Dec 2022 | Winter Activities

WINTER ACTIVITIES

Pediatric care, right from home

The holidays can be stressful, but accessing health care doesn’t have to be. When your child’s doctor’s office is closed, our team of Montana-based providers are here for you every evening, weekend, and holiday.

• On-demand video-based visits

• Over 50% of Montana’s pediatric specialists are part of our team

• We are committed to continuity of care and communication with your child’s primary care provider

• Easy-to-use financial assistance

• Learn more and access care from montanapediatrics.org

Welcome, Dr. Wittekind!

BOZEMAN HEALTH PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

When I was growing up, things were different. To be honest, they were a bit more dangerous. I grew up on a fairly busy street, in a house with a sloping driveway and front lawn. My sister and I learned to ride our bikes on that luge-like driveway, mostly unsupervised (I had two bloody knees one summer to prove it). Because there were only two of us, we would tie one end of a jump rope to the garage door handle while one person swung the rope and the other jumped. We played tennis off the garage walls, made mud pies, played with our Barbies in the woods behind our house and rode our bikes, alone, to the neighborhood community pool. Mostly we spent long days playing all over the neighborhood with other kids whose parents were at work too; it was something akin to Lord of the Flies. We used both our imagination and our freedom to fill our days and it was, in a word, blissful.

This method of outside confinement usually worked well. Except for that one, very cold day, when my little sister REALLY had to go to the bathroom. She was knocking, yelling, and knowing her, most likely crying, all to no avail. Until, that is, she beat on the storm glass door at just the perfectly frozen spot and it shattered. I honestly cannot remember my mother’s reaction but I’m going to go with “very little sympathy.”

I texted my sister to make sure I was remembering this accurately and she said, yes, and that our mother was either: A. On the phone or B. Didn’t want her coming into the foyer covered in snow. Both concepts my sister totally gets now as a mother.

Bozeman Health Pediatrics on the Deaconess Regional Medical Center campus.

Dr. Wi�ekind is board cer�fied in pediatric cardiology and general pediatrics. Dr. Wi�ekind sees pediatric pa�ents for the care and treatment of congenital heart disease, fetal cardiology, cardiomyopathy, heart rhythm disorders, and preventa�ve cardiology.

Come fall we would play in large leaf piles in the street…that is until a police officer escorted us back to our front door one day explaining that “rowdy teenagers like to drive through such leaf piles and we were going to get run over someday.”

And then winter would come. It was a mother’s nightmare and a kids' oasis. A fresh blanket of snow meant a new landscape to play in and, for our mother, a new job: the endless layering, zipping, buttoning, stuffing and drying of snowsuits, hats and gloves.

But I digress. Once we were outside, we had two favorite games: Sledding down the front lawn, toward and sometimes into the street (it’s a miracle we were not struck by a car) and playing Bunnies.

in collabora�on with

Learn more at BozemanHealth.org or call Bozeman Health Pediatrics at 406-414-4570

We were abundantly aware of how much she loathed suiting us up, only to have one of us knock on the door five minutes, later to come inside to pee. We knew this because of her sigh, the look on her face and occasionally her verbal contempt for us and the fact that we didn’t pay attention 30 minutes prior when the process of suiting up began and she asked if we needed to use the bathroom. Another subtle indication was the fact that she locked us out of the house so we couldn’t traipse back inside covered in snow, depositing it everywhere until we found her to announce, “I need to go to the bathroom.”

The game of Bunnies falls under the category of Do Not Attempt at Home (or in this century). Here’s how it worked: The snowplow would move massive amounts of snow up our driveway, creating a large cement-like snow bank. We would spend hours tunnelling through the mountain of snow to make bunny houses and pathways…all inside an unsupported igloo-type sculpture. Then we would sneak items out of the garage (remember, we can’t go inside the house) to decorate our houses and play inside our unventilated snow and ice coffin until… someone had to pee.

My childhood was absolutely the best fun, and guess what? Both my sister and I survived fairly unscathed.

My mother still likes to tell us how much she disliked the winter in/out program. I think she has some sort of PTSD from it. Nevertheless, winter as a child holds some of my favorite memories. And I hope it does for your kids too.

PHOTO

WINTER ACTIVITIES

PHOTO KELLY KUNTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Winter Nordic Trails

Tucked within Bozeman’s mountains and meadows are a plethora of winter trails waiting for you and your family to explore. From skate skiing to snowshoeing, there really is something for everyone in our community in the wintertime.

Skate Skiing

Wide trails and groomed corduroy beckon, and these trails can be the perfect place to sneak in an hour of exercise or spend a day out with the whole family. Head to Crosscut Mountain Sports Center for a scenic ski in Bridger Canyon that offers both challenging skate loops and family-friendly trails for all types of winter recreation. Closer to town, find your way to Sourdough Canyon or the Highland Glen trail system, which are both skate-groomed thanks to Bridger Ski Foundation and their voluntary trail pass program that funds this incredible work.

Classic Skiing

Hyalite Canyon might just be one of the best-kept Nordic skiing secrets. You’ll find classic skiing options stretching from Moser up to Hyalite Creek that are stunningly beautiful, and many parking and access points throughout the system. Bring a child-carrying backpack or ski trailer for the little ones and plan a short loop from one of the many trailheads for an unmatched winter family experience. Within Bridger Canyon, both Crosscut and Bracket Creek offer classic skiing—the latter being ungroomed but regularly travelled and great for wider classic skis or snowshoes.

Snowshoeing

One of the most accessible winter sports is snowshoeing. Strap on a set and head out to walk on snow just about anywhere you like. The thrill of snowshoeing is getting out into a snowy forest and experiencing the fresh air with your loved ones while you float atop the snowpack. From Hyalite and Bear Canyon to the extensive “Narrow Gauge” trail system at Crosscut, you can find so many places to have a simple and exceptional experience with your family while enjoying this age-old sport.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY CROSSCUT MOUNTAIN SPORTS CENTER

Get the Gear

There are a number of businesses in Bozeman that sell or rent Nordic skis and snowshoes. Rental packages are available directly at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, making for an easy experience with direct access to the trail system from the Nordic Center. In town, there are rentals at both Round House and Chalet Sports. It is always best to call ahead— skiing is popular in a place like Bozeman and availability can change quickly. In addition to rentals, you can buy used gear at Second Wind Sports; new gear at the many ski shops throughout town.

No matter where or how you get out with your family this winter, the beauty of a snow-filled forest and glistening mountain scenery is unmatched and, as luck would have it, one of the things that the Bozeman area has in abundance. If you are fortunate enough to live here or spend time here, getting out on these winter trails is a must, and the memories and experiences will be well worth it for you and your family.

RIDGE KIDS

Register your kids today for our weeklong Ridge Kids Camp!

Children will participate in group fitness classes, gym play, swimming, age-appropriate workouts with a fitness instructor, holiday-themed crafts and games, and Playzone fun. Camp counselors and fitness instructors are trained and qualified to give your child a safe and exciting day while helping them build a foundation for a healthy and active life! Camp runs from 8:30am-4:30pm daily.

SESSION 1: “WINTER WONDERLAND” DEC. 19-23 SESSION 2: “HAPPY HOLIDAYS” DEC. 26-30

Please bring tennis shoes, water bottle, swimsuit and a nut-free lunch. Call (406) 582-4452 if enrolling multiple children. Ridge Kids is available for extended care at the normal hourly rate.

camps@ridgeathletic.com

(406) 582-4452

4181 Fallon St., Bozeman, MT 59718 • (406) 586-1737 ridgeathletic.com

Winter Solstice

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS JESSICA CARTWRIGHT

Winter solstice. December 21st. The shortest, darkest day of the year and, also, the return of light!

My family and I love to celebrate the solstice. It’s such a beautiful way to honor the seasonal shift, feel connected to nature’s cycles and have rituals that feel right to us as a family.

Rituals are incredibly important to me. There is a lack of them in our current society. We’ve lost our community gatherings that center around something we all celebrate as a whole. Instead, most of what we celebrate tends to be so individualized – graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings.

Having reasons to come together to celebrate as an entire community that spans generations is such a beautiful and enriching practice. And when we have certain rituals at certain times of year, it really anchors us into being human. We feel less adrift and more purposeful. There’s less anxiety, less depression. Because we feel a rhythmic connection to earth and its cycles, we spend more time knowing we belong instead of wondering if we belong anywhere.

I particularly love this type of celebration over the winter holidays. It takes me out of comparison and consumption mode, which is so easy to do when trying to give your kid the very best Christmas, Hanukkah, whatever. Seasonal celebrations to me are more about setting intentions, honoring the natural world, celebrating our community and appreciating the abundance already present in our lives.

I also particularly love to share about Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, because those happen to be when a lot of people celebrate Christmas or Easter [or insert any other religion’s celebration around those times]. People want to participate in the traditions they grew up with, but feel guilty because perhaps they don’t prescribe to those religions anymore.

Well, let me tell you, Santa Claus, pine trees, stockings, flying reindeer (and even eggs, bunnies and Easter baskets) have nothing to do with Christianity at its base. They’ve just been very co-mingled.

What I suggest are all more nature-based practices, rich with history and centuries of people honoring these seasonal shifts in different ways. You can look them up. My personal favorite is the book Santa Sold Shrooms by Tero Isokauppila. It tells the rich history of the season in a way that makes sense to me in my bones and allows me to reclaim these traditions without any guilt that I should be prescribing to certain religions to do so.

So whatever religion you may or may not practice, I encourage you to start your own Winter Solstice celebration as a way to be more connected to nature, get intentional with what’s to come and feel anchored into what gives us nourishment, peace, love and contentment.

Ideas for ways to celebrate the Winter Solstice:

Ç Light candles. It makes everything feel a bit less gloomy. It also is a reminder that while winter is just beginning and there will be cold months ahead, the light is already returning. Every day is getting a bit brighter. So light a candle, take a deep breath and set an intention for how you’re wanting to feel in the season(s) ahead.

Ç Hunt for a pine tree to bring into your home. The smell alone is so therapeutic. And it can be such a nice way to get out of

the house and, of course, is fun for kids and adults alike. Be sure to buy a tag for your tree, cut far enough from a road that it won’t destroy future beauty for those who come next, and ideally choose a pine already growing close to another one (giving the one that’s left a better chance of survival with less competition for resources). We love doing this Griswoldstyle excursion every year. Usually with a warm beverage in the thermos and my dad’s desire to find the most Charlie Brown tree ever to festoon his living room. It’s fun to not take it too seriously and just enjoy being outside. Don’t forget the saw!

Ç Make a solstice countdown labyrinth. This Waldorf-inspired idea comes from Rhythm of Play: “A countdown calendar like this offers a nature-based way to celebrate the season and welcome back the light.” Traditionally, walkable labyrinths allowed children and families to journey into the center, where their candle was lit, and then they walk back out, honoring the light (both within us and also returning to our days). You can do a simplified version by placing stones in a spiral for each day until December 21st. Use a special stone or crystal in the middle to start the spiral. When you get to the end, remove the special item and replace it with a lit candle, to symbolize the light returning.

Ç Find ways to give back as a family. Share the spirit of the season through kind acts, leaving nice gifts for your mail or garbage service as a thanks for their often-unseen work, sponsoring a family for their gifts for the season or simply writing someone a nice card to let them know you’re thinking of them. The surest way to feel good is to do good for someone, simply out of a desire to do good. Plus, it really balances the delicious decadence of the season.

In my family, we celebrate all the things. So why not add some more nature-based practices that can really connect us to what’s most important and honor our own cycles and rhythms as well as those of the earth? Let’s anchor into the traditions and rituals that feel good for you as a family and also connect us to our community in the best of ways. Your nervous system will thank you, and your kids will have fun traditions of their own to pass down one day too.

Happy celebrating!

Jessica Cartwright is a mama, yoga teacher, Ayurvedic Women’s Health Specialist, birth doula and co-founder of Our Yoga Family, Bozeman’s family yoga studio. She is also a featured writer for Elephant Journal, So Much Yoga and BOHO Daily.

THE TEAM BUILDING :

I was up early on Saturday, January 1, 2022, and it was cold. Negative 21 degrees cold. I turned my coat collar up, pulled my hat over my ears and skidded across the slick driveway to my car. After scraping ice crystals off the windshield, I settled into the driver’s seat to watch the defroster melt the remains while I waited for my 10-year-old son to make his way out of the house, waffles in hand. We set off on the 15-minute drive to the Montana Surf Indoor Soccer Center in Belgrade for the first practice of the new year.

We weren’t the only ones participating in this ritual; it’s one Gallatin Valley soccer families know well. When we arrived at 8:20 a.m., there were already 10 cars in the lot and more to come. Walking through the front door we followed a narrow, labyrinthine hallway, its bright blue painted floor revealing a well-worn path created by the footfalls of countless soccer cleats. After a left and a right, the hallway finally opened up to show the towering, arched ceilings and gleaming bright green turf of the Montana Surf Indoor Soccer Center. A verdant soccer oasis in the depths of frigid, snowbound Montana winter.

Spanning 12,000 square-feet and accommodating hundreds of athletes each winter from local soccer clubs – the Montana Olympic Development program, Montana Surf Adult Soccer League, the Bozeman and Belgrade High School soccer teams, and occasionally NorthStars baseball – the Montana Surf Indoor facility is a gathering

place for the field sports community during the months when snow and weather prevent athletes from playing outside.

The indoor soccer field, a sprawling warehouse with an eclectic history, has been a staple in the Gallatin Valley since 2016, when Montana Surf/ Blitzz FC board member, Gary Turner, suggested leasing a building he had once used for his business that could work well for an indoor field. The Quonset hut style building was originally a part of Gallatin Homes, a mobile home manufacturing company based in Belgrade, MT. This section of the building was specifically used for the installation of plumbing fixtures as these homes moved down the assembly line. Later, Art Castings of Montana used the space as a storage facility, an arcade moved in and Belgrade Rage, a youth soccer club that later merged with Montana Surf/Blitzz FC, used the mezzanine as their soccer warehouse.

Although the space already had ties to the soccer community, the building was not set up for soccer. Surf parent, Jared Portnell, remembers: “The space resembled something of an old, abandoned potato cellar or machinery shed. The roof had multiple holes in it and the lighting was very dim.”

So how did this rundown warehouse become the indoor soccer sanctuary it is today? A group of dedicated parents with impressive “can-do” attitudes made it happen.

WRITTEN BY CATE WRIGHT AND JARED PORTNELL | PHOTOS MONTANA SURF

When the soccer club took over the lease for the space, it was littered with broken arcade games, a pool table, trash and a lot of dirt. Scores of volunteers, led by parents Jared Portnell, Gary Turner, Kristen Taylor and Doug Robertson, moved out the old games, washed floors and removed splintered plywood from the walls before laying down turf. Using a skid steer and a furniture dolly donated by Best Rate Towing and Knife River Corp, the volunteers moved the 300-pound, 15-foot-wide rolls of turf in through the arcade and down a narrow hallway with a 90-degree corner that led into the facility – a tight squeeze! More than 20 volunteers were on hand to roll out the turf and then one, single, amazing parent took on the massive project of stitching the seams of each roll together. Finishing touches were added such as nets at the ends of the fields to protect spectators, safety padding for the walls and a divider curtain to separate the space into two fields.

“The effort and imagination that went into the project was incredible. A cluttered warehouse was emptied and cleaned; turf, lumber and wall pads were acquired; compliance with fire and city codes was secured; turf, netting and other equipment was installed – and our kids finally found themselves with opportunities that had never before been available to a soccer club in southwest Montana,” said Kristen Taylor. “It was so gratifying to see so many staff members, board members and volunteers execute our vision – and model to our players that perseverance, team work, cooperation and commitment allows us to dream big and achieve those dreams together.”

Today, the Montana Surf Indoor Soccer Center continues to offer Gallatin Valley athletes a safe, warm space for winter activities like futsal, team training, technical clinics and communitybuilding, all thanks to some noteworthy parent volunteers.

Jared Portnell is a Montana Surf parent, former board member and dedicated volunteer. His vision and drive, along with other parent volunteers, made indoor soccer a reality for Gallatin Valley athletes. When he isn’t watching soccer, Jared is the Product Support Manager for Tri State Truck and Equipment.

Cate Wright is a mother of two, volunteer and member of the Montana Surf Board of Directors. She is the co-founder of The Free Soccer Initiative and a member of the Montana Youth Soccer Association Scholarship Committee. Her work with the Montana Surf Annual Fund is focused on ensuring that all children have access to the mental and physical health benefits of sports.

Futsal

Goalkeeper Training

Montana Surf Adult League

Once-Weekly Team Practice

Strength & Agility Training

Technical Training

Public Skating Rinks

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Southside Park: Fifth Avenue and College Street

Beall Park: Villard Street and Black Avenue

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Bogert Park: South Church Avenue

*Bogert Park Rink is closed for city ice-skating lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 p.m.

**Rinks close when weather is too warm or the ice becomes too soft. For rink conditions, visit Bozeman.net/parks or call 406-582-2905.

Rink Hours

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Monday-Friday: noon-10 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Rink Rules

1. No smoking or alcohol on the ice or in the warming hut 2. No dogs 3. No rough play 4. No skating on soft ice. Rinks will be posted closed when ice is soft. 5. Drop-in informal hockey is allowed on the upper Southside Rink (Fifth Avenue and College Street)

Ice-Skating Lessons (Ages 5-11)

Bozeman Parks and Recreation offers afterschool, outdoor ice-skating lessons through a partnership with Learn to Skate USA instructors from the Bozeman Figure Skating Club. The Learn to Skate USA program teaches basic fundamental ice-skating skills and techniques that will build confidence on the ice for a lifetime. Lessons will take place on the outdoor rink in the Anderson Pavilion in Bogert Park and are offered to all ability levels. Bozeman Figure Skating Club instructors will lead the lessons which will include one half-hour of instruction and one hour of free skating to hone your skills. Helmets, skates and gloves are required.

Lessons are offered January 10 through February 2 on Tuesday and Thursdays

Ç Cost is $100 city of Bozeman residents, $140 nonresidents

Ç Session 1: 4 p.m.

Ç Session 2: 4:30 p.m.

Ç Session 3: 5 p.m.

Ç Session 4: 5:30 p.m.

To register visit www.bozeman.net/Recreation or call 406-582-2290.

SnowThe Kids ‘N’ Snow Program in West Yellowstone takes the fear out of firstever winter experiences. Kids and their families can get outdoors in the winter and try a new activity, like ice-skating, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in a safe environment.

Since its inception seven years ago, the program has expanded to more than 1,000 participants, spanning more than 10 states and several countries over four weekends each winter. West Yellowstone Kids ‘N’ Snow weekends will be held December 17, 2022, and January 7, February 4 and March 14, 2023.

Kids ‘N’ Snow December 17, 2022 schedule: Ç 9 a.m. – Snow Coach Samplers Ç Noon - Snowshoe or Ski Ç 1-3 p.m. – Sled Dog Samplers Ç 3:30-4:30 pm – Art in the Park Ç 6-8 p.m. - M120s (Mini Snowmobiles) in the Park Ç 6-8 p.m. – Sledding & Smores

More activities are always being added. For updates, questions on future Kids 'N' Snow weekends and more information visit www.kidsnsnow.org, follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/ KidsNSnow, email kidsnsnow@gmail. com or call 406-646-7701.

Sam Coulter: MSU Hockey Player to Head Coach

Thinking back on it, I was destined to wind up working in an ice rink. If you ask my parents, they’ll even tell you my first word was “Zamboni.” As luck would have it, my mom grew up in British Columbia and, like most Canadians, she could skate pretty well. She was more than willing to get involved in coaching the Learn to Skate classes at our local rink in Gillette, Wyoming, and when I was 4 years old she signed me up and put me on the ice.

After a year or so of classes I was able to move around the ice, execute the basic skills and was ready to join a hockey program. My sister went into figure skating and, although my brother and I were more passionate about hockey, we still took part in a few competitions and skating shows.

Hockey became a huge part of my life. When I was 11 years old, I made it into the local paper because I scored a hat trick (three goals) in a tournament championship game. Best. Day. Ever. I was motivated to train harder, and I made it into the paper a few more times after that... Fast forward a few years to when I was looking at colleges, and it was an easy decision for me to come to Bozeman, study at Montana State University and continue playing hockey by joining the Bobcats.

I was honored to play for MSU for three seasons, and was part of the team that made it to the National Championships for the first time in the team’s history. Alongside my studies and my training, I started helping out with

some of the youth programs and found I really enjoyed coaching. When the MSU head coach (who is also the Gallatin Ice GM), Dave Weaver, asked me to work for him to help expand the program, I jumped at the chance. I love living in Bozeman, and being given the opportunity to give back to the sport that changed my life is a dream come true.

In May of this year, I became the Assistant Hockey Director for Gallatin Ice. I am responsible for running the Termites, Mites and Mountain League programs (the programs that introduce kids to hockey). I am also the Head Coach for one of the two MSU teams, and the Head Coach for the 18U Montana Wolves team. It’s great to be a part of an organization that is reshaping hockey in Montana.

I’ve only been in this job for a few months, and I’ve already seen a couple of amazing firsts. I have seen our rink open up in the summer for the first time ever. I have seen a couple of our Adult League players get married at center ice (congratulations Brad and Jessica!!). My personal highlight has to be that our MSU Division 2 team (my old team) beat the twotime defending National Champions. So far, it’s been a great start.

If there are any words of wisdom I wish I could impart on those who want to get involved in hockey, it’s these: Learn to skate before you try to pick up a stick, and watch as many games as you can.

First of all, getting around the ice is kind of a prerequisite for chasing the puck. I was lucky, because my mom was a figure skating coach, but the kids that come into our program don’t always know how important skating skills are. Everyone knows how important stickhandling, passing and shooting are but it’s all for naught if you can’t get around the ice.

Second, watching games improves your peripheral vision and develops an understanding of the game. Don’t take my word for it, Wayne Gretzky said that. If you want your kids to play hockey well, they should watch the experts do it.

We’re really fortunate to have a number of great players who skate at our rink. Every weekend there are games that folks can come and watch live – and there’s nothing quite like watching a hockey game live. Between the Bozeman Ice Dogs, the MSU Division 2 guys and the MSU Division 3 guys (that’s my team, in case you’re wondering), there is always something going on at the rink that is worth watching. The atmosphere when our top hockey players are leaving it all out on the ice is something that has to be seen to be believed.

Although I still play, now you’re more likely to see me behind the bench helping my teams. I am glad I got to play my best hockey for the Bobcats here in Bozeman. Getting to guide the next generation, and help them learn how to play their best hockey, I couldn’t ask for more.

Winter Wonderland

at the Montana Science Center

WRITTEN BY QUINCY BALIUS

Are you feeling stuck in the house because of snow? Montana can feel more like Antarctica at this time of year, but that doesn’t mean you should be trapped at home. If you’re able to dig your way out of the most recent snowfall, there are plenty of exciting science adventures to be had, and Montana Science Center will be hosting a full slate of programming for all ages during winter break.

Winter Wonderland at the Science Station

Ç December 17-31, 2022

Ç 10 a.m.-noon, for all ages

Come check out a new hands-on science activity every day.

Pokémon Party

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December 19-22, 2022

Ç 9 a.m.-3 p.m., for grades K-5

Ç Preregistration required

Discover the science behind these amazing creatures, design your own Pokémon with unique features, create a stop-motion movie about your creature and more. Please, no personal Pokémon cards.

Storybook Science

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December 27-30, 2022

Ç 9 a.m.-3 p.m., for grades K-5

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Preregistration required

From hair ladders to poison apples, fairy tales are full of magic. Could they ever happen in real life? Discover what’s fact, what’s fiction and how you can engineer it with exciting activities.

Holiday Sip and Science (Ages 21+)

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December 15, 2022

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6:30-8:30 p.m.

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Preregistration required

Spice up your ugly sweaters with embellishments like 3-D printed items, conductive thread and LED circuitry.

Noon Year’s Eve Party

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December 31, 2022

Ç Noon, for all ages

Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, tackle some STEM activities and make a party hat to celebrate the “Ball Drop” at noon instead of midnight.

To register and for more information, call 406-522-9087 or visit www.montanaScienceCenter.org.

Grow Your Own Wintery Crystals

Set Up and Safety Warning:

Assemble your materials and make sure you choose a space that can withstand a mess. Please be aware that Borax is a household cleaner that can harm people if they swallow or inhale it or if it makes contact with their eyes. Caution and adult supervision are highly recommended for this science activity.

Try This:

1. Fill your large bowl half-full of ice cubes and then add water until the bowl is three-quarters full. Set the bowl aside.

2. Twist a pipe cleaner around the center point of your pencils. Adjust the length of your pipe cleaners so that when you lay the pencil over a jar, the end of the pipe cleaner hangs down to almost the bottom of the jar. Make both pipe cleaners the same length.

3. Fill the cooking pot with enough water to fill both jars. Bring the water to a boil on the stove, then turn it off and let the water cool a bit.

4. Add 1 tablespoon of borax to the water and stir until it dissolves. Continue to add 1 tablespoon at a time until no more can dissolve. You will probably need about 3 tablespoons of Borax for each cup of water.

5. Fill each jar about three-quarters full of Borax solution.

6. Lay a pencil across the top of each jar so that the pipe cleaner hangs down into the solution.

7. Cover the jars with plastic wrap.

8. Set out one jar at room temperature. Place the second jar in the ice bowl that you prepared. Make sure the water level in the bowl reaches at least two-thirds the way up the jar, but is not so high that it goes into the jar.

9. Leave the jars alone for at least five hours. Add ice to the ice bowl when the ice melts.

10. Observe the jars every so often. What do you see? Are crystals forming? Do they look different in the different jars?

11. After five or more hours, remove the pencils and observe the pipe cleaner crystals!

What’s Happening:

Ç The process of growing crystals is a chemical reaction. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, a chemical reaction is, “a process in which one or more substances are converted to one or more different substances.” When chemists want to separate out these substances, they sometimes use a process called recrystallization. In recrystallization, the mixture of products can be dissolved in hot water and then cooled. During cooling, one product appears as crystals and the other product appears as part of the liquid.

Ç Crystals appear because of solubility, the largest amount of something that can be dissolved in something else. Hot water can dissolve more of a substance than cold water can. When the water cools, there is more Borax than the cold water can hold. The Borax comes out of the mixture and forms crystals!

Go Further:

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Try creating crystals in different ways. What do you think would happen if you put another jar inside the fridge? What if you made crystals out of another substance, like salt or sugar? What if you tried growing crystals for longer periods of time? Keep exploring with your crystals as you enjoy the snow crystals falling outside!

Quincy Balius is the Education Coordinator at the Montana Science Center.

Winter Activities

with Bozeman Parks & Recreation

To

BOZEMAN BEACON PARK AND AWARENESS CLASSES

The Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center will open the Bozeman Beacon Park in Story Mill Community Park (600 Bridger Dr.) in January when snow depth allows. The park will be open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., seven days a week and will be free to the public. The Beacon Park provides a great opportunity for people of all ages to hone their avalanche rescue skills. The park will be equipped with three buried transceivers. Users will be able to turn on one, two or all three and use their personal transceiver and probe to locate the buried ones.

» AVALANCHE AWARENESS + BEACONS

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2022

This is a one-hour avalanche awareness talk and one-hour beacon practice at Beacon Park, located in Story Mill Community Park. Topics for this presentation include: avalanche terrain recognition, the effect weather has on avalanche hazard, the development of mountain snowpack, decision-making skills and basic search and rescue procedures. If you have your own transceiver, please bring it. For more information visit www.mtavalanche.com or www.bozeman.net/recreation.

» WOMEN’S SPECIFIC AVALANCHE AWARENESS + BEACONS

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2022

Similar to the Avalanche Awareness + Beacons class, yet specifically for women.

SCHOOLS OUT EXPLORE! CAMPS

These camps are focused on adventure and fun and keeping kids outside, active, learning and creating. For children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade, held from 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Story Mill Community Park and Center.

» JOY TO THE WORLD

Ç DECEMBER 19-21, 2022

The joy of the holiday season can be felt all around the world. In this threeday camp, kids will make ornaments, bake, decorate trees in Story Mill Park for the birds, build forts in the snow, make homemade gifts and learn about holiday traditions from around the world. Sign up for one or all three days of this action-packed winter camp.

» BRUSH STROKE

Ç JANUARY 16, 2023

This camp will give kids the opportunity to express their inner most Monet or Pollock. They will be painting a landscape “paint by numbers” canvas and giving splatter paint an artistic touch, as well as heading out into the park to see what nature has to offer for building a frame for one of their masterpieces.

» FROZEN

Ç FEBRUARY 20, 2023

This is the perfect day to learn about, and play in, snow. Dive into the fascinating science of snow, play games in it, create art with it and then enjoy snow cones.

» OPERATION RECREATION-SPRING BREAK CAMP

Ç

MARCH 13-17, 2023

Staying in Bozeman for Spring Break? Join the Parks and Recreation Department for a week full of adventure in Story Mill Community Park. From art and cooking to sports, group games and outdoor adventures, each day will have a different theme and will include everything recreation.

» SNAPOLOGY

Ç Bozeman Parks and Recreation will be offering Snapology programs for ages 7-14 at the Story Mansion. For more information, email steph. scott@snapology.com.

» ANIMATION STUDIOMINECRAFT THEMED

Ç DECEMBER 19-23, 2022 8:30 a.m.-noon

Who doesn’t love an actionpacked animation movie that brings our favorite characters to life? In Snapology’s Minecraft Movie Making program, students get to jump into the world of Minecraft and send Steve and Alex on amazing new adventures. In this technical program, children will work in teams to learn the fundamentals of stop-motion animation and develop their own animated movie starring some of their favorite LEGO® minifigures. Students will go through the entire moviemaking process with their filming partner, from plot development and set design to detailed visual and audio editing.

» MEGA MACHINES ROBOTICS

Ç DECEMBER 19-DECEMBER 23, 2022

12:30- 4 p.m.

In Snapology’s Mega Machine Robotics class, your child will create some of their favorite motorized vehicles and machines. Students will learn about gear ratio, sensors, pulleys, cranks and programming as they build trucks, space rovers, helicopters and much more.

» MINING AND BUILDING ADVANCED

Ç

DECEMBER 26-30, 2022

8:30 a.m.-noon

Travel to the Nether with Snapology—but watch out for those Creepers! Bring MinecraftTM to life using LEGO® bricks. Create your own world, including houses, potions and your very own LEGO® version of the Nether.

» POKÉMANIA

Ç

DECEMBER 26-30, 2022

12:30-4 p.m.

In Snapology’s Pokémania program, students will explore the Pokémon world and practice their Pokémon training skills.

They will create their own training gyms, unique battles and even their very own generation of Pokémon. Your student will also explore some real-world science as they examine the habitats, characteristics and needs of different Pokémon. They will do more than catch ‘em all, they will build and examine them all very closely and have a blast doing so.

PRESCHOOL CLASSES

Preschool classes give children ages 2 to 5 years an opportunity to discover, learn and grow in a fun environment that encourages them to be their own unique selves. Parents or guardians are required to stay with their children and are encouraged to participate.

» YULETIDE YOUNGSTERS

Ç

DECEMBER 2, 9 & 16, 2022

‘Tis the season for dancing like snowflakes, singing your favorite carols, laughing like Santa and discovering how people around the world celebrate winter holidays. Create holiday crafts, make decorations and prepare yummy food.

» SNACK ATTACK

Ç JANUARY 13, 20 & 27, 2023

Are you having a snack attack? Mix a little artistic culinary style into recipes for trail mix, homemade bread, fruit leathers and find fun ways to make apples slices silly and yummy.

» YOU HAVE MY HEART!

Ç

FEBRUARY 3, 10 & 17, 2023

It is all things hearts and Valentine’srelated during these sweet and special Fridays. It will truly warm your HEART to see the all the red, pink, purple and white art projects that will come out of this preschool program.

Art school State of Play

Ç 221 E. Oak St., Suite 1-C

509-939-5383

www.stateofplay.co

www.facebook.com/playbozeman

www.instagram.com/playbozeman

After-school DROP-OFF art school for children ages 4 and up is now available at State of Play. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. and will last all fall semester. Choose one day or both. Sign up NOW; space is limited.

Classical Ballet Instruction for All Ages

Montana Ballet Company

2304 N. Seventh Ave., Suite C-3

Montana Ballet Company offers fine classical ballet instruction for all ages and levels in a fun, educational and nurturing environment. Classes are held Monday through Saturday, with performing opportunities available. MBC is a nonprofit arts and education organization in its 39th annual season. Classes are taught by a professional faculty with a focus on health and wellness and the whole dancer.

MOSS School's Out (PIR) Camps and Tuesday Science

4056 Bridger Canyon Rd.

406-582-0526

www.outdoorscience.org

www.facebook.com/MontanaOutdoorScienceSchool

www.instagram.com/mt_moss

Looking for something a little extra for days when your mini-scientist is out of school? MOSS PIR Camps expose kids to a variety of science careers and engaging lessons to pique their interests.

Tuesday Science - Join MOSS for two hours on Tuesday afternoons to participate in place-based lessons, hands-on activities about natural science and instructor-led nature hikes. Each month-long session revolves around an exciting science topic, the perfect variety to keep kids engaged. Great for homeschool students or families looking for an afterschool program.

Science Day Camps

Montana Science Center

2744 W. Main St.

406-522-9087

qbalius@montanasciencecenter.org

www.MontanaScienceCenter.org

www.facebook.com/ MontanaScienceCenter

www.instagram.com/montanasciencecenter

Hands-on, interactive science-themed day camps each day while school is out. Join MSC for engineering, science and chemistry activities each PIR Day and Winter Break. Each camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes time in the high-tech makerspace, STEAMlab. Optional aftercare available.

On Fridays throughout the school year EDUCATIO aims to get kids outside exploring their backyard and learning about themselves and our world. This fall and spring they will be partnering with Montana Outdoor Science School for STEM curriculum and activities. In the winter session they will head to Bridger Bowl for skiing.

Fall Theme: WATERSHEDS! Ecology, Change and Stewardship Students will observe plants, animals, invertebrates and geology of our local watersheds; investigate how they change and the power, impacts and benefits of floods; and discover all the gifts of this shared treasure and how we can give back as stewards.

PHOTO S. WILLARD

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

PHOTO KELLY KUNTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

GALLATIN VALLEY MALL Redevelopment Officially Underway!

Gallatin Valley Mall is undergoing a multi-phase redevelopment and will soon be rebranding and changing the property name to Gallatin Crossing. The redevelopment is a total transformation from traditional mall to a modern, mixed-use shopping center that caters to all aspects of daily needs including retail, entertainment, medical, grocery and more.

The first phase of the mall’s transformation into Gallatin Crossing, which began in September, includes demolishing a significant portion of the east end of the mall to make room for medical services and new retail experiences. Significant improvements to the entire property are projected for the next phase of the redevelopment including mall façade upgrades, parking, landscaping, wayfinding signage and lighting –all planned to begin construction in Spring 2023.

“As Bozeman experiences unprecedented growth, Gallatin Valley Mall/Gallatin Crossing is evolving to maintain its position as the area’s premier destination for both essential and discretionary retail,” said Steve Corning, part-owner of Gallatin Valley Mall and CEO of Billingsbased Corning Companies.” Adding the medical use creates more convenience for patients/customers so they can fulfill many essential needs in one location.

The major components of this first phase of redevelopment are the addition of a new Medical Pavilion and Montana’s first Whole Foods Market. The 45,000 SF Medical Pavilion brings together two of the region’s most established healthcare entities, SCL Health (now Intermountain Healthcare) and Ortho Montana PSC, who are projected to open in late 2023.

Additional new tenants will be announced soon, including several national retailers who are not yet doing business in Montana. The group of new retailers will include a variety of different price points and offerings. Construction is currently having very minimal impact on the inside of the mall; Gallatin Valley Mall, and all its retailers remain OPEN for business as usual and are looking forward to another magical holiday shopping season.

BOZEMAN

Nutrition and Arts Lab

Bozeman Public Library

Bozeman Health has partnered with the Bozeman Public Library Foundation, making a $50,000 donation toward a new learning lab that will allow the Bozeman Library to significantly expand its free cooking, nutrition and arts classes.

Dubbed The Kitchen Table, the lab will feature sinks, a refrigerator, ovens and a large cooktop for hands-on workshops and demonstrations. The new space is part of a $5.6 million library renovation that is funded almost exclusively by donations from private individuals, foundations and local businesses such as Bozeman Health. The Kitchen Table will be housed next to a new technology-focused learning lab, named The Workbench, just inside the library entrance.

Kitchens, labs for 3D printing and other technology – even recording studios – have become popular additions to public libraries as they adapt to changing community needs and new ways of learning. “The Bozeman Public Library exists to help people gain knowledge in myriad ways to improve their lives,” explains BPL Director Susan Gregory. “At The Kitchen Table, young people will learn empowering new cooking skills; seniors and people with medical issues will discover new recipes and techniques to improve their health; and cultural groups will have an opportunity to share their food traditions with neighbors.” She notes that the lab design will also accommodate painting and other arts classes for children and adults.

Construction at the library has already begun, with work currently focused on building new meeting rooms, quiet reading areas and a new central seating area. The learning labs, which will also include a small recording studio, are expected to open to the public in late fall next year. A pop-up library collection in the building’s large community room is currently available for browsing and checking out books while construction has made some of the major collections temporarily inaccessible. The children’s room will remain open throughout the renovation.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Santa Claus has made his way to the Gallatin Valley Mall for photos. Visit the beautifully reimagined photo set, spend quality time chatting with the man himself and go home with special memories captured by Winslow Studio.

For the first time ever, the Santa Experience will be located in a storefront (across from Maurices) that will be transformed into a magical Santa Land that’s sure to impress.

Santa will be available Wednesday through Sunday and his detailed schedule is available at gallatinvalleymall.com/events.

Letters from Santa

(ALL AGES)

Now through December 14, Bozeman Parks and Recreation will be helping Santa send his letters. To request yours, call 406-582-2290, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed noon-1 p.m.) to share information about your child to help with the letter.

Christmas Stroll

DECEMBER 3, 2022

MBC’s

39th Annual Nutcracker, The

Bozeman Original WITH THE BOZEMAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, CONDUCTED

DECEMBER 3 & 4, 2022

BY LEE MILLS

Celebrating 39 years in Bozeman, the one and only original MBC’s Nutcracker returns to the Willson Auditorium on December 3 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and December 4 at 2 p.m.

MBC is delighted to welcome from the San Francisco Ballet, and represented by Mackay Productions, WanTing Zhao and Wei Wang dancing the roles of Snow Queen and King and Sugar Plum and her Cavalier.

MBC will once again collaborate with the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Maestro Lee Mills, Associate Conductor of the Seattle Symphony and five-time winner of the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award, will conduct.

To purchase tickets, contact the Montana Ballet Company at 406-582-8702 or online at www.montanaballet.org. All seating is reserved. Ticket prices range from $22 to $68.

Be a part of downtown Bozeman’s greatest holiday tradition… the Christmas Stroll. Always held on the first Saturday in December from 4:30-7:30 p.m., the stroll officially kicks off the holiday season. First, Santa Claus works his way down Main Street, singing Christmas carols and lighting the downtown holiday lights with more than 5,000 people in tow to help get everyone into the holiday spirit. Then enjoy horsedrawn wagon rides, pictures with Santa Claus, entertainment, holiday treats and much more. Buttons are available for purchase at various Bozeman locations.

Bozeman Winter Farmers' Market

What began more than 10 years ago as a small group of farmers selling veggies, the Bozeman Winter Farmers Market is now a large community of local farmers, ranchers, artisans, bakers and community members selling their winter produce and home-baked and homemade goods. The market is held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Exhibit Building 1 unless otherwise noted.

BOZEMAN WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET DATES:

DECEMBER 3, 17 (EXHIBIT BUILDING 2) & 31, 2022

JANUARY 14 & 28, 2023

FEBRUARY 4 & 18, 2023

MARCH 18 & 25, 2023

APRIL 15 & 29, 2023

MAY 13 & 27, 2023

LAUREN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

Victorian Tea at the Story Mansion

DECEMBER 4, 2022

12:30 P.M. OR 3:30 P.M.

Here is your chance to truly experience the grandeur of the historic Story Mansion at 811 S. Willson Ave. in Bozeman. Enjoy being served homemade cookies, pastries and savory treats by the grand ladies of Bozeman who will be dressed in period clothing. Break out your vintage attire and frolic back in time. For more information, visit www.friendsofstory.org. Cost is $25 for adults and $10 for children.

Winter Art Walk

DECEMBER 9, 2022

The Downtown Bozeman Association and participating art galleries and businesses invite you to a special Winter Art Walk on December 9 from 6-8 p.m. Many galleries will feature artists’ openings and receptions and often provide hors d’oeuvres and complimentary refreshments. It’s also a wonderful chance to stroll downtown Bozeman, take in some art and culture while also holiday shopping.

Skate

with Santa

DECEMBER 9 & 23, 2022

Head over to Gallatin Ice on December 9 at 5:15 p.m. and December 23 at 5:45 p.m. and skate with Santa himself!

Helena Holiday MADE Fair

DECEMBER 2 & 3, 2022

If you’re looking for unique holiday gifts, visit the Helena Holiday MADE Fair at the Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds. There will be more than 180 talented artisans showing off their wares. You will also find local nonprofits, activities and delicious food and beverages. Entry is free on December 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer Jr.

DECEMBER 2-18, 2022

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., performed by Helena’s Grandstreet Theatre, is a musical adaptation of the beloved television special, filled with recognizable characters and holiday tunes. A true delight for both young and old.

Santa’s Workshop

DECEMBER 3, 2022

Join Gardenwerks on December 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a day of Christmas magic. There will be a variety of activities throughout the day for adults, kids and everyone in between.

Schedule of Activities:

Ornaments, $25 – 9 a.m. (Registration Required)

Photos with Santa, Free – 10 a.m.-noon

Birdhouses, $25 – 11 a.m. (Registration Required)

Kid Wreaths, $25 – 1 p.m. (Registration Required)

Adult Wreaths, $60 – 3 p.m. (Registration Required)

Cookie Decorating, Free - all day, or until supplies runs out

Letters to Santa, Free - all day

Please note: This event will be held in the greenhouse where temperatures can fluctuate quickly, so please dress accordingly. Cancellations will be accepted for prepaid activities up to one week prior to the workshop for a refund. To register visit www. gardenwerks.com/holiday-shop.

Festival of Trees

DECEMBER 3 & 4, 2022

The Intermountain Festival of Trees, Helena’s premier holiday event, returns to the Helena Civic Center for its 35th year.

This year’s theme is “Christmas Bells & Seashells,” encouraging everyone to celebrate the holiday season while helping Intermountain provide hope for calmer waters and brighter days for children and families throughout Montana. Talented teams of tree designers spend all year planning and perfecting their stunning tree displays to show at the Civic Center and businesses throughout the community.

The whole family is invited to Family Fun Days, Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4. Kids can create crafts in Fun Land, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, decorate cookies, enjoy holiday performances and more. Be sure to visit the ballroom of festival trees and peruse the silent auction on the mezzanine where hundreds of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and gift baskets are on display. Bid on your favorites. Tickets are $4 per person. Children ages 3 and under are free. Tickets are on sale now at intermountain. org/fot.

On Saturday, December 3, revelers age 21 and over will rock the night away at Jingle Bell Jam, featuring live music. Catch your breath with a stroll through the trees and silent auction items. Head over to the Festival of Trees website for concert details: intermountain.org/fot.

Premiere Dance Company’s The Nutcracker

DECEMBER 17, 2022 AT 7 P.M. DECEMBER 18, 2022 AT 2 P.M.

Premiere Dance Company’s The Nutcracker is back after a two-year hiatus. Swirling snowflakes, dancing toys, a growing Christmas tree and a cast of talented dancers are part of the magic as PDC celebrates its 30th anniversary production. PDC has been bringing to life the enchanting story of Clara and her nutcracker prince since 1992. Come travel with Clara on her journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of the Sweets. PDC invites you to be a part of this Helena tradition at the Helena Civic Center. Ticket prices range from $12-$30: www.helenamt.showare.com.

Eat more fruits and vegetables with Montana WIC

WIC is a USDA-funded program that provides healthy foods to low-income pregnant and postpartum people, infants and children up to age five. For 2023, Montana WIC is adjusting the amounts of its cash-value benefit (CVB), which provide money to spend on fruits and vegetables. Members can expect the following increases: $25/month for child participants, $44/month for pregnant and postpartum participants and $49/month for fully and partially breastfeeding participants.

Between 2020 and 2022, the CVB increased considerably as part of the American Rescue Plan Act to address family needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. For children, monthly benefits increased from $9/month (pre-pandemic) to $24/month; and for adults, they rose from $11/month (pre-pandemic) to $43/month for pregnant and postpartum women and to $47/month for breastfeeding women.

WIC reaches nearly half of all infants born in the U.S., and approximately 40% of all babies born in Montana. Early childhood is a critical period for establishing lifelong dietary habits. Nearly 90% of Americans fail to consume recommended amounts of vegetables and more than 80% fail to meet recommended amounts of fruit (USDA & USDHHS, 2020). Providing a higher CVB amount will likely result in improved and sustained child fruit and vegetable intakes (NASEM, 2017).

What WIC Participants Need to Know

» The WIC foods are loaded electronically onto a WIC benefits card with monthly amounts allocated for each food. Fruit and vegetable amounts are issued as a “Cash Value Benefit” (CVB) that can be used to buy any variety of fruit or vegetable.

» If you’re a member, or qualify for these benefits, you can expect these CVB increases: $25/month for child participants, $44/month for pregnant and postpartum participants, and $49/month for fully and partially breastfeeding participants.

» If you receive WIC benefits, this change will be automatic for you.

» Contact your local WIC agency at signupwic.com to learn more about the CVB increase, or simply reach out to see if you qualify!

Keeping it Real

WRITTEN BY BLAIR FJESETH

Over a year ago, I wrote about my best friend and fellow Montana mama discovering that she had breast cancer. It was a shocking revelation and one that changed her life, and her family’s life, in ways I don’t think any of them could have foreseen.

I should also explain that, while saying “my best friend” as a grown woman sounds a bit silly, this person is my person. She is part of my soul. She held my babies before my immediate family met them in the hospital. We’ve talked about life and death (even contemplating faking our own deaths) and everything else under the sun. We do “family” vacations, float trips, regular Sunday dinners and squeeze in an occasional “moms only” wine night.

Her journey is her own, and ultimately when one fights cancer, they fight alone (albeit with a cheer section behind them). I will not share her story, as that is hers alone too, but as we close out 2022 and embark on the newness of 2023, I wanted to talk about three things I hope for Montana parents this year based on what my bestie and I have learned this year:

1. Find and embrace the importance of physical and mental self-care.

2. Value and maintain one’s village of people; it is OK if the village is small.

3. Know how quickly any of us could be in for the fight of our lives and that we truly can get through it.

For 18 months, I watched from the fringes as she traveled back and forth to Seattle for treatment. I saw her go from having long locks of hair we used to joke about being “a lot to deal with” to having a completely bald head. She looked beautiful. She probably didn’t think so, but damn, she looked gorgeous. I felt where her ports were placed, my finger running over the foreign plastic lying just beneath the surface of her skin, and thought, how is she still standing? I get a cold and am down for the count, and this woman is standing solid, having overcome so much. Every now and again, I will catch a glimpse of the scars on her collarbone area, a forever reminder of the battles she has conquered. What once made me sad now fills me with gratitude as an instant reminder of how much she means to me, her fight and how close each of us is to being in our own battle.

I made it my singular purpose to be the mayor of her village. To corral the people who wanted to help, but didn’t know where to start. I reminded her to embrace physical self-care during this time by making sure she focused on necessities and cut down on all of the extraneous obligations she previously would have been the first to volunteer for. By being truly present with her during this time, I was able to make sure her mind didn’t dwell in dark places so she could keep moving forward and not get lost in the hardness of it all.

I continue to sit in awe of her courage and positivity and marvel at how she still manages to put others before herself. She is a superhero in my

eyes, but sadly, she is not alone; thousands of women in Montana fight this same battle. Thousands more face other medical, mental health and financial battles that can be, or feel, catastrophic.

Please allow this to be your reminder that 2023 is your year to get a physical and a mammogram (if age eligible). Having your body squished and prodded might not feel like self-care, but it is. Self-care isn’t a buzzword; it’s a lifeline. Life is an S-Curve graph and, on your highs, reach out to those around you to bring them up; on your lows, don’t be afraid to reach your hand up in the air and ask for some love.

My best friend goes in for her final surgery this month and, with that, closes the cancer chapter in her life, though I imagine the cancer theme will always cast a shadow. Her biggest takeaway: “No one would ever choose to have cancer, but now that I have had it, I wouldn’t give it back. It taught me so many lessons I needed to learn and showed me who my true village is.”

Cheers to 2022 and the battles won, and the friendships gained and deepened. Here’s to 2023. Wishing you health, happiness, and hilarity when the days get hard.

Blair Fjeseth is a working professional and proud Montana mom. You can reach her at blairparker.inc@gmail.com. Follow her Instagram @blair_mt for more adventures.

montana parent

2023 THEMES

January 2023: New Baby/Pregnancy

Ads due 12/19-Prints 12/21

The pregnancy journey and life with your baby during the first year

2023 Root’s Wellness Guide insert

Ads due 12/5-Prints 12/10

February 2023: summer camp preview online only Ads due 1/20-ONLINE 2/1

Preview summer camp options in southwest MT and read a few of our favorite columns!

March 2023: Summer Camp & Activities Ads due 2/20-Prints 2/24

Everything you need to know about camp and more ~ featuring our Summer Camp and Activity Guide » virtual Summer Camp and Activity Roundup » Bozeman Parks and Recreation Spring/Summer Activity

April 2023: Sports Ads due 3/20-Prints 3/24

Sports are serious these days and we will help you navigate the channels of participation for your family in southwest Montana

May 2023: Mental Health Ads due 4/19-Prints 4/23 Addressing both parent issues and childhood issues

Summer 2023: Travel guide\Summer Fun in Southwest Montana

Ads due 5/17-Prints 5/21

We write the book on family-friendly events, activities and recreation in southwest Montana. On stands June-September.

August 2023: Back to School

Ads due 7/20-Prints 7/23

Summers are short in Montana, we’ll help you get yourself and your family ready to get back to school ~ from kindergarten to college

september 2023:

Early Childhood ONLINE ONLY Ads due 8/20-online 9/1

All about children under 5: childcare, health, development, activities and more

October 2023:

Fall Family Adventures Ads due 9/18-Prints 9/23

A look forward to holiday trips, Spring Break, staycations and more

holidays 2023 Ads due 10/20-Prints 10/22

Previewing holiday events, activities and more

December 2023: Winter Fun in Southwest Montana Ads due 11/16-Prints 11/19

Ideas, events and activities to get your family enjoying winter fun both indoors and out

Ask Flora

WRITTEN BY FLORA MCCORMICK

Q. “How do you set your family up for a successful Christmas, managing the kids’ expectations on how many gifts they are going get? We are taking a cruise this year for Christmas, and my daughter is going to get way less ‘stuff’ than last year.”

- Abby

A: When it comes to toys – less really is more: Consider this year as an opportunity to evaluate how fewer gifts can lead to more fulfillment. Joshua Becker, author of Simplify: 7 Guiding Principles to Help Anyone Declutter Their Home and Life says, “Kids with less toys develop longer attention spans, take greater care of things and become less selfish.” In addition, he notes, “Kids who get everything they want believe they can have everything they want.” So, this can be a great opportunity to experience the joys of simplicity.

A conversation before the trip could focus on sharing with your child that there will be just as much joy, with fewer items. Explain the values that are driving your choice to spend some holiday funds on the trip instead of other gifts. You may even be pleasantly surprised with how less stuff can improve your child’s overall happiness over the holidays, and nurture the inner qualities of gratitude.

You could wrap gifts that represent the values of your holiday vacation:

If you are choosing a family trip, have a discussion with your child about why you chose it as a part of the holiday giving season. I imagine it’s because you wanted to give the gift of fun memories, adventure and time together. Perhaps you could wrap a picture frame that is intended to hold a picture of your child’s favorite adventure from the vacation, or a ticket that the child can use when it’s time for admission into the theme park you are visiting.

In this column, you can ask your questions about parenting kids from ages 2 to 10 to Flora McCormick, Licensed Counselor & Parenting Coach.

Q: “I’m looking forward to holiday time with my kids, but cringing at the thought of them fighting for two whole weeks, especially once they have gotten presents that they end up fighting over. Help!” - Jenny

A:

Sibling conflict is something many parents loathe, and yet few parents feel equipped to improve. Here are some guiding principles.

1. Leave out the f-word: The worst f-word in sibling rivalry is “fault.” If you come into moments of conflict as the judge and jury, always looking to determine whose fault it was, you can unintentionally fuel more sibling fights. When a child gets named the “bad guy,” it often fuels more sneakiness and resentment – especially if you may have come to an unfair verdict, if you didn’t truly see all that happened in the conflict.

Instead, focus on putting the kids in the same boat. If there is screaming, hitting or an inability to solve the problem, then both kids should be asked to walk away from the activity (and perhaps even take a break in their room or with

a different activity, in separate spaces). Expect both parties to take responsibility for the conflict, even if one did the “egging on” and the other chose to hit.

2. Teach conflict-mediation strategies. A parent in my coaching group this week shared her “a-ha! moment” on this topic, saying, “I know I tell my kids a lot to figure it out with each other…but I have done very little to equip them with ways to do that!” She realized she was expecting her kids to “be nicer,” “take turns,” “get along,” etc. without taking time to really teach and practice what that looks like.

Here are a few specific examples of how to teach the correct behavior:

3. Create rhythms in your family life that build positive feelings among siblings. One idea is to have family meetings weekly, where you do three things:

Ç Have a compliment circle where each family member is highlighted for a moment and receives a compliment from each person in the family.

Ç Solve a problem together that has been frustrating (i.e., “Let’s make a plan for how laundry can go better.”)

Ç End with a family game, dance party or ice cream sundaes.

Ç

If you want a turn, you can agree on an amount of time, and use the kitchen timer to let you know when time is up.

Ç

When you don’t like what the person is saying or doing in the game, you can ask them to stop, use an ‘I-statement’ like “I don’t want to play if it’s only your rules,” or choose another game.

One of my coaching-client mamas has done this for two months with 10- and 13-year-olds. She says, “The kids now look forward to our family meetings. They love the compliments, and appreciate being involved in family solutions. Last night we took it to a whole new level and played indoor family four-square afterwards. It was the best meeting and night with the kids.”

Ç

When you are getting upset during a game, you can pause and take a deep breath, or count to five, and then try again.

To get more sanity-saving strategies for parenting young kids, join Flora’s Free Facebook Group: Sustainable Parenting. Questions for the next issue or wins/questions from this issue can be submitted to contactflora@gmail.com. A special thank you to those who submit monthly questions.

family Life on the Ranch

Ranch Life

Revisits the First Featured Family, the Stovalls

WRITTEN BY REBECCA COLNAR PHOTOS STOVALL FAMILY

Montana Parent readers may remember the first Montana Farm Bureau “Family Life on the Ranch” column that appeared in August of 2016. Jenny Singleton Stovall, who ranches south of Billings, talked about raising her children, then 4, 2 and 8 months, on a busy ranch. The ranch, which sits on the Crow Indian Reservation, has been home to her husband’s family since the 1930s.

“We have deep roots in ranching, have great families and people helping us be successful, and feel blessed to raise our children in this environment,” said Jenny.

More than six years later, Jenny and her husband, Turk, continue to expand their ranch while raising curious, interested kids. Firstborn son Gabe is 10, Reagan is 8 and Kristian is almost 7. They are busy with sports, 4-H and, of course, ranching, “They are excellent horseback riders. Gabe can rope calves at a branding

and can help doctor and trail cattle. This was our first year in 4-H, so we added pigs to our menagerie and did a 4-H pig project.”

“The children have gone from collecting eggs from the chickens as one of their first chores to being able to head out to the pastures and gather the milk cows by themselves, fill water tanks, and with a side-by-side, fill grain buckets from the feed shed and bring them back to the barn. They can catch, halter and saddle their horses and get on by themselves – well, the little guy still needs some help.”

Jenny praises the ranch lifestyle for making the children self-sufficient at a young age, noting that they have the freedom to test their own limits and get comfortable with that freedom.

“I don’t ‘Mother Hen’ them,” she said. “They can make mistakes and learn how to correct those mistakes. For instance, if they’re bringing

cows into the corral and do something to turn the cows back, they’re the ones who have to go back and retrieve those cows. When moving cattle, they have learned where to be so they can be successful.”

The children have learned the methods of low stress cattle-handling at a young age, which includes not yelling and running around. They understand that if they are calm, so are the animals.

According to their mom, Gabe loves everything cowboy, is willing to ask questions and has total respect for cowboy ethics. Reagan loves the chickens, milk cows and taking care of animals. Kristian is obsessed with the pigs. “He can’t wait for next year’s pigs to get here,” Jenny noted.

Over the past six years, Turk and Jenny haven’t been as involved in the hands-on, day-to-day operation of the ranch, but spend more time in

the office with ranch management duties. “We are in the office more than we’d like to be, but when we all go to work cattle, the kids are right there with us, getting gates and helping move cattle. The older two are big enough that they can ride the cowboy crew or go out on their own,” Jenny says.

When Gabe isn’t riding, he plays school football and also runs and wrestles. Reagan is into soccer and Irish dancing while Kristian competed in soccer and wrestling. The youngsters attend St. Francis Catholic School, which is part of the Billings Catholic School program.

“It’s been a blessing having them at St. Francis. The children are rooted in faith and are not afraid to talk about God and speak about their faith. They also are willing teach other children about ranching and animals,” Jenny said. “We have a day in the spring where we bring baby calves to school in a stock trailer and have the

classrooms come through. We bring a Jersey calf, an Angus calf and a Wagyu calf so the kids can learn about different breeds and fun facts, like how a cow has four stomachs. Sometimes we’ll milk a cow and show how the milk separates to make cream, or bring a pill gun to show how to give the calves a pill. The kids have been doing that for the past three years.”

Jenny said they are very proud about being ranch kids and raising livestock.

“It just vibrates from them,” Jenny said. “They tell their classmates that they take care of the livestock using their God-given talents and, in return, the animals provide energy and protein for us.”

Rebecca Colnar is Director of Public Relations for Montana Farm Bureau and a freelance writer from Custer, Montana.

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