RM Parent November 2018

NOVEMBER 2018 • RMPARENT.COM

RISKY BEHAVIORS BEING SAFE ON THE INTERNET

INDOOR

fun spots!

BOARD GAMES

OLD-FASHIONED FUN

HEALTHFUL holiday meals

REGION’S

BEST FAMILY

CALENDAR!

SPECIAL SECTION

WINTER WARMUPS

FINDING FERTILITY

—AGAIN

FEATURED BONUS

EARLY MEASURES Curbing substance abuse

Family Health GUIDE

2018-2019

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MARCH 2017 • RMPARENT.COM

SPRING 2017

SERVING NORTHERN COLORADO • FIFTYBETTER.COM

TEE OFF AT A LOCAL DISC GOLF COURSE

ROAD TRIPPING Road tripping —with—

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PREPARING YOUR GARDEN

HEALTHY BODY HABITS for kids

Mindfulness and your health

Destinations and

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BIKE

CALENDAR

Ditch the pavement for dusty dirt trails, fire roads, meandering two tracks, and crunchy gravel roads

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INSIDE: LIFESTYLE, ACTIVE [AND HEALTH DIRECTORIES] RMPARENT

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THE UGLY SIDE:

CHILD ABUSE IN NOCO

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Sample a local craft

Church

WHAT food labels CAN TELL YOU

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Finding your passions

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FUN, FUN, FUN

Front Range staycation

THE REGION’S

RiDE 2017 GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO BICYCLING CULTURE & EVENTS

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GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO BICYCLING CULTURE AND EVENTS

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NOVEMBER 2018

Departments PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Born to wander—too much planning limits your adventure

WOMEN’S HEALTH . . . . . . . . 8 Finding fertility—the second time around

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . 10

Indoor fun spots—jump, golf, shoot, climb your way to some winter fun

LEARN AND LIVE . . . . . . . . . . 12 Game on—why you should play old-fashioned board games

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . 14 Get healthy, get moving, get resources—NoCo prioritizes health, active learning

HEALTHY LIVING . . . . . . . . . 16

Healthy treat choices—getting kids’ buy-in to healthier holiday eating

CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0 Events and activities for parents, kids and families

TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 4 Finding adventure on the open road—refresh, connect and maybe learn a little

School District News GR-E 6 School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Governor Hickenlooper visits Prairie Heights Middle School, BOE president retires, District 6 school board member wins state honor, Prairie Heights receives Gold LEED Certification

Poudre School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 PSD high schoolers explore careers and earn college credit, Zach and Tavelli named Blue Ribbon Schools

Thompson School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Fall retreat inspires students, Jogathon a success, mayor visits 4th-graders at Coyote Ridge Elementary, TSD works on new strategic plan

Special Sections FAMILY HEALTH Family H ealth GUIDE

Find out how L mindfulness practice can help you choose your response to situations. And one of those situations FAMILY DIRECT HEALTH ORY might be an abnormal test result or a second look.

Also, follow our tips to stay safe in winter this year. Plus, check out our Family Health Directory.

BEING MINDFU

Guide

2018-2

019 • RM

ABNORM AL TEST RES ULTS AND SECOND LOOKS

PLUS…

WINTER WARMUPS

Explore the possibilities for this winter and see what programs these providers have for your families.

Features 18 THE SEEDS OF

TEEN DRINKING

As a parent of an elementary student, you might figure you will deal with teen experimentation of drinking and drugs when you get there. If you want to help your kids avoid this, read on, the ingredients for substance abuse are mixed up long before your child leaves elementary school.

20 RISKY BEHAVIOR

Parents are often boggled by what seems to them the risky behavior of their children.

Today’s parents trying to understand their children’s use of social media or the internet in what seems like sexually deviant ways (like sexting) is really no different than past generations, but the internet seems to elevate the risk.

ABOUT THE COVER: Marissa, loves building things with legos, creating art and wants to be a teacher when she grows up.Photo shot on location at Rollerland Skate Center

rollerlandskatecenter.com by Cheri Schonfeld,

courtesy of Sky's Open Design.

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PARENT .COM

COLORA DO OUTDOO RS WINTER SAFETY

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perspective Born to wander

Too much planning limits your adventure

I

was truly inspired by Katie Harris’ Time Out story, “Finding adventure on the open road.” And here’s why: She didn’t over-plan their adventures and it appears that the only expectation was to approach these outings with a curious mind willing to explore what ever came up.

Sometime we fall into this idea that we have to plan the perfect trip or the perfect day or perfect meal and we suck all the fun and learning and spontaneity out of whatever we’re doing by trying to make it fit some ideal we have. And it rarely works out the way our mental picture of it was and then we’re disappointed. But if we leave room for the unknown, if we trust ourselves enough to just let the adventure (which is life) unfold as it will, we’ll discover twists and turns and that we never imagined and that we might have missed had we just barged through on our stated mission.

One of my still-favorite books, On the Loose, by brothers Renny and Terry Russell is a 60s classic published by the Sierra Club. It made me tear up as a teenager and it still does today. I feel the same spirit from that book that I sense in Katie and her family adventures. We are made to wander, to explore. It’s in our nature. And, according to the brothers, the best way to mess up that adventure is to make a plan. As they say, the automobile has made cities uninhabitable, but they’re also the best way out.

The other thing that I picked up from Katie’s story is that the little things are really the big things. I might be reading in a bit, but it seems that all the little interactions, the discussions, the time setting up camp and preparing meals are where we find the truly juicy parts of the day that build ties and appreciation and a sense of contributing to the team effort. I’m guessing that meal planning is a group project on these road trips and that Katie is not just dictating what the plan is for each day.

Of course, all this is a metaphor for life. When we over-plan, try to control every situation, and don’t allow other voices, we miss a lot of the texture that makes life, well, life. When we have set goals and expectations, we miss discovering something new around the bend that we never even considered was there.

Have a spontaneous day!

Scott

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November 2018 • Volume 23, Issue 6 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Kim Sharpe kim.rmpublishing@gmail.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Susan Pettit COVER PHOTO Cheri Schonfeld, Courtesy of Sky’s Open Design - skysopendesign.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lea Hanson, Katie Harris Lynn Nichols, Kim Sharpe

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING PO Box 740 Fort Collins, CO 80522 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. ©2018 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

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women’s health

Finding fertility …the second time around

LY N N U. N I C H O L S

I

t seems a no brainer that if you want a second or third child, it will happen easily, right? After all, you know you can get pregnant and carry a baby.

Yet, it’s fairly common that couples have a hard time getting pregnant the second time around. Several factors play in, including the food you eat. The good news is there are things you can do to boost your fertility.

CHANGE HABITS, INCREASE CHANCES According to the Cleveland Clinic, several factors make it hard to get pregnant again. The first is age—the only one you can’t control—as women in their mid to late 30s and older have fewer eggs.

Being overweight is also a barrier to getting pregnant, for both you and your partner. Extra weight in women means higher levels of testosterone that can inhibit ovulation; in men, extra pounds increase estrogen levels, reducing sperm counts. Then there’s alcohol. People who have more than seven drinks a week are less fertile, because alcohol may disrupt hormones and hinder sperm production and motility. Of course, smoking is off the list as it can damage sperm and eggs.

CUT BACK ON COFFEE AND ALCOHOL You know alcohol isn’t great because of what it may do to your hormones, but there’s another reason you shouldn’t drink a lot when trying to conceive— alcohol is a diuretic. In other words, it makes you pee a lot, which dehydrates you. The same is true for caffeine, so limit coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks and black tea. Also skip diet sodas, because artificial sweeteners can mess with your hormone balance.

Being dehydrated makes it harder to get pregnant. Dehydration dries a woman’s cervical fluid and a man’s ejaculate fluid. Switch to herbal teas, as some are thought to increase fertility

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including maca, red raspberry leaf, nettle and dandelion, but avoid ginseng and licorice teas.

ADOPT A MEDITERRANEAN DIET Eating whole, real foods close to the source like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains, along with limiting your meat intake, helps you become more fertile. A study in Spain of 2,000 women found that only 17 percent of women who ate a Mediterranean diet had problems with fertility, compared to 26 percent of women who ate a lot of fatty meats and processed foods. A Harvard School of Public Health study of over 18,000 women also found that women who ate a diet that was high in meat, carbohydrates and trans fats were more likely to have trouble with ovulation. Switch out meat for a plant-based source of protein, such as nuts or beans for better luck at getting a baby bump.

SKIP THE SOY Soy is a phytoestrogen, which disturbs hormone levels for both you and your partner. You may not realize it, but energy bars are often packed with soy lecithin. Other foods that contain phy-

toestrogens are sesame seeds, wheat berries, barley and oats.

When trying to conceive, it’s wise to avoid raw fish (think sushi), runny or undercooked eggs and fish that might have high mercury, including swordfish, orange roughy and yellowfin tuna. On the other hand, eating fish is important because it’s loaded with Omega-3s, an important nutrient for a developing fetus. Eat low mercury fish including catfish, shrimp and salmon.

If you are actively trying to get pregnant, taking a prenatal vitamin now is wise. While you are at it, buy your partner a good multivitamin, as certain nutrients, including vitamins C and E, L-Carnitine, zinc and folic acid, boost sperm production.

WEAR LOOSE SHORTS Has your husband taken up biking and does he really sweat it up in his bike shorts? If so, he’s heating up his testes and thereby reducing his sperm count.

The same is true for men who take testosterone supplements.

While changing your lifestyle habits isn’t easy, it is possible. Wanting to get pregnant again is great motivation to get started.

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family activities

Indoor fun spots

Jump, golf, shoot, climb your way to some winter fun K ATIE HARRIS

A

chilly day is no excuse to stay cooped up indoors. Following are some ideas on how to get kids out of the house and burning some energy this season, while we parents hit up the snack bar and enjoy some rest and relaxation in the great, heated indoors, or maybe even play along!

GlowGolf 6065 Sky Pond Dr. Suite N-118, Loveland, www.opryglowgolf.com Try your hand at one or both of the two 18-hole mini-golf courses that GlowGolf has to offer. Black lights, fluorescent paint, and rechargeable light-up golf balls set the ambiance at this indoor course located in the Promenade Shopping Center at Centerra. While you’re there, see if you can beat your kids’ best time through the laser maze, where you’ll have to leap, duck and dive to avoid the lasers and reach your target.

Loveland Laser Tag 401 N. Denver Ave., Loveland www.laserfuncenter.com Gear up for an exciting game of laser tag, where it’s no holds barred as you attempt to shoot the opposing team and their target with your laser gun, ducking behind walls and stairwells to avoid being hit yourself. Stay for a game of laser tag or virtual reality, or a ride in the 4D motion simulator. A climbing wall and ropes course will provide an adrenaline rush to anyone with a love of heights, and the newest attraction, Raid, will have players of all ages attempting to save the world from an alien invasion.

Jumpin’ 6055 Sky Pond Dr., Suite P100, Loveland, www.jumpinfun.com Kids of all ages are sure to be 10

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thoroughly worn out after jumping the day away on six large inflatables, and the free wifi, flat screen TV and snack bar will ensure that parents enjoy themselves, too.

Fly High 218 Smokey St., Fort Collins www.foco.flyhightrampolinepark.com From a launch pad with foam pits, a basketball court featuring “dunk ball”, a dodgeball sports court and, of course, the main court trampoline area where kids and adults alike can bounce and flip from one side of the large gym all the way across to the other without breaking stride, Fly High has something for everyone. A separate, enclosed bounce area is also available for younger jumpers.

The Playground 1930 Greeley Mall, Greeley www.theplaygroundgreeley.com Complete with bounce houses, toys, interactive floors, a climbing wall, a two-story jungle gym, and a ball pit,

the Playground located at the Greeley Mall is just the place to reward kids after a long day shopping, or to make a day of just playing.

The Summit 4455 N. Fairgrounds Ave., Windsor www.playatthesummit.com Centrally located across from The Ranch and Budweiser Event Center, and featuring 24 bowling lanes, a 2-story laser tag area, 5,000 sq. ft. of arcade games, and a full service restaurant and sports bar, the Summit provides the perfect venue for an evening of fun, family entertainment.

Rollerland Skate Center 324 S. Link Ln., Ft. Collins www.rollerlandskatecenter.com For a day of old-fashioned fun, you can’t beat rollerskating to a live D.J. announcing the “Hokey Pokey.”

An indoor playground, laser maze challenge, and newly remodeled arcade are also available on scene for when those calves need a break.

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learn and live

Game on

Why you should play old-fashioned board games KIM SHARPE

W

ith the holidays upon us, gatherings of friends and family often include pulling out vintage board games like Monopoly, Scrabble and Life. We play them just for fun, but experts say they can teach kids (and adults) so much.

“Games don’t need to be overtly academic to be educational...” writes Scholastic.com. “Just by virtue of playing them, board games can teach important social skills, such as communicating verbally, sharing, waiting, taking turns, and enjoying interaction with others. Board games can foster the ability to focus and lengthen your child’s attention span by encouraging the completion of an exciting, enjoyable game. Even simple board games like Chutes and Ladders offer meta-messages and life skills: Your luck can change in an instant—for the better or for the worse. The message inherent in board games is: Never give up. Just when you feel despondent, you might hit the jackpot and ascend up high,

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if you stay in the game for just a few more moves.”

Playing strategy games, like checkers and chess, improves a child’s critical thinking, logic, problem-solving and math skills.

According to www.chess.com, “...

Second grade is the ideal time to introduce children to chess, although some as young as 4 or 5 may be ready to learn and play.”

Playing games also includes losing, and learning how to do that gracefully is just as important—maybe more important—than learning how to be a humble winner.

In their book, Moves in Mind: The Psychology of Board Games, researchers Gobet, de Voogt and Retschitzki say that when kids play with older role models, they can learn...how to win—and lose—with

grace and good manners.

Other skills board games may hone include: • Following instructions • Number recognition • Counting, categorizing, grouping • Color, shape and pattern detection • Color and letter recognition • Reading, spelling and comprehension • Hand-eye coordination Building academic and life skills are wonderful outcomes of playing board games with kids, but perhaps the best reason of all to roll the dice and take a chance is that playing games is an inexpensive, fun family activity. When you play, you might lose the game, but relaxing and hanging out together will be a winwin for everyone.

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community news

Get healthy, get moving NoCo prioritizes health, active living

KIM SHARPE

GOT COVERAGE? Colorado’s Health Insurance Marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, open enrollment runs November 1-January 15, so now is the time to schedule your appointment with a health coverage specialist to learn more about your options, apply for financial assistance and enroll in the plan of your choice for 2019.

Larimer Health Connect (a service of the Health District of Northern Larimer County) and North Colorado Health Alliance (in Weld County) offers free and unbiased inperson assistance to help you find the best health coverage option for you.

Certified health coverage specialists will help you determine your eligibility for plans and financial assistance, create an account, compare insurance plans and enroll in your best option.

Health coverage specialists also can determine if you are eligible for a tax credit, which would reduce the costs of your premium, copays and coinsurance. Sarah Morales, Larimer Health Connect outreach and education specialist, says, “Many people are surprised to find out that they qualify, making health insurance even more affordable than ever. Even if you make as much as $48,500 a year ($100,300 for a family of 4), you can qualify for a tax credit.”

Contact Larimer Health Connect at 970-472-0444 or larimerhealthconnect.org. Contact North Colorado Health Alliance at 970-350-4673 or www. northcoloradohealthalliance.org. Se habla espanol!

WINDSOR SPORTS PARK PLANS CHANGE The Town of Windsor has transferred ownership of the 100-acre Diamond Valley Property and all of the amenities 14

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on it to the Colorado National Sports Park (CNSP) developers. This transfer saved Windsor $4.1 million in capital cost the Town had planned to invest in the park in 2019. The Town will use the saved money elsewhere in its park system.

For the remainder of 2018 and 2019, the Town of Windsor will have exclusive use of the three ball fields currently at Diamond Valley. CNSP has until March 2020 to build two multi-purpose fields on which Windsor will have first right of use for perpetuity. Beyond that, the development plan is for CNSP to build multiple fields and other recreation amenities that they will run as a private organization.

Eric Lucas, Windor’s director of parks, recreation, and culture, says,

“This public-private partnership is a win not only for Windsor in terms of quickly meeting the needs of our growing youth sports programs, but also the additional amenities that CNSP plans to bring to the area will provide residents and visitors first class recreation opportunities that will have positive impacts on our lives and our already bustling economy.”

NEW LARIMER COUNTY GOVERNMENT BUILDING IN LOVELAND Larimer County has a new Loveland Campus located at 200 Peridot Ave. (northwest corner of First Street & Denver Avenue).

The 46,000-square-foot facility houses the Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF GREELEY FLICKR

Department, Human Services Department, Department of Health and Environment, and Clerk and Recorders Office. It was built using funds the county saved from a previous voter-approved tax to replace the aging, smaller county building in downtown Loveland.

“This facility represents a commitment to customer service on the part of the county,” says Larimer County Commissioner Steve Johnson.

“It represents the frugality that we operate within Larimer County. It was built with no debt, no increased taxes. It was built with cash we had on hand.”

The new building has ample parking and two electric charging stations for those with electric vehicles. Two locally produced bronze sculptures from Loveland artist Jane DeDecker, “Mariano and Princess Namaqua,” and “My Heart is in Your Hands,” visually enhance the front entrance. Red horizontal bricks decorate the front lobby entrance; they were repurposed from the original 1950s Larimer County Courthouse in Fort Collins.

To access Larimer County

services and learn more, call 970-4987000 or visit www.larimer.org.

GREELEY OFFERS FREE INDOOR WATER AUDITS The City of Greeley’s Water Conservation program provides free indoor water audits to its residential

and business customers. The audit includes a water conservation specialist who visits your property to: • S eek out leaks and other unintended uses of water • S uggest repairs or upgrades • L ook for high water-use appliances • Provide new fixtures, such as showerheads and aerators • Recommend a sprinkler system audit for next spring/summer.

For more information or to sign up for an audit, visit www.greeleygov. com/audits or call 970-336-4228.

GREELEY SMOOTHS THE WAY FOR PEDESTRIANS, CYCLISTS City-managed concrete crews replaced the deteriorated asphalt bike path and sidewalk along the south side of 10th Street between 47th and 38th Avenues in Greeley. The new concrete path is smooth and ADA compliant.

City officials say this muti-use path will help improve cyclist and pedestrian traffic and greatly improve an important part of Greeley’s transportation infrastructure.

For more information, contact Rick Dorsey, City of Greeley concrete maintenance coordinator at 970-5340962 or Rick.Dorsey@GreeleyGov.com.

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healthy living

Healthy treat choices

Getting kids’ buy-in to healthier holiday eating LEA HANSON

E

veryone loves the holidays— the decorative lights, time with family, and of course, holiday meals. As parents and caregivers, we try constantly to teach and model healthy eating habits. And, it can be extra hard to stick to a healthy eating plan during the holidays, especially for kids.

Both adults and children tend to over-indulge on treats that are filled with sugar, butter, and other ingredients that while delicious, are bad for our bodies. People tend to gain the most weight during the brief winter break.

Interventions aimed at reducing weight gain during the holiday season can be an effective strategy in controlling weight for both kids and adults. Even if you’re not concerned about your kids’ weight normally, weight gain on kids is tougher on their bodies and can prevent them from maintaining a healthy body weight as they grow. Although it feels so difficult, the holidays can actually be a perfect time to teach kids how to make healthy choices when faced with tempting treats.

Katelyn Barrons, personal trainer and health coach (www.hellostrength. com), says the way we talk about food to and around our kids is one of the most important things – around the holidays and throughout the year.

“We subliminally put food into two categories, especially to kids: the foods we HAVE to eat and the foods we GET to eat.” Around the holidays, this can be emphasized even more by the way we talk about looking forward to all the treats and desserts that come with the season.

Instead, Barrons says, consciously talk about excitement around the healthier options of the meal, too.

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Create hype around the turkey and vegetable dishes that your family associates with the holidays. And if there aren’t many, try to work some into your traditions—and include the kids in preparing them. Kids get excited (as do adults) about making holiday treats; baking and decorating holiday cookies is fun! In addition, include the kids in food preparation beyond the treats. Allowing the kids to help prepare the healthier options can create buy-in at eating time, too, as they’ll be more likely to take a serving of a dish they helped prepare.

And, while you’re creating hype around these exciting things that only come around once a year, remember that you can actually eat any of these things any time of the year. Barrons

Healthy tips & substitutes: • Cauliflower can be substituted for mashed potatoes • Plain Greek yogurt can almost always be substituted for mayonnaise as well as for sour cream • Most dessert recipes won’t taste different if you add only 2/3 of the called for butter and sugar • Using olive oil spray instead of liquid oil will ensure you use far less oil, thus saving on calories and fat

says, “People seem to have the idea they can only eat their favorite holiday foods during the holidays so they splurge on them. But, even if it feels funny, that’s not necessarily true. Remember, you can also make a pumpkin pie in May!”

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The seeds of teen drinking 4 ways to counter cultural messages early on Lynn U. Nichols

As a parent of a first-grader you might think this article isn’t for you. You probably figure you will deal with teen experimentation of drinking and drugs when you get there, or maybe you are thinking, ‘not my kid.’ While most teens experiment with substances to a certain degree, substance use becomes a habit with some. If you want to help your kids avoid this, read on, the ingredients for substance abuse are mixed up long before your child leaves elementary school.

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T

eens are given a triple whammy to take risks—the urge to fit in and be cool, an inner belief of invincibility, and an onset of adultlike stressors that challenge even the most developed frontal lobes. Throw in societal messages normalizing alcohol and pot use and you’ve got the perfect brew for experimentation. Yet you can do things before your child becomes a teen to encourage a quickly passing phase rather than a full-blown lifestyle of turning to substance to

self-medicate when life gets hard.

“Culturally, we have made a clear statement that when you’re feeling uncomfortable, drink or smoke pot. We distract ourselves from our pain or discomfort so we don’t have to feel those feelings,” says Tom Kowalski, MA, LPC, a licensed professional counselor in Fort Collins who has worked with middle school kids for over 25 years.

According to the National Institute of Health, the first eight years of a child’s life are critical for substance abuse prevention. Studies found that providing stability during times of change, such as moving, divorce and starting a new school, along with providing a solid home base and emotional support, will lower risk of substance abuse later on.

Here are four ways to set up your kids for a healthy relationship with substances in the future: 1. SHOW KIDS COPING SKILLS AND HEALTHY WAYS TO DE-STRESS Model for your kids the healthy ways you unwind and cope with a hard day.

Maybe it’s going on a walk, working out, reading something uplifting, doing yoga or practicing relaxation or meditation techniques. Maybe it’s talking with your spouse or friend and getting positive feedback and encouragement. If you don’t know how to do some of these things, take a class with your kids and learn together. Then, the next time they come home stressed, suggest a walk, a talk or a yoga session.

“When you model dealing with uncomfortable emotions you help kids have a rich vocabulary to talk about feelings and inner experiences. Demystify feelings and struggle—it is a 100-percent human experience—contrary to what our culture might tell us,” Kowalski says.

Don’t forget to limit screen time, which simply works to momentarily distract kids from their worries, and may even add to their anxiety or stress.

It’s okay to set daily time limits and rules around media use. An hour a day after homework and no screen time in their bedrooms is a good place to start, including cell phones and tablets. By

limiting now, you help to counter the urge to turn to screens when your kids feel troubled throughout life, now and in the future.

“Our kids live in a world of extreme overstimulation due to the internet and social media which on its own is a set up to look for ways to calm down, including drugs and alcohol. Of course, the real fix is to limit screen time,” Kowalski says.

2. BE YOUR KIDS’ ROCK Be a solid base both by creating a reliable home environment with consistent routines and set structure and rules and also by being someone your kids turn to when they are struggling. The best way to do this is to be present, listen and hold back on judgments and advice.

“When kids have at least one trusted and functional adult with whom to consult, the risk of unhealthy self-medication decreases immensely.

We all want desperately to feel accepted, safe, worthwhile and loved and when parents can front load these positives it is the absolute best prescription against kids looking for acceptance in unhealthy ways like drinking to fit in. Kids without a solid base are more prone to emulate the ‘cool’ behavior they see around them among other teens, on social media and in the entertainment world,” Kowalski says.

3. RECOGNIZE AND TREAT LEARNING DISABILITIES AND MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES EARLY ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), depression, anxiety and other clinical diagnoses set kids up to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol when their diagnoses go untreated.

Recent studies by Harvard Medical School show that adults with ADHD use substances nearly three times more than those without. Interestingly, adults with ADHD report they don’t use substances to get high; rather they use to help them sleep better, de-stress and improve their mood. In other words, they self-medicate the challenges their diagnoses brings. The great news is that teens and adults who are properly treated for ADHD are less likely to use substances to cope than their peers.

“Kids with neurochemical and clinical issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder and other diagnoses certainly try to medicate the profound difficulties these issues bring, and they require medical intervention along with emotional support and coping skills to orchestrate a complete treatment,” Kowalski says.

By ignoring the signs you are merely pushing the problem down the road, and giving it the chance to snowball.

Kids with mental health issues need support, not denial. You may think the label is worse than the treatment, but it’s not. If your kid is struggling they will welcome you jumping in there with them, even if it is scary—for both of you—at first. The earlier, the better, before the fear of being different in preteen years kicks in.

4. SEND THE MESSAGE THAT IT’S OKAY TO NOT ALWAYS BE AWESOME Foreigners often poke fun at Americans for being loud, boisterous, smiling when they don’t have a reason to, and proclaiming that everything is awesome. It’s our culture to focus on the positive and bury the negative. When you add in that parents desperately want their kids to be happy and experience zero pain then there’s not much room for feeling sad or having problems. As parents, we need to allow all kinds of feelings in our houses, and normalize the good, bad and the ugly.

“Not all cultures are the same. In some places, humans are more normalized around the concept of discomfort and don’t expect to be happy and at peace all the time. Therefore, they don’t have to medicate away feelings that culturally are defined as normal and expected. We need to start talking to kids early about the true nature of feelings and send the message that some of them are not much fun but they often won’t last.

Our kids need to know to expect times of discomfort,” Kowalski states.

When a child learns that all types of feelings are normal, they are less stressed about feeling down or discouraged. They don’t feel the need to wash away their sorrows, but rather trust they will pass.

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How to help your kids safely navigate the digital world

20

| RMPARENT

“K

ids these days!”

Regardless of the generation, parents are often boggled by what seems to them the crazy or risky behavior of their children.

Ruthie Kolb, a sex educator and owner of Kindling Communication LLC, says today’s parents trying to understand their children’s use of social media or the Internet in what seems like sexually deviant ways (like sexting) is really no different than past generations of parents of young people who shared risqué photos of themselves along with proclamations of love as they faced separation due to war. “It’s the media that’s new,” she says. “But the behavior isn’t new.

People have shared nude portrayals of themselves throughout time.”

While human behavior may be predictable, the internet and all the apps accessible through a multitude of digital devices seem to elevate that predictable behavior’s risk. Consider that: • 1 in 5 teens ages 13–19 are taking photos of their intimate parts and sending them to friends • 64 percent of teens report posting personal photos on the internet and 58 percent report posting personal information, such as where they live • 1 in 5 kids are subjected to unwanted sexual solicitation on the internet • Only 25 percent of kids sexually solicited on the Internet told a trusted adult.

Learn it from the experts Keep Kids Safe on the Internet

November 6 or December 4, 6:30-8pm Youth and parents can learn about sexual predators, online enticement and grooming, social networking websites, cyberbullying, smartphones and sexting, more!

Fort Collins Police Services Community Room, 2221 S. Timberline Rd., Fort Collins RSVP to 970-416-2384 or r nelson@fcgov.com

Screens & Teens: Navigating Safety in a Digital Era

Nov 13, 5:30-8:30pm Thompson School District parents, staff, secondary students and community members are invited to attend this Wellness Night presentation by Ruthie Kolb.

Mountain View High School, 3500 Mountain Lion Dr., Loveland.

Call 970-613-5127 for more information

Online resources for internet safety www.wiredsafety.org www.getnetwise.org www.safekids.com www.netsmartz.org www.cybertipline.com www.missingkids.com/cybertip

How can parents help their children, tweens and teens safely navigate the world of technology?

What can they do to ensure their young humans make healthy, wise decisions?

Kolb says the first way is not to engage in an arms race. “Young people are more on top of media than any adult will ever be, so simply blocking their access won’t work.” They will crack the code and have seemingly endless ways to access digital content regardless of the restrictions parents try to employ. “And remember that extreme monitoring doesn’t build trusting relationships.” She adds that if parents do choose to use various restrictions, let kids know what the boundaries are. There shouldn’t be any surprises.

Most experts agree that the number one way parents can influence their child’s use of the internet and engagement with social media is to talk to them. “Ask questions, listen to your child’s answers, have empathy and try to understand their use of social media more than you judge it,” Kolb says.

Eric Rasmussen, a children and media researcher and the author of ChildrenAndMediaMan.com, says setting strict rules is less important than talking and listening. “I tell people, the best thing you can do generally is talk to your kids about media. Kids need to know what you think about the media they’re consuming.” He adds it’s important for parents to understand

Tips for keeping kids safe online Communicate! Talk to your child about the potential of online dangers, including that whatever they are told online may or may not be true Spend time with your children online Establish rules for online use Keep internet-connected computers in an open area Consider using parental monitoring and/or blocking software Learn what computer safeguards are utilized by your child’s school, the public library, and at the homes of your child’s friends Report suspicious activity to the appropriate authority, including, local law enforcement Instruct your children to never: • Give out personal information online • Arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they meet online • Post (or upload) pictures of themselves onto the internet or electronically send photographs to people they do not know; and • Respond to messages or bulletin board postings that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent or harassing Modified from the Fort Collins Police Department website, www.fcgov.com/ police/internet-safety.php

that they “... are the biggest influence on kids in how they respond to media.

Especially in the first 12 years.”

Based on national studies about preventing an assortment of risky youth behaviors:

• 48 percent of young people say their parents are their biggest influencers • 9 out of 10 teens say it’s easier to make healthy decisions when they can have open conversations with their parents.

Perhaps Anya Kamanetz, author of The Art of Screen Time: How Your Family Can Balance Digital Media And Real Life, best sums up a safe approach to Internet and connecting digitally: “Enjoy screens. Not too much.

Mostly together.”

RMPARENT

| 21

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HELPING THE DAILY ROUTINE

I

f you feel your child is constantly struggling in any area of daily routines, try out some of the following strategies. In addition, a call to your doctor and a possible Occupational Therapy referral may be the key to success for everyone involved.

This is only a short list. Please keep in mind that not all these activities fit into black-and-white categories, and what works for one kiddo may not work for the next.

TO CALM DOWN Does your child seem more active that his/her peers? Or does your child seem to have “triggers” that send him/her into a state of hyperactivity? If so here are a few tips...

Calm down strategies: • Darkening the lighting in the room.

• “Heavy work” activities: pushing a heavy laundry basket around a “track.”

• Being a “Helper” moving or carrying something weighted upstairs or around the house.

• Drinking yogurt or applesauce using a straw for oral motor input as well as calming input.

• Inverting the head through yoga postures like downward dog, bend over and touch your toes and taking deep breaths.

• Very chewy foods like beef jerky or fruit snacks left out in open air for a while to get a bit harder.

• Big hugs or squeezes.

• Using weighted blankets, weighted compression vests, bean bags or pillow smashes, and even vibrating stuffed animals/ pillows.

• Make glitter bottles for calming.

• Mindfulness apps for kids/ meditation apps.

• Grounding essential oils: e.g.

Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Frankincense.

TO PERK UP Does your child seem more lethargic than peers, have a difficult time waking up in the morning or from naps or struggle to get through the day without a nap when one is not possible? If so here are some tips...

Alerting Activities to Wake up the Brain/Body: • Increasing the natural light in a room or go outside.

• In standing: hand to opposite knee touches x10 repetitions switching each time.

• Sour/sweet/crunchy treats.

• Have a “dance party” and play songs with movement also “freeze dance.”

• Citrus-like scents essential oils: e.g. Bergamot, Lime, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Peppermint.

• Chase/Catch the bubbles game.

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Abnormal results and second looks Don’t freak out when you get the call!

LY N N U . N I C H O L S

A

t some point, every woman has a health scare. Whether it’s an abnormal pap or a call back on a mammogram, many of us have been there and it’s no fun. When you get that call, don’t freak out. Here’s why: Most of the time nothing is majorly wrong. If you Google lump in breast you will likely be bombarded with articles on breast cancer. If you get an abnormal Pap test, your mind can jump to cervical cancer, but it shouldn’t.

There are lots of reasons for abnormal results and second looks. We live in a cautious medical world.

ABNORMAL PAP TESTS Let’s start with Pap screens. What’s an abnormal pap? During a Pap test your doctor scrapes cells from your cervix and sends them to the lab to make sure they are normal and no cancer cells are present. Abnormal cells are rated for their severity. Precancerous cells, known as dysplasia, can be mild, moderate or severe (CIN 1-3, respectively). Depending on the rating, your doctor will recommend a retest in a few months, or want to perform a colposcopy to take a closer look, or opt to remove more serious cells with a biopsy. A biopsy simply means taking a larger sampling of cells.

Did you know that you can have an abnormal Pap for a variety of reasons?

A surprising one is simply because you had sex the night before. Abnormal Pap tests are also caused by infections. So tell yourself that it’s likely fine, because most likely it is—then see what your doctor recommends.

Pap tests are recommended every three years starting at the age of 21 through age 65. Yet if you have a family history of cervical cancer, ask your doctor if you should get screened more regularly.

CALL BACK FOR A DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAM OR ULTRASOUND Have you had your first breast lump scare yet? I was in my late 30s when

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I had mine. I went in for my annual mammogram and was told I’d need an ultrasound. There was a lump they wanted to check out further. On film it looked like a cyst, but to be extra sure they recommended having it aspirated—that means sticking a needle, guided by ultrasound, into the cyst and draining it. I had a few worrying days of waiting for the appointment, but good news came quickly. Within minutes, the doctor said all was fine as the cyst collapsed upon itself indicating it was just fluid and there was nothing else to the gray area that showed up on the ultrasound.

Since that happened I’ve heard other women tell of the same experience. I’m here to say if this happens to you, don’t give it a moment’s worry. It will more than likely be a simple cyst or another benign, non-cancerous lump.

According to WebMD, 80 percent of breast lumps are benign.

The biggest maker of breast lumps is fibrocystic changes that occur in our breasts as we age. As our hormones

fluctuate lumps can form, which happens most often right before menstruation. Cysts usually go away on their own. Cysts move around when you push on them and are often tender.

They also grow, shrink or disappear after your period. Cancerous tumors, on the other hand, often feel hard, may not hurt and don’t noticeably change from month to month.

In the past, women were advised to get a screening mammogram every year. Not so today. One reason recommendations changed was because mammograms often provoke additional testing on non-cancerous cysts, causing unneeded cost and concern. That means you’ve got a decision to make. While the federal guidelines suggest getting a mammo every two years starting at age 50, you should consider your own risk factors for breast cancer. There are many women who get breast cancer in their 40s, some with no family history whatsoever, so getting screened early isn’t a bad idea. Talk with your doctor and make an informed decision.

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Out in the cold

Enjoy outdoor Colorado’s winter activities

C

olorado is a great place for families to enjoy year-round outdoor activities. The colder weather is swiftly approaching and being prepared and staying safe is the best way to experience all our great state has to offer.

Here are six quick and easy safety tips for your family.

LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS. The sun keeps us nice and warm during the day but as the sun goes down, it can quickly cool down. Bring extra layers in case of quick weather changes or if you know you will be staying out past sundown. When strapping a child into a 5-point harness car seat, keep on only the lightest layer to help you gauge the tightness of the harness. You should not be able to pinch the shoulder strap webbing at the top of the shoulders. Puffy jackets can make it seem tight, but the force of a crash could compress the material and cause the child to be looser than you thought.

APPLY SUNSCREEN With our higher altitude and strong sun, it is still possible to get sunburned in the winter. Especially if there is snow on the ground as it reflects the sun.

WEAR YOUR HELMET When skiing and snowboarding, wearing a helmet can decrease the risk of injuries by up to 50 percent. Kids are always striving to be like us so it is important to be a good role model.

Make it a family outing where everyone picks out her own helmet. Also, if a child is just learning how to ski or snowboard, lessons are a great way for them to build confidence and reduce their risk of injury.

STAY HYDRATED Drier winters plus higher

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| FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

altitudes equals a higher output of fluids.

This is because moisture from your skin evaporates quicker plus we exhale and perspire twice as much moisture. Bring plenty of water for the entire family to stay hydrated. Coffee, tea, soda and juice can take fluids from your body so water is best.

INSTALL AND CHECK SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS Both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every level of the home and in all sleeping areas. Check monthly to make sure each detector works and that they aren’t expired. They expire 10 years after the manufacturing date on the alarm.

And, while it is still warm enough, create and practice a fire escape plan with the entire family. This way everyone will feel prepared in case of a true emergency.

FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA If the family has been outside for a long time or any clothing has gotten wet, it is much easier to get frostbite and/or hypothermia. Coming inside to warm up and put on dry clothes is a great way to prevent both. If you see pale, grey or blistered skin, especially on the ears, nose, fingers and toes, these are signs of frostbite. Run the affected area under warm (not hot) water and visit an urgent care if color does not return to the area. As for hypothermia, signs include slurred speech, shivering and unusual clumsiness. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you believe your child has hypothermia.

Safe Kids Larimer County works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the number one cause of death for children in the United State. Safe Kids Larimer County was founded in 1997 and is led

by UCHealth. For more information, visit safekids.org or sklarimer.org.

FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

| RMPARENT | 9

Being mindful

Model Mindfulness skills to help your kids achieve calm

Lynn U. Nichols

Y

ou’ve heard the term mindfulness, but do you know what it really means? It’s much deeper than simply paying attention to one thing at a time. Mindfulness helps you choose your response to what’s happening around you, rather than simply reacting to it. To understand, imagine yourself as a kayaker and the river as your life. Mindfulness lets you decide which current you want to ride or which eddy to rest in rather than letting the strongest current take you wherever it’s headed. As you can imagine, having the ability to stay mindful is not only self-empowering, but a vital skill in achieving success. Self-regulation—or the ability to steer your own boat—leads to many other benefits, including feeling centered and calm. To model mindfulness, infuse these simple habits into your interactions with your kids.

START BY NOTICING WHEN YOU ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION “A common definition of mindfulness is

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| FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

paying attention to one thing at a time, without judgment. But that demands knowing how to pay attention in the first place, which can be a difficult skill for kids to master. I like to start by helping kids notice when they are not paying attention,” says Judith Norman, MA, MS, LPC, RPT, licensed professional and school counselor and certified synergetic play therapist.

In her work with kids in northern Colorado schools, Norman teaches this pre-skill of mindfulness by ringing a bell. Kids are told to put their thumb up when their attention drifts away from the sound of the bell. In other words, they make a motion to indicate they’ve lost focus, and to remind themselves to once again listen to the bell.

“The awareness that you are no longer focusing on the bell is mindfulness,” she states.

She tells how parents and teachers say, ‘Pay attention’ to their kids, but if a child doesn’t know how to focus on

just one thing and block out the rest of the noise in the room or in his head, that can’t happen. Using a body cue, like putting up a thumb or raising a hand while reading when they stop paying attention, reminds kids to focus back on the task at hand.

Noticing when your mind starts wandering is a great skill to have in the classroom, but also at home. Paying attention strengthens relationships as it helps us really listen to what someone is saying. One study reported by mindfulschools.org found that people who had mindfulness training could not only show others more compassion than those without training, but they could also show themselves more compassion—hence the calming effect. Studies also show that mindfulness reduces stress and improves anxiety.

Strengthen your child’s ability to be mindful by making it a game and playing it during different times, like in the car or at a restaurant waiting for food. For ex-

Want help learning mindfulness?

Classes, websites and books on mindfulness for you and your children.

Classes

Braindrops Play Therapy & Wellness 209 E. Plum, Fort Collins • braindropsplaytherapy.com • (970) 818-0882 Judith Norman offers parenting classes, family support and mindfulness training. Combines neuro-biology, psychology, physiology and movement.​​​​​​

Web resources

Synergetic Play Therapy On-line Parenting Series: Managing Your Child’s Moods and Behaviors Lisa Dion, presenter • braindropsplaytherapy.com Teaching Heart Institute Improving Social and Emotional Intelligence, One Day at a Time teachingheartinstitute.com

Books

No Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind, By Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson Growing Up Mindful: Essential Practices to Help Children, Teens, and Families Find Balance, Calm, and Resilience, by Christopher Willard Mindful Movements: Ten Exercises for Well-Being (Children’s book)

by Thich Nhat Hanh, Wietske Vriezen

ample, while driving say, ‘Let’s just focus with our eyes, and when we forget and start listening to the radio or thinking about something else like the day ahead, let’s make a peace sign.’ Remind your kids there is no right or wrong way to do it, and if they lose focus quickly that’s okay. Mindfulness is a practice, after all.

By playing with it, you are helping them learn how to steer their own boat.

Mindfulness is now being used in both the Poudre School District in Fort Collins and the Thompson Valley School District in Loveland. Norman has taught several mindfulness programs, including In Focus and Mind Up to teachers and administrators.

“In Focus is great because it integrates neuroscience and helps kids learn how to calm down their brainstems, among other skills. It’s encouraging to see so many schools interested in mindfulness. That was not the case even five years ago,” she adds.

She explains that we use our brains from the bottom up—from the brain

stem, which regulates basic functions, to the cerebrum, which helps us generate higher level, more complex thoughts. It’s much easier to focus when we have access to our whole brain, and mindfulness helps us open ourselves to that. When our brains are deregulated, we often get stuck in the lower regions of our brain, making it harder to think and concentrate.

EXPRESS WHAT YOU ARE FEELING, BOTH EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY Staying mindful helps us regulate our emotions. It’s not just mind over matter—mindfulness literally creates neurological changes in our brains that help us to be less reactive and enhance our ability to manage our emotions.

Norman thinks parents have been steered wrong by the advice to not express negative emotions in front of our kids. She believes by holding things back we are sending our kids the message that it’s not okay to have certain feelings. In other words, it’s not okay to be fully you.

“In my opinion, the biggest gift you

can give your children is to be authentic.

When you are truly yourself you send a consistent message, where your nonverbal cues match your words. By doing so, you give your children permission to be wholly themselves as well,” she says.

Norman advocates that parents honestly express their feelings in the moment. She gives the example of standing in a long line and feeling frustrated. Rather than trying to hold it in, she suggests describing what’s happening in your body and saying how you feel. For example, ‘I am feeling frustrated right now. My hands feel really tight and my shoulders hurt.’ Then shake out your hands and wiggle your arms.

“By recognizing what’s happening for you and expressing it both verbally and physically you are modeling for them not only what it feels like to experience that emotion, but how to express it in a healthy way. Don’t be surprised if you see your child mimicking you the next time they have that emotion,” she adds.

This doesn’t mean you have free reign to explode when you are angry. If kids see you stomp around and yell they immediately think they did something wrong. Rather, if they hear you say you are angry and see you rub your legs or shake your shoulders they see it as you soothing yourself and managing your anger. Your kids will learn that it doesn’t have to be scary when mom or dad is mad. They can see that it’s okay to get mad and that anger can be expressed without feeling threatening to someone else. The opposite happens when you hold it in and don’t say anything, leaving the vibe hanging in the room.

“When nothing is said your kids’ bodies download your tense feelings into their nervous systems. It’s the way we work. Our energy impacts those around us on a physiological level, there’s no way around it,” Norman says.

When feelings are really intense it’s best to name your feelings of overwhelm and the need to take care of yourself, leaving the room to gain composure if necessary. Yet in most situations when you feel yourself having a physiological reaction to an experience or emotion, say so and show how to move through it.

“That’s mindfulness,” concludes Norman.

FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

| RMPARENT | 11

Family Health Directory 2018-2019

Editor’s Note: The area code for phone numbers is (970) unless otherwise noted.

ACUPUNCTURE

Goldstone Acupuncture & Whole Health 300 Boardwalk Dr., Bldg. 6A, FC 970-227-1906 www.goldstoneacupuncture.com Wisdom Ways Acupuncture 363 W. Drake Road, Ste. 1, FC 227-3077 www.wisdomwaysacupuncture.com

ALLERGY Allergy Partners 555 Prospect Ave., EP, 221-2370 2121 E. Harmony Rd., FC, 221-2370 1130 38th Ave., Ste. A, GR, 330-5391 2026 Blue Mesa St., LV, 663-0144 www.allergypartners.com Banner Health – Allergy Care 702-A W. Drake Rd., FC, 498-9226 2923 Ginnala Dr., LV, 669-6660 www.bannerhealth.com Colorado Allergy and Asthma Centers 2014 Caribou Dr., Ste. 200, FC, 221-1681 3400 W. 16th St., Bldg. 5, Unit Y, GR 356-3907, www.coloradoallergy.com

CHIROPRACTIC & MASSAGE SERVICES

Scott Family Health 4038 S. Timberline St., Ste. 120, FC 267-9600 1491 N. Denver Ave., Ste. 101, LV 663-2225 www.scottfamilyhealth.com Weld Family Clinic of Chiropractic 1713 61st Ave., Ste. 102, GR 356-5255 www.weldfamilyclinic.com

DENTAL & ORTHODONTICS Adventure Dental & Vision 3485 C West 10th St., GR, 353-4746 www.adventuregreeley.com Alpine Dental Health 1015 S. Taft Hill Rd., FC, 482-6034 718 S. College Ave., FC, 484-5297 www.alpinedentalhealth.com Aronson Family Dental 4027 E. Boardwalk Dr., FC, 472-0488 www.aronsonfamilydental.com BenchMark Dental 1555 Main Street, A-2, WS, 686-7858 www.BenchMarkDentalCare.com Big Grins 3221 Eastbrook Dr. #A-101, FC 407-1020 www.biggrinswithdrgreg.com

Academy of Natural Therapy 631 8th Ave., GR, 352-1181 www.natural-therapy.com

Smile Doctors Braces 4360 Boardwalk Dr., Ste. 200, FC 226-5505 2021 Clubhouse Dr., GR, 372-0277 www.smiledoctors.com

lvm - Family & Sport Chiropractic 1035 Robertson St., FC, 224-2282 www.drmontywilburndc.com

Bright Now! Dental 3531 S. College Ave., FC, 498-8706 www.brightnow.com

Impact Chiropractic Family Health Center 1730 S. College Ave., Ste. 100, FC, 223-5501 www.impact-chiropractic.com

Center for Endodontic Care 1331 E. Prospect Rd. B-1, FC, 232-3750 516 W. Eisenhower Blvd., LV, 232-3757 www.centerforendocare.com

Hand Chiropractic 1630 S. Lemay Ave. Ste. 4, FC 221-9300

Centre Family Dentistry 1001 Centre Ave., FC, 407-1001 www.fortcollinsdentist.com

Pivotal Wellness 2550 Stover St., Bldg. F101, FC 266-0003, www.pivotalwellness.com

Choice Dental Care, LLC Thomas Harvey, DDS 1040 E. Elizabeth St., Ste. 202, FC 224-4093 www.choicedentalcarellc.com

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Crane & Seager Orthodontics 4144 Timberline Rd., FC, 226-6443 3520 E. 15th St., Ste. 101, LV 663-4871, www.drcraneorthodontics.com

Pediatric Dentistry of Loveland 2800 Madison Square Dr. #1, LV 669-7711 www.tropicalteeth.com

Dental Connections 202 Bristlecone Dr., 493-3366 www.healthdistrict.org

Pediatric Dentistry of the Rockies 4609 S. Timberline Rd., Ste. 103B, FC, 484-4104 www.RockiesKidsDDS.com

Family Dental Clinic 202 Bristlecone Dr. 416-5331 www.healthdistrict.org Goings Orthodontics 4733 S. Timberline Rd. #101, FC 7859 6th St., Ste. 150, Wellington 1218 W. Ash St., WS 377-1888 www.goingsorthodontics.com Greeley Dental Care 1813 61st Ave., Ste. 210, GR 373-5012 www.GreeleyDentalCare.com Greeley Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics 6632 10th St., Ste. 101, GR 353-4848 www.GreeleyModernDentistry.com

Perfect Teeth 1856 N. College Ave. #110, FC 672-4126 902 14th St., GR, 616-6474 1685 Rocky Mountain Ave., Ste. 400 LV, 800-2597 3400 W. Eisenhower Blvd., LV 800-2683 www.perfectteeth.com Poudre Valley Family Dental 2032 Lowe St., Ste. 100, FC 221-3020 www.poudrevalleyfamilydental.com Richter Orthodontics 1813 61st Ave., Ste. 100, GR 281-4452 www.richterorthodontics.com

Kindergrins 126 E 29th St., LV, 635-4353 www.kindergrins.com

Sherick Orthodontics 1136 E. Stuart St. #2-160, FC 221-2616 2984 Ginnala Dr., LV, 663-4356 600 S. St. Vrain Ave., Ste. 3., EP 221-2616 www.psherickdds.com

KidsFirst Dental 2121 Midpoint Dr., Ste. 102, FC 484-5437 www.kidsfirstfc.com

Shores Family Dentistry 4360 Boardwalk Dr. #100, FC 226-2920 www.shoresfamilydentistry.com

Milnor Orthodontics 1103 S. Shields St., FC, 620-9372 www.milnororthodontics.com

ToothZone 1220 Oak Park Dr., FC 383 W. Drake Rd. #103, FC 223-8687, www.toothzone.com

Johnston & Johnston Family Dentistry 2001 S. Shields St., Bldg. E, Ste. 200, FC, 493-5120

Northern Colorado Orthodontics 1295 Main St. #4, WS, 674-0717 www.nocoortho.com Northern Smiles Family Dental 1297 Main St., Ste. 3, WS, 686-7775 www.northernsmilesfamilydental.com Orthodontic Associates of Greeley 3400 W. 16th St., Bldg. 4-V, GR 573-7525 www.drbradsmiles.com

Vinna C. Norris, DDS 1221 E. Elizabeth St., Ste. 2, FC 221-1400 www.dentistsfortcollins.com W Orthodontics, David Way, DDS 1424 E. Horsetooth Rd. #1, FC 223-8080, www.orthoway.com Ward Orthodontics 2720 Council Tree Ave., Ste. 266, FC 818-8798, www.wardortho.com

Wells & Abrames Dental 702 W. Drake Rd., Bldg. G, FC 493-9299 www.wellsabramesdental.com Wild for a Smile Children’s Dentistry 1819 61st Ave., Ste. 101, GR, 506-1339 www.wildforasmile.com Windsor Pediatric Dentistry 1299 W. Main St., Unit C, WS, 674-3247 www.windsorpediatricdentistry.com Windsor Smiles Orthodontics 1218 W. Ash St., WS, 460-0791 www.WindsorSmilesOrtho.com Zimmer Family Dentistry 1343 E. Prospect Rd. #D1, FC 221-4500 www.zimmerfamilydentistry.com

DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION TEAM Wellness & Prevention 2900 S. College Ave., FC 224-9931, www.teamwandp.org

FAMILY PHYSICIANS Associates in Family Medicine Several locations in FC, LV, WS. 224-1670, www.afmfc.com Banner Health Clinics Several locations in northern Colorado.

833-252-5535 www.bannerhealth.com Daniel B. Jinich, MD, PC 2001 S. Shields St. #201, FC 221-9991, www.docdan.net Direct Family Care of Northern Colorado 126 W. Harvard St., Ste.1, FC 632-4931 www.directfamilycareofnoco.com Foothills Family Care, LLC 3213 Nelson Ln., FC, 221-5858 www.foothillsfamilycarellc.com Healing Gardens Health Center 315 Canyon Ave., FC, 472-6789 www.thehealinggardens.org Kaiser Permanente Several locations in northern Colorado. 855-208-7221 www.kaiserpermanente.org Mallory Family Wellness 1548 N. Boise Ave., LV, 669-9245 www.docmallory.com Miramont Family Medicine Several locations in northern Colorado.

225-5000, www.miramont.us

Mountain View Family Medicine, PC 2121 E. Harmony Rd., Unit 310, FC, 221-3855 www.mountainviewfamily medicinepc.com Nextera Healthcare 1006 Robertson St., FC 126 W. Harvard St., Ste. 1, FC 1135 N. Lincoln Ave., Ste. 6, LV 303-501-2600 www.nexterahealthcare.com Rocky Mountain Family Physicians 1124 E. Elizabeth, Bldg. C, FC 484-0798, www.RMFamilyPhys.com Salud Family Health Centers Located in Estes Park and Fort Collins 484-0999, www.saludclinic.org Sunrise Community Health Several locations in northern Colorado.

353-9403 www.sunrisecommunityhealth.org UCHealth Family Medicine Center 1025 Pennock Pl., FC, 495-8800 www.uchealth.org UCHealth Medical Group Several locations in northern Colorado.

624-4420, www.uchealth.org Youth Clinic 1200 E. Elizabeth, FC, 267-9510 1214 Oak Park Dr., FC 2695 Rocky Mountain Ave. #260, LV 4845 Weitzel St., Ste. 101, Timnath www.youthclinic.com

FITNESS & RECREATION Chilson Recreation Center 700 E. Fourth St., LV, 962-2386 www.cityofloveland.org City of Greeley Recreation Center 651 10th Ave., GR, 350-9400 www.greeleygov.com/recreation Fit5 Studio 4637 S. Mason St., Unit A1, FC 775-3955, www.fit5studio.com Genesis Lifestyle Fitness 1307 E. Prospect, FC, 224-2582 901 Oakridge Dr., FC, 282-1000 1800 Heath Pkwy., FC, 221-5000 3755 Precision Dr., LV, 744-5005 www.genesishealthclubs.com Loveland Athletic Club 1000 S. Lincoln Ave., LV, 663-4009 www.lovelandathleticclub.com Raintree Athletic Club 2555 S. Shields St., FC, 490-1300 www.raintreeathleticclub.com

Northside Aztlan Community Center 112 E. Willow St., FC, 221-6256 www.fcgov.com/recreation/north-aztlan

McKee Medical Center 2000 Boise Ave., LV, 669-4640 www.bannerhealth.com

Old Town Athletic Club 351 Linden St., FC, 493-7222 www.oldtown-athleticclub.com

Medical Center of the Rockies 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., LV 624-2500, www.uchealth.org

SNAP Fitness 201 S. Elm Ave., Eaton, 454-3741 www.Snapfitness.com/eaton

North Colorado Medical Center 1801 16th St., GR, 352-4121 www.bannerhealth.com

The Conditioning Spa 2640 11th Ave., GR, 352-0974 www.facebook.com/ TheConditioningSpa

Poudre Valley Hospital 1024 S. Lemay Ave., FC 495-7000, www.uchealth.org

The Other Club 1227 Riverside Ave., FC, 221-4348 www.theotherclubfitness.com Title Boxing Club 4360 S. College Ave., FC 226-4822, www.titleboxingclub.com Windsor Community Recreation Center 250 N. 11th St., WS, 674-3500 www.windsorgov.com Work Out West 5699-5701 West 20th St., GR 330-9691, www.workoutwest.com

HEALTH INSURANCE Health First Colorado (Medicaid)/ Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) 800-359-1991 www.colorado.gov/pacific/hcpf North Colorado Health Alliance 2930 11th Ave., EV 1010 A St., GR 302 3rd St. SE, LV 350-4673 www.northcoloradohealthalliance.org Healthy Communities 1525 Blue Spruce Dr., FC 498-6754, www.larimer.org/health/ chs/epsdt.asp Kaiser Permanente Several locations in northern Colorado. 877-297-0566 www.kaiserpermanente.org/ask-co Larimer Health Connect 144 N. Mason St., Unit 7, FC 120 Bristlecone Dr., FC 1511 E. 11th St., LV, 472-0444 www.larimerhealthconnect.org

HOSPITALS Banner Fort Collins Medical Center 4700 Lady Moon Dr., FC 821-4000, www.bannerhealth.com Estes Park Health 555 Prospect Ave., EP, 586-2317 www.eph.org

INFORMATION & HEALTH PROMOTION Grand Family Coalition, Inc. 699-2837 www.grandfamilycoalition.org

Health District of Northern Larimer County 120 Bristlecone Dr., FC, 224-5209 www.healthdistrict.org Health Info Source www.healthinfosource.com Senior Living Advisors of Colorado Danita Nixon, CSA® 1635 Foxtrail Dr., LV 541-4592 www.slacolo.com

INTERNAL MEDICINE Aspen Medical Center — Internal Medicine 2923 Ginnala Dr., LV, 669-6660 www.bannerhealth.com Sands and Associates 1021 Robertson St., FC, 482-0666 UCHealth Internal Medicine Clinic 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave. North Medical Office Bldg.

Ste. 2200, LV 203-7050 www.uchealth.org

MENTAL HEALTH, COUNSELING, THERAPY Beyond the Mirror Counseling & Wellness 1031 Robertson St., FC, 413-2264 www.beyondthemirror.org Braindrops, Play Therapy and Wellness 209 E. Plum St., 2nd Floor, FC 818-0882 www.braindropsplaytherapy.com Clear View Behavioral Health 4770 Larimer Pkwy., Johnstown 970-800-5555 www.clearviewbh.com

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Discover our amazing therapy clinic with Northern Colorado’s FIRST and LARGEST sensory gym

Connections 425 W. Mulberry St., Ste. 101, FC 221-5551 www.mentalhealthconnections.com Heart-Centered Counseling FC, GR, LV locations. 310-3406 www.heartcenteredcounselors.com Mountain Crest Behavioral Health Center 4601 Corbett Dr., FC, 207-4800 www.uchealth.org SummitStone Health Partners FC, LV locations. 494-4200 www.summitstonehealth.org

ORTHOPEDICS Integrative Health Care 4038 S. Timberline Rd. #120, FC 775-7244 www.integrativehealthsolutions.com

970-682-3743 970-818-0197 970-305-5070 integratedpedstherapy.com aspenspeech.com tannerautism.com

Schedule back-to-back therapy sessions with any of our highly qualified disciplines:

• Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy • Speech Therapy Serving • Feeding Therapy clients fr om birth to • ABA therapy 21 • Music Therapy • Hippotherapy

OPEN GYMS: The second Saturday of each month with adaptive yoga, starting in December.

Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies 2500 E. Prospect Rd., FC 3470 E. 15th St., LV 1900 16th St., 3rd Floor, GR 419-7050 www.orthohealth.com Scott Family Health 1491 N. Denver Ave., Ste. 101, LV 568-5471 www.scottfamilyhealth.com

PEDIATRICIANS The Children’s Health Place 1601 29th Ave. Pl., Ste. 101, GR 356-2600 www.thechildrenshealthplace.com Loveland Pediatrics 2555 E. 13th St. #130, LV 820-5437, www.bannerhealth.com Thompson River Pediatrics and Urgent Care 4880 Thompson Pkwy., Ste. 116 Johnstown, 619-8139 http://trpeds.com Youth Clinic 1200 E. Elizabeth, FC, 267-9510 1214 Oak Park Dr., FC 2695 Rocky Mountain Ave. #260, LV 4845 Weitzel St., Ste. 101, Timnath www.youthclinic.com

PHYSICALS GYM RENTALS: Birthday parties, community events and toilet training clinics for the hard-to-train child.

4650 Royal Vista Circle, Ste 100 | Windsor, CO Off I25 and the Windsor exit

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| FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

ConcentrGeneral Care 620 S. Lemay Ave., FC, 221-5811 221-5811, www.concentra.com

PRENATAL 4-D SonoImage 295 E. 29th St., LV, 460-1596 www.4DSonoImage.com

REHABILITATION OCCUPATIONAL & PHYSICAL THERAPY Berkana Rehabilitation Institute 2001 S. Shields St., Bldg. A, Ste. 1 FC, 797-2431 www.berkanarehab.com Colorado in Motion 210 W. Magnolia St., Ste. 110, FC 221-1201 115 E. Harmony Rd., Ste. 160, FC 221-1201 3744 Timberline Rd., Ste. 103, FC 204-4263 1901 56th Ave., Ste. 100, GR 451-5776 1455 Main St., Ste. 160, WS 674-9675 www.coloradoinmotion.com Hearts & Horses 163 N. CR 29, LV, 663-4200 www.heartsandhorses.org Integrated Pediatric Therapy Associates 4650 Royal Vista Cir., Ste 100, WS 305-5070 www.integratedpedstherapy.com Integrative Health Care 4038 S. Timberline Rd. #120, FC 775-7244 www.integrativehealthsolutions.com My Heroes 701 S. Overland Tr., FC, 678-984-7774 www.myheroestherapy.com Scott Family Health 1491 N. Denver Ave., Ste. 101, LV 663-2225 www.scottfamilyhealth.com The Suites-Healthcare Redefined 4880 Ziegler Rd., FC, 223-4376 www.thesuiteshc.com

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH Rocky Mountain Center for Reproductive Medicine 1080 E. Elizabeth St., FC, 493-6353 www.drbachus.com

SENIOR HEALTH Colorado Visiting Nurse Association 305 Carpenter Rd., FC 330-5655, www.vnacolorado.org Columbine Health Systems 802 W. Drake Rd., Ste. 101, FC 800-718-2164 www.columbinehealth.com

HomeWell Senior Care 1401 S. Taft Ave. #207, LV, 461-4799 www.homewellseniorcare.com

SMOKING PREVENTION Health District of Northern Larimer County 120 Bristlecone Dr., FC, 224-5209 www.healthdistrict.org Larimer County Tobacco Prevention www.larimer.org/tobacco Tobacco Free Coalition of Weld County Greeley, www.tfcweldcounty.com

SPINE & BRAIN CARE Front Range Center for Brain & Spine Surgery 1313 Riverside Ave., FC, 493-1292 www.brain-spine.com Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies 2500 E. Prospect Rd., FC 3470 E. 15th St., LV 1900 16th St., 3rd Floor, GR 419-7050 www.orthohealth.com

Pediatric Urgent Care of Northern Colorado 4845 Weitzel St., Ste. 101, Timnath 494-2626, www.pucnc.com Thompson River Pediatrics & Urgent Care 4880 Thompson Pkwy., Ste. 116 Johnstown, 619-8139 www.thompsonriverpediatrics.com UCHealth Family Medicine Center Walk-In Clinic 1025 Pennock Pl., Ste. 121, FC 495-8980, www.uchealth.org

Total Vein Care 1136 E. Stuart St. #4102, FC 498-8346, www.totalvein.net

Spine Correction Center of the Rockies 2244 E. Harmony St. #110, FC 658-5115 www.spinecorrectioncenter.com

SPEECH THERAPY

UCHealth Urgent Care 2127 E. Harmony Rd. FC, 297-6250 1900 16th St. GR, 350-2454 3850 N. Grant Ave., Ste. 200, LV 624-5150, www.uchealth.org

SPORTS MEDICINE

VISION

SPECIALTY CARE

Children’s Speech & Reading Center 1330 Oakridge Dr. #10, FC, 419-0486, www.csrckids.org Integrated Pediatric Therapy Associates 4650 Royal Vista Cir., Ste 100, WS 305-5070 www.integratedpedstherapy.com Speech & Language Stimulation Center 760 Whalers Way, Bldg. C, Ste. 100, FC, 495-1150 www.speech-language-voice.com My Heroes 735 S. Overland Tr., FC 678-984-7774 www.myheroestherapy.com

Colorado Clinic 7251 W. 20th St., GR, 710-3551 3810 N. Grant Ave., LV, 707-5257 www.coloradoclinic.com

URGENT CARE Banner Urgent Care 3617 S. College Ave., FC, 821-1500 2015 30th Ave., GR, 810-4155 2555 E. 13th St. #110, LV, 820-4264 www.bannerhealth.com Concentra Urgent Care 620 S. Lemay Ave., FC, 221-5811 www.concentra.com NextCare Urgent Care 1011 39th Ave., GR, 351-8181 www.nextcare.com

2020 Vision Center 3501 S. Shields St., FC, 490-2020 www.2020visioncenter.com Adventure Dental & Vision 3485 C West 10th St., GR, 353-4746 www.adventuregreeley.com Eye Center of Northern Colorado 1725 E. Prospect Rd., FC 3151 Precision Dr., FC 1701 61st Ave., GR 6125 Skypond Dr., LV 2555 13th St., LV, 221-2222 www.eyecenternoco.com Kirk Eye Center 3650 E. 15th St., LV 408-3263, 669-1107 www.kirkeyecenter.com

See Life Family Vision Source 2867 35th Ave., GR, 346-1411 www.seelifevision.com The Eyes Have It 102 W. Mountain Ave., FC, 407-0665 www.theeyeshaveitfc.com Windsor Eye Care & Vision Center 515 Main St., WS, 460-0154 www.windsoreye.com

WOMEN’S HEALTH OB/GYN A Woman’s Healing Center, LLC 1006 Luke St., FC, 419-1111 www.AWomansHealingCenter.com Banner OB/GYN & Midwife Services 1900 N. Boise Ave. #300, LV 820-2009 1647 E. 18th St., LV, 820-6730 2001 70th Ave. #302, GR, 810-6353 www.bannerhealth.com Nothern Colorado Doula Association www.nocodoulas.com UCHealth Women’s Care Clinic 1715 61st Ave., GR, 336-1500 www.uchealth.com The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado (UCHealth) 1107 S. Lemay Ave., FC 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., North Office Bldg., Ste. 150, LV 493-7442 www.fcwc.com

VISIT US ONLINE AT:

RMParent .com FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

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List of Advertisers 7 Adventure Child Development Center

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Larimer Health Connect

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FAMILY HEALTH GUIDE

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Registration for our main season Summer Recreational and Intermediate will open on January 15 mark your calendar! . . . . . . . . . .

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Today is the perfect day to begin your child’s musical journey at Foundation Music School!

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greeley district 6 news Gov. Hickenlooper visits Prairie Heights Middle

Colorado Gov. John visited Prairie Heights Middle School to hear about the school’s successes and to talk about his hopes for education in Colorado, even after he leaves office in January.

The governor is traveling around the state meeting with constituents in various organizations to gather information to write a transition plan for Colorado’s next governor. About 40 community members, Board of Education members, students and District 6 staff listened to the governor speak and answer questions from the audience Monday morning.

Prairie Heights Principal Dr. Dawn Hillman explained what it took to take Prairie Heights from one of the lowest performing schools in the state to one of the highest. “It’s really easy to forget what your kids can achieve,” Dr. Hillman said. “They deserve high expectations no matter what.”

Gov. Hickenlooper talked about 24

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how students and their learning needs have changed over the years.

He said it is more important than ever that students have opportunities for apprenticeships and internships, something District 6 has been focusing on in recent years.

He also said K-12 education needs more resources, including higher wages for teachers.

“We have to invest in our kids more significantly,” Gov. Hickenlooper said.

Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch introduced the governor. “We have the right focus and the right people in place doing the hard work for our students,” she said. “Their success academically, socially and emotionally is the best pay back we could ever hope for. And we appreciate all our partners in the community and at the state who have supported us in this work. We still have much to do and that motivates us to continue improving.”

BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESIDENT RETIRES; VACANCY OPEN Greeley-Evan School District 6 President Roger DeWitt will be stepping down from his position on the board by the end of December due to personal reasons.

Mr. DeWitt was originally appointed to the Board in 2013, to fill a position vacated by the resignation of Judy Kron from her director post. Later that year, he was elected to a fouryear position, and he was re-elected in November 2017. He has served as President of the Board since 2013.

“Mr. DeWitt has been a loyal, hardworking and engaged leader on our Board of Education,” said Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch. “While I fully understand his reasons for stepping down, he will sincerely be missed. He has given a great amount of his time and his attention to serving the students of District 6. He has been an excellent Board president..”

District 6 is now taking applications

for his replacement, whom will serve until the next regular biennial election in November 2019, when the seat will be open for election for a two-year term.

For more information or to access the application, visit www. greeleyschools.org/BOEvacancy.

DISTRICT 6 SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER WINS STATE HONOR The Colorado Association of School Boards presented Dr. Julia Richard with the McGuffey Award on Oct. 2 at the CASB Regional Meeting in Fort Collins. This award honors Board of Education members for their commitment to public education.

Dr. Richard was appointed to the Board of Education in 2010 and having won two elections, has served on the Greeley-Evans School District 6 Board faithfully and with dedication.

Her 20 years as a public school teacher serve to focus her work on the Board – specifically with regard to student learning, equity and opportunity. She

supported the initiation of blended learning in the District and urged continuation of AVID program development and International Baccalaureate programs for K-12. She has championed Career Pathways programming in order to develop student career savvy, while urging professional development programs for faculty and staff.

“I am grateful for this recognition and honor,” Dr. Richard said. “It has been a pleasure to serve on the Board of Education and work for the children of this community. We are focused on students and their achievement and on the improvements that will continue that positive trajectory.”

Dr. Richard continues to focus her work on elevating expectations and student performance.

PRAIRIE HEIGHTS RECEIVES GOLD LEED CERTIFICATION A gold plaque now hangs in the cafeteria at Prairie Heights Middle

School, designating the site as a Certified Gold LEED building.

The district has been working on achieving the Gold LEED Certification since Prairie Heights was opened in August 2015. The designation recognizes Prairie Heights uses the most environmentally sound materials, energy and water use and is designed as a sustainable and healthy site for students and staff.

“This building is safer in terms of health and a more stable environment for learning,” said Kent Henson, assistant superintendent of support services for District 6.

Overall, Prairie Heights costs 20 percent less to operate than other District 6 buildings of similar size. Some of the features that qualify the school for a Gold LEED Certification include non-toxic building materials, window seals that prevent air leakage, use of nature light, low-energy electrical systems and low-water flush toilets.

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poudre school district news High schoolers explore careers and earn credit Kathy Hanson says. “We want to get kids on campus and see that they can be successful there.”

The Concurrent Enrollment programs allow students to enroll in college courses in a way that best aligns with their interests and schedules. Students can take college classes at their high school or on a college campus.

“We want students to discover their passions and how they can pursue them through the best educational pathways,” Hanson said.

For more information about these programs and how to enroll, visit PSD’s concurrent enrollment web page.

Concurrent Enrollment programs at a glance:

Jada Barry has been tinkering with engines as long as she can remember.

“My uncle and I have worked on cars my whole life,” the Poudre High School senior says from inside the automotive shop at Front Range Community College. “I just really want to know what’s going on inside certain cars.”

This curiosity got Jada wondering about possible careers related to her passion. She was eager to jump in and didn’t want to wait until after high school to start taking a college automotive course.

Thanks to Career Pathways, one of Poudre School District’s Concurrent Enrollment programs, she didn’t have to.

Last spring, Jada signed up for an automotive and technology course at Front Range Community College and became one of more than 1,000 PSD high schoolers earning college credit.

Through strong partnerships with FRCC, Colorado State University, Aims Community College, and the University of Colorado, PSD students have many opportunities to explore college-level academics before earning 26

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their high school diplomas.

“The intent of concurrent enrollment is to get students thinking about their post-secondary education, even if they’ve never considered it before,” PSD Career and Technical Education Coordinator

• Aims Community College and FRCC offer concurrent enrollment courses at PSD high schools.

• CU Succeed: Students can enroll in University of Colorado Denver courses. These courses are taught by high school teachers credentialed to teach college courses and are offered at a reduced tuition rate.

• CSU Concurrent Enrollment: Students can take world language and math classes at

Colorado State University.

• ASCENT: Students walk with their graduating high school class, but technically stay enrolled in PSD for a fifth year so they can continue taking college courses.

The ASCENT Program increases the number of educational pathways available to students and decreases the time required for a student to complete a postsecondary credential. Some students can complete the program with an associate degree or professional certificate.

• Career Pathways: Students can take career-oriented courses at FRCC for a year. These yearlong courses are taught every weekday in two-hour blocks.

Students can choose to take the course for college credits, high school elective credits, or both.

ZACH AND TAVELLI NAMED BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS Two PSD schools were recognized

by U.S. Department of Education for exemplary performance

The U.S. Department of Education announced that Zach and Tavelli elementary schools were being recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools for 2018.

This prestigious award honors educators and school communities for creating positive environments where students can master engaging and challenging content. Nationwide, just 300 public schools and 49 private schools were recognized. Blue Ribbon award winners are honored in one of two performance categories based on data including student test scores.

Zach Elementary School was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School, an honor reserved for those that are among their state’s highest performing schools according to state assessments and nationally normed tests.

“Zach Elementary School continues to be a model of excellence,” PSD Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools Todd Lambert says. “The students

achieve and grow at the highest levels because of the talented staff and the strong commitment to education from Zach learning community. This honor is well-deserved and a testament to their hard work and dedication.”

Tavelli Elementary School was also honored for student achievement.

“It is no surprise that Tavelli has received this honor,” Lambert says.

“The school administration and staff have worked tirelessly to empower the students in the school to take control of their learning and chase their passions.

The Colorado Department of Education has recognized Tavelli for their achievement. Now it’s time to take that to the national level.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is now in its 36th year. On Nov. 7-8, the Secretary of Education and Department of Education will celebrate with the honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

visit rmparent magazine online for: community news healthy living family activities events calendar

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thompson school district news Jogathon a success

Cottonwood Plains Elementary School’s “Jogathon” is one of the building’s biggest fundraisers. Students, staff and volunteers encouraged each other to do their best as the group moved its way around the track this year. A special thanks goes out to everyone who helped make this year’s “Jogathon” a huge success.

TSD WORKS ON NEWS STRATEGIC PLAN At the core and heart of any organization is its mission, vision and strategic plan. These necessary components provide a direction and a compass as well as a “True North” for what we aspire to be and what we hope to achieve. This year, Thompson School District will embark on a journey to bring into focus its future direction and vision with the ultimate goal of developing and then deploying a new Strategic Plan.

The first step in the process was 28

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to convene a stakeholders group to begin to conceptualize and discuss what the portrait of a Thompson School District graduate should be. As students matriculate through the system from early childhood through 12th grade, the community has the unique opportunity to help shape and develop TSD graduates to be college, career, community and future-ready. But what does this really mean? What are the skills, attributes, dispositions and abilities that students need to be able to successfully confront the challenges and opportunities that an undefined future brings? These are the important questions that the district invited stakeholders to grapple with as it begins to define and construct the collective vision for a TSD graduate.

The first meeting was held on October 29 in the District administrative office. Members of the community were invited to attend to provide perspective, voice and insight around these important questions. Further updates regarding this process will be released soon. TSD news.

Ridge Elementary School. Mayor Troxell spoke about his job as mayor and about how systems of government work together to create an organization. The school greatly appreciated the opportunity to visit with him!

FALL RETREAT INSPIRES STUDENTS Mountain View High School students recently spent the day at Sylvan Dale

Ranch for the 4th Annual “Loveland Integrated School of the Arts” Fall Retreat. A total of 115 students rotated through different workshops, including a team-building obstacle course, yoga, slam poetry, African drumming and dance and art therapy by the river. All of the sessions were led by local artists under the theme of using the arts for social and emotional well-being.

MAYOR VISITS 4TH-GRADERS AT COYOTE RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Fort Collins mayor Wade Troxell recently visited 4th-graders at Coyote RMPARENT

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NOVEMBER 2018 ONGOING ONGOING MONDAYS Be You Parenting Online Live Radio Show Listen live or hear archived shows. 11am12noon. www.inspiredchoicesnetwork. com/author/marydravisparrish.

MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS Read and Seed Preschool readiness activities including story and related craft. Ages 2-5 with adult. Registration required for groups of more than five students. $3. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 1010:45am & 11-11:45am. 416-2486, www. fcgov.com/gardens.

SECOND THURSDAYS Hugs Social Group for Grandparents and Other Kin Raising Kin Connect with others in similar situations.

Mountain View Presbyterian Church, 2500 N. Garfield Ave., LV. 11:30am-1:30pm.

669-2837, www.GrandFamilyCoalition. com.

FOURTH THURSDAYS Hugs Social Group for Grandparents and Other Kin Raising Kin Connect with others in similar situations.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 5450 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 12noon-2:30pm.

669-2837, www.GrandFamilyCoalition. com.

NOVEMBER 1 THROUGH JANUARY 15 Open Enrollment for Connect for Health Colorado Free appointments through Larimer Health Connect or North Colorado Health Alliance (in Weld County) to learn your options, apply for financial assistance and enroll in plan of your choice for 2019. Se habla espanol!

Appointments available at multiple locations.

Larimer Health Connect, 472-0444, larimerhealthconnect.org. North Colorado Health Alliance, 350-4673, www. northcoloradohealthalliance.org.

NOVEMBER 2 & 3 Colorado Mission of Mercy FREE Dental Care Clinic 125-chair dental clinic with services for adults, elderly and children who cannot afford dental care. No appointments. First come, first served. Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N. 14th Ave., GR. Doors open 6am. 720-648-0919, www.comom.org.

36th Annual Ski & Sports Swap Buy/sell new/used ski, water, camping, sports and outdoor equipment to support Loveland Parks & Recreation. Chilson Recreation Center, 700 E. Fourth St., LV. Friday: 5-9pm, Saturday: 8:30-1pm. 9622446, www.cityofloveland.org.

NOVEMBER 7, 14, 28 ADHD Parent Education Education, guidance and concrete strategies for parenting a child with ADHD. Book included. Parents of children 6-13 years. $20-all 3 sessions.

CAYAC, 1302 S. Shields St. A1-2, FC. 12noon– 1pm. 530-2842, www. healthdistrict.org/classes-trainings-andtalks.

THROUGH NOVEMBER 11 Mary Poppins Everyone’s favorite, practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown. Times vary. 744-3747, www.

ColoradoCandlelight.com.

NOVEMBER 16 & 17 Holiday Home Tour Tour four beautiful homes in Timnath that have been decorated for the holidays by local florists and decorators to benefit Voices Carry Child Advocacy Center. $25in advance, $30-day of event. Harmony Club neighborhood, Timnath. www. voicescarrycac.org.

Hours of Operation: M-Th 8-5pm, Fri 8-4 Fort Collins (970) 493-7442

Loveland (970) 493-7442

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

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Join us this season for the best of Fort Collins: bikes, beer, farms, food and fun.

We create fortified connections through events with a purpose.

OUR 2018 SEASON

F O R T I F I E D C O L L A B O R AT I O N S . C O M

9/16 Harvest Moon Salmon Bake 10/7 Harvest Brunch

CULTIVATED BY:

10/20 Bounty and Brews Beer Dinner 11/11 Mad Farmer Dinner

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NOVEMBER 23 THROUGH DECEMBER 31 Scrooge , The Musical Based on the 1970 movie, Scrooge.

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown. Times vary.

744-3747, www.ColoradoCandlelight.com.

THROUGH DECEMBER 30 Betty Woodman Tribute Exhibition Renowned artist and CU professor’s exuberant ceramic vases, sculptures and prints. $5-general admission; Freemembers. Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. Hours vary. 962-2410 www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

THROUGH JANUARY 6 National Geographic Exhibition: Photo Ark Features large-format images of endangered species taken by worldrenowned photographer Joel Sartore. $4-entrance fee plus admission; Freemembers. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10am-5pm 221-6738, www.fcmod.org/photoark.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Over on a Mountain Discover 20 cool animals, 10 mountain ranges and seven continents in Otterbox Digital Dome then head to Learning Lab for a craft. Ages 3-5. Registration recommended. $5/child ($4-members).

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10:15-11am. 221-6738 www.fcmod.org.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Grand Opening of “Stories and Textiles from the Ayore People” The Ayore are a tribe of roughly 4,000 to 6,000 people who live in what is now known as Bolivia and Paraguay. All ages.

Half-price admission: $2.50-adults; $1.50-seniors/students; $.50-youth.

Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, Hall Gallery, 200 W. Mountain Ave. FC. 6-9 pm. 221-4600 www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Front Range Chamber Players’ Children’s Concert: The Steadfast Tin Soldier Performance of the Hans Christian Andersen’s story. Ages PreK-10. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC, 9:30am and Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC, 11:30am. 221-6740 www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Designing 3D Models with Tinkercad for Kids Ages 13+. Registration required. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10am.

221-6740, www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Día de Los Muertos Centennial Park Celebratio Culturally authentic celebration to honor memory of deceased loved ones: sugar skull decorating, face painting, aroma therapy bracelets, paper flowers, storyteller, music, snacks. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 11am. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Book Signing with Jude Randazzo Meet the author of the new book, The Gray Fedora. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 1-2pm. 484-7898 www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

Cartoon Character Development & Design Workshop Explore basic shapes in 2D designs and adding exaggerated features to create unique, appealing characters. Ages 7-12. $20-members, $25-non-members. Museum of Art-Fort Collins, 201 S. College Ave. FC. 1-4pm. www.moafc.org/events.

Fort Collins Symphony Masterworks 2 Concert: Paris to Prague Brahms’ Double Concerto for Violin and Cello features two guest artists: New York Philharmonic assistant concertmaster Michelle Kim and renowned cellist Clive Greensmith. $35-55, students-$5 with ID. Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7:30pm. 482-4823, www.fcsymphony.org.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Teen Canvas and Cocoa Cocoa, sweet treats and a painting session.

Registration required; Grades 6-12.

Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., Evans.

2pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Straight No Chaser “One Shot Tour” Neither straight-laced nor straight-faced, one of the most popular a cappella groups in the world today. $75/$55/$38. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7pm. 356-5000, www.ucstars.com.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Lincoln Park Singers Singing, dancing, caroling, more. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 4:30pm.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure Immersive show exploring unknown ocean depths where prehistoric reptiles lived eons ago. $5. Union Colony Civic Center 701 10th Ave., GR. 6:30pm. 356-5000 www.ucstars.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Book Talk with Betsy Dornbusch and Mario Acevedo Colorado authors will discuss their latest SciFi/Fantasy genre books. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6pm.

484-7898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

Still Coming Home Moderated converRead work by Denver veteran writers in anthology “Still Coming Home” and talk with authors, editors and community members about their experience of conflict and challenges returning to civilian life. Copies of anthology provided. Ages 13+. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6-7:30pm. www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Bicycle Friendly Driver Learn about traffic safety and avoiding crashes for both cyclists and motorists.

Ages 15+. Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 E. Willow St., FC. 6:30-8pm.

221-6987, www.fcgov.com/bicycling/ bikeautumn.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Greeley History Brown Bag Series This month’s topic: Battlefields, Cemeteries and Monuments of WWI in Europe by Don Runnells. Greeley History Museum Community Room, 714 8th St. GR. 12–1pm. 350-9222.

Magnetic Mayhem Create liquid magnets, levitating pencils and magnetic art. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 4pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

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Vienna Boys Choir Modern-day descendant of the boys’ choirs of the Viennese Court, with boy sopranos and altos. $42, +$15-VIP. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 962-2120 www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Beyond the Classroom: Intro to Spanish for Kids Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Pigskin Peanuts Writing Party Led by Poet Kathleen Willard. Includes admission, two drinks, light snacks, writing workshop and open mic. RSVP required. $10-members, $15-nonmembers. Museum of Art-Fort Collins, 201 S. College Ave., FC. 6-8:30pm. 482-2787 www.moafc.org/events.

Winter Friends Fairy Garden Build an ice-skating adventure in this wintery fairy garden. Plants, materials and figurines included. All ages. $30. Gulley Greenhouse and Garden Center, 6029 S. Shields St., FC. 10:30-11:30am. 223-4769, www.gulleygreenhouse.com.

Henna-mazing Hands-on class explores how to create beautiful henna designs including basics for symmetrical and asymmetrical creations. Registration required. Grades 6-12. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 11am. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Book Signing with Robert Baron Meet the author of the new book, The Light Shines From the West. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 1-2pm. 4847898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

Stargazing with Northern Colorado Astronomical Society (NCAS) Get an up-close look at the night sky over the Rockies. Telescopes provided. All ages. Registration encouraged. Devil’s Backbone Open Space parking lot, just west of Loveland on Hwy. 34. 7-9pm. https://offero.larimer.org.

Eruption! Exploring Kilauea and the Volcanic Origins of Hawai’i Presented by Steven Anderson, UNC Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences professor. All ages. $5. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 1-3pm. 221-4600, www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Veterans Day Breakfast The Fort Collins Golden K Kiwanis Club and Fort Collins Senior Center honors America’s veterans and their families for their patriotism, service and sacrifice. All ages. Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr. FC. 7-10am. 221-6644 www.fcgov.com/recreation.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Football Funnies Workshop Local children’s author, Natasha Wing, shares how to create silly monsters, spaceships or animals from football shape. Then make cartoon panel with your character. Ages 7-12. $15-members, $20-non-members. Museum of Art-Fort Collins, 201 S. College Ave., FC. 2-5pm.

482-2787, www.moafc.org/events.

World Language Books in French All ages. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10am.221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org.

Museum Takeover: Weather and Climate What does weather have to do with climate? What is climate change, and why is it important? Ages 5+. Normal admission fees. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10am-1pm.

221-6738, www.fcmod.org.

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Cycling in Winter Learn how to prepare for winter bicycling to ride safely and confidently. Ages 12+.

Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 E. Willow St., FC. 5:30-7pm. 221-6987, www.fcgov.com/bicycling/bikeautumn.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Parent of Teen Drivers Class Tips about new driver insurance coverage, communicating about safety and setting limits. “Teaching Your Teen to Drive” manual and lunch provided. Parents of teens ages 14-16. Weld County Training Center, 1104 H St., GR. 12noon-1pm.

304-2325, www.drivesmartweldcounty. org.

Kid’s Crafterschool: Clay Creation Learn new skills and create amazing gifts. Supplies provided. Grades 3-5.

Registration required. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 3:30pm. 888861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Still Coming Home Read work by Denver veteran writers in anthology “Still Coming Home” and talk with authors, editors and community members about their experience of conflict and challenges returning to civilian life.

Copies of anthology provided. Ages 13+.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6-7:30pm. www.PoudreLibraries.org.

DimeStories at the Forge Writers of all skill levels are invited to read 3-minute prose stories among their peers. The Forge Publick House, 255 Old Firehouse Alley, FC. 6:30pm sign up, 7pm readings start. 484-7898 www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Light Up the Night-Bike Light Giveaway Stop by for a free bike light to ride bright and learn about safe bicycling. All ages.

Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 E. Willow St., FC. 4:30-6:30pm. 221-6987, www.fcgov.com/bicycling/bikeautumn.

Jim Messina From the original country/rock band, Poco to teaming with Kenny Loggins to solo performer. $42, VIP Fundraiser: $159-couple , $89-individual). Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 9622120, www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

Screens & Teens: Navigating Safety in a Digital Era For Thompson School District parents, staff, secondary students and community members. Mountain View High School, 3500 Mountain Lion Dr., LV. 5:308:30pm. www.thompsonschools.org.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Winter Recreator Registration Day Registration opens for all winter Recreator programs including Junior Rams, ski trips, arts and crafts, more. All ages. Any City of Fort Collins Recreation facility. Begins at 7am. 221-6655, www.fcgov.com/recreator.

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Fun with Ollie the Otter Hear how to follow your dreams, enjoy snacks and meet Ollie the Otter. PreK1st grade. Otter Shop, 151 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 11am-12noon. 825-5650. www. facebook.com/ottershop.

Mystery Hour with Mark Stevens and Margaret Mizushima Colorado authors will discuss the latest books in their mystery series. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6pm. 4847898, www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

Spencer Zweifel Trio House Concert Evening of jazz and Charlie Brown favorites as interpreted by Spencer Zweifel Trio. $10-members, $15-non-members.

Museum of Art-Fort Collins, 201 S. College Ave., FC. 6:30pm. 482-2787, www.moafc. org/events.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Drop-In Coding Club for Tweens Ages 9-13. Old Town Library 201 Peterson St., FC. 3:30pm. 221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Fort Collins Nursery Holiday Open House Holiday music, treats, trees, décor, ornaments, more. Santa on site for tykes with toy lists. All ages. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry, FC. 10am-3pm. 482-1984 www.FortCollinsNursery.com.

Little Explorers: Rainforest Rhythms Drumming, dancing, singing and crafts with the Union Colony Children’s Music Academy (UCCMA) while learning about world’s precious rainforests. Space limited to first 30 children. Ages 3-6. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., Evans. 10:30am.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Ready, Set, Create! Spantastic Bridges Design and build structures to resist the forces of nature. All supplies provided.

Registration required. Grades 2-5 with adult. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 2pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

World Language Books in Arabic All ages. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 4pm.221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

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Skygazing Northern Colorado Astronomical Society provides telescopes and expertise about stars, planets and galaxies. Bring blankets/ chairs. All ages. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, 3340 Carpenter Rd., FC. 7:30-9:30pm. 416-2815, www.fcgov.com/ register.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Discovering the Dutch Visually stunning documentary film explores history of this Northwest European country. $7. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 2pm. 3565000, www.ucstars.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Free Day at Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures All ages. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 11am-5pm. 221-4600, www. globalvillagemuseum.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Book Signing with Barbara Tyner Meet author of the new middle-grade novel, Rhyaden. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 1-2pm. 484-7898 www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Elvis: Salute to the Blue George Gray and the Elvis Experience Band return for 11th annual concert honoring men/women in law enforcement. $50/$25/$17. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 2pm. 356-5000, www. ucstars.com.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Cycling in Winter Learn how to prepare for winter bicycling to ride safely and confidently. Ages 12+.

Jax Outdoor, 950 E. Eisenhower Blvd., LV. 7-8pm. 221-6987, www.fcgov.com/ bicycling/bikeautumn.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Kid’s Crafterschool: Fingerprint Art Learn new skills and create amazing gifts. Grades 3-5. Registration required.

Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 3:30pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Still Coming Home Read work by Denver veteran writers in anthology “Still Coming Home” and talk with authors, editors and community members about their experience of conflict and challenges returning to civilian life.

Copies of anthology provided. Ages 13+.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6-7:30pm. www.PoudreLibraries.org.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Ugly Holiday Sweaters for Teens Create your own ugly sweater. All sweaters and supplies provided. Grades 6-12.

Registration required. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 221-6740, www.poudrelibraries.org.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Learn how to help an adolescent who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis or problem. Ages 18+. Littler Prevention Campus, 2350 3rd St. Rd., GR. 8am-5pm. 347-2395, www. northrange.org/resources/mental-healthfirst-aid.

MoA Lunch ‘n Lecture: Life of Charles Schulz and Impact of Peanuts Includes lunch at Jay’s Bistro, presentation and exhibition tour. $50. Museum of ArtFort Collins, 201 S. College Ave., FC. 12noon. 482-2787, www.moafc.org/events.

Beyond the Classroom: Upcycled Snowflakes Repurpose plastic bottles into beautiful snowflake decorations using pearl paint and learn about snowflake formation too.

Registration required. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm. 888861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Finding Your Inner All Star With riveting and humorous detail, Abdul-Jabbar recounts his exciting evolution from street ball player to successful athlete, author, producer and community activist. $120/$88/$60. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 356-5000, www.ucstars.com.

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November Holiday Events

ONGOING EVENTS

NOVEMBER 2 THROUGH FEBRUARY 14 Downtown Fort Collins Holiday Lights Thousands of strands of brilliant white lights illuminate alleyways, sidewalks and tree tops. Old Town, Oak Street Plaza, FC. Lighting begins on Nov. 2, 5:30pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

BEGINNING MID-NOVEMBER The Ice Rink at The Promenade Shops at Centerra Open 7-days a week with all-inclusive, all-day pricing. All ages. $8-children 12 & under, $9-adults. Main Plaza of The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. 667-5283 www.theicerinkattheshops.com.

NOVEMBER 16 THROUGH JANUARY 1 Loveland’s Winter Wonderlights Daily walkable holiday lighting attraction with musical shows. Performers and local vendors onsite Friday and Saturday nights through Dec. 15. All ages. Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, Sky Pond Dr., LV. 5-9pm. www.visitlovelandco.org/ winterwonderlights.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22 THROUGH JANUARY 12 Warm Wishes Scarf Project Donate new or handmade scarves, hats, mittens, etc. to FoCo Café along with a message of hope (quote, drawing, story) to be shared with those in need. FoCo Café, 225 Maple St., FC. 9am-5pm. www.facebook.com/FoCoCafe.

NOVEMBER 23 THROUGH 24 Holiday Artisan Market Annual premier craft fair with 100+ artisans and crafters offering handmade creations. All ages. Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. 10am-4pm. www.fcgov.com/recreation.

NOVEMBER 23 THROUGH DECEMBER 1 Greeley Festival of Trees A winter wonderland filled with trees, wreaths and holiday collections.

Adults-$3; All other ages-$2. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. www.greeleyfestivaloftrees.com.

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NOVEMBER 24 THROUGH 25 Berthoud Dance Company: The Nutcracker $17-adults, $15-seniors/students. Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. Saturday: 1pm, 7:30pm; Sunday: 2pm. www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

8th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Visit with Santa, enjoy snacks, shops and live music. The ceremonial tree lighting will occur at 6pm. George Hix Riverside Plaza, 184 W. Elkhorn Ave., EP. 4-6pm. www.visitestespark.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 The Nutcracker and The Four Realms Movie Premiere Kick off Nutcracker season with this special premiere. All ages. $16. Cinemark, 4721 S.Timberline Rd., FC. 7pm. 472-4156, www.facebook.com/CanyonConcertBallet.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22 FoCo Café’s 4th Anniversary and Special Thanksgiving Celebration Give thanks with good friends and a very special and more extensive lunch menu.

Warm Wishes Scarf project kicks off too.

All ages. No charge. FoCo Cafe, 225 Maple St., FC. 309-368-1659, www.facebook. com/FoCoCafe.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Festive Holiday Dishes Cooking class for homemade, festive cuisine to share around the table with friends and family. Ages 18+. WindsorSeverance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6:30-7:30pm. www.clearviewlibrary.org.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Catch the Glow Christmas Parade & Celebration Get ready for the evening parade with family hayrides and visits with Santa.

Elkhorn Ave., Downtown EP. 5:30pm.

577-9900, www.visitestespark.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Adaptive Recreation’s Thanksgiving Meal & Dance Adaptive Recreation Opportunities (ARO) brings together adults with disabilities and their families, friends and/or supportive living providers for a traditional, homemade feast of gratitude and fun. All ages. Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. 5-8pm. 221-6655 www.fcgov.com/aro.

Face Holiday Concert: Rockin’ in a winter wonderland!

Enjoy special brand of all-vocal rock. All ages. $36/$26. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7pm. www.lctix.com.

EVENTS BY DATE

Foothills Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival Enjoy tree lighting, Santa’s arrival and The Pond ice show. All ages. The Pond, 215 E. Foothills Pkwy., FC. 6-8pm. 226-5555, www.shopfoothills.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Fort Collins Nursery Holiday Open House Holiday music, treats, trees, décor, ornaments, visit with Santa, more. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry, FC. 10am-3pm. 482-1984, www.

FortCollinsNursery.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Whoville Holiday Explore the Festival of Trees through the lens of the classic tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. $5.75. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 9am-12noon.

356-5000, www.ucstars.com.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party Fun and quirky take on the holidays with American swing and jazz music. All ages.

Prices vary. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7:30pm. www.lctix.com.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Complimentary horse-drawn carriage ride down Main Street. All ages. Main Plaza of The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. 12-4pm. 461-1285 www.thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com.

Fort Collins Favorite

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50% DISCOUNT For New Patients

INCLUDES EXAM, CLEANING, X-RAYS AND FLUORIDE.

-MENTION THIS AD WHEN CALLING(970) 484-4104

4609 S. Timberline Rd.• Suite 103B

www.RockiesKidsDds.com 2

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time out Adventure on the open road Refresh, connect and maybe learn a little K ATIE HARRIS

W

e all find ourselves needing to escape from real life now and again. For some, that might take the form of a day at the spa, pampering every worry away; or an all-inclusive trip to somewhere tropical, where the only decision to be made is Piña Colada or Mai Tai (why not both?)

For me, the perfect escape has always been hitting the open road, seeking whatever adventure might lie ahead. These road trips often involve little more than running through the now memorized list of basics we’ll need and shoving them in the trunk before choosing a general direction and starting on our way.

I have yet to return home from one of our spur of the moment adventures feeling anything but refreshed, connected with my kids, and even a little more worldly. As my kids have grown up in this lifestyle, they too look forward to our semi-crazy adventures with high spirits, positive attitudes, and only mild trepidation for the shenanigans we might find ourselves involved in.

Our most recent journey consisted of just under 50 hours on the road over a one-week span, and yet not a single cry of “I’m bored,” or the infamous, “Are we there yet?” pierced the air as we drove across one state border and then another, oftentimes for hours on end, just for the reward of a 30-minute stop at a glorified hole in the ground (Meteor Crater, AZ) or a pile of old logs (Petrified Forest, AZ).

Excitement is contagious, so while other families strolled through the forest of old logs seeing nothing but exactly that, we stopped and read the signs, the kids’ eyes widening as we exclaimed over the fact that T-Rexes once walked through the same forest, crunching their way over the very same logs that my 9-year-old was perched on right at that moment. At Mesa Verde (CO) we put ourselves in the 42

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Ancestral Puebloans’ shoes, imagining what each room in the ancient pit houses was likely used for, each of us clamoring to claim the largest bedroom for ourselves.

Another trick I’ve found to making these escapes feel more like adventures and less like educational field trips, is to give the kids ownership. My 9-year-old was mesmerized upon crossing over the Glen Canyon Dam (AZ) on our way to Lake Powell (AZ/UT). Although never intended to be a stop on our journey, the 4th tallest dam in the U.S. turned out to have a visitor’s center, and that visitor’s center, in all its dam informative glory, turned out to be my son’s favorite stop of the trip. We spent over an hour at the visitor’s center alone, cutting into our beach time, and as it turned out no one minded a bit.

Of course, on an impromptu road

trip with kids, a good sense of humor is the most important thing you can pack.

It’s come in handy for us many times over the years, including the time when I left the rain flap off the tent on a zero percent chance of precipitation evening at Goblin Valley (UT), only to spend the entire night being pummeled by downfalls and 50-mph winds. We braved the storm, huddled in a corner of the tent, and still joke about the incident to this day. (And, yes, I still leave the rain flap off every time—we all agreed that it’s worth the risk to fall asleep under the stars.)

I’m sure there’s something to be said for the thought-out family vacation, but for me, extensive planning and pricey hotels and airfare just don’t say relaxation. For this mama, a tank of gas, an open road, and the ones I love most are the perfect recipe for escape.

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