The Bozeman Symphony brings its 2024–25 season to a powerful close with Pablo Returns and Copland’s Third Symphony, a celebration of the vibrant musical traditions of Spain and the United States. Performances will take place the weekend of June 6–8 at the Willson Auditorium.

Back by popular demand, world-renowned guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas returns to Bozeman following his sold-out performances in 2023. Known for his passionate artistry and charismatic stage presence, Sáinz-Villegas will perform Joaquín Rodrigo’s Fantasia para un Gentilhombre, a masterwork that captures the soul of Spanish music.

Acclaimed as the natural heir to Andrés Segovia and a global ambassador of Spanish culture, Sáinz-Villegas has performed with leading orchestras across more than 40 countries, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and National Orchestra of Spain. Since his debut with the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center, he has become a benchmark for symphonic guitar performance.

Described by Plácido Domingo as “the master of the guitar,” Sáinz-Villegas has performed for audiences of over 85,000, including a tribute concert at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and a televised performance on a floating stage in the Amazon River. The New York Times praises his “virtuosic playing characterized by irresistible exuberance.”

The program concludes with Aaron Copland’s monumental Third Symphony—a quintessentially American masterpiece. From its atmospheric opening to the triumphant finale featuring Copland’s iconic Fanfare for the Common Man, the symphony delivers an unforgettable emotional and musical journey.

There will be three performances of Pablo Returns and Copland’s Third Symphony. Performances are on Friday, June 6, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 7, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 8, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29 and are available at https://www.bozemansymphony.org/pablo-returns-coplands-third-symphony or by calling 406-585-9774. Discounted student (K-12 and college) tickets are offered, and tickets may also be available at the door.

The Bozeman Symphony extends its sincere gratitude to the generous sponsors who have made this concert possible: Cal & Tricia DeSouza, Gary Kunis & Connie Wong, Ritva Porter & Stephen Schachman, Skye Raiser & David Perlin, and Ken & Mary May.

Why Are the Most Important Things Invisible? About the Depth of Simplicity

Why do we miss the obvious? Why do the simple joys, such as a smile, the feeling of a warm blanket, or a good day’s work, often go unnoticed? 

This article is about emotional and psychological blindness. It’s about how we lose sight of some of the most important things. Society praises the importance of huge gestures and loud proclamations. But ask anyone who has gone through a tough moment, and they’ll tell you that the crucial moments of relief came after tiny, often simple things. 

We want to dedicate time to this — to simplicity, to how gentle, tiny snippets of life make all the matter.

The Paradox of Our Viewfinder

We often say we value simple things but don’t notice them. We say we prefer a slow and calm life but run through errands nervously from day to day. These contradictions aren’t surprising. 

This is the paradox of our vision: the more essential something is, the less attention we tend to give it. Even if we don’t mean it, we are the victims of a society where loudness and complexity are seen as ultimately superior. And because we don’t function in isolation, this affects what our mind notices at first.

Psychologically, we are wired to seek novelty and simple excitement, which is why deeper phenomena can be unnoticed for a long time. These tiny dopamine hits stop us from seeing something deeper, even though these elements of the meaningful routine are what keep us going. It has long-term consequences for those struggling with ADHD sleep regulation, decreasing anxiety, or having a more sustainable lifestyle.

Yet, simplicity is where clarity lives. When we reduce noise, we start to hear our inner voice again. And isn’t that the purpose of life? 

The Science Behind Simplicity

While we can be attracted by bright and overwhelming events, people, and activities, a consistent connection to simplicity is a cognitive necessity. Sure, the dopamine hit of the faster and more “McDonaldized” things is an appealing trick, but we cannot always operate on this emotional and cognitive overload. You won’t eat one type of meal all the time, or do only one exhaustive activity continuously, so why would you put so much pressure on your mind? Simplicity, in all its soft appeal, allows us to rest and settle back to our baseline. 

Cognitive load theory is at the center of all this. Our brains can only process a limited amount of information at once. You’ve got only two hands and cannot hold twenty things at once (don’t try to do it just to disprove the claim!). We become burned out when we overload our working memory with constant alerts. This leads to mental health challenges, including anxiety or depression. That’s why you feel so tired after scrolling all day through social media or going on a rapid shopping spree. Your mind can only hold so much. 

Simplicity, on the other hand, allows you to stop all the noise and enjoy the blissful quiet. Reducing noise and the number of open tasks on your to-do list decreases fatigue and allows you to reset. 

Sometimes, simplicity is linked to minimalism. It’s not about how many things you own but how many active tabs your brain keeps open at once. Minimalism in daily actions and even when making decisions (for example, choosing between three options instead of twelve) can lower stress levels and prolong one’s well-being. 

At its core, simplicity means being more self-compassionate and allowing yourself to have your limits. It’s the ability to finally tell yourself, “I’m done for now. I won’t think about it more”, “I don’t need to entertain myself with this all the time”, and so on. It’s not a particular lifestyle — it’s just about the attitude to yourself. 

Readjusting Our Priorities

Before we chase clarity, we often need to return to the basics.

Things like sleep. Clean water. A good meal and a hug from a friend. We believe that they don’t matter; there’s always something more important to do or achieve. But is there? 

Our basic needs for nutrition, rest, and security are crucial to us, and if we ignore them, the entire structure on which our lives rest will crumble. 

It’s vital to learn what you need and respond to it. We often forget about our bodies and our mental needs, too, thinking that we can run on an empty fuel tank, but that will not get us far.

Mindfulness - Not Just a Fancy Word

One of the greatest gifts of mindfulness is its ability to restore visibility to what we’ve been conditioned to miss. It teaches us to see what is already there and consider what we might want to add. Mindfulness is like a small brain rewire that carefully pauses you and whispers, “Look around. Isn’t it nice?” 

Science repeatedly proves the benefits of mindfulness. This quick practice can change the brain’s structure, leading to better emotional regulation and focus. The way this works is quite simple: slowing down allows you to notice things around you. Imagine yourself on a fast-moving train; all the scenery outside is but a blur. But the moment a train stops, you get to see every detail. 

Reconnecting With What Matters

Aside from the things we’ve already mentioned, what are some other practices to incorporate?

Engage in more self-analysis, at least a few times per week. For instance, ask yourself, “What was one thing that kept me going this week?” It can be something simple, like a small video game on your phone, a favorite book of poems, or even a new tea mix you’ve bought. This will encourage you to remind yourself of such simple joys more often. 

Remember to engage your senses, too. Sure, we love to overthink or forget about physical reality. However, sometimes focusing on things you can smell, touch, hear, see, and taste is a quick, few-second activity that returns you to your own skin. Whenever you feel disconnected or thrown off balance, try to reach out to reality with one or all of your senses.

Finally, make a funny ritual that can brighten your days. Collect small things from wherever you go — a card, a nice napkin, a shiny stone. Arrange a stretching routine in the mornings and evenings. Find something that can make you happier fast, and your merely tolerable days will become increasingly pleasant. Or, perhaps, even exciting as you master the new routine. 

Simple Made Visible

Before you see everything — people, weather, your home — growing alive again, you might go through a few tough phases. We are resistant to change. But once you find a key, the right perspective, you unlock an entirely new well of opportunities. They are already here, so keep looking. 

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing/endangered elderly resident.

Alvin G. Flowers, an 82-year-old resident of Bozeman, was last seen at approximately 2:00 pm on May 27, 2025 at the 2700 block of E. Mendenhall, Bozeman, MT. From our investigation, it appears Mr. Flowers drove away from the family residence in a red 2000 GMC Jimmy. The GMC Jimmy bears Montana license plate 665322B.

Mr. Flowers is 5’11” with a thin build. It is unknown what clothing he is wearing. Mr. Flowers suffers from dementia and type 2 diabetes. Mr. Flowers does not have a cellphone with him. It is unknown where Mr. Flowers intended to travel to.

If anyone sees Alvin Flowers or the red 2000 GMC Jimmy (MT 665322B), please contact the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office immediately by calling 911 or by calling (406) 582-2100 x1.

Photo by Craig on Pexels

For decades, the United States Navy employed asbestos as a “miracle material” to fireproof ships, insulate engines, and protect sailors from the extreme heat of naval operations. But this came at a horrific cost: generations of veterans are now at increased risk of mesothelioma, a rare and lethal cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. The following are three reasons why Navy veterans are still particularly vulnerable to mesothelioma and why awareness can be a lifesaver.

1. Asbestos Was Embedded in the Naval Infrastructure

Thanks to its heat-resistance properties, asbestos was used in shipbuilding from the 1930s to the early 1980s. It was generally installed to protect boilers, pipes, and electrical equipment on submarines, aircraft carriers, and other Navy vessels. Working in narrow and poorly ventilated areas in ships, such as engine rooms and hull compartments, put Navy personnel at risk from asbestos dust from insulation, gaskets, and adhesives. Even workers who did not work with asbestos directly, such as electricians, welders, or mechanics, were secondarily exposed as fibers hitched rides on clothing, tools, and living areas.

For example, a sailor working on repairing a steam valve might have inhaled asbestos fibers released from nearby pipe insulation. These fibers gradually accumulated in the lungs and, over the years, could result in breathing problems and, decades later, mesothelioma. Since asbestos was in so many parts of naval facilities at the time, the risks affected almost every sailor from that era.

2. Latency Periods Delay Diagnosis and Awareness

Mesothelioma has such a long incubation period and may take up to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure. Many mesothelioma Navy veterans were exposed in their youth. Yet it may not be until their 60s or 70s that they notice symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue.

By then, they may no longer associate their illness with their military duty. Because of this delay, catching cancer early is not always possible, although it is the best time for successful treatment. The problem is also exacerbated by the fact that mesothelioma symptoms closely resemble those of common age-related diseases. These include COPD or heart disease.

Due to this, misdiagnosis is common. A veteran can dismiss a chronic cough as a part of normal aging or the result of smoking and have no idea it could be a sign of much more. When mesothelioma is diagnosed, the disease is in its later stages. Veterans need to be aware of this delayed correlation so that they can go for screenings more and let doctors know about their military service during medical exams.

3. Continued Exposure Risks in Deactivated Ships

Even after the Navy reduced its use of asbestos, many veterans continued to be exposed to it during vessel repair and decommissioning. Older ships, some of which remain in operation today, contain aging asbestos materials that become increasingly dangerous with age. As these materials degrade, they release toxic fibres during maintenance or demolition. Shipyard workers or salvage experts handling such ships never wore proper gear or received guidance on handling asbestos safely without endangering themselves.

For example, a veteran deployed to upgrade a Cold War-era destroyer might have inhaled asbestos dust while removing old insulation, thus inadvertently restarting the risk of mesothelioma cancer. Interest groups now advocate for increased safety protocols and comprehensive asbestos removal in aging Naval facilities, yet thousands of veterans still carry the burden of their earlier exposures.

Endnote

The Navy’s asbestos legacy is a stark reminder of veterans’ sacrifices and the necessity for continued support. Veterans with a history of past naval service should inform their healthcare providers about potential asbestos exposure, even if it has been several years since exposure. Early testing, including imaging scans and pulmonary function tests, can detect mesothelioma at more treatable stages. Also, facilities like the VA offer asbestos-related disease specialty care and benefits

We’re pleased to share the winners of the Sweet Pea 2025 Poster and T Shirt Design Contests. The winning designs will be featured on merchandise at this year’s festival.

Poster Design Winner – Teal Young
Teal Young is a mixed-media visual artist from Bozeman, Montana. A student of Tina DeWeese, she began sculpting wire at age 10. For the next 18 years, Young found professional success as a sculptor in Bozeman and in a number of cities across the nation. In 2016, an unexpected hiatus from sculpting prompted Young to begin exploring digital art. She has since worked with local and national businesses, state politicians, and had political pieces featured in international news publications. Young has since resumed her wire sculpting with new intensity, and now incorporates carpentry and recycled materials into many of her pieces. In spite of her broadening media and subject matter, however, she continues to sculpt her much-loved wire horses.

Childrens T Shirt Design Winner – Bently Michael
Bentley is a student at Sacajawea Middle School and plays the Trombone in his school’s band. In addition to his love for music, Bentley is learning German and enjoys skiing and biking with his family. His favorite part of Sweet Pea is the incredible music that brings the festival to life. Bentley’s creativity shines through in his winning design, and we’re so excited to share it with all of you!

Adult T Shirt Design Winner - Ghassane Moutaoukil
Ghassane Moutaoukil is a graphic designer, illustrator, printmaker, and typographer based in Bozeman, Montana, and Washington, DC. An alumnus of Montana State University, he has long admired the Sweet Pea Festival and submitted his designs in several contests over the years. This year, his T-shirt design — featuring his own custom font — was selected as the winning entry, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty and artistic spirit of Bozeman, blending bold typography, vibrant colors, and a mix of contemporary and traditional design influences. Passionate about celebrating community and creativity, Ghassane uses his art to connect with others and to honor the enduring spirit of the Sweet Pea Festival.

When you’re building something to withstand the outdoors, like a garden shelter, walkway canopy, or carport, you need materials that won’t let you down when the weather turns. Twinwall polycarbonate sheets offer just that. With their clever design and built-in insulation, they’re ideal for a wide range of outdoor projects. Keep reading to discover how they can make your next structure stronger, smarter, and built to last.

Strong Yet Lightweight Protection That Lasts

Don’t be fooled by the slim profile. These sheets are built with two layers of polycarbonate and an air gap between, which gives them impressive strength without the bulk.

That structure helps them take on tough conditions like wind, rain, and the occasional flying debris without cracking or warping. At the same time, they’re light enough to handle easily during installation. For anyone working on a DIY or commercial project, a polycarbonate twinwall sheet offers a welcome combination of strength and simplicity.

Built-In Insulation for Comfortable Outdoor Use

The twinwall design doesn’t just offer strength, it also helps keep warmth in. That air pocket between the panels acts like a natural barrier, slowing down how quickly heat escapes.This means that greenhouses, garden rooms, and even lean-to extensions may feel more stable in temperature throughout the year. In the colder months, that little bit of insulation may help cut down on heat loss, especially in semi-enclosed spaces.

Let's in Light Without the Glare

One of the standout features of twinwall polycarbonate is how it manages light. Rather than letting harsh sunlight beam straight through, the sheets diffuse the light, creating a gentle, even glow underneath.

This makes them ideal for greenhouses, outdoor seating areas, or sheltered walkways where comfort and visibility matter. You get natural brightness without the squinting or fading that comes with clear panels or glass.

Versatility for All Kinds of Projects

Whatever you’re working on, these sheets can likely be cut, shaped, and tinted to suit. Twinwall polycarbonate comes in a variety of sizes and thicknesses and can be made to fit your exact measurements.

With options available for custom finishes and eco-friendly materials, they suit both small home builds and larger, commercial jobs. Many UK suppliers also offer cut-to-size services, edge finishing, and fabrication support to make installation faster and more accurate.

Low Maintenance, High Satisfaction

Once installed, twinwall polycarbonate is easy to maintain. Most dirt gets rinsed off by the rain, and the rest wipes off with mild soapy water. It’s resistant to mould, yellowing, and UV wear, so even with frequent exposure to the elements, it holds up well. 

It also won’t crack easily or become brittle over time, even in changing temperatures or prolonged outdoor use. For anyone who wants a solution that won’t need regular fixing or replacing, this is a material that delivers peace of mind.

The Right Sheets Make a Big Difference

If you’re putting time, money, and effort into an outdoor build, it’s worth choosing materials that last. Twinwall polycarbonate sheets offer strength, insulation, and low-maintenance performance, all while making the space more pleasant to be in.

Whether you're a homeowner or a builder, this material helps create structures that look good and work even better without adding complications to your project.

Hours after their harrowing experience, John and Justin share their story with Director Christy Clark via phone.

GREAT FALLS – Two landowners were picking mushrooms about a mile north of Choteau on Wednesday night when they were charged by an adult female grizzly bear. The men shot and killed the bear at close range, and fortunately, they were uninjured during the encounter.

"I spoke to John and Justin shortly after the incident and they were both still shook up," Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Christy Clark said. “They told me their story and it was clear it was very traumatic. What’s important here is they’re ok.”

Bears are active along the Rocky Mountain Front and in areas around towns like Choteau, Ulm and Cascade. If you are experiencing conflicts with bears, please call your local FWP bear specialist. You can locate their contact information here.

Be bear aware

Montana is bear country. Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year.

Avoiding conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with conflicts. Here are some precautions to help residents, recreationists and people who work outdoors avoid negative bear encounters:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise, which can help alert bears to your presence.
• Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.
• If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Leave the area when it is safe to do so.
• Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants put away in a secure building. Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas.
• Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose threats to human safety. It is illegal to feed bears in Montana.

Though they have reached recovery levels in the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystems, grizzly bears in the lower 48 states are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Management authority for grizzlies rests with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, working closely in Montana with FWP, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, Wildlife Services, and Native American tribes. This collaboration happens through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

For more information and resources on bear safety, visit fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear.

Incident Note: The female grizzly in this incident had a cub of the year with her at the time of the encounter. FWP is attempting to capture the cub.

As a result of a new state law enacted earlier this month, the timeframe for filing as a candidate in the November 4 municipal election has been reduced.

This fall, voters in Bozeman, Belgrade, Manhattan, Three Forks, and West Yellowstone will elect members to their city commissions and councils. A full list of available seats can be found here.

Candidates interested in running for these municipal offices must file their paperwork during the new filing window, which opens on Tuesday, May 27, and closes at 5 PM on Wednesday, June 11.

Filing forms are available here. Completed forms must be submitted to the Gallatin County Elections Office either in person or by mail. Please note that forms must be received by the office no later than 5 PM on June 11; postmarks will not be accepted.

The Gallatin County Elections Office is located at:
311 W. Main St., Room 201
Bozeman, MT 59715

Several candidates have already submitted their paperwork under the original filing window of April 17 through June 16. Those filings will still be accepted and remain valid under the new law. These individuals do not need to refile.

Additional information for potential candidates can be found here.

For questions, please contact the Gallatin County Elections Office at 406-582-3060 or gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov.

In recent years, the popularity of mushroom supplements has surged, particularly for those seeking to improve their cognitive function. These natural remedies are derived from various types of mushrooms that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Mushroom supplements are not only praised for their potential health benefits, but they have also garnered attention for their ability to enhance brain health and mental clarity. This article will explore the role of mushroom supplements in cognitive enhancement.

 A Powerful Natural Option for Brain Health

Mushroom supplements by premium brands like Ultra Shroom have become a popular choice for those looking to enhance cognitive abilities. These supplements often contain specific mushrooms, such as Lion's Mane, which is known for its ability to support cognitive function. Lion's Mane has been shown to encourage nerve growth factor (NGF) production, a protein essential for the growth and maintenance of neurons. By including these natural supplements in a daily routine, individuals can improve memory, focus, and overall brain health in a safe, plant-based manner.

Enhancing Neuroplasticity and Brain Repair

One of the significant benefits of mushroom supplements is their ability to support neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. Certain mushrooms, like Lion's Mane, have been shown to promote the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein essential for neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons). This can lead to improved brain function, particularly in the areas of memory, learning, and cognitive flexibility. By stimulating neuroplasticity, mushroom supplements help the brain repair itself and adapt to new challenges, enhancing overall cognitive performance.

Supporting Mental Clarity and Mood Stability

Mushroom supplements are also known to play a role in supporting emotional well-being, which directly affects cognitive function. Mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps are known for their calming properties and can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. By promoting mental clarity and stabilizing moods, these supplements can improve focus, reduce mental fatigue, and help individuals feel more balanced and sharp. A clearer mind leads to better decision-making and improved mental performance, making these supplements an excellent addition to a daily routine.

Promoting Long-Term Cognitive Health

Long-term cognitive health is just as important as short-term cognitive performance. Some mushroom supplements, such as those containing Lion's Mane and other neuroprotective mushrooms, are thought to support long-term brain health by stimulating the regeneration of brain cells. This could reduce the risk of cognitive decline as individuals age. Regular use of these supplements may help support the maintenance of brain function, enhance memory, and keep the mind sharp over time.

How a Premium Brand Supplement Can Enhance Cognitive Performance

Choosing a premium brand when selecting mushroom supplements is crucial for ensuring the highest quality and effectiveness. Premium brands typically focus on sourcing the finest ingredients and use advanced production processes to maintain the potency of the active compounds found in mushrooms. Supplements from trusted brands are often third-party tested, ensuring they meet high standards for purity, safety, and potency. A premium mushroom supplement, such as one containing Lion's Mane or other cognitive-enhancing mushrooms, can provide consistent and reliable support for improving memory, focus, and long-term cognitive health.

Mushroom supplements by top brands like Ultra Shroom play a significant role in enhancing cognitive function and supporting overall brain health. These natural supplements can help improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and promote long-term cognitive well-being. While they are not a quick fix, consistent use of mushroom supplements can offer sustained improvements in focus, memory, and mental performance. Incorporating these natural remedies into a daily routine could be an excellent way to keep the mind sharp and support brain health for years to come.