Mountain Parent Magazine: January

MOUNTAINPARENT MOUNTAINParent issu e t wo / Ja n ua ry- Feb rua ry 2017

A FR EE PU B L I C AT I O N O F T H E ROA R I N G FO R K VA L L E Y, CO LO R A D O

reCre at ion Cen t ers

loC a l e v en ts

Programming Mini-Guide

Aspen to Glenwood

S TA RG A ZING a Local’s Guide

WELLNESS

•

H U N T ING Colorado

EDUC ATION

•

w in t er sPorts

yo u t h non ProFi ts

Trail Guides, Nordic, Resorts

Find After School Help

RE A DS

with Basalt Library

RECRE ATION

•

HOME LIFE

SKIING

with your kids •

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ST YLE

M o u n ta i n - Pa r e n t. c o M

In this Issue January / February 2017

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R E C R E AT I O N

the more you learn about aspen Youth Hockey, the more impressed you'll be! an aVSc coach offers good advice about what she learned trying to teach her own child how to ski.

Use our nordic trail finder guide as a starting point for cashing in on groomers. recreation centers from Glenwood to aspen promote their excellent programming in our Mini-Guide.

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LE A R N I N G & CO M M U N IT Y N O N - PRO F IT S

Non-profit spotlight: Stepping Stones of the Roaring Fork Valley provides a need after school refuge + aspen Youth center's free programs have a far-reaching impact Local toy designer puts some classics from the Toy Hall of Fame in a new light Pitkin county Library's makerspace - the Lab - offer hands on and high-tech learning Delighting in the Birds: Local author, grandmother and environmental educator shares her story carbondale based artist and teacher shares tips for making space for art in the home

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W E L L N E SS + T H E TOO L BOX

What is normal when breastfeeding? Lactation expert points out some misunderstandings to help. old dogs and young kids. Local veterinarian points out what to watch out for in your aging pet.

Part one in a series regarding youth dentistry.

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H O M E LI FE & T H E CO M M U N IT Y C A LE N DA R a winter craft for Valentine's Day that even the boys will like.

CheCk events oCCuring in January and February at loCal libraries, art Centers, resorts and more

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M o u n ta i n - Pa r e n t. c o M

A l l A b o u t M o u ntA i n PA r e nt

de a r re a ders,

It's with deep gratitude and buckets of excitement that I send a big thank you shout out! Thank you to contributing writers, sponsors, community partners, designers and general Mountain Parent enthusiasts. Thank you for the thoughtfulness of our contributors, the genius and patience of our designers and the faith of new advertisers. I can say with certainty that the rebirth of Mountain Parent in November was a huge success. Readers e-mailed. Friendsof-friends-of-friends sent massages our way. Talk was overheard in check-out lines. Somehow people nabbed print copies and were excited to see content written by people they know from their daily world about topics focused on the most important part of our life - our kids!

We go about our world bombarded by digital media, while it is one of the greatest technological and social leaps of our time in many positive ways, it also has the effect of exhausting us just a bit more.

And we are already so exhausted and busy! We are always “on” as parents and now we are also always “on” digesting digital media. That being said, in 2017 you’ll see Mountain Parent content become more and more comprehensive on our website and don't forget to sign up for the e-newsletter. We aren’t idiots! Still, I hope you can savour the “easy on the eyes” feeling you'll have when you grab a print copy of MP. I hope that you and the MP print issue can have a quiet moment together, that you will enjoy the feel of the paper and perhaps take a deep breath as you read it. Sorry, foot rubs not included even though you deserve one.

Sincerely,

Lauren M. Suhrbier

Publisher Mountain Parent MaGazine

essen t i a l s

Mountain Parent is available free of charge at over 120 locations in the Roaring Fork Valley. We publish 6 issues each year (every other month) and provide the issue online. Visit mountainparent.com to sign up for the monthly E-Newsletter and don’t miss out on anything!

disCl a im er

The opinions and views expressed by the contributors to Mountain Parent are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Mountain Parent Magazine has been registered with the State of Colorado.

Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content is prohibited.

e vent C alendar

We welcome your input, ideas and news. Letters may submitted via mail or e-mail.

Listings for the Calendar of Events must include a basic description of the event, time, date, location, contact information and cost.

E-mail:

editor@mountain-parent.com.

Co n t ri b u to rs Mountain Parent is always looking for interesting ideas, beautiful photographs and news coverage. Please contact us at editor@mountain-parent.com to learn more.

a dv ert ising

This publication offers both businesses and non-profits an extremely cost-competitive way to reach a targeted audience of readers. We offer both online and print advertising options and non-profits can take advantage for special discounts.

Please visit our website www. mountain-parent.com for more information.

Co n taC t

Mountain Parent Magazine editor@mountain-parent.com mountain-parent.com 970.319.3939 Find us on Facebook too!

w ebsi t e

At present we are not at the top of Google search results. Scroll down! You can also enter our website directly. Please make note that it has a hyphen. Our website is:

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design

RANDALL LEVENSALER levensaler.com JEN MOSS

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Aspen Junior Hockey sh au n h at h away

DIREC TOR, ASPEN jUNIOR HOCkEY

T O P [Photo: AJH + The Aspen Times]

AJH, known as the Aspen Leafs, was founded in 1972 by John McBride with one team of 15 players. Today the program has grown to over 300 participants and 19 teams. Since taking the helm in 2013, Executive Director Shaun Hathaway has made tremendous strides strengthening the program, which includes construction an impressive off-ice shooting facility, establishing the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League with a team in Aspen (proving a post-graduate development option for players), and securing the manager of youth hockey in Finland (Kalle Valiäho) for a 6-month sabbatical in Aspen.

Throughout the season, Coach Valiäho will work exclusively with AJH players and coaches, providing his expertise and knowledge to help solidify a world-class youth program in Aspen. This season, Hathaway was also able to secure the coaching services of Blake Hull (Bantam A) and Dayn Belfour (Pee Wee A), both sons of NHL Hall of Famers (Bobby Hull and Ed Belfour).

“I think the key will be to follow through on what we’ve built to ensure we continue to execute at a world-class level and take advantage of the things that are in front of us, stated Hathaway. “Today we are focused on a 10-year plan, and it starts with our younger players. Look at them in 10 years and tell me how much they’ve achieved, and that will be the proof of our current achievements.”

t h e s tats

Players can start as young as age 4 and continue through the ages of 19 (girls) or 20 (boys). this season there are 231 kids enrolled! Boys can play after they graduate highschool in the u-20 league which provides a special opportunity during a time of major life transition. our nearly 40 coaches are there for the players both on and off the rink.

t h e sC h ed u l e

the aspen Leafs currently compete in the rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League (rMJHL), continental Divide Youth Hockey League (cDYHL), and Mountain States Girls Hockey League (MSGHL). averaging 30 games per season, which runs october to March, means that hockey is a big part of the week! Many might think the travel schedule a turn-off, but in reality we only travel about 4 games over the entire season. this is more manageable than some other sports.

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M o u n ta i n - Pa r e n t. c o M

t h e gi rl s got i t

Girls’ hockey is the fastest, most graceful and creative team sport on earth. This season we have 82 girls crushing it on the ice! AJH was the first Club in Colorado to offer girls-only hockey and currently boasts one of the largest programs between California and Minnesota. All teams (except 8U and 10U) participate in the Mountain States Girls Hockey League (MSGHL). The Leafs also offer a competitive 14U AA (Tier-2) team, one of only five in the entire Rocky Mountain District.

t h e Cos t

AJH really wants to make hockey accessible to every kid and is working hard to fundraise and reduce overhead costs. Currently AJH gives out around $30,000 in scholarships each year. We also use our fundraising to subsidize the operating budget so that even players who don’t receive a scholarship are benefiting from a reduced price. The starting tuition for the 2016-17 season was $510 not including gear or any scholarship reductions. Prices go up as players get older.

t h e h e a rt

Part of the AJH mission: “Players perform at their highest intellectual, physical and emotional capacity in the rink, and that performance positively impacts their character and life off the ice."

the tr aining

AJH has created in depth Development Plans that are completely tailored to each age group. We utilize the longterm athletic model (LTAD) as the foundation for player

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Based on the science supporting player development, the ideal time for athletes to acquire hockey specific skills is 8-12 years old. After 12 years old, the “window” of trainability to proficiently learn hockey specific skills begins to close.

F R O M T O P the Girls 2016, 14ua champions!Players during a recent tournament in october. at the goal, Charlie Van Allen a senior at Aspen Highschool. [Photos: AJH + The Aspen Times]

development. Instead of focusing on immediate results, AJH is committed to a long term approach – a process that is firmly focused on the physical and psychological growth of participants.

Everything from monitoring growth (to track growth spurts) occurs regularly during this stage by measuring height (every 3 months for 10U players, every 6 weeks for 12U players). Children, youth and adults need to do the right things at the right time to develop in their sport or activity – whether they want to be hockey players, dancers, figure skaters or gymnasts. (LTAD) describes the things athletes need to be doing at specific ages and stages. Long-term tracking helps to correctly identify PHV, which helps AJH provide its players more effective individualized and differentiated instruction based specifically on the “windows of trainability.”

Be their Parent, not t h ei r CoaCh aliCe bl aCk ALPINE PROGR AM MANAGER, ASPEN VALLEY SkI & SNOWBOARD CLUB

I grew up in Romania, where everyone is a gymnast. Although my parents had no background in skiing, they wanted me to try something different, so they put me in ski lessons. By age 7, I was on a travel team. Fast forward a few years and I secured a spot on the Romanian Junior National Team. At 18, I moved to the United States to continue to pursue skiing, a sport that afforded me an incredible amount of opportunity: a college education, a career in ski racing, and eventually, a life in the Roaring Fork Valley working for the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club.

Given that skiing has been such an integral part of my life, I figured that I was more than qualified to teach my daughter, Lara, then three-and-a-half, to ski last season. Although I’d already signed her up for AVSC’s Base Camp program, I figured I’d give it a shot before

her lessons started. After several failed attempts (and many hot cocoa bribes), I hoped that a Ski Pro would have the magic touch that I was missing. Just a few Powder Panda lessons later, Lara was turning, stopping, and grasping basic technical concepts with ease.

Best of all, she was ending each day with a smile.

Many parents in the Roaring Fork Valley are adept skiers and snowboarders and may not see the need to involve others in their children’s development as winter sport athletes. Others, like my parents, have no background in the sport and may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of taking on something new. Either way, it can be hard to hand your child’s athletic development over to someone else.

With ski groups starting this time of year, I wanted to share what I see as the main benefits for participation.

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M o u n ta i n - Pa r e n t. c o M

i n d ePen d enC e

Progr a ms

You wouldn’t think about going to school with your child – why is ski school any different? When you’re not around to carry equipment, wipe noses, give them snacks, etc., you’ll be amazed at how self-sufficient they can become.

NOTE: This is a summary of programs offered

by AVSC, which operates at locations from Carbondale’s Spring Gulch trails up to Aspen.

Sunlight Mountain in Glenwood Springs also offers children’s programs.

t e a m wo rk

BASE C AMP

To this day, my best friends are teammates I grew up skiing with; they are my second family.

In today’s world, where kids spend increasing amounts of time behind a screen, sport is a great chance for them to build deep, longlasting friendships and learn how to take care of and rely on others outside of their family.

Pa ren ts n eed a b re a k

Parenting is a lot of work. Anytime someone will take some of the burden off you and provide education for your kids (whether in life or in sport), welcome the opportunity! This isn’t to say you shouldn’t enjoy activities with your kids - take some time after their classes or on a day off to go see what they’ve learned!

h a n dl i n g a dv ersi t y

We are incredibly fortunate to live in a place where our children don’t face much adversity; you could probably put a 5-year-old on a RFTA bus and they’d be fine! Skiing and snowboarding provide an opportunity to experience and overcome adversity in a safe environment. As fun as winter sports are, any athlete deals with failure, whether it’s having a hard time mastering a new trick or struggling down a steep run. Learning how to fail, and how to move forward, are essential to personal growth throughout life.

n e w ro l e m o del s

Coaches can become incredible role models and mentors. It’s beneficial for our children to experience different styles of teaching – take Lara and me as an example. I couldn’t teach her how to turn, and she and her ski school coach mastered it within a few days. Kids look up to their coaches, and will learn as much about character as they do about technical skills.

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aVSc’s Base camp program is a recreational program where kids as young as three and a half can learn to ski (age 7 for snowboard). there are programs available for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. children participate at Buttermilk, Snowmass, or aspen Highlands and are taught by aspen Skiing company’s Pros. through Base camp, AVSC partners with local non-profits such as ascendigo, challenge aspen, and the Buddy Program to increase participation of local youth.

TEAMS

Winter sport athletes can compete in aVSc’s teaM Programs, which are categorized into five disciplines: Alpine, Nordic, Freestyle, Snowboard, and adaptive. aVSc athletes compete on local and national levels; many have gone on to compete in the X-Games and olympics.

SCHOL ARSHIPS

aVSc believes that children develop as athletes, and as people, through winter sports. therefore, it’s the organization’s mission that every child in the Roaring Fork Valley has the opportunity to participate. each year, aVSc gives over $1 million in scholarships and subsidies. Families must apply in the fall for scholarships for the upcoming season. Scholarships are needbased.

Whether you’re just starting to ski or snowboard or you’re a seasoned pro, trust the process and let your child experience winter sports independently. Let your kids learn not only technical skills, but valuable life lessons like commitment and teamwork. While it can be scary at first, learn to enjoy another adult taking the reins and revel in the opportunity to be your child’s cheerleader without having to simultaneously teach them. You’ll be amazed at what they learn, and how much you both enjoy the process.

About the author: Alice Black is the Alpine Program Manager at Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club, where she’s worked for 14 years. She and her husband Ben, who works for the US Paralympic Ski Team, have two children, Lara (4.5) and Wes (2.5).

L A S T PAG E I T ’ S A L L A B O U T H AV I N G F U N .

[Photo: Hal Williams] L E F T coach alice and daughter Lara of aspen getting ready to hit the slopes. C E N T E R : nordic athlete Stefani Wojcik. B O T T O M : edwin ryerson works on his technique at an aVSc training this fall on the the Grand Mesa.

Groomer Guide Mountain Parent’s artist in residence Sarah Uhl created this map for Aspen Trail Finder.

It shows the general area of cross country ski areas in the valley, with the exception of Crown Mountain Park in Basalt which is open depending on the year’s snowpack.

Read on for a quick snapshot of your many options for groomed nordic trails.

M o u n ta i n - Pa r e n t. c o M

Groomed trails build confidence, support speed and aid skiers in building technique. Using the skills honed on groomers, prepares kids for the fun of fresh powder and challenge of variable conditions.

Tr y to find t he best t ra il system for your kid’s abilit y a nd your ow n.

Just like a ny t hing, it is encourag ing to sta rt w it h a t ra il t hat is well w it hin t heir comfort ra nge a nd set goa ls of skiing more difficu lt t ra ils over t he season. Sta rt ing off too ha rd, too fast ca n add to fr ust rat ion or emba r rassment. At t he sa me t ime, pushing to t he next level builds life -long habit s of mot ivat ion. The A spen Nordic Center at t he golf course boast s t he easiest t ra ils, pa rt icu la rly for skat ing. Owl Creek a nd Spring Gu lch a re g roomed but a lso more difficu lt. Check g rooming report s at t he websites below before you go!

FEATURED

sPri n g gu lC h, C a rbo n da l e

resou rCes

The Spring Gulch Trail System is a network of 21+ kilometers of professionally groomed cross-country ski trails. Enjoy Spring Gulch and please consider becoming a member.

ASPEN - SNOWMASS NORDIC TRAIL SYSTEM ASPEN CROSS COUNTRY CENTER

SPRING GULCH, CARBONDALE

SNOWMASS NORDIC CENTER

SUNLIGHT MOUNTAIN CROSS COUNTRY, GLENWOOD SPRINGS

T O P nordic athlete Kate and her mom Julie after a race. Youth nordic skiers love to train at Spring Gulch.

[Photos: AVSC] B E L O W a map of the Spring Gulch trail System.

It is free to use the system, but costs nearly $500 a day to operate. Starting at $35, each membership makes a difference.

39551 W. Hwy 82 (970) 925-2145

0446 Clubhouse Drive (970) 923-5700

BASALT HIGH SCHOOL & ROARING FORK CLUB (check

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for seasonal openings)

aspennordic.org Out & Back

County Road 108, 6 miles from Hwy 133, Carbondale

CROWN MOUNTAIN PARK, BASALT

501 Eagle Count Drive, Basalt (970) 963-6030

crownmtn.org

RIO GRANDE TRAIL, SECTIONS FROM CARBONDALE - ASPEN Check the grooming reports to make sure they are good to go!

rfta.com aspenpitkin.com

recreation center Mini-GuiDe these MP sponsors do so much for our community. Here is just a snapshot of the amazing indoor and outdoor programming offered by these recreation and community centers.

asPen

C arbondale

b a s a lt glenwood sPrings

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M o u n ta i n - Pa r e n t. c o M

asPen

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Winter Wonderland

Playhouse@ The Red Brick

Junior Rock Rats @ The Red Brick

ALL HOURS OF OPERATION ARE WEATHER DEPENDENT Monday through Saturday › 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday › 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Located at the arc. 0861 Maroon creek rd. aspen.

Cost: FREE / rental equipment available outdoor skating pons and sledding hill in one spot!

Tuesday & Thursday › 2:00 - 3:45PM Wednesday › 2:00 - 2:45 PM Friday › 8:30am - 11:45 AM Ages: 0-5 years Cost: $5 come roll, jump and play on our spring-loaded, super-soft gymnasium floor! Fit balls, geometric learning shapes, bolster donuts, tumbler downhill mats.

Mondays › 3:30 - 4:15 PM Thursdays › 3:30 - 4:15 PM Ages: 4-6 years Cost: $57/ month Drop-in: $16 Kids will come away from this class with more self-confidence, a lot of new friends, basic climbing techniques, safety awareness, and the ability to have fun in an alternative sports setting. Drop-ins are only available if the class is not fully booked.

Swim Lessons Levels 1 - 4

Swim Lessons Parent /Tot Levels 1 - 2

Swim Lessons Preschool Saturdays

January 7- 28, Saturdays › 9:30 - 10:15 AM Ages: 5+ Cost: $34 - $40 each level meets at the pool at the arc. Parents are welcome to observe swim lessons from the deck on the first and last days of each session. All other times, parents may only observe from the grassy area or the lobby.

January 7 - 28 Saturdays › LEVEL 1 10:30 - 11:00 AM Saturdays › LEVEL 2 9:30 - 10:00 AM Ages: Level 1 (6 - 15 mo.) Level 2 (16 mo. - 3 yrs) Cost: $34 - $40 Parent tot is for children ages 6 months to 3 years. they will learn to be comfortable performing basic movements in the water through play with their parents. Levels 1 and 2 meet at different times.

January 7 - 28 Saturdays, 10:30 - 11:00 AM

Ages: 3 - 5 years Cost: $34 - $40 Kids will learn to be safe in the water and develop beginner swim skills in a fun environment with their instructor.

Swim Lessons Preschool Mondays

Aspen Swim Club

Youth Karate

January 9- 30 LEVEL 1, Mondays › 3:45 - 4:15 PM LEVEL 2, Mondays › 4:30 - 5:00 PM Ages: 3 - 5 years Cost: $34 - $40 this class helps children improve upon their beginner swim skills and prepare to advance to our Level 1-4 swim program.

Mondays › 4:00 - 6:00 PM Tuesdays › 4:00 - 6:00 PM / 6:00 - 7:30 AM Wednesdays › 4:00 - 6:00 PM Thursdays › 4:00 - 6:00 PM / 6:00 - 7:30 AM Fridays › 4:00 - 6:00 PM Saturdays › 9:00 - 11:00 AM We are proud to host the aspen Swim club and aspen High School Swim team. information regarding the aspen Swim club can be found at aspenswimclub.org

Advanced Youth Karate Tuesdays/ Thursday › 3:45 - 4:30 PM Beginner Youth Karate Tuesdays/ Thursdays › 4:30 - 5:15 PM Cost: $60/month Drop-in: $15 our instructor will teach your kids the basics of karate, including self-discipline and gross motor skills, as well as mentor them as they advance in the sport. this class is for white and yellow belts.

Figure Skating Clubs

Something Different: Sewing

Host a Birthday Party!

Aspen Skating Club aspenfigureskatingclub.com Revolutions Skating Club revolutionssc.com With two great ice facilities we have lots of options. the aspen ice Garden was renovated in 2013 to improve the overall appearance and function of the arena. the Lewis ice arena is located at the arc.

Tuesdays › 5:00 -7:00 PM room 209 at the aspen recreation center Cost: $60/ month Start with the basics and progress to more challenging projects under the guidance of our accomplished instructor! each month will have a different theme! Bring materials and threads of choice. Sewing machines, seam rippers, scissors, and pins provided.

ARC and Red Brick options Ages 10 months to 6 years: Little tikes Bouncers; club House Bounce/Slide; Double Shot Bouncer and the Little red Brick obstacle course Ages 5- 10 years: Gymnastics Party Pac (shapes and fit balls), and undersea adventure 11 years-Adults: Sumo Wrestling Suits; Gymnastics (including trampoline) and climbing Wall parties

ASPEN RECREATION CENTER (THE ARC) 970.544.4100 0861 Maroon Creek Rd • aspen, co, 81611 aspenrecreation.com

b a s a lt

BASALT RECREATION CENTER 600 Southside Drive • Basalt, co 970.927.2851 carbondalerec.com

C arbondale

CARBONDALE RECREATION CENTER 567 Colorado Avenue • carbondale, co 970.510.1290 carbondalerec.com

Nuggets Skill Challenge

Mud Season Basketball

Tuesday, January 24, 4:30 PM Basalt Elementary Gym Ages: 7 - 14 Cost: FREE test your basketball skills with the nuggets Skill challenge. Winners of the local competition move on to the sectional. State championship at a nuggets game in Denver!

Jan 4 - March 1, inquire if space available Basalt Elementary Gym Ages: 3rd/4th & 5th/6th grades Boys & Girls Cost: $75 - 85 two practice nights per week with weekday games.

Games are scheduled with Glenwood Springs, carbondale and aspen.

Junior Pickleball

K-2 Basketball for Girls!

Session II: March 28, 30, April 4, 6, 3:30 - 4:20 PM BMS Outdoor Basketball Courts Ages: 3rd and 8th Grade Cost: $25/ session our children will apply their skills of dribbling, passing, shooting, defense and great sportsmanship. enroll now for this fantastic program.

Jan 24, 31, Feb 2, 9 › 3:30 - 4:30 PM Registration deadline Jan 23 Basalt Elementary Gym Ages: Kindergarten - 2nd grades Cost: $35 Girls rock in this camp designed for girls only.

Learn the basic fundamentals of the game and compete against friends with games.

After School Cross Country Skiing

Cross Day Adventures

January Session: 3:30 - 5:00 PM 1st - 3rd Grades, Tuesdays, January 6 - 27 4th - 6th Grades, Thursdays, January 8 - 29 February Session: 1st - 3rd Grades, Tuesdays, February 3 - 24 4th - 6th Grades, Thursdays, February 5 - 26 Ages: 3rd and 4th Grade Cost: $25/session Meet at the rec House at Basalt High School.

Days are dependent on snow conditions.

Ashcroft: Jan. 20, 9:00 - 3:00 PM Aspen XXC Center: Feb. 17, 9:00 - 3:00 PM Ages: 3rd - 6th grade Cost: $35 We will explore animal tracks and learn about snow structure. Your child will need to bring a lunch and a backpack for water and clothing layering. children must be comfortable on skis. We have skis available.

Meet at the rec house at 600 Southside Drive.

Dodgeball Derivatives

Introduction to Ice Hockey for Kids

February 3, 10, 17, 24, Fridays 3:30 - 4:30 PM Ages: 8 - 11 Cost: $40 Registration Deadline: Friday, January 27 We will explore many different ways to play the game of Dodgeball. Have your kids played artillery, Shipwreck, Minefield or Last One Standing? These are great games using our specially designed foam dodgeballs.

January 5- February 4 , Tuesdays & Thursdays › Slots 4:00pm - 6:30pm depending on age Ages: 6-9, Age 10 - 14 groups Cost: $50 Participants will develop their skills and learn the basics of the game in a recreational environment.

Hockey helmets with full face mask and an appropriately sized hockey stick required for all participants.

Youth Climbing Class

Advanced Youth Climbing Class

Session 1: Mondays, January 9, 16, 23, 30 Reg. Deadline: Jan 2 Session 2: Mondays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 Reg. Deadline: Jan 30 Ages: 7 - 12 Cost: $60 a great introductory climbing class for kids.

Session 1: Thursdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 Reg. Deadline: Jan. 26 Session 2: March 2, 9, 16, 30 Reg. Deadline Feb. 23 Ages: 7 - 12 Cost: $60 Pre-requisite: Youth Climbing Class or equivalent experience. a continuation of what you learned in the introductory climbing class.

Motion Mondays

Wild-N-Wacky Wednesdays

Jan 25 – May 31, Mondays 10:30 - 11:45 AM Ages: 0 - 6 Cost: $5 member this action-packed program is for preschoolers who want to ride! Bring your own scooter, Strider, razor, tryke, bike, or any other wheeled contraption to the gym. We will set up an obstacle course to ride in, on, and around. the bounce house will also be set up. this is a parent-supervised program. Parents or caregivers must remain in attendance and supervise their children at all times.

2017 through April 12th, Wednesdays › 10:30 - 11:45 AM Ages: 0 - 6 Cost: $5 member Bouncing in our bounce house, running through obstacle courses, bowling, tumbling, and scooting on scooters. the gym will be set up for play, but be unsupervised. therefore parents must be present in the gym watching their children at all times.

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M o u n ta i n - Pa r e n t. c o M

glenwood sPrings

Youth Climbing 5 - 8 years old

Youth Climbing 9 - 12 years old

Public Skate Drop-In

Mondays, 4:30 - 5:30 PM Session 1: Jan 9th - Feb 6th Session 2: Jan 13 - March 20th Ages: 5 - 8 this class is for kids of all levels that want to learn the basics of bouldering and sport climbing technique in an indoor setting. class includes instruction in climbing techniques, safety, belay technique, knots and more. equipment is provided.

Mondays, 5:30 - 6:30 PM Session 1: Jan 9th - Feb 6th Session 2: Jan 13 - March 20th Ages: 9 - 12 this class is for kids of all levels that want to learn the basics of bouldering and sport climbing technique in an indoor setting. class includes instruction in climbing techniques, safety, belay technique, knots and more. equipment is provided.

Tuesdays to Fridays › 12:00 - 1:30 PM, 6:00 -7:30 PM Saturdays › 12:00 - 1:30 PM, 6:00 -8:00 PM Saturdays › 12:00 - 1:30 PM

Preschool Learn to Swim

Parent Child Learn to Swim

Level 1 Learn-to-Swim

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 6:00 - 6:30 PM Jan 10 - 19, Feb 7 - 16, March 7 - 16 Develop positive attitudes and safe practices around the water. entering the water independently using ramp, steps or side and travel at least 5 yards. Submerging mouth and blowing bubbles for at least 3 seconds.exiting the water safely.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 5:15 - 5:45 PM Jan 10 - 19, March 7 - 16 Learn how to safely work with your child in the water, including how to appropriately support and hold your child in the water and how to prepare and encourage your child to participate fully and try the skills.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 5:15 - 5:45 PM Jan 10 - 19, Feb 7 - 16, March 7 - 16 introduction to basic skills as the foundation for future skills and the development of water competency.

Level 2 Learn-to-Swim

Level 3 Learn-to-Swim

Indoor Playground

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays Jan 10 - 19 , 6:00 - 6:30 PM Feb 7 - 16, 5:15 - 5:45 PM Begin to perform skills at a slightly more advanced level than level 1 and begin gaining rudimentary propulsive skills on both the front and the back.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays February 7 - 16th, 6:00 -6:30 PM Learn to swim the front crawl and elementary backstroke at rudimentary levels, introduction to the scissors and dolphin kicks, learn the survival float and increases the time duration for treading water

11:00 AM -12:30 PM February 7 - 28 Ages: 2 - 5 years Let us get those little bodies moving. Join us once a week during the month of February for some gym fun.

We will provide a menagerie of items to encourage large motor play; including the inflatable castle bounce. this is a non-structured free play and children must be accompanied by an adult.

School Days Off CLub

Daddy Daughter Dance

January 3, 16, 20, February 17 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Ages:Grades K - 5 out of school and need something to do? this is the club for you! crafts, organized games and physical activity along with local field trips to guarantee an exciting day filled with fun. Bring a sack lunch, two snacks and water bottle with your name clearly marked.

February 10 6:00 -8:00 PM Cost: $35 (+ $15 each additional) Show your daughter how a gentleman treats a lady.

Your little girl will jump at the chance to spend a fun night out with her daddy. the Glenwood Springs recreation Department invites every father (uncle, grandfather, family friend) to take their little girls out on a date they will never forget!

Dinky Dunkers Monday, Wednesday, friday Jan 9 - Feb 1, Feb 22 - March 15 3:30 - 4:45 PM Ages: Grades 1 -2 Learn the basics of ball handling, hand-eye coordination, team work, sportsmanship, and strategy within the sport of basketball as well as invasion games, racquet sports, and strategy games.

GLENWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 970.384.6301

14

100 Wulfsohn road • Glenwood Springs, co 81601 glenwoodrec.com

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M o u n ta i n - Pa r e n t. c o M

Critical Thinking + Technology FOs t ereD At t H e pi t k in cO u n t Y l ib r A rY M A k erspAce l A b M A R T H A DU RGE Y progr am coordinator, pitkin count y libr ary, aspen

H OW M A k erspAces H el p us l e A rn s &OSTERING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS s )NTRODUCES YOUTH TO THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN A WORLD WHERE TECHNICAL VOCABULARY IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE ESSENTIAL s 0ROVIDES ACCESS TO EXPENSIVE SUPPLIES AND TECHNOLOGY THAT WOULDN T BE REALISTIC TO HAVE AT HOME OR PERHAPS EVEN AT SCHOOL s %XPOSES KIDS TO ACTIVITIES THAT CAN SPARK NEW INTERESTS

GREATER CREATIVITY OR EVEN REVEAL A NEW LIFELONG PASSION s 0REPARE STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE OR CAREERS IN 34%- lELDS s $EVELOPS CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS PATIENCE AND PROBLEM SOLVING

l i b r A ri es A re DY n A M i c i ns t i t u t i O ns ,IBRARIES ARE DYNAMIC INSTITUTIONS 4HE BOOK CENTRIC MODEL OF PAST DECADES HAS EVOLVED TO INCLUDE BOTH COMMUNAL AND $)9 ASPECTS TO LIBRARY SERVICE AND LEARNING 7E LOVE 4HE ,IBRARY ,AB OUR NEW MAKERSPACE LOCATED IN THE BRIGHT AND COLORFUL NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE MAIN mOOR )TS PURPOSE AND DESIGN ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATORY LEARNING EXPERIMENTATION COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION IN A HANDS ON DO IT YOURSELF ENVIRONMENT )T IS A PLACE FOR EXPERIMENTING AND DISCOVERING NEW OUTCOMES IF NOT BY SCIENTIlC PROCESS THEN BY COLLABORATING WITH FRIENDS OR EXPERTS SERENDIPITY OR SOLITARY FOCUS 4HERE ARE MANY ITERATIONS OF MAKER SPACES IN LIBRARIES SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY CENTERS NOW 4HE ,AB IS EQUIPPED TO SUPPORT EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OR LEARNING BY DOING 7E WANT YOU TO TRY AND lGURE THINGS OUT ON YOUR OWN THROUGH TRIAL AND ERROR WATCHING VIDEO TUTORIALS OR JUST GETTING YOUR HANDS DIRTY BEFORE ASKING FOR HELP #HECK OUT THE COMPLETE LIST OF EQUIPMENT AND USER RULES AT OUR WEBSITE PITCOLIB ORG

There is a great deal of research available now about how well children and young adults learn through play.

What looks like “just play” to adults is usually a sign of true learning 20

7E PICK AN AREA OF 4HE ,AB AND OFFER A WORKSHOP ON AN ASPECT OF ITS CAPABILITIES SO WATCH FOR -AKER 7ORKSHOP OF THE -ONTH

W H At 's i n t H e M A k erspAce l A b s

$IGITAL !RT AND -EDIA 4HIS WHOLE ROOM IS A GREEN SCREEN !DOBE #REATIVE #LOUD 'IMP AND !RT 2ANGE 3TUDIO ARE SOME OF THE APPS LOADED ON THIS COMPUTER !N %PSON PHOTO SCANNER AND WIDE FORMAT PRINTER ARE INSTALLED IN THE ROOM ,IGHTS HEADPHONES AND TRIPODS ARE SET UP FOR USE 4HE ROOM IS EQUIPPED TO SUPPORT PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEO PRINT AND DIGITAL ART CREATION s $ 0RINTING AND 'AME $ESIGN /UR ,ULZBOT -INI $ PRINTER SHARES SPACE WITH A -AC COMPUTER RUNNING %L #APITAN -INEWAYS $ESIGN %PIC'AMES AND MORE 4RAINING IS REQUIRED TO USE THE $ PRINTER s 3OUND "OOTH 4HIS SMALL ROOM IS EQUIPPED IN PART WITH AN ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC GUITAR #ASIO KEYBOARD

MICROPHONES HEADPHONES AND 'ARAGEBAND SOFTWARE ,ISTEN RECORD PRACTICE AND COMPOSE s 4INKER 2OOM #ODING SOFTWARE IS COMING SOON

BUT THERE IS PLENTY TO DO WITH #URA -INEWAYS

AND $ $ESIGN s 3EWING MACHINES #UBELETS ROBOTS 0LAY $OH

-AKEY -AKEYS I0ADS COME lND OUT

m o U N tA I N - PA r e N t. C o m

NON - PROFIT SPOTLIGHTS F I N D I N G M O R E FA M I LY W I T H S T E P P I N G S T O N E S K y le Cr AWle y direc tor, stepping stones oF tHe roaring ForK VaLLey

7(!4 )3 &!-),9 &AMILY COMES IN MANY DIFFERENT FORMS 4HERE IS THE FAMILY WE RE BORN WITH AND THE FAMILY WE CREATE FOR OURSELVES /UR FAMILY AT 3TEPPING 3TONES DOES NOT LOOK LIKE MANY OTHERS YOU MIGHT HAVE SEEN /UR FAMILY IS A PATCHWORK QUILT OF TEENS WITH DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS CULTURES BELIEF SYSTEMS LANGUAGES AND EXPERIENCES 3OME ARE STRUGGLING WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES HOMELESSNESS

AND NEGLECT 3OME TEENS NEED HELP GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL OR l NDING EMPLOYMENT /THERS SIMPLY WANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR DIVERSE PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES

AND HAVE A WARM MEAL AND A FRIEND TO PLAY VIDEO GAMES WITH AT THE END OF THE DAY

S E RV IC E S

M I S S ION

s

3TEPPING 3TONES MISSION IS TO EMPOWER 2OARING &ORK 6ALLEY TEENS TO REACH SELF SUFl CIENCY BY PROVIDING YOUTH WITH A SAFE AND STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT TO LEARN LIFE SKILLS AND ACCESS SUPPORT SERVICES 4HE 3TEPPING 3TONES DROP IN CENTER IS A DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE PLACE FOR YOUTH AGES TO GO AFTER SCHOOL OR WORK DURING THE HOURS OF PM n PM 7E PROVIDE A HOME LIKE SETTING WHERE YOUTH LEARN VALUABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEW ACTIVITIES THAT ENRICH THEIR LIVES

s s s s s

"ASIC NEEDS MEALS SHOWERS

LAUNDRY ETC 4UTORING AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT *OB READINESS AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT /UTDOOR RECREATION %XPERIENTIAL LEARNING $RUG AND ALCOHOL EDUCATION

3 4!4 3 s s s s

3ERVED OVER MEALS %NROLLED TEENS (AD TEEN VISITS TO THE DROP IN CENTER &ACILITATED OVER TRIPS

INCLUDED SNOWSHOEING

HORSEBACK RIDING SKIING AND WHITEWATER RAFTING

We want to share your projects and help you reach your goals.

Please submit news and editorials about your non-profit to:

MOUN TA IN PA RE N T 16

EDITOR@MOUNTAIN-PARENT.COM

3TEPPING 3TONES DROP IN CENTER PROVIDES A SAFE SPACE FOR TEENS WITH DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS TO CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER AND ADULT MENTORS 4HE MORE TIME EVERYONE SPENDS TOGETHER THE MORE OUR COMMUNITY STRENGTHENS IN UNEXPECTED WAYS !S TEENS PLAY BOARD GAMES MAKE ART

COOK AND GO ON TRIPS TOGETHER THESE SHARED EXPERIENCES EXTEND BEYOND THE DROP IN CENTER 4EENS LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER AT SCHOOL AND THEY HOLD EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE WITH DIFl CULT LIFE CHOICES %ACH YOUTH WE SERVE IS UNIQUE AND 3TEPPING 3TONES STAFF WORKS HARD EVERY DAY TO MEET THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF EACH TEEN WE SERVE $ESPITE OUR DIFFERENCES WE ALL HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON THE DESIRE TO CREATE A COMMUNITY BE A FAMILY AND l ND A PLACE WHERE WE BELONG !T 3TEPPING 3TONES OUR GOAL IS TO CULTIVATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF HAPPY

HEALTHY SELF SUFl CIENT TEENS THAT FEEL CONl DENT MOVING TOWARDS THEIR GOALS AND MAKING TOUGH CHOICES 7E BELIEVE THAT THIS WORK DOES MORE THAN IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE IT EXTENDS TO THE BETTERMENT OF OUR COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE

A S P E N YO U T H C E N T E R mIChAel A IDhAmmer direc tor, aspen youtH center & neW MoM!

Aspen youth Center is the only free after-school and all day summer program for kids in the roaring fork Valley.

3INCE WE HAVE BEEN PROVIDING A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE PLACE WHERE YOUTH CAN CONNECT LEARN AND GROW DURING THEIR OUT OF SCHOOL HOURSx FOR &REE /N /CTOBER WE CELEBRATED YEARS AND OVER

YOUTH SERVED /UT OF SCHOOL TIME REPRESENTS THE LARGEST BLOCK OF DISCRETIONARY TIME IN A CHILD S DAY ! TYPICAL KID IN THE 53 AVERAGES TO PERCENT OF THEIR WAKING HOURS IN DISCRETIONARY ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL 2ESEARCH INDICATES THAT HAVING A GREAT DEAL OF LARGELY UNSTRUCTURED

UNSUPERVISED AND UNPRODUCTIVE TIME CAN UNDERMINE THE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILD 5NSUPERVISED CHILDREN EXPERIENCE LONELINESS

FEAR AND WORRY WHEN ALONE 4HEY ALSO RISK INJURY VICTIMIZATION AND A LACK OF EXERCISE AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH EXCESSIVE TELEVISION VIEWING AND UNMONITORED COMPUTER USE

Aspen youth center by the numbers our youtH

OUR YOUTH 1,695 oVer aVerage • 1695 youth members youtH Visit oF • Over 13,500 visits13,500 in 2016 Visits AYC's cost for 1 youth to MeMBers in 2016 4.5 Hours/day • Average visit of 4.5 hours/day attend AYC for 1 year.

$320

!SPEN 9OUTH #ENTER S PROGRAMS PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A CONSTRUCTIVE SUPPORTIVE AND SAFE WAY TO SPEND THEIR FREE TIME /UR CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES NOT ONLY SERVE TO KEEP KIDS SAFE AND SUPERVISED THEY ALSO PROMOTE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PHYSICALLY AND SOCIALLY ENRICHING ACTIVITIES

Girls - 43%

22% Single Parent Household

AyC's cost for 1 youth to attend AyC for 1 year.

Boys - 55%

GIrls 43%

4%

8 to 9 year olds

7E ARE FORTUNATE TO BE REMINDED EACH DAY WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO 7HETHER IT S PROVIDING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR KIDS DURING THEIR OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS INTRODUCING THEM TO ARTS AND COOKING COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SPORTS OR GETTING THEM INTERESTED IN SCIENCE WE ARE HELPING GUIDE YOUTH TO BEING THE BEST VERSIONS OF THEMSELVES %VERY VISIT TO !SPEN 9OUTH #ENTER TELLS A STORY AND WE CAN T WAIT TO SEE WHAT STORIES ARE WRITTEN IN OUR NEXT YEARS OF SERVICE

41%

55%

10 to 13 year olds

14 to 19 year olds

Boys 55%

For every $1 invested in after school and summer programs, tax payers save $9 by: Reducing crime and welfare cost; Improving kids performance at school; • Increasing youth future earning potential. • •

%VERY VISIT TO !SPEN 9OUTH #ENTER TELLS A STORY AND THERE IS NO BETTER ILLUSTRATION OF OUR IMPACT THAN TESTIMONIES FROM OUR KIDS AND ALUMNAE

“If Aspen Youth Center wasn’t there for me, I don’t know where I’d be. It was a safe place for me when I needed it, and with your help, it will always be there for every kid when they need it.�

*Source: Afterschool Alliance: America After 3PM; Colorado Center on Law and Policy

•

A family of 1 adult & 1 child needs to earn $63,717 to be able to live in Pitkin County without any outside ďŹ nancial assistance.

•

42% of our kids have a family income of less than $65,000

•

Of that 42%, 10% has a family income of less than $25,000

- Nick De La Torre, AYC Alum

42% Low Income Families at AYC *Source: The SelfSufďŹ ciency Standard for Colorado 2015

17

M o u n ta i n - Pa r e n t. c o M

Classic toys: Timeless lessons.

GAV rIel WeINer toy designer and user experience expert, aspen

A h A l l o f fA m e… f o r toys?

9ES IT S REAL 4HERE IS A .ATIONAL 4OY (ALL OF &AME !ND WHY NOT )N THE HISTORY OF TOYS SOME STAND OUT AS EXCEPTIONAL 4HESE ARE TOYS THAT ARE TIMELESS BUT ALSO UNIQUE OR PROGRESSIVE FOR THEIR PLACE IN HISTORY 4HEY RE OFTEN SO GOOD SO UBIQUITOUS THAT WE TAKE THEM FOR GRANTED 7E RE TALKING ABOUT TOYS LIKE !LPHABET "LOCKS THE (ULA (OOP 6IEW -ASTER AND %TCH ! 3KETCH %STABLISHED IN

AND ACQUIRED BY 3TRONG .ATIONAL -USEUM OF 0LAY @4HE 3TRONG IN 2OCHESTER IN THE .ATIONAL 4OY (ALL OF &AME INCLUDES GAMES TOO LIKE 4WISTER .INTENDO 'AME "OY $UNGEONS $RAGONS AND #HESS 4HE TERM @TOY IS INTERPRETED QUITE LOOSELY ALL AROUND AS ILLUSTRATED BY THE INDUCTION OF THE 3TICK YES THE KIND FROM A TREE

GAVI WeINer lives in Aspen. she is a freelance Content Designer and has worked for inspiring companies like leapfrog, Disney, Crayola, sphero, and smarty Ants. A true lover of all things childlike and fun!

!S WE D EXPECT FROM ANY HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES MEET STRINGENT SELECTION CRITERIA ICON STATUS LONGEVITY DISCOVERY FOSTERS LEARNING CREATIVITY OR DISCOVERY THROUGH PLAY

AND INNOVATION 4HESE PRODUCTS ARE GAME CHANGERS PUN INTENDED *UST TOYS ARE IN THE COLLECTION TO DATE WITH ONLY OR ADDITIONAL TOYS INDUCTED DURING A TYPICAL YEAR 9OU LL BE HAPPY TO KNOW THAT 3UPER 3OAKER MADE THE CUT INDUCTED !S A CURRENT DAY TOY DESIGNER ) M THRILLED TO GLEAN SOME LESSONS FROM THESE CLASSICS 3O HOP ON A 3WING INDUCTED OR KICK BACK IN YOUR 2ADIO &LYER 7AGON INDUCTED AND LET S CONSIDER A FEW FAVORITES AND WHY WE LOVE THEM SO MUCH

C R AYO L A C RAYO NS With crayons, the options are endless, so they offer a new mental and creative experience each time the kiddo gets a new drawing idea. Individuality is the name of the game.

And at two bucks for 16, just about every kid has crayons: they’re a great equalizer.

fUN fACt: Crayola sold their first boxes of crayons in 1903, and they cost five cents.

This star is like a rainbow star.

And it has a frame. I thought I was going to make a (normal) star, then this popped into my head. I made a rainbow star.

I’m going to draw a rainbow heart if I have a little time.

- Andrew, 7

fUN fACt: When erector sets were advertised in 1913 newspaper ads, stem for girls wasnʼt on anyoneʼs radar: “hello, Boys!” the ads began, “make lots of toys!”

They are cool because you can make whatever you want and you can also make stuff that moves.

- Jonas, 8

fUN fACt: even in our tech-obsessed world, a childʼs exposure to nature enhances “social, emotional, and physical health,ˮ according to the National Association for education of young Children (NAyCe).

I’m a fairy princess and t his is my wand.

- Eva 4

fUN fACt: mr. Potato head was the first toy ever advertised on tV, in 1952.

She gets BIG lips and BIG hats. Millie, 3

fUN fACt: mattel wanted an authentic look, so hired a real car designer from Chevrolet to lead their hot Wheels design team.

I have a lot of cars.

I have black and blue.

Black is fastest.

- Noah, 3

E R E CTOR S ET remember this one? for your ‘8-88 year-old,’ this is pre-mechanical engineering at its best. At the core of this toy is the experience of focus.

It’s enthralling and even a bit meditative to build an erector contraption.

ST I C K No, you didn’t misread.

And it’s not a code word for a Pokémon character.

Just a stick. Probably the oldest toy of all time, this one is 100% about imagination.

M R . P OTATO HEA D mr. Potato head started out as a styrofoam head back in the 1950s. mr. P has many current day iterations; did you know you could order him (or her!) with necessary fixin’s to be a Viking, knight, fairy or mermaid? mr. Potato head is all about the silly factor.

H OT W HEEL S rolling things is an obvious hit with kids, and hot Wheels does a great job of not dumbing down their product. the vehicles look real, which is a huge value-add and helps make them timeless.

M o U n TA i n - PA R E n T. c o M

Delight with birds iLLEnE PE V EK

educ ator and autHor oF "growing a liFe: teen gardeners Harvest Food, HealtH and Joy," c arbondale, co

7HATEVER AGE YOUR CHILDREN ARE BIRDS OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SHARED ENCHANTMENT "IRDS LIVE HERE IN ALL SEASONS AND THE BIRDS YOU CAN SEE IN TOWN OR ON A HIKE CHANGE WITH THE SEASONS AS BIRDS MIGRATE &LOCKS OF MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS ANNOUNCE SPRING IN -ARCH )F YOU LIVE WITH NEARBY OPEN SPACE YOU CAN PUT UP A BIRD HOUSE FOR THEM ON A FENCE POST FACING THE OPEN ) LOVE WATCHING THE FATHER S VIGILANCE IN GUARDING HIS FAMILY FROM PREDATORS BY PERCHING IN THE HIGHEST NEARBY TREE FOR ALL TO SEE ) ONCE SAW A FATHER BLUEBIRD DIVE BOMB A GROUND SQUIRREL THAT WAS APPROACHING THE DEAD TREE WHERE HIS HOUSE WAS +IDS LOVE WATCHING THAT KIND OF THING /NE OF THE BEST WAYS TO OBSERVE BIRDS AT HOME IS TO PUT UP A FEEDER NEAR A WINDOW THAT IS EASY FOR CHILDREN TO ACCESS 7HILE PUSHING MY GRANDDAUGHTER IN HER STROLLER A FEW DAYS AGO TWO RING NECKED DOVES LANDED RIGHT IN FRONT OF US 3INCE IT IS WINTER WE DID NOT SEE THE MALE S LOVELY BOWING AND COOING COURTSHIP BEHAVIOR OF SPRING BUT WE COULD OBSERVE THEIR SOFT TAUPE COLOR AND THE DARK RING AROUND THEIR NECKS "IRD BEHAVIORS ARE MOSTLY DRIVEN BY THEIR REPRODUCTIVE CYCLES )N WINTER THE ROBINS ARE mYING IN mOCKS #OME SPRING YOU MAY HEAR A MALE ROBIN SINGING IN YOUR YARD AND SPY IT AT THE TOP OF THE TALLEST TREE (E LIKE THE BLUEBIRD IS A THRUSH (E IS ESTABLISHING HIS OWN TERRITORY FOR MATING

BUILDING A NEST AND RAISING HIS YOUNG 9OUR CHILD MAY lND AN EMPTY BLUE EGGSHELL ON THE GROUND AFTER THE CHICKS mEDGE

Whatever you see with your child provides an opportunity for asking questions, wondering together.

You can create bird habitat with your children planting things that serve birds’ needs for habitat and food. &OR HIS BIRTHDAY WE PLANTED A SMALL HERITAGE APRICOT TREE WITH (OSA MY GRANDSON IN OUR FRONT YARD ! ROBIN FREQUENTLY CHOSE THE VERY TOP OF THIS SMALL TREE AS A PERCH WHERE HE COULD SURVEY THE YARD 9OU CAN GET A LIST OF NATIVE PLANTS THAT PROVIDE FOOD FOR BIRDS AND PLANT THEM WITH YOUR CHILD

DECIDED TO OCCUPY THE BIRDHOUSE WE HAVE HANGING HIGH FROM AN ASPEN TREE IN OUR BACKYARD /N OUR BENCH NEARBY ) SAT WITH (OSA AND WATCHED THE WRENS CARRY TWIGS INTO THE LITTLE ENTRY HOLE TO BUILD THEIR NEST INSIDE %VEN AT A LITTLE OVER ONE YEAR OLD ) COULD TELL THAT (OSA WAS NOTICING THE LOVELY CALLS (ELP POINT OUT THE CALLS WHEN YOU HEAR THEM (OSA APPEARED EQUALLY AS FASCINATED AS ) "IRD WATCHING AND LISTENING ENCOURAGES CHILDREN TO LEARN SENSITIVITY TO THE WORLD AROUND THEM PATIENCE AND AUDIO VISUAL ACCURACY -OST OF ALL IT IS A SIMPLE AND FREE WAY TO DISCOVER AND DELIGHT IN NATURE AROUND YOU

Surprises fly in sometimes. )N h7HAT THE 2OBIN +NOWSv AUTHOR *ON 9OUNG SUGGESTS THAT PEOPLE HAVE A hSIT SPOTv TO GO EACH MORNING WHEN THE BIRDS ARE ACTIVE TO LEARN TO KNOW THE BIRDS ,AST SPRING A PAIR OF HOUSE WRENS

resOurces: "What the Robin Knows' book and website with recorded bird calls. Apps on iTunes such as Waite's Guide to Birds of America. cornell University's All About Birds.org. ,

22

How to make space for art PAM PoR TER art educ ator, Find Her at tHe art base in basalt or tHe tHird street center in c arbondale

/NE OF THE BEST WAYS TO FOSTER YOUR CHILD S CREATIVITY IS TO DESIGNATE A SPACE IN YOUR HOME FOR ART 4HIS CAN BE A WHOLE ROOM A TABLE OR A SMALL NOOK ) GREW UP IN #ARBONDALE IN THE S 7HEN MY SISTERS AND ) WERE YOUNG MY MOTHER SET UP A PERMANENT ART TABLE FOR US IN OUR HOME %ACH DAY SHE WOULD PUT OUT AN ASSORTMENT OF THINGS FOR US TO USE FELT SEQUINS NEW PAINTS OR PAPER SHOE BOXES COTTON BALLS PIPE CLEANERS AND OTHER SIMPLE MATERIALS 3OMETIMES SHE D GIVE US IDEAS OF HOW TO USE THEM BUT USUALLY SHE D JUST ENCOURAGE US TO USE OUR IMAGINATIONS AND MAKE WHATEVER WE WANTED ) REMEMBER RUSHING HOME FROM SCHOOL EACH DAY TO SEE WHAT TREASURES SHE D PUT OUT FOR US ) COULDN T WAIT TO SEE WHAT MASTERPIECE ) WAS GOING TO CREATE NEXT AND ) STILL HAVE A PORTFOLIO THAT MY MOM PUT TOGETHER FOR ME THAT S lLLED WITH SOME OF MY CHILDHOOD ARTWORK ) ATTRIBUTE MY PASSION FOR ART TODAY AND MY CAREER AS AN ART TEACHER AND CREATIVITY COACH TO THAT OLD ART TABLE -Y MOTHER S SEEMINGLY SIMPLE ACT LED MY SISTERS AND ) DOWN THE PATH TO LIVING COLORFUL CREATIVE AND FULlLLING LIVES

Fi n D i t A H O M e

,OOK AROUND YOUR HOME AND DETERMINE THE BEST SPOT )DEALLY LOOK FOR A PLACE WHERE YOU HAVE A SINK NEARBY WHERE THE mOOR ISN T CARPETED AND WHERE THERE S ROOM FOR A TABLE AND CHAIRS AS WELL AS A SHELF WHERE YOU CAN STORE YOUR ART MATERIALS !ND IF YOU DON T HAVE THE IDEAL SPOT LOOK FOR SOMETHING THAT S GOOD ENOUGH $ON T LET THE NEED FOR PERFECTION STOP YOU

M A k e t H e spAc e persO n A l

/NCE YOU GET YOUR ART SPACE SET UP SPRUCE IT UP A BIT &LIP THROUGH MAGAZINES AND BOOKS

AND CHILDREN S ART STUDIO IMAGES ONLINE FOR INSPIRATION 7HAT COLOR WOULD YOU LIKE THE TABLE TO BE WHERE COULD YOU HANG A BULLETIN BOARD TO DISPLAY SOME OF YOUR CHILD S WORK

WHAT OTHER THINGS WOULD MAKE THE SPACE MORE INVITING AND A GREAT PLACE TO HANG OUT 3IT DOWN WITH YOUR CHILD AND BRAINSTORM IDEAS 9OU WANT THE SPACE TO BE INVITING SO THAT YOUR CHILD WILL WANT TO SPEND TIME THERE

Fi n D su ppl i es

9OU DONgT NEED TO BUY ALL BRAND NEW SUPPLIES /FTEN FRIENDS HAVE EXTRAS 6ISIT THE THRIFT SHOP 3CAVENGE OBJECTS FROM NATURE OR EVEN YOUR RECYCLING BIN )T CAN BE A FUN TASK (ERE ARE SOME BASIC ART SUPPLIES TO START WITH • • • • • • • • • • •

crayons (crayons are underrated but i love using them with kids) non-toxic markers Papers of different sizes and colors Glue (Elmer’s white craft glue is still my favorite) Glue sticks (they’re super easy to use and work for many projects like collage) Pipe cleaners and craft sticks (i.e. popsicle sticks) Tape and kids’ scissors Paint (watercolor sets and liquid tempera paints are my favorites for kids) one or two good quality paintbrushes that will inspire your child to paint Yarn, string, cotton balls Found objects: sticks, small stones, dried grasses, etc.

T O P Two carbondale 2nd Graders enjoy some art time.

B O T T O M Try painting rocks. Both boys and girls love this! Rock monsters. Rock fish. Whatever they want them to be.

• • • •

Recyclable objects: paper towel rolls, Styrofoam meat trays, and shoeboxes Empty jars and plastic tubs with lids old newspapers to cover the table with Old magazines that are filled with good pictures for collage (Libraries, doctor’s offices, and hair salons are just a few places that will give you their old magazines)

cOMMUnIt y rEsOUrcEs M O u N TA I N - PA R E N T. C O M

Special Thanks to these Sponsors

Basalt Library

here For your kids in so Many Ways Basalt Regional Library offers materials and programs for all ages, from infants to teens.

Come cozy up with a book this winter, or stop in for one of our storytimes or tween game nights.

More information at www.basaltlibrary.org.

14 Midland ave • basalt, cO 81621 • 970.927.4311 www.basaltlibrary.org

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our library Moves, Makes and shakes Libraries are dynamic institutions. The book-centric model of past decades has evolved to include both communal and DIY aspects to library service and learning. We love The Library Lab, our new makerspace located in the bright and colorful northeast corner of the main floor. It’s purpose and design encourage participatory learning, experimentation, collaboration, and innovation in a hands-on doit-yourself environment.

120 N Mill St., Aspen, CO 81611 • 970.429.1900 pitcolib.com

Photo: Drew Carlson

noW enrollinG Winter youth classes KIDS WHEEL THROWING AGE 9+ Session 1: Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:30pm, 1/17 - 2/14 Session 2: Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:30pm, 2/28 - 3/28 KIDS HAND BUILDING AGE 5 + Session 1: Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:30pm, 1/18 - 2/15 Session 2: Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:30pm, 3/1 - 3/29 All sessions are $100

970.963.2529 • 135 Main Street, Carbondale, CO carbondaleclay.org

Questions about early childhood education?

Kids First provides many resources: quality improvement materials, curriculum, scholarships for college classes, incentives for retention and completing educational goals, infant and toddler operational support, and financial aid to families. Our staff works locally but we also partner regionally with the Aspen Community Foundation Cradle to Career Initiative and the Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Council.

970-920-5363 • kidsfirst@cityofaspen.com cityofaspen.com/kidsfirst

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you are invited to the 1st annual Friday, February 3, 2017 at Hotel Jerome 6pm til’ a winning team is crowned a neW game show benefit for aspen Youth center including delicious libations, dinner, silent & live auction, and game show! Purchase today to secure your tickets, teams, & tables!

861 Maroon Creek Rd, Aspen, CO 81611 aspenyouthcenter.org

•

970.544.4130

your Winter chauFFeur

RFTA provides commuter bus service from Aspen to Rifle and winter ski shuttle service to the four Aspen Ski Co. Mountains. RFTA saves gas, money, time and helps children of any age develop a sense of responsibility.

This winter consider letting RFTA chauffeur you and your kids.

970.925.8484

WWW.rFta.coM

inFo@rFta.coM

Toolbox

N O M E T HO D, B E L I E F, O R PA R E N T I N G S T Y L E I S R I G H T F O R E V E R YON E O R P E R F E C T. M P ’ S T O O L B OX M I N I - S E C T IO N P R E S E N T S YOU W I T H TAC T I C S A N D O PI N IO N S T O E VA LUAT E I N YOU R OW N PA R E N T I N G . P E R H A P S YOU ’ L L PI C K U P A T O O L F O R YOU R PA R E N T I N G T O O L B OX - O R N O T. FA M I L Y H E A LT H T O PI C S A R E I N C LU D E D I N T H E T O O L B OX . T R Y I N G T O K E E P YOU R FA M I L Y H E A LT H Y I S A N I M P O R TA N T RO L E O F PA R E N T S !

W H AT I S " N O R M A L" F O R B R E A S T F E E D I N G MEGAN SHAPIRO C ARBONDALE L AC TATION, C ARBONDALE

1.

If your baby wants to feed very frequently something is wrong….. FALSE. Babies are SMART MAMMALS. Trust your baby and keep your breastaurant open at all times.

Babies nurse for a number of reasons and the more time he/ she spends at breast, the more ample mom’s supply. Even when you can’t believe your little one wants to nurse again, trust him.

2. Pumping is a good way to tell how much milk you are making…. NOPE. Breastfeeding requires two hormones: Prolactin (the milk maker) and Oxytocin (the milk releaser).. Oxytocin is also the “love hormone”. You are crazy in love with your baby; you nurse your baby; your milk lets down; your baby drinks it and thrives. Are you crazy in love with your pump? I didn’t think so. (You know that scene in the film Office Space when they attack the printer with baseball bats while gangster rap plays in the background? That’s how most of us feel about our pumps.

So not much of an oxytocin haven there.) The pump is a great tool for many things, but assessing supply is not one of them. If your baby’s latch is good, you can trust that she is WAY more efficient than your pump at removing milk from the breast.

3. Bottles and pacifiers are evil…. FALSE. Bottles and pacifiers can be amazing tools, but introduce them only after breastfeeding is well established (around 4 weeks).

4.

If the latch looks fine, and it feels fine, then it is fine…..

SOMETIMES. The look and feel of a latch can be deceiving.

Baby should also be visibly and audibly swallowing, pooping,

and gaining adequate weight. The inverse is also true: The latch can look strange and still be perfectly fine if baby is gaining and mom is comfortable.

5. My baby is fussy, so she must reflux…. UNLIKELY. Reflux is hugely overdiagnosed and overtreated in infants in the U.S. Fussy babies want to be held and they nurse for many reasons including to aid digestion. Baby-wearing and letting your baby pacify at breast are great ways to keep a fussy baby more content.

6. Pain during feeding is normal…. FALSE. Engorgement, nipple pain and damage are common, but not normal. Poor weight gain and/or breast discomfort are signs that the latch isn’t quite right. Luckily, this is usually very solvable, and the sooner mom seeks assistance, the easier it will be to make adjustments so that mom and baby enjoy breastfeeding.

7.

I don’t need a breastfeeding plan…. FALSE. If you want to breastfeed, prenatal education, empowerment and planning can make a huge difference for you and your baby.

8. Breast is best….. FALSE. Breastfeeding isn’t best, it’s simply normal. More than 99% of women can successfully and exclusively breastfeed her babies with the right education and support. The immediate and long term physical and emotional benefits to moms and babies are profound. Ladies, don’t forget that you are basically a superhero who can feed a human with your own body. Trust your baby. Trust your body.

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H O M EL I FE

Some pets are happy to be tugged on, hugged and played with as they age. Others are truly exasperated with the inappropriate attention from our young “animal lovers”. This loving harassment can cause undue stress and discomfort when an aging animal is dealing with underlying pathologies such as arthritis, neuropathies or senility. Keep this in mind when you are working with your child’s behavior around your aging pet.

O L D P E T S + YO u N G K I D S BENjAMIN G. MACK IN, DV M C ARBONDALE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

dIEt

Consult with your veterinarian or the many animal wellness professionals available to choose a senior diet for your pet to maintain a healthy weight; their caloric needs decrease with age. “Football” shaped kitties and “Sausageous” canines are faced with increased health risks. Try to be aware of the constant dog vacuum that is snarfling all the food from the floor; make sure to not let your pets eat fruit, dried fruit, or avocado that has been painted on the floor below the highchair.

t EE t H

Older pets commonly are faced with aging smelly mouths. Sometimes that stomach turning aroma IS because they’ve been regularly snacking on goose poops, however it can be related to dental disease. Have your veterinarian regularly check your pet’s dentition and together you can determine the necessity for a dental health plan for that aging stink mouth…assuming it’s not just filled with goose poop.

E xc Erc IsE

Older pets commonly are faced with aging smelly mouths. Sometimes that stomach turning aroma IS because they’ve been regularly snacking on goose poops, however it can be related to dental disease. Have your veterinarian regularly check your pet’s dentition and together you can determine the necessity for a dental health plan for that aging stink mouth…assuming it’s not just filled with goose poop.

The Roaring Fork Valley is home to so many loving and deeply committed parents, not only of course to our children, but to our four-legged hairy loved ones. Many of us brought our pets into our lives well before having kids. So now, we have very active young children alongside mellow old animals. Here are some thoughts on the elderly pet + young kid dynamic, as well as general health tips for supporting your aging pet.

COMMON AGING PATHOLOGIES We are a notorious dog loving community; many of our dogs are avid hikers, fishing companions, agility champions, working dogs, or just really proficient couch potatoes.

Many of these canine athletes and armchair quarterbacks will develop common geriatric ailments such as osteoarthritis, cranial cruciate rupture (ACL tear), weight issues, and hormonal disease. Some of the most common diseases in geriatric kitties (hyperthyroidism, diabetes, renal failure) will show such symptoms as weight loss, increased thirst, and increased urination.

WHAT TO WATCH Just like with humans, catching early signs of disease results in more effective treatment.

Regular physical examinations, screening bloodwork and urinalysis help diagnose and prevent pathology. Keeping an eye on urination habits, drinking, defecation, weight, and any abnormal symptoms like coughing, sneezing vomiting, diarrhea, combined with screening diagnostics will prove to be invaluable for your aging family member.

Above all, the most important thing to focus on with any aging animal is quality of life, and trying our best to return that unconditional love that every family pet offers us so consistently and freely.

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Part 1 T H E E A R LY Y E A R S O F D E N TA L H E A LT H dr . andre W nardecchIa C ARBONDALE fAMILy DENTAL

A cavity! WHAT? My little girl has a cavity? How can this be? We brush, we floss, we try not to eat too much sugar… but there it is, right there on the x-ray, that little black sign of a dentist’s failure. Kids get cavities – I suppose I knew this but I’m still going to try and prevent them with everything I’ve got. So I thought that I’d share what I know, starting at the very beginning: PrEgnancy (and bEFOrE): s s s s

Eat healthy, keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Ensure that parents do not have cavities. This is important so that you don’t transmit strep mutants (the bacteria that cause cavities) to your newborn when you kiss them.

More frequent cleanings may be needed if you have bleeding gums during pregnancy. This can sometimes be caused by pregnancy gingivitis and resolves after birth.

Xylitol is a sugar in mints, melts or gum that bacteria can’t metabolize. There has been research in recent years to support the use of this product in pregnant and new moms to combat cavities in their children. If taken at correct dose, you have to use it 6x/day - which is kind of a lot, you can erradicate bacteria - they eat it, can’t metabolize it and die. Then you won’t pass them along to your baby.

InFants: s

Check for tissue ties on the inside of the upper lip and under the tongue of your infant. If you can’t slide your finger across that area without bumping into tissue, your baby could need a

s

s

s

simple 3 minute procedure called a laser frenectomy. This will prevent cavities on the front surfaces of the top teeth and will help your baby latch when breastfeeding and develop proper speech as they get older.

Don’t put your baby to sleep with a bottle. The sugar in the milk will cause cavities. I know it’s tough sometimes – it wasn’t that long ago that I was a sleep deprived parent – but this is really important. I’m not suggesting that you have to wake your baby up and wash the teeth but just make sure that they aren’t bathed in milk while your baby is sleeping Your baby will get their first teeth typically around 7 months old, but the eruption pattern for kids is considered within normal if it's within six months of the normal on either side.

The rule is the first teeth at 7 months and then four teeth every 4 months until age 23 months when they should have 20 primary teeth. Clean your baby’s teeth and gums with a soft wash cloth or tooth brush.

I recommend the first dental visit at 1 year for a “happy” visit to check for tissue ties, cavities and start the process of building the lifelong foundation of confidence for a lifetime of good

Two weeks after we found that cavity, my 5 year old said “Daddy – lets fix my cavity.” We went to the office and she marched up into the dental chair. Fifteen minutes later, she was just excited to get into the treasure chest to fetch a “legit” prize (one that didn’t get pilfered while visiting the office waiting for me). Kids are my favorite patients, especially when we can shape their experience into a positive one.

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FaMILy WELLnEss M O u N TA I N - PA R E N T. C O M

Special Thanks to these Sponsors

Carbondale

amily Dental

Give your FaMily soMethinG to sMile about Carbondale Family Dental cares for the unique dental needs of our patients in a friendly, caring, and comfortable environment. Dr. Andrew Nardecchia and the team at Carbondale Family Dental are committed to providing you with the personalized, high quality dental care that you and your family deserve. We believe in personalizing our approach to meet the unique needs of each patient.

DENTISTRy fOR THE WHOLE fAMILy Invisalign® • Preventative care • anesthesia-Free Fillings • extractions • Implants • root canals children’s dentistry • Laser Infant Frenectomies

889 Main Court • Carbondale, CO 970.963.1616 carbondalefamilydental.com

do you Want to enJoy breastFeedinG? Katie Mac, IBCLC and Meagan Shapiro, MA CLE offer classes, support groups and private consultations based on the newest clinical research on infant feeding and health. We are certified lactation experts offering support in the comfort of your home. Call or go online to schedule now.

THE LAuNCHPAD 76 S. Main Street Carbondale, CO 81623 • 970.456.1850 CarbondaleLactation.com •

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the birth oF a baby is the experience oF a liFetiMe!

Aspen Birth Center doctors, midwives, registered nurses, and lactation consultants are committed to serving you and your family at this special time of your life. With optimal nurse-to-patient ratios, you’ll get personalized care from experienced staff in a home-like environment.

SERvICES INCLUDE: • a variety of childbirth preparation classes for mom, dad, and siblings • Pain management ranging from the most natural to the most progressive techniques, with 24/7 availability of anesthesia services if desired • Post discharge phone calls to address your unexpected questions and concerns • Lactation consultation to ensure success • Weekly “Bosom Buddies” support group Aspen Valley Hospital 0401 Castle Creek Road aspenhospital.org

•

Aspen, CO 81611

•

970.925.1120

Carbondale Animal Hospital keep your Furry FaMily MeMber healthy Carbondale Animal Hospital has been providing quality veterinary care to the Roaring Fork community for over 30 years.

As veterinary diagnostic and treatment modalities have progressed, dr. Ben Mackin has blended these advances with a philosophy of practical small animal medicine, surgery, and dentistry.

234 Main Street • Carbondale, CO 81623 • 970.963.2826 Please find us on Facebook!

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M o u n ta i n - Pa r e n t. c o M

Happy Camper Love Note SON YA TAY LOR MOORE OWNER, YELLOW C ANARY ART STUDIO, BASALT

Take a break from the snow and cozy up inside with an awesome craft. This little Valentine is sure to bring a smile...and the best part? It's made with love.

SU PPL I ES

! SCRAP OF WOOD FROM THE GARAGE APPROXIMATELY 8 INCHES NO WOOD POSTER BOARD IS lNE THICK PAPER SHINY PAPER SCRAPS ACRYLIC PAINT

WATER COLORS A BLACK SHARPIE SCISSORS SCHOOL GLUE A HOT GLUE GUN AND TWIGS FROM THE BACK YARD

32

S T EP BY S T EP

s 0AINT YOUR SCRAP OF WOOD ANY COLOR OF YOUR CHOICE WITH ACRYLIC PAINT s $RAW A CAMPER WITH A BLACK SHARPIE 4HINK IN TERMS OF SHAPES ! CAMPER IS ROUND LIKE AN OVAL ON TOP WITH A STRAIGHT LINE AT THE BOTTOM $ONgT FORGET TO DRAW YOUR WHEEL s #UT OUT THE CAMPER s !DD BLACK DETAILS TO YOUR CAMPER )T WILL NEED A DOOR AND WINDOWS AND MAYBE SOME FUN LINES OR POLKA DOTS s 7ATERCOLOR YOUR CAMPER WITH BRIGHT COLORS s /NCE DRY DECORATE YOUR WINDOWS WITH BITS OF SHINY PAPER s 'LUE THE CAMPER TO YOUR PAINTED WOOD WITH SCHOOL GLUE s 0ARENTS HOT GLUE TWIGS TO THE PAINTED BOARD IN A CUTE LITTLE BUNDLE TO RESEMBLE lRE WOOD s 3CHOOL GLUE THE SHINY STRIPS RIGHT ABOVE THE TWIGS .OW YOU HAVE A CAMPlRE s #UT WAVY STRIPS OUT OF YOUR THICK PAPER s 7RITE THE MESSAGE )g- ! (!009 #!-0%2 7(%. )g- 7)4( 9/5 ON YOUR STRIPS s 3CHOOL GLUE THE STRIPS ABOVE YOUR lRE s 'IVE TO YOUR 6ALENTINE AND SPREAD THE LOVE

COMMUNIT Y EVENTS M O U N TA I N - PA R E N T.C O M

Glenwood Springs

Wheel Throwing for kids 9+ Wednesdays ,4:00 -5:30 pm March 1st -March 29th 2017 Kids Hand Building 5+ http://www.carbondaleclay.org/classes/

Glenwood Library Sing, Dance, and Play Storytime 4:00, Mondays After School @ Your Library 4:00, Mondays Storytime 10:30, Tuesdays Storytime 10:30, Wednesdays After School @ Your Library 2:30, Wednesdays After School @ Your Library 4:00, Fridays Book Tasting for Teens Wednesday, February 1 2:00 pm Waiters will serve you a tasty book to review and your opinion will be shared in the Juvenile and Young Adult sections of the library. Drinks and appetizers served. Receive a ticket for free admission by signing up at the library or calling 970-945-5958 before January 25.

Carbondale Carbondale Clay Center Winter Session I Kids Classes Wheel Throwing for kids 9+ 4:00 -5:30 pm January 17th - February 14th Kids Hand Building 5+ January 18th - February 15th

Carbondale Branch Library Infant & Toddler Storytime 10:30, Wednesdays Makerspace and Lunch!

Wednesdays 2:00 T@YL Kids are invited to join us for this fun-filled program series!

1st Tuesdays: Story Art with the Aspen Art Museum 2nd Tuesdays: Loteria 3rd Tuesdays: Legos @ the Library 4th Tuesdays: Kids Cook (Registration required.

Visit or call 970-963-2889).

Tuesdays, 4:00 pm Kids Storytime Children of all ages and their parents are invited to join us for stories, songs, and more! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Thursdays 10:30 am

Basalt Basalt Library Storytimes: Every weekday at 10:30 a.m. Visit www. basaltlibrary.org for more information.

PAWS to Read: January 3 and 17 starting at 3:30 p.m. Children are invited to practice their reading skills by reading to a therapy dog. Registration required. Call 9274311.

Winter Session II Kids Classes February 28th - March 28th 2017 33

M O U N TA I N - PA R E N T. C O M

Crafts with Caroline: Every Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Parents and children are invited to stop by the library for a different, drop-in craft each Saturday.

Teen Movie Night: January 27 from 5-7 p.m.

Students in grades 5 through 12 are invited to an after-hours movie night at the library.

Art Base

AVSC 2/4/17 Nordic Bonfire Dinner (Aspen Nordic Center): A progressive dinner on skis! Bring the whole family and slide from stop to stop, enjoying food from the best restaurants in the Roaring Fork Valley. Tickets for purchase soon at www.teamavsc.org

MAGICAL, MYTHICAL BEASTS January 10, 17, 24, 31 3:30-5:30P Create your own magical, mythical beast and make fantasy reality!

2/18/17 Hall of Fame and 80th Anniversary Dinner (T Lazy 7 Ranch): Join AVSC to honor this year’s Hall of Fame inductees and celebrate eight decades of getting the youth of the Roaring Fork Valley involved in winter sports! Tickets for purchase soon at www.teamavsc.org

ART ON THE EDGE w/Stanley Bell January 26, February 2, 9, 16 3:30-5:30P Comic drawing, graffiti arts, X-Games inspired branding, and tattoo design.

3/11/17 AVSC Ski Day (West Buttermilk): Celebrate AVSC’s 80th birthday with a cookout, games, and more! No pass? No problem – park at Buttermilk, AVSC will be running a shuttle to West Buttermilk for the day.

MOSAIC MADNESS February 7, 14, 21, 28 3:30-5:30PM MOMMY AND ME JEWELRY MAKING February 12, 2017, 12:00-2:00

Aspen

Pitkin Library Baby Storytime Tuesdays, 10:30am Special Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, 10:15 am Special Toddler Storytime Wednesdays, 11:00 am After School Wednesdays 2:30 - 4:00pm A new activity every week for kids of all ages.

Could be crafts, stories, running around, science, or music. Always creative and always fun.

PAWS TO READ February 21, 2017 - 3:45pm to 4:45pm Space is limited. Please contact us for availability.

After School Wednesday January 25, 2017 - 2:30pm to 4:00pm A new activity every week for kids of all ages.

Could be crafts, stories, running around, science, or music. Always creative and always fun.

Tween Scene Starting January 14th Join us every second Saturday at 2 pm for a different fun program. For tweens ages 9-13.

Snowmass

ULLR Nights, Snowmass Every Friday night during the peak of winter season, we honor of the Norse God of Snow — Ullr — with Ullr Nights, a nighttime, winter wonderland party at Elk Camp on Snowmass.

Every Friday night December 23, 2016 to April 7, 2017, 5pm–9pm. Bonus nights happening Feb 21st and March 21.

Where: Elk Camp Restaurant & Elk Camp Meadows Cost: $10 *Free for children 3 and under Dinner: Dinner is served from 5:30-8:30pm, à la carte pricing Sing-Along & S’mores Westin Snowmass Resort Fire Pit, Snowmass 3:30–4:30, every Friday Jammin Jim’s Juggling & Magic Show Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, Snowmass 3:30–4:30, every Sunday during the season Kids’ Crafts Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, Snowmass 3:30–4:30, every Tuesday during the season

HOMELIFE Special Thanks to these Sponsors

WEATHER INSURANCE: If it rains or snows bring the vehicle back within 48 hours after an Ultimate Wash and we will rewash it.

THE VALLEY’S SOURCE FOR:

Car Washing Detailing Quick Lube

Window Tinting Racks and Tires!

970.963.8800 • 745 Buggy Circle, Carbondale CO 81623 sunburstcarcare.com

ROARING FORK FURNITURE GIVE YOUR FAMILY THE HEALTHY SLEEP THEY DESERVE Your family spends a third of their lives in bed. Now your mattress can be as healthy as the rest of your home. All natural, 100% Certified Organic® mattresses from crib-size to king. Ask us about OMI's Purity Guarantee!

2424 S. Glen Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 • 970. 945.8321 roaringforkfurniture.com

I LOV E TH I S TOWN

THANKS ROARING FORK VALLEY I love being here to help life go right in a community where people are making a difference every day.

Thank you for all you do.

590 Hwy 133 Carbondale, CO 81623 • 970.963.5610 todd.fugate.g0ku@statefarm.com

January & February 2017

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR SHARE + LEARN

MOUNTAIN-PARENT.COM

Colorado

RE A DS

with Basalt Library

DISTRIBUTED FOR FREE TO OVER 150 LOCATIONS FROM GLENWOOD SPRINGS TO ASPEN, COLORADO AND AVAILABLE ONLINE AT

WWW.MOUNTAIN-PARENT.COM

C O L O R A D O 2 017

a Local’s Guide

H U N T ING

M O U N TA I N PA R EN T M AGA ZI N E

S TA RG A ZING