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MAY 2023 THE
COMMUNITY CONSCIENCE 12 YEARS OF KINDERGARTEN BLISS Let’s Get to Know Mrs. Forsberg
Forsberg jumped on the opportunity. For the last 10 years, she has taught the kindergarteners there and has loved every minute of it. “For me, my favorite aspect of teaching kindergarten is the growth they make,” she tells us. “Everyone enters kindergarten at different levels and experiences, and by the time they leave kindergarten, it’s amazing to see the growth each child makes. I love the hugs, too — they still love you at their age.” Mrs. Forsberg’s mom was also a teacher and was a big inspiration to her. However, she also had another teacher who greatly impacted her decision to enter education. Linda Perlinsky was Mrs. Forsberg’s sixth-grade teacher. “She knew I had a learning disability growing up,” Mrs. Forsberg says. “She helped me all the way through high school and became a close family friend. She even married me and my husband and is amazing.” At home, Mrs. Forsberg is married with two sons attending Saddle Peak Elementary. One is in kindergarten (Mrs. Forsberg is not his teacher), and the other is in third grade. She plays an active role in community outreach and, year after year, spearheads the Kindergarten Fall Festival Parade by organizing the list of sponsors and getting T-shirts made and distributed to all kindergarteners. Growing up, Mrs. Forsberg was very involved in dance — she started in fifth grade and continued through college and then went on to teach it for 10 years. “Dance is my heart,” she tells us.
Public schools are the backbone of our communities in Montana. Despite ranking 31st in per pupil funding, Montana public schools rank first in the graduation rate at 94%. I would not be able to serve the people of this community without having benefitted from the support my community placed in our public school in Columbia Falls, Montana. The people who make this significant difference in our public schools are the teachers — and are often taken for granted. At Foust Law Office, we want to recognize these hardworking professionals. Although our teachers rank 34th in average pay, Montana students regularly achieve well above the national average. We are excited to begin by acknowledging the hard work of educators in Belgrade’s elementary schools. Reflecting on your kindergarten years, you likely have warm memories of fun learning experiences, meeting new friends, and excitement to go to school. After all, kindergarten is full of magical moments!
Mrs. Forsberg has already dedicated 12 years to teaching kindergarten here in her home state of
Montana. Although she was born in San Diego, California, she moved to Montana when she was roughly 2 months old — she sounds like a Montana native to me! Mrs. Forsberg began her career at Ridge View Elementary School in
Mrs. Forsberg, I’m sure I can speak on behalf of everyone here in Montana — we honor and support you for your dedication to teaching and mentoring our youth! Thank you for all you do!
– Lucas Foust
Belgrade, Montana, in a combined classroom because the school had limited space back then. When Saddle Peak Elementary School in Belgrade opened up, they needed teachers, and Mrs.
406-587-3720 • 1
4 Steps to Happy, Healthy Aging It’s Never Too Late to Take Charge
Fuel your body. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in your health and quality of life. Center your diet around fruits, veggies, lean meats, whole grains, healthy fats, nuts, seeds, and low-fat dairy. Limit the frequency of eating processed foods, fatty meats, and sugar. Following these guidelines reduces your risk of many illnesses and sets you up for a more active lifestyle in your golden years. Stay social. Loneliness has been linked to declining physical health and concerns. Those who do not engage in social activities tend to battle dementia and Alzheimer’s more than those who interact with others and form relationships. To maintain your physical and mental health, get out and mingle! Take your vitamins and supplements. As a child, you likely remember your mother reminding you to take your
Aging can bring some of our most exciting and rewarding decades. After years of working and saving a nest egg, we can finally retire. Many of us welcome grandchildren into the world, and we have more time to travel to some of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. These are just a few reasons our health is our most prized possession as we age! Here are some tips to stay healthy and active as you grow older and wiser. Check in frequently. Keeping up with your health is much more than seeing your doctor whenever you feel under the weather and remembering to take prescribed medications. It’s essential to have regular checkups and screenings for health conditions and diseases. After all, it’s always better to catch something early than to find it too late.
vitamins. Now, it’s time to really listen. While it’s always better to get your essential vitamins and minerals from the foods you consume, sometimes, that can be tough. Be sure to talk to a trusted health professional about taking additional calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 to keep your body operating at its optimal potential. Your body has been along for the ride your entire life. With many more wonderful years ahead of you, take care of it so it can continue to care for you!
Can You Identify the Red Flags?
3 Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
necessary medical treatment, they are likely victims of neglect, intentional or unintentional. Financial Abuse The unauthorized and illegal use of an elderly individual’s funds, assets, or resources is financial abuse. Signs that an older person is being financially abused may include evidence of unpaid bills, eviction notices, patterns of missing items, canceled checks, or someone taking an increasingly intense interest in the spending habits of a person over the age of 65. Physical Abuse While physical elder abuse is more common in nursing homes, it can occur at home by family members or loved ones. If an aging adult is enduring physical abuse, there may be evidence of burns, bruises, broken bones, cuts, scrapes, sprains, or head injuries. They may experience hospitalization patterns for repeat injuries, delays in care and treatment, or multiple trips to the emergency room. Our advancing world brings education for elder abuse prevention, but unfortunately, it also provides avenues for others to exploit aging adults. To protect yourself and those you love, know the signs and be observant!
Everyone becomes increasingly vulnerable — both socially and financially — as they age. As technology evolves and new tools become available, more channels open for the elderly or those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia to be exploited by strangers, family, or friends.
Whether you are the caregiver for your parent, sibling, friend, or neighbor, or you want to ensure you are protected as you
age, consider these three most common forms of elder abuse. Neglect
Aging sometimes means that we cannot care for ourselves as well as we once did, and we must rely on others to step in and lend a hand. However, when a caregiver fails to provide essential care or protect an elderly individual from harm, they can be charged with neglect.
If an aging individual is malnourished, dehydrated, suffering from an infection, living in unsafe conditions, or not receiving
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TAKE A BREAK
PULLING BACK THE CURTAIN The First African American Supreme Court Justice
Blossom Derby
Emerald Fertilize Gemini Horse Lightsaber
Thurgood Marshall was the first African American justice to serve on the Supreme Court and was a powerful attorney, but did you know Thurgood wasn’t always his first name or that he held a second job while practicing law? Let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing facts about this amazing lawyer! The Reason Behind the Name Change On July 2, 1908, Thoroughgood Marshall was born in Baltimore, Maryland. As a young child, friends often teased him about his long name — not to mention it was difficult to write and spell out! When he was just 6 years old, he had his name changed to Thurgood. Thurgood, a Dentist? When Marshall was attending Lincoln University, he first aspired to be a dentist but went on to receive his degree in literature and philosophy. Then, he attended law school at Howard University. Law by Day, Health Care by Night Early in his legal career, times were tough. So, Marshall took a second job working at Baltimore Health Clinic at night to make ends meet. Even while working large cases, he continued to put in long hours at the clinic. Fighting for Equal Pay Thurgood Marshall’s mom was an African American teacher, and while he attended Lincoln University for undergrad, she struggled to pay the hefty tuition. It wasn’t uncommon for his family to be late on making payments to keep him enrolled. Once he graduated law school, Marshall began seeking equal pay for African American teachers, and six years later, he won a big case that got rid of unequal teacher pay. Not Only Civil Rights Cases While Marshall is commonly recognized for monumental civil rights cases such as Brown v. Board of Education , which went on to shape our society, he also took on many other police brutality, death penalty, and women’s rights cases.
Mother Nature Parade Seedling Veterans
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com GINGER PORK STIR-FRY
Looking for a healthy stir-fry that has all of the delicious flavors and none of the heavy ingredients? This one might be perfect for you!
Ingredients
• 1 small onion, sliced • 1/4 lb fresh snow peas • 1/2 sweet red pepper, julienned • Cooked rice • Green onion, chopped (optional) • Sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch • 1 cup orange juice • 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/4 tsp ground ginger • 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips • 2 tbsp canola oil
Directions
1. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until smooth; set aside. 2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, stir-fry pork in oil until lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove pork and add onion, peas, and red pepper. Cook until crisp-tender, about 3–5 minutes. 3. Stir in orange juice mixture and pork. Bring to a boil, and then cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve over rice. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds, if desired.
406-587-3720 • 3
Foust Law Office
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
www.lucasfoustlaw.com 406-587-3720 Fax: 406-879-4400
3390 South 30th Avenue Bozeman, MT 59718
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Let’s Feature Our Teacher of the Month
Safeguard Your Health Into Your Golden Years Know the Signs of Elder Abuse
2
Ginger Pork Stir-Fry Why Thurgood Marshall Rules
3
4-Legged Friends Who Benefit Our Health
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Companionship, Exercise, and Purpose! The Healing Power of Pets:
In fact, studies have shown that caring for a pet helps relieve anxiety, loneliness, stress, and depression. It even boosts your heart health! The best part is that it doesn’t matter what kind of pet you have — feathered friends, rabbits, and even snakes can be great companions! Here are some of the top benefits of bonding with your pet daily. They provide companionship. Let’s be honest: Nothing beats having a four-legged friend greet you at the front door every time you come home! That companionship bond can boost your immune system while reducing depression. Also, having a buddy can help you to feel needed, wanted, and valued. Many pet owners even talk to their animals! They encourage exercise. Especially if you have a dog, your pet is sure to keep you active. Canines crave exercise, so while you meet their movement requirements to stay happy and healthy, you also get in your daily steps! Likewise, keeping
a cat active requires your energy behind a laser pointer, feather wand, or other toys. They reduce anxiety. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, petting a dog helps lower cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress. Pets live without concern for yesterday or tomorrow. They only care about the here and now, which helps their owners feel calm and relaxed. Also, petting and holding an animal allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature, which can be soothing. They add structure and purpose. Pets are creatures of habit — they like to be fed around the same time each day, go on their morning or evening walks, and look forward to playtime. No matter how badly you’d like to stay on the couch, your pet will get you up and moving. A pet’s unconditional love certainly does more than just keep you company! Our pets can genuinely be little lifesavers!
Four-legged companions are cute, cuddly, and friendly and work wonders for our mental health and well-being! It makes sense, then, that the first week of May is National Pet Week, part of Mental Health Month. According to the Human and Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), pet ownership improves the mental health of 74% of pet owners.
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