BOZEMAN—The Bozeman Public Library Foundation announced today a $50,000 gift from First Security Bank toward renovations at the Bozeman Public Library.
The renovations began last month and will create new learning labs, quiet reading areas, a small recording studio, and a new central meeting place within the Library. As part of the BPL Forward Capital Campaign to improve Library service in Gallatin Valley, the renovations tie into the broader shift among libraries from being book repositories to serving as community centers with free classes on various subjects and access to a wide range of technology. The $5.6 million renovation is funded entirely by donations from corporations, foundations, and private individuals.
First Security Bank has been a generous supporter of the Bozeman Public Library over the years, including making a $25,000 donation toward the construction of the current library in 2006. "First Security Bank is proud to support the Bozeman Public Library in their renovation project," says Jim Ness, President and CEO of First Security Bank. "The Bozeman Public Library is a huge asset that benefits our entire community. With these renovations, our library continues to strive to meet the needs of our growing community. We are lucky to have such a wonderful and safe place for our community members to enjoy and expand their knowledge."
Bozeman has become home to more than 20,000 new residents since the Library opened in its current Main Street location sixteen years ago. "We'll always have books and quiet spaces for our patrons," explains Bozeman Public Library Director Susan Gregory. "Our growing community also needs more and better spaces for meetings, for classes such as healthy cooking demonstrations and computer software training, and for recording and sharing their ideas through podcasting and music. This renovation gives us extraordinary bang for the buck to modernize our Library, and we're grateful to First Security for their important role in making it possible."
For more information about the BPL Forward capital campaign, please call Jen Shoemaker, Bozeman Public Library Foundation Development and Communications Manager, at 406-582-2437.
About the Bozeman Public Library and the Bozeman Public Library Foundation:
The Bozeman Public Library has created opportunities that inspire curiosity, exploration, and connection since 1891. The 501(c)(3) Public Library Foundation raises funds for capital improvements and to increase and enhance the quality of programs, services, and events at the Library.
Florida is a state that draws in people for different reasons: the warm weather, the diverse community and unique culture, and beautiful beaches to name a few. Whether you're looking to buy a house or just relocate down south, there are a few things you should consider before making your decision. We explore five key relocation tips in this quick guide. Let’s dive in!
Weigh the pros and cons of moving to Florida
Many people move to Florida for the beautiful weather, but there are also many other reasons to want to live in the state.
Wine Country
With over 1,000 wineries, Florida has more than any other state. The climate is perfect for wine production and the state has a wide variety of grape types to choose from.
The diverse population
Over 20 million people call Florida home, which means there are always plenty of opportunities to meet new people. The population is also incredibly diverse, with people from all over the world living in the state.
Cost of living
Florida is one of the most affordable states in the country, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a place to start their own business or invest money.
On the downside, you might want to reconsider relocating here for the following reasons:
High temperatures and humidity
Both are very common in Florida, which can be tough on the body and mood.
Hurricanes
Florida is one of the states most vulnerable to hurricanes, so it's important to be prepared for the possibility of one hitting your area.
Crime levels
Florida ranks as one of the most dangerous states in the U.S., so if you're looking for a safe place to live, you may want to look elsewhere.
Research Florida cities to find the best one for you
From the bustling metropolises of Miami and Orlando to the charming small towns dotting the state's Gulf Coast, Florida has plenty of options to choose from. Here are the top 3 cities worth considering:
Miami
Miami is one of the most popular destinations in Florida due to its alluringly warm weather and numerous attractions, including world-famous beaches like Miami Beach. If you're looking for a bustling metropolitan area with all the amenities, Miami is definitely worth consideration.
Cape Coral
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Cape Coral offers year-round sunshine with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The city features many attractions such as Hyatt Regency Cape Coral Resort and Spa, Cross Creek Mall, and The Village at Gulfstream Park.TallahasseeWith access to world-class universities and plenty of job opportunities, Tallahassee is a great place to live and raise a family. The city is compact with manageable traffic and offers a variety of shopping options, including outlets like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Other cities to check out are Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville.
Decide whether to buy or rent
A big decision when relocating is deciding whether to buy or rent a home. Buying gives you the stability and tax perks of owning a home, but renting can be more flexible, particularly if you have school-aged children who attend different schools throughout the year.
When you buy a home in Florida, you will typically enjoy more tax breaks and deductions than if you rent. Even so, you need to factor in the cost of property taxes, which can be up to 8% of the price of the home.
If you decide to rent, be sure to explore all your leasing options. Also, remember to factor in the cost of utilities, parking, security deposits, and possible repairs or replacements that may be necessary over time. Rental properties in major cities in Florida like Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville can come in all shapes and sizes, from apartments to houses, condos, and land plots.
Educate yourself about Florida weather and hurricanes
Florida weather can be tricky to predict, especially during hurricane season. To help you deal with the unpredictable elements, follow these tips to stay safe:
Have a plan for dealing with Florida weather and hurricanes
Keep yourself informed about the weather conditions in your area and make sure your preparation includes enough supplies and shelter. Before you even leave your home state, be sure to consult with your insurance company about coverage in case of an event like a hurricane.
Learn about Florida's weather patterns
Familiarize yourself with your new location's typical temperatures, precipitation levels, and hurricane potential. This will give you an idea of what to expect while on the move, and help you make informed decisions about packing and planning.
Look for areas that are less susceptible to hurricanes
Jacksonville, Miami Beach, Tampa Bay, and Orlando are areas that have seen their fair share of major hurricanes in recent years.
Hire a professional mover
To make the move as smooth and stress-free as possible, enlist the help of a professional relocation mover. A professional will do all the heavy lifting for you, so you can spend your time packing and organizing instead of dealing with back-and-forth phone calls, long drives, and navigating tricky bureaucracies.
When choosing a mover, it is important to think about your specific needs and preferences. Do you want assistance packing and organizing your belongings? Do you need help transporting your furniture and large items? Do you want help loading and unloading the truck? All of these factors will play into what type of mover is best for you.
Welcome to Florida!
Whether you are moving to Florida for work, school, or just because life has brought you here, you need to plan accordingly to ensure your big move goes on as planned. We hope that this information will help make your transition as smooth as possible and that you'll end up loving living in sunny Florida!
Public meetings set to inform voters about UTD effort
HRDC is pleased to announce the Associated Students of Montana State University (ASMSU) recently adopted a proclamation in support of the current petition drive to form an Urban Transportation District (UTD) in Gallatin County.
As stated in ASMSU’s September 2022 proclamation:
Resolved, ASMSU will make a public statement of support for the UTD, lend the logo for marketing purposes, advocate for petition gathering, and partner with the HRDC’s efforts to promote the inclusion of the UTD on May 2023’s special election ballot for the benefit of transportation planning to meet community growth
Resolved, ASMSU recognizes the importance of forming a UTD as a mechanism of continuing the current Streamline Bus Services for MSU Staff, Students, and Faculty, van services for seniors and people with disabilities, transportation planning for anticipated community growth, and the importance of public transportation access to general population.
Additionally, in an ongoing effort to inform residents about the petition drive to vote on the formation of an Urban Transportation District on the Special District elections in May 2023, as well as the benefits to the community in doing so, HRDC is hosting two public meetings during the first week of October. HRDC and community public transportation advocates will present information and host Q&A sessions on Tuesday, October 4th from 10:30 – 11:30 am in the Bozeman Senior Center Community Room, Friday, October 7th from 1:00 – 2:00 pm at the Belgrade Senior Center, and on Wednesday, October 12th from 11:30 – 1:00 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn (prior registration required through Bozeman Chamber of Commerce. Lastly, a virtual public meeting will be held on Thursday, October 13th at 12:00 p.m. on Zoom. The meeting can be accessed at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87800378855.
Creating a UTD will ensure that our community will continue to receive federal transportation funding and will sustain the vital service HRDC’s Streamline provides to Gallatin Valley residents and visitors. Forming a UTD requires collecting the signatures of 20% of registered voters living within the proposed district which equates to around 13,000 signatures. If sufficient signatures are collected and verified, the Gallatin County Commission will hold a public hearing and place the UTD on the May 2023 Special District election ballot for voter approval as required by law.
The proposed UTD includes Bozeman, Belgrade, and Four Corners and is based on Streamline’s current and projected future service areas. Other regions identified in Gallatin County’s Transportation Development Plan as “future need areas” also are included in the boundaries.
A steering committee of community public transportation stakeholders and advocates is working with HRDC on the petition drive.
HRDC is a private, not-for-profit Community Action Agency focused on building a better community through nearly 50 different initiatives aimed at combating poverty in southwestern Montana. Streamline is a program of HRDC with a proven track record of benefiting all area residents through the provision of public transit. Streamline promotes equity, fosters economic development, and advances sustainability goals.
More information about the petition drive can be found at HRDC’s Streamline can be found at https://streamlinebus.com/utd/
Donors, volunteers, and community members can learn more about HRDC at https://thehrdc.org/
BOZEMAN — A program at Montana State University that researches and develops foundation seed varieties for the state’s agricultural producers has a new name.
An extension of the crop breeding programs in the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, the Montana Foundation Seed Program’s name is now officially the Montana State University Foundation Seed Program. The name change was approved unanimously at MSU’s September University Council meeting.
Sreekala Bajwa, vice president of agriculture and dean of the College of Agriculture, said the name change accurately reflects the high-quality research conducted by Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, or MAES, plant breeding programs to create new crop varieties.
“This new name gives Montana State University better recognition and ownership of the research we conduct and the public varieties we produce for crop producers across the state,” Bajwa said. “Our new crop varieties are the result of scientific research conducted by MAES scientists and tested across the state to ensure they are best suited to address production challenges in Montana, from pests to drought and more.”
Foundation seed, also known as basic seed, is the direct descendent of breeder seed and is produced under conditions that ensure its genetic purity and identity. The MSU Foundation Seed Program provides foundation seed to statewide producer partners, primarily winter and spring wheat, barley, durum, peas, lentils and chickpeas, with contributions also in safflower, alfalfa, sainfoin, triticale and oats.
According to Doug Holen, MSU Foundation Seed Program manager, each new variety produces between 600 to 1,200 bushels of foundation seed to start and then is sold to seed producers to sell to Montana producers. The more popular MSU wheat varieties, such as Yellowstone, Warhorse and Vida, produce millions of dollars in revenue via increased yield for the Montana agricultural economy.
Seed varieties are developed based on the needs of Montana growers facing climate, pest and soil challenges in the diverse agroecosystems of the state. The plant breeding programs are supported by MAES and by grower organizations such as the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee. The university responds with varieties specifically bred and adapted to meet these challenges, initially released as MAES varieties in the foundation stage of production. The MSU Foundation Seed Program has been in existence helping producers for nine decades and has had six program managers in that span of time. Holen has been with the program since 2016.
“This program is only as good as our breeders, and MSU has had incredible ones over the years,” Holen said. He added that the name change is long overdue and gives credit back to the breeders and the research they create at MSU. “This seed goes across Montana and is sold in other states. So, when it shows up at a producer’s doorstep and says MSU Foundation Seed Program, they will know it is quality seed from our institution.”
For more information visit plantsciences.montana.edu/foundationseed/.
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