Explore Red Lodge February 2014

Billings Gazette

1

02/16

CYAN

red lodge RED LODGE

First Friday Artwalk: Time to get those boots a-walking!

(Top) Groups of creative cardboard crafters slide down the mountain during the annual Cardboard Classic race held during Winter Carnival.

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff

By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com

Hop, skip and a jump Across the street at Mad Woman Marketplace, artwalkers can peruse TGIF! That is, if it is the first Friday of more tactile art, such as January’s the month in Red Lodge, Mont. artist, Tiffany Miller of Connected Four businesses on the south end Threads. A fiber artist, Miller creates of Broadway Avenue have informally innovative images on T-shirts, yoga banded together to offer what is pants and skirts. known as First Friday Artwalk. As the Next door, artwalkers will be fasname implies, the first Friday of each cinated by the work of three jewelry month, Boomerang Beads, Honey’s, artists at Boomerang Beads.

Mad Woman Marketplace and Red Erin Lohas, one of the featured Lodge Clay Center keep their doors artists, noted that at least one of the open late, until 7 p.m. (although it often jewelers is available to talk with artends up being later than that) so that walkers, making the entire First Friday those curious about art can socialize experience very personable. Boomeraround the various genres. ang Beads typically offers appetizers Kerri Wolfson, who opened Honey’s and complimentary wine. just over a year ago, noted that her “It has been inspiring to see what locoffee/sandwich shop has quickly becal people are creating,” said Lohas. “It come a community gathering place for drums up shopping local, buying local knitting clubs, tea with the mayor and and socializing in general—that in turn a food partnership. Offering Honey’s stimulates business.” walls for revolving art exhibits seemed like a natural extension of that comSet in clay munity vibe.

At the Red Lodge Clay Center, the “I think First Friday Artwalk has been exhibits are more formal—a great a great jumping-off point,” she said. juxtaposition to the informality of “People are attracted the opportunity the other Artwalk locations—giving for cultural fun, and it’s something dif- viewers a wide range of art to enjoy. ferent to do.”

Andrea Moon, communication and Wolfson, who noted that she doesn’t residency coordinator for the Red really have to “search” for artists, has Lodge Clay Center, noted that many featured a diverse group of artists and of the Center’s exhibits draw from genres, sometimes two per month. In the ceramic art community across the the cold month of January, expansive, state and nation. They may also follow color quilts warmed up the walls. In a theme rather than just one artist.

February, a short month in the dead of Moon regards the First Friday Artwinter, the featured artist is more hu- walk as a great venue for Red Lodge morous than serious with illustrations and lauds the businesses’ collaborative inspired by the local police blotter. efforts.

Wolfson offers complimentary beer, “If businesses pull together and are wine, appetizers and some of her siglocated closely together, then people nature “sweets” to “artwalkers” who will visit each business,” she said, notbrowse the exhibit. The kitchen is also ing that the featured artists are usually open for orders off the menu. available to talk about their work or “Artwalk has been really wellperhaps even give demonstrations. received,” she noted. “I think it’s really “Artwalk has become a real commucatching on as an off-season event.” nity event,” she added.

Wolfson concurred and said, “This community really rallies around Red Lodge artists.”

INSIDE Ski-Joring: Winter fun meets western style on March 7-9 at the National Ski-Joring competition Page 3 “Olympic Gold”: The annual Cardboard Classic will bring zany antics, crazy costumes, cardboard concoctions, live music and more to Red Lodge Mountain on February 28 and March 1.

Page 3 Upcoming events: Red Lodge is host to exciting events year-round; read up on the upcoming events.

Page 4 Explore Red Lodge is a special advertising section of

The Billings Gazette

Sales and Marketing Director Dave Worstell Retail Sales Manager Shelli Scott Classified & Digital Sales Manager Ryan Brosseau Director of Marketing Allyn Hulteng Special Sections Coordinator Linsay Duty Content Editors Brittany Cremer & Brenda Maas Section Designer Christine Cleveland Access Explore Red Lodge at www. billingsgazette.com/specialsections

1

MAG

YEL

BLAK

Sunday, February 16, 2014

UPCOMING EXHIBITS AT THE RED LODGE CLAY CENTER February 3-March 1 Collaboration is an exhibition by two Ceramic Artists, Frank Boyden and Tom Coleman. This exhibition also includes a Featured Artist: David Crane.

The exhibition dates are Feb. 3-March 1 with a closing reception on Feb. 28.

In conjunction with Collaboration, Frank Boyden and Tom Coleman will be giving a free demonstrative workshop on March 1 from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and March 2 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Please call the gallery to RSVP at 406-446-3993.

March 7-April 25 (First Friday Event) Within:Without is an invitational, group exhibition about carriers of content, large jars with opening reception on March 7.

May 2-30 (First Friday Event) Artist Invite Artist Summer Kick Off a group exhibition with opening reception on May 2.

First Friday Artwalk Participants: These businesses are open late the first Friday of every month for First Friday Artwalk in Red Lodge.

Boomerang Beads 212 S. Broadway Ave. Facebook.com; search Boomerang Beads Mad Woman Marketplace 206 S. Broadway Ave. Facebook.com; search Mad Woman Marketplace

Red Lodge Clay Center 123 S. Broadway Ave. redlodgeclaycenter.com Honey’s 209 S. Broadway Ave. Facebook.com/honeyscafe

The Red Lodge Clay Center’s impressive exhibits are part of the new First Friday Artwalks in Red Lodge.

Courtesy of The Red Lodge Clay Center

Ski Packages

Starting at $87.50/person Slope Side to Creek Side!

• Yell ow Sanctu stone Wil 60 res ary is homdlife no lon cued anim e to over the wilger able to als who are d. surviv e in

Package includes:

s,

of bear hin 3 feet, fox, er stand wit • Come elk, bison, dens more. wolves, ls and doze hawks, ow

• We are the onl y organization openonprofit rescue n to the public.

AccomodAtions ski ticket continentAl BreAkfAst

Benefitting 54 local charities please mark your calendar

dlife

• Wil

S

!

teed!

uaran

gs G ightin

• Ed u Whocational le Fa Adve mily nture .

August 30, 2014 Red Lodge, Montana

for t

he

10K & 5K Fun Run 5K & 2 Mile Fun Walk no ent ry fee. donations encouraged.

Winter Hours • Open Daily 10AM - 2PM

Where FUN benefits Everyone!

Learn how you can help at:

www.RedLodgeFunRun.org email: funrun@rlacf.org

Location: Just north of downtown Red Lodge at 615 2nd Street East

The Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities is organized by: The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation – PO Box 1871, Red Lodge, MT 59068

406-446-1133 | www.yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.com

www.redlodgeareacommunityfoundation.org

CYAN

MAG

YELO

BLAK

1

Enjoy the slopes at Red Lodge Mountain and then relax with us right on Rock Creek. Amenities include indoor pool, hot tub and sauna, and our cozy, historic restaurant & bar, Old Piney Dell.

Creek Side Escape

Located 5 miles south of Red Lodge, MT

(800) 667-1119 • (406)446-1111 Check our website for more details: www.RockCreekResort.com

CYAN 2

Sunday, February 16, 2014

MAG

YEL

BLAK

RED LODGE

1

Yellowstone Dog Sports: A barking good time

By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com Man’s best friend—he can sit, roll and fetch. But there’s more to the story. Dogs are incredibly trainable.

So much so that Elaine Osmun, owner of Yellowstone Dog Sports, has dedicated her career to our canine buddies.

“My dogs are my team, my athletes,” said Osmun of her three Australian shepherds and “borgi” (a border collie-corgi mix).

Osmun has been training dogs since 1993, holding more than 20 agility champion titles on five dogs, two obedience champions plus titles in herding, tracking and confirmation at a national level.

Ironically, she matched up with dogs via horses.

“A friend threw in a puppy when I bought a horse collar from her, and that dog became an agility dog,” Osmun said. “I ended up selling the horse and training dogs. There are many similarities between the two.”

Osmun estimated that 75 percent of those competing in dog trials are former “horse people.”

“Instead of using the leash for corrections, we now use rewards,” she noted of modern training methods.

“The dogs need motivation to do some of the things we ask them to do, so use what appeals to them—a treat, a ball, a bumper. It’s not natural for them to do that crazy stuff.”

Canine chaos “Crazy stuff” hardly covers a wildly popular competition called “flyball.” Osmun explained that two teams, of four dogs each, run a relay race. Each dog runs over four hurdles and then steps on a box; a ball pops up, the dog grabs it in his or her mouth and races back over the same four hurdles; the next dog is released. Repeat until all four athletes….er, uh, dogs run a leg.

The barking is intense and the athletes strain for their chance to run. Organized chaos reigns.

“It’s crazy but it’s so much fun,” emphasized Osmun.

Although agility and flyball dogs frequently come from the herding group, Osmun has worked with every breed from golden retrievers to standard poodles and boxers. In addition, she has a “rescue” dog and mixed breed on her team.

Austrian shepherd Taiter, owned by Gro Aasgaard from Canada, works a herd of sheep at Yellowstone Dog Sports facility.

Courtesy of Melissa Dragovich

In the doghouse Yellowstone Dog Sports, located eight miles north of Red Lodge on Highway 212, is a destination for “flyballers” and canine lovers from across North America.

Offerings include herding, scent training, obedience (beginner and advanced), agility and other classes, training and competition.

Osmun opened the doors three years ago, offering a 100x200-foot indoor arena, dock, pond, trail, outdoor training space and even sheep to be herded. With on-site accommodations for both the two-legged and fourlegged species, plus RV sites,Yellowstone Dog Sports is literally doggie nirvana.

The arena, which literally takes the weather factor out of the competition equation, is a very popular venue, and Osmun reported visitors from Canada and many of the 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.

“Some, like those from Texas, come to escape the heat so the dogs can train outside in the summer,” she said.

Happy campers Yellowstone Dog Sports hosts two types of canine camps:

dog vacation camps and competitive training camps. Both are popular because of the on-site accommodations and locale.

“The dog vacation camps are for people who are trying different things, skills, that their dog might be good at,” Osmun said. “It’s an opportunity for people to do other things in the area, like hike the Beartooths or visit The Park but still have time with their dogs.”

In addition,Yellowstone Dog Sports staff will “dog-sit” if the campers select an activity outside of the camp without their dog.

The second camp, competitive training, is for the more serious dog trainer, explained Osmun. She brings in top trainers from across the country and Canada.

“These camps are for those who are competing at a national level, trying to earn a championship. They train every day, 9-to-5, like a job,” she said.

Yellowstone Dog Sports offers three dog vacation camps per summer and five to seven competitive training camps each year, with only 10-15 trainers per session to keep things more personal.

Osmun noted that in addition to classes, training and trials,Yellowstone Dog Sports hosts events like the holiday craft fair and the upcoming Beartooth Hope Fest musical festival.

UPCOMING EVENTS March 7-9: Karen Shivers Nosework Seminars and Trials Auditing May 3: Beartooth Hope Fest music festival (www.hopechapelredlodge.com) May 9-11: Yellowstone Dog Sports NADAC Agility Trial, Judge: Rachelle Jensen.

Trial Secretary: Rachael Roper May 23-25: Yellowstone Dog Sports NADAC Agility Trial, Judge: Gary Visintainer.

Trial Secretary: Kristi Hayes May 26-June 1: AKC Belgian Malinois National Specialty May 31-June 1: AKC All-Breed Agility Trial (Part of Malinois Event)

Courtesy of Melissa Dragovich Staffordshire bull terrier, Mr. Peabody, owned by Emily Sieger from Bozeman, demonstrates a dock jump Yellowstone Dog Sports’ pond.

your style...

your rewards

BRADLEY FOUTS, MD

DEIRDRE MCNAMER, MD

CAROLYN SMITH, PA-C

St. Vincent Physician Network - Mountain View Clinic is dedicated to providing primary and same-day care for your entire family with quality and compassion, right here in the Red Lodge community. Our clinic is equipped with several on-site services including laboratory and X-ray services, ensuring you receive the best care close to home.

St. Vincent Physician Network Mountain View Clinic

FIRSTREWARDS MEANS BETTER REWARDS

10 Robinson Lane - Red Lodge, MT 59068 | 406-446-3800

Introducing the FirstRewards World MasterCard® from First Interstate Bank. It’s a MasterCard with a uniquely local spin—earning rewards you can use at your favorite local shops. At last, a rewards program that fits your style.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday 8am-5:30pm

After Office Hours

If you need medical attention after office hours, call 406-446-2345 and the provider on call will be contacted.

firstinterstate.com

CYAN

MAG

YELO

BLAK

Red Lodge Branch 602 North Broadway Avenue 406-446-1422

CYAN RED LODGE

1

MAG

YEL

BLAK

Sunday, February 16, 2014

3

Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race Perseveres

By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.

Many know the unofficial motto of the U.S. Postal Service—and those same words that could be applied to the annual Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race. Now in its 36th year, the race covers 68.3 miles via running, biking and kayaking. Competitors can choose either the triathlon that covers all three legs or a duathlon that covers only the run-bike legs. In addition, racers can compete solo or as a team.

While the course is firmly established, the spring Montana weather is often a definitive factor. Some years, racers enjoy sunny skies, no wind and 70 degrees. Other years, they may be competing in snow or driving wind with rain—still the race goes on.

“Weather is certainly part of the race,” noted director Kendra Baker-Keener. “It’s the uncontrollable part. There are competitors who race no matter what, and there are others who wait to see the extended forecast. Our registration almost doubles the week before the race.”

for Montana and his lifestyle, which includes about six triathlons each year.

Reitsma noted that the weather conditions were certainly a factor in the race. During a practice run, Carol and Cathy capsized in the cold, spring-rushing Yellowstone River, so they were not 100 percent sure they wanted to attempt that leg again. And, on race day, the wind along with on/off rain and snow made the course tricky. In the end, the team prevailed and completed the race, winning their age division.

“The views coming down from Red Lodge were almost hazardous because I needed to concentrate on riding my bike in those conditions instead of the incredible scenery,” Reitsma noted. “We just love Red Lodge and Montana. Completing this race as a team, after capsizing during the practice run, was so special—the setting, the scenery, the teamwork, everything. We still talk about it every time we get together.”

Behind the scenes Safety of the Peaks to Prairie participants is a number one priority, notes Baker-Keener. To ensure that all goes as planned, a coordinator organizes the many volunteers who work behind the scenes and along the course. The Carbon Amateur Radio Club sends about 50 volunteers, who “man” locations throughout the course, communicating details about each of nearly 500 competitors.

More than locals “They are amazing,” noted Tom Reitsma of Waconia, Minn., was a member of a Keener-Baker. “We would not be four-person team, One For All and All For Won, in able to offer this race without 2013 that included his wife, Carol, and good them. They have people stafriends, Ron and Cathy Schmitz. For Retioned from the start of the itsma, the Peaks to Prairie Advenrace to the very last boat—I ture Race is a perfect know about anything that marriage of his goes on. Plus, we have love Beartooth Paddlers, Absaroka River Adventures and U.S. Water Rescue

on the river. Our volunteers are vital.”

In 2013, the race ended at Special K Ranch near Columbus for the first time. There, more volunteers including the developmentally disabled adult residents offered helping hands wherever they could, from directing parking, to helping pull out and re-load boats, to giving tours of the greenhouse.

“It was so fun to see the residents out helping and also out having fun,” noted Baker-Keener of the new venue.

“They were dancing with the band and giving hay rides. It was just such a great experience for everyone.”

PEAKS TO PRAIRIE ADVENTURE RACE Sunday, April 27 • Starts: Beartooth Pass, above Red Lodge • Run: 9.3 miles into Red Lodge • Bike: 49 miles along Highway 78, to Itch-Kep Pe Park • Boat: 10 miles to finish line at Special K Ranch, near Columbus For more information, to register or to volunteer, see www.peakstoprairie.org or call 406-591-7002.

The 35th Annual Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race in 2013 saw sun, clouds, rain, snow and wind with temperatures in the low 40s to 30s. The race is an “opener” of sorts to the triathlon season for many locals.

PAUL RUHTER/Gazette Staff

Red Lodge hosts National Ski-Joring competition

By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com

Racing details Participants in the ski-joring finals will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. on March Winter fun and western style 7 for team registration at Silver Strike collide on March 7-9 in Red Lodge Casino and Bar. There will be a rider/ during the National Finals Ski-Joring skier rules meeting at 10:30 a.m. on competition.

Saturday prior to the race, which Ski-joring, the sport of towed skiing kicks off at noon and goes until 3:30 behind horse and rider, originated p.m. Held at the Red Lodge Rodeo in Scandinavia as a form of winter Grounds, admission to the event is $5 transportation. In the mid-1950s, for adults and free for children 12 and ski-joring found its way to North younger. Parking is also free.

America, where ranchers attached In addition to the races March 7-9, a long rope to the saddle horn of a there will be a Calcutta held Saturday, horse that was ridden at high speeds March 8 at 6 p.m. at the Elk’s Lodge. down a long straight-away, accordAnte up, and choose your team wisely ing to the North American Ski-Joring because the first six places in the Association.

Open, Sport and Women’s categories The competitive sport of ski-joring will be in the money. is timed, featuring a horse and rider Racing continues on Sunday from pulling a skier over a speed course noon to 3:30 p.m. with an awards cerwith jumps and racing gates. emony following at 6 p.m. at Foster A trusted horse and rider and a and Logan’s Pub and Grill. good pair of goggles are essential. Just ask sport organizer and participant, Around the track Tammy Stevens.

The spectacle of ski-joring might One of the reasons Stevens enjoys seem odd to someone not familiar the event so much is because it unites with the sport. skiers with cowboys and cowgirls— The horse typically travels around some pairs have been teaming up for the inside of the course, while the years. skier negotiates the gates and soars over the jumps in hopes of complet-

ing two successful runs.

The skier must be upright and on at least one ski while crossing the finish line. A five-second penalty is incurred for each gate the rider misses.

The National Finals Ski-Joring Races are put on by a dedicated volunteer staff Stevens said, adding that the event itself would likely not be possible without their continued support.

Cash and prizes Cash and prizes are awarded to the winners of each division, which includes Open, Sport, Women’s, Junior Age (13-17) and Pee Wee for those 12 and under.

There is a separate “longest jump” competition, where the rider and horse pull a skier over one jump for the longest distance each day. Distances have exceeded 60 feet.

Bring your camera to snap shots to send to your out-of-state friends and dress warmly at this one-of-akind event that only Red Lodge could present.

For additional information or to view last year’s ski-joring results, please log on to www.redlodge.com/ ski-joring.

Winter Carnival

Cold weather fun & games warm the heart

By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com

for best craft in the parade.

On Saturday, the Cardboard Classic will be in full swing. And don’t worCardboard creations careening ry—there is plenty of entertainment, down the mountain. food, drink and fun for the non-skier/ Rosy-cheeked skiers cupping their boarder/cardboard rider. warm, savory beverages.

Cardboard creations Laugher, mirth and frivolity filling Participants in the Cardboard Clasthe air. sic, decked out in their own unique Locals know it as the Winter Carni- interpretations of “Olympic Gold”, val.You’ll remember it as a don’t- miss must fill out an entry form (located at winter event to mark on next year’s www.redlodgemountain.com) and also calendar. sign a liability release and indemnity Red Lodge’s Winter Carnival is a agreement. much-anticipated annual event held at There is a small entry fee of $10 for Red Lodge Mountain Resort. Participarticipants 12 years and younger; a pants and spectators alike revel in the $15 fee for participants 13-18; and a zany antics, crazy costumes, cardboard $20 fee for those 19 years and older. concoctions, live music and contests Cash prizes will be awarded to the over the course of two days. fastest and most creative crafts.

The theme of this year’s Carnival, Crafts entered in both the Most which takes February 28 and March Creative Contest and the race 1, is “Olympic Gold.” As in years past, competition must maintain the same the theme is reflected in the costumes physical characteristics for both conand floats; this year, expect costumes tests. Crafts cannot be disassembled to reflect the likeness of prospective or altered in any way.

Sochi hopefuls and Olympic heroes from the past. Anything goes, and each SCHEDULE participant is encouraged to branch out with the quirky twists that only Friday, February 28 Winter Carnival can deliver.

Float Judging: True Value parking The two-day event kicks off with a lot, 5 p.m. parade in downtown Red Lodge and Float Parade: Departing from True creative float competition on Friday Value parking lot, night, February 28. The parade starts 6 p.m. at 6 p.m. Registration for the parade and race the following day will be held Saturday, March 1 Float Check In: from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the True Mountain Courtyard, 9 a.m.

Value parking lot in Red Lodge on Friday. A grand prize will be awarded

Craft builders must adhere to specific requirements in order to participate. All crafts are to be constructed of cardboard, glue and tape only. Other materials such as metal, wire or wood are not allowed. Use of any prohibited materials will result in disqualification of the craft. The crafts can, however, be painted – and participants are encouraged to do so. For additional contest rules and information, log on to www.redlodgemountain.com.

Following the downhill frivolities, the fun continues at Bierstube with live music from Tom Catmull and the Clerics at 2 p.m., the costume contest at 3 p.m. and a rail jam competition at 4:30 p.m.

A torchlight parade and fireworks are the perfect topper to this snowfun day, starting at 7 p.m. on the Mountain.

Featuring...

Condominium-Style Apartments & Studio Units 1505 South Broadway

406 - 446 -1601

www.chateaurouge.com

Morning Meals Done Right Breakfast starting at 6 a.m.

407 South Broadway Avenue - Between 15th & 16th Streets Red Lodge, MT • 446-0225

To subscribe to The Billings Gazette call (406) 657-1298 or 1-800-762-6397.

Winter Fun! CALL TODAY!

Sign Up For Your Pre-Agility/Basic Training Class.

Register now for Summer Camps for Dogs (and their people)!

See website for details.

Call Today! 406-446-4777 7753 Hwy. 212 • Roberts, MT www.yellowstonedogsports.com Elaine@yellowstonedogsports.com

KEVIN RED STAR

DAVID MCMASTERS SUSAN SPERO

Signature Artists

41st Art in the Beartooths July 12, 2014

Carbon County Arts Guild OF EVENTS Saturday, March 1 Floats to Starting Line: Mountain Courtyard, 11:30 a.m.

Cardboard Classic Starts: Noon Live Music: Bierstube, 2 p.m.

Costume Contest: Bierstube, 3 p.m.

Rail Jam: 4:30 p.m.

Torchlight Parade & Fireworks: 7 p.m.

CYAN

MAG

YELO

BLAK

carboncountydepotgallery.org

CYAN 4

Sunday, February 16, 2014

MAG

YEL

BLAK

Red lodge

1

Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary: Making tracks

By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com

ronmental education lessons, he added.

Loya went on to explain that the program has several aspects, including a safe wildlife encounter in the classroom.

There’s no hibernating at Yellowstone For example, a YWS professional may Wildlife Sanctuary (YWS) this winter.

Executive Director, Michelle Marion, noted bring a ferret or one of the raptors to the students to see close up and discuss that that several aspects of the YWS have, or animal’s habitat, characteristics and other will soon, experience a “facelift” of sorts. information.

One area Marion is especially excited The Wildlife Connection also supports about is the educational programming.

Vic Loya, the new YWS education direc- bringing the students to the YWS to allow the students to see, firsthand, the animals tor, has been an environmental educator for 15 years. He developed an educational that serve as ambassadors for their counprogram called “The Wildlife Connection.” terparts in the wild.

“This is an unmatched opportunity,” “Our classroom outreach objective is to give all Carbon County children the oppor- noted Loya.

He also pointed out that The Wildlife tunity to understand their local ecosystem and to help develop a deeper understand- Connection will work closely within the new Common Core Standards that have ing of what an ecosystem actually is,” he said. “In addition, we will help them explore been adopted by the Department of Education in Montana. and adopt attitudes and behaviors that “We want a structured lesson plan but promote preservation and conservation we will still be flexible enough to support practices.” what the teachers are doing in the classThis is basically science-informed envi-

room,” he said. “For example, if they are studying habitat, we work within Common Core and also look to the North America Alliance of Environmental Education standards—we have hundreds of lessons and activities to choose from and will customize them so that they work with that class and the teacher’s objectives.”

Back at the ranch The YWS upholds its mission daily by caring for more than 40 animals that cannot be returned to the wild. Recent improvements at the Sanctuary include refurbishing an aging barn to make it solid and safe. A second barn was also stabilized and is now used to store everything that YWS would need for an evacuation.

Marion noted that the Sanctuary’s website has been redesigned and is now more up-to-date with events and YWS activities, including The Wildlife Connection.

The future will see improved walkways and railings in addition to new, improved exhibit

Red Lodge Calendar of Events February April 28: Winter Carnival Parade, downtown Red Lodge, 6 p.m.

28: Annual Backcountry Film Festival, Roman Theater, 7 p.m.

March 1: Winter Carnival, Red Lodge Mountain, Cardboard Classic starts at noon, live music at the Bierstube at 2 p.m., torchlight parade and fireworks display at 7 p.m.

7: First Friday Artwalk, Honey’s Café/Red Lodge Clay Center/Mad Woman Marketplace/Boomerang Beads, 5-7 p.m.

7-9: National Finals Ski-Joring, Home of Champions Rodeo Grounds off Highway 87, about a quarter mile west of Red Lodge 7-9: Karen Shivers Nosework Seminars and Trials Auditing, Yellowstone Dog Sports 17: Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, downtown Red Lodge 23: Spring Craft Fair, Yellowstone Dog Sports, 9 a.m. - 3 pm 23: Agility Fun Match, Yellowstone Dog Sports, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

4: First Friday Artwalk, Honey’s Café/Red Lodge Clay Center/Mad Woman Marketplace/Boomerang Beads, 5-7 p.m.

26: Rocky Mountain Chef ’s Invitational, fundraiser for the Carbon County Boys & Girls Club, Bridge Creek Backcountry Kitchen & Wine Bar, 6:30 p.m.

27: 36th Annual Peaks to Prairie

May 2: First Friday Artwalk, Honey’s Café/Red Lodge Clay Center/Mad Woman Marketplace/Boomerang Beads, 5-7 p.m.

3: Beartooth Hope Fest, Yellowstone Dog Sports, www.hopechapelredlodge.com 9-11: Yellowstone Dog Sports NADAC Agility Trial 23-25: Yellowstone Dog Sports NADAC Agility Trial 26-June 1: AKC Belgian Malinois National Specialty, Yellowstone Dog Sports 31-June 1: AKC All-Breed Agility Trial (Part of Malinois Event), Yellowstone Dog Sports

signage as part of the revised Five-Year Plan.

Despite the behind-the-scene changes, the animals at YWS are often more active during the cooler winter and spring months, making it a great time to visit.

Winter Hours 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, unless temperature is below zero

Admission

$7 adults / $6 for seniors (55+) $3 for children (age 5-15) Free for ages 4 and under Group rates & memberships are available

Volunteers

Volunteers are an integral part of the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. For more information, call 406-446-1133 or see yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.com.

Rocky Mountain Chefs Invitational Fundraiser Enjoy world class cuisine; benefit the Boys & Girls Club

By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com A gourmet meal prepared by a world class chef—there are few things more decadent. At the annual Rocky Mountain Chefs Invitational, the indulgence of a five-course tasting menu of food and wine pairs beautifully with the fact that all proceeds go to help the Carbon County Boys and Girls Club.

The Boys & Girls Club of Red Lodge is a youth development program providing kids with the tools that they need to become caring, productive, responsible young adults. Guests will leave feeling sated in appetite and heart. Held Saturday, April 26, the rustic Bridge Creek Backcountry Kitchen & Wine Bar will play host to the event.

Executive director of the Carbon County Boys & Girls Club, Jody Ackerman, is thrilled to present the annual event.

This year’s Rocky Mountain Chefs Invitational welcomes two spectacular chefs, David Yarley and Melinda Dorn.Yarley is a young chef with an impressive pedigree.

Living in Las Vegas, he was the recipient of “Food & Wine’s” Cochon 555 in 2010 and

offers a unique perspective on gourmet cuisine.

Dorn, who is a transplant from Lake Tahoe, CA, enjoys working with homegrown ingredients. Her cooking style reflects her experiences in many different culinary cities like Boston, Boulder, Seattle and even Auckland, New Zealand, where she worked with award-winning Mudbrick Vineyards.

Bridge Creek’s executive chef, Judd Lohof, will be working with both guest chefs to present a memorable evening full of delicious cuisine. Lohof assumed leadership of the kitchen at the Bridge Creek in May of 2013. In the seven years prior, Judd and his wife Erin owned and operated the Cafe Azalea in Ashville, NC. Known for his innovative cuisine and locally-sourced ingredients, some from his own gardens, Lohof’s history is well-suited to be the creative inspiration behind Bridge Creek’s operations.

For tickets and more information, call 406-446-9900 or log on to www.eatfooddrinkwine.com.

SameDay Care No appointment needed – just walk in.

Monday-Friday 7:30 am to 6 pm

Hospital 24/7 Emergency 406-446-2345

Real people. Exceptional care. www.beartoothbillingsclinic.org 2525 North Broadway | Red Lodge, MT 59068 406-446-2345 • Toll-free 877-404-9442 • TDD phone number 800-253-4091

CYAN

MAG

YELO

BLAK