July 2014

hidden25gems

supersecret places to eat, play & exPLORE

custom camping tents, cabins & chalets

food trucks lunch a la cart

Urban farmers a growing fad

Plus: meet 6 Entrepreneurs who share their blueprint for success 1 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

2 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

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MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 3

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4 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

FEATURES

JUL/AUG/sep 2014

SPECIAL SECTION

69

It takes both vision and guts to launch a new venture… meet 6 who had the chutzpah to take the leap.

Happy Feet Your everything-guide to foot care, pampered piggies and summer shoe fashion

85

By Brittany Cremer

75

Entrepreneurs

Movers, Shakers & Money Makers

Urban Farmers

By Michelle Williams

Eating local is good for your body and our community

By Brenda Maas

80 Gourmet Garlic

Bull Mountain growers cultivate new cash crop

By Jim Gransbery

98 When the Unthinkable Happens Tornados, earthquakes, pandemics…or worse

By Jason Burke

102 Spirit in the Sky Buffalo Kites

By Virginia Bryan

HIDDEN GEMS • FOOD TRUCKS • ENTREPRENEURS • URBAN FARMERS

HIDDEN GEMS 25 SUPERSECRET PLACES TO EAT, PLAY & EXPLORE REVEALED

63

By Allyn Hulteng JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

CUSTOM CAMPING TENTS, CABINS & CHALETS

FOOD TRUCKS LUNCH A LA CART

URBAN FARMERS A GROWING FAD

PLUS: MEET 6 ENTREPRENEURS WHO SHARE THEIR BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS

On the cover: Henry's Garage event center in billings. Photography by kelvin, Courtesy of Henry’s garage.

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 5

DEPARTMENTS

jul/aug/sep 2014

RIVER TO RIMS

IN EVERY ISSUE

8

11 tHE LIST

F UN, FACINATING fINDS

b y ALLY n H u lt e n g

12

PERSON OF INTEREST

9

14

GIVING BACK

ARTIST LOFT

107

16 18

EDITOR’S LETTER

cONTRIBUTORS

K a lya B ro w n - M e r s ho n

C a mp p o s t c a rd

SEEN AT THE SCENE

111

louis habeck

ELEMENTS

20

a d v e n t u re e s s e n t i a l s

MEDIA ROOM

b OOKS, MO V IES, MUSIC & WEB RE V IEWS

Why Magic City?

DATEBOOK

SIGNATURE SECTION

114

LAST WORD

F INE LIV ING

22

GREAT ESTATES

27

MONTANA PERSPECTIVES

43

LEGENDS

epicure

48

photo journal

31

epicure

52

38

libations

c o n t e m p o r a ry c l a s s i c

c a m p f i re c o o k i ng

L u n c h A L a C a r t

6 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

H e rb a l I nf u s i o n

Sh e p : L oya lt y de f i ne d

c l a s s i c c ru i s i n'

I'm just sayin'

T o He l l C re e k a nd B a c k

travelogue

54

hop, skip & a Jump

56

custom camping

Lewistown

In the early 1880s, immigrants and adventurers came in droves to seek their livelihood on the verdant land along the Yellowstone River. The hastily constructed tents and log cabins made it appear as if Billings materialized overnight – thus earning the name “The Magic City.” Today, as the largest city in Montana, Billings proudly retains its ‘Magic City’ moniker.

As for Magic City magazine, we promise to continue our mission to uncover all that is unique and wonderful and changing in this great community ... and we guarantee a few surprises along the way.

jul/aug/sep 2014 I VOLUME 12 I ISSUE 2

Michael GulledgE Publisher 657-1225

We Make Your We Make Banking Your BankingeasY...

Easy...

e di t ori a l

Allyn Hulteng Editor-in-chief 657-1434 Bob Tamb0 Creative Director 657-1474 Brittany Cremer Senior Editor 657-1390 Brenda Maas Assistant Editor 657-1490 Evelyn Noennig community liason / assistant Editor 657-1226 pho togr a phy/ v ide ogr a phy

Larry Mayer, James Woodcock, Casey Page, Bob Zellar, Lloyd Blunk A dv e r t ising

Dave Worstell Sales & Marketing Director 657-1352 Ryan Brosseau Classified & Online Manager 657-1340 Shelli Rae Scott SALES MANAGER 657-1202 LINSAY DUTY ADVERTISING COORDINATOR 657-1254 MO LUCAS Production/Traffic Artist 657-1204 C on tac t us: Mail: 401 N. Broadway Billings, MT 59101 editor@magiccitymagazine.com F ind us onl ine at www.magiccitymagazine.com

So you have more time to do what you enjoy.

F ind us at va rious r ac k l oc at ions t hroughou t Bil l ings: Billings area Albertsons I Billings Airport I Billings Clinic Billings Gazette Communications I Billings Hardware I Curves for Women Evergreen IGA I Gainan’s I Good Earth Market Granite Fitness I Kmart I McDonald’s (select locations)neecee’s I Pita Pit Real Deals I Reese and Ray’s IGA (Laurel) I Sidney Airport I Stella’s St. Vincent Healthcare I The Y I Valley Federal Credit Union (Downtown location) Western Security Banks (Downtown location) I Williston Airport Yellowstone County Museum I Plus many other locations Subscriptions are available at the annual subscription rate of $29 (5 Issues).

Single copy rate $4.95. Mail subscription requests and changes to address above, ATTN: Circulation Magic City Magazine is published five times a year by Billings Gazette Communications Copyright© 2014 Magic City Magazine All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written consent is prohibited.

Your brand of bank... big enough to help, small enough to care.

BILLINGS 2900 Central Avenue Billings, Montana (406) 656-5148

HARDIN 835 N. Center Avenue Hardin, Montana (406) 665-2332

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MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 7

T h e " B " T e am

Hidden in Plain Sight When we were brainstorming stories for our July issue, someone came up with the idea of featuring hidden gems in the city – those under-the-radar places and experiences people may not know about, but they should.

“Brilliant!” we thought – until we tried to make a list.

Turns out that despite being a fairly creative and engaged team, all of us have succumbed in varying degrees to following predictable, if not dull, routines.

Together we were hard pressed to come up with even a half dozen. Clearly it was time to bust out of the rut and explore the city with fresh eyes.

Creatures of habit It’s true. The longer you live somewhere, the more entrenched you become in your routine. It’s not that we aren’t adventuresome or curious or proud of our hometown’s claims to fame – we are.

In fact most of us are only too happy to gush unchecked about our town’s unique amenities to visitors and newcomers alike.

But in day-to-day life, we get practical.

Somewhere between getting the kids to school and delivering a stellar presentation at the office and mowing the yard, the notion of efficiency takes center stage. Soon, the city and all its offerings fade to the background as we check another item off the list.

Pleasure hunting

attractions and looked into places to expand your mind. You know what? Billings doesn’t disappoint. We found our gems – you can read about them on page 63.

But that’s not all We also discovered some other great experiences, like the growing number of food trucks around town. If you haven’t yet sampled a plate, you should.

Inside we feature five to get you started – you can check out their signature dishes starting on page 31.

While we’re on the topic of food, it might surprise you to learn just how many city slickers have turned their backyards into bountiful urban farms. The resurgence of growing your own and eating locally-produced food is nothing short of amazing – and the reasons why are compelling.

Learn more about the food you consume on page 75.

Off the beaten path I’d like to say that it was a lot of hard work finding secret gems in the city – but that wouldn’t be true. Playing hometown tourist was great fun, and it reminded me just how diverse and multilayered Billings has become.

It’s in this spirit that we encourage you to step out of your routine, search beyond your regular haunts and try something new. Who knows - you might discover something surprising about yourself in the process.

Over the past few weeks, we made it our mission to explore nooks and crannies all over the city. We tried different restaurants, explored area parks, took in new venues, visited tourist

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

Brenda Maas Whether she’s chasing

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

Bob tambo started his career working Allyn Hulteng editor@magiccitymagazine.com

8 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Brittany Cremer developed her

for national magazines in southern California then spent 17 years as an advertising creative doing print and broadcast campaigns. He returned to his passion, designing magazines in 2007 but still believes he missed his calling as a gourmet chef or guitarist for the Grateful Dead.

contributor s

Jason Burke

writes for the discoverer in all of us. As a Professional Engineer, management consultant and freelance writer, work keeps him on the move, meeting interesting people everywhere he goes. Originally from San Diego, his background includes degrees from U.C. Berkeley and Montana Tech, a private pilot certificate and sharing the wonders of engineering, aviation and technology. In Montana for 10 years, he lives in Billings with his wife, Christy, and their three children.

Virginia Bryan is a freelance writer based in Billings. She is an MFA candidate in creative nonfiction at the University of New Orleans and chairs the High Plains Book Awards Committee, a project of Billings Public Library.

Donna Healy, a freelance writer, started her career in journalism on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and worked as a feature writer for The Billings Gazette for more than 30 years. Last June, she won a first- place prize in the Society of Professional Journalists Pacific Northwest Excellence in Journalism Competition. She loves exercise classes at the Billings YMCA, getting up before dawn and cutting flowers from the garden to rescue them from the weeds. She currently works at Riverstone Health as a part-time communication projects specialist.

Jim Gransbery

is a retired agricultural and political reporter of The Billings Gazette. Since 2008, he has spent his time teaching, writing magazine articles for regional publications and working on short fiction. He also looks after the well-being of his wife, Karen, who has made the whole trip possible.

Michelle Williams is a seasoned content creator across digital, print and social channels in such diverse areas as travel, health care, technology and business. In her current role as strategy and business development director at A.D. Creative Group, Michelle is directly involved in client projects specific to strategic planning, research, content development, consumer trending and brand management.

Karen Kinser

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

Chris Rubich, a Billings native, has more than 35 years of experience as a reporter, photographer and editor for newspapers in Montana and Wyoming, including 29 years with The Billings Gazette.

A graduate of the University of Montana, she enjoys sharing plants from her garden with others, volunteer activities and walking her rescue dogs.

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 9

inspired gifts

...as much fun to give as they are to receive!

1528 24th Street West (next to Sanctuary) | 406.294.1701 www.thejoyofliving.com M-F: 10 am to 6 pm SAT: 9 am to 5 pm

10 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Everything for Your Bundle of Joy

M-F: 10 am to 6 pm • SAT: 9 am to 5 pm NEW LOCATION: 1524 24th Street West 406.294.1717 • www.thejoyofkids.com

THE LIST

THE LIST

PERSON OF INTEREST

GIVING BACK

ARTIST LOFT

MEDIA ROOM

ELEMENTS

FUN, FASCINATING FINDS WE THINK ARE GREAT

Cover up, buttercup It’s a bike, it’s a treadmill… …No, it’s an elliptiGO! You will get a great workout and garner lots of attention when you hit the streets with this bike-elliptical machine hybrid. Designed to combine running, cycling and elliptical training, the elliptiGO could be called the mother of work-out inventions.

Starting at $1,800 Available online

Poolside and living is easy. Her swim cover-up can be easy, too, with this sea dress from Zrucci that can go from lakeshore to dinner al fresco. Made of 90 percent polyester and 10 percent spandex, it’s as soft as, well…you know.

Covers that up, too. $20 Available at TLC Lingerie

Glam Slam The rumors are true—she never has enough jewelry. And, a piece or two from SAS Spurilla must be part of her arsenal. With a Montana cowgirl as designer, every piece is sure to evoke her inner sass.

Prices vary Available at sasspurilla.com

Step right up Mom’s little helper needs this “real” Kitchen Helper, made by Guidecraft. Designed with safety in mind, it elevates your little person to countertop level with three platform heights, plus it is easy to move, fold and store. No more mishaps! $120-180 Available at Toys ‘R Us

What a jam!

Summer is such a sweet time of year—enjoy it well beyond the season with preservative-free jams, jellies, sauces and syrups from Becky’s Berries of Absorkee. Created from Nature’s bounty, these made-inMontana gourmet condiments will tickle your funny bone with names like Chuckle Berry Jam and Road Rage Jalepeño Pepper Jelly. $7 and up Available at Keyser Creek or beckysberries.com

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 11

PERSON OF INTERES T

A LLYN HULTENG I PHOTOGRA PHY BY BOB ZELL AR

Kayla

Brown Mershon BOLD / GOLD COORDINATOR, Billings YMCA Kayla Brown Mershon’s passion for the outdoors is rivaled only by her dedication to passing on the love of adventure to young teens.

The kick start: I grew up hiking, camping and climbing. The outdoors is where I spend 90 percent of my free time. The other 10 percent I maybe spend doing laundry… maybe.

The calling: I was finishing my degree in Outdoor Adventure Leadership at Montana State University – Billings when one of my professors told me about a new program at the Y. The program uses outdoor adventure to teach young teens lessons in leadership and teamwork. The instructor said, “You would be great! You need to apply.”

The next thing I knew I was approving dates and getting permits.

The experience: Our first adventure will be spending six days in Yellowstone National Park. We’ll spend one night at Front Country Campsite where kids will learn about the No Trace Left Behind program and get to know one another. The next four days we backpack through the backcountry. It’s a lot of hiking – one day we cover nine miles. But the kids learn how to properly set up a tent, how to cook, start a fire and use a bear hang bag for storage.

The takeaway: Throughout the trek the kids learn lessons in stewardship. Each youngster takes turns being leader for the day. The leader decides when we take breaks and how long we hike; they are responsible for keeping everybody on task and engaged. As the leader, they are no longer just responsible for themselves but for the safety of others – with our supervision, of course.

The life lessons: Kids this age are funny. They’re spreading their wings and learning to fly on their own. This program is all about letting them do that and at same time reeling them back in before going too far. Being in the wilderness puts them in a more vulnerable environment where they may not feel comfortable – this is where they learn the strengths of others and how to balance the strengths of the group.

The back story: I got married a few days before leading my first group. My husband, Mike, is very supportive – he’s my No. 1 adventure partner. We even got married in the Beartooths.

The BOLD/GOLD (Boys/Girls Outdoor Leadership Development) program utilizes wilderness outdoor experiences as a base for teaching teens about leadership and teamwork. The program is open to boys and girls from 6th through 9th grade. Scholarships are available and anyone interested is encouraged to contact the Billings Y for more information. Call 406-248-3450 or log on to www.billingsymca.org.

12 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

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MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 13

GIVING BACK

By Chris Rubich I PHOTO by larry Mayer

Camp POSTCARD: Helping kids reach for the stars and realize their dreams of America (VOA) Northern Rockies, which coordinates camps in Montanan and Wyoming.

Tracy Kroger, VOA’s operations coordinator, says 60 to 70 children usually attend the Montana camp, which is held at Beartooth Mountain Christian Ranch near Nye. Campers are chosen by school counselors and resource officers, she says. And about 30 adults are involved with See voanr.org and the camp. search the “Community The focus isn’t on kids in trouble or the Enhancement” tab, high achievers, but rather on kids who can or call Dan Burkhart, use the experience and mentoring to reach development director for their potential. Kroger says the program is the Montana Division of tailored to the needs of individual kids.

Volunteers of America Billings Police Officer Dan Brown has Northern Rockies, at 252been with the Montana camp since it 4118. started four years ago and helped out at the The camp is paid for Wyoming camp before that. He likes that with private contributions the program gives kids “opportunities to as well as grants from excel.”

Burlington NorthernAt camp, the kids are housed in cabins.

Santa Fe, the Washington Sleeping bags, T-shirts and other gear are Foundation, Phillips provided for campers.

66, MDU Resources, Kids learn the satisfaction of “doing Stillwater Mining, First right when no one is looking,” Brown says.

Interstate Bank, the The result is a “week of constant challenges Fortin Family Trust and and rewards,” he says. others.

Throughout the camp, kids build relationships with law officers in a positive setting, as well as exploring their own interests and opportunities to succeed individually and in the community.

Officers continue the outreach long after camp is done by staying in touch with former campers and encouraging them to take what they’ve learned and apply it to their lives. And, like Sophie, some campers return in future years as mentors to help new kids find ways to reach for their dreams.

To learn more

Sophia Mascarena kept to herself a lot in sixth grade. While she had close friends, she was very timid around people whom she didn’t know.

“I never thought I stood out…I never thought of myself as a leader,” she recalls.

But one week at Camp POSTCARD, which stands for Peace Officers Striving To Create And Reinforce Dreams, changed that.

Sophia’s school principal recommended her for the camp where she cultivated skills in archery, climbing and other outdoor activities along with leadership.

Now, Sophie, who will be a 10th-grader at Billings Central Catholic High, is returning to the camp as a mentor to other youngsters.

“I’m definitely more outspoken and have a lot more confidence,” she says, giving credit to the camp for helping her “prove to myself what I’m capable of. I hope to help other kids learn what their potential is.”

Sophie was like every child who dreams about the future. But those dreams can be derailed by peer pressure, shyness, lack of positive role models, bullying or just never getting a simple nudge to succeed.

Camp POSTCARD gives kids, who have just completed fifth- or sixth-grade, that extra impetus they need by blending traditional outdoor activities with mentoring by Montana law-enforcement officers and criminal-justice officials.

The camp lets youngsters sample archery, rock-wall climbing, gun safety, art, an Olympics Day with physical and mental challenges and more. At the same time, they learn about teamwork and decision-making in a “values-based program,” says Heath Steel, executive vice-president of operations for Volunteers

14 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Team-building and self-discovery, through physical activities, are key components of Camp POSTCARD. Photos

by Dave Shumway/VOA

Discovering a luxury hybrid that has the same starting price as the gas model.

That’s Luxury Uncovered.

2014 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID

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$

$

A MONTH FOR 36 MONTHS LINCOLN AFS RED CARPET LEASE*

4,279

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CASH DUE AT SIGNING AFTER $500 CASH BACK. Security deposit waived. Excludes taxes, title and license fees.

Optional features shown not included in lease price.

3LN6L2LU7ER807436

The 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid with Lincoln Drive Control lets you choose from Normal, Comfort and Sport driving modes. And rather than charging a premium, the MKZ Hybrid has the same starting price as the gas model.

Get to know the 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid at Lincoln.com

Bob Smith Lincoln, Inc.

2244 CENTRAL AVE BILLINGS, MT 59102-4645 406 656-0000 • leads@bobsmithmotors.com

Optional features shown not included in lease price.

*With 202A Equipment Group. Not all buyers will qualify for Lincoln AFS Red Carpet Lease. Payments may vary; dealer determines price. Residency restrictions apply. Current Cadillac, Lexus or Prius owners may qualify for $2,500 Competitive Conquest Bonus Cash (PGM #30015, #30023, #30025, #30027) which is available to customers who currently own or lease a 1995 or newer Prius, Lexus, or Cadillac. Lessee responsible for excess wear and mileage over 31,500 miles at $0.20 per mile. Lessee has option to purchase vehicle at lease end at price negotiated with dealer at signing. Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 7/7/14. See dealer for qualifications and complete details. Vehicle shown may have optional equipment not included in payment. ** $3,200 down payment due at signing. ^Customer negotiates final price.

The 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has an EPA-estimated rating of 45 city/45 hwy/45 combined mpg, 2.0L FWD. Actual mileage will vary.

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 15

ARTIST LOFT

By donna healy I PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LOUIS HABECK AND CASEY PAGE

louis habeck whimsical wizard “There was that creativity and that mindset of, if you can imagine it, you can make it...”

I grew up with a lot of those skill sets using my hands to solve problems and make things.”

Above: Tea party self-portrait with five rabbits sculpted for The Somerset Collection in Troy, Mich.

By day, Louis Habeck works as a licensed general contractor and portrait photographer. By night, the 25-year-old Billings native sculpts and paints.

Though his parents both have art degrees, they make their living in other ways. Having artists as parents meant Halloween costumes were always spectacular. Since their home in the Heights was in a perpetual state of remodeling, he sometimes drew on bare drywall.

“There was that creativity and that mindset of, if you can imagine it, you can make it,” said Habeck, who often worked on projects alongside his father, a carpenter.

“I grew up with a lot of those skill sets using my hands to solve problems and make things,” he said. His dark hair is pulled back into a pony tail, and he wears a tweed vest and wire rim glasses in a style circa 1900.

In college, at the University of Montana, Habeck built a field camera with a bellows and antique lens, shooting through it with a digital camera. When he uses the

16 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

field camera, he composes the image first in his head, since setting up the camera takes several minutes. For his senior thesis, he walled off a section of a gallery to create a camera obscura, a darkened chamber, where he projected images of mysterious sculpted creatures, allowing viewers to explore an ethereal, magical space.

His uncle, an international fashion photographer who lives in Spain, shaped Habeck's passion for portrait photography. Habeck’s style is often cinematic, with dramatic lighting and moody landscapes fostering

Clockwise from top left: "Wilfred Has a Think" photograph is a self-portrait with a wild thing mask, photographed while in Powell, Wyo. as a visiting artist. A series of Habeck's "business animal" watercolors. "Zombie Doughnut" is a four-foot-tall sculpture for the Dawn of the Donut shop in Spokane, Wash. made from foam, wood, clay, epoxy, wire mesh and resin.

another-worldly feel.

Many of his sculptures involve animals, real and imagined. In high school, he carved his first “creature head,” a falcon, Skyview High School’s mascot, created for a school spirit day parade. To create his creatures, he often relies on lightweight insulation foam covered with the air-drying clay used by taxidermists. One mask, worn for a self-portrait, looks inspired by Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are. “My creatures almost always are sad,” he said. “It’s the shape of their eyes.”

For a donut shop in Spokane, he created a 4-foot tall zombie donut with blood-shot eyes and a purple jelly brain. For a mall in Michigan, he created 83 woodland animals, a summer’s worth of sculpting.

Last year, Habeck was one of six artists selected to wrap traffic signal boxes downtown. His work, across from the Alberta Bair Theater on North Broadway, features a moose, bear and birds, all wearing old-fashioned business suits.

His “business animal” watercolor series started as birthday cards for his friends. The first was a blue bison. Since then, he’s done a couple dozen business animals, personifying each animal, and then imagining the kind of clothes they’d wear.

Most recently, three of Habeck’s business animals served as invitations and posters for HRDC’s Play Date at the Zoo in June, a chance for young families to learn about child care scholarships and other resources.

To see some of Louis Habeck’s work, look for the wrapped traffic signal box across from the Alberta Bair Theater, on the northeast corner of North Broadway and Third Avenue North. His show at the Plaza Diane in Powell, Wyo., July 10 through August 2, features a photographic portrait series of artists in their studios and sculptures. You can also view his work online at LouisHabeck.daportfolio.com or on subborealstudios.tumblr.com.

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 17

ELEMENT S

BY brenda maa s I PHOTOGRA PHY BY C A SE Y PAGE

Adventure Essentials From camping to “glamping,” these items will keep you in style when exploring the great outdoors.

Snug as a bug…

…in a teardrop camper trailer.

Lightweight, compact and the king of efficiency, this “Little Guy” has all the conveniences of home tucked inside without all the extra whoo-haws.

Less time inside means more time—and enjoyment—outdoors.

Mess hall master

You can be as smart as the Dutch with this versatile pot by Camp Chef.

Using the cone-style convection heat system, create gourmet meals over the open fire. Removable racks, a lid that doubles as a skillet and an EZ finish give this 9.5-quart Dutch oven flexible muscle.

Prices vary Available at Bretz RV & Marine

Available at Shipton’s Big R $80

Pinch hitter

If you are in the hinterlands but itching for power, the Goal Zero Yeti 150 should be on your line-up.

A gas-free source, it is silent and fume-free, relying on good ‘ol Mr. Sunshine to operate lights, phones and laptops. Power-up, folks!

Available at Big Bear Sports Center $200

Mobile dorm

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to set up the Kaiju 6 from North Face. With easy-pitch 3+1 pole design, ample room to stand up and double vestibule, this tent sleeps up to 10. A full-length rainfly, sunshade and mesh pocket that props a tablet for pre-bedtime viewing makes this tent a true homeaway-from-home.

Available at Big Bear Sports Center $400

18 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

INTRODUCING POLYWOOD Outdoor furniture made from recycled milk jugs

Skip a day…

…or not, if you have the portable, freestanding pressure shower by Helio. With an 11-liter capacity and seven-foot spray nozzle, you have up to seven minutes of steady water pressure—enough to wash you, the dishes and Fido, too. No-shower Sundays are no more!

Available at Base Camp $100

Just hangin’ out

Who says camping means sleeping on the ground? Try the folding hammock from Cabela’s—it’s easy to set up or take down, supports up to 250 pounds and comes with a pillow, storage loft and convenient carry bag. Two trees, optimally aligned, are optional.

Enduring.

Environmentally Friendly.

Available at Cabela’s $100

Downtown | 502 N 30th St West | 1211 24th St W Heights Garden Center | 810 Bench Blvd

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 19

MEDIA ROOM

BY BRITTANY CREMER Music

Sam Hunt Singles “Leave the Night On” and “Raised on It”

Book

Truck food Cookbook

by JOHN T. EDGE

Who would have thought there would be a place in our collective musical hearts for a country crooner with hiptop lyricism? Sam Hunt, who wrote Kenny Chesney’s 2012 hit single, “Come Over,” is enjoying some on-stage success of his own.

Rooted in small-town nostalgia, Hunt’s lyrics will have you smiling and reminiscing about the 13,000 main street loops you took during your senior year. Hunt’s catchy “Leave the Night On” is sure to distinguish itself as our generation’s “Fishin’ in the Dark”—a bonafide soundtrack to summer. Purchase Hunt’s singles individually online and stay tuned for album details.

mOVIE

Where the Yellowstone Goes

Move aside, Viking on a Stick.

Now John and Jane Q Consumer can craft their own delicious deepfried delicatessen at home.

In The Truck Food Cookbook, author John T. Edge traverses the country in search of innovative and delicious food truck vendors willing to share their recipes. Waffle breakfast tacos, Taiwanese fried chicken and (prep your arteries) grilled cheese mac & cheese sandwiches are just a few of the sinfully delicious entrées.

As author of the “United Tastes” column for the New York Times, Edge has an impeccably trained palate, yet still holds a soft spot in his gullet for street food.

“For eaters, traditional street food is among the most primal of bites, nutrition reduced to its most elemental form, a source of pure unalloyed pleasure,” Edge says.

Truck-a-vores and gourmet foodies alike enjoy the unique gastronomy offered in this book (seconds, please!).

20 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

2012 Blueray The Yellowstone River is the backbone to our state, but your out-of-state friends may not understand or appreciate the significance. Before they visit this summer, send them a copy of “Where the Yellowstone Goes” to bone up on area geography, fishing spots, Lewis and Clark points of interest and more. The wild is calling—all you need is your sunscreen and fishing pole.

Available at amazon.com

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Visit findmefish.com for details or purchase the app at the iTunes store.

New SeaSoN, New Space design build remodel addition renovation redesign kitchen great room complete home basement interior exterior Don’t let your fear of living in a construction zone cause you to put off your dream remodel for yet another summer.

At Freyenhagen Construction, we make it our mission to provide you with a one-of-a-kind reDesign Experience. The entire process is carefully crafted to encourage your comfort and peace of mind.

Our team of professionals is well-equipped to turn your unique vision into the harmonious space you have always wanted. From the initial design until the final sweep into the dust pan, we are there every step of the way to ensure you are simply delighted with the final product. Just sit back and relax as our team shapes your dream into reality.

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 21

Contemporary Cla

By Brenda Maas I Photography by James Woodcock

22 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

lassic

There’s an old adage: If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

Ryan Helgeson and his wife Amy followed that sage advice when they designed and built their two-story West End home last year. The young couple took ideas from older homes, some built in the early 1900s.

Combining ideas from the annual Heritage Home Tour, studies of homes on Billings’ Clark Avenue and a trip to Phoenix, Arizona, (they often visit Open Houses while on vacation) the couple created an in-depth study of timeless beauty.

“The linear lines, the hipped roof, the tall baseboards inside—these are not new elements,” noted Ryan.

“We just re-invented them a little,” said Amy. “We took the classic elements, added some softness and gave it a touch of contemporary.”

The result, a “Montana-Meets-Prairie-with-an-Urban-Spin,” envelops the visitor immediately upon entry. It might be the “big” effects like the dark/ light color scheme or the airy, 10-foot (taller than standard) ceilings with crown molding that makes the house so striking. Or, it could be the seemingly “small” effects of the white, cast-iron, farmhouse-style kitchen sink or the more contemporary floating vanity in the guest bath. Perhaps it is the extra-wide staircase, the high, “piano” windows in the family room or the horizontal, non-traditional fireplace.

In reality, it is the entire package, polished by individuals who knew how to pull the best features of century-old houses and meld them into a home that looks to the future.

This West End home exemplifies traditional elements with an eye on simplicity and style. “We picked this look because it blends the new with the old,” said owner and builder, Ryan Helgeson. “For example, the foundation rocks bring in the look of some of the older houses near Rocky Mountain College, yet we have contemporary elements as well.”

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 23

FINE LIVING

G R E A T ES T A T ES

Wish list As part of the nearly 30-year-old family business, Helgeson Homes, Ryan lived in at least a dozen homes that his father built over his growing up years. That experience solidified one design element that Ryan wanted in a house.

“It’s important to me to have separate spaces, with public spaces on the main level and private spaces on the upper level,” he said. “Plus, I had never lived in a two-story.”

Ryan also desired a “sideloading” garage with a flat approach for a basketball hoop—another fond memory of childhood was just hanging out, shooting hoops.

Amy, who was pregnant during most of the construction process, wanted an open floor plan and a kid-friendly environment.

Right: In the kitchen, a massive granite-topped, four-foot by sevenfoot island anchors the space with three schoolhouse-style pendants overhead. While the espresso Shaker-style cabinetry throughout the house retains the classic square and rectangle shapes, the simple, brushed-nickel handles continue the urban vibe. Shiny off-white subway tiles brighten the backsplash and accentuate the stainless steel appliances, including a built-in, five-burner gas range. Amy added colorful bottles and jars to the light cabinets at the very top for punches of color.

Inset photos: Details like fauxcrystal door knobs and a cast-iron farmhouse sink (a surprise for Amy, from Ryan) echo elements of the past while modern elements like the brushed nickel, motion-activated kitchen faucet lend a contemporary edge.

24 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Above: A personalized 4-foot-by-6-foot painting, a gift from Amy’s aunt, anchors the foyer. Left: The clean traditional look, which is embodied by creamy batten-board paneling in the office, thick trim and crown molding, starts immediately in the airy foyer and runs throughout the 3,200-square-foot house. Directly ahead, wide-plank, espresso hardwood floors lead to the heart of the home—the family room, dining area and kitchen that runs the entire width of

FAMILY ROOM: The floating, horizontal gas fireplace, standing as centerpiece, is framed by counter-height built-in cabinets topped with four-square windows that let in loads of natural light. The built-in window grids throughout the house lend another subtle nod to the prairie element.

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FINE LIVING

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Top & Above: The master suite features his-and-her closets, a built-in make-up vanity with chandelier and a steam shower. Amy notes that she “borrowed” the chandelier in the bathroom concept from the Heritage Homes Tour, and although the separate closets were Amy’s idea, Ryan raves about it. Amy credits Ryan for the home’s color scheme, including the deep Caribbean blue of the master.

For many families, “kid-friendly” is code word for “place to drop stuff and corral clutter.” Ryan delivered that in spades with a spacious back hall that connects the house to the garage with an adjacent laundry room that has plenty of space for air-drying clothes, flip-out shoe bins for Amy and even a full-length mirror for one last check of the ensemble before heading out the door.

“It’s a perfect drop zone,” noted Ryan, “so that it stops there and doesn’t get tracked into the house.”

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The upper level offers more privacy, yet embodies the same simplistic foursquare pattern with a central hall and four symmetrical bedrooms.

Amy most appreciates how the layout keeps her within hearing distance of their baby.

“I love that there’s no hallway, and I can easily hear and get to her if I need to,” she said.

Taking something old—the classic design concepts—and adding something new—the building itself—has evolved into a timeless home that exudes classic warmth with a generous portion of familial love.

Campfire cookin´ By brittany cremer

Simple, high-flavor offerings to try on your next camping trip or in your own backyard

A primordial satisfaction accompanies cooking over an open flame. But being disconnected from the kitchen doesn’t mean your taste buds should suffer. The next time you’re roughing it, try one or all of these delicious Bear Grylls-goes-gourmet-style recipes courtesy of Kampgrounds of America (KOA).

Bacon-wrapped Stuffed Shrimp Ingredients 30 large-tail shrimp or prawns - BIGGER is better!

1 jar horseradish, coarsely-ground 1 cup Monterey jack cheese 1/2 cup Asiago cheese 1 jar BBQ sauce 2 pound(s) bacon

Preparation Peel and de-vein shrimp. Soak round toothpicks in water. Split shrimp down the outside, being careful not to cut all the way through. Combine cheeses in a small bowl. Stuff slit with horseradish, then cheese. Wrap shrimp with bacon and secure with toothpick. Grill and baste with BBQ sauce until bacon is done. Do not overcook.

Tip: If smaller shrimp are used, cut bacon in half length-wise and pre-cook slightly to prevent shrimp from overcooking.

Kampgrounds of America celebrates its 52nd Anniversary in 2014. KOA, the world’s largest network of family-friendly campgrounds with 485 locations in North America, was born on the banks of the Yellowstone River in Billings in 1962. For additional recipes or camping tips, visit www.blog.koa.com.

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 27

No-Mess Camp Omelets in a Bag Ingredients 2 eggs (per person) Diced breakfast meat (precooked) ham, bacon, sausage, etc.

Diced veggies: onions, peppers, black olives, green chilies, etc.

Hash browns or rolls (leftovers - broken up) Shredded cheese Toppings (tobasco, ketchup, taco sauce, optional)

Preparation You will need a quart-sized freezer baggie (per person), cooking spray, tall cooking pot with lid (1/2 full of boiling water) and metal tongs.

Directions Spray inside each baggie with a bit of cooking spray. Whip and pour two eggs into each bag. Add meat, veggies and hash brown options and seal bag tightly (leave some air inside). Lower each egg baggie into the boiling water (lean top of baggie over edge of pot and hold with lid.) Simmer on low rolling boil until cooked through (5-10 minutes +/-) Use metal tongs to pinch baggies every couple of minutes to be sure all eggs are being cooked through. Lift fully-cooked egg baggies from pot and open carefully. Slide contents out of baggie onto plate and top with your favorites (shredded cheese, hot sauce, ketchup, etc.)

Fireside Fajitas Ingredients 1-2 pound(s) round steak or chicken tenders 1 12-ounce jar of salsa 1 package fajita seasoning 1 can Mexi-corn or yellow corn, drained 1 bag frozen stir fry onions/peppers Corn tortillas Salsa and guacamole, if desired

Preparation Slice steak or chicken into thin strips, then put all ingredients in foil, sealing the edges. Place the wrapped foil on a rack over campfire coals. Let cook inside the bag for 20 to 30 minutes. Serve rolled up in a warm, soft corn tortilla or serve buffet-style and add condiments. Add Mexican blend cheeses, sour cream and Spanish rice to make it your own.

Summer S’more Buffet What's camping without S’mores?

This traditional campfire treat gets an extreme makeover with an all-out S’more buffet. Try different combinations and experiment to find your favorite flavor.

Ingredients 1 package graham crackers 1 package Ritz crackers 1 package fudge graham cookies 1 package chocolate chip cookies 1 bag large marshmallows 1 bag toasted coconut marshmallows Peanut butter Chocolate hazelnut spread Frosting Assorted bars of chocolate (milk, cookies and cream, dark) Assorted chocolate mints (junior, thin, patties) Assorted candies (Swedish fish, Starbursts, gummy bears) Equipment: Campfire or gas grill, roasting forks

S’more Tips: The heat of a toasted marshmallow

usually isn’t enough to melt a piece of chocolate. Place a cracker on a square of aluminum foil and top with square of chocolate and other ingredients. Place the foil and cracker with chocolate on a rock near the campfire or grill to pre-melt before topping with a toasted marshmallow.

Try cutting a small slit in the marshmallow and stuff with soft candies such as Swedish fish or gummy bears before toasting.

For a shortcut S’more, use two fudge graham cracker cookies with a toasted marshmallow in between.

Try crackers other than grahams.

Ritz crackers are delicious with a small peppermint patty or thin mint and a marshmallow.

Directions Arrange marshmallows, crackers and cookies and assorted ingredients in small serving bowls.

Toast marshmallows over a fire or grill and use your imagination to create new combinations of ingredients.

896 S. 29th Street W. Billings, MT 59102 (406) 655-1000

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 29

Physical Therapy.

RiverStone Health has been providing home care services for over thirty years and is the only accredited home care agency in our community. Our team of professionals give you the care you need, from the comfort of your home.

123 South 27th Street • Billings, MT 59101 • 406.651.6500 • www.riverstonehealth.org

30 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

LUNCH a la

cart Street food has been a favorite in cities all over the world. In the U.S., food trucks today cook up a variety of international cuisine on wheels. Meet five local cart chefs and enjoy a sampling of the delicious fares they serve.

By allyn hulteng I Photography by larry mayer

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 31

Chili TIME!

south western mexican

Anthony Padilla, owner “My mother is a great chef,” said Anthony Padilla. “Everything I make is from family recipes I got from her.” Inspired by the unique flavors of southwest cuisine, Padilla’s menu offers a distinctive lineup of savory dishes.

“When people taste my food, I surprise them,” he said.

“They always come back.”

Food truck inspiration

Signature dish

Find him here

A friend and fan of Padilla’s southwestinspired fare convinced Padilla they should open a food truck together. “I thought, why not?”

Green chili burrito made using slow-roasted Anaheim chilis.

Most days at 925 Broadwater (old Cine 7 movie theatre) Hours: Wed.-Fri. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

la carrello (italian for "The Cart)

wood fired pizzas & italian street food

Bill Jensen & Cathy Pike, Owners

Fat Taco Mike Cotta, owner

Food truck inspiration

Signature dish

Find them here

“I love the food cart culture; both Cathy and I think Billings will fall in love with our Italian street food,” Jensen said.

Wood-fired, potato-bacongorgonzola pizza topped with fresh rosemary (but pick any, they’re all good).

628 Grand Ave. (in the alley) Hours: Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

“I guess you could say I’m a career foodie,” said Bill Jensen, who along with his fiancé, Cathy Pike, recently opened La Carrello. A graduate of culinary school and baker by trade, Jensen spent four years perfecting his wood-burning pizzas in Portland before moving to Billings.

“We use locally-sourced ingredients and timehonored techniques to craft pizza that’s as good any you’ll ever have.”

FAT TACO OAXACA STYLE MEXICAN

Mike Cotta, owner

After graduating second in his class from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Portland, Mike Cotta was awarded a two-month, all-expense-paid executive training course in Oaxaca, Mexico. “I worked alongside world-renowned chefs learning their trade secrets,” he said.

For 14 years Cotta plied his culinary mastery as an executive chef at The Four Seasons and other 5-star restaurants in San Diego, but the 70-hour work weeks left little time for family.

A native of the San Joaquin Valley, Cotta relocated his family to Billings. It didn’t take long for Cotta to realize Billings was ripe for something different.

34 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Food truck inspiration

Signature dish

Find him here

“Food is my passion. I wanted people in Billings to experience authentic, freshly-prepared Mexican cuisine. Plus, I wanted to work for myself.”

Pork carnitas with freshly-chopped cilantro and lime spritz.

Most days at Broadwater and 14th St. West (former Bone’s Brewing parking lot) Hours: Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Khanthaly's egg rolls south east asian

Khanthaly and Sisavath Keutia, owners Originally from Laos, Khanthaly and her husband, Sisavath, started serving traditional Laotian food in Billings in 1990. “We had the first food truck in Montana,” Khanthaly said. In 1994, the couple expanded their business and opened a restaurant on Grand Avenue.

After losing their lease eight years later, they returned full-time to the food truck. “My eggrolls – people always tell me they are the best in town.”

Food truck inspiration

Signature dish

Find them here

“We love serving at events around town, especially Farmers’ Market – it’s so fun.”

Chicken and carrot kebob with noodles, fried rice and eggroll, of course.

TransWestern II parking lot Hours: Mon.-Fri, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 35

Jimmy’s Greece Pit gyros, baklava and all things greek

Chris & Nick Capetanakis, owners “My mom and Nick’s mom were friends years ago and had a catering business together (French and Greek food.)

So we’ve always been around food,” said Chris Capetanakis. But getting her mother-in-law’s secret Greek recipes was hard.

“I thought after being married to Nick for 25 years she would finally share. But no – we had to open the food cart, first,” Capetanakis chuckled.

36 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Food truck inspiration

Signature dish

Find them here

“I love making people happy with food,” said Chris. “It's hard work to prep, cook and serve, but I love it. And it helps to have an accounting degree.”

Gyro sandwich and Greek salad, homemade baklava and loukoumades (Greek honey donuts).

Most days at Third Avenue and N. 26th Street (Old Walker’s parking lot) Hours: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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111 S. 24th St. W Billings • 656-2003 Rimrock Mini Mall across from Rimrock Mall & K-Mart Convenient parking next to office door

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MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 37

HERBAL I A sprig of garden goodness into your favorite summer cocktail—what could be more refreshing? Area craft cocktail makers shake, stir and share their favorite summer sips.

The Sumberry Walkers Grill Craft Bartender: Stephen Tanner 1 whole strawberry 5-7 fresh cilantro leaves 1 oz. freshly-squeezed lemon juice 1 oz. rhubarb simple syrup* 1 ¼ oz. Tito’s Vodka ¼ oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liquor 1 ½ oz. Q Artisan tonic water Combine top four ingredients and muddle in a mixing tin. Add spirits then ice. Shake and strain into a chilled Collins glass. Top with Q tonic water and add ice. Garnish with a strawberry and cilantro leaf.

Rhubarb Simple Syrup* Chop two stalks of fresh rhubarb and one strawberry.

Blend ingredients in blender and place in sauce pan. In a sauce pan, add ¾ cup of sugar and ¾ cup of water to mixture and simmer over medium-high heat. Strain and let cool in refrigerator.

The Livacious Liv Walkers Grill Craft Bartender: Stephen Tanner 5 inches of chopped celery 10-15 cilantro leaves 1 oz. lime juice 1 oz. simple syrup 1 1/4 oz. Ketel One Citroen Soda water as needed Combine top four ingredients in mixing glass and muddle.

Add Kettle One Citroen, ice and shake and strain into an iced Collins glass. Top with soda water if desired and garnish with cilantro stem.

38 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

NFUSION Vojito

El Brando

Magic City Jewel-Up

Trailhead Spirits Craft Bartender: Tanya Kuntz

The Rex Craft Bartender: Reid Pyburn

TEN at the Northern Hotel Craft Bartender: John Fitzpatrick

4-6 strawberries 4-6 mint leaves 1 oz. simple syrup 1 oz. vodka Sprite or 7-up

1 1/4 oz. Montana Moon Shine (Willie’s Distillery Ennis, Mont.)

3-4 fresh cilantro leaves 4-5 oz. Squirt soda Fresh jalapeno Orange slice

1 ½ oz. Roughstock Montana spring wheat ½ oz. pepper simple syrup ½ oz. Flathead cherry simple syrup 2 leaves fresh basil 2 ½ oz. ginger beer 2 Flathead cherries

Muddle the vodka, strawberries and mint leaves and place in a glass. Add simple syrup, fill with ice and top with 7-Up or Sprite. Garnish with a strawberry and mint leaf and serve.

Muddle first three ingredients and pour into an ice-filled old fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange slice and fresh jalapeño, or gently squeeze in juices of both for an extra zing of flavor.

Muddle the liquids and chill. Serve in a martini glass garnished with cherries and basil. Enjoy!

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 39

Hello, neighbor.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is here and that’s great news for you. Our new name comes with years of experience from leading real estate affiliates nationwide. It brings stability and it offers you the confidence you need when buying or selling a home. Good to know.™ Get to know us at floberg.com

406.254.1550 | 1550 Poly Drive, Billings, MT 59102 ©2014 BHH Affiliates, LLC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

40 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Sali Armstrong 406.698.2520

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Dan Patterson 406.321.4182

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Ed Workman 406.690.0567

Judy Workman 406.690.2135

The Best Just Got Better! Good to know.™ 406.254.1550 | 1550 Poly Drive, Billings, MT 59102 | floberg.com ©2014 BHH Affiliates, LLC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 41

Animal Clinic of Billings

Wildlife Sightings Guaranteed

and

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• Imaging & Surgery • Grooming Services • Spinal Surgery • Physical Rehabilitation • Emergency Service • New Patients and • Referrals Welcome

• Montana’s largest Wildlife Sanctuary • Come see wildlife from the Yellowstone Ecosystem

Ken Brown, DVM • Darleen Miller, DVM • Bryna Felchle, DVM Anne Ball, DVM • Bobbi Jo Lund, DVM • Christiane Youngstrom, DVM Kay Lynn Allen, Canine Rehabilitation www.animalclinicofbillings.com Donna Rae Alexander, Professional Groomer

406.252.9499 1414 10th St. W. • Billings 1/2 Block North of Grand Ave. on 10th St. W.

42 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

w Neours H

Tuesday - Friday 12-4pm Saturday-Sunday 10am - 4pm Closed Monday

FROM BILLINGS TURN LEFT ON 2ND ST IN RED LODGE

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As a child, I heard the story of a dog so loyal that it came to the train depot every day to search for his master, a shepherder who had left via the railroad. Like many animal-loving children, I was fascinated with the idea of having a dog who loved only me, most especially me, above all others. Television reruns of Lassie and Rin-Tin-Tin fed that romantic notion.

By Brenda Maas

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 43

N

Nearly 30 years later, I moved to Montana with three children of my own and stumbled

across the book, Shep: Our Most Loyal Dog. I quickly realized that the canine I assumed was a myth from my childhood had been, truly, a real dog with a real owner.

The story of Shep’s early days are not well-known, but many assume he spent his life

with the same Master, working sheep side-by-side, day and night, creating an inseparable bond. During the summer of 1936, an ill shepherder was brought to St. Clare Hospital in Fort Benton, Montana. Shortly thereafter, an ordinary sheep dog began a vigil just outside the hospital doors.

When the shepherder died (most likely from tuberculosis, a common disease of the time), his body was shipped back east to his family.

Despite the ensuing attention and popularity, Shep wanted one thing: his Master’s return. He was, beyond a doubt, a one-man dog who never deterred from meeting the train that could be “the one.”

44 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Shep probably expected his Master to come walking out of the hospital at any time, but he never did. Instead, the illness took his Master’s life. A day or two later, a hearse carried Shep’s Master to the Great Northern Railway depot so that it could be shipped to relatives back east.

As he watched the train disappear around the bend, Shep probably didn’t realize he was saying goodbye.

And so began the great wait.

From that day forward, Shep met every passenger train that arrived at the Fort Benton depot. As passengers from all over the world disembarked, Shep studied each face and caught every scent, searching for his Master. Sometimes a kindly man or

woman tried to pet him, but Shep backed off. When the train again chugged and huffed into the distance, the shepherd dog also disappeared. *** Over the next five-and-one-half years Shep became a fixture on the depot’s platform, meeting four trains every day during the blistering summer afternoons and the bitter winter days. Railroad employees like Tony Schanche and Steve McSweeney along with his wife, Kitty, and son Steve, attempted to befriend the hound. ***

But no one could replace Shep’s Master. When Steve or Kitty or one of the station hands tried to pet the dog, he shied away and disappeared until the next passenger train rolled in.

The McSweeneys didn’t give up. They kept bringing food and water and, after six or seven weeks, Shep finally let Steve and Kitty pet him.

Tony Schanche again tried to coax Shep into the depot building to sleep, but the dog would have none of it. He still preferred his nook under the platform. *** At this time, no one really knew Shep’s story or who he was waiting for. Ed Shields, a railroad conductor, began investigating. Over the years, Ed put the puzzle pieces together and reported his findings to the Great Falls Tribune. The newspaper ran a story about the loyal, lonesome sheep dog. The legend was born. It grew with the telling, crossing the country and, eventually, the globe.

Despite the ensuing attention and popularity, Shep wanted one thing: his Master’s return. He was, beyond a doubt, a one-man dog who never deterred from meeting the train that could be “the one.”

According to the website, fortbenton.com: “Shep was an older dog when he came to the station house in Fort Benton. Throughout his vigil, the long nights under the platform and the cold winter had taken their toll. Stiff-legged and hard of hearing, Shep failed to hear old 235 as it rolled into the station at 10:17 that cold winter morning. He turned to look when the engine was almost upon him, moved to get out of the way, and slipped on the icy rails. Shep’s long vigil had ended.”

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Locally Family owned & operated New wires delivered the sad news of Shep’s death all over the country and the world.

Everywhere, people remembered and talked about the faithful shepherd dog. But Shep’s story did not fade away.

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858 S 29th St. W

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 45 TheWave-RockyToppers.com

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causing this?

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In the years that followed, magazine articles about Shep appeared in Reader’s Digest, Lady’s Circle, and Farm Journal. People from far and wide traveled to Fort Benton to leave flowers and pay their respects.

Shep’s legend lives on today. If you ever are lucky enough to visit Fort Benton, take a few minutes to drive up the hill to the train depot. Passenger trains no longer pass through and the old depot has long since been torn down and replaced by a smaller, simpler building. But if you stand and look up the hill, you will see a concrete tombstone and the name “SHEP”—reminders of the remarkable dog who taught us what loyalty and heart are all about. *** Despite reading the story, repeatedly, to my own three boys, I still choke up each and every time. Shep was a simple dog with basic needs, yet he symbolizes so much—unconditional love and unwavering loyalty; the enduring bond between human and animal; and the ideal that we all strive to reach. His is a story that never grows old.

R.I.P. Shep.

Editor’s note: Reproduction rights generously granted by Sleeping Bear Press of Chelsea, Mich.

Shep: Our Most Loyal Dog was written by Sneed B. Collard III and illustrated by Joanna Yardley. The book is available at local bookstores, via Amazon or by calling 866-918-3956.

46 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Billings’ best selection of

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www.vanns.com

Come See us: 2647 King Ave. W. Phone: (406)652-5100

Store hours: Monday - Friday: 9a.m. - 7p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

MAGIC with CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 47 Sunday: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Check our store experts.

48 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Classic Cruisin’ Raucous roadsters flex their muscle cars Top down.

Tunes up.

Smiles and shades on.

Freedom is found at the end of a keychain. And whether you buckle up in an old jalopy, a Jeep Wrangler or are lucky to hold the keys to a classic auto gem, we celebrate the sunshine together. Cruise on!

photos by gazette staff

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 49

50 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Best of Show Get your gears going by attending one of these area car shows: The Mod and Classic Car Show July 12

Volkswagen Billings vwbillings.com

Billings All Original Car Show July 19

Billings North Park billingsalloriginalcarshow.org Fiesta Car Show July 26

Billings South Park e-mail: mexicanfiestacarshow@ hotmail.com Headwaters Car Show July 27

Downtown Three Forks www.headwatercarclub.org Road Agent Rally August 9

Virginia City Depot Park virginiacity.com Cruisin’ on Main Car Show August 17

Main Street Bozeman downtownbozeman.org

6th Annual Free Car Show August 23

328 South Shiloh Rd. Billings myemmanual.net Burn the Point August 29-30

Downtown Billings and MetraPark chasehawks.org

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 51

To HellBy Creek and Back Gene Colling i iLLUSTRATION BY LEE HULTENG

W

ith cool mud oozing between my toes, I stared at the redand-white bobber floating in the murky waters of Silver Lake, a glorified pond near my childhood farm. Suddenly, the bobber started to twitch, and my eyes widened. Gripping the 9-foot bamboo pole harder, I gave it a mighty yank. At that moment both the little sun fish and I were hooked.

That was the spark that ignited a lifelong passion for fishing. I still have that old bobber, and after decades of compulsive consumption I’ve added a few more items to my collection of fishing gear – enough to fill a good sized shed.

Recently, I took a big chunk of that gear to Fort Peck Reservoir – an amazing place where dinosaurs walked and Lewis and Clark trekked. In the 1930s, a massive earth-filled dam was constructed near the site of old Fort Peck. My wife’s grandfather was one of many men who lived in shanty shacks while working to build it. When the reservoir filled, it had more miles of shoreline than the California coast. It is a massive expanse of water filled with more than 20 species of fish. The prime interest for most fishermen is the walleye – a sometimes fickle species to catch but prized as table fare.

My fishing buddy, Bill, has been a friend ever since he wandered into my college dorm room in 1966. Over the years we have shared many adventures – hunting, hiking, mountain climbing, running, bicycle racing, fishing and card playing. Bill is old school and tougher than buffalo hide. His idea of camping is to throw a thin foam mattress in the back of his pickup camper shell. Thirty years ago this was acceptable. These days it requires the pain tolerance of a Hindu holy man.

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As for me, I like a little more comfort and prefer to snug up in a tent at night. My tents have evolved from the original one that resembled an MRI tube, to the current model that is tall enough that I can stand up straight. I also like a double thick air mattress which, according to Bill, makes me a wimp of stupendous proportions.

By Fort Peck campground standards, our campsite resembled one of those original shanty shacks from the 1930s. With the infusion of nearby Bakken oil money, a typical rig pulling into the Hell Creek Campground consists of a brand new pickup pulling a deluxe popout fifth-wheel trailer and behind that, a $60,000 tricked-out boat. I don’t begrudge these outfits; I just think it’s good for the soul to sleep close to the ground once in a while. Plus, for them, the priceper-pound of walleye makes caviar look like fast food.

Another good attribute of my friend Bill is that he owns a boat. The old saying that “the best days of owning a boat are the day you buy it and the day you sell it” may be true for some, but Bill’s boat gets used. Besides our Fort Peck trips, he drags that boat all over hell and gone with his wife and grandkids in tow.

One thing that’s true about owning a boat is that they require constant tinkering. Every fishing trip racks up another list of repairs—most of which we

can handle with duct tape and bailing twine (he’s an old farm kid, too).

Just as long as it isn’t the motor that breaks down. I have said more than a few silent prayers for the motor to start when we were 20 miles from the marina with white caps kicking up. Weather is a big factor on Fort Peck. Biblical-scale thunder storms can boil up day or night. I’ve watched the lightening brighten my tent like a strobe light, making me wonder if my tent poles are good conductors.

Getting lost on Fort Peck would be a worry if it wasn’t for the biggest fishing innovation of my lifetime – GPS. Before, a map, a compass, landmarks and the sky were our navigation options. It is still a good idea to know how to manage without the GPS, but that device tells you exactly where you are and how to get home plus water temperature, boat speed, depth, bottom structure and if there are fish below the boat.

This recent trip to Fort Peck was blessed with good weather until the last day when the winds gusted to 45 miles per hour. I thought my tent would end up in either Canada or Oz. We barely saved it by parking the truck to block the wind and securing it with extra line tied to the truck.

But the rest of the days were as good as they get. We usually kept a walleye for dinner and cooked it with roasted potatoes. Afterwards, we started a campfire, opened a cold beer and watched the sun go down. Then I was off to my comfy tent while Bill climbed onto his bed of nails inside the camper shell. And to think, it all began with that twitching bobber in Silver Lake.

Bill is old school and tougher than buffalo hide. His idea of camping is to throw a thin foam mattress in the back of his pickup camper shell. Thirty years ago this was acceptable. These days it requires the pain tolerance of a Hindu holy man.

Gene Colling claims dual residency in both Billings and Missoula.

He recently retired after a career with the U.S. Forest Service.

For 25 of those years, he produced video programs including ones on such Billings area topics as the Beartooth Highway, Pryor Mountain wild horses, Lewis and Clark expedition, Hebgen Lake earthquake and Nez Perce Trail.

You and your gums are in it for life.

So show them a little love.

Let us explain how you and your gums can get a little closer.

Call today for a consultation.

50 27th Street West, Suite D, Billings, MT 406-655-7970 1-800-801-5076 www.HealthyGumsMontana.com MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 53

Lewistown

By Karen Kinser • photos courtesy of donnie sexton

I

f you’re looking for a lovely little get-away this summer, follow the path to Lewistown. It’s close enough to make it a day trip, but offers enough adventure for a weekend … or more. Located in the Judith Basin

in the geographical center of Montana, this quaint hamlet is conveniently adjacent to five mountain ranges with 100-mile vistas of the surrounding plains. Once Blackfoot territory, a trading post and the site of a U.S. Infantry fort, Lewistown is rich with history including a gold rush in 1880, the discovery of the cornflower-blue Yogo sapphires and a second wave of prosperity in early 20th century. Today, Lewistown is the agricultural hub and a picture-postcard town of about 6,000 folks, waiting to welcome you with

54 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

western hospitality.

WHILE THERE...

Explore history. Lewistown is home to

Ride the Charlie Russell Chew Choo

six separate historic districts on the National Register of Historic places that include MainStreet businesses and elaborate mansions – many constructed by Croatian stonemasons.

Step back into the area’s gold mining past with a visit to the nearby ghost towns of Kendall, Maiden or Gilt Edge.

Montana’s Premier Dinner Train

Scenic 56 mile round trip Crossing two historic trestles and passing Through a half mile long tunnel Includes a full course Prime Rib Dinner & Dessert

Ride the Charlie Russell Chew-Choo.

Enjoy prime-rib dinner with spectacular scenery, a hold-up and a hanging, and maybe even dancing in the aisles, as you travel on vintage train cars through tunnels and over historical trestles.

www.montanadinnertrain.com

Visit the Central Montana Museum.

Learn the history of central Montana’s past, beginning in the 1870s, at this museum, which features historical exhibits and interpretive displays.

Go to a Festival. Lewistown draws large crowds for its hosting of the annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering (August 14-17) and the annual Chokecherry Festival (first Saturday after Labor Day). It’s also a popular stop for visitors on the Montana Bale Trail (September 7), which features more than 50 hay bale sculptures along a 21-mile route.

For tickets and more information, please contact the Lewistown Area Chamber of Commerce

(406) 535-5436 (866) 912-3980 or lewchamb@midrivers.com

Cool Off. Big Spring Creek, with clear, cold bubbling water, is the third largest freshwater spring in the world. Cool off on a hot day by tubing on the creek or bring your fly rod and catch some rainbow and brown trout. If you don’t want to get in the water, then stop by the Montana Tavern Bar and watch the fish swim through the plexiglass viewing area in the floor of the bar.

Call Cal Today To List Your Home For Sale!

Discover the C.M. Russell Refuge.

About an hour north of Lewistown, you can access a million acres of the C.M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and spend some time hiking, birding, fishing or experiencing the 20-mile self-guided auto tour.

Floberg Real Estate

Meet the Neighbors. The King Colony Hutterites invite you to learn about their community on this fascinating and informational tour.

Dine – and sleep – in history. Try the historic Mint Bar and Grill for fabulous steaks, seafood and pasta. Spend the night at the elegantly renovated Calvert Hotel (originally built as a girls’ dormitory in 1912) and enjoy dinner at their stunning Onyx Bar and Grill.

Resources: Visit enjoylewistown.com and lewistownchamber.com. For Charlie Russell Chew-Choo information, go to montanadinnertrain.com. To schedule a Hutterite tour of the King Colony, contact Rita Hofer at 406-350-2307 or ritahofer2000@ hotmail.com.

Cal Northam 406.696.1606 CalNortham@floberg.com

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 55

CUSTOM C FRO M 5 STA RS TO A SK Y FU LL

O F STA RS

Nature nurtures the soul.

But we all have different barometers for how we’d like to experience the great outdoors.

Some opt for the salt-of-the earth experience of sleeping in a tent. For others, a luxurious, high-end chalet is the way to go. Whichever experience you prefer, we have your next best vacation pre-planned and ready to go.

All you need to do is call and make the reservation.

Fishing and floating the Kootenai River near Troy, Montana is a zen-like experience. While there, be sure to jaunt across the Kootenai Falls swinging bridge.

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CAMPING

BY KAREN KINSER I PHOTOS COURTESY OF DONNIE SEXTON

COOL CAMPSITES Kootenai River Campground: Troy Located in scenic western Montana – near the Idaho border and on the Kootenai River – this campground offers a serene setting in a remote and rugged area in the midst of the Kootenai National Forest and Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. Between relaxing and picking huckleberries, be sure to: • • • • • • •

Fish for Kokanee salmon, perch, bass, northern pike and rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout in the Kootenai River, as well as area streams and lakes.

Take in the cascading waterfalls of Kootenai Falls and Yaak Falls. Don’t forget a jaunt across the Kootenai Falls swinging bridge for a great view.

Spend a day enjoying the spectacular scenery and wildlife on the Yaak Loop Scenic Tour (96 miles) or one of the four other scenic drives.

Walk through Ross Creek Scenic Area’s 500-year-old giant red cedar forrest.

Learn the history of the area at the Heritage Museum in nearby Libby, and then stop at the Libby Dam. Bring those golf clubs and enjoy stunning scenery while challenging yourself on the 18 holes at Cabinet View Golf Course.

On your way home, take a side trip to Arlee and experience even more serenity in the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas.

Resources: Visit kootenairivercampground.com and theyaak.com

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 57

Makoshika State Park: Glendive Makoshika. Meaning “bad land” or “bad earth” in Lakota, Makoshika offers an otherworldly experience with its badlands filled with dinosaur bones on its 11,500 acres – the largest state park in Montana. While there, be sure to: •

• • • • • •

Hike through deep ravines and around the eerily-shaped hoodoos, mesas, buttes, spires and fluted hillsides. Bring your camera on early-morning and evening hikes for spectacular light on the formations.

Channel your inner archeologist on a dinosaur expedition. More than 10 species of dinosaurs have been found in Makoshika, including Triceratops, Edmontosaurus and Tyrannosaurus Rex. Try your hand at agate hunting along the banks of the Yellowstone River in Glendive.

Enjoy disc golf at one of the most challenging courses in the country.

Learn more about the area at the Makoshika Dinosaur Museum and the Frontier Gateway Museum in Glendive.

Take a drive to Medora, ND (about 65 miles away) and tour the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Little Missouri National Grasslands or the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.

On your way home, stop off in Terry for a pizza at the Roy Rogers saloon. Also be sure to pop in to the Prairie County Museum and learn about photographer Evelyn Cameron Resources: Visit stateparks.mt.gov/makoshika or glendivechamber.com.

Above: Makoshika State Park, picturesque badlands and Makoshika Dinosaur Museum.

CABINS AND CHALETS Holland Lake Lodge: Condon Rent one of these six rustic lakefront cabins with milliondollar views in northwest Montana. This area – known as the American Alps because of its location between the spectacular Swan and Mission Mountains – offers soul-soothing salve to the nature-deprived traveler. Enjoy the gracious hospitality and five-star gourmet meals (included in the price) as you relax your troubles away. While there, be sure to: •

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Get into the great outdoors by fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking and boating amid the 400 acres of Holland Lake.

Great Northern Resort: West Glacier Designed to look like the iconic Glacier Park chalets, the comfy cabins (complete with kitchens and fireplaces) at Great Northern Resort offer a home base as you explore all the outdoor wonders in and outside of Glacier National Park. While in the area: •

•

• • •

•

•

Hike the hundreds of miles of trails in the nearby Bob Marshall and Mission Mountain Wilderness. Or, take a shorter walk to nearby Holland Lake Falls.

Spend an evening – or two or three – star-gazing while enjoying the warmth of a bonfire in the fire pit right outside your cabin.

Visit the Swan Valley Museum and learn the history of the area’s homesteaders.

If you can manage to skip a dinner at the Lodge, take a trip up the road to Swan Lake and enjoy a buggy ride and cowboy steak dinner in a mountain meadow from the Beef N’ Buggy through Swan Mountain Outfitters.

For a change of scenery, take the hour and a half drive to Polson along beautiful Flathead Lake and visit the Miracle of America Museum, often referred to as the Smithsonian of the West.

On your way home, stop in Butte and tour the Copper King Mansion.

Resources: Visit hollandlakelodge.com

Above: Holland Lake and the nearby Bob Marshall Wilderness offers a multitude of boating, fishing, floating and hiking opportunities. At Right: Experience West Glacier in a cozy chalet at the Great Northern Resort and spend your vacation experiencing the grandeur of Glacier National Park.

Spend a day, or more, exploring Glacier National Park. This crown jewel features abundant lakes, hiking trails and wildlife (including mountain goats and Bighorn sheep). Its waterfalls will enchant and amaze you as you travel over the Going-tothe-Sun Road.

• Fly fish, whitewater raft, canoe, kayak or paddle board.

Or, take a boat tour at one of the lakes in the park.

• Golf one or more of the 10 fantastic courses in the area, with the Flathead Valley being named a Top 50 Golf Course Destination by Golf Digest. Folf (Frisbee-golf) is also popular in the area.

• Hitch a ride on horseback through one of the outfitters in the area.

• Cruise the Flathead Valley Scenic Drive and the Mission Valley Scenic Drive. These two trips offer even more awe-inspiring sights with fun stops along the way.

• Defy gravity and see your aura at the Montana Vortex and House of Mystery in Columbia Falls.

Resources: Go to greatnortherresort.com and glaciermt.com

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 59

LOUNGE IN LUXURY Gallatin River Lodge: Bozeman Staying at this rustically-elegant Lodge, you may just find yourself wanting to sit on the edge of the private trout pond or at the nearby heron rookery, watching eagles and sandhill cranes. Or, on a cool night, you may be inclined to stoke up the private fireplace or in-room jetted tub, and watch the stars from your window. However you spend your time here, there are plenty of outdoor – and indoor – activities. While there: • • •

• • • • •

Book a guided fly fishing tour down one of three fantastic rivers in the area.

Dine at the Gallatin River Grill, with impeccably-prepared homemade meals created from the products of local farms, ranches and dairies.

Hike on some of the hundreds of miles of trails in the greater Bozeman area. Don’t miss the Hyalite Canyon.

Get into hot water – at the Bozeman Hot Springs or Norris Hot Springs (which features live music on Friday through Sunday evenings).

Whitewater raft on the Gallatin or Madison Rivers.

Enjoy the dinosaur exhibits and planetarium at the renowned Museum of the Rockies.

Golf under the big skies, at Bridger Creek, Valley View or Cottonwood Hills.

After a day of outdoor rejuvenation, stop at the Zebra Cocktail Lounge (in the basement of the Bozeman Hotel) for some live music, dancing and craft cocktails.

Luxurious eats and accomodations at the Gallatin River Lodge in Bozeman.

Next page: Experience the serenity of Bigfork or pick Flathead cherries while staying at the Izaak Walton Inn & Resort in Essex.

Resources: Visit grlodge.com and bozemancvb.com

The Bighorn River’s Finest

Fly Fishing Accommodation

For or Cabin Availability vailability Contact:

406-666-2253 60 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

bighornfly@gmail.com

www.bighornfly.com

Izaak Walton Inn & Resort: Essex Treat yourself to some turn-of-the-century charm when you stay in one of the luxury rail cars at this historic Inn, not too far from Glacier National Park.

You’ll enjoy the quiet and remoteness (no TV’s or cell service), the creative meals in the dining car restaurant and the rhythmic cadence of trains passing by during the night. While in the area: •

•

• • •

•

Tour Glacier National Park over the Going-tothe-Sun Road on one of the historic red buses (or drive yourself, but the tours are more fun).

Visit Flathead Lake and the charming city of Bigfork (25 miles away) for a day of shopping, dining, boating or just sitting at the lake.

Pick Flathead cherries if you’re there during cherry season (late July/early August).

Hike on one of the many trails in Glacier National Park (take bear spray) or in the Great Bear Wilderness area near the Inn. Enjoy a day trip to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and high tea at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel (bring your passport).

See how whiskey is made at Glacier Distilling in Coram and sample a few spirits.

Resources: izaakwaltoninn.com and glacierparkinc.com.

Come play and stay in Livingston—just down the road, yet worlds apart.

Rediscover Montana in a small town where fly www.visitlivingston.orgMAGIC CITY MAGAZINE fishing, art, and culture I JULY/AUGUST I 61 capture the imagination.

406.222.0850

Facial Plastics

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• Reduced appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and pigmentation • Improved texture and softer skin • Increased hydration • More radiant, youthful-looking skin

Now available!

For more information or to make an appointment, call Michelle at (406) 657-4653 or visit billingsclinic.com/facialplastics Like us on Facebook.

Visit facebook.com/billingsclinicfacialplastics

62 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Think you know everything there is to know about Billings? Maybe … maybe not. Here are 25 under-theradar restaurants, tucked away parks, surprising attractions, unusual venues and quirky experiences that you may have overlooked – but shouldn’t.

By Allyn Hulteng MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 63

UNDER-THE-RADAR EATS Crazy Mary’s Fish ‘n Chips

1404 6th Ave. N. If you love fresh fish (and don’t mind a little impromptu fun), you’ll fall hard for Crazy Mary’s. Owner Mary Jackson, a seasoned cook, adds her own flair to the bountiful lineup, often while belting out a rousing version of Me and Bobby McGee. Spontaneous singing aside, Mary’s onepound haddock and fish tacos with mango salsa have quickly become customer favorites. It’s wharf-style dining for landlocked locals.

PHOTO BY LARRY MAYER

Hog Wild Café 204 N. 22nd St. Got a hankering for some pulled pork? How about a superhero-worthy chicken fried steak? If hearty portions of good ‘ol home-style cooking is your thing, park yourself at the counter of the Hog Wild Café. The restaurant’s finger lickin’ menu is matched only by its friendly downhome service – neither disappoints. As one reviewer gushed: “that’s some good pig!”

PHOTO BY LARRY MAYER

The Burger Dive 114 N. 27th St.

There’s no shortage of burger joints in the city, but if you want the real deal head to The Burger Dive. Owner Brad Halsten’s mouthwatering menu features an array of gourmet burgers, including the award-winning Blackened Sabbath plus hand-cut fries and milkshakes made with Wilcoxson’s ice cream. The Dive’s meteoric rise as a crowd favorite means packed noon hours, so go early or plan to wait for a seat. (It’s worth it.)

Edgar Bar

PHOTO BY JAMESWOODCOCK

105 Elwell St., Edgar, Montana On a quiet street in the tiny burg of Edgar just a short drive from Billings, you’ll find the Edgar Bar. Renowned for their certified Angus beef steaks and monster shrimp, (and we mean MONSTER), the delicious food would be worth the trip alone. Add to that their unique brand of warm hospitality, a full bar plus local entertainment and you have the quintessential Montana dining experience. (Please have a designated driver).

Cham Thai Cuisine 2916 1st Ave. N.

The interior of the restaurant hasn’t changed much since its days as the old Casa de Pizza, but the food certainly has. Frequented by Thai food aficionados, this little gem offers authentic Thai fare at a wallet-friendly price. Using family recipes and fresh ingredients, every dish is made to your individual taste. Insider tip: Try the Panang curry. (Extra spicy if you dare…).

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PHOTO BY GAZETTE STAFF

UNUSUAL PLACES Henry’s Garage 12 Garden Ave.

A new special event venue, Henry’s Garage offers a stunning, nostalgia-inspired space to host corporate retreats, business meetings and professional gatherings. The large, open beam building features a restored 1950s diner, vintage neon collection and walls adorned with nostalgic “automobilia.” Amenities include a large catering kitchen, state-of-the-art sound system and custom finishings. Want to host an outdoor event? The manicured grounds include a spectacular stone and log pavilion with a massive stone fireplace. For more information, call Terri Malucci at 406-855-7999.

No Preservatives Homemade Jelly & Jam FRESH RIBEYE AND SIRLOIN STEAK WEEKLY K E Y S E R C R E E K S M O K E D M E A T S and

M O N T A N A M A D E G I F T S T O R E 632 N 9th St., Suite 110 Columbus, MT 59019 406.322.9073 www.montanakeysercreek.net

PHOTO COURTESY OF HENRY'S GARAGE

C’mon Inn Courtyard 2020 Overland Drive

Escape to a tropical paradise without ever leaving the city limits. The two-story, all-season courtyard inside the C’mon Inn was designed to make you feel as though you’re a million miles from civilization. Lush foliage and large rock outcroppings provide a relaxing aesthetic for each of the five large hot tubs. There is also PHOTO BY BOB ZELLAR a swimming pool, a kiddie pool, a koi pond with bridge plus a two-story waterfall – all beckoning weary guests to relax and rejuvenate.

The next time you need a getaway – or want a mini-respite next winter – consider playing tourist and spend an evening soaking the stress away.

Action Toys

2274 SE Shiloh Rd. With a name like this, you might expect to find the latest in air rifles, paintball guns and assorted accessories – but you won’t.

This unique retail store specializes in farm toys and collectibles that “reflect the values of country living in today’s modern world.” From die-cast toy implements to pedal tractors, soft rubber horses to fullyoutfitted farm buildings, youngsters can let their imaginations run wild – sans batteries, outlets or screens. www.actionfarmtoys.com.

PHOTO BY GAZETTE STAFF

FREE BIRTHDAY BURGER

$20 TOWARDS YOUR 6TH VISIT

EVERY 10TH ITEM FREE

EXCLUSIVE SURPRISES

West Park Plaza 1595 Grand Avenue, BILLINGS, MT (406) 248-7778 • www.redrobin.com

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 65

Jim and Austin’s Barbershop 2225 Main St. Suite 5

Meet Jim and Austin, two young men with a passion for custom haircuts and old-school barbering. Not only will these two give you a great straight-edge cut, but you’ll pay a very reasonable price.

While there, check out their lineup of Suavecito products including pomades, shaving creme, vanishing creme plus Brilliantcreme and Bay Rum aftershave. Stories re-told for free.

AMAZING ATTRACTIONS Zip Line Course at Outlaw Canyon Adventures 4004 Yellowstone Trail

PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTLAW CANYON ADVENTURES

Soar above rugged coulees and Ponderosa pines as you ride the new zip line course at Outlaw Canyon Adventures. Built near the historic townsite of Coulson just a few minutes from downtown Billings, the six-line course offers rides for people of every skill level. Plan on twoand-a-half to three hours to complete the course, but the thrill will make your experience “fly by.” Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thurs – Sun. Season: May 17 – Sept. 28, 2014. (Tip: The address for Outlaw Canyon Adventures is new and does not appear on GPSs. To find them, follow Old Hardin Road until it turns into Dickie Road, continue on Dickie Road until you come to Yellowstone Trail, turn left and drive approximately 1,000 feet until you see the sign.) www.outlawzip.com.

Public Auction Yards (PAYS) 1802 Minnesota Ave.

Experience a true Montana moment. Head down to the Public Auction Yards (PAYS) where you’ll watch cattlemen and auctioneers ply their trades. Livestock auctions have been part of the ranching business since Montana was a territory – and this is the real deal.

When the sale breaks at noon, join the others and have lunch in the PAYS Café where you’ll enjoy home cooking. But don’t dawdle – the action starts again promptly at 1 p.m.

Visible Vault

Yellowstone Art Museum 505 N. 26th St. You don’t have to be an art connoisseur to appreciate a behindthe-scenes peek at how the YAM stores its more than 7,000 items currently not on display. One of a mere handful of similar facilities in the country, the Visible Vault opens the YAM’s entire collection of stored works to public view. Visitors will learn how collections are rotated, preserved and catalogued in this interactive experience. Budding and seasoned artists are also encouraged to spend time at the artist-in-residence studio also housed inside.

Venture Improv

NOVA Center for the Performing Arts 2317 Montana Ave. For an all-out, belly-busting, laugh-until-you-cry night of comedy, head down to the NOVA Center for the Performing Arts and take

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in an evening of Venture Improv. Now celebrating 18 years of high-energy improvised performances, this comedy troupe will have you engaged and giggling before the house lights can dim.

Performances take place one Saturday each month starting in September. Tickets cost $7, and the show starts at 8 p.m (recommended audience age 18+). Concessions are available.

For more information including performance dates, log on to www. novabillings.org.

Magic City Shorts Film Festival Babcock Theatre 2nd Ave. N. and Broadway Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or simply a movie buff, the 2014 Magic City Shorts Film Festival should be on your calendar. Film categories include documentary, fiction, student and music videos, with cash prizes in each category plus Best of Show and Peoples’ Choice. Original films may be entered between now and August 31. The Festival takes place September 27 at the Babcock Theatre. For more information, log on to billingsgazette.com/magiccityshorts.

TUCKED AWAY PARKS Public Parks with Spray Grounds

When summer starts to sizzle, grab the kiddos and head out to one of the city’s four spray grounds for PHOTO BY HANNAH POTES some cool, refreshing fun. Located in Terry, Highland, Castlerock and North Parks, these wet ‘n wild soaking sprayers will have your little ones squealing with cold water delight. Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, all are free for children 8 years and younger. Parental supervision required. Visit billingsparks.org for all locations.

new COnSTRUCTIOn & RePLACeMenT

Peaks to Plains Park on the campus of Montana State University – Billings 1500 University Drive

Nestled on the north side of the MSU-B library, the Peaks to Plains Park offers a sensory escape from the daily grind. From the library, take the walkway north winding your way through native foliage and mature shade trees to the top where you’ll discover a gentle waterfall. Along the path, large blocks of sandstone reminiscent of the Rimrocks offer plenty of places to sit and eat lunch, converse or simply enjoy.

Movies in the Parks

Ready… set… action! What better way to spend a Montana summer evening than watching movies out-of-doors. Once again this year, Billings Parks and Recreation and Fire Fly Outdoor Movie Company have PHOTO BY CASEY PAGE partnered to present Movies in the Parks.

This free, family-friendly series takes place in various parks around the city. Come early to claim a spot on the grass to enjoy the show. Movies start at sunset, and concessions will be available.

July 25: Frozen at Rose Park August 22: ET at South Park September 5: The Lego Movie at Pioneer Park (In case of inclement weather, the show will move to Saturday night.)

Visit billingsparks.org for all locations.

Deaconess Healing Garden 2702 8th Ave. N.

Just north of the main hospital on the campus of Billings Clinic is a small green space called Deaconess Healing Garden.

Built as a tribute to the hospital’s Methodist history, the garden features a bubbling brook dotted with wildflowers under a canopy of mature trees. A short path takes visitors past panels that recount key events in the history of Billings Clinic. There are also several benches that invite people to sit and take in the sound of the water, the scent of the flowers and feel a cool, soothing breeze – a beautiful respite for weary souls.

PHOTO BY CASEY PAGE

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HIDDEN HISTORY

MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

Yellowstone County Museum

Billings Community Center

1950 Terminal Circle

Housed in an unassuming log cabin from Billings’ early days, this tiny museum is packed with local history. Visitors will find a large exhibit of artifacts from ancient Native Americans, as well as displays depicting pioneer life and even antique firearms. Parking is free, and helpful volunteers are on site to answer any questions. Hours: Tues – Sat, 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Montana Family History Center 1711 6th St. West

Many of us know our grandparents and perhaps even our greatgrandparents, but who were their ancestors? Anyone interested in researching their family heritage is encouraged to come to the LDS Montana Family History Center. There, veteran genealogists can show you how to research ancestral records and explore your family history – the stories you uncover will amaze you. Call 252-3763 for days and hours of operation.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument Visitor Center Off Exit 23 from I-94

On July 25, 1806, Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition carved his name and the date on the face of a 200-foot tall sandstone butte overlooking the Yellowstone Valley. Today, Clark’s signature remains the only physical evidence left by the Corps of Discovery.

Near the famous butte, the Pompeys Pillar Interpretive Center chronicles Clark’s exploration of the Yellowstone on his way back to meet Lewis at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. Interactive displays and welldocumented historic notes help visitors envision the life and experiences of these remarkable explorers.

PHOTO BY LARRY MAYER

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360 N. 23rd St.

Open to anyone 55 years and older, the Billings Community Center offers a wide variety of programs and amenities for seniors, including use of the new health and fitness center, access to the computer center and computer classes, health screenings, trips and tours, cash prizes for bingo, card and cribbage events, health and wellness classes, income tax assistance and discounts for enrichment classes including oil painting, fly fishing, ceramics, investment club plus more. Membership costs a mere $10 per year, but no person is denied access because of the inability to pay for a membership.

Billings Adult & Community Education Center 415 N. 30th St.

Want to upgrade your skills in order to enroll in college?

How about becoming a certified paralegal? Maybe you just want to learn golf, photography or to play the guitar? The Adult and Community Education Center offers these plus many more classes and certifications covering a wide range of subjects from business to culinary skills to hobbies – most at a very reasonable cost. Plan now to check out the center’s fall listing and expand your universe. www. billingscommunityed.org.

Dance Fever

5710 Interstate Ave., Suite 2 If you’re a secret fan of the show Dancing with the Stars, it’s time to get off the couch and step onto the dance floor.

Dance Fever owner and instructor Julie Kanning and her capable staff teach a variety of dance styles to everyone from beginners to the pros. Start lessons today and in no time you can be dancing a rhythmic Brazilian samba or smooth elegant waltz that would wow even Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. (And you don’t need to bring a partner to learn!)

Oasis Spa at Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic 720 N. 30th St.

Your feet and legs work hard – take time to care for them by booking a Body Melt Foot Therapy session at the Oasis Spa. This 30-minute treatment starts by massaging the calves and feet with a soothing peppermint balm, then wrapping them in steaming towels to sooth and awaken muscles. Enjoy the foot therapy alone, or add to a custom massage for full-body revitalization. You will thank yourself many times over.

Your everything-guide to foot care, pampered piggies and summer shoe fashion My Dad has Fred Flintstone feet.

Come to think of it, he sort of looks like Fred Flintstone in general, but his feet in particular.

His toenails are long, dense, sharp (ouch!), and his instep is as thick as a brontosaurus burger.

A former standout athlete, his cankle ankles have sustained permanent damage through years of sprains, strains and the occasional fracture. Coming from an era of “rub-some-dirt-on-it medicine,” (one of my favorite dad-isms) his feet and ankles took a beating—nothing as harsh as pedaling a 2-ton Stone-Aged car to work, but close.

And while they’re typically covered with dress socks and stylish loafers, his Yabba-Dabba-Don’t feet occasionally make an appearance during the summer months.

Avert thine eyes!

And this would be easy to do, if I didn’t have the same feet.

Camouflaged with a thin layer of cherry-red toenail polish, my feet are a dead ringer for the old man’s. My beloved husband, who always has a way with words, once told me that I could “catch a trout swimming upstream with my toes.”

I’m not 100 percent sure what that means, but I don’t think it’s good.

The foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments and a whopping 250,000 sweat glands.

by brittany cremer MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 69

Tickle, tickle.

Ingrown toenail

Feels like: a sharp, stabbing pain (usually along the nail line of your big toe), and inflammation and tenderness that can extend to the tip of the toe.

Happens when: some folks are automatically predisposed to ingrown toenails due to the physiology of their feet and toenails, but the problem can be perpetuated by trimming toenails too short, not straight across or by wearing ill-fitting shoes.

Fungal nail infection

Looks like: a thick, discolored and brittle nail, often presenting itself most prominently on your big toe.

Happens when: microscopic fungi enter through a break in the nail or surrounding skin. If left untreated, a fungal infection can spread to other nails.

Bunion

Looks like: a bony lump on the outer edge of your big toe.

Happens when: the joint adjacent your big toe becomes misaligned, causing the end of the bone to jut out. This condition is often aggravated by tight-fitting shoes that pinch toes together.

Hammertoe

Looks like: the joint of one of your toes (usually the second piggy) points upward instead of lying flat.

Happens when: a bunion, flat or high arches, or too-narrow shoes cause your big toe to butt up against the second toe, putting pressure on the digit and causing it to contract.

Corn and Callus

Looks like: raised layers of thick, dead skin. On the tops of your toes they’re called corns; on the bottoms or sides of your feet, they’re known as calluses.

Happens when: there’s too much pressure or friction on the feet, often due to ill-fitting shoes or a deformity, like a hammertoe.

Plantar fasciitis

Feels like: a stabbing or burning pain in your heel that’s often worse in the morning.

Happens when: the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot, becomes inflamed. This can be triggered by the strain of having exceptionally flat or high arches, standing or walking all day long, being overweight or doing intense physical activities.

Neuroma

Feels like: tingling, burning, or numbness in your foot. It may make you feel as if you’re walking on a pebble.

Happens when: the bones of two toes—usually the third and fourth ones—rub against one another, pinching the nerve in between. Too-narrow shoes, which cram toes together, are often to blame. *Always be sure to check with your podiatrist or physician to diagnose foot maladies and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

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Feet are funny, yes, malodorous, maybe. But there is a serious side to foot care.

As the physiological workhorse of the human body, feet are more vulnerable to injury than any other part of the body, according to the American Podiatric Medicine Association. It’s amazing that they’re not injured more, considering how much we ask of them.

Summertime often ushers an influx of foot-related issues including ingrown toenails, foot fungus and planter fasciitis. Because we care about our tootsies (and yours), we asked area experts for tips on combatting some of summer’s most common foot maladies.

The usual suspects The side of your big toe is swollen and throbbing. Touching your big toenail sends you into a full-body crumple onto the floor. You call your Aunt Nellie, and she tells you to treat the ingrown toenail by cutting a small “v” into the middle of the nail with clippers.

“You definitely don’t want to do that,” said Dr. Scott DeMars, podiatrist at Rimrock Podiatry in Billings. “Cutting a “v” in the nail might relieve some pressure, but it won’t fix the problem.”

When it comes to feet, we often fall victim to self-diagnosing or medicating according to an old wives’ tale or misinformation on the web.

To treat an ingrown toenail, Dr. DeMars suggests working up the edge of the nail (if you’re able) and placing a small piece of cotton swab under it—redirecting its growth. If the nail is too painful to touch or you aren’t able to reach the nail, you should, of course, see a podiatrist.

Trimming nails straight across the top and leaving them a comfortable length can also ward off ingrowns, DeMars said.

But sometimes, no matter how hard you try, the ingrown returns.

"Several patients simply have feet and toes that are more susceptible to ingrown toenails,” DeMars said.

For them, a simple out-patient procedure can fix the problem for the long-term.

Plantar fasciitis is another common foot malady that Dr. DeMars readily treats during the summer months.

“Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that occurs when the ligament band that attaches to the Sweat glands in the feet produce heel has been strained,” DeMars said. “Patients approximately half a pint of who engage in rigorous exercise often suffer from perspiration daily.* this.”

Going barefoot and sliding on flimsy flip-flops can hasten the effects of plantar fasciitis, so stick with footwear that offers ample arch support.

Glass slipper, size 8 Ill-fitting shoes, especially those that pinch our piggies, are often to blame for ingrown toenails, bunions, corns and other foot problems.

And while they can sometimes be a contributing factor, Dr. DeMars says that certain foot issues could be beyond your control.

“Patients often think that everything wrong with their feet is due to their shoes, but oftentimes, it’s just the physiology of their individual feet or over-exertion that’s to blame.”

Arthritic issues and hammer toes can occur when there’s a muscletendon imbalance in the foot, Dr. DeMars said. Warding these off can sometimes be as simple as being fitted for a custom orthotic.

“Do you have high arches, low arches, does your foot rotate inward or outward when you walk?” Dr. DeMars asks. “Knowing the answers to these questions will aid you in your pursuit to find appropriate footwear and protect your feet while exercising.”

The heat is on Forgetting to properly protect your feet with sunscreen is probably the most common summer foot problem, Dr. Demars said. “It’s totally preventable,” he said, “so slather up.”

The heat, mixed with damp environments like a boat or pool deck, can also create the perfect environment for fungus.

“Try your best to keep feet dry and well-ventilated,” Dr. DeMars said.

For folks working outdoors in work boots, Dr. DeMars recommends wearing a shoe comprised of breathable leather and

adding a sprinkle of anti-fungal powder.

If the fungus manifests itself in your toenail, take action.

“Too often patients ignore it, think it will go away on its own or purchase the wrong over-the-counter medications to combat it,” Dr. DeMars said. “When patients come in and treat it, the problem goes away quickly.”

Common sense and periodic foot pampering go a long way when it comes to taking care of your feet, Dr. DeMars said.

“We make routine appointments to the dentist and optometrist, so why not the podiatrist?" DeMars said.

Walk this Way Selecting the right shoes for life Sally, if you want the red patent Mary Janes with the gold buckle, you have to put your foot inside.

What looked like a bear trap for your feet, the Brannock foot measuring device is likely a misplaced memory from your youth. With the prevalence of online shopping and big box stores, the metal measuring device has gone by the wayside.

Invented in 1927, some fine department stores and high-end shoe retailers still use the apparatus, which to this day, gives a shoe salesman all the information he needs to suggest appropriate styles for your foot shape and type.

Hans Kostal and his wife Ulla, owners of InStep Shoes in downtown Billings, still use the device as an important fitting tool.

“Fit and feel are so important when selecting a shoe,” said Hans. “And you’d be surprised by how many people are wearing the wrong size of shoe.”

If the shoe fits

Women in particular have a shoe size locked in mind (why, I’ve always been a size 7) and are generally disinterested with using the Brannock tool.

“Women particularly don’t want to be stigmatized as having large feet, so too often, they purchase and wear shoes that are too small,” Hans said.

Feet also increase in size (and sometimes stay that way) during pregnancy and can shrink as we age.

“Feet change so much during the course of our lifetime.” Hans said.

“Each time a customer comes in, we measure foot length and width, but also pay close attention to the arch and instep,” he said.

The arch is the underside of the foot between the toes and heel while the instep is the portion on top between the toes and ankle.

A high or thick instep can sometimes be the culprit for foot discomfort or cramping in athletic shoes, when all the while, a customer thought it was the arch causing problems.

“Too often customers come in and complain that their shoes are hurting their feet,” Hans said. “Oftentimes, all it takes is for me to look at their foot, and I can tell if they’re in the right shoe.”

Sole support

The variety of high-quality, supportive shoes has greatly increased throughout the years. Orthopedic shoes are now cleverly camouflaged behind stylish, sleek designs and designer names.

“Customers want the shoe to look good, sure, but it should also feel good,” Hans said.

InStep specializes in carrying hard-to-find European brands of footwear.

Brands like Teva, Sanita and Ecco are quite popular and offer superior support, Hans said.

“Cowboy boots, for example, look great and work wonderfully for the purpose in which they were designed,” Hans said. “But for the cowboy wearing them around all day on the hard concrete, it creates too much pressure on your body. Shoes need to absorb all that shock.”

Brand loyalty

Certain brands tend to feel more comfortable for people with wide feet, flat feet, narrow feet or arthritic feet.

“Part of the service we provide to our customers is knowing where each shoe is built and manufactured, how it’s constructed and how it should fit the foot,” Hans said.

Hans and Ulla are also specialized in working with podiatrists to fit customers for orthotics.

“When people think about their overall well-being, they don’t necessarily think about their shoes,” Hans said. “But our feet are so important, and we enjoy having satisfied customers return telling us their feet have never felt better,” Ulla added.

• The average woman walks three miles more per day than the average male.*

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Spa pedicures.

Foot baths.

Scrubs, rubs and paraffin treatments.

An entire industry has been built around pampering feet.

And good news for the ‘gents… it’s not just for ladies anymore.

Kris Carpenter, owner of Sanctuary Spa in Billings, said that the greatest trend she’s observed in the past few years is an influx in male customers.

“Pedicures have become less stigmatized as strictly a service for women,” Carpenter said.

“We have athletes—especially runners— who come in for deep tissue foot massages, toenail repair and of course, some pampering.”

Carpenter naturally sees an influx in the number of painted toes and pedicures administered during the summer months.

“When sandal season hits, everyone wants their feet looking their best,” she said.

Going barefoot or wearing unsupportive shoes during the summer months can damage and dry out our feet.

“We have soothing, all-natural products that can take your feet from ‘whoa?!’ to ‘wow!’ Carpenter said. “And the benefit is two-fold—you get the healing, soothing qualities of the foot massage and the relaxing element of enjoying a pleasant aroma.”

Caribbean and mint-infused lotions and oils are still popular requests from Carpenter’s customers. In addition to exfoliating cracked heels and massaging sore feet, the polish is simply the icing on the cake.

“This season, ombre and Aztec-inspired designs are quite popular,” Carpenter said.

Bright hues of red, coral and pink are also still en vogue, in addition to navy blue and blended colors, she added.

At-home pedi pampering Don’t have the cash for a spa pedicure? No problem.

Follow these simple steps at home to give your feet a fresh-from-thespa feeling for a fraction of the cost.

1. Download a relaxing soundscape soundtrack to your mobile device and light some candles to evoke a relaxing vibe.

2. Remove any pre-existing toenail polish and soak feet in a tub of warm water. Add a drop or two of baby oil or coconut tanning oil to soften feet.

3. No foot scrub, no problem—apply a generous amount of brown sugar and scrub and work it into your feet.

The coarse texture will slough away dead skin.

4. Towel-dry feet and toes.

5. Cut and file nails (if necessary).

6. Get the polish—use a clear protective coat as your base nail coat…this will prevent your nails from yellowing.

7. Next apply your color of choice, starting at the base of each nail in the middle and working your way outward. Use long, deliberate strokes.

8. Wait a few minutes for your nails to dry and then apply one last layer of clear top-coat. Let dry for another 5-10 minutes. Voila!

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The current record holder for the longest toenails is Louise Hollis of Compton, Calif., who set the record back in 1991 with 6-inch-long nails on each toe.*

Diabetic Foot Care Foot care is important for everyone, but it is especially vital to diabetics.

Affecting more than 26 million people in the country, diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation in the feet. This is problematic for diabetics, because they may not feel an injury until it becomes infected or turns into something more serious, said Jan Hollingworth, RN and certified CDE with Billings Clinic.

Diabetes can also damage the small blood vessels and nerves in the feet, limiting the body’s ability to fight local infection.

“Something as innocuous as a blister can turn into a really big problem for a diabetic if left untreated,” Hollingworth said.

And while diabetes affects patients from head to toe, it doesn’t have to lead to foot problems. If you are a diabetic or are caring for a loved one with diabetes, Hollingworth suggests following these preventative measures: • Don’t smoke or chew tobacco—both further reduce blood circulation.

• Examine your feet every day—looking for changes in color, cuts and open sores.

• Dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes.

• Have your feet examined yearly in the doctor’s office—including a monofilament test.

• Cracked skin can lead to infection—apply lotion daily.

• Always cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.

• If you have thick toenails, see a podiatrist to have your toenails cut.

• Never go barefoot. Opt instead for slippers or comfortable slip-ons.

• Try to avoid sitting with your legs crossed.

• Do not use heating pads or hot water bottles on your feet, as you may not be able to feel their exact temperature.

• Check the inside of your shoes before you put them on.

• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience an ingrown toenail, scaling skin, pain in your calves or other foot pain that’s out of the ordinary.

Diabetes Fast Facts • Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes.

• 79 million Americans have pre-diabetes.

• 1.9 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year.

• Nearly 10% of the entire U.S. population has diabetes, including over 25% of seniors.

• As many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes in 2050 if present trends continue.

• The economic cost of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. is $245 billion per year.

Source: American Diabetes Association

Beesstt Y YoouurrB

oRE T S L a Loc NaTURaL aLL

FooDS T a c & DoG

FoR

Our Area’s Largest Selection Of All Natural Pet Foods, Toys, Collars, Leashes & Harnesses.

Self-Serve Dog Wash.

Professional Grooming & Training Classes.

Visit us on the web at: Roughly 75% of Americans will experience foot problems during their lifetime.*

Ask us your pet nutrition questions anytime on Facebook!

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 73

Feet are a fashionable accessory during the summer months. Put your best foot forward by showcasing your tootsies in a pair of this season’s hottest kicks.

Trés Chic!

Exude elegance in these strappy leather sandals by Isola—perfect to pair with shorts, your favorite sundress or cropped capris.

Available at Bottega $105

Flower Power

The carefully-crafted heel is all-support. The leather strap with flower embellishment is all fun.

Available at Western Ranch Supply $64

River Wild

The men’s Keen Raven sandal in burnt sienna is versatile enough to ride the rapids or just water the lawn.

Available at the Base Camp $100

Kid Kicks

Don’t forget fashionable and functional footwear for the kiddos, like these cushioned slide-ons in lime and purple by Under Armour.

Available at Shipton’s Big ‘R $28

Bling-tastic

Turn heads, and hats, wearing these crystalembellished flip-flops by Blingin’ Roxx.

Available at Shipton’s Big ‘R $49

In the United States, the best-selling shoe size is 8.5 for women and 10.5 for men. Those are both up a full size from 30 years ago.*

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Greek Goddess

With embellished toe and studded accents, these versatile sandals are a departure from the traditional Greek garb. E tu, beauty?

Available at Bottega $79

Toned and Trendy Slip into these cheerful cherry-red sandals by Fitflop, complete with Wobbleboard technology that keeps your feet stable and supported with a side of sass.

Available at Neecee’s $70

*Sources: National Shoe Retailers Association, Southern Medical Journal, foot.com and everydayhealth.com.

With a growing awareness of the additives and pesticides used in commercial food production, some area residents are opting to grow their own food – even on small plots within the city limits.

These urban farmers are finding that eating local is not only good for the body, it’s good for the community.

The Dirt on Urban Farming

By Brenda Maas

Photography by Casey Page, Hannah Potes and Bob Zellar

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GMO s : What’s the deal?

GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals.

These experimental combinations of genes from different species cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.

Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. Despite biotech industry promises, none of the GMO traits currently on the market have been proven to offer increased yield, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition or any other consumer benefit.

Most developed nations do not consider GMOs to be safe. More than 60 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union enforce significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs. In the U.S., the government has approved GMO use. Source: nongmoproject.org

From top: TJ, Mark, Colton and Casey Wierenga of Billings are true-to-the-bone urban farmers, producing and preserving 60 to 70% of what their family eats every year. Colton and Casey Wierenga are in charge of collecting eggs from the family’s hens. TJ cans just about everything the family grows plus their wild-caught fish and wild game harvest, totalling about 300 jars last year. She keeps detailed records and related recipes. Preserved, from right to left, are purple sauerkraut, pasta sauce, apple butter, dilly beans, pineapple, “Dill Dandies” dill pickles, salsa, loose-pack venison Italian sausage and pickled jalapenos.

The front yard of the Wierenga house in Billings blurts out the secret: incredibly talented, urban farmers live here.

Poised front-and-center of the modest 70-era rancher, lies TJ Wierenga’s newest project—a lasagna garden. Those who are accustomed to only using store-bought dried herbs like oregano and basil from a jar and mass-produced tomatoes in a can may not recognize the depth of meaning, but this little garden plot contributes to a great many of the family’s meals throughout the year.

Although TJ is the main force behind the massive gardening effort, every family member pitches in.

Husband Mark designed and built their greenhouse and chicken coop; he’s currently working on a rain-barrel irrigation system. The kids, Colton and Casey, help grow, gather and preserve any way their little hands can.

TJ herself, a former telecommunications managerturned stay-at-home mom, started taking a closer look at food when their son, Colton was born eight years ago.

“I reverse-engineered from the kitchen table,” she said.

“I’m producer-oriented rather than consumer-oriented.”

As such, she decided to take a more traditional look at food, starting with how it is grown. She didn’t necessarily like what she learned.

According to the nongmo.org website, GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are in as much as 80 percent of conventional processed food in the U.S. (see sidebar for more on GMOs). In addition, the Environmental Working Group, a watchdog of sorts, annually publishes its “Dirty Dozen” list of foods most likely to contain pesticides. The number one food in 2014?

An apple.

Keeps the doctor away “I have small children, and I want them to have the best opportunities physically and physiologically from the food they’ve eaten,” Wierenga said. “Even if I can buy it, it’s much more satisfying, and healthy, to grow it.”

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Wierenga feels that GMOs, plus excessive use of synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides contribute to diseases like cancer.

But the Wierenga family goes well beyond what the average American considers “healthy.” TJ looks at food more like a scientist or engineer rather than as “mom.”

Over the years their gardening has evolved from growing and preserving a few vegetables to using heirloom seeds (with no GMOs) and growing, hunting, catching (as in fish) and preserving roughly 60 to 70 percent of what the family eats, year-round. She keeps detailed, intricate notes from what they grow, to what is canned, when and how.

When she cannot grow an item herself, TJ looks to local small organic producers via a quiet network akin to the Underground Railroad. Social media and good old-fashioned word-of-mouth have combined to create a loose grassroots movement.

This lifestyle isn’t for everyone, she admitted. Plus, it’s a ton of work.

TJ’s water bath canner and pressure canner often gobble up valuable real estate in the rancher’s small kitchen; she cans every month of the year. In 2013 she “put up” about 300 jars, including wild game and fish. As the driving force behind Magic City Hens two years ago, TJ spent nearly 40 hours each week for 18 months pushing the Billings City Council to modify its ancient “livestock” ordinance and allow city property owners to keep backyard hens.

But it’s work worth doing, TJ says.

“I want my kids to grow up knowing that food isn’t just from the grocery store, how to grow a tomato, how to eat out of the garden,” she said. “They need to understand the entire cycle and, just as importantly, to be part of it.”

Calling herself more of a “conservationist,” TJ notes that she and Mark follow a traditional approach to raising their family, and their food.

“It’s more about going back to the way our grand-parents and greatgrandparents lived. It works,” she said.

Kitchen scraps go to the chickens for food; chicken manure is used for fertilizer. It’s a simple cycle. With four hens for eggs and occasional bug control, TJ jokes that all they need is a cow for milk.

Then again, that might make the Wierengas “real” farmers.

Above: Ashley Taylor raises backyard hens for eggs because she reacts to store-bought eggs. “It’s not the animal, but rather what the animal eats,” she explained. Right: Ashley Taylor places tomato plants into a special grow-bag filled with a soil-less mix designed to wick water up through a layer of rocks to save on manual watering efforts.

Grow Your Own Allergies instigated Ashley Taylor’s interest in urban farming.

“A little over a year ago I changed my diet to a more paleo-based diet,” said Taylor. “I became very sensitive to, say, eggs from the store and ended up with stomach pain and inflammation.”

At that point she started experimenting with organic foods with an emphasis on eating what ancestors from the Paleolithic period ate.

She does not have negative reactions to the eggs from her chickens. It isn’t the meat or eggs, but rather what the animal eats that affected her, noted Taylor.

Today Ashley has six hens for eggs and also started growing her own produce, using a small sub-irrigated garden. She learns as she goes.

along.

“It’s relatively easy to get grass-fed meat here in Montana, compared to other places, but it does get expensive,” she said, noting that she cannot raise her own meat as a city resident.

Like many farming techniques, nothing goes to waste. Ashley feeds household scraps to the chickens or composts it through a bokoshi system that can even handle meat scraps. That, in turn, fertilizes plants—a pure, simple process.

Students for life Amy Grandpre, Yellowstone County Extension horticulture assistant for 34 years, notes that Ashley is not alone in her quest for food closer to its source. Grandpre cites health, food quality, taste, self-sufficiency, budget and controlling what is in the food as the primary reasons why

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MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 77

Hot on Hens

Effective October 10, 2012, Billings City Ordinance 12-5580 allows for city residents to keep up to six hens, provided they purchase a permit and follow the restrictions in the ordinance. Dave Klein, Animal Control Supervisor, reported that 76 permits have been sold to date.

See ci.billings.mt.us and search “animal code” for more information or permit application.

For more information: billingsparks.org/community-gardens ci.billings.mt.us/animalcode co.yellowstone.mt.gov/extension/ horticulture ewg.org facebook.com/ yellowstonefarmersmarket goodearthmarket.coop healthybydesignyellowstone.org nongmoproject.org scentsofbalance.com/csa

Top: Kate Rossetto looks over one of her gardens in late June, before the heat of July sets in. She has been organically farming the same 1-1/3 acres in Billings since 1996.

Maggie Zaback is thrilled with her “share” at Kate’s Garden in late June.

Next page top: Al Pehler and Bobbi Otte plant the last of the squash at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church’s Community Garden in late June.

Below: Each week, 12 members, or shareholders, arrive at Kate’s Garden for their share of that week’s organic produce harvest. The yield and variety of goods varies from with the season and the growing conditions, but is always split evenly between the members.

area residents grow their own food.

“There’s a growing awareness about where our food comes from, and people are nervous about the products on the food we eat and about what we are putting into our bodies,” she said.

Grandpre attributes that awareness to the growing popularity of farmer’s markets.

“It’s a slow trend in coming to Billings,” she said, “but it’s here.”

Grandpre helped Ashley learn more about composting.

Varied county extension agents, each with a specialty, are comprehensive sources of information on everything from how to manage a backyard flock, to composting or preserving food.

Community Support Agriculture (CSAs) Seventy-year-old Kate Rossetto spends the majority of her waking hours in her gardens. As owner of Scents of Balance and Kate’s Garden, it’s the tool of the trade. Yet, for Kate, it is more than that; farming is a way of life.

Kate has been growing herbs for skin care products since the 1960s and farming nearly that long.

“I’ve always had an innate ability to work with plants,” she said, “and my focus is on well-being. But I feel that aspects of what I do are getting lost—people don’t know how to grow their own food. If future generations don’t give back to the land, I honestly think we will have a shortage of food.”

Kate believes in supporting local producers, and she farms 1-1/3 acres organically. Though her gardens are not officially certified as organic, Kate avoids chemical of all types and sells produce to Good Earth Market along with the 12 members of Kate’s Garden CSA—a small, informal cooperative including members and a farmer. Each member receives an equal “share” of the harvest weekly. CSAs are a

78 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

solution for those who cannot grow their own, yet want the benefits of locally-grown produce.

Carol Wardell, another long-time gardener, cannot grow as large of a garden as she wants, and so she joined Kate’s Garden CSA. “It is important to me that I eat locally-grown, organic produce,” said Wardell, “plus Kate seeks out heritage seeds and side-steps big corporations.”

The majority of CSA members are “into healthy eating and concerned about our food sources,” said Kate.

A typical share in early July included lettuce, spinach, braising greens, snap peas, beets, scallions, rainbow radishes and herbs. The variety changes by the natural growing season and weather—sharing the bounty literally describes the CSA.

Community Gardens Dave Kimball, retired from the U.S. Air Force, helped

Spring Creek Landscape & Nursery De

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start the Community Garden at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church on Billings’ West End in 2003. He has volunteered as the coordinator/ manager ever since.

“We have gardeners from the 20-somethings, to young families with kids, to retired folks who moved in from a farm, and everything in-between,” he said. “Some are looking for healthy food for their own table, some like the non-chemical aspect of it and others are here just for the joy of gardening.”

With approximately 55 families, it is, perhaps, the largest community garden project in the area. Each plot is 8-feet by 8-feet, and gardeners can have up to four plots. In exchange for the plot, gardeners agree to contribute 10 percent of their harvest to local organizations like the Adult Resource Alliance,

Tumbleweed, Family Services and the Montana Rescue Mission.

Last year St. Andrew’s gardeners grew 5,200 pounds of produce. The site also includes a composting area, orchard, flower garden, herb demonstration site, common garden and labyrinth.

The Wierenga family keeps four plots at St. Andrew Community Garden in addition to what they grow at home.

Although bee-keeping is not currently legal under city code, Kimball sees plenty of the pollinators around the area.

Without the bees, the plants would not produce.

Kimball emphasized that the community is an important part of this ongoing project and noted that it began as the St. Andrew congregation was looking for a way to use their additional property to benefit the community.

The group works collectively, often more than the minimum required, but also relishes gatherings like the annual summer picnic and the fall harvest dinner. Working side-by-side is both social and educational. These gardeners share more than produce—camaraderie, sweat, technical knowledge and laughs are all free.

“That’s part of what makes this community unique,” Kimball said. “It’s about healthy food and building community—that’s what makes this work.”

Perennials

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www.springcreeklandscape.com MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 79

80 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

gourmet garlic

In a green-fresh gully nestled in the Bull Mountains, garlic shoots push upward.

The cool, wet spring has given the bulbs a good start. Warmer temperatures will fill out the cloves so that by midsummer the quarter-acre of 30 varieties is ready for the Yellowstone Valley Farmers’ Market.

“When the weather goes to hot, it matures out real quick,” explains Clay Emond, who, with his two daughters, has created a small business providing fresh garlic and garden vegetables for the popular open-air Saturday market each summer in Billings.

The garlic offered for sale during the 12-week run “is not what you buy in the store,” opines Emond.

What started as a hobby has grown into a yearround enterprise, although the labor required is concentrated in the planting, harvesting and marketing of the condiment that is now a universal ingredient in world cuisine.

by jim gransbery • photography by james woodcock

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 81

Did you know?

Garlic is believed to ward off heart disease, cancer, colds and flu. The consumption of garlic lowers blood cholesterol levels and reduces the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Raw, freshly-minced garlic has the most health benefits.

Drinking lemon juice or eating a few slices of lemon will inhibit bad garlic breath.

The flavor of garlic is most intense just after it has been minced.

The smell of garlic can be removed by running your hands under cold water while rubbing a stainless steel object.

Garlic is a member of the onion family, which also includes leeks and shallots.

Garlic’s pungent flavor is due to a chemical reaction that occurs when the garlic cells are broken.

The majority of garlic (90 percent) grown in the United States comes from California.

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If your rose garden is being attacked by aphids, an excellent home remedy to eradicate them is to spritz the leaves and blooms with a mixture of crushed garlic and water.

When picking out garlic at the grocery store, choose firm, tight, heavy dry bulbs.

Garlic has been used to infuse vodka and as an ingredient to make cocktails.

Source: topfoodfacts.com; care2.com

2814 2nd Ave N 259-3624 82 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Steeped in mythology In her encyclopedic History of Food, Maguelonne Toussaint-Samat contends that the folklore surrounding garlic is as universal as the odor surrounding the garlic-eater. Its scent being powerful enough to keep Bela Lugosi’s fangs at bay.

“Garlic is thought to come from the desert of the Kirghiz people of Central Asia,” writes ToussaintSamat. It may have traveled with Asian hunters who made their way to America or the seeds were carried by the wind. “...garlic grows wild in the forests of Quebec and the Amerindians of that province of Canada eat it a great deal.”

Its fragrance is known not to invite the exchange of kisses and the “priestesses of Cybele forbade entrance to their temple in Rome to anyone who had just eaten garlic.” However, tradition holds that Emperor Nero himself invented aioli, which reached an art form in Provence, inspiring French poets.

This concoction has led chefs everywhere to put their own twist on the emulsion mixture of garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and egg yolks. But enough of Romance language excess. For the true garlic aficionado, there are no limits to the “poor man’s spice.”

“Dad eats it on toast,” notes daughter Marnie Emond.

The growth cycle begins in October. Over five days the family plants 20 major varieties and 10 new or small production types in the ground. “There is a difference in maturity and productivity,” he says, which means harvesting can be complicated.

“It takes a lot of work keeping them (the varieties) separate,” says Jessica Brower, the third member of the Garlic Montana enterprise. Each of the different types is clearly marked in the rows by stakes indicating which is which.

Good growing The current field was purchased in 2009, and this

Garlic Types Softneck garlic is the type you’ll most likely see in the produce section of your grocery store. Its name comes from the multilayered parchment that covers the entire bulb. Of the several types of softneck garlic, two are most abundant.

Silverskin garlic has a strong

flavor and stores well when dried – it will last nearly a year under the right conditions. The Creole grou\p of silverskin garlics has a rose-tinted parchment.

Artichoke garlic has a milder flavor and may have fewer and larger cloves than silverskin.

Hardneck Garlic Unlike

softneck garlic, hardneck varieties do not have a flexible stalk. There are three main types of hardneck garlic:

year’s crop is the fourth season in the Bulls. The family uses a three-field rotation with red clover following the garlic. The clover is fertilized with brewer’s grain after the beer is produced – they buy it from two local breweries. The third season is planted with garden vegetables. The growers have taken their produce to the market for seven years.

“A lot of our business is travelers,” Marnie notes, “They make it part of a bag of gifts” to take home.

Harvest begins in July based on the garlic schedule, notes Jessica.

“It dries from the bottom up,” says Clay, “ and drying takes 10 days to two weeks.” To keep the varieties separate, the harvest is done alphabetically.

Marnie lives in Billings, but on market days Clay and Jessica are up by 5 a.m. Hauling the produce to Billings, they breakfast on Log Cabin Bakery donut holes, and a lunch of brats are just across the street. The market has expanded over the past couple years as crowds flood the streets radiating from under Skypoint at North Broadway and Second Ave. North.

“Customers know where we are at,” says Marnie. In addition to the produce, the family makes garlic jellies. Four flavors – red wine, jalapeno, apple and original – make for convenient glazes for roasted meat.

The company has reached a threshold of capacity because expansion is expensive and finding additional labor is problematic, says Marnie. “We would need help for a couple weeks in the fall and in the spring.”

The hand-harvesting is delicate, as is the flavor of the fresh cloves that rose on the steppes of modern Kyrgyzstan.

Rocambole. This variety has a

rich, full-bodied taste. It peels easily and typically has just one set of cloves around the woody stalk.

door.

Life is knocking on your

Porcelain. Porcelain garlic is similar to rocambole in flavor and typically contains about four large cloves wrapped in a very smooth, white, papery sheath.

Purple stripe. This hardneck variety is famous for making the best baked garlic. There are several types of purple stripe, all with distinctive bright purple streaks on their papery sheaths.

Aioli made simple: 1 large egg yolk 2 tsp fresh lemon juice 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard 1/4 c extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Preparation Mince and mash garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt using a large heavy knife. Whisk together yolk, lemon juice, and mustard in a bowl.

Combine oils and add, a few drops at a time, to yolk mixture, whisking constantly, until all oil is incorporated and mixture is emulsified. (If mixture separates, stop adding oil and continue whisking until mixture comes together, then resume adding oil.)

Whisk in garlic paste and season with salt and pepper. If aïoli is too thick, whisk in 1 or 2 drops of water. Chill, covered, until ready to use.

Source: Courtesy of epicurean.com

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 83

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It takes both vision and guts to launch a new venture‌ meet 6 who had the chutzpah to take the leap.

ENTREPRENEURS

Movers, Shakers & Money Makers

By Michelle Williams

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 85

BOTTEGA / Katie Cline Ellis, Owner

A boutique-style clothing store that combines unique styles with a tailored shopping experience.

Entrepreneurial inspiration

This environment is all about the ridiculously positive attitude it takes to make shopping a good experience – and I kill ‘em with kindness.

Finding unique clothes that fit right has always been a challenge for me because of my height. This definitely influenced my vision for Bottega. I want to help people feel confident and happy in their clothes.

When you leave the house feeling good and you get compliments, you walk a little taller.

The items I sell are different, special and timeless.

What keeps you motivated?

Seeing the faces of my customers after they have an experience in my store and creating a working environment that our “Bottega Girls” are proud to be a part of.

Your toughest lesson was…

Originally, I started Bottega with the idea of making it into a one-stopshop with clothing for men, women and children. From a business perspective, I really needed to focus on women because that’s where I had the best customer response.

Personal strengths Communication is extremely important for small businesses, and I think my people skills enable me to interact and really engage with everyone who walks in. You come in contact with every personality type and, in my case, I need to gain their trust and allow them to open up.

Special sauce

This environment is all about the ridiculously positive attitude it takes to

make shopping a good experience – and I kill ‘em with kindness.

Biggest myth about starting a business: School will teach you how to be successful in business.

Nothing you read in a book will prepare you for the real-life situations you encounter along the way. You learn to adjust to the unexpected and do things better. There’s no black-andwhite guideline, you just need to be present.

How do you measure success?

By people’s reaction to their experience in Bottega and how widespread the business name has become. If people aren’t coming in the door, it’s all pointless.

What challenges do startups encounter?

start seeing a return. For example, a mannequin may not cost much to purchase but then shipping is four times the amount. Planning ahead for unexpected costs is important.

Gaining market awareness and spending money on marketing is another important expense you have before you have money coming in. It can be very scary at first, but you can’t sit and wait for customers.

Advice to others: Surround yourself with people who have the same passion as you. Your staff should always be an extension of the way you see the business.

Learning or Knowing. Which is more important?

Learning for sure. Starting a business is all about trial and error.

The initial expense can be a scary thing. Creating your vision and putting it into play is a major cost, and expenses can be large before you

Photo by James Woodcock

86 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

LET’S START WITH HOW excitement and fear, focus and flexibility, practicality and creativity, cautiousness and drive. And when you’re just getting started, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos of it all.

For those of you entertaining the idea of putting in the time, doing the work and dancing with your fear, here are five steps to help you get started:

Who is your customer?

Your answer to this question shouldn’t be “anyone who pays us money.” In today’s connection economy, people want to associate with businesses they trust.

The only way to connect with your audience is to know them. Can you describe your customer’s needs and wants? What does he read? How can you encounter him in a way that he trusts what you have to offer? Who are his friends? What do they talk about? This information is crucial not only in business development, but will also direct all marketing and communication.

Develop your business plan A business plan is a written outline of your business’s future. It should describe your business goals, the strategies you’ll use to meet them, potential barriers to success and possible solutions. It should also describe the organizational structure and the amount of capital required to finance your venture.

Investment-seeking entrepreneurs use business plans to convey their vision to potential investors. It can be a formal

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How will you fund your startup?

Now that your research is done and your business plan written, the next step on the road to success is to determine how you’ll fund the business.

The number one form of financing used by business startups is self-financing. This is done through the sale of assets, taking loans against home equity, borrowing from 401ks, etc. Other financing sources such as bankers, venture capitalists or government grants may also be worth considering. And don’t forget your network of connections.

There are many financing options and many resources to help you select the best path for your situation. Contact your trusted financial advisor or Big Sky Economic Development www. bigskyeconomicdevelopment.org to learn more.

Who will be your mentor?

Good advice is priceless. It may not always be what you want to hear, but it’s usually practical and based on someone else’s real-life mistakes and successes.

Seek out and embrace the opportunity to learn from a mentor who’s passionate about your business and cares enough to help you develop your skills as a business owner, strategist and leader.

There are also a number of organizations, such as SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives) that offer mentoring programs and online courses free of charge. Billings has its own Chapter: www.Billings.SCORE.org.

Find a mentor. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

phy

Although market research is one of the most essential steps in the process, many people overlook it in their rush to launch their business. Without market research, you risk spending valuable dollars on unfocused and untargeted business initiatives. Doing the legwork upfront helps determine if your idea has potential, what your sales reach could be, who your competitors are and what defines your target audience. Without this information, it’s impossible to write a business plan.

Executive summary Business description Market & competitive analysis SWOT analysis Design and development plan Marketing plan Operations and management plan Financial plan

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Do your homework

document or written on an envelope, but it should always consist of the following key components:

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It’s important to have a clear idea of what you want your business to be known for and how you’ll separate yourself from the clutter of the market. In simpler terms, what is the one statement you can make about your business that no one can compete with? If you say service, quality and customer focus, you haven’t answered the question because hundreds of other brands already stand for that.

y Jana G

What space will you own?

Landscaping Professionals You Can T Trust rust

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Starting a business is all about challenging conventions. You find a hole, a need that’s not being met or a way to improve something that already exists, and then your mind takes over and you create something unique. Being an entrepreneur requires you to walk a tightrope of contradictions, constantly balancing

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MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 87

Forbidn Manufacturing / Graydon Udelhoven, Owner

Forbidn Manufacturing utilizes the latest technology to reverse engineer, machine and fabricate products for the oilfield, mining and automotive industries.

I’m always judging my work and looking for better solutions to keep myself honest and make the business elite.

Entrepreneurial inspiration

Personal strengths

How do you measure success?

I spent two years in college studying pre-engineering and mechanical engineering, but I wasn’t getting the new technology experience I really wanted. I knew I wanted to start my own business, and saw a definite need for someone who could work with the newest machines to implement the latest technologies. I wanted to be the one driving innovation and producing state-of-the-art parts.

Determination. There’s always a better and faster way to do something.

When you’re creating products from ideas, you have no reference point or guidebook to follow so things don’t always work out the way you expected.

You can’t get discouraged.

Being able to close the shop at the end of the day knowing that a customer who had a vision is now holding that part in his or her hand.

Secret sauce Leveraging the latest technology to

What challenges do startups encounter?

Poor planning, organization and budgeting. When you start a business, you really need to understand your

What keeps you motivated?

Ultimately, I’m very passionate about what I do and the industry I work in. There’s a definite excitement in developing a concept and transforming it into reality.

Your toughest lesson was…

Organization and planning. I learned quickly I could make a lot of promises to customers, but during the course of the project, challenges always came up that pushed things back. I needed to be more organized and prepared for unexpected issues in order to produce what I committed to on paper.

How has your business changed?

The original vision was to get the latest machines and produce parts for diesel trucks. This has changed 180 degrees. Now we develop parts for oilfield companies for their fracking and drilling equipment.

produce parts faster than the customer expected.

I’m always judging my work and looking for better solutions to keep myself honest and make the business elite.

Biggest myth about starting a business: Once the business is running and you can let it go, and it will run itself.

In order for this to work, you need people working for you who care about your business as much as you do.

market, product, services and processes in order to budget and plan appropriately.

Advice to others Always listen to customer opinions.

Learning or Knowing. Which is more important?

It’s all about learning. Push yourself to learn what customers want and what the market needs.

Photo by Casey Page

88 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Better to Gather / Cassie Lagreca, Owner

Better To Gather Events provides creative consulting, design and execution of events ranging from weddings and business meetings to local adventures and group-based learning workshops.

Entrepreneurial inspiration After many years working for an event company, I knew I wanted to do more. I have a passion for helping people find that quiet moment in time where they can just exist and enjoy what’s going on around them; their family, friends or just their own thoughts. It’s about having someone show up and create those memorable milestones in peoples lives like weddings, anniversaries and birthdays, or, providing an environment where like-minded women can go on adventures, join a workshop and get involved in the community.

What keeps you motivated?

I love hearing the buzz and electricity when an event is over and all the details came out perfectly. In this business, I get to see people walk in and say “I can’t do this” and then walk out saying “Look how great this turned out.”

Your toughest lesson was…

I realized that I had to narrow my focus in order to help people better understand my business and what I can bring to their life events.

I also had to learn how to say “no” in a way that is respectful and still sounds like a “yes.”

How has your business changed?

Originally, I wanted to host all events out of a single venue.

But after researching and meeting with others, I realized how many event planners were already here.

To make my business work, I needed to plan events outside a specific venue and transform existing spaces within dedicated budgets. Identifying the needs of the community and potential clients forced me to adjust my original business plan.

Personal strengths I am deliberately cautious,

kind and creative. I want the kind of business that’s driven by kindness but is still cautious and diligent. I’ve learned to always be aware of your resources, keep your eyes open and ask for help along the way.

Special sauce I believe that every event regardless of its size should feel like a creative experience with such style and panache that it’s unforgettable.

Biggest myth about starting a business: Starting a business isn’t

I have a goal to meet someone interesting and passionate once a month. I always ask people: “Who do you know that you think I should meet?” Meeting these people is inspiring and helps make my business stronger.

What challenges do startups encounter?

Your business is not going to be perfect – know this from the start. You have to be willing to try, fail and gain the knowledge to do more and move forward.

going to be challenging.

Advice to others

If this is your belief, you should probably rethink your decision.

Business owners need to have the drive to create the world they want to live in. They’re true leaders and through hard work and commitment; they pave the way for growth and inspiration.

Think about the strengths you have and outsource those you don’t. Everyone has a strength they can capitalize on.

How do you measure success?

Learning or Knowing. Which is more important?

A life not spent learning at every turn ensures a lot less joy and fewer opportunities to grow.

I believe that every event regardless of its size should feel like a creative experience with such style and panache that it’s unforgettable.

Photo by Hanna Potes

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 89

EARTH FIRST AID / Scott Berens, Owner

Celebrating nine years in business, Earth First Aid offers curbside recycling for both business and residential customers in the Billings area. In 2013, Earth First Aid kept 1,000 tons of material from going to the landfill through its recycling program.

Entrepreneurial inspiration

I really wanted to provide a service that makes a difference in the community and provides people with quality job opportunities.

My mom was an entrepreneur, and her voice was always in the back of my mind saying, “You can do it if you put your mind to it.”

The idea developed from a conversation with my dad about the obvious lack of curbside recycling available in Billings. I did online research and wrote letters to other curbside recycling companies. I was hoping for their recommendations and to tour their facilities, but I never got a response so I just went for it. I had a truck, bought a trailer, invested in some bins and the idea was born.

was essentially starting blind, learning on the fly and creating my own path.

I didn’t really know what it could become because there was nothing to compare it to. After nine years, we’ve gone from one guy, one truck and one customer, to six guys, four trucks and lots of customers.

Personal strengths A competitive fire to succeed, a

the landfill through recycling; and happiness found in successfully balancing my work and family life.

What challenges do startups encounter?

It’s not what you know but who you know. At $14 per month for each recycling customer, it takes a lot of customers for me to turn a profit, so it’s important to make good

What keeps you motivated?

Pride, reputation and a desire to provide a good service. I put my name on this business so it was important that I kept my word and made it work for my customers and for myself. I really wanted to provide a service that makes a difference in the community and provides people with quality job opportunities.

Your toughest lesson was…

The importance of hiring good employees. The people you hire can make or break your business.

Bad employees distract you from business obligations, but dependable people allow you to focus on what’s important.

What changes have you made?

When I started the business, nothing like it existed in Billings, so I

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strong work ethic and the knowledge that success requires more than just punching a time clock.

Biggest myth about starting a business: Owning a business means you’re the boss, and you can make your own hours.

When you start a business you never stop thinking about it. It’s always with you.

How do you measure success?

I measure success in three ways: My ability to hire employees and give people good-paying jobs; the volume of material I keep out of

connections. For new entrepreneurs, be nice to everyone. That high school kid you met on the street might just be your next foot in the door at a new customer site.

Advice to others Never give up and have confidence in yourself. Believe in your work ethic and your dreams. If you’re passionate about it, make it work.

Learning or Knowing. Which is more important?

Learning is definitely more important. Once you learn, then you know.

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MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 91

HOME SCIENCE TOOLS / Frank Schaner, President

Celebrating 20 years in business, Home Science Tools provides families and schools with the supplies necessary to give students, young and old, a better science education.

Entrepreneurial inspiration

We wanted to make a difference in people’s lives by providing products that make science discovery accessible and affordable – that goal continues to be our driver.

In the early 1990s, my wife and I were living in Texas with our kids, but our plan was always to move back to Montana. Starting our own business seemed like the most logical way to make this happen. I spent two years sorting through business ideas but nothing seemed right. We were homeschooling our oldest child at the time and realized the lack of tools available for families to teach science at home. This is how Home Science Tools began…from a closet in our bedroom.

What keeps you motivated?

We wanted to make a difference in people’s lives by providing products that make science discovery accessible and affordable – that goal continues to be our driver. We also wanted to be a Montana business, contributing to the Montana economy and its people.

Your toughest lesson was…

Learning how to price a product correctly. I initially priced our products too low.

The key is to understand the numbers for how the business works.

You can’t have a successful business

without an understanding of costs versus sales and how they change as you grow.

What changes have you made?

Our products were originally designed for families homeschooling their children. Now, our clients include public and private schools, adults, community colleges and universities.

Personal strengths Relentless pursuit, a high value on people and an interest in learning many different things. When you start a business, you have to wear many hats. I’ve had to learn IT, HR, marketing, warehouse operations, etc. In order to be an effective leader, you need to learn multiple skills and develop an interest in many different things.

Special sauce Our focus is not about making sales but providing goods to real people and making their lives different. The value we place on people has shaped the culture of our business.

Biggest myth about starting a business: All it takes is a good idea.

We try to find the perfect idea, but they’re never perfect. It’s the good ideas, executed well, that turn into good businesses.

How do you measure success?

There’s the normal business numbers of course: sales, productivity, bottom line earnings, doing what you planned financially, etc. But it’s not much fun working for just money. To be motivated, you need to do it for the people. For me, success is the number of people we’ve helped over the years.

Biggest challenges Early on, we developed a five-year plan. We hit the revenue numbers, but the product mix and profitability was very different than what we planned.

My advice: always plan ahead.

Consider what you need to improve, who you should hire and how things will change as the business grows.

The plan doesn’t have to be exact; you’ll learn a lot from just the process itself.

Advice to others Find a mentor. People are more inclined and willing to help than you think. Look for those who have experience starting a business and can give you thoughtful guidance.

There’s so much you have to learn, and having someone you can trust could really make a difference.

Learning or Knowing. Which is more important?

In business, there are always new challenges, new growth, new responsibilities. Whatever has gotten you to this point is not enough to take you farther. You should always be learning.

Photo by Gazette Staff

92 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Your nursing career path begins at City College “I chose City College because I could become an LPN and start working as a nurse to gain valuable experience, all while working toward my RN degree.”

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SPICZ GALZ / Laurie Jean Gebhard, Owner Spicz Galz produces creative spices for salsas, dips and rubs that are both flavorful and healthy.

clear understanding of exactly how much money you need to get started.

Your toughest lesson was…

How do you measure success?

For me, I’m successful if people are seeking out information about the products and asking for interviews. My customers are happy, and businesses are calling to request products in their stores instead of the other way around.

I really hadn’t anticipated how much personal time was needed to make this business work. We sacrificed a lot of time and weekends in the beginning.

Entrepreneurial inspiration

Our customers provided great feedback and shared how much they love the product and how they were using it.

determined to see the business grow.

While vacationing with my best friend and former business partner, Lorrie Jean Castellano, we came across a business selling seasoning packets for salsas and dips. We had been making our own seasonings and thought “we can do this better.” We launched our business at the Yellowstone Valley Farmers’ Market and completely sold out of several of our products.

What keeps you motivated?

When we began the business, it was very seasonal until we were able to get our products into retail spaces.

This was very challenging.

Our customers provided great feedback and shared how much they love the product and how they were using it. Hearing the enjoyment they got from our products made us more

Secret sauce When you have a business, people always think they have a better way of doing things, and they’re going to tell you about it. Be sure to stick to your ideals and your vision.

How has your business changed?

After researching suppliers and evolving our recipes, packaging and pricing, we added a variety of grilling rubs and seasoning salts to our original product line of dips and salsa mixes. We also expanded our distribution to include local grocers, gift shops and our website.

Advice to others Don’t hesitate to take the plunge. I know I would have had serious regrets if I hadn’t taken the risk and started Spicz Galz. Take chances or you’re never going to know. You can’t be afraid to fail.

Personal strengths Determination. Seeing the product in stores and watching demand increase is exciting.

Learning or Knowing. Which is more important?

Biggest myth about starting a business: You need a lot of capital.

Learning. There’s so much to learn in business, and there’s no way to know it all. Things will always come up and how you deal with it determines your success. Learn as you go. No one likes a know-it-all.

We used a credit card to pay for all of our expenses and paid it off in the first month of business. Do your research and make sure you have a

Photo by James Woodcock

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WHAT DOES IT TAKE What does it take to get people to trust your business? What does it take to convince them to change from their current supplier to you? How do you begin to change people’s behavior or way of thinking? Waiting for breakfast in bed to be served is very different from getting up early and serving breakfast. Similarly, just because you started a business, doesn’t mean customers are automatically going to run to your door.

To grow a business into something that matters, successful entrepreneurs leverage a variety of resources and marketing channels to develop a winning strategy. But before you spend any time or money on marketing, make sure you have the answers to these questions:

Auto Home Business Life Medicare Long Term Care

Who are you trying to reach?

What change are you trying to make in the market?

How will you measure your success?

How long will it take to see results?

How much time and money are you prepared to spend?

What is the process your customers will take when making buying decisions?

This information will direct your marketing initiatives, help you develop appropriate promotions and identify which environments your business should live in: print media, online, social media, tradeshows, event sponsorships, strategic partnerships, etc.

Regardless of the size of your business initiative, a web presence is an absolute must. This is the first place people will look for information about you and what they will use to measure your credibility, value and ability to fulfill their needs. Here is a list of 10 things every small-business website should have:

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Roger L Daniel Insurance 2047 Broadwater 406-252-3411 rdaniel@farmersagent.com 96 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

A clear description of who you are A simple and memorable web address An easy-to-navigate sitemap Easy-to-find contact information Google Analytics for tracking and monitoring web traffic Fresh, relevant content Links to your social media pages: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, etc.

A design and style that supports your brand positioning Adaptive/response technology to make the site viewable across desktops, laptops, tablets and mobile devices Engaging digital content such as photos and videos

The good news is that launching a powerful website can be surprisingly easy due to the seemingly endless number of resources available. Your choices range from the very basic DIY online website builders that use templates to simplify the design and layout process, to the more personalized, full-service marketing firms that combine website development with complete marketing strategies. No matter which direction you choose to take, make sure your content is thoughtful and never skimp on quality. Your customers will know.

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w w w. g e e r i n g c o . c o m

Tornados Earthquakes Pandemics … Or Worse

When the Unthink In Montana, people are accustomed to weathering blizzards, hail-packing thunderstorms and seasonal flooding. But on June 21, 2010, no one was prepared when an EF2 tornado shredded Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark before going on to level several more Heights businesses.

Miraculously, there were no serious injuries or deaths. However, the event caused many to ask themselves, “What if the tornado had cut a swath through the middle of the city? What if it hit my neighborhood?”

98 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

k able Happens BY jason burke

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 99

Future-casting Fear of unforeseen and catastrophic events is nothing new.

Throughout the ages, fear fueled by predictions of doom is welldocumented. Ancient scripts foretell horrific calamities said to usher in the final Day of Judgment, and during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, artists in Christendom frequently depicted scenes of the predicted apocalypse.

In modern times, the focus has tended to morph away from the mystical to the more practical. While some may get swept up in the disaster du jour from 24-hour news, reality shows like Doomsday Preppers, and countless post-apocalyptic books and movies, here in eastern Montana, natural and man-made incidents have a much more “everyday” quality to them.

Food and Water Even if you don’t believe the Yellowstone – Minimum of three days for each family member, though many caldera will erupt or American civilization will people store weeks, months or collapse during your lifetime, likely you are even years. Not just for themselves concerned about your family’s wellbeing and but for other neighbors who may chances for survival during these other, more not have their own stores. probable events.

Preparedness Basics

Shelter – Usually, this means your own home, but could include your vehicle, separate building or tent. Make sure you have heat, sleeping bags and spare clothes.

Eye on public safety

Duane Winslow, director of the Yellowstone County Disaster & Emergency Services Department, chuckles when asked about the supervolcano hype surrounding the Health – Keep a supply of Yellowstone caldera. Like any organization medicine, prescriptions and first with limited resources, Winslow says “we aid supplies on hand. Being healthy address events based on their impact to the before a disaster means you will community and their probability of require less assistance during the event. occurrence.” That means focusing on those most likely to happen here.

Security – Rather than According to Winslow, floods, wildfires, guns and ammunition, focus on severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and winter financial security, important storms top the list of potential events. documents and being able to locate family members if While his department has fielded the separated. Have a means of sporadic question about radiation from the communication other than cell Fukushima nuclear meltdown in Japan, the phones, such as radio.

DES is primarily focused on mitigating risk by preparing for and responding to events closer Hazard Priority Rankings from Yellowstone County DES – Emergency to home.

Operations Plan “We interact with the public and local http://www.co.yellowstone.mt.gov/ Des/plans/EOP.pdf businesses on a regular basis to distribute information,” coordinating with no fewer than 40 other area organizations, Winslow noted.

He emphasizes that personal preparation allows families to hold out until emergency responders finish dealing with an active event.

“Many people affected by hurricane Katrina didn’t even have money to evacuate. Everyone should aim to reduce their personal vulnerability,” he said.

The business of prepping There’s no feeling of impending doom for Ed Schmidt, owner of Billings Army Navy Surplus.

With a store full of military hardware and survival gear, he sees regular customers as well as those new to the disaster preparedness game.

“People are influenced by the media,” Schmidt notes. While

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Joe and Jennifer Goss with their children Ashley, Jacob, and Sierra. Photo by Hannah Potes

business is steady, Schmidt says it’s not what one would expect of any hysteria about the end of days.

That said, Schmidt and his employees agree, “there’s not really a downside; it’s healthy to be prepared.” But as far as they’re concerned, they see more apocalyptic-style prepping on TV than really exists.

People might be impressionable, but that hasn’t translated into any extreme hoarding or unusual purchases in Billings. “Someone out there is buying up razor wire lately,” Schmidt said, “but I don’t know why, and folks are usually quiet about what they’re up to. I don’t ask.”

Schmidt’s business has experienced spikes at different times – the months leading up to Y2K and the end of the Mayan calendar, after 9/11, and after the last two presidential elections. There were – and still are – people out there convinced that American society is coming apart.

A firearms dealer, who requested to remain anonymous, says he encounters conspiracy theorists and fearful citizens almost every day.

Though sales are strong, he’s concerned that unskilled potential buyers, heavily influenced by the media, might pose a greater threat to themselves and their families.

He also sells a great deal of ammunition to those who are stockpiling for the unthinkable – a major collapse of society or rule of law. According to the dealer, many people are simply scared about the country’s direction and don’t see major problems being addressed.

“They’re taking it upon themselves to protect what is theirs,” he said.

Communication and coordination Instead of focusing on the individual, some groups are more dialed in to promoting survial of the collective. One of these, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), has a well-known history of promoting emergency preparation with 72-hour survival kits and longterm food storage. Rather than plan for anarchy and chaos, church members are encouraged to plan for their families as well as their neighbors in case of more likely occurrences.

Local church members Beverly Zaugg, Joe Goss and Ronald Hecht underscore the need for preparation without going overboard.

“We have to provide for ourselves before others, but at the same time we are responsible for taking care of others. The church doesn’t talk about it in terms of a doomsday event, rather more everyday disruptions like job loss, a major illness or death of a spouse,” Zaugg says. “These things happen all the time,” and during a real disaster, “we want emergency responders to dedicate time to those most in need,” she says.

Ron Hecht is responsible for preparedness, training and disaster response for church members from Wyoming through southern Alberta. After nearly five years, he admits that he was one of many who thought most emergencies were rare.

“In reality, we deal with five to 10 events a year, from flooding to fires, and even missing persons,” Hecht said.

The keys, he noted, are communication and coordination with other groups. “Without these, we don’t know who people are, what resources are available and how best to deploy them.”

Even so, he hasn’t experienced any major shift in community opinion toward preparedness and is encouraged by most people’s attitudes. “Most people have an interest in helping others. That hasn’t changed.”

While media hype promotes a more individualistic and aggressive approach to survival, common sense and a shared respect for community bridge many of the gaps that might appear whenever a major event affects our way of life.

Natural Hazard Priorty Ranking for Yellowstone County (2014 PDY)

Preparedness in action Boy Scout leader Goss exemplifies that very attitude, and uses his past scout training to build a complete family plan. “We live near Laurel’s busy rail yard and trains carrying dangerous cargo. We have the refineries.

Even a small spill could require evacuation,” Goss said.

His concerns aren’t just theoretical. Shortly after moving into his house, “a firefighter knocked on the door and told us to evacuate – along with the whole block. We didn’t even have time to grab a coat,” Goss recalled.

A neighboring excavation project had ruptured a gas line, though fortunately no one was injured. Fast, coordinated response averted a true disaster.

It is these very scenarios that Duane Winslow and the DES prepare for. With moderately high severity and probability of occurrence, a transportation accident or hazardous material incident are the top human-caused priorities for his department – equivalent to floods and 20613894.pdf 6/17/2014 10:26:44 fires.

“We 1are here to helpAMmake sure government and infrastructure continue to exist” and serve our citizens.

Hazard Probability of Magnitude Priority

Disastrous Event (severity/impact to

(Chance in any given year) community) Flooding Wildfire Wind & Hailstorms Tornado Winter Storms Drought Insect Infestation Urban Fire Dam Failure Expansive Soil Landslides Earthquake Volcanic Ash

Moderate High 1 Moderate-High Moderate 2 Moderate Moderate-high 3 Moderate-High Moderate 4 High Moderate-High 5 Moderate-High Moderate-High 6 Moderate Moderate-High 7 Moderate Moderate 8 Low-Moderate Low-Moderate 9 Moderate Moderate 10 Low-Moderate Moderate-High 11 Low Low 12 Low Low 13

mAN-MADE HAZARD PRIORITY RANKING FOR YELLOWSTONE COUNTY Transportation/mobile Hazardous Materials Terrorism/Bio-Terrorism Civil Disturbance Enemy Attack

Moderate Moderate-High Low-Moderate Moderate Low

High Moderate Moderate-High Moderate Low-Moderate

1 2 3 4 5

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102 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

The Flying Buffalo Project: Art, Kites and History Intersect

When Terry Zee Lee stood on the edge of the First Peoples (Ulm Pishkin) Buffalo Jump near Great Falls, Montana, her imagination soared. With her face in the wind, Lee looked across the blue Montana sky as if it was an unpainted canvas. She envisioned kites dancing overhead, bearing images of buffalo, horses and Plains Indian hunters. Lee pitched her kite idea to the manager of the First Peoples site, and he was intrigued. In the time it takes to get a kite airborne, the Flying Buffalo Project was off the ground.

By Virginia A. Bryan Master kite maker Drake Smith flies a kite painted by Blackfoot artist John Cadotte over the Madison Buffalo Jump. Photo by Terry Zee Lee.

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 103

Historic Buffalo Jumps The Madison, Vore and First Peoples Buffalo Jumps and Canada’s Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump are all within a day’s drive of Billings

Madison Buffalo Jump The Madison site is open daily, sunrise to sunset. Montana residents enter free.

Non-residents pay a small fee. Take the Logan exit off Interstate 90 west of Bozeman and follow the signage. The paved road ends before the site and facilities are limited. For more information, see stateparks.mt.gov/ madison-buffalo-jump or visit FriendsOfMadisonBuffaloJump on Facebook.

The First Peoples Buffalo Jump (Ulm Pishkin) The First Peoples Buffalo Jump is located just outside of Great Falls, Montana, near the small community of Ulm. Before it became a state park, the site was known as the Ulm Pishkin. “Pis-kin” is a Blackfeet word meaning “large kettle of blood. The Ulm Pishkin cliff is more than a mile long, and drive lines from stampeding buffalo are still visible up top. This site is on the National Register of Historic Places.

A part of Montana’s State Park system, it is open daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Like the Madison jump, Montana residents enter free and non-residents pay a nominal fee. More information is at stateparks.mt.gov// first-peoples-buffalo-jump.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Open daily in the summer months, Head-Smashed-In offers the most visitor amenities. It has five levels of interpretative displays at the base of the cliff, elevators, a cafeteria and a surround sound theatre. It is located about 15 miles from Fort MacLeod, Alberta on Canadian secondary road #786. There is an admission charge. For more information, go to headsmashedin. org.

The Vore Buffalo Jump The Vore is open daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Admission is $7 per person, with a maximum family fee of $20. Named for the homesteading family who gifted the site for preservation, scientific and research purposes, the site is just off Interstate 90 between Sundance, Wyoming and Spearfish, South Dakota. It could easily be combined with a trip to the Black Hills or Devil’s Tower. For more information, go to vorebuffalojump.org or visit VoreBuffaloJump on Facebook.

104 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

Lee grew up in Colorado where she was immersed in Native American culture. Her mother taught classes on the Anasazi at the Denver Historical Museum, and summers were spent in Manitou Springs – a place considered sacred by many early tribes.

“I always wanted to do something to honor and thank Native Americans,” Lee said.

That opportunity came in a unique partnership.

Lee’s husband, Drake Smith, is a master kite builder. The pair is nationally known for their unending promotion of kite flying and large-scale kite construction. Together, the couple envisioned building giant kites out of paintings commissioned

by Native American artists and flying them above ancient buffalo jumps.

“We hoped to create festivals around these kiteflying events and better connect all people to Native American heritage,” Lee said.

After securing the First Peoples site, Lee enlisted the support of three more buffalo jump sites, including the Head-Smashed-In in Alberta, Canada, the Madison Buffalo Jump near Three Forks, Montana, and the Vore Buffalo Jump in

northeastern Wyoming. Next, she asked several American Indian artists if they’d create an art piece for the “herd” she envisioned.

In 2013, the Flying Buffalo Project took to the skies at buffalo jumps across the High Plains, much to the delight of the artists, kite-lovers, adults, children, photographers and park personnel.

What’s a Buffalo Jump?

Nomadic Plains Indians traversed the vast

mountains and prairies west of the Mississippi River long before Christopher Columbus landed on the shores of the New World in 1492. For centuries, they relied on massive buffalo herds grazing on abundant grasslands for meat and fat, hides for clothing and shelter, bones for utensils and organs for storage. Every part of the buffalo had a useable purpose. With the exception of the Vore Buffalo Jump, which is actually a sinkhole, buffalo jumps are large, natural land formations that end abruptly in steep, sharp cliffs.

Courageous hunters set off buffalo stampedes in the direction of the outcroppings. Sometimes they dressed as wolves. Other times, they set intentional

Counterclockwise from top left: Terry Zee Lee and her husband, Drake Smith in Drake’s kite building studio.

Drake Smith stitches a piece of art into a kite. Photos by Casey Page. Artist Juane Quick-to-See Smith painted a rare, white buffalo called Big Medicine which was made into a kite. Drake Smith holds a kite by Billings artist Angela Babby. Photos Courtesy of Terry Zee Lee.

wildfires to direct the large beasts. In the ensuing chaos, unwitting buffalo plunged to their deaths. Slaughter of the dead and injured animals took place at the cliff base or nearby.

By the late 1800s, western expansion of the railroad, open slaughter of massive buffalo herds, U.S. government policies, the small pox epidemic and the establishment of reservations brought an end to the nomadic days of the Plains Indians. However, the landscapes where the buffalo roamed and the sheer cliffs where they met their demise remain, bearing silent witness to a lost era.

No ordinary kites

Juane Quick-to-See Smith wasn’t sure what to think when she heard about The Flying Buffalo Project. She’s accustomed to receiving art commissions for placements in national and international museums and public spaces.

With her son and artistic partner, Neal Ambrose Smith, she contemplated the unusual request.

“Everyone has a childhood memory of flying a kite,” said Quick-to-See Smith. “The buffalo is a spiritual symbol of hope for Indian tribes far and wide. We soon realized these weren’t ordinary kites.”

Their tribe, the Confederated Salish and

Kootenai Nation, honors a rare, white buffalo called “Big Medicine.” Born on Montana’s Moiese National Bison Range in 1933, “Big Medicine” became the centerpiece for the mother-son kite collaboration. Their massive, nine-sided kite required Smith to come up with a new aeronautical kite design to get it airborne.

DG House of Bozeman is a member of the Cherokee Tribe of northeast Alabama. Before hearing about the Flying Buffalo Project, she’d visited several buffalo jumps and felt moved by their spiritual and historic significance.

House’s kite, “When I Grow Up I’ll be a War Pony,” evokes the wonder that young people and their horses may have felt during the excitement of the hunt. A whimsical pony painted in joyful blues, browns and purples celebrates the magnificent gifts given to ancestral peoples by the buffalo.

“I got goose bumps when my kite flew at Madison Buffalo Jump,” House said. “I was transported to a place and time when they lived.”

Billings artist, Angela Babby, felt an immediate, intricate connection to the transcendental project when she first spoke to Lee. Babby drew inspiration from the Buffalo Head nickel. She painted a buffalo head and torso on a large piece of rip-stop nylon using techniques she’d learned as an interior painter.

Background designs were taken from patterns on historic trade textiles. Her kite is named “Wicakini,” which means resurrection in Babby’s Oglala Lakota language. When airborne, “Wicakani” has a translucent, shimmering quality.

Who

loves you?

Keep your pet safe and cool this summer!

Summertime fun can also have several risks for your pets. Watch for: • Dehydration • Heat stroke • Seasonal allergies • Sunburn • Burned foot pads • Parasites

Sacred grounds North of the Canadian border near Fort MacLeod, Alberta, is The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. As the largest and oldest documented buffalo jump in North America, it was designated a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1981. The Flying Buffalo Project kites flew there in 2013 and again this past June, featuring a special afternoon of dancing and drumming.

Head-Smashed-In is named in memory of a young Blackfoot boy who hid in a crevice in the cliff to get an up close view of the buffalo plunging over the cliff. When the hunt ended, his lifeless body was found under a pile of buffalo carcasses. His head was smashed in.

Anne Ore, a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks ranger, reports that the turnout for the

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MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 105

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2013 Flying Buffalo Project event at the Madison Buffalo Jump “exceeded expectations” of the park staff. More than 200 people came to the jump that day, despite hot temperatures and uncooperative winds.

Ore believes the solitude of the Madison Buffalo Jump makes it unusual among historic sites. “It is a quiet, spiritual place where you can feel the breeze and hear birds sing,” she said.

The headwaters of the Missouri, America’s longest river, are nearby; vast open spaces are juxtaposed against the majestic Tobacco Root Mountains. It’s easy to see why the area was a popular gathering place for several Indian tribes.

To the east, the Vore Buffalo Jump was re-discovered in the 1970s as the interstate highway system made its way across northern Wyoming. Highway engineers found a massive sinkhole in its proposed path. When an excavation revealed huge deposits of buffalo bones and artifacts, the interstate highway was re-routed.

Jacqueline Wyatt was a curious third grader in Sundance, Wyoming, when the Vore Buffalo Jump was unearthed. Now she is the President of the Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation. A massive bison backbone, removed as part of the initial excavation, was given to Wyatt’s father for use in his high school science class. The class cleaned and prepared the bone; an arrowhead was found embedded in it.

“We had no idea the Flying Buffalo Project kites would be so large and so beautiful,” she said. “The youngsters who came that day were delighted to make art, build and fly their own kites.”

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More information about the artists, kites and flying opportunities for The Flying Buffalo Project is available at www.skywindworld.org.

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106 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

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SEEN SCENE AT THE

Yellowstone Historic Preservation (YHPB) Roundtable

1

2

3

1] Milt & Gloria Wester 2] Tabatha Butler & Randy Hafer 3] Lue Ponich & Judy Goldsby

Sweet Success/ Dress for Success

4] Kathy Pierce, Annie Stinson, Darla Jones & Katz Hettinger 5] Arlene Allsum, Connie Glass, Inger Curtis & Gayle Foley

4

5 6

8

Doc Siverenson Alberta Bair Theater

6] Dax & John Wilson 7] Irene Buckner, Lynn Hennessy & Norman Buckner 8] Jeff Howell & Jennifer Molk 9] Jody Grant, Doc Siverenson & Kristin Hammler 10] Rita Feller & Janet Ness

7 9

10

11

Billings City Council Dinner Billings Public Library

11] Jim & Babe Ronquillo

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 107

SEEN SCENE AT THE

12

Billings City Council Dinner Billings Public Library 12] Ken Crouch & Angela Cimmino 13] Bruce McCandless, Tina Volek, Paul Dextras, Bill Cochran, Tom Binford, Dave Mumford & BPD Chief Rich St. John

13 16

Hair Alberta Bair Theater

14] Dana & Jim Nelson &

Kris Carpenter 15] Pat Wiel,

Larraine

Whertey,

Jerry Carpenter, Delilah Dutfy & Marita Heggen 16] Lily Shore & Wendy Magid 17] Bethany Fuqua, Randy & Doreen Christensen

14

15 17

18

WineFest MSU Billings

18] Tim & Kathy Schruth 19] Mitch & Patrice Elliott 20] John & Tracy Newbury 21] Jerry & Wanda Anderson 22] John & Claudia Decker

19 20

21

22

108 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

23

24

25

Peter Gros, Mutual of Ohmaha’s Wild Kingdom Alberta Bair Theater

23] Anne, Kristen

& Bill Cole 24} Barry, Kai & Bobbie Brekhus 25] Nicky & Avri Bullock

26

27

28

Midtown Men Alberta Bair Theater

26] Nancy Griemsman, Bette Ross, Gay Holliday & Misty Griemsman 27] Rick Murchison & Lisa Clark 28] Candy Holzer, Dixie Metheny & Margy Harpold

BASH & Playhouse Parade Habitat for Humanity

30 29

29] Amy & Dave Carroll 30] Duane & Cheri Chavelier, Jim Woolyhand & Kathleen O’Neal

32

33

Arlo Guthrie Alberta Bair Theater

31] Mary, Monty, Bob & Katelin Patterson 32] Tom & Marge Hunt 33] Michell Taylor & Lou Larson

31

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 109

SEEN SCENE AT THE

34

35

Kenny Rogers Alberta Bair Theater

34] Lance & Whitney King 35] Miriam & Alexandro Busto

Get Outside, Montana!

Audubon Conservation Education Center 36] Kenedi Howard & Ally Stallman

36 37

Purse-a-Palooza YWCA

37] Nicole Rittierodt, Jeanette Eklund, Leah Frederick & Jeralee McCleary 38] Lynn Vannice, Sharon Beeter, Kara Olsen & Nancy Beeter 39] Karen Littlelight, Misty Lopez, Shereena Old Elk & Dawn Old Elk 40] Kaycee Foran, Kelly Rickard, Kati Eve & Jessica Tretheweg 41] Nancy, Misty & Regina Griemsman, Kelly Kreating & Aimee Gerharter

38

39

40 41

Photo Credits: Alberta Bair Theater Dennis Hirning Gary Kirchmar Photography Habitat for Humanity Kevin Kooistra Tony Smith Photography YWCA/Camilla McCullough

110 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

MontanaFair August 8-16 MetraPark Ferris wheels, Vikings on a Stick, rodeo and supercross—have all that and more at the MontanaFair. With nine days of exhibits, concerts and carnival rides, there’s something for everyone. As the region’s largest event with nearly 250,000 attendees, you are sure to run into someone you know and still make new friends. This year’s headline acts include Pop Evil and Adelitas Way, Train and Chris Young. See you at the fair!

Photo by Gazette Staff

July

July 12 Montana Brews & BBQs Chiesa Plaza at MetraPark metrapark.com

July 12-13 Jurassic Quest Expo Center at MetraPark metrapark.com

July 15 Josephine Crossing Summer Concert Series Dirty Power Josephine Crossing mccalldevelopment.com

July 17 Yabba Griffithes Alive After 5 at Tiny’s Tavern downtownbillings.com St. John’s Summer Concert Series John Floridis Trio St. John’s Town Square sjlm.org Healthy by Design Gardener’s Market Thursdays thru Oct. 2 South Park healthybydesignyellowstone.org

Art with a Blue Background John Pollock Exhibition Reception Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

Going to the Horses film screening Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

July 18-20

Red Ants Pants Music Festival White Sulfur Springs redantspantsmusicfestival.com

Big Sky State Games Various locations bigskygames.org

July 19 Yellowstone Valley Farmers’ Market Every Saturday thru Oct. 18 Downtown Billings farmersmarketonline.com

July 20 Family Fun Day ZooMontana zoomontana.org Weekend Wonders Family Program Audubon Conservation Education Center mtacec.org

July 24 Downtime Alive After 5 at Monte Carlo downtownbillings.com St. John’s Summer Concert Series John Roberts-Pan Y Blanco St. John’s Town Square sjlm.org

July 24-27

July 25 Movies in the Park The Nut Job Rose Park fireflymovieco.com/billings

July 26 The Dirty Dash The Grandstands at MetraPark metrapark.com 61st Annual Mexican Fiesta South Park brcontreraz@gmail.com

July 29 Queen Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org Tim McGraw Rimrock Auto Arena metrapark.com

St. John’s Summer Concert Series Midlife Chryslers St. John’s Town Square sjlm.org

August 3

Carol Bradley book signing & reading Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

August 7

Pedal Past Stigma NAMI Billings Bike Ride ZooMontana namibillings.org

The Big Caboose Allstars Pug Mahon’s downtownbillings.com St. John’s Summer Concert Series Cornmeal St. John’s Town Square sjlm.org

AUGUST

August 1 ArtWalk Downtown Billings artwalkbilligs.com

August 8-10 Magic City Blues Various locations magiccityblues.com

August 2-3 Clark Days Pompeys Pillar pompeyspillar.org

August 8-16 MontanaFair MetraPark metrapark.com

August 2 Reds, Whites & Brews NOVA Center for the Performing Arts novabillings.org Climb to Conquer Cancer Red Lodge Mountain redlodge.com

July 31 Repeat Offenders Alive After 5 at Montana Brewing Co. downtownbillings.com

MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE I JULY/AUGUST I 111

Billings Clinic Classic August 23 Alberta Bair Theater

Grammy winner, singer-songwriter and country-western superstar Leann Rimes will headline the Billings Clinic Classic’s signature evening event this year, held Saturday, August 23. Prior to her performance, patrons can enjoy sumptuous hors d’oeuvres paired with specially selected wines during a street party under the stars. After the show, attendees return to the street to dance to live music, weather permitting.

This is the 32nd year for the Billings Clinic Classic, a fundraising event organized by the Billings Clinic Foundation. Proceeds from this year’s event will go toward surgical services, which include new operating rooms and expansion for technology and innovation.

For tickets or more information, please contact the Billings Clinic Foundation at 657-4670 or foundation@billingsclinic.org.

August 13 Business After Hours ZooMontana zoomontana.org

August 14 Dirty Power Alive After 5 at The Rex downtownbillings.com Marilyn Lysohir lecture Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

August 14-17, 21-24 Dream BIG NOVA Center for the Performing Arts novabillings.org

August 15 Billings Clinic Classic Women’s Golf Tournament Laurel Country Club billingsclinic.com/classic

Josephine Crossing Summer Concert Series TBA Josephine Crossing mccalldevelopment.com

August 22

August 17

Movies in the Park E.T. South Park fireflymovieco.com/billings

Cabela’s Bear Aware Campsite Demonstration ZooMontana zoomontana.org

August 21 Midlife Chryslers Alive After 5 at DBA downtownbillings.com

August 21

Billings Clinic Classic Laurel & Briarwood Country Clubs billingsclinic.com/classic

August 23 Billings Clinic Classic Downtown Billings billingsclinic.com/classic

August 24

Billings Clinic Classic Powder Horn Golf Club Sheridan, Wyo. billingsclinic.com/classic

Cold Hard Cash ZooMontana zoomontana.org

Scott Fife artist’s talk Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

Cure for the Common Alive After 5 at Stampede downtownbillings.com

August 16 Quality of Life Run Downtown Billings qualityofliferun.com Rockin the Rims Coulson Park rockintherims.com Paint ‘n Sip Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

112 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

August 28

August 29-30 Burn the Point Classic Car Parade & Show Downtown Billings & MetraPark chasehawks.com

SEPTEMBER

September 2 Party for Preservation Moss Mansion Museum mossmansion.com

Spamalot Billings Studio Theatre billingsstudiotheatre.com

September 4 Art of the Brick Exhibit Opens Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

September 5 Movies in the Park The LEGO Movie Pioneer Park fireflymovieco.com/billings

September 12-13, 19-21 & 25-27 Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike NOVA Center for the Performing Arts novabillings.org

September 13 Survivor Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

September 6 Evening Under the Big Sky Audubon Conservation Education Center mtacec.org Hemophilia Walk ZooMontana hemophilia.org Venture Improv NOVA Center for the Performing Arts novabillings.org Josephine Crossing Summer Concert Series CR Smith Josephine Crossing mccalldevelopment.com

September 13-14 & 20-21 HBA Parade of Homes hbabillings.net

September 16 Toward the Setting Sun Exhibit Opens Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

MARKETPLACE September 17

October 3

Five Finger Death Punch & Volbeat Rimrock Auto Arena metrapark.com

6th Annual Jubilee Celebration King of Glory Lutheran Church kingofglorybillings.com

Art of the Brick & T.L. Solien Exhibitions Reception Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

ArtWalk Downtown Billings artwalkbillings.com

September 20

Boy at the Edge of Everything NOVA Center for the Performing Arts novabillings.org

Color Me Rad MetraPark metrapark.com

October 4

ZooToberfest ZooMontana zoomontana.org

Educators’ Free Day Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

September 21

Art: 21 Screenings Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

Bridal Fair Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org Walk to End Alzheimer’s ZooMontana act.alz.org

September 23 Carrie LaSeur reading & signing Billings Public Library ci.billings.mt.us/calendar.aspx

September 26 Jubilee Golf Tournament King of Glory Lutheran Church Eagle Rock Golf Course kingofglorybillings.com

October 3-5, 10-12

October 11 PEO’s Best Little Bazaar in Billings First Presbyterian Church peointernational.org

October 17-18, 24-25, 30-31 Twilight Tours Moss Mansion mossmansion.com

October 17-19, 23-25

Montana Fashion Week Montana Pavilion at MetraPark metrapark.com

September 27

October 26

Smithsonian Museum Day (free with coupon) Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

Auction of Arias McCormick Café novabillings.org

October 2 The Wailin’ Jennys Alberta Bair Theater albertabairtheater.org

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Paint ‘n Sip Yellowstone Art Museum artmuseum.org

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee NOVA Center for the Performing Arts novabillings.org

OCTOBER

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How well do you know your local history?

1) The largest snowflake ever observed fell in Fort Keogh, Montana in 1887. How big was its diameter?

a) 7 inches

b) 4 inches c) 17 inches

2) True or False: It is illegal for married women to go fishing alone on Sundays, and illegal for unmarried women to fish alone at all in Montana.

3) Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s shortest river, how long is the Roe River?

a) Ghost towns b) Montana-brewed beer c) Historical battle sites

8) True or False: Montana mountain goats will butt heads so hard their hooves fall off.

a) 32 feet b) 200 feet c) 425 feet

a) The daughter of the famous Sioux chief, Sitting Bull b) The Sioux wife of David Russell, the first white settler in the area c) The son of the Sioux war chief, Red Cloud

7) Combination, Comet, Keystone, Black Pine and Pony are all names of what?

a)True b)False

6) Who was the town of Ekalaka was named for?

a) True b) False

9) What year did the Northern Hotel burn to the ground?

4) Out of Montana’s 56 counties, how many are considered “frontier counties” with an average population of six or fewer people per square mile?

10) Today, Montana is known all over the world as Big Sky Country.

But the state has enjoyed many monikers throughout its history.

Which of these is NOT one of those nicknames?

a) 45 b) 42 c) 38

5) What was the name of the amusement park in Butte built by William A. Clark, one of Montana’s famous copper kings, which operated continuously from 1901 until 1973?

a) Eastside Gardens b) Continental Gardens c) Columbia Gardens

a) 1938 b) 1939 c) 1940

The Treasure State The Land of Shining Mountains The Stubbed-Toe State Montana: High, Wide and Handsome Montana – Naturally Inviting Montana – Unspoiled, Unforgettable

Sources: 1) Guinness Book of World Records, 2) dumblaws.com/Montana, 3) Guinness Book of World Records, 4) nnlm.gov/pnr/characteristics/montana.html, 5) buttecvb.com/history/.

6) cartercountychamberofcommerce.com/history.html, 7) 50states.com/facts/mont.htm, 8) 50states.com/facts/mont.htm, 9) northernhotel.com/history, 10) visitmt.com/history/Montana_ the_Magazine_of_Western_History/Spring03/treasurestate.htm

Answer key:1.C; 2.A; 3.A; 4.A; 5.C; 6.B; 7.A; 8.A; 9.C 10. Trick Question. All were once slogans.

114 I JULY/AUGUST 2014 I MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

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