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Holiday Guide DECEMBER 2014
PUBLISHER, Scott Titterington EDITOR, Kristin Titterington CREATIVE DIRECTOR, Emily Zaynard ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR, Greg Hoffman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS, Linda Osmundson, Kim Sharpe, Janet Werst COVER PHOTO, Cheri Schonfeld Copyright 2014 Rocky Mountain Publishing, 825 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521, 970-221-9210. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. ABOUT THE COVER: M.L. Johnson and grandaughter Caitlyn explore the holiday goodies at Kilwin’s Chocolates &n Ice Cream in Old Town Fort Collins.
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It’s a smaller world after all Use technology to connect with your grandkids LINDA OSMUNDSON
O
n Facebook, a post showed a baby with the words: “Saw it, Liked it, Asked Grandma, Got it.” That’s me. Grandparents play an important part in the lives of their grandchildren not only at holidays but all year long. Connecting with distant grandkids takes cooperation from everyone. Our whole family works hard to keep us all connected. My son covered a wall with framed family pictures. Another used their screen saver to share the family pictures. Are you computer literate? If not, buy an inexpensive computer or tablet and let the grandkids teach you to use email, web-cam viewing such as Skype, Google Hangout, or iPad and iPhone’s Facetime. I learned how to use computers at Senior Center classes. My grands taught me to text. Staying connected with adolescents is hard. Few tweens or teens care to interact publicly with parents or grandparents. Respect their privacy. My teens ask that I not post on their Facebook accounts; it’s for friends. I “like” whatever they’ve posted and only occasionally comment. For instance, when one granddaughter was chosen first violinist, I posted “congratulations.” When another’s team won a soccer tournament, I posted “congratulations.” When a third placed in a speaking competition, I posted “congratulations.” Be a lurker. Follow what they do with friends and find opportunities in spoken or written conversations to talk about what their friends say. Keep abreast of teens by reading what they read. Even though The Hunger Games may not be your favorite genre, read and discuss it. See some of the same movies, like The Fault in Our Stars or The Giver. With younger children watch Disney movies—Frozen or Tangled. All ages require you understand computers and/or phones. If unable to attend a grandchild’s activity, ask for a video. I watched my twin grandsons ski their first hill. Our son sent a video of a missed violin concert so we’d witness her solos. Grandpar-
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ents can also video their own activities or upload photos on Facebook or in emails. I’ve sent them scrapbooks or photo albums of our visits. After a Dixieland jazz festival, I shared photos of our dancing, the bands, and the younger people doing the Lindy Hop. Put your refrigerator to work. I make sure the grandchildren know I cover the door with their art or photos. When they were very young, I gathered family pictures: aunts, uncles,
magazine at the library; then discuss an article or photo in your next phone conversation or letter. Believe it or not, they enjoy getting regular mail. Attending all their activities or special events—first communion, graduations, special award ceremonies, or holidays—may be impossible but keep the connection alive. Send homemade cookies for the celebration. In our case, I mail potica—our family’s traditional holiday bread—for Easter, Thanksgiv-
cousins, parents, siblings, and grandparents. My “Look Who Loves You” book kept the whole family connected and recognized. A “Book of the Month Club” started as a birthday or Christmas gift. I sent each child a book every month for a year. All books included an inscription—“From Nana and Papa.” You might record your reading on a CD. This year I’m sending magazine subscriptions for Christmas—such as Highlights for Children. Choose something of interest to the child, maybe a sports or musicthemed magazine. Take time to read the
ing, and Christmas. Someday I hope to teach the girls how to make it. When the family gets together, create a cousin camp. We spread sleeping bags, cots, or blow-up mattresses over the basement recreation room floor then play games. Papa gathers the younger children and reads to them. I pull out old photo albums and share past hairdos, clothing, and antics of their parents or watch old movies. Use some of these suggestions whether you live down the street or miles away. Keep connected and enjoy the experience.
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Safe holiday travel with children Avoid travel problems by careful planning JANET WERST
A
s the holidays approach, many of you will be taking trips to visit friends and relatives across the country. Make sure to include the car seat on your packing list. For peace of mind and comfort all around, it is best and safest to take your own car seat when traveling. You cannot guarantee the safety, cleanliness, or ease of use of someone else’s car seat—either from a rental-car company or a borrowed one. If traveling by airplane, Safe Kids Larimer County and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommend using a car seat in an aircraft whenever possible. At a minimum, infants under a year old and 20 pounds or to the highest weight of the harness straps should be restrained in a rearfacing car seat on the plane and an older child should be restrained using a forward-facing car seat to the upper weight limits of the harness. Booster seats cannot be used in an airplane. Additional air and road travel safety tips for parents: • The FAA advises travelers with small children to reserve a window seat for the car seat. Car seats are not allowed in aisle seats or exit rows as they could block emergency escape routes. • Whenever possible, buy a child his or her own airplane seat to ensure an approved car seat can be used. Parents cannot rely on there being empty seats onboard an aircraft, especially during holiday travel season, and holding a child on an adult’s lap is not the safest option as turbulence can occur at any time jostling the child from your arms. If you will not be purchasing a seat for your child, gate-check your car seat. • Children who have outgrown car seats with a harness at 40 or more pounds should sit in the airplane seat and, like all passengers, keep the lap belt buckled across their thighs or hips. Booster seats
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are not allowed on airplanes, as they require shoulder belts, while airplane seats have lap belts only. Gate-check your child’s booster seat so you may use it upon arrival to your destination. • Before heading out on a road trip, double check that your car seat is securely installed in the vehicle. Also, be sure the seat’s harness straps are snug fitting on your child’s body and the chest clip is centered at
the armpit level. Your child should be comfortable in the seat so don’t forget that special stuffed animal or blanket to cuddle for the ride. • Need help installing your car seat? Visit www.sklarimer.org for a list of car seat inspection stations that can help ensure you are traveling safely in your car. For more information about aircraft child passenger safety, visit the “Flying With Children” page at www.faa.gov/ passengers/fly_ children/crs/. For information about car seats general safety tips, visit www.safekids.org. Janet Werst is the Injury Prevention and Safe Kids Larimer County Coordinator at UCHealth.
Plan ahead for unfamiliar settings Talk to your host or hostess about ways you can work together to childproof some areas of the home to protect their belongings and your child. Many childhood poisonings occur when children find medications in purses/bags left on the floor. Ask that these items be kept up high or in a closet. Check under the bathroom sink to ensure cleaning supplies and medications are not stored there. If so, ask to keep the bathroom door closed. Recommend that valuable/breakable ornaments are not placed on the lower branches of the tree and holiday plants (poinsettia) are put out of reach. Take new toys (or ones they haven’t played with in a while) to entertain their little minds and hands so things that are not toys don’t tempt them. Schedule activities outside the house to allow children to safely burn off their energy without you worrying they will break something.
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Diverse traditions
Share common threads
Celebrate the holidays with family, friends, food and fun
Kim Sharpe
H
ow do you feel about the holidays? Do you get swept away in the torrent of seasonal festivities or shun them like Scrooge? Do holidays have religious significance for you with celebrations steeped in tradition or do you traditionally shy away from the religious aspects of Holy Days? Regardless of your leanings, the next few weeks of winter are packed with celebrations of all kinds.
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The Chinese New Year, sometimes called the Spring Festival, begins on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar and continues for about a week; it will be celebrated February 9-15 in 2015. The Chinese New Year signifies a time to focus on the family and engage in rituals meant to bring good luck and long life to loved ones. Its activities include a fastidious cleaning of homes to rid them of “huigi” or “inauspicious
breaths” and to pass an inspection by cleanliness-loving gods. Fireworks are set off to further scare away evil spirits. One of the most important features of the Chinese New Year is the food. Whether offered sacrificially to the gods or devoured in several courses, food reigns supreme. During the first few days of the New Year, people eat long
noodles to bring them long life. On the last day, people enjoy round dumplings, which symbolize the whole family unit and perfection. Christmas is a Christian holiday observed on December 25 by billions of people around the globe; it’s the most widely celebrated winter holiday in the U.S. Walk into any retail store by mid-October and you’re likely to be bombarded by glittering displays designed to entice shoppers to begin their Christmas gift-buying binge. Christmas traditions include lighting Advent candles—one each week for four weeks leading up to Christmas Day when the fifth candle is lit— to symbolize the anticipated coming of Christ; gift giving, which recognizes the gift Christ is to mankind, as well as the gifts delivered to him by the three wise men; and Nativity scenes depicting the humble stable setting where Christ was born. More secular Christmas traditions include characters like Jolly Old Saint Nick, his elves and reindeer that pull a sleigh loaded with gifts; evergreen trees decorated with tinsel and lights; and tasty treats like sugar cookies, sugar plums and peppermint lattes. Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukkah) is an eight-day Jewish festival that falls somewhere between November and December according to the Jewish lunar calendar. Also known as the Festival of Lights, it’s a time to celebrate Israel’s freedom from Greek rule, and the reclamation and rededication of the Temple. The celebration also includes remembering the miracle when one day’s worth of oil used for lighting a ceremonial lamp lasted for eight days. Modern celebrations involve lighting menorahs (a candelabra which holds nine candles—eight to represent the eight days and nights of the miracle and the ninth, which is used to light the others); reciting
prayers and singing songs when lighting menorahs; eating delicious food fried in oil (again recognizing the miracle) like potato latkes (pancakes); and playing dreidel, a spinning top game. Hogmanay is a Scottish celebration that has its roots in the Viking celebration of Yule, which contributed to the establishment of the Twelve Days of
Christmas or the “Daft Days” as they are sometimes referred to in Scotland. The word “Hogmanay” means the last day of the year and basically is the Scottish way of saying New Year’s Eve. According to the Scotch Presbyterian Eloquence, “It is ordinary among some plebeians in the South of Scotland to go about from door to door upon New Years Eve, crying Hagmane!” Hogmanay celebrations also include a lot of food in the form of rich fruitcakes called “Black Buns” and buttery short breads. Kwanzaa begins on Friday, December 26, 2014, and ends on Thursday, January 1, 2015. It’s a week-long celebration of family, community and culture, and it honors the African heritage. Each day of Kwanzaa focuses on one of
seven principles: Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. Like other winter holidays, gift giving and feasts are part of the Kwanzaa festivities. Common Kwanzaa epicurean treats include everything from Caribbean fruits and jerk sauce to classic southern-style sweet potatoes, catfish, black-eyed peas and collard greens. Homes are decorated in colorful hues of red, green and black. Family, friends, food and fun seem to be the themes that run through all of these celebrations which points out that perhaps we’re all really more alike than not. To experience several winter festive traditions at once, attend “Winter Around the World,” Saturday, December 6, 2-5pm, at the Community of Christ Church Auditorium, 220 E. Oak St., Fort Collins. This cultural celebration will feature local performers, and appetizers and desserts from around the world. A silent auction and door prizes will generate proceeds to support the Intercultural Community Builders (www.intercultural communutybuilders.org). Holiday Guide
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calendar
HOLIDAY DECEMBER 5 THROUGH JANUARY 1 Garden of Lights See your favorite perennial flower beds, a brilliant blue LED pond and a Primordial Forest all created entirely from holiday lights. During the weekends, visit with Santa, listen to holiday music and enjoy warm drinks. $2 suggested donation Monday-Thursday; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, ticketed admission required. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 5-9pm. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.
DECEMBER 5 AND 6 Acoustic Eidolon: Friends Across the Ocean Acoustic Eidolon returns to the Rialto for their annual Holiday concert! Joining them this year is Celtic Harpist Thomas Loef ke from Berlin, Germany. $20 adult, $15 senior/ student. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 970-962-2120 or www.cityofloveland.org
DECEMBER 12-14 Canyon Concert Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” Canyon Concert Ballet is proud to present two performances of Artistic Director Daniel R. Simmons’ The Nutcracker this holiday season. Ticket prices and show times vary. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. www.lctix.com or 970-221-6730. The Nutcracker Colorado Dance Theatre presents its 20th Annual production of Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet featuring a live orchestra directed by Dr. Russell Guyver. Ticket prices and show times vary. Children under age 3 not admitted. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 2pm. 970 356-5000 or www.ucstars.com. Great American Christmas World-renowned singer Tony Orlando performs holiday favorites. Tickets prices and show times vary. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown. 970-744-3747 or www. coloradocandlelight.com.
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Hallelujuh! A Gospel Christmas The glorious music and timeless message of Christmas are brought to electrifying heights when the acclaimed Loveland Choral Society voices, versatile Vocal-EZE octet, talented Christmas Orchestra and special guest soloists join forces for an inspirational celebration. $17. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. Show times vary. 970-962-2120 or www.cityof loveland.org.
THROUGH DECEMBER 31 Miracle on 34th Street A musical adaptation of the popular holiday favorite. Tickets prices and show times vary. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown. 970-744-3747 or www. coloradocandlelight.com. DECEMBER 4-19 Story Time with Santa Come meet Santa and listen to him read holiday stories. Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys, Thursdays and Fridays, 111 N. College Ave., FC. 11:30am. 970-224-2866 or www. facebook.com/clothespony. DECEMBER 6, 13, 20 Breakfast with Santa Join Santa for breakfast. Includes a 5x7 photo, goody bags and door prize giveaways. Buy tickets in advance. $10, cash only. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Drive, LV. 970-461-1285 or www. thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com. 8:30-10am. 970-461-1285.
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DECEMBER 7, 14, 21 Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Step back in time and enjoy an oldfashioned, horse-drawn carriage ride down Main Street. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Drive, LV. (Rides depart in front of The Ice Rink.) 12noon-4pm. 970-461-1285 or www. thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 Sip & Shop Ladies Night Out Grab your gal pals and enjoy a night of cocktails, delicious appetizers, spotlight fashion shows from local boutiques, shopping, amazing door prizes, holiday hair and make-up demonstrations, a silent auction and more! $15. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 5:30-8pm. 970-356-5000 or www. greeleyfestivaloftrees.com.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3 Festival of Trees Celebrate the holidays in a winter wonderland of beautifully decorated trees, plus stroll through yuletide displays enjoy the delightful sounds of Brentwood Middle School Ensembles and the Greeley Central High School Holiday Music Concert, horse and carriage rides, crafts and scavenger hunts, face painting, door prize drawings and a silent auction. $1 for children 1-12 years, and seniors 60 and older. $2 for adults. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 3-9pm. 970-356-5000 or www.greeleyfestivaloftrees.com.
Carolfest People of all ages and singing abilities can carol the streets of Old Town Fort Collins while being led by professional singers. Begins at the Opera Galleria, 123 N. College Ave., FC. 6-8pm. www. downtownfortcollins.com.
Downtown Loveland Community Tree Lighting Includes music by the Original Dickens’ Carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, face painting, and food and treats. Civic Center, 3rd St. and Washington Ave., LV. 4:30-6:30pm. 970-962-2410 or www.cityofloveland.org.
Teddy Bear Bash Children can spend the morning meeting Christopher the Christmas Bear getting a holiday tattoo; playing Pin the Nose on the Bear; walking through beautifully decorated trees; watching Colorado Dance Theater’s Nutcracker dancers; fishing at the North Pole Fish ‘n Hole; and much more! $5. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 9-11am. 970-356-5000 or www. greeleyfestivaloftrees.com.
Holiday Herbal Gift Making In this class you’ll learn about the properties of many herbs that are great to use when making infused oils & vinegars. $30. Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary, 212 S. Mason St., FC. 6:157:15pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 Christmas Magic: A Celtic Holiday Concert Created by Dave Villano and performed by 12 of Colorado’s top musicians, this magical evening of traditional, Celtic and contemporary holiday music is sure to entertain. $25 adult, $15 senior/student/military, $10 children 12 and under. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2120 or www.cityofloveland.org. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 Town of Timnath Tree Lighting Visit with Santa, enjoy cookies, chili and drinks, and watch the town light up. Old Town Timnath. 5:30-7:30pm. www. timnathco.govoffice2.com.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 Jingle Bell Run/Walk® A fun, festive event for the whole family where reindeer antlers and running shoes are both welcome. Registration fees vary. CSU Oval, FC. 8am-registration; 10am-fun run; 10:15am-race start. www. jinglebellrunnortherncolorado.kintera.org.
Sugar Plum Fairy Story Time The Sugar Plum Fairy will lead a story time and brief ballet lesson. $10. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 10am. 970-484-7898 or www. oldfirehousebooks.com. Create a Christmas Wreath Create your own natural holiday wreath using evergreens, natural materials and a bow. Examples, instructions, assistance and materials will be provided. $25 ($5 discount for Garden members). Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10am-12noon. 970-416-2468 or www. fcgov.com/gardens. Create a Christmas Swag Swags are vertical or horizontal bundles of greens that look great on a door, mailbox or above a fireplace. Create your own. Examples, instructions, assistance and materials will be provided. $20 ($3 discount for Garden members.) Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 1:30-3:30pm. 970-416-2468 or www. fcgov.com/gardens.
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Ho-Ho-Holiday Fun The weather outside may be frightful, but inside we’ll be enjoying some holiday fun! Join us as we celebrate the winter season with a variety of entertainments and crafts, suitable for all ages. Make a nifty gift or something special for yourself during this family-friendly program. Lincoln Park Library, 919 7th St., GR. 2pm, 888-8617323 or www.MyLibrary.us. Holiday Herbal Gift Making In this class you’ll learn about the properties of many herbs that are great to use when making infused oils & vinegars. $30. Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary, 212 S. Mason St., FC. 6:157:15pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 ‘Tis the Season Community Sing Join Loveland’s own singing sensation, Sharon Sheets, in a fun-filled audience participation event featuring classic and contemporary holiday tunes. Enjoy hot drinks, sweet treats and a break from the hectic pace of the holidays. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 2pm. 970-962-2120 or www.cityofloveland.org. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 Canvas and Cocoa Join us for a cozy painting session while we sip on hot cocoa. Artist Tami Showers will demonstrate how to paint a winter themed masterpiece. Each teen will take home their 8”x10” canvas creation. All materials provided. Registration is required. Grades 6-12. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 4pm, 888-861-7323 or www. MyLibrary.us.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 “A Winter’s Tale” Poetry Leave your cares and obligations at home on the Winter Solitice, and be ready for some merriment and moonlit inspiration. Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 6-7:30pm. 970-9622410 or www.cityofloveland.org.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit A special hour-long event full of great stories, fun songs, candy canes, a craft and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 9:30am. 888-861-7323 or www. MyLibrary.us.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 Dasher 5k Dress to impress with your best holiday outfits for this fun run starting and finishing from the heart of Downtown Estes Park. $40-adults; $20- kids 12 and under. Before the 5K, little elves ages 8 and under can run the kids fun run, safely in a 400 yard dash for free. Town Hall Building, EP. 10am registration; 11am race start. 970-214-4128.
A Christmas from the Heart The Hazel Miller Band blends Christmas and holiday music in the styles the band plays best: jazz, pop, gospel and blues. $15 adult, $13 seniors. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 970962-2120 or www.cityofloveland.org.
Santa’s Workshop Visit Santa’s Workshop to create crafty holiday gifts for their families. For children ages 3-10. Clearview Library, 720 Third St., WS. 10am-12pm. 970686-5603 or www.clearviewlibrary.org. TubaChristmas Come celebrate the holiday season with a community brass band of TUBA Proportions. Oak Street Plaza, Oak St. and College Ave., FC. 2-3pm. www. downtownfortcollins.com. Winter’s Eve Songfest Holiday songs performed by the Greeley Children’s Chorale. $10-adults, $5-children. First United Methodist Church, 917 10th Ave., GR. 4-6pm. www.greeleychildrenschorale.com.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17 Gingerbread Houses For tweens ages 8-12 and their grown-ups. Preregister on library website; required. Clearview Library, 720 Third St., WS. 5-7pm. 970-6865603 or www. clearviewlibrary.org.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 Ringing in Christmas Bells of the Rockies, an auditioned, highly skilled handbell ensemble, presents both traditional and contemporary musical performance to ring in your Christmas spirit. $15 adult, $10 senior/student, free 6 and under. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2120 or www. cityofloveland.org. SUNDAY. DECEMBER 21 A Season of Dance Enjoy this open house performance featuring students of The MacKinnon Royal Dance Institute program and competition dance teams. $10 advance, $15 at the door. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2120 or www.cityofloveland.org. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31 Ring Out the Year Sing, dance and have fun at this highly interactive, family musical event celebrating the New Year. Please register children only; adults are expected to attend with children. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 10:30am and 11:30 am. 888-861-7323 or www. MyLibrary.us. First Night Fort Collins Presented by The ToothZone. Enjoy performing acts, storytelling, history, interactive craft projects, old favorites, street performers, international dancing and much more. $14. Downtown FC. 5-10:45pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.
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970-744-2345 • 274 East 29th Street
LovelandDentistryandDentures.com
VOLUN TEER The educaTion program at the Larimer County Landfill is seeking active volunteers of all ages to help educate youth through seniors about reducing, reusing, and recycling! VolunTeer opporTuniTies are aVailable for:
Training is proVided! If you have a few hours a week or a month, contact us, we’d love to visit with you! FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
(970) 498-5772 • rwatson@larimer.org
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Got Grandkids? Visit rmparent.com for family-friendly activities in northern Colorado.
facebook.com/RockyMountainParent 26 | Fifty& Family
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