/110729_weekly_WEB by Outlaw Partners

Big Sky

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July 29, 2011 Volume 2 // Issue #14

special section:

summer events featuring the

Moonlight and Lehman settle

Bud Lilly honors WWII Vets living on an alpaca farm

Brad Gardnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body found rider: austin meier // photo by andy watson, bull stock media

media@theoutlawpartners.com

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July 29, 2011 Volume 2, Issue 14 CEO, PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eric Ladd COO & SENIOR EDITOR Megan Paulson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Martins MANAGING EDITOR Emily Stifler GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelsey Dzintars EDITOR Abbie Digel Editorial Assistant Taylor Anderson Sales Director Frank Jordan Distribution Director Danielle Chamberlain VIDEOGRAPHER Brian Niles Outlaw-at-large Hunter Rothwell Intern Kaela Schommer CONTRIBUTors Richard Barley, Bullstock Media, Eileen Connors, Audrae Coury, Julie Cunningham, Evi Dixon, Felicia Ennis, Marcie Hahn-Knoff, Marne Hayes, Kathy Jahnke, Erika Johnson, Amy Jones, Brandon Niles, Rhonda Peterson, Tori Pintar, Barbara Rowley, Kene Sperry, Wendy Swenson, Diane Tipton, Wildsmith Photography

Editorial Policy Outlaw Partners LLC is the sole owner of the Big Sky Weekly. No part of this publication may be reprinted without written permission from the publisher. The Big Sky Weekly reserves the right to edit all submitted material for content, corrections or length. Printed material reflects the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the opinion of Outlaw Partners or the editors of this publication. No advertisements, columns, letters to the editor or other information will be published that contain discrimination based on sex, age, race, religion, creed, nationality, sexual preference, or are in bad taste.

Paper Distribution Distributed every other Friday in towns across Southwest Montana, including Big Sky, Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Three Forks , Ennis, Dillon, Gardiner and Livingston.

2 July 29, 2011

Bozeman skyline at sunset / PHoto by emily stifler

PBR sold out, surrounding events open and free to the public Although the Pro Bull Riding Tour event in Big Sky has sold out, the festivities surrounding the event are free and open to the public. A small number of general admission tickets may be made available the day of the event. Check out this list of events for the two days of PBR in Big Sky. August 2 Guests are welcome to the sweet sounds of Nashville recording artist Jessica Kilroy at 7 p.m. on Tuesday night, as the arena opens for tours, games and music.

There will be a Calcutta game open to any interested. See page 33 for more information about this specialized rodeo betting game. Visitors on Aug. 3 can also meet some of the riders and get autographs. August 3 This is the big day. The vendor village opens at 5 p.m. and the party officially begins. Gates to the arena will open at 5:30 p.m. with first come first serve seating and standing room. Stick around for after the bull riding when the vendor village reopens and free music by The Dirty Shame is open to the public.

Letter to the Editor Parameters This is a platform for readers to express views and share ways they would like to effect change. The Weekly will run letters, positive or negative, of 250 words or less that are respectful, ethical, state accurate facts and figures, and are proofread for grammar and content. We reserve the right to edit letters. Please include: first and last name, address, phone number and title. Send letters to emily@theoutlawpartners.com.

OUTLAW PARTNERS & THE BIG SKY WEEKLY P.O. Box 160250, Big Sky, MT 59716 explorebigsky.com (406) 995-2055 media@theoutlawpartners.com

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Correction In the July 15 Big Sky Weekly, we printed a schedule of fitness classes in Big Sky. We would like to add Victoria “Torie” Bentley of Bentley Bodies to our list. Bentley has been involved with fitness in Big Sky since 2003, and her wellness boutique offers a variety of classes, meshing styles from pilates, yoga, and aerobic ball classes, as well as seasonal boot camps. Massage, personal training and holistic health counseling are also part of her philosophy of whole body wellness. Having recently expanded, Bentley Bodies now has two locations in Bozeman and Big Sky. Please contact Victoria for scheduling and keep an eye on BentleyBodies.com for seasonal classes. (406) 570-9154

Table of Contents Community…4

Sports...21

Local News...6

Food & Dining...23

Big Sky…8

Business Directory...24

Regional…10

Classifieds...26

Montana…13 Health & Wellness...15 Explore...17 Youth...19 Sports...20

Outlaw Library...27 Environment...29 Fun...31 Back 40...32 Special Section: Summer Events...33

HELMS JAMISON KULESZA

“Let us use this log cabin as a means of looking back.” - Jim Henson SETTLEMENT CABIN 6 - THE CLUB AT SPANISH PEAKS Ski In / Ski Out, Adjacent to Golf Course, Fully Furnished 4 BD, 5 BA, 2585 SF, $1,380,000

COWBOY HEAVEN CABIN 25- MOONLIGHT BASIN Slopeside, Cozy & Charming 2 BD, 2BA, 780 SF, $640,000

POWDER RIDGE 114 - BIG SKY RESORT Ski In / Ski Out, Luxurious Upgrades 4 BD, 3 BA, 2577 SF, $799,000

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406.995.2244

W E K N OW B IG SK Y JEFF H E LMS Broker

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BIG SKY SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY Big Sky Town Center adjacent to the Hungry Moose Market www.bigskysir.com info@bigskysir.com tel 406.995.2244 explorebigsky.com

July 29, 2011 3

Big Sky Weekly

community

Country Fair packs a day filled with something for everyone Bluebird Sky, Chase McBride, Paperbird headline the day Get ready to celebrate 31 years of community, arts and entertainment at the Big Sky Country Fair and Arts Festival on Saturday, July 30. Round up your friends, neighbors, colleagues or family, and join the 5k, the parade, or just come out and visit nearly 50 local and regional artists and craftsmen. This annual community affair and Chamber of Commerce fundraiser sets the bar for summer fun.

The 5k is the first kickoff event of the day, with registration at 8 a.m. in the Big Sky Park, and ready, set, go! at 8:30 a.m. Next at 10 a.m. is the parade, with this year’s Community Award winners Outlaw Partners and The Arts Council of Big Sky as Grand Marshals. Come out and show your support along the traditional route from the Big Sky Park to the Town Center.

Three great musical acts are lined up to play the Town Center pavilion stage. Local bluegrass duo Bluebird Sky kicks off the day with acoustic guitar and mandolin. Montana born musician Chase McBride will follow, playing as part of a soulful funky duo. Then Boulder, Colorado-based Paperbird rounds out the day, with an indie-pop bluegrass sound that mixes banjo, trombone and a host of other instruments in their eight-piece band.

Reach, Inc. Trek to the Big Sky

As always, the day is shared with a bake sale at the historic Crail Ranch and with “crazy days” at the Meadow Village Center. We hope to see you at this year’s festival to celebrate the community tradition of arts and entertainment, all within a stone’s throw of Yellowstone National Park. bigskychamber.org - Marne Hayes, Big Sky Chamber of Commerce

Big Sky Fire Run Report CPR and First Aid classes are offered at Station 1 as needed. Please call 995-2100 for information or to schedule a class. 7/16 – 20:00-20:50 – Fire personnel responded to a report of wildland fire. No fire was found and the USFS was asked to conduct further investigation. 7/18 – 11:37-12:22 – EMS personnel responded to Big Sky Resort. Patient received assessment and refused transport. 7/19 – 22:52-23:27 – EMS personnel responded. Patient refused care and transport. 7/21 – 20:28-23:30 – EMS personnel responded. Patient received ALS care and was transported to BDH. 7/22 – 15:07-17:27 – EMS personnel responded. Patient received ALS care and was transported to BDH. 7/22 – 20:50-22:10 – Fire personnel responded. Hazardous conditions were mitigated and the property turned over to owners. 7/8 – 16:35-17:00- EMS personnel responded. Patient received BLS assessment and refused transport.

Big Sky Chapel Defibrillator

Photo by Erika Johnson

For the 17th year in a row, Big Sky Resort hosted the Reach, Inc. Trek to the Big Sky to benefit people with disabilities. On July 23, 33 teams and 313 people hiked three miles to the top of Andesite Mountain for a picnic lunch and live music.

“By the looks of things, this year was our best event in the 17 year history of putting it on,” said Jay Winchester, Reach, Inc’s Community and Development Director. Reach, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization in Bozeman that provides services to adults with disabilities. They’ve been operating since 1974. reachinc.org

On Sunday, July 10, 19 members of the Big Sky Chapel attended an afternoon training on their newest addition to the chapel, a Philips Heartstart Defibrillator. Staff from Big Sky Fire Department taught participants how to use the defibrillator and also taught a hands-on CPR class. Hands-only CPR is a potentially lifesaving technique involving no mouth-to-mouth contact. It is best used in emergencies where someone has seen another person suddenly collapse. The hands-only technique increases the likelihood

of surviving cardiac emergencies that occur outside medical settings. A defibrillator or AED is an external electrical device that provides a shock to the heart when there is a life-threatening arrhythmia present. The goal of this shock is to jump start the heart back into a healthy rhythm. For more information on hands only CPR or to schedule a class to learn hands only CPR contact the Big Sky Fire Department at 9952100.

First veterinary clinic in Big Sky opening BY BARBARA ROWLEY Dr. Sid Gustafson, a veterinarian and animal behaviorist with over 30 years of experience, is opening a Big Sky practice on Aug. 1 in the Bighorn Center on Highway 191. Gustafson and his veterinary technician will be offering all types of primary and preventative care for horses, dogs and cats. Other animals may be seen, but will be referred to specialists as needed. “Basically, what Dr. Daniels offers for people, we will offer for animals,” Gustafson said. Medical grooming (teeth, ears, nails) will be available, as will all primary (non-threatening trauma) emergency services, vaccinations as

4 July 29, 2011

appropriate, and neutering of healthy young animals. Gustafson, who describes his practice as holistic and natural, will also sell Nature’s Way products, which he says is a premium quality food with a natural approach. In addition, he will offer a full array of what he calls Animal Enrichment Services, including dog walking, training, animal first aid classes. An author and novelist, Gustafson wrote and published the book First Aid for the Active Dog. A graduate of MSU who received his doctor of veterinary medicine degree at the University of Washington,

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Gustafson will maintain a practice in Bozeman but his primary clinic will be in Big Sky. He will commute between the two at first, but plans to make his primary residence in Big Sky as soon as possible. Gustafson will enlist the services of a certified animal chiropractor and prevet students and interns. He hopes to provide educational services in equine and animal behavior and train individuals who wish to provide animal enrichment services such as pet sitting and walking. Initially the clinic will be open Monday through Thursday from

9 - 5, but Gustafson allows that these hours might increase depending on demand. He will also make house calls as needed. “I love to ski and I’ve been enamored of the Big Sky area since it was developed. I knew Chet Huntley and the first General Manager, Gus Rahm,” Gustafson said. “The time seemed right to finally come up here full time. We couldn’t be more excited.” Gustafson can be reached at Veterinary Clinic of Big Sky at 995-2266. Read more about his diverse career as veterinarian, author and animal behaviorist at sidgustafson.com/works.htm.

community Over 30K Raised for Big Sky parks and trails

Integrity. Vision. Craft.

Outlaw Partners’ Sales Director, Frank Jordan, with Jim and Jan Cummings, winners of a full page ad in Mountain Outlaw magazine

The BSCC community fundraiser, hosted by 320 Guest Ranch on July 22, packed the house. With attendees from Big Sky and Bozeman communities mingling over donated auction items and cocktails, the event raised a total of $33,715 for the Big Sky Community Corporation.

According to Bermont, the BSCC hopes to make some changes to next year’s event, including changing the name to the “Big Sky Parks and Trails Gala.”

The live auction, hosted by Shelly Bermont, was a hit, bringing in hot-ticket items and funds. The top three auction items were a dinner by Ennion Williams, fishing guide and owner of Big Sky local foods, a pearl necklace by Shelly Bermont Jewelry, and a full-page ad in Mountain Outlaw magazine from the Outlaw Partners.

They’d also like to lower ticket prices in order to double the attendance, and have already begun looking for sponsors and “a generous winery.”

Other items in the silent auction were Big Sky PBR tickets, haircuts, spa packages, a trip to anywhere in the world, and a tennis gift basket.

To donate to or underwrite the 2012 event, contact Katie Morrison at katie@ bsccmt.org.

Next summer, “we’d like have a party under the stars. Perhaps in the new soccer field,” Bermont said.

“We need the entire community to get behind this event next year so we can continue to enjoy why we all came to Big Sky in the first place,” Bermont said.

406-995-2174

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A.D.

Gallatin Canyon Women’s Club 2011 Scholarship Recipients By Audrae Coury The Gallatin Canyon Women’s Club Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce the awarding of four $1000 scholarships to graduates of Ophir School. They will be able to use the awards for the 2011-2012 school year in post-secondary education programs.

Recipients include:

The GCWC Scholarship Fund was started in 1977 to commemorate the club’s 50th anniversary. Since then, 47 students have benefited from the fund in varying amounts. Scholarships are available to any graduate of Ophir School.

Alexandra Greene Bozeman High School, Class of 2011

Emily Chambry Lone Peak High School, Class of 2011 Kelly Goode Lone Peak High School, Class of 2010

Jeremy Wheeler Bozeman High School, Class of 2010

The Gallatin Canyon Women’s Club will meet on Aug. 10, at 1 p.m. at the home of Marjie Jordan, 36 Diamond Hitch Road. Co-hostesses will be Annette Long, 995-3931, Leslie Piercy, 993-2303, and Jane Lockwood, 995-7844. The program will be presented by Ben Michaelson, author of children’s books.

R E C E N T P ROJ E C T Chalet 504 at Yellowstone Club explorebigsky.com

July 29, 2011 5

Big Sky Weekly

local news

Brad Gardner went missing on March 9 after a day skiing alone. Search teams found his body on the southwest side of Lone Mountain in Lone Lake Cirque, pictured at right. Photo by Emily Stifler

Brad Gardner’s body found By Taylor W. Anderson After more than four months of searching, crews on Friday found Bradley Paul Gardner’s body emerging from a melting snowfield in Lone Lake Cirque, on the southwest side of Lone Mountain.

“I went over to the Madison Valley and they had already assembled their own search teams because they heard there was a missing hiker,” he said.

mountain on skis, and the family was left waiting for this winter’s mammoth snowpack to vanish during a wet and cold Montana spring and late arrival of summer.

The find came after two key clues – first a pair of mismatched poles, and then Brad’s skis a week later – that drastically narrowed the search and eventually pointed search teams to his whereabouts.

The day before he went missing, Brad skied with friends in the Chippewa Ridge area on the backside of the ski resort. He’d filmed himself jumping a sizable cliff. He told friends that he might head back to that area to check out the hole his body left after landing the cliff jump. This tip was the initial focal point that Gallatin and Madison county search and rescue teams used to narrow the search.

Ed started searching the terrain surrounding the mountain, spending time scoping the slopes and eventually, after considerable snowmelt made it possible, hiking with Matt.

The 24-year-old skier went missing on March 9 after a day of skiing alone, sparking an extensive search by county crews, as well by as his family. His father, Ed, moved full time from Winter Haven, Fla., to Big Sky, to form his own search crew to look for his missing son. Brad’s brother, John, 22, left school at Colby College in Maine to search on skis with a group of Brad’s friends. The search initially took place over the entirety of Lone Mountain and in nearby backcountry terrain. After two weeks of searching in mid-March, county crews had to call off efforts due to hazardous winter conditions. But John, alongside one of Brad’s friends, Matt Sitton, continued skiing and looking for Brad. Ed couldn’t go on the hill on skis, so he spread the word as far and fast as he could.

6 July 29, 2011

On the morning of Friday, July 22, crews with K-9 units and Recco equipment found Brad’s body in a snowfield below an approximately 800-foot cliff wall in the cirque, partly buried by rock fall and snow. Although the search teams found Brad’s remains, they may have been at a loss had it not been for the Gardners’ search efforts. “Brad told me (about a year ago), he said ‘Dad, if I go missing back there, you don’t have to come for me,’” Ed recalls. “I said, ‘Well, I’m going to, Brad.’” Because the resorts were closed, John and Matt couldn’t access the

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The two, working together apart from the county teams, found themselves in Lone Lake Cirque about a month ago. The cliff walls, constant rock slides, and sheer ice on steep slopes made it a treacherous place to search. There, the pair discovered a ski pole that matched Brad’s, and, on a cliff a few hundred feet above that, another pole reflected the sunlight. Ed called Big Sky search and rescue, which took a helicopter to the area for a closer look at the second pole. The team was able to get a close look and a photograph of the pole with a long lens. The picture however did more to spread doubt than anything.

brothers had switched poles over Christmas break by mistake, he believed. Although the brothers’ poles would have been two inches different in size, a glimmer of hope remained. But the pole on the cliff didn’t match John’s, either. Then, after searching through Brad’s home, Ed found the missing link. “He must have switched the pole because of the size difference and was using one of his old poles,” he said. Sure enough, John’s pole sat stashed in a corner in Brad’s condo. As July heat finally set in at high elevations, Ed, led by Matt, hiked to the area several times a week. The week following the pole discovery, on Wednesday, Ed found Brad’s skis. The next night, county search teams planned a perhaps final trip to the cirque. Indeed, after searching for about an hour on Friday, Brad’s body was found at approximately 9:45 a.m.

The pole didn’t match. That finding could have ended efforts, but after talking with John, then back in Maine, Ed was certain he knew what happened. The two

Brad lived in Big Sky for two years, and his family has been coming here for 17. He is survived by his father, Ed, mother, Mary, brother, John, and his friends.

Big Sky Weekly

local news Lehman takes control, Moonlight operations to continue without interruption Subject to bankruptcy court approval, Moonlight Basin and Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. announced an agreement last week that will result in the sale of substantially all of Moonlight Basin’s assets to an affiliate of Lehman. The agreement is under Moonlight Basin’s chapter 11 plan of reorganization and signifies the dismissal of all claims in the adversary proceeding between Lehman and Moonlight. Completion of the transaction, which is expected over the course of the next several months, will facilitate Moonlight Basin’s emergence from chapter 11. Under the proposed plan, Lehman will supply funds to satisfy in full the claims of Moonlight Basin’s administrative creditors and provide a recovery for Moonlight’s unsecured creditors. Since 2007, Lehman has funded Moonlight’s operations, including ski, golf and lodging. In 2009, Lehman put in place a debtor-in-possession credit facility to continue funding operations during Moonlight’s chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Over decades Over 33decades buildinginin building Montana Montana

“For more than three years, Lehman has focused resources to maintain the operations and integrity of the resort,” said Phil Cyburt, managing director at Alvarez & Marsal, the professional services firm that is overseeing LBHI’s real estate asset management. “Our commitment to the property has not wavered and remains aligned with supporting the local economy and community.” “This agreement further ensures Moonlight will remain financially stable with continued long-term operations,” said Russ McElyea, Moonlight’s Chief Operating Officer. “The objective [now] is to move toward closing this fall, prior to the start of the ski season.” After the closing occurs, Moonlight’s former owner, Lee Poole, will pursue other interests. Lehman plans to continue operating the resort and to open for the 2011 ski season on schedule. The resort’s management team will continue to run operations as it has in the past. “It should be the same people, the same faces, the same service, same culture, attitude and enthusiasm. That’s what we’re going to deliver

this ski season, and going forward as well,” McElyea said. Lehman intends to move Moonlight’s property management company back up to the mountain, from its current location in the Big Sky Meadow Village. Also pending are plans for Moonlight’s golf club. A proposal is circulating among Moonlight, Lehman and the golf membership, but Lehman has not made a decision on that yet.

“It’s positive in that it’s bringing new capital to Moonlight, [and it’s] going to enable us to continue operating,” McElyea said. “It’s good for employees because there will be continuity. It’s good for the homeowners because they’re going to be able to come up and enjoy their property, skiing at Moonlight, and being part of the community with out any change in operations. It’s a relief to have clarity and stability. We’re looking forward to the future.” E.S.

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A TASTE OF THE RAINBOW Tuesday - Sunday | 5-7pm

This summer, there is a new way to enjoy the artistic excellence of our culinary team in the kitchen and master mixologists behind the bar. Introducing Taste of the Rainbow Summer Bar Bites, a selection of small plates to be enjoyed with our Happy Hour drink specials.

Visit EscapeToRainbowRanch.com for full details and to view the menu BOOK NOW AND SAVE 25%

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Plan now for savings later, and enjoy a summer escape to Rainbow Ranch Lodge. Stay Sunday through Thursday in July, August or September and receive 25% off the Best Available Rate when booked by August 19. 145 Center Lane, Unit L Meadow Village Big Sky, MT 59715

406-995-4579 BlueRibbonBuilders.com

Visit EscapeToRainbowRanch.com to to book RAINBOW RANCH LODGE

EscapeToRainbowRanch.com • 1.888.540.6612 Five miles south of Big Sky entrance on Hwy 191

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July 29, 2011 7

Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky

The beast behind the beauty Noxious weeds in Big Sky by abbie digel Next time you’re picking petals off those pretty daisies in the backyard, it’s probably a good idea to make a bouquet or two: they’re most likely the Oxeye Daisy, a harmful noxious weed. With ‘creeping roots’ and seeds that remain in the soil for over 30 years, this invasive species spreads quickly from roadsides into yards, meadows and anywhere it can hold ground. “People will mow around the daisies because they think they’re pretty, but they are so harmful,” said Jen Mohler, coordinator of the Gallatin/Big Sky noxious Weed Committee. Mohler beamed as she pointed to a picture of the 1,000 pounds of weeds pulled by hand this spring in Big Sky. “It was a big deal,” she said. So, what’s the big deal? Noxious weeds are plants that agricultural authorities have labeled as harmful to agriculture, livestock and native ecosystems. Although some are native, most are invasive species that grow and spread quickly and don’t have anything controlling them naturally. These plants are a serious ecological and environmental threat to Montana’s natural resources because they take over native plant communities, harm crop growth, alter wildlife habitat, reduce forage for wildlife and livestock and limit biodiversity of ecosystems, according to the Gallatin/Big Sky Noxious Weed Committee.

What can I do to help? • Learn how to identify weeds • Check clothing and gear for seeds— don’t be a carrier • Don’t camp in weed-infested areas • Wash car and tires regularly

In some cases, noxious weeds increase soil surface runoff and sedimentation into streams. Some scientists believe this the beginning of desertification, according to information from the Montana Noxious Weed Program. These pesky plants also reduce property values, making it difficult to sell a home. Montana has approximately 7.6 million acres infested with state-listed invasive weeds, according to the Gallatin/Big Sky Noxious Weed Committee. Many of these are expensive to control if not detected early. It’s the law The first weed legislation in Montana was passed in 1895. A noxious weed program was established in 1921. Since that time additional laws and rules have been enacted, and eight laws currently affect weed management. The Montana County Noxious Weed Control Law, established in 1948, created weed management districts throughout the state and made it unlawful for property owners to allow noxious weeds to spread on their property. The Montana County Weed Control Act gives counties the responsibility to control the spread of noxious weeds. The Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund, a grant program established by the 1985 Montana Legislature, provides funding and research for the development and implementation of weed management programs in the state. I’m a homeowner. Now what? In Big Sky, most property owners are responsible for managing noxious weeds on their own property, according to the Big Sky Homeowners Association. Most homeowner’s associations provide weed-removal services.

• Wash boats off before entering water • Drive on established roads and hike on designated trails • Pass on all information you know • Detect early - from the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee

Wildflower and Weed Hikes Join Mohler and her team host various weed removal events throughout the year, including Ophir School outreach, guided hikes and education programs. The hikes include discussion and what residents can do to help eradicate weeds. Saturday, July 30 Ousel Falls Trailhead 9 a.m. – noon Saturday, Aug. 13 Crail Ranch 9 a.m. – noon

Beware Chemicals When considering removal, be wary of chemical use, warns Matt Lavin, a professor of Plant Biology at MSU. “I’m not against controlling plants, because otherwise they’ll take over,” Lavin said. “I pull weeds in my own backyard, but the war on weeds concept has engendered chemical use in our society.” Lavin suggests reading the labels on herbicide before spraying, and still believes in the argument from Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, maintaining that the use of chemicals is harming a whole lot more than plants. But the solution to overuse of chemicals would require “changing a whole culture that revolves around spraying,” Lavin said. “Changing a culture, now that’s tough.” Please see explorebigsky.com for more information/ photos on the Gallatin/Big Sky noxious Weed Committee’s efforts to remove weeds from our ecosystem.

Saturday, Sept. 10 Porcupine Creek 9 a.m. – noon

8 July 29, 2011

The Gallatin/Big Sky Noxious Weed Committee was formed by group of naturalists in 2004 and is a great local resource. Call (406) 209-0905 or visit bigskyweeds.org for free information on identifying weeds and how to independently remove them. The website also has a list of over 50 weed removal businesses in Southwest Montana.

explorebigsky.com

Musk Thistle

Musk thistle is an aggressive weed that occurs in pastures, rangeland, roadsides and non-crop areas. It is a biennial weed, although occasionally it is an annual. Because musk thistle reproduces solely from seed, the key for successful management is to prevent seed production. Biological control agents (such as a seed head weevil and a rosette crown weevil) have provided good control of musk thistle. Herbicides offer effective control.

Houndstongue

Its barbed seeds stick to fur, fleece and clothing. It impacts livestock fitness, marketing costs and fleece quality. Houndstongue foliage has the potential to poison livestock and wildlife. Dense infestations reduce pasture and range for grazing animals. Although this plant is commonly associated with disturbed sites, houndstongue is also a problem on grasslands, pastures, shrublands, forestlands, croplands and riverbanks.

Hoary Alyssum

Hoary alyssum invades roads, railroads, trails, and gravelly stream and lake banks, in lawns, farmyards, vacant lots, overgrazed pastures and rangeland and hay meadows. It decreases forage value because the woody stems of mature plants are low in crude protein and digestible carbohydrates. Contamination of 30 percent or more of forage with hoary alyssum is toxic to horses causing laminitis, limb edema, diarrhea, intravascular haemolysis and hypovolemic shock.

Canada Thistle

An aggressive perennial weed that reproduces from vegetative buds in the root system and from seed. Root systems can extend 15 feet deep or more. New plants can develop from root pieces as small as .025 inch long by .0125 inch in diameter, and the taproot can extend two feet underground. Individual plants can produce up to 1500 seeds per flowering shoot. Seeds can remain viable in the soil up to 20 years. Management efforts must be planned for several consecutive growing seasons in order to prevent new seed formation/dispersal and at the same time deplete the nutrient reserves that have built up in the root system.

Big Sky

Ramcharger Lift

photo by Richard Barley

Big Sky Resort adds five new gladed runs on Andesite Big Sky is expanding its tree runs by adding five new trails with 20+ acres of new terrain to open on Andesite Mountain for the 2011/2012 winter season. The new trails will be accessible off of Ramcharger Chairlift.

Big Sky Weekly

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR FOOD COMES FROM?

Straight from the source to your table Learn more and order online at bigskylocalfood.com 406-579-7094

SALE! ANNUALS NOW 50% OFF BUY 2 OR MORE LARGER CONTAINER GARDENS, SAVE 30% JUNIPER 30% OFF

We still have a great selection of perennials, trees and shrubs

Open Mon.-Sat. 9-5 and Sunday 10-2 406.995.4818 • san@wildwoodbigsky.com

“The Biggest Skiing in America [has] endless possibilities in terms of terrain” said Mike Unruh, Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Manager. “These new runs on Andesite are going to make for truly exceptional glade skiing.”

WILDWOOD NURSERY

The new trails include Wolf Den (black diamond) in between Mad Wolf and Elk Park Ridge, Shady Chute (double black), a yet unnamed blue square run through the Peru and Bolivia territory, Congo Line (blue square), and Madagascar (blue square) below Congo.

Hwy 191 just south of the Big Sky stoplight

wildwoodbigsky.com

Growing in Big Sky for 31 years

two amazing properties ONE AMAZING PRICE

$388,000

takes both

Call Jeff 406-539-2855 Brokers offered 3.5% commission for buyer. Lots packaged for sale together; will consider selling separately.

Winter - Mountain • • • •

Summit View Phase 1, Lot 5 1.11 acres in Big Sky’s Mountain Village Lot includes existing water well - 15 gal/min. Spectacular views - Head-on panorama of Lone Mountain • Skiing only minutes away

summer - golf course • Meadow Lot, Block 1, Lot 9 • .25 acres • Located on the 13th tee box of Big Sky Golf Course • Private cul-de-sac road • Par 3 at your doorstep explorebigsky.com

July 29, 2011 9

Big Sky Weekly

regional

FWP public meeting in Big Sky discussed elk hunting, wolf numbers With the 2012-2013 biennial season-setting process quickly approaching, Montana FWP called a public meeting in the Gallatin Canyon at the Buck’s T-4 lodge on July 12. Montana FWP staff in attendance included Patrick Flowers (Region 3 Supervisor), Julie Cunningham (Bozeman area biologist), Joe Knarr (Warden Sergeant), Britt Brupbacher and Jennifer Williams (area game wardens). Sportsman attendance was light.

ELK Post-season and wintering elk numbers in the Gallatin Canyon have continued to decline. However, this year should afford the opportunity to hunt wolves in the Gallatin Canyon. Cunningham suggested that keeping elk hunters in the Canyon is the best way to see legal wolf harvest in this area of concern. Sportsmen had contacted Cunningham throughout the summer with questions and concerns regarding the HD 310 elk herd. Some suggested restriction of permit numbers in HD 310, and/or limiting the 310-50 brow-tined bull permits to 1st choice in the draw. Sportsmen at this meeting did not support this latter suggestion, as it would eliminate their ability to apply for special bull management areas. Cunningham determined there will be no changes for the elk season structure in HD 310 for 2012-2013. Elk hunting will remain on 310-50 unlimited permit for brow-tined bull elk, and the five permits in 310-20 for brow-tined bull elk in the Gallatin Special Management Area.

MOOSE In the last two years, three moose districts (310, 307 and 306) were closed in the Gallatin Canyon. These districts are the Taylor Fork, Sage Creek, and PorcupineBuffalo horn areas. After good post-season flying conditions count at least 20 moose (with more presence seen via tracks), Cunningham suggested the opening of HD 310 to one antlered bull license. Changes to this suggestion included: •

Open moose HD 310 to one antlered bull moose.

•

Re-district HD 310 to include HD 307 (Sage Creek), thereby making it one large district and opening to one antlered bull moose.

•

Re-district HD 310 to include HD 307 (Sage Creek) and HD 306 (PorcupineBuffalo Horn) into one large district and opening to one or two antlered bull moose

WOLF The 2011 wolf hunting season is set at a quota of 19 wolves in the Wolf Management Unit 310, which extends from the Gallatin Ridge to the Madison Valley. Wolf numbers, as per the 2010 annual report, are as follows: PRE-REPRODUCTION PACK NUMBERS IN WMU 310

Cougar 2 Hayden Beartrap Wilson Toadflax Cedar Cr. Madison Cougar Grayling

9 wolves 6 wolves 18 wolves 7 wolves 9 wolves 4 wolves 6 wolves 4 wolves 3 wolves

(BP; Gallatin) (BP; Gallatin) (BP; Spanish Peaks/Flying D) (BP;HD 301) (BP; Madison) (Madison) Border Pack with YNP and/or Idaho Border Pack with YNP and/or Idaho Border Pack with YNP and/or Idaho

Sportsmen and FWP representatives continued open dialog regarding bighorn sheep, blue (dusky) grouse and issues in areas outside the Gallatin Canyon. FWP wishes to thank sportsmen for their interest and attendance, and looks forward to the 2012-2013 season setting process. Forward any additional questions or comments to: Julie Cunningham, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Bozeman Area Biologist 1400 S. 19th Ave, Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 994-6341 (office) juliecunningham@mt.gov -from FWP wire services

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Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation, a Bozeman-based non-profit, is looking for outdoor enthusiasts who want to help protect grizzly bear habitat. ASC will lead three tracking sessions in the Centennial Mountains. “We hope to document the presence of grizzly bears in what has been deemed one the most important wildlife corridors in North America,” said Gregg Trienish, ASC’s Executive Director. “If we can show a presence, we have a commitment from the BLM that necessary actions will be taken to protect this area from development.” The first training session, Aug. 20 - 21, will provide interested citizens the necessary skills to help with data collection. “You need no science background, only the desire to make a difference,” Treinish said. Treinish founded ASC in late January 2011, and the organization now has more than 30 expeditions throughout the world focused on everything from algae to wolverines. This project is supported in part by the NRDC. adventureandscience.org/grizzly.html

10 July 29, 2011

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Big Sky Weekly

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Montana trending toward higher fatal-crash rating this year Gallatin Canyon improvements put to test By Taylor Anderson Montana is a state spanning long and wide with dangerous roads over treacherous mountain passes. It also has some of the highest alcoholrelated accident rates of any state in the country.

191, heading south from Bozeman to West Yellowstone, is in a waiting period to determine whether safety improvements in 2009 and 2010 made an impact.

Gallatin County two decades ago had the highest fatal crash rating in These factors add up to make Monthe state. Its 22 traffic deaths rivaled tana, which is 44th in the nation in Yellowstone County’s 19, but were population, one of the in stark contrast to If fatal accidents most dangerous places Madison’s one. to drive. continue at the rate The numbers they’ve been going The Montana Departthrough seven months prompted efforts by ment of Transportathis year, there would be residents to address tion released a special and improve safety a potential statewide report to the Big Sky in the canyon in increase of 25 percent 2006, and in June Weekly showing from last year. preliminary crash data 2008, a community from 2010 and 2011, meeting was held by and the state, if it follows current the Department of Transportation to trends, will finish worse this year than address looming Highway 191 safety last in fatal crashes. improvements. The report showed there were 87 fatalities in all of 2010. So far this year there have baeen 68 fatalities through July 11. This is “just preliminary information,” Ryan said. “The data is not finalized until all of the reports and investigations and everything that goes into a crash is completed by the Montana Highway Patrol.” The 2010 data will be finalized this fall, she said. If fatal accidents continue at the rate they’ve been going through seven months this year, there would potentially be 115.85 deaths this year, a potential statewide increase of 25 percent from last year.

Meanwhile, closer to home, Gallatin County, which possesses a particularly dangerous stretch of road, Highway

The Gallatin Canyon project added turning lanes onto 64 into Big Sky, replaced the West Fork and Jack Smith bridges, widened shoulders, and installed new guardrails. Fatal accidents reduced during the construction and continued three months after its completion. None of the 52 human caused crashes in the canyon that year proved fatal, although 13 were injury crashes, according to the Montana Highway Patrol database. After crews finished the $12 million project in Fall 2010, the roadway was open again to all traffic, including truckers. Although she stressed the data as preliminary, Ryan said in an email in late July there have been 14 crashes this year, resulting in no fatalities and four injuries from the mouth of the canyon to the turnoff to Big Sky.

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Big Sky Weekly

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12 July 29, 2011

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Big Sky Weekly

montana

Referendum underway to protect Montana private property rights Montana citizens, lawmakers and statewide organizations will gather signatures to place a referendum to repeal new eminent domain law. Eminent domain is the power of government or quasi-government agencies, like highway commissions and utility companies, to take private property for public use, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. House Bill 198, which was narrowly passed by the Montana legislature in May 2011, grew out of a Glacier County court ruling, which had originally upheld private property owners’ rights to protect their land, but was overturned. It was allowed to become law without Gov. Schweitzer’s signature or veto. The bill states, “A public utility … may acquire by eminent domain any interest in property… for a public use authorized by law to provide service to the customers of its regulated service… A person issued a certificate pursuant to this chapter may acquire by eminent domain any interest in property…for a public use authorized by law to construct a facility in accordance with the certificate.” Through the new power granted in by HB 198, Canadian corporation Tonbridge Power of Toronto has condemned more than 44 Montana farm properties for the Montana Alberta Tie Line, a 214-mile, 230-kilovolt transmission line that will run

between Lethbridge, Alberta, and Great Falls, Mont. NorthWestern Energy is also awaiting permission to build a 500-kilovolt, 1,500-megawatt transmission Mountain States Intertie Line from Townsend, Mont. through southeastern Idaho to a substation near Jerome, Idaho. If granted, MSTI will condemn homes, farms and ranches, acquiring ownership of property, often against the owners’ wishes. “Now we know they not only can take our land, they will take our land,” said Leona Somerfeld, whose family owns a 102-year-old, sixth-generation family farm and ranch in Power, Mont. “If NorthWestern Energy gets its permit they too will aggressively follow MATL with many condemnation suits.” The referendum group, VoteFor125, believes HB 198 hurts landowners like Somerfeld by expanding the use of eminent domain and giving authority to foreign corporations and for-profit companies by removing the “public need” requirement for condemning private property. But supporters of HB 198 say the bill did not expand the traditional scope of eminent domain in Montana. “The entities now recognized as public utilities have had the power of eminent domain since Montana was a territory,” wrote John S. Fitzpatrick, Executive

June Montana employment signals mixed Despite the uptick in the unemThe national economy and slowing ployment rate for the month, Monfederal investments in recovery projtana’s economy remains on the ects continues to affect Montana, with path to recovery, with about 3,000 the state’s seasonally adjusted unemjobs added in the last quarter. ployment rate increasing by 0.2 to 7.5 percent. Despite the uptick in the unemployment rate for the month, Montana’s economy remains on the path to recovery, with about 3,000 jobs added in the last quarter. National figures also indicate slower job growth in June, with the U.S. unemployment rate increasing by 0.1 to 9.2 percent for June.

“The U.S. economic recovery has slowed in recent months, which has hampered Montana’s economic recovery,” said Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly. Seasonally adjusted total non-farm payroll employment increased by 1,000 in June. The number of payroll jobs increased by 3,100 in the last quarter. The estimate for the total number of Montanans who are working, including agricultural, payroll, and self-employed workers, decreased by 900 in June. Even with the small job loss for the month, total job levels for the second quarter of 2011 were 2,900 above the previous quarter. The seasonally adjusted Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) decreased 0.2 percent in June because of fall in the energy index as gasoline prices decreased from their recent highs. The index for all items less food and energy (also called core inflation) increased by 0.3 percent for the second straight month. - from the Big Sky Weekly wire services

A high voltage transmission line in Central Montana

Director of Governmental Affairs for NorthWestern Energy, in a letter to the Montana Standard. “HB 198 simply affirms a Montana Supreme Court decision rendered in 1986,” Fitzpatrick wrote. “Without such authority, one or two landowners would be able to veto projects essential to society or hold the project hostage until their ransom demands were met.” VoteFor125 volunteers are circulating petitions throughout Montana, “targeting key legislative districts and educating citizens about the corporate eminent domain issue,” said State Project Coordinator Rachel Roberts. Signatures will be collected through Sept. 30, 2011. “Soon Montana voters will decide if the power of eminent domain should return to a public-need basis used only for the good of Montana citizens, or remain a tool of private, for-profit, outof-state and foreign corporations,” said Democratic Public Service Commissioner and referendum supporter John Vincent.

Photo by Emily Stifler

Efforts like VoteFor125 are exactly what the 1972 legislature had in mind when it created the ability for Montana citizens to bring a referendum to a vote of the people, said Republican Sen. Art Wittich of Bozeman, a proponent the referendum. “The sooner we repeal this retroactive, special interest granting of new rights to foreign entities that confiscate private property, the better off all Montana property owners will be,” Wittich said. Montana Farmer’s Union, Montana Stockgrowers Association, Northern Plains Resource Council, MATL landowners, Lewis & Clark Heritage Foundation, Montana based Trout Unlimited chapters, and Women Involved in Farm Economics support the VoteFor125 petition. The VoteFor125 steering committee has volunteers from Bozeman, Boulder, Butte, Cardwell, Cut Bank, Dillon, Helena, and Red Lodge. E.S.

Montana State Library receives $45,000 in grants The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation, based in Billings, awarded the Montana State Library $35,000, and the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, based in Missoula, awarded the State Library $10,000. The money will be used to expand the Montana State Library’s statewide early literacy initiative, Ready 2 Read. Launched in 2009, the Ready 2 Read program is an effort to help parents and caregivers understand the value of sharing language and literacy with their children. The program has provided collections of high-quality children’s books to libraries, early childhood training to librarians, and extensive information and training to parents and caregivers on the importance of sharing books with children from birth forward. Funding from First Interstate BancSystem Foundation will be used to support training of librarians to further their expertise in early literacy and early childhood education. Additional funding from First Interstate BancSystem Foundation will be used to support expansion of the popular Ready 2 Read Goes Wild! trunks, which provide childcare providers, preschools, early elementary educators, parents and caregivers an opportunity to share language, literacy, learning and nature with their children. A result of a partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and part of MSL’s statewide early literacy initiative, Ready 2 Read Goes Wild! uses nature and Montana animals to spark kids’ interest in language and literacy, math and science, and the natural world that surrounds them. -from the Big Sky Weeky wire services

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July 29, 2011 13

Big Sky Weekly

montana DNA analysis is important new wildlife management tool in Montana By Diane tipton Wildlife managers in Montana have increasingly turned to DNA analysis to learn about the state’s wildlife and their ways, with some interesting results. DNA analysis can provide information about the age structure of fish and wildlife populations, identify remnant native populations and point out where native and introduced trout species may be producing hybrid fish. Deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA, is a nucleic acid molecule in the form of a double strand, spiraling helix. The strands carry the biological information that makes species and individuals within a species unique. Wildlife researchers can analyze the DNA extracted from hair, skin, blood, saliva, a feather or other body tissue and organ samples to identify species, sex and even the individual that the sample represents. For example, in some cases fishery managers can analyze the DNA in a clipping from a fish fin, such as a bull trout, to identify its home tributary—the water where it will instinctively try to return to in order to reproduce. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in a collaborative fisheries mitigation program with FWP, Idaho Fish and Game and Avista Utilities, uses this technology. Biologists capture adult bull trout below Cabinet Gorge Dam on the Clark Fork River and use a rapid genetic assessment process to determine how far above the dam to move the trout so they can return unimpeded to natal waters to spawn. In other DNA-related work, Montana FWP, the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Missoula, and other partners are developing a new panel of genetic markers for cutthroat trout, redband trout and rainbow trout. The markers will provide data to help researchers better identify patterns of fish hybridization and the structure of fish populations within drainages.

1897. The goal was to determine if a sharptail subspecies once occurred west of the Continental Divide. Researchers learned that western Montana’s sharptail grouse were genetically similar to Plains sharptails in Alberta, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska. They found that the Columbian subspecies of sharptail was not present in western Montana as previously thought. This study confirms that wildlife managers could use birds from eastern Montana’s existing sharptail populations to restore sharptails west of the Divide should resources become available to do that work. Researchers have also used DNA to confirm that Montana’s native fisher was not extirpated in the 1960s as originally believed. Ongoing DNA studies will further establish the fisher’s current distribution, numbers and genetic origins in Montana and Idaho. In another use of DNA-based research, the U.S. Geological Service’s Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, with FWP’s assistance, is working on a model to predict the spread of wildlife diseases in deer. As a transmissible virus mutates, genetic markers of those changes remain in the DNA. Wildlife researchers are studying deer genetics and these markers in the viruses that infect deer to learn how deer move regionally and statewide and where they commonly come in contact with each other over time. If successful, this study could lead to predictive models of how viral diseases might spread among deer and how fast. It may sound like science fiction, but it is happening today, thanks to advances in DNA analysis.

FWP fish biologists are also using DNA analysis to learn if sauger—a native Montana fish—is crossbreeding with walleye—an introduced fish popular among anglers. During this work, FWP biologists also found that sauger above the confluence of the Yellowstone and Bighorn rivers may be genetically distinct to that locale due to many generations of isolation from downstream populations.

Nearby conservation and wildlife research labs capable of DNA analysis include the U.S. Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Research Station in Missoula, and the University of Montana Conservation Genetics Lab in Missoula, where a FWP fish conservation geneticist is located. The Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Forensics and Fish Health Laboratory in Laramie also performs wildlife-related DNA analysis.

On land, the Big Sky Upland Bird Association, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and FWP jointly funded analysis of sharptail grouse DNA samples from across Montana collected by the National Wildlife Federation in Missoula, including museum specimens from Sanders and Lake counties collected in

Diane Tipton is Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Statewide Information Officer.

Montana FWP’s fish genetics expert at the University of Montana in Missoula, Robb Leary, works closely with FWP fish managers and explains DNA analysis this way: DNA is extracted from the nucleus of a cell found in a hair, fin, feather or blood sample taken in the field. Specific identifier portions of the DNA strand are then isolated and subjected to a chemical process to cause them to replicate over and over until the original DNA segment is sufficient in number to be studied. It is then compared to a database of known DNA samples until a match is found. One reason that DNA analysis is ever more widely available and cost-effective is the result of what is known as “barcoding,” Leary said. Scientists use a standard method to collect comparable genetic information on individual species and then store it in a barcode-like format in a database. As this reference tool expands, its value grows to researchers. In Montana, DNA analysis has helped link poached wildlife to those who perpetrated the crimes through DNA analysis of blood, hair or tissue evidence. “Some of the more complex tasks for this tool include monitoring the illegal trade in animal parts on an international scale,” Leary said. He points to instances where Eurasian badger hairs were identified in an expensive shaving brush and Tibetan antelope hair was found in a luxury shawl. DNA analysis also helps track the presence of exotic species. In the U.S., the University of Notre Dame has developed a way to analyze water samples and identify whether invasive fish species were present within the past six to 48 hours. Scientists are able to virtually reconstruct ancient environments by identifying the plants and animals that lived there in the past, Leary said. “DNA analysis has made it possible to identify everything from the intestinal content of the Neolithic glacier mummy from the Alps to the diet of a ground sloth through the last period of glaciation.” fwp.mt.gov

FWP fish biologists are using DNA analysis to learn if sauger (pictured)—a native Montana fish—is crossbreeding with walleye—an introduced fish popular among anglers

14 July 29, 2011

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Big Sky Weekly

health & wellness

Older adults can now get whooping cough vaccination U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a vaccine to prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough), to vaccinate people 65 or older. The vaccine, marketed under the trade name Boostrix, is given as a single-dose booster shot and is the first vaccine approved to prevent all three diseases in older people. Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes respiratory illness. Pertussis is characterized by a cough that can last a month or more, and can cause pneumonia and death. In Montana, the number of reported cases of pertussis has increased in the last three years, with 72 reported cases already in 2011. Unvaccinated infants and school-age children are most at risk during pertussis outbreaks, but infections can occur in any age group, especially in settings where people are in close proximity. Outbreaks have occurred in nursing homes and hospitals, said Anna Whiting Sorrell, director of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services.

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The bacteria that causes tetanus lives in soil, dust, and manure, and usually enters the body through wounds. Tetanus causes paralysis. Diphtheria usually causes sore throat, swollen glands, fever, and chills. If not properly diagnosed and treated, serious complications such as heart failure or paralysis can result. Both tetanus and diphtheria are rarely reported in Montana; however pertussis outbreaks continue to occur statewide.

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July 29, 2011 Volume 2 // Issue #14

Big Sky

Bob Dixon, Big Sky’s Ski Patrol Director, is now an alpaca farmer

Ski patrollers as alpaca ranchers Story and photos by Evi Dixon For years, I was the master mower of our 10 acres. Every time I rode our lawnmower, salsa music blaring over my headphones, I wondered what animals could be more efficient. Sheep pull the grass out by the roots. Horses are too big. Cows destroy fences. I was always fascinated by alpacas, but knew that without help from my husband Bob, I’d never be able to build fences, pound post holes into the ground or build a barn. Bob and I are ski patrollers at Big Sky, and we weren’t sure we had time to care for livestock. After a couple of years of studying web pages and other farms, I convinced him alpacas would be the right co-workers on our pastures. In September 2010, the first five Suri Alpacas moved in. Several more joined them this May, and will produce two crias (young) in September. Because their gestation period is almost a year, our herd is growing slowly. The reason behind this operation was not only yard work. As we grow older, retirement in the years to come will become a necessity. Another incentive is the tax break gained by turning a

several acre private property into ranch land. The income will come from a well thought-out breeding program, fleece production, compost selling and training, handling, and shearing ours and other people’s alpacas. Alpacas originated in Peru, Bolivia and Chile. They are a product of domestication of two wild varieties of camelids indigenous to South America. They were domesticated before the horse, dog or cat and were owned by the Incan royalty for their fine fleece.

handling Alpacas and Llamas with respect.” Alpacas cannot be considered pets and instead must be treated as light livestock. They have to be weighed once a month, might need injections or de-worming medication. Taking alpacas to shows is a good way to keep them calm and safe. It’s been fun and interesting to see the different characters in these animals,

and to see even a scared and shy alpaca turn into a more trusting and calm individual. Bob and Evi Dixon will be at the Big Sky Country Fair on July 30, 2011 with two of their animals. Come, see and visit! Their farm is located near Manhattan on Baker Creek. To contact them, visit their website: sp-surialpacas.com or call Evi at (406) 579-9694.

Compared to Huacaya Alpacas, Suri Alpacas like ours only make up 10 percent of the alpaca population in the U.S. They have dreadlocklike fleece with gorgeous luster and shine that hangs like a curtain. Now I’m studying how to handle the alpacas in a nontraditional fashion. I just returned from a clinic in Oregon with Marty McGee Bennett, founder of “Camelidynamics –

Some of the Dixon’s Suri alpacas in the pasture

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Credit is subject to approval. Some restrictions apply. This information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ©2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. 104226 - 06/11

Big Sky Weekly

youth I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream Big Sky’s first ice cream shop hosts grand opening Aug. 6, 7. story and photo By kaela schommer

This is the best known specialty Snizzard, the Willow. The Willow is chocolate and vanilla ice cream mixed with heath bar and peanut butter cups. The cup is drizzled with chocolate and caramel. The ice cream is then layered in the cup with caramel sauce. Topped off with whipped cream and sprinkles. Its named after Kinga’s most prized cat.

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Kinga’s Video and Ice Cream, Big Sky’s first soft serve ice cream shop, is providing a new summer treat for Big Sky. The video store, formerly known as Wilson’s Video, was owned for seven years by Rodney and Deborah Wilson. When Curt and Kinga Wilson moved to Big Sky to be closer to family, they bought the store from Curt’s brother, Rodney. Curt and Kinga officially took over the store in April of 2008. Kinga had some ideas to improve the store, one being a name change to Kinga’s Video and Ice Cream, which is currently in motion. The ice cream portion of the store has been up and running for a while, but to get the word out, owners Kinga and Curt Wilson are hosting a grand opening Aug. 6 and 7 from noon to 8 p.m. They will not only be selling ice cream and renting videos, they also will have some great new promotions and sales. During the grand opening, all resurfaced DVDs and VHS tapes will be on sale for $5. Other merchandise will be 20 percent off. This merchandise includes collector Barbies that help provide the shop’s special atmosphere. There will also be movie posters for sale from up to seven years ago. This summer, taste a local favorite: the Snizzard. Snizzards are the invention of King, and mix the best of both

we each have over a decade of real estate experience

words: candy and ice cream. Customers can pick their own marriage of candy and ice in this delicious treat. Try one of the many specialty Snizzards such as the Willow, the Emi, the Chaos Cat, the Strawberry Shortcake, the Ray, the Annika or the Momma Cat. The best-known specialty Snizzard is the Willow, named after Kinga’s most prized cat. The Willow is chocolate and vanilla ice cream mixed with heath bar and peanut butter cups, drizzled with chocolate and caramel. The ice cream is then layered in the cup with caramel sauce. Topped off with whipped cream and sprinkles. The new Golden Ticket promotion will also be starting up grand opening weekend. One ticket will be placed in a movie randomly picked from each genre. The ticket inside will be worth a free medium ice cream cone for the renter of that movie. The tickets will be moved every month. Kinga’s employees might even give out one or two word hints as to where the tickets are hidden. Unlike the other promotions, this will continue after the grand opening weekend. Kinga’s also fixes scratches on CDs, and DVDs for only one dollar.

It’s a great time to be a buyer. Let our experience and track record help sell your property. Contact us for a full market report or to view Big Sky’s best listings.

Branif Scott Broker 406.579.9599

Marilyn Walsh Broker 406.580.4242

Ania Bulis Broker 406.579.6852

Jason Parks Broker 406.580.4758

Jackie Miller Broker 406.539.5003

Sandy Revisky Broker 406.539.6316

Don’t forget to “Like” Kinga’s Video and Ice Cream on Facebook. Kaela Schommer is a cub reporter for the Big Sky Weekly.

www.pur ewes tp r o p er ti es. co m | 4 0 6 . 9 9 5 . 4 0 0 9 explorebigsky.com July 29, 2011 19

www.PruMT.com 406.995.4060 • 800.995.4060 Big Sky Town Center • 55 Lone Peak Drive • Suite 3 Prudential Montana Real Estate is your statewide real estate company with 12 offices to serve you in the communities of Big Sky, Bozeman, Dillon, Ennis, Sheridan, Twin Bridges, Hamilton, Florence, Missoula, Seeley Lake & Polson.

HORSE PROPERTY

$4,200,000 • #168903 • Call Stacy or Don

• • • •

32.69 +/- acres, 4 bd, 7 ba, 7,084 +/- sf 15,000 +/- sf barn with 70’ x 140’ arena 6 stalls and caretaker’s apartment spectacular property with scenic views

SOUTH OF BIG SKY $2,750,000 • #175377 • Call Erin

• 142 +/- acres • mountain timberlands • between Big Sky and Yellowstone National Park

PINEWOOD HILLS ESTATE • • • •

$1,310,000 • #175582 • Call George

3 bd, 5 ba, 4,500 +/- sf 8 +/- acres consisting of two contiguous lots pond provides water feature natural landscaping with mature trees

• • • •

SPANISH PKS CONDO 8E $519,900 • #173321 • Call Stacy or Eric

• • • •

3 bd, 3 ba, 2548 +/- sf end unit, ground floor southern exposure clubhouse with outdoor pool

CASCADE LOT 71A

• • • •

$349,000 • #173281 • Call Stacy or Eric ski-in/ski-out adjacent to Thunderwolf lift 1.333 +/- acre lot breathtaking views of Lone Mountain agent owned

MEADOW VILLAGE LOT • • • •

$232,750 • #166463 • Call Toni

0.28 +/- acres adjacent to green space southern exposure views to Lone Peak

3 bd, 3 ba, 3,400 +/- sf located on 4+/- acres guest apartment above garage incredible views with Aspen trees galore

• • • •

$499,000 • #176526 • Call Stacy

3 bd, 2.5 ba, 2365+/- sf, custom finishes bonus room above 2 car attached garage tongue & groove pine ceiling hot tub, flagstone patio with fire pit

$345,000 • #177637 • Call Don

3 bd, 2 ba, 2016 +/- sq. ft great condo with lots of privacy great room with fireplace and loft ceiling main floor master bedroom

GALLATIN ROAD LOT • • • •

2 bd, 3 ba, 2,200 +/- sq ft unique structure on 30 +/- acre tract 3 massive stone fireplaces 360 degree views

POWDER RIDGE CABIN

PINES CONDO # C-2 • • • •

• • • •

170 GRAY OWL LANE

$1,199,000 • #176635 • Call George

RAINBOW TROUT RUN • • • •

BEEHIVE LOOKOUT

$1,800,000 • # 173605 • Call Stacy or Eric

$195,000 • #155585 • Call Don

1.84 +/- acres ideal location between Big Sky and Bozeman beautiful view of Storm Castle Mtn vacant land - acreage

Don Pilotte, Broker, GRI, RRS, SFR, 406.580.0155 Eric Ossorio, Broker, 406.539.9553 Stacy Ossorio, Broker, 406.539.8553 Debbie Applebaum, Sales Associate, 406.570.7474

$795,000 • #176798 • Call Stacy or Anne

cabin #18, 4bd, 3 ba, 2577 +/- sf furnished, ski/In ski/out to White Otter Lift numerous upgrades, river rock fireplace entertaining deck off of kitchen, hot tub

BEAVER CREEK MEADOWS $1,495,000 • #178215 • Call George

• • • •

6+/- acres, 2 homes, total of 6 bd, 5 ba kitchen with high-end appliances great room with rock fireplaces outstanding view of Porcupine Mountain

355 LOW DOG ROAD • • • •

$749,000 • #173648 • Call Marc

4 bd, 3.5 ba, 3136 +/- sf, 1+ acre lot great for entertaining, hot tub at the base of Wardance ski run nestled in the trees at Mountain Village

ALPENGLOW CONDO 19A

LONE PK CENTER CONDO

• • • •

$399,000 • #174726 • Call Eric/Stacy

Unit #19 3bd, 3.5 ba 2500 +/- sf designer furnishings, end unit, bonus room gourmet kitchen, stainless appliances outdoor hot tub, Lone Mountain views

BIG HORN CONDO # 1 • • • •

$291,500 • #146472 • Call Don

.46 +/- acre, beautiful evergreens wonderful building site open ground on south side of lot close to hiking and x-country ski trails

ANTLER RIDGE LOT 149 • • • •

ANTLER RIDGE LOTS

$105,000 • #156549-156551 • Call George

• • • •

gorgeous views wonderful building sites water & sewer (septic) metered buy one lot or make an offer on the two

$365,000 • #174320 • Call Toni

studio, 1 ba. 460 +/- sq ft ski in ski out on the Lone Peak side gas fireplace, balcony

$296,000 • #1161824 • Call Don

.35 +/- acres excellent Building Ground southern exposure, comm. water system spectacular views of Lone Peak

WEST YELLOWSTONE • • • •

$70,500 • #177640 • Call Marc

.17 +/- acre building lot Blue Heron Design house plans included near national forest near Yellowstone National Park

Toni Delzer, Sales Associate, 406.570.3195 Anne MacKenzie, Sales Associate, 406.223.1095 Peter MacKenzie, Sales Associate, 406.223.1195 Mark Dobrenski, Sales Associate, 406.599.2175 George Hagar, Sales Associate, 406.580.2248 Marc Lauermann, Sales Assoc., ABR, SFR, 406.581.8242

Big Sky Weekly

sports

The emergence of Maya Moore

By Brandon Niles The NFL and NBA labor situations have given other sports an opportunity to shine. The golfing world has eagerly followed young Rory McIlroy; the women’s World Cup soccer grabbed national attention, and I’m enjoying watching the new star of the WNBA, Maya Moore. Moore, a forward who was the star player for the dominant UCONN women’s basketball teams of the past several years, was the consensus top overall prospect coming into this year’s WNBA draft. As a result, she was taken first overall by the Minnesota Lynx, a fledgling team that’s only been to the playoffs twice in its short history, and not since 2004. The Lynx currently

are battling to win the Western Conference, thanks in large part to Moore’s presence. At six feet tall, Moore has the size and athleticism to play inside and out. She’s an efficient scorer and she plays with the maturity of a veteran. Coming out of college, she was lauded for her court vision and hand speed. Perhaps most notably, Moore is the first rookie since 2002 to start an all-star game, and recently her jersey sales eclipsed those of L.A.’s Candace Parker for the top spot in the entire WNBA. Many have viewed Parker as the face of the WNBA for quite some time, and an injury suffered earlier this year had many fans of the league concerned for its already low levels of support. Luckily, Moore has helped fill the void left by the talented Parker, continuing to ignite fans. Moore has brought a star presence to the Lynx that’s driven up mer-

chandise sales and energized a small but loyal fan base. She’s combined with fellow Lynx players Rebekkah Brunson, Seimone Augustus and Lindsay Whalen to form an excellent nucleus of talent that makes the Lynx title candidates. These three players will join Moore in the all-star game, marking the first time ever the Lynx has more than two players sent to the all-star game in the same season. It’s also only the fifth time any team has sent four or more players. The building of the WNBA has been slow and difficult, but with players as talented and as high profile as Moore entering the league, the game will continue to improve in time. Not only does Moore draw more fans, but fans also start noticing the other amazing players in the WNBA who don’t get as much press. Sue Bird and Swin Cash in Seattle, Sylvia Fowell in Chicago, and Tamika Catchings in Indiana are just a few of the many players who could stand to benefit from the added star power. Hopefully, high profile players like Moore and Parker will soon become household names, and the WNBA will take another step forward in the minds of sports fans everywhere.

Maya Moore accepting the Wade Trophy, taken at the 2011 Women’s basketball Coaches Association Convention. She is the first ever three time recipient of the award.

Brandon Niles has done online freelance writing about the NFL since 2007. His articles range from NFL news to teamspecific commentary. A Communication Studies graduate student at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Niles is also an avid Miami Dolphins fan, which has led to his becoming an avid Scotch whisky fan over the past decade. He hopes to visit Montana some day.

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Our professional forestry staff are experts at mitigating impacts associated with mountain pine beetle and western spruce budworm infestations. We will develop a site-specific plan for your property that protects scenic and wildlife habitat values. Contact us today for a consultation

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July 29, 2011 21

big-sky-weekly-ad.pdf

7/22/11

4:28 PM

Big Sky Weekly

CMY

Big Sky Weekly

food & dining

Making a California Roll A guided tour through preparing sushi rolls story By Amy Jones | photos by kene sperry

Tools you will need: bamboo rolling mat – (to help make the sushi roll tight and circular)

Ingredients: nori sushi rice rice vinegar sugar salt

sharp knife

king crab meat

rice cooker

cucumber

large mixing bowl wooden spoon with a straight edge

avocado masago or tobikko (flying fish roe) pickled ginger powdered or fresh wasabi tamari (wheat free/gluten free) Look for these specialized ingredients at Montana Fish Company or Rocky Mountain Seafood, both on Main Street in Bozeman.

Step 1

Prepare wasabi, cut vegetables, mix crab with mayonnaise and scallion, and make sushi-zu (a rice vinegar, sugar and salt mixture). Use a 7-5-2 ratio for rice vinegar, sugar and sea salt.

Step 9

Leave plastic on. Cut into 6-8 bite size pieces. Remove plastic. These steps prevent the roe from spilling. Serve with wasabi, tamari and pickled ginger.

Step 2

Wash rice under tepid water. Use a gentle circular motion, without crushing the rice. Pour off excess water. Repeat steps until water runs clear. This washes the starches from the rice

Step 3

Amy Jones attended the California Sushi Academy in 2002 and was trained by Andy Matsuda. She has catered events for MGM and Warner Brothers and worked in sushi bars across the West. In Big Sky, Jones serves sushi at Yellowstone Club private parties and is a server at Bucks T-4. Contact Jones for sushi classes or other catering needs. kokorosushimt.com

Dry the rice for a half hour.

Step 4

Place in rice cooker. If you do not have a rice cooker, follow stovetop instructions for cooking on package. One part rice, one part water. If your package of rice says “new crop rice”, you will need to adjust the water. Add about 1/4 cup more per 1.5 cups of rice. Cook for 45 minutes.

Step 5

Put steamed rice into a big enough bowl for mixing. About 1/2 c. sushi-zu, with five cups steamed rice. Pour sushi-zu evenly over steamed rice. Mix well, making sure every grain of rice is covered with sushi-zu. Once mixed, level out the rice so it cools evenly. Let cool for five minutes, then flip over and let sit for another ten minutes. Now your sushi rice is ready.

Step 6

Place nori on cutting board. Spread evenly, leaving a 1/4 inch of nori at the top of sheet uncovered. Reach for the top of nori, flip whole sheet over.

Step 7

Place crab, cucumber and avocado at the bottom of sheet. Roll like a burrito, trying to keep everything tucked tight. Cover the roll with a bamboo mat and gently squeeze the roll into the shape of a circle or square. Tuck your ends.

Step 8

Place roe over the top of this roll, then cover with a small piece of plastic wrap. Form again with rolling mat.

explorebigsky.com

July 29, 2011 23

business directory

Big Sky Weekly

Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine www.greatturninghealing.com 81 W. Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, MT

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TREE REMOVAL 995-7852

REMOVING DEAD AND INFESTED TREES Grants Available for home Fire Suppression Approved RC&D Hazardous fuels reduction contractor

Location, location… and great burgers! WYS Airport offers convenience and hassle-free service By Abbie Digel

Tom Newberry:

995-7852

BigSkyTrees@aol.com

President Obama’s first view of Big Sky country during his 2008 visit to Southwest Montana was from Air Force One, as the famous jet-liner smoothly landed on the West Yellowstone Airport’s tarmac. Government vehicles awaited his arrival, including military cargo jets, Marine choppers, Secret Service Suburbans, as well as dozens of rental cars and law-enforcement vehicles. “It was quite dramatic,” said Merry Olson, president of Olson Communications, which markets for WYS. The West Yellowstone Airport, with its proximity to some of Montana’s top tourist destinations, has a huge operation: Every plane landing on its runways is fully booked throughout the summer, Olson said.

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WYS is the eighth largest of Montana’s 121 airports, and provides access to Island Park, Big Sky, Ennis, Virginia City, the Gallatin and Madison rivers, West Yellowstone, and Yellowstone National Park. Commercial use, which is operated solely through Delta Connection, begins June 1, just in time for summer. The general aviation season is longer, beginning May 1. The airport closes to all aviation on Sept. 30 because “they can’t keep the runways clear of snow,” Olson said. The airport is trying to get funding for snow removal. “It would be a big boom if it could be open year round,” Olson said.

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24 July 29, 2011

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Big Sky Weekly

OZssage Ltd - Therapeutic Massage & Spa Join Delilah for yoga Monday & Friday 9:30 a.m.-Moonlight Lodge or Tuesday & Thursday Noon-Town Center Park Visit our website for a complete list of services and classes

DIMENSION3YOGA.COM Delilah Price Eakman, 406-581-2442, Big Sky, MT BISON Big Sky Weekly :Layout 1

7/27/10

1:26 PM

Page 1

Catch a flight in the morning. Be totally amazed by noon! You can’t land any closer to where you want to be!

Yellowstone Big Sky Gallatin Madison Ennis Virginia City Island Park

www.yellowstoneairport.org FLIGHTS DAILY FROM WEST YELLOWSTONE MONTANA

The West Yellowstone Airport is also popular with locals, who find convenience in the location and the “hassle-free security measures,” Olson said. WYS also hosts a full-service campground for pilots only, making it one of the least crowded campgrounds in and near the Park. The airport’s Smokejumper Café is a popular destination for locals and tourists. “Some pilots fly in just to get a burger and then leave,” Olson said. WYS also home to Yellowstone Aviation, the airport’s fixed-based operator, which provides fuel and other aviation services for pilots and commercial flights. WYS opened in 1965 and is owned and operated by the State of Montana Department of Transportation, Aeronautics Division. The airport is also one of 10 smoke jump bases for USFS Interagency Fire Control, making it a versatile, multi-use facility. yellowstoneairport.org

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406.646.7200 www.kirkwoodresort.com • Cabin and Boat Rentals • Boat Launch • Serving breakfast, lunch

and supper

Located on the North Shore of Hebgen Lake, West Yellowstone

explorebigsky.com

July 29, 2011 25

Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky Weekly home of the

Classifieds!

$15 with photo

Each Ad can be up to 4 lines (Maximum of 30 words). Additional lines are $5 per line, Maximum of 8 words per line. Email classifieds and/or advertising requests to: media@theoutlawpartners.com (406) 995-2055

26 July 29, 2011

help wanted Opening at the Medical Clinic of Big Sky for receptionist/patient coordinator. Previous medical background helpful but not required. Must be computer savvy, have the ability to multi task, work well with others and maintain confidentiality at all times. Bring fax or resume to the Medical Clinic, 11 Lone Peak Trail - suite 202 - FAX 406-9932965 or mail to PO Box 160609, Big Sky, MT 59716 --------------------------------------------Bucks T-4, Looking for creative hard working individuals to join our culinary team, Line cooks, pantry, dishwashers, Wage DOE, Pickup application at hotel front desk, Call Chuck 995-4111 -----------------------------------------Local Big Sky construction company looking for experienced carpenters; 5 years experience and references required. Please fax resume to 406995-3670 or email info@bigskybuild.com. -----------------------------------------Ophir School District in Big Sky is seeking an Activities/Athletic Director with intense interest in directing extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, successful experience in scheduling student activities and athletic events. This position serves as the district leader

explorebigsky.com

in the planning and supervision of district activity programs, as well as evaluation of activities/athletic personnel. Specific functions of the position include, planning, supervision, staff development, public relations/booster organizations, communication, budget, staff relations, facilities, and record keeping. Please see the district website (www. ophirschool.org) “Employment” for more information and an application form. --------------------------------------------Experienced childcare provider in Big Sky, for 4 year old and infant 600-1448

for sale CHEAPEST HOUSE IN BIG SKY 2265 Little Coyote 3 BD, 2 BA, Golf Course Views Call Big Sky Sotheby’s 406.995.2244 -----------------------------------------For Sale - brand new furniture from a model home in Big Sky in Spanish Peaks. 4 Bar Stools, Couch, Entertainment Center and Cabinet. Call 406-993-5381.

for rent Office Space - Executive Office suites available in amazing building in Meadow Village, Big Sky - $300 to $500/mth depending on terms

and office size. Each office has private door, shared conference rooms, shared kitchen space. Terms Negotiable. Call Eric 570-0639

SERVICES Golf and Ski Membership Opportunity. $5,000 and monthly dues gives you full member rights for the use of the Club at Spanish Peaks. Spanish Peaks is one of the few Communities in the world where you can ski, golf, fish and ride horses in the same neighborhood. Only one of these opportunities is available and membership must be approved. Call 303-4191263 for details.

housing wanted Local reporter seeks to ski, save gas and make the move to Big Sky. Year lease; that would be swell. Think you’ve got what I need? Peachy! call Taylor at (847) 902-7110 or email taylor@theoutlawpartners.com -----------------------------------------Local and reliable couple looking for a Long-Term Rental in Big Sky. House prefered, must have a Garage and allow pets, ours is trained and friendly. Call Danielle at 570-4564 or email at Danielle@theoutlawpartners.com

Big Sky Weekly

outlaw library

A Game of Thrones By Hunter Rothwell

Imagine a world where summers can last for decades and winters a lifetime. Where kings, queens, lords, barbaric men and cunning women struggle for the ultimate power of the Iron Throne. A land where wolves are as big as horses, and monstrous, fire-breathing dragons are pets fighting alongside their masters. And in these feudal communities, people gossip and speculate about long-extinct magic and monsters from their ancestors’ time that may still exist in remote kingdoms. It is a place where passion is religion and brutal death is a daily risk. Such is the backdrop of American author George R. R. Martin’s masterful A Song of Fire and Ice series of epic novels. The first book of the series, A Game of Thrones, was released in 1996 and immediately received several science fiction writing awards. Originally a cult sensation, it’s now the #1 New York Times bestseller, and its creator is one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people for 2011. The books are now hailed as classics, and Martin has been crowned the heir apparent to J.R.R. Tolkien. However, this series of intense fiction is not the child friendly Harry Potter or the detail heavy, World War II era Lord of the Rings.

These novels are for a mature, modern audience, as evidenced by the first HBO season of A Game of Thrones this past spring. These ten episodes received 13 Emmy nominations, including one for “outstanding drama series.” Martin’s host of well-developed characters weaves compelling plots and subplots that are more Sopranos than hobbits. Lurid tales of royal incest, gruesome conflicts, sexual liaisons, and crime and punishment set the tone for complex themes, moral lessons and wonderful humor. The storylines move along quickly and easily, despite being introduced to a world with thousands of years of significant history that provides the firm foundation for the novels’ plots. The stories are never bogged down with arduous background or tedious character profiles. The author is a master at presenting everything required of an epic tale in an easily digestible manner. Martin achieves this easy flow in a clever Faulkner-esque way: Each chapter is named for a central character and is a third person account of that character’s progress in the story. The different perspectives give the author tremendous lever-

age in filling holes in the plot without slowing down the action. This is no small undertaking. A Game of Thrones is a lot of reading. Martin has just released the fifth volume of the series (A Dance with Dragons), which is expected to include a sixth and seventh volume – and these books are doorstops. The wrapping up of one book easily dovetails with the beginning of the next. However, this series provides great enjoyment and is supremely entertaining.

When a tale flows with ease and confidence, a hundred pages float by as if in a dream. And no, this is not your weird cousin’s fantasy science fiction novel. You will not start playing Dungeons and Dragons or attending Star-Trek conventions. This is how you wish the Lord of the Rings had been written: A little nudity and bad language never hurt anyone. If you are a fan of timeless, epic stories, that are told honestly and without censure, then A Game of Thrones is where you start.

Come in and see us!

Selling lightly used, quality clothes, sporting goods, home furnishings & more! Located across from Bugaboo in the Big Horn Center off Hwy 191

Please call Janine or Dick @ (406) 993-9333 for an appointment to consign your items for sale with us in our new store. explorebigsky.com

July 29, 2011 27

Big Sky Weekly

R are

Resale

O p p o r t u n i t y

o n

P i o n e e r

4 Chalet at Yellowstone Club

Incredible, Direct Ski-in/Ski-out Access 6,000+ Livable Square Feet 5 Bedrooms Turnkey Property with Base Area Location Steps from Warren Miller Lodge View Video Online - chalet4.com Contact Will Littman, YC Sales, for tours or information will.littman@yellowstoneclub.com | 406-993-7012 | chalet4.com

M o u n t a i n

environmental column

the

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle By Eileen Connors The environmental hierarchy is reduce, reuse and recycle. Reduce is first because it is the most important. Reduce is easily achieved, mainly by working hand in hand with the second level of the hierarchy, reuse:

• Reusing a coffee mug reduces the number of disposable coffee cups and lids used, which ideally means they will no longer be manufactured, packaged, transported and disposed of. • Instead of using disposable paper towels, reuse a real cloth towel, which again will eliminate the need for paper towels to be manufactured and disposed of. • Reducing the number of lights in a room will reduce electricity demand, and therefore the greenhouse gases that are emitted from electricity being manufactured.

• Making juice from concentrate in a reusable pitcher reduces all the plastic juice containers to which people have become accustomed. So, reuse is essential to reduce and keep us in a livable planet. Recycling is last on the environmental hierarchy, because recycling creates pollution. In many cases, the manufacturing process recycles one product that never should have been here into another product that shouldn’t be here either. Recycling is only responsible when a product is no longer functional – not when people have finished their short use of a product or unnecessary packaging.

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LIQUOR STORE UNIQUE MONTANA GIFTS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK • 4069954343 BIG SKY’S FULL SERVICE

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Located in TOWN CENTER at the corner of HWY 64 and OUSEL FALLS ROAD

Keep Us In A Livable Planet. Learn this and so much more at EnvironmentalEducator.org, a highly rated app.

MONTANA STATE LIQUOR STORE

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July 29, 2011 29

Big Sky Weekly

EVENT OF THE YEAR

y k P S B g i R B UST 3, G 2011 AU

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PRE- EVENT PARTY, FREE, LIVE MUSIC WITH JESSICA KILROY, MEET AND GREET WITH RIDERS & CALCUTTA PROCCEDS TO BENEFIT YCCF

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VENDOR VILLAGE OPENS AT 5:00 P.M. GATES OPEN AT 5:30 P.M. SHOW STARTS AT 7:00 P.M. MUTTON BUSTIN’ PRESENTED BY MOONLIGHT BASIN AT INTERMISSION AFTER PARTY WITH DIRTY SHAME AT 9:00 P.M. - FREE!

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30 July 29, 2011

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fun sponsored by moonlight basin

Mutton bustin’

ALEX HEPLER

Contestants riding Aug. 3 at the Big Sky PBR

KACE WAGNER

AGE: 5 WEIGHT: 45 lbs. Favorite Food: Mac n’ Cheese Super Hero:Dad EXPERIENCE: Ridden 3 sheep

Caleb Anderson

AGE: 3 WEIGHT: 35 lbs. Favorite Food: Mac n’ Cheese Super Hero: Dad EXPERIENCE: 1 year

AGE: 6 WEIGHT: 54 lbs. Favorite Food: Noodles Super Hero: Ironman # of Mutton Bustin: First Time

ISAAC HEPLER

AGE: 6 WEIGHT: 53 lbs. Favorite Food: Macaroni Super Hero:Man Ray from Sponge Bob EXPERIENCE: First Time

LEVI WAGNER

AGE: 6 WEIGHT: 55 lbs. Favorite Food: Pizza Super Hero: Superman EXPERIENCE: 2 YEARS

David Perdue

AGE: 5 WEIGHT: 49 lbs. Favorite Food: Pizza Super Hero: Ironman EXPERIENCE: First time

GARRET WAGNER

AGE: 3 WEIGHT: 35 lbs. Favorite Food: Mac n’ Cheese Super Hero: Dad # of Mutton Bustin: First Time

Jace Hill

AGE: 6 WEIGHT: 54 lbs. Favorite Food: Elk Steak and cookies and cream ice cream Super Hero: Yoda EXPERIENCE: 3 years

Briley anderson

AGE: 5 WEIGHT: 38 lbs. Favorite Food: Pizza Super Hero: Nana EXPERIENCE: 2 years

madison perdue

AGE: 7 WEIGHT: 57 lbs. Favorite Food: Shrimp Super Hero: Wonder Woman EXPERIENCE: First time

explorebigsky.com

July 29, 2011 31

Big Sky Weekly

Noun: wild or rough terrain adjacent to a developed area Origin: shortened form of “back 40 acres”

Marcie hooping atop the Grand Teton

For the Big Sky Weekly, the Back 40 is a resource: a place where we can delve into subjects and ask experts to share their knowledge. Topics include regional history, profiles of local artists and musicians, snow and avalanche education, how-to pieces for traditional or outdoor skills, and science.

Your avalance forecaster, Eric Knoff, hard at work in Glacier National Park

Hula Hooping – not for kids only

By Marcie Hahn-Knoff

Think hula hooping, and vintage images of mid20th century hoop-a-thons or memories of hooping as a child may come to mind. Children have been the bastions of hula hooping over the 60-years the modern hoop has been part of popular culture. Enter the handcrafted hoop. Made from durable PVC tubing, specialty tapes and in much larger diameters, handcrafted hoops are heavier, have a slower rotation speed and are easier for adults to handle. Kids who master smaller hoops can easily whip larger hoops around, as well. In the past decade, handcrafted hoops have become increasingly popular and are primarily responsible for a recent resurgence in adult hula hooping. Hooping is a simple exercise that makes people happy. The massaging action of the hoop going around the body is therapeutic, and the visual of the hoop spiraling through the space is fantastic. It’s hard to be in a rotten mood while hula hooping – even folks who are essentially dragged into trying it end up smiling, laughing and wondering why they’d been so resistant to the idea. Hoops add a new angle to enjoying the outdoors. Colorful and simple, hoops are a friendly piece of equipment and are deceivingly effective at giving a good workout; especially once basic hooping is mastered and more advanced tricks are incorporated. Specialty collapsible hoops come apart into pieces to make them easily portable, making them a fun addition to road trips, camping trips, rafting or even strapped to packs for backcountry and mountaineering trips.

32 July 29, 2011

explorebigsky.com

Many people who gravitate toward hula hooping find it to be meditative and centering. Spirals are found frequently in nature, and humans have been intrigued by their beauty and mystery since pre-historic times. The hoop spirals around the body and the hula hooper moves back around that spiral. Some feel hooping opens energy centers and helps them to tap into something greater. Others offer prayers in the wrapping of their hoops, using them much like prayer flags, each spin transferring the message to the heavens. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds come to – or back to – the hula hoop for a universe of reasons, but their common bond of a love for hooping weaves them into a community. Children, grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, toddlers, friends, coworkers, wedding parties, concertgoers – all can be brought together by the

power of hooping. Next time you find a hula hoop in your path, jump in and give it a whirl – you might find peace, community, fitness or just a big smile waiting for you on the inside. Marcie Hahn-Knoff was reintroduced to hula hooping by glitter wearing mountain worshippers while she lived in the Wasatch Mountains in northern Utah. She carried her love of both hooping and handcrafting hula hoops with her to Montana where she now lives. Marcie often brings her hoop creations to gatherings, concerts and weddings and frequently packs them along while ski-touring and mountain climbing, enjoying the view from the top from the inside of a hoop.

Hoopla Hula Hoops

company, Hoopla ff’s Montana-based no -K hn Ha cie ar M t ops that fit Check ou and portable hula ho le ib ps lla co es ak m hand cut graphHula Hoops, which are decorated with d an n sig de t er ins p cli together with a quick e in the U.S. ad m e ar ics. All materials re in Bozeman, nter for Arts and Cultu Ce n so er Em e th of 1 ugh the Hoopla Level by custom order thro Available at Tart on so al d an , om .c ue at tartiq hoops.com. through Tart’s website ok.com/hooplahula bo ce fa at ge pa ok Hula Hoops Facebo with hula op Zone, complete Ho e fre e th g rin so on t series Hoopla Hoops is co-sp wn‘ mid-day concer La e th on h nc ‘Lu e at th Wednesday hoops for all to use, ts and Culture, every Ar r fo er nt Ce n so er at the Em st 17 in 0 p.m. through Augu from 11:30 a.m. – 1:3 . downtown Bozeman

July 29, 2011 Volume 2 // Issue #13

Big Sky Event listings...34 Farmers Markets...37 Big Sky PBR...38 Art...41 Music...43 Forever Wild...45

Montanans at the Emmys...46 Theatre...48

Special Section:

Summer Events Photo by Rhonda Peterson

Photo courtesy of bull stock media

“Springtime on Taylor Fork Road” by Diana Brady

explorebigsky.com

July 29, 2011 33

EVENTS 31st Annual Big Sky Country Fair and Arts Festival ‘The Spirit of Adventure’ July 30 10:30 a.m.

Crail Ranch Bake Sale July 30 8 a.m.

Women in the Bible Aug. 12 10 a.m.

women in action 6th annual

Shuffleboard Tournaments

croquet tournament

Lone Peak Brewery Aug. 3, 10 8 p.m.

Mountain Village Center July 30 9 a.m.

fundraiser

Sunday, August 14, 2011 3-7 p.m. at the Big Sky Golf Course driving range

Bluebird Sky

Crazy Days Sidewalk Sales

Lone Mountain Ranch Veranda Aug. 3, 10 8 – 9:30 p.m.

Funds raised will be dedicated to supporting WIA’s community and school counseling programs, summer and winter camp scholarship programs and public health

Big Sky Farmers’ Market

Indian Night at Lotus Pad Jul. 30, Aug. 6 $22

Town Center Aug. 3, 10 5 - 8 p.m.

Dress: summer whites, khakis and festive hats Gourmet food, drinks, a silent auction and the Bridger Creek Boys bluegrass music will make this an event not to be missed

Hayride and Riverside BBQ 320 Guest Ranch Aug. 3, 10 5:30 – 9 p.m.

Brunch at Lone Mountain Ranch July 31, Aug. 7, 13 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Women in Action’s mission statement: The purpose of Women in Action is to enrich lives of children and families in the Big Sky Community. Through volunteer activism and fundraising, we aim to assist in providing our underserved rural community with access to affordable health, family and education services

The Black Lillies

Monday Night Pig Roast 320 Guest Ranch Aug. 2, 9 6 – 8 p.m.

Presented by the Big Sky Arts Council Aug. 4 Town Center Park 7 p.m.

PLEASE CONTACT WOMEN IN ACTION AT (406) 209-7098 OR INFO@WIABIGSKY.ORG TO RESERVE a SPOT TO PLAY!

Art Gallery/Wine Tasting

Mixed Doubles Disc Golf Tournament Big Horn Ridge Community Course Aug. 2, 9 6 p.m.

Yoga Lunch Break Town Center Park Aug. 2, 4, 9, 11 12 – 1 p.m.

Creighton Block Gallery Aug. 4, 11 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

First Security Bank Customer Appreciation Lunch Aug. 11 11 a.m.

Wildflower and Weed Hike

Friends of the Library Meeting Big Sky Community Library Aug. 3 10 a.m.

The Gourds Live at Choppers Aug. 7 9 p.m.

All Saints in Big Sky Outdoor Service Big Sky Chapel Aug. 7 9:30 a.m.

Crail Ranch Aug. 13 9 a.m.

Lone Peak’s Revenge Mountain Bike Race Big Sky Resort Aug. 13 - 14 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Bozeman Gallatin Valley Farmers’ Market

Morningstar Learning Center Ice Cream Social Big Sky Community Park Aug. 9, 6 p.m.

34 July 29, 2011

Planning an event? Let us know! Email abbie@theoutlawpartners.com and we’ll spread the word. Check explorebigsky.com for an extended calendar.

All Saints in Big Sky

big sky

Come meet the MLC Teachers and Board members during this fun event. Open to everyone!

Big Sky Weekly

Aug. 6, 20 Gallatin Valley Fairgrounds 9 - Noon

Bogert Farmers’ Market Aug. 2, 9, 16 5 p.m.

Music on Main Aug. 4, 11 6:30 p.m.

Backpacking Basics Bozeman REI Aug. 4 6:30 – 8 p.m.

explorebigsky.com

Aug. 5 - 7

6th Annual Smoking Waters Mountain Man Rendezvous

Art Walk

Aug. 5 - 14

The Emerson Aug. 12 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Free Bike Tour

Sweet Pea Festival

GPS 201 Bozeman REI Aug. 11 6 – 8 p.m.

west yellowstone Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo July 30 Aug. 10-13, 17-20 8 p.m.

Junior Smokejumper Program Chamber/Visitor Center parking lot Monday-Saturday all summer

Country Swing Dance Night Pinecone Playhouse Ruby Valley Boys Aug. 6 6 p.m.

41st Annual Yellowstone Rod Run Aug 5 -7

Free Fly Fishing Clinics Jacklin’s Fly Shop July 31, Aug. 7 7:30 p.m.

Rendezvous Trailhead building BYO Bike July 20 5 p.m.

Music in the Park Town Park Aug. 13

Disney’s High school Musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Playmill Theater Playmill.com for showtimes

Gardiner Free Spay/Neuter Clinic Washington School in Livingston Aug. 13

Silvertip Mountain Center Anniversary Party Aug. 7 All Day

Stafford Animal Shelter Overstock Sale 3 Business Park Rd – East of Livingston Tuesday- Saturday 12 – 6 p.m.

Big Sky Weekly

EVENTS

Bud Lilly to honor JapaneseAmericans who fought in WWII By Emily Stifler During his boyhood in the Gallatin Valley, Bud Lilly knew many Japanese-American families who came to Montana to work on the railroads. Many of them stayed in his mother’s hotel in Three Forks. And Lilly, who attended high school in Manhattan, played against many of these kids in football and basketball. “They were very good athletes,” Lilly remembers. In fact, “in 1940 and ‘41 they were the all state football champs.” After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, all Japanese-Americans who didn’t enlist were put in work camps. Lilly himself was deployed to Italy. “Battalion 442 was the most famous battalion in WWII, and they were all from JapaneseAmerican backgrounds.” Some of Lilly’s friends from Montana were in that battalion in Italy, where they “fought their way in the Battle of the Bulge.”

On Aug. 5 Lilly will host a presentation in the backyard of the old railroad hotel to dedicate a permanent memorial honoring six of those warriors. The memorial will be a several hundred sq. foot plot with “trees and plants and a rock monument by [sculptor] Ott Jones.” Lilly has invited Governor Schweitzer, and three generals from Virginia, one of whom grew up in Montana. 91-year-old Yokichi Itoh, one of the veterans fromBattalion 442 and a retired surgeon from Livingston, will also be there. The hour-long dedication starts at 11 a.m. and is across the street from the Sacagawea Hotel in downtown Three Forks, at 16 West Birch St. (the old railroad hotel with white columns). Lunch will follow, and then Bud plans to take the governor, the generals and their wives fishing.

Testy Festy By Hunter Rothwell For the past 28 years, the wildest, contest are usual sights whether in the no-holds-barred party in Montana has bar or on the main stage. Those brave taken place in a small western outpost enough are welcome to climb onstage called the Rock Creek Lodge 20 miles and give it their best shot. Lodge owner southeast of Missoula. The central and festival founder, Rod Lincoln, has activity surrounding this event is the dubbed this climb as the ”Stairway to consumption, both competitive and Heaven.” recreational, of what are known as “Rocky Mountain Oysters” or “TendAt 2 p.m. on Saturday is the annual ergroin”—bull balls. Over the course running of the “Undie 500.” Grown of the long men and “Take the elements of a motorcycle women racweekend rally, a bachelor/bachelorette 15,000 aters compete tendees go party, a fraternity party, a live music on tricycles through Two festival, and an outrageous camp- around a track and a half ing trip, mix that all in a big pot and in their skivtons of these vies and quite you have cooked up something deep-fried a few forego that would come close to the 29th any clothing delicacies. Annual Testicle Festival” whatsoever However, – an unforgetthe festival has grown into something table sight. Going skins is most certainly much larger than an eating contest for tolerated and in this crowd is strongly the brave of stomach. Take the eleencouraged. At some point, unschedments of a motorcycle rally, a bachelor/ uled contests will pop up among the bachelorette party, a fraternity party, a diverse groups represented – leather clad live music festival, and an outrageous bikers, cowboys, yuppies, college stucamping trip, mix that all in a big pot dents and rednecks galore. Sip on a cold and you have cooked up something that one while you watch ferocious looking would come close to the 29th Annual bikers and their lady friends race down Testicle Festival on Aug. 3-7, 2011. a dirt track while the passenger attempts to snatch a bite of a hanging bull ... well, This hedonistic carnival offers plenty you get the picture. of live music and unimaginable amounts of alcohol consumption. Big Rules are few except: “No kids, hassles Sky Brewing Company specially brews or brought in beverages.” Everyone the festival’s own signature beer called must be 21 years or older to enter, and Bull Snort Brew. Two wet t-shirt conyou must prepare yourself for the down tests (one for the 35 and older contesand dirty. Anyone who has ever been tants and another for the younger gals to the “Testy Festy” will tell you in no over 21), a hairiest chest contest, and uncertain terms they: “had a ball.” the always popular co-ed body painting testyfesty.com

Bud Lilly as young man in the Navy

Going to the Dogs First Dog Day canine festival Saturday, Aug. 13 By barbara rowley Every Big Sky dog will have its day on Saturday, Aug. 13, at the first annual Dog Day Festival at the Big Sky Community Park. A fundraiser for Big Sky’s longest operating summer day camp program, Camp Big Sky, Dog Day promises to be a fun-raiser for all. The day will begin with a Doo-Dah Costume parade for dogs and their owners who like to ‘dress up’ for special occasions, and will follow with a pet tricks contest, a 2K dog/owner run (leashed and unleashed welcome) dog agility demonstrations and a dock-diving competition at the pond with big and small dog categories. Throughout the day (which begins at 9 a.m. and ends with dock diving wrapping up around 2 p.m.) canine vendors will also be on hand with dog food samples, dog products, and even a few dogs (ready to be adopted from Heart of the Valley). In addition, says Camp Big Sky Director, Katie Coleman, there will be patrol dog demonstrations and plenty of treats for lucky dogs to sample. “The $20 entrance fee gets your dog a fancy bandana filled with coupons and goodies, and admission to all events,” Coleman said. Dogs and their humans can also pay a single event admission fee of $10 if they are only interested in one competition of the day “The dock has been donated by Kirkwood Marina at Hebgen and Men

Hank howling for summer

at Work is graciously installing it for us for free,” Coleman said. The dock will then be stored until next year’s Dog Day event. “We want this to be an annual event. We need a regular fundraiser to underwrite the costs of Camp Big Sky and allow us to keep offering the best programming we can,” she said. “But in the spirit of camp, we wanted our fundraiser to be the most fun possible.” Camp Big Sky’s programming this summer has included a basic dog training camp and agility training camp for kids and adults and their dogs run by the “Dog Lady,” trainer Anne Dixon. Dixon’s campers will be showing off their skills and Dixon will also be on hand for those interested in future camps and dog trainings for dogs who want to learn agility or even rescue and avalanche dog training. For more information about Dog Days or to donate goods or services, contact Katie Coleman at Camp Big Sky at camp@ bsccmt.org or (406) 209-1643.

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July 29, 2011 35

Big Sky Weekly

AUGUST EVENTS

Tickets $20 in advance, available at choppers pre,party 8 p.m., show 9 p.m. (regular dining room hours till 7 p.m.)

Sat. 30th Thurs. 4th Sat. 6th Sun. 7th Thurs. 11th Sat. 13th Mon. 15th Tues. 16th Thurs. 18th Sat. 20th Mon. 22nd Thurs. 25th Sat. 27th

Landlocked Milkdrive 10:00 p.m. Lotus 9:30 p.m. *$10 Cover The Gourds *$20 Tickets Bottom of the Barrel 10:00 p.m. In Walks Bud 9:30 p.m. Open Mic 9:30 p.m. Choppers 4th Annual Big Air in Big Sky One Leaf Clover 10:00 p.m. Brian Stumpf 9:30 p.m. Open Mic 9:30 p.m. Mountain Grip 10:00 p.m. Dan Dubique 9:30 p.m.

Mon. 29th Open Mic 9:30 p.m.

HAPPY HOUR* MONDAY-FRIDAY 3:00-5:00 PM *½ price well drinks and pints

OPEN DAILY AT 11:30 A.M. LUNCH & DINNER LOCATED IN THE BIG SKY TOWN CENTER

big sky, montana 406-995-3830

C E N T E R

S T E K C I T D E T I M I L W O N Y U B , E L B A AVAIL AT CHOPPERS

4TH ANNUAL

> >

T W E N T Y

> >

T O W N

AUGUST 15TH // THIS JUNE

PRESENTED BY CHOPPERS

E L E V E N

> >

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FREE TO PUBLIC LIVE MUSIC BBQ

S K Y

BIG SKY

B I G

BIG AIR IN

Big Sky Weekly

Local food

Summer Farmers Markets in Southwest Montana

Visit local-farmers-markets.com/directory/Montana for list of markets in Southwest Montana

Big Sky Farmer’s Market Not quite a hootenanny Make sure to pet an alpaca and sip some bubble tea while participating in one of the most popular social events during summer in Big Sky. Up to 100 eclectic vendors spring up in the Town Center in makeshift fashion for three hours, once a week, before dispersing, some to other markets in Bozeman or Livingston, others to their day jobs. This is all in the name of displaying craftsmanship and showcasing some of the best food, art and music Big Sky has to offer. The last couple weeks, the market had fresh strawberries, peas and raspberries from Bear Creek Farms in Gateway, and local lettuce from other vendors. Honest Foods, another Gallatin Valley farm, will also be there this week offering fresh produce. If you’ve never seen this market, give it a try. Lone Mountain provides a classic backdrop. Every Wednesday between July 6 and Sept. 7 from 5–8 p.m. T.A.

Above and top right: Big Sky Farmer’s Market

Big Sky Food Fest at Buck’s T-4

photos by wendy swenson

photo by tori pintar / eye in the sky photography associate

Western Sustainability Exchange and the Livingston Farmers Market The Livingston Farmers Market is now in its ninth year under the direction of Western Sustainability Exchange. The market has grown into a significant community and economic development force.

photo by Rhonda Peterson

This market has a relaxed, festival feel to it, according to Annie Conley, Program Director for WSE. “Located in Sacajawea Park at the bandshell, it is framed by the Absaroka Mountains and bordered by the Yellowstone River,” Conley said. Families and friends enjoy prepared food and live music while shopping for fresh local produce, meat and art. When WSE took over the Livingston Farmers Market, the record high for vendor participation was around 30. On busier days they consistently see 70 vendors or more. That has led to an increase in shoppers. Last year the market generated $174,000 for vendors, Conley said. “WSE focuses primarily on agriculture and sustainable management as a way of conserving our unique landscapes and resources—economically, environmentally, and socially,” said Conley, “Two-thirds of Montana’s land base is in the care of agricultural producers. Sustainable practices on those lands will protect what is so special about this region.”

In the Young Entrepreneurs Stewardship program, WSE jointly holds a camp with Links for Learning, Junior Achievement and 4-H Biz Kids. WSE teaches sustainable business practices and helps kids come up with ideas for the Livingston Farmers Market “Youth Booths.” The kids fill out their own registration form, pay their weekly $2.50 vendor fee and take charge of promoting and selling at their booths. The vendor fees from “Youth Booths” are collected at the end of the year; the kids choose a local non-profit and then present the organization with those fees at WSE’s Holiday Farmers Market on the first Saturday in December. WSE works on the infrastructure of the local food system through not only the Livingston Farmers Market, but also with programs such as the Market Connection Program, The Montana Farm to Restaurant Connection and Local Foods Commerce Days – training, connecting, and promoting buyers, sellers, processors and distributors. This 17-year old non-profit also helped the Bozeman Winter Farmers Market get off its feet. “We bring together players in the local food system and help them hash out their problems,” Conley said. westernsustainabilityexchange.org. E.S.

photo by felicia ennis

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July 29, 2011 37

Big Sky Weekly

Event of the Year

A complete list of bull rider entries for the Big Sky PBR:

Schedule Aug. 2 PreEvent Party

Big Sky, MT Riders World C

Chad

Besplug

Claresholm, AB

Card

Cody

Campbell

Summerville, OR

7 p.m. Pre-event live music and

Permit

Steve

Carter

Gordon, NE

Calcutta open to public

Card

Reese

Cates

El Dorado, AR

Card

Brendon

Clark

Hollister, CA

Card

Jarrod

Craig

Hillsboro, TX

Card

Douglas

Duncan

Huntsville, TX

Permit

Gerald

Eash

Trego, MT

World C

Dusty

Ephrom

Kenosee Lake, SK

Card

Josh

Faircloth

Randleman, NC

World Card

Jared

Farley

Kempsey, NSW

Card

Pete

Farley

Kempsey NSW Australia

Permit

Curry

Fielder

Battle Mountain, NV

Card

Dylan Vick

Hice

Escalon, CA

Card

Beau

Hill

West Glasier, MT

Permit

Trent

Jacobson

Irwin, ID

Card

Elliott

Jacoby

Fredericksburg, TX

Aug. 3 – The PBR

Card

Skeeter

Kingsolver

Mclouth, KS

World C

Zane

Lambert

Westbourne, MB

5 – 6 p.m. Pre-event music and vendor village open to public, no cost to attend

Card

Jory

Markiss

Missoula, MT

Card

Rocky

McDonald

Chihuahua, MX

Card

Austin

Meier

Kinta, OK

Card

Cody

Nance

Springville, TN

Card

Wiley

Petersen

Ft. Hall, ID

World C

Pozzobon

Merritt, BC

Card

Shane

Proctor

Mooresville, NC

9 p.m. Concert and after-party in the vendor village open to public

Card

Pistol

Robinson

Burleson , TX

Featuring live music by The Dirty Shame, open to public, no charge. Live music events sponsored by Blue Ribbon Builders

World Card

Aaron

Roy

Yellow Grass, SK

Card

Luke

Snyder

Raymore, MO

Card

Harve

Stewart

Stephenville, TX

World C

Tyler

Thomson

Black Diamond, AB

Card

Matt

Triplett

Columbia Falls, MT

Card

Sean

Willingham

Summerville, GA

Card

Stormy

Wing

Dalhart, TX

Permit

LeeRoy

Winward

Downy, ID

Featuring live music by Jessica Kilroy, meet and greet with some of the PBR cowboys, Calcutta and fundraiser. 50 percent of proceeds from the Calcutta goes to Yellowstone Club Community Foundation. No cost for the event which will be held at the PBR arena; cash bar and food available for purchase.

Jessica Kilroy will be playintg at the pre-event party

5 – 10 p.m. Vendor village open to public Local food vendors, cash bar, beverages, arts crafts & vendors

5:30 p.m. Arena gates open to ticket holders 7 p.m. PBR event begins

What is Calcutta? There will be a Calcutta game open to any interested on Aug. 3. Calcutta breaks up the 35 PBR riders into teams of seven, which are each raffled off to betters. A pot is put together and gamers who bet on the winning rider will win half the pot. The other half will go to the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation.

Go time The main event will gear up at 7 p.m.on Aug. 3, when 35 riders will strap up and ride in the ‘long go,’ equivalent to a first round. 10 riders advance from that round to the ‘short go,’ and those riders are going for the money. In between long and short is Mutton Bustin,’ where wool will fly as 10 kids ages 6 and under grab hold of sheep and ride them around the arena. After the final round of bull riding, there will be a Montana bonus ride during which riders will take one ride for $5,000 cash. Riders with the cumulative high average between the Livingston and Big Sky events will be in the running. Don’t miss the rockin’ after-party with music from the Dirty Shame, which is free and open to the public.

38 July 29, 2011

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Big Tex is a former PBR Bucking Bull of the Year contender, and won a $50,000 matchup between him and this year’s reigning PBR Bucking Bull of the Year, Bones. photo by Phillip Wittke / Bull Stock Media

Big Sky Weekly

Top riders to look for at the Big Sky event

Beau Hill

Luke snyder Snyder has been in the Guinness Book of World Records twice – once for the most money won in the PBR as a rookie, and once for an incredible streak of 275 straight events. The Missouri native was the 2001 PBR Rookie of the Year and the 2001 PBR World Finals Event Champion. Snyder has four BFTS event wins under his belt as well as 19 90-point rides. He’s never had fewer than three top-10 finishes per season and has qualified for the PBR World Finals every season in his career. He was also the 18th millionaire in the PBR, crossing the $1 million mark at the Express Classic in Oklahoma City, in 2009.

One of the top 45 competitors in the PBR, Beau Hill has also competed in the National Finals Rodeo twice, the PBR World Finals four times, and was the National PBR Champion in Canada in 2009. He lives in Columbia Falls, Mont. with his wife Keri and three children. Hill suffered a knee injury in early 2011, knocking him out of the top tier of riders. “It’s about coming back stronger than when you left,” Hill says. This summer, he’s riding in PBR events in Billings, Missoula, Livingston and Big Sky.

Shane Proctor Shane Proctor is rider on the PBR Built Ford Tough Tour. Originally from Grand Coulee, Wash., Proctor competed in all six rodeo events in high school and qualified for the finals in bareback and saddle bronc riding twice and in bull riding three times. In college at MSU, he competed on a rodeo scholarship, and he now rides out of Mooresville, N. Carolina and competes on the Built Ford Tough Series.

Austin Meier Wiley Petersen Wiley Petersen is a rofessional bull rider who shares his faith in Jesus. His grandfather, Arch Cutler, was a former bull rider who encouraged Petersen to get on his first steer when he was 10 years old and taught him to ride. Petersen attended Idaho State University in Pocatello on a rodeo scholarship, and competed for two years before joining the PBR. He and his wife, Amy, have two sons, Kaden and Rylan.

(Pictured on the cover of this issue of the Big Sky Weekly) After finishing second in the Rookie of the Year standings in 2006, it’s been clear Austin Meier is one tough customer. He’s been a champion at every level of competition. In 2010, he won five PBR events and finished second in the world.

explorebigsky.com images courtesy of bull stock media

July 29, 2011 39

40 July 29, 2011

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Big Sky Weekly

art

Creighton Block Gallery to hold summer art show of the Montana Painters Alliance By Emily Stifler The Montana Painters Alliance summer art show will bring work from professional plein air landscape painters to Big Sky, Aug. 4 – 25. Hosted by the Creighton Block Gallery in the Town Center, the event will feature 25 Montana artists.

The paint-out was in May during a spell of poor weather, but the artists painted outside – en plein air – anyway. “I’ve done some of my better paintings in poor weather under adverse conditions,” said MPA President Diana Brady.

Each will show two pieces, some of which were painted on location, and all will be images from the “greater Big Sky area, and the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem,” said Colin Mathews, gallery owner.

The artists enjoy these events because they can learn from each other, Brady said. “We’re a diverse group. Our “interests, styles, and painting mediums all vary. It’s a fun group to get together.”

This spring, Creighton Block hosted a Montana Painters Alliance “paintout,” something the MPA does twice annually.

“These artists spend so much time alone in studios painting that they rarely have a chance to visit with their fellow artists,” Mathews added.

“The concept is that members gather in a location for three days to paint, to look at one another’s sketch books, to share ideas, companionship and camaraderie,” Mathews said. “It’s an idea that has a 100 year history in serious art clubs in the U.S.”

Much of the work at this show awill be from the spring’s paint-out. Approximately 10 of the artists will be at an Aug. 4 reception from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. mtpaintersalliance.com

320 Ranch to host second Montana art show of the summer Join Montana sculptor Ott Jones and his contemporaries at their second summer art show, Aug. 15 at 320 Guest Ranch. The team of Bozeman artists will display their Montana inspired work from 5 - 8 p.m., in conjunction with the Ranch’s popular Pig Roast. Their last event, on July 25, had over 100 attendees. “It’s Montana art in a classic Montana location,” Jones said, whose sculpture work is on display in museums across the nation. The draw to the event? “Every artist practices a different medium. It makes it special,” he added. A.D.

The MPA was formed to assist and cooperate in fostering, stimulating, and encouraging the growing interest in plein air painting, landscape painting, and studio painting by Montana’s wealth of professional artists. The MPA offers in-state and out-of-state visitors the opportunity to observe Montana’s finest artists at work.

by word of mouth

b i s t r o + c a t e r i n g fresh, unique cuisine made with local gallatin valley botanical farm products Participants include: Ott Jones - wildlife and sporting bronze sculpture Jim Dick - oil paintings Fish Fisher - custom antler art Luliann Vider - iron work originals Heidi Gildrid - custom jewelry Todd Orr - custom knives

Opening at GRG:

open daily 5:00 - 10:30 p.m. In addition to our regular menu, join us for: Tokyo Tuesday hand-rolled sushi & more Friday Fish Fry all-you-can-eat, hand-battered fish & all the fixins’

Carole Pierce’s “Atmospheric” The Gallatin River Gallery is showing a solo exhibition of new paintings by gallery artist Carol Pierce. The collection, called “Atmospheric,” features large-scale oil on canvas pieces capturing the energy and feeling of beautiful big skies. Pierce’s minimal, contemporary paintings evoke emotional responses and respect for the power of the natural world. Pierce exhibits at select galleries

“Tailing the Bull” by Shirle Wempner will be at Creighton Block Gallery

around the country and has work in public permanent collections. A Friday, Aug. 5 artist reception from 6 - 8 p.m. is open to the public.

try our summer signature sweet basil martini For reservations, call 406-995-2992

GRG is in the Big Sky Meadow Village above the Lone Peak Brewery.

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July 29, 2011 41

Big Sky Weekly

Complete Line of Western & English Tack

One Stop Shop For All Your Horse & Rider Gear

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Music

The Big Sky Classical Music Festival, Aug. 12-14 The inaugural 2011 Big Sky Classical Music Festival has a great lineup of acts. The event will be outdoors, at the Center Stage venue in Town Center Park, Big Sky, Aug.12-14.

BIG SKY

The free weekend festival is presented by the Arts Council of Big Sky with supporting sponsorship from Yellowstone Club Community Foundation and the Big Sky Resort Area District, as well as a grant from the Montana Department of Commerce.

Ahn Trio

Grammy winning Los Angles Guitar Quartet.

CLASSICAL

M U S I C

On Friday, the MSU Cello Ensemble will perform before the Ahn Trio. Saturday will feature String Serenades playing before the Cassatt Quartet, while Sunday’s finale performance will feature Basement Jazz jamming on stage before the L.A. Guitar Quartet.

F E S T I VA L

Headlining Friday night’s opening performance is the Ahn Trio, one of the most acclaimed trios in classical music. Saturday night’s headliner is the New York based Cassatt String Quartet, and Sunday evening will feature the

The event’s music and artistic director Eric Funk is faculty at Montana State University, and was a President’s Excellence in Teaching award recipient in 2001. Funk also serves as artistic director and host for Montana PBS-TV “11th & Grant with Eric Funk,” the

Emmy Award winning showcase for Montana musicians of all genres. He’s composed 114 major works, one third of which were commissions, including nine symphonies, four operas, 16 concerti and five string quartets.

For more information on the Big Sky Classical Music Festival, or to find out how you can help, visit bigskyarts.org or call (406) 995-2742.

Keb’ Mo,’ Jackie Greene to perform in Big Sky on Sept. 2 Keb’ Mo’

Three-time Grammy winner and American music icon Keb’ Mo’ will perform in Big Sky Friday, Sept. 2, in the Big Sky Town Center. Also on the bill that evening is critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Jackie Greene, one of the fastest rising stars in the American music scene today. Both artists will be performing with their full bands. Tickets will go on sale Friday, July 22, and will be available in Big Sky at the Cave Spirits and Gifts, in Bozeman at Cactus Records, and online at ticketriver. com. Advance tickets are priced at $40, not including any service charges. Keb’ Mo’s music is a purely post-modern expression of the artistic and cultural journey that has transformed the blues, and his own point of view,

Jackie Greene

over time. His distinctive sound embraces multiple eras and genres, including pop, rock, folk and jazz, in which he is well versed. In total, it owes as much to contemporary music’s singer-songwriter movement, encompassing his longtime friends and collaborators Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne, as to the spirit of blues godfather Robert Johnson that dwells in his work. For Keb’ Mo’, the common bond between these influences is the underlying storytelling ethic, the power of song to convey human experience and emotional weight. Keb’ Mo’ won three Grammys for Best Contemporary Blues Album, and is a key figure in the acclaimed 2003 PBS series “Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues.” In his latest album, “The Reflection,” he strays from the blues. In sound and

spirit, it’s closer to the work of African–American “folk soul” singer/songwriters like Bill Withers, Bobby Womack and Terry Callier. Jackie Greene’s music is a mix of rock, folk, country and blues traditions, and has garnered much critical praise and the admiration of musical peers. His distinctive songwriting and assured musicianship has also earned a groundswell of recognition. Greene has toured with B.B. King, Phil Lesh and Friends, Ratdog, Huey Lewis, Susan Tedeschi, Taj Mahal, and Buddy Guy, and has played major U.S. festivals, including Newport Jazz, Newport Folk, South by Southwest, Wakarusa, Winnipeg Folk, Bonnaroo, Outside Lands and Rothbury. bigskyarts.org

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July 29, 2011 43

Big Sky Weekly

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Big Sky Weekly

Music “Forever Wild” memorial planned for Montana singer, songwriter, activist I know in my heart that if all the folks who use the backcountry would stand up for it, write letters, make phone calls, and vote for pro-environmental candidates we could make so much progress for the planet. We wouldn’t have to fight the same battles over and over. It’s time to stop turning our backs on the Earth which sustains us. As Abbey says “Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul.” The folks in Congress do not know wilderness. They do not know the value of an unblemished skyline, or the sight of a grizzly bear galloping across a mountainside. They can’t grasp the importance of a spotted owl or for that matter a lowly prairie dog. They’ve never felt the power of the old growth forests or the silence of the Utah canyons. You need to tell them about these things. You must share your feelings about life and nature and how precious they are. Those who are making the decisions need to know. – Walkin’ Jim Stoltz

Friends, family and admirers of one of Montana’s most wellknown environmentalist-singers will gather on Saturday, Aug. 20 in the Big Sky Town Center to celebrate the life of Walkin’ Jim Stoltz in a manner he would have appreciated: in the mountains, with music. Stoltz, who hiked more than 28,000 miles of rugged North American wilderness as inspiration for his music and his conservation mission, passed away last September at age 57, following a long battle with cancer. Before his death, he was honored by the Environmental Protection Agency with an outstanding achievement award for his efforts to help save endangered animals. He also founded the non-profit, Musicians United to Save the Environment (MUSE). After each long walk, Stoltz took a photographic slide/music show of his adventures on the road across America. A longtime Big Sky resident, Walkin’ Jim was a featured entertainer and a sleigh driver at Lone Mountain Ranch for over 25 years. He performed for Ophir School kids many times, and George Cole, NPR radio host of Real Time, interviewed Leslie Stolz and Scott Carpenter, a Big Sky resident who was close with Jim, for a radio show that will air Aug. 15, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. MST. “George contacted me because he’d admired Jim and wanted to know more about the person he was,” Leslie said. Listen to the interview online at ypradio.org.

Jim in the mountains

he invited Big Sky kids to sing on his popular kids’ album and video, A Kid for the Wild. Leslie Stoltz, who was married to Jim for over 20 years, organized the festival together with MUSE. At a memorial for Jim in Helena last year, there were about 150 people in attendance, Leslie said. ”But there were people from all over the country who were disappointed they couldn’t be there.” That gave her the idea for Forever Wild. The Forever Wild memorial is a way to both honor Jim’s life and continue his vision. Nationally known artists Dakota Sid Clifford, Earth Mama Joyce Rouse, Kate Bennet, Emma’s Revolution, and Alaskan troubadour Susan Grace Stoltz will take to the stage in the Town Center to share songs of the Earth. Montana performers Bluebird Sky, Prairie Wind Jammers, Keith Hammer and Cowgirl Poet Buzzy Vick will also perform at the free event.

Forever Wild 2011 Celebrating the life of Walkin’ Jim Stoltz

Big Sky Fire Department Annual Open House & BBQ Summer 2011 The Big Sky Community and surrounding areas are invited to attend Big Sky Fire Department’s Open House & BBQ and meet the candidates’ for the Fire Chief’s position. WHEN: Monday, August 15, 2011 5:30pm – 6:00pm Fire Chief Candidate Introductions 6:00pm – 7:30pm Open House & BBQ

Saturday, August 20 3:30-8:30 p.m.

NATioNAlly kNoWN ARTiSTS:

FREE To ThE PuBliC

MoNTANA PERFoRMERS:

Town Center Park Big Sky Town Center Big Sky, Montana

The Forever Wild memorial is a way to both honor Jim’s life and continue his mission. Concert-goers will have opportunities to donate to MUSE and its new scholarship fund, Kid for the Wild, which is intended to help kids spend time in the outdoors through assistance with camp or outdoor expedition expenses.

Dakota Sid Clifford Earth Mama Joyce Rouse Kate Bennet Emma’s Revolution Alaskan troubadour Susan Grace Stoltz

Bluebird Sky Prairie Wind Jammers Keith Hammer Cowgirl Poet Buzzy Vick Concessions Available

For more information: www.musemusic.org or www.walkinjim.com

WHERE: Station 1, Westfork Meadows 650 Rainbow Trout Run, Big Sky

This is a fun and informative event for the entire family and also a great opportunity for everyone to meet their firefighters!

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Big Sky Weekly

Montanans at the emmys

The Emmy Awards are the television production equivalent of the Academy Awards for film and the Grammy Awards for music.

Zebediah Smith for Travelscope A nomadic cinematographer finds inspiration and family ties in Montana By Emily Stifler If you told Zebediah Smith when he was 12 that someone would pay him to film cheetahs in South Africa, he would have said it sounded pretty good. This year, Zeb won an Emmy for doing precisely that. Shooting for the TV series Travelscope has taken Zeb, 31, around the world. This summer he went to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, a remote part of B.C., where he followed the series’s host in float planes and canoes through fjords and old-growth cedar forests to watch grizzlies and moose. Next he went to Easter Island, in the South Pacific, to film the unique culture that’s evolved there. The idea behind the series, Zeb says, is “to let us take you on a journey as if you were going to take this trip. There is a huge focus on local culture, people, food and traditions… It could be anything from trekking Rwandan volcanoes to looking for gorillas, to finding the best kabob place in Istanbul. If we go to Paris, we’re not going to focus on the Eiffel tower and Notre Dame; we’re going to go to a local café and find the best croissant.” This nomadic filmmaker has ties to Montana through his father, Richard Smith, a wildlife photographer, naturalist, and self proclaimed “hippy folk singer” with whom Zeb shares the Bozeman-based photography business, Wildsmith Photography. The Smith men have a common bond in their work, which Zeb calls “a true joy.” They’ve been working together for a decade, and started taking wilderness camping trips together when Zeb was young. “Zeb just sort of picked up the naturalist side of the whole thing just being out there enjoying everything the outside has to offer,” Richard, 64, said. “He came by it naturally.”

Moving between New York, the eastern seaboard, Colorado and Montana, Zeb says he grew up “all over the place, and [hasn’t] changed that pat- Richard and Zeb Smith at the Emmy’s tern too much.” In 2002, Zeb made a video from a winter Yellowstone trip he and his father took in 2002. It was a gift for Richard, and was “one of those amazing moments of feeling like this is one of the places I’m most connected to – the Rockies, Montana and Wyoming,” Zeb said.

Around 3 a.m., as cold and tired as they were, the Smiths looked at each other and agreed neither of them could think of anything better. They stayed out until 4 a.m., shooting photos and film, observing, and freezing their asses off.

“I love being out in the field and having those experiences and being able to be a part of the culture and beauty and landscape.”

“Experiencing this once in a lifetime moment, it doesn’t matter that it’s negative 20,” Zeb said. “To be able to share that with someone who feels the same way and the fact that it’s my father is pretty special.

Now, spending a month or two here each year, Montana is as close to a home base as he has. Last winter while Zeb was visiting Montana, there was a full lunar eclipse on a full moon. It was the first in some 300 years, and even though the mercury hovered around -20 F, “We had to go see it,” Zeb said. At 9 p.m. they went to a spot where there were no city lights. The stars were out, and before the eclipse started, the Spanish peaks were visible in the moonlight. “We just had to wait and let the night take over,” Richard remembers. “It could have been overcast, but it turned out to be a clear as a bell, cold winter night.”

“We’ve grown into it together. It’s almost like we’re one person a lot of times,” Richard added. They got two shots that night they deemed good enough to post on their website. As for the Emmy, Zeb says he’s shocked, but glad he received it for cinematography, which he is most passionate about. “I love being out in the field and having those experiences and being able to be a part of the culture and beauty and landscape.” He’d like to work for Montana PBS, filming wildlife. “It’s one of the places I go back to find inspiration. When you go out in Montana to that true wilderness and can find peace of mind, the rushing world [fades] away. When I’m traveling I try to think back to those moments in those places where I’m centered.” Wildsmith photography: Richard Smith is at the following markets all summer: Big Sky Farmers Market – Wednesdays Gallatin County Farmers Market – Saturdays Red Lodge Farmers Market – Fridays Wildsmithphoto.com Check out the Galleries page to watch the travel demo reel with examples of Zeb Smith’s work from Travelscope.

photos courtesy of wildsmith photography

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This was taken at full lunar eclipse on the 2010 winter solstice. Even though you can see light on the surface it is because light from the sun is being bent around the earth’s surface and at such close range shows up orange.

Travelscope.net Travelscope is the program for which Zeb won an Emmy. You can see his work there, as well.

Montanans at the emmys

Peach Street Studios

TA: I used to play at bars in Missoula before moving out here, now I’ll play at the Haufbrau. Are you still playing music?

ally. Did this happen to you? JS: I’m a musician, I sing and play guitar, I played in many bands. I quit An interview with Jeremiah Slovarp, a pioneer in the band, and now I just play with Bozeman’s booming recording industry myself (laughs). I have an awesome partner in Luke. He and I have been By Taylor Anderson together since ‘97 or ’98. We played music together in college. I always Jeremiah Slovarp, president of Peach Street studios liked music, and I could always hear it: In an orchestra and owner of Emmy award-winning Jereco Studios, each string has a different pitch, and I could always has been in the recording industry since 2002. In 2011, separate the different sounds in my head. Slovarp won an Emmy for his work as Audio Director with Montana PBS’s “11th & Grant with Eric Funk.”

JS: What’s funny is that I still play at the Hauf. I used to play in bands all the time, and it burnt me out. It was a job. For me, playing music should be fun. I don’t want to make a living playing music. I want to make a living in the entertainment industry. I want to make a living rocking shows and producing and recording and that kind of stuff. I don’t want to struggle as an artist musician; I want to struggle as an artist producer, an artist creator, an artist nerd. We do very well, but I use that word struggle because that’s what artists do.

Peach Street is a cooperative studio facility located in Bozeman. Under its roof are Jereco Studios, Resonance Studios (Jesse Barney), Blue Roan Media (Jason and Jackie Wickens), Classic Ink (Kietra Nelson), and Digital Outlaw (Doc Wiley). Not too shabby for an economics graduate from Montana State University. TA: Your slogan is ‘Helping you see with your ears.’ This speaks to the way your brain thinks and functions, doesn’t it? JS: I believe that hearing is one of the stronger senses to a person right after sense of smell, smell being your strongest. You can close your eyes and hear the things around you, and for the most part it will make sense. You can go to a movie, close your eyes and listen and you will know what’s going on.

TA: You once said that Bozeman is a hotspot that is pumping out some seriously good records by good artists. How can this be, when there are big music scenes in bigger places like Missoula?

Emmy Award-winning Jeremiah Slovarp puts on Music in the Mountains every Thursday in Big Sky.

TA: When a musician first starts playing an instrument, it often tarnishes his ability to go to a concert and just enjoy the whole band. He picks apart the instruments and hears them individu-

TA: Do you still enjoy going to shows even though you’re so tied up in the business sometimes it may feel like work? JS: It’s really hard for me to go to a show. First off, I work so many shows that it’s hard for me on my nights off to justify going to yet another concert after melting my face off the night before. There are some shows that I absolutely have to go to that I wouldn’t miss because they’re so amazing, like Willie Nelson last year.

JS: The more facilities, the more likely artists are going to come to the area to work, because they have a place to work out of, they have support. If there’s no support, the artist can’t make great art. So for the last few years in Bozeman especially there’s been an advent and addition of recording studios in the area. And it’s been fantastic. A rising tide raises all the ships. If all the ships are on the same plan, the artists are the water, and all the water is coming up. The seas are rising, all the ships are going to rise with it, if they’re bad, the ships will sink. The production companies can’t stay afloat.

This is how Big Sky gets into hot water.

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theatre

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is performing “Much Ado About Nothing” and “The Merchant Of Venice” during its 2011 summer tour in Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, Wyoming and Washington. They’ll perform “The Merchant of Venice” in Big Sky at the Town Center on Sept. 1.

All performances of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (except those at the Sweet Pea Festival) are free and tickets are not needed for admission. Audiences are encouraged to show up prior to curtain time with chairs, blankets, a picnic supper, and friends and family to enjoy the evening.

This is the 39th season for the touring company, whose performances have become a summer tradition and seasonal highlight for many rural communities. The troupe expects to perform 75 performances in 60 communities, and anticipates more than 30,000 people will see their shows.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is an outreach program of MSU’s College of Arts and Architecture and is support by grants, corporate sponsorships and individual donors.

These two plays “cover the broad perspective of Shakespeare’s genius as a playwright,” said Joel Jahnke, MSIP’s artistic coordinator and a professor of theater at Montana State University.

For a complete schedule, visit shakespeareintheparks.org

- Kathy Jahnke

Sam Ashdown and Kalen Harriman in “Much Ado About Nothing.” Photo by Steve Winslow, Winslow Studio.

Shakespeare in Southwest Montana: July 31 - West Yellowstone, “The Merchant of Venice,” Union Pacific Dining Hall Lawn, 6 p.m.

Aug. 7 - Sweet Pea Festival- Bozeman, “The Merchant of Venice,” Lindley Park, 5:00 p.m.

Aug. 30 - Missoula, “Much Ado About Nothing,” University of Montana Oval, 6 p.m.

Aug. 1 - Deer Lodge, “Much Ado About Nothing,” Old Montana Prison Yard, 6 p.m.

Aug. 13 - Three Forks, “Much Ado About Nothing,” Stevenson Park, 6 p.m.

Aug. 31 - White Sulphur Springs, “Much Ado About Nothing,” WSS School Lawn, 6 p.m.

Aug. 2 - Philipsburg, “The Merchant of Venice,” Philipsburg City Park, 6 p.m.

Aug. 14 - Chico Hot Springs Resort, “The Merchant of Venice,” Front Lawn at Chico, 6 p.m.

Sept. 1- Big Sky, “The Merchant of Venice,” Town Center, 6 p.m.

Aug. 3 - Hamilton, “Much Ado About Nothing,” Daly Mansion, 6 p.m.

Aug. 15 - Helena, “Much Ado About Nothing,” Pioneer Park- Next to L&C Library, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 2 - Butte, “Much Ado About Nothing,” Mural Park, 6 p.m.

Aug. 4 - Boulder, “The Merchant of Venice,” Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 6 p.m.

Aug. 16 - Helena, “The Merchant of Venice,” Pioneer Park- Next to L&C Library, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 3 - Manhattan, “The Merchant of Venice,” Alterbrand Park, 6 p.m.

Aug. 5 - Sweet Pea Festival, Bozeman, “Much Ado About Nothing,” Lindley Park, 4:30 p.m.

Aug. 29 - Missoula, “The Merchant of Venice,” University of Montana Oval, 6 p.m.

Sept. 4 - Bozeman, “Much Ado About Nothing,” Ellen Theater, 1 p.m

bigskytowncenter.com

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