February 20, 2019

Local Announcements

The Gardiner Chamber of Commerce serves our community through developing local tourism while endorsing the stewardship of the Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Greater Gardiner Community Council – Quarterly Update. GGCC meets the first Tuesday at the Gardiner Community Center at 6:30pm; anyone is welcome to attend the meeting. In 2018 we started a major renovation for the Community Center. This historic building has been the center of our community for more than a hundred years and is in need of structural support and other improvements to make sure it remains a great place for gatherings and events for years to come. Work will continue in 2019 and progress will depend on money raised. We also worked with local contractors to get a new roof on the old jail and a fence around the property will be installed as soon as the ground thaws this spring. Please join us if you’d like to get involved, or have questions or ideas about the civic interests of Gardiner. You can also contact us through our website at www.gardinermt.org, or reach out to any of our committee.

The annual Entre Nous St. Patty's Day liquor basket raffle will occur on Cinco de Mayo this year instead. Please look for ticket sales to start in April. Thank you for your support!

Spaghetti Dinner Benefit. Bingo/Silent Auction/Kids Carnival. For the George Leafty Kidney Fund. February 22, 5:00pm to 8:30pm at the Gardiner School Multipurpose Room. Dinner by donation (credit cards not accepted, cash or check only). If you cannot attend but would like to help, and account has been set up at the Gardiner First Interstate Bank under ”George Leafty Kidney Fund”. For more information, contact Peggy Hoppe at 406-848-7651 or Gail Plovanic at 406-366-1292.

Stop by the Rusty Rail for Happy Hour Monday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. See you there! Local Announcements continued on page 2....

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BCC’s Jardine Ski Run February 24EPAC Show: The Interior March 29EPAC Show: Barn Dance April 13

Annual Hells A-Roarin' Horse Drive May 25Shakespeare in the Parks July 21

Gardiner Montana - Upcoming Events

For details and more information, visit:VisitGardinerMT.com/events-blog/events

Local Announcements... continued from page 1

The next monthly CVB meeting will be held on Thursday, February 21 at 4 p.m. at the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce. Public welcome.

The next Gardiner Chamber Board of Director’s meeting will be held on Thursday, February 21 at 12:00 noon at the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce. Public welcome.

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Yellowstone seeks comments on proposal to develop seasonal housing for concession employeesMAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – The National Park Service seeks public comment on a proposal to develop seasonal housing for concessions employees in Yellowstone National Park at the West Entrance and Canyon Village.

The Environmental Assessment for the proposed project would evaluate two alternatives. In Alternative A (no action), no additional seasonal housing would be constructed. Alternative B would include construction of up to 25 recreational vehicle (RV) sites and a bath house adjacent to the Yellowstone General Stores warehouse near the West Entrance for concessions employees. Additionally, the proposal would redevelop and modify an abandoned loop at the Canyon Campground to house Canyon Lodge and Cabins employees. A combination of up to 14 RV sites and six modular homes would be integrated into the camper loop, and existing comfort stations would be rehabilitated to provide shower and laundry facilities.

Comments must be received by February 28, 2019. Comments may be submitted online at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/concessionshousing, by hand-delivery, or by mail. Comments will not be accepted by fax, email, or by any other means.

Hand-deliver comments during business hours to: Albright Visitor Center, Attention: Concession Housing EA, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190.

For RentStudio Apartment/Livingston: Available April 1. Included – central gas heat, water & sewer, trash pickup, electric. No pets. No smoking. First, last & security deposit. 1person rental. $750/month. 406-333-2775. Leave Message.

Fully furnished winter cabin rental on the Yellowstone River through to April 30, 2019. Two master suites, two full baths, satellite flat screen TV’s, washer/dryer, fully equipped kitchen, covered patio. No pets, no smoking, limited number of occupants, $1,250 per month, plus utilities. (406) 570-4500.

Cozy cottage in Gardiner, Montana for winter rent. Includes living/dining rooms; fully equipped kitchen; bedroom/full bathroom; internet; flat screen TV; washer/dryer. Available for any desirable intervals starting February 1 through mid-April. Please call 406-223-2828.

Give a Hoot! Park County's Community Giving ChallengeWhat is Give a Hoot? Give a Hoot is Park County's first ever month-long community giving challenge that will connect community members with causes they care about most. The goal of Give a Hoot is to inspire people to come together, show pride in their community and contribute to support local nonprofit organizations working in Park County. Funds raised by participating nonprofits during Giving a Hoot will be eligible to receive matching funds from the Park County Community Foundation. When is it? July 10 through August 8, 2019. Who can participate? Organizations that are verified 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofits or fiscally sponsored by a qualified organization that are located in and serving Park County or Mammoth, WY are eligible to participate.

Why participate? • Dollars raised during Give a Hoot will be eligible for a match

by the Park County Community Foundation!• In preparation of and throughout Give a Hoot, you will be

supported with trainings, tools and templates to help you make the most of the community giving challenge.

• 100% of dollars raised go directly to the intended nonprofit, with easy online direct depositing.

• Increase awareness of your organization and the Park County nonprofit sector.

• Celebrate our community! Giving is contagious and Give a Hoot encourages our community to come together to give to the causes we love the most and have fun doing it!

• It's FREE for nonprofits to participate!

How can I learn more? Attend an info session! We know your time is valuable! We want to invite you to join us for one of three info sessions being held to give you the details, answer your questions and arm you with the info you need to decide if Give a Hoot is right for you.

Information sessions: • March 11 at 9:30 a.m. in Livingston• March 11 at 5:30 p.m. in Gardiner• March 18 at 9:30 a.m. in Livingston

Nonprofit staff and board members are encouraged to attend! We ask that at least one representative from each Park County nonprofit register to attend an upcoming information session.

Register for an Info

Session Here!

Yellowstone Housing, continued on page 5....

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Mail comments to: Compliance Office, Attention: Concession Housing EA, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190.

Public Comment Considerations• Bulk comments in any format submitted on behalf of others will not be accepted. • Before including your address, phone number, email, or other personal information, be aware that your

entire comment – including your personally identifiable information – may be made public at any time. You may ask us to withhold your personally identifiable information from public review, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

• The proposed project is an undertaking as outlined under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (36 CFR § 800). We welcome comments about historic properties or other cultural resources that fall within the project area.

The park is also completing compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for this project, and consulting with the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office on the proposed project.

For more information about this proposal, visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/concessionshousing

....Yellowstone Housing, continued from page 4

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Gardiner business owner Tom Rapp meets with MT Congressional delegation to advocate for Summer Work TravelTom Rapp, owner of the Roosevelt Hotel in Gardiner, MT, joined fellow business owners and representatives in Washington, DC last month to advocate to Congress for the State Department’s Summer Work Travel (SWT) exchange program. Tom traveled to DC to participate in an Advocacy Forum convened by InterExchange, a New York-based cultural exchange nonprofit.

Tom met directly with the Montana Congressional delegation -- Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester, and Rep. Greg Gianforte -- to deliver a message of support for Summer Work Travel.

“I emphasized how absolutely vital this program is for my business and for our state,” said Tom.

Each summer, like many seasonal and tourist businesses around the country, Tom hosts international college students participating in the Summer Work Travel program. On their summer breaks from university studies, these students come to the U.S. for a unique opportunity to travel, improve their English skills, and gain practical work experience. As an SWT host employer, Tom takes pride in providing the best possible exchange experience for his students.

“I invite the students to my home for dinner every Sunday, and organize other outings and cultural activities for them,” said Tom. “I want to be sure they really become a part of the Roosevelt and Gardiner families.”

Additionally, the students play a crucial role in supporting the Roosevelt Hotel and other seasonal businesses in Montana and across the U.S.

“Gardiner has a population of 875, and we welcome more than 500,000 people per year through our entrance to Yellowstone,” explained Tom. “Without our international students, we couldn’t possibly serve all of our guests.”

A recent study* of the SWT exchange program found that 50% of host employers surveyed said that the absence of international students would have a large negative impact on their revenues. 25% wouldn’t be able to keep their seasonal businesses open.

The study also found that international students participating in SWT contributed $509 million to the U.S. economy in 2017, including $11.5 million to Montana. Montana hosts approximately 2,000 SWT students every summer.

The Summer Work Travel program is a win-win for the U.S., supporting our diplomacy and economy. The program engages future leaders from around the world, giving them an in-depth experience with real Americans and the real America, while also providing crucial support to the success of American seasonal businesses. And it’s the voices of the host employers that have the most impact advocating for the program.

“I think it was really important for me, as a Montana business owner, to speak directly to my Congressmen about how important this program is. I hope they’ll take that message to heart,” said Tom.

Other SWT host businesses that want to get involved in advocacy efforts should join the Americans for Cultural Exchange advocacy coalition (www.americansforculturalexchange.org) and reach out to InterExchange for more details (Mark Overmann; movermann@interexchange.org).

*Summer Work Travel (SWT) Program Review, EurekaFacts, 2017: https://www.alliance-exchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/SWT-Impact-Evaluation-Final-Report_0.pdf

InterExchange is a nonprofit cultural exchange organization based in New York City. It is designated by the Department of State to administer the Summer Work Travel program, and works with host employers like Tom to place students in life-changing experiences all over the country.

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Help Wanted

Wonderland Cafe & Lodge is starting to hire for additional Back of House positions. If you are interested in joining our team, please stop by and talk to Mike Wed-Sun between 12pm-4pm. Must have a strong work ethic, positive attitude and be able to work in a fast paced environment.

Help Needed: Full time/part time, year around, most important job duty available. Housekeeping and help managing small boutique Inns, prime locations in Gardiner. Housing available. Must be organized, detail oriented and reliable. Also looking for the occasional handyman/maintenance service. Free healthy workout! Our trusting guests deserve absolute cleanliness, comfort, & genuine friendliness. Email: montami8264@gmail.com

Little People's Learning Center is hiring. Join our teaching team and help support our wonderful families! We have part time/substitute work available now, a full-time position starting in May, and summer opportunities. Call 307-344-9011 or email director.littlepeoples@gmail.com to apply.

Jobs - Year round, Full/Part time at the new Yellowstone Hot Springs in Corwin Springs: Janitor, Pool Cleaner, Front Desk. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends. Email your contact details, brief work history and business reference to: info@YellowstoneHotSpringsMT.com.

Yellowstone Riverside Cottages in Gardiner is accepting applications for housekeeping, can possibly develop into year-round positions. Email applications to info@YellowstoneRiversideCottages.com, apply in person, or call 406-848-7719.

Housekeeper wanted for 2019 Gardiner peak season vacation rentals. Lucrative compensation. Call (406) 570-4500. Chico Hot Springs is always looking for great new employees. Are you ready for a new opportunity? Do you want long-term, steady job with room for growth? Do you want great benefits and competitive pay? Chico Hot Springs wants you! Come join our spirited, service-focused culture. Please come by our front desk to complete an application or call Andrew at 406-333-4933.

Lewis River Bridge to be replacedMAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY - On December 21, 2018, the National Park Service Acting Intermountain Regional Director Kate Hammond signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for an environmental assessment (EA) to replace the Lewis River Bridge in Yellowstone National Park. The bridge is located south of the Lewis Lake Campground on the South Entrance Road.

The replacement will be built on a new alignment directly east of the existing bridge. Parking and pedestrian areas located north and south of the existing bridge will be redesigned and reconstructed.

The park considered two alternatives in its EA. Alternative B, the approved action, will shift the South Entrance Road several hundred feet to line up with the new bridge. Traffic will continue on the existing bridge while the new bridge is under construction. Alternative B was selected to ensure excellent bridge structure integrity into the future, improve pedestrian safety, and reduce localized vehicle congestion.

Depending upon funding, roadwork could begin as early as spring 2020 and last for two consecutive years followed by the spring of a third year. When the proposed project is implemented, construction delays would normally be limited to 30 minutes. There may be up to six temporary road closures of up to six hours each to set bridge girders. The Lewis River Falls Overlook Trail and parking areas would be closed during construction.

Read the FONSI and EA at: Lewis River Bridge Replacement

Church ServicesGardiner Baptist Church Sundays:Bible Study 6:30pmWorship 11amWednesdays:Worship Service 6:30pm

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Sundays: Sacrament Service 10am

St. Williams Catholic Church: Sundays: 11:00am

St. John’s Episcopal Church (Emigrant): Sundays: Worship 8am

Mt. Republic Chapel of Peace (Cooke City)Sundays: Worship 9:30am

Gardiner Community ChurchSundays:9:00 am Fellowship9:15 am Sunday School10:15 am Worship ServiceWednesdays:7 pm Bible Study at ChurchOther Bible Studies throughout thecommunity during the week,contact Pastor Jeff Ballard

Community Services & CommitteesAA Meetings: Wednesdays @ 7pm at St. William’s Catholic Church. Contact 1-724-496-9894

AA Meeting: Wednesdays @ 7pm at Mount Republic Chapel of Peace.Cooke City. Contact: (406) 838-2397

American Legion Meeting: 2nd Tuesday @ 7pm at the Gardin-er Community Center.

Bear Creek Council Meeting: Meets monthly at the Track Ed Center, 9 Jardine Rd.For more information: 406-223-2152 www.bearcreekcouncil.org

CVB Meeting: 3rd Thursdays at 4:30pm at the Gardiner Visitor’s Center, 216 Park St.

Electric Peak Arts Council Meeting: Sept-May, 3rd Wednesdays @ 5:30pm at the Gardiner Visitor’s Center, 216 Park St.

Gardiner Chamber of Commerce: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pmMonthly Board meeting, 3rd Thurs-days at noon. Located at 216 Park Street. 848-7971.

Gardiner Community Library Tuesdays 10am-5pm, 6pm-8pm & Thursdays 6pm-8pm. 406.848.7835.Book Sale Tuesdays 10am-5pm.

Gardiner Food Pantry: Tuesdays from 1pm-6pm. 307.344.9006 Linda Gray.

Gardiner-Park County Water District Board Meeting: 2nd Tuesday @ 6pm at the District Office.

Gardiner Resort Area District Monthly meeting is held every second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Gardiner Visitor’s Center.

Gardiner School Board Meet-ing: 2nd Wednesdays @ 6pm in the Gardiner School Conference Room.

Gateway Hose Company:Board of Trustees February 18, 2019 @7 pm at the Fire Hall.

Greater Gardiner Community Council Advisory Board Meeting: 1st Tuesdays @6:30pm. www.gardinermt.org

Livingston HealthCare Gardiner Rehab Outreach Clinic: M/W/F from 9am-4pm at Gardiner Baptist Church.Call 222-7231 or 222-3541.

Livingston Lodge #32 A.F. & A.M. meets 1st Tuesday at 7pm at the Livingston Masonic Temple.

Gardiner Community Newsletter InfoThe Gardiner Community Newsletter is published every Wednesday afternoon. Deadline for all newsletter ads is every Tuesday at noon. This includes payment and ad submission. There is no billing, ads must be paid for in advance. Ads submitted without full payment will not run.

Line Ad pricing:• Regular Line Ad: $7 for the first 40 words, ten cents for each

additional word.• Chamber Member Line Ad: $6 for the first 40 words, ten

cents for each additional word.• Free Line Ad: First 40 words are free, ten cents for each

additional word. Things that constitute a free line ad: Lost & Found, Thank You’s, Condolences, Memorial Services, and free things that normally have a charge (ie: giving a way a bike, or serving a meal for free). Non-profit status does not guarantee a free ad.

• Logos and bullet points available for an additional fee, please inquire for details.

Display Ad sizes and pricing:• $10/week – sixteenth page vertical – 1.8” x 3.2”• $10/week – sixteenth page horizontal – 3.7” x 1.55”• $15/week – eighth page – 3.7” x 3.2”• $30/week – quarter page vertical – 3.7” x 6.5”• $30/week – quarter page horizontal – 7.5” x 3.2”• $50/week – half page vertical – 3.7” x 13.1”• $50/week – half page horizontal – 7.5” x 6.5”• $70/week – three quarter page – 7.5” x 9.8”• $90/week – full page – 7.5” x 13.1”• $1 fee for chamber staff to build/modify/resize an ad

(this service is free for Chamber of Commerce members)

How to submit an ad:• Email ad to ads@gardinerchamber.com• Send ad to: Gardiner Chamber of Commerce (attention newsletter ads), P.O. Box 81, Gardiner, MT 59030.• Come directly into the Chamber office at 216 Park Street, or use the afterhours drop box.• Ads can not be submitted over the phone, but you can pay over the phone with a credit card. 406-848-7971.

The Gardiner Community Newsletter is sponsored by the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce. Its purpose is to inform local residents and visitors regarding items of local interest. Occasionally opinions are expressed herein that do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber reserves the right to omit or edit ads/copy for length,grammar, good taste and to prevent defamation.

If you are feeling sad, as if no one cares or that life isn’t worth living any more, please call the Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)Someone does care, they will listen to your story

VisitGardinerMT.com 406-848-7971 ads@gardinerchamber.com