Oct 2023 | Fall Adventures

Trick - orTreat Trick - orTreat

with Bozeman Health

My little pumpkins.

Tuesday, October 31 from 3 - 5 p.m.

Stay warm and safe this Halloween and trick or treat your way around Bozeman Health

Deaconess Regional Medical Center!

Park in lot C and start at entrance 4.

We have candy + non-food treats!

The first Halloween costume I purchased for my children was a little orange pumpkin suit – for ages 4 to 6 months.

As luck would have it, all three of my girls were born exactly 12 days apart during mid-summer. This made it easy to seasonally coordinate hand-medowns over the years – starting with the pumpkin suit.

My firstborn was literally downing in it. She was a tiny little thing and the costume was definitely wearing her, and not the other way around.

Same for my second born. I remember worrying that the suit was going to consume her head and suffocate her.

And then came the third. Unfortunately for both of us, I just assumed it would fit her.

She was a very large baby, too large to stuff into the pumpkin from top to bottom, so I got creative and cut the lower half off and tucked the top into a pair of orange leggings. Her neck was so chubby I couldn’t zip the costume up in its entirety, as I was afraid of choking her. Her double chin spilled over the top of the neck, the arms were too short and she looked more like an orange meatloaf than a pumpkin.

We handed down a lot of clothes and costumes in my house over the years, but none received as much love as that pumpkin suit. And yes, I kept it…well, the top half at least.

PHOTO LAUREN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

SNOW & LEIGH RIPLEY

AD DESIGN ANDREA HILL

COVER PHOTO LAUREN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

BLOG ANDREA HILL

ONLINE CALENDARS CALENDAR@MTPARENT.COM

SOCIAL MEDIA ANDREA HILL, SHAUNESCY WILLARD, CORA DESANTIS

PRINT MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION INFO@MTPARENT.COM

SUBMIT PHOTOS INFO@MTPARENT.COM

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

LEIGH RIPLEY

ALI SCHWEITZER

JESSICA CARTWRIGHT

MEGHAN MCKEON, MD

DANNY DEKRUIF

BLAIR FJESETH

REBECCA COLNAR

FLORA MCCORMICK

* Montana Parent strives to provide accurate information and entertainment to our readers. Some content may be based on opinion of the author and may not represent our views. We want all voices to be heard, so we all can be educated on both sides of important issues.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

LAUREN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

DYNNESON FAMILY

• What’s Up? photos are from event social media pages if not supplied by the organization

PHOTO LAUREN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

Applestem

Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch Craig, MT

The Applestem Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is an agriculture-themed outdoor recreational attraction and farm with a 10-acre corn maze and other activities that are perfect for all ages. Located just outside of Craig, between Helena and Great Falls, the farm offers families hours of fun looking for the quickest path out of the corn and taking in other popular attractions like Human Foosball and Roller Bowler.

Hop on the Grain Train or ride the Cow Train. Take the plunge down Hay Mountain on the tube slide. Dig around in the corn box and try your hand at steer head roping. There’s a sandbox and an old-fashioned hay jump, rubber duck races, farm animals and spiderwebs to explore.

Let’s not forget the pumpkin patch. All of Applestem’s pumpkins are locally grown by the Hutterites at Sage Creek and New Rockport colonies. Applestem specializes in selling what people cannot buy at the store, and they try to feature something new and exotic every year.

Both the maze and pumpkin patch are open Fridays from 5-9 p.m., Saturdays from 1-9 p.m., and Sundays from 1-6 p.m. Tickets are available online (www. applestemcornmaze.com) or at the Applestem Corn Maze ticket booth.

Beaverhead

Bale Maze and Pumpkin Patch Dillon, MT

The Beaverhead Bale Maze and Pumpkin Patch, located 1.5 miles from Dillon on Hwy. 91, is open during the month of October, Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 7 p.m. Admission is $7 per person; children ages 2 and under are free. Concessions are available offering everything from pulled pork cheesy nachos to fries and walking tacos along with a variety of other food and drink options.

On October 31, stop by the admission booth during the day for some early trick or treating and come back that night for the Haunted Maze. Open from 7-8 p.m. for the easily frightened, and from 8-10 p.m. for brave older kids and adults. Admission is $10 per person. For more information call 406-579-7955 or visit www.beaverheadmazeandpumpkinpatch.com.

Edgewater Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Townsend, MT

With more than 15 attractions to choose from, Edgewater Farms offers families hours of fun. Wander through the maze, which boasts 12 acres of walking paths through cornfields; jump to your heart’s content on a 34-by-67-foot custom Jumbo Jumper; slide down the giant slide; shoot cobs of corn with air-powered corn cannons at a variety of targets; spend hours in the next-level sandbox corn pit. Other attractions include tractors to climb, hay rides, a pumpkin patch, fire pits and a multitude of games.

Edgewater Farms offers homemade chocolate chip cookies, scotcheroos and freshmade kettle corn in the Sweet Shop. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages (no alcohol). The farm is located about six miles south of Townsend on the west side of the highway. You will have to cross a railroad with frequent trains so please be careful and DO NOT STOP ON THE TRACKS!

Hours of Operation:

Ç Now through October 29, 2023

Ç Fridays: 4-9 p.m.*

Ç Saturdays: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.*

Ç Sunday-Thursday: Closed

*Last ticket is sold at 8 p.m.

Montana Corn Maze

Manhattan, MT

*MTP was unable to confirm 2023 details prior to publication; please visit www.montanacornmaze.com

The Montana Corn Maze is located on a 160-acre farm dating back to the late 1800’s.

The maze first opened in 2010 on eight-tenths of an acre, and has now grown to more than five acres. Each year, corn is planted in two different directions, creating a grid. The maze is drawn and cut without the use of computers or GPS. When the corn is about six inches tall, the paths are walked out, marked and then cut using weed eaters. This process is repeated several times.

Finally, clues are hidden among the stalks for three different levels of challenges.

Open through October 29, the maze attraction also offers a barrel train for kids, trikes for adults and older kids and wagon rides to and from the maze. Around the farm you’ll find a playground and sandboxes, corn hole, a miniature six-hole golf course, a haybale pyramid, the Wagon Depot slide, food and drink vendors, farm animals and a farmers market on Saturdays.

ONLINE RESERVATIONS FOR TICKETS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED

Ç $10 - Ages 4 and up

Ç Free - Ages 3 and under

Ç To purchase tickets online visit www.montanacornmaze.com.

October Hours of Operation:

Ç Wednesdays / Online tickets required 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ç Fridays / Online tickets required 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ç Fridays / No reservations required 5 to 7 p.m.

*Last ticket sold at 7 p.m.; all out by 8:30 p.m.

Ç Saturdays / No reservations required 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

*Last ticket sold at 7 p.m.; all out by 8:30 p.m.

Ç No pets of any kind are allowed on the farm.

Ç The Montana Corn Maze is located at 4605 W. Cameron Bridge Rd. in Manhattan.

Ç For more information visit the website or call 406-922-1643.

RockyFarmCreek

Bozeman, MT

WRITTEN BY LEIGH RIPLEY

Our first cover October 2010

Gallatin Valley Botanical at Rocky Creek Farm is a special place for my Montana Parent partners and our families. The cover of our very first issue was taken from a farm trail on a beautiful September day and features all eight of our children (plus a bonus friend). We had our first headshots for the magazine and website taken at the farm. And over the years we have recreated that first cover photo and so many more, documenting our families’ growth.

October 2011

On a personal level, Rocky Creek is near and dear to me as well: school field trips for hayrides and cider pressing; pumpkin picking; children playing on the tire swings. These days, every week I pull up to the blue barn for my CSA and glance over at those same sweet swings and I can still remember trying to pry my kids from them—they never wanted leave.

We have made summer trips to pick strawberries and tomatoes from the vine. Fall trips to have our backyard apples pressed into cider and pumpkin picking for carving, decorating and baking. Once upon a time we went on a sleigh ride in December through a winter-themed wonderland (not sure they do that one anymore).

To say bringing your kids to Rocky Creek Farm is a Bozeman rite of passage is an understatement. It should be a requirement. Not only is it a magical lesson in farm to table, this little gem is a family-owned and operated business that embraces and welcomes our community as part of their family.

The Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch have been a Bozeman tradition for more than 30 years. Every weekend, now through Halloween, the farm offers hay rides to the pumpkin patch, apple picking, cider pressing and more. The farm stand will be stocked with seasonal produce, carving pumpkins, decorative gourds, dried flowers, ornamental grasses and more.

There is a reservation system for the Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch. Please visit www.gallatinvalleybotanical.com

Our first banner October 2010

October 2013

The Bozeman Maze

Bozeman, MT

The Bozeman Maze has been a Gallatin Valley tradition since 1998, when Dale Mandeville built the first maze in the shape of a pumpkin. In 2021, under Mandeville’s guidance, Tell Rothing and Ezra Cuelho took on ownership of the maze. Today, isometric 3-D effects are used, taking the mazes to a whole new level.

In addition to the maze itself, guests will find a PowerJump Bungee Trampoline, mini-train, hay rides, corn bins, a party tent, pumpkins, concessions and more.

The creation of the maze takes more than 5,000 bales of hay and a month or longer to build with two-to-three people putting in around 200-man hours.

Hours of operation are as follows, with Flashlight Nights on the evenings when the maze is open until 9 p.m. (bring your own flashlight):

Ç Monday: Closed

Ç Tuesday: Closed

Ç Wednesday: 6-9 p.m.

Ç Thursday: Closed (open October 19, 12-5 p.m.)

Ç Friday: 6-9 p.m. (extended hours October 20, 12-9 p.m.)

Ç Saturday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Ç Sunday: noon-6 p.m.

The last group of the day will be permitted into the maze at closing time. Hayrides and concessions close one hour later. The mini-train does not run after dark.

Cost:

Ç General: $13/person

Ç Children ages 5-10: $11/person

Ç Ages 4 and under free

Ç Groups of 10 or more will receive a $1 discount

Ç PowerJump Bungee Trampoline: $8 (The PowerJump will not run when the temperature is below 45°F.)

The Bozeman Maze is located at 1340 E. Valley Center Rd. For more information visit www.bozemanmaze.com or call 406-388-7818.

Fall Frolic

October 19, 2023

Bozeman, MT

There is a chill in the air and winter is on its way, but before it gets here, Bozeman Parks & Recreation is going to celebrate the end of fall with a festival. Kids in grades kindergarten through fifth are invited to Story Mill Community Park for sack races, hula-hoop contests, bean bag tosses, bobbing for apples (not with our mouths), old fashioned pie-eating contests, healthy corndog snacks, face painting, leaf rubbings and adventures in the park. The Fall Frolic day-camp will be held from 7:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Registration is required www.bozeman. net/recreation or 406-582-2290

"Breast cancer is often very treatable. Regular screenings are critical in detecting breast cancer at its early stages when treatment is most effective."

Meghan McKeon, M.D. Breast Radiologist, Medical Director of Breast

We offer complete dental care for you and your family in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Our team of dental professionals are dedicated to providing you with the most comprehensive care, because good overall health begins with good oral health.

Stories • RitualCelebrations • events

Oh Halloween, Oh Halloween

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS ALI SCHWEITZER

It may officially be spooky season, but in my house, Halloween is never really over. On November 1, I’m out clearance shopping for costumes and decorations for the following year. I also start brainstorming costume ideas for the next year and will admit that my Halloween decorations and lights stay up well into November. In fact, we still have some big black spiders hiding around our front yard from last year.

I love Halloween; it really is my favorite holiday. I mean, what’s not to love? The costumes, the candy, the decorations, the haunted houses, the colors… did I mention the costumes? Ever since I was a little girl, dressing up in costumes was my go-to playtime activity. My grandma would scour garage sales and find boxes of old dresses, dance costumes, and play clothes that would entertain me for hours. So naturally I loved dressing up for Halloween. This love of dressing up didn’t stop as I got older. Costume parties were always my favorite thing growing up (and still are as an adult), and anytime my roommates and I would throw a party… it was themed.

These days I still dress up any chance I get, but you better believe I’m going all out for Halloween. As a business owner, my employees don’t have a choice… every year we come up with a different theme and we light up the eyes of all who dare to enter our office. And there’s no exception at my house either, whether you’re trick-or-treating or handing out candy, you better dress the part.

My kids and husband play along. While my kids love it (and we have the playroom costume rack to prove it) my husband isn’t always the easiest to convince. We (yes I said we) dress up for playtime and all year-round, but Halloween is the event of the year in my house. Not only do we wear multiple costumes throughout the day, but our house is a favorite in our neighborhood and oftentimes we’ll stand outside at night just to take it all in. Even my husband gets into the decorating, and never complains when I come home with at least two or three new decorations for him to put up each year. And as much as says he hates to dress up, he gets more and more into it each year. In fact, he even had two Halloween costumes one year…and, yes, it was documented. I also have to smile when my kids run back to the house for a quick costume change the night of… because my husband rolls his eyes, and I know he’s thinking he now has two more Halloween crazies to deal with. Even our date nights in October have a Halloween twist, and no matter how hard he grumbles when I drag him to all the haunted houses… I know he secretly loves it.

With each year that my kids (and my husband) get more and more into Halloween— whether it’s the candy, the costumes, or the fact that they get to stay up way past bedtime—I’m going to soak it all in and enjoy the season. So, watch out ghosts, ghouls and goblins, my family is taking over Halloween.

Dr. Ali Schweitzer is owner, chiropractor, and Halloween enthusiast at Active Family Chiropractic & Wellness. And while her office is always fun, it’s a special spooky fun in October.

Halloween Ritual Celebrations

WRITTEN BY JESSICA CARTWRIGHT

I meet a lot of parents who want to celebrate special occasions with their kids, but don’t love or feel connected to the rituals they grew up with themselves. They’re curious about how to make holidays and traditions feel more authentic to who they are now, and how they are choosing to parent their kids.

I say: Do what works for you! The beauty of creating a family is getting to create your own fun, new traditions.

And in our family, we’re all about rituals. Rituals are intentional actions that really anchor us in our gratitude and in the connection to our ancestors. They’re sort of a pause in our never-ending dayto-day to do something special that we can look forward to.

Rituals use to be a big aspect of our lives as humans, and now we are sorely lacking in them. I find that they help ease my anxiety, depression and listlessness. They are a constant that gets me out of some of the more mundane daily tasks of life, and remind me to stop and celebrate. Stop and breathe. Stop and honor. Stop and reflect. Stop and let my nervous system unwind.

One of my favorite rituals of the year happens to be in October when we celebrate Halloween, Samhain (“sow-inn”), All Saint’s Day.

“It is widely believed that many Halloween traditions originated from ancient Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain. Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the ‘darker half’ of the year.”

Some October ritual ideas:

Make an altar with pictures of loved ones passed. Last year, for the first time, we put up an altar with pictures of our ancestors who have passed. It was really powerful. We told our daughter about the generations that brought her here. I also asked both of my parents to come over and share a memory about their parents, which led to a fun and important moment of reflection and connection. You can leave your loved ones’ favorite snacks and goodies on the altar to continue to celebrate them.

This is the season when plants die and death is in the air. It’s also believed that the boundary between our world and the other world is most easily crossed, a liminal time. The tradition of dressing up is believed to “have been a way of imitating, and disguising oneself from the spirits who some believed could take you back with them to their world. If they saw you looking like a spirit or deceased being they would ignore you as a potential candidate for bringing back with them.” [Tai Chi Foundation]

Interesting, right?

If you’ve read my articles before, you probably know that my family and I base most of our holiday celebrations on pagan traditions. Pagan, to me, simply means earth-based celebrations; celebrating in connection with the rhythms, cycles and seasons of the earth.

And that feels like freedom to me. It means that just because I don’t subscribe to a certain religion, doesn’t mean I don’t get to partake in the rituals and ceremonies surrounding it (trees and Santa around the winter solstice, pumpkins in late October, bunnies and eggs at Spring Equinox).

So, I encourage you to do a little research into any of the holidays you celebrated when you were growing up or ones you’re curious about celebrating now. Most have fun backstories, and choosing the ones that feel right for your family make celebrating them a lot more meaningful.

Carve or paint a pumpkin. This tradition also has a fun history and connects us to the end of harvest season (anything that connects us to earth’s seasons and rhythms nowadays feels especially important and nourishing to share with my daughter). You can go for a classic carving, but one of my favorite things for young kiddos is to buy some mini pumpkins and put them out with paints and paintbrushes and let them have at it. Easy and fun!

Visit a local farm. Rocky Creek Farm is always a superb option for getting a pumpkin and connecting to the land. You can also visit one of our local corn or hay mazes to celebrate fall, pick up your pumpkin and support our muchappreciated local farmers. (As with everything in Bozeman lately, these places can get pretty busy—so be prepared for that, be kind, drive slow and let it be part of the adventure. And maybe plan to enjoy a nice adult cider afterward while the kids are painting pumpkins).

Prepare a harvest feast. Think apples, pumpkins, squash, anything that feels like fall. Put some marigolds on the table, or even make marigold chains with a needle and thread. Let kids paint pumpkins, have a fire, drink warm cider. Invite your friends and celebrate all the bounty that fills our lives.

Jessica Cartwright helps women going through big life transitions - whether it’s a new baby or wanting to show up differently in our lives. She does this through oneon-one yoga, meditation, energy healing, connection and guided international retreats. Find her at www. jessicaenergy.com or on Instagram @jessica.energy.

Halloween events

Story Mill Sprouts

Pumpkin Party

Bozeman | October 2-25, 2023

Pumpkins mean fall and Halloween are almost here. This camp for ages 3 to 5 (must be toilet trained to attend without guardian) will focus on fun pumpkin play and spook-tacular activities. Camp ends on October 25 with a Halloween-themed party.

Offered Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. from October 2-25 at the Story Mill Community Center. Preregistration is required: visit bozeman.net/recreation or call 406-582-2290.

Schools Out EXPLORE!

Pumpkin Party

Bozeman | October 20, 2023

This Schools Out EXPLORE! Camp, hosted by the Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department, includes pumpkin carving and making your own miniature haunted house diorama from cardboard boxes and recycled materials. Play Halloween-themed games like ghost in the graveyard and werewolf tag, wrap your friends up like mummies for spooky relay races, set up pumpkin bowling and even go on a pumpkin scavenger hunt within the park.

Open to children in grades kindergarten through fifth, the Pumpkin Party camp will be held from 7:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Story Mill Community Park and Center. Preregistration is required: visit bozeman.net/ recreation or call 406-582-2290.

Kenyon Noble’s Annual Junior Carpenter

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Bozeman, Belgrade and Livingston | October 21, 2023

Kenyon Noble’s Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest is just around the corner. Bring your family and friends to spend a fun-filled afternoon carving pumpkins on October 21 from noon to 2 p.m. (offered at all Kenyon Noble locations). Pick a free pumpkin of your choice, carve your little hearts out and try to win some super cool prizes – you could be sporting a grin as bright as any jack-o’-lantern!

Prize categories are broken into three age groups: 0-5, 6-9 and 10-12. At 2 p.m. Kenyon Noble judges will pick the top-three winning pumpkins from each age group. Announcement of each prize will come soon after. Winners will need to be present to win—so if you have time after you're done carving, grab some complimentary snacks and hydration and don’t forget to pick up your free goodie bag full of awesome Halloween swag. The Kenyon Noble staff will be holding their own Halloween costume contest where you get to vote for the winner, so make sure you vote for your favorite get-up. Feel free to join in the fun by wearing your own costumes if you would like.

Pumpkin Stroll

Drop and Glow

Bozeman | October 25, 2023

The Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department invites you to share your spooktacular creation during their annual community Pumpkin Stroll in Story Mill Park. Carve a pumpkin in the comfort of your own home and drop it off on Wednesday, October 25 at the Story Mill Community Center between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (closed from noon-1 p.m.) That evening the Parks and Recreation Department will add a tea light to make it glow. Jack-o’-lanterns will be placed around the activity lawn in the park between 6 and 9 p.m. for all to enjoy. Halloween costumes are encouraged and hot cider will be served.

Anderson School

Haunted House

Bozeman | October 27 & 28, 2023

Since 1992, the eighth-grade class at Anderson School has been terrorizing brave souls of the Gallatin Valley with their annual haunted house extravaganza. This year promises to be their most spinechilling event yet! Mark your calendars for October 27 and 28 and prepare for a night of bone-chilling fun at Anderson School’s Little Red School House, nestled just 5 miles south of Huffine on South Cottonwood Road.

There are two ways to experience the spine-tingling spectacle. For those who prefer a less intense fright, both evenings kick off with the “lights on” version of Nursery Rhymes Gone Wrong, running from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. But for the brave souls willing to face their deepest fears in complete darkness, the “lights out” version runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Beware, the “lights out” version is not for the faint-hearted, but fret not, there’s a midway exit for those who find themselves overwhelmed by the hair-raising madness!

Tickets: Prior to the event at Eventbrite.com or in person

Pricing:

Ç General Admission - $10

Ç Fast Pass (skip the regular line) - $20

Ç Skip the Line Entirely - $30

The Anderson School Haunted House has a rich history of scaring up funds to send the eighth-grade class to Washington D.C. as part of their American History curriculum. These students eagerly anticipate the chance to send shivers down the spines of their community leading up to their final year at Anderson. Their journey begins in earnest from day one of eighth grade, involving meticulous planning, organizing, skit development, prop procurement and terrifying costume design. They’ve witnessed their predecessors in action, strolled through unholy halls, screamed, cried and made daring escapes through the side door during the most harrowing moments of the haunted house adventure. Now, it’s their turn, and they’re poised to deliver a fright you won’t forget.

Parking is easy at the Little Red School House, with parking lot attendants on hand both nights to guide you to and from the field adjacent to the school. Dress warmly, as Montana’s October nights can be chilly, and anticipate a crowd eager to embrace the fears. Concessions will be available, including food, cold drinks and hot beverages to keep you warm while you wait. Anderson eighth graders can’t wait to witness you trembling at the Nursery Rhymes Gone Wrong Haunted House on October 27 and 28. Don't miss out!

Boo Bash

Bozeman

October 28, 2023

Do the Monster Mash in your best Halloween costume at the Gallatin Valley YMCA Boo Bash from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 28. Featured activities at this cool haunt include arts and crafts, games, costume contests, family-friendly tunes and sweet treats. Free to the public and open to all ages. (Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult during the party.)

Trunk or Treat Helena

October 28, 2023

Join Kenny Simpson Nissan on October 28 for lots of candy and fun from 3-6 p.m. This event is free.

Halloween

Trick Riding Showcase

Helena

October 29, 2023

See the future stars of trick riding on Sunday, October 29 from 1-4 p.m. in the MPB Indoor Arena at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds. Come on out and see the kids in full costume amaze you with their skills. Free to all who want to come and watch.

Trick or Treat

at Bozeman Health

Bozeman

October 31, 2023

Stay warm and safe this Halloween and enjoy a guided trick-or-treat event around Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center. Goodies will include candy and small toys. To be held Tuesday, October 31 from 3 to 5 p.m. Park in lot C and start at entrance 4.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Let the Ridge Party Specialists help you with your child’s next birthday party! Kids will have a blast in the pool, bounce house, PlayZone, or gym. Choose a birthday party location plus ala carte options to design the perfect 2-hour party for your child.

GROUP SWIMMING LESSONS

The Ridge offers year-round group swimming lessons for members and non-members and students of all abilities! There are currently openings in our Fall sessions.

FOR DETAILS OR TO REGISTER, VISIT RIDGEATHLETIC.COM.

Downtown Trick or Treating

Bozeman

October 31, 2023

Join downtown Bozeman businesses this Halloween from 4-6 p.m. for a safe way to enjoy traditional trick or treating. More than 150 businesses welcome kids and families with candy and spooky Halloween decorations!

Little Tykes Trick or Treat

Helena

October 31, 2023

Dress up your family in their most entertaining costumes and visit downtown Helena businesses that will have treats waiting from 2 to 5 p.m. Little Tykes Trick or Treat is great fun for the whole family. For more information visit www.downtownhelena.com

Pumpkin Smash

Bozeman

November 4, 2023

The Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department is excited to partner with Happy Trash Can Compost this year to bring their popular “Pumpkin Smash” to Story Mill Community Park. Grab your pumpkins, jacko’-lanterns and gourds, and meet at the park on November 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a smashing good time.

Witches Night at Story Mansion

Bozeman

October 31, 2023

The porch of the historic Story Mansion at 811 S. Willson Ave. will be transformed on Halloween night with witches who will delight and not frighten. Brought to you by the Friends of the Story Mansion, this is a perfect stop for trick-or-treaters. Learn more by visiting www.friendsofthestory.org.

Did you know that more than 1 billion pounds of pumpkins are wasted in American landfills each year, contributing to harmful greenhouse gases? Let’s change that! By composting pumpkins locally, we give organic material a second life and the finished compost benefits farms and gardens right here in the Gallatin Valley.

The Pumpkin Smash is not just good for the planet, it’s also a blast for all ages. It’s free, it’s fun and an opportunity to make a positive impact on our environment. The more pumpkins we smash, the bigger difference we make.

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS AND BUILDING UP HOPE.

Shodair Children’s Hospital is changing the culture in mental health.

GET AN INSIDE LOOK

Located at the edge of Montana’s capital city and nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains is a children’s mental health hospital you can see right through. Its windows stretch from floor to ceiling, reflecting aspiration both in and out. A public café adorns the building’s entrance, welcoming all through its doors. And, at its core is an innovative care program that celebrates adversity. You see, Shodair Children’s Hospital isn’t just treating mental health, they’re shining a light on it – breaking down barriers and building up hope through specialized psychiatric care, a comprehensive medical genetics program, and outpatient services o ered virtually across the state.

Though Shodair’s hospital building was strategically designed to meet the needs of sta and patients, their internal culture has been at work from within for years. And it shows! Centered around the Sanctuary Model® of trauma-informed care, Shodair’s team is far from a siloed group of employees. In fact, together, along with their patients, they’ve built a community that doesn’t just treat adversity, but chooses to walk through it with both practice and heart. And that’s not all! Shodair’s recognition extends across the entire nation. In addition to being the sole Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in Montana and the only provider in the state to house both acute and residential inpatient services under one roof, Shodair is also home to a world-renown medical genetics program. For years, Shodair has fought against the stigma of mental health, working from within to educate, motivate, and empower. And, today, they continue that e ort through their very real and everyday mission to heal, help and inspire hope for patients all across the state – from both the inside and the out.

FIND PURPOSE AT SHODAIR

From medical genetics and inpatient psychiatry to special education and speech pathology, Shodair believes in doing mental health care di erently – and it’s making all the di erence. To learn more about Shodair’s inpatient and outpatient services, schedule a consultation, or explore impactful career opportunities, visit shodair.org.

Looking for more inspiration? Head over to Blueprint of Hope – Shodair’s blog that inspires the inspired, educates on mental health, and shares abundant joy. shodair.org/blog

2755 Colonial Drive | Helena, MT 59601

Phone: 406.444.7500 | Toll Free: 1.800.447.6614 | Shodair.org

Downtown Bozeman will turn PNK for the entire month of October with pink banners lining Main Street and window decorations at many of downtown’s retailers and restaurants. Participating businesses will offer “PNK Promotions” with funds going toward local organizations that provide resources and support for those in our community affected by cancer.

Montana State University and Bobcat Athletics are encouraging fans to participate in the annual “Pack the Place in Pink” event at the November 4 home football game to promote breast cancer awareness. Don’t forget to stick around following the football game, as the Bobcats Volleyball team faces Northern Arizona at 7 p.m. in Shroyer Gym.

To participate, fans are invited to purchase limited-edition apparel featuring a special Pack the Place in Pink Bobcat logo and wear it to the game against Northern Arizona in Bobcat Stadium. This year, the items for purchase include a pink short-sleeved shirt, a pink crew neck sweatshirt, a gray hooded sweatshirt and navy beanies. The apparel will be available for purchase on October 10 at Universal Athletic and the MSU

Bookstore. A portion of the sales will be donated to the Pack the Place in Pink organization, a 501(c)(3) project supporting breast cancer patients in Montana, providing them with financial assistance in all of our local communities.

PNKBZN seeks to:

Ç Enhance local mindfulness and adherence to following screening guidelines for breast care

Ç Spread awareness on how to access diagnostic screenings and other resources

Ç Increase the community conversation around cancer awareness

Ç Provide inspirational stories of people in our community who are living with breast cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 950 women in the state of Montana will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. As of 2018 in the greater Gallatin Valley, approximately one-quarter of breast cancers were diagnosed in women under the age of 50. And, while not as common, approximately 2,650 men a year throughout the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer. October was designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985 to raise awareness and gain funding for research for a cure, while elevating education around the importance of annual/early screening.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BREAST SCREENING OPTIONS

WRITTEN BY MEGHAN MCKEON, MD

October is breast cancer awareness month and considering that one in eight women in the U.S. has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is a disease that has affected many of us in some way.

The good news is that breast cancer is often very treatable. Regular screenings are critical in detecting it at its early stages when treatment is most effective. As a radiologist who specializes in women’s imaging and the director of breast imaging at Advanced Medical Imaging (AMI), I am very focused on this topic. There are many options for breast screening today and the knowledgeable team at AMI is here to help you —and other healthcare providers—determine which screening tests are best based on your health history and individual risk factors.

First, what does “screening” mean? Screening for breast cancer means regularly checking your breasts for cancer before there are any signs or symptoms of disease. Mammography is the primary screening test for the early detection

of breast cancer. Additional screening tests, performed in conjunction with mammography, can improve cancer detection if you have dense breast tissue (as seen on imaging) or if you have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Which screening test/s you take will depend on various factors, including your age, family history, medical history and breast density. It is important to discuss screening options with your healthcare provider. However, the information below can provide you with a general overview of the most common types of breast cancer screening.

1. Mammogram

Mammography is the first step in screening for breast cancer. Experts recommend that women 40 and older get a mammogram every year. Earlier mammograms may be recommended if there is a strong family history of breast cancer.

AMI’s mammography has been using state-of-the-art 3D technology (also known as tomosynthesis) since 2014. 3D technology is the most advanced form of mammography, providing multiple images of the breast in greater detail and improving cancer detection.

2. Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS), is a specialized ultrasound system, designed to image the entire breast. ABUS is recommended as an additional screening test for women with dense breast tissue.

Breast density can hide a developing cancer or mass. ABU creates detailed 3D images of each breast allowing earlier detection of masses. When performed at the same time as your annual mammogram, these studies can be read side by side by our radiologists, providing more clarity and better cancer detection for women with dense breasts. AMI is the only site in south central Montana to offer ABUS.

3. Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Breast MRIs are most often used for screening women who have a high risk for breast cancer or have previously had breast cancer. MRI can also be used as a diagnostic tool for suspected breast cancer or to help inform treatment options for women with a breast cancer diagnosis. AMI also offers abbreviated

YMCA SUPER SITTERS

The Super Sitters Course teaches kids 11 years and older the fundamentals of babysitting. Participants will be certified in First Aid by the American Heart Association and learn basic babysitting guidelines, child development, infant care, first aid, infant and child choking response, and home safety.

• First Aid Certification

• Babysitting Starter Kit

• Infant & Child Safety

• Hands on Practice

Breast MRI, which provides the advanced technology of an MRI in a fraction of the time. This allows for a more affordable screening option for women who are at high risk, or with very dense breast tissue. AMI is the only imaging center in the region offering this powerful screening tool.

In addition to deciding what screening is best for you, where you receive your care is also very important. AMI provides comprehensive breast care and easy access—including sameday appointments—to support your needs at every stage of breast care. We offer the widest range of screening and diagnostic services with the most advanced technology. Our specialized team of clinical staff and radiologists provides expertise in both performing the tests and interpreting the results. In addition, AMI’s Breast Care Specialist provides personalized care to patients throughout the screening, diagnostic and treatment process. Partnering with Bozeman Health ensures access to a multidisciplinary care team specializing in all areas of breast health and treatment. This combination of expertise and patient-centered focus is critical in supporting patients’ clinical and emotional needs throughout their care journey.

To schedule an appointment, or for additional information, please call 406414-5201.

Meghan McKeon, MD is a breast radiologist and the medical director for breast imaging at Advanced Medical Imaging (AMI). AMI is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and is a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence in Montana, with two convenient locations in Bozeman. You can learn more at amibozeman.com.

After-school & PIR-DAY activity guide

Classical Ballet Instruction for All Ages

Montana Ballet Company

Ç 2304 N. 7th Avenue, Suite C-3

Ç info@montanaballet.org

Ç 406-582-8702

Ç www.montanaballet.org

Ç www.facebook.com/montanaballetco

Ç www.instagram.com/montanaballet

fall 2023

Offering After-School and/or PIR-Day activities this year?

submit listings

@mtparent.com/submit-your-afterschool-activity-listing

bozeman

Art Class (After School)

State of Play

Ç 406-404-2374

Ç info@stateofplay.co

Ç wwo.stateofplay.co

Ç www.acebook.com/@playbozeman

Ç www.instagram/@playbozeman

Welcome to Art Class! This drop-off, after-school program will focus on a variety of art materials ranging from clay and paint to wood and fiber. Join State of Play educators as your child explores a plethora of art experiences such as weaving, sculpture, collage, self-portraits and still lives. Children will be learning about different artists and how the materials we use connect us to our everyday world. Art Class is held from 4-5 p.m. on Tuesdays for 3- to 5-year-olds and Thursdays for 6- to 9-year-olds.

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 40th annual season. Classes are taught by a professional faculty with a focus on health and wellness and the whole dancer.

Hybrid Motion PIR-Day Camp

Ç 141 Baxter Ln. W., Suite 9

Ç HL@hybridmotionmt.com

Ç 406-991-1005

Ç www.HybridMotionMT.com

Ç www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100093274673827

Ç www.instagram.com/hybridmotionmt

Keeping the kids busy while teachers are in pupil-instruction-related courses and school is out. For ages 5 and above, the day includes beginner level dance, gymnastics, PE games, crafts, lunch and two snack-times.

Rhythm Kids®

Held at Pilgrim Church

Ç 2118 S. Third Ave.

Ç sarah@wildartsbozeman.com

Ç 818-621-3031

Ç www.musictogetherbozeman.com

Ç www.facebook.com/musictogetherbzn

Ç www.instagram.com/musictogetherbzn

Rhythm Kids® is a high-energy, interactive group music class for children ages 5-9 (K-second). In each weekly music class, participants will drum, sing and move. Each semester brings a new song collection with drumming patterns and tunes inspired by musical traditions from around the world, adapted for children to learn through playful phrases about animals that children love. Rhythm Kids sets kids on the path to independent music making. It’s the perfect "next step" in your child’s music development. Classes run year-round in 10-week sessions.

Science Day Camp

Montana Science Center

Ç 2744 W. Main St.

Ç info@montanasciencecenter.org

Ç 406-522-9087

Ç www.MontanaScienceCenter.org

Ç www.facebook.com/ MontanaScienceCenter

Ç www.instagram.com/montanasciencecenter

Stay curious and come discover science during Day Camps at Montana Science Center. Hands-on activities, STEAMlab high-tech time and discovery on MSC’s exhibit floor are included in a full day of science fun.

MOSS Kids Programs

Montana Outdoor Science School

Ç 406-219-3899

Ç info@outdoorscience.org

Ç www.outdoorscience.org/gallatin-valleyfridays

Ç www.facebook.com/ MontanaOutdoorScienceSchool

Ç www.instagram.com/mt_moss/

Montana Outdoor Science School teaches place-based, outdoor science education through fun, engaging, hands-on lessons utilizing the diverse landscapes and ecosystems of this incredible place we live. From preschool nature walks to schools-out Friday programs to PIR Day and spring break camps, MOSS offers a variety of programs for kids during the school year. Program locations vary. Please visit the MOSS website for full program details.

Fall in Love with Horses Beginner/ Intermediate Horsemanship Camp

Cedar Ridge Equine

Ç October 19 & 20, 2023

Ç 406-282-3355

Ç Cedarridgeequines@gmail.com

Ç www.Cedarridgeequine.com

Ç www.facebook.com/cedarridgeequine

Ç www.instagram.com/PrechterAmy

This half-day horsemanship camp is a beginner and intermediate combination camp, with two groups to accommodate a variety of levels and experience. Riders will spend daily time in the saddle, doing on the ground horsemanship and fallthemed craft projects. Cedar Ridge Equines prioritizes providing a safe, fun and educational experience for all campers. Campers with little to no prior horse experience are welcome to attend and will participate in the beginner group. Campers will need to pack a lunch/ snacks/water daily. We look forward to meeting you all and sharing our passion for horses with you!

If you want to be listed, you must fill out an application and meet eligibility requirements. Please contact Suzanne Bendick of Roots Family Collaborative at hello@rootsfamilycollaborative.com or 406-570-0738.

PHOTO LAUREN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

Illuminating Dreams: Greater Gallatin United Way’s Afterschool Initiatives

WRITTEN BY DANNY DEKRUIF

“In a world that never stops moving, we often forget how essential afterschool hours are for our children,” said Kim Hall, Greater Gallatin United Way CEO. “These hours are not just about childcare, they’re about nurturing talents, fostering friendships and inspiring dreams.”

In this beautiful corner of Montana, where nature’s splendor knows no bounds, families are drawn to a way of life that cherishes open spaces and community bonds. However, beneath this idyllic exterior, there exists a pressing challenge – the need for accessible, affordable and high-quality afterschool programs.

Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) understands the unique challenges working families in the area face. Nearly 47% of Montana’s children are left without access to after-school programs, creating a daily struggle to balance work and family life. A recent survey revealed that 60% of working parents in Gallatin County face difficulties in securing afterschool care, an issue compounded by skyrocketing costs of living.

The after-school predicament extends to neighboring counties like Park, Meagher and Madison, where limited resources and remote locations pose even more significant challenges for working parents. The absence of after-school support can often lead to children being unsupervised, which, in turn, has resulted in lower academic achievement, increased behavioral problems and decreased overall well-being.

Amidst these challenges, Greater Gallatin United Way’s kidsLINK outof-school initiatives have provided a lifeline for working parents and an opportunity for children to thrive.

Academic Excellence: GGUW’s kidsLINK students receive help with homework, access to educational resources and assistance in reinforcing their learning.

Through Holistic Development: Beyond academics, children engage in enriching activities encompassing the arts, mental well-being, science, sports and music, encouraging well-rounded growth.

Safe Havens: These programs provide a safe haven for children to learn, play and grow, reducing the risks associated with unsupervised afterschool hours.

Community Connection: GGUW’s initiatives create a sense of community, connecting children with positive role models and peers, thus fostering essential social skills and building a strong support network.

Affordable: Nearly 40% of kidsLINK families receive tuition assistance.

Accessible: GGUW’s partnerships with local youth programs, nonprofits and area schools make after-school programs accessible.

On October 26, 2023, GGUW will celebrate “Lights On Afterschool,” a nationwide initiative that shines a light on the invaluable role of afterschool programs in nurturing our youth and allowing families to remain in the workforce.

Families like Sarah, a single mother who works long hours as a nurse to provide for her two children. “Not only has kidsLINK been a safe haven for my kids but it has also given me the peace of mind to focus on my job,” said Sarah. “When I received notice that my kids were receiving a scholarship, I was in tears. I had no idea how I would afford care for my children.”

Other families have shared similar stories of newfound opportunities for career advancement, remarkable improvements in their child’s behavior and the discovery of their child’s passion for music.

“Lights On Afterschool” serves as a reminder that the need for afterschool programs in Greater Gallatin is real and pressing. The programs offered by GGUW not only address this need but also empower families to thrive.

On October 26th, GGUW invites our community to champion the cause of after-school programs and ensure that every child’s dream in Greater Gallatin has a chance to shine. By supporting GGUW’s afterschool initiatives, we are investing in the future of our children, our community. Together, we can ensure that the lights stay on after school, illuminating the path toward success for all young minds and families.

Visit

Year

Run for Your Life

Halloween 5k Walk/Run & Kids' 1k Fun Run

In-Person: Oct. 28th in Bozeman

Virtual: Oct. 22-28 from anywhere!

Run for Your Life is a fun event in Bozeman held for the deep purpose of supporting the Help Center’s suicide prevention and intervention services across southwest Montana. Enjoy a Halloween-themed 5k Run/Walk or 1k Kids’ Fun Run in your best costumes, for both humans and dogs! To register visit www.bozemanhelpcenter.org/ run-for-your-life.html.

Full

Half-Day

Options - Monday through Friday

This event aims to bring awareness to suicide prevention, destigmatize seeking mental health help, remember those we have lost to suicide, promote healthy activity and fundraise for vital Help Center services. If you need support or are concerned about a loved one, please reach out. Help is available 24/7: 406-586-3333. 346

Wild West Weekend

October 14, 2023

Travel back to the Wild West and visit Applestem Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch for their Wild West Weekend, October 14 and 15 from 1 to 9 p.m. Admission is $11, or $10 if you are dressed from the Wild West. For more information visit www.applestemcornmaze.com.

Montana Balloon Sculpture Festival

October 20-22, 2023

This new event is a fundraiser during which Helena will be decorated with large balloon displays. United Way LCA will be collecting donations for 20 nonprofit organizations in Helena; each of which will have a beautiful balloon sculpture representing their organization on display, compliments of a local business partner.

Friday, October 20, beginning at 5 p.m.

» Twenty custom-designed balloon sculptures will be on display on the Helena Walking Mall and at various participating locations.

Saturday, October 21 at the Downtown Walking Mall

» 8 a.m.-8 p.m. ~ Balloon sculptures on display

» 4-6 p.m. ~ Quick Twist Competition: Cheer on the artists as they compete head-tohead in a twisting competition tournament consisting of 15-minute rounds and live voting.

» 6-7 p.m. ~ Balloon Twisting Class: Learn the basics of balloon twisting.

Sunday, October 22 at the Downtown Walking Mall

» 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ~ Balloon sculptures on display

» 5 p.m. ~ Raffle Drawing / Awards

» 6 p.m. ~ Balloon Popping Party

For more information visit www.montanaballoonsculpturefestival.com/.

Keeping it Real

WRITTEN BY BLAIR FJESETH | PHOTOS SVEN AND BLAIR THROUGHOUT THEIR DECADE TOGETHER

Our oldest son, Sven, turns 10 on October 15, which coincidentally is also Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. On the day of his birth, I considered this a sign, having had two pregnancy losses before him. The moment they placed him in my arms, I knew it was all worth it. And because I was a young mom, I thought my worry would disappear now that he was born ... I will pause for the collective laugh on that one.

I’ve learned a lot about myself during these 10 years: what I am capable of, what I lack and that my belly is hilarious when I laugh because it jiggles even after I stop laughing. Kids have a funny way of teaching those things before they can walk, let alone form complete sentences filled with a degree of back talk, sass and humor.

Mostly, though, I’ve learned I know that I don’t know, ya’ know? I may have failed him; there will be things he will grow to complain to his spouse or therapist about. I don’t know what he will remember; those moments I tried so hard to make into core memories for him may or may not stand the test of time. I don’t know the depth of my ability to love; with him, it seems limitless.

I’ve learned to accept that two/three/four things can be true simultaneously. In his moments of pure happiness, I feel more joy than I have ever felt, but I also feel that sting of pain knowing he is growing. And if I’m being honest, I feel a

hint of worry about the world this bright soul is entering. In my new decade of wisdom, I’ve come to not feel guilt about “feeling” all the things at once.

I’ve watched him break bones, score goals and catch a bull trout on the Blackfoot River with his fly rod; his smile is captured forever in my memory. I’ve watched him learn to navigate early social situations. I’ve watched him grow into a kid who looks people in the eye, shakes hands and can hold a conversation. He has become a brother, a leader of our pack. I’ve also watched as the world was just too much and caused him to crumple like one of his drawings that didn’t turn out how he wanted.

A decade of parenting signals that I am halfway through until he leaves the nest we’ve meticulously built to nurture and challenge him. From a ball of goo to a tween, all in 10 years, is pretty unfathomable. Yet, as parents, I’m not sure we genuinely sit with how much weight a decade holds.

As for me, I’ve grown from a young girl to a capable woman in 10 years. I am not sure who did more teaching vs. learning, but what I do know is that the boy who made me a mom is also the person who has taught me more about life’s wonder, weight and the prioritization of it all.

God willing, we will have many, many more decades of parenting ahead of us, different chapters, challenges and triumphs, but this one – this is one worth celebrating.

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.

This month marks a decade of parenting for me. I’m unsure if I’ll shed a tear from being old or be joyful that I’ve made it this long.

the combine kid

WRITTEN BY REBECCA COLNAR PHOTOS DYNNESON FAMILY

Katelyn Dynneson Larson believes that showing children joy in everyday life on a farm or ranch means the child will want to return to the ranch later in life. She has firsthand experience in that.

“I went to Montana State University but didn’t plan on returning to the ranch. There is something about agriculture that draws you in. I found my way back to the family ranch in Sidney, Montana,” said the fifth-generation rancher. Katelyn currently works with her husband on her family’s place, where they grow dryland small grains and hay, irrigated corn and hay, and have a commercial cow-calf ranch and a backgrounding feedlot.

She explains that backgrounding involves feeding newly weaned calves until they weigh 850- 900 pounds and then sending them to a finishing lot before they go to the processor.

The Dynnesons are indeed a family business. Katelynn’s sister runs the feed truck while Katelyn takes care of cattle health, and their parents, Keith and Tammy, are also involved. Her husband, Russell, helps on her family’s farm as well as his own family’s place.

“Our cattle in the feedlot get great care,” said Katelyn. “We keep a close eye on them to ensure they are healthy. They have a more well-rounded diet than most humans and always have clean water and a dry place to lie. They have a posh life.”

Two-and-a-half-year-old Connor helps with chores as much as he is able. The towhead loves every part of the farm and ranch. He loves the cows, tractors and trucks which have surrounded him since he was born.

“He comes with us to work every day,” Katelyn said. “He doesn’t go to daycare because we can tag team with my husband, his grandma, or auntie. He wants to be with whoever is running the coolest piece of equipment.”

Amusingly, the youngster mimics with his toys what his parents do on the ranch. He has been traveling around the ranch since birth in his car seat in the truck or side-by-side and he’s at an age now where he enjoys coming along for all the farm work.

“Connor is a pro at taking ‘cab naps’ from the swather to the combine. As long as he has a few books and snacks, he can ride along with us all day,” said Katelyn. “This summer he spent time in every piece of equipment. He helped seed the crop, he was in the sprayer, he cut, raked and baled hay, he helped combine the crop and he’s getting really excited to ride in the corn chopper.”

In addition, he is obsessed with checking the livestock’s water tanks.

“Whenever we drive by a water tank, he insists that we check them to ensure they’re full,” said Katelyn. “I truly think that if he could reach the gas pedal on our vehicles, he’d be driving.”

The mom explained that she and Russell wanted to raise their son on the ranch because working in agriculture gives children a good work ethic.

“They learn that things don’t come easily and are not free. If you want something, you need to work for it,” said Katelyn. “It teaches them valuable life lessons. We have good years, and we have bad years, but we get through them. We hope this raises him with a can-do attitude. People in agriculture are forever optimists.”

She added that she also hopes that she and Russell can teach him to be a good steward of the land and care for what is around him. “Although we will support him no matter what path he chooses, we hope he will be the sixth generation and the generations that come after him.”

Having a child made the couple realize that they may not have been following strict safety protocols, but now they stress safety on the ranch.

“It opened our eyes to what we could do differently,” said Katelyn. “There are many places we don’t take him if it’s unsafe. He can stay in the pickup to stay out of the way. He’s learning to be aware of equipment. We’ve also taught him that cattle can be unpredictable, so he’s learned to respect them.”

Katelyn wants other moms to know that what they grow on their ranch is healthy, whether it’s beef or GMO sweet corn. “We feed him what we grow. Our products are safe and healthy. Beef was his first food.”

She hopes her son will love the ranch as much as she and Russell do despite the occasional hard days, weeks or seasons.

“We show him those small joys of taking pellets (feed) to our heifers, watching a newborn calf struggle to stand and the special magic in watching crops grow,” Katelyn said. “If we can instill that magic in him, he’ll want to return.”

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

Ask Flora

WRITTEN BY FLORA MCCORMICK

Q: I have two girls that are 5 and 3. It is so hard for me to be playful and fun when the meltdowns start. How do you help parents get in a playful mindset?

~Amanda

A: Great question, Amanda. First, the goal of using playfulness is to hopefully prevent meltdowns. So, these strategies will NOT be as effective if the child is already hitting, harming or screaming. However, if you want more creative and playful ways to encourage cooperation, and prevent a meltdown, I got you. Here are five ways to add playfulness into trying to get your child to start or stop doing something.

1. Say, “No” with a “Yes.”

This is one I use often and have used with my kids since they were 2 years old (they are 7 and 9 now). Saying no with a yes is where you take what they’re asking, knowing that you’re going to say no, but be creative and say it with a yes.

For example: We were driving by a sledding hill in town right after we had had our first snowstorm and my daughter said, “Oh, I really want to go sledding right now!” It was 5:30 p.m. and I wanted to get home to make dinner. So instead of saying, “No, we can’t do that,” I said, “Absolutely. Let’s make sure that’s on our list for this weekend.”

Or, when my daughter requested a cookie at 8:30 a.m. I said, “We can absolutely have cookies… after dinner tonight. Let’s set them right here (on the counter) so they’re ready to be our dessert tonight.”

2. The “Clown Trick.”

If my kids aren’t getting dressed or bussing their dishes off the table, I could launch into a lecture like, “You guys, come on. Why is this stuff still here?!?” But that doesn’t usually go very well.

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

Instead, I play like a clown—like the ones at the county fair. Maybe you have seen them walk around with something stuck to their shoe, and while they look for the item the kids yell out from the audience, “It’s on your SHOE!”

So, when the kids aren’t doing what you have asked, play dumb in that clown kind of way.

In the case of your child not getting dressed, try: “I was wanting to wear this shirt today thank you for letting me wear it.”

(While trying to put the child’s shirt over your head.)

When your child leaves their dishes out: “I can’t even remember, where does this plate go again? Do these plates go on our beds? Do the plates go in the car? I forget. Where do the plates go when we’re done with dinner?

3. “This way or that way?”

If your child hates to take a bath: “Hey, do we want to go to bath time right side up or upside down?”

If your child doesn’t like dad putting her in the crib: “Should we get into the crib like popcorn or a rocket ship tonight?”

(Popcorn goes pop-pop and then pops into the crib. Rocket ship… you get the picture.)

When getting out of the house is a challenge: “Do you want to skip holding hands or race me to the car?”

4. Let’s get it done with fun. If you child hates cleaning their room, turn on a fun kids’ story podcast they can listen to while they clean. Or, turn on silly songs while clearing the table and clean up dinner as a family while you dance.

5. Give them “One Last Thing.” Often when kids don’t want to leave the park or a play date, a simple time limit isn’t enough to make the transition go better. To make it easier, I use a “One last thing” reminder. For example, “We are leaving in two minutes, so show me the last thing you want to do to say goodbye to the park.” There is a great Daniel Tiger episode that can help this strategy work. Search for the “Almost Time to Stop” episode on PBS Kids.

I hope these playful ways can help you redirect challenging moments in a way that is smarter (not harder), so that parenting can finally feel sustainable.

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.

MONTHLY GIVEAWAY

How to enter:

Look for this post on the Montana Parent Facebook and Instagram page starting October 1.

1. Like the post and Tag one friend

2. Follow Montana Parent magazine on Facebook and Instagram (if you don’t already!)

3. Follow @jessicavauthor on Facebook and Instagram too!

Other info:

ENTER TO win a copy of coyote queen

Enter for a chance to win a copy of CoyoteQueen (2 copies available)

Twelve-year-old Fud enters a local beauty pageant hoping to win the prize money she and her mother need to escape a desperate situation, but an eerie connection to a local pack of coyotes causes strange changes to her body. Her sense of smell improves, she goes colour-blind, and soon, she has to figure out how to win the pageant with a tail. The Benefits ofBeinganOctopus meets The Nest in this contemporary novel with a magical twist about family, class, and resilience that Newbery honor winner Gary D. Schmidt describes as “a powerful novel of tremendous empathy and optimism.”

Winners will be chosen at random and announced November 1. Must be 18 years of age to enter.

For more information about CoyoteQueen and Jessica Vitalis visit: jessicavitalis.com

FALL 2023

BOZEMAN HEALTH FLU CLINICS

Open to ages 2 years and older.

THURSDAY 10/5

SATURDAY 10/7

SATURDAY 10/14

THURSDAY 10/19

Deaconess Regional Medical Center Entrance 4 4 - 7 p.m. Belgrade Clinic 8 a.m. - Noon Cottonwood Clinic | 3rd Floor

8 a.m. - Noon

Deaconess Regional Medical Center Entrance 4 4 - 7 p.m.

SATURDAY 10/28 Explore more at BozemanHealth.org

Deaconess Regional Medical Center Entrance 4 8 a.m. - Noon

Scan the QR code or call 406-414-4400 to schedule today!