BOZEMAN, MT — HRDC is pleased to announce its current enrollment season is underway for the upcoming school year for preschool students ages 3-5. This no-cost Early Childhood Education program (ECE) is funded through a Head Start grant which provides space for 152 children in three dedicated schools located in Bozeman, Belgrade, and Livingston.

Designed to prepare students for kindergarten through a play-based learning approach in a natural environment, 94% of HRDC’s ECE graduates meet or exceed school readiness standards. Each child’s curriculum is individualized within an inclusive learning setting that supports all children, including those with disabilities.

“Our staff is second to none,” said Sara Savage, HRDC’s Associate Director and Director of Early Childhood Education. “The team of educators we have is highly qualified with each teacher holding a bachelor’s degree or higher in childhood education. In addition, our licensed, award-winning schools include hands-on support from classroom aides, nutrition aides, and volunteers from our parent community. Each student’s needs are met from a whole-child perspective which includes developmental screenings and early intervention protocols as necessary.”

Kathy Piatz, HRDC’s Early Childhood Education Program Manager added, “We know children thrive when they have a strong support system inside and outside their home. That’s why we are focused on providing for the healthy development of children and the strengthening of their families through parent education opportunities, family events, and more. We make time to build relationships with our students’ families. The more involvement during the early education years,the better the outcome is for children throughout their entire education journey including the college enrollment stage.”

Annual community-wide demand for placement in HRDC’s ECE program has been historically strong. Family eligibility is income-based and includes households with incomes below 130% of the Federal Poverty Line. However, for those families experiencing homelessness or economic hardship, or who are without stable housing, or who receive Social Security Income or public assistance such as TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or SNAP (Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program), eligibility is automatic. This also holds true for children living with foster parents or who are in the care of a family member other than a parent. Approved eligibility spans two years regardless of any change to a household’s situation. For families that exceed the income eligibility threshold, a waitlist is kept should openings become available.

Further augmenting Head Start students’ success is an underlying program tenet which provides family members and other connected community members with opportunities to expand their own knowledge and skillsets. This is offered through various channels including employment opportunities at the schools themselves as well as financial support for staff members to obtain teaching certification and other related degrees. At least a dozen current HRDC Early Childhood Education staff members currently have, or have had children in the program, and many of them have received support to further their own education — a true win for families and the community at large.

Interested applicants can visit https://thehrdc.org/early-childhood-education/ for an online application or call 406-586-9652 for more information. Applications are in English and Spanish,and interpreters are available upon request. To learn more about employment opportunities, visit: https://hrdc.bamboohr.com/jobs/.

For families impacted by Covid and in need of financial support with childcare, HRDC applied for and received an ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) grant from the City of Bozeman which allows families to access between $200 and $500 per month to help offset childcare costs. The funds can be utilized at any licensed childcare provider and families receive no-cost financial coaching while participating in the assistance. Eligibility for this program is also income-dependent and families with the greatest need are prioritized. Applications for childcare assistance administered by HRDC can be obtained by contacting hdavid@thehrdc.org.

HRDC is a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives aimed at combatting poverty in southwestern Montana. HRDC’s Early Childhood Education program believes every child deserves a head start and provides services in education, health, nutrition, mental  health, and disability support.

Donors, volunteers, and community members can learn more at https://thehrdc.org/

BOZEMAN – Family Promise, the nation’s leading nonprofit addressing family homelessness and early learning is thrilled to announce the gift of a home donated by an anonymous community member. The home will be the 11th transitional housing unit owned or operated by Family Promise. In addition, Family Promise operates three emergency shelter locations and Rising Stars Early Learning Center.

The 2500 square foot “Sunrise Home” will become part of Family Promise’s Stabilization Program, for families that have graduated from emergency shelter. By providing transitional housing, coupled with comprehensive case management, families will be equipped to successfully navigate Bozeman’s unique housing environment.

Families can stay in transitional housing for up to two years. This length of time provides consistency and stability for children, gives families time to create and implement a savings plan, and builds a positive rental history. Families will continually be working towards finding permanent housing during their participation.

According to Family Promise Executive Director Christel Chvilicek, “We are so incredibly grateful that, in this housing market, this person made a legacy gift that will support families and children for years to come. Their donation will not only changes lives but will allow this important work to carry on in our community and perhaps inspire others to make a difference.”

When in transitional housing, families will pay rent based on their income, and is increased every six months. Half of the rent supports the cost of maintenance on the home. The other half is placed in a saving account that is returned to the renter upon graduation. Transitional housing is imperative to Family Promise’s ability to serve families experiencing homelessness and ensure long-term stable housing. When families graduate, the have a rental reference, money for a down payment and first of last months rent.

To learn more about the impact of Family Promise in our community, visit familypromisegv.org or call (406) 582-7388.

BOZEMAN — “Mavericks,” a documentary about Montana’s freestyle skiing legacy from Montana PBS, won the Non-Commercial Television Program of the Year award from the Montana Broadcasters Association in June.

Named on the award were Scott Sterling, director of production at Montana PBS and the film’s producer, director and editor; Kelly Gorham, the film’s producer and writer who also serves as director of visual media in MSU’s University Communications; and Aaron Pruitt, Montana PBS director and general manager and the film’s executive producer.

“I’m humbled to have our film recognized by other industry professionals in addition to the overwhelming response we’ve had from the public,” Gorham said.

“Mavericks” follows the careers of several Montana freestyle skiers, including Missoula’s Olympic gold medal winner Eric Bergoust, Butte’s Bryon Wilson and Whitefish’s Maggie Voisin. Using visuals from international competitions, archival footage and original cinematography, the film captures “the struggles, victories, unsurpassed work ethic and unbreakable spirit of some of the state’s most renowned athletes in a sport where mere seconds determine the outcome of a career,” according to Gorham.

The filmmakers call Montana freestyle skiers the “mavericks” of the sport, with multiple freestyle skiers from throughout the state getting their start on homemade jumps and then going on to impressive careers. Freestyle skiing is a sport comprising aerials, moguls, half-pipe, slopestyle and more, with skiers often performing aerial flips and spins. The film premiered on Montana PBS in January.

The Non-Commercial Television Program of the Year award is one of dozens of "EB Awards" named in memory of Montana broadcast pioneer Ed Craney. The awards are presented annually during the Montana Broadcasters Association convention to recognize excellence in local news, production, promotion and public service. They are sponsored by the Greater Montana Foundation, which Craney established to encourage communication — with an emphasis on electronic media — on issues and trends of importance to Montanans. More information is available at mtbroadcasters.org/awards/ebcraney/.

To learn more about “Mavericks,” and to watch it online, visit montanapbs.org/programs/mavericks/.

If we’re talking about culture, education, or even religion – it’s impossible not to mention some allegory examples and the meaning behind them. But first, let's start with the definition. An allegory is a theme, which is characterized by two meanings. One of them is a literal one, and the second is more hidden and imaginary. It’s also worth noting that there is a minor difference between a symbol and an allegory. A symbol can represent multiple things and various meanings, while a specific allegory is always tied to the same hidden meaning. Now that we know the allegory definition and its main principles, we can dive into some actual examples.

Animal Farm

This might be one of the most popular allegories coming from literature. Many student groups are asked to write about the meaning behind George Orwell’s book and the hidden message. Most essay examples mention how it’s a political statement about the dangers of power, hierarchy, and an inevitable revolution. Perhaps the right way to give an animal farm summary is to present the theme as an allegory of totalitarianism, corruption of social groups, and how injustice always fires back. The book is written in a simple and easy way, with animal characters, which makes it a great choice for college members.

The Snake

Keeping up with the animal pattern, the allegory of a snake is often present in various sources of culture. Some of the most popular examples include The Bible, where snakes are perceived as very cunning and unlawful creatures. This can be seen in the scene where Adam & Eve are tempted to eat the forbidden apple. This is another popular theme that most university members could list straight out of their head. That only shows how deeply this allegory is engraved in our society, despite it being ancient… But not outdated!

The Divine Comedy

A poem by Italian Dante Alighieri might be the top 1 allegory of them all. It’s a summary and synthesis of medieval philosophy and history. The poem showcases a journey of a poet, who goes over different realms – hell and heaven included. It is a complex allegory, with surprising twists about the author himself.

It turns out, Dante Alighieri portrayed himself as the main character, as well as the narrator. Other fun facts include the fact that he wrote the poem in honor of his wife, who died earlier. This Italian masterpiece is a recognized classic among college students and contributed to the further development of European art.

The Prodigal Son

A well-known parable from the Bible is a story of a son who decided to leave his father searching for lust and entertainment. While he certainly found the fun quite fast, the consequences were devastating. The son lost all the money and ended up being extremely poor, just to eventually come back to his father and old home. The father forgave all his sins, and they continued to live together. This biblical story is an allegory of how God always waits for faithful people, even if they have a shady past. It’s a very moving story and definitely the most popular religious text, which suits the allegory definition.

The Drunken Boat

A 100-line poem created by french Arthur Rimbaud, this text is a description of a cargo ship pointlessly wandering, lost at sea. The poem also includes large amounts of symbolism, but the main hidden meaning refers to the image of our world. How the Earth is full of surprises, mystery, and uncertainty. The author also describes his drinking problem, which is described as the ship slowly starting to sink. While the poem might seem like an encouragement to go out and seek the unknown, it actually states that humans find comfort in what they are already used to.

Conclusion

Now that you know the allegory definition and some famous, well-known examples, it’s time to indulge in literature and art in order to find other examples. Some good starting points could be mythology, religious texts, and even contemporary art and movies. No matter which field interests you the most, there is a good chance you will find some other allegories than those mentioned in this essay.

Chicago is definitely worth a visit! With its world-renowned museums, architecture, and food scene, there is something for everyone in the Windy City.

When in doubt, buy yourself a vacation package that includes all the major tourist attractions. You'll save money and time, and you can relax knowing that everything is taken care of. In no particular order, here are our top tips for enjoying all that Chicago has to offer without breaking the bank:

1. Get a CityPASS

If you're planning on doing a lot of sightseeing while in Chicago, then CityPASS is a great way to save some money. The CityPASS gives you access to some of the most popular attractions in the city, including the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium.

2. Visit the free attractions

There are plenty of great things to see and do in Chicago that won't cost you a dime. The Lincoln Park Zoo and the Art Institute of Chicago both offer free admission, and there are plenty of free concerts and festivals to enjoy throughout the year.

3. Dine out during Restaurant Week

Chicago's Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to enjoy some of the city's best cuisine at a fraction of the usual cost. Participating restaurants offer prix-fixe menus at lunch and dinner, and you can often find deals on hotel rooms and other attractions during this time as well.

4. Book a Chicago Limo Service

While it may not be the cheapest option, booking a limo service for your transportation needs is a great way to see the city in style. Many services offer package deals that include attractions and dining, so be sure to shop around for the best deal.

5. Look for accommodation deals

If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can often find great deals on hotels and other accommodations. Many Chicago attractions offer discounts for booking your tickets in advance, so be sure to check for deals before you travel.

6. Look for flight deals

Chicago is a popular destination, so there are often deals to be found on flights to the city. If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can often save money by flying to a nearby airport like O'Hare or Midway.

Try looking up flights on Tuesday mornings as many airlines release their deals then. Also, booking way ahead of time or at the last minute can often lead to savings as well.

7. Walk or bike whenever possible

Chicago is a great city for walking and biking, and you'll often find that it's the quickest way to get around. Plus, you'll get to see more of the city and its attractions if you're not stuck on public transportation.

8. Find Deals on Attractions and Dining

There are plenty of ways to save money on attractions and dining in Chicago. Many attractions offer discounts for AAA members, students, and seniors, so be sure to ask about any deals that may be available. Some of the places that you can visit without breaking the bank include the Museum of Science and Industry, the Navy Pier, and the John G. Shedd Aquarium. You can also find coupons for restaurants and other attractions in the Chicago Tribune and other local publications.

9. Visit the city during the off-season

If you're looking to save money on your Chicago vacation, then consider visiting during the off-season. Many attractions offer discounts during this time, and you'll often find that hotels and other accommodations are much cheaper as well.

10. Travel with a group

Traveling with a group is a great way to save money on your Chicago vacation. Many attractions offer group discounts, and you'll often find that you can get better deals on hotels and transportation when you're traveling with a larger group. Plus, you'll have more fun exploring the city with your friends or family.

These are just a few of our top tips for saving money on your Chicago vacation. Be sure to do your research before you travel, and you'll be sure to find plenty of ways to save. With a little planning, you can enjoy all that Chicago has to offer without breaking the bank.

On June 29, 2022, at 9:16am, Gallatin County Dispatch received a report of a paragliding accident at the M Trailhead.  The paraglider caught a gust of wind and lost control of one wing, resulting in a hard crash just below the “M.”  The patient had multiple injuries and was in severe pain.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue responded with a ground team to make contact with the patient. Due to the nature of the injuries the Heli Team was utilized to conduct a “short haul” from the crash location to an AMR ambulance at the trailhead parking lot.  

The patient was successfully packaged and ultimately transported to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital where they received further treatment for their injuries.  

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind you to always have a safety plan in the case of an emergency.  In this incident, the paraglider was with other paragliders and friends who witnessed the accident and called 911 for help, leading to a swift and successful rescue.

Photo courtesy KBZK video

LIVINGSTON – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, in consultation with Park County and Park Electric Cooperative, will reopen a section of the Yellowstone River near Livingston that was closed to recreation due to damaged power lines. The closure will be lifted at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, June 30.

The river closure extended about 3 miles from Highway 89 Bridge Fishing Access Site to Sheep Mountain Fishing Access Site.

The Highway 89 Bridge and Sheep Mountain fishing access sites, along with several others, remain closed due to sediment and debris deposits, damaged infrastructure, and site erosion from recent flooding. FWP is working to reopen closed areas as soon as conditions allow. FWP maintenance crews have repaired and reopened several sites over the past week.

Recreationists can avoid accidents and injury to themselves and others by observing all safety closures and avoiding areas with high flows. For a current list of closed sites, please visit go.usa.gov/xJ7DY.

Washington is definitely a place worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. After all, it is the capital city of the United States of America! With its rich history and cultural heritage, there is definitely a lot to see and do in Washington. Both indoor and outdoor activities abound in this city, making it the perfect destination for any type of traveler.

There are many things to consider when planning a trip to Washington DC, whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned traveler. Below are some of the top things to keep in mind to make sure your trip is as memorable and enjoyable as possible.

1) Timing is everything - Depending on what time of year you visit Washington DC, the city can be very different. If you're looking to experience the hustle and bustle of politics, then visiting during Inauguration week or during a major political event is the best time to go. However, if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy the city at a more relaxed pace, then planning your trip for spring or fall is ideal.

2) Don't skimp on accommodation - With so many people visiting Washington DC every year, hotels can fill up quickly and be quite expensive. However, there are a number of great bed and breakfast options in the city that can offer a more intimate and unique experience. For instance, the Willard InterContinental is a historic hotel located just steps from the White House that has hosted numerous presidents and dignitaries over the years.

3) Get a tour guide - One of the best ways to see Washington DC is by taking a tour led by a knowledgeable guide. This way, you can learn about the city's history and see all the major landmarks, without having to worry about getting lost. By booking a Washington DC Limo Service you can relax and enjoy the tour without having to worry about driving or parking in the city.

4) Do some research - Before you go on your trip, it's a good idea to do some research about the city and what there is to see and do. This way, you can make the most of your time in Washington DC, and see everything that interests you. For instance, you could visit the city's many museums, monuments, and government buildings, or take a scenic tour of the area. Or participate in one of the city's many festivals or events, like the National Cherry Blossom Festival or the Taste of DC.

5) Eat like a local - There are countless dining options in Washington DC, from upscale restaurants to more casual cafes. To get a true taste of the city, try dining at some of the local favorites, such as Ben's Chili Bowl or Georgia Brown's.

6) Take advantage of the free attractions - Washington DC is home to many world-renowned museums and galleries, which are all free to enter. So, whether you're interested in art, history, or politics, there's sure to be a museum that piques your interest.

7) Plan ahead - With so much to see and do in Washington DC, it's important to plan your trip ahead of time. This way, you can make the most of your time in the city and see everything that you want to see.

8) Book your tickets in advance - If you're planning on seeing some of the city's most popular attractions, such as the Washington Monument or the Lincoln Memorial, it's a good idea to book your tickets in advance. This way, you can avoid the long lines and crowds that often form at these popular sites.

9) Pack light - Washington DC can be quite humid in the summer, so it's important to pack light and comfortable clothing. Also, be sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking during your trip.

7) Have fun! - Above all, remember to relax and enjoy your time in Washington DC. It's a truly unique and amazing city, so soak up all it has to offer!

By following these tips, you can ensure that your trip to Washington DC is truly memorable. So, start planning your trip today and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced today that 32 trail organizations, communities and various land-managing agencies throughout Montana will receive Montana Trail Stewardship Grant Program (TSP) grant awards for their projects in 2022.

Thirty-seven TSP applications were received this year from a variety of eligible applicants, including federal and state agencies, towns, cities, counties, private clubs and nonprofit organizations.

The Montana Trail Stewardship Grant Program current awards total approximately $1,476,865.10 in state funds. TSP grant funds are allocated to projects based on meeting TSP eligibility requirements, application scoring, State Trails Advisory Committee (STAC) discussion and recommendations and funding availability.

FWP administers TSP awards, a program funded through a portion of Montana’s light motor vehicle registration fee and from the taxation of recreational marijuana. The program provides grant funding for trail and trail-related projects across the state. Eligible projects include development and rehabilitation work on urban, rural, and backcountry trails; construction of community trails; and snowmobile and cross-country ski trail maintenance and grooming operations.

A list of the successful 2022 Montana Trail Stewardship Grant Program grant recipients is available at https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/trail-stewardship; click on “2022 Grant Application Cycle.”

For more information, contact Tom Lang, Montana Trail Stewardship Grant Program Manager, tom.lang@mt.gov.

Gretchen Minton, professor of English at Montana State University, will travel to Townsville, Australia, to study site-specific theater. MSU Photo by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez

BOZEMAN – A Montana State University professor has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award that will take her to Townsville, Australia, to study applied environmental theater — a style that sets its action in the real world rather than a traditional theater — and write an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.”  

"It’s a big honor to receive the Fulbright,” said Gretchen Minton, professor in the Department of English in MSU’s College of Letters and Science.  

“It’s exciting to be recognized and given the opportunity to travel, research and meet new people, fostering new relationships with scholars on the other side of the globe,” she said. In addition to research and presentations at James Cook University, Queensland, Minton will guest lecture at the Australian National University in Canberra. 

Minton has spent more than two decades teaching and researching Shakespeare, and she also serves as dramaturg, or literary adviser, for Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, an outreach program of MSU’s College of Arts and Architecture. She is also co-founder of Montana InSite Theatre, a group that stages plays in site-specific outdoor locations. 

Much of her earlier research included writing in-depth annotations and footnotes to Shakespeare’s works, as well as those of many of his 16th- and 17th-century contemporary playwrights. After working on annotations of Shakespeare’s lesser-known play “Timon of Athens,” Minton was fascinated by the idea that the bard’s plays could be placed in Montana to speak about environmental challenges.  

“Shakespeare’s understanding of non-urban environments really exceeds most of his contemporaries,” Minton said. “He is immersed in thinking about the flowers, trees and waterways — and how humans relate to those ecosystems.”  

She learned from local scientists and historians to create Montana-based performances, including “Timon of Anaconda,” a historical look at the copper kings and the Berkeley Pit through the lens of Shakespeare, and an adaptation of “Macbeth” depicting a futuristic Montana with few natural resources.  

“In both adaptations, we were using Shakespeare’s language and themes to reflect on our own times and environment,” she said. Her research on Shakespeare in Montana led her to writing a book of the same name that was published in 2020 which won the Montana Book Award in 2020 and the 2021 High Plains Book Award.  

Minton will go to Queensland while on sabbatical in the spring of 2023 and use the Fulbright appointment to expand upon her environmental humanities research, including an adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy “Twelfth Night.” Minton will collaborate with Claire Hanson, a lecturer at the Australian National University who also specializes in Shakespeare and ecocriticism.  

“Twelfth Night” is considered a quintessential Shakespeare play that starts with a tragedy – a storm and shipwreck – and then transitions to comedy. Minton plans the adaptation to address environmental topics surrounding the Queensland ecosystem, including the degradation of the Great Barrier Reef and increasing ocean temperatures, she said. 

“I'm interested in how Shakespeare's stories can help us get beyond those moments of tragedy and environmental upheaval to think more creatively and find solutions,” she said. 

As a part of the research, Minton plans to work with the James Cook University Blue Humanities Lab, a research group with members from anthropology, history, literary studies and political science, whose research is centered on the “blue” spaces such as reefs, oceans and rivers. 

“Environmental humanities have shown that it's really important to collaborate with other humanities scholars, but also collaborate with scientists,” Minton said.  

Once the adaptation is created, Minton and Hanson will workshop the script with a local theater group to get feedback from the public.  

When she is back in Montana, Minton plans to work on a future environmental adaptation to Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” to address changes in annual snowfall and snowpack. She hopes to use what she will learn from her collaboration with Hanson and Australian scientists to enhance the production’s look at different “blue” topics, such as snow levels and glaciers, she said. 

 “I look forward to my work with Claire and the Blue Humanities Lab,” she said. “After we get feedback about how this adaptation works in a different environment, I want to take that experience to apply it to future productions.”