Colstrip, Montana (Bozeman: house, rent, jobs)

[GEORGIAINMT]

Originally Posted by movie buff

WOW!! All I did was try to find out the show times of the movie this week at the Roxy Theater in Forsyth! I stumbled onto this message board and all the foul thoughts and feelings about Colstrip! (Hats off to you who defended Colstrip! I probably know you!)
We moved from Billings to Colstrip almost 34 years ago and yes, at that time we were newcomers and just starting our family. There wasn't much here that first year, but no one made me feel unwelcomed. The town grew and so did I. The first year was hard, due to no IGA, no PARKS N REC, no friends, no family, only me and a small child and a new baby, in a 8' x 40' trailer all day, while my husband was at work. Then it was off for us every weekend, back to Billings!
Well, I can tell you all 3 of my children grew up here, with a wonderful education, all with college degrees and occupations! That is what Colstrip did for us as a young couple getting married at 16 & 18 years old and moving here at 19 & 21 years old! If we would have stayed in Billings, we would not have had the lifestyle Colstrip provided, and we would have stayed at a lower income, therefore a lower lifestyle. We were raised up a notch into a middle income bracket, therefore able to provide a stable home for our children.
Our children have been many, many places around the world and have never lived back here in Colstrip, once they graduated, but yes, they do come visit and think of Colstrip as their home. If we had not moved here and got away from from Billings, chances are we would not have made our marriage work, due to the influences in Billings.
I have no hard feelings about Billings, but I wouldn't move back there for anything. I love going there a couple times a month or maybe just once a month to see family, shop and of course go to the movies. I am glad we raised our children here and not Billings, as both me & my husband felt like we were just one of a crowd of many in Billings schools. The individual attention the kids here at Colstrip School are given is a Blessing!
How I came to love Colstrip, I got involved at church, at the Community Center, in softball, community volleyball, taking our kids swimming at the formerly called Surge Pond, now Castle Rock Lake. Now as I am not 19 anymore, I work, I go to the Red Hat Ladies, I am involved still at church, Community Center and I wished I had time to be bored!
I've seen many people come & go. Everytime I have a best friend, they move on me! I have seen this town go up to over 8,000 people during construction and down to what I believe is maybe 2,500 now. Businesses left and due to the cost of the land no one else wanted to commit to putting one back there. No one wanted to buy the movie theater at the price Pospisles (sp?) wanted for the building. Which I might add that they were on the verge of donating it to Colstrip and CPRD (community center) when Richard Burnett bought it. CPRD would have ran it as a movie theater, right along with their other programs. Taco Johns pulled out due to a decision that the high school was to stay a closed campus at that time. No one wants to put a business back into the building formerly, Snack Shack, then Pizza Hut, and finally Pizza Hut/Taco Bell, due to the high rent that Town Pump owners are charging! Bob's Place, yes was sold to Miles City buyers, and they closed it down due to wanting to use it for a tax write off! How sad, yes! Burton's just wanted to be done with running the bowling alley. Culvers had already shut down before it was burned down. (By the way, that building used to be the grocery store, gas station, post office combined when I moved here.) CPRD was a field!
My house has not settled and I live in the older section of town. I don't have lung cancer, but I don't smoke or hang out at bars around smoke either! I say hi to everyone I know, but I don't go knocking on doors asking if someone is new, or jump out at people I don't know. I feel it takes two to make a relationship and how about you newcomers take a step forward and get involved in a church, school, CPRD, fire dept. or something! Take the time to ask someone out for lunch? I'd love to go! Heck, I'll even buy!
I'll ask you to go to the Roxy movie theater in Forsyth and we can eat Chinese at the Hong Kong, but you have to say hi to me, too, and let me know you are lonely and need some friends! We all need friends and after living here for almost 34 years, I still don't do clicks, and I still don't have a best buddy I go do things with. I go to lunch off & on with a few, when they ask, or when I ask them. Not always the same person! But I tell you, that you have to make an attempt to try to get out there and expose yourself to those of us that would gladly like to get to know you!
As for those that have gladly moved away from Colstrip, I hope that you have found your place in this world and sorry we never got to know you! I love this clean small town USA and I'll probably die here!

Don't just assume that those of us who didn't like Colstrip DIDN'T TRY to make friends! I made several attempts to get to know people and NOT ONE person (except the one friend I made while there who wasn't even living there permanently!) invited me to lunch, over for a visit, wanted me to meet their family, or even as much as invited me to a Tupperware party while I lived there!!! I visited churches and never felt "really" welcome. That is the only town I've been in where people just weren't interested in me. I'm very outgoing and love to socialize. I had a job there where I came in contact with lots of people every day. When I first moved to Billings the people there, in general,were WAY FRIENDLIER than those in Colstrip. Also, I think you are dead wrong about saying that your kids grew up in a lifestyle in Colstrip that they couldn't have had in Billings, and that they got the attention in the schools there that they would have never gotten in Billings. I know many Billings teachers/schools where kids get tons of individual attention. Children live in some very close knit neighborhoods in Billings and their lifestyles are just fine. I respect that you have an opinion re: Colstrip vs. Billings for many reasons, but just because you have an opinion please don't assume that you are right. Many children who go to school in Billings got a great education beyond public school and are professionals. You make it sound like Colstrip was the reason why your kids turned out the way they did. Give yourself some credit....it was probably more due to your good parenting and involvement that they turned out to be the individuals that they are. I'm not saying that Colstrip schools are bad....I'm just saying that there can be equitable education and upbringing elsewhere, even in larger towns. Also, what influences in Billings would have affected your marriage? A good relationship happens because THE COUPLE makes it happen, not due to "influences". I met MANY people in Colstrip who were divorced, just as I know many in Billings who have great marriages! I was raised in a town as small as Colstrip, so I'm not a native of Billings, but I sure don't see a thing wrong with the average lifestyle and quality of living, including education, etc. in Billings. Your attitude about Billings is as bad as the attitudes of those of us who don't like Colstrip......talk about the pot calling the kettle black. My opinion will always be the same..."to each his own"!

[brightlights]

Originally Posted by GEORGIAINMT

Don't just assume that those of us who didn't like Colstrip DIDN'T TRY to make friends! I made several attempts to get to know people and NOT ONE person (except the one friend I made while there who wasn't even living there permanently!) invited me to lunch, over for a visit, wanted me to meet their family, or even as much as invited me to a Tupperware party while I lived there!!! I visited churches and never felt "really" welcome. That is the only town I've been in where people just weren't interested in me. I'm very outgoing and love to socialize. I had a job there where I came in contact with lots of people every day. When I first moved to Billings the people there, in general,were WAY FRIENDLIER than those in Colstrip. Also, I think you are dead wrong about saying that your kids grew up in a lifestyle in Colstrip that they couldn't have had in Billings, and that they got the attention in the schools there that they would have never gotten in Billings. I know many Billings teachers/schools where kids get tons of individual attention. Children live in some very close knit neighborhoods in Billings and their lifestyles are just fine. I respect that you have an opinion re: Colstrip vs. Billings for many reasons, but just because you have an opinion please don't assume that you are right. Many children who go to school in Billings got a great education beyond public school and are professionals. You make it sound like Colstrip was the reason why your kids turned out the way they did. Give yourself some credit....it was probably more due to your good parenting and involvement that they turned out to be the individuals that they are. I'm not saying that Colstrip schools are bad....I'm just saying that there can be equitable education and upbringing elsewhere, even in larger towns. Also, what influences in Billings would have affected your marriage? A good relationship happens because THE COUPLE makes it happen, not due to "influences". I met MANY people in Colstrip who were divorced, just as I know many in Billings who have great marriages! I was raised in a town as small as Colstrip, so I'm not a native of Billings, but I sure don't see a thing wrong with the average lifestyle and quality of living, including education, etc. in Billings. Your attitude about Billings is as bad as the attitudes of those of us who don't like Colstrip......talk about the pot calling the kettle black. My opinion will always be the same..."to each his own"!

Wow.......I couldn't have said that better if I tried. A relationship is not based on where you live, but how you live. As far as schools, there are some negative things as well as positive about Colstrip. Everyone has an opinion. Just because someone goes to church doesn't mean that they are a saint, but they should know how to treat people: "do unto others as you would like done unto you". Good people are everywhere, but not just in Colstrip. I totally agree with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Suzster]

I think it's sad that some can't see a town for what it is. I grew up in Colstrip. We had plenty to do, even without going to the movies, out for big dinners, and being too young to be in bars. We went sledding, rode our bikes, played basketball and football in the parks, swam at CPRD, learned about worms and bugs in our backyard, and created friendships so strong they still stand today. Every town has it's problems and bright spots, but I remember with fondness growing up in Colstrip.

[brightlights]

I don't think anyone was trying to offend. We all have opinions and this is a discussion forum. Some like Colstrip, some don't.

[brightlights]

Originally Posted by Suzster

I think it's sad that some can't see a town for what it is. I grew up in Colstrip. We had plenty to do, even without going to the movies, out for big dinners, and being too young to be in bars. We went sledding, rode our bikes, played basketball and football in the parks, swam at CPRD, learned about worms and bugs in our backyard, and created friendships so strong they still stand today. Every town has it's problems and bright spots, but I remember with fondness growing up in Colstrip.

This applies to many towns, not just Colstrip. There are many small towns that have worms, bugs, backyards, sledding, basketball, football, parks and swimming, and strong friendships. There is more to life than the bars, than the movies and far more to do than sit around and talk about the neighbors. I think the point trying to be made was, we should not have clicks, treat newcomers like the plague and try to make NEW friendships.

[A Neighbor]

Brightlights, I am wondering why you feel it so necessary to continue to make comments on something that is over two weeks old and that you have already posted a reply to if you don't mean to cast Colstrip in such a negative light?

No one said that Colstrip was perfect, some of us like living here and like what living here has afforded us to do, others do not. It is not for everyone, but there is no need to continue to mire our town and the many people who live here who are great people.

I hope that you can see that we are all entitled to our beliefs and feelings, but that it isn't necessary to call people liars, which is essentially what you did with this line "
You say you have lived her for over 34 years and this is where you tried to find out something about the Roxy theatre??? This sounds a little out of the ordinary, please be honest when posting."

We all experience different things and can only write of our own experiences. Personally, I have experienced great things here, from neighbors who help neighbors to a community that will pull together when they need to, we have many friends here that we occasionally do things with, but we know that if we needed them or they needed us we would be there for each other.

I am not trying to pick a fight here, but I would like to know why you are so determined to cast Colstrip in a negative light?

A Neighbor

[brightlights2]

Originally Posted by A Neighbor

Brightlights, I am wondering why you feel it so necessary to continue to make comments on something that is over two weeks old and that you have already posted a reply to if you don't mean to cast Colstrip in such a negative light?

No one said that Colstrip was perfect, some of us like living here and like what living here has afforded us to do, others do not. It is not for everyone, but there is no need to continue to mire our town and the many people who live here who are great people.

I hope that you can see that we are all entitled to our beliefs and feelings, but that it isn't necessary to call people liars, which is essentially what you did with this line "
You say you have lived her for over 34 years and this is where you tried to find out something about the Roxy theatre??? This sounds a little out of the ordinary, please be honest when posting."

We all experience different things and can only write of our own experiences. Personally, I have experienced great things here, from neighbors who help neighbors to a community that will pull together when they need to, we have many friends here that we occasionally do things with, but we know that if we needed them or they needed us we would be there for each other.

I am not trying to pick a fight here, but I would like to know why you are so determined to cast Colstrip in a negative light?

A Neighbor

I do not have the email that I signed up for, therefore I had to make a new account and it is I, "brightlights" responding.
What are you talking about??? Over 2 weeks old, so sorry I don't have better things to do than sit around and try to pick fights with people that express their feelings. I have read your postings and it seems to me that you are trying to fued with people. I am so thankful to have more important things to do then sit around monitoring when and what people post. If you read the rules of this forum it simply states that we may "express the views of the author", so next time you try to slam someone for doing so, take a step back and read the rules. I have not done anything but express how I feel!

[brightlights2]

Originally Posted by brightlights2

I do not have the email that I signed up for, therefore I had to make a new account and it is I, "brightlights" responding.
What are you talking about??? Over 2 weeks old, so sorry I don't have better things to do than sit around and try to pick fights with people that express their feelings. I have read your postings and it seems to me that you are trying to fued with people. I am so thankful to have more important things to do then sit around monitoring when and what people post. If you read the rules of this forum it simply states that we may "express the views of the author", so next time you try to slam someone for doing so, take a step back and read the rules. I have not done anything but express how I feel!

OH!!!!! I forgot one thing, it has been a few days since you posted this, so sorry I wasn't "Johny on the spot"

[mtboy]

I think this discussion had it's good points and bad points. I am a small town farm-boy. Grew up in a town called Bridger MT (700 people .. they say), and if you are not familiar with the town, it is not near Bozeman!! I don't know how many people I run into that think Bridger is near Bozeman, I understand the confusion though. I feel like some people take so much pride in their town that they do get upset when people talk bad, don't like, or even hated the town. It all comes from a "small town pride" kinda deal. I recently graduated from MT Tech in Butte, and I loved Butte!! I am currently a new resident of Colstrip and love it here too, love my co-workers, and haven't met anyone that I didn't like. Maybe I have a bias because I never lived and NEVER will live in a so called "big city". Yeah Butte is a fairly large sized town, but for anyone that has lived there knows it doesn't have as much too offer as a city like Billings or Bozeman. I now people can come across as un-friendly sometime but everyone has there days where they just don't want to be bothered or come across as arrogant. All small towns are kind of cliqy and people talk (it is what they do in small towns.... not much goes on so barber shop gossip occuppies time.... we have all done it). I just have the opinion that if you don't like the town don't live there, find some place that makes you happy.

Oh and if you ever make it too Bridger or on your way to Cody, Wy. Stop in Bridger and have a beer, a steak, a burger, or just an ice tea!

[brightlights2]

Originally Posted by mtboy

I think this discussion had it's good points and bad points. I am a small town farm-boy. Grew up in a town called Bridger MT (700 people .. they say), and if you are not familiar with the town, it is not near Bozeman!! I don't know how many people I run into that think Bridger is near Bozeman, I understand the confusion though. I feel like some people take so much pride in their town that they do get upset when people talk bad, don't like, or even hated the town. It all comes from a "small town pride" kinda deal. I recently graduated from MT Tech in Butte, and I loved Butte!! I am currently a new resident of Colstrip and love it here too, love my co-workers, and haven't met anyone that I didn't like. Maybe I have a bias because I never lived and NEVER will live in a so called "big city". Yeah Butte is a fairly large sized town, but for anyone that has lived there knows it doesn't have as much too offer as a city like Billings or Bozeman. I now people can come across as un-friendly sometime but everyone has there days where they just don't want to be bothered or come across as arrogant. All small towns are kind of cliqy and people talk (it is what they do in small towns.... not much goes on so barber shop gossip occuppies time.... we have all done it). I just have the opinion that if you don't like the town don't live there, find some place that makes you happy.

Oh and if you ever make it too Bridger or on your way to Cody, Wy. Stop in Bridger and have a beer, a steak, a burger, or just an ice tea!

You sound like a very nice person, someone I would like to be neighbors with! I am happy to hear that you enjoy Colstrip. I do wish that what you said about finding some place else to live were that simple. The job is here , therefore I am here. There are not many jobs available at this time and I am thankful to have one. I would love to move go but unfortunately it just isn't that simple. As far as talking in a small town, that is really to bad because most of what we hear isn't even true in the first place and many people get a bad wrap from someone that has nothing better to do than make up rumors. I know it is everywhere but it seems that it is a small town plaque. To bad, though!