THIS TIME OF YEAR, people’s generous spirits are often amplified. I see it when I watch a person lift an ornament off one of the many angel trees for charitable causes around town. I see it when YVW collects carload after carload of Christmas presents for foster children in need. I see it when I watch a young girl drop some change into a red Salvation Army kettle to the smiles of the volunteer bell ringer. That’s why I’m sharing a story in the hope that you’ll consider an additional cause this year.
A couple of months ago, I got involved with a nonprofit organization called Off the Streets. I never intended to volunteer, but I was intrigued when I was asked to sit down with a handful of the chronically homeless that Off the Streets served. I was asked to listen to, videotape and share their stories.
I’ve done many interviews in my life, too many to count, but I’ve never talked at length with a homeless person about the trajectory that landed them on the street. I was nervous. I didn’t want to pry too deeply. Turns out, every person I met was gracious. Looking me in the eye, they had a desire for that human connection that happens when you share intimate parts of yourself.
I met Willie, who, after spending five decades in prison for a violent crime, was released with no real possessions and no real plan for his future. At 80, he ended up sleeping in door frames or under bridges, worried about his safety. That’s when Off the Streets found him and took him in. He had a slight Southern accent and a deep, raspy laugh. He told me was looking forward to his “second chance in life.” He had connected with a daughter he’d lost touch with and was going to live with her.
I met Damion, who decided the streets were a safer place than the trap house he was living in. As a recovering addict, he realized living outside was easier than going down the same tired road that could lead him back to drug abuse. He called Off the Streets a sanctuary,
Julie Letter Editor FROM THE
a place where he found peace and a place where his belongings were safe.
I met Brenda, who found herself rolling out her bed each night in North Park. She didn’t share much about why she was homeless, but she found herself at Off the Streets after being stabbed in the hand in an altercation with two other women on the street. After a few nights at the shelter, Off the Streets helped her find a job, and within weeks she had moved out of a shelter bed and into her own place. She was smiling again.
Listening to story after story, I realized how wrong I was about the homeless. It’s not always addiction than lands someone sleeping outside. Mental illness plays a part. Generational poverty can play a part. Even developmental disabilities can play a part. More often than not, it’s mental illness.
As I’ve come to see by watching the work done here, I’ve come to realize how important mentorship is to this population. I’ve come to love what Off the Streets is doing — giving a bed, a meal, a shower and counsel to the chronically homeless. I’ve seen miracles happen when you show someone in need that someone else cares. People move toward being housed. They move toward employment. They begin to thrive.
I know this organization needs more hands in the fight. As you look at the streets of Billings, you can see there are many out there who need this kind of hand-up in life. Maybe you can help make that happen for someone this Christmas? I can tell you firsthand, every bit of help is appreciated deeply. You can learn more about Off the Streets by visiting, otsbillings.org. ✻
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MEET THE WOMEN WITH HEARTS TO SERVE
Rural Rural RuralRe-Imagining Re-Imagining
BEFORE MIKELANN MOLLMAN moved to Worden, Montana, with her young family in early 2019, she’d heard all the doomsday predictions for rural Montana: population exodus, closed businesses, nothing to do, isolation, etc. Mikelann (she prefers Mikey) grew up on a family farm in central Montana. Despite the naysayers, she and her husband (also a small-town kid) knew they wanted to raise their family somewhere out in the country.
One day, seemingly out of the blue, an intriguing post on Worden’s Facebook page caught her eye. Residents could attend a three-part program called “Re-Imagining Rural” sponsored by the Montana State University Extension Community Vitality Program. Anxious to meet like-minded people, Mikey showed up. Since then, she and other Worden residents have energized their small town, population 582, in unexpected ways.
Creating a Buzz
Foundation, their vision has taken shape. Pedestrian benches, flower baskets and holiday lights and decorations now define its Main Street. Billings artist Riley Tane, who calls Worden her “hometown,” created a vibrant mural on the exterior of Project Merc, the local grocery.
WE HAVE OUR CHALLENGES, BUT THEY DON’T STOP US. IT’S TAKEN ON A LIFE OF ITS OWN, YOU DON’T NEED A BIG GROUP TO GET THINGS DONE. START WITH WHAT YOU HAVE AND WHERE YOU ARE.
— Mikey Mollman
“Re-Imagining Rural” called upon Mikey and others to focus on what they loved about Worden, how it might be improved, and how to implement their vision. After many conversations, strategy sessions and a modest grant from the Montana Community
The town was abuzz leading up to another hallmark of the group’s efforts — the annual “Beef, Beets and Barley” festival that took over the streets of downtown Worden last September.
Mikey was in the middle of all of it as neighbors, family and friends gathered, surrounded by the town’s nonprofits and community groups. Kids waited in line to get their faces painted, there was a silent auction to benefit the community’s efforts, and who could forget the ever-popular mini cow-pie bingo. Music carried through the night in a street dance that wrapped up the day-long celebration.
“We have our challenges, but they don’t stop us,” Mikey says. She gets excited talking about the local “buzz” she and others have created. “It’s taken on a life of its own,” she says. “You don’t need a big group to get things done. Start with what you have and where you are.”
“Our events and our dreams grow every year,” Mikey says. “When you need a helping hand, it's just a phone call away.” You can hear the delight and enthusiasm in her voice when she talks about Worden’s achievements. “Where do we go next?” is always on her mind.
Let’s Flip the Narrative
Tara Mastel is quick to cite Worden as an example of what a small community can do. As an Associate Specialist with MSU Extension’s Community Vitality Program, she engages with Montana rural communities interested in “Re-Imagining Rural.” Under her leadership, over 50 small towns across Montana have challenged the negative stereotypes in a variety of ways. In addition to Worden, she celebrates Roundup, where volunteers recently dedicated a Main Street Plaza that highlights area history and includes a map with directions to local walking trails, a pocket park and a downtown mural.
“We give towns and their volunteers information, an outline and the tools to get started,” Tara says. “Their final destination is up to them.”
“We believe small towns are changing, not dying.” Tara explains. She has national facts and trends showing families are smaller and buying patterns have changed. “Brain drains aren't unique to small towns,” she adds. Census data reveal that adults in their 30s and 40s are choosing to move to small towns. Like Mikey Mollman and her family, they are looking for a less hectic lifestyle and a sense of community.
“We urge Montana’s small towns to focus on the positives of where they live,” Tara says. “We ask them to flip the narrative.”
No One is Coming to Do it for You
“Worden is a strong example of small-town revitalization,” Tara says. “I love hearing, ‘If Worden can do it, we can too.’” She firmly believes that small towns are best saved by their own residents using their own resources. She tells her audiences, “No one is coming to save your town for you.”
AFTER A GRANT FROM THE MONTANA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, PEDESTRIAN BENCHES, FLOWER BASKETS AND HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS NOW DEFINE WORDEN'S MAIN STREET. BILLINGS ARTIST RILEY TANE CREATED A VIBRANT MURAL ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE LOCAL GROCERY.
Across Montana, small towns have held clean-up days, established pocket parks, organized local arts councils, installed playgrounds, benches, picnic tables and visitor kiosks, and supported historic preservation efforts, all of which are noticeable and require substantial effort by many.
“We’re encouraged to look beyond those who say it can’t be done and to find new pathways and opportunities,” says Mikey. The town of Worden, established 1907, named for Caroline M. Worden Dixon, the wife of then U.S. Sen. Joseph P. Dixon (1867-1934), was intentionally developed as part of the Huntley Irrigation Project, an economic development effort that brought irrigation to the eastern reaches of Yellowstone County. These days, Worden is decidedly different. It’s home to Huntley Project K-12 Public Schools, tele-commuters, young professionals, grain farms, ranches and folks who work across Yellowstone County.
Empowerment and Community
At the core of the “Re-Imagining Rural” program are two intangibles: empowerment and community.
From Mikey’s perspective, Worden residents have been empowered by the concepts and advice offered by the MSU Extension Office. “We decide what we want our town to look like and how we can get there.”
“We are more than a bedroom community,” Mikey says. She's grateful to those families who have lived in Worden for generations. They’ve shared their wealth of knowledge and extended a gracious welcome to newcomers. “Together we’ve created something special. ‘Re-Imagining Rural’ has provided a sense of belonging and re-energized our town.”
“Through these projects, we come together with our neighbors, old and new. We get acquainted, become friends and work side by side. We are there for one another; we lift one another up,” says Mikey. Perhaps that’s the best definition of small-town community that there is. ✻
TO LEARN MORE about Reimagining Rural visit, montana. edu/extension/communitydevelopment/reimagine-rural.html
VIRGINIA BRYAN, writer
Virginia Bryan is a freelance writer. She has written extensively about our region's artists,culture, history and women.
and and Kindness Kindness KindnessCompassion Compassion Compassion
FIVE DEDICATED WOMEN ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT FEEDING THEIR COMMUNITY
FIVE DEDICATED WOMEN ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT FEEDING THEIR COMMUNITY
DANIEL SULLIVAN
DANIEL SULLIVAN
EVERY WEDNESDAY a petite, well-dressed, elderly woman visits the Red Rooster Kitchen in Laurel, where she is warmly welcomed by Teri Legg, the bakery’s owner. She’s a regular, and at every visit the lady orders eight caramel rolls. She tells Teri that she puts them in the freezer and has one a day, though every once in a while she eats two.
During the past two years, Teri and her husband, Nathan, who is the chief baker at Red Rooster, have been supplying their community with bread, pastries, cookies, doughnuts and more. It’s a wholesale bakery and commercial kitchen, and it has become a popular grab-andgo breakfast stop in Laurel.
Recently the elderly woman stopped coming in, and Teri worried about what had happened to her. But then, one Wednesday in early October, she walked through the door with the same order, eight caramel rolls.
“You know, if you can’t make it in, you can always call and we will deliver,” Teri said to her loyal customer.
The woman politely declined, saying, “No thank you, I like to have a reason to get out of the house.”
Teri’s gesture is the sort of customer service that’s making a difference in Laurel. She’s one of five female restaurant owners who are feeding their community with kindness and compassion.
“When you bring people happiness, it brings you happiness,” Teri says.
Around the corner, Janel Allison is also serving breakfast from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at her sitdown restaurant, the Cracked Egg. Her loyal customers love her biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos and southern-style chicken and waffles, as well as her famous Yum Yums, a cinnamon sugar-crusted ball of baked sweet dough.
“We have regulars who come in and some of them we know so
Teri Legg
RED ROOSTER KITCHEN •• OPENED IN 2023 •• WHEN YOU BRING PEOPLE HAPPINESS, IT BRINGS YOU HAPPINESS.
well that the minute they come in we know what they are going to have,” Janel says.
Further down Main Street is the Yogurt Shop, where Jackie Johnson serves up swirly helpings of frozen yogurt with a variety of tasty toppings. The inside of the Yogurt Shop is just as colorful and cheery as the sprinkles customers use to top their yogurt. The walls are covered with colorful circles, and everything from
the lime green sofa to the dinette sets is colorful.
“Can you tell that I ran a daycare and was a teacher before I opened the Yogurt Shop?” she says.
On her first visit to the Yogurt Shop, one little girl said, “It’s like being inside a birthday present!”
Jackie owns the shop with her mother, Lynnette Blumhagen, and friend Darby Gerondale. Her mother makes all the soup from scratch, and they all pitch in during the lunch hour to make wraps, keep the popular salad bar stocked and cover the register. It’s a hang-out spot for kids and families, and lunchtime regulars rave about the homemade cheeseburger soup.
“We have a lot of customers who have become like family” Jackie says.
Jackie Johnson
THE YOGURT SHOP •• OPENED IN 2016 ••
WE HAVE A LOT OF CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE BECOME
LIKE FAMILY.
On Fifth Avenue, Red Neck Pizza is open for lunch and dinner and, according to owner Ann Marie Barton’s customers, it’s the best pizza in town. She also sells broasted chicken, mashed potatoes and other classic comfort foods. The restaurant is decorated with patriotic and inspirational sayings that capture Ann Marie’s down-to-earth personality.
“It’s not easy, but I love it,” Ann Marie says. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Across the tracks, the Carlton Depot Eatery and Alehouse also serves up lunch and dinner. Owner Shawna Hopper spent most of her life working in the food and beverage industry, starting as a teenager at the Fifth Avenue Deli. It’s no longer in operation but it made a lifelong impact on Shawna.
When it came time for her to open her own restaurant, she knew Laurel had to be the location. She’s proud of her hometown, and she named the Carlton Depot after the city’s early beginnings. Before the town was incorporated, it was known as Carlton Station.
“I wanted to pay tribute to the history of Laurel,” Shawna says.
The Carlton has an eclectic menu that checks all the boxes for Montana fare with outstanding steaks and burgers, but it also
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includes several dishes with an Asian twist. Among the best sellers are the Korean steak and noodles, and the cheese chunks with apple butter.
“There’s a lot you can get in Laurel. I don’t think people realize we have such a big variety of restaurants,” Ann Marie says.
Shawna, Ann Marie, Jackie, Teri and Janel agree.
While it may seem like they should be in competition, the women don’t see it that way. Instead, they enthusiastically support each other and their businesses. They’re a sounding board and cheer squad, and when one is struggling with a bad review or grouchy customer, they get a group text going to lift each other’s spirits. Everyone’s advice is welcome, and on social media they are often the first to like and share one another’s posts.
“We just want all of us to succeed and be successful. In every way we’re looking to
support one another,” Shawna says.
Staffing is one of those challenges.
The Red Rooster relies on part-time staff, and they need to be flexible. Around the holidays, Teri has to recruit additional seasonal employees.
“Going into it, we didn’t think staffing would be our biggest challenge, but it has been,” Teri says.
Ann Marie and Jackie rely on a mostly teenage workforce. It’s not easy, but they work around kids’ sports and activity schedules. They know that those students are often the most motivated and committed.
“It’s fun to start them on their path into the workforce,” Jackie says. “At some point in their life, everyone needs to explore working in food service.”
Ann Marie’s employees call her their “work mom” and at the end of the summer, before they all go back to school, she and her hus-
Janel Allison
THE CRACKED EGG
•• OPENED IN 2023 •• YOU HAVE TO BE PREPARED TO FLY BY THE SEAT OF YOUR PANTS.
band take them all camping.
“Whether it’s work or personal I’m there for them,” Ann Marie says.
When someone starts at Redneck Pizza, Ann Marie says, “I’ll never ask you to do something I won’t do, and I’ll be there working just as hard as you.”
Janel can attest to the importance of teamwork, and in her restaurant, she has learned that when even one member of her team isn’t committed to the job, it can have a negative domino effect. Janel keeps the atmosphere positive and looks to build on the strengths of her employees.
“I don’t want to be a typical boss that knows everything because I don’t know everything,” Janel said.
For many of the women, staffing is a family affair. Shawna’s two older boys work for her at the Carlton Depot and Jackie’s son, 16, works for her at the Yogurt Shop as well. Ann Marie’s daughters
Ann Marie Barton
REDNECK PIZZA OPENED IN 2014
IT’S NOT EASY, BUT I LOVE IT. I WOULDN’T TRADE IT FOR THE WORLD.
worked for their parents at Redneck Pizza until they started their careers, and now they have families of their own.
When it comes to customers, all five women rely primarily on word of mouth to bring fresh faces through their doors. Still, when people think of grabbing a quick lunch, they often turn to the fast-food chains that line Fourth Street. They don’t often think of driving through the underpass and checking out what’s on Main Street.
“We’ve been here eight years, and we still have people come in and say, ‘We had no idea you were here,’” Jackie says.
Jackie proudly wears a T-shirt that says, “Support Small Business,” and it’s the sermon she preaches everywhere she goes. Ann Marie, Shawna, Teri and Janel all agree that everyone should be supporting small businesses like theirs.
“The more you support small businesses the more small businesses can support your community,” Shawna says.
Two years ago, there was a fire at the Yogurt Shop and the restaurant was closed for five months. Through it all, the community was encouraging, and when they re-opened customers were quick to return.
“It isn’t always easy in a small town, but in the end your community, they’re there for you,” Jackie says.
All the women have their stories to share of kitchen disasters, staff wins, happy customers, grumpy customers and hundreds of surprises along the way. Collectively, they’ve seen it all and have plenty of advice for those wishing to open their own restaurant.
“You have to be realistic. Everything is going to cost more than you think,” Janel says. “You have to be prepared to fly by the seat of your pants, and you have to surround yourself with good people.” ✻
LAURA BAILEY, writer
Laura is a Red Lodge based storyteller with more than 20 years experience. When she's not tapping away on her keyboard, chances are she's off on an adventure with her family or starting another DIY project. You can find her online at www.penandlight.com.
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LOCKWOOD FIRE DISTRICT WITNESSES A MILESTONE WITH AN ALL FEMALE FIREFIGHTING CREW
written by JULIE KOERBER photography by DANIEL SULLIVAN
ON
OCT. 1, when the firefighting crew clocked in for their 12hour shift at the Lockwood Fire District, they looked around and discovered a “first.” Lindsey Lambert was acting captain. Joining her was acting engineer Katie Haider and firefighter Shady Erhorn — an all-female firefighting crew.
“And, the district didn’t burn down,” Lindsey says with a chuckle.
The district had one medical call come in that day — a mental health call with a possible overdose.
“It was a pretty run-of-the-mill call for us,” Katie says.
“These fine firefighters/paramedics have done an outstanding job because of who they are, not just what they are,” Fire Chief Branden Stevens says, calling it a milestone in the district’s 36year history.
Lockwood is a tightknit department. There are 16 full-time firefighters plus the fire chief and deputy chief. The department also has 11 reserve firefighters who help out part time. In all, six of them are women.
When you ask these women why they wanted to be firefighters, most laugh and say that they didn’t. While the road led here, for many it started by working as an EMT or paramedic.
THESE FINE FIREFIGHTERS/PARAMEDICS HAVE DONE AN OUTSTANDING JOB BECAUSE OF WHO THEY ARE, NOT JUST WHAT THEY ARE.
— Chief Branden Stevens
“I ended up in Worden, Montana, and volunteered for their Volunteer Fire Service,” Lindsey says. “I mostly was on the ambulance and found out that I really love the pace of this job.” After serving as an emergency medical technician (EMT), she got the extra training to be a paramedic. “This job fell in my lap and the stars aligned,” she says.
“We’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” Lindsey says.
“We’re privileged to work with two women on shift most of the time, and then we have our male counterpart, so it didn’t register right away,” Shady says.
Lindsey admits that she had a lot to prove to her colleagues and to herself as the first woman to join the department.
“At the time, I had a 3-month-old that I was breastfeeding,” she says. “People didn’t know if I could physically do that job. Just, to
me now, silly worries. I had to trust myself and just prove that I could do it.”
Today, Lindsey is an engineer who serves as acting captain when needed. She was voted union president and is the district’s training officer.
“It’s a couple really big roles,” she says. “I feel like I am still getting my feet underneath me. At the end of the day, I want to make sure our people are represented, that we are well trained and that we go home safe after every shift.”
Four years after Lindsey arrived, Katie Haider was hired. In many ways, she says, Lindsey paved the way.
“Everyone was so encouraging, and seeing Lindsey as another woman in the department — not that I will ever hold a candle to her — proved that I could do it,” Katie says. “There’s a space for women in this career.” In addition to being an engineer, Katie serves as the department’s public information officer. She provides fire prevention education in the schools and also heads up child safety seat inspections.
While 20 percent of Lockwood’s fire staff are women, nationally that number is only 5 percent of career firefighters and 11 percent of volunteer firefighters.
Taya Keith is one of the department’s reserves. She may have a full-time job outside of this role, but a few times a month will pick up a shift helping as an EMT. Being a firefighter is all in the family for her.
“My older sister was a firefighter. I remembered by dad was a firefighter for a while as he was going to college and my younger sister was a firefighter,” she says with a smile. “I love it. Any chance you get to be tough and show how strong you are? Absolutely.” She’s been with the department for going on three years.
Shady loves the fact that their chief recognizes each of their strengths and puts them in roles where they can shine. Since the department is small, she says, you never know what you might encounter while on shift. It might be a structure fire, patient transport, a car wreck where the jaws of life are used, or a wildland fire.
“And we are growing,” Shady says. “We are growing in hazmat. We are growing in water rescue. Chief Stevens has a vision and he’s trusting us to get the training done to help him and us grow.”
Being former military, the chief put Shady in charge of uniforms. She also handles all the department’s personal protective equipment.
“It’s super important in the fire service today to be on top of that and have the best gear that we possibly can and she’s phenomenal at it,” Lindsey says.
The department handles just shy of 1,000 calls a year for this community of 10,000.
For Lindsey and the rest of the women on the department, each call is about service and about being good role models.
“Every day, we have the opportunity to give back to the community and show little girls that they can be anything that they want to be,” Lindsey says. “I love being able to do that.” ✻
the Ranks Rising the Ranks Ranks Rising
Rising
Dani Frovarp often tagged along to her twin brother Brett’s Boy Scout Troop gatherings. Her dad was an assistant den leader. So, it just made sense.
“My mom would have work, and my dad would just say, ‘OK, you’re coming with us.’ I’d go and run around and do all the things with the boys, hang out and play all the games,” Dani says. When summer day camp rolled round, “My dad snuck me in, threw a T-shirt on me and told me to go with the boys,” Dani says with a smile.
So, in 2019, when the Boy Scouts of America changed its name to Scouts BSA, it also changed the rules, allowing girls to join a troop.
“I thought, yeah, I’m going to do this,” Dani says. She was the first and only girl in her troop. “It was definitely a challenge being, for a long time, one of the only girls in Scouts in Billings — finding my way and not being scared or intimidated around all those boys.”
Back then, for a girl to join, she had to create her own troop by branching off an existing boy’s troop. It was hard because at the time, thanks to Covid, membership had dropped off.
“We were down to just four people including myself,” Dani says. “It was hard working and trying to communicate and advocate for what I wanted for the troop.”
DANI FROVARP, YELLOWSTONE COUNTY’S FIRST FEMALE EAGLE SCOUT
written by JULIE KOERBER photography by DANIEL SULLIVAN
Branching off meant she also had to name her troop. Since she was tied to the boys’ Troop 10, she landed on the name Troop 10-4.
“It’s going to sound cocky, but 11-year-old me thought, D for Dani is the fourth letter of the alphabet,” Dani says. “I started the troop and I wanted that.” It probably comes as no surprise that the troop’s patrol yell, a shout used to round up members, is “10-4 Good Buddy!”
Today, as a 15-year-old sophomore at Billings West High, Dani has added another first to her list of scouting accomplishments. She’s risen through the ranks from Cub Scout, to Boy Scout to now Eagle Scout. Dani is the first female to earn the Eagle Scout rank in Yellowstone County.
“When I found out there was an opportunity to be the first female Eagle Scout in the district and in Billings, I wanted to earn it before I turned 15,” Dani says. She didn’t quite make it by her 15th birthday. The title and all its regalia came a few weeks after she turned 16.
“There's a lot to it,” Dani says as she points to her sash covered in just a portion of her merit badges. There’s the badge for aviation she earned spending time up at the airport going over all the mechanics of a private plane. There’s the aquatic lifesaving badge she earned going through basic lifeguard training. And, there’s a quirky little alien that adorns her shirt, the symbol she chose for her patrol unit. “My patrol was the Atomic Aliens. And I picked that my first year in Scouts as a lone Scout,” she says with a smile.
downtown on Lewis Avenue. At the back of the church lot sat a sad and worn-down shed with paint splotches that attempted to cover up graffiti.
“They had their shed vandalized and it never got painted, the color was very worn out,” Dani says. When she brought the project to the church, she says, “They were overjoyed.” While she didn’t realize it at the time, she knows now that painting the shed was her way of giving back to the church that gave her so much.
“The church and the people I have met through that church, I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she says.
DANI IS THE FIRST FEMALE TO EARN THE EAGLE SCOUT RANK IN YELLOWSTONE COUNTY.
Since earning her Eagle Scout rank, Dani has been called a trailblazer from time to time. She doesn’t take that lightly.
“At my Eagle ceremony, my Scout master said, ‘You know, you're paving the way for the girls in your troop, those who are behind you now as well as in the district,’” she says. Dani is also credited with successfully encouraging other girls to join.
For Dani, she simply focuses on the ways Scouts has impacted her life. She uses the Scout Open Law as her moral compass, being mindful of ways she can be kind, courteous, cheerful and friendly. If it doesn’t align with that compass, it’s easy for her to navigate away from it. Scouting has also helped her grow stronger. She hopes to use that strength by joining the military when she turns 18.
To land the title of Eagle Scout, Dani had to earn 22 merit badges including 14 specifically for the Eagle rank. She also had to organize, plan and lead an extensive service project.
After mulling over her options, she didn’t have to look far to find a project. Her Scout troop met at American Lutheran Church
“I’m not afraid to speak up and I’m not afraid to have a voice in different areas of my life.” Dani says. “I think Scouts has made a huge impact in that way. It’s definitely made me a better person.” ✻
A Heart A Heart for this A Heart
EDUCATION FOUNDATION’S KELLY MCCANDLESS FILLS THE GAPS
written by LINDA HALSTEAD-ACHARYA photography by DANIEL SULLIVAN
IF SHE WAS FRENZIED, she didn’t show it. In less than a week’s time, Kelly McCandless was about to throw a huge party with an expected 10,000 guests. It was just days before Saturday Live, the major fundraiser for the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools.
Instead of panic, Kelly radiated calm as she carved out time to talk about the forces that drive her. Forefront in her mind remains one constant goal: how best to support Billings students and teachers.
For the past three years, Kelly has served as executive director of the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools. In that short time, she and her team have taken the foundation by the tail. When she started, there were two part-time staff. Now there are five. When she started, the foundation’s budget barely exceeded $700,000. Today it has topped $1.7 million. When she started, the foundation had no plan for feeding hungry students during the summer. This past summer, the foundation’s innovative “Munch Machine” provided nutritious meals for an average of 275 students every week.
Although Kelly prefers to talk about her team over herself, the work they do speaks volumes.
“Through Kelly’s leadership, our programs touch each of the 16,600 students multiple times,” says board member Shannon Christensen, who applauds Kelly and her team’s far-reaching impacts.
Kerra Olson, a teacher at Will James Middle School, describes Kelly as “the most incredible champion for education.” She describes the foundation’s grants as her “fuel to try new things.”
Shelley Pierce, who works with Kelly, is inspired by her leadership.
kids wanting to go to school, we’re doing our job.”
At the same time, Kelly knows this work is a job that’s never finished.
“If we didn’t innovate, we’re not serving our mission,” she says. That innovation comes with creative thinking and the courage to push boundaries. When Kelly interviewed for the director position, she wasn’t shy about sharing her penchant for taking risks.
“I told them don’t offer me this job if you want someone to do what you’ve always been doing. I’m not that person’,” she says.
But they did and she jumped at the opportunity.
“Her leadership, work ethic, drive and compassion have been evident from the moment we hired her,” Shannon Christensen says. “Our growth with Kelly as our executive director has been exponential yet mission-focused, sustainable and keeping quality at the core.”
She also credits Kelly for recently securing one of the largest endowments the foundation has ever received.
WE WANT OUR ORGANIZATION TO BE SEEN AS THE RESOURCE FOR OUR DISTRICT. IF WE CAN KEEP TEACHERS WANTING TO TEACH AND KIDS WANTING TO GO TO SCHOOL, WE’RE DOING OUR JOB.
— Kelly McCandless
“She’s constantly striving to look for solutions, partnerships and new opportunities to help advance the mission of the organization,” Shelley says.
And that mission is based on identifying unmet needs of students and teachers and then offering ways to fill those gaps.
“You don’t have to think about it very long to see how important public education is,” Kelly says. “I came to this job with a heart for students, but it didn’t take me long to have a heart for teachers, too.”
That’s why she and her team work to provide students with the tools to reach their potential and to inspire in teachers the spark that will keep them motivated to teach. Those solutions can take many forms — from filling an ever-growing number of backpacks for students who lack food at home to funding creative grants that keep both students and teachers excited about school. The foundation also assists students with basic services such as transportation, school fees and even vision and dental needs.
“We want our organization to be seen as the resource for our district,” Kelly says. “If we can keep teachers wanting to teach and
As Kelly talks about the foundation, she projects a measured approach to her work. Though not an “energizer bunny” by nature, the self-described introvert accomplishes much by viewing the foundation’s mission as a puzzle that she and her co-workers are itching to solve.
“I really, really enjoyed coming into this organization and starting to figure out this puzzle —where do we start first?” she says. “I just look at it as ‘what can we do to make it better?’”
Kelly’s home base is a bare-bones space on the first floor of the Lincoln Center. There’s no fancy desk or corner office. But she’s within shouting distance of three members of her team: Shelley Pierce, Development and Community Relations manager; Leslie Clark, Programs and Event manager; and her newest hire, Jennifer Bennett, administrative assistant. Nikki Dolan, Food Insecurity Program manager, works remotely.
Kelly may be at the helm but she’s quick to credit each one of these women for just about everything the foundation takes on, from food insecurity to scholarships to their literacy program.
“It’s these ladies,” Kelly says. “None of this moves forward without them.”
Remarkably, the entire team is employed on a part-time basis.
“Most people are shocked to hear we’re not full-time employees,” Kelly says. “But they’re amazed by the amount of work we get done. Sometimes the best thing I can do is stay out of their way.”
People are also surprised that the foundation runs solely on generosity.
“We don’t receive any funds from the district,” she says. “We get
no tax dollars. We’re the philanthropic arm for our schools.”
Instead, support comes from an ever-growing army of sponsors that is broad-based, big-hearted and generous. Most donations come in amounts of $25 and $50, bolstered by larger, consistent support from commercial donors and philanthropic individuals.
“We would be nowhere without our donors — all the people and businesses that believe in us,” Kelly says.
She also says the foundation has “wonderful partnerships” with other local nonprofits, such as Tumbleweed, Family Service and United Way — each of which focuses on complementary needs.
“We do everything we can to level the playing field for those kids that come with a disadvantage,” she says.
Besides her drive, Kelly harbors a passion for reading and writing, which she fosters through freelance and ghost writing on the side. That background impressed upon her the power of story-telling.
“Even when I fell into marketing, it’s really just storytelling,” she says. “That pushed me on this path, telling stories that touch me.”
And that path was paved through MSU-B, where she earned degrees in communication, and later through her work at Billings Chamber of Commerce, where her positions dealt mostly with marketing and communication.
I’M EXTREMELY LUCKY TO HAVE THE TEAM I HAVE. NONE OF THIS MOVES FORWARD WITHOUT THEM.
— Kelly McCandless
Perhaps Kelly’s drive is motivated by her own experiences. She grew up in Billings, attended public schools here and credits her two younger sisters — “We kind of raised each other,” she says — and the boundless support of their grandparents for where she is today. “They played a pivotal role,” she says of her grandparents. “They were our moral compass.”
Somewhere along the way, Kelly developed a strong sense of determination that only seems to grow stronger.
“I think I don’t take ‘no’ very well,” she says. “An obstacle is an obstacle, not a dead end.”
The married mother of two — Kelly and husband, Ryan, are parents to Rylie, 13, and Lyla, 9 — was working on a chamber project focused on childcare and education when she heard about the foundation position. She wasn’t actively looking for a new job but she was lured by the opportunities she envisioned and was thrilled at the thought of building her own team.
“My heart has grown to being able to see the role of education beyond all these walls, that it provides so much more,” she says.
Kelly applauds the “tremendous work” accomplished by the director and staff who preceded her. She is also thankful she was given the chance to view the foundation with fresh eyes and from “30,000 feet up” — a perspective that allowed her to identify redundancies and maximize efficiencies and then reach for new horizons.
But Kelly came to the position with a distinct disadvantage. It
was July 2021, in the depths of Covid.
“I was only six weeks in, and I had to cancel Saturday Live,” she says.
The family-oriented, volunteer-driven event, which draws in thousands of families, had long served as the foundation’s major fundraiser and typically brings in tens of thousands of dollars. So, with the event cancelled, Kelly and her team were forced to dig deep.
“We had to get creative to replace the lost fundraising opportunity, using connections and community support to share the foundation with anyone who would listen,” she says.
Her active approach continues to reap rewards. Early on, during speaking engagements, she would ask attendees how many were familiar with the foundation and its work. As the months and years passed, the number of hands shooting up keeps growing.
“As our profile has grown and the work we do becomes better understood, more people want to become a part of it,” she says. “There were more doors opening than we could answer, which is a wonderful problem to have.”
When Kelly speaks of her work, she frequently speaks of “heart” — a hard-to-quantify term that she can feel more than define.
It’s that same sense of compassion that she prioritizes when hiring a new team member.
“I look way more for the heart of the person than their skills,” she says. “You can train skills but what I can’t train is someone who’s going to have a heart for this work.”
But those hearts also have limits. Kelly cautions her co-workers about the fine line between caring too much and growing a thick skin.
“We hear some hard stories here,” she says. “We have to be vulnerable to stay connected to our mission, but we can’t become jaded.”
They see and hear heart-wrenching stories. There’s the counselor who witnessed a child coming in from recess and squeezing his backpack to see if it had been loaded with food for his weekend. Or the young girl who had been ostracized by her peers for the shabby clothes — her only clothes — that she wore to school. In that case, the solution was simple and personal. The foundation funded a few basic outfits for this child, the school washes them daily and then exchanges them, providing the girl with a clean change of clothes every day.
“These are the things people don’t realize need to be done to keep children in a more equitable environment,” Kelly says.
Such stories fill Kelly’s soul. As does her team.
“I came into this role wanting to surround myself with people wanting to do great work,” she says. “I’m extremely lucky to have the team I have. None of this moves forward without them. They’re creative and good at trouble-shooting. And this group lifts each other up. It’s pretty empowering to have a team that’s moving the needle.”
Kelly and her team are constantly looking for gaps they might fill. Because they are a nonprofit, they have the flexibility to address some needs that the district might not. One of those needs came
up as a frequent question during presentations: what happens to the children who depend on the backpack program during the summer?
“So many children come to school because that’s where they feel loved, safe and where they get something to eat,” Kelly says. “We don’t realize what we take away when we take away school (weekends and summers).”
The district’s summer Lunch in the Parks addressed that need in part, but the foundation’s team still sensed some kids were missing out.
“Our research told us there was a contingent of children not
able to access those resources,” she says. “So, we dreamt up the Munch Machine.”
Kelly likens their mobile food program to “DoorDash,” as it travels from home to home delivering meals to children who otherwise would be lacking. Each day, the Munch Machine made 30 to 40 deliveries during its first summer in operation. To prepare for those deliveries, the foundation relied on an army of volunteers that packed nearly 300 bags — each containing six nutritious breakfasts and lunches and even more snacks — every week.
“The bags were pretty robust,” Kelly says.
Going into the summer, the foundation projected the Munch
THIS PAST SUMMER, THE FOUNDATION’S INNOVATIVE “MUNCH MACHINE” PROVIDED NUTRITIOUS MEALS FOR AN AVERAGE OF 275 STUDENTS EVERY WEEK.
Machine would be feeding about 200 students. But that number quickly grew to 275. By the time the 2024 school year started, the foundation already had 86 percent more students on the backpack meal program than they had at the same time a year earlier.
“I keep hoping this is a program that will shrink,” Kelly says. “But I don’t see that happening.”
Reasons for the increased numbers are varied — among them inflation and more restrictive requirements for Medicaid and SNAP recipients.
“Our numbers spiked when the rules changed,” Kelly says. “But we firmly believe these are children. They don’t have a say in what happens to them. We will always do what we can to feed that child.”
While the foundation has its share of tough challenges, it also witnessed its share of victories.
The summer Reading Rocks program keeps kids reading with fun activities and, during the school year, the foundation awards scholarships and grants to inspire both teachers and students.
One such project trained kids to fly drones and then taught them how to download the videos they’d collected onto a computer. Another supported new technology to help non-verbal students communicate.
Kerra Olson has used the foundation’s classroom grants to fund projects ranging from Lego-robotics to the Tower Garden. For the
latter, the students grew crops in the classroom, learned about crops grown in Montana and then snacked on their harvests.
“When I ask my students their favorite moments, lessons and days, they always feature Classroom Grant projects,” Kerra says. “I can’t thank the Education Foundation enough and the ‘Captain’ for all the sparkle they bring to our days!”
More recently, the foundation responded to the district’s goal to boost student literacy. Though the program is just in its infancy, the foundation hopes to install book vending machines at schools.
“They can be used to reward good behavior or whatever the school decides,” Kelly says.
Each new day seems to bring new ideas.
“I think we’re just getting started,” Kelly says. “This is the largest and longest-running education foundation in Montana and I think we’re just starting to scratch the surface. I don’t think there’s a ceiling to what we can do.” ✻
LINDA HALSTEAD-ACHARYA, writer
A long-time resident of the Columbus area, Linda Halstead-Acharya enjoys spending time and learning from her rural neighbors. She has a degree in wildlife biology but for the past 25 years has pursued a career sharing other people's stories in print. She loves riding, writing and traveling.
$50,000+
sparkle2
THE ART OF Entertaining
FROM FINE WINES AND HOT DISHES TO PUTTING THE SPARKLE IN GIVING,
THE EXPERTS SOUND OFF
written by STELLA FONG photography by DANIEL SULLIVAN
LOOKING TO ELEVATE your next gathering, toast the new year with style or find a creative way to add that personal touch to gift giving? For the answers, we turn to those at the helm of some of Billings’ hot spots. From the best in coffee on Christmas morn, to a tasty and warm appetizer crafted to please, we are helping you bring the art into this year’s holiday entertaining.
CELEBRATE the SEASON
JOE SHADE, THE GRANARY
The star ingredient of this drink, aptly named “Winter in Billings” is none other than cranberry, with its rose color and spritz that elegantly blush with holiday spirit. During the holidays, Bartender Joe Shade suggests vodka as the best spirit to have around since it lightens any drink without adding flavor. Joe says, “This cocktail appeals to a large group. It’s a nice and easy drink with some tartness.”
WINTER IN BILLINGS
2 ounces vodka
2 ounces cranberry juice
½ ounce lime juice
¼ ounce simple syrup
Dry champagne, prosecco or sparkling wine
DIRECTIONS: Add ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a champagne coupe. Top with dry champagne.
A CUP OF COMFORT and JOY
JASON MARBLE, MARBLE COFFEE CO.
Jason and Jen Marble, the owners of the Marble Table, recently opened Marble Coffee Co. on the street level of the Doubletree Hotel. By day, they run the cafe and by night they serve elevated American food at their restaurant on Montana Avenue. The couple wanted to open a place where “you feel like you are in our home, sitting down at our table, drinking a taste-bud invigorating, locally roasted cup of love,” says Jen. At Marble Coffee Co. you’ll find made-from-scratch baked goods along with unique offerings like Earl Grey Panna Cotta and Brown Butter Bourbon & Vanilla Rice Krispie Treat. Cold and hot sandwiches and salads are also available, with selections including Korean Chicken Salad Sandwich and Porchetta Panini.
LOG CABIN LATTE
With memories of French toast, Chef Jason Marble likens this holiday drink to cozying up with friends and family on a cold winter morning.
Double shot of espresso or drip coffee
1 t. real maple syrup
1 t. salted butter
1/8 t. cinnamon, divided Oat milk, foamed
Whipped cream
DIRECTIONS: In a mug, add syrup, butter and a dash of cinnamon. Add coffee and stir to mix. Top off with foamed oat milk. Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkles of the remaining cinnamon.
CHEERS to the NEW YEAR
ASHLEY NEUTGENS, CITY VINEYARD
Without hesitation, Ashley Neutgens suggests everyone have a stash of champagne for the holidays, and she gives a nod to what she calls “grower champagne,” a sparkling wine crafted by grape growers and their families. Each bottle is an expression of the land it was cultivated from, each with its own individual style and taste. Her go-to for the holidays is Jean-Noel Haton Brut Classic. “This Champagne drinks like a wine with a far higher price tag. Usually this wine retails for around $65 but you can pick it up at City Vineyard for $49.95.”
The second recommendation to serve with a holiday meal or to have on hand is a good French white wine. Ashley suggests “a good crowd pleaser that still has depth and great acidity.”
Chateau Ducasse Bordeaux Blanc by Kermit Lynch is her go-to. Zingy passion fruit, ripe grapefruit and salty minerality combine to create this evergreen crowd-pleaser. It's simply a leader in its class and a staff favorite at CV for $24.95.”
Ashley’s third choice is a versatile pinot noir. “Pinot is the perfect red to please a crowd and pairs perfectly with most Holiday meals. This my 100 percent go-to for turkey pairing.” Ashley’s choice is Ernest Vineyard Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, a bright fruit and fuller body wine for $46.95 a bottle.
Here’s what’s coming up at ABT
The Villalobos Brothers
Saturday, November 2
Grammy-winning family band, celebrated as a leading Contemporary Mexican ensemble.
COME FROM AWAY
Monday, November 4
This stirring and inspiring musical takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of the small town in Newfoundland that opened their homes to 7,000 stranded travelers on 9/11.
HADESTOWN
Tuesday, November 19
Wednesday, November 20
HADESTOWN intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.
Phat Cat Swinger
Saturday, December 14
The ultimate pop/hard-swing band. Their unique blend of rock, swing, and jazz infused with modern sensibilities sets them apart.
TICKETS ON SALE
THAT’S a WRAP
ALLISON O’DONNELL, TOUCAN GALLERY
Make your gift stand out under the holiday tree by not just using traditional wrapping paper or gift bags. Allison O’Donnell, owner of the Toucan Gallery, suggests “using objects other than paper wrap that can be part of the gift.” Having the gift exposed “keeps it interesting,” she shares. The alternative showcases the special item while practicing a more sustainable and creative option of concealing surprises.
SHOW OFF the GIFT
The Japanese art of wrapping gifts with cloth is called furoshiki. At Toucan, ceramic bowls with chopsticks and tea towels can be found. Allison wraps one of those bowls with a tea towel and uses the chopsticks as part of the embellishment. Allison adds ribbon to tie off the gift, and if the cloth is large enough, often the edges are tucked in to close the package.
DON’T HIDE the CARD in the ENVELOPE
Over the years, we all have boxes or drawers full of leftover hol iday cards. Why not use them as part of the decoration for a wrapped gift? The card can be cut up and glued or taped on top of the package or tied off with ribbon or string.
ADORN IN THEME with the HIDDEN GIFT
When the perfect gift item is found, it doesn’t need to be all wrapped and boxed up, especially if it is a smaller item. The ob ject can be used to adorn the package to be paired with the hidden gift. Allison’s use of a hairclip on the outside of the gift can be completed with a scarf inside the wrapped box.
DELICIOUS BEGINNINGS
NICK STEEN GULLINGS, BIN 119
Thought to have had its beginnings in Sicily in the ninth century, the Arancini is a popular starter at Bin 119. It can also be a filling entrée paired with a glass of wine. The name “arancini” comes from the Italian word for orange, “arancia,” with the fried balls resembling the fruit.
Nicholas Steen Gullings, owner of both Bin 119 and Walkers, purchased Bin 119, an established wine bar and eatery, last spring.
“Bin 119 was a place I fell in love with years ago with my wife,” Nicholas says. “We came in and we sat down at what's called Table 119, as I've learned now, under the beautiful chandelier. And we sat down and we had a bottle rosé with a couple of friends. And I just remember thinking, holy smokes, this place is unbelievable.”
Today, as owner, he shares the popular recipe and some advice for stocking your home at the holidays. “I always have duck, pork belly and smoked trout in my freezer at any time.” This way, he is prepared for any guests who stop by. He also recommends having “good olive oil, good vinegar, good salt.” ✻
ARANCINI
MAKES 35 BALLS
Prepared arancini can be placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days and then reheated. The balls can also be frozen and then placed in ziplocked bags to be reheated at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.
RISOTTO
3 T. avocado oil, divided
1 pound ground chicken thigh meat
1 T. dried oregano
1 T. garlic powder
1 T. onion powder
1 t. ground black pepper
¼ c. diced yellow onion
2-¼ c. arborio rice
10 c. hot chicken stock
¼ pound shredded fontina or any mild cheese
Salt to taste
COATING
About 1-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3 to 4 eggs, whisked
About 3 to 4 cups Japanese breadcrumbs (panko)
DIRECTIONS: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Brown ground chicken. Once chicken is almost done, add onions and seasoning. Once the onions are almost translucent, add 1 tablespoon of oil, add rice and toast. Once rice is very slightly browned, about 2 minutes, add warm chicken stock slowly, one large ladle at a time. Let the rice soak up the stock and then repeat process until rice is fully cooked, being sure not to overcook. The rice should not be mushy. Add fontina and incorporate. Salt to taste. Cool in refrigerator until ready to fry.
TO MAKE ARANCINI
DIRECTIONS: Preheat oil to 350 degrees in a pot or fryer. Place flour, eggs and breadcrumbs in 3 separate shallow bowls. Scoop risotto out with 2-inch ice cream scooper. Roll into a ball. Dip in flour, egg and panko. Carefully drop balls into heated oil and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 145 degrees. Drain on paper towels. Spread pesto on serving plates. Place arancini on pesto. Serve immediately.
PESTO
MAKES 1½ CUPS
The lemon juice helps to keep the basil from turning brown but also gives the sauce a fresh zip. Pesto can be placed in an airtight container and stored in the freezer and thawed when needed to accompany the arancini or tossed with cooked pasta.
1/3 c. toasted pine nuts
3 ounces or about 1 ½ cup fresh basil
1 c. grated parmesan cheese
3 garlic cloves
½ lemon, zested and juiced
½ c. extra virgin olive oil
Pinch chili flake
Salt to taste
DIRECTIONS: Blend all ingredients except oil in a food processor, emulsify with oil. Season with salt to taste.
M MANTLES arvelous
UNIQUE LOOKS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY HOME
written by JULIE KOERBER photography by DANIEL SULLIVAN
A COZY HEARTH is often seen as the heart of the home, especially in winter, and it’s a space that often gets special treatment when the holidays arrive. Whether its rustic elegance, ravishing red or a contemporary mantle dressed in an icy blue, we’ll show you the trending looks to create your own festive display.
The More Swag, the Better
Garlands tend to be the go-to base layer for any mantle décor. When it comes to adding a garland, Jim Gainan of Gainan’s Midtown Flowers says, the more, the merrier, especially when you mix it up with different foliage.
“Take three garlands with different types of greenery that are of equal length, and you just twist them together,” Jim says. The result is an easy way to mix greenery and add depth before you even attach an ornament or berry.
Montana Elegance
Since the hit TV show “Yellowstone” hit the scene, there’s been a buzz about Montana. This mantle tries to capture a bit of that Montana elegance. Jim laughs as he says, “With the popularity of Yellowstone, how could we not do a Yellowstone-themed mantle?”
“This mantle has five different types of greenery along with the faux antlers,” Jim says. Rice lights add a soft glow. “The soft light really carries your eye through it, and the little white berries echo snow.”
With its rustic wire edge ribbon woven throughout, large brass bells dangling from the display and faux tree branches that come completely covered with faux lichen, the result is an earthy yet high-end look.
Above the mantle, you’ll find a matching wreath in a new trending shape. Don’t say goodbye completely to a round version, but this oval is making a splash in holiday design.
To carry this look to other portions of the home’s entry, there is a trio of wooden trees decked out with reindeer. Another spot features a fresh floral vase accented by faux greenery. When the white roses fade, simply add a few new fresh cuts to change up the look as the season moves on. And who wouldn’t notice the large hurricane vase sitting on the hearth?
“This shows what an inexpensive strand of rice lights mixed with 12 balls can do in this beautiful hurricane,” Jim says.
Ravishing in Red
There’s little doubt that red is the signature color of Christmas. When added in just the right way, it’s a head turner.
“This is monochromatic red. This is going big,” Jim says. “Adding green in different shapes and textures allows you to add subtle color but yet let the red really stand out as the glitzy part.”
Glitter-dusted poinsettias, large, gilded leaves and splashes of metallic berries add to the holiday sparkle. Since many of us have some of these elements at home, Jim says why not take note of what you already have, adding maybe a few new elements to create the same more budget-savvy look.
“This can be done, and we can show you how to do it,” Jim says. “We have all the pieces.” Take an inventory of what you have with pictures, he says, and then, “Come in and we can show you how to best put it together.”
In this space, Jim’s design team created a trio of focal points to play off the mantle.
“What we like to do is have an overall look but then add in these moments, visual moments,” Jim says. For instance, a hand-crafted Santa sits nearby on a side table. Glitzy poinsettia leaf trees repeat the look down on the fireplace hearth.
WinterFair
arts & crafts market
December 6, 2024 | 11 AM – 8 PM at the YAM
Mark your calendars — one day only! WinterFair will coincide with the annual Holiday Stroll and December ArtWalk in downtown Billings. Guests will enjoy holiday treats and musical performances while shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts from the region’s talented artisans. Vendors will showcase fine art, fiber work, artisan foods, body products, ceramics, and more. A bustling and festive event that always draws a crowd!
Sponsors: Linda Shelhamer & Stephen Haraden, Anonymous, Halcyon LaPoint & Gary Smith
Cara Blaylock
Sam Van Dyke
Winter in Blue
“Non-traditional colors are becoming very chic for the holidays,” Jim says. “People are decorating with colors that they love for their main living area and of course keeping some of their cherished ornaments instead on a tree in their living room.”
Here, that color is an icy, almost Tiffany, blue.
“It reminds you of the frosty outdoors,” Jim says. “It definitely gives you a sense of winter.”
Since this mantle is more streamlined and less heavy, Jim chose to hang ornaments off the edge with simple fishing line. It makes it seem as though the glass baubles are floating in mid-air.
“It’s a very simple way to add drama to the garland. Light will catch those glass baubles,” Jim says. “It’s meant to be stunning during the day and at night.”
Antique looking finials that give a nod to the décor you might have seen in grandma’s house are making a comeback. This mantle might be modern, but the antique flair adds both light and charm.
“They give this décor height and the lights inside are battery-operated,” Jim says.
Jim adds that because the mantle isn’t very deep, one trick is to use a handful of command hooks lying on their sides to, in a way, catch the garland base to prevent it from dropping off the front or side.
In this space, again, you’ll find those pops of coordinating colors — from the larger-than-life icy blue-lit ornaments on the coffee table to the trio of glass trees off to the side. Even the glittery ribbon on the mantle matches the color on the home’s walls. The result is a cohesive look that not only demands attention, but blends into the home’s existing design.
“We’re pulling in Christmas with everyday items,” Jim says. “The Tiffany blue trees, a really simple modern silk arrangement and then the really modern reindeer to pull in the elements from this modern home.”
Bring It All Together
No matter what design style you prefer, the basic rules for an interesting mantle and surrounding space is simple — layer greenery, add a little light, use the colors you love and don’t be afraid to group items around the room that play off the color and theme of your mantle. Doing so will help you deliver a festive flair in a style that’s all your own. ✻
Holiday Cheer
BARB THOMAS has been sprinkling holiday spirit into decorated sugar cookies for 35 years. With loving squeezes of buttercream frosting, she transforms what might otherwise be bland cookies into joyful snowmen, regal Santas and sparkling reindeer. Her decorative sugary swirls, stars and dots finished with confetti and pearl adornments create a dash of whimsy for those fortunate enough to receive her creations.
“I do caramels and decorated sugar cookies every year, and my kids would be lost without me doing these two things,” Barb says. “I don’t do a ton of decorating, but enough. I would say if you asked anyone who knows me, they would say I make sugar cookies for Christmas.” She laughs when she says she starts getting requests in early November.
Barb got the nudge to start baking from her older sister Sue who, with her husband, used to own The Cookie Jar in Lewistown, a spot for pastries and lunch. Although Sue now lives in Florida, the sisters keep in touch exchanging photos and phone calls of their latest baked treats. “It helps me to keep those ties with my sister,” Barb says. While Sue now sells her cookies, Barb is hesitant, sim ply saying, “I enjoy the process.”
I
DO CARAMELS AND DECORATED SUGAR COOKIES EVERY YEAR, AND MY KIDS WOULD BE LOST WITHOUT ME DOING THESE TWO THINGS. I DON’T DO A TON OF DECORATING, BUT ENOUGH. I WOULD SAY IF YOU ASKED ANYONE WHO KNOWS ME, THEY WOULD SAY I MAKE SUGAR COOKIES FOR CHRISTMAS.
— Barb Thomas
The beginning of her cookie craze was humble.
“I started with a bag of sprinkles and a package of food color,” Barb says, adding that she now owns all kinds of frosting tips and piping bags. “I am always on the lookout for sprinkles,” she says. And when it comes to cookie cutters, she has upwards of 150 of them to honor not just Christmas but Valentine’s Day and Easter as well.
Barb and Sue cultivated their love of sharing food from their par ents. When their mom was 55, Barb says the family moved from Ohio to Daytona Beach, Florida, to open a smorgasbord restau rant with all-you-can-eat offerings for just $3.75. It was a 400-seat establishment.
“By the time my mom sold the restaurant to my brother, she had three restaurants in the area,” Barb says. Her mom hung up her apron at the age of 75.
In 1993, Barb met her husband, Dave, while in Florida. The two decided to marry and settle in Hobson, Montana, where Dave grew up as a child. It was in Montana that Barb watched Dave’s mother cook breakfast, lunch and dinner for those working the family cattle ranch.
“After lunch we would make a big batch of brownies and take them and coffee out to the field,” Barb says.
While the couple started Thomas Appraisal Services and called
Shine Bright
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
Lewistown home for much of their marriage, in 2018, they made the move to Billings to be closer to many of their customers. Last fall, retirement called and they answered.
I LOVE GIVING
THEM AWAY JUST TO SEE PEOPLE'S REACTIONS.
— Barb Thomas
With her two daughters, Hannah and Marlee, now grown and out of the house, Barb is making fewer cookies than she used to. She remembers those times baking with her girls when they were little fully aware, she says, that “the kitchen was going to be a mess with sprinkles on the floor. Hannah was very artistic while Marlee would slap on the icing and eat them.”
Each baking session came with the same timeless traditions.
“When the kids were little, we watched Hallmark Christmas movies. We ate a lot of icing and cookies while we decorated. When it was all over, we wanted pizza, something salty,” Barb says with a laugh. These days her daughters occasionally bake and decorate cookies with her when they’re back in town, but as Barb says, “They don’t want to do it on their own yet.”
For Barb, making sugar cookies and caramels for her friends and family is the gift she loves most during the holidays.
“People love them so much,” Barb says. “I love giving them away just to see people’s reactions.” ✻
STELLA FONG, writer
Stella divides her time between Billings and Seattle and is the author of two Billings-centric books, Historic Restaurants of Billings and Billings Food. Her writings have appeared in Big Sky Journal, Western Art and Architecture, the Washington Post as well as online at lastbestplates.com.
Barb’s Sugar Cookies
MAKES 7½ DOZEN COOKIES
This recipe was inspired from Mary’s Sugar Cookies recipe found in the Betty Crocker’s Cookbook. Barb has increased the ingredients and eliminated the almond extract. Some hints Barb shares in making beautiful cookies is to roll out thinner cookies as they hold their shapes better. Putting the cut cookies in the refrigerator for 10 minutes prior to baking also helps keep their shape intact.
2-1/4 c. sifted confectioner’s sugar
1-1/2 c. butter or margarine
2 eggs
1-½ t. vanilla
3-¾ c. all-purpose flour
1-½ t. baking soda
1-½ t. cream of tartar
DIRECTIONS: Mix sugar and butter. Add egg and flavorings, mix thoroughly. Stir dry ingredi-
ents together and blend in. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Divide dough into half and roll on 3/16-inch silicone pie mat. Cut with cookie cutter, sprinkle with sugar. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 7 to 8 minutes or until delicately golden.
Buttercream
Frosting
MAKES ABOUT 2½ CUPS
“I typically do it by feel and taste,” Barb says. “I start with ½ cup butter, 2 to 3 cups of powdered sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla, dash of lemon juice and about 2 tablespoons of milk to make it smooth.” She beats the ingredients together for a smooth frosting and adds a couple drops of food color for her decorating palette.
HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW RUNS NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 31 AT ZOOMONTANA.
Light It Up!
HOLIDAY NIGHTS TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE.
t the end of November, acres upon acres of ZooMontana will be transformed into dazzling walkways, whimsical illuminated characters, and upwards of 15 million lights sitting amid a charming Christmas Village. It is almost time for Holiday Nights at Zoo Montana, an event that brings out the inner child in everyone.
“I equate it to waking up on Christmas morning when you are five years old — just the excitement you see on every face,” says Shawnah Marie, who is helping coordinate the magical show.
Holiday Nights is a walk-through experience featuring favorites like Christmas at the Farm and the Winter Wonderland, along with new displays such as Love in Lights, adorned with hearts suspended from above, and Moonlit Moments, showcasing its nearly 11-foot illuminated moon. Walk through Candy Cane Lane, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of the newly created Enchanted Forest.
For Shawnah Marie, her favorite part of the show is the lit displays that families can walk inside to take photos, creating priceless memories along the way.
“The magic of walking through the Castle Courtyard and seeing the Holiday Characters, and the way children light up before having their pictures taken, there’s
no other way to describe it but pure joy,” Shawnah Marie says.
Every night, children will be able to visit a decked-out gingerbread house thanks to the handiwork of Project Christmas Miracle. This space, also known as Mrs. Claus’ Room, will host cookies, crafts, or coloring. Throughout the grounds, Buddy the Elf, his girlfriend, Jovie, The Grinch, Santa, and Mrs. Claus will be ready to greet showgoers with a warm smile.
Themed S’more Tents are available for groups to reserve and enjoy. The tents are stocked with games, a basket of goodies for making S’mores, and each tent has its own personal fire pit.
This year, the grounds have added a clear 41-foot geodesic dome that can be rented for large parties or corporate events. It’s decorated inside with its own fireplace and festive Christmas tree. Once inside, Shawnah says you might feel as though you’re sitting in the middle of a snow globe. “It’s going to be magical,” she says.
Adults can join in the holiday festivities inside Blitzen’s Lounge. The show has added extra heaters this year so guests will be comfortable while enjoying entertainment, hot cocoa, a holiday-themed cocktail, or
some warm mead from the Bearded Viking Mead Company.
This year’s event is sponsored by Urapeein Porta Pots. The sponsorship is helping the show expand in new and exciting ways, in hopes of drawing even bigger crowds to share in the festivities. While attendance
came close to hitting the 30,000-mark last year, the event hopes to attract more than 40,000 this year. It is the one place in town where millions of lights and interactive displays can ignite the Christmas spirit in kids from ages 2 to 90+. Shawnah says, “You’ll just have to come experience it for yourself — it’s a special place this time of year!”
The show opens on November 29 and will run Thursdays through Sundays until December 16, when it will run nightly. It will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The last night of the show will be December 31.
For more information on tickets, hours of operation, or special themed nights, visit www.holiday-nights.com.
Style Ideasholi holi Style Ideas
L'Agence Crew Neck Tee, $118
Generation Love Faux Fur Bomber, $398
Joe's Margot Vegan Leather Pants, $198
Sam Edelman Bianka Sling Pumps, $140
Alisha is wearing2
holi daySEASON SEASON holi day holi day
NOT-SO-BASIC HOLIDAY OUTFIT IDEAS GIVING FESTIVE FASHION A WHOLE NEW NAME
WHETHER YOU'RE ATTENDING a glamorous soirée or a local Christmas stroll, your look should reflect the festive spirit of the holiday season. From glamorous evening wear to cozy outerwear, every element contributes to crafting the perfect holiday ensemble. ✻
Erin is wearing7
Virginia Multi-Strand Silver Necklace $238
Sanctuary Velvet Blazer Dress, $139 from RocHouse
Old Gringo Black Suede Boots, $650 from Stone Feather Road
Erin is wearing2
Wild Rag Scarf, $79
Scully Faux Shearling & Cognac
Sheepskin Leather Jacket, $389
Henriette Steffensen Turtleneck, $149
Scully Corduroy Black Pants, $109
Old Gringo Black Suede Boots, $650 from Stone Feather Road
Alisha is wearing2
Charlie One Horse Hat, $129
Concho Sterling Silver Earring, $175
Dyed Bone, Beaded Fringe Choker, $750
Henriette Steffensen Turtleneck, $149
Double D Ranchwear Merino Wool Curly
Black Bamboo Leggings, $32
Sheep Fur & Leather Jacket, $1,995
Old Gringo Black Suede Boots, $650 from Stone Feather Road
Erin is wearing2
Red & Black Long Aztec Coat, $279
Stetson Black Hat, $179
Henriette Steffensen Turtleneck, $149
Black Bamboo Leggings, $32
Concho Style Sterling Silver Native American Earrings by Randy Begay Jr., $550
Vintage Squash Blossom, $9,500
Old Gringo Black Suede Boots, $650 from Stone Feather Road
Alisha is wearing2
Aztec Print Poncho, MADE IN USA, $159
Henriette Steffensen Turtleneck, $149
Black Bamboo Leggings, $32
Custom White Enamel with Howlite Center Stone Concho Belt, $1,150
Sterling Silver Native American Hallmarked Cuff Bracelet, $1,500
Old Gringo Black Suede Boots, $650
Double D Ranchwear Tibetan Curly Lamb Boot Covers, $450
(Boot Covers also available in cream for $550, pictured on pgs 64-65) from Stone Feather Road
YVW would like to extend a special thank you to Buffalo Block Prime Steakhouse for allowing us to use your beautiful establishment for our photoshoot!
THREE GIFTS THREE GIFTS THREE GIFTS FOR YOU FOR YOU FOR YOU
NOTHING. ON PURPOSE. NOW AND THEN.
’TIS THE SEASON FOR GIFTING, and I am going to give you nothing, because I think it might be the only thing that truly matters. Imagine, if you will, that it is Christmas morning. Gifts under the tree. Lights flickering. Your people. Food in the cupboard and a heart full of peace and tasks, tasks, tasks. The only thing missing is nothing.
The season was spent running from errand to errand, in ugly sweaters and your Christmas finest, doing the things, being the places, hoping to feel the feels. And now, you have made it to the finish line, with nothing left to give. You asked your spouse, your adult children and your friends what they wanted this year, and they said, what they always say, “nothing.” Still, you got them a little something so they would know you care. They asked you what you wanted, and you said, as they did, “nothing.” And now, here you are with so much accumulated something that the idea of basking in the moment by doing nothing is not even rational.
There is no time to sit with a glass of water, which is the perfect beverage for you because it takes nothing to prepare, and contains nothing to feel guilty about, while staring off into tree lights or Christmas snow. There is no time to simply bask in love, laughter and hugs, to have moments full of nothing, because there is always something to be done.
What if you gave the people who said, “nothing,” nothing? Would they love you less? I think not. Would you laugh more? I think so. What if you said, this year, just this once, I am doing nothing, I am just going to watch, and listen, hug and sing, maybe tell the family lore. And for this season, I am going to revel in the fact that sometimes doing nothing, giving nothing, is the only thing that
matters because you have time to give the only thing that matters, love.
WHICH TAKES ME TO ON PURPOSE.
I discovered the idea of On Purpose quite by accident, which is a bit of irony that I adore. I had tweaked my ankle hiking, my bike clanged against the golf clubs in my van, and I had new art supplies, guests coming for a patio dinner, and 10 client calls to make before I could call it a day. My phone kept ringing, and I knew that if one or more of those calls had the power to distract me, I’d justify the distraction with something like, it was for love, it was going to be fun, it was a fine reason for a snack.
And then, it hit me. I was going to need to be very on purpose if I was going to get through the day with any semblance of grace. I’d need to say no to distraction, yes to the grindstone and be completely, utterly on purpose with all of my actions. On Purpose. I lived that day, and then the next, on purpose.
I ate what I ate, on purpose. I went to bed, at the appointed hour (which I often miss), on purpose. I talked with and actually listened to my brother, on purpose. Things went on my to do list not hither and yon with the best of intentions, but you guessed it, on purpose. If I wasn’t going to do it, I didn’t write it down, and if I wrote it down, it was on purpose, and so I did it. Since then, I’ve helped friends and clients to be more purposeful with their calendars, their lives, and not a day goes by that someone doesn’t say, “Guess what I did on purpose today?”
The act of living On Purpose is a gift I’d like to give you for
family in ZooMontana’s 14thzoomontana.org Chase December Finals Montana. Memorial during
Beauty & the Beast
Billings Studio Theatre presents “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Junior,” January 10th-13th. Brainy and beautiful Belle yearns to escape her narrow and restricted life including her brute of a suitor, Gaston. Belle gets adventurous and as a result becomes a captive in the Beast’s enchanted castle! Dancing flatware, menacing wolves and singing furniture fill the stage with thrills during this beloved fairy tale about very different people finding strength in one another as they learn how to love.billingsstudiotheatre.com
2025. Imagine, if you will, doing what you say you will do, because you said it on purpose. Taking better care of you, because you deserve to be cared for with great purpose. Buying a chocolate cake at Costco, eating one little piece, because that’s all you really want anyway, and giving the rest away, on purpose. That’s what I did last week, and it was delicious, and it was liberating, and I ate a salad for dinner, on purpose, just to balance things out.
F R inge Festiva L
Venture Theatre presents its Fringe Festival, January 18th-19th and 25th-26th.The festival features four nights of shows featuring local and regional performing artists of all types including dance, standup comedy, theater improv, one act plays, musicals, performance art, spoken word/poetry, and puppetry.venturetheatre.org
I am not perfect, and you probably aren’t either, but each day, if we try to do one thing that matters to us, completely on purpose, I’m pretty sure we will be a bit happier in our here and now.
s ou L s t R eet d an C e
"I AM NOT PERFECT, AND YOU PROBABLY AREN’T EITHER, BUT EACH DAY, IF WE TRY TO DO ONE THING THAT MATTERS TO US, COMPLETELY ON PURPOSE, I’M PRETTY SURE WE WILL BE A BIT HAPPIER IN OUR HERE AND NOW."
KAREN GROSZ
came stronger, I looked out at the world as much as I looked in, and I realized that if we want our tomorrow, our then, to be beautiful, we have to make sure today is beautiful. If we want to sit on the floor at 90, we better sit on the floor now. If we want someone to hold hands with, walk with, and share memories with, we better hold hands, walk and share now. If we want to go on adventures then, we probably should have adventures now.
WHICH TAKES ME TO THE GIFT OF NOW AND THEN.
Way back when, when I was trying to become more confident, more successful, and really the me I wanted to be, I was introduced to Tich Nacht Hahn and his book “Living Buddha, Living Christ.” The book draws interesting parallels, but that was not my takeaway. My takeaway was being solidly in the here and now: breathing out bad and breathing in good, breathing out ugliness and breathing in beauty, breathing out worry and breathing in the now.
This high energy show comes to the Alberta Bair Theater on January 19th and presents a new era in dance, while pushing the artistic boundaries of street dance. Soul Street concerts consist of a mix of movement that will keep you at the edge of your seat. The music is combined with an electric mix ranging from hip-hop to classical. It’s a show that will make you laugh and keep audiences of all ages entertained.
a Con C e R t F o R the w ho L e Fami Ly
Billings Symphony presents its Family Concert on January 26th at the Alberta Bair Theater. Four time Grammy nominees, “Trout Fishing in America,” will perform along with the Billings Symphony. Trout Fishing in America is a musical duo which performs folk rock and children’s music. billingssymphony.com
And so, I did. And so, I grew. I learned to be here, to be present, to do one thing at a time, and to do it with awareness. As I be-
I know. I opened this column by telling you to do nothing on purpose and now I am telling you to do your stretches and hug your people. That is the great conundrum of life, how to have it all, be it all, and feel it all, while still doing nothing from time to time. Think of it as honoring your life. When you are busy, be busy. When you are sick, be sick. Pay attention to the now, and the then will come along and reward you with strength and passion.
As we experience the season and look forward to 2025, I hope you will join me in doing nothing on purpose now and then. ✻
KAREN GROSZ, writer
Karen Grosz is a local Team and Leadership Development coach and motivational speaker. She owns Canvas Creek Team Building, is the author of “What’s Next” and “Quiet Leadership” and founding voice of the Facebook group “I’ll Help”- Billings. You can find more from Karen at karengrosz.life.
By Karen Grosz
QUIET LEADERSHIP
will help you discover your capacity to operate as a Quiet Leader for yourself, your team and your community. www.quietleadership.group
Order your copy today on Amazon!
ALL ABOUT THE Treats
IT’S THE SEASON OF SWEETS, GIVE THESE TASTY OPTIONS A TRY
YOU COULD CALL TREATS the Swiss Army Knife of entertaining. Friends stop by? Bring out the treats. Off to a holiday party? Bring the hostess some lovely packaged sweets as a gift. Having a gathering? Savor some of this sweetness as guests mingle. Have a neighbor that graciously cleared off your sidewalk? Thank them with a treat.
Since we all tend to sweeten up the holidays with our favorite cookies and desserts, I decided to pull out some of my favorites. I’ve highlighted these recipes in the past, but they are so good that I decided they needed a rerun. From Butterscotch Haystacks and Fudge to Spicy Pecans and Three Nut Candy, all are easy to bring and a favorite of guests.
And, who needs a holiday to enjoy? A little secret — they are great to have around for game night or for an evening when you plan to binge watch a new season of your favorite series.
Enjoy! ✻
KAY ERICKSON, writer
Kay has spent her professional career in public relations and broadcast news, currently at Yellowstone Public Radio. Her journalism degree is from Northern Illinois University. Her passions include her family, sports and food. Her mom and an aunt taught her the finer points of cooking and instilled a love of good food and family mealtime.
butterscotch hay stacks
From Stella Ziegler, former owner Stella’s Kitchen and Bakery
12 oz. butterscotch chips
1 c. salted peanuts
2 c. chow mein noodles
DIRECTIONS: Melt butterscotch chips in double boiler. Stir until smooth. Add peanuts and noodles and mix well until all coated. Drop by spoonfuls onto parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
sweet & salty toasted pecans
From Marti Miller
4 c. pecan halves
1½ c. water
3 c. sugar
2 T. mild vegetable oil
2 t. vanilla extract
1 t. kosher salt
½ t. ground cinnamon ¼ t. freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 325. Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil and brush them lightly with vegetable oil. If you use the
stella’s fudge
From Stella Ziegler, former owner Stella’s Kitchen and Bakery
4 ½ c. granulated sugar
12 oz. can, evaporated milk
18 oz. chocolate chips
12 oz. jar marshmallow cream
¼ lb. butter (1 stick), room temperature
2 c. chopped walnuts
nonstick foil, no oil is necessary. Combine the pecans, water and sugar in saucepan and, stirring occasionally, bring to a boil over medium heat. Continue to boil, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Remove the nuts with a slotted spoon and spread them on the prepared baking sheets in a single layer. They should not be touching. Bake the nuts for 25 minutes, or until they turn a deep, toasty brown. Remove the pans from the oven and let the nuts cool slightly. Leave the oven turned to 325. Push the nuts into a mound in the center of each baking sheet, making sure the nuts are not stuck together. Drizzle half of the oil and vanilla over each mound and toss to coat evenly. In a small bowl, stir together the salt, cinnamon and pepper until well mixed. Sprinkle the mixture over the nuts, again using half for each baking pan. Toss until the nuts are evenly coated with the spiced mixture. Spread the nuts out in a single layer. Bake for 10 more minutes, or until browned and crisp. Let cool completely. Store the nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days.
☛ Makes two 2-cup packages
DIRECTIONS: Combine the chocolate chips, marshmallow cream and butter in a large bowl and set aside. In a medium saucepan, bring the sugar and milk to a full boil; boil for 12 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour the hot mixture over the chips in the bowl and beat on low with hand mixer until smooth and thickened. Add the chopped walnuts and mix again. Pour into a greased cookie sheet with sides and let sit overnight.
☛ Makes 5 pounds of fudge
three nut candy
Recipe from Jule Glasrud
3 c. granulated sugar
2 c. cream
1 c. white syrup (like Karo)
2 c. Brazil nuts
2 c. walnuts
2 c. pecans
DIRECTIONS: Place in large saucepan over low heat. Cook until mixture reaches soft ball stage (234-240 degrees) — about 30 to 40 minutes — no longer. Remove from heat and while it’s still warm, stir until creamy. When it begins to stiffen, place in a buttered pan. Wrap and store. (Slice thin for serving.)
Holiday Holiday Holiday gift gift giftguide guide guide
skincare your family can trust.
GIVE THE GIFT OF HAPPINESS
Treat the people in your life to a gift they will truly enjoy! Gift cards are available in any denomination and can be used for facials, lasers, Botox, skincare products, and more! Stop by Billings Dermatology & Aesthet ics at 2294 Grant Rd, or call us at 406.294.9660.
NATURALLY WARM
Perfect for home or while camping, nothing is better than a Filson blanket crafted with 100% Mackinaw Wool sourced in the USA. It insulates even when wet, and wool’s natural pliability means it will last for years. $295 at Billings Army Navy Surplus , 10 N. 29th Street, Billings. Visit us online at www.go-armynavy.com
HAND-CRAFTED & UNIQUE
ICONIC!
They’ll feel the love every time they slide into the comfort of a pair of Minnetonka slippers and moccasins from Shipton’s Big R . Choose from a selection of men’s and women’s most iconic footwear. They’re plush. They’re trendy. They’re durable and downright comfortable. Make this year’s gift-giving special with Minnetonka slippers and moccasins starting at $49.99 at Shipton’s Big R, located at 216 N. 14th St., 2600 Gabel Rd., and 1908 Main St. in Billings.
REBUILD & REPLENISH YOUR HAIR
Repair your hair from the inside out with Mondo Verde Natural Organic Products. Get it today at Park Place Styling Salon, 801 14th St W, 245-8188.
Montana hand-crafted gifts are perfect for everyone on your list. Billings artist Roger Strand creates these playful, unique horseshoe coasters, salt and pepper holders, wine holders and much more! Find yours at Rustic Mountain Furnishings , 2905 Millennium Circle in Billings.
HYDRATING HAS NEVER BEEN MORE FUN!
Looking for the perfect gift this Christmas? Our Swig Metallic Tinsel Tree Mugs are here to spread festive cheer and keep drinks at the ideal temp! Keeps drinks hot for nine hours and cold for more than 24. Various sizes to fit every lifestyle. Exclusively at Neecee’s , located in the Shops at Shiloh Crossing in Billings.
THE GIFT OF COMFORT
CHRISTMAS IN THE AIR
Frasier Fir – it’s Gainan’s most popular holiday fragrance gift line. The aromatic snap of Siberian Fir needles, heartening cedarwood and earthy sandalwood combine to create a just-cut forest fragrance that evokes warmth and comfort. Frasier Fir is a tradition that feels right at home. Shop the collection featuring candles, lotions, soaps and more at Gainan’s Midtown Flowers located at 17th & Grand and at Gainans.com
THE GIFT OF CREATIVITY
The perfect products for the artist in your life! Art's Paper & Paint has fine art supplies ranging from introductory youth materials to professional quality paints, papers and more. Art's Paper & Paint, 1500 Broadwater Ave, Ste 2, Billings.
This holiday season, give the gift of comfort and quality fashion with cozy layers from Patagonia, Prana, Vuori, and more at The Base Camp. Whether you're looking for warm fleece, stylish activewear, or sustainable fabrics, you’ll find something for everyone on your list. Visit The Base Camp at 1730 Grand Ave in Billings to discover the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
MAKE IT MERRY!
It’s the coziest season of the year! Make your home even merrier this Christmas with these appliqued velvet pillows with a fun tartan tassel trim. $39 each only at Davidson Designs , 2228 Grand Ave in Billings.
UNWRAP THE GIFT OF MUSIC
Delight your loved ones with unforgettable performances and magical musical experiences of the Billings Symphony Share the joy of symphonic sound and create memories that will resonate all year long. Give the gift that truly sings! Billings Symphony, 2820 2nd Ave. North in downtown Billings.
THE PERFECT GIFT
MARS of Billings gift cards are the PERFECT GIFT no matter what time of year it is. Gift cards can be purchased for just about any amount, making them the ideal gift for the holiday and are redeemable for any product or service MARS has to offer, including window tinting, spray-in bedliners and of course our extensive inventory of car and truck accessories. Located at 2904 Gabel Road. Schedule by phone (406) 591-3888 or visit marsofbillings.com
GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH & WELLNESS
Looking for a gift idea for a family member, client, co worker or that hard to shop for person in your life? Share the transformative power of IV Nutrition , a safe and effective IV nutrient therapy designed to rejuvenate the body. Their carefully crafted blends of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and fluids work harmoniously to support the well-being and enhance the body’s natural healing abilities. Call, visit or go online to purchase a gift card today! Custom amounts available! (406) 206-3550, 1423 38th St W, Billings, MT 59102, www.ivnutrition.com
UNIQUE HOLIDAY TREASURES!
Huntley's R&R Trading is a unique boutique filled with the newest in quality ladies' clothing, jewelry, and accessories. They have up-to-date looks at a reasonable price. There you'll also find an tiques, one-of-a-kind gifts, the latest in home decor, and west ern items. While you are there, check out their extensive estate jewelry and antique furniture collections. Take your time and
NOSTALGIC HOLIDAYS
Junkyard 406 is a unique mix of antiques, gifts, lighting and furniture. Uncommon, Unique, Unexpected....Unusual. Located at 2135 Grand Avenue. Find them on Facebook @junkyard406.
ALL DAY COMFORT
Whether you’re trudging on a hiking trail or walking down the streets of downtown, these performance socks are built to keep your feet warm. Great colors to choose from with plenty of give to accommodate most feet. Mountain Lodge Merino Wool Polar Hiker Men’s and Women’s Socks. $7.95 at Billings Army Navy Surplus , 10 N. 29th Street, Billings. Visit us online at www.go-armynavy.com
CLASSIC!
Carhartt knit cuffed beanies keep the young-at-heart cozy warm on chilly Montana days and cold winter eves. Made of soft, stretchy knit with the Carhartt classic design, you’ll find an array of colors, and they’re priced right at only $19.99. Shop Shipton’s Big R today, located at 216 N. 14th St., 2600 Gabel Rd., and 1908 Main St. in Billings.
THE GIFT OF DOWNTOWN
The Downtown Billings Gift Card gives the gift of options to eat, drink, shop, and explore the more than 50+ downtown Billings locations who accept this one card! Purchase today at downtownbillings.com.
MADE IN THE USA
Laser cut with gorgeous designs, these wood cutting boards are crafted in the USA by two combat veterans. Intricate and artsy designs on one side with a functional cutting board on the other. Custom orders available only at Rustic Mountain Furnishings, 2905 Millennium Circle in Billings.
SAY IT WITH SAPPHIRES
Give something fresh for the holidays. is like nothing Billings has
We love Yogo sapphires! Mined ONLY in Montana they are among the most rare and beautiful gems in the world. Come see their large selection of Yogo sapphires and enjoy up to 50% off through Christmas. Only at Berkman Custom Jewlers, 411 24th Street West Suite 111. When Only the Best Will Do!
FIND IT AT THE YAM!
Come visit The Yellowstone Art Museum and discover a treasure trove of art supplies, craft kits, unique gifts, books, scarves, jewelry, ornaments, cards, and more! Peruse art from talented Montana-owned businesses such as B.Yellowtail, Sarah Angst Art, Agnes Valentina, and B James Designs. You’re sure to find the perfect gift for loved ones of all ages. YAM members at the Benefactor level and above receive 10% off all YAMstore purchases! Yellowstone Art Museum, 401 N 27th Street in Billings.
LOCAL + SUSTAINABLE GIFTS
Frae Everyday Goods is a modern mercantile built to sustain a happy and healthy community by providing local and sustainable goods for daily living. Visit us for a unique selection of holiday gifts centered around LOCAL + ECO FRIENDLY options - from socks, baskets, and candles to chocolates, puzzles, and jewelry - there is always something in store to delight anyone on your holiday shopping list! shopfrae. com Frae Everyday Goods - 115 Shiloh Road Suite #1 - Billings, 406-200-7429 NEW Additional Downtown Billings Location coming soon! Stay tuned for details...
GIVE THE GIFT OF CLEANING
Offering cleaning services for over 15 years. Residential or commercial, weekly/bi-monthly/monthly and special occasions. Contact Brenda Ligocky owner of Brenda's Cleaning Services today at 406-281-1936 or brendaligocky699@gmail.com .
KÜHL!
The long-sleeve, classic flannel shirt KÜHL is known for makes a super gift for any lifestyle. Available at Shipton’s Big R, these soft, cotton blend shirts offer an outdoor look for the guy on your list and a feminine premium fit for the lady. These versatile flannel shirts are $89 when shopping Shipton’s Big R , located at 216 N. 14th St., 2600 Gabel Rd., and 1908 Main St. in Billings.
JUST WHAT THEY WANTED
GO WILD!
WINE CLUB ANYONE?
With a City Vineyard's Silver or Gold Wine Club Membership, gift the taste of wine each month. The wine lover on your list can choose unique wine varieties from around the world, including the wines' descriptions, recipes, and pairings. Gold Club Members receive hardto-get wines from smallproduction wineries and limited allocations. You may even want to treat yourself! City Vineyard , cityvineyardwine.com
With a gift card to Northland Automotive, someone is sure to be very happy this holiday season! From protective floor liners, chrome and stainless accessories, running boards, toolboxes and grill guards, to truck bed covers, spray in bedliners, and window tinting, towing hitches and much, much more! We sell and install all of the trusted brands and have 140 years of combined industry knowledge. Northland Automotive, where they sell everything but the Truck. 1106 S 29th St W, (406) 245-0595, www.northlandautomotive.com
It’s a gift that keeps on giving the whole year, a membership to ZooMontana . Your loved ones can spend the whole year exploring the Zoo’s beautiful park setting, wild animals and so much more, all while supporting ZooMontana. Membership includes free or reduced admission to more than 150 AZA accredited zoos and aquariums throughout the world. Visit zoomontana.org/membership for more!
is the perfect place to shop for her. Clothing, jewelry, bags and gifts that are unique, yet affordable; from blazers to jeans, from work to out-on-thetown, to cozy at-home weekends, the White Feather has it all. Open Thurs - Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 11am-5pm, 131 Moore Lane, STE C, or order online and pick-up in store. 406-860-3044, thewhitefeatherboutiquemt.com
THE GIFT OF WARMTH!
Snuggle up with these beautiful woolen throws made in Yorkshire, England by the Abraham Moon Company. Generously sized at 55 x 72 inches, heirloom quality and timeless design. $168. Visit the Yarn Bar, located at 2909 2nd Ave. N in Billings or online at yarn.bar.
A BASKET FILLED WITH FLAVOR
Take your tastebuds for a ride with gourmet oils and Balsamic vinegars from Spiked Olive. They feature 19 flavored gourmet oils and 30 flavored Balsamic vinegars, Extra Virgin oil and more. Choose from imported olives from Spain; spices; Worcestershire sauce; handmade pasta and let locallyowned Spiked Olive wrap up a gift basket filled with flavor! Call 406-5348888 or check out www.thespikedolivetaproom.com Gift baskets start at $10.00, the pictured gift basket is $120.00. Discount on refills for all size bottles.
LEGENDARY!
Stormy Kromer wool winter caps from Shipton’s Big R make Montana living a whole lot better. Whether out in the field, in the barn, or out on the town, these stylish wool blend caps with100% cotton flannel lining help that special person stay warm all winter. Men’s and women’s caps now available in various colors starting at $47.99 at Shipton’s Big R , located at 216 N. 14th St., 2600 Gabel Rd., and 1908 Main St. in Billings.
DISCOVER THE UNIQUE BEAUTY
...of Carol Hagan's art prints on high definition metal at Rimrock Art & Frame! Transform your space with stunning, vibrant prints that really pop! Carol Hagan’s breathtaking artwork, infused with a modern twist, is now available on durable metal, bringing depth and brilliance to any room. Each print is hand signed and highlighted by Carol. Starting at $90 and available at Rimrock Art & Frame, 1070 S. 24th Street West in Billings and at www.rimrockart.com
CUSTOMMADE
CHRISTMAS
Custom-made yogo sapphire and diamond bracelets by Montague’s Jewelers, starting at $5800. Right: 14 Karat white gold Yogo Sapphire and Diamond alternating Tennis Bracelet - 2.10 carats of diamonds and 2.17 carats of Yogo Sapphires. Middle: 14 karat white gold Yogo Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet - 2.50 carats of Diamonds and .75 carats of Yogo Sapphires. Left Platinum Yogo Sapphire and Diamond Station Tennis Bracelet - 2.04 carats of Diamonds and 2.24 carats of Yogo Sapphires. Montague’s Jewelers, is located at 2810 2nd Ave N, Billings, MT 59101. Call them at 406-294-9370.
PERFORMANCE!
CLEAN WITH EASE
Limited edition pastel colors now in-stock. (only available for SEBO K3 and E3) from Stuart’s House of Vacuums located at 3127 Central Ave. in Billings.
Adventure begins with a Vortex Iron Peak 4-12x44 rifle scope. This Best Seller from Shipton’s Big R, offers rugged construction and superior clarity. Set your sights on this exceptional value now. Priced at just $149.99 at Shipton’s Big R, this Vortex Iron Peak rifle scope will make holiday gift giving an eye-opener! Seeing is believing this season at Shipton’s Big R , located at 216 N. 14th St., 2600 Gabel Rd., and 1908 Main St. in Billings.
CHRISTMAS MONTANA STYLE!
Local ceramic artisan Eloise Oviatt designs these “must have” orna ments with a love for Montana treasures in mind. Her handcrafted trout ornaments are made in Billings for that special fisherwoman, fisherman and trout admirer. Eloise’s ornaments are the perfect gift idea, a gift for a loved one far from home, or a perfect addition to your tree. Kiln fired and ceramic glazed, these ornaments will bring joy all year round. What could be better than a gift created by a local artist? Starting at $16: The Frame Hut & “Gift” Gallery , located at 1430 Grand Ave., Billings, MT.
RIGHT NOW, roughly 750 children are in the care of the state through foster care in and around Yellowstone County. When the holidays roll around, so does the fear that there won’t be one for them.
“They are going through what is most likely one of the hardest things they will go through during their childhood,” says Jenn Webber, a child protection specialist supervisor with the Child and Family Services Division of the state health department. She knows that many of the children in care left their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs.
“Sometimes, and it’s not always, when a child needs to be removed from their home due to unsafe circumstances, we don’t always have the opportunity to grab things that are needed, or if we do, they are minimal,” Jenn says.
Yellowstone Valley Woman is hoping to make the holidays bright for these children, and we need your help. We’ve gathered up the names and wishes from some of these children to help make sure there is a present with their name on it under the tree.
“This program gives a child joy knowing that something was picked out specifically for them,” Jenn says.
To sponsor a child this holiday, simply purchase the items in need and label the unwrapped gift with the child's name and stocking number listed below.
For those who serve these children, there are often tears of gratitude by the time Christmas comes.
“Honestly, I have no words,” Jenn says. “Every year there are tears. Between seeing the activity of gifts coming in or dropping them off with families or hearing the stories from community members who are part of the giving, it’s overpowering. There are always tears.”
1.Ellie, age 13, is living with her grandparents. Ellie wears a women’s size medium in shirts and leggings, and shoes size 9 in women. Ellie’s favorite color is green; she enjoys art, DIY kits and journaling.
2.Sarah, age 7, loves Barbie and Squishmallows. Sarah plays soccer and wears girls size 7/8 clothing and shoe size 13. She loves all things pink and sparkly!
3.Noah, age 15, wears men size small/medium, and he lives in sweatshirts! He would like gift cards to eat lunch with friends during school and loves all things Nike!
4.
Michael, age 8, wears a size 10-12 in boys and likes playing football. Michael would like winter gear to play in the snow, fidget toys and Legos.
5.Jaden is a laid-back 16-year-old boy who loves the freedom and practicality of gift cards. He’s currently in need of specific clothing items to round out his wardrobe, such as shirts, pants, shoes and jackets. Amazon or Visa gift cards will allow him to choose his style, so they are a perfect option for him this year.
6.Leo is an adorable 8-month-old boy who loves the Cookie Monster! He’s growing fast and could use 9-12 month-sized clothes, including shirts, pants and shoes to keep him comfy. Although he doesn’t need a jacket right now, fun, Cookie Monster-themed toys would surely make him smile.
7.Ellie is a creative 10-year-old girl who adores bunnies, My Generation dolls and makeup. She wears a size 10 in both shirts and pants (slim fit), and a size 4 in shoes. She could use a jacket in size 10-12 to stay cozy. Arts and crafts activities, new doll accessories, or American Girl/My Generation doll items would make her day!
8.Zachariah is a 15-year-old boy with a keen interest in shoes, cars and scooters. He wears a size medium shirt, large sweats, and size 11.5 shoes. He could use a large jacket for the colder months. He has been asking for a desk and computer for his room, which would help him organize and focus. Gift cards for new shoes or tech-related items would be perfect.
9.Nicole is a sweet 3-year-old girl who loves Frozen, dolls and ponies. She prefers wearing dresses, but when it comes to winter clothes, she could use size 6/7 shirts and pants, size 11 kids’ shoes, and a size 7 jacket to keep her warm. She would love a bike for outdoor adventures, along with doll accessories and hair items to play with indoors.
10.Amy is a curious 3-year-old girl who loves spending time outside and doing arts and crafts. She wears size 3T in shirts, pants and jackets, and size 7 in shoes. Warm socks, snow boots and winter hats would help her stay cozy while playing in the snow. A craft apron would keep her tidy during her creative endeavors.
11.Arlo is a fun-loving 10-year-old boy who enjoys Spider-Man, clay and dress-up. He wears size 10-12 shirts and pants and size 7 men’s shoes. He could use a warm jacket in size 10-12 to prepare for the colder weather. He would love a special blanket or web shooters to enhance his Spider-Man playtime!
12.Nancy is a vibrant 7-year-old girl who enjoys playing with Barbies, Rainbow High dolls and Spider-Woman toys. She wears size 7-8 in both shirts and pants, and size 1 in shoes. She also needs a jacket in size 7-8. She would love more dolls and accessories to add to her growing collection.
13.Sarah is a curious 2-year-old girl who enjoys puzzles, teething toys and developmentally appropriate inside activities. She wears size 2T in shirts, pants and jackets, and size 6 toddler shoes. She would benefit from winter hats, warm socks and snow boots for the colder months. A craft apron would also keep her clothes clean during her playtime.
14.Amelia is a playful 7-year-old girl who absolutely loves cats. She enjoys pretending with play food and dishes, and doing arts and crafts. She wears size 7 in shirts and jackets, size 6/7 pants, and size 1 shoes. New doll accessories or American Girl-related items would keep her busy and entertained.
15.Ada is a creative 9-year-old girl who loves Hello Kitty, arts and crafts and playing restaurant with her siblings. She wears size 8 in both shirts and pants, and size 2 girls’ shoes. A jacket in size 8 would help keep her warm. Some arts and crafts kits or doll accessories would be great gifts for her!
16.William is a lively 4-year-old boy who loves Paw Patrol, Spider-Man and Transformers. He enjoys anything hands-on, like cars, trucks and trains. William wears size 5T shirts and jackets, size 4T pants, and size 12 shoes. He could use a warm jacket for winter and some fun new toys to fuel his active playtime.
17.Anna is a playful 1-year-old girl who loves Little People toys and books. She wears size 2T in shirts, pants and jackets, and size 4 shoes. A fun toy set or some new winter clothes would help her stay comfortable and entertained.
18.Atlas is a sweet 4-month-old boy who’s growing fast! He could use clothes in size 3-6 months, including shirts, pants and jackets, as well as shoes in size 3-6 months. His family is hoping for a crib and bottles to ensure he’s well cared for and cozy.
19.Claire is a thoughtful 12-year-old girl who loves Harry Potter, spooky things and astrology. She wears women’s XXL shirts, XL women’s pants, size 10 women’s shoes, and a 2XL3XL jacket. She would appreciate vinyl water bottle stickers, journals and maybe even an MP3 player with headphones to enjoy her favorite music.
20.Celia is an adventurous 11-year-old girl who adores cats and the Warrior Cat series. She wears women’s XL shirts, size 14-16 pants, size 8.5 women’s shoes and an XL jacket. A metal water bottle or electric scooter would be perfect gifts for her, along with the Spot It game for some family fun.
21.Landon is a 9-year-old boy who loves art, especially painting and drawing. He wears size large shirts, pants and jackets, and size 4.5-5 shoes. Canvases, markers or even Funko Pop figures would brighten his day and let him show off his creativity.
22.Lexi is a 6-year-old girl with a big imagination. She loves unicorns, Disney princesses (especially from the movie “Wish”) and playing dress-up. She wears size S/M (7) in shirts, pants and jackets, and size 13-1 shoes. Some new dress-up clothes, nail polish or stickers would be great for her creative playtime.
23. Madeline is an energetic 1-year-old girl who loves baby dolls, especially ones that play music. She wears size 2T in shirts, pants, jackets and shoes. A doll stroller or a play phone would add some fun to her imaginative play.
24.Mary is a trendy 13-year-old girl who loves everything Stitch. She would love a Shipton’s Big R gift card or some turquoise western jewelry to add to her collection. A jacket to keep her warm would also be appreciated.
25.Nancy is a spunky 4-year-old girl who loves purple, kitties and Barbies. She wears size 4/5 in shirts, pants, jackets and size 9/10 shoes. Some new toys featuring her favorite animals or dolls would make her holiday special.
yellowstonevalleywoman.com/stockings
The list will be updated continuously throughout the season to make sure new children in the foster care system aren’t forgotten this
DRAWING ON NOSTALGIA TO REINVENT THE FAMILY HOME
TIMELESS TIMELESS design6
written by JULIE KOERBER photography by DANIEL SULLIVAN
STEPPING INTO John and Nicole Atkinson’s home, two words come to mind: elegant and approachable. It has to be. The couple has four lively girls ranging in age from 2 to 9, and it’s a safe bet that there’s never a dull moment in their home.
When asked about their style, Nicole admits it’s eclectic, drawing from antiques that have been passed down through both her and John’s family. There are splashes of color that give a nod to John’s artistic side. He's an architect by trade and owns AT Architecture, but he's a painter at heart with a love for watercolor.
When the couple bought this 1979 home four years ago, it was a typical ’70s design — dark cabinetry, fluorescent lighting and fragmented rooms. While they admit it had a strong foundation, the character was lacking.
That’s not the case today. Their creativity and unique approach to putting cherished heirlooms on display is evident in every square foot of this well-loved home.
“John’s family is really into antiques, and when we first got married, we had nothing,” Nicole says. They gifted us furniture and that’s when I started falling in love with this look.”
The gifted pieces aren’t your average hand-me-downs. They were antiques that might have had their start with John’s grandmother but now abide in the Atkinson home. There’s the brass lamp from Nicole’s mother that she adorned with a hand-sewn fabric lampshade, and there are ship-themed light fixtures. And who could miss the stuffed bobcat that stands guard over piano that used to belong to her mother?
“I love that European look,” Nicole says. “It’s old. It’s pretty. I don’t mind scratches and dents. I think that brings beauty and warmth.”
The heart of the home is where the biggest transformation has taken place. John and Nicole gutted the kitchen and lived on subfloor for a while as they worked out the plans for their neo-classical kitchen.
“They knew exactly what they wanted,” says Krystle Henry, an interior designer with Kitchens Plus.
John proves that point by flipping through images on his phone
he played around with before handing the design reins to Krystle.
While Krystle embraced the layout and started dreaming up ways to bring it to life, she had to really engineer one of Nicole and John’s desires — a 10-foot floating walnut island outfitted with a power supply. The piece took on the look of furniture and would be topped with a 10-foot slab of quartz. The weight of the piece alone required a feat of engineering.
“To be able to suspend this distance with a solid surface quartz top, we had to get some structural support from below,” Krystle says. The result was a fabricated steel frame that’s hidden under the island. Since Kitchens Plus has its own shop, it designed, built and stain-matched the legs for the piece, drilling out a portion of one leg to run power to the island.
Another challenge was color. Nicole and John wanted anything but the typical white kitchen. They were drawn instead to warm shades of cream. Krystle ended up finding a cabinet that could be painted a custom color with the couple choosing Sherwin Williams’ shade known as Accessible Beige — a light tan with warm gray undertones. Instead of your average white trim, John chose
IN THE CORNER OF THE KITCHEN HANGS
A BRASS BELL THAT NICOLE ADMITS IS AN ANTIQUE WHICH SHE NOW USES TO SUMMON HER GIRLS FOR DINNER.
a warm green for the room’s decorative crown molding.
“John always pushes me outside of my comfort zone with color,” Nicole says, giving her husband a smile from across the room.
It’s why the functional pantry is dressed in a dusty pink with maroon and green accents. This was where the laundry room once sat. Now, it’s a user-friendly storage area which houses small appliances like a microwave and toaster and has counter space for Nicole’s favorite cookbooks. Nicole created a curtain that hides what would otherwise be open under-cabinet storage.
“From a kitchen design standpoint, the functional pantry is trending, and I think it’s here to stay,” Krystle says. “It’s a place where you can keep a lot of that counter clutter.”
The entire space is reminiscent of a home you might
have found decades, maybe even a century, ago in the French countryside. The built-in hutch displays the couple’s china and glassware. The recessed panel cabinets come with a timeless beveled edge and have the added charm of brass antique looking latches, knobs and pulls. There’s the large decorative porcelain farmhouse sink and an oversized window that gives a view to another of John’s hobbies — a large garden plot full of vegetables, fruit and flowers. At the center of this space, you’ll find quartz counters that mimic the look of both granite and soapstone.
“Soapstone is a really difficult product to maintain,” Krystle says. That’s why when the couple mentioned they wanted the look, Krystle steered them in the direction of quartz instead. “You have to oil soapstone on a regular basis and it’s very soft, so it scratches easily.”
The mix of it all creates a cozy, yet elegant feel. Nicole loves the looks of designers Jean Stoffer and Heidi Caillier, and often found herself drawn to their unique design styles.
A LARGE PICTURE WINDOW FROM WIN-DOR GIVES A BEAUTIFUL VIEW TO THE FAMILY'S BACKYARD GARDEN
“I feel like when I come into your home, I am walking into an antique shop in Paris,” Krystle says with a smile.
At the center of the kitchen, you’ll find the Italian Ilve stove. It’s a 36-inch dual fuel range with a timeless beauty. It offers heavy-duty cast iron cooktop pieces with the modern convenience of a true convection oven.
“I love to eat and so I love to cook,” Nicole says with a laugh. John adds, “She cooks a lot, and she is a really great cook.” As they say this, their four daughters are busy adding preserves to Nicole’s freshly baked scones.
Surrounding the oven is a custom-created scalloped backsplash that Krystle designed and, once again, looks like something from yesteryear.
In the corner of the kitchen hangs a brass bell that Nicole admits is an antique which she now uses to summon her girls for dinner.
“It’s a big house, and I don’t want to yell when it’s dinnertime,” she says. All four girls nod when asked if they love listening for the bell.
Upstairs, there is more of the family’s DIY
QUARTZ COUNTERS FROM MAGIC CITY GRANITE PROVIDE THE LOOK OF SOAPSTONE AND GRANITE WITHOUT THE MAINTENANCE
FROM A KITCHEN DESIGN STANDPOINT, THE FUNCTIONAL PANTRY IS TRENDING, AND I THINK IT’S HERE TO STAY. IT’S A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN KEEP A LOT OF THAT COUNTER CLUTTER.
— Krystle Henry
handiwork. What was once a bedroom has been converted to a “schoolroom,” for Nicole and her daughters to home school. Walls were reconfigured in the master bedroom to make way for a walk-through closet and the master bath, which had been once open to the rest of the master bedroom, has been enclosed. A new tiled walk-in shower and a new vanity were installed as was a coved ceiling over the shower for additional character and charm.
“We have touched every surface in this house,” John says.
While the couple still has plans for the casual family room along with putting finishing touches on a main level half bath, they are taking their time. Every room in this home seems to have its own story, and for some rooms, that story is still being written.
In November, John and Nicole are headed to Paris and possibly London to celebrate their 15th anniversary. It’s a good guess they’ll come home with new and unique pieces to add to their décor, like the print John picked up at an antique shop in Scotland that adorns a dining room wall, or the National Geo-
I LOVE THAT EUROPEAN LOOK. IT’S OLD. IT’S PRETTY. I DON’T MIND SCRATCHES AND DENTS. I THINK THAT BRINGS BEAUTY AND WARMTH.
— Nicole Atkinson
FIXTURES FROM THE WATER CLOSET GIVE A NOD TO YESTERYEAR WITH A GILDED ANTIQUE FLAIR
graphic spread from the 1920s that sits framed in their formal living room.
It's a style that, in a way, defies definition. When asked to describe the look that has come together in the Atkinson home, Nicole and John nod as Krystle says, “I remember reading this somewhere: ‘Put what you love together and that is your style.’”
Nicole adds, “We like to make things our own.” ✻
A WARM welcome2
INVITING IDEAS TO DRESS UP YOUR GUEST ROOM
written by GAYLE SMITH photography by DANIEL SULLIVAN
HAVE YOU EVER entered a hotel room, plopped on the bed and completely fallen in love with how it instantly made you feel at home? Well, you don’t have to send your guests to a five-star hotel for that cozy feeling. We’ve got some easy tips to spruce up that extra bedroom to make sure they feel right at home in an inviting, tranquil and beautiful space.
WHERE TO START
Whether your guest bedroom needs a few warm touches or a total revamp, now is the perfect time to spruce it up. Take a good long look around the room and think about what you would want to feel cozy and welcome.
THE LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT
“The goal is to make overnight guests feel at home and we often forget those creature comforts that make a big difference,” says Zach Wilson, owner of Rocky Mountain Glass. “When getting ready to start our day or attending an event or dinner party, we all want and need to see what we look like. Not only that, but a full-length mirror also brightens and enlarges your space.” Zach adds, “We can also cut your mirror in-house, to any size or shape, giving it a uniqueness.”
A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
No one wants to live out of a suitcase. Make sure there is a place for your guests’ clothes and personal items, including some closet space. If your furniture is somewhat dated, Joe Westberg, general manager at A&H Specialties, has a simple solution. Try replacing dated drawer handles and knobs. “Updating your furniture can make a big difference in the look and feel of your existing pieces,” he says. “Our Amerock brand of cabinet handles and knobs in the Blackrock Collection is very popular right now, and we have many others to choose from, along with towel holders and clothes hooks, which are important if you are short on closet space. These simple items modernize a guest room and bath.”
FROM FLOOR TO CEILING
To keep things simple, consider choosing a neutral paint color and neutral hues to serve as a blank canvas for the rest of your room’s décor. Consider curtains or shades with black-out features to ensure both a restful sleep and privacy for your guests. For your walls, try composing a gallery wall with matching-themed pieces or family photos, and add a little fun with a colorful lampshade and pillows. If new carpet is a must, softness should be your first consideration.
A MONTANA TOUCH
A throw rug or bed accent can convey a rustic yet refined Montana style. This beautiful cowhide from Western Ranch Supply can serve as either. As Marketing Manager Shelbi Bradford says, “Cowhides add a rich feel to a space and lend that Montana look we all love. They can easily match your room in tricolor, black and white, speckled and tan, or the brown and black brindle.” She adds that if you’re going for a western-inspired look, Western Ranch Supply has wall art, scented candles and plush throw blankets.
LIGHT IT UP
The right lighting is often overlooked in a guest room. Of course, guests would love a bright overhead light, but don’t forget the soft light your guest might love to switch on to read before bed. It’s always nice to stock a guest room with a few books or magazines. If there is enough space, a chair and a small table give guests a place to rejuvenate.
A GREAT FOUNDATION
Nothing sets the stage quite like a nice bedroom set. If you are in the market for a refresh, Deanna Lagaly, sales associate at Conlin’s Furniture, says, “Spending over the holidays can be hectic in itself. When shopping for guest bedroom furniture, look for something durable yet affordable.” She points to this set that’s an ode to Montana, made from premier North American Red Oak. "It offers a warmth and beauty perfect for any guest bedroom,” says Deanna, adding that it’s aptly named the Big Sky Collection.
A SOFT SCENTED LANDING
When it comes to making your overnight guests feel welcome, it’s often the little things that make a difference. Tiffany Miller-O’Brien, owner of Frae Everyday Goods, says, “You can easily curate a takeaway gift basket that your guests will love, filled with items that represent their time spent with you in Montana.” She says you can take your hostess game up a notch with items made right here in Billings. She suggests a handmade Scarpari basket filled with items like fragrant bar soap from Rock Creek Soaps, and Frae Everyday Good’s own line of shampoo and conditioner. Add a mug, tea, a vintage jar candle and a bamboo travel toothbrush and toothpaste tabs for that perfect touch.
EXTRA DOSE OF RELAXATION
Diffusers, down pillows and snuggly bedding will set a relaxing mood in the room, and for an exceptional touch, add an eye mask, some slippers or cozy socks. You can also bring the outdoors in with a houseplant or even fresh flowers. Consider plush towels to enhance the space as well.
Whatever your budget, take the time to make your guest bedroom something outstanding before the holiday rush leaves you hurried and exhausted. Careful, though. Your guests may never want to leave. ✻
FESTIVE FOLDS FESTIVE FOLDS
TURN YOUR OLD MAGAZINES INTO A CREATIVE CHRISTMAS DISPLAY
DON’T THROW OUT or recycle those old magazines just yet! We have a way to upcycle them into some charming Christmas decor. With a few quick folds, these trees add a modern look that is great for an empty corner or even a tablescape. Dress them up or let the natural colors of each magazine page create the look. Either way, it’s a fun and low-cost way to add some whimsy during the holidays.
Here’s How To Make It
Start by removing the cover of the magazine. The magazines I chose had a lot of pages in them and the pages were stiffer. With thicker pages, it is a little tougher to fold but the pages will stand up somewhat better once the project is done.
Begin by folding the top left-hand corner to the spin. Fold all the pages the exact same way working your way through the entire magazine. Every fifth page, I ran the back of a comb along the fold to get a nice crease. I also used a paper clip to keep the pages out of my way as I continued folding.
Once you’re done, working from the last page you folded to the front, fold the crease to the spine. You’ll want to make sure your folds are sharp as you work your way to the front again. This will make a long skinny triangle.
Can you see the tree starting to take shape? Once we get back to the front, move to the bottom of the page and fold the triangle
What you will need...
• Magazines/catalogs
• Glue
• White spray paint — optional
• Glitter — optional
• Fake snow — optional
tail flush with the magazine. Do this on all the skinny triangles, working towards the back of the magazine, again, making sure all the folds are sharp.
Now that everything is folded, fluff the pages so they stand up and fill the tree. I glued the front and last fold together so the paper tree will hold its shape.
If you like your tree au natural, you are done! If, however, you prefer to take it up a notch, spray the tree with white spray paint to make it look like it got a dusting of snow. If you want to go over the top, take fake snow and glitter and sprinkle it on the wet paint. I honestly can't decide if I like the plain or decorated tree better. Both have plenty of charm. You don’t have to stop there either. Once the paint is dry, feel free to add any embellishments and make the tree your own.
These paper trees are fun, easy and fast. I created mine in less than 30 minutes while watching my favorite TV show. Since they’re so simple, if they don’t stand the test of time, feel free to toss them and make a new set. ✻
RACHEL JENNINGS, writer
Rachel is a self described "Junker," who not only loves all things old, but LOVES the challenge of trying to make something new out of each find. While she is a Hair Stylist by day, in her off time you can often find her covered in paint, trying to repurpose something she's found.
A REMODEL WITH MORE THAN A FEW FAVORITE THINGS
written by GAYLE SMITH photography courtesy of RIMROCK
FROM DATED TO dazzling2
SIX YEARS AGO, Jaime and Paul Ouradnik purchased their West End 1980s-style home. After their youngest child went off to college, they felt the time was right for a few updates. They wanted a home to match their lifestyle — one with an eye on entertaining.
The old kitchen had unique concrete-covered countertops that were aging and starting to crack. “My first thought was to replace my kitchen countertops, and the project just grew from there,” Jaime says.
Jaime and Paul have known Stephen Wylie of Rimrock Cabinet Co. for years. They’d seen the work his company had done for their friends in new homes and remodels alike.
“After discussing a plan with Stephen and listening to his input, the wheels were set in motion,” Jaime says. “We decided if we were going to do this, we were diving in headfirst, redoing the entire kitchen, dining, living and bathroom areas and just going for it.”
CABINET CO.
dazzling2
before
GETTING STARTED
The plan took five months to create, with additions and revisions along the way. The project began with a three-day demolition of the kitchen, dining area, living space and bathroom. All were completely gutted. Even after the project began, Jaime admits to proposing a few new ideas she wanted to insert in the plans.
“It’s easy to envision some of the things you want to achieve, like opening up the space, knocking down a wall and creating more of an open concept,” she says. “But in the kitchen, it’s a little more difficult. You have to envision the future, how the rooms will flow into one another and the best way to make the space work for you.”
There were 14 revisions in all to the original plan.
“Stephen patiently took everything into consideration and made it happen,” says Jaime.
“Surprisingly, the 14th and last revision drawing was very similar to the second drawing plan we did,” Stephen says, “like the pantry with pull-out shelves and the giant pull-out drawer directly under the stovetop in the island, conveniently housing all Jaime’s pots and pans.”
before
IT WAS TIME
To make way for the Ouradniks’ vision, the Rimrock Cabinet Co. team started by opening up the space. A wall separated the kitchen from the living room, almost closing off the two areas from each other. When the holidays rolled around, it made it difficult to entertain for a crowd. A buffet line was almost out of the question.
“We want our guests to enjoy themselves and also feel comfortable in their surroundings,” Jaime says. “Large gatherings were always possible, but there were certain areas where there was just no flow, creating traffic jams.”
In addition to being the contractor for the project, Rimrock Cabinet Co. was able to take care of everything needed for the remodel, enlisting the help of subcontractors for a portion of the work.
“From the floors to the ceilings, to lighting and window coverings, as well as the kitchen and kitchen counters, and bath, we were a single source for the Ouradniks,” Stephen says.
FIVE MONTHS LATER
From cramped and divided to a light, airy and functional space, the transformation is complete.
The far wall in the dining area now boasts a butler’s pantry, complete with a bar sink with readily available hot and cold water taps, a beverage refrigerator and coffee bar. A softer version of Subway tile in a Blanc White, was used for the majority of the backsplash throughout, and a gray “penny” tile adorns the bar sink and the sides of the apron-front farm kitchen sink. The remodel also added plenty of counter and storage space.
In both the kitchen and butler’s pantry, you’ll find alder cabinets painted in what’s called a Metropolitan Gray. They are covered in a Via Terra quartz called Etude. It’s a bright white design with long gray and gold veins that crisscross the slab.
On the flooring, you’ll find a product known as stone polymer composite or SPC. The core of each plank is stone mixed with polymer for durability, and creating the look of solid wood.
SEED GLASS DOORS IN THE BUTLER’S PANTRY LET JAIME’S CHINA COLLECTION SHINE.
A FEW OF HER FAVORITE THINGS
“The cabinets in the butler’s pantry enable me to store everything I need for entertaining right here where it's convenient,” Jaime says. “Before the remodel, everything was in the back bottom cupboards of the main kitchen area and was hard to get to. Now, it can be showcased and also has a purpose.”
Another favorite is the stove top with induction heating, placed right in the island.
“Rimrock built an oversized drawer that fits all of my pots and pans in one place,” Jaime says. “Everything was designed for functionality and convenience.”
And then, there’s the microwave oven, which was designed as a pull-out drawer.
“With one slight bump, it instantly closes,” Jaime adds. “I just love it.”
THE RESULT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF
“The mixture of black, gray, cream and satin bronze ties everything together beautifully,” Jaime says as she looks around her new space.
The design offers an abundance of windows with new moldings cut on site thanks to Pella Window and Door and are painted to match the space, adding to the airy feel.
“There’s a beautiful view from every vantage point,” Jaime says.
With the remodel behind them, the Ouradniks’ home is a bright and spacious expression of their family. It’s filled with all the amenities they need and yes, it’s even ready to take on this year’s holiday gatherings with ease. ✻
