For years, Haley Vannatta wanted to start some kind of philanthropic or charitable program she could sponsor as the publisher of Yellowstone Valley Woman magazine. She talked about different ideas with Julie Koerber, editor of the magazine, and with her husband and business partner, Jeremy Vannatta, “but nothing ever seemed to fit,” she said. (more…) Continue Reading →
Stella Fong
Recent Posts
A fine portrait of arts patron Corby Skinner
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Corby Skinner, who has probably done as much to promote the arts and culture as anybody in the history of Billings, is the subject of a justly laudatory article in the new issue of Big Sky Journal. Written by Stella Fong, with photographs by Anna Paige (both of them contributors to Last Best News), the article paints a well-rounded portrait of Skinner. Here’s the gist of it:
“He helped raise the curtains at the landmark Alberta Bair Theater in Billings, gave writers a venue with the Writer’s Voice, and honored authors through the High Plains BookFest and High Plains Book Awards. For his efforts in these various arenas of arts, he received the 2009 Governor’s Humanities Award. These days he is promoting the nascent music venue Tippet Rise in Fishtail, Montana.” Continue Reading →
Filed under: Last Best Blog, Anna Paige, Big Sky Journal, Corby Skinner, Stella Fong, Steve Corning
Library board looks to build interest, broaden appeal
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The beginning of a new year is often a time when people and organizations try to find ways to improve. Despite being one of the largest and newest libraries in the region, the Billings Public Library isn’t immune to this process: During the recent annual retreat of the library board, members discussed ways in which the library could better serve its patrons in the new year and beyond. (more…) Continue Reading →
Filed under: News, Bill Cochran, Billings Public Library, Cheryle Fisher, Corrina Graham Martin, Jennifer Quinn, MSU Billings, Stella Fong
Stella Fong charts Billings’ culinary history in new book
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In earlier times, apparently, restaurant-goers in Billings were big on flesh, as well as variety. On the menu of the St. Louis Café, formerly located at 2507 Montana Ave., there were more than 30 items under the heading of “Meats.” Offerings included fried kidney, weiner wurst, beef liver with bacon, brains scrambled with eggs, chipped beef in cream, veal chops and half a spring chicken. (more…) Continue Reading →