Community News

The leaves have changed color, fallen, and been raked into piles providing hours of delight for youngsters. Cooling fans, garden hoses, and sprinklers have been safely packed away until next spring arrives.  Our beloved, well-used golf clubs are cleaned, polished, and waiting for the first winter getaway. All of this means that the “holiday season” is undeniably upon us.  And right in between the carving of jack-o-lanterns and trimming of Christmas trees is the day that often makes people pause for just a moment in their hectic lives and be grateful for all which with they are blessed. 

Though it is easy to pick out all that is wrong, I like to be the person who takes pleasure in remembering what is right. And most days, that is as simple as looking out my front door to take in the scenery or visiting with a complete stranger who is experiencing Bozeman for the first time. 

Our area truly offers the best of both worlds in terms of urban and rural settings. Many of the most popular chain stores or restaurants that you know and love have put down their roots and offer the products and services familiar to larger towns. However, our eclectic, interesting downtown and beyond offers unique shopping and dining opportunities that gives Bozeman a true pulse and authentic vibe.
 
Montana State University continues to anchor the community and draw new faces, ideas, and often lifelong residents to the area.  This year’s new record enrollment reached 15,294 students.   The facilities on campus give the occasion to bring large concerts and events, such as Broadway in Bozeman, Zac Brown Band, and Lady Antebellum to town. 
 
How about being thankful for the fact that Bozeman was included in Outside Magazine’s September 2013 list of the Best Towns Ever?  The voting was primarily done via Facebook votes, but those who did share their opinions tipped their hats to food and nightlife, access to adventure, and quality powder for skiing.  Not a bad package deal.  
 
Big fan of arts and culture?  You are in the right place according to TravelNerd, which recently named Bozeman as one of the top 10 small cities in the US for art lovers.  They focused on locations with populations under 200,000 that featured numerous art museums, galleries, and festivals to find locations with plenty of opportunities for art connoisseurs.  We have “time-tested” performance organizations of excellence like Intermountain Opera in its 35th season and the Bozeman Symphony weighing in at 46 years with Maestro Savery celebrating 20 years as conductor and musical director.  
 
Philanthropy and “paying it forward” feels like somewhat of a given in this community.  At this time of year, it is near and dear to my heart to promote ERA Landmark’s “Season of Giving” program which allows our organization to support the Boys and Girls Club, Gallatin Valley Food Bank, Family Promise, Adopt a Sox, The Salvation Army, Haven, Thrive and other area non-profits.  Around Thanksgiving, we fill the windows of our downtown office/visitors center to the brim with gifts for those who need some additional help and cheer for the holidays.  Anyone wishing to leave a gift or monetary donation to help these worthy causes is welcome to stop by our ERA office at 8 East Main to learn more.  
 
And finally, let me leave you with a “thanks” giving visual…how about our magnificent Bozeman sunsets?  Social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram are often flooded with images taken by cameras small and large in attempts to capture the raw beauty of our big skies.  However, I recommend that you simply pause and appreciate the fact that our skylines still allow for moments that literally take our breath away.  
 
For all of these reasons and beyond, I am blessed, grateful, and proud to call Southwest Montana my home.