Bozeman, MT August 2023

AT 406 PHOTO, WE ARE A VERY DIFFERENT KIND OF PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO. WE ARE A BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO SPECIALIZING IN PORTRAITS OF FAMILIES, AND WE WORK WITH YOU TO CREATE PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTWORK TO DECORATE YOUR HOME AND PASS ON TO FUTURE GENERATIONS.

Kids and Pets

I always love doing the August issue, it is “Kids and Pets” themed. The photos are always fun and this theme is so appropriate for Bozeman. 360 Pet Medical shared with us how they use much of the same cutting-edge technology deployed for our most dedicated local athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, to both maintain health and shorten recovery time for our beloved pets. For those most dedicated to the health and wellness of their pets, 360 Pet Medical has the facility, equipment, and knowledgeable staff to accomplish the very best results.

MFGR built a play area for State of Play, that is amazing, creative, and safe, as we have come to expect from MFGR. As always, we love to support our community supporters, and will continue to do so.

Kids and pets in Bozeman are definitely a treasured part of our diverse community. “Kids” has a broad definition in the Gallatin Valley. There are many, in all age groups, who consider themselves to be kids throughout their lifetime, celebrating it through activity and getting outside all year round. August (generally) offers as much opportunity for these activities as any month of the year. Maybe I’ll see you on a trail!

BRENT R FJELDHEIM, PUBLISHER @BOZEMANCITYLIFESTYLE

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Brent R Fjeldheim | brent.fjeldheim@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Mala Shea | mala.shea@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Katie Thomas, Katie Dolen, Mala Shea, Kohl Alexander

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

406 Photo, Bruce Muhlbradt

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

Photography:

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @bozemancitylifestyle

1: Alpacas of Montana -take a 1-hour hands-on farm tour with alpacas and llamas. 2: Erik’s Adventure - Pony Lead is a fun experience for young children. 3: Montana Whitewater - Family-friendly Gallatin River whitewater rafting for an adventurous day. 4: Erik’s Ranch Property Trail Ride in the Countryside of Montana is fun for everyone. 5: Glen Lake Rotary Park Bozeman Beach for sun, fun, and fishing. 6: Montana Grizzly Encounter is a rescue and educational sanctuary. 7: Montana Whitewater - Zipline across the Gallatin River for a beautiful view.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Summer Slam Festival

Come support the amazing local talent in Montana featuring an artists’ market with demonstrations, live music and performances, a delightful food court, Montana made libations garden, silent auction, and family activities. August 5th (10am-7pm) & 6th (10am-5pm) at Bogert Park, 200 block of S. Church Ave. Bozeman. Free to attend.

Montana Mardi GrasMusic by Bebe Leboeuf

Join in on a fun day in a historic town to celebrate Montana Style Mardi Gras with music By Bebe LeBoeuf led by 1st line procession of trumpets around town. August 5th, 1:00pm8:00pm at Bale of Hay Saloon, 344 E Wallace, Virginia. Bale of Hay Saloon – Virginia City  (406)843-5700, baleofhaysaloon.com

Rockin’ the Rivers

Montana’s own homegrown rock fest brings together an amazing collection of talented and influential rock groups within the stunning Montana landscape, This must-attend rock festival is August 10th-12th at 1865 Hwy 2, Cardwell MT at the bridge near Three Forks. (406)285-0099, info@rockintherivers.com

Opening early Fall!

2046

Alpenglow Festival

With local roots and world-class talent, there is no better place to celebrate the sounds, sights, and soul of Big Sky Country. The beauty of Montana lies not just in the warmth of the sunset, but in the people that live under its glow, so relax, grab your friends, and join us in the glow of great music and even better company. August 25th & 26th at Ponderosa Social Club, 515 W Aspen Street, Bozeman.

Freelance Writers

Do you have a passion for writing and want to share the things going on in our local Bozeman community?  If you are journalistic and creative, and looking to improve your resume with experience as a published writer in this beautiful local magazine, then we welcome you to join our team. Please send a writing sample to mala. shea@citylifestyle.com

about you.

Celebrate a Hero

There are wonderful and courageous heroes in Bozeman who have ded icated their time, energy, and love within our community to make a positive impact on others. You may want to celebrate and lift up a hero in this magazine with 60,000 + readers. Please email mala.shea@citylife style.com with a 75-word description to recognize them on this page, or we can discuss sharing your hero on a 2-5 page article with an assigned writer and photographer.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Bozeman

100% ORGANIC JUICE BAR & CAFE

THE LAST BEST TRAILS

ARTICLE BY ELLA KUNZE

A Montana Trails Guidebook

“C’mon, let’s go.” It was a typical Saturday morning at the Schaeffer house in Bozeman. Mom had been up early brewing coffee, the little one was making a fort in the living room, and the teenage twins were still sleeping. Dad was frantically packing the car while the dog was already in the back, anxiously ready to hit the trails.

Regardless of the season, the family tried getting up early, going out the door, and exploring the local trails. After moving the family

back to Bozeman following a 20-year stint in Seattle, WA, they hiked over 300 trails and documented 227 through GPS and video for the Best of the North West project. The Schaeffers relocated to Bryan’s birthplace, Bozeman, to have better access to skiing, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, and swimming in mountain lakes.

The music started playing once everyone had loaded into the car, and a soft breeze greeted the morning light. As miles passed

on the road, the week’s stresses began to fade away. Every week brought a new trail and a fresh experience that showcased the changing seasons, from the budding of leaves to the emergence of summer berries. The forest constantly evolved, and these moments of connectedness as a family forged lifelong memories.

Photos were snapped at essential viewpoints, capturing moments of beauty or humor. The trail was GPS mapped. Upon reaching the

destination, whether it was a mountain lake, waterfall, or pristine overlook, they would pause to absorb the beauty of the place. The price of entry was the exertion required to get there, but over time, the process and the journey became just as cherished as the destination.

Back home, Bryan would catalog photos, upload GPS data, and prepare notes to incorporate into the manuscript. Drawing the scenes would solidify the time and place in his memory even more profoundly than a photo. He would write the descriptions, illustrate the maps, and tell the stories, ensuring that this chapter of the Schaeffer family’s life would be remembered long after the social media posts had come and gone. The printed work would endure the test of time and inspire other families to overcome the challenges of packing up and creating lasting memories.

Recognizing the need for a multi-sport guidebook, Bryan had been GPS mapping Southwest Montana trails with his family for the past six years. The illustrated book covered the Missouri Headwaters in the West, the Bridger Mountains north of Bozeman, extending to the edge of the Beartooths outside Livingston, and the Paradise Valley. It also featured West Yellowstone and trails along the park’s perimeter leading up to Big Sky, the Spanish Peaks, the Gallatin Range, and Hyalites, as well as Bozeman town trails.

The Last Best TRAILS wasn’t about revealing the best-kept secrets (those are for you to discover individually). Instead, it carries a seize-the-day message, urging readers to make the most of their time in this remarkable area, whether for a day or decades.

The book includes background information on the history of human migrations in the area, general safety guidelines (the ten essentials), and recommended gear for each sport. During the research for the project, Bryan interviewed over 50 local leaders from various trail organizations and sports groups. These interviews became podcasts accessible through QR code links in the additional resources section of each sport.

Entrepreneurial pioneers established Bozeman to equip prospectors traveling west to booming gold towns. Today, it is the epicenter of the latest boom. The incredible access to outdoor recreation is drawing attention far and wide.

It seemed fitting to design a modern guide that captures the adventurous, exploratory nature of the place and the people who have inhabited it throughout the ages. The Schaeffer family spent six years (24 seasons) hiking, mountain biking, and skiing in the “Bozone.” They explored hundreds of trails, GPS mapped them, and took photographs. The trails they kept returning to have made it into this three-sport book.

“It seemed fitting to design a modern guide that captures the adventurous, exploratory nature of the place and the people who have inhabited it throughout the ages.”

The book rewards the curious. The deeper you dig, the more there is to uncover. Each printed book comes with a digital version, with QR codes serving as buttons in the online and downloadable ePub versions. These QR codes unlock videos, audio, and exclusive GPS maps. There are over 50 podcasts featuring interviews with local trail organization leaders in the additional resources. Bryan has removed written driving directions in the book in favor of tap-and-go trailhead buttons. GPS maps of each corridor help you see the recommended trails in each area for each sport.

This book isn’t intended to provide step-by-step instructions but rather serves as a reference for developing your own sense of adventure in the Bozone and beyond. Bryan hopes this project’s multimedia format

and spirit transcend the physical location and inspire you to create your own adventures. These are 100 classic trails to get you started. There are hidden gems out there, and with some insight, you can discover these Montana treasures.

Bryan Schaeffer is the author, illustrator, and lead animator for The Last Best TRAILS multimedia book, published on May 3, 2023. His previous book, The Last Best BIKE, won the Bozeman People’s Choice Awards for best local book and author in 2022.

Several local gear shops, listed on the website thelastbesttrails.com , sell copies of The Last Best TRAILS book. Pick up your copy and lace up, strap in, and buckle on your footwear. Let’s get out the door and explore the last best trails!

ARTICLE BY KATIE DOLEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY 406 PHOTO

STATE OF PLAY, A FAMILY’S DREAM

HOW ART, CREATIVITY, AND EMOTIONS ARE MAKING LEARNING FUN!

Located in Bozeman’s Cannery District, there’s a place where kids and grownups get to play, make art, and be themselves. A place with a glow-in-the-dark galaxy, a play fort that looks like it was sent here from Mars, an art studio where painting on the walls is encouraged, and various nooks for reading, learning, and playing hide and seek in.

Welcome to “State of Play”! Built with curiosity, creativity, and community in mind, this modern play space is part children’s museum, part preschool, and part parent resource.

But this isn’t your typical, overwhelming, questionably clean play space where parents want to exit as soon as they enter and the kids leave overstimulated and uninspired.

“State of Play” co-founders, Kama Werner and Katie Dolen, set out to redefine what a public space for families looks and feels like- one that parents want to be a part of as much as the kids.   So how did they do it?

“State of Play” opened during a time when community and connection felt more important in a world eking out of a pandemic. “Once our doors opened, it was clear how much people wanted to gather in a clean, inviting space rooted in play, joy, and acceptance,” co-founder Werner says.

This space was so engaging for families with young children, older siblings would come in on days off from school and feel left out, wanting to experience the space themselves. While families loved a place where they could go with their children, there was also a need for drop-off programming for children.

So in the summer of 2022, “State of Play” began their first drop-off art camp for children up to age 10, where kids could spend 3 days of the week making art inspired by artists from all over the world. The camp’s success led the founders to embark on their next venture: a preschool, a step they always knew could be in the cards for them, they just didn’t know when.

“The play space is just the first step in inviting our Valley to reimagine early childhood spaces and educational programming. Children thrive in environments that are suited to their interests and developmental stages, and we wanted to begin the conversation of merging education with intentionality and design ” Werner declares.

“Whether it’s the preschool, our afterschool program, or our drop-in open play, our programming values creative expression and social and emotional development as much as academic learning,” Dolen, co-founder and early childhood educator, states.

Is it a Montessori school or program? “We are Reggio-inspired and playbased instead of Montessori. A Reggio curriculum is fluid and organic. The curriculum emerges from the interests of children. In the Reggio Emilia approach the environment is viewed as a place that is welcoming, authentic, aesthetically pleasing, and filled with purposeful materials,” Dolen says. She goes on to say, “The layout of the environment promotes relationships, communication, collaboration, and exploration through play. Materials are thoughtfully added to the environment to promote creativity, thinking and problem-solving skills, questions, experimentation, and open-ended play.”

So how can your family participate in what “State of Play” has to offer? Part of the week, families can enjoy the space together during open play. Beginning this fall, State of Play will hold its 2nd year of preschool. They will also offer their Art School program, held after school from 4-5 pm (available for children ages 3-10). And they even have a twice-a-month drop-off date night to give parents a night off. No matter when you visit, you can count on interacting with a variety of play and art stations that frequently change depending on the children’s interests and developmental age ranges. Head over to their website www.stateofplay.com to view their entire schedule for the fall.

A place with a glow-in-the-dark galaxy, a play fort that looks like it was sent here from Mars, an art studio where painting on the walls is encouraged, and nooks for reading and playing hide and seek in.

Who’s Your Pet Vet?

360 PET MEDICAL

ARTICLE BY KATIE THOMAS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY 406 PHOTO

One Saturday evening in 2003, a couple of girlfriends were driving back from a local hot springs when they discovered an abandoned kitten on the side of the highway. The kitten seemed to be unharmed, but it was extremely small and vulnerable. They took it to the vet clinic that one of the women used for her pet rabbit, even though they didn’t think anyone would be there on a Saturday night. Fortunately, there was a sign on the door for after-hours emergencies, and thus this kitten went on to be examined, vaccinated, and adopted on the spot. He was well-loved by the bunny-owner for the next 19 years.

The vet who was kind enough to drive into the clinic that weekend was Dr. Ruth Stafford, formerly of Animal Medical Center and the very first associate veterinarian at 360 Pet Medical. Established in 2008 on East Main Street by John Stites, 360 is now located at 338 Gallatin Park Drive and has been owned by Dr. Christine Kenyon, DVM, and Dr. Loni Odenbeck, DVM, since 2015. Servicing Bozeman’s many dogs and cats, 360 has grown into one of our town’s most popular veterinary clinics – no small feat in such an animal-centric community.

Pet parents will find 360 situated just off Manley Road, which travels north past Bozeman Beach and toward the Bridger mountains. The cheerful wood and stone building almost looks like a home, surrounded by bright shrubs, trees, and a lawn (equipped with a doggy clean-up station, of course). This welcoming appearance is appropriate, given the warm atmosphere of the clinic and its friendly staff. “In this day and age, and in this town in particular, pets are not just accessories – they are family,” says Beth Kringlie, the practice Manager.

And like a member of the family, pets need many different types of care. The veterinary services offered by 360 include general medicine, internal medicine, dental care, emergency care, diagnostic tools such as ultrasonography, surgery, preventative care, humane euthanasia, on-call specialists, and a full in-house pharmacy. “At 360, we like to have longer appointments than the typical general practice,” explains Dr. Kenyon. “We spend a little more time with our patients and their owners, and we subsequently tailor treatments to each individual case.”

Critters can also obtain rehabilitation and alternative therapies here.

If your pup needs acupuncture, or a full water tank to walk that recuperating knee, or in-house antibiotics, 360 has it. Their website offers a list of resources like the Canine Pain scale, Quality of Life scale, the Puppy packet, Kitten packet, Diet & Nutrition, and Making Decisions – a guide for when your furry friend is getting older.

Notably, 360 has the only certified rehabilitation veterinarian and certified underwater treadmill in the Gallatin Valley. “We get a lot of referrals for that from other clinics that do surgery, but not rehabilitation,” says Dr. Stafford. “Animals come here for rehab services after surgeries, Dr. Kenyon works with them, and then we can send them back to their regular vet.”

What kinds of animals are we talking about here? To be clear, 360 now only services dogs and cats. About sixty-five percent of their clientele are dogs, and thirty-five percent are cats.

“One thing we stand out for is the effort we make for our long-term relationships with our clients,” Dr. Stafford explains. “I have clients I’ve known from the day I started here, and they come back, and they develop a relationship with not only the doctors, but also the techs, and they know Beth – and we have a lot of employees who have been here a long time, and that speaks volumes about the practice.”

This pet parent agrees, which is why I still take my animals to 360. Their mission statement rings true: “360 Pet Medical is grounded in core values that demonstrate our commitment to H.O.N.O.R.: to honor ourselves, our team, and our profession. H.O.N.O.R. represents our dedication to Honesty, Ownership, Neutrality, Optimism, and Respect.” We want nothing less for our pets!

CONTINUED >

Backyard Chickens

Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.

Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Oh and bonus – they make you breakfast.

The eggs from backyard chickens are the best—tastier and fresher than any store-bought eggs. Much of the day, the birds entertain themselves, picking at grass, worms, beetles, and all of the good things that go into making those delicious farm eggs. Plus, with their keen eye for insect pests, chickens make for great gardening companions.

Chickens can provide family companionship, fun, entertainment, sustainable fresh food, and plenty of poop that gardeners prize as a natural fertilizer/composting material. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?

Things To Consider Before Getting Chickens:

First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.

Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.

Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.

Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.

Backyard Chicken Q&A:

HOW MANY CHICKENS SHOULD I KEEP?

Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.

HOW MUCH DOES KEEPING CHICKENS COST?

All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor.

Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.

WHAT KIND OF SHELTER DO THEY NEED?

Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.

Want to go the fancy route?

Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com .

WHEN DO CHICKENS START LAYING EGGS?

Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

TUESDAYS

Cribbage League - Bunkhouse Brewery

5:30 PM

Earn points for playing league nights to determine placement in the tournaments. Enjoy discounts on beer and the opportunity to win prizes. Bring a board or borrow one of ours! Join us Tuesday nights if you love cribbage from 5:30pm -  7:30 PM at either location: 1216 W Lincoln St // 7715 Shedhorn Dr. Unit D, Bozeman. Free to play.

TUESDAYS

Bozeman Farmers’ Market

LINDLEY PARK | 5:00 PM

A portion of the Market's revenues every year to the preservation and improvements of Bozeman Parks. Join us in our efforts to Promote, Preserve and Play together. Tuesdays, August through September 12th, 5-8pm at Lindley Park, 900 East Main Street, Bozeman.

JUNE 26TH

Ride For Fun

Families are invited to ride their trikes, bikes or skateboards. There is chalk available for sidewalk art. Pilgrim playground in the back of the church for summer concerts, meditation events and other fun creative ways to connect with other community members. Free for all ages, open 8am-10pm. Pilgrim Church, 2118 S. 3rd Avenue, Bozeman. uccbozeman.org/events

JUNE 26TH

Ship of Fools: A Giant Puppet Odyssey

THE EMERSON | 6:30 PM

Three mimes set sail from the Port of Styx across the mythical boundary waters connecting the world of the living to the underworld. Aboard a mysteriously sentient ship, they encounter a world of beautiful and strange creatures. August 11th & 12th at 6:30pm.  The Emerson Cultural Center, 111 S Grand Ave. randomactsofsilliness.com/ship-of-fools

AUGUST 20TH

Cruisin' On Main Car Show

BOZEMAN

This car show on Main Street in Downtown Bozeman is between Wilson and Rouse Avenue on August 20th. Car enthusiasts can enter all makes and models! You may pre-register or register the day of the show. Gift Bags and Dash Plaques given to all registered vehicles; trophies will be awarded in over 10 car categories. downtownbozeman.org/event/cruisin-on-main-car-show-2023

AUGUST 31ST

Valley View Rodeo – SLACK

GALLATIN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS | 7:00 PM

Montana’s newest weekly rodeo production, Valley View Rodeo located at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman. All month long with finals held on August 31st. Gates open at 3:30pm, Slack from 4pm-6pm, Performance from 7pm-9pm. Adult 16+  $22 Online | $25 At The Gate, Children 7-15yrs $16.75 Online | $20 At The Gate, and Children 6 & under are free. valleyviewrodeo.ticketleap.com .

Preserve your views, privacy, and sleep. Choose the best balance of room darkening and light filtering shades for your home.

BOZEMAN’S BBQ & BLUES NIGHT

Friday | August 25 | 5pm-8pm

Enjoy Delicious BBQ with Proceeds Benefitting the Gallatin Valley YMCA

BBQ PRO DAY DEMO & SAMPLES

Saturday | August 26 | 1pm-4pm FREE Step-by-Step Classes & Samples Available for Purchase from Competitors