3 minute read
Bright Spots
There’s so much to celebrate in our region! Here are some highlights from across our service territory (shaded in green).
Mitchell: NorthWestern Energy helped sponsor a mural in participation with the Mitchell Diversion Program, which aims to provide a positive direction to young people who are cited for minor offenses rather than sending them to a juvenile detention center. Participants of the program helped paint the mural, which is located downtown on the 100 block of East Third.
Oldham: We sponsored the Nativity lighting in Oldham, which was followed by games, food and a visit from Santa.
Sioux Falls: We participated in the Touch a Truck event in Sioux Falls in September, where kids had the chance to see our gas trucks up close. They also were able to explore the operations of a gas meter and learn how to cut and fuse gas pipe through demonstrations from our gas workers.
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Thompson Falls: This summer, the pavilion at NorthWestern Energy’s Power Park in Thompson Falls was destroyed in a fire set by vandals. The pavilion hosted many events over the years, providing an outdoor place to celebrate and create memories. We have committed to rebuilding the pavilion and are working with the community of Thompson Falls to gather information on what kind of facility would be the best fit. We recently completed a community survey and are reviewing the results.
Bozeman: In 2018, while going to graduate school, Tiffani Pimley and Amber Hughes were astonished to learn that in one of the wealthiest cities in Montana, many of Bozeman’s high school students were homeless.
Tiffani and Amber connected with the homeless liaison at the Bozeman School District and the idea of the Holiday Backpack Project was born. Tiffani and Amber began reaching out and asking for donations – backpacks, hygiene items, socks, hats, gloves, and gift cards to restaurants, Walmart, Target, gas stations, indoor activities, hair salons, etc. They collected and packed around 20 backpacks full of items and gifts for the kids, along with approximately $300 in gift cards for each child. Tiffani’s boyfriend, Jr Karo, is a lineman/foreman for NorthWestern Energy so he knew to contact Community Relations Manager Heather Bellamy and our Donations Committee to ask for additional support for the Holiday Backpack Project.
In past years, some juniors and seniors were also given a Chromebook. This would prove to be vital during COVID and online learning. Through the past three years, more than 50 unaccompanied/ homeless youths in the Bozeman area have benefited from this project.
Missoula: We’re proud to sponsor the Montana Repertory Theatre. Our donation allows this leading arts organization to offer tickets this season with Pick What You Pay prices. The Montana Reparatory Theatre believes cost should never be a barrier to art. Art, including live theater, should be for everyone. And we strongly agree! Learn more at montanarep.com/pick-what-you-pay.
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Great Falls: NorthWestern Energy Superintendent of Hydro Jerry Gray says his biggest concern when Master Sgt. Ryan Osterman, supervisor of the hydro maintenance team, was on an eight-month deployment with the Montana Air National Guard was ensuring everything was taken care of so Ryan could focus on his duties. (read more below)
For Ryan, Jerry’s extraordinary support of his military service went far beyond what he expected. Ryan nominated Jerry for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award, recognizing employers who provide outstanding support and cooperation for their employees who are National Guard and Reserve military personnel.
Red Lodge: In the spring and summer, Red Lodge is in full bloom with baskets of flowers hanging on light posts downtown. NorthWestern Energy helps hang and remove the baskets, which weigh 30 to 40 pounds.
Livingston: Due to budget restraints, K-9 Handler Sgt. Andrew Emmanuel of the Livingston Police Department was using his own funds for training and equipment for his K-9 Officer Rhino. NorthWestern Energy made a donation to the Livingston Elks Charitable Fund to cover Rhino’s training and equipment to ensure Rhino and his handler will be prepared to serve the city of Livingston when the need arises, without Sgt. Emmanuel having to cover those costs.
Helena: We sponsored a new exhibit at ExplorationWorks featuring a giant, interactive LED light wall. Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are today’s most energy-efficient and rapidly developing lighting technology. LED lighting uses at least 75% less energy and lasts 25 times longer, compared to incandescent lighting.
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