Tuesday, Sep. 14th, 2021

Bozeman MADE fair Returns for One-Day Event

The Bozeman MADE fair is fast approaching, and we are excited to connect artists with the Gallatin Valley community once again. Shop and discover a curated collection of over 170 local and regional artists. You can expect to see everything from affordable, functional works of art to fine heirloom pieces at the show.

Those interested in a head start on their shopping can purchase a New VIP Pass valid for an hour before the show opens to the public. Beat the crowds and purchase VIP passes for $10 for 10 am-11 am, and it will get you a solid head start before everyone else. Every year we pick a non-profit to work with to help further their mission. All of the proceeds from the ticket sales will go to a local Gallatin County Non-Profit.

Last year we (handMADE Montana- presenters of the MADE fairs) made the difficult and responsible decision to cancel all of our four in-person events. We put energy and time into promoting our artists digitally via the website and social media.  With the recent success of the Missoula Summer MADE fair, we cautiously approach the upcoming fall and holiday events. Masks are encouraged when social distancing is not an option, and the layout at the upcoming Bozeman MADE fair will have additional room to roam.

 The one-day event will once again feature indoor Trick-or-Treating and an all-ages Costume Contest at 1 pm. New moms can enjoy some quiet feeding time for the littles at the Family Care Area provided by the Gallatin Breastfeeding Coalition. Make a day of it with your friends and enjoy strolling the aisles and supporting your local artists. Visit our website for additional details and pre-shop all of the participating artists.

The MADE fair is a modern art & handcrafted market featuring local & regional artists and makers. Our events are a curated collection of skilled artisans as well as a handful of non-profits. The MADE fair’s mission is to increase awareness of handmade goods as an alternative to mass-produced items and support local and regional small craft businesses by providing a place to sell their goods. We provide opportunities to artists of all levels—from the hobbyist to the seasoned professional. The MADE fairs are presented by handMADE Montana—the recently named Retailer of the Year Award by the Made in Montana program.


Event Details
Date:  October 31, 2021
Time:  11am-5pm, VIP pass 10am-11am  
Location: Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Bozeman, Montana 
Cost: Free Entry/Parking*

Please bring a bring a non-perishable food item to help support the Gallatin Valley Food Bank.

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Applications open for MSU online program leading to master’s degree in teaching

Applications are now being accepted for an online degree program offered by Montana State University that leads students to a master’s degree in teaching. A corresponding program offers participants a stipend and mentorship in exchange for a teaching commitment in an eligible school.

MSU’s Master of Arts in teaching program offers applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree a pathway to complete a preparation program and become a licensed Montana teacher in as little as one year. 

Those admitted to the Master of Arts in teaching degree program can apply for the Montana Rural Teacher Project, or MRTP. Participants in the MRTP receive a living wage stipend while they complete the 12- to 16-month master’s program. They also receive two years of mentorship from established teachers. Students in the program must commit to teach in an eligible Montana school for three years. 

While the Master of Arts in teaching degree program will continue into the future, MSU is currently recruiting applicants for the final group of participants for the grant-funded Montana Rural Teacher Project. The elementary track starts in January 2022. The preferred application deadline is Oct. 1, and the extended application deadline is Nov. 10.

The secondary track, which prepares educators to teach high school English, mathematics, general science broadfield and social studies broadfield, starts in May 2022. The preferred application deadline is Jan. 1, 2022, and the extended application deadline is Feb. 15, 2022.

More information about the Master of Arts in teaching degree program is available at montana.edu/education/grad/mat/. To learn more about the Montana Rural Teacher Project, visit montana.edu/education/grad/mat/tqp.html. Questions may be directed to Jamie O’Callaghan at jamie.ocallaghan@montana.edu.

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A Beginner's Guide to CBD Hemp Flower Products

Although it is extracted from the same Cannabis Sativa, CBD hemp flower does not possess any notable intoxicating or psychoactive properties like marijuana. So, while it may look, feel, and smell similar to other THC-rich cannabis variants, it is among the most efficient and safest ways to intake cannabinoids.

There are a variety of CBD flower products sold by licensed vendors online, and you can choose any of them, depending on your needs. Here’s some helpful information about CBD hemp flowers that can help you buy the correct products.

CBD hemp flower terms to be familiar with

When you browse for these products, you will encounter certain words that may seem alien to you. Here’s what you should know about them, so they do not confuse you.

Prerolls - Informally referred to as joints, are dried, powdered hemp flowers that come wrapped in rolling paper.

Flavonoids - These have powerful antioxidant properties and are used mainly for medicinal purposes rather than recreational ones.

Non-intoxicating - It simply means that the product does not contain any intoxicating substances.

Manicured - When you come across a product described as “manicured,” it means they are hand-trimmed hemp buds of high quality.

Terpenes - These are plant oils packed with flavor that are natural to cannabis.
Sativa-dominant - These hemp flower products provide an uplifting effect on users.
Indica-dominant - These contain terpenes that have a calming effect.

Flavors and aromas

There is an incredible range of CBD flower flavors to choose from. Popular ones include the earthy-tasting Humulene, spicy Caryophyllene, minty Pinene, and crispy, light Linalool. You can also check out the dank and mango-like Myrcene and the very floral Terpinolene, among other flavors.

All these flavors have distinct aromas, too, each giving off a remarkably unique odor. Caryophyllene is best if you are looking for a woody, clove-like smell. On the other hand, Terpinolene is more suitable for an all-around experience as it smells of many different flavors. Linalool has a vivid lavender-floral smell that many users love.

What is it used for?

While most people use CBD products for recreational purposes, many of them are now investing in these products for their purported medicinal properties as well.

For instance, a study found that about 62% of the respondents used CBD for treating a medical condition, with the top ones being anxiety, pain, and depression. About 36% of the total respondents claimed CBD effectively helped them deal with these severe health issues.

So, while research is still ongoing to understand how CBD can help people deal with the conditions mentioned above and several others, the results from this study are quite promising. Researchers are now checking how CBD can help people manage sleep disorders and other medical conditions.

CBD hemp flower with and without THC

With THC - THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound in cannabis that has psychoactive properties. Typically, CBD must contain less than 0.3% of THC by law. Products that exceed this amount of CBD are classified as marijuana. They are mostly preferred as a recreational activity and rarely used for medicinal purposes.

Without THC - CBD flower products with low amounts of THC reportedly have health benefits. They are non-intoxicating and offer all the benefits of a THC-rich hemp product, minus the unpleasant side effects.

Full-spectrum CBD hemp flower

Some CBD products such as broad-spectrum and isolate are processed and, as a result, have their natural plant extracts removed. However, full-spectrum CBD is rich in all the essential natural oils from the Cannabis Sativa flowering buds.

CBD flower is full-spectrum, comprising flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids found in cannabis.

Buying from the right seller

While there are innumerable places to buy CBD products, it is vital not to buy them from just about anyone. It is advisable to especially avoid dispensaries that do not possess the essential licenses to sell hemp products. Also, you must carefully check the product and ingredients before purchasing. If you unwittingly buy a CBD hemp flower product with a high amount of THC, it could cause trouble as this quantity is not legally permitted.

So, buying from a reputable, knowledgeable source is crucial. Check the seller's license, reviews, and other details before purchasing the product.

Conclusion

CBD hemp flower products are gaining popularity as one of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of cannabinoids. Nevertheless, note that this is relatively new to the medical field. And while initial research reports are considerably favorable, it is still wise to exercise caution.

So, it is best to ask your medical practitioner for advice on which CBD products to use, the dosage, frequency, etc. They can monitor your progress, check if you have any side effects from the CBD use, and change dosage likewise.-

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Monday, Sep. 13th, 2021

FWP seeking applicants to Region 3 Citizens Advisory

Committee Application deadline is Oct. 3 

BOZEMAN – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff in southwest Montana are seeking applicants to the region’s Citizens Advisory Committee.  

The committee meets several times per year and operates in an advisory capacity to help FWP be responsive and effective resource managers within the constraints of the law. Citizen advisors help identify emerging trends and resolve conflicts, and they act as FWP ambassadors to various interest groups and geographic communities. 

FWP employees benefit from having a deeper understanding of public priorities and expectations with help from citizen advisors, who can function as a trusted sounding board for ideas and initiatives. People who volunteer in this capacity benefit from understanding FWP programs, priorities, administrative processes and limitations in a broader context.  

FWP is seeking applicants representing a variety of interests from communities across southwest Montana within Region 3. For more information or to apply, call 406-577-7891 or send an email to Morgan.Jacobsen@mt.gov. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3. 

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Montana State University, University of Montana receive $1.9 million to address mental health care needs in western Montana


A new four-year, $1.9 million grant will enable a team of collaborators at Montana State University and the University of Montana to continue a program that trains students to better serve individuals with mental health care needs.

The grant, from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, will continue funding the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program. Known as BHWET-West, the program is administered by both MSU and UM and focuses on meeting mental health care needs in western Montana, particularly those of children, adolescents and youth.

“Montana has a significant general need for mental health care, as well as a specific need for mental health care for children, adolescents and young adults,” said Rebecca Pogoda, clinical instructor with the MSU College of Nursing’s Bozeman campus and head of the college’s psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program. “A goal of this program is to provide additional training opportunities for students so that they are well-prepared for this work.”

Over the four years of the grant, the program will fund 72 MSU and UM graduate students to deliver and integrate professional services into existing institutions, agencies and clinics. Most of the funds will go directly to student stipends.

“Although the state has many hard-working, effective mental health professionals working with our youth, there simply are not enough of them,” said Mary-Ann Sontag Bowman, a UM social work associate professor and program director/co-principal investigator for the grant. “This project funds the placement of graduate students in agencies and organizations that serve children, adolescents and transitional-age youth, expanding the capacity of organizations to meet immediate needs and help build the area’s workforce.”

Since students often practice where they are trained, Sontag Bowman added, placement in these agencies and organizations increases the likelihood of these future professionals staying in those communities.

Participating students in BHWET-West are pursuing careers as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, licensed social workers or licensed professional counselors. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner students are enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program in MSU’s College of Nursing, psychology students are enrolled in a doctoral program in psychology at UM, social work students are enrolled in UM’s master’s program in social work, and counseling students are enrolled in UM’s master’s program in clinical mental health counseling.

Pogoda emphasized that students participating in the program receive training specifically geared toward working with young people, both in the form of coursework and monthly interprofessional meetings where related topics are discussed.

“A goal of this program is to provide training and experiences so that students who graduate from these programs will be comfortable working with these populations and, in fact, want to work with these populations,” Pogoda said.

The program also provides rich opportunities for interprofessional education and collaboration, she said.

“Learning about integrated care and interprofessional education is an important part of this grant,” Pogoda said. “It’s designed to give students experiences working with, say, a therapist, a primary care provider, a psychiatrist and a social worker, who often all work together with this population.”

Sarah Shannon, dean of the MSU College of Nursing, said increasing the mental health workforce is a top priority for Montana.

“MSU College of Nursing is proud to continue our partnership with the University of Montana in this pressing area,” Shannon said. “The BHWET-West program has been a national leader in offering students an interprofessional experience in behavioral health in a rural state. We know that Montana consistently ranks among worst states for suicide. We are committed to ensuring that children, teens and adults in Montana have access to help when they need it most.”

Ultimately, the program aims to help meet the mental health care needs of people in western Montana.

“The highlight of this grant is it allows MSU and UM to create a workforce for Montanans,” Pogoda said. “We’re training students to work in Montana, and to work with youth.”

In addition to Pogoda and Sontag Bowman, other project collaborators include co-principal investigators Tracy Hellem, associate professor with the MSU College of Nursing’s Missoula campus; Jayna Mumbauer-Pisano, assistant professor, UM Department of Counseling; and Greg Machek, professor, UM Department of Psychology. Consultants include Bryan Cochran, professor, UM Department of Psychology; and Holly Schleicher, former UM director of integrated behavioral health.

The grant complements a second four-year grant recently awarded to the MSU College of Nursing that aims to help address a shortage of mental health providers in eastern Montana, particularly in areas of low population and high geographic remoteness. That program will provide training opportunities and financial support for students working to become psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, mental health counselors or psychiatrists.

The MSU College of Nursing educates students on its five campuses to be professional nurses capable of working in a variety of settings. It is the largest supplier of Bachelor of Science-prepared nurses in Montana. It is also Montana's only public provider of graduate nursing education and offers a Master of Nursing degree focused on rural clinical nurse leadership and a Doctor of Nursing Practice program that prepares students for certification as family nurse practitioners or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. More information about the MSU College of Nursing is available at montana.edu/nursing/.

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Friday, Sep. 10th, 2021

AIS inspectors encounter unusual situation at Wibaux


HELENA
– Watercraft inspectors at the Wibaux inspection station intercepted a motorboat entering Montana with mussels attached. The Wibaux inspection station, located on the Montana-North Dakota border on Interstate 94, has intercepted 12 of the 54 mussels boats intercepted so far this year. This boat was unique in how the mussels were attached to the boat.

Invasive mussels have byssal threads they use to attach to underwater surfaces. The threads or “hairs” are an adaptation found on invasive zebra and quagga mussels but are not found on North America’s native freshwater mussel species. Invasive mussels can move from one waterbody to another when their threads attach to the hull or motors of trailered watercraft or when microscopic mussel larvae floats in standing water inside vessels.

The motorboat that Wibaux inspectors encountered on Sept. 6 had just pulled out of Lake Lida in Minnesota that morning after two days on the water. A close check by inspectors found tiny mussels that were hydrostatically clinging to the motor, transom and hull rather than attached with byssal threads.

The hydrostatic process allows water molecules to bond surfaces together, in this case mussels and the motorboat, and maintain that bond after the water has dried. It’s presumed that invasive mussels were floating near the Lake Lida boat ramp and were able to cling to the boat as it was loaded onto the trailer.

“It alarming that this boat had mussels attached after only two days in the water,” said Zach Crete, AIS Prevention Coordinator for FWP. “Normally, a boat would have to be moored in the water for several days before mussels would have time to attach.”

Inspectors performed a viability test on several mussels and found some were still alive and siphoning water.

FWP staff remind anyone transporting motorized or nonmotorized boats into Montana that an inspection is required before launching, and stopping at ALL open watercraft inspection stations is required. Failing to stop at an inspection station can result in a fine of up to $500.

Boaters should ensure their watercraft, trailer and all equipment that is in contact with water (anchor, lines, swim ladder, etc.) is clean, drained of water and dry.

Learn more at CleanDrainDryMT.com or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440.

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Lake Street Dive Moves Bozeman Concert to KettleHouse Amphitheater

The Lake Street Dive performance, originally scheduled at the ELM in Bozeman, MT on September 21, 2021, has been rescheduled for September 23, 2021 at the KettleHouse Amphitheater near Missoula, MT. The move to an outdoor setting was the only way to ensure Lake Street Dive performed in Western Montana. 

Here’s a note from the artist: 

“Hello MONTANA! We are moving our show that was originally planned for September 21st at The Elm in Bozeman to an OUTDOOR show in Missoula on September 23rd at The Kettlehouse Amphitheater… We’ve always loved our experiences in Montana and are excited to perform under the stars at the beautiful KettleHouse Amphitheater.” - Lake Street Dive

All originally purchased tickets will be honored at the rescheduled date. No exchanges necessary. Ticket holders for the originally scheduled date will receive an email with options for refunds if desired. 

Tickets for Lake Street Dive at the KettleHouse Amphitheater September 23, 2021 are on sale now and can be purchased at logjampresents.com, or by calling eTix at  (800) 514-3849. 

As the outdoor summer concert season comes to an end and events move indoors, Logjam Presents may see additional artists choose to postpone or in some cases cancel their upcoming Montana performances.

As a locally owned and independently operated Montana business, Logjam Presents respects the decision of each artist and concert-goer either way and will continue our mission to bring the best entertainment we can to Montana while also adhering to policies put forth by the Montana state legislature.

With high ceilings, ample space, and some of the best ventilation systems in the state, the Wilma in Missoula, MT as well as The ELM in Bozeman, MT provide unique opportunities for the Montana community to support the arts in a spacious and more comfortable environment as we move into the colder months. 

For more information on box office hours and impacted events, please visit https://logjampresents.com/covid-19/. Additional questions regarding refunds and ticketing can be directed to boxoffice@logjampresents.com. 

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Thursday, Sep. 9th, 2021

Montana PBS awarded $300K from Otto Bremer Trust to expand news and public affairs programming

 Montana PBS will expand its news and public affairs programming over the next two years thanks to a $300,000 grant from the Otto Bremer Trust.

The award will allow Montana PBS to provide an expanded production schedule and add staff to “The Rundown with Jackie Coffin,” a program hosted, produced and edited by Coffin. Montana PBS will also provide matching funds to help sustain the program and its staff in the long-term, according to Kristina Martin, Montana PBS development director.

“We are grateful for this funding from the Otto Bremer Trust, which will allow us to build capacity, expand our coverage throughout the state and tell more stories relevant to our viewers,” Martin said.

Martin added that the Montana PBS team is looking forward to engaging with the program’s audiences in new ways as it explores topics and breaking news across the state.

In addition to “The Rundown with Jackie Coffin,” Montana PBS airs several national programs focused on news and public affairs, including “PBS NewsHour,” “Washington Week” and “Amanpour and Co.”

To learn more, and to watch current episodes of “The Rundown with Jackie Coffin,” visit montanapbs.org/rundown.

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6 Principles of Effective Personalized Learning

Effective learning cannot be achieved without knowing the best practices for learning. In this article, we collected the most important learning principles aimed to make learning more effective.

Principle 1: Understanding Rather Than Memorization
Learning is more effective when it focuses on understanding general principles and concepts rather than memorizing individual facts and algorithms. Understanding itself is the key to the practical application of knowledge in life situations. This is important because even the tasks of the world-famous PISA test do not test how well children know the school program but how effectively they can use school knowledge in everyday life. And to really understand the material, you need to discuss it and give enough time to think.

Principle 2: Applying Knowledge to Different Situations
Learning becomes more effective and meaningful when students learn to apply knowledge in real-life situations. This is logical because why know Newton's laws if they exist only in tests and in the pages of the textbook? Furthermore, the child will be more willing to learn new knowledge if he knows that he can apply it outside of school. For example, any regular professional essay writer will constantly be reapplying and recontextualizing their academic knowledge, so this principle is extremely important.

Principle 3: Time for Practice
It takes time to absorb information. To apply it in practice - too. For example, students' reading and writing skills depend on how much time they actually read and write.

Spend more time on active learning (remember the principle of active participation of children in the classroom). Passive acquisition of new information is much less effective than tasks that involve students: it can be planning experiments, measuring, discussing, preparing projects.

Dedicate time to conscious practice, in which students independently assess their own progress and regulate the learning process accordingly: we talked more about this in paragraph 6 of the previous material. It is also important to take breaks between practices to prevent burnout.

Principle 4: Developmental and Individual Differences
Individual differences play a major role in the learning process. Usually, the school pays attention to abilities in either the humanities or the exact sciences, but they cannot be classified into only two categories.

Someone may have outstanding spatial thinking or fine musical hearing, so it is worth organizing training to identify and nurture the individual differences of each student. It's all about recognizing the unique nature of every person. In terms of learning, this aspect can show itself through even something as simple as some students needing essaywriter.org while others do not.

Principle 5: Motivation (Creating Motivated Learners)
A motivated student is easy to recognize - he strives to achieve the goal and devotes enough time and effort to it. All teachers want to work with children who are motivated to learn, but as motivation directly affects learning, so does the teacher affect motivation. So how to do it right?

Recognize student achievement. Praise them for their success, but focus on internal rather than external factors. Help students believe in themselves. Do not underestimate their abilities, do not compare with each other because they are all unique and develop at their own pace. Have the children hear words of support from you and receive assignments that meet their level, goals, and needs.

Help students set goals and adjust them so that they are realistic. After setting goals, tell students how to choose the best learning strategy.

Group children according to their abilities and encourage cooperation instead of competition: for example, they can jointly implement educational projects. A VARK survey will help determine the best learning strategy for each student.


Suggest interesting tasks: not too easy, but not too difficult. The child should feel that he can potentially solve them - this will encourage him to make more effort. Additionally, gamified learning experiences can easily encourage, engage, and motivate students to achieve more.

How Personalized Learning Is Implemented in Modern Education
Every year Microsoft Education adds to the list of the most innovative schools in the world - Microsoft Showcase Schools. The list includes institutions that use personalized learning approaches and develop 21st-century skills among schoolchildren.

Personalized learning is becoming more popular and effective due to the rapid development of technology. Adaptive learning technologies are adapted to the student in real-time and provide him and the teacher with analytics of the educational process.

Such technologies are increasingly attracting the attention of reputable educational institutions. In particular, the online learning platform CogBooks and the University of Arizona tried to introduce an inverted course (new material is developed at home, and in-class it is discussed and completed) in biology and two history courses.

To do this, the university and CogBooks have developed an adaptive online environment, and after the first semester, the number of students who did not complete the course fell 10 times - from 15% to 1.5%. The adaptive environment included video and interactive tasks: in addition, the teacher saw student performance statistics and could identify topics that need to be worked out in more detail in class. At the same time, the Technical University of Colorado uses the personalized Intellipath learning system as one of the main components of the programming course.

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Suspected explosive device found at Williams’ Bridge Fishing Access Site Investigators safely remove device 

THREE FORKS – A suspected explosive device was found Saturday evening at Williams’ Bridge Fishing Access Site along the Jefferson River.  

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue personnel found what appeared to be a pipe bomb in the river while conducting training at the site. Game wardens with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks closed the site and the nearby Sappington Bridge Fishing Access Site during the investigation.  

Explosive ordinance disposal technicians from Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls came to the site and detonated the device Sunday morning. Williams’ Bridge and Sappington Bridge fishing access sites were reopened to the public later that morning.  

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is leading the ongoing investigation into the device.

“We’re grateful to Gallatin County and Malmstrom Air Force Base personnel for their collaborative response in this situation. Thanks to these efforts, we were able to safely reopen these sites to the public,” said FWP Warden Capt. Adam Pankratz. “This is also a good reminder to use caution and carefully inspect items we would normally think of as litter before picking them up.” 

Those with information that may be helpful in this investigation are asked to contact the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office at 406-582-2100. 

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