The Artists’ Gallery in the Emerson Cultural Center will feature the work of Carol Barmore, Kevin Heaney, and Carmen Stanislao during the month of August.  The show will include a featured artist reception as part of the Bozeman Downtown Art Walk.


Carol Barmore works in oils, and believes that painting has the power to bring us into an intimate encounter with beauty and touch places within us we didn’t realize existed.  She takes inspiration from nature, finding an endless supply of material to work with in the visual paradise of Montana, often right in her own backyard.  Barmore enjoys painting the landscape, but has also recently fallen in love with depicting farm animals, wildlife, and people.  She feels a divine presence when she paints, and hopes to express that in her work.

As a fifth generation Montanan, Kevin Heaney works to capture the magic of the old west and its people.  His paintings and drawings capture his mining and pioneer heritage, as well as his love for the beauty of the natural landscape.  He has spent thirty years traveling the western states and recreating ghost towns in his pieces.  Heaney’s work has been featured in numerous publications and juried exhibitions, including Montana Outdoors Magazine, and the Juried International Railroad Expo in Carson City, Nevada.



Carmen believes that the durability, strength and plasticity of bronze, as well as the many beautiful patinas it can take on, make it the perfect medium for her. The most recognizable aspect of her sculptures is her attention to detail.  Her latest sculpture, “Ridgeback” will be on display this month.

The Art Walk reception will be held Friday, August 14th.  Please join us in celebrating these three featured artists, and enjoy wine and refreshments from 5:00pm-8:00pm.

Next Exit History™ (NEH) is a free GPS-based mobile app developed by University of West Florida (UWF) faculty researchers in partnership with Historical Research Associates (HRA) of Missoula, that provides information on more than 60,000 historical sites around the world. The app unites all generations, spanning iconic historical locations from the birthplace of hip hop to the Alamo. Next Exit History is putting their app to the test as they have collaborated with a UWF summer class that is road tripping cross country visiting America's greatest treasures, her national parks.


In celebration of Missoula's rich cultural heritage, Next Exit History recently added sites along the Missoula Marathon course so runners could track their footsteps through history. “In an effort to embrace the tourism strategy of the Downtown Master Plan, we were pleased to put forth Downtown Missoula as a pilot project for showcasing historical destinations on an electronic platform interesting to folks of all ages. It's been fun to see how the project has evolved,” said Linda McCarthy, Executive Director of the Downtown Business Improvement District of Missoula.

Project Director, David Strohmaier of NEH said “As a Montana-based company, HRA is proud to be on the cutting edge of both historical interpretation and technology, making history relevant to 21st century audiences. Missoula sits at the confluence of great trout streams, has been a corridor for travelers from tribes en route to hunt bison in Eastern Montana to transcontinental railroads, and is the gateway to some of the wildest country in the Lower 48. When it comes to Missoula, history really does run through it!”

In his first home start since September 2013, Montana State University alum and BC Lions quarterback Travis Lulay completed 34-of-44 passes (77%) and passed for 404 yards and three touchdowns in a thrilling BC Lions overtime victory 35-32 over the Saskatchewan Roughriders on July 17th. He has been named one of the Canadian Football League’s Shaw Top Performers for Week 3 of the 2015 season.
 
This marked the second time in Lulay’s career he has thrown for over 400 yards and the first time he has done so since 2010.
 
All three of Lulay’s touchdown passes came in the fourth quarter and in overtime. He threw touchdown passes to Rolly Lumbala from seven yards out, Austin Collie with two minutes remaining, and the game-winning touchdown to Emmanuel Arceneaux in overtime.
 
The former Montana State Bobcat and native of Salem, Oregon has passed for 658 yards while completing 68.4% of attempts so far this season. He has thrown four touchdown passes with only one interception so far.
 
Two other players also received Shaw Top Performer nods; you can help Ryan Smith earn the title of Shaw Fan’s Choice of the Week by receiving the most retweets on twitter for this tweet.

An anonymous foundation has generously offered the Bozeman Symphony an exciting matching-grant program—the $75K Symphony Summer Challenge. It’s simple: For every two dollars we raise, the foundation will give the symphony an additional dollar, and will match any money raised up to $75,000.00. And even better—if $75,000 goal is reached, the foundation will match DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR up to an additional $25,000.00. It’s an amazing opportunity to strengthen the Bozeman Symphony Society, and replenish reserve funding to keep the organization going strong well into the future.
 
The Symphony is asking the community to take part in the $75K Symphony Summer Challenge. Any dollars raised between now and September 25th, 2015 will qualify for the match. Individual donations, new season subscriptions, new concert program advertisers, new concert sponsors, and all underwriter donations qualify. The only catch is that the foundation will only match dollars we have received, and not pledged dollars.
 
Funding received through this campaign will go to support the many successful and popular programs provided to the Gallatin Valley and beyond, such as education and outreach programs, children’s and family concerts, Symphony at the Shane recital series, piano recital series, Festival of the Fourth free concert, and much more. Did you know only 40% of the Symphony’s operating income is derived from ticket sales, yet provided are so many free and inexpensive ways to experience the Symphony? Please consider a generous donation as soon as possible for this matching grant opportunity, and help keep the Symphony strong and vibrant.

For more information or to make a donation, contact the Bozeman Symphony at 585-9774 or visit us online at www.bozemansymphony.org.

Former Class of 2009 MSU Bobcat Defensive Back David Taylor has started a new company called "Godly Creation Clothing".  His line features tees, tanks, sweaters and more. David is a native of Galveston, Texas. He created the line after suffering the loss of his mother to cancer. David reestablished himself within his religious beliefs and found the power and strength to overcome his depression and create something positive from his loss. That strength led him to design his own logo and start his own clothing line. "God is Always Good" is the flagship logo and tagline. He uses this line to donate all proceeds to The Houston Hospice Organization. He chose this facility due to its great work helping those in the midst of their own courageous battle. David's line can be found at Justus Downtown in Downtown Bozeman or online www.godlycreationsclothing.com

To carry the line or follow up with David Taylor at Phone: 1 713 352-9998 or email: godlycreationsclothing@yahoo.com

DropTrip, a crowdsourced shipping platform, launches its web-based, mobile friendly platform. The startup seeks to fill the void not currently being met by traditional shipping methods. Similar to Airbnb and Uber, DropTrip uses a business model that revolves around the monetization of underused resources like time, labor, and space.

The DropTrip platform is a safe, reliable, and extremely efficient shipping infrastructure based on utilizing excess capacity in vehicles already on the road. DropTrip Shippers and Travelers work together to solve complex and expensive shipping challenges. Shippers can count on a trusted DropTrip Traveler to pick up and hand-deliver their goods. All eligible shipments are insured, and both parties control the schedule and confirm delivery before the Traveler is paid. The Travelers make money for trips they are already taking by offering up cargo space to help Shippers transport their goods from point A to point B. To date, the DropTrip network has shipped over $25,000 in goods for individuals and businesses.

DropTrip is led by CEO Doug Warner, one of the first employees at software company RightNow Technologies, which was acquired by Oracle Corp. in 2012 for $1.5 billion. “The DropTrip platform solves the often costly and time-prohibitive challenges associated with intrastate and tri-state shipping,” said Warner. “Starting in Montana is strategic because the population is heavily dispersed. If you think about it, everyone has done a DropTrip before; that is, carried or picked up something for someone when they’ve taken a trip. We’re helping businesses and individuals streamline that process.”

DropTrip takes safety seriously, and they have gone to great lengths to create the most secure and reliable network. Every member is highly vetted, and peace of mind comes in the form of up to $5,000 of insurance for each eligible shipment and a $1 million liability insurance policy for the Traveler. “Businesses and consumers are adopting the DropTrip platform as an alternative shipping method, particularly for harder-to-ship items. It saves Shippers considerable time and money, and the Travelers love making extra cash for a trip they are already taking. Our platform is being used for everything from art or food to computers, baby strollers, and everything in between,” said Nathan Williams, VP of Marketing.

DropTrip’s mission is to empower and connect communities, starting in Montana, and growing into a global platform that everyone, everywhere can use directly from their mobile device.

Currently, the DropTrip platform is web-based and usable on any smart phone with web access. A DropTrip app for iOS and Android is in development, slated for release in the near future.  



About DropTrip

DropTrip is the first crowdsourced shipping solution born out of the need to strengthen the connection between rural and urban communities. DropTrip is a safe, reliable, and extremely efficient shipping platform based on monetizing excess capacity in vehicles already on the road. Shippers and Travelers work together to solve complex and expensive shipping challenges for both businesses and consumers. DropTrip is changing the way people, businesses, and communities around the world ship and receive the stuff they want.

Save money shipping. Make money traveling.

Printingforless.com (PFL), a leading marketing company, is opening a new software development and marketing office in Bozeman, MT on July 1, 2015.  The new office is the third location for the expanding company, and will draw on the wealth of local talent in Bozeman. PFL’s Bozeman office will be located in 2,400 square feet at 45 Discovery Drive, space previously occupied by RightNow Technologies.  

“Every evolution and advancement we’ve ever had has been driven by our customers. Today they are demanding new technology solutions that combine digital and tangible products. This new space will give us the room to grow our software development and marketing teams to support these initiatives,” says CEO Andrew Field.  “We are excited to tap the excellent talent pool of professionals in both software development and marketing as we continue to better serve our customers. “

Greg Gianforte, RightNow Technologies founder and Chair of the Montana High Tech Business Alliance also commented on PFL’s expansion. “I’m thrilled that PrintingForLess.com is expanding to Bozeman. Montana needs more high-paying jobs. PFL is a great example of the growth potential for Montana companies that leverage the unmatched Montana work ethic and ingenuity. I applaud PFL for creating this opportunity for Bozemanites, and the signal this growth sends to the rest of Montana.”

PFL is a Marketing Technology company providing business solutions that improve marketing effectiveness. The company’s latest technology solutions enable customers to create and optimize integrated, multi-channel customer journeys using their Marketing Automation platforms.
PFL employs 200+ employees in manufacturing, sales, marketing and software development, and has been creating a great place to work in a great place to live for 18 years.

Visit the PFL.com Career Opportunities page to view current openings.  http://www.printingforless.com/employment.html

A team of Montana State University researchers and community partners has been awarded a three-year, $220,000 grant to help Montana beef producers and meat processors and increase the use of local beef in Montana’s schools and communities.

The grant, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, is intended to increase the availability and consumption of local beef in Montana’s schools and communities and help improve Montana beef producers’ and meat processors’ viability and sustainability. It is also intended to discern which “beef to school” methods are most sustainable for producers, processors and schools.

The team is led by Carmen Byker Shanks, assistant professor in the MSU Department of Health and Human Development.

In Montana and nationally, producers and consumers are beginning to see social, environmental and economic benefits from local procurement efforts that link ranchers and local beef processors with schools in their community and region, according to Byker Shanks. She added that the ‘beef to school’ efforts involve support of local beef from a variety of people, including producers, processors, and foodservices and students at K-12 schools.



“Beef to school efforts can increase the sustainability and viability of local and regional food systems,” Byker Shanks said. “The recently published 2015 dietary guidelines for Americans highlights that beef production has a potentially large impact on the environment. In Montana and beyond, it is important to support beef production through efforts such as beef to school programs. Beef to school programs have the potential to reduce the need for transportation, packaging, and other inputs; increase access to local food; provide farmers an additional market for their beef; enhance community food literacy and connections to local agriculture; keep money circulating in local economies; and possibly utilize cattle that are grass-fed.”

Byker Shanks noted that the Montana Beef to School Coalition – a group formed in 2012 that includes a range of representatives, from school foodservice to meat processors and producers to food and agricultural organizations and agencies – has identified four items that are needed to grow beef to school programs in the state. Those items include identifying current successful models of beef to school efforts, analyzing the capacity and motivations of beef producers and meat processors to fill the demand for local beef, an availability of resources about how to make beef to school efforts economically and nutritionally viable for schools, and implementing strategies to include beef to school programming at schools.

To address these needs, researchers will conduct comprehensive case studies of current beef to school efforts to identify the benefits, challenges, best practices and gaps that exist for beef to school procurement models, Byker Shanks said. Additionally, the team will examine how local beef is utilized in schools and evaluate student acceptance and preference of local versus non-local beef.

Researchers will then use this information to evaluate the larger Montana beef to school market by developing and testing evaluation tools, analyzing characteristics of beef to school supply chain issues, and assessing capacity and needs for slaughter, processing and storage facilities.

“As schools and ranchers in Montana are beginning to work together to bring local beef into schools, the results have been mixed: some procurement models seem successful for all parties involved, while others have faced significant barriers in making beef to school programs viable,” Byker Shanks said “These evaluation results will help create solutions to overcoming barriers to optimizing beef to school efforts.”

The researchers will also develop extensive outreach, educational and promotional materials for multiple groups, including K-12 students and teachers, university students, producers and school foodservice programs. Outreach efforts will also include both in-person trainings and webinars for school foodservice, producers and processors.

“The tools and findings of this project will give Montana’s producers, processors and schools the resources they need to form productive, sustainable procurement relationships,” Byker Shanks said, adding that those resources will be applicable to other stakeholders, as well. “Additionally, this project will foster partnerships among producers, processors and other stakeholders, garnering long-term interest and investment in local and regional beef markets as well as the sustainable production and marketing of other local and regional meat products.”

In addition to Byker Shanks, others involved with the project include Thomas Bass and Joel Schumacher of MSU Extension, Karla Buck of Bear Paw Meats, Katie Halloran of National Center for Appropriate Technology, Jennifer Montague of Kalispell Public Schools Foodservice, Garl Germann of Montana Meats, Jeremy Plummer of Lower Valley Processing, John Polacik of Park High School Foodservice, Aubree Roth of Montana Team Nutrition and members of the Montana Beef to School Coalition.

For more information, contact Byker Shanks at Carmen.byker@montana.edu or visit the Montana Beef to School Coalition’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/beef2school or its Twitter account at https://twitter.com/mtbeeftoschool.

Follow this link for more info and to register your child! http://vergetheater.com/education/summer-programs

Improv
When: Mon. July 13th-Thurs. July 17th from 12-3pm. Performance Demo Thurs. July 13th 5-6:30pm

Who: Kids entering grades 3-5

Teacher: Paige Johnson

Cost: $130
During the fun workshop, your child will learn the basics of Improv and practice skills such as active listening, communication, collaboration, and concentration all while having fun and making new friends.  The Improv technique allows students to explore their imaginations together and will ultimately culminate in a show full of fun and hilarious games!    

Musical Theater
When: Mon. August 10th-Thurs. August 13th from 12-3pm. Performance Demo, Thurs. August 13th 5-6:30pm

Who: Kids entering grades 3-5

Teacher: Erin Roberg

Cost: $130
You know your kid is a star so here's the perfect opportunity for them to shine.  Our Musical Theater classes take the best of Broadway and Disney's big stage numbers. This summer's workshop will present selections from "Shrek the Musical!" At Verge we put the spotlight on all of our students. Ensemble casting is a must so that every child has the chance to strut their stuff!