Livingston Weekly

Livingston Current Giving Guide 2009:The Season of Best Intent

It is impossible to single out one particularly viable and effective entity or organization in Livingston.  The volunteer, the participant, each individual contributes equally, whether an elected official or librarian, actor or administrator, donor or patron.  From the work with area youth in Manaia to the community meals served for free at Loaves and Fishes, so many organizations full of volunteers and supported solely by area efforts are equally effective in creating a true community spirit.  

This has been a tough year for many families and communities around the world, in our country and here in Livingston.  The Stillwater Mine laid off scores of employees, many area businesses scaled back—a few even closed for good.  Each person in Livingston now knows someone who has lost a job, lost their home or had to scramble to make ends meet.

It’s no surprise in these leaner and leaner times that the Livingston community holds up pretty well.  Area organizations report levels of funding equal to the increased need and this is a hallmark of our small town: we are here for one another.

In the years between the railroad pull-out and the growth boom of the early 2000s, Livingston pioneers and locals crafted a solid community here with the mixed bag of artists, literati, ranchers, farmers, families and loners. But the feeling in Livingston just a few years ago was one of anxiety over unbridled growth and prosperity.  In this climate some of our small-town spirit began to erode.  The perception of coming growth created a sense of urgency to preserve the way of life so many more of us are now back to living again, and many people in Livingston divided on to different sides of the fence as to what would be best for the community.

There is still a surprising amount of expansion in our small town right now.  It is the indomitable spirit of the Livingston pioneer and native alike to survive in this West.

But no longer do we have the resources, energy or freedom from worry to battle with one another.  Right now we need to be working by cooperating and understanding.  We no longer enjoy the luxury of time to pursue efforts that produce no progress and only serve to intensify strife.  There is work to be done, our community is stretched thin, and most of us are doing everything we can just to stay afloat.

Let’s focus on forward progress and the things we share in common: arts, culture, the spirit of humanity and understanding. Let’s make a reasonable agreement to enjoy each other on earth, and to respect one another enough to want to live in harmony, and watch the generations to follow us continue in harmony. 

There may always be distress in our world. Each week may continue to bring terrible stories in the news as religious wars are waged and life on earth as we know it is threatened by man’s pollutant activity.  Polarity may always be apparent in the debate over health care reform, the woman’s right to choose or not, and the now-seeming-eternal war in the Middle East (and everywhere else we may have tried our “Cowboy Democracy” out on other countries in the past two Bush administrations).  But this is supposed to be the part in the epic action-packed blockbuster where the humans decide to abandon prejudice and realize they all either work together or fail together.

We can turn from the strife and discord in our world to the good in man and encourage cooperation to embrace the spirit which some may say makes us unique and human, and in celebrating this spirit we may be able to transcend our own realities of strife. 

Let us celebrate the season of best intent, understand and work with those who we may not agree with (even the politicians, for they are volunteers, too) and give to one another peace this holiday season.

—Reilly Neill

Bringing a Warm Glow to the Streets:Holiday Lights of Livingston

Holiday Lights of Livingston is a community-based organization working to preserve the holiday decoration tradition in downtown Livingston.

“Currently, we have four rehabbed vintage intersection lights in storage that need new poles,” says Holiday Lights committee chairman Joel Reinholz.  

Reinholz and others discovered the large iconic candelabras in the basement of the former JC Penny on Second Street.  After refurbishing the four large decorative pieces, which Reinholz estimates to be around 40 years old, they were once again installed at downtown intersections for the past five years.

Due to engineering problems with the height of the supporting poles, the decorations were not hung last year.  Holiday Lights hopes to return the classic decorations to their original glory with a wealth of structural improvements to mirror the coming infrastructure improvements planned for the downtown area.

In addition to the large intersection decorations, Holiday Lights has 49 rehabbed snowflake decorations, 35 were rehabbed and hung this year on one pole each.

After the planned downtown infrastructure improvements, there will be approximately 160 new poles in the downtown area.  Holiday Lights plans to install traditional decorations during the annual holiday season throughout downtown while the infrastructure project is undergoing completion.

“If we go with the current plans we will have 40 new street lights on Park Street between Fifth and B next year after the state redoes Park Street.  Our goal is to build new holiday lights for the new lights.  We do this working with the high school and FFA and we may try to include the art and drafting classes in design and conception also.”

Reinholz says they hope to raise enough money to keep up with the downtown infrastructure project as it is getting done, a projected period of the next five to ten years.

“We would also like to put at least one of the intersection lights back up with new taller poles during the downtown project,” says Reinholz, “This will take new engineered poles with a considerable cost to get them to legal DOT (Department of Transportation) heights.”

Holiday Lights is supported solely by volunteer efforts and contributions from the community.  A recent fund-raiser brought in enough to get the existing holiday lights up for the 2009 season, but each year will bring a new set of funding challenges.

For more information about Holiday Lights of Livingston, or to make a donation, call 220-5635.  Donations may also be mailed to Holiday Lights, 628 Meadowlark Lane, Livingston, MT 59047. 

—Reilly Neill

 

A Full Pantry for the Needy:Livingston Food Pantry of Park County

With Christmas food and fun cheerfully looming ahead, it is easy to forget that hard times still press heavily on some local families.   The Livingston Food Pantry of Park County is helping to relieve the pressure to have a hot meal and enough to go around the table every day of the week. Although it may be difficult to believe, many individuals strive eat only once a day for financial reasons or subsist on only an evening meal.

Food Pantry Director Micheal McCormick says increase in demand for assistance was almost 50 percent higher for this year through October 2009 compared to the food distribution statistics for the same period in 2008. The Pantry also gave out 223 Thanksgiving food baskets this year, a ten percent gain on last year’s 200-plus baskets.

With volunteers and donations, word of mouth and no government subsidies of any kind, the Livingston Food Pantry is aiming to help families buffer the hard times with a five to seven-day supply of food. The program is set up for a “staple shopping” day every 30 days with produce and perishables available to fill in between.  Some of the basic staples included are canned meats and fruits, peanut butter and cereals, beans and rice with some frozen items also in stock.

When picking up the monthly box, the options are left to the family receiving assistance as much as possible, such as cereal choices and sides to go with meals.   

The Food Pantry also helps make sure everyone in the community is fed everyday with the BackPack Program, a Senior Commodities Program and the Summer Lunch Program.

The BackPack Program was developed by a school nurse to help address the needs of kids who get meals during the week at school but still go hungry on the weekend.  The concept became a pilot program of the National Council of Feeding America in 1995, and became an official Feeding America program in July 2006.  With more than 90,000 school kids being served and approximately 200 elementary children in Livingston taking part this year, this is one of those program that just works, says McCormick. 

The  program provides for free small bags of nutritious, non-perishable snacks and meals to be placed anonymously and discreetly in the lockers of participating children to be taken home for the weekend.  The yearly cost per student per year is $120 and the program is not subsidized by any grants but solely through donations.

The Food Pantry also works with LINKS for Learning and the City of Livingston to supplement children who need lunch through the summer vacation.  The Summer Lunch Program provides a cold lunch is served at the Livingston Civic Center.

The Senior Commodities Program is yet another way the Food Pantry is helping to keep people from going without the basics from day to day.  In addition to the monthly staple box and interim produce and perishable shopping offered, this program helps when the limited income and cost of medications and bills that must be paid take precedence over items like juice, cheese and cereal. 

The Livingston Food Pantry is always accepting help in the form of volunteers, donations of non-perishables or money.  Perhaps for the loved one who has everything already, a gift in their name might be something never before received: good will to another.  

—Laura Bolduc

 

Enriching Local Curriculum:Livingston Education Foundation

Since 2002, the Livingston Education Fund (LEF) has endeavored to enrich education in the Livingston School District.  Financially independent from the school district, the LEF maintains funding primarily through a grants program.  Local educators are encouraged to apply for grant monies as individuals, or as part of a group for materials and programs to enhance learning experiences for area students.  

LEF works to infuse new elements of creativity in classrooms and strengthen ties between the classroom and the community, “going beyond textbooks.”  

“Our goal is to raise $70,000 this year” says LEF Board President Lisa Snow, “Last year we increased our grant writing and as a result, received about $17,500K in grant money. We plan to increase our grant writing efforts even further this year; two board members will be attending a grant writing workshop in January.”

LEF is a completely volunteer organization and Snow says they are actively looking for board members: “It is a ‘working board,’ so it is important to have a board made up of members who have a lot of energy and a variety of talents and skills.” 

For more information on LEF, call 222-5266 or visit their website at livingstoneducationfoundation.org.

—Reilly Neill 

Growing a Healthy Community:Farms for Families

Many local Farmer’s Market shoppers see tables at the Farms For Families (FFF) booth heaped with locally-grown, chemical-free vegetables throughout the summer growing season, and stuff their market bags with hundreds of pounds of produce from FFF’s Demonstration Farms. But the non-profit organization Farms For Families nurtures a yield beyond the fresh weekly cornucopia at the market, using small-scale, local farming as a base for a renewal of community, and evidence a commitment to restoring the tradition of a local food culture in Park County.

“Building healthy communities by growing local food systems” is the mission of Farms For Families. It works toward this goal by its collaborations with other community groups using farming, education, and outreach to expand farming opportunities, markets, and consumer awareness of locally-grown, healthy food.

FFF’s most recent collaboration includes the submission of a USDA Community Food Projects grant, with the support of the Livingston Public Schools, the City of Livingston, Montana State University’s Sustainable Food and Bioenergy program, local youth-based organizations, the Livingston Food Pantry and many others.  The grant aims to establish a community-wide hands-on educational network, increase markets and demand for local produce, and to establish a processing facility to extend the benefits of local produce beyond the short growing season, increasing local food security by infusing the food system with produce grown right here in Park County. 

The organization also works throughout the year on its other farm-based community development projects, including the Incubator Farm project, Victory Garden programming in local schools, its Mobile Processing Unit for small-scale poultry growers, and the Community Food Assessment.  

FFF’s Incubator Farm Project offers the use of land, water, equipment and guidance to support local small-scale farmers in growing locally and marketing their harvests.  This relationship further infuses Park County’s economic system with extra capital.  FFF has some farmers signed up for next year’s growing season, but welcomes more farmers looking for full-time growing opportunities within the project. Also, the Livingston Food Pantry uses their volunteer labor to help grow healthy produce for those who most need food resources, bringing the food system full circle.  

FFF has used its Mobile Processing Unit for trainings around the state, and worked closely with the Department of Livestock in identifying issues for small-scale poultry growers in the areas of food safety and production methods.

Victory Garden programs now underway in conjunction with local schools include: the facilitation of on-site school garden installation; networking with school administration and faculty for the development of experiential curricula on small-scale agriculture; farm field trips; and future planning to expand these programs throughout the school system.

The ongoing Park County Community Food Assessment is a community-led research process in measuring aspects of the local food system, establishing baseline data on strengths, weaknesses, resources and barriers to sustainable,local food self-reliance with access for all segments of the community.  Results will be used to create additional programs that meet the goal of strengthening our local food culture and ensuring food security. 

To pledge money or donate directly online, check out the links on Farms For Families website at farmsforfamilies.org.

—Jen Eames

 

Beyond the Classroom: LINKS for Learning

 Each day after school, over 100 elementary school children arrive by bus to Washington School for the LINKS For Learning program.  These children receive assistance with homework, attend physical education and art classes, participate in life skills activities such as cooking, sewing and communication, and have supervised free time in the classroom and on the playground.  

LINKS For Learning, a program of the Livingston School District, is a low-cost afterschool and full day summer program for children in Livingston. LINKS activities are designed to encourage success in school, a lifelong interest in learning and a commitment to community involvement. 

Since its inception in 1999, LINKS programs have run at capacity with a waiting list.  This fall, LINKS enrollment is higher than ever with a growing waiting list.  Due to decreased funding for 2010, LINKS is faced with ending the afterschool program five weeks before the end of the school year and reducing the summer program to six weeks, leaving children and families without the LINKS enrichment program for over two months.

Research conducted by the Rose Institute (2002) revealed that afterschool programs such as LINKS For Learning reduce child care costs, crime costs, and welfare costs, and that every dollar spent on afterschool programming returns $2.19 to $3.22 to the taxpayers.  A separate study conducted by Brandeis Univeristy (2004) revealed that decreased worker productivity related to parental concerns about afterschool care costs businesses up to $300 billion per year. 

In addition to enrichment activities, LINKS afterschool program includes focused homework time and special attention to math and reading skills. LINKS summer programs, which also take place at Washington School, include frequent field trips throughout the community and surrounding areas. 

In spring of 2009, LINKS embarked on a Garden Classroom project that uses a portion of the green space surrounding Washington School for a vegetable garden and small orchard. The garden and orchard provide food for LINKS participants and the community, while serving as a living classroom where students, staff and community volunteers learn about living systems and develop practical skills. In 2010, with the support of a generous grant from PPL Montana, LINKS will add a greenhouse, tool shed and outdoor wash station to the Garden Classroom.

LINKS has been funded primarily through a 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) grant since 1999.  Though the CCLC grant was cut by 60% after 2004, LINKS continues to offer high quality programming at minimal cost to families by seeking other sources of funding. 

In 2010, LINKS faces ending the afterschool program on April 30, five weeks before the end of the regular school year. With present funds, LINKS will again offer a six-week full day summer program beginning the first week of July.  This leaves LINKS students and families without the afterschool and summer enrichment program for over two months in 2010.  

In order to provide a full eight-week summer program in 2010, LINKS must raise an additional $10,000.  LINKS is conducting a stocking stuffer fundraiser this holiday season in an attempt to raise the funds necessary to run the full eight-week summer program.  The LINKS fundraiser provides community members the option to give a gift to LINKS on behalf of someone they love.  Gifts can be designated for general use, the LINKS art program, or the Garden Classroom program.  In acknowledgement of the gift, LINKS provides colorful greeting cards that can be given to loved ones this season to let them know that a donation has been given on their behalf.  

For more information on the LINKS Stocking Stuffer fund raiser, or any of the LINKS programs, call 222-1231. 

—Megan Drimal

2009 Giving Guide Listings

One of the best gifts one can give, or get, is the gift of time, energy or resources from a fellow citizen.  Compiled below is a detailed listing of area organizations dependent on community support to survive.  The Current asked each organization to submit specific volunteer needs or donation information, and attempted to compile a minimum description of each organization or entity when contact was unavailable.

While we attempted to provide a thorough list of local non-profits and organizations which benefit from community input, time and funding, many more exist we will have certainly overlooked.  We encourage members or staff of such organizations, or listed organizations with changes, to contact us with listing information so we may update our files and future editions.

Children and Education

Adult Community Education  

Washington School

315 North 8th Street

Livingston, MT 59047

222-1231

email: ACE@livingston.k12.mt.us

website: www.livingstonace.org

Additional Info: ACE is actively seeking class instructors, including computer instructors.  Please call 222-1231 if you have classes you would like to offer through Adult Community Education.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters

120 E. Park Street

Livingston, MT 59047

222-1930

email: Katie@bbbsparkcounty.org 

website: www.bbbsparkcounty.org

Volunteer Needs: It doesn’t take much to positively impact the life of a child. Bigs can spend a couple hours at a time with their littles a few times a month. Activities can range from shooting hoops, cooking a meal, hiking, swimming, reading, or watching a movie; the possibilities are countless.

Additional Info: Providing a community-based program, a school-based program, after school mentoring and a “Summer Buddies” program matching adults with children who could benefit from a mature companion with life experience.

FFA-Park High School 

222-0448 or 222-0449 

email: kfochs@livingston.k12.mt.us

Additional Info: The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Learning Partners 

112 West Lewis St. 

Livingston, MT 59047 

823-6356 , 222-2931

email: burnsc@chphealth.org 

LINKS For Learning

Washington School

315 North 8th Street

Livingston, MT 59047

222-1231

website: www.livingstonlinks.org

Volunteer needs:  LINKS needs able bodied individuals to help prep and assemble a greenhouse for our Garden Classroom.

Additional Info: LINKS has begun a “stocking stuffer” fundraiser for the month of December.  Please look for our display at the following supporting businesses in Livingston:  ACE Hardware, First Interstate Bank, Gateway Office Supply, Matt’s Butcher Shop and Deli, Mustang Catering, Timber Trails, True Value Hardware, and The UPS Store.

Livingston Education Foundation

P.O Box 14

Livingston, MT 59047

222-5266

email: newlef@hotmail.com

website: livingstoneducationfoundation,org

Volunteer Needs:  New board members; people who would like to help with fundraising by hosting a gathering at their home where we inform potential new-donors about what we do; and help with a phone-a-thon or another type of fundraiser during the school year.

other info.

Additional Info: Fund-raising goal for 2010: $70,000 for a wide variety of grants written by teachers, including requests for an artist-in-residence, a pottery kiln, a scanner, a laminator, a set of historic photos of Park County, a Lexia reading program, a Latin class, sheet music, Smart Music, ipods to be used for reading, an after-school activities program and a set of computers on a cart.  Last year LEF increased grant writing and as a result, received about $17,500 in grant money. 

Livingston Youth Soccer Association 

P.O. Box 556

Livingston, MT 59047

222-8729

email: director@livingstonyouthsoccer.org 

website: livingstonyouthsoccer.org

Volunteer Needs: The competitive and recreational leagues welcome your participation at any level. There are vast and varied volunteer duties within LYSA that require minimal time commitment.

Manaia Youth Programs 

332 S. Main St. #2 

Livingston, MT 59047 

222-7879

email: info@manaia.org 

website: www.manaia.org (currently down)

Volunteer Needs: Currently recruiting adult volunteers to participate in our upcoming Youth Empowerment and Leadership Program (YELP), February 12 through March 17, 2010.  We also need volunteer technical support to help us create a new website that can be managed in-house.

Additional Info: We have been offering personal development programs to Livingston teens since 2005.  In addition to YELP, we have launched Stride, a new year long program serving PHS ninth graders, designed to reduce high school dropouts.  All of our programs are free to the participants.  The economy has reduced or eliminated several of our key funding sources, so community support is vital.  Donations can be sent to PO Box 193, Livingston, MT 59047.

Patricia Coleman Foundation

pc4children@yahoo.com 

P. O. Box 2162 

13 Cedar Lane 

Livingston, MT 59047 

333-4964 

Additional Info: Serving children of Montana. 

Payden Memorial Foundation for Kids with Cancer

P. O. Box 166 

Livingston, MT 59047 

222-6700 

email: contact@payden.org

website: www.payden.org

Volunteer Needs: For the Blazing Saddles fund-raising bike ride volunteers are needed to help before, during and after the ride. Our volunteer positions range from staffing rest stop tables, picnic set-up and take-down, SAG wagon teams, to pre-ride postering, shopping and more.

Additional Info: The Payden Memorial Foundation helps families that have financial need. The Payden Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your gift is tax-deductible. Your donation goes directly to families who need help with the added expenses a child’s cancer diagnosis incurs, like flights to regional treatment centers, as well as food, clothing and other necessities.

Sister City Exchange Program 

Post Office Box 1415

Livingston, MT 59047

222-3390 

website: livingstonsistercities.org

Additional Info: Cultural and Student Exhange Program with Nagonahara, Japan.  The Livingston Sister City Board meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, downstairs at the City/County building.  Meetings are open to all interested parties.

PAX International Student Exchange

Ben @ 1-800-556-6211

Emily @ 333-4836

email: cvisions@wispwest.net

Vounteer Needs: Host an international student for a semester or an academic year and travel without leaving home. These wonderful ambassadors are 15-18 years old, have their own money, and wish to experience American culture and academics. We have qualified students from over 20 countries who would love to share their culture with you and your community. Will you host this coming year?

Additional Info: Visit  www.pax.org  for more info on academic exchange and our outbound programs for the school year or summer.

Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch 

1106 West Park # 9 

Livingston, MT 59047 

222-6490  or 222-6492 

email: karig@ybgr.org

website: www.ybgr.org

Additional Info: YBGR has helped more than 4,500 youth and their families since 1957 in the residential treatment component of their services. YBGR’s focus is on rebuilding healthy relationships while teaching productive life skills to the youth and their families. A “Homes for Heifers” program was developed many years ago as a way to fund programs to help the children living at Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch. A donation helps hundreds of children living in many communities around Montana, as well as children in residential care. A rancher can donate a heifer to YBGR, or can “adopt” a top quality Black Angus heifer from YBGR and have it run with his/her herd.

Youth Dynamics, Inc. 

Community & Family Based Youth Services 

601 Nikles Drive, Suite 6 

Bozeman, MT 59715 

585-9402 

email: vlapp@youthdynamics.org

email: www.youthdynamics.org

Additional Info:  Youth Dynamics offers therapeutic family care, substance abuse treatment, therapeutic group care and family support services.  A charitable gift to the Youth Dynamics, Inc. Foundation can help sustain the long term future of services for Montana youth and Montana families. The services provided by Youth Dynamics, Inc. are founded on the principle that “Every Child Deserves a Family”. 

Senior Citizens

Senior Services Inc. - Park County 

Council on Aging 

1313 West Park St., Suite 5 

Livingston, MT 59047 

222-7250 

Continued on page 10 

Senior Citizens

Senior Services / Silver Opportunities 

1313 West Park St., Suite 5 

Livingston, MT 59047 

222-7250, 1-866-222-2090 

Additional Info: Assisting city, state & federal agencies in promoting their youth and senior services. 

Park County Senior Center

Senior Center Meals on Wheels 

206 South Main Street

(Senior Center, Meals on Wheels and Thrift Store) 222-7195

(Free Angel Line Bus Service) 222-4668

Additional Info: The Park County Senior Center is a hub for recreational and social services for senior citizens in the community. Activities available for Seniors and for the general public include a monthly Foot Care Clinic, pinochle played three evenings/week, occasional potlucks with music for dancing and listening, bingo played once each month, a pool table, computers with internet availability, and craft afternoons.  In addition to providing 24 affordable apartments for persons 62 and older, the Park County Senior Citizens Center houses the Meals on Wheels program that prepares meals, readies them for delivery to home-bound Seniors and serves them to Seniors in a congregate setting each Monday through Friday at noon. A Thrift Store on site sells clean used articles at minimal prices.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program

111 South 2nd Street

222-2281

email: info@rsvpmt.org

Website: www.rsvpmt.org

Volunteer Needs: RSVP matches people aged 55 and older with volunteer opportunities in Park County. The 40 available volunteer stations range from the American Cancer Society to the Yellowstone Gateway Museum and everything in between.

Additional Info: RSVP volunteers are eligible for supplemental accident insurance while volunteering, assistance with meals on the day they volunteer, and mileage reimbursement if income-eligible. RSVP also holds several recognition events throughout the year.

Food, Sustainability and Agriculture

Farms For Families

315 South 8th Street

Livingston, MT 59047

406-222-7585

Website: www.farmsforfamilies.org

email: info@farmsforfamilies.org

Volunteer Needs: FFF’s volunteer needs vary greatly between seasons, but volunteer help is always welcome. Please call 222-7585 for more information on volunteering with Farms for Families.

Food Pantry of Park County

112 North M 

222-5335 

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 1-5 p.m.

Produce Monday-Friday 10-3 p.m.

Volunteer Needs: Need volunteers for special occasions and regular day-to-day operations.   Upcoming: December 19 Christmas party for children from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., distribution of Christmas Turkeys on December 19, also need help every Tuesday and Thursday to help clean and stock shelves.

Additional Info: Cash donations welcome, general food items needed, in particular peanut butter, spaghetti noodles, canned stew, pasta sauce, rice and Ramen noodles.

Livingston Community Garden and Greenhouse

222-7307 or 600-6802

email: linda@ciboria.org

website: livingstoncommunitygarden.org

Volunteer Needs: Persons who could be called on for individual gardening tasks as well as those who would like ongoing involvement in shaping the community garden project or to help with communication (organize lists, get info out and help a non-computer minded person function in the technological age).

Additional Info: We are continuing our relation with the City of Livingston as well as collaborating with Farms for Families, WSE and several other organizations. 

Loaves & Fishes Meal Kitchen

301 South Main

222-4824

email: faustina@bresnen.net

Hours: 4pm-6pm Daily

Volunteer Needs:  Serving, cooks, cleanup, am stocking

Additional Info: Always a need for food, supplies and donations.  Presently serving an average of 120 people a night.  Often more.  Thanks to the Park County and Bozeman communities for their support and donations.  It is deeply appreciated by so many.  We are grateful to so many who understand the need in our small community.  If you feel the need to donate, please feel free to, or you can call and talk to Christine or Marti and find out what they are short of at 222-4824. As always, everything helps and everything received is with heartfelt thanks.   

Western Sustainability Exchange

215 South 3rd Street (P.O. Box 1448) 

Livingston, MT 59047

222-0730 

email: info@westernsustainabilityexchange.org

website: www.westernsustainabilityexchange.org

Additional Info: Operates the Livingston Farmer’s Market, the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program, the Young Entrepreneur Leadership Program, the Western Sustainability Expo, and the Montana Farm to Restaurant campaign among other efforts to advance sustainable choices that enhance economic opportunities which preserve open space, wildlife habitat, farm and ranchlands, and quality of life for future generations.

Health and Well-Being

American Red Cross

Lewis and Clark Blood Services Region

300 N. Willson Avenue, Ste 103A

Bozeman, MT 59715

website: www.givelife.org

Volunteer Needs: Volunteer needs run from receptionist work and phone calls to blood drive registration.  Blood donation is also a huge “volunteer” contribution that an individual can make every 56 days. To find a blood drive in the area donors can call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or 587-2790.

Additional Info: Also a part of the Red Cross are Health & Safety classes and Disaster Services.  The disaster team is a volunteer group of trained individuals that respond to the wide variety of situations that result from accidents and disasters.  For more information call 587-4611.

Community Health Partners 

126 South Main Street

Livingston, MT, 59047

(Sliding Fee Clinic) 222-1111 

(Dental) 585-8701 

email: info@chphealth.org

website: www.chp.org

Volunteer Needs: View and print applications for volunteer positions at Community Health Partners at www.chp.org.

Additional Info: The CHP mission is to enhance community health and well-being through innovative programming, strong partnerships and improved outcomes.  All donations are welcome.

Evergreen Health and Rehab Center 

510 South 14th St. 

Livingston, MT 59047 

222-0672 

website: www.evergreenhealthcare.com

Additional Info: Livingston Health and Rehabilitation Center provides a continuum of care that includes professional nursing care, rehabilitative therapy and support services to residents enabling them to maintain their independence.

Park County Mental Health Center 

232 S. Main St. 

Livingston, MT 59047 

222-3332 

email: jbeck@wmmhc.org 

Park County Tobacco Use Prevention Program

315 North 8th Street

Livingston, MT 59047

222-8282

website: tobaccofree.mt.gov

Additional Info:  Preventing tobacco use among young people; eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke; eliminating disparities related to tobacco use and its effects among certain population groups; and promoting quitting among adults and young people. 

Tri-County Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence

320 North Main Street

Livingston, Montana, 59047

222-5902 

24-hour crisis line: 222-8154

email: safe4life@imt.net

Hours: Monday - Friday from 8 - 5. 

Additional Info: The mission of Tri-County Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence is to provide advocacy, shelter, support, education and other direct services to victims/survivors as well as seeking to break the cycle of violence through increasing public awareness.  In addition, our vision is to provide a variety of support services that assist victims/survivors in creating a safe and healthy life for their families and self.  Finally, we envision a series of educational programs and community awareness activities that will reduce the occurrence and acceptance of domestic and sexual violence in our community.

Wish List:  New beds, gas cards, phone cards, laundry detergent, general cleaning supplies, trash, hand towels and wash cloths.

Zoe Women’s Services

817 West Park Street

Livingston, MT 59047

222-7828

website: gotozoe.org

Additional Info:  Zoe provides free pregnancy testing and free limited ultrasounds along with labor and delivery class, baby supplies and clothing through our boutique, an “Earn While You Learn” program and on-going support.

Animal Organizations

Montana Grizzly Encounter

80 Bozeman Hill Rd.

Bozeman, Montana 59715

586-8893

Email: info@grizzlyencounter.com

website: www.grizzlyencounter.com

Hours: Winter hours Thurs - Sun, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weather permitting) 

Volunteer Needs: Donations can be made on our web site or mailed to 80 Bozeman Hill Road, Bozeman Mt. 59715, or made in person. Other needs are: Simple Green, tall kitchen bags, dish soap, blankets.  Food items: Any fruit, carrots, sweet potatoes, meat (freezer burn is ok). All meat must be processed.

Additional Info: We are open through the winter! The bears have a blast playing in the snow. The viewing area is outside, so do dress warmly.

Stafford Animal Shelter 

3 Boulder Business Park Road 

222-2111 

website: staffordanimalshelter.org

Hours: (Volunteer hours) Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Volunteer Needs: volunteers to socialize animals and do community outreach bringing dogs to eldercare homes, call Kris at 222-1313 or email shelterbark@imt.net to set up the one-hour training.

Additional Info: Strengthen the local economy by giving gifts of locally-roasted fair-trade Yellowstone Coffee with a custom label featuring your own photo and 60% of every $10 bag purchased will support Shelter animals. Email your photo and order to: shelterbark@imt.net. 

United in Light, Inc.

Draft Horse Recovery

101 Billman Lane

Livingston, MT 59047

222-7982

website: www.draftrescue.com

Volunteer Needs: Volunteers always welcome

Additional Info: Funds go toward hay & supplemental feed throughout the winter.

Park County 4-H Clubs

414 East Callender

Livingston, MT 59047

222-4156

email: park@montana.edu

Volunteer Needs: Caring adults who would like to share their skills and talents with youth.

Additional Info: Eight 4-H clubs cover Park County from Wilsall to Gardiner.  For more information on how you can become a volunteer, contact MSU Park County Extension at 222-4156.  

General Organizations

American Cancer Society 

Cindy McGinnis 

550 N. 31st St. #103 

Billings, MT 59017 

256-7156 

email: cindy.mcginnis@cancer.org 

Additional Info: Sponsors local annual Relay for Life event in Livingston.

Artemis Institute

POB 1887

Livingston, Mt 59047

220-1099

email: info@artemisinstitute.org

website: www.artemisinstitute.org

Additional Info: Where art meets the environment; where culture meets nature.  The Artemis Institute is dedicated to aligning modern cultural practices with natural systems, and in so doing helping people find more sustainable, more harmonious ways of living on Earth.  To accomplish its goals, Artemis develops and offers university-level courses and personal enrichment programs that support the development of more sustainable cultural practices.

Community Closet Thrift Store 

416 East Park Street 

222-6200

email: communitycloset@yahoo.com

Volunteer Needs: The Community Closet offers a friendly atmosphere for thrift shopping, volunteering, and employment. 

Additional Info: The main function of The Community Closet thrift store is to resell donated clothing and household items.  The thrift store generates funds to reinvest in other Park County nonprofit organizations.  Since opening in 2005, the board of directors has used thrift store profits to fund over $110,000 in community grants.

Counterpoint Inc. 

116 East Callender Street 

Livingston, MT 59047 

222-2472 

email: ExDir@counterpointinc.org

Hours: 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Volunteer Needs: Looking for individuals who may want to spend quality time with the people we serve, adults with disabilities.

Additional Info: A non-profit agency providing training, assistance and employment for adults with disabilities. 

General Organizations

Friends of the Library

228 West Callender Street

Livingston, MT 59047

222-0862

email: mhomezone@bridgeband.net

Additional Info: The Friends of the Library sponsor movies each month, a book club and an annual book sale.

Holiday Lights of Livingston

628 Meadowlark Lane

Livingston, MT 59047

220-5635

Volunteer Needs: Looking for volunteer board members interested in working to raise funds for the project and also interested in the future design of downtown Livingston.

Additional Info: Holds annual fund raiser at the holiday season (2009 was November 19) to help with all expenses.  To donate at any time, send donations to Holiday Lights to address listed above.

Livingston Area Chamber of Commerce 

303 East Park St 

Livingston, MT 59047 

222-0850 

email: info@livingston-chamber.com 

Additional Info: The Livingston Chamber offers business networking opportunities and sponsors events throughout the year including a holiday light contest and a Fourth of July float contest during the Livingston Roundup Rodeo.

Livingston Roundup Rodeo Association 

P.O. Box 800 

Livingston, MT 59047 

222-3199 

Additional Info: Sponsoring the annual four-day rodeo at the Park County Fairgrounds.

Park County Community Foundation

PO Box 2199

Livingston, MT 59047

222-0149

email: pccf@pccf.montana.org

website: www.pccf-montana.org 

Additional Info: A funding, networking organization connecting philanthropists to community development efforts.  Misson: connecting caring people and key resources with community needs and opportunities.  

Park County Fair 

PO Box 146 

Livingston, MT 59047 

222-4185

email: fair@parkcounty.org

Additional Info: A free annual fair featuring 4-H livestock judging, clinics, and competitions along with fair entertainment.  Next fair scheduled for August 2010.

Vision Livingston Downtown Partnership

406-222-7470

email: contact@visionlivingston.com

website: www.visionlivingston.com

Additional Info: Vision Livingston is a not for profit 501 (c) (3) corporation founded in 2007 as a Main Street program to revitalize the downtown commercial district. Beginning in 2009 and continuing through 2015, historic downtown Livingston streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and alley ways will be torn up in order to replace 100+ year old water and sewer mains as well as replace badly deteriorated sidewalks.

Public Organizations

City of Livingston 

330 Bennett 

Livingston, MT 59047 

222-1142 

email: swulf@livingstonmontana.org

website: www.livingstonmontana.org

Livingston/Park County Library 

228 West Callender 

Livingston, MT 59047 

222-0862 

email: jdawson@livingstonpubliclibrary.org 

website: www.livingstonpubliclibrary.org/

Volunteer needs: Volunteers always wanted, always welcome. Please call the library for more information 222-0862.

Additional Information: Book donations always appreciated. Please no textbooks, encyclopedias, or Readers Digest condensed books. Donations can most easily be brought to the Third Street entrance and left in the lobby. If you wish a receipt for tax purposes, please go upstairs to the Circulation Desk and a staff member will assist

Clubs & Miscellaneous Organizations

AAUW American Association of University Women 

222-0318 or 222-2940 

email: ggeorgedoris@aol.com    

Kiwanis International

P.O. Box 1410

Livingston, MT 59047

223-1841

Livingston Business & 

Professional Woman’s Organization 

P.O. Box 143 

Livingston, MT 59047

222-7232 

Livingston Elk’s Lodge

130 S 2nd St

Livingston, MT 59047

222-2511

Livingston Jr. Woman’s Club 

P.O. Box 273 

Livingston, MT 59047 

222-6391 or 222-1255 

Livingston Moose Lodge

218 South Main

222-2520

Livingston Women’s Connection 

222-2744 or 222-6385 

Montana Women For 

www.montanawomenfor.org 

222-5435 

Livingston Jaycees 

418 South 8th Street 

Livingston 

222-8193 

Park County Genealogy Society 

421 S. 13th St. 

Livingston, MT 59047 

222-3468

email: cvwoodley@msn.com 

Additional Info: The Genealogy Society members love helping others find their ancestors and are glad to have guests and new members. Our regular meetings include some kind of program including speakers on how to gather your ancestors. We usually have a good gab session to help those attending overcome their brick walls and do random acts of genealogy kindness. You could become the families’ official “Ancestor Hunter”

Livingston Ice Skating Association

222-5252

Volunteer Needs: Volunteers are needed the weekend of December 12 and 13 to help construct/lay boards for the new rink.

Rotary Club of Livingston 

P.O. Box 66 

Livingston, MT 59047

222-3037 

Model Train Club 

Historic Livingston Depot Baggage Building

222-1937 

Hours: Call ahead for meeting and operation times Thursdays and Saturdays.

Volunteer Needs: Anyone interested in model trains is encouraged to join.

Additional Info: Donations for layout and operations costs are accepted and “bring trains!”

National Parks

National Parks Conservation Association

Yellowstone Field Office

7 East Beall Street, Suite B

Bozeman, MT 59715

585.1380

Email: dblank@npca.org, pdowd@npca.org

Additional Info: Protecting and enhancing our national parks for present and future generations.

Wildlife and Conservation

National Resources Defense Fund

Grizzly Recovery Center 

website: www.nrdc.org

Park County Environmental Council

P.O. Box 164

Livingston, MT 59047 

222.0723  or 866.829.2059

email: info@envirocouncil.org

Park County Rod & Gun Club

P.O. Box 315

154 Meigs Rd 

Livingston, MT 59047

580-0119, 222-3864

email: hgoosey@wispwest.net.

webpage: pcrgc.blogspot.com/

Volunteer Needs: As needed.  We encourage interested people to attend and Inquire at monthly meetings.

Additional Info:  Club meetings are 4th Monday of every month.  No meeting in December. Annual New Years Day trap shoot held Jan 1 at 1 p.m.  Inquire about winter hours. MWF affiliated club and NRA affiliated club.

Trout Unlimited 

P.O. Box 1378, Livingston 

223-5854 

email: kerry86303@yahoo.com

Arts and Culture

The Blue Slipper Theatre

113 East Callender

222-7720

website: www.blueslipper.com

Crazy Mountain Productions

Firehouse Five Playhouse

5237 US Highway 89, Suite 4

222-1420

website: www.firehouse5.org

The Danforth Gallery

Park County Friends of the Arts

106 North Main Street

222-6510

email: pcfadanforth@gmail.com

website: www.pcfadanforth.org

Volunteer Needs: Docents, volunteers to work art walks and openings and help with setup and breakdown of exhibitions.

Livingston Center for Art and Culture

119 South Main Street

222-5222

email: admin@livingstoncenter.org

website: www.livingstoncenter.org

Hours: Tuesday through Friday 11 – 5 and Saturday 11 - 4

Volunteer Needs: Gallery Docents and Administrative Services.

Additional Info: The Livingston Center for Art and Culture is dedicated to providing an opportunity for artists and other professionals to share their skills and talents with the residents of Park County and the neighboring counties.  It is our aim to make art and culture inviting and accessible to as broad an audience as possible with emphasis on youth.  We will provide a location for classes, a meeting and gathering venue for educational interchange, and an exhibition gallery for artists’ and students’ work.

Yellowstone Ballet Company

109 South B Street

222-0430

email: yellowstoneballet@yahoo.com

website: www.yellowstoneballet.org

Volunteer Needs: volunteers needed for annual The Nutcracker; and for set building, prop construction and costumes for Pinnocchio 2010

Additional Info: donations welcomed to provide youth scholarships for families affected by the economic downturn

Local Museums

Livingston Depot Center

Historic Livingston Depot

222-2300

email: livingstondepot@gmail.com

website: www.livingstonmuseums.org

Additional Info: The Depot Center Museum operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day, providing historic exhibits and cultural programs for the benefit of Park County residents and visitors from around the world. In the winter months, the Depot serves as a community cultural center, hosting such diverse events as concerts, banquets, holiday programs, and wedding receptions.

Friends of the Yellowstone Gateway Museum

118 West Chinook

222-4184

email: museum@imt.net 

website: www.livingstonmuseums.org and http://yellowstone.pastperfect-online.com 

Hours: Memorial Day – Labor Day 10am-5pm 

Volunteer Needs: Any person with computer/data entry skills or willing to be trained on the computer are wanted.

Additional Info: The Friends of the YGM are accepting monetary donations to help support ongoing museum projects such as the Whithorn Outreach Project and the continuation of cataloging incoming accessions.  Please make any contributions out to: Friends of the Yellowstone Gateway Museum and name of the project.  Thank you for your continued support.