december 2015 | mtparent.com
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:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 3 montana parent NEW growing up under the big sky from birth to college ` website coming soon! A little holiday help from Sola! Gather gourmet goodies, gifts, Need more information,resources or fun things to do with and healthy food for your holiday festivities in one quick your kids this winter? E. KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY KELLEY E. and easy stop. visit mtparent.com PHOTO U S A
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Holiday Gift Baskets MARIAH ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY Make your own or LEIGH RIPLEY ALI SCHWEITZER EMILY KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY LARA KRUPICKA MARIE MITCHELL JENNIEVEN COLE choose from our curated baskets MELYNDA HARRISON JULIANE MCLEAN MELYNDA HARRISON WENDIE CARR MICHAEL W. LEACH WENDIE CARR Coffee & Tea Lover KELSIE DOUGHERTY SARA GROVES LAYNE FISHER Chocolate & Wine Lover LAYNE FISHER ELSIE JOHNSON ELEANOR BARKER ELEANOR BARKER ELEONORE SNOW GLENNA WORKMAN-OBIE I Montana PAM MOLNAR SIERRA FEIN BRANDI WATTS MYRA HARTZHEIM NORA DANIELS Gluten Free Friend STACEY TOMPKINS SHEL SEBREN Dog's Best Friend GLENNA WORTMAN-OBIE Lotions & Potions KRIS CLAWSON DR. DONNA KELSCH A LIMITED NUMBER OF FREE PRINT COPIES ARE Starting at $18 MEGAN ULRICHS AVAILABLE EACH MONTH. NADINE DUBOIS GRAYL Visit the Market for details! PLEASE SHARE WITH A FRIEND, READ ONLINE OR SUBSCRIBE AT MTPARENT.COM 290 W. Kagy | Bozeman, MT 59715 M-F 7-8pm S-S 7-4pm | solacafe.com This magazine is printed on FSC © Copyright 2015 by Media Mavens LLC. Certified paper that is 100% All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without Please recycle this magazine! a product of USA. permission prohibited.
4 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com growing up under the big sky from birth to college
Soccer & Swim $40 Members | $50 Non-Member (Single Day sessions) 6-13 year olds | Dec. 21st or Dec. 28th 1:00-4:00pm Kids will come & receive an hour & a half of skills & drills from Logan Gregg. They will have a snack & head to the pool for free swim the last hour. Children will need to come dressed to play soccer, have non-marking athletic shoes, bring a snack, water bottle, & swimwear with them to camp. Volleyball & Swim $40 Members | $50 Non-Member (Single Day sessions) 6-13 year olds | Dec. 22nd or Dec. 29th 1:00-4:00pm Kids will come & receive an hour & a half of skills & drills from former division 1 volleyball player Natalie Chew. They will have a snack & head to the pool for free swim the last hour. Children will need to come dressed to play volleyball, have non-marking athletic shoes, bring a snack, water bottle, & swimwear with them to camp. Basketball & Swim $40 Members | $50 Non-Member (Single Day sessions) 6-13 year olds | Dec. 23rd or Dec. 30th 1:00-4:00pm Kids will come & receive an hour & a half of skills & drills from former Division 1 Basketball player, Meghan Knokey. They will have a snack & head to the pool for free swim the last hour. Children will need to come dressed to play Basketball, have non-marking athletic shoes, bring a snack, water bottle, & swimwear with them to camp. PIR Kidventure Days Full Year & Drop in Pricing Available / Family Plus Included 6-13 year olds | Bozeman PIR Days from 9:00-11:00am This program mimics our summertime kidventures program. We play different fitness focused games with the kids while parents workout or run errands. We've scheduled the days to coincide with Bozeman Public School PIR days and No school days. See schedule for days the program will occur.
A LIMITED NUMBER OF FREE PRINT COPIES ARE AVAILABLE EACH MONTH. PLEASE SHARE WITH A FRIEND, READ ONLINE OR SUBSCRIBE AT MTPARENT.COM 4181 Fallon Ave. 406.586.1737 www.ridgeathletic.com
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 5
winter family fun December 2015 +holidays + much more COVER PHOTO BY MARIAH ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY | STYLED BY MOLLY MCGEARTY - FAWN & CO.
Winter Fun That Kind of Ski Mom 10 Montana Ballet Company 12 Nordic Ski Trails for the Whole Family 14 Ski Yellowstone’s Northern Range 16 Winter Wonders 18 Let’s Skate 19 Winter on my Doorstep 20 Holidays Dear Santa 21 Three Practical, Proactive Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep 22 Six Suggestions for Practicing Boundaries During the Holidays 23 Act Globally, Give Locally 24 The Magic of the Holidays 25 10 Stocking Stuffers for Dogs and Cats 26 On the Couch with Dr. Kelsch: The Gift of Time 28
Buy Local Gift Guide 29 NOT ONLY ARE WE ALWAYS THERE WITH GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT, BUT Health Clean Eats: Montana Parent Moroccan Lentil Stuffed Acorn Squash 36 ALSO SAVES YOU MONEY! A Baby, the Holidays and No Cheer 37 Keep a copy in your car so you always have the coupons on hand. Follow our quick reference The Flu and You 38 guide for on-the-go help: Corner on Health: Homelessness in Montana 39 Bozeman Birth Control Fund 40 heyday Spend $200, Get $20 Back Page 11 Columns i love kickboxing Trials and Tribulations in Parenting 41 3 classes and free gloves for $9.99 Page 18 New Column: Love, Dad: Learning from Loss 42 Hearts & Dreams Free 15 Minute Consultation Page 22 MOMoirs 43 ashley dawn photography Elsie’s Tips: Thinking About Time 44 50% off Page 29 The Family Business: Nutshell Naturals 45
bridger pilates PHOTOGRAPHY ALLEN MARIAH Movie Lovers: Christmas Classics from the ‘80s 46 holiday specials Page 30
Parenting Single 47 Bibs & Binkies PHOTO Photo Candy 62 Money off your Next Purchase with Featured Item Purchase Pages 32 & 33 What’s Up? Montana Growth spurts $10 off a $40 purchase page 44 Winter Break Activity Guide 50 Dinners Done Right What’s Up? Bozeman 53 $10 off any 6 or 12 meal package page 46 Tri Therapy Free phone consultation Page 59
family Deals & Discounts Page 60
6 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com editor’s Elfie E. KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY KELLEY E. voice WRITTEN BY LEIGH RIPLEY PHOTO
Magical creatures are pretty lame around our To complicate matters, our elf is boring. Have house. The Tooth Fairy never, ever comes you perused Elf on the Shelf on Pinterest? on the exact day a child loses a tooth – once Some wear little homemade clothes, color, she was two months late. The Easter Bunny watch TV and eat popcorn; others leave forgets to eat his carrots and never leaves messages in red and green M&M’s, make footprints in the snow. Not once has a snow angels in flour, have paper bag races Leprechaun visited and left behind evidence with stuffed animals and sip maple syrup with of Irish trickery (I think someone forgot to Barbie. Seriously – Barbie? We’re lucky if give us one). Santa does arrive promptly on Elfie even moves. Seniors the 25th of December, but I sleep restlessly every Christmas Eve, dreaming the same I can’t tell you how many times between terrible dream each year – that Santa, like the December 1 and 25 I’ve woken in the middle Tooth Fairy, will forget about us. But of all the of the night in a panic that our pathetic mythical disappointments my three children excuse for an Elf on the Shelf hasn’t moved have endured, the Elf on the Shelf is by far the a muscle and have jumped from the bed to worst. make sure he’s doing his job (or made my husband do so). We received the little elf with a freakish red boneless body and hard plastic face six years At dinner recently, the elf came up in ago. The kids were thrilled; I was angry. We conversation and the entire family agreed: Babies don’t have good luck with this sort of thing. he’s a loser. So it shouldn’t have come as Kids a shock when the middle child announced In the book that “Elfie” came with, we were firmly, “Why doesn’t someone just touch him informed that he would watch over the kids already and get it over with? Then we can get and make sure they stayed off the naughty list a new Elf of the Shelf, one that actually does until Christmas. Each night, he would fly back something.” to the North Pole and report the kids’ behavior to Santa Claus and then return to a different Waves of terror rippled through my husband spot in the house before they woke up. And and me. Admittedly, our elf sucks, but a new the book sternly warned NOT to touch the elf one probably wouldn’t be much better (please or he would lose his magic power and ability to refer to our track record with our Tooth fly back and forth from Bozeman to the North Fairy). So we explained to the kids that Elfie Pole. is a part of our family and although he doesn’t Families move a lot and has never taken part in Barbie Elfie did what he was supposed to do for all of hijinks, he is ours. And what would Santa about a week. Then, one day, we discovered Claus think if Elfie showed up in his workshop, the inevitable: Elfie had remained stationary crying, explaining that the Ripley girls wanted overnight . . . hadn’t moved an elfish inch in 24 an upgrade because he wasn’t “good enough?” hours. C-rap. I don’t think he would be very happy with us and our greed. I heard screaming from the bathroom where Elfie had been the day before (and still So was this a good enough excuse for Elfie? remained) and where all three children were I don’t know. What I do know is that when accusing each other of “killing Elfie.” So I did Elfie surfaces from the North Pole this year, what any parent would do: I made up an excuse he and I are going to have a sit down. He’s Weddings (the first of many, of course) for Elfie. going to move every night, leave witty notes, zip line on garlands and hang out with Barbie. “Maybe he didn’t move because someone didn’t Otherwise, I plan to shake that little man and brush their teeth?” offer him up as a dog toy. mariah allen - camera artist
“Maybe he didn’t move because you girls were In all seriousness, everyone knows the spirit of Capturing Life’s Brightest Moments fighting last night and he didn’t want to tell all these fantasy figures is real and manifest in modeling | headshots | events Santa.” the wide eyes and open mind of a child. And 406.581.2480 we only have so many years to enjoy it. So mariahallenphotography.com “Maybe he didn’t move because you told me Elfie, let’s step up our game this year. Easter dinner was gross?” Bunny and Tooth Fairy, I’ll deal with you later. mp
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 7 Happy Holidays from our family to yours activities the whole family can enjoy Healthy Pets, Happy Lives, Bridger Does It Better o o o
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HOLIDAY TRADITIONS Join us for Season of Light! MOR’s holiday classic returns to the Taylor Planetarium. Showtimes: Nov. 30 – Dec. 31 Monday–Friday, 11am & 3pm | Saturday–Sunday, 2pm & 4pm
It’s returning for another joyous season! And MOR’s holiday classic, Season of Light, has been re-mastered for the new digital format. Learn about the many holiday customs that make winter more festive. Yule logs, Christmas trees, the Hanukkah Menorah, luminaries, Santa Claus – all were taken from different cultures to fill the dark months of the year with more light. Brighten your family’s holidays and stop by soon for Season of Light!
To become a member or to donate, visit museumoftherockies.org.
8 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com activities the whole family can enjoy winter fun
Montana ballet - page 12
ski trails - pages 14 & 16
skating & hockey - page 19
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 9 winter fun
That Kind of
SkiWRITTEN BY LARAMom KRUPICKA
I am dangling halfway out of our car, the frosty and legs puffy with layers of clothes and thick least the kind of mom I’m convincing myself to air crystallizing the hairs inside my nose. I wince, ski pants and jacket, I can’t help but notice the be. envisioning myself in our family room, snuggled other moms. They’re the ones in cute jeans and on the couch under a fleece blanket instead of leather ankle-high boots, sporting snazzy down I’ll admit that I’m glad when my two youngest out here, yanking a pair of wool socks over their vests purely for fashion. They don’t have wool ski call it quits by late afternoon. We claim the last thick cotton equivalents, attempting to sandwich hats crammed on their heads, annoying tassels empty seats in the lodge – the rest covered by them between long underwear and snow pants. swinging into their chapped cheeks. They’re not piles of discarded hats and half-eaten bags of I’m preparing for a day out in the chill. A frigid there to ski. No. Enviably, they’re at the resort to chips, guarded by packs of non-skiing moms. I day spent swallowing my fear of heights as I ride keep watch over the stuff. rummage through our backpack for books and chairlifts and skid down snow and ice-slicked hills. raisins, encouraging my nearly frozen daughters I observe these moms during our ski weekends. to shed their gloves and hats. We’ll thaw in a bit I detest the cold and am far from adventurous. They often travel in groups, hanging out – at least our bodies will. But I see the weariness Yet I go skiing with my family each year. together, drinking hot mochas and watching in their eyes as they ask whether we have to do through the large glass windows of the ski lodge this again tomorrow. Their hearts haven’t thawed Why? I do it because my husband loves to ski for their kids coming down the slopes. Piles of to the thrill of skiing yet. I’m not off the hook for and wants his kids to enjoy it with him. I do it backpacks and coolers fill the tables and benches getting out there with them. because without my presence and my example, around them, staking their territory. These moms my tentative younger ones wouldn’t touch a ski, are warm and rested. They’re being supportive of I tug and tug at the heavy boot that doesn’t want let alone give themselves time to become skillful their kids by sacrificing a day to sit in the lodge to release my aching foot. At last it gives, nearly skiers. I do it because someday, in some way, it and guard the gear. pitching me from the seat. (Another hazard of will be worth it. this ordeal.) I repeat with my other foot, then “Let’s go,” says my husband, ushering our family stretch my sodden, socked feet onto a nearby At least that’s what I repeat in my head each out to the racks where our skis await. He hands chair. Exhaustion threatens my equilibrium and time I make sure they’ve packed their thermal me my lift tag and ski school ticket and turns the hard seat of the cafeteria chair does little to underwear and enough extra pairs of socks for a to help our kids attach theirs. I glance back ease it. weekend of skiing. It’s the mantra I mumble as I at the lodge, then clumsily thread the metal watch my gang sip soda through Twizzlers in their hook through my zipper pull. I’m committed. I ask myself why I subject my body to the rigors driving-to-the-ski-resort, post-breakfast ritual. No matter how freezing it is or how much my of the ski hill every year when, outside the lodge muscles want to protest, I will ski today with my windows, I see a familiar ski jacket in the middle But as I’m standing in the ski rental line, arms kids because that’s the kind of mom I am. Or at of the challenging black diamond run. I recognize
10 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com STILL LOOKING my eldest daughter just as she rockets straight FOR THE PERFECT down the slope, gaining speed with every inch she travels. She skids to a stop at the bottom of the TOY? run and pulls off her goggles to look around.
An electrified rush of adrenaline ripples up my arms and sends my heart into a patter. Because, as I’m gazing at my daughter, on the slope nearby I see a mom in a sleek ski jacket and helmet coming to a stop, looking over her shoulder at two young skiers schussing down the hill toward her. Suddenly my mind leaps ahead 15 years and my daughter is that mom. In the Gallatin Valley Mall Bozeman This is why I ski, I think. I ski so that my daughters 406.522. have a chance to become that kind of mom. Join us on Facebook! The kind of mom who gracefully cuts across the toys slopes with her youngest between her feet. The kind of mom I’ve watched hook a child under (8697) available here her arm and deposit on the chairlift seat while scooting herself beside him. I go on these annual ski outings because, as much as I wish I could be one of the non-skiing, resort-sitting moms, I also wish I could have become a fan of downhill skiing. I wish I could have been as carefree on skis as these moms are and as my eldest is becoming. we gift wrap I look at my pink-cheeked reluctantGet skiers rid across of the Neighborhood Toy Store stuff ship anywhere! the table and remind myself that the time may not be long until they’re out there traveling slopes I wouldn’t dare try myself. ByHave then, Giggles I will logo on it when you spend $200, be a resort-sitting ski mom. I’ll be Havesipping Besta hot Toys for Kids 2015 Logo on it cocoa while chatting with friends. And I’ll be glancing out that window to watchPurple all of my stuffkids on bottom - stays get back! navigate down treacherous terrain.Remove Until then, kid pic - surprised looking kid or screaming? I’m bearing the cold. I’m nursing soreMake muscles. the ad fun I’m fighting exhaustion. Because sometimes parenthood is about giving up what we’d prefer in order to give our kids a chance at what we’d hoped we could have enjoyed ourselves.She likes the idea of Best Toys for Kids 2015 running up the side of the ad Still, whether my daughters become great skiers or not, I know my snowy sacrifice Toysisn’t in tovain. choose If from for pics: nothing else, I provide my family withFashion something Plates Deluxe to chuckle about at the end of a long day on the slopes. I hear those tassels flip outMixed all crazy-like by Me Thinking Putty Kit when I flail into a snow bank. BecauseCraft-Tastic that’s the Yarn Tree kit kind of ski mom I am. mp Three Little piggies Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist and authorBugs of the in the kitchen book Family Bucket Lists: Bring More Fun, Adventure and Camaraderie Into Every Day. Of her three daughters,Bellz Magneticonly game mon-sat 10am-7pm | sun 10am-5pm one so far has taken to skiing, so Lara is still puttingLaser on skisMaze and 7 west main street | bozeman providing them with laughs. www.heydaybozeman.com
We used some already in the best list last month. Can reuse, but just switch them up if we could.
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 11 winter fun
Montana MBC’s focus on education extends to its special outreach program, Discover Dance. This December 4th, second graders from throughout the district and beyond will participate in Ballet Discover Dance, a program designed to facilitate a meaningful discovery of, and engagement with, ballet, classical music and the theater. Company Pre-performance study guides help students PHOTOS MARIAH ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY explore ballet history, terms, technique, music, theater etiquette and specific ballet narratives in advance of the performance. At the theater, children meet MBC’s Artistic Director and have an interactive discussion about the ballet and music, as well as manners and customs in the theater. Children and teachers watch vignettes from the full ballet accompanied by live music, and see firsthand how magical theatrical features are created – for instance, how it snows inside. Children join MBC dancers in movement exercises and are encouraged to explore the Dancing snowflakes. Live symphony. A Bozeman In addition to presenting its annual Nutcracker, performance space. Following the trip to the tradition for 32 years. Ah, yes, Montana MBC recently celebrated its move to a new theater, teachers help students create artwork, Ballet Company’s (MBC) annual production home. This move was necessitated by MBC’s poetry and other reflective work to integrate the of The Nutcracker. For those of you who have expanding and bustling academy, where students live arts experience. attended this magical production on Christmas ages 3 through adult are trained in the art and Stroll weekend, you know it is a brilliant way discipline of classical ballet. This training occurs As our winter snow begins to melt, MBC will to celebrate the holiday season and embrace year-round and is a terrific activity to enjoy head into schools with a version of its Discover our wintry wonderland – warm and cozy in the during our cold winter months. According to Dance program prior to its brand new gala theater. MBC’s Artistic Director, Elizabeth DeFanti, performance. Once the curtain closes for The “We tend to see a rise in student enrollment Nutcracker in December, MBC will spend Winter marks the presentation of Nutcracker come January following our Tea and Nutcracker January through March preparing excerpts from ballets all over the world. Here in Bozeman, performances. Everyone can learn how to famous story ballets to present on April 16 and Montana Ballet’s very first Nutcracker dance.” MBC’s new space was completely 17, 2016 to live music at the Willson Auditorium. production was held in the downtown lobby remodeled with all new flooring, mirrors, and As a special treat, MBC will bring to Bozeman of First Security Bank 32 years ago, and has walls removed. DeFanti adds, “We even ‘raised Winthrop Corey, current Artistic Director of since touched thousands upon thousands of the roof’ in our largest studio. Our dancers can the Mobile Ballet and former principal dancer theatergoers, young and more seasoned alike. truly learn, grow and fly!” with the Royal Winnipeg and National Ballet of Canada. Mr. Corey will work with MBC Over the last three decades, MBC’s Nutcracker MBC’s training focuses on classical ballet, using The dancers on a selection of his original Snow White has become one of the largest artistic a holistic and humanistic approach – the rigor Nutcrackerballet, currently being performed by a number ofDANCING companies across the country. In addition to collaborations in the region, featuring the work and discipline of ballet, steeped in core values SNOWFLAKES of kindness, respect, community, gratitude LIVESnow SYMPHONY White, audiences will delight in excerpts of accomplished dancers, choreographers, A BOZEMAN world-renowned guest artists, live musicians and grace. MBC furthers the holistic process fromTRADITION Cinderella and other classical masterpieces. and vocalists, seasoned lighting and costume combining arts and wellness by actively engaging December 4 ��. 7pm designers and a host of dedicated volunteers. local physical therapists, nutritionists, Pilates DecemberFrom 5 academy. 2pm & 7pm training and live performances to Willson Auditorium And don’t forget exciting theatrical elements and music experts and others, to work with its educational outreach, MBC has an abundance to Tickets: Call 406.585.9774 mp such as indoor flurries, a wooden Nutcracker dancers. Students in advanced levels also have or visitoffer bozemansymphony.org our community this winter season. the opportunity to work with master guest that transforms into a handsome prince and a For more information visit montanaballet.org or glimmering, growing Christmas tree. teachers from throughout the country. call 406-582-8702. Elizabeth DeFanti, Artistic Director 12 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com Trees Together Coloring Contest! Can You Dig It?
Enter the NorthWestern Energy Trees Together Coloring Contest before December 31, 2015 and you could win a prize basket filled with art supplies AND $5,000 to plant trees at your school!
For more information and to download your Trees Together coloring sheet, visit NorthWesternEnergy.com/trees.
TEN WINNERS will be announced on Arbor Day 2016.
She dreams of happily ever after. You dream of saving enough to get her through college.
Achieve Montana offers 529 investments designed specifically for tax benefits now, and college savings for the future. The program includes a variety of investment options to suit your individual goals. Give your children the chance to explore all they want in life. START TODAY FOR AS LITTLE AS $25. achievemontana.com · 1.877.486.9271
Investing in Achieve Montana is an important decision for you and your family. Please carefully review and consider the Enrollment Kit available at achievemontana.com before making a decision to invest. An Achieve Montana account is not insured by Montana and neither the principal invested nor the investment return is guaranteed by the State of Montana.
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 13 winter fun Edible Nordic Ski Trails ARRANGEMENTS for the Whole Family ARTICLE AND PHOTO BY MELYNDA HARRISON
When winter rears Pre-Nap Ski its snowy head, the We have wonderful groomed first thing I want trails right in town, thanks to to do is get out and the Bridger Ski Foundation. The cross-country ski. easiest place to get your family I am working hard on skis for a short jaunt are the to force this love trails at Bridger Creek Golf of Nordic on my Course. You can ski, have a snack kids because cross- and be home in time for a well- country skiing is earned nap. something we can do outdoors as family. Getting There. Park in the When our boys were Bridger Creek Clubhouse lot babies, I skied with on McIlhattan Road, west of its one under my jacket junction with Story Mill Road. while my husband pulled the other in a pulk. Skiing. There are 8.71 kilometers of trails in six loops. Cross McIlhattan Road from the parking area At 7- and 8-years-old, our boys now for flatter trails. If you want to try some hills, ski power themselves. After a few years in the trails on the same side as the parking lot. While 2051 W. Oak the Youth Ski League with Bridger Ski you will have to dodge skiers looking for a workout, Bozeman, Montana Foundation, they can almost out-ski my or they will have to dodge you, it’s less hectic than husband and me. Almost. the other in-town trails. The trails skirt the edge of 406.586.0319 woods where deer browse, crosses a creek, passes Corner of 19th & Oak When our family skis, the fresh air backyards and winds over the golf course greens. and exercise tones our bodies and our minds, and being together bonds our Afternoon Ramble www.edible.com family ties. My kids have a skill they can Bozeman Creek Trail (Sourdough Canyon) is just use throughout their lives, and I have a minutes from town, but skiing through the trees fabulous weekend. and along the creek feels like a little getaway. This is
14 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com a dog-friendly trail, but remember to keep your pooch under control and out of the way of other skiers. Nordic Ski Trails Getting There. Head south on South Church Street (Church becomes Sourdough Road after crossing Kagy Boulevard), turn right for the Whole Family on Nash Road and continue a short distance ARTICLE AND PHOTO BY MELYNDA HARRISON before turning left on Sourdough Canyon Road. Continue to the trailhead.
Skiing. This trail follows an old logging road; the first mile can be packed out and icy, but better snow lies ahead, and the creek is a good distraction. Pass the water monitoring station at about .75 miles, and head uphill as the trail alternates between gradual inclines and short hills until it enters flat spruce/fir parkland a few miles up. Continue skiing along the road until the trail drops down to a bridge over Bozeman Creek at five miles. If your little ones have big motors, the trail continues to Mystic Lake via Wildhorse Junction (8.21 km) or Moser Divide (7.16 km). From Wildhorse Junction, you can drop into the Hyalite trail system.
Wild Tour For a weekend outing, head up Hyalite Canyon for a variety of groomed trails through gorgeous scenery. Most of the trails run through trees with glimpses of the mountains beyond.
Getting There. Drive south on South 19th Avenue for 7 miles to Hyalite Canyon Road. Turn left at the national forest sign and drive another 10 miles. Park on the north side of the reservoir.
Skiing. There are more than 36 miles of ski trails in the Hyalite drainage, about half of which are groomed. From the parking lot, you can ski up the west side of the reservoir on the Crescent Lake/Sleeping Giant Loop to Window Rock, on past the Maxey Cabin and back around to the north end of the reservoir (17.1 km). Or kick and glide north toward History Rock on the Blackmore Loops (5.6 km). Ski the outside loop the whole way or cut back and forth on the six inner loops. Add in the Lick Creek/Wildhorse Loop and you can ski all weekend on a custom ski tour.
You’ll need a Nordic Community Trails Pass from Bridger Ski Foundation for the Bridger Creek Golf Course and Bozeman Creek Trails. Trail passes aren’t required for Hyalite, but when you buy a Nordic pass online, at Bangtail Bike & Ski or Northern Lights, you support the season’s grooming effort. Check out grooming reports and trail maps at bridgerskifoundation.org. mp
Melynda Harrison is the author of Ski Trails of Southwest Montana and blogs at TravelingMel.com.
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 15 winter fun TheNutcracker DANCING SNOWFLAKES Ski Yellowstone’s LIVE SYMPHONY A BOZEMAN TRADITION Northern Range ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY WENDIE CARR December 4 ��. 7pm December 5 . 2pm & 7pm Falls. This is another good choice for younger skiers Willson Auditorium wanting to test their skills or for towing smaller children—or a combination of the two if younger Tickets: Call 406.585.9774 ones want to start out skiing before switching to or visit bozemansymphony.org Though a visit the sled. The trail starts in a sagebrush meadow and to Yellowstone travels past Calcite is magical in any Springs Overlook season, the park and through quiet truly shines in forests before winter. Snowy ending up at Elizabeth DeFanti, Artistic Director landscapes give Tower Falls. As way to steaming you ski, you’ll have geyser basins, and great views of the wildlife watching is incredible. With summer’s Yellowstone River crowds long gone, the park is yours to explore as Canyon and the a family on cross-country skis. opportunity to spot bighorn sheep and bald eagles. Beginning at the parking area across from the self-guiding trail, approximately 8 miles east of Located in the park’s northeast corner, the Bannock Mammoth, the Blacktail Plateau Trail offers Trail makes for a good family-friendly outing with the chance for a long or short ski depending on kids who are comfortable on cross-country skis. On the way to the trailhead, you’ll travel through Cross Country Or Skate Skiing how far you choose the Lamar Valley, where you may see wolves, bison to travel. and elk along the way. Though visitors flock to the The trail is valley in the summer to watch wildlife, animals are groomed much easier to spot against the stark, white snowy for the first backdrop. After crossing Soda Butte Creek via a 6 miles footbridge, this mostly flat trail travels through and stays open meadows and mixed forests. Post-ski, travel a relatively few miles outside the park to Cooke City for lunch flat for or snacks. the first SKI OUR 30 KILOMETER 2, making it great for a short out-and-back Older kids with GROOMED TRAIL SYSTEM for younger skiers looking to test out their ski more experience Open daily 9am – 4pm skills, or for towing small children in a ski sled. on skis will enjoy $10/person/day For advanced skiers, the entire one-way 8-mile the groomed 1.5 Ask us about winter camping – trail (with an option to book a skier shuttle from mile round-trip ski or snowshoe to the Mammoth) features difficult elevation gains and Upper Terrace Loop Davis cabin or Skully tent. some tight downhills. Trail, which offers CALL FOR RESERVATIONS a variety of terrain A classic up-and-downer that follows the (from easy to more 406-848-7729 difficult). Featuring moderate climbs and downhills, Sorry, no pets on the ranch. road, the groomed Tower Falls Trail travels the unplowed but groomed Tower-Canyon road for the short trail leads to beautiful views of hot springs, B Bar Ranch is located in 2.5 miles (one way) up a gradual slope to Tower the Mammoth terraces and the surrounding Tom Miner Basin, Emigrant, MT mountains. After your ski, warm up at the recently
16 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com renovated Albright n’s Museum of Boz Visitor Center or hildre eman with a cup of hot C chocolate in front presents of the fire at the Mammoth hotel.
For more Winter experienced adventurers looking to ski further afield, the Bear Den Ski Shop offers daily skier WONDERLAND shuttles from both Mammoth to Indian Creek and from Mammoth to Tower Junction. FROZEN STYLE If you’d rather snowshoe than ski, the above trails also make good family-friendly snowshoeing excursions as well. On Sundays, December 1 Winter Break fun for kids inspired by the movie frozen through March 1 at 2 p.m., National Park Service rangers lead two-hour guided snowshoe walks of the Upper Terraces (subject to snow conditions; Children’s Museum of Bozeman please call to confirm). 202 South Willson Avenue | 406.522.9087 | www.cmbozeman.org
Know Before You Come The only road open to vehicles during the winter season is the road from the North Entrance (in Gardiner) to the Northeast Entrance (as far as Cooke City). Current road condition information is available 24-hours a day through the recorded NPS Road Report at 307-344-2117.
The Bear Den Ski Shop, located directly in front of the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, provides ski and snowshoe rentals, skier shuttles and sundries. They also offer group and private ski instruction; for more information call 307-344-7311.
Ski conditions in Yellowstone vary from day to day; be sure to stop by the Albright Visitor Center or Bear Den Ski Shop before your family sets out for the day. mp
Wendie Carr is the marketing manager for the Yellowstone Association and lives in Gardiner with her husband and two daughters. The nonprofit Yellowstone Association is Yellowstone National Park’s official educational partner, offering a variety of fun family and youth programs throughout the year. Visit YellowstoneAssociation.org for more information.
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 17 winter fun Winter
WondersWRITTEN BY KELSIE DOUGHERTY As tempting as it may be to retreat indoors when temperatures drop, spending time outside during the winter months is part of living and thriving in Montana. Winter Wildlands Alliance and Montana Outdoor Science School have partnered to get kids exploring and having fun outside this winter. Here are two great activities that promote inquiry and fun for your entire family. Grab some hot chocolate, add warm layers and head outdoors for a wondrous winter adventure.
Track Investigation One of the best times to investigate tracks is after rain or snow. Look for tracks along the edges of lakes or rivers, parks and natural areas and bring a ruler, camera, magnifying glass and field guide to help with identification. Animals use trails too− these are great places to start.
Here are some good questions you can ask to encourage curiosity and inquiry: »»Are you bigger or smaller than the animal that made these tracks? »»What kind of animals might live in this habitat? »»How is it moving? »»Are there any other animal signs in the area (feathers, scat, etc.)?
Asking your children questions encourages observations and promotes curiosity, skills that make great investigators. If you want good resources for wildlife tracking, check out the BioKIDS (biokids.umich.edu) website, which offers kid-friendly track and field guides, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (fwp.mt.gov).
Snowpack Science This is a great experiment for discussing where water in Montana comes from. Loosely pack a clear cylindrical container with snow (glass jars work great for this). Mark the snow line and allow your child to hypothesize how full the container will be after the snow has melted. Take the snow inside and melt it.
Once the snow is fully melted, head back outside and use these questions to discuss the results. »»How much water is in the container? »»How could the snow density affect the amount of water in the snow? only This is a great opportunity to discuss snowpack and how it relates to our watershed. »»What is snowpack? »»What does this mean in terms of the water content of our local snowpack?
For local snow data and more information about snowpack go to the National Water and Climate Center SNOTEL website (wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/). Getting outside with your kids is all about engaging in discovery throughout your adventure. Stop, listen, watch and enjoy all that Montana has to offer this winter. mp
Kelsie Dougherty instructs for Montana Outdoor Science School (MOSS). MOSS inspires curiosity, awareness and understanding of nature through quality educational experiences. To learn more about their school programs, camps and community partnerships visit outdoorscience. org.
18 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com winter fun
Let’sARTICLE AND PHOTOS Skate! BY LAYNE FISHER
There is no shortage of activity in the Gallatin Public Skate valley and surrounding areas; variety truly is the »» spice of life. Haynes Pavilion is home to, and Provided by the Bozeman Amateur Hockey managed by, the Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association Adult Hockey
Association. Yes, BAHA is hockey, but it is not »»bozemanhockey.org
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17+ skate s coached Beginner Learn to Skate is for everyone. It is for children around the rink. Public Skate sessions are open and adults alike; at any skill level, ages 4 and to a collective community of enthusiasts. It is a older. There are classes for fundamental figure fun way to spend a couple of hours on a day off. or hockey skating. Each facet of skating has its The rink also has a “warm room” where parents bozemanhockey.org own foundational aspects in which the respective can watch while their children enjoy the safe and industry registered instructors are versed. You are fun environment the rink at Haynes Pavilion has in good hands with this Learn to Skate program. to offer. The rink provides skate rentals, as well Whether you are interested in competitive as hot chocolate and treats in the concessions figure, hockey or pleasure skating, this is your stand. chance to start out on the right foot. There are two, 12-week course sessions during the skate There are special events throughout the skating season, but registration remains open throughout season, including Skate with Santa, brought to the season. Visit the Bozeman Figure Skating you by the Bozeman Figure Skating Club. Mr. Club website to learn more and register. Kringle himself swings by the arena to skate and take photos with parents and kids during a public Hockey Skills 101 & 102/201 & 202 skating session on December 18 from 5-6:50 p.m. The schedule, programmed by BAHA, also »»Provided by the Bozeman Amateur Hockey allows time for weekday adult drop-in hockey Association games (“puck lunch”), youth and adult “stick » » bozemanhockey.org and puck” (individual practice), tournaments, Hockey is a great live competitive hockey games, figure skating winter alternative to exhibitions and other charitable seasonal skates. your warm weather activities. We know The rink schedule at Haynes Pavilion is reflective that the sport is of its diverse and dynamic community. BAHA inherently physical, believes ice recreation is for everyone and requiring technical provides a multitude of family and individual skill and ability. We opportunities to explore the rink and identify also know that hockey is for everyone. It starts what ice recreation means for them. Complete here. These courses are for the “never-touched- information on Learn to Skate, Hockey Skills, a-puck” crowd to the intermediate player bent Public Skate and special events can be found on learning more. Coaches and instructors through bozemanhockey.org. mp work with students to develop on-ice skill and technique that will build confidence, ability and Layne Fisher is the Communications Director for the Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association. the chance to have fun with friends old and new. BAHA is a nonprofit service organization whose Full class details and registration can be found on mission is to provide facilities and programs for the the BAHA website. development of quality, affordable and disciplined competitive and recreational hockey. For more information about programs and the ice schedule please visit: bozemanhockey.org.
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 19 winter fun Winter on my Doorstep ARTICLE AND PHOTO BY ELEANOR BARKER
I recently woke up to several inches of snow, again. Discovered that we were out of coffee, which meant I’d have to grab some on my way to work. Rushed out the door with the kids. Forgot to put on my gloves. Failed to budget enough time for windshield management. Silently scowled as I scraped through a tenacious layer of ice. Pulled out of the driveway ten holidays minutes behind schedule. Typical.
As I merged into traffic on my way downtown, the teenager in the passenger seat snapped me from my funk. “See how the snow is piled up on every single tree branch, mom? Our neighborhood looks so beautiful. This is my favorite time of year.”
It’s my favorite time of year too, but sometimes I need to be reminded. These first cold and snowy days are certainly a shock to the system and can make for a rough reentry into the long Montana winter. Especially if you haven’t put on your snow tires yet. But winter wonders abound in our neck of the woods, and we’re lucky that we don’t have to travel far to find them.
We’ve seen memorable sights here in our backyard, right in the center of town. Several winters ago, a terrified little mouse squeezed his way under our back door and into the house, where he cowered under the sofa until coaxed into a humane trap with a dollop of peanut butter. It was the first time we’d entertained a rodent, so naturally we were curious about why he decided to join us. That story was written in the fresh blanket of snow covering our little hilltop lot. We found coyote tracks and saw where the hungry canine had jumped our fence and dug a hole to uncover the mouse. We followed that tiny mouse’s zigzagging path as he evaded the pouncing coyote and squeezed through the tiny crack above our threshold. We hadn’t witnessed the chase, but felt like master naturalists as we scanned our quarter-acre wilderness for clues. That night, our whole family discovered that “the tracks tell the story,” and we’ve made it a habit when exploring the outdoors to keep our eyes peeled for these subtle signs of wildlife. And though they seem like quiet and peaceful places, the snowy fields, sandy riverbanks and muddy wetlands of southwest Montana harbor a struggle for survival– if you know where to look. mp
Eleanor Barker loves to ski, hike and paddle with her husband and two teenagers. In her spare time, she is Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Bozeman.
20 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com
DearI can’t believe Santa, another 12 months has gone by. Is it just me, or are the years passing faster? I think I have been a pretty good mom this year. I have driven my kids to every social event, practice and friend’s house. My wallet has been an endless fountain of money for movies, frozen yogurt and senseless mall trips. I have clocked countless hours at soccer fields, basketball courts, softball diamonds and music auditoriums. With a little help from our friend, Google, I continue to help with homework in subjects I have long forgotten. Sure, I might have lost it a few times, but I live with teenagers, Santa. They are God’s version of the Elf on the Shelf – sent down to holidayskeep us in check but, if left without supervision, they get into mischief.
I know you are busy, so I will be brief.
To start, I need a few things for the bathroom – a sink that repels toothpaste, a splash- sleep, free mirror and a never-ending roll of toilet paper. Apparently, changing the roll is just too complicated for my family. giving I’d like a copy of “The Busy Mom’s Exercise-Free Weight Loss Plan.” I heard it is hard to find, but, hey, you are Santa. As a backup, I would be happy with a copy of “The Wine Diet” instead. Unlike other programs, I think I could really stick to this one. & Remember those electric bug zappers from years ago? If they make one for dog hair, I will take two! The dogs are older now, so I can no longer claim the pile of hair is a litter of newborn puppies. holiday If you have a time machine in storage at the North Pole, I would love the ability to send a letter to my younger self. I could save her hours of unnecessary worry about career choices, raising magic children and neighborhood drama. I think that is what caused these “platinum” highlights I keep finding in my hair. ^
If it isn’t too much trouble, I would like to have a whole week free of arguments about who rides in the front seat, who drank the last Gatorade and whose turn it is to do the dishes. This is the season of miracles, right?
Lastly, I would be thrilled to serve a meal that no one complains about. I’ve given up asking for a meal that everyone eats together before 9 p.m. Our crazy schedule is something even Santa can’t fix. Well, Santa, I hear my daughter beeping the car horn in the driveway. I have to start round two of my carpool. Travel safe. I’m sorry if the cookies are gone when you get here. The dogs eat buy +local anything left on the coffee table. Since I made them, it’s probably better that the dogs ate them anyway. gift guide Love, Mom on page 29 mp P.S. All I really want is to see the magic of Christmas morning in my teenagers’ eyes. Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and the mother of three teens. This is the actual letter she sent to Santa this year. 8 :: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 21 on MARIAH ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY ALLEN MARIAH PHOTO
Three Practical, Proactive Tips for
a GoodWRITTEN Night’s BY MYRA HARTZHEIM Sleep www.heartsanddreams.net follow us on Facebook: Ah, the evening before a fun holiday can be so Tell your child that you will wake him or her exciting . . . maybe a little too exciting. So how do Here is what you will want to explain the night facebook.com/heartsanddreamsmt you get those adrenaline-filled children to sleep? before a big holiday: make it clear that you (or Here are three tips to help calm kids before bed someone specific) will wake her up when it’s time Take the first step to a restful during the holidays. the next morning (make it a reasonable time for night and book a free 15min them rather than late morning, even if you want consultation through my website! Get your children in bed early to sleep in). If your child happens to wake up and Although this may seem contradictory to what come into your room despite your explanation, you think you should do to help your children calmly walk her back to bed and remind her that sleep well and wake up later, it’s exactly what you you will be waking her up when it is time to start the need to do. Do all you can to keep your children day. Do this every time she comes in your room to well napped and into bed early. This will prevent wake you up. Also explain to her that the fastest from the creators their bodies from producing extra cortisol (a mild way to pass the time is to sleep and to dream about of the nova café form of adrenaline), which disrupts their sleep, the day to come. thereby causing them to wake up earlier and make them even more excited. If you don’t want to be the one giving your child permission to leave his room, a wake-up light can be Have an extra-long and soothing a worthwhile investment. A wake-up light indicates bedtime routine to your child when it’s time to keep sleeping or If your kids are bouncing off the walls in when it is OK to get out of bed. The wake-up excitement and anticipation for the next day, light does this by changing to a specific color a soothing bedtime is exactly what you need that indicates “get up” time or “stay in bed” time. to calm them down. This soothing and bonding Keeping the room dark is also helpful for keeping time will allow their bodies to produce oxytocin, your child asleep longer into the morning. Blackout otherwise known as the “cuddle” hormone. This shades can be a great investment to serve this hormone produces a calming, bonding feeling purpose. which will help reverse the excitement of anticipation. Here are my suggestions for an I hope these tips are helpful to you during the extra calming bedtime routine – feel free to holidays. All three of them are proactive steps mix it up and make it your own: bath, foot to a good night, focused on the morning but and hand massage and story time. Reading is starting the night before. If you would like to learn fresh, artisan breakfast an especially perfect way to take your child’s more about Hearts and Dreams pediatric sleep AND LUNCH CREATIONS mind off the excitement of the next day and consulting, please visit heartsanddreams.net or can re-direct his mind onto something worth join the community on Facebook at Facebook/ open 7am – 2pm daily pondering. Christmas Day in the Morning; heartsanddreamsmt, where I give daily tips and The Message of the Birds; The Secret of Saying monthly articles that can help your family get the Thanks are just some of the many wonderful sleep it needs. mp books full of beautiful lessons that can help Myra Hartzheim owns Hearts and feedcafebozeman.com our children become focused on thankfulness, Dreams located in Bozeman. She is a 1530 west main • bozeman giving and love – which are the things we want to baby and toddler sleep specialist committed to helping tired families promote and instill during the holiday season. across Montana - the gentle way. For more information please email Myra at [email protected] or book a free 15-minute consultation online at heartsanddreams.net or on Facebook.
22 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com
www.heartsanddreams.net follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/heartsanddreamsmt
Take the first step to a restful night and book a free 15min consultation through my website! Six Suggestions for in the car with the gassy uncle) recognize your part in it, because at some point you Practicing Boundaries agreed to it. Move toward how you want it to be (“I’ll drive my own car”); take care of “Fighting Grime in yourself (“I’ll stay at an AirBnB”) or make YOUR Neighborhood!” suggestions, (“Let’s get a babysitter so we During the can all enjoy dinner together”). 4. Give totally from your heart: If you decide to be generous, don’t do it to make others like WRITTEN BY STACEY TOMPKINS, MA, CIC you or approve of you or in the hope that Holidays someone will say, “Isn’t she just the most generous, thoughtful and selfless creature on the planet?” No, do it because it feels good to you, otherwise it’s not generosity, The holiday season is officially here. Some people it’s manipulation steeped in resentment Bozeman Cleaning Service love it, others would love to bypass the whole Bozeman cleaning service and that’s toxic nonsense that will cause • Norwex brand Environmentally Friendly shebang, and a few are neutral – just going suffering – mostly for you. and Water Conserving Cleaning Products with the flow. Regardless of where you are, the • Homemade All Natural Cleaning Solutions invitation is always open for practicing healthy 5. Judgment vs. Curiosity: Judging others – boundaries. Boundaries should be your best • Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly or this is a favorite American family pastime. One Time Cleaning Services friend during the holidays (and always) since they Everyone has learned to do it, and so there • Move Out /Move In Cleaning can make the whole season more manageable may be a residue of ickiness that permeates and possibly even fun, anxiety free and relaxing • Now also offering POST holiday togetherness. Try this more evolved CONSTRUCTION CLEANUP CREWS – imagine! path, which is to be curious and kind while *Licensed, Insured and Bonded. keeping an open mind. This doesn’t mean Don’t be shy. Set boundaries and stick to you accept or go along with everything that Professional Organizing them, overdo it a bit, get bossy with your self- is suggested, but you are open to learning, & Cleaning Service preservation, and don’t let anyone mess with to hearing different views and ideas. Having your time, expect too much of you or guilt you boundaries doesn’t mean you shut yourself 406.426.2376 into doing things that don’t agree with your off, it just means you take responsibility for www.bozemancleaningservice.com authentic self. Here are some suggestions for your own well-being, and speak your truth how to set boundaries in ways that impress and firmly. It’s a balancing practice between build healthy, respectful relationships. Yes, even intimacy (connection) and solitude (self- with your weird uncle. preservation). It takes practice; so don’t worry if you mess up. Messing up is an 1. “Thank you, no.” Song-Dance-Rhythm-Drums This phrase is your opportunity to be kind to yourself. & Music Field Trips! friend. Using it doesn’t mean you are being difficult. It means you’re not afraid 6. Kindness and generosity come in many forms: 10:30 AM Fall, Winter to choose yourself rather than overly Find the form in which it’s natural for you 4:00 PM Spring, accommodating others. Use it wisely or 5:15 PM and to be kind, and do that (making breakfast? Classes Summer and unapologetically. Don’t use it when telling stories? taking photos?). Figure someone asks for a hand with the dishes – out how you want to receive kindness, in that moment, it’s important to jump up and request that (alone time? coffee in and help out. However, use it boldly when bed? foot massage?). Don’t expect others you’re being coerced into doing things that to know what you want or how to give go against your core belief system, or if you to you – you won’t be disappointed if experience a sinking in your stomach, or if you’ve been clear about what you’d love you’re at risk of “going along” out of guilt to receive. Request that others share what or pressure. If you sniff regret around the they want, so that you aren’t trying to be corner, opt out. the clairvoyant family member with all the answers. Just ask. It’s much less stressful; 2. Fear vs. love: Always choose love. What is plus, you might learn something about your West End and South Side Locations the kindest way to respond to family, friends family, which is what being together is all and community? With love. Remember also about. that sometimes being loving means saying TRY A CLASS FOR FREE “Thank you, no” or simply “I love you, and Contact “Music Kate” Choose a few of these and go for it. Boundaries Ph/Text: 406-570-2839 I’m going for a walk by myself.” You don’t will change your life for the better. Being at the [email protected] have to be angry or worked up to say, “No, end of someone else’s puppet strings is no way MusicTogetherBozeman.com thanks.” You can say it with a neutral tone to live. Cut the strings, make your own choices, Infants to and then smile and stroll away. Fearing that fall down, readjust, get back up, try again. And Age 5 someone will think less of you, or might repeat. mp Sibling not “like” you is a trap that perpetuates Discounts dysfunctional systems of behavior. Stacey Tompkins lives in downtown Bozeman with her elderly mutt, two teenage daughters and one Baby (<12 mo.) 3. Self care: If you resent others for “making energetic husband. She is an irrepressible writer Free with and loves working with individuals and couples as a Sibling you” do something (babysit, clean up the life coach through her business, Sungate Integral mess, sleep in the hard lumpy bed, ride Coaching (406-570-1304 or tompkins.stacey@ gmail.com). :: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 23 Act WRITTEN Globally, BY SHEL SEBREN Give Locally
Whether you can’t wait to get started on holiday preparations and have most of your shopping done or dread the lines, lists and – ahem – financial impacts of the season, the holidays are fast approaching.
I adore this season: the family time, the food and drinks, the soft lights of the tree warming my living room. But I also have to make a concerted and we will use the funds to purchase Montana- effort to “keep it real,” and not get carried away grown turkeys and give them to the food bank to by the fervor that can creep up on me: Did I buy distribute. enough gifts for the kids? Did I buy enough of my gifts locally? Did I forget to water the tree You can also buy prepackaged food in the store before work? and drop it in the donation bin located in the front of Co-op West Main. Ask your children to As I get older, I find my focus on giving is participate by selecting an item off the shelf and shifting. I’m far more practical than I used to placing it in the bin. Explain to them how they be and I would prefer that my holiday spending are helping provide an awesome meal to another impact more local folks. I also want my kids to family. understand that giving can be just as rewarding as the excitement of getting. The Gift of Coffee You can also support your caffeine habit How do I plan on giving more this year? By (shopping is a tiring endeavor) and local schools donating to food banks and drinking and buying at the same time through Coffee for Classrooms. more coffee (yep, you read that right). Let me Ten cents from every cup of coffee sold at explain. both locations is donated to a local school each month. December’s recipient is Emily Dickinson The Gift of Food Elementary School. This is a great way for me to Christmas Eve dinner is my thing. I love to make justify that extra cup o’ Joe or maybe a specialty a huge feast for Christmas Eve (leftovers on coffee drink while I shop. Christmas Day means not spending the entire day cooking) with turkey, stuffing and the Each school’s PAC (parent advisory council) can TASTE THIS trimmings. use the money in any way they choose. They do not report to us how they use the funds. Face No matter which day you have your holiday meal; it – you are going to drink coffee anyway so you PLACE. it’s got to be paid for. And for some families, the might as well caffeinate for a cause. extra grocery costs are financially overwhelming. How can we help? Donate to local food banks. Speaking of coffee: Who doesn’t like a bag 100% local. of beans as part of a gift? You can support 100% grass fed. all natural. Your Co-op makes it easy to donate to the others’ caffeine habit and the Cancer Support Gallatin Valley Food Bank and the Livingston humanely raised. Community (CSC) by purchasing Yellowstone Food Pantry through Farm to Food Bank. The Coffee Roasters’ Brew for Hope signature funds, donated by customers at the registers, are organic, fair trade coffee at Co-op West Main. better for you. used by the food banks to purchase fresh foods During the month of December, we will donate grown by local farmers (supporting local farmers $1 to CSC from each bag that we sell of this and local families at the same time) and providing locally roasted coffee. better for it free of charge to those who need it most. Tell your cashier you’d like to donate (in any amount) Cancer Support Community provides a full range montana. or drop some money in the collection jars at the of support programs for people with cancer and register. their loved ones in a comfortable home-like free local delivery setting, completely free of charge. mp YELLOwStONEGRASSFeDBeeF.COm Want to help provide a turkey for someone’s 406-522-9421 holiday meal? You don’t have to lug an extra bird Shel Sebren is the Membership and Marketing Coordinator for the Community Food Co-op. She in stores: the COOP • tOwN & COUNtRY around or drop it off, simply tell your cashier loves skiing at Bridger Bowl on Christmas, then that you’d like to donate (choose any amount) eating leftovers while watching A Christmas Story with her family. And coffee.
24 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com Michael Kalous (right) with other boys at the home Michael Kalous and Shirley Mitchum The of the
MagicARTICLE AND PHOTO BY GLENNA WORTMAN-OBIEHolidays
Michael Kalous remembers his first Thanksgiving from churches and donors all over the state. sure of the spelling of their name so I was always at Intermountain. “I walked into the dining room Everybody got roller skates and lots of clothes. guessing.” (The couple’s name was Mutschlknaus, and there was so much food, I couldn’t believe Michael smiles, thinking about skating out in which they changed to Mitchum.) Elmer passed it—and we could have anything we wanted!” he front of the home, and about the parachute man away in 2004. says. It was called the Montana Deaconess Home that was his favorite gift. then, and it was one of the only safe places he Fifty years later, Michael, now a college graduate remembers from his childhood. “I made waffles for breakfast,” Shirley says. and a therapist on Intermountain’s direct care “Those kids had never seen waffles.” team and a beloved husband and father himself, Michael and his three brothers, labeled as was speaking at the Methodist church in Butte. “unsupervised” by the state, were the children of “We went to church and the church had a play,” “In my speech, I used Shirley and Elmer as a contentious and unhappy couple. Their mother Michael remembers. “I was dressed up like a examples in my life,” Michael says. What he had no money and no permanent place for them candle!” didn’t know is that he was speaking at Shirley’s to live. The brothers lived in tents, cars, stayed church. with relatives—80 different places in all. Their Christmas Day also included a big dinner and a father would track down the family and take program at the home. Shirley chimes in, “It was terrible weather that the boys, later abandoning them again after a weekend so I didn’t go to church. Then one of drinking binge. The day he dropped them off at In addition to being house parents at the home, my friends called me and said, ‘Someone from the Montana Deaconess Home, no one knew Shirley and her husband, Elmer, were raising Intermountain spoke at church and he mentioned where their mother was and there was concern their own infant son as they co-parented the 12 you.’” for her safety. boys in the unit. Michael remembers Elmer with great fondness. “We dreaded the sound of my She made a call and the two made arrangements “We prayed for her that Monday,” says Shirley dad coming home,” Michael says. “We tried not to meet. “I can’t put into words how I felt when I Mitchum, the house mother who made room to be noticed, because to be noticed was to be saw him,” Shirley says. “I’m so proud of the man for the four boys in her already full unit at “the targeted. Elmer was not like that.” he has become.” home.” Her voice softens a little, “Their mother came on Thursday. She brought toys—a troll doll Practical and down to earth with a large helping “I would have known you anywhere,” Michael and toy horses.” of empathy, Elmer, who was a barber by trade, nods. “Your eyes have not changed.” became a role model for Michael. When the Kalous boys came to the home, Michael and Shirley’s story is not unique. Past Michael was just 10. His older brothers, twins “My family was so broken,” Michael says. “It was residents of Intermountain often stay in touch Kenny and David, were 11 and their little brother, scary and uncertain and what I remember is that with or reach out to their former counselors Larry, only 7. “I liked it,” Michael says. “But my Shirley and Elmer cared for each other and they and other staff and hold them up as role models brothers didn’t like the rules or the chores.” For cared for us.” for their lives. This article is dedicated to the Michael, the home meant calm, warmth and Intermountain staff members, in recognition of safety. Michael’s childhood remained chaotic after all the holidays they have shared with children he left the care of Shirley and Elmer and the and families needing care and in appreciation “We went from 8 boys to 12 in our unit,” Shirley Montana Deaconess Home, but his resiliency and for not only their work, but also their personal notes. “But we couldn’t split up those boys.” perseverance helped him overcome his childhood sacrifices and humanity in caring for children. mp Christmas was magical, Michael remembers. trauma and create a good life for himself. Written by Glenna Wortman-Obie, The boys helped decorate the Christmas tree MA, Director of Marketing and and each boy received 13 gifts that came “Over the years, I tried to find Elmer and Shirley Communication at Intermountain. many times,” Michael says. “But I was never :: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 25 Top 10 Stocking Stuffers 5. Duluth Fleece and Double Fleece Coats: Shopping local Super stretchy, super soft. The for superb fleece and double without fleece jackets are truly a fantastic and useful garment that you’ll leaving the DogsWRITTEN BYand KRIS CLAWSON Cats reach for over and over again. The fleece house? Whether our furry friends have been naughty contains spandex for or nice, we all hang up Christmas stockings for a four-way stretch that them anyway. We love our pets and we know that makes it easy to fit any dog. you and your family love yours. Bridger Animal The finish is unbelievably soft; it’s a piece of cake Yes, please. Nutrition has put together a list of products that to put on and moves with your dog, making it the your pets would love to find in their stockings most comfortable, washable coat around. this year. 6. Porky Pumpers: For the discriminating palate, Porky Pumpers can make any canine’s 1. West Paw Toys: They are full of pumper start to race with just one bite of this fun, locally made and tasty treat. This “hearty” treat is great for all size environmentally dogs. Pumpers are U.S.A. all-natural pork hearts friendly. There is a oven baked with no artificial ingredients. Even if huge variety of safe you think your dog won’t try it, just give it a shot. and non-toxic toys available for the 7. MSU Apparel: Deck your dog out in the “Cats” discriminating pet. MSU apparel for the bobcat-loving fan. Your dog There are products will be the talk of the tailgates proudly sporting for the champion the MSU logo on their fleece coat, windbreaker chewers, dog park play or doggie football jersey. To complete the bobcat dates, stuffed best friends and don’t forget look, we also have harnesses, leashes and collars. the mighty minis. West Paw has a toy for These products are proudly made in the U.S.A. every dog and cat in your life. 8. Darford Treats: Mix n’ match scoops of your 2. Fresh Raw Meaty Bones: Nothing favorite bulk, natural dog says “Merry Christmas” like bright white treats to create custom teeth from a smiling dog. These are sure to layers of love. Darford be a winning choice for your pet; you can treats are baked using find them in our freezer room, but don’t ingredients free of corn, accidentally leave them in the stocking! soy and anything that you can’t pronounce. Shop online 3. Single Ingredient Freeze Dried Treats: Freeze dried treats are the highest and we’ll on the value scale. Whether you and your dog are training or out enjoying the snow, 9. Paws Up Bakery: Handmade and beautifully make your they will love these healthy, hypoallergenic decorated, these cookies will have you wondering treats. We carry a variety of freeze dried if they are for you or the dog. All naturally made life easy. treats that are made in the U.S.A. right here in Montana, these cookies are a must in this year’s stockings. 4. Kitty Kaviar: The cat’s nose knows good treats. Kitty Kaviar is an all-natural fish treat for cats from a U.S.A. family- 10. Enchantacat Catnip: Purr-fect as treats owned company. Kitty Kaviar contains no and for stuffing refillable toys. Our most additives, preservatives or byproducts and discriminating feline clientele has long requested is made from 100 percent dried bonito fish. Enchantacat Premium Catnip. It’s organic, Cats young and old will go crazy for this grown in pristine conditions and harvested during incredibly tasty treat. its peak blooming season. It’s naturally dried, allowing the herb to retain its essential oils to be in the Emerson Center more potent and last longer. mp in Bozeman and online
www.tartique.com
Kris Clawson is the General Manager of Bridger Animal Nutrition, located in Bozeman and Four Corners. Bridger Animal Nutrition, your locally owned pet food experts since 1985 where you can find top quality livestock feed and pet food.
26 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com Happy Holidays! From everyone at 20Twenty 20|Twenty offers Bozeman a better way of looking at you with the most comprehensive eyecare and eyewear practice in the Gallatin Valley. Make an appointment today with Dr. Sarah Hill or Dr. Sarah Kirkpatrick for all your family’s eyecare needs. Swing by to check out our selection of the latest in fashion eyeware. Call today to schedule your childs eye exam. We look forward to seeing you!
$ Gift Card$ for Only Kenyon Noble gift cards never expire! No fees deducted over time! Limit 4 gift 25 cards per person. Other restrictions may apply.20 See store for complete details. Offer valid thru December 24th, 2015.
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 27 On the Couch With Dr. Kelsch: Session 26
WRITTEN BY DR. DONNA KELSCH Climbing The Gift of Time I have no free time. I am booked every hour of every day. My schedule is color-coded on my smartphone calendar with different colors for different family members. I run the kids to activities, Fitness organize my personal and business appointments, plan all the meals to ensure we eat healthy, schedule who will make the meal and what time it needs to be done to accommodate everyone’s schedule and, of Youth course, remind everyone several times about their own schedules. I wish I had more time. Programs During the holiday season, I will have even less time. Yoga While writing this article, I looked up, “What is time?” and found some anonymous quotes worth sharing. Birthday Time can be a verb and, as a verb, it is defined as planning, scheduling or arranging when (something) Parties should happen or be done. That is why, “The greatest gift you can give someone is the gift of your time; because when you give it, you are giving away a portion of your life you will never get back.” Community Time can be a noun. Since time can be a noun, we should be able to hold onto it, right? Time is defined Winter Break Camps as the indefinite continuous progress of existence and events in the past, present and future regarded December 21st - 31st as a whole. Therefore, “Time has a wonderful way of showing us what is important.” Register Online Since time is an action and a thing, it becomes more valuable to us. Perhaps that is the reason a gift of time is the most valuable gift we can give or receive. Following is a list of ideas to give time over the 406-586-0706 13 Enterprise Blvd holidays. Since the best gifts are the ones you want, I would gladly accept any of these gifts, as I am www.spireclimbingcenter.com sure your loved ones would as well.
1. Offer babysitting How many of us could use more time to shop or, better yet, guilt-free time to enjoy an evening out with our spouse or other adults? downtown L 2. Help loved ones find inspiration in nature I try to do this every year with the family as we bozeman search for our Christmas tree in the local forests. It can be a lot of fun; provided we remember the ’ men U ’ thermos of hot cocoa. S 3. Host a game or movie night A family game night with your children’s friends and simple snacks
KI d is a wonderful gift for a child. Or host an adult game night with adult friends for another much- oca needed break. L food and art bacon! 4. Cook a meal for someone This is such a simple idea; and we often do it when someone has a baby
bacon! bacon! or surgery. Why not as a gift for the holidays? YoU LL want to 5. Take a class with the person you are offering your time to Community classes are inexpensive ’ and fun, quality time. LIcK oUr SKILLetS 6. Make a documentary It’s not that complicated. Record the person on camera, smartphone or iPad and then use one of the many easy online editing programs. Your time will be a gift that will last forever.
7. Give a coupon book Try adding a twist to this one. I am sure you have all received coupon gifts from your children for some deed they will complete when you redeem the book. What about a GLU ten free coupon book with times listed that can be redeemed for whatever the receiver requests? It could ce daILY SpecIaLS be interesting. 8. Make a portrait This could be painted, sketched or photographed. The time used creating the cho I breaKfaSt 7-2 portrait together allows for the gift of communication and laughter. ’ 312 e. maIn St. bozeman LS thenovacafe.com I would love to give you more ideas but, as you know…I am out of time. Just remember, the best gift a
nch 11-2 family can give to each other is their time, attention and love. mp U oca L 406.587.3973 L Dr. Donna Kelsch is a licensed professional counselor with Tri Therapy. Tri Therapy provides counseling and assessments for teens, couples and families. Call 406-404-1009 for an appointment or contact her via web at tritherapymt.com or email [email protected]. Dr. Donna lives in Bozeman with her husband and three children.
28 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com 2015 Buy Local Ashley Dawn Photography »»Ashley Driscoll »»406-370-0031 gift guide » » [email protected] »»ashleydawnphoto.com Active Family Chiropractic & Rehab Contact Ashley Dawn Photography »»1925 N. 22nd Ave., Ste. 103 for 50 percent off »» any session through 20/Twenty Eyecare 406-556-0307 the end of 2015. Just »»activefamilybozeman.com mention Montana »»Dr. Sarah Q. Kirkpatrick and Dr. Sarah E. Hill Parent when you This holiday season, book and enjoy »» give the gift of health. 280 W. Kagy Blvd., Suite B beautiful images for Chiropractic years to come. »»406-522-8888 care can help reduce »»20twentymt.com stress and make you feel better so Come in and that you can fully find something Bibs and Binkies enjoy your holiday functional, season. Active Family »»In the Gallatin Valley Mall fashionable and Chiropractic offers an all-around family service festive at Bozeman’s »»406-585-8800 to help optimize well-being and promote a newest eye care and healthy way of living. »»Bibsandbinkies.com eyewear practice. 20/Twenty Eyecare The ErgoBaby is located by all of Amelia Anne Photography carrier is the number your favorite shops on Kagy Boulevard. Open one gift for all new Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 »»406-579-5527 parents. Its unique p.m. » ergonomic design » Ameliaannephotography.com minimizes stress Looking for the on the hips and Achieve Montana perfect gift that provides your baby is sure to be »» or child with a safe, 877-486-9271 appreciated? Check comfortable and supported seat so that you may out Amelia Anne »»achievemontana.com go about your active lifestyle and enjoy your time Photography. Time with family. The new 360 Four-Position carrier While your children flies and the gift of even allows your child to face out. Get the lowest dream of saving captured memories price on your Ergobaby carrier here. the world and will be cherished living happily ever forever. Gift certificates are available. after, you dream of Bozeman Oil & Vinegar saving enough to get them through The Artshoppe »»111 E. Oak St., Ste. 1E college. Achieve »»406-577-2550 Montana offers a »»23 S. Willson Ave. 529 investment plan for tax benefits now and »»406-586-8696 »»Now open in their new home in the college savings for the future. Grandparents Cannery District building » and other family members can also contribute » Frameitup.com This year, purchase to your child’s college savings through Ugift, an Give a Montana- a trio gift pack for innovative, easy-to-use online service that allows themed gift $50 that includes you to invite family and friends to celebrate this year. Artsy, artisan flavor holidays, birthdays, graduations or other whimsical gifts, pairings of two milestones with the gift of college savings. such as frames, balsamic vinegars chalkboards, jewelry, and one flavored marquee lights and olive oil. Give the more. Photo frames gift of five options in are always a perfect three bottles of culinary joy. A palate of flavors gift, along with custom framing and greeting to customize and personalize. cards. The Artshoppe is a must see to dazzle the eyes and please the hardest to buy for.
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 29 Bridger Animal Nutrition Main The Chalet Market Earth’s Treasures »»501 Evergreen Dr. »»6410 Jackrabbit Ln. »»25 N. Willson Ave., Suite B »»406-586-3026 »»406-388-4687 »»406-586-3451 Bridger Animal Nutrition West- Four Corners »»Chaletmarket.com »»Earthstreasuresmt.com »»186 Garden Dr., Unit #101 The Chalet Earth’s Treasures, just Market is off of Main Street »»406-586-8990 your best in Bozeman, is the only little museum »»Bridgeranimalnutrition.com source for the perfect and mining store in Bridger Montana- southwest Montana. Animal made Find unique gifts: Nutrition gift. Their fossils, crystals, has been smokehouses dinosaur poop, metal your locally work overtime for the holidays turning detectors, butterfly wing jewelry (only harvested owned pet out delicious sausages, snack sticks and after a natural death), rock tumblers, gold pans and food expert jerky. They also offer a great selection affordable gemstone jewelry. With cool stuff for the since 1985. of Montana huckleberry and gourmet serious collector as well as small children, this is a This holiday food items. All gifts include a personal fun place where kids can get something with their season celebrate your furry friends and handwritten greeting and are beautifully allowance (prices start at 50 cents). Also: books, fill their stockings with our wide range of packaged in a custom box. There are collection boxes, kits and magnifying loupes. Don’t treats and toys. Raw bones, healthy freeze many gifts to choose from online at miss the bug wall – kids love bugs. Come in and dried treats, kitty caviar, fuzzy toys and chaletmarket.com, at the holiday mall enjoy the treasures of the earth that many people soft snuggly beds are just a start when it kiosks in Bozeman and Great Falls, as well will never see. comes to spoiling your pets. as the flagship store in Belgrade. Chalet Market ships to all 50 states and APO Edible Arrangements addresses. Bridger Pilates and Wellness »»2051 W. Oak St., Suite #3 » »»810 N. Wallace Ave. Dinners Done Right ~ Helena » Stone Ridge Square Shopping Center »»406-600-5247 »»3150 N. Montana Ave., Suite C »»406-586-0319 »»Bridgerpilates.com »»[email protected] »»[email protected] Buy your »»406-449-5100 »»edible.com loved one the Edible Arrangements greatest gift of Bozeman opened this all: health for past January and is the holidays the first one in the and the year state of Montana. Ever to follow. since, they’ve been Bridger Pilates helping people in is a wellness our local community facility offering STOTT Pilates, massage celebrate. They serve therapy and dōTERRA essential oils. The the entire state of Montana, as well as Jackson studio caters to the individual, providing Dinners Done Right is a locally owned Hole, through a statewide shipping program. Fruit both private and group instruction. Holiday meal prep store located in Helena. Helping arrangements and dipped fruit boxes are always specials not to miss include $120 for a 10- families with the “What’s for Dinner freshly-crafted using fruit that is grown and time group mat punch card; $300 for five Dilemma?” by prepping meals at the store picked to fruit expert standards. And, they have private sessions; or try the Buy One Get to your tastes. Don’t like onions? They the best variety of gourmet semisweet and white One: a one-hour private Pilates session won’t add them. All of the meals can be chocolate. Visit any time for a FREE sample, and and a dōTERRA essential oils Aromatouch frozen and pulled out as you need to use find out why its the best dipped fruit, period. session for $100. Gift certificates towards them. Cooking directions are listed so you training and dōTERRA essential oils are will know what to do. Dinners Done Right also available in various amounts. Train with delivers to Bozeman twice a month, or the best for the best results. come up to Helena and prep your own and make it a day out.
30 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com Erotique I Love KickBoxing Maranda Lee Designs »»12 N. Willson Ave. »»1735 W. Oak, Suite G »»Marandalee.com »»406-586-7825 »»406-209-8022 »»Facebook: marandaleedesigns »»Erotiquestyle.com »»ilovekickboxing.com Erotique specializes in If you want to get in healthy sexuality with shape and have fun lingerie, adult DVDs, doing it, why not treat lotions, toys, books, yourself to Bozeman’s magazines, stimulants, best new workout? condoms, relationship ilovekickboxing is the enhancement, art most fun, most fat- and more. Fun, fresh melting, stress-busting What little girl doesn’t love a purse? and healthy for a workout in town. You’ll Find a Mini Mama purse for every relationship. NEW online ordering! love our high-energy classes and amazing little girl in your life at marandalee. instructors. We’ll see you on the mat. etsy.com, where there is always a Giggles, Toys & More large selection of Mini Mama purses John Bozeman’s Bistro ready to ship today. »»In the Gallatin Valley Mall »»125 E. Main St. »»406-522-8697 »»406-587-4100 »»FB/Giggles-Toys-More Mariah Allen Photography »»Johnbozemansbistro.com » Giggles, Toys & More » 406-581-2480 Want to buy a gift for a in the Gallatin Valley loved one that won’t be »»mariahallenphotography@gmail. Mall has the ASTRA’s stuffed into a closet by com Best Toys for Kids January? Get a gift card for 2015. Come into »»mariahallenphotography.com from John Bozeman’s Giggles to find all the Bistro. The Bistro caters winners, like the Mixed to every type of diner by Me Thinking Putty and is a great way to Kit by Crazy Aaron’s celebrate the season; Puttyworld. Create your own custom Thinking plus, they are an independent, local option that Putty colors with this brand-new kit. With five tins everyone loves. Gift cards please even those who are of clear putty, three concentrated color putties, the hardest to buy for on your list and are a great three special effect putties and an instructional option for teachers as well. Stop by the Bistro today mat, it includes everything you’ll need to make cool Seniors and grab one of the hottest gifts of the holiday Thinking Putty colors that are all your own. Your season, or call 406-587-4100 and have your gift Thinking Putty will never dry out so you can play Give the gift of cherished memories card mailed to you. with your new toy forever. Let the Giggles friendly this holiday. Purchase a gift staff help you find that perfect gift. certificate from Mariah Allen La Châtelaine Chocolat Co. Photography in December and receive $25 off or $50 in professional Kids Babies Heyday »»110 S. Rouse Ave. and in the Baxter Hotel print credit. Mariah is a camera »»7 W. Main St. »»Chatelainechocolate.com artist that loves creating customized portrait sessions that are fun and La Châtelaine Chocolat »»406-586-5589 unique in the studio or on-location. is a Frenchy artisan Mariah is available for maternity, »» chocolaterie based Heydaybozeman.com birth, newborn, children, senior or in the rugged Rocky family sessions. »»Facebook: heydaybozeman Mountains of Montana. Families At Heyday, holiday A Frenchman (and shopping is easy. Gift- his American wife) wrapping is free, we created La Châtelaine ship anywhere and we after longing for the are open late until 8 delectable chocolates from childhood. The two p.m., Monday through owners have trained in San Francisco and Paris and Weddings Thursday in December. make a pilgrimage to Paris each year to expand Make your holiday their culinary repertoire. La Châtelaine’s tasteful mariah allen - camera artist special at Heyday. packaging and premium chocolates are as lovely Capturing Life’s Brightest Moments to look at as they are to eat and will make you feel modeling | headshots | events 406.581.2480 (if only for a moment) like you’ve taken a trip to mariahallenphotography.com France.
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 31 32 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com :: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 33 WHAT’S UP DOC? The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons A new exhibit at Museum of the Rockies. Now Open!
Join us for a colorful, comical look at this legendary Hollywood animation studio – the rambunctious Feeling overwhelmed? Montanabirthplace Outdoor of characters like Bugs BunnyMuseum and of Daffythe Rockies Bring your presents to ScienceDuck, School Porky Pig and Tweety Bird.»» 600Delight W. Kagy in Blvd.the actual artwork used in these beloved cartoons from the Postal Annex Bozeman. »»4056the 1930sBridger toCanyon the 1960s. Dr. The exhibition»»406-994-6054 also explores For All Of Your Holiday the elaborate creative process that brought these »»406-582-0526masterpieces of humor and satire to »life.»Museumoftherockies.org Don’t miss it! Shipping, Scanning »»outdoorscience.orgSponsored by: With a MOR Copying/Faxing & Private membership, »»facebook.com/ that special Mailbox Needs. Call Karl. MontanaOutdoorScienceSchool someone on December 16th is the last day to your gift list
© Warner Bros. Inc. will enjoy ship ground and ensure that it gets To become a member or to donate, visit museumoftherockies.org. the following there before Christmas eve. benefits every day of the year: unlimited admission to the museum and Taylor Planetarium; admission to more than 300 other museums around the world; members-only exhibit previews; free and special discounts on kids’ and family Give the gift of a MOSS Camp! programs; 10 percent savings at the museum Purchase a gift certificate for your store and the list goes on. So share the favorite child or make a contribution joy this season with a gift membership to to MOSS’ scholarship fund in honor of Museum of the Rockies. the one you love. MOSS offers camps during summer, spring break and PIR Music Together (“Music Kate”) days. »»406-570-2839 »»[email protected] Montana Parent Magazine »»MusicTogetherBozeman.com »»mtparent.com »»Facebook.com/MusicTogetherBozeman » » FB/MTParent In Music Is the Together’s Montana Family-Style Parent rack (mixed-age, empty again infants to age or are you 5) Parent-Child just looking music classes, for the children gain perfect gift developmental for family benefits (vocal, rhythmic, social, linguistic and friends who live out-of-state? Either and motor skills) through singing, movement, At the corner of way, a Montana Parent subscription is the drumming, dance and rhythm instrument solution. Keep grandparents in touch and play. A perfect gift for grandparents, family S. Wilson Ave & feeling like they are here with you and or friends wishing to encourage a child’s their grandchildren, or offer your siblings musical expression. Birthday and holiday and friends across the country a chance gift certificates are offered for full or partial W. Kagy Blvd to see what parenting under the Big Sky tuition. Sibling discounts ($100 off) are is like. Montana Parent magazine features offered and babies under 12 months are (406) 219-2210 vibrant photography combined with FREE with a registered sibling. Call “Music email: [email protected] content parents everywhere will enjoy. Kate” and/or visit the website/facebook page Cost is $40 for 11 issues. Visit mtparent. for class schedules, to request a free preview com and click on the subscriptions tab to or register online. Classes are offered
purchase. at 10:30 a.m., 4 and 5:15 p.m. with make mp up opportunities. New “West End” classes starting in January.
34 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com Music Villa Simple Reflections Storm Castle Café »»539 E. Main St. Photographic Art »»5 Tai Ln. »»406-587-4761 »»406-924-3133 »»Café: 406-586-0395 »»Musicvilla.com »»[email protected] »»Catering: 406-763-9988 Looking for the perfect »»Simplereflectionsphoto.com For those of you gift for the young Simple who love shopping musician in your Reflections locally, Storm Castle household? Photography Café and Hilltop Music Villa carries offers on- 7 Farm have what a huge selection of location child you need for the musical instruments and family holidays. Locally from novice to pro, photography grown foods, canned and is known locally in the Gallatin goods, hot sauces, gift for their friendly, knowledgeable staff. Music Valley. Book certificates, T-shirts and sweatshirts. Need a place Villa is also home to Bozeman’s most trusted your portrait session now to gift beautiful for your holiday get-together or party? Storm music lesson program – the Music Villa School of images to friends and family this holiday Castle has the space for you. Music, which offers lessons for all ages and skill season. Gift certificates are available. levels. Having trouble deciding? Pick up a Music Villa gift card (good for all services). Open every Townshend’s Teahouse day. Sola Café »»402 E. Main St., Ste. 1 »»290 W. Kagy Blvd. »» Nova Café 406-577-2740 »»406-922-SOLA »»Townshendstea.com »»312 E. Main St. »»Solacafe.com »»Facebook: Townshends-Bozeman-Teahouse »»406-587-3973 Sola’s Gluten- Give the gift of tea Free Friend »»Thenovacafe.com this holiday season. Gift Basket With more than 100 Nova Café, located in features the heart of historic teas to choose from, LOCALS’ an array of Townshend’s has CHOICE BACON!downtown Bozeman, Sola’s favorite BREAKFAST 7-2 something special to ’ is locally owned and BENEDICTS BACON! gluten-free FREE GLUTEN EGGS!serves up the best offer everyone. Their ’LL WANT TO DAILY SPECIALS delectables $20 holiday gift boxes LOCALLYbreakfast OWNED in town. Their LICK OUR SKILLETS KIDS MENU AND OP ERATED and treats in unique and delicious include four of their a lovely basket. Cost ranges from $25 to most popular teas. Tea GIFT CARDS breakfast and lunch $50. menus offer local ware collections are available in a variety of colors; ingredients, deliciously prepared. Give the gift of mix and match to provide a style that is perfect for Nova with a Nova Café gift card, perfect for any Spire Climbing Center your loved ones. Ring in the holidays with a cup of occasion. cheer. »»13 Enterprise Blvd. Re-form Studio »»406-586-0706 Yellowstone Grassfed Beef » » »»3 S. Black Ave., Ste. A » Spireclimbingcenter.com » P.O. Box 253 Give the gift »»406-522-9421 »»406-219-3255 of climbing this holiday » »»Reformstudiobozeman.com » yellowstonegrassfedbeef.com season and Re-form studio, surprise a »»Yellowstone located in downtown friend or Grassfed Beef “Beef Bozeman, is designed family member Box of the Month” to help improve your with a gift program features comfort and freedom certificate premium-quality of movement by from Spire Climbing Center. Certificates 100 percent grassfed providing Pilates and can be used for memberships, day passes, beef that is produced Rolfing services. Re- punch cards, women’s clinics, instruction, entirely in Montana. form Studio strives to youth programs/camps or private lessons »»The box of the establish a creative and with an experienced instructors. Get in relaxing environment with quality instruction. month is customizable; simply choose which shape and have fun at the same time at size you want and they’ll send you a box every Private and group Pilates classes are available with Spire. reformer (with trap) and chair equipment. Give month. the gift of well-being this holiday season. »»Free delivery in the Gallatin Valley. Sign up online at yellowstonegrassfedbeef.com. mp :: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 35 Clean Eats
Find Your Health springintegrativehealth.com One stop for: Naturopathic • Acupuncture Moroccan Lentil Stuffed Acorn Squash Holistic Counseling • Nutrition WRITTEN BY MEGAN ULRICHS Bodytalk/Craniosacral • Prolotherapy Naturopathic Oncology Megan Ulrichs is a Did you know that summer squash is simply the immature squash, and winter squash is fully Holistic Dietary matured? Their nutrient profiles are very different and since winter squash is in season right now, Consultant at Spring let’s talk about why we should devour them. Integrative Health with a BS in nutrition and exercise science Health benefits of winter squash: and is near »»They are an excellent complex carbohydrate, which completion of a MS in makes them good for diabetics and those with Holistic Nutrition digestive problems. with a focus on healing through food. »»They are loaded with vitamin A, C, potassium and Garnish: Family Friendly Discounts Available magnesium. »»Goat or feta cheese (1 to 4 »» ounces depending on your 406.586.2626 They’re rich in carotenoids, which gives them great taste) springintegrativehealth.com anti-carcinogenic properties. »»¼ cup basil and/or mint diced »»The seeds are an excellent source of monounsaturated (oleic acid) fats and zinc. (They can be toasted just like pumpkin seeds.) Instructions: Cook acorn squash on cookie sheet »»They should be purchased organic due to their ability face down for 20-30 minutes until to absorb chemical compounds from the soil. soft when pricked with a fork.
While squash is cooking: place Moroccan Lentil Stuffed Acorn Squash lentils, quinoa and remaining Serves 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Toss CafeCafe »»2 acorn squash cut in half well and taste. Adjust seasoning and sea salt to taste. If you prefer »»1 cup cooked lentil beans a milder garlic taste, sauté the »»1 cup cooked quinoa (for paleo, replace with ground onion and garlic prior to combining uniqueunique turkey) ingredients. »»1 large onion diced Stuff squash and cook an additional 15-20 minutes. homemadehomemade »»4 cloves garlic crushed »»2 carrots finely chopped Garnish with goat or feta cheese and a pinch of fresh basil or mint comfortcomfort foodfood »»1 cup kale or spinach finely sliced (think confetti) or both. mp »»2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Clean Eats by Megan Ulrichs, Holistic Nutrition Specialist at Spring Integrative »»2 teaspoons ground cumin Heath. »»1/8 teaspoon ground coriander »»1/4 teaspoon ground chili BozemanMontana »»1/4 teaspoon sea salt (more or less to taste) stormcastlecafe.com »»1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar »»1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
36 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com A Baby, the Holidays and MARIAH ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY ALLEN MARIAH PHOTO NOWRITTEN BYCheer NADINE DUBOIS GRAYL
It’s that time of year again – “time for toys and not a disorder. Moms may feel moody, cry a time for cheer” as Alvin and the Chipmunks like lot, feel sad, worried, forgetful and have trouble to sing – but not all of us are feelin’ it. concentrating.
If you’ve got a baby, you might be wondering However, if your baby is anywhere between how you are going to go shopping, wrap gifts, three weeks to a year old and you are not feeling address cards, call friends, bake treats and make your old self emotionally, you could be one of extra time for family and friends. Did I mention the 15 to 20 percent of mothers who experience the obligatory holiday picture of your child(ren) postpartum depression or anxiety. According to you’re supposed to send to everyone, even if your Bennett and Indman, symptoms of this disorder baby was just born a few weeks ago? If you have are excessive worry or fear, irritability, feeling older children, your “to do” list is even bigger. overwhelmed, sadness, hopelessness, feelings of Add all of this onto to the regular rhythm of your guilt, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, life, and you may have a recipe for some holiday loss of interest or pleasure, etc. blues, to say the least. Up to nine percent of mothers experience Any person who celebrates at least one holiday Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, this month is feeling the stress. But you, dear sometimes accompanied by depression. Signs of mama, might be feeling blue, exhausted, extra this disorder include intrusive thoughts, which anxious, extra irritable or simply overwhelmed. often include thoughts of hurting or killing the On top of any or all of this, you may be feeling baby, “tremendous horror and disgust about guilty for not being “in the holiday spirit” even these thoughts,” write Bennett and Indman though your baby is healthy, you have people in and fears about germs and one’s own health. your life who love you and most things are going Panic Disorder is experienced by 10 percent of reasonably well. So why aren’t you happy? postpartum moms, and Postpartum Psychosis occurs in less than one percent of moms. These First of all, it’s not your fault. There is a very moms see and hear things others do not; they strong possibility that you may be suffering from are delusional, manic, confused and paranoid, the baby blues or a postpartum mood disorder though not all the time. Other disorders include such as postpartum depression, postpartum Postpartum Bipolar Disorder and Postpartum anxiety or another postpartum disorder. Trying PTSD. harder to be happy this season isn’t going to help, but reaching out for help will. With help, your If you or someone you love is experiencing holiday season can be a little bit brighter. any of these symptoms, it’s time to get some help. Make an appointment with your provider. My heart aches for you, because I have been You also are welcome to join Bozeman Health where you are, and lots of other moms I know are Deaconess Hospital’s free First Year Postpartum feeling the very same things. You are not alone. Support Group held every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. in the Sapphire Room. Moms who come In their book, Beyond the Blues: Understanding find comfort in sharing with one another and and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression hope in knowing they are not alone. mp and Anxiety, Drs. Shoshana Bennett and Pec Nadine DuBois Grayl, MA, is a member of the Spiritual Care Indman describe what you may be experiencing. Department at Bozeman Health’s Deaconess Hospital. She Up to 80 percent of mothers experience the has completed Postpartum Support International’s Certificate baby blues during the first two weeks after Training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. having a baby. This is a normal experience and
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 37 MARIAH ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY ALLEN MARIAH Fall into a bountiful harvest of flavors. PHOTO Let us help you find The Flu “pairings” that are simple and delightful. and You WRITTEN BY ALI SCHWEITZER Now open in our new home in the Cannery District Building 111 East Oak St. Suite 1E » Bozeman, MT 59715 Winter’s here and, along with the cold, comes flu » Increase your vitamin D. Since we aren’t season. It seems like from October to January, getting much Vitamin D from the sun, taking a 406-577-2221 our children are coming home with runny noses, supplement will ensure that those levels don’t www.bznoilandvinegar.com colds, coughs and the dreaded flu. Not only are dip too much (I recommend 5,000-10,000 We have your missing ingredient they getting sick but the snuggles, hugs and ius) Mention this ad and get 10% off kisses that help comfort them get mom and dad » sick as well. The good news is there’s a way to » Drink water, about half your body weight in stay healthy during the cold and flu season. ounces or more (and no, coffee and soda don’t count) The Flu is Not a Season »»De-stress, find something that decreases your We hear over and over again that flu season is stress and calms you down here, or that last year’s flu season was horrible, but really there is no such thing as a flu season. »»Stay adjusted: By keeping your spine moving, Don’t get me wrong, it does seem like the flu is you are keeping your nervous system healthy, more common from October to January. But and a healthy nervous system keeps the instead of looking at the flu as a season, think immune system strong about this instead: The flu is an inability to adapt due to decreased sun exposure and water intake The Chiropractic Factor combined with increased sugar intake and stress. A well-balanced spine plays a major role in Now that makes more sense. It starts getting keeping our bodies healthy and happy. When colder in October and we spend less time outside your spine is misaligned, the nerves that travel exposing ourselves to the sun and soaking in to particular areas of the body can’t function vitamin D. As it gets colder, we tend to drink less properly and that leads to malfunctions. water because we don’t feel as thirsty when we Regular adjustments can help decrease nerve aren’t hot. Add Halloween treats, Thanksgiving interference, therefore ensuring properly pies, Christmas cookies and all the added stress functioning organs and immune systems. This and – BAM! – bye-bye healthy immune system. means that your body is better able to fight the nasty cold and flu viruses you may come into Tips to Avoid the Flu contact with this winter. So how does one avoid the flu? If you keep your immune system strong and healthy, you can So instead of getting caught up in the flu season avoid the full-blown flu even if you come into this year, take the right steps to stay healthy contact with the virus. Here are a few good tips instead. mp to help keep that immune system strong as we Dr. Ali Schweitzer is a chiropractor at Active head into the colder weather Montana has to Family Chiropractic & Rehab. She is devoted offer. to helping families in the Gallatin Valley stay healthy during the cold winter months, and »»Avoid all the sugar...sure, a few pieces of candy, throughout the year. a slice of pie or a cookie or two won’t hurt you, but moderation is the key
38 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com corner on health
When There’s No Place Called Home Homelessness
in MontanaWRITTEN BY MARIE MITCHELL PNP, FNP
Ciara* is a high school student who How you can help the homeless »»Healthcare Connections Bus: The bus travels “couch surfs” at the homes of friends. (or help reduce homelessness): through Bozeman and surrounding areas Rodney* has recently been released providing free immunizations, health screenings Bozeman’s Family School Services program: from jail and lives in his car. Tom* is a »» and more. For more information call 406-414- veteran with mental illness living at a Coordinated by Anna Edwards, the program 2100 or visit bozemanhealth.org/hcc. campground. Ellen* has found emergency assists homeless children and youth from th housing for her young children and preschool through 12 grade in Bozeman Public »»The Salvation Army: Located at 32 S. Rouse St., herself at Haven, a resource for victims Schools. During the 2011/2012 school year, the Salvation Army provides sack lunches (and of domestic violence. The Smiths* have 56 students were identified as homeless. That breakfasts while The Warming Center is open). lost their jobs and the house they used to number increased to 104 during the 2014/2015 They have an annual coat giveaway, food/presents own. They say they were the last to ever school year. To make a contribution, call 406- during the holidays and a thrift store. They also think they would be homeless. 522-6118. have special services for veterans. For assistance, to volunteer or to make a contribution, contact The Community Café: »» Located at 302 N. Seventh Family Services office at 406-586-5813 Who are the homeless? Ave., The Community Café offers delicious or visit intermountain.salvationarmy.org/ Homeless people may be individuals or dinners every day of the year from 5-7 p.m. intermountain/Bozeman. families. The homeless are obvious in The café works on a “pay what you can” model big cities like New York where people to provide nutritious dinners to everyone in our »»Veterans: Homeless Montana veterans numbered sleep on park benches, in doorways or on community, regardless of their ability to pay. To 256 in 2014. Resources are available for heat grates. In other regions, including volunteer at the café or make a contribution, homeless vets at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877- Montana, their presence may not be as call 406-587-4225 or visit cafebozeman.org. 424-3838), va.gov/homeless and the Bozeman obvious as they are often out of sight, Salvation Army. Family Promise: sleeping under bridges or in cars, or »» Almost half of the homeless » The Warming Center: staying at campgrounds. families in the U.S. include children. Local » Located in Bozeman at 2104 churches in Bozeman provide temporary housing Industrial Drive. More than 200 people stayed at It is difficult to count the homeless, and individualized services to help homeless The Warming Center in 2014. The center offers because they are, by nature, transient and families rebuild their lives. To volunteer or make a safe, warm place to sleep during the coldest hidden. The majority are without homes a contribution, call 406-582-7388 or visit months in Montana. Showers are also available. due to financial hardship: unable to find familypromiseGV.org. The center relies totally on community donations to stay open. To make a contribution, call work, lost jobs/income, or unable to keep Gallatin Valley Food Bank: »» Located at 602 406-587-4486 or visit thehrdc.org. a job due to mental illness or substance Bond St. with branches in Three Forks, Big abuse. A lack of available affordable Sky and Belgrade (on Saturdays). “Coming Homelessness is here in Bozeman. You can help housing and chronic illness add to the through our doors is a statement of need, and by volunteering, providing needed supplies or financial problems. we work hard to meet that need.” To make contributing money to keep these programs afloat. a contribution or find contact information Anyone in need, not just the homeless, can access What problems do the homeless for other area food assistance programs, visit these programs and in some cases, be able to avoid gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org or call HRDC at face? being homeless. You never know when you might 406-587-4486. Lack of a reliable, consistent place to live find yourself in a position where you are “one can cause anxiety and safety risks. Health »»Haven: Gallatin County individuals who have paycheck away from homelessness.”mp issues increase with exposure to extreme been victims of domestic violence can find temperatures or no ready access to water, emergency housing and legal assistance, *No real names were used. food or bathing facilities. The homeless counseling and support at Haven. There is a 24- often do not get health care and may hour Crisis Hotline (406-586-4111). To make Marie Mitchell is nationally certified as both a Pediatric Nurse not receive immunizations or needed Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. She is the owner of a contribution, call 406-586-7689 or visit Four Corners Health Care and welcomes new patients. For more medications. They are often hungry with havenmt.org. information call 406-556-8300 or visit 4chealthcare.com. limited access to nutritious food, which especially impacts growing children.
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 39 Bozeman 1. What’s a LARC? 4. Why is this important? Birth LARCs are Long Acting Reversible The U.S. still has one of the highest Contraceptives such as IUDs and implants. There teen pregnancy rates in the are several IUDs, including Mirena (releases a low industrialized world, due in part to lack level of hormones) and Paragard (non-hormonal). of comprehensive sex education and Control IUDs are intra-uterine devices and implants are use of contraception. The vast majority a matchstick-sized rod that’s inserted under the of U.S. teen pregnancies are unplanned skin of a woman’s upper arm. IUDs and implants (82 percent) and the majority end in Fund work for three to 12 years, depending on the teen parenthood (60 percent). Only method you choose. They are highly effective 50 percent of teen moms graduate WRITTEN BY JULIANE MCLEAN with a failure rate below one percent because from high school, compared to 90 they are almost immune to user failure, unlike percent of teen girls overall, increasing daily methods like pills. the challenges these moms and children will face. I was mortified when I found out my parents In one study, women on the pill self-reported had sex to conceive me. Eww. Frankly, I’m not missing only one pill a month, when the actual The vicious cycle continues with children of quite sure my mother felt any different when she number of missed pills was over four on average. teen moms being more likely to have lower found out I’d become sexually active. The thing academic achievement, higher high school is, no matter how uncomfortable we are, we 2. If LARCs are so amazing, why isn’t everyone dropout rates, more health problems, higher need to talk with our kids about sex. Otherwise rates of incarceration and unemployment they might get their information from more using them? and a higher chance of becoming a teen questionable sources. The main barrier for many young women is the parent themselves. higher up-front cost. An IUD can easily cost At Bridgercare, we focus on providing education between $800 and $1,000, which is as much as Ensuring everyone regardless of economic and access to reproductive health care that a cheap old car. Will that clunker last 12 years like status has access to effective, safe and empowers patients to make healthy, responsible your copper IUD? Probably not, but the initial long lasting contraceptives will help decisions. A big part of this is counseling about sticker shock might obscure the value of birth our teens get an education and become all available birth control options to help the control that will cost you less than $7 a month contributing members of society before patient find a method that is most effective for for over a decade of exceptional protection from starting their own families. Please be a part their particular circumstances. unplanned pregnancy. of the solution and visit crowdrise.com/ bridgercare. Often we can help patients get their 3. What could happen if I support the Bozeman Birth Sources: Guttmacher Institute, “American Teens’ Sexual contraceptives covered through their Control Fund? and Reproductive Health”; Centers for Disease Control private insurance, the Affordable Care Act Over the past six years, Colorado has tried out a and Prevention, “About Teen Pregnancy”; Dr. Jen Gunter, (Obamacare) or Plan First. Unfortunately, LARC program on a much larger, statewide scale, “How many birth control pills do women really miss a month?” mp sometimes we can’t, which is why a group of providing free IUDs and implants to low-income MSU students has created a crowdfunding teens and young women. The results are nothing Juliane McLean is the mother of four campaign for Bridgercare to create the Bozeman short of mind-blowing. Within the first four years daughters. She works as the Development Birth Control Fund, bringing LARCs to low Coordinator at Bridgercare, Montana’s of the program, the teen birth rate decreased largest independent non-profit income women in Gallatin County. by 40 percent and the teen abortion rate by 42 reproductive health care clinic, offering percent. How absolutely wonderful would it be sexual healthcare and education on a Check it out here: www.crowdrise.com/ to replicate this success and cut Montana’s teen sliding fee scale to patients in Gallatin bridgercare and surrounding counties. You can reach her at jmclean@ birth and abortion rates almost in half? bridgercare.org or 406-587-0681 ext. 37.
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40 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com Trials and Tribulations in Parenting WRITTEN BY LEIGH RIPLEY
With three children and a never-ending stream “What happened?!” I asked. would be taking her blow-dryer, curling iron, flat of playdates, my house is usually full of kids. And iron and hair spray for a week. Yes. She would if one pays close attention, it always seems to “She sprayed me in the face with blue have to go to school with bad hair. play out in the following way: If the youngest has body shimmer spray!” She replied. a friend over, the friend generally gravitates to She wore a ponytail for three days and then the middle child. If the middle child has a friend Apparently my oldest hid behind a closed began showering at night and French braiding over, they gravitate to the oldest. If the oldest door, waiting for the 9-year-old to open it, her hair so it would be wavy in the morning and has a friend over, all the young ones inevitably and then blasted her in the face with said she could wear it down. I considered taking away stalk her. blue body shimmer spray when she did. the hair bands at this point but it was too late, we were halfway through the week (I will remember Recently, the oldest had a friend over and, as OK, so very bad behavior. But, worse than it for the next time though). usual, the younger kids were shadowing her. In the act itself was the chosen weapon (toxic an effort to have some alone 12-year-old time, spray) and its target (the eyeballs). On day seven, she appeared in my bedroom and my oldest and her pal locked themselves away asked for her hair products back. I asked if she in her room for a good portion of the afternoon. I’ve been working hard on not reacting missed her things and she replied, “It was awful.” Eventually emerging for some trampoline time, by ranting and raving and throwing out the 9-year-old and my surrogate child (read: useless consequences, so I decided to I then asked if she had learned anything from neighbor who spends most afternoons at my take a minute and really figure out how to this experience. house) sniffed her out. And so it began: the hit her where it would hurt. And then it yelling, chasing, door slamming and, eventually dawned on me. Her reply, “I need back-up hair stuff. And, if I bloodcurdling screams. ever shoot body spray at someone again, don’t If you have a tween girl, then you know aim for the eyes.” mp The middle child then appeared in the kitchen how important their hair is. So that’s Leigh Ripley lives in Bozeman with her husband, three daughters, with a tear-stained face and bulging, swollen red where I decided to go. After the friend a mother-in-law upstairs and her parents across the street. eyes. left, I informed the 12-year-old that I There’s a lot of family bonding going on.
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:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 41 New Column: Love, Dad Learning From Loss WRITTEN BY MICHAEL W. LEACH
Loss in any form can feel tragic to a child. side, I said goodbye to a treasured member of She cringed, a sense of dread scrunching up her Leaving a special blanket at the airport, forgetting our family. My head resting upon his, I thought little face. With salty eyes, I finally told her that a favorite stuffed animal in a hotel room or a back to the day my mom drove Tucker from we had lost our beloved Tuck. She burst into BFF moving out of state can seem catastrophic. the Missoula Humane Society to Butte, where tears; despair overwhelming her in waves as I held Fortunately, children tend to recover with she handed off the rambunctious four-month her. resiliency that most adults can only strive to old puppy we had chosen from a picture on the attain. Sadly, some experience more hardship shelter’s website. Thus began Tucker’s Greater Sharing the loss of Tucker with my 8-year- than others; but one thing is certain: Our Yellowstone adventure. My mind raced with old proved to be one of the most tender, children will encounter loss and heartache as they memories of mountains climbed and rivers run shattering and significant parenting moments navigate through adolescence. together. In that moment, I knew that our world I’ve experienced. Their time on this planet always would forever pulse with less vigor and spirit than too short, our pets teach our children about As a father, I struggle with finding the balance it had upon my awaking that morning. But while the realities of life. The tears and heavy hearts between protecting my 8-year-old daughter my heart ached for the loss of a dear friend and that accompany their departure will always be from the sometimes harsh reality of our world companion, it was thoughts of my daughter—how worth the joy, purpose and love these remarkable and guiding her—hopefully gracefully—in hopes she would react to the news—that dominated my animals bring into our lives. They help our little of building up her resiliency. Early on in my headspace. ones learn to love, and, with their passing, how parenting journey, I decided not to shy away to endure. I have to believe that by honoring the from hard conversations, nor be afraid to cry in Like many kids who’ve been through divorce, heartache and loss they experience, we help our front of (or beside) her. she has experienced her share of loss; but I knew children realize they can, and will, get through this would be particularly devastating. Not only the rough times. Yesterday, with winter beginning to take hold was Tucker her favorite, he was the last surviving of our little corner of the world, I couldn’t four-legged from her early childhood. Years ago, when travels started taking me away, bring myself to tell K-Bear that her beloved I told K-Bear that any time we were apart, if we Tucker, our 10-year-old dog, was going in for One of the best pieces of parenting advice I’ve wished hard enough, we could meet in the stars. a splenectomy later that morning. Like most ever given or received is to be intentional. During Knowing how sad she was, my parents dropped parents, I never want her to stress about things these watershed moments, it seems to me that off a new stuffed animal and fleece. that are out of her control, and I couldn’t bear honesty, a willingness to be vulnerable and a plan the thought of her being distracted when she was are paramount. That night, as she drifted off to sleep wrapped in so excited about the first snow day—a cause for her new blanket I whispered to her. celebration for a second grader. We made it through dance class and her first basketball practice in good form, she ate a hardy “Meet you in the stars, Tucker...” I had scheduled another action-packed dinner and we had a special desert planned afternoon, typical of a Montana parent and child. following the news I had to deliver. I like to think those words began the mending of The plan was simple. After school, between dance my little one’s heart. mp class and basketball practice, I would tell her I was determined to do this right. Michael W. Leach is a father, author, motivational speaker about Tucker’s surgery and, assuming it had gone and rabble rousing green guy. His latest book Be Audacious: well (as anticipated), we would pick him up. I eased in. Inspiring Your Legacy and Living a Life That Matters, propels millennials to change the world. His blog BeAudacious.com is But that plan unraveled just minutes into my “I need to share something with you that’s going basecamp for adventurous people striving to live extraordinary lives. He lives, loves and dreams with his wife and daughter in morning when I received a devastating call to be hard to talk about…” Bozeman, Montana. from the vet. Tucker wasn’t going to make it. His beautiful, healthy-looking body was riddled I explained that Tucker had undergone surgery with cancer. With my mom, dad and wife by my and the veterinarian discovered he was very sick.
42 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com MOMWRITTEN BY SARA GROVESoirs My 8-year-old son, Peter, recently went to a by plastic dinosaurs, a toothbrush shaped like medicine. And when someone told me to clean party at a friend’s house. When he returned, I an astronaut) or brightly-colored, sugary, kid- up, I was just expected to put things away — asked him, “Did you have a fun time?” friendly varieties of everything from dental floss without a happy song accompanying the task. and toothpaste to milk and medicine. “I did,” Peter said. “But I’m not having fun I understand the reasoning behind making the anymore!” With that, I jerked Peter back to But the fun doesn’t end there. In fact, the more most mundane and sometimes awful tasks seem reality by making him unload the dishwasher and I thought about it, the more I realized that fun; this isn’t lost on me. But when do kids learn put away his laundry (a big ZERO on the “Fun everywhere the boys go and everything they do is that life isn’t always fun and games? When do Scale”) and by giving him vegetables and fruit at specifically designed to appeal to their pint-sized they learn that not just sometimes, but often, dinnertime, as opposed to the cake and ice cream tastes. they must complete tasks that aren’t fun at all? he was certain his friend was eating for dinner. Even a trip to their dentist makes going to I don’t want to be the mean mom who takes her “My friend’s house is more fun than our house,” Disneyland seem a fairly dismal prospect. In the kids to the crusty old dentist with the windowless he told me. “At his house, you can watch a movie waiting room, there are video games, a train set, exam room. But I have to pause and wonder and decorate cookies and eat candy and cake and stuffed animals, boxes of toys and a flat-screen about the message I am sending when everything ice cream.” TV playing children’s movies. The exam room is about my kids’ lives is fun, fun, fun and the only painted to resemble the bottom of the ocean, thing that’s missing is a giant bowl of candy with a “Maybe you should go to your friend’s house and stuffed fish hang from the ceiling while a sign that says, “FREE! TAKE ALL YOU WANT!” when he isn’t having a party,” I said to Peter. “I huge aquarium bubbles away nearby. bet their house is a lot like our house then — no I think all children should lead joyful lives where fun at all!” At the risk of sounding like my parents and they have few worries and concerns and the bulk grandparents, who all apparently wore burlap of their experiences are positive and happy. But I But when I paused to think, I realized that sacks and hiked 27 miles to school barefoot in want my kids to understand that not everything my sons’ lives are actually one fun thing after mile-high snowdrifts, I learned a hard life lesson will bring them joy and happiness and they will another. Their childhood has been punctuated by early: Life isn’t always fun. And you still have to still have to do things because that is what is fort-building, art projects, volcanic eruptions with do what is expected of you — whether it’s fun or expected of them. baking soda and vinegar, hikes in the mountains, not. swims at the pool, soaks in hot springs, camping I wish life were all fun and games. I wish that expeditions, museum visits and trips to the At my childhood dentist’s office, I sat in the every day brought nothing but candy and trick- library, toy store, pet store or the park. waiting room (which I remember as being very or-treating and video games and kids’ movies grey) without a toy in sight. At home, I brushed and books and toys and happy sing-a-longs. And This is the way a child’s life should be, at least with a plain ol’ toothbrush using Crest, in its maybe for a chosen few, this is the way life is. in my mind. But as I thought more about it, I super minty pasty form. At my doctor’s office, But for most of us, life is about getting up in the realized that, in fact, there is little in my boys’ I was lucky if I could find a 7-year-old tattered morning and getting dressed so we can go to lives that isn’t fun. Of course they’re older now; issue of Highlights for Children. My mom and I work or to a meeting or to the doctor or to the but from the time they were itty-bitty, even passed the time in the exam room by thumbing dentist. And still, we get up and we go do it — fun the most mundane chores and tasks have been through the Physician’s Desk Reference, a tome or not. made more fun by happy sing-a-long songs (the that exceeded any respectable dictionary in Sara Groves lives in Helena where she is mom to Mike and “clean-up song” for cleaning up toys), pint- size. At home, glasses of milk were completely Peter. She coordinates the early literacy program, Ready 2 Read, sized cartoon versions of adult objects (a Bob unadulterated and were thus white and tasted at the Montana State Library and also works as a freelance the Builder potty seat, dental floss held in place suspiciously of milk. My medicine tasted like writer. mp
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 43 • Clothing • Maternity • {BuffALO} • Toys • Furniture • Closeouts • ELSIE’S
• Equipment Rentals • LEARNING OPTIONS TIPS
THINKING ABOUT TIME
WRITTEN BY ELSIE JOHNSON
Q: My son had such a hard time learning to tell time. But the $10 off problem didn’t end there – even now, he has such a distorted a $40 purchase sense of time and tends to spend too much of it on the minor part of a task, leaving no time for the remainder of the job.
A: When a person struggles to correctly decode while reading aloud, anyone can guess that this person probably has a learning disability. In addition 2621 W College, Suite B to reading issues, picture thinkers also often have a distorted sense of time or Across from the Mall Behind lose track of time on a regular basis. This can be resolved by using the learner’s Mountain Hot Tub & Rooks Comics strengths. [email protected] 624-6364 Disorientation (not getting the true facts from one’s surroundings) is a mental state that some people use to solve problems and get different perspectives on real-world puzzles. However, without control of this skill, a person will experience a distorted sense of time. Sleep is an excellent example of disorientation; it is common to wake up confused by how much time has actually passed.
Hyper focus – when a person tunes out the rest of the environment in order to focus on one thing only – is another facet of disorientation. Hyper focus has its place in sports and many other places, but when a person repeatedly fails to complete tasks or assignments because he spends too much time on one step of the job, he needs to learn how to control his focus and better understand time.
What to do: Introduce the Davis focus and self-regulation tools of orientation point/alignment, energy dial and release. These tools increase a person’s self- awareness and help them become more aware of the focus and mental energy of those working with them.
Come to the presentation, “Fish Don’t Climb Trees – Challenges and Gifts of Dyslexic Thinking” at the Bozeman Library on January 16 at 1 p.m. to find out more and ask questions. mp
Comprehensive Therapy Elsie Johnson, a Registered Educational Therapist, and certified DDAI Facilitator, has helped hundreds of adults and children gain control over their ability to learn, Services for Independence through understanding how to take advantage of their picture thinking – thus taking and Growth responsibility and pride in learning. Learn more at www.thelearningoptions.com or call Elsie at 406-282-7416. F Occupational and Physical Therapy F Speech and Language Therapy F Breastfeeding Support and Supplies
A warm and comfortable environment serving: Infants, Children and Women 1276 N. 15th Ave., #101 F 587-2755
44 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com the family business In a Nutshell Montana Harvest and Juice Republic Have a New Name
WRITTEN BY ELEONORE SNOW | PHOTOS BY JENNIEVEN COLE
Because here’s the second most important thing you need to know about Nutshell Naturals: Tricia Livesay is obsessed with health and nutrition. Seriously. She is a beautiful dynamo with a blazing, infectious energy that – like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally – makes you want to have whatever she’s having. (For the record, First off, here’s the most important thing the mother of three is gluten- and mostly you need to know: Bozeman’s favorite health dairy-free and does the following to keep food and nutrition store, Montana Harvest her energy up: “I support the adrenals; cut and Juice Republic on Willson is now the sugar; watch the alcohol; watch the Nutshell Naturals. “It’s the same store, only caffeine and I have green superfood or a better,” explains co-owner Tricia Livesay. green drink at 4 o’clock instead of a cup of coffee, which is something we should all She and her partner, Kelly Ann Brown, had do.”) been wanting to re-brand the store for years and got the perfect opportunity when their Clearly, Livesay has a lot to say to anyone landlord decided to renew their space while who will listen about health and nutrition. cutting it in half. The old store was roomy “I haven’t read fiction in forever because and open, but there was definitely some I’m too interested in reading about the gut wasted space. and chronic inflammation and how we solve it!” she says, laughing. She strongly believes “We discontinued some slower selling that allopathic medicine has its place, but products like baking flours and bulk cooking she wants to help people understand that oils,” Livesay says. “This re-branding allowed they are the ones in control of their own us to really define ourselves, maximize health. our potential and make it easier for our customers to shop. Now, we can look at Helping her in this effort are her partner every single product and know exactly why Brown, who runs the company systems and we carry it. We’re also getting rid of things keeps the wheels of the operation greased, that were already selling and bringing in and Becki Cook, who was the supplement products that we actually think are better.” buyer at the Co-op and is now helping Livesay analyze and re-vamp all of Nutshell Livesay says that most of her regular Naturals’ wonderful new products. “The customers are happy with the change three of us make a great team,” Livesay and have been great about it. She wants says. to reassure those who are struggling and encourage them to ask her if they can’t Nutshell Naturals (406-585-3777) is find an old product and talk to her about located at 35 S. Willson Ave. in Bozeman. mp why it’s been replaced. As for the juice bar, it continues to grow and expand its menu, Like most working single moms, Eleonore Snow runs full speed at all times and sometimes goes to the store to offering new fare while at the same time buy milk for her kids and comes home with only wine for sticking with the tried and true. herself. You can judge her, it’s OK.
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 45 Movie Reviews
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS FROM THE ‘80S WRITTEN BY SIERRA FEIN
Have little time to shop, Mickey’s Christmas Carol 1983 G chop and prepare your meals? Prancer 1989 G The Snowman 1982 G We make home A Christmas Story 1983 PG Gremlins 1984 PG cooked meals for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 1989 PG-13 your busy family! Scrooged 1888 PG-13 The Snowman (1982) G A beloved story that loosely follows Frosty the Snowman, The Snowman, is an animated short to delight the entire family this holiday season. The Snowman depicts the story of a boy who builds a snowman that comes to life at night. The snowman takes the boy on an enchanting journey through winter landscapes and imaginative lands. The musical score is simple yet perfectly accompanies the tale without any need for dialogue.
Gremlins (1984) PG Not your traditional Christmas classic by any means, Gremlins is a funny and somewhat frightening story that unfolds when a father brings home a mysterious December delivery pet for his son’s holiday gift. Billy is charmed by his adorable new pet, the trips to Bozeman Mogwai, and bonds with him instantly. Billy’s father gives him three important rules: no water, no feeding after midnight and no bright lights. When a glass of Wednesday water accidently spills on their pet, little fuzzy balls explode from beneath his December 9th at 5:30 skin creating many new Mogwai. All remain harmless until they are accidently fed after midnight one night. When the family returns, they find the Mogwai in a gooey cocoon. Wednesday Once they hatch days later, the fluffy, friendly Mogwai have transformed into malicious mini December 23rd at 3:30 green monsters on a mission to wreak havoc all across the town. Some of their tactics are truly $10 off with any vicious while others have some built in humor. Will Billy and his family save the town in time for Christmas? You will have to watch and see. (Note: This may have some frightening scenes for 6 or 12 meal young kids.) mp
pick up package Movie Lovers is Bozeman’s only local, independent video rental store, since 1984. Movie Lovers offers a Use coupon code: HOLIDAY vast collection of foreign, independent and classic films on DVD and Blu-Ray; as well as new releases and TV series. Movie Lovers is located at University Square on South 23rd Avenue. The friendly and Valid until 12-31-15 knowledgeable staff offers great service and recommendations.
To learn more about these Christmas classics and many others, call Joe, Jim, Jill and The Kid at 406- 3150 North Montana Ave Suite C 586-0560. Helena, Montana Sierra Fein is a local filmmaker and owner of BlueSpark* Productions: TV commercials, music videos, www.DinnersDoneRight.com promo videos and more. For more information visit bluesparkproductions.com. (406) 449-5100
46 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com Parenting Single
WRITTEN BY NORA DANIELS
Here we are in December. The holiday season both know that I am the better cook and . . . the time when families gather, spend that he will always accept an invitation at quality time, celebrate their traditions, get on my table. With this in mind, I decided to each other’s nerves and – most importantly, ask our daughter to define the differences CHRISTMAS CLASSICS FROM THE ‘80S of course – cook and eat together. I don’t between her father’s kitchen and mine. WRITTEN BY SIERRA FEIN know about your family, but mine takes food extremely seriously. For instance, things got Here’s what she had to say: “Papa cooks gnarly just last night when – after reigniting differently in general. He makes a lot an argument about whether real chili contains more meat and is particularly awesome beans or not – my mother (who still has all her with game. And he makes a mean tomato teeth, by the way) actually requested that I sauce.” OK, score one for Papa. “But he overcook her pasta because she thinks I make cooks the same thing over and over again it too al dente. Excuse me!?!? I have spent and his food doesn’t make good leftovers. years perfecting my pasta and it is, indeed, Sometimes I go to school with just a chunk perfection. Even my Italian friends agree. of elk meat in a broken Tupperware.” Please. What is wrong with her? Really? Score one for Mama. Tell me more, dear child . . . Anyway, as our family begins to plan another holiday season of feasting (and fighting), I “Well, he doesn’t always plan well. can’t help but think about the ways in which He’ll buy, like, 20 pounds of kale and a cooking has become almost a blood sport mushroom when we have no milk or eggs. with us. Particularly between my ex-hubs and For breakfast he sometimes just makes me. Now those of you who read this column sausage – and there was a phase during regularly know that ex and I are great and the summer when all we ate was melon good friends. But I will never, EVER forget for breakfast and lunch and then meat the time when – after we had just separated for dinner.” And then there are the great – he actually suggested that I give him all the culinary experiments, such as goose confit kids’ favorite recipes so that he could make and elk Pho. “Oh my God, he spent so them at his house too. Um. WHAT!?!? many hours on that meal, making the stock and buying the ginger and lemongrass. LuLaRoe is now It was almost as if he’d asked me for a kidney. That was OK, but sometimes it’s just gross, local to you! I mean my recipes are part of who I am, they like the Asian ribs he makes that are fatty Gather your friends & family define me and my relationship with my kids. and disgusting.” for a Pop-Up Boutique and have exclusive inventory How could he expect me to just hand over brought to your door. my culinary arsenal, the very thing that day And then, just as the sense of triumph Pick the Fashion Boutique that fits you best: In-home after day keeps our children alive, happy and begins to flood my veins, she adds, “But Boutique, SAHM play date, Ladies’ Night In, nourished. The thing that makes me mom and he’s very strong with the crock pot; his rice work lunch event, that the kids love most about me (I think). is way better than yours and so is his curry. personal consultation or online event. Honestly, I can’t remember exactly how I He’s better with spices and ethnic food responded. I think I loosely sketched out a than you are, and his steaks are flipping We carry a large selection of skirts, dresses, tops and few recipes verbally and then walked away, delicious. Plus, his smoothies are better. leggings, size XXL-XXS. stunned. Oh, and I like his pot roast better than We also have children’s clothing yours.” Humph. OK, score another one for for sizes 2T-12. Fast-forward four years and here’s where Papa, but this isn’t over yet . . . I’m on duty Let us help you find your things stand: The kids very diplomatically this Christmas and it is going to be really own unique style! agree that Papa and I each have our specialties good, even if it kills me. mp For more information contact: and they love both of us equally. Ex-hubs and Tricia Tobin Nora Daniels lives in Bozeman with her two awesome kids. Independent Fashion Consultant I openly compete for top chef even though we (406) 580-1802 [email protected] lularoetriciatobin facebook.com/SerenityLLR
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 47 As a Montana Parent, it’s good to know that, with Wheat Montana, your child can enjoy healthy bread made just down the road.
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48 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com Y WHAT'S UP? MONTANA
check here each month for family events, PIR days & after school activities, deals and coupons & More...
for more local family info and events follow us on Facebook & our online calendars @ mtparent.com advertisers & nonprofits may Submit MARIAH ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY ALLEN MARIAH events at [email protected] PHOTO :: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 49 Y After-school & PIR DAY After-school & PIR DAY WHAT'S UP? activity GUIDE activity GUIDE
MONTANA
A MONTHLY FEATURE IN MONTANA PARENT TO BE INCLUDED NEXT MONTH, SIGN UP AT MTPARENT.COM OR CONTACT [email protected] Winter Break The good news is there are no PIR Days in Bozeman December. The other news is that kids will all be out of school for two weeks for winter break. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Gallatin County What to do? Refer to our PIR Days and After- »»15 S. Eighth Ave. School Activity guide on pages 50 - 52 to find fun, »»406-587-1216 mp educational and exhausting activities for your kids. »»bbbs-gc.org Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-on-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. PIR DAYS Boost Education »»Mary Cota »»406-599-3040 »»[email protected] »»K-8th Grade Certified Teacher and Reading Specialist Boost Education specializes in high quality private tutoring and academic coaching for students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Mary Cota is skilled in identifying and remediating learning
MARIAH ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY ALLEN MARIAH differences in reading, writing and math while fostering a love for learning. Boost Education believes all children can be successful
PHOTO learners. Contact Mary Cota for more information.
Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association »»Haynes Pavilion at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds »»406-586-5557 »»bozemanhockey.org BAHA offers a Travel Youth League, a Youth House League, an Adult League and public skating. BAHA gives all kids – from those with no experience to the competitive hockey player – an opportunity to play hockey and skate.
Bozeman Parks & Recreation SCHOOL’S OUT EXPLORE! CAMPS »»406-582-2910 »»bozeman.net/recreation No school? Do something cool! These camps are back by popular demand and the focus is on adventure and fun. Preregistration is required and camps fill fast. Waiting lists will be available once camps fill. Note: Some camps include swimming at the Bozeman Swim Center. Open to ages 6-10, from 7:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Cost (per camp, per day) is $35 for City of Bozeman residents and $50 for nonresidents. 12/28: Winter Nature at Story Mansion; 12/29: Winter Sports at Story Mansion; 12/30: Winter Science at Story Mansion; 12/31: Winter Art at Story Mansion.
50 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com After-school & PIR DAY MT activity GUIDE Cedar Ridge Equines Main Street Dance Theatre »»555 Rocky Rd. »»406-587-7192 »»530-263-3433 »»[email protected] off) and babies under 12 months are »»[email protected] »»mainstreetdancetheatre.com FREE with a registered sibling. Fall (10 »»cedarridgeequines.com »»Facebook: Main Street Dance Theatre Weeks), Winter (10 Weeks), Spring At Cedar Ridge Equines, the philosophy is Main Street Dance Theatre is a longstanding (8 weeks) and Summer (flexible 4-6 “Dream It, Believe It, Achieve It!” They strive to tradition in Bozeman. With incredible instructors weeks). Classes are offered at 10:30 provide a safe, fun and educational experience who focus not only on dance technique but a.m., 4 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. with make up for all of their riders and horses. They offer a mentoring as well, they’ve built the premiere opportunities. West End and Southside variety of summer day camps, lessons and clinics introduction to dance excellence in the Gallatin class locations. Call “Music Kate” or visit for all ages, levels and disciplines of riders from Valley. With a new location, they will continue the website/facebook page to request a beginner to advanced. Lessons and clinics are to offer professional instruction in a positive and free preview class or register online. available year-round in the brand new indoor fresh atmosphere. Consider the Creative Arts arena. Ask about the new “Mom and Me” lessons, Preschool for your children ages 3-6, now with Music Villa School of Music available now. extended hours. »»539 E. Main St. Cottonwood Day School Montana Outdoor Science School »»406-587-4761 »»10180 Cottonwood Rd. »»4056 Bridger Canyon Dr. »»musicvilla.com The Music Villa School of Music »»406-586-3409 »»406-582-0526 is the place for Bozeman music lessons. »»cottonwooddayschool.org »»outdoorscience.org Music Villa offers eight professional Small group instruction for students with »»facebook.com:MontanaOutdoorScienceSchool lesson rooms on-site, and a stellar staff learning disabilities is provided by an Orton- MOSS gets kids outside with fun, engaging and of well-respected and highly educated Gillingham-certified instructor. Assessment to educational programs. They offer PIR day and instructors. They also host a seasonal identify areas of deficit in listening, speaking, in-school programs, and an incredible lineup of talent show-style recital that allows the reading and writing skills for students ages 6–18 summer camps. students to showcase their skills in front and assessment of the role of memory in how of a live audience. students perform is also available. Please see the website for more information on the day school Mountain Air Dance The Ridge Athletic Club and after-school program. »»The Emerson Center for the Arts »»4181 Fallon Ave. »»111 S. Grand Ave. Girls for a Change »»406-586-1737 »»406-595-0909 »»Thrive - 400 E. Babcock St. »»ridgeathletic.com »»mountainairdance.org »»406-587-3840 »»facebook.com: Ridge-Kids-at-Ridge- Join the fun at a Kids’ Aerial Arts class with Athletic-Clubs » » allthrive.org Mountain Air Dance this year. Six-week sessions Get the kids active all year-round at GFAC inspires girls to create change in of Beginning Aerial for ages 5-12 will be offered the Ridge. All programs are open to themselves, each other and the world around Mondays at 5:30 p.m. Intermediate/Advanced the public; come join the fun. PIR them. With programming for girls in grades 3-12, Aerial for ages 7-12 will be offered Thursdays at Kidventures – Fitness and games with GFAC empowers young women to embrace their 5:30 p.m. Watch your child learn exciting new a Ridge Kids instructor and a fitness future, be secure in their ability to create and skills on trapeze, aerial hammock and silks. Get instructor designed for children ages contribute to the world they want. creative, gain strength, flexibility and confidence 6-13 years on PIR Days. Kidventures in a safe and fun atmosphere. Mountain Air run from 9-11 a.m. on the following kidsLINK After-school Program Dance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to dates: Dec. 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30; »»Greater Gallatin Valley United Way sharing aerial arts with kids, teens and adults in Jan. 25; Feb. 15; March 14-18; April 21 the heart of Bozeman. Everyone is welcome. and 22; May 27 and 30. »» 945 Technology Blvd., Ste. 101F No experience required. Smiles are encouraged. »»406-587-2194 Tuition assistance and sibling discounts available. Sage Learning Center »»greatergallatinunitedway.org/kidslink »»2055 N. 22nd Ave., Suite 4 The Greater Gallatin United Way kidsLINK Music Together (“Music Kate”) »»406-582-9570 Afterschool program was established in 1997 »»406-570-2839 »»sagelearningcenter.com in response to an identified need in our rural »»[email protected] communities to keep children safe while their One-on-one individualized instruction parents finished their workday. Today, kidsLINK »»MusicTogetherBozeman.com for children ages 4-18. Reading and spelling, math, processing skills, Afterschool operates in 29 school-based/linked »»Facebook.com/MusicTogetherBozeman locations across four counties and serves more vocabulary, study and organizational In Music Together’s Family-Style (mixed-age, skills. than 1,520 children daily. kidsLINK Afterschool infants to age 5) Parent-Child music classes, is a fun, safe environment that provides rich children gain developmental benefits (vocal, opportunities for learning, personal growth and rhythmic, social, linguistic and motor skills) building relationships. Programs are available for through singing, movement, drumming, dance all children, regardless of their ability to pay. and instrument play. Sibling discounts ($100
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 51 After-school & PIR DAY activity GUIDE MT HeLp your CHiLd SuCCeed in SCHooL. Spire Climbing Center Helena »»13 Enterprise Blvd. »»406-586-0706 Tree House Learning »»[email protected] After School »»spireclimbingcenter.com »»at Helena Athletic Club Rock climbing is an excellent sport for kids and »»3340 McHugh Ln. teens. It allows them to develop fitness, confidence »» and communication skills—and, most importantly, 406-442-6782 have fun and make friends. Spire offers a diverse »»hacmt.com selection of school year youth programs including »»Facebook: hacmt.com. after-school, homeschool and preschool programs. In addition, Spire offers PIR day, spring break and Program open until 6 p.m., Monday- winter break camps. These programs give young Friday and most school closures. one-to-one individuaLized climbers of all ages and abilities the tools they need Leadership building, gym play, low inStruCtion for CHiLdren to climb safely and take their skills to the next level. teacher: student ratio, transportation ageS 4-18. All of the classes have an instructor-to-climber ratio available from select schools. of 1:3 to 1:5. Conveniently located off of Custer on McHugh Lane. at Sage Learning Center, »»Winter Break Climbing Camps for ages 5-8 and our miSSion iS to 9-12: 2015/2016 Camp Dates: Dec. 21, 22, 23, identify & deCreaSe tHe gap 28, 29, 30 and 31. Time: 8:30 a.m.-noon Helena Youth Soccer between a perSon’S potentiaL Association »» and tHeir performanCe. Winter Break Climbing Camp for ages 11-16: 2015/2016 Camp Dates: Dec. 22 and 30. Time: »»406-431-3064 1-4:30 p.m. »»helenasoccer.org SageLearningCenter.com »»Spring Break Climbing Camp for ages 5-8 and HYSA player programs include Arsenal 406-582-9570 9-12: 2015/2016 Camp Dates: March 14-18. Soccer, a Recreational League and Micro Time: 8:30 a.m.-noon Soccer. Arsenal Soccer is a competitive program where U10–U19 players »»Spring Break Climbing Camp for ages 11-16: compete in competitive state league and 2015/2016 Camp Dates: March 15 and 17. Time: travel to tournaments. The Recreational 1-4:30 p.m. League is for children from kindergarten For KIDS of ALL Ages! through eighth grade who play games Storytelling, Sing-Along & in different age divisions. Micro Soccer FOOD RAISER YMCA – Gallatin County is for children 3-5 years old. They play FREE with Food Donation soccer-oriented games in a safe and fun » » 514 S. 23rd environment. Practices are after school SATURDAY »»406-994-9622 and in the evenings. Soccer is great for fitness and making friends. DEC. 12th »»gallatinvalleyymca.org
With so many demands on today’s families, parents
TWO SHOWS need all the support they can get. That’s why the Queen City Ballet 1st @ 10:00 AM YMCA’s programs are much more than just looking 2nd @ »»8 W. Lawrence St. 11:00 AM after kids. It’s about nurturing their development Pilgrim Church »»406-444-5004 2118 S. 3rd by providing a safe place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships and build »»queencityballet.com 1-person, Interactive Story Telling self-reliance through the YMCA’s values of caring, The Queen City Ballet Company’s of Dr. Seuss’ honesty, respect and responsibility. mission is to present the many forms of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” YMCA Winter Break Dates: Story & Song presented by “Music Kate” artistic dance at a professional level while »»Dec. 12, 21-23 and 28-31: Everything Chilly/K-5, actively teaching positive behavior and Sponsored by: Food & Funds For: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. sportsmanship. By being a member of this artistic organization, dancers will have the opportunity to work and perform within the framework of a team while learning valuable lessons, techniques and strategies for lifelong success. mp
52 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com Y WHAT'S UP? BOZEMAN
AMELIA ANNE Photography MACK Happy Holidays from all of us at Middle Creek Montessori! Gentle TODDLERS (2-3) :: PRIMARY (3-6) :: ELEMENTARY (Grades 1-6) Giants 1572 Cobb Hill Road • Bozeman, MT 59718 • www.middlecreekmontessori.org • 587-3817 Art Showing Sola Café & Market
MACK (Margaret Anne Campbell Kohler) is an award-winning painter from Bozeman whose art has been juried into shows from Montana to California. MACK’s art is always bright, whimsical and thought provoking. Her characters are multi-ethnic and loosely based on Yup’ic Eskimo masks from her childhood, as well as ethnic influences from around the world and the ARE YOU American west and northwest.
MACK “characters” are to be seen for their attributes; the best parts of their spirit ABOUT adorn their clothing and crowns. This show, “Gentle Giants,” focuses on the gentle, yet monumental power of women. MACK WHAT paints with vibrant colors to remind us there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. SHE’S Each piece makes a statement, celebrating the beauty of the human spirit and our DRINKING? magnificent planet.
The art show, held at Sola Café & Market, will benefit Haven with 20 percent of all proceeds from original artwork donated to them. mp (406) 582-4411 PureWaterTechnologies.com Experience PURE contaminate-free water | Bozeman, MT
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 53 BZN
32nd Annual
Santa Claus Nutcracker, A Bozeman Original is Coming to Town December 4 and 5, 2015 Photos with Santa Montana Ballet Company (MBC), under the direction of Elizabeth DeFanti, announces its 32nd annual production of The Nutcracker, on Christmastime is a season of giving, family traditions and Friday, December 4 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 5 at 2 p.m. and 7 making merry memories. One of the best memories of all p.m. at the Willson Auditorium. is the magical experience of getting to meet Santa Claus, telling him your Christmas wish list and capturing it all with a Montana Ballet Company is thrilled to welcome new guest artists great photo. Rachel Van Buskirk and Christian Clark, principal dancers with the Atlanta Ballet. Both guest artists have notable careers and have danced Santa Claus will be available for photos with your little one professionally throughout the United States and abroad. They will until Christmas Eve at the Gallatin Valley Mall. Visit him in share the stage with MBC’s own company dancers and nearly 100 the JCPenney court during the following hours: dancers from the community. Also featured in the cast is Soren Kisiel, »»Tuesdays through Fridays 4-7 p.m. co-director of Broad Comedy, who will once again dance the role of Drosselmeyer. »»Saturdays noon-6 p.m. »»Sundays noon-5 p.m. MBC’s production of The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, is one of the largest artistic collaborations in the region featuring the Extended Hours work of accomplished dancers, local and national level choreographers, guest artists, live musicians, seasoned stage technicians, lighting and »»Sunday, December 20: noon-6 p.m. costume designers and a host of dedicated volunteers. For MBC’s return »»Monday, December 21: noon-6 p.m. to the Willson Auditorium, audiences will delight in new and exciting choreography and theatrical elements. »»Tuesday, December 22: noon-6 p.m. » The Bozeman Symphony will again provide live musical accompaniment, » Wednesday, December 23: noon-6 p.m. conducted by guest artist, Maestro Kyle Pickett, Music Director and »»Thursday December 24: noon-6 p.m. Conductor for both the Springfield Symphony in Missouri and the Topeka Symphony in Kansas.
For Nutcracker tickets, contact the Bozeman Symphony at 406-585- Cookies with Claus 9774 or online at bozemansymphony.org. All seating is reserved. Ticket Don’t miss Cookies with Claus on Tuesday, December 15, prices range from $15 to $55. There will be a $2 service fee added for from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, where children day of show sales. of all ages are welcome to have cookies and cocoa with Santa and listen to special Christmas stories. This production is generously underwritten by: Tim and Mary Barnard, the Gilhousen Family Foundation, the Montana Arts Council’s Public Ho! Ho! Ho! from the Gallatin Valley Mall! mp Value Partnership, NorthWestern Energy, the Steinmuller Family Charitable Fund, the Bulis Family and Sheri and Mitch Simkins. mp
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The 35th Annual Bozeman Christmas Stroll December 5, 2015
Join us for Bozeman’s most beloved holiday tradition on December 5 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and kick off the holiday season in downtown Bozeman. Bring the whole family to ride on the hay wagons, get your picture taken with Santa Claus, watch the lighting ceremony of the downtown decorations, check out the gingerbread house contest display, sing Christmas carols, grab a bite to eat from one of more than 40 nonprofit food vendors and do some holiday gift shopping.
The Christmas Stroll is a free community event that is 100 percent supported by our business sponsors and the sales of our timeless button souvenirs. You can support this great event by purchasing a $4 Stroll button, which is not only your ticket to enjoy many of the great activities including the Santa pictures at the Baxter Hotel, the hay wagon rides from Soroptimist Park (at the corner of Rouse and Main), kids’ activities throughout the day at the Emerson Cultural Center and more, it also allows us to put on this great event every year without requiring an entry fee.
The official 2015 Christmas Stroll buttons are on sale now at many local businesses; visit downtownbozeman.org for a list of locations. When you purchase your stroll button, fill out a ballot for a chance to win one of 18 great prizes, including Bridger Bowl passes, $100 in Downtown Dollars, Museum of the Rockies passes and more. The winners will be contacted the week following the event.
For a list of all 2015 Stroll activities and times check out the 2015 Christmas Stroll Program at downtownbozeman.org. mp
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Santa Run for Education 5k December 5, 2015 Grinch The Bozeman Schools Foundation will host a Santa Run for Education on December 5. Proceeds will fund Spark Grants, literacy programs and scholarships in Bozeman, “Food-Raiser” Belgrade and Manhattan Public Schools. The Santa Run for Education 5k will begin Creates a “Who Feast!” on Babcock Street behind the Willson Gym December 12, 2015 at 404 W. Main St. in Bozeman.
This holiday season more people are in need of food than ever The route will take runners in a loop from before. So on Saturday, December 12, local Music Together teacher Babcock Street down Eighth Avenue Music Kate (a.k.a. Kate Bryan) and Montana Parent will host a towards MSU, Kagy Boulevard and back Gallatin Valley Food Bank “food-raiser.” Music Kate will share her up to the Willson. Preregistration for engaging and interactive story telling of Dr. Seuss’s classic How the adults is $25; day of race registration is Grinch Stole Christmas, topped off by a holiday family sing-a-long. $30. Preregistration for children 12 and The event is FREE to everyone and participants are encouraged to under is $15; day of race registration is bring a donation of canned or shelf-stable food items to donate to a $20. No refunds on registration fees. No “Who Feast” for the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. exceptions. No refunds due to weather. If extreme weather conditions apply, the race Bring the entire family to Pilgrim Congregational Church on organizer will make decisions to cancel if Saturday, December 12 and attend one of two free storytelling necessary. sing-a-longs starting (promptly) at 10 and 11 a.m. Families in attendance will be entered into a drawing to win a free copy of Dr. Please register at runsignup.com/Race/ Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas or a free semester of Music MT/Bozeman/SantaRunforEducation5K or Together’s child group music classes (MusicTogetherBozeman.com). on facebook.com/SantaRunForEducation, Bring your camera and get your family’s picture taken with Music where updates will be posted. mp Kate, the storyteller, in her “Grinchy” Santa outfit. Don’t miss this memorable holiday party and please help feed “WHO-ever” needs it this holiday season. mp
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FABLife Anderson Makeover School December 7, 2015 Cowboy
Tired of your look or know someone who needs a little Holiday Christmas boost? Take what you’ve got and make it what you want with a FABLife Makeover. Register Bazaar Breakfast today to enter to win a complete December 10, 2015 head-to-toe makeover with hair by Klarissa Buckley at 111 West Come get in the holiday spirit at at Historic Salon, clothes by The Root and Anderson School’s Second Annual makeup by Makeup Made Easy Holiday Bazaar on Thursday, Gallatin with TYRA Banks’s new cosmetic December 10 from 2:30 to 7 p.m., line TYRA Beauty. The FABLife at Anderson School, 10040 S. Gateway Inn makeover is valued at more Cottonwood Rd. Purchase unique December 12, 2015 than $1,000. Register online at holiday gifts from local artisans and makeupmadeeasy.biz or at The plan to stay for dinner: homemade Enjoy a Cowboy Christmas breakfast Root or 111 West Salon. The last chili, salads and more will be available and a magical morning with Santa day to enter to win will be on mp for purchase. on Saturday, December 12, from 9 December 7 at the Baxter Hotel a.m. to noon at the historic Gallatin Shopping for a Cause event from Gateway Inn located on Highway 4-8 p.m. mp 191. The event serves as a fundraiser for Gateway Youth Group. Due to limited seating, reservations for your party are highly encouraged. Reservations can be made in advance at gatewayyouthgroup.org. The event Ridge View Elementary Hosts is $4 for ages 2-5 and $6 for ages 6 and up.
Roar-Ing Holiday In addition to enjoying breakfast and music by MSU students in this beautiful Christmas setting, children Bazaar can have a photo with Santa and share their wish list. Other fun activities December 11, 2015 include a horse-drawn wagon ride and a holiday Artisan Fair for original gift Ridge View Elementary PTC will be hosting a Holiday Bazaar on Friday, shopping. December 11 from 6-9 p.m. at the Ridge View gym in Belgrade. The shopping event will feature more than 40 craft and product vendors in Gateway Youth Group is a nonprofit addition to various gift baskets available to win through a raffle. Free organization serving youth in the Santa photos will be available as well as a kids’ activity area to keep your community of Gallatin Gateway. children busy while you shop. This event is open to the public. Their mission is to empower and enrich the lives of Gateway youth by Booths are still available. If you make, craft or sell items and would like to participate, please engaging the youth in programs and contact Jena Powell (406-223-9612) or Leslie Atkinson (406-539-9171). Booth rental begins activities including community service at $30 for a 6-foot table space (tables not provided) and requires an item to be donated to foster future community leaders. mp (suggested $25 value) for the raffle. All booth fees and raffle proceeds go directly to the Ridge View Elementary PTC general fund for student field trips and assemblies. mp
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 57 BZN
Yellowstone Ballet Presents World Premiere The Nutcracker vs. The Grinch December 19 and 20, 2015
Yellowstone Ballet Company (YBC) celebrates its 25th season with Nutcracker the world premiere of The Nutcracker vs. The Grinch at 4 p.m. on both Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 at the Willson Auditorium in Bozeman. The eighth world premiere presented by in a Nutshell YBC’s Artistic Director Kathleen Rakela, The Nutcracker vs. The December 18 and 19, 2015 Grinch creatively intertwines the timeless tale of Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker Prince with delightful moments from How the Nutcracker in a Nutshell, The Dance Center’s quirky and creative Grinch Stole Christmas. take on Tchaikovsky’s famous Christmas ballet, will celebrate its 11th season this December at the Emerson Center for Arts and Culture in Arkadiy Orohovsky will perform as that mischievous interloper, the Bozeman. Performances will be held Friday, December 18, at 6:30 p.m. and Grinch. Originally from the Ukraine, Mr. Orohovsky trained at the Saturday, December 19, at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Kiev State Choreographic School and danced with the Kiev National Opera and Ballet as a soloist before emigrating to the United Stated Co-directors Anna Hall and Deborah Yarington have created a sensation that to dance with the Houston Ballet. He is the recipient of a Bronze includes children of all ages and an experience that has now become a Gallatin medal from the Serge Lifar International Ballet competition. Valley holiday tradition. Nutshell takes the timeless holiday classic and gives it a twist. The show redefines itself each year. With innovative choreography and Performing the role of the Nutcracker Prince is Thomas Snee of exciting characters, the Nutshell gives every dancer the opportunity to feel like London Festival Ballet. Thomas trained at The Royal Ballet School, a star. where he won the Ursula Moreton Choreographic competition in 2007. Upon graduating in 2008, Thomas danced with The National More than 80 dancers will be featured in this year’s production. Principals Ballet of Canada before returning to the UK in 2011 to join English include Lila Mann as Clara; Quincey Skovberg as the Nutcracker; Megan National Ballet. Mahoney as Sugar Plum; and Emma Mills as Snow Queen. And returning to the Nutshell this year will be Jack Schwem as the magical toy builder Drosselmeyer. Sayako Tomiyoshi, of Japan, will dance as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Miss Nutshell fans will remember Schwem, who danced as the Nutcracker through Tomiyoshi trained at Reiko Yamamoto Ballet School in Tokyo before most of the production’s first decade. moving to London to train at English National Ballet School going on to join English National Ballet in 2008. Again helping behind the scenes this year are dozens of parents and friends creating costumes, designing and building sets, assisting backstage and Prizes will be awarded for the best “Cindy Lou Who” costume during otherwise contributing to the production. Much like Nutshell itself, the “show intermission. After each performance, the Nutcracker Prince, the behind the show” becomes a captivating experience for all who participate. Grinch, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Cindy Lou Who will be available for picture taking with your child. Nutshell runs a spirited one hour, perfect for families with young children. In fact, the dazzling show has inspired many young girls and boys to try dance Reserved tickets for YBC’s The Nutcracker vs. The Grinch are available themselves. at Eckroth Music in Bozeman. Student/Child $18. Adult $21-$45. A service fee of $2 will be added to tickets sold at the door. Tickets are available downtown at Chalet Sports: $20 for adults (13 and up) and $10 for children (ages 2-12), and will also be sold at the door. For more YBC’s magical production of The Nutcracker vs. The Grinch is information, please contact The Dance Center at 406-920-1247 or visit generously sponsored by Spectec Thunderbird International dancebozeman.com. mp Corporation, Reier Broadcasting and the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
For more information or group rates call 223-4664 or email [email protected]. mp 58 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com BZN
Bozeman’s Premier Dance School Now Enrolling For Spring Semester The Dance Center - Emerson Cultural Center 111 S. Grand, Bozeman www.dancebozeman.com 406.920.1247
A Night In Pompeii! MOR Announces New Benefit Event and Says Farewell to the Museum Ball Increase - core strength and flexibility February 13, 2016 Create - longer leaner muscles Improve - posture, balance, circulation, coordination
After 25 years, Museum of the Rockies will replace its longstanding Museum Ball, 810 N Wallace, Suite A • Bozeman, MT 59715 creating a new benefit event to fill the February time slot – A Night in Pompeii! (406)600-5247 • www.bridgerpilates.com The new event is a tribute to the museum’s upcoming summer blockbuster exhibit, “Leisure and Luxury in the Age of Nero: The Villas of Oplontis Near Pompeii.” The Are there more fights exhibit artifacts have never left Italy before, and MOR will be one of only three and arguments? museums in the country to host the exhibit. Museum of the Rockies will also be the Kids stressed out? only venue west of the Mississippi River. You stressed out?
A Night in Pompeii! promises to be a completely different event from the Museum These are normal life stressors/changes or may be the result of a mental illness. Ball, as MOR transforms its lobby, main and back galleries into a street scene from Tri Therapy can help! that last night in Pompeii. Vendors of food and merchandise (silent auction items) Dr. Donna Kelsch has been a therapist for 28 years and now has a full time practice serving clients in Bozeman, will line the gallery halls as guests enjoy delicacies, fine spirits and dance to live Belgrade, Livingston and Manhattan. music. Ticket prices have been lowered to attract an expanded audience. Dr. Kelsch is also qualified to do socio-emotional and The theme for the event is “Party like there’s no tomorrow!” A fitting notion cognitive assessments considering the coming eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Guests will be encouraged to Call today for a free phone consultation. wear appropriate costumes from 79AD when Pompeii was a bustling community Office: 406-404-1009 Mobile: 480-773-8386 TriTherapyMT.com • [email protected] of luxury residences and merchants, but come-as-you-are is also appropriate party 804 N 19th Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59718 attire.
Through live, silent and Dutch auctions, A Night in Pompeii! will raise funds to benefit Museum of the Rockies and its Opening Doors for Montana Schoolchildren fund. Every year the fund ensures free access to MOR and all of its exhibits for K-12 public, private, tribal and homeschool students. In 2014, some 10,000 schoolchildren visited the Museum at no cost.
Tickets are now available to A Night in Pompeii! and are $100 for MOR members, Health Care For You $115 for non-members. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available. Tickets & Your Family and sponsorships can be purchased by calling 406-994-1998, emailing events@ montana.edu or online at museumoftherockies.org. mp Marie Mitchell Pediatric and Family Nurse Practitioner 406-556-8300 Look for the monthly “Corner on Health”mp column in Montana Parent Magazine
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 59 Bridger Animal I-90 Nutrition North Bozeman Ave. 7th N.
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60 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com HAVE YOU BEEN INFLUENCED, EMPOWERED, OR AWESTRUCK BY AN AMAZING BOZEMAN WOMAN?
Do you know of an employer giving better opportunities for women in business?
We are currently accepting nominations and applications for Woman of Achievement, Young Careerist, and Employer of the Year
Business and Professional Women will be honoring women in the Bozeman community with three different awards. Wednesday March 23, 2016 | Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture Our application deadline is February 15th , but with the upcoming holidays we know things can get put off. Please do not hesitate to get some recognition for the deserving women in your life and the employers that support them! Please visit our website at http://bozemanbpw.org/SpecialPrograms for more information on the nomination and application process. You can also email our committee chairs at [email protected] with any questions.
:: decemBER ACTIVITY & EVENT CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 61 photo Candy a parting shot by a local montana parent or Montana child
THIS IS A PHOTO OF MY 7-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER WHO I ADOPTED THIS SUMMER ON HER FIRST TRIP TO YELLOWSTONE.
DECEMBER 2015 winner - PHOTO TITLE: CONTEMPLATING THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER | PHOTO BY: BRANDI WATTS, BUTTE
Have some great pictures that you or your child has snapped around Montana or Yellowstone? Send them to us! We will publish the best one each month here!
PHOTO SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Photos must be family oriented - taken of family - or during a family trip. Get creative. Photo must be taken in Montana, or within 100 miles of Montana (includes Yellowstone Park, etc.). Winner will be chosen by MTP staff & Sponsor staff. Submit photos to [email protected].
Please include name of photographer, age, hometown, photo title and caption. Let us know how much information you would like us to include with your photo if it is published. mp
Season’s Greetings! Give the gift of MOSS camp! Purchase a gift certificate for your favorite child. Make a donation to MOSS’ scholarship fund in honor of the one you love.
MOSS offers camps during summer, spring break, and PIR days. To make a donation or purchase a gift certificate, visit outdoorscience.org or call (406) 582-0526
62 deceMBER 2015 | mtparent.com a parting shot by a local montana parent or Montana child Congratulations Bobcat Babies of the Month!
We are proud to partner with James - September
Montana State Athletics for the Bobcat Baby of the Month.
Go Cats! Caysen - October
For an appointment, call Check out our (406) 587-9202 or 1-866-587-9202 Facebook page for 925 Highland Boulevard upcoming Bobcat
Ste. 1210/1220, M-F: 8 am to 5 pm Babies of the bozemanobgyn.com month winners. Miles - November
Every parent wants their child to reach their full potential.
The pediatric therapy providers at Livingston HealthCare can help through skilled, high-quality physical, occupational, and speech therapy that involves both child and family.
Call 406-222-7231 for more information or to schedule a free screening for your child! LivingstonHealthCare.org
:: decemBERWhat ACTIVITY & EVENT should CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE you @ MTPARENT.COM do? :: decembER 2015 | mtparent.com 63 Handle witH care.
Children require special care, and the specialized care they need takes specialized health-care providers. Like the medical professionals at Bozeman Health Pediatric Clinic. Our doctors are parents too— so we know what you’re going through. And we’re ready to help, from routine exams to immunizations to urgent care to nutrition counseling to screenings for depression and emotional health and more. And we’ll coordinate care and maintain comprehensive electronic health records for you. Call us for an appointment. Or advice. Anytime. Bozeman Health Pediatric Clinic— we’re ready for you.
935 Highland Boulevard, Suite 2200, Bozeman Pediatric Clinic 406-414-5700 | bozemanhealth.org
William Allen, MD Michael Blake, MD, PhD Kristin Day, MD Juliet Hansen, MD Pepper Henyon, MD Mark Hodgson, MD Angie Ostrowski, MD