Montana State University’s Leadership Institute has launched a student-run podcast series with a pilot episode featuring the former president of Ireland, Mary Robinson.

The podcast series, known as the “Leadership Institute Podcast at Montana State University” — or “L.I.P. at MSU” — will feature leadership inspiration and insights from experts locally and around the globe. Vanessa Zamora, a student associate with the Leadership Institute, called the L.I.P at MSU “a show with front-row access to the brightest minds on campus and around the world.” Zamora, a junior majoring in business management and psychology, anticipates that students will release a new episode of the series once each semester as material allows.

In the episode, listeners can hear Robinson discuss leadership and climate justice with MSU President Waded Cruzado during a visit Robinson made to MSU in April. The episode is narrated by second-year student Lauren Bigler. The podcast is available for free on Spotify and at https://thelipatmontanastateuniversity.buzzsprout.com/.

Carmen McSpadden, director of the MSU Leadership Institute, said developing the podcast series is a great learning opportunity for students.

"Our students grow by creating and doing,” McSpadden said. “In addition to exposure to great minds, students' skills develop through the act of podcast making and by asking great questions to the leaders they interview."

For more information, call the MSU Leadership Institute at 406-994-7275 or visit montana.edu/leadership or facebook.com/MSULeadershipInstitute.

Celebrating 38 years in Bozeman, the one and only original, MBC’s Nutcracker, returns to the Willson Auditorium on December 4th and 5th.

MBC is thrilled to welcome back exceptional guest artists from the world-renowned New York City Ballet, Sebastián Villarini-Vélez and Indiana Woodward, performing the celebrated roles of Snow King and Queen and Sugar Plum and her Cavalier. Villarini-Vélez and Woodward will share the stage with Soren Kisiel, co-director of Broad Comedy, MBC's own company dancers, and over 100 dancers from the community.

Another highlight of this charming production is the live orchestra. Maestro Lee Mills, Associate Conductor of the Seattle Symphony and four-time winner of the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award, will conduct the Bozeman Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.

MBC’s Nutcracker was first performed in the lobby of First Security Bank in 1983. Over the years, the first weekend in December has become synonymous with the Bozeman Christmas Stroll and MBC’s Nutcracker, a cherished holiday tradition for countless performers and their families and friends, as well as the thousands of audience members who share in the experience year after year.

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.

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.
Season after season, MBC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, produces quality performances, enchanting audiences with new and updated artistry of dance, choreography, music, and design. MBC's 38th Annual production of The Nutcracker promises to be dazzling! For more information please contact: Montana Ballet Company, 406.582.8702 |info@montanaballet.org.

Gallatin County leads Montana in population growth. New census data shows a jump in population of 33%, bumping Missoula County down to the second largest populated county in MT. With new growth, comes new business opportunities. Credova Financial, a leading buy now, pay later payment method focused on the outdoor lifestyle industries, has recently announced it’s new headquarters location as downtown Bozeman. With roots in Nevada and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, it’s no wonder Credova has effortlessly married outdoor recreation with an emerging popular payment method. Credova is making the headquarters relocation to Montana a continuation of the company tradition of exploring the outdoors. 



“Montana is the logical fit for our company,” says Dusty Wunderlich, CEO. “We wanted to move our headquarters to a location that echoed our values and allowed us to continue to lead an outdoor adventure lifestyle. Bozeman gives us access to incredible outdoor recreation opportunities and an inspiring space to develop our payment solutions,” In a COVID era of remote work, the company has already announced plans for multiple local hires across several departments. Wunderlich continues “We want to contribute to the economic health of Bozeman and are doing so by firstly by creating new job opportunities in the fintech and buy now, pay later spaces.”

Credova has contracted local Bozeman design group, A&E Design to build out their new headquarters. “We worked closely with Credova, mixing modern and mountain vibes in the space to reflect their values and outdoor lifestyle,” said architect Jennifer Dunn.

Both the outdoor recreation industry and buy now, pay later payments experienced a boom during COVID. “People want to get outside and experience some relief from the struggles that COVID has created,” Wunderlich continues. “As a company, it’s incredible to be able to provide a reduced barrier to outdoor recreation activities through a payments solution that consumer really gravitate towards.”

In fact, data from The Civic Science report shows 15% of Americans plan to hike more than usual due to COVID-19. Hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping are all activities that have seen a significant lift because of lockdown era. Even more impressive is the popularity of the buy now, pay later payment methods on the market. During COVID, industry reports show 55.8% of people in 2021 stated that they had used Buy Now, Pay Later. This number is up from 37.65% in July 2020. It appears Credova is uniquely positioned to leverage growth across both sectors.

Perhaps you’ve been wanting to replace your sofa for a while now but feel as though you simply do not have the money. This is common. Many people believe the myth perpetuated by big-box retail stores that quality furnishings for your home have to be expensive—this couldn’t be further from the truth, it’s simply how they justify their high costs. There are many places where you can find affordable sofas for sale. You just have to be willing to ditch the chains in favor of shopping direct.

What do we mean when we say “shopping direct?” This means buying your products directly from the manufacturer using a site like the one linked above. When you purchase directly through the manufacturer, you get to cut out the middlemen. For most large retail chains, this is the source of the higher price tags because they charge you a premium to help them cover some of their overhead costs. It’s a shady practice, but they get away with it with pretty packaging.

You’ve been there. You walk into a gorgeously designed sales floor with perfectly pre-staged rooms set up. A friendly greeter offers you refreshments at the door before a seemingly helpful and informative employee comes over to offer you a little bit of useful information on the products. There is actually a psychology behind this. The refreshments are intended to make you feel obligated to make a purchase because you’ve accepted a gratuity, and many customers feel compelled to buy something after they’ve done this.

That helpful employee? They’re a commission-based salesman who looks at you and sees dollar signs. You may think he came over to help—but they’re actually there to guide you to whichever product they think will yield them the highest commission. It’s part of their training and it’s how they make money.

At 1StopBedrooms, you can cut out all of these shady sales tactics. Designers are standing by to help you find the products you need—and the best part is, they don’t earn a commission based on your purchase. Their job is exclusively to uphold 1SB’s standard of integrity in the community by offering the highest degree of customer service possible. The only benefit they will experience from their interaction with you is a positive response to your survey questionnaire—ensuring that your satisfaction is their highest priority.

Once you’ve worked with these designers to find a product that will meet your needs, all that’s left is to navigate over to the site and enter some information about what kind of product you’re after. Perhaps you’re looking for something mid-century modern or maybe Scandinavian. Or maybe you’re forgoing a theme altogether and filtering by size, color, or shape. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it with 1SB’s seemingly infinite selections.

With free delivery and financing available if you need it—paired with a low-price guarantee—it seems pretty clear you just found your next favorite online furniture store.

The 7th annual Bozeman's Choice Reader Poll went live on October 1, 2021. Bozeman's biggest, giant, massive, Valley-wide reader poll covers everything from local restaurants to local media to news issues to arts & entertainment and everything in between. And remember! You get to add your own responses that can, in turn, be voted on by everyone else.

If you haven't voted before sign up for an account now to be ready to cast your votes through Nov 7, 2021: https://bozemanmagazine.com/signup

The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Montana Chapter (AFP), and Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA) once again teamed up to honor philanthropic and nonprofit impact in the state of Montana this year. Three individuals and three nonprofit organizations that embody the spirit of philanthropy and nonprofit leadership in Montana were recently honored at a virtual celebration which may be watched on MNA’s YouTube channel. This year’s Montana’s Best awardees have had an extraordinary and vital impact in the state. They have risen to unprecedented challenges in unprecedented times and have carried their communities and Montana forward. Those awards and awardees are:

The Upholding the Community Fabric: Safety Net Services Award which recognizes a nonprofit organization whose direct work in the health and human services arena was awarded to Missoula Food Bank and Community Center (MFB) for offering emergency food assistance and child nutrition programs to the Missoula community and beyond. MFB stayed open throughout the pandemic with a skeleton crew of dedicated volunteers and staff, permitting those in danger of food insecurity to stay fed and healthy. Staff worked tirelessly to solicit donations, and rallied the community to respond with abundance, allowing families to thrive despite job loss, illness, or homelessness. In addition, MFB took responsibility as a NeighborWorks Montana partner to help those in danger of eviction to apply for the state's Emergency Housing Assistance funds helping individuals and families throughout Montana stay in their homes.

 
The Upholding the Community Fabric: Vibrant Communities Award which recognizes a nonprofit organization whose work focuses on community vibrancy and vitality was awarded to Leadership Montana for their state-wide effort to bring leaders from business, labor, healthcare, education, nonprofits, and the government to address issues affecting Montana. This past year, they brought together representatives from the American Prairie Reserve and the United Property Owners of Montana to listen to each other’s perspectives and concerns. The conversation, held with the Leadership Montana Class of 2020, demonstrated that Montanans can effectively engage in civil discourse, with grace and dignity, even on issues with vastly different views and high stakes for all involved.

 
The Champion for the Common Good Award which recognizes a nonprofit organization whose work has resulted in significant progress on a policy issue was awarded to Public Land Water Access Association Montana (PLWA) for their advocacy for all those in Montana, regardless of financial ability, to fish, hunt, hike, camp, canoe, run, ride, and ski on public lands and waters. PLWA has worked to educate the public and private landowners about public access rights, oversee land transfers to ensure public access remains, and when necessary, take cases to court to ensure the public never lose their right to recreate in Montana. This work has brought Montana the Stream Access Law, the Bridge Access Law, the ability to access on State Trust Lands, and opened millions of acres of land to the public.

 
The Outstanding Young Professional Award which recognizes fundraisers under the age of 35 was awarded to Kiersten Iwai, Executive Director of Forward Montana Foundation (FMF). Kiersten leads the largest, youth-led civic engagement organization in the state, ensuring the next generation of Montana is empowered to engage in civic processes and democracy. In the past year Kiersten led a Get out the Count campaign for the 2020 Census, ran the largest youth voter mobilization campaign in FMF’s history, broadened and increased the scope of its advocacy work, and hired and supported staff in new areas of the state. During a year when nothing was certain, Kiersten's commitment to bold new ideas was a huge force behind FMF’s growth and success.

 
The Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award which honors a professional who works for a nonprofit, charitable organization was awarded to Mary Rutherford, President & Chief Executive Officer of Montana Community Foundation (MCF). Mary has thirty years of philanthropic leadership experience in Idaho, Washington, Alaska, and Montana. During her time at MCF, Mary has transformed the Foundation into an effective philanthropic leader that is raising millions each year to benefit nonprofit organizations throughout Montana. Under Mary’s tenure with MCF, 772 new philanthropic funds have been created, including the Montana Disaster Relief Fund/Covid Relief Fund to provide immediate support to communities affected by disaster, the Colstrip Impacts Foundation to provide $10 million to the community of Colstrip, 85 nonprofit endowments to benefit specific nonprofit organizations by providing a perpetual source of income each year, 81 Donor Advised Funds to provide grant dollars to nonprofit organizations, 548 Planned gifts to provide future benefit to Montana communities, and 12 Scholarship funds to support Montana students.

 
The Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award which honors an individual that coordinates and motivates groups of donors and volunteers for the benefit of charitable institutions was awarded to Donald B. Gimbel. Despite nearing his 80th year and still holding a full-time job in private wealth management, Don serves on the boards of nine nonprofit organizations in Park and Gallatin counties. Don’s achievements in the past two years include but are not limited to raising half a million dollars for the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, raising $157,000 for Counterpoint Inc., being elected to be the first non-judge to sit on the Executive Committee of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges as the Treasurer, and being interviewed by the late Brian Kahn for the program Home Ground, in which he spoke at length on the importance of philanthropy and the health of the nonprofit sector.

For more information about Montana’s Best: Nonprofit and Philanthropic Awards, please visit this webpage or contact Leandra Lipson at llipson@mtnonprofit.org or 303-564-1330.

On October 12, 2021 after careful consideration, City Manager Jeff Mihelich has rescinded the City of Bozeman drought declaration based on Bozeman’s current water supply conditions and recent precipitation.
 
Bozeman’s drought conditions have been improving as winter approaches. The recent snow fall moved the City’s drought score below a Stage 1, allowing for the City to safely rescind the Stage 1 drought declaration. As winter makes it way to the Bozeman area, staff will continue to monitor snowpack, precipitation and local water supplies on a regular basis.

Stage 1 drought surcharges are no longer in effect. Bozeman residents will see Stage 1 surcharges on the bill they receive in October, which reflects usage in September. 
 
City Manager Jeff Mihelich says, “We are grateful for the recent snow that put us in a position to suspend this drought declaration. Bozeman community members stepped up this summer by reducing outdoor water use, which had a positive impact on our water supplies. I urge folks to remember that these behaviors may be necessary next year as well. Consider doing your part now and prepare to conserve next summer.”

The Water Conservation Division offers many programs and rebates to conserve water in your home and beyond. To find the latest info and to learn more about ways you can decrease water usage at home visit: https://www.bozeman.net/government/water-conservation.
 

A small group of hunters shot and killed a grizzly bear in the backcountry east of Gardiner on Oct. 3.  

The hunters were processing a harvested elk near Bull Mountain during an early-season rifle hunt in Hunting District 316 when the bear appeared nearby and charged at the group. The hunters shot and killed the bear during its charge and were not injured. The bear was a 3- to 5-year-old female without cubs. 

Wildlife and enforcement staff from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Custer Gallatin National Forest’s Gardiner Ranger District met with the hunters and confirmed the bear mortality. The incident is still under investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  
Recreationists, residents and people who work outdoors can be prepared for a surprise bear encounter. Activities that are deliberately quiet or fast moving, such as hunting, mountain biking or trail running, put people at greater risk for surprising a bear. Bears will be active throughout the general hunting season. 

When you’re spending time in Montana’s outdoors, keep these precautions in mind: 
• Be aware of your surroundings and look for bear sign. 
• Read signs at trailheads and stay on trails. Be especially careful around creeks and in areas with dense brush. 
• Carry bear spray. Know how to use it and be prepared to deploy it immediately.  
• Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise, which can help alert bears to your presence. 
• Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears. 
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency. 
• If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Leave the area when it is safe to do so. 

Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Management authority for grizzlies rests with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working closely in Montana with FWP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services, the Forest Service and Tribal lands. This collaboration happens through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.  

For more information on bear safety, visit go.usa.gov/xFmsQ. 

Human-bear conflicts increase in autumn as bears gorge in preparation for hibernation, and people take to the woods for archery and rifle hunting seasons. Elk and deer rifle season opener is Oct. 23, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting two virtual bear safety training events, followed by two bear spray give-away opportunities in Bozeman and Helena.

The virtual bear safety events are focused on bear awareness for hunters and will cover bear safety, biology, conflict prevention, responding to bear encounters, handling carcasses in bear country, and how to use bear spray. The two events will be held Oct. 18 and Oct. 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. Virtual presentations are free and open to anyone. Each event will cover the same material.

To attend the virtual training on Oct. 18, click here:

https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/84725261354?pwd=SWVoTzRLbmNaNFhMSmxJdTBuT3V1QT09

 To attend the virtual training on Oct. 21, click here:

 https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/89098996725?pwd=Mm9reGFxbEJHZEppbTNNNlZxb2tIUT09

In-person bear spray giveaways will feature a short bear spray tutorial, followed by a free bear spray give-away while supplies last. First come, first served. One bear spray can per person 18 years of age or older.

• Bozeman: Wednesday, Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m. at FWP Region 3 office, 1400 South 19^th
• Helena: Wednesday, Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m. at Montana Wild, 2668 Broadwater Ave.

If you are interested in learning more about hunting safely in grizzly bear country and can’t  make it to one of these events, you can watch a recording of the “Bear Safety for Hunters” presentation here: https://youtu.be/tihgSHMHVhA

Hunters can expect to see grizzly bears in the western half of Montana. Preventing conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with them. Storing food and other attractants properly helps keep you safe and bears away from camp. Prepare for bear country by carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it. Learn what to do if you have a bear encounter and communicate with your companions about how to respond if you have a bear encounter.

More bear safety information can be found on the FWP website:

https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/species/bear/bear-aware

Bozeman voters to see three city issues on their ballot: community housing levy, Fire Station 2 bond, and facilities renovation bond
 
Bozeman, MT— Registered voters who live in Bozeman city limits will see three different ballot questions regarding City issues on their ballot this fall.  A community housing levy, bonds to relocate Fire Station 2, and bonds to renovate City facilities like Bogert Pool, the Bozeman Swim Center, and Lindley Center, will all be up for a vote.

Community Housing Levy:
Housing continues to be a priority for Bozeman. The Community Housing Levy would create a dedicated funding source to develop and support attainable housing for the Bozeman community. Currently the City of Bozeman relies on funding through the budget process and the general fund, which can change year to year and also funds critical services like police, fire, etc. If approved the levy would be a tool to support projects like the many successful partnership projects that have been completed in Bozeman.

7 mills x current mill value = $33.67/year based on an assessed market value of the median home ($364,000)
 
Fire Station 2 Relocation Bond:
The existing Fire Station 2 was built in 1974. With the continued growth of Bozeman the existing facility no longer fits the needs of an expanding staff and increasing community needs. If passed the City of Bozeman has the opportunity to enter into a long-term lease on land owned by Montana State University and relocate Station 2 to better serve the southern part of Bozeman.

$2.2 million bond = $6.83/year based on an assessed market value of the median home ($364,000)
 
Facilities Renovation Bond:
The Bogert Pool, Bozeman Swim Center, and Lindley Center are all community assets that are experiencing deferred maintenance and in need of improvements for continued use. If passed the bonds would go toward resurfacing and sealing Bogert Pool, new air filtration system and gutter replacement at the Bozeman Swim Center, and upgrades to the Lindley Center including accessibility.

$6.7 million bond = $18.83/year based on an assessed market value of the median home ($364,000)
 
The total cost to property owners for all three City issues = $58.88/year based on an assessed market value of the median home ($364,000)
 
Registered Bozeman voters will be voting by mail for this election and ballots are expected to be mailed out today, October 13, 2021. Municipal elections have been conducted by mail since 2009. Voters who were registered prior to October 4, 2021 should expect to receive their ballot in the mail up to four days from the date of ballots being mailed out. Voters who are not yet registered can register up until noon on November 1, 2021 in person with the Gallatin County Elections Department (Gallatin County Courthouse, 311 W Main St.)

The City of Bozeman will be hosting a pop up event at the Bozeman Public Library Open Door on Friday October 15th from 1-3 p.m. for any voters interested in learning more about their ballot. Additional information about each city issue is available on the City’s website at www.bozeman.net/investincommunity