Boulder County Kids Winter 2021

BOULDER COUNTY

volume XXV11 No. 4 winter 2021

KIDS

CELEBRATING OUR CHILDREN FOR OVER 26 YEARS!

“Jessie the Bear”

by Livia, age 13

magic

WINTER IS

Directories & Resources

Recipes & Crafts

Columns & Videos

And more fun inside!

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MACK. Made For Kids We want all kids to love coming to school as much as #MACKKIDS do. Contact us today to see if Mack is a good fit for your child.

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WELCOME BACK! W

inter is magic in so many ways. Not a single snowflake that falls from the sky is the same. An old man in a sleigh delivers gifts to children around the world. The oil that could only keep a candle lit for one day kept the flame burning for eight whole nights. There is tinsel and sparkling lights everywhere. The promise of a new year brings about a collective feeling of hope.

Winter is particularly magic for kids in Boulder County.

There are so many activities here that make this season full of joy! From holiday markets to St. Nick on the bricks of the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center, Boulder County is overflowing with holiday cheer.

We are proud to be your go-to resource for all things Boulder County, this season and into the new year. Inside these pages are the best of the best of Boulder County. Flip through to find new after school programs, child care & preschools, or private schools in the area. You will also find information and advice that you won’t find anywhere else in the words of our columns & articles. And don’t forget to check out the recipes and crafts that we have mastered especially for the winter season!

Our designated Kids Zone is ever-expanding with each issue. Thus, we decided it was time to give Kids Zone its own section! In the Kids Zone, you will find games and activities to entertain the kiddos while you read up on the latest “What Do I Do Now, Romona?”

Happy Holidays from Boulder County Kids.

We hope you have a magical winter season!

Follow us on:

Contact us!

(303) 728-4798 info@bouldercountykids.com

Isabella & Annie (and our mascot Junie)

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BOULDER COUNTY KIDS is a division of Martin House Publications, Inc. Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. Mailing Address: 1464 E. Easter Cir. Centennial, CO 80122. Phone number: (303) 728– 4798.

Copyright 1995 to 2021 by Boulder County Kids. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Boulder County Kids encourages your submission of articles, photographs, and ideas. We reserve the right to edit all submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication. Viewpoints of the articles are not necessarily the viewpoints of Boulder County Kids. Materials will not be returned. Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the publisher. Printed with soy-based ink. Please go to www.bouldercountykids.com for more information.

WHAT’S INSIDE Winter 2021

winter magic 10

Winter Crafts

12

Winter Recipes

39

Winter Horoscopes

48

Winter Calendar

directories

articles & columns 6

Cover Artist Superstar

16

Kids Planet with Thorne

19

What Do I Do Now, Romona?

24

Integrated Love with

28

Treating Our Kids With Trust & Respect

33

New Year, New Hobby,

Nature Experience

Miss Katie

Newly Resilient and Confident Child

14

Virtual Directory

34

Tiny Trails with Allison Burch

18

Helpful Services

36

Picture Books About Finding &

20

Child Care Directory

34

Movin’ & Groovin’ with Jamie Carr

26

Private School Directory

29

Gift Giving Directory

30

After School Programs

38

Birthday Party Directory

Celebrating One's Unique Place in the World

kids zone 44

Where’s Junie?

46

PRESS PLAY: Video Page

37

TikToks & Winter Crosswords

Special thanks to: Jennifer Martin & Indie Darlene Mueller Morse Jennifer Rodehaver Leroy & Holly Schutz Marybeth & Carl Gieser bouldercountykids.com

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FRONT COVER

SUPERSTAR to go as often in California.

When she grows up, Livia wants to be either an animator or an engineer.

T

his majestic, winter bear named Jessie was created by 13-year-old artist, Livia, at Tinker Art Studio using india ink. Livia is in 8th grade at Eldorado K-8 where art is absolutely her favorite subject.

Livia comes from a full house—she has three sisters and one brother. They all just moved to Boulder County earlier this year from the San Francisco Bay Area. Back in California, Livia’s favorite restaurant was the Blue Gingko where they served her favorite food, sushi.

Livia loves Disney movies. In particular, the movie Soul is her favorite! She especially liked how the main character finally reaches his goals, but realizes his life was already pretty great without them. The television series Psych is her current favorite thing to watch.

When she’s not making art, Livia plays the violin. The fast songs are super fun for her to play, but the slower songs are really pretty. She also loves contemporary dance.

Livia’s family has a cute little doggo named Banjo, even though no one in the family plays the banjo (yet!). Banjo is

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a whoodle, which is a mix between a poodle and a soft-coated wheaten terrier and sounds like what Dr. Suess would name a dog from Whoville!

This winter season, Livia is super excited to be able to ski a lot more now that she lives in Colorado. She’s been a skier since she was 8 but didn’t get

Thank you to Tinker Art Studio for submitting “Jessie the Bear” along with other beautiful pieces of art (some of which are featured to the right)! For more information about Tinker Art Studio, please head to both the After School Directory on page 32 and the Birthday Party Directory on page 38 or visit their website by clicking here.

The cover sponsor, Premier Members Credit Union, pays competitive dividends on federally insured savings accounts.

Your family can also enjoy lowcost loans and the credit union gives money to the school of your choice at no cost to you.

For more information and to find a location near you visit www.pmcu.org or call (303) 657-4558.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

River Walker, age 7

Kate Oerding, age 11

Lucia Blanchfield, age 12

Kelsey Kiernan-Johnson, age 11

Lucy Moore, age 3

Aldo Bulthaup, age 3

Natalie Summers, age 13

Vivienne Armstrong, age 4 bouldercountykids.com

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Are you our next

FRONT COVER

superstar?

Send your art to info@bouldercountykids.com by January 10th to be considered for our Spring 2022 Issue. The winner will recieve a $50 cash prize from our cover sponsor, Premier Members Credit Union, and will win bragging rights to all of his/her/their friends for the whole Spring season!

Here’s what Boulder County Parents are saying about hosting an au pair for live-in childcare: “Our au pair is terrific—a thoughtful communicator, reliable, responsible and the kids love her.”

“Everything she does, it is with such enthusiasm. Plus she is an amazing cook!”

“The program brings joy, mentorship, companionship, and cultural awareness in ways we haven’t been able to provide before. We highly recommend it.”

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What is an au pair?

An au pair is an educated young person from abroad who lives with you in your home for up to two years, cares for your children and becomes a part of your family.

To find out if hosting is right for your family: Contact Local Childcare Consultant: Jen Rodehaver, 303-956-6189 Jen.rodehaver@lcc.culturalcare.com Facebook: @LCCJenRodehaver

ENGAGING STUDENTS IN

YOUR AD HERE EMAIL ADVERTISING@BOULDERCOUNTYKIDS.COM OR HEAD TO BOULDERCOUNTYKIDS.COM TO LEARN MORE.

We believe schools should not only help students develop the skills and habits for future success, but should also awaken their curiosity, expand their view of the world, and empower local, regional, and global communities.

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CRAFTS For more craft ideas, check out the Boulder County Kids Pinterest.

Let’s get CRAFTY this winter season with some creative DIY ideas. All of these are super easy and can be done with items that are most likely already lying around the house.

POLAR BEAR CUTOUT PAINTING 1. Paint an arctic background with watercolors on a piece of paper and let it fully dry.

2. Print out this polar bear template and cut out the polar bear to leave a hole in the shape of the animal. Here is a template you can use!

3. Bring out the cotton balls or big marshmallows, whichever you have works great!

4. Place the cut out on the background you painted so that the hole is where you want the polar bear to be. You can use masking tape to secure it in place.

5. Dip the cotton ball (or marshmallow) in white acrylic paint and then blot it on the hole of the cutout until it is completely covered.

6. Remove the cutout to reveal a furry polar bear!

HAND PRINT PENGUINS 1. Paint an arctic background with watercolors on a piece of paper and let it fully dry.

2. Make an upside down handprint in black paint on the background and let it fully dry.

3. Paint a white circle in the middle of the handprint and an orange triangle at the top of the circle on the black paint to make a nose.

4. Glue on googly eyes or paint them yourself above the nose. thebestideasforkids.com

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CRAFTS

EGG CARTON CUTIES

What you’ll need: - Green, red, and white mini pom poms - White, thin pipe cleaners - Googly eyes - An egg carton - Glue (hot glue gun works best) - Colored paper (glitter paper is fun!)

- Paint (skin tone color, red, green) 1. Take 3 egg carton cups for each cutie you make. Paint your egg carton cups.

For santa and the elf, paint the first cup a skin tone color and the bottom two either red or green. For the tree, paint all three green!

2. Stack your painted (and dry) cups using glue to secure them. Add small pieces of carton between cups to give your cutie height.

3. To make hats, take colored paper and cut a small circle. Glue a white pom pom to the top. For the star on the tree, stick a gold pipe cleaner through the top of the “tree” and secure your paper star with tap or glue. Decorate your egg carton cuties however you like!

WELCOME Head Start Families Bienvenidos familias de Head Start! ible, e e elig To b need to b ren child

for y a d l to 022 l o r n E 1-2 2 0 2 the ol year. scho

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2 2021Contact us for enrollment information hsenrollment@bouldercounty.org | 720-564-2206 www.boco.org/HeadStart bouldercountykids.com

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Mastering the Art of

Cooking with Creepy Crawlers For more fun recipes, be sure to follow the Boulder County Kids Pinterest.

directions 1. Combine flour and chilled butter in a large bowl until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

2. Slowly add in water and mix together to create a dough.

3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (can last for 2 days).

4. Preheat the oven to 365 degrees and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Although bullfrogs are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, this recipe contains no croaking creatures. In fact, there are no records of this dish ever being cooked with toads!

Our guess is that the name comes from the resemblance of the peeking sausages to that of toads peeking out of their burrows. But we may never know for sure how this silly name came to be.

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ingredients Pastry: 1½ cups flour ½ cup salted butter (chilled & diced) ⅓ cup ice cold water Filling: 1 pound of currants 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup salted butter 2 teaspoons mixed spice powdered sugar (to sprinkle on top)

5. Heat together the filling by combining the butter, brown sugar, and mixed spice in a pot over medium heat until combined and melted. Then add the currants. Set aside.

6. Divide the dough into two equal parts and roll the first half into a large rectangle on a floured surface, about as thick as a coin. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Spread the combined currants mixture over the pastry on the baking

sheet. Roll out the other half the pastry into the same size rectangle and place over the currants mixture. Press down the edges of the bottom and top pastries to seal the filling inside. Fork or knife slits into the pastry to let air out while baking.

8. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

9. Let cool and serve! Swat away any flies who come near.

To a d This is a unique dish to experiment with on Thanksgiving, or any other holiday dinners! Winter is the season of the casserole and this is one of the easier ones to whip up. If you’re feeling crazy and substitute the sausage for actual frog legs, please do let us know how that turns out.

in ingredients

F l i e s ’ C e m e te r y

There ought to be more fly cemeteries in my opinion! Those buggers drive me crazy!

This delicious dessert was not a challenge on Fear Factor. But the mixture of currants does resemble the appearance of a smashed fly—YUCK! We love having these for the holidays. They are the perfect pastry to bring to a friend’s party or enjoy for breakfast on Christmas morning. If making dough isn’t your jam, feel free to swap the homemade for the store bought—no one has to know.

• 1½ cup flour • ½ teaspoon salt • Pinch of black pepper • 3 eggs, beaten • 1½ milk (non-dairy substitutes work great too) • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 pound sausage (can use regular, turkey, or beyond meat!)

G r a s s h o p p e r Pi e

RECIPES The name of this pie is likely to either repulse or excite your young eater.

Anticipate an “EWWW GRASSHOPPERS?” or “COOL, GRASSHOPPERS!” Regardless, this recipe will be sure to engage them.

Please assure your child that no insects were harmed in the making of this pie. However, the ear-

ingredients

24 chocolate covered mint cookies (like Thin Mints!)

6 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1/2 teaspoon mint extract 15 drops green food coloring 8 ounces whipped topping (a small container of Cool Whip)

directions

1. Crush the chocolate mint cookies. You can do this by placing the cookies in a plastic ziptop bag and using a rolling pin to crush them, or you can place them in a food processor and pulse them to get them to the desired consistency. You don’t want crumbs, you still want small pieces of the cookies.

2. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese until fluffy with a hand mixer.

the directions

liest records of grasshopper pie are from 1904, and grasshoppers were indeed in that 100-year-old recipe!

Luckily, today’s Grasshopper Pie is full of mint and chocolate, not critters. Traditionally, this pie is crafted with the alcoholic beverage, crème de menthe (adults, feel free to email us for this reci-

1. Whisk together flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the mixture and then pour in the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Whisk together until smooth. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

3. Coat the bottom and

Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and mix until smooth.

3. Add in 1/2 teaspoon mint extract and about 15 drops of food coloring (depending on how green you want it. Mix until the mint extract and food coloring are incorporated evenly throughout the cream cheese mixture. The color should be the same throughout the mixture.

4. Add about ¾ of the crushed chocolate mint

Hole sides of a metal or ceramic casserole dish (not glass) with vegetable oil.

Put the dish in the oven as it preheats.

4. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Add sausages and brown them on each side.

5. Once the sausages are

pe). But we figured that kids would likely enjoy the minty and chocolatey goodness too. This recipe has all the flavor and none of the alcohol.

The mint is what makes a grasshopper slice the perfect companion to a mug of hot chocolate while sitting next to a roasting fire.

cookies into the cream cheese mixture, and stir until evenly distributed.

Fold in the whipped topping and stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

5. Spoon the filling into the chocolate cookie crust pie shell. Cover the pie and place in the freezer on a flat surface and freeze overnight.

6. The next day remove the pie from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Add more crushed chocolate mint cookies on the top of the pie just before serving.

browned and the dish is hot, put the sausages in the dish and pour the mixture over the sausages.

6. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the batter is golden and has risen.

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VIRTUAL directory

Oof the pandemic is the accessibili-

ne of the best things that came out

ty to so many new resources online. Our world became fully VIRTUAL for the first time ever!

If you are worried about the spread of the Delta variant or just prefer to live a little more virtually, check out these great resources in our Virtual Directory.

Parlando School of Musical Arts—Boulder Pursue your musical and theatrical passions with Parlando School of Musical Arts! Our talented faculty teach all ages, all abilities, and all instruments, including piano, voice/singing, musical theater, and acting. Try a starter pack, online or limited in-person, or dive into a full semester or school year of lessons! With 50 faculty members, over 700 lessons occurring every week, and classes, performances, and workshops held throughout the year, we have something for everyone. Join our musical community and ignite your inner artist!

W: www.parlando.org — E: info@parlando.org — ­ P: (303) 442-0006 IG: @parlandoboulder — FB: Parlando School of Musical Arts

Online with Renaissance Adventures Ages 7-17. Join our online role-playing (RPG) adventures where everyone gets to be a hero! Outwit a dragon, solve mysteries and riddles, battle foes, and negotiate for freedom in an effort to save the kingdom of a mythical land. Choose from Adventure Quest or Dungeon Delvers for an unforgettable game live on Zoom led by our talented quest leaders. Our day-off school holiday camps, game nights, and summer camps keep youth engaged and connected through play.

W: www.renaissanceadventures.com E: info@RenaissanceAdventures.com ­— P: (303) 786-9216

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PRESENTS FAMILY SERIES

Ravel’s

L'enfant et les Sortilèges

Dec. 17th, 18th, & 19th, 2021 SHOWS AT THE:

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KIDS PLANET with Thorne Nature Experience

M IG R AT I O N

by Dr. Oakleigh Thorne, II

M

igration is an interesting word. The dictionary says that it is “movement from one region or place of habitat to another.”

We often talk about people or other animals, such as mammals or birds that have moved from one place to another, as “having migrated.”

I am particularly interested in bird migration, since I am an ornithologist (a person who studies birds). Some kinds of birds migrate great distances, while others may not migrate at all.

One of my favorite birds is the Cliff Swallow. They nest under sandstone cliffs, but they also like to build their nests under road culverts (where a steam goes under a street or highway) or sometimes under the eaves of barns or houses. In our Bird

(1)

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Banding class at Thorne Nature Experience, we usually band several hundred Cliff Swallows every summer.

They are colonial nesters.

This means that they build their mud nests right next to each other, like a “bird apartment house.” There may be as many as 100 nests under one road culvert. Since each nest represents a pair of birds, this means that 200 birds are flying in and out of that culvert! We drop a mist nest across the culvert opening and often catch 2030 birds at a time for banding.

Cliff Swallows eat flying insects, so they need to be where there is “perpetual summer.” That means that the ones nesting in the Boulder area must fly south, all the way to southern Brazil and Argentina in South America, during our winter. It’s summer down there then!

Cliff Swallows (and other kinds of swallows) migrate during the day so they can

feed on flying insects as the go. They may only migrate 30 to 60 miles in a day, so it takes them a long time to get to South America.

As a bird bander, it is very exciting for me and my students to recatch a Cliff Swallow that we have banded the previous year. That means it has flown to South America and back and survived!

We caught one Cliff Swallow nine years after banding it.

That means that it had made nine round trips to South America and was still alive!

Other kinds of birds, such as warblers, vireos, thrushes, flycatchers, and wrens, migrate at night (especially on a clear, moonlit night).

They may fly over 100 miles in one night, then land and feed during the day, covering only a few miles. Nighttime is a good time for their migration because in this way they can avoid predators, such as hawks (that migrate during the day).

Some birds simply migrate up or down in altitude. Juncos are a good example. In the summer they nest in the subalpine evergreen forest, just below timberline at an altitude of 9,000 to 10,000 feet. In the winter they come down to the Boulder area, which is only about 5,300 feet in altitude.

KIDS PLANET House Finches are local

birds that do not migrate. They are here all year round. House Sparrows (sometimes called English Sparrows) are a different kind of bird that also does not migrate.

These were introduced to America by an Englishman who released a few in Central Park, New York City. They multiplied rapidly and from there they gradually spread across the whole country. His reason for bringing them over here, he said, was “all birds mentioned

by Shakespeare should be brought to America.” This also included the European Starling, which also spread across the country.

I think that bird migration is fascinating. I hope that you will enjoy learning about it, too. There is a lot to learn about how and why birds migrate!

(2)

(1) Adult Cliff Swallow in flight. www.clarkvision.com (2) Two adult Cliff Swallows. One by their mud nest under a bridge and one by their mud roosting platform. www.newatlas.com

VOCAB TO REMEMBER Migration

noun. Seasonal movement of animals from one region to another.

Ornithologist

noun. Someone who studies or is an expert on birds.

Culvert

noun. A tunnel carrying a stream or open drain under a road or railroad.

Dr. Thorne is founder and president of Thorne Nature Experience (formerly Thorne Ecological Institute) a nonprofit organization headquartered in Boulder. For 67 years they have helped “connect youth to nature!” For information about their programs, please check their website at www.thornenature.org or email info@thorne nature.org or call (303) 499-3647, ext. 100.

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HELPFUL SERVICES

Childcare services, tutoring, online education services, and other great recommendations from within the community.

directory

Strength in Motion A community of expert psychotherapists and businesses who are here for you. We believe in a mind, body, and soul approach towards finding and sustaining balance. We offer individual, couples, and family counseling and specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, marriage counseling, men’s issues, life transitions, ADHD, and more. We work collaboratively with our clients to facilitate sustainable positive change.

P: (720) 389-8750

Boulder Valley School District The only BVSD Youth and Family Resource Guide. Find services and activities your family needs. Tutoring, counseling, the arts, child care, support services, college planning, cooking, birthday parties, and more.

P: 720-561-5977 W: www.guide.bvsd.org

E: info@simcounseling.com W: www.simcounseling.com

Premier Members Credit Union 5505 Arapahoe, Boulder Banking and savings, for all your banking needs.

P: 303-442-8850 W: www.pmcu.org

Boulder Public Library Homework Help for Students:

Elementary School Homework Resources Middle and High School Homework Resources Academic Research Ebooks and Resources for Kids

Cultural Care Au Pair Affordable, flexible childcare with the added element of a cultural exchange. These young foreigners have childcare backgrounds and are eager to be a part of your family. They care for your children in exchange for the opportunity to live with an American family and have a unique experience. These relationships can last for years and bring depth to your child’s vision of the world. Up to 45 hours per week of childcare.

P: 303-956-6189 Jen Rodehaver E: jen.rodehaver@lcc.culturalcare.com W: www.culturalcare.com/jrodehaver

Digital Resources for All Ages:

Arts & Crafts Video Tutorials Digital Newspapers and Magazines E-books, Audio Books, Music, and Videos Teach Yourself Tech Online Instructor-Led Classes:

Gale Courses

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Parent Online Tools:

Tax Forms Job Search Consumer, Health, Legal Help, & DIY Auto Repair Genealogy Research Carnegie Library for Local History Digital Collection Non-Profit Grant Writing

What do I do now,

ROMONA? Romona Scholder, M.A., RNCS Psychotherapist

Drawing by Fritz Scholder

Q: My 7-year-old has been irritable, impulsive, and having a

hard time listening to anyone of authority. His teachers and I have already discussed his distractedness in class, and we haven’t even been back in school very long. Should I be concerned that he is suffering from ADD/ADHD? Or could this be a result of returning back to the classroom after a long year of online school?

Signed , concerned mom

A: I understand your concern about your child’s be-

havior but I would hesitate assigning a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD at this point. I was talking to an elementary school teacher about the return to in-person teaching this fall, and she described her students as being “feral.”

This may have been an overstatement but it speaks to a problem that exists across the board with students returning to the classroom after more than a year of remote learning. I don’t know what your son’s experience was during the past year, but for many it was isolating and chaotic. He may be anxious, not only about Covid, but about returning to the complex web of expecta-

tions presented by his classmates and teacher.

Try to not give him false reassurances like “Everything will be fine.” Instead, acknowledge the problem. You could say, “I know it’s hard remembering how to behave.” Perhaps the teacher could give him some time off every once in a while, to read a book or draw a picture, to give him a break from being a “student.” The pandemic lockdown was disconcerting for all of us, but especially for children. While ADD/ADHD is always a possible diagnosis, it’s more likely your son is having difficulty adjusting to the constraints of in-classroom learning.

Q: My 10-year-old is obsessed with screen time. iPad, computer, TV, even using my smartphone. I’d

like to say my wife and I are diligent about allocating short periods of screen time, but when it’s time to step away, our son throws an absolute fit, different from what I’ve ever seen from him. How else can I encourage him to have fun without technology and stop acting like it’s the end of the world?

Should I take him to see someone?

A:

We’ve all become more reliant on technology or screen time as you described it and all of us need to monitor our use and be alert for signs of addiction. Your son’s reaction to being denied access to his screen seems to indicate that his dependence is edging in that direction. Learning how to balance screen time with other activities is a life skill we all need to develop. Our screens are highly addictive by their very nature. They tend to put us into a “zone” much like alcohol or drugs or repetitive behavior. Action games and silly videos are good examples of this along with social media. Screen time as a substitute for other activities is not conducive to healthy growth and development.

To begin with, you might try to regulate content rather than solely time. Reading stories or drawing pictures or accessing educational videos is a healthier use of our screens than mindless games.

Our screens have become our goto method of entertainment. I saw a painting recently of a Thanksgiving celebration with the entire family gathered in the living room of Grandma’s house, each on their screen of choice. Grandma was standing in the doorway to the kitchen with the roasted turkey on a tray, waiting for someone to look up and notice her. The painting spoke eloquently about a situation

Signed , 46 y/o dad

that has become commonplace.

Children with higher screen times appear to show less curiosity, self-control. and emotional stability. Clearly continue to monitor your child’s screen time and content. Pay attention to your own screen time as you are modeling behavior that your children will mirror. Addiction to games, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram is very real and carries with it all the isolation and withdrawal from the world common to the problem.

Q: I constantly have anxiety that I’ll

receive a phone call that my children or parents or someone I love has been in a terrible accident. I know I can’t live in fear, but it looms in the back of my mind often. What can I do to ease this stress?

A:

Signed, 34-year-old

While your anxiety about a terrible accident involving your loved ones is particular to you, anxiety in general is now more prevalent than depression. While anxiety in our society has been heightened by the pandemic, it is also caused by our lack of feelings of safety and security. Anxiety exists on a societal as well as a personal level. People who grew up in an anxiety producing household have a higher Anxiety Set Point than average people. They

emerge from their childhoods with a constant level of anxiety, just beneath the surface, always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

When you are always on alert, waiting for something horrible to happen, you wear yourself out, you shorten your life and you’re not fully present in the here and now.

But what do we do about ever-present anxiety? We try to avoid catastrophizing, going to the worst possible thing that could happen. I’ve heard people justifying that stance saying, “then you will never be disappointed or caught off guard.” It’s a dysfunctional defense mechanism, always expecting the worst, defending against disappointment and victimization. So long as we can say, “I was expecting that. I knew that would happen.”, we feel more in control. We have to substitute new thoughts when we banish old ones. Positive, optimistic thoughts of how we can expect good things to happen and how we deserve good things in our lives.

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CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL

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alf-day care, full-day care, music-focused, nature-focused, and more! Scout out the best child care organizations and early education programs in the Boulder area.

Boulder Country Day School—Preschool

Fairy Ring Garden

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4820 Nautilus Ct. North Ages: 2½ to 5 years — Licensed — June-August/Camp Program Days: M-F, 3-day and 5-day options for Preschool Hours: half and full-day options, 8 am-1 pm or 8 am-3 pm After school care and enrichment classes available.

Accreditations: NAIS, ACIS, and Approved Middle Years International Baccalaureate School.

Boulder Country Day Preschool follows the International Early Year’s Curriculum. IEYC is based on learning principles that were identified through extensive research thus developing a global best practices teaching model based on the specific developmental needs of 2–5-year-olds. The curriculum unfolds using exciting theme units that encourage a sense of wonder and engagement while flowing at a pace that is playful and supportive of each child’s individual learning needs. Additionally, there is weekly instruction in French or Spanish, movement, music, and library.

W: www.bouldercountryday.org E: info@bouldercountryday.org P: (303)-527-4931 x 248 - Susan Boyle

9147 Fleetwood Ave. Ages: 2½ to 8th Grade Licensed. Lifeways (Waldorf) Certified.

Full-days and part-time. M-F Hours: Half and full-day options, 8:30 am-12:30 pm or 8:30 am3:30pm A small, play-based, outdoor-oriented home school for children ages one to five in North Longmont. We see every child as unique and beautiful with unlimited potential. They are seeds to be nurtured with love, guidance, and grace so that they might blossom into the fullest expression of who they are meant to be. Outdoor learning with gardening and farm animals. Master’s degree teachers. Chemical free, eco-friendly environment. Waldorf/Lifeways curriculum. Organic, all natural foods, many taken from our own garden. Natural, wood and sustainable toys. Non-profit school welcoming of diverse families, regardless of race, socio-economic status, or gender orientation. CCAP families welcome!

W: www.fairyringschool.org E: fairyringschool@gmail.com P: (303) 507-7331 - Ginger Johnson, M.Ed.

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CHILD CARE DIRECTORY Flagstaff Academy 2040 Miller Drive, Longmont 80501 Preschool Program Schedule Options: Tues. & Thurs.: 8:30 - 11:20 am or Mon.,

Wed., Fri.: 8:30 - 11:20 am Extended Hours Available Starting Jan. 4, 2022: 7 - 8:30 pm & 11:20 am - 6 pm Flagstaff offers one-of-a-kind learning opportunities for preschoolers, including: visits to our greenhouse classroom, geo-conservatory, and teaching garden.

P: (303) 217-6764 - Jeanna Peppler, Interim Preschool Director

Friends School 5465 Pennsylvania

Ages: 3 - 5 yrs. Preschool/Pre-K 3-5 year olds.

Licensed & Accredited.

Days & Hours: Full-day: 9 am to 3 pm M-Th; 9 am to 1pm F; Half­-day: 9 am to 12 pm M-F. August - May/Summer Camp.

A supportive community, committed to educating the whole child-head, hand, and heart. Outdoor-oriented classrooms connected to nature encourage learning through play and exploration with a focus on relationships, communication, art, nature immersion, and a foundation for pre-academic skills. Small classes, low student teacher ratios, wide variety of high-quality materials and experiences. Specials including music, art and PE. Award-winning, master-level teachers with over 20 years of experience in each classroom. Personalized Affordable Tuition.

ACIS accredited, NAIS member.

W: www.FriendsSchoolBoulder.org E: info@FriendsSchoolBoulder.org P: (303)-499-1999 — Melanie Leggett

Lavender Hill Preschool 2115 Mallard Pl, Longmont

Program Days & Hours: M-F Hours: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. M-F Ages: 2-6 years Lavender Hill is a Waldorf-Inspired Preschool/Kindergarten. We emphasize imaginative play, art and creative activities, music, storytelling, nature and seasonal festivals.

W: www.lavenderhillpreschool.com E: lavenderhillpreschool@gmail.com

Montessori Academy 801 N 111th Street, Lafayette

Ages: 1-6 years Licensed.

Days & Hours: M-F Hours: 8:30 am to 3 pm.

Full- and half-day programs, with before- & after-school care. August May school year, June-August Summer Camp Program.

Montessori Academy provides a challenging and nurturing environment that leads children toward confidence, independence, and a life of learning through discovery, observation, and positive, helpful friendships. We offer toddler, preschool, and kindergarten programs in a nurturing environment that respects each individual child. Montessori Academy has been an American Montessori Society full-member school since 2002. Our lead teachers are certified. Preschool classroom currently bilingual with Spanish teacher. Multiple Covid-safety precautions. See our Facebook page for a short virtual tour! Please call if you would like more information or to enroll.

W: www.montessoriacademylafayette.com E: montessori.academy@mac.com P: (303) 926-8321 — Beth Weekley FB: www.facebook.com/Montessori-Academy-Lafayette-CO-265887543460272/ bouldercountykids.com

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CHILD CARE DIRECTORY Mountain Shadows Montessori School

4154 63rd Street Ages: 12 months through 6th grade Toddler/Primary/Elementary Internationally Accredited and State Licensed Program Days: M-F. Toddler/Primary: 9-month and 12-month programs, Elementary: 9-month program Hours: 8 am to 3 pm (extended hours available before and after school) ONGOING ENROLLMENT openings for this year.... At Mountain Shadows, art, science, field-trips, math, gardening, drama, writing, and music are all woven into a student’s day. Our dedicated, highly experienced Montessori teachers create a learning environment where each child can develop a love of learning while becoming capable, compassionate, and contributing members of society.

Mixed-age level classes afford the children an opportunity to learn from one another, grapple with challenging problems in a safe and caring environment, and become their best selves in a beautiful rural setting minutes from Boulder. Please visit our website to arrange a personal tour of our campus.

W: www.mountainshadows.org E: hello@mountainshadows.org P: (303) 530-5353 — Harry Donahue, Head of School

Off Broadway 1235 Pine Street Preschool Ages: 3-5 years

Year-round Days & Hours: M-F. Full- or half-days from 8:30 am to 12:30 or 3:30 pm. Extended care 8 am to 5:30 pm.

At Off Broadway Preschool, we aim to inspire curiosity, creativity, and compassion in children and families through the arts. Our daily schedule balances child-directed play experiences with structured group classes in music, yoga, visual art, and integrated arts. We employ professional educators to guide children through the school day, and keep low teacher to student ratios (1:5) to ensure that children and families are given personalized attention. Meals are prepared inhouse using high quality organic ingredients. Our recently updated facility is conveniently located in downtown Boulder which allows us to take walking field trips to the Farmers Market, library and Museum of Boulder. Adjustments have been made to the facility and daily program to adhere to state, city and Early Childhood Council COVID-19 guidelines.

W: www.offbroadwaypreschool.org E: info@offbroadwaypreschool.org P: (303) 800-0324 — Bethany

Sunflower Farm Preschool & School-Aged School Year Program

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36 week, Outdoor Farm-based school year program for Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten program for children ages 3-6 and School Aged Kids ages 6-8, from August 16th-May 24th. Choose 1, 2 or more preschool mornings, afternoons or full days from 8:30 am-4:00 pm or School-Aged program runs from 9 am-3:45 pm, 1 or more days per week. School programing includes a farm, nature-based curriculum, with feeding and caring for animals, gardening and harvesting, art, music and good old fashioned farm play, like climbing on hay-bales, swinging on swings, an old airplane and so much more! Registration for weekly School-Age Summer Camps and 10 week Summer Preschool will be available on January 24th.

W: sunflowerfarminfo.com E: sunflowerfarmmail@gmail.com P: (303) 774-8001

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CHILD CARE DIRECTORY Sunflower Preschool 3340 Dartmouth, Boulder

Ages: 2 ½ - 6 Days & Hours: Year-round. Call for hours.

Celebrating 40 years, Sunflower Preschool is now a certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom, National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat, as well as PACE certified since 2008. Sunflower Preschool, which opened its doors in 1981, offers a small, eco-friendly, play-based, hands-on, nurturing environment, where children learn through exploration and discovery. At Sunflower, our classrooms are Montessori-based with a science and nature emphasis. The teachers are well-paid professional ECE teachers who have been a part of the Sunflower staff for years. Please come and take a look at our unique children’s science museum as well as the multisensory outdoor environment.

W: www.sunflowerpreschoolboulder.com E: sunflowerpreschoolboulder@gmail.com P: (303) 494-2012 — Marisa Ellman

Thorne Nature Preschool Boulder & Lafayette

Licensed.

Days & Hours: August – May school year, June – August Summer Camp. Days: M-F, 2/3/5-day options. Hours: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, extended care available.

Ages: 3-6 years Thorne Nature Preschool is built on the simple belief that kids grow better in nature. Our preschool offers a unique early childhood education experience where young children go to learn, grow, and reach their full potential through daily immersion in nature with caring, attentive mentors. With dual goals of nature connection and fostering the development of the whole-child, Thorne Nature Preschool prepares young children to succeed in school and in life.

W: www.ThorneNaturePreschool.org E: info@thornenaturepreschool.org E: (303) 499-3647 — Lorene Wapotich

TLC Learning Center 611 Korte Pkwy, Longmont, CO 80501

Days & Hours: M-F, 7:30 am-5:30 pm (full- and half-day options available) We’ve been nurturing success in all kids for over 65 years! Our childcare, preschool and therapy center focuses on helping kids of all abilities develop the cognitive, physical and social-emotional skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.

W: LearningWithTLC.org E: lstratton@learningwithtlc.org P: (303) 776-7417­— Lisa Stratton, Educational Services Manager

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Integrated Love with ms. katie Meaningful inclusion for people with developmental/intellectual disabillities has come a long way in the past few years but there is always more progress to be made inside and out of the community. ​​ This is true for families who have a child with a disability and families who do not. In fact, there’s beneficial research that both children with and without disabilities benefit from school programs like peer helpers and best buddies, that both educate and create a positive environment for both populations. Learning about inclusion and advocacy doesn’t only have to happen in a school environment. There are so many resources, places, books, and technologies that can help all of us learn about meaningful inclusion. Let’s learn together! The time has come in this issue to explore inclusion as it relates for places and resources that offer something to every family and help to build a more inclusive community!

From wowchildrensmuseum.org

From www.eclre.org

Explore Boulder County WOW Children’s Museum:

This interactive and engaging museum located in Lafayette offers learning and play experiences for ALL children. WOW offers special sensory hours for children on the autism spectrum and with sensory processing disorders.

They bring in adaptive equipment, volunteer therapists and make it a family affair! Check out their sensory friendly exhibit The Forest room!

For more information, check out this link.

Sensory Playground: Located in Westminster, this accessible play space was built with family in mind. It is located near the hospital so many patients and their families use it as a reprieve before or after sessions. This award winning park has accessible seating in their swings, wheelchair friendly paths that are both fun and functional, a water and sand play area and so much more you’ll have to see for yourself! It is the epitome of inclusion where all the amenities benefit every child in their exploration and play. Map it from where you are here: DIRECTIONS

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From ____________________

Children of every age and ability deserve safe spaces where they can just be kids. The sensory park and WOW museum do just that while building in supports that children with disabilities may need.

These are just two of the many places that remove barriers so all kids can learn and grow alongside their peers of the same age.

Learn more about Inclusion: The Center for People with Disabilities located in Boulder proper is a great resource to learn more or to provide families with more resources in the Boulder area. They offer opportunities for both volunteering and advocacy. Their mission is as follows: “The Center for People with Disabilities works so that people with disabilities in the Boulder area may live independently. We believe that there is nothing more disabling than pity.

“People with disabilities are a powerful and significant part of our community, yet, overall, our social roles have been marginalized by bigotry, discrimination, poverty, isolation, dependency and pity. Americans with disabilities have not had the same access to transportation, housing, employment and other public resources as most citizens. Our longterm vision is one of integration and equality.” Learn more and get involved at this link.

Although not located in Boulder County, the Early Choices website provides different modules for families to complete to learn more about inclusive practices inside and outside the classroom. Their mission is as follows, “The Understanding Inclusion series contains 6 topics that explore key ideas about inclusion in early childhood. The series covers a range of topics from defining inclusion to understanding the benefits to advocating for inclusion. Developed for families with family input... We hope this series supports you on your journey of inclusion and provides you with resources that you can share and build upon.” The modules are free to complete and have no time restrictions so you can learn and explore at your leisure. Check out this link!

Luckily, in the past few years this initiative has made great headway.

These are just a few of the resources out there for families with and without children with disabilities. There are always opportunities to learn! Join us next time for more books and technologies!

by Katie Buckley Katie Buckley is a high school special education teacher who teaches in a program for students with cognitive disabilities. She was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, before going to Texas to get her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education at Texas Christian University.

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PRIVATE SCHOOL

directory

Expand your search for an educational institution by exploring the private school options in the Boulder County Area.

Boulder Country Day School

4820 Nautilus Ct. North Ages: 2½ to 8th Grade Licensed June-August/Camp Days & Hours: M-F, 3-day and 5-day options for Preschool; 8 am to 3 pm, middle school until 3:20 pm After school care and enrichment classes available.

Accreditations: NAIS, ACIS, and Approved Middle Years International Baccalaureate School.

Boulder Country Day School, where academic distinction meets education with character. BCD is a top rated, accredited private school in Boulder, Colorado where every child has the opportunity to discover their own unique excellence. Distinguished by small class sizes, outstanding faculty, engaging academics and a focus on community, our preschool, elementary and IB middle school teachers strive to create a well-rounded educational environment that balances traditional subjects with the arts, world languages, athletics and project-based learning.

W: www.bouldercountryday.org E: info@bouldercountryday.org P: (303)-527-4931 x 248 - Susan Boyle

B.A.S.E. — Lafayette

111 W. Baseline Road Ages: 5 - 12 Colorado State Licensed Program Days & Hours: M-F. Dismissal to 6 pm, and full-day care 7:30 am to 6 pm. August - May. Jump into fun in our BASE childcare programs that meet the needs of every child. We offer a wide range of activities that include arts and crafts, STEM, active play, sports and games, swimming and much more. Children will have time for homework assistance and a few snacks along the way. Safety is our top priority. This includes following all state and county COVID-19 guidelines that are in effect at program time. Children from local Lafayette elementary schools are provided transportation at dismissal to the Bob L. Burger Recreation Center, except for Pioneer Elementary School where we will escort the children from school to the BBRC. W: www.lafayetteco.gov/200/After-School-Care-BASE E: Becca.Mack@lafayetteco.gov P: (303) 661-1467 - Becca Mack

Dawson School

10455 Dawson Drive, Lafayette Ages: K-12th grade Licensed & Accredited Days & Hours: M-F, 175 days. 8 am to 3:30 pm, plus free after- school care. September-June / Camp.

Boulder County region’s leading independent, college-preparatory school, Dawson offers challenging academics, robust arts and athletics programs, and renowned outdoor and experiential education to students K-12. Small class sizes (student/teacher ratio of 7/1); individual attention from experienced faculty; daily enrichment (art, music, PE, technology, language, library). The 107-acre campus features a new Center for Innovation, two full-size gyms and numerous athletic fields, an Arts Center with 20+ offerings, new Dining Commons with daily hot lunch at no charge. The school is committed to the development of character, emphasizing respect, compassion, courage, and integrity, and to the social-emotional well-being of our community. A separate K-5 playground, and free after school care. Celebrating 50 years!

W: www.dawsonschool.org E: admissions@dawsonschool.org P: (303) 665-6679

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PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY Friends School South Campus: 5465 Pennsylvania (Preschool and Elementary)

North Campus: 3800 Kalmia Ave. (Middle School/Teacher Prep Program) Ages: Preschool-8th Grade. — Licensed & Accredited.

Days & Hours: M-F. Elementary 8:30 am-3:15 pm, Middle School 8:45 am-3:45 pm. AfterCare and enrichment classes. August-May/Camp Program.

A supportive community committed to educating the whole child-head, hand, and heart. Social-emotional curriculum catered to each individual grade level. Experiential and integrated curriculum, emphasizing academics, problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Exceptional specials including art, music, Spanish, library, technology, and PE programs. Small classes, low student/teacher ratios.

Personalized Affordable Tuition. ACIS accredited, NAIS member.

W: www.FriendsSchoolBoulder.org E: info@FriendsSchoolBoulder.org P: (303)-499-1999 — Melanie Leggett

Mackintosh Academy —Boulder

6717 South Boulder Road — Ages: K-8th Grade For over 40 years Mackintosh Academy has been pioneering next generation gifted education. Mackintosh Academy nurtures the keen minds and compassionate hearts of gifted and creative students in a caring community of learners so that they contribute to a world that needs them. Authorized IB World School, social-emotional learning, gifted and creative students, design/ innovation, service & global action, $24,100 (LS) and $24,900 (MS) with tuition assistance available. Maximum 12:1 student to teacher ratio.

W: www.mackboulder.com E: jstrode@mackboulder.com P: (303) 554-2011 — Jenny Strode

Mountain Shadows 4154 63rd Street — Ages: 12 months through 6th grade Toddler/Primary/ Montessori School Elementary — Internationally Accredited and State Licensed

Days & Hours: M-F. Toddler/Primary: 9-month and 12-month programs, Elementary: 9-month program. 8 am to 3 pm (extended hours available before and after school).

ONGOING ENROLLMENT openings for this year.... At Mountain Shadows, art, science, field-trips, math, gardening, drama, writing, and music are all woven into a student’s day. Our dedicated, highly experienced Montessori teachers create a learning environment where each child can develop a love of learning while becoming capable, compassionate, and contributing members of society. Mixed-age level classes afford the children an opportunity to learn from one another, grapple with challenging problems in a safe and caring environment, and become their best selves in a beautiful rural setting minutes from Boulder. Please visit our website to arrange a personal tour of our campus.

W: www.mountainshadows.org E: hello@mountainshadows.org P: (303) 530-5353 — Ciara Wentworth, Director of Admissions

Watershed School

1661 Alpine Avenue — Ages: 6th - 12th grades — ACIS accredited

Days & Hours: M-F. 8:15 am to 3:15 pm. August - May

A progressive independent school in Boulder, CO, the Watershed School is committed to a program and school culture that inspires and educates students to become highly capable, healthy, wise, and engaged citizens, prepared to take on the world’s great challenges. Our students engage in work that matters—work that is important to the student and has a positive impact beyond the walls of the school. We believe schools should not only help students develop the skills and habits for future success, but should also awaken their curiosity, expand their view of the world, and empower them to make a difference in their local, regional, and global communities.

W: www.watershedschool.org E: admissions@watershedschool.org P: (303) 440-7520 bouldercountykids.com

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Treating Our Kids with Trust & Respect

by Jessica Dancingheart

Children are born to be loved. To love 3. Be honest and encourage honesty. them, as parents, we must trust and Our children learn from our actions more than they do from our words. Therefore, we must model honrespect our own and their innate esty and directness. As long as we are age-approwisdom and goodness. Doing so can be

challenging when societal messages encourage us to judge and be “in control.” Yet, we have intrinsic empathic and attuned parent-child bonds to guide us. With awareness and the support of a loving community, we can foster our attunement to our children and assume the best about them while encouraging them to be the best version of themselves. Here are some steps we can take to build bonds of trust and respect with our kids. We can:

1. Have realistic developmental and personality expectations. If we are not

careful, we can easily fall into comparison despair.

Somebody will always be “better” or “worse” than our children. It is easy to go on a rollercoaster ride of feeling heartened or disheartened about our children if we focus on external validation. To avoid emotional whiplash, we must focus on our and our children’s gifts, skills, talents, abilities, and interests when making assessments and setting up expectations.

2. Assume the best. Most people have good inentions and try their best given their available information, resources, and abilities. Rather than blaming or judging our children when something goes wrong, we can assess whether our expectations are realistic given their age, ability, and interest. If our expectations are not appropriate, we can adjust them and provide support and forward movement when there are gaps between reality and expectations.

Jessica Dancingheart is a personal and organizational consultant working to build healthier and stronger relationships at work, at home, and in your communities.

Please check out www.openingtopossibilities.com or call (303) 589-8420 or email at jessica@openingtoposs ibilities.com for more information.

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priate in our explanations and don’t burden them with our unprocessed emotions, our children can handle the truth and often benefit from being spoken to directly, as they intuit what we don’t say. We can promote their openness with us by not punishing them for mishaps and mistakes. Instead, we can normalize those times when things don’t work out as they or we hope by helping them turn those into learning and growing opportunities.

4. Be a cheerleader. As parents, we may

be in the habit of correcting our children. While such guidance is helpful when used sparingly, it is essential to regularly and genuinely tell our children that the particular ways we are proud of their deep-down goodness and accomplishments.

When expressing appreciation for our children, it is critical not to add a critique, which for example, would be followed by “but...”

5. Deeply listen and be present. While

teaching, advising, and judging our children is tempting, we can know them better and have a stronger connection with them if we spend undistracted time with them and deeply and curiously listen to what they have to say.

6. Build a loving and respectful community. We are all different. Our individuality

must be recognized and valued so that we can thrive. Inevitably, there will be people who will judge our children and us. When those judgments come, our community can help remind us of our strengths, values, and worth and help us weed through the judgments in a way that supports us rather than eroding our sense of self.

In summary, we have all that we need to build loving bonds of trust and respect with our children so they can grow up to be the wonderful people they are. With a focus on building ourselves and them up, that is all possilble.

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gift giving directory Support local businesses when shopping for loved ones this holiday season!

This guide highlights shops throughout Boulder, Broomfield, Louisville, Lafayette, and more.

Front Range Anglers FLY SHOP 2344 Pearl Street, Boulder

Front Range Anglers FLY SHOP is premium fly fishing gear SHOP for all levels of anglers. We offer guided fly fishing trips for trout in Boulder and along the entire Front Range. Plus, we specialize in fly fishing trips into Rocky Mountain National Park, where anglers can catch the beautiful greenback cutthroat trout. The SHOP features classes in Fly Tying, Casting, Beginner’s Orvis 101, Guide School, Summer Co-Ed Kids Camp and much more! In addition, based on our owner, Steve McLaughlin’s love for travel, we have garnered quite a reputation for our Adventure Travel Program hosting and booking anglers to Christmas Island, New Zealand, Iceland, British Columbia, Alaska, Australia, Belize, Mexico, Bahamas, Florida Keys and many more international and domestic locations.

Never too young to own a fly rod ORVIS Encounter Rod/Reel Outfit SPECIAL OFFER! Reg. $169 Now $99 Offer expires Dec. 31, 2021 or while supplies last. Offer Valid In Store Only.

Mention Boulder County Kids to Receive Offer.

P: (303) 494-1375 W: https://frontrangeanglers.com/

Grandrabbits Toy Shoppe 2525 Arapahoe Ave.

We are an independently-owned, specialty toy store with three locations in the Front Range of Colorado. We carry a wide range of hand chosen, educational and fun toys for gifts, holidays, birthdays or any special occasion. We’ve been voted The Best Children’s Store in Boulder for over 40 years.

E: webmedia@grtoys.com P: (303) 443-0780

Skoy Cloth Skoy is a woman-owned business that started 10 years ago with a single

product sold in local stores and has grown to a recognized brand with a product line sold in North America and growing globally. We are proud to offer products that are superior to existing ones in the market. We always have the environment and the community in mind. Our products are packaged in the USA by people with disabilities. Skoy offers sustainable cleaning products that will revolutionize your home.

W: www.skoycloth.com/ E: info@skoycloth.com P: (800) 990-4757

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AFTER SCHOOL

directory

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ock climbing, performing arts, nature and science clubs—that’s just the beginning! The best lineup of after school activities to get the kids back in the swing of things.

ABC KIDS CLIMBING

B.A.S.E.

1960 32nd Street, Boulder Ages: All Hours: M-Sun; hours varied ABC Kids Climbing offers indoor and outdoor classes and camps, teams, clubs, open gyms, and private lessons for climbers of all ages and abilities. Our programs are thoughtfully designed by experienced climbers.

C: Staff www.abckidsclimbing.com E: info@abckidsclimbing.com P: (303) 443-5437 111 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette Ages: 5 - 12 Days & Hours: M-F. Dismissal to 6 pm, and full-day care 7:30 am to 6 pm.

Jump into fun in our BASE child care programs that meet the needs of every child. We offer a wide range of activities that include arts and crafts, STEM, active play, sports and games, swimming and much more.

Children will have time for homework assistance and a few snacks along the way. Safety is our top priority. This includes following all state and county COVID-19 guidelines that are in effect at program time.

Children from local Lafayette elementary schools are provided transportation at dismissal to the Bob L. Burger Recreation Center, except for Pioneer Elementary School where we will escort the children from school to the BBRC. W: www.lafayetteco.gov/200/After-School-Care-BASE E: Becca.Mack@lafayetteco.gov P: (303) 661-1467 - Becca Mack

BVSD Lifelong Learning

Ages: Grades K-8 Days: Mondays through Thursdays Offering high-quality enrichment classes before and after school at 24 BVSD schools. Let your kids get creative, get active and get smart with classes in cooking, chess, soccer, robotics, filmmaking, Spanish, hula hooping and more! Please visit our website for complete class listings and to register online.

W: LLL.BVSD.org E: lifelong.learning@bvsd.org P: (720) 561-5968

SWIM•FLOAT•SWIM! Home of Infant Aquatics

795 S. Sherman Street Ages: 2 mos through 5 yrs Licensed & Accredited Days & Hours: M-Th: 7 am to 7 pm, F: 8 am to 1 pm.

WE ARE OPEN! At Swim•Float•Swim! Your child will learn to swim safely in weeks, not years. We have decades of experience teaching aquatic survival and swimming skills. Our aquatic academy features two 90-degree indoor pools with a UV water purification system which ensures the safest and most comfortable water experience. Stop by our child-friendly facility and discover the difference.

W: www.swimfloatswim.com E: judy@infantaquatics.com P: 303-499-2229 — Judy Heumann

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AFTER SCHOOL DIRECTORY Melody Kids Music Together

Longmont Ages: Birth to age 5 In-person classes available.

W: www.melodykids.com E: xan@melodykids.com

P: 720-773-0742 ­— Alexandra Fischer Address: 2015 Ionosphere Street, Longmont CO

Music Together — Boulder

Ages: Birth to age 8 Boulder’s premier early childhood music & movement program, offering family, babies, and early elementary classes. Sing, dance, and support your child’s musical growth in a rich, fun, nurturing, and interactive environment. Preview spots available outdoor, inside, and online. Offering weekday, weekend, and afternoon classes. Text or email for more information.

W: www.musictogetherboulder.com E: musictogetherboulder@gmail.com P: 720-440-2775 — Laura Nordson/Jane Roche

Mountain Song Music Studio, Inc.

Ages: Birth and up Offering Music Together ® Ages 0-4. Interactive music and movement classes for children and caregivers which plant the important seeds for musical development. We are returning to Zoom for the winter 2022 semester. Then Music Together OUTDOORS returns in the early spring, summer and fall in Central Boulder. Also Private Piano Lessons (5 and up) in person with COVID safety protocol or Zoom options. Have fun learning note reading, improvisation, playing piano by ear in a supportive environment. Jane Smolens, Director, is an experienced music educator since 1986. Contact her for a free trial class/lesson.

W: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/z6n9GZh/MountainSongMusicTogether

Parlando Pursue your musical and theatrical passions with Parlando

School of Musical Arts! Our talented faculty teaches all ages, all abilities, and all instruments, including piano, voice/singing, musical theater, and acting. Try a starter pack, online or limited in-person, or dive into a full semester or school year of lessons! With 50 faculty members, over 700 lessons occurring every week, and classes, performances, and workshops held throughout the year, we have something for everyone. Join our musical community and ignite your inner artist!

W: www.parlando.org E: info@parlando.org P: (303) 442-0006 IG: @parlandoboulder FB: Parlando School of Musical Arts

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AFTER SCHOOL DIRECTORY ADVENTURE QUEST WITH RENAISSANCE ADVENTURES

Boulder/Denver/Online Ages: 7 - 17 Join us for an in-person (LARP) after school program or online role-playing (RPG) adventure where everyone gets to be the hero! Children and teens choose to play an archetypal character with special powers in a mythical quest. Create your own small group for our Home Quest program or join us for a Holiday Camp whenever school is out. These Award-winning experiential education programs foster empowerment, imagination, social-emotional learning, and team building skills as participants try on new perspectives, exercise discernment, and decipher riddles in small groups with a common goal. Learn more on our website.

W: www.renaissanceadventures.com E: info@RenaissanceAdventures.com P: (303) 786-9216

SANDY BURRELL MUSIC STUDIO

Niwot Ages: All Individual private lessons in flute, violin, and piano. Group Lessons: a) Intro to Music, 1 semester- explore flute, violin or piano, b) Penny Whistle Program—ideal class for ages 3 to 6.

Fees: Pay by semester/session.

Call for current class times.

P: (303) 652-3287

CU Science Discovery

4001 Discovery Dr. Ages: K - 12 Choose school year enrichment that’s so engrossing and entertaining your child will want to return time and time again! CU Science Discovery offers a variety of school year enrichment programs including afterschool, homeschool, BVSD day-off and holiday classes for K-12 participants. All classes explore a variety of STEM topics using a handson, experiential learning approach designed to complement what your child is learning in school, while encouraging them to further explore and expand their knowledge. Register online or by phone.

W: www.colorado.edu/sciencediscovery/ P: (303) 492-7188

Tinker Art Studio

693B S. Broadway, in the shops at Table Mesa.

Ages: All Days & Hours: M-F, daytime and after school programs available.

Join us in the studio for art making and community! Spring semester classes for kids, teens, and adults start January 18th. Wheel throwing classes, teen paint & draw, art lab for elementary ages, and Tinker Time: Art & Play for our youngest tinkerers are just a few classes you’ll see this spring. Book a table in our Make & Take Studio to drop in and create, or visit our online shop to purchase at-home art kits and supplies — perfect for holiday gifting and shopping small when it’s more important than ever.

W: tinkerartstudio.com E: tinker@tinkerartstudio.com P: (303) 503-1902

Be sure to check out all of our Directories online at bouldercountykids.com

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New Year, New Hobby, Newly Resilient and Confident Child

by Dana Vachharajani

The New Year is a time where we reflect on the last year and set goals for the next. This New Year, what if we could help our children grow their confidence, hone their mindfulness and build resiliency?

All while learning a new skill and having fun!

Since opening Dana V Music School in Louisville over 15 years ago, I’ve seen firsthand how music is a powerful tool to cultivate these elusive skills. Music changes us, comforts us, soothes us, and helps us find release and creativity.

Ahead of the New Year, I urge parents to learn more about the benefits of music education and consider what their child could gain by this time next year as a result:

Improved Mindfulness Mindfulness and music can be reciprocal. Listening to music and finding pitch helps children pinpoint specific sounds – instead of being distracted by background noise, helping a child practice mindfulness and attentiveness. A study of parents who had children enrolled in music lessons found that 85% of the parents perceived their children had a greater ability to keep working until finishing a task after one year in music lessons, even when they viewed that task as difficult.

Improved Confidence and Social Skills We all want our children to be confident, and studies repeatedly demonstrate music education can help a child build confidence and their own unique identity. Music is a naturally collaborative activity. Working with a supportive teacher, being part of a small ensemble, orchestra or rock band can help a child develop their social skills - a key part of becoming a confident and self-assured adult. Though never required, performing in front of peers and at recitals provides a great opportunity to practice public speaking, presentation and communication skills. Many schools, including ours, offer performance opportunities in small and larger group settings, allowing students to build up to performing on a stage or in front of a larger crowd.

Music study can be tough, but maintaining a nurturing and safe space for a student to make mistakes helps so much. When the time comes for a student to take that step onto the stage, we have hopefully provided skills to overcome fear of what they might view as failing. Sometimes this fear of failure can be resolved in weeks or months, maybe just one small achievement in a lesson helps resolve the issue, but for some select students, it might take years.

Improved Resiliency Learning a new skill requires perseverance, discipline and motivation to succeed. Participating in an activity they are intrigued by, like learning a new instrument, is a powerful way to help children develop intrinsic motivation and discipline over time. This is great practice for the challenges your children will encounter later in life, and can help prepare them for the “real world.” As teachers, we ask our students to be accountable for their journey. With care and advice, we ask students to complete assignments and tasks that will advance their skills, just like adults at their jobs. Sometimes tasks are joyful.

Sometimes they require discipline and more attention that makes them feel like work, but learning how to turn the feeling of work into fun, excitement, validation and joy is part of learning.

If you have children in your life who may need a deeper connection to mindfulness, could benefit from improved self-esteem or still need to find their social niche, music programs present many opportunities to hone these and other important life skills while having fun. I urge parents to take that first step, ask questions and find the teacher or school that is the right fit for your child. It will be a gift for life.

Dana’s multifaceted career has been marked by singing in top venues, founding and teaching in her own private music school as well as consulting to further develop music education. A graduate of The Juilliard School and Carnegie Mellon University, she has been a featured soloist in Carnegie Hall, and Alice Tully Hall, as well as a touring artist and soloist with major orchestras around the US. Dana is a mother to three incredible children and also currently teaches voice at Dana V Music. To learn more, visit: ensembleschools.com/dana-v-music/.

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How to Raise Little Hikers I’ve found that one of our favorite activities to do as a family is to adventure into the mountains and hit the hiking trails.

My four-year-old and one-year-old love it! Seeking out adventure is a thrill for them, and it ensures a good rest when we’re back at home (what parent doesn’t love that?). Kids thrive when their senses are activated, and hiking makes sure to hit all five. The warm sun beating down on their faces or the cool fall breeze kissing their cheeks, the smell of forest, the sound of leaves crunching beneath their feet, the view at the peak of the summit, and the taste of all the yummy snacks you packed all work together to excite little bodies and provide for an epic adventure. Sounds great, right? But, how do you prepare your kid for success while on the trails? Check out the tips below to help raise happy hikers.

START ‘EM YOUNG!

When you expose young children to something routinely, they don’t know any different. They grow up learning that hiking is normal and just something that your family does, they don’t question it. We started hiking with Everett when he was around two years old and took Nora on her first hike at six weeks old. We’re raising our kids to expect to hike!

Dress them appropriately, cover them in sunscreen, pack water and snacks. Nothing is worse than a cold, sunburnt and hungry toddler being dragged around.

CHOOSE APPROPRIATE TRAILS

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MAKE SURE THEY’RE PREPARED

Expecting a two-year-old to walk 6 miles with a 1,200ft elevation gain probably won’t end well. Instead, research trails ahead of time and find one that works for the youngest in your party. BONUS: choose trails that have rocks, creeks, beautiful views-interest points that speak to your little ones. Out and back trails that have little variation and excitement may not be a great choice for your kids, or for you.

TINY TRAILS Leave your drill sergeant cap at home, let your kid play! Allow them to put their feet in the water, to climb the rocks, and to scavenge for different color leaves. Encourage them to be the leader. What kid doesn’t get a thrill when setting the pace and feeling in charge?

INVITE A FRIEND

The more the merrier! Friends make everything better, for kids and adults.

Prepare your kid for a fun day, not a difficult workout. Talk about all the fun they’re going to have and the exciting things they’re going to see. Follow up the hike by asking them what they enjoyed and what made them feel proud.

ENCOURAGE THEM TO BE RESPONSIBLE

ALLOW THEM TO PLAY AND LEAD

USE POSITIVE LANGUAGE WHEN REFERENCING YOUR HIKE

My oldest thrives on rules and responsibility. If yours does too, teach them early about not leaving a trace.

Not only does this help to bring up helpers, but also little humans who have a heart for caring for our Earth and keeping nature wild and free.

by Allison Burch Allison is a Denver Metro resident who has committed to facilitating a bond between her kids and nature. She shares that journey with you through her blog (PurpleMountainMama.com) and her Instagram account (@PurpleMountainMama) in the hope that it inspires you to do the same. Children that have a relationship with nature tend to seek the good for their community which benefits the world as a whole.

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PICTURE BOOKS ABOUT FINDING -AND CELEBRATINGONE’S UNIQUE PLACE IN THE WORLD

by Pam Martin

Several picture books released this year touch on themes of belonging. It’s no wonder, as our innate sense of security has been sorely tested in the wake of recent events, which have fanned the flames of the Black Lives Matter, Me Too, and Own Voices movements. But though the cultural climate has often felt heavy this past year, the following blue-ribbon picture books help inspire young readers, while providing tools to help them navigate the thorny feelings that stem from our very human tendency to dismiss others who are different from ourselves.

If you’ll remember, Amanda Gorman burst on the scene with her performance of The Hill We Climb at President Biden’s inauguration. Fans of the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate will be happy to learn she has a new picture book, Change Sings, with illustrations by Loren Long, which released in late September.

Subtitled, A Children’s Anthem, the book’s text is a rhythmic groundswell celebrating how actions, both large and small, can elevate an individual and, in time, can grow to impact a whole community. Two children (a black girl and a Jewish boy) work to clean up a park, to feed the homebound, and to spruce up a building, and as they work, more neighborhood kids join in, their combined efforts creating the wave where change becomes a foregone conclusion. The book closes with a stirring call to action: We’re what the world is becoming, And we know it won’t be long.

We all hear change strumming.

Won’t you sing along?

Also new in 2021, Over the Shop by JonArno Lawon—with illustrations by Qin Leng—tackles issues of LGBTQ+ diversity in charming, wordless picture-book style. Lynne Milot, owner of Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe in Boulder, is a huge fan of the wordless storytelling technique, as young readers must rely on interpreting visual cues to understand a story’s message.

Over the Shop follows a young girl and her grandmother who put up a sign advertising an apartment for rent in the front window of their building. But the apartment is run down, and one potential renter after another walks away.

That is, until a special young couple arrive whose generosity change the entire building and its inhabitants for the better.

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By the best-selling creators of Be Kind, Pat Zietlow Miller and Jen Hill’s new picture book covers the elusive concept of what it means to Be Strong. Released in August, the picture book asks the question—what does it mean to be strong?—the message going well beyond the phrase’s physical definition.

For the main character, Tanisha’s father, it means showing up for others in need. For her mother, it means speaking up and taking action, and for her grandmother, it means not giving up. Grandma Zee is a jogger, and to her being strong means to keep going, day after day, block after block—even when it rains. In the end, Tanisha understands that sometimes, if she can’t be strong enough alone, it’s also a strength to know when to ask for help.

From the author of the beloved classic, Julian is a Mermaid, is Jessica Love’s follow-up picture book released in October of 2020, Julian at the Wedding. B right illustrations on brown paper bring out the vibrancy of this story about the expansiveness that comes from joyful self-expression at any age.

Julian is in a wedding with his new friend, Marisol, and together, with the brides’ dog, Gloria, they head out on some magical and muddy adventures. When a creative change of clothes is met with affectionate acceptance, the reader, too, feels the joy in the final festive scene, where the guests kick off their shoes and…dance.

Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper (with pictures by Kenard Pak), follows Lina on her journey through muffled snowy streets. “The world sounded softer,” Lina thinks, “but the noises…were clearer.” From the snyak, snyek sounds her boots make, to the swish-wish of the brushes cleaning off cars, she listens on her way to her grandmother Sitti’s home to make stuffed grape leaves.

Lina’s surprised to learn Sitti knows it snowed the night before because she’s nearly blind.

“Sitti, did you hear the snow?” [Lina] asked.

Sitti smiled. “…No noise is the sound that means it’s snowing.”

Like Lina, it’s in the quiet when one is truly listening that we have the best chance at seeing the truth—the truth about our surroundings in all their rich diversity.

Pam Martin is the Book Specialist at Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe in Boulder. For more information about Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe please check out their ad on page 1 of this Issue or check out grtoys.com.

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BIRTHDAY PARTYdirectory

Find the best, most creative, and most accommodating places and programs to host your kiddos’ birthday parties.

ABC BIRTHDAY PARTIES Ages: 3 - 18 1960 32nd Street Climbing Parties! Fun, low-stress, quality parties with ABC Kids Climbing. Includes games, activities, and climbing for kids of all ages and abilities.

Hours: Saturday and Sunday afternoons Contact: Staff 303-443-5437 E: info@abckidsclimbing.com W: www.abckidsclimbing.com Birthday Party at The Carousel of Happiness Ages: All What better place to celebrate your birthday than at the Carousel of Happiness!

Enjoy the Carousel’s fun atmosphere with upbeat music from our Wurlitzer band organ and creative playtime in our do-it-yourself Puppet Theatre. Fees: $75/hour for the Party Room during regular hours, with a $25 deposit. $40 to rent the Puppet Theatre during regular open hours. After hours rentals (Tues & Wed all day, other days after 5pm) is $175/hour which includes an operator, tables, the use of the party room, etc. Party room rental includes 10 ride tickets per hour, tables, chairs, and a tablecloth. Maximum of 12 people. You are welcome to bring food and drinks and decorate the room as you wish. Additional tickets may be purchased at the front desk. Call to discuss your particular needs and reserve your date for one of the best party venues around.

P: (303)-258-3457 E: info@carouselofhappiness.org W: www.carouselofhappiness.org

Birthday pARTies at Tinker Art Studio Ages: 3-15 693B S. Broadway, in the shops at Table Mesa.

Tinker Birthday pARTies are back! Book your party today and give your child a truly special celebration. Visit us online to pick your project from our party menu, then get ready to create together in the studio! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

E: tinker@tinkerartstudio.com W: www.tinkerartstudio.com P: 303-503-1902

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winter 10/23 11/21

SCORPIO

Scorpios are powerful creatures who are resourceful, dedicated, and fearless. If you have a Scorpio as a friend, you definitely have a true friend who will always have your back!

Happy Scorpio season! To celebrate, Scorpios should plan a holiday party with their friends where everyone brings something that represents a holiday tradition in their family. Everyone can share what the item represents, bringing you closer together!

AQUARIUS 1/20 - 2/18

An Aquarius soul is often eccentric, original, and energetic. Aquariuses can meet new friends without judging them first and make them feel special.

It’s time to build a snowman, Aquarius! This season, Aquarius should get all of their friends together after a big snowstorm and meet at a local park to see who can build the best snowman. If the snowmen are too difficult, a snowball fight is always a good idea!

TAURUS

SAGITTARIUS 11/22 - 12/21

Those born under Sagittarius are curious and adventurous. Sagittarians usually don’t fear change and love to be constantly on the move, trying new things and meeting new people!

Sagittarians love learning about different cultures. This holiday season, a Sagittarius should dedicate time to learning about a different culture’s holiday traditions and then sharing what they learn with their family on a special night.

PISCES

2/19 3/20

Pisces are wise and gentle creatures who usually have a deep love and admiration for music. A Pisces is always willing to help others and provide guidance when needed.

Pisces’ innate love for music shines during the holiday season. This winter, Pisces should put on their winter coat and spend a night singing carols throughout their neighborhood!

Spreading cheer with music is sure to be the highlight of a Pisces holiday season.

GEMINI

4/20 - 5/20

7/23 8/22

Leos are natural born leaders— there’s a reason they are associated with the lion, the king of the jungle!

Leos are very warm-hearted and love to have a lot of fun. Those born under Leo are usually self-confident and cheerful.

Leos should help lead the charge on holiday decorations this season. Get out the tinsel from the attic and get ready to make your house festive! This will satisfy Leos’ joy in taking the lead and love for showing off their hard work.

12/22 - 1/19

CAPRICORN A Capricorn is an independent soul who enjoys taking charge of any situation. Family is something that a Capricorn values highly, along with music.

Since they are natural leaders, Capricorns should organize a gift exchange between their friends this holiday season! They can make it fun with classic concepts like Secret Santa or Yankee Swap.

ARIES

3/21 4/19

Those born under Aries are honest and confident souls who usually find a way to be optimistic about everything. They tend to be quite competitive, always aiming for first place.

Since Aries loves to get organized and plan ahead, this winter they should write a list of goals for the new year! Goals are different from resolutions—make a list of fun goals that you can work toward next year like planning on going on a hike every month!

CANCER

Geminis are the most curious and adaptable souls of the zodiac. They likely have two very strong sides of themselves: sociable & energetic, and serious & restless.

Gemini’s love to see different parts of the world. This winter, Gemini’s should turn their attention upward— toward the sky! The Geminid Meteor Shower will be visible from North America on December 14th. Don’t miss it!

VIRGO

symbols by stockgiu

6/21 - 7/22

5/21 - 6/20

A Taurus is most often responsible, devoted, and patient. Once a Taurus picks a path, they stick to it until the end. Having a Taurus friend means you have someone you can always rely on.

A Taurus loves to get their hands dirty! This holiday season, a Taurus should make creative, homemade gifts for their loved ones. Creating homemade gifts will bring joy to Taurus’ love for working with their hands and completing tasks.

LEO

HOROSCOPES

8/23 9/22

Those born under the sign Virgo are practical and kind. A virgo loves to think things through! This trait often makes Virgos careful creatures who try to go about everything with kindness.

This holiday season, Virgos should spend time in the kitchen before a big holiday dinner. Research & plan for a unique dish to contribute for dinner. And then cook it yourself (or with some help from dad). This will give Virgos a strong sense of accomplishment.

A Cancer is both sympathetic and persuasive. Their imagination is usually running wild, making them very creative! Cancers can also be emotional and deeply supportive of close family and friends.

To feed Cancer’s sensitive and big heart, they should volunteer this winter. There are so many different ways to volunteer locally in Boulder County, especially during the holidays. Find a cause that interests you and dive in!

LIBRA

9/23 10/22

A Libra loves balance and equality.

This sign loves to keep the peace— usually avoiding confrontation and conflict at all costs. Libras are gentle friends who love being around people all the time.

Libras should plan a night out with family and friends this holiday season. Is there a specific street in your neighborhood with a ton of holiday lights on each house that you could walk (or drive) by with mugs full of hot chocolate?

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RECIPE for a MOVEMENT-BASED STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY SEASON The holidays are an extremely stressful time of the year. Have no fear, you can fight the stress when you get your body moving.

Follow this recipe for a Stress-Free Holiday Season. These 5 easy movements are to be done sitting in a chair, moving at your own comfort level. Treat yourself and enjoy a stress-free holiday from Authentic: Grooves.

1.

Start with three deep inhales and exhales. With each breath, slow down your thoughts and only focus on the present moment.

Begin a scan from the top of your head, finishing with your toes, recognize the places where you feel tension.

Begin circling your head and wrists in one direction. After 3 to 5 circles, reverse the direction of your circles.

Releasing neck tension can reduce migraines, improve your emotional wellbeing, and aid with your immune system.

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by Jamie Carr

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2.

MOVIN’ & GROOVIN’

3.

Firmly plant your feet on the ground with a little bit of separation, bend forward at the waist relaxing the arms and head forward. After 3 to 5 breaths slowly return to a comfortable seated position. Repeat 2 or 3 times.

Folding forward releases tension throughout the entire back side of the body and soothes the nervous system.

Place your hands behind your head and open your elbows out wide. Gently twist side to side or bend side to side like a rainbow.

Increasing blood flow and strengthen postural muscles aid with back pain. Be sure to use your breath as you twist and bend.

5.

4.

Cross one leg over the other, and place the ankle on top of the knee. Gently fold forward at the hips. Hold here for 3 to 5 breaths, and repeat with the other leg.

Your hips build and hold tension related to mental and emotional stress. Releasing tension in your hips help with stress and overall well-being.

Feel free to repeat these 5 simple movements as often as you would like. Stress is often held throughout the body and creates hidden complications. Introducing movement to help reduce stress is a great way to restore the whole body back to a neutral state. To learn more move-based stress-free tips, reach out to Authentic: Grooves, we can’t wait to help you be stress free this holiday season!

For more movement based stress-free tips, or questions, please visit our website bit.ly/AuthenticGrooves or visit our social media @AuthenticGrooves Jamie Carr is the Founder and Artistic Director of Authentic: Grooves, a performance-based collective of artists, rooted in eliminating preconceived notions and enriching non-traditional spaces and communities with dance. To connect with Jamie or see what dance is in your community, please visit: bit.ly/AuthenticGrooves or check them out on Facebook or Instagram @AuthenticGrooves Stay Groovy!

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kids zone 42

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WHER JUN

KIDS ZONE

Can you spy BCK’s mascot, June, in the middle of all this chaos?

BONUS

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Reindeer

Eagle

Tobagan

Bobsleigh

Camera

Yeti

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Speedboat Parachute

Tree Crash (4)

Waldo

Bugle

Faceplant (7) Wizard

ERE’S NIE?

KIDS ZONE

S FINDS:

Broken Flags

Hikers

Jeans

Skiing Kids Chimney

Ski Jumper

Bouquet of Flowers

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PRESS PLAY video page

Check out when and where skiing came from, why we leave Santa Christmas cookies on Christmas Eve, and how to play dreidel with your friends!

Check out bouldercountykids.com for more videos.

Who Invented Skiing?

Who decided it was a good idea to strap boards to our feet and fly down a snowy mountain? You’ll be loving your tight pinchy ski boots after you see what the first skiers used!

Why Do We Leave Cookies for Santa?

Why on earth do we leave cookies for Santa?

Where did this tradition come from? Press play to find out!

How to Play Driedel Gather your friends and your loose change and spin the dreidel to see who wins it all! This video teaches you how to play the traditional dreidel game in under a minute!

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TIKTOK TikTok has... everything. Check out some of our favorite accounts below!

From grilled cheese cereal, to milking a venomous snake, to funny moments from the moon landing, you’ll soon be following these accounts if you don’t already!

CROSSWORDS Click below to try different levels of the BCK Winter 2021 Crossword Puzzles!

Beginner Puzzle

Advanced Puzzle

Intermediate Puzzle

Expert Puzzle

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winter

CALENDAR

T

here’s a lot going on in Boulder County this winter season! Don’t miss out—find all the great events right here in our Winter Calendar. Be sure to click on the links to find out more information about each event. For more events and updates, check out our Calendar section on the Boulder County Kids website.

november Mondays from November 1 - December 20— Boulder Free Spanish Class for Kids With Ms. Denise at the Boulder Public Library Join Ms Denise’s energetic & engaging Spanish Class! This class is fun, free & ideal for children ages 0-10 yo. This presentation is made possible by the generous support of the Boulder Library Foundation, individual patrons, and wonderful educators & families that have subscribed to my “Online Spanish Course for the Whole Family.”

This lesson is available to the public for 7 days after live class has streamed.

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more. This tour includes twenty songs in a variety of styles and genres, dating from the late nineteenth century to today.

November 1 - December They both reflect and 31—Denver define what it means Downtown Skating Rink to live in the Centennial at Skyline Park State. This presentation We are pleased to an- explores both Colorado’s nounce the return of the positives and negatives Downtown Denver Rink through music. From folk presented by Southwest songs to rap, from counin 2021! Click here for try to rock, from opera more information. to pop, this guided tour of Colorado songs offers November 5—Boulder something for everyone.

A Guided Tour of Colora- For more information do Songs click here.

Join CU professor Laurie Sampsel as she explores November 5-6—LakeColorado’s positives and wood negatives through mu- Scandinavian Christmas sic. Colorado has inspired Fair at Trollheim Lodge hundreds of composers, Price: $2, children under lyricists, and perform- 12 Free. Scandinavian ers. Their songs focus on craft vendors, rosemalthe natural beauty of the ing, Scandinavian Butikmountains, explore our ken with holiday decohistory, are used to cheer rations, books, jewelry, on the crowds at CU, and lefse, food products and

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much more. Best place to shop for Scandinavian items in the Colorado Front Range. For more information click here.

November 6—Boulder FREE Visit the Agricultural Heritage Center Enjoy the rural setting and mountain views and learn about the rich agricultural history of Boulder County. The farm features two barns with interactive exhibits, a milk house, blacksmith shop, and a furnished 1909 farmhouse.

November 10—Longmont Sunflower Farm School Open House Are you interested in learning about our Farmbased programming for your future Preschooler or School-Aged child?

Come visit our Open House on November 10th

WINTER CALENDAR 2:30-3:15. Learn about our summer and school year programs for Preschool kids ages 3-6 and School-Aged kids, ages 5-8! Sunflower Farm’s, farm-based educational curriculum, is based around the seasons and life on the farm. We have a preschool programs for kids ages 3-5, a Pre-Kindergarten program for kids ages 4-6 and headed for kindergarten the following year and a School-Aged program for kids ages 5-8. Some of the topics that the children will explore are year round planting and harvesting from our educational gardens, dying, carding and spinning of wool from our very own sheep, diverse animal and plant life cycles, nature based art, music and good old fashioned farm play. The farm provides the ideal setting for the social and emotional development of young children through nature, as well as their health and well being. Click here to RSVP. November 13 - Authentic: Grooves presents Cynosure - Dairy Arts Center at 6pm MST. Live in-person and Vir-

tual Audience options.

Click here for tickets and more information.

November 13—Denver The Art Garage Family Fun Fest On Saturday, November 13, 2021, finish the Denver Arts week with a fun, family friendly day at the Art Garage. Come join us from 10:00am-3:00pm for all kinds of art activities and a special printmaking station to make your own cards for the holidays. Make sure to bid on our various auction items in our silent auction and please beautify our parking lot with some awesome chalk art! For more information click here.

November 13—Longmont Triple Creek Ranch’s Western and Classical Dressage Schooling Show 2021 Dressage schooling shows offer an opportunity for riders and their horses to show in a friendly, relaxed and professional show setting. Our qualified judges offer positive, helpful remarks to help riders and horses improve their rides. (Judges remarks

pending time allowed per size of show) Entries are due by Wednesday of show week. Ride times emailed Thursday before the show. Please sign up early if you know you’re coming to the show!

Click here for more information.

holiday treats sold by 35 independent local and international merchants in charming wooden huts. With the sounds of live holiday music filling the air, savor the season with authentic Glühwein (mulled spiced wine), German Biers, and yummy traditional family recNovember 19—Boulder ipes from across Europe.

Mental Health Partners’ Best of all, no internationSupporting Younger al passport is required!

Children’s Mental Health Thursday through Satur(Ages 0-10) day from 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 Join us for a discussion on p.m. and Sunday through how to support younger Wednesday from 11:00 children’s mental health. a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ThanksRegistration is FREE and giving Day from 11:00 a.m. you can register in ad- - 4:00 p.m. and from Devance at the link here. cember 17-23 the Market is open daily from 11:00 November 19 - Decema.m. - 9:00 p.m. For more ber 23—Denver information click here.

Christkindlmarket The Denver Christkindl- November 20 - 21— market recreates the joy Longmont of strolling a European Molly McGee’s Holivillage square during the day Market 10 am—4 holidays. Located at the pm.Shop 150+ vendors festively lit Civic Center selling unique, handPark, from November 19 made crafts. For 40 through December 23, years, Mollie McGee’s has guests will experience been Colorado’s finest the region’s only authen- (and friendliest) juried tic German Holiday Mar- craft show. All Mollie Mcket, produced by the Ger- Gee’s artisans sell crafts man American Chamber that are locally handof Commerce – Colo- made. Admission is $5 at rado Chapter. Shop for the door. For more inforunique, finely crafted ar- mation click here. tisan gifts as well as tasty

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WINTER CALENDAR

december December 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 18, 19—Aurora Winter Tales Winter Tales is an interactive theater experience for children that brings four classic holiday stories to life: “The Chanukkah Guest” (Eric A. Kimmel), “Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa” (Donna L. Washington), “The Legend of the Poinsettia” (Tomie de Paola) and “The Shortest Day” (Susan Cooper). Participants will enjoy an activity followed by four short plays. (Total show time: 1 hour, 15 minutes). Tickets are $8 in advance, $12 at the door. For more information click here.

December 4—Boulder Lights of December Parade 6 pm at Pearl Street Mall We’ve missed gathering our community for this highly anticipated holiday tradition and cannot wait to bring everyone back together for it again this year! The Downtown Boulder team continues to carefully and thoughtfully plan our events based on public health recommendations and requirements, and will plan the holiday parade with these in mind. We kindly ask that participants agree to follow whatever the rules and regulations are at the time of the event, and continue to respect each other and our potential individual varying levels of comfort.

December 4—Denver 9News Parade of Lights

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Are you ready to experience Colorado’s brightest holiday tradition?

This FREE holiday spectacular features more than 40 units including extravagantly illuminated floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, magnificent marching bands, traditional equestrian units, and vibrant cultural displays. And of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa! Join us for the live parade on December 4th at 6:00pm and check out the floats displayed throughout prime | $39 standard | the month of December. $29 value Senior: $44 prime | $34 December 10—Broomstandard | $24 value field Teen: $44 prime | $34 The Nutcracker present- standard | $24 value ed by Colorado ConserChild: $40 prime | $30 vatory of Dance standard | $20 value Colorado Conservatory To order tickets please of Dance (CCD) returns visit http://www.nutto the stage for its first cracker2021.com or call in-person performance 303.466.5685 since February 2020.

CCD will present a full- December 10-12—Boullength production of der Denver Metro’s family WinterFest at Chautaufavorite ballet The Nut- qua cracker, December 10, 11, After a toned-down 12, 18, and 19 at the Per- event in 2020, we are forming Arts Complex at back big with the third Pinnacle Charter School, year of our wildly popu1001 W. 84th Ave., Den- lar WinterFest! Building ver. With ticket prices on the magic of previbeginning at $20 and ous years, we are aiming a maximum premium for a truly memorable seating price of only $49, event for all ages. Highthe CCD production of- lights include: Festival of fers an ideal balance of Lights, kids concert with professional quality and Jeff and Paige, breakfast affordability for families with Santa, santa’s cotwishing to share this tage, horse-drawn carone-of-a-kind experi- riage rides, historic cotence together. tage tour, history tours, Ample FREE parking! public art exhibit, WinTICKETS: Adult: $49 terFest Market, scaven-

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ger hunt, photo station.

December 17, 18, & 19— Boulder Boulder Opera’s Family Series: L’enfant et les sortilèges Boulder Opera brings the enchanting L’enfant et les sortilèges (The Child and the Spells: A Lyric Fantasy in Two Parts)

by Ravel with stage direction by Dana Kinney, and music direction by Steven Aguiló-Arbues.

A lazy child has been grounded. Ordered to stay in his bedroom until dinner time, he takes out his anger on the animals and objects around him. He knocks over a tea service, torments a squirrel and a cat, tears up the tapestry and then his books. Suddenly, as if by magic, these innocent victims come to life and decide to get their revenge. The Opera is one hour long, sung in French with English subtitles. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

WINTER CALENDAR $30 general admission $25 kids/students/seniors Click here to purchase tickets.

Click here to learn more.

December 17—Broomfield A Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker presented by Colorado Conservatory of Dance Colorado Conservatory of Dance (CCD) is proud to return to the stage and present a special version of the traditional, family-friendly holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, for people with special and sensory needs on Friday, December 17 at 6:30 PM at the Performing Arts Complex at Pinnacle Charter School, 1001 W. 84th Avenue in Denver. Colorado Conservatory of Dance is in its eleventh year of offering Dance Expressions – a program which uses dance to build critical developmental skills and physical strength and flexibility for children with special needs ranging from Cerebral Palsy to Down Syndrome. Building on their expertise with this core program, CCD has developed a theatre experience for people with special needs. Thanks to generous contributions from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) and other supporters,CCD is pleased to offer free or deeply discounted admissions to the production.

Ample FREE parking!

TICKETS: $10 general admission | Guest of Honor FREE

january

on-going 2nd/4th Saturday— Longmont Firehouse Art Center Saturday Art Experience (SAE) 12 to 12:45 pm, for ages 5-8 and 1 to 2 pm, for ages 9-12, located at 667 4th Ave. Free with family membership. $10 drop-in. Your children will learn about contemporary art, create artwork and bring it home. Preregistration is encouraged.

Call Mary Chapin Durling at (303) 651- 2787 or email info@firehouseart. org or check www.firehouseart. org for more information.

Ongoing—Boulder The CU History Museum is open year-round for ages 6 and up. Seven rooms, chronicling CU’s history and alumni accomplishments and space exhibit with moon rock from NASA. FREE. Located on the CU Campus. Call (303) 4926329 for more information.

Ongoing—Boulder Storytimes at the Main Library for ages birth to 36 months. Age- appropriate January 8-23—Denver storytime posters will be National Western Stock Show & Rodeo Bulls and broncs, cowboys and cowgirls - rodeo’s posted by the doors to he biggest superstars perform amazing feats of athlet- Mt. Sanitas room by 9 am icism during each performance of this professional and direct patrons to take rodeo. Showcasing the elegance and athleticism of a token for each person the world’s top reining horses, the hard-hitting com- in their group. Limit of 40 petition of Denver Professional Bull Riders Chute- to each storytime. Times Out and the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, this event are: Lap Babies (birth to 15 has something for everyone. For more information months) on Tuesdays, at 9:15 am; Cruisers & Crawlclick here. ers (15-24 months) on Wednesdays, at 9:15 am, Younger Toddler Time (24- 30 months) on Mondays, at 9:15 am; Older Toddler Time (30-36 months) on Thursdays, at 9:15 am.

Contact ask@boulderlibrary.org or call (303) 4413100 for more information.

Ongoing—Boulder County/Denver

Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe Story Time for ages 1-6, located at 2525 Arapahoe Avenue in Boulder, 14644 Orchard Pkwy #1000 in Westminster, and 8340 Northfield Blvd. in Denver.

Weekly Story Time with a craft or activity for preschoolers. It’s Free and lots of fun. Check our website for times and directions.

Call Lynne Milot at (303) 443-0780 or email lynne@ grtoys.com or you can check out www.grtoys. com for more information.

T/W/TH—Longmont Longmont Public Library story times for ages birth to 6, located at 409 4th Avenue. Lap-sit, toddler, and preschool story times 10:15 and 11 am T/W mornings; Spanish story time TH evenings at 6:30, bedtime story time TH nights at 7 pm. Call (303) 6518477 or check out www. ci.longmont.co.us/library.

Every Sunday—Boulder Boulder Public Library Online Go Club for ages 5-16.

Learn to play the ancient and mysterious board game known as Go. Call Melanie Howard at (303) 441- 3099 or please email howardm@boulderlibrary. org for more information or check out www. bplnow.boulderlibrary.org.

Weekly—Boulder Twirling Tech Goddess.

Build STEAM skills with new videos weekly. Catch up on the new- est video from the Twirling Tech Goddess each Friday. Watch and learn as she creates, dances, and twirls with tech while encourag- ing radical diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and

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WINTER CALENDAR Math (STEAM). Offered by BLDG 61, Boulder Public Library’s makerspace, and the Boulder Library Foundation.

Branch Boulder Public Library at 3595 Table Mesa Drive. For kids interested in all things STEAM, robotics, community service, public speaking and leadership.

Weekly workshop will support robotics 4-H project and help students prepare for membership on FIRST LEGO® team attending tournament. Please email for more information.

Contact Candice Brown at (720) 938-0307 or steam.4h. boulder@gmail. com or www. steam4hboulder.wordpress.com for more information.

M/T/W/F—Longmont Playgroups for parents and children, on Mon: 10 am to noon, infant and toddlers: Wed: 10 am to 12 pm, mixed-ages: Fri: 10:30 am to noon, & bilingual (Spanish) 0-4 playgroup on the 1st and last Fridays. Also, Fatherhood Connection every Tuesday, from 7 to 8:30 pm, support and education for dads. Children’s Services can also help with child care referrals. Call St. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays— Vrain Valley Center at (303) Boulder Renaissance Adven776-5348. tures Drop-in Hike using Pokemon GO App for ages M/T/W/F—Longmont Playgroups for parents 6 to adult, from 6:15 to 8:15 and children, on Mon: 10 pm. Adventure League Go! am to noon, infant and is a safe and fun event for all toddlers: Wed: 10 am to 12 ages oriented around hiking pm, mixed-ages: Fri: 10:30 and interactive trainer chalam to noon, & bilingual lenges. Participants also en(Spanish) 0-4 playgroup gage in a variety of live-acon the 1st and last Fridays. tion role playing challenges, Also, Fatherhood Connec- such as beanbag games of tion every Tuesday, from 7 agility, performances and to 8:30 pm, support and social encounters, and a education for dads. Chil- costume contest. Call (303) dren’s Services can also 786-9216 to pre-register or help with child care refer- please check us out online rals. Call St. Vrain Valley at www.RenaissanceAdCenter at (303) 776-5348. ventures.com for more information.

Monthly Meetings— Daily—Countywide Boulder & Longmont County WIC La Leche League. Boulder Program.

SupplemenBreast-feeding support group meeting for all ages. tal foods and nutritional Dedicated to providing health education for pregeducation, information, nant, breast- feeding, and mother-to- mother sup- postpartum women with port, and encouragement children up to 5 years. to women who are nursing Ongoing enrollment at their toddlers. Babies and 5 clinic sites. Boulder Ofchildren welcome. For the fice: 3305 Broadway; San Longmont league call Di- Juan Office: 3100 34th St. ane at (303) 444-9849. or in Boulder; Longmont OfAmanda at (303) 772-9312. fice: 529 Coffman, Suite For the Boulder league call 200; Salud Clinic: 231 East Molly (720) 922- 3549 or 9th in Longmont; Tri-cities Office: 1345 Plaza Court Diane (303) 444-9849.

North, 3A in Lafayette.

FREE. Call (303) 441-1451.

Tuesdays—Boulder FIRST LEGO® Robotics Workshops for ages 9-13, Tuesdays–Boulder from 6:30-7:30 pm, locat- Teen Girl Yoga for ages 13 ed at George Reynolds to 16, from 4:30 to 5:25, lo-

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845302. Outside the US, go to FreeConferenceCall. com. Exercise your spirit like you exercise your body for what promises to be a great emotion- al, psychological, social, spiritual and physical health boost.

Join Jessica Dancingheart by phone, as she leads you in a gratitude meditation followed by time to talk about what brings you happiness. Jessica will Thursdays—Boulder Beyond MOPS...the next lead the group in a dif- ferstep. Join us for SAMS ent gratitude theme each (School-Age Moms). New week. Contact Jessica group for mothers of Dancingheart at (303) 589school-age children (kin- 8420 or jessica@opendergarten-12th grade) to ingtopossibilities.com share their joys and chal- or please check online lenges. Includes guest at www.facebook.com/ speakers, child care, and events/197919447941963 refreshments. 1st and 3rd for more information.

Thursdays of each month.

Cost: $5. Boulder Valley Every Saturday—BoulChristian Church, 7100 der S. Boulder Rd. Call Jan at 101 FREE Fly Fishing Begin(303) 494-4248 or Darcy ner’s Demo Class. RSVP at (303) 926- 1590 for more required as class is limited to 6 anglers! Please call information. the shop 877-935-2897 or Thursdays—Broomfield 303- 494-1375 to R.S.V.P! Tough Love Parent Sup- Have you always wantport Group will meet at the ed to learn about fly fishUnited Church of Broom- ing, but didn’t have the field at 825 Kohl Street, equip- ment? Don’t miss from 7 to 9:30 pm. Call Jer- our FREE Orvis 101 Demo ry Hart at (303) 494-4598 class here at the shop. If you have never been fly for more information. fish- ing before, it is an excellent way to get a quick Saturdays—Boulder Teen Art Therapy Groups, introduction to fly fishing for ages 13-17, from 12 to 2 with one of our qualified pm, located at 5378 Ster- FRA Team Members. We ling Drive, Studio 6. Ex- will be demonstrating press Yourself! No art ex- how to set up a rod, basic perience necessary. Teens fly casting, flies, and some can make a mess and get basic terminal tackle. real together about issues that concern them. Con- Ongoing—Boulder tact Catherine M. Houston, Pregnancy and parenting LPC at (720) 628-0158 or resources in Boulder Councatherine@catherinem- ty at www.bouldercounty. houstonlpc. com or check org/families/pregnancy/. us out online at www. Nurse-family partnership, catherinemhoustonlpc. teen pregnancy support, com for more information. special needs, fostering programs, health, childcare assistance, Boulder Wednesdays–Online 50 Minute Wednesday County Head Start and Community Gratitude Call more. Check out their for ages 8 to adult, from website for resource and 1:30 to 2:20 pm, by phone: ongoing programs.

In the US, dial (425) 4366306 and use access code Ongoing—Boulder cated at 1676 30th Street.

A safe place for teen girls to reconnect to their inner wisdom and knowledge, through mindful breath and yoga. Contact Teri Jacobson, MA CYI at (303) 588-4092 or boulderyogakids14@ gmail.com or check out their Facebook page at Boulder Yoga Kids for more information.

WINTER CALENDAR Wonder Wonder for all ages, located at 1685 29th Street, Suite 1268, open 7 days a week, is a new form of experiential entertainment that intends to bring out the weird, wild, and wonderful in ways you’ve never seen before. Our mission is to create an immersive one-of-a-kind experience that is as engaging as it is inspiring. Part art exhibit, part photography opportunity—each room is meant to tap into people’s creativity and curiosity while providing a welcoming environment for all experience-goers. Call (720) 429-1895 for hours and more information.

place where people can shop for health insurance and access tax credits to reduce monthly health insurance premiums. For more information, call (720) 515-1454.

paint- ing and drawing, Ongoing—Boulder paper and book arts, writSchool-Day-Off Work- ing and visual journaling, shops. These 3-hour work- and mixed media. Check shops are great for the out twohandspaperie. days the kids have off from com/classes/ for more inschool! We try to follow formation. the BVSD calendar. These Ongoing—Longmont Swim•Float•Swim! Aquat- classes are great one-day Ongoing—Virtual ic Academy—The ulti- commitments that get Through May 27—Denver mate swim lesson expe- the kids out of your house Great Barrier Reef 3D. At rience for ages 6 months and into our kitchen! the Denver Museum of and up. Boulder County’s *Ages 5 and up, virtual can Nature & Science. Grab only dedicated warm-wa- be any age. Please con- your mask and snorkel ter swim lesson facili- tact us if you have ques- and dive into an unforgetty where children learn tions about what class table adventure! “Great to swim and float in- would best suit your kids’ Barrier Reef” captures dependently in weeks, age and ability *We are the natural beauty and not years. The Diagonal not an allergen-free kitch- exquisite strangeness of Trade Center, 795 S. Sher- en, yet we try our best to the world’s largest living man St. Visit www.swim- accommodate allergies. wonder, and introduces floatswim.com to discov- Please contact us to dis- us to the visionaries and Ongoing—Boulder cuss. Check out foodlab- citizen scientists who are Sunflower Kids Art Studio er the difference. Contact boulder.com/kids-day- helping us better underoffers year-round classes Judy Heumann at (303) for ages 3.5 to 15, at 6545 499-2229 or email judy@ off-school-work-shops for stand this awesome, bizarre and vibrant living Gunpark Dr. #200. Call infantaquatics.com for more information. world. Visit secure1.dmns.

Lika Gitis at (720) 939-7545 more information.

Ongoing—Boulder org/ for more informaor email lika@artsunflower.com or visit us at www. Weekdays—Boulder/La- Online classes available in tion. artsunflower.com. fayette Boulder County Head Ongoing—Boulder/ Start Enrollment drive for Longmont Boulder County Child ages 3-5 years, from 8 am Care Assistance Program to 4 pm, located at 3482 N. (CCAP)- subsidized child Broadway. Boulder Councare for children 0-12. Ap- ty Head Start is recruitCheck out our Spring Issue ply for our CCAP wait list. ing for its free, compreApplication on our web- hensive preschool with for February, March, & April site www.bouldercountyfull- and part-day classes. childcare. org and clock events! on forms for the CCAP ap- Income guidelines apply. plication. Must be county Call Susi Gritton at (720) resident, income and ac- 564-2210 or email sgrittivity requirements. Other ton@bouldercounty.org requirements apply. For for more information. more information check If you have a dated calendar out www.ccap@boulder- Ongoing–Boulder event in February, March, or county.org.

Mountain Song Music April please let us know by Studio, Inc., offering FREE January 10th. One-listingOngoing—Countywide Boulder County Healthy DEMO CLASS/ TRIAL LESper-month limit on a space Kids and Adults! helps SON for the Music Toavailable basis. Non-proffamilies and individuals en- gether® Program (birth-5 it and free dated events are roll in Medicaid and Child years). Online for winter; Health Plan Plus (CHP+). outdoor for spring/sumprioritized. Please email us at Medicaid and CHP+ are mer/fall. Private piano calendar@bouldercountykids. free and low-cost pub- lessons (5 years and up). com with details. lic health insurance plans Online during COVID that provide dental, med- (in-person when safe). ical, prescription and viContact Jane Smolens, sion benefits. There are no monthly premiums and director at (303) 413-1120 co-pays range from $0 to or jsmolens@ mountain$50 depending on fam- songmusic.com or please ily income. Healthy Kids do check online at www. and Adults! can also con- mountain-songmusic. nect families to Connect com for more informafor Health Colorado, a new tion. health insurance marketbouldercountykids.com

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