Merry Hearts Waldorf & Nature School

TUESDAY (JUNE 18TH: TOMORROW) IS THE LAST CHANCE TO ADVOCATE FOR A WEST SIDE NATURE TRAIL.
You can help pRESERVE THE TREES AND WATERWAY THAT RUN ALONG THE FOWLER AVENUE CORRIDOR NOW BEFORE THE 30% DESIGN THAT FAVORS WIDE ROADS GETS APPROVED AT TOMORROW'S MEETING.

You've got options:

1. You can send the city a quick email so the commissioners get a chance to review it by tomorrow at noon. ([email protected])

2. You can attend the Commission Meeting. (Go to:https://www.bozeman.net/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/33155/3126 for location, time & agenda)
*in person or
*remotely where you can offer oral comment

3. The Fowler Avenue work session is last on the agenda so if you can't make it at 6:00, just come/tune in when you can.

Here are some great ideas from fellow citizens if you're looking for more information and ideas for your own public comment:

There are good reasons to support designating parks or open space in this area that would benefit people, trees & animals for many, many years to come and is an easy and cheap way for the city to manage the land. The NW side of town doesn't get to benefit as much from streams and trails such as the Gallaghator, Sourdough, Peets Hill, and Story Mill... This is a great opportunity to create a landmark that preserves trees, wildlife and streamway as well as benefiting 1,000s of residents at little or no additional cost to tax payers.

Ways we can accomplish this:

1. Follow the template that already exists between Durston and the gravel trail that leads to Babcock:
a) Two Lanes (no median; except where it could save trees)
b) One paved shared use path on West side for cyclists & pedestrians
c) Sidewalk on the East Side using existing width boulevards

2. One shared use path only necessitates one crossing for bike/ped at Babcock & Fowler which:
a) adds value to the existing crosswalk for neighbors
b) flashing light activated by pedestrians/cyclists (like path to the M)
c) increases safety
d) saves money

3. Minimized road width helps preserve adequate buffer for trees & waterway:
a) canopy root ends need to be 30 ft. min. from edge of construction
b) PLIU zoning designation preserves trees for park or natural areac) abide by SLPP 200 ft. buffer for ditches

4. To make sure this project proceeds thoughtfully, it needs ecology experts on the design team going forward:
a) Connect the Parks Department
b) Connect Sustainability Citizen Advisory Board members
c) Connect all those engaged with the Bozeman Climate Plan

Do you know about Root in Bozeman? The owner- Kezia Peterson- is an OT & SEP who approaches chronic pain, injury and trauma from a wide, highly trained somatic lens. She also does profound work with neuro-diverse people as a support for traditional therapy. Root offers traditional PT as well as a STRONG PEDIATRIC TEAM that is opening a new space with an ADULT SENSORY GYM (open to teens, too!!) Root is such an important resource for our community. Feel free to message me for my personal experience there and check out their website:

Root Therapy and Wellness | Bozeman, MT Root Therapy and Wellness delivers personalized physical and occupational therapy for chronic pain, sports injuries, and neurological and orthopedic concerns. Achieve lasting relief with our expert therapists.

Greetings Friends! If you know folks who are looking for a counselor, please send them my way. :-) I start August 29th and I have space in my schedule.

This child gave her public comment at the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) in an effort to convince board members to consider saving this creek and the trail that runs beside it. Unfortunately, they almost unanimously passed the motion to continue into the design phase of the road. It went before the City Commission on Tuesday, 8/2, to inform commissioners of the project that had been passed by the TAB. Commissioners appeared in favor of it and the general sentiment is that this road is "what's best for Bozeman" not just a small group of citizens.
As citizens were only allowed to speak for 2 minutes each and were not allowed to ask questions, there are still MANY questions that have not been adequately answered between the two meetings where Nick Ross, Bozeman's *very new* Director of Transportation & Engineering presented the Fowler Expansion Report.

However, we do know a few things:

1) Stopping this road by giving public comments at meetings appears to be impossible. At this point, there will be a road through the nature trail and the habitat for wildlife, trees, and children will be destroyed.
2) The plan to put in a 2-lane road sounds good but can easily change in the design phase. If we are not vigilant, showing up to meetings, inviting the press, sending in our comments to commissioners, and generally talking to all our neighbors, this 2 lane could end up 100 feet wide with a LOT of pavement.

What can you do?
Stay in touch with Friends of Fowler by:
1) Following the FB page
2) Coming to meetings (please message us for details)
3) Keep an eye on Commission meetings, planning to show up when Fowler is on the agenda

We are currently working on finding out what we CAN do. The city has some hurdles in it's path. They still haven't even successfully acquired all the land they need to do this project and they haven't actually completed the impact reports that they absolutely SHOULD do in a situation like this. This is not a done deal- as much as Nick Ross would like everyone to believe it is. We don't know EXACTLY why they're pushing this road SO much, despite enormous public outcry, but we're guessing that what they consider "what's best for Bozeman" may be very different than what the people who actually live here consider is best.

Hi Folks! Remember when?? This beautiful area is slated to be bulldozed and the creek culverted. Let the city know that a connector trail (like the Galligator) on the west side of town is valuable to everyone. Hold the city accountable to its own Climate Plan and preserve these old-growth trees and important wildlife corridor! Sign the petition: https://forms.gle/5En7hVjpnAPuseyA8
And please consider walking or biking over to City Hall around 6 pm this coming Wednesday (7/27). We need the city to know that a lot of people care!!!

When you have a "regular” or some would say “normal" child, you feel reasonably assured that class participation and decent study habits will result in good grades. These kids have close friends. They get invited to participate in social things like dances and weekend gatherings. They make the teams, auditioned organizations and clubs.
But when you have a child with certain differences, this is often not the case. Learning may take longer, both academically and socially. Despite their tremendous efforts, results are often a fraction of their peers and social acceptance is fleeting, setting them up for painful comparisons and bitter frustration. Instead of a fun and fulfilling experience, school can become a breeding ground for depression and anxiety, and assignments a battle ground at home. It is exhausting for parent and child alike.
This is the week of SPED (Special Education), Autism, Dyslexia, and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) awareness.
For all the children who struggle every day to succeed in a world that does not recognize their gifts and talents, and for those who are walking beside them, please let this be a gentle reminder to be kind and accepting of ALL people.
Recognize that the "playing field" is not always a level surface.
Children who learn differently are not weird. They are merely gifted in ways that our society does not value enough. Yet they want what everyone else wants: To be accepted!!
If you choose, please copy and paste this in honor of all children who are deemed "different". Our world would be far less beautiful without them.
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍