Friends of Virginia City, Nevada City, and Reeder's Alley:
We have a couple of staff changes to announce. Pat Roath, Curator of Collections, has accepted a position with the Museum of the Rockies. Pat started with the Commission in 1999 at about the same time that the McFarland Curatorial Center was completed. Pat was our first professionally trained museum specialist, and her knowledge of techniques and processes helped to move the project forward. Pat was charged with making order from chaos, a very tall task given the nature of the collection, and she helped us get a handle on the enormity of the enterprise. Tim Gerber, Museum Technician, joined the team in 2003 to help take care of the collection. Tim has accepted a position in Wisconsin. Although his time with us was short, Tim was recognized for his hard work, enthusiasm, and willingness to hang in there (Tim played the role of George Ives and was hanged several times in the summer). We thank these two workers for their years of service to Virginia City and wish them the best. Please see hangman if you wish to see a picture of Tim hanging around.
In early January Representative Diane Rice was reappointed to a two year term by Speaker of the House Gary Matthews. Welcome back, Diane! As of this date there has been no announcement concerning the new appointment to the Montana Heritage Commission that will be made by the President of the Senate.
We have an update from Stacey Gordon concerning the Virginia City Opera House: "We have had to re-adjust our start date schedule for the Virginia City Players. This is the final version! Saturday, May 28th, 7PM only (no matinee on this day), Champagne Gala...Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Directed by Gregory Johnson. Saturday, June 11th, 7PM (Sweeney is the matinee at 2PM) The Moonstone, A Mystery Thriller, Directed by Stacey Gordon. Saturday, June 25th, 7PM, (Moonstone is the Matinee) TBA, Directed by guest artist, Bruce Hurlbut (former director of the Players from 1981-1987)
On 7th January I appeared in front of the Joint Appropriations Committee for Natural Resources and Commerce to explain our program. I distributed the biennial report and presented a power point presentation concerning the activities of the Commission. The Committee asked a few questions about the transfer to Commerce and the use of buildings in the winter months, and seemed interested in our activities. In past years we have appeared in front of the education committee, which is much larger.
The Commission scored a major coup with the new governor. Governor Schweitzer agreed to hang a builders photograph of Locomotive No.12 in his office. This means that not only will the Governor see the picture and think about Virginia City, but many of his guests will note the picture and de facto ask about Virginia City. Little things make a difference!
Our application for grant funds to build toilets in Virginia City and Nevada City still has life. I received a letter and a telephone call from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation inviting me and supporters of the proposed project to a hearing to address our grant application to build comfort stations in both Nevada City and Virginia City. The Department indicated that additional funds may be available for the grant program, and I was encouraged to attend the hearing and make our case. We are awaiting a decision from this committee. Thank you to the folks who supported this project.
A report from our Lead Preservation Specialist: "Greetings to all, and a Happy New Year. Attached is the December report for 2004. There is a forthcoming 2004 annual report which I will be happy to forward to you all as well. Your questions and comments are welcome as always. Regards, Jeff MacDonald" January 2005 Preservation Report
The last update from Pat Roath: Here's the link CuratorialReportDec04.html
News from the Virginia City Planning Board: "Virginia City Planning and Zoning Boards Minutes of Meeting of December 1, 2004 Madison County Courthouse Board members attending: Rosemary Lee, Angela Mueller, Mat Moen, Lonny Smithson, Bob Bayley Other attendees: Jim Jarvis (VC Planning Officer) Jarvis reported the following: 1. Cal Creek Ranch: Jim recommended that Virginia City approach the new owners of the Cal Creek Ranch to discuss the means by which ranchland open space which adjoins VC could be protected from development. Jim described mechanisms by which this might be accomplished including: a. Conservation funding on working lands available through the federal government (Natural Resources Conservation Service.) b. Land exchanges with the US Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management. The Planning Board agreed that this recommendation was timely. Jim agreed to take this information to the Town Council for their consideration. 2. Proposed Development Review Restructuring: Jim distributed copies of his memo dated 11/30/04 and addressed to the VC Planning Board, VC Zoning Commission, HPAC, and the Town Council. Jim's goal: To simplify the permitting process in VC, to lessen citizen confusion and to lessen the number of volunteers needed to man boards. a. Option 1: One-stop shopping for design review and land use review zoning utilizing one board, a Preservation & Development Review Board (a merging of the present HPAC Board , Planning Board and Zoning Commission) b. Option 2: two-stop shopping design review and land use utilizing two boards, a Preservation Board and a Development Board. The Planning Board unanimously recommended pursuing Option 1 above. In addition, Jim's memo addressed other development related review concerns with the following recommendations: a. Maintain a Planning Board to review subdivision applications, interpret and update the Growth Policy, recommend and comment on capital improvement projects and host long term strategy workshops. b. Create a new Public Works Board to combine the present functions of the Road, Weed, Parks and Water and Sewer Boards. c. Terminate the Board of Adjustments by reserving this function for the VC Town Council (a body of elected officials with the authority by law to so act.) In conclusion, three boards or committees such as a Preservation and Development Review Board, a Planning Board and a Public Works Board could handle all development for VC and act in an advisory capacity to the Town Council who would make the final decisions. The Planning Board unanimously endorsed Jim's memo. Jim also reported that Mayor Mathews had endorsed the memo. 4. Subdivision regulations: County Planner, Doris Fischer, liked the draft VC Subdivision regulations but suggested that final completion of the draft be postponed until after possible April 2005 state legislature action which could require changes. However, the Planning Board felt that it was more important to complete and approve current subdivision regs then possibly amend the regs at a later date as necessary. Jim intends to have a final review draft of the proposed subdivision regs ready for the January meeting of the Planning Board. 5. Weed control: VC now has a map showing the noxious weed situation within city limits and a weed sprayer is at work."
We received the minutes of the last Chamber meeting: Here's the link: ChamberMinutes12-14-04
Here's the link for the minutes of the November 10 Finance and Management Committee
The Montana Heritage Commission held a meeting on 12th January to discuss budget issues and approve the CY 2005 budget. The minutes may be seen at MHC Meeting Minutes - January 12, 2005
The Preservation and Interpretation Committee met on 13th January 2005. The minutes may be found at P & I Meeting Minutes - January 13, 2005
The Commission sponsored a lite lunch for the Legislators on 12th January 2005 in the Capitol Rotunda. There were many positive comments about the program and the progress we have made. We estimate that between 80 - 100 Legislators were in attendance.
Commission Staff met with SHPO for the annual review of our preservation program. The minutes should be available soon.
From Travel Montana: "Please share this with your membership and in any newsletters coming out between now and early March. Thank you. Montana Focus of Keynote Addresses for 2005 Governor's Conference. Effectively attracting visitors to Celebrate the Montana Experience is the focus of the 2005 Governor's Conference on Tourism and Recreation keynote presentations Monday and Tuesday, March 21 & 22, at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel, Helena. The CEO of the nation's leading marketing, advertising and public relations firm, Peter Yesawich will open the 2005 Conference by sharing the latest information from his firm's 2005 National Leisure Travel Monitor on the travel habits, preferences and intentions of Americans. His presentation is entitled "Emerging Lifestyles & Travel Trends: Implications for Marketing Montana." Yesawich leads the firm Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell based in Orlando, Florida. In Tuesday morning's keynote address, Tom Curtis of Longwoods, International, will share the findings of research into the effectiveness of Montana's 2003/2004 national marketing campaigns, Montana's image as a visitor destination, and strategic information for future marketing campaigns. Complete agenda, registration, exhibitor/sponsor information, and Helena area visitor services are available on the conference website, http://travelmontana.mt.gov/conference."
Mr. Clark Pyfer, a great supporter of Virginia City and friend of Charlie and Sue Bovey, passed away recently. His obituary may be seen at http://www.helenair.com/articles/2005/01/19/obits/pyfer011705.txt
I sent a letter of support for a NPS trails grant application that was prepared by the Town of Virginia City. Thank you to the Town and Jim Jarvis for spearheading this project.
The Madison County Economic Development Council publishes a newsletter named Madison County Economic Times. The first edition contained an article about National Heritage Areas and Madison County. Please see NHA Article 11-04
A small committee has been formed to explore ways to encourage bus tours to visit the towns. Their first meeting will be in February.
Karlee is working with Linda Hamilton to recruit state government meeting groups to Virginia City. We all know that the town has good facilities, lots of attractions and many activities. An attractive package deal could be made.
I met with Barb Pahl, Director of the National Trust Rocky Mountain office and Western office, concerning our grant application for the HGTV program. She indicated that we were listed as the number one priority for the Western office, but feared that projects in California would overshadow us. We continue to think positive about the application.
FROM THE CHAMBER: Virginia City Winterfest Plans: The Virginia City Winterfest is back by popular "Madison Blues" demand. Maybe you didn't get to participate in the 1980's and if so you sure did miss out! It is a weekend designed to assist us all through cabin fever. It is geared towards the whole family and the events that are planned promise to offer a little bit for everyone. An aggressive energized newly formed group wishes to resurrect the good ole days filled with fond memories. Set for the third weekend of February in Historic Virginia City- Winterfest 2005 kicks off with the ever popular Broomball Festival on Friday night Feb. 18th at 7:00 PM. Saturday and Sunday will be filled with events such as: Cardboard Derby, Poker Walk, Chili Cook Off, Bazaar & 2 Man Sawing and that's just for the adults. We have a coloring contest, snowball throwing, parent calling & shots on goal for the kids. Yes and don't forget the live music. So mark your calendars- it's a 3 day weekend- get the whole family involved- get off the couch- out the door- out into the sun kissed days of February in a quaint little town known for its ability to pull off a fun filled weekend full of camaraderie. To register for events or for more information, call 843-5346 or email vcwinterfest@yahoo.com. CONTACT: Candy Clouse or Joanne Erdall vcwinterfest@yahoo.com 843-5346 Virginia City Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 218 Virginia City, MT 59755 800-829-2969 Please see http://www.virginiacitymt.com/Winterfest.pdf. also.
Thank you for your continued support.
Regards,
Jeff Tiberi
