome Center and hosted by The Success Foundation.
“What you do every day for our students is truly remarkable,” says Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch, who along with Board of Education President Michael Mathews, handed out the awards at the annual ceremony.
Awards were given out in five categories: Rookie of the Year, Spirit of Service (specialized service providers), Leader Among Leaders, Heart and Soul (classified staff) and Educator of the Year.
Winners include:
• Rookie of the Year: Noheli Batres, dual language educator at Meeker Elementary; Miguel Munoz, CLD teacher at Chappelow , and Nathan Evans, foreign language teacher at Greeley West High School
• Spirit of Service: Monica Salazar, counselor at Northridge High School
• Leader Among Leaders: Dr. Suzette Luster, principal at Franklin Middle School
• Heart and Soul: Daiva Zableckas, building manager at Prairie Heights Middle School
• Educator of the Year: Elementary category, John Miller, physical
education teacher at Maplewood Elementary School; K-8 category, Shelby Hernandez, third grade teacher, Tointon Academy of Pre-Engineering; middle school category, John Spencer, 6th and 8th grade social studies teacher, Brentwood Middle School; and high school category, Brian Humphrey, theater teacher, Greeley Central High School.
The evening was a huge success and a very special thank you to the Success Foundation for their continued support of the staff of District 6!
Don’t miss out on farmers market goods just because it’s winter! Check out these winter farmers markets in northern Colorado.
• Greeley: 715 10th St., GR Every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturday through April 19, 9am-noon. Greens, eggs, meats and fish, savory treats, sweet treats, soaps and more!
• Fort Collins: Inside Foothills Saturdays through April 19, 10am2pm. Find more than 90 venders including, breads, veggies, meats, honey, jam, baked goods, crafts, body care and more!
TEDxMountainAve announces 2025 speakers. Each speaker has a unique idea that needs to be shared on the global stage and ties into the theme of “Beyond Barriers”. The event will be held
at Poudre High School on April 30th.
If you’re interested in emails with more details about the event or would like to get involved with the organization, please check out the website; https://bit.ly/ TEDxMountainAve.
Tickets will go on sale in early March and will be free for all PSD students and $10 for General Admission. After the event, there will be a short reception where the audience can continue conversations inspired by the talks, meet the speakers, and converse with the Leadership Team. Complementary light refreshments and snacks will be provided.
For a list of the seven speakers featured in this year’s event, as well as some background information on who they are and what their talk will be about, go to https://bit.ly/ TEDxMountainAve.
Scammers have become more sophisticated in targeting their prey and using human behavior techniques to make you think they are credible. We can stop these scammers by being aware that they are out there, understanding how they work, and being smarter than they are. For a list of current scams and to sign up for the Scambuster Newsletter go to: www.larimer.gov/sheriff/services/ information/frauds-scams/newsletters
• Scammers use methods of payment that are not traceable. Beware if anyone asks you to pay via these methods:
• Bitcoin (cryptocurrency) – pay at a kiosk (there are all over Larimer County) – these payments are untraceable. Note – if you have paid via this method and realize it was a scam, contact law enforcement immediately.
• Wire transfer
• Money/gift card (the code on the back is all they need to take your money)
• Zelle, Venmo, Cash apps (only use these with your trusted friends/family)
• Never pay over the phone
• Never give access to your computer or personal information
• Law enforcement will NEVER ask for money or personal information over the phone
• Never let anyone tell you “not to tell anyone” or “don’t hang up”
• Never click on a link from someone you do not know.
• Never call the phone number provided by someone you do not know
FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
MARCH 1 THROUGH 14
Great Plates of Downtown™
Annual dining promotion and fundraiser benefiting the Food Bank for Larimer County. Downtown FC. www.GreatPlatesofDowntown.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 2
Little Shop of Physics Open House
Free science fun for all ages. CSU Lory Student Center, FC. www.lsop.colostate.edu/open-house
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
Realities For Children Pinwheel Gala Elegant charity gala benefiting children affected by abuse and neglect. Embassy Suites, LV. www.realitiesforchildren.com/events/ awards-gala
ENTERTAINMENT
THROUGH MARCH 30
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Musical adventure embracing hope, determination and the promise of a new land. Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown. www.coloradocandlelight.com
THROUGH MAY 24
Exhibit: It’s About TIME Exhibit explores how time affects everything from daily life to the study of disciplines like science and philosophy. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, FC. globalvillagemuseum.org
TUESDAY, MARCH 4
Book Signing with YA Author
Megan Freeman
Join local authors to discuss the latest young adult book, Away. Old Firehouse Books, FC. oldfirehousebooks.com/ events/calendar/2025
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
Wind Orchestras in France Since the Revolution
Accomplished trumpet player, André Bonnici, explores history of wind orchestras in the French Republic and shares musical pieces. Center for Creativity, FC. globalvillagemuseum.org
Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra: 2024
Sounds of Cinema
Narrated concert shares trivia about composers, films, and scenes from which the songs are featured. For extra fun, join the orchestra in dressing as characters from your favorite film. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com
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
SUNDAY, MARCH 9
Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour
Enjoy mind-blowing trick shots, expert ball-handling skills and big laughs. Blue Arena, LV. www.treventscomplex.com/events
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
Masters of Hawaiian Music
Hear and learn from master storytellers/ musicians of slack key guitar, lap steel guitar and ‘ukelele styles. Rialto Theater Center, LV. www.rialtotheatercenter.org/ rialto-presents
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
Book Signing with Children's Author
Jo Renfro
Local Ccildren’s book author sign copies of her latest book, Peg Gets Plucky. Old Firehouse Books, FC. www.oldfirehousebooks.com/events/ calendar/2025
MONDAY, MARCH 17
Escape from Wonderland: An Alice in Wonderland Escape Room
Gather a team to celebrate the 160th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland in a library escape room. LINC Library Innovation Center, GR. www.highplains.libcal.com/calendar
MARCH 19, APRIL 16, MAY 21
Free Days at Loveland Museum
Free admission during business hours. Loveland Museum, LV. www.thelovelandmuseum.org
MARCH 25, 26, 27
Spring Break Days at Windsor History Museum
Bring your entire family for a free and fun morning. Windsor History Museum, WS. www.recreationliveshere.com/calendar
MARCH 28 THROUGH 30
Disney on Ice Presents Into the Magic Blue Arena, LV. www.treventscomplex.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
Dragons & Mythical Beasts
Enter a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical family show. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. www.lctix.com
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Electrifying tribute celebrating the music of the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com
WEEKENDS, MARCH 14-23
The Stampede Troupe Presents Leading Ladies
Follow the misadventures of down-andout Shakespearean actors, Jack and Leo. Hensel Phelps Theatre, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 7
Let’s Glow Crazy - Daddy Daughter Dance
Bring on the leg warmers, teased hair, and neon outfits to go Back to the ‘80s for a totally rad dance. Community Recreation Center, WS. www.recreationliveshere.com/calendar
Glow Swim Party
Where the lights are low and the party is bright! Chilson Recreation Center, LV. www.lovgov.org/prevents
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
Winter Walks: Nature’s Winter Adaptations Hike with volunteer naturalists and learn about animal adaptations to winter conditions. Coyote Ridge Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
Greeley’s Blarney on the Block Parade & Party in Downtown Parade and various musical bands. Downtown GR. www.downtowngreeley. com/special-events/blarney-on-the-block
Sharin’ O’ The Green 5K
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a point-to-point downhill 5K that benefits Partners Mentoring Youth. Downtown FC to Odell Brewing Co., FC. www.fcgov.com/events
Winter Exploration at Prospect Ponds
Approximate 3-mile walk learning ways animals survive through the winter’s scarcity of food. Prospect Ponds Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
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KATIE HARRIS
AS I SIT HERE, BURIED IN MY own pile of tissues, I’m marveling at the irony of finding story inspiration in the bottom of a cough syrup bottle and a pair of pajamas well past their prime. Normally I wouldn’t choose a day like today to write, brain slogging along in an antihistamine-induced fog, squinting through watering eyes at a blurred screen.
Maybe it’s because I’m afraid of losing the muse if I wait another day, or maybe it’s just the Robitussin telling me I’ve got this. Either way, while battling a bout of the-flu-orsomething seems as fitting a time as any to write an essay entitled, “The Impossible Things”.
And in bed with the-flu-orsomething is indeed where this story takes place, or rather the couch, as that’s where I’ve found myself camped for the past 10 days. You might be wondering what’s so impossible about lying on a couch for a week and a half. Touché. The impossible part is the piece we moms, and sometimes dads, inevitably find ourselves doing at some point in our parenting journey. The thing that we truly might not have been capable of before the first time we set eyes on our first child. Being sick, while taking care of a kid who’s also sick.
In this case, the particularly gruesome and unidentified cocktail of viruses waging war on our household had begun with the kind of uncontrollable cough that precluded any notion of sleep, before being accompanied by a three-day vomiting bout that kept me up not only for my own sake but my two youngests’, who joined me on the couch those nights, all of us propped against each other in agony. By day six high fever had set in, bringing a whole new host of respiratory symptoms in its wake. Somehow the kids and I managed to catch and spread amongst each other what I can only assume were at least three different viruses within the span of 1.5 weeks.
Somehow, at my worst, I swapped out blankets, mopped up vomit, and administered meds, without so much as a wink of sleep for days on end. Even when it felt impossible. Not because I could. Because I couldn’t not.
And while we’ve all been there, had those taking-care-of sick-kidswhile-sick days, it got me thinking about all the other impossible things
we do as parents.
The single mother who juggles two jobs to make ends meet and still finds patience for her kids at the end of a long day.
The mom of twins, juggling a baby on each hip as she attempts to warm a bottle, doing everything in her power to meet the needs of two small humans, with no time to stop and take care of her own.
The father who’s bombarded by a tired wife and kids competing for his attention the moment he gets home from work. Who would give anything to put his feet up for just a minute or two, but tells his wife to take a bath instead, while he succumbs to the kids’ pleas to wrestle with them.
We parents do impossible things every single day, often without even realizing it, without stopping to acknowledge, to appreciate that, even on the days when we feel like we accomplish nothing at all, the very act of being a parent: of instinctively, reflexively, selflessly, putting our children before ourselves, that’s the impossible thing.
