September 2012 by Magic City Magazine

Backroads & Byways The Beartooth Highway The man who paved the way

Where Road & Sky Collide Beartooth Photo Journal

Yellowstone in Autumn Uncrowded, Unspoiled Unbelievable

Plus

Take Charge!

A “no- excuses” plan to improve your life now

Pub Crawl

The burgeoning Brewery District

All in the Family Celebrating multigenerational businesses

MAGIC I september 2012 I 1

Facial Plastics

September

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You’re invited on a journey to turn back time by refreshing and restoring your ageless beauty.

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Botox® Party Thursday, October 18 For more information, visit www.billingsclinic.com/facialplastics and click on the Monthly Specials flower.

For a list of our monthly specials or to make an appointment, call Michelle at (406) 657-4653 or visit www.billingsclinic.com/facialplastics 2 I september 2012 I MAGIC

MAGIC I september 2012 I 3

Built Kid Tough.

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Wilsonart® HD® High Definition™ Countertops

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130 Riverside Rd | Billings, MT 59101 406.245.6770 | fabricatorssupply.net Wholesale To Trade /FabSupply

SEPTEMBER 2012

Backroads & Byways Dr. J.C.F. Siegfriedt Paving the Way .................................... 36 BY John Clayton

America’s Most Beautiful Drive....................................... 40 Yellowstone Backroads................ 46 By Karen Kinser

SPECIAL Section

TAKE CHARGE!

Be Your Own CEO

By Dan Carter

Empowered by Excercise

By Brenda Maas

Balancing Relationships

6 locals decide to make a change

By Natasha Mancuso

Barley Legal

Spook-tacular

All in the Family

100

Flesh for Fantasy

104

Silent Threat: Your Kid and Technology

MAGIC • BILLINGS’ CITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2003 BACKROADS • YELLOWSTONE IN AUTUMN • TAKE CHARGE! • BREWERIES

Backroads & Byways The Beartooth Highway The man who paved the way

Where Road & Sky Collide Beartooth Photo Journal

Yellowstone in Autumn Uncrowded, Unspoiled Unbelievable

On the Cover

A tour of Billings’ burgeoning brewery district By ed kemmick

A Clark Avenue Tradition BY donna healy

Celebrating multigenerational businesses BY Nikki Schaubel

The obsession over Fantasy Football BY craig lancaster

BY Russell Rowland

The Beartooth Mountain Range viewed from Nye.

Plus

Take Charge!

A “no- excuses” plan to improve your life now

Pub Crawl

The burgeoning Brewery District SEPTEMBER 2012

All in the Family

Celebrating multigenerational businesses

MC_49_SEPTCOV.indd 1

Photo by David Grubbs 9/2/2012 6:35:53 PM

MAGIC I september 2012 I 5

SEPTEMBER 2011

The List

11 12 14 16 18 20

Fun, fascinating finds..................................................................................

Person of Interest Terry Bouck..................................................................... Giving Back Artist Loft

Tumbleweed........................................................................................

Dyllon Robertus......................................................................................

Media Room Elements

Books, Movies, Music & Web Reviews ...............

Road Trippin’ Essentials ...................................................................

16 SIGNATURE SECTION

Fine Living Great Estates Wrightly Inspired........................................................... 22 Epicure/Libations Game On: Local Flavors matched with Exoctic Wines................

Montana Perspectives

114

I’m Just Sayin’ The Secret Life of a Slob Savant.................. 54 In every issue

Editor’s Letter ..........................................................................................................................................8

Contributors .............................................................................................................................................9 Seen at the Scene ................................................................................................................109

Why Magic City?

Datebook Your Calendar of Events..........................................................................111

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.

Last Word ............................................................................................................................................114

6 I september 2012 I MAGIC

september 2012

Michael Gulledge

•

VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 4

Publisher 657-1225

Editorial

Allyn Hulteng Editor 657-1434 Bob Tambo Creative Director 657-1474 Brittany Cremer Senior Editor 657-1390 Brenda Maas Assistant Editor 657-1490 Evelyn Noennig Assistant Editor 657-1226

toys • gifts • shoes

Larry Mayer, James Woodcock, Casey Page, Bob Zellar, Paul Ruhter Photographers

Kyle Rickhoff, Preston Stahley

Online Web Designers

Advertising

Dave Worstell Sales & Marketing Director 657-1352 Ryan Brosseau Classified & Online Manager 657-1340 Bonnie Ramage Sales Manager 657-1202 Linsay Duty Advertising Coordinator 657-1254 Nadine Bittner Lead Graphic Artist 657-1286

New Hours! M-F: 10 am to 7 pm • SAT: 9 am to 6 pm SUN: Noon to 5 pm 1510 24th Street West, Billings, MT 59102 Smart Toys (next to Sanctuary and The Joy of Living) for Smart Kids 406.294.1717 www.thejoyofkids.com

MAGIC Advisory Board

Jim Duncan, Brian M. Johnson, Denice Johnson, Nicki Larson, Susan Riplett, Nancy Rupert

Contact us: Mail: 401 N. Broadway Billings, MT 59101 editor@magiccitymagazine.com Find us online at our newly redesigned Web site www.magiccitymagazine.com Find us at various rack locations throughout Billings: Including area Albertson’s, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, City Brew, Hastings Books, Music & Video, Holiday Station stores and Gainan’s. 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 is published five times a year by Billings Gazette Communications Copyright© 2012 Magic City Magazine All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written consent is prohibited.

MAGIC I september 2012 I 7

FROM THE EDITOR

this issue

Same Planet, Different World In the tourist business, it’s called the shoulder season. Those delightful months that bridge high and low tourist traffic. You and I simply know it as spring and fall. And when it comes to exploring the natural wonders that surround us, as far as I’m concerned there is no better time. Consider Yellowstone National Park. This summer, a record 2.3 milion visitors traveled to Yellowstone – and I was among them. There we were, thousands of us wanting to experience Mother Nature in all her pristine glory. Trouble was we were all clustered together – in cars, vans, motorhomes, motorcycles, bicycles, tour buses, trailers and trucks. And that was just at the Park entrance waiting to pay our visitor fee.

A noble trek It all started with a kind invitation. My sister, who lives in the gateway community of West Yellowstone, decided to host the first ever “Calton-girl reunion.” Because we are scattered far and wide, July turned out to be the best time to get everyone together. That would be July . . . in . . . Yellowstone National Park. Undeterred, the “seesters” (as we affectionately call ourselves) came from across the country excited to converge at one of the most spectacular places on the planet. The night of our arrival, we feasted on exquisite fare, played games and re-told uproariously funny family stories before retiring early – because Yellowstone waited. The next morning, the lot of us jumped into several SUVs and headed out for adventure. Refreshed and excited, we sipped lattes and chatted excitedly as we waited at the entrance . . . and waited . . . and waited. Forty-five minutes later our caravan of would-be explorers finally crossed into “The Park.” One hundred yards later we came to an abrupt stop.

Stop-and-go scenery You cannot put a price tag on seeing an eagle and her eaglets peering out from their enormous nest just a few meters off the highway. Everyone was awestruck; and everyone was stuck. Like the L.A. 405 at quit-

8 I september 2012 I MAGIC

ting time, traffic came to a complete standstill as people scrambled out of their vehicles armed with cameras, recorders and spotting scopes trying to capture the moment. It was a chaotic scene that played out again and again as we slowly made our way toward Old Faithful. Elk, bison, coyotes and burbling mud holes all caused huge traffic jams. And though we thoroughly enjoyed taking in the wildlife and geothermal wonders, it all felt a little like suffering the lines at Disneyland.

Autumn adventurer I love visiting Yellowstone, but I’m a little spoiled. Unlike so many for whom going to Yellowstone is a trip of a lifetime, I can hop in my car and go there any time I like. And the time I most like to go is in the fall. By mid-September, The Park feels completely different. Gone are the throngs of tourists and the endless line of RVs. This time of year, instead of waiting in a long line of vehicles, you’re much more likely to wait as a herd of bison cross the road. But there’s more. In the shoulder season – when you hear the sound of bugling elk, smell the musky odor of nearby bison, feel hot, sulfur-infused steam blow across your face – you know you aren’t just visiting The Park, you’re living it. And that’s a treasure most of the 2.3 million summer visitors never knew existed.

Allyn Hulteng editor@magiccitymagazine.com

contributors

Ed Kemmick has been with The Billings Gazette for 23 years, having worked as an editor, reporter and columnist. He and his wife Lisa have three daughters, all of them big girls now. Ed wishes more people would ask him to write about breweries.

Natasha Mancuso

Born and raised in Kiev, Ukraine, lives in Billings with her sons, Danny and Victor, her husband Jerry and black lab Winston. An avid reader, she has written and published short stories, memoirs and commentaries for local and national journals. Outside of literary work, she enjoys tennis, yoga, gardening and chasing her two very active boys.

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.

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John Clayton is the author of books including “The

Cowboy Girl,” a narrative biography of the western novelist, journalist, and homesteader Caroline Lockhart. John is an independent journalist, essayist, and ghostwriter based in Red Lodge. His article in this issue is based on research for the book he wrote with the Carbon County Historical Society, “Images of America: Red Lodge.”

Dan Carter

Born and raised in the Gallatin Valley, Dan spent more than 20 years in journalism before moving into his latest adventure as director of university relations and government relations at MSU Billings. He and his wife, Lynn, have been enjoying the magic that is Billings with their family since the late 1980s.

Donna Healy, a freelance writer, started her career

in journalism on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and worked as a feature writer for The Billings Gazette for more than 30 years. In June, she won a first place prize in the Society of Professional Journalists Pacific Northwest Excellence in Journalism Competition. She loves exercise classes at the Billings YMCA, getting up before dawn and cutting flowers from the garden to rescue them from the weeds. At the end of August, she joined the staff of RiverStone Health as a part-time communication projects specialist.

Dedicated to Looking & Feel ing Younger

Cindy Moran - Make-Up Artist Dana Fink -PA-C Kara Eaton - RN, BSN

Yellowstone Medical Center 2900 12th Ave. No. Suite 330W

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I am not a number on a scale.

I am a cyclist who can now go the distance. At St. Vincent Healthcare, we get to know our patients as people. This highlypersonal approach is embraced every day by our Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery team. We partner with you in your weight loss journey and offer several surgical and non-surgical options. By combining individualized care with the best comprehensive medical care, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been able to help provide excellent results to thousands of patients over the last 10 years. To learn more about weight management options, call (406) 237-4580 or visit www.svh-mt.org.

JULY 2012

Fun, fascinating finds we think are great.

The last camera strap you’ll ever need

Eat on the run Prepare healthy snacks with the LEM 6-tray food dehydrator before you hit the road. Whether you have a bountiful harvest or a successful hunt, this handy kitchen device is one you can utilize to the max.

Available at Shipton’s Big R - $70

Designed and handcrafted by Billings’ Photojournalis David Grubbs, this strap will enable you to carry a heavy camera comfortably for hours. Made with nylon and fine elk leather, the strap will not slip off your neck on hot summer days or off your slippery jacket during inclement weather.

Starting at - $20 Available from www.wapitistraps.com

Make fall clean-up a snap Rake your fall leaves without a rake! The Stihl SH 86 C-E leaf blower will get the job done with ease. Like a strong wind with an off switch, this professional blower/shredder/ vac is a powerful landscaping tool. Easy to start and simple to use.

Available at ACE Hardware - $280

Real kickers

Knitters unite

This warm key-hole scarf is designed with love by local knit designer Kim Haesemeyer. Featured in her book Expand Your Knitting Skills, it is one of 17 projects you can whip up this fall for yourself or ones you want to keep warm.

These boots were made for walking or, running. or dancing. These Cinch Edge kickers are sure to be the talk of the town. Wear ‘em with a short skirt for that edgy, urban look.

Available at Shipton’s Big R - $300

Book available at Wild Purls, Purl Yarn Boutique and Barnes & Noble - $12.95

MAGIC I september 2012 I 11

By Brittany Cremer • Photography by James Woodcock

Terry Bouck:

SD2 Superintendent of Schools At the helm as SD2’s new Superintendent of Schools, Terry Bouck shares with soft reassurance why he loves education, his plan to tackle the district’s accreditation issues and a few curious extras. Hit the ground… sprinting

Since July I’ve been delightfully busy meeting staff, parents and members of the community. It will be infinitely important to cultivate these partnerships, working together for our children and our schools. Describe yourself in three words

Passionate (about what I do.) Energetic (probably because I love what I do.) Collaborative (many minds working in concert are always better than one.) On Jack Copps

He is an advocate for education, children and this community. Billings is so fortunate he came back to lend his expertise during the transition. See-through superintendent

In order to be successful in this position, you have to be transparent, open and honest about what’s going on. This allows for a free-flow of communication and empowers community members to get involved. Hands-on, sleeves rolled up

We have some challenges to face; limited staff, resources and overcrowding…but I like challenges. I will be out in the community encouraging everyone from students and parents to staff, administration and the legislature to work together to create solutions. Destination, grandpa

My wife Kristy and I are so taken by this community. Our kids and grandkids are so excited to come spend time with us. We’re now the destination spot for all family functions and holidays.

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What Hollywood movie star would play you in real life?

(after pondering a while) Kevin Costner—it just seems like he cares a lot about people. Any concerns on how the Bakken Boom will affect increasing enrollment?

As part of our Master Facilities Plan, we are conducting a demographic review to assess enrollment and better understand where growth is taking place. What inspires you?

When I can motivate kids, igniting that spark to help them find their niche, it inspires me and broadens my own perspective. Griz or Cats?

(laughing) I won’t pick one over the other and will cheer both of them on. I do plan on taking in a lot of high school football with my wife. My mantra

Believe that you can solve problems together.

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MAGIC I september 2012 I 13

By Virginia Bryan

Tumbleweed:

Meeting Homeless and Runaway Teens at the Intersection of Hope and Heartbreak Sheri Boelter works at the intersection of hope and heartbreak on the streets of Billings. Boelter is Executive Director of Tumbleweed, the non-profit agency serving homeless and runaway teens in the greater Billings area for nearly three decades. On any given day, Tumbleweed estimates there are between 40 – 120 homeless and runaway teens in Billings.

“Homeless and runaway teens couch-surf, live with relatives or in encampments or they sleep in friends’ cars,” Boelter said. “They are all around us; we have a brief window of opportunity to connect with them before they fall into the wrong hands.” Boelter draws her inspiration from teens whom some call “throwaways.” Kids like Steve. Of course, his name isn’t Steve, but that’s what we’ll call him. Steve doesn’t have a driver’s license, a funded debit card, his own computer or a cell phone with texting. He doesn’t have an iPod or Nintendo to occupy his time. He doesn’t have a car. For Sheri Boelter, Steve, a new pair of socks is a Executive Director, big deal. Tumbleweed When Steve met a Tumbleweed Street Outreach worker at the South 27th Street Skate Park, he was a high school drop-out without any form of written identification. His arms were scarred from physical abuse inflicted by his mother. Hungry and unsure how to find a job, Steve took refuge at night in a makeshift shelter near the Rimrocks. Steve learned he could shower and do laundry at the Tumbleweed Drop-In Center on North 24th Street. When he needed food, he filled his backpack with water, juice, granola bars and cereal at the Tumbleweed food pantry. Tumbleweed staff helped Steve complete his G.E.D. and secure a job. He took a life skills class and saved enough money to rent a small apartment. A variety of difficulties put teens on the

14 I september 2012 I MAGIC

street. None of them are pretty: parental abuse or neglect, chemical dependency, the end of foster care, the lack of family resources or conflicts over a teen’s sexual identity among them. Boelter says many Tumbleweed teens have been booted from home. Often, they believe no one will come looking for them. Top: Tumbleweed youth In addition to its Street Outreach and Dropspending time at the downtown In Center services, Tumbleweed has woven a skate park. Above: Tumbleweed safety net for teens, often in partnership with staff and volunteers other community services. Tumbleweed provides a 24-hour Crisis Line, counselors at each Billings High School, “Love and Logic” parenting classes, a computer lab and family mediation. Boelter keeps her focus on hope and kids like Steve. “Steve is my hero,” she said. “We cannot turn Sheri Boelter and the Tumbleweed staff depend on our backs on these kids. financial support from the community to continue Tumbleweed’s promise is their good work with homeless and runaway teens. that we won’t.”

“Don’t Stop Believing… Our Journey of Hope”

Tumbleweed is located at 505 North 24th St. in downtown Billings. Tumbleweed can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year at 406.259.2558 or 1.888.816.4702.

On Friday, October 19, 2012, Tumbleweed will host “Don’t Stop Believing … Our Journey of Hope,” – a fundraising dinner and silent/live auction. The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza from 5 – 8 p.m. To volunteer, donate or purchase tickets, contact Laurie Maddock, Tumbleweed’s development director, at 406-259-2558 or via email at laurie.maddock@tumbleweedprogram.org.

An Exciting Market. An Exciting Team.

Sali Armstrong 698-2520

Victoria Brauer-Konitz 855-2856

Maya Burton 591-0106

Phil Cox 670-4782

Lance Egan 698-0008

Myles Egan 855-0008

Karen Frank 698-0152

Darwin George 794-4663

Rhonda Grimm 661-7186

Larry Larsen 672-7884

Sheila Larsen 672-1130

Susan B. Lovely 698-1601

Kelly Metcalf 671-8163

Ryan Moore 855-4090

Ginger Nelson 697-4667

Cal Northam 696-1606

Gregory Propp 647-5858

Mimi Parkes 698-6980

Dan Patterson 321-4182

Stephanie Patterson 321-0759

Jeanne Peterson 661-3941

Pat Schindele 591-2551

Judy Shelhamer 850-3623

Ron Thom 860-1284

Linda Wedel 855-6540

Knowledge. Inventory. Results.

406-254-1550

1550 Poly Drive, Billings, MT 59102 www.floberg.com

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter 2012 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

MAGIC I september 2012 I 15

By Anna Paige• Photography by James Woodcock

Iron Man Dyllon Robertus

Dyllon Robertus works a hard piece of steel as if it’s a block of clay. A true artisan, Robertus hammers the metal into shape, forging the blazing hot steel into ornate pieces while drawing out its primal qualities.

From residential railings to fireplace hearths, Robertus’s style is impactful. He’ll often detail a piece with rivets and fat bolts or industrial fasteners and turnbuckles to achieve a distinctive look. Many of Robertus’s pieces incorporate reclaimed timber, creating a medieval feeling that harkens back to an era when ironworking techniques moved from function to form. A native of Montana, Robertus grew up on a farm near Laurel with his two brothers. In choosing metal crafts for a career, he credits his parents, who “let us be boys and pursue our interests,” he said. “I was always interested in metal, and ever since I was a little kid, I was good at art. I was always drawing and building stuff.” Robertus obtained an art degree from Montana State University and came home to “I want people to Laurel to open a studio. His workload gradually increased, look closer to find and Robertus now employs more subtle details three others in the shop, with a variety of projects keeping them in the work or busy year-round. wonder how that For Robertus, there are few things more satisfying than was achieved. ” installing a finished product and having his client love the piece. “It’s really important to me that they’re happy with the finished product in their home or business,” he said. Robertus’s wide spectrum of functional metal art can be seen throughout residences and businesses the region. He had a hand in the eco-friendly redesign of Sam’s Tap Room in Red Lodge and created pieces including the front gate for the remodel of the Swift Lofts in downtown Billings. He also designed many of the iron works seen at Fat Jack’s Tap Room in Laurel.

Design inspiration I’ve always been focused on art that is functional but art that can also stand alone. Seeing all these raw materials being turned into something of function and form—a finished product—is huge to me.

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Defining his style I like heavy, massive pieces. I want my work to have a raw element and refinement in the design. Oftentimes, it’s hard to achieve that rawness without the skill level looking rudimentary. For my work, the more you look at it, the more detail you’ll start to see.

Subtlety in steel Lines are really important to me. Visual lines keep you moving through the piece, and lines draw you into a certain view. I want people to look closer to find more subtle details in the work or wonder how that was achieved.

Functional art I want my work to represent (a client’s) home, yet I don’t want the work to compete with the rest of the surroundings. I want it to look intentional. For example, people have to have a stair rail. Why not have a really cool railing that can also stand as a piece of art?

Can’t find the perfect home? We specialize in building homes to fit lifestyles. Don’t let the low housing inventory deflate your homeownership wishes. Call us today to find out more about building your dream home.

Homes starting in the mid $200,000’s

Lauren Bond

Realtor

find your home at:

Ironwork photos courtesy Dyllon Robertus.

www.WelcomeHomeBillings.com

MAGIC I septembermobile 2012 I 17 (406) 699.0200

By Brittany Cremer

Book Hand Raised: The Barns of Montana WEB-ED

Inside Yellowstone National Park App The majesty of the wild in the palm of your hand

By Christine Brown Photography by Tom Ferris Beyond their utilitarian functions, barns are simply beautiful. Some stand proudly, their freshly-painted red lines contrasting sharply with the golden wheat in surrounding fields. Some less fortunate are falling into disrepair. Marked by rotting timbers and broken windowpanes, these crumbling buildings still have much to teach us. Photographer Tom Ferris explored barns inside and out across Montana, snapping hundreds of photographs for the book. Authors and architectural historians Chere Jiusto and Christine Brown help readers understand the significance of what they are looking at and tell their individual stories.

Music Corb Lund

Free for your iPhone at Apple iTunes Store Smartphone users can get the Yellowstone mobile website by scanning this code.

Eliminate cumbersome maps and stopping to ask for directions by downloading this handy-dandy Inside Yellowstone National Park app created by The Billings Gazette. With the push of a button, add “travel agent extraordinaire” and “into-the-wild thrill seeker” to your repertoire. The app includes travel routes, points-of-interest details and directions, exquisite photos, hiking maps, information on visitors’ services, lodging and campground guide. Also included is a geological field guide—learn how the Yellowstone Caldera formed and let your kids ID the different geological features scattered throughout the Park. 18 I september 2012 I MAGIC

Cabin Fever From Bovines to Bibles, antique pistols to vintage motorcycles— Alberta-born honkytonker Corb Lund’s song craft covers it all. From a rustic retreat deep in the Rockies, Cabin Fever evolved from a period of introspection and hard traveling. Lund’s folksy lyricism is contagious, and songs run the gamut from rockabilly to Western swing, cowboy balladry to countryrock, and, of course, the occasional yodel.

Movie/DVD: Alfred Hitchcock—the Masterpiece Collection

(Limited-edition Blu-ray collector’s edition) Universally recognized as the “Master of Suspense,” the legendary Alfred Hitchcock directed some of cinema’s most thrilling and unforgettable classics. This set features 15 iconic films including Psycho, The Birds, Rear Window, Vertigo and many more—just in time for Halloween. The Masterpiece Collection also features more than 15 hours of insightful bonus features and has been digitally re-mastered for the optimal Hitchcock experience.

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r imrock oper a

Auction of Arias

September 22, 2012 • McCormick Cafe

Aïda Opera Gala at the YAM

March 2, 2013 • Yellowstone Art Museum

OperaFest

April 6, 2013 • Yellowstone Country Club

Verdi's Aïda

April 27 & April 28, 2013 • Alberta Bair Theater

406.671.2214 www.rimrockopera.org MAGIC I september 2012 I 19

By Brenda Maas

Road Trippin’ Essentials 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R - With a powerful 3.6 flat 6 cylinder engine, this Outback will get you there fast and comfortably. Sporting Subaru’s legendary all-wheel drive, notable changes include a retooled front end, retuned suspension and a new four-cylinder engine that improves fuel efficiency. Add in the solid off-road capabilities and cavernous interior that have always been available on the Outback, and you’ve got one of the most enticing wagons on the road. Rimrock Auto- $32,050 MSRP

Central Park West sweater - Perfect for

a fall afternoon or cruising through The Park, this russet V-neck poncho exudes western chic. The fine stitching is soft, yet the fringe is fluid — definitely a garment on the go.

Marcasa - $152

Happy feet, happy driver - Why have tired feet when driving long distances? Made from supple bison leather, these handsome driving shoes are supreme in comfort. Specially designed soles hold traction when shifting manually or when pushing down on the gas pedal or brake. Special order through Desmond’s - $200

Head up the trail - Walk tall, carry a big stick with a LEKI Corklite Antishock trekking pole. The Aergon CorTec compact grip makes for a comfortable grasp, even for small hands. With an innovative Speed Lock system and a SAS Lite spring, this 19.54-ounce walking stick will bring harmony to your hike. Base Camp - $160

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Record the trip — while you drive - X- Driven SV-DV300 Automatic Driving Camera And Recorder with GPS Logger. Now any accident will be recorded automatically. This driving/ accident camera is all you need for recording video in a car. A must-have piece of equipment for your vehicle.

some of the

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Oxford French Toast -

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Everything except the tow truck - The ultimate 77 piece

emergency vehicle kit includes a 10ft. 8-Gauge booster cables, 12 Volt 250 psi air compressor with gauge, LED hand crank flashlight, 3 Piece fleece cap, gloves and scarf set and more all in a handy bag that will fit in your trunk or behind the seat of your pickup.

Home Depot Online $100

MAGIC I september 2012 I 21

FINE LIVING

great estates

Rustic and contemporary. One is known for natural elements, beautiful in their imperfection. The other is synonymous with hard lines and sophisticated, sleek surfaces. To the untrained eye, there could seemingly be no more disparate design styles than these. But for Todd and Nancy Kinkead, this combination was precisely what they wanted when they began planning their new home.

wrightly inspired prairie design combined with rustic warmth creates a perfect montana house 22 I september 2012 I MAGIC

Above: Reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie homes, heavy wood beams are capped by a low-pitched roof, creating a striking entry. The home’s red exterior is also inspired by the famous architect. Inset: The Kinkeads first spotted this style of garage door when they were driving through Couer D’Alene, Idaho. The frosted panels are an interesting architectural feature by day and come alive at night when they glow with the light from within.

by julie green

photos courtesy of ron thom MAGIC I september 2012 I 23

FINE LIVING

great estates

Labor of love “We spent hours at Starbucks, poring over magazines, looking for the styles that suited us,” Nancy says. “We like the Frank Lloyd Wright craftsman style, and we also wanted something contemporary. And the home had to feel warm.” Working with Frank Nienaber, AIA, of Studio 4 Architects, the couple created an open-concept design that could take full advantage of the surrounding landscape. Abundant natural light and sweeping views were key elements in the plan, as was a commitment to conservation. The fact that Todd and Nancy were experienced home builders was a significant advantage. Since moving to Montana from Washington, the Kinkeads have built three homes, doing much of the labor themselves or working with friends to complete it. They learned everything from framing to finish work, dirt work to drywall, serving as their own general contractor when subcontractors were needed. That experience – and the couple’s attention to detail – resonates fully in this most recent project.

Energy aesthetics Todd and Nancy made the decision early on to make the home as energy efficient as it was striking. The home is divided into multiple zones, allowing them to control the energy used for heating and cooling. Upper floors are insulated for both sound and efficiency, while a tankless on-demand hot water heater further limits energy consumption. Because the home is sealed so tightly, an air exchange unit balances humidity levels several times a day to maintain air quality. This commitment to efficiency, however, did not replace the emphasis on design. The couple chose to install hand-scraped acacia wood plank floors throughout much of the home, not only for look, but also for durability. “They say that Noah’s ark was built of acacia wood,” said Todd. “And our friends who installed the floors said that it was one of the hardest woods they’d ever worked with.” The richness of the wood is echoed in the custom doors, cabinetry and trim found throughout the house. And the dark grain is a beautiful contrast to the stainless steel appli-

24 I september 2012 I MAGIC

ances, shining glass tile, frosted windows and sleek countertops. In the living room, visitors enjoy a modern glass tile fireplace while taking in views of the the rocky, tree-covered hills. Three open panels in the ceiling incorporate clean lines and dramatic uplighting, balanced by comfortable furnishAbove and Right : The tile on ings and wide wood trim the fireplace is the same as throughout. the tile in the kitchen,” said “We wanted to our Todd, who installed the tile home to be our own, to himself. “It brings the two be unique,” Nancy said. spaces together.” The fire“We knew that rustic and place is flanked on either side contemporary could work by floating shelves topped by frosted windows designed to together, and the result is allow light in while maintaineverything we could have ing privacy. asked for.”

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FINE LIVING

great estates

Above: Balancing horizontal glass tile, cool quartz counters and stainless steel appliances, custom wood cabinets in the kitchen provide both warmth and ample storage. Most of the upper doors, including those with frosted glass, open up rather than out, allowing easy access. Far Right: In the dining area, an overhead soffit floats, suspended from steel rods. The couple worked with faux paint artist Cindy Smith to highlight the feature.

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FINE LIVING

great estates

Above: Maintaining a focus on clean lines and organic elements, the master bedroom is a relaxing getaway for the Kinkeads. The main ceiling is painted with a warm metallic paint, while the interior tray is a soft cream color. Left: Square double sinks set in smooth quartz countertops are clean and modern, while the wood cabinets, doors and trim make the master bath warm and inviting.

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Jan and John Wheeler travel the world enjoying varied walking tours. From South Africa to Thailand to Hawaii, these retired educators thrive on adventure. As they’ve trotted the globe, Freyenhagen Construction extensively remodeled different spaces of their charming 1950’s home. The couple now enjoys an enlarged contemporary kitchen with exquisite new cabinetry. New laundry facilities afford convenient accessibility after being relocated from the lower level to the main floor. The remodeled lower level now boasts an inviting retreat not only for the homeowners but for their guests. A main floor bathroom, redone with double sinks and tiled walk-in shower absolutely delight the Wheelers. The couple is thrilled with the updated design of their home by Jeremy and his team at Freyenhagen Construction. It’s the place they love returning to. To see more of the Wheeler remodel, visit www. freyenhagenconstruction.com/wheeler-home

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FINE LIVING

great estates

Painted Wolf, Pinotage, The Den, 2010 $12 Tasting notes: The label of the African wild dog or â&#x20AC;&#x153;painted wolfâ&#x20AC;? epitomizes the wine within. Deep red-purple in color, this vintage presents aromas of farmyard, warm spice, black licorice and cherries. Available at: Simply Wine Food pairing: Roasted Spice-rubbed Lamb Chops or Elk Steaks

Roasted Spice-rubbed Rack of Lamb

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GAME ON Local Flavors Matched with Exotic Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay. Our tastes may be targeted toward more familiar wines this fall, but at the harvest table, why not try something new? We have access to elk, venison and pheasant as well as farm-raised duck, lamb and bison. The rustic flavors of these meats pair beautifully with the exotic notes of Sancerre, Barbera, Pinotage, MourvĂ¨dre and Petit Verdot. This season, try pairing a few local flavors with those from afar.

BY STELLA FONG

Recipes on page 34

MAGIC I september 2012 I 31

Cline, Small Berry Mourvèdre, Contra Costa County, 2009, $32 Tasting notes: “Small” means more intense, concentrated flavors. Explosions of jammy dark fruit and cherries with plums, cola and tobacco all mixed with perfect tartness. Available at: City Vineyard Food pairing: Seared Duck Breasts with Dried Cherry Sauce

Seared Duck Breasts with Dried Cherry Sauce

Matthias and Emile Roblin, Sancerre, Enclose de Maimbray, 2010, $26 Tasting notes: Citrus and grapefruit highlight this Sauvignon Blanc with good minerality and flavors of apple and honeydew. Available at: City Vineyard Food Pairing: Pheasant Breasts with Lemon Caper Sauce

Pheasant Breasts with Lemon Caper Sauce 32 I september 2012 I MAGIC

Guido Porro, Barbera dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Alba,Vigna L. Caterina, 2010 $21 Tasting notes: Barbera is the drinking grape from Piedmont in northern Italy where cousins Barolo and Barbaresco are the reigning sellers. The smell of summer cherries exudes from this medium-bodied wine along with earthy and meaty notes. Available at: Simply Wine, Bottles and Shots Food pairing: Fettuccine with Venison Bolognese

Fettuccine with Venison Bolognese

Yellowstone Cellars and Winery, Petit Verdot, Washington, 2009 $25 Tasting notes: Petit Verdot is most often added to Bordeaux blends because of its dark, inky color. Clint Peckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s robust ranching background comes out with this rich, dark blueberry/blackberry-flavored wine with toasty vanilla notes. Available at: Yellowstone Cellars and Winery, Simply Wine, CVS Food Pairing: Pan-fried Bison Steak with Caramelized Onions

Pan-fried Bison Steak with Caramelized Onions MAGIC I september 2012 I 33

cook until fat begins to render, about 5 minutes. Continue to cook, adjusting the heat as needed for the fat to maintain a constant but gentle simmer, until most of the fat has rendered and the skin is deep golden and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes.

Roasted Spice- Rubbed Rack of Lamb Serves 4 2 teaspoons dried thyme 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander ½ teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon salt Ground black pepper 1 (8-bone) rack of lamb

In a small bowl, stir together thyme, cumin, coriander, paprika and salt. Put rack of lamb on a plate; rub all sides with spice mixture. Let stand at least 15 minutes and up to 1 hour. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake for 20 minutes until medium rare and measures 125-degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. Let sit for 5 minutes and serve.

Flip the duck breasts over and continue to cook until the center of the breasts are medium rare and measure 125-degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, 2 to 5 minutes. Transfer the duck to a carving board, tent loosely with foil while making the sauce. Sauce: Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat left in skillet. Add the onions and garlic and cook over medium-high heat until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add wine and cherries and cook until liquid has reduced and thickened. Add the chicken broth and cook until the sauce measures to about 1 cup, about 5 minutes. Whisk butter into the sauce and remove pan from heat. Stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Slice duck breast thinly on the diagonal and drizzle with sauce. Serve immediately.

In a heavy bottom skillet, heat oil over medium high heat for about 2 minutes until oil swirls. Lay pheasant into pan and cook until lightly browned on one side, about 2 minutes. Turn breasts over and cook second side for another 2 minutes until browned. Keep cooked meat in oven warmed to 200-degrees F until all breasts are cooked. Sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in broth, set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and sauté until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add remaining butter and melt. Whisk broth mixture in, then add lemon juice and wine into melted butter. Continue to cook until sauce thickens. Add capers and cook for another minute. Spoon sauce over pheasant and serve immediately.

Seared Duck Breasts with Dried Cherry Sauce Serves 4 4 boneless duck breast halves (about 6 ounces each), patted dry, skin scored on the diagonal Salt and ground black pepper 1/3 cup minced white onion 1 clove garlic, minced ¾ cup Mourvèdre or other dry red wine ¼ cup dried cherries 1 cup chicken broth 2 tablespoons cold salted butter 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Season duck breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. In a heavy nonstick skillet, heat until hot (about 3 minutes.) Add the duck breasts, skin side down, lower the temperature to medium low, and

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Serves 4

Pan Fried Bison Steak Serves 4 4 Bison sirloin steaks, 1 to 1 ¼ inch thick, about 8 ounces each Salt and ground black pepper 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Fettuccine with Venison Bolognese Pheasant Breasts with Lemon Caper Sauce

continue to simmer until milk evaporates and only clear fat remains, 10 to 15 minutes. Add wine and bring to a simmer; continue to simmer until wine evaporates, 10 to 15 minutes longer. Add tomatoes and their juice and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low so that sauce continues to simmer with a few occasional bubbles, until liquid has evaporated, about 3 hours. Add salt to taste. Serve with fettuccine and Parmesan cheese.

Serves 4 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Heat heavy skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Sprinkle steak with salt and pepper. Add ½ tablespoon oil and ½ tablespoon butter and swirl around to coat bottom of pan. Cook two steaks at a time, 4 minutes on each side for medium rare. Turn steaks with a metal spatula and avoid overcooking. Repeat with rest of steaks. Keep in warm oven before serving. Serve with caramelized onions.

2 tablespoons minced onion

Caramelized Onions

2 tablespoons minced carrot

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

4 pheasant breasts, rinsed, dried thor-

2 tablespoons minced celery

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

oughly, trimmed and pounded to about

¾ pounds ground venison

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 –inch thick

Salt

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and ground black pepper

1 cup whole milk

2 pounds large onions, sliced

½ cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1 cup dry white wine

1 tablespoon water

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 can (28-ounce) diced tomatoes

Salt and ground black pepper

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 pound fettuccine, cooked to al dente,

½ cup chicken broth

warmed

1/3 cup salted butter

Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

1 clove garlic, minced ¼ cup minced onion 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons dry white wine 3 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained

Sprinkle both sides of breasts with salt and pepper. Add flour to a shallow pan or pie dish. Coat each breast with flour and shake to remove excess.

In a large, heavy Dutch oven, heat butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrot and celery and sauté until softened but not browned, about 6 minutes. Add the venison and ½ teaspoon salt; crumble meat into tiny pieces with the edge of wooden spoon. Cook, continuing to crumble meat, just until it loses its raw color but has not yet browned, about 3 minutes. Add milk and bring to a simmer;

Heat butter and oil over medium heat for 1 minute. Stir in salt and sugar. Add onions and stir until onions begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and cook until onions are golden brown and sticky, about 40 minutes. Add water and stir to release onions from pan. Serve with grilled steak or on toasted bread. Stella Fong divides her time between Billings and Big Sky where she writes, cooks and teaches. Recently she received a Robert Parker Scholarship for continuing studies at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.

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MAGIC I september 2012 CLOSED I 35 Sat. 9:00-5:00 | Sun.

MONTANA PERSPECTIVES

legends

Dr. J.C.F. Siegfriedt photographed in downtown Red Lodge.

Dr. J.C.F. Siegfriedt Paving the Way Dr. J.C.F. Siegfriedt’s medical practice in old-time Bearcreek and Red Lodge, combined with his passion for community, led to a lasting fame.

Dr. Johann Carl Frederick Siegfriedt (1879-1940) arrived in Bearcreek in 1906, a year after the railroad, as the coal mines amped up production. He was a six-foot-tall, large-framed man, four years out of medical school, having practiced briefly in North Dakota and Wibaux. He loved fishing and hunting in the surrounding mountains. He was devoted to his wife Lilly, who was described as being in “delicate health.” They had no children, and his relatives rarely visited. But Siegfriedt found a wider family in the community he served. By John Clayton PHOTOGR APHY COURTESY OF CARBON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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MONTANA PERSPECTIVES

legends

Left: Laborers pose atop the mountain before construction started on the Beartooth Highway. Above: Sunrise Mine in full production one half-mile from Bearcreek.

Siegfriedt spent a great deal of time with those townsfolk. As the official doctor of one of the Bearcreek mines, he received a salary deducted from each miner’s paycheck — and had to respond to every mine emergency. (He always prescribed injured miners a stiff drink of good bourbon. Management soon made it available in the mine’s emergency room, and miners learned to have some even before the good doctor arrived.) In the rough-and-tumble town, he also responded to other emergencies, once successfully sewing together a knifing victim atop a tavern pool table. Siegfriedt even ate with his patients. The dining room at the Washoe Boarding House had a long table where miners ate communally, and a smaller table for the upper class, such as ministers, the school principal and the mine surveyor. The doctor preferred eating at the long table, where he was a stunning conversationalist with an “infectious cheerfulness.”

Unassuming leader He was known to all as “Doc.” He had never used any of his three first names — before graduating, he was known as “Sig” or “Siggy” — and most people didn’t learn what the J.C.F. stood for until his obituary. He did not patronize any of Bearcreek’s many bars, nor its churches. Though he had been quite a musician in his Iowa youth, and put himself through college in part by playing the zither; he did not play music publicly. Relaxation came primarily in the form of bridge games with close friends. His other passion was public involvement, and that was what led to his lasting fame. He was

38 I september 2012 I MAGIC

the sort of person who would join every club he could find. (After moving to Red Lodge in 1930, he was president of the Commercial Club, a forerunner of the Chamber of Commerce, and a founder of the local Rotary Club.) He served five terms as mayor of Bearcreek, his only election loss coming when he forgot to file the appropriate paperwork and the defeated candidate had him retroactively disqualified.

Paving the way One year, during a strike at the Bearcreek mines, the mayor made a practical suggestion. Using the striking miners as volunteer labor, they could cover Main Street with scoria rock waste from the mines. This inexpensive solution proved a great improvement on the previous dust and mud, and aligned with Siegfriedt’s interest in road construction. Automobiles were still new at the time, and most people still traveled by train. Recreational long-distance auto travel was a specialty hobby of a certain class of people who often gathered together in clubs (much like downhill skiers would in the 1940s and ‘50s). Cross-state routes had not yet been organized by number (“Route 12”) and were instead known by name (“The Yellowstone Trail”) or colorful logo (“The Black and Yellow Trail”). In the early 1900s Siegfriedt had become president of an association called the Black and White Trail. Early on, the association apparently planned to improve the route to Cody, Wyo., largely following the path of the old Meeteetse Trail. (The Belfry-Cody road would not be built for decades.) Everything was put on hold during World War I, when Siegfriedt entered the medical corps and did research at Yale. And by 1919 Siegfriedt had a better idea for

the Black and White Trail: it should go over the Beartooths to Cooke City.

From conception to concrete He was hardly the first person to make such a proposal. In 1882, General Philip Sheridan left Yellowstone Park via Cooke City with a party of more than 120 people. His planned route blocked by a forest fire, he instead crossed the Beartooths. Since then, many people had suggested a road or railroad along Sheridan’s route to the lucrative Cooke City mines. But Siegfriedt actually did something about it. In 1919, Siegfriedt directed the construction of 13 switchbacks up the northeast side of Mount Maurice, south of Bearcreek, using striking miners for labor. Horses and dynamite were supposedly paid for by subscribers to the Black and White Trail club, although given Siegfriedt’s lax bookkeeping standards, the money probably came mostly from his own pocket. During a 1922 strike, they continued the work, and sent a party to survey the full length of the route. Unfortunately the project proved too big for volunteer laborers and a doctor’s spare change. But two years later, neighboring Red Lodge faced a crisis as one of its two mines closed and the other scaled down production. A countywide group of leaders met at the Pollard Hotel to discuss how they might save the economy. Siegfriedt told them to build a road to Cooke City, and get the federal government to pay for it. The men excitedly agreed — although privately, most had doubts.

Route revitalizes Red Lodge It was a crazy idea: the feds didn’t then pay for such roads, at least not without huge

contributions from locals. And if the goal was access from the low country to the Cooke City mines, studies would eventually show that far cheaper routes would go down the Boulder, Stillwater or Clark Fork valleys. But that wasn’t really the goal: the goal was to save Red Lodge from becoming a ghost town. Siegfriedt and Carbon County News publisher O.H.P. Shelley talked up the idea for years, making trips to Washington to lobby. (Siegfriedt’s relatives claim that although news coverage paints Shelley the lobbyist as the key player, it was Shelley who instigated those claims, and it was Siegfriedt’s enthusiasm and vitality that held more sway with the powers in Washington.) They altered their focus to highlight the road’s access to Yellowstone, and eventually won passage of a bill to pay for national park access roads. President Herbert Hoover signed the bill in January, 1931, and the “high road” officially opened five years later.

The rest of the journey The road ended in Red Lodge, not Bearcreek — and by now Siegfriedt too had moved over the hill to the county seat. But he hadn’t changed much: still up at 5 a.m. for breakfast, then house

calls, and to the office by 8 a.m. At noon he joined Lilly for lunch at the Busy Bee, and at 6 p.m. they ate dinner at Natali’s, where he was constantly bouncing up to introduce himself and the community to visiting tourists. He developed an interest in paleontology and hosted visiting Princeton geologists until they built their own research camp on the flanks of Mount Maurice. He built a dance pavilion at Piney Dell, which he encouraged local ethnic groups to use for music and dance from the old countries, a format that would eventually evolve into the Festival of Nations. He proposed the farming of hemp, apparently for use in gunnysacks and rope, in nearby Bridger. And he soon ran for mayor of Red Lodge, with a platform acknowledging that although gambling and prostitution were illegal, they were also mainstays of the local economy and culture. His planks thus included “bring in 20 more slot machines” and “start some new houses of pleasure.” He won easily. One day in 1940, a friend came to his office and found Siegfriedt lying on the floor, hat in one hand and medical bag in the other. His dog, Pal, would not let anyone near the body. The doc was dead, at age 61. It was front-page news, and he was widely mourned.

The immediate aftermath was sad: Given Lilly’s delicate health, they’d always assumed she would die first, so he never bought life insurance. Longtime family friend Joe Clark paid many of their debts, though the bank foreclosed on Lilly’s house in 1944. Lilly felt obliged, given Joe’s financial commitment, to marry him — but the marriage held little joy for either of them before their deaths.

A lasting legacy Unfortunately Siegfriedt had never been much of a businessman. “He was sometimes, some say always, lax in sending bills to his patients,” recalled Thomas Lewis in Red Lodge: Saga of a Western Area. His primary goal was treating patients; if they later paid him for that treatment, fine. Friends recalled badgering him to tell what they owed, finally getting a reluctant, “OK, give me $5.” Even this fault, then, was in some ways a strength. It has certainly been remembered that way. The coal mines long closed, Red Lodge now defines itself in large part through that road to Yellowstone. J.C.F. Siegfriedt is widely remembered as the Father of the Beartooth Highway, and as a doctor whose care for his community was extraordinary.

MAGIC I september 2012 I 39

MONTANA PERSPECTIVES

photo journal

“...Every road is as good as a promise and a promise is all that will be kept...” — Charles Kuralt

America’s Most Beautiful Drive The late CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt called the Beartooth Byway between Red Lodge and Cooke City, Mont. “the most beautiful drive in America.” One can see by these images from the 1930s, that building the highway was no small feat.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY FLASH’S PHOTOGRAPHY, RED LODGE, MONT. AND THE CARBON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

40 I september 2012 I MAGIC

Opposite page: Early construction of the highway looking south from Red Lodge. Above: Construction crew and equipment overlooking Vista Point.

MAGIC I september 2012 I 41

MONTANA PERSPECTIVES

photo journal

Above: The construction of Beartooth Highwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first switchback. Top right: Construction crew taking a break overlooking Twin Lakes. Right: Ladies stop to take in the view at Vista Point. Far right: Tours began as soon as the snow could be cleared off the highway.

42 I september 2012 I MAGIC

MAGIC I september 2012 I 43

A magnificent view of the switchbacks captured from the Cooke City side of the highway.

44 I september 2012 I MAGIC

MAGIC I september 2012 I 45

TRAVELOGUE

western weekender

After this summer’s searing heat, the cool breezes of fall are extra-refreshing, and there may be no better place right now to reap refreshment and romance than Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone All roads lead to Yellowstone. The Beartooth pass from Red Lodge is one of the most beautiful byways, taking you to “The Park.” Photo by Casey Page. Insets from left to right: Wildlife abounds. Bison, Big Horn sheep and Grizzly bears can be spotted throughout the Park. Photos by David Grubbs.

46 I september 2012 I MAGIC

Backroads BY KAREN KINSER

MAGIC I september 2012 I 47

TRAVELOGUE

western weekender

First Stop, Red Lodge Start your trip by leaving after work and heading to Red Lodge. Spend the night at the elegant and historic Pollard Hotel or go farther up the valley to Rock Creek Resort. Have a romantic dinner in either of these hotel’s lovely and award-winning restaurants and then go for a an after-dinner stroll along Broadway Avenue if you’re staying at The Pollard, or do some star-gazing if you’re at Rock Creek Resort.

Experience the Beartooth Highway Next morning, grab your cameras and head up the canyon to a multi-sensual treat – the sweet aroma of pines, the hollow echo of rocks being tumbled and tuned in the champagne-bubble froth of Rock Creek, and the incredible view up ahead as you enter the 69mile long Beartooth Highway. Recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the country, this winding ribbon of a road takes you through a wide range of ecosystems – from fragrant lodge pole pines to alpine tundra – and includes glacial lakes mirroring the sky, gurgling waterfalls, jagged geology, Bighorn sheep and mountain goats, mountain peaks that graze the sky at 12,000 feet and even small glaciers. As you switchback through one of the most rugged areas in the lower 48 states, you’ll see patchwork patterns of snow huddled in headwalls, motorcycles tipping around hairpin turns like regatta sailboats and cotton batting clouds sunk into valleys. Stop at the historic Top of the World Store and take a stroll through Cooke City before entering

Lamar Valley via the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The 29 miles of this amazing valley are most noted for its wildlife – wolves, elk, pronghorn, grizzlies, osprey and bald eagles, and abundant herds of bison. Soda Butte Creek meanders through the wide expanse of valley floor – often dotted with herds of bachelor bison or areas with mothers and their red-dog babies, now growing a coat of fur for the upcoming winter – before spilling into the Lamar River. Sagebrush-dotted hills, broken with clumps of pines and aspens, Top left: Picturesque Rock are abundant here, as are Creek runs through Red Lodge. f ly fishermen (and women), Broadway provides tourists with ravens catching an updraft and fine dining and shopping. Photos by Casey Page. circling above the valley, some Above: Switchbacks wind through late-blooming wildf lowers, the Beartooths for a spectacular and the eerie whale-song drive. Photo By Gazette Staff. sounds of bugling elk.

You are making the right choice. Lamar Valley to Lake Lamar Valley ends at Tower-Roosevelt, where you’ll turn left, and pass by the overhanging cliff of columnar basalt. Stop at the overlook to Calcite Springs for dramatic views of the Yellowstone River Canyon, and don’t miss the short hike to the stunning 132-foot Tower Fall a little farther up the road. Follow the highway through the lush forest (naturally re-seeded from the ’88 fires) and into the Canyon Village area of the Park. Be sure and stop at the overlooks of Upper and Lower Falls Top: Historic Yellowstone Lake Hotel offers respite for travelers. Photo courtesy of Xanterra. of the Grand Canyon of Right: A small plane hovers over the Lower Falls the Yellowstone. near Canyon Village. Photo by Larry Mayer. The South Rim Drive out of Canyon ends at Artist Point, which is where Thomas Moran is believed to have sketched the area as a basis for his dramatic paintings, which helped to inspire Congress to establish the National Park system. The next wonder along the road is Hayden Valley – nine miles long and six miles wide of rolling golden plains and stalwart sagebrush, bisected by the Yellowstone River. Canada geese, white pelicans and trumpeter swans ply the waters, and herds of bison dot the panoramic landscape. An occasional spurt of dust explodes into the air, like miniature fireworks, and if you follow the spurt down to the ground, you’ll see bison wallowing beneath the scuttling clouds of the high-domed sky. You’ll also catch a whiff of rotten-egg smell – hydrogen sulfide - before coming to the Mud Volcano area. Stop and view some of the most gurgling, burping, (and OK, smelly) features of the Park, appropriately named Dragon’s Mouth, Black Dragon’s Cauldron and Grizzly Fumarole. Refresh your olfactory apparatus at LeHardy’s Rapids just a short distance further a l o n g t h e r o a d , b e f o r e e nt e r i n g L a k e V i l l a g e . Built in 1891, the lofty Lake Hotel faces Yellowstone Lake, and is a fitting icon to honor and reflect the majesty of the Lake and the area. The Hotel’s

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TRAVELOGUE

western weekender

yellow-buttercup exterior with white trim and two Ionic porticoes recall an earlier era. Step inside (if you’re there before the September 23 (closing) and visit the Sun Room, where the soft strains of a string quartet or soothing songs from the grand piano may greet you. The whole place has a 1920’s ambiance to it – particularly the elegant dining room – and you almost feel as if Nick and Daisy from The Great Gatsby might flounce by at any moment. But don’t be so seduced by the Hotel that you miss visiting the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake. This highmountain lake has 110 miles of shoreline and covers 135 square miles with spectacular views of corrugated, wind-ruffled water, receding mountains with flat-bottomed clouds bunching up at the vanishing point, and ravens and osprey catching updrafts.

Lake to Old Faithful From Lake, continue toward West Thumb, but take a de-

tour along Gull Point Drive. It hugs the lake shore, provides a long-distance view of Lake Hotel from across the water, and has places to stop and walk along the beachy shoreline. Between West Thumb and Old Faithful, you’ll cross over the Continental Divide several times and pass water lilies in Isa Lake (where you might see a moose). Stop at Kepler Cascades for an amazing waterfall view before entering the Old Faithful area.

You’ve planned ahead and made reservations for either Old Faithful Inn or Snow Lodge, and either one is a treat. Architect Robert Reamer designed the rustically-elegant Inn, which was built in 1903/04, to complement the surrounding landscape. Using local wood and stone, Reamer wanted the interior to have a woodland feel, and, entering the main lobby, that vaulted forest sentiment is revealed, with tree-like supports holding each level and staircase. While newer (completed in ’99), the Snow Lodge nevertheless has an old-time rustic atmosphere, with its heavy timber and log construction, cedar-shingle roof Top: Tourists gather to watch and classic western fur- Old Faithful Geyser erupt in nishings. Both locations Yellowstone Park. Above: The Old offer outstanding cuisine Faithful Inn provides lodging and that reflects the area (elk fine cuisine to tourists from all over medallions and red trout the world. Right: Stone fireplace serves as the centerpiece for the hash, as examples). Inn’s lobby.

50 I september 2012 I MAGIC

Unusual symptoms accompany a sudden illness. What now?

When you don’t know what’s wrong, it’s hard to know where to

Where it all comes together.

look. But what if there was a place called Answers? A place where you and your physician worked with teams of specialists, in one organization, with all the resources they need to find answers where no one else could. A place where reality is just as powerful as hope. There is. Billings Clinic.

Visit BillingsClinicAnswers.com for patient stories and more. MAGIC I september 2012 I 51

TRAVELOGUE

western weekender

Old Faithful to Gallatin Canyon to Home Next morning, catch Old Faithful and its watery fireworks, stroll through the geyser basin, and be sure to stop at Morning Glory Pool before heading out. Continue around the loop road to Madison Junction, making stops at Upper, Lower and Midway Geyser Basins (Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway is colorfully spectacular) as well as Firehole Lake and Firehole Canyon Drives. At Madison Junction, turn left, and head to West Yellowstone. If your time permits, take in some shopping, or visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center and IMAX theater From West, follow Highway 191 north through the corridor of pines with views of the distant Gallatin Mountains folded and pleated onto the sky, and into the Gallatin River Canyon. The road criss-crosses the tumbling Gallatin River and changes from rolling farmland to a steep and winding descent that takes you back into the edge of Yellowstone for about 20 miles, and then opens to fields of rippling grasses turning shades of amber and ochre, scrub willows tickled by meandering streams of the Gallatin, and views of clouds scuttling across cerulean skies. Watch for moose among the willows and the deeply poetic dance of fly fishermen in the Gallatin. Portions of A River Runs Through It were filmed on this river, and as you drive along or stop at some of the many turnouts, you’ll definitely see why this location was chosen. For your third night out, there are lovely accommodations along this highway – including the 320 Guest Lodge, the Rainbow Ranch, and Buck’s T-4 – as well as an abundance of accommodations and outstanding eateries in Big Sky. And the next morning, refreshed, revived, and romanced from the beauty of this

52 I september 2012 I MAGIC

trip, continue home via Highway 191 to Bozeman and then return along I-90 through more stunning scenery courtesy of the Absarokas, Crazies and Beartooth Mountains.

Plannning The entry fee into Yellowstone is $25. This time of year – and in the 8-10,000 foot elevations you’ll be visiting – you should be prepared for the possibility of some refreshing snow and cold weather. So take clothTop: Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway. Above: West Yellowstone is a major snowmobiling destination in the winter. Photos by Bob Zellar. Above right: A fly fisher casts a line in Firehole Lake. Photo by David Grubbs. Lower right: The Gallatin river provides many areas to cast a line.

ing that you can layer, sturdy hiking shoes and bear bells and spray if you plan to stroll down any of the trails. And, even though it’s off-season, rooms still fill up fast, so call ahead for room reservations in Yellowstone to 1-800-GEYSERLAND (4397375) or 1-307-344-7311. Lake Hotel closes September 23, Old Faithful Inn on October 14 and Snow Lodge on October 21.

RESOURCES: • The Pollard Hotel: 446-0001 • Rock Creek Resort: 446-1111 • Red Lodge: www.redlodge.com • Beartooth Highway: www.beartoothhighway.com • www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com • West Yellowstone (a good location if park lodging is full): www.destinationyellowstone.com www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/ index.htm (they have a great down-loadable trip planner) Other Yellowstone Websites: www.yellowstonepark.com and www.yellowstonenationalpark.com

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MONTANA PERSPECTIVES

i’m just saying

The Secret Life of a Slob Savant By Gene Colling

kept a balance and would scoff at people ahead of me in the grocery line that wasted my time while they fastidiously recorded the transaction. I kept a running balance in my head and was never overdrawn. It helped that I am frugal to a fault. I also never owned a watch. I don’t need one. Since almost everyone else does, I simply ask around. Plus, time is displayed on cell phones, computers, business marquees and cars. In the remote chance that none of these options are available, my farmer father taught me to read the shadows to tell when it was time for lunch and when it was quitting time. Through the years, I’ve become adept at thinking on my feet. My job as a documentary video producer required me to juggle schedules, equipment, itineraries, crews and a myriad of details. My biggest fear was showing up in western Montana while everyone else was waiting for me in Ashland. Fear kept me on my toes. Many of my work cohorts have attended training sessions on how to be organized. Afterward, they walked around with their organizers

Sometimes I have to pause and ponder how I ever made it this far, for I am not an organized person. Some might even say I have slob tendencies; I prefer the term “slob savant.” While I may not be conventionally organized, I have developed my own methods of management that have allowed me to blunder through life with some semblance of dignity. My disinterest in organization started in my youth. While my brother spent Sunday afternoons cleaning his room, I vaulted over the mound of debris in mine and headed out to wander around the farm with my .22 rifle or shoot hoops. At school my best friend’s desk was immaculate, mine... looked like a boar’s nest. My wife, who is a meticulous person, likes to recount the scene that greeted her when she first visited my apartment. The refrigerator contained desiccated fruit and liquefied deposits that were unrecognizable as food. On my dresser top, I had dumped all my checkbooks and would randomly grab one out of the pile before heading out the door. I never

54 I september 2012 I MAGIC

looking like pious zealots while writing notes and filling in their calendars. Nobody bothered to tell me until recently that people now manage their time using a smart phone. My only interest in a cell phone is calling people and receiving their calls. Texting to me is adding someone’s name to my contact list. One of my methods, I admit, has been an abject failure. I will write notes, phone numbers and other vital information on random pieces of paper, which then vanish. This means I have to go to my next option, which is to trust that if it is important I will write enough, people will call me back. Sometimes they do, but notes, phone they are angry. This system of mine does numbers and have one serious flaw. My brain other vital filled to capacity some time ago, so now if something new information comes in, something else has to leave. Granted, my brain on random pieces contains terabytes of useless of paper information, but there are some vital tidbits in there too – things which then like birthdays, anniversaries and the location of car keys, vanish. wallet and cell phone. If I the phrase “make sure to This means I have hear remind me....” I know that one to go to my of these vital things will have to leave – the useless trivia next option, remains stuck like super glue. benefit of my system is which is to trust thatThe it requires an active mind. that if it is It keeps the rust out. The one thing that could destroy it is important organization. If someone were to reorganize my stuff, I would enough, be helpless. Paper is my biggest people will call me nemesis. I’m overwhelmed by it and don’t know how and what to save. Is it necessary to keep 10 years of water bills? My salvation lies in reducing the clutter. Periodically I purge my closet and desk. In a perfect world I would live in a house devoid of clutter, but have a shack out back where I could live like a hoarder.

back. Sometimes they do, but they are angry.

Gene Colling claims dual residency in both Billings and Missoula. He recently 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.

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Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how to turn the tables and take control SOLUTIONS MAGIC I september 2012 I 57

be your own

ceo 58 I september 2012 I MAGIC

It’s been said that the only certainties in life are death and taxes. But if you happen to be one of the estimated 76,000 people in Yellowstone County schlepping yourself to a job on a regular basis, you can add one more inevitability: Everyone has a boss.

take control of your profession and obtain personal satisfaction And with bosses and jobs come the inescapable stress. Those stresses cut across all cultural, economic and social strata and are fairly familiar. You work your tail off from the time you arrive until the time you leave, but have little freedom while you are there…. You rush from one meeting to the next, only to find out that projects fall by wayside… Your sweat (and often tears) help your boss and company look good, but you don’t get the recognition you deserve … You confront angry people all day… That new smart phone your company got you conveniently allows you to be reachable 24/7. If any of that feels a bit too familiar, you are not alone.

BY dan carter

MAGIC I september 2012 I 59

Studies show workplace stress is a real thing. According to a study done in 2009 from the American Psychological Association (APA) on work-related stress:

•

54% of Americans are concerned about the level of stress in their everyday lives, with 30% considering their stress levels “extreme.”

•

62% of Americans hold work as having a significant impact on stress levels.

•

52% of workers consider work more stressful than home.

•

66% of American adults suffer from some form of stress-induced chronic health condition.

•

Almost 50% of Americans consider their stress levels as having increased between 2007 and 2008.

While all situations are different, there are ways for people to control their stress. Much of it involves being an active participant in dealing with work issues, says Gwen Felten, a licensed counselor at Northwest Counseling in Billings. Felten specializes in individual counseling for children, adolescents and adults, and a good portion of her clients are adults seeking help with work stress. She said people often don’t step up to take action on their fear of the unknown. “All too often fear hinders growth,” she says. People who visit with her are concerned about income issues; dealing with difficult co-workers/ bosses/customers; feeling overwhelmed with the required job responsibilities/ tasks; childcare; and hours of employment. The first step in taking control of their own lives involves prioritization, she says. Gwen Felten, licensed counselor at Northwest Counseling in Billings “If high income is important, people seek careers with better pay but may sacrifice time with family,” she said.

“When the opposite is true, people value family time and learn to live on a smaller budget. The price of day care has some couples working opposite schedules in order to avoid paying for childcare.” Felten, who has been with Northwest Counseling for 16 years, says she has yet to hear of a stress-free job. However, she says people can lower their stress by focusing on the following: actively Bill Simmons, Owner, MasterLube becoming more active in controlling their reactions to others, balancing non-work related fun and spiritual growth and avoiding workplace drama. The key is taking control of yourself starting with an honest self-assessment. “Be your own CEO,” she says. “Pretend you are your own boss. How you would assess your own work performance? Do you take too long of a break? Do you complain too frequently? Or do you work hard and accept new challenges? Most people who are self-employed do wear several hats and readily accept this as the price they pay for self-employment. They are the boss, sales person, receptionist and accountant. When we accept these roles and work hard, there is a feeling of self-accomplishment and it can be gratifying.” Sometimes, a life change necessitates a new point of view and renewed determination. A case in point is Bill Simmons. Soft spoken, friendly and known for his quirky television ads, Simmons owns the MasterLube businesses in Billings. That his company is a success is unmistakable. But getting there took more than a business plan. In Billings since 1964, Simmons was involved in advertising sales for radio stations for almost two decades. When he lost his job in 1980, he found himself with an opportunity to redefine himself. He convinced the owners of some Minute Lube businesses to give him a year to help turn the businesses around. It was a bold move to keep him from unemployment. “They say that necessity is the mother of invention, well I like to tell people that desperation is the mother of MasterLube,” Simmons says. Simmons turned MasterLube into a profitable enterprise that has four lube centers in the Billings area as well as an auto glass repair shop. He has 60 employees and, at 69, has made a new 10-year commitment to

“If high income is important, people seek careers with better pay but may sacrifice time with family,” she said. “When the opposite is true, people value family time and learn to live on a smaller budget.” —Gwen Felten, licensed counselor at Northwest Counseling in Billings 60 I september 2012 I MAGIC

“Don’t ever let yourself become dependent on your job,there has to be a healthy interdependence between you and the job, but you want to have a certainty that you become so valuable that you’ll get lots of job offers.” —Bill Simmons, owner, MasterLube the company as well as a commitment to similar enterprises in central Europe. “We refer to ourselves as a temporary employer,” he says. “People often come here to work while they are looking for a job.” His company changes oil, but Simmons knows he really deals in people. “I have come to realize we have extraordinary people doing extraordinary things,” Simmons says. “They are worth several times what I am able to pay them.” And the more he visited with his employees, the more he found they had goals and passions that he could help address. MasterLube started a training and development program where the company would direct resources to help employees achieve their dreams. Simmons would help pay for college classes, short-term certificate training or other programs that helped his workers realize their goals. His passion for customer service is ingrained in his employees. He reminds them that “they are auditioning” for a new job with every service job undertaken and they could very well be working for one of their customers if they do well.

That said, Simmons has a central philosophy that allows his workers to direct their career goals the way he wanted to control his own in the early 1980s. Let your job help you achieve your long-term goals, but don’t let a singular job define your life. “Don’t ever let yourself become dependent on your job,” he says. “There has to be a healthy interdependence between you and the job, but you want to have a certainty that you become so valuable that you’ll get lots of job offers.” Felten reminds her clients that if change and new perspective is what they want, they have to start with themselves. “Remember you can only change yourself, not others,” she says. “When dealing with difficult customers, co-workers or bosses, remember you cannot change them, you can only change the way you respond to them. So often people are frustrated and want those around them to change. They want that difficult/annoying/ arrogant/ inconsiderate/ selfish/ person to change. Although those traits may be true of that other person, our goals should not be to change the other person. Take charge of you.”

Tactical Plan: cAREER While there is no secret recipe to seizing control of your professional career, life coaches, counselors and others agree on one thing: Waiting for change to happen doesn’t cut it.

• Identify where you are stuck in

your life. Take steps toward getting unstuck, even if it means pushing well beyond your comfort zone. Action is the only emedy for fear.

• Develop your observing ego by

stepping outside yourself and seeing who you are during the day. How do you come across to others? Do you like what you see? If you don’t, modify your behavior.

• Identify your biggest strengths and

make sure you use those strengths in your profession. If you do, it’s likely you have found your passion.

•

Scared to speak up? Preparation and practice can help you pull off the perfect speech. Oh, and don’t forget to give yourself a positive pep talk. You can do it!

• Get a good night’s sleep. Not only

will eight hours keep you mentally sharp, but a full night’s rest can keep your appetite in check too.

• Write to achieve. Write down your

goals and dreams to declare yourself in the game. It’s like holding up an “Open for Business” sign for your life.

• Keep a notebook with you at all

times. If you wake up at 3 a.m. with a brilliant idea, write it down. A blank notebook becomes a suggestion box for your brain, opening you up to new ideas.

• Don’t compromise when you feel strongly about something.

• Develop a love for learning. • Become a student of your chosen career.

Active participation is the key, experts say. Success magazine recently published a list of “30 Tips to Take Control of Your Life Now” that can serve as a compendium of what many experts suggest. Here are a few of them.

• Commit to your dreams. Don’t

be afraid or too proud to make short-term sacrifices to achieve your goals.

• Listen to mentors. Take advice from a trusted source in your industry.

• Set deadlines. Define a specific

timeframe for your goals and take small action steps to meet them.

• Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic.

• Visualize by beginning with the end in mind.

• Throughout the day frequently ask yourself: Is this activity moving me forward to achieve my most important lifetime goals?

• Plan your day the day before and plan your week the week before.

• Realize failures bring about

success. Risk is all about trying, getting in the game. You can’t succeed if you aren’t in the game.

• Have confidence. Decide you are

confident and have a more playful, less serious attitude about life. Most successful people do.

• Write your own mission statement. • Get your priorities straight. The way you get meaning in your life is to devote yourself to loving others, your community and to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.

• Live every day like it’s your last. Be

prepared for the end. Ask yourself: Am I ready? Am I doing all I need to do? Am I being the person I want to be?

MAGIC I september 2012 I 61

empowered by

exercise

62 I september 2012 I MAGIC

Every day media bombards readers, viewers and listeners with a distressing message: We Americans are fat. In fact, nearly two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. As a nation, we spend $40 billion dollarsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;some estimates are even closer to $60 millionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;on diet products and

lose weight, reclaim health, energy and happiness

services. Yet, expert after expert reiterates the same mantra: Healthier lifestyles pay off. Eat less and move more. Take charge of yourself and your life. Six men and women spanning various age groups made significant changes in their lives. The results? A whopping 365 pounds lost between all six. But, more importantly, our city now boasts six healthier, happier individuals.

BY BRENDA MAAS

MAGIC I september 2012 I 63

malloryfaus Age: 25

Listen to Your Body Where it began: When I started the

Depo-Provera shot I weighed 130 pounds, but then I started to just pack on the weight— that’s sometimes a side-effect of birth control. But, I wasn’t helping myself by eating pizza and burgers and stuff like that. I went from size 5 to size 16 within a nine-month period.

Turning point: After a visit from my mother, she sent me some pictures and I thought, “Oh my gosh, that’s me?!” I was a size 18 and I knew I wanted to lose weight. I tried the no-carb diet or would starve myself but I wouldn’t see instant results—that’s what our society wants, that’s what I wanted. My husband said, “I love you no matter what, but it bothers me that you trash yourself and your weight and then eat a dozen cookies.” He really made me think.

Jacki Joy Photo by BOB ZELLAR

What makes it work: A big step was

quitting a job I had in a coffee shop—I had access to lots of lattes and cookies and muffins there. I dug out my old Weight Watchers information and started with that and simply ate better. Then I started doing Beach Body and P90 (before P90X) videos. I became an exercise maniac— sometimes I would work out twice a day. It about killed me at first, but I lost 100 pounds in a year. I research online and read labels—if I don’t understand it, I don’t buy it. Now I’m rather granola-ish in the way I eat and the way my family eats. I think the hardest part is that when you get that big and have three babies, it takes a toll on your skin, on your body.

Me, today: I listen to my body. At 130 pounds, I’m at my goal weight and my body is comfortable here. This is our new lifestyle. I don’t think I will ever have a washboard stomach but I’m happy here, and I feel so much healthier. It’s even fun to go shopping again.

jackijoy Age: 48

No Excuses! Where it began: I was skinny as a kid,

and I didn’t think I was capable of getting fat. I had my first pregnancy at age 19 and gained 60 pounds with each child. I tried Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers and several others but I gained it back every time. I am a Type A and being out of control is a big deal for me.

Turning point: I had surgery for a foot

injury and was at my heaviest ever—251 pounds. I was borderline diabetic, had high cholesterol and I knew this would not get better on its own. I started on December 1 because I didn’t want to wait until January 1 like everyone else—I thought, if this is going to be real change, then what am I waiting for?

What makes it work: I adopted

a “No Excuses” attitude. Our American culture is great at making excuses—this time I wouldn’t let myself

64 I september 2012 I MAGIC

Mallory Faus Photo by LARRY MAYER

do that. I started talking to myself as though I were my own child. I had never worked with a personal trainer before, and when I met Cindy at Billings Athletic Club (BAC), I knew this was it. I started working with her once a week and working out every day. After several weeks, the pounds just started melting off. I exercised every day for a year. But, for the first time I didn’t feel like an imposter because this was real. I also started my journey with Weight Watchers; now I use an app called My Fitness Pal for the diet and nutrition part.

Me, today: I am owning this new behavior, I am not just playing the part. I have lost 50 pounds and am half-way to my goal. But it’s more than just a number on the scale. I want balance in my life—physically, spiritually and emotionally; this is the first step.

dianakingsbury Age: 48

Make a Choice Where it began: I have been fighting

my weight for 20 years, since our triplets were born. I worked full-time and ran our four kids to their activities—sports, Scouts, you name it—and hit the fast food places in-between. Being on the nightshift didn’t help me—I ate to stay awake. I tried Weight Watchers and Atkins and over-the-counter things like Slimfast but there was never anything I could stick to.

Turning point: At my annual exam

two years ago my blood sugar was borderline and my cholesterol levels were high; I was snoring and not sleeping well, plus heart disease runs in my family. My doctor said, “Make a choice—change or become diabetic.” I saw it coming down the road with my father and sister, and Steve Kingsbury Photo by CASEY PAGE

that was my wake-up call. I had to be realistic this time around.

What makes it work: I changed my lifestyle, plain and simple. I went to St. Vincent’s Weight Management Clinic and also had a sleep study done. I learned to eat less fried food and refined breads and more protein and veggies. I added daily vitamins. And, I make time to go to the gym instead of avoiding it. When one of the front desk ladies at our gym, Granite Fitness, saw Steve and me for the first time in a few months, she got so excited that she made us come around the counter and look at our picture from our first day. The change was amazing. For me, there’s no going back. Me, today: The last

time I was size 12, I was 155 pounds but with the weight training, I am smaller now at heavier weight. It’s more than a number but rather about getting and staying healthy.

stevekingsbury Age: 48

We Did This Together Where it began: I quit smoking 15

years ago, but between quitting, eating only once a day because I was working more than one job, and making ends meet with four boys, our lives were very stressful. I often went to bed right after eating to do it all again the next day. My weight gain was a gradual thing over time.

Turning point: I started, basi-

cally, to support my wife. It’s that simple. When Diana started to make changes, I went right along with her—we did this together. I immediately noticed a relief from stress when I exercise. That became an addiction of sorts.

What makes it work: I do Body Pump class at Granite Fitness, run, cycle and lift weights. I started seeing results in a matter of weeks. Plus, I was able to run and could breathe easier

Diana kingbusry Photo by CASEY PAGE

and run farther each time. I definitely have more energy for doing more daily tasks. We now eat five small meals a day and make healthier food choices—grilling instead of frying is a big one. I like to cook and we love food, but if we work out for two hours, we can afford to indulge once in a while. I don’t feel like I’ve really given up anything.

Me, today: I lost 40 pounds and 17 inches

off my stomach. If I can lose another 20, great; if not, that’s OK, too, because Diana and I are happy and I feel great. We want to go on a cruise for our 25th anniversary next year and my real goal is being able to dive again. I am proud of what we have done and I am not going to stop.

MAGIC I september 2012 I 65

ritagiebink

heaviest—there were basically only a few other kids my size who wrestle. During my freshman year, I got down to 290 without much work—in wrestling we sweat seven to eight pounds a day in water. But it came back just as easily. Last year during wrestling, I started really watching what I ate and working out more. The weight came off pretty quickly—I lost 60 pounds during wrestling season.

Age: 50

Follow Your Path Where it began: I was always really skinny growing up, but then I had five miscarriages, three failed adoptions and cancer. I got knocked down physically and emotionally. There were some days that I didn’t even get off the couch. But I don’t totally blame that. I love to cook, I love to entertain and I love to shop—for others and myself.

What makes it work: My mom re-

ally helped me. If I ate a bowl of cereal for breakfast, she reminded me that I was done with carbs for the day. We eat a lot of protein and shakes so that my body has to use fat for energy instead of my muscles. One day at Costco my mom had me pick up three 100-pound bags of flour and said, “Kael, that was you.” That really made a difference and made me realize that I am a strong enough person to work out today, not tomorrow.

Turning point: I was pretty disgusted with

myself. I was considering weight-loss surgery— it’s a huge financial commitment— and I talked with my husband about other weight loss programs. An additional consideration was my son, Kael, who was very heavy. I felt bad enough about myself, but it would break my heart to see others, especially sports teams, shun him because of his weight. I knew we both had to change to a healthier lifestyle. I have lost several people in my family to heart attacks—it was time to start a new family tradition, and I wanted teach my kids by example. To do that, I had dig deep inside myself to make that change rather than take pills or have surgery. And, I had to learn to ask for help when it got to be too much.

What makes it work: We started by joining the Billings Family Y and investing in classes like Boot Camp and a personal trainer rather than surgery. I took one class, because I told myself that it’s just one hour of my day. I worked my way up to two classes a week and three hour-long sessions with my personal trainer, Jason. Then I started running around the block after a workout; then I increased intensity. Next, I modified food by making rules: I didn’t eat in the car; I didn’t eat standing up; I only ate at meal time. I created my own version of a low-carb diet and now use the app Couch to 10K on my phone. Throughout this journey, my husband’s quiet attention and confidence was always there, and we often exercise as a family. Me today: One day I was running on the treadmill with my two sons on treadmills behind me, listening to their music, sweating during their workouts. I looked at all three of us in the mirror and just started crying because I was so happy and so proud of how far we have come, and how we did it together. I went from a women’s size 24 to a size 14 by losing 63 pounds, 66 I september 2012 I MAGIC

Me, today: Our entire family lost more

Rita giebink Photo by LARRY MAYER

and I’m not done yet. I still have bad days but now I know that just because I fail one day, that doesn’t mean that I am a failure; it just means that tomorrow is another day. I now ask for help when I need it. And, I’ve learned to smile and say thank you when someone says, “Rita, you look great!”

kaelgiebink Age: 16

Start Today, Not Tomorrow Where it began: I’ve been a big kid ever since I can remember. But, even though I was overweight and not eating healthy, I was involved in athletics. I love baseball and I also play football and wrestle; but being heavy certainly didn’t help me in any of those sports. Turning point: I started wrestling even though I didn’t really want to—basically my mom pushed me to do it. I wrestled in the heavyweight class and was 305 pounds at my

than 120 pounds—that’s one whole person. But there were tradeoffs. My maximum lifts have gone down, but I’m OK with that because I’m faster and more flexible. In football I’m quicker off the line and in wrestling, I’ve had to change my style—I can’t just push my opponent around anymore, I have to use speed and finesse. I sometimes pick up 60 pounds in the weight room to remind myself of how far I have come. Kael Giebink PHOTO courtesy of gIEBINK FAMILY

tactical Plan: Health Be Honest. The first step in solving any problem is admitting that it exists, right? So, it’s time for the bare truth—literally. Take off your clothes and step on the scale. Note the number. Next, stand in front of the mirror and take note—what can you live with and what areas need improvement? This is a “me, myself and I” moment so it’s not worth fibbing.

Make It Real. This is where the rubber meets the road. What is now, today, is real. While planning is good, planning to exercise must be made real for it to be effective. This is also where instead of passively saying that you are “too busy,” you actively move your exercise regime or meal planning to a priority position in your day. Every day.

Establish Your Support System. Basically, anticipate that you will need help of some sort and be prepared to ask for it. Some folks schedule an exercise buddy. Others find that weekly weigh-ins keep them on track. Even something as simple as telling family and friends that you are working on some lifestyle changes may be enough of a hint that encouragement will be frequent and positive. Own It. Make the plan fit you and your life. If it’s too complicated, too much effort or a drastic departure from your normal life, how will that affect your success? So, set yourself up for a “no excuses” policy to avoid the blame game. This is your body, not anyone else’s, so you are the one responsible.

Replace Old With New & Improved. This is where you set yourself up to succeed by replacing one habit with another. Instead of reaching for the potato chips when something bothers you, do 25 jumping-jacks. When you are frustrated at work, take a time-out and walk around the block. If your kids are making you crazy, stop, drop and do pushups. By breaking your old patterns and creating new ones, your brain, and your body, will be challenged.

Persist. These changes won’t happen overnight. They won’t even happen in a week. Mantras like “look at the big picture” and “Rome wasn’t built in a day” stay in our language because they are true. And, they apply here. Plan for the Long Haul. Think of it this way, a diet is a short-term change in how you eat. A lifestyle change is just that—a permanent change in the way you live your life. Starting now.

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balancing

relationships

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creating harmony in your life with work and ones you love If the meaning of life is revealed in the pursuit of happiness, then the challenge of life is in finding balance. Work, relationships and health all compete for the top spot on our list of priorities. And just as we get comfortable with it all – BAM! – something new gets thrown into the mix. A baby, a promotion, struggles with your spouse or miscommunication with a co-worker can send your carefully crafted world spinning. Keeping your priorities balanced can be challenging, yet experts say not only is it possible, it’s critical to our sense of wellbeing.

BY NATASHA MANCUSO

MAGIC I september 2012 I 69

“What I consider a balanced day is when I am able to go to work and concentrate on it 100 percent and then at five o’clock, it is all about my family, leave it all at the office...” — Akvilina Rieger, working mother

Akvilina Rieger, right, walks with her husband Paul and their daughters Sofia, 4, and Savannah, 1, near their home. Photo by Paul Ruhter.

Occupational hazards Steve Tobin is a Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice. Over the last 35 years, he has counseled numerous couples and individuals on a myriad of relational issues. And, like many professionals, he struggled to balance a busy work schedule with family life. “I was working a full-time job and contracted part-time with a hospital where my services were valued,” Tobin said. “One day, as I was riding my bike to work, I passed a guy sipping lemonade on his porch on a lovely summer Saturday morning. I hated him.” Balance between work and home is hard to strike. While work is important, it rarely feeds a person spiritually. Most of us have to earn money to provide for our family, but investing time and effort into family relationships is much more fulfilling. Ironically, the recent sluggish economy and worrisome unemployment reports have compelled many to spend even more time at work. “Recognize the reasons for making your choices,” advises Tobin. “Are you looking to meet your financial needs – which is what work is designed to do – or are you looking for personal fulfillment?” When people realize they are overwhelmed with the pace of life or that their life is busy but not fulfilling, very rarely is it because they don’t work enough. Typically, they say they don’t spend enough time with family and friends, or neglect their passions or hobbies. A useful litmus test is to ask oneself: “If I work for a big cor-

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poration my whole life, would they come and visit me in a nursing home when I’m old?” asks Tobin. “I know my wife and family will.”

Be proactive when facing change Akvilina Rieger, a marketing representative for a collection agency,

had worked for her employer for eight years when the owner announced he was selling to a large out-of-state company. Typically, the acquisition of a company is a very stressful time for the employees. Uncertainty about the future of the acquired company, possible layoffs and anticipation of changes can drive down employee moral and create a tense working environment. Rather than remain in a wait-and-see mode, Rieger researched strategies for negotiating the terms of her employment. Armed with expert advice, she approached her new employer. “The new owners claimed to be a family-friendly company, so I asked them to demonstrate that by agreeing to my requests: no traveling, no working more than 40 hours per week, more vacation time, a salary that legitimized leaving the kids with baby sitter and flexibility so I could attend the kids’ events,” Rieger said. “Two years into the merger, I have to say the new owners proved that they really are a family-oriented business. And it shows. We have very little turn over.”

Wedded bliss or miss?

While marriage may seem like the end goal to some, most married

couples end up finding out that marriage is really just the beginning. Conflict in relationships can and will arise. Left unresolved, these conflicts can escalate, eventually leading to resentment and a break in meaningful communication. Without communication, the chance of resolving an issue is remote. If you are struggling with an ongoing problem in your marriage, the first step to resolution is trying to identify, as clearly Steve Tobin, as possible, what that problem is. And yes, Marriage and Family Therapist that does involve talking to your spouse. “Men and women look at communication differently,” Tobin said. “When my wife says “We need to talk,” I immediately think ‘Ugh oh! Where did I mess up?’” According to Tobin, women see communication as evidence of a healthy relationship, while men often view it as evidence of failure. “Language is not perfect,” Tobin added, “but it’s the best tool we have. Try to listen and speak without blame or assumption. Many times what you perceive to be the problem isn’t a problem at all.” A technique called “reflection” is used by couple’s therapists to achieve clear communication. One person speaks, the other repeats what she/he heard. The idea is to learn to hear what your partner is trying to communicate, not just their words. “Relationships take time, literally,” said Tobin. “You have to spend time together, talk, listen, do things together.” Experts advise to separate work and home life. Leave work emails, papers, problems at the office, so that you fully engage your family when home. “What I consider a balanced day is when I am able to go to work and concentrate on it 100 percent and then at five o’clock, it is all about my family,” said Rieger. “I leave it all at the office, so I can “make up” for time I missed with my kids and my husband, making sure they get 100 percent of me, too.” Of course, this scenario is not always possible. Technology makes us very accessible, yet accessibility doesn’t always translate to quality of communication. There may not be a boundary between work and home – unless you create it.

Dating and relating When dealing with problems in a dating relationship, there is an option that is more readily available than in a marriage: walking away. When is it time to walk away from a relationship? “The second you realize that the person isn’t right for you,” said Tobin. Courtship is designed for trying it out, getting to know the person before fully committing to a relationship, and that takes time. “I am a proponent of long courtships,” said Tobin. “When people start dating, they present themselves in the best light. It takes at least a year to get to know someone, for the newness to wear out.” No matter how much time you’ve invested in the relationship, if you no longer get what you need from it, can’t communicate with your partner, don’t look forward to spending time together and, especially, if you no longer feel good about yourself, it’s time to walk away. “To be in a healthy relationship, you have to really love yourself,” said Tobin. “Low self-esteem is at the root of most dependency-based relationships. If you depend on your partner to make you happy or if he/she depends on you to fill their voids, the relationship is headed for trouble. Take time to get to know yourself and to get to know your partner.”

Tactical plan: Relationships 1. Take inventory Get a notebook and on one page write down 5 things that fuel your energy and spirit. On a separate page, write down 5 things that drain your time, energy and personal resources. Review both lists carefully.

2.Assess Pick one of the things that drains your time and energy. Ask yourself: Is this something that must be done? Am I the only person who can do this? What would happen if I was no longer able to do this? What could I do if I no longer had this responsibility? Do I secretly feel that no one else would do this the same way I do and my way is best? The idea is to critically assess those things that feel draining, break them down into manageable segments and find creative ways to minimize or eliminate the impact.

3. Create a new plan After you’ve taken a hard look at the rationale behind those things that feel draining, it’s time to commit to making a real change – even if that means stepping into uncomfortable territory. Say for example you have several kids taking part in different afterschool activities and you find yourself exhausted and short tempered after driving them to and from those activities. Ask yourself: Must the kids be involved in multiple activities? Probably not. Are you the only person who can ferry them to and from their activities? Probably not. What would happen if you could no longer drive your kids? You would look for options such as carpooling, family/friends/spouse assistance, decreasing the number of activities, etc. Likely one of the hardest questions to ask yourself is if you secretly believe your way of handling the routine is the best and no one else would be as good. If this is the case, change will feel particularly uncomfortable.

4. Take heart your initial discomfort in securing help from others will ultimately give way to feeling less stress, which is

better for you and your family.

5. Create healthy boundaries Is the stress of your work spilling over into your family and personal life? If so, you aren’t alone. Grab your notebook once again and list 5 examples where your work has negatively impacted your personal or family time. Do you regularly work late instead of going to the gym to work out? Have you put work ahead of attending your kids’ sports or school functions? Does your current job misalign with your professional goals? Take a hard look at your work habits and how those habits are contributing to the situation. Question your routine, and ask yourself if the additional hours make your home or personal life better. Be honest with yourself and take deliberate steps to create a distinct separation between your work life and your home and personal life.

6. Nurture yourself Do you get enough sleep? Do you regularly work out? How about personal recreation, what sports or hobbies do you like and make time for? In your notebook, make a list of those things that are important to you personally. Now get out your calendar and set dates and times to enjoy those things. This is not an act of selfishness. There is a reason why flight attendants instruct passengers to place the oxygen mask on themselves first before helping others: If you do not take good care of yourself, you cannot take good care of anyone else.

7. Do not accept tasks out of guilt or a false sense of obligation Women are particularly susceptible to this trap. Before you accept responsibility for one more task, stop. Ask yourself if the responsibility can fit comfortably into your existing schedule. If adding the responsibility adds undue stress or pressure, do not say yes. Instead, explore alternative ways to accomplish or share the responsibility. And don’t be afraid to say “no.”

MAGIC I september 2012 I 71

barley legal a tour of billings’ burgeoning brewery district

Just a few months ago, you could still take a leisurely walking tour of all the breweries in downtown Billings in one evening. If you want to take that tour now – and sample at least one beer in each establishment – you’d better be jogging, and you’d better have a stronger constitution than I do. Because now, in a strip of downtown Billings eight blocks long and not quite two blocks wide, there are seven breweries. And those seven breweries are pouring about 60 different beers, all made on the premises. Who do we think we are, Portland?

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by ed kemmick

photography by david grubbs

Thanks to Montana’s confusing, antiquated liquor laws, breweries can serve beer only until 8 p.m...In a strange way, though, the laws seem to have benefited the breweries. Above: Überbrew is one of the new additions to the Brewery District. Right Top to bottom:Angry Hank’s First Avenue North location. The back deck at Carter’s. Patrons at the newest microbrew, Himmelberger Brewing Co. Customers enjoy great food at Montana Brewing Co. Guests enjoy gathering at Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co.

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Montana Brewing Co. 113 N. Broadway Brewer: Evan Taylor Number of beers on tap, on average?

We have anywhere from six to 11 beers on tap depending on the season and if you hit us at the right time. Describe your brewpub.

The Montana Brewing Company is the most award-winning brewery in the state of Montana so you are guaranteed a world-class beer every visit.

Favorite beer-and-food pairing?

Either a choice Gruyere cheese with a Nut Brown Ale or spiced carrot cake with the right IPA. Your favorite beer experience?

I don’t know if there is any other better feeling than the anticipation of pulling into a parking lot before an event – a concert, a football game or whatever– with a cooler full of your favorite beer, or any beer for that matter. Finally parking and cracking that first one, taking the first sip, and knowing that it is a wonderful part of the people you are with and the event that you are about to experience.

“I absolutely love the atmosphere,” said Valerie Hennes, sipping a beer on the patio outside Angry Hank’s at 20 N. 30th St. “Each brewery brings in a completely different crowd.” Photographer David Grubbs and I ran into Valerie during our own mid-August walking tour of the downtown breweries. It took us two full evenings to make the rounds, and our “research” confirmed her observations. Partly by design and partly by accident, each downtown brewery offers a distinctly different ambience, not to mention a whole bunch of different brews. Valerie, 34, confessed that she will drink a Miller Lite on occasion – “for the low calories” – but she appreciates good beer, and she likes the laid-back atmosphere of the breweries. Thanks to Montana’s confusing, antiquated liquor laws, breweries can serve beer only until 8 p.m., and each brewery’s taproom can serve a customer a maximum of three pints a night. In a strange way, though, the laws seem to have benefited the breweries. People who might not think of going into a regular bar for a late afternoon drink don’t hesitate to flock into the breweries for an after-work beer with friends. “It’s a good time,” Valerie said. “Nobody’s coming to breweries to get flat on their face. They come to have fun.” So, where do we start?

Valerie Hennes, left and Cailin Beeler share a laugh over beers recently at Angry Hank’s in downtown Billings.

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How about the Montana Brewing Co. at 113 N. Broadway? It’s the oldest brewery in Billings and it’s also in a class by itself, since it has a full-service restaurant, a sidewalk patio and an attached casino and sports bar, Hooligan’s. Unlike the other breweries, it also has a full liquor license, allowing it to serve mixed drinks and wine while staying open until 2 a.m. It’s hard to think of it as a brewpub at all. It’s more like a brewplex. Montana Brewing Co. has had its ups and downs as far as the beer is concerned, but it has won a raft of awards, and I’m happy to report that it is again enjoying a good-beer phase, this time under the stewardship of brewer Evan Taylor. It’s not a taproom, not by a long shot, but it does a lot of things right, and it has been consistently popular for nearly 20 years. The Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co., at 2123 First Ave. N., has been popular nearly as long. It opened 17 years ago in what had been a tirerecapping business – a dirty, greasy industrial space with overhead garage doors and high ceilings. Thanks to a hundred small changes over the years, now there’s nothing quite like it in all of Montana. Its 5,600 square feet house a brewery, a big brass and steel distillery, a separate vodka and gin tasting room, and a big stage in the shadow of empty kegs and pallets of empty bottles stacked on top of a walk-in cooler. Over the years the Garage, as it’s known, has evolved into one of the best live-music venues in Billings. It offers everything from an open-mike night for budding local musicians to big shows featuring national touring bands. When Grubbs and I stopped in on a Saturday night, West High senior Hannah Habermann was singing her tender heart out for an audience that included senior citizens, baby boomers, young adults, teenagers and toddlers (YVBC also makes a killer root beer), at least one small baby and three well-behaved dogs. Owner George Moncure originally did the brewing, but one of his early hires was Mike Uhrich, who branched out five years ago and founded his own place – Carter’s Brewing, named for his son, Carter James, at 2526 Montana Ave. Carter’s has the smallest taproom in town. You have to elbow your way past 55-pound sacks of malt and kegs of beer, but it’s worth the trouble. Mike is constantly creating new and unusual brews. He usually has about 15 beers on tap, with four or five popular standards and an alwayschanging menu of porters, stouts, pale ales, India

Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co. 2123 First Ave. N. Brewer: Nathan Traw Number of beers on tap, on average?

Eleven plus a root beer, Wooley Bugger Describe your taproom.

A beer garage: where outdoors meets indoors and people meet each other; where music is alive, pints are real, and stories are dubious at best. (This one answered by owner George Moncure.) Favorite beer-and-food pairing?

A mixed green salad with a Huckle-Weizen and balsamic dressing. I follow this appetizer with a spicy, Cajun blackened salmon served with a Numbskull IPA and garlic aioli. For dessert, a chocolate espresso cake served with a Black Widow Stout or my favorite vanilla ice cream in a glass of Wooley Bugger root beer. Your favorite beer experience?

After several weeks of impatient production, the first beer I ever made was enjoyed by close friends in a celebration that never seemed to end. Above: Doug Habermann and his daughter Hannah play music at Yellowstone Valley Brewing. Left: Alicia Reyer and her boyfriend Matt sit on the deck at Carter’s. Below: Mark Hastings, head brewer at Überbrew.

MAGIC I september 2012 I 75

Carter’s Brewing, 2526 Montana Ave. Brewer-owner: Mike Uhrich Number of beers on tap, on average?

We have 15 beers on tap on a regular basis. Describe your taproom.

Beer engineered and conducted with passion! Favorite beer-and-food pairing?

Bacon double cheeseburgers with fries paired with hoppy American brown ale. Your favorite beer experience?

I met the one and only Michael Jackson (the beer writer, not the singer) in Denver before he died. That moment has yet to be matched.

Customers, from left, Tim Stevar, Jerry Stallman and Andrea Tasho enjoy a drink at Carter’s Brewing. Brewing equipment is part of the taproom’s decor. Photo by Casey Page.

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pale ales, pilsners, wheat beers and reds. And though it’s small, Carter’s has a front deck it shares with its next-door neighbor, the Railyard Ale House, and a long, narrow patio out the back door that is just a few feet from the nearest set of railroad tracks. Valerie, the taproom expert we met at Hank’s, said “the hipsters” hang out at Carter’s. I suppose that’s fairly accurate, though I’m a regular myself. I must be the exception that proves the rule. Just down the street from Carter’s is Überbrew at 2305 Montana Ave. Überbrew is only a couple of months old, but Mark Hastings, part-owner and head brewer, has as much experience as anybody in town. He was the second master brewer at Montana Brewing Co., starting there in 1995, and he had his own restaurant-brewery in the Rimrock Mall for a while. Now located in the heart of the downtown brewery district, Hastings and his partners went all out with their new business. At 5,100 square feet, Überbrew is only slightly smaller than Yellowstone Valley Brewing. Like all the other downtown breweries, Überbrew made use of an old building, this one with high, wooden ceilings, exposed beams and rafters, red-brick walls, a long concrete bar topped with a dark amber epoxy finish, and skylights that make the big, airy space seem even bigger. Überbrew has already won fans of its eight-plus beers, but an even bigger draw is the sizable menu of unusual pub foods, including a smoked pork pasta with chipotle cream sauce. Überbrew has also had live music on a few Sundays and hopes to offer more of that in the future. Roger Holick was sitting at the bar when we rolled through Überbrew on our tour. He’d been a regular at Hank’s for three years or so and he’s taken a liking to Überbrew too. He says one thing he didn’t like about Angry Hank’s was that it was sometimes too popular, especially on Friday nights. For Angry Hank’s owner Tim Mohr, that’s a nice problem to have. He opened the original Angry Hank’s at 2405 First Ave. N. six years ago, taking over an old service station with three overhead garage doors. One of its attractions was that Angry Hank’s never pretended to be anything but a brewery inside an old gas station. All the brewery equipment was crammed into one service bay, all the tables and chairs into the other two, with a fenced-in patio out front and a few seats in what used to be the tiny front office. As Roger said, the place was wildly popular, generally wall-to-wall people on weekends.

Überbrew 2305 Montana Ave. Brewer-owner: Mark Hastings Number of beers on tap, on average?

We have eight-plus beers on tap but hope to get between 10 and 12 very soon. Describe your taproom.

“Überbrew” means superlative brew. We strive to bring our customers this experience by pairing world-class beer with wonderful food, music, service and atmosphere. Favorite beer-and-food pairing?

American-style Hefeweizen and Ceviche. Your favorite beer experience?

Drinking Hammerhead at the Little Red Shed, McMenamin’s Edgefield in Troutdale, Ore.

Above: Roger Holick enjoys a brew at Überbrew. Überbrew server Gregg Layman delivers a cheese platter. Ali Alibhai of Southern Callifornia takes a bite of his chilidog at Überbrew.

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Angry Hank’s Tap Room, 2405 First Ave. N. and 20 N. 30th St. Brewer/ owner: Tim Mohr Number of beers on tap, on average?

We try to keep six to eight beers on tap. Describe your taproom.

Old Hank’s: Ugly gas station on the bad side of town where beer is the social grease that keeps the conversation well-oiled. Leave your cell phone in the car. New Hank’s: Industrial chic –not quite so angry, air conditioning and indoor bathrooms, more of an “Annoyed Hank’s.” Loud conversation induced by beer still rules. Favorite beer-and-food pairing?

Bourbon stout with a bowl of vanilla ice cream. Your favorite beer experience?

I was 18 years old, Coors Brewery, Golden Colo., Killian’s Irish Red on draft. Got the wheels turning that there was a lot more to this thing called beer. Top:Angry Hank’s on First Avenue North was an old garage that found new life. Above right: Trisha Gleich pours a beer at the new Angry Hank’s on North 30 Street. Right: Cassie Dixon, server at Angry Hank’s, cleans up the chalkboard at the brew pub.

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That’s why Mohr opened a second Angry Hank’s this summer at 20 N. 30th St. He plans to keep the old Hank’s going for at least another year. The new Hank’s has an urbanindustrial vibe with a large, open room with high ceilings, concrete floors and exposed duct work. It also has a fenced-in patio on the south side of the building and a big bank of tall windows on the east side. Both Hank’s taprooms seem to attract an older crowd than the other establishments, plus a smattering of bikers, and both Hank’s are packing ’em in. And that brings us to the newest brewery downtown – Himmelberger Brewing Co. at 3008 First Ave. N., right next to the new Hank’s. Owner Dennis Himmelberger was still wrestling with some troublesome taps the night Grubbs and I stopped by, just two nights after it opened. The brewery may be new, but Himmelberger himself is an old hand. He brewed beer out of his house for 18 years, selling kegs to

taverns and restaurants. At one point he was supplying “25 handles,” as he put it. Himmelberger’s is yet another brewery with high ceilings, concrete flooring and exposed beams, with a wall of glass looking out on First Avenue North. Himmelberger is trying to separate himself from the crowd by serving his beer in 12-ounce glasses instead of pints, and serving his German-style beers at a slightly warmer, more traditional temperature than the other breweries in town. He also has a coffeeshop attached to the brewery, to satisfy that other familiar liquid craving. And like almost every other brewer in town, Himmelberger did much of his building renovation himself, putting in hundreds of hours at chores like knocking the plaster off the old walls with a three-pound sledge hammer. Call me a romantic, but I think the beer tastes better because all these brewers did all that work. I mean, would you rather have a steak at a chain restaurant or a slab of grass-fed beef at a local ranch, served up by the rancher in the same field where the late cow once roamed? What else can I tell you? If you want to know more, I think it’s time you took your own tour.

Himmelberger Brewing Company 3008 First Ave. N. Brewer/owner: Dennis Himmelberger Number of beers on tap, on average?

Three Describe your brewpub.

A small brewery offering truly handcrafted brews, housed in a restored 100-year-old building emphasizing original brick and wood with an adjoining coffee shop. Favorite beer-and-food pairing?

Scotch ale and Monterey jack cheese. Your favorite beer experience?

Brewing with Pierre Rajotte in Montreal

Top: Downtown’s newest microbrewery, Himmelberger Brewing Company, is now open on First Avenue North. Above: The Himmelberger taps. Left: Brewer/owner, Dennis Himmelberger.

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Spooktacular Edna Dempster lives at Ground Zero, the epicenter of ghosts and ghouls on All Hallowsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Eve. But Dempster quickly dispels the notion that she created the chaos on Clark Avenue. The tradition was already firmly entrenched 20 years ago, when her family moved into the neighborhood.

Top: Dressed as a candy corn, Jillian Mavencamp, 7, manages a smile as she leaves the haunted house. Above Left: From left, Tyler Lienemann, 3, Kyle Lienemann, 6, Quinn Sewchok, 4, and Sidney Hanify, 6, stand with their plastic pumpkin buckets. Above Right: Dressed as a zombie fairy, Savannah Miller, 9, trick-or-treats along Clark Avenue.

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Dempster just kicked it up a few notches when she rented a hearse, put a skeleton in the front and a casket in the back. Later, she hung the Bates Motel sign between the towering columns of her three-story, Southern plantation-style home and posed a shadowy figure on the widow’s walk holding a candelabra. When Dempster moved into her home at the corner of Third Street West and Clark Avenue, neighbors warned her to expect 400 trick-or-treaters. “Now it’s like 3,000,” she said. Trick-or-treaters pass with trepidation through the wrought iron gate, moving among the cemetery headstones to reach the front steps. Candy fills a witch’s cauldron on the porch. On Halloween, Clark Avenue is the place to see and be seen, a shoulder-to-shoulder procession of outlandishly costumed characters. Some homeowners take the day off work to set up. Others throw parties to enlist help handing out candy. The crowd has spilled over into adjacent streets in the historic neighborhood west of the Moss Mansion. Last year, David and Erin Carse stretched spider webs from their roof to the front fence. It was their second year at their home on the 300 block of Clark. “We were feeling like we had to keep up with the neighbors,” David Carse said. “We had a party and everybody had to bring candy to give out. We had three ice chests full of candy and we gave it all out.” Everyone did shifts at the front door. “It’s chaos,” he said. “It’s like Halloween on steroids.” His wife insists on keeping the action PG. “I’d be there with the chainsaw and running around on the roof if my wife would let me,” he said. Last year, Trenay Hart pedaled to her friends’ house to help hand out candy. She wore a witch’s costume and a broom jutted from the back of her granny-style bicycle. Stuffed black crows perched on her basket. The bike proved practical, since parking turns ghastly on Halloween. For safety’s sake, traffic is blocked at several intersections along Clark

Top: Spiderwebs adorn the front of the home at 311 Clark Avenue. Far Right: Smoke fills the graveyard set up in the front yard of 301 Clark Ave. Right: Costumed kids trick-or-treat on Avenue. 2012 I MAGIC 82 Clark I september

“We were feeling like we had to keep up with the neighbors We had a party and everybody had to bring candy to give out. We had three ice chests full of candy and we gave it all out.” — David Carse,

Clark Avenue Homeowner

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Top: A deceased pirate commands a ghost ship on the front lawn of a home on Clark Avenue for Halloween. Above: Dressed as a witch, Trenay Hart hands out candy to trick-or-treaters. Far Right: Kyler Miller, 4, is dressed as Mario as he trick-or-treats along Clark Avenue. Far right: A ghoul scares trick-or-treaters outside a haunted house set up at 301 Clark Avenue.

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Avenue, starting at Division Street. Randy Jacobs, and his wife, Stacey, hang jack-o’-lanterns over the lampposts along the 200 block of Clark, giving the street an orange glow. Randy dresses as Gandolf, the wizard from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings.” He has made it his mission to patrol the first few blocks of Clark Avenue to help revelers stay safe. Trick-or-treaters sometimes mistake Jacobs for Dumbledore, the wizard from Harry Potter. Once, a child meekly asked if he were God. Stacey dresses as a good witch, with blonde hair and a sparkly ivory gown. “You look out and the whole street’s in motion and there’s just the most amazing costumes, things I would never think of,” she said. She enjoys the action, but wishes some other Billings neighborhoods would also go all out for Halloween to take some of the pressure off Clark. “It’s a visual pleasure, but it’s also exhausting,” she said. Sharon Miller’s sisters and children gather at Halloween as if it were a family reunion. “It takes a little bit of a village to put it

all on,” said Miller, who has six children ranging from 8 to 30. While some neighborhood homes are purely PG, theirs is on the scary side. One year, they all dressed as vampires. Last year, they did zombie babies. This year, the theme follows Stephen King’s short story “Children of the Corn.” Her 24-year-old son, Joe Houghton, strides swiftly on stilts through the crowd, dressed as an evil pumpkin. “He’ll still do the stilts this year, but we’re thinking of other costumes,” Miller said. Each Halloween, Dempster gets a fairly accurate head count by tracking empty candy bags. “Last year, there were probably close to 2,400 or 2,500 trick-or-treaters, but last year was a school night. It was close to 3,000 the year before,” she said. Dempster is “tickled” to provide so many families with such vivid Halloween memories. Whenever she’s tempted in the fall to spare the work and expense, some passerby catch her in the yard and tell her how much Clark Avenue’s grand Halloween tradition has meant to him.

. . . 2 5 9 1 n I

Dwight D. Eisenhower became President. Elizabeth became Queen of England. The NY Yankees won the ‘52 World Series.

Billings Nursery was born.

Today We’re Celebrating

60 Years

& Looking Forward to 60 More! Same Family. Same Location. Same Great Service. Same Quality Product. 7900 S. Frontage Rd. • 656-2410 2147 Poly Drive • 656-5501 www.billingsnursery.com

MAGIC I september 2012 I 85

From its earliest history, Montana was a magical destination—a place to discover fortune and fame, fueled by the river commerce, the railroad expansion and mining. Nearly a century later, under dust, dirt and hard work, the glitter remains. Billings proudly retains its hard-earned “Magic City” nametag, rooted in the families that came— and stayed. From an entrepreneurial spirit born of determination, long hours and just plain “stick-to-it-ness” multigenerational businesses are alive and thrive here.

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In this issue we celebrate the dedication of 13 local businesses that strive to keep itâ&#x20AC;Ś

ALL IN THE FAMILY Celebrating multigenerational businesses

MAGIC I september 2012 I 87

Stockman Bank Established: 1953 Billings area locations: 2700 King Ave. W. 800 Main St. 1450 Shiloh Rd. 402 North Broadway 1405 Grand Ave. (Opening Spring 2013) 2450 Main St., Worden, MT

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In the early 1950s, Miles City, Mont., was known as the “cow capital of the world” because of the large number of ranchers and farmers that the community served. One of those ranchers was William “Bill” Nefsy. One day, Nefsy, a successful rancher, approached the old, established bank in Miles City for an ag loan. “He was told the bank did not make ag loans, and acted as if they didn’t really want farmers and ranchers inside the bank,” said Bill Coffee, Nefsy’s grandson and CEO of Stockman Bank. Undeterred, Nefsy approached a smaller bank across the street only to be told they, too, did not make ag loans, though he was treated with more respect. “My grandfather was shocked. He always thought banks should serve everyone in the community,” Coffee said. Nefsy shared his story with his accountant, Bob Mountain, who was acquainted with the majority owner of the Miles City Bank. Nefsy asked his accountant to meet with the owner and present Nefsy’s offer to purchase his interest in the bank. “He bought majority control. And over time, my grandfather continued to purchase more interest until he owned virtually 100 percent,” Coffee said. Bill Nefsy’s philosophy that banks should serve everyone in

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the community became a founding principle of the new bank. “He said he didn’t care if you were a small shop owner or a sheepherder, our bank wants to do business with you,” Coffee said. That philosophy was rooted in Nefsy’s own banking experience. “My grandfather always viewed himself as a consumer of banking services, not as a banker.” That unique perspective of looking at services from the consumer’s standpoint is a tradition that Stockman Bank employees still follow today. “One of the things we do is empower our employees to do the right thing,” Coffee noted. Stockman bank doesn’t have several layers of management, Coffee points out. Instead, employees have the power to take care of almost every customer need right then and there. “It’s about keeping it close to the customer,” Coffee said. Nefsy’s vision continues through his daughter, Virginia, sonin-law, C.M. and his grandchildren, Bill Coffee and Caren Coffee, who all are involved with the bank today. It’s a dynamic process of transition that Coffee says will continue through future generations of family. Today, Stockman Bank is the fifth largest bank in Montana with 25 locations statewide. It is also Montana’s largest agricultural bank and the 20th largest ag lender in

Photos from top right: The original Miles City branch. Bank founder, Bill Nefsy. The family proudly dislpays their 2004 Montana Family Business of the Year award. Below, the branch located at 2700 King Ave. west.

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the nation. “We are a full-service bank offering commercial, agricultural, and real estate loans plus consumer and residential real estate loans,” Coffee said. Stockman Bank’s commitment to community remains at the core of the bank’s long-term vision. “Like my grandfather, we believe in doing the right thing and investing in the communities we serve,” Coffee said. “When you do that, good things happen.” Advice for would-be entrepreneurs: Do what’s right and invest for the long term. Fun Family Fact: Stockman Bank is proud that all but one bank president graduated from a Montana college or university.

B&B Tire Company Established: 1969 2121 Montana Ave. truck tires in the back lot. Though he didn’t yet have a driver’s license, Wiley knew he would someday call the business his own. Wiley’s father, William “Bill” Taylor, went to work in the tire business after returning from military service in the early 1950s. After several years, Bill decided to start his own business and began searching for a location. He B&B Tire owners Wiley and J.R. Taylor. Photo by Larry Mayer found exactly what he was looking for at 2121 Montana Ave., At age 14, Wiley Taylor pedaled his bike from purchased the building and opened B & B Tire his home to his father’s shop, B & B Tire. It was Company in 1959. Sunday, and time for Wiley to get busy changing From early on the business was a family affair.

Bill was president, his wife was he secretary and his son Wiley was vice president. The family recalls that Mrs. Taylor was much more than a secretary. “My mom could outwork anyone in the shop,” Wiley said. “She knew every position and could fill in for any worker any time.” In 1966, Mrs. Taylor was featured in The Billings Gazette for her ability to change tires and manage domestic chores. The story still hangs on a wall in the shop today. In 1982, Bill Taylor retired and his son, Wiley, took over the business at the age of 24. “It wasn’t daunting,” Wiley noted. “I’d been there all my life.” Today, Wiley’s wife is the secretary and their son, also named Wiley, is vice president. “We’ve been blessed to be able to do what we love in a city and surrounding area that we’ve called home for generations,” Wiley said. Advice for would-be entrepreneurs: Do what you know.

Billings Nursery & Landscaping Established: 1969 Locations: Garden Center, Nursery & Landscaping: 7900 S. Frontage Road Garden Center, Home Décor, Art Center & Sweet Shop: 2147 Poly Dr.

The Detroit riots of 1967 were a catalyst for the founding of one local business, Billings Nursery & Landscaping. Newly married, Robert (Bob) and Joanne Marble were anxious to escape the unrest in Michigan and find a place suitable to raise their children. Bob, who had been in Arboriculture, learned that a homestead farm and nursery was for sale in Billings, Mont. It was a natural fit.

The Marbles purchased the business in December 1968, and moved their young family to Montana. The couple’s five children were all raised on the property and everyone helped. As the business grew, the Marbles decided to expand by purchasing a second location at 2147 Poly Dr. Sons David and Richard took a special interest in the family business and took over operations in the 1980s. Richard managed the first location on South Frontage Road while David became the manager of the new Poly Drive store. Richard’s son Andrew, now vice president of Billings Nursery, moved to the property with his parents at as a young boy. Growing up he didn’t think he wanted to be a permanent part of the family business. After graduating from college and entering the workforce, Andrew found he missed working outdoors. When his father asked him to join the business in 2006, he happily accepted. To this day he enjoys being creative, learning every day and working with his hands in the earth. In addition to his mother and father, Andrew is joined in the business by Bob’s great-grandson Cuyler, who works at the nursery every summer and Andrew’s eldest son, 9, who waters plants on occasion. David Marble, who has a lifelong love of antiques, began acquiring, refinishing and selling vintage oak furniture at the Poly Drive store. The addition of antiques to the garden center created an opportunity to keep the store open year round. Over time, he began carrying gifts, home décor, artwork and most recently The Sweets Shoppe. David’s son, Jason, joined his father and is assuming a larger role in managing the store’s future. The year 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of Billings Nursery and Landscaping. Andrew attributes the success of the business to the hard work of his parents and grandparents. Advice for would-be entrepreneurs: Seek advice from others in the same trade or who are successful in business. Remember that service is key – be available and willing to go the extra mile for your clients. David, Jason, Bobbi, Richard, and Andrew Marble, and Cuyler Harvey at the Billings Nursery. Photo by Paul Ruhter

MAGIC I september 2012 I 89

Gainan’s Flowers and Garden Center Established: 1951 Three locations: 502 N 30th St. 810 Bench Blvd..

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• 1211 24th St. W. More than 60 years ago, Grant and Betty “G’ma G” Gainan opened a small flower shop on North 30th Street. Today, Gainan’s Flowers and Garden Center has the distinction of being awarded first place in a national competition for excellence in the floral industry. All of this may never have happened had young Grant Gainan ignored the entrepreneurial tug. “Grant worked for the Billings fire department and became the city’s first Fire Marshal,” said Jim Gainan, Grant’s grandson and now president of Gainan’s. Despite success in his first career path, Grant Gainan had an unquenchable entrepreneurial spirit. One day he came home and announced to his wife that he was quitting his job and opening a flower shop. In April 1951, Gainan’s opened for business at 201 N. 30th St. “Grant ran a full page ad in The Gazette that said ‘we are presenting the most unique display of unusual flowers, plants, centerpieces, corsages, floral supplies and tropical fish,’” Jim Gainan said. Over time, the business grew and Grant and Betty’s sons, Mick and Chuck, took over management. In 2010, Mick and his family bought out Chuck’s interest, and Mick’s son Jim became President. The company’s flagship store in downtown Billings was constructed directly across the street from the original shop. “This building holds a lot of history which honors downtown,” Jim Gainan noted. The store’s cornerstone is made of sandstone from a home that was demolished on the building site. Limestone panels that at one time served as the façade of the First Bank Building were repurposed as flooring for the greenhouse. A finial from the old Commercial Hotel on Montana Avenue sits atop the building, and in the atrium, the iron balcony railing also came from the Commercial Hotel. “Betty Roosevelt addressed a Billings audience from that hotel balcony,” Jim noted. One of the things the family is most proud of is Gainan’s commitment to customer service. “Our customers come first. If we don’t get something right, we make it right.” That attentiveness to the customer has found its way into the store’s new tagline: A family tradition since 1951. “Flowers follow a lifecycle,” Jim said. “Births, birthday, marriages, anniversaries, deaths – a florist becomes a partner in the life journey. It’s amazing to be able to work with second and third generation customers.” Advice for would-be entrepreneurs: Be financially solid and be willing to make sacrifices. When Grant and Betty Gainan first opened their shop, they had to rent out their home and move into the store for a couple of years in order to make ends meet. Longtime customers still remember the delicious aroma of “G’ma G” cooking supper every day around closing time. Fun Family Fact: We used to call our delivery vans “panic wagons.” G’ma G would put two kids in the van, strap flowers into car seats and try to get deliveries to customers on time.

Photos from top left: Original store at 201 N. 30th St. “G’ma G”in one of the vintage delivery vans. Left, the current 35,000 square foot store in Billings.

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Jason’s Established: 1936 2564 King Ave W. Suite D

In the early 1900s, an enterprising young man named Joe Alweis left Austria for the promise of a better life in America. After passing through the halls of Ellis Island, Joe became a peddler of “soft goods,” or clothing, coats and shoes. Finding the east coast rather crowded with established businesses, he began to look westward in search of opportunity. In 1912, the great Gold Rush made Butte, Mont. the perfect fit for Joe’s entrepreneurial spirit. Shortly thereafter, he married, moved to Lewistown, and became the proud father of three sons: Norm, Les and Paul. All were destined to become part of the family business, proudly offering the finest in men’s fashion. Originally named the Hub, the

Don and Sheldon Alweis at Jason’s. Photo by Larry Mayer.

Original downtown store.

store became J. A. and Sons, and finally, Jason’s. The downtown Billings store was opened by the three sons in 1936, and ultimately came to be run by Joe’s middle son, Les. Les’ son, Don, eventually took over with his son Sheldon, who cut his teeth in the business by working in a similar store in Louisville Ky., near his college

magazine articles and photographs line the walls with history – every one highlighting the Alweis passion for service.

home. Ready to carry on the family name, Sheldon Alweis rejoined his family at Jason’s in 1990. Twentytwo years later, his favorite part of the business is helping his clients. A visit to the office inside Jason’s shows just how closely Sheldon has followed the family tradition of excellence in customer service. Newspaper clippings,

Advice for would-be entrepreneurs: Make a good name for yourself and take advantage of that good name.

Montague’s Jewelers Established: 1937 Two locations: 2810 Second Ave. North Rimrock Mall

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Surrounded by gems and precious metals is a fine way to spend 75 years. The Montague’s Jewelers legacy began when Wallace “Wally” Montague accepted an apprenticeship with a jeweler in Rexburg, Idaho. While working there, he met a woman and asked her on a date. When he arrived at the home to pick the woman up, he fell in love with her sister, Lois. Before long the two married and moved to Montana. In May 1937, Wally and Lois Montague opened the doors of their new jewelry store in the heart of downtown Billings. Wally often told people, “You never pay more for quality and service.” By 1955, the business had outgrown the space and moved to a location on North Broadway. In 1963, the couple opened a second location in West Park Plaza – which was a brand new mall at the time. Wally and Lois’ son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Lynne, managed the West Park

location until 1975 when they became the proud owners of the business. Later, the two stores were consolidated in 1988 and moved to Rimrock Mall in 1992. Chris Montague, Jay and Lynne’s son, started working at the family business at age 12 learning the art of engraving. “I worked at the store, but I also explored some different career options,” Chris said. At one point, Chris moved to the East Coast where he worked in conservation and politics. But when his father began to talk about selling the store, Chris knew he wanted to return to the family business. Chris and his wife Paige moved back to Billings in 1998 and entered the family business in 2002. Two years later, the couple brought the business full circle and established a second store in downtown Billings – directly across the street from where Wally and Lois first opened. Today, Chris and Paige continue the Montague family tradition and are also both very active in the community. Advice to budding business owners: Be prepared to work incredibly hard—go that extra mile—and stand behind what you do. Being involved in the community is also very important to us. We believe the success of a business is dependent upon investments of time and financial support in our community. Fun Family Fact: Wally Montague founded the The Trout Shop in West Yellowstone in 1941, which he later sold to Bud Lilly. Bud made it one of the country’s most important fly shops and is considered the grandfather of fly-fishing due to his “catch and release” fishing philosophy.

Jay Montague (left) and his son, Chris Montague are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the third-generation family business, Montague’s Jewelers of Montana. Photo by James Woodcock.

MAGIC I september 2012 I 91

Roger L. Daniel Insurance Agency, Inc. Established: 1952 2047 Broadwater Ave. Roger Daniel’s grandfather, Peter Wallinder, started working for Farmers Insurance in 1952. Wallinder had been an insurance agent in Lewistown, Mont. When the opportunity to work as an agent in Billings became available, he could not refuse. Originally, Wallinder both recruited new agents and sold policies which was rare in the business. By 1967, Wallinder was a full time District Manager for Farmers. In 1974, Wallinder passed away and his wife, Judith, age 59, had the option to sell the agency back to Farmers or step in and run it herself. Despite never having been involved in the insurance business before, Judith jumped in with both feet. For the first 25 years in business, Judith worked from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., but that hard work paid off. In the 1980s, Judith Wallinder Insurance was the second largest Farmers agency in the nation. Judith’s grandson, Roger Daniel, started his own Farmers Insurance agency from scratch in her back office shortly after he graduated from college. In 2006, Daniel purchased his grandmother’s book of business and changed the name of the agency to Roger L. Daniel, Inc. Today, the agency is still one of the largest in the entire Farmer’s organization and is one of the fastest growing. Roger’s mother Carol has been involved in the family business over the years too; the first 15 years as a bookkeeper for her mother, and the last ten as a bookkeeper for her son.

Roger Daniel and Judith Wallinder and a portrait company founder Pete Wallinder. Photo by Bob Zellar

Advice for those wanting to start a new business: Work hard. Never give up. In personal life and in business, focus on only the things that will have the biggest impact. Fun Family Fact: In 1988, Judith Wallinder was named Agent of the Year in the Farmer’s organization. The award came with the opportunity to ride on a float in the Rose Parade on January 1, 1989. She is the only Farmer’s agent in the Farmer’s Hall of Fame Heritage Center. She still comes into the office almost every day.

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A Family Tradition for Three Generations 92 I september 2012 I MAGIC

Established: 1958 505 S. 24th St. W. In 1958, Randy Mostad’s father opened a flooring store in Polson, Mont., and then moved the store to Missoula in 1967. In 1974, Randy’s father passed away and his mother and older brother took over the business. “My mom hadn’t worked at the store before, so my brother dropped out of college in order to help my mom run the business,” Randy said. “Today, my brother still owns and runs Lorens Carpet One in Missoula.” Randy’s foray into the family business took a circuitous route. “My wife and I had moved to Billings. We needed to replace some carpet in our house, so I called my brother and he told me to work with Bob Erbacher, who owned Carpet One,” Randy said. The day the carpet was installed, Erbacher offered Randy a job. “Bob told me, ‘I know you’ve got carpet in

your veins, and we want you to go to work for us,’” Randy recalled. “That was in 1994, and I’ve been here every since.” At the time, Randy had been looking to buy into a business, and Bob had been looking for an exit plan. It was a perfect fit for both. “Bob knew I came from a carpet family, and this has been such a rewarding business to be in,” Randy said. That family tradition continued when Tanner Mostad, Randy’s son, joined the business a few years ago. Randy is particularly proud of his staff, saying the success of Carpet One is due to the employees. “I’ve got the best team. Our management team is excellent, and our sales professionals give our customers the highest level of care,” he said. He is also proud that Carpet One offers four very unique services. “We have a lifetime carpet installation guarantee. We offer “The Beautiful Guarantee,” which means if you don’t like your

Bob Smith Motors Established: 1972 2244 Central Ave. Robert H. Smith, better known in the community as “Big Bob” and “Bubba,” opened Bob Smith Lincoln Mercury in 1972. Formerly known as Clark Lincoln Mercury, the dealership was originally located in downtown Billings. In the early 1980s, Bob’s two sons, Scott and Rob, joined the business. Today, Scott remains as the Dealer Principal along with Bob’s two grandsons Robby and Dane. Robby Smith is the General Manager and Dane Smith is the Finance Director. During the 1990s, the family acquired the Mitsubishi and Mazda franchises and changed the name of the dealership to Bob Smith Motors. Though the brands changed and expanded, the Smith family remains committed to the highest standard of customer service in both sales and automotive service. “Many of our 33 employees have been on staff for more than 20 years,” Robby said. “They’re like our extended family.” In addition to selling new and used cars and trucks, Bob Smith Motors also services all Ford, Lincoln, Mitsubishi and Mazda models as well as other makes of cars. “Our service is something we’re very proud of,” Robby said. “We have four Ford Senior Master Technicians in the department, and our customers tell us they love the service we provide – it’s timely and fixed right the first time.” The family environment is something special, Robby noted. When customers come in, they typically run into a Smith, and they enjoy that. “We’re a hands-on dealership. You’ll find us in the service department, walking the showroom and the lot – we love seeing our customers,” Robby said. The Smith family and their staff invite

everyone to stop by and take a look around. “We have new models rolling out with exciting new technology – we’d love a chance to introduce you to our family,” Robby said. Advice for those wanting to start a new business: Take care of your customers and take care of your employees. Surround yourself would good people and good things happen! Fun Family Fact: Robby’s son, Dawson, was on the Big Sky Little League team that played in the Little League World Series in 2011.

Top: 1970s rendering of the dealership. Above: Mom with Robby Smith and founder Bob Smith on cover of Time Magazine and staff. Photo by Larry Mayer

carpet in the first 90 days that we’ll replace it,” he said. Carpet One also offers “Healthier Living Installation, which means before installation they heppa-vac the home to remove contaminates, and then spray the area with Healthenix which kills microbes and viruses, neutralizes pollen and encapsulates any remaining dust. After installation, they heppa-vac again. “It makes the home that much healthier for owners when they move in.” Randy also noted that Carpet One has over 1,000 stores across the country which gives his store the purchasing power of a mega-corporate chain, but it’s still family-owned. “It all comes down to giving our customers the best products, the best service and great value.” Advice for would-be entrepreneurs: Hire the right people. Fun family fact: Randy comes from a family of 10 kids – nine boys and one girl. Every year the families meet and spend a week together at Flathead Lake. “It’s our most treasured time,” Randy said.

Randy Mostad, left with son, Tanner.

MAGIC I september 2012 I 93

Yellowstone Bank WOMEN'S CLOTHING JEWELRY ACCESSORIES PURSES HOME FURNISHINGS & DECOR LIGHTING BED & BATH OUTDOOR

GRAND 14 & 15 OPENING September

(NOW OPEN Mon-Sat)

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94 I september 2012 I MAGIC

Established: 1907 Locations in Billings: 2000 Overland Ave. 3010 3rd Ave. N. 1151 Shiloh Rd. 2900 12th Ave. N. Also branches in Bozeman, Laurel, Columbus and Absarokee

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In an era characterized by industry-wide mergers and consolidation, Yellowstone Bank is proud to remain an independent community bank with decisions made promptly by people who live in the communities they serve. “We are proud of our customer care,” said Jay Harris, Yellowstone Bank president. “Our customers aren’t customers, they’re family.” Yellowstone Bank was founded by B. M. Harris in 1907 and today, after four generations, is still owned and operated by the Harris family. Bank management and staff are committed to maintaining Yellowstone Bank’s exceptional level of customer service, stability and financial strength. “When our customers desire an audience with an officer or owner of the bank, that’s what they get,” Harris said. And for Harris, getting to know his customers on a personal level is one of the things he enjoys most about his job. “We serve so many different small businesses in Billings and the surrounding areas,” Harris said. “It’s so interesting to learn about what people do for a living, to learn about their long-term plans and dreams.” And teaming up to make those dreams come true is icing on the cake for Harris and his team. From small and simple to large and complicated, Harris enjoys teaming up to see these exciting ventures reach fruition. This is a feat that would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of Yellowstone Bank’s committed staff, Harris said. “Over the years, our family has tried hard to hire and retain people who possess the same goals and philosophies on how to treat people,” Harris said. “I’m proud of the officers and staff we’ve put together.” Yellowstone Bank has seven convenient locations to serve you in Billings, Bozeman, Laurel, Columbus and Absarokee.

Roger L. Daniel

Harris’ advice for a new business: After compiling a detailed business plan, line up a banker you trust. Be prepared to live your business for the next few months…to be successful, it will be more than just an 8 to 5 commitment. But if you’re passionate about your business, have startup capital and some savings or equity, you’ll be well on your way. Fun family fact: The next generation of Harris children have been putting their skills to good use at Yellowstone Bank the past two summers. Jay’s son, Will, his niece, Amanda, and his brother’s children, Zach and Libby, have all been employed by the bank.

Judith Wallinder

Roger L. Daniel Judith Wallinder

Opposite page, top: Original building in Laurel, Mont. Left: Bank officers at managment meeting circa 1950’s : B. Meyer Harris, Vice-President, Executive, is seated second from left, B.M. Harris, president is seated to his right. Above: Downtown Billings Branch office. Photo by Casey Page

406-252-3411 rdaniel@farmersagent.com 2047 Broadwater Billings, MT 59101 MAGIC I september 2012 I 95

The Floor Trader Established: 1983 710 Carbon St.

Some men know cars. Some guys know horses and cows. Bob Erbacher knows carpeting. Having been in the business since 1968, first working for the carpet department at Sears and then another local vendor, he had 15 years-worth of experience to draw from. So, like many small business owners, his intimate knowledge of his product instigated his new co-owned venture in 1983 called Carpet and Appliance Connection at 2229 King Avenue W. At that time carpet sales were 80-90 percent of the business and hard surfaces like linoleum were only 10 percent. Son John Erbacher recalls, “Back in the day we had roll inventory right in the store, it was a big jungle gym.” Yet John had no real desire to merge into his father’s business. He attended Montana State University-Billings (then Eastern Montana College) and became a Floor Trader owners, John Erbacher, left and his father, Bob Erbacher. Photo by Casey Page manager of several golf stores in Spokane, Wash. newest business, Stone Mountain Carpet Outlet. In the mid-90s Bob saw a change on the horizon – the home flooring “I sat down and listened to his idea, came back to manage the new market was expanding to include the do-it-yourselfers who wanted a cashstore and eventually bought the business in 2007,” says John. “I was his and-carry product instead of the full-service business model. So, according exit strategy.” During that time the flooring business shifted again, to about to John, Bob essentially traveled to Spokane to recruit his son to run his 50 percent carpet and 50 percent other solid surfaces like hardwoods, tiles and the like. Shortly after John’s purchase, the store at 710 Carbon St. was renamed The Floor Trader to reflect the variety of flooring options available to homeowners. “Although I never worked in the store growing up, I got my early work experience by working for other people – I think my dad did that by design,” notes John. “After our return to Billings, my father mentored me for seven years. How can you put a value on that?” he says of their relationship. Advice for would-be entrepreneurs: Strive for balance. The demands of business are constant. You must be sure to give your family life the attention it deserves. My mother always reminded me that no one ever looks back on life and wishes they had worked more.

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Fun Family Fact: John remembers his mother affectionately saying that although her husband was in the flooring business, she never got to pick out her own flooring.

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Pierce Family of Businesses Established: 1924 Pierce RV Supercenter Pierce Homes • Pierce Leasing & Commercial Group 3800 Pierce Parkway Pierce Flooring & Design 2950 King Ave. W. Additional locations around Montana.

George R. Pierce came to Montana in 1913. An enterprising young man, Pierce traveled the state in his Model T, selling patented medicine on the road. In 1916, George married Margaret in Butte, Mont. That same year the couple relocated to Billings. Pierce spent the following 12 years working a variety of jobs relating to the automotive business. In 1924, George opened his own business selling cars. “He always said he did not handle used cars, only “Experienced Automobiles,” said Russell Pierce, great grandson of George R. Pierce. In 1939, George became the distributor for Willy’s Jeep. About the same time, he also started selling linoleum. After World War II, sons John, Frank and George L. Pierce came home from the army and began working with their father. Over time, the business grew and George purchased a used car lot on the corner of 5th St. West and St. Johns Ave. adding travel trailers and mobile homes to the inventory for sale. Eventually, the entire downtown store was devoted to flooring sales and all auto-related sales were moved to the 5th and St. Johns store. In 1958, George R. Pierce passed away. Ten years later, John and George L. Pierce purchased Frank’s share of the business. After John Pierce passed in 1971, George L. Pierce became the sole owner. By this time, Ron and Bill Pierce, the third generation of Pierces, joined their father, George L. in the business. In 1993, George L. Pierce passed away. Ron and Bill assumed full ownership of the family business until Bill’s death in 1998. Today, Ron and his wife, Linda, remain owners while their sons, Russell and Jake, work alongside learning the family business. “I had spent six years running the store in Kalispell when my father asked I would move back to Billings to work with him,” Russell said adding that his brother, Jake, just started with the company a few weeks ago. “The Pierce family of businesses have been here for more than 80 years, and we’re going to be here in the future,” Russell said. Behind the Pierce family are more than 230 quality employees helping deliver quality products and excellence in customer service. “My great grandfather used to say ‘nobody works for us, they’re part of the family,’ and that’s absolutely true today,” Russell said. “We’re fortunate to have the employees we do.” Advice for would-be entrepreneurs: Expect to put your heart and soul into it. Owning a business is not a 9-to-5 job. Fun Family Fact: All of the first-born sons in the family are given the first name “George.”

From top : Patriarch and company founder, George R. Pierce. Sign from original business. Newspaper advertisiment. Photos courtesy of the Pierce family.

2814 2nd Ave N 259-3624 MAGIC I september 2012 I 97

American Water Technologies Established: 1979 Location: 134 Regal Street

Sometimes the key to opportunity is simply recognizing it. Mike Eastwood was in charge of franchise and market development for Culligan when the Billings water distributorship became available. He had been in the water treatment business around the U.S. since 1965 and it seemed like a good time for a change. So, in 1979 Mike and his wife Helen purchased the distributorship. In the early ‘80s Mike was offered an opportunity abroad. So, Mike and Helen lived in the U.K. for three years, working throughout Belgium and Italy, among other countries. It was about that time that their eldest son, Jeff joined the business. Eventually, sons Tim and Jason also came on board. According to Mike, “Although none of the boys originally planned to join the business, they knew plenty about it from fixing equipment and working on their breaks from high school and college.” Shortly after their return from England, Eastwoods sold their original property on N. 27th St. to St. Vincent’s Healthcare and moved to their current location at 134 Regal St. This move also significantly expanded their warehouse size to 20,000 square feet – and they use every bit of it. Shortly after the move another major entrepreneurial change took place. In 2007 the family decided to shift from being a Culligan dealership to being independent. Today, American Water Technologies serves residential, commercial and industrial customers throughout the Billings and south-central Montana region. Three generations of Eastwoods work within the business, the newest generation being their 21-year-old grandson who runs routes. With his wry smile, Mike is quick to affectionately point out that Helen also worked in the office for quite a few years, “Keeping me on track. Through all this we’ve managed to make it work.” Advice for would-be entrepreneurs: If you plan to have your family work with you, write up all the details in advance. It is tough enough to run a business – defining roles for everyone involved is a must.

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In the abstract, we could explain away our national preoccupation with fantasy football on any number of levels: prolonged adolescence, vicariously living through highly muscular athletes who can crush cars with their foreheads,the need to do something else with the computer besides Facebook, placing our faith in something other than our actual preferred football team, especially if that team happens to be the Dallas Cowboys.

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MAGIC I september 2012 I 101

But, really, the reason otherwise sane people become fixated on Eli Manning’s left anterior cruciate ligament this time of year is even more breathtakingly simple: We play fantasy football because we want to make someone—even ourselves, if it comes to that—suffer. If you’re scoffing at that statement, consider this: Men make up an estimated 90 to 95 percent of fantasy football players nationwide. You still want to tell me it’s about something other than the suffering? (As for the women who play, the explanation is equally simple. They, too, want to make men suffer. Who doesn’t?) Here’s where the suffering comes in. Say the draft order in your particular league fell in a way that allows you to get a stud wide receiver, like Detroit’s Calvin Johnson. While you’re pleased with this, you know, somewhere along the line, what you need from Calvin Johnson, in a fantasy sense, is going to collide with what the Detroit Lions need from Calvin Johnson in the actual-football-game sense. It goes like this: In your fantasy game, you’re ahead by one point. In the reality game, the Lions are trailing by two points with eight seconds left. Lions quarterback

difficult my life already is. Frankly, I don’t need to go complicating my moral clarity by drafting a defense that benefits from pounding the you-know-what out of Tony Romo. He’s going to break my heart enough just by being who he is. I will acknowledge that fantasy sports can provide a social outlet that is meaningful beyond the suffering inherent in the games. Some friends of mine, who all met while working at the nowdefunct Anchorage Times in the late ’80s and early ’90s, have been in a league together for 20-plus years. Every September, they gather in some farflung city for a convention, to renew old friendships and draft their teams. They’ve been with each other through marriages, divorces, job losses, the birth of children and, sadly, the death of one of the founding members. They are a family, in every sense of the word that matters. It’s hard to put a price tag on family. Still, let’s try: You give me Peyton Manning and Calvin Johnson, and you can have mine. Deal?

It’s just this sort of tangling of reality and fantasy that causes more refined people, like me, to avoid playing rotisserie sports. Matthew Stafford hits Johnson with a pass on the sideline—and look, he’s breaking free! Oh, this is amazing! He’s going to score a touchdown and ice the victory for you. But wait a minute. The clock is winding down, and Johnson steps out of bounds with two seconds left, giving the Lions a chance for a field goal to win. And out onto the field trots your fantasy opponent’s kicker, who sends the ball through the uprights, giving the Lions a one-point victory—and your fantasy team a two-point loss. If you want to make the rooting ambiguities even more stark, imagine you’re a fan of the team that just lost to the Lions (let’s say the Minnesota Vikings, because everyone likes to see them lose). Please, take some Xanax if you must. It’s just this sort of tangling of reality and fantasy that causes more refined people, like me, to avoid playing rotisserie sports. By the grace of where I grew up, and not much else, I’m a Dallas Cowboys fan. I trust that you understand how

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... according to two local experts in the field, this might be the first time in history that parents aren’t concerned enough about what’s going on behind their teenagers’ closed doors.

It almost seems quaint now that in the late ‘50s, Ed Sullivan insisted that the TV camera operators videotape Elvis Presley from the waist up so the girls couldn’t see the ‘suggestive’ movement of his hips. And for decades before that, sexual innuendo and any hint of nudity was banned from mainstream movies. When adults complained about the increasingly sexual nature of films, the Censorship Board even prohibited words like “pregnant” or “toilet” from being used.

by russell rowland

MAGIC I september 2012 I 105

Fast forward to 2012, and much of what was once deemed outrageous and controversial has fully found its way into mainstream media. Some would argue that in today’s world, the exposure to sex and sexual connotation is a more outward reflection of what has always gone on in our society. And of course it would be naïve to think that sex among teenagers, or teenagers being victimized by adult predators, is a recent phenomenon. It’s more likely that people were just much more concerned with keeping their skeletons deeply closeted in the early twentieth century. Awareness associated with teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse in the family and sexual predators in the public sector has grown exponentially in recent years, due in large part to the Internet. But according to two local experts in the field, this might be the first time in history that parents aren’t concerned enough about what’s going on behind their teenagers’ closed doors.

Treacherous technology

interpersonal skills as they get older. Sullivan points out that the Internet allows kids to say and do things that they would never even consider doing in person – things they often don’t even understand themselves.

Parental discretion As horrific as situations like this are, there are worse possibilities, and of course, those involve adults. More and more kids are finding themselves in situations where they fall prey to someone posing as a teenager, or someone who actually pays attention to them in ways that they aren’t getting anywhere else. On top of the emotional and physical risks these kids take by sexting, or sending images, they are also putting themselves at risk of serious legal consequences. Vierthaler points out that if a girl under the age of 18 takes a nude picture of herself and sends it to her boyfriend, she has actually broken three federal laws. This simple act qualifies as manufacture, possession, and distribution of child pornography. And the boyfriend is guilty of both possession and distribution. Although the chances of these kids ever being prosecuted for such crimes is unlikely, it’s not hard to imagine how getting caught and labeled can affect their self-image.

Mike Sullivan, Billings therapist

Dan Vierthaler has been involved with the FBI Task Force for Innocent Images since 2001, when it was first established in Montana. At that time, Vierthaler was one of just two agents in the entire state who monitored the exploitation of children. But in 2007, Montana received funding from the U.S. Department of Justice to establish ICAC (Internet Crimes against Children) task forces all over the state. And according to Vierthaler, we need it. Adolescent advocate Vierthaler notes that their office Sullivan is not someone you would label as a sex therapist at first gets reports of kids under the age glance. Rather than a tweed suit and a bow tie, he wears casual clothes of 18 sending naked images of to appointments. He looks like an athlete, and in fact he was starting themselves almost daily. And he quarterback at Rocky Mountain College, but after graduating, he developed Dan Vierthaler, FBI Task Force said it has become more and more an interest in the subject of child exploitation in his job in social services. common for these kids to be as young as 8 to 10 years old. If this wasn’t Sullivan has seen first-hand the effects of sexual abuse on children, and he frightening enough, the initial act often initiates a chain of behaviors that thinks the problem has increased by leaps and bounds with the introduction results in devastating emotional damage. of technology. He calls the Internet “the methamphetamine of pornography.” “They think they’re in love. So they trust the person they’re sending The easy access of pornography has led to a frightening increase in problems it to,” Vierthaler explains. “They don’t among adults and teenagers. think long-term.” As a result, sexual What often happens next is a breach indiscretion has taken a whole of trust, with the other party sending new form in today’s world. And the images to friends. And of course, to some extent, the Internet 358 registered sexual offenders Approximately 1in7 with the advent of social networks, has not only made it easier, but live in Yellowstone County, including the images often find their way to the more normalized. Being part or 13% of youth Internet 319 in Billings. A total of 2,105 Internet, where they are now out in the of a social network is almost users received unwanted sexual reside within Montana (note: this public forever. As in, forever. A kid’s expected these days, and if solicitations and 4% of youth includes both crimes against reputation can be shattered in the time someone trusts their partner, Internet users received aggressive children and adults). it takes to tap an iPhone or iPad screen. or their child, there is a natural solicitations. According to Mike Sullivan, a tendency to assume that they Source: www.unh.edu/ccrc/pdf/CV138.pdf 80% of all sexual crimes are Billings therapist who specializes in wouldn’t show bad judgment committed by someone who is sexual development and behaviors, by displaying their activities 34% of youth Internet users known to the victim. it can also cause serious damage to online. have communicated online with Source: doj.mt.gov a young person’s ability to develop people they did not know in person. meaningful relationships. Not only have Talking to your kids Source: www.unh.edu/ccrc/pdf/CV138.pdf 95% of 12-17-year-old they leapfrogged over the usual ‘getting The mistake most parents Americans use the Internet and to know you’ stages of a relationship, make, Vierthaler says, is that 11% formed close 77% have a mobile phone. but they have set up expectations for they avoid talking about the relationships with people they met Source: pewinternet.org themselves among their peers. dangers because they assume online. And, says Sullivan, once they there’s nothing to worry about. Source: www.unh.edu/ccrc/pdf/CV138.pdf 73% of children who have establish a pattern of using technology Because their child is doing offline sexual encounters with for social interaction rather than well in school, attends church, 4% of all youth Internet offenders do so more than once. actual human connections, it makes it and/or is involved in outside users said online solicitors asked Source: www.netsmartz.org much more difficult to develop these activities, parents presume they them for nude or sexually explicit

numbers that speak for themselves

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photographs of themselves. Source: www.unh.edu/ccrc/pdf/CV138.pdf

aren’t vulnerable to predators. Nothing could be further from the truth. Anyone online can be targeted by a predator. There is also the comfort factor. As Sullivan says, bringing up the topic of sex with your teenage kids is going to be difficult if it’s been a taboo subject for their formative years. So if you try to approach them suddenly, after years of avoiding the topic, the conversation is naturally going to feel intrusive. Add to this the fact that kids today are generally more knowledgeable about the Internet than their parents, and it makes it doubly difficult to talk about. Sullivan says it’s up to the parents to stay informed about what’s available online in order to make the conversation meaningful. Both Vierthaler and Sullivan say that the sooner you can develop the kind of comfort level with your kids to discuss sexual behavior, the better. The more aware they are, the less likely they are to be victimized.

Educate yourself on tech-speak Studies also support the fact that there is no better preventative measure than having an open discourse between parents and children about what networks their children are involved with, and how they’re using them. Sites like Meet Me – which sound perfectly innocent – are

commonly known as resources to arrange for hookups. Predators are adept at seeking out kids who are lonely, adventurous or unaware of the dangers, and they utilize sites like this to make connections. Once they establish trust, though conversation or by appealing to a young person’s need for approval, it’s often easy to move to sharing pictures or arranging private meetings. In the early 2000s, Harvard researchers did a study to determine whether the use of certain social networks led to more sexual activity among teenagers. They found children with stable home lives were less likely to be victimized. Both Sullivan and Vierthaler cite education as the most important factor in helping parents spot a problem. Kids who are more comfortable with technology, like gaming, are more likely to be susceptible to predators. And young girls who have been victimized in some way are extremely vulnerable to predators because their sexuality has become part of their identity before they are prepared to understand what that means. According to Sullivan, the most important thing for parents to remember is that technology is a privilege for kids, not a right. If they abuse the privilege, parents need to be willing to step in and impose the boundaries necessary to protect these kids.

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2. 3.

Johnny Cash Ring of Fire at Billings Studio Theatre 1] Laura Sees, JaDel Sonnemann, Diane Rankin and Diane Smith 2] Ralph and Kim Studer, Leslie and Russ Clark

Magic City Bluesfest 3] JD Wilkins and Emma Scherry 4] Jess McAllister, Jill Mason, Rich and Shelley Pierce 5] Sharyn Tryan, Tabatha Van Pelt, Stephanie Allen and Denise Wilson 6] Justin Glidwell, Kayla Nelson, Karla and Kevin Stenberg

4. 6. .

Business After-hours at ZooMontana 7] Bill Dutcher, Kim Sapone and Lyle Hill 8] Jim Woolyhand, Alli Erickson and Jason Laird 9] The Krause family

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10. .

11. .

Central High School Class of ‘50 Reunion 10] Back Row (L to R) Father Rock (Leo Sassano), Tom Reynolds, Peter Lombardozzi. Front Row (L to R) Ralph Stader, Harold Hanser, Marieanne (Carroll) Hanser, Barbara (Verhassrlt) Reynolds and Frances (Fortney) Calton. Eagle Mount Family Fun Night 11] Shelly Karls and Janice Allen 12] Rita Clippinger and Christina Williamson 13] Jeff and Rachel Kitchens

12. 13. .

14.

Senior High’s Class of ’52 60th Reunion 14] Joyce and Emery Wetzel 15] Shirley and Harold Turner 16] Loring and Patchara Robbins

17] Thresa and Gerald Goodman, Dick and Monica Weldon 18] Ron and Betty Grooters, Joe Egan and Virginia Grossman

15.

16. .

Photos By: Angela Kramer, Samuel Jones and Sally Zirkle Senior High Reunion courtesy of Ying Custer. 17.

For information on how to have photos from your event featured in Seen at the Scene, email Brenda Maas at bmaas@ billingsgazette.com

18.

MAGIC I september 2012 I 111

Weird Al Yankovic Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

Billings Symphony Presents Big Band Salute to the USO Alberta Bair Theater billingssymphony.org

Oct. 10

Nov. 14

Oct. 8

Natalie McMaster Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

Billings Symphony Presents Video Games Live Alberta Bair Theater billingssymphony.org

Oct. 13

Billings Symphony presents Symphonic Superstars Alastair Willis and Stefan Jackiw Alberta Bair Theater billingssymphony.org

Oct.14

Bridal Fair Yellowstone Art Museum Bridal Fair artmuseum.org

Oct. 16

Titanic the Musical Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

Oct. 17

Grits and Glamour—Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

Miracle on 34th Street Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

Dec. 2

Messiah Festival Alberta Bair Theater 237-3603 svfoundation.org

GFWC Billings Junior Woman’s Club Book Celebration Parmly Billings Library billings.lib.mt.us

Oct. 27

P.E.A.K.S “Share the Spirit” Holiday Inn 656-0987 or 259-1820 Don Williams Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org Head Start Masquerade Ball Crowne Plaza 245-7233 billingsheadstart.org Country Legend Loretta Lynn Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

NOVEMBER Oct. 19

U.S. Army Band Free Concert Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

Oct. 2

Oct. 20

Nov. 9

Carlos Mencia Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org Art of the Brew Homebrew Competition Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

Nov. 10 112 I september 2012 I MAGIC

Dec. 1

Oct. 24

Oct. 30

Hope for Solid Ground Featuring Craig Campbell A Benefit for Family Service Inc. Holiday Inn famserv.com

DECEMBER

Nov. 17

Girls Night The Musical Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

Nov. 17-18

Holiday Food and Gift Festival MetraPark holidayfoodandgiftfestival.net

Nov. 24-25

The Nutcracker Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

Nov. 29

A Christmas with CS Lewis Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

Dec. 7

Artwalk Downtown Billings artwalkbillings.com

Dec. 7-8

Winterfair Arts and Crafts Festival At Artwalk venues artwalkbillings.com

Dec. 12

Canadian Brass Christmas Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

Dec. 31

The Texas Tenors Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

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406-655-1711 . 2619 St. Johns Ave., Suite B

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MAGIC I september 2012 I 113

LAST WORD

photo by larry mayer

“Too often. . .I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen.” — Louis L’Amour

The Yellowstone River near Pompeys Pillar.

114 I september 2012 I MAGIC

2000 Watt Companion Model EU2000i 1A3

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(307) 674-6471 • TOLL FREE 800-524-6471 M-SAT 7:30 am MAGIC - 7 pm • SUN 9 am - 5 pm2012 I 115 I september