It's almost that time of year to make a few resolutions. Why not get serious in 2023 and choose one action that can significantly improve your life? As the world becomes a more complex place and the international economic situation seems to get worse by the day, now is the ideal time to rededicate yourself to a change for the better. In addition to getting involved in real estate investing, many consider adding to their education, moving to another city, reorienting their careers, or adding a meditation session to their mornings. Review the following ideas or come up with some of your own for a New Year's resolution that can make a difference in how the rest of your life plays out.

Real Estate Investments

Investing in real estate has turned plenty of lives around since individuals first began getting involved in the market about 100 years ago. Since the 1920s, people have come up with many variations on the theme, including ownership of small homes, commercial buildings, multi-family units, vacation rentals, and more. Fortunately, the human imagination has not run out of real estate-related ideas yet.

One of the newest and most popular strategies that working adults are using in the 2020s involves something called house hacking. Actually, the term has been around for a while, but the technique is finally getting widespread attention and helping lots of homeowners generate additional income from properties they already own. Considering the fact that today's owners typically spend more than one-third of their income on housing costs, any extra income can go to offset that hefty expense.

An effective house hacking strategy can even help owners cover their mortgage payments in full, with enough capital left over to go toward things like retirement investments, routine expenses, travel, and more. House hacking leverages the power of traditional real estate investing techniques but uses them in new, interesting, and unique ways. If you ever decide to get into property management, the tactic is a good way to begin.

Degrees & Jobs

Earning a degree can be a time-consuming affair, but few regret the decision. Plus, loan programs exist for every budget, so don't let finances stand between you and a fresh start. Consider finding a school that offers online study and self-paced programs. That way, you won't have to leave a current job to earn a degree. A related resolution is to change jobs. Sometimes there's no better way to recharge the mental and emotional batteries than to switch careers and industries. Speak with a vocational counselor to get some ideas about what other lines of work would be a good match for your skills and goals.

Daily Meditation

People tend to focus so much on the best vegetables for weight loss, fad diets, and over-exercising, and less on their mental and spiritual health, but you should really make room for both. Unfortunately, meditation has gotten a negative reputation as being faith-based. While there's nothing wrong with that direction for people who want it, keep in mind that meditating can be an ideal way to relax body and mind, rinse away stress, and begin each day refreshed and balanced. There are hundreds of no-cost training sessions online, so you can choose one that aligns with your personal preferences. Most new meditators start with 10-minute sessions and build up to sittings of 30 minutes or longer.

BOZEMAN— Bozeman Health has partnered with the Bozeman Public Library Foundation, making a $50,000 donation toward a new learning lab that will allow the Bozeman Library to significantly expand its free cooking, nutrition, and arts classes. 
 
Dubbed The Kitchen Table, the lab will feature sinks, a refrigerator, ovens, and a large cooktop for hands-on workshops and demonstrations. The new space is part of a $5.6 million Library renovation that is funded almost exclusively by donations from private individuals, foundations, and local businesses such as Bozeman Health. The Kitchen Table will be housed next to a new technology-focused learning lab, named The Workbench, just inside the Library entrance.  

 
Kitchens, labs for 3D printing and other technology, and even recording studios have become popular additions to public libraries as they adapt to changing community needs and new ways of learning. “The Bozeman Public Library exists to help people gain knowledge in myriad ways to improve their lives,” explains Library Director Susan Gregory. “At The Kitchen Table, young people will learn empowering new cooking skills, seniors and people with medical issues will discover new recipes and techniques to improve their health, and cultural groups will have an opportunity to share their food traditions with neighbors.” She notes that the lab design will also accommodate painting and other arts classes for children and adults. 

 
Bozeman Health focuses on nutrition as a priority area of their community benefit work because consuming a healthful diet and finding opportunities to move each day are critical components of overall health and wellness. Community stakeholders in the latest Community Health Needs Assessment rated nutrition and physical activity among the greatest health issues. "As a family physician and Lifestyle medicine provider I work and volunteer in our community in areas focused on wellness, nutrition and food access,” said Lifestyle Medicine physician Dr. Joe Sofianek. He described Bozeman Health’s inspiration to partner with the library because the “investment in the kitchen classroom space at our library creates free and accessible public spaces where community partners can gather to share their expertise in healthy lifestyle choices. We know that a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and consuming more and varied fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in our diets lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer. The Kitchen Table is a great community space to learn to prepare healthy, tasty, and simple foods and to share other workplace wellness initiatives.” 

 
Construction at the Library has already begun, with work currently focused on building new meeting rooms, quiet reading areas, and a new central seating area. The learning labs, which will also include a small recording studio, are expected to open to the public in late fall next year. A pop-up library collection in the building’s large community room is currently available for browsing and checking out books while construction has made some of the major collections temporarily inaccessible. The children’s room will remain open throughout the renovation. 

 
For more information about the renovation or Bozeman Health’s gift to the Library, please contact Jen Shoemaker, Bozeman Public Library Foundation Development and Communications Manager, at 406-582-2437 or jen@bozemanlibraryfoundation.org. To learn more about Bozeman Health’s community benefit work, please contact Brianne Rogers, Bozeman Health’s media relations liaison, at briannerogers@gmail.com.

 
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. 

BOZEMAN — The newest episode of “11th and Grant,” featuring the Bobcat Brass Trio, will air on Montana PBS at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10.

Members of the trio are professors and instructors with the Montana State University School of Music in the College of Arts and Architecture: Sarah Stoneback, trumpet; Mike Nelson, horn; and Jeannie Little, trombone. The three are also some of the principal brass musicians in the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra.

The chamber ensemble performs a wide range of music, from new works to classics, music written specially for the unique trio instrumentation, and works adapted from other musical settings.

“The uplifting, energized and joyful energy of the three MSU School of Music musicians and professors who perform professionally as the Bobcat Brass Trio is clearly evident in their interviews and their music,” said Eric Funk, “11th and Grant” host and artistic director.

The Emmy Award-winning “11th and Grant” series seeks out respected musicians in Montana and invites them into viewers’ homes, fusing in-depth interviews with performances in the KUSM-TV studio, located at the intersection 11th Avenue and Grant Street on the MSU campus in Bozeman.

For more details about the series, visit watch.montanapbs.org/show/11th-and-grant. Viewers can watch the Bobcat Brass Trio episode at 7 p.m. Nov. 10 on montanapbs.org/live, from the Montana PBS Facebook page at facebook.com/MontanaPBS or the Montana PBS YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/MontanaPBS.

 BOZEMAN – Montana’s general deer and elk hunting season is now in its third week, and hunters continue to see varied success in southwestern Montana.  

Wildlife biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks operated game check stations on Nov. 5 and 6 in three locations: Divide, Alder and Cameron. In total, they met with 846 hunters.  

Biologists use check stations to collect data on hunter participation and success, as well as the species, sex and age class of the animals harvested. This supplements data collected through hunter harvest phone surveys each year.  

FWP staff at the Divide check station met with 233 hunters, 5.6 percent of whom had harvested an animal. This is below last year’s third-weekend success rate of 6.9 percent and the long-term average of 7.1 percent. Hunters reported extremely windy conditions and snowfall.  

The Alder check station saw 239 hunters, 11.7 percent of whom were successful. Last year’s success rate for the third weekend was 16.7 percent, and the long-term average is 14 percent. Hunters consistently reported high wind and poor visibility in this area.  

The Cameron check station saw 374 hunters over the weekend, which is within average. Hunter success, however, was 15.5 percent, which is nearly double the long-term average success rate of 7.9 percent for the third weekend. Hunters here harvested 49 elk, which is the second-highest number recorded in recent years. The most elk harvested over the third weekend in recent years was in 2015 with 94 elk.  

Between the three check stations, biologists checked eight white-tailed deer, 28 mule deer and 62 elk, among other species.  

These figures do not account for different hunting season regulations over the years, which have varied from liberal to restrictive for elk and mule deer, depending on population status.  

Couples must work a lot and prepare for their wedding months before the actual date of the wedding. Many things have to be completed before time.  Many couples have a mood board set and a theme they have already decided on, but the question that arises at the end of all of this is how they will execute their plans.

You can have the date set and the venue booked, but if you still need to start preparing for the wedding invites you will send out, you better start now. Wedding invitation cards have a lot of detail and need a personalized touch, so whoever receives the card can feel happy that they will see you swirling in bliss on your wedding day.

How to look for wedding invitations    

There are several ways in which you can design your wedding cards in the most unique way possible. Having a creative mindset and a theme in your mind will help you navigate the whole process of getting a spectacular wedding card. In Bozeman, Montana, you can look for wedding cards in the following ways:

People living in areas with fewer facilities can search the internet and find solutions to their problems. Wedding invitation cards are available in every corner of the world. All you need to do is find the best option by following these tips and making the most of them.

I sort of knew what to expect when I showed up at MSU’s printmaking studio last week for Letterpress Print Night. I knew that I would be setting (and, let’s be honest, very likely spilling or otherwise messing up) type. I knew that at some point ink would have to become involved. And I knew that if all went well I’d walk away two hours later with a handmade print of some kind.

Beyond that, I did not know the level of creative energy that would be asked of me, the way that a week later my brain would still be storming with lines fitted to the theme of Synthetic Chaos. I did not know the importance of checking my type case to make sure that I drew an s from the s compartment and not one of the st ligatures mixed in. I did not know that I would be quizzed on the history of the English alphabet and spend much of the rest of the day chagrined at my failure on that quiz. I did not know that the print I would leave with would be what is called a specimen page. Did I even know what a specimen page is? I did not. But quoting from the handout I got at the workshop I can tell you that it is “a way to showcase a typeface and all of its character for both artistic and informational purposes.” In the case of our workshop, the specimen page we made featured six fonts and mysterious text of our own creation that mentioned lasers, refrigerators, Surrealism, and improvisation and for some reason was written partly in Latin.

One shows up to a class like this expecting to learn both what they are expecting to learn and what they don’t know to expect. The real question is why they show up in the first place, why in the age of InDesign there’d be any reason to. The conversation here could begin and end with the word fun. If you’re like me and you think this sort of thing is cool, you don’t need to be convinced; and if you don’t, you’re probably not going to be.

But I asked Ashely Fuchs anyway. She’s the assistant professor in graphic design at Montana State University’s School of Art which is offering these public workshops in letterpress printing.

“In a world where InDesign exists, people are starving to know more and to understand, through personal experience, concepts about design terminology and origin,” she told me. “Letterpress does just this. Most of the terminology used in InDesign like leading (space between lines of text) and even document units and increments like pica comes from the historic craft of letterpress design.”

Fuchs became interested in letterpress while studying with Ellen Knudson in graduate school at the University of Florida. “I had no idea what she was doing,” Fuchs said, “but I knew I wanted to do it that well one day.”

It was only after being hired at MSU that Fuchs realized the letterpress opportunities available to her and her students. MSU has the largest collection of metal type in all of Montana—over 400 cases.

Now with the public workshops, Fuchs wants to share the magic of letterpress more broadly. “I believe university relationships with the communities around them need to be more symbiotic and inclusive, and these workshops are a way for me to foster new connections and stronger shared experiences across the community.”

“You know when you see someone else’s pure wonder and joy and find yourself also smiling in that shared experience,” Fuchs said to me. “I’m lucky enough to experience this every time someone pulls a print for the first time, and that feeling is worth finding over and over again.”

I witnessed this wonderous response myself as I watched the members of my group admiring their specimen sheets as they came off the press. I felt it myself when it was my turn to print. It seems so simple, printing ink on paper—almost archaic—but there is something profound about it. It’s the tangible elegance of the paper along with the firsthand knowledge of some of the labor that went into it. How often do we hold in our hands' the things we’ve made? I felt like my son after a day of kindergarten as I rushed home to show him what I had spent my afternoon making.

The specimen sheets that are being produced in these workshops will be collected in a specimen book that will feature one line of every typeface in the studio. “This book,” Fuchs said, “fingers crossed, will be completed sometime in spring and will help students in making decisions on typefaces for projects and also will be available to the public. The pride and community print endeavors that went into collaborating on and printing the book I believe will be a big draw for a variety of people to want to purchase the book. And, yes, the book will be letterpress printed.”

There are two workshops remaining: November 16 at 5:00; and November 19 at noon—both meeting in the printmaking studio in Haynes Hall on the MSU campus. For more information and to register, visit https://www.gdgmsu.com/. The workshop costs $10 or is free to MSU students, faculty, and staff.

Few life milestones can compare to the excitement of building or moving into a new home. Moving to a new home can mean making new acquaintances, learning your way around, trying other dining options, and acclimating to a different climate. In the United States, relocating to a new home is common.

In their lifetime, Americans are estimated to change residences 11.7 times. In addition, the latest census projections show that 8.4 percent, or about 28 million people, moved within the United States in 2021.

It's not unusual to stock up on various new essentials while moving into a new house or apartment. You'll need a bed, water filters, essential cooking utensils, heating, and a stable internet connection in your new house for the first few days. However, other things, like décor and artwork, can wait.

Do you have a friend or family member who, after years of renting, finally bought a place of their own? They will undoubtedly appreciate a housewarming gift that helps them feel comfortable and secure in their new home. Give them a practical present they can use immediately in their new home. In most cases, a simple and practical gift is better. Take a look at these awesome gift ideas.

Welcome Mat
A welcome mat is an excellent present for new homeowners. A new welcome mat has two purposes: it keeps dirt out of the house and makes an excellent first impression on guests. However, proper mat positioning is essential to guarantee that it doesn't obstruct the door's movement. You can express yourself creatively by choosing a bright, classic, or offbeat style. Your front door should always have a mat, no matter how small your home is.

A floor mat reflects the new homeowners' style and friendliness, so pick one with care. If you're looking for a thoughtful floormat for a friend's housewarming present, you should consider how many exterior doors they have and what colors and patterns they like.

In the same way, doormats with a raised weave or heavy-duty bristles are the most effective at scraping mud and debris from shoes. A mat that can withstand frequent scraping is ideal. In most cases, it is recommended that you give at least a pair of welcome mats.

Kitchenware
Kitchen appliances are a common housewarming gift because they are helpful and practical. They last long and may be used in many kitchen applications, so they are a good investment. For example, some of this kitchenware could be used to efficiently prepare raw materials, such as meat, vegetables, and herbs.

A new homeowner will need pots, pans, and other cookware to make everything from a hearty breakfast of eggs and bacon to a delicious dinner of sirloin steak. When choosing a housewarming present, keep in consideration the recipient's needs and your financial capabilities.

Ensure that you have enough money aside for the purchase and that they do not already have what you intend to buy. In addition, because of the high cost of kitchen appliances, the new homeowner should invest in a reliable home warranty, such as the HSA home warranty.

Cleaning Sets
Before moving into the house, your friend will probably need a new set of cleaning supplies. Brooms, dustpans, scented cleaners, and high-end spin mops are all viable options. In addition, a housewarming basket filled with organic cleaning supplies is the perfect present.

Eco-friendly cleaning products are safer for your family and the planet. As a result, they are a fantastic complement to a new home gift basket. Throw in some biodegradable sponges, cotton dishtowels, and microfiber cleaning cloths, and you've got yourself a thoughtful present.

Key Holder or Key Hider
Gifting someone with a personalized key holder is a thoughtful gesture. They're inexpensive, but they'll serve their purpose well and will be appreciated. The locks on the new home will typically require a new set of keys.

That's why it's crucial to get the new house's keys in order as soon as possible. Key holders who help organize the new homeowner's keys. You may find keyholders in various colors and styles, so you can pick one that the friend or new homeowner will be happy to have.

Garden Tools
It is challenging to garden without the proper equipment. This is why gardening tools are a great and thoughtful gift for a new homeowner who wants to start a garden. Give the new homeowner helpful something, like a garden pruner. As far as gardening tools go, a good pair of pruning shears is indispensable. Small branches on perennials, shrubs, and trees can all be chopped or trimmed with a hand pruner.

Practical And Thoughtful Gifts are Better

It's always nice to welcome new neighbors or give friends a thoughtful gift at their housewarming party. Now more than ever, it's easy to welcome new homeowners to the neighborhood. Find out what they need, so they don't have to spend money. A thoughtful and helpful gift doesn't have to be expensive to be appreciated.

The Complete Travel Guide to California covers the top attractions, destinations, and things to do across the state. It's ideal for people who want to visit a particular part of California, such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa-Sonoma Wine Country, the beach areas, and national parks. But let’s talk more. 

San Francisco

San Francisco is a great place to visit year-round. It's a city with mild, moderate weather, although temperatures can be a bit cool at times. 


The hottest months are from June to October, when temperatures can reach the low 70s. The winters are generally colder, with rain often falling in the mornings. 

The best time to visit San Francisco is during May, June, September, or October, when temperatures are cool but not too cold. During this time, the city is quieter than during spring or summer, and temperatures are still in the 70s.

If you're looking for an activity to do while in San Francisco, consider going on a cable car tour. These fun, free tours allow you to get a bird's eye view of the city. They also let you ride beneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

San Diego

If you're traveling to San Diego, you'll be tempted to stay downtown. There's everything you need right in the middle, and it's also easy to walk between attractions.


You'll even find trolleys to Old Town if you'd prefer. The hotel options range from the historic US Grant to the Hard Rock Hotel. Or, you can choose a more boutique hotel like the Palomar.

San Diego's public transport is a bit lacking, but it is still affordable. The train and trolley connect downtown to neighboring beach towns. Rideshare is another option, though it has become more expensive in recent years.

Bike-riding is also a great way to get around the city, and there are rentable scooters scattered throughout the city and nearby beach communities. You can save money by visiting San Diego during off-peak times, such as the fall, spring, and winter.

San Diego has a unique personality. It's home to a booming hippie scene, a vibrant art scene, and a rich Chicano history. With a cosmopolitan population, San Diego is a fun place to live. Whether you're visiting the city for a vacation or a business meeting, you'll find something to interest you.

San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches and sunny weather. However, the city's traffic can be a challenge if you're traveling by car.

While public transportation is relatively easy to use, it may not be enough to get around the city without a car. If you're planning on visiting multiple attractions, it's best to rent a car. Traffic is typically worst in rush hours, so it's best to travel in the midday.

Santa Barbara

Located in southern California, Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful cities in the state. It's nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. 


This quintessential beach town boasts a wealth of outdoor activities, luxury accommodations, and a thriving wine and food scene.

The city is easily accessible by car, so most visitors opt to make it part of a larger road trip. The Santa Barbara Airport provides frequent flights from western cities. The city is also served by Amtrak's Coast Starlight train, which stops at Stearns Wharf.

The route hugs the coast from San Luis Obispo south to San Diego, and offers stunning scenery.

Monterey

If you've ever wanted to visit the seaside town of Monterey, you've come to the right place. Not only is this coastal town a gorgeous beach town, but you'll also find plenty of locals who know the area's best restaurants. 


You can enjoy some fine dining at local eateries like Cannery Row, which is a historic row that's now home to a number of locally owned businesses and cannery museum.

For those with kids, there are many things to keep them busy. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one such place. This aquarium houses an incredible variety of marine life. 

You can explore their kelp forests, open sea, and rocky shore exhibits, as well as learn about the local marine life.

Big Sur

If you're looking for a natural diversity vacation, Big Sur is the place for you. It's located on the central coast of California and has everything from hiking trails to restaurants. 


Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend away or a family vacation, Big Sur has it all.

While visiting Big Sur, remember to plan ahead. Summer is the peak season and campgrounds fill up quickly.

Napa Valley

There is no shortage of food in Napa Valley, and the area is famous for gourmet fare and wine. 


Visitors can try Michelin-starred cuisine at restaurants such as FARM, Norman Rose Tavern, and Grace's Table, or sample local wines at one of the many tasting rooms. 

The area also features mid-range dining options like Zuzu, Asia Cafe on Main Street, and Taqueria Las Palmas.

The peak tourist season in Napa Valley coincides with the annual grape harvest. During this time, prices are the highest and reservations are necessary. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit in late spring. 

The weather is still pleasant, and crowds are smaller. Also, don't miss the annual BottleRock festival, which draws more than 100,000 visitors.

Central Coast

California's Central Coast has more than 200 miles of coastal scenery and is home to some of the state's most spectacular wineries. 

There are also thousands of hiking trails and natural hot springs to enjoy. In addition, there is enough great food to keep you busy for months. This region is so beautiful that most people don't even know about it.

One of the Central Coast's hidden gems is Santa Barbara. Nestled between the shimmering sea and looming mountains, this quaint city offers a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views. 

The town's historic Spanish Colonial Revival buildings represent the city's Hispanic heritage. You can visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and learn about the sea creatures that live in the area.

Gold Country

California's Gold Country is a great place to stay and their food is also excellent.  


Gold country is also home to 14 Gold Country Tours, each highlighting a different aspect of the state's history and culture. From Sacramento to Lake Tahoe, you'll discover how the state grew following the Gold Rush. 

Whether you're looking for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an unforgettable adventure, you'll find the perfect destination for your Gold Country vacation.

California's Gold Rush towns are scattered across the country in places like Amador, Calaveras, and Tuolumne counties. 

Explore Sierra Nevada high country adventures in these areas, and enjoy gourmet dining and elegant family wineries. You'll also find arts and antiques, as well as a map of the area's main attractions.

CARDWELL – Wildlife health staff with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently detected chronic wasting disease in a white-tailed deer buck that was harvested by a hunter in hunting district 311.  

The deer was harvested about 1 mile northeast of Cardwell on the south side of Interstate 90. This marks the first CWD detection in hunting district 311. However, the detection site was previously part of hunting district 333 but was added to hunting district 311 during FWP’s biennial season setting process last year. 

CWD has been detected in hunting district 333 previously. The recent detection near Cardwell is a moderate expansion of the disease’s known distribution among white-tailed deer within the Jefferson River watershed.  

CWD is a contagious neurological disease that infects deer, elk and moose. It is always fatal, and there is no known cure. It was first detected in Montana’s wild herds in 2017. The disease is known to exist in other parts of southwest Montana, including the Paradise, Gallatin and Ruby valleys, as well as in other areas of the state.  

FWP has conducted rotating surveillance for CWD throughout the state for several years. Hunting district 311 is within this year's priority surveillance area.  

Hunters play a significant role in CWD management by providing test samples from harvested animals. FWP has provided resources to help hunters collect and submit samples for testing on their own. These resources and others can be found at fwp.mt.gov/cwd. 

CWD is not known to infect humans. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people not eat meat from infected animals and have their harvested animals tested before eating them if they were taken from an area where CWD is known to exist. For more information on CDC recommendations, please visit go.usa.gov/xAcnc.