Rocky Mountain Magazine & Meeting Place

By: Jophiel Silvestrone

Where did you grow up?
Born and raised in Miles City, my parents still live there. I was raised in town however have very close connections t the rural areas of Miles City. I have 3 sisters, 2 older, and 1 younger.

What brought you to Billings?
Throughout my “growing up” years I was always excited for the opportunity to travel to Billings, whether it was for medical appointments, sports activities, shopping or whatever I would get very “pumped” about it.

Each time I traveled to Billings, I imagined it being a place I would like to live. When it came to college plans, I chose to attend Eastern Montana College (EMC). I have always been intrigued by the magic of Billings.

What did you go to college for?
I started studying Business, however switched to Sociology and Communication Arts.

What’s interesting to you about sociology?
I find the different social backgrounds and philosophy of life very interesting. Sociology helped me to better understand the different personalities of people which helped me greatly with my law enforcement career.

How long did you serve for?
I was a Police Officer for the City of Billings for 20 years, retiring as a Lieutenant in 1996.

During my career I served in most all divisions of the department. Starting in the mid 70’s, I had a walking beat and walked the downtown and south side areas of Billings. I progressed to Uniform Patrol, Public Relations and from there to Detectives. I was a Firearms Instructor for 16 years, active on the Tactical Team for 16 years and certified as an Instructor for both local and regional training.

As a Mentor for the D.A.R.E. program I was also an Instructor and recognized within the region and nationally for my accomplishments with the program.

Thank you for serving. Would you say that education is one of your passions?
Education is very important; however, my real passion is working with people. I have always enjoyed people and working in the “people” business is something I have done for as long as I can remember.

Do you feel like what you have accomplished in law enforcement carries on into your term as Mayor?
Absolutely, and in many ways, not just the law enforcement background of understanding people, their personalities and working with the public, but also it’s helped me to grow in a sense of earning the trust of the people.

I have always been a strong advocate of treating people with respect; you treat people how you would like to be treated. Many times I have had to make contact with a person that I had to place in jail for one reason or another, but I could still look that person in the eye knowing that they were treated fairly.

How has your life changed now that you’ve been elected Mayor of Billings?
Well, let’s put it this way, my phone seems to ring a bit more these days! (Tom chuckles) It’s not that it didn’t ring before, but it’s picked up some.

But, as I have vowed from the very beginning, I will do my best to meet the needs and the requests of anyone who contacts me. So far, I haven’t had anyone be disappointed regarding a lengthy wait for questions or concerns, and that’s the way I intend to do business.

Can you give us a general overview of some of the goals you plan to accomplish during your term?
As I have said throughout my campaign, what I’m bringing to the position is a very positive, optimistic and enthusiastic attitude. One that can deliver good, strong communication and display to the citizens that a positive council can do “A LOT” for the community.

As Mayor of the largest City in Montana, what is your take on the current state of affairs in the Big Sky Country?
Well, that’s very interesting because just yesterday, Veteran’s Day, I had the opportunity to visit with some of our very good leaders: Denny Rehberg, Jon Tester, and Brian Schweitzer, all three of which I have a lot of respect for.

Obviously the economic situation is a primary concern, and I recognize the value of the relationship in regards to the City of Billings. As far as Billings being the largest city in Montana and actually the largest in a multi-State area, what we need to focus on is what we can do to help stabilize the economy.

What I intend to do is work with not only our local businesses and citizens, but reaching out to other communities within the State, other States and with the assistance of our National leaders.

We have to realize were connected.
Absolutely, a lot of smaller communities throughout the region look at Billings as a leader of the area, whether it is for retail business, medical or technology, whatever it might be, a lot of communities rely on us.

Who historically, and from a political standpoint, do you draw inspiration from, and look to emulate their leadership abilities in your current role as Mayor?
That’s a good question. I’m going to start at the top with the presidents, and choose President John F. Kennedy. I was young when he was in office, but I think that he was an extremely good leader and was on track to do an exceptional job as our President. He was a very good communicator, and when he spoke, he spoke with words of wisdom and people listened.

You’re now a part of the lineage and heritage of Billings, how would you like the citizens to remember what you have accomplished as a legacy?
One of my main intents, and what I would like to accomplish, is to develop a city council in such a way that the citizens would be very proud to have representing them.

To bring together a team of council men and women, who will be known for doing a great job for the city of Billings. What I would like to help make possible when I’m done, is that the Mayor who follows me, will be able to lead Billings in the best way possible. I plan to improve what is already in place, and to leave Billings as one of the best places to live in the Northwest.

In one sentence what would you like to tell the people of Billings as you enter into this position?
I assure the citizens of Billings and outer lying areas that they will be proud to have me serve as Mayor.

You can get a bite or a byte at downtown Billings’ cafes. This wasn’t so in 1910… business here was different…

After a long horse or train ride, where did ancestral folks dine?

Railroads dictated restaurant placement of Stockman’s – where ‘men meet men’, Sherry’s, the Rex, Northern Hotel, and Northern Pacific Beanery, with it’s ‘chef second to none’. Our first masters in culinary creations were French trained and prairie learned.

When you have lunch at the Rex, you are dining right where Will James, Calamity Jane, and Buffalo Bill Cody ate. Buffalo Bill’s chef for the Wild West Show built this restaurant and bar.

Limited entrees then maybe included beans for 15 Cents or Sirloin at 75 Cents. The Rex’ current Chef David Maplethorpe who ‘midgeted’ under a French tutor, includes specialty soups, seafood, and steak, among his entrees.

’Comestibles’ offered by one 1910 restaurant ad were always fresh. “A chef never opens a can.” Quotes Maplethorpe. He shares “Three Pepper Beef”, but keeps eccritic his Gumbo recipe.

McCormick’s old picture?
Fine chefs own the avenue again in the same buildings as fore chefs. Only the menus have changed. Billings is fortunate to have an eclectic ballot of cooks. Chef Steve Marsh of Café Italia and McCormick’s is ‘kicking things up’ with a new menu. Keep that current secret sandwich sauce, Steve.

Sushi? Italian? French? Asian? Mexican? …any genre. Honey, what do you feel like? Sweet Grass’s sandwiches rock! The Soup Place fills me with aroma. Don Louis’ depth of flavor delights the tongue long after. Take a sensual feast of Sarah’s smooth green chili sauce. Touch your Irishness with a Pastie at Pug Mahon’s. Stella’s St. Patrick’s Day plate of fare filled two truckers!

• Today there’s cuisine while cruisin’, a huge choice in boozing.
• The businessmen’s lunch, or a champagne brunch. Have sea bass enmasse, or tiramisu, alas!
• Try alfredo pasta, or your choice of tapas.
• There’s sushi, Italian, or au-tartare with scallion.

Downtown Billings is an epicenter of epicurean dining.
On assignment, I witnessed Billings population engaging in: a gal bunch having leisurely lunch, suits having business dinner, stop ins, carry-outs, couples over romantic dinners, beer with lunch, dessert-only crowds, and singles savoring alone time.

Three Pepper Beef
5 Pounds Ground Beef, Cubed
6 Poblano Peppers, Diced
6 Red Bell Peppers, Diced
6 Yellow Bell Peppers, Diced
1 ½ Tablespoons Crushed Red Chili Peppers
1 ½ Cups Beef Stock/Broth
1 ½ Cups Tomato Paste
1 Cup Fajita Seasoning
3 Red Onions, Diced
2 Leeks, Pale Green, Diced
7 – 8 Roma Tomatoes, Diced
Cook beef, beef broth/stock, and water to just below the first knuckle on high until beef is tender. Add other ingredients.

Cook over moderate heat 1 hour.

Check the owner favorites:

• The Rex: Wild Salmon with Shrimp
• Walkers: Risotto Primavera
• Crowne Plaza: Butter Milk Tabasco Frog Legs
• McCormick’s: Banana Stuffed French Toast
• Jake’s: Jake’s Great Filet Medallions

Salivating yet?

Every chef or food aficionado says culinary adventure has to do with freshness, zest in spices, blend of textures; twists in preparation and serving, and artistic signature. Secrets hide in their cucinas.

Check out old style buildings and new style cooking in the city’s joints. You won’t be disappointed. To borrow a line from the Rex: “Most important…the beer is still cold as, it was in 1910.”

by Robyn Clausen Bauer, O.D.

What comes to mind when you consider a resolution to create a “new you” for the New Year? For some people it may entail making a fashion change to create a new look. For others, resolutions are geared toward improving performance in their day to day lives.

A new pair of glasses can achieve a change in each of these areas. Glasses are no longer considered just a boring necessity for many, but rather a way to achieve success in areas of both fashion and function.

Styles and fashion trends vary with time, and styles of glasses are no exception. There was a time when glasses were not considered fashionable, and most patients would choose a style and color that simply blended in and did not seem noticeable.

This is certainly no longer the case! Glasses have become fashionable, and they are now considered an attractive accessory that can enhance any look.

When it comes to choosing a frame for glasses, there are no rules. While most people with round faces look best in square frames, and people with square faces tend to look better with round frames, this is not a requirement.

Frames are available in more unique shapes and bold colors than ever before. The only way to really know what looks best on you is to try on a variety of shapes and colors.

Don’t assume that the pair you will wind up liking is the one you are initially attracted to on the display rack. Many people are surprised at what styles they wind up preferring once they have tried several pairs on.

The decisions about glasses don’t end with frame selection.

Technology has advanced in the area of lenses, and patients have more options than ever when it comes to choosing lenses specific for the tasks they need to perform.

For some people, this means choosing anti-reflective lenses to prevent glare that can interfere with tasks such as computer work and night driving. Anti-reflective lenses also offer the advantage of improving the cosmetic appearance of glasses by reducing the glare that on-lookers will see on the glasses.

Other patients may benefit from Transitions lenses, which adjust by becoming tinted in different light levels. Patients with high prescriptions often prefer their lenses to be made out of hi-index plastic that makes their lenses thinner and lighter than regular plastic. People who are at more risk of head/face impacts, such as construction workers or hunters are safer in a lens material called polycarbonate, which is more shatter-resistant.

Most doctors will also prescribe polycarbonate lenses for children. Furthermore, people who spend a significant amount of time driving, or working outside can easily appreciate the high quality of vision they achieve by wearing polarized, prescription sun wear.

With the wide variety of lens options available today, it is not uncommon for people to realize they may benefit from having more than one pair of glasses, choosing different pairs that are specific for the different visual demands they experience in their day-to-day lives.

When making your resolutions for this New Year, consider investing in a new pair of glasses to achieve your fashion and func
tion goals.

Don’t be afraid to try something new and bold when you are selecting a frame, and select lens features that will allow you to achieve the best visual performance for your demands.

The right pair of glasses can definitely enhance your look and give you the edge you need to perform at your best.