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Published on
May 16, 2012
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Welcome to Macaroni Kid!


We at Macaroni Kid Highlands Ranch-Parker-Castle Rock are celebrating our FIRST BIRTHDAY this week! We are overflowing with joy and gratitude for all the blessings this last year has brought us. THANK YOU for being a part of the Macaroni Kid family! As part of our birthday celebration, we have our Biz Directory listings ON SALE! We are offering a listing in the 2012 Macaroni Kid Biz Directory for just $50 (less than $10 per month ... about $6.25 per month, in fact)! If you own a small business (or a large one) you can't beat this price! Hurry, this offer ONLY lasts through May 31st, so list with us today!

Congratulations to our winners ...
Sabrina F. of Parker, winner of the Noodles & Company giveaway
Kyle H. of Castle Rock, winner of the Wacky Apple Sample Pack giveaway
Michele R. of Highlands Ranch, winner of the Piece of Cake Organizing giveaway

With summer break just around the corner, this issue is all about getting wet to stay cool, and staying safe at the same time! Here's what we've got in store for you this week:

Surf's up!
Kyrie and "Sam"






Swimming Lessons Recommended by The AAP

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has revised its position on swimming lessons for toddlers younger than four years old. Previously, the national pediatricians group had recommended against swimming lessons for very young children on the grounds that there was no evidence that early aquatic lessons reduced the risk of drowning or actually encouraged proficient swimming skills. What's more, such programs could give parents and young children a false sense of confidence around water, the AAP said.


However, the AAP’s revised statement, published in May 2010, advocates lessons ...

Outdoor Public Pools and Splashgrounds

Our favorites in Douglas County and throughout the Denver Metro area

Castle Rock
The newly renovated Burgess Pool re-opens on Friday, May 25. Most of the facility has been rebuilt, and the "new" pool has zero-depth (beach) entry, sprayers, a lazy river, a toddler slide, and a 20-foot water slide for older children. It is open Monday-Friday from noon-5:45 PM, weekends from 10:00 AM-5:45 PM. Admission is $4.25 for kids (ages 3-17); $5.25 for adults; and $4.25 for seniors age 62 and up. Costs are slightly higher for non-residents.

Highlands Ranch
Civic Green Park (pictured ...

Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning

Use These Safety Guidelines to Help Keep Kids Safe!

Drowning is quick and silent. From beginning to end of the Instinctive Drowning Response, drowning people only struggle on the surface of the water for 20 to 60 seconds before submerging. There is usually no warning, such as screams or splashing, since the respiratory system was made for breathing. Breathing must be fulfilled before shouting or calling for help can occur.

Following is a partial list of Water Safety Guidelines, courtesy of the Drowning Prevention Foundation.
  1. NEVER leave a child alone near water to answer the phone or doorbell, go ...

Douglas County Family-Friendly Businesses

Check out our list of Macaroni Kid-Approved Businesses in our Biz Directory!

Whether you are looking for lessons for your kids, a great summer camp, some bling for yourself or a quality preschool, our Biz Directory should be your first stop! Just click the Biz Directory link on the top of your newsletter or on our website. The directory is designed to get you connected with great local businesses.

Our directory is kind of like the phone book of Macaroni Kid-approved business, only better because we provide you with an enhanced profile that includes a full description, map, and reviews and testimonials ...

World's Biggest Big Top Circus is in Town!

See the Carson & Barnes Circus THIS WEEK in Highlands Ranch or Castle Rock

Carson and Barnes Circus, one of the last of the great American traveling big top circuses, will perform three dates in Highlands Ranch, Colorado near the intersection of Monument Drive and Barrons Boulevard Friday through Sunday, May 18-20 to benefit the Highlands Ranch Community Association. Tickets are on sale now. Please visit www.BigTopShow.com for ticketing information.
   
Showtimes underneath the big top begin in Highlands Ranch on:
    •    Friday, May 18: 4:30 PM & 7:30 PM
    •    Saturday, May 19: 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM & 7:30 PM
    •    Sunday ...

Win a MONTH of Dinners at Chick-fil-A Castle Rock!

And give the new Mom's Valet a try when you visit

I am originally from Georgia. I feel like we practically grew up eating Chick-fil-A since that is where the restaurant started. We LOVE this restaurant for their good food as well as their great customer service!

And their service has just gotten better. Have you heard about Mom's Valet? At Chick-fil-A Castle Rock, they want your dining experience to be as enjoyable as possible. To make it easier on parents, they are now offering valet services which allow you to order from the Drive Thru, then eat inside at ...

Discount Tickets for Elitch Gardens Now Available!

Purchase by May 31 at a discounted rate AND earn money for your school!

Due to the cancellation of the Douglas County Community Night at Elitch Gardens, the park will continue to sell the special fundraising tickets to the Douglas County community, through May 31. These tickets can be used at any time during the season. You may also upgrade to a Season Pass until May 31. The online link and school code to purchase tickets is available at www.dcefcolorado.org. You may also call the Douglas County Educational Foundation (DCEF) at (303) 387-0505 or Elitch Gardens at (303) 572-4502 for more information ...

Featured Local Businesses

Belly Up Spa, Carson & Barnes Circus, Pep Club Sports, & Playdate with Denver






This Week's Picks:

May 16th through May 20th

Wednesday, May 16 - Page to Stage: Pinocchio (PSM)

Be enchanted by the timeless tale of the wooden puppet who dreams of being a real boy! Join us as actors from the Front Range Theatre Company bring this classic children's book to life.
Where: Philip S. Miller Library
100 S. Wilcox, Castle Rock, 80104
When: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: Ages 5 and up.
How: Register online (click Calendar View), by calling (303) 791-7323, or in person at the Children’s Desk.
Cost: FREE!
For more info: Philip S. Miller Library
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Wednesday, May 16 through Thursday, May 17 - Dance to the Music

A performance by On Pointe School of Dance to songs you will recognize. Tap your feet and enjoy music from popular Broadway hits as even their littlest dancers perform to live music on stage.
Where: PACE Center
20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker, 80138
When: 6:30 PM
Who: Recommended for ages 5 and up.
How: Purchase tickets online or at the door if not sold out.
Cost: $7.50 and up
For more info: PACE Center
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Thursday, May 17 through Saturday, May 19 - Kids Closet Connection, Kids Consignment Sale

One of the nation's premier consignment sales has arrived in Doulgas County! Kids Closet Connection is now open for consignor registration and you are invited to shop the sale as well! Consignors earn 70% of all sold items.
Where: Crystal Rose
8351 Southpark Ln, Littleton
(One block north of County Line, just west of Broadway in the Southpark Business Park)
When: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM ((7-11 AM on Saturday for the half-price sale))
Who: Shoppers who love a great deal!
How: Register online to consign or volunteer. Just show up to shop!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: Kid's Closet Connection
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Saturday, May 19 - Parker Family Fun Fest

This fun-filled event promotes healthy lifestyles and wellness education in an entertaining and interactive way. The event kicks off with an accessible Family Fun Walk, followed by a variety of other activities from hula hoops to an obstacle course.
Where: O'Brien Park
10795 Victorian Dr., Parker 80134
When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: All ages.
How: Just show up.
Cost: FREE!
For more info: Town of Parker
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Saturday, May 19 through Sunday, May 20 - 7th Annual Highlands Ranch Music Arts Festival

Highlands Ranch Concert Band presents the 7th Annual Music Arts Festival. This two-day family event features a variety of music groups, with jazz and swing performances on Saturday and concert and symphonic performances on Sunday. The Festival Marketplace offers an assortment of items offered by artists, crafters, and other retail vendors.
Where: Civic Green Park
9370 Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands Ranch
When: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM ((Festival ends at 6:00 PM on Sunday.))
Who: Music lovers of all ages!
How: Just show up.
Cost: FREE! Contributions are welcome and appreciated.
For more info: Visit www.hrmafestival.org or contact Randy at (303) 805-7404.
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Saturday, May 19 - Teen Quick Lit Picnic (LT)

Come for a picnic on the lawn and hear the top ten HOT summer reads for teens! A picnic lunch is provided and registration is required for this free event.
Where: Lone Tree Library
8827 Lone Tree Pkwy., Lone Tree, 80124
When: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Who: Teens in 7th-12th grades.
How: Advance registration required. Register online (click Calendar View) or by calling (303) 791-7323.
Cost: FREE!
For more info: Lone Tree Library
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Sunday, May 20 - Tri the Rock

Come for a great day of fun, food, prizes, and sport. You are welcome to experience Tri the Rock, whether this is your first race, or if you have competed in races all your life. There will be prizes, goodies bags, food and T-shirts for everyone who participates.
Where: Butterfield Park
3952 Butterfield Crossing Dr., Castle Rock, 80109
When: 8:00 AM (Bike racks open at 6:30 AM)
Who: Kids ages 5 to 14.
How: Register online.
Cost: $35. The PE program of the participant’s school receives $10 of the entry fee.
For more info: Town of Castle Rock
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Sunday, May 20 - Aesop-a-Rebop

Families become characters in the wondrous world of books through Aesop's fables presented by Town Hall Arts Center. Guests will explore the fun and meaning of Aesop's stories and myths, such as The Tortise and the Hare, The Ant and the Grasshopper, The Fox and the Grapes and The Boy Who Cried Wolf each brought to life with the help of delightful song parodies of the '50s and '60s.
Where: Lone Tree Arts Center
10075 Commons St., Lone Tree, 80124
When: 3:00 PM
Who: Recommended for kids 12 and under.
How: Purchase your tickets online or by calling (720) 509-1000.
Cost: $5 per person; 2 and under are free.
For more info: Passport to Culture in the Children's Section of the Lone Tree Arts Center website
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EVENT LISTINGS

ALL AGES:

THE UNDER 5 SET:

ELEMENTARY AND TWEENS:

TEEN SCENE:

ADULTS:

SAVE THE DATE:

SEE ALL WEEKLY STORYTIMES THROUGHOUT DOUGLAS COUNTY

VIEW OUR CALENDAR FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF UPCOMING EVENTS!


Macaroni Tip: Avoiding Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer’s ear is a painful infection caused by water getting into the ear canal, where bacteria then multiply. It can be treated by antibacterial eardrops and will clear up in less than a week. The drops can be outrageously expensive, however (ours were $92 AFTER the insurance kicked in!) so it’s best to avoid it altogether.

After swimming, gently dry both ears with a towel (do NOT use a cotton swab, which can actually increase the risk as well as damage the eardrum). Then put a few drops ...

Farmers' Markets in Douglas County

I love to shop for our summer produce at Farmers' Markets. The produce is perfectly ripe, usually picked just a day or two before the event. I can meet the farmers who grew the food, ask how it was grown, and even get tips on preparing it. When produce is grown and sold locally, the money stays in our community, stimulating the local economy. And working farms preserve open space.

Plus, it's fun!

If you haven't shopped at Farmers' Markets before, you really are in for a treat ...

Macaroni Recipe: Something for Every Occasion!

In celebration of our FIRST BIRTHDAY, Macaroni Kid Highlands Ranch-Parker-Castle Rock would like to give a gift to you ... every recipe we've printed so far in one easy to look through spot! Bon appetit!

Drinks
Fruit Water
Sangria Cha Cha Cha
Vodka Slush
Wassail
Watermelon Margaritas for Adults
Watermelon Margaritas for Kids

Breakfast
Baked French Toast with Berries
Confetti Popsicles (yup, for breakfast)
Denver Omelet Casserole
Mini Frittatas
Pancake and Sausage Muffins
Peanut Butter and Banana Quesadilla
Pumpkin Pancakes
Reindeer Pancakes
Vegetarian Omelet Casserole
Zucchini Applesauce Muffins

Starters and ...

Macaroni Craft: Splash Bomb

Let the kids cool off a bit this summer with this oh-so-easy and reusable splash bomb that will keep the kids wet and giggly all summer long!

What you need:

  • 3 plain kitchen sponges
  • Scissors
  • Strong string
  • Bucket and water

Take three slightly dampened sponges. Most come damp but if they're too dry, lightly dampen them. Using your scissors, cut the sponges lengthwise into five individual strips.

Stack them up as shown!


Then, simply tie a piece of the string around the center ... and pull tightly! 

Finished product! Trim ...


Upcoming 5Ks, Marathons, and Races

Let us know about any upcoming races for Douglas County by sending an email to kyriec@macaronikid.com or using our Submit an Event button at the top of the web page.

Willie's Wild 5K/Fun Run
Friday, May 18 at 3:00 PM
Sagewood Middle School, 4725 Fox Sparrow Rd., Parker
Help Sagewood Middle School build a new fitness trail!
Contact Kathi Irwin at Kathi.Irwin@dcsdk12.org or (303) 387-4300 to register
Registration is $20; register early and get a free t-shirt

Independence Day 5K Run
Wednesday ...


Kids Eat Free (or Cheap)!

Special offers are subject to change without notice; call ahead.

Below is a list of restaurants throughout Douglas County that offer specials on kids' meals when an adult meal is purchased. Also, if you don't already know about restaurant.com, you are missing out on an easy way to save money. You can look restaurants up by name or zip code and purchase a $25 restaurant gift certificate for $10. But here's the best part ... do a web search first for "restaurant.com promo code" and you'll get them for even less. I usually wait till they ...


Moms Groups of Douglas County

Meet some great moms and some great kids!

New to Douglas County? Looking to meet some great moms in your area? Moms’ Groups are a fantastic way to make connections and find support. Macaroni Kid hopes that this list of local Moms' Groups helps to make some introductions for you - and your kids too! Tell them you found them on Macaroni Kid – Highlands Ranch Parker. We cover all of Douglas County! The groups below are listed by city.

If you belong to a group that you love or decide to organize one – share it with us and we ...


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