Boulder County Kids Winter 2011 Issue

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B O U L D E R C O U N T Y K I D S Winter Scene by Brice Anderson, age 7 WINTER ISSUE!

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Winter issue. Quarterly guide for children and families in Boulder County, Broomfield County and surrounding areas.

Transcript of Boulder County Kids Winter 2011 Issue

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B OUL DE R C OU N TY KIDS

Winter Scene by Brice Anderson, age 7

WINTER ISSUE!

Page 2 • Bouldercountykids.com

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

• • • • • •

An Individualized EducationHelping Children to Be Exceptional, Accelerated and Creative

Small Class Sizes • Nationally Accredited • Ages 3–14 Half- or Full-day Academic Preschool–Middle School

Accredited Full-day Kindergarten & Grades 1–8

Open House and Tour: November 9, December 7, & January 11

November 16 for Middle School Only(or call to schedule a personal tour)

7203 W. 120TH AVENUEBROOMFIELD

(303) 469-6449broomfieldacademy.com

Open Daily mid-November thru mid-February

Youth Skating Lessons Begin in January

Private or Semi-Private Lessons Available

Great for Birthday Parties!

In the heart of downtown Boulder

13th & Walnut(303) 209-3722

www.bouldericerink.com

Ice Skating Fun For The Whole Family

Bring in this ad for $1 o  skate admission

or rental at the Ice Rink. Original ad only,

photocopies will not be accepted. This o er

is valid through February 2012.

Winter 2011 • Page 3

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

BETTER. BRIGHTER.Boulder Country Day.

Boulder Country Day School surrounds your child in a learning environment that’s better in so many ways. With a brighter chance for success, they’ll become filled with confidence ready to take on any challenge.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSEThursday, November 3rd, 9:00 a.m.RSVP 303-527-4931 x 248

www.bouldercountryday.org/eventsPre-school through 8th grade Scan to RSVP

Page 4 • Bouldercountykids.com

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

WINTER 2011

Note: Many of our covers come from monthly student K—12 art displays at the Boulder Valley Credit Union at 5505 Arapahoe Avenue next to the Boulder Dinner Theatre. Check it out!

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS is a Division of Martin House Publications, Inc. Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 17114, Boulder, CO, 80308. Phone number: (303) 939-8767. Copyright 1995 to 2011 by Boulder County Kids. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Boulder County Kids encourages your submission of articles, photographs, and ideas. We reserve the right to edit all submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication. Viewpoints of the articles are not necessarily the viewpoints of Boulder County Kids. Materials will not be returned. Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the publisher. Printed with soy-based ink. See submission guidelines at www.bouldercountykids.com

Contents Volume 17 No. 4

Serving Boulder County, Broomfield, Estes Park, & Surrounding areas

Articles titled in blue are great reading for kids, green for directories.

From the Publisher ..................................................................... 5

Cover Story-Brice Anderson.............................. 5

Boulder Art Talk .................................................... 6

Kids’ Planet .........................................................8

Paperless Office .................................................. 10

Izzy’s Garden ......................................................... 14

SEVEN COMMON BANKING MISCONCEPTIONS ................. 16

Extending the Same Compassion... ....... 17

News about Town .............................................. 18

Healthy Kids .............................................................. 19

Three Ideas for Getting to School in the Mornings ......... 20

Concert Etiquette 101 ............................ 21

What Do I Do Now, Romona? ......................... 22

Holiday Gift Ideas ........................................................ 24

Porsche’s Educational Tips ................................... 26

Avery’s Avid-Reader Corner ............................ 27

CHILD CARE/PRESCHOOL DIRECTORY ....... 28–32

PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY ............................ 33–34

HEALTH CARE DIRECTORY ......................................... 35

Environmental Health Tips ..................... 35

Birthday Party Directory ................................................. 36–37

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS ................................ 38–41

Winter Calendar of Events........................................ 42–45

Editor in Chief - Jennifer Martin Cool Cover Art - Brice Anderson Official Mascot - Luna

Best in the World Printers - Longmont Daily Times-Call Distribution Gurus - CircServ

To Perfection Editing & Proofing (really the gal is so good!) - Linda Carlson The Most Awesome Web Designer - Bolderwomen: www.bolderwomen.com

www.bouldercountykids.com • (303) 939-8767

BOULDER COUNTY KIDS

Ages 2 1/2 - 5Bring your child for a classroom visit

• Low adult/child ratios in every classroom• Serving children with and without special needs• Nationally accredited for excellence in preschool standards• Highly qualifi ed teachers and therapeutic staff• Enrichment programs available (Yoga, Write Now handwriting program and more...)• Lunch Bunch• Scholarships available

Please visit or call for more information611 Korte Way • Longmont • 303-776-7417

www.tinytimcenter.org

The Tiny Tim Center

Relief, hope and sheer joy are the emotions my husband and I felt once we fi nally stumbled upon The Tiny Tim Center ... There has been such a positive change in our son in 3 shorts weeks ... -Wendy and Justin Everett

Winter 2011 • Page 5

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

Don’t miss out on the next issue. Get the Word Out!

Reach 20,000 families in Boulder County, Broomfield County, and surrounding areas!Spring issue deadline is JANUARY 10th. That issue covers February, March and April. CAMP ISSUE! Please call early to reserve your space! Calendar of Events listings are published at no charge and on a space-available basis. All advertising information and forms are available online, please check out our Advertising Page at www.bouldercountykids.com. Calendar events must be submitted online at www.bouldercountykids.com on our Calendar Submission Form. Receipts will be sent back to you.

Boulder County Kids • PO Box 17114 • Boulder, CO 80308

(303) 939-8767

[email protected] • www.bouldercountykids.com

Suzuki Violin, Viola and Cello School Openings available for private lessons: Ages 4 through high school Beginner through advanced The Program Offers: Weekly private lessons and twice-monthly group lessons. Note reading, theory & string orchestra. Studio & community concerts & recitals.

Boulder Suzuki StringsFor information call (303) 499-2807www.bouldersuzukistrings.org

Members of the Boulder Valley Suzuki Teachers

est 1982

Holidays are com-ing up, snow will be on the

ground, and we can all tuck in for a wonderful winter. We have lots of great ideas this issue for art projects, concert and holiday productions, hol-iday shopping reviews, and tips and sugges-tions for the whole fam-ily. Take good care, and

please do be in touch with us. We love hearing from you. Best to you and your families!

Jennifer Martin

and Luna

Jennifer Martin, Publisherwww.bouldercountykids.com

[email protected]

(303) 939-8767

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Brice Anderson who just turned 7 on Oc tobe r 25th. He goes to Communi ty Montessori and is in the 1st grade. He has one sis-ter, Zoe, age 4. The cover is done with acrylic on paper, inspired by t he s t o ry, S n o w L a m b s w h i l e s t u d y -ing at Sunflower Art Studio in B o u l d e r. H i s favorite class-es in school are music, art and P.E. His favor-i t e foods a re Japanese r ice,

cookies and pie. Brice doesn’t like any vegetables except rhubarb. Proto’s for dinner is a favorite. He loves to read and is now reading BFG (short for “Big Friendly Giant”) written by Roald Dahl. Brice’s top pick for movies is Free Willy 2 and likes to watch Dinosaur Train on TV. For music, Brices likes to listen to Barenaked Ladies and play the keyboard. He plays soccer, and his favorite things about winter are sledding and drinking hot chocolate. Brice says, “I like to play games. I like to read the sports section of the newspaper every day. My favorite baseball team is the Boston Red Sox, because I was born during the 2004 World Series when they won. I like to go on the computer. I love wolves. I like to eat ice cream.”

The cover sponsor is Boulder Valley Credit Union, which provides kids with an excellent environment in

which to save money and provides incentives, activities, events and mascot visits. To join, or for more information, call (303) 442-8850 in Boulder and (970) 577-0750 in Estes Park, or you can also visit www.bvcu.org

COVER STORY

Brice Anderson

Page 6 • Bouldercountykids.com

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

You know they’re coming. Even in our blissfully sunny

Boulder winters, there will be those dark, dreary days, too wet, cold, or miserable to urge the kids outside to play. Or you’ll have an ill child at home, recovering but not yet fit for playmates. But not to worry: With a little fore-thought you can be prepared for some art projects that will engage your youngsters, unleash their imaginations, and result in a finished prod-uct you’ll all be proud of. And what fun you’ll have in the process!

Lisa Holub, director of Education at Clementine Studio in Boulder, has come up with a few ideas to get you started. Mostly the mate-rials are things you’ll have around the house, but you might start stockpiling some items in preparation. Keep a shoe box for accumulating items such as buttons, yarn, sticks, old costume jewelry, bottle caps, corks, and other bits and bobs that can be used to embellish and dec-orate. Don’t recycle every last cardboard or paperboard box, paper tube, and oat-

meal box, because these can be used as building compo-nents. In addition, colored tis-sue paper has endless uses, as do pieces of felt and fabric. And whatever you do, don’t throw away those old cray-ons! You’ll need a glue gun as well as white glue (Lisa is a big fan of Mod Podge, which is found in hobby stores). From these mundane items your budding Picasso will create wondrous items—no problem.

Begin wi th a s tu rdy piece of cardboard, say 9 x 11 inches, though the size

isn’t important. Using full-strength glue, affix a few small shells, buttons, yarn, tees to the cardboard--some-thing to give dimension to the surface--and then cover the entire piece with lightly diluted Mod Podge or white glue. Gently press onto this base assorted pieces or strips of tissue paper, which can be overlapped to create new col-ors, to cover the surface com-pletely; it’s OK if the tissue breaks, since you will build at least three layers, adding more of the thinned glue as necessary. Eventually the small items will lose their individual identities as they form a colorful abstract bas relief. Let the piece dry and then finish with another coat of glue, to give a varnished effect (or the parent can apply real varnish to achieve this). The artist will be sur-prised and delighted by the alchemy that has transformed such ordinary materials into a work of art.

For this project, a parent is required first to peel and

shave old crayons, putting each color in its own muffin cup. Cut two identical sized pieces of waxed paper. Use masking tape to tape down the edges of the first sheet to the work surface. Spread or sprinkle the shaved cray-ons to cover the sheet almost to the tape. Mixing col-ors will create interesting effects and provide a lesson in color creation. When sat-isfied, tape the second sheet of waxed paper on top of the first. The next step is for the parent, who will heat an iron to low heat (some trial and error here) and place it on the paper and lift it off, working over the whole piece. Do not attempt to move the iron back and forth across the paper. The heat of course melts the crayon and creates a glori-ous stained-glass effect! When the piece has dried and cooled, remove the tape. The artwork can be hung in a win-dow to catch the light, or it can be cut into pieces for a mobile, using a dowel or coat hanger and ribbons or yarn to attach the “stained glass” pieces.

Some young artists enjoy working in a larger scale and eschew tabletop art for con-structs such as an automo-bile, house or fort, animal, train, or monster. Spread a plastic drop cloth and provide an assortment of cardboard boxes and tubes. The artist plays with the boxes to con-coct the desired object, then uses a glue gun (wielded by a

Boulder Art TalkArt to the Rescue!

by Brenda NiemandPhoto courtesy of Pinque C

lark

Project 1:Abstract Relief

Project 2: Crayon Stained

Glass

Project 3:Cardboard

Construction

Winter 2011 • Page 7

BOULDER COUnty KiDsparent for those under 8, Lisa advises), to attach the boxes to one another. The assem-blage may be painted or dec-orated with washable paints, if desired, and ornamented by gluing on bottle caps or other ephemera. The result will be satisfying and impressive.

This project starts with a tissue box, either rectangu-lar or square. Using Mod Podge, cover the top with a piece of paper board or manila envelop, to eliminate the oval opening. Next, the parent wields a sharp knife or scissors to cut three sides of the top to form a lid. The artist then coats all sides of the box with slightly diluted glue and presses on a col-lage of fabric, colored tis-sue paper, decorative paper, or cut-out paper pictures or photos in a decoupage pro-cess. If desired, the underside of the lid may be decorated also, by folding the fabric or paper over its edges to cover it. Let dry, then coat the whole box with another coat of glue as varnish. When that is dried, the surface can be embellished by gluing on shells, “jewels,” buttons, glit-ter, or whatever tickles the fancy. Lastly, a closure may be made by attaching a yarn loop and a button. The box is now ready to be filled with treasures!

These projects all offer some of the delights of artis-tic endeavors—exercising the imagination, visualizing and effecting an image, experi-encing the interaction of col-ors and textures, enjoying the satisfaction of creating a unique object, and relishing

the surprise of seeing the fin-ished piece. The artist is an explorer who makes exciting discoveries without leaving the house.

According the Lisa, these four projects can be tack-led by youngsters from age 3 upwards, with varying degrees of parental help or encouragement. And she should know. The staff of Clementine Studio over-sees a busy schedule of art classes for tots to teens, with 2 or 3 classes and a total of up to 30 students each day. The large room, cheerful and bright, is bursting with con-tainers of tantalizing materi-als for art-making, and the faculty is creative and enthu-siastic. There, as at home, you needn’t wait for a foul-weather day to have fun mak-ing art!

Brenda Niemand is a retired edi-tor of history and arts publications who now enjoys volunteer work with Boulder nonprofits, including Open Arts and the CU Museum of Art.

Lisa Holub, Director of education at Clementine Studio in Boulder located at 2775 Valmont Road in Boulder. They can be reached at (303) 443-2520 or please check out openar tsc lement ine .org . Clementine is the educational part-ner of OpenArts, the Boulder non-profit organization that also spon-sors Open Studios, Open Arts Fest, and edLinks.

Publisher’s Note:For more information on art teachers and art classes, check out our After School Directory on page 38.

Photo courtesy of Pinque Clark

Exciting and inspiring kids about science!Science Discovery provides unique hands-on experiences that connect students to current CU science.

Science Discovery offers classes throughout the year.

Register online today!

303.492.7188colorado.edu/sciencediscoveryConnecting kids to CU science since 1983.

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Project 4:Treasure Box

Page 8 • Bouldercountykids.com

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

by Dr. Oakleigh Thorne, II

Wangari Maathai, the Nobel Peace P r i z e w i n n e r

and environmentalist from Nairobi, Kenya, in Africa, died on September 25 this year at the age of 71. She was an amazing woman, and that’s why I want to write this column about her.

Professor Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977 by paying poor rural women a few shillings to plant trees. This improved their livelihoods by creating firewood for cooking, mak-ing better access to clean water, and reversing the effects of deforestation. This movement has planted over 30 million trees in Africa. It has helped almost 900,000 women to establish tree nurs-eries.

Professor Maathai was also a patron of the United N a t i o n s E n v i r o n m e n t Program (UNEP) Billion

Tree Campaign. Those who knew her as a mother, rela-tive, coworker, colleague, role model, and heroine admired her determination to make the world a peace-ful, healthy, and better place for all of us. She worked for justice, democracy, and nonviolence and against ignorance, dishonesty, and environmental destruction. She often risked her life to campaign and coordinate

Kids’ Planet... with Thorne Ecological Institute

Drawing by Kara Priest

women and young people for her Green Belt Movement.

She was loved and respect-ed for her charm, good humor, optimism, conviction, and bright intellect. This she took from her native Kenya to the highest international debates on climate change, rights of women, poverty, and inequality. She was not afraid to speak truth to power! The head of the UNEP called her “a force of nature, strong in character, and able to survive sometimes the harshest of conditions.”

Wangari Maathai was born on April 1, 1940, in the foothills of Mount Kenya in the town of Nyeri. As a star student, she won a scholar-ship to study biology in the United States at Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas, receiving a bachelor’s degree in 1964, then a master of science degree from the University of

Pittsburgh. Returning home, she earned a doctor of vet-erinary anatomy from the University of Nairobi. She was the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree!

In December 2002, Dr. Maathai was elected to Kenya’s parliament and later was appointed assistant min-ister for the environment and natural resources. In 2009, she was appointed as a United Nations Messenger of Peace for her commitment to human rights around the world. She received many awards, including France’s Légion d’Honneur in 2006, the Nelson Mandela Award in 2007, and Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun in 2009. She also received honorary doctorates from several uni-versities.

Wangari Maathai has been an inspiration to young women and girls through-out Africa and the rest of the world. We are saddened by her death and will miss her warm spirit. I hope you will look up and read all you can about this wonderful per-son, and that you will strive to make the world a better place, just as she did.

Dr. Thorne is founder and honor-ary president of Thorne ecological Institute in Boulder (now called Thorne Nature experience). They have helped “connect kids to nature” for more than 55 years. For information about their classes for children, please check out www.thorne-eco.org or e-mail [email protected] or call (303) 499-3647.

by Dr. Oakleigh Thorne, II

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WANGARI MAATHAI

Winter 2011 • Page 9

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

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Call Mindy Upton • 303-443-49653046 11th Street, Boulder

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2, 3, 4, & 5-Day Program options Ages 2-1/2 to 6 years

Friday Morning Parent/Tot group 6 months to 3 years

Come Save with Us!Longmont’s newest children’sconsignment and resale store!

Shop our clean and organized store full of designer and name-brand children’s clothing and equipment.

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Page 10 • Bouldercountykids.com

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

SAVE TIME & EFFORTI think I spend 25% of my

working time looking for pieces of paper, not looking for information in my com-puter—my Mac’s search function is incredibly effi-cient when used properly.

SAVE MONEYThink about paper, print-

ers, their ink or toner car-tridges, filing cabinets and all their supplies, and the space necessary to store them.

by Karelle Sharf

We’ve been hearing about the “paper-less office” for

almost as long as we’ve had access to affordable person-al computers, and yet most of us are drowning in paper, wasting time looking for doc-uments in file cabinets, and feeling guilty about the trees that are felled to drown us in that paper.

As it turns out, with a min-imum of effort we can cut down the amount of paper that crosses our desks and stop participating in the paper madness. Some of the ben-efits:

REDUCE CLUTTERFrees up space on your

desk and in your office, reducing the need for filing cabinets.

E l d o r a d o Yo g a D a y C a m p f o r K i d s - S u m m e r 2 0 1 2

Offering 7 Week-Long Day Camps - Monday through Friday - 9 am to 3 pm

Eldorado Yoga Day Camp Ages 5 - 15

$250 per week with 50% discount for siblings

Kids and teens will have a blast at our fun-filled camps. In a beautiful natural setting they will enjoy a free-spirited yoga arts and nature camp that integrates the wonderful body/mind/heart benefits of yoga.Memorable quotes from Eldorado Yoga Day CampJai said to his Mom, “I love yoga camp so much I want to go for the next 85,000 years.” And another said, “When I wake up after I sleep, I can’t wait to come back to camp!”

“We love Yoga Kids Camp! The beautiful location and programs staffed by kind and experienced Counselors. This is a camp unlike most you’ll find. Arts, crafts, games, hiking, music, and yoga... all offered in an environment that nurtures kids and brings out the best in them. It’s great Summer fun! --Debbiemother of a camper returning for the 3rd summer.

Ki

Session 1, June 4 - 8Session 2, June 11 - 15Session 3, June 18 - 22Session 4, June 25 - 29Session 5, July 9 - 13Session 6, July 16 - 20Session 7, July 23 - 27

E l d o r a d o M o u n t a i n Yo g a (303) 249-1671

www.EldoradoYoga.org

PAPERLESS OFFICE

S E A R C H E V E R Y-THING

Much easier to do using the computer’s search func-tion than trying to remember where you filed something two years ago.

SHARE DOCUMENTS EASILY

You print or copy a doc-ument and then mail it. It takes days, not to mention your time. Or you can search, attach, and e-mail it, and they

can have it in fifteen minutes. You choose.

BACKUP PHYSICAL DOCUMENTS

Please tell me you back up your computer. Add the paper that now is digital and you can have a secure back-up, even available from any-where with an Internet con-nection on the planet, with cloud storage.

SAVE THE PLANETWhatever we can do to this

end is a benefit. Our children will thank us.

There are a lot of fairly simple things you can do to start on this now. Start with paperless billing from the phone company, credit card companies, the utilities, mag-azine subscriptions, and so on. Most of those bills can also be paid online. Most of the people I have heard from who resist this move

Winter 2011 • Page 11

BOULDER COUnty KiDscite security as their major concern. However, security experts say there is more risk in sending a check through the mail. When you get to the confirmation page, save it as a pdf or put it in a document management program on your computer.

If you run a business, per-haps you can invoice your customers electronically, cre-ating a pdf of the invoice and e-mailing it to them. Even if you don’t take credit cards, you could also offer Paypal as a means of payment.

Many teachers, especially in upper grades, now ask for assignments to be submitted electronically, so your chil-dren can jump on that band-wagon, too. Even if a teacher wants paper, your child can do all their editing on screen and only print the final ver-sion to hand in.

Following are services that will help you to stop junk mail: Fill out a form here:

www.optoutprescreen.com/ or download a set of instruc-tions here:

stopjunkmail.org/sample/kit.pdf

And then there’s all the rest of the paper that crosses your desk. There’s an answer for that, too—a document scanner combined with opti-cal character recognition (OCR) to create searchable pdfs. Searchable pdfs dif-fer from the pdf your all-in-one scanner makes insofar as they display a graphic of the document, beneath which is a layer of text created by the OCR making the docu-ment searchable. A document scanner is different from the scanner on your multifunc-tion or all-in-one device. It’s lower resolution and not as high color fidelity, it’s fast, it duplexes on a single pass (i.e. scans both sides of a piece of paper), it offers an automatic document feeder and auto-mated functionality once you set it up properly, and gener-

ally comes with OCR soft-ware. Scanning all that paper has to be dead easy, or most people with busy lives just wouldn’t do it. The idea is to set the papers in the feeder, push a button, file the pdfs in their correct computer direc-tory and then take the papers out of the other end, either file them if you must keep them, shred them if they are private, or recycle them.

Now they’re digital, orga-nized and stored on the capa-cious hard drive of your computer. And now you can back them up, either onto a local hard drive, to a “cloud-based” backup service, or both. A local backup drive is fast and convenient, but an online backup service offers security against theft or fire. A good backup system is automatic, thorough, and incremental—that is, it backs up what’s new or changed after the first full backup.

Obviously there is a lot more to this topic. There is an inexpensive ebook with excruciatingly detailed rec-ommendations and instruc-tions, Take Control of your Paperless Office, available at www.takecontrolbooks.com/paperless-office. Consider how your family’s life would be better with less paper clut-ter.

Karelle Scharff is an informa-tion technologist and the owner of Best MacSolutions, is an Apple-certified help-desk specialist, and a member of the Apple Consultants Network (www.bestmacsolutions.com), based in Ward. She provides training, service, and support to small businesses, home-based busi-nesses, and individuals. Call her at (303) 459-3363.

For an online version, please check out www.bouldercountykids.com and go to CONTeNTS for direct links to the websites listed.

Experience the joy of music-making at Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts

—all ages & abi l i t ies!

• Early childhood: Music Together, Meet the Instruments, Dalcroze • Lessons on all instruments and voice - Suzuki & Traditional • Jazz and rock for teens & adults • Adult Ensembles: Concert Band, Jazz, and Women’s Vocal • Kaleidoscope Concert Series - Nov. 5 - Wil Swindler’s Elevenet (11-Piece Jazz Ensemble)-Dec. 10 - Taarka (Indie/Gypsy/Chamber/Folk)-Feb. 11 - Jayme Stone’s Room of Wonders

Boulder County’s Award-Winning Community Music Sch�l

303-494-2687 • [email protected] w w . b o u l d e r c o . b i t s b y t e s b o t s . c o m

Technology Enrichment for Kids

Send your kids to K-TEC: Kids’ Technology Enrichment Classes, that is. Bits, Bytes, & Bots Kids’ Technology Enrichment Connec-tion (K-TEC) offers technology enrichment for kids ages 6 and up. We provide after-school programs, home-school programs, summer and holiday camps, birthday parties and in-school workshops. We utilize the popular Bits, Bytes, & Bots curriculum and offer classes in pre-engineering (grades 1-2) and robotics en-gineering (grades 3-6) with Lego®, Stop Mo-tion Animation Movie Making and Video Game Making, to name a few. We have been provid-ing technology enrichment to Boulder County kids and surrounding areas for many years. Please check out our website and area recre-ation center sites for classes and camps.

Page 12 • Bouldercountykids.com

BOULDER COUnty KiDs More Magic!!

New Westminster Store!

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Play-based, creative curriculum, learning centers, and outdoor play. Creative fun

programs, small classroom sizes, caring teachers.

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303-324-8228 www.activeboulderkids.com 5001 Pennsylvania Avenue

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Active Boulder Kids Early Childhood Education Center

Register Now to Star in our

Spring Spectacular

Performance in Late May!

Winter 2011 • Page 13

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

LouisvilleLouisville Louisville

Celebrating

yea rs!www.mountain-kids.com

The Carousel Shopin the

A great place forGift Shopping!

Melissa & Doug toysDress-up Costumes

Kids’ Art supplies, PuppetsCuddly Animals of All sizes

Hand-Crafted Jewelry, Cards and Art

Come Take a Spinon the Hand-CarvedMagical Menageriein Nederland, CO

www.carouselofhappiness.org

303-258-3457

Page 14 • Bouldercountykids.com

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

by Isabella Martinez

Hello, my name is Isabella Martinez. As I sit to write this

article there is a crisp breeze in the air. I am also sipping a nice cup of green tea mixed with a clover honey that my Cultiva group harvested in the hot summer. Even while the bees hibernate people can still enjoy their sweet gift. I always find delight in sharing with my family and friends the golden honey that is cul-tivated through the Cultiva project. Readers please know that there will be a winter farmers market, in Boulder and Longmont. So, if your sweet, red heart desires it, you may purchase some local honey or lip balm there along with other winter veggies. These veggies might include kale, varieties of squash and

plump, juicy beets. I think it is so important to eat local foods.

As I have been involved with Cultiva and farming food, I have learned that eat-ing healthy and locally grown foods support many aspects of our daily lives. Harvesting one’s own food or buying from local farmers markets supports a strong healthy body. Meeting the farmers who have grown the food helps the consumer know where the food they are eat-ing is from. Also purchasing food from local farms helps support our economy. I think that local honey is a miracu-lous remedy for allergies or is a sweet tasty delight.

Izzy’s Garden

Honey that is locally har-vested is beneficial to a per-son who suffers from aller-gies. Some people think that a teaspoon of the communi-ty’s honey a day helps a per-son resist local allergens. My mother, who has bad aller-gies, often nibbles on organ-ic apples dipped in honey, because not only is the honey tasty, but also my mother knows it helps her allergies. Bees take local plants’ pol-len from all over an area and bring it back to the hive. With this pollen they create the natural cure for allergy relief, honey. It helps your allergies because bees col-lect pollen from all different plants, and when you eat it enough, you become immune little by little and your body forms a defense against the specific allergen. My family delights in honey, we use it as an allergen defense as well as a sweetener in almond muf-fins. We also use honey as a homemade face mask and in a self-made winter lip balm.

It is simple to make a face and lip balm with local honey. My herb teacher, Brigitte Mars, is very keen on local honey. She has taught

me that honey is moisturiz-ing for skin and helps draw impurities out of it. For a face mask, just apply the honey to your face and neck, mas-saging gently as you tap in circular motions. Even some shampoos contain honey. If you would like, you can put a very small amount in with your shampoo to help condi-tion your hair. For Christmas last year, my best friend, Felina and I made lip balm from local honey to give as gifts. You can purchase mate-rials at Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary. We followed the recipe from Brigitte Mars’s book, Beauty by Nature. The recipe we used is for tined lip balm. Felina and I experi-mented with adding mica to the recipe. It gives a shimmer to the lips. Felina’s older sis-ters, Luisa and Cilia, enjoyed the lip balm.

Think of this: A pound of honey requires the collec-tive work of 556 bees flying 35,584 miles. They do this as work but also for the benefits for our planet. If it were not for bees, I would not be hav-ing my last sip of honey tea. Bees are a truly incredible gift to our world.

Photo courtesy of Grow

ing Gardens

Beekeeping at Growing Gardens in Boulder.

Winter 2011 • Page 15

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

Don’t Worry! Check out pages 38 to 41Four PAGES of

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© 2011 Knowledge Universe Education LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Page 16 • Bouldercountykids.com

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

7on savings, to help the bank stockholders/owners maxi-mize their earnings/profits.

Myth: Banks pro-vide services at lower costs than

credit unions.

Truth: As stated pre-viously, bank prof-its go directly to the

bank stockholders/owners. The bank is their investment, and they strategize to maxi-mize their profits through fee income and profit mar-gin from what they earn from loans and payout on savings, in general. Therefore, credit unions have historically pro-vided their members with lower-cost financial servic-es and saved their members more money compared with bank customers. For exam-ple, financing a new $25,000 car for 60 months at a credit union results in average sav-ings of $236 a year over what you’d pay at a bank. From time to time, bank promo-tions may offer some ser-vices at a cost savings, but when comparing cost sav-ings overall and over the long

run, credit unions win hands down.

Myth: Bank custom-ers are more sat-isfied than credit

union members.

Truth: National sur-veys from industry leaders have polled

consumers for many years and have never found this to be true—and here’s proof:

• A c c o r d i n g t o t h e American Banker Gallup surveys, credit unions have outranked banks in customer satisfaction by a wide margin for the past 21 years.

• Forrester Research, a respected market research firm, asked consumers to rate their financial institution on value delivered and service provided. Credit unions made the top tier for both.

• I n f o r m a R e s e a r c h Services, in their annual con-sumer satisfaction survey, found that credit unions score highest for satisfaction and loyalty.

Myth: Banks have more locat ions and in-network

ATMs nationwide than credit unions.

Truth: Due to the cooperative nature of credit unions, cred-

it unions actually provide a larger number of locations and in-network ATMs nation-wide than any one bank. Credit Union Service Centers and in-network ATMs are located in every major city and on or near major college campuses. Locations can be found online.

Myth: Banks are safer for my sav-ings and invest-

ments than credit unions.

Truth: Both banks and credit unions are equally safe,

because all deposits are fed-erally insured to $250,000 by FDIC for banks and NCUA for credit unions, which are both backed by the U.S. fed-eral government.

Myth: Banks pro-vide more services than credit unions.

Truth: Historically, this was the case, but today many credit

unions provide the same per-sonal banking services found at banks, including savings, investments, checking, per-sonal loans, mortgages, online services, and so on.

Myth: Banks are locally owned just like credit unions.

Truth: Just as you should buy locally, you should bank

locally, so the money you put into your credit union stays local, benefiting your community through loans. Credit unions are also leg-endary for supporting their communities through gener-ous sponsorships and volun-teerism. The largest banks are not headquartered in Colorado, so your local dol-lars do not stay in Colorado much less in your commu-nity. Unfortunately, local banks do not have the nation-wide accessibility that credit unions do.

Steve Carr is a vice president at the Boulder Valley Credit Union at 55th and Arapahoe in Boulder. Call (303) 442-8850 or visit www.bvcu.org for more information, if you have any questions or would like to share a financial myth that we can expose.

by Steve Carr

Mi l l ions of con-sumers across the world have dis-

covered credit union advan-tages: save money on financ-ing, earn more on their sav-ings, and reduce the service fees they pay on financial services. However, there are myths and misconceptions about credit unions that con-fuse people and obscure the truth about their mission. Let’s set the record straight.

Myth: Credit unions are really just like banks.

Truth: Credit unions provide many of the same services that

banks offer. However, credit unions differ from banks in that credit unions are not-for-profit and banks are for prof-it. Credit union members are the owners/shareholders and have an equal vote in deter-mining the direction of the credit union. And all earn-ings go back to the owners/shareholders in the form of great rates and low fees. It’s about putting people before money. Conversely, bank customers are not stockhold-ers/owners and thus tend to pay higher fees and loan rates and earn lower rates

S E V E N C O M M O N B A N K I N G M I S C O N C E P T I O N S

Winter 2011 • Page 17

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

by Jessica Dancingheart

I was inspired to write this column after read-ing abou t how the

Dalai Lama at a Stanford University fund-raiser lun-cheon pointed out that as humans we have “limited compassion” for people in our close circle and “genu-ine compassion” for strang-ers. I have been riddled by this truth for years, wanting to figure out how to offer the same amount of grace and compassion to those I am very close to as I do to those that are a little farther from my heart.

It truly amazes me to listen over and over again to my clients and friends as they describe how surprised they are to hear somebody men-tion a “nice” quality in their child that they don’t experi-ence themselves. I am equal-ly amazed when I watch people be more forgiving of a stranger than they are of their own child or other “close” person. But, I understand this behavioral difference. I have witnessed repeatedly in my workshops how differently adults behave toward their children than toward strang-ers. I am fond of offering an exercise to my workshop par-ticipants. In this exercise, I divide the group into two. I ask one group to write down what they would say to their child or partner who lost a

library book that was taken out in the participant’s name. I ask the other group to write down what they would say to a neighbor who lost the book. The responses tend to be strikingly different. There is an air of forgiveness in the latter that is missing in the former. Sometimes the for-mer set of responses includes a tone of anger.

The closest explanation I have for why this happens is that, when there is an angri-er, “limited compassion” response, we have an expec-tation or some sort of belief that the person who made the mistake is somehow reflect-ing on our self-worth. So the question is how do I take somebody that I have a lot of attachment to, expectations of, and love toward and make them like strangers, so as to give them dignity and genu-ine compassion?

My answers have been slow to come. They are to ask:

1) What is the expecta-tion? Is that a fair expecta-tion? In other words, would

you demand the same of a stranger without their buy in?

2) Am I seeing what was done as a reflection of my “goodness”? If so, is it really true that my sense of value is tied to somebody else’s actions? In other words, am I taking something personally that I need not take person-ally?

3) Am I in a teaching or connection mode? I some-times notice that I think I have an idea of how things should be, and I forget that really what is more important is connection before educa-

tion. Many times if I stop to connect, I find my world wid-ens past the “should” to new and more exciting possibili-ties.

I offer these questions as a gentle guide and a way to help relationships become stronger, when I or a client get stuck in a place of “lim-ited compassion” I would like to suggest that you ask your-self these questions the next time you find yourself upset at a loved one, or when you are ready to educate before connecting.

Jessica Dancingheart is a moth-er, communication coach, and the founder of Opening to Possibilities. She gets a thrill out of watching her clients become empowered. She enjoys facilitating the “aha” moment, as her clients realize that they have many choices, as they employ her tools to tap into their own strength and values. To learn more about her and her services, call (303) 589-8420 or visit www.OpeningToPossibilities.com.

Extending the Same Compassion to Our Children as We Do to Strangers

Page 18 • Bouldercountykids.com

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

News about Town...released book is available on Amazon and many local stores, including Colorado Horse Rescue in Longmont, where she will be signing books on Saturday, December 10th, from 11 am to 2 pm.

Colorado Gives Day (CGD) is on Tuesday, December 6 and runs

for 24 hours. This is a tar-geted 24 hours to encour-age Coloradan’s and beyond to “give where you live.” Colorado Gives Day is an initiative to increase philan-thropy in Colorado through online giving. Colorado Gives Day is presented once again by Community First Foundation and FirstBank. Donations will be accepted through GivingFirst.org, with a goal to inspire and unite Coloradans in supporting hundreds of local nonprofits.

Dreamcatcher Direct Instruction Centers has been provid-

ing supplemental educa-tional services to our com-munity for over fifteen years. Dreamcatcher is proud to announce that for school-year 2011–2012, they are approved and listed as a pro-vider for “Turnaround” on the Colorado Department of Education website. A school that does not make Adequate Yearly Progress for two con-secutive years must be identi-fied for School Improvement. Dreamcatcher can imple-ment any one of the four “Turnaround” models that are

most frequently adopted. See www.cde.state.co.us for more information.

F o r t h e f i f t h y e a r , Dreamcatcher is on site at Justice High School, the col-lege preparatory school for students who are truant, expelled, or in the crimi-nal justice system. This year marks their first year contracting with the 20th Judicial District Probation Department for working with individuals who cannot be placed in public schools.

For more information, please call (303) 444-8422 or e-mail [email protected].

The Colorado Lottery announced September 22 that the Lafayette

Skatepark is the recipient of a 2011 Starburst Community Award, which recogniz-es excellence in the use of Lottery proceeds in com-munity projects implement-ed to enhance a commu-nity’s environment. Also, a Starburst Community Award was given to Boulder County Parks and Open Space for using Lottery dollars to complete the “missing link” in a very popular trail sys-tem in Boulder County. The Mayhoffer-Singletree Trail Project completed the last 1.5 miles of the trail system that provided a west to east trail connection to more than 150 miles of Boulder County t ra i l s . Boulder County Parks and Open Space uti-lized a Lottery-funded Great Outdoors Colorado grant of

$150,000 to construct the trail.

Mo r n i n g G l o r y P l a y g r o u p , a licensed Waldorf-

inspired child care program just opened their doors in Lafayette. Offering a beauti-ful, nurturing, nonjudgmen-tal, homelike environment, they are offering half-day and full-day options. Contact Charlotte Ingold at (303)926-0224 or check out www.morninggloryplaygroup.com

SunSational Energy & Science Exhibit opens on November 12 in

honor of WOW! Children’s Museum’s 15th Birthday. An interactive exhibit dedicat-ed to improving the under-standing of solar science, the impact of the sun on our daily lives, and the impor-tance of solar power. The exhibit will open and be pre-pared with participation from scientists at the University Center for Atmospheric Research, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, the University of Colorado at Boulder, the Boulder Astronomical and Space Society, and the staff at Namasté Solar. This exhibit has been made possi-ble through a generous grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Announcements:

Fr i e n d s S c h o o l announced their new Head of School is

Steve de Beer.

Sunflower Preschool, a Montessori-based preschool in Boulder

wi th a sc ience/outdoor emphasis, cerebrated their 30th Anniversary. Founded in 1981, they are located at 3340 Dartmouth. With their dedication to the environ-ment, they were honored in 2008 with a PACE (Partners for a Clean Environment) accreditation and became a Certified Wildlife Habitat Site by the National Wildlife Federation this last June. Please visit them at www.sunflowerpreschoolboulder.com or call (303) 494-2012 for more information.

Judy Archibald’s new book The Mutt & The Mustang hit the stands

this last summer with rave reviews. Based on a true story, Judy was inspired to write a children’s book. You can watch a video of Kody riding plus view sample pages of The Mutt & the Mustang online at www.judyspetpals.com. The newly

Winter 2011 • Page 19

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

by Joan Nagel

Despite all the debate about health care reform, some fami-

lies might not know about the health benefits already avail-able to Colorado children, pregnant women, and some parents through Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). Medicaid and CHP+ are free or reduced-cost pub-lic health insurance plans that provide comprehensive health benefits including medical visits, prenatal care, hospitalization, prescriptions, and vision, dental, and mental health services. Co-payments range from $0 to $20, and preventive visits like check-ups and vaccines are always free. Medicaid benefits may also include coverage of medical expenses for up to three months prior to date of application.

While the eligibility cri-teria differ between the two programs, in general appli-cants must meet income guidelines, be Colorado residents, and be either a U.S. citizen or a law-fully present immigrant in order to qualify. Because it may seem complicated to sort through eligibility and paperwork requirements, Boulder County Healthy Kids Initiative, a program of the Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services, is available to help.

At Healthy Kids, families can talk to an enrollment spe-cialist, who will screen them for eligibility and help them through the enrollment pro-cess. Healthy Kids offers same-day appointments in our Boulder and Longmont offices. We also have staff

located in both the Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley School Districts to make it easier for families to enroll. Even better, Healthy Kids staff can provide immediate coverage for pregnant women and children who appear eligible for the programs through the Presumptive Eligibility (PE) program. PE provides Medicaid or CHP+ benefits to clients while they wait for their applications for ongoing benefits to be com-pleted.

Even though eligibility for health insurance programs is based on income, many mid-dle-income families might not realize that their children qualify for the Child Health Plan Plus. CHP+ is a health insurance option designed for families with incomes over the limit for Medicaid who either are not offered insur-ance through their employ-er or cannot afford private insurance. For example, children living in families that earn as much as $4,657 per month may be eligible for CHP+. It’s important to note, too, that CHP+’s upper income limits are flexible since dependent care costs, adult health insurance premi-

ums, medical expenses, child support, and alimony are deductible expenses.

Finally, once families are enrolled, Healthy Kids staff will help families find medi-

cal or dental providers, pro-vide referrals to other pro-grams in the community, and serve as an ongoing resource to help families during their continued enrollment in the programs.

It’s not a secret that times are tough for many Colorado families. That’s why Boulder County Healthy Kids is here to help!

For more information about Medicaid and CHP+ and for help applying, please call Boulder County Healthy Kids at (303) 441-1589.

HEALTHY KIDS

Page 20 • Bouldercountykids.com

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

by Sherry Lewis

So m e a r e e a g e r t o get up, but

many resist it. And once peo-ple are up, getting ready and out the door on time is anoth-er matter. Here are some simple ways to help make it easier.

1. Start with a conversation

Talk with your child (or spouse) about how mornings are going and how you would like to see them to go instead. Get their ideas. Create a posi-tive problem-solving atmo-sphere and get an agreement to try to make it positive for everyone. Making it a game helps!

2.Plan for 10–15 minutes of

gradual wake up

Set two alarms for waking up. The first can be a gentle one that disturbs sleep, but allows for gradual wake up. Waking up to pleasant music is one way to facilitate this. Make sure your family under-stands that this is their per-sonal time, and when the sec-ond alarm goes off, it’s time to get moving.

3.Set timers or alarms for

morning tasks required to get ready

Start with a list of what needs to happen: get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth & hair, make lunch, gather things, and walk out the door.

Decide how much time is needed for each task, includ-ing 5 minutes to get from the door (with your things) to the

car and have the car moving. Set a watch, cell phone,

timer, or clock alarms to go off at the intervals decided upon.

Kids have fun using their cell phones, picking differ-ent sounds as alarms to sig-nal that it’s time to move to the next task. Letting them choose the sounds and set the alarms (with your agreement) gives them more motivation

and incentive to work with it.This helps remove you

from the position of “morn-ing police”, trying to keep everyone moving.

Try to keep it fun. With practice and success, some kids have reduced the num-ber of alarms they use, while being more successful in get-ting out the door.

Sherry Lewis is a licensed profes-sional counselor and the founder of Success Strategies 4 Kids. Her background includes 14 years as a school counselor, and, she was Counselor of the Year in Colorado in 2001. She worked as a school-based therapist in Adams County for several years and is current-ly in private practice in Boulder, Colorado. She is the proud par-ent of five grown children. “I help kids have healthy friendships, feel-ings, and families.” Visit www.SuccessStrategies4Kids.com for more information and to see a schedule of upcoming Friendship and Anger workshops for kids.

THREE IDEAS FOR GETTING TO SCHOOL

IN THE MORNINGS3

Winter 2011 • Page 21

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

by Robert Olson of the Longmont Symphony

We recommend that when you bring young children

to the symphony, select an aisle seat in the rear of the auditorium in order to ensure an easy, non-disruptive exit. Please remember that talk-ing, noisy candy wrappers, and other similar disruptions are bothersome and distract-ing to your neighbors and the musicians. Please remember to turn off all cell phones,

pagers, and alarms before the concert begins. In addition, all cameras, video record-ing equipment, and flash photography are prohibited in the concert hall. If this

Concert Ediquette 101

KIDS TIX START AT $21

All kids have a chance to meet the cast & learn a dance from the show.

a tradition rediscovered

is your child’s first experi-ence attending a concert, we encourage you to consider attending our Family Concert or Nutcracker Ballet perfor-mances—both of which are geared toward our younger listeners.

There is always a ques-tion as to when to applaud —or not to applaud. The pro-gram you receive at the con-cert will guide you through the evening’s performance. Traditional concert proto-col suggests saving your applause for the very end of the piece and never between

movements. An entire orches-tral piece can be up to 50 minutes in length, with three or four movements. The rationale for this suggestion is that applauding between movements of a four-part piece, is comparable to criti-cally viewing only one-fourth of the Mona Lisa. In other words, a great masterpiece is more revered as a complete work of art. Therefore, it is suggested that you reserve your appreciation for the con-clusion of the entire piece.

T h e L o n g m o n t S y m p h o n y Orchestra gladly welcomes young listeners to their concerts. The Longmont Symphony Orchestra presents 6 subscription concerts, a Christmas Candlelight Concert, and two Nutcracker Ballet perfor-mances with the Boulder Ballet. All concerts are held at Vance Brand Civic Auditorium, located at 600 E. Mountain View Ave., in Longmont. For concert information and ticket prices, please go online and check out www.longmontsymphony.org. Tickets may be purchased by call-ing the LSO office at (303) 772-5796.

Family Concert ScheduleCheck out our calendar on pages 42-45 for more information.

Boulder Bach Festival November 12 - Fall Education Program at WOW! Children’s Museum, Lafayette

Boulder Ballet and Boulder PhilharmonicNovember 25-27 - The Nutcracker at Macky Auditorium, Boulder

Longmont SymphonyDecember 3,4 - Nutcracker BalletDecember 13 - Candlelight ConcertJanuary 28 - Family Concert

Ballet Nouveau December 9-11 & 16-18 - The Nutcracker at the Pinnical Charter School, Denver

Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra December 3 - Christmas Story, Boulder

Page 22 • Bouldercountykids.com

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

WHAT DO I DO NOW, ROMONA?A . Your awareness of

and quick response to your daughter’s

symptoms is to be commend-ed. You have also seen the possible connection between the compulsive behaviors your daughter is exhibiting. All this has happened when she is at an age when help is the most beneficial.

It is difficult being an ado-lescent in any generation, but it appears to be increasingly difficult in the present cli-mate of teenage demand for ultimate perfection. Children going through the transition to adulthood are often disap-pointed in their appearance. They find the imperfections of their bodies unbearable. This disappointment can manifest in the behaviors you are describing in your daugh-ter.

Yes, therapy is a good idea. In addition to that, perhaps you could address some of the underlying problems of a more positive body image and socialization. Instead of exercise, could your daughter participate in a team sport? Have her see a dermatolo-gist she likes, one who has an understanding of the psycho-logical effects of acne.

She needs to be approached with positive, affirmative comments rather than criti-cism or admonitions. Find her passion, an outside inter-est that can be encouraged. Her negative self-image is fueling her behaviors and should be addressed in posi-tive ways.

A . This week at my monthly profession-al lunch, I learned

that one of the participants is multilingual. When I ques-tioned her about it, she told me that having learned a sec-ond language at a young age, the third was easier and the fourth even more so. Just as exercising your child’s body increases their physical abili-ties, so, too, does exercising your child’s brain. Children who learn a second language at a young age have enhanced spatial relations and prob-lem solving skills as well as higher SAT scores, accord-ing to various sources. When your child learns a second language early, the brain is trained to be more flexible and more able to multitask and focus.

Beyond those advantages, I feel that in the world your child will occupy as an adult, being multilingual will assure him a more participatory place in society. Our coun-try is becoming more diverse, and I often wish I could speak the language of those around me. Giving your child a sec-ond language will be good for our society as well as for him personally.

Q . My 14-year-o ld daughter is constantly picking at her face.

It is getting to be a problem with her acne, and we try tell-ing her to keep her hands off. She is also eating very little and wants to exercise all the time. She also complains that she is tired. Do we need her to see a therapist?

Signed concerned parents.

The differences lie with-in each individual family, in which one child receives the most attention, the better edu-cation and even the best food. The size of the family has an effect on differences between children. In a smaller fam-ily, there are more available resources to go around.

Your child’s state of mind can be affected by many things. The firstborn is de-throned by the arrival of the second child. This will affect the child’s later life, but the effect can be ameliorated by how the parents handle the situation. Someone com-pared the study of birth order differences with astrol-ogy. There are many ele-ments other than birth order that affect our life paths. Your parenting skills and your child’s particular strengths have a far greater influence on a healthy self-image than birth order.

Q . They say learning a second language is good for your brain.

I know children learn lan-guages faster than adults do, but does that help children’s brains develop better?

Signed parent of a three-year-old.

Q . Is there any signifi-cant data on a child’s state of mind depend-

ing on whether they are the oldest child, middle child or youngest child? Does it really make a difference?

Signed curious

A . I need to disclose that I am a firstborn. Firstborns are more

likely to believe the mytholo-gy of birth order differences. We’re said to be more intelli-gent, conscientious and have more of the necessary char-acteristics to become leaders of countries and corporations. The idea of birth order differ-ences is a good example of soft research and even softer science. I suspect firstborns are behind it all.

Romona Scholder, M.A., RNCSPsychotherapist

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For more information please contact the Anti-Defamation League: 303.449.2607 • [email protected]

ADL is proud to work with you and your school to make Boulder County safe and inclusive for all people.

For more information please contact:Kerri Honaker, LPC, Clinic Director

303-417-1797 | [email protected]

Kerri Honaker, M.S., M.A., LPCEarle Shugerman, MD

We accept most major credit cards. Insurance coverage may apply

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Page 24 • Bouldercountykids.com

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

by Sarah Hagerman

With the holidays fas t approach-ing, it’s easy to

feel pressured to find that perfect gift for the children in your life. But instead of getting them something they will play with alone, you may consider getting a gift that will involve the whole family. There are oodles of fun and fabulous options for toys and activities that will encourage multigenerational play. Here are some of our favorites at Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe.

A great starting point is to think of activities that families can do together. To encourage creativity in the kitchen, there are many cook-books aimed towards the younger set. An especially unique and fun pair of books is Wookie Cookies: A Star Wars Cookbook and Star Wars Cookbook II: Darth Malt and More Galactic Recipes. These books are perfect for multiple genera-tions of Star Wars fans, with simple but tasty recipes and delightful photos that recreate scenes from the films. May the forks be with you!

There are many games and puzzles designed for multi-

generational play, such as Camp, which teaches players of all ages about wilderness survival skills and wildlife facts, with questions designed for different age levels. Spot It! by Blue Orange Games is a card matching game that is simple enough for players as young as four, but fast-paced enough for adults to enjoy. The variety of activities in Dicecapades!, a mixture of dice games, physical chal-lenges, artistic creations and trivia questions, are guaran-teed to keep the whole fam-ily on the edge of their seat. For quieter play, Blokus is a classic strategy game and Mensa award-winner that encourages healthy brain activity, as players scheme to fit all their pieces on the board. When it comes to puzzles, Ravensburger has many beautiful designs in varying degrees of difficulty —they even make one with 32,000 pieces! You can dedi-cate a corner of a room as the puzzle corner, set up a table with chairs, and then leave the puzzle out for everyone to put together. Your family will

have quite a sense of accom-plishment when it’s done.

Storytelling is a valuable activity that encourages not only creativity, but also mul-tigenerational conversations. Rory’s Story Cubes use dice printed with pictures to spark on-the-fly inspiration. Or you can pick up a pack of eeBoo’s Tell Me a Story cards. Each card set features a different theme, such as Mystery in the Forest or Little Robot’s Mission, to inspire original—and sometimes off-the-wall-tales. For a simple and fun conversation starter, grab a Chat Pack for Kids. The set contains 156 cards, each with different questions to get your children thinking and talking.

Learning about science and nature together can instill an early passion for these subjects in your chil-dren. Consider one of the Scientific Explorer kits—they come in a variety of subjects, from Backyard Science to My First Chemistry Kit,

but the Ice Cream and Soda Pop kits are an especially fun way to learn about chem-istry, while making a tasty, cold treat. A backyard bird- watching experience can eas-ily be created with bird calls, binoculars and a make-your-own birdhouse kit. Or, before bedtime, take the opportunity to teach your kids about the constellations. Klutz makes a great guide called Backyard Stars: A Guide for Home and the Road. You can even take the stargazing inside by creating constellations with glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling.

Building and design toys are very rewarding to work on together. Classics like Erector Sets or newer build-ing systems like K’Nex, which features some awe-inspiring projects like a six-foot ferris wheel, will fos-ter a sense of teamwork and accomplishment. High-tech toys like Snap Circuits or Rokenbok have consistently won awards for their educa-

Holiday Gift Ideas

Winter 2011 • Page 25

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tional value and will inspire budding young engineers. And you can’t go wrong going low-tech and making paper airplanes. Klutz has a great book on this, with several paper choices and designs.

Instilling new holiday tra-ditions is a wonderful way to bring families closer together before exchanging gifts, underscoring family time over materialism dur-ing this season. Elf on the Shelf combines the fun tale of an elf who reports back to Santa on how children are behaving. Each book set comes with its very own elf, for parents to hide in a dif-ferent location each night for their children to find the next morning. Parents will love hiding the elf, and children will delight at finding him every morning.

Finally, creating a gift for a loved one together is not only a wonderful way to encour-age artistic expression, but emphasize the importance of giving and not just receiv-ing. Grandparents especial-ly love personalized, hand-made presents, such as Make

a Plate by MakIt, a kit for kids to turn their artwork into a dishwasher-safe plate, or Illustory by Creations by You, where a child can write and illustrate an original story, then send it away to be published as a professionally typeset, color copied book. For older children to design gifts, Harrisville Designs makes a beautiful potholder loom kit. Ornaments and pic-ture frames are always wel-come, personal options, and you can check out some of the cute kits by Creativity for Kids for inspiration or think about what you have around the house. The possi-bilities are endless!

We hope some of these suggestions will help you in your gift-giving and holiday planning. Remember, if you have questions or need sugges-tions, you can stop into any of our Grandrabbit’s locations and speak to our friendly and knowledgeable staff or check out www.grtoys.com. Happy holidays, from all of us at Grandrabbit’s!

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BOULDER COUnty KiDs

by Porsche Young

O ur ch i ld ren of ten begin t h e s c h o o l

year with enthusiastic prom-ises to complete assignments and study for tests. We breathe a sigh of relief as we listen to them tackle home-work, and we listen with pride to their good intentions. Then, as the weeks pass, we begin to notice an assignment or two that was completed too quickly or that was not even turned in.

When we inquire about this apparent dissolution of academic resolve, we some-times hear a barrage of com-plaints that can be roughly summarized as, “The teacher hates me!”

Dispel FearOur hearts sink when we

hear such a statement. We had hoped that all teach-ers would always have the patience and kindness required to see beneath the surface and treat our children fairly. As we see the enthu-siasm for this school year become battered and tossed aside, our initial reaction is often denial. We may attempt to convince our child that it couldn’t possibly be true. Or, that perhaps today was not a great day and that tomorrow probably will be better. In other words, we may attempt to dispel our children’s fears and replace them with hope. Such a technique occasion-ally works, particularly with younger students.

However, more often, children are so solidly con-vinced about the presence of a severe personality conflict that they require a differ-ent line of reasoning. Rather than attempt to brush over their concerns, offer to sit down (preferably in a rela-tively quiet spot) and listen. Although it may be difficult, do your best to allow your children to talk, saying as little as possible yourself. Listen to their entire list of reasons and allow them to state exactly WHY they are upset with this particular teacher.

Remain NeutralWhen it is your turn to

speak, try not to take the side of either your child or the teacher. Siding with the teacher might result in your child becoming upset with YOU as well. Siding with your child, might result in

BOTH you and your child being upset. Instead, ask a question such as, “What do you think you should do about this?” In theory, such an open-ended ques-tion encourages children to at least think about a pos-sible solution to their prob-lem. It also encourages them to accept some responsibility and to use problem-solving skills. This technique occa-sionally works, particularly with students who have been reasonably successful in school.

Unfortunately, many stu-dents will react by saying they do not plan to turn in homework or that they will never talk to the teacher again! Rather than begin a lecture about their vow of revenge, ask as calmly as possible, “How will your actions help you?”

The point here is to encourage children to focus

on their future. Do they have plans that include techni-cal training or college? In terms of preparing them for their future, how important is the information (or the final grade) in this class? Suggest that whether or not this particular teacher is fair or kind, it may be critical to their future goals that they manage to earn a reasonable grade in the class. It is impor-tant that children know we hear their concerns, and it is also important that they learn to survive and succeed in a world that includes unfair or unkind people.

I f your ch i ld i s no t inclined to pursue such for-ward thinking, ask questions such as, “Why do you think this teacher is so angry (or so unfair)?” Or, “Are you the only student this teacher seems to dislike?” The pur-pose of such questions is to encourage children to put themselves in the teacher’s shoes. How does the rest of the class respond to that par-ticular teacher? Even more importantly, how has your child been treating the teach-er?

Extend Compassion

The point is that teach-ers are subject to the same complexity of emotions as the rest of us. When we feel unappreciated or disrespect-ed or ignored, we often react by becoming unresponsive, judgmental or hurtful toward

Porsche’s Educational TipsSuggestions today to increase your child’s success tomorrow!

Is it possible for our Children to Overcome

Personality Confl icts with Teachers

Winter 2011 • Page 27

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

Winter 2011 • Page 27

Title: The Boxcar ChildrenGrades: 2 and upAuthor: Gertrude C. WarnerPublisher: Albert Whitman & CompanyPrice: $4.99 (Barnes and Noble)

Summary: The fi rst book in the series tells the story of the four Alden children, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny, who are orphans. One night, they take shelter in a bakery after buying some bread with the little money they have. In exchange for allowing them to spend the night, they agree to help around the bakery. Howev-er, when they overhear the plans for the baker to take Benny to a children’s home because he is too little, they run away. Finding an abandoned boxcar, they start a new life. They furnish their boxcar with items collected from a local dump and come across a dog with a hurt paw. Benny names the dog “Watch,” and it growls when there is a strange noise outside late at night. Henry ends up working various odd jobs in a nearby city for a young doctor, Dr. Moore, in order to earn money for food. He also does gardening for the doctor’s mother, Mrs. Moore. The children’s lives are pleasant and full of hard work, the only question is, will they be able to continue on their own?

What I liked about the Book: There were mul-tiple reasons why I liked The Boxcar Children. The fi rst reason is that I grew up reading this book. Actually, I grew up listening to this book since it was one of the fi rst things my mom read me. I also enjoyed this book because of the detail the author wrote with, as well as the way she portrayed its main characters. I would recommend this book not only for children, but also preteens, teens, and adults, because even though the content is aimed for a younger audience, all age groups will fi nd it to be extremely interesting.

Avery’s Avid-Reader CornerReview by Avery Katz, age 14

others. Teachers are probably inclined to have similar emo-tions affecting their behav-ior. As with any deteriorat-ing relationship, it is neces-sary for SOMEBODY to alter behavior in order to improve the negative interactions.

Ask your students if they are willing to conduct an experiment. Such a sugges-tion does not mean our chil-dren are at fault. Merely, it is an experiment to be approached with a bit of amusement. What if THEY made the steps necessary to repair the communica-tion deficit in the relation-ship? What if THEY made it a point to smile, to ask questions, to turn in home-work and to appear interested in the class? Children may groan when you offer this suggestion, but determine if they are willing to conduct such an experiment for even one week. You may need to offer a bribe, but usually this approach has positive results because most people respond well to those who treat us kindly.

Classroom personality con-flicts do not have to result in a school year of anger and resentment. We do not have to become upset or disheart-ened when we hear of them. By listening to our chil-dren and coaching them to experiment with a different approach, we can assist them in improving their class-room interactions. Students

who acquire this skill will be learning how to be success-ful, even when they are faced with a difficult environment at work, with neighbors or with their own family mem-bers.

Porsche Young is owner of Learning Power, a learning sys-tem that is a step above tutoring® (for PreK-12th grade), located in Boulder. Porsche has received international acclaim for her abil-ity to combine learning with bio-feedback, puzzles, games and edu-cational software. Porsche resides in Boulder and has five children and twelve grandchildren. For more information about this article, or to schedule Porsche to speak to your group, call her at (303) 938-0136 or please e-mail, [email protected]

Is Your Party Planned?

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BOULDER COUnty KiDs

Page 28 • Bouldercountykids.com

Acorn School for Early Childhood Development—Boulder

2580 Iris Avenue (303) 938-8233 Contact - Kathy AzevedoAges: 6 weeks - 6 years Licensed Year-roundProgram Days: M-F Hours: 7:30 am to 5:30 pmAcorn School is a full-day program serving a diverse population from 6 weeks to 6 years old. Our small group sizes, low ratios, and our primary caregiving philosophy make us a high-quality early care and education program. Two meals & snacks served daily. 4-star Qualistar rated center.NAEYC accredited. Now enrolling all ages. www.facebook.com/theacornschoolW: www.theacornschool.org E: [email protected]

Active Boulder Kids Preschool & After School Care—Boulder5001 Pennsylvania Ave. (303) 499-9854 Contact - Kristen ArgowAges: 2 1/2 - 9 Licensed Year-roundProgram Days: M-F Hours: 7:30 am to 5:30 pmA world of creative and fun discoveries and adventures! We provide imaginative programs and activities that promote social/emotional growth. We teach life skills and encourage the child’s learning through active play and exploration. Small classroom sizes, caring qualified teachers, nature/play-based/learning centers.W: www.activeboulderkids.com E: [email protected]

Autana Bilingual Montessori Preschool—Boulder4732 Greylock St. (720) 935-9740 Contact - Raquel or PatriciaAges: 21/2 - 6 yrs Licensed Year-roundProgram Days: M-F Hours: 8 am to 4 pmAutana Preschool is a bilingual Montessori home-based preschool. We offer a warm and loving home atmosphere, Montessori learning areas, education for peace, joy of learning, full immersion Spanish (bilingual staff), nature-oriented activities, a strong sense of com-munity, and a vegetable and flower garden.W: www.autanaschool.comE: [email protected]

Bixby School—Boulder 4760 Table Mesa (303) 494-7505 Contact - Jack KimAges: 2 yrs 9 mos - 6 yrs Licensed Year-roundHours: 5 1/2-hour program. Extended Hours: 7:15 am to 5:45 pm Children participate in a wide variety of developmental activities, including art, music, science, dramatic play, and small and gross motor. W: www.bixbyschool.org E: [email protected]

Blue Sky Kindergarten/Preschool—Boulder3046 11th St. (303) 443-4965 Contact - StaffAges: 21/2 - 6 yrs. Licensed Year-round plus summer camp program. Program Days: M-F, Hours 8:30 am to 1 pm, plus aftercare to 3:30 pm. Our rich curriculum embraces the arts and honors the seasons: gardening, handwork, music, puppetry, crafts, movement, bak-ing, and storytelling. NEW Sky Bridge Afterschool Art Program and Growing Gardens Club, 3:30-5 pm for ages 4-10 years. Morning Glory Program for parents & toddlers 6 months to age 3.W: blueskykindergarten.com

Bookworms Early Learning Preschool—Lafayette401 West Baseline Rd. (303) 666-4449 Contact - Stefani DiAnneAges: infant - pre-K State License #1601514 Year-round Program Days: M-F. Hours: Based on need, call to schedule.Welcome. Our philosophy focuses on the whole child through a combination of self-directed and teacher-guided activities. We believe familiarizing children with social concepts is equally as important as teaching lessons in math, language, and science. Our bilingual immersion program introduces early learning concepts equally in both languages and encourages multiculturalism. Our environment is eco-healthy, and our vegan/vegetarian recipes use organic, natural whole foods from local growers when avail-able. Menus accommodate allergies and food restrictions. CCCAP approved and separate infant/toddler room. Curriculum provides for twin/close age siblings and other special behavioral situations that arise for parents.W: www.bookwormspreschool.comE: [email protected]

Boulder Country Day School—Boulder4820 Nautilus Court N. (303) 527-4931 x248 Contact - Patti LemleinAges: Preschool - 8th Grade Licensed August - May/CampProgram Days: M-F Preschool Hours: 8 am to 1 pm or 3 pmBefore- & after-school care and enrichment classes available. Accreditations: NAIS, and ACIS. Small class size, one-on-one attention and a welcoming and caring environment distinguishes the preschool program at BCD. Inviting classrooms and creative outdoor spaces encourage active par-ticipation in a mix of activities and materials designed to enhance children’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth. The academically based curriculum is a mix of teacher-directed/child-initiated activity. Summer camp available in June and July.W: bouldercountryday.org E: [email protected]

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Children’s House Preschool—Boulder3370 Iris Walk Court (303) 444-6432 Contact - Michael KnuckeyAges: 21/2 - 51/2 yrs Licensed September through May Program Days: M-F morning sessions, 8:30 am-11 am or 12 noon, M-TH. Afternoon sessions 12:30 pm to 3 pm. Full-time option is available.Bringing books to life through the Storybook Journey since 1970. Our preschoolers explore and experience themes from children’s literature in a fully integrated way through dramatic play, art proj-ects, cooking, science experiments, planting, block building, tactile play, music, and movement. Children discover the joys of becoming an author when their dictated stories are read to the class. Director Elaine McCarthy BCAEYC’s “Educator of the Year 2010” has been with the school since 1992. W: www.childrenshousepreschool.org E: [email protected]

Cottage Schools Preschool & Child Care—Boulder/Longmont805 30th Street/1301 North St (Boulder) 1941 Terry St.(Longmont)Boulder (303) 449-4380/(303) 546-6814/Longmont (303) 651-3780Ages: 6 weeks - 12 yrs Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F Hours: A variety of schedules available. Known in Boulder and Longmont for their “home away from home” atmosphere combined with their balanced learning programs, the Cottage Schools offer quality education and nurturing child care. Whether in their Montessori program in Longmont or their cre-ative curriculum program in Boulder, the children enjoy a happy and relaxing environment where they develop their potentials and their natural enthusiasm for learning. The dedicated and enthusias-tic teachers and caretakers are committed to guiding the children’s exploration, creative expression, social and emotional growth, and early academic learning in a way that leads to children’s feelings of success and self-confidence.

Dream Makers Preschool—Boulder

Boulder (720) 274-0101 Contact - Deb GedenbergAges: 2 1/2 - 5 yrs Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-F Hours: 9 am to 1 pm, with optional extended day program until 3:15 pm (choose any two, three, four, or five days). The enriched learning environment at the enchanting Dream Makers cottage promotes a natural ongoing process that empow-ers children to make positive choices throughout their lives. By nurturing both intellect and spirit using the Love & Logic approach, your child’s capabilities are unearthed while playing, exploring, and making friends in a safe setting, among sensitive, loving teach-ers. Get ready for kindergarten! Our extended day pre-K program on Thursdays from 1 to 3:15 pm enhances your child’s elementary school knowledge & experience for easy transitioning into kinder-garten. Summer programs available for ages 2 1/2 - 8. Maximum enroll-ment of 15 children.

Boulder County Head Start—Boulder3482 N. Broadway (720) 564-2210 Contact - Susi GrittonAges: 3-5 Licensed September - MayProgram Days: M-F (full-day) or Tu-F (half-day).Boulder County Head Start is a FREE, comprehensive (health, nutri-tion, family supports, social/ emotional, and physical development) preschool. In addition to a quality experience that supports school readiness skills for your child, we believe our job is to help families connect with resources and support families’ engagement in their child’s education. Income guidelines for eligibility apply.W: www.bouldercounty.org E: [email protected]

Broomfield Academy—Broomfield7203 W. 120th Ave. (303) 469-6449 Contact - Pat Garner, PrincipalAges: 2 1/2+ Licensed Year-round, including summerHours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm before/after-school option (7 am to 6 pm).Days: M-F. 2, 3, or 5 days/week. 1/2-day & full-day options.Academic preschool and jr. kindergarten. Nationally accredited (NIPSA). An individualized education helping children be excep-tional, accelerated, and creative. Individual student learning plans, small class sizes, advanced curriculum, character education, and service learning programs, monthly field trips related to curriculum, before- and after-school programming, specialty classes in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, art, swimming, music, technology, and physical education. Five-acre campus with creative outdoor spaces, a swim-ming pool and a teaching garden for ages 2 1/2 -7. W: www.broomfieldacademy.com E: [email protected]

Children’s Alley—Boulder2222 14th Street (303) 449-1951 Contact - StaffAges: 6 weeks - 12 yrs Licensed Year-roundProgram Days: M-Th 7:30 am to 8 pm, Friday 7:30 am to 6 pm and Saturday 9 am to 5 pm.Drop-in, temporary child care center. Children are scheduled one day at a time, and fees are based on a sliding scale. Call at 2 pm to reserve child care for the following day. You may reserve ahead for Saturdays. Center features caring, experienced teachers, and nutri-tious meals and snacks are included. Please call or visit our website for more information.W: www.ywcaboulder.org E: [email protected]

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Exploring Minds Academy—Erie4051 E. County Line Rd (303) 828-3452 Contact: KatieAges: 6 wks -6 yrs. Licensed Year-roundPrograms Days: M-F Hours: 6 am to 6 pm Quality early learning programs below market rate, accept Colorado’s Childcare Assistance Program. Qualistar Rated Program. Highly trained teachers in early childhood education work as part-ners with our parents to create a learning environment that is appropriate for each child. Specially designed classrooms filled with activities that encourage learning through discovery. Flexible full- & part-time programs.W: www.exploringmindsacademy.com

Friends’ School—Boulder5465 Pennsylvania (303) 499-1999 Contact - Mari Engle FriedmanAges: 3-5 yrs Licensed & Accredited August - May/Summer CampProgram Days and Hours: Call for days and times.A supportive community committed to educating the whole child—head, hand, and heart. Play and exploration-based preschool with a focus on relationships, communication, art, and a foundation for pre-academic skills. Small classes, low student/teacher ratios, wide variety of high-quality materials and experiences. Sliding-scale tuition based on family income and additional financial aid avail-able. ACIS accredited, NAIS member.W: www.friendsschoolboulder.org E: [email protected]

Jarrow Montessori School—Boulder3900 Orange Court (303) 443-0511 x113 Contact - Cindy GraceAges: 18 mos to 12 yrs Licensed August - JuneProgram Days: M-F, Hours: 8:30 am to 11:30 or 3:30. Before care starts at 7:30 am for students 3 and up. Aftercare until 6 pm. Established in 1964, Jarrow Montessori School is the oldest Montessori school in Colorado. We offer a child-centered program, focusing on the whole child. Our curriculum emphasizes a balanced approach to the academic, social, emotional, and physical develop-ment of each child. Jarrow provides a multiage-level learning envi-ronment prepared by knowledgeable & dedicated teachers. Call for a private tour of our beautiful 3-acre campus. W: www.jarrow.org E: [email protected]

McGregor’s Garden Preschool—South Boulder

3535 Eastman Ave. (303) 499-9341 Contact - Barbara or Don McGregorAges: 2 - 5 years, (must be age two by Sept. 30, please). Licensed for 12. Program Days: M-F, Hours: 7:15 am to 5 pm. Very active, loving child care in our happy home near Martin Park. Husband and wife team (both former elementary teachers). Full preschool program. Lots of field trips in the big blue van (we provide 12 car seats). Healthy, homemade meals, including cooking lessons. Arts and crafts, sci-ence, gardening, music, dance, games, puzzles, building, digging, hiking, and fishing. We climb trees and play in creeks. Plenty of creative free-play in our interesting home and in our shady backyard. We emphasize social skills. Fun for your child; peace of mind for you. Closed during BVSD Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Breaks, with no charge when closed. Celebrating our 21st year. E: [email protected]

Meadowdale Kinderhaus—Niwot7378 Meadowdale Drive (303) 827-6292 Contact - Stacie SchaeferAges: 2 - 5 yrs Licensed Year-roundHours: M-W, 9 am to 1 pm (extended care available till 3 pm)Waldorf-Inspired home preschool located in Niwot. Nurturing and protecting childhood in a small group setting is a key element to our Kinderhaus. Play is the heart of the program, and life is the curriculum. Offering a mixed-age program in a beautiful nurturing environment. Children experience baking, painting, finger plays, sto-ries, gardening, and tending to gentle farm animals. Media-free and wholesome organic snack and lunch are provided.

Miss Catherine’s Creative Learning Center—Boulder

Miss Catherine’s Infant Center—Boulder6525 Gunpark Drive, Suite 340 (303) 530-1820 5280 Spine Road, Suite 104 Contact - Catherine MédalAges: 6 weeks - 6 years Licensed, NAEYC accredited Year-roundToddlers/preschool/pre-K: M-F, MWF or T/TH full day 7 am - 6 pm. Infant Center: M-F, 7 am to- 5:30 pm. “Nurturing the whole child through creative learning.” Children learn best through the arts and music. Each child moves at his/her own pace to each developmentally appropriate group. Music teach-er. Classical music during rest time. Creative curriculum. Limited space. Infant Center has 1 to 4 ratio of teachers to students.

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Montessori Academy—Lafayette801 N 111th Street (303) 926-8321 Contact - Jean ChorbajianAges 21/2-6 years Licensed August - May/Summer CampProgram Days: M-F Hours: 7:45 am to 5:30 pm. Full- and half-day programs, with before- & after-school care. Montessori Academy provides a challenging and nurturing environ-ment that leads children toward confidence, independence, and a life of learning through discovery, observation, and positive, helpful friendships. We offer preschool and kindergarten programs in a nur-turing environment that respects each individual child. Montessori Academy has been an American Montessori Society member school since 2002. Our lead teachers are certified and have extensive class-room experience. Music and Spanish are each offered 2 afternoons a week. Schedule a tour today and see plans for a new, specially designed building.W: www.montessoriacademylafayette.com E: [email protected]

Morning Glory Playgroup—Lafayette210 S. Carr Avenue (303) 926-0224 Contact - Charlotte Ages: 2-5 years Licensed August - May/Summer CampProgram Days: M-F Hours: 1/2 day 9 am to12:30 pm and full day from 9 am to 3:30 pm.Morning Glory Playgroup is a home-based child care program. We offer a nurturing environment while educating your child through imaginative play, music, movement, games, crafts and arts, nature walks, and activities that support everyday living. Licensed family child care training/LifeWays training and certification in progress.W: www.morninggloryplaygroup.com E: [email protected]

Mountain Shadows Montessori School—Boulder4154 63rd Street (303) 530-5353 Contact - Jan FerwerdaAges: 12 months to 12 years Toddler ~ Primary ~ Elementary ~ AMI-Accredited & Licensed Program Days: M-F, 9-month program for ages 12 months to 12 years and 9 or 12-month programs for ages 3-5.Hours: Full day: 8:30 am to 2:50 pm, half day: 8:30 pm to 12 noon, extended hours program 7:15 am - 5:30 pm.Mountain Shadows Montessori School is the only fully accred-ited AMI (Association Montessori International) school in Colorado. Located on a beautiful 12-acre country campus in Boulder, MSMS has continuously provided excellence in Montessori education since 1976. At Mountain Shadows, children joyfully learn to reach their full potential while developing skills for living a successful life. Call today to schedule your personal tour of our campus.W: www.mountainshadows.org E: [email protected]

Mt. View Preschool—Boulder355 Ponca Place (303) 494-3557 Contact: Donna McNellisAges: 3 - 5Days and hours: M-F. Full-day options.Preschool is a play based preschool for children 3-5 offering pre-school classes and options for extension of [email protected]

My Second Home Bilingual Child Care Center—LafayetteLafayette (303) 664-1098 Contact: Denise OliverAges: 21/2 - 6 years Licensed Year-round Program Days: M-FHours: 7:15 am to 5:30 pmBilingual child care with bilingual preschool curriculum. We provide a variety of high-quality activities for children in Spanish & English. We also incorporate art, crafts, music, dance, cooking, indoor & out-door games, & many more activities to enrich our learning program & make it fun for children. Ask about our summer camp programs!W: mysecondhomechildcare.com E: [email protected]

Patience Montessori School—Boulder3600 Hazelwood Court (303) 449-5214 Contact - Patience Schutrumpf Ages: 6 weeks - 6 years Licensed Year-roundProgram Days: M-F. Hours: 7:30 am to 6 pm Patience Montessori is a private multicultural Montessori school for children from the ages of six weeks though six years; we accept chil-dren who are not potty trained. Patience Montessori offers a child care program as a service to working parents; we are open year-round. Our teachers are Montessori-accredited and group-leader qualified.W: patiencemontessori.comE: [email protected]

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Sandpiper Montessori—BoulderGunbarrel area (303) 516-1786 Contact - Lyn Mead Ages: 3 - 5 Licensed Year-roundProgram Days: M-F. Hours: 7:30 am to 5:45 pmSandpiper Montessori is a personalized, home-based educational environ-ment where children attend either three, four, or five days a week with Lyn Mead, MA Ed., a certified Montessori teacher with over thirty years of expe-rience. Spanish classes, ASL experiences, and music and movement opportu-nities augment offerings in the practical life, cultural study, language, math, and sensorial areas. Children learn to become responsible members of a child-sized school community.W: sites.google.com/site/sandpipermontessoriE: [email protected]

Shepherd Valley Waldorf School—NiwotHwy. 119/Hwy. 52 (303) 652-0130 Contact - Melanie ReiserAges: Pre-K/KG/Parent Licensed September - June/Summer CampProgram Days: 2-, 3- and 5-day Pre-K/KG programs & parent/child classes. Hours: Pre-K-K, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. After-school care available to 5:30 pm. The mixed-age Waldorf kindergarten is a world of play, make-believe, imitation, expression. Learning at this time is best fosteredthrough imaginative activity, stories, songs, crafts, free play, circle time, and outdoor play. The preschool kindergarten teachers cre-ate an environment where beauty, love, and security radiate from a homelike setting that gently helps children adjust to the social world of the classroom.W: www.shepherdvalley.org E: [email protected]

Strawberry Farm

Strawberry Farm PreSchool—Boulder1020 Portland Pl. Contact - Rita Batiste (303) 709-0549 or Carolee Corey (720) 289-5911Ages: 0-6+ Licensed August - May, plus campProgram Days: M-F, 9 am to 5 pm. (2, 3 and 5 day options). August 15th - May 31st, Summer camp: June 1st - August 15th. Nature, & community-based program with experiential learning as the touchstone. All natural/organic snacks and lunch provided. Student/Teacher Ratio 3:1.W: www.strawberryfarmboulder.comE: [email protected]

St. Stephen’s Christian School—Longmont1303 S. Bross Ln. Contact - Jen Arndt (303) 702-1812Ages: 3-6 yrs Licensed September - MayProgram Days: T/W/ or TH (3- to 4-yr-olds), T/W/TH (4- to 5-yr-olds) Hours: 8:45 to 11:15 am. After-school enrichment classes T/W,

CHILD CARE/PRESCHooL DIRECToRY

from 11:15 am to 2:15 pm now available.The goal of St. Stephen’s is to develop each child’s mind, body, and spirit, while establishing strong foundations of knowledge and posi-tive self-image in a creative, loving, Christian environment. We offer small class sizes with experienced certified teachers and a stu-dent/ teacher ratio of 6:1. Now scheduling tours.W: www.ststephenslongmont.comE: [email protected]

Sunflower Farm Sprouthouse Program—Longmont11150 Prospect Road (303) 774-8001 Contact - BrenAges: 2.5 to 5 yrs Year-roundProgram Days and Hours: M-F. Choose 1 class per week or several.Mornings: 9 am to 1 pm, Afternoons: 1:30 to 4 pm This is an early childhood, outdoor, nature program. Even on cold days, we bundle up and walk the farm, feed animals, build snow-men, collect eggs, climb the giant tree house, catch toads, or follow bugs. Inside activities include books, blocks, and our large recycled creative art building, where children choose from painting, wood-working, sculpting, fabric art, sensory materials, and more! This is a drop-off program, however, parents are welcome to stay anytime. W: www.sunflowerfarminfo.comE: [email protected]

Sunflower Preschool—Boulder3340 Dartmouth (303) 494-2012 Contact-Debbie EllmanAges: 2 1/2 - 6 Licensed Year-roundProgram Days: M-F Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Part-time schedules available.Sunflower Preschool, which opened its doors 30 years ago, offers a small, eco-friendly, play-based, hands-on nurturing environment where children learn through exploration and discovery. At Sunflower Preschool our classrooms are Montessori-based with a science and nature emphasis. The teachers are all well-paid professional ECE teachers who have been a part of the Sunflower staff for years. Please come take a look at our unique children’s science museum as well as the multi-sensory outdoor environment*. *PACE certified since 2008, *Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. Limited openings for 2011–2012 school year.W: www.sunflowerpreschoolboulder.com E: [email protected]

Treehouse Learning—Louisville175 North 96th St. (303) 666-1950 Contact - Nancy Benson, Ph.D.Ages: Infants - Kindergarten Licensed Year-roundProgram Days: M-F, 3 - 5 full days Hours: 7:30 am to 6 pm Treehouse Learning offers early education and child care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, plus full-day kindergarten. our curricu-lum is comprehensive, including social skills, sign language, Spanish, art, music, movement. Professional staff, small groups, low ratios, top-quality snacks and lunches, beautiful facility and grounds. Located in the Indian Peaks area, near 95th & Baseline; founded and locally owned by Dr. Nancy Benson. Limited availability in all groups.W: www.treehouselearning.com

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Broomfield Academy—Broomfield7203 W. 120th Ave. (303) 469-6449 Contact - Pat Garner, Principal Ages: 2 1/2 - 14 yrs Licensed Year-round, including summerProgram Days: M-F. Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Before- and after-school programs.Academic preschool through middle school. Nationally accredited (NIPSA). An individualized education helping children be exceptional, accelerated, and creative. Individual student learning plans, small class sizes, advanced curriculum, character education, and service learning programs, monthly field trips related to curriculum, before- and after-school programming, specialty classes in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, art, swimming, music, technology, and physical education. Five-acre campus with creative outdoor spaces, a swimming pool, and a teaching garden. Year-round enrollment.W: www.broomfieldacademy.com E: [email protected]

Colorado Virtual Academy

Statewide Online Public SchoolWeb: K12.com/CO (866) 339-6818 (toll free) Contact - Amy ValentineAges: K-12th grade Cost: Free School year With Colorado Virtual Academy (COVA), your child can thrive in school. We’re a tuition-free, online public school serving Colorado students in grades K-12 with award-winning courses from the compre-hensive K12 curriculum, ongoing support from Colorado-licensed teach-ers, an active, vibrant school community, and extracurricular activities. A program of Adams 12 Five Star school district, COVA is the only statewide virtual public school program in the state offering the com-plete K-12 experience. Also, even though they are enrolled in an online school, COVA students can still participate in their school district’s extracurricular athletics and activities.

Friends’ School—Boulder5465 Pennsylvania (303) 499-1999 Contact - Mari Engle FriedmanAges: K-5th grade Licensed & Accredited Aug - May/Summer CampProgram Days: M-F Hours: 8:30 am to 3:15 pmAftercare and enrichment classes 3:15 to 5:30 pmA supportive community committed to educating the whole child—head, hand, and heart. Experiential and integrated curriculum, emphasizing academics, problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Small classes, low student/teacher ratios. Sliding-scale tuition based on family income and additional financial aid available. ACIS accredited, NAIS member.W: www.friendsschoolboulder.org E: [email protected]

o

Alexander Dawson School—Lafayette10455 Dawson Drive (303) 665-6679 Contact - Admissions OfficeAges: K - 12th grade Licensed & Accredited September - June/CampProgram Days: M-F, 175 days. Hours: 8 am to 3:25 pm, plus After-School Academy.A well-rounded, Renaissance approach. Student/teacher ratio of 7/1, daily enrichment (art, music, computers, library, foreign language, sports), stimulating academics, superb teachers.W: www.dawsonschool.org E: [email protected]

Bixby School—Boulder 4760 Table Mesa (303) 494-7508 Contact - Pat BakerAges: K - 5th Grade Licensed 9-month & year-roundHours: 8:30 am to 3:15 pm (7:15 am to 5:45 pm extended day) Small group instruction in language arts, mathematics, geography, sci-ence, music, art, and history, with curriculum geared to challenging each student’s needs. We teach to individual strengths, so every child thrives.W: www.bixbyschool.org E: [email protected]

Boulder Country Day School—Boulder4820 Nautilus Ct. North (303) 527-4931 x 248 Contact - Patti LemleinAges: Preschool - 8th Grade Licensed August - May/CampProgram Days: M-F Hours: 8 am to 3 pm, middle school until 3:15.Before & after school care and enrichment classes available. Accreditations: NAIS, ACIS, and Approved Middle Years International Baccalaureate School. Situated on a picturesque, safe, and private 5.5-acre campus, Boulder Country Day School is a small, independent school that provides a well-rounded classical education distinguished by academic excellence and social development in a caring and supportive learning environment. Summer camp in June and July.W: bouldercountryday.org E: [email protected]

Boulder Valley Community Open School—Boulder6717 S. Boulder Rd. (303) 588-4971 Contact - Dawn MaggioAges: 5-18 August - MayProgram Days: M-F Hours: 8 am to 3 pm.BVCOS is a new independent school, that opened fall 2010! Our model is based on democratic decision making, multiage groupings, and stu-dent-directed learning. We offer an Earned Discount Program, which can discount tuition by 10%. Homeschool programs are also available!W: www.bvcoschool.org E: [email protected]

Private SchoolsSCHOOL

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Hillside School—Boulder6717 S. Boulder Road (303) 494-1468 Contact - Kathy Sherman Ages: 1 - 9th grade Licensed August - May/Summer programProgram Days: M-F Hours: 8 to 11 am and 12 to 3 pmHillside provides specialized, research-based instruction for students with learning differences such as dyslexia in grades 1-9, in a caring, supportive environment. Experiencing real academic growth allows our students to discover their full potential and become successful learners in all academic areas.W: www.hillsidelearning.org E: [email protected]

Jarrow Montessori School—Boulder3900 Orange Ct. (303) 443-0511 x 113 Contact - Cindy GraceAges: 18 mos to 12 yrs Licensed August - JuneProgram Days: M-F, Hours: 8:30 am to 11:30 am or 3:30 pm. Before care starts at 7:30 am for students 3 and up. Aftercare until 6 pm.Established in 1964, Jarrow Montessori School is the oldest Montessori school in Colorado. We offer a child-centered program focusing on the whole child. Our curriculum emphasizes a balanced approach to the aca-demic, social, emotional, and physical development of each child. Jarrow provides a multiage-level learning environment prepared by knowledge-able and dedicated teachers. Call for a private tour of our beautiful three-acre campus.W: www.jarrow.org E: [email protected]

Mountain Peak Private School—Longmont1833 Sunset Place (720) 494-1622 Contact - Tom BuckettAges: 3 - 12 yrs (6th grade) Licensed August - June/Summer CampProgram Days: M-F Hours: 7 am to 6 pm MPPS is an independent, nonsectarian school that focuses on educating the whole child. Recognizing that each child is unique, MPPS entitles its teachers to individualize curriculum based on each child’s developmental stage. We offer learning experiences that reach beyond the core academic areas beginning at the preschool level. We strive for excellence by nur-turing each child’s intellect, curiosity, and social growth. And because studies have shown that large class sizes adversely affect learning, we are committed to keeping our classes small (15 or fewer for K-6th grades, smaller for preschool). Before/after-school care, daily PE, art, music, foreign language.W: www.mountainpeakschool.com E: [email protected]

The Patchwork School—Louisville1428 Main St. (720) 271-6729 Contact - Michele Beach/Elizabeth BakerAges: K-5, Preschool and Toddlers August - MayProgram Days: M-F Hours: 9 am to 3 pm. Before and aftercare, from 8 to 9 am and 3 to 5:30 pm.The Patchwork School is a nonprofit, democratic school in Louisville, Colorado. We offer full-time and part-time programs for children ages 1 1/2 to 5 years old and kindergarten through 5th grade, as well as an after school program. Our philosophy is composed of principles from Democratic Education, Reggio Emilia, and Humane Education. We are committed to preserving every person’s right to a life of self-direction, meaning, and joy.W: www.thepatchworkschool.comE: [email protected]

Shepherd Valley Waldorf School—NiwotHwy. 119/Hwy. 52 (303) 652-0130 Contact - Melanie ReiserAges: 3-14 Licensed September - June/Summer CampHours: M-F, 8:30 am to 3:20 pm, with after hours to 5:30 pmShepherd Valley Waldorf School offers a developmentally appropriate, balanced approach to education that integrates the arts and academics for children from preschool through eighth grade. It encourages the develop-ment of each child’s sense of truth, beauty, and goodness and provides an antidote to violence, alienation, and cynicism. The aim of the education is to inspire in each student a lifelong love of learning and to enable them to fully develop their unique capacities. Call for a personal school tour.W: www.shepherdvalley.org E: [email protected]

Tiny Tim Center—Longmont611 Korte Pkwy (303) 776-7417 Contact - L.J. FerebeeAges: 2.5 to 4 NAEYC AccreditationHours: M-Th. Half- and full-day options.Preschool offering an inclusive classroom environment for both special needs and typical children. Low teacher to student ratios. Scholarships available to families who qualify.W: www.tinytimcenter.orgE: [email protected]

Private SchoolsSCHOOL

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BOULDER COUnty KiDsheaLth care directory

B o u l d e r

Advantage ElectrolysisRebecca Feldman, C.E.

2885 Aurora, Suite 15 D(303) 444-6861

W: www.advantageelectrolysis.comElectrolysis and laser hair removal. Fifteen-minute to one-hour treatments with 20 years experience. $10 off first visit. Hours: Mon-Th: 10 am-5 pm. Call for appointment. See ad.

Healthy Ecologies

Karen Strawn(303) 594-6680

Blog: www.healthyecologies.comE: [email protected]: AllWe support families who have environ-mental sensitivities, food sensitivities and learning challenges. We identify and remove major triggers that cause reactions in the home. We then edu-cate the child/family to prevent further exposures and build health back. Check out our weekly blog site for tips and articles on environmental health.

neuroAgility, PC

Kerri Honaker, M.S., M.A., LPC

2501 Walnut St. Suite 205 (Boulder)

3773 Cherry Creek No. Drive, Suite 690W - (Denver)

(303) 417-1797W: www.neuroAgility.comAges: 7 and upDiagnostic evaluations for ADHD and brain injury. Brain mapping and neuro-feedback as an alternative to a medication approach. ADHD support groups now available for parents/adults/significant others. Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 am to 7 pm. See ad.

Towards Wholeness and BalanceDeborah Hoff, B.S., R.N.

(303) 579-0849W: www.towardswholenessandbalance.comE: [email protected]: AllEnergy Medicine for Body/Mind/Spirit, You don’t have to believe anything, it works anyway! Experience improved health and a new sense of well-being. Tools include the BodyTalk System, medical intuition, Reiki, flower essenc-es. Locations in Boulder and Lafayette. Hours: Call for appointment.

Environmental Health Tips

HEALTHY TOY CHOICES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

1. Avoid soft plastics, PVC plastic or vinyl in toys. Some are now labels BPA free.

2. Be careful of lead paint with imported toys and plastic coating on American-made wood toys.

3. Avoid toxic flame retardant in sleepwear.

4. Buy local—farmer’s markets or Christmas fairs are good places to buy lovingly made toys.

5. The best gift you can give is to play with your child. Buy interactive games or toys you can play together.

SITES TO CHECK OUT: www.HealthyToys.org—Consumers database listing toxicity/nontoxicity in toys, www.best-child-toys.com, www.nncc.org/Healthy/toy.safety.html, www.cpsc.gov—U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.HealthyStuff.org—Researching Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Stuff

To read more about healthy toys, check out Karen’s blog at

HealthyEcologies.com

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Boulder

Boulder Rock ClubIndoor Rock Climbing

Ages: 6 and up2829 Mapleton Ave.Looking for a fun place to haveyour child’s birthday party? Havethem climb our walls, not yours.Kids love to climb, and parents loveto watch them. You’ll be the heroof the neighborhood when you hostyour child’s party at the BoulderRock Club. We’ll take care of theclimbing. You provide the food anddecorations. Our birthday partyroom will be yours for the durationof the party as well.Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, 1 to 3 pm,and 3:30 to 5:30 pm.Contact: Jen Herling303-865-3557jherling@totalclimbing.comwww.totalclimbing.com

Clementine Birthday Parties

Ages: 3 - 102775 ValmontNew larger location! Parties designed with your child in mind. Art parties with high-quality mate-rials and lots of fun for all for 11/2 hours. Minimum of 8 and maximum of 20 children. Optional extras of cakes, invitations, and gluten-free treats.Hours: Saturday morning and after-noon slots available.Contact: [email protected] www.openartsclementine.org

Eco-CycleParty with the Planet!Eco-Inspired Birthday Parties from Eco-Cycle

Ages: 4-12On sale now! Eco-Cycle’s “b-earth-day” parties combine fun activities and crafts with green values. Party themes include: Eco-Art, Green Thumbs Garden Party, Jungle Jam, Papermaking with Pizzazz, and the Green Teams. We travel to your party venue. See our website for more details and information about sale pricing. Proceeds support Eco-Cycle’s School Environmental Education Programs and are a tax deductible contribution. Flexible times.Contact: Kate Nelson303-444-6634, x [email protected]/kids/parties

Gymboree Play & Music of Boulder

Ages: 1 - 52525 Arapahoe Ave., H-7Fun Birthday Parties! Flexible Sundays (Saturdays, from 2pm). Have your child’s birthday party at Gymboree, and we do all the work! Customized parties and age-specific birthday activities. Call for all the details.Contact: Kristin Hawley 303-546-0081 [email protected] www.gymboreeclasses.com

Imagination Circus ArtsAges: 7 and up4747 N 26th StreetCircus Birthday Parties! $230, 2 hours, 2 instructors, 10 kids. Bring your party to the circus for a birthday adventure with a big top theme! Including circus games, tra-peze, Spanish web, face painting, and more!Hours: Call for your reservation.Contact: Marcy [email protected] www.imaginationcircusarts.com

Broomfield

Broomfield Academy

Splash PartiesAges: 3 - 187203 W 120th AvenueBirthday parties in Broomfield Academy’s very warm indoor salt-water pool are a blast. And very affordable! Pool rental and life-guard fee is $60 per hour (2-hour minimum). Heated and fully enclosed pool building is perfect for the kids to play games in the pool, in any kind of outside weather, including the snow! Bring your own birthday cake. Or, have pizza deliv-ered! Or, bring your own food. It is an easy way to have a party. This pool is great for kids—and our life-guards are fun to have in the pool during your party! Call to reserve your pool party today! Private, semiprivate, and group swim les-sons are also available after school and on weekends. Parent-tot class on Saturdays. Contact: Anica303-469-6449www.broomfieldacademy.com

Countywide

Adventure Quest, Storytelling &

Swashbuckling with Renaissance Adventures

Ages: 5-16Boulder/DenverBe the hero of a mythic quest! Choose from storytelling, sword-dueling, or Adventure Quest, an active Renaissance-themed game, where the kids are the heroes of a mythic quest! Solve mysteries and riddles, swashbuckle with foam swords, or cast magic spells, and negotiate peace treaties. Offering summer camps and birthday parties since 1995. Contact: Staff303-786-9216www.RenaissanceAdventures.com

Bits, Bytes & BotsLego-Themed Birthday

BashAges: 6 - 13Fun Lego-themed birthday par-ties. Two hours of fun with mod-els and robots, while kids learn how to program their models to make them move, dance, sing and tweet, drum roll, or participate in our Sumo Robot Match. Kids par-ticipate in challenges with models/robots like our Sumo Robot Match. We provide all the equipment; you provide the location. No experi-ence necessary for kids to have a great time. Please call for prices and availability. Contact: Carol Brackman 303-494-2687www.boulderco.bitsbytesbots.com

Fun in a BubbleAges: 4 and upWiggle and giggle with your kids! Fun for family members of all ages! Have a party where your family can learn the art of bubb-lology. Your child will experience and learn how to make “unbreak-able” bubbles, make wands out of household items, stand in a bubble, make a smiley face and exotic shape bubbles, and many more activities. Children have had so much fun they ask, “Do we have to go eat cake?” Nancy will travel to your party site in Boulder County and surrounding areas. Call for fees.Contact: Nancy Winkler [email protected]

Birthday Party directory

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BOULDER COUnty KiDslafayette

Bob L. Burger Birthday Parties

Ages: 3 - 10111 W. Baseline RoadBirthday Parties at the Recreation Center on Saturdays or Sundays. Choose from swimming or gymnas-tics! Price includes 10 kids’ admis-sions to the facility, 1-1/2 hours in the party room, cake, candles, tablecloth, paper goods, and one of 16 special party “themes.” Fees: $100-150. Additional chil-dren can be added for $3/child with a limit of 20 children.Contact: Kathy Apjoke [email protected] www.cityoflafayette.com/recreation

Dog House MusicAges: 5 and up525 Courtney WayRock & Roll Birthday Parties!Authentic rock & roll birthday par-ties for kids, teens, and adults. Rock & roll makeover, interactive music video games on our giant flat screen, live performance by teen band.Hours: By appointment.Contact: Gary Lennox [email protected]

longmont

Airborne Gymnastics & Dance

Ages: 3 and up1816 Boston AvenueOne hour of gymnastics fun, 45 minutes in the party room!! Trapeze, ropes, trampolines, foam pit! Rock climbing and dance par-ties also available. Fees: Prices start at $130.Contact: Staff [email protected]

Birthday Parties at The Longmont Humane

SocietyAges: 5-119595 Nelson RoadBirthday memories abound when you spend your special day with the animals at Longmont Humane Society. Play games, tour our state-of-the-art shelter, play Animal-Bingo, visit with a special pet, receive an autograph dog & goodie bags. All proceeds go to the care & comfort of our homeless animals. 501(c)3 Nonprofit. Check our web-site for info & party invitations. Fees: $150.00 for a 2-hour party.Contact: Brianna303-772-1232 X [email protected]

Triple Creek RanchPaint Famous “Dandy”

the Palomino Horse Ages: 4 and up4255 Nelson Road 2 hours. Birthday star and guest spaint and decorate “Dandy” the famous, beautiful palomino horse. Yep, it’s washable! Decorated club-house, face paint, games, horse rides, crafts, open gifts in the magi-cal tepee, and catch your b-day wishes in your dream catcher! Nonstop creative touches & enter-tainment on a beautiful 64-acre horse ranch. Kids and adults leave saying it was the best party they’ve ever been to! There’s not another party in town like this one for your horse-crazy b-day star! We also have a smaller one-on-one party for your B-day star with Dandy, call for more information.Fees: $350.Contact: Lynn McChesney [email protected] www.triplecreek-ranch.com

louisvillele

Mountain KidsGymnastic-Themed

PartiesAges: 2-10 yrs474 S. Taylor Ave. (in the Colorado Technology Center)Gymnastics-themed birthday parties include 1 hour of gymnastics time with our enthusiastic birthday party staff. Activities include a gigantic obstacle course, trampoline, games, relays, parachute play, and 30 min-utes of party time for cake, pres-ents, and other party activities. We provide the party host, invitations, thank-you notes, and party favors, and of course take care of all the cleanup! Great parties for kids of all ages! Call for fees.Contact: Anna Narvaes [email protected]

nederland

Birthday Party at The Carousel

Ages: all20 Lakeview DriveRent the entire carousel or our upstairs party room. Party givers are welcome to bring their own treats; many local restaurants are able to provide food and drink. Fees: Party Room $40 per hour (includes 10 ride tickets). Entire carousel (avail-able when we are not open) $125 per hour, which includes unlimit-ed rides during your event. Call for more details.Days and Hours: we are always open Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm; please call for additional days and hours. Contact: Carousel Director303-258-3457

superior

Reel Kids Birthday Parties

Ages: 5 and overSuperior Marketplace, 602 Center Dr. # EA one-of-a-kind experience to star in a short film. Action-packed party comes complete with costumes, high-energy improv games, and a professionally edited DVD for each party guest. 2 1/2 hours. Member of Town of Superior, Boulder Chamber of Commerce and BVSD/LLL. Hours: Subject to availability.Contact: Tracey Hinkley 303-530-7600 [email protected] myreelkids.com

westminster

FatCatsBirthday Parties

Ages: all10685 Westminster Blvd.Best Package includes: A two-hour celebration with bowling, shoes, two slices of pizza per child, unlim-ited soft drinks, balloons, party dec-orations, 10 arcade tokens, and a free game pass per child, a personal party host, group photo, a tour of the pinsetters, a souvenir bowl-ing pin, and FatCats T-shirt for the birthday child. All for $18.99. Good Package includes: Everything in the “Best” package except food and 4 instead of 10 tokens per child. All for $15.99. Minimum of 10 bowlers for each package. Plus tax and 15% gratuity. Call to book your special party!Contact: Irene or Danielle 303-466-7515www.fatcatsfun.com

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after-School Programs

dance

BITS, ByTES & BOTS TECH ENRICHMENT

Countywide Bits, Bytes, & Bots kids learn 21st Century skills like pro-gramming and engineering. We offer after school classes and homeschool classes in engi-neering and pre-engineering using the award-winning Lego® engineering bricks and robots. Classes reinforce the new Colorado State Standards for College and Career Readiness and the National Technology Standards for 21st century learning. Prepare your kids today for the world they will live in tomorrow. Check website often for locations and activities. If you would like a class offered at you child’s school, please contact us. C: Carol Brackmanwww.bitsbytesbots.comP: 303-494-2687

arts & Science

counseling

CU SCIENCE DISCOVERy

BoulderAges: 5-133400 Marine StreetAre you looking for an enrich-ing experience that is so much

BOULDER BALLET SCHOOLBoulder

Ages: 3-AdultThe official school of Boulder Ballet, under the direction of Ana Claire. Recipient of the Florence Ruston Award for Overall Excellence, Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award, and Best of Boulder Award.Program Days: M-F, Sat.Hours: 9 am-7 pm+C: Kendra MotsingerP: 303-443-0028

Sunflower Kids Art Studio

BoulderAges: 3.5 - 155345 Arapahoe Avenue #6Our children are taught in small, cozy groups, which allows each child to explore at their own pace and receive individual attention from the instructor. Sunflower Kids teaches children everything they need to know to create paintings that both kids and parents will be proud of.Hours: Classes held every day.Please see our schedule andonline gallery for more infor-mation.C: Lika [email protected]: 720-939-7545

WILD EARTH’S CHILDREN

Boulder CountyAges: 4-17, plus family outingsPrimitive Skills & Nature Awareness. Reconnect with the earth through primitive skills & nature awareness. Experience the natural world as never before. Fire by friction, wild edibles, tracking, adventures, and more.Hours: Ongoing programs, check our website for details.C: Simon [email protected] www.wildearthschildren.orgP: 303-823-0875

adventure

BVSD Lifelong Learning

BoulderAges: 6-12Offering high-quality, afford-able after-school c lasses, Thanksgiving and winter break camps, and no-school day class-es. We provide instruction in the arts, languages, science, and collaborative classes with the YWCA, The Spot Bouldering Gym, and various local organi-zations. Classes meet at BVSD schools and other locations in Boulder County. Please visit our website for complete class list-ings, hours, and to register for classes.C: Lifelong Learning [email protected]/LLLP: 720-561-3768

ROCKy MOUNTAIN COUNSELING

SERVICESLouisville

Ages: 6-17Therapy groups for Kids. LPC, registered play therapist. We offer a Girls’ Empowerment Group, Teen Support Group, and My Two Homes Group.C: Monica Ramunda, MA, LPC, RPT

[email protected] www.rockymountain counselingservices.comP: 720-304-7611

Clementine Art ClassesBoulder

Ages: Children to adults2775 ValmontClementine Studio™ is a full-time, art enrichment program with hands-on, multimedia pro-grams that encourage indepen-dent exploration of age-appro-priate art materials in a nurtur-ing and inspiring environment. Weekly classes, workshops, camps, parties, and more. For a complete listing, please visit our website. Hours: Call for times and days.C: Lisa [email protected] www.openartsclementine.orgP: 303-443-2520

IRISSTUDIO

IRIS STUDIOBoulder

Ages: 5-11706 Iris AvenueKids’ Art Classes. Pam Porter has her master’s in art educa-tion and offers classes in her beautiful studio that are cre-ative, process-oriented, and lots of fun! Located 1/2 block west of Foothill Elementary School.Days and Hours: After school on weekdays. Holiday and sum-mer camp schedules. Birthday parties, too!C: Pam [email protected] www.irisstudio.typepad.comP: 303-402-9556

fun your kids won’t even realize how much they are learning? CU Science Discovery offers a variety of after-school and stu-dent day off/holiday programs designed to inspire budding science enthusiasts. Programs explore technology and science using hands-on activities that are sure to delight. Please regis-ter online or by phone.C: Anjali Mauswww.colorado.edu/sciencediscovery/P: 303-735-2230

Winter 2011 • Page 39

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

BOULDER GUITAR STUDIO Boulder

Ages: 6 and upGuitar and bass guitar lessons for all ages, styles, & levels. Learn your favorite songs & the fundamentals, techniques, theory, & reading skills behind them. Custom approach deter-mining your interests & focus on having fun while reaching goals. Fees: $30 per 30 min-utes, $40 per 45 minutes, $50 per hour. Days and Hours: M-F, 10 am-7 pm. C: Lee Johnson [email protected] www.boulderguitar.comP: 303-442-2379

Guitar

BALLET SCHOOL Boulder

Ages: 3-182590 Walnut Street Treat your child to an opportu-nity to study with the experts at the Lemon Sponge Cake Ballet School. We offer classes to stu-dents ages 3 though 18. Classes range from creative movement, pre-ballet, ballet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 to the unique, exciting Lemon Sponge Cake Youth Programs, learning unique cho-reography and on-stage perfor-mances.Days/Hours: M-Sat with after-school hours.C: Jenifer [email protected]: 303-545-2298

enrichment

Gymnasticscheerleading

MOUNTAIN KIDS GyMNASTICS &

DANCE Louisville

Ages: Walking and up474 S. Taylor AvenueAt Mountain Kids there are mountains to climb, rivers to cross, jungles to conquer, and fun to be had. Also, strength, flexibility, coordination, con-fidence, and new skills are acquired every day. Students discover their amazing move-ment potential through GYMNASTICS & DANCE classes in a safe, creative, and nurtur-ing environment! We make moving and learning fun! Transportation available from select schools. Programs & times vary. Please call or visit our website for more informa-tion.C: Anna Narvaes [email protected]: 303-665-8287

Boulder/Broomfield Ages: AllJoin our dance family, where EVERYONE is a star! Fun, friendly, and expertly trained staff, personalized evaluations and recommendations for con-tinual development, and live video observation! All ages and abilities! Special programs for preschool age, boys only, all-star poms, as well as com-petition and performing teams. Monthly packages and drop-ins available! Check out our state-of-the-art facilities today, and schedule your studio tour and one-on-one meeting to design the perfect class schedule. C: [email protected] www.elitedanceacademy.net/bckP: 303-442-3745 - BoulderP: 303-466-8626 - Broomfield

AIRBORNE GyMNASTICS &

DANCELongmont

Ages: All1816 Boston AvenueDance, gymnastics, cheer tum-bling, and rock climbing classes for children. After-school and Saturday classes available.C: Staff [email protected]: 303-651-1456

SUCCESS STRATEGIES 4 KIDSBoulder

For ages 6-16.Interactive, fun workshops for kids. Helping kids gain commu-nication skills, reduce aggres-sion, decrease behavior issues, and build friendships. SECRETS OF FRIENDSHIP: Six Skills to Make and Keep Friends. ALTERNATIVES TO ANGER: Strategies to Deal with Anger.Days & Hours: Tuesdays, 5:30 to 7 pm, 5 sessions.Fees: $175. ($150 early regis-tration).C: Sherry [email protected]/sLewisCounselorLinkedIn.com/in/SherryLewisCounselor Twitter.com/sLewisCounselorP: 303-915-4421

empowerment

THE PATCHWORK SCHOOL Louisville

Ages 5-12.1428 Main StreetThe Patchwork School is now offering after-school hours! Join us for gardening, art, music, animals, and more.Program Days: M-F

AFTERBEAT DRUM SCHOOLLouisville

Ages: 8 and upPrivate lessons in a creative

drUMS

environment, tailored to your child’s unique learning style. All levels and abilities welcome. Berklee College of Music gradu-ate with 20 years of teaching experience. Ask about sum-mer camp and group lessons! Located in downtown Louisville next to The Art Underground.Hours: Weekday afternoons/evenings & Saturdays C: Christopher Beers [email protected] www.afterbeatdrumschool.comP: 720-837-5410

Hours: 3-5:30 pm.C: Christy Lochary [email protected]: 720-271-6729

Congregation Nevei Kodesh—Boulder

3269 28th Street Ages: 6-13 years We provide Nevei Yeladim (Oasis for Children), a Jewish Renewal school with innovative programs in Hebrew, Jewish culture, and Torah study, designed to inspire, delight, and nourish your child’s spiritual growth.Program Days: Sun-Th.Hours: afternoons/eve.C: Sue SalingerW: www.NeveiKodesh.orgE: [email protected] P: 303-443-4567

Jewish Studies

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

Page 40 • Bouldercountykids.com

SWIM•FLOAT•SWIM!HOME OF

INFANT AQUATICSLongmont

Ages: 6 months and up.Diagonal Trade Center795 S. Sherman StreetBoulder County’s best swim lessons are in Longmont! At Swim•Float•Swim! your child will learn to swim safely in weeks, not years. Our brand-new, child-friendly, indoor, warm-water saline pool means no more shivers for little ones. We are swim lesson experts—certified, professional, mature instructors teaching survival skills & stroke development. Hours: 7 am-7 pm, M-FC: Judy [email protected]: 303-499-2229

Swimming

after-School Programs

MUSIC TOGETHER®of Boulder

Ages: Birth-5 Small intimate parent/child programs. FREE demo classes offered throughout the year. Call for times and fees. Two Boulder locations—downtown and north. C: Jane Simms Rochewww.musictogetherboulder.comP: 303-530-0434

MUSIC TOGETHER®Boulder/Fort Collins

Ages: Birth-4Research-based early childhood music & movement program, incorporating singing, move-ment, and instrument play for children & caregivers. Mixed-aged classes/siblings welcome. Free demo/brochure. Weekly 45-minute classes. Call for fees.C: Jane Smolenswww.mountainsongmusic.comP: 303-413-1120

Piano

GROUP PIANO/KEyBOARD CLASS

BoulderAges: 6 and upChildren learn musical notation, theory, composition/impro-visation music in a fun, sup-portive, creative environment. Weekly one-hour classes. Small groups of 6 children or fewer. Keyboards provided during les-son time. Jane Smolens has been a piano/music educator since 1986. C: Jane Smolens www.mountainsongmusic.comP: 303-413-1120

MUSIC TOGETHER® BIG KIDS

BoulderAges 5-7The next musical step for your 5, 6 or 7-year-old. The Big Kids class blends elements of the beloved Music Together® cur-riculum with new musical activ-ities perfect for older children.C: Jane Smolenswww.mountainsongmusic.comP. 303-413-1120

ROSE GARDEN MUSIC

North BoulderAges: 4 to 84Deep LOVE of teaching mu-sic in a joy-filled, humorous way that leads to success & musicality for each student. Individualized, customized program that focuses on intrin-sic motivation. Performance opportunities, emotionally safe, nonjudgmental, support-ive, and happy environment. Extensive background in piano performance, composition, pedagogy, psychology, & child-hood development has proven invaluable with children of all ages as well as adult students! NPR endorsement.Hours: By appointmentC: Jessica [email protected] P: 303-442-2690

Parlando School for the Arts

BoulderAges: All2590 Walnut St. (Dairy Center)Parlando School for the Arts offers private instruction, group classes, and ensembles for stu-dents of all ages and abilities, on all musical instruments and in voice and musical theater. Our faculty of 50 of the region’s best teachers provide instruction to more than 700 students each week. More than half of our faculty have advanced degrees in music.C: [email protected] www.parlando.orgP: 303-442-0006

Music

HARMONIOUS MUSIC PIANO AND

ACCORDION Louisville/Westminster

Ages: 4 and up.First lesson free! Master’s degree in piano, accordion, and musical performance. Fun and loving instruction in your home, using traditional methods of reading and play-ing, coupled with The Russian school of piano/accordion play-ing techniques: Lessons focus on music as an art form and how it has the ability to portray its different feelings, moods, and emotional experiences as-sociated with everyday life. Days: Monday-SaturdayC: Nina Soloviova www.harmoniousmusic.webs.comP: 303-502-8224

SANDy BURRELL MUSIC STUDIO

Niwota) Intro to Flute, 6 weeksb) Intro to Violin, 8 weeksc) Intro to Music,1 semesterd) Penny Whistle ProgramFees:$10/class. Pay by session.Call for current class times. C: Sandy Burrellsisb1358 at comcast dot netP: 303-652-3287

ROCKy MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR

MUSICAL ARTS Lafayette

Ages: All200 E. Baseline RoadLessons, classes, and en-sembles. Full member of the National Guild for Commu-nity Arts Education RMCMA is committed to providing high- quality musical experiences for people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, and financial circumstances. We value excellence in arts educa-tion and access for all members of the community.Hours: M-F, 9 am - 9 pm C: Nancy Brace [email protected] P: 303-665-0599

Winter 2011 • Page 41

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

tutoring

theater

BOULDER SUZUKI STRINGSBoulder

Ages: 4-18Suzuki music instruction by registered faculty in violin, viola, & cello. Private & group lessons, note reading, theory, public performances, and more. Call for fees and times.Program Days: M-FC: StaffP: 303-499-2807

Violin

ROCKy MOUNTAIN THEATRE FOR KIDS

BoulderAges: 5-155311 Western Ave., Ste. D(near Arapahoe & 55th)Boulder’s premiere children’s theater offers Boulder’s best theatrical training in acting & auditioning, musical theater, improvisation, voice, dance, & more. After-school pro-grams, school-day-off camps, and summer camps. C: Stuart [email protected] www.theaterforkids.net P: 303-245-8150

MATHNASIUMMATH ONLy Learning Center

LafayetteGrades: 1-College Calculus2770 Arapahoe Rd. Ste 114 Math Is Important! Mathnasium’s affordable, proven, customized pro-grams work with kids to build a solid MATH founda-tion that makes sense to them. Our programs increase confidence and help kids understand & do their home-work. Catch-up and enrich-ment, private lessons, spe-cial summer camps & SAT/ACT math prep programs. WARNING: Your child could become crazy about math!Hours: 3 to 7 pm, M-Th; Sundays, 2:00 to 5:00 pmC: Lisa & Alan Iguchi [email protected]/boulderP: 720-890-9000

DREAMCATCHER Direct Instruction

Centers Boulder

Ages: 5 to Adult5440 Conestoga CourtWe promise one grade level increase in 30 hours of instruction, or we will teach your child for free! One-on-one supplemental edu-cational services in reading, spelling, math, writing, criti-cal thinking, and study skills. Research proven curriculum guarantees one grade level in only 30 hours! Also: ACT/

THE BRAIN CONNECTIONCOLORADO

ErieAges: 7 to AdultDoes your BRIGHT childSTRUGGLE in school? LackATTENTION or FOCUS? Lack MOTIVATION? Lack SELF-CONFIDENCE? Fail to take RESPONSIBILITY for LEARNING? Fail to THINK LOGICALLY? Is your GIFTED child bored? Provide UNLIMITED potential for those with DISABILITY as well as those with HIGH abil-ity. INDIVIDUALIZED pro-gram using BRAIN-BASED programs such as BrainWare Safari, Interactive Metronome, and The Listening Program. Call or e-mail now for a FREE consultation.info@BrainConnectionColorado.comwww.BrainConnectionColorado.comC: Mary HillP: 303-808-7796

SAT/GED prep, homework help, advanced math, and creative writing. Flexible pay-ment plans. Refund policy. Hours: M - Sat, 8 am-8 pmC: Staff www.dreamcatcherlearning.com P: 303-444-8422

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B OUL D E R C OU N TY KID S

Winter Scene by Brice Anderson, age 7

WINTER ISSUE!

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

Page 42 • Bouldercountykids.com

Winter Calendar of EventsNOVART/MUSEUMS

November 4-12—Denver Children’s Museum of Denver Denver Arts Week Programming for ages 0-8, at 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. The littlest mem-bers of our community can learn all about the extraordinary world of art, music, and dance with spe-cial performances by Colorado Ballet , Colorado Children’s Chorale, Swallow Hill Music, and Cherry Creek Dance, plus the exciting Room of Clay. Call Heather Reider at (303) 561-0101 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out mychildsmuseum.org

November 5, 6—Westminster Children’s author and illustrator appearance at Applewood Arts Festival for all ages, from 9:30 am to 5 pm on Sat and from 11 am to 4 pm on Sun, located at Standley Lake High (9300 W. 104th). Come meet the creators of the Aldo Zelnick comic novel series for kids 7-13! Signed and personalized books make a special holiday gift. Call Karla Oceanak at (970) 672-4878 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or please check out www.aldozelnick.com

Ongoing—BoulderThe CU History Museum is open year-round for ages 6 and up. Seven rooms chronicling CU’s his-tory and alumni accomplishments and space exhibit with moon rock from NASA. FREE. Located on the CU Campus. Call (303) 492-6329 for more information.

Ongoing—Louisville Louisville Historical Museum at 1001 Main Street. Museum Hours: T/W/Th, & 1st Saturday of every month, 10 am-3 pm. Free. Tours available. Call Carol Gleeson at (303) 665-9048 or e-mail [email protected] or www.ci.louisville.co.us/museum.htm for more information.

BOOKS ’n’STORYTELLING

M/TH/SAT—Boulder Boulder Public Library story times at 10:15 am, located at Main, Reynolds, & Meadows Branches. For all ages, but designed for ages 5 & under. Sat stories in Spanish/English. Main Library, Marcelee Gralapp Children’s Library: M,

Th, Sat, at 10:15 am, Reynolds Branch Library: Tues at 10:15 am, Meadows Branch Library. Call Melanie Borski-Howar at (303) 441-3099 or e-mail [email protected] or www.boulder.lib.co.us/youth for more info.

T/W/TH—Longmont Longmont Public Library story times for ages birth to 6, located at 409 4th Avenue. Lap-sit, toddler, and preschool story times 10:15 and 11 am T/W mornings; Spanish story time Th evenings at 6:30, bedtime story time Th nights at 7 pm. Call children’s and teen ser-vices at (303) 651-8477 or check out www.ci.longmont.co.us/library

T/W/TH—Louisville Louisville Public Library pre-school story time on T/W for ages 3-6, at 10:30 am and 1 pm, located at 951 Spruce. 30-minute sessions with theme-based stories, includ-ing fingerplays, feltboard, and songs. Also, for ages 12 mos-3 yrs, at 10:30 am on Th, twenty minutes of brief stories, songs, fingerplays, or feltboard. Call Michele Kolman-Weber at (303)-335-4821 or e-mail [email protected] or check out www.ci.louisville.co.us for more information.

Wednesdays—Thornton Rangeview Library—Thornton Branch story time for ages 3 to 6 at 10:30 am & 1 pm, located at 8992 Washington St. Children’s librarian reads a story, and then the children do a craft with a related theme. Call Ann Myers at (303) 288-2001 or e-mail [email protected] or www.rangeviewld.org

Every Sunday—Boulder Boulder Public Library Go Club for ages 5-16, from 2:30 to 5:30 pm, located at 1000 Canyon. Call Melanie Borski-Howar at (303) 441-3099 or e-mail [email protected] for more informa-tion or check out www.boulder.lib.co.us/youth/ for more info.

CLASSES ’n’WORKSHOPS

November 7-28—Lafayette City of Lafayette Bob L. Burger Recreation Center Zumbatomic! Zumba for kids ages 4-7 and 8-12, from 3:45 to 5:20 pm, located at 111 West Baseline Rd. This course teaches Zumba’s exciting formula with the psychology and physiology relevant to kids. Basic Zumba steps like Salsa, Merengue, Raggaeton, and Hip-Hop are modi-fied to the appropriate age level. Mondays for 4 weeks. Call Debbie Wilmot at (303) 665-0469 or

e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out www.cityoflafayette.com

December 14—Boulder Music Together with Mountain Song Music Studio present a FREE demo class for ages 0-4 and their caregivers, at 9 am. A research-based music and movement pro-gram. Have fun building basic music competence through sing-ing, movement, instrument play, integrating a variety of musical styles/tonalities/rhythms to build a solid musical foundation. We also offer Music Together Big Kids—the next musical step for 5 to 7 year olds (a drop- off class). RSVP to Jane Smolens at (303) 413-1120 or [email protected]. For more information check out www.mountainsongmusic.com

Nov 28 to Dec 19—Lafayette City of Lafayette Bob Burger Recreation Center After School Gift Making for ages 5-11, from 4:15 to 5:30 pm, located at 111 W. Baseline Road. Come explore and create great holiday gifts for your loved ones. We will be work-ing with glass, clay, fabric, and ceramic tiles. Call Debbie Wilmot at (303) 665-0469 or please e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out www.cityoflafayette.com

M/T/W/F—Longmont Playgroups for parents and chil-dren, on M: 10 am to noon, infant and toddlers: W: 10 am to 12 pm, mixed-ages, F: 10:30 am to noon, & bilingual (Spanish) 0-4 play group on the 1st and last Fridays. Also, Fatherhood Connection every Tues, from 7 pm to 8:30 pm, support and education for dads. Children’s Services can also help with child care referrals. Call St. Vrain Valley Center at (303) 776-5348.

M/T/W—Boulder/LongmontHospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties Healing Circles Grief Groups for ages 6-18, evenings. Healing Circles provides grief-support groups for children, teens, and parents. Donation requested. Call (303) 604-5300 or e-mail [email protected] or check out www.hospicecareonline.org for more information.

All Winter—BoulderReconnect with nature through our Earth Adventures series. Young Foxwalkers for 4 to 6-year-olds and their families. Earth Adventures for 7-12 years and their families, and Survival Skills for teens. All in and around the Boulder area. Call (303) 823-0875 or check out www.wildearthschil-

dren.org for more details.

1st/3rd Thursdays—Longmont Calvary MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), bimonthly meet-ings for moms of children ages 0-5, from 9 to 11:30 am, at 2101 Gay Street. MOPS is dedicated to encouraging moms of young chil-dren. Find friendship and accep-tance where we understand that “mothering matters.” Child care provided. Call Rene or Lauren at (303) 776-2400 or please e-mail [email protected]

1st & 3rd Fridays—BoulderMothers & Babies—Leaders’ sup-port group, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, at 7100 S. Boulder Rd. Also offers support groups for new moms and babies under 6 months old for a nominal fee. Call (303) 530-0698 or visit our website at www.momsandbabies.org for more information.

1st Tuesdays—North DenverICAN of Colorado—monthly meetings for adults, from 7 pm to 10 pm. at 3131 Osceola Street. A safe forum for information on pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. Women who have experienced a cesarean can share their feelings, and expectant parents can dis-cuss birth options, with the latest research relating to cesarean and VBAC. Call Kristi R. Conroy at (303) 477-6243 or please e-mail [email protected]

2nd and 4th Mondays—BoulderFirst Presbyterian Church MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), for ages infant to 5, from 9:15 to 11:15 am, at 1820 15th Street. Mornings include food, craft, or activity, speakers with subjects relating to moms, and discussion time that deepens relationships with your group. Children are cared for in parallel program called MOPPETS. Call MOPS informa-tion line at (303) 402-6455.

2nd Tuesdays—Lafayette La Leche League of Lafayette holds monthly breast-feeding support meetings for all ages at 9:30 am, at 100 West S. Boulder Rd. Helping mothers worldwide to breast-feed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education. Babies and children welcome! Call Linda Peirce at (303) 499-0680 or check out lafayettelll.wordpress.com

2nd Wednesdays—Boulder La Leche League of Boulder month-ly breast-feeding support group meets from 6:30 to 8 pm, located at 4394 Apple Court. Dedicated to providing education, information, mother-to-mother support, and

Winter 2011 • Page 43

BOULDER COUnty KiDsencouragement to women who want to breast-feed. Babies and children welcome. Call Amanda at (303) 666-6850 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

3rd Tuesdays—Boulder Local mothers are invited to a free meeting of the Boulder County chapter of Mothers & More. We connect moms through evening meetings, speakers, moms’ night out, book discussions, children’s activities, and MORE. Come and meet us! For more informa-tion check out www.meetup.com/Mothers-More-Boulder-County

3rd Tuesdays—Boulder La Leche League of Boulder monthly breast-feeding support group from 10 to 11:30 am. An inter-national, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization, dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breast-feed. Babies and children welcome. Call Molly (720) 922-3549 or Diane (303) 444-9849 for information and meeting location.

1st & 3rd Saturdays—BoulderThe Language of Food presents The French Cooking Club for ages 6 to 12, from 1 to 4 pm, locat-ed at 1140 South Lashley Lane. “Le Club de Cuisine Française,” Practice the French language, exchange ideas and information with recipes, vocabulary, cultur-al information, maps, and draw-ings. Call Marie Nicoletti at (303) 819-4084 or please e-mail her at [email protected] for more information or check out www.thelanguageoffood.com

2nd & 4th Sat—Longmont Old Firehouse Art Center Saturday Art Experience (SAE) for ages 5-12, at 2:45-4 pm, located at 667 4th Ave. Free to members. Membership starts at $35/year and is good for the whole fam-ily. Limited space. Call (303) 651-2787 to register or e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out www.firehouseart.org

Daily—CountywideBoulder County WIC Program. Supplemental foods and nutritional health education for pregnant, breast-feeding, and postpartum women with children up to 5 years. Ongoing enrollment at 5 clinic sites. Boulder Office: 3305 Broadway; San Juan Office: 3100 34th St. in Boulder; Longmont Office: 529 Coffman, Suite 200; Salud Clinic: 231 East 9th in Longmont; Tri-cities Office: 1345 Plaza Court North 3A in Lafayette. FREE. Call (303) 441-1451.

Tuesdays—Boulder Stepmother Support Group for adults, from 6 to 7 pm, at 255 Canyon, Suite 201. A safe, sup-portive environment for shar-ing your feelings and finding solutions to challenges facing you and your stepfamily. Call Paula

Schild at (303) 908-6557 or e-mail [email protected] or check out www.paulaschild.com for more information.

Tuesdays—LongmontNew Leaf Wellness Mom’s Group for all ages, from 9 to 10:30 am, located at 600 S. Airport Road. Active moms who meet weekly with our kids at various locations and trailheads for fitness and fun. Once-a-month health topics with doctors. Call Cecilia at (720) 877-3671 or [email protected] or www.nlcwellness.com

Thursdays—BoulderBeyond MOPS...the next step. Join us for SAMS (School-Age Moms). New group for mothers of school-age children (kindergarten-12th grade) to share their joys and chal-lenges. Includes guest speakers, child care, and refreshments. 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. Cost: $5. Boulder Valley Christian Church, 7100 S. Boulder Rd. Call Jan at (303) 494-4248 or Darcy at (303) 926-1590 for more information.

Thursdays—BroomfieldTough Love Parent Support Group will meet at the United Church of Broomfield at 825 Kohl Street, from 7 to 9:30 pm. Call Jerry Hart at (303) 494-4598 for more infor-mation.

Friday Evenings—Lafayette City of Lafayette Bob Burger Recreation Center Friday Night Fun Club for ages 7-13, from 7 to 10 pm, located at 111 West Baseline Rd. A structured, super-vised program that offers a safe, social, and recreational atmo-sphere. Held every Friday night during the school year. Call Debbie Wilmot at (303) 665-0469 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out www.cityoflafayette.com

Saturdays—Boulder Boulder Public Library, Main Children’s Library Young Creative Writers for ages 8-12, from 10 to 11 am, located at 1000 Canyon Blvd. Writing is fun in this popu-lar and free class for kids in 3rd through 6th grades! Call Melanie Howard at (303) 441-3099 or check out www.boulder.lib.co.us/youth

Weekdays—Boulder/Lafayette Boulder County Head Start Enrollment drive for ages 3-5 years, from 8 am to 4 pm, locat-ed at 3482 N. Broadway. Boulder County Head Start is recruiting for its free, comprehensive preschool with full- and part-day classes. Income guidelines apply. Call Susi Gritton at (720) 564-2210 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Ongoing—BoulderSunflower Kids Art Studio offers year-round classes for ages 3.5 to 15, new location at 5345 Arapahoe

Ave. Call Lika Maldutis at (720) 939-7545 or e-mail [email protected] or visit our website at www.artsunflower.com

Ongoing—BoulderThe Little Gym of Boulder open enrollment at 4800 Baseline Road, Suites C106-108. Year-round open enrollment for all our classes, free trial class! Call Brooks Crosby at (303) 444-4742 or please e-mail [email protected] or www.tlgboulderco.com

Ongoing—Boulder Bilingual Tots offers full immer-sion Spanish, French, Mandarin, German, Japanese, Hungarian, Russian, Italian, and ESL classes, for ages 0-5 at several locations in Boulder and vicinity. For sched-ules and to register, visit www.bilingualtots.com or with questions call Agnes Farkas-Roszell at (303) 561-1900 or please e-mail her at [email protected]

Ongoing—Boulder CountyInfant Aquatics—Swim instruc-tion for ages 6 months to 6 years. Teaching children to swim and back float independently in weeks, not years, at the warm water indoor water park at the Holiday Inn Express in southwest Longmont. Visit www.infantaquatics.com to see how skilled your child can become. Contact Judy Heumann (303) 499-2229 or e-mail [email protected]

Ongoing—Longmont MOMS Club of Longmont West for preschool ages. Support group designed just for you, the at-home mother of today! Call Jen Dickhans at (303) 827-3400 or please e-mail at [email protected] or e-mail [email protected] for more information or check online at longmontwestmoms.com

JUST FOR FUNThrough November 28—DenverMarmots like Digger, the mas-cot for the Mordecai Children’s Garden, hibernate over the winter to ensure they return the following spring refreshed and ready for the warmer weather. Much like mar-mots, Mordecai Children’s Garden will be open through November 28, weather permitting, and then close for “hibernation.” It is sched-uled to reopen on March 3, 2012. All at Denver Botanic Gardens. Check out www.botanicgardens.org for more information.

November 5—BoulderBixby School Preschool Open House for all ages, from 10 am to noon, located at 4760 Table Mesa Drive. Parents of preschoolers are invited to visit Bixby’s preschool, meet the teachers, and tour the beautiful campus. Children are welcome. Please RSVP to [email protected] or call (303) 494-7508, ext. 0 or for more informa-

tion or please do check out www.bixbyschool.org

November 5—DenverNight of the Museums, Denver Arts Week for all ages, from 5 to 10 pm. FREE. In partnership with Visit Denver’s Denver Arts Week—the annual night Denver’s greatest attractions open their doors for FREE—Museum visitors will enjoy extended hours to see T. Rex Encounter and permanent exhibitions, including Expedition Health, Space Odyssey, Prehistoric Journey, and Egyptian Mummies. All at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Check out dmns.org for more information.

November 12—Lafayette WOW! Children’s Museum 15th Birthday Party from 10 am to 12 pm, located at 110 N. Harrison Ave. WOW! is celebrating 15 years in the Boulder County com-munity! Help us blow out our birthday candles, enjoy a musi-cal performance by Boulder Bach Fest, face painting and crafts, too! Explore the new SunSational Energy & Science exhibit! All included with museum admis-sion! Call Katie MacDonald at (303) 604-2424 or please check out www.wowchildrensmuseum.org

November 12-13—Boulder Sacred Heart of Jesus School Chriskindl Market for all ages, from 10 am to 3 pm, located at 1317 Mapleton Ave. Inspired by the markets of Germany, Sacred Heart of Jesus School will host an indoor Christmas market, filling our gym with a variety of vendors selling Christmas gifts, high-quali-ty arts and crafts, Advent wreaths, packaged food, and more. Call (303) 447-2362 or check out www.shjboulder.org/school for more information.

November 17—Longmont Longmont United Hospital Annual Gift Shop Sale for all ages, at 7 am to 3:30 pm, located at 1950 Mountain Avenue. Sale in the hos-pital’s gift shop. Call the volunteer office at (303) 651-5205 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

November 25—Estes ParkEstes Park Catch the Glow for all ages, from noon to 6:30 pm, located at downtown Estes Park. A Christmas kick-off celebra-tion: visits with Santa, carolers, and more, all topped off with a 5:30 pm lighted parade. Call Suzy Blackhurst at (970) 577-9900 or check out www.visitestespark.com for more information.

November 30—Boulder Friends’ School Preschool par-ent information meeting for adults only, from 6 to 7:30 pm, located at 5465 Pennsylvania Ave. Tour the school, meet our exceptional teachers, and learn about our play-based, creative, hands-on, pre-aca-

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demic curriculum for children ages 3-5. Call Mari Engle Friedman at (303) 499-1999 or please e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out www.friendsschoolboulder.org

Mid-Nov to Mid-Feb—BoulderThe Ice Rink at One Boulder Plaza is scheduled to open in mid-November and runs through mid-February. They are expect-ing 40,000 skaters and specta-tors over the course of the season and will once again offer public ice-skating, kid’s and adult’s les-sons, and broomball leagues. Call Cindi Indermill at (303) 209-3732 or please e-mail her at [email protected] for more information.

Every Tuesday—Boulder Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe Playday Program for ages 2 - 7, at 10:30 am, located at 2525 Arapahoe. One-hour programs full of stories, science, arts, and imagination. Each week has a new theme and experi-ences designed with fun and learn-ing in mind! Call Betty Quigley at (303) 443-0780 or check out www.grtoys.com

2nd & 4th Weds—LafayetteFlatirons MOPS—Meeting for mothers of children ages 0 to pre-K, from 9 am to 11:30 am, at 400 W. South Boulder Rd. Fellowship, Fun, & Food for moms. Child care provided. Call (303) 665-5021 x 264, or [email protected] for more information.

4th Mondays—Boulder B o u l d e r S e n i o r S e r v i c e s Grandparents Raising Grandkids Group for ages 45+, from 10 to 11:30 am, located at 909 Arapahoe Ave. Connect and get emotional support plus meet others in simi-lar situations. Free child care. Call Sandy Hollingsworth at (303) 441-4388 or e-mail [email protected] or please check out boulderseniorservices.com

4th Tuesdays—Erie La Leche League of Erie month-ly breast-feeding support group for all ages, at 10 am, located at the Community Library meeting room. Information, education, and support to all women who are interested in breast-feeding. Babies and children always welcome! Call Linda at (303) 499-0680, or [email protected] or erielll.wordpress.com

Ongoing—BoulderMonthly art exhibits from Boulder Valley schools, at Boulder Valley Credit Union, at 5505 Arapahoe Avenue. Call LeAnn at (303) 415-3514 for more information.

Ongoing—BoulderFiske Planetarium presents Public Astronomy Shows for ages K-20. $4 for adults, $3 for children/seniors. Call (303) 492-5001 or (303) 492-5001 or www.colorado.edu/fiske for more information.

Ongoing—BoulderThe Business Women’s Connection currently has a few openings in their weekly group of women pro-fessionals from the Boulder County area. We are a weekly group sup-porting one other both profession-ally and personally. Please check www.businesswomensconnection.com for more information and to see how to visit our group.

Ongoing—Longmont MOM’S Club of Longmont East. Mothers with children of all ages who offer support and fun activi-ties for moms and their children. Weekly park days, all ages and infant/toddler playgroups, field trips, moms’-night-out get-togeth-ers, monthly meetings w/speakers & discussions, lasting friendships. Call Elizabeth Johnson at (303) 678-1573 or please e-mail us at [email protected] or you can also check out our website at momsclub.longmonteast.googlepages.com/home

MUSIC ’n’ THEATER

November 4-5—Boulder Boulder Suzuki Strings Solo Recitals for ages 3 to 18. Call for times. Located at 355 Ponca Place. Violin, viola, and cello students perform solo recitals in classical and modern repertoire. Call Amy Gesmer-Packman at (303) 499-2807 or please e-mail [email protected] for more infor-mation or check us out online at bouldersuzukistrings.org

November 5—Lafayette Peanut Butter Players auditions for Babes in Toyland for ages 5 to 85, from 1 to 4 pm, located at 990 Public Road. Everyone who auditions gets a part in Babes in Toyland, which will be performed on Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17. Call Jo Anne Lamun at (303) 786-8727 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or please check out www.peanutbutterplayers.com

November 13—NederlandPlay-Ground Theatre Company presents The Funny People for ages 3 and up, at 4 pm, at The BackDoor Theater, located at 740 Highway 72 North. A world premiere of a children’s TV pilot, starring Jeff Haycock and Mia Sole! Humor, adventure, and valuable lessons, this fresh sketch comedy show will capture the imagination of kids and parents alike. The twenty-two min-ute pilot is jam-packed with ador-able, twisted characters, inspired by folklore and modern pop culture. Based on two decades of classic material developed at Colorado’s beloved Play-Ground Theatre, The Funny People translates live per-formance to television in a special brand of family entertainment. Call (303) 258-0393 or check out www.playgroundtheatre.com

November 25-27—Boulder Boulder Philharmonic and the Boulder Bal le t present The Nutcracker for all ages, located at Macky Auditorium, CU Campus. Friday, 4 pm, Sat/Sun Matinee at 2 pm and Sat evening at 7 pm. America’s favorite ballet, featur-ing a cast of 80 dancers, full scen-ery, beautiful costumes, and spe-cial effects. Classical choreography is infused with theatrical magic, circus arts, and a rare sense of humor. The company dancers are joined by students of the Boulder Ballet School and members of the Boulder Children’s Chorale, who provide a delightful attraction for young audience members. Call Boulder Philharmonic at (303) 449-1343 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out www.boulderphil.org

DecJUST FOR FUN

December 2 to Jan 1—DenverB L O S S O M S O F L I G H T – Lighting Up the City for all ages, nightly, at the Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street. One million colorful lights draped in elegant designs will illuminate the plants and hardscape features throughout the Gardens. Romantic and popular kissing spots will return, as well as the popular HoloSpex glasses that magically transform the lights into shimmering snowflakes. Each night, seasonal entertainment will be provided, and a captivating group of seasonal plants will be on display. Check online at www.botanicgardens.org for more infor-mation.

December 2 to Jan 1—DenverTRAIL OF LIGHTS – Lighting Up the Country for all ages, Wednesday through Sunday eve-nings, at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. One million colorful lights draped in elegant designs that illuminate the plants and hardscape features on a charm-ing country forest path—a new holiday tradition. Tour the restored 1880s homestead that will be deco-rated in a charming Colorado coun-try Christmas motif. Guests can also enjoy warm drinks to ward off the chill during the walk through the Gardens’ trail. The popular HoloSpex glasses, which magically transform the lights into shimmer-ing 3-D shapes, will be available. Check out www.botanicgardens.org for more information.

December 3—Denver Children’s Museum of Denver Snack with Santa for ages 0-8, from 10 am to 1 pm, located at 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. Dress

your little ones in their holiday best and come take photos with Santa Claus! This event is the perfect way to get pictures for your holi-day cards and ornaments in a quiet, safe setting. Children will also enjoy hot cocoa and get a bag of goodies to take home. Call Heather Reider at (303) 561-0101 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or check online at mychildsmuseum.org

December 3— Lafayette Lafayette Chamber Home for the Holidays for all ages, from 10 am to 2 pm, located at Old Town Lafayette, Festival Plaza. Bring the family to Old Town Lafayette for a day of holiday shopping while enjoying street corner caroling, visit with Santa and his reindeer and enjoy hot chocolate and cook-ies. Call Pat Vero at (303) 666-9555 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out www.lafayettecolorado.com

December 4—Boulder YWCA of Bou lde r Coun ty Holidazical for all ages, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, located at 2115 13th Street. Kick off the holidays with the YWCA’s Holidazical, featuring a special performance by Rebecca Folsom. Event is designed for adults and children of all ages and includes lunch, entertainment, and a silent auction. Tickets are $40 adult/$20 child under age 12. Event is held at the Hotel Boulderado, and proceeds benefit the YWCA. Call Leanne Fisher at (303) 443-0419 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or please check out www.ywcaboul-der.org

December 6—ColoradoColorado Gives Day is on Tuesday, December 6, and runs for 24 hours. This is targeted to encourage Coloradans and beyond to “give where you live.” Colorado Gives Day is an initiative to increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. Presented once again by Community First Foundation and FirstBank, Colorado Gives Day will help support many valu-able programs. Donations will be accepted through GivingFirst.org, with a goal to inspire and unite Coloradans in supporting hundreds of local nonprofits.

December 8—Longmont Longmont United Hospital Giant Bake Sale for all ages, from 7 am to 3:30 pm, located at 1950 Mountain View Ave. Home-baked cookies, pies, and cakes. This sale is a fund-raiser for the Longmont United Hospital volunteers. Call the vol-unteer office at (303) 651-5205 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

December 10—Longmont Colorado Horse Rescue Open House for all ages, from 11 to 3 pm, located at 10386 N. 65th

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BOULDER COUnty KiDsSt. Visit rescued horses, refresh-ments, learn about Colorado Horse Rescue. Book signing by Judy Archibald, author of children’s book, The Mutt & the Mustang. Call (720) 494-1414 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out www.chr.org

December 31—Denver Children’s Museum of Denver Noon Year’s Eve for ages 0-8, from 9 am to 4 pm, located at 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. Join us when we transform the plaza into our own Times Square! With ball drops every hour from 10 am to 3 pm., rainbows of confetti, bub-ble wrap fireworks and sparkly art projects, families can enjoy New Year’s festivities all before bed-time. Call Heather Reider at (303) 561-0101 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out mychildsmuseum.org/

December 31—Lafayette WOW! Chi ld ren ’s Museum WOW!’s Annual New Year’s Eve Party from 10 am to 12 pm, located at 110 N. Harrison Ave. Ring in the New Year (a few hours early!) Musical performance, noisemaker crafts, parade around the Museum and special countdown at noon! Refreshments compliments of Whole Foods Market in Superior! All included with your Museum admission! Call Katie MacDonald at (303) 604-2424 or check out www.wowchildrensmuseum.org

MUSIC ’n’ THEATER

Dec through Jan—LongmontLongmont Symphony presents family concerts on December 3,4: Nutcracker Ballet; December 13: Candlelight Concert and January 28: Family Concert. Call (303) 772-5796 or check out www.long-montsymphony.org for more infor-mation.

December 3—Boulder Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra Pro Musica Colorado Christmas Story for ages 10 and up, at 7:30 pm, located at 1421 Spruce Street . Collaborating with St. Martin’s Chamber Choir to bring you the rarely per-formed masterpiece, J. S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. $35 Premium, $24 Regular, $5 Student. Call Pro Musica Colorado at (720) 443-0565 or please do e-mail [email protected] for more infor-mation or check online at www.promusicacolorado.org

December 3, 10—Boulder Boulder Suzuki Strings Holiday Concerts for ages 3 and up, call for times and locations. Violin, viola, and cello students perform classi-cal and holiday classics. Call Amy Gesmer-Packman at (303) 499-2807 or please e-mail [email protected] or check online at bouldersuzukistrings.org

Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17—Lafayette Peanut Butter Players Babes in Toyland for ages 3 and up, at 2 pm. and 7:30 pm. located at 990 Public Road. A new version of the Victor Herbert classic operetta makes a perfect family outing for the holi-days performed by a large cast of talented young people and adults. Call Jo Anne Lamun at (303) 786-8727 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out www.peanutbutterplayers.com

Dec 9-11 & 16-18—Westminster Ballet Nouveau Colorado The Nutcracker for ages 3 yrs. and up, at 2 pm & 7:30 pm, located at 1001 W. 84th Ave. A family-friendly pro-duction returns to delight audiences of all ages with gorgeous danc-ing and beautiful sets. All kids are invited on stage after the show & given the chance to meet the cast for photos! Free parking! Cost: Regular ticket prices: $49 Prime, $35 Standard, $22 Value, Child/Student/Senior ticket prices: $42 Prime, $31 Standard, $21 Value. Call Box Office-Elaine at (303) 466-5685 or please e-mail [email protected] for more informa-tion or check out bncdance.com

JanCLASSES ’n’ WORKSHOPS

January 17, 18—Lafayette WOW! Chi ld ren ’s Museum January Discovery Days from 10 am to 2 pm, located at 110 N. Harrison Ave. This Month’s Topic: Snow, Discover your Inner Scientist! Dropin and explore our monthly informal hands-on sci-ence sessions, included with your Museum admission. Call Katie MacDonald at (303) 604-2424 or please do check online at www.wowchildrensmuseum.org

JUST FOR FUNJanuary 14—Denver Children’s Museum of Denver Fire Truck Grand Reopening! for ages 0-8, at 10 am, located at 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. The much-loved CMD Fire Station No. 1 exhibit is undergoing exciting updates, like more switches, levers, and working parts on the fire truck, a firefighter bunk and kitchen, a pole, a dispatch station, and much more. Join us for the grand reopen-ing! Call Heather Reider at (303) 561-0101 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or check online at mychildsmuse-um.org/Default

January 14—Lafayette Lafayette Chamber 16th Annual Lafayette Quaker Oatmeal Festival for all ages, from 7:30 am to 1 pm, located at Baseline and Public Rd. A popular family event, focusing on healthy lifestyle. Unique festi-val includes an oatmeal breakfast, certified 5K, health fair, oatmeal baking contest. Health Fair features health screenings. Call Pat Vero at (303) 666-9555 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out www.lafayettecolorado.com

January 14—Lafayette Lafayette Chamber for all ages, from 7:30 am to 1 pm, located at Baseline and Public Rd. The 5K Walk/Run is open to runners and walkers of all skill levels. Kids, strollers, and dogs are welcome (limit of one dog per participant). Cash prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers. Call Pat Vero at (303) 666-9555 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out www.lafayettecolorado.com for registration.

January 14-16—Estes ParkEstes Park Winter Festival for all ages, all day, at the Fairgrounds at Stanley Park. Kids play in an ice castle maze and on interactive ice displays. For the family: Try out snowshoe options at Winter Trails Day. Jan. 15, in Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoy the chili cook off. For the adults there’s wine tast-ings and brew tastings as well. Call Suzy Blackhurst at (970) 577-9900 or check out www.visitestespark.com for more information.

January 22—Countywide Girl Scouts of Colorado Girl Scout Cookie Time! This year Girl Scouts will sell cookies on the spot to their eager customers during door-to-door sales instead of the traditional order now, get your cookies later system of the past. Booth Sales in front of retail locations will run from Feb. 10 to March 4, and, this year, you’ll be able to pay for cook-ies at booth sales by credit card! The cost of cookies is $3.50/pack-age, and all proceeds go to support Colorado’s Girl Scout Leadership Experience. For more information visit www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org or call (303) 778-8774 or check out www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org

January 31—Boulder Friends’ School Preschool Parent Only Info Meeting for adults only, from 6 to 7:30 pm, located at 5465 Pennsylvania Ave. Tour the school, meet our exceptional teachers, and learn about our play-based, creative, hands-on, pre-academic curriculum for children ages 3-5. Call Mari Engle Friedman at (303) 499-1999 or please e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out www.friendsschoolboulder.org

MUSIC ’n’ THEATER

January 9-14—Broomfield The School of Ballet Nouveau Colorado is hosting a FREE WEEK for kids & adults dance classes, for ages 1 and up, located at 3001 Industrial Ln. #12. Anyone interest-ed in taking free fitness and dance classes can drop in and try a vari-ety of classes all week long. Please RSVP online. Classes offered for beginner through advanced. Wear comfortable, easy-to-move-in exer-cise or dance clothing. Ballet slip-pers suggested but socks will work. Call front desk staff at (303) 466-5685 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out bncdance.com/school

January 16—Broomfield Ballet Nouveau Colorado MLK Day Off Day Camp for ages 5 to 13, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, located at 3001 Industrial Ln. #12. Students are invited to spend the day with BNC on their day off from school. Enjoy this fun-filled day of dance, theater, and activities cel-ebrating multiculturalism. Cost is just $40 per student and includes breakfast. If you plan on participat-ing, you must sign up by Jan. 10. Call the front desk staff at (303) 466-5685 or e-mail [email protected] for more information or check out bncdance.com/school

SUBMITTING EvENTS

BoulderCountyKids

• If you have a dated calendar event in February, March, or April, please let us know by January 5th! One-listing per-month limit on a space-available basis, with nonprofit and free dated events prioritized. Please go to www.bouldercountykids.com, click on the calendar button and fill out the automated calendar form. To be on our e-mail reminder list, e-mail to [email protected] with an E-mail Reminder Request in the subject line. We will send you back a receipt on all submissions and requests.

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

Page 46 • Bouldercountykids.com

Winter 2011 • Page 47

BOULDER COUnty KiDs

�������������������������������Come visit and observeour child-centered, balanced approach

to teaching that has fulfilled so many

families for over forty years. You’ll see

how you can give your child a love of

learning that will last a lifetime.

See Our SchoolIn Action

Toddler through 6th Grade

To schedule a private tour, call 303.443.0511 Ext. 113 3900 Orange Ct. Boulder, CO 80304 www.jarrow.org

1816 Boston Avenue, Longmont, CO

There are classes available in our Gymnastics, Dance and Trampoline and Tumbling programs.

Call today to reserve your spot.

FREE Trial Class

1 FREECall today for days and times or check our website at www.airbornegym.com.

Must present coupon. Expires 1/31/12.

Open Gym SessionA $10 dollar value.

www.Facebook.com/AirborneGym

7th Annual Nutty Nutcracker

Saturday, December 17th 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm

Vance Brand Civic Auditorium Skyline High School, Longmont CO

7th Annual Nutty Nutcracker

Saturday, December 17th 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm

Vance Brand Civic Auditorium Skyline High School, Longmont CO

303.245.8150www.theaterforkids.net

5311 Western Ave, Ste D(near Arapahoe & 55th) Boulder, CO

$25 OFFWinter Classes

Mail in or use onlinewith code: BCKWinterExpires January 31, 2012

ages 5-1011/11, 11/21-23, 1/16

MAKE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC TOGETHER.

Come spend time with your kids in our exciting family classes—a rich musical environment that encourages your child to explore the joy of music. Join infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grownups who love them in the fun

of moving, singing, and playing instruments. Find out what beautiful music you and your family can make together.

MUSIC TOGETHER OF BOULDER Jane Simms Roche, Director

North, Downtown, and South Boulder(303) 530-0434

www.musictogetherboulder.com

Sign up for a FREE trial Mixed-age or Big Kids class!

MOUNTAIN SONG MUSIC STUDIO, INC. Jane Smolens, Director

Central and South Boulder(303) 413-1120

www.mountainsongmusic.com

The Next Musical Step for Your 5-, 6-, or

7-Year-Old!

The Big Kids class blends elements of the beloved Music Together curriculum with new

musical activities perfect for older children.

SolfègeInstrumental Solos Harmony-singingConducting Game SongsJam Sessions

Enroll in a Big Kids class at a Boulder

Music Together center near you!