AUGUST 2019 THE
COMMUNITY CONSCIENCE
THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPOSING YOUR KIDS TO THE PERFORMING ARTS
Raising kids can be a challenging endeavor. When Heather and I married in 2013, she agreed to take on not only a husband but also two boys: Andrew, 12, and Chandler, 11. The boys are now 17 and 18 years old and face growing up in a world very different from the one Heather and I knew when we were teenagers. We are far from perfect parents, but we do our best. Our newsletter chronicles some of our successes and some of our less-than-stellar moments. We hope you can learn from some of our failures and find some entertainment in the moments we share.
Growing up, my mother made certain that we sat down for dinner every single evening. It did not matter whether we got home from the ball park at 10:30 p.m. or even later some evenings. We had a dinner as a family, no matter the circumstances. I have continued this tradition with my own children. However, our conversations are a little different. I would venture to guess that nearly half of all the talk at our dinner table focuses on the performing arts, namely the Bozeman High School Choir and Camp Equinox, a summer theater program. Over the past eight years, my boys, Andrew and Chandler,
have been in choir during the school year and involved in Camp Equinox during the summer. Through their involvement in the performing arts, I can say without hesitation that my boys have a much broader perspective of the world than I did as a teen. The performing arts have taken my boys across the country to a place I did not know existed when I was their age. This past spring, Andrew and Chandler were fortunate enough to perform in New York City’s Carnegie Hall. This trip was a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity made possible through the Bozeman High School Choir
program. However, going on a big trip to the Big Apple was not the only benefit of their involvement in the performing arts. With empathy, problem-solving skills, and increased confidence, my boys are better for their experience in the performing arts. If you have young children and are in the process of directing them into an activity to supplement school, I cannot overemphasize the importance of exposing them to the performing arts. You will see some pretty amazing results.
- Lucas Foust
406-587-3720 • 1
GONE CAMPING 4 Things to Keep in Mind on Your Next Family Camping Trip
While summer is winding down, families are looking to go on a few end- of-season adventures, camping trips included. Before you head out into the wilderness with your family, it’s important to be prepared. In fact, “be prepared” is the best piece of advice when it comes to braving the great outdoors. But what does being prepared entail? Here are four key tips. Have a first-aid kit nearby. A good rule of thumb is to keep one in your car at all times. You never know when you’ll need it. Kids may get a few bumps and scrapes while out hiking, or you might encounter poisonous plants, such as poison ivy or poison oak. Having quick access to cold water, soap, antiseptics (hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol), and calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can keep infections at bay. TEACH FIRE SAFETY. When you build a fire, especially with kids, teach them about fire safety. This includes building the fire itself. Pick a spot away from brush and overhanging branches and create a pit surrounded by rocks. Before lighting a fire, have a bucket of water and a shovel nearby so you can quickly extinguish it when ready. Finally, remember to only build a fire as big as you need. A larger fire can be difficult to manage and keep under control. KEEP AN EYE ON THE SKY. Weather can change at a moment’s notice, and sometimes, it doesn’t give notice at all. Keep a close eye on
the sky and monitor the weather on a radio. If a storm appears, seek shelter immediately and stay out of low-lying areas. When you’re in mountainous or hilly terrain, a little rain is all it takes for flash floods to occur. If you’re in a ravine when it starts raining, get out immediately. ALWAYS STICK TOGETHER. It’s a good idea to hike with a buddy and keep a whistle around your neck or in your pack. You never know what you might encounter or when you’ll need help. Hiking with kids is also a great time to teach them to recognize landmarks and be aware of their surroundings. If you have a digital camera or smartphone, show kids how to create a trail of digital breadcrumbs or pictures to help them find their way back to camp.
YOU’REGETTINGVERY SLEEPY ... Establishing a Bedtime Routine for the School Year
Between vacations, bonfires, and sporting tournaments, your children’s sleep schedule probablywent on breakwhen they did this summer. With school fast approaching, it’s vital to get your kids back on a proper sleep schedule. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, getting enough sleep can significantly improve a child’s growth and cognitive function.
cool, and quiet. This means sunlight shouldn’t sneak into the room, and the home should be a quiet zone after bedtime. No one wants to sleep while everyone else is having fun, so it’s important that everyone in the home is quiet at bedtime. JUST RELAX This is a rule your family should follow year- round, not just when you want to reestablish a routine. At a certain time each night, begin the nightly wind-down. For example, at 8 p.m. shut off your screens, put on pajamas, and engage in a relaxing activity, like reading a book or doing some yoga. Signaling to your body and your family that it’s time for bed will help your kiddos, and you, fall asleep at an appropriate time.
But getting a restful night’s sleep is easier said than donewhen kids have had almost complete freedom for threemonths. Try these tips to get your kids snoozing through August and prepared for school.
START EARLY AND GO SLOWLY When practicing this tip, think of the old adage: “It takes 21 days to break a habit.”If your kids have been going to bed late this summer, set a time when they must go to bed, but don’t make it too far off the time they have been regularly hitting the hay. If they shuffle off to bed around 10 p.m., push their bedtime to 9:45 p.m., and then push it back to 9:30 p.m. one week later. Slowly work
your way back to an appropriate time, and bedtime will be easier when school starts.
MAKE IT EASY Though the days may be getting shorter, it’s still relatively light out at night, making it nearly impossible for your kids to doze off when they should. Sleep experts recommend creating a sleeping space that mimics a cave: dark,
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What’s Next for Marvel Movies?
“Guardians”movie provided some clues about the plot and possible main villain. Though details are slim, “Vol. 3” is sure to be another rollicking ride through the cosmos. 3 MARVEL MOVIES TO WATCH OUT FOR
For the past 10 years, Marvel movies have delighted families and comic book nerds alike with their memorable characters, incredible action scenes, and sprawling, interconnected storylines. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is the story of the Avengers so far, told through 23 movies. Even though this year marked the end of a massive arc that Marvel Studios dubbed “The Infinity Saga,” there are still more movies coming out that will feature everyone’s favorite heroes. Here are a few films coming up next in the MCU. International assassin Black Widow, played by Scarlett Johansson, was the first female member of the Avengers and made her debut appearance in “Iron Man 2.” She never got her own movie, but Marvel announced recently that a Black Widow movie is officially in the works for the next phase of Marvel movies. Besides the fact that they’ve started filming, there’s not much information about it yet. But for many excited fans, this movie has been a long time coming. ‘GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 ’ Star-Lord, Rocket, Groot, and the gang are all back in the third installment of this smash-hit franchise. Without getting into too much detail, “Avengers: Endgame” and the post-credits scene of the second A BLACK WIDOW SOLO MOVIE
‘BLACK PANTHER 2’
“Black Panther”was immensely popular (it earned nearly $700 billion domestically), and its success removed all doubt that there would be a sequel. Audiences will journey back to
Wakanda and see the newest adventures of King T’Challa and crew, although not much is known about the plot or the release date as of now. But you can rest assured that the creative minds behind the sequel are taking their time to make it as good as the first. The future storyline of the MCU is up in the air, but, if the previous movies are any indicator, families, fans, and audiences everywhere have a lot to look forward to.
Take a Break!
ROASTED CORN SALSA
Inspired by Bon Appétit Magazine
Corn is plentiful during the summer months, and this easy-to-make salsa is sure to be a hit at your next get-together.
INGREDIENTS
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2 medium ears of corn, shucked 1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced
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1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped 1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced
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• • •
Juice of 1 lime
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1/2 red onion, diced
Kosher salt, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high. Char corn, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes until kernels begin to blacken in spots. 2. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cobs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. 3. With a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently crush corn to release starch and juices. 4. Add jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Mix to combine.
SOLUTION ON PAGE 4
5. Top with lime juice and season with salt. 6. Serve alongside your favorite tortilla chips.
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
With all this late-summer sunshine, it’s the perfect time to take your dog out for some fun. And while spending time basking in nature’s beauty can be a great source of fun and exercise for you and your pets, it’s important to keep a careful watch on your dog’s core temperature to prevent heat exhaustion. There are several detectable signs of heat exhaustion that you can watch for, including abnormal lethargy, vomiting, or a brightly colored blue or red tongue. Here are some tips to keep your canine cool this summer. WATER IN ALL ITS FORMS While certain dog breeds thrive in hotter climates, all pups need a little extra care when it comes to staying hydrated during the summer. For starters, always make sure they have ready access to drinkable water. If you are going on an adventure, consider bringing a collapsible water bowl. If you are doing some backyard chilling, consider filling up a small wading pool with water for your pooch to splash or lounge in. INSIDE THIS ISSUE The Importance of Exposing Your Kids to the Performing Arts PAGE 1 Stay Safe During Your Next Camping Trip PAGE2 Get Your Kids Back on a Sleep Schedule PAGE 2 What’s Next for Marvel Movies? PAGE 3 Take a Break PAGE 3 Roasted Corn Salsa PAGE 3 Staying ‘Cool’ With Your CanineThis Summer PAGE 4
SOLUTION
STAYING ‘COOL’ WITH YOUR CANINE Enjoy the Weather While Keeping Your Pup Comfortable
SOME INVALUABLE INVENTIONS There are many contraptions to help you keep your canine cool in the summer heat. Booties to insulate their toes and protect their paw pads from the hot asphalt, cooling vests that reflect sunlight off darker fur, and pressure-activated cooling pads are just a few of the gizmos you can purchase to stave off those scorching temps. The Dog People, a website powered by Rover.com, also recommends making frozen “pupsicles,”a yogurt-based frozen treat that can satisfy doggy cravings while keeping them cool. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE While fun water toys and helpful cooling inventions are great, the best thing you can do
to keep your dog cool is be careful about when you decide to go outside. Taking your pup out in the early morning or later in the evening, when the sun isn’t at its highest point in the sky, will help keep them cooler in the long run. Additionally, keep in mind that some breeds deal with the heat better than others. If you’re unsure, do a little research to determine your dog’s susceptibility to heat exhaustion. Just because the heat is sizzling doesn’t mean your dog should be! Keep these tips in mind before taking your canine out in the summer sun. They will thank you for it!
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