🌱 Veronika's Pastry Shop James Beard Semifinalist + Road Closures

Hello, hello! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Billings Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Milder with clouds and sun. High: 53 Low: 39.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Billings:

1. Have you visited Veronika's Pastry Shop? Veronika Baukema was born in Uzbekistan and has a family history in France, and both cultures are represented clearly in her storefront. Between her Russian honey cakes and French croissants, customers continually come back for more. Baukema was recently named a semifinalist for the Outstanding Pastry Chef for the Baker James Beard Award, the most prestigious prize in the culinary world. On Mar. 29, five semifinalists will be chosen among the current 20. Read more about Baukema and her journey to success at the link. (Billings Gazette)
2. Financial stability is important for families, although sometimes hard to achieve. Five years ago, Five Rings Financial organized a "Money, Mommy, & Me" event in Billings to help families learn more about finances. For those interested in the next event, they take place on the first Saturday of every month at 11 a.m. There will be another event on Mar. 14 at 6 p.m. called "Wine, Women, & Health." (KULR-TV)
3. Warmer weather means the kickoff of construction season in the Magic City. Construction began over the weekend and will continue throughout the spring. A storm drain is currently being installed in the area of Barrett Road and Hawthorne Lane at Billings Heights, so the road will be closed. A detour will be in place until Mar. 18. (KULR-TV)

Today in Billings:

• PEAKS Trivia Fundraiser Event At Craft Local (4:30 PM)
• Taxes In Retirement Webinar (Virtual) Hosted By Taxes In Retirement 567 (6:00 PM)
• Soulfly At Pub Station Ballroom (8:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Don't forget yoga is back at the Yellowstone Art Museum every Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Yoga instructor — and YAM member — Sarah Brown leads the sessions and welcomes all levels. The cost is $12 for museum members and $17 for non-members. Call the front desk at (406) 256-6804 to register or register when you arrive. (Yellowstone Art Museum via Facebook)
• Don't miss an ounce of fun at the annual downtown Billings St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Saturday, Mar. 18, presented by Downtown Billings and Hooligan’s Sports Bar. The day's festivities are free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The celebration includes the Celtic fair, street party, and the 40th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. (Downtown Billings)
• The 31st annual Jobs Jamboree 2023 is Montana's largest job fair and is taking place at the Metra Park Pavillion on Mar. 15! There will be over 100 employers/industries and more than 1,000 job seekers present. Event proceeds go toward supporting local apprenticeship and college scholarship opportunities provided by the Job Service Employer Committee. For more information, visit the link. (Downtown Billings)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.