November 2021 | Holidays

november 2021 | mtparent.com

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After-School & PIR-Day Activities and more...

Holidays

Visi

11 a.t with m. - Sa 2 p. nta m.

FREE FAMILY EVENT

Bazaar HOSTED BY

montana parent

November 27, 2021 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GranTree Inn, Bozeman Vendors register online at www.mtparent.com/holiday-bazaar For those who create unique, local products and those operating home-based businesses, Montana Parent welcomes back the Holiday Bazaar — a holiday shopping event catered to people with small, creative endeavors.

Support one another and our community by purchasing booth space for the Montana Parent Holiday Bazaar.

Cost is $125 per booth | Questions? Contact cora@mtparent.com 2

November 2021

Nutcracker MONTANA BALLET PRESENTS THE 38TH ANNUAL

DECEMBER 4 - 2pm & 7pm DECEMBER 5 - 2pm WILLSON AUDITORIUM with the Bozeman Symphony & Guests from New York City Ballet

Photo: Lauren Brown

FOR TICKETS Visit MONTANABALLET.ORG or Call 406.582.8702

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

NOVEMber 2021

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puredermatologybozeman.com

Thankful for you!

We are excited to introduce Opus Plasma-RF

First-of-its-kind fractionated plasma skin resurfacing technology

Now carrying Colorescience skincare products with UV protection 20% off all in-stock skincare products in December

Teresa Mann, MD, FAAD

Medical, Surgical & Aesthetic Treatment of the Skin 4

November 2021

2233 WEST KAGY BLVD., SUITE 2 | BOZEMAN, MT | 406.586.7873

YO U A R E INVIT

ED!

L adies' N ’ ight DOWN T OWN

SQUIRE HOUSE 25 E Mendenhall St STE C. Bozeman, MT

BOZEM

AN

5:30PM - 8PM

Thursday, November 18th, 2021

Come join Kenyon Noble downtown Bozeman at the Squire House. There will be food & drink specials with goodie bags & prizes you know and love! Starting at 5:30 we will be giving away 100 Premium Totes & then 200 Goodie Bags. That means the first 300 ladies in line receive guaranteed swag! Stop in and grab an enter to win, stay and have a drink, and join us in showing support for all the downtown businesses by participating in this years Ladies’ Night!

P r izes

& Mo r e

Food & Dr ink Specials

ENTER TO WIN OUR GRAND PRIZES

YUM! LADIES’ NIGHT DRINKS & EATS

$500 Kenyon Noble Gift Card

Our friends at the Squire House will be dishing out some AMAZING drinks & eats throughout the night! The kitchen closes at 10pm and the bar closes at midnight.

Barbecue Package

Your choice of: Traeger Pro 780, Large Big Green Egg, or Weber Genesis II E-335 grill AND a $200 Daniels Gourmet Meats & Sausages gift card

$1800 Outdoor Furniture Credit

Your choice of: Outdoor Interiors, Polywood or Outdoor Expressions outdoor furniture

10ium0 Totes

Prem ie Bags 00 Good 2

Featured Drinks

French 76 Pumpkin Spice Martini

Featured Eats

Brussels Bravas Tempura Green Beans Brioche Beignets

*MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN* We will start handing out the 300 goodie bags at 5:30pm. The Grand Prizes will be announced at 8:00pm and the winners must be present to claim prize t

up a lined ladies se! t 300 u rs o fi H e e to th the Squir

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

NOVEMber 2021

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J

TUE SDAY SCI ENCE

oin MOSS for Tuesday Science! Each month-long session revolves around an exciting science topic.

Kids can discover what’s beneath their feet as a Junior Geologist, go from ‘ewwww’ to ‘awwwwe’ with Incredible Insects, and meet the newest spring residents with Animal Babies. Perfect for homeschool students or families looking for an afterschool program!

WWW. O UTDOOR S CIENCE.ORG

For details and to register, visit www.outdoorscience.org/Tuesday-Science GRADES: K-5 TIME: 3:30 - 5:30 LOCATION: MOSS Campus COST: $95 per session for MOSS members; $100 for non-members *Discounted pricing for multiple session registration!

406-582-0526

K

S CHO OL’ S OU T (PI R) CA M P S

eep the learning up, even when school’s out!

2021 PIR Camps will be based fully outdoors on the MOSS Campus and we’ll return to Museum of the Rockies for 2022, allowing kids to tie each MOR exhibit to a different related science topic. For details and to register visit www.outdoorscience.org/pir-camps.

GRADES: K-5 TIME: 9:00 - 5:00 LOCATION: MOSS, MOR, Livingston COST: $70 per day for MOSS members; $75 for non-members

NEW THIS YE AR! PIR CAM PS RUN 9AM-5P M!

Another World of Children’s Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry • Braces

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

www.mydrtodd.com 6

November 2021

Doctor Todd Steinmetz 3502 Laramie Drive, Suite 1

CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH CENTER, P.C.

Bozeman, Montana 59718

406.586.8112

Art and Nature based Preschool for 3-5 year olds

ART • DANCE • MUSIC • NATURE EXPLORATION Full Day 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

or Half-Day 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Options - Monday through Friday

Our Summer Art Camp lets K-2nd graders join in the fun.

346 Gallatin Park Drive, Bozeman · (406) 579-7692

www.creativeartspreschool.org :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

NOVEMber 2021

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check out our

montana parent

website!

for more information, resources and fun things to do with your kids this spring visit

mtparent.com

montana parent magazine montana parent magazine of helena montana parent magazine of butte

PUBLISHER MEDIA MAVENS LLC PO BOX 11056, BOZEMAN, MT 59719 INFO@MTPARENT.COM EDITOR IN CHIEF/ACCOUNTING/OWNER LEIGH RIPLEY | LEIGH@MTPARENT.COM

USA

montana_Parent

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: LEIGH RIPLEY BLAIR FJESETH JESSICA CARTWRIGHT LORI JO BERG KATY M. CLARK

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/OWNER SHAUNESCY WILLARD | SHAUNESCY@MTPARENT.COM ADVERTISING/EVENT COORDINATOR/OWNER CORA DESANTIS | CORA@MTPARENT.COM ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE ALEXIS BRILL ALEXIS@MTPARENT.COM | 406-223-2775 ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE SANDRA JACOBS SANDRA@MTPARENT.COM | 406-599-6663 LAYOUT & DESIGN SHAUNESCY WILLARD & JESSICA GEARY-CECOTTI COPY EDITORS ELEONORE SNOW & LEIGH RIPLEY AD DESIGN JESSICA GEARY-CECOTTI & SHAUNESCY WILLARD COVER PHOTO ADP STUDIO

* Montana Parent strives to provide accurate information and entertainment to our readers.

Some content may be based on opinion of the author and may not represent our views. We want all voices to be heard, so we all can be educated on both sides of important issues.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: ADP STUDIOS THOM BRIDGE KEVIN LEAGUE LAUREN BROWN ERIN BAIANO NYC DANCE PROJECT CICERO RODRIGUES

BLOG JESSICA GEARY-CECOTTI ONLINE CALENDARS CALENDAR@MTPARENT.COM

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

SOCIAL MEDIA JESSICA GEARY-CECOTTI, SHAUNESCY WILLARD, CORA DESANTIS PRINT MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION INFO@MTPARENT.COM SUBMIT PHOTOS PHOTOSUBMISSION@MTPARENT.COM

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November 2021

© COPYRIGHT 2021 BY MEDIA MAVENS LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT PERMISSION PROHIBITED.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE!

Now hiring deli and seasonal holiday positions!

MONTANA THEMED GIFT BOXES, BUFFALO ELK AND BEEF SAUSAGES, SNACK STICKS AND JERKY. BUFFALO & ELK STEAKS, HUCKLEBERRY FAVORITES, SPECIALTY CHEESES.

Deli And Gift Shop • Open 7 Days A Week!

The Chalet Market • 6410 Jackrabbit Lane, Belgrade, MT 59714 chaletmarket.com • 1-800-752-1029 • 406-388-4687 Located just south of the 1-90 interchange in Belgrade. We Ship!

We ship to USA and APO addresses! Order online and send a taste of Montana to your family and friends!

NEW LOCATION in the old Children’s Place in the Gallatin Valley Mall Limited retail fixtures from Giggles previous location for sale

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NOVEMber 2021

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PHOTO ADP STUDIO

november 2021

If There is Still Time 16 Santa Claus is Coming to Town 17 True Spirit 18 Giving Local 20 Holiday Events in Downtown Bozeman 22 Holiday Go-Time in Helena 23 Intermountain Festival of Trees 24 Waldorf Festivals 25 Bozeman Winter Farmers Market 26 15th Annual Huffing for Stuffing 27 Christmas Extravaganza at Eagle Mount 27 A Balanced Holiday 28 Seven Reasons to be Thankful for Teenagers 30

After-School & PIR Day Activities

32

What’s Up? Montana What’s Up? Bozeman 35 Preschool Events & Activities 38 What’s Up? yellowstone 42 Facing a Childcare Crisis 44 10

November 2021

Monthly Giveaway 45

LOCAL VEGGIES ALL WINTER!

FOOD · FUN · MUSIC

SATURDAYS · 9 A.M. - NOON

SEPTEMBER - MAY Gallatin County Fairgrounds

January 8 & 22 February 5 & 12 March 19 & 26 April 16 & 30 May 21 & 28

September 25 October 9 & 23 November 13 & 20 December 18

Greens · Vegetables · Meat · Cheese · Eggs · Honey · Bread · Jam · Tea · Coffee · Breakfast Sponsors & Partners: Broken Ground, Montana Parent, Bozeman Community Coop, Gallatin Valley Botanical, Montana Ale Works, Gallatin Valley Farm to School

www.bozemanwintermarket.com

Credit Cards and Double SNAP EBT accepted.

DINNER DETAILS

Thanksgiving Dinner Forget all the shopping and preparation!

Let us take the pressure off of you.

Get a complete scratch-made Thanksgiving feast delivered right to your door.

Turkey with Butter and Thyme 18-25 lbs.

Gravy (24 oz.)

Cranberry Sauce (24 oz.)

Mashed Potatoes (9x11) Sweet Potato Casserole with Streusel Topping (9x11) Green Bean Casserole (9x11) Stuffing with Sausage, Apple and Herbs (9x11) Parker House Rolls (12) Pumpkin Pie 8” Pecan Pie 8” All parts of the dinner will be cooked except for the turkey which will be ready for baking. Dinner will come with complete instruction for reheating.

Delivered Wednesday, November 24th by 5 p.m.

Order at ordersupdelivery.com Order cut off November 17th

FEEDS 10-16 | COST $450 Limited amount available. Order now!

ORDERSUPDELIVERY.COM :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

NOVEMber 2021

11

gentleman who loves to show off his latest artwork. The woman who craves someone to talk to, so sometimes she walks with us as we deliver food.

During the pandemic I started volunteer work with the HRDC, specifically the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. Never

in a million years did I imagine how much joy helping others would bring me.

There is a general misconception that most people who do volunteer work have the time to give. Well, I don’t have any time. With three teenage daughters and two full-time jobs, time is something I covet, because I have so little to spare.

What I found by volunteering was a community of people in circumstances similar to mine—too much to do in too little time. But still, there we were: collecting groceries, bagging groceries, delivering groceries, handing out free lunches to kiddos during the summer. Every month for more than a year now, my children and I, friends, coworkers, their children and others have delivered groceries to an affordable housing community in Bozeman through a program created by Montana Ballet Company called Share the Dance and Dinner.

MBC created this program to support those in our community experiencing food insecurity. The vision began with an offer to help our local, heavily burdened food bank by volunteering time to personally deliver monthly food shares in our community. That vision grew into a mission that has become so much more, including friendships with the residents. I can tell you something about each person behind each door. Something funny, something sad. Helping someone move from a chair at the kitchen table to a chair in the living room – because she was alone and needed a hand. The

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November 2021

Each one of my girls has helped deliver with me. At first, they resisted. But once we finished you could see the sense of pride and simple joy beaming from within. They never resisted again. Doing for others made them feel good about themselves.

This carried over into the holidays last year. I received an email from one of my children’s teachers asking if anyone knew how the class could help a family in need. I reached out to a friend of mine who is involved with The Bozeman 3, an organization supporting Gallatin Valley kids with cancer. The class came together and delivered a bountiful bundle for the whole family: mom, dad and both kids. The letters of gratitude and smiling pictures we received brought tears to our eyes. It truly was the best gift any one of us received last year: giving.

So many people do so much more than my girls and me. We know that. But we have started. And we have decided to make a holiday volunteer activity a tradition for our family. Before any Christmas lists or screen shots of musthave items, we will make our volunteer list.

There is no shortage of people in need, but there is always a shortage of people able to help. On pages 20 and 21 I have listed a FEW local groups that could use assistance this season. Because I can’t list them all, I suggest reaching out to your faith group if you are involved in one; Googling local organizations that support something you are passionate about or visiting greatnonprofits.org.

Remember that old adage your mom would say, “It’s better to give than to receive?” Well, I’ve a got a new spin on that one: “It’s better to give, and know you have brought something even more valuable than your time to the person who received.”

Pediatrics

Get Care Today!

Our Board Certified Pediatricians care for your child’s primary and urgent care needs at a convenient location with hours to meet your needs as busy parents. You can rest assured that if your child needs a higher level of care, our pediatric specialists collaborate to keep you close to home whenever possible.

Courtney Handlin, DO

Sheila Idzerda, MD

Claire Kenamore, MD

Pediatrics

For more information or to make an appointment, call (406) 522-KIDS (5437).

Same day, virtual and after hour appointments available. Mon - Fri: 8 am - 6 pm, Sat: 8:30 - 11:30 am

To talk to a registered nurse about health questions after hours, call HealthLine at (406) 255-8400 or 1-800-252-1246, available 24/7. billingsclinic.com/bozeman :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

Pediatric Services: � Primary care for babies, kids, & teens � Preventive care, including vaccinations � Routine well-child checkups � School, daycare, camp, and sports physicals � Illness and injury care � Management of chronic and complicated conditions � Follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors Pediatric Specialty Care, in Bozeman: � Pediatric cardiology � Pediatric endocrinology � Pediatric pulmonology � Pediatric neurology � Pediatric urology NOVEMber 2021

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T he Nutcracker

SUNDAY, NOV. 28 2P.M. WILLSON AUDITORIUM

CHILD FREE WITH ADULT TICKET

GUEST ARTISTS:

Children come dressed as a Nutcracker Character. Prizes awarded at intermission.

Nicole Assaad - Hong Kong Ballet Molly Groeschl - Madison Ballet Damien Johnson - Madison Ballet 14

November 2021

WWW.YELLOWSTONEBALLET.INFO

Holidays

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

PHOTO ADP STUDIO NOVEMber 2021 15

Keeping it Real

If There is Still Time WRITTEN BY BLAIR FJESETH

As I began writing this month’s column, which was initially titled “Teaching Kids Gratitude During the Holidays,” a member of my husband’s extended family passed away. He was a young boy, just a few years older than my own children. The news brought me to my knees. How could someone with so much life to live, so much promise, just be gone?

My husband and I sat on our bed and cried. We cried again when we had to tell our children what had happened. They asked all the typical kid questions; it never ceases to amaze me how intelligent and curious kids can be.

A few hours later, as I tidied the kitchen, my oldest son came up and hugged me, his arms grasping around my waist. (I swear it was just last week he was hugging me around the knees.) His eyes caught mine, and he asked, “What can I do to make you happy, mom?”

I realized that, in his childhood, this is the first death he has had to rationalize.

I explained to him that being sad is OK. It’s a sign that we can empathize and sympathize with others, which is part of being a good person.

He asked if you could feel sad and happy at the same time. I told him that at this moment, I felt sad and very thankful for him, his brother and his sister.

I could see him working through the information. Finally, he spoke up, “I feel lots of things right now, mom. I’m sad, and scared and worried.”

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November 2021

At bedtime, I tucked them each in extra tight, gave them all longerthan-usual hugs and breathed them in.

For days afterward, I was unable to finish this column; my thoughts could go nowhere but to this sweet child and his family. I thought about his brother, who now had to seek life’s adventures on his own.

I thought about his parents, who would walk past the place where their son would kick off his boots, a former tripping hazard, and now a sorely missed occurrence.

I thought about the friends whose lives would be shaped by his death.

The kids in this tiny Montana town will wonder every year on the anniversary of his passing, who he would be 5, 10, 20 years later.

I can barely type the words without breaking into tears, yet this is a reality too many have to face. So, I suppose if I bring it around to my original column topic, I will simply say this: Gratitude is a lesson learned best by example. There is nothing more significant than having the good fortune to raise children.

We get 18 Thanksgivings and Christmases with our children at home and, even then, none of those are guaranteed. Have gratitude for the messy, the loud, the unbridled chaos that having kids brings.

Abandon the feeling of having to provide kids “joy” through a litany of holiday experiences and gifts, and find joy in the simplicity of being together, the magic of laughter around a kitchen table, the wild of what an unplanned adventure can bring.

Embrace time, for it is fleeting and unpredictable.

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

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Planning local trips and beyond. Let me help craft your next experience.

It’s right around the corner... Santa Claus is preparing his reindeer to make their way to the Gallatin Valley Mall Macy’s Court for photos November

26 through

December 24. Visit the beautifully reimagined photo set, spend quality time chatting with the man in red, and go home with magical memories captured by Winslow Studio.

Designed to save you time and money.

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

Call or email to book today!

Contactless visits are also available for those who feel more comfortable social distancing. With a few photography tricks and creative alternatives, our talented photographers can still capture special memories for you, whatever your comfort level.

Join us in making memories this holiday season at Gallatin Valley Mall.

Christina Dear

CDear.travelnow@gmail.com

406-404-0450

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

NOVEMber 2021

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True Spirit WRITTEN BY JESSICA CARTWRIGHT

Winter holidays… your idea of fun or stress? Probably a bit of both, especially as a parent.

For me, the holidays became immensely more enjoyable once I became a parent. There’s something so magical and fulfilling about creating these marvelous experiences for your little ones, carrying on family traditions and making some of your own.

Here are my tips for making the season a bit less Grinchy and a lot more Buddy the Elf!

Do what’s best for your family

You get to do it your way. You’re not here to please everyone else. So let go of your parents’ expectations, your MIL’s opinion or how your neighbors celebrate – pick what works and feels good for you and your family.

Growing up, our family focused on religion. Today I share the holiday season with my daughter as a celebration of winter solstice and the return of light. I tell her we all get to embrace the spirit of Santa too, which is about enjoying how others light up as a result of the thoughtfulness of others.

You’re the one running the ship now, so you get to set boundaries, tell the stories and decide what feels best for your family.

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November 2021

Choose a family tradition

Rituals are an important part of helping us feel sane as humans. They give us a sense of purpose and connection that’s unparalleled.

Some families love cutting down the perfect Griswald family-style Christmas tree (hot tip: be sure to get your permit and cut an evergreen that is far from the road and ideally growing really close to other trees as this will give the other firs a better chance of survival).

Make a new ornament/craft every year with your kiddo. I’ve always loved a hand or footprint craft. If you’re not really the DIY type, just take a piece of your child’s school artwork or a cut out a picture of them and hang it on the tree. It’s something to show the passage of time and how you come together every year.

Build those gingerbread houses or bake your grandma’s holiday bread.

If you want to be all Pinterest-y about it, then go ahead, but know that store-bought works just as well, too.

Call me sentimental, but I live for this sort of thing come holiday season.

Give for the sake of giving – the true holiday spirit

Sometimes the holidays can feel like a season of “gimme, gimme, gimme” with kids. So I like to really place the importance of the season on giving for the sake of giving. Giving because it feels good to make someone’s day. Sharing with others as a way to show them love. Leave treats on your neighbor’s porch. Buy the person in line behind you a coffee.

And of all our holiday family traditions, the one that feels the most sacred to me is to sponsoring a family or a child. You can do this through Haven, the Salvation Army, etc. Last year we sponsored several families through Hyalite Elementary school, providing them with gift cards for groceries, items of clothing and special toys. We found out about this through a simple Facebook post by one of their counselors. Just keep an eye out and find your own ways of giving to others that feels meaningful.

And if you are low on resources this season, be sure to look into these options to receive the support you deserve too.

Remember to make time for you

If you’re a mom, and you tend to do 99% of the gift purchasing, snack making and party planning, make sure to schedule time and ways to give yourself a break.

One way to do this is to directly ask your partner/parents/etc. for specific help or give them tasks. (I usually end up buying all the gifts, so my husband’s job is to wrap. He’s also in charge of putting our lights up on the house).

Also schedule yourself some TLC and downtime. A massage, a weekly yoga class or an evening where the kids are away and you get the house to yourself to watch holiday movies and drink wine solo for a few hours. Whatever helps to fuel you and de-stress.

Let the rest go

Most of all, know your kids are not going to remember whether everything was perfect come Christmas morning, but they will remember that you (yes, it’s cheesy) gave them the best gift of all – your presence.

Jessica Cartwright is a mama, birth doula and co-founder of Our Yoga, Yoga For The Whole Family. She is a certified yoga instructor who specializes in prenatal, postpartum and baby yoga.

She is also a featured writer for Elephant Journal, So Much Yoga, & BOHO Daily.

PIR DAY CAMPS At the Ridge PIR Day Camps, children will participate in group fitness classes, gym play, swimming, age-appropriate workouts with a fitness instructor and Playzone fun. Camp counselors and fitness instructors are trained and qualified to give your child a safe and exciting day while helping them build a foundation for a healthy and active life!

NOV 24 & 26, DEC 20-23 & 27-31 8:30am-12:30pm, 12:30-4:30pm or Full Day $35 Member | $40 Non-Member (half day) $60 Member | $70 Non-Member (full day) Ridge Kids is available for extended care at the normal hourly rate.

Register on Schedulicty or call (406) 582-4452 Please bring tennis shoes, water bottle, swimsuit and a nut-free lunch. Call (406) 582-4452 if enrolling multiple children. Choose morning, afternoon or full day camp.

4181 Fallon St., Bozeman, MT 59718 • (406) 586-1737 • ridgeathletic.com :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

NOVEMber 2021

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Giving Local “For families, I think it’s important to share with children exactly why it is important to help others.

Our community is strengthened when we look out for each other and we all need help at different points throughout our lives. I think the holidays are a good time to model to children what giving back looks like. Donating can involve food, funds or time and all three can help to make a difference.” ~ Laura Stonecipher, Program Manager at Gallatin Valley Food Bank, HRDC

Gallatin Valley Food Bank

Skipping dinner, eating less or not eating well – food insecurity impacts people from all walks of life every day. Gallatin Valley Food Bank is a critical link between food and the people who need it in southwest Montana.

Sitting down as a family and talking about the reality of hunger and how it feels is a good way to engage kids in the need to feed our community. You might find that your kids love going to the grocery store and picking out food they want to donate. Adult guidance is suggested: No one needs cases of Cocoa Pebbles!

Food donations can be dropped off at the food bank Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Donate Blood

Donating blood is a great example of giving in a nontraditional, much needed way during the holidays. Though children under age 16 are not eligible to donate blood, parents who donate provide a wonderful example of selfless giving. Blood cannot be manufactured or made; it can only come from people who donate some of their own to help others.

This type of gift truly saves lives! Besides the obvious need for trauma patients, blood is often needed for cancer patients, those with blood disorders, surgeries and even sometimes during childbirth. Donating blood is a very meaningful way to give during the holidays.

“Blood donation became especially important to our family following our toddler’s battle with cancer. In the 17 months following his diagnosis of Stage IV, high risk neuroblastoma, our son Caden received 35 transfusions of blood products. These transfusions sustained his life and allowed him to continue with his aggressive treatment.

Each time a bag was hung, I gave thanks for the anonymous donor who so selflessly gave of themselves and their time. It really is a precious, humbling gift! Caden is a healthy middle schooler today, and our family hosts an annual blood drive called “Get Poked for Caden” each June in celebration and to support our community.” ~ Pam Shrauger

GALLATIN VALLEY FOOD BANK

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November 2021

The Harvest of Giving blood drive will be held on Giving Tuesday, November 30, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Commons at Baxter and Love. To find other blood drives near you, go to Vitalant.org. Vitalant is the exclusive provider of blood to Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital.

CASA The Bozeman 3

The Bozeman 3 is a nonprofit serving Gallatin Valley families of children with cancer. Started as a backyard fundraiser in honor of three Bozeman children undergoing cancer treatment in Seattle back in 2013, the organization now supports other local families going through the unimaginable hardships of childhood cancer.

The Bozeman 3’s mission is threefold: providing support through financial assistance, peer networking and funding of pediatric cancer research.

This holiday season The Bozeman 3 is holding a Holiday Gift Card Drive. Often children with cancer need to be treated at out-of-state children’s hospitals for some, if not all, of their care.

As such, items like gas cards, gift cards to grocery stores and coffee shops available in larger cities, airlines or online retailers are greatly appreciated. The Bozeman 3 welcomes efforts big and small to support these kids and their families.

As a volunteer organization, The Bozeman 3 relies heavily on the generosity of area businesses and individuals to support its mission. Events such as its annual Super Bowl Fun Run, Give Big Gallatin Valley and its End of Summer Fun Fest provide most of its fundraising.

That said, grassroots efforts from within the community have also generated heartfelt, substantial contributions in support of The Bozeman 3 families. Golf tournaments, pint nights, workout classes and Holiday Gift Card Drives are just some examples of our community stepping up to help in tangible ways.

The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)/Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program is hoping to make the holidays a little more joyful for children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect and are temporarily living in out-of-home placements. This year, the program has decided to gift “experiences” for the whole family – the foster child(ren) and the family who is caring for them – in lieu of individual gifts.

Often the children served by this program have not had the opportunity to experience things such as creating artwork, attending theatrical or other types of performances, trips to museums or active adventures such as an escape room or trampoline park. CASA/GAL of Gallatin County is looking for donations to make this happen.

The plan is to create a care package that will include a gift card to a local restaurant, a gift or gift card for an “experience” that the whole family can appreciate, a board game or book that can be enjoyed by all, and some home-baked goodies. Gifts will be tailored to the makeup of each family in hopes of providing the most meaningful, age-appropriate experience for the children and adults in the home.

The program is also looking for “packaging” ideas and materials.

To donate gift cards for restaurants or experiences, monetary donations to purchase the gift cards, child appropriate board games and books, baked goods or supplies, please call 406-582-2051 or email office@ gallatincasagal.org. *In order to make these gifts as equitable as possible, please contact the CASA before purchasing any gifts of high value.

The giving event will take place on December 18, and all donations will need to be made to the program by December 10.

The CASA/GAL of Gallatin County program advocates for children involved in the Child Welfare System using highly trained volunteers. This is the 35th year that the program has been providing a voice for these children in the district court system.

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

NOVEMber 2021

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Holiday Events

in Downtown Bozeman

DOWNTOWN BOZEMAN

Ladies’ Night Thursday, November 18, 2021 • 5-10 p.m.

Nobody enjoys holiday shopping more than the ladies, and this event gives them MORE of what they’re craving: a fun, stress-free evening of dining and holiday shopping in downtown Bozeman. There will be specials and promotions at more than 30 downtown retailers and restaurants. So, grab your friends and come downtown on Thursday, November 18 for a fun holiday shopping experience.

Small Business Saturday Saturday, November 27, 2021

Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, millions of Americans are asked to shop small at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. Downtown Bozeman has many amazing small businesses that are happy to welcome customers with varied promotions and activities. When we all shop small, it will be huge. For more information about the nationally advertised event, visit www.smallbusinesssaturday.com.

LADIES’ NIGHT

Christmas Stroll Saturday, December 4, 2021 • 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Be a part of downtown Bozeman’s greatest holiday tradition…the Christmas Stroll. Every year, Bozeman’s holiday season officially kicks off on the first Saturday in December. First, Santa Claus will work his way from the Emerson Cultural Center down Main Street, singing Christmas carols and lighting the downtown holiday lights with more than 5,000 people in tow. After that, you can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, pictures with Santa Claus, entertainment, holiday treats and much more. Buttons will be available for purchase after Thanksgiving at various Bozeman locations. The full schedule of events will be available online at www.bozemandailychronicle.com or as a printed publication inserted into the daily paper on the Friday prior.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Winter Art Walk Friday, December 10, 2021 • 6-8 p.m.

The Downtown Bozeman Association and participating art galleries and businesses invite you to a special “Winter” Art Walk in December. Many galleries will feature artists’ openings and receptions and often provide hors d’oeuvres and complimentary refreshments. It’s also a wonderful chance to stroll downtown Bozeman, take in some art and culture and holiday shop.

For more information on these events please visit www.downtownbozeman.org.

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November 2021

CHRISTMAS STROLL

Holiday Go-Time in Helena

WRITTEN BY BLAIR FJESETH LIGHTING OF FIRE TOWER | THOM BRIDGE

FALL ART WALK

PARADE OF LIGHTS

HELENA | KEVIN LEAGUE

If you are like me, the first of November kicks off Holiday Go-Time. The cookie recipes come out, the wrapping paper is already almost completely used and the holiday playlist is near complete. Helena becomes even more vibrant during the holiday season and there are ample things to do for all ages and religions.

Plan a Family

Scavenger Hunt by

registering at puzzlingadventures.com. The hunt begins on November 3 at 10 a.m. This is an outdoor scavenge and perfect for older kids, teens and parents.

Puzzling Adventures is a cross between a scavenger hunt, an adventure race and an informative self-guided tour. Each adventure consists of a series of locations where you are required to answer questions or solve puzzles to receive your next instruction. All you need is your own mobile device; all adventures are designed to be wheelchair and stroller friendly.

THE PARROT

The Helena Fall Art Walk, scheduled for November 12, is the perfect time to take an energetic stroll downtown as a family. This fun evening out can be kicked off by eating at a downtown restaurant or one of Helena’s amazing food trucks. Often businesses have goodies and giveaways. With the town festively decorated and the street lights aglow, this can be a fun night for children to explore downtown Helena.

If the national papers are correct, it looks like shipping delays are expected and prices on gifts are increasing. A way to solve this problem and help our community is by shopping locally and Art Walk is the perfect time to do it. The Montana Book Co. has an amazing children’s book selection, stocking stuffers and a wonderfully curated adult selection of must-reads. The Lasso the Moon crew are toy geniuses and can point you to the most beloved toys by age so you can get the perfect gift.

Christmas For The Birds at Tizer Gardens will be held on November 20 and

21. This family event requires a reservation but is worth the effort. Your child will receive a Christmas tree in a pot and all the trimmings to make their own decorated tree. The event will also feature kid-friendly crafts and refreshments. Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum is one of only three internationally accredited arboreta in the United States that is privately owned, and Montana’s only full-time operated Botanical Garden and Arboretum.

Reserve your spot online at tizergardens.com.

TIZER GARDENS

Make your own gifts by taking a trip to Painted Pot in downtown Helena. I take my children here each year to decorate their own ornaments. Our collection continues to grow as the years roll by. This is a great place to make the grandparents a mug or spoon holder for Christmas as well.

Afterward, walk up to the Parrot for their famous hot chocolate: Warning: this is not a low-fat option, but what it lacks in health consciousness it makes up for in pure joy and happiness. You can pick out a box (or two) of chocolates to send to friends and families.

And finally, the much-loved Parade of Lights is back this year. This magical evening can make even the biggest Grinch nostalgic.

Santa Clause (and the Grinch) will both be back in town at this event on the evening of November 26.

The parade will start at Last Chance Gulch and end in Anchor Park. Make sure to hang around a bit longer to take in the Lighting of the Fire Tower at 8 p.m. The theme this year is Candyland!

Keep your eyes on HelenaEvents.com for new and updated posts on activities and events around town.

Blair Fjeseth is a working professional and proud Montana mom.

You can reach her at blairparker.inc@gmail.com. Follow her Instagram @blair_mt for more adventures.

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

NOVEMber 2021

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Experienced midwifery for the birth and care you desire.

CASSIE BELZER, CNM, DNP, APRN

BROOKE CADWELL, CNM, APRN

WOMEN’S SPECIALISTS

DAGNY HAFKER, CNM

ASHLEY JONES, CNM, APRN

Call 406-414-5150 today to schedule your appointment with one of our wonderful midwives.

34th Annual Intermountain

Festival of Trees December 1-5, 2021

Kick off the holiday season with the 34th Annual Intermountain Festival of Trees, held at the Helena Civic Center, December 1 through 5. This year’s theme, Once Upon a Storybook Christmas, is a celebration of the pages that make up each of our stories.

It is through generous support and participation in this event that Intermountain was able to serve more than 2,000 children across the state of Montana this year alone: Helping to create happier and healthier storylines by providing hope and healing to children and families in our community.

During the Festival of Trees Family Days Weekend participants will enjoy crafts, cookie decorating, youth entertainment and photos with Santa.

Family Fun Passports are back! Print a passport, collect a sticker from each of the festival displays hosted in businesses throughout the community and submit to win prizes.

Other events include: Tea in the Trees, Evening in the Trees, Starlight Gala and Jingle Bell Jam featuring 10 Years Gone. Purchase tickets in advance for all events. Stroll through the spectacular Festival Trees and the silent auction mezzanine full of tabletop trees, wreaths and gift baskets donated by local businesses.

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For information about all events, to purchase tickets and learn more about how you can get involved as a Tea hostess, silent auction designer or volunteer, visit intermountain.org/fot.

Waldorf Festivals in Bozeman

THE LANTERN WALK November 11, 2021

The Lantern Walk is a simple light- and songfilled evening, bringing to life for our children their role as a spark of light in the darkness – a spark of light in the world. Walking peacefully with our handmade lanterns, we sing songs that encourage us to be that warmth and light for ourselves and others. Martinmas celebrates hope and kindness, being called to help others and fostering good in the world.

It’s not too early!

MSC

An MSC family membership makes a great holiday gift Visit our website to find out all we have to offer!

2744 W. Main St. | 406.522.9087 | montanasciencecenter.org

ADVENT SPIRAL November 28, 2021

The Spiral of Light is a quiet and peaceful way to commemorate the start of the holiday season.

It serves as a gentle pause from the busyness and materialism that the season can sometimes bring. To set the mood, a beautiful, intricate spiral of evergreen boughs is laid out on the ground lined with stars. Each child is given an apple with an unlit candle inserted into it, a symbol of life and light in the darkest part of winter. Children then bring their candles to the “candle of life” in the center of the spiral where a spiritual helper stands ready to assist them and light the apple candles. To complete the journey, children carefully walk outward and place the candles on stars along the spiral.

This peaceful and contemplative ritual is accompanied by music, and the spirit of wonder and awe fills the space as we slowly see the one candle lighting the many, creating a galaxy of stars. Many traditions around the world celebrate the holidays in this way of lighting candles in the night, and this is our way of honoring the light that shines in all of us.

For more information with times and locations, please contact info@worldfamilyschool.org or call 406-624-6588.

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

NOVEMber 2021

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…inspiring people of all ages to FLY!

After School Classes Aerial Fitness Mama & Me Teen/Adult Classes Private Lessons

Bozeman Winter

Farmers Market

What began more than 10 years ago as a small group of farmers selling veggies, the Bozeman Winter Farmers Market is now a large community of local farmers, ranchers, artisans, bakers and community members selling their winter produce and home-baked and homemade goods.

Market Dates: Ç November 13 (Building 1 Fairgrounds) Ç November 20 (Building 1 Fairgrounds) Ç December 18 (Building 1 Fairgrounds)

Summer Camps Birthday Parties Performances Aerial Bartending The sky is the limit!

Find us online MountainAirDance.org (406) 595-0909 26

November 2021

Ç January 8 (Building 1 Fairgrounds) Ç January 22 (Building 1 Fairgrounds) Ç February 5 (Building 1 Fairgrounds) Ç February 12 (Building 1 Fairgrounds) Ç March 19 (Building 1 Fairgrounds) Ç March 26 (Building 1 Fairgrounds) Ç April 16 (Building 1 Fairgrounds) Ç April 30 (Building 1 Fairgrounds) Ç May 21 (Building 1 Fairgrounds) Ç May 28 (Building 1 Fairgrounds)

15th Annual

Huffing for Stuffing November 25, 2021

HRDC’s 15th annual Huffing for Stuffing Thanksgiving Day tradition continues this year, virtually throughout the month of November and in-person at the Museum of the Rockies on November 25.

Participate in a 15th anniversary exclusive 15k, or choose from a 10k, 5k, 5k Fun Run (untimed), Kids’ Run or Virtual 5k Run/Walk.

The Kids’ Run is free, with a nonperishable food donation. If your schedule does not work with the in-person race, or you are out of state, you can still participate by running anytime between November 1 and 25. Submit your time by 11:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning to be considered for the agebased prizes.

This annual event has provided more than half a million dollars in funding for the Gallatin Valley Food Bank since its inception in 2007. Thanks to the community-wide support received, in all of its forms, HRDC is able to do profoundly good work. Daily, the food bank helps to alleviate hunger by providing nutritious groceries to people who are struggling to make ends meet. Thank you for supporting this mission and ensuring no one goes to bed hungry.

To register, volunteer or for more information, visit: www.huffingforstuffing.com.

Christmas Extravaganza at Eagle Mount December 8, 2021 Eagle Mount invites the community to join them on December 8, from 5-8 p.m., for a Christmas Extravaganza at Eagle Mount. This event is free and will take place on the Eagle Mount campus.

Enjoy a tree lighting, dance performance, pictures with Santa, the mini horses and many more activities. Registration is required, please visit Eagle Mount’s Christmas Extravaganza at myeventscenter.com.

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

NOVEMber 2021

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PHOTO ADP STUDIO

A Balanced Holiday WRITTEN BY LORI JO BERG

I think most would agree that parenting is one big balancing act. When one area of our life takes over, we lose our equilibrium and the whole family feels it.

That need for balance is more important than ever during the holiday season. So, how do we find balance this season? I have two suggestions.

First: As you are going and doing all the holiday things, make an effort to rest and relax.

Second: Teach kids the art of giving.

There is not much need to elaborate on the first suggestion. Simply pay attention to how much you can do and make sure you get as much rest as you need. Overdoing it and feeling exhausted are no way to go through the holidays. You will feel irritable and stressed out when you should be enjoying all there is to celebrate.

This brings us to giving. It may seem difficult to add another thing to your plate when you are trying to do all the things and get sufficient rest at the same time. But making time for giving is worth its weight.

When I first had kids, I worried they would be so wrapped up in presents, parties and sweets during the holidays that they wouldn’t have any idea what it meant to give rather than just receive.

I grew up in a less-than-privileged small town in Montana, and my parents did a wonderful job of teaching us to focus not just on our gifts and holiday celebrations, but to be excited about giving back as well.

For us, that meant making special holiday meals and delivering them directly to the houses of families we knew had nothing. It also meant that we gave away some of our gifts as well.

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@ montana parent

2022

2022 Root’s Wellness Guide

August 2022: Back to School

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The looks on their faces when they opened the door were priceless and have stayed with me all of my life. And that is the very thing I wanted (and still want) my kids to experience.

Recreation Fall/Winter Program Guide

October 2022: Family Adventures/ halloween

March 2022: Summer Camp & Activities Ads due 2/20-Prints 2/24 Everything you need to know about camp and more ~ featuring our Summer Camp and Activity Guide

Ads due 9/18-Prints 9/23 A look forward to holiday trips, Spring Break, stay-cations and more

» SUMMER CAMP AND ACTIVITY ROUNDUP,

» 2022 Halloween Costume Swap » TBA

Virtual on MTP social media

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November 2022: Holidays

Spring/Summer Activity Guide insert

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April 2022: TBA

» 2022 Holiday Bazaar » TBA

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December 2022: Winter Fun in Southwest Montana

May 2022: TBA Ads due 4/19-Prints 4/23

Ads due 11/16-Prints 11/20 Ideas, events and activities to get your family enjoying winter fun both indoors and out

Southwest Montana Family Travel Guide

One of my favorite traditions is making cookies and delivering them to neighbors and friends, just to show how fun it can be to make someone else’s day.

Lori Jo is a Montana Native, mother of three, and freelance writer who enjoys writing about the tougher side of life and connecting with her audience on a deeper level.

» Also printing the Bozeman Parks and

Ads due 1/20-ONLINE 2/1 Preview summer camp options in SW MT and read a few of our favorite columns!

Each year, we pick something we want to do as a family to help out. One year, it was helping decorate the cancer center for their kids’ Christmas party. Another year, it was being a host family at a local church for the homeless.

For a few years now, we’ve picked names from a giving tree in hopes of giving a little boy or girl the best gift we could.

This is my way of balancing the holidays. Then, when my kids have way too many gifts (for my liking), I don’t feel that tinge of guilt because I know we’ve truly done our best to show them the true holiday spirit.

Ads due 8/20-online 10/1 All about children under 5: childcare, health, development, activities and more

February 2022: summer camp preview online only

Although things aren’t as simple as they were back then and there are barriers to giving back the way we did, I still try to replicate the experience.

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January 2021 | mtparent.com

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Something we have thought about, but not yet done, is to cut down or purchase two Christmas trees and give one away to someone in need.

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NOVEMber 2021

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Seven Reasons to be Thankful for

Teenagers This Thanksgiving WRITTEN BY KATY M. CLARK

Thanksgiving is a holiday that gets better as the kids get older. Sure, those turkey drawings traced around pudgy preschoolers’ hands were sweet. So was hearing my elementary schooler talk about the first Thanksgiving at Plymouth Rock. And watching the little ones dine at the kids’ table at Grandma’s house was adorable, too.

But Thanksgiving with my kids now that they are teenagers? It rocks.

Here are seven reasons why.

1) Teens sleep in

Gone are the days of 5:30 a.m. wakeups to watch Paw Patrol or play Candyland. I can sleep in on Thanksgiving or, if I want to get up early to start cooking, I can get up when I’m ready—and not because someone is poking me in the eyeball.

2) They care about the menu and like the food

My kids want to know if the stuffing is sweet or savory and whether I’m serving that green bean casserole they liked so much last year.

Not only are they interested in the Thanksgiving menu, but they’re interested in eating everything we’re having. This is in stark contrast to the Thanksgiving when my son was four and ate nothing but brown sugar. Now he eats everything on his plate, even items that touch each other.

3) Teens can help out and clean up

Yup, the big kids can be trusted to put Grandma’s lace tablecloth on straight. They can handle the crystal and china with care, light the candles without setting the house on fire and fold the napkins with sophistication. My teens can also clear the table and do the dishes now. Sure, my kids were able to wash the dishes when they were younger, but they also fumbled my wedding china and dinged the gravy boat unless I supervised.

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November 2021

4) The conversation is more meaningful

Celebrating Thanksgiving with teens means I can have meaningful conversations about gratitude. It was cute when they were little and gave thanks for cartoons and their goldfish, but now it’s amazing to hear them voice appreciation for relationships, health, faith and the freedom of our country.

5) I can nap again!

The only nap I have to worry about this year is my own. While I indulge in some post-turkey shut-eye, I don’t have to worry that my kids are running into the street or licking the electrical outlets. Heck, they might even join me in a snooze on the other end of the couch.

6) Teens can stay up late and put themselves to bed

Now that my kids are older, we can watch a movie after dinner and stay up as late as we want. It’s 10 p.m.? Bring it, Home Alone! I don’t have to worry about running a bath, washing hair, reading stories or doing any of the other steps that made up their bedtime routines when they were little. Going to bed on Thanksgiving means saying, “Goodnight, I love you!” no matter who falls asleep first. (OK, it’s me.)

7) It’s a low-key, stress-free holiday

Thanksgiving with teens is relaxed. It’s not Christmas, with its intense build-up and piles of gifts. And it’s not Halloween, with drama over who is too old, or too cool, to go trick-or-treating. It’s Thanksgiving, which means I get to spend the day with the family I love, eating good food and being grateful for it all.

This year as we gather to give thanks, I’m grateful to be celebrating Thanksgiving with teenagers. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Katy M. Clark is a writer who embraces her imperfections as a mom on her blog, Experienced Bad Mom.

We specialize in creating memorable events for the Gallatin Valley!

Unique Sleepovers Picnic Events Big Screen Movies Karaoke and more!

We bring the party to you… and handle all the details!

406-600-4384 www.mountainsleepovers.com

YOU A RE NOT A LONE The Gallatin Valley has many professional resources to help local families on their journey to parenthood. With this guide, new parents and providers will be able to connect the dots of support in our community.

The 2021 Roots Family Collaborative Perinatal Guide is always available online at mtparent.com Want to be featured in the 2022 Roots Family Collaborati ve Perinatal Guide?

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

If you are interested in purchasing an ad in the Roots Wellness Guide, please contact your account representative at Montana Parent or info@mtparent.com Ads due December 5, 2021.

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

NOVEMber 2021

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FALL/Winter 2021

After-school & PIR Day Activities

submit fall/winter listings now @ www.mtparent.com/submit-your-afterschool-activity-listing $50 per listing featured in print montly and in the online activity finder through January 2022 spring listings start Jan 1, 2022

Bozeman Barracuda Swim Club

Kids Yoga (Ages 5-11) » 407 W. Main St.

» 1121 W. Main St. » coachhans@ bozemanbarracudas.org » 830-308-8593 » www.bozemanbarracudas. org » www.facebook.com/ cudaspublic » www.instagram.com/ bozemanbarracudas Founded in the late 1960’s, the Bozeman Barracuda Swim Team has provided children of the Gallatin Valley the opportunity to learn, engage and compete in swimming for more than 50 years. Whether your child has just figured out how to kick and float, wants to be more competitive in high school or is pursuing Olympic dreams, the Barracudas have a place for them. An emphasis on technique, graduated levels of instruction and training gives kids a chance to progress at their own pace. The Barracudas maintain a team of 80-160 swimmers, ages 5-22.

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Gallatin Valley YMCA PIR Day Programs » 3673 Love Ln., Bozeman » yprograms@ gallatinvalleyymca.org » 406-994-9622 » www.gallatinvalleyymca. org/ » www.facebook.com/ Gallatin.Valley.YMCA » www.instagram.com/ gv_ymca/ YMCA PIR-day programs provide students with a safe and nurturing environment where they can develop healthy relationships and learn foundational skills through leadership, teamwork, individual growth and healthy lifestyles.

Each day includes activities supporting the theme of the day with an abundance of fun added in. Similar to their Summer Day Camps, they provide quality programming with trained, caring and fun staff. Campers should bring a sack lunch, swimsuit, water bottle and appropriate clothing for activity and/or weather. An afternoon snack is provided.

» ouryogafamily@ gmail.com » 406-209-9954 » www.ouryogafamily. com » www.instagram.com/ ouryogafamily/ This energetic, yet relaxing yoga class is designed especially for elementary aged-children. During class children will learn yoga poses, breathing and relaxation exercises to help them maintain a sense of calm, increase strength, improve flexibility, enhance gross and fine motor skills, and learn to focus. Kids also learn the power of affirmation and positive thinking—who doesn’t need that skill? Each class ends with a period of relaxation.

Montana Ballet Company » 2304 N. 7th Ave., Suite C-3 » info@montanaballet.org » 406-582-8702 » www.montanaballet.org/ » www.facebook.com/ montanaballetco/ » www.instagram.com/ montanaballet/ Montana Ballet Company offers fine classical ballet instruction for all ages and abilities in a fun, educational and nurturing environment.

Classes are held Monday through Friday, with performing opportunities available. MBC is a nonprofit arts and education organization in its 38th annual season. Classes are taught by a professional faculty with a focus on health and wellness and the whole dancer.

FALL/Winter 2021

Science Day Camps & After-school Programs

SEASONS AN AFTER SCHOOL GATHERING FOR GIRLS IN 6TH-8TH GRADE

to find freedom from stress by connecting with community, self, mindfulness, nature + creativity

» 2744 W. Main St. » info@ montanasciencecenter. org

Mountain Air Dance Aerial Arts School » The Emerson Center for the Arts » 111 S. Grand Ave. » cathy@ mountainairdance. org » 406-595-0909

Montana Outdoor Science School Tuesday Science and PIR Days » bgitch@ outdoorscience.org

» www. mountainairdance. org

» 406-582-0526

» www.facebook.com/ mountainairdance

» www.facebook.com/ MontanaOutdoor ScienceSchool

» www.instagram.com/ mtnairdance/ Mountain Air Dance is a nonprofit dance company founded in 2009 by Cathy Stone Werner, MFA. Their mission is to bring quality aerial arts to the Gallatin Valley and beyond through classes, workshops and performances. They strive to inspire and motivate people, help people find their inner strength and to create more joy in life through aerial arts.

» www.outdoorscience. org

» www.instagram.com/ mt_moss/ Tuesday Science - Join MOSS for two hours on Tuesday afternoons to participate in place-based lessons, hands-on activities about natural science, and instructor-led nature hikes.

Each month-long session revolves around an exciting science topic, the perfect variety to keep kids engaged.

Great for homeschool students or families looking for an after-school program.

» 406-522-9087 » www.MontanaScience Center.org » www.facebook.com/ montanasciencecenter » www.instagram.com/ montanasciencecenter Montana Science Center hosts a variety of afterschool and PIR-day camps throughout the year to add hands-on exploration in science and high-tech to the school year. Day camps take place in the classroom, outside and in the high-tech makerspace, STEAMlab.

After-school programs include Ultimate Science in the classroom and Open Lab + Teen Tech Squad in the STEAMlab. Let’s connect science and play after school at the Montana Science Center!

8 weeks to gather 8 sessions in studio 2 bonus hikes $360/person ~ snacks provided ~

September-November Led by Emma Capulong of Outside Wellness

sign up today + tell a friend! www.OURYOGAFAMILY.com

Seasons Outside Wellness » 407 W. Main St. » outsidewellness@ gmail.com » 208-921-3496 » www.wellnessliving.com » www.instagram.com/ outsidewellness Seasons is an eight-session after-school opportunity for safe, supportive and super fun intentional connections for female-identifying girls in sixth through eighth grade. In addition to two bonus hikes, they will go through each season of the year with participants: Spring/Intentions, Summer/ Adventure, Autumn/ Creativity and Winter/Rest.

Each session will offer new skills and strategies for stress management and self-care.

STEAM education using LEGO® bricks, K’nex, and other technologies » Snapology is held at Pilgrim Church in Bozeman and various Helena locations » steph.scott@ snapology.com » 406-438-7241 » www.helena@ snapology.com » www.facebook.com/ snapologyhelena » www.instagram.com/ snapology_of_helena/ Snapology uses LEGO bricks, K’nex and other technologies to teach more than 1,100 hours of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) education. Their lessons are very engaging and the kids are learning valuable STEAM concepts.

Snapology is passionate about sparking early interest in STEAM fields.

Every child who has taken a Snapology class has had a blast!

PIR Days - Keep the learning up, even when school’s out! MOSS PIR Camps expose kids to a variety of science careers and engaging lessons to pique their interests!

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

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A WHAT'S UP?

Montana FALL FAMILY EVENTS

Please visit mtparent.com/calendars for the latest family events happening in Southwest montana!

EVENT INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO POSSIBLE COVID RESTRICTIONS. PLEASE VISIT EVENT WEBSITES BEFORE ATTENDING.

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November 2021

Local Dancer to Perform as Clara In Bozeman’s Original Nutcracker CHRISTMAS STROLL WEEKEND, December 4 & 5, 2021 Montana Ballet Company has a rich history in Bozeman, having first performed The Nutcracker in the lobby of First Security Bank in 1983. Year after year, MBC has welcomed exceptional professional guest artists to join local dancers and community members on stage and this year is no exception.

Maya Merante will perform the leading role of Clara alongside guest artists from New York City Ballet and the Seattle Symphony.

PHOTO: ERIN BAIANO

Indiana Woodward was recently promoted to the rank of Principal Dancer with the renowned New York City Ballet.

PHOTO: NYC DANCE PROJECT

Being cast as Clara has Maya overjoyed.

Sebastian Villarini-Velez in The Four Temperaments. Choreography by George Balanchine© The George Balanchine Trust.

Belgrade native, Lee Mills, is currently the Associate Conductor of the Seattle Symphony.

Bozeman fan favorite, Soren Kisiel, is the co-author and co-director of Broad Comedy and co-director of Camp Equinox.

PHOTO: CICERO RODRIGUES

PHOTO: LAUREN BROWN

Maya is a Junior at Bozeman High School. She has been dancing with MBC since the fifth grade, when she made her Nutcracker debut as a mouse.

For Nutcracker tickets contact the Montana Ballet Company at 406.582.8702 or online at www.montanaballet.org. All seating is reserved. Ticket prices range from $20 to $65. :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

NOVEMber 2021

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Mountain Sleepovers & Events There’s a new and unique party planning and event rental business in town.

Mountain Sleepovers & Events, LLC specializes in creating memorable events hosted in your own space by providing the themed items, setup, styling and takedown.

Turn your living room into the ultimate campout sleepover, your backyard into an outdoor movie night or your patio into a boho picnic gathering or tea party.

Mountain Sleepovers & Events also rents add-ons, such as karaoke machines or prepped craft activities to add to the convenience and fun. There are so many possibilities that cater to all ages for a memorable experience and all-inclusive service.

The business is run by a local mother/daughter duo who saw a need for more celebration opportunities, especially for older kids, teens, families and young adults.

Mountain Sleepovers & Events is based in Bozeman but is available to surrounding areas in southwest Montana.

Follow @MountainSleepovers on Facebook or Instagram, visit their website: www.mountainsleepovers.com, or call 406-600-4384 to plan your next event.

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Tips Up to 50 Years of Skiing

festival of the book The 13th Annual Children’s Festival of the Book at the Bozeman Public Library will feature children’s author Chris Barton and author/ illustrator Don Tate, as well as local author Janet Fox. Due to indoor restrictions at the library, the festival will look a little different this year, but you can still expect the same interesting, entertaining and exciting program from years past. Welcome our featured authors and illustrators: CHRIS BARTON Chris Barton is the author of picture books including bestseller Shark vs. Train, Sibert Honorwinning The Day-Glo Brothers, Orbis Pictushonoree Dazzle Ships, and Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions. His newest books include Fire Truck vs. Dragon, What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?, All of a Sudden and Forever: Help and Healing After the Oklahoma City Bombing and the upcoming How to Make a Book (About My Dog). Chris and his wife, YA/ middle-grade novelist Jennifer Ziegler, live in Austin, Texas, where Chris has advocated for greater diversity in children’s literature by cofounding the Modern First Library program with BookPeople. Visit Chris online at www. chrisbarton.info.

DON TATE Don Tate is an award-winning illustrator of numerous critically acclaimed books for children, including Carter Reads the Newspaper, Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions, The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch and many others. New titles include William Still and his Freedom Stories: Father of the Underground Railroad and Swish!: The Slam-Dunking, AlleyOoping, High-Flying Harlem Globetrotters. Don is a founding host of the The Brown Bookshelf – a blog dedicated to books for African American young readers. Don lives with his family in Austin, Texas. Visit Don online at www.dontate.com.

JANET FOX Janet Fox writes award-winning fiction and nonfiction for children of all ages. Her debut middle grade novel, The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle, received starred reviews and the sequel, The Artifact Hunters, was published

in 2020. Her debut picture book Volcano Dreams is nonfiction set in Yellowstone National Park. Janet’s newest book, Carry Me Home, is a middle grade contemporary novel published in 2021. Janet lives in Bozeman, Montana. Visit Janet online at www.janetsfox.com.

New this year, the visiting authors will film “Live from the Library” presentations at the Bozeman Public Library to be shown to all elementary classrooms on Friday, November 12. The general public will also have access to those presentations on the library website until Friday, November 19. Chris, Don and Janet will also present at scheduled in-school visits to selected schools on Friday, November 12.

Junior Ski Lease starts October 1, 2021!

Get your family out skiing this season!

1422 West Main Street

www.roundhouse-sports.com 406-587-1258

Due to indoor programming restrictions at the Bozeman Public Library, author book signings will take place in the large Library Community Room on Saturday, November 13. Registration for time slots to purchase books and have those books signed by featured authors will be offered, so keep an eye on the Bozeman Public Library’s CFOB website and social media for updates on when registration will take place.

Books will be sold on-site by the Country Bookshelf on the day of the book signing and at any time prior to the event online at countrybookshelf.com or at the store on Main Street. A portion of book sales supports the Children’s Festival of the Book.

In keeping with the Bozeman Public Library policy, masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged while visiting the library.

The festival is made possible by the Bozeman Public Library Foundation, Humanities Montana, Country Bookshelf, MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development, Magpie Guesthouse, Audrey Haight, Jane and Bill Quinn and others who value the importance of children’s writers and illustrators.

For more information, please call the Children’s Desk at 406-582-2404.

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

NOVEMber 2021

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preschool events & Activities BOZEMAN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Session 3: Tuesdays, November 2-December 7 10-10:30 a.m.

www.bozemanrecreation.activityreg.com

Session 4: Thursdays, November 4-December 16 (no class November 25) 11-11:30 a.m.

Letters from Santa (all ages) November 12 through December 14 The Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department will be helping Santa send his letters. Call 406-582-2290 to request yours, and be prepared to share information about your child to help with the letter.

*3-5-year-olds Session 3: Tuesdays, November 2-December 7 10:45-11:30 a.m.

Session 4: Thursdays, November 4-December 16 (no class November 25) 10-10:45 a.m.

BOZEMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY Children’s Festival of the Book November 13, 2021 www.bozemanlibrary.org

EARTH’S TREASURES www.earthstreasuresmt.com Where else can you see an authentic Triceratops brow horn, meteorite, Dinosaur poop AND bugs? For no admission fee! With staff supervision, kids can hold or feel the seldom seen. Staff is eager to share how the study of certain fossils sparked the invention of the submarine; or why the Morpho butterfly tends to be an introvert. Two quarters can buy a piece of history that lasts...forever. This shop is proud to be a resource of “Where can we go find...?”

They also stock picks, mini-shovels and gold pans needed to find “treasure.”

The 13th annual Children’s Festival of the Book at the Bozeman Public Library will feature children’s author Chris Barton and author/ illustrator Don Tate, as well as local author Janet Fox.

Story Mill Sprouts - Preschool Program Mondays and Wednesdays, 9-11 a.m.

November 1-17: Little Einsteins November 29-December 15: Yuletide The popular Story Mill Sprouts Preschool program is back. “Sprouts” (ages 3-5 years) will have an opportunity to discover, learn and grow in a fun environment that encourages them to be their own unique selves. Sessions are offered monthly from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Story Mill Community Center. Sprouts must be toilet trained to attend without a guardian.

The Children’s Festival of the Book is a free event devoted to children’s books that allows kids and families to meet and hear awardwinning, popular children’s authors and illustrators right here in Bozeman. For more information, call the Children’s Desk at 5822404.

CHILD CARE CONNECTIONS ANNUAL COLORING CONTEST Late March, early April, 2022 If your child LOVES to draw and color, enter them in this annual contest so we can share their artwork with the community!

GALLATIN VALLEY YMCA www.gallatinvalleyymca.org Hawk’s Nest Early Learning: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ages 0-5 Email Elcenter@gallatinvalleyymca.org for more information

Happy Feet Soccer Preschool Program Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with Happy Feet Soccer to bring more opportunities for your preschooler to play soccer this fall. The goal of these soccer programs is for children to learn the game of soccer, have FUN, build social skills and improve self-confidence in a positive and safe environment. For more information about Happy Feet, visit www.happyfeetbozeman.com.

The Gallatin Valley YMCA has operated Hawk’s Nest since 2012, serving teen parents, the Bozeman School District and YMCA employees. After recognizing the need for child care in the valley, the YMCA (with support from BSD) has decided to open enrollment at Hawk’s Nest to provide more families in our community with licensed and safe child care.

*2-year-olds EVENT INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO POSSIBLE COVID RESTRICTIONS. PLEASE VISIT EVENT WEBSITES BEFORE ATTENDING. 38

November 2021

preschool events & Activities Open Air STEAM MONTANA BALLET COMPANY www.montanaballet.org/academy/register MBC offers a beginning ballet/creative movement class for children ages 3 to 4. No previous experience is necessary. If your child is 2½, potty-trained and able to participate independently, she/he is welcome to enroll.

Child Watch:

Mondays, 10 a.m.

Fee: Included with admission/membership Join MSC weekly outdoors (on the outdoor patio space with picnic tables) for a book reading, a hands-on STEM experiment and exploration in art — all based on a weekly theme. When the program has concluded, explore the exhibits in the Science Center. If the weather is inclement, participants will meet indoors at the Science Center. Recommended for ages 3-5.

Mondays-Thursdays, 8 a.m.-11 a.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Fridays, 8-11 a.m.

Saturdays, 7:30-10:45 a.m.

Ages: 8 weeks-9 years YMCA member cost: $5/hr. or 10-hour punch card for $30 Nonmember cost: $7/hr.

As a benefit to valued members, the Gallatin Valley YMCA Child Watch program provides on-site child care during your visit to the facility. Staff is CPR/first-aid certified, and undergoes a background check and regular training to ensure the safety of children.

MONTANA SCIENCE CENTER www.montanasciencecenter.org Preschool Science Series

JUMPTIME

Monday and Fridays, 10 and 11 a.m.

Fee: Included with admission/membership

Toddler Zone www.jumptimebozeman.com Jumptime’s soft, padded obstacle course gives those 5 and under their own space to test out their ninja skills. Many interactive games are offered as well.

Join MSC each week for shared story time, a hands-on experiment in a related STEM topic and take-home craft. Recommended for ages 2-5.

MSC Parent Meet-Up Second Saturday of the month, 9:30 a.m.-noon Fee: Included with admission/membership New to parenting? New to the Gallatin Valley?

Just want to meet some other parents? MSC’s Parent Meet-Up is for any and all parents who are looking for a weekend parent-and-me activity that encourages interaction and making new friends. This program will include nametags and activities so parents can get to know each other while kids play in interactive, STEMbased exhibits. Most Saturdays will also feature our STEAM Saturdays with guest presenters.

Sponsored by Dino Drop-In.

MOTION ATHLETICS www.motionathleticscheer.com Tot Movement Get your toddler moving with this fun movement class. Basic tumbling movement, trampoline jumping, climbing through obstacle courses and much more. Each child athlete needs to be accompanied by an encouraging adult who can maneuver over bouncy, soft and uneven surfaces.

Kinder Tumbling Introduction to tumbling. Basic skills including forward and backward rolls, cartwheels and handstands, along with strength and flexibility for kids ages 4-6.

EVENT INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO POSSIBLE COVID RESTRICTIONS. PLEASE VISIT EVENT WEBSITES BEFORE ATTENDING. :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

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preschool events & Activities MUSIC TOGETHER www.musictogetherbozeman.yourvirtuoso.com Kids Music (infants to age 5) In-person indoor and outdoor classes Try a class for free (ask Music Kate), take advantage of sibling discounts and make-up class options. Please visit www. musictogetherbozeman.yourvirtuoso.com for schedules, classes, registration and much more information.

SPIRE YOUTH ACTIVITIES www.spireclimbingcenter.com/youth-programs Saturday Morning Youth Program is for ages 3 to 5. Class includes lots of rope climbing, as well as climbing-based games and exercises.

The program is progressive, and each session builds upon skills taught in previous classes. This program runs during the public school year and is offered in six-week sessions.

Preschool Youth Program exposes kids ages 3 to 5 to rock climbing in a safe and fun fashion. The program uses tons of climbing-related fun and games to keep the kids engaged, excited and will get your preschooler off the ground and scaling the walls! All gear is included. Instructor ratio 1:3.

MUSEUM OF THE ROCKIES www.museumoftherockies.org/education Sensational Babies This programming is temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 programming constraints.

Please visit www.museumoftherockies.org/ youth-families/early-learning to keep up to date on the program.

Read, talk, sing and play with your baby through sensory awareness activities and explorations designed specifically for newborns to age 3½.

On the first Wednesday of every month, learn a new set of signs to enhance your baby’s cognitive, social and emotional development.

This popular museum program promotes learning language skills with physical and social development.

Tours for Tots Families with preschoolers (ages 3–5) are welcome in a limited capacity for in-person preschool programming. This series of tours examines different areas of the museum with an early education focus. Each program offers a chance to ask questions as every subject is explored with a hands-on activity, art project and related story.

The same program is offered twice in one week to accommodate more families. Face coverings are required for everyone 5 years of age and older and strongly encouraged for children between the ages of 2 and 4.

Programs are free and for Museum of the Rockies members only. There is limited capacity for each program, and preregistration is required.

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November 2021

ROCKY CREEK FARM www.gallatinvalleybotanical.com/education

THRIVE GYM DAYS

Tours, field trips and farm visits, sleigh rides and more. Visit website for more information on upcoming events.

Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.

SENTINEL RANCH ALPACAS – ALPACALAND

www.allthrive.org Thrive offers Gym Days on Thursdays at the Willson Gym. Toddlers will have plenty of space to run and play on tricycles and bouncy balls while parents can socialize.

www.sentinelranchalpacas.com Take a free ranch tour, pet the alpacas and learn more about them. You can take pictures with the alpacas and you can even feed them right out of your hand with their special grain blend.

Special events are offered throughout the year including cria (babies) born from April-October, shearing from May-June, fiber sorting AugustOctober, alpaca herd health and alpaca “runs” all year long. Visit www.sentinelranchalpacas. com to learn more and schedule a visit.

WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD One week in April, 2022 www.naeyc.org/events/woyc or www.mtaeyc.org This week includes multiple activities for families with young kids. The 2022 schedule of events will be released in February or March of 2022 and includes discounts at local restaurants, a carnival, free activities and discounts in the community for music classes, art classes and more.

Nicole Assaad Stars in Yellowstone Ballet Company 30th Annual

the Nutcracker

The Yellowstone Ballet Company (YBC) presents its 30th annual production of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic The Nutcracker at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 28 at the Willson Auditorium.

Nicole Assaad, formerly of Hong Kong Ballet (HKB), dances the role of Clara, the girl who breaks the Rat Queen’s evil spell that encased Count Drosselmeyer’s nephew, the Prince, in the form of a wooden nutcracker.

At age 15, Assaad won gold and silver medals from the American Dance Competition and a bronze medal from the World Ballet Competition. She then moved to New York City to study at the Gelsey Kirkland Academy under a full scholarship. At age 16, she joined the Gelsey Kirkland Ballet Company, performing various roles, such as Sugarplum in The Nutcracker, Kitri in Don Quixote, Diamond and Charity fairies in the Sleeping Beauty, and the classic pas de deuxs, The Flames of Paris and Harlequinade.

Assaad’s performance in Flames of Paris was described in Hayglund’s Heel Blog as “Big energy, big jumps, big turns, charming stage presence…an explosive performance.” The Huffington Post commented, “If there were a prize for adorableness, Nicole Assaad would have run off with it for her performance of Columbine in the closing Commedia dell’arte classic, Harlequinade. Beyond being pretty to look at and a strong technician, Assaad packs her dancing with little moments that show how well she has studied the part.”

While dancing at the Gelsey Kirkland Ballet Company, Assaad submitted an audition video to HKB and received a contract. She’d never been out of the U.S. before, but after thoroughly researching Hong Kong and the company, she felt safe starting her career abroad. “l thought, Why not?” she says, noting that the company’s expansive repertoire was

a big draw. “I gave my parents a huge speech about what a great opportunity it is—I had to warm them up to the idea.”

Besides being showcased in Dance Magazine and Pointe Magazine, Assaad was featured in Hong Kong Living Magazine. She explains, “I used to get very nervous on stage when I was younger until my mum taught me to meditate before going on stage. Meditation and focus has been my key to reach complete Zen on stage. Once I achieve that level of relaxation, I feel nothing but joy.”

Joining Assaad in YBC’s 30th annual The Nutcracker are Molly Huemphner- Groeschl as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Damien Johnson as the Nutcracker Prince/Cavalier. Mrs. Groeschl began her trained at Main Street Dance Theatre in Bozeman under Dana Sorg. She went on to dance with the Milwaukee Ballet II, Colorado Ballet Studio Company and the Tuscon Ballet before joining Madison Ballet as a principal dancer.

Mr. Johnson received his early dance training at the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He then studied at The Rock School and The School of American Ballet, the official school of The New York City Ballet. As a professional dancer, Johnson has been a member of American Repertory Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, New Chamber

Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet, and London based Ballet Black where he was a principal dancer for 10 years. He returned to the states in 2017 to work with one of the most celebrated Ballerinas, Suzanne Farrell and is now a principal dancer with Madison Ballet.

Last but not least, Bozeman’s artistically passionate and delightful Raison D’être Dance Project under the direction of Erin Levi and Genevieve Trygstad-Burke join the production with their spectacular choreography and performance in the Snow Scene and Waltz of the Flowers.

To encourage families to attend YBC’s The Nutcracker, every adult ticket purchase qualifies for a FREE child ticket. Children can also come dressed as the Snow Queen, the Nutcracker Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Count Drosselmeyer or any other Nutcracker character. During intermission there will be a Nutcracker costume contest. Prizes for best costume will be presented along with a free gift for every child in attendance.

Reserved tickets for YBC’s The Nutcracker are available at www.yellowstoneballet.info.

For more information email yellowstoneballet@gmail.com or call 406222-0430.

EVENT INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO POSSIBLE COVID RESTRICTIONS. PLEASE VISIT EVENT WEBSITES BEFORE ATTENDING. :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

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helena

H Yellowstone

NOW ON EXHIBIT AT

Yellowstone National Park Closes for

Wheeled Vehicle Travel November 8, 2021 995 Carousel Way Helena, MT 406.457.1800 explorationworks.org

The West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park is scheduled to close for wheeled vehicle travel at 8 a.m. on November 8, 2021 in preparation for the winter season. Seasonal closures are planned for all roads except for the road between the North Entrance and the Northeast Entrance.

Conditions permitting, roads are projected to open to oversnow travel by snowmobile and snowcoach at 8 a.m. on December 15, 2021.

Yellowstone Ski Festival

an

up g gro n i r t fe or e” ofsupp Caf w y no use Coz o e h h in- “T

Comprehensive Therapy Services for Independence and Growth ✦ Occupational and Physical Therapy ✦ Speech and Language Therapy ✦ Breastfeeding and Nutrition Services

November 23-27, 2021 Come to West Yellowstone for this year’s Yellowstone Ski Festival (a.k.a. Ski Week, as it’s known around these parts). West Yellowstone is THE place for Nordic skiing, whether you are a veteran racer or just beginning. This year’s Ski Week is scheduled for November 23-27, 2021.

Ski Week will kick off with a Biathlon “Try-It” Clinic on Tuesday, November 23, followed by the Biathlon Race on Wednesday. A series of clinics will be held on Thursday and Friday, and the week will culminate in a number of 5k and 10k races on Saturday.

This event annually attracts more than 3,500 skiers from across the United States and Canada, so don’t miss your chance to join in the fun.

A warm and comfortable environment serving: Infants, Children and Women 300 N Willson Ave Suite #2005, Bozeman

www.thecozynestmt.net

406-587-2755

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November 2021

EVENT INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO POSSIBLE COVID RESTRICTIONS. PLEASE VISIT EVENT WEBSITES BEFORE ATTENDING.

BOZEMAN ARTISTIC SWIMMING CLUB Welcoming NEW swimmers to check out what artistic swimming is all about!

— FREE TRYOUTS — (All ages welcome. Must be able to swim width of deep end)

TIMES Mon-Thurs from 3:50-5:30 p.m. at the Swim Center

Yellowstone National Park Opens for

Oversnow Travel December 15, 2021 - March 15, 2022 December 15, 2021 is the projected opening date for snowmobile and snowcoach travel for the winter season (weather permitting). The park will be open until approximately March 15, 2022 when the roads close in preparation for spring.

Conditions permitting, the following roads are scheduled to reopen to oversnow travel at 8 a.m. on December 1:

For more information, email bznstingrays@gmail.com or call/text us at 406-518-1209

THRIVING DADS Free monthly events for dads, uncles, grandfathers and the kids they love!

» West Entrance to Old Faithful » Mammoth to Old Faithful » Canyon to Norris, Canyon to Lake » Old Faithful to West Thumb » South Entrance to Lake » Lake to Lake Butte Overlook » East Entrance to Lake Butte Overlook (Sylvan Pass)

Guided Winter Tours and Snowmobile Rentals are available daily through Yellowstone Vacation Tours and Two Top Snowmobile in West Yellowstone, MT. Snowcoach Tours leaving from Gardiner, MT are available as well.

VISIT ALLTHRIVE.ORG TO LEARN MORE & REGISTER FOR THE NEXT EVENT

EVENT INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO POSSIBLE COVID RESTRICTIONS. PLEASE VISIT EVENT WEBSITES BEFORE ATTENDING. :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

NOVEMber 2021

43

Facing a Child Care Crisis with Tori Sproles, Child Care Connections WRITTEN BY LORI JO BERG

The sound of children laughing is music to Tori Sproles’s ears. So much so that she’s been helping take care of children since she was 12 years old, babysitting and nannying for families in need. Even as a young girl she knew she wanted to be in the child care business in one way or another. Over the years her passion has led to multiple positions throughout the valley, such as a lead teacher at a preschool as well as director and teacher at ASMSU right out of college.

January 2022 will mark Tori’s 10th anniversary with Child Care Connections, where she spent nine-and-a half years as Provider Services Coordinator. But after getting the muchdeserved promotion to Executive Director, Tori is ready to write the latest chapter of her story.

Whatever her position in the nonprofit may be, her passion remains the same. One of the things Tori is most proud of from her work over the years is helping Child Care Connections grow into the community staple it is now.

“At first, people didn’t really know who we were – they would call asking us for openings as if we were a child care center. But now, people are much more aware and know exactly how we fit into the community and the impact we have.”

Admittedly, it’s going to be hard for Tori to step away from her previous task of helping child care providers offer the best care for families.

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November 2021

Whether she was setting up a safety training or helping with licensing, Tori was there to support the process every step of the way. On a personal level, finding that work-life balance has proved to be challenging as well. Working a fulltime job and a mother to 5-year-old twins and a 2-year-old boy is no small feat.

As Executive Director she will be taking a step back from the everyday duties and helping with the overall bigger picture and vision for Child Care Connections. While the vision Tori has for the business is visible to her, so are the obstacles. Tori knows firsthand the challenges families all over the world face today, but it feels especially challenging right here in Bozeman.

Essentially, there is a shortage of child care providers in the valley. Most of that is due to the high cost of not only finding locations for businesses but being able to make the payment to keep the doors open. Many neighborhood HOA’s and communities in the valley are opposed to in-home child care, with traffic and noise being the two biggest reasons for the pushback.

And, of course, there is the cost of living, which pushes local workers to find the highest paying job they can. The average hourly wage of $11 per hour for child care employees isn’t only tough to live on, it pales in comparison to what can be made at Walmart or Taco Bell.

Tori’s vision is clear and one of her main goals is to bridge that gap between businesses and child care providers. Local business owners feel the strain too, especially as their employees struggle to find affordable child care so they can come to work. What would happen if eligible businesses provided on-site child care? Or what if more financial support was given to help employees pay for their kids’ care?

“As the pandemic goes on, child care has been brought to the forefront and opened a lot of eyes to the problems at hand,” said Sproles.

The timing may be right, as the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) just released $112 million dollars – half of which is set to support the innovative side of things, and the other half to support and sustain current child care providers. Child Care Connections is focusing on collaborating with businesses on how to work together as a community to provide quality care for kids.

As for Tori, she’ll continue to connect the dots between community and child care and fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle. Thank goodness for folks like Tori who work so hard to face this issue head-on, and with a smile.

Lori Jo Berg is a Montana native and mother of three. She likes to bring the stories of others to life with her writing and connect with her audience on a deeper level.

SUMMER LUNCH! Join us from 12 -1 PM Wednesday, June 23rd @ Story Mill Park Wednesday, July 14th @ Bozeman Public Library Pick up your free summer lunch and dance with us!

MONTHLY

win ENTER TO

∂

$260

Family Four-Pack of Premium tickets to MBC’s Nutcracker

GIVEAWAY NOV

2021

How to enter:

Look for this post on the Montana Parent Facebook page starting November 1.

1. Like the post and Tag one friend 2. Follow @MontanaParentMagazine on

Facebook (if you don't already!)

3. Follow @montanaballetco on Facebook too!

Family four-pack of premium tickets to MBC’s 38th Annual Nutcracker, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 4th at the Willson Auditorium.

MBC’s production of The Nutcracker is one of the largest artistic collaborations in the region featuring the talents of master choreographers, distinguished guest artists, accomplished dancers, live musicians, seasoned stage technicians, costume and lighting designers, and a host of dedicated volunteers.

MBC’s Nutcracker is a treat for the entire family.

Otber info:

PHOTO: LAUREN BROWN

PHOTO: LAUREN BROWN

Winner will be chosen at random and announced December 1.

Must be 18 years of age to enter.

:: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::

NOVEMber 2021

45

Plan Your Kids’

SUMMER 2022

Roundup

fun »

Camp + Activities

summer

Montana Parent’s Online Sneak Peek Summer Edition

goes live

February 1, 2022 CAMPS & VENDORS:

promote

your unique summer programs in print and on social media!

register

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November 2021

ASHLEY DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY

for the Virtual roundup and submit your camp listing now at mtparent.com

NON-GMO INGREDIENTS • 100% NATURAL NOTHING ARTIFICIAL • SMALL BATCH QUALITY

Since the early pioneers first made their way west, Montana has earned a reputation for producing first-quality wheat and grains packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. That’s why we established Wheat Montana here years ago, and we’re glad to share Montana’s natural goodness with friends and neighbors like you.

:: calendars, @ MTPARENT.COM WHEATMONTANA.COM • 800-535-2798 • blog &• more Montana Born::& Bread

NOVEMber 2021

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Here from the start.

I’m here to help your child thrive from birth to adolescence, fostering health and wellness through all of life’s adventures.

Dr. Michael J. Blake

Bozeman Health Pediatrics Call 414-4900 today to schedule a same-day appointment!

Belgrade 206 Alaska Frontage Rd 48

November 2021

BozemanHealth.org/kids

Bozeman 937 Highland Boulevard, Suite 5320