0313 RM PARENT

MARCH 2013 • RMPARENT.COM

Story times Flu season Spoiling your baby Fresh-air activities Leafy veggies

ummer CAMP Guide 2013 S

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MARCH 2013

Departments Perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Have a happy digital, virtual summer—no, wait, I mean check out all the summer camp offerings

FIRST YEARS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Can you spoil your baby too much?—make a safe, positive world for your infant

Family activities. . . . . . . 10 Once upon a time—enjoy age-appropriate stories, songs and themes

Healthy living. . . . . . . . . . 12

Make it an outdoor day—ideas for creative fresh-air activities

Community news. . . . . . . 14 Best start for Babies, health fairs in NoCo, March MAN-ness hosts three events, onestop shop for cancer patients, health includes education and learning

Nutrition. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

It’s easy being green (and a little red)—leafy vegetables that should be part of everyone’s diet

Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Events and activities for parents, kids and families

Time Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Batteries not included—powering our world, one 36-pack of AA batteries at a time

School District News Thompson School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Sweetheart City Preschool Fair presents options to parents, Loveland Sculpture Group presents $10,000 to Thompson School art programs

Poudre School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Watch D.O.G. program connects fathers to school, outstanding student SuperArt! on display at JSSC, coordinator Julie Trone part of dedicated community at Bacon, calendar of events

Greeley-Evans District 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 District 6 graduation rates exceed state average, food Renaissance takes over District 6 vending machines, NCMC and partners purchase AEDs for District 6

Lunchbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 School menus for Poudre, Thompson, Greeley-Evans and Windsor

Special Sections Summer Camp Guide and Directory

S

ummer

CAMP GUI D

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2013

Camp Directory

SUMMER

MP ExplorCA e the options

Enrich your child’s life this summer with a camp experience. Pick from the many opportunities: day or residential, animal adventures, tech topics, academics, nutrition, athletics, arts and more. For special-needs campers, check out our listing for camps that cater to children of all abilities. Do your homework to make sure the camp you choose is safe and is ACA accredited.

PAGE 8

Features 18 Arm yourselves!

It’s stomach flu season!

Know symptoms and keep sick children hydrated. Unfortunately flu season is still here. Stomach flu— scientifically called gastroenteritis is the second most common illness after the common cold. Know the symptoms, how to treat it and when to seek medical help. Also take steps to avoid catching it in the first place.

22 A weighty issue

The tricky part about helping your overweight child be healthy is bringing it up. Most overweight children can’t lose weight without help from an adult. So, dive in. Explore the issue and participate in the solution. You’ll help empower your child and avoid a gamut of health and psychological issues.

ABOUT THE COVER: Cassidy, who is turning 4 this month, is a Fort Collins kid who loves dancing, preschool and playing with her baby dolls. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com.

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BY CATEGORY , PAGE 22 ALPHABETICAL , PAGE 24

Safety PAGE 16 Special-needs

CAMP

CAMPS PAGE 18

LIS

OF AdvertiT sers PAGE 54

perspective Have a happy digital, virtual summer no, wait, I mean check out all the summer camp offerings

I

n this issue we officially begin the summercamp quest with our Summer Camp Guide. Whoever thought of this summer vacation thing was brilliant...right up there with the inventor of the Thermos bottle (Keeps hot things hot and cold things cold.

How does it know?). I mean, if you sat down now and planned out a school year from scratch with no summer-vacation concept, would you really take a 12-week chunk off at one time? But what a great 12-weeks it is!

I didn’t look up summer vacation in Wikipedia, but I’m pretty sure it grew out of our agrarian past, when summer vacation from school was anything but vacation at home, unless you think that getting up at 4am to milk the cows followed by collecting eggs then mucking out the pig pen...all before breakfast so that you had the rest of the day to work in the field and then dropping back in your bed exhausted at 9pm so that you could get up and do it again. School sounds more like vacation all of a sudden...kids would say, oh... good only three more weeks until I get to go back to school and get some rest.

It’s different now. Kids now have the opportunity to spend 12 hours a day in front of a screen...shooting bad guys, chatting with friends, singing along with YouTubes. No one ever has to get messy or tired or hot. It’s a Utopia that makes the summer fly by in digital bliss.

Who thought that 1s and 0s could be so great. They’ve freed us from sunburn and sore muscles.

Wait a minute...Utopia...Dystopia, so hard to know which is which sometimes. Maybe all that hard work in the fresh air was good for us back in the olden days. I mean there was time for the Tom Sawyers of the world to go fishing and tramp around the woods, and that didn’t seem all bad. So that brings me...in a circuitous route...back to our Summer Camp Guide. Turns out that you don’t have to spend the summer having virtual fun and learning virtual skills and getting virtual scraped knees. A whole host (I like the alliteration) of helpers have developed camps (but it had to end) and programs to keep your kids active and thinking this summer.

Flip through to the Summer Camp Guide (you can’t miss it, it’s the middle 56 pages), sit down at the table and start dreaming about what your summer might look like, well not really your summer because you’re not the one going to camp. The choices are actually staggering here in northern Colorado. Makes a person want to be a kid again. You can dance one week, learn to build an app the next and still have plenty of time for golf camp. And maybe, just maybe, if you (and by “you,” I really mean your kids again) get used being active and engaging your mind, then when you have some free time you’ll go outside and do something creative and interesting such as build a fort out of sticks or grab some friends and start a pick-up game of soccer.

I’m just saying...

Scott Titterington 6

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March 2013 • Volume 17, Number 10 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com Calendar editor Aly Titterington calendar@rockymountainpub.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION Wendee Brungardt, Sharon Klahn, Rob’s Bike Courier Service COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Diane Fromme, Lea Hanson, Katie Harris, Richard Keller, Lynn Utzman-Nichols, Kim Sharpe, Janet Werst

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING 825 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521 Voice 221-9210 Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not consitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2013 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

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first years

Can you spoil your baby too much?

Make a safe, positive world for your infant

L y nn U t z man - N i ch o ls

N

o one likes the idea of raising spoiled, entitled kids. Entitlement is a learned behavior, so the sooner you give your child the message that the world doesn’t revolve around him the better, right? So start immediately, when he’s an infant. Don’t pick him up every time he cries. Stick to a schedule and don’t budge. Otherwise, he’ll manipulate you.

This might be something you’ve heard your grandparents, or even your parents, say. In past generations, parenting was focused on having children fit into the adult world, preferably quietly and respectfully. To ensure babies learned this quickly, child experts recommended putting infants on a four-hour feeding schedule and not budging until the timer rung, even if they were crying.

The catch in this logic is that babies younger than four months don’t have the brainpower to tailor their actions to fit your reactions. In other words, they can’t manipulate. And they can’t form habits.

Since manipulating someone’s actions is a part of spoiling—a child acting a certain way to get what they want—then it goes to figure that young babies can’t be spoiled.

It’s best then, to ignore the advice from your elders. Listen to your instincts instead—the ones that tell you to pick up your crying infant and comfort her—immediately and for as long as she needs. After all, crying is the only way your infant can communicate her needs.

It’s her way of shouting, ‘I’m hungry!’

‘I’m tired!’ ‘My diaper is wet!’ Trust me.

Her needs are pure. She is not lying in her crib scheming about how she can turn you into her puppet. She simply wants and needs you.

Going to your infant when he’s crying will actually make him less fussy than more. That’s because if you respond to his call quickly, you give him the message that you are there for him. You

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fulfill his need to bond to his caretaker, his protector. Since he knows you are there, he doesn’t have to feel anxious or insecure. He can be less clingy and more confident since he knows that if you put him down and he wants you again, all he has to do is call you with his cries. He can rest easy.

It helps to consider your baby’s point-of-view. She is brand new to our world, and with every interaction she learns more about it. If her interactions are negative—as in, I cry and no one comes, I’m hungry and no one is feeding me—she won’t perceive the world as a safe, positive place. So make it a wonderful world for her—cater to her needs and cuddle, feed and change her as much as she wants.

On the other hand, there will come a day when she is bright enough to figure out that if she throws a fit, she gets a cookie or gets out of her high chair.

That’s when you can call instant gratifi-

cation quits. Generally, this happens after six months, usually later. She figures out that if she throws her cup on the floor, you pick it up (but first she simply learns that cups fall when you drop them). She’s learning cause and effect— the first lesson in adjusting her actions to get a desired reaction from you.

At this point, feel free to set limits. Instead of responding immediately when he fusses at bedtime, go to him and soothe him with words and a calm tone, rather than picking him up. Then gradually increase the time before you pick him up.

If there is a part of you that wants to show your child who is boss, don’t fret. You will have plenty of opportunity to curb spoiling when he turns 2 or 3.

That’s when a firm no and gentle guidance will do wonders. But he’ll still need plenty of love and reassurance. That’s something that never goes away, regardless of age.

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family activities

Once upon a time...

Enjoy age-appropriate stories, songs and themes K a t i e H arr i s

S

torytimes, offered at many of our local libraries, are a great way for parents to bond with their little ones while providing an early introduction to structured learning and socialization.

Storytimes for infants and toddlers provide an opportunity for early socialization with other children, and include age-appropriate stories, songs and finger plays with themes such as colors, shapes, animals, body parts and counting. These sessions include opportunities to get up and move around, as well as short periods of quiet, listening time.

Storytimes for preschoolers include age-appropriate stories and, in some cases, a themed craft. These classes are for children who are able to sit quietly for longer periods of time and begin to work independently with craft supplies.

Greeley

(Contact your local Greeley library to register in advance for storytimes) Centennial Park Library 2227 23rd Ave, GR 970-506-8600 www.mylibrary.us/about-us/centennial_park Music and Movement: Fridays, 10:30-11am and 11:30-noon; Tuesdays, 9:30-10am. All ages.

Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays, 10:30-11am.

Preschool ages.

Tales for Tots: Thursdays, 9:30-10am. Walking through preschool ages.

Twinkle Babies: Mondays, 10:30-11am. Birth through newly walking.

Farr Regional Library 1939 61st Ave, Greeley 80634 970-506-8500 www.mylibrary.us/about-us/farr Family Storytime: Fridays, 10:30-11am; Sunday, 2-2:30pm. All ages.

Tales for Tots: Tuesdays, 9-9:30am, 10-10:30am, 11-11:30am. Ages 15 months to 3 years.

Twinkle Babies: Thursdays, 9:30-10am,

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10:30-11am. Birth to new walkers.

You and I-Time Digital Storytime: Contact Farr for upcoming dates. All ages.

Storytime for 4s and Up: Fridays, 10:30-11am.

Ages 4 and up.

Lincoln Park Library 919 7th St. Ste. 100, GR 970-506-8460 www.mylibrary.us/about-us/lincoln_park Family Storytime: Wednesdays, 10-10:30am.

All ages.

Glenn A. Jones M.D. Memorial Library 400 S. Parish Ave, Johnstown 970-587-2459 www.mylibrary.us/about-us/johnstown Storytime: Mondays and Tuesdays, 9:3010:15am. Infant through preschool-aged.

Fort Collins

Council Tree Library 2733 Council Tree Ave, FC 970-221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org Noches en Familia: Once a month, contact library for upcoming dates. All ages.

Peek-A-Boo Time: Wednesdays, 10:15-10:35am, 11:15-11:35am. Birth to 24 months.

Saturday Storytime: Saturdays, 10:15-10:45. All ages.

Storytime for 2s and 3s: Mondays and Tuesdays, 10:35-10:55am, 11:15-11:35am. Age 2 to 3.

Storytime for 4s and Up: Mondays and Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30am. Ages 4 and up.

Harmony Library 4616 S. Shields, FC 970-221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org Peek-A-Boo Time: Mondays, 10:15-10:35am, 11:15-11:35am. Birth to 24 months.

Storytime for 2s and 3s: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:35-10:55am, 11:15-11:35am.

Ages 2 to 3.

Storytime for 4s and Up: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30-11am. Ages 4 and up.

Old Town Library 201 Peterson St, FC 970-221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org Peek-A-Boo Time: Tuesdays, 10:15-10:35am, 11:15-11:35am. Birth to 24 months.

Storytime for 2s and 3s: Fridays, 10:3510:55am, 11:15-11:35am. Ages 2 to 3.

Johnstown

Loveland

Loveland Public Library 300 N. Adams, LV 970-962-2665 www.cityofloveland.org/index.aspx?page=154 Humpty Dumpty Storytime: Mondays and Thursdays, 9-9:30am, 10-10:30am, 11-11:30am.

Birth to 2 1/2 years.

Toddler Storytime: Tuesdays, 11-11:30am; Wednesdays, 10-10:30am; Fridays, 10-10:30 am, 11-11:30am. Ages 2 to 3.

Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays, 10-10:30am, 2-2:30pm; Wednesdays, 11-11:30am.

Ages 4 to 7.

Windsor

Windsor-Severance Library 720 Third St, Windsor 970-686-5603 www.clearviewlibrary.org Babies and Books Storytime: Mondays, 1010:15am, 10:30-10:45am. Birth to 2 years.

Books Before Bed Storytime: Thursdays, 7-7:30pm. Ages 2 to 6. Pajamas welcome!

Crafty Tales: Contact library for upcoming dates. Ages 2 to 8.

Stories in Severance: Tuesdays, 10-10:30am.

Ages 6 and under. Severance Town Hall, 231 W. 4th Ave, Severance.

Wee Read Storytime: Tuesdays, 2:30-3pm; Wednesdays, 10-10:30am, 10:35-11am.

Ages 2 to 6.

Storytime dates and times are subject to cancellation or change. Please contact your local library to verify listings.

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healthy living the ingredients together and continue to add water until it’s a little soupier than you’d prefer (the mixture thickens up as you’re working with it). After the masterpiece is completed, let the fizzy fun begin by filling a squirt bottle with vinegar and spraying your work. Fizz equals fun no matter the context.

Can pyramid beanbag toss Sometimes the simplest activities are the most fun. Stack clean cans from the recycle bin to create a pyramid and compete as pairs or teams. Filling a sock with dried beans or rice can easily create beanbags.

Make it an outdoor day Ideas for creative fresh-air activities

By LEA HANSON

O

utdoor play is important for numerous reasons in addition to the old, nondescript adage of getting fresh air. Here’s the reality: Kids gain a sense of physical competency and mastery while playing outdoors that can’t be replicated anywhere else. Outdoor playtime helps kids gain important physical skills while they are running, jumping, and using their bodies in ways more challenging than when playing indoors.

For many of our kids, it’s a new and exciting kind of freedom they’re not getting elsewhere. Also, outdoor play is usually less structured, so it naturally gives children more opportunity for discovery.

The simpler the activity, the more likely outside play will return to the regular, daily routine. But, it’s nice to have some creative and exciting ideas on hand. Children can create dramatic play outdoors with very little material.

Allow them to create and explore their environment with their minds. Here are a few simple, earth-friendly ideas: Non-toxic bubble-blowing mixture Mix together 1/4-cup natural dishwashing 12

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detergent, 3/4-cup water, and 5+ drops of glycerin (easily obtained at your local health food store). Mix together in a small bowl, or add to a mason jar and shake gently.

Outdoor xylophone If you’ve ever done home improvements, you have leftover, oddly sized lengths of 2x4, PVC pipe, and the like in your garage or shed. Gather multiple pieces of varying lengths and secure them laying down or by suspending them with string or wire. For a tabletop xylophone, use a strong box or recycled drawer as the base. To hang the instrument, put holes in both ends of each length and dangle it between two stable ends, such as trees or a deck railing. Easily create a mallet using a pencil and a rubber bouncy ball.

Fizzing sidewalk paint Sidewalk chalk is old news. Creating your own sidewalk paint gives kids a brand new medium that’s just as easy to wash away. Roughly measure the following [for each color]: 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 box baking soda, a squeeze of washable paint, and a couple tablespoons of water. Stir

Get creative with leaves Leaves are only one example of the beautiful things found outdoors that can be transformed into exciting craft projects!

• Use leaves as your medium and paint directly on them.

• Create a leaf-matching activity by filling your child’s basket with five to ten leaves of varying shapes and sizes; challenge your child to find a matching leaf for each in the yard.

• Create beautiful leaf art by placing thin paper on top of leaves and lightly coloring on the paper with crayon.

Handmade wind chimes Rummage through your recycle bin to find tin cans of various shapes and sizes. Decorate the clean cans with paint, markers, or glitter. Put a hole in the center of the bottom of each can and hang upside down with string or yarn. Even toddlers can help by pounding a small hammer on a large nail to punch a hole and stringing the wind chimes up in the perfect location creates even more pride for their latest creation.

Pass along your favorites Not everything needs to be a handmade creation; and let’s be honest, some parents (and kids) don’t like to be artsy. Some of the best times we had as kids likely entailed simple games such as Freeze Tag, Capture the Flag, TV Tag, and Red Rover.

And, don’t forget the simple act of rolling down a hill, that never goes out of style.

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| 13

community news

Healthy lifestyles part of NoCo living

By KIM SHARPE

I

f you live in northern Colorado, then you know living healthfully is part of the gig. Enjoying outdoor recreation, locally grown food and active transportation, like walking and bicycling, make up a large part of NoCo communities’ culture.

Baby health Best Start for Babies is a program in Larimer and Weld counties which promotes child health by supporting parents during the prenatal and critically important first year of a child’s life.

Over the course of 10 weeks, parents learn about their baby’s physical and brain development, activities for bonding, preventing and treating sicknesses, how to find quality child care and other resources, and more. Free child care and a meal are provided at each class, and parents have a chance to win baby prizes, such as diapers or car seats. For completing the course, parents earn $100.

Best Start for Babies recently received a $50,000 grant from the El Pomar Foundation to help support the program.

“We are very excited to offer Best Start for Babies for a fourth year, because it’s been very successful for the past three years. We’ve served over 270 parents to date,” says Melanie Kelsea, Best Start for Babies coordinator.

Jeannine Truswell, president and CEO of United Way of Weld County which serves as the program’s fiscal agent says, “We are very proud of our partnership with El Pomar Foundation.

Their investment in the Best Start for Babies program will help us reach out to many more families in our community.”

Best Start for Babies is working with the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County to raise an additional $25,000 through Community Funded, a local crowd-sourcing website where supporters can donate or purchase gifts to

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help support the program. This funding opportunity will go live in April 2013 at www.communityfunded.com.

If you are interested or have questions, please contact Melanie Kelsea at (970) 377-3388 ext. 212.

overall health. The fair will include many educational booths, and free and low-cost screenings. It will be held on Saturday, April 13, 8am-1pm, at the McKee Wellness and Conference Center, Loveland.

Health fairs fare well To help residents look and feel their best in 2013, both of the areas’ health systems are offering community-wide health fairs. The Healthy Living Expo and Health Fair, presented by The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado, University of Colorado Health and Clear Channel, will take place on Saturday, March 9, 9am-3pm, at The Ranch’s First National Bank Exhibition Hall in Loveland. The event will include presentations, screenings, information, ask-adoctor/pharmacist and much more. Call 970-461-2609 for more information.

The Loveland Community Health Fair, hosted by McKee Medical Center and Banner Health, aims to connect fair attendees to resources and encourage them to establish and maintain a positive lifestyle to improve their

Just for men The University of Colorado Health is honoring men in March by declaring it men’s health awareness month and calling it March MAN-ness. To play off the NCAA’s March Madness basketball tournament, UCHealth will host three sports-themed events to emphasize the importance of prevention and early detection for men who typically avoid health checkups.

March MAN-ness will feature three, free panel discussions – staged in the style of a sports press conference. Panelists will be Colorado Health Medical Group providers from primary care, oncology, cardiology, and urology, four medical areas where men’s lives are most impacted.

“We want to share information that can save lives but in a causal setting,”

says urologist Dr. Benjamin Girdler, one of the panelists. “The events are about providing men a space to talk about often ignored topics such as prostate, heart and colon health.”

The events will take place in locations favored by some men: breweries and bars, from 6-8pm. Participants will enjoy complimentary food and drink, as well as sports trivia competitions, and opportunities to win Colorado Eagles season tickets and jerseys signed by the hockey team. Attendees are encouraged to wear sports attire.

Here’s the line up: • March 5, Crabtree Brewing Company, 2961 29th Street, Greeley • March 6, Budweiser Events Center, 5290 Arena Circle, Loveland • March 7, The Mayor of Old Town, 632 South Mason Street, Fort Collins

One-stop shop for cancer patients For someone whose health takes a turn for the worse, NoCo offers some of the world’s leading health facilities. Those facilities soon will include an $11million, 30,000-square-foot cancer center in Fort Collins that will be a far stride ahead of the traditional way cancer care is offered in other communities.

Kevin Unger, president and CEO of UCHealth’s Poudre Valley Hospital says the decision to centralize all services was made upon the recommendation of more than local 100 oncology clinicians, cancer survivors and community members involved in the center’s design.

He explained that in most communities, patients typically have to travel from one medical office to another medical service—sometimes up to 100 appointments in the first year—bringing about “stress in an already emotionally and physically challenging journey,” Unger says.

“We found that patients want to remain close to home, with services located together,” he says. “In our cancer center, patients will typically see multiple specialists in one visit, in one room, with treatment, counseling and other cancer care all within the building.”

The two-story center is being constructed on UC Health’s outpatient

Harmony Campus in the southeastern part of the city. Completion is scheduled for 2014.

Fort Collins Mayor Karen Weitkunat, one of the speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony, praised the center as a place that will address “the pilgrimage of healing, of hope, of wellness for people of Fort Collins, Larimer County and northern Colorado.”

She said 1,200 Larimer County residents are annually stricken by cancer.

“Three out of four families in northern Colorado will be touched by cancer.

That makes it very personal, very relevant. The new cancer center will elevate the cancer-care experience.”

Dr. Matthew D. Sorensen, UCHealth medical director of oncology in northern Colorado, says the center’s goal is to provide excellent, comprehensive care. “The center will allow us to take exceptional care of patients,” he says.

Radiation treatment, a vital part of most cancer care, will be offered by a TrueBeam linear accelerator, regarded as the world’s most advanced technology for treating cancerous tumors.

The linear accelerator has been in operation since spring 2012 in the PVH radiation oncology department, which the cancer center will adjoin. More than 3,000 treatments using the linear accelerator have been made in the last 10 months.

Planning and fundraising for the center became a community project during the last seven years. More than $3 million in funding for the $11-million center came from donations from 3,500 community members. Some contributions were pennies donated by local kids. Students at 11 local schools raised $85,000 for the center by conducting carwashes and other fundraising events.

UCHealth will provide the bulk of the funding.

Health includes learning In addition to health resources, NoCo is home to two community colleges and two of Colorado’s universities. According to the 2009-2011 American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates, approximately 52 percent of Larimer County residents and more than 33

percent of Weld County residents possessed an associate’s degree or higher.

Some of the credit for people graduating from high school and developing a love for learning goes to programs like Book Trust.

Book Trust is a nonprofit organization that started by serving 170 students in Fort Collins and now serves more than 3,000 children throughout northern Colorado and 25,000 children in nine states each year. The program gives $7 each month throughout the school year to children from families with a low income so they can purchase books through the Scholastic Book Clubs.

“We empower children to choose and own books and, along the way, inspire a passion for reading. When we give kids a chance to say here’s what I’m interested in and here’s what I’d like to read about, what we find is they’re much more likely to read and ultimately become better readers,” says Amy Friedman, executive director of Book Trust.

Studies prove that book choice and ownership contributes to developing strong literacy skills and life-long learning.

Another program that inspires children to read and write is the annual “Storymakers” short story contest sponsored by Rocky Mountain PBS. One of the 2012 1st-place winners is Erin Mallory, an 8th grader at Saint Joseph Catholic School in Fort Collins and the daughter of Dr. Patrick and Carla Mallory of Windsor. Erin wrote “Tricking the Sheep,” a story about a young girl trying to come to terms with the death of her mother.

Erin and other winners were honored at a luncheon where they met Dom Testa, a Colorado-based author and radio personality. Rocky Mountain PBS received more than 950 submissions from 6th-, 7th- and 8th-graders for the 2012 competition. Aspiring authors came from 151 schools and 98 towns across the state of Colorado.

Read Erin’s story at www.rmpbs. org/storymaker/.

Kim Sharpe is the Healthier Communities Coalition of Larimer County Coordinator.

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nutrition

It’s easy being green (and a little red) Leafy vegetables that should be part of everyone’s diet R i chard K e ll e r

W

ith March upon us, thoughts turn to the color green. The hue is seen in the shoots of grass at the start of spring, the money received or given to the IRS, and the color of people’s hair in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. When it comes to the annual holiday where everyone is Irish for 24 hours, the color of the food is also green, including one of the mainstays of a St. Patrick’s Day feast—cabbage.

What better way to honor this month of greens than to talk about cabbage and the other leafy vegetables that should be part of your family’s diet.

Here are but a few examples of these versatile and delicious products.

Cabbage A proud member of the cruciferous family of vegetables, cabbage has a long history dating back to 600 B.C. It is also one of the healthiest, colorful, and most versatile of the leafy vegetables.

Let’s start with its nutritional benefits. One cup of raw cabbage carries 43 percent of the daily requirements for Vitamin C and the blood-clotting Vitamin K. With its richness in antioxidants, glucosinolates, and anti-inflammatory minerals, cabbage is well known for its assistance in cancer prevention, with the red version of the vegetable having a very large count. In addition, studies have shown eating cabbage helps lower cholesterol and ease digestive issues.

There are many ways to eat cabbage.

To get the maximum health benefits, researchers recommend steaming it or eating it raw. For example, red cabbage can be added to salads to provide a splash of color as well as a substitute for croutons to provide some added crunch. Many Chinese dishes utilize cabbage along with a protein such as chicken or tofu.

Of course, both red and green cabbage can be put to good use in cole slaw.

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Spinach This is not the stuff in the can that Popeye used to swig in order to enhance his strength. Over the last few years the salty and squishy version of this delicate vegetable has been pushed aside to make room for whole leaves and stalks that are available at the local supermarket.

Spinach can even be found in fast food restaurants, like Subway, as a substitute for shredded iceberg lettuce.

Spinach is one of the most nutritious vegetables out there. One cup of cooked spinach provides 1000 percent of the daily value of Vitamin K and almost 400 percent of vitamin A. Other minerals with high percentages are manganese, folate, calcium, potassium, and Vitamins C, E, and B6. Research has shown spinach to protect the digestive tract as well as be a shield against progressive prostate cancer.

Like cabbage, spinach is adept in adjusting to virtually any meal. Its dark green color and teardrop shape make it a great addition to a salad or a sandwich. Spinach can be warmed and

used as a bed for tuna or other types of fish. Mixed with ricotta cheese, spinach makes for a great addition to a standard lasagna recipe.

Kale A cruciferous vegetable, kale has recently become one of the prime ingredients used in detoxification routines to cleanse the body before a change such as a diet.

Very high in Vitamins K, A, and C, kale is strong in antioxidant nutrients and helps in cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol. Studies have shown kale as a risk preventer for at least five different types of cancer, including bladder, breast, and colon.

Though it can taste earthy and a somewhat bitter if eaten raw, kale is used in many recipes. Similar to cabbage, steaming kale helps retrain a majority of its vitamins and minerals. Once it’s steamed, the kale can be sprinkled with dressing for a delicious warm salad. Kale can also be combined with a number of other ingredients, such as apples, eggs, or tomato sauce, to offer a healthy kick.

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Arm yourselves!

It’s stomach flu season!

A

s an elementary-aged kid, I caught the stomach flu every year like clockwork. I was already skinny, so adding in a week of vomiting and diarrhea made me downright twiggy, rendering calls of “Skinny Lynny” as I ran by on the playground.

During that dreaded week, I’d sprawl out on the couch and count the minutes between allotted sips of ginger ale.

Graduating to eating bananas and toast amounted to a pleasure greater than a last meal could bring.

If your family hasn’t experienced the stomach flu—scientifically called gastroenteritis—yet this year, count yourselves lucky. It’s the second most common illness after the common cold. It affects, or should I say tortures, upwards of 20 million people in the U.S. each year. Really, you are doubly lucky if you haven’t had it yet, as the usual season is November through April. Hang in there, you’ve almost made it! If you are unfortunate and it slays you at the last minute, here are tips on how to best survive it.

The scoop on gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis is caused by viruses that attack your stomach and intestines.

“There are hundreds of different strains of stomach viruses. It’s true that you can’t get sick with the same virus twice that season, but there are many of its cousins lurking out there for you to catch,” states Dr. Peyton Taliaferro, a Family Medicine Physician with Colorado Health Medical Group—Primary Care South in Loveland.

Calling it the flu is a misnomer. “It 18

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Know symptoms and keep sick children hydrated Lynn Utzman-Nichols is commonly called the stomach flu but it has nothing to do with flu, and a flu shot won’t protect you,” adds Taliaferro.

Generally, there are three varieties of the stomach flu. “Consider the phrase, ‘The candle that burns bright, burns half as long.’ In other words, the more aggressive the vomiting, the faster it will be over,” says Taliaferro. The bright-candle version usually only lasts 24 to 48 hours.

The next variety runs about three to four days with less vomiting. “Finally, the really scary one lasts 7 to 10 days with ongoing diarrhea, as with the rotavirus.

Fortunately, it’s not as common,” he says.

Rotavirus is more commonly seen in children than adults. It is especially dangerous for infants and young children as it can result in dehydration—a main worry with the stomach flu. A rotavirus vaccine is standard for babies, and has proven to be effective.

Symptoms of the stomach flu “Usually, the stomach flu starts with

stomach cramps followed by a lack of appetite, then nausea, vomiting and lastly, diarrhea. In my experience, children tend to vomit more, and adults tend to have diarrhea more,” states Taliaferro.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include: • Watery diarrhea • Abdominal cramps and pain • Nausea, vomiting or both • Occasional muscle aches or headache • Low-grade fever

Treating the stomach flu If the stomach bug bites you, there’s not much you can do except rest and rehydrate while it runs its course. “As far as over-the-counter medicine goes, I don’t recommend anything other than a fever reducer,” says Taliaferro.

He views over the counter anti-diarrhea and stomach soothing medicines as having “dubious benefits for children under the age of 10.”

“The main treatment is simply

keeping your child hydrated. Infants and small children can become dehydrated much faster than adults. Dehydration is the real threat of the stomach flu,” adds Taliaferro. Dehydration is the loss of fluids and salts (electrolytes) from the body. The body needs fluids to function, and without them systems start shutting down. According to rehydrate.com, dehydration caused by diarrhea is one of the major causes of death in children.

Signs of dehydration “The most important sign of dehydration is dark urine and infrequent urinating. For example, healthy babies urinate 8 to 10 times a day. Peeing just 5 to 6 times is a sign of impending dehydration,” states Taliaferro. Other signs don’t come until dehydration has already set in—such as listlessness, sunken eyes and fontanels in babies, crying without tears, dry mucus membranes (mouth, nose), cramping, and irritability. “If your baby is lethargic and not eating or drinking and it is 2am, don’t wait. Take them in immediately,” advises Taliaferro.

How to rehydrate your sick child There’s more to rehydration than simply getting your child to sip water. They also need to replace salts, or electrolytes, that have become unbalanced with vomiting and diarrhea. “My main advice is to drink a little, and drink often. It’s tempting when we feel thirsty to guzzle down a glass of water, but it fills the stomach and stimulates more vomiting.

You have to go slow,” suggests Taliaferro.

He recommends waiting 15 to 30 minutes after vomiting to let the stomach settle before introducing fluids. Then, offer Pedialyte or another sports-type drink with salt in it by the tablespoonful.

“With babies, I set a five-minute timer and give them a tablespoon every five minutes. Older children and adults can have an ounce or two every five minutes,” he adds.

The salt offered in sports drinks is not special. “Salt is salt, whether it is called an electrolyte-replacer or not.

Sports drinks tend to have plain table salt or potassium chloride, another common form of salt,” says Taliaferro. That’s why he recommends a light

chicken soup as an alternative: “A salty chicken soup is a great way to rehydrate, especially for older children and adults.”

Pedialyte is ideal for young children and infants, as it has more salt that a drink such as Gatorade.

While it isn’t Taliaferro’s first choice, he will say yes to a parent who says her child only wants water, juice or soda: “At that point, rehydration is the most important goal. It’s okay to be off with electrolytes for a little while, but a sick child needs to get hydrated as quickly as possible. So if it’s the only thing he will accept, I say great.” The only drink he doesn’t recommend is milk as lactose is digested in the intestines and will cause more diarrhea. On the other hand, moms who are breastfeeding can still do so—just keep it frequent and short, so your baby is mostly getting the watery foremilk. Also, know that if you have the stomach flu, you can’t pass it to your baby through your milk.

While hydrating, if your child throws up again, you need to start over with the smallest sips before building up, over time, to larger sips.

“It’s very difficult to tell a thirsty child that she can’t drink,” says Taliaferro who offers another great tip: Give your child a Popsicle. “They’re cold so she can’t eat it very fast. Plus, the cold is soothing to the stomach.” If you didn’t already know, Pedialyte has popsicles.

When can he eat again?

It’s simple: “Once your child says he’s hungry, let him eat because kids usually are not hungry during the stomach flu, even in the diarrhea phase,” says Taliaferro. Generally, wait until the vomiting has stopped for at least a few hours.

Start slow and think simple. Have you heard of the BRAT diet? It stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast.

These foods are easy to digest. Other people swear by a clear liquid diet of Jell-O and ginger ale. And there’s always saltine crackers and chicken soup. Just avoid hard-to-digest foods like cheesy fries, milkshakes and burgers for a day or two. When the diarrhea has completely stopped, you can get back to a normal diet.

Lastly, consider restoring your child’s gut flora with a round of probi-

otics or yogurt with active cultures like acidophilus or bifidus: “There is a lot of new, good data about the benefits of probiotics, particularly after diarrhea and bacterial and viral stomach infections. Just wait a day after the diarrhea has resolved,” states Taliaferro.

Stop its insidious spread Now that you’ve got your child on the mend, take precautions to keep it from spreading around your household or her classroom. “Of course, the most important way to prevent spreading is simply washing your hands and the hands of your child, often,” says Taliaferro. Particularly, wash after changing diapers— as rotavirus is spread through poop— after tending to your sick child, and before preparing meals. But you don’t have to go overboard. “You don’t have to take it to illogical extremes like washing doorknobs or wiping everything down every 20 minutes,” he adds.

The good news is that even though the stomach flu is highly contagious, your child isn’t contagious for long: “Once he is well for 24 hours, his contagiousness is minimal. If he got over diarrhea today, he’ll probably be just a little contagious tomorrow. Mostly it’s during the acute stage of the illness,” concludes Taliaferro.

Expecting a baby and want to be prepared?

Attend Baby Care 101! This class, offered

by UCHealth, prepares expectant parents for the basic care of newborns during the first few months. Topics include signs of illness, safety, development and parental adjustment.

When: Tuesday, March 12, 6-9pm Where: Poudre Valley Hospital, 1024 S. Lemay, Fort Collins, Indian Paintbrush Room Cost: $30/couple To register: 970-495-7500 Note: This class is offered most months at either PVH or MCR. Call for more information or visit www.pvhs.org and click on Events & Classes.

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A weighty issue Helping your overweight child get healthy

by Lynn Utzman-Nichols

H

as your child gained a few extra pounds? Do other kids tease him about being overweight?

Is she constantly saying she thinks she’s fat?

Have you been thinking that time will take care of it, but the extra weight sticks around year after year?

If so, it’s time to do something about it. The tricky part is bringing it up. The last thing we want to do as parents is give our kids the idea that we don’t think they’re fine, just the way they are. Yet ignoring the topic often just makes things worse. Did you know that most overweight children can’t lose weight without help from an adult? Plus, when the topic goes unbroached, kids get the message that their weight is a problem that they shouldn’t talk about. They may try to lose weight on their own—sometimes through unhealthy means like binging and purging, skipping meals or restricting their diet to the extreme.

So, what does a parent of an overweight child do?

Dive in. Explore the issue and participate in the solution. By doing so, you’ll help empower your child and avoid a gamut of health and psychological issues.

How to talk about it Get ready. Get set. Wait. Wait for the perfect opportunity then bring it up casually without giving it much juice. In other words, don’t have a big talk about it.

Don’t ask too many questions. Don’t tell him that he’s lazy or that he shouldn’t eat what he’s eating. Especially, don’t insinuate she’s getting “a belly” or looking “pudgy.”

Instead, wait for the right moment. Wait for your child to say, “I think I am fat.” Wait for her to relay a story about being teased about her weight. Listen for when he expresses disappointment while clothes shopping or over his sports performance. Ask if it bothers her when Aunt Myrna calls her a big girl. The time not to do it is when she’s about to take a bite into a donut or as he reaches for an extra handful of chips. Making your child feel guilty only makes things

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worse. Guilt can lead to shame, causing her to feel fat no matter how slim she eventually gets.

“First, listen openly to his concerns about his weight or appearance,” advises Cecilia Jamieson, a dietitian with Poudre Valley Health System. “Then, ask if he’d like your help to get healthier. Tell him that you’ll make it easier by making healthy changes for the whole family.

Make it a “we” issue, not a “him” issue.”

Most importantly, says Jamieson, is to “accept your child regardless of her size, speak without judgment, and be sensitive to her feelings.”

Avoid making food the enemy A sure route to having your plan backfire is to ban certain foods, altogether.

Of course, you don’t have to stock your shelves with chips, sodas, frozen pizzas or buy fried chicken on the way home from work for dinner, but stating that certain foods are off limits isn’t wise. “When kids feel deprived they might sneak food, seek out forbidden foods away from home, or binge and purge when they get the chance,” says Jamieson.

Also, avoid classifying foods as good or bad or healthy and unhealthy. Instead, talk about what certain foods do for you.

Discuss how lean meats are proteins that give you sustained energy over time; how vegetables are virtual powerhouses of nutrients to help you grow, and how candy and donuts are sugars that taste good but really make your body work hard for nothing in return.

“Form healthy habits by eating meals and snacks together, preferably at the table, at regular times. Don’t let your kids eat in their rooms or in front of the television or computer,” adds Jamieson.

And no matter what, don’t put your child on a strict diet: “Diets often backfire and are a set up for eating disorders.”

Finally, avoid using food as a reward and forcing kids to clean their plates.

The first ties foods to emotions, a bad set up. The second teaches kids to ignore their own body signals that tell them they’re full. Also, if your teen’s solution to being overweight is skipping meals, remind her that doing so often results in more weight, not less: “Skipped meals leads to low energy, making physical ac-

tivity undesirable. By the end of the day we are naturally very hungry and tend to overeat or binge,” says Jamieson.

Instead, shake up your family’s eating habits. Give thought to the foods you automatically reach for and put in your grocery cart. Find new healthy recipes to try. “Make healthy foods readily available—even prepare snacks (a recommended two to three a day for kids) ahead of time—and keep junk food out of the house,” says Jamieson. Finally, improve everyone’s diet, not just your child’s.

Make it a family mission It’s an added challenge when your child would rather play a video game or watch TV than go shoot hoops or play tag with neighbor friends. But it’s not insurmountable. You’ll just have to work a little harder. In other words, you won’t be able to simply say, “Go ride your bike” or, “Go outside and play,” you’ll have to do it with them.

“Any changes you make should be for the entire family, so your child doesn’t feel singled out,” says Jamieson. Help your child find a physical activity that she enjoys, and do it with her. Doing it together provides the extra bonus of getting one-on-one time with you, something kids love whether they show it or not.

“Many kids tend to avoid physical activity as they gain weight because it isn’t comfortable for them physically or socially,” says Jamieson.

As children age, their habits become more engrained and harder to change, but not impossible. When searching for activities, be open to nontraditional ones. “By 14 or 15 she might not want to take up a new sport, but she might be open to going with you to Zumba or yoga class, or lifting weights at a local gym,” suggests Jamieson.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) currently recommends limiting the time kids spend in front of a screen to one to two hours a day. Also, current guidelines recommend that kids over 2 years old get at least one hour of moderate to vigorous activity almost every day. “Today’s technology involves a lot of sitting, which substantially contributes to kids being less physically active,” concludes Jamieson.

Mental and physical health risks Everyone knows that being overweight can have social consequences for kids, and especially teenagers. While looking good and being able to wear what they want serve as great motivators for kids to lose weight, parents should consider the health risks involved in being overweight or obese.

“Research shows that inactivity and being overweight can cause physiological changes in the brain. These changes increase the likelihood of depression,” adds Jamieson. Pile on feelings of social inadequacy and you’ve got a formula for low self-esteem and poor body image that might last a lifetime.

Studies show that kids who are unhappy with their weight are at a higher risk for substance abuse and eating disorders. Overweight kids tend to become overweight adults.

There are many physical health risks for being overweight. Some include: • Metabolic disorders such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, pre-diabetes and diabetes.

• Joint and bone problems • Gall bladder and liver disease • Shortness of breath that makes physical activity more difficult • Sleep problems • Tendency to mature earlier

Not sure if your child is overweight?

Find out by using an online BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator. A good one exists on the Kids Health Web site at www.kidshealth.org. These calculators measure your child’s percentage of body fat and determine whether he’s normal weight, overweight or obese. While statistics for kids don’t exist locally, nationwide, one in three kids is considered overweight. A 2008 study by Larimer County showed that 11.3 percent of 18to 24-year-olds are overweight and 11.5 percent are obese.

Start listening for that perfect moment to talk with your child about her weight, today. By making the effort, you’ll be reconfirming a healthy lifestyle for the entire family.

UCHealth sponsored this article.

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My Garden

Obsession

By Beverly Henke, Garden Shop Manager – Fort Collins Nursery

T

oday there are snowflakes flying

gold! I’ve found that tilling is absolutely

madness! Our weather can best be de-

out my window, but I am dream-

unnecessary and actually destructive;

scribed as erratic. The only thing cer-

ing of spring. As soon as the New Year

top dressing with organic matter has

tain is uncertainty. Nature is somewhat

begins I begin to sketch out my garden

given me delightful rich soil that is

of a prankster, always making us think

plan, seed catalogues start to arrive and

teeming with visible and invisible

spring has arrived, only to bring back

I become more excited about growing

goodness. I’m now considering expand-

a blast of winter. Many years we face

things with each passing day. The wait

ing the veggie patch into other parts of

drought and water restrictions. The

becomes almost unbearable. I see the

the yard. Who needs a front lawn any-

best ways I’ve found of dealing with

buds are swelling on my fruit trees and

way? I’ve decided the best trees to plant

these are, planting tough yet beautiful

I keep looking at the bare ground for

are fruit trees. They never out grow

plants with low water requirements,

signs of awakening, knowing that soon

your house; they are perfect for privacy

and using soaker hoses under mulch

I will see signs of emerging Iris reticu-

screening, and the best part, delicious

to get the most from your water use.

lata, and the lovely pulsatilla hirsutis-

fruit! They do take a bit of managing,

My favorite thing about gardeners is

sima telling me life is returning to the

but it is oh so worth it. I have never eat-

their passion. I love it when you men-

cold hard ground.

en a better peach, plum, or apple, than

tion a particular vegetable, and you see

the ones I eat while still warm from the

someone’s eyes light up. They begin

sun in my own backyard.

to tell you everything they’ve learned

My vegetable patch has become my obsession. I am quite determined that I will grow tasty tomatoes and peppers

After twenty-five years of gar-

about growing it. I love to learn things

for salsa despite our alkaline clay soil.

dening here I’ve decided, you cannot

I did not know from those who are

I’ve made great progress in this area

really get into gardening in Colorado

willing to share their knowledge

by learning about building good soil.

without a sense of adventure, de-

with me and in turn I share what I’ve

Good garden soil is more valuable than

termination and perhaps a touch of

learned with others.

- PA I D

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A DV E RT I S E M E N T-

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thompson school district news

Art Programs receive $10,000

Loveland Sculpture Group presents $10,000 to Thompson School Art Programs.

The Loveland Sculpture Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding opportunities and appreciation for sculpture, held the 2012 Supporting Art in Our Schools Check Presentation for $10,000 to Thompson School District art programs on Jan. 30, 2013 at Centennial Elementary School. The $10,000 donated is split between the public schools (art departments) in the district and is raised through the Loveland Sculpture Invitational, the largest annual outdoor sculpture show and sale in the nation.

Mayor Cecil Gutierrez, who taught at Thompson Valley High School when he first arrived in Fort Collins, spoke about how close he feels to the importance of art education and the additional funding for these programs through the donation made annually by the Loveland Sculpture Group. “I want to take a minute and tell you a little bit about why the art education department is so important to the kids and to the city.

Creativity is one of those things that I hear regularly when I talk to CEOs, 26

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they want their workforce to be creative and it is a desired skill.”

Addressing the art teachers in the room, Gutierrez added, “What you do to help these kids learn to be creative will help them when they enter the workforce. Eight percent of the workforce in this city is in the creative sector, which is a significant part of our workforce. It is also a significant part of the DNA of our city. We need you all to continue cultivating the arts because we need those next generations. What you do is critical to the success of our city.” In 2012, all of the public schools in the Thompson School District participated in the Emerging Artists program at the Loveland Sculpture Invitational, resulting in 235 students creating a sculpted keepsake at The Show.

“The wonderful creations that these children made at The Show will be with them for a long time, they have something to remember this activity by for as long as they want. What an honor it is to be able to contribute to the city and the schools in Loveland to thank

them for everything that they’ve done for the art community,” said Victor Issa, Loveland Sculpture Group Board President and one of the founders of the Loveland Sculpture Invitational.

Issa, who is now a world-renowned sculptor, didn’t have any art education until he was in college because it wasn’t in the budget. “Art teachers perform a very valuable service and [the teachers] may never fully understand how valuable it really is.”

The Loveland Sculpture Group, a nonprofit organization, is the main sponsor of the Loveland Sculpture Invitational. Through the Loveland Sculpture Invitational, The Loveland Sculpture Group has been able to donate 30 sculptures valued at $275,000 to the Loveland community as well as $232,000 total to local art education programs and other nonprofits.

The show’s growth and success can be attributed to its unwavering focus on its mission as well as to the dedicated staff and hundreds of volunteers who have served each year.

The Loveland Sculpture Invitational is the nation’s largest outdoor sculpture show and hosts artists from all over the country and beyond. For more information about the Loveland Sculpture Invitational please visit, www.lovelandsculpturegroup.org.

Sweetheart City Preschool Fair The Thompson School District “Sweetheart City Preschool Fair” was presented in February, offering parents a variety of information on preschool options that are available. As part of the Fair, passports were distributed to parents, which were then filled up with stamps throughout their journey and later redeemed for donated children’s books and pajamas. The pajamas were officially presented for use at the Fair prior to the Thompson School District’s Board of Education Work Session held on February 6.

Now is a Great Time to Plant Trees!

Fruit Tree Sale Buy one Get one 50%off!

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poudre school district news Program connects fathers to school

When schools need volunteers, moms are often quick to respond. However, at Olander Elementary School for Project-Based Learning, it’s not unusual to see fathers helping in the classroom, playing with kids at recess or reading with students.

“It’s an opportunity for me to be involved in my daughter’s life. It helps me be connected to her and her school,” says Aaron Baker, father of a third-grader.

More fathers like Baker are volunteering at Olander through the school’s new Watch DOG program, which asks fathers to make a commitment to spend at least one whole day at the elementary school. Watch DOG (Dads of Great Students) is a national program that encourages fathers to be positive role models for students while enhancing school security.

“The main purpose is to bring dads or father figures into the school and increase their involvement,” says 28

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Heidi Jensen, Olander school counselor. “They also offer another set of eyes and ears at the school and if they saw a stranger, they could report it.”

Since implementing the program last fall, more than 100 fathers have signed up as Watch DOGs. Now dads are routinely seen high-fiving students in the hallway, assisting students in the classroom, reading with students or working with students on math facts in small groups. The dads also join in on playground games, which Jensen believes has reduced student conflicts at recess.

“The dads follow the rules and help problem solve. By having that adult presence, the game is safer and fairer. It’s also more fun to have dad playing the game too,” she says.

Baker, who signed up in October, has volunteered several days at the school. He believes that when he and other fathers show up and become involved at school, his own child and

other students notice.

“Being present is vital. Part of my job – and other dads’ – is to have a big impact on the lives of our children,” Baker says. “I hope the message I’m sending to my daughter is that ‘My dad cares about me and my life.’”

“I really like Watch DOGs because my dad is in my school, and it’s really fun having him around,” says Baker’s daughter, Natalie. “I know my dad really likes it because he gets to spend time with me and gets to learn about my school day.”

While kids benefit from seeing their dads in school, Jensen says fathers also learn from volunteering all day at school. “It helps them relate to and understand their child’s typical day. They see the pace of the day that their child has. After being here, they’ll say ‘That was so much fun, but now I’m exhausted’,” she says.

Jensen says they have received positive feedback about the program from students, staff and parents. “I’ve never had something that had such an impact.

This is probably the best program I’ve ever started,” she says.

Principal Brian Olver agrees that the program has had a great impact on the school. “The Watch D.O.G.S. program has increased male volunteerism immensely. Kids and staff love having male role models in the building. They help out in so many important ways,” Olver says.

Students at Olander think it’s just fun having their dads around.

“I like getting to spend so much great time with my dad at school. It’s fun having him here,” says Kaidyn Gleaton, first-grader.

“Not only are Watch DOGs dads of their own students, but they are like dads of the school. They help with whatever we need whenever we need it. They are really great to have around and we feel safer because they are here,” says fourth-grader Gabriella Jensen.

“I really like the Watch DOGs

family

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Julie Trone, Volunteer Building Coordinator at Bacon Elementary

because there are dads here so you can have new playmates,” says second-grader Garrett Lee. “They are really funny, and they are awesome at football!”

Outstanding student SuperArt! on display at JSSC Student artists, whose original artistic creations have been selected for the yearlong 2013 SuperArt! Superintendent’s Art show, were recently honored at a special reception at the Johannsen Support Services Center, 2407 Laporte Ave. The yearlong SuperArt! display is now open to the public from 8:30am to 4:30pm at the JSSC. Featured artwork will also air on Channel 10.

PSD art teachers selected each piece for display. Works include drawings, paintings, fabric, photographs, and other mediums. You can see all the outstanding student artwork in a SuperArt! online presentation.

Coordinator part of a dedicated community at Bacon Poudre School District has over 17,000 volunteers, consisting of parents, grandparents, seniors and community members. Managing that many volunteers in 48 schools is quite a feat! Helping the PSD’s Volunteers & Partnerships office manage the multitude of volunteers at each school site is a Volunteer Building Coordinator (VBC). These dedicated 30

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volunteers donate many hours to ensure the volunteer program at their school is a success. Some have done it for many years, starting in elementary schools, and continuing in this volunteer position in middle school and even high school!

For the past four years, parent Julie Trone has been involved at Bacon Elementary where her twin sons attend school. For the 2012-13 school year, she took over the role and duties of VBC. Next year, however, they will all be moving on. Trone says, “Until I became the volunteer coordinator, I did not realize how important the role is to the entire school community. This person is the ‘go to’ person to help others get involved, stay involved, and provide opportunities that suit the volunteer’s schedule.”

Trone has many great memories from their terrific volunteers and exceptional staff at Bacon. Their first event of the year is the Annual Fall Festival, which is a community-building event.

Their PTA has a table set up where families can inquire about what they do and how to get involved. They had so many new parents stop by this year!

“It was so fun to meet them and provide them with information about the school. Their inquiries gave me the opportunity to meet and reach out to every parent that said hello,” says Trone.

To date, those parents have become very active volunteers, have provided new ideas for the success of their PTA,

and have added positive energy.

Trone says, “Just to set the record straight…in case a reader is considering the volunteer coordinator position…I have spare time! In fact, I’m studying for my Master’s Degree in Nutrition Education, I run a business, and I enjoy the great outdoors with my family.”

“The school volunteer base is crucial for success in so many ways,” says Trone. She frequently thanks volunteers and tells them that they are invaluable contributors to their school’s success. Their positive energy continues throughout the year, and states, “It appears many new parents are going to be even more involved next year. That, to me, is a sign of our strong dedicated community. The icing on the cake is that I made some great new friends!”

Calendar of Events Mar. 12 ....... 6 :30pm., Board of Education business meeting, Johannsen Support Services Complex, 2407 LaPorte Ave. Mar. 15 ....... K-5 Teacher Work Day, No school for elementary students.

Mar. 18-22 .. S pring Break, Schools Closed, Johannsen Support Services Complex is open Mar. 26 ........ 6 :30pm, Board of Education business meeting and work session, Johannsen Support Services Complex, 2407 LaPorte Ave.

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greeley-evans district 6 news District 6 grad rates exceed state average The drop-out rate in District 6 also continues to fall. In 2009-2010, the District 6 dropout rate was 3.1 percent.

In 20011-12, the dropout rate was also 2.7 percent, or 253 students. While the percentage is the same this year, it represents a decrease in the number of students to 246.

Graduation rates for Greeley-Evans School District 6 took a leap in 2012, reaching 78.8 percent and exceeding the state average of 75.4 percent.

The 2012 rate represents a 14.6 percentage point increase from 2010, when the graduation rate was 64.2 percent. In 2011, the graduation rate was 71.8 percent. The District 6 completion rate also increased by 8 percentage points, reaching 82.9 percent in 2012, up from 74.7 percent in 2011 and 67.8 percent in 2010.

Graduation rates are defined by the state of Colorado as the number of students who enter ninth grade and graduate in four years. The completion rate is defined as the number of students who graduate, regardless of how long it takes.

“This incredible news represents a lot of very hard work and diligence by our students, teachers and staff,” Superintendent Ranelle Lang says. “We have put in place many programs and interventions to help prevent our students from falling through the cracks; layers and layers to catch them and get them re-engaged in school.”

Examples of these efforts include interventions at the middle schools and high schools to help students who are struggling in core classes such as reading 32

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and math; credit recovery programs at the high schools for students who fail classes; additional counseling services at the high schools and addressing student absenteeism at all schools.

“This accomplishment belongs to many,” says Stacie Datteri, District 6 executive director of learning services.

“But what we know is the kinds of things we’re doing to see this success.

This isn’t just luck.”

Graduation rates jumped in all areas. The rate for Hispanic students, who make up more than 58 percent of District 6 students, was 74.8 percent in 2012, up from 63.4 percent in 2011 and 54.1 percent in 2010. The graduation rate for limited English proficient students was 74.1 percent in 2012, up significantly from 57.8 percent in 2011 and 47.9 percent in 2010.

For students who are economically disadvantaged, the 2012 graduation rate was 71.9 percent, up from 62.8 percent in 2011 and 57.2 percent in 2010.

“Moving in this positive direction means more of our students are entering the world with the opportunity to be successful,” Lang says. “That helps not only those individuals, but the entire community.”

Food Renaissance takes over District 6 vending machines As part of its commitment to providing healthy food for students and staff, food vending machines in Greeley-Evans School District 6 now provide snacks such as baked chips, pretzels, whole grain snack bars and nuts.

When schools reopened after the winter break, employees and students found vending machines packed with healthy alternatives. This is due in part to a grant from the Colorado Health Foundation that has allowed the District 6 Nutrition Services Department to assume operation of all food vending machines in its facilities.

“We wanted to be able to ensure that our vending machines meet the nutrition standards of our student wellness policy,” says Kara Sample, administrative dietitian for the district. “Each item has been chosen to make certain that total fat, saturated fat and added sugars are minimized.”

There are currently 16 food vending machines in the district.

These are mostly accessible only by adults who work in the district and high school students. There are no vending machines in elementary schools available to students.

Nutrition services received a onetime grant from the Colorado Health Foundation for $157,329. This will fund: • The cost of the vending employee’s wages and benefits for one year; • Purchase of the vending machines; • Marketing and nutrition education materials; and • A portion of the cost for a vending vehicle.

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Sample says the grant money enabled the department to get the program off the ground. The plan is the vending machines will soon generate enough revenue to completely support the program, possibly with a surplus that can be used to help fund other nutrition programs.

As part of the new program, each item meets the basic wellness guidelines for total fat, saturated fat and sugar content. Nutrition Services has also developed a color-coded rating system that indicates which items in the vending machines are good, better and best choices based on nutritional value.

NCMC and partners purchase AEDs for District 6 The Cardiovascular Institute at North Colorado Medical Center, along with the NCMC Foundation and other community partners, is working to purchase Automated External Defibrillators for all schools in Greeley-Evans School District 6.

The institute and the NCMC

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Foundation plan to purchase, install and maintain AED units in 31 District 6 schools. Currently, AED units are only available in the three District 6 traditional high schools.

An AED is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm. If needed, it can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are used to treat Sudden Cardiac Arrest, a leading cause of death in the United States that claims more than 325,000 lives each year.

“This generous donation from NCMC and the NCMC Foundation will help us in our goal to keep our students, staff and visitors safe in our schools,” Superintendent Dr. Ranelle Lang says. “We appreciate the community rallying around this important health initiative.”

The donation is part of the partnership between the hospital, foundation, city of Greeley, Greeley Fire Department and Banner North Colorado Medical Center Paramedic Services.

Through this partnership and the pur-

chase of AED units, Greeley is only the second city in Colorado to earn the designation of “Heart Safe City” by the American Heart Association.

Units have already been placed in many public offices and private businesses throughout Greeley.

“We need to make our schools heart-safe,” says Dawn Olson, director of Business Development for the Cardiovascular Institute and Neurosciences for NCMC. “We have already raised more than $20,000 for the project.”

Each unit costs about $1,800. Money for the AEDs is being raised through the NCMC Foundation. Those interested in donating to this cause can contact the foundation at 970-356-9020, or at 1801 16th St., Greeley, Colo., 80631.

Once the units are installed, personnel from Banner NCMC Paramedic Services will maintain the units and check them regularly.

NCMC will also be working with District 6 to help train personnel on the proper use of the units, as well as cardio pulmonary resuscitation.

June 3 – August 16 For Children entering K- to 8th Grade

—

■ Baseball/Softball (grades K-8)— 1-week sessions from June 3- July 12

■ Lacrosse (Grades K-8) — 1-week sessions from June 10 – August 9

■ Basketball (Grades 4-8)— 1-week sessions from July 1 – August 16

■ Music and Movement (Grades K-8) )— Explore the combination of Dance, Aerobics and Noncontact Martial Arts from June 10 – August 9

■ Colorado Adventure Camp (Grades 5-8) – Helps campers to explore outdoor activities and pursuits. 1–week sessions from June 10 – July 8.

■ Field Sports (Grades K-8)—Provides campers a brief “taste” of several different sports.

1-week sessions from June 3 – August 13

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■ Fun LIFE (GradesK-6)—Fitness, nutrition and recreation camp. 1-week sessions from June 3 – August 16 ■ In-line Hockey (Grades 4-8) —1-week sessions from June 3 – June 28

■ Soccer (Grades K-6)— 1-week sessions from July 1 – August 16 ■ Super Sports Camp (Grades K-7)—A combination of sports, swimming lessons and other enrichment activities. 2-week sessions from June 3 – August 16 ■ Tennis (Grades K-8)—8:00-10:00am only. 1-week sessions from July 15 – August 16 ■ Volleyball (Grades 4-8)—1-week sessions from July 15 – August 16

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lunchbox Poudre School District —Elementary student lunches are $2.15, secondary student lunches are $2.40 and reduced lunches are $0.40. Entrees offered daily: Elementary—a variety of fruits and vegetables, milk and juices; Secondary--hot and cold sandwiches, fruits and vegetables, deli salad and pizza.

Elementary school 1 Hummus & veggies; veggie lasagna; beef tacos 4 Sloppy Joe; chicken nuggets; turkey & cheese deli 5 Yogurt & fruit box; chili & cinnamon roll; cheeseburger 6 Mac n’cheese; pig in a blanket; Mandarin chicken salad 7 Turkey & gravy & potatoes, taco salad, chicken sandwich 8 Spaghetti; PBJ, Pepperoni pizza 11 Cheese pizza; meatball deli; PBJ 12 Veggie lasagna; cheeseburger;

veggie wrap 13 Asian rice bowl; chicken sandwich; hummus & veggies 14 Chicken drumstick; beef burrito; Mediterranean wrap 15-22 No school!

25 Cheeseburger, turkey & cheese wrap, chicken quesadilla 26 Beef burrito; chicken nuggets; PBJ 27 Chef salad, hamburger, corn dog 28 Veggie wrap, Teriyaki chicken dippers, chicken sandwich 29 Turkey & cheese deli, cheese pizza, hummus & veggies

Secondary schools 1 Chicken fajita w/rice; BBQ chicken sandwich 4 Beef stir fry w/rice, chicken taco 5 Mac n’cheese; Asian rice bowl 6 Chicken nuggets; grilled ham & cheese 7 Penne pasta w/sauces, pig in a blanket 8 Cheese ravioli; baked chicken 11 Mac n’cheese; Asian rice bowl 12 Veggie lasagna; smothered burrito 13 Chicken nuggets; fruit & yogurt parfait

14 Baked chicken, rotini pasta w/ sauces 15 Chicken broccoli Alfredo, beef tacos 18-22 No School!

25 Nachos el grande; penne pasta w/ sauces 26 Teriyaki chicken dippers, beef tacos 27 Chicken nuggets; chili w/cinnamon roll 28 Orange chicken w/rice, Philly cheese steak 29 Asian rice bowl, burrito

Thompson R2J School District —Elementary lunches are $2.50. Secondary school lunches are $2.75.

Reduced lunches are $0.40. Offered daily: PBJs & fruit.

Elementary schoolS 1 Teriyaki chicken bowl, fruit & yogurt plate 4 Turkey & mashed potatoes, Caesar salad 5 Cheese pizza, baked potato 6 Burger; rice & bean burrito 7 Chicken burrito bowl, taco salad 8 No school!

11 Pancake w/sausage, grilled cheese sandwich 12 Jumbo stuffed pasta shells; baked potato 13 Turkey hot dog; rice & bean burrito

14 Taco; baked potato 15 Fish nuggets; fruit & yogurt plate 18 Chicken, grilled cheese sandwich 19 Chicken Alfredo, baked potato 20 Sloppy Joe; rice & bean burrito 21 Nachos, baked potato 22 Orange chicken; fruit & yogurt plate 25 Mac & cheese, grilled cheese sandwich 26 Pizza stick w/sauce; baked potato 27 Manager’s choice 28 Manager’s choice 29 Manager’s choice

Secondary schools 1 Teriyaki chicken bowl, fish taco 4 Turkey & mashed potatoes, PBJ 5 Pizza, chicken fajita wrap 6 Burger; chicken parmesan sandwich 7 Burrito bowl, meatball sandwich 8 No school!

11 Pancake w/eggs & sausage, BBQ pulled pork 12 Jumbo stuffed pasta shells; Cuban sandwich 13 Chicken breast, burger 14 Taco; Rib-b-q sandwich 15 Fish sandwich, grilled chicken

sandwich 18 Chicken, sloppy Joe 19 Chicken Alfredo, burger 20 Hot roast beef sandwich, chicken patty sandwich 21 Nachos, lasagna 22 Orange chicken; French bread boat 25 Manager’s choice 26 Manager’s choice 27 Manager’s choice 28 Manager’s choice 29 Manager’s choice

Greeley District 6 —To obtain a complete meal, student gets an entrée and can select 1-3 sides. Elementary lunches are $2.25, and middle school lunches are $2.50, reduced-price lunches are $.40. Offered daily: PBJ. Elementary schools 1 Green eggs and ham, tuna sandwich 4 Sloppy Joe; turkey & cheese wrap 5 Chicken w/rice; PBJ 6 Chicken Alfredo pasta; chicken salad sandwich 7 BBQ chicken; ham & cheese hoagie 8 Hawaiian pizza; egg salad sandwich 11 Chili w/tortilla; turkey & cheese wrap 12 Pollo roll-up; PBJ 13 Baked ziti; chicken salad sandwich 14 Chicken, ham & cheese hoagie 15 Veggie pizza; tuna salad sandwich

18 BBQ pork sandwich; turkey & cheese wrap 19 Tacos w/rice; chicken salad sandwich 20 Lasagna; PBJ 21 Chicken sandwich; ham & cheese hoagie 22 Pepperoni pizza; egg salad sandwich 25 Cheeseburger/hamburger; turkey & cheese wrap 26 Burrito; chicken salad sandwich 27 Spaghetti; PBJ 28 Turkey; chicken salad sandwich 29 No school!

Secondary schools 1 Cheese pizza, tuna sandwich 4 Sloppy Joe; chicken fajita wrap 5 Chicken w/rice; PBJ 6 Chicken Alfredo pasta; club wrap 7 BBQ chicken; ham & cheese hoagie 8 Hawaiian pizza; egg salad sandwich 11 Chili w/tortilla; turkey & cheese wrap 12 Pollo roll-up; PBJ 13 Baked ziti; chicken salad sandwich 14 Chicken, Italian wrap 15 Veggie pizza; tuna salad sandwich 18 BBQ pork sandwich; chicken fajita

wrap 19 Tacos w/rice; club wrap 20 Lasagna; PBJ 21 Chicken sandwich; ham & cheese hoagie 22 Pepperoni pizza; egg salad sandwich 25 Cheeseburger/hamburger; turkey & cheese wrap 26 Burrito; chicken salad sandwich 27 Spaghetti; PBJ 28 Turkey; Italian wrap 29 No school!

Windsor School District —Price for elementary lunch is $2.30, for middle school students, $2.50. Reduced lunches are $0.40. Salad bar is served daily with entrees. Offered daily: PBJ and yogurt.

Elementary schools 1 Pizza 4 Chicken sandwich 5 Chicken Alfredo 6 French toast w/sausage 7 Turkey & gravy w/mashed potatoes 8 Pizza dippers

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11 Taco 12 Chicken nuggets 13 Mac n’cheese 14 Fish & chips 15 Big Daddy pizza 18 Chicken tenders 19 Teriyaki chicken 20 Chili w/cinnamon roll

21 Pizza burger 22 No school!

25-29 Spring break!

Secondary schools 1 Check website 4 Chicken sandwich 5 Chicken Alfredo 6 French toast w/sausage

7 Turkey & gravy w/mashed potatoes 8 Check website 11 Taco 12 Chicken nuggets 13 Mac n’cheese 14 Fish & chips 15 Check website

18 Chicken tenders 19 Teriyaki chicken 20 Chili w/cinnamon roll 21 Pizza burger 22 No school!

25-29 Spring break!

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MARCH 2013 ONGOING Through March 11 Anything Goes All aboard for Cole Porter’s Tony Award-winning musical romp across the Atlantic. When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention head out the porholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course of true love. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Market Place Dr., Johnstown, CO. 970-744-3747 or www.coloradocandlelight.com.

Through March 16 Amadeus Presented by OpenStage. Amadeus is the story of Salieri’s war against God for making his music mediocre while favoring the vulgar Mozart as His divine instrument. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Through March 23 A Year with Frog and Toad A fun show for kids and parents!

Midtown Arts Theatre, 3750 S. Mason St., FC. 970-225-2555 or www. adinnertheatre.com.

Through March 30 Pinkalicious An entertaining show for the whole family! Midtown Arts Theatre, 3750 S. Mason St., FC. 970-225-2555 or www. adinnertheatre.com.

Through March 30 How I Became a Pirate A show for kids and parents alike.

Midtown Arts Theatre, 3750 S. Mason St., FC. 970-225-2555 or www. adinnertheatre.com.

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Through March 30 The Unsinkable Molly Brown Enjoy the remarkable story of Molly Brown, whose feisty determination takes her from the mountains of Colorado to the palaces of Europe. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Market Place Dr., Johnstown, CO. 970-744-3747 or www. coloradocandlelight.com.

March 7-10 Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

March 22-24 Arsenic & Old Lace Presented by Stampede Troupe. A drama critic discovers on his wedding day that his two elderly maiden aunts have made a hobby of poisoning older bachelors using wine spiked with arsenic, then burying the bodies in their basement. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

March 28-30 TRACES This combines awe-inspiring acrobatics with infectious urban energy, this thrilling modern brand of circus is infused with the energy of street performance. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Friday, March 1 Intergalactic Nemesis This live-action graphic novel is fun for all ages! The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970-2216730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Presented by the Stampede Troupe Children’s Theatre. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm.

970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Scrabble @ Your Library Players of all ability and experience levels are welcome. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 10am - Noon. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Noches en Familia Come and enjoy a time of stories, crafts, puppets, and songs in Spanish. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 5-6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

United States Navy Concert Band Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

Drive in Movie Get creative with the family! Build a car to relax in while watching the movie Madagascar 3. Windsor Community Rec Center, 250 11th St., FC. 6-9pm. www. macaronikid.com.

Saturday, March 2 Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Presented by the Stampede Troupe Children’s Theatre. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 1pm & 4pm.

970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

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Rocky Mountain High: John Denver Tribute Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Masterworks #4: Handel’s Messiah Presented by the Fort Collins Symphony, with special guests of St. Martin’s Chamber Choir. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970-2216730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Facebook Learn about social media using Facebook, the world’s largest social networking website. Presented by Poudre Libraries. River of Life Fellowship, 3161 E. County Road 62e, Wellington, CO. 9:30-11:30am. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Answer Cache: Databases for Teens This class will teach you how to find trusted sources that will impress your teachers. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10am - Noon. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

WOTBV: Worms of the Book Variety Teen Book Club Members will meet to discuss “Restoring Harmony” by Joelle Anthony. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 11am12:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Writing Workshop: Writing Great Paragraphs Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1-4pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

A Dr. Seuss Pajama Party Please wear your comfy pajamas or dress like your favorite Dr. Seuss character for a special storytime followed by a craft.

Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 6:30-7:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Boot Camp for New Dads For men, taught by men! North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-Noon. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

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Breastfeeding: Off to a Good Start Designed for expectant parents who are considering breastfeeding.

North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-Noon. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. Grow Your Own Veggies Learn how to create your own foodproducing gardens at home. Get tips on garden size, site selection, container possibilities, choosing seeds and transplants as well as the how and when of planting, tending and harvesting in your own garden. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10amNoon. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.

Interview with an Author Meet Peter Lerangis, author of Seven Wonders Book 1: The Colossus Rises.

Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 2pm. 970-484-7898 or www. oldfirehousebooks.com.

Film as Art Witness how students from Thompson School District express their artistry in film. Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 2pm. 970-962-2562 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Sunday, March 3 Lincoln Center Bridal Show Come meet the finest professionals in catering, decorating, entertainment, photography, and bridal fashion. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 1-5pm.

970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 3-4pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Tuesday, March 5 Great Decisions: Egypt Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs.

Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

UNC Chamber Winds Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

Wednesday’s Wild World of Art: Doodle Sketching Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 3-4pm. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Girl Talk (9-12yrs) For girls and their mothers to explore the physical and emotional changes of puberty. Poudre Valley Hospital, Indian Paintbrush Room, 1024 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 6:30-8:30pm. 970-495-7500 or www.pvhs.org.

Wednesday, March 6 The New Woman: Fashion History Talk and Exhibit Get a glimpse into the past lives of women through historical fashions with an exhibit and accompanying talk.

University Center for the Arts Annex, 216 Lake St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Bright Beginnings for Infants Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 10-11am. 970495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Natural Childbirth: Coping Strategies for Pain Management Poudre Valley Health System, Westbridge Medical Suites, 1107 S Lemay Ave., FC. 7-9:30pm. 970-495-7500 or www.pvhs.org.

Thursday, March 7 Genealogy Society Meeting Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 6:30-8:45pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Word Basics Learn how to use Microsoft Word to write letters, papers, resumes, and much more. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 6:30-8:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

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Prepared Childbirth Ask questions and make informed decisions about issues surrounding the birth of your baby. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 6-8:30pm.

970‑378-4044 or www.BannerHealth. com/NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Chess @ Your Library Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join us for these informal drop-in chess games. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 11am-1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Friday, March 8 Teen Night at CRC: Glow in the Dark Night Windsor Community Rec Center, 250 11th St., FC. 6-9pm. Grades 6-8. www.macaronikid.com.

Spring Spectacular Ice Show Mountain View Skating Club will perform their version of the musical Hairspray.There will be a public skate following the performance. Greeley Ice Haus, 900 8th Ave., GR. 6-7pm. www. macaronikid.com.

Harmony in the Round with Colcannon Come celebrate National Irish-American Month with authentic Irish music that is traditional with a touch of chamber music and music hall. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7-7:55pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Tot Art Fridays: Spring Prints Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 10:30-11:30am.

970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

CSU Fashion Show: Destinations Over 25 selected design students will showcase their collections in a state of the art production. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Saturday, March 9 Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra Family Concert Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 2:30pm & 7:30pm. 970-3565000 or www.ucstars.com.

Destreza Basica de la Computadora Esta clase le enseña las funciones y partes básicas de una computadora. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10am-12pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Facebook Learn about social media using Facebook, the world’s largest social networking website. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10am-12pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

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Centennial Children’s Chorus: Choral Celebration The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 5pm. 970-221-6730 or www.

LCTIX.com.

Spanish Prepared Childbirth Ask questions and make informed decisions about issues surrounding the birth of your baby. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-1pm.

970‑378-4044 or www.BannerHealth. com/NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Tuesday, March 12 Kevin Cook: Colorado Birds Great stories of life and living. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon -1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Kids’ Club Tuesday: Duct Tape Crafts Come play with this fun and versatile craft material to create objects as diverse as wallets and flowers! Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 4-5:30pm.

970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Answer Cache: Databases for Adults This class will introduce you to the world of “databases”, and enable you to expertly find information on topics ranging from Art to Zoology from online journals, newspapers and reference books!

Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 6:30-8:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

International Night: Saudi Arabia Two expats will share their life in Saudi Arabia. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Survival Skills for New Parents This class addresses signs of illness, when to call the doctor, crying and sleeping, safe baby products, starting solid foods, bathing and daycare.

North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-1pm. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Baby Care 101 Prepares expectant parents in the basic care of newborns for the first few months. Topics include signs of illness, safety, development, and parent adjustment. Poudre Valley Hospital, Indian Paintbrush Room, 1024 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 9am-Noon. 970-4957500 or www.pvhs.org.

Sunday, March 10 Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 3-4pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday, March 13 Rocky Mountain Raptors: Urban Raptors Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6:30-7:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Monday, March 11 Colorado Women: A History This book is the first full-length chronicle of the lives, roles, and contributions of women in Colorado from prehistory through the modern day. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Your Library 24/7 Learn what the library has to offer even when the Library doors are closed!

Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7-8:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.o

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Nobuyuki Tsujii This Japanese pianist has captured the hearts and imaginations of music lovers the world over. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970-2216730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Wednesday’s Wild World of Art: Doodle Sketching Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 3-4pm. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Breastfeeding Basics Learn techniques that can help breastfeeding go smoothly. Topics include process of breastfeeding, ways to prevent and care for problems. Dads welcome. Poudre Valley Hospital, Indian Paintbrush Room, 1024 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 7-9pm. 970-495-7500 or www.pvhs.org.

Bright Beginnings for One-Year-Olds This class explores how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go.

Special emphasis will be placed on the relationships between language, emotional and cognitive development.

Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 10-11am. 970-4957528 or www.pvhs.org.

Thursday, March 14 Basic Cheese Making Learn the craft with us, and then make your favorite varieties at home. Presented by the Sustainable Living Association.

Whole Foods Kitchen, 2201 S. College Ave., FC. 6-8:30pm. 970-224-3247 or www.SustainableLivingAssociation.org.

The Mark of Zorro En garde! as the legendary swashbuckler swings his way to justice through the innovative eyes of acclaimed Scottish theater company Visible Fictions. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 6:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Word Beyond Basics Go beyond the basics of word processing. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 6:30-8:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

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Teen Thursday Art Exploration: Suede Mat Board Art Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 4-6pm. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Family Fitness Night Join us for a night of fun for the whole family! Poudre Valley Health System, 1024 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 5:30-8pm. 970-4957500 or www.pvhs.org.

Saturday, March 16 America This folk rock band became a musical sensation in the early 1970s. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars. com.

Gardening for Colorado Newcomers Learn how to make the best of our sun, extreme temperatures, soils and other factors to choose the best plants and care practices for an attractive, healthy landscape in the Front Range area. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10am-Noon. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.

Excel Basics Excel is a spreadsheet program used for automating calculations, creating charts, forms, and more. Learn the basics in this class. Canyon Ridge Baptist Church, 4608 W. County Rd. 52 E., Bellvue, CO. 11am-1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Roller Derby Season Opener Join us for modern flat-track roller derby presented by Foco Girls Gone Derby and the Foco Spartan Babes Junior Derby.

Kids 12 and under are FREE. Qdoba Events Center, FC. 6:15pm. www.focogirlsgonederby.com Teen IRS: Interesting Reader Society Meeting Join this special group of young adults in grades 6-12 who meet monthly to talk books, movies, music, and other topics of interest to teens. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 11am-1pm.

970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Sunday, March 17 Inside Ireland: Film maker Clint Denn Enjoy the magic in this film. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 2pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars. com.

Lucky Skate Wear your lucky green and skate with your friends. Greeley Ice Haus, 900 8th Ave., GR. 12-1:30pm. www. macaronikid.com.

Game Day @ Your Library Play a board or card game from our collection or bring a favorite from home.

Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1-5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Kiss Me Pops Presented by the Foothills Pops Band.

Enjoy this fresh arrangement of familiar tunes. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Monday, March 18 Brown Bag Movie: The Never Ending Story Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Money Matters: Investing 101 Learn the basics of investing; the trends, lingo and options. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7-8pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Labor and Birth for Teens This class was created for pregnant women ages 19 and under and their support partner. Discussion topics include labor and birth preparation, breathing, relaxing, and comfort techniques. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 4-6pm.

970‑378-4044 or www.BannerHealth.com/NCMCFa Bright Beginnings for Infants Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. McKee Medical Center, 2000 N. Boise Ave., LV. 11:15am. 970-4957528 or www.pvhs.org.

Tuesday, March 19 Taste of Imagination Stories, comedy, and songs await in this fun-filled show! Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10:30am, 11:30am & 2pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Improv 4 Tweens Have fun playing improv games designed to bring out your inner actor.

Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 4-5:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Bright Beginnings for Infants Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., LV. Noon.

970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Wednesday, March 20 Taste of Imagination Stories, comedy, and songs await in this fun-filled show! Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10:30am, 11:30am, & 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Money Matters: Investing 101 Learn the basics of investing; the trends, lingo and options. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday’s Wild World of Art: 3D Clay Fun Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 3-4pm. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Thursday, March 21 Taste of Imagination Stories, comedy, and songs await in this fun-filled show! Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 10:30am, 11:30am, & 2pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Triple Topics: Finding Living Relatives, Cemetery Searches, and Permission Needed?

Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6:30-8:45pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Saturday, March 23 We’re having a Baby: A Class for Siblings Kids will learn what a new baby looks like, how to become a “big helper,” and how to make friends with the new baby.

North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9:30-10:30am. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. Sunday, March 24 Community Side-by-Side Play Along with the Fort Collins Symphony The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 2-4:30pm. 970-221-6730 or www.

LCTIX.com.

Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 3-4pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Tuesday, March 26 Computer Comfort Class This class offers beginning and handson training on the basic components of computers. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 6:30-8:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday, March 27 Is Feminism Dead? A Panel Discussion Please join faculty from Colorado State University as they engage in a debate about the current state of Feminism and the roles of women in our country and the world. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday’s Wild World of Art: 3D Clay Fun Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 3-4pm. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Bright Beginnings for Infants Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 10-11am. 970495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Bright Beginnings for Two-Year-Olds Learn how to promote early literacy, brain development, and a healthy/safe environment for the active twos. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 1011am. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Thursday, March 28 Lord of the Dance Created by Michael Flatley. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7pm.

970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

International Night: Saudi Arabia Two expats will share their life in Saudi Arabia. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Friday, March 29 Word Basics Learn how to use Microsoft Word.

Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 9-11am. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Saturday, March 30 Educo Ski Day Educo invites you on a ski trip to Winter Park Resort, transportation and supervision provided. Educo Office, FC. 6am-6pm. Ages 10-17. 970-494-0785 or www.educoadventures.org.

PowerPoint Basics Class Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10am-Noon. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Movie Night: Fried Green Tomatoes Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-9pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

UNC Spring Opera Scenes: Viva la Diva!

Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 2pm & 7:30pm. 970-3565000 or www.ucstars.com.

Bunny Hop Skate Skate with your friends and special guest, the Easter Bunny. Greeley Ice Haus, 900 8th Ave., GR. 12-1:30pm. www.macaronikid.com.

Sunday, March 31 Happy Easter!

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time out

Batteries not included

Powering our world—one 36-pack of AA batteries at a time!

RICHARD KELLER

I

have five children. I mention this to avoid questions of “Are they all yours?” when I walk down the street.

If they weren’t all mine, do you think my hair would be this gray? Same thing can be said for the permanent scowl on my face and worry lines deeper than the Congo River. But I digress. With so many progeny, I buy more than the average family—bulk foods, multiple cartloads of school supplies, and thanks to a lackluster Y chromosome, storage containers full of girls’ clothes.

I also stock up on lots and lots of batteries. Not just one size, mind you; I need to buy everything from AA to ZZ in vast quantities. In fact, after recording my receipts, I figure 75 percent of my income is spent on these portable power sources. I exaggerate… it’s more like 70 percent.

Why such a battery of batteries?

Because everything my kids own runs on them! The controllers for the video game console, the toy Barbie and Handy Manny laptops, the Dora Super Wonderful Kitchen with 8,000 sayings from the cartoon adventurer, my electronic pencil sharpener, which is utilized after every sentence written—they all need batteries. Thing is, they don’t take just one or two. Some of the tiniest pieces of equipment require as many as six at once! With the constant use of these pieces of molded plastic, the batteries are drained faster than a two-liter bottle of Red Bull by a college student during final exams.

I didn’t comprehend how many batteries were digested until I bought a 36-pack of double-A’s. After two days, nearly half the pack was gone as we resuscitated four items back to life.

Since my children own items that beep, whistle, burp, and make loud explosions, I estimate we need to replenish our supplies at least three times a month.

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Of course, this is a conspiracy cooked up between the battery and toy manufacturers. I’m sure most of these items could run on one or two batteries maximum, if not solar power or hand crank. However, the companies need to make a profit; hence, the reason why additional battery slots are added to their products.

If that isn’t hard enough to swallow, battery companies seem to drain most of the energy out the ones that come with the toys. This leads us, the stupid consumers, to purchase new ones so our children don’t spend years in therapy venting hatred about our lackluster parenting. That’s if the toys come with batteries at all. How nefarious—they could run the government with this type of chicanery!

There has to be a solution to this apocalyptic battery crisis. For instance, toy manufacturers could charge a bit more and provide rechargeable batteries, with charger, for their products. Sadly,

this would bring down the battery industry and, in turn, cause economic collapse, resulting in a return to us living in caves and bopping each other on the head with powerless video game controllers. If that’s not feasible, perhaps the industries can work with the hospitals and provide certificates for a year’s worth of batteries with every child born. Of course, this could cause a population explosion just for the free energy sources. In turn, economic collapse would commence and… well, you know the rest.

I guess the only solution to this unending dilemma is to get back to basics.

I say we collect all the verbose and glowing toys, pack them into recycled boxes, and ship them back to the manufacturers where they came from. In exchange, they can provide us with products that encourage us and our children to stay active, explore, and build. When that occurs, things will be right in the world.

Well, just as long as they don’t invent battery-powered Lincoln Logs.

Baseball Teams age 6 to 14 • Softball Teams age 6 to 15 REGISTRATION DEADLINE MARCH 31 Register online at www.geyl.org

Volunteer Coaches Register Now

Email your name, address, photo, DOB and requested age division to mimi@geyl.org.

Teams are filled first-come, first-served according to player and coach requests. Register early for best chance of requested placement.

Games are played mid-May through the end of July in the evenings, during the week.

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