The Downtown Bozeman Partnership is continuously monitoring COVID-19 and want to respond and react accordingly and be a resource for our community partners and businesses.
 
First, in an effort to do our part to minimize person-to-person interaction, we are implementing some changes to our operating procedures that will take place until further notice:
    •    The Downtown Bozeman Partnership office will be closed to the public. You may still reach us at 406-586-4008 and leave a message, or email info@downtownbozeman.org.

We are reviewing our programming, meeting and event schedules daily. The safety of our businesses and our community are our top priorities. Review the following updates for Downtown Bozeman Partnership Events or Meetings:
    •    Business Improvement District Board Meeting on Wednesday, March 18 at 12pm – CANCELLED
    •    The Bridal Walk on April on Saturday, April 4 from 11am to 3pm - POSTPONED. We will keep in touch with all vendors about the potential of rescheduling or modifying this event. Stay tuned to our website and social media for current announcements and updates...
    •    Bobcat Fest on Main on Friday, May 1 from 5 to 7pm – CANCELLED
Finally, as we locally face new challenges with the progression of COVID-19, we are in a place of information overload and want to, at minimum, help you filter some of that information. We have compiled some resources we have found to be valuable. Please reach out to us as well as your neighbors with any additional information you have found helpful in this situation.

    •    DBA Member Chat Space – CLOSED Facebook Group. Please share your COVID-19 business plan or resources with your neighboring businesses. Your information and willingness to share it is invaluable.
    •    NEW ANNOUNCEMENT: Order Closure of Bars and Restaurants in Gallatin County. “An order issued Monday by Gallatin City-County Health Officer Matt Kelley imposes restrictions on bars, brew pubs, wineries, casinos, and restaurants in order to help reduce spread of covid19 and slow down the current pandemic."

    •    SBA Guidance for Businesses and Employers. "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the most up-to-date information on COVID-19. This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)."
    •    National Restaurant Association Recommendations. "The National Restaurant Association continues to engage with local, state, and federal officials to help our employers and employees address this public health emergency."
    •    OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces. "To reduce the impact of COVID-19 outbreak conditions on businesses, workers, customers, and the public, it is important for all employers to plan now for COVID-19."
    •    NY Times: Here’s What’s in Congress’s Emergency Coronavirus Bill. “The package includes free coronavirus testing for all, but its two weeks of paid sick don’t apply to many workers. The Senate is expected to take up the measure early next week."
We know COVID-19 announcements and details are changing daily, sometimes hourly, please check in to our website at www.downtownbozeman.org and our Instagram and Facebook @downtownbozeman.

Stay Healthy,
Ellie Staley
Downtown Bozeman Partnership
 

At Bozeman Magazine we have curiously and carefully followed updates and news pertaining to the Coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic with confirmed cases reaching Montana last Friday.

It has not been easy to keep calm and carry on when shelves are bare, events are being canceled and the future is uncertain. We understand that families, students, and individuals are being negatively impacted by the virus, no one will be unaffected by the Coronavirus.

As events and gatherings continue to be canceled or rescheduled we will do our best to update our online calendar to reflect those cancelations. Because this is a day-to-day or hour-to-hour situation we will not always have the correct information when you are looking for it. We suggest that you view our events calendar online, but also contact any venue you are considering visiting to be certain that they are still hosting the event, or are open to the public.

Venues across the nation and the state of Montana are losing ticket revenue and seeing record cancellations. Some of our greatest advertising partners have canceled events and will be closed for an unknown amount of time, even more disruption is likely on its way. Bozeman Magazine will be able to continue for an issue or two, but the effects are very real and the future for both us and our advertising partners at this time are very uncertain.

What can the Bozeman community do?
We know that our community is strong and comes to the rescue of neighbors often, we believe this will continue as COVID-19 continues. Many local businesses will be struggling to keep their doors open, if they are able to, owners and employees already struggling to make ends meet will be most affected. Here are some actionable steps you can take to help our community cope in this uncertain time (gleaned from a variety of resources):

• Don't ask for a refund. If you have tickets to a canceled event consider your purchase as a donation to the venue, artist, event promoter if you are able.

• Instead of going out to your favorite (busy) restaurant, brewery, bar, etc. purchase a gift certificate/card remotely (phone/internet) to continue to support the business, but also flattening the curve of infection by not going out.

•  Use takeout, drive-up or delivery services to continue to support the restaurants you usually enjoy and don't forget to tip the delivery driver!

• Check on neighbors you know that may be having a hard time getting the things they need to self-quarantine, ie. elderly, those with young children, etc.

• Like, share and comment on social media posts from your favorite places, retailers, venues, restaurants, and performers to increase their exposure and show your support.

• Keep checking our site and others you trust for up to date local information. We will be updating our NEWS posts with streaming events, online options for "attending" events, virtual learning opportunities (museum tours) and more.

• If you are not feeling well absolutely stay home, call your healthcare provider if you think you need to be seen.

Bozeman is a very special place, we don't want to see anyone in our community compromised or put out of business due to this pandemic. We will continue to provide the best information about what is transpiring locally to keep our community safe and as entertained as possible. Take care!

Angie Ripple, co-publisher Bozeman Magazine

After careful consideration of the quickly changing circumstances around COVID-19, Montana Science Center will suspend all onsite programming and operations on Monday, March 16. As always, our top priority is the health and wellbeing of our guests, team members, and community, and this is undoubtedly the right decision given the current situation.

We sincerely apologize to all guests currently in Bozeman, or planning to come for a day trip. Please look for more emails, social media posts and more for virtual science education and fun that we hope to provide during this time.

We will evaluate reopening around March 30th, depending on the situation in our community, and look forward to welcoming guests back to the Montana Science Center as soon as conditions permit.

Warmly,
Montana Science Center Team

Bridger Bowl will close for the season beginning today Sunday, March 15, 2020 at noon. Although there have not been any confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Bridger Bowl, we are closing in order to do our part in limiting the spread of the virus. After careful consideration, we have concluded that closing for the season is the way we can help to protect the health of our guests and employees.

We at Bridger Bowl are skiers and snowboarders at heart, we are members of our vibrant community and we understand how this impacts our staff, and our community and visitors from afar. This decision was not made lightly, our commitment to safety is of utmost importance.

Uphill travel has been closed until sunrise March 16, 2020.

Given the extenuating circumstances related to COVID-19, we have relaxed our cancellation policies. We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and appreciate your patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries.

After careful consideration of the quickly changing circumstances around COVID-19, Big Sky Resort will suspend operations after skiing on Sunday, March 15, 2020. As always, our top priority has been the health and wellbeing of our guests, team members, and community, and this is undoubtedly the right decision given the current situation. 

In addition to ski operations, all retail and rental shops and Solace Spa will cease operations as well. Food outlets will remain open based on situational needs and a commitment to social distancing. Lodging properties will remain open while guests in house make alternate travel arrangements. All lodging properties will close by Sunday, March 22. Seasonal team members will be paid through Sunday, March 22. 

We sincerely apologize to all guests currently at Big Sky, or planning to come for a ski trip. Given the short notice, we have relaxed our cancellation and refund policy, and guests are encouraged to visit our website for more information. We will automatically process refunds for future arrivals. We expect our teams will be overwhelmed with calls – but rest assured – there is no urgency to call to discuss cancellations. We will continue to honor this relaxed policy throughout the coming months. 

We will evaluate reopening at a later date, and look forward to welcoming guests back to Big Sky as soon as conditions permit.

In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and protect its patrons and the communities in which it operates, Logjam Presents will postpone all live events for 30 days effective immediately.

“While there is no current moratorium on public gatherings in Montana, Logjam Presents has decided to postpone all live events for a period of 30 days. We are following the lead of communities that are more advanced in the spread of COVID-19.”   Said Nick Checota, owner of Logjam Presents.“Safety of our customers, as well as the safety of the communities in which we operate, is our highest priority and must supersede the business interests of our Company. While the impact of canceling all of the events at our venues will have a significant impact on business, we feel it is in the most effective way to help curtail the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and remain in contact with local state and government health officials.” Checota said.

Ticket holders for events during this time period are encouraged to hold onto their tickets as all tickets will be honored for rescheduled dates. Refunds are also available for canceled events by emailing boxoffice@logjampresents.com. If tickets were purchased in person from the Top Hat or Rockin’ Rudy’s, refunds will be available at the Top Hat box office starting Monday, March 16th. Additional questions regarding ticketing can be directed to boxoffice@logjampresents.com.

The Top Hat Restaurant & Bar in downtown Missoula will continue to operate with increased sanitation efforts. Tables within the Top Hat Restaurant will be spaced out to meet social distancing policies, staff will sanitize menus, condiments, tables, chairs and other used surfaces after each use and kitchen staff will be required to wear masks and gloves during prep. Hand sanitizer stations will be available for staff and public use during operations. All staff are required to report and stay home if they come in contact with or show any symptoms.Checota went on to say, “Logjam encourages elected officials and business leaders to continue to work together to confront this situation. I have a high degree of confidence in our local and state leaders. I am confident that our communities will band together to address this challenge.”

For more information, contact Nick Checota at (406) 544-7440 or by email at nick@logjampresents.com.

In the interest of putting the health of our patrons, volunteers, employees and neighbors first and foremost — and in following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease) response guidelines — we have decided to temporarily close the theater. We hope that by helping flatten the curve of infections locally, we can play a small part in allowing our first responders to do their best to keep everyone healthy.

For now, we are postponing all Verge Theater classes, rehearsals and shows. If we are unable to reschedule, we will issue full refunds. We will announce the status of each show and class as soon as possible. Until that time, we greatly appreciate your patience as we navigate this situation.

One of the best aspects of Verge is its sense of community, so I know you will stay focused on taking care of one another. Let's use this time to connect and find a deeper appreciation for all that we have as well as to support those in need. We'll be here, ready to welcome you back to Verge Theater, in the very near future.

Please take good care of yourselves and each other. Thanks for your understanding!

If you are a winner of the Bozeman's Choice Reader Poll it is likely that you will receive a call or email from one or more web-based companies currently calling and emailing local businesses, making it sound like they are affiliated with Bozeman Magazine and the Bozeman's Choice Reader Poll. These companies are in NO WAY affiliated with Bozeman Magazine and are attempting to trick businesses into buying very expensive, phony awards.

We offer Bozeman's Choice certificates both framed and unframed for $5 and $10 respectively. We have NEVER been out to gouge our advertising clients and do not partner with businesses that would overcharge for products.

If you would like to order an official Bozeman's Choice certificate please email us with your request.

A group of individuals and organizations from across Montana, led by Montana State University Extension, are collaborating to provide resources and solutions for farmers and ranchers under stress.

“We know from various research that there is a high level of stress in life, specifically among farmers and ranchers in rural areas like Montana,” said Michelle Grocke, health and wellness specialist with MSU Extension and assistant professor in the MSU Department of Health and Human Development. Stress can be caused by a range of issues, she said, from commodity prices, weather and crop yield to debt load, passing a farm or ranch to the next generation, family issues, and injuries or illness. She added that it can lead to mental illness, increased risk of suicide and other health issues.

Now, a team of Montanans known as the Montana Farm/Ranch Stress Prevention Advisory Council is working to create a new website that will host resources to help farmers, ranchers and other community members better understand the causes of stress – as well as how to manage it. The website is expected to launch this summer.

“Ultimately, we hope these resources will lessen the risk of mental illness and suicide among Montana’s farming and ranching communities,” Grocke said.

The website is a direct response to a need MSU Extension staff continue to hear about from people across the state, said Suzanne Stluka, associate director of MSU Extension.

“MSU Extension staff began to share tough stories of how chronic stress was impacting agriculture producers,” she said. “We knew we needed to do something.”

The team working on the website is composed of more than 20 members representing agricultural, health, tribal, veteran, local government and MSU communities. Project leaders are Grocke, Stluka and Alison Brennan, MSU Extension mental health specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Development. In addition to the MSU Department of Health and Human Development and MSU Extension, partner organizations include Montana Farm Bureau, Custer County Commission, Garfield County Commission, Montana USDA Farm Service Agency, MSU Extension Local Government Center and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.

Grocke noted that an important component of the project is its accessibility: Individuals can access the resources anywhere there is an internet connection, whether it’s the library or their own homes.

The project is funded by a $32,737 grant from the Montana Healthcare Foundation.

“We feel really grateful and excited that they felt this was of value for them to support,” Grocke said. “A lot of the projects this foundation supports are collaborative in nature, innovative and forward-looking. We were thrilled to have them think this is a project deserving of their funding.”

The advisory council hopes the resources and materials will spark discussions about the causes and effects of stress — and, in the process, remove stigma associated with the topic, according to Brennan. They also hope it will equip community members with evidence-based farm stress and mental wellness resources to assist them in managing their stress. 

“There is, in fact, quite a lot of stigma still surrounding discussions about mental health, mental illness, mental disorders and suicide,” Brennan said. “My hope is that by providing a centralized location for relevant information running the gamut of topics —  from plant diseases, weather and financial management, to stress management techniques, to suicide prevention best practices —  we can start some crucial conversations about mental health in rural Montana, reduce stigma and save lives.”

Darla Tyler-McSherry, a member of the Montana Farm/Ranch Stress Prevention Advisory Council and director of student health at Montana State University Billings, said goals for the website include bringing attention to the issue of suicide in Montana’s farm and ranch communities and giving people practical, easy-to-incorporate strategies to improve their mental health.

“Additionally, I want to communicate the message that if you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you are not alone and effective help is available,” Tyler-McSherry said. “Lastly, I want this project to help confirm the notion that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather, a sign of incredible strength.”

More information is available at montana.edu/wellness_extn/stress-management/mt_farm_stress_clearing_house/project_page.html. To learn more or to offer feedback on the website, contact Grocke at 406-994-4711 or michelle.grocke@montana.edu.