HELENA – Temperate weather with a few cold spells during the first quarter of 2022 contributed to a slight decrease in the number of overall visitors to state parks in Montana.

The state park system recorded 358,230 visitors in the first quarter, a decrease of 8.6 percent from 2021, but an increase of 9.3 percent over the same period of time in 2020 and an increase of 62 percent over 2019.

 “We’re grateful for the cooler temperatures and some moisture along with the benefit that has for the habitat and resources at our sites,” said Hope Stockwell, administrator of the Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. “While that may have contributed to a decrease in visitation this quarter, our numbers remain high compared to historic levels. We appreciate our users continuing to recreate responsibly and practicing ‘Leave No Trace’ principles during their visits.”  

The five most visited state parks in the first quarter of 2022 were:

1. Giant Springs State Park, Great Falls – 79,355 visitors
2. Spring Meadow Lake State Park, Helena – 39,000 visitors 
3. Flathead Lake State Park (all units), Flathead Lake – 28,612 visitors
4. Cooney Reservoir State Park, Roberts – 25,935 visitors
5. Lake Elmo State Park, Billings – 18,081 visitors

Visitation snapshot for the first quarter of 2022:

Northwest Montana: Region 1 saw an estimated 71,980 visitors across its eight parks reporting visitation figures during the first quarter of this year, an estimated 13.5 percent decrease in visitation compared with last year.

West Montana: Region 2 saw an estimated 42,836 visitors across its nine parks reporting visitation figures during the first quarter of this year, an estimated 25.3 percent decrease in visitation compared with last year.

Southwest Montana: Region 3 saw an estimated 21,755 visitors across its six parks reporting visitation figures during the first quarter of this year, an estimated 11.3 percent decrease in visitation compared with last year.

North-central Montana: Region 4 saw an estimated 137,367 visitors across its eight parks reporting visitation figures during the first quarter of this year a slight 1.1 percent decrease in visitation compared with last year.

South-central Montana: Region 5 saw an estimated 51,942 visitors across its four parks reporting visitation figures during the first quarter of this year, an 11.1 percent decrease in visitation compared with last year.

Eastern Montana: Regions 6 and 7 saw an estimated 32,350 visitors across their six parks reporting visitation figures during the first quarter of this year, a 9.8 percent increase in visitation compared with last year.

A full list of state parks and their estimated visitation levels can be found in the 2022 report.

Bozeman, May 2022 – The Bozeman Symphony announced its much-anticipated 2022/23 Concert Season full of revolutionary masterpieces, new contemporary works, unforgettable world premieres, virtuosic guest artists, and passionate musical storytelling. Celebrate the Symphony’s 55th concert season with Music Director Norman Huynh as he continues to bring the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra to new heights in our community and beyond.

“Your Bozeman Symphony Orchestra invites you to a musical journey where the greatest orchestral compositions are paired with a vibrant mix of hidden gems and world premieres," said Huynh.

The 2022/23 Concert Season Classical Series (6 concerts) explores some of the greatest musical treasures in the orchestral canon. Hear your Bozeman Symphony perform blockbuster hits from the most notable composers of all time—Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, and Mahler—to new works from Andy Akiho, Composer-in-Residence Scott Lee, and beloved local composer Eric Funk.

Here are some highlights from the Symphony’s 2022/23 Classical Series:

• Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, the most iconic four notes in classical music history;
• Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, an extraordinary musical journey through darkness and light;
• Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, an explosion of power and goodness, igniting a wildfire of musical bliss;
• Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, featuring world-renowned guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas;
• Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, starring Concertmaster Carrie Krause;
• Poulenc’s Gloria and Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus, featuring the Bozeman Symphonic choir for two mainstays of the sacred choral repertoire;
• World Premiere piece celebrating Yellowstone National Park’s 150th Anniversary written by Composer-in-Residence Scott Lee;
• World Premiere piece, Apocalypse Phoenix Rising, by Emmy award-winning local composer Eric Funk;
• Contemporary works by Andy Akiho and Missy Mazzoli.

In addition to the Classical Series, the Bozeman Symphony Presents series continues with the second annual Holiday Spectacular. With two sold-out performances last season, Music Director Huynh added an additional performance for all to experience the spirit of Christmas with your Bozeman Symphony, featuring your favorite festive classics, like Sleigh Ride, the Christmas Carol Sing-Along, and more. You and your family won’t want to miss the Symphony’s most popular performance of the year.

To enjoy the Bozeman Symphony’s 55th concert season to its fullest, patrons can subscribe to all six 2022/23 Classical Series concerts now through July 29, 2022. In addition, early subscribers will have the first chance to purchase tickets to the extremely popular Bozeman Symphony Presents Holiday Spectacular performance.

“Join us as a subscriber to experience the full spectrum of this season's vibrant symphonic journey," said Huynh.

The Bozeman Symphony’s 2022/23 Classical Series (6 concerts) subscription is now available to purchase online at bozemansymphony.org/subscribe or by contacting the Bozeman Symphony office at 406-585-9774 or tickets@bozemansymphony.org, or by stopping by the Bozeman Symphony’s new office location at 402 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bozeman, MT 59715. Individual concert tickets will be available to purchase starting August 6, 2022.

Norman Huynh, Music Director - Conductor Norman Huynh continues to establish his reputation as one of classical musics most adventurous ambassadors. Hailed for the exuberance with which he leads orchestras across Europe, Asia, and North America, Huynh has received equal renown for his ability to attract new audiences to the orchestra. The 2020 season inaugurated his tenure as Music Director of the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra.

Huynh has attained international prominence in the first years of his career, most recently through an invitation to the Bruno Walter Young Conductor Preview, a selective showcase hosted by the League of American Orchestras, and competing in the 2021 Malko Competition for young conductors in Copenhagen, Denmark in June.

People are always looking for ways to sharpen their focus and improve memory, especially as they age. Many people take supplements daily to help improve the functioning of the brain. What are these supplements, and how do they work? Keep reading to find out.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Tuna and salmon are high in omega-e fatty acids, a kind of unsaturated fat with anti-inflammatory effects and builds cell membranes in the brain. Some research also suggests that omega-3s may protect the brain following a concussion or brain injury. Fatty fish, nuts, seeds, eggs, and yogurt contain omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, BiOptimizers has brain supplements that can be added to any diet to improve brain function.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant in the body that guards against oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to the decline in cognitive health as people age. Vitamin E is also an anti-inflammatory, keeping DNA healthy and helping the structure of the brain stay healthy. Avocados, red peppers, mango, nuts, seeds, and dark leafy greens contain vitamin E. 

Vitamin B6, B12, and B9

The brain needs vitamins B6, B12, and B9 for normal functioning. A lack of these vitamins increases the risk of memory loss and other brain declines. Vitamins B6, B12, and B9 (also called folate) help increase neurotransmitters to take messages from the brain to the body. Foods such as bananas, oranges, and cantaloupe contain vitamin B6, broccoli, greens, eggs, and sunflower seeds contain folate. Only meat and fish products contain B12, so people who eat a plant-based diet often need a supplement for this important vitamin. A B12 supplement is also recommended as people age to help with memory loss.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has long been known for its ability to help the immune system, but it also helps the brain by lowering the inflammation in the brain. Kiwi, red and green peppers, berries, cauliflower, and tomatoes contain vitamin C. 

When Supplements are Important

Nutritionists and doctors alike agree that getting these important vitamins in food is the best source. However, there are circumstances in which a supplement would be beneficial. Someone with an allergy or dislike to a group of foods (such as dairy or seafood) or someone with a limited diet (like vegan) may benefit from supplements. 

Be sure to take high-quality supplements if you do take them. Look for certifications from places like Consumer Lab or the US Pharmacopeial Convention. The product must go through testing for quality before it can gain approval. Choose supplements that improve blood flow (such as Gingko Biloba), support brain support (Omega-3 fatty acids), and help build neurotransmitters (L-theanine). Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K are also beneficial vitamins, and taking supplements of them can be beneficial.

Some other common and helpful supplements include L-carnitine, which has been shown to improve cognition and neurotransmitter function. Mushrooms also have connections to brain health. Mushroom supplements can improve attention, mood, cognition, and focus. Ginkgo Biloba can improve memory and provide more healthy blood flow to the brain. 

For optimum health, eat healthy foods full of brain-boosting vitamins and nutrients. When it isn't possible to eat enough of these foods, or if your doctor or nutritionist thinks you need more, consider adding a high-quality supplement to your diet to improve overall brain functioning.

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks continues to prepare for fall pheasant stocking efforts with the final decision on an environmental assessment (EA) and ensuring biosecurity protocols are in place at the rearing facility at the Montana State Prison.

Last week, FWP Director Hank Worsech signed the decision notice on the EA for releasing pheasants on suitable state lands. Additionally, Worsech and the department have worked closely with the Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) on biosecurity protocols at the pheasant rearing facility. The rearing facility is being operated by the DOC and has been certified by the Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) as a National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) facility. DOC staff has worked with FWP and the DOL to ensure biosecurity measures are in place, which is particularly important with the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Montana.

As a NPIP certified facility, the pheasants are tested every three months for avian influenza. The last tests were done in recent weeks, and all results came back negative.

“We’re taking the threat from HPAI very seriously and monitoring the flock closely in partnership with staff at the prison. The safety measures folks are taking to ensure the health of the flock are impressive – on par with any medical facility,” said Director Hank Worsech.
“They’ve gone above and beyond from a biosecurity standpoint.”

To see the EA decision notice: https://fwp.mt.gov/public-notices/news/2022/may/0502-pheasant-release-ea-decision-notice.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will vote on the proposal to proceed with pheasant releases in the fall to increase hunter opportunities. Under Montana statute, the commission has to approve pheasant translocations. This decision was slated for the commission’s June 23 meeting but is being moved to the Aug. 25 meeting. This will give the public more opportunity to comment and the department more time to monitor HPAI on the landscape before the final decision is made to release pheasants this year.  

To comment on the proposed commission action, go to: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/meeting.

“The reality is, if we find HPAI in our pheasant program, we’ll follow the Department of Livestock recommendations,” Worsech said. “We won’t take any chances of releasing diseased birds in the wild.”

Background
In March of 2021 a new FWP pheasant release program was established, following legislative action. The program’s aim is to support recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) efforts in Montana. This program will engage youth in the sport of hunting, promote hunter success and provide additional hunting opportunities for hunters of all ages.

Under the legislation, FWP will develop and implement the program and release up to 50,000 pheasants annually on suitable and eligible state-owned lands. Some releases will occur a few days before the youth pheasant season opener to maximize opportunity for youth hunters, and some releases could occur later in the months of October and November to increase hunting opportunities for all hunters.

BOZEMAN — Six entrepreneurial ventures took home a share of $75,000 in prize money from Montana State University’s third annual $50K Venture Competition, which was held April 27 in Inspiration Hall on the MSU campus.

The event featured 10 finalists in traditional and social venture categories, all of whom had connections to MSU or the University of Montana as students, faculty, staff or alumni. The event was hosted by the MSU Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the MSU Blackstone LaunchPad.

The event started with an announcement that the available award funds had increased to $75,000 this year.

During the competition, the finalists pitched their ideas to a panel of four judges and then answered questions. The judges were Eric Ladd, founder and chairman of Outlaw Partners, L&K Real Estate, Outlaw Real Estate Partners and Boundary Expeditions; April LaMon, CEO and co-founder of Alosant; Garrett Leach, an MSU alumnus and analyst at Next Frontier Capital; and Scott Peterson, MSU alumnus and vice president of development for United Properties.

The winners are listed below by category, place, prize amount and venture:

Traditional ventures:

• First place, $18,000: Morel Technology, presented by Bruce Clark and Marcus Twichel, is a platform enabling mobile apps for local and regional restaurants to compete in an industry that's rapidly demanding new technology.

• Second place, $9,000: Ignis Technologies, presented by Andrew Dixon, provides tools to modernize how firefighting organizations communicate and distribute information.

• Third place, $6,500: The Giddy Thrifter, presented by Mariah Karis, is a media and e-commerce venture that inspires and educates budget-conscious young people on styling their home spaces and wardrobes using primarily thrifted goods.

• In addition, the two finalists in the traditional venture track who finished outside of the top three places – Aizy Tech and Hear It Clear – each received a $2,000 award.

Twichel, Morel’s co-founder and an MSU student studying computer science, was appreciative of the support Morel received.

“We are again blown away by the generosity of our community in donating their time, expertise and money to help students like us start a business,” Twichel said. “We are thrilled to meet so many people that believe in our vision and want to help in whatever ways they can to get us there, and we are working hard to turn that belief into a successful venture.”

Social ventures:

• First place, $18,000: Plus, presented by Jasmine Schroeder and Nathan Saier, connects college students to provide a peer-based social support system.

• Second place, $9,000: TrialWear, presented by Elizabeth Johnson, provides technology for clinical trial participant safety.

• Third place, $6,500: Homecoming Seed Co., presented by Charlie Watt, is an organic vegetable seed producer focused on bio-regionally adapted varieties of seeds.

• In addition, the two finalists in the social venture track who finished outside of the top three places – High Morel and Sweet Grass Woman – each received a $2,000 award.

Schroeder, the co-founder of Plus and a current MSU business student, said that she is thrilled to have an opportunity to positively impact others with their new venture.

“Our dream is to make the world a better, more connected place, and winning this competition is a huge step toward that goal,” Schroeder said. “We'd like to congratulate all of our competitors for not making this easy on us, and we’d like to thank the Blackstone LaunchPad as well as Dean (Matt) Caires for the support.” Caires, MSU’s dean of students, has pledged additional support to Plus from his office because it focuses on an area of importance to MSU students.

Ladd, one of the judges, said he was honored to be a part of the event.

“To witness such a talented group of candidates with inspiring concepts and ideas was very exciting,” he said. “There are a few concepts that were presented at the event that stand to be market disruptors and really make positive ate and entrepreneurship certificate.

MSU’s Blackstone LaunchPad helps MSU students succeed in entrepreneurship and in their careers. Open to students, faculty, and alumni in all majors, the campus-based LaunchPad provides mentoring, opportunities for participants to grow their networks and resources to help their businesses succeed. For more information, visit montana.edu/launchpad

Your body may be cleansed of THC and its by-products using an appropriate Natural Detox approach to an employment interview, athletic event, promotion, or other necessary selection processes.

6 Natural Remedies that You Can Make at Home

Garlic
You may consider taking garlic tablets to aid your body's natural detoxification process unless you're a vampire. THC may be eliminated as long as you eat a reasonable quantity of garlic each day. This is the primary reason we advise against attempting to consume large amounts of raw garlic via oral supplementation.

The metabolic system and organs are severely taxed during cannabis withdrawal. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are withdrawal symptoms that may lead to vitamin deficits due to inadequate nutrient absorption. With the addition of vitamins and minerals and foods like garlic to detox treatments, toxins may be expelled from the body.

Citrus Juice
A potent natural remedy for detoxification is lemon juice. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a safe and effective way to cleanse your body. Lemon juice is a very effective natural remedy for detoxification. Lemon juice is an excellent natural cleanser because of its high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Toxins may be removed from the body with the help of Vitamin C, and lemons are unquestionably one of the best sources.

Lemon may aid in the removal of residues of THC from the body if you are not a heavy user of the drug. Although your pee is diluted, the medicine is not removed if you consume enough. The quantity of THC consumed and your digestive system's acidity tolerance dictate how often you should drink lemon juice diluted with water.

This procedure only works for Urine drug tests and cannot be relied upon if you are being tested for drugs in Blood, Saliva, or Hair Follicle.

Grape
Grape detoxification has lately become something of a fad. In her book The Grape Cure, published in the 1920s, Johanna Brandt claimed that a diet high in grapes had healed her of stomach cancer. The notion of Grape detox may be overdone, but it remains alive and thriving. The grape is a popular addition to detox beverages.

Cranberry Juice
This tasty fruit may help remove THC from your system, but you should be checked to see whether you're allergic to it. You may increase your immune system by drinking cranberry juice the day before the test. Consume one or two glasses of sugar-free cranberry juice throughout the day for optimal results. You'll get the best outcomes by drinking about two liters of juice every day. Diluting the juice with water will allow more fluid to enter your body, which will aid in the removal of THC from your system.

Cranberry juice is a more cost-effective alternative and has a pleasant flavor. To be safe, taking a Vitamin B supplement is advised. Even if it seems messy, it will make the time appear more typical. When doing a drug test using the hair follicle as a sample, you should not use this approach.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is another kitchen product that may aid in the natural removal of THC from the body. It is a natural substance you can rely on, making it an excellent choice for detoxification. THC may be removed from your urine and saliva by taking vinegar orally, as can hair follicles by washing with vinegar because of its antibacterial qualities.

Apple Cider Vinegar is consumed in the form of a liquid. Depending on the amount of THC you've ingested in the days leading up to the test, mix two or three tablespoons of vinegar with eight ounces of water and drink it as needed. THC will be flushed out of the body.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar to clean up for a THC drug test is less expensive, but it only utilizes a smattering of the substance. If you've been using banned substances for a lengthy period and in heavy dosages, this procedure is not for you. Because of the high levels of THC in the body, this supplement is less effective than other detox products. There is a website available that will help you to find more information about detox products and THC drug tests.

Moon-Phase Diet
One of the more unique detox regimens is the Moon-phase diet. According to the Moon-Phase Diet Plan, your detoxification should match the moon's phases. The Moon-Phase promises a weight loss of six pounds in only one day. Even if this isn't true, passing a drug test might benefit from this.

During the Full and New Moon phases, you must go on a juice and water fast. Detoxing seems to be more efficient during these periods.

This probably won't be useful unless your drug test is scheduled for the week after the Full Moon.

In 2018, recreational marijuana usage was legal in the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Washington, DC. More than two-dozen states have made it lawful to consume medicinal marijuana. Regardless of whether or not marijuana is legal, it is crucial to consider that cannabis has specific medical dangers. Understand the hazards before deciding whether or not to use them.

Gallatin County officials were notified that avian influenza A (H5N1) was detected in a flock of domestic poultry located in rural Gallatin County. 

The site was identified late last week near Manhattan/Belgrade. The Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) has identified a “Surveillance Zone” of ten kilometers around this location, and an investigation is ongoing. This Surveillance Zone includes all of Manhattan and parts of northwest Belgrade.

Click here for the full press release.

If you own outdoor birds, be sure to monitor closely for signs of illness. Report any sudden onset of illness or death of birds to the following: 

• Report dead or sick domestic birds:
  • Your local veterinarian
  • Montana Department of Livestock – 406-444-2976
• Report dead or sick wild birds:
  • Local Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Warden or Regional Office 
  • Gallatin County FWP Office – 406-585-9010
  • State FWP Wildlife Veterinarian – 406-577-7880

Every new or potential crypto investor wants to know if investing is a risk or an opportunity; it is a burning question. You’re right to be wary of cryptocurrency investment; we’d be worried if you weren’t. However, you should know that what you face with investing in crypto depends on you. Therefore, if you will buy XRP, you want to ensure you know the risks involved and how to manage or outrightly avoid them. You also want to know the right patterns to consider, predictions to follow, and the best time to buy.

What Cryptocurrency Investing Entails: Facts and Stats

Cryptocurrency is still a mystery to many, and with the many biased notions flying around, education is vital for new investors. Here are five fun facts and stats about cryptocurrency investing to give you an idea of the concept:
• Ethereum and Bitcoin are not the only digital coins available; more than 11,000 virtual coins are in circulation. While some of them are popular, others are still trying to gain ground. Interestingly, there is a possibility of more digital currencies coming into the cryptocurrency market this year.

• Cryptocurrency is not unlimited; like gold and oil, there is a limit to how much crypto can be mined. That means the availability of Bitcoin and altcoins will come to an end someday. This is most important, especially because of the many environmental challenges of Bitcoin mining.

• Satoshi Nakamoto is not the name of Bitcoin’s founder; no one knows who created the crypto market. That name has always been a pseudonym for the person who created Bitcoin.

• Regardless of bans in countries, they cannot physically ban cryptocurrency. Anyone can own a digital wallet with XRP in it – even those in countries where cryptocurrency is prohibited.

• Cryptocurrency is prohibited in China, yet, ironically, the country controls the largest percentage of the mining network.

Risks in Cryptocurrency Investment and How to Avoid Them

Cryptocurrency investment is not for the weak-minded or people with low shock tolerance. If you want to invest in cryptocurrency, you need an efficient shock absorber. Here are some risks involved in crypto investing and how to avoid or, at least, manage them.

• Digital coins are extremely volatile; their prices go up and drop violently and without warning. Sometimes, Bitcoin price can drop tens of thousands of dollars; it did in 2021, leaving investors in debt for a while. This is not your fault; therefore, the only thing you can do is prepare your mind to do crypto investing long-term. The best thing is to lock your digital wallet and throw away the keys – in a place you can retrieve them, of course.

• Virtual currencies are unregulated by the central bank, government, or legal services. Nevertheless, that’s gradually changing as governmental and financial institutions get interested. To be safe, you want to keep your information secure, trade safely, and avoid crypto deals that appear too good to be true.

• Cryptocurrency operates on secure technology, but it is traded on exchange platforms prone to cyber-attacks and frauds. You will want to research the exchange before signing up and trading with them.

Making the Most of Your Crypto Assets

Despite the risks involved in crypto investments, they also offer ground-breaking opportunities. Here are ways to make the most of your digital assets and wisely use the network for your good.

• Lend your digital assets. You can participate in a lending/borrowing program as a lender; this is where you loan your assets and get paid with interest. The most important factor here is that you’re lending your digital assets to a trusted third-party or doing so on a reputable platform.

• Buy the dip. You can make the most of cryptocurrency price drops by purchasing more assets. After a while, the prices on those assets will go back up, and you’ll get more than you paid for.

• Trade. You can buy or sell cryptocurrency taking advantage of its volatility; that is, buy when you suspect a rise and sell when you suspect a fall.

• Airdrops. In airdrops, you get free cryptocurrency; however, this has the highest risks. Most crypto developers offer free digital coins when they need support for a new coin; you’ll want to be careful. Don’t just jump on any initial coin offering you see; try to do your due diligence.

• Earn Dividends. This doesn’t have the biggest profit, but it provides a steady way to earn with your digital assets.

In conclusion, cryptocurrency investment has risks, no doubt. However, you can maneuver those risks to work in your favor if you invest with your eyes open. Cryptocurrency investment risks can turn into opportunities, depending on how you invest.

BOZEMAN, MT — Earlier this month HRDC officially announced plans for the construction of its new campus on 5.6 acres located on Griffin Drive. The project will consolidate the majority of the nonprofit’s programming into one location. Two main buildings will occupy the land. The first building will house services that address hunger including HRDC’s Gallatin Valley Food Bank and Fork & Spoon Restaurant. The second building will be home to a year-round shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Additionally, both buildings will have space for community partners as well as HRDC staff. The new campus was thoughtfully designed in direct response to the growing needs of people living and working in Southwest Montana. Construction of the first building has begun. The second building, which will include the community’s first year-round shelter, will not begin until additional funding is secured.

“Philanthropy will play a significant role in our success,” said Kristin Hamburg, HRDC’s Development Director. “We must raise $15 million through community support to help fund our new campus. As of today, we are pleased to have raised just over $10.8 million, which includes a generous $75,000 donation from our friends at First Interstate Bank. We couldn’t be more grateful.”

“First Interstate Bank’s Commitment to Community runs deep throughout our 14-state footprint,” said Amberly Pahut, First Interstate Director of Community Relations. “We are honored to partner with a Community Action Organization like HRDC in Bozeman to respond to the pressing housing needs in the community and surrounding area. Two of our key funding priorities are hunger and homelessness, and HRDC’s plans for their future addresses both of these priority needs through helping families maintain stability amidst the region’s high cost of living.”

Scott Levandowski, First Interstate Gallatin Valley Market President, added, “At First Interstate, we are committed to supporting the places we call home, and we look to partner with organizations that make our community a better place.” We are proud to continue our long history of supporting HRDC in Bozeman as they work to make a difference.”

Over the past 47 years, HRDC’s commitment to serving Bozeman has expanded across the greater Gallatin Valley and beyond to numerous communities throughout Southwest Montana. HRDC’s wide range of services include housing solutions from emergency shelter to homeownership, food and nutrition support, energy assistance, early childhood education, senior services, financial planning, and more. Annually, HRDC serves over 15,000 individuals as it continues its mission toward building a better community. All are welcome at HRDC, and anyone can join their journey toward their future home.

Interested donors, volunteers, and community members can find more information on HRDC’s website at https://thehrdc.org/our-future-griffin-place/