Organizers of a conference at Montana State University are seeking female professionals who can present and serve as role models for junior high-aged girls interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. The annual conference, called Expanding Your Horizons, takes place Saturday, April 9, on the MSU campus. More than 200 girls from throughout Montana will participate in engaging STEM activities ranging from robotics to fossils to astronomy.

Volunteers who would like to share their expertise and enthusiasm on a STEM topic will develop a 40-minute workshop and hands-on activity. Training is offered for new presenters. The event is designed to expose young women to exciting STEM careers and encourage them to pursue STEM courses in high school and college.

Businesses and organizations that are interested in financial or in-kind sponsorships are also encouraged to participate.

EYH is a national program that, since 1992, is hosted locally by MSU Extended University’s outreach program.

The deadline for applying to be a presenter is Friday, Jan. 15. For more information, contact Nicole Soll with MSU Extended University at (406) 994-6633 or Nicole.soll1@montana.edu or visit http://eu.montana.edu/eyh/.

Paint your storefront, hang Bobcat flags or signs and/or showcase Bobcat merchandise in the windows.

Businesses that are decorated will have the chance to win prizes, including tickets to Bobcat basketball games, MSU gear, Bobcat cookies, stickers and much more. Windows must be painted and decorated by Wednesday, November 18, to be eligible for prizes. Volunteers on behalf of MSU will visit local businesses on November 20 to pass out prizes to those who show exceptional Bobcat spirit.

And join in on other Cat/Griz activities:November 7–21
The 16th annual Can the Griz Food Drive Help us Can the Griz, AGAIN!
Donate your non-perishable food items at collection locations around the area. Monetary donations may be made by texting CAN to 444999. Visit www.canthegriz.com for more information.

November 21 Bobcat Football vs. Montana, 12:05p.m.

Intermountain Opera Bozeman is now accepting entries for its 4th annual poster contest. The contest is presented in conjunction with IOB’s upcoming production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. The winning artist will receive a $500 grand prize and his or her art may be used to promote the May 2016 production of Don Giovanni. The contest is open to the general public, and all ages and levels of expertise are encouraged to enter.

 
Don Giovanni stands apart as Mozart’s boldest masterpiece, with ample creative inspiration to draw from. The story, based on the Don Juan legend, follows Spanish nobleman Don Giovanni as he travels through Europe seducing women and leaving behind him a trail of broken hearts, broken promises, and broken lives ending in a shocking, unforgettable finale. All artistic mediums are acceptable, provided they meet the requirements listed in the entry application.

 
Mailed entries must be received no later than Monday, January 22, 2016. Hand-delivered entries will be accepted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from now until Monday, January 22, 2016 (Please call 406-587-2889 to make sure the office is open).
 
The Intermountain Opera Board of Directors and a panel of local judges will select the winning poster. The winning artist will be notified by February 1, 2016 and announced on our website and Facebook page after notification.
 
Additional information and entry application can be found on our website, www.IntermountainOpera.org or call the opera office at 406-587-2889.

The locally owned Hilton Garden Inn Bozeman will be building a “Life Size Gingerbread House” again this year to generate food donations for the Gallatin Valley Food Bank!

The Gingerbread House should be completed and ready for donations starting Monday, November 30th or at the latest Tuesday, December 1st through the Christmas/New Year Holiday.
 
This is the third year Hilton Garden Inn Bozeman has built a life-size gingerbread house for the Holiday Season, the house itself is all made from scratch by Executive Chef, Todd Christensen and our Chief Engineer, Cal Hultman!

This project has been a great way to bring HGI employees and their families together as well as some of our hotel guests to decorate the Gingerbread house, and when it is finished, it will  hold canned goods to be donated to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank!

 

After the families and children come in to decorate, the Executive Chef and Chief Engineer have a few days to get the pieces put together, fill the windowsills with candy, put some “smoke” in the chimney, set up the white picket fence…all necessary details when building a home!

The final product will be displayed in the Hilton Garden Inn Bozeman lobby for the entire month of December and into early January. Please bring a can of food and enjoy Life Size Gingerbread House this December!

An experimental U.S. military rocket failed shortly after launch from Hawaii Tuesday night destroying all 13 small research satellites aboard, including one developed in part at Montana State University.
 
The U. S Navy did not say what went wrong with the launch Tuesday evening, but the website Spaceflight Now reported that videos of the flight showed the 67-foot Super Strypi rocket that carried the satellites veered out of control and broke apart about a minute after liftoff from the Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii.

Aboard was a small satellite designed and developed by a handful of space professionals and students in MSU’s Space Science and Engineering Laboratory. Called PrintSat, the innovative satellite utilized 3-D printing technology to determine if the technology can be used in larger spacecraft to lower manufacturing costs.

David Klumpar, director of MSU’s Space Science and Engineering Laboratory, said MSU students and staff who worked on the satellite were disappointed at the launch failure, but were determined to rebuild within the year.
 
“This is just a part of the space business and our students learn (unfortunately, some times the hard way, like last night) that no matter how well we do our job on the satellite, there are other systems that are beyond our control that also have to perform flawlessly,” Klumpar said.
 
“We will not be deterred by this loss. I already am working plans to rebuild the satellite and fly it again; perhaps in a little less than a year.”
 
PrintSat was about the size of a one quart juice box and weighed less than one kilogram. Klumpar said while previous satellites have been milled of standardized metal that is cut down and formed, the PrintSat team, including students and staff that work in MSU’s SSEL started with powdered polymers and a 3-D printer and built-up the PrintSat in a process called additive manufacturing.

Klumpar said NASA has flown spacecraft with a few “bits and pieces of 3-D printed materials, but PrintSat was the first to use 3-D printed polymer technology to build the major structural element of the satellite and its mechanisms.
 
The Super Strypi launcher that failed Tuesday was developed by Sandia National Laboratories with assistance from the University of Hawaii as a low-cost, quick-reaction rocket for satellite launches. It was the first orbital attempt from the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii. The facility has been used for sub-orbital flights, but Tuesday’s launch was the first time that it has been used to launch a satellite into orbit.

In addition to PrintSat, the mission included eight small CubeSats developed by Ames Research Center in California that all carried an MSU-built science instrument that was to test whether networks of small satellites could do jobs frequently now done by larger spacecraft.

Klumpar said the PrintSat is the ninth satellite for which MSU has played a major role. In all, about 500 students have gone through MSU’s SSEL in its 15 years of building satellites. Currently, there are about 20 students enrolled in the MSU program.

Help MSU celebrate and welcome visitors by decorating your business in Blue and Gold the week of November 15-21 in preparation for Cat/Griz weekend.  Paint your own storefront, hang Bobcat flags or signs and/or showcase Bobcat merchandise in the windows.  Windows MUST be painted and decorated no later that 10PM on Wednesday, November 18.  Businesses who decorate will have the chance to win prizes-including basketball tickets, MSU gear, Bobcat cookies and much more.  Volunteers on behalf of MSU will be visiting local businesses on November 20 passing out prizes to those who show exceptional Bobcat Spirit.

Also, don’t forget to participate in the 16th annual Can the Griz Food Drive, an off-field competition between MSU and the UM to see which community can collect the most donations for their local food banks. The competition begins Saturday, November 7th through Saturday, November 21st.   Organizers of the drive ask that nonperishable food donations be taken to collection locations throughout Bozeman to support those in need in Gallatin County. A list of participating locations can be found at www.canthegriz.com.

Bobcat supporters can designate their contribution to MSU by telling the Gallatin Valley Food Bank or collection location host that their donation is for the Can the Griz food drive. Monetary donations may be made directly to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank by texting CAN to 444999. Donations can also be made online at www.gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org. This year, Can the Griz shirts will be available at the MSU Bookstore. Proceeds from the shirts will benefit the Gallatin Valley Food Bank.

Join the Bobcat men’s and women’s Basketball teams as they play a double header on Friday, November 20.  The women face The University of Portland at 5:30p.m. and the men play against San Jose State University at 8:05p.m.  

A tiny satellite developed by a handful of space professionals and Montana State University students that will test 3-D printing technology in spacecraft will launch into orbit Tuesday.
 
The satellite, called PrintSat, utilizes 3-D printing technology, which is also known as Additive Manufacturing. The satellite’s mission is to determine if the technology can be used in larger spacecraft to lower manufacturing costs. The launch may be viewed on the Spaceflight Now website.
 
The PrintSat, which is a type of CubeSat and is about the size of a one quart juice box and weighing less than one kilogram, could have big implications for future construction of satellites, said David Klumpar, director of MSU’s Space Science and Engineering Laboratory.
 
While previous satellites have been milled of standardized metal that is cut down and formed, the students and staff that work in MSU’s SSEL started with powdered polymers and a 3-D printer and built-up the satellite in a process called additive manufacturing.
 
Klumpar said NASA has flown spacecraft with a few “bits and pieces of 3-D printed materials, but PrintSat is the first to use 3-D printed polymer technology to build the major structural element of the satellite and its mechanisms. He explained that the 4-inch cube PrintSat will have a sensor on board that measures space radiation as well as an experiment that characterizes a new solar cell technology.

 
“From the data we collect we hope to learn how well this material, and the process used to manufacture the satellite, holds up to the space environment,” Klumpar said. “If the outcome is positive, additive manufacturing could significantly lower the cost and reduce development time of much larger satellites.”

 
Another first is that the rocket that carries the satellite is the first to be launched from Hawaii. Klumpar said the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii, has been used for sub-orbital flights, but Tuesday’s launch will be the first time that it has been used to launch a satellite into orbit.

 
According to spaceflightnow.com , the launch managed by the Air Force’s Operationally Responsive Space office, the will carry 13 small spacecraft – ranging in size from a juice box to a shoe box --into orbit aboard a Super Strypi launcher, a low-cost three-stage vehicle developed by Sandia National Laboratories with assistance from the University of Hawaii. In addition to MSU’s PrintSat, the mission will include eight small CubeSats developed by Ames Research Center in California that all carry an MSU-built science instrument that will help test whether networks of small satellites could do jobs larger spacecraft do today.

 
Klumpar said the PrintSat is the ninth satellite for which MSU has played a major role. In all, about 500 students have gone through MSU’s SSEL in its 15 years of building satellites. Currently, there are about 20 students enrolled in the MSU program.
 
“(Our first goal) is getting students --from undergraduate through grad level --intimately involved in the hands-on process of designing, building, testing and operating space hardware,” he said.
 
“Secondly, our students play a huge role in taking what they have learned in the classroom and applying it to a real-world, true-to-life sophisticated problem. And thirdly, the end-goal is to have our work in the space environment and orbiting around Earth.”
 
Klumpar said that as a result of their involvement with real satellites, MSU students have an opportunity to practice their high tech careers and hone their learning before graduation.
 
“That puts our students right at the top of the stack of resumes when they apply for a job,” he said.
 
Klumpar had been in Hawaii awaiting the launch with Nathan Fite who worked on the satellite while an MSU graduate student. Fite currently works at Tyvak Nanosatellite Systems in Irvine, Calif.
 
“We have a lot riding on this launch,” Klumpar said. “We have all of our fingers and toes crossed on this one.”

After months of extensive effort and community outreach, the Four Corners Water and Sewer Board can confidently plan for its future as a public entity. On Tuesday, October 6, 2015, the Public Service Commission (PSC) put the final stamp of approval on the purchase of this initiative. The sale guarantees ownership of water and sewage rights, which were formerly owned and managed by Utility Solutions.

“We are very excited to be a permanent part of the future of the Four Corners Area. We look forward to having the water and sewer system under public ownership and providing the best possible service at the lowest possible price," stated Cory Klumb, President of the Four Corners Water and Sewer Board, on behalf of the entire Four Corners Water and Sewer Board. The board is made up of five residents of the district: Cory Klumb, Heather West, Valerie Gravage, Nancy Flikkema, and Ed Schmidt.

This first major milestone of this sale began with a public vote in May, which authorized the district to sell bonds to fund the acquisition. The ballot passed with a nearly unanimous vote of 95% in its favor. Once the vote passed, the District was able to proceed forward with acquiring the funding, and PSC approval was needed to finalize the sale.

Funding for this sale came from a few entities. A major player who aided the Board in securing funding was Steve Troendle, director of community programs for the Montana State Office of Rural Development. “Four Corners Water and Sewer District took a major step in defining the future of their community with the purchase of the water and waste infrastructure. USDA Rural Development strives to assist rural areas in meeting their infrastructure needs and is pleased to partner with the State of Montana, Montana State Revolving Fund and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conversation programs to assist Four Corners with the purchase,” said Troendle.

Another instrumental agency was the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Anna Miller, Financial Bureau Chief for the Conservation and Resources Development Division, said, “The District has worked for a long time to accomplish its goal to serve the people who live in the Four Corners area. I’m so pleased to see their vision become a reality. I’m glad to play a small part in helping the District and thank the District for all their hard work.”

Now that all of the mandated steps have been completed, the Board will work with Utility Solutions to create a seamless transition to ensure that services will continue as smoothly as possible for all residents living in the designated areas.

Four Corners Water and Sewer System
The district boundaries include Durston Road to the north, approximately Lower Rainbow Road to the south, Jackrabbit Lane and U.S. Highway 191 to the east, and roughly the West Gallatin River to the west. The district also includes the noncontiguous subdivisions of Black Bull Run, Middle Creek Parkland, Triple Creek Meadow, and Gallatin Heights.

Questions regarding this sale can be directed to: Susan B. Swimley, Attorney and Counselor at Law

(406) 586-5544

Sola Cafe & Market November-December 2015 Art Show

MACK (Margaret Anne Campbell Kohler) is an award winning painter from Bozeman whose art has been juried into shows from Montana to California. MACK’s art is always bright, whimsical and thought provoking.    Her characters are multi-ethnic and are loosely based on Yup’ic Eskimo masks from her childhood, as well as ethnic influences from around the world and the American West/Northwest. MACK “Characters” are to be viewed by their attributes alone.  It is the best parts of their spirit that adorn their clothing and crowns. This show focuses on the gentle, yet monumental, power of women “Gentle Giants”. MACK paints with vibrant colors to remind us there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.  Each piece makes a statement, celebrating the beauty of the human spirit and our magnificent planet!

The art show beneficiary is Haven, 20% of all original artwork proceeds will be donated to them. 

Community Health Partners, BridgerCare and Bozeman Public Library are collaborating to share information with anyone interested in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), sometimes referred to as Obamacare. There will be trained, certified counselors available for visits in a confidential, private setting to explore what type of coverage is available and how to enroll.

The enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act is the 90 day period when people can select and join in a health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. For 2016 coverage, the Open Enrollment Period is November 1, 2015 - January 31, 2016. “It's free to set up the account, and it's free to receive our help,” said Beth Renick, “We are required by law to be impartial, and we don't get any financial reward." Be prepared with a current email address, all household members' Social Security numbers, and best estimate of your household income for 2016 if you are planning to enroll.

Sessions will be held on Monday, November 9th from 1-4pm, Thursday, November 19th from 6-8pm, and Saturday November 21st from 10am-1pm in the second floor study rooms at Bozeman Public Library. Appointments are not required, but available, drop-ins are welcome. No one will be turned away.

For more information or to schedule an appointment during the Bozeman Library Affordable Care Act Insurance counseling with a Certified Application Counselor please contact Beth Renick at (406) 922-0879 or email : renickb@chphealth.org<mailto:renickb@chphealth.org>.