WEEK OF NOVEMBER 7, 2024
VOLUME 136 | ISSUE 14
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Adoption Day changes lives for Arapahoe families, kids Emotional event celebrates children as ‘no longer a case’ BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Strides with strollers
How active parents keep up the mileage
Sitting in a courtroom, 5-year-old Gideon Brand hugged a stuffed green dragon. Wearing a suit and a bow tie, he looked around the room at dozens of adults, many of them with tears in their eyes. Unlike the tears that often happen in a courtroom, these were all happy. “Having done this for almost 30 years, this is probably one of the most touching moments of my career,” one attorney said to the audience. After years of court dates and foster care, the event would change young Gideon’s life, when he was one of 13 children across 12 families in Arapahoe County to have their adoption finalized. With National Adoption Month celebrated each November, the county held the event to raise awareness about foster youth and the need for adoption. “(The event) highlights the many children waiting for a loving home, and it SEE ADOPTION, P16
A group of moms at Fit4Mom Castle Rock complete exercises together at a stroller strides event. The program allows for community among felCOURTESY OF EMILY YOUNG / C&E PHOTOGRAPHY low moms through mental, physical and emotional well-being and fitness.
Fitness activities provide outlet for community, family bonding BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Active people don’t stop being active when they become parents; they just become more innovative and efficient. Whether to keep the step count up, find a sense of community or not miss a beat while training for health goals, new and experienced parents are strapping the kids in the stroller and hitting the trails. It’s no secret finding a babysitter can be
challenging, but moms and dads grow to rely on the bonding time their new sidecar brings; not just with their kid copilots, but with other parents, too. Bonding through training
“We have a 3-year-old and a 1-yearold, and over the summer, upgraded and got a double-wide stroller to fit both kids in,” said Dan Petty in Littleton. “It’s been great. I’m training for the New York City Marathon right now, and my kids have been companions for much of this summer while I’ve been training up for that.” Petty’s daily treks often take him and his kids on runs beyond 10 miles. There are no iPads or screen time. Instead, the kids bring a few toys and snacks and enjoy the landscape while they speed
VOICES: 14 | CALENDAR: 17 | LIFE: 18
down the Mary Carter Greenway Trail, one of Petty’s favorites. Just north of Chatfield Reservoir along the South Platte River, it provides paved and gravel paths (large enough for double-wide strollers) for runners and walkers. While the kids enjoy a near first-class riding experience, Dad gets his training in and Mom gets a well-deserved break. “It’s great because when I take them out for an hour or two hours, or sometimes longer, it gives my wife a break to read or work out, herself,” Petty said. “It’s one of these things where I get exercise, the kids get fresh air, we have some time together and my wife gets a real break from two kids, which is a lot.” SEE STROLLERS, P12
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