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september 2012



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montana parent from birth to college

ine

growing up under the big sky

az ma g

the

family pet

+ local museums

what to do with all that zucchini

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LISTEN! For a child, being told over and over again to “listen!” can be disheartening. Especially when a hearing problem— not lack of attention—is the reason. If you find yourself saying it to a child too often, the Audiology specialists at Bozeman Deaconess Health Group can help. From the most sophisticated testing, to advanced aids designed especially for children, to friendly and professional practitioners, you’re sure to find a way to help your child hear better—and hear “listen!” a lot less often. Call for a consultation.

AUDIOLOGY

925 Highland Blvd, Suite 1160, Bozeman 406-587-5000 bdhg.org Participating Provider: Allegiance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Interwest Health, Medicare, Managed Medicare, Montana Medicaid, Montana Unified School Trust, New West, United Healthcare, Work Compensation

DOCTORS FOR TOTS, TODDLERS, TYKES, TWEENS, AND TEENS. Pediatricians specialize in kids of all ages. Which is important, because children and adolescents come with unique health requirements. The pediatricians at Bozeman Deaconess Health Group understand those requirements, and how to help children become healthy adults. Call, or visit our web site for referral to one of our pediatricians. When it comes to caring for your children, we have a doctor for all of you. bdhg.org

P E D I AT R I C S A doctor for all of you

Participating Provider: Allegiance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Interwest Health, Medicare, Managed Medicare, Montana Medicaid, Montana Unified School Trust, New West, United Healthcare, Work Compensation

PEDIATRICS | Highland Health Park | 935 Highland Blvd, Suite 2200 | Bozeman | 406-587-5123

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montana parent

TOM’S FLOOR STORE

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Need more information,resources or fun things to do with your kids this fall? visit

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photo E. kelley Photography

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for comprehensive daily event calendars and our blog, “Gum in Your Hair,” featuring giveaways, crafts, recipes and more. Facebook: Bozeman & Helena • Twitter: MontanaParent

Publisher Media Mavens LLC

Cover Photo amy shertzer photography copy editor eleonore snow

Operations Manager Stephanie Johnson 406.223.6166 • [email protected]

Editor/accounting Leigh Ripley

Advertising Regional: Liz sullivan 406.570.6196 [email protected]

[email protected]

Cora Larson 406.579.0746 [email protected]

Business Manager/sales Cora Larson

Blog Katie Walters, bunny FuFu, Bozemama

406.579.0746 • [email protected]

online CALENDARs LiZ Sullivan

[email protected]

Creative Director/design/layout

Social Media Assistant Gloria Ravi

Shaunescy Willard • [email protected]

Inder Overcash

Ad Design Jennieven Cole

Information system management Kristen Laird

Contributing Writers:

Always FREE Estimates! 506 N. 7TH • BOZEMAN

58 6 - 3 0 4 5

www.tomsfloorstore.com

Leigh Ripley Paula Beswick Sara Groves Eleonore Snow Chad Berg and Michelle Halberg Sue Geske, PhD, DVM Bobbi j Geise Cara Greger Ben Donoghue Amy Stoddart Jennifer Gossett West Paw Design Colleen E. Crane, MSW, LCSW Josh and Holly Allen Lane O’Donnell Annie Beaver Ron Murray

Michael C. Dicello, M.D Sam Farmer Melynda Harrison Sara Groves Caleigh Searle Elsie Johnson Nora Daniels Stacey Tompkins, MA Anna Hernandez Callie Hamilton Flora McCormick, LCPC Lori Gillet, P.T. Kaylan Clevenger Denise Helin, M.D Marie Mitchell, PNP, FNP Bret Snyder

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Amy Shertzer photography Bozeman Pet Pics LUCAPHOTOGRAPHY E. Kelley photography Adrienne schroder simple reflections zo-mak photography Amelia Anne Photography Matt Treager AMY STODDART Anna Hernandez callie Hamilton

© Copyright 2012 by Media Mavens LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission prohibited. This magazine is printed on FSC Certified paper that is 100% a product of USA.

Please recycle this magazine!

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Contributing Photographers:

ONE YEAR

warranty on lenses $95 for single vision with antiglare unlimited replacement for scratches for one year

FREE FRAMES

For ALL Kids in School Expires 11/30/2012

Providing Affordable & Unique Eyeglasses for Adults & Kids

118 E. Main Street • Bozeman Montana • bozemanoptical.com [email protected]

406.586.8412| mtparent.com

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SEPTEMBER 2012

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september 2012 What’s Up Bozeman

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Cinema Circus West Kid Critic

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What’s Up Helena

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Strutt Your Mutt

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What Did You Say? Hearing: Selective or Loss

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Birth Announcements

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The Family Pet

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What Pets Teach Kids

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Benefits of Playing Like Our Pets

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“Let Sleeping Dogs Lie”

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Preparing Your Dog For Baby

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Out And About With Fido

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Pet Therapy For People With Special Needs

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Choosing the Right Sized Toy For Your Dog

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Losing a Pet

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Choosing the Right Food For Your Pet

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Hawk Talk: A Girl’s Best Friend

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Is Pet Insurance Worth the Money?

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My 4-H Experience

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Is It a Cold or is Your Pet to Blame?

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Museums of Southwest Montana

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The Holter Museum of Art

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Check Out a Museum at the Bozeman Public Library

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Surround yourself with ideas! Tel: 586-7727

Corner of Huffine & Love Lane, Bozeman

MontanaPartyRentals.com

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Museum of the Rockies

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Exploration Works

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Yellowstone Gateway Museum

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Southwest Montana Museum Listings

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Are We There, Yet? Montana State Parks

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Local Spotlight: Wheat Montana

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MOMoirs

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Super Natural: Garlic

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Elsie’s Tips: Thinking About Thinking

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Defining Family: Parenting Single

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The Teenager: Navigating, Teen Years

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Functional Art: Turn Fabric Scraps Into Envelopes

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More Mess More Fun: Perfect Pour Painting Pots

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Sustainable Parenting: Teaching Kids To Make Good Choices

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What Are Your Children Carrying on Their Backs

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Adopting a Pet in College/Is It Right For You?

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Bozmopolitan: You Can Get a Handle on Pain Naturally

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Who’s Caring For Your Child? Arranging Child Care in Montana

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From the Father ‘hood: Get More Out of College

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Mama’s Got a New Bag Contest

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Leftover Chef: Zucchini, Zucchini, Zucchini

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photos: Amy Shertzer photography Products from: Dee-O-Gee & West Paw designs

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Yes, school really can be this much fun!

Spacious 8-acre campus with natural playground, creek and barnyard animals. Toddlers - Preschool/Kindergarten - Elementary Grades 1-6

1572 Cobb Hill Road • Bozeman, MT 59718

www.middlecreekmontessori.org 8

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406-587-3817

What’s Up?

photo LUCAPHOTOGRAPHY

Bozeman

THis pup is thinking about a GVLT trail walk! Let’s GO!

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Bzn NOW ENROLLING

ONE-TO-ONE INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION FOR CHILDREN AGES 4-18.

Fun from Around the World

AT SAGE LEARNING CENTER, OUR MISSION IS TO IDENTIFY AND DECREASE THE GAP BETWEEN A PERSON’S POTENTIAL AND THEIR PERFORMANCE. Sage Learning Center

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2055 N. 22nd Ave. Ste 4 Bozeman, MT 59718 Carisa Fillbach, Owner

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Locally owned and operated since 1996. 10

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4th Annual

International Children’s Festival The Bogert Park Pavilion will be buzzing with activity on Saturday, September 22, 2012 from 10 a.m. to noon for the 4th Annual International Children’s Festival. The festival brings MSU international students and internationally focused community groups together with Bozeman kids to interact in a wide range of activities from mask making to origami to African drumming and twirling around a Maypole. Kids can get their names written in eight different scripts, listen to a story in the International Story Corner, try their skills with Limbo, or make paper crafts with MSU students from India, Brazil, Bangladesh, Turkey and more. MSU Engineers Without Borders will help kids make Kenyan-style soccer balls, and there will be a station with musical instruments from around the world. The morning will end with the smashing of a candy-filled piñata. The Festival is sponsored by the MSU Office of International Programs and the City of Bozeman and is free of charge. Approximately 20 interactive stations will keep kids busy with arts and crafts, music and games. All kids will get a passport to take around the stations for stickers and older kids are invited to participate in an exciting scavenger hunt. The Festival is held rain or shine. Come join in! For more information, e-mail international@ montana.edu or call 406-994-4031. mp

photo Bozeman pet pics

A R E A S W E C OV E R Fluency in Foundational Skills Reading and Spelling Phonics Reading Fluency and Comprehension Pre-Reading Skills Fine Motor Skills Memory Expansion Math Processing Skills Vocabulary Development and Critical Thinking Skills Study and Organizational Skills Attention Development

photo Amy Shertzer pHOTOGRAPHY

FOR FALL SESSIONS.

Woofstock 2012 Pets, Love and Happiness Family and pet-friendly, FREE to the public, Woofstock is a community festival for people of all ages. The day will feature fun with pets, food, kids’ activities, adopt-

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a-thons, contests, demonstrations and a celebration of the love between humans and pets. Woofstock will be held on September 8, 2012 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter. For more information call 406-388-9399; email: [email protected] or visit www.heartofthevalleyshelter.org. mp

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3/10/11 2:43 PM

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Bzn What Are We Teaching Our Children?

It is well known that the first seven years of a child’s life are the most impressionable. I believe that, instead of asking, “What do we do with these kids today?”we should question, “What are we, as parents, teachers and role models teaching during these informative years?” A child is like a sponge, absorbing his or her environment. Their little sensors are alive, just like new growth on the evergreen trees, taking in everything – and I do mean everything. Children may find the foundational belief system established during this period to be supportive but many find it stifling, leading them to think, “I don’t deserve to be happy. It’s not safe to express myself. I’m not worthy of being loved.” It is without exception that every client who sits in my counseling chair has been impacted by early childhood experiences: unexpressed emotion, parental beliefs and adult baggage. When a teacher brings unresolved issues to school, chances are a student will reflect his or her disharmony. Reality is a giant mirror that we can either ignore, deny or be open to. Our choice. Awareness without judgment is the first step. By observing, listening, feeling, tapping into our intuition for guidance, and unconditionally loving these magnificent little beings, we begin to offer them what

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they want and need. Although they are 25 percent of the population, they are 100 percent of our future.

photo simple reflections

Written by Dr. Alexandra Delis-Abrams Ph.D.

We can have the nurturing relationships we want with our children and students. However, the can we provide the work must start within. anchor children seek What Are We Teaching It’s not easy to look as they leave the nest, at our own personal Our Children the bonding and rich issues but it does lead connection of a healthy September 15, 2012 to being a happier parent/child relationship. person, which ripples With Dr. Alexandra Delis-Abrams Join Dr. Alexandra into every aspect of September 15, 2012 life. No matter what A workshop to learn Emotional for her ”What Are We has transpired in our Intelligence and much more Teaching Our Children” past, we can learn and To register email workshop to learn grow together as we [email protected] or call Emotional Intelligence become “Emotionally 406-570-0650 and much more. For Literate.” We can have more information and to the relationships we register email damcclary@ yearn for with our kids. Children turn to yahoo.com or call 406-570-0650. mp violence, drugs and suicide because they feel isolated and alone. Teen-age girls Dr. Alexandra Delis-Abrams has a psychological don’t want babies, they want love. counseling practice in Sun Valley, Idaho, where she The wake-up call is getting louder. Closeness is the result of introspection and the self-examination of one’s attitudes, beliefs and choices. (My 500-page resource book is aptly titled Attitudes, Beliefs and Choices.) It’s time to get real. Only then

explores the patterns of attitude, beliefs and choices with clients of all ages, using a revolutionary protocol, Neuro-physical Reprogramming. She brings more than 40 years of personal and spiritual growth to her work as a speaker and counselor. Also known as “The Attitude Doc,” Alexandra is the founder and president of ABC Feelings, Inc., an educational corporation dedicated to emotional awareness in children and adults. 

If your child’s back to school activities include any of the following,

Developmental Screening

written By Chad Berg and Michelle Halberg

Each fall, non-profit agencies and school districts in Gallatin and Madison counties come together to offer information on child development as well as developmental screening for families wishing to have their child’s development assessed. What is meant by child development? We know that children are not born as “little adults” with knowledge, abilities and personalities intact. Rather, development is a lifelong process of growth and change. Children show a remarkable range and rate of development starting at birth in how they play, learn, use their bodies, speak and behave.

The Gallatin-Madison Special Education Cooperative and member schools will host developmental screenings at the following locations.

»» September 24: Ennis »» September 27: Ophir Elementary »» October 1: Heck Quaw Elementary »» October 5: Hope Lutheran Church »» October 11: Monforton »» October 30: West Yellowstone »» November 1: Harrison »» November 1: Willow Creek Contact: Terri McCollim at 388-6508 to make an appointment. Child Development Day, hosted by the Early Childhood Community Council – Gallatin. Developmental screenings will be provided.

»» October 5, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Hope Lutheran Church.

Call 587-2194 to make an appointment for screening.

What is developmental screening? Doctors, nurses, early interventionists and educators use developmental screening to determine whether a child is reaching developmental markers, or if the child potentially is showing a developmental delay. Screening may be play-based, or children may be asked to perform specific tasks related to stages of child development. Speaking with parents about their observations can be another valuable way of gaining information on how a child is developing. How can I help my child’s development?

Parents help their children grow and thrive in many ways. A »» October 1: Heck Quaw Elementary loving home, parental Skills such as taking Contact Miranda Briggs at 924-2144 to support and attention, make an appointment. first steps, saying first positive engaging words and learning early social interaction, and concepts are referred to as proper rest, exercise “milestones.” The range of and nutrition all contribute to healthy “average” attainment of these milestones child development. Early screening and for young children can be broad. However, intervention of developmental delays can if a child does not reach these markers also be important. It can be difficult to within the upper limits of the range, it may tell whether delays may be temporary or be considered a delay. whether they may be a symptom of a more lasting disability. How a child responds to Gross motor: using large groups of early intervention can be a key factor in muscles to perform physical activities, such this determination. Research has shown as sitting, standing, walking, etc. that early intervention of delays can lead to Fine motor: using hands and fingers to be better outcomes later in life. mp perform physical activities such as drawing, Chad Berg is the Director of Special Education for dressing, playing, writing, etc. Bozeman School District #7. What is a developmental delay?

Belgrade Schools developmental screening for children 0-5

Language: communicating with, and understanding, others. Cognitive: Thinking skills such learning, problem solving, reasoning, and memory.

Michelle Halberg is a Speech-Language Pathologist with the Gallatin-Madison Special Education Cooperative.

Social: Interacting with others, playing and cooperating, understanding and responding to the feelings of others. :: SEPTEMBER ACTIVITY CALENDARS + BLOG + MORE @ MTPARENT.COM ::

they could benefit from this:

YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY BENEFIT FROM THIS OFFER.

Call today for a $50 credit towards your first evaluation Expires Sept 30 2012!

Where you get adjusted… for the health of it.

Schedule online at: drkimberlymaxwell.com

406.585.7000

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Bzn MONDAY NIGHT FARMERS MARKET Rockin’ TJ Ranch Join the folks at Rockin’ TJ Ranch for Monday Night Farmers Markets held at 5 p.m. through September 24, 2012. Escape the heat and enjoy market vendors at this indoor venue. Outdoors, the Farmers Market also hosts carnival activities, music on the patio, meals, beverages and a wide range of weekly special events from rubber ducky races to world dancing lessons. Make the evening last and stay for an outdoor (or indoor) movie from 8-10 p.m. Enjoy FREE popcorn, fresh fruits and vegetables and a Dutch oven demo. Dinner is provided by Island Noodles. Bring friends, family and sweethearts – but No Dogs Please. The Rockin’ TJ Ranch is located 3.5 miles west of the Gallatin Valley Mall off Huffine Lane at 651 Lynx Lane. For more information call 406-585-0595. Participating vendors include: Island Noodles, Fruit Kings Up, Air Time Inflatable’s bouncy house, Pioneer Meats, Flying Fur Costume Meats, Heart Joys Pies, Tumble Weeds Truck, Wil-Due Farm, Kristy Jeweler, L Tec Bakery, Bloom Crafts, Sweet Baby Cakes, Prim Produce, Copper Canyon Crafts, Watkins Hand Bags, Kristin Kennedy Home Décor, Evi Dixons Yarn and Fleece, Dan Moore’s Produce, Red Hen Products, Ju Ju Gear, Bozeman Alpacas, Gourmet Caramel Corn, Down 2 Earth Nutrition, Nancy Hutchinson Craft Specialist, Way Fare foods Inc. Ice cream, and lots, lots more. mp

Montana Corn Maze Located on a historic farm on West Cameron Bridge Road outside of Churchill, the Montana Corn Maze offers a 2.5-acre corn maze created by cutting 4-foot wide paths through a field planted in a grid pattern. Hidden throughout the maze are clues to help you solve a farm mystery and bring you into the depths of the maze. Montana Corn Maze also offers beautiful views of the Gallatin Valley that can be enjoyed on the hayride out to the maze, miniature animals, historic buildings, a tipi and a new pumpkin patch. For more information visit: www.MontanaCornMaze.com, on Facebook: Montana Corn Maze, or call (406) 922-1643. mp

Keeping your family pets safe at home written By Melanie Bergeson

Fence jumper. Garden digger. Neighborhood explorer. Garbage diver. Sound familiar? In households across America, majority of care for the family pet usually falls into the already busy hands of Mom. We feed and water them, walk them, take them to the vet, clean up after them…the last thing we have time to do is go searching for them when they decide to roam. Wouldn’t it be great to have the peace of mind that Bridger and Fido are safe at home…guaranteed? Invisible Fence of the Big Sky designs customized solutions to keep dogs and cats safe through a variety of containment

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and avoidance solutions. And they do it all for you! Professional installation, certified training, and exceptional customer service are all part of the experience you will have when you become part of the Invisible Fence of the Big Sky family. For more information, contact Invisible Fence of the Big Sky at 406-388-5599 or bigsky. invisiblefence.com. Better yet, visit their service desk inside Bozeman Dog Co. at 27 Pioneer Way in Four Corners. Your canine companions and feline friends will thank you. mp

Child’s Logo Design Contest Huffing for Stuffing What: Children are invited to design a logo for the Huffing For Stuffing Thanksgiving Day Kids’ Run. The drawing should feature the theme of Thanksgiving. “Huffing For Stuffing” or the “Gallatin Valley Food Bank” identification is subject to artistic discretion. Prizes: One logo will be chosen for the Huffing For Stuffing Kids’ Run T-shirt and winners from each age group (7 years and under and 8–12 years) will receive $100 cash and a $100 gift certificate to Rocky Mountain Toy Company. Voting: The Huffing For Stuffing planning committee will select their five favorite designs for each age group which will be presented on Montana Parent

Bzn

Magazine’s website www.mtparent.com on October 1, 2012. Then, the public will have two weeks to vote for the winning logo for each age group. How: Designs may be submitted in person, at Simply Office Supplies (119 N. 7th Ave.) or electronically, PDF or EPS, or high quality jpeg to [email protected] and should not exceed 5MB. Designs must be 8 1/2 x 11,” no more than three colors may be used in the design. Artists should list on a separate attachment the child’s name, phone number, email address and date of birth. When: Submission deadline is September 24, 2012. We are excited to see your children’s wonderful creativity. Questions? Email huffingforstuffing@ yahoo.com or call John at 406-599-6283. mp

montana parent e zin maga

Montana Ballet Company’s

29th Annual Nutcracker Auditions Montana Ballet Company (MBC), under the direction of Elizabeth DeFanti and Amy Lynn Stoddart, announces auditions for its 29th Annual Nutcracker to be performed on December 1 and 2, 2012 at the Willson Auditorium in Bozeman. MBC will again collaborate with guest conductor, Kyle Pickett, the Bozeman Symphony, and world renowned guest artists to create its much beloved Nutcracker, a true Bozeman original and treat for the entire family. All community dancers ages six and above are welcome to audition and take part in this treasured holiday tradition.

Audition information: Date: September 8, 2012

A New Art

Experience EMERSON ART EDUCATION

Location: Montana Ballet Company Studios, 521 East Peach Street in Bozeman Time: Ages 6–10 from 9:30–10:30 a.m.; ages 11 and older, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Contact: 406-582-8702 / [email protected]

mp

The Remedy For The Health Of Your Home New flooring is a beautiful and comforting addition to your home. But to ensure that your investment offers a healthier environment for the care and welfare of your family, you’ll want the Healthier Living™ Carpet Installation System – available exclusively at your local Carpet One.

Gallatin Valley Furniture Carpet One

Offering a superior level of care and health benefits for you and your family, our cleaner, healthier installation practices help to minimize irritants, dust, and odors to encourage better air quality in your home.

501 Fuller Avenue

406-587-5423 923 N. 7th Ave.  Bozeman, MT 59715 www.GVFC1.com www.Facebook.com/GVFC1 Finstads Carpet One Helena, MT 59601 (406)442 – 5501

• Family Workshops • Pottery • Painting & Drawing • Mixed Media • Pre-K to Adult Classes

(406) 587-9797 ex 106

www.TheEmerson.org

www.finstads.com mp

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Local Deals

on Family Dining & Entertainment

photo LucapHOTOGRAPHY

Just mention you saw it in Montana Parent Magazine!

Creative Sandwiches & Lunch Platters

West Yellowstone

The Three Bear Lodge & Tours

West Yellowstone

The Gusher

$2 OFF a Large Pizza

“YOUR HEADQUARTERS FOR THE FOUR SEASONS OF YELLOWSTONE” see our ad on page 63

$10 off per person on any tour with mention of this ad in Montana Parent

Bozeman Bozeman

Check out www.fftdeli.com for daily specials and rotating menu Hours: M-F 10am - 6pm Sat: 11am-3pm • Closed Sunday 270 W. Kagy Suite B • Bozeman MT

406.587.4454 Follow Us On Facebook Owned & Operated by a Registered Dietitian Full Service Catering • Kid Friendly Options

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Storm Castle Cafe SUPER Kid Friendly featuring a full

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Bozeman

Children’s Museum Bozeman

FREE Friday Nights!

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South 19th Ave.

West Yellowstone

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Babcock St.

Colombo’s Pizza & Pasta

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Mendenhall St. Main Street

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Sola Cafe

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Yummy kids’ meals all the time!

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Bzn Cinema Circus West Kid Critic written By Paula K. Beswick, foundation director, Bozeman Library Foundation

Kids love a good movie. You can see it on their faces and hear it in their laughs. If a movie is only five to 10 minutes, it’s even better. Cinema Circus West is bringing nine film shorts to the Bozeman Public Library on September 9, 2012 giving families an opportunity to watch together and appreciate this unique art form. With an advanced copy of the films, I sat down with two “Kid Critics” who reviewed the shorts for our audience. Henry Pritham and Claire Schaub share their thoughts and star ratings of one to five.

Second Hand (Dir. Isaac King/Canada/2011/8 min.)

According to Claire, this was a “cool movie about recycling. It showed you don’t have to throw things away right after using them.” Henry thought the title explained how “all the old people’s stuff” had already been used, and that you didn’t have to be wasteful. Neither reviewer liked the guy who threw everything away. The music in this piece was big hit. Ratings: Henry-4, Claire-4

Luminaris (Dir. Juan Pablo Zaramella/Argentina /2011/6.5 min.)

Both Claire and Henry liked the animation, and Claire especially liked the way the people talked in this film about using marbles to make light bulbs. The animation showed real people as opposed to cartoon characters, which Claire likes better. Henry likes cartoons because they can be made to look like anything you want. They both decided that the film was made in some foreign country, perhaps France; though, Henry thought the mass production of light bulbs reminded him of China. Ratings: Henry-4, Claire-5

Hello, I Like You (Dirs. Mixtape Club/USA/2011/2 min.)

Claire said the movie’s theme was things moving and changing. Henry loved this film because all sorts of different stuff was moving around at once and the music added to the movement. With all the motion, neither Henry nor Claire could figure out what the title meant. Ratings: Henry-5, Claire- just wasn’t sure

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Big Drive (Dir. Anita Lebeau/Canada/2011/10 min.)

Henry, described the plot as being about, “girls trying to have some fun on a long drive with their imaginations.” He liked the film because he likes long car rides. In addition, Henry thought mixing the photo images with the animation was “cool.” Ratings: Henry-4

The Bear Facts (Dir. Jonathan Wright/Canada/2010/4 min.)

Where did they shoot this film? Canada! Greenland! Alaska! Shouted our reviewers. It definitely had an Eskimo, though, and another person who was trying to claim his land just by planting flags. This made the Eskimo mad, leading to a surprise ending. Claire pointed out that each scene was painted separately, a different kind of animation. The piano music also made Claire feel happy.

Get to know your reviewers Henry Wilson Pritham Age: 8, almost 9 School: 3rd grade, Emily Dickinson Pets: dog (mutt) Ruby, 5 chickens New skill: learned how to fence at camp Wants to explore: Disney World Favorite food: tacos Least favorite food: mustard Looking forward to: going to Hawaii

Claire Eddy Schaub Age: 7 School: 2nd grade, Hawthorne Pets: 11 chickens, 2 cats, one bunny, horse, and dog New thing learned: Michael Phelps won the most gold Olympic medals Wants to explore: Hawaii Favorite food: guacamole Least favorite food: hot sauce Looking forward to: climbing Mt. Everest

Ratings: Henry-4, Claire-5

Metro (Dir. Jake Wyatt/USA/2011/5 min.)

There was one thing very different about this film of a young girl who couldn’t get on a crowded subway car. “No one had faces,” said Henry. “No one cared. No one could see the girl, and no one had expressions.” The girl then meets a white fox that takes her on an adventure, which leads to an amazing discovery. Ratings: Henry-4, Claire-4

Tadpole (Dir. Guillaume Delaunay/France/2011/2 min.)

Both Claire and Henry liked the “fishy, airy, bubbly” music in this short film of a dragonfly and tadpole sitting on a lily pad. Henry wished the movie had been longer than the two minute running time so the dragonfly could irritate the tadpole longer. His final words, “I loved that one.” Ratings: Henry-5, Claire-5

Monarch (Dirs. Victor Rene Ramirez Madrigal and Jorge Arturo Tornero Aceves/ Mexico/2011/8 min.)

“The old man was on a mission for a very long time. It took his whole life to find the forest, but it was just a dry spot,” said

Claire telling of the film’s plot in which an old man plants a tree to re-grow the forest. “There were two main characters – a young boy and an old man,” added Henry, “but I think they were actually the same person.” There is also a magic hat! Ratings: Henry-5, Claire-5

Bob (Dirs. Jacob Frey and Harry Fast/Germany/2009/4 min.)

A crowd favorite: “Awesome.” “I loved that one!” Lots of laughter and giggling, and no one wanted to give away the hilarious ending. Both Claire and Henry hope kids come to Cinema Circus West to see the ending for themselves. Ratings: Henry-5, Claire-5

“Please come to this amazing film festival and circus,” said Claire, while Henry added, “You’ll really like it!” mp Sponsored by the Bozeman Library Foundation, Bozeman Film Festival, First Security Bank, and Natural Baby Co. and with great support from Montana Parent Magazine, we are able to offer this program for free, but tickets are required. Call 5822426 for more information.

What’s Up?

photo sammy farmer

Helena

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Helena

Mutt written By Sara Groves

If only all their problems were this easy to deal with... Impacted wisdom teeth often cause problems, even if your child doesn’t experience any discomfort.

Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Fleischmann, Helena’s Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon. *Bring in this ad for a free wisdom tooth consultation for your child up to age 21!

If you’re a dog owner, you probably already walk your dog a few times a day, so why not get the entire family involved by registering to raise funds for the Lewis and Clark Humane Society at their annual fall fundraiser, “Strutt Your Mutt”? This year’s annual Strutt Your Mutt event will be held on Saturday, September 22 in downtown Helena’s Pioneer Park next to the library. Participants can register and check in that morning beginning at 8:30 a.m. The walk begins at 10 a.m. “Since the walk is just a little more than a mile, it’s a great event for all ages,” said Liz Harrison, Development Director at Lewis and Clark Humane Society. “We have many families with children in strollers and also with young walkers who get out and strut their family’s mutt for a great cause.” Children and families can also participate in the Pet Fair, which begins at 10 a.m. and ends at noon. Adoptable animals from the Lewis and Clark Humane Society will be showcased, but there will also be games for children and the pets that love them. “We always feature a relay race and an agility course that children can run with their dogs,” said Harrison. “We also have a dog look-alike contest, and several other activities are in the works.” New to the Pet Fair this year is face painting. Dogs will also have the chance to get in on the painting action by strutting through non-toxic paint and creating a masterpiece for their family.

65 Medical Park Drive Helena, Montana 59601 406.204.4377 www.MontanaOralSurgery.com

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“This year we’re also offering a microchip clinic,” said Harrison. “We will insert a small chip under the dog’s skin with the owner’s contact information. If a dog ever gets lost, it can be easily reunited with its family this way.” Microchipping is normally a significant expense for pet owners.

photo LUCApHOTOGRAPHY

Strutt Your

However, at this year’s Strutt Your Mutt event, the service will be available for only $25. The event, which has been held annually for more than ten years, normally draws around 250 participants. The Humane Society hopes to raise more than $20,000; all of the money goes to support the thousands of animals the Lewis and Clark Humane Society assists annually. “While the event is called ‘Strutt Your Mutt,’ anyone can participate, with or without a dog,” said Harrison. “You only need to have a passion for animals and want to contribute to the quality of local animals’ lives.” To register, simply visit: http://strutt. dojiggy.com/. At this website, you can register to participate in the event, donate money or sponsor someone who will strut their mutt. For people who want to use a paper registration and pledge form, please contact the Lewis and Clark Humane Society at 406-442-1660. mp Sara Groves lives in Helena where she is mom to Mike, age seven, and Peter, age five. She coordinates the early literacy program, Ready 2 Read, at the Montana State Library and also works as a freelance writer. 

Saturday, September 22, 2012 8:30 a.m. Registration opens 10:00 a.m. Walk begins in Helena’s Pioneer Park 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon Pet Fair

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Helena

Mercy Meal Mercy Meal will resume on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 from 5-6 p.m. To help cover expenses associated with providing Mercy Meal each week, the cost is $2 per person, or $10 per family. All proceeds from Mercy Meal are allocated to missions. For more information, please call the Helena First Assembly of God church office at 406-442-6851. mp

Image Dancing

Helena

Californians Tawnya and Ramon Ramos weren’t sure what they were getting into when they decided to take up a friend’s offer, head north to Helena, and teach dance. Two babies and a lot of extreme weather later, they have embraced the 406 lifestyle. They opened Image Dancing two years ago, steadily expanding class selections of hip hop, break, jazz/lyrical, zumba, cardio-stretching and other dance styles into part-time selfemployment with full-time passion. Tawnya and Ramon bring toddler-to-adult students (even entire families) to the dance floor. The exciting choreography focuses teen/tween attention. Students enjoy expressing their innerartistry, developing self-confidence, and getting and staying fit. Everyone has a lot of fun in the process. Most students take one or two hours of dance per week. Some take every available class. Although performance is not required (Image does not currently have a dedicated dance company), you will find enthusiastic students dancing at community events throughout the year. Visit the studio located in Helena Kidsports gym. Find class information at imagedancing406.com, or call Tawnya at 406.465.6263. mp

2012 Kidsports Fall Classes Classes begin September 4th Open to all children ages 18 months to 18 years. Kidsports has introduced over 7000 Helena area youth to gymnastics in the last 23 years. The Mount Helena Gymnastics Team has been in existence since 1979 making it the oldest team program in Montana.

Kidsports invites all interested students to come and join us at Helena’s only complete gymnastics training center for boys and girls.

Begin here.... GO ANYWHERE 5 Wall St. • Montana City, Mt 59634

406.442.1840

Online at www.helenakidsports.com

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hln photo zo-mak photography

Helena

What Did You Say?

Hearing: Selective or Loss written By Eleonore Snow

It’s no secret to most parents that kids can have selective hearing, right? Why is it that my son won’t respond to my request to set the table when he’s standing right in front of me, but can hear me talk about chocolate chip cookies from the other side of the house? On the other hand, if your child has suffered from chronic ear infections or is one of those kids whose iPod speaker buds are permanent fixtures, then it’s possible that they really and truly can’t hear you properly. And the scary thing about hearing is that once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. According to Dr. Hillary Carter, a Helena audiologist who has been practicing for ten years, research actually does show that listening to music too loud can cause hearing loss – this isn’t just something your parents made up when they shouted for you to “Turn that guns and butter down!” Dr. Carter explains that our ears are designed to handle loud sound occasionally or for short periods of time, but that prolonged exposure can cause real damage—even at a young age. And people aren’t always cognizant of the fact that even slight hearing impairment can lead to social problems and trouble with learning, which can then lead to lower earning potential and overall quality of life issues. And so, while the last thing most kids want to think about is hearing loss, it’s our job as parents to make sure we pay attention to protecting our children’s ears. Most public

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school districts conduct hearing tests for elementary school children, but after that, we parents are on our own. What do we need to know? The first step is prevention. Dr. Carter says that if your child goes shooting, listens to loud music, is in a band or operates heavy equipment, then they need ear protection. Those little yellow foam plugs are better than nothing if you put them in properly and they fit. (They actually need to be pushed quite far into the ear canal). The other option is to get custom plugs, which range between $75 and $150 and which can also be outfitted with different kinds of filters allowing users to hear conversation while blocking out harmful sounds. You can also buy volume-limiting headphones. If you find that your child is asking you to repeat things or turning up the volume on the TV, then Dr. Carter suggests you bring them in for a hearing test. She also thinks it’s not a bad idea to get your high schooler’s ears tested so that the doctor can have a baseline to consult as your child ages. Dr. Carter and her team can be reached at Comprehensive Hearing Services in Helena. Call her at 406-204-4205 or you can email her with your questions at Carter@ CompHearing.com. mp Eleonore Snow is an East coast transplant to Bozeman (please don’t hold this against her) who delights exploring her new hometown with her two marvelous kids and her gassy dog Lola. 

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Helena

JOIN US FOR

photo E. Kelley photography

Game Night Every Friday Night From 6:00-9:00

Games Provided by Lasso the Moon

Tizer Gardens

42 N LAST CHANCE GULCH 442-1470 WWW.PARROTCHOCOLATE.COM

September 8, 2012: Celebration of Herbs After the tremendous results from last year, we have gathered herb specialists to come in and teach people all about herbs! The best ones to grow, how to harvest them and how to preserve them!

September 9, 2012: Grandparents Day Grandpas and grandmas get in free!

Helena

Is Asthma Getting your Child Down? We can help identify those things around the house that make your child’s asthma worse. And we’ll provide free mattress and pillow covers and HEPA filters.

September 11, 2012: Walk in the Garden with Richard and Belva/6 p.m. This evening walk will celebrate the incredible fall color during perhaps one of the most beautiful times of the year. Light refreshments will be served. The tour will begin at 6 p.m. sharp. Cost is $6 for members and $10 for non-members. Pre-registration is required.

September 30, 2012: Annual Scarecrow Festival/10 a.m. An annual event that is fun for the whole family, featuring scarecrow building, pumpkin carving, a weiner roast and more. mp

Free help for kids in Helena and the surrounding area! LEWIS & CLARK CITY-COUNTY Call Michelle to learn more!

Health Department

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406-457-8964

SEPTEMBER 2012 |

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Helena

Local Deals on

Family Dining & Entertainment

Great Northern Carousel Exploration Works

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$10 OFF a $50 purchase

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FREE COOKIE Helena

SEPTEMBER 2012 |

Red Lion Colonial Hotel

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Helena

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Great Birthday party gather ing place. lena Best kids m enus in He startin g at just $3

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photo lucaphotography

Helena

Red Lion Colonial Hotel 2301 Colonial Drive, Helena MT 59601 406.443.2100

Visit us on Facebook or at www.redlion.com

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Helena

Boot Camp For

New Dads September 10, 2012

7-9 p.m. at St. Peters Hospital, Rooms 1, 2 and 3. Boot Camp for New Dads, a class to help men enjoy their babies and get involved with their lives from the start, is offered every other month at St. Peter’s Hospital on weeknight evenings.   The class is presented by an experienced father as part of the Hospital’s prepared parenting program. New dads are invited to bring their babies into the classroom so that expectant fathers can ask questions.   For more information or to register for a class, contact Margy Bartley at 444-2130 or mbartley@ stpetes.org. mp

Helena Education Foundation

Carnival Classic September 16, 2012

Every child should feel good about school. Our highly personalized approach builds the skills, habits and attitudes your child needs to succeed in school and in life. • • • •

Develops independent work habits Improves attitudes Motivates learning Provides feedback for parents and teachers

FREE ASSESSMENT

Stop in today for a FREE Sylvan Assessment (a $175 value) Offer expires 10/30/2012 Valid at the Helena and Butte centers only. May not be combined with other offers.

Helena Sylvan Learning 1075 N. Rodney Suite 111

443-9205

www.SylvanLearning.com/Helena READING, MATH, WRITING, STUDY SKILLS, HOMEWORK SUPPORT, COLLEGE PREP AND MORE!

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Trolley to Trails Every Saturday and Sunday through September 30, 2012, catch a free trolley shuttle to the Mount Helena Ridge Trails. The trolley departs from Women’s Mural (Broadway and the Walking Mall) at 8 a.m., 8:40 a.m., and 9:20 a.m. The drop-off is .7 miles from the Mount Helena Ridge Trail trailhead in Park City. A bike rack is available on the trolley. Sorry, no pets allowed. Trolley to Trails is brought to you by the Helena Business Improvement District. Donations are greatly appreciated. Please call 406-447-1535 or mail donations to:

Helena Business Improvement District
 Trolley to Trails
 225 Cruse Ave., Suite B
 Helena, MT  59601 mp

photo zo-mak photography

Helena

The Helena Education Foundation’s annual Carnival Classic will take place on September 16 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Memorial Park. Kids and families can enjoy their favorite carnival activities throughout the day; meanwhile, student organizations, PTOs and other school related groups are encouraged to participate with booths and games from which they retain 100% of their proceeds. Other youth related organizations in the Helena area are encouraged to participate with performances or informational booths. Contact the HEF at (406) 443-2545 for more information. mp

Helena

You have a choice for your ULTRASOUNDS

NEW birth announcements Montana Parent Magazine is now featuring Birth Annoucements. To submit your announcement email a photo, stats and your “Favorite thing about my new baby” to [email protected]. The cost is $20. Announcements will be published in our print and digital magazines as well as the Birth Announcement section on our website www.mtparent.com. It’s an easy way to share with friends and family.

BEAUTIFUL • COZY • FRIENDLY

It’s a Boy! Jack Henry Garver

ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO REFER YOU TO US Two locations:

Helena 406.442.6356 | Butte 406.723.0023

Born: 8/7/12 10:58pm Weight: 8lbs 1.7oz/21 inches long

Favorite thing about him so far: He snorts when he’s really hungry! mp

It’s a Girl! Merryn Jane Rawlings Born: July 11, 2012 at 4:22 p.m. Weight: 9 lbs. 4.6 oz./21.5 inches long

Favorite thing about her so far: are her

snuggly growly sounds when she’s curled up on my chest after nursing and that she’s a GIRL! Someone once told me with your first you fall deeper and deeper in love as the days, weeks and months pass. With your second it’s this immediate deep love. Merryn is our second and I couldn’t agree more! mp

s n e r d l i Ch

O G O L TEST

e zin maga

CON

Two age categories: • Ages 7 & under • 8 - 12 years

0 cash Win $10 100 gift and a $ te to a certific ain Toy ount Rocky M any! Comp

Your drawing will be featured on the front of event shirts for the Huffing For Stuffing Thanksgiving Day Kids’ Run this year! Themes: “Huffing For Stuffing” or the “Gallatin Valley Food Bank” Drawings need to be 8 ½” by 11,” and should include three colors or fewer. Submit to Simply Office Supplies (119 N. 7th Ave.) or electronically, PDF or high quality jpeg to [email protected] and should not exceed 5MB. Submit by Sept. 24, 2012. Five designs for each age group will be chosen, which will be presented on www.mtparent. com, October 1, 2012. The public will have two weeks to vote for one winning logo for each age group. Questions? [email protected] or 406-599-6283

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Another World of Children’s Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry • Braces

flat screen televisions on the ceiling • game boys • movie theatre • digital xrays • mercury free Improving & Maintaining The Oral Health of Infants, Children, Adolescents & Young Adults

www.mydrtodd.com

Doctor Todd Steinmetz 3502 Laramie Drive, Suite 1

CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH CENTER, P.C.

Bozeman, Montana 59718

406.586.8112

Welcome

Cassie Belzer, CNM, MSN Certified Nurse Midwife Certified Nurse Midwife Cassie Belzer, CNM, MSN, is a native Montanan who has lived in Bozeman for the past 10 years. She is a registered nurse with 13 years of experience in labor and delivery and NICU care. She recently graduated from Frontier University in Kentucky with her Master of Science degree in Nursing. She is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) through the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education. Cassie is a certified lactation counselor, a Lamaze educator, and a member of the American College of Nurse Midwives. Cassie spends her free time enjoying a good book, hiking, biking, and spending time with her husband, son and daughter. The Bozeman OB/GYN Certified Nurse Midwife Team includes Cassie and Lori Newman, CNM, FNP. Lori and Cassie are the only CNMs with hospital privileges to care for their patients and attend births at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital.

For information or to make an appointment, call (406) 587-9202 or 1-866-587-9202 or visit www.bozemanobgyn.com 28

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Lori Newman, CNM, FNP

Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm 925 Highland Boulevard Suites 1210/1220 Bozeman, MT

FAMILY PET the

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What Pets Teach Kids written by Sue Geske PhD, DVM

child’s compassionate nature quicker than an injured baby robin that fell out of its nest. Pets can stimulate curiosity about animals in general and the desire to explore their environment. A child may visit the library or cruise the Internet more often to gain knowledge about their chosen pet. He may want to read a book to a pet or she may want to build a birdhouse or bake special cat treats.

photo lucaphotography

A pet that is willing to be trained will increase the confidence and self esteem of a child. On the other hand, a pet that may be just a bit more challenging teaches a child how her actions affect others. If she is patient and creative in her training, she may have great success and be proud of her accomplishments. If she lashes out and is frustrated, the pet may withdraw, or worse, injure her.

Are your children ready for a first pet? Does the phrase, “I promise I’ll take care of him,” make you cringe? Are they ready for a second? A seventh? Are you? Is a new pet worth the hassle and disruption to your family life? The answer is yes. Pets-and we are talking everything from fish, hamsters, chickens, cows or dogs-can be wonderful teachers. But, like pets, children don’t learn after just one lesson. Otherwise their bedrooms would be spotless. Some kids may need a lifetime of lessons. The most obvious lessons pets teach are responsibility and commitment. Our parents called that “building character.” Feeding, exercising, training and cleaning

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up after a pet all require a level of responsibility from the child. A parent’s job is to match the child’s maturity with an appropriate expectation of pet care. A five year old can’t take the Great Dane for a walk around the block, but he can measure food into a bowl. A thirteen year old must realize that cleaning out the barn is just as important as riding her new horse. Developing a work ethic as a youngster will return benefits many times over as an adult. There are other advantages to pet ownership, beyond friendship and companionship, which are less apparent. With a parent’s guidance, a child can learn compassion for other living things and develop nurturing skills. Nothing sparks a

A pet can also teach children about acceptance. This is not just accepting animals (and their limitations) into their lives, but understanding and accepting the diversity of people they see every day. By loving a pet, children may be more willing to accept and give love to others, both animal and human. Pets can be an important part of childhood. But, if one isn’t practical for your family, don’t despair. Opportunities abound to expose your children to animals. An afternoon spent at an animal shelter, a trip to the zoo or aquarium, a visit with a relative’s pet or just a simple bird watching stroll in the park can be the basis for life long lessons. Children may not be able to keep every animal they come in contact with, but they can sure learn from each one. mp Veterinary Hospital

Sue Geske PhD, DVM is the owner of Double Diamond Veterinary Hospital in Bozeman, Montana.

Benefits of Playing Like Our Pets article & photo by Bobbi Geise

If, like me, you are blessed with a furry companion, then you know how much pets inherently just want to play, be loved and love in return. And, when you think about it, we two-leggeds want exactly the same thing. Like our pets, we too are born with a sense of curiosity, an innate ability to express our emotions and an eagerness to please. Both species also benefit from a strong sense of resilience, a critical tool that helps us successfully navigate life’s challenges.

as such, but here is what I believe are some benefits of playing like our pets.

I witnessed these shared innate qualities firsthand the other week when a friend’s toddler and my dog played together. The game of toss and catch was not new to either of them, but playing together was. Eli enjoys throwing balls, though his aim is a bit sporadic. Darby loves to catch and retrieve.

»» We learn and grow from setbacks and successes.

As so often happens in new relationships, they both started off a bit timid but eventually got into their groove. Their relationship, trust in each other and eagerness to play and please blossomed after a few initial foul balls. The experience was richer than I could have ever imagined and taught me lessons that are now emblazed in my mind. Not that Darby (the dog) or Eli (the toddler) would describe their experience

»» Being perfect is not important, trying is.

»» Laughter (a.k.a. excited barking) is contagious and feels good. »» Being pleased feels as good as pleasing others. »» Relationships require and build trust.

»» Resilience strengthens through a diversity of experiences. »» It’s fun to live and play like there’s no tomorrow.

»» Play keeps us active and healthy. Child psychologists, pediatricians and pet trainers alike are in agreement: Play is crucial to healthy social, emotional and cognitive development*. When I ventured out with Eli again weeks later, I marveled at the growth this little

guy exhibited. His sense of the world and confidence in it had expanded. His willingness to risk, fail and learn has become part of his being. He marvels at the ordinary and unusual alike, and laughs and plays like there is no tomorrow. His ball arm has even improved. Darby too continues to unabashedly seek playmates and play opportunities. And though she may gain a few more grey hairs before her two-legged friend, they are both born to play. (* For more information on the importance of play in child and pet development, visit: www. scientificamerican.com ‘The Serious Need For Play’; www.gooddogsrule.com ‘The Importance of Play’.) mp Bobbi Geise has been professionally playing and exploring outdoors with children, families (and canines) for over 20 years. She owns Learning By Nature, which provides professional development, consultation, and site design emphasizing outdoor learning and play. For more information and resources visit www.LearningByNature.org

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“Let Sleeping Dogs Lie”

photo bozeman pet pics

written By Cara Greger

Finally!

Most people over 40 know the saying, “Let sleeping dogs lie,” and the meaning behind it. Unfortunately, we have more negative dog/child encounters today than we had 40 years ago. It is all Walt Disney’s fault, ok maybe not all; parents and dog owners must take some of the blame. Disney movies have given the notion to our kids that all dogs are friendly and loving, and even “bad dogs” just need to be understood and given a hug to become a “good dog.” Additionally, some dog owners do not accept the responsibility of training and controlling their dogs. Finally, most parents fail to teach their children appropriate dog manners. Let’s take a moment to go over dog manners 101.

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How To Greet a Dog 1. Always ask the owner of the dog if you can pet their dog 2. Approach the dog calmly and slowly 3. Speak in a quiet indoor voice 4. Offer the back of your hand under the dog’s chin, not over the top of the head, for the dog to sniff 5. Only after the dog has sniffed your hand may you gently pet the dog

What To Do If You Encounter a Loose Dog Many parents have taught their children to “Hug a Tree” if they get lost. We should all teach our children to “Be a Tree” if they meet a loose dog. This safety tip can prevent a hazardous dog encounter.

1. Stand very still like a tree 2. Cross your arms across your chest 3. Look away from the dog and avoid eye contact 4. Be silent like a tree

What NOT To Do When You Encounter a Loose Dog 1. Never run—a running person, especially a small child, can trigger a dog’s prey drive. Prey drive is the instinct to chase and catch the screaming thing that might be a good snack. 2. Don’t wave your arms or kick your legs. This, to an aggressive dog, can be seen as a challenge or, to an untrained dog, can be seen as fun, flapping things to grab and tug on.

Other General Rules For Kids and Dogs 1. Never disturb a dog while it is eating. *However dog owners should teach their dogs that anyone can take food or a toy from them at any time. *              2. Let sleeping dogs lie, no one likes to be startled out of a good nap.            3. Allow your dog a private area such as a crate, and teach children that they MAY NOT disturb the dog when it is in its private area.          4. All dogs should be taught a solid “OFF” (no jump) command as well as a COME that will be obeyed the first time given under ANY circumstances. Montana is a very dog friendly state, and many people enjoy taking their four-legged friends with them to public places. It is important to teach our children how to appropriately greet a dog or deal with a loose, uncontrolled dog. Most dogs they meet will be friendly, but making sure kids know how to deal with a potentially unfriendly, untrained or uncontrolled dog will add confidence to the safety of your children. More good information can be found at AKC.ORG. mp Cara Greger is an AKC judge, a professional dog trainer for over 35 years, a certified Veterinarian Technician, and the co-owner with her husband of Anduril Boarding Kennel. For more information email: [email protected].

From our Farm to your table We grow our grain, mill our flour, and bake our nutritious breads just down the road. You and your kids can taste the Wheat Montana difference!

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written By Ben Donoghue

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I am a proud father of two humans (ages 20 months and 5 years) and three rescued dogs (ages 5, 6 and 9 years). I have always considered my dogs to be active family members and include them in every possible way. Before the birth of our first child, I started getting nervous, not only for the arrival of our baby but also because I knew the dynamic with my dogs was going to change. I knew that my dogs were going to have to share not only my time but also, and more importantly, my physical and mental energy. Through my own family experience – as well as my work as a Canine Behavior Consultant and Trainer with Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter—I have found that there are steps you can take to keep your dog an integral part of your family while at the same time keeping everyone safe. Step one is understanding your dog’s body language and opening communication. Most dogs will give signals of avoidance as their way of resolving conflict. These signals can sometimes be as subtle as averting eye contact or moving ears back or as obvious as getting up and walking away. Understanding these signals will help you know when to redirect your child and/or dog’s behavior. The second step is introducing material items and practicing. Think of ways to involve your dog in the simple things you will be doing with your child. For example, your dog will probably want to be with you while you sit on the couch with your baby. Teach your dog where you will want them to be, such as a dog bed in the corner, or quietly at your feet. Another great thing to practice is going for a walk or run with the stroller. I found it really helpful just getting myself coordinated, controlling my dog on leash and maneuvering the stroller. Also gauge your dog’s interest in baby toys. Make sure you can redirect your dog’s energy to a favorite dog toy if he decides he wants to shred baby’s new teddy bear. mp

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photo e. kelley photography

Preparing Your Dog for Baby

Next up is safety and management. You have probably heard that you should never leave your child unattended with your dog. I can tell you that this is far easier said than done and gets harder as your baby develops from crying to crawling, toddling, running, opening doors and inviting the neighbor kid over. Creating a safe environment for everyone requires good management of boundaries. Make kidfree zones as well as dog-free zones. Two must-have management tools at my house are a dog crate and baby gates. I use baby gates a lot when I cannot give 100% of my attention to the interaction between my dogs and baby but want everyone to feel included. Fourth, and finally, exercise the mind and body. Try to mentally challenge your dog every day. Give five minutes of your day to teaching your dog something new and it will give them a sense of purpose. Also great for tired parents are activities that require little effort from you, such as “find it games,” kibble puzzles and Kongs. If you are proactive and creative, your dog can continue to be an integral part of your family after your baby is born. And, believe me, this will foster invaluable life skills in your new addition. The relationship between your child and dog should be positive, respectful and safe. If you are concerned about your dog’s behavior with children or you feel like you need help, contact me or another dog training professional. Remember your kids will do what you do, so be a good example and treat your pets with respect and kindness. mp Written by Ben Donoghue, Canine Behavior Consultant and Trainer with Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter.

Out and About

with Fido written By Amy Stoddart

Because of our fuzzy family member, the nearby National Parks are a no-no, but many more incredible trails in our own backyard allow dogs off-leash and maybe a swim or two; it’s a win-win for the dog and the family. What’s better than quality time together, fresh air, tired children when you return home, and a good laugh watching the family pooch smile ear to ear in appreciation? Here are some of our family’s favorite easily accessible, dog-friendly trails in Bozeman. But, remember, the golden rule applies: Pack out whatever you pack in, including dog poop. Bring a bag and take it out with you to keep our trails clean and enjoyable for our entire community.

Bozeman Trail Bozeman Trail is the first hike I did when visiting Bozeman 15 years ago (then with two dogs and no kids) and the last one my family did with our trusty old Yellow Lab, Emma, on the day we had to put her down. It’s a slow meandering trail up Sourdough Canyon and very dog friendly. In fact, if you don’t like dogs (something must be wrong with you) avoid this trail. Do, however, be aware of bikers in summer and skiers in winter and keep Fido close to avoid injuries. My family aims to go five miles uphill to the bridge for a snack or lunch. Those with younger kids take note: There are many banks and rocky beaches along the creek for wading, rock throwing and stick collecting. Get to Bozeman Trail by taking Kagy Road to Sourdough Road and turning south. Drive on Sourdough for 6 miles to Nash Road and turn right. Go .5 miles on Nash Road to Bozeman Creek Road and turn left. Drive 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking area.

photo bozeman pet pics

As an avid lover of kids and dogs, I try to get all of mine outside as often as possible. In the Stoddart home, Henry, the chocolate lab is one of the kids; he can be ornery and mischievous when he does not get his proper exercise. So, when school and work schedules amp up every fall, our family takes solace in a sacred Sunday hike. This tradition has been a staple for years. We open up our hiking book, pick a new trek each week, make notes in the text about what we liked (or didn’t), what date we hiked, and who we might want to bring with us next time.

Hedvig’s Trail at Snowfill Hedvig’s Trail at Snowfill is a leash-free dog area! Do I hear the cheers? It’s a mellow hike with a 360-degree view of Bozeman and the surrounding mountains. Although this one-mile loop is dry, there is a hand pump at the entrance where the kids will have a ball splashing Fido and pouring water for the many dogs that frequent this park. The entire area is fenced in, so go ahead and let your dog RUN! Doggie clean up bags are provided and there are several benches for resting and taking in the lovely views while your dog plays with the countless other canines out for a stroll. My only word of caution is to keep an eye on little kids. This area is intended for dogs, not necessarily children. When my daughter was little I always felt more comfortable with her in the backpack. Now that my kids are older, I remind them about the rules of dog courtesy: Never put your face in a dog’s face, let all dogs sniff your hand first and don’t run in a dog park. To get to Snowfill, take North Rouse to Griffin Road and turn left (if coming from town). Take Griffin about ¼ mile to Manley Road and turn right. Take this 1.5 miles to McIlhattan Road and turn right. The road turns into a dirt road and the entrance is on the left.

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Peet’s Hill, Burke Park I always see the same people, pets and smiling faces on Peet’s Hill in the morning. It’s a lovely quiet hike with gorgeous views of Bozeman as you walk along the onemile ridge. The trail connects to many other trails in town, leaving you endless options for all ages and physical abilities. To get to Peet’s Hill take Main Street to Church Street and turn south. Drive about one mile and the small parking lot will be on your left. It can also be accessed by parking behind Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. When I was in the throws of working on my master’s degree and the stress was overwhelming and life seemed too much to bare, the things that got me through were long hikes in the Rocky Mountains with my dogs. Use the beauty of our Bozeman Fall to get out with your fourlegged buddies and Enjoy! Viva. mp © Amy Stoddart Amy Stoddart is owner of Bridger Pilates in downtown Bozeman. Information on group and private instruction in Pilates can be found online at www. bridgerpilates.com. Amy is a STOTT Pilates Certified Instructor, holds an MFA in Dance, and is the CoArtistic Director of the Montana Ballet Company.

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photo amy shertzer photography

Pet Therapy

for People with Special Needs written by Jennifer Gossett

We’ve all heard stories proclaiming the virtues of pets and the amazing ways that animals bring people joy, make them smile and seem to relieve feelings of loneliness or melancholy. But did you know that scientific research has proven that animal interactions can actually be therapeutic and even make people healthier?

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A March 2012 NPR report cites current research that demonstrates how interacting with animals can increase levels of the hormone oxytocin in our bodies. Oxytocin makes us feel happier and can even help grow new cells when the body is healing. A 1984 study found that people can lower their blood pressure by petting their own dogs. A new and growing field of study involves the use of animals in therapy, or even as therapists themselves, specifically when working with children with disabilities. Hippotherapy (which, despite its name, does not involve hippos) is a method of conducting physical, occupational or speech therapy while on horseback. Using a specially trained horse with a calm demeanor, the therapist employs the horse’s movement as a tool that works toward meeting the child’s goals. Hippotherapy is frequently used for children with autism, developmental delays, traumatic brain injuries, and other conditions. (www. americanhippotherapyassociation.org) Therapy dogs are also becoming more common in hospitals, schools and treatment clinics and you may be surprised at how they work. Most of us have seen the traditional “service dogs” who assist blind or otherwise disabled

“Even if you don’t have access to trained therapy animals, ongoing research is showing that typical family pets can also be beneficial, especially for children with autism.” people enabling them to navigate their environment and live more independently. Therapy dogs, however, are not the same as service dogs. As with the horses who work in hippotherapy, a therapy dog must be calm, easygoing and comfortable with being touched and petted. Therapy dogs do receive special training as well, and there are organizations all around the country that offer therapy dogs for many different purposes and provide the necessary training. Time with a therapy dog may be structured for work on a particular goal, but it may also be open-ended and as simple as encouraging the child to pet the dog softly and to become comfortable in the dog’s presence. Earlier this summer, I worked at a camp for young children with Down syndrome, and one morning we arranged for a local therapy dog organization to visit. Six volunteers brought dogs of various sizes and breeds, and they set up stations spread out across a large open room. Each station had one dog with its owner, and we escorted the children from station to station to meet the dogs. It was fascinating to watch the children’s interest in the animals and how they were drawn to look at them, touch them, etc. Each station was full of “teachable moments” for the kids as well, as they learned where each dog likes (or doesn’t like) to be touched. We coached them on gently petting and talking to the

dogs, and it became a great lesson on social skills hidden inside a new, fun experience. Even children who would never sit still for a five-minute encounter with me were staying for longer than that with a dog, stroking its fur gently, letting the dog lick and sniff, and some even let the dogs sit in their laps with the owner’s approval. There was no doubt that the therapy dogs made a personal connection with these children, and it was amazing to watch. Even if you don’t have access to trained therapy animals, ongoing research is showing that typical family pets can also be beneficial, especially for children with autism. A newlyreleased study from France looked at children on the autism spectrum between the ages of six and 16. The researchers asked the children’s parents to complete a questionnaire about pets in the home, and then evaluated the social skills and behaviors of the children. The findings indicate that the children who were older than age five when their families got a pet were better able to offer comfort to others who were sad than those children who had never had a pet or those who had lived with a pet since birth. Pets included in the study were dogs, cats and hamsters. Those same children (who got a pet after age five) were also more likely to share food or toys. The researchers plan to do further study, but are suggesting that the novelty of a new pet may bring about increased social behavior from the child, and that the non-verbal signals that pets use to communicate may help those children with autism learn to more easily recognize that kind of communication. (study published 8/1/12 in the online journal PLoS ONE) For more information on locating therapy dogs in your area, check out therapydogorganizations.net. Jennifer Gossett is a music therapist for children with disabilities and has 15 years experience as a music educator in public and private schools. She is also a wife and the mother of two special boys and lives with her family in Charleston, S.C.

Eagle Mount Bozeman offers quality therapeutic recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and young people with cancer. Eagle Mount offers horseback riding in addition to numerous outdoor activities. For more information visit www.eaglemount.org or call 406-5861781. Certify your pet with Intermountain Therapy Animals; visit: www. therapyanimals.org Montana T-Dogger’s visits 10 facilities across the state including Big Sky, Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena and Fort Harrison VA Hospital; visit: www.mttherapydogs.com mp

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HURLEY® (bone) Made to be tossed or chewed, Hurley contains all the fun of a ball, bone and stick in one dog toy. Introduced in 2004, Hurley made believers out of many who had given up on finding a toy that can withstand tough chewers.

JIVE™ (ball)

Choosing the Right Sized Toy

for Your Dog written By West Paw Design

Always striving to keep all dogs happy, West Paw Design offers American-made toys of different shapes, sizes and colors for small, medium and large breeds. Regular sized dog toys can be too big or heavy for smaller dog’s mouths. This can make playtime more difficult for the little guys, so always choose the right sized toy so they too can be entertained and stimulated. Smaller dogs and puppies also tend to have a lot of energy, so playing fetch or hiding a treat inside a toy, like West Paw Design’s mini Tizzi®, can provide them with the physical and mental exercise they need. Puppies can also benefit from playing with our mini-sized toys. It is important to always

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supervise their play and behavior when they’re with the toy. It’s imperative to let puppies and small dogs play only with the appropriate sized toy to avoid choking. Take the toy away when it becomes too small for their mouth.

TIZZI™ (Treat hider, fetch)Tizzi is a dog toy that spirals

through the air giving the time-honored game of fetch a dynamic new spin. Twist mini Tizzi’s handles together for maximum bounce and flight or untwist to hide dog treats inside. Unlike other treat-hiding toys, Tizzi is made from a non-toxic material. Whether doggie playtime is on land or in the water, this floatable dog toy is ready to relieve boredom.

Jive is West Paw Design’s most durable dog ball yet. Other dog chew toys can be hard on dog’s teeth, but Jive is gentle—it’s also bright, bouncy, and BPA-free. Guaranteed strong, this ball also bounces and floats. Jive’s mini size is almost the size of a golf ball. As with any dog toy, always supervise your dog’s behavior with this ball and remove the toy when not being played with.

ZISC® (Frisbee) More pliable than a hard-shell Frisbee and faster than a fabric Frisbee, Zisc is a perfect toy for trips to the park, yard or water. Flexible material makes this dog Frisbee gentle on soft mouths and easy to pick up. Perfect for puppies that will still lose teeth. Mini Zisc is smaller, thinner and lighter than its regular sized counterpart. Like all of the dog toys in our top-selling Zogoflex dog toy line, mini Zogoflex dog toys are guaranteed against dog damage, 100% recyclable, FDA compliant, non-toxic, phthalate and BPAfree, floatable and dishwasher safe. All toys listed above are available in three bright colors for easy spotting in water, grass or snow. mp

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Losing a Pet written By Colleen E. Crane MSW, LCSW

We picked Annie out when my daughter was about a year old. We knew she was the dog for us when we walked by her cage at the Heart of the Valley and Annie nuzzled her face against the gate so that Vanessa could pet her graying muzzle. We had never considered an older dog. Fears about past abusive homes and long-term intensive care had made us avoid considering anything but a puppy. But once my husband witnessed that encounter, we knew we had to take Annie home.

photo amy shertzer photography

We had Annie for about three years and she was, by far, the best dog we have ever had. She greeted my son first home from the hospital with a gentle nudge and lick on the forehead. She chased off the neighborhood dogs when she thought we were threatened as a family. (Our only issue with Annie is that she didn’t know when to stop guarding her family). But after years of watching Annie grow tired of getting on and off her bed, we decided that we needed to make the choice to put her down. She had severe arthritis that could not be managed with medication, no matter how high the dosage. We had tried pills, shots and chiropractic care. But Annie was in pain. She started to growl and bark at our children when they approached, in fear that they would touch her back legs. My husband and I considered keeping her in an area of our house where she would be protected and out of the way, but we didn’t feel right about that because, no matter how much pain she was in, Annie always wanted to be close to us. Losing an animal was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced in my life. Coaching my young children through the process was not any easier. We spent

several days talking to the children about how Annie was in a lot of pain and that we had tried many medications to make her feel better. My husband and I wanted to be there at the vet’s office as she put Annie down. We sat and cried together as we watched the pain melt away in Annie’s eyes. When we got home we talked about how Annie was in a better place and that she would always be with us. We decided to get Annie’s ashes and used the opportunity to talk with our oldest about how Annie had gone away in spirit but left us with her memories.

“Everybody thought I was just a slow learner. The Learning Options program helped me learn quicker and get through my assignments easier. My parents and teachers noticed my increased understanding of assignments being done without the constant struggle.”

{Buffalo}

*See Elsie’s Tips column in this month’s magazine

elsie Johnson

406-282-7416 [email protected]

Right now, though, Annie is still in our closet, tucked away and waiting for my husband to make the choice to let her go. I know it’s hard, and I respect his choice to wait. I am okay with that. I know that she is safe and with us. Using the passing of an animal to start the conversation with your children about life and death is an excellent opportunity to build strong, healthy family relationships. Try not to shy away from the discussion and remember to start where you are comfortable. Helping your child understand the cycle of life prepares them for dealing with loss on many levels. As parents, the depth of understanding your children have about life and death might surprise you. Work on recognizing your own feelings and don’t be shy about telling your children you don’t know the answer to their questions, or work on finding the answers together. Take this as an opportunity for a family-building exercise, where strength is found even in the face of loss. mp If you have topics or questions that you would like me to answer or address, please feel free to contact me. I can be reached at [email protected].

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BodyTalk with Josh Overcash

Choosing

The Right Food For Your Pet BodyTalk is a simple, safe, and ef fective holistic therapy that creates balance at the physical, mental, and emotional levels. * Allergies

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written By Josh and Holly Allen, Dee-O-Gee

You have to start somewhere, and you undoubtedly have. Your dog or cat is eating something already. Our goal at Dee-O-Gee is to help you identify the foods with the best-quality ingredients – whole meats, vegetables, fruits, whole grains (sometimes), and high-quality sources of dietary fat – to get you into the right “ballpark” in terms of quality. Take a look at the food you are currently feeding your pet. Note the food’s ingredients in order, as well as its protein and fat levels, and its caloric content. Write all of this down, so you can make logical adjustments if need be. Other things to consider when choosing a pet food may be: nutritional management of a disease (including allergies and intolerances), caloric considerations (for seniors and/or overweight pets) and human factors such as cost and local availability. Finally, understand that there is a very direct connection between the quality of an animal’s food and his health, and do the best you can do. At Dee-O-Gee, we offer a large variety of dog and cat foods containing no fillers or indigestible ingredients at varying price points to fit any budget. Here are a few key things to consider when choosing the foods you feed your pet. Remember, it’s not up to your pet to control the quality of their nutrition. You, as the pet’s “person,” have 100% of the responsibility for your pet’s nutrition … choose wisely, please.

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Ingredients: Take a look at the quality and digestibility of the ingredients specific to the biology of the dog and cat, including sources of the nutrients. All ingredients in the food have a sound nutritional reason for being there. At some level, this becomes an economic decision for the manufacturer and some manufacturers choose ingredients to keep their price at a grocery store/chain store price level (i.e. “fillers”). At Dee-O-Gee, we refuse to stock foods that have any filler ingredients (i.e. corn, soy, byproduct meal, etc.) and we shy away from companies that stock their foods at national chains … frankly, we don’t trust them.

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photo amy shertzer photography

Wellness and Preventative Health Care for the Whole Family!

Manufacturing: Whenever possible, learn about the manufacturing plants of the foods you are considering. It is generally preferred to consider products from companies that make their own foods in their own plant (rather than contracting a larger plant). They tend to have on-site testing labs and a higher degree of quality control, which affects everything from the integrity of the ingredients to batch consistency. People we know and trust: Did you know there are more than 10 agencies that regulate the pet food industry, yet none of them can actually guarantee that what is on the label is actually in the bag. Labeling laws are amorphous and loosely written. As a result, you have to know and trust the people that make your pet food. We prefer to work with the integrous people who care about the quality of the food they make, stand behind it and are committed to the independent pet store channel. The brands we offer at Dee-O-Gee have a reputation for excellence and are forthright and honest in their communication. Environment and social contributions: We feel as if we are called to take excellent care of our pets and the planet we have been blessed to inhabit. So we also look at companies that we do business with, and buy from, suppliers that work in “planetfriendly” ways. We search for and are advocates of organic ingredients, local suppliers and companies that contribute to the well-being of dogs and cats and the people that take good care of them. mp Josh & Holly Allen are the owners Dee-O-Gee in Bozeman. They have been helping Montanans take care of our pets naturally since 2008. Learn more at DeeO-Gee.com.

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For some peculiar reason, seventh grade was the year life changed for me. More specifically, seventh grade was the year the claws came out and suddenly school became a sea of cliques, gossip and drama queens. As a thirteen year old trying to find the balance between friends and education my priorities were strewn across the board. The word “popular” took on a whole new meaning and so did the attitudes of the girls who were branded with stereotypes and labels. Middle school was challenging, a view most of my friends and I still share today, but it was seventh grade that also introduced me to a brand new type of companionship. Surrounded by the complications only a thirteen year old could find tragic, I found a new friend among the chaos in a small, hyper black lab dubbed Molly. While my social world at school has had its ups and downs, fights, and make-ups, Molly is a constant in my life. Whoever said, “Dog is man’s best friend,” never fully understood the impact of a dog’s presence in the life of a girl. Middle school exposed the truth behind what is important in friendship: healthy relationships and close-knit support. Middle school also showed me that often the qualities we search for in a human friend can also be found in a canine. Molly, along with most Labrador Retrievers, maintains an extreme love for the outdoors and a healthy lifestyle that helps me to

appreciate the community in which I live. Molly has an exceptional sense of timing and knows the exact moments to come snuggle, sit close by or lick my face. Dogs show compassion, complete acceptance and trust. No dog would dare steal a best friend, have a crush on the same boy as you or spread rumors. Molly is the friend I need who can listen and console, while simultaneously reminding me to move on and chase the next tennis ball. While girls in seventh grade struggled with low self-esteem, Molly never judged me by my outfit or brace-face. Dogs are the ultimate definition of acceptance. While, at school, girls strived to earn acceptance from each other, at home Molly reminded me that clothes and makeup are not proper judgments of character, but that affection and kindness show true beauty. A dog, like a good friend, knows that the little moments in life are the most important and that each day is a blessing. Dogs never turn down new experiences or turn down the opportunity to explore new terrain. Molly keeps me on my toes and, like a proper best friend, she holds me accountable as a responsible companion. A healthy relationship is never one-sided, so while Molly serves as my friend, I try my best to keep her healthy and happy. In seventh grade terms, Molly is my BFF; a girl’s best friend forever. mp Lane O’Donnell is a senior at Bozeman High School and member of the Hawk Tawk staff. She hopes to pursue a major in communications during college.

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Is pet insurance worth the money? written By Annie Beaver

Like a lot of families in Montana, mine has a dog. His name is Leo, and he is 100 pounds of love and drool. We got him from the shelter in Dillon when he was two and he is a central character in our family. Unfortunately, Leo has a bum knee and hip dysplasia. The surgeries to fix these problems would cost upwards of $5,000, so we have opted for a medication that keeps him comfortable and mobile for now. Obviously this is a compromise between his health and our pocketbook. Would we have been better off getting pet insurance for Leo when we got him? As it turns out, the answer is probably no, since hip dysplasia is a common exclusion for most pet insurers. (Apparently my family has an exclusion for slobber and gas, because we love Leo anyway). After doing some online research, I did find an insurer offering a package that includes care for hip dysplasia, but the cost of the premiums over the time we needed coverage was slightly more than the cost of the surgery. If I were to purchase insurance for Leo today from Trupanion, a pet insurer that offers a simple online quoting system, I would pay nearly $100 per month for the package that has a $500 deductible and includes care for hip dysplasia. In 2010 Consumer Reports ran its own analysis of three insurers for a hypothetical dog named Roxy, who is a 10-year-old beagle who was deemed to be basically healthy. They compared nine variations in coverage and deductibles. According to Consumer Reports, “Overall, we found that the pet policies we analyzed were not worth the cost for a generally healthy animal. In healthy Roxy’s case, we found that none of the nine policies would have paid out more than the projected premiums over a 10-year period.”

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photo amelia anne photography

Combining traditional and alternative therapies to create an individual treatment program best suited for your wellness and lilifestyle needs.

Of course, there are people who do benefit from pet insurance, but the challenge is in predicting if your pet is going to be the one that breaks a bone or develops a chronic condition while it is covered. Are you willing to play the odds? As with most kinds of insurance, luck plays a role in the degree to which you need it.

won’t insure wolf hybrids at all.) Is there a cap they will pay per incident or over the life of your animal? What is the co-pay? Is there a review process to determine if the amount of the bill is “reasonable” or not, regardless of what you paid? (If so, keep looking. You don’t want a policy that allows an insurer to make a judgment on the care you’ve already paid for.)

Furthermore, you must ask yourself what role your pet plays in your life. If your pet is your “furry child” and you know you would pay any amount for his wellbeing, then pet insurance may make sense. However, if you are comfortable with “economic euthanasia,” which is euthanizing an animal that requires extraordinary care, then pet insurance may not be a good deal for you. (Recognize in advance, however, that you may waver on this decision when the time comes. It is hard to say good-bye to an animal when you know medical care is available.)

Some veterinary clinics and insurers offer wellness plans for routine care, such as annual exams and certain vaccines. It will take only a few minutes to run the numbers to see if these programs make sense for your pet.

My advice is to do some online research. There are many insurers who offer online quote systems. Read the proposed policy carefully. Are pre-existing conditions excluded? Is your dog’s breed excluded from certain types of care? (For example, at least one insurer won’t cover illnesses for Chinese shar-peis, and one insurer

If you decide that insurance doesn’t make sense for you, what can you do as an alternative? Get annual checkups, spay or neuter your pet and keep your animal’s weight down. Shop around online for lower-priced medications. And, put aside a little money for the day when you have an unexpectedly high vet bill. mp Annie Beaver is an Associate Financial Consultant with D.A. Davidson & Co. in Livingston, MT. This information is not intended as specific insurance advice. Information from sources deemed reliable include www.Trupanion.com, MSN Money http:// money.msn.com/insurance/should-you-buy-petinsurance-weston.aspx?page=3, Consumer Reports http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2010/09/ispet-insurance-worth-the-cost/index.htm, and D. A. Davidson & Co., member SIPC.

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Bully-Proof Our Children Bozeman | September 22, 2012

Emotional Intelligence Learning Empathy Bozeman | October 24, 2012

Redirecting Children’s Behavior Balancing Love and Discipline

To learn more and to register, please go to

H E ARTM ANIT Y.COM

My 4-H

Experience

written By Ron Murray, owner/trainer Montana Murray Kennels

When I was asked to be the new Dog Obedience trainer for the local 4-H chapter of Gallatin County, I didn’t know what to expect. Over the years, Montana Murray Kennels has offered Affection Based Obedience training for people ages eight to 80 but I had never worked with a full class of seven to 13 year olds. I had no idea what I was in for.

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The training with the 4-H participants and their dogs was held for 20-plus weeks leading up to the Gallatin County Fair where the kids would participate in an obedience rally. It was my job to teach them to get their dogs to be obedient: heel, sit, sit-stay, down, down-stay, come, and hopefully help them build a bond with their dogs based on mutual trust and respect. Our early meetings could best be described as controlled chaos. Ninety percent of the dogs were pulling on the end of their leashes (some had never been on a leash before). Some were barking

photo amy shertzer photography

Bozeman | November 7, 2012

uncontrollably, others were wishing they could be anywhere other than a room full of strange people and dogs. I think most of the parents thought they had just landed in an insane asylum (or were going to need one soon). The first step of the training was teaching the kids to get their four-legged friends to heel; this is getting the dog to walk right next to them in a controlled manner. Sometimes it looked more like we were at a barn dance being put on by the Beastie Boys rather than teaching dog obedience. But by our sixth week, most of the dogs were heeling next to their handlers, sitting when we came to a stop, laying down on command and coming when asked. When I think back, I am amazed at how confident these kids were. If only I could get my adults to have this same level of confidence when training with their dogs. By week 15, the kids would come to class and self-start. They had their dogs heeling in a perfect circle, switching directions,

Bozeman’s Finest Four-Season Community sitting, staying, and even jumping over other dogs (something we had not taught them to do in class). The fateful day of our competition at the Gallatin County Fair finally came in July and is a day that will be imbedded in my memory always. It was a warm evening that held a lot of distractions, such as the live tiger act right next to us and dogs warming up only 150 feet away from a dock diving demonstration. The Fairgrounds were teaming with excitement and neighboring barns were full of horses, cows and other 4-H projects. Dressed in white shirts, black pants and looking for blue ribbons, our group was ready. Most of these kids were having their first 4-H experience and some were competing in front of a crowd for the first time. As their project leader, it was my responsibility to demonstrate how well the kids had learned dog obedience, but also to ensure that they were having fun at the same time.

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Nerves were tense and the competition was steep in all the levels. I was as nervous as the kids. Had I done all I could do to ensure they knew the commands? Had I covered the course well enough that they would know it? From my vantage point the kids did GREAT. At times, I was so absorbed in watching their perfection that I forgot some of my own responsibilities. When the ribbons were all handed out, the honorable mentions were announced, and the kids and their families packed up, it was over. We said our good byes, good lucks, and they were gone. Today I find myself fondly recalling the sisters with the black Labs, the Corgis, the girl who always had a smile and a “Hi Ron!” when she came to class, the purebreds, and (of course) the mutts. I really hope these kids are having a great summer and I hope they are enjoying it all with their dogs; furthermore, I really hope I get to see them again. My 4-H experience was awesome and I could not have done it without the help from parents who got their kids to class every week and from our volunteers: Cindy, Susan, Claire, Lindzey, Megan and my German Shepherd, Gunther. Thank you. In conclusion, keep your leashes loose, mp heads up, shoulders back and have fun!

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Your Pet to Blame?

written By Michael C. DiCello, M.D

For weeks your child has had cold symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose and a cough. She looks tired and feels miserable and doesn’t seem to be improving. Perhaps allergies are responsible, but how can you tell? This is where, at least initially, things can be a little confusing. If these symptoms have been reoccurring every summer for the past several years and disappear completely in winter, then your child most likely has seasonal pollen allergies. But when symptoms persist, or seem to come and go, a visit to your child’s medical provider may prove hugely beneficial in solving this mystery. Parents may not immediately recognize that their child has allergies because symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, sneezing and itchy nose can be caused by a cold, exposure to an irritant (like smoke from wildland fires) or allergies. These allergic nasal responses may trigger cough from post-nasal drip, headaches or sinus pressure associated with nasal congestion. Unfortunately, all of these symptoms may contribute to disrupted sleep, which could leave your child feeling irritable and fatigued.  This may affect your child’s ability to concentrate, particularly in school. Another confusing issue with allergies is the timing of the symptoms. Pet allergies are a good example. Let’s say your family gets a cat or a dog, brings this new friend home and initially all is well. Then after

several months, or -- in some cases --even several years, your child starts experiencing nasal congestion, itchy eyes or skin, or their typical seasonal hay fever symptoms are becoming more severe or lasting longer. It may seem unlikely that your family’s pet is the cause of these escalating symptoms, especially when the pet as been around for so long. However, it is well known that in order for allergy symptoms to show up, the individual must be predisposed to allergies and be exposed to the allergen. A person will not experience allergy symptoms until they have been exposed over time and then “sensitized” to the allergen. One individual may become sensitized in a few weeks, while it may take someone else years. A strong family history of hay fever, asthma, eczema or food allergy may provide a clue in diagnosing your child’s symptoms, but some people with allergies have no family history. It’s not uncommon for me to hear a parent express some initial disbelief, “But no one else in the family has allergies!” While a detailed medical history is always the first step in determining if your child has allergies, allergy testing may clarify confusing aspects of the history. Allergy testing can help when the nature of the symptoms could easily be attributed to a cold or allergy, the timing of symptoms is ambiguous, the age of onset doesn’t necessarily make sense, or when there is a lack of family allergy history.

photo amy shertzer photography

So let’s say you receive confirmation that your child has allergies to, for instance, the family cat or dog (or horse, cattle, gerbil, hamster, rabbit, guinea pig, mouse, or just about anything with fur). What are your family’s choices? Avoidance is the best starting place. You can limit exposure by keeping the pet outdoors or control exposure to pet dander by making the bedroom a pet free zone, once weekly vacuuming, or (even better) changing from carpet to hard flooring surface, wiping the pet down with a damp cloth at least twice a week, using a HEPA air purifier to trap dander and keeping the pet off of furniture. If the child’s symptoms are severe, especially if the child has asthma, the family may decide to find an alternate home for their pet. Some families try to minimize their child’s exposure to allergens by seeking pets that are hypoallergenic, but this is often ineffective. The term “hypoallergenic” means “less allergic;” it does not mean allergy free. So it is important for parents to understand that no cat or dog is truly non-allergenic. It is also a common misconception that pet allergies are triggered by an animal’s fur or hair. The allergens shed by pets are proteins found in the skin (“dander”), saliva and urine, so it is impossible to eliminate these allergens from pets. Because shedding acts to distribute protein allergens that come directly from the animal, as well as those

outdoor airborne allergens collected in the animal’s coat, some families have found that selecting an animal with short fur or one that sheds less may be helpful, but that is not always the case. Medications may be useful in treating symptoms, but they are not curative. Knowing what your child is allergic to and understanding how the medications work allows the child’s therapies to be customized, which leads to the most benefit from the least amount of medication. If your child’s symptoms are occurring in multiple seasons, avoidance measures are not working and medications are overwhelming or failing, then allergy shots (“allergy immunotherapy”) may help ease symptoms. Here’s the bottom line: If your child has nasal symptoms for more than two or three weeks, itchy eyes and complaints of tiredness, then they could have allergies. Consult your child’s medical provider and see what can be done to improve your child’s overall quality of life! mp Written by Michael C. DiCello, MD, an allergist certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. He strives to serve our community by helping patients of all ages achieve their optimal health by providing exemplary, comprehensive treatment of allergies and asthma. Michael lives in Bozeman with his wonderful wife, 9-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son. Learn more about Dr. DiCello at www.allergymontana.com.

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Imagine what you can build

Opening at the Museum of the Rockies on Saturday, October 20, 2012 Raise the Roof Sponsored by:

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Dick Anderson Construction Kath Williams + Associates Owenhouse Ace Hardware

Raise the Roof: An Exhibit about Buildings was produced by the Science Museum of Minnesota. The exhibit was made possible with support from the National Science Foundation. Photo by Matt Treager | matttreager.com

painting james Weeks, Mr & Mrs S, 1960, oil on canvas Montana Historical Society Permanent Collection

museums Southwest Montana of

Museum Month Montana Parent is declaring September “Montana Museum Month” so get out there and take in some culture! We are incredibly blessed to have so many wonderful museums in our area. Museum of the Rockies is home to the largest and most important dinosaur collection in the world. The Pioneer Museum in Bozeman is located in the old county jail building, built in 1911. The Yellowstone Gateway Museum in Livingston is a 1906 schoolhouse on the National Register of Historic Places exhibiting artifacts from early peoples of the area including native cultures, the railroad industry’s role in westward expansion, and Livingston as the original gateway to Yellowstone National Park. ExplorationWorks in Helena is known as Montana’s SuperScience Center and the state capital is home to another three museums focusing on arts and history. Put down that yogurt and get some ‘real’ live culture by visiting a museum today.

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mp

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photo Holter

photo zo-mak photography

photo zo-mak photography

photo zo-mak photography photo zo-mak photography

The Holter Museum of Art written By Sam Farmer

The Olympics came and went. But I got swept up in the wake of it all as if Michael Phelps was training in the lane next to me. And if the pageantry of the Olympics wasn’t fancy enough, they took place in Her Royal Kingdom, Great Britain.

How to be a Montana Sophisticate:

I don’t know about you, but when I hear a British accent, I automatically add on 20 I.Q. points and find even golf-inspired fashion to be somehow more sophisticated and attractive. My mind wanders and, before I know it, I am emulating the weird and wacky coolness of our linguistic siblings from across the pond, “Ooh, purple plaid is just the thing my wardrobe needs.” High culture indeed!

The Museum opened in 1987 as a place to experience contemporary art in central Montana, and has grown dramatically.

The truth of the matter is that a person needs to experience high culture from time to time. On a global scale, yes, Montana is rural and remote. But let us not forget that we Montanans have a shining jewel inviting us to immerse ourselves: The Holter Museum of Art in Helena.

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Here’s what you need to know in order to dazzle even the most hardened and sophisticated in-laws from posh and urban areas.

A $2,000,000 capital campaign completed in 2002 added 6,500 square feet to create a dynamic 17,000 square foot facility and added to the endowment. Yes, I said two million dollars. The Holter Museum of Art offers over 25 varied exhibits each year, art education for all ages, international artist residencies, lectures, receptions and more. The current exhibit is particularly wonderful and features artists: Rudy Autio | Lela Autio | Freeman Butts  | Sandra dal Poggetto | Bob DeWeese| Gennie DeWeese | Josh

DeWeese | George Gogas | Paul Harris | Jerry Iverson | Terry Karson | Mary Ann Kelly | Sara Mast | Neltje | Ellen Ornitz | Nan Parsons | Jim Poor | Jerry Rankin | Robert Royhl | Harold Schlotzhauer | Jay Schmidt | Kathy Schmidt | Bill Stockton | Phoebe Toland | Ted Waddell | Peter Voulkos Many of these artists are people you know in the simplest of Montana ways. Read: they’ve bumped you with their shopping cart at the Co-op or you have a hiking buddy who fly-fishes with her stepson.  So put on your date night duds, hire a sitter and go rub elbows with artists and patrons. The Holter Museum of Art will celebrate their 25th anniversary on December 14, 2012 with a fun gala celebration. Plan to attend and kick up your heels, you cultural vulture in a cowboy hat! mp Sam Farmer lives in Bozeman and explores Montana with her husband and two children.

Helena

Classes photo s. willard

UseEums classes for 3-7 years olds

| holter museum.org

USE-EUM

Check Out a Museum at the

Bozeman Public Library

UseEum Dates: 9/21, 2/29 , 11/17,11/30, 12/8, 12/21

Livingston

Yellowstone Gateway Museum

Paving the Way:

Opening the West to Women & A Look at the Livingston Shops

Parading Through History:

The Apsaalooke Story & The Homestead House Before Electricity

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of Park COunty

seum

Use the links from the Bozeman Library website to check for details on each participating organization, and view their websites before you visit for the most current hours and exhibition information. Passes are limited to general exhibit admission only and may not be combined or applied toward educational and group classes and tours. Special exhibitions may not be covered, and other restrictions may apply. To use a library card, patrons must be at least 18 years old and have no overdue fines over $10 to check out a Museum Pass; one pass per family at a time, please. Questions? Call the Bozeman Public Library at 582-2427 for prompt assistance in answering your questions, helping to check out your Museum Pass, or learning more about this program. mp

12 E Lawrence | Helena, MT 406-442-6400 | holtermuseum.org

Yellows t

Explore Bozeman! provides families free access to Bozeman’s arts and cultural attractions year-round. A family of four can check out a four-day pass to any of the following: American Computer Museum, Children’s Museum of Bozeman, Pioneer Museum, Museum of the Rockies and the Bozeman Swim Center. Families can access the pass program via the Library’s website – www.bozemanlibrary.org – or by visiting the Information Desk. Pass receipts must be printed and a corresponding photo ID is required at each museum for entry. Up to two adults and two children may be admitted on each pass, and the passes can be used more than once during the check out period. The four-day passes are good Sunday through Wednesday or Thursday through Sunday, and will automatically expire on the appropriate date.

118 West Chinook • 406.222.4184

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Summer Hours

(Memorial Day - September)

Open 7 Days a Week 10 am - 5 pm

Winter Hours

(Labor Day - Memorial Day)

Thursday - Saturday 10am - 5pm

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Helena

e plorationWorks! Bring the family to

O

Montana's Science Center In Helena

• Giant Harvard/Smithsonian Black Holes Exhibit • Hands on Interactive Exhibits and Activities • “Little Sky Country” for kids under 5 • Science-themed Gift Store • Gourmet Coffee Shop

995 Carousel Way, Helena, MT 59601 phone : 406-457-1800 www.ExplorationWorks.org

Custom Hand Crafted Bags and Accessories

photo Matt Treager

RAISE THE ROOF: Boris Black Bloxx An Exhibit About Buildings: Jenna Sue

Museum of the Rockies written By Eleonore Snow

After deciding to move here from the East coast two years ago, our family came to Bozeman for a week of house hunting and exploring. We ended up spending more time at the Museum of the Rockies than looking at houses. Already seasoned veterans of New York’s Museum of Natural History and Seattle’s Pacific Science Center, we had kept our expectations snobbishly low for this local museum. And, as has happened in Bozeman so many times since, we were blown away. I only wish that I could go back in time and bring my babies to the Sensational Babies class. (It would look pretty weird if I tried to smuggle in my 12 year old now, huh?)

Join me at the last Gallatin Valley Farmers Market on Saturday, September 8th. See you there!

www.marandalee.com

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Anyway, here’s what you need to know about MOR right now: If you didn’t get a chance to see the Treasures of Napoleon exhibit this summer, you should absolutely squeeze that in during September because that short little dictator and his treasure are riding away forever on October 7, 2012. If you are concerned that the exhibit may be a bit mature for your kids, you should know that there is a family guide with a scavenger hunt designed for younger kiddos. Plus, as most history teachers would remind us, our stunning state was bought from Napoleon in the Louisiana Purchase, and so this exhibit is actually a relevant and important part of Montana history. Then on October 20, comes a new exhibit about buildings called Raise the Roof, which was produced by the Science

Museum of Minnesota and runs until January 20. Coming from both a cultural and engineering perspective, Raise the Roof reveals the extraordinary world of buildings and some fascinating stories of human ingenuity and science. The exhibit includes a collapsible dome and activities where kids can work with handcrafted knocker joints, build trusses, design doghouses, and build a city out of magnets. Another component of the show, Listening to the Walls, contains interviews with visually impaired people and explains how they use sound to navigate. And, in Cultural Design Rules, a panel compares an American home design to the standards of Feng Shui, a practical design philosophy guided by the flow of spiritual energy.  This is the kind of interactive fun our family goes crazy for – and I’m just so thankful that I can plan on bringing the kids here when it’s crummy out. As the MOR’s Jean Conover points out: “This is a truly unique exhibit -- where the whole family can interact - that focuses on buildings but also on the culture and beliefs surrounding buildings all over the world.” Look for more information about Raise the Roof building contests and other interactive activities. mp Eleonore Snow is an East coast transplant to Bozeman (please don’t hold this against her) who delights exploring her new hometown with her two marvelous kids and her gassy dog Lola. 

photo Exploration works

photo Exploration works

photo Exploration works

photo sammy farmer

photo zo-mak photography

ExplorationWorks Montana’s Science Center in Helena written By Sam Farmer

What do you do with a couple of stircrazy kids? The kind of expert engineers and destruction-bots who have to flip every switch they come across? I say, let them loose at ExplorationWorks, because that kind of behavior is encouraged there! The current exhibition, “Black Holes: Space Warps & Time Twists” is richly educational. It’s very hands-on in a way that the current batch of tech savvy children love and has a presentation that invites young astrophysicists in training to keep on learning even after they’ve left the building. That is a signature of what ExplorationWorks is truly all about. Founder Suzanne Wilcox envisioned this wonderful interactive science center and it opened, quite literally, as a museum without walls in 2000. ExplorationWorks was built with the kind of integrity that we hope is embodied in all of Montana as a volunteer-driven, collaborative and very grassroots effort. Board members, a very small staff and hundreds of volunteers worked together to develop plans for, and build, the new museum between 2000 and 2007 when it opened to the public.

The permanent displays are absolutely engrossing. »» Giant Newton’s Cradle is a classic. It’s the pendulum ‘executive’ toy from the 70s and 80s—if the executive in question were a 30-foot high giant. »» Amazing Airways is a floor-to-ceiling maze of transparent tubes that carry colorful, windborne scarves around and around the pipes and spit them out at different angles based on the valves you and your child have opened and closed. »» Exploration Garden is an outdoor classroom exhibit. What kid can resist digging in the dirt? »» Little Sky Country is a safe and FUN playroom area that is a great introduction for the youngest Explorers. Designed for ages 0-5. »» Observation Hive is a real beehive filled with thousands of live honeybees. »» WaterWorks offers hands-on wetfingers approach to understanding pumps and nozzles and geysers and pressure. You will have a hard time tearing your soaking wet small people away from this.

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»» Pin Impression Board makes realistic impressions of your body in this giant pin impression board, which is made with 60,000 plastic pins. This tactile experience is fascinatingly addictive. Classes, camps and other programs for children are offered throughout the year and create a fun learning environment. The facility and programs at ExplorationWorks are well thought out from top to bottom. As it has evolved into a science center, it has honed its focus on STEM education. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. I think we can all agree that accessible education in these fields is deeply necessary for both boys and girls.  One program that is an outstanding example of what the science center is all about is the Girl Tech robotics class for 5th grade girls. Taught by Dr. Liz Gundersen, a retired pediatrician, and Sandy Jones, a local 5th grade teacher, Girl Tech is a fun and engaging way to reignite the scientific curiosity of girls – right at the age that STEM education loses many young female minds. mp For more information visit: http://www. explorationworks.org. Sam Farmer lives in Bozeman and explores Montana with her husband and two children.

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Helena

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Yellowstone Gateway Museum A Montana Treasure

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50 South Last Chance Gulch | Helena, Montana 59601|406.442.3534

MONTANA CORN MAZE Get Lost 2.5 acre Corn Maze • Hay ride • Historic buildings • Farm animals including miniatures • New pumpkin patch • Clues to solve a mystery located in the maze Visit us on Facebook!

Located at 4605 West Cameron Bridge Road • Manhattan, MT (406) 922 -1643

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The Yellowstone Gateway Museum of Park County houses an array of nationally and locally significant artifacts in the former Northside School at 118 W. Chinook St. in Livingston. The 1910 school is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and houses more than 75,000 collection and archival items related to Park County and Yellowstone National Park history. These collections represent a cross section of the county’s residents, businesses, towns and industries. An extensive renovation has taken place with the addition of a heating/cooling system and a complete makeover of the museum exhibits. Come and see the new exhibits and old-time favorites such as the Urbach School, Vint Blacksmith Shop and the collection of historic transportation vehicles. The museum is now open year-round. Visitors are invited to enjoy the history of Park County in comfort — whether winter, spring, summer or fall. Hours of operation are: • June through September — the museum is open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • October through May — Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call for group appointments and museum staff will be happy to conduct a tour. Group appointments can be made for any day except Sundays. For more information, call the museum at (406) 222-4184, email [email protected], or visit the website: www. yellowstonegatewaymuseum.org. mp

★★

southWest Montana Museum Listings Bozeman American Computer Museum »» 2304 North 7th Ave »» Bozeman, MT 59771 »» 406/582-1288 »» www.compustory.com Museum of the Rockies »» 600 Kagy Blvd »» Bozeman, MT 59717 »» 406/994-5283 »» www.museumoftherockies.org Pioneer Museum of Bozeman »» 317 W. Main »» Bozeman, MT 59715 »» 406/522-8122 »» www.pioneermuseum.org

Big Timber Crazy Mountain Museum »» P. O. Box 83/Cemetery Road »» Big Timber, MT 59011 »» 406/932-5126 »» www.sweetgrasscounty.com

Columbus Buses of Yellowstone Preservation Trust, Inc. »» PO Box 990 »» Columbus, MT 59019 »» 406/322-4412 »» www.busesofyellowstonepreservationtrust.org

Museum of the Beartooths »» 440 East 5th Ave »» Columbus, MT 59019 »» 406/322-4588 »» www.montanamuseum.net

Gallatin Gateway Little Bear Schoolhouse Museum & Historical Society »» PO Box 439 »» Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730 »» 406/763-5889 »» www.montanamuseum.net

Red Lodge Carbon County Arts Guild and Historic Depot »» 11 West 8th Street »» Red Lodge, MT 59068 »» 406/446-1370 »» www.carboncountydepotgallery.org Carbon County Historical Society & Museum »» 224 North Broadway »» Red Lodge, MT 59068-0881 »» 406/446-3667 »» www.carboncountyhistory.com

Livingston

West Yellowstone

Yellowstone Gateway Museum »» 118 W. Chinook St. »» Livingston, MT 59047 »» 406/222-4184 »» www.livingstonmuseums.org

Yellowstone Historic Center »» 220 Yellowstone Avenue »» West Yellowstone, MT 59758 »» 406/646-7461 »» www.yellowstonehistoriccenter.org

Manhattan

Yellowstone National Park

Manhattan Area Historical Society »» PO Box 800 »» Manhattan, MT 59741 »» 406/284-4162 »» www.montanamuseum.net

Yellowstone Heritage Center »» 200 Yellowstone Trail »» YNP, WY 82190 »» 307/344-2262 »» www.nps.gov/yell/historyculture/collections

Three Forks

Butte

Headwaters Heritage Museum »» P.O. Box 116 »» Three Forks, MT 59752 »» 406/285-3644 »» www.montanamuseum.net

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Mai Wah Society »» PO Box 404 / Mercury Avenue »» Butte, MT 59703 »» 406/723-3231 »» www.montanamuseum.net

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Twin Bridges

photo zo-mak photography

Twin Bridges Historical Association »» 202 South Main Street »» Twin Bridges, MT 59751 »» 406/684-5121 »» www.montanamuseum.net

Virginia City Thompson-Hickman Museum »» East Wallace Street »» Virginia City, MT 59755-0295 »» 406/843-5577 »» www.montanamuseum.net

Mineral Museum »» 1300 West Park »» Butte, MT 59701 »» 406/496-4414 »» www.mbmg.mtech.edu/museum World Museum of Mining »» 155 Museum Way »» Butte, MT 59703 »» 406/723-2398 »» www.miningmuseum.org

Clancy Jefferson County Museum »» 9 North Main »» Clancy, MT 59634 »» 406/933-5463 »» www.montanamuseum.net

Deer Lodge Grant Kohrs Ranch »» 266 Warren Lane »» Deer Lodge, MT59722 »» 406/846-2070 »» www.montanamuseum.net Old Prisons Museum »» 1106 Main Street »» Deer Lodge, MT 59722 »» 406/846-3111 »» pcmaf.org

Dillon Bannack State Park »» 4200 Bannack Rd. »» Dillon, MT 59725 »» 406/834-3413 »» www.bannack.org Beaverhead County Museum »» 15 South Montana Street »» Dillon, MT 59725 »» 406/683-5027 »» www.montanamuseum.net

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Ennis Madison Valley History Assoc. Inc. »» 42 Whitney Lane »» Ennis, MT 59729 »» 406/682-5780 »» www.madisonvalleyhistoryassociation.org

Fort Harrison Ft. W.H Harrison Museum Foundation »» P.O. Box 125 »» Fort Harrison, MT 59636-0125 »» 406/442-5580 »» www.montanaguard.com

Helena ExplorationWorks »» 995 Carousel Way »» Helena MT, 59601 »» 406/457-1800 »» www.explorationworks.org

Virginia City / Nevada City »» PO Box 338 »» Virginia City, MT 59755 »» 406/843-5247 »» www.virginiacity.com

Whitehall Jefferson Valley Museum »» 303 South Division »» Whitehall, MT 59759 »» 406/287-7813 »» www.montanamuseum.net

Great Falls C.M. Russell Museum »» 400 13th St. N. »» Great Falls, MT 59401 »» 406/727-8787 »» www.cmrussell.org Knudson Associates »» 3021 4th Ave S. »» Great Falls, MT 59405-3327 »» 406/216-2676

Holter Museum of Art »» 12 E. Lawrence St. »» Helena, MT 59601 »» 406/442-6400 »» www.holtermuseum.org

Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center »» 4201 Giant Springs Road »» Great Falls, MT 59405 »» 406/727-8733 »» www.fs.fed.us/r1/lewisclark

Montana Arts Council »» P.O. Box 202201 »» Helena, MT 59620-2201 »» 406/444-6430 »» art.mt.gov

The History Museum »» 422 2nd St. S. »» Great Falls, MT 59405 »» 406/452-3462 »» www.thehistorymuseum.org

Montana Historical Society Museum »» 225 North Roberts »» Helena, MT 59620 »» 406/444-4713 »» www.montanahistoricalsociety.org

University of Great Falls / Galerie Trintas »» 1301 20th Street »» Great Falls, MT59405 »» 406/791-5267 »» www.ugf.edu Ursuline Centre »» 2300 Central Ave »» Great Falls,MT 59405 »» 406/452-8585

Townsend Canyon Ferry Mansion »» 7408 Highway 287 »» Townsend, MT 59644 »» 406/222-3599 »» www.montanamuseum.net

»» www.ursulinecentre.com

mp

Montana State Parks

written By Melynda Harrison

Elk are bugling, kids are back in school and life is returning to non-summer normalcy. But it doesn’t have to. In September, our family tries to squeeze in at least one more camping trip, one more hiking and marshmallow roasting adventure before the snow starts to fall. The bonus? September is the perfect time to visit those places that seem a little too hot during the summer months. In keeping the summer spirit alive, opt for a mini road-trip. From Bozeman, you can explore three of Montana’s historical and beautiful state parks with just an hour’s worth of driving each way. Spend your weekend playing outside and exploring the state instead of sitting in a car. To follow this weekend itinerary, visit Missouri Headwaters State Park on Saturday after having a leisurely morning at home. Then drive on to Lewis and Clark Caverns where you’ll spend the night in the campground, a tipi or one of their cabins. After a morning exploring the park, head to Madison Buffalo Jump for a quick stop on the way home.

Missouri Headwaters State Park At the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers, Missouri Headwaters offers a history lesson, outdoor interpretive signs, picnic spots, short hiking trails, a small campground and a rental tipi. Your crew can lunch at the same place Lewis and Clark stayed in 1805 on their historic trip up the Missouri River. Lugging a huge, wooden boat upriver is not required. To get there: travel four miles northeast of Three Forks, off of Hwy 205, then onto Hwy 286. http://stateparks.mt.gov/parks/visit/ missouriHeadwaters/

events that took place here for nearly 2,000 years.

photo S. Willard

photo amy shertzer photography

Are we there, yet?

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park Montana’s first state park is a showstopper. Stalactites, stalagmites, columns and cave bacon decorate this large limestone cave. A two-hour guided tour takes visitors through two miles of walkable cave trail. While the cave is the main event, there is more to Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. There are trails to wander on foot or bike; a new visitor center with interpretive displays to help the whole family learn about the park—both above and below ground; picnic areas, a large campground, showers, a tipi and three cabins. If it’s a warm day, head down to the Jefferson River to wade and cool down. To get there: travel 19 miles west of Three Forks on Montana 2 or 15 miles east of Whitehall on Montana 2. http://stateparks. mt.gov/parks/visit/lewisAndClarkCaverns/  

Madison Buffalo Jump You won’t see bison streaming off the edge of a cliff, but you can imagine how it might have looked and felt when prehistoric people “called” bison to jump to their death below the cliffs. Interpretive displays help visitors understand the dramatic

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This small park has one mile of hiking trail that takes visitors to the top of the jump. It’s just seven miles off Highway 90 at the Logan exit on a gravel road. http://stateparks.mt.gov/parks/visit/ madisonBuffaloJump/

Know Before You Go »» Entrance to all Montana State Parks is free for residents (anyone driving a car with Montana license plates). Nonresidents pay $5 per park entrance or can purchase a $25 annual pass. »» Pets must be on a leash. »» Reserve a campsite, tipi, or cabin online: http://montanastateparks. reserveamerica.com/ »» The Lewis and Clark cavern tour is a two-mile, two-hour walk with some stooping and bending required, rising 300 feet and descending 600 stairs. Wear rubber soled walking shoes and a sweater for the 50°F cave temperature. »» Cave tours are $10 for adults and $5 for children 6-11. »» Cave tours close for the season on September 30 and water is turned off from October 1-April 30, so flush toilets, showers, drinking water, and the RV dump facilities are available only during the summer. »» If you want to keep it educational, download lesson plans from the parks’ webpages. You can also download park brochures and maps. mp Melynda Harrison babbles on and on about her life and kids at www.travelingmel.com.

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local spotlight

to be sold) to the local prison and the waste that comes from cleaning the grain is donated to local farmers who feed it to their livestock. For those who literally want to know where their food comes from, you can track where on the farm the wheat was grown based on the expiration date printed on any Wheat Montana product. Speaking of the farm, in the late 1970’s Wheat Montana founder Dean Folkvord (along with his dad Dale) developed a system of production that fosters conservation and crop rotations while reducing tillage, which keeps the soil happy. It’s a no-till method of farming that leaves the stubble from the previous crop, allowing snow to accumulate and moisture to penetrate the precious topsoil, while also preventing wind erosion. This not only benefits the environment, but also the quality and the yields of the wheat itself. As members of the Whole Grain Council (WGC), Wheat Montana is eager to educate people about the importance of eating whole grains. What is the WGC, you ask? Well, one of the things they do is analyze each product and calculate how many grams of whole grain you are getting in each serving of that product. That makes it nice and easy for those of us who have a hard time calculating these things for ourselves. Just give yourself a break and look for the WGC symbol on the Wheat Montana products that qualify (approximately 60).

photo wheat montana

written By Eleonore Snow

As a nutrition-conscious mom who doesn’t exactly grow her own wheat or bake her own bread, I usually feel pretty good about tossing Wheat Montana’s wholewheat buns, bread, bagels and flour into my grocery carriage. And now that I’ve seen where and how those buns and other goodies are baked and packaged, I feel even better.

over a few bucks for a cinnamon roll in the shop after you see those smiling folks working hard in the bakery.

Yes, it’s true, Wheat Montana gives tours of their “grain processing operation,” and it is about as much fun as you can have without a cocktail in your hand. The smell of baking bread and pastries alone is worth the trip, but imagine watching an enormous tub of dough being poured onto a conveyor belt and then shaped into hoagie rolls and seeing freshly-baked bread travel more than a mile above your head on the moving cooling rack.

So, in case you don’t already know this, Wheat Montana is a locally owned farm and bakery that really does deliver on the Farm to Table concept. It’s a fully integrated, closely managed conservation farm and grain processing operation that includes 14,000 acres of high elevation prairie farmland where certified “chemical free” wheat and other grains (such as spelt) are grown. This wheat and grain is then taken five miles down the road to the processing facility in Three Forks, where it is cleaned, packaged, ground for flour, rolled for cereals and – of course – baked into the bread, buns and bagels that we Montanans are lucky enough to buy at our local store.

The only downside: You have to wear a hairnet. But it’s worth it, I promise. Just call a few days ahead to schedule a tour, and you can bring up to ten of your family and friends. And while there are no samples on this tour, you’ll feel good about forking

The most important part for parents to note is that Wheat Montana’s products are free of preservatives, pesticides, insecticides, or GMOs. It’s also nice to know that the bakery donates its “Uglies” (baked goods that aren’t pretty enough

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Here are just a few more things you need to know about Wheat Montana: While the Bozeman Deli and Bakery was closed, there are still locations in Missoula, Great Falls and Kalispell – and, of course, the headquarters in Three Forks – where you can buy baked goods, grain, cereals, Spelt and flour (organic and regular) like their Bronze Chief and Prairie Gold in various sized bags or bulk. If you live in Helena or Billings, some stores can order Wheat Montana products in bulk for you. Now take my advice. The next time you and your family find yourselves with a day off, drive to Three Forks and take the 30-minute tour the Wheat Montana bakery. It’s the perfect thing to do on a cool Fall day, and your kids will really get a kick out of seeing how their hot dog buns are made. Just don’t forget to take the hairnet off before you head into the Deli for that cinnamon roll. mp Eleonore Snow is an East coast transplant to Bozeman (please don’t hold this against her) who delights exploring her new hometown with her two marvelous kids and her gassy dog Lola. 

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MOMoirs written By Sara Groves

As regular shoppers at the farmers market, we occasionally come across some creepycrawly things on our veggies. Normally, I just pick up the offending creepy-crawly and squish it or — if it’s slow-moving enough — throw it in the garbage can. This is exactly what I did when I discovered a disgusting bright-green caterpillar that was nestled in our broccoli. This little caterpillar was particularly sluggish, which was probably the result of several days of refrigeration, and I thought there’d be no way for him to escape the garbage can before taking it outside to the dumpster later that night. So I picked him up and flicked him into the trash. Enter my five year-old, Peter, who (ever since he was a baby) has absolutely adored every single living thing, but especially those with a heartbeat just like the gross caterpillar that was now perched on top of our garbage. “Mom,” Peter said, staring intently at our garbage. “I think there’s a caterpillar in our garbage.” “Yes, there is,” I told Peter absentmindedly. “I just threw him in there.” “Is he alive?” Peter asked. “As far as I know,” I said. With that, Peter reached into the garbage and retrieved the caterpillar. “Don’t worry, little caterpillar,” he said to his new green friend, which he cupped in his palm. “I’ll rescue you from my mom.” Peter left the room, while shooting me a look, and returned with one of his treasure boxes. “Welcome to your new home,” Peter said to the caterpillar as he gently placed the

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little guy in the box. Then he turned to me. “Now what do caterpillars eat?”

throwing him in the garbage so I snapped the lid back on and sanitized Loopy’s trail.

After consulting a gardening book, we determined that Peter’s new companion was a cabbage looper, which just so happens to eat food related to the cabbage family, like cauliflower and broccoli.

Loopy continued to join us for meals, car rides, excursions to the store and even a trip to the doctor. I adopted what came to be known as “the Loopy voice,” which is virtually identical to my pirate voice, and used it to harass Peter over Loopy’s tender loving care. “Aaarrrgghhhh matey!” Loopy was inclined to say. “You just dropped me on me head again! Off the plank you go!”

As Peter broke off bits of our organic broccoli to feed his new friend and used the broccoli leaves for a bed (just what every caterpillar needs), he announced that he decided to give his pet a name: Loopy. Perfect. Loopy joined us that night at the dinner table. He just lay there — more like a slug than a caterpillar — and I figured Loopy wasn’t long for this world. I talked with Peter about life spans of different creatures and reminded him that Loopy had spent a few days in the refrigerator, which probably wasn’t good for his circulatory system — if he actually had a circulatory system. But Peter was optimistic about Loopy’s future. “I’ll take him with me everywhere!” Peter announced. “Loopy is my best friend in the whole world so you better not throw him away in the garbage!” With that, Peter gave me a stern look. The next morning, before Peter woke up, I opened his treasure box, expecting to see a hard, crusty, discolored Loopy, but Loopy was nowhere to be found. I scattered the broccoli and overturned his leaf bed, but he was gone. I turned to spy him creeping as fast as possible down the kitchen counter. “Get back in here!” I cried as I swept Loopy off the counter into Peter’s treasure box. I didn’t want to be blamed for

Over the course of his time with us, Loopy had a few close calls — like when he fell out of his box during a trip through our living room and our bad dog tried to gobble him up after rolling on him a few times for good measure. But somehow, Loopy survived. Until he didn’t. Loopy exited our lives as suddenly as he entered it. We found him curled in a hard brown ball on our counter; death had foiled yet another one of his escape attempts. Poor Peter was devastated. He sat on my lap and sobbed and sobbed, which, of course, made me feel as if my own heart would break in a million little pieces. Of course, I wasn’t broken-hearted about not having Loopy in our midst anymore. It’s just that when my boys are distraught about something, chances are I’m more distraught than they are. I think that’s what love is all about: how a whole family can get wrapped up in caring for one slimy caterpillar because to one of us, it matters a lot. mp Sara Groves lives in Helena where she is mom to Mike, age seven, and Peter, age five. She coordinates the early literacy program, Ready 2 Read, at the Montana State Library and also works as a freelance writer. 



photo E. kelley photography

Super Natural

Garlic



written By Caleigh SearlE

Fall is the perfect time in Montana to plant bulbs and one of my all time favorite bulbs is garlic. It also seems to be the only thing I can successfully grow in my shady backyard. Garlic is an unparalleled medicine, truly antibacterial, antiviral (no synthetic medicine can kill viruses), anti fungal, antiparasidic and anti protozoan. A major problem with pharmaceutical antibiotics is that they promote the development of resistant strains of bacteria. After a half century of the massive use of antibiotics, potentially serious medical problems exist from resistant strains of bacteria. MRSA is the one in the news lately and very life-threatening. Garlic does not seem to produce such resistant strains, and may be effective against strains that have become resistant to pharmaceutical antibiotics. Some bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, and parasites killed or inhibited by garlic (or its constituents) are as follows. This list is very condensed to the more common types: »» Candida  »» Escherichia coli (e-coli) »» Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 »» Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) »» Human rhinovirus type 2 (common cold) »» Influenza B (Flu)

»» Parainfluenza virus type 3

juice. Let it sit for four to six hours.

»» Vesicular stomatitis virus

»» Blend three cloves of garlic in a quart of water and apply as a wash.  

»» Pneumocystis carinii

Although garlic attacks bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms directly, it also stimulates the body’s natural defenses »» Shigella dysenteriae against these invaders. Use it liberally in »» Staphylococcus aureus (staph) cooking. Although garlic is most powerful when taken raw, the cooked or dried »» Streptococcus faecalis (strep) forms will stimulate the immune system. If you’ve ever had athlete’s foot, or worse, My boys, even my youngest who cannot you know how stubborn a yeast or fungal eat pepperoni (too spicy) LOVES garlic.  infection can be. A garlic wash can be Garlic is very easy to grow. I buy a few very effective against fungi externally, locally grown bulbs or organic garlic; but garlic can also treat systemic fungal separate the cloves and plant in late infections.  September, early October. The greens will »» Salmonella typhimurium 

come up in the early spring and you just water regularly and let them grow. In late July you should see garlic scapes forming on the tops of the tall greens. They look like miniature bulbs of garlic. When they are nickel sized I cut the scapes and about two inches of the green stem. This »» Garlic infused wine. Chop or crush allows the energy to go back into the garlic, cover with wine, and let it sit roots, creating bigger bulbs of garlic. The overnight. scapes are delicious grilled on the BBQ! In »» Garlic vinegar. Same as above, but use August the stems will start to brown, this is when you dig up your garlic, braid it vinegar instead of water. and hang to dry. »» Garlic honey. Same as above, but with Eat tons of garlic and make sure to feed it honey. No added water is needed. to your family; no one minds garlic breath This makes a great antibiotic cough if you all have it. mp syrup.  To use garlic as an antibiotic, take it internally and, if appropriate, apply it directly to an infection (be careful, garlic can burn if applied directly to the skin). For internal use, try one of the following forms:

»» Garlic/carrot juice. Blend three cloves of garlic up in six ounces of carrot

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Caleigh Searle is a Certified Clinical Herbalist with 17 years experience. She is a Montana native and mom of two active boys. Questions can be answered at [email protected].

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What Are We Teaching Our Children? Workshop Presented by : Alexandra Delis-Abrams, Ph.D.

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Tips

Thinking about Thinking written By Elsie Johnson

{Buffalo}

each side of the base, then imagine the remainder of the bell contains thinkers who sense thoughts in both words and pictures. To explain what is happening with your daughter, a couple of client scenarios come to mind. One boy around the same age was discouraged. He could read the same books as his peers, yet he felt left out because he could not talk with them about the books. An older teen girl could read out loud with emphasis and emotion, bringing the words to life as she performed, yet she had no understanding of the materials she read.

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Question: My 10 year old child doesn’t understand what she just read. She says she doesn’t remember, so we read it over and over again. Is this cause for concern?

Answer: Keep in mind that when we

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think about an idea, we sense our thoughts in a couple of different ways. Word thinking is like listening to the radio; we hear, and sometimes see words that represent the idea or concept. Picture thinking is seeing scenes like videos. When we think with words, we see or hear them at the speed of words, five/second. When thinking in pictures we see up to 35 images/second. Picture and word thinking are not mutually exclusive, since most people think in both words and pictures, though some persons are solely word or solely picture thinkers. Imagine a bell curve, place those who can think solely in word or solely in pictures at

Likewise, your daughter can say the words, but she is not getting the picture. Until she has pictures to go with the words, she will not ‘get the picture’ or understand. If she is not using her picture thinking to ‘see’ what she is reading, then she is not ‘getting the picture.’ Ask her to tell you what she sees or senses at shorter passages, perhaps a paragraph. If her picture is unclear, find the word(s) causing the uncertainty and discuss them. If her difficulty continues, find help for her so she can get the tools to understand and use her picture thinking to her advantage and can avoid developing coping behaviors that take the place of learning like trying too hard, creating stress and anxiety, avoidance or dependence. mp Elsie Johnson, a Registered Educational Therapist, and certified DDAI Facilitator, has helped hundreds of adults and children gain control over their ABILITY to learn through understanding how to take advantage of their picture thinking – thus taking responsibility and pride in learning. Learn more at www. thelearningoptions.com or call Elsie at 282-7416.

Defining Family

Parenting Single written By Nora Daniels



I have found, during my first year as a single parent, that one of the hardest things I’ve had to do is redefine “family” for my two kids and me. Family. It’s just a word, right? Well, it turns out to be a whole lot more complicated than that. One of Merriam Webster’s definitions of the word is: the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children; also: any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family (a single-parent family). See that? Traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children. I guess the second part of the definition makes me feel better, less like the failure that I sometimes feel I am. Yes, I’m a single mom, but at least I am “regarded as equivalent to the traditional family.” Phew. And while in Western culture these days, most (sane) people have come to accept families of all shapes and sizes, composed of parents who are married and unmarried, straight or gay with kids who are adopted, born to a surrogate, from a previous relationship, living in different parts of the world, whatever. But the truth is that people’s preconceptions belie them. “They’re such a nice family, can’t those two just stay together until the kids graduate high school?” was one of the many comments about us that found its way back to me. And I won’t lie: not all the friends we had as a foursome have embraced us as a threesome. And, the thing is, I get it. Ending a marriage when you have two happy

children is unbearably painful and kind of crazy. At 42, after a relatively traditional upbringing and 15 years of marriage, I am having a hard time letting go of what I now see are my deeply ingrained ideas about what having a family should look like and be. Please forgive me for this, because I am a Libra and a delusional dreamer, but I’m the gal who married the “man of her dreams,” with whom I created a lovely little home and had two beautiful children. I’m the gal who decorates the house for every holiday (yes, I have Easter hand towels), geeks out over cutting down our own Christmas tree and Friday pizza-movie night, drags the gang to Disney World for her birthday, insists on family dinner every night, lives for birthdays and cherishes the Saturday morning snugglefest. In short, I’m the gal whose happiness in life was based on my idea of what a family should be. And for many years, we really were the perfect family. Acquaintances were shocked when they learned we were splitting (close friends and family were privy to the unraveling of our marriage) and, unfortunately, our kids were blindsided by the announcement. “My whole life has been a lie,” was one of the more painful things my daughter said to me in the days after we dropped the hammer. I was so stunned and caught off guard by this statement that, for a fleeting moment, I even questioned if she was right. But I quickly came to my senses and assured her that her life had most definitely not been a lie, but that it might become one if her dad and I stayed in an unhappy marriage. It was time to let go of the fading image of family that I had been

clinging to and start re-defining the term -- not only for myself, but also for my kids. Some years ago, a friend of mine lost her husband and the father of her two sons to suicide. He died in October. For Christmas, she bravely took her boys out to dinner and explained to them that -despite their devastating loss -- they were still a family and that they would carry on some of the old traditions they had when their dad was alive, but that they would also start fresh ones. As I began feeling sorry for myself around Thanksgiving last year, I reminded myself of what my pal had been through and resolved that, while I was no longer living my “dream,” my children still had a father and that I had a lot to be thankful for. If she could find the strength to redefine her family, then so could I. As we approach the one-year anniversary of “the Split”, I look back on the holidays, family dinners, birthdays and vacations that our gang of three survived last year. It wasn’t always pretty – we each suffered through our own mourning in different ways - and it took a while to adjust to the empty chair at the dinner table. But we still do snugglefest, birthday parties and family dinner. And while I started a new tradition (both lunch and dinner out on Mother’s Day!) we also – thanks to grandparents and friends – were able to cut down our Christmas tree and surround ourselves with loved ones on the big occasions. Loved ones: the core of any definition of family. mp Nora Daniels lives with her two children in Bozeman, where she is lucky enough to have loved ones that are helping her rebuild her family.

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The Teenager

photo zo-mak photography

Navigating, Teen Years written by Stacey Tompkins, MA

One of my good friends is a counselor for high school kids. When he last visited, we hiked up the Drinking Horse Trail. I was curious to learn about his many years working with adolescents, because as a mother of two teenage daughters, I valued his insider’s wisdom. “What do you see as the number one issue facing teenagers?” I asked. As we tromped our way up the hill, he twisted a strand of long grass through his fingers. “I’d say it’s stress and the unfortunate results that come with trying to manage stress as an adolescent with limited coping skills”. He went on to say that many teenagers feel overwhelmed by our pressure-packed world. Performance pressure sometimes provokes students to take too-high level classes or engage in overly ambitious schedules. He also said many students come to him feeling disconnected and adrift. I wondered aloud, “Do kids feel more pressure today than we did in the 80’s?” He snapped me a look and answered a definitive, “Yes”. The pace of life for today’s student is crazy-fast. Instant electronic communication and clever, ever more suggestive banter between texting teens leaves little space to process relationships and allow meaningful connections to naturally ripen. Because emailing and instant-messaging can be hollow, superficial, and at times cruel, it has the potential to create a desperate emptiness.

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Also, competition to get on various teams can be fierce, and the difference between being a decent student or a mediocre one can feel like the difference between success and failure. “But we had those same things when we were kids!” I said. “Yes, but the pressure was different, if we didn’t make the team, we didn’t feel like our future was at stake. Many students feel they must be excellent at what they do, or they’ve failed. Others don’t try at all, to avoid feeling inadequate,” he said. As we know, teens sometimes respond to emptiness, self-loathing and perceived failure by making bad choices or taking risks. He told me that in addition to alcohol, marijuana is used more widely today, and it’s significantly more potent than when we were kids. He also mentioned that some students suffer from eating disorders, depression, anxiety, binge-drinking and self-harm, such as cutting themselves. Living in an instant gratification culture obsessed with the immediacy of electronic communication, I asked, “How might parents respond effectively when kids are facing complicated issues? Because unless we crawl into a cave, it’s impossible to escape the magnetism of our competitive, rapid-fire, digital society.” He nodded, “Parenting has always been difficult, but it’s become even more so today.”

Here are a few suggestions: »» If your gut tells you that your teen is struggling, don’t wait to respond. If you need advice, get help for how to approach them most effectively. Call a trusted friend, or ask the school counselor for a referral. Reaching out for help is a great way to demonstrate to your child that you love them enough to be vulnerable yourself. »» Avoid hovering, but don’t turn away either. This may sound contradictory, but when it comes to parenting teens, it’s an important balance to strive for. Keep trying, because staying engaged is half the challenge. »» Rather than problem-solve for your child, support them in discovering solutions to their own issues. Loving them through tough times demonstrates that you’re confident in their ability to learn and be responsible. A teen who is supported in solving his or her own problems learns how to process, and develops the self-esteem to resolve future challenges creatively. »» Teens naturally experience a growing desire to take control of their own lives; they yearn to be heard, respected and allowed to make choices, even

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though parents might not agree with all of them. If we can make an effort to gracefully accept our own mistakes, we send the message that mistakes are a big part of life and useful opportunities for learning. »» Ask to hear more about what they are thinking, without having an agenda for how things should be. Try, “I know you can figure this out (confidence in him), please tell me about your plan (interest in him), let me know if you need help (support for him).” Listen without judgment. The goal is to have teenagers who are familiar with their own internal voices of sound reasoning. »» Finally, insist on family time. Eat meals together. Hike, fish and go on random family adventures. Create space for non-electronic connection while also understanding that meaningful moments might not happen each time you try. Studies repeatedly show that sharing time as a family is one of the best things parents can do to support kids in navigating their journey toward adulthood. mp

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Stacey Tompkins lives in downtown Bozeman with her elderly mutt, two teenage daughters and one energetic husband. She is an irrepressible writer, and loves working with individuals and couples as a life coach through her business, Sungate Integral Coaching (406-570-1304 or tompkins.stacey@gmail. com). 

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Functional Art

Next time your child sends a thank you note to their teacher make it extra special. Materials 1. Fabric 2. Used paper envelopes 3. Collage glue 4. Brush 5. Tacky glue 6. Scissors 7. Clothesline 8. Clothespins

Turn Fabric Scraps into

Envelopes project & photos By Anna Hernandez, HEAP

Prep: 1. Set up a clothesline to hang your finished project and clip on a few clothespins. 2. Clear off a flat workspace, preferably a counter that can be wiped clean. 3. Completely unseal a few paper envelopes. 4. Select fabric pieces to fit the paper envelope patterns (Sources: cloth napkins, fabric from sample books, old bed sheets, etc).

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Instructions: 1. Flatten the fabric over your workspace. 2. Use a brush to spread the collage glue over the envelope side that makes contact with the fabric. 3. Continue to brush collage glue over the paper envelope. Turn the project cover to evenly cover the fabric side. Make sure that the entire paper envelope is glued to the fabric. 4. Decide if you want to keep the paper envelope glued to your fabric. If you do, hang your project on the clothesline and continue with step #6. 5. If you only want the fabric envelope, first remove the excess fabric by cutting

along the edges of the paper envelope. Then peel off the paper envelope and hang the fabric on the clothesline. Continue with step #6 and then go onto step #8. 6. Wipe off all collage glue from your workspace and prepare for your next envelope project. 7. When the envelope is dry, remove the excess fabric by cutting along the edges of the paper envelope. 8. Fold the fabric along the envelope crease lines. 9. Place tacky glue along the edges to seal the fabric envelope on two sides (do not seal the envelope at the top). 10. Use a few heavy books to flatten the envelopes.

11. Once your thank you note has been written and inserted, seal the envelope with a decorative sticker or pin. Upgraded Project: If you created a 6” x 9.25” fabric envelope, fold a 12” x 9” manila envelope in half and slide it into the fabric pocket. Use it as a filing system to organize your child’s school documents, event tickets, coupons, and more! mp For more upcycling projects join the Human Empowered Arts Project on Facebook or follow us at www.heapbozeman.org. HEAP Bozeman inspires upcycle creativity and empowers our community through environmental awareness and contribution.

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67

m

mes

craft!

ore

...

s

,m ore fun

Perfect Pour Painting Pots MORE MESS, MORE FUN... craft AND PHOTOS BY callie Hamilton and the Children’s Museum of Bozeman

So perhaps I am getting ahead of myself claiming these pots are perfect. Honestly, the first one my kiddos and I attempted looked worse for the wear when it dried, but, after a few alterations, we discovered how to make this the perfect craft. How do we know it’s perfect? It is fun and easy to make with simple clean up and awesome results.

Collect Your Supplies »» Terra Cotta Pot »» Several colors of tempera paint »» White school glue »» Masking tape »» Disposable table cloth

Make it! Flip your pot upside down over a protected surface. The paint will spread, so cover a large area around the pot. We used some scrap plywood and a leftover party tablecloth. We decided to do the project on a portable surface so we could move it inside to dry. Now, tape off the bottom of the pot so that the pooled paint can be removed once it is dry. Begin by mixing your paint and glue. We found using three parts glue to one part tempera worked the best. Pour a few tablespoons of paint and glue mixture in the center of the pot. Choose another color and slowly pour it into the middle of your puddle of paint. Continue to alternate colors. Get crazy; this project is really all about the process. Kids are more enthralled watching the designs emerge as the paint spills over the edge of the pot than they are with the finished project. Keep pouring paint until you are satisfied with the look of the pot. Now here’s the hard part…waiting. Our pot (and the two full bottles of tempera paint poured on it) took over a day to dry in the hot sun. To give your pot a more finished look, paint around the top and inside rim once the pour paint dries. Make a set for Halloween candy, Thanksgiving centerpieces, spring flowers, or whatever suits your fancy. mp Callie Hamilton is the Director of Programs and Outreach at the Children’s Museum of Bozeman.

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Sustainable Parenting

Teaching Kids to Make Good Choices written by Flora McCormick, Parenting Coach and Counselor

As a parenting coach, I love to see parents’ eyes light up when they learn about the simple and effective ways you can get children to make better choices. If you have a little one who you feel often defies your request, gets upset when they are punished and never seems to “learn better,” this tool is worth trying. The critical point for change is that moment when you ask a child to do something and they have the choice to listen to you and do what you’ve asked, or to ignore you and intentionally do the opposite of what you have asked. Many parents forget that this is a “choice” moment, and just ask their child to “Do this, or else!” The trouble with that approach is that you haven’t defined the “or else” and you certainly haven’t given them a good reason to do what you are asking. This strategy for getting children to be more obedient usually backfires and leads to more ongoing conflict and power struggles rather than a more cooperative child.   If a child chooses to ignore us and we just pull a consequence out of a hat and inform the child of what terrible irreversible consequence they now face, the child is somewhat justified in screaming, “No! It’s not fair.” Wouldn’t you feel the same if you were five minutes late to work and your boss said, “You’re fired.” If this rule had never been laid out as an expectation, you might not respond very maturely either. Similarly, if you stand in your child’s shoes for a moment and look out her tiny eyeballs, you can imagine why she ignores your request to go to the car, and opts for picking flowers next to the park instead. Children aren’t trying to be “bad” when they make these types of choices, they are just being human and following the option that seems more appealing in the moment. We must always remember that our children are smaller and younger than us, but they are still unique individuals with unique internal interest and desires. If we fight or ignore that internal world and simply expect children to be obedient robots, we are being very unrealistic. The solution is to offer your child a clear and short explanation of the way their response can have positive or negative outcomes, and then allow the child to learn from those choices. Here are some examples:

»» When a child is dawdling to leave the park, I can outline what I would like them to do (you probably are already doing this part great). Then, if the child is not responding quickly, I connect with a hand on their shoulder and kneel down and say, “You can choose to hold my hand and walk to the car now and we will be able to enjoy the park again soon, or if you choose to continue other things that are not walking to the car, we will not be able to come back to the park next week.” »» If children aren’t eating their dinner, you could say, “If you choose to eat dinner now, then you will get to watch one TV show after dinner. If you choose not to eat dinner, you will start getting ready for bed as soon as I am done eating.”  »» Lastly, if children struggle in playing appropriately with a pet, you can say “If you pull his tail, the dog will be put away in his kennel. If you are gentle, then you can continue to play with him.” 

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All are examples of how you can draw the child into more interest in making a good choice by 1) explaining the benefits of a good choice, and then 2) explaining the clear consequences of a bad choice.  Using this tool effectively does require creativity, compassion and an aim at longterm (instead of short-term) results. For instance, yelling at a child to, “Get in the car NOW!” may actually get the child to do what you say, but it doesn’t teach them to make good choices (which is crucial to successful adulthood). When we use the choices method, we are being compassionate by honoring that the child is a human who seeks pleasant living. We must use creativity to think of good choice results and focus on long-term benefits because if the child chooses poorly, we let them learn from that choice’s result rather than being surprised by punishment. If used with consistency, children will begin responding with better choices. mp Flora McCormick, LCPC is a professional counselor and parenting coach at Psychiatry Associates, PC in Bozeman.  She works 1-on-1 with parents, to empower their discipline, and bring more joy to their homes. Learn more about Flora at www. sustainableparenting.com.

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24 Locations in 4 Counties Available to any child, regardless of ability to pay. 406.587.2194 [email protected]

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Helena

photo amelia anne photography

What are your children carrying on their backs? written By Lori Gillet, P.T., Health In Motion Physical Therapy

Helena

Backpacks just seem to be getting heavier and heavier – extra gym clothes, shoes and all those books. Here are some tips on how to keep you and your children pain free.

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The good old fashioned standard backpack, worn properly, is the best way of carrying our daily necessities – more so than a shoulder bag, especially for long periods of time. The strongest part of our body, the abdominal and back muscles, is able to support a standard backpack. When a backpack is worn as intended, using both shoulder straps, our bodies can adapt to the additional weight. If worn on one shoulder or carried by the elbow or wrist of one arm, your child is causing his/her body to lean to one side to adjust to the weight of the pack. If he/she carries a backpack improperly over an extended time, this can lead to scoliosis (curvature of the spine). How much weight can my child safely carry in his/her backpack?

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A backpack that is too heavy can lead to rounding shoulders and an increased forward curve of the upper back. A good rule of thumb is to carry no more than 15 to 20 percent of your body weight.

Child’s Weight Backpack Weight

60

70

9-12 lbs. 10.5 to 14 lbs.



80

12-16 lbs.



90

13.5 to 18 lbs.



100

15 to 20 lbs.



110

16.5 to 22 lbs.

When looking to purchase or replace a backpack, always look for wide straps. Narrow straps tend to dig into the shoulders and cause undue pressure on nerves. They can also decrease circulation, causing numbness or tingling in the arms. Waist belts are also great features to backpacks. They help distribute the weight more evenly. Above all, urge your children to tell you if they are experiencing any pain, tingling, numbness or discomfort before a problem becomes a serious one. Backpack Safety Tips: »» Wear your pack on both shoulders. »» Lighten your load to 15-20% of your body weight. Leave the non-essentials at home. »» Stop by your locker frequently throughout the day so you can transfer the books you need from the ones you have already used. Do not carry a full day of books all day long. »» Nylon backpacks with wide straps and a waist belt are the best. mp Lori Gillet is the owner and a licensed physical therapist at Health In Motion Physical Therapy. Health in Motion Physical Therapy and Yellowstone Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine have been locally owned health partners since 1999, treating patients from infants to older adults. From those with chronic headaches, neck and back pain, to patients who have suffered multiple traumas or sports injuries, these professionals take a whole body approach to treatment, producing deep and sustainable results. Physical therapists at Health In Motion specialize in manual therapies including craniosacral, cold laser, visceral manipulation, functional movement assessment, myofascial release, therapeutic yoga and exercise.

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Adopting a Pet in College Is it right for you? written By Kaylan Clevenger

Karma: The belief that what goes around comes around, a cycle of cause and effect. Not only is Karma my family dog’s name, I also think it has a lot to do with caring for pets in general. The manner in which each animal is cared for directly affects how healthy and happy it is in the long run. Unfortunately, too many people forget this when they decide to adopt a pet in college. There’s no question that soft and cuddly kittens and puppies can be extremely hard to resist and that pets make great companions and can provide extra safety or security. But having a pet is a huge responsibility and, sooner or later, that puppy will grow into a dog, that kitten into a cat. Then what? The heavy weight of your pet’s needs. Animals require a substantial amount of time and money -- two things most college students are lacking. They need food, toys, vaccinations and sometimes medications and surgery; all of these costs should be considered when a college student is considering pet adoption. Over the last few years I’ve seen my friends and cousins adopt pets (most often cats and dogs) and, after a few weeks or months, they end up giving it away when they find they can no longer care for the animal. These pets are handed over to the shelter, friends, helpful strangers and, of course, parents.

There are some college students who do right by their pets. My 18-year-old friend Nicole has three sugar gliders and a puppy of her own. She does a wonderful job of caring for them because she’s made them a priority. “I’ve always known animals would be a part of my life,” she said. “I couldn’t live without them.” Nicole admits that she has to plan her time around her pets, but that it’s worth it to her. “If I have to stay home for a night because I haven’t spent time with my animals that day, I will. The happiness I feel in knowing these animals are happy and healthy because of me isn’t comparable to anything else. I adopted these pets knowing they’re my responsibility and now I have to commit to them to meet their needs.” I just hope that anyone thinking of adopting a pet, especially in college, takes their time in considering if it is right for them and the animal. If you have the dedication and self-discipline to care for an animal, and its something you really want, then go for it. But from what I’ve seen, giving up a pet is never easy, and the best way to avoid the heartache is to avoid adopting a pet until you are 100% ready for the commitment. mp Kaylan was born and raised in Montana, graduated from Bozeman High School, and currently attends Montana State University while working in Bozeman.

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Bozmopolitan A Health and Reproductive Forum for Women of All Ages

Visit Bozmopolitan on Facebook

You Can Get a

Handle On Pain Naturally written By Denise Helin, MD

Over 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. If you are one of them, you know how it can affect your life. Even mild joint or back pain can wear you down and make simple tasks harder to accomplish. Chronic pain can be mild or severe. It can be constant or sporadic. And it can cause other problems like anxiety and depression, which reduce the presence of the body’s natural pain fighting chemicals and deplete physical and emotional resources. As we get older, many of us may begin to deal with chronic pain for the first time. It can result from past injuries or new issues like arthritis or tendonitis as well as diseases like cancer and diabetes. Often, people turn to over-the-counter solutions or even prescriptions, but these can have side effects like stomach problems, dry mouth, cardiac health concerns, and risk of addiction. As a parent, you want to be able to manage your chronic pain so that you can stay active and be there for your kids. There are effective drug-free options that can help you achieve that goal and live a full life in spite of chronic pain. Research conducted in the past few years suggests that we have more control over our perception of pain than we might think. Using a mind-body approach can enable you to reduce the amount of pain you feel—and help relieve the associated stress, anxiety, and depression—using techniques like guided imagery, meditation and self-hypnosis. Combining these with changes in diet, natural pain relief supplements, and other alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, and tai chi or chi gong can help you manage pain without the use of traditional medications. 72

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Guided imagery, meditation and selfhypnosis are all techniques that you can learn to do on your own, and they have all been shown to be effective in helping to minimize how you experience pain. These practices clear your mind and refocus it, allowing you to relax into the pain and release it instead of fighting against it. The key to these techniques is practice. You can find practitioners who can help you learn to use these tools, but you can also learn them yourself by using one of the many books or CDs that are available. A good one to try is Mindfulness Meditation (CD) by Jon Kabat-Zin, Ph.D. An anti-inflammatory diet can also have a significant impact on pain. By reducing foods that increase inflammation (and therefore inflammatory pain like arthritis) and increasing foods that decease inflammation, you can impact your level of pain. Use Dr. Andrew Weil’s AntiInflammatory Food Pyramid as a guide, which you can find online at www.drweil. com. Essentially, it tells you to choose foods and oils that are rich in inflammationbusting omega-3 fatty acids like olive oil, walnuts, avocados and fish. Also, eat lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, reduce red meats, refined flours and sugars and dairy, and try adding soy products and tea to your daily regimen. If you find that you still need something to help with the pain, there are natural supplements that you can try. Choose the one(s) that seems like the best fit for your needs. Be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure that none of these supplements will interact with any other medications or supplements that you are taking.

»» Boswellia: Take 250 mg of this natural pain reliever three times a day between meals. »» Bromelain: Take 250 mg of this three times a day to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing in muscles and connective tissues. »» Curcumin: Take 250 mg of this antiinflammatory three times a day between meals (on an empty stomach). »» White Willow Bark: Take 240 mg a day of this supplement, which is similar to aspirin and has both pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. There are other alternative options that can reduce pain as well. Acupuncture, yoga, tai chi and chi gong have all been shown to reduce pain and increase relaxation. Be sure that the acupuncturist is professionally trained and licensed. Talk to your healthcare provider to make sure that you can practice yoga or tai chi safely with your condition, start slow, and be sure to let the teacher know of your limitations. In addition to yoga studios and gyms that offer classes, look for low-cost courses provided through local adult continuing education programs. If you need more guidance on managing pain naturally, consider a consultation with an integrative medicine specialist or naturopath who can help guide you through this process. mp Denise Helin, MD, is a board certified OB/GYN who is also fellowship trained in integrative medicine. She practices integrative women’s health at Livingston HealthCare. Dr. Helin is the only MD in the area whose practice is focused on providing women’s healthcare with a balance of traditional Western medicine and complementary and alternative options. For more information, visit www.livingstonhealthcare.org or call 222-0800.

where children love to learn

check it out at

mtparent.com What do worn out mommies, Olympic fever, Suburbans, the Sweet Pea festival and giveaways have in common? Why, they were all discussed with wit and wisdom in August on our blog, of course.

Call us for a tour Serving children 3 - 6

Gum in Your Hair is a collection of essays, humorous musings, craft tutorials, recipes and information about goings on in the Big Sky as well as giveaways. In August, Bozemama returned from her world travels and told us about trekking in Europe with her young wards. I get a sense that her Mommy-powers got a good workout, because she then challenged us all to create the 1st Annual Games of the Momlympiad right here in southwest Montana where we everyday mamas could compete for the gold.

Now accepting applications for Fall 2012

Great Beginnings Montessori School www.gbmschool.org 406.587.0132 100 Springhill Lane, Bozeman

Christy Stillwell joined us for a couple of deliciously unflinching guest blogs, “Beasts of the Suburban Mild, Parts I and II.” Sometimes we need to be provoked. Come to find out when you publish an image of a road raging mama flipping the bird, it has a physical response -- a real, “ooh,” moment. Katie Walters always shares a gentle reflection in her posts, moments where she turns the light inward and finds what she needs to bring to whatever she’s experiencing. And I am in the throws of getting my firstborn ready for kindergarten, trying to maintain a sense of humor while maintaining myself physically. We have a lot of great giveaways for September and, as always, another exclusive edition of Mama’s Got a New Bag featuring: Wheat Montana and the ever fabulous Maranda Lee Bags. mp

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ne

Who’s Caring For Your Child? Arranging Child Care in Montana

r on ealth h

WRITTEN By Marie Mitchell, PNP, FNP Four Corners Health Care, INC.

“I never knew finding child care was going to be more difficult than returning to work!” lamented Liz to her mother. During her last days of maternity leave, time was running out to find a caregiver for Liz’s sixweek-old baby.

Times have changed When Liz was growing up, her mother stayed home while her father worked. Today, there are more single parent households and more families with both parents working outside the home. So, many moms and dads are faced with the dilemma of finding care for their child (children), often by someone they do not know.

The Importance of Quality Child Care Research shows that the first years of a child’s life are important for forming emotional attachments, building trust and self esteem, and feeling valued. Ideally, especially in the first months of life, your child should be cared for by the same, consistent caregivers, who respond to your child’s needs and mirror your child-rearing beliefs and practices.

Types of child care available “In-home care” allows your child to stay in his home or in a home environment. Care at home is often provided by a relative or friend, or someone who lives with you specifically to provide child care, such as an au pair or nanny. Care in another home is often provided by a parent who is caring for her own children, as well as others. When this form of child care is actually a business, state registration is required in Montana. Center-based child care, sometimes referred to as day care, preschool or a learning center can be privately owned or sponsored by a government agency (e.g. Head Start), church, school, or even by employers. In Montana, these childcare

centers must be licensed or registered. For details on child care licensing, see: www. dphhs.mt.gov/earlychildhood.

»» Ask about the frequency and type of meals and snacks served and sample menus.

Choosing child care

»» Check about television viewing and activity schedules. Is there a balance between periods of active and quiet play/rest?

Some things to consider when choosing a childcare situation include the setting itself, reputation, convenience (e.g. location, hours) and cost. Someone you know may recommend a caregiver or center to you. If you need assistance in finding childcare in your county, see www.dphhs. mt.gov/contactus/childcareresource.html. To verify license status (as well as past inspection deficiency reports) for licensed and registered child care providers, see: http://ccubs-sanswrite.hhs.mt.gov/ MontanaPublic/ProviderSearch.aspx. Another resource for Montanans seeking childcare is the Early Childhood Services Bureau, whose mission is to make quality childcare accessible and affordable. If you need financial assistance for childcare, access its “Best Beginnings” program: www.dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/childcare. Don’t forget to consider your child’s needs and personality in choosing a child care setting. Does he have health issues that may need attention (e.g. asthma)? Is she shy or outgoing? Not all settings are appropriate or the best match for all children. Once you’ve decided the type of childcare setting that best meets yours and your child’s needs, visit several places, armed with questions and even a checklist to refer to.

Some things to consider in a childcare setting include: »» Verify it is licensed and/or registered (required to be displayed). »» Research admission requirements, enrollment procedures, hours of operation. »» Ask about fees and payment plans. »» Observe for cleanliness and safety.

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»» What are policies regarding: discipline, emergency evacuation, illness exclusion? »» Are Montana requirements for immunizations followed? »» What about the caregivers? »» Who is actually taking care of your child is as important as the setting in which your child is being cared for. »» What are staff qualifications: experience, CPR/First Aid certifications, etc. »» Are SIDS prevention strategies in place? »» Observe how staff treat the children. »» What will staff do if a child misbehaves? Observe actual child/staff ratios: Is the quoted number of children per caregiver cited actually what you see? For the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations on children per caregiver ratios, see sidebar. How does your child react to his caregivers? Has he formed relationships with caregivers and other children? Are you happy? If the fit is not right for you or your child, look elsewhere. Safe, affordable and convenient child care is only a part of the child care setting selection process. Equally important is how comfortable and happy you and your child are with the childcare arrangements. mp

Marie Mitchell is licensed as both a Pediatric and a Family Nurse Practitioner and sees patients of all ages. She is the owner of Four Corners Health Care and is accepting new patients. 556-8300.

Child care website resources: Family Connections Montana:

They are Y.

basketball • swim lessons • school break camps and so much more

http://familyconnectionsmt.org/ families/referral-program/tools (click on Quality Child Care Checklist)

AAP Childcare placement checklist and caregiver/child ratio information: http://www.healthychildren.org/ English/family-life/work-play/Pages/ Choosing-a-Childcare-Center.aspx

406.994.9622 www.gallatinvalleyymca.org

Free, on-line SIDS class: Reducing the risk of SIDS in child care: www.healthychildcare.org/sids.html.

State of Montana DayCare Immunization Requirements: (Rule 37.95.140) http://www.mtrules.org/gateway/ ruleno.asp?RN=37.95.140

Become a member of the YMCA today and enjoy programs discounts, early registration opportunities along with other great member benefits. JOIN TODAY!

W h at M at t e r s M o s t...

Choices. “I had worries that a hospital birth would feel clinical. By the end of the [preparing for childbirth] class, they were all squelched. I knew that it would be as natural as possible and they would support me in my decision about how I wanted the birth to go.” –Amanda Harms, New Mother

406-222-3541 www.livingstonhealthcare.org

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From the Father’hood

Get More Out of College and Owe Less written By Bret Snyder

Hey Parents – A good friend and business associate of mine, Hona Amer is the Founder of Smart Work U. For kicks, grins and some VERY good information to share with you all, I asked her a few of the pressing questions regarding getting ready for and heading off to college this month. This is great stuff; we hope you enjoy it and get some value and benefit from what Hona has to say – cheers!

Bret: Explain Smart Work U briefly. Hona: The book, Smart Work U {www. smartworku.com}, provides solutions to graduating early from college debt free. Through my experience, I discovered how to do college the smart way. I knew that if I had college debt, it would limit my options after college. And, college debt limits people’s dreams every day. According to The New York Times, student loan debt as a whole has outpaced national credit card debt and has exceeded a trillion dollars of debt. I am passionate about seeing thousands of students defy the status quo by graduating early from college, debt-free, so that they can save thousands of dollars and live the life they have always wanted as a college graduate. Bret: How did you get started in this arena?

Hona: When I first started college, I was 17 and did not know what to do. How was I supposed to schedule classes, get good grades and meet with advisers, let alone pay for college? The struggle to pay for college is a reality for most people. The second struggle is to actually finish college. After completing my Bachelor’s degree in 2 1/2 years debt-free, I began to see other students struggling through their college experience with finances, friends and their future. I wrote the book, Smart Work U, to help students take charge of their college education. The book is the most cost effective way to hire a personal mentor for your student as they enter college and face decisions about friends, roommates, scholarships, personal finances and more.

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Bret: Who would benefit from reading Smart Work U? Hona: Students and parents can benefit from the information in the book. For most parents, it has been several years since you have attended college. Being aware of how parents can be involved in the process of college is important. Parents can help their kids by teaching them to have a long-term perspective. Develop a plan and be involved. Having a clearly defined goal—with a solid plan of action—is a must. Bret: How does Smart Work U help families and students save time and money?  Hona: I was raised with the mind set

that you pay for college as you go – no loans. When I was growing up, my dad often told me how he made every college tuition payment. When he walked out the doors after graduation, the college bill was paid. Although it came with sacrifices, the example he gave me was priceless. Therefore, when I started college, I knew that I needed to leave a legacy that I could pass on. Now, I get to pass on my legacy to thousands of students and parents through Smart Work U. The book details ways that students can find scholarships and grants, learn to manage their personal finances, and utilize College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests to save time and money.

Bret: How much does it save/benefit the average user? Hona: CLEP tests absolutely changed the way I did college. In the book, Smart Work U, I detail the steps to utilizing CLEP tests to your advantage. I was able to save over $10,000 through CLEP tests. Students could potentially save thousands of dollars by utilizing the strategies in the book. The overall cost of college will depend on the school your student attends, the amount of scholarships and grants they receive, and the amount of money the student is contributing. Therefore, the principles in this book can be applied to most college students to help them achieve their dream of graduating with a college degree.

Bret: When should people start applying the teachings? Hona: Students should start applying the principles of Smart Work U in high school. From Advanced Placement courses to Dual Enrollment courses, students can get a jump-start on their college education before it starts. It also allows students and parents the time to create a strategy to do college the smart way. Bret: How does someone find out more? Hona: In addition to the book, we provide the Smart Work U community with free budget forms, videos about applying for scholarships, paying bills in college, meeting with college advisors and more. To find out more information and order a copy of the book, Smart Work U, today, visit www.smartworku.com Offer for Montana Parents readers:

You can purchase Smart Work U in our resources section at http://www. bretsnyder.biz/resources and then send your receipt to Hona via gifts@ smartworku.com and receive 2 exclusive, free informational videos about applying for scholarships and other ways to save money on college. mp

Bret Snyder is a Bozeman father of two and committed family guy. He is the founder and consultant at Square Seven, Inc. and a self proclaimed baseball, food, beer, wine and PollyAnna freak.

Mama’s Got a New Bag

Contest prizes CoMpiled BY Maranda Lee PhotoS BY Amelia Anne Photography

ENTER to WIN! Here are a few things we love around town. Go to www.mtparent.com and enter to win this bag and all the prizes! Want to be featured in the next bag? Email [email protected].

b

a

a | Wheat Montana Deluxe Wheat Montana Prize Pack

b | Maranda Lee Nori Optic Blossom Messenger Bag

»» Value: Over $100 »» www.wheatmontana.com

»» Value: $49 »» www.marandalee.com or www.facebook.com/marandaleedesigns

»» This month’s bag is overflowing with an amazing assortment of Wheat Montana products including flour, oatmeal, pancake mix, travel mug, hoodie sweatshirt, chili mix and bowl and more.

»» Maranda Lee, the designer behind the original Hot Mama Handbags, brings you your favorite little messenger. Think riding your bike to farmers market, strolling craft fairs, shopping downtown and everything in between. Features a roomy slip pocket inside, large slip pocket outside for easy to reach items like a notepad. Easily reach your belongings with a simple flip of the angled flap. The strap is a generous length for over the shoulder and cross-body wearing. You’ll love this bag.

»» You’ll love their tasty and healthy whole grain rolled cereals, which perform wonderfully for home baking and deliver a flavor the family will love (not to mention the health benefits of whole grain). This month, look for Wheat Montana’s Whole Grain Bagels in stores and take advantage of promotional pricing on these healthier, tastier bagels.

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RECIPE BY LEIGH RIPLEY | Photo BY LUCAPhotography A proliferous garden has eluded me for years. To be honest, a serious garden of any kind has eluded me for years. But this year I did something right and the Zucchini God blessed its fortune upon my soil. Apparently I’m really fortunate because I harvest half a dozen zucchini every other day and I only have a handful of plants. This is in addition to those sneaky giant foot-long zucchini beasts that lurk under the large leaves. Therefore, this month, Leftover Chef is using up those monster zucchinis. Ditch the go-to bread and give something new a try: grilled or roasted zucchini, tomato sauce (with hidden zucchini) and zucchini lasagna. Enjoy.

Zucchini, Zucchini, Zucchini Tomato Sauce (with hidden zucchini) NOTE: you can add or substitute just about any roasted or grilled vegetable such as peppers, squash, eggplant etc. »» 3-4 finely chopped garlic cloves »» 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil »» Kosher salt »» Cracked black pepper »» 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper plus more for serving »» 2 lbs. tomatoes* »» 1/4 cup torn fresh basil or 2 tablespoons pesto »» Grilled or roasted zucchini (1 large or 2 medium, feel free to go for more) »» 2 inches Romano or Parmesan rind plus additional grated cheese for serving *I like Muir Glen Organic Chunky Tomato Sauce and/or Muir Glen Whole Peeled Tomatoes broken up in the saucepot.

Roasted/Grilled Zucchini Thinly slice zucchini peel from two lengthwise edges of the vegetable, enabling you to cut 1/4-1/2 inch lengthwise slices – raw on the bias and with skin on the edges (when in doubt, slice bigger as smaller slices will burn and break apart when cooking). IF ROASTING: Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray and place zucchini in a flat layer. Mist zucchini with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Roast until zucchini begins to brown (not burn). Flip, season second side with salt and pepper and roast until it begins to brown. Drain zucchini on paper or cloth kitchen towels (using one on the top and one on the bottom – zucchini holds a lot of water). IF GRILLING: Coat grill with cooking spay so zucchini will not stick. Thicker slices of zucchini work better here (thinner ones may overcook and break apart). Season as above and grill until browned. Flip, season again and grill until browned. Drain as above.

Serve alone or with the following ingredients: »» Feta, pine nuts and lemon juice »» Fresh mozzarella, basil and balsamic drizzle »» Pesto and sundried tomatoes

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Sauté garlic cloves, a pinch of salt, cracked black pepper and 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper in olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes (be careful not to brown garlic). Add tomatoes and zucchini, let cool and then puree. Bring to a simmer and add basil or pesto and the cheese rind. Simmer for 30 minutes or longer. Serve with additional crushed red pepper and grated cheese and, by all means, do NOT tell your kids what’s in the sauce. Ignorance is bliss here.

Zucchini Lasagna This recipe is perfect for those foot long zucchini –it does work with medium zucchini but large is best for the real lasagna effect. »» 2-3 extra large or 8-10 medium-to-large grilled or roasted zucchini* »» Extra virgin olive oil »» Kosher salt »» Cracked black pepper »» 1 cup of low fat cottage cheese »» 1 egg »» 1 tablespoon pesto or fresh basil »» 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese plus 2 tablespoons »» 6 slices of Provolone cheese »» Tomato Sauce (better yet, Tomato Sauce with hidden zucchini) *Make sure the zucchini drains thoroughly or your lasagna will be watery and won’t hold its form. Combine cottage cheese, egg, pesto (or basil) and Parmesan cheese. Coat an 11x7” baking dish with cooking spray. Overlap zucchini working in a horizontal direction until the bottom of the dish is covered. Top with the cottage cheese mixture then cover with half of the Provolone cheese. Place a second layer of zucchini, overlapping in a vertical direction, until the cheese is covered. Lightly coat top of lasagna with tomato sauce and scatter remaining Provolone and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving. Use a serrated knife to cut the lasagna into 6-8 pieces.

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