Family Connections

M E S A C OU N T Y

family

{CONNECTIONS} FALL 2009

Promoting Safe Nurturing Families

explore {PAGE 06}

THE WORLD OF READING

ACTIVITIES around town {PAGE 08}

{PAGE 10}

2009

BABIES

teenagers we’ve got to Photo by Kelly Sparks, Smiles In There Photography (241-8250)

{PAGE 05}

be flexible

more! plus much

{BOBBI KLINE} Supporting Families in Mesa County Welcome to the Fall edition of the

Mesa County Family Connections. Fall always seems to be a good time for change, and here at Strong Families, Safe Kids we are taking steps forward to making some new and exciting changes. During this past year, we have surveyed numerous parents of children prenatal to age three and have asked them what programs they would like to have to help support their parenting of babies and toddlers. We have listened to their requests and are responding. We are eliminating some past programs and starting the process of adding some new and exciting programs for parents. Although these new programs create opportunity, they also generate a need for additional funding, so we will start slowly and hope to grow them very soon. We will officially announce all the new changes in our January Family Connections issue.

Bright Beginnings information is designed for newborns through toddlers. Call us today - we’ll give you a packet of powerful tools to help you get your baby started on a bright beginning. We’ll meet you at home, work or any other community setting that’s easy for you. Get additional information at www. brightbeginningsco.org.

the most, Program C addresses positive guidance and discipline, language, motor, cognitive, and social-emotional development. All three programs are offered in English and Spanish. SNUGGLE-UP PROGRAM Offers free Snuglis (front pack infant carriers) to eligible families of newborns. PARENTING THAT WORKS Offers parent education classes in two distinct curricula. First is S.T.E.P. (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting), and the second and newly added is the Love and Logic curriculum. Both classes are offered in English and Spanish, and meet the needs of three distinct target groups: those parenting young children (0-6 years), middle (7-13 years) and teens (14-20 years).

MESA COUNTY FAMILY CONNECTIONS Provides parenting information in a newspaper format, inserted quarterly BRIGHT BEGINNINGS PROGRAM in the Grand Junction Free Press and Offers parents support and information, otherwise placed throughout the commuproviding free packets of valuable mate- nity. Content includes informative parrials designed for newborns to age three, enting articles and related, lists of local resources and free activities for families, and is offered in three separate phases: and business ads. •Bright Beginnings Program A: Via home and group visits, Program A Bobbi Kline, executive director of Strong Famitargets parents of children ages 0-12 lies, Safe Kids. For more information on Strong months and focuses on the celebra- Families, Safe Kids and our programs please feel free to contact us at (970) 254-8240 or visit tion of the birth, while providing parour website at www.strongfamiliessafekids.com. ents with information on community resources, health, immunizations, safety and childcare. Packets also upcoming include children’s books, a classical PARENTING CLASSES music CD and high-quality early brain OCTOBER 20 - NOVEMBER 13 and language development materials. EARLY / MIDDLE YEARS COMBINATIONS •Bright Beginnings Program B: Also 6:00pm - 8:00pm using home and group visits, Program Chipeta Elementary School B works with parents of older children $40 - Free Childcare (12-24 months) and emphasizes lanJANUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 11 guage development/ encouragement, EARLY YEARS critical to future school readiness and 6:00pm - 7:30pm literacy. Salvation Army •Bright Beginnings Program C: Again, $40 - Free Childcare the basis of contact is home and group For more info or to sign up for a class, please call visits with parents of children ages Strong Families, Safe Kids at 970-254-8240 24-36 months. Highlighting topics that parents and experts say matter

dreamland: a collection of lullabies

in Grand Junction, Colorado Bright Beginnings is: Strong Families, Safe Kids970.254.8240 serving Delta, Mesa, Montrose and Rio Blanco counties 2 {FAMILY CONNECTIONS} Fall 2009

In partnership with “How are the Children” and the Mesa County Partnership for Children and Families, we are selling lullaby CD’s. The CD’s were created by local artist Bonnie Wixom and producer Ken Dravis who donated their time and effort because they value children and understand the importance of music in a young child’s life. All proceeds from the CD sales go towards the publication “Parent’s Resource Guide” given through our Bright Beginnings program to parents of newborns in Mesa County. You can purchase the CD’s at Hart Music (417 Main St.), KidzPlex (609 25 Road) or online at www.mesacounty.us/dreamlandcd.aspx

{TABLE OF CONTENTS}

BILLIARDS ARCADE VIDEO & LOUNGE RIDE OUR MECHANICAL BULL

CORPORATE EVENTS BIRTHDAY PARTIES SWEET 16 PARTIES

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Specials & Events Every Night of the Week!

THE NEW WAY TO BOWL

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970.245.1115

10

2445 F 3/8 Rd, Grand Junction

02

Bobbi Kline Supporting Mesa County

04

Parents’ Corner Soothing Fussy Babies

05

Dads Teenagers

06

Home of the Dance Works Connection

• Ballet • Pointe • Jazz • Tap • Lyrical • Hip-Hop • Competition • Ballroom • Middle Eastern • Fitness Classes • Separate Summer Sessions

Professional Standards • Quality Instruction • Family Rates ASCAP, SESAC & BMI

Book Reviews Explore

08

Babies 2009 Mesa County Babies

09

Non-Profit Spotlight

10

Calendar Activities Around Town

Licensed by Dance Educators of America EST. 1980

DANCE

WORKS Kathryn Schulte, B.A. Dance www.danceworkssgj.com

243-5954

2893 North Avenue Grand Junction

ANGELO’S – A Paint Your

PUBLISHER Valerie J. Smith MANAGING EDITOR Tracy Dvorak GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alexie Catalano

Own Pottery and Glass Fusing Studio with over 300 pottery choices and endless glass fusing possibilities.

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SPECIAL SECTIONS COORDINATOR Stacey Splude CONTACT INFORMATION Grand Junction Free Press 145 N 4th St Grand Junction, CO 81501 www.gjfreepress.com · 970.243.2200

1 coupon per person please • • • • Expires 12/31/09

2490 F Road, Suite 1, Grand Junction, CO 81506 Tel: 970-243-0886 | FAX: 970-243-0904 www.gjangelos.com | Email: [email protected] www.gjfreepress.com {FAMILY CONNECTIONS} 3

{PARENTS’ CORNER | articles written by local parents}

BY JENNIFER REILLY

SOOTHING A

fussy baby m

Y YOUNGEST SON

just turned a year and has blossomed into a playful, laughing, clapping, soon-to-be toddler. As a younger baby, he was what some might call “high-needs.” While all babies have immeasurable needs, my son’s seemed to be rather difficult to meet. He slept very little and insisted on being carried around the majority of his waking hours. For the fi rst couple of months of his life, he was content with rocking, so I would rock him and read for hours a day. As he grew, so to did his need for stimulation; he really preferred to be on the move (with me carrying him). At fi rst this was extremely trying for me, but I developed a groove and filled my day with activities that satisfied him while I was accomplishing some things for myself at the same time. When my husband got home, I could

hand the babe off and enjoy my alone / dinner making time. Both attachment parenting and ethno pediatric research (an anthropological perspective) stress the importance of babywearing and carrying. Babies like being in close proximity to others, especially their mothers. It is the only way that they know they are safe. For thousands of years, human evolution occurred while most humans lived in tribal communities where a whole village did raise the children together and babies were held or worn most of the day. It is far more difficult to constantly hold or carry a baby when you are home alone all day. I highly recommend getting out to visit family or friends at least once a week. Most other adults, whose shoulders and backs don’t ache and are not sleep deprived, love the opportunity to hold a baby for a couple of hours. The adult company is also key to keeping one’s sanity as a stay-at-

4 {FAMILY CONNECTIONS} Fall 2009

home mother to a baby. People tend to be extremely drawn to babies, so strapping your baby on for an outing to the grocery store, library, or other errand running can also provide some adult interaction and conversation as people congregate around you to tell you how cute your baby is, ask you questions about him/ her, and tell their own baby stories. Another fun outing is to hit up neighborhood yard sales. Not only are you getting out of the house and interacting with other adults, who know what kind of good deals are to be had. It is a great way to save money on clothes and toys as long as you don’t get carried away. It also follows the most important rule of “going green”: REUSE. There are an abundance of different baby wearing products available including slings, frontpacks, and backpacks. Slings are ideal for newborns that need a lot of neck support. Many slings are designed to be used for car-

rying babies in different positions as they get older. Frontpacks provide a lot of support for babies who cannot fully support their heads for long periods of time and are often designed with support and padding for the adult carrying the pack as well. Backpacks are even more supportive for parents and allow for more activity since there is not a baby to bump into things. A baby should be able to sit on his/her own before going into a backpack. Babywearing is also convenient for getting some things done around the house. I found it easy to vacuum, water house plants, and water the garden while wearing my son in a sling or frontpack. I did find it difficult to do dishes babywearing because of the distance I had to be from the sink. I avoided cooking while babywearing in the off chance I would catch the sling on fi re or get a baby hand too close to a knife or a hot spot. I also avoided cleaning with any chemicals and dusting. Another great chore to accomplish while stimulating a baby is folding laundry. I would turn on the radio, lay my son on his back on the bed, and dump the clean laundry beside him. I would either play peek-a-boo or dance the laundry over him as I folded it. My son loved this and often made a game out of trying to get a hold of the article of clothing and pull it out of my hands. Since babies like to be carried and like to be in motion, it is easy to exercise with them. The easiest way to do this is simply to go on a walk. There are also a variety of mother and baby exercise books and videos available. My son really enjoyed a postpartum mother and child yoga workout that we followed from a DVD. Check them out during an outing to the library and fi nd one that fits you and your baby’s style. Towards the end of my alone time with my babe, just before fetching his older brother from school, I would reward my hard work babywearing, baby entertaining, and chore undertaking with a warm and soothing bath together. My son loves being in the water, so this made for some pleasant time together. While it was hard to wash my hair and get totally clean while supporting him, my feet got a good soaking without the backache from bending over the tub.

{DADS}

TEENAGERS

We’ve Got to be Flexible BY SA M RASCON

t

Robert L. Orr, D.D.S., M.S.D. Grand Junction Orthodontics, PC I M E S H AV E C H A NGED

our dad say “no” we asked” why”, he said because” I said so”. When we were teenagers we told ourselves that we would never say that to our children. Now we find ourselves saying the same thing, or telling our children “don’t question me”? How many times did we here our parents tell us “when you turn 18 you can move out and have your own rules, this is my house and my rules”, and how we could not wait until we moved out. Sometimes our own stubbornness can be our down fall; children will model after their parents. I was fi nding myself in some tough situations with my teenage boy. The more I demanded from him, the more my son rebelled; I found that when I started to change how I viewed my son, and how I communicated to him, his rebellious attitude faded. It can seem difficult at times but, try to be more flexible. You will fi nd that when you treat your adolescent as a maturing young adult, the relationship with your teenager will grow stronger. After all, we want them to know that they can come to us when they need some guidance, or positive reassurance. We have to remember that they are no longer children; they are young adults, we have to try to let go; but that it can be very difficult. It is a tough balancing act, our children need us to be consistent and clear about our expectations, rules and values. We aren’t around our kids as much anymore. All we can hope for is that they take what we have tried so hard as fathers to instill in them, and make good decisions when they head out on their own.

500 Patterson Road Grand Junction, CO 81506 (970) 243-1532 1-800-261-1532

Experience Does Matter!! Let Dr. Robert L. Orr and his staff show you the difference experience can make! Dr. Orr and his staff cumulatively have in excess of 275 years of combined orthodontic experience. Children should be checked between ages 8 & 9 to determine future needs as some problems are best treated early. However, Dr. Orr only starts orthodontic treatment at the appropriate time to get the best results in the shortest amount of time. Many young patients go into a growth-guidance program to be seen periodically to assure baby teeth are being lost at the correct times to help guide permanent teeth for ideal eruption. This is where experience counts! Grand Junction Orthodontics offers state-of-the art “Wilckodontic” Orthodontic treatment to teens & adults in as little as 7-9 months! For more information on “Wilckodontic” treatment (www.fastortho.com) and all the benefits Grand Junction Orthodontics can offer your family please call for an appointment or visit their website. www.gjtbraces.com

A

and being a parent of a teenager is becoming more difficult; our children have access to instant infor mation. Communication between their friends is easier, with use of cells phones that can send pictures, utilize internet chat and web cams. So with all this in mind do we as dads have to be more controlling, maybe? Parenting teenagers is not an easy task, it is not like when they were 6 and they believed everything that dad told them to be true. I remember how my son and I loved to go the park to play catch, or swing. Now he is growing up, wanting to be independent and hanging out with dad is no longer as important as hanging out with his friends. Talking on the phone, going to the movies, and making sure he has the right clothes are more important. As your adolescent grows and changes you must also grow and change as well. In order to keep a healthy bonding relationship you must change the way you view and treat this maturing young adult. They are no longer children, so it will be very important as a parent to acquire new skills of communication, discipline, and confl ict resolution. Society has instilled in us that we are the head of household. We find ourselves setting rules that we think are promoting values, guidance, and self discipline. While our teenage family members are fi nding ways around them or think that they are totally unreasonable. How many times did

Sm

ue al ile V e A dd s to Your Fac

www.gjfreepress.com {FAMILY CONNECTIONS} 5

{BOOK REVIEWS}

explore THE WORLD OF READING

t

HE HOLIDAYS WILL BE UPON

us before we k now it. There are many children’s books with holiday themes and the librarians at any of the Mesa County Libraries will be happy to help you select books for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. But I would like to suggest poetry as an excellent way to celebrate holidays and everyday. If you are like most of us, your first introduction to poetry was Mother Goose and those short verses are still among the best ways to engage young children’s interest in rhyme and rhythm. But for many of us poetry eventually became less about something to enjoy and more about something to endure. That is a shame because poets are still writing and many of them are writing for children. Adults in children’s lives are influential in so many ways. A parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle who takes the time to read poetry with children will be laying the groundwork for a lifetime of loving language in all its forms. If you give a child a book, make the commitment to read the poems aloud with them. You will come away from the experience enriched and so will the lucky child. The following books are among the hundreds available in libraries, bookstores, or online. As always, these titles have been librarian selected, grandmother recommended, and child approved.

6 {FAMILY CONNECTIONS} Fall 2009

for the youngest OUT CAME THE SUN Compiled & Illustrated by Heather Collins There are many nursery rhyme books to choose f rom, but th is one is a standout. From waki n g up i n t he morning to going to sleep at night, the 40 nursery rhymes follow cuddly stuffed animals through all the activities familiar to young children. For example a mother hen cooks breakfast while the wee ones play “Pat-a-Cake.” Following breakfast, a droopy eared little puppy looks abashed because he ate a mop in “Higgledy Piggledy Pop.” Collins has illustrated many well-received books for children but this one is especially nice. SLEEPYTIME RHYME Written & Illustrated by Remy Charlip Mother s w i l l love this book because it captu r e s i n gentle colors and words the love she feels for her baby and the joy that love brings her. Babies and toddlers will love the sound of the pleasing rhyme. “I love/your special/ face,/your eyes,/your mouth./I love/ your knees,/your north,/your south.” The mother croons as she dances with her child in her arms. This is a lovely book that could become a favorite bedtime story in the same vein as “Goodnight Moon.” It would make a wonderful baby shower gift if paired with a soft blanket.

preschool-kindergarten BOW WOW MEOW MEOW Written & Illustrated by Douglas Florian It i s h a r d t o imagine an adult or child who won’t laugh at the 21 poems and pictures in this collection. For example, a painting of a poodle in a swirl of curls complete with pink hair bow is complimented by a four line poem playing off the words “oodles” and “poodles.”

BY TERRY PICK ENS

“Poodles have oodles and oodles of curls/which makes poodle boys look like poodle girls./ the curls may have whirls, while the whirls may have swirls./ Poodles have oodles and oodles of curls.

verses are written in both English and Spanish and trip pleasingly from the tongue in either language. But the best parts of the book are the illustrations which are wonderfully intricate. It is fun for kids and adults to look together KINDERGARTEN KIDS: RIDDLES, for the hidden letters, classic art, and REBUSES, WIGGLES, GIGGLES, other items that may be found if one is AND MORE willing to spend a little time looking. Written by Stephanie Calemson & Since we live in dinosaur country, this Illustrated by Melissa Sweet is defi nitely a must have book for Mesa T he c he e r f u l County kids. and or ig inal poems i n th is TIE YOUR SOCKS AND CLAP collection focus YOUR FEET, MIXED UP POEM o n a c t i v i t i e s Written by Lenny Hort & which are famil- Illustrated by Stephen Kroniger T he humor in iar to children the poems is in preschool and dep endent on k i nderga r ten. word play that Attendance, most ch ildren recess, classroom pets, and classroom fi nd irresistible. learning are illustrated in bright colors For ex a mple: with happy children going about their “Open your busy day. This book is a good choice to eyes and go to read to little ones who may be appresleep,/ I’ll sing hensive about starting school, but kids you to sleep who already attend school will love with soothing screams.” The collages seeing their daily activities portrayed that illustrate the book are large and in such a positive manner. colorful and add to the book’s appeal. HOWDI DO Written by Woody Guthrie & READ-ALOUD RHYMES FOR THE Illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky VERY YOUNG A f unny little Selected by Jack Prelutsky & yellow dog wear- Illustrated by Marc Brown ing a plaid shirt This is an excelg r e at s ever ylent book with one he me et s over 200 poems wh ile walk ing that will carry down the street. c h i ld r en f r om Ever y ma n, toddler to early woman, child, and animal is met with elementary a paw shake and a chorus of “Howjee, g r a de s . M a ny heejee, hijee, hojee,/ Hodi do, sir, dooof the poets will dle-doo/Howdi doosle, doodle-doozie.” be fa m i l ia r to The oversize illustrations are wildly the adults in a child’s life: Ogden Nash, exuberant and when coupled with the A.A. Milne, and Robert Lewis Stevensilly song make this book irresistible son among them. But these are not stale fun for reader and listener. poems from long dead authors. Instead they are lively and easy to read aloud. The book includes holiday poems and poems for each month. Illustrator Marc ALFA-DINO-BET Brown (creator of the “Arthur” books) Written & Illustrated by L.C. Sugar captures the mood of each verse just Sugar is a pen right. His illustrations sparkle with n a me for two mischievous children and funny aniGrand Junction mals. Grandparents who are searchresidents who ing for a book to give that will remain put thei r ta l- memorable as the child grows should ents together consider this exceptional compilation. to produce a wonderful ABC book for kids who love Grand Junction resident Terry Pickens is dinosaurs. Each letter is depicted in a freelance writer, former librarian, and a the shape of a whimsical dinosaur. The big fan of books for kids of all ages.

Families come in different sizes. One size doesn’t fit all. Mesa County Health Department Family Planning Clinic

kindergarten-3rd grade

Thinking about birth control? We can help! Many options are FREE for a limited time. Pills, Depo, IUD, Vasectomies, Plan B, Evra, Nuva, Implanon, Tubals Open Monday – Friday

Daytime and Evening Hours Available

248.6906 Community Services Building, 510 29 1/2 Rd. (corner of North Ave and 29 1/2 Rd.), Grand Junction

www.gjfreepress.com {FAMILY CONNECTIONS} 7

{BABIES} Join us at the

Family Health Fiesta

Mesa County Babies

and find out! Your child may qualify for health care coverage under Medicaid or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) Many are eligible and don’t know it, including children 18 and younger and pregnant women.

Saturday Oct 17 • 9am-2pm Lincoln Park Barn

Ava Jameson Matthews 05.15.09 Parents: Vinton Hargan Matthews & Brittany Sarah Matthews

Daniel Coconi 09.01.09 Parents: Jose Coconi & Heather Perry

Hilltop’s Child & Family Center staff will be on-site to help you enroll in Medicaid or CHP+ WHAT TO BRING… Q Original birth certificate Q Photo ID Q Last 30 days of paystubs

Macie Lynn Rogers 01.03.09 Parents: Jared & Mickie Rogers

Call the Child & Family Center

683-2634 for more information

Mallory Sievers 04.23.09 Parents: Stephen & Megan Sievers

2009

Aidan Fields 02.02.09 Parents: Shayne Heinecke & Jacob Fields

R. Darrell Sheldon 08.24.09 Parents: Preston Sheldon & Desire Gonzales

Zane Thomas Bloom Ramirez 7.14.09 Parents: Katie Bloom & Brian Ramirez

Olivia Palmer 8.30.09 Parents: Dean & Kristina Palmer

Logan Dean McIlvaine 08.29.09 Parents:Charles McIlvaine & Khristina Kukus

Caleb Eugene O’Malley 09.11.09 Parents: Kevin O’Malley & Lisa Paxiao

Decker Scarrow 08.27.09 Parents: Foley & Lori Scarrow

8 {FAMILY CONNECTIONS} Fall 2009

Ciro Augustine Beckner 08.09.09 Parents: Mark & Sara Beckner

{NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT}

Mesa Developmental Services/Toddler Program

t

HE FIRST THREE YEARS OF LIFE

a r e a p er io d of i nc r e d ible growth in all areas of a baby’s development. Early intervention is important bec ause resea rch shows that the fi rst three years are the most important time for learning in a child’s life. Providing developmental supports and services early improves a child’s ability to develop and learn. Also it may prevent or decrease the need for special help later. The goal of early intervention is to “open a window of opportunity” for families to help their children with special needs to develop to their full potential. Me s a D evelopment a l S er v ic e s Infant/Toddler Program provides supports and early intervention services to families who have children birth to three years of age with special needs or who are demonstrating developmental delays. Children with special needs or developmental delays sometimes need extra support to fully enjoy, participate, and learn in everyday routines and activities such as playing, communicating with others, moving around, eating, sleeping, bathing, etc. The Infant/Toddler Program Team works with families to support their child’s learning and development in everyday places where young children spend time (home, childcare program, parks/playgrounds and other places in the community). The team includes members from a variety of professions and backgrounds such as developmental intervention-

ists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, service coordinators (case managers), and speech language therapists. Every child who is eligible for early intervention services has a specific plan that identifies the child’s strengths and needs, the family’s concerns and priorities, and the services that will be provided to support the child’s development. A major component of the program is the family involvement. Children learn best within their families and within the routines and activities that are meaningful to them. Activities and strategies are given to families to work on specific areas of development that can be done during the week. These are individualized to capitalize on those opportunities that are meaningful to the child and a part of the regular routine of the family. In addition, the service providers can consult and/or work with other primary caregivers in the child’s life (childcare providers, grandparents, etc.). Program services are provided at no cost to families through a variety of funding sources. The prog ram is currently serving 110 children and families in Mesa County with 40 more in the process of being evaluated for eligibility for services. Eligibility for services is determined through an evaluation process via Child Find. Anyone who has concerns about his or her child’s development can call 241-5403 for 0-3 year olds and 254-5405 for children 3-5.

w w w. b e t h a n y. o rg / c o l o r a d o • 1 . 8 0 0 . 9 8 6 . 4 4 8 4

We Sell Family Fun . dart boards . shuffle board . . air hockey . pool tables .

Western Slope Billiards Mon - Sat 10a.m - 5p.m. 970.242.2947 1910 N. 12th St., Grand Junction Corner of 12th & Orchard

www.westernslopebilliards.com

Mesa Developmental Services Child Find )UHH GHYHORSPHQWDO QLQJ IRU FKLOGUHQ ELUWK WR DJH WKUHH

Infant & Toddler Early Intervention Program 6XSSRUWV DQG VHUYLFHV QGLYLGXDOL]HG WR WKH XQLTXH QHHGV RI FKLOGUHQ ELUWK WR DJH WKUHH ZLWK GHYHORSPHQWDO FKDOOHQJHV DQG WKHLU IDPLOLHV Did you know... ‡

Elaina Teresa Vendegna 05.19.09 Parents: Eloy & Norma Vendegna

Isabella Peyton Roberson 02.22.09 Parents: Alish Cruz & Ryan Roberson

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Jordan Bambino 09.02.09 Parents: Chris & Nichelle Bambino

Josiah Machost 07.20.09 Parents: Jordan & Mable Machost

Jace Tucker Hogstad 09.09.09 Parents: Nick & Stacey Hogstad

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If you have concerns about your birth to age three child’s development, contact MDS Child Find at 241-5403. www.gjfreepress.com {FAMILY CONNECTIONS} 9

{CALENDAR}

activities FRI NOVEMBER 27 | 5PM

fore they rush home with their treasures or settle down for the best places to view the Parade of Lights.

Wells Fargo Bank (4th & Main)

Main Street hums with more

In the manner of Times Square, the Wells Fargo Christmas Tree and the rest of Main Street light up to officially kick off the holiday season in Downtown Grand Junction. The tree, located in front of Wells Fargo Bank, 359 Main Street, is lit when Santa arrives to welcome the holiday season and shoppers to Downtown Grand Junction!

activity and music as holiday shoppers fill specialty stores searching for gifts and local non-profit organizations line the sidewalks ready to sell hot drinks and tasty snacks to weary buyers and those lined up for the best viewing places for that evening’s Parade of Lights. The Winter Festival begins at 1 p.m. and provides local non-profits with an opportunity to raise money with bake-sale type activities.

family health fiesta! SAT OCTOBER 17 | 9AM-1PM FREE (For uninsured & under insured families) Lincoln Park Barn • Health screenings • Health Information • Music • Food • Activities • Books Contact Marillac Clinic 255-1828

spooktacular parade SAT OCTOBER 31 | 4:30-6PM Main Street

wells fargo tree lighting

Santa visits with kids while everyone enjoys their favorite Christmas tunes. The event runs from 5 – 6 p.m., with the lighting itself taking place around 5:30p.m.

spirit of christmas walk

This is a FREE family fun event! Ages 11 & under please Downtown Grand Junction becomes the place to be in town for Halloween fun. Dressed from head-to-toe in scary, creative or just plain adorable costumes, kids of all ages fill 6th Street for the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including face painting, entertainment, pumpkin and cookie decorating and a costume parade. This is an event for ages 11 and under.

parade of lights SAT DECEMBER 5 Grand Junction Main Street

winter fest SAT DECEMBER 5 | 1PM Main Street The annual Winter Festival keeps shoppers warm and full be-

SAT DECEMBER 5 | 1PM Main Street The annual Winter Festival keeps shoppers warm and full before they rush home with their treasures or settle down for the best places to view the Parade of Lights. Main Street hums with more activity and music as holiday shoppers fill specialty stores searching for gifts and local non-profit organizations line the sidewalks ready to sell hot drinks and tasty snacks to weary buyers and those lined up for the best viewing places for that evening’s Parade of Lights. The Winter Festival begins at 1 p.m. and provides local non-profits with an opportunity to raise money with bake-sale type activities.

creative avenues MON & WED | 9AM-NOON TUES, THURS, FRI | 9AM-3PM EVENINGS & SAT | OPEN (when classes/workshops are in session)

Students register based on age: • Level A – tiny tots (ages 3-5) • Level B – Grades K - 4 • Level C – Grades 4 – teen • Adult (12+) Creative Avenues is hosting a Holiday fun night for the kids Dec. 11th from 6-9 p.m. Drop kids (ages 3 yrs - grade 8) off while parents enjoy a night in Downtown! $15 for the first child, $10 for each additional child.

128 S. Fifth St. (corner of 5th and Colorado). A diverse offering of classes for students of all ages. Students can register for classes in four core areas: • Performing Arts • Visual Arts • Activity/fitness • Enrichment classes

10 {FAMILY CONNECTIONS} Fall 2009

truck-n-treat SAT OCTOBER 24 | 9:30-11:30AM Fruita Civic Center Parking Lot Wear your costume and explore unique vehicles.

COUNSELING AND EDUCATION CENTER “Counseling with a Difference”

AROUND TOWN

Professional experienced Counselors providing Counseling and Therapeutic Support Groups to: Individuals, Families, Children, Adolescents & At-Risk Youth

Affordable Counseling Sliding Fee Scale may apply Medicaid, CHP+, and other insurances accepted

trick-or-treat street SAT OCTOBER 31 Downtown Fruita Visit the downtown businesses for a lot of candy.

hometown christmas & parade of lights SAT DECEMBER 12 Downtown Fruita Dusk Downtown Holiday cheer and beautiful lights.

dinosaur journey museum of western colorado MON-SUN | 9AM-5PM

having a baby? St. Mary’s offers a variety of classes to help you prepare for and take care of your new baby. Classes are taught by certified childbirth Educators from the Mesa County Childbirth Education Association. Classes include a six-week childbirth series, Childbirth Express, Birth Refresher, Young adult’s class, Breast-feeding, Cesarean Section, and Sibling Preparation. For more information or to register call 244-BABY (244-2229)

Combination tickets for Cross Orchards, Museum of the West and Dinosaur Journey: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for children

palisade olde fashion christmas DECEMBER 11-13 FRI DECEMBER 11 Downtown Palisade 5PM Christmas Tree Lighting 6-9PM Art and Chocolate Walk SAT DECEMBER 12 Downtown Palisade 11AM Kid’s Train Rides 11AM-4PM Olde Towne Marketplace – kids crafts booths 11AM-5PM Entertainments NOON-2PM Toy Run and Show & Shine Car Show NOON-3PM Wagon Rides 5:30PM Christmas Parade Community Center 11AM-6PM Gingerbread House Contest Chair 4 Studio 2-4PM Santa Clause

20% OFF

Entire Clothing Purchase* *excludes halloween costumes.

western botanical gardens & butterfly house FIRST SUN OF EVERY MONTH Free entry for the whole family Info: 245-3288

550 Jurassic Court Fruita, CO | 970. 858.7282 • $7 for adults • $6 for seniors • $4 for children • $20 for immediate family groups • Free to members

970.243.9539 • 2708 Patterson Rd • Grand Jct, CO • www.CECwecare.org

545 North Ave | Grand Junction, CO | 970-242-2520

mesa county health department Did you know that most car seats are misused? The Mesa County Health Department wants all children to be safe in motor vehicles. The Mesa County Health Department offers free monthly car seat safety checks. Call 254-4112 for more information.

QUESTIONS ABOUT H1N1 & SEASONAL FLU?

Be informed. Be prepared.

borders FRI | 11AM Free story time for children’s Call 255-8655 for more info

barnes & noble TUES & WED | 9:30 & 10:30AM SAT | 10:30AM Free story time for children

WEBSITES: Mesa County Health Department: www.health.mesacounty.us Colorado Department of Public Health: www.cdphe.state.co.us/epr/h1n1.html U.S. Health and Human Services: www.flu.gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/h1n1 PHONE NUMBERS: Mesa County Health Department: 248-6989 Pre-recorded information about flu in Mesa County, vaccine availability and more. Colorado Department of Public Health Co_HELP: 1-877-462-2911 (Toll Free) Talk to a live person about your flu related questions. LOCAL MEDIA: Stay tuned to local television news stations, radio programs and newspapers for updated information and details about flu in our community, state and nation.

www.gjfreepress.com {FAMILY CONNECTIONS} 11

h s u R e i P

™ a c ri e m A in e i P t s e B e h T f o e c i l Free s

TM

The PIE RUSH™ is on this WEDNESDAY! Come in for a FREE slice* of FRUIT PIE with any puchase.

FREE SLICE

Valid at Glenwood and Grand Junction locations only. *Free slice of double crust FRUIT PIE with any purchase. Dine-in only from 10AM to 10PM on Wednesdays. Limited time only. One slice perperson per purchase per visit. Not valid with Sized Right or Priced Right. Not valid with other offers, promotions or discounts. Tax and gratuity not included.

Wednesday

© 2009 American Blue Ribbon Holdings, LLC

VI-PRW-FN-6-09

COLORADO WEST

Woman Care

P.C.

High and Low Risk, Complicated & Routine Obstetrical Services

Complete Obstetrical &Gynecological Care

Routine Prenatal Care

Tennille Cloward, M.D. Barry W. King, M.D., FACOG Ronald D. Ridgley, D.O., FACOG David S. Robbins, M.D., FACOG

Ultrasounds

Full Nurse Midwifery Services

Infertility

Sue Hanson, CNM Anita Sheetz, CNM

Specializing in Advanced Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgery

Novasure Procedures Family Planning The Essure System Well Woman Prevention Care Implanon Procedure 12 {FAMILY CONNECTIONS} Fall 2009

New Patients Welcome

970-243-7908 1-800-742-2299 750 Wellington Ave. Suite 3-C Grand Junction, CO 81501