fifty & family holiday guide 2014

28
Connecting with grandkids page 6 ....... Safe travels page 10 ....... Diverse Holiday traditions Page 14 ....... Holiday calendar Page 18 Holiday Guide ............................. .... ...................

Upload: rm-publishing

Post on 06-Apr-2016

214 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

This holiday guide offers insight into fun, family-oriented activities in northern Colorado.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

Connecting with

grandkidspage 6. . . . . . .Safe

travelspage 10. . . . . . .Diverse

Holiday traditions

Page 14. . . . . . .

Holiday calendar

Page 18

Holiday Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page 2: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

2 | Fifty&Family | Holiday Guide

Our brain interprets the sounds our ears detect. The fewer details of sound the brain receives, the harder it has to work to make sense of it.

Experience the power of Brain Hearing by calling us today. (970) 221-5249

Making Sense of Sound

Susan D Baker BS, BC-HIS

Dr. Dan Ostergren Audiologist

bakerhearing.net • 2001 S. Shields Street, Bldg J2 • Fort Collins

for the

HOLIDAYS

Saddle up for

the coming season... • Gift Certificates • Custom Clothes • Stocking Stuffers

Page 3: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

Holiday Guide | Fifty&Family | 3

www.clothespony.com (970) 224-2866• 111 N. College Avenue

Like us on Facebook

Buy Local!

Holiday Fun! Story time with Santa

Thursday and Friday at 11:30am

November 29TH

through December 21ST

Page 4: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

4 | Fifty&Family | Holiday Guide

Holiday Guide DECEMBER 2014

PUBLISHER, Scott Titterington

EDITOR, Kristin Titterington

CREATIVE DIRECTOR, Emily Zaynard

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR, Greg Hoffman

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS, Linda Osmundson,

Kim Sharpe, Janet Werst

COVER PHOTO, Cheri Schonfeld

Copyright 2014 Rocky Mountain Publishing, 825 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521, 970-221-9210. All rights reserved. Reproduction in

whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

ABOUT THE COVER: M.L. Johnson and grandaughter Caitlyn explore the holiday goodies at Kilwin’s Chocolates &n Ice Cream

in Old Town Fort Collins.

Page 5: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

Holiday Guide | Fifty&Family | 5

Page 6: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

6 | Fifty&Family | Holiday Guide

It’s a smaller world after allUse technology to connect with your grandkids

L I N D A O S M U N D S O N

On Facebook, a post showed a baby with the words: “Saw it, Liked it, Asked Grandma, Got

it.” That’s me. Grandparents play an im-portant part in the lives of their grand-children not only at holidays but all year long. Connecting with distant grandkids takes cooperation from everyone.

Our whole family works hard to keep us all connected. My son covered a wall with framed family pictures. An-other used their screen saver to share the family pictures.

Are you computer literate? If not, buy an inexpensive computer or tablet and let the grandkids teach you to use email, web-cam viewing such as Skype, Google Hangout, or iPad and iPhone’s Facetime. I learned how to use comput-ers at Senior Center classes. My grands taught me to text.

Staying connected with adolescents is hard. Few tweens or teens care to inter-act publicly with parents or grandparents. Respect their privacy. My teens ask that I not post on their Facebook accounts; it’s for friends. I “like” whatever they’ve post-ed and only occasionally comment. For instance, when one granddaughter was chosen first violinist, I posted “congrat-ulations.” When another’s team won a soccer tournament, I posted “congratula-tions.” When a third placed in a speaking competition, I posted “congratulations.” Be a lurker. Follow what they do with friends and find opportunities in spoken or written conversations to talk about what their friends say.

Keep abreast of teens by reading what they read. Even though The Hun-ger Games may not be your favorite genre, read and discuss it. See some of the same movies, like The Fault in Our Stars or The Giver. With younger children watch Disney movies—Fro-zen or Tangled. All ages require you understand computers and/or phones. If unable to attend a grandchild’s activ-ity, ask for a video. I watched my twin grandsons ski their first hill. Our son sent a video of a missed violin concert so we’d witness her solos. Grandpar-

ents can also video their own activities or upload photos on Facebook or in emails. I’ve sent them scrapbooks or photo albums of our visits. After a Dix-ieland jazz festival, I shared photos of our dancing, the bands, and the young-er people doing the Lindy Hop.

Put your refrigerator to work. I make sure the grandchildren know I cover the door with their art or pho-tos. When they were very young, I gathered family pictures: aunts, uncles,

cousins, parents, siblings, and grand-parents. My “Look Who Loves You” book kept the whole family connected and recognized.

A “Book of the Month Club” started as a birthday or Christmas gift. I sent each child a book every month for a year. All books included an in-scription—“From Nana and Papa.” You might record your reading on a CD. This year I’m sending magazine subscriptions for Christmas—such as Highlights for Children. Choose something of interest to the child, maybe a sports or music- themed magazine. Take time to read the

magazine at the library; then discuss an article or photo in your next phone con-versation or letter. Believe it or not, they enjoy getting regular mail.

Attending all their activities or special events—first communion, grad-uations, special award ceremonies, or holidays—may be impossible but keep the connection alive. Send homemade cookies for the celebration. In our case, I mail potica—our family’s traditional holiday bread—for Easter, Thanksgiv-

ing, and Christmas. Someday I hope to teach the girls how to make it.

When the family gets together, cre-ate a cousin camp. We spread sleeping bags, cots, or blow-up mattresses over the basement recreation room floor then play games. Papa gathers the younger children and reads to them. I pull out old photo albums and share past hair-dos, clothing, and antics of their parents or watch old movies.

Use some of these suggestions whether you live down the street or miles away. Keep connected and enjoy the experience.

Page 7: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

Holiday Guide | Fifty&Family | 7

Give the Gif of Health

Gif certificates starting at $30.

970-353-1047| 625 8th Ave. | Greeley | www.natural-therapy.com

MASSAGE: Swedish . neuromuscular . sports . prenatal . chair . couples . hot stone

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OTHER SERVICES: mud wraps . salt glows . reflexology . ear candling . foot detox . parrafin hand dip

Give the Gif of Health

$7 OFF A PURCHASE OF $35 OR MORE*

*Limit one coupon per customer, per day. Valid on in-stock products only. Not valid with

additional sales/coupons. RMP14

1290 Main Street Windsor, CO970-674-2997Just 5 minutes east of I-25 at exit 262 and centrally located for the convenience of our northern Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska customers!

knowledgebound.net

Toys • GamesResource BooksDramatic Play

Bulletin BoardsButcher PaperArts & Crafts

Borders • StickersUnique Gifts

Educational Toysand More!Northern Colorado’s

Parent Teacher StoreHuge Selection!Over 5,000 sq. ft!

Page 8: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

8 | Fifty&Family | Holiday Guide

Do you suffer from Neuropathy?Get relief at the speed of light.with our safe, new advanced laser treatment for Neuropathy!

Relief For:• Neuropathy

• Numbness & Tingling

• Pins & Needles

• Painful Hands & Feet

Call today for a FREE screening

2244 E. Harmony Rd. Suite 110 Fort Collins 970.226.1117www.spinecorrectioncenter.com [email protected]

Physical Medical Center of the Rockies , PPLC DBA

SPINE CORRECTION CENTER OF THE ROCKIES

Yes! We accept most major insurance

& Medicare

Page 9: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

Holiday Guide | Fifty&Family | 9

Page 10: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

10 | Fifty&Family | Holiday Guide

Safe holiday travel with childrenAvoid travel problems by careful planning

J A N E T W E R S T

As the holidays approach, many of you will be taking trips to visit friends and relatives across the

country. Make sure to include the car seat on your packing list. For peace of mind and comfort all around, it is best and safest to take your own car seat when traveling. You cannot guarantee the safety, cleanliness, or ease of use of someone else’s car seat—either from a rental-car company or a borrowed one.

If traveling by airplane, Safe Kids Larimer County and the Federal Avi-ation Administration (FAA) strongly recommend using a car seat in an air-craft whenever possible. At a minimum, infants under a year old and 20 pounds or to the highest weight of the harness straps should be restrained in a rear- facing car seat on the plane and an older child should be restrained using a forward-facing car seat to the upper weight limits of the harness. Booster seats cannot be used in an airplane.

Additional air and road travel safety tips for parents:

• The FAA advises travelers with small children to reserve a window seat for the car seat. Car seats are not allowed in aisle seats or exit rows as they could block emergency escape routes.

• Whenever possible, buy a child his or her own airplane seat to ensure an ap-proved car seat can be used. Parents cannot rely on there being empty seats onboard an aircraft, especially during holiday travel season, and holding a child on an adult’s lap is not the safest option as turbulence can occur at any time jostling the child from your arms. If you will not be purchasing a seat for your child, gate-check your car seat.

• Children who have outgrown car seats with a harness at 40 or more pounds should sit in the airplane seat and, like all passengers, keep the lap belt buckled across their thighs or hips. Booster seats

are not allowed on airplanes, as they require shoulder belts, while airplane seats have lap belts only. Gate-check your child’s booster seat so you may use it upon arrival to your destination.

• Before heading out on a road trip, double check that your car seat is se-curely installed in the vehicle. Also, be sure the seat’s harness straps are snug fitting on your child’s body and the chest clip is centered at

the armpit level. Your child should be comfortable in the seat so don’t forget that special stuffed animal or blanket to cuddle for the ride.

• Need help installing your car seat? Visit www.sklarimer.org for a list of car seat inspection stations that can help ensure you are traveling safely in your car.

For more information about aircraft child passenger safe-ty, visit the “Flying With Children” page at www.faa.gov/ passengers/fly_ children/crs/. For information about car seats general safety tips, visit

www.safekids.org.

Janet Werst is the Injury Prevention

and Safe Kids Larimer County Coordinator at UCHealth.

Plan ahead for unfamiliar settingsTalk to your host or hostess about ways you can work together to childproof some areas of the home to protect their belongings and your child.

Many childhood poisonings occur when children find medications in purses/bags left on the floor. Ask that these items be kept up high or in a closet. Check under the bathroom sink to ensure cleaning supplies and medications are not stored there. If so, ask to keep the bath-room door closed.

Recommend that valuable/breakable ornaments are not placed on the lower branches of the tree and holiday plants (poinsettia) are put out of reach.

Take new toys (or ones they haven’t played with in a while) to entertain their little minds and hands so things that are not toys don’t tempt them.

Schedule activities outside the house to allow children to safely burn off their energy without you worrying they will break something.

Page 11: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

Holiday Guide | Fifty&Family | 11

Don’t let PAIN affect your ride!Specializing in treating pain with intervention

pain management practices

OUR GOALS ARE TO:Treat, if possible, the souce of the pain

Promote healthy activities and preventative care

Return patients to the most functional and productive lifestyle possible

Improve performance and enjoyment

Matthew Pouliot, D.O. Board Certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Board Certified Pain Medicine

locally owneD anD operateD

3665 Canal Drive, Suite E Fort collInS • GoeSFUneralcare.coM

9 7 0 . 4 8 2 . 2 2 2 1

Your love and memories, our compassion and guidance

Page 12: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

12 | Fifty&Family | Holiday Guide

Now serving Larimer and Weld County.

970-818-9357 www.pzlawyers.com |PO Box 7588 | Broomfield, CO | 80021

Call Prentiss Zaynard, P.C. to schedule a house call and

learn how a proper estate plan can help the ones you love.

Protect your treasures; your real treasures.

Scrumptious Yarns and a fabulous staff to help you with all your knitting needs.

1408 West Mountain Ave.Fort Collins

(970) 407-1451mysisterknits.com

Hours: Tues. 10am to 8pm, Wed. - Sat. 10am to 5pm.

Page 13: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

Holiday Guide | Fifty&Family | 13

Are you inspired by horses? Come join us today!-Individualized Riding Programs and horses Available for all Ages-

970.402.2536 • [email protected]

• Mini Equestrians for Ages 3 – 5

• School Age Lessons for Ages 6 and up

• Returning to the Saddle for Adults of all Ages

www.inspirationridingacademy.com •

Monthly & Semester (3 month) Programs Offered • Lesson HorsesOperating in Fort Collins and Pierce • Stefanie Hoffman, Owner/Instructor

GIFTCERTIFICATES

AVAILABLE

Page 14: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

14 | Fifty&Family | Holiday Guide

How do you feel about the holi-days? Do you get swept away in the torrent of seasonal festivities

or shun them like Scrooge? Do holidays have religious significance for you with celebrations steeped in tradition or do you traditionally shy away from the reli-gious aspects of Holy Days?

Regardless of your leanings, the next few weeks of winter are packed with celebrations of all kinds.

The Chinese New Year, sometimes called the Spring Festival, begins on the first day of the Chinese lunar cal-endar and continues for about a week; it will be celebrated February 9-15 in 2015. The Chinese New Year signifies a time to focus on the family and engage in rituals meant to bring good luck and long life to loved ones. Its activities include a fastidious cleaning of homes to rid them of “huigi” or “inauspicious

breaths” and to pass an inspec-tion by cleanliness-loving gods. Fireworks are set off to further scare away evil spirits.

One of the most important features of the Chinese New Year is the food. Whether of-fered sacrificially to the gods or devoured in several courses, food reigns supreme. During the first few days of the New Year, people eat long

Diverse traditions Share common threads

Celebrate the holidays with family, friends, food and fun

Kim Sharpe

Page 15: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

Holiday Guide | Fifty&Family | 15

noodles to bring them long life. On the last day, people enjoy round dumplings, which symbolize the whole family unit and perfection.

Christmas is a Christian holiday observed on December 25 by billions of people around the globe; it’s the most widely celebrated winter holiday in the U.S. Walk into any retail store by mid-October and you’re likely to be bombarded by glittering displays de-signed to entice shoppers to begin their Christmas gift-buying binge.

Christmas traditions include lighting Advent candles—one each week for four weeks leading up to Christmas Day when the fifth candle is lit— to symbolize the anticipated coming of Christ; gift giving, which recognizes the gift Christ is to mankind, as well as the gifts delivered to him by the three wise men; and Nativity scenes depicting the humble stable set-ting where Christ was born.

More secular Christmas traditions include characters like Jolly Old Saint Nick, his elves and reindeer that pull a sleigh loaded with gifts; evergreen trees decorated with tinsel and lights; and tasty treats like sugar cookies, sugar plums and peppermint lattes.

Hanukkah (also spelled Chanuk-kah) is an eight-day Jewish festival that falls somewhere between November and December according to the Jewish lunar calendar. Also known as the Festival of Lights, it’s a time to celebrate Israel’s freedom from Greek rule, and the recla-

mation and rededication of the Temple. The celebration also includes remembering the miracle when one day’s worth of oil used for lighting a ceremonial lamp lasted for eight days.

Modern celebra-tions involve

lighting me-norahs (a can-delabra which holds nine candles—eight to represent the eight days and nights of the miracle and

the ninth, which is used to light

the others); reciting

prayers and singing songs when lighting menorahs; eating delicious food fried in oil (again recognizing the miracle) like potato latkes (pancakes); and playing dreidel, a spinning top game.

Hogmanay is a Scottish cel-ebration that has its roots in the Viking celebration of Yule, which contributed to the establishment of the Twelve Days of

Christmas or the “Daft Days” as they are sometimes referred to in Scotland. The word “Hogmanay” means the last day of the year and basically is the Scottish way of saying New Year’s Eve. According to the Scotch Presbyterian Eloquence, “It is ordinary among some plebeians in the South of Scotland to go about from door to door upon New Years Eve, cry-ing Hagmane!” Hogmanay celebrations also include a lot of food in the form of rich fruitcakes called “Black Buns” and buttery short breads.

Kwanzaa begins on Friday, De-cember 26, 2014, and ends on Thursday, January 1, 2015. It’s a week-long cele-bration of family, community and cul-ture, and it honors the African heritage. Each day of Kwanzaa focuses on one of

seven principles: Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Re-sponsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Cre-ativity and Faith.

Like other winter hol-idays, gift giving and feasts

are part of the Kwanzaa festivities. Common Kwan-

zaa epicurean treats include everything from Caribbean

fruits and jerk sauce to classic southern-style sweet potatoes, cat-

fish, black-eyed peas and collard greens. Homes are decorated in colorful hues of red, green and black.

Family, friends, food and fun seem to be the themes that run through all of these celebrations which points out that perhaps we’re all really more alike than not.

To experience several winter fes-tive traditions at once, attend “Winter Around the World,” Saturday, De-cember 6, 2-5pm, at the Community of Christ Church Auditorium, 220 E. Oak St., Fort Collins. This cultural celebration will feature local perform-ers, and appetizers and desserts from around the world. A silent auction and door prizes will generate proceeds to support the Intercultural Community Builders (www.intercultural communutybuilders.org).

Page 16: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

16 | Fifty&Family | Holiday Guide

Page 17: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

Holiday Guide | Fifty&Family | 17

Page 18: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

18 | Fifty&Family | Holiday Guide

calendarHOLIDAY

DECEMBER 5 THROUGH JANUARY 1 Garden of Lights See your favorite perennial flower beds, a brilliant blue LED pond and a Primordial Forest all created entirely from holiday lights. During the weekends, visit with Santa, listen to holiday music and enjoy warm drinks. $2 suggested donation Monday-Thursday; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, ticketed admission required. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 5-9pm. 970-416-2486 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.

DECEMBER 5 AND 6 Acoustic Eidolon: Friends Across the Ocean Acoustic Eidolon returns to the Rialto for their annual Holiday concert! Joining them this year is Celtic Harpist Thomas Loefke from Berlin, Germany. $20 adult, $15 senior/student. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 970-962-2120 or www.cityofloveland.org

DECEMBER 12-14 Canyon Concert Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” Canyon Concert Ballet is proud to present two performances of Artistic Director Daniel R. Simmons’ The Nutcracker this holiday season. Ticket prices and show times vary. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. www.lctix.com or 970-221-6730.

The Nutcracker Colorado Dance Theatre presents its 20th Annual production of Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet featuring a live orchestra directed by Dr. Russell Guyver. Ticket prices and show times vary. Children under age 3 not admitted. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 2pm. 970 356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Great American Christmas World-renowned singer Tony Orlando performs holiday favorites. Tickets prices and show times vary. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown. 970-744-3747 or www.coloradocandlelight.com.

Hallelujuh! A Gospel Christmas The glorious music and timeless message of Christmas are brought to electrifying heights when the acclaimed Loveland Choral Society voices, versatile Vocal-EZE octet, talented Christmas Orchestra and special guest soloists join forces for an inspirational celebration. $17. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. Show times vary. 970-962-2120 or www.cityof loveland.org.

THROUGH DECEMBER 31 Miracle on 34th Street A musical adaptation of the popular holiday favorite. Tickets prices and show times vary. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown. 970-744-3747 or www.coloradocandlelight.com.

DECEMBER 4-19 Story Time with Santa Come meet Santa and listen to him read holiday stories. Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys, Thursdays and Fridays, 111 N. College Ave., FC. 11:30am. 970-224-2866 or www.facebook.com/clothespony.

DECEMBER 6, 13, 20 Breakfast with Santa Join Santa for breakfast. Includes a 5x7 photo, goody bags and door prize giveaways. Buy tickets in advance. $10, cash only. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Drive, LV. 970-461-1285 or www.thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com. 8:30-10am. 970-461-1285.

Page 19: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

Holiday Guide | Fifty&Family | 19

Page 20: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

20 | Fifty&Family | Holiday Guide

DECEMBER 7, 14, 21 Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Step back in time and enjoy an old-fashioned, horse-drawn carriage ride down Main Street. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Drive, LV. (Rides depart in front of The Ice Rink.) 12noon-4pm. 970-461-1285 or www.thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 Sip & Shop Ladies Night Out Grab your gal pals and enjoy a night of cocktails, delicious appetizers, spotlight fashion shows from local boutiques, shopping, amazing door prizes, holiday hair and make-up demonstrations, a silent auction and more! $15. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 5:30-8pm. 970-356-5000 or www.greeleyfestivaloftrees.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3 Festival of Trees Celebrate the holidays in a winter wonderland of beautifully decorated trees, plus stroll through yuletide displays enjoy the delightful sounds of Brentwood Middle School Ensembles and the Greeley Central High School Holiday Music Concert, horse and carriage rides, crafts and scavenger hunts, face painting, door prize drawings and a silent auction. $1 for children 1-12 years, and seniors 60 and older. $2 for adults. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 3-9pm. 970-356-5000 or www.greeleyfestivaloftrees.com.

Downtown Loveland Community Tree Lighting Includes music by the Original Dickens’ Carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, face painting, and food and treats. Civic Center, 3rd St. and Washington Ave., LV. 4:30-6:30pm. 970-962-2410 or www.cityofloveland.org.

Holiday Herbal Gift Making In this class you’ll learn about the properties of many herbs that are great to use when making infused oils & vinegars. $30. Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary, 212 S. Mason St., FC. 6:15-7:15pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 Christmas Magic: A Celtic Holiday Concert Created by Dave Villano and performed by 12 of Colorado’s top musicians, this

magical evening of traditional, Celtic and contemporary holiday music is sure to entertain. $25 adult, $15 senior/student/military, $10

children 12 and under. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2120 or

www.cityofloveland.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 Town of Timnath Tree

Lighting Visit with Santa, enjoy cookies,

chili and drinks, and watch the town light up. Old Town Timnath. 5:30-7:30pm. www.timnathco.govoffice2.com.

Carolfest People of all ages and singing abilities can carol the streets of Old Town Fort Collins while being led by professional singers. Begins at the Opera Galleria, 123 N. College Ave., FC. 6-8pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 Jingle Bell Run/Walk® A fun, festive event for the whole family where reindeer antlers and running shoes are both welcome. Registration fees vary. CSU Oval, FC. 8am-registration; 10am-fun run; 10:15am-race start. www.jinglebellrunnortherncolorado.kintera.org.

Teddy Bear Bash Children can spend the morning meeting Christopher the Christmas Bear getting a holiday tattoo; playing Pin the Nose on the Bear; walking through beautifully decorated trees; watching Colorado Dance Theater’s Nutcracker dancers; fishing at the North Pole Fish ‘n Hole; and much more! $5. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 9-11am. 970-356-5000 or www.greeleyfestivaloftrees.com.

Sugar Plum Fairy Story Time The Sugar Plum Fairy will lead a story time and brief ballet lesson. $10. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 10am. 970-484-7898 or www.oldfirehousebooks.com.

Create a Christmas Wreath Create your own natural holiday wreath using evergreens, natural materials and a bow. Examples, instructions, assistance and materials will be provided. $25 ($5 discount for Garden members). Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10am-12noon. 970-416-2468 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.

Create a Christmas Swag Swags are vertical or horizontal bundles of greens that look great on a door, mailbox or above a fireplace. Create your own. Examples, instructions, assistance and materials will be provided. $20 ($3 discount for Garden members.) Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 1:30-3:30pm. 970-416-2468 or www.fcgov.com/gardens.

Page 21: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

Holiday Guide | Fifty&Family | 21

BIKE WINTERJOIN US THIS WINTER

for monthly events that will get you cold-weather riding in no time!

Classes offered monthly December-February

• WINTER CYCLING 101• GUIDED WINTER RIDES• LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

WINTER BIKE TO WORK DAY WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10

... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BIKE PLAN RELEASE

CELEBRATION AND RIDE Saturday, December 13

Cranknstein, 215 N. College Ave. Ride 2-4pm•Celebration 4-6pm

#FCBIKES

FCGOV.COM/BIKEWINTER

Page 22: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

22 | Fifty&Family | Holiday Guide

Ho-Ho-Holiday Fun The weather outside may be frightful, but inside we’ll be enjoying some holiday fun! Join us as we celebrate the winter season with a variety of entertainments and crafts, suitable for all ages. Make a nifty gift or something special for yourself during this family-friendly program. Lincoln Park Library, 919 7th St., GR. 2pm, 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

Holiday Herbal Gift Making In this class you’ll learn about the properties of many herbs that are great to use when making infused oils & vinegars. $30. Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary, 212 S. Mason St., FC. 6:15-7:15pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 ‘Tis the Season Community Sing Join Loveland’s own singing sensation, Sharon Sheets, in a fun-filled audience participation event featuring classic and contemporary holiday tunes. Enjoy hot drinks, sweet treats and a break from the hectic pace of the holidays. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 2pm. 970-962-2120 or www.cityofloveland.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 Canvas and Cocoa Join us for a cozy painting session while we sip on hot cocoa. Artist Tami Showers will demonstrate how to paint a winter themed masterpiece. Each teen will take home their 8”x10” canvas creation. All materials provided. Registration is required. Grades 6-12. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 4pm, 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 “A Winter’s Tale” Poetry Leave your cares and obligations at home on the Winter Solitice, and be ready for some merriment and moonlit inspiration. Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 6-7:30pm. 970-962-2410 or www.cityofloveland.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 Dasher 5k Dress to impress with your best holiday outfits for this fun run starting and finishing from the heart of Downtown Estes Park. $40-adults; $20- kids 12 and under. Before the 5K, little elves ages 8 and under can run the kids fun run, safely in a 400 yard dash for free. Town Hall Building, EP. 10am registration; 11am race start. 970-214-4128.

Santa’s Workshop Visit Santa’s Workshop to create crafty holiday gifts for their families. For children ages 3-10. Clearview Library, 720 Third St., WS. 10am-12pm. 970-686-5603 or www.clearviewlibrary.org.

TubaChristmas Come celebrate the holiday season with a community brass band of TUBA Proportions. Oak Street Plaza, Oak St. and College Ave., FC. 2-3pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

Winter’s Eve Songfest Holiday songs performed by the Greeley Children’s Chorale. $10-adults, $5-children. First United Methodist Church, 917 10th Ave., GR. 4-6pm. www.greeleychildrenschorale.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17 Gingerbread Houses

For tweens ages 8-12 and their grown-ups.

Preregister on library website; required. Clearview

Library, 720 Third St., WS. 5-7pm. 970-686-5603 or www.

clearviewlibrary.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit A special hour-long event full of great stories, fun songs, candy canes, a craft and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 9:30am. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

A Christmas from the Heart The Hazel Miller Band blends Christmas and holiday music in the styles the band plays best: jazz, pop, gospel and blues. $15 adult, $13 seniors. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 970-962-2120 or www.cityofloveland.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 Ringing in Christmas Bells of the Rockies, an auditioned, highly skilled handbell ensemble, presents both traditional and contemporary musical performance to ring in your Christmas spirit. $15 adult, $10 senior/student, free 6 and under. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2120 or www.cityofloveland.org.

SUNDAY. DECEMBER 21 A Season of Dance Enjoy this open house performance featuring students of The MacKinnon Royal Dance Institute program and competition dance teams. $10 advance, $15 at the door. The Rialto Theater Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2120 or www.cityofloveland.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31 Ring Out the Year Sing, dance and have fun at this highly interactive, family musical event celebrating the New Year. Please register children only; adults are expected to attend with children. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 10:30am and 11:30 am. 888-861-7323 or www.MyLibrary.us.

First Night Fort Collins Presented by The ToothZone. Enjoy performing acts, storytelling, history, interactive craft projects, old favorites, street performers, international dancing and much more. $14. Downtown FC. 5-10:45pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

Page 23: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

Holiday Guide | Fifty&Family | 23

Page 24: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

24 | Fifty&Family | Holiday Guide

List of AdvertisersB A C K T O S C H O O L G U I D E 2 0 1 4

16 A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center

7 Academy of Natural Therapy2 Advanced Hearing Services4 Allura skin, laser &

wellness clinic8 Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop3 Canyon Concert Ballet21 City of Fort Collins FCBikes23 City of Fort Collins Loan5 City of Fort Collins Tree

Recycling3 Clothes Pony &

Dandelion Toys5 David Way, DDS, MS,

Orthodontist

9 Fish5 Fort Collins Symphony4 Front Range Dentures and

Prosthodontics26 Front Range Hospice11 Front Range Pain Medicine7 Gargot Farms 11 Green Ride2 Happy Horse Tack &

Saddle Shop21 Hearne’s Fine goods5 High Plains Libraries25 Impact Dance Company13 Inspiration Riding Academy2 Kilwins7 Knowledge Bound

25 Larimer County Landfill24 Loveland Dentistry &

Dentures12 My Sister Knits 21 Night Lights17 Outlets at Loveland25 Osher Online12 Prentiss Zayard, P.C.27 Promenade Shops at

Centerra7 Rialto theater Center26 Sceamin Peach12 Snap Fitness8 Spine Correction Center19 Wilbur’s Total Beverage

• Friendly and Compassionate Staff

• Emergency Appointments Welcome

• 24-hour Emergency Line

• Insurance and Flexible Financing

• Dentures and Implants

Dental Care for the whole family

970-744-2345 • 274 East 29th Street LovelandDentistryandDentures.com

$29.95 CLEANING, X-RAYS

AND EXAM

FREE TEETH WHITENING (with completed treatment plan)

New Patient Gift

Valid in the absence of gum disease • Cannot be combined with any other offer • Call for details

Page 25: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

Holiday Guide | Fifty&Family | 25

VOLUN TEER

The educaTion program at the Larimer County Landfill is seeking active volunteers of all ages to help educate youth

through seniors about reducing, reusing, and recycling!

VolunTeer opporTuniTies are aVailable for:

Training is proVided! If you have a few hours a week or a month, contact us, we’d love to visit with you!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

(970) 498-5772 • [email protected]

Page 26: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

26 | Fifty&Family | Holiday Guide

Got Grandkids?Visit rmparent.com

for family-friendly activities in northern

Colorado.

facebook.com/RockyMountainParent

Page 27: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

Holiday Guide | Fifty&Family | 27

Page 28: Fifty & Family Holiday Guide 2014

28 | Fifty&Family | Holiday Guide