Magic Magazine December 2015-January 2016 by Billings Gazette

SELECTED

BEST MAGAZINE 2013/2014/2015 MONTANA NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION

BILLINGSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; MOST READ MAGAZINE

bring it on! slope royalty: rocky mountain college ski team

big sky bucket list 15 uniquely MT adventures

destination: red lodge I the best winter gear

take charge!

expert advice to change your life

toast the season holiday food and drink

plus: the 5th annual most inspiring people section DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 1

Alyssa Burkhart, MD

I pledge to keep earning this award every day.

Women’s Choice Award® America’s 100 Best Hospitals is the only national recognition that focuses on female patient satisfaction. We are extremely aware of the role women play in decision making for their families. We are proud to be the recipient of this award based on women’s priorities and ratings. We value the role women play in our organization. We employ over 3,100 exceptional women who work in roles from physicians and nurses to accountants and housekeepers. They represent the majority of our staff and provide quality care and

billingsclinic.com 2 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

services to our patients every day.

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DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 3

Great design begins here.

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4 2110 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016Suite I MAGIC MAGAZINE MT 59101 I (406) 545-9556 I caldercreekcabinets.com Harnish Blvd., 1 CITY I Billings,

features

DEC 2015/jan 2016

63 ode to joy

celebrate snow

Is true happiness possible?

by kathleen harris

The best winter gear

toys and tools for the season

by brenda maas

an array of art

billings' growing gallery scene

by anna paige

Kris Kringle on Aisle 34

by jim gransbery

bobby burns

welcome scots and friends of scots

by brittany cremer

Winter wonderland rediscover red lodge

by allyn hulteng

big sky bucket list

the ultimate only-in-montana guide

view from the top

by jenna cederberg

the rocky mountain ski team

by rob rogers

tremendous transformation Jennifer's story

by Julie johnson rollins

103

take charge!

make 2016 the of "yes I can" SELECTED

BEST MAGAZINE 2013/2014/2015 MONTANA NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION

BILLINGS’ MOST READ MAGAZINE

5TH ANNUAL MOST INSPIRING PEOPLE • ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE SKI TEAM • RED LODGE • BUCKET LIST • TAKE CHARGE! • TOAST THE SEASON

bring it on! slope royalty: rocky mountain college ski team

destination: red lodge I the best winter gear

MEET 9 amazing individuals

by allyn hulteng, brittany cremer & brenda maas

by allyn hulteng

107

embracing divine mystery by dana pulis

big sky bucket list

HOLIDAY 2013 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015

15 uniquely MT adventures

take charge!

expert advice to change your life

toast the season holiday food and drink

plus: the 5th annual most inspiring people section

MC_65HOLIDAY COV.indd 1

11/16/2015 9:15:06 AM

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 5

DEPARTMENTS

DEC 2015/jan 2016

RIVER TO RIMS

IN EVERY ISSUE

EDITOR’S LETTER by A L LYn Hulteng

cONTRIBUTORS

aNNUAL holiday gIFT gUIDE

GIVING BACK

MEDIA ROOM

F U N, FA C I N AT I NG f I ND S

c o m m unit y o f gi v ing

b OO K S, MOV I E S, M U S I C and w e b - ed

109

SEEN AT THE SCENE

ARTIST LOFT

J I M C OL L I N S

111

DATEBOOK

Why Magic City?

114

SIGNATURE SECTION

LAST WORD

F INE LIV ING

28 33 39 43

GREAT ESTATEs

t r aditi o nal tud or c hr ist m as

EPICURE i

C OMMO N S 1882

LIBATIONS

T R A I L HE A D S P I R I T S

EPICURE ii

E A SY M E A L S F OR HO L I DAY GU E S T S

MONTANA PERSPE C T IVE S

47 52 54

Photo journal

c reati v e ca rdb oa rd c r a z iness

i’M JUST SAYIN’

T HRE E S I S T E R S D OG T R A I N I NG acade m y

TRAVELOGUE

6 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

LEGENDS

t h e re m a rka b le ROB E R T RE A M E R

BEYOND BILLINGS SAN DIEGO

In the early 1880s, immigrants and adventurers came in droves to seek their livelihood on the verdant land along the Yellowstone River. The hastily constructed tents and log cabins made it appear as if Billings materialized overnight – thus earning the name “The Magic City.” Today, as the largest city in Montana, Billings proudly retains its ‘Magic City’ moniker. As for Magic City magazine, we promise to continue our mission to uncover all that is unique and wonderful and changing in this great community ... and we guarantee a few surprises along the way.

DEC 2015/jan 2016 I VOLUME 13 I ISSUE 6 Michael GulledgE Publisher 657-1225 editorial

Allyn Hulteng Editor-in-chief 657-1434 Bob Tamb0 Creative Director 657-1474 Brittany Cremer Senior Editor 657-1390 Brenda Maas Assistant Editor 657-1490 Evelyn Noennig community liason / assistant Editor 657-1226 photography/videography

Larry Mayer, James Woodcock, Casey Page, Bob Zellar, hannah potes Advertising

Dave Worstell corporate director of retail sales / General manager 657-1352 Ryan Brosseau Classified & Online Manager 657-1340 Shelli Rae Scott SALES MANAGER 657-1202 LINSAY DUTY ADVERTISING COORDINATOR 657-1254 MO LUCAS Production/Traffic Artist 657-1204

JOE KURKOWSKI

SCOTT DEGNAN

Vice President, Commercial Lender Billings Branch 35 years in banking

Vice President, Agricultural Lender Billings Branch 18 years in banking

406.869.6734

406.869.6714

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

MARCY BAUMGARTNER, BROOKE BUCHANAN, BILL COLE, CHRIS DORR, jAMEY EISENBARTH, JEFF EWELT, KIM KAISER, NICHOLE MEHLING MILES, PAIGE SPALDING, HELEN TOLLIVER, LIZ WILMOUTH, JEREMIAH YOUNG Contact us: Mail: 401 N. Broadway Billings, MT 59101 editor@magiccitymagazine.com Find us online at www.magiccitymagazine.com

Find us at various rack locations throughout Billings: Billings area Albertsons I Billings Airport I Billings Clinic Billings Gazette Communications I Billings Hardware I Curves for Women Evergreen IGA I Gainan’s I Good Earth Market I Granite Fitness I Kmart McDonald’s (select locations) I neecee’s I Paxson's Flooring (Miles City) Pita Pit I Reese and Ray’s IGA (Laurel) I Stella’s I St. Vincent Healthcare The Y I Valley Federal Credit Union (Downtown location) Western Security Banks (Downtown location) I Yellowstone County Museum Plus many other locations Subscriptions are available at the annual subscription rate of $29 (5 Issues). Single copy rate $4.95. Mail subscription requests and changes to address above, ATTN: Circulation Magic City Magazine is published five times a year by Billings Gazette Communications Copyright© 2015 Magic City Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written consent is prohibited.

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 7

Brittany Cremer

the magic season

8 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

tirely on Christmas characters, I injected a different thought. “You know – I wonder if Christmas snow isn’t a special gift from God. Like the pretty paper that covers the presents under our tree, snow covers the outside making our town look all sparkly.” Four pairs of eyes seemed to ponder that thought, at least until we arrived at church. Long after the children were tucked into bed, I stood by the window and looked at the glistening ground below. Dazzling in its simplicity, I offered a quiet prayer of gratitude for blessings received – and for those which in His wisdom were not bestowed. Learning to let go, I have come to understand, is as important as learning to accept, both equally grounded in faith. *** As I write this letter, snow is falling softly outside my window. It will be the last Editor’s Letter I pen. Faith and circumstances are softly guiding me to a new challenge. I am grateful to have been surrounded by incredibly talented people whose passion for our community shines through every page of every issue of Magic. I am equally humbled by those who have trusted me to tell their stories – which sometimes meant knowing what not to write. Most of all, I am thankful for my husband and family whose love cannot be measured nor contained. Their faith inspires me to reach for the stars. To all of you, may the season of snow and wonderment bring love and merriment to your home – and may you be blessed with peace and good will in the coming New Year. Larry Mayer

The first snow of the season has an enchanting quality. More than simply the definitive transition from autumn to winter, the fluffy whiteness blankets barren fields and ribbons of asphalt, cloaking the landscape in soft folds. There is stillness, even reverence in the snow cover. A natural interlude during which man can reflect on the multitude of blessings bestowed upon him. That this season ushers in one of the biggest celebrations of the year is no coincidence. Yet, if one looks closely, underlying the revelry and busyness is a plan and purpose that defies the ages. A divine wisdom patiently waiting to love and guide all mankind. *** “Is everyone ready?” It was no ordinary feat to bundle up a passel of kids and cousins and herd them out the door in time to make it to Christmas Eve services. Their collective energy was nearly audible, a literal buzz of excitement and anticipation. To maintain some sort of focus, I drew their attention to the thick curtain of giant snowflakes falling outside. “Look – it’s snowing!” I announced excitedly… “Christmas snow is different, it’s magical.” Staring wide-eyed out the window, the children worked to wrap their young minds around this notion. “Is that because this is when Santa comes?” asked my daughter. “Well, certainly Santa must like Christmas snow, after all, he lives in the North Pole,” I responded. “What about Frosty?” We had watched the timeless classic Frosty the Snowman innumerable times. “He was made of Christmas snow, and Christmas snow never really goes away, remember?” Not wanting to have a conversation focused en-

Allyn Hulteng Editor-in-chief editor@magiccitymagazine.com

developed her communication skills early, once racking up a $174 phone bill calling 1-900-SANTA in an effort to unsuccessfully acquire Moonshoes™ and a pink corvette. Before becoming Senior Editor of Magic Magazine and Editor of Big Sky Bride, she channeled her creativity and drive into a BA in print journalism from the University of Montana (Go Griz!) and a MS in Public Relations from MSUB— melding her two loves, writing and people.

Brenda Maas Whether she’s chasing down resources or one of her three sons, Brenda Maas sees each day as yet another story to tell. She has been writing and reporting since cut-and-paste was en vogue. Recently, she and husband, Brett, opened a local custom garment store as yet another new adventure. She now has a new venue for recording other people’s quotes.

Evelyn Noennig has spent most of her life in the Magic City. She's passionate about the community and the people who make Billings a great place to live, work and play. As Community Liaison for Magic, Evelyn will be engaged in discovering the individuals and their stories that make Magic distinctly local. You just never know where you may find her, volunteering, attending or coordinating an event for the library…she’s everywhere.

Bob tambo

has been a commercial artist for 30 years. He attributes longevity in the industry to many novenas to The Blessed Mother. Besides graphic design, he spends his time sketching in pen, ink and watercolor in hopes of becoming a full-time fine artist when he grows up (view his art at tambogrfx.blogspot.com.) Bob believes he was a rock 'n roll star with the Velvet Underground and gourmet chef in another life because he loves spending his leisure time preparing savory dishes, strumming guitar and singing to his wife Kit and two little Chihuahua mutts, Jack and Jill.

contributors

Jenna Cederberg

is a native Montanan who grew up in Missoula and cut her writing teeth as the business reporter for her hometown newspaper, the Missoulian. She relished the chance to travel and learn about the Big Sky State as editor of Montana Magazine, and is currently loving telling stories as the communication and marketing specialist at Biomimicry 3.8.

Julie Johnson Rollins

returned to her hometown of Billings in 1996 after a decade and a half living in Boston and New York City. A physician, mother, wife, musician, nonprofit devotee and writer, she desires to write about “anything and everything that piques my curiosity.”

Rob Rogers’

spirit animal is Val Kilmer. He’s been writing news and features since he won a spot on his elementary school’s biweekly newspaper with an opinion piece on why Magnum P.I. needs to exist in the real world. He probably still believes everything he wrote in that piece. He lives in Billings with his wife and three daughters. Before staking his future on freelance writing and at-home parenting, he was the education reporter for The Billings Gazette.

Kathleen Harris is the marketing director for Billings Catholic Schools, covering enrollment management, fundraising, public relations, website management and social media for the school system. Alongside a life devoted to her now college-aged children, she enjoys both writing and travel as the means to get to know a place, and exploring the food and wine of any given destination, whether at home or away.

John Clayton is the author of books including The Cowboy Girl: The Life of Caroline Lockhart, and, most recently, Stories from Montana’s Enduring Frontier. You can learn more at johnclaytonbooks.com.

Anna Paige is a writer, photographer and founder of Pen & Paige, a freelance writing company based in Billings. Recognized for her work supporting arts and live music culture in the west, Anna’s writing is as diverse as her subjects, from poetry collaborations with musicians to artist profiles to concert photography. As a storyteller, Anna removes the distance between people through connectivity, helping businesses and individuals tell their story in a digital climate for a social world. Contact her at PenandPaige.com.

Karen Kinser While loving the wizardry of words, Karen also loves travel because of that present-moment sense, which travel conveys so well, that each day is a gift to unwrap. Other passions include hiking, gardening, photographing and entering recipe contests. Both she and her husband are fascinated with factory tours, literary landmarks and seeking restaurants mentioned in novels - just to see if they exist.

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 9

THE LIST

PERSON OF INTEREST

GIVING BACK

FUN, FASCINATING FINDS WE THINK ARE GREAT

l a u n An day Holi uide G t f i G We made our list and checked it twice—here are our picks for everyone from the fashionista to the adventurer…well, everyone except those on the Naughty List. That’s your job.

COMPILED BY BRENDA MAAS

10 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

ARTIST LOFT

MEDIA ROOM

ELEMENTS

Fine Interior Metal Panels PROJECT: The Hawthorn Bottle Shop & Tasting Room in Helena, Montana. MAIN BAR: Ultra Batten Wall Profile in Custom Midnight Snow Finish.

Architecturally Appealing Metal Roofing and Siding Exterior and Interior Applications 406.656.9655 Billings bridgersteel.com

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 11

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Toasty tootsies

Wooly, warm and wearable—that perfectly describes these unique booties from Chibella. Made of 100 percent merino wood stitched to thick leather pads, they are handmade in Mexico. Proceeds support clean water and food for local families.

Available at Bumps ‘n Bundles $47

It’s a frenzy

If you like a game of finding matches and speed, you will love TENZI. Roll the dice until you get all of the same number to claim your victory. Of course, the faster you roll, the more chances you have.

Go big

Available at Western Ranch Supply $22

…or stay at home. Giant Jenga is BIG fun for young and old alike. The perfect puzzle for family game night, this super-sized version of the classic challenge is a bit more “in your face”…especially if you are nearby when it falls.

Available at Target and Kohl’s $85

Nite Lite

Nighttime backyard baseball or playing fetch with Fido takes on a new meaning when you have these glow-in the-dark lovelies from Nite Ize. Try the AStroBrite ball or the Dog Discuit for some extra time out. Who says the dark nights of winter are no fun?

Timberrrrrrr!

Boys and their toys…but girls will love this, too. The Husqvarna toy chainsaw makes realistic noise to stimulate the imaginations of young minds. Just don’t let them loose in Texas.

Available at Western Ranch Supply $39

12 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Available at Radio Shack Prices vary

The rer tu n e v d A

Have a seat

…and take it with you. The “joey” from Travelchair combines three decades of know-how to craft an Anodized aluminum frame portable chair. Weighing in at just 1.9 pounds, the durable PVC-free fabric and breathable mesh packs up easily to go where you go.

Available at The Base Camp $70

Kayak Jack

This boat is freedom personified. The Cuda 12 by Jackson is equipped with adjustable seat and foot braces so that you can get comfy paddling or fishing. Extra dry storage and tank well make it a fisherman’s delight. Plus, it’s made in the good, old U.S. of A.

Available at Sunshine Sports $900-2,000

Don’t be late

While the idea of an adventure is to lose track of time, this masculine watch will assist when your boondoggle returns to reality. Filson has been outfitting explorers, outdoorsmen and craftsmen since 1897; the brand defines ruggedness, durability and quality. Any man would be pleased to have this on his wrist.

Available at Billings Army Navy $700

Hand out

Choppers meet finger-holes in these “White Out” gloves from Watson. Crafted from buttery soft yet durable leather and lined with heavy Sherpa, these gloves will stand up to what Old Man Winter hands out.

Available at Shipton’s Big R $25

BYO Filter

It’s easy-peasy with the Quest water filtration cup from GRAYL. Simply fill, press and drink. Operating like a French press, it filters chemicals, heavy metals, protozoa, bacteria and viruses—all those “gifts” you really do

PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS 2520 Grand Ave. Billings 406-656-1516 800-727-3552 www.pellaMT.com

not want.

Available at The Base Camp $80

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 13

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Wear your state

A little western

Frontier flavor never goes out of style. Try this ensemble for a comfy, put-together look that truly is effortless. Start with a tie-dye top from Hem & Thread, add the umgee vest with chamois-like panels framed with crochet and fringe and top it all with a leather cross necklace. It’s fancy with flair.

Catering to those who love mountains and rivers, garments from Aspinwall Mountain Gear outfit the entire family. Wear it with a big smile and salute the Last Great Place.

Available at Aspinwall Hoodie: $50 Cap: $25 Youth T-shirt: $20 Onesie: $20

Available at Western Ranch Supply Top: $36 Vest: $42 Necklace: $33

Secrets revealed

You can “carry” and look good doing it with this “concealcarry” purse from American West, a female-owned company. Blend beauty and practicality into a unique style. Made of 100 percent genuine leather and solid metals, these bags are tooled one stroke at a time. Quality personified.

Belle of the ball

Glam meets “cas” in this outfit when you top denim over sparkles. The iridescent sequin dress by Adore fits snug but “gives” in all the right places. Enhance your shine with the threestring rhinestone necklace, then tone-down the bright with a denim jacket and black suede booties—the zipper front and chunky heel keep the cheeky attitude.

Available at Neecee’s Dress: $115 Jacket: $85 Necklace: $35 Boots: $89

14 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Available at Shipton’s Big R $278

On the edge

With moccasin-like comfort and a study rubber sole, these boots by Durango will fool you into thinking you are wearing your ugly, old slippers. Custom, extra-strong stitching and rivet embellishments match the sassy fringe, putting extra swag in your swagger.

Available at Shiptons’ Big R $130

Medical

cannabis

Art for a cause

th & r a e H me Ho

dispensary

Not only are these paintings original, immense and stunningly rare, but a portion of each purchase goes to humanitarian efforts in Africa. It’s like two gifts in one.

now open in billings

Available at Tambo Studio & Gallery Prices vary

Nothing like home cookin’

Inspired by wholesome ingredients and tried-but-true recipes, these cookbooks should top your epicurean list. How-to’s, seasonal ideas and stunning photography make these culinary instruction books definite keepers.

Local reads

These Billings-centric books should be on everyone’s “Wants” list. If the Walls Could Speak details more than 110 murals that grace the walls of Billings Senior High. Learn more about the art that talks to hundreds of students every day, while supporting preservation efforts.

Available at Billings Senior High Library 406-281-5442 or mckinneyl@billingsschools.org $45 Food is an elemental piece of history—even here in Billings. Local chef and author Stella Fong brings culinary culture into focus with her book, Historic Restaurants of Billings. From the Level 3 Tea Room, to the Luzon Café, to The Elmo Club, Fong takes readers on a delicious journey down memory lane.

“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”

Available at Harper & Madison, Simply Wine, MSUB Bookstore and Barnes & Noble $22

Celebrate 100 years of the National Park Service (in 2016) plus your pooch with a coordinating doggie bed and jacket by Pendleton. Their reputation for durable quality is older than the NPS itself. A portion of each purchase goes back to national parks. Plus, man’s best friend will be slobberinglyhappy.

Available at the Base Camp Jacket: $50 Bed: $113

131 Brickyard Lane #5 Lockwood/Billings Call or Text

406-750-5567 er

Winter warm-up

with Free EdiblE 1 purchasE

riv

Available at Bed, Bath & Beyond $10

including

MetraPark

Your purse is an important passenger. Give “her” a safe spot with the Purse Pouch. Easy to install and with adjustable straps, it fits most sizes. No more crashing and dumping on the floor at red lights—what a relief!

LoyaLty & RewaRd PRogRams

Planet Lockwood

wst o

Hitch a ride

ask about our

Lockwood road

Frontage ro

yello

Back to Butter: $25 Honey & Jam: $30 Available at Western Ranch Supply

Full line of infused/edibles Doctor clinic available 15+ strains Handicap accessible Local and statewide delivery

Brickyard Lane

Stop Light

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 15

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Perfect marriage

An amped-up PDA meets super-roid smartphone in the Samsung Galaxy Note 5. With the S-pen and 5.7-inch display, you can take notes like a star or veg-out to movies in full HD glory. It’s a partnership made in cyberspace.

Dark Side mania

Available at Cellular Plus $30/month

More than 30 years later, Star Wars paraphernalia still reigns. Try a Darth Vader docking station and bluetooth speaker, or hook up with your own favorite droid. For all ages. Right, Dad?

Available online Prices range

Heads up!

Drones are the hottest gadget out there. Cameras, real-time video and short- or long-range options abound. George Jetsonwanna-be’s already put this on the top of their lists.

Available at Radio Shack and Shipton’s Big R Prices range

Creeped out

Oh joy!

That’s what you will exclaim when you have this Ingenious lamp from JOI. Powered by thermologi (without batteries or cords), it transforms candle heat into premium LED light. The lamp head extends forward for dining area lighting, or close the top for romantic ambiance.

If you are bugged by the dark, try the BugLit light from Nite Ize. It’s actually a tough micro flashlight with LED that shines up to 50 feet, has visibility up to one mile and attaches to most anything with its flexible “legs” or S-biner clip. This is one pest you want to survive.

Available at Radio Shack $13

Get lost – Not!

Available at Western Ranch Supply $75

Hit the road, Jack

And be sure to take the JBL clip speaker along. A super-light, ultra-rugged and unbelievably portable speaker, you can take music wherever you go or use the speakerphone to make clear, noise-and echo-free phone calls. Howdee-do-dee-doo!

Available at Cellular Plus $50

Keep in touch with the inReach Explorer—the world’s only satellite communicator with built-in navigation. You can send and receive messages (including texts), navigate, track and get help anywhere in the world. Purchase includes Earthmate App plus ability to send updates to Facebook and Twitter. Ma Bell is shuddering.

Available at The Base Camp $380

Celebrating 25 Years in Downtown Billings

M-F 9-5:30 • Sat. 10-5 2819 2nd ave. n. BillingS | 245-4612 16 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Fabricators Supply has been growing the market with Wilsonart for over 20 years. For more information, go to www.fabricatorssupply.net or call us at 406-245-6770.

RIO UPANO #Q3008

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 17

Giving Back

BY Chris rubich

How your gift can help others At the holidays, giving can touch far more than our closest family and friends, especially when the gifts go to local nonprofits that provide food, clothes, shelter, education and more. Whether you have $50 to give or 50 minutes, consider selflessly giving to one or more of these area organizations. The gesture will not only make a difference in someone else’s life, but will fill your heart with enough goodwill to carry you through the New Year.

$50

software, 10 Model Rocket kits, props for filming and photography classes or three movies.

billings.lib.mt.us, 510 N. Broadway, 657-8259.

Alberta Bair Theater – Sponsorship for 10 children to attend a matinee. A pair of tickets for Access to the Arts programs for economically, physically or emotionally in-need people. Cleaning the theater after most events. Donations may be combined to pay for artist residencies or transportation for an act to a school outreach.

Families Early Head Start – Four board books or two sandbox toys for youngsters. A

albertabair.org, 2801 Third Ave. N., 256-6052.

Friendship House – A two-week scholarship for a child, including mentoring, meals,

American Cancer Society – Provide newly diagnosed cancer patients with 10 hours of toll-free access to the National Cancer Information Center, which offers support and information. Half the cost of training and resources for a Road to Recovery volunteer to ensure patients get to treatment appointments.

cancer.org, 1903 Central Ave., 256-7150.

Billings Animal Rescue Kare (BARK) – Vaccinations for two dogs. Spaying of one dog or two cats. A veterinarian visit for an animal. 40 pounds of puppy food. Five pounds of kitten replacement milk. Two cases of wet dog or cat food or two large bags of kitten food. One-fifteenth of BARK’s rent. Visit on Facebook. 4017 First Ave. S., 694-1107.

Billings Public Library – Three or four children’s books. Also for children, $50 buys books for Book It With a Buddy book discussion groups, a Book Club Kit, craft supplies for the Discover the Fun and Craft programs, board books and toys for Books and Babies and Summer Reading prizes. For teens, $50 would buy five paperbacks for the Teen Book Group, a teen book club kit, craft supplies for a project for 12 teens or incentives for 10 teens to complete a financial-education seminar. For adults, $50 can purchase two to four novels or two audiobooks. Also a $50 donation buys two licenses for Space Engineers

18 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

month’s worth of diapers and wipes for one child.

youngfamiliesehs.org, 1020 Cook Ave, 259-2007.

homework help and transportation to and from school to Friendship House. An outfit for a youngster through the Dress-A-Child program, including hats, gloves, boots and similar needs.

friendshipmt.org, 3123 Eighth Ave. S., 259-5569.

Head Start – Provide take-home books for two classes a month for kids in poverty who may have no books of their own. Provide two weeks of gas for family transportation to and from Head Start. Pay for seven Friday food packs so preschoolers don’t go hungry on the weekend or two months of bus passes for families without vehicles to get to appointments. Buy two winter coats for children.

billingsheadstart.org, 615 N. 19th St., 245-7233.

Moss Mansion – Make the holidays glow with a $50 donation toward covering putting up holiday lights, keeping 17 holiday trees shining, heating and caring for the historic home. Donations also help pay for programming and about $20,000 in electrical work is needed. mossmansion.com, 914 Division St., 256-5100.

Young Families Early Head Start – Four board books or two sandbox toys for youngsters. A month’s worth of diapers and wipes for one child.

NAMI-Billings – Help manage the website to showcase local resources and the crisis

youngfamiliesehs.org, 1020 Cook Ave, 259-2007.

line for people touched by mental illnesses. Also pay one-fifth of the cost to train a facilitator for classes.

$100

namibillings.org, 3333 Second Ave. N. Suite 150, 256-2001.

Riverstone Health Foundation – A basic dental procedure, such as a cleaning, filling or extraction, for two low-income clients of any age at the dental center.

riverstonehealth.org, 123 S. 27th St., 651-6555.

Adult Resource Alliance – Provide 12 meals at a congregate meal site for senior citizens or four rides on MET Special Transit. Pay for 11 trips for senior citizens through the RIDES program, which allows volunteers to shop, visit family or friends in nursing homes or similar outings. allianceyc.org, 1505 Ave. D, 259-9666.

Western Heritage Center – Admission for a classroom for a field trip to the historic museum. Help with costs of education and outreach or informational brochures and programs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters – On-call cell service for matches. Ten background checks for mentors to match with youngsters. Four gas cards for transportation between matches.

ywhc.org, 2822 Montana Ave., 256-6809.

bbbsyc.org, 2123 Second Ave. N., 248-2229.

Yellowstone Art Museum – Provide supplies for the Art Suitcase program so docents can visit schools to present programs. Or provide two days of supplies in the studio. Buy surge protectors for the hands-on interactive gallery or a router for the woodshop. Underwrite admission for 20 Youngsters for educational art tours.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County – Four days of transportation for 50 club members. Rocket Program supplies for 16 youngsters. Financial-literacy classes for 15 teen club members. Eight weeks of mentoring for 10 club members. begreatyellowstone.org, 505 Orchard Lane, 245-4457.

artmuseum.org, 401 N. 27th St., 256-6804.

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter– Feed cats wet food for three days. Buy one large or two medium fleece beds for dogs or three fleece beds for cats. Buy 15 stainless steel water dishes that need replacing in 60 kennels. Administer two sets of blood work or several dog or cat dental procedures.

yvas.org, 1735 Monad Road, 294-7387.

Prevention of Elder Abuse – One month of case management to prevent abuse by helping apply for assistance, pay bills and keep vulnerable senior citizens in their homes.

bigskyseniorservices.org, 937 Grand Ave., 259-3111.

Senior Helping Hands/ Big Sky Senior Services – Five hours of in-home care for homemaking, laundry, grocery shopping or bathing help for a senior citizen who doesn’t qualify for other services. A cost-share is based on income, and about 80 percent qualify for financial for financial assistance.

bigskyseniorservices.org, 937 Grand Ave.,259-3111.

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 19

Giving Back

BY Chris rubich

ZooMontana –

Priceless

Feeding the dozens of animals is a big cost for the zoo, from special chows for large animals to items as small as super worms. $100 would buy 4,000 of those worms to feed eight reptiles and a hedgehog for four months.

Billings Food Bank – Turkeys, hams, cranberries, stuffing and other foods for holiday meals. Fresh meat, canned meats such as tuna fish, peanut butter, one-can meals such as chili or stew are always needed. Funds are needed for a refrigerated truck for a pantry-onwheels outreach. billingsfoodbank.com, 2112 Fourth Ave. N., 259-2856.

Montana Rescue Mission and Women and Families Shelter—

zoomontana.org, 2100 S. Shiloh Road, 652-8100.

The holidays are a giving time as people share love with others, but beware as scammers are likely to strike at your pocketbook. Heed these tips before you give:

$200 Family Service Inc. – Meal boxes for 15 senior citizens. $200 would almost provide two people with deposits for housing.

familyservice.com, 1824 First Ave. N, 259-2269.

Habitat for Humanity – Help offset cost of doors and windows for one home, with the rest donated by Habitat partners. Hammers and nails for a construction project. Lights and fixtures for one home. Gutters and downspouts for a home or help in purchasing shelving.

billingshabitat.org, 1617 First Ave. N, 652-0960.

Meals on Wheels – Twenty-five meals for homebound senior citizens. Each week day the program serves about 200 people in Billings, 35 in Laurel and 10 to 15 in Worden and recently expanded to cover the area between Billings and Laurel.

allianceyc.org, 1505 Ave. D, 259-9666.

Tumbleweed – Funding for the 24-hour crisis line, which provides help 365 days a year for ages 10-24 and their caregivers. Calls include those from the street seeking immediate help, from home needing intervention in instances of physical, emotional or sexual abuse and ones from people who may be severely depressed or suicidal. tumbleweedprogram.org,

505 N. 24th St., 2592558.

YMCA – New equipment for the STEM program to encourage youngsters to get involved with science, technology, engineering and math. Also equipment for a physical-fitness or craft program, one month of after-school programs for a child or two months of school for a preschooler. New books, board games and puzzles also may be purchased.

billingsymca.org, 402 N. 32nd St., 248-1685.

20 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Simple gift giving tips

If solicited by a charity with which $2.05 pays for one of the 300 to 350 meals a day served at the shelters. The men’s dorm needs remodeling and repair. At the women’s shelter, the front desk needs to be moved for security reasons, and funds are being raised for a station where dishes can be washed instead of using paper plates. With a new Bring-A-Meal program, groups or businesses can bring or pay for food for a meal and work with the chefs at the men’s shelter to fix and serve a meal on site. The mission hands out about 50 pairs of socks and underwear each week.

you are unfamiliar, don’t be

montanarescuemission.org,

check with the Secretary of State’s

2902 Montana Ave., 259-3800.

Office at sos.mt.gov.

YWCA – About $90 a night is needed to

Look for signs that the website is

shelter an individual escaping domestic violence, with that amount including linens, shower, toiletries, advocacy and a safe place to stay. $30 buys a welcome basket of toiletries and other items for an abuse victim. $50 pays for a tool kit, which is a folder about orders of protection, safety planning and more. One hundred to $150 provides a scholarship for the child center for a month. Fundraising is under way for construction of the $4.5 million, 24-unit Gateway Vista apartment complex for victims of domestic abuse.

secure before entering personal or

ywcabillings.org, 909 Wyoming Ave., 252-6303.

pressured into sending money fast. Before giving out any money over the phone or computer, call family or friends. You may also call the Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection at 406-444-4500 To learn if a nonprofit or business is properly registered in Montana,

financial information. For instance, look for a closed padlock on your web browser’s address bar or a URL address that begins with ‘http’ or ‘https,’ which indicates that the purchase is encrypted or secured.

MEDIA ROOM

BY BRITTANY CREMER

web ed

RedLaser Book

Billings Memories: The Early Years

Bargain hunters will love this clever app. Just scan a product’s bar code, and RedLaser will tell you if the item can be found at a better price at a nearby store or online. Almost intuitive, RedLaser also records all the items you’ve looked up so you can reference the goods later.

MUSIC

The Brian Setzer Orchestra— Rockin’ Rudolph It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing. Too right. Iconic guitarist and virtuoso musician Brian Setzer has compiled a suite of memorable Christmas songs, then turned them on their head with his rockabilly/ swing style. Traditional favorites hallmark the cheerful album, but be sure to note new tunes like “Yabba Dabba Yuletide,” sung to the whimsical melody of the Flintstones theme song.

DVD

Outlander Season One: The Ultimate Collection Limited Edition Calling all history buffs. Lose yourself in the nostalgia of this heirloom-quality coffee table book, featuring a rare look into Billings’ past through never-before-seen photos and vignettes. A collaborative effort between The Billings Gazette, Western Heritage Center, Billings Public Library and community members, this pictorial book features memories and stories dating back from the city’s beginning through the year 1939. Some photos you may recognize, others you won’t. Some images surfaced after years stored away in lockboxes or hidden in armoires. These special photos provided by community members transcend the traditional and make the book truly unique. This commemorative book is available just in time for Christmas (a perfect gift for family and loved ones living out of state.) Books will be available for sale at the Billings Gazette for $44.95 or order online at Billings.PictorialBook.com.

Rife with Scottish history and lore, this criticallyacclaimed series spans genres of romance, science fiction, history and adventure. Based on the best-selling book by Diana Gabaldon, the central character, Claire, is a nurse who travels back in time 20th century Scotland. If you’ve got a soft spot for brogues, kilts and dashing men—this series is for you. Plus, the collector’s edition comes with its very own keepsake flask. Cheers! “A h-uile la sona dhuibh ‘s gun la idir dona dhuibh!” (May all your days be happy ones!) Available at the iTunes store or www.gameloft.com

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 21

ARTIST LOFT

BY Bob Tambo I PHOTOGRA PHY BY Hannah Potes

JIM COLLINS Architechtural Artistry

The digital presentations are beautiful and some designers are very talented, But some clients still want the conceptual feel a hand-drawn rendering provides.”

Jim Collins is old-school. When Collins starts an illustration, he begins with thumbnails (miniature sketches), lots of them. The little sketches helps figure composition, details, angles and perspectives. He combines the best mini drawings for a large, final drawing on tracing paper then transfers it with pencil onto watercolor paper. After he finishes the pencil rendering, he begins the detail process using an "H" pencil then swaths the graphite with vibrant water colors, touching it up with gouache. Viola! Another masterpiece completed. Many firms have abandoned the traditional illustration and prefer digital renderings. This has cut into a piece of Jim’s business, but he has no qualms with it. “The digital presentations are beautiful and some designers are very talented,” he said, “But some clients still want the conceptual feel a hand-drawn rendering provides.” The artistry of hand-drawn illustrations leaves room for interpretation. “When people see a ‘photographic image’ of a project that hasn’t been built, they tend to think it’s final,” Collins said. “But a hand-drawn images has a loose, artistic feel that conveys an idea, knowing there’s room for change.”

Midwestern roots Collins was born in 1946 and grew up in the “company” town of Midland, MI where his father worked in the marketing department at Dow Chemical Company. As a child, he delivered newspapers to Alden Dow, a Midland architect who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright. He toured Dow’s home and studio and was enamored by his drawings. Like many artists, Collins began drawing at a very early age and continued his art in high school where his work was recognized and shown in school exhibits, winning many awards. Influenced by Dow, Jim planned to be an architect. After receiving an Associate of Arts degree from junior college, Jim transferred to Arizona State University.

22 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

“When I continued in architecture at ASU, I found the courses to be too rigid and technical, plus I struggled with math.” Collins then switched majors to commercial art in an effort to refine his craft and perfect his artistry.

A new beginning After starting a family, Collins and his wife left Arizona and moved to Billings in 1975. Collins felt an immediate connection to the Big Sky state since his father’s family put down roots in Anaconda during the 1880s. Collins’ first job in Billings was with Wirth Associates, an international landscape, architectural, planning and design firm. He directed the graphics department, supervising projects for national and state parks and resort developments around the world. Jim left Wirth Associates in 1984 and freelanced for various firms and continues his illustration business today. During the early 2000s, the building boom was in high gear and Collins kept busy with property developments in Jackson, Wyo., Idaho and western Montana; so busy, he refused to draw after work hours.

To be continued… After four decades and thousands of pen and ink drawings, Collins has the ability to pick and choose his projects and clients. Recently, he completed conceptual illustrations for a new science building and football field designed by CTA for Rocky Mountain College. Collins and his wife, Linda are currently collaborating on a fairy-themed series of children books, an idea she conceived while entertaining their grandchildren. Today, Collins thrives on exploring personal artwork and growing his business at his own pace. A revolutionary boomer, retirement is far off the radar. “I love the creativity of my work, “Collins said. “Why would I want to stop?”

Opposite page: Jim collins in his studio. Inset: Tools of the trade. Clockwise from top left: Moonlight Gatehouse. CityBrew/ Qdoba conceptual drawing. Aerial of proposed Rocky Mountain College Football Field. Fairy Village for children's book project. Staring Owl.

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 23

ELEMENTS

BY brenda ma a s

Snow Fun There’s-no fun like it Flatlanders unite

If flying down the mountain gets your tail feathers in a spin, try Nordic skiing. Rossignol is the name to know, and the Backcountry series offers full-length steel edges for stability and wood cores with air channels for flexibility and maneuverability. Regardless of ski style, it’s an intense caloric burn with a great view.

Available at The Base Camp Prices range

Make this your ride

Hit wide open white spaces with the 2016 Ski-Doo Grand Touring SE Rotax 1200 4-TEC and you won’t look back. Few sleds come with this level of luxurious comfort from the rMotion rear suspension. Easy handling features, smooth performance and improved fuel economy makes this machine purr.

Available at Hi Mountain Rec Prices range

Figure 8s

Glide through the air with the greatest of ease on Lake Placid figure skates. Few things are as fun as re-capturing your childhood on the top of a sharp blade. Just be sure to take a hot bath afterward.

Available at Sports Authority $45-$48

24 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Top this

No matter what type of snow fun you enjoy, you will look good doing it if you have a Ski MT knit pom beanie from US2twelve. Conceptualized in Red Lodge and made in the U.S.A., this cap will keep your noggin both trendy and warm.

Available at East Rosebud Fly Shop, The Base Camp and online $30

Award Winning Taste!

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Fresh & Smoked Local Meats

If you are going to sled, you need the Stallion Sport 75-inch toboggan. This slick number, made of high-density EPS, gives a smooth, fast rideâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the way sledding is meant to be. Hold on tight!

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You CAN climb mountains Want a quality product to reach new heights? Armed to the teeth with traction, the Atlas Elektra snowshoes give your grit something to clamp on to. With or without poles, you will not regret the journey.

Alter ego

Complete with hat, eyes, nose, buttons and a scarf, this kit has all the makings of the real deal. Just add snow. Where would Frosty be without your help?

Available at Bed, Bath & Beyond $7

406-322-5666

Star Light, Star Bright Help provide my wish tonight! Simple wishesâ&#x20AC;ŚFood, Clothing, Shelter and Happy Holidays

Available at The Base Camp Prices range

Can You Help? Please Donate Family Service PO BOX 1020 Billings, MT 59103

www.famserv.com/donate

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 25

A VIEW FROM THE TOP

The Kinnard Residence Kitchen Transformation The design team at Freyenhagen Construction used pendant lighting and reﬂective materials to bring the Kinnard's kitchen to life anytime, day or night.

BEFORE

AFTER

“ Before Freyenhagen remodeled our kitchen, it felt so enclosed, and wasn’t great for entertaining. Now we have a place for everyone.” Opening Up Looking out across the Yellowstone Valley, Dave and Elaine Kinnard’s home was full of light, but their kitchen lacked the open feel they longed for. They turned to Freyenhagen Construction for ideas. “Some of the must-haves were a lot of storage—and we had to have an island,” says Elaine. “We wanted to be able to have people gather in the kitchen when they’re visiting, and I do a lot of my work here as well.” To deliver all of the must-haves, Freyenhagen Construction worked with the Kinnards to create a new layout for the space. Plans were made to remove a small closet that limited access to the kitchen. It also allowed the inclusion of a large island to more than double prep space and add additional seating options.

Elaine Kinnard

Design/Build | Kitchen Remodels | Complete Homes | Basement Redesign | Custom Interior & Exterior

26 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

FUNCTIONALITY & FLOW

New Floor Plan

“One of the things I really liked was the design program that allowed us to see how the room would look,” Elaine says. “This was especially important as we were figuring out the island. We went through several options, and then I suggested curving the front of the countertop. It was the perfect solution.” Elaine says she and Dave worked closely with designer Jennie Kolk to choose the finishes, and talked with friends and family as well. “This project had been a long time in coming for us, and I wanted to make the right decisions,” says Elaine. “We talked to a lot of people about the countertops, for instance, which led us to choose quartz over granite to reduce the amount of upkeep we’d have to do. We also took a lot of time picking the backsplash because we wanted it to be something special.” As part of the new design, the old oak cabinets were removed and replaced with beautiful maple, and a new built-in pantry was added to expand storage. The custom island base was constructed of cherry and adds additional storage as well. Stainless steel appliances were installed throughout, as well as updated lighting fixtures. A transom window and pass-through into the new dining room were added.

Old Layout

One of the most significant impacts was the Kinnards' decision to vault the ceiling in the entryway to match the arching ceilings in the great room. “Jeremy had proposed it originally, but we didn’t think we wanted to do it,” recalls Elaine. But once construction was underway he asked us one more time. We decided to go for it—and it made a huge difference. It was the best decision we could have made.” Now that they’ve had time to enjoy their new space, Dave and Elaine say they are more than pleased with the results—and their experience with Freyenhagen Construction. “People told us we’d be so happy if we went with Freyenhagen and we were,” says Elaine. “They kept us informed about what was going to happen on our project, they met almost every deadline, they adjusted to changes in scope—they just made it easy. Truly, they were a dream to work with.” Elegant Iron As part of the remodel, oak stair rails were removed and replaced with custom ironwork to match the kitchen’s new look and feel.

406-652-6170 • freyenhagenconstruction.com

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 27

traditional

tudor christmas By Karen Kinser Snuggled beneath the Rimrocks in an almost protective embrace, the English Tudor-style house, home to Judy Williams and Malcolm Goodrich has a regal presence. As you enter during the holiday season, you just know you’re stepping into an enchanted space.

Above: This lovely architectural rendering, just inside the front door, adds to the feel of the home’s history. It’s signed by architect R. Larry Andres. Right: A happy Santa from Judy’s collection oversees kitchen activities.

28 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

A Home with History Part of the enchantment of the Williams-Goodrich home emanates from its history. Built in 1969 by James F. and Barbara Battin when he was appointed U.S. District Court Judge, their legacy lingers. Step beyond the solid wood front door and you’re soothed by the soft strains of classical Christmas music that coax you inside, on to the original brick flooring. The foyer soars to the second floor, where chandeliers purchased by the Battins cast jigsaws of light patterns onto the ceiling and across the delicate design of the original wallpaper. To the right lies a sunken, light-filled living room that expands seamlessly to the elevated dining room at the opposite end. Pat Davidson of Davidson Home Furnishings & Design helped select this room’s furnishings, including the glass-doored hutch that sparkles with Judy’s collectibles. The dining room embodies Judy and Malcolm’s own heritage and centers on the oak table that once belong to Malcolm’s great-grandparents. The antique side-by-side was a gift from a friend, and the Kevin Red Star oils were bequeathed by Malcolm’s mother. Turn the corner and enter the heart of the home—the kitchen. Judy and Malcolm bought the house five years ago and recently completed an amazing renovation in this family hub. Judy points out that the diamond-patterned leaded glass inside the cabinet doors mimics that same pattern—part of

Top: Natural light streams through the diamond-patterned windows (part of the Tudor style) in the red and gold-bedecked living room. Part of Judy’s Santa collection serves as a focal point in the room. Above: The original brick flooring in the foyer is warm and inviting. Bright red bows on the banister add to the Christmas warmth, and the architectural rendering on the wall anchors the room with history.

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 29

the Tudor style—in the living- and dining room windows. “We wanted the kitchen to be modern,” she said, “but still respect the style of the house. We were always walking that line of being respectful of the home’s character, and yet also have it reflect our style.” The final result is a home that feels effortlessly comfortable and charming. But it’s clear that it’s not effortless—especially when the holidays roll around.

Christmas Enchantment

Judy has always loved Christmas, but really embraced it when she her children were young. She recalls that the purchase of a “We Believe in Santa Claus” banner kicked off her Santa infatuation. “I started collecting,” she said, “and just went a little bit Santa crazy.” But she admits that now, for her to buy a new Santa . . . well, he really needs to be special. Decorating starts after Thanksgiving and takes two days. Her Santa collection inhabits the more formal living room, which she embellishes with reds and golds. The dining room houses the Christmas and North Pole Villages, and the tree

30 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Top: Anchored by the round antique table from Malcolm’s great grandparents, the dining room displays Christmas and North Pole Villages. Insets from left: A lovely Christmas centerpiece and grazing deer glow in the rich winter light that streams through the Tudor-style windows in the dining room. Holiday napkins complement the Spode Christmas plates that Judy and Malcolm began collecting on their honeymoon. Santas collected throughout the years add colorful facets of family, memories, history and Christmas cheer to the living room. Left: The recently remodeled kitchen is Judy’s favorite part of the home. She loves to cook, and the couple frequently entertains. When the Christmas season starts, Judy removes her everyday plates from the leaded-glass doored cabinets and replaces them with Christmas Spode china for use throughout the holidays.

in the den holds her Hallmark Frosty Friends ornaments. The living room hutch displays more Santas, and plates in the kitchen cabinets are replaced by Christmas Spode china. The couple bought the first setting on their honeymoon in England, so these plates hold special significance. They use them every day during the season. “It’s important to enjoy them. If they break, they break,” said Judy. Her adorable ceramic chickens, which she discovered in a hotel in France, are also bedecked with Christmas finery. In the lower level, Malcolm keeps an extensive model train collection, with trains from his childhood, which will sometimes make an appearance in the den or around the Christmas tree. Even though the couple has

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made the home their own, they still feel the sense of history and an almost smiling presence of the Battins. There’s no question the original owners would love the sparkling spirit and classic grace of this home at Christmas.

Top: The living room glows with reds and golds, anchored by the eclectic pattern in the Oriental rug over the original hardwood floor. Judy’s collections shine through the stunning hutch, purchased at Davidson Home Furnishings & Design. Center: The cozy den also hums with Christmas cheer and serves as an overflow area for the adjacent kitchen. Inset: The Frosty Friends ornaments adorn this tree. Last year, the home was part of the Billings Symphony’s Holiday Tour of Homes, and the symphony and chorale set up in this space.

Amber Reinhardt Photography

Weddings | Family Reunions | Corporate Parties Call for a personal tour or to book your wedding (406) 348-2205 www.chanceysevents.com

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DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I 31 √ Clean UpI MAGIC CITY √MAGAZINE No Curfews

It’s your home, at last.

Once you find that perfect place to call home, the next important decision is the financing. So many mortgage options, so little time. We get that. Our goal is to partner with you to help guide you through the loan process and find the best financing to fit your needs. We’ve got the experience and mortgage products that will have you moving into your new home, at last.

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Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Deposit Products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association, Member FDIC. Mortgage products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. ©2014 U.S. Bank Association. ©2014 U.S. Bank, Member FDIC.

Roger L Daniel Insurance 2047 Broadwater

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259-3624

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Shop Local, Shop Downtown 2814 2nd Avenue North

259-3624

Delightfully Uncommon Located in an historic property in the heart of the city, Commons 1882 delivers a fresh approach to American fare. “We’re a chef-driven restaurant,” owner Greg Oliphant noted. “Everything is made from scratch using the best seasonal ingredients.” Great food is at the core of the Commons experience, which has a menu that includes succulent steaks, housesmoked ribs and fresh seafood. Yet, there is something more. Executive Chef Casey Erb oversees every aspect of the kitchen. Trained at the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Portland, Ore., Erb adds his unique stamp to everything he prepares. Alongside familiar appetizers and entrees is the unexpected. Scallops and pork belly with polenta croutons and truffled cauliflower puree drizzled with citronette has become a customer favorite, as has the gnocchi with braised pork and mushroom ragu topped with oregano and parmesan. “Ours is a unique yet approachable menu,” Erb said. It takes a lot of time to prepare dishes layered with savory goodness, Erb acknowledged. “But a dish beautifully done is worth the effort.” One need not have an adventurous palate to savor the exquisite flavors that play out in the restaurant’s offerings, because every dish is distinctive. Still, Erb encourages guests to try something new. “People are always delighted when they do,” he said. “That’s when we know we’ve done it right.”

BY ALLYN HULTENG i PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM WOODCOCK

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 33

Prosciutto Wrapped Turkey Breast with Leek & Cheddar Bread Pudding and Thyme Jus

Chocolate Ganache Crostata with Cinnamon Syrup & Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream Far right: Executive Chef Casey Erb

34 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

about commons 1882 The building that houses Commons 1882 is a 133-year-old historic home located at the corner of North 30th St. and Fourth Ave. N. Built by Richard Crowe in 1882, it was registered as a territorial house until 1889 when Montana was granted statehood. Since it was built, multiple additions greatly expanded the footprint. For the first 100 years, a member of the Crowe family lived in the home. Prior to opening Commons 1882, the building underwent a significant renovation. Today, the interior effuses a rustic modern vibe that complements perfectly the wellexpressed cuisine.

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 35

Prosciutto Wrapped Turkey Breast with Leek & Cheddar Bread Pudding and Thyme Jus (4 Servings)

Prosciutto Wrapped Turkey Breast 1 3-4 lb. turkey breast 4 ounces prosciutto (sliced extremely thin) ½ cup kosher salt ½ cup brown sugar 1 ounce garlic (sliced thin) 1 ounce fresh thyme ½ gallon water In a stockpot or plastic container, combine the water, salt, brown sugar, garlic and thyme and stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Submerge the turkey breast in the brine and marinade for 12 hours or overnight. Remove the turkey breast and pat dry with a paper towel. On a large surface, lay out a 3 feet strip of plastic wrap. Lay the prosciutto out on the plastic wrap, slightly overlapping each slice.

Note: The strips of prosciutto should be about the same width as the turkey breast. Set the turkey breast on the prosciutto and wrap the prosciutto around the breast being careful not to tear it. Take the end of the plastic and wrap it around the breast as tight as you can, keep wrapping the plastic around the breast, occasionally tucking in the excess wrap, until you have a tight package. You are trying to squeeze all the air out and compress the turkey and prosciutto together so they will not fall apart during the cooking process. Chill in the fridge for 4 hours. Pre-heat your oven to 325 degrees. Heat a sauté pan with a little bit of vegetable oil until the oil starts to shimmer. Unwrap the turkey from the plastic wrap and carefully lay the turkey in the pan. Sear the turkey on all sides until the prosciutto is golden brown and crispy. Place the pan in the oven and cook between 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature is between 155-160 degrees

Note: Baste the breast with butter or some other kind of fat to keep the surface moist. Once done, let the breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Thyme Jus 8 lbs. chicken, turkey or pork bones 2 large onions (rough chopped) 2 carrots (rough chopped) 2 celery ribs (rough chopped) 2 ounces fresh garlic

1 ounce tomato paste 1 cup red wine 1 bunch Italian parsley 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns

1 gallon water 1 ounce fresh thyme 1 Tablespoon lemon juice Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. In a large roasting pan, spread out bones and roast in the oven for 45 – 60 minutes, turning periodically until they are evenly roasted dark brown. Place bones in a 2 gallon stockpot, cover with water, cook on medium-low heat until the stock comes to a simmer and then drop the heat to low. Spread out the vegetables in the same roasting pan. Smear tomato paste onto the vegetables and roast for 30 minutes, turning periodically until the vegetables are evenly roasted dark brown. Deglaze the roasting pan with the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pan with a spoon, getting all the caramelized bits of bone and vegetables. Add to the stockpot along with the parsley and peppercorns and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. Strain the stock through a sieve into another pot and cook over medium heat until the stock reduces by 50-60 percent. Turn off the heat and add the thyme. Let the jus sit for 10-15 minutes while the thyme steeps. Add the lemon juice and strain the jus into a gravy boat or serving bowl.

Leek Cheddar Bread Pudding: 1 ½ lbs. leeks 4 tablespoons unsalted butter ½ baguette (large diced) ½ lb. shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup cream 1 cup whole milk 1 egg 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme Salt and pepper to taste Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Clean the leeks by trimming the green tops and the root ends off. Slice the white shaft down the middle, cut into one-half inch slices and wash thoroughly in cold water to remove any remaining dirt. Note: Wash the green tops and add them to your stock pot. In a sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat and then add the sliced leeks. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. The leeks should be soft, but still be brightly colored.

36 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream, milk, and egg until it is homogenous. Note: You can substitute 2 cups of halfand-half. To the cream mixture, add the leeks, diced baguette, shredded cheese and fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Toss the mixture together, squeezing the bread so it soaks up all the cream. Transfer to a small baking dish and bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Test for doneness with a small sharp knife or a skewer stuck into the middle of the pudding, if it comes out clean mostly clean, the pudding is done. For a darker crust, toast the top under the broiler for about 90 seconds.

Chocolate Ganache Crostata with Cinnamon Syrup & Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream Crostata

2 puff pastry sheets (sold in the frozen section at most grocery stores) ½ lb. dark chocolate 6 ounces heavy cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg whisked with 1 Tablespoon water In a medium saucepan, bring 1 inch of water to a simmer. Combine the chocolate, extract and cream in a mixing bowl and set over the saucepan to melt. Once the chocolate is melted, stir the mixture together with a spatula until it is smooth and homogenous. Pour the chocolate ganache into a baking dish or a wide, shallow pan and cool down in the refrigerator for 4 hours or until the chocolate is firm. While the ganache is cooling, thaw the puff pastry at room temperature, you may have to occasionally dust with flour to prevent sticking. Once the ganache is set, spoon a large ball about the size of a golf ball, and then flatten it into a puck about 3 inches wide. Place back into the fridge while you repeat the process with the rest of the ganache. When the puff pastry is mostly thawed, take a 6 inch bowl and flip it upside down, use as a guide to cut a 6 in circle of the pastry, dust with flour and set aside, repeat the process with the rest of the pastry. To assemble the Crostata, place a chocolate puck in the center of the pastry and fold the edges around the chocolate, fluting each fold into the next. Once assembled, place back in refrigerator for 1 hour to set the pastry around the chocolate. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

To cook, brush the egg on top of the pastry and place on a cookie sheet or a flat pan. Bake for roughly 12-15 minutes or until the chocolate is molten and the pastry is flaky and golden brown. If you like a slightly darker crust, toast the pastry under your broiler for 30 seconds before serving.

Cinnamon Syrup 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup water 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and cook, stirring frequently, on low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside to chill.

Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream 1 pint cream 1 cup whole milk ½ cup egg yolks ½ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 egg whites ½ cup white sugar Combine the cream, milk, brown sugar and vanilla extract and a pinch of salt in a medium sauce pan and bring to a simmer, stirring with a spatula to dissolve the sugar. Place the egg yolks in a mixing bowl and add about 2 ounces of the simmered cream mixture to the egg yolks, stirring continually with a spatula. Repeat this process until about half of the cream mixture is tempered into the egg yolks and then fold the eggs back into the saucepot of cream, turn off the heat and cook an additional 2 minutes stirring constantly to prevent scrambling the eggs. Strain the custard through a sieve into a flat pan or container and chill in the fridge until cold. Preheat the broiler in your oven. In a mixing bowl or mixer, combine the egg yolks and the white sugar and whisk until the egg whites are white, fluffy and look like marshmallow crème. Spread the egg whites onto a sheet pan and place underneath your broiler (or use a blowtorch if you have one, much faster) for 30 seconds, until the top is toasted golden brown. Remove from under the broiler, stir the meringue and place back under the broiler. Repeat the process 3-4 times until all the meringue is dark brown. Chill until cold. In a blender, combine the ice cream base and the toasted meringue and blend on high until smooth. Using an ice cream churner, spin the mixture until it freezes and then place in the freezer to harden.

To Assemble Spoon a large spoonful of the syrup into the bottom of a bowl. Place the Crostata into the bowl. Scoop a large spoonful of the ice cream onto the top of the Crostata and enjoy. Note: We use toasted marshmallow at the restaurant, you can top with your favorite ice cream.

It’s the place you’ll call home. Our experienced staff can help you get the job done right. Home buying success—it’s you and together. MORTGAGE REVIEWS AND HOME LOANS ROBYN BARTA │ NMLS# 609679, Shiloh, 255-5874 TERESA GILREATH │ NMLS# 707960, Heights, 255-5833 YVONNE KELLY │ NMLS# 523512, Grand, 255-6086 TIFFANY MCNEFF │ NMLS# 707795, Downtown, 255-5185 NATALIE PIGG │ NMLS# 298633, Downtown, 255-5156 SARA MAINS │ NMLS# 707785, Downtown, 255-5177 RACHEL OSBURN │ NMLS# 943338, Central Avenue, 255-6109

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DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 37

The Best Place in Billings for

{ beautiful things }

Fine Art • Custom Framing Cards & Gifts 2505 Montana Ave. • 252-0122 www.toucangallery.com

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December 4-6*, 11-13*, 18-19 7:30pm • Matinées 2:00pm*

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38 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

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B Y

A L L Y N

H U L T E N G

P H O T O S B Y C A S E Y PA G E & J A M E S W O O D C O C K

Why settle for predictable when you can indulge in extraordinary?

Trailhead Spirits, a small batch distillery in the Depot District, offers a suite

of signature spirits ripe for holiday plucking. Made with Montana grains, mountain-born water and locally-sourced botanicals, each batch is singularly spectacular – not mass-produced.

Housed in an historic brick building on Montana Avenue, the tasting room itself

is worth the stop. Fully restored, the handsome interior recaptures the glory days of railroad travel. Like well-to-do travelers of the past, patrons today can experience the charming ambiance of a by-gone era. Gleaming wood paneling, tall ceilings with box-beam detail, pulley-driven ceiling fans and wealth of over-sized windows come together beautifully, creating the perfect backdrop for tasting spirited cocktails crafted with Trailhead Spirit’s unique blends.

Hosting a holiday gathering? Tawny Kuntz, Trailhead Spirits’ tasting room mixologist, offers these recipes guaranteed to delight. right: tAWNY KUNTZ

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 39

Montana Martini

Caramel Apple Mule

1 ounce Highwood Chocolate Whiskey 1 ounce white chocolate syrup Splash of cream Splash of soda Top with nutmeg and garnish with mint leaf

1 ounce Healyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reserve Gin 3 scoops spiced apple cider mix Top with Ginger Beer Garnish with apple slice drizzled in caramel

Mix whiskey and chocolate syrup in a shaker with ice. Pour into a martini glass, add cream and soda, garnish with nutmeg and mint leaf.

40 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Mix gin and apple cider mix in a shaker with ice, pour into copper mug, top with ginger beer. Garnish with apple slice drizzled in caramel.

Madison Apple

Sazerac Absinthe

Sugar & spice mix (available at Yellowstone Olive Company) 1 ounce Great North Vodka 1 1/2 ounces cranberry puree 1 ounce apple syrup 2 dashes cinnamon Drizzle with caramel Fresh cranberries

1 ounce Highwood Rye Whiskey 1/2 ounce simple syrup 2 small dashes Peychaudâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bitters Garnish with lemon twist Using a sprayer, mist the glass with Absinthe. Add whiskey, simple syrup and bitters. Garnish with lemon twist.

Dip the glass rim in the sugar and spice mix. Mix vodka, cranberry puree and apple syrup in a shaker with ice. Pour into martini glass, top with cinnamon, fresh cranberries and drizzle with caramel.

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 41

Peace of Mind

When it comes to the best hospice care for your loved ones, RiverStone Health has the distinction of being the most experienced accredited provider of hospice services in the community. So when it comes to providing compassion and peace of mind at the end-of-life, you’re getting the very best with RiverStone Health.

123 South 27th Street • Billings, MT 59101 • 406.247.3350 • www.riverstonehealth.org

42 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

UNEXPECTED HOLIDAY COMPANY? HERE'S A SOLUTION.

UNDER-ANHOUR meals RING. RING .RING!!!!! Hello? Oh, hi Aunt Liz. Stopping by on the way to Grandma's? Staying for a couple of days? Sure! No problem! (ARRRRGH)

We've all had that call. Trying to come up with a menu to feed unexpected holiday guests can be challenging, but don't fret. Here are three simple and savory meal ideas you can prepare in a pinch. If you need to feed an army, just triple the recipe!

compiled BY BOB TAMBO

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 43

sloppy joes

spinach & tomato frittata

Prep

cook

10 minutes 2 cups 1 cup 2 1 teaspoon 1 tablespoon 1 cup 2 1/2 cup 2 ounces

25 minutes

ready

35 minutes

tightly-packed Baby Spinach, cleaned, stems removed onion, thinly-sliced garlic cloves, finely-chopped chili flakes (optional) fresh basil, chopped or 1â &#x201E;2 teaspoon dried basil 2% cottage cheese, drained eggs cherry tomatoes lite havarti cheese, grated

Prep

20 minutes 2 pounds 1/2 cup 1 cup 10.75 ounces 1/4 cup 1 tablespoon 1/4 cup 1 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon 8

cook

30 minutes

ready

50 minutes

lean ground beef chopped onion chopped celery condensed tomato soup ketchup white vinegar packed brown sugar Worcestershire sauce salt garlic powder hamburger buns

Preheat oven to 375Â°F. Lightly coat a baking dish with no-oil cooking spray. Place the cottage cheese in a strainer and drain for 5 minutes. Pack the spinach on the bottom of the dish. Add the sliced onion. Combine the eggs and cottage cheese in a food processor and puree until the mixture is very smooth. Pour over the spinach. Arrange the tomato on top. Sprinkle on the grated cheese. Bake until golden and the eggs are cooked, approximately 25 minutes.

Place ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until evenly browned, stirring to crumble. (Chef's tip: use a potato masher to even out the lumps.) Add onion and celery, cover the pan, and cook until tender and transparent, about 5 minutes. Drain off any grease. Stir the tomato soup (undiluted), ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce into the beef mixture. Season with salt and garlic powder. Heat to a simmer over low heat, and cook until thoroughly heated, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning on the bottom. Spoon the hot beef mixture onto buns, which may be toasted first, and serve.

Recipe courtesy of food.com

Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com

44 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

shepherd’s pie

Prep

20 minutes

cook

20 minutes

1 cup baby carrots 4-5 medium yellow potatoes 1 cup whole milk 1⁄4 cup butter 1 garlic clove, finely- chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 pound organic ground beef 1 teaspoon seasoning salt 1 teaspoon thyme

ready

40 minutes

1 cup 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon 1⁄2 cup 1⁄4 cup 1 teaspoon

chicken stock flour tomato paste olive oil black pepper paprika whole milk parmesan cheese (optional) parsley, finely -chopped

Preheat oven to 400°F. Boil potatoes and carrots for mashing (soften). Sauté onion in oil for 1 ½ minutes. Add black pepper and thyme. Add meat and cook until browned/ drain meat. Add tomato paste and flour/ let simmer. Add chicken stock. Strain potatoes and carrots. Add butter, seasoning salt, garlic and milk into mixing bowl and blend until creamy. Oil the bottom of a 13X9 glass dish, add meat sauce and spread potato/carrot mixture. Sprinkle on desired amount of cheese. Bake 20 minutes or until browned on top. Garnish with paprika and parsley as desired.

Recipe courtesy of food.com

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DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 45

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46 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

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L EGEN D S

T h e

U n a s s u m i n g

A r c h i t e c t I n

s p e c i a l

10 - p a g e

s e c t i o n

titled “Billings’ Half-Million Dollar Playhouse,” on November 15, 1931 The Billings Gazette welcomed downtown’s newest grand building, the Fox Theater. On one page, an engineer explained how the Fox would feature the newest type of sound equipment. On another page, an all-cap headline highlighted the “MAGNASCOPE RUBBERIZED SCREEN.” Several pages discussed the opening ceremony, which would include a band concert and a parade featuring an old pioneer stagecoach and 25 Crow Indians. But in all the coverage, the building’s architect received just a single mention, and in that his name was misspelled: “R.H. Reimer, of Seattle.”

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DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 47

In some ways, it’s not surprising: the architect was not attending the unveiling. By all accounts he was an exceedingly unassuming man. His name had been misspelled in press accounts throughout his career, and he was never heard to complain. In a profession often full of egotists, Robert C. Reamer had little interest in self-promotion. Yet in other ways, the low profile is surprising. As promoters reached for the most obscure details that would demonstrate the glory of the new building, you might think that they would have mentioned that it was designed by the Northwest’s greatest architect of that era. Reamer had created several notable buildings in downtown Seattle and several theaters across the region. He also designed one of the most incredible and influential buildings in American history: the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park.

Budding apprentice Born in Ohio in 1873, Robert Reamer ended his formal schooling in sixth grade. In his teens he worked in Detroit and Chicago as a draftsman, and then in his twenties supervised a remodel and the design of several outbuildings at the luxury beachside Hotel del Coronado near San Diego. One day in 1903, Harry Child, a guest at the hotel who was impressed by Reamer’s work, hired him to help build a hotel in a remote corner of northwest Wyoming. In those pre-automobile days, tourists typically experienced Yellowstone on a five-day package tour including stagecoach transportation, hotels and meals. Child ran the leading tour company, closely tied to the Northern Pacific railroad. His

Robert C, Reamer, left, with foreman during construction of the Yellowstone Canyon Hotel circa 1910. Next page top: Canyon Hotel, Yellowstone National Park. Photos courtesy of nps.gov.

guests had been making day trips to Old Faithful from a hotel near Fountain Paint Pots nine miles away, but Child knew they would prefer something more convenient. The railroad pressured him to move quickly, before competitors beat him to the best site. In her outstanding biography of Reamer, Weaver of Dreams, Ruth Quinn finds evidence that Child already envisioned something in a “rustic” style. The log cabin had been invented out of frontier necessity, but wealthy families building retreats in the Adirondacks had recently experimented with blending the romantic associations of raw logs with modern building techniques that permitted electricity and plumbing. But if Child envisioned a collection of luxury cabins, Reamer apparently one-upped him. (Few concrete reminiscences of the construction are available; apparently nobody appreciated what a landmark effort they were making.) Why not use the log-cabin style for an entire hotel? And why not highlight that style in a soaring lobby? Reamer’s legacy has long been dogged by a rumor that Child found him drunk on a California street corner, and that Reamer came up with this design during a hallucinatory withdrawal on the train to Livingston. The rumor is untrue: Child found Reamer at the Coronado, and plans emerged weeks after his arrival in Yellowstone. The rumor is also unfair: Although Reamer did struggle with alcoholism, he clearly won that struggle, in part through dedication to his work. Furthermore, one of the best features of the Old Faithful Inn is the way it fits its site—it could not have been designed, even in a dream, by a man who had not yet been there.

Overseeing a legacy Reamer, a hands-on architect who liked to supervise construction efforts himself, toiled in Yellowstone through the winter of 1903–04. One legend had it that he was so busy that he “forgot to shave, forgot to undress at night, or breakfast in the morning, he was so engrossed in his work.” He was simultaneously overseeing a massive renovation of the Lake Hotel, and in his years at Yellowstone also worked on numerous other structures, including the entrance arch at Gardiner. Left: Old Faiithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park. Courtesy of the Western Heritage center.

48 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

But he’s best known for the Old Faithful Inn. Log cabins had once been small and dark, thick yet flimsy buildings of convenience for poor people. Even in their Adirondack transformation, they tended to be cozy and contained. The Old Faithful Inn was not only huge but also airy; its lobby was filled with light. With so much wood on display, it seemed to merge the outdoors and the indoors. Its railings and stairways and fixtures of twisted branches gave visitors the feeling of being in a forest, with sunlight dappling down from windows scattered off-kilter across the broad roof. This indoor-outdoor merger was an ideal sentiment to express in a location adjacent to the Old Faithful geyser, one of the greatest outdoor spectacles in the nation. The rocks, logs, and other native material made the Inn feel like it grew organically from its surroundings. Yet where a traditional log cabin might have been overwhelmed by the massive Yellowstone wilderness, the Inn’s oversized dimensions stepped up to meet the environment on its own terms. Although the exterior had that masculine frontier assertiveness, the interior was surprisingly feminine. Reamer designed the centerpiece fireplace and clock himself, but for other features he was apparently assisted by Adelaide Child, Harry’s wife. With all the slender, curved and kinky branches, the interior texture felt almost lacy, and the lobby was dotted with writing desks that attracted the female journal-keepers of the day. When the Inn opened, critics raved. Soon other architects started replicating its design; the notable Montana example is the Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier. The log-and-stone rustic style seemed a perfect choice for national parks, with their commitment to outdoor wonders. In the following decades the style was extended beyond cabins and hotels to other types of buildings, such as Yellowstone’s mini-museums at Norris and Fishing

Left: Exterior of the Fox Theatre during the Rotary Children's Christmas Party Christmas Party. Above: Box office and entrance on 3rd Ave. N. Courtesy of Bllings Public Library.

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 49

Bridge. Eventually this style of primitive monumentality came to be known as “National Park Service Rustic.” More recently it’s gained the whimsical name “parkitecture.” And it all traces back to the Old Faithful Inn.

Multi-faceted, multi-talented After completion of the Inn, Reamer moved on. He proved adept at many styles. For example, his renovation to Yellowstone’s Canyon Hotel, now sadly demolished, used Prairie-style horizontals so effectively that some critics have assumed he knew Frank Lloyd Wright during his teenage years as a Chicago draftsman. (No such connection has yet been found.) He eventually moved to Seattle, where his practice included numerous movie theaters. Today many cinemas are blandly hidden in a mall, but in the 1920s they represented a peak of downtown culture. As such they were often designed to mimic the grand achievements of other world cultures; for example consider the theater along Hollywood’s walk of fame: Grauman’s Chinese. Reamer’s work included Chinese, Moorish and Art Moderne stylings. When the Fox Theater chain came to Billings, its initial idea was to build in a Mayan theme. The acclaimed local architect John G. Link drew up Mayan blueprints in 1928, while the company negotiated with Charles M. Bair for the four-lot area at the corner of North 28th Street and Third Avenue where Bair’s home had once been located. It’s not clear why the company abandoned the Mayan theme or brought in Reamer to supervise Link, although reducing costs in the aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash seems likely. Reamer shifted to a more modest exterior with zigzag-patterned brick in the upper courses. The extravagant interiors, mainly the responsibility of other designers, featured a shimmering Art Deco lobby of silver and black. In the auditorium, bow hunters pursued gazelles across the walls. For several decades the Fox was an integral part of downtown life. But by the late 1970s moviegoing habits had changed, and the decaying building faced an uncertain future. In a valiant community effort that has been well chronicled elsewhere, the Fox was saved, renovated and reborn as today’s Alberta Bair Theater. As for Reamer himself, the Fox in Billings was among the last significant buildings he designed. Two years after its opening he was widowed for the second time, and then his own health started failing. He developed circulation problems in his leg, which led to gangrene and amputation. He suffered a great deal of pain, and in 1938, at age 64, died of a heart attack. He was buried in Seattle. He kept working up until a month before his death. “My father was a quiet, modest man,” his daughter wrote, explaining why he never seemed to pursue riches or fame. “[He] lived for the pure joy of creating.” Billings is fortunate to still have one of those creations gracing its downtown. Clockwise from top left: The balcony overlooking seats. Hallway of the theater. Lobby with oversized chairs. A view of the stage/screen. Courtesy of Billings Public Library.

50 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Want the full story? Ruth Quinn’s book about Robert Reamer, Weaver of Dreams, provides fascinating detail about the full life of this talented man. In oversized format (both hardcover and paperback), it contains dozens of pictures of Reamer’s buildings throughout his career, including several in Yellowstone. Quinn’s exhaustive research is the source for many of the details in this article. A tour guide at the Old Faithful Inn, she visited 50 libraries in 18 states because, she said, “This is a story which demanded telling.” Historian Richard Bartlett said of the book, “Quinn does justice to this most imaginative, creative individual.” Because Quinn self-published Weaver of Dreams in 2004, it may be hard to find, but some sleuthing is worthwhile.

Uniting Buyers & Sellers Since 1959

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Pat Schindele Glenn McFarlane 406.591.2551 406.670.2202

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Dan Patterson 406.321.4182

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Bill Dolan 406.860.5575

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406.254.1550 | 1550 Poly Drive, Billings, MT 59102 DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 51

creative cardboard craziness The annual red lodge cardboard classic

arnival, Winter C in a t n u o M d Lodge ect e the Re r fo e nans coll b a r t a n e o y M h c y Ea er-hard int, glue of weath ubes, pa t d r a o b hundreds icles to ard from veh boxes, c r g o in ft, t h a t r y e r their cra refrig e eve t f f a o e r c w o o h s tape t for s. They and duct Mountain e o dragon t g d r o e L e b ed s of rapher run at R six pack f photog he main f t a t n S w . o s d s rel aces. rd zanine then bar cardboa m past r o e fr iv t s a e e g r a c of his im a da y o f es some r a h s r a Bob Zell

52 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Clockwise from top left: Cardboard sledders vie for position at the starting line. Spectators witness a crash up-close and personal. A pink shark sled comes down the slope. A dragon complete with silver helmeted knight flies down the run.

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 53

Three Sisters Dog Training Academy By Gene Colling I Illustration by lee hulteng Growing up on a farm, the animals were divided into two groups—merchandise and pets. At one time or another, the merchandise included cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens. My siblings—a brother and three sisters—and I learned early not to fraternize with the merchandise. Eventually a long truck would come before dawn and haul them away. The pets were another story. They included a couple horses, yearly crop of kittens and a dog. Our dog, Shep, was shared among us, but I felt like he was mostly my dog. Shep was the quintessential farm dog, which meant he never stepped foot in the house. That kept him away from my three sisters who would have petted and cooed at him until he wouldn’t want to follow me on my Sunday meanderings through the fields. I never had another dog like Shep. Lucky for me, we had a cat that lived in the barn. She was a prolific hunter and a fertile feline. Each year she produced a litter of kittens and when their eyes opened she would bring them onto the porch. My sisters loved the kittens, and quickly smothered them with affection turning them into little terrors. They became obsessed with getting inside the house. It was impossible to get out the front door without three or four kittens stuck to our legs like Velcro. Over time, we all left the farm except Fred. My sisters have always had pets in their houses—sometimes cats but always dogs. And my wife, Kyle, already had a dog when we met. He looked like Toto in the Wizard of Oz. She got him from the dog pound, and he came with the inexplicable name of Bird Dog – Birdy for short. Kyle had a knack for training dogs and Birdy was impeccably housetrained and obedient as were all her dogs that followed. As a lifelong teacher, my wife can both nurture or whither with a look or a scold. Plus, she always chooses lap dogs. The two most recent were miniature poodles; I find it impossible to believe they were even remotely related to an ancient wolf. My sisters, on the other hand, excelled only in nurturing. And each seemed to specialize in dogs with a particular dysfunctional behavior. I

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told them if there was ever a demand for dysfunctional dogs, they should form their own dog training academy.

House training I recently traveled to Portland, Oregon to visit my youngest sister, Anita. She lives in a nice house with a nice yard and two dogs. Widget, a purebred, regal-looking white West Highland Terrier, has the instinct to hunt varmints and a willful personality. Diesel is a schnauzer-esque rescue dog that seems to always be looking at and listening to something far away. Neither is reliably housetrained, even though they are more than 10 years old. In fact I was welcomed by a special present on the carpet not two feet from the doggie door. When I told Anita, she merely gave a resigned shrug and trudged off to get the Framis 9000 Super Duper Dog Pooper Spot Remover. After removing most of the offensive particles, she set the device directly over the spot. Much like a car wash, the machine cycled through a wash, scrub and rinse. I didn’t ask what the Framis 9000 cost, but it

had to be a knee buckler. Anita readily admits defeat in her attempt to housetrain the dogs, and instead depends on technology to deal with the problem. As head of housetraining for the Three Sisters Dog Training Academy, she could bring students up to date on all the available technology to compensate for dogs using the house for their bathroom.

forward working with a genuine hunting dog able to expertly flush the pheasants. But when Luverne pulled up in his pickup and opened the passenger door, the dog equivalent of fat Elvis poured out. Luverne explained that my sister Terry couldn’t resist feeding him food from the table—the same things that Elvis liked. The only thing Otto was going to point at was bacon. He made a desultory waddle down a corn row, then flopped on the ground and waited until he was lifted Obedience back into the pickup. I felt liked announcing, “Otto has left the field.” The obedience instruction would be headed up by my sister Janice. When Terry came out to Montana for a visit, our dog soon took up Janice is incapable of scolding her dog, choosing instead to speak to him a position at the foot of her chair at the kitchen table. in a high-pitched, sing-song voice – the kind of sound that can induce “Oh, honey, you look too skinny,” she would coo and hand out a diabetic shock. tidbit that the dog had never tasted before but would want forevermore. After Terry left, our dog would still come to the foot of the chair and My sisters, on the other hand, excelled only in nurturing. And each stare mournfully. seemed to specialize in dogs with a particular dysfunctional behavior. Terry will lead students through the proper technique for sneaking food under the table and choosing When my son Ryan was 12 years old, we traveled back to South Da- the right tidbits to turn your dog into a fat Elvis impersonator. kota to visit Janice and her family. We arrived around dinner time. Janice prepared a platter of fried chicken and placed it on the table. Kirby, All in the family My daughter, Drew, may be a candidate-in-training for the academy her cocker spaniel, sauntered into the kitchen, boldly put his paws on the table and snatched a chicken leg. He acted like this was the most nat- faculty. She chose an Australian Silky for her first dog and named her ural thing in the world. My three nieces continued eating their dinners Revienne—French for “come here.” Revi is a striking dog, but her name as if nothing had happened. Ryan and I exchanged an incredulous look. is somewhat ironic given that she’s a runner. We have all been led on terrifying chases through the neighborhood “Janice, Kirby just took a chicken leg off the plate,” I said. Janice turned to the dog and said, “Oh, Kirby,” like he had actually done some- when Revi has gotten loose. No amount of yelling or cajoling will stop her. The experience has left us scared and scarred. Now Revi is carried thing mostly cute. Later on, we were all gathered in the TV room watching a mov- everywhere outside of the house, fence or car. Drew could teach your ie. Ryan had a box of snack crackers, and when he pulled one out Kirby dog that “come here” really means “run away.” I have enjoyed years of teasing my sisters and daughter about their walked up to him and started to growl. dogs and the Three Sisters Dog Training Academy. While they all lack Wide-eyed, Ryan asked Janice, “What should I do?” the “wither and scold” technique for their dogs, they have no problem “I’d give him the cracker,” she replied. Kirby was the obvious alpha of the family and he was not above applying these strategies to me. They say they love their dogs, regardless abusing his power. If you would like a dog like Kirby to take over your of their ‘minor’ foibles. As for me, they say if hyperbole was a crime, I would be doing a 10-to-30-year stretch in the state penitentiary. house and boss you around, then sign up for this class.

Nutrition and exercise I grew up in pheasant country of South Dakota and like to return to hunt in the fall. Several years ago, my brother-in-law Luverne joined us and brought Otto, their German Short Hair Pointer. We were looking

Gene Colling claims dual residency in both Billings and Missoula. He retired after a career with the U.S. Forest Service. For 25 of those years, he produced video programs including ones on such Billings area topics as the Beartooth Highway, Pryor Mountain wild horses, Lewis and Clark expedition, Hebgen Lake earthquake and Nez Perce Trail.

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 55

Even though our Montana winters can be truly magical, there comes a point about midway through when we want to . . . oh, press a reset button and re-energize our lives. When you reach that point, why not plan an escape to sunny San Diego? With its mild year-round climate, laid-back SoCal culture and a happenin’ vibe, America’s Finest City has everything you’ll want for a re-charging adventure.

Surf, Sun, Sand and by karen kinser

Top: Downtown skyline from the bay at sunset. Right: Coronado Bay Bridge. Far right: Mission Bay Beach.

Sophistication. Enjoy a Midwinter Escape to Sunny San Diego

In a city with more than

100 diverse neighborhoods (“nabes” in SD parlance), you probably wouldn’t see them all in a lifetime. So, start with an overview on San Diego’s Old Town Trolley Tours. Then be sure and return to the Downtown area. The center of business and entertainment, it includes a marina, Little Italy, Seaport Village, the Gaslamp Quarter and East Village. Next, check out Elizabethan desserts, artisan pizza, meditation gardens, and, oh yeah – the beach – in Encinitas. And definitely don’t miss the South Bay/Coronado neighborhood, home to the iconic Hotel del Coronado.

Right: Downtown Gaslamp 5th Street - Courtesy of Joanne DiBona SanDiego.org Below right: North Park. Courtesy of Brett Shoaf. Below far right: Old Town Market Courtesy of SanDiego.org

There’s something soul-satisfying about

the rusty-hinged call of sea gulls and the soothing sensation of warm sand. With 33 world-class beaches along 70 miles of coastline, San Diego invites you to savor these senses. You’ll find long stretches of pristine sand and smaller spots framed by rocky cliffs and embellished with tide pools. Enjoy the boardwalk, shopping and fish tacos on Pacific Beach. Get your funk on at Mission Beach, and people watch on Venice Beach. Coronado Beaches are consistently on top beach lists, and for the surprise of sea caves and towering cliffs, stop in La Jolla.

Right: Mission Beach Surfers. Courtesy of SanDiego.org Far Right: Pacific Beach Boardwalk Cyclists. Courtesy of Brett Shoaf. Far right below: Downtown Skyline from Pt. Loma-Courtesy of SanDiego.org

You won’t want to miss Balboa Park,

so make its 1,200 acres your first stop. Often referred to as the Smithsonian of the West, it’s our country’s largest urban cultural park, home to 15 museums, gardens, theaters, trails, and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. For relaxation, book a spa experience, get your Om on at the Chopra Center or tickle your funny bone with a laughter yoga class. Channel your inner child at LEGOLAND, get wet at SeaWorld or navigate the Laser Maze at Belmont Park. Love to golf? San Diego will satisfy that love with its 90 courses.

Right: Shark Encounter Attraction. Courtesy of SeaWorld. Far right: Suspension Bridge and Petco Park. Courtesy of James Blank Far right bottom: Zoo Entrance. Courtesy of San Diego Zoo.

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In addition

to Balboa Park’s museums, you’ll find 65 more throughout San Diego, including the Air and Space Museum, Museum of Photographic Arts and the USS Midway Museum on an aircraft carrier. Theater, symphony and dance offerings also abound. You’ll love the variety of art galleries – with everything from fine art to funk – as well as the outdoor murals and sculptures splashed throughout the city. And for a possibly spirited experience, tour the Whaley House Museum, allegedly the most haunted house in the country.

Right: Spanish Art Village. Courtesy of Lisa Field SanDiego.org Below from left: Downtown USS Midway 2 -Courtesy of San Diego.org San Diego Museum of Art. Courtesy of Brett Shoaf. Balboa Park Museum of Art Entrance -Courtesy of SanDiego.org

Cuisine offerings in San Diego are truly global, with everything

from Filipino comfort food to Italian, Brazilian, Eritrean, Himalayan, and, of course, seafood. The area is also known for its Cali-Baja flavors, featuring local foods from land and sea. Indulge in the duck fat truffle fries at the Smoking Goat, and savor craft cocktails and coal fired pizza at URBN. For a campy dive bar experience, stop by the Aero Club (with 950 kinds of whiskey). And don’t miss fish tacos from one of the many food trucks (especially Mariscos El Pescador). Reserve a table at the oceanfront Marine Room, where foamy waves crash into the restaurant’s windows at high tide.

Above: Fountain at Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park. Right: Escondido Stone Brewery Duck Tacos -Courtesy of SanDiego.org. Far Right: Duck fat truffle fries at the Smoking Goat. Courtesy of the Smoking Goat Restaurant.

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Below: Hotel Del Coronado Ice Rink Evening. Courtesy of Hotel Del Coronado. Bottom right: Coronado Bay Bridge. Courtesy of Brett Shoaf, Artistic Visuals. Bottom left; Coronado Hotel entrance.

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Lodging in the San Diego area ranges from historic and boutique hotels to B&B’s, hostels and elegant resorts. Looking for something really unique? Then rent a docked houseboat. At Hotel Z, a boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, you’ll be treated to afternoon pineapple cupcakes. Enjoy beachfront beauty and pampering at the Kona Kai Resort or relax in Victorian-style rooms at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. For a trip back in time, stay at the Hotel Del Coronado or book a cozy nautical cottage over the ocean at the Crystal Pier Hotel. And if you’re looking for ultimate luxury, don’t miss the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, the Pacific Terrace Hotel or the Lodge at Torrey Pines.

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Digital Hearing Aids, Open Ear Hearing Aids in all price ranges. From top: Downtown Gaslamp Buildings. Courtesy of Joanne DiBona SanDiego.org. Crystal Pier Hotel. Courtesy of Lisa Field SanDiego.org. Torrey Pines State Reserve. Courtesy of Brett Shoaf.

Dr. Gene W. BukoWski, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology Hearing Aid Specialist 35 Years Experience Get a preview of the city, along with outstanding resources to plan your trip at sandiego.org. For an insider’s look at San Diego – served up with a side of snark – check out localwally.com. Delta and United offer the most flights out of Billings to San Diego.

111 S. 24th St. W Billings • 656-2003

Rimrock Mini Mall across from Rimrock Mall & K-Mart

Convenient parking next to office door

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 61

20709723 FANCY SUSHI ASIAN FUSHION MAGIC MAGAZINE 3 x 4.9 Purchase a Purchase a $100 $50 Gift card, Gift card, Full Color Get a $10 Get a $20

We have THAI ENTREES (such as Pad Thai & Thai Curry) We have JAPANESE ENTREES (such as Teriyaki & Tempura) and wonderful CHINESE ENTREE selections too! Friends from far and wide gather in the cafe at Westpark Village.

EVENTS at WESTPARK Looking forward to our Annual Purse, Scarf and Jewelry Sale in March! Call for a tour today. Our charity this year is Meals on Wheels. Now is a great time to start collecting your gently used purses, scarves and jewelry. Just drop them off at Westpark Village anytime and help us raise money for this great charity! 2351 Solomon Ave. Billings, MT 59102 406-652-4886 www.westparksenior.com

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OFFER GOOD THROUGH 12/31/15. May not be combined with any other offers or discounts Coupon must be presented at time of purchase One coupon per table

Gift card free

OFFER GOOD THROUGH 12/31/15. May not be combined with any other offers or discounts Coupon must be presented at time of purchase One coupon per table

www.fancysushius.com • 406.245.6888 1313 Grand Avenue, Suite 3 Billings, MT 59102 Sunday-Thursday 11:00am-10:00pm • Friday & Saturday 11:00 am-10:30pm

Merry ChristMas from all of us at stuart’s House of Vacuums!

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tHERE IS NO PATH TO HAPPINESS. hAPPINESS IS THE PATH. — Buddha

Ode to Joy In a world that seems increasingly fractured, is it possible to be truly happy? (HINT: Yes it is - and it’s easier than you think.)

Holiday cl assics floating through the air at every retail store from November 1 until December 25 remind us: ‘tis the season to be jolly. But whether walking through the Mall of America or Rimrock Mall, you have to wonder – in this fractured, chaotic, perpetually plugged-in world, is happiness even an option? Is happiness only an illusion, as out of reach as the new iPhone6s, as impossible to grasp as the Pinterest tile showcasing the perfect holiday table? More so than any other time of year, the holiday season inundates us with the idea that happiness is dependent not on what comes from within, but on the perfect gift given or received, the invite to the A-list part y or even the number of pounds gained.

By Kathleen Harris DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 63

The good news is that happiness is not wrapped up in a package that mysteriously appears under the tree on Christmas Eve in trade for a few homemade chocolate chip cookies left on the hearth. “Happiness is available right now, not after this project is done, or after the homework is done, or after a relationship crisis is solved. It is available right now, for free,” says psychotherapist Heather Webber-Dereszynski, MA LCPC, who spends her days working with people who are trying to maximize relationships with themselves and others. “Choosing happiness requires mindfulness, the ability to really be present, understand your own needs and take care of yourself,” said WebberDereszynski, adding that external sources are just Band-Aids. “We need to find our own sense of self-worth and self-confidence,” she said. “Our internal needs have to be fulfilled first, or a black hole will remain.”

Think happy thoughts According to Erika Willis, there is only one pathway to happiness, and there is only one barrier blocking that path, and both are the mind itself. Willis is the company leader for market development at Elation, a company that uses neuroscience to help people change the way they think. She said that the choice to be happy is a simple one, but not necessarily easy. Over time, Willis explains that people’s thoughts and beliefs create well-worn pathways in the brain. Erika Willis, “They can become deeply rutted, but our company leader for brains are pliable, and with effort these pathways market development at Elation can be changed,” she said. Achieving happiness can be compared to the practice schedule of an exceptional athlete. A person can know what it takes to make him or her happy, but without practice, that knowledge is useless. “Imagine hiking along a path you have hiked on for years,” Willis said. “It is a well-worn trail, and easy to follow. But then a tree falls, blocking the path, and you have to find a way around it. It takes years of following that new path, over and over, before that path itself becomes well-worn.” Choosing happiness requires rigor and it While the origins of takes time. The challenge, as Willis points out, meditation date back to ancient times—today “is that the old path never really goes away.”

Modern Meditation

there is an app for that. Beginners can participate in 3- or 5-minute guided meditations with popular apps such as Buddhify, The Mindfulness App or HeadSpace. “Your brain will be so grateful for the rest,” said Webber-Deresynski.

Mindset matters In cutting this new path to “destination happiness,” Webber-Dereszynski recommends focusing on an intention rather than a resolution. Deepak Chopra, author and expert in alternative medicine, writes that “intention is the starting point of every dream…It is an impulse of consciousness that contains the seed form of

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that which you wish to create.” In applying that concept to real life, Webber-Dereszynski suggests creating a Psychotherapist and licensed counselor Becky Webber-Deresynpersonal mission statement for the New ski provides a few simple tools to Year, including a promise to “be more help you choose happy throughout the holidays and through the New present, to take better care of my body, Year: my spirit, my loved ones,” she said. Ask yourself what fills you up, Acknowledging that there are count what energizes and revitalizes you, then hold yourself less competing interests in a person’s life, accountable to do that regularly Webber-Dereszynski suggests viewing Take ownership of your your personal mission statement not as a own wellbeing burden, but as a guiding principle to help Live in the present moment gain clarity. Act with intention, don’t just drift through the day “Ask yourself what fills you up and Meditation, meditation, energizes you – what revitalizes you, meditation then hold yourself accountable to do that Engage in creative activity regularly. Once you start taking care of Surround yourself with positive people yourself, and living in the present, not Focus on gratitude and what is, the future or the past, there will be less rather than what isn’t disappointment in external things and in Forgive others, forgive yourself other people.” Understand the value of Willis agrees that a person has to community—take the journey with a friend, a spouse, a busi be in the moment to even understand ness partner or even an online whether or not they are happy. community “Oftentimes today, people are so busy and moving so quickly they don’t stop long enough to even know where they are at, or what makes them happy,” Willis said. The solution, like the question itself, is both simple and complicated. “Just stop, come back to the right now,” she said. “Put your feet on the floor. Heather Webber-Dereszynski, MA LCPC Take a deep breath. Think of life as riding a bike—now put a stick into the spoke. Mindset can generate change, but painful or not, first you have to know where you are. To be fully engaged in life changes everything around you, it changes your outcomes.” For many, the ‘stick’ that Willis refers to that engages a person in the present is the ancient art of meditation. “Anxiety is about something that happened in the past or something that might happen in the future, it is rarely about the present moment,” explains Webber-Dereszynski. Meditation requires presence in the moment, and is scientifically proven to benefit the mind, spirit and body. The same tools utilized to bring happiness to your life every day can also put the ‘happy’ back into ‘happy holidays.” “It is really all about how you choose to think about it— how are you going to interact with this time of year? Choose your outcomes. Be in charge of your own well-being, surround yourself with positive people.” Happiness, she emphasizes, is yours for the taking. “You simply have to change your own mind.”

Wellness Toolbox

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Kris kringle on aisle 34 By JIM GRANSBERY I Illustration by lee hulteng

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gramma, is that white-haired,bearded man in the small appliances aisle Santa Claus?â&#x20AC;? ***

The young boy, 5 or 6-years at most, with roasted-almond eyes, was intently gazing at the tall, bearded man meandering through the aisles of a large department store. It was two weeks before Christmas and shoppers were thick, pawing through the plethora of merchandise in search of bargains, preferably ones with sale prices of 40 percent off. The older man, wearing wire-rimmed glasses, sported a mane of wavy white hair and a full beard not quite turned to the snowy stage. He had noticed the lad, who was with his grandmother, as he shyly moved among the narrow aisles, keeping the man in line of sight. He kept his distance, silence and stare.

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The legendary bearer of gifts comes in numerous manifestations depending on the cultural myths and histories of various peoples around the globe. In Western culture, the Magi stand out as bringing gold, frankincense and myrrh to the son of a carpenter and his young wife. That Nativity story first appears and only in Matthew’s gospel. The Wise Men, astrologers from the East, followed a star to where the child was living with no real timeline included. The gifts of the Magi were fit for a sovereign. In Spain, children get gifts on the feast of Epiphany, Jan. 6, which features the Three Kings in lavish parades in Iberian cities. It is more in keeping with the spirit of the season. Saint Nikolaos of Myra – who over the centuries would morph into a promotional caricature – was an early Fourth Century Greek bishop known for his secret gift giving. The poor would leave their shoes out, and the original Santa would surreptitiously drop coins into them. He died Dec. 6, 343. He was a participant in the Council of Nicea in 325 and a signatory of the Nicean Creed or the profession of faith for the Catholic Church, which became the state religion under Constantine, who willed that there be religious unity in his Roman Empire. Such are the delusions of men, especially the rich and powerful. Christmas was not celebrated by the Church until the mid 330s, which put St. Nick in the swirl of transition. A forerunner of the modern Santa was Father Christmas popular in England, but dozens of countries have a comparable figure as the overseer of Christmas festivities for adults as well as children. The Dutch call him Sinterklaas, and on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, Dec. 6, presents are exchanged and distributed to children. Movies can mangle the facts of a story, but frequently they manage to impart the moral behind the rearrangement of actualities or legends. Albert Camus, the existentialist novelist pegged it succinctly: “Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth.” Every Christmas season, television reruns the movie “Miracle on 34th Street” about a gentleman named Kris Kringle (that’s the German name

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for Santa) who substitutes for a drunk Santa and gets the job greeting children at the main Macy’s store in New York City. One, an orphan girl, he speaks to in Dutch as she spoke no English. That impresses the woman who hired him, but to the consternation of his employer, he recommends other stores, notably Macy’s arch-nemesis Gimbel’s, for toys not available or superior to those at Macy’s. However, it impresses the customers. Not to be out done, Gimbel’s responds in kind, leading the purveyors of gifts to back-off the hyper-competition of Christmas retailing, and cooperating in providing customers with quality and service. Kris, who asserts he is the real Santa, has to endure disbelief, a psychiatric exam and a court hearing in which the judge, facing re-election, rules that Kris is the real deal. With a bit of intrigue, posing as happenstance, Kris convinces the doubting main female character and her daughter that requests to Santa do come true. It is part of the “miracle” that surrounds the holiday. *** The boy with the deep brown eyes and a shock of black hair finally maneuvered himself closer to the Kringle lookalike. Close enough to speak. The man slowly raised his right index finger to his lips and softly said, “shhhhh.” Bending close to the boy, he said quietly, “Yes, I am who you think, but don’t tell everybody.” The lad’s eyes widened along with a grin that stretched his cheeks. Turning, he returned to his grandmother’s side and poked her in the thigh, pointing to the man nodding his head yes. The Santa-out-of- costume straightened up and walked by the pair smiling.“Feliz Navidad,” he said. Jim Gransbery is a retired agricultural and political reporter of The Billings Gazette. Since 2008, he has spent his time teaching, writing magazine articles for Montana and regional publications and working on short fiction. He also looks after the wellbeing of his wife, Karen, who has made the whole trip possible.

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winter wo by allyn hulteng â&#x20AC;˘ photos by gazette staff

Insets top, from left: Entrance to town from the south. Skier comes out of the gate during a race. Santa crosses Main St. with a snow shovel. Right: Holiday season in Red Lodge.

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The quaint village of Red Lodge offers the perfect place to escape and play in the snow

onderland DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 71

covered

in a fresh mantle of white, Main Street in historic Red Lodge looks like a Thomas Kinkade painting come to life. Charming brick storefronts dot the streetscape, as do savory eateries and unique galleries. Locals and tourists alike can be spotted strolling along wide sidewalks, taking in the seasonal splendor – with perhaps a piping hot croissant from City Bakery in hand. Nightfall transforms the peaceful hamlet into a lively entertainment district where one can find craft cocktails, local brews and music. This time of year, the town is also ground zero for winter adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts have an abundance of options, from the thrill of downhill skiing at Red Lodge Mountain to the wonderment of snowshoeing through a frosted forest. With accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to family-friendly inns, opulent vacation homes to rustic log cabins, there’s something for every taste and budget. Need more reasons to rediscover this backyard gem? Here are a few to kick-start your getaway plan.

What to Do

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Venture to Red Lodge Mountain for a day of skiing, boarding, dining or simply soaking in the mountain vista. Après skiing, enjoy live music in the Bierstube every Saturday night. If winter solitude is more to your liking, check out the Red Lodge Nordic Center. With 15K of groomed trails over easy-to-navigate terrain, cross-country skiers of all levels can experience winter in the wild. A sight like none other, attend the National Finals ski-joring races held each March. This uniquely western competition features teams that include a horse and rider towing a skier around a 700-foot course that features slalom gates and jumps. With speeds topping 25 mph, this isn’t for the faint of heart. Visit the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary and see native critters in their natural habitat. Learn about YWS’s commitment to conservation and education. For an artful departure from the elements, stop by the Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery. The Guild offers a variety of workshops for all ages, while the Gallery showcases fabulous works by regional artists. Step back in time at the Carbon County Historical Society and Museum and explore the area’s rich history. Take a self-guided walking tour of several of the town’s notable neighborhoods, including the Hi Bug District with elegant Victorian homes, “Little Italy” and “Finn Town.” Along the way you will see numerous buildings on the National Historic Register.

Where to Shop

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• • Top: Snowboarders and skiers at Red Lodge Mountain. Above left: David Anderson stands in front of his renovated Victorian home. Inset top: View of dining area from the kitchen. Inset below: Remodeled livingroom with period furniture. Top right: The visitors center, barn with ski trails in background. Center: Exterior of Kibler & Kirch. Bottom: Andrew and Karen Porth in front of their gourmet grocery store, Babcock & Miles.

72 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

• •

Glass Rabbit – Offering one-of-a-kind home accent décor, luxe linens, aromatherapy, plus jewelry and locally-crafted King’s Cupboard chocolate sauce. Babcock & Miles – Purveyors of fine wine, premium extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegar, artisan cheeses, prosciutto and other charcuterie plus fresh bread, pasta, sauces and more. Lights on Broadway – Custom lighting solutions and unique fixtures, including one-of-a-kind vintage furnishings. Kibler & Kirch – A full service interior design firm plus retail establishment featuring a collection of American-made furnishings, artwork, accessories, handmade rugs, lighting, bedding and gifts. Red Lodge Books & Tea – Great reads, fabulous tea. Sylvan Peak – Outerwear and gear for hikers, backpackers, cross country, backcountry and telemark skiers. Back Alley Metals – Metal fabricators specializing in bear-proof containers, structural fabrications, railings and gates plus creative artwork. Roscoe Outdoor – A Montana clothing company with outdoor wear for climbers, hikers and backpacking enthusiasts. King’s Cupboard – Discover chocolaty rich, all-natural dessert products made locally, enjoyed internationally. Montana Candy Emporium – Sweet treats that take you back to your childhood plus homemade fudge worth the drive.

A Boutique for Mom & Baby!

Where to Dine

• • • • • • • • •

•

Pollard – Fine dining in an historic hotel. Mas Taco – No frills, just some of the best Mexican food north of the border. Piney Dell – Sumptuous fare with a premium view overlooking Rock Creek. Bogart’s Pizza – Recently remodeled, Bogart’s has been a favorite pizzeria for two generations. Prindy’s Place – Hearty, homemade breakfasts. Carbon County Steakhouse – Awardwinning menu featuring succulent steaks, seafood and chops. Foster & Logan’s Pub – Fabulous sandwiches and beer. Lots and lots of beer. City Bakery – Decadent pastries, scones, muffins and rich coffee to jump start your day. Regis Café for Breakfast – West off Main Street at the corner of 16th and S. Word, serving hearty, healthy breakfast and lunch. Hope’s Artisan Foods – Lunch and dinner made fresh from scratch using seasonal ingredients, perfect for dining in or packing for a winter picnic.

Bet you didn’t know…

Learn More Red Lodge’s vibrant history is chronicled in the book “Images RED LODGE, MONTANA

of America: Red Lodge.” Written by Montana author John Clayton, the book is available at

JOHN CLAYTON AND THE CARBON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

rom enchanting downtown architecture to the spectacular Beartooth Highway, Red Lodge wears its vibrant history with pride. A coal-mining boom founded the city and attracted immigrant populations between 1895 and 1920. John “Liver-Eatin’” Johnston served as constable, and Buffalo Bill Cody, Calamity Jane, and Frederic Remington paid visits. Though the coal boom eventually faded, Red Lodge refused to become a ghost town. Cattle ranching thrived in the valleys and foothills, fostering such Rodeo Hall of Fame stars as Turk, Alice, and Marge Greenough and Bill and Bud Linderman. Meanwhile the road through the Beartooth Mountains to Yellowstone National Park, completed in 1936, boosted tourism. Today events such as the Fourth of July Home of Champions Rodeo and the August Festival of Nations celebrate the heritage of this unique Montana community. John Clayton is the award-winning author of The Cowboy Girl: The Life of Caroline Lockhart. For this book, he worked with the Carbon County Historical Society to select and write about images that illustrate the stories of the hardworking miners, cowboys, and dreamers who made lives for themselves in this picturesque and character-filled little Western town. The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.

R ED L ODGE

• Ernest Hemingway enjoyed vacationing in the Red Lodge and Cooke City area. The main character in his novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” Robert Jordan, was from Red Lodge. • In 1897, the Sundance Kid robbed the Red Lodge Bank, a heist witnessed by guests staying at The Pollard Hotel. The guest register at the historic Pollard Hotel includes the names of famous western characters, among them Buffalo Bill Cody, William Jennings Bryan, Calamity Jane and Frederic Remington. • The ruins you see on the East Bench aren’t of the coal mine – they’re of the U.S. Vanadium Corporation’s chrome concentration mill built on the mine site in the 1940s. The mill turned chromite, mined atop the Beartooths, into chrome, used in iron and steel. Chrome was in heavy demand for munitions and battleships during WWII. • A huge black mass of coal slack remained atop the West Bench into the 1980s. • In the heyday of the coal mines, virtually the entire town center was treeless. • From 1925 to 2005, only two people served as librarian: Mary Adams for the first 40 years, and her adopted son Bob Moran for the next 40 years. Current librarian Jodie Moore has been here 10 years, but still has a ways to go.

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Society Museum. Top: Plated entrees from the Carbon County Steakhouse. Center: Employees display freshly-picked produce in front of the Regis Cafe. Bottom: The Sundance Kid, far left, poses with "The Wild Bunch." Butch Cassidy is pictured far right. Photo courtesy of legendsofamerica.com

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 73

View from By Rob Rogers

chool was just starting a few years ago, and members of the Rocky Mountain College ski team were running through a series of conditioning exercises on the soccer field. Juan, a Colombian exchange student at Rocky, was at the other end of the field kicking around his soccer ball. He stopped to watch the racers run through their curious-looking drills. “He came over and asked what we were doing,” said Jerry Wolf, head coach of Rocky’s ski team. They explained that they skied for the college and were getting ready for their season to start. Juan was fascinated, asking a bunch of questions. He told them he’d never seen snow before. And then he asked if he could join the team. That wasn’t a problem. “Everybody’s welcome,” Wolf said. Juan joined the team, the only Colombian ever to ski for Rocky. “He was skiing down our biggest runs,” Wolf said with a laugh. “He learned how to ski and he saw snow.”

Above: The Rocky Mountain College Ski Team. Top left: Rocky Mountain College's MacKenzie Bachmeier skis the first run in the giant slalom. Insets from Left: David Gilmore, Frida Svedberg and Andrija Vukovics. Ski Team coach Jerry Wolf celebrates with his team.

74 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

m the Top

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 75

Dynamic diversity The team’s inclusiveness and loose-limbed camaraderie belies its fierce drive. The men’s team has won three national championships since 2005, and the women won their first national title in 2014. “We’ve won with really exceptional teams and we’ve won with willpower,” Wolf said.

Rocky ski team is part of the United States Collegiate Ski/Snowboard Association, and it’s as close to an unstoppable force of nature as there is in the conference. They compete against teams from 17 different schools stretching from Colorado to Washington. Rocky skiers have earned distinction. In fact, for the first time Rocky will be hosting the USCSA regional championships this February at Red Lodge Mountain. It’s a long time coming, as the college has had a competitive ski team for nearly 30 years with Wolf as head coach for half that time. With the exception of the occasional Colombian, Rocky’s ski team is a mix of Americans and Northern Europeans. Wolf has 14 men and nine women skiing for him this year. Of those, six are Swedish, four are French, with a Dutch and a Serbian skier rounding out the team. “We get a great experience being here,” said Frida Svedberg, a junior from Ostersend, Sweden. Svedberg skied competitively in her home town of Ostersend, but she’d never skied with a team in competitions where the team wins a championship. She was part of Rocky’s women’s team in 2014 when they won the national championship. “It’s so much fun,” she said. “I’ve never experienced anything like it.” Nils Hogbom is a senior from the same town as Svedberg. In fact, the two were dating when his friend convinced him to come to Montana and ski for Rocky. He loved it and talked Svedberg into joining him the next year. “The whole cross-cultural experience has been great,” he said. Colleges in Europe don’t have official ski teams. So there’s no way to really compete and go to school at the same time, he said. For that reason, Rocky has been an amazing experience. Svedberg agreed. “The opportunity of combining education with skiing is great,” she said. “It challenges you to manage your time.”

Life in the fast lane The sport itself is exceptionally straight-forward. Rocky skiers compete in the slalom and giant slalom, and only the fastest skiers make the finals. Most races involve just the five top skiers from each team. Judges then take the three fastest times from each college and add them up. The team with the lowest combined time wins the race. “Ski racing is totally an individual sport,” Wolf said. For that reason, the pressure on skiers as they stand at the top of a course waiting to race down can be enormous.

From top: Harlan Collins works out in the conditioning room at Rocky Mountain College. Erek Hogbom works with dumbells. Frida Svedberg. Top right. Rocky Mountain College Ski team in RMC's conditioning room. Inset in sidebar: Frida Svedberg celebrates with her team.

Follow the Dynasty 2015-16 RMC Ski Racing Schedule

“You’ve gotta perform,” Wolf said. To help sharpen the skills of his skiers and give them a psychological edge, Wolf schedules the team to compete in as many NCAA races during the season as possible. “It’s a little tougher” at those NCAA races, he said. The stiff competition at the NCAA meets forces the Rocky skiers to up their game. “That definitely helps with our level of skiing,” said Harlan Collins, a senior on the team. “Helps with the nerves, too.” Collins grew up skiing at Sun Valley, Idaho. He hopes to return after graduation and work as a conditioner for his hometown ski team. His time at Rocky, both as a competitive skier and as a student, has shaped him into the person he is now. He’s dealt with disappointing races and exhilarating runs, keeping on top of classes and maintaining a focus on graduation. He’s grown up at Rocky. “It’s been so much fun,” he said. “We get to go to a lot of cool places and meet a lot of fun people.” Wolf is coaching this year with his daughter Jessica, who’s a senior at Rocky. He loves the diversity of his team and the way it opens windows to other cultures and experiences for his skiers. They know how to have fun and many have developed deep friendships. But more than anything he loves his team’s competitive edge. “We’re serious at the top and we want to win.”

Fans of the Rocky Mountain College Ski Team can follow them throughout the upcoming season. For an even better experience, plan to attend one of the Montana-area racing events and experience the thrill of downhill racing in real time.

Date:

Event:

Location:

Jan. 3-4

NCAA FISU UU (Pat Miller)

Park City, Utah

Jan. 5-8

WR Tech Elites FIS

Park City/Snowbird Utah

Jan. 8-10

NCAA FISU MSU

Big Sky, Mont.

Jan. 16-18

USCSA Grand Teton RMC*

Red Lodge, Mont.

Jan. 22-24

NCAA FISU CU

Eldora, Colo.

Jan. 29-30

NCAA FISU UNM

Red River, NM

Feb. 5-8

USCSA Grand Teton MSU*

Bridger Bowl, Mont.

Feb. 13-16

WR Tech Elite FIS (Wild West)

Snowking, Wyo.

Feb. 18-20

USCSA WR Championships

Red Lodge, Mont.

March 7-12

USCSA National Championships

Lake Placid, NY

April 1-4

WR Tech Elite FIS (Spring Series)

Mission Ridge, Wash.

April 8-10

USSA Open (Over the Hill Gang)

Bridger Bowl, Mont.

* USSA Grand Teton Conference meets

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an array of ART Twenty years ago, Billings was not known for its robust arts scene. Various outdoor or athletic activities often overshadowed gallery openings and artist displays, events cherished within small alcoves of painter/potter communities.

But things have changed.

BY ANNA PAIGE DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 79

he city is now home to the largest Artwalk in the state, featuring nearly 40 participating galleries. Heading into its 22nd season, ArtWalk is no longer a strolling affair. It’s a marathon. “ArtWalk has reached critical mass, and people want to be a part of it,” said Virginia Bryan, president of Billings ArtWalk. Indeed, for Billings, the arts scene has never been more vibrant. Part of this growth is simple economics. There’s an audience and a market. The part that is less tangible is the enthusiastic support of a vibrant artist culture and the grassroots beginnings of ArtWalk. ArtWalk events are now parties centered on creativity, with art on display, live music, bites of food and splashes of wine. The first galleries to consistently hold events helped grow this event into a thousand-plus people mingling about downtown Billings. “We only have ArtWalks this good because we have been building on them for 21 years,” said Mark Sanderson, who co-owns Toucan Gallery with Allison O’Donnell. The couple purchased Toucan nine years ago, but the business has been in operation nearly 30 years. Before owning Toucan, O’Donnell was an employee. She recalls the early years of ArtWalk, when they would serve wine in glassware that they handwashed. These days, the gallery averages 500 people during an ArtWalk evening. “It’s such an open event,” O’Donnell said. “People can come and go as they please. Downtown feels so vibrant on those evenings.” This year, ArtWalk Billings merged with the Downtown Billings Association. Being under the DBA umbrella has given ArtWalk much-needed administrative support and an office presence downtown, Part of ArtWalk’s success is the density of art galleries in the city’s core. ArtWalkers can park downtown and walk to a majority of galleries on the tour. Gallery presence is strong along Second Avenue, North Broadway and Montana Avenue. “People are genuinely excited about art and excited about the artists that live here,” Bryan said. She refutes a long-standing myth that there’s no culture east of the Rockies. “When I look at the number of artists who have either come out of Billings or who live and work in this area, or have national recognition, it’s astounding,” she said. Indeed, the walls of Billings are lined with Theodore Waddell, Sheila Miles, Kevin Red Star, Harry Koyama, Carol Hagan, Kira Fercho, Jon Lodge, and Clockwise from top: A couple braves the cold as they pass Tompkins Fine Art on Montana Avenue during last year's Winter ArtWalk. Artist Jane Waggoner Deschner hangs her work in the Catherine Louisa Gallery in preparation for her show "Altered Moments: Work with Found Photographs." Harry Koyama in his gallery on Montana Avenue.

80 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

many others who choose to make Billings and the surrounding area their home and workplace. “They are fabulous artists who choose to live and work here,” Bryan said. Hardin-based artist Harry Koyama has run his gallery on Montana Avenue for nine years. Koyama looked at other places around town in which to open his gallery, but Montana Avenue made the most sense. “Montana Avenue is the hub of the arts district,” Koyama said. “The minute I moved to Billings things changed dramatically. Having access to large numbers of people—here success multiplies.” Koyama’s cultural investment in Billings has proved to be a fruitful one, but it was patiently nurtured. “It takes a community effort,” he said. “As long as the people want to see more art, there will be more.” Walking into Koyama’s gallery, a narrow building sandwiched between other galleries, restaurants, and retail shops, one is struck by a brilliant palette of rich reds, deep amber, sunflower yellow and electric blue. His impressionist style allows imagination to run, placing familiar subjects as you’ve never quite seen before. A few doors down at Toucan, the entire space is filled with handmade and regionally-sourced art. From Carol Spielman’s distinct stick-legged horses to glass artist Kathy Burk to folkloric pottery artists Theresa Gong and Sue Tirrell, the range of work on display spans paintings, pottery, glass, metal, turned wood and more. “Small business is defined by adaptation, and that is why this place has survived,” Sanderson said. “We wanted to offer a broader selection of art with the idea that everything is handmade by an artist. Nothing in here is made in China.” Further west, on 14th and Grand, The Frame Hut owner Helen Tolliver has artwork for sale

Don’t miss it! Artwalk celebrates its 22nd season in

from nearly 70 artists—many from Billings and the surrounding area.

2016. Held five times a year, on the first

“We have a fabulous client base that

Friday of the month, the season kicks off

supports the local artists that we carry,” said

in February. Visit billingsartwalk.org for

Tolliver, who purchased the gallery and frame

specific dates and locations.

shop in April. Her decision to invest in the arts

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 81

Galleries galore Catherine Louisa Gallery 103 North Broadway

JENS GALLERY & DESIGN 2822/2824 3rd Ave. N.

Chinatown Art Gallery 2624 Minnesota Avenue

Kennedy’s Stained Glass 2923 2nd Ave. N.

Crooked Line Studio 3330 4th Avenue North

Q’s Art Shop and Gallery 1511 6th Ave. N.

del Alma Gallery & Studio 2507 Montana Ave.

SANDSTONE GALLERY 2913 2nd Ave N

The Frame Hut & Gallery 1430 Grand Ave. Gallery Interiors 2814 2nd Ave. N. Gallery Nine 2501 Montana Ave., Suite 9 Good Earth Market Apple Gallery 3024 2nd Ave. N. Harry Koyama Fine Art 2509 Montana Ave. Jason Jam Gallery 2501 Montana Ave., Suite 7

was a pivotal moment in her life. “I did not want to have any regrets, and I jumped.” Tolliver was no stranger to the gallery life, having worked at The Frame Hut for 14 years prior to purchasing the business. The Frame Hut is rich with textures and mediums of all kinds, from jewelry to the massive towering paintings. Tana Patterson’s hand-built ceramics, the fused glass creations of Mary Knapp, frescos and cleaned gourds of Sharon Fred, A M Stockhill’s paintings atop old pages of books, chunky, brightly painted originals by Kira Fercho and giclées of her 12 Tribes of Montana—in each piece that Billings comes alive. Top: Owner Helen Tolliver (right), and Arlen Kammerzell chat during the gallery's grand reopening. Above: Customers browse through The Frame Hut and Gallery's grand re-opening. Right: Susan Kennedy Sommerfeld works on a church window restoration project in her downtown BIllings studio.

82 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Stephen Haraden Studio 2911 Second Ave. N. #235 Rimrock Art & Frame 1070 S. 24th St. W. Tambo Studio & Gallery 2921 2nd Ave. N. Tompkins Fine Art 2511 Montana Ave. Toucan Gallery 2505 Montana Ave.

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WELCOME, SCOTS AND FRIENDS OF SCOTS. BY BRITTANY CREMER

“Kates! Even with the girdle, it’s not going to fit,” my Aunt Dode lamented to my mother. Just. Cinch. It. There. With a coordinated effort, and a little snort of whiskey, my Mom and her sister fastened the floor-length kilt. The historic garment, whose twin was already flowing from my mother’s waist, bore the proud colors of our family’s tartan—MacDonald. This fabric, so much more than woven fibers, features rich reds, emerald greens and proud navy. Even at age 6, I understood that it was so much more than just a skirt. Like most family occasions, Mom and Aunt Dode were the last to get ready—not because they doddled, but because they had a cavalcade of rapscallion children to dress first. Highland dancers or dancers-in-training, we were mini versions of our parents—kilts and matching knee socks on the bottom with white, flouncy blouses and coordinating velvet jackets on top. We looked like we were headed to a Scottish Renaissance fair. And in a way, we were.

Who is Robert Burns? As an adult, I understand that Robert “Bobby” Burns is a celebrated Scottish poet and lyricist—a wee bit of a Caledonian icon. As a youngster, I remember being a bit fuzzy on his significance. A black and white portrait of the famed Scot donned the walls of the FOE Eagles reception hall in Miles City where we used to hold our annual Bobby Burns celebrations each January. Amid the fanfare and frivolity, I remember asking my older sister about the “guy on the wall.” “Oh, him, that’s Catherine Mathis’ husband,” she explained. Catherine Mathis was my sister’s first Scottish dance instructor.

‘Scotland the Brave’ As a youngster, the gravity and heritage attached to Bobby Burns night escaped me. In my mind, it was a fantastic evening of endless Shirley Temples topped off with after-midnight breakfast at the Flying J. For Mom, Aunt Dode and Uncle Dunc, it was something far more prolific. My Mother’s parents, Donald and Catherine McDonald, emigrated from Scotland, cultivating a small homestead just north of Jordan in

Above: The author’s family dressed for the big night. Clockwise from top left, Katie, Glenn, Brittany, MacLeod and Heather.

For others, bagpipes heart. and hits me right in the notes connects to my DNA Something between the shrill and soul-penetrating. sure, bagpipe music is both An acquired taste, to be pipes. evates the evening: the bagcommon thread that elAnd then there’s the the Russian ballet. derment and precision of dancers leap with the wonBonnet, while advanced to the Broadswords or Blue gracefully canter tippy-toe dancer’s rite of passage. Intermediate dancers find their way through the four-step fling, every Rosy-cheeked first year dancers adorably whiskey or Scotch imbibed. portional to the amount of ticulation and volume promark the evening—their gesHoots and hollers hallcasional limerick or song. mances peppered with the ocdance and pipe band perforof a cheerful mix of highland gram in Miles City consists The Bobby Burns pro-

From the Isles to Miles was just 5. He passed away when I thick Scottish brogue. the lass alone,” he’d say in his “Get ‘er next time—let ings. tea. He was my saving grace from several spankbreakfast—a hardboiled egg, toast, and always Memories of my Papa consist of sharing

g J. tany Cremer; I am her namesake.

st at

eyes. I also share her name—“Catherine” Britlikeness—pointy chin, cheeky face and cheery

idnight fore I was born. But my family says I share her

ped offI never met my Granny; she passed away be-

we’re here.” said. “They’re the reason your Granny and Papa,” she “It makes me think of asked why she was crying. hand after the song ended and eyes, I grabbed my Mom’s With quizzical, curious lines with paper napkins. faces, both blotting mascara streamed tears down their My Mom and Aunt Dode the flock, you’re not alone. hour when you feel lost from if to say, even in your darkest the melody solo—almost as from the band and played A lone piper broke off moment I’ll never forget. spect, their expressions solemn, pensive. Then a My family listened with great pride and replay “Amazing Grace.” the emcee cued up the band to It was about that time when hold the ditch. that night: 16 whiskey ditches and was definitely getting a workout missed the cocktail waitress, who ley Temple reparations. I had just Dad’s lap and asked for more ShirI weaseled my way onto my doesn’t breathe well. space; and let’s face it, wool simply seemed to mind the cramped of sardines in plaid, no one Packed together like a bunch smoke—filled the air. er—and a fair amount of cigarette out to my family’s table. Laughpracticing dance steps, I strode In between costume changes and nervously

‘Amazing Grace’ of steel. on the chanter requires expert skill—and lungs pression of the bag, time and finger positioning quired to play them. Coordinating breath, comyou have to tip your tam to the level of skill reWhether or not you enjoy bagpipe music, To say the least, their timbre is unique. flock of geese. sound like the Loch Ness monster choking a

BY BURNS

Army. Shirley

Force, and my Papa was a member of the U.S. my Granny was a member of the British Air

vening

it was Garfield County. During their formative years,

ed me.

,Burns SCOTS AND FRIENDS OF SCOTS. ached

y and

gster,

Garfield County. During their formative years, sound like the Loch Ness monster choking a my Granny was a member of the British Air flock of geese. Force, and my Papa was a member of the U.S. To say the least, their timbre is unique. Army. Whether or not you enjoy bagpipe music, I never met my Granny; she passed away be- you have to tip your tam to the level of skill refore I was born. But my family says I share her quired to play them. Coordinating breath, comlikeness—pointy chin, cheeky face and cheery pression of the bag, time and finger positioning eyes. I also share her name—“Catherine” Brit- on the chanter requires expert skill—and lungs tany Cremer; I am her namesake. of steel. Memories of my Papa consist of sharing breakfast—a hardboiled egg, toast and always ‘Amazing Grace’ In between costume changes and nervously tea. He was my saving grace from several spankpracticing dance steps, I strode ings. out to my family’s table. Laugh“Get ‘er next time—let As a youngster, er—and a fair amount of cigarette the lass alone,” he’d say in his smoke—filled the air. thick Scottish brogue. the gravity and Packed together like a bunch He passed away when I heritage attached of sardines in plaid, no one was just 5. to Bobby Burns seemed to mind the cramped night escaped me. From the Isles to Miles space; and let’s face it, wool simply The Bobby Burns prodoesn’t breathe well. In my mind, it was gram in Miles City consists I weaseled my way onto my a fantastic evening of a cheerful mix of highland Dad’s lap and asked for more Shirof endless Shirley dance and pipe band perforley Temple reparations. I had just mances peppered with the ocmissed the cocktail waitress, who Temples topped casional limerick or song. was definitely getting a workout off with an afterHoots and hollers hallthat night: 16 whiskey ditches and midnight breakfast mark the evening—their geshold the ditch. at the Flying J. ticulation and volume proIt was about that time when portional to the amount of the emcee cued up the band to whiskey or Scotch imbibed. play “Amazing Grace.” Rosy-cheeked first year dancers adorably My family listened with great pride and refind their way through the four-step fling, every spect, their expressions solemn, pensive. Then a dancer’s rite of passage. Intermediate dancers moment I’ll never forget. gracefully canter tippy-toe A lone piper broke off to the Broadswords or Blue from the band and played Bonnet, while advanced the melody solo—almost as dancers leap with the wonif to say, even in your darkest derment and precision of hour when you feel lost from the Russian ballet. the flock, you’re not alone. Curious about this wonderful tradition of bagpipes, dancing and merriment? And then there’s the My Mom and Aunt Dode Mark your calendars for these regional common thread that elstreamed tears down their Bobby Burns Celebrations, or log on to billingsbagpipe.us for additional evates the evening: the bagfaces, both blotting mascara information. pipes. lines with paper napkins. Robert Burns Night An acquired taste, to be With quizzical, curious in Miles City, MT sure, bagpipe music is both eyes, I grabbed my Mom’s January 30 shrill and soul-penetrating. hand after the song ended and Robert Burns Night Something between the asked why she was crying. in Red Lodge, MT January 2016—Official date TBD notes connects to my DNA “It makes me think of Robert Burns Night and hits me right in the your Granny and Papa,” she in Cody, WY heart. said. “They’re the reason February 6 For others, bagpipes we’re here.”

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It’s not called the Big Sky State for nothing. The roughly 145,545 square miles that make up Montana are home to less than 1 million residents, but 74,935 miles of public road stretch out, under and amongst its wide open spaces. Here and there among those many miles you’ll find more than your fair share of only-in-Montana experiences. But which are truly Big Sky Bucket List worthy? From a boiling river to a long-forgotten underground speakeasy, here’s our top 15 picks that should make everyone’s Big Sky Bucket List:

Top: A backpacker hikes the Gallatin Crest along the Montana-Wyoming border (AP Photo/Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Ben Pierce).

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 87

Da nce in a cow pasture Not just any cow pasture. The Red Ants Pants Music Festival in White Sulphur Springs has unofficially become the event of the summer in recent years, inviting the likes of Lyle Lovett and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to take over its stage and make music under the unbelievable central Montana skies. Located in the middle of a rancher’s cow pasture, local high school groups are paid to remove cow patties before revelers arrive. The festival welcomed a crowd of more than 14,000 in 2015, and will hold its 2016 event July 28-31. (redantspantsmusicfestival.com)

Go back in time One of the most complete Triceratops skulls ever unearthed calls the visitor’s center at Makoshika State Park home. Located just outside Glendive, Makoshika is the state’s largest state park, sitting on more than 11,000 acres of distinctive Eastern Montana land where dinosaurs surely did once roam. The skull, a part of several interpretive displays, is one of many dino bones to see. After you visit the park’s center, make sure to make the drive up and through Makoshika to see its otherworldly pedestal rocks. (stateparks.mt.gov/makoshika; Thomas Baumeister, FWP education bureau chief)

Ta ke a selfie w ith C .M . Russell Montana’s most famous cowboy painter called Great Falls home, and thanks to the beautiful C.M. Russell Museum in the heart of the Electric City, his massive presence there is forever memorialized. C.M.’s likeness - complete with his signature tipped back cowboy hat - stands watch outside the museum. The museum houses Russell’s log cabin studio, and many other works, including two original watercolor paintings –“Cowboy on a Bay Horse, circa 1895” and “An Indian War Party, 1902”— purchased by the museum in 2015 thanks to an anonymous contribution. (cmrussell.org)

Honor m a n’s best friend Shep the loyal sheepdog’s lonely, five-and-a-half year vigil over the train station in Fort Benton is a famous piece of Montana folklore. Shep, who followed a dying owner to the town in 1936 and never left, was adopted by the town and memorialized 50 years after his death with a “heroic-sized bronze sculpture,” which sits on Front Street near the Grand Union Hotel. (fortbenton.com/shep.html)

Tour a n underground spe a ke asy Left abandoned and frozen in time after a Prohibition-era raid that swept through Uptown Butte, the Rookwood Speakeasy gives a snapshot of the Mining City’s heyday, complete with fur coats with campaign buttons (Hoover for President!) and poker chips left forgotten for decades. The Rookwood was discovered by accident several years ago under a Butte sidewalk, and is now part of the City Underground Tour offered by Old Butte Historical Adventures. It’s best to call ahead for tours during the non-summer season. (Debra Pierce, co-owner, Old Butte Historical Adventures; (buttetours.info/rookwood.htm) From top: Looking from the stage at the crowds at the Red Ant Pants Music in White Sulpher Springs. Photo by Eric Petersen. Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum at Makoshika State Park. Photo by Larry Mayer. The Rookwood Speakeasy in Butte. Photo Courtesy of Debbie Pierce, Old Butte Historical Adventures.

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Hunt for sheds, elk—th at is There are no doubt countless reasons to visit the Rocky Mountain Front, but one early May morning in particular draws hundreds each year to a stunning game range outside Choteau for the Sun River elk shed hunt. The Sun River wildlife management area is home to thousands of ungulates, and each year on that chosen May day, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks holds a sort of Easter egg hunt for adults who come to claim antlers that have fallen among its some 20,000 acres. Go on foot, horseback or ATV but get there early to have the best shot at claiming an antler souvenir. (Thomas Baumeister, FWP education bureau chief)

Get centered in Lew istow n To find the state of Montana’s exact center point, you’ll need to follow the signs to the pool and look down. The Yogo Inn in downtown Lewistown claims official centermark status, and has memorialized the spot with a tile banner right near its indoor swimming pool. Don’t worry if you’re not an official hotel guest, the Yogo’s website invites everyone in so they can stand in the exact center of the state (yogoinn.com)

K aya k Bighorn C a n yon Montana lays claim to two of the most popular national parks in the nation with Glacier and Yellowstone - but Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area boasts equally spectacular Montana scenery. Sure, you can hike, bike and watch wildlife, but one of the best ways to see the sights is by boat, more specifically by kayak. For several summers, the NPS has offered free guided kayak trips from Ok-A-Beh on the park’s Montana side. Feeling extra adventurous? Try one of the Full Moon Paddles - boats, paddles and safety tips are all provided. (nps.gov)

Soa k in the Boiling Riv er Many a memory has been made just north of Mammoth Hot Springs, where runoff waters from the geyser-filled Yellowstone National Park are cooled just enough by Montana river waters to create the somewhat deceptively named Boiling River. The hot springs sit just inside the Montana state line, several miles from Gardiner and the Roosevelt Arch. Open only during daylight hours, check the Yellowstone website before your visit. (nps.gov) From top: A bugling elk in Yellowstone National Park. Lewistown, the Center of Montana. A kayaker on the river. A visitor wades in the Boiling River hot springs. Brett French/Gazette Staff.

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Discov er skijoring Winter fun. Western Style. That’s the nicely put slogan promoted by the Red Lodge Skijoring Association, which hosts the National Finals Skijoring Races each March. This horse-riding, ski jumping team sport pairs a horse, rider and skier that navigate a snow-covered course filled with slalom gates and jumps. Fastest combined times through the course wins. How fast is fast? Speeds - according to the Red Lodge Skijoring website - can reach up to 25 mph. (redlodgeskijoring.com)

E x perience the might y Missouri There’s more than one great way to experience Montana’s Missouri River - the longest river in the United States. The top entry point for our Big Sky Bucket list? As the river flows east toward its eventual meetup with the mighty Mississippi, start at Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Spanning 149 miles of the Upper Missouri, and including 378,000 acres of public land, the monument preserves land where both the dinosaurs and Lewis and Clark roamed. And, that land, according to the Bureau of Land Management, is virtually unchanged since the explorers came through. (Thomas Baumeister, FWP education bureau chief (blm.gov)

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The Missouri River, with all its might, warrants a second mention on our Big Sky Bucket list as the preferred home to one of the most unusual (and oldest) known species of fish. The paddlefish - named for its paddle-like snout - are found throughout the Missouri, but denser populations in Dawson County make Glendive one of the bestknown paddlefishing locations. Mid-spring is the only time to fish. Limits and the season are regulated by Montana FWP, as Montana is home to one of the few remaining self-sustaining populations of paddlefish. (http://fieldguide.mt.gov)

Get to know A rchie Br ay The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts has long nurtured the talents of some of the country’s most renowned ceramicists. In the meantime, the artists who have taken up residency, earned fellowships or simply stopped by for an afternoon have filled the foundation’s grounds with thousands of pieces of one-of-a-kind art. That compilation now lives in and around the former brickyard once home to the Western Clay Manufacturing Company run by Archie Bray. Art truly is everywhere, with everything from gargoyle-like statues to tiny mugs scattered throughout the 26-acre campus. Located just outside Helena, Archie Bray makes for a wonderful afternoon stroll, but also offers community workshops and an artist gallery. (http://www.archiebray.org/)

Admire Ev ely n C a meron The Evelyn Cameron Gallery inside the Prairie County Museum in Terry offers a glimpse into the lives of early Montana pioneers. Through the lens of this intriguing camerawoman, she captured the true spirit of the prairie, earning her a place in Montana history. Evelyn Cameron’s photo collection—preserved on 2,000 negatives kept by the Montana Historical Society and reprinted for the museum - represent a rare, raw and stunningly insightful collection of images from throughout Prairie County in the early 1900s. The museum is open most days from Memorial Day to Labor Day. But in true Montana spirit, one of the main museum caretakers, Carol Larsen, promises to open the museum on off days for anyone who’s interested. All you need to do is call her home phone number posted on the museum door. (Carol Larsen, Prairie County Museum board member and treasurer; http://visitterrymt.com/website/EvelynCameronStory.htm)

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The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale is without a doubt the ultimate “what are you waiting for” Big Sky Bucket List item. Just start typing “Miles City b…” into a Google search and up pops the listing for the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale 2016. This spectacle is famous for showcasing some of the toughest, most promising rodeo stock for sale year, after year. Held on the third full weekend in May - May 19-22, 2016 - the sale also kicks off rodeo season in Montana. You’ll want to make a long weekend of it when you go the BHS, which begins Thursday night with a concert and hosts events—from the rodeo to wild horse races to cowboy church—through Sunday evening. buckinghorsesale.com.

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Clockwise from opposite page top: Ski Joring competition in Red Lodge. Evelyn Cameron in the field with her 8x10 camera. Bronc rider at the annual Bucking Horse Sale in Miles City. Sculptures scattered across the 26-acre grounds of the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts near Helena (AP photo/Matt Volz). The Missouri River from the air. Larry Mayer

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TRANSFOR M AT I ON By Julie Johnson Rollins

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At age 38, Jennifer Hudson found herself at a physical and emotional crossroads. Overweight most of her adult life, Hudson shouldered a steamer trunk of weight-related medical baggage: elevated blood sugar, elevated heart rate, obstructive sleep apnea, severe acid reflux disease and a host of orthopedic problems. “It was a running joke in my family,” says Hudson of her frequent falls, the smile on her lips not matched by her eyes. “I was so off balance – that weight – you are just catawampus.” Heart problems landed the 281-pound Hudson in the hospital. “I was so upset with myself. That was my final straw,” says Hudson. “I was at a point where I was so unhealthy, a long life would have been hard to have.” Hudson made a life-changing decision. She decided to walk through the doors of the Billings Clinic Metabolism Center. Although bariatric surgery spurred her progress, Hudson learned lifestyle changes that are fundamental to all weight loss success, as stressed in the latest Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, from the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and The Obesity Society. Like many with extra pounds Hudson started gaining after getting married. She added during two pregnancies, finding weight loss efforts stymied by stress and multitasking as parent-student-professional. Repeated efforts at various name-brand weight loss programs didn’t endure.

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Above: Jennifer Hudson and her husband, Jason, enjoy a walk along the Swords Rimrock Park trail. Jennifer says support from her husband, family and friends was instrumental in achieving her weight loss goals. Opposite page, left: On June 9, 2014, the morning of her bariatric surgery, Jennifer weighed 281 pounds. Right: One year later, Jennifer holds up an old pair of jeans. It’s the only article of large-size clothing she kept.

Nutrition and therapy professionals required she take stock of these experiences and more. “I never put myself first,” says Hudson. “Ever.” She was initially secretive in her plans, feeling shame—but not in her weight. “I had to overcome guilt that I was doing something for myself.”

How much you eat is everything Divulging plans to her husband and two children, both students at Rocky Mountain College, provided relief. All active and fit, she notes, they enthusiastically jumped on board. “I’ve always been conscious of keeping my kids active and feeding [them] appropriately,” says Hudson. “We didn’t have a terrible diet. I didn’t have to change much in my diet.” Changing portion size, stresses Hudson, proved essential.

Simple math Zone, Sugar-Busters, Paleo, Mediterranean, Atkins, yes-no to carbs, proteins, fats— the eating fad pendulum swings. America’s weight trajectory climbs. The latest in diet news may surprise. When it comes to weight, what you eat doesn’t matter. How much you eat is everything. Researchers recently issued a clarion call, in the Journal of the American Medical Association, for an “end to the diet debates,” citing mega studies, called meta-analyses, which collectively analyzed all diet studies to date. The upshot reveals no winner. The single most important predictor of keeping off weight is adherence. Simply put, weight-friendly eating habits are more likely to stick when you eat what you like. Weight professionals speak in terms of energy balance. Calories

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I 93

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94 I DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

eaten – energy in. Calories burned through walking, while losing weight, and 200 minutes activity – energy out. per week to avoid regaining weight. Hudson didn’t need the algebra and geHudson looks to her pedometer to mainometry skills she teaches students at Senior tain her 140-pound frame. High and Rocky Mountain College to do the “I park further from the door. I never take math. Weight loss equals fewer calories eaten an elevator,” says Hudson. The stairs to her than calories burned. Weight maintenance is a third floor classroom see her several times zero-sum energy game. daily. “I make sure and track my steps. If I’m For Hudson, protein matters, having looking low, then I go for a walk in the evening found her long, curly locks thinning substan- as well.” tially during weight loss from protein defiOut of sight, out of mind ciency. Behavior therapy constitutes the third step “I always have lean protein first,” she says. “Then I have vegetables and fruits and carbs. I in the guideline’s intervention triad, with selfeat one cup per meal.” She allows four to five monitoring as the cornerstone. Documenting daily diet and exercise imcups a day. proves adherence. Facing Measuring food volthe scale regularly keeps ume, like counting caloeveryone on track. ries, is one of many strateI definitely The National Weight gies to track the intake pan feel more Control Registry represents of the energy balance scale. confident a compendium of 10,000and more Exercise alone won’t get plus weight loss winners. A you there trip through their research empowered. On the calorie burning library reveals tidbits from I might take side, the guidelines reveal the successful, who have chances I exercise alone is not sufsustained an average 66 ficient to lose weight. Diet pounds of weight loss over wouldn’t have changes are essential. 5.5 years. Studies reveal before, Like Researchers postulate these folks weigh in at least talking to people overestimate caloonce a week. Less frequent you.” ries burned with exercise. monitoring saw backslidAccording to the National ing on diet and exercise. Institutes of Health, a Hudson does likewise, 30-minute, two-mile walk burns 150 calories. noting, “This lifestyle and this goal are always Reward your work with a 16-ounce Starbucks on my mind.” latte at 190 calories, and the energy scale tips Tools such as journals, charts, apps and towards weight gain. online trackers abound. Like diet, they’re best Furthermore as our bodies shrink with personalized, as are other recommended beage and baseline calorie requirements de- havioral strategies. These include nutritional crease, causing a discouraging but predictable education, goal setting, stress management, slowdown in weight loss just when people taste positive self-talk, social support and problemsuccess. solving. However, studies show exercise positively “So much of my family and friend [social] impacts weight-related health problems, and life is eating and coffee breaks,” says Hudson. the Internet abounds with exercise-calorie “That was a big concern. We preplanned and calculators to inform energy-balance decision thought things through.” making. Moreover, research shows exercise With counseling, Hudson strategized poproves integral to weight maintenance, the lite ways to say no to food offered socially, parHoly Grail of long-term success. The guide- ticularly from well-meaning relatives. Herbal lines recommend minimums of 150 minutes tea replaced lattes. When eating out, a to-go per week of aerobic activity, such as brisk box arrives with her food. She portions only

what she needs, putting the rest out of sight. Her husband may share her meal. Most food comes from home. Education illuminated the consequences of food choices. “It has to be a conscious choice all the time,” says Hudson. “I had to think those things through ahead of time.”

She’s grateful for her husband and children who have embraced a lifestyle change without complaint – well, almost. Importantly, they inspire her for the future. “I don’t want to let them down,” says Hudson. “They are so important to me. I want to be here and watch their lives.” Don’t go solo Research is hardly Weight loss needn’t be needed to appreciate the lonely. myriad of benefits from The guidelines conclude achieving and maintaining ° Surround yourself with the right support system— most programs can work. a healthy weight, although whether it’s family, friends Frequency and duration of improvements in vitalor physicians support are crucial. Touchity, physical function, and ° Understand that portion ing base often and staying inmental health have all been size matters volved longer raises the potendemonstrated. Getting tial for success. Most research off medication, pain-free ° Don’t overestimate the number of calories burned to date reports on face-to-face movement and no more during exercise information delivery and enfalls are just a few of Hudcouragement from educated son’s rewards. ° Enlist the help of online or mobile calorie trackers professionals and support “I definitely feel more groups, but newer studies sugconfident and more em° When dining out, consider gest online programs, videos powered. I might take boxing up half of your meal when the entrée arand mobile technology also chances I wouldn’t have rives to avoid over-eating have a place at the weight loss before,” she says, laughing. table. “Like talking to you.” ° Speak honestly and openly to your health care A rich network from all Socially, people reprovider about your overall formats supports Hudson on spond to the half-sized health concerns before her daily journey. The MetaHudson differently, engenundergoing any drastic exercise, nutrition or bolic Center holds a monthly dering mixed emotions. surgical plans support group. But her feelings are clear When stressed, she calls about an improved phy° When you can, take the stairs and track daily or texts friends who undersique. steps stand. “Fitting into really “It’s kind of like AA or cute clothes is a bonus,” ° Plan ahead when eating out and learn to politely Overeaters Anonymous,” she says, beaming. “To buy decline high-calorie food she said. something off the rack is and drink Social media sites also so cool – not in the plus ° Seek support and provide comfort and concrete sizes, not with polka-dots, outreach from groups like ideas. stripes and flowers.” the Metabolic Center “It’s helpful to see what She shares a photo dat° Keep your lifestyle others are doing, and they are ed two years into her odyschanges and goals in the all over the world.” sey. A diminutive Hudson forefront of your mind Through her journey, stands behind an extraHudson has leaned on one large pair of blue jeans, her unshifting constant: family smile as big as their waist and friends. band. “Honestly, my family and friends have been “Before, every time I tried to lose weight, pivotal,” says Hudson. “They probably don’t even I kept my big clothes,” says Hudson. “This know what they are doing, but they do it. Those time, I got rid of them all.” little encouragements are priceless to me.” And that has made all the difference.

Hudson’s weight loss advice

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Billings is ripe with people who make our world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both locally and globally â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a better place. In the following pages, we introduce you to a few who exemplify this spirit, raising the bar and encouraging those around them to do the same. Their stories are inspiring and give us one more reason to be proud to call Billings home.

by allyn hulteng, brittany cremer & brenda maas

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John Brewer The Place Maker All great leaders have a vision and the enthusiasm to carry it out. John Brewer, President and CEO of the Billings Chamber of Commerce, is no exception. He works tirelessly with a talented team of professionals to make the Magic City a better place to live, work and play. But that’s not all. A 10-year veteran at his post, Brewer is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all Montanans and visitors to our great state. “Visitors and residents of Billings value place-making,” Brewer said. “They understand that a vibrant community is comprised of so much more than aesthetics. People value quality of life, and that’s what Billings offers.” It is perhaps this passion for excellence and drive that distinguished Brewer and his team to be recognized nationally as the 2015 Chamber of the Year, an honor John says he “shares with the entire community.” Awarded by the Association for Chamber of Commerce Executives, this “best in the

nation” designation celebrates those who’ve demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities such as education, transportation, business development and quality of life. Brewer and the Chamber received recognition for their hard work on the Billings Trails Initiative and their Defining Tomorrow: Chamber of the Future Initiative—two behemoth projects that required effective community collaboration and well-timed execution. The win, however, is not just a shiny plaque to hang on the wall. It is far more affirming than that. The award means Billings is headed in the right direction. “Part of the formula is economic success,” Brewer said. “We are currently celebrating a robust economy and just 3 percent unemployment.” For some cities, this would be enough. But Billings is also enjoying marked growth and sustainability in its medical, financial and agricultural sectors. “Any one of these elements

Dr. megan littlefield Good Medicine

would sustain a community, and we’re fortunate to have all of them,” Brewer said. Like most great leaders, Brewer is quick to shift the spotlight from himself to his talented team, among them Alex Tyson, executive director of Visit Billings, Jennifer Reiser, chief operating officer, Bruce MacIntyre, director of advocacy and government affairs, Kelly McCandless, leisure marketing and communications manager

and others. “Our staff is excellent,” Brewer said. “They are strong leaders who work tirelessly to make Billings a better place.” Brewer also notes the intense dedication of the Chamber Board, comprised of business leaders and community members with diverse backgrounds. Volunteers play a significant role as well—with 1200 total Chamber members (and growing) this group of

Dr. Megan Littlefield did not intend to become a physician. “I was planning to be a biology teacher; I come from a long line of educators” said Littlefield. “I wanted to work with children and I like science; it seemed a natural fit.” However, it was her high school biology teacher who inspired her to think bigger. “He was so passionate about what he did—and not just about teaching science,” she recalled. “He helped develop who we students would become. He challenged us to push our limits. He asked us questions without passing judgment.” Littlefield’s parents were divorced, and her mom worked full-time while going to school. Resources were slim. She recalls being on the receiving

committed individuals assists at various Chamber functions. “Collaboration, forming meaningful partnerships, that is how we effectively coordinate public efforts to achieve things like ‘selling’ Billings to American Airlines or the school bond ‘Yes for Kids’ campaign,” Brewer said. Distilling this vision—of what Billings could be—is what effectuates change, moving the dial from good to great.

— Brittany Cremer Photo by Larry Mayer

end of programs like reduced lunches, financial assistance to attend camp, educational scholarships and grants. “There were so many people who helped keep me and my sister on the right path— teachers, neighbors, church youth leaders,” she said. “I truly believe it takes a village.” It was during college, while Megan was serving as a “Big Sister” in a Latino community center, that she experienced a career directive. “I saw how that center integrated dentistry, medicine and mental health. I realized the true value of people making healthy choices,” she said. “That realization made such a big impact on me that I changed my major to medicine.” She didn’t look back.

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Today Littlefield, who is Board Certified in both family practice and pediatrics, serves as the Medical Director at RiverStone Health Clinic. In that realm she sees clinical patients, teaches and oversees medical residents and administers the patient-centered program for the under- and noninsured of Yellowstone County. But Dr. Littlefield’s work does not end there. She is a true visionary. Over her tenure she has testified before the Montana Legislature about Medicaid Expansion, and is at the forefront of physicians working to curb prescription drug abuse (see knowyourdosemt.org). She, along with along with others from Billings Clinic Mental Health and Billings School District, were instrumental in creating the first school-based medical clinic in the region at Orchard School. “So much of what we do is collaborating patient care within the patient-care team—the medical assistant, doctor, nurse, patient. We come to shared agreements and move from there,” she said. Littlefield applies that open

mind to RiverStone Health’s members, too. She advocated for creating a children’s waiting room at the RiverStone Health Clinic, implementing art space and walking paths around the campus. Littlefield believes that art and opportunity foster the environment for change. A little closer to home, Littlefield and her husband Ben mentor youth at King of Glory Church, delighting in watching the children evolve into teens and young adults, each becoming their own person. Littlefield emphasizes that she feels truly blessed. “So many things may be out of a doctor’s control, but by working as a medical director I can look at the system, the model of care to make a bigger impact for both individual patients and the community as a whole,” she said. “My colleagues and I are here because of a shared mission: to provide the highest quality of care to patients, regardless of their ability to pay. I know that you can come from a challenging situation but you can still make changes, you can effect a broad change.”

— Brenda maas

Photo by casey page

Chris cook Moving kids, moving minds *** It’s hard to miss Chris Cook. With salt-and-pepper hair, wearing his trademark athletic shorts and hot pink running shoes, he towers over the pack of elementary kids that surround him. Using an animated voice, Cook gets the kids excited about the morning run. “Your muscles want to move, your lungs want fresh air,” he says with a boom of encouragement as he leads the pre-run warm up. “See if you can run even faster today!” Cook’s enthusiasm is contagious. Whoops and hollers fill the air as the youngsters take off. Smiling, Cook knows this is more than a one-mile run. Much more.

Twenty years ago, Cook weighed in at just under 300 pounds. He was sluggish and grossly out of shape. “I would lie in bed with a book and bag of potato chips,” he shared. His wife, Cheryl, was studying for her medical boards. Each night she propped her study materials on the dash of the treadmill and walked while she read. Cheryl’s quiet example ignited Cook who made a commitment to change. Running and cycling became an integral part of Cook’s daily regimen. The commitment to fitness radically transformed his life, and he vowed to inspire others to do the same. Six years ago while serving as a volunteer for the Heart & Sole Run, Cook and Dave Irion, the

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former President/CEO of the St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation, started talking about how they could engage kids and families to participate in the run. “We really focused on Title I elementary schools,” Cook said. Around the same time, St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation received a grant from Kohl’s to fund their Kohl’s Cares: Kids on the Move program benefiting local health and education for kids. The groundwork for an innovative new fitness program was laid. Cook volunteered to serve as Program Coordinator. He reached out to the principals of Orchard, Newman, Washington and Broadwater schools. Would the administrators support an extracurricular exercise program? The answer was a resounding

“yes.” But it would take a host of committed individuals to make the program a reality. Each of the four schools has a unique dynamic, so the program had to be flexible. It would also require enthusiasm and hard work by school principals, teachers, health enhancement instructors, meal service staff, custodians and parents. “All the credit goes to the staff and parents. Without their participation, this couldn’t happen,” Cook said. The first year, Cook and the rest of the team focused on having small running clubs at each school. Five years later, the program expanded to be year-round. Activities include fall and spring running clubs, the annual YES Cross Country meet, winter hip-hop programs and participation by kids and their families in the Heart & Sole run. Each spring, the kids also

receive a free pair of running shoes to encourage them to continue to run during the summer. For many, it’s the first pair of new shoes they’ve ever had Cook points out. Over the year, the program has delivered benefits well beyond learning to like exercise. “These kids want to belong to a group. They get to do that, and they learn to respect rules and understand expectations,” Cook said. For some, the exercise helps them focus better in the classroom, enhancing the learning experience. “If we can help these kids develop the mindset that exercise is fun, connect them to others and challenge them to keep improving, we can make a difference in their lives. I know – I’ve watched the seeds of change take root.”

— Allyn Hulteng

Photos by larry mayer

Kiptin Boeckel ‘No one fights alone’ Nine months ago, Kiptin Boeckel’s life changed forever. It was the Friday before Mother’s Day, a day that started like many others—cheerful, blonde-haired Kiptin donning his Miami Dolphins jersey and cowboy boots readying for pre-school. Later that day, 3-year-old Kiptin and his older brother, Tayvin, wanted to surprise their mom with a pre-Mother’s Day gift, so their dad Kelly brought them to the mall where she worked. After delivering the heartfelt gift, the boys lingered at the mall—transfixed by a collection of large-scale playhouses on display for a local fundraiser. “Kiptin immediately fell in love with the firehouse,” said Shanteal, Kiptin’s mom. It would be an almost cruel coincidence. Under protest, Kiptin went home with his dad; Tayvin opted to stay at a friend’s house for the night. When Shanteal got off work that evening, she called Kelly and asked if the family

needed anything—he said no, that they were headed to pick up the basement because it was a mess. They said “I love you,” hung up, and Shanteal proceeded to their Heights home. When she was stopped at the light near MetraPark, two fire engines blasted past her. “I had an almost eerie feeling—like I just knew what had happened,” she said. Just then, her phone rang. It was Kelly. “Our house is on fire!” he screamed. Stunned, Shanteal asked Kelly where Kiptin was; he didn’t answer. Beating the ambulance to her home, Shanteal arrived to see both her husband and son severely burned from the blaze. “You go into shock—survival mode— and part of you is thankful for that,” she said. Kelly received second-degree burns and was released from the ICU 24-hours after the fire, but Kiptin suffered severe burns to his face, back of his calves,

arms and lower back. Doctors assessed that approximately 16 percent of his body was burned. Kiptin was initially taken to St. Vincent Healthcare, then life-flighted to the University of Utah Health Care Burn Center in Salt Lake City. The young boy was in critical condition, and doctors told Shanteal he might not make it through the flight. “I watched him, and I watched the clock—thankful for every minute that passed,” she said. Once in Salt Lake, Kiptin remained in critical condition, his vitals eventually stabilizing. But as it often is with burn patients, things get worse before they get better. Kiptin’s signature head of golden blond hair, gone. His porcelain white face, cherry lips and rosy cheeks now covered in burns. “It’s going to be OK, mom,” Kiptin said. The parent-child role momentarily reversed, there was something so convincing, so

resounding in Kiptin’s words. “He’s a fighter, and he’s my hero,” Shanteal said. But what Shanteal and her family came to realize and embrace was that he didn’t have to fight alone. Highly-trained staff, most of whom the Boeckels feel are extended family, offered expert medical care. The couple’s own families and friends reached out to offer assistance. Even complete strangers wanted to know how they could help this sweet, innocent boy. In days, the Billings community responded by starting a GoFundMe page to help offset some of the family’s medical expenses. Cards, flowers and posters all flooded Kiptin’s hospital room. “I will never have the words to express our gratitude for the outpouring of love and support,” Shanteal said. The doctors told the Boeckels to expect at least a six-week hospital stay if everything went “perfectly.” Meeting and exceeding all of their expectations, Kiptin—now dubbed “The Ninja”— was medically cleared to travel home to Billings on June 2, just

under the four-week mark. He’d successfully undergone skin grafts to his calves and back; Kelly’s injuries were now healing, too. “Overcoming all the challenges, all the hurts, Kiptin never complained, not once,” Shanteal said. “He was the light when I questioned if there was one.” The day Kiptin was released from the Burn Center was the family’s high point. “Completely out of the blue, Kiptin said ‘Holy cow, mom—my eyebrows are growing back!’ I laughed through tears,” she said. Now home, the family continues tele-med appointments with Kiptin’s physicians in Utah. He is expected to make a full recovery, but is still required to wear compression garments around his burns to contain the scaring. “The hardest part might be the wounds you don’t see—the fact that Kiptin remembers everything about the fire,” Shanteal said. But through that grief and hardship, the family has clung to the words that held them together during those terrifying days—No one fights alone. And everyone heals together.

— Brittany Cremer

Photo by michele feeley

Left: Chris Cook volunteers as the Program Coordinator for the Kohl's Cares: Kids on the Move program. Above: Travis Niemeyer, principal at Newman Elementary, joins the kids learning Hip-Hop. Below: Kids at Newman Elementary practice their Hip-Hop moves.

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Joel Simpson Collaborative Counselor Joel Simpson is a guiding light. As a Licensed Addictions Counselor and Resource Outreach Coordinator, Simpson connects the dots between the disenfranchised, the forgotten, the in-need and the resources they need to survive. “I see my work as guiding people to the right place,” Simpson said. “For some, it means a place to detox, for others, it’s shelter and clothing.” As part of a Community Innovations Initiative, Simpson works with area law enforcement, social service providers, the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council and others to address the issues of chronic, public intoxication and transiency in Billings. This program, called MAAP— Motivated Addiction Alternative Program—is intended to move people from addiction and harmful behavior through a continuum of assistance and treatment that allows for recovery. MAAP serves a small subset of our community—74 to be exact—who’ve been identified as having frequent interaction with law enforcement and medical services due to addiction issues. Where does the outreach happen? Right on the streets.

When one of these individuals is cited with a ticket, possibly an open container violation, they are asked if they’d prefer the ticket or treatment. “Some still choose the ticket, but most I’ve encountered truly want help,” Simpson said. Treatment consists of a fourmonth program, four days a week, two hours a day. Here, Simpson works directly with patients to learn their story and identify external motivators for success. Philanthropy. Community. Stewardship. These are concepts woven into Simpson’s moral fiber. “Crow culture emphasizes community and putting others’ needs first,” Simpson said. “I’m so proud of who I am.” Simpson thinks his background, experience, education and heritage all play a role in allowing him to connect with his patients. “Sobriety is a process, not an event,” Simpson said. “It does

take time. Trust has to be gained, and the mind itself isn’t capable of completely recovering until it’s been fully detoxed.” But Simpson and his MAAP team have already seen the positive results of their efforts. “Citations are down, disturbance calls are down, and we graduated our first person from the treatment program in October,” Simpson said. Quick to point the spotlight in the other direction, Simpson says the program’s success hinges on the collaboration and commitment of a large group of community leaders, law enforcement and

Aspyn Schnetter Cheerleader for Life

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social service providers working together to make our city better. “It takes a broad group of passionate people to turn around the culture of addiction,” he said. Simpson’s family has also played a huge role in shaping his character and paving his career path. “I’m from a family of helpers,” he said. Simpson’s mom was a social worker and his dad, an ordained minister. He grew up understanding at an early age that fulfilment and gratitude are born in serving others.

“My parents are a huge inspiration to me, always giving,” Simpson said. One moment in particular had a resounding effect on Simpson’s global view—watching his dad volunteer to preach at the Montana Rescue Mission. “As a youngster, you don’t quite understand the intricacies of homelessness or addiction,” he said. “But I watched my dad interact with them; he sat down and shared a meal. In our culture, that’s a sign of respect. I’m proud to follow in his path.”

— Brittany Cremer

Denise Armstrong Friend, Advocate & Protector For most families, the holidays are a special time. We gather to share meals, exchange gifts, celebrate traditions and pause in the moment to express gratitude and love for one another. It’s hard to imagine anyone spending Christmas all alone. Hard – but it happens, and it happens far more often in our city than one might think. “Most people would be shocked to discover how many senior citizens are living alone in Billings with no one around to help them,” said Denise Armstrong, executive director of Big Sky Senior Services (BSSS), a non-profit home care agency. Montana, she noted, ranks sixth in the nation per capita for seniors, soon expected to be fifth. Within this demographic, 80 percent are low income, living on an average of $1,000 per month from social security. “This is a generation of people who are highly independent; Asking for assistance from social agencies is not part of their environment,” Armstrong said. Despite the desire for independence, by age 75 many seniors simply aren’t able to fully care for themselves. As their mental and physical state declines, they are less likely to eat properly, more likely to

fall. Housekeeping and errand running become increasingly difficult. Worst of all, they become targets for criminals. Armstrong understands firsthand how easily seniors can be duped into losing their entire savings. She spent more than 30 years in the banking industry. In the mid-1990s, she joined the board of the Billings Chapter for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, the precursor to BSSS. At the time, banks were becoming aware of a huge increase in financial exploitation. “Tellers would observe a situation such as an estranged family member taking a senior relative to the bank to withdraw large sums of money,” she said. “Everyone knew what was happening, but there was no process to intervene.” Armstrong led a taskforce to develop a method for training bank employees on how to identify and report financial exploitation. She also went before the Montana legislature asking for a change in the law so that anyone reporting the exploitation would have immunity. Today, that training is still widely used across Montana. Six years ago, Armstrong left the financial world and joined BSSS in order to advocate

full-time on behalf of seniors. Unfortunately, predators have become even more aggressive. “They prey on people’s loneliness, and can be very convincing,” Armstrong said. “Seniors are an audience that generally trusts people, and they respond to the scammer’s lies.” One common ruse is the “grandparent scam,” where the caller pretends to be a grandchild needing money to fix a car or replace tires. The caller begs “grandma” to send money

Her smile lights up the room. And that’s before she enthusiastically greets everyone she knows to give a passel of hugs. Aspyn Schnetter, a junior at Billings Senior High, brings joy and cheer—literally and figuratively—wherever she goes. Her teen resume of extracurricular accomplishments include being known as “Little Miss Sunshine” at Lewis & Clark Middle School and then “making the cut” for Senior’s JV cheer squad as a freshman. Aspyn, who has Down syndrome, practiced all summer to learn the cheers. “She’s always noticed cheerleaders wherever we went,” said her mom, Kristy Schnetter. “She just loves to perform.”

Three years later Aspyn is known by athletes, fans, faculty and students alike—her exuberance is contagious. “That girl is a born cheerleader,” said Shaundel Krumheuer, Senior’s varsity cheer coach. “The reason everyone at Senior knows Aspyn is because she greets everyone with a smile every time she see them. It is impossible to not feel the influence of her positivity.” Her favorite parts, outside of the cheers themselves, are the photographs. Aspyn frequently hams it up for the camera. When asked about her favorite cheer, Aspyn beams and gives a full-body wiggle-wag to demonstrate the M-O-V-E-MoveIt! cheer. Her JV coach, Taylor Cleveland

and not to tell mom and dad to avoid getting in trouble. Armstrong and her associates work directly with seniors to thwart would-be criminals. They also provide an array of personal services, including housekeeping, grocery shopping, and transportation to medical appointments. If someone needs assistance managing their money, BSSS can act as the “representative payee,” paying rent, health care costs and buying groceries for a client before giving

(who is also a former Senior cheerleader), calls Aspyn her “backup coach.” Cleveland recalls telling the squad to practice a routine again or do more push-ups. Most respond with groans and whines. Aspyn simply says “Come on, girls. Let’s do this.” “She really draws the girls together, and visa-versa,” said Cleveland. “She’s brings the positive with her, just like any other kid going to high school.” Outside of school, Aspyn spent more than four years practicing dance, plus she participates in gymnastics and track with Montana Special Olympics—flashing her trademark grin wherever she goes. “Aspyn shows that with hard

them the balance. “We help keep seniors safe and in their homes longer. It’s very gratifying,” Armstrong said. Last Christmas, BSSS volunteers delivered gifts to all 225 clients, necessities such as socks, toiletries, new slippers cheerfully wrapped up. For many, it was the only gift they received. “To make a difference in these people’s lives is the most rewarding experience.”

— Allyn Hulteng

Photo by Larry Mayer

work and dedication, anything is possible, and she’s not just a representative for students with special needs—she’s a role model for all.” said Krumheuer. “She looks at everything with a positive, can-do attitude, not just cheerleading—she engages life that way. It’s a trait that everyone can emulate.” Each day Aspyn greets Krumheuer with a big “Hi, coach!” and a hug. “She reminds me to slow down and appreciate life,” Krumheuer said, “and that it really is the people in your life that make the difference.” And, that is something everyone can cheer about.

— Brenda maas

Photo byBob zellar

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Tim Crowley Cowboys helping kids kick cancer

In 1992, Timmye Crowley, the youngest of Tim Crowley’s three daughters, was diagnosed with ovarian germ-cell cancer. She was 14 years old. “I went from being an ordinary guy to a dad of a kid with cancer,” he said. At that time, most childhood cancer patients were referred to a children’s hospital in Denver, which is where Timmye had surgery and out-patient chemotherapy. After four treatments she was cancer-free. We moved on, Tim noted of that time in early 1993. But his paternal instincts were on highalert; he kept hearing stories of local families that had longer, tougher battles. At the same time, his annual “date” with his daughters, the NILE Rodeo, was approaching.

Tim had an idea. Reaching out he invited a handful of families who had a child in cancer treatment out to dinner and the rodeo as a temporary escape. “I thought maybe we would take a few kids out for pizza and then the rodeo,” he said. “When the kids went to Denver for treatment, the siblings often stayed home, so I wanted the entire family to have a fun night together.” Tim hand-wrote a letter to friends, colleagues and business owners to raise about $2,000. In 1993 he gathered 14 childhood cancer patients and their families in the basement of the First Interstate Bank building for dinner and afterward too them to the rodeo at MetraPark.

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Kids ‘n’ Cowboys was born. Although Tim didn’t really anticipate another event, it just evolved. Originally known as “NILE Big Sky Kids” and funded in a grassroots manner with car washes, bake sales and personal donations, Tim organized the event again in 1994 and the number of families doubled. In 1995 he did it again. “That’s the sad part,” he noted. “There’s never been a lack of kids.” Funds are all donated—either by individuals, business owners or by community organizations. Over the years, other groups have stepped up to help Kids ‘n’ Cowboys, among them the Laurel Saddle Club, Billings Fire Department, Shriner clowns and rodeo queens. Recently

the event transitioned under the umbrella of Billings Clinic Foundation.Yet the mission remains the same—create an opportunities for kids with cancer, their siblings and their parents to put cancer aside for just one day. “We don’t talk about cancer or treatments or anything like that,” said Tim. “This is about having fun and being a kid.” A side benefit, he noted, is that the event helps create a subtle network of support and kinship—a result that Tim did not anticipate. It is not unusual for a family to come several years in a row; likewise, those who are in remission or the families who have lost their battle are not excluded. “It has become an extended family,” he noted, and the

evening is still a dad-daughter date for the Crowleys. About 10 years ago Tim was going through personal issues on his own and considered giving up Kids ‘n’ Cowboys—he felt he no longer had the energy for it. But he took one step at time, connected with one family after another and eventually found that he could not let the kids down. In a way, Tim needed Kids ‘n’ Cowboys as much as the cancer families did. “This is the easy part,” he said or coordinating the annual event. “The kids that have cancer—they have it rough. It took my daughter getting cancer 22 years ago for me to get off my backside and do something. I don’t want to be recognized for it. I just want to do the right thing.”

— Brenda Maas

Photo by bob zellar

Create a Powerful Mind Expert: Chris Dimock, Company Leader, Elation

BY ALLYN HULTENG Life isn’t always neat and tidy. Sometimes we find ourselves in less-than-ideal circumstances that demand change. A dead-end job, piles of debt, poor selfesteem, or the fear of becoming a victim can be paralyzing, stunting our ability to grow to our potential. If you’re serious about making a change, our panel of local experts offers the takecharge solutions you need to make 2016 the year of “Yes, I can.”

or anyone wanting to make a significant change in their life, Chris Dimock shares a profound piece of wisdom. “How you think is more important than what you know.” Rooted in neuroscience, executive coaches at Elation work with businesses and individuals to help them change the way they think – literally. The technique involves creating new thought pathways in the brain that align with and support complex decision-making. It’s a revolutionary approach that can have far-reaching and transformational impacts on the entire organization. The process goes much deeper than simply adopting a new attitude. Clients work to deconstruct personal filters, which skew how they view their world. Through the process, they untangle layers of unconscious assumptions based on years of feedback, excising those that obstruct growth and replacing them with mindful intentions. Memories are one such filter. Unlike a video that replays the same thing over and over, human memories are re-created every time we think about them. “People can effectively re-frame memories, disengaging negative thoughts attached to a memory and replacing with affirmative thoughts,” Dimock said. The same is true for “self-talk.” “The language most people use tends to give away their power or gives someone power over them. They say things such as, ‘I hope I can…, My husband told me to do that…, I’m trying to get a promotion…,’” Dimock said. “How much more powerful is it to say, ‘I can…, I am doing that… I will get the promotion.” With practice, restructuring your language has the biological effect of restructuring your thinking, which brings the power back to the individual. Similarly, mindfulness plays a critical role in decision-making. “Humans are capable of both fast and slow thinking,” Dimock explained. “Walking is an example of fast thinking. You don’t need to think about taking each step, which is good because it frees your brain to perform other tasks.” Difficulties can arise when people don’t calm

the mind and use “slow thinking” to make important decisions. “It’s not the speed of the decision, but the quality of the decision which is important. Clearing the fog and engaging in quiet reflective time is the best path to having an insight,” he said. How we interact with others is another important component. Humans are hardwired to be social, yet we display different attributes with different people. “Different dimensions come into play, which determine the health of individual relationships,” Dimock said. “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” When contemplating your relationships, Dimock suggests asking yourself, ‘What am I contributing and what am I getting back?’ “Sometimes it’s best to purge an unhealthy relationship that’s holding you back,” he said.

Tactical Toolbox: • Acknowledge the desire to change,

and make a commitment to do the work.

• Practice mindfulness daily to clear the brain and develop slow-thinking skills.

• Ask yourself what you want to accomplish, and set that intention.

• Examine the activities you are involved in.

What do you contribute and what do you get back?

• Examine your relationships. What do you contribute and what do you get back?

• Identify the changes you need to make in

order to create an environment that is supportive of your goals, and make them.

Land your Dream Job

Expert: Tracy Mouser, Employment Services Coordinator,

Advising and Career Services Office of Montana State University Billings

hink you need a new job? Tracy Mouser, Employment Services Coordinator with the Office of Advising and Career Services at Montana State University – Billings, has some sage advice. “Start by taking time for honest self-reflection about your current position,” Mouser said. As a part of that process, Mouser suggests writing a “pros and cons” list. “Often people find they truly like many aspects of their current position,” Mouser said. “This exercise can help reframe their situation, identifying what they need in order to make their job more satisfying.” The next step is to talk with your supervisor. Discuss how the job is going from his or her perspective, and then ask if there are ways to make your current position more rewarding and productive.

Tactical Toolbox: • Reflect honestly on your current situation.

• Communicate with your supervisor. • Assess your skills; finish your degree. • Make a list of companies you aspire to work for.

•

Prepare your documents; prepare yourself for the interview.

• Before you accept a new position, pause for reflection.

• Proactively manage transitional stress.

“Could there be an increase or decrease in responsibility? A move to a new branch? Professional development opportunities?” Mouser said. If a lack of education is holding you back, Mouser strongly encourages people to explore their options. “There are many pathways to get the education you need,” she said. “For example, at MSU-B we offer professional certification programs plus associate, undergraduate and graduate programs. For those with a smattering of credits, there is a degree completion program which is a personalized fast-track to a degree.” And make no mistake – degrees at all levels are still highly valued by employers. “A degree shows employers that you started and finished something. That takes commitment,” Mouser said. If you have made the decision to look for a new job, you’re in a good place to do so. “Low unemployment across all job sectors in Yellowstone County means this is an excellent time for job seekers,” Mouser said. She suggests starting the search by making a list of companies you aspire to work for – and why. Be clear about what it is that attracts you. Next, get your documents ready. Those should include an excellent resume, well-written cover letter and application form. These are not “one size fits all.” Be prepared to spend several hours on each, and have at least one other person proofread and edit them. “You have 60 seconds to make the cut. Don’t let a typo cause you to lose out,” said Mouser. Once the documents are complete, get yourself ready for the interview. Practice in front of people whom you trust to critique your responses and offer pointers. You followed the plan and received an offer. Mission accomplished, right? Not so fast, said Mouser. “Before you accept, go back to step one – reflection. Does the job fit with your values? Does the culture fit with who you are as a person?” she said. “Think of this as a final gut check.” Even when you are certain and accept a position, Mouser says to be prepared for some bumps. Changing jobs – even when it’s a welcome change – is highly stressful. Be proactive in managing your stress and taking care of yourself through the transition.

Manage Your Money

Expert: Mark Cain, LUTCF, Retirement and

he first thing I tell people is that you are blessed so that you can be a blessing to others,” said Mark Cain, retirement and estate organizer with Cornerstone Financial. Establishing a mindset focused on gratitude and generosity creates a positive framework within which to begin managing your personal assets. With that perspective, Cain says it’s time to gather, analyze and be creative. The first step is fact finding. Start by pulling together all of your financial records. This includes income, expenditures, all debt plus health insurance, life insurance, disability and long term care insurance, car insurance, investments, 401K, college savings, your will – anything and everything related to your estate. Next, write down what is important to you in order of priority. Does the sum total of your estate align with your priorities? “For most clients, this exercise is an eye-opener,” Cain said. Cain encourages people to create a 360 plan, or a holistic strategy tied to clearly identified financial and estate goals. This means coordinating tax planning, estate planning and financial planning – an effort that Cain says is more than worthwhile. “Too many retirees depend entirely on social security,” Cain noted. A recent story in the New York Times reported that more than half of Americans have less than one month of income available in savings. “Ask yourself, am I at risk for outliving my retirement money?” Cain said. “Proactive planning can help avoid that scenario.” The first goal is to eliminate unnecessary debt. Credit cards, student loans, personal loans, car loans should be retired as soon as possible. “This may mean you and your spouse both need to get a second or even third job for a period of time. But the payoff is worth it,” he said. Once debt is eliminated, tackle savings.

Ditch a Toxic Relationship Estate Organizer, Cornerstone Financial

Cain divides savings into three different categories. Short term savings is for items you will likely need this year, such as tires or a major appliance. Next, people should save between two and five years’ worth of income which can be used in case of an emergency, such as a layoff or a major medical issue. The third tier is retirement money, which should not be touched until at least age 60. Changing spending habits can be hard at first, but developing creative ways to socialize, give gifts and even pamper yourself can be fun and rewarding. And not having the pressures that come with extensive debt is incredibly freeing. When it comes to financial goals, Cain asks clients four questions: How big do you want to dream? How hard are you willing to work? How much do you use your imagination? How much of the past are you willing to forget? “We all have baggage. Sometimes that baggage holds people back from achieving their goals,” Cain said. “Forgive others, forgive yourself and move forward.”

Tactical Toolbox: • Gather and analyze all of your financial and estate information.

• Identify priorities, list in order of importance.

• Align your priorities with your financial goals.

• Complete your estate documents . (Will, Trust, Deeds, etc.)

• Eliminate unnecessary debt • Build savings – short term, long term, retirement.

Expert: Joe Cassidy, LCPC, MS, EAP Counselor at Billings Clinic

hen a client comes to Joe Cassidy, LCPC, for relationship counseling and she arrives alone, he already has a pretty good idea that the relationship is toxic. “Couples who want to work toward reunification typically come together,” Cassidy said. “The majority of times when someone comes alone, it means they do not have a complying partner who’s willing to accept responsibility.” Lack of fulfillment within a relationship manifests along a continuum of emotions, from general unhappiness to outright fear. Women, particularly, struggle with the decision to end a relationship. According to Cassidy, this reticence is often rooted in one of five fears: Intimidation or direct physical harm, child custody issues, financial peril, religious beliefs or psychological turmoil, such as feeling she can’t leave “because I love him.” If a person is living in a violent or potentially violent relationship, taking steps to end the relationship increases the likelihood of lethality, especially with women. “The number one issue women must address is safety for themselves and others,” Cassidy said. Because battering always increases when a partner is in the last stages of leaving, Cassidy says women should have a plan and a safe place to go to. This could be an apartment or the Gateway House. She should also create a broad support network, which may include a counselor, minister, family members, co-workers and even the county attorney if protective measures are needed. Abuse, Cassidy noted, is not necessarily physical. In fact, he points to an alarming statistic in the book Coercive Control: How Men Entrap Women in Personal Life, by Rutgers professor Evan Stark, which asserts that 90 percent of women living in spousal abuse homes are never physically hit – they live in emotionally abusive relationships. “Emotional battery is insidious,” Cassidy said. These relationships are typified by one spouse exerting extreme control over the other. Most often, the man is the controller. He tells the woman what she can and cannot do, who she can see, how to dress, what to eat. He checks her cell phone, her emails and texts. He demands to know where she’s been and who she was with. He controls the money and attempts to isolate her from friends and family. The continuous degradation robs the woman

of basic adult freedoms and over time erodes her self-esteem. “Women begin to believe that this is all they deserve,” said Cassidy. When the woman finally breaks free, the husband turns on the charm, begging her to return and promising that things will be different. “These guys are extremely good in ‘grooming,’ or wooing her back,” Cassidy said. “When she capitulates, he believes he ‘won again,’ and starts the controlling tactics all over again. Cassidy noted that it typically takes seven to nine attempts to leave a relationship before a woman is successful. Unfortunately, he notes, even when she does finally leave, she is at a high risk for entering a new relationship where the behavior patterns are the same. To combat the cycle, Cassidy strongly suggests post-relationship counseling to address dependency and self-esteem issues. He also cautions women to avoid “rebound” relationships. “Learn to be comfortable, even confident all by yourself. Address self-esteem issues so that if you are in a relationship and see red flags, you think enough of yourself to end it,” he said.

Tactical Toolbox: • Address your personal safety first. • Create a network of supporters. • Build your exit strategy –

housing, finances, support, timing.

• Work on self-esteem and dependency issues.

• Watch for red flags and don’t be afraid to end a relationship.

Reduce Your Odds of being a Victim

Expert: Officer Tom Keightley, Crime Prevention Specialist, Billings Police Department

“Human predators are like animal predators, They look for vulnerability. Women, young people, old people, someone who is alone and in a place that is not well lighted are all easy targets.”

s the city has grown, so has area crime. According to Officer Tom Keightley, crime prevention specialist with the Billings Police Department, law enforcement has observed a significant uptick in the amount of drugs on the streets, and a 30 percent increase in violent crime. “This isn’t the same sleepy town you grew up in,” said Officer Keightley. “When it comes to personal safety, people need to take precautions.” One of the most effective ways to reduce the chances of being victimized is to be aware of your surroundings. “Over and over, we hear crime victims say that assailant ‘came out of nowhere,’” Officer Keightley said. “In fact, the perpetrator was right there.” Simple distractions, such as looking down at your cell phone, fumbling for keys in your purse, or wearing ear buds and listening to music, are signs that you aren’t fully paying attention to what’s going on around you. For seasoned criminals, your inattention presents an opportunity. “Look for cues that suggest danger,” Keightley said. Think in terms of scenarios. If you observe somebody watching you – stop. Mentally note their description. Turn and cross the street or walk toward other people. If you’re in a parking lot, put a vehicle in between the two of you. Do something to distance yourself from the individual. “If the person follows or pursues you, take aggressive steps,” he said. That includes becoming confrontational. Americans tend to be non-confrontational, but Keightley

says there’s nothing wrong with shouting at someone to get away. “Many times being identified and yelled at makes the would-be assailant turn and leave,” he said. If you need to call for help, the city has an enhanced 9-1-1 system which identifies your exact location, even if you can’t talk. The system can also detect if you’re moving, including which direction and how fast. “Human predators are like animal predators,” Keightley noted. “They look for vulnerability. Women, young people, old people, someone who is alone and in a place that is not well lighted are all easy targets.” Common sense safety habits can pay huge dividends. For example, if you’re going out for a run, go with a buddy or a dog. Stay in a high-visibility area, and let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return. One of the most effective things in crime prevention is lighting. Carry a flashlight, park in lighted areas and have outdoor lights on around your home. In terms of self-defense, Keightley favors pepper spray. The cost is minimal, typically $25 or less, and can be purchased at a local sporting goods store. “It’s highly effective. But remember it takes about 60 seconds to work, so if you use it the fight isn’t immediately over,” he said. Keightley also recommends the citizen version C2 Taser. “It’s legally available online and registered to the owner,” he said. “If you ever need to use it – even if you drop it and run away – Taser will replace it free-of-charge if you submit a police report.” Keightley has a special message when it comes to kids. “Parents should always know where their child is.” Teens, especially, baulk at being held accountable. “Tell them ‘too bad,’ – enforce the rule. We see too many bad situations that could have been prevented.”

Tactical Toolbox: • Pay attention to surroundings. • Have a plan. Rehearsing what you will do if

someone approaches aggressively will help if you find yourself in a stressful situation and need to make a decision.

• Park in lighted areas. Carry a flashlight and have outdoor lights on around your home.

• Consider carrying pepper spray or a C2 Taser.

• Know where your kids are at all times. • Do not hesitate to call 9-1-1.

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Embracing Divine Mystery By Dana Pulis

I love brain research. I frequently visit a fabulous website, brainfacts.org, and read topics such as “What happens to our brain when we get scared?” and “Parenting and the brain” (an article written about how our brains rapidly change after having children … didn’t need an expert to tell me that). Recently I read an article that explained something I’ve wondered about: Why do people often reject new ideas, even truths, without giving them further consideration first? This article explained that brain research shows our minds cannot comprehend an entirely new idea until corresponding vibratory brain cells have been prepared to receive it. This explains why it is so difficult for us to receive or appreciate an entirely new idea. We have no brain cells of the quality needed that are capable of receiving it, and we are therefore incredulous and do not believe it. In other words, we struggle to receive and accept information that we aren’t ready to receive. Think about it this way: consider your life at high school graduation. Do you see the world the same way now as you did then? No. You’ve changed views, adapted, grown into newer and, hopefully, higher ways of thinking. The brain learns and adapts and climbs a ladder of knowledge, but there is a caveat to this growth process. We have to be open to adopting and adapting to new and, hopefully, higher ways of thinking. Humanity ardently seeks “The Truth” and explores every avenue to it. But there is one place where we often seek truth and are left to wonder if we’ve really found it. It’s a place that is elusive, non-quantifiable and intangible. It’s an area of learning that is open to deep skepticism and argument. This area of life I speak of is the world of the non-physical or the world of the divine mystery. Quantum mechanics, certain psychological theories and genetic engineering have all taught us that there is a world other than the one we know so well. I see people today who are open to embracing and talking about a grand Universe that is governed by laws, by wisdom

and truth, even by love. And we still have a long way to go. More than ever, this world needs people who will embrace the greater mysteries of the Universe because it is my experience that the answers to so many of our world’s problems lie in something bigger and beyond our own selves — not a government, not a religion, not even a cultural movement. The solutions to so many of our problems and challenges lie in the idea that we are not the bee’s knees. We can’t always google our way through life. In fact, The Internet can give us the illusion of knowledge, making us think we are smarter than we really are. Fortunately, there may be a cure for our arrogance. One of the smartest guys our world has ever known was Albert Einstein, and he advocated for “an attitude of humility corresponding to the weakness of our intellectual understanding of nature and of our own being.” He was quick to point out that in this case, “nature” is not to be defined as the trees, rivers and mountains of the earth or even the stars of the galaxies but rather as the great Universe in which we are a part. This Universe, he said (as well as echoed by countless others), can help individuals expand their minds and think higher thoughts and act within the bounds of a more moral society—one that is concerned with all and not just the individual. Humility and a desire to embrace the mysteries of life will advance us as individuals and as societies. We can make room in our minds and hearts for that which is mysterious, even unseen, which allows us to move toward greater truths. When we do this, we will rise above the mistaken beliefs that act as barriers to our growth. Then we will be able to choose a new future for ourselves and for our world. Dana Pulis is the owner/principal of Kinetic Agency, a communications and creative firm in Billings, Mont. She is writer, a communications strategist, and a business consultant.

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Give the gift of beauty this holiday

Billings Clinic Facial Plastics offers Ultherapy® – the only FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment to lift skin on the neck, chin and brow, as well as improve lines and wrinkles on the décolletage. • Single ultrasound treatment • No surgery, no downtime • Meaningful, yet natural results • Increased collagen For more information about Ultherapy and before and after photos, to learn about monthly specials, or to schedule a consultation, call (406) 657-4653 or 1-800-332-1774, ext. 4653 billingsclinic.com/facialplastics The non-invasive Ultherapy® procedure is FDA-approved to lift skin on the neck, on the eyebrow and under the chin as well as to improve lines and wrinkles on the décolletage. For full product and safety information, including possible mild side effects, visit www.ultherapy.com/IFU. ©2015 Ulthera, Inc. Ultherapy and See the Beauty of Sound are trademarks of Ulthera, Inc.

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Facial Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa Trust the complexities of your face to facial plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Wolpoe, the only physician in our region who is double-board certified in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

SEEN SCENE AT THE

The Beach Boys

Alberta Bair Theater 1] Bob & Shawna Eames 2] Elaine & Dave Kinnard 3} Mike Love, Brenda Miller, Bruce Johnston & Karlyn Lohrenz

Isabelle Johnson Exhibition Opening

Yellowstone Art Museum 4] Brownie Snider, Lisa Hall & Debbie Tyrany 5] Donna M. Forbes & Theodore Waddell 6] Lyndon Pomeroy & Neil Jussila 7] Morgan Legare & Christopher Scoles 8] Neil Jussila, Leanne Gilbertson & Adam Cassie 9] Nikki Neville & Brayden Running Crane 10] Richard Vettel-Becker, Bonny Beth Luhman, Patricia Vettel-Becker & Linda Ewert 11] Theresa Burkhart & John Sommers

Harvestfest Downtown Billings 12] Sarah Fry, Brenda Meyer, Roxanne Beil & Deb Meyer 13] Amanda, Jason, Wade & James Mills 13

Willem Volkersz Opening Yellowstone Art Museum 14] Janet Weisz & Barb Leininger 15] Carolina Lauver & Casey Lauver

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SEEN SCENE AT THE

Willem Volkersz Opening Yellowstone Art Museum 16] Jordon Pehler, Louis Habeck & Christopher Scoles 17] Jim & Carol Holmund 18] Amy Casano & Linda Westmacott 19] Ellen Kuntz & Michelle Dyk 20] Kyle Hedden & Dylan Woods

Marilyn: Forever Blonde Alberta Bair Theater 21] Emery Peterson, Seth Spelts & Donna Taylor 22] Taylor & Brittany Schwarzinger

Marie Halone Linen Sale Yellowstone Art Museum 23] Carol Matas & Per Brask 24] Sylvia McCalla & Marlene Pickens

Kathy Griffin Alberta Bair Theater 25] Ruth & Larry Martin with Kathy Griffin

Paint â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Sip with Carol and Carol Yellowstone Art Museum 26] Carol Welch & Carol Spielman 27] Gail Grossman & Ellen Alweis 28] JP Wiese & Casey Rost 29] Kelly Simmons, Leslie Modrow, Stella Fong & Darla Jones 30] Nancy Clement & Christina Kraev Photo credits: Brett Maas; Dan Nickerson/NOVA; Dixie Yelvington/ Yellowstone Art Museum; Jody Grant/ABT; Kevin Kooistra/WHC and Box 117 Creative/St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation

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Christmas at the Moss

Moss Mansion Historic House Museum November 11 – January 10, 2016 plus select evening tours Moss Mansion Historic House Museum stands as a cornerstone of downtown Billings, dressed up for the holidays with the eye-popping lights on the majestic façade brightening the long winter nights. A visit to Moss Mansion should be on everyone’s Christmas list. Learn about turn-of-the-century life as the Preston Boyd Moss family lived it with an added bonus. Local non-profits decorate 17 trees with a “Deck the Halls through the Decades” theme and visitors cast their votes for favorite “People’s Choice” and “Best Theme Interpretation.” Tree tours run from Nov. 11 to Jan. 10, 2016. The elaborately decorated Christmas trees sparkle at night during Candlelight Tours. Enjoy a traditional tour of the mansion plus live music, libations and dessert. Tickets are $30 per person or $55 for a couple; reservations recommended. Candlelight tours offered Dec. 18 – 20, 22 and 23. See mossmansion.com for details.

DECEMBER Until December 19 Secret Life of Artifacts: Native American Design, and Echoes of Eastern Montana: Stories from an Open Country Western Heritage Center ywhc.org Until May 12, 2016 Speaking of Immigration: Voice of Modern Migration Western Heritage Center ywhc.org Until January 3 Persistent Memories: Narrative Sculptures by Williem Volkersz Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org A Lonely Business: Isabelle Johnson’s Montana Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org Until January 10 Christmas at the Moss Tree Tours Moss Mansion mossmansion.com December 1 Blood on the Dance Floor Pub Station 1111presents.com

December 2 Texas in July: Final Tour Pub Station 1111presents.com

December 5 Rescued and Reclaimed Country Christmas Montana Pavilion at MetraPark metrapark.com

December 8 Soweta Gospel Choir Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

Docent 2nd Saturday: Art for Kids Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

December 3-20 A Christmas Story: The Musical Billings Studio Theatre billingsstudiotheatre.com

December 13 Al Bedoo Shrine Christmas Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

December 4 ArtWalk Downtown Billings artwalkbillings.com Cultures and Peoples of the World Exhibit by SD2 6th Graders Western Heritage Center ywhc.org

December 12 Holiday Tour of Homes Various locations billingssymphony.com

Big Shoes The Garage yellowstonevalleybrew.com

The Mighty Diamonds Pub Station 1111presents.com

Warren Miller’s Chasing Shadows Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

Pictures with Santa Moss Mansion mossmansion.com

December 4-5 Winterfair Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

Venture Improv NOVA Center for the Performing Arts novabillings.org

December 10 Darlene Love Christmas Special Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

December 5 Big Shoes 5-8 The Garage yellowstonevalleybrew.com

December 6 The Messiah Festival Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

December 4-6, 11-13, 18-19 Christmas Times a Comin’ – A Bluegrass Christmas NOVA Center for the Performing Arts novabillings.org

December 7 John Roberts Swing Jazz Band The Garage yellowstonevalleybrew.com

December 17 The Art of J. K. Ralston Western Heritage Center ywhc.org

December 11 Pinky and the Floyd Pub Station 1111presents.com December 11-12 Toys for Tots Drive Carnival Lot at MetraPark metrapark.com

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Cartoon Compositions January 23, 2016

Relive your favorite cartoons through music at the Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale’s annual family concert, Cartoon Compositions, at Alberta Bair Theater. It will be a delight for children of all ages.

December 15 PintAid / Yellowstone CASA 6-8 The Garage yellowstonevalleybrew.com

December 26 Flowers from Her Reunion Show Pub Station 1111presents.com

December 18, 19, 20, 22 & 23 Candlelight Tours Moss Mansion mossmansion.com

December 31 Rockapella Alberta Bair Theater billingssymphony.org

December 18 The Funky Bunch NOVA Center for the Performing Arts novabillings.org

John Roberts y Pan Blanco The Garage yellowstonevalleybrew.com

December 19 Celtic Christmas Alberta Bair Theater billingssymphony.org Chase Hawks Rodeo Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark metrapark.com Vendetta, In Rapture, Alder Lights Pub Station 1111presents.com

JANUARY January 2 Venture Improv NOVA Center for the Performing Arts novabillings.org Dollar Day Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

December 20 Bellisimo Rings Christmas! Billings First United Methodist Church 406-471-3932

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January 6 Hamilton Loomis The Garage yellowstonevalleybrew.com

January 9-10 Building & Remodeling Expo Montana Pavilion at MetraPark hbabillings.net

January 7-10 Seussical Jr. Billings Studio Theatre billingsstudiotheatre.com

January 15 Street Beat Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

January 21 Opening Reception for Art Auction 48 On exhibit from January 21 – March 5 Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

January 8 The Funky Bunch NOVA Center for the Performing Arts novabillings.org

January 22-24, 29-31 and February 5-6 The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) NOVA Center for the Performing Arts novabillings.org

January 8-10 Great Rockies Sport Show Expo Centerat MetraPark metrapark.com

January 23 Cartoon Compositions Alberta Bair Theater billingssymphony.org

January 9 Docent 2nd Saturday: Art for Kids Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

FAM at the YAM Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org January 16 Hybrid Printmaking by Steve Kuennen Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org January 19 The Stinky Cheese Man & Other Fairly Stupid Tales Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

A Night of Wine and Roses Hilands Golf Club thefirstteemontana.org Ben Sollee Pub Station 1111presents.com January 29 Flashdance – The Musical Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org January 29 – February 14 Outside Mullingar Billings Studio Theatre billingsstudiotheatre.com

MARKETPLACE Venture Improv NOVA Center for the Performing Arts novabillings.org February 8 The Cat in the Hat Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

January 30 Brian Regan Live Comedy Tour Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

February 9 Arthur Miller Workshop Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

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FEBRUARY February 5 ArtWalk Downtown Billings artwalkbillings.com JAM at the YAM & ArtWalk Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org The Funky Bunch NOVA Center for the Performing Arts novabillings.org Crusader’s Feast Montana Pavilion at MetraPark mountolive.com/church February 5-6 Family Life Expo Expo Center at MetraPark metrapark.com February 6 Around the World and To the Stars Alberta Bair Theater billingssymphony.org Dollar Day Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

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February 10 The Lightning Thief Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org February 11 Kronos Quartet Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org February 13 Docent 2nd Saturday: Art for Kids Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org February 14 Valentine’s Date Night Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org February 17 Railroad Earth Pub Station 1111presents.com

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.

Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred.

A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.

Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.â&#x20AC;? William Hutchison Murray The Scottish Himalayan Expedition (1951)

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