May 24 - August 31
Celebrate your little one with a one-ofa-kind party at The Gardens on Spring Creek—where joy is always in full bloom! Explore The Gardens, enjoy a hands-on craft, and even flutter through our enchanting Butterfly House. We're here to help make their next birthday unforgettable. Let's party!
It’s
making the
to school schedules and routines by making gradual changes. Find tips from a teacher on how set your child up for success.
EVERY SINGLE TIME THAT I see a moose, I get excited. They’re just, well, so big... It’s not even that rare anymore when you drive up Poudre Canyon and over to North Park with maybe a detour up Laramie River Road to spot one of our local top megafaunas. We were hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park a few years ago when we came around a corner and there was a young bull moose standing on the trail with that “you may not pass” look. We stared at each other long enough for me to get out my phone and take a picture. Eventually he slipped off down the hill and we continued on our way.
Fifty years ago, few moose wandered the mountains west of us and it would’ve been a strange thing, indeed, to see one. Historically, plenty of the beasts inhabited those hills, but their population declined for various reasons. In 1978, Colorado Parks and Wildlife began to reintroduce moose to North Park and now more than 3,000 live in the area.
I call that a success story.
Why is it that we just so love seeing wild animals? Even the Canada geese casually crossing the street while we wait make us laugh. If we see a fox in a field, it affects us differently than if we see a dog in the same field. I mean, they look a lot alike, so it’s not that the fox appears differently. I think it’s that moment where we got a glimpse of something elusive, something wild.
Why do so many people flock to Rocky Mountain National Park in the fall to see the elk bugle? Not to be dumb, but I haven’t seen anyone pull over to watch the cows grazing in the field north of Vine Street, although we do laugh when we see the calves running in the spring.
Our four-year-old grandson, Fin, spends a bit of his time in summer at a cabin on the CSU Mountain Campus where Andy, our son, works. Fin and mom, Alli, explore the mountains during the day. I think it is safe to say that Fin has seen more moose than cows. He’s getting an up close sense of the wild world.
We are lucky to live where we have huge tracts of public lands. You can’t have 3,000 moose in a place that is fenced off. You can’t have mountain lions and bears and wolves and elk unless you have the habitat to support them. And somehow, even if we only get up to the mountains once a year or so, it seems to matter just knowing that it’s there and that there is still a place on our little blue-green planet where wild still happens.
I’m reminded of a St. Exupery quote:
“Surely a man needs a closed place wherein he may strike root and, like the seed, become. But also, he needs the great Milky Way above him and the vast sea spaces, though neither stars nor ocean serve his daily needs.”
Katie Harris writes this month about wildlife sanctuaries in our area that you might want to visit.
Now get out and soak up some wild, Scott
AUGUST 2025 • Volume 30, Issue 3
PUBLISHER
Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210
scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com
EDITOR
Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210
kristin.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 Harting susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com
COVER PHOTO istock photo
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Theresa Baer, Lea Hanson, Katie Harris
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 constitute 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. ©2025 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER:
STAYING INFORMED ABOUT health and wellness changes helps parents support their child’s physical and mental well-being, align with school policies, and prevent lastminute stress. From updated nutrition programs to mental
Poudre School District & Greeley-Evans District 6 continue to expand mental health services, especially in light of post-pandemic student stress and anxiety.
School Counselors & Mental Health Teams: Schools have embedded counselors and psychologists more deeply into their student support systems.
Greeley-Evans D6 offers mental health resources through school-based health clinics (in partnership with Sunrise Community Health).
Parents should ensure students know how and where to access mental health support in their specific schools.
TSD has an enhanced collaboration this year with SummitStone Health Partners and is now officially offering a paid mental health consultant for the school district, embedding Tier 1–3 school-based mental health services directly into district supports. This is a step up from more informal mentalhealth awareness efforts.
PRO TIP: Add school counselors to your contact list and confirm whether your child’s school offers on-site counseling or referrals.
health resources and illness protocols, knowing what’s new ensures families are prepared, promotes healthier routines, and strengthens the connection between home and school for a successful year.
While PSD considered major changes to middle school start times to support adolescent sleep health, it has postponed any adjustments until at least 2026.
PSD middle and high schools still start earlier than pediatricians recommend, so families are encouraged to help students establish strong sleep routines.
TSD has completed air cooling upgrades at several schools to better handle high temperatures in school buildings.
PRO TIP: Aim for 8–10 hours of sleep for teens. Start adjusting wake-up times gradually 1–2 weeks before school begins.
Greeley-Evans District 6, PSD and TSD continue offering free school meals for all students, thanks to Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All program. Meals are designed to meet USDA nutrition guidelines and promote healthy, balanced eating habits.
Students with food allergies or medical dietary needs should have a medical statement on file with the school nurse or nutrition services.
PRO TIP: Review the upcoming meal menus with your child and identify healthy options together.
GreeleyEvans District 6 has introduced stricter personal tech restrictions during school hours, especially for high schoolers.
This policy supports reduced screen time, less social comparison, and improved focus—key contributors to mental and emotional health.
Middle school and elementary students are also expected to keep phones out of sight.
PRO TIP: Set family tech boundaries at home to align with school expectations—encouraging better sleep and emotional regulation.
All three districts continue to monitor communicable illnesses. While no widespread COVID19 protocols are in place, students should still stay home when sick.
Families are encouraged to update immunization records, including Tdap (required for 6th grade) and annual flu vaccines.
Parents and guardians must now complete a mandatory Annual Family Check-In in Campus Parent to confirm/ update household details, emergency contacts, student health data, and permissions for the 2025–26 year.
PRO TIP: Schedule wellness check-ups and any required check-ins now to avoid last-minute rushes in August.
THIS MONTH, SUPPORT WILDLIFE RESCUE and rehabilitation while getting up close with Colorado’s wild animal residents. Each of these organizations welcome visitors for tours or self-guided experiences, offering a chance to learn about conservation efforts and make your own meaningful impact.
Just outside Keenesburg, the Wild Animal Sanctuary offers refuge to over 750 formerly captive carnivores, including lions, tigers, black and grizzly bears, wolves, and even ostriches. Spread across 1,214 acres of prairie, the sanctuary provides large, natural habitats where animals can roam freely.
A 1.5-mile elevated walkway gives visitors a unique vantage point to view the animals at a respectful distance. Informational
Sick, injured or orphaned raptors are given a second chance at the Rocky Mountain Raptor’s Program in Fort Collins. From hawks to owls to eagles, birds receive top-tier care from dedicated staff, volunteers, and a team of veterinarians from Colorado State University. The program treats around 300 raptors annually, with about 75 percent of treatable birds successfully returned to the wild.
Facility tours are available by reservation and tailored to the ages and interests of each group. Guests learn about common causes of injury and illness in raptors and get a behind-the-scenes look at their care. Most tours include up-close encounters with raptor ambassadors—birds that cannot return to the wild but serve as powerful educators.
To schedule a tour, email heather@rmrp.org or call 970-484-7756. Visit www.rmrp.org/ to learn more.
In the mountain town of Divide, the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center provides a forever home for wolves, foxes, and coyotes. Alongside daily care and enrichment, the center’s team focuses on education—teaching visitors about the ecological importance of these often-misunderstood animals.
The center is also involved in the Species Survival Program, working with critically endangered Mexican gray wolves and swift foxes to help protect their future.
Visitors can choose from several guided tour options. The standard one-hour tour includes natural history, species biology, and conservation insights, all while observing animals in their habitats. Feeding tours offer the rare chance to see mealtime in action, and monthly full moon tours let guests witness the animals at their most active, howling beneath the night sky.
For tour schedules and pricing, visit wolfeducation.org.
signs along the way share stories of each animal’s rescue and highlight why the sanctuary’s work is vital. Unlike a zoo, sightings aren’t guaranteed, but that’s part of the sanctuary’s mission—to put animal welfare first.
The sanctuary is open daily, yearround, from 9am to sunset, except on major holidays. Plan your visit at wildanimalsanctuary.org.
GETTING KIDS INTERESTED IN FISHING is all about keeping it fun, simple, and engaging. Start with short outings that last between 30 and 60 minutes. Targeting easy-to-catch fish like bluegill or sunfish near shorelines creates situations in which kids can feel successful. Use live bait like worms to keep things exciting and let kids help choose the fishing spot or carry their own small gear. Practice casting at home with a plug, and don’t worry if they catch much—celebrate every moment. Pack snacks, enjoy the nature around you, and let them explore. Most of all, keep it relaxed and playful so fishing becomes a positive memory, not a chore.
Beginner’s Fly Tying Kit
Buy from: St. Peter’s Fly Shop, 202 Remington St., Fort Collins
When it comes to fly fishing, older kids have just as much capability to learn the complex skill of fly tying as adults do. Once your kid shows interest in fly fishing, with your support, fly tying is a realistic goal. Whether you are learning together or you are the helper, this kit is a great start. Learning fly tying builds creativity, patience, and hands-on problem-solving, all while deepening their connection to the outdoors. This fly tying kit includes a vise, tools, materials, sample flies and a Jack Dennis instructional DVD to use all of the materials in the kit to get started.
Buy from: Jax, 1200 N. College Ave., Fort Collins
Kids love storage devices, especially when it’s their very own. Get your kids excited about fishing with the Take Me Fishing tackle kit. This versatile collection includes a tackle box featuring a removeable tray with 10 compartments and a brass-bailed latch for secure closure. Plus, all the tackle you need to get started including bobbers, hooks, weights and lures. To protect our fishing traditions, a portion of the proceeds collected will support the Future Fisherman Fund. Includes starter tackle kit to get kids excited about fishing. Having their own tackle box makes fishing more fun for kids because it gives them a sense of ownership and lets them feel like real anglers. It’s also useful because it helps them stay organized, learn about different fishing tools, and take responsibility for their gear.
Buy from: Garretson’s Sports Center, 3817 W. 10th Street, Greeley
Garretson’s carries live bait options for anglers fishing for the big catch including live worms, nightcrawlers, and minnows to lure in even the most elusive fish. Live bait is highly effective, so kids are more likely to get bites and catch fish. Beyond the fun, it offers valuable learning opportunities: kids begin to understand fish behavior, what they eat, and how natural food chains work. Handling live bait also teaches responsibility and respect for living things, encouraging gentle care and curiosity about nature. They start to observe what types of bait work best and when, building their problem-solving and observation skills. Best of all, catching a fish on live bait gives kids a sense of accomplishment and boosts their confidence.
KNOWN FOR ITS TWO MILLION ACRES of public lands, peppered with wildflowers all summer long, the Gunnison Valley is a hub for outdoor recreation and the perfect spot for a long weekend getaway. With a home base in the mountain town of Crested Butte, you’ll find adventure right outside your door.
Take to the trails this morning for some outdoor exploration. The 1.1-mile out-and-back Beaver Pond Trail is a favorite of families, winding through aspen groves to a tranquil pond where you might even spot a beaver or two. For a bigger adventure, try Mill Castle Trail, which meanders through forest before revealing views of West Elk Breccia formations—sheer cliffs shaped by volcanic eruptions 30 million years ago. The full trail is 13 miles, but families can tailor the out-and-back distance to suit their group. For driving directions visit fs.usda.gov.
In the evening, stroll down Elk Avenue in downtown Crested Butte. With its colorful storefronts, art galleries and a wide variety of dining options, it’s a charming spot to grab dinner and soak up the mountain town vibe. Find more info at skicb.com.
Spend your day by the water. Portions of the Taylor and Gunnison Rivers were designated gold medal fisheries by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in 2023, placing them among the state’s top trout streams. Whether you’re fly fishing or casting from shore, these rivers offer great chances to hook a big one.
Prefer a lake day? Head to Blue Mesa Reservoir—Colorado’s largest lake and a popular fishing spot for families. Kids can easily catch perch here, and there’s plenty of room to spread out and relax. Visit gunnisoncrestedbutte.com for tips and access points. Later, ride the chairlift up Crested Butte Mountain for breathtaking valley views. At the top, play a round of disc golf on the “10-3 at CB,” one of the country’s top-ranked courses. The 18hole and short course wind through towering pines, beginning at the Red Lady Express Lift. Bring your own discs or rent them at the base. Find details at skicb.com.
The Taylor River is more than a fishing hotspot—it’s also perfect for family-friendly whitewater rafting. The Lower Taylor’s dam-controlled flow creates beginner-friendly Class I and II rapids from May through September, offering one of Colorado’s longest rafting seasons. Three Rivers Resort offers gentle trips for kids as young as 2 (or younger if they can walk unassisted), lasting 1.5 to 2 hours. Trips run twice daily. Book at 3riversresort.com. Alternatively, explore the awe-inspiring Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Its sheer cliffs—carved by the Gunnison River over the course of two million years—plunge 2,000 feet, offering dramatic vistas and fascinating geology. Both the north and south rims are drivable, with scenic stops and familyfriendly hikes. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, and bighorn sheep. Learn more at nps.gov/blca. Wrap up your weekend with a dose of live music, available most nights in the valley. In Crested Butte, the free Alpenglow series takes place Monday evenings through mid-August at the Center for the Arts, while the Crested Butte Museum hosts free Tuesday night concerts. In Gunnison, the Chamber of Commerce’s Mid-Week on Main Street series runs through September, and the I-Bar Ranch features ticketed shows in its open-air barn venue. For a full music schedule, visit gunnisoncrestedbutte.com.
Katie Harris
BEFORE THE FINAL DAYS of summer break slip away, take some time to help set yourself and your kids up for a strong start to the school year. From easing back in to the school day routine, to brushing up on academics, your child’s teachers will thank you for taking the small steps to success, and you’ll set yourself and your child up for smooth sailing those first days back.
In the days leading up to school’s start, begin adjusting back to your family’s school year schedule. “Start getting acclimated as early as possible,”
says instructional coach and interventionist at BF Kitchen Elementary, Loren Mowers. “Get back in the bedtime routine, and practice waking up a little earlier each day until you’re back on schedule.”
In addition, it’s helpful to recreate a typical school day at home as a trial run. “Especially for kids in their first years of school, lunch time is particularly hard,” says Mowers. “Give them a sense of what a 15 to 20 minute lunch block feels like and help them practice pacing their meal times.”
The foods kids eat affect their energy levels and emotions, so start them off on the right foot by providing nutritious choices.
Mowers recommends choosing foods that are both healthy and kid friendly. “When teachers have to go around and open 30 snacks it becomes really
time consuming,” she says. “Choose snacks that kids can open on their own whenever possible and practice first at home.”
Instructional coach and interventionist at Frontier Academy Secondary School, Bailey TanisDavis suggests engaging kids in the preparation process.
“Shop together and pick out snacks and meals that they’ll be excited to enjoy,” she says. “By planning ahead you’ll take some of the load off that first week of school so that everyone can slide into the school routine more easily.”
Before the first day arrives, talk with
your child about any worries they might have. Are they nervous about finding the restroom? Finding this out ahead of time can be your cue to seek out the restrooms during the school open house.
Are they worried about making friends? Contact their teacher ahead of time if possible and ask them to make an introduction that they think would be fitting.
Sometimes, things that parents don’t think about can cause a great deal of stress to young children.
“One thing we often see is kids who can’t unbutton or unzip being dressed in clothing that they can’t remove without assistance,” says Mowers. “This can cause embarrassment and frustration, especially when kids need to use the restroom and aren’t comfortable asking for help. Practice at home or choose elastic waistbands.”
“Spend a few minutes reading with your child each day,” says Mowers. “Read to them, have them read to you, read together—you don’t have to read with any specific purpose in mind, just read for enjoyment. It will go a long way in getting them back in the rhythm of learning.”
Mowers also recommends playing outdoor letter and number games with younger kids, like chalk letter tracing or hop scotch with numbers. She says indoor games, such as the card game “War” are also great ways to brush up on academics.
“Adding a twist to games that kids might already be familiar with, by adding some simple addition or subtraction, is a fun way to bring in some of those basic math skills,” says Mowers.
Most schools host a back-to-school night or open house, during which
kids can meet their teachers, find their classrooms, and ask questions. While families might be tempted to skip these events, Mowers says they’re great opportunities to ease any back-to-school jitters and pave the way for a confident and successful first day.
“Familiarizing kids with the building, if they’re new to the school, and with their teachers is a great way to prepare for the school year,” she says. “Take your time, explore the classroom, and give your child the chance to ask questions and ask any that you have as well.”
For older kids, Tanis-Davis reminds parents to put locker practice on their back-to-school night agenda. “Find it, and practice opening it until it becomes automatic.”
Like Mowers, Tanis-Davis stresses the importance of keeping the evening rush-free. “Walk to each of the classrooms on your student’s schedule in order several times until they feel confident. The time you spend up front will go a long way in promoting yearlong success.”
Kids feed off their parents’ energy, so make the extra effort to be upbeat in the days leading up to school’s start.
“Make the little switches in your verbiage that promote positivity,” says Tanis-Davis. “Instead of saying, ‘You have to go back to school next week,’ say ‘You get to go back to school next week.’”
Additionally, Tanis-Davis recommends having an adventure planned for the near future so that kids have something to look forward to, if school is still creating feelings of anxiety.
“Helping students set milestones in their school year will create a greater perspective on things,” she says. “It’s little things like this that make a big difference as students process their emotions at the start of the school year.”
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Poudre School District is already out of this world when it comes to education, but one of our wonderful high schools has taken that phrase to new heights.
Poudre High School recently received one of several “Moon Trees,” the seedling of a Douglas-fir that traveled more than 268,000 miles from Earth before returning to the ‘pale blue dot.’
“We’re absolutely thrilled to become Moon Tree stewards,” says Carey Christensen, principal of Poudre High School. “This living piece of space history creates a unique bridge between NASA’s cutting-edge exploration and our commitment to education. The Moon Tree creates wonderful cross-curricular opportunities between our technology education program and environmental
spending four weeks in space before coming back to Earth. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Services went on to send more tree seeds into orbit, launching five species of seeds aboard Artemis I in late 2022 as part of a national education initiative.
PHS came into possession of one of these spacebound saplings through the work of Kara Quinlan, a CTE Tech Ed teacher at Poudre, who, two years ago, applied for and was awarded a stewardship grant.
science. We invite the entire Fort Collins community to join us on this exciting journey!”
The Artemis Moon Tree program began half a century ago, when NASA Astronaut Stuart Roosa carried tree seeds into lunar orbit during the Apollo 14 mission. After returning to Earth, the seeds were germinated and the trees were distributed to national monuments and dignitaries around the world, with many being distributed for the United States’ bicentennial event.
In honor of this, a new selection of “Moon Tree” seeds traveled into lunar orbit on the Orion spacecraft, travelling thousands of miles beyond the moon,
“This Moon Tree represents more than just a cool science and engineering project,” Kara said. “It’s a living symbol of how exploration, innovation and conservation go hand-in-hand, and how our students and community can be part of both cosmic discovery and earthly stewardship.”
The tree is currently planted in a pot and will eventually be moved into the ground after it has grown a bit larger. Once in the ground, it will be protected by a perimeter fence to prevent accidental tree damage and a mesh cage to deter wildlife. A plaque with interactive information is also planned for the site where students can monitor its growth and its connection to the universe beyond our planet.
Congratulations to Kara, Carey and all members of PHS for receiving such an interstellar honor that will go on to enrich the educational lives of its students to infinity and beyond.
Jack Harkenrider, a Ferguson High School senior, vividly remembers the day he decided to return to high school and earn a diploma.
It was late 2022, and Jack had earned only seven of the credits required to graduate. For six months, he had stayed home and played video games, effectively withdrawing from high school.
“I was just in rage mode,” Jack recalls. “I didn’t go to school for six months. I did absolutely nothing. It took that much time for me to realize, what am I doing? The next day, I applied to Ferguson.”
Jack started classes at FHS in January 2023 and committed himself to getting a diploma. He worked hard to recover the credits he had failed to earn, and in one semester, he doubled the number of credits on his transcript.
“I’m super glad for myself that I realized it and stepped up,” Jack says. “It’s shown me a lot in life: Sometimes you just gotta toughen up and do it. In the end, it’s all worth it.”
Jack had struggled with several issues in high school, including substance use and a rocky relationship with his parents. COVID was a difficult time for Jack, who didn’t do well with the isolation and lack of structure. He had trouble finding the motivation to do online school, and instead ended up sleeping all day while struggling with his mental health.
It wasn’t until he started attending FHS that Jack realized he actually wanted to learn.
“It was the thought of, I want to educate myself, not just get a diploma,” he says. “It’s a pure spark of curiosity in my brain, a desire to learn. Learning is amazing. School is important.”
For now Jack will be staying at home with his parents for another year or two while enjoying his now-repaired relationship with them. He hopes to get a job and start working toward an associate’s degree and eventually attend a four-year college, but he says he is not ready for that yet.
“I’m about to be graduating. If you were to tell me two years ago that I’m graduating, I would never have believed it,” Jack says. “I wish I could tell my 16-year-old self; you are gonna do this. I want to talk to my younger self and tell him that you’re gonna do it. You’re capable of amazing things.”
Save the Date for the 2025 Art in the Park! August 9, 10am to 5pm & August 10, 10am to 4pm
Enjoy the special Kid’s Korner: Artist-led activities
Cotton Candy Sculptures Train Rides and more!
Thank you to our Kid’s Korner Sponsors: https://www.lincolngallery.com/art-in-the-park.html
This year, 254 Greeley-Evans School District 6 students have earned the prestigious AP Scholars award for their outstanding performance on Advanced Placement tests, more than any other previous year. Last year, 166 District 6 students earned AP Scholars awards.
The College Board’s Advanced Placement program offers students the opportunity to take challenging collegelevel courses and exams while in high school. District 6 offers more than 20 Advanced Placement courses to high school students. Students who score well on AP exams are eligible to receive college credit, advanced placement in college, or both at more than 3,200 colleges and universities across the United States.
Annually, the College Board recognizes those students who have taken multiple AP exams and scored well on them:
• AP Scholar: Students who earned scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.
• AP Scholar with Honor: Students who earned an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and had scores of 3 or higher on at least four exams.
• AP Scholar with Distinction: Students who earned an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and had scores of 3 or higher on at least five exams.
• AP Capstone Seminar and Research Certificate: Students who earned scores of three or higher on AP Seminar and AP Research, but not on four additional AP exams.
• AP Capstone Diploma: Student who earned scores of 3 or higher on AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP exams of their choosing.
Greeley Central High School led among District 6 high schools with 89 AP Scholars this year. Greeley West High School, which also has the International Baccalaureate program, had 62 AP Scholars this year. And Northridge High School had 70 AP Scholars, including 16 who received AP Seminar and Research Certificates and eight who earned AP Capstone Diplomas.
District 6 has more than doubled the number of students achieving AP Scholar status over the decade. In 2012, the number of AP Scholars was 57. Over the past 16 years, more than 1,500 District 6 students have been named as AP Scholars by the College Board. The College Board’s AP exams are developed by a national committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that the exams are aligned with the same high standards expected by college faculty at some of the nation’s leading liberal arts and research institutions.
For a list of The 2025 College Board Advanced Placement Scholars from District 6 go to www.greeleyschools.org.
Students are headed back to the classroom and keeping them safe should always be top-of-mind.
Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Teach them to play it SAFE:
• S tay at least ten feet — five giant steps — away from the curb.
• A lways wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board.
• Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.
• E xit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street
Many people have turned to bicycle riding as fun way to get out and exercise or have taken the opportunity to teach their children to ride a bike. Bicycles can also be an easy and
quick way to travel to school. Be sure to do these simple things to keep your bike ride safe:
• Always wear a correctly fitted helmet, and securely fasten the chin strap.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic and follow traffic signs and signals.
• Stay in the bike lane whenever
it is possible.
• Never use electronics while riding – they are distracting.
Virtual learning, in-person instruction, or somewhere in between – it’s likely you or your child will be a pedestrian at some point in the day. Remind them to:
• Use the sidewalk whenever possible, and if there isn’t a sidewalk, walk on the edge of the street facing traffic.
• Whenever they are available, use marked crosswalks to cross the street, and look left-right-left for vehicles or bikes before crossing.
• Make sure you never play, push or shove others when you walk around traffic.
• Everyone should watch the road, not their phones.
• If you are driving, especially in a neighborhood, look out for pedestrians at all times, everywhere.
For more information go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site at www.nhtsa.gov/ school-bus-safety/keeping-children-safe
Join us on August 28 at the Lincoln Center for the 2025 Volunteer Engagement Summit! This free event is open to the public and packed with opportunities. Learn about volunteerism, explore City jobs and volunteer opportunities. Volunteers and those interested in giving back can learn how volunteering enhances careers, deepens community impact, and promotes inclusivity.
If you’re curious about volunteering with the City but aren’t sure where to start, the Volunteer Resource Fair is your go-to place to find the perfect fit. City staff will be available to discuss opportunities and help you get involved.
The Volunteer Engagement Summit is our chance to celebrate the volunteers who make Fort Collins such a great place to live. Thank you for all you do!
Volunteer Engagement Summit 1pm-7:30pm, Aug. 28
The Lincoln Center 417 W Magnolia St. Free and open to the public
Mid-summer through early fall is the most common time for local ponds/lakes to have harmful algal blooms that are toxic to humans, pets and wildlife. Keep your family safe by keeping pets out of water; never drink water (nor allow pets to) from outdoor water bodies; use hand sanitizer or wash hands with soap if you touch the water.
Larimer County Department of Health & Environment also warns of bats that may be carrying rabies, which is nearly 100-percent fatal in humans if medication is not administered soon after contact. If you come across a sick/ injured bat—or find one in your home—contact NoCo Humane Animal Protection & Control at 970-226-3647.
Be aware by watching and listening for rattlesnakes and keep pets on leash to keep them safe. If you see a rattlesnake, give them time and space to move off trails.
When thunder roars, go indoors! If you see lightning, stop all outdoor activities; seek safety in vehicles, buildings or low areas; avoid water, high ground and open spaces; and wait 30 minutes after a storm passes before continuing outdoor activities.
FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
WEDNESDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 6
Kids’ on the Plaza
Live music and free kids’ activities including lawn games, splash pad and arts/crafts. Foundry Plaza, Downtown LV. www.down townloveland.org/calendar
THROUGH AUGUST 30
One Sweet Summer Event Series
Celebrate fun activities throughout each week with live music, kids’ days, fitness classes and more! Downtown LV. www.downtownloveland.org/ onesweetsummer
FRIDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 12
Downtown Greeley Friday Fest
Free live music, face painting, fire spinners, bubbles, balloons and more. Downtown GR. www. greeleydowntown.com/special-events
TUESDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 16
FoCo Food Truck Rally
Food trucks and free live music. City Park, FC. www.focofoodtruckrally.com
AUGUST 1 THROUGH 5
Larimer County Fair and PRCA Rodeo
Live music, carnival, 4H events and rodeo. The Ranch Events Complex, LV. treventscomplex.com/events/ larimer-county-fair
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9
Poudre RiverFest
Family-friendly celebration promoting restoration and education about the river corridor. New Belgium Brewing Company, FC. www.poudreriverfest.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
Fort Collins Peach Festival
Music, food, drink and entertainment for all ages and, of course, everything peaches. Civic Center Park, FC. www.fortcollinspeachfestival.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
Monster Day Greeley
Celebrate monsters in a positive way encouraging imagination/creativity with music, art, food and costumes. Downtown GR. monsterdaygreeley. com
AUGUST 22 AND 23
Loveland’s Amaizing Corn Roast Festival 129th annual event with parade, live music, corn shucking contest, cornhole competition, booths, duck races and roasted corn. Fairgrounds Park, LV. loveland.org/events-2/cornroast-festival
AUGUST 22 THROUGH 24
Severance Days
Football, live music, booth shopping, kids activities, parade, fireworks, food and fun! Severance Community Park. www.townofseverance. org/289/Severance-Days-2025
SATURDAYS, AUGUST 30, SEPTEMBER 20
Artisan Street Fair
Shop local makers and artists and enjoy live music and food. Linden St, FC. www.coloradomarkets.com/ events/fort-collins-foco
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
24th Annual Realities Ride & Rally
Motorcycle poker run raising funds and awareness for abused children. Grimm Brothers, LV. www.RealitiesRide.com
THURSDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 21
Windsor Summer Concert Series
Bring your lawn chair or blanket for live music, food trucks and family fun. Boardwalk Park, WS. recreationliveshere.com/219/ Summer-Concert-Series
WEDNESDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 27
One Sweet Summer: Wednesday Night Concerts
Downtown Loveland’s Foundry Plaza, LV. www.downtownloveland. org/wednesday-night-concert
THROUGH AUGUST 31
Anastasia
From the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, a brave young woman discovers mysteries of her past. Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown. coloradocandlelight.com
THURSDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 4
Bohemian Nights: Thursday Night Live Concert Series
Live music from emerging and established artists. Old Town Square, FC. www.bohemian livemusic.org/outdoor-events/ thursday-night-live
FRIDAYS, AUGUST 1, 8 AND 22
Flashback Fridays
Features films on the big screen including Clueless; O Brother, Where Art Thou; The Blues Brothers. Rialto Theater, LV. www.rialto theatercenter.org/flashback-fridays
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5
Windsor Movies in the Park Features Zootopia. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Boardwalk Community Park, WS. www.recreationliveshere.com/217/ Movies-in-the-Park
FRIDAY, AUGUST 8
Campfire at Coyote Ridge with Full Moon Hike
Two-mile round-trip easy hike. Learn how the moon affects Earth and life on it. Coyote Ridge Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
AUGUST 8 AND 9
Kids Like You
What did kids do without the games and toys we know today? Centennial Village Museum, GR. www.greeleymuseums.com/events
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14
Listening in the Dark: Bat Biology Discover bat behaviors, unique abilities, biology, and how they are monitored. Gadwall Ponds, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15
Raptors and Nature
Learn about the amazing raptors that populate Colorado’s Front Range and how we can help conserve them. Bobcat RidgeNatural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
SATURDAYS, AUGUST 16 AND SEPTEMBER 20
Hollywood at the Homestead
Unlock some nostalgia during outdoor movies like Charlotte’s Web and Wizard of Oz, hosted by the Windsor Museum. Historic Halfway Homestead, WS.
AUGUST 16 AND 17
The Strongest Man on Earth Competition of ultimate strength. Blue Arena, LV. www.trevents complex.com/events
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21
Movie Nights
Bring food/chairs/blankets for movies in the indoor arena. Proceeds support their ridership fund to assist adaptive riding participants. Temple Grandin Equine Center, FC. TempleGrandinEquineCenter.com
Free Days at Loveland Museum
Free admission during business hours. Loveland Museum, LV. www.thelovelandmuseum.org
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
Campfire at Coyote Ridge with Full Moon Hike
Two-mile round-trip easy hike. Learn about wildfire accessibility. Coyote Ridge Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
The Commodores
One of the greatest Motown and R&B/Funk artists of all time. The Gardens on Spring Creek, FC. www.lctix.com
ACTIVE-ITIES
THROUGH AUGUST
FREE Healthy Kids Run Series
Free family friendly in-person onemile fun runs and one-mile on-yourown-courses. LV, GR. www.healthykidsclub.org
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7
Glow Night Swim
Swim late at night under the stars. Winona Outdoor Pool, LV. www.Lovgov.org/Swimming
AUGUST 8 AND 9
The Choice City Running Festival
Running events and activities for all ages/abilities (walk, jog, run or race) including 1-Mile, 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. Mountain Avenue and Civic Center Park, FC. www.choicecityrunning.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9
Colorado Youth Outdoors 3D Archery Tourney
Fun fpr archery enthusiasts and those shooting an arrow for the first time. www.coloradoyo.org/events
Severance Glow 5K Run or Walk
First glow run on lighted course with DJ at start/finish. Severance Community Park. www.runsignup.com/Race/CO/ Severance/SeveranceDays5k
Self-Guided Full Moon Bike Ride
This is the only time the trail is open after dark. Helmets and lights required and riding with a group/buddy is suggested. www.poudretrail.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
Hydro Dash Kids Challenge
A fun race for kids ages 4-14 with a thrilling combo of water and speed. Winona Outdoor Pool, LV. www.Lovgov.org/Swimming
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
Tour De Fat
Annual costumed bike and beer parade and festival. Old Town & New Belgium Brewing, FC. www.newbelgium.com
I USED TO BE her hero. The one she ran to when she scraped a knee, the one who knew just how to fix a bad day with popcorn and a movie. But lately, I’ve been upgraded—or rather demoted—to the walking embarrassment she’s forced to share air with.
My teenage daughter is almost 15, and I swear I could write a book titled “Things That Annoy Her About Me.” It would include chapters like “Breathing Too Loud,” “Waving From the Car,” “Asking How Her Day Was,” and the ever-offensive “Wearing a Messy Bun.” Some days, I feel like all I have to do is enter a room, and I’m already doing something wrong.
At first, I took it personally. I’d walk away from another one-word answer or dramatic sigh feeling defeated, questioning if I was messing everything up. I missed the connection we used to have, the spontaneous hugs, the bedtime stories, the unfiltered laughter. Now, when I ask, “DO you want to play a game together tonight?” she answers, “Maybe.” And, we all know that means no.
Then one particularly tense evening—after she brushed off my offer for a walk with a scoff and a muttered, “That’s embarrassing.”
That’s when I remembered something a friend once told me: “Teenagers are toddlers in taller bodies. They’re still figuring it all out—just with more hormones and less cuddling.” When she was a toddler, all I wanted was for someone ELSE to hold her… now, cuddling is what I miss the most.
So, I started changing my mindset. Instead of focusing on the rejection, I started trying to see what was underneath it. Her attitude? It was armor. The mood swings? A reflection of
how overwhelmed she may feel, not necessarily how she feels about me. I realized I was her safe space—the one person she could test boundaries with and still count on to love her no matter what. Oh, how lucky I am that my child feels safe enough to be overtly rude!
I began to give her more room to breathe, more control over small decisions, and more patience than I knew I had. I still check in, still offer snacks and hugs (which I actually receive once in a while!), but I try not to react so strongly to the sarcasm. We’ve found neutral ground in car rides with music she controls, late-night kitchen snacks, and sarcastic banter that we
both pretend isn’t bonding.
I miss the days when she needed me for everything. But I’m learning to appreciate this version of her too—the sharp, witty, passionate girl who’s trying so hard to grow up, even when it’s messy. I’m not her hero anymore, and maybe that’s okay. Right now, I’m her steady—her quiet backup, her unshakeable foundation. Even if she’s annoyed with me every step of the way.
And on the rare day she slips and calls me “Momma,” or DMs me a silly meme in Instagram (or better yet, LIKES one I sent her), I know I haven’t lost her—I’m just learning to love her through the noise.
Dozens of Weld County staff and community members filled the board room, located at O Street in Greeley, on a Monday morning in early May. Kicking off the regularly scheduled board meeting was a proclamation for Foster Care Month.
The proclamation acknowledged the Weld County families who are currently opening their hearts and homes to more than 70 children and youth in out-of-home, non-kinship care. The Troyer family, who was recently honored by the Colorado Department of Human Services for their 27 years of service, was in attendance and recognized as well, donning jerseys that symbolized when each member officially became a Troyer. Cindy and Rod Troyer have cared for over 60 youth, adopting four (two sibling pairs) and maintaining relationships with several other biological families after successful reunifications.
“Our hope is that more Weld County residents will be inspired by the Troyer family and others like them to consider making a difference for youth, children and families through foster care,” said Jamie Ulrich, Director of the Weld County Department of Human Services.
Child welfare professionals, faith-based and community organizations were also recognized for their roles in improving the lives of children.
“Today and every day, we want to recognize the strength and resiliency of Weld County foster families, our child welfare staff and our community partners, who contribute to a safe and healthy community for all,” Ulrich said.
This proclamation and the impressive turnout was a reminder that it truly takes a village to promote the well-being of children.
To learn more about foster care in Weld County, including how to become a foster parent and other ways to get involved, visit www.weld.gov/go/fostercare.
