0712 RM Parent

JULY 2012 • RMPARENT.COM

Colorado camp out!

Teen risk-taking Friendship skills Denver outdoors Backyard composting

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Departments

Special Section

Perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

FIT KIDS

As we grow . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Check out this special advertising section for ideas about what your kids can do to stay active and engaged.

Pulling together under fire—spirit of community shines through tragedy Stand by me—help your kids hone their friendship skills

Family activities . . . . . 10 Denver outdoors—try out water parks, zoo, baseball game, amusement park and more

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

Let it rot—Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into black gold

Community news. . . . . . 16 High Park fire help, Kids Pak helps feed students in Loveland, summer ozone season here

JULY 2012

Nutrition. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

On the road again—tips to eat healthy while on vacation

Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Events and activities for parents, kids and families

Time Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Happy birthday for two—mom reflects on the pros and cons of a shared celebration

School District News Thompson School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Holocaust survivor, New Vision Charter School, Help Kids Succeed is community effort, seven teachers receive Creativity Grants, news and notes from Thompson School District

Greeley-Evans District 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Career Pathway program expands student learning

Poudre School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 I Walk & Ride Safely program teaches safety skills, Eyestone Elementary volunteer celebrated as an 7Everyday Hero

fit•kids ADVERTISIN G

SUPPLEMEN

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Features 16 C olorado

camp out!

If your idea of the perfect weekend getaway includes sun, sand, water, and a break from cleaning your house, stop stressing over expensive airfare and look no further than our own backyard. Local campsites provide the much needed peace and relaxation we’re looking for, plus the convenience of staying close to home.

18 Risk

and

reward

Most teens take risks. Most experiment.

It’s an uncomfortable fact of life—one many parents don’t like to face. It’s easier to believe that our kids are making smart choices and resisting peer pressure at every turn. Yet know that they are still teens, as you once were, merely kids who are adults in the making. It’s their job to challenge, push and explore. That’s how they get from here to there.

ABOUT THE COVER: Loveland resident

Shane, 4, loves super heroes and playing with his toy car collection. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com.

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perspective Pulling together under fire Spirit of community shines through tragedy

W

e lived in Poudre Park, 10 miles up from Ted’s Place, in the Poudre Canyon in the mid-’90s. In fact, we were living there when we launched RM Parent magazine. The kids were young then: Andy was 4 and Aly was 7. We have fond memories of our years there.

What I learned most there, though, is difficult to describe right off. It had to do with the diverse collection of people who had settled in the canyon. Most were strongly independent (though typically not unfriendly), yet with a sense of community when it was time to pull together.

On the second day we lived in the canyon, a box of food arrived on our porch, along with an Emergency Medical Technician training manual. Within a week, Bud and I were driving to Livermore twice a week for EMT training.

And, of course, there was fire training and swift-water rescue training, too.

Our kids learned naturally that they were part of a community. When the pager would go off in the middle of the night, our neighbor Dolly would come over to watch the kids while we jumped in the ambulance and headed to the scene. They would also notice that Carl would come by to help build a wall or advise on how to get the pump to the well going again.

It was an idyllic time. The kids learned to look out for snakes and to not go out around sunset without Oly, our big ol’ newfy. We boated, biked, fished and hiked in the mountain wonderland.

It’s been a very different time in Poudre Park during the past couple of months. First the Hewlitt Gulch Fire charred the north side of the river, then a big storm hammered through one night...and now, of course, the High Park Fire. I wonder if locusts are next.

I’ve heard stories from friends who still live in the canyon and I’ve read the coverage in the paper. My heart goes out to them. I find myself wondering what we would have done. Something that does not surprise me are the accounts I’ve heard and read about describing the heroics and commitment of community members to pull together. First, on the Hewlitt Gulch fire when the Poudre Park community served 150 firefighters breakfast out of their own refrigerators on a moments notice and then followed up with more meals that day. I’ve also heard tales of heroics that saved houses no matter whom they belonged to. Plus, many residents are still fighting the fire!

And I know that this is happening in communities throughout the burn area. And equally heartening is the outpouring of support from the surrounding communities. It seems as though everyone knows someone (or at least someone who knows someone) who has a house or a cabin somewhere that is threatened or lost. We’ve compiled a list of agencies, p16, that are supporting displaced residents (including the 4-legged refugees). Please consider donating. And let’s not forget that when people can return and start to put their lives and households back together that they’ll need support for quite a while, too.

—Scott Titterington, Publisher

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JULY 2012 • Volume 17, Number 2 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 ADVERTISING SALES Angela Isaac, (970)391-5212 angela.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION Wendee Brungardt, Sharon Klahn, Rob’s Bike Courier Service COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Katie Harris, Richard Keller, Ann Schimke, Lynn Utzman-Nichols 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. ©2012 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

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Partnered in service with 19 Affiliate Youth Agencies, Realities For Children Charities provides support for the unmet needs of abused and neglected children in Larimer County. Each month in Parent Magazine a different Realities For Children Affiliate Agency will be featured.

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as we grow you’ll be left with unresolved feelings when she bounces back.

Stand by me

Help your kids hone their friendship skills L y n n U t z m a n - Nich o ls

A

s parents, we know that having good friends makes all the difference in life. As kids grow, friendships become more and more important to their happiness. If your child struggles with making and keeping friends, help by sharpening social skills and curbing bad friendship habits.

Sharpen social skills Kids learn social skills from other kids but also from their parents—things like how to initiate a conversation, taking turns while talking, not interrupting, and speaking in a kind tone. If your son compulsively talks at the dinner table and your daughter doesn’t get a word in edgewise, enforce turn taking. You can be very structured about it: go around the table and everybody gets his turn.

When your son interrupts, ask him to wait until you, or others, finish speaking. Or let him know ‘it’s your sister’s turn to talk.’

Even though it might feel strange at first, try role-playing with your quiet daughter. Pretend you are a

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classmate of hers. Have her practice initiating a conversation by talking about things in common, what’s going on in class, current movies, or a sporting event the two have in common.

It might seem artificial at first, but it translates better when a real situation arises. After she has learned some of the basic communication skills such as initiating and ending a conversation, taking turns and listening, you can role play harder situations like how to deal with a bully (problem-solving) or imagining what another person might be feeling (empathy-building).

Some friendship conflicts are normal. Help by relating a story from your childhood. Also, lend an ear. Listen and reflect back what you hear. Ask open-ended questions and resist giving advice. Parents don’t always see how large a situation is for a child, so simply listening and honoring their feelings is best. Keep in mind that friendships among young kids are somewhat volatile, especially for girls, and don’t get caught in the middle with your child or

Curb bad friendship habits If your child is having friendship problems, you’ll see the clues. She’ll mope around, withdraw from activities, and not want to go to school. Saying she doesn’t like school might be your first clue that something is awry socially. Most kids have some social skills that need polishing. Take bragging, bossiness, or name calling as examples.

While all kids do some of these things some of the time, doing them frequently can alienate classmates.

The key is identifying the issue.

Watch for a pattern, talk with his teacher, coach or scout leader (letting them know you want honesty), and observing his habits in the family. Once you’ve identified a problem (e.g. your child brags too much, talks without listening, invades the personal space of others) you can start working on a solution (e.g. listening, turn-taking, and stepping back). Don’t worry about pointing it out—you won’t make it worse, or make him feel bad. Just do it in a matter-of-fact way. Reward him as he makes improvements, and reflect back on his progress.

Make your children aware of their behavior in a gentle way. Young children have a hard time seeing others points of view. But they do understand consequences. To help them understand, point out how other kids react to their actions. For example, if your child is a terrible bragger, you could say ‘When you brag, Sophie walks away.’

Or, if your child won’t share a toy, you could say, ‘When you don’t share, Jack says he wants to go home.’ Finally, if you want a child who shows respect to others, don’t tolerate mean or rude behavior. Always impose a consequence for hitting, name-calling, and swear words—and don’t let kids talk back.

The best barometer of your child’s social situation is your child. If she is happy, then all is fine—whether she has one friend or twelve.

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family activities

Denver outdoors

Try out a water park, zoo, baseball game, amusement park and more...

K A T I E H ARR I S

E

xperience a taste of big-city life when you make the hour trip to Denver this summer for a day of new adventures. From water parks to shopping centers, everything really is bigger in our capital city. Prepare for bigger crowds, make sure the kids are stocked with activities for the car ride, and get ready to explore all that Denver has to offer.

City Park www.denvergov.org/parksandrecreation 720-913-1311 1700 N York St., Denver Featuring playgrounds, Darlington Electric Fountain displays, walking trails, a lake, sports fields, horseshoe pits, tennis courts and pavilions.

Admission: Free Hours: 5am-11pm Denver botanic gardens www.botanicgardens.org 720-865-3585 1007 York St., Denver Stroll through gardens featuring plant species from around the world. Learn and explore in the Mordecai Children’s Garden, where activities include racing pinecones down a stream, bug hunting and listening to a story.

Admission: Adults: $12.50; 3-15: $9; 2 and under: free; students with ID: $9; seniors: $9.50 Hours: Daily, 9am-8pm; Children’s garden: Daily, 9am-5pm Denver Zoo www.denverzoo.org 303-376-4800 2300 Steele St., Denver New 10-acre Toyota Elephant Passage opened in June, featuring Asian elephants, Indian one-horned rhinos, gibbons, black leopards and more.

Other exhibits include Bear Moun10

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tain, Predator Ridge and Primate Panorama, plus a carousel and pioneer train.

Admission: 2 and under: free; 3-11: $10; 12-64: $15; 65 and up: $12. (Save with an annual membership) Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm Elitch Gardens www.elitchgardens.com/ 303-595-4386 2000 Elitch Cr., Denver Attractions for all ages, including water rides, roller coasters, a carousel, teacups and a tilt-a-whirl, plus live entertainment such as “Rock School for Kids.”

Admission: Children under 48 inches and seniors: $29.99; adults: $43.99.

(Save with a season pass, or by purchasing tickets online) Hours: M-Th: 10am-8pm; F, Su: 10am9pm; Sa: 10am-10pm ( July) Mile High Flea Market www.milehighfleamarket.com/en/ 303-289-4656 7007 E. 88th Ave., Henderson Denver’s flea market, farmer’s market and antique area where you can spend a whole day shopping, eating, listening to live music and riding the roller coaster! There’s enough at Mile High to keep the whole family busy and engaged all day long.

Admission: Fridays: $2 per person; SaSu: $3 per person; 12 and under: free Hours: F-Su: 7am-5pm Pirates Cove Family Fun Aquatic Center www.piratescovecolorado.com 303-762-2683 1225 W. Belleview Ave., Englewood A pirate-themed outdoor aquatic center featuring three pool areas with picnic and sand areas, a lazy river, play fort, three slides, dump bucket, splash

park and lap pool.

Admission: Ages 2-17 and 55 and up: $8; adult: $9.25 (punch pass discounts available) Hours: Daily, 10am-6pm Platte River Trolley www.denvertrolley.org 303-458-6255 Stops located at the Denver Children’s Museum and the Downtown Aquarium. Learn about the history of Denver as you tour some of the city’s most popular attractions in an open trolley car. Rides are approximately 25 minutes round trip.

Admission: Ages 4-13: $2; Adults: $5 Hours: Departs every half-hour from noon-3:30pm (weather dependent) Rockies baseball game http://colorado.rockies.com Coors Field Info line: 303-292-0200 2001 Blake St., Denver Take the kids out to the ball game!

Spend a few hours at the fields watching the game, and maybe indulging in an order of peanuts and crackerjacks while you’re at it.

Admission: Visit website to browse seats, ticket prices and schedule.

Hours: Afternoon and evening home games throughout the season.

Water World www.waterworldcolorado.com 303-427-7873 1800 W. 89th Ave., Federal Heights Rides for all ages, including a lazy river, wave pool, family raft rides, water slides and toddler area.

Admission: Under 40 inches: free; 4047 inches: $34.99; 48 inches and up: $39.99; seniors: $8.99 (Discounts for online or half-day purchases) Hours: Daily, 10am-6pm (weather dependent)

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or call 1-800-735-1434 • www.coloradoallergy.com

Got Grandkids?

Visit rmparent.com for family-friendly activities in northern Colorado.

facebook.com/RockyMountainParent

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healthy living

Let it rot

Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste in to black gold B y A n n S chi m k e

W

hen we first moved to Loveland four years ago, we selected a 65-gallon trash cart from the city’s four options. It was the second largest bin and cost $11 a month. Today, we use the smallest cart, which holds 17 gallons and costs $2.75 a month.

One reason we were able to downsize, and save $99 a year, is our backyard compost pile. We put gallons of kitchen scraps in there each week, plus leaves, brush and grass clippings. On the whole, we take a low-maintenance approach to the pile. We hardly ever turn or water the pile. Although covering the pile would help keep valuable moisture inside and speed decomposition, we don’t bother. That said, when we dig in deep, we still get the rich, black compost that marks a successful pile.

Since we take such a hands-off approach to composting, I consulted several books and websites on the subject when I began researching this article.

What I learned was a pleasant surprise.

While there is plenty of technical information about how to build a compost enclosure and ensure a good balance of organic materials, the experts all agree that composting doesn’t have to be hard. The bottom line is that organic materials rot with or without a lot of attention from us.

If you’re considering a backyard compost pile, here are a few basic guidelines to get you started.

Choose a kitchen collection container We use a quart-size stainless steel canister with a lid to collect our fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, and egg shells. It lives on the kitchen counter and we usually empty it into the compost pile once a day. (Mostly, we give the kids this job.) Most experts recommend a covered collection container to cut down on odors or fruit flies.

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Create or buy a compost enclosure While a loose compost heap will certainly work, an enclosed pile looks neater and usually works faster. Our compost pile is a four-by-four foot square made of chicken wire wrapped around metal posts. The whole thing took about 20 minutes to erect.

Enclosures can also be made of old wooden pallets, snow fencing or cinder blocks. A perforated garbage can work too. The enclosure should be vented to allow air inside and a lid can help keep moisture in and pests out.

There are also lots of commercial compost bins and enclosures with price tags ranging from about $40 for a barebones version to $500 for a deluxe option.

What to compost There are two main categories of compost ingredients. The first is carbon-rich “brown” material and includes fall leaves, hay, twigs, pine needles, wood chips, egg shells, newspaper, fireplace ash, corncobs and saw dust. The second is nitrogenrich “green” material and includes fresh leaves and plants, fruit and vegetable waste, green grass, weeds, flowers, fresh plant trimmings and manure from farm animals. For most backyard compost

piles, mixing equal parts brown and green will yield a successful pile. Turning the pile and keeping it moist will also speed the decomposition process.

A few caveats Do not add meat, dairy products, fats, cat or dog feces, diseased plant materials, pesticide-treated grass or plants, charcoal, coal ash, or sawdust from pressure treated wood to your compost pile. Also, remember that properly tended compost piles shouldn’t smell. One of the biggest culprits when it comes to stinky compost is lots of grass clippings that haven’t been well mixed into the pile. Another cause of bad smells can be inappropriate food scraps, such as meat or bones.

Resources Organic Gardening Magazine http://www.organicgardening.com/ Offers articles and videos on composting

iVillage GardenWeb http://www.gardenweb.com/ Offers a variety of forums and FAQs on composting

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community news

Kids Pak feeds students in Loveland pots and pans, silverware, paper cups and paper plates, trash cans and trash bags, outdoor tables and chairs, outdoor storage, gloves, shovels, tarps, building supplies, generators, gift cards from area merchants, personal hygiene items, nonperishable foods, laundry and cleaning supplies Please NO used clothing or bottled water.

Kids Pak helps feed children on the weekends.

Kids Pak, a food outreach program sponsored by the Rotary Club of Loveland, celebrated its third full year of service to students of the Thompson School District.

Many elementary children do not have sufficient food for the weekend. The Rotary Club of Loveland organized Kids Pak. Kids Pak provided food for 34 weeks with 153 students receiving 5,155 bags of nutritious food. The club relies on teachers, health aides, counselors and administrators to identify the children most in need.

Funding for the Kids Pak program has come from Rotary District 5440, local club members, Loveland businesses, and a major grant from the Food Bank of Larimer County. Loveland Rotary has worked from the facilities of the House of Neighborly Services since its inception. Packing is done on Wednesdays with the help of the Boys and Girls Club. Long-term funding planning is underway.

Helping those affected by the High Park Fire It seems we all want to help, but might not know where to start. Many businesses, agencies and individuals are contributing to the relief and recovery effort, and you might choose to join in with one of them. Following are some ideas if you’re looking for a place to start.

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• Log onto www.helpcoloradonow.org for a list of agencies and clear instructions about how you can help.

• Contact the United Way of Larimer County, www.uwaylc.org, or dial 2-1-1. They’ll be focusing on the long-term recovery.

• Make a donation to a charity responding to the High Park Fire. Financial support allows disaster agencies to purchase exactly what is needed. These include, among many others, • American Red Cross, www.coloradored cross.org, 800-RED-CROSS • The Salvation Army, www.imsalvation army.org, 303-866-9216 • Larimer Humane Society, www.larimer humane.org • ACS Community LIFT, www.acslift.org • Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department, http://rcvfd.org • Drop off items at the Donation Center in Foothills Mall, 215 E. Foothills Pkwy, in the former Mervyn’s space, 7 days a week, 9am to 7pm. Donations will be made available to those affected by the High Park Fire.

Needed items: Basic home first-aid supplies, sunscreen, school supplies, backpacks, water bottles, water jugs, laundry baskets, men’s jeans, new underwear and socks, coveralls and overalls, work boots, children and pant hangers, new and used sleeping bags, clothing racks, new sheets all sizes, new and used camping equipment, new

Summer ozone season begins This year, Fort Collins has already experienced ozone levels above the EPA health standard, coinciding with the Hewlett Gulch fire on May 15.

By incorporating simple actions daily, we can reduce our contributions to this type of pollution, lower our health risks, and improve air quality. Here are few basic actions to get you started: • Switch from charcoal lighter fluids to an electric starter the next time you fire up the grill.

• Get in the habit of turning off your car instead of idling. Just 30 seconds of idling can pollute more than stopping and re-starting your car.

• Walk to lunch and run errands in the evening.

To stay informed, sign up for EnviroFlash, an e-mail alert system that delivers air-quality information straight to your inbox. To sign up, visit http://enviroflash.info.

In addition, Ozone Action Alerts are released when the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment predicts that ground-level ozone concentrations will be elevated. Ozone Action Alert days are published in the Coloradoan, on Channel 14, and are available by calling 1-888-484-3247 (1-888-4-THE AIR), or by registering for e-mail alerts at www.ozoneaware.org/alerts. The cities of Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley are included in the alert area.

Interested in learning more about ozone? Visit www.fcgov.com/ airquality/ozone.php.

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FCC Club Fit Rocky Mountain Physical Therapy on-site Variety of Group Fitness Classes Personal Trainers Racquetball and Handball Courts Salon Giorgio on-site Summer Camps for Kids Over 30 Yoga classes per week

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I

f your idea of the perfect weekend getaway includes sun, sand, water, and a break from cleaning your house, stop stressing over expensive airfare and look no further than our own backyard.

For my husband, two preschool-aged children, and me, weekend camping trips have become a favorite summer tradition over the past couple years, and we rarely leave the northern Colorado area to do it. Local campsites provide the much needed peace and relaxation we’re looking for, plus the convenience of staying close to home. These weekends away never get boring, whether we take a boat out on Boyd Lake for the day, or spend a lazy afternoon fishing at St. Vrain. When the sun goes down there’s nothing quite like s’mores cooked by campfire to make an inexpensive, last-minute camping trip feel like a real vacation.

Colorado State Parks www.parks.state.co.us/camping/Pages/ camping.aspx 303-470-1144 Boyd Lake, Loveland: 148 paved sites with electric hookups for RV or tent.

Lakeside picnic areas/grills, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, onsite marina with boat rentals, Loveland Recreation Trail biking, swim beach and fishing. $8 permit plus $20/night.

Chatfield, Denver: 197 full-service sites for RV or tent camping. Lakeside picnic areas/grills, handicap sites, 26 miles of hiking and bike trails, boating, fishing and swim beach. $8 permit plus $22-$26/night.

Cherry Creek, Denver: 152 full-service and basic sites for RV or tent camping. Model airplane flying, horseback riding, family shooting range, 35 miles 16

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of walking and biking trails, bird watching, marina with boat rentals, fishing, swim beach. $9 per day permit, $18/ night basic site, $26/night full service.

Golden Gate Canyon, Golden: 5 cabins, 2 yurts, 97 trailer sites with electrical hookups and 35 tent-only sites in the main campgrounds. Stocked fishing ponds, picnic tables, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, vault toilets and water pumps. 4 3-sided backcountry shelters available plus 10 backcountry tent sites. $7 park permit plus $12/night backcountry sites, $70/night for cabins and yurts, $18/night tent sites, $22/ night electric sites.

Jackson Lake, 30 miles east of Greeley in Orchard: 260 electrical RV and

tent-only sites. Marina with boat rentals, biking, bird-watching, OHV track, 2 geocaching sites, fishing, swim beach and wildlife viewing. $7 permit plus $16/night non-electric sites, $20/night

electric sites.

North Sterling, northeast Colorado:

140 electrical RV and non-electrical tent-only sites. Prairie land featuring a 3.5-mile trail around the reservoir, bird watching, boating, fishing and a swim beach. Handicap site available. $7 park permit plus $20/night electric sites and $16/night basic sites.

St. Vrain, East of Longmont off I-25:

87 campsites including electric only and full service. Private, reservoir-adjacent sites, Picnic area/grills, 3.5 miles of unpaved trails for biking and walking, bird-watching (largest great blue heron rookery in the state) and fishing. $7 permit plus $22/night electric-only sites, $26/night full-service sites.

Larimer County Parks 1-800-397-7795, www.larimer.org/ naturalresources/campgrounds.cfm Carter Lake, west of Loveland and

What to pack While your list will vary depending on the type of camping you plan to do, these basic items will make camping with kids a breeze:

Snacks, water bottles, juice boxes: Even if you have water available where you stay, it’s best to stick to water bottles for consumption. Make sure you have enough beverages to last your whole trip, plus water bottles to brush your teeth and mix into coffee, tea, or oatmeal packets. Bring plenty of dry snacks such as granola bars, crackers and fruit snacks.

Changes of clothes: Expect to get dirty and bring more clothes than you think you’ll need, plus extra shoes, socks and sweatshirts.

Entertainment: Small, multi-functional toys that can be easily packed are the best. My daughter brings her Polly Pockets and my son brings his miniature tractors to dig with in the sand and rocks at the campsite. Sand toys are a good idea to have handy, as are playing cards, along with bug catchers, magnifying glasses, binoculars and flashlights for the kids.

Miscellaneous: Bring plenty of extra blankets, sunscreen, bug spray and citronella candles (available in the camping section of superstores), lighter or matches, camping chairs, life vests and towels if you’ll be making a trip to the swim beach, and baby monitors if you plan to sit outside after your kids are asleep in the RV or cabin.

Berthoud: Electrical, non-electrical and

tent sites. Swimming, sailing, fishing, rock climbing and scuba diving. $7 permit plus $15-25/night.

Estes Park: Full hookups, electric only and non-electrical tent sites. Forest campgrounds with multiple hiking trails in the East Portal campground, or lakeside valley camping at Mary’s Lake. $27-$37/night, no permit required at Mary’s Lake, $6 daily permit required at East Portal.

Flatiron Reservoir, west of Loveland and Berthoud: 2 cabins with 3 beds each,

covered porches, picnic tables, tent pads, electricity, heat and air, as well as electrical and non-electrical tent sites. Fishing, plus swimming and boating at nearby Carter Lake. $7 permit, $15-25/night campsites and $60/night cabins.

Hermit Park Open Space: 2 miles SW of Estes Park: Non-electrical cabin, RV and tent camping. Forest and meadow areas offer hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. $6 permit, $24/night campsites, $80/night cabins.

Horsetooth Reservoir: Fort Collins: 7 cabins featuring 3 beds each, covered porches, picnic tables, tent pads, electricity, heat and air. Electrical RV and non-electrical tent sites also available.

6.5-mile lake for fishing, boating, swimming and scuba diving when conditions allow. $7 permit, $60/night cabins, $1530/night campsites.

Pinewood Reservoir: west of Loveland and Berthoud: Non-electrical RV and tent sites. 100-acre reservoir allows nowake boating and fishing. $7 permit, $15-25/night campsites.

Colorado State Forest State Park 56750 Highway 14, Jackson County 970-723-8366, www.parks.state.co.us/ parks/stateforest/ Backcountry camping: Allowed at Ruby Jewel, Kelly, Clear and American Lakes.

Leave no trace camping, No fires allowed in backcountry.

Bockman: 52 sites with vault toilets on site.

The Crags: 26 sites available for popups or tents. Not recommended for RVs or trailers. Vault toilets on site.

Dispersed sites: 60 secluded sites scattered throughout the forest. First-

come, first-served.

North Michigan: Borders North

Michigan Reservoir. No-wake boating, fishing, hiking, water and vault toilets on site. 48 campsites, including a handicapped accessible site. 6 cabins with no electricity, water, blankets or bedding.

Cabins include, decks, grills, picnic tables, stoves and vault toilets.

Ranger Lakes: 32 electrical sites.

Hiking trails, accessible fishing pier, Water and vault toilets on site.

Yurts and huts: yurts and huts available in the state forest. Each offers beds, wood and propane stoves, cooking utensils, lanterns and outhouses. All but one yurt must be hiked into or driven in with a 4WD vehicle, up to 2 miles from road access. Operated by Never Summer Nordic, www.neversummernordic. com, 970-723-4070.

Private campgrounds Archer’s Poudre River Resort

888-822-0588, www.poudreriverresort.com/ Located on the Poudre River 35 miles NW of Fort Collins, and featuring cabins, 4 tent sites and 3 full hookup RV sites. Cabins have full kitchens, bathrooms, heat and TV. Hunting, trout fishing, hiking, rafting and kayaking allowed on site. $38/night tents, $34/night RVs, $90 and up/night cabins (Based on two people. Kids over age 6 additional $8 per night.)

Estes Park KOA

800-562-1887, www.koa.com/camp grounds/estes-park/ Cabins, tent camping, and full hookup RV sites available. Located across the highway from Lake Estes, which offers a full marina. Rates vary.

Fort Collins/Lakeside KOA

970-484-9880, www.koa.com/camp grounds/fort-collins-lakeside/ Full hookup, cabin and tent camping spots available. Pool, mini golf, bounce pillow, bumper boats and pedal boats, walking trail and dog park on site. Rates vary.

Fort Collins North/Wellington KOA

800-562-8142, www.koa.com/camp grounds/fort-collins-north/ Full hookup sites, tent sites and cabins.

Amenities include a pool, playground and bike rentals. Rates Vary.

Fort Collins/Poudre Canyon KOA

Accommodations Tent sites: They provide the site, you

provide the tent. Most tent sites have picnic tables and many have shared bathroom facilities.

Camper/RV sites: These sites may or may not offer hookups for electricity, water and sewer. Sites accommodate various lengths of rigs, so it’s a good idea to call first for the best fit. RVs can be rented at many RV sales locations.

Cabins: Some campgrounds offer cabins for rent for families or groups. Cabin inclusions vary so its best to call for details.

Yurts: Yurts are nomadic round tents on wooden frames. While many yurts include stoves, ceiling fans and beds, others are more traditional, providing a true backcountry camping experience, so it’s best to call for details and plan ahead.

800-562-2648, www.koa.com/camp grounds/fort-collins-poudre-canyon/ Full hookup RV, tent or cabin camping spots available. Playground, ping-pong table and swimming pool on site. Rates vary.

Lyons Meadow RV Park and Campground

303-823-6150, www.coloradodirectory. com/lyonsmeadowpark/ Sites along the St. Vrain River. 9 full hookup RV sites plus a separate tent area offer picnic tables with grills, horseshoe pits, a playground and showers, plus tubing and rafting allowed on the river. $15-25/night tents, $20-40/night RVs (Based on 2 people. Each additional person over age 5 is $5 per night.)

Riverview RV Park and Campground

970-667-9910, www.riverviewrv.com/ Located in Big Thompson Canyon between Loveland and Estes Park, and featuring tent sites, full hookup sites and cabins. Playground, dog park, WiFi and convenience store. $27-$58/night RVs and tents, $55-$130/night cabins (Based on 2 people. Extra $1.50 night each additional person.) *Many campgrounds also offer groupuse facilities. Most campgrounds allow pets, but an additional deposit may be required.

Unless otherwise noted, campgrounds have shared onsite restroom facilities. Reservation fees for campsites may not be included in listed prices.

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risk and

reward Understanding the choices teens make

Lynn Utzman-Nichols

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S

o you’ve caught your 14-year-old daughter sneaking out at night to meet friends, or you’ve smelled smoke on your teenage son’s clothes. What now?

Most teens take risks. Most experiment. It’s an uncomfortable fact of life—one many parents don’t like to face. It’s easier to believe that our kids are making smart choices and resisting peer pressure at every turn.

Yet know that they are still teens, as you once were, merely kids who are adults in the making. It’s their job to challenge, push and explore. That’s how they get from here to there.

According to well-known child psychologist Dr. Brian Mesinger—who has worked with teens in northern Colorado for years through The Youth Clinic—only about 20 to 30 percent of kids don’t try smoking cigarettes, drinking or pot in high school. He says that by the end of senior year, approximately 90 percent of teens in northern Colorado have tried drinking, and 40 percent to 50 percent have binged—drinking five or more drinks within two hours. While marijuana use isn’t as high, it

is something that’s fairly prevalent in high schools in our region. In 2010, 40 students were expelled because of drug-related incidents, accounting for 57 percent of all expulsions in the Poudre School District.

Some kids are more likely to try substances than others—and surprise!— it’s not always because they weren’t raised right. It often has to do more with core personality and friends than it does with parents. Sometimes, there’s an underlying issue that’s driving them to self-medicate, like depression or other emotional challenges.

It’s often hard to tell if a teen is experimenting—kids often tell us what they think we want to hear rather than the truth. “I want to write a book titled, Your Kids Lie to You Every Day. When kids are little, they lie about brushing their teeth or cheating in a game. How you respond shapes their lies at 7, 10 and 15,” says Mesinger.

Hard-wired for risk?

Some kids are hard-wired to take risks. If your teen was shockingly daring as a young child and rarely thought of consequences, guess what?

He’ll be that way as a teen. “The same is true for the other end of the spectrum—kids who were really shy and fearful,” adds Mesinger.

Almost all teens are risk takers to some degree. Mesinger believes that teenagers measure reward, not risk, meaning they tend to concentrate on instant fun, rather than after-effects.

“Risk-taking does have its benefits as a teen. It can lead to fun, mastery, and high social standing—especially for boys,” he says.

Recent studies have identified a risk-taking personality: “These are the people who BASE jump off buildings.

It’s not a large part of the population, but it’s a definite group that tends to be hyperactive and impulsive.” Most teens fall somewhere in the middle of the risk-taking continuum.

If you’ve got a child who tends to welcome risks, don’t ignore it and hope he will change. “Instead, be aware and discuss it, and not with a critical tone.

Approach it from a place of wanting

to understand that part of him,” says Mesinger. Possibly, you’ll help him recognize those times when he needs to pause to think before acting.

Friends are king Along with personality, your teen’s friends play a big role in determining if she will experiment with substances, take dangerous risks or make poor choices.

“The first thing I ask parents is, ‘Who are their friends?’ Kids pick a group where they feel competent and welcome. All kids do not have all options, when it comes to friends.

We may want our kids to hang out with the smart, studious kids, but if they don’t feel that’s who they are inside themselves, they won’t. Which friend group your teens choose really depends on how they define themselves—as bright, funny, cool, artsy, etc.,” says Mesinger.

Some kids get in a group and then realize that they don’t like it.

But then they have to change, and that’s hard for kids. It’s rare, but some kids are able to have friends from several different groups. “They don’t need one group to define them. They can have sport friends, band friends or pseudo-gangster friends. That’s admirable,” adds Mesinger.

Most kids find a core group of friends that they feel most comfortable around. If these friends are experimenting, there’s a good chance they will, too.

Yet as parents, you can’t rightly pick your teen’s friends. If you even hint that a certain friend isn’t good for him, he may froth at the mouth in defense. When teens pick one group of friends and don’t have a lot of outside activities, that’s when you might worry. It could mean they have defined themselves by that group, or as a certain person—dreadlock dope smoker, all-state basketball player, skater—and will be loyal, no matter what. “If he’s loyal to the drug dealers and burnouts, he’s in trouble,” adds Mesinger, who suggests challenging his preconception of other kids. “Ask him why he can’t hang out with other kids. If he says they are all dorks or losers ask more.

What exactly makes them losers? So you just want to hang out with people who make you feel comfortable?

What’s the downside to that? You’ll hear how he defines himself and gain insight in why he’s taking risks.”

If he seems stuck on one group, you still have options. Encourage reconnection with old friends outside the group, or family friends. Require that he join a new club or sport. This might broaden his circle, or at least his view of other kids. Finally, know that as time passes he’ll most likely outgrow some of his diehard loyalty, selfdefinition, and hence, his urge to give in to the group’s peer pressure.

Mesinger advises keeping friends close. “I wouldn’t ban a kid from my house, I’d invite him over. It’s like the old saying, ‘keep your friends close and your enemies’ closer.’ You could even strike up a conversation—say, ‘Hey, we know you two are doing such-and-such together and we know how you influence each other. You can be a force of good for each other, or a force of bad.

We’d like you to keep each other out of trouble.” He also advises lots of family outings, dinners and time together— strong family ties help keep kids out of trouble or temper those who desire risks.

Watch, talk, consequence If you find out your teen is sneaking out to smoke pot or stealing beers out of the fridge for a backyard campout, your immediate urge is probably to freak out or explode. That’s because you are shocked.

Your teen, who you thought was headed in the right direction, has chosen a downward path. How could this be possible? Here’s your parental challenge: Bite your tongue. Say you will talk in the morning. Go back to bed.

“If you talk about it when you are all jacked up, it won’t be helpful or go anywhere good. Sit down at breakfast and say, ‘We can do this two ways. We can ask 50 questions or you can tell us what’s going on,” advises Mesinger. If we get mad or loud we take the focus off them and put it on ourselves. It lets them off the hook.

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getting from this behavior?’ then get quiet,” he adds.

Of course, risky, unacceptable behavior demands consequences and oversight. Mesinger doesn’t think it matters what the consequence is, but it could match the crime. If he drove home drunk, no car. If she left school and went out to lunch and skipped her next class, bag lunches and no going out. Aim for consequence, not punishment. “If the goal is to stop the behavior it probably won’t work. If the goal is to teach there’s a consequence for poor choices, then it will,” says Mesinger.

Keep a watchful eye. Be more aware and less susceptible to your teens’ possible lies. Be open to talking more, and spending more time. Don’t fall into the trap of believing she just did it once and she’s done, or assuming it was a phase and it has passed.

Mesinger says it’s definitely okay to go through your teens’ room or check his phone messages if you suspect he’s been up to no good. “The idea that this is his life, his freedom, give

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me a break. He lives in your house. Let him know you will only look when he gives you reason to. Otherwise, you won’t,” suggests Mesinger. Trust your gut, it’s probably right.

If you find yourself in a cycle of continual grounding, work to break it.

“Try to elicit from your teen something she is willing to do. What is she willing to commit to, to make this different?

What positive action can she take? It has to come from her, not you, to make for real change,” says Mesinger.

Most teens get through adolescents just fine, despite some risk taking and experimenting: “About twenty percent of teens will struggle and push hard. If that’s happening, it’s your job to help guide them, rather than control them. If parents really bring down the hammer and try to stop the behavior by punishing, it only makes things worse,” says Mesinger.

That’s because when kids are in continual lock down they tend to adjust to it and enter the ‘I don’t care’ stage.

That’s rebellion, and the goal then

becomes, ‘I’ll mess up my life so I can mess up yours, too.’ It’s hard to move anywhere positive from there.

Finally, be a parental team. “Create the ‘Royal We.’ Use language that shows unity, as in, ‘Mom and I talked and we decided…,’” suggests Mesinger.

If you are not united, teens see you as not in control and can easily split you, wreaking havoc in your home. Studies by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University back this up. They’ve found that when parents don’t agree on what to say to their teens about drug use, teens are three times more likely to smoke marijuana and try other drugs when they’re older.

“Don’t have the illusion that if you do everything right your teens won’t do anything wrong. Kids will do what they are going to do. All you can do is encourage and give rewards and have limits and sanctions afterward. As teens, they are in control of their choices, not us. All we can control is how we respond,” concludes Mesinger.

INFO MEETING Monday, July 9th H

7:00PM H

@ Rollerland Skate Center for more info, call 970.231.8007

or email: juniorderby@focogirlsgonederby.com

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nutrition

On the road again

Tips to eat healthy while on vacation Rich a r d K e ll e r

V

acation season is now in full swing. Whether it’s a few days camping or a cross-country trip in the minivan, food will be a large factor in your family’s plans. Though you want to maintain the healthy eating habits you’ve established for the young ones, you also want to treat them just a little. While it seems like a daunting task, it can be done with a minimum of effort.

out without spoiling. Organic Valley produces such products, including a reduced-fat, one-liter box.

One of the last things to check off your list is snack packets for you and the kids to munch on while en route. Label them with their names and pack them with fiber-heavy fruits, low-carb protein or granola bars, and plenty of water to fill their bellies until you reach your destination.

Before you go Throughout your vacation the ice chest and insulated bag will be your best friends. A day or so before departure you’ll want to head out to the store for light and flavorful ingredients to be used in meals and snacks. Go for deli-sliced lean meats such as turkey, reduced fat cheeses, and whole grain breads with twenty grams of carbohydrate or less.

Also include cheese sticks and yogurt on your shopping list for quick breakfasts and snacks. Make sure you pack the cold items in air tight, re-sealable storage bags to avoid spills and moisture from the ice or freezer packs.

On the non-perishable side, fill your insulated pack with as many sliced fruits and vegetables as you can. Go for less juicy ones like apples, pears, raisins, zucchini, and carrot sticks to avoid messes on and around the little ones.

If dipping sauces are a must for your kids, purchase single-serving sizes. For example, the 8-pack of Jif peanut butter cups is a perfect solution. In addition to fruits and veggies, head out to the local natural food stores and load up on nuts and trail mixes.

Avoid packing high-sugar cereals for the kids’ first meal of the day.

Instead, rely on whole grain varieties or low-fat granola mixes like flax with pumpkin seeds. Forgo the large, refrigerated cartons of cow juice and purchase shelf-stable milks, which can be left

On the way If off-roading through the mountains and canyons of the western U.S., temptations to stop for an unhealthy meal will be few. However, if heading out on

When you get there Unless you’re vacation is hiking a Fourteener, not every meal you have needs to come from what you packed. When you can, sample as much local cuisine as possible so you and the kids can enjoy the unique tastes and flavors of your destination. To avoid the curse of overindulgence see if the restaurants you’re

one of the many interstate highways, the numerous billboards and rest stop signs beckoning you to indulge in the newest heart-clogging treat will test you and your kids.

The secret to avoid these calls is to picnic, but not at a rest stop where there is still the temptation to purchase overpriced ice cream or other snack products. Prior to departure, review your planned route and locate local or state parks where you can sit at a table or lie

interested in offer lunch menus. The offerings will be the same as dinner, but the portions and prices may be smaller.

If a sit-down meal is not in your budget, head down to the local farmer’s market for some fresh breads, cheeses, and produce. Then find a quiet, picturesque spot to eat and catch the sights.

All in all, don’t fret about the calories while on vacation. Just sit back and enjoy because after a long school year you deserve the break.

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down on a blanket while the kids rummage through the ice chest for lunch.

Also try to look for places that offer public use barbecues. Just remember to use leaner meats like turkey sausage and veggie burgers if you decide to grill it.

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thompson school district news

Seven teachers receive Creativity Grants $994 for Lynn Gilbert from Conrad Ball Middle School for her A view of the Zoo Little Books project Katherine Beach at Ferguson High School for her More Forensic Science Investigation: Anthropology, Odontology & Ballistics $984 for Michelle McCullough from Ponderosa Elementary and her project Digging up the Past $440 to Kari Hansen from Loveland High School, for a nonfiction book study involving science and reading $353 for Anne Timmerman from New Vision Charter School for her Poudre Learning Center Field Experience The projects will be conducted during the 2012-2013 school year.

The teachers then give presentations at the annual Thompson Education Foundation’s Educator’s Breakfast.

Anne Timmerman from New Vision Charter School is surprised in her classroom by the Thompson Education Foundation Prize Patrol – TEF Board members Dr. Ron Cabrera, Thompson superintendent, and Stu Boyd, president of the TEF.

Seven Thompson teachers received a boost to stretch and enlighten their curriculum a little farther with the addition of Creativity Grants awarded by the Thompson Education Foundation.

Nearly $6,000 was awarded to seven among some 27 applications for projects that extend learning for students. A committee composed of the TEF board and others set criteria for the applications. And teachers prove through their execution of the grant that a little can go a long way.

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such grants have turned into practice in schools or classroom. A worm composting project at Big Thompson Elementary a few years ago set the stage for continued composting and recycling at the school. Recipients this year were: $1,000 for Traci Gile and Karen Shumate at Mary Blair Elementary to support the Kids Club at Maple Terrace: A Compact for Community $1000 for Lisa Coalwell at Big Thompson Elementary for her project, Big Thompson Students as Leaders in the Field (Literally!)

Help Kids Succeed is community effort Nearly 1,400 students in the Thompson School District will receive backpacks full of school supplies before school starts in the fall, thanks to a community-wide effort.The need for funds and supplies is ongoing.

Help Kids Succeed is an annual drive for funds and school supplies to fill backpacks for students whose families might otherwise not be able to afford their supplies for the start of the school year. All the packs for this year need to be filled by the end of July.

The effort began some 10 years ago when United Way, Hewlett Packard, the Salvation Army, the Thompson Education Foundation and others responded to the need in the Loveland-Berthoud communities.

Over the years, the event has expanded to include more sponsors and more individual donors.

A few years ago, the Thompson Education Foundation (TEF) assumed the lead duties for Help Kids

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ 2012 Emergency ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ Preparedness and ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉Family ❉Safety ❉ ❉ ❉ Expo ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉❉ ❉❉ ❉❉ ❉❉ ❉ ❉ Saturday, Us: ❉September ❉15, 2012 ❉ ❉❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉Join ❉ ❉ ❉ from ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉JAX❉Mercantile 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. ❉ ❉Co., 950 E. Eisenhower Blvd. in Loveland ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉❉ ❉❉ ❉ ❉❉ ❉ ❉❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ Come join our family-friendly event offering kids activities, live entertainment, emergency preparedness information, safety equipment demonstrations, free food, & valuable door prizes.

Presented by Loveland Fire Rescue Authority in cooperation with Colorado Citizen Corps, Safe Kids Larimer County, and JAX Mercantile Co.

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Succeed and the core team includes representatives from the Salvation Army, United Way, Rocky Mountain Cheer and Dance, the Thompson School District, Loveland Sertoma Club, the Chamber of Commerce, TEF and several individuals. Annual $1,000 sponsors include or have included the Thompson Valley Rotary Club, the Loveland Sertoma Club, the Loveland Rotary Club, Wal-Mart Foundation (Sam’s Club and Distribution Center) and more. These sponsors are crucial for the success of the program, but so is the response from other agencies, churches and individuals, which truly make this a community effort.

In the coming months, you might see briefs or coupons in the paper that seek support of the Help Kids Succeed campaign. A $15 donation sponsors one backpack, but any amount is appreciated. Many area churches will have barrels for their congregations to fill with supplies.

The Thompson School District administration building at 800 S. Taft is also a collection site.

Another part of the effort boosting community participation is the dozens of volunteers, including some students, who inventory the supplies and fill the packs for each school, including the district’s Early Childhood program and homeless students.

Jack Welner, a Holocaust survivor from Lodz, Poland, kept a packed classroom entranced at TVHS as he spoke of his time in concentration camps during WWII. He survived both the Auschwitz and Dachau concentration camps and is now living in Denver. Welner, 91, has visited the TVHS Integrated Modern America and English 11 class for six years. “He has touched hundreds of lives and continues to inspire students with his story of survival and love,” says teacher Christy Goldberg.

Recipients are identified at the school level and students are presented with the backpacks before school starts so as not to draw attention to who receives them.

There are several ways to participate. And everything collected goes sirectly back into our community.

Checks may be written to Thompson Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, 800 S. Taft Ave., Loveland, CO 80537. For more information, call the foundation, 970-613-5074.

And thanks ahead for your support of our students!

News and notes from Thompson School District Berthoud High School, which is ranked 34th best high school in the state out of 446 high schools. The U.S also ranks the school 1110 out of 21,776 high schools

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nationally. New & World Report annual college and high school rankings.

The ranking is based on the number of students taking the AP exams and the number of those that pass at least one AP exam. This is added to math proficiency and reading proficiency based on the CSAPs. www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/colorado/districts/thompson-school-district-r-2j/ berthoud-high-school-4267 The three robotics teams from Thompson School District who returned from World competition with awards, presented before the Colorado Board of Education in June.

Two teams from BHS and one from BHS, Conrad Ball and Walt Clark middle schools, were among only five from Colorado who returned from the 2012 VEX Robotics World Competitions with division high school awards.

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greeley-evans district 6 news Career Pathway program expands student learning A Career Pathway is an opportunity for students to learn about specific careers and have a variety of handson learning opportunities in and out of the classroom. The Career Pathways in District 6 have four key components: Strong academic focus through core classes: all students will develop a strong academic foundation in core academic content areas.

Strong career focus through pathway classes: Students will be able to take classes that relate to their areas of career interest from grades 9 through 12.

Student field opportunities: Students can participate in job shadowing, volunteering, and internships with local businesses.

Early college credit opportunities: Students in District 6 have numerous ways they can earn college credit before they graduate high school including Career Academy, Concurrent Enrollment, ASCENT, and Dual Enrollment.

At the core of a student’s career pathway is his/her ICAP (Individual Career and Academic Plan). An ICAP is a student’s plan for postsecondary preparation. It is a “blueprint” for what a student can do now to be better prepared for life after high school.

District 6 has 13 Career Pathway programs that provide all students with the opportunity to discover what they would like to do in their future and then map out how to make that dream become a reality. Highlights of the specific Career Pathway programs in District 6 include: Health Science Academy (Greeley Central High School): Banner Health and North Colorado Medical Center are partnering with District 6 to build a simulated healthcare facility at Central to further the learning opportunities for students in the Health 30

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Science Academy.

STEM Program (Northridge High School): The STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Math) Program at Northridge has been honored by being designated as a National Academy Foundation program, one of only three in the state of Colorado.

International Baccalaureate Program

(Greeley West High School): The IB program at West is initiating a fouryear vision and growth plan in which the program will grow from 150 to 450 students with new classroom learning experiences.

For more information about the 13 different Career Pathway program in District 6 please go to www.greeley schools.org/Page/8539.

The programs listed below are open to all students district wide in grades 9-12 and are offered at the indicated school.

Accounting (Greeley Central, Northridge, & Greeley West): For students interested in financial transactions and events in a business or other organization.

Agriculture (Greeley West): For students interested in agricultural services and systems, and agribusiness

development.

Engineering (Northridge): For students interested in learning more about research and development of 21st century engineering technologies and systems.

Culinary Arts (Greeley Central & Northridge): For students interested in food preparation, hospitality, and restaurant management.

Health Science (Greeley Central): For students interested in medicine and the healthcare industry.

Horticulture (Northridge): For students interested in the planning and production of plant systems and services.

International Baccalaureate (Greeley West): This post-secondary educational preparation program enables students to complete numerous IB & AP classes.

Law Enforcement (Greeley West): For students interested in learning about opportunities in criminal justice, protective services, and public safety.

Marketing (Greeley Central, Northridge, & Greeley West): For students interested in the development and promotion of consumer products and services.

Performing & Visual Arts (Greeley Central): For students interested in the arts and in the development of multimedia content.

Science & Math (Northridge): For students interested in learning more about opportunities in scientific research and performing technical services.

Technology (Northridge): For students interested in the designing of computer hardware and software, computer processing, and database management.

Teacher Education (Northridge): For students interested in learning more about opportunities in teaching and training services.

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poudre school district news "I Walk & Ride Safely" program teaches safety skills Parents and their students entering kindergarten this fall are encouraged to attend the free annual I Walk & Ride Safely program sponsored by Poudre School District, the Fort Collins Police Department, and the Larimer County Sheriff ’s Department. For more information, please call the training department at 490-3141 or 490-3578.

2012 I Walk/ Ride Safely Schedule (Please note: If two schools are listed for a presentation, the presentation will be held at the first school listed) Monday, August 13:

8 :30am, Johnson Elementary (with Lopez Elementary students) 9:30am, McGraw Elementary (with Werner Elementary students) 10:30am, Kruse Elementary 11:30am, Linton Elementary 1:30pm, Shepardson Elementary 2:30pm Zach Elementary (with Bacon Elementary students) Tuesday, August 14:

8:30am, Beattie Elementary 9:30am, Putnam Elementary (with Irish Elementary students) 10:30am, Cache La Poudre Elementary 11:30am, Tavelli Elementary 1:30pm, Eyestone Elementary (with Rice Elementary students) 2:30pm, Timnath Elementary (with Bethke Elementary students) Wednesday, August 15:

8:30am, O’Dea Elementary 9:30am, Riffenburgh Elementary 10:30am, Laurel Elementary 11:30am, Olander Elementary 1:30pm, Bauder Elementary 2:30pm, Bennett Elementary (with Dunn Elementary students) Eyestone Elementary volunteer celebrated as an 7Everyday Hero When volunteer Betty Morris’ husband passed away over 16 years ago, she felt 32

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Mitch Jelniker of Channel 7 presents Betty Morris with the Channel 7Everyday Hero for her dedication to volunteering.

she needed something to do with her time. She contacted Eyestone Elementary saying she wanted to volunteer to help out the students. Her volunteer career began there.

Since that time, Morris, 83-yearsyoung, has been going to Eyestone three days a week, for over three hours each day, to help classrooms in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. Third grade teacher, Michelle Hayes says, “She is an amazing volunteer, who you know will always be there when she says she will be there.

She’s funny, a little bit sassy, and doesn’t take guff from anybody!”

Morris helps in the classroom by working with students who have missed assignments and helping them with their reading. She also assists teachers with copying materials, and anything else that is needed, so that the teachers can teach.

First grade teacher, Ruth Brungardt, says, “I always know I can give her any child, activity, or group to work with and the job will be well done. She has been reading with my students this year and she makes sure that they do the work, and the thinking, so that their reading improves, which I really appreciate.”

When asked why she volunteers, Morris says, “I like kids. Volunteering helped me over the hump after my husband passed away. I was going bonkers with nothing to do. I can’t sit still! So, I called the school and they ‘gobbled me up.’

They’ve kept me busy ever since! It’s nice to watch kids grow and all of a sudden, you see the light go on. It’s very gratifying to see them learn to like school and reading. I like that.” Morris says that reading is the most important in learning, “Once you can read, you can do anything. If you can read, you can have the world.”

As a way of honoring Morris, teacher Michelle Hayes nominated her for the Channel 7Everyday Hero award, and she was selected! On May 16, 2012, Mitch Jelniker of Channel 7 presented Morris with the award in the classroom! “Betty’s Story” is available on their website Morris will officially retire from volunteering at Eyestone at the end of this school year. Throughout her years at Eyestone, Morris says, “I made dear friends, who spoil me rotten. The kids have kept me young. Volunteering gave to me. The Eyestone staff has been so kind to me.” She will be missed.

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J U LY 2 0 1 2 ONGOING Through August 5 Godspell A timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Market Place Dr., Johnstown, CO. 970744-3747 or www.coloradocandlelight. com.

Through September 1 Hairspray the Musical Midtown Arts Center, 3750 South Mason St., FC. 970-225-2555. www.

MidtownArtsCenter.com July 12-14 Downtown Days Sidewalk Sales The streets will be lined with entertainers, special sales at your favorite stores and more. Old Town, FC. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

Monday, July 2 The Clown Mask: An Introduction to Clowning Miss Abbie transforms herself into a clown right before your very eyes.

Main Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Rincon de Cuentos Libros, titeres, canciones, cuentos infantiles, manualidades y mucho mas! Este evento es en espanol y para todos. Harmony Mobile Homes, 2500 E. Harmony Rd., FC. 5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Fourth of July Downtown Come celebrate the Fourth in the greater Downtown area. Shuttles will provide transportation from Downtown to the City Park fireworks in the evening. Old Town, FC. 10am-10pm. 970-484-6500 or www.DowntownFortCollins.com.

Hammond Amphitheater Music Series North Lake Park, 2626 N. Taft Ave., LV. 7:30pm. www.ci.loveland.co.us.

Independence Day Celebration Cool off with some skating fun! Greeley Ice Haus, 900 8th Ave., GR. 12-1:30pm. 970350-9402 or www.greeleyicehaus.com.

July 12-14 A Fort Collins Jazz Experience Music, history, and the whole jazz experience are ready to enjoy! Old Town, FC. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

Tuesday, July 3 Craft a Dream Journal for Kids Kids will create a handmade journal to capture all their dreams. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 2pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Thursday, July 5 The Puppet Pals Stores from children’s books come to life on the library puppet stage. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 2pm & 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

July 13-14 2012 Loveland Loves BBQ , Bands and Brews Come enjoy music and good food.

Downtown Loveland, LV. 970-980-4764 or www.engagingloveland.org.

Great Decisions: State of the Oceans “Great Decisions” is a discussion program run by the Foreign Policy Association. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Old Town Thursday Concerts Presented by Bohemian Nights.

Colorado music! Old Town Square, FC. 7-9pm. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

Sunday, July 1 Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special storyloving critters. Main Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 3pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Noontime Notes Concert Series Oak Street Plaza, Oak & College Ave., FC. 11:30am-1pm. 970-484-6500 or www.DowntownFortCollins.com.

Night Walk for Families Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, CR 32, LV. 8:15-10:15pm. www.fcgov.com/ naturalareas.

Wednesday, July 4 Happy Independence Day!

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Nature Nuggets: Hooty Owl’s Toolkit Learn about nature in an interactive setting. Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space, LV. 10-11am. www.fcgov. com/naturalareas.

Friday, July 6 Scrabble @ Your Library Players of all ability and experience levels are welcome. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 10am.

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

Noches en Familia: Family Nights ¡Ven y disfruta un tiempo de cuentos, manualidades, canciones y películas en español! Come and enjoy a time of stories, crafts, puppets, and songs in Spanish. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 5pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Saturday, July 7 Night Time Fun Interactive play with stories, music, and fun for kids ages 2-5 and their parents.

Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 10am. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Tracks of Nature and History Take an exploratory hike. Discover signs of nature and human history. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, CR 32, LV. 9amNoon. www.fcgov.com/naturalareas.

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. 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. Labor and Birth for Teens Discussion topics include labor and birth preparation, breathing, relaxation, and comfort techniques.

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

Sunday, July 8 Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 3pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Portraits at Pineridge Practice your skills with real-life models in an outdoor setting. Pineridge Natural Area, meet at Dixon parking lot off CR 42C. 4:30-7pm. www.fcgov.com/ naturalareas.

Monday, July 9 Steve Week Music- Live!

Join Parents’ Choice Award Winner Steve Weeks for a family concert of delightful, whimsical, smile-inducing music. Main Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2pm; Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Rincon de Cuentos Libros, titeres, canciones, cuentos infantiles, manualidades y mucho mas! Este evento es en espanol y para todos. Harmony Mobile Homes, 2500 E. Harmony Rd., FC. 5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Money Matters Start budgeting now! Get ready for vacations, the holidays and back-toschool. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Bright Beginnings for One-Year-Olds Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 9-10am. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Bright Beginnings for Two-Year-Olds Learn how to promote early literacy, brain development, and a healthy and safe environment for the active twos. Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams, LV. 10-11am.

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

Tuesday, July 10 Kevin Cook: Fir Loft Main Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Hammond Amphitheater Music Series North Lake Park, 2626 N. Taft Ave., LV. 7:15pm. www.ci.loveland.co.us.

Fantasy Role-Playing Games for Teens Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Big Dreams Gaming Kids can enjoy an afternoon of kidfriendly board and video games. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 2pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Noontime Notes Concert Series Oak Street Plaza, Oak & College Ave., FC. 11:30am-1pm. 970-484-6500 or www.DowntownFortCollins.com.

Bug Songs Fun and educational, Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 10am & 2pm. 970-962-2120 or www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

OB Anesthesia: Hard to Spell, Hard to Understand Have your questions answered by our experts. North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-Noon.

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

Wednesday, July 11 Money Matters Start budgeting now! Main Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

The Muppets Join us for popcorn and a showing of The Muppets. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 1pm & 3pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Bright Beginnings for One-Year-Olds 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.

Breastfeeding Basics Topics include the process of breastfeeding and ways to prevent problems. Poudre Valley Hospital, Indian Paintbrush Room, 1024 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 6:30-8:30pm.

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

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Thursday, July 12 Legend of the Guardians: Owls of Ga’Hoole Join us for popcorn and a free showing.

Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Spanish Prepared Childbirth Ask questions s about issues surrounding the birth of your baby.

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

The Wizard of Oz: Children’s Story or Political Allegory?

Decide for yourself at this program.

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

PoudreLibraries.org.

Survival Skills for New Parents This class is designed to give you plenty of information related to the firth six months of parenting.

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

Nature Nuggets: Coyote, Song Dog of the Prairie Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, CR 32, LV. 10-11am. www.fcgov.com/naturalareas.

Starry Night: Wildlife in the Sky Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, CR 32, LV. 8:30-10:30pm. www.fcgov.com/ naturalareas.

Old Town Thursday Concerts Presented by Bohemian Nights.

Colorado music! Old Town Square, FC. 7-9pm. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

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.

Friday, July 13 Home on the Range Coyote Ridge Natural Area, meet in the parking lot, LV. 9am-Noon. www.fcgov. com/naturalareas.

Saturday, July 14 Chess @ Your Library Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 10am. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Loren Eiseley and the Ghosts of Lindenmeier Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, CO. 1011am. www.fcgov.com/naturalareas.

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Sunday, July 15 Game Day @ Your Library Main Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Sounds of Centerra Soul School will perform. Chapungu Sculpture Park, at Centerra Promenade Shops, LV. 7-9pm. http://www.centerra.com.

Monday, July 16 Cloud of Dust Theatre Glove puppets, rod puppets, a string puppet, and Bruiser the Ragdog – Bob Aiken brings them all to life in a show of wonderment and laughs. Main Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Rincon de Cuentos Libros, titeres, canciones, cuentos infantiles, manualidades y mucho mas! Este evento es en espanol y para todos. Harmony Mobile Homes, 2500 E. Harmony Rd., FC. 5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Night Time Fun Interactive play with sotries, music, and fun for kids ages 2-5 and their parents.

Main Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Bright Beginnings for Infants Bring your baby and learn. McKee Medical Center, 2000 N. Boise Ave., LV. 11:15am-12:15pm. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Tuesday, July 17 Night “Tails” Kids will discover the animals that wake up after sunset and prowl the natural areas after dark! Presented by the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department.

Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 2pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

The Puppet Pals Stores from children’s books come to life on the library puppet stage. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Author Susan Elizabeth Phillips Meet this best-selling author on her tour around the country. Main Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Natural Neighborhoods Discover nearby natural areas and the wildlife, plants, and other natural features that are yours to explore. Red Fox Meadows Natural Area, CO. 910:30am. www.fcgov.com/naturalareas.

Noontime Notes Concert Series Oak Street Plaza, Oak & College Ave., FC. 11:30am-1pm. 970-484-6500 or www.DowntownFortCollins.com.

Bright Beginnings for Infants Bring your baby and learn how nurturing interactions will support brain and emotional development.

Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., LV. 12-1pm. 970-4957528 or www.pvhs.org.

Wednesday, July 18 The Puppet Pals Stores from children’s books come to life on the library puppet stage. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10:30am & 11:30am & 2pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Help Your Child Sleep Well Learn tips and tricks to ensure better sleep for children of all ages. Main Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Bright Beginnings for Infants Bring your baby and learn how nurturing interactions will support brain and emotional development. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 10-11am. 970-495-7528 or www. pvhs.org.

Labor Techniques and Comfort Measures Strategies for labor and delivery to include relaxation, breathing, visualization, movement, or massage. Westbridge Medical Suites, 1107 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 1-3pm.

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

Thursday, July 19 Old Town Thursday Concerts Presented by Bohemian Nights.

Colorado music! Old Town Square, FC. 7-9pm. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

Sunday, July 22 Sounds of Centerra The Indulgers will perform. Chapungu Sculpture Park, at Centerra Promenade Shops, LV. 7-9pm. http://www.centerra.com.

Raptors by Night Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Barry Fey: Backstage Past Come hear legendary rock-n-roll promoter Barry Fey recount his days as the most successful concert promoter in history. Main Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Nature Nuggets: Coyote, Song Dog of the Prairie Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, CR 32, LV. 10-11am. www.fcgov.com/naturalareas.

Saturday, July 21 Local Archaeology of Soapstone Prairie Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, CO. 910:30am. www.fcgov.com/naturalareas.

Interesting Reader Society Meeting Young adults meet monthly to talk mainly about teen stuff. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 11am. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Teen Create: Duct Tape Crafts Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 1:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Thursday, July 26 Old Town Thursday Concerts Presented by Bohemian Nights.

Colorado music! Old Town Square, FC. 7-9pm. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

Nature Nuggets: Beyond Dirt Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, CR 32, LV. 10-11am. www.fcgov.com/naturalareas.

Beginning Photography Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, CR 32, LV. 5:30-7:30pm. www.fcgov.com/ naturalareas.

Friday, July 27 Literature Comes Alive: L. Frank Baum Front Range Community College, Peak Student Center, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Monday, July 23 Stroller Strolls Walk along the Poudre River. Meet at Lee Martinez Park, 600 North Sherwood St., FC. 10-11am. www.fcgov.com.

Saturday, July 28 Skygazing at Fossil Creek Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space, LV. 8:30-10:30pm. www.fcgov. com/naturalareas.

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

PoudreLibraries.org.

Sunday, July 29 Sounds of Centerra Kenny Cordova & The Olde Rock Band will perform. Chapungu Sculpture Park, at Centerra Promenade Shops, LV. 79pm. http://www.centerra.com.

Tuesday, July 24 Noontime Notes Concert Series Oak Street Plaza, Oak & College Ave., FC. 11:30am-1pm. 970-484-6500 or www.DowntownFortCollins.com.

Fantasy Role-Playing Games for Teens Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Natural Neighborhood Magpie Meander Natural Area, CO. 910:30am. www.fcgov.com/naturalareas.

HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St., GR. 9am-Noon. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu.

Wednesday, July 25 Bright Beginnings for Two-Year-Olds Learn how to promote early literacy, and brain development. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 10-11am.

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

Monday, July 30 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. 970‑3784044 or www.BannerHealth.com/ NCMCFamilyLifeEdu. Tuesday, July 31 Noontime Notes Concert Series An intimate concert series where you can appreciate jazz, Latin, folk music and other genres while eating your lunch. Oak Street Plaza, Oak & College Ave., FC. 11:30am1pm. 970-484-6500 or www.

DowntownFortCollins.com.

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time out

Happy birthday to two

Mom reflects on the pros and cons of a shared celebration A n n S chi m k e

J

uly 9th is a happy, chaotic, emotionally loaded day for me. It was the day my oldest son Connor was born in 2006. It was also the day my younger son Aiden was born in 2008.

Yep, two July 9th babies. The first at 8:51pm. The second at 5:15am.

Even before Aiden was born, my husband and I knew the birthdays would be close together given Aiden’s July 16 due date. But the same birthday?

No, not likely. That kind of thing doesn’t really happen, we thought. Except when it does.

Obviously, I was thrilled to meet Aiden, but I wasn’t very happy about the shared birthday. I wanted my kids to have different special days. I wanted to be able to celebrate each child distinctly and completely. No melding the festivities into a hybrid “You’re-bothawesome!” occasion. My husband Mike had a slightly different take on the joint birthday. It was something like, “Yeah!

One birthday party a year! Lucky us!”

Perhaps the greatest irony of my distaste for the shared birthday is the fact that I’m an identical twin who has always happily shared a birthday. I can’t remember ever feeling attention-starved, cake-poor or otherwise neglected on my birthday. In fact, having spent many birthdays away from my sister during our college years and into our early 30s, sharing the festivities seems extraspecial now that we live nearby.

So, how come this birthday-sharing thing is good enough for me, but not my kids? It doesn’t make a lot of sense on its face. Then again, my kids aren’t actual twins. They aren’t the same age and they didn’t come into the world together. As we prepared for their first joint party three years ago, I worried that Aiden’s milestone 1st birthday would be an afterthought tacked onto 3-year-old 38

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Connor’s celebration. It didn’t matter that 1-year-olds don’t remember their 1st birthday parties or care about much besides frosting and wrapping paper.

Mom guilt was in play.

We had the party and it seemed to be a success by both 1-year-old and 3year-old standards. They splashed in the kiddie pool, threw water balloons, played in the sand box, whacked at a piñata

end up with a bigger, crazier party. On the second weekend in July, it’s not uncommon for me to feel like someone dropped a bomb full of screaming children, frosting, wrapping paper and water toys in our backyard.

Despite the extra planning and mayhem, I like to remember the touching story a nurse told me in the hospital when Aiden was one day old. After I told

and ate big pieces of pastel-colored train cake. Both kids seemed happy and exhausted by the end of it.

This year, we’re going on joint party No. 4 and the kids still don’t seem to mind, or perhaps even know that it’s not the norm. (For the record, my mom is also a twin so there is often a third shared party on our calendar.) For my husband, and me there are definitely more details and logistical issues. Aside from thinking about how to make the day fun for both boys despite the twoyear age difference, we issue invitations to two sets of friends and inevitably

her my boys had the same birthday, she told me her two boys, by then adults, also had the same birthday. Then she recalled her older son’s toast at her younger son’s wedding. The older brother, who was the best man, said his brother’s birth was the best birthday present he’d ever received.

The story brought tears to my eyes and since that day, I summon it whenever I need to step back and look at the big picture. Connor and Aiden are still too young to reflect on the meaning of their shared birthday, but some day I hope they will see it as the same sort of gift.

e t e C w S u ” pcake B “

s

Buy one cupcake get one FREE, or 10% OFF any order!

970-532-2680

425 E. 4th St. Loveland Across from Anthology

Follow us on: b.sweet.cupcakes online at:

www.bsweetcupcakes.com

Place an order any day of the week!

Open for walk-Ins on Thursdays and Fridays from 2-6pm Saturdays 11am-2pm

Rat Race August 11th, 2012 Ault, Colorado

BeneFit For

Highland early Childhood education Center Starting time is 7:30 a.m. with registration beginning at 6:15 a.m.

10K run or 5K walk or 5K run through a certified country course beginning by the Ault Park next to the Highland High School.

Free “Mini” race for children 5 and under at 8:30a.m.

All children get ribbons and prizes.

Call 834-1326 for race information RMPARENT

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