JULY 2015 • RMPARENT.COM
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with your customers
JULY 2015
Departments PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
It’s not about the fish—well, not entirely, anyway...
FIRST YEARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Features 20 HANDLING SUMMERTIME HAZARDS
Which pet to get—carefully weigh pros and cons before making your decision
FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . 10
Wetting your line—build some family fish tales this season
GIVE ME A BREAK . . . . . . . . 12 FREE (and cheap) family fun—summertime excursions don’t have to break the bank
COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14
Caring communities make life easier—meals for kids, rebuilding help after High Park Fire, Tularemia is back
HEALTHY LIVING . . . . . . . . 1 6
Start preserving food—Fresh foods can sustain you through the year
CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . 4 0
Summertime was made for adventure. It’s a time to step out of the comfort and safety of home and explore the outside world, but in doing that we are more prone to common summertime hazards. Knowing how to deal with sunburns, bee stings, ticks and snake bites will empower you to set these threats aside and commune with the great outdoors.
Events and activities for parents, kids and families
TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 0 Get out, and I mean it—summers are for exploring and playing...outside
School District News Thompson School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 TSD hosts formal groundbreaking ceremony for High Plains School, TSD students capture Boettcher Foundation and Daniels Scholarships, TSD student painting to be featured in Washington, D.C., Ethiopia Reads gets a boost from media staff, students upcycle containers for their garden
Poudre School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Calendar of events, PHS students deconstruct CLPMS barn, FCHS students bring 3D printing to Boltz, a streetcar named family fun
Greeley-Evans District 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 98 percent of parents satisfied with schools, Greeley West student named Presidential Scholar, program at Romero K-3 helps remember East Memorial
24 S PLISHIN’ AND SPLASHIN
Summertime offers so many ways to have fun in the sun, and many of those include water. You can go swim or play in a pool. Or maybe wet a line at your favorite fishing hole or ride a rapid in a raft or kayak. Be sure to play safe around water by being attentive. Drownings and non-fatal drownings are a real hazard.
ABOUT THE COVER: Morgan, 5, loves to play T-ball, golfing with Grandpa, drawing and Star Wars. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com.
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perspective It’s not about the fish Well, not entirely, anyway...
I
grew up fishing. It’s what you did in Nebraska. And I have a stringer full of memories of times with my family camping near lakes with early-morning starts in the jon boat, rowing through still water with my brother. We were so excited. I can also remember our son Andy’s first fish. We lived 10 miles up the Poudre Canyon. Andy and his friend, Eric, wanted to try fishing so we dug up some worms and walked down to the river by our house where there was a big ol’ eddy. We managed to get two lines in the water without crossing them. A couple minutes later, Eric said, “Andy, your bobber!” And sure enough Andy had hooked his first fish...a nice pan-sized rainbow trout. He stared at the fish that he held with both hands. I told him that he needed to decide if he wanted to eat it or throw it back right away. He said, “I just want to look at it.” And Eric said, “Let’s eat it.” And the fish’s fate was decided. Once Andy caught a trout by the tail with his hand in an eddy behind a rock. And so the stories go. And we’re still making family fish tales. Last summer, my cousins came out from Nebraska. They love to fish but hadn’t tried fly-fishing. They loved it. And our daughter Aly also caught the bug. My brother, Troy, and I fish every summer when he visits. It’s our excuse to escape for a day or three. In fact, Andy, Troy and I slipped away for a 3-day fishing and backpacking trip a few summers ago in the Snowies. The fishing was good and the time together was great. I ran across a quote by Henry David Thoreau that goes like this: “Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” I’m sure there’s a bigger metaphor in there somewhere... In her Family Activities story about fishing with family (page 10), Katie Harris makes this point over and over again. It’s not about the fish, it’s about the time spent together on a little family adventure. Actually, it might be a little about the fish! She offers resources about how to learn to fish and where to fish. I mean, nobody likes to get skunked, but that’s part of it, too. Learning something together or, if you’re an expert, passing along some wisdom. As they say...there are only good days fishing and great days fishing. The great days are the ones when you get into some fish. You can only fish so much, though, so check out Kim Sharpe’s feature story (page 18) about all the ways to enjoy the rivers, lakes and pools in our backyard. And look at the extensive calendar for some more ideas. Good luck, Scott
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July 2015 • Volume 20, Issue 2 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CALENDAR EDITOR Kim Sharpe calendar@rockymountainpub.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION Wendee Brungardt Sharon Klahn, Kyle Moyer COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Maia Baccari, Lea Hanson, Katie Harris, Lynn U. Nichols, Kim Sharpe
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING 825 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 Voice 221-9210 Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not consitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2015 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.
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as we grow
Which pet to get
Carefully weigh pros and cons before making your decision LY NN U. NICHOLS
P
ets are great companions and offer the chance for kids to learn important life lessons, but they have to be ready to handle the responsibilities of pet ownership. How do you know if your kids are ready to care for a pet? And which pet is right for them? PICKING A PET Each pet comes with its own pros and cons list. A dog or cat, for instance, will provide the most affection and interaction but will demand the most care. Is your child ready to commit to picking up after your dog in the yard or taking the dog for a daily walk? If not, this responsibility will fall on you. Dander associated with fur—and how your child might react—is also something to consider before getting a dog or cat. Reptiles and amphibians including lizards, turtles, frogs, iguanas, snakes, toads, chameleons and salamanders are interesting to watch, but carry salmonella—a bacteria that can cause stomach upset. If your child is good at personal hygiene, or willing to wash his or her hands each time after holding the pet— and also willing to clean the cage regularly—reptiles might be a good choice. Some people think guinea pigs are a good way to go, and they certainly can be. It’s a pleasure to feed them lettuce scraps and carrot peals and watch them squeal in delight. They can be calm and allow some cuddling and holding, but sometimes remain skittish. Cage upkeep can be a challenge as it’s a large cage that demands regular cleaning. If you are not quite ready for a guinea pig, try a gerbil or hamster. After all, the smaller the pet, the less mess they make. Hamsters can be quite entertaining, even when they get out in the house and you have to move furniture to find them. There’s even a mini version— robo hamsters—that are amazingly fast 8
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THINGS TO CONSIDER The first question to ask before choosing a pet is if your kids are developmentally ready to take on the care and needs
needed? Then he might be ready. Toddlers and preschoolers don’t know how to control their strength or emotions and can hurt a small pet inadvertently. School age is often a good time to get a pet. Getting a pet that your child can keep in her room might also be something to consider—if you are not keen
of that particular pet. Don’t expect a 4-year-old to be able to clean a guinea pig cage on her own. Test the waters with small, less demanding pets like goldfish and hermit crabs to reinforce the daily habit of pet care. Once your kids master that you can move up the ladder of the pet world. Parents often ask at what age kids are ready for a pet. That depends more on your particular child than anything else, but here are a few guidelines. Is your child able to take care of his own basic needs? Can he dress himself, use the toilet alone and get a snack if
on having a pet underfoot. Teenagers can usually handle pets but may not have the time for them. Research has proven that pets are good for our wellbeing. Our blood pressure drops when we pet them, and they provide an open, nonjudgmental source of comfort. Kids who have a close pet are often less anxious and withdrawn and pets can bring families together, giving everyone something to rally over and laugh about. Finally there’s the obvious— pets teach kids how to care for someone other than themselves.
and fun to watch. Rats can also be great pets as they are more intelligent and often like to be held.
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family activities
Wetting your line
Build some family fish tales this season KATIE HARRIS
Y
ou know that old wives tale, that kids think fishing is boring? Think again! It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced fisherman (or woman) or just getting your feet wet, taking your kids out on the lake with you can be an experience neither of you will ever forget. Jennifer Churchill, an avid fisherman and parent who’s worked for Colorado Parks and Wildlife for eight years, says some of her best childhood memories are of being out on a reservoir with her family. “I encourage parents to slow down and give it a try,” says Churchill. “Both they and their kids can enjoy quality time together, get outside and unplug!” It’s true that spending hours on the lake, still and quiet, can be a chore for kids, especially if they don’t catch anything. That’s why Churchill recommends starting out with just an hour or two at a time, and building gradually to half-day or all-day trips. Find useful tips at: takemefishing.org to make fishing fun for all ages. The site recommends staying away from kids’ poles, opting instead for ultra-light spinning rods, and avoiding hooks larger than size 10, which are likely to deter fish. Other tips include using light line, “slip” bobbers, sinkers, and bait no bigger than your hook. It’s also important to keep kids safe while fishing. Remember, even in a boat or on the shore, certain water safety precautions should be followed. Churchill says life jackets are a must, as well as sunscreen and bug spray, sunglasses and a hat, and a first-aid kit. Part of fostering a life-long love of fishing is educating kids on proper technique, fishermen’s etiquette, and local regulations. Start off by making sure you’ve met licensing requirements. Kids under the age of 16 fish for free in Colorado, but if an adult plans to help them 10
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the adult must be licensed ($26/adult annual license, plus $10/required habitat stamp). Visit www.cpw.state.co.us/Doc uments/RulesRegs/Brochure/fishing.pdf for the complete 2015 Colorado fishing rules and regulations. You’ll likely need to cast for your kids the first few times, then let them hold the rod, recasting every so often as needed until they’re able to do it on their own. If and when they get a bite, they’ll also need help reeling it in. Use your hands to guide theirs, so they can feel how it’s done. Before you know it they’ll be fishing like pros! Wondering where to go? It depends what you’re looking for. The northern Colorado area has an abundance of small ponds, lakes and reservoirs, all adequate for light traffic fishing and ideal for families just starting out. Sheldon Lake, at City Park in Fort Collins, is a fun place to fish for catfish and crappie and is generally a popular spot for families. Reservoirs such as Horsetooth (Fort Collins) and Pinewood (west of Loveland/Berthoud) offer plenty of room to spread out and enjoy fishing for trout, bass, and walleye. The St. Vrain Lakes (east of Longmont) are
a beautiful spot to bird watch while you fish, as eagles, egrets and pelicans are common in the area. The heavily stocked lakes are also a great place to catch fish! Colorado Parks and Wildlife has made available an excellent resource, perfect for families interested in fishing in Colorado. “101 Places to Take a Kid Fishing” is an interactive map filled with, you guessed it, 101 of the best fishing areas in the state. The map can be found at www.cpw.state.co.us/places togo/Pages/Fish101Places.aspx. Still not convinced? Take it from someone who knows: “I don’t think my kids will remember seeing movies with me, playing video games, or shopping for clothes,” says Churchill. “They can tell you in detail about the first time we went fishing, where and what they caught.” This summer, put down the tablet and get out with your kids for some quality outdoor time on the lake. You might be surprised by just how much fun they have, and at how much fun you have too! “The shared experience of fishing goes a long way in family memories,” says Churchill. “It’s a time to learn, reflect, and connect with your kids.
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give me a break
FREE (and cheap) family fun Summertime excursions don’t have to break the bank KIM SHARPE
E
very time I turn around it seems something or someone wants money from me. I try to stick to a pretty tight budget and carefully manage our family’s finances, so I really dislike unexpected expenses that require me to juggle the numbers around and reallocate dollars. While I’m very grateful we have the resources to meet surprise monetary demands—usually—I still try to be as frugal as possible, whenever possible. Family vacations and outings do not escape my thrifty planning. When our boys were younger, my husband and I would sit down with a calendar each spring to reserve certain weekends for family camping trips, hiking and rock climbing adventures. We’d also choose a week or two for an extended backpacking trip. All of these activities were affordable, as far as family vacations go (there aren’t many restaurants, hotels or shopping centers in the wilderness to lure you away from your budget), and gave us an enormous return on our small financial investment. We have a treasure trove of many wonderful shared memories with corresponding stories (usually involving shenanigans). Plus, our sons gained an appreciation for and knowledge about nature, selfconfidence and skills to live independently —in the wild or in inhabited spaces. But you don’t have to travel to the back woods to have family fun that doesn’t break the bank. After all, northern Colorado is a vacation destination for a lot of folks and there are many things to do that are inexpensive or free. Here are some great options: CSU LAGOON SERIES - FREE
Wednesday nights through August 5, Fort Collins Pack a picnic, blanket and lawn chairs to enjoy NoCo’s best local musicians by the side of the CSU Lagoon. 970-663-1888, www.lagoonseries.com
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CHERRY PIE FESTIVAL – FREE ADMISSION
July 18, Loveland During the 1920s, Loveland was home to the largest cherry orchard west of the Mississippi. Celebrate Loveland’s longstanding connection with the cherry industry with pie, ice cream, live music, more. 970-962-2000, www.cityofloveland.org
ARTS PICNIC – FREE
July 25-26, Greeley This annual event draws thousands to historic Lincoln Park. Shop at more than 175 artists’ booths, take a break in the Beer Garden and Culinary Area, enjoy Colorado performers on two stages and let the kids get creative in the Creation Station Kids’ Hands-On Area. www.greeleygov.com/activities/festivals/ arts-picnic
LARIMER COUNTY FAIR & RODEO – FREE ADMISSION AND PARKING
July 31-August 4, Loveland Western rodeo fun, plus parade, 4-H competitions, carnival, music, more. www.larimercountyfair.org
WINDSOR 125
Through October, Windsor Help the Town of Windsor celebrate its 125th birthday by enjoying special events all summer long and into the fall. In July, there are several FREE concerts; a “Movie in the Park Family Camp Out - watch Paddington (PG) for $8 per person; and a “Dive-In Movie - watch Dolphin Tale 2 (PG) for $2.25 per person at Chimney Park Pool. And there’s a custom exhibit honoring the town’s history on display throughout the year at the Art and Heritage Center, 116 5th Street; admission is FREE.
K-5
5 Plus Lego Mindstorm STEM program for 4th and 5th grades.
Call 970-226-2800 for a tour. Friday 10 am and 1 pm
www.tpaak.org
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community news
Caring communities make life easier Meals for kids, rebuilding help after High Park Fire, Tularemia is back KIM SHARPE
We have a caring community with public agencies that want to make sure people’s needs are met. For example, the Food Banks in Larimer and Weld Counties work hard to provide children in need with meals throughout the summer. And folks in Larimer County who were affected by the High Park Fire, which blazed for nearly the whole month of June in 2012, now can receive help to rebuild through July 2017. The Larimer County Health Department also wants people to be aware that tularemia, a disease humans can contract from animals, is back. Tips on how to stay safe are below. SUMMER MEALS FOR HUNGRY CHILDREN Last summer, the Food Bank’s Kids Cafe program created and delivered a record-setting 41,609 meals at sites around Larimer County. The program served roughly 1,000 kids each day. Approximately 650 of those kids attended sites in Fort Collins. According to recent data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Colorado Department of Education and the Hunger Free Colorado, nearly 1,200 additional children are in need of summer feeding services in Fort Collins. “This summer, our focus will be on feeding more Fort Collins kids,” says Bruce Wallace, Food Bank programs director. “After seeing the data from the USDA, CDE and Hunger Free Colorado report, we are committed to shrinking that gap.” To work toward meeting this goal, the Food Bank will partner with two new sites, CARE Housing at Peace with Christ Lutheran Church and Mathews House at Genesis Project. To help meet increased demand, the Food Bank applied for and received a $15,000 grant from Disney Worldwide Services and 14
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a $20,000 from ConAgra. With new sites and additional funding, the Food Bank hopes to feed 500 more children this summer and increase the number of meals served to over 50,000.
Since 2005, the Food Bank for Larimer County’s Kids Cafe program has served free, nutritious meals to low-income children ages 3-18 after school and during the summer.
2015 Summer Food Sites *Members only. Please contact agency for membership information. **Residents only | ***Open to all. LARIMER COUNTY Boys and Girls Club* Fort Collins Unit, 1608 Lancer Drive, FC M-F, through August 14 Breakfast: 8:45am Lunch: 11:30am Boys and Girls Club* Loveland Unit, 2500 E. 1st St., LV M-F, through August 14 Breakfast: 8:30am Lunch: 12:15pm Boys and Girls Club* Wellington Unit, 3815 W. Harrison Ave., Wellington M-F, through August 14 Lunch: noon, Snack: 3pm Northside Aztlan Community Center*** 112 E. Willow, FC M-F, through August 21 Breakfast: 9:30am Lunch: 12:30pm
Lago Vista Mobile Home Community** 420 East 57th St., LV M-F, through August 15 (closed 6/29-7/3) Lunch: 11:30am Base Camp at O’Dea Elementary* 312 Princeton Road, FC M-F, through August 7 Lunch: 11am, Snack: 2pm CARE Housing at Peace with Christ Lutheran Church*** 1412 W. Swallow Road, FC M-F, through August 14 Lunch: noon Boys & Girls Club – Estes Park** M-F, August 14 1505 Brodie Ave., EP Breakfast: 8:30am Lunch: noon
The Matthews House at the Genesis Project*** 400 S. Link Lane, FC M-F, through August 14 Lunch: noon
WELD COUNTY Boys and Girls Club* M-F, through July 31 (closed July 3) Pawl Unit, 2400 1st Ave., GR Breakfast: 9-9:30am Lunch: noon-1pm
Harmony Road Mobile Home Community** 2500 E. Harmony Road, FC M-Th, through August 6 Breakfast: 9:30am Lunch: noon
Boys and Girls Club* Monfort Unit, 2400 4th St., GR M-F, through July 31 (closed July 3) Breakfast: 9-9:30am, Lunch: noon- 1pm
Maple Terrace Kids Club** 574 E. 23rd St., LV M-F, through July 31 Breakfast: 9:45am Lunch: noon
Jesus Rodarte Center*** 920 A St., GR M-F, through July 31 Breakfast: 9-9:30 am; Lunch: noon-1pm
Hill-N-Park Mission*** 4800 Hill-N-Park Drive, GR Tu, W & Th, through August 6 Lunch: noon-1pm Boys and Girls Club* Benjamin Eaton Unit, 100 Mountain View Drive, Eaton, M-F, through July 31 Breakfast: 9-9:30am, Lunch: noon-1pm Boys and Girls Club* Milliken Elementary Unit, 100 Broad St., Milliken M-F, through July 31 Breakfast: 9-9:30am Lunch: noon-1pm LaSalle Presbyterian Church*** 51 Church Court, LaSalle Tu, through August 4 Lunch: noon-1pm St. Nicholas Catholic Church*** 520 Marion, Platteville W & F, through August 7 Lunch: noon-1pm New Horizons Christian Church*** 530 Cherry St., Dacono M-F, through August 7 Lunch: noon-1pm Imagine Charter School*** 5753 Twilight Ave., Firestone M-F, through July 31 Lunch: noon-1pm Pierce Park*** 200 Park St., Pierce M, through August 17 Lunch: noon-1pm
The Food Bank partners with several Larimer County sites where children already congregate, including Boys & Girls Clubs, community centers and schools. In addition to healthy meals, Kids Cafe program sites also offer a safe place, where under the supervision of trustworthy staff, a child can get involved in educational, recreational and social activities. For more information, visit www.foodbanklarimer.org. The Weld Food Bank has a summer food program, also. To learn more, visit www.weldfoodbank.org. HIGH PARK FIRE REBUILD PROGRAM GETS EXTENDED The Board of Larimer County Commissioners recently approved a two-year extension to “A Resolution Establishing a Three Year High Park Fire Rebuilding Program.” The Program was originally set to expire on July 30, 2015, but will now expire July 30, 2017. The Program addresses temporary emergency housing, temporary emergency accessory structures, documentation of nonconforming structures or uses, rebuilding nonconforming buildings, re-establishing a nonconforming
use and setback requirements. Also approved are: Building Permit fee reduction extension for a one-time, per parcel reduction in building permit fees in the amount of $1000. Clean-up period extension (to clean up properties impacted by the fire) until December 30, 2015, for owners to apply for the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Funding (CDBG-DR) through the Larimer Home Improvement Program managed by the Loveland Housing Authority. Beyond December 30, 2015, the extension only applies to the debris removal authorized under Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Funding (CDBG-DR) and will conclude on July 30, 2017. The High Park fire began on June 9, 2012. The fire burned 87,284 acres, destroyed 259 homes and numbers of accessory structures. For further information, please contact Karin Madson, Larimer County planner, 970-498-7692 or kmadson@ larimer.org or Candace Phippen, Building & Code Compliance supervisor, 970-498-7724 or cphippen@larimer.org.
TULAREMIA IS BACK Just like last summer, tularemia is a health threat in northern Colorado. The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment confirmed the first human case of tularemia in a county resident in May 2015 and the danger still exists. The sickened resident may have been infected while planting trees or gardening. Bacteria from the droppings or urine of sick animals, most likely rabbits, can contaminate soil. These bacteria can enter the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. Residents are advised that tularemia-causing bacteria may infect small animals—especially rabbits and hares –along the Front Range. A recent die-off of rabbits in a neighborhood suggests a possible tularemia outbreak among the animals in that area. These bacteria can persist in the soil or water for weeks and it takes very few bacteria to cause an infection. Tularemia can be transmitted to people who have handled infected animals, such as hunters. Infection can also arise from the bite of infected insects (most commonly ticks and deer flies); by exposure to contaminated food, water, or soil by eating, drinking, or direct contact with breaks in the skin; or by inhaling particles carrying the bacteria (through mowing or blowing vegetation). Typical signs of infection in humans may include fever, chills, headache, swollen and painful lymph glands, and fatigue. If tularemia is caused by the bite of an infected insect or from bacteria entering a cut or scratch, it usually causes a skin ulcer or pustule and swollen glands. Eating or drinking food or water containing the bacteria may produce a throat infection, mouth ulcers, stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Inhaling the bacteria may cause an infection of the lungs with chest pain and coughing. Tularemia can be effectively treated with antibiotics, therefore should you have any of these early signs, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Untreated tularemia can lead to hospitalization and may even be fatal. To learn about prevention, risk, and pet safety, visit http://bit.ly/1ejjGud. RMPARENT
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healthy living
Start preserving food
Fresh foods can sustain you through the year LEA HANSON
I
n northern Colorado, while it’s common to grow food in a summer garden, it’s less common for gardeners to preserve food to eat throughout the year. Whether it is freezing, canning, drying (dehydrating), or simply refrigerating, preserving your garden harvest is always a good idea. IT SAVES MONEY Yes, you can buy tomatoes (diced, whole, pureed, sauce) at the grocery store and they’re cheap. But, if you’re purchasing organic tomatoes in a glass jar with no added ingredients, it’s much more costly. Skip spending just under $3 per 24-oz jar and spend the $3 on up for six pounds of tomatoes and exponentially multiply your bounty. Even better, spend $3 on a pack of seeds that could yield you hundreds of pounds of tomatoes and can them yourself. IT’S ECO-FRIENDLY Stocking up on equipment, jars, and ingredients isn’t cheap. But it’s an investment that pays dividends after a season or two. Jars are reusable and local food—especially food you grow yourself—doesn’t require trucking and packaging. And, as long as your canning jars are nick-free, you can use them for years. Sure, glass and aluminum—the materials in which most store-bought foods are packaged—can be recycled, but reusing preserving jars is an even more sustainable option. CELEBRATE LOCAL AND SEASONAL The best ingredients to preserve are the freshest ones, grown close to home. Preserving local foods is an excellent way to support your community’s farmers, and you can’t get fresher than food grown in your own community. We already know that buying foods in bulk saves money, but unless you have a large family or an upcoming event, what would you even do
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with several boxes of Palisade peaches? Canning them allows you to buy them at a lower cost and enjoy them all year long. IT SAVES TIME Yes, preserving takes a lot of time up front. But once you’re finished you’ll save time preparing each future meal. For example, instead of having to make spaghetti sauce every time by chopping up onions and garlic and such, just pop open a jar. If you dry fruit or jerky, then you later have a healthy, grab-and-go snack that takes no time. HEALTH BENEFITS When you preserve your own food, you control what you eat; you’re feeding yourself and your family natural foods with minimal added ingredients. You avoid consuming GMOs and pesticides by preserving organic and sustainable produce. You’re even better off with sugary options: If you want to put sugar in jam or you’re making a syrup for canning fruit, you decide how much and what kind of sugar to use. FAMILY FUN Involving kids in the kitchen is always a great idea. When they help preserve, they feel a sense of pride in that food and the work they did to prepare it. They understand how much work goes into growing and preserving food. Plus, they learn useful skills at a young age so that when they’re adults, it’s not as hard to do. By sharing these experiences with our children, they learn to work hard and be responsible for their own food and health, and also how to contribute to the family at a young age. IT’S NOT DIFFICULT Learning food preservation seems like a daunting task but it is surprisingly easy to learn. Anyone can operate a
store-bought food dehydrator or learn to blanch and freeze vegetables. Canning is more complex but shockingly not very difficult. There are lots of fancy tools to purchase, but one can perform very well with a set of jars and lids and a giant (two gallon or bigger) pot.
Community Resources
• The Growing Project www.thegrowingproject.org • Garden Tool and Food Preservation Equipment Library has canning kits, dehydrators, and a pressure cooker available to lend through reservation. • Sustainable Living Association www.sustainablelivingassociation.org) • Wise Kitchen Series: Provides instruction on making and preserving food and teaches how to use locally grown products. Courses are March – October. • Larimer County Extension www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/ LARIMER/food/food.shtml. Offers food preparation and preservation workshops June –October. 4-H program offers food preservation projects for members 8-18. • Weld County Extension www.weld4h.org/, 4-H program offers food preservation projects for members 8-18.
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Handling summertime
HAZARDS Learn to deal with and avoid sunburns, bee stings, ticks and snakebites Lynn U. Nichols
S
ummertime was made for adventure. It’s a time to step out of the comfort and safety of home and explore the outside world, but in doing that we are more prone to common summertime hazards. Knowing how to deal with sunburns, bee stings, ticks and snake bites will empower you to set these threats aside and commune with the great outdoors. SUN, GLORIOUS SUN There are not a lot of things that beat feeling the warmth and heat of the sun on your skin. But how much sun is safe? When it comes to the sun, your top priority is to prevent burns. The risk for melanoma, a serious skin cancer, doubles with five or more sunburns. With kids, it takes only one blistering sunburn to double their chances of melanoma later in life.
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Here’s how not to sunburn:
Limit your time in the sun between 10am and 4pm. If you do go out, wear plenty
of sunscreen and apply one ounce (two tablespoons) every two hours—and don’t forget to reapply especially after swimming. Water and sand reflect up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays so be extra vigilant when spending a day at the beach.
Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) 15 SPF or higher sunscreen. It makes sense that
an SPF of 30 is double the protection of an SPF 15, but it doesn’t work that way. It’s really just a few percentage points stronger—15 provides 93 percent protection and 30, 97 percent. Remember, never use sunscreen on babies under six months of age and when then consider a natural alternative without heavy chemicals. Toxicology experts believe that oxybenzone
is linked to hormone disruption and possible cell damage, while most traditional medical doctors believe it’s safe. Apply sunscreen every day to faces. You
may not be planning to go out with the kids, but even 15 minutes in intense Colorado sun can cause a burn. Faces, ears and lips are particularly prone to burning.
Take shade breaks. Shade breaks can
take the form of sitting under a tree or umbrella, spending time inside or slipping on long sleeves and a hat. Yet don’t count on clothing to provide complete sun protection. The average t-shirt is only worth 7 SPF. If you are headed outside for the day it’s best to apply sunscreen to your entire body. And yes, you can use last year’s sunscreen. It’s usually good for two years.
When sunburn happens.“The most im-
portant thing is get out of the sun immediately. Next, apply an aloe-based or topical anesthetic to bring topical relief. You can also give pain medicines to ease notable pain—something most people forget to do,” says Dr. Payten Taliaferro with University of Colorado Health Primary Care South in Loveland. It’s also a good idea to drink extra water as burns draw fluids from the rest of the body. Also, apply a good quality moisturizer. SOOTHING BEE STINGS While the preschool song, “I’m thinking about a bumble bee…ouch! It stung me!” is cute to sing, real bee stings are not so fun. If your child is bit the area will likely get red, painful and even swell—or much worse, cause a threatening allergic reaction in a handful of kids (only 1 – 3 percent). “Most stings are not dangerous, just bothersome. If your child does have swelling beyond the bite area, sounds hoarse, is itchy all over or has trouble breathing get medical attention immediately,” Taliaferro says. “Mild reactions are most common. The first thing to do is wash the area with soap and water then ice it and elevate it. If the stinger is still there you can remove it first with tweezers or brush it off with a credit card,” Taliaferro advises. THOSE SNEAKY TICKS Have you heard of Lyme’s disease? It’s a chronic illness caused by tick bites. The good news is there has never been a human case of Lyme’s disease that’s originated in Colorado. Now that’s good news! Even the misnamed Rocky Mountain spotted fever is rare here. “Colorado tick fever is the one to worry about. It’s not pleasant but most people make a full recovery after a week or two. It’s a virus spread by a wood tick that causes serious fevers,” Taliaferro says. Symptoms set in after 3 to 6 days of the bite and include fever, nausea, vomiting, chills and headache. “Your best defense is to stay out of grassy, wooded areas with heavy undergrowth, and use DEET,” Taliaferro adds.
DEET is effective against wood tick bites, so spraying shoes, socks and clothing if you are in a grassy area with your kids is a good idea. The CDC estimates that up to 15 percent of campers are exposed to ticks that carry Colorado Tick Fever, with most cases from April through July. Be smart when removing ticks. No matches needed! Taliaferro suggests tweezers to grab the back of its head and apply slow but steady traction to back it out. Then clean the area. If you have additional questions about Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever check with your healthcare provider or go online to http://www.ext. colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05593.html. RATTLERS! OH MY! It’s common to have a fear of a rattler crossing your path while hiking in Colorado. We do have rattlesnakes in and around the foothills of northern Colorado, but surprisingly, avid hikers rarely see them. In fact, statistics show you are more likely to be struck by lightning than bitten by a rattlesnake in our state. Yet it’s still a good idea to stick to the path rather than bushwhack. Rattlers
like grassy areas, stream crossings and rocky outcroppings. They may den in prairie dog burrows, caves and crevices. Encourage your curious kids to resist the urge of reaching in to cracks in the rocks. If the rare does happen, don’t fall victim of old movie tricks. “There’s a lot of folklore around how to treat a snakebite. One idea was to suck the poison out and that’s really not recommended. The current treatment regimen is to clean the wound and immobilize it. If you can, carry your child out. The more they move, the more the poison will distribute around the body. You want to keep the bitten area below the level of the heart to minimize blood flow,” Taliaferro says. Call 911 so they are able to meet you as soon as you get near a road or all the way to you if carrying is not an option. If you have cell reception, also call poison control at 1-800-221-2222. “Stay calm and don’t run. You don’t want to spread the toxins,” Taliaferro adds. Now that you know what to do with outdoor hazards, get out and enjoy the wild! UCHealth sponsored this article.
Handling a potential poisoning Some toddlers simply like to put things in their mouths more than others. I had one of those. He sampled a whole tube of toothpaste and silica packets from a shoebox before age 3. If you’ve got one too you know to keep a closer eye on him or her— likely you keep medicines and cleaners in a child protected cupboard—and you avoid flavored stickers, lip moisturizers and markers! Poisoning is one of the more common medical emergencies that occur with young kids and 90 percent of poisonings happen at home. Personally, I had poison control on speed dial. It’s your number one defense. Keep the poison control center number handy, and don’t hesitate to use it. Poison control is a great resource. In fact, most poisonings can be handled at home over the phone with poison control. Save poison control as a contact in your phone: 1-800-222-1222. “Poison control is a great resource for parents and if a child needs to go to the hospital, they give a case number and can call ahead to let them know you are coming, promoting faster and more
accurate treatment,” says Ted Beckman paramedic and division chief for Poudre Valley Hospital EMS. It’s tempting to get the poison out, but never induce vomiting before you talk to poison control as it can sometimes make things worse. If you are directed by poison control to go to the ER bring the suspected poison along. If your child is nonverbal, check for these signs and symptoms of poisoning from kidshealth.org: • drowsiness • sudden change in behavior • unusual odor • pill fragments on the lips or clothes • excessive drooling • vomiting • a confused mental state • listlessness “If your young child gets into medication it’s also a good idea to call 911, and most definitely when they are not alert,” adds Beckman, who says parents should never hesitate to call 911 for a medical concern.
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Splishin’ and splashin’. Slippin’ and slidin’. Boatin’ and floatin’. Kim Sharpe
S
ummertime offers so many ways to have fun in the sun, and many of those include water. I have fond memories of setting up a sprinkler in our yard and running through its spray to cool off on hot summer days when I was a kid. Occasionally we’d go downtown to the community pool, too. One summer, we acquired a slip and slide that provided hours of slippery, wet fun. Locally, there are many ways to cool off during the summer. SWIMMING IS SWELL Swimming or playing in a pool is an all-time favorite summer activity. Immersing yourself in cool water feels so refreshing on a hot day. If you want to learn to swim, all area pools provide 24
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lessons—both group and individual. So pack a bag with towels, sunscreen (at least 15SPF—apply liberally and often), and a picnic and head to the pool or one of northern Colorado’s Rocky Mountain high beaches. FISHING IS COOL Whether from a boat, canoe or from a shore, trying to catch that big one is a great way to spend time on or near water, and perhaps bring home dinner, too. Some of northern Colorado’s favorite fishing spots include Red Feather Lakes, the Big Thompson and Poudre Rivers, Horsetooth Reservoir, and Carter and Boyd Lakes. There are some hidden holes here, too, however, like the pond located among the 86-acrea Poudre River Ranch Natural
Area in Greeley. Another local favorite, especially for families with smaller children, is Lake Sheldon in Fort Collins City Park. If you’d like to learn to fish, you’re in luck. The Colorado Fishing Network (www.coloradofishing.net/guides.htm) offers a long list of fishing instructors and guides. Many of the area’s fishing retailers offer lessons, too, like Elkhorn Rod and Reel in Loveland (970-2274707 or www.elkhornflyrodandreel. com), JAX in Fort Collins and Loveland (970-221-0544, 970-776-4540 or www.jaxoutdoor.com), Rocky Mountain Adventures in Fort Collins (1-888-858-6808 or www.shoprma. com), St. Peter’s Fly Shop with two locations in Fort Collins (970-498-8968, 970-377-3785 or www.stpetes.com)
Swimming in NoCo Carter Lake Swim Beach Accessed from County Road 8E or 31 between West of Berthoud and LV, 970-619-4570, www.larimer.org/parks/carter.cfm Centennial Outdoor Pool 2315 Reservoir Road, GR, 970-330-2837 Chilson Recreation Center 700 E 4th St., LV, 970-962-2386 Open swim, lessons, water fitness classes. ity Park Pool C 1599 City Park Ave., FC, 970-221-6363 Edora Pool and Ice Center (EPIC) 1801 Riverside Ave., FC, 970-221-6683 www.fcgov.com/recreation/epic.php Estes Park Aquatic Center 660 Community Drive, EP, 970-586-2340 www.evrpd.com/aquatic-center/pool-info Open swim, lessons, water fitness classes. Family FunPlex Adventure Island Indoor Waterpark 1501 65th Ave., GR, 970-350-9401
and Stone Creek, Ltd. in Greeley (970330-7476 or www.stonecreekltd.com). RIDE A RAPID With late spring rain and snow in the high country, white water rafting and kayaking should provide a wild ride for many weeks into the summer. Unless you’re an experienced raft pilot or kayaker, however, don’t try to go it alone. There are many rafting companies that offer family friendly experiences, including A1 Wildwater (970-224-3379 or www.a1wildwater.com), Mountain Whitewater Descents (970-419-0917 or www.raftmwd.com), Rapid Transit Rafting (970-577-7238 or www. rapidtransitrafting.com) and Rocky Mountain Adventures (970-493-4005 or www.shoprma.com). WATER SAFETY While playing in and around water is great summer fun, it also can be dangerous. According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death worldwide. Non-fatal drownings also can occur, which can leave people with
Greeley Recreation Center Pool 651 10th Ave., GR, 970-350-9400 Open swim, lessons, water, fitness classes. orsetooth Reservoir Swim Beach H West of FC, 970-619-4570 www.larimer.org/horsetooth.cfm ake Loveland Swim Beach L 2626 N. Taft Ave., LV, 970-962-2727 oveland Swim Club L LV, 970-203-1374, www.lovelandswimclub.com Learn-to-swim and competitive swimming programs for athletes ages 3 through college. Mulberry Pool 424 W. Mulberry St., FC, 970-221-6657 Open swimming, lessons, teams. Village Green Pool 1831 Valley Forge Ave., FC, 970-493-2099 www.vgpool.com Swimming, diving, wading pool, swim teams, swim lessons. Windsor Lake Swim Beach Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St., WS 970-674-2400, www.windsorgov.com
irreversible brain injuries. This is what happened to Trista Roecker’s daughter, MacKenzie, when she was 4 years old. During a preschool swim outing, MacKenzie was found floating face down in the water. “We don’ know exactly what happened, because nobody saw, but the doctors say that she suffered a minimum of four minutes without oxygen and it caused severe brain injury. Now she is wheelchair bound. She does
not communicate. She does not feed herself. She’s just not the same little girl we raised for four years,” Roecker explains. MacKenzie is 14 now. It’s been a tough 10 years for her family, but they are using their experience for good. In 2012, Roecker founded MacKenzie’s Mission (www.macksmission.org), a nonprofit dedicated to educating other parents about drowning prevention and water safety. Roecker says the most important precaution you can take against drowning is to be present. “Responsible adults need to know that there is no substitute for active supervision,” she emphasizes. “Don’t leave, even for a moment. Stay where you can see, hear and reach kids in water. Avoid talking or texting on the phone, preparing a meal, reading and other distractions. Avoid drinking alcohol while supervising children. If your child can’t swim, stay within an arm’s reach of the child. Don’t rely solely on the lifeguard to protect your child. Not only was a lifeguard present when my daughter drown, she was wearing a non-U.S. Coast guard approved floatation belt at the time.” Also know that water doesn’t have to be deep to be a threat. A child can drown in a few inches of water, which can make even plastic wading pools hazardous. Roecker adds that drowning is silent and quick. A drowning child cannot cry or shout for help.
Follow these tips for safe water fun.*
• Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention • When there are several adults present and children are swimming, use the Water Watcher card strategy, which designates an adult as the Water Watcher for a certain amount of time (such as 15-minute periods) to prevent lapses in supervision. • Whether you’re swimming in a backyard pool or in a lake, teach children to swim with an adult. Older, more experienced swimmers should still swim with a partner at all times. From the first time your kids swim, teach children to never go near or in water without an adult present. • Never rely on inflatable swimming toys, such as “water wings” and noodles; these toys should never be used in place of U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets. • Learn CPR. Local hospitals, fire departments and recreation departments offer CPR training. • Educate your children about the dangers of drain entanglement and entrapment and teach them to never play or swim near drains or suction outlets.
*ADAPTED FROM SAFEKIDS (WWW.SAFEKIDS.ORG)
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thompson school district news Students surprised with $10,000 Award
On May 15, Intel Security and Discovery Education surprised Namaqua Elementary School students with a special assembly to announce that the school had been chosen as the grand-prize winner of the “Think Before You Link Sweepstakes.” At the conclusion of the assembly, the school was presented with a $10,000 check! Part of the Intel® Security Digital Safety Program, a three-year national education initiative designed to teach children to “Think Before You Link” by making safer decisions when using the internet, the sweepstakes awards more than $30,000 in cash prizes to deserving educators and elementary schools across the country in an effort to enhance students’ understanding of digital safety and awareness. The surprise assembly featured Alicia Kozakiewicz, an international internet safety advocate with the mission of protecting children against predatory crime. Congratulations to the Namaqua community! MVHS EARNS “BOBBY G AWARDS” ACCOLADES Mountain View High School received well-earned accolades in May when 28
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it was announced that the school had scored numerous finalist nominations for the third annual Bobby G Awards. The awards program, which culminated in a Tony Awards-style ceremony on May 28 at the Buell Theatre, celebrates outstanding achievement in highschool musical theatre in Colorado. This year, the program was expanded from the Denver metro area to include high schools statewide. The 2014-2015 Bobby G Awards ceremony gathered students from 30 high schools all across Colorado to perform on the Buell Theatre stage and mutually support one another’s work. MVHS led all schools with 12 nominations, including Outstanding Musical, for its staging of Disney’s Aida. Next were Durango High School’s Les Misérables with 10; Cherry Creek High School’s Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella with nine; and Boulder Fairview High School’s Anything Goes and Westminster High School’s Rent with eight each. In all, 17 of the 30 participating public and private high schools received at least one nomination. The Bobby G Awards, overseen and hosted by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, are Colorado’s regional
representative within the larger National High School Musical Theatre Awards, otherwise known as “The Jimmy Awards.” The winners of Colorado’s outstanding actor and actress awards not only will be invited to attend the Jimmy Awards on June 29 at the Minskoff Theatre in New York, but to participate in a week-long series of intensive classes and workshops with Broadway actors, directors and designers. Adjudicators, made up of professional working theatre artists in the Denver area, attended the participating schools’ musical theatre productions. Using the standards set by The Bobby G Awards training and criteria, as well as their own professional experience, these adjudicators completed extensive evaluation forms, offering schools detailed feedback on various elements of their musical productions. Participating schools received each adjudicator’s comments, praise and constructive criticism as a way of recognizing accomplishments and motivating future growth. All five schools nominated for Outstanding Overall Production were invited to perform at the May 28 Bobby G Awards ceremony. The finalists were Mountain View’s Aida, Cherokee Trail’s The Addams Family, Durango’s Les Misérables, Fairview’s Anything Goes and Westminster’s Rent. At the awards program, MVHS captured awards in the following categories: “Achievement in Stage Management,” “Outstanding Achievement in Hair and Make-Up Design” and “Outstanding Performance by a Chorus.” FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANTS TO TEACHERS IN TSD Spring brings new opportunities for teachers and their students in Thompson School District. Thompson Education Foundation (TEF) has awarded Great Idea Grants to 10 teachers and an Encore Grant to one teacher in Thompson School District for projects to be completed during the 2015-2016 school year.
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TEF has awarded classroom grants (formerly known as Creativity Grants) since 1999. During that time, the foundation has granted over $130,000 to teachers implementing innovative ideas to drive curriculum in their classrooms. Successful Great Idea Grant applicants demonstrate an out-of-the-ordinary approach that supports student achievement or wellbeing to enhance the educational experience for Thompson School District students. Encore Grants are awarded to projects that were previously funded by a Great Idea Grant and can demonstrate continued project growth with a second-year grant. For the 2015-2016 school year, TEF awarded a total of $14,932. The Great Idea Grant recipients are: Mary Bowman, Thompson Integrated Early Childhood Program Project: Bringing Hugs Home Robyn Davies, Ivy Stockwell Elementary School Project: Sparking Data Collection Christina Feldhus, Laurene Edmondson Elementary School Project: Genius Hour Amy Gerhard, Monroe Early Childhood Center Project: Joel’s Musical Garden
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Jake Marshall, Lucile Erwin Middle School Project: DIY Scratch Build Ground Division “Road Warriors” Brad Nelson, District Adapted PE Program Project: Every Step Counts Michael O’Brien, Ponderosa Elementary School Project: A2 (Art as Activism) Michael Pintaric, Loveland High School Project: Building Real World Electronic/Programming Projects in a Team Environment Nita Starr, Ivy Stockwell Elementary School Project: Ivy Talks Nichol Wolverton, Conrad Ball Middle School Project: GoPro:mote Science
The Encore Grant recipient for the 2015-2016 school year is:
Jason Hooker, Ivy Stockwell Elementary School Project: Bringing History to Life: A Costume Library! Year 2
STUDENTS RELEASE THE “BIG THOMPSON ALMANAC 2015” A collaborative work by students at Thompson School District’s Lucile
Erwin Middle School, Loveland High School, Conrad Ball Middle School and Mountain View High School has resulted in the creation of the “Big Thompson Almanac 2015,” a 124-page full-color publication featuring the creativity of 24 students. This is the second year that TSD students have collaborated on the project. Bob Campagna, a photographer, writer, designer and teacher who began working with students in the district in 2000, collaborated with the artists to help shape their vision and turn it into a reality. The almanac features short stories, photo essays, photography, poetry, drawings and other works with a goal of providing a look at the community as seen through the eyes of young artists. “By working with nearly twice the number of young artists for this year’s project, we’ve been able to greatly expand the vision and make it much more diverse and thorough,” Campagna says. “Our students were encouraged to use various art forms to create a portrait of the community from their point of view. It’s a powerful expression of life as seen through the eyes of young people.” “Our group consisted of a mix of students who were new to the project as well as some artists who were involved in the creation of last year’s almanac,” Campagna adds. “I viewed my role as one in which I could help our new students through the power of creation, while also helping the returning members to further enhance their craft.” The almanacs are being sold for $20 apiece and are available at the Loveland Visitor’s Center, Loveland Museum of Art, the Thompson School District Administrative Office and Artworks Loveland Studio 107. All proceeds will be donated to the Thompson School District Loveland Integrated School of the Arts (LISA) Outreach Program. LISA is an educational option for students with a passion for the arts that integrates visual and performing arts across the curriculum and offers alternatives to traditional learning styles.
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poudre school district news Construction improves learning environment Just a few hours after kids cleared out of Lincoln IB World Middle School on Friday for break, construction workers moved into the building to start work on summer projects. The school is one of 25 sites that will be upgraded over the summer using funds from the 2010 bond designated for improving and maintaining school facilities. Since voters passed the bond, more than $81 million has been spent on 130 projects to secure and update PSD’s 50 schools. Another $14 million will be spent this summer, as projects are completed during a short 10-week window of time. Many of the projects are designed to make schools safer for students and staff. Lincoln is one of three schools slated to receive an improved secure entryway. Video security systems will be installed at fourteen schools, to allow office staff to monitor and control building access. Access to schools over the summer is limited based on how extensive the construction projects are at each site. Five “red zone” schools will be completely closed to allow for major renovations like new flooring and lockers: Cache La Poudre elementary and middle schools, Laurel and Traut elementary and Preston middle school. The other “yellow” and “green” zone schools will have partial or typical access, installing items like new playgrounds, roofing, fencing, kitchen equipment, sinks and windows. The summer construction projects will brighten and refresh the learning environment for students during the upcoming school year. For more information about bond projects around the district, visit the 2010 Building Fund web pages. LINCOLN STUDENTS PROTECT AGAINST SUMMER FLOODS Two slight sixth grade girls, Gabriela Crowe and Heather Congleton, 32
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giggled as they struggled to lug a 25-pound bag of sand across the ground in early May at Lincoln Middle, an IB World School. All around them students shoveled sand into bags and hauled them onto palettes, to be stored by the city of Fort Collins and deployed in the event of summer flooding. Luckily, a dozen brawny military veterans were on site to help with the heavy lifting. Team Rubicon, a relief organization primarily made up of former members of the military, donated sand and volunteer hours to make Gabriela and Heather’s dream for a community service project a reality. The girls came up with the idea to fill sandbags through conversations with Lincoln student teacher Luke Adler, a CSU student and army veteran who volunteers with Team Rubicon. The group’s two-fold mission is to help in the community and give veterans a sense of purpose, says Jason
Sydoriak, TR state planning coordinator and president of CSU student government. “It’s not only about getting the city ready, but getting kids involved,” Sydoriak says. The girls did the meeting, planning, and advertising for the event themselves, with help from Adler and school administrators. “I was kind of blown away when they presented their idea,” assistant principal Ryan Thomson says. He worked with the girls to develop a plan, even helping form a vision of the sandbag filling becoming an annual event at the school. “There was a lot of work involved in our spare time, but I learned that hard work pays off,” Heather says. As they filled the sandbags, students said that they enjoyed getting outside, and working together to achieve a goal that was larger than any one person. “It’s cool to say that we started this,” Gabriela says. “It’s a whole new idea.
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greeley-evans district 6 news District 6 honors school and community partners
The Greeley-Evans School District 6 Board of Education honored the city of Greeley and Achieving Community Excellence program as the District 6 Community Partner of the Year at its regular board meeting Monday, June 8. Each year, schools select community partners to honor for donations of volunteer time, goods, services and financial gifts. Then the district selects one community partner to honor for its donations to the overall school district and students throughout all schools. This year, the city of Greeley has stepped forward with a commitment to help Greeley-Evans School District 6 on several fronts. The Achieving Community Excellence program has expanded from not only assisting with District 6 middle school sports programs, but with several other im34
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portant initiatives as well, resulting in the creation of the G-Town Promise and the Mayor’s Internship Initiative. As well, the city agreed to fund the installation of artificial turf at District 6 stadium, a multi-million project that will increase the use of the facility ten-fold. In addition, the Greeley-Evans Transit authority worked with the district to create the Crown Jewel Busing Program, which allows our students to ride city buses for free any time. Thousands of students have taken advantage of this program this year, and ridership of the GET buses has increased more than 300 percent since the Crown Jewel program began last year. The Greeley Police Department continues its School Resource Of-
ficer program, but has also ramped up training for students and staff in many areas, including distracted driving and Internet danger “The city of Greeley has become a true partner of public education, standing side-by-side with administrators and educators to help give students access to great academic and extracurricular programs,” says Interim Superintendent Wayne Eads. “The city programs help our students stay safe and stay engaged in school.” In addition, many District 6 partners have contributed greatly to the success of students at the school level. These important partnerships help District 6 students have access to many of the resources, expertise and opportunities that are made possible through these generous organizations.
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While many organizations contribute to schools throughout the school year, principals were asked to select one partner to honor at the end of the school year. Here are this year’s school-based community partners of the year: • Centennial Elementary School and Greeley Assistance League • Chappelow K-8 Arts Literacy Magnet School and University of Northern Colorado College of Fine Arts • Dos Rios Elementary Schooland Cornerstone Community Church • Heiman Elementary School and Anadarko Petroleum Company • Jackson Elementary School and North Colorado Health Alliance and Community Care Corps. • Madison Elementary School and Kiwanis Club of Greeley • Maplewood Elementary School and Christ Community Church • McAuliffe Elementary School and Northridge High School
• Cassidy Francies and Meeker Elementary School and John Elway Chrysler Jeep Dodge • M onfort Elementary School and Chick-fil-A • Shawsheen Elementary School and St. Patrick Presbyterian Church • R omero K-8 and Leprino Foods • W inograd K-8 School and Norfolk Iron & Metal Company • B rentwood Middle School and Greeley Central High School • Franklin Middle School and JBSUSA Meatpacking Plant • H eath Middle School and First Congregational Church • J ohn Evans Middle School and Journey Christian Church • Greeley Central High School and Banner Health/NCMC, NCMC, Inc. • Greeley West High School and Bank of Colorado • Northridge High School and City of Greeley Water and Sewer, Public Works • J efferson High School and
Greeley Elks Grand Lodge • G reeley Alternative Program and 16th Street Blackjack Pizza HIGH SCHOOLS HOST YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP Greeley Central, Greeley West and Northridge high schools are hosting the Greeley Youth Football Camp from 8am to 1pm, Saturday, July 11 at the Heath Middle School field. This camp, geared for third through eighth graders, gives students the opportunity to spend a day with high school coaches and their players to develop football skills. Registration is free. All participants will receive a T-shirt and lunch. Registration and consent forms are available online at www.greeleyschools.org/ footballcamp. Completed forms need to be returned to the District 6 Administration Building at 1025 9th Avenue in Greeley during regular business hours, Monday-Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm. Questions can be directed to Bob Billings at (970) 348-6302.
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J U LY 2 0 1 5 ONGOING JULY 3 AND 4 4th of July Weekend Celebration Estes Park offers a spectacular fireworks display, family friendly festivities tailored for the holiday and outdoor activities. Event times and locations vary. www.visitestespark.com. JULY 3, 17 AND 31 To Be a Tree Excite the senses with an exploration into the world of trees. Registration required. $10. Moraine Park Discovery Center, Bear Lake Road, EP. 1011:30am. 970-586-3262 or www. visitestespark.com. JULY 6 - 10 AND 20 - 24 Lone Tree Summer School Students will participate in this fun, educational program that simulates the typical school day and activities of the late 19th century. $75 ($60 for Museum members). Lone Tree School, North Lake Park, LV. 9-11:30am. 970-962-2548 or www.cityofloveland.org. JULY 7 AND 28 Bright By Three (Formerly Bright Beginnings) Provides parents and caregivers with educational tools, books and games to make the most of these important
developmental years. Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., LV. 12noon-1pm. 970-495-7500 or www.uchealth.org. JULY 8 AND 15 2015 Children’s Summer Concert Series Features hour-long performances of drama, comedy, music and dance. Performance lineup to be announced. Recommended for ages 2-12. The Lincoln Center Lawn, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 10:30am. 970-221-6730 or www.lctix.com. JULY 8 AND 22 Rocky Mountain Trailblazers: Kids Hiking Series Along with a guide, kids will look for evidence of animals, identify plants and flowers, and learn about the wonderful sport of hiking. Registration required. $10. Locations vary, EP. 9am-1:30pm. 970-586-3262 or www.visitestespark.com. JULY 9 AND 23 Who Pooped in the Woods? A Mammal Mystery Learn how to recognize different animal signs like scat and tracks, and you’ll get
to take home a cast of an animal track. $10/child. Lily Lake, EP. 9am-12pm. 970586-3262 or www.visitestespark.com. JULY 14 AND 28 Food Truck Rally Bring your favorite blanket for a picnic on the lawn and support local food trucks at this event. City Park, FC. 5pmdusk. www.fortcollinsfoodtrucks.com. JULY 16 AND 23 Blooming Relief Learn and apply art techniques to clay blooms, then complete your own masterpiece in this two-day class. Grades 2-5. $20 ($16 Museum Members). Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org. JULY 16 AND 30 Making Memories: Kids Photojournaling in Rocky Mountain National Park Sharing photographs and stories is a great way to tell others about a fun and exciting vacation. Registration required. $15. Moraine Park Discovery Center, EP. 9am-12:30pm. 970-586-3262 or www. visitestespark.com.
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JULY 23 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang This family friendly musical will take you on a fantastic adventure with a car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Ticket prices and show times vary. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown. 970-7443747 or www.coloradocandlelight.com. JULY 25 AND 26 Greeley Arts Picnic This event has a little something for everyone: art, entertainment, Creation Station Kids’ Hands-On Area, food court and beer garden. Lincoln Park, 802 10th Ave., GR. July 25 – 9am-5pm, July 26 – 9am-4pm. www.greeleydowntown.com. JULY 31 THROUGH AUGUST 4 Larimer County Fair and Rodeo The annual fair and rodeo offers fun for the entire family. Featuring a carnival, rodeo, contests, great food, dog and pony show, horse show, live music and more. The Ranch Complex, 5280 Arena Circle, LV. Hours vary. www.larimercountyfair.org. THROUGH AUGUST 23 The World of Jan Brett Original artwork, sketchbooks and themed reading environments are featured from this beloved children’s author/illustrator. Fort Collins Museum of Art, 201 S. College Ave., FC. Ticket prices and museum hours vary. 970-4822787 or www.ftcma.org. THROUGH AUGUST Youth Gardening Program Teens will grow their own gardens, and develop responsibility, teamwork, communication, problem solving and leadership. Prices vary. Downtown Loveland. Monday-Thursday, 9am-12pm; some Saturdays required. 970-682-4002 or www.LovelandYouthGardeners.org. THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6 Windsor 125 Display at the Museum A custom exhibit honoring Windsor’s 125year history. Art and Heritage Center, 116 5th St., WS. Thursday-Sunday, 12-4pm. 970-674-2443 or www.windsorgov.com.
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THROUGH OCTOBER 1 Youth Tours Available to schools, homeschool groups, day cares, camps and youth groups. Tours available: Seed-centric, Treemendous or Sensory-Based Garden Tour. All tours last 90 minutes. $4. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov. com/gardens.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 Performance Park Summer Concert Riverside Ramblers - foot-tapping sounds of Dixieland style jazz music. Performance Park, 417 W. Elkhorn Ave., EP. 7-8:30pm. www.visitestespark.com. Foote Lagoon Summer Concert Hazel Miller – a powerful combination of blues, jazz, pop and Gospel music. Foote Lagoon Amphitheater, 500 E. 3rd St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.
THURSDAY, JULY 2 Organized Volunteering at HNS Be a community hero with the teenSeen by helping those that help others at House of Neighborly Service. Grades 6-12. Registration required. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 8-10am. 970-962-2548 or www. cityofloveland.org. Performance Park Summer Concert Jeff VanDevender – piano melodies that blend classic jazz and rock with a touch of soul. Performance Park, 417 W. Elkhorn Ave., EP. 7-8:30pm. www. visitestespark.com. Thursday Night Live Presented by Bohemian Nights, featuring Dave Beegie and the Jurassicasters (Rock). Armadillo Restaurant Parking Lot, 354 Walnut St., FC. 7-9pm. www.bohemiannights.org.
FRIDAY, JULY 3 Bike Art Show A celebration of all things bikes and art, featuring Bike Fort Collins’ Helmet Design Contest. Downtown Artery Café, 252 Linden St., FC. 6-10pm. www. bikefortcollins.org.
Movie Night: Operation Condor Jackie Chan stars in this Indiana Jonesesque action-adventure film (PG-13). Old Town Library, Community Room Combo, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-9pm. 970-2216740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.
SATURDAY, JULY 4 Greeley Stampede 4th of July Parade & Fireworks Floats, bands and equestrian entries from all over Colorado and many other neighboring states line up to celebrate. Parade begins at 10th Ave. and 19th St. Fireworks will be at Island Grove Park, GR. 9-11am. www.greeleydowntown.com. Fort Collins 4th of July Parade & Fireworks See floats, hear music and celebrate our country’s independence. Parade begins at Jackson Ave. and Mountain Ave., Old Town. Fireworks will be in City Park, FC. 10-11:30am. www.visitfortcollins.com. Old-fashioned 4th of July at the 1879 Avery House Enjoy Victorian games and crafts, live music, historic characters, visual artists, activities, booths and more. 1879 Avery House, 328 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 10am-2pm. 970-221-0533 or www. poudrelandmarks.org. July 4th Celebration at North Lake Park Food and game booths, entertainment, and the area’s largest and longest fireworks show. North Lake Park, 2626 N. Taft Ave., LV. 10am-10pm. 970-9622548 or www.cityofloveland.org. Windsor Summer Concert Featuring the Blue Canyon Boys, a bluegrass band. Fireworks will follow the concert from 7-9:30pm. Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St., WS. 6:30-8:30pm. www.windsor.gov.
SUNDAY, JULY 5 101st Army Concert Band This ensemble performs symphonic concerts consisting of classical music, marches, as well as playing a salute to veterans at every performance. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 2pm. 970-221-6730 or www.lctix.com.
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MONDAY, JULY 6 Scarlet Sisters Super Power Hour Discover your power with the Scarlet Sisters of the Salida Circus. All ages and groups of all sizes welcome. Old Town Library, Library Park – South Lawn, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10:30-11:30am. 970221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.
Super Sounds Investigate sound science by hearing, feeling and even seeing vibrations. Create and try out your own sound maker to keep. Grades K-3. Registration required. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 1:30-2:30pm. 1-888-8617323 or www.MyLibrary.us.
Night on the Town Enjoy the current main gallery art exhibition “Reveries: Anna Skibska” for free. With music from the Fort Collins Symphony. Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 6-9pm. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.
Super Heroes vs. Villains Games/Fitness This hour of fun superhero fitness is sure to get your hearts racing and faces smiling. Grades K-5. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1-2pm. 1-888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.
Wildflower Treasure Hunt Hunt for summer wildflowers with Larimer County naturalist Linda Bilsing. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, FC. 5-7pm. www.larimer.org.
Movie Night: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) Four adolescent turtles lead the battle to save the city from the evil Shredder (PG). Old Town Library, Community Room Combo, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-9pm. 970-221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.
TUESDAY, JULY 7 Tiny Trekkers This will be a morning filled with crafts, stories, fun facts and some outside time. Ages 2-5 and a guardian. Devil’s Backbone Open Space, LV. 10-11am. 970-619-4489 or www.larimer.gov. Promenade Kid Days The theme of this program: Transportation! The Promenade Shops at Centerra, Main Plaza, 5971 Sky Pond Drive, LV. 11am-2pm. www. thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com. Teen Superheroes: Recycle and Re-create Take old graphic novels and comic strips and make some imaginative new creations. Grades 6-12. Registration required. Council Tree Library, Community Room (C), 2733 Council Tree Ave. #200, FC. 1:30-3:30pm. 970221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org. Superheroes in your Garden Parent and child class at The Gardens on Spring Creek. Children ages 5+ with adult. Registration required. $10/child. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 6-7:30pm. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 Easy Cubism Paint a fun animal, cut it into pieces and then put it back together in a different way. Grades 3-6. Registration required. $20 ($16 Museum members). Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 1-3pm. 970-962-2410 or www.cityofloveland.org. 42
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Performance Park Summer Concert Series Wisteria – folk and traditional tunes. Performance Park, 417 W. Elkhorn Ave., EP. 7-8:30pm. www.visitestespark.com.
THURSDAY, JULY 9 Windsor Summer Concert Featuring Facing West - original acoustic folk. Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St., WS. 6:30-8:30pm. www.windsor.gov. Search and Rescue Dogs Meet a search and rescue dog, learn how they save lives and what makes them superheroes. Council Tree Library, Community Room (C), 2733 Council Tree Ave. #200, FC. 7-7:45pm. 970-2216740 or www.poudrelibraries.org. Thursday Night Live Presented by Bohemian Nights, featuring Pan Jumbies (Calypso). Armadillo Restaurant Parking Lot, 354 Walnut St., FC. 7-9pm. www.bohemiannights.org. Foote Lagoon Summer Concert A rollicking mix of contemporary blues, swamp pop, traditional Cajun and zydeco music. Foote Lagoon Amphitheater, 500 E. 3rd St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.
FRIDAY, JULY 10 Kids Fly-fishing and Stream Ecology Kids will learn about the ecosystem, and get a chance to try fly-fishing on their own. Registration required. $20. Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Field Institute & Conference Center, 1895 Fall River Rd., EP. 9am-1pm. 970-586-3262 or www.visitestespark.com.
Windsor Movie in the Park Watch Paddington (PG) with the whole family. $8. Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St., WS. 8:30pm. www.windsor125.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 11 Motherlove Herb Walks Learn to identify and use the many plants that grow at the company’s organic farm. Registration required. $25. Motherlove Farm, 503 South CR1, Johnstown. 10am-12pm. mother@motherlove.com. Family Bike Ride Families are invited to a 10-mile guided bike ride on the Poudre Trail. Children of all ages welcome. Poudre Trail parking lot on Taft Hill Rd. 10am-1pm. www. webtrac.fcgov.com. Missoula Children’s Theatre: King Arthur’s Quest Local students perform an adaptation of the tale of King Arthur. $8. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 3 & 5:30pm. 970-962-2120 or www.rialtotheatercenter.org.
TUESDAY, JULY 14 Babysitting 101 Teens learn to be better babysitters in this fun and informative program. Registration required. Harmony Library, Community Room (H), 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 12noon-5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.
family
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August 2012 • rmp August 2012 • rmp
resources for parents in northern Colorado
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 Junior Ranger Hike Have you always wanted to be a Junior Ranger? Now you can! Join naturalists on a hike that will show you places to go, what to do and how to be safe outdoors. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, FC. 9-11:30am. 970-619-4565 or www.larimer.org. You Can Save the Day Storyteller Pam Faro will entertain with participatory and fun stories featuring children using their hearts and heads to save the day. Stoneham Post Office, 41621 Mable Ave., Stoneham. 9:15-10:15am. 1-888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us. Performance Park Summer Concert Steve Smersh – heartfelt music from a local singer/songwriter. Performance Park, 417 W. Elkhorn Ave., EP. 7-8:30pm. www.visitestespark.com.
THURSDAY, JULY 16 Recycled Runway Upcycle thrift store threads to create new fashions with a comic book twist. Grades 6-12. Erie Library, Meeting Room, 400 Powers St., Erie. 1:30-3pm. 1-888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us. Denver Zoo: Remarkable Reptiles Explore the reptilian science of live snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodilians. Ages 5-12. Registration required. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 Third St., WS. 4-5pm and 5:15-6:16pm. 970686-5603 or www.clearviewlibrary.org. Windsor Summer Concert Featuring Soul School - pop/R&B/ funk/rock & original. Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St., WS. 6:30-8:30pm. www.windsor.gov. Rub a Reptile The Northern Colorado Herpetological Society will bring a selection of reptiles, including snakes, for a hands-on visit. Recommended for children ages 5 and up. Council Tree Library, Community Room (C), 2733 Council Tree Ave. #200, FC. 7-7:45pm. 970-221-6740 or www.poudrelibraries.org.
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Performance Park Summer Concert Jazz Big Band performs in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. Performance Park, 417 W. Elkhorn Ave., EP. 7-8:30pm. www.visitestespark.com. Thursday Night Live Presented by Bohemian Nights, featuring Halden Wofford & the Hi*Beams (Country). Armadillo Restaurant Parking Lot, 354 Walnut St., FC. 7-9pm. www.bohemiannights.org.
SATURDAY, JULY 18 Larimer County Search and Rescue Open House and Pancake Breakfast Family fun including search dog, tracking demonstrations, rope rescues, first aid tips and wilderness safety talks. LCSAR Office, 1303 N. Shields St., FC. 8am-12noon. www.larimercountysar.org or 970-310-8142. Rocky Mountain Centennial 5K This peaceful 5K captures the spirit of why runners enjoy being close to nature. Ticket prices vary. Wild Basin Trailhead area of Rocky Mountain National Park, Colo. Hwy 115, EP. 8:30am. www. visitestespark.com. Cherry Pie Festival Enjoy delicious cherry pie and tasty ice cream while listening to live music and browsing vendor booths. Peters Park and 5th St., LV. 5-8pm. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org. “Wile E. Coyote” Join Larimer County Naturalists for a captivating presentation on Coyotes. River Bluffs Open Space, WS. 5:306:30pm. www.larimer.org. Performance Park Summer Concert Series Rocky Mountain Brassworks – approximately 35 players on brass and percussion instruments. Performance Park, 417 W. Elkhorn Ave., EP. 7-8:30pm. www.visitestespark.com.
TUESDAY, JULY 21 Promenade Kid Days The theme of this program: Artistic Kids – a new kind of Kid Day featuring interactive performances
on the stage. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, Main Plaza, 5971 Sky Pond Drive, LV. 11am-2pm. www. thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com. Tuesday Theater for Kids: Bonnie Phipps Join the funny, witty and intelligent Bonnie Phipps as she presents upbeat songs and stories. Adult - $6, Children $4. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 1pm. 970-962-2120 or www. rialtotheatercenter.org.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 Performance Park Summer Concert David Boyd will be performing. Performance Park, 417 W. Elkhorn Ave., EP. 7-8:30pm. www.visitestespark.com. THURSDAY, JULY 23 Historic Preservation Brown Bag Members of the Young Chautauquans perform for guests. The Greeley History Museum, 714 8th St., GR. 12-1pm. www.greeleygov.com. Storyteller and Magician Join the talented Erica Sodos as she reveals what it means to be a superhero by using her very own magic tricks. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 Third St., WS. 2-3:15pm. 970-686-5603 or www.clearviewlibrary.org. Windsor Summer Concert Featuring Martini Shot, a rock (with horns) band. Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St., WS. 6:30-8:30pm. www.windsor.gov. Performance Park Summer Concert Banjo Sam – energetic bluegrass music. Performance Park, 417 W. Elkhorn Ave., EP. 7-8:30pm. www.visitestespark.com. Thursday Night Live Presented by Bohemian Nights, featuring The Patti Fiasco (Rock). Armadillo Restaurant Parking Lot, 354 Walnut St., FC. 7-9pm. www. bohemiannights.org. Foote Lagoon Summer Concert Series Quemando Salsa – Latin and salsa. Foote Lagoon Amphitheater, 500 E. 3rd St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.
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FRIDAY, JULY 24 Dive-In Movie Watch Dolphin Tale 2 (PG). $2.25. Chimney Park Pool, 421 Chimney Park Dr., WS. 8pm. www.windsor125.com. SATURDAY, JULY 25 Fort Collins Human Race The 32nd annual Fort Collins Human Race includes a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids 1-mile races. Proceeds benefit the Food Bank for Larimer County and the Boys & Girls Club of Fort Collins. Ticket prices and race times vary. Civic Center Park, FC. www. fortcollinshumanrace.com. TUESDAY, JULY 28 Hollowell Park Nature Hunt: A Virtual Geocache Adventure Using a GPS unit, participants will discover the natural treasures found around the ecologically diverse area inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Registration required. $10. Hollowell Park, EP. 9:30am-12pm. 970-586-3262 or www.visitestespark.com. “Y” is for Yoga Build literacy skills and healthy minds and bodies through books, songs, rhymes and yoga. Ages 3-6 and their grown-ups. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 Third St., WS. 10-11:30am. 970686-5603 or www.clearviewlibrary.org. Tuesday Theater for Kids: Rapunzel Phamaly’s unique production of Rapunzel is a witty, tongue-in-cheek, one-hour musical retelling of a perennial favorite. Adults - $6, Children - $4. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 1pm. 970-962-2120 or www. rialtotheatercenter.org.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 Beat the Heat Splash and play while beating the heat at Lincoln Park Library. This week: Ball Splat/Rube Goldberg water wall. Lincoln Park Library, 919 7th St. Ste. 100, GR. 10-10:30am. 1-888-861-7323 or www. MyLibrary.us.
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THURSDAY, JULY 30 100 Years of Rocky Celebration Celebrate the opening of the People in the Park exhibit featuring artwork from the Rocky Mountain National Park Artist-in-Residence Program. Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 5-7pm. 970-962-2410 or www. lovelangmuseumgallery.org. Windsor Summer Concert Featuring The Indulgers, an Irish rock band. Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St., WS. 6:30-8:30pm. www.windsor.gov.
Thursday Night Live Presented by Bohemian Nights, featuring The Railsplitters (Bluegrass). Armadillo Restaurant Parking Lot, 354 Walnut St., FC. 7-9pm. www. bohemiannights.org. Foote Lagoon Summer Concert 101st Army Dixieland Band – Colorado Army National Guard citizen soldiers performing patriotic, jazz and popular favorites. Foote Lagoon Amphitheater, 500 E. 3rd St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.
NoCo Farmer’s Markets
Enjoy locally grown produce and other food-stuffs at through early fall. TUESDAYS, THROUGH OCTOBER Loveland Farmers Market Vegetables, eggs, fruits, baked goods, meat, birdhouses, honey, specialty foods and goods. In front of Hobby Lobby, 3133 N. Garfield Ave., LV. 11am-3pm. www.fortcollinsfm.com.
SATURDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 26 Drake Road Farmers Market Vegetables, eggs, fruits, baked goods, meat, seafood, honey, specialty foods and goods from more than 40 vendors. 802 W. Drake Rd., FC. 10am-1pm. www.drakeroadfarmersmarket.com.
WEDNESDAYS, MID-JUNE THROUGH OCTOBER Fort Collins Farmers Market Vegetables, fruits, plants and flowers, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, pet treats, specialty foods and goods from 40 vendors. Parking lot of ACE Hardware, 1001 E. Harmony Road, FC. 11am-3pm. www.fortcollinsfm.com.
SATURDAYS, THROUGH OCTOBER 24 Larimer County Farmers Market Breads and pastries, eggs and meat, fruits and vegetables, flowers, crafts and jewelry, jams and jellies, skin care, sauces and salsas, wine, yogurt and cheese. Larimer County Courthouse parking lot, 200 W. Oak St., FC. 8am-12noon. www.larimercounty farmersmarket.colostate.edu/index.shtml.
THURSDAYS, JUNE 4 THROUGH OCTOBER 1 Estes Valley Farmers Market Produce, fruit, breads, cheeses, smoothies, flowers and more. 107 MacGregor Ave., EP (in Bond Park next to the public library). 8am-1pm. www.facebook.com/Estes ValleyFarmersMarket. THURSDAYS, JUNE 4 THROUGH COTOBER Wellington Farmers Market Baked goods, flowers, honey, sausage, jewelry, sauces, fruit, vegetables, birdhouses, coffee, desserts, pumpkins and skincare. 3815 Harrison Ave., Centennial Park, Wellington. 4-8pm (or dusk). www.wellingtoncofarmersmarket.org.
SUNDAYS, THROUGH MID-NOVEMBER Fort Collins Farmers Market Vegetables, fruits, plants and flowers, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, pet treats, specialty foods and goods from about 40 vendors. Parking lot of ACE Hardware, 1001 E. Harmony Road, FC. 11am-3pm. www.fortcollinsfm.com. SUNDAYS, JUNE 28 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 27 City of Loveland Farmers Market Produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, packaged foods, wine, books and more from more than 40 vendors, plus live music. 700 S. Railroad Ave., LV (at the far north end of the old fairgrounds). 9am-1:30pm. www.cityofloveland.org/ index.aspx ?page=686.
Wacky Wednesdays! @
the Garbage Garage
6.3.15
6.17.15
10am-Noon Cool Science experiments using every day usable materials; Take home projects and Ideas to amaze Your Friends
Wacky Science
Rot and Pot
7.1.15
Flowers, Feathers & Fur
7.15.15
7. 29.15
10am-Noon Learn about Composting and starting seeds. Plant Seeds in Your own decorated pot
10am-Noon All about plants, birds and animals that live at the landfill Create your own landfill or animal to take home with you.
10am-Noon Edible Animals: On the zero Waste Lunch Menu. Eat Lunch at the Landfill
10am-Noon Summertime Fun with Stuff: Create your own summer Olympic games.
Zero Waste Picnic
REGISTRATION MAY BE LIMITED FOR SOME SESSIONS
These programs are for Children 6-12 that are accompanied by an adult (Sorry no Day Camps or Groups)
TO REGISTER CALL
498-5772
Reuse Olympics
HAVE
FUN WHILE
LEARNING RMPARENT
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un F s ’ It shy l a r T a It’s cation Edu s ’ t I It’s the
Garbage Garage Larimer County’s waste & recycling education center at the Larimer County Landfill in Fort Collins
(970) 498-5772 larimer.org/solidwaste
Protect your treasures;
your real treasures. Call Zaynard Office of Law, P.C. to schedule a house call and learn how a proper estate plan can
help the ones you love.
970-818-9357
www.pzlawyers.com |
PO Box 7588 | Broomfield, CO | 80021
Now serving Larimer and Weld County. 48
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Advertising WORKS!
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TO ADVERTISE, CONTACT: Greg Hoffman 970-689-6832 • greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com Scott Titterington 970-980-9183 • scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com
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time out
Tablet terror at five
More, more, more & more and when does it end...? MAIA BACCARI
I
have always been a bit nervous about raising a kid amid the technology that we use in today’s world. I knew from the time my daughter was born, that at some point I would be dealing with cyber issues. I worried about texting and Facebook and her teenage years. I worried that she may be more attached to her phone than to her friends. I imagined conflicts, drama and teen attitude in the fairly distant future, but I never imagined what is happening now: a daily war over technology between me and my 5-year-old. I don’t know what kind of mind-melding material they are putting in iPADS and Tablets, but I do know that my kid cannot get enough of it; and when I tell her she has had enough, it’s like I’m in the Lord of the Rings movie and I’ve taken away her Precious. I’m frightened she might literally jump off the edge of a cliff for five more minutes of Barbie Dress Up or attack me with claws and teeth for another episode of Sophia. She begins her allotted screen time a happy, well-adjusted, sweet girl and ends it as a snarling beast, “Wait, Mommy, no, NO, FIVE MORE MINUTES, NO YOU ARE RUINING MY ENTIRE DAY, NOOOOOOO!” I know I am not alone here, a friend of mine told me that whenever her daughter has screen time it alters her attitude for hours afterwards, and not for the better. I’m beginning to think that having thousands of kid shows and games at our fingertips cannot be natural. It feeds into a more, more, MORE mentality. It’s dangerous, like buying cheese at Costco, sure it’s a good deal, but do we really need to eat that much cheese? Does my kid really need to have so many mindless entertainment options?
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When I was a kid we watched Sesame Street, Mister Rogers and Saturday morning cartoons. The Wizard of Oz, Frosty the Snowman and the Charlie Brown specials were a huge deal because they came on once a year. For my daughter, entertainment seems no longer a special event, but rather an expected event, an event that I have to limit in time and
it’s because she gets so excited about a new drawing app or a great haircut she created on Toca Boca or maybe it’s because I need 45 minutes of me time every 24 hours, maybe it’s both. If I can’t stop it all together, then the least I can do is offer fabulous alternatives. It is summer after all. I know it’s not 1985, and the television
monitor for content. It is a bartering tool, a reward and a punishment. If I were stronger, I would cut it off all together. No more iPAD, no more apps, no more Netflix, Hulu and Amazon. Unfortunately, I’m weak and although I do my best to limit my kiddo’s screen time and only allow her to engage in age-appropriate content, I still allow her to have a relationship with the iPAD. I don’t know why I do it. Maybe
doesn’t go off air at midnight to the hum of the national anthem; but some things remain the same. The pool is open and they still sell Otter pops at the concession stand. One hose, one friend, two swimsuits and the backyard will make the hours fly by; and when you are 5 years old playing tag, riding your bike, the ice cream truck and water balloons will always be more fun than playing with an iPAD.
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Ful l
Every child learns a second language …
Tui day tion Kin Fre de e
And each middle school student will have a laptop to enhance learning
你好!
rga rte
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Hola! Tuition-Free K-8 International School With Free Full Day Kindergarten Global Village Academies provide a rigorous multi-cultural program through research-based language immersion instruction in English and your choice of Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, or French.
Watch us grow! We’re adding a new addition to our building including a full size gym and expanded lunchroom and classrooms.
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Weekly Information Meetings or Tours Contact us for details: dhoughtaling@globalvillageacademy.org or 970-282-3767
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970-682-9242
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Language Immersion Preschool Now Open