Nature All Around Us was developed by the Natural History Museum of Utah, in collaboration with the Science Museum of Minnesota. Support for NAAU's national tour was provided by My Good Fund and the JoAnne L. Shrontz Family Foundation. Exhibition presented in English and Spanish.
blueberry
18 Digital Distraction
There is no doubt that most of us spend too much time scrolling through our phones. We hear a beep that says we have a new text, check the message, send a reply, scroll on over to email, look up that thing we’ve been thinking about, check social media for updates and pictures… you get the idea. Unfortunately our children are sitting there the whole time waiting for a reply to the question they asked. Checking out through our phones is harming our children. Let’s find ways to enjoy connecting and being present in the moment.
SCOTT TITTERINGTON Perspective
Being there
I REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME that I realized the rules had changed. We were pretty early adopters of cell phones, and we eventually disconnected our landline. One day I was talking to daughter, Aly, and her friend Ashton when he got a call. He put up a finger and then turned around and answered his phone.
I thought that was interesting because, dude, you’re talking to two live people here and the call can wait, right? Then I got it. That phone was just as compelling as live people, maybe even more so. And that was before social media had really taken off.
I saw an older man sitting at a table at a restaurant with his family the other day. It was Father’s Day, in fact. He was eyeballs deep in his phone, not even pretending to be part of the conversation. His daughter was sucked into her phone too while the mother and son seemed to be conversing pleasantly. Not until the food arrived did dad, it was his day after all, bother to put down his phone.
What I’m describing is not remotely remarkable. We see it all the time. And sometimes I’m the one who, despite my best intentions, picks up my phone when I have live people right there in front of me who deserve my attention. When I get a text, my phone makes a bamboo block sound. I find it hard to resist. Or I’ll have a sudden need to know what the weather looks like, especially if storms might be on the way. I’ve caught myself (and probably not caught myself) reaching for the phone when I’m playing with grandchild Fin. Believe me, he notices.
Katie Harris has written a great story in this issue about digital distractions and how it affects our kids when we’re always on our devices. She also offers some strategies for decoupling from those very compelling attention-grabbers.
In some way, the only thing that we really have to give people is our time and attention. It sounds easy and yet, it might be one of the hardest things for us to do. We have busy minds that don’t like to stay present in the first place. They naturally jump all over from trying to remember that we have to pick up celery when we go to the store to reliving the conversation from last night with the one pesky neighbor who doesn’t know when to shut up.
Throw in a cell phone and we really don’t have a chance of staying present.
We play a little game with our children but they’re onto it now.
One of us asks: What time is it?
The answer: Now Where are we?
Here
What’s the most important thing?
This moment
We do it in fun, and anyone of us might start it. The point is always taken. Thanks for being here!
Scott
JULY 2025 • Volume 30, Issue 2
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
Body awareness—Teach kids about their bodies and consent
TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT BODIES and consent in an age-appropriate way is essential for their safety, confidence, and respect for others. It starts with creating an environment of openness and trust, where questions are welcomed and answered honestly, using simple, clear language appropriate to the child’s age and developmental stage.
Understanding consent
Body awareness
Teaching children about their bodies begins with using accurate, age-appropriate language. From toddlerhood, they should learn the correct names for all body parts, including genitals. This builds a foundation for body confidence, clear communication, and safety. Normalizing these conversations early removes shame and helps children understand that their bodies are not taboo. As they grow, it’s important to expand these discussions to include privacy, personal space, and the changes that come with puberty. Children should be taught that all bodies are different, and those differences are natural and worthy of respect.
Consent starts with everyday moments. Young children can learn about boundaries by practicing asking for and giving permission before hugs, touches, or borrowing items. They should be taught that “no” and “stop” are words that must always be respected. As they get older, the concept of consent grows to include emotional boundaries, digital safety, and relationship dynamics. Kids need to understand that their bodies belong to them and that they can always say no, even to adults or peers. Consent is about mutual respect, and reinforcing that it must be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific—adapted in simple terms for their age—helps solidify this value.
Ongoing Communication
Open, honest, and judgmentfree communication is essential. Teaching about bodies and consent isn’t a one-time conversation—it’s an ongoing dialogue that evolves with a child’s development. Adults should model respectful behavior, boundary-setting, and active listening. Encouraging children to ask questions and express their feelings helps them feel empowered and supported. They should know that
they can always talk to a trusted adult if something feels wrong, and that they will be believed and protected. Through consistent, age-appropriate guidance, children grow up with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their bodies, relationships, and the world safely and respectfully. Teaching kids about bodies and consent empowers them to understand their rights, respect others, and build healthy
relationships. By starting early, using clear language, and keeping the conversation open, we create a foundation of safety, trust, and selfconfidence. These lessons grow with the child, helping them navigate an increasingly complex world. When we prioritize body awareness, mutual respect, and open dialogue, we give children the tools they need to advocate for themselves and others— now and throughout their lives.
Family Fun—A garden day getaway
GARDENS OFFER KIDS A CHANCE
imagine and connect with nature. From flowerlined paths to butterfly houses, these garden getaways are the perfect places to get outdoors and grow together as a family.
The Gardens on Spring Creek
2145 Centre Ave. Fort Collins
Twelve acres of vibrant gardens and peaceful oases await you at these Fort Collins gardens. Beautiful paths invite guests to stroll amongst the flowers, while scattered park benches offer a perfect resting point to take in the view.
Meander through the Garden of Eatin’—a bountiful vegetable garden where visitors can find inspiration for their own home gardens, and the Children’s Garden—ripe with activities for the youngest guests, from water pumps to a playhouse.
After exploring the vast and beautiful grounds, return to the main building for a tour of The Butterfly House, where hundreds of butterflies and moths fly freely among the tropical plants. Take your time spotting the different varieties and examining the chrysalises—you may even see a new butterfly emerge! The Gardens on Spring Creek’s hours vary. For up-to-date information visit www.fcgov.com/gardens/.
Denver Botanic Gardens
1007 York St, Denver
This 24-acre web of gardens in Colorado’s capital city will have you feeling like a world traveler at every turn. With areas inspired by landscapes from around the world, from the tranquil Shofu-en Japanese Garden to the lush Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory, there’s something to captivate everyone.
Additional gardens showcase native plants, including the Cactus and Succulent House, Ornamental Grasses Garden, and Conservation Garden, so guests can learn about the advantages of planting varieties that thrive in our climate.
Don’t miss a stop at Mordecai Children’s Garden, where kids can dip their toes in a shallow stream, cross a swinging bridge and build a beaver dam! Denver Botanic Garden is open daily from 9am-5pm. To learn more visit www. botanicgardens.org.
CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens
1401 Remington St, Fort Collins
This vibrant research garden may be known for testing new flower varieties in our local climate, but for kids it’s a summer wonderland. Colorful blossoms fill the large park, with signs denoting each variety. The garden’s open layout invites families to explore on their own and at their own pace, with both sunny and shaded spots to run, play and picnic.
Compare favorite blooms with your kids, gain inspiration for your own home landscape, and discuss how different varieties are faring, brainstorming what qualities might help a plant thrive in our Northern Colorado climate.
The Annual Flower Trial Garden is planted late May through October, while the Perennial Trial and Demonstration Gardens are in place year-round. The garden is free to visit and open to the public during daylight hours, late May through October. For more information on research efforts, visit flowertrials.colostate.edu/.
Let’s go camping—Must haves for camping with kids
MANY SEASONED CAMPERS and backpackers who become parents find themselves transitioning from lightweight, high-end gear to new items that feel bit more bougie. Bigger tents to fit all family members, bigger coolers, and lots—and lots— more “stuff.” Sometimes these transitions can feel stressful, to these “true” outdoorspeople; but once you embrace it, camping with kids can turn from overwhelming to a getaway almost as exciting as a weekend vacation at a hotel with a pool. Camping offers kids a multitude of benefits, from learning valuable skills and fostering independence to promoting mental and physical well-being and strengthening family bonds. It provides a unique learning environment, encouraging exploration, problem-solving, and a deeper appreciation for nature.
Take Me Fishing Tackle Kit
Buy from: JAX Outdoor Gear, 1200 N College Ave, Fort Collins
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.
Set this wonder up inside your eight-person tent and the whole family can sleep in the same place comfortably. The Kid-O-Bunk includes 2 cots, 4 stack adapters, 2 carry bags, and 2 locking straps, providing everything you need for a great night’s sleep. This bunk cot easily converts from bunk beds to a bench to two twin cots, depending on your space and needs. It packs away quickly and stores neatly for your next trip. It is suitable for all children aged 7-12, with a weight limit of 200lbs (91kg) per sleeping deck, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for kids of all ages, including adults.
Portable Solar Power Station Kit
Buy from: Scheels, 4755 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Johnstown
We mentioned things getting a little more “bougie.” Why not just let the kids just watch a movie?! Living outdoors—even if it’s just a few days—is a big shift for kids. Sometimes watching a show or playing a game is fun, plus it gives parents a little down time. This hand-held, portable power station is ready to go wherever you may roam with USB, wireless, and AC charging ports. Built with a rugged, impactresistant body that is stylish enough to be a companion to power your laptop or smartphone at the coffee shop and durable enough to keep up with demands of the trail and campsite to power your lantern, headlamp, flashlight, or drone. The integrated AC inverter means that you’ll always have an outlet available so you can work remotely on or off-grid. With 96.2 watt-hours of power, it packs a lot into a compact design that also meets the guidelines for a carry-on approved item so you can stay powered up at the terminal and 30,000 feet.
NOW ENROLLING!
SUNDAY, SEPT. 14, 2025
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location:
WEDNESDAY,
A Kansas road trip—Head to the Heartland
NO
NEED TO TRAVEL TO OZ for an adventure—Kansas has plenty to see and do and we’ve got the perfect itinerary to hit all the top spots in one long weekend. From a quirky state park to a museum that’s out of this world, your July getaway starts here!
Day 1
A 6.5-hour drive will bring you to your first stop on the tour—the World’s Largest Things Traveling Roadside Attraction and Museum. The unique “Roadside Sideshow Expo” is home to the “World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things,” and an experience that’s sure to be a first.
Featured on the TV show Rare Visions & Roadside Revelations, the Lucas, KS location serves as a home base for the expo, featuring models of the largest donut, cow, Santa Claus and more. The attraction is open 9am-5pm most days. To learn more visit worldslargestthings.com.
From there, it’s less than an hour’s drive to Mushroom Rock State Park, which lives up to its name with its fungishaped formations. Once a meeting place for Native Americans and early pioneers, the five-acre park features two short trails which will take you out to the various calcium carbonate creations. For more on the park, visit ksoutdoors. com/state-parks/locations/mushroom-rock.
Head to Wichita for the night.
Day 2
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, is home to over 4,000 unique plant species. Spanning 20 acres, the garden is the perfect place to spend a peaceful morning in the heart of downtown Wichita. Get lost in the Sarachek Woodland Bird Garden, learn about the region’s water purification process in the Water Well Education Garden, and marvel at the miniatures in the Gene E. Spear Railroad Garden. Botanica is open 9am-8pm daily. Learn more at botanica.org.
Your next stop is Keeper of the Plains, just a short drive away. The five-ton, 44-foot-tall sculpture watches over the sacred ground between the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers, considered sacred by the native Bosin people, and is the region’s most well-known piece of art. In the evenings, visitors are invited to gather around the statue for the Ring of Fire Ceremony, during which five fire drums illuminate the sculpture and river. The grounds are free to access, by crossing the footbridge on either side of the river. To find out more visit visitwichita.com.
Spend another night in Wichita.
Day 3
Today, head to Strataca, Kansas’s underground salt mine, a 45-minute drive northwest from Wichita. Travel down into an active salt mine, where you’ll learn about the 100 year history and geology of the practice. The tour will take you 650 feet below ground, giving you a glimpse into mining techniques and the influence of salt in our food. Tours take approximately 2.5 hours and can be booked online at www.underkansas.org.
Your last stop is out of this world! Cosmosphere, an interactive outer space learning center, is the perfect place to learn about the great space race between the U.S.A. and U.S.S.R.; view a full-scale space shuttle replica; catch shows at the planetarium, dome theater, and rocket lab; and learn and play at the CosmoKids exhibit. To purchase tickets visit www.cosmo.org.
Heather Sommers
Digital distraction
Katie Harris
How our excessive phone use affects our kids
WE’VE ALL HAD THAT MOMENT—you’re sitting on the floor, doing your darnedest to build that skyscraper out of blocks that your little one requested, and the phone just keeps pinging. The first time, you ignore it. The second time, you push the phone out of reach. But the third time, you cave. A quick glance at the text leads to a skimming of your email inbox, which leads to a glance at your social media notifications and before you know it, five minutes have passed. You look up and it’s just you and a half-built tower, your little one having lost interest and
left in search of something else to play.
In a world where over 50 percent of Americans feel that they are addicted to their phones, according to The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction (virtualaddiction.com), monitoring screen time isn’t just something we should be doing for our kids, it’s something it may be time to consider for ourselves.
When parents struggle to put their phones down, the consequences can ripple through the whole family. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Peggy Pine, who practices at
Pine says she often sees this behavior spill over into family therapy sessions. “I’ve had to ask parents to put their phones away while we’re working.
TIPS FOR BEATING PHONE ADDICTION, COURTESY OF HELPGUIDE.ORG:
• Practice healthy relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga or selfmassage to combat stress.
• Avoid isolation by taking opportunities to get out and socialize.
• Practice in-person communication whenever possible, rather than defaulting to text or email.
• Have designated times throughout the day when your phone is powered off and stashed away, such as while driving, eating meals and lying in bed at night, and build from there.
• Consider removing social media apps from your phone, so that you can only access them from your computer.
• Set a timer and only check your phone every time it goes off.
• If you are still struggling, it might help to schedule a consultation with a professional to discuss strategies for overcoming addiction.
Northern Colorado’s Kidstuff and the online counseling organization, Sonder Mind, shares what happens when we’re constantly connected, and how our own digital distraction affects our kids.
WHEN SCROLLING BECOMES A SAFETY NET
“Every person’s phone use is different,” says Pine, “but when it starts to interfere with our ability to have healthy relationships, keep up with everyday responsibilities or be present with our families, that’s when it starts looking like addiction.”
They’re so used to the distraction, they don’t even realize it’s happening.”
Psychologist Lee Land, of Land Counseling in Fort Collins, has seen the issue in sessions as well. “I frequently work with parents who are struggling to manage the responsibilities and emotions that are part of raising kids,” he says. “It’s understandable that exhausted and overwhelmed parents are relying on screen time to cope, but unfortunately this makes it harder for them to be engaged and responsive.”
WHEN DISCONNECTION BECOMES THE NORM
That lack of engagement can manifest into dangerous behavior in kids, as they compete with their parents’ phones for attention. According to the National Library of Medicine (pmc. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/), children are likely to experience sadness, anger and a host of other negative emotions as a result of their parents’ phone overuse.
“I have had clients tell me, ‘Dad’s always on his phone,’” Pine says. “One young girl I work with hasn’t been able to make progress in her therapy because no one at home is helping her practice—
her parents are always online.”
According to Land, screen overuse doesn’t just hurt kids’ feelings, it can influence development, too. “Studies show that high phone use in parents is linked to reduced interaction and lower quality communication. This impacts kids’ emotional intelligence, language development and their ability to self-regulate.”
Additionally, kids tend to mirror what they see. Where parents prioritize their devices, kids often learn to, too. “We’re making it okay for them to live in the online world, and we’re often not taking the time to monitor what they’re doing while they’re there,” says Pine. They’re learning from what we do, not what we say.”
SO WHAT CAN WE DO?
Both Pine and Land emphasize that change starts with awareness and intention. “Start small,” advises Pine. “Set a time each evening for everyone’s phones to be turned off and engage in family time. Have a conversation, play a board game, reconnect.”
Land suggests using a phone app or paper log to track and limit use and set healthy boundaries. This can help you identify triggers that cause you to reach for your phone, such as stress or anxiety, and seek healthier techniques for handling them.
It’s crucial for parents to recognize their own emotional needs. “It’s challenging but important to recognize the signs of burnout and carve out space for self-care,” says Land. “Every parent will be distracted and overwhelmed at times, but by continuing to remind ourselves to care for our own feelings we can stay engaged and present with our children.”
WHAT YOU STAND TO GAIN
“Choosing to put down our phones and join in meaningful shared play is choosing a positive developmental outcome for our children,” says Land. “Observe them exploring their world. Notice their delight and interest in their discoveries. Make time to engage in conversation. These are the things that create strong connections.”
FIT AND FUN!
School District News: Poudre
PSD Teacher named semifinalist for Colorado Teacher of the Year
The excellence of Poudre School District educators is always worth celebrating—especially when one of our own is recognized statewide as one of the best in the profession.
Sarah Bayer, a secondary teacher
at Polaris Expeditionary Learning School, has been named one of 22 semifinalists for the Colorado Department of Education 2026 Teacher of the Year award. She was selected from a pool of 419 teachers
from all over Colorado.
“I am honored and privileged,” Sarah says of the recognition. “To me, it’s a testament to the community at Polaris.”
Sarah has been a teacher for 24 years, 13 of which she has spent at Polaris. She says that while she is the one being recognized, she wanted to thank all the people she works alongside every day; from her fellow teachers at Polaris to the District for supporting educators like her and, of course, her students who support her in all she does.
“Sarah is a lifelong learner, an exceptionally talented National Board Certified teacher who has launched the only Natural Resource and Outdoor Leadership CTE pathway in PSD,” Polaris Principal Starr Hill says. “Students thrive under her leadership—both in the classroom and in the field, where her high expectations of rigor and real-world applications of learning propel students toward their passions and future careers. But above all, Sarah is a wonderful human and crew member.”
Each year, the Colorado Teacher of the Year Program honors a dedicated classroom teacher to represent the profession statewide. The selected teacher also becomes Colorado’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year competition.
Sarah learned the exciting news Wednesday afternoon during a virtual meeting with CDE Commissioner Susana Córdova and the other semifinalists. From here, Sarah and the other semifinalists will complete additional application components and participate in interviews with the selection committee by early July.
Finalists will be announced in September, and the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year will be announced in October.
School District News: Thompson
The power of perspective and partnership abroad
Not every student would voluntarily give up a year of their high school experience to live in a country where they had never been with people they had never met.
However, for Mountain View High School senior Presley Stevenson, one of the hardest parts of spending her entire junior year in Italy was returning to the United States.
“It was harder to leave there than to leave here,” she recalls. “I did not anticipate that at all. I left a piece of me in Italy.”
Presley, who started school at Mountain View in ninth grade, was never particularly unhappy with how things were going for her in high school. However, as her time in school went by, she felt like something was missing. After learning about Interact, the high school version of Rotary Club, Presley decided she wanted to get involved. Through Interact, she learned about Rotary’s student exchange program and started to think it was a good fit for her.
“I felt very stuck in a way. Things were going how I had always planned them to go, but I wasn’t feeling satisfaction,” she says. “I thought, there must be something more.”
After convincing her parents that her plan was solid, Presley spent her sophomore year preparing for her year abroad.
At the beginning of her junior year, she moved to the Northwest coast of Italy, where she lived with two different host families and attended the local school. No one around her, including her host families, spoke English, and she was immediately fully immersed in Italian culture.
“I think every person should live in a culture that is different from their own. It’s so good to see different points
of view,” she says. “Being in another country breaks down your preconceptions and stereotypes, whether you knew they were there or not.”
Presley says that in her year living in the Italian countryside, she grew to love the Italian way of life, which is slowerpaced and focused on the present.
She will attend Long Island University’s Global College, which will
allow her to live in a different country every semester, including Costa Rica, France, Australia, and Fiji, just to name a few.
“There’s a lot of change that needs to get made internationally,”
Presley says. “If we work together, there’s so much more we can achieve than if we just focus on our own little corner.”
To advertise in Ride, call Greg or Scott. We have discounts for early space reservations.
In Fort Collins call Greg Hoffman 970-689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com
All others call Scott Titterington 970-980-9183 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com
Save the Date for the 2025 Art in the Park! August 9, 10am to 5pm & August 10, 10am to 4pm
THEIR SCHOOL YEAR WITH HOPE AND CONFIDENCE! Support businesses that support bicycling.
JUNE 11-JULY 23
Donated items benefit local children who have been abused, neglected or are at-risk.
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
School District News: Greeley-Evans D6
Social studies teacher named semi-finalist for 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year
A Greeley Central High School social studies teacher has been named as one of 22 semi-finalists for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year.
Stephen Paulson is a social studies and AVID teacher at Greeley Central and has been an educator for 14 years. Previously, he has won Greeley Central Teacher of the Year (2024) and Greeley-Evans School District Teacher of the Year (2021) awards. The semifinalists were announced by the Colorado Department of Education. The 22 semifinalists were selected from 419 Teacher of the Year applicants representing 106 school districts. A committee of more than 40 individuals reviewed all the applications to select the semifinalists.
Paulson says his mission is to
empower first-generation students to achieve educational and financial advancement. He holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from University of Northern Colorado and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Colorado State University.
“Throughout Mr. Paulson’s tenure in District 6, his mission has been clear: to support first-generation students in accessing higher education and to empower them to break barriers in pursuit of the college and career aspirations,” says District 6 Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch, in a letter supporting Paulson’s nomination. “By fostering a culture of high expectations, resilience and selfadvocacy, Mr. Paulson has helped
shape generations of scholars who are now thriving in college and beyond.” The semifinalists will move on to the second part of the application process, which includes additional essay questions. The Colorado Department of Education will announce its finalists for 2026 Teacher of the Year in September and name a winner in October.
Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year represents the state’s 55,000-plus educators at the state and national levels and will become Colorado’s nominee for the Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Teacher of the Year Program, be honored at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C. and receive $5,000 courtesy of the Boettcher Foundation.
Outdoor adventures, Safety in and around cars, Play it safe on the water
PACK FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Northern Colorado has so many beautiful outdoor spaces to explore. Before you head out on your next adventure, check off this City of Fort Collins list of what to pack for a day in the great outdoors.
• Map and compass, a GPS system, or your phone: Not all natural areas have good reception.
• Layered clothing and rain gear: Be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
• Water: Pack more than you think you will need and drink before you feel thirsty.
• Trail food
• First-aid kit: include a space blanket if you have one.
• Repair kit: This may include duct tape, multi-tool, etc.
• Flashlight
• Sun and bug Protection For more information go to fcgov.com
SAFETY IN AND AROUND CARS
Every year we hear about deaths
of children being accidently left in hot cars. Please take the following precautions so that does not happen.
• Help prevent heatstroke deaths by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute.
• Cars can heat up to dangerous levels in just a short amount of time, even on mild, sunny days—and cracking a window doesn’t help.
• Create reminders when driving with a child in the back seat so you don’t forget they are there. Place something like a purse or phone near your child that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if your routine changes.
• Keep car doors and trunks locked and keep key fobs out of reach.
• Kids as young as 2-3 years old are known to climb into unlocked cars and trunks to play, but they can’t always get out.
• Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911.
• Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations.
For more information about child safety go to SafeKids Larimer County at sklarimer.org
PLAY IT SAFE ON THE WATER
Terrible tragedies have already occurred in lakes and rivers this season. If you’re planning to recreate on the Poudre this summer, look to the “Play It Safe on the Poudre” site from the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area at poudreheritage.org/play-it-safe for: Safety tips and river access maps in English and Spanish; Reports on daily river levels; Real-time flood warning map; Colorado stream and river flows; and River safety guidance from Poudre Fire Authority.
For those recreating by boat, kayak or paddleboards on lakes and reservoirs, keep you and your family safe by knowing the laws, checking conditions ahead of time and following these safety tips:
• Before you arrive, check weather forecasts and have a weather app accessible on your phone.
• Bring a cell phone in case you need to call for help.
• Be ready for sudden high winds and weather changes.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you’ll return.
• Wear personal flotation devices and have a whistle at all times.
• Be aware that despite warm air temperature, water is deceptively cold increasing the risk of hypothermia.
• Wear sunscreen and avoid alcohol.
• Know the laws of any body of water you plan to fish, boat, or paddle.
Community Calendar
July events
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.downtown loveland.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
TUESDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 16
FoCo Food Truck Rally
Food trucks and free live music. City Park, FC. www.focofoodtruckrally.com
FRIDAY, JULY 11
National Trails Day Volunteer Event Volunteers choose from a variety of trail and maintenance projects. Ages 12+. Transportation from Northside Aztlan Center, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
FRIDAY, JULY 25
Kids in the Park
Get outside and play! Enjoy music, games, snacks and recreation activities. Twin Silo Community Park, FC. www.fcgov.com/recreation/ kidsinthepark
SATURDAYS, JULY 26, 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
ENTERTAINMENT
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. www. coloradocandlelight.com
TUESDAYS, THROUGH JULY 29
Family Movie Series
July’s line-up includes Toy Story, Moana, Brave, Inside Out and A Bug’s Life. Rialto Theater, LV. www.rialtotheatercenter.org/kidssummer-fun
WEDNESDAYS, THROUGH JULY 23
Lagoon Summer Concert Series
Lineup includes The Reminders, Top Shelf 5280, and Salsa Forte Collective. Lagoon at CSU, FC. www.lagoonseries.com
THROUGH JULY 6
Greeley Stampede
Rodeo, concerts, parade, carnival and more family fun. Island Grove Regional Park, GR. www.greeleystampede.org
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. www.recreationliveshere.com/219/ Summer-Concert-Series
THURSDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 4
Bohemian Nights: Thursday Night Live Concert Series
Live music from emerging and established artists. Old Town Square, FC.
Explore the history of Greeley during open weekends that feature different themes each week. Centennial Village Museum, GR. www.greeleymuseums.com/events
JULY 5 THROUGH 10
Estes Park Rooftop Rodeo
Signature event features many of the World’s top rodeo contestants, plus parade, mutton bustin’ and more. July 8 is Family Night. EP. www.rooftoprodeo.com
Features Trace Bundy this month and Daniel Rodriguez in September. Fort Collins Nursery, FC. www.fortcollinsnursery.com/events
SATURDAY, JULY 12
Astronomy Night
Get an up-close look at the night sky with telescopes. Prairie Ridge Natural Area, LV. www.offero.cityofloveland.org
JULY 15 THROUGH 19
FoCo POP: The Concert Truck
Feel the power of classical music without the stuffy vibes for free in the park. Bring blankets/chairs. Various parks, FC. www.lctix.com/seasonpackages-bundles/foco-pop
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
Free Train Rides at North Lake Park
Ride the authentic replica of a steam train that once served Loveland. North Lake Park, LV. www.lovgov. org/services/parks-recreation/parksfacilities/buckhorn-northern-railroad
THURSDAYS, JULY 17 AND AUGUST 21
Movie Nights
Bring food/chairs/blankets for movies in the indoor arena. Temple Grandin Equine Center, FC. www. TempleGrandinEquineCenter.com
FRIDAY, JULY 18
Campfire at Coyote Ridge Cabin: Wolves
Two-mile round-trip easy hike with one large hill each way to enjoy campfire and stories. Coyote Ridge Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
FRIDAY, JULY 19
Skygazing
Brief, family-friendly astronomy activity followed by skygazing with telescopes from Northern Colorado Astronomical Society. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
JULY 23 AND AUGUST 21
Free Days at Loveland Museum
Free admission during business hours. Loveland Museum, LV. www.thelovelandmuseum.org
THURSDAY, JULY 24
Bats by the River—Natural Areas
After Dark
Learn the importance of bats, see and hear bats. River’s Edge Natural Area, LV. www.offero.cityofloveland.org
JULY 25, AUGUST 5
Windsor Movies in the Park
Features include Top Gun: Maverick (family campout night) and Zootopia. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Various parks, WS. www.recreationliveshere.com/217/ Movies-in-the-Park
THURSDAY, JULY 24
The Intricate Art of Losel Dolls
Discover the beauty of Tibet through intricate, handcrafted Losel dolls. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, FC. www.globalvillagemuseum.org
SATURDAY, JULY 26
Raptors and Nature: Rocky Mountain Raptor Program
Short hike to presentation on amazing raptors Reservoir Ridge and Primrose Studio, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
THURSDAY, JULY 31
Chilson Summer Party
Have fun with Mobile Rec Trailer, free popsicles and photobooth pics. Chilson Recreation Center, LV. www.offero.cityofloveland.org
ACTIVE-ITIES
TUESDAYS, THROUGH JULY 29
Taco Tubesday at Eastman River Experience
$2 single tube rentals and delicious tacos. Eastman Park River Experience, WS. www. recreationliveshere.com/Calendar
THROUGH AUGUST
FREE Healthy Kids Run Series
Four free family-friendly in-person one-mile fun runs and five one-mile on-your-own-courses at local parks. LV, GR and Severance. www.healthykidsclub.org
THURSDAY, JULY 10
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
MONDAY, JULY 14
Realities Cup Golf Tournament 22nd annual event benefiting children who have faced abuse, neglect, or are at risk. Fort Collins Country Club, FC www.realitiesforchildren.com/ events/realities-cup
TUESDAY, JULY 15
Free Pool Party
First 200 people get in free, beginning at 6pm. Winona Outdoor Pool, LV. www.Lovgov.org/ Swimming
THURSDAY, JULY 17
Free SNAG (Starting New at Golf) Families enjoy free SNAG for the evening. Cattail Creek Golf Course, LV. GolfLoveland.com
SATURDAY, JULY 26
GPS Family Treasure Hunt
Using GPS Units, solve clues and find hidden treasures in a local park. LV. LovGov.org/Webtrac
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Festivities
FRIDAY, JULY 4
Estes Park The Big Bang! Concert Headliner is The Long Run plus fireworks view over the lake. Estes Park Event Complex, EP. visitestespark. com/event/big-bangconcert-on-july-4th!/16141
Fort Collins 4th of July Celebration Firecracker 5K, parade along Mountain Avenue (10am), family fun zone, baseball games, trolley rides, live music/food truck rally, and fireworks (9:35pm). City Park, FC. fcgov.com/ july4th
Greeley Independence Day
Parade & Fireworks
Parade, various shows, free admission to Centennial Village Museum, Rodney Atkins concert and fireworks (9:30pm). Island Grove Regional Park, GR. greeleystampede.org
Loveland July 4th Festival
Canceled for 2025 due to budget limitations. lovgov.org/services/parksrecreation/events/july-4thfestival
Timnath 4th of July Celebration
Fun family activities and live music (6pm) and pyromusical fireworks show (9:30pm.) Timnath Reservoir. timnath.org/4th-of-julycelebration
Wellington Fourth of July Pancake breakfast (7am), parade (10am), festival with car show, vendors, food trucks, music and kids’ activities and fireworks (9:30pm.)
Wellington Community Park, Wellington. wellingtoncolorado.gov/528/ Fourth-of-July
Windsor Independence Day Activities, food trucks, vendors, and live music throughout afternoon/ evening plus fireworks (9:15pm). Boardwalk Park, WS. recreationliveshere. com/216/July-4th-Activities
As summer heat hits, many plants call it quits. Avoid the “summer slump” by planting heat-loving, mid-season bloomers that thrive through the dog days. These often-overlooked picks will keep your garden fresh and vibrant all season long:
Native to plains and prairies’ dry places, fame flower (Phemeranthus calicynus), is rarely seen in gardens on the Front Range. With its cheery, jewel-toned blooms that explode June through September, this little succulent is a real doer. It self-seeds, forming loose patches of plants with dozens of magenta blooms bobbing on six-inch tall, threadlike stems. The trick to growing this plant is to provide it with a well-drained site (avoid low spots and areas that tend to sit wet) with gravel mulch or no mulch at all: fame flower despises wood and leaf mulches! Fame flower can be slow to wake up in spring, so don’t worry if it looks like it didn’t make it through the winter—it’s probably just waiting for warmer weather. This tough little plant thrives on minimal water and can be easily started by direct-sowing seeds in late spring or summer.
True blue is one of the most elusive garden colors, which makes Cape forgetme-not (Anchusa capensis) all the more special. This compact plant reaches only about a foot tall and puts on a dazzling early-summer show, covered in tight sprays of deep cobalt, five-petaled blooms. Native to South Africa, Cape forget-me-not was introduced to our region by the Plant Select® program. It thrives in moderately irrigated, compost-enriched soil but dislikes wet winter conditions—avoid planting it where snow is shoveled or piled. Like fame flower, it prefers gravel mulch over organic options.
Prairie sage (Salvia azurea) is another standout among blue bloomers. This tall, native plant waits for several weeks of real heat before it starts to flower, making it a great choice for late-summer color. Its deep roots give it solid drought tolerance once established, though occasional irrigation encourages heavier flowering. To prevent plants from growing too tall cut them back by half in early June. Prairie sage thrives in all mulch types.
Still not sure which mid-season stars might be right for your garden? Visit The Gardens on Spring Creek to see these plants used in gardens by professionals; fame flower can be found in our Undaunted Garden, while Cape forget-menot blooms in our Plant Select® demonstration garden, and prairie sage grows throughout our Prairie Garden.
Here’s something I’m wholly unprepared to think about, much less write about: visiting COLLEGES. Wasn’t it just yesterday that I was writing one of these Time Out stories about my daughter running around in a diaper, repeatedly exclaiming “Holy cwap” in front of my mother-in-law?
Nonetheless, here we are. Me and my soon-to-be an adult oldest child, discussing whether her leadership skills or volunteer work are better topics for a college application essay. She’s obsessively discussing pros and cons to in-state versus out-ofstate, I’m nodding along, wide-eyed, seeing nothing but dollar signs and a house with just me and four boys of varying ages once she flies the coop. When did this far distant future become a reality?
I’ll tell you when.
We were on the road heading to Yellowstone National Park—a family road trip/research trip for last month’s travel story—when she broached the subject of Montana State University being just an hour out of our way. I kid you not, I stared blankly at her for a solid 20 seconds, wondering what that had to do with anything.
Yes, I see your raised eyebrows, and I know that college is a perfectly predictable next step for a child who just wrapped up her junior year of high school. It’s not that I actually think she’s still 3 years old. But we had a plan. A mapping out of easing in to the idea of her leaving the nest. A year or two at the local community college followed by a gradual transition to Colorado State University. A plan that my intensely driven daughter had been talking about since she was, in fact, 3 years old. It hadn’t even occurred to me that she might want to explore other options. I hadn’t had time to
process. Or panic.
But there we were, and visit we did. We strolled between dorms, past the (gulp) admissions office, and found the animal science building. We even had dinner at a nearby restaurant and checked out the downtown Bozeman scene that evening.
And. she. loved. it.
My suddenly very grown up daughter was a flurry when we got home, Googling the cost of flights from Denver to Bozeman, for the “couple times a year” she’d be able to visit home, researching campus dining options and texting her friends the news.
We were in full on planning for college mode: she, a bundle of excited energy; me, still trying to wrap my mouth around the word “FAFSA”.
Surely there were things I needed to do. Actions to take. When should she apply? How did we determine whether the school was the right fit? Was her SAT score high enough? Had she participated in enough extracurriculars? How did one go about finding and
applying for scholarships? Suddenly I was juggling a dozen balls, each one with the word “deadline” painted across it in big, bold letters.
Which brings us back to the present, just a few short weeks later. The summer of planning for college is, indeed upon us. The dinner table conversations have been heavier as of late, as she weighs her options and I try to accept that this is really happening. Each day, I practice showing up to these conversations as her biggest supporter, whatever she chooses, and never the mom who suddenly, desperately wishes I could keep her 3 years old forever.
I’m grateful that she comes to me for these conversations. That she trusts me to listen and seeks out my advice. And that’s why I don’t often give it to her. The choice is hers to make, and I get to try on a new parenting hat—perhaps the most rewarding, if the most difficult, yet—watching her spread her wings and find her place in the world. She’s going to soar.
Weld County recognizes contributions of foster families and community
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.
