• Under Residents is information on volunteers, architectural compliance, HOA documents, upcoming social events, the pool, tennis courts and how to reserve the community room. There are also great tools that we can use as a community.
• The Message Board allows you to post your own message to the neighborhood. Be sure to click My Subscriptions at the top to choose the topics that interest you.
• There is a Classifieds page so feel free to post what you want to sell, or what you are looking for, and be sure to include a photo.
• There is also the Find a Sitter page where baby and pet sitters can post their information and let the neighborhood know they are looking for business.  
• And don't forget all the information in the Resident Directory. You can search for friends and neighbors by their name or address.

3.5 team of fun-loving females needs a single player for USTA evenings.  If interested, call Teri, at 303.886.8374. 

Your American Legion is looking for a few good men. If you have a Military Discharge other than Dishonorable then you are Welcome to join your local American Legion Post 103. You would join a great group of guys and you can become as active as you want. We have many areas of interest for you to participate in such as Legion Baseball and the All Veterans Honor Guard that provides services at Fort Logan for deceased veterans. Other activities include meetings, breakfasts, cookouts, and other events that include family members. All ages are welcome. There is also a great group for the ladies, The Ladies Auxiliary.

If you are interested and want to know more, please call me. Al Bevilacqua, CDR, USN, Retired - home 303-779-4435 or cell 303-882-1132. Heritage Greens resident.

In today's classrooms, playgrounds, and school buses, bullying is such a widespread problem that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services started the "Stop Bullying Now" campaign (www.stopbullying.gov). We now have "zero tolerance" policies but with all the hype and one-strike-and-you're-out efforts, the bullies keep on bullying. This may leave many children feeling hopeless and scared. But they (and you!) are not alone in this. You can take a stand against bullying.

Some Facts About Bullying:

• 28% of students between the ages of 12 and 18 reported being bullied during the 2008-2009 school year.
  • Of these students, 19% reported being made fun of, called names, or insulted, and 17% the subject of rumors. Most acts of bullying do not include physical harm or threat of physical harm.
• Incidents of bullying appear to be similar among boys and girls, with incidents of physical bullying being slightly higher in boys.
• The majority of bullying incidents occur in the classroom, hallway, or stairwell.
• Children and adolescents tell adults about being bullied only about one-third of the time.

From the U.S. Department of Education. 

Is Your Child Being Bullied?

Most children and teens don't tell their parents, so it is important that you look for the early signs of bullying and talk to your child if you notice the following:

• Unexplained cuts, scrapes, or bruises
• Unexplained loss or damage of personal belongings including food or money
• Avoidance or fear of school, the bus, or activities with peers
• Physical complaints (headaches, stomachaches) or frequent visits to the nurse
• Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, or changes in eating habits
• Sudden and significant drop in grades or a loss of interest in schoolwork
   

What Can You Do?

If you suspect your child is being bullied, ask your child indirect questions (that are unlikely to be answered with "fine") about his/her experience at school or riding the bus, such as:

• "What was lunch time like at school today?" "Who do you like to sit with at lunch?"
• "What was something good that happened at school today? Did anything happen at today that bothered you?"
• "What is it like to ride the bus?" "Are there any kids you don't like to sit near?"

You can also ask direct questions to get conversations going:

• "What does bullying mean to you? Why do you think people bully?"
• "What do you think parents, teachers, or students can do to stop bullying?"
• "How would it make you feel to see someone getting bullied?"
• "Have you ever tried to help someone who was being bullied?"

If you discover that your child has been a victim of bullying, stay calm and listen. Do not tell your child to ignore the problem or retaliate. Ask your child what solutions he or she has in mind and what is needed to feel safe. You may need to help younger kids by proposing solutions. Advocate for your child with school personnel. Consistent effort is often required to stop bullying, so be persistent and don't give up!

Meade McCue, Psy.D.

The Colorado Center for Clinical Excellence