Slumberland Furniture & Greater Gallatin United Way Provide Area Families with Donation of Children’s Beds this December.  Since 1993, Slumberland Furniture has been working to provide families with new beds during the holiday season through their annual Making Homes for Holidays program.  With the help of charity, such as Greater Gallatin United Way and industry partners, Slumberland has donated more than 20,000 new mattresses and box springs to families.  This year, Slumberland of Bozeman has approximately 40 beds to donate to families. Families are being contacted through Greater Gallatin United Way kidsLINK Program, Gallatin Early Childhood Community Council and other GGUW partners.

Getting a restful night’s sleep is one of the foundational blocks for a healthy lifestyle and a critical component in the growth and development of children. Sleep affects day-to-day functions and not getting enough can hinder a child’s optimal alertness. Children ages 5 to 12 need approximately 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night to perform and function to their full potential.  Children need sleep so that they can:

Pay better attention and concentrate in school.
Fight sickness and stay healthy.
Maintain a good mood/behavior.  
Remember things they have learned
Develop and grow properly.
Families in need who would like to request a bed should call 406.587.2194 and ask for Karen or visit www.greatergallatinunitedway.org/form/slumberland-gguw-holiday-bed-donation

Missoula-based promoter Logjam Presents (recently formed by the owners of The Wilma and Top Hat Lounge) and the KettleHouse Brewing Company have announced the development of The KettleHouse Amphitheater a new 4,000-capacity amphitheater along the Blackfoot River in Bonner, Montana. The new venue will operate under the name KettleHouse Amphitheater and is slated to be completed by May of 2017. The KettleHouse Amphitheater will be located on the old Bonner Mill site adjacent to the recently completed state-of-the-art KettleHouse brewery.

According to Nick Checota, owner of Logjam Presents, “With the beauty of the Blackfoot River as a backdrop, the new KettleHouse Amphitheater will create one of the most amazing entertainment experiences in the United States. We are very excited about the opportunity to provide our community the ability to experience great music in an iconic Montana setting.”

Co-founder of KettleHouse Brewing Company, Tim O’Leary, also expressed his enthusiasm for the new venue. According to O’Leary, “The new KettleHouse Amphitheater will enhance the KettleHouse brand and extend our commitment to creating a unique Montana experience that celebrates the combination of great craft beer with the amazing natural resources of our state.”

The new KettleHouse Amphitheater will be the latest addition in the ongoing revitalization of the old Stimson Lumber Mill operation. “Logjam and KettleHouse see this as an opportunity to integrate a community space into the site. The mill redevelopment and rejuvenation is a great success story for Bonner and is something that we are excited to be a part of,” says Checota. Based on historic photos, approximately sixty years ago this portion of the site was filled in with wood debris from mill operations. According to Checota, “The new amphitheater will restore this portion of the mill site to its original state and transform it into a magical place where the people of Montana can enjoy great music and great beer in an amazing setting.”

Logjam Presents, the current promoter and manager of Missoula venues The Wilma and Top Hat Lounge, will invest significant funds in the development of the KettleHouse Amphitheater. Logjam Presents will serve as the exclusive promoter and manager for the new collaborative venue.

Opening a Montana medical care savings account by Dec. 31 to help with medical expenses not covered by a health insurance policy or flexible spending account can help individuals save on taxes, according to Marsha Goetting, a family economics specialist with Montana State University Extension.

“Up to $3,000 of a deposit into the account, per taxpayer, is deductible from an individual’s 2016 Montana adjusted gross income, thus reducing taxes,” Goetting said.

"This tax advantage does not apply to your federal income taxes, however, and should not be confused with the Federal Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Federal Flexible Spending Plans (FSAs)," she said.

To establish a medical care savings account, individuals should contact their financial institution, such as a bank, savings bank or credit union, Goetting said. She added that a Montanan with taxable income over $17,400 could save about $207 in state income taxes by depositing the maximum $3,000 in a Montana medical care savings account.

"It doesn't matter if you have already paid your 2016 medical bills either by check, credit or debit card," said Goetting. "You can add up those eligible expenses, make a deposit by Dec. 31 of this year and reimburse yourself from your Montana MSA as late as Jan. 15, 2017."

The key word is “paid,” Goetting said.

“You can reimburse yourself for paid eligible medical expenses as late as Jan. 15, 2017. But if you haven't yet paid those bills because your health insurance company hasn't sorted out what it will pay and what you still owe, you still can reimburse yourself for those 2016 expenses after Jan. 15, 2017.”

The amount available to reduce an individual’s Montana income is the total deposited, not the amount used for medical expenses during the tax year, Goetting noted.

“For example, if you deposited $3,000 in an MSA but only used $100 for eligible medical expenses during 2016, you still get to reduce your income for Montana income tax purposes by $3,000. The remaining $2,900 is available for paying medical expenses in future years.”

A married couple who individually establish medical savings accounts can receive a $6,000 deduction if they file a joint Montana income tax return, Goetting said.  The couple will then save about $414 on their state income taxes. However, joint medical savings accounts are not allowed.

Medical care savings account amounts held in the name of a husband or wife can be used to pay the medical bills of either spouse or their dependent children, Goetting said.

“For example, if a husband had $6,000 in medical expenses during 2016, $3,000 from his own MSA and $3,000 from his wife's MSA could be used for his bills,” Goetting said.

Eligible expenses include medical and dental insurance premiums, long-term care insurance, dental care (including orthodontists), eyeglasses or contacts or prescription drugs that are paid during the year. Not covered are medical-related bills that have been already covered by a supplemental, primary or self-insured plan.

Goetting said that Montana generally accepts as eligible expenses any that are listed in the IRS 502 Publication, "Medical and Dental Expenses," which is on the Web at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf.

An MSU Extension MontGuide can help individuals decide if they would benefit from a Montana medical care savings account. The publication (MontGuide 199817 HR) is free if picked up from a local MSU County Extension office. Or, it can be downloaded for free from the Web at http://msuextension.org/publications/FamilyFinancialManagement/MT199817HR.pdf.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is advising hunters to wait to consume snow geese harvested after Nov. 28 in the Butte and Dillon areas. Instead, FWP recommends hunters process and freeze birds at this time and do not eat them until the Department knows how or if this event has affected the edible portions of the birds.

Montana Resources and Atlantic Richfield Company officials (responsible for the Berkeley Pit mine) are asking members of the public who find living or dead snow geese to contact Butte-Silver Bow animal control at (406) 497-6527.  After hours, contact Montana Resources directly at (406) 496-3233.

At a time when app-driven ride sharing services are all the rage across the U.S., and with Uber making headlines locally with its latest launch, a new transportation service is rolling out in our community that offers extra assistance to those who need help getting around.

First Choice Transportation, a division of First Choice Home Health, is now offering non-emergency transportation service in Gallatin County including Livingston, Belgrade, Manhattan, Three Forks and Big Sky. First Choice Transportation offers personalized, convenient car rides for seniors and those in need of extra assistance, for example people who use a walker, cane, crutches, or foldable wheelchair.

“As Gallatin County continues to grow there is an increased need beyond the public bus, shuttle, and taxis for a transportation service that provides a customized level of care and attention to its clients,” says Norm Dreyer, owner of First Choice Transportation. “We are in the business of serving seniors and those with an injury or illness so offering customized car rides to the community is a natural extension of the compassionate and top quality care we already provide.”

All First Choice Transportation drivers hold CPR certifications and are trained to provide minimal to moderate transfer assistance for clients who need an extra hand. Drivers greet a client at the door of their pick-up location, then assist him or her to the car if necessary, by hand or using additional tools like lifts or carriers; they then help the client get settled safely inside or at the door of their destination.

Clients no longer have to wait for a scheduled shuttle service or use a taxi. Drivers can transport clients to doctor appointments, urgent care clinics, grocery store, errands, and pick up from the hospital emergency room. No distance is too far. Rates are comparable to a taxi service, and there is no additional charge for wait times 5 minutes or less.

Call First Choice Transportation at 406-551-2273 to learn more about our transportation service. Visit FirstChoiceMontana.com to learn more about our home health care, private duty nursing, personal care, and companion services in the Gallatin Valley.

The Bozeman Police Department is happy to announce that all law enforcement agencies throughout the Gallatin Valley have come together to help less fortunate children enjoy Christmas.  The Bozeman Police Department, along with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, the Montana State University Police Department, the Belgrade Police Department, the Manhattan Police Department, and the Montana Highway Patrol have come together to help children by participating in “Shop with a Cop” on Saturday, December 10.  

 
Children from local elementary schools are chosen by school staff to participate in this event.  Each child is matched with a law enforcement officer who takes them shopping at Target to buy gifts for the child and their family.
 
After shopping with the children, officers bring them downtown Bozeman to wrap the presents and enjoy pizza donated by Tarantino’s Pizza.

Generous support for this event comes from Target, Tarantino’s Pizza, donations from the officer’s associations from each agency, the Bozeman Police Foundation, and donations from the public.   
 
This is a great chance for these kids to experience a positive one-on-one interaction with law enforcement officers in their area.  All of the agencies are excited about this opportunity to share the holiday spirit and provide a happier holiday season to these children.
 
This is the second year that numerous law enforcement agencies have joined the Bozeman Police Department in coming together as a team to serve more children.
 
Those interested in donating to this great event may contact the Bozeman Police Foundation or drop off a donation at any law enforcement agency.
 
Media Contacts:  Community Resource Officer Mike Bachich: 582-2969
Captain Jim Veltkamp: 582-2238
 

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Region 3 Citizens’ Advisory Committee will meet in Bozeman on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the FWP Regional Office (1400 S. 19th Ave.) from 6–8 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.


The CAC generally meets on a quarterly basis to provide input and guidance on the many natural resource and management issues addressed by FWP in southwest Montana.

This meeting will serve to inform CAC members of upcoming legislative proposals related to fish and wildlife. FWP has invited local legislators to attend the meeting to share their proposals with staff and CAC members as well. The meeting will run in an open house manner.

For more information about the Region 3 Citizens’ Advisory Committee, visit the FWP Web site at http://fwp.mt.gov/regions/r3/cac/.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks ensures its meetings are fully accessible to persons with disabilities. To request special accommodations relative to a disability for this meeting, contact Andrea Jones at 406-994-6931 or anjones@mt.gov.

Guardian Spirit, Inc. a Billings Montana 501c3 is working with the Autism Society of America to create a virtual community center within the Second Life game world.

The purpose of this virtual community center is to have a space to meet, have support groups, social events and display the talent of autistic artists worldwide.

Our goal is to have weekly social events as a community building tool. We also have space available for peer run support groups for both parents and teens/adults on the spectrum. We also have a volunteer team that will be available to help you find resources and support in your local area.

There is no fee to use Second Life and no fee to take advantage of the services and events at our Virtual Community Center.

To sign up for a free Second Life account: www.secondlife.com

To download an easier to use viewer for SL: http://www.firestormviewer.org/

To visit the Virtual Community Center once you are in world: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Scotland%20Loch%20Brother/81/197/31

To learn more about Guardian Spirit, Inc. : www.guardianspirit.info

To contact me directly:

Marcus Morris
marcus.morris@guardianspirit.info
www.guardianspirit.info
(406) 698 -1679
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-morris-29ba4943?trk=hp-identity-name
Twitter: @marcmorr6

The City of Bozeman, Montana, is proud to announce the launch of OpenCounter: Zoning, a web-based tool available at  https://bozeman.zoningcheck.com, that is designed to help business owners and citizens research and explore the uses allowed by the City’s zoning ordinance and where businesses may be conducted. The tool is a joint project of the departments of Economic Development and Community Development.

The new site provides each applicant with a customized map of where their planned project is allowed inside Bozeman city limits, and helps to educate citizens, investors and entrepreneurs as to where uses are allowed, where they require commission review and where they aren’t allowed. The data now provided by this tool was previously only available by manually cross-referencing the City’s zoning map with the text of the zoning ordinance, which is housed in the City’s municipal code.  

This tool, like all those built by the San Francisco-based firm, OpenCounter, attempts to make complex municipal regulations and processes easier to understand for everyday citizens. By moving some zoning inquiries online, the City is hoping to be able to provide reliable, targeted feedback to the community 24/7. The new zoning tool also gives City staff a new level of insight into economic development trends in their community.

“We're aiming to increase communication, and eliminate confusion on both sides of the counter,” said Brit Fontenot, Director of Economic Development. “City staff will have access to a suite of administrative tools to analyze proposed land uses while citizens are given a high level of service that reduces their discovery process from weeks down to a few minutes and put them in touch with subject matter experts for targeted follow-up. It also allows our planning staff to see what people are searching for, and give us real metrics about what kinds of business opportunities people are interested in.”

Preserving the World’s First National Park
Official Nonprofit Partners Unveil the Combined Organization as ‘Yellowstone Forever’

November 16, 2016 – Bozeman, MT – In order to protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park for all time, the park’s official fundraising partner (Yellowstone Park Foundation) and education partner (Yellowstone Association) today announced the completion of a merger and official unveiling of the new organization as Yellowstone Forever (Yellowstone.org).

The new unified education and fundraising partner for Yellowstone will harness the outstanding history of educational programs, products and services of the Yellowstone Association along with the legacy of critical fundraising support from the Yellowstone Park Foundation. In supporting numerous efforts to address the increasing demands of a changing ecosystem at the park, Yellowstone Forever promises to be a powerful force in conserving one of America’s most cherished national treasures.

Yellowstone Forever’s combined operations now include:
    •    11 educational Park Stores with gross sales of over $4.9 million; proceeds directly benefit Yellowstone
    •    The Yellowstone Forever Institute, which offers more than 600 in-depth programs each year
    •    A supporter program of over 50,000 Yellowstone enthusiasts raising funds to support critical park priority projects

“Yellowstone Forever is dedicated to conserving this crown jewel of our national park system,” said Heather White, President and CEO of Yellowstone Forever, who will oversee the newly created entity. “We will connect even more people to Yellowstone National Park through outstanding visitor experiences and educational programs. Our work will spark a new era of stewardship and philanthropy to support the growing needs of the world’s first national park and to ensure that Yellowstone lasts for years to come.

 “Yellowstone Forever will take the best of philanthropy and the best of education to provide an unforgettable experience for all of those who care about the park,” said Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Dan Wenk. “We are excited to work together to support the highest priorities for Yellowstone, and to conserve its nature and wildlife forever.”

To celebrate the newly merged organization, Yellowstone Forever will hold a special event on Friday, November 18 at 6:00 PM (MST) at the REI (2220 Tschache Lane) in Bozeman. As part of the organization’s deep commitment to connecting young people to Yellowstone and fostering future stewards for the park, it donated its “Yellowstone Forever” book collection to the Bozeman Public Library to celebrate the institution’s 10th Anniversary. At the REI event, the organization will also announce its donation of award-winning photographer Tom Murphy and scientist Bruce Fouke’s latest book The Art of Science: Mammoth Hot Springs as a Window on the Universe to all public libraries within 100 miles of Yellowstone National Park. This gift will be dedicated to the next generation of Yellowstone explorers and scientists, and Yellowstone Forever is pleased to partner with Tom Murphy, Professor Bruce Fouke, and NASA to make this possible. 

About Yellowstone Forever
Yellowstone Forever—formerly the Yellowstone Association and the Yellowstone Park Foundation—is the official 501 (c)(3) nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Forever connects people to Yellowstone National Park through outstanding visitor experiences and educational programs, and translates those experiences into lifelong support and philanthropic investment to conserve and enhance the park for the future. Visit Yellowstone.org to learn more.