406 contents featured 8. Chelsea Martini Custom. Modern. Art. 10. I Want Her Job Elissa Murphy
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Man
12. Dr. Gabriel Perjessy
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Legal 24. When to Engage a Real Estate Attorney
wellness 48. Are You Highly Sensitive?
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giving back 56. Fun Night
WWWK, Kettle Care & Child Bridge
profile
14. Cross Collaboration at its Best 16. Dr. Michelle Spring Tummy Tucks & Toddlers
business 18. Burn the Paper Modern Day Recordkeeping
20. How Surfacing Conflict Saved My Life
non profit 52. Flathead Care
Health
28. Putting the Community in Cancer Support 30. The Springs at Whitefish 34. Essential Oils Help Healing 38. Ask the Skin Coach Mineral Makeup 40. Fertility 42. How to Beat the Stress Response 44. Holiday Survival Guide 2.0 Living Informed 46. The Flathead Community Health Center Dental Clinic
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Chelsea Martini
C. Martini Custom. Modern. Art.
By Mary Wallace
Chelsea Martini is a delightful, creative person
whose art imitates life in a most basic and elegant way. Describing her work as “perfectly imperfect,” she defines her custom couture pieces as “more than jewelry, it’s wearable art!”
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Having just spent the summer showing her art at Retail Therapy Trunk Shows at the invitations of the likes of The Resort at Paws Up and The Ranch at Rock Creek, C.Martini is definitely poised to become a Montana sensation by creating high-end jewelry from local stag shed, crushed gemstones, and other natural materials. Growing up on a ranch in Eastern Montana, Chelsea was exposed to her craft at a young age. She spent a large portion of her childhood watching her father nurture his artistic passion-- constructing traditional long bows. He would often give her scraps of wood or bone and showing her how to utilize these bits by morphing them into something unique and beautiful. She fondly recalls these hours spent in her dad’s bow shop as the “first days of C.Martini.” After graduating from Sidney High School, Chelsea spent a couple of years as a starving photography student at the University of Montana in Missoula. Freshman year ended with a lucrative job opportunity subsequently taking her to Sitka, Alaska where a group of zany roommates and a strong-willed Russian woman as a manager, rather abruptly ‘coaxed’ the shy Montana girl to step outside of her comfort zone and into the world of high-pressured art sales. She still credits this time in her life to initially shaping her into the woman she has grown to be. Not long after her return from the Aleutian Islands, Martini’s urge to ramble took her on a complete sea change adventure where her next stint was working in jewelry sales at St. Thomas on the Virgin Islands.
Passion
for building custom pieces is her driving force. These made-to-order items are much more challenging, and also very rewarding when the vision of the customer and the artist merge together.
Immersed in the inspiration (or the Cruzan rum) and caught somewhere in-between the culture shock of the Last Frontier and the lifestyles of the rich and famous in the Caribbean, she realized that Montana was once again beckoning her; she had discovered her life’s true calling, and it was time to go home. Soon settling in the Flathead Valley surrounded by the support of her friends and family, she launched her new mission to create custom wearable art. Peddling to friends, and off-the-cuff Trunk Shows, CMartini had made its debut the Fall of 2012 and four months later expanding into wholesale with The Toggery in Whitefish, MT. So how does one take a piece of antler and a few gemstones to create such an exquisite piece?
Chelsea describes it as small scale brick and mortar process. She doesn’t call herself a jeweler; she likes to think of herself as a sculptor. Spending a large amount of time and passion chipping away at a piece of antler, and when she has it scored out enough, she inlays tiny pieces of turquoise (or other precious stones and metals) in the cavern, and when she has it filled to her satisfaction, she sands and polishes the designs out to a shimmer. It doesn’t stop there. She will even carve the reverse side of a piece and when it is complete, it can even look like a feather! Each or her pieces are handcarved and assembled by the artist herself.
Originally sourcing her supply from local rock shops and a family stock-pile of stag, Chelsea has recently grown and expanded her designs, and now sources gems from Arizona. Proud that she uses (and reuses) only nature’s materials in her work, Martini is able to live up to the couture hype.
Olive & Iron in Missoula, the Toggery in Whitefish and Kalispell, The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough and The Ranch at Rock Creek near Phillipsburg.
A typical day starts with coffee – lots of coffee. Spending her afternoons (and often into the wee hours) in the studio carving antler and listening to music. She usually utilizes one day a week working on her inventory featured in her catalog. Other days are spent preparing for shows, commissioned pieces, or filling orders for one of her five wholesale accounts:
Any advice for 406 WOMAN readers?
Lucky to be surrounded with love and encouragement from her parents and her best friend and brother Colton, Chelsea’s intent to grow is unstopShe primarily constructs one-of-a-kind pieces pable. Accrediting her success “to all the amazing and custom commission work, but recently in- souls she has met along the way,” she draws inspitroduced a signature line that is readily avail- ration from everywhere she travels and everyone able. Devoting much time to marketing her she encounters. work, her photography background has come Her short-term goals include selling to a celebrity in handy while creating the Catalogue. Credit- and to hire an employee, with a long-term hope ing the layout of the look book to her friend, that her art will make it onto the cover of Vogue Ali Binder of ABCreative who is responsible for one day. Ecstatic about a recent sale to a Paws Up her branding and web design. customer from Germany; her line is now being sported overseas. Martini’s passion for building custom pieces is her driving force. These made-to-order items are With the wheels in constant motion the sky is the much more challenging, and also very rewarding limit for this young entrepreneur, and she expects when the vision of the customer and the artist to embrace each segment of her life’s journey and merge together. savor it. “Yes! There is something out there for everybody and it will show up if you are pay attention to the signs. Failure doesn’t exist unless you stop trying!”
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View more of Chelsea’s custom couture work at www.cmartinionline.com.
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Elissa Murphy
Elissa Murphy
I Want Her Job: Chief Technology Officer + Executive Vice President, Cloud Platforms, GoDaddy By Brianne Burrowes This article originally appeared on IWantHerJob.com.
When Elissa Murphy was first asked to join the GoDaddy team she thought, “GoDaddy?!” But when she arrived, she says, “I was struck by how different the company culture was from the brand. There
was
this
massive
gap.
The
environment was very embracing of diversity, but who would’ve guessed!” Now convinced as ever and chief technology officer and executive vice president of cloud platforms, Elissa is on a mission to evolve GoDaddy’s business into one focused on the small-business owner.
Prior to joining GoDaddy, Elissa served as vice president of cloud platforms at Yahoo! Inc., overseeing the world’s largest private Hadoop cluster, a technology essential to massive scale computing that is literally the basis of big data today. Before that she worked in various engineering roles at Microsoft for 13 years designing and building some of the most popular computer security and system utilities. On her path she’s been granted 15 patents, and has more than a dozen other patents pending.
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How would you describe the culture of GoDaddy?
It’s fun. It’s a lot of fun. Everybody loves to work with one another and it’s a really collaborative culture. There is a set of cultural values we try to embody. We have values like “be excellent,” “join forces” and “live passionately.” All of that is really what the company is about.
If you talk about culture, it’s hard to put it in a bottle, but I can tell you that the folks who have joined in the last year say this really is a magical place. You would never guess it. And even my friends who are totally snarky and have a totally dry sense of humor – and I love them – are like, “What happened? You are too happy. Pinch yourself. You seem like you are having too much fun.” And honestly, how can you not like going into work and driving a go-kart around?!
Can you walk me through what your day is like and how you organize your day with so many responsibilities?
That’s hard. I’ve actually gone back and done some analysis on how I spend my time – how much work for mentoring sessions, how much work for just running the business and how much is on future thoughts and strategy. Overall 30–40 percent of my week is comprised of one-on-ones with my peers and my directs. Then, I tend to spend 20–30 percent mentoring, because I’m a big believer in mentoring. Then I spend about 10 percent on the future and the rest of it is on running the business.
And speaking of mentorship, who are some of your mentors?
It’s kind of lame. I don’t know that I ever had an explicit mentor. I’ve had people I’ve looked at and said, “They’re kind of cool.” But it’s one thing I’ve always struggled with – this question – because I don’t know that I ever felt that. It’s not that I didn’t need a mentor. I absolutely needed a mentor, but it was maybe a more natural occurrence where if I needed to talk through issues or whatnot, I was able to do that and would find folks with different skill sets who I thought were interesting and engage with them. But, I don’t know that I ever really had one explicit mentor. It was much more organic, and I was not systematic about it at all.
What inspired you to help launch the GoDaddy Women in Technology Network?
The simple answer is innovation. It’s all about diversity – and not just women, but of course women are an important part of a diverse culture. I’ve always believed that in order to come up with the best possible solution to a problem you have to look at it from as many different perspectives and generate as many possible solutions as you can. Then, you need to bring in those ideas with the highest probability of being correct. How are you going to come out with as many perspectives as humanly possible unless you have people who have a whole different perspective on the problem? Companies are starting to get this, too,
Be yourself.
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Elissa Murphy
People always try to be someone else, and if you’re
passionate about what you’re doing, just be yourself and follow that passion. At the end of the day – and when you wake up every morning – you’re going to get up excited to go to work with that passion. And, if you’re passionate about building things and technology, then don’t be afraid to just love it.
because they are realizing that to be competitive and successful they need to have a diverse workforce.
When I was at Yahoo!, I was fortunate enough to be asked to be the executive sponsor of the women in technology network there, and I was struck by how much of an impact I had on people at the company – from getting access to resources to education and a network. We’ve had this network for more than a year now, and it has had participation from both women and men. Folks have written me notes saying, “It’s so great that we have this at the company, and it’s really making a difference.” And that’s really the reason: to help people.
In terms of impact what are your goals and what do you hope to do with the network in the next one, three and five years?
First, we aim to educate and provide resources and a network that folks can leverage to be successful at work. We’ve talked a lot about how you measure that success, and it’s really hard for the network to know how we are successful. One thing we can do is ask how satisfied employees are with the network and has it given them access to these things? We are actually starting to look at the metrics to track that, but generally right now it is anecdotal. And three years from now and five years from now, we hope employees are more engaged, happy and invested in GoDaddy; that we continue to have the company be a great place to work. Second, our goal is being able to recruit more top talent to have that diverse workforce – having an environment where they can come in and have access to resources, education and a network that’s already established that they can then plug into and feel part of.
Why do you feel GoDaddy is a great place for women to work?
When I was first contacted about the role I said, “GoDaddy?” Blake [Irving, GoDaddy CEO] invited me out to meet the people of the company and to get to know what GoDaddy was trying to do with small businesses. When I arrived, I was struck by how different the company culture was from the brand. There was this massive gap. The environment was very embracing of diversity, but who would’ve guessed! So, part of the reason I joined was to help a company that has a good culture and values align more closely with its brand and also to the customers we serve.
Here’s the serendipitous part of this. One of my closest friends is my hairstylist, and she has a website. There was a web designer who was doing it for her and was charging her $750 to do a cut and paste of Java script. I told her that was insane. Within four hours I went to GoDaddy and recreated her site from top to bottom with the Java script. I was taken aback with how easy it was and how I was able to give her control of her business
to make an impact. This happened a few months before Blake called me. So, when I found out that 50–80 percent of small businesses are run by women, and that GoDaddy was on a mission to radically shift the global economy toward small business, the job seemed like a good endeavor for me.
What advice would you have for women who are interested in pursuing a career in tech?
Be yourself. People always try to be someone else, and if you’re passionate about what you’re doing, just be yourself and follow that passion. At the end of the day – and when you wake up every morning – you’re going to get up excited to go to work with that passion. And, if you’re passionate about building things and technology, then don’t be afraid to just love it. I’m a total geek, and I have no problem telling people that I’m a total geek. Literally. When I’m not at work I’m doing something with computers, whether it’s researching stuff, learning about technology or learning new programing language at a seminar. I’m always doing something, because since I was little I’ve loved tech.
It sounds like you like to take bits and pieces of your job and work on it in your personal time. Do you feel like you have a work/life balance, or is your work your life?
No, I hope not, but you have to go in ebbs and flows. I typically plan those out a year in advance. I decide I’m going to be busy these three months and then not busy these three months. I used to be really, really good at planning those out, but I’m not so good anymore because it’s been a little different with the company and the stage it’s in; it’s been so much fun. But you know that company value of living passionately? That’s outside of work as well, and you’ve got to do that just as well. You have to.
The second thing is who I work with. So, Blake, my peer group and the folks who work for me are the environment and the culture. They’re all too much fun to put into a bottle.
And then finally, I look at this: Am I learning? Am I being pushed? Am I uncomfortable? Because when you learn and grow you kind of have to be uncomfortable. And I’m absolutely getting lots of that. The second you get comfortable, you know you’re not growing.
As someone who identifies talent, what would you say are specific qualities that make someone successful in tech?
There’s a term that somebody else coined, but I love it – “curiosity questions.” So, I like to ask, “How curious are you? Are you interested in learning things you know nothing about? Are you fearful about things you know nothing about? Are you constantly looking outside at other products and at other companies to learn what makes sense in terms of technology trends, or what products you want to build for people?” Curiosity is a huge element for success. When you really look at folks who are successful you realize all of them never stop learning. And, they are always pushing themselves to learn. Of course there are the typical ingredients, too, like communications skills, intellectual horsepower, driving results and competency. But, that “secret thing” that people have? I think its curiosity.
What are some of those things you like to do outside of work?
I like to read. I read several books a week typically.
Nonfiction? Fiction?
I’m not discriminating. I have read some things and you’d be like, “Really, you read that?!”
What would you say you love most about working at GoDaddy?
Three things. The first is the impact and being able to really make an impact on our customer’s lives. I can’t tell you how much fun I have when somebody says we’re the ones who helped them get their website set up, because most of them aren’t tech enthusiasts. In fact they consider themselves very non-tech. So, being able to have a very personal connection with the impact you’re making on people who are pursuing their dreams is absolutely number one.
Brianne Burrowes,
a born-and-raised Montanan, is the founder of I Want Her Job, an award-winning website empowering women in their career search. She also is senior consumer marketing manager at NASCAR track Phoenix International Raceway. You can follow her on Twitter @iwantherjob and read more interviews like this on iwantherjob.com.
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Dr. Gabriel Perjessy implants, a happy smile and gratitude 406 man}
Appreciating classical music, fine art, providing compassionate service and recognizing gifts are just the surface of traits possessed by Gabriel Perjessy DDS. Born in Hungary in 1943 from a long line of renowned symphony conductors on his mother’s side (Fricsay), and military line on his father’s side, he spent his younger years in post WWII Germany in DP camps. Through his mother’s insistence, the family emigrated to the U.S. in December 1951. From Ellis Island to Billings, MT, sponsored by the 1st congregational church – the family set roots. The family, including his sister and both parents, received U.S. citizenship in 1956. His mother, a strong and vibrant individual, was an enormous influence on his character, morals and values. Within 5 years she had the strongest Ballet School in the state.
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Photo by Alisia Dawn Photography
“Always feel fortunate that you are here and not back in Europe” she would initially say. “Be independent, take responsibility for your actions and create the life you want. Know who you are.”
He has carried this passion to be a positive influence in others’ lives as he saw with his mother. Dr. Perjessy considered his father to be the most talented individual he has met, yet he could not fit into the U.S. way of life and remained a “European” throughout his life. His sister Ildiko, studied ballet in Salt Lake City, then New York and Switzerland; she danced and taught for the Dallas Civic Ballet. Although the practice is a family practice, Dr. Perjessy’s focus has been implants and reconstruction. He is a founding member of SCTIR (Spokane Center for Tissue Integrated Reconstruction) headed by Dr. Kenji Higuchi. “My professional life was altered when I met and heard professor P.I. Branemark in the mid 1980’s. I went to Sweden to study under him on two oc-
casions and through collaboration between Dr. Higuchi and Branemark, Spokane was set up as a Branemark center.”
“Our entire office is focused on patient care,” Dr. Perjessy said. “We love challenging cases and we feel a strong sense of pride when we look at the changes in a patient’s appearance and self-confidence. Patients not only feel comfortable in our office, but also place their trust in the care given.”
Dr. Perjessy humbly touts how he always was gifted with his hands. For a short time, he struggled with choosing a career in Medicine, Dentistry, or Architecture. He went to Tulane University in New Orleans, LA on a scholarship and graduated with a Bachelors in Biology. Deciding on Dentistry he next graduated from Baylor University School of Dentistry in Dallas, TX in 1971. During his summers off from college and dental school, he worked for a construction company out of Billings building Butler buildings and grain bins throughout Central and Eastern Montana.
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“We
Dr. Perjessy
love challenging cases and we feel a strong sense of pride when we look at the changes in a patient’s appearance and self-confidence. Patients not only feel comfortable in our office, but also place their trust in the care given.”
After receiving his doctorate Dr. Perjessy enlisted in the U.S. Army. While at Ft. Knox he went through a rotating internship and later was an instructor for expanded duties dental assistant program where he met his wife, Terry. He received the Army Commendation Medal, got married, moved back to Montana, specifically to the Flathead Valley, and felt fortunate to have started a practice associating with Dr. Bob Bowman and Dr. Doug Wood. He worked a lot with Veterans until all dental services had to move to Helena. “I loved working with them because, as a group, the Vets were the most appreciative and thankful of what we could do for them.”
About 10 years ago, he chose another way to serve his community by restoring teeth of recovering meth addicts. Dr. Perjessy is not the
only person donating his skills to make improvements in lives. While he says he’ll pay his staff to come in on their days off to help, none of them want to get paid. “We’ve taken a number of young people who are in solid recovery from meth and alter their lives.” Dr. Perjessy mentioned that he had a couple of very successful stories of the pro bono program. Shortly after we completed treatment on one girl, she was able to obtain a job and a few years later became an office manager. He was invited to her wedding a few years later. “The most important thing to a number of these patients is that no one in the office judged them.”
“There are a large number of Dentists in this valley who are willing to assist people,” said Dr. Perjessy. “I feel very fortunate to be practicing in a community of dentists that involve themselves in giving to the community. The 1st district dental society is a leader in the state.” An example of this would be the Shepherd’s Hand free clinic and the hospitals on call system.
Dr. Perjessy had also been with the Glacier Symphony Orchestra at its inception as the first President of the board. “Our 1st annual budget was a little over $3,000 and through tremendous commitments, management and the dynamic leadership of its conductor, John Zoltek. I’m told the annual budget is $500,000.” “If someone asks me what in your life have you enjoyed the most? I would say that it has been being a Dad and Grandfather. Meagan, Rachel and his grandchildren are the love and pride of my life” he boasted. He has a firm belief system in gratitude. His license plate is even an abbreviated form of the work. “If you’re down, start a gratitude list. And turn it all over to God. It has freed me.”
“I have a very strong spiritual outlook on life.” He said. “We’re here on earth to experience life and learn through that experience. You may, at times, experience pain and suffering, but if you really learn to love and forgive – it frees you – and it puts you on a strong spiritual path.”
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Cross Collaboration
By Mary Wallace Photo by Alisia Dawn Photography
Merriam-Webster’s definition of the word collaborate – (v) :to work with another person or a group in order to achieve or do something :to cooperate with an agency with which one is not immediately connected. The Flathead Valley now has a new definition of the phrase cross collaboration - (n)
at its best
How did two seemingly ‘competing’ local medical entities come to this working collaboration in the Flathead Valley? Glacier View Plastic Surgery offers surgical treatments, such as face lifts, breast lifts, breast augmentation, breast reduction, tummy tucks, liposuction, scar revision, breast reconstruction, and many other cosmetic and medically necessary procedures. Glacier Med Spa and Laser Center, on the other hand, offers alternatives to plastic surgery that are less invasive; such as laser treatments, CoolSculpting, and injectables including Botox, Juvederm, Voluma, among others.
:A well-functioning working arrangement between Glacier Med Spa and Laser Center and Glacier View Plastic Surgery
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I recently spoke with Kelli Meuchel, the Practice Administrator for both Glacier Medical Association and Glacier Med Spa and Laser Center about this collaborative effort. Because the med spa and the plastic surgery center rec-
ognized that their two service lines go hand-inhand and their services were both duplicative and supportive in nature, the two entities began discussions toward a goal to work together shortly after they opened their respective practices. The result is a cross collaboration that seamlessly provides a full spectrum of aesthetic procedures and ensures their patients the very best results possible.
Both practices offer consultations at both their Whitefish and Kalispell offices. Patients usually call to inquire about a certain procedure they have heard about. At their initial appointment, patients are given an evaluation to formulate the best plan to match their individual needs and lifestyle. Some procedures are permanent, but require an extensive recovery period. Others may be non-permanent, but can be done in a single or series of appointments that require little or no recovery time. Because both Glacier Med Spa and Glacier View Plastic Surgery are able to consult at either the Whitefish or the Kalispell locations, Glenna Bergland, RN, Patty Dobis, RN, and Kristy Ehrmantraut PA can guide their patients toward whichever treatment center can provide their chosen services.
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Why
does it suddenly seem as if there
has there been such a surge of cosmetic and aesthetic services offered in the Flathead Valley? Two words – Baby Boomers. Kelli, Glenna, Patty, and the Glacier Med Spa Manager, Kristen Pete, all agree that Boomers are redefining the way our population is aging.
The collaborative effort works because it truly IS a collaborative effort . . . a group endeavor. The two entities meet once a month to ensure that all facets of the joint venture moving in a patient–centered and excellence-driven direction. It is a unique, if not a bit complicated, situation. Glacier View Plastic Surgery is an employed group of plastic surgeons under the purview of Kalispell Regional Healthcare. Glacier Med Spa and Laser Center began as a division of Glacier Medical Associates, an independent medical facility in Whitefish. It is no small feat that the two entities have been able to craft an effective working agreement to offer so much more to their patients than they ever would have, if they had remained two completely separate facilities. Why does it suddenly seem as if there has there been such a surge of cosmetic and aesthetic services offered in the Flathead Valley? Two words – Baby Boomers. Kelli, Glenna, Patty, and the Glacier Med Spa Manager, Kristen Pete, all agree that Boomers are redefining the way our population is aging. Baby Boomers are remaining more active into their 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Many are choosing to reinvent themselves by traveling, going back to school, starting a business, even running marathons. They are also changing what aging looks like to match. Happily, Boomers have more lifestyle choices and more treatment choices available to them than ever before.
Are these services becoming available because of their potential profitability? Yes, absolutely. But the Boomer generation’s outlook seems to be that it is not a matter of IF, but WHEN they are going to have cosmetic or aesthetic treatment. Were these services not offered locally, patients would likely leave the valley in search of popular procedures. Turning profits into charitable local giving is important to both entities. Glacier View Plastic Surgery supports several breast cancer programs and Glacier Med Spa donates the profit from the sale of their med spa products to local charities – the Whitefish Food Bank, the Whitefish Trail, Shepard’s Hand Free Clinic, the Nurturing Center, and the Community Action Partnership, to name a few. Thanks to this cross collaboration of Glacier Med Spa and Laser Center and Glacier View Plastic Surgery, it is easier than ever for anybody to find a treatment that matches their own lifestyle and price point. Patients can look and feel better without breaking the bank. To experience the benefits of this collaborative effort, call the Kalispell or Whitefish office for a consultation because now how you age is truly up to you.
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Dr. Spring
TummyTucks &Toddlers Surgery by Day, Diapers by Night By Mary Wallace
Dr. Michelle Spring Glacier View Plastic Surgery Dr. Michelle Spring is one of Glacier View Plastic Surgery’s newest doctors, joining the team in June of this year. She specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery and breast reconstruction. Credentials? Oh heavens yes! Dr. Spring completed her integrated plastic surgery residency at the University of Wisconsin, practiced in Madison, Wisconsin as faculty and helped train residents in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, before moving and practicing in Sandpoint, Idaho for a few years. She then moved back to Southern California where she had previously completed a cosmetic plastic surgery fellowship, and joined her mentor Dr. Grant Stevens. Dr. Spring worked in a busy cosmetic plastic surgery practice, was Adjunct Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine at USC California. She taught plastic surgery residents and medical students, and helped co-direct USC/Marina Plastic Surgery Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship program. During Dr. Spring's time in Marina del Rey, CA, she made media appearances on the likes of Inside Edition and Good Morning America, as well as several other health related programs. She recently moved to Montana
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this past spring, after four years in Los Angeles, to raise her family and enjoy living in one of her favorite places.
Michelle and her husband are thrilled to be in the Flathead Valley with their two young children (a boy -aged 3 ½ and a girl - aged 1 ½). “We love it here! I am finally in a place where I can envision my children growing up and graduating from high school here in this valley!” she said. Michelle enjoys all the things the Flathead has to offer - hiking, camping, skiing, horseback riding, and almost any outdoor activity with her family. Dr. Spring joins Dr. Michael Hromadka and the rest of the talented and caring staff at Glacier View Plastic Surgery, whose goal is to ensure each patient gets the best results possible, with the most cutting-edge techniques and advances, in a caring and supportive environment. Dr. Spring spends a couple days per week at the clinic locations in both Kalispell and Whitefish, and the other days doing surgeries. She sees patients in the office for injectables such as Botox Cosmetic and fillers like Juvederm and Restylane. She is on staff and on call at both North Valley Hospital and Kalispell Regional Medical Center/Health Center Northwest. Both Dr.
Spring and Dr. Hromadka serve as Co-Medical Directors for a collaborative effort between Glacier View Plastic Surgery and Glacier Med Spa and Laser Center. Throughout her career, one of Dr. Spring’s passions has been participating with humanitarian organizations such as ReSurge International, providing free pediatric cleft and burn reconstruction surgery in underserved countries. ReSurge sends a team of international physicians and staff yearround to sites throughout the world, where the team spends two weeks performing free cleft lip and palate repair as well as burn reconstructive surgeries for patients who would otherwise not have access to this life-changing surgery. Through this program and others like it, Dr. Spring has traveled to Bangladesh, India, China, Vietnam (4 times), Taiwan, Nicaragua (3 times), Bolivia, Ecuador (3 times), and Peru (2 times). She returned from her most recent trip to Vietnam just before starting work here this spring. The host country sets up the facility and patients, but the location is vetted prior to the first trip to ensure that safe surgery can be performed. The ReSurge doctor teams take their own equipment and not only perform the surgeries, but also teach the local doctors to do
Michelle
returned from her most recent trip to Vietnam just before starting work here this spring. The host
country sets up the facility and patients, but the location is vetted prior to the first trip to ensure that safe surgery can be performed. The ReSurge doctor teams take their own equipment and not only perform the surgeries, but also teach the local doctors to do them as well, so the work can continue after they’ve gone back home. them as well, so the work can continue after they’ve gone back home. There are challenges in some of the facilities (the lights go out and surgeries are performed with flashlights, in many locations the local doctors must rewash their gloves, and equipment and sutures are always in short supply), but these "reality checks" are what make the work so rewarding. Children with cleft lip and burn issues are often shunned from normal life in these societies, and it feels amazing to be able to make such a difference in their lives! Dr. Spring’s favorite surgeries at Glacier View Plastic Surgery are cosmetic and breast reconstruction surgeries, "mommy makeovers,” and facial cosmetic surgery such as facelifts and rhinoplasty (nose reshaping). Dr. Spring enjoys the technical challenge and the way she can help patients feel more confident. Any trends in plastic surgery here in the valley? Dr. Spring says her most requested procedures so far have been breast lifts, breast implants and also implant replacements (for patients who had them 30-40 years ago). The implants of today are much improved and much more soft and natural looking. Other surgeries gaining or continuing popularity at Glacier View Plastic Surgery are Mommy Makeovers (any cosmetic breast surgery and tummy tuck at the same time), eyelid lifts and face lifts, among others. How permanent are most procedures? Does a patient need to be prepared to ‘refresh’ the work
they’ve had done? Most cosmetic surgery these days is considered a relatively permanent change (unlike the less invasive injectables, fillables, laser treatments and other therapies – which usually last anywhere from 3 – 12 months and need to be redone). It is really a matter of individual preference matched with each patient’s situation and lifestyle that are the deciding factors. In most cases, each type of treatment or surgery addresses a different issue, for example, injectable fillers help augment tissue that is deflated while surgery gets rid of and repositions loose skin. Dr. Spring remarked that most patients consider their cosmetic surgeries or procedures a good investment in themselves. What kind of recovery times can be expected? Some procedures, like Botox and fillers can be done in an hour and people can go right back to work. A mommy makeover will likely take 4-6 weeks recovery time before patients can resume working out and heavy lifting, and usually 10-14 days off of work completely. Dr. Spring cautions that most procedures that actually work are probably going to require some down time. However, the staff at Glacier View Plastic Surgery consider it a part of their service to help patients coordinate their recovery time with their particular lifestyle and family dynamics. They want their patients to be happy or they won’t be happy. They truly want the whole experience to be a positive one. Gone are the days when the only people who could afford cosmetic enhancement were movie stars and the rich & famous. Plastic surgery has gone mainstream, partly because today’s procedures are safer and more affordable and doctors are of-
fering more financing options. According to TIME magazine’s June 18, 2015 article entitled “Nip. Tuck. Or Else.”, 52% of Americans are considering some kind of aesthetic or cosmetic treatment, compared to only 30% a couple years ago. Cosmetic procedures have become as common as wearing makeup. Even men are beginning to take them under consideration - more than three times as many men are getting “Brotox” these days than in 2000. How does one go about choosing a plastic surgeon or treatment provider? Dr. Spring says it is important to choose your treatment provider carefully, since you will likely be in rather close relationship with them for six months up to one year, depending on the kind of procedures you are considering. How do you feel in their office? Is it a comfortable environment for you? How did you hear about them? Did a person you trust or another medical provider refer you? Ask to see their credentials. Are they giving you enough information about the pros and cons of ALL of your treatment options available? Drs. Spring and Hromadka work hard to make sure their patients feel that they exceeded their expectations. Glacier View Plastic Surgery has locations in both Kalispell and Whitefish. Learn more about Dr. Spring and follow her TUMMY TUCKS AND TODDLERS blog at www. glacierviewplasticsurgery.com.
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Burn the Paper: Modern Day Recordkeeping for Small Businesses
Written by Marija Berney & Erin Vukelich - JCCS
So, you have finally mastered enough courage and savings to start that new business of your dreams. There are so many things to be excited about – the product, the marketing, the location, the bookkeeping‌.Wait, what? Yep, we know, that last one is not exactly the reason you are getting into a business for yourself. The task of recordkeeping can be daunting, and it may be tempting to put it off until there is time to deal with all those receipts and statements. The danger comes when it does not take long for the paperwork to pile up to the point where it simply gets overwhelming.
Why do it?
Maintaining a recordkeeping system is a requirement you must comply with for federal and state tax purposes. The IRS requires that all business records are available at all times for inspection. If any of your tax returns are under examination, you may be asked to explain the items reported. Supporting documents include sales slips, paid bills, invoices, receipts, deposit slips, and canceled checks, as well as bank, credit card, and vendor statements. It is important to note that the IRS will not accept proof of payment by itself as support for a deduction. That means the credit card statement alone is not enough. You must keep credit card sales slips and invoices to show that you also incurred the cost. For purposes of tax return examination, records should generally be kept for at least 3 years. It is advised that some items are kept permanently. Those include copies of contracts and leases, tax returns and financial statements, legal and insurance records, and real property records.
Where to start?
The records system can be as simple as an Excel spreadsheet or more sophisticated accounting software. The choice of complexity will depend on volume of transactions and business needs. Generally, a good recordkeeping system will be simple and easy to navigate and provide a summary of your business transactions. Most will include the following elements: business checkbook, daily and monthly summary of receipts, list of expenses, list of assets, payroll, and employee records.
something like this: she drives to a local supply store, while letting her cell phone track the miles. Walking out of the store, she scans her receipt with her smartphone, which recognizes the vendor and records it via a mobile app. When she receives an online order from a customer, she processes a credit card payment on her tablet device. By the time she gets home and opens her laptop, all those transactions are already synced into her online accounting system and all she has to do is open the internet browser to review the reports. Sounds too easy? With the tools below you too can go from buried in paperwork to bookkeeping in style.
Tools and tips
For recording business miles and purchases using smart phones, both iOS and Android have many applications that offer a wide variety of tools providing options for different budgets and levels of complexity. They range from simple apps that handle one function like MileIQ (Android/iOS) Don’t let the IRS to be the only one to benefit from In a day and age when small business can be run for tracking and creating a log for business miles your diligence! Thorough knowledge and un- from a smartphone, there are plenty of options driven to more complex apps like Expensify (Anderstanding of the books can be of tremendous that can take the bookkeeping task mobile. For a droid/iOS) that captures transactions, mileage, benefit to the business owner. In the day to day modern woman, keeping daily records would look time tracking and more.
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operations, the bookkeeping system can help keep track of bills due and monthly costs. Even more valuable, is the business analysis function and ability to identify products and services that bring the most profit. This will allow you to focus the efforts on things that make the biggest difference in the success of your business. Time and resources spent on the right product can make a difference between business dreams coming true or failure.
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recordkeeping
Credit card payment solutions are available that use devices that can be attached to your smart phone or tablet like Apple’s Square device. You can also use online store modules, like Stripe, that let the customers complete their own checkout. PayPal has been around for years and has moved into the credit card processing field; they now handle both online store options and in-person payments (similar to Square). Stripe also allows integration into cloud-based accounting software such as Xero and QuickBooks Online. For record storage solutions, determining your storage needs and accessibility can help you decide which tool will work best for you. The most well-known software is Google Drive, the Apple iCloud, and Dropbox, but there are other services available that are similarly priced and potentially have more security features. See the list below for the different online storage solution options.
Regarding online accounting systems, several are available that allow for collaboration between applications and online banking tools. The most commonly used cloud-based solutions are QuickBooks Online and Xero. Both are compatible with the majority of online banking and credit card platforms.
Bottom Line
As a business owner, you should know your accounting system better than anyone else, and it should be designed to help the business move forward. Investing time up front to find the solution that works best for you will pay off in the future. An experienced accountant can help set up a structure that will meet your business needs and IRS requirements.
Google Drive: used for file syncing and
collaboration, meaning the same file can be accessed for various devices. However, the security features are lacking and has no file encryption system. This does have a smart phone app for both Android and iOS, but seems to be geared for the personal/home use rather than business.
Dropbox: very similar to the Google Drive
in that it allows for file syncing and accessing files from any device but has little to no security features. It is also similar in that it is geared more for personal/home use. It currently has apps for Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Kindle Fire, Windows, Mac, and Linux.
In the day to day operations, the bookkeeping system can help keep track of bills due and monthly costs. Even more valuable, is the business analysis function and ability to identify products and services that bring the most profit. This will allow you to focus the efforts on things that make the biggest difference in the success of your business. Time and resources spent on the right product can make a
This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only; it is not intended to act as professional advice. If you have additional questions, contact JCCS, PC in Whitefish at (406) 8622597 or Kalispell at (406) 755-3681.
difference between business dreams coming true or failure.
CertainSafe: built for business users, this
platform is very secure and HIPAA-compliant. However, it lacks the ease of access of the other options in that the software is accessed through web browsers. It can be clumsy to use from your mobile device as there is no dedicated app.
Carbonite:
a backup solution for overall data and document storage purposes in the event of computer/device failure. They offer both business and personal plans.
Spideroak: built for personal use, this
platform is a backup application which also keeps data synced between different devices. They have a secure file management system, which provides encryption options and is an upgrade from Dropbox or Google Drive. These are just a few of the options available for file storage and backup. It is important to remember to check into the security of the company you choose to go with as well as the privacy policy and terms and conditions.
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business}
How Surfacing Conflict
Saved My Life Written by Susan B. Clarke
Politics! Talk about a subject that is sure to bring on conflict!! As the 2016 Presidential Campaign kicks off with political parties electing their candidates, the headlines, ads and debates are filled with the issues, the differences, the attacks and a listed frontrunner. The problem for me is that with all that conflict being stirred up, I don’t see it being used – I see it being defused – with explanations, avoidance, and bullying – none of which is likely to transform, innovate or result in anything creative coming out of the democratic process that was designed to find leaders who dialogue before making decisions and move us forward as a unified nation. Conflict could be used for creativity, transformation, and innovation. We could create a new and innovative storyline for ourselves, our country, our communities, our businesses, and even in politics!
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How Surfacing and Using Conflict Saved My Life
Politics just puts a spotlight on our problem of dealing with conflict. Conflict is very much a part of business, actually part of any meaningful endeavor that involves people. It’s also at the heart of anything creative, innovative, or transformative.
Years ago, when I was in my early twenties, I was dealing with a health crisis. In the course of trying to get healthy, I found myself smack in the middle of conflict.
Yet, we are not good at using conflict. Our political system is simply an easy place to highlight the issue and this article isn’t designed for changing politics. But I do want to say something about why I am so passionate about surfacing and using with conflict differently! I also believe if we, the people, do it differently our political parties and process would reflect that.
The conflict first surfaced when my medical team wanted to understand scar tissue they were finding in my body, and I did not have answers to their questions. The evidence surfacing in my body indicated trauma, and internal scarring from a long time ago. I had no memories of what had happened. I was torn. I had one story about my childhood, but my body had another.
Defusing, Managing or Making it Safe Doesn’t Work for me
I read a lot of headlines in business magazines and journals: “How to Defuse Conflict,” “Manage Conflict Better,” or “Make it Safe.” All of these titles sound intriguing. Of course I should want to defuse tension, manage conflict well, and make it safe for others. I did that for a very long time in my life, and it almost killed me. So I have a very strong opinion that when it comes to conflict, defusing, managing, or making it safe are not the best things we can do.
Let’s Try Defusing
At first I tried to defuse the problem. Because I didn’t have the answers they were pressuring me for, I provided a series of possible answers. I didn’t have any idea if my answers were true, but they reduced the pressure from the doctors. That worked temporarily, but my health was not improving. It wasn’t until I started to look deeper into my past, and began to uncover some of the story behind the scars that I realized my fears of surfacing the conflict were actually stopping me from getting healthy. I spoke up about what I was discovering, and my health outlook took a significant turn.
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I do have fait h
in our ability to hold the tension and create a
space between us for greater possibility to emerge, and I have no illusions that it will be safe, feel good, or be easy. It is simply the only path to something outside of our current storyline, and that is where innovation and possibility lies.
Not In Kansas Anymore
I got told I was dealing with cancer.
I bet you thought I was going to say I started getting better. Unfortunately, that wasn’t my experience. No, my efforts to surface the conflict inside me and find my voice led to things getting much worse. However, the difference was that there was now a way to treat and work with my health in a way that was not possible when the conflict was being avoided, defused, or buried. Beginning to make meaning of all that I was uncovering, and finding my voice brought the conflict out so that it was no longer just inside me. What I was remembering, however, had implications for my family and my community. Suddenly, I was in conflict with others. Things continued to get worse. My memories involved some traumatic events in my past, which others did not think, or want to believe, had happened. My parents disagreed with the storyline I was remembering. In particular, the memories I was surfacing involved a high profile member of our community, and no one was open to considering or talking about that.
Safe? No.
The conflict became threatening. I received a direct message to stop looking and exposing things from the past. I was scared, and I questioned if it was worth it to continue. At one point, someone I was close to even told me, “You would be better off dead than in the middle of all this.” However, as the conflict was raging outside of me, and I was continuing to speak my truth as best I could, my cancer started responding. I was physically getting healthier.
Managing?
I knew one option was to manage the conflict that was showing up everywhere around me by going silent. Some part of me thought it would be easier.
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However, another part of me knew silence would cause my health to plummet. So I literally walked away from the storyline that was killing me. I left my home in the states and moved to Canada, where I stayed for 14 years. Walking away from the life that I knew was not easy, comfortable, or safe. It took me many years, and a lot of work on myself – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually – to begin to find my own feet and new way of being in the world. It changed the way I approached life and conflict.
Two Magic Ingredients
Fortunately, I was able to find people and a place, The Haven, that helped me find a way out of the right/ wrong trap that had characterized my experience so far. I discovered the power of being vulnerable, meaning exposing myself to danger. I also discovered the power in being curious, meaning having my story and at the same time holding a space and genuine interest in the perspective and story of others. Sharing parts of my story and letting people around me know about my uncertainty about the past was painfully difficult, and yet each time I opened up without fighting for my 'truth,’ I was met with acceptance – not validation but contact and connection. That connection allowed me to begin to more fully accept myself. I also discovered when I did not have to fight for a truth, I could become much more curious and interested in other people’s ideas and opinions and more open to possibilities. Being both vulnerable and curious involves living in the tension of there being no one reality or one right path. In that place there is an aliveness that is not about being safe. In fact, it is quite the opposite. It is about stepping out without a safety net. In that place I discovered a new possibility and a creative way to go forward.
For me it is a place of faith – a simple belief in the continuity of life, beyond right and wrong.
The Fine Line
Those years of coming to terms with my own life and walking in the choice point between going silent, or risking speaking my truth and living with the consequences, have led to what is now my passion and mission. I did turn my health around and have been working now for over twenty years creating a space for people to show up fully in their differences and use the tension in that conflict to discover and transform fixed and narrow storylines. Not all situations involving conflict have the same degree of life or death charge. However, I know that choice point is always there. Sometimes it is a fine line we must walk. Will we go into the place of vulnerability and curiosity or will we opt for safe, secure, right/wrong? If we get too comfortable by avoiding, defusing, and managing conflict, we are deadening ourselves from transformation, innovation, and creativity. It won’t kill us yet – but it is a very slippery slope. One I don’t think is worth going down. So, I will continue to speak up for using the energy of conflict, risking and exposing ourselves to the danger and also the possibility beyond what we know. I do have faith in our ability to hold the tension and create a space between us for greater possibility to emerge, and I have no illusions that it will be safe, feel good, or be easy. It is simply the only path to something outside of our current storyline, and that is where innovation and possibility lies.
Susan Clarke is a Coach, Consultant, and Speaker at thrive! inc. www.thriveinc.com They help business leaders and their teams use the energy of conflict, rather than defuse it, to get to innovative, profitable business results. They recently released their TEDx talk: Conflict – Use It, Don’t Defuse It! on You Tube. Search for it there. Feel free to contact them at thrive@thriveinc.com.
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Real Estate
When to Engage a Real Estate Attorney
to Buy or Sell a Home By Kelly O’Brien, Attorney at Law
Buying or selling your home can be a daunting task. Often the purchase of a new home is the most substantial purchase in your lifetime. In addition to the emotional issues associated with buying or selling your home, there are a host of legal issues involved. A new home purchase can be exciting, but there are a lot of potential pitfalls in the process, which is why it is important to obtain adequate legal advice. Working With a Real Estate Broker In most circumstances a buyer or seller of real property will engage a real estate broker or agent to assist with the sale or purchase. A broker can provide helpful insight into the local real estate market, up-todate listing information, marketing advice and assist in negotiating a fair price for your home.
every step of this process there are potential problems and areas for dispute.
Even if you utilize a real estate broker, you may want to consider engaging a real estate attorney. When you engage a real estate broker you typically sign a brokerage or listing contract with the broker. When a buyer makes an offer that is reasonable to a seller, the parties enter into a formal buy-sell agreement.
A real estate attorney can review any listing agreement and the buy-sell agreement to ensure that all of the potential legal issues are addressed. An attorney can also help you to understand the commissions and closing costs you will be required to pay. Oftentimes, realtors use standard forms that may not address a unique issue relating to the specific property. Moreover, a real estate attorney can review the title commitment to ensure that you are aware of and adequately address any title exceptions that may cause a problem in the future.
Once the parties agree to the price and terms of the buy-sell agreement, the buyer will obtain a preliminary title commitment. If the title commitment is acceptable then the parties will proceed to address any contingencies. Once the contingencies are released the parties can proceed to close the sale. At
However, whether or not you decide not to engage a real estate agent, an attorney can assist with all aspects of the sale or purchase of real estate from the initial offer through closing. More specifically a real estate attorney can provide assistance in the following areas:
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Document Drafting & Review A real estate attorney can draft or review every written document involved in the sale or purchase of real property. Attorneys can prepare offers, buy-sell agreements, financing documents, deeds, and other documents for conveyance. Even if an attorney does not draft these documents, a real estate attorney can provide review and essential insight into the terms of the documents to ensure that the contract and associated sale documents are correct, do not omit essential terms, and that you understand the terms contained in the agreement. Examine Status of Title & Resolve Title Issues Most real estate sales require the buyer to obtain a preliminary title commitment for the property. A title commitment will show any encumbrances on the property, such as easements, or legal restrictions, such as restrictive covenants, that may impact the property. Advice of an attorney within this process
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Real Estate
A real estate attorney can draft or review every written document involved in the sale or purchase of real property. Attorneys can prepare offers, buy-sell agreements, financing documents, deeds, and other documents for conveyance.
can be especially valuable. An attorney can explain what certain title exceptions might mean and how they might impact your property.
with the land, and assist in determining the nature and extent of water rights associated with a particular property.
For example, one of the most common types of encumbrances on real property is an easement. By definition, an easement is a “nonpossessory” interest in the land of another individual that gives the easement holder the limited right to use the land of another. Many people living outside of the city limits may have some type of road or utility easement either on their property, or used to access their property. If you are considering purchasing or selling property it is important that you adequately review any easements and related agreements to ensure that you understand and agree to the terms. If the title commitment raises any potential issues with adjoining property, an attorney can help to resolve the potential issue before you purchase the property.
Similarly, a real estate attorney can assist in determining whether there are any environmental issues that may impact the property. If there is existing environmental issues, such as previous spill or other environmental contamination, an attorney can explain how this might impact ownership or future development. An attorney can also provide advice in how to address an environmental issue within the sale process.
Explain Zoning Restrictions & Subdivision Regulations If you plan to purchase a home to use for a particular purpose, such as a home business or farm, a real estate attorney can explain the zoning restrictions on a particular property. A real estate attorney may also advise you as to whether you are able to subdivide the property and the process required to subdivide. Examine Water Rights & Environmental Issues A water right is a type of property right, which means it can be bought, sold or transferred. Water rights are normally transferred with real property, but sometimes the previous owner reserves the water rights from the conveyance. A reservation of water rights must be specifically written into the deed. If a seller does not reserve the water rights then a water right transfer certificate must be filed to ensure the water right documentation is updated with the state. An attorney can review the language of conveyance in the deed and associated documentation to ensure the water rights are properly transferred
Resolving Disputes & Litigation Even if you thoroughly address all potential legal issues in advance, real estate transactions do not always work out as planned. If a sale falls through an attorney can assist in attempting to resolve a dispute and negotiate the best outcome for you. Ultimately, if attempts to resolve the situation are not successful, an attorney can assist with the litigation associated with the transaction and related agreements. Seek Legal Advice at the Beginning of the Process If you are interested in buying or selling real estate consider engaging a real estate attorney at the beginning ofthe process to help reduce potential problems with the transaction. Even if you work with a real estate agent, a real estate attorney can assist in navigating the entire process to ensure you understand and agree to all the terms of the agreement, and if not, can negotiate better terms or resolve potential issues prior to the property sale. If you need legal assistance regarding real estate matters contact Kelly O’Brien at Measure, Sampsel, Sullivan & O’Brien, P.C. at (406) 7526373/ www.measurelaw.com DisclaimerThis article is intended for educational and information purposes only, it is not intended to act as legal or tax advice.
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Whitefish Plastic Surgery & Med Spa Menu of Services Cosmetic surgery - Injectables including Botox, Juvederm, Voluma - Sclerotherapy Facials & chemical Peels Laser Hair Remover - Laser Skin tightening Laser skin resurfacing - Tattoo Removal - waxing (all types)
Call now for same day appointments. 406-862-6808. Conveniently located by Montana Coffee Traders off Hwy 93.
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“communit y” health}
Putting the In Cancer Support
By Nancy Kimball Photo by Alisia Dawn Photography
It wasn’t the breast cancer diagnosis that stopped Trina Vanorny in December 2010. “I was optimistic going into the diagnosis,” the Kalispell wife and mother of three said. As a CrossFit Flathead coach she works out regularly, was a long-time runner, eats clean and had no genetic indicators predisposing her to cancer. She was strong and planned to face down this enemy. “The hardest part was the mastectomy,” she said. “I didn’t know what I would feel about how I looked.” The day she finally was able to step out of the shower and force herself to look in the mirror, it was devastating. And that is something no chemo, no radiation, no breast surgeon could do a thing about. Medicine was useless here. Despite unflagging support from her husband, Tony, what Trina needed was someone to walk the path with her, someone who had been there, someone who could help her make sense of just how she goes back to being a normal person instead of a cancer patient. Now in 2015, it has. Cancer Support Community Kalispell is only the second CSC in Montana, launched this year with guidance from the Bozeman affiliate. It will serve as a place where anyone affected by cancer can go for networking, education, group excursions, restorative yoga, meditation “I felt fine until I started treatment, and then I stated or a simple cup of coffee shared with othfeeling like a cancer patient. The treatments weren’t good for my body,” she discovered as her long brunette ers who understand the journey. Local pahair and then her radiation-burned skin became the tients, families, caregivers and friends can very visible victims of the invisible dumbbell-shaped tap into the expertise of the nationwide tumor in her left breast. “But I went through them benonprofit that was formed in 2009 through cause I don’t want to tell my kids for the third time I have cancer. Sometimes I feel I can’t make cancer treat- the merger of The Wellness Community and ment choices for myself. I make them for my husband Gilda’s Club Worldwide. Everything will be and kids and family and friends. I don’t want my kids offered at no cost. and my husband at my funeral.” When her cancer recurred in September 2014, it brought an incredibly painful biopsy, a lumpectomy in October, and the excruciating day she had to answer her daughter that, yes, you can get cancer a second time. Her world started crumbling. Trina learned she must have chemo and radiation. For someone focused on fueling her body with the most healthful food, pouring medical “poisons” into her system was anathema.
And what do you do with that stark reality?
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It’s a community dedicated to holistic health, a health defined by the World Health Organization as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Kalispell Regional Healthcare recently fronted the money for a house at the corner of Washington and First Avenue West in Kalispell that is being remodeled to house CSC programs. The Event at Rebecca Farm’s fundraising arm, Halt Cancer at X, donated $30,000 to install a kitchen for nutrition and cooking classes. Other community sponsors, as well as volunteers, are needed for the range of programs to be offered.
“The hospital and CSC have a great affiliation,” Jennifer said. “KRH is helping with start-up costs, but eventually the CSC will pay it back and be self-sustaining through community philanthropy, grants and other resources.” She said the goal is for the doors to open November 1, open houses to be scheduled in November and December, and programs to be up and running “You’re not a patient, but a participant in your own in January. treatment, recovery and future life,” CSC Kalispell Coordinator Jennifer Young said. “You’re not alone; you’re “Thanks to start-up support from KRH, every dollar sustained by community.” raised here goes to support our neighbors using these
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You can help!
Here are things we need!
Participants, Program sponsors, Room naming opportunities, Contributions for furniture, Building materials – Interior and Exterior, Contributions for light fixtures Hot water heater, Heating and cooling system, Cart tables and chairs, Sound system, Lamps and standing lamps, Home decor, Kitchen necessities and accessories’ Body/Mind –yoga and weights, Resource books, Original Art, Art Supplies, Community Board-white or chalkboard, Indoor plants Outdoor furniture and plant materials for an outdoor garden, Bikes and a Bike Rack
Volunteers needed!
Open house preparation, Handyman assistance, Front desk greeters, Assist with fundraisers, Data entry, Library Inventory, Program instructors Wig and make up program, Reminder calls for programs, Program paperwork, Monthly program sign up/sign in sheets, Program preparation Mailings, Event set up, Comfort basket preparation, In-kind management Please call Jennifer Young, Coordinator for Cancer Support Community (406) 871-6176
programs,” said Dr. Melissa Hulvat, Trina’s surgeon at KRH’s Bass Breast Center and a passionate CSC supporter. Those CSC programs funded by community donations are critical to completing the cancer survivor’s journey. As good as KRH is at treating people, Dr. Hulvat has long known there is a gap medicine just can’t fill. She’s grateful that leadership has the humility to admit it can do only so much. “We are really good at making cancer survivors, but Cancer Support Community is good at caring for cancer survivors,” Dr. Hulvat said. “We don’t know how to do it. CSC knows how to do it and we are so fortunate to be able to tap into their expertise.” Lacking that magic ingredient – a robust community of cancer survivors to come alongside her – Trina in effect created her own. She started a blog with her first bout – www.trinalaineblog.blogspot.com – a sort of girlfriend’s guide to everything real about breast cancer. She followed a naturopath’s advice on nutrition, getting even more focused on her clean eating. When she wanted to do nothing but hole up during treatment for her 2014 recurrence, she leaned on a friend, a fellow breast cancer survivor who could take her to coffee and just let her be sad and talk. She organized workout com-
petitions at CrossFit Flathead that raise money for Save a Sister, the Flathead organization that funds breast screenings for those without other resources. Today, she’s talking about a whole new possibility of CrossFit fundraisers for cancer support in Kalispell. After having so few people who could identify with her own struggles, she gets the need for kindred souls. She remembers the day she and Tony told the kids. One daughter melted down, the other daughter asked if Mom could die, while their son – the youngest of the family – just went upstairs and got the girls their blankets. “It was heartbreaking, but I had to keep on with a normal life,” Trina said. “It’s so sad for kids to find out their mom has cancer.” Guidance on how to help kids deal with the diagnosis and walk through the next steps would have been a welcome relief. And what about Tony? He was amazing throughout, but who was there to help him navigate these uncharted waters? The beauty of CSC is that it’s not just for the patients but for the families, too. Programs such as For One Another Family Camp or Aspen Roots teen program cast a wide net as everyone travels the path together.
These days, Trina focuses on “finding my joy, doing things that make me happy,” she said – riding her mountain bike, learning to play the piano, target shooting more with her bow and her gun, studying for her accounting degree, and pouring herself into service. She’s brewing ideas on how to bring joy into the infusion room where chemo patients spend long hours, but her ideas spill beyond the infusion room. “Now that CSC is here, it will let me have other opportunities to give,” she said, her eyes alight. She’s particularly interested in their educational forums, healthy lifestyle classes and the potential of launching a teen program. Jennifer, the CSC coordinator, is excited about people like Trina. Jennifer is building relationships with those who want to donate items to furnish the CSC, landscape the grounds, sponsor programs and activities, become financial supporters, or volunteer with the front desk, data entry, event planning or any number of other opportunities. “We’re here to empower people touched by cancer so nobody is alone as a participant in cancer treatment,” she said. To help her make this possible, please contact Jennifer Young at (406) 871-6176 or jyoung@krmc.org.
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The Springs at Whitefish
By Desiree Brewer, Director of Community Relations, The Springs at Whitefish
Less than two miles south of downtown Whitefish you’ll find the town’s most creative happy hours, delicious food, and plenty of musical guests. It’s not the hottest nightclub in northwestern Montana. It’s a vibrant senior living community called The Springs at Whitefish, home to people from all walks of life including artists, decorated veterans, pilots, teachers, bankers, cancer survivors, ranchers, and musicians. Each person’s journey is unique. I can’t help but be inspired by an amazing woman named Jamie Ring who moved to The Springs at Whitefish so she could do more of what she loves— being active outdoors and spending time riding her horse. Last year she completed the Whitefish Lake 5K Run. Her father put her on a horse at six months old and her family has always said, “It was love at first contact.” She was a competitive barrel racer and breakaway roper, making it to the finals at nationals when she was in high school. So it’s no surprise she arranged her retirement in such a way that allowed her to continue to ride without having to maintain horse property on her own. Her horse is well taken care of off-site with someone Jamie trusts. With 57 assisted living apartments and 21 apartments for memory care, The Springs at Whitefish serves many seniors like Jamie who are looking for a place to continue to pursue their passions and hobbies while also resting in the confidence that there are people to
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help them as they require additional assistance in the coming months and years. You see, Jamie has cancer. However, those of us who see her nearly every day know that cancer is not what defines her. Instead, we see Jamie’s face light up when she talks about the trust between rider and horse, and the many wonderful people she has ridden with over the years. Jo and Patrick Barrera also make their home at The Springs at Whitefish. They met in high school, and their relationship blossomed as they kept in touch through letter-writing when Patrick was serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. When he returned home from the war they were married in a small ceremony. That was 67 years ago. Jo still has Patrick’s letters wrapped in a ribbon and tucked away safely in her cedar chest. Patrick was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2003 and Jo learned to care for him at their home in Whitefish.
As the disease progressed Jo realized she needed more support to keep him safe, so they carefully searched for the right living situation. They chose Footsteps® Memory Care, here at The Springs at Whitefish, where the physical environment is relaxing and easy to navigate, helping people with memory challenges feel at ease. Jo is comfortable spending time with him in the memory care area because there is plenty of space and the surroundings are beautiful. When she goes home she feels confident the staff will look after him. Jo was part of putting together his personalized plan of care with the health services team, and she can help update it as his situation requires. Six months after Patrick moved into a memory care apartment, Jo moved to an assisted living apartment in the same building. She loves that she can walk down the hall anytime and see her husband. She plays piano, for everyone in memory care, a couple times a week and typically ends up spending most of her time there, so Jo has become close to all of the residents in memory care.
Above photo: Of the ten managers at The Springs at Whitefish, seven are women, and there is no shortage of female role models among the residents. Pictured from left-to-right: Linda Orr, Dondi Fisher, Peggy Hertlein, BarbaraToftum, Desiree Brewer, Lucia Kufa, Julia Sweeney We appreciate the professionals at Edge Salon for providing hair and makeup
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The Springs
Just prior to publication, we learned that Jamie Ring lost her battle with cancer. She was a wonderful woman and her face would always light up when she talked about the trust between rider and horse. We extend our deepest sympathy to her friends and family.
She appreciates the peace of mind she feels now that she is in her own assisted living apartment at The Springs at Whitefish. “I can push my pendant and get help, and there isn’t one caregiver I do not like. Every one of them shows me and my husband respect,” she says. Our Executive Director, Ben Boulter, knows that caregivers make all the difference. “In the senior living industry, they tend to be the unsung heroes. They are the core of what makes everything work around here, and we appreciate them very much. And so do the residents.” Several caregivers have worked at The Springs at Whitefish for more than 10 years, including Nancy Werner, who was named Employee of the Year in 2014. “I have always called our residents ‘friends’ because that’s how I think of them,” Nancy says. “I don’t think of it as a job. I think of it as my calling. It’s very rewarding because people need the help we give them when they can’t do it themselves, or they have forgotten how to do it.” Our Assistant Administrator, Barbara Toftum, is the 2015 recipient of our company’s top honor that celebrates an employee’s compassion, patience and
integrity. Chosen from among all of the communities in The Springs Living family, the “Lillian Award” is named after the grandmother of Fee Stubblefield who founded the company to provide a safe, beautiful place for Lillian to live. Barbara’s smile and her bright, welcoming eyes make our residents feel instantly at ease. As employees, we recognize how deserving she is of the award because of her cheerfulness, kindness and how well she does her job.
Jo still has her husband’s war-time letters wrapped in a ribbon and tucked away safely in her cedar chest.
“I’m so proud that one of our Whitefish employees was chosen for this award out of all 12 communities that are part of The Springs Living,” explains Ben. “Barbara lives all the values we hold dear. Residents tell us she is the kind of person they want to have around because of her warmth and honesty.” Many of us work behind the scenes to ensure residents can have the fullness of life they enjoyed when they lived on their own. In fact, being part of this community gives some residents opportunities to do even more than they could have done on their own. We actively partner with local businesses and organizations, connecting residents to the town and the town with residents. This fall, The Springs at Whitefish will host a series of North Valley Hospital’s physician-led community educational classes that will address health issues important to seniors and their families.
2014 Employee of the Year, Nancy Werner, “I don’t think of it as a job. I think of it as my calling.”
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The Springs
“All year long, we are involved in events that bring people together,” says Julia Sweeney, Life Enrichment Director at The Springs at Whitefish. “I love seeing kids, teenagers, and young adults talking with residents. It’s such a great way to build bridges across age groups.”
2015 Lillian Award Winner, Barbara Toftum, is the kind of person residents want to have around.
and Car Show, summertime barbecues, musical group performances, or Winter Carnival. Every week, residents venture out and around Whitefish and beyond to enjoy one of the nearby lakes, museums, or the latest restaurant.
“Right now we’re busy setting up winter activities, which will include our annual Christmas party, and a greatly anticiThe cheer squad at Whitefish High pated dance,” Julia says. She doesn’t have School helped resident Inez Miller cel- any problem getting input and help from ebrate her 100th birthday in February. residents. We hosted a luncheon in March to honor Flathead County’s first responders. In “Residents have formed their own dance April, residents filled 1,812 eggs for the committee, and now they’re working out annual Easter Egg Hunt and enjoyed the details. We’re working with outside cupcakes and candy with children from agencies and plan to invite the public. It’s yet another way we can help keep friends all over the county. connected.” Julia is always working on new and interesting activities for residents, their fami- For more information about lies and employees. We often host events The Springs at Whitefish, at The Springs at Whitefish that are call 406-322-3778 or click: open to the public, like the Big Cruise TheSpringsLiving.com.
health}Essential Oils health}
Scents and Sensibility Essential Oils Help Healing By Phylis Hanna
Recovering from surgery back in
therapy visits, massage, live music and acupuncture. According to Loni Conley, RN, her room, the patient suffered from Director of NVH’s Medical/Surgical Inpanausea. And as anyone who has tient Department, aromatherapy is adjunct to the medications that would be offered ever coped with a churning stom- by doctors. Loni emphasizes that the oils ach can tell you, nausea is not fun… are only for inhalation, and are not placed in contact with skin. overwhelming nearly every sense. The effects of aromatherapy may occur at To help the patient feel better, a nurse of- a psychological, physiological or cellular fered her a warm, lavender-infused wash- level. The therapy is highly regulated and cloth. The patient was skeptical, but after is administered by nurses only after clinical discussion, agreed to try it. As her nausea evaluation and discussion with the patient. lifted, the patient’s caution turned to delight! Loni said that consent, treatment, and outShe was truly surprised that it was her sense comes are carefully documented for each paof smell that was the pathway to relief. tient for each administration of therapy with essential oils. Welcome to aromatherapy, a complementary therapy that uses essential oils to provide Also regulated are the types of oils used. relaxation, induce sleep, reduce anxiety, and What aromatherapy is not is sniffing your soothe nausea. Aromatherapy is new and favorite department store perfume! Known unique to North Valley Hospital in White- as “essential oils”, the materials used are fish, and after only a few weeks, clinicians natural, non-synthetic, and are derived from are pleased with the results. It joins other plants. Ingredients must meet stringent complementary therapies that are key com- chemical standards and their storage and ponents of NVH’s Planetree philosophy of methods of application are the subject of patient-centered care such as certified pet hospital policies and regulation.
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Different oils provide different effects, and these outcomes can differ with each person. Oils available at NVH include:
· Frankincense and bergamot for physical, emotional or spiritual comfort · Lavender and lemon to calm patients and ease anxiety · Peppermint and ginger help soothe nausea · Roman chamomile and wild orange to aid in relaxation and promote sleep Additionally, aromatherapy oils can be gently diffused in public areas to improve the sensory well-being of spaces that may reflect the clinical nature of the activities that take place in a hospital. Florence Nightingale believed in creating the best environment to enable natural healing. Loni agrees, and has long been interested in holistic nursing and encouraging a “healing environment - a happy space with relaxation enabling patients to be on the road to wellness and health.” We think Florence Nightingale would approve!
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The Low-Down on
ineral makeup Ask the Skin Coach By Erin Blair, Licensed Esthetician + Certified Health Coach
Q: A:
I’m looking for a makeup that won’t break me out. What can you suggest?
For it’s ease of use and many benefits, mineral makeup is my favorite. However, there are many brands and varieties available, and they’re not created equal. In fact, some will break you out! So, a bit of background, and some things to watch out for...
The still-popular bareMinerals® brand basically paved the way for the mineral market. They introduced the concept to consumers on a wide scale with a great ad campaign, and set the stage for many more brands to follow suit. Today, one can find ‘mineral’ powders and liquids that range from top of the line to bottom of the barrel, and everything in between.
Maybe it’s marketing
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I say ‘mineral’ because many of these companies are label dressing (an industry term meaning they put a tiny amount of an ingredient into the package, simply so they can use the trendy buzzword on the label to increase sales). It’s marketing, plain and simple. Some socalled mineral makeups that I’ve seen have practically zero minerals as far as I can tell...and a lot of ingredient garbage that I’d rather not have my clients putting on their skin.
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What’s...that?
When selecting a mineral makeup to offer to my clients, I DON’T choose products containing: Bismuth oxychloride. I’ve found about 25% of people have an allergy to this ingredient, which causes rashy, itchy, dermatitis-type drama. It also adds a sheen, which tends to highlight fine lines.
Algae. Many forms of algae are irritating and can increase acne breakouts.
Red D&C Dyes (#17, 21, 3, 30, and 36 specifically). These can increase acne.
Made-up names used for hiding unknown ingredients (for example: ‘Active Soil Minerals’ or ‘Soil Minerals’ which is found in bareMinerals® Matte foundation. This has caused acne breakouts for my clients).
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Ask the Skin Coach
Instead, I DO look for the following: Simple formulas containing primarily true minerals: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxides, kaolin clay, boron nitride, and silica.
Safflower oil, jojoba, green tea, olive leaf, licorice, bisabolol, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, totarol. These supportive ingredients are beneficial in various ways, such as reducing inflammation, moisturizing and killing bacteria.
Good mineral makeup formulas can come in loose powders, pressed powders, and even creams. They offer excellent color matching, oil absorption, and coverage. They also offer the added bonus of supplemental SPF which is a great addition, not replacement! to your daily sun protection. Stick with a simple formula not weighted down by fillers, fluff, or preservatives, and you’ll be good to go.
Erin Blair, LE CHC owns Skin Therapy Studio, where she embraces a creative method of treatments, products and coaching to get skin clear... and keep it that way. It's a 'whole person' approach to difficult skin concerns. Visit SkinTherapyStudio.com for more info, and to submit questions for Ask the Skin Coach.
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Fertility By Kimberley Forthofer, ARNP Kalispell OB/GYN
Each year many couples try to conceive and most are successful within the first year; however, approximately 10 – 15% of couples will struggle with infertility. In order to fully understand infertility, it is important to understand the basics of fertility, the menstrual cycle, causes of infertility and when to seek evaluation and treatment.
What is fertility and fecundability?
Fertility is the capacity to conceive and produce offspring. Fecundability refers to the probability of achieving a pregnancy within a single menstrual cycle. According to UpToDate.com, 85% of couples will conceive within the first 12 months of attempting pregnancy. As the number of consecutive months pass without achieving pregnancy, fecundability decreases. The longer a woman tries to become pregnant without success, the lower her chances are of becoming pregnant without medical treatment.
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What happens in a normal menstrual cycle?
When trying to conceive it is important to understand the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is divided into three phases: the follicular phase, the ovulatory phase, and the luteal phase.
Follicular Phase – This phase lasts approximately 10 to 14 days. It begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts until the surge of the luteinizing hormone (LH). During this phase, your body releases follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the development of follicles in the ovaries containing eggs. Typically, one follicle will become the dominant follicle and will contain the mature egg that will be released that month. This is known as ovulation. Ovulatory Phase –
This phase begins with the LH surge and ends with ovulation. Ovulation refers to the release of an egg from the dominant ovarian follicle each month. LH is released from the pituitary gland in response to a rise in estrogen levels. The egg is typically released approximately 32 to 36 hours after the LH surge.
Luteal Phase – This phase begins after ovula-
tion and lasts approximately 12 to 16 days. During this phase, progesterone is secreted, which helps prepare the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) for implantation of the embryo and pregnancy. If an embryo does not implant, progesterone levels will decrease and the endometrium breaks down and is shed in the process of menstruation.
What is infertility and when should I be evaluated?
Infertility is the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse. Thus, a diagnostic evaluation is indicated in couples who have been trying to get pregnant for one year. If a woman is older than 35, infertility is considered after 6 months of trying to conceive without success and a diagnostic evaluation is indicated at that time. Other factors may warrant a diagnostic evaluation sooner than 6-12 months regardless of age. These can include but are not limited to irregular menses, damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, stage III-IV endometriosis, a family history of early menopause, history of certain cancer treatments and male subfertility.
health} What are common causes infertility?
There are multiple factors leading to infertility. One cause of infertility is ovulatory dysfunction. A woman who has regular menstrual cycles, as described above, is most likely ovulating each month; however a woman who has irregular menstrual cycles may not be ovulating each month. Underlying problems, such as, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disease can lead to anovulatory cycles. Another cause of infertility is damaged or blocked fallopian tubes. A sperm and egg typically meet in the fallopian tube. This is where fertilization takes place. If a fallopian tube is blocked or damaged, this can lead to the inability of the sperm to reach the egg causing infertility. If a tube is damaged it can also lead to a higher chance of ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside of the uterus). A history of previous sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and pelvic inflammatory disease can put women at a higher risk of having blocked fallopian tubes. Men who have prior health problems, such as childhood problems with testicles, prior cancer treatment or diabetes may have problems with their sperm and/ or difficulty ejaculating. Also, men who are overweight and those who smoke or use recreational
Fertility
Infertility is the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotect-
ed intercourse. Thus, a diagnostic evaluation is indicated in couples who have been trying to get pregnant for one year. If a woman is older than 35, infertility is considered after 6 months of trying to conceive without success and a diagnostic evaluation is indicated at that time. drugs may be at higher risk of male factor infertility. Because fertility can be due to a combination of both female and male problems, testing is often initiated on both the female and male partners simultaneously.
Does my age affect my fertility?
Yes. The ability to conceive and produce offspring decreases as a woman ages. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, a woman’s ability to conceive decreases gradually but significantly beginning approximately at age 32 years. It then begins to decrease more rapidly after 37 years of age. It is important for women to understand the effect of age on fertility when considering pregnancy or when seeking evaluation for infertility. In conclusion, if you are having difficulty conceiving or are concerned about your fertility, talk with your
healthcare provider and the two of you can discuss the plan that is best for you. "If you would like more information on this topic please refer to: www.acog.org, www.asrm.org, and www.uptodate.com."
Alisha Pinkerton, PA-C
Alisha joined Kalispell OB/GYN in June of 2015, relocating to the Flathead Valley from Ford City, Pennsylvania. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Chatham College, both in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For eight years prior to joining Kalispell OB/GYN, she practiced as a Certified Physician Assistant at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in the Center for Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, specializing in infertility.
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-myth crackers-
How to Beat The Stress Response By Dr. C. Claude Basler, DC Carlson Chiropractic Office
Stress is and can be a very unruly factor in our day-to-day lives. When it comes to stress we tend to think that stress is basically associated with our emotions and mental activity. While our own emotions can wreak havoc on our body, stress comes in many different shapes, sizes, and forms. A STRESSOR can be anything externally in our environment that we have to respond to. A stressor can be repeatedly being tackled in a football game, constantly eating processed foods, or acquiring that initial courage to ask that girl on that first date. It is our bodies own innate ability on how you perceive that stressor, and most importantly how you adapt and overcome to beat the stress response. The three main stressors that we will look into further can be categorized into: Chemical Stress, Physical Stress, and Emotional Stress. But first let’s talk about the actual stress response.
The Stress Response
If your body cannot fully adapt and overcome one of the three stressor categories: chemical, physical, and emotional your body creates a disturbance in your nerve system. This disturbance is a misalignment of the spine AKA a subluxation. A subluxation applies direct pressure on a nerve that creates a central nerve system control problem. Thus in turn your body begins to work harder by entering into a constant state of survival, which is regulated and controlled by a division off your central nerve system known as your sympathetic nerve system. Without going into too much science, we will construct a simple diagram.
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Step 1. Your body has a failure
to adapt and to overcome a chemical, physical or emotional stressor in your life.
Step 2. Your nerve system creates a disturbance known as a subluxation. This turns into a central nerve system control problem from not adapting to your environment.
Step 3. Your body will shift into a CONSTANT state of fight. Your body enters into a “sympathetic nerve system overdrive!”
Step 4. The Stress Response Increases:
Cortisol levels - Catecholamines Blood glucose - Blood lipids Blood pressure - Heart rate - Bone loss
Step 4. The Stress Response Decreases:
Metabolism - Serotonin - Cellular Immunity - Digestion - Concentration Growth Hormones - Circulation
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stress
The number one physical stress that we often don’t think about is, sitting. Sitting often leads to a compromised posture and distorts the proper curvatures in the spine. Sitting decreases the proper movement that we are designed to do, life is motion remember! Sitting on the spine is like sugar to the teeth, it’s just bad.
Emotional Stress
What is emotional stress on our body? Seeing that we automatically assume stress with emotion we will start with this one. Our daily emotional interactions can either plague us or send positive vibrations through us. It is estimated that on a daily basis we receive in upwards of some 3,000 emotional messages a day. This runs the gauntlet of: finding out your pregnant, kids first day of school, paying bills, making a flight on time (you get my point). If there is a common thought expression that is with us daily or we suddenly get hit with a bomb “Umm, your new taxes came in and you owe $100,000” and you never adapt and overcome, enter the stress response.
Chemical Stress
We are becoming more aware of what our body requires and what we don’t need everyday. This is brought out in our global media by such things as GMO’s, processed foods, and even fast food. There are chemical stressors that we don’t even think about as well: alcohol, medication, the quality of air and so on. If you’re constantly being exposed to a chemical stressor and not fully adapting and overcoming, enter the stress response.
Physical Stress
The number one physical stress that we often don’t think about is, sitting. Sitting often leads to a compromised posture and distorts the proper curvatures in the spine. Sitting decreases the proper movement that we are designed to do, life is motion remember! Sitting on the spine is like sugar to the teeth, it’s just bad. Other physical stressors that
often elude us are simple things that can add up over time: sports, improper sleeping position, repetitive motions, and extra weight. Physical stress wreaking havoc on our body and not adapting to it, enter the stress response.
SO….what does chiropractic have to do with this? Chiropractic has EVERYTHING to do with the stress response. Chiropractors are nerve system specialist’s that focus specifically on the function of the human body. Having someone who doesn’t adapt and overcome to their environment by stressors disturbs their life’s potential. When that misalignment in the spine occurs (subluxation) your entire bodies physiology changes with it. You basically enter into a state of CHRONIC ILLNESS. By visiting a chiropractor and having your nerves checked for possible subluxations you are better able to adapt and overcome to the stressors in your life. Put in simple terms (with a tad of science). A specific chiropractic adjustment to remove disturbance from your nerve system has a direct effect on your PRE-FRONTAL CORTEX. The pre-frontal cortex monitors everything in your body and makes executive functions on what to do next…like beating the stress response. Get your nerves checked.
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Please write me your questions so that I may crack the myths in future episodes, dr.basler@kalispellchiropractic.com
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Holiday Survival Guide 2.0
Living Informed By Dr. John F. Miller DDS
What a spectacular early fall we’re having Crisp mornings warming up to sunny, warm afternoons. Lots to Smile about. Not to mention finally getting all that smoke under control. Great job firefighters! Hats off to you for your efforts. I’ve held strong that September is my favorite month in the Flathead and this September has only strengthened that position.
I’m in an interesting position trying to think up new “dental-related” content to share with the 406 Woman audience. Occasionally I have to read back over my last two-plus years of material to make sure I’m not being redundant. This being the 2015 October edition I naturally referred back to my first ever October edition from 2013. What I found there was an article I called the Holiday Survival Guide, which was full of great tips and information to help you in your oral hygiene efforts be it the holidays or any other time of the year. With that being said, instead of trying to reinvent the wheel this time, let’s revisit, tweak, and update the Holiday Survival Guide. I hope you enjoy the second read as much as I did. What more can I teach you about tooth decay? You’re going to say, “sugar rots your teeth. I already know that.” I’m going to get down to the simple science behind the creation of a tooth cavity so that my audience can make a more informed approach to the holidays with respect to their oral health. I’ll respond to your earlier comment and tell you, “sugar does not cause tooth decay any more than gasoline alone gets you to point B.” In other words, sugar needs a motor to harness its high-energy chemical bonds. Our mouths are filled with billions of little motors in the form of bacteria. Some of these bacteria are cariogenic (acid-producing) and responsible for tooth decay. Mainly Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli. They con-
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ence demineralization from the first bite until 30 minutes following the last bite. This should get the wheels in your head turning, you’ve been informed; think Right now, as you read, your teeth are under about your morning latte that you sip over the course of 2 hours. This equates to 2.5 hours of demineralizaattack. Bacteria are colonizing and creat- tion. Even worse, sustained periods of high acidity will ing a biofilm (plaque) on your tooth surface. eliminate healthy bacteria resulting in a higher concenCariogenic bacteria thrive in an environ- tration of cariogenic bacteria, lower pH levels, and more rampant decay. ment devoid of oxygen. The thicker the layer of plaque, the less oxygen available at the Halloween is upon us. Our children gain access to a bag tooth surface, the more potent the bacteria, of candy that they will devour over the space of a few days. It is not only possible, but probable that they will the more acid being produced, the greater have a sustained oral pH of 5.0 or less for days on end. the rate of tooth decay. Irreversible damage is inevitable. Thanksgiving is next, offering up bottomless supplies of pies, sweet potatoes, Now that we have established that Acid is the direct cranberry sauces, and cider that segue seamlessly into cause of tooth decay, let’s discuss the oral pH cycle. The December’s caramels, fudge, cookies, and eggnog (curse pH scale is a logarithmic measure of acidity. To keep you eggnog you're so irresistible). It doesn’t end until things brief, the lower the pH value, the more acidic midnight on New Year’s. something is. Our mouths have a physiologic resting pH of approximately 7.0, or neutral. After we eat food My purpose is not to be a party pooper, but rather to incontaining fermentable carbohydrates, the pH levels form and let the reader react accordingly. The day after within plaque drops below 5.0 rapidly as bacteria con- Halloween I’m going to exercise my right as a father to vert the available sugar into acid. Demineralization (de- confiscate any and all Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and encay) of dental enamel occurs at a pH of 5.5 or less while joy them...my way. During Thanksgiving I fully intend remineralization (repair) occurs at pH levels above 5.5. on consuming my weight in Pumpkin Pie, and let’s not get started on Eggnog. I take it personally every year as Saliva acts to neutralize the mouth and restore healthy they remove it from the shelf, as if they are staging an pH levels, but this typically takes about 30 minutes. So eggnog intervention. “Don’t judge me,” I think, “I’m in every time you eat, drink, snack, etc. your teeth experi- complete control.” sume the available sugar and create lactic acid as a byproduct; this is the direct cause of tooth decay: ACID!
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teeth
As I’m doing these things however, I’m going to be conscious of the microbiotic processes being carried out along the surfaces of my teeth, and I’m going to take measures to combat them. So I want to leave you with a few tips so your teeth will survive the holidays and be just as healthy (if not healthier) than going in. l Brush your teeth 3 times per day. This disrupts the bacterial plaque reducing the amount of harmful bacteria and exposing them to Oxygen. Don’t forget your gums, a common location for plaque accumulation. l Floss between teeth once per day. This disrupts plaque between teeth, the most common location of tooth decay. l Use a fluoride rinse right before bedtime. Topical fluoride greatly aids in the repair of damaged enamel and makes it much more resistant to acidic demineralization. l Rinse your mouth with water after snacking. This will greatly dilute the acid in your mouth and raise the pH rapidly. If you want to go one step further, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 8 oz. of water for a potent neutralizing mouth rinse, which is also great for fresh breath. l Chew sugar free gum. This stimulates salivary flow, which aids in acid neutralization. Of course you all know to brush and floss, but I want you to think about what you are accomplishing now that you are an informed defender of your precious enamel. You are disturbing and removing the acidic plaque, allowing oxygen to incapacitate the cariogenic bacteria. I want you to think critically about the acid levels in your mouth. It should not come as a surprise that orange juice is just as destructive as soda to your teeth. A biochemist whose career was focused on metabolism and obesity once told me 10 years ago, “If you ran hard for 3 miles every day, you could pretty much eat whatever you wanted and not gain weight.” I’ve reflected on that a lot over the last decade. I don’t run 3 miles a day, but I also don’t get to eat whatever I want. Now you have a Dentist telling you, that if you brush and floss as you're supposed to, and rinse regularly, and see your Dentist and Hygienist every 6 months, you can pretty much eat what you want and avoid tooth decay. Assuming everything else is functioning properly... About 12 years ago I became mildly obsessed with the sport of Tennis. I had never played it seriously and never really gave it a second thought. The times I would pass over it as I switched through the channels I made small observations. The points would go up by fifteen initially, then ten. Not to mention the Loves and Deuces involved. Sometimes the player only needed 6 games to win the set, but other times 7 games were required. On top of all that, the Match could end after 3, 4, or 5 sets. These were the small observations that only resulted in my confusion toward the sport. I was not well informed and I did not like Tennis. Then it happened, I watched long enough to learn the scoring system. Love meant zero. Deuce meant a tie only after both players reached 40, which was a weird way of just saying 3. A set goes to 7 games in a tiebreaker scenario, and a match is played in a “best-of-five” format. Etc. DO you get where I’m going with this? Certain mundane activities in life, such as brushing and flossing your teeth...or tennis, take on a whole new meaning when you understand the details and processes involved. Dare I say they become less mundane. Live Informed and Smile More Montana!!
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health}
The Flathead Community Health Center
Gives You Another Reason to Smile!
Many Americans enjoy excellent oral health and are keeping their natural teeth throughout their lives, but there are still tens of millions of Americans who do not. Often factors such as poverty, geography, lack of oral health education, language or cultural barriers, and fear of dental care keep people from accessing oral health care. Further, too many people believe they need to see a dentist only if they are in pain or think something is wrong, but they are missing the bigger picture. Numerous recent scientific studies indicate associations between oral health and variety of general health conditions - including diabetes and heart disease. Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria. Normally, the body's natural defenses and good oral healthcare can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections. To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice per day, floss daily, eat a healthy diet and limit snacks, replace your toothbrush every three to four months, and schedule regular dental checkups. The American Dental Association recommends that dental visits begin no later than a child's first birthday to establish a "dental home." Dentists can provide guidance to children and parents, deliver preventive oral health services, and diagnose and treat dental disease in its earliest stages. Ongoing dental care will help both children and adults maintain optimal oral health throughout their lifetimes. In many cases, oral health is not considered a component of general healthcare, and dental visits or care may not be covered by a health insurance plan. Fortunately, services such as the Flathead Community Health Center Dental Clinic provide care on a sliding fee scale basis. Additionally, the dental clinic is one of the few in the Flathead that will accept patients with Medicaid - private insurances are also accepted. The Flathead Community Health Center Dental Clinic provides preventative, restorative, and urgent dental care. Services include comprehensive exams, hygiene visits, fillings, extractions, and referrals. The clinic even provides limited walk-in services every day from 8:00 am -3:00 pm for patients with true dental pain. Walk-ins are seen on a first come, first service basis. Scheduled patients have priority, but if time permits, you will be seen as soon as the first dental provider is available.
Recently, the Flathead Community Health Center Dental Clinic has undergone a few changes. The most notable being the new Dental Clinic Director and Dentist at the helm, Dr. Wendy Nickisch, DDS. Wendy grew up in Forsyth, Montana and attended Montana State University - Bozeman for her undergraduate degree. After graduating from University of California San Francisco's School of Dentistry, Wendy was ready to move back to her home state to begin her career in public health dentistry. As an avid skier, Wendy is anxious for her first winter in the Flathead. In addition, to Dr. Nickisch, other local dentists have stepped in to assist with the high demand. The Dental Clinic hopes to have a 2nd full-time dentist on staff this fall. Contact the clinic at 751-8221 or visit flatheadhealth.org/medical/dental for more information.
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wellness}
Are You Highly
Sensitive? By CrisMarie Campbell
· Do you experience the world brighter, louder, more intensely than most? · Have you noticed that you experience stronger emotions than others? · Do you feel that you are overly sensitive?
You May Be a Highly Sensitive Person You may be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). This is not a joke. There are some of us, about 20% of the population that are born more sensitive than the rest. Dr. Elain Aron identified the temperament trait in 1991. She then started to gather research on adults to see if others shared her experience of High Sensitivity. At the same time other scientist were studying sensitivity in animals, and still others were studying sensitivity in infants and toddlers. They were all on the same track. Elaine finally wrote the book The Highly Sensitive Person in 1996. The actual scientific term for the trait, which may fit more accurately is, Sensory Processing Sensitivity. It is not a disorder or a condition. It is a temperament trait found in 20% of over 100 species including humans, meaning the trait has survival advantages. It is found in the same percentage in both men and women. You might be thinking this is introversion. It isn’t. Apparently, 30% of HPSs are Extroverts.
How Highly Sensitive People Tick
HSP’s take in and process more stimuli from their environment, and as a result can be easily overwhelmed and need to takes break to settle down. It is not that HSP’s have better senses. There are HSP’s who wear glasses. It has more to do with the way HSP’s process the incoming information. They have a more sensitive nervous system. Dr. Elaine developed a simple DOES framework for therapeutic professionals to more easily help someone identify if they are a HSP. Here’s a break down of DOES. DOES: –Deep Processing: HSP’s process information, thoughts, feelings more deeply. This means they can take a while to decide on something, weighing all the factors. –Overstimulation: It is easy for HSP’s to get overstimulated, by doing too many things at once, having to hurry, or even too much caffeine.
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–Subtleties – HSP’s are sensitive to subtle stimuli in the environment, meaning they notice lights that are too bright, furniture that is uncomfortable, or other’s emotions in the room.
agreeing. I’d look down, curl my shoulders and my arms in towards my center, and brace. I’d go mute, and dissociate from my body and trying to go somewhere safe, even if just in my own mind.
If this sounds vaguely familiar and you are thinking that you might be a Highly Sensitive Person you can take a self-test at www.hsperson.com.
I didn’t like it.
My HSP Journey
Someone suggested I might be Highly Sensitive over a decade ago. I bought the book, then quickly discarded it as too whimpy, thinking, “I’m not a HSP. Those people are just using the title as an excuse for not being able to handle life. Buck up!” I gave the book to Goodwill. I know - not very empathetic or sensitive huh? So then how did I come to the conclusion that I am a HSP? Well, I reverse-engineered it. Here’s how. Susan Clarke and I work with leaders and teams that are dysfunctional, stuck in – or avoiding – conflict. During our work with teams, I started noticing I was having predictable reactions when people were dis-
I got curious about what was happening for me and why. This took me to on my own Mind-Body journey, recognizing that these were signs of chronic childhood trauma.
Growing up, conflict, or let’s be more specific, disagreeing with Dad, felt like igniting a war. The Colonel was not going to lose. To me Dad was loud, scary and ruled with force. He demanded compliance, achievement, order, and efficiency. As a little one I felt terrified, overwhelmed, and helpless to protect myself. High sensitivity was a clear detriment. To survive I armored up, focused on achieving, and built a drive to succeed. I now realize that I forced my High Sensitivity into a box, underground. By the time I left for college stress related physical issues began to pop up. I had back problems, and allergies, which I believe were a result of the trauma and repressing my natural temperament.
wellness}
Basic HSP Self-Care Tools
If you think you are a HSP here are some basics to take care of yourself: Avoid Overstimulation Notice when you are getting agitated, and overwhelmed. Don’t try to push through it. See if you can take some time to reduce the stimulation – take a walk, close the door to your office. Even short little breaks will help your nervous system settle. Long term you might want to build in regular meditation or alone time. Learn To Say “No.” Often we think we should keep up with everyone else’s pace and activity. It doesn’t work for you as a HSP. Learn to say “No.” You don’t need to give any explanation. If you do explain, the other person is liable to try to convince you to say yes with all their good ideas. Just say, “That doesn’t work for me.”
Separating Trauma from High Sensitivity
Was it the trauma or High Sensitivity? I looked earlier in my life. Apparently, infants born with this trait show up with a highly negative and difficult temperament, which I did. I was a colicky, finicky baby. As I progressed into adolescence, common complaints about me were:
“Why do you have to be so emotional?!” “Don’t be so picky!” “You’re always so sensitive!” “Why do you have to be the Princess and the Pea?”
Okay, Okay, Maybe I am a HSP!
While this was a revelation, I was still stuck with my uncomfortable reaction in the midst of conflict. First, I worked with Sherrie Toews, a therapist-coach at Effortless Momentum (www.EffortessMomentum.com) to help me process through the emotions of the childhood trauma. Then I realized that my highly sensitive nervous system was chronically dysregulated. I started working with Irene Lyons, a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (www.irenelyon) who taught me how physically settle my fight, flight, and freeze response on a daily basis. I wrote about a couple of the tools she taught me in my previous 406 Magazine article: Stress: It Doesn’t Have To Be “The New Normal”
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Recognizing The Positive Side of My HSP
There’s a silver lining to everything. Because I’m a HSP, I have always learned things pretty naturally, as if my body is figuring it out for me. This applies to physical activities such learning a new dance, following my partner’s lead, or emotional connection. In yoga, my instructor Jodi Petlin of Shanti Yoga (www.shantiyogamontana.com) has told me that my body is intelligent because it can easily adjust into a pose. Even when we are working with a new business team, I am able to assimilate the nuances of their business and culture quickly, without effort. My High Sensitivity has made me a successful actor. On stage it is helpful to take what your scene partner is doing or saying personally. Hell, I am awesome at taking things personally, noticing subtle shifts in demeanor, and boy can I have an authentic emotional response! As a coach and consultant, I am highly empathetic and comfortable with all things emotional. Since I have struggled to calm my nervous system and find my own voice in conflict, I find I am very suited to helping other women do the same.
Today as a HSP
Now, working with business team clients I know how to ground in my own body even when something uncomfortable is happening on the team. I am able to find my voice in the midst of conflict to say, “I’m uncomfortable with what is happening right now.” I still don’t like conflict, but I now have the tools to actively settle my nervous system and am explicit if I need to take a break. What I have found is that when I can lean into it, meaning tolerate the tension that does arise in me, without going away, I help the team do the same.
Reframe Your Childhood If you are a HSP that grew up in good environment you will be well resourced because you took in more of the good. If you are HSP that grew up in a chaotic or traumatic environment, you may need to do some repair work to help you recover, because the chaos likely impacted you more. If that takes you to therapy, go with it. Don’t be dissuaded by people who say, “Oh, get over it. Everyone had a hard childhood.” Get the support you need. Often growing up we felt defective, like a failure, or that something was wrong with us. High Sensitivity is like being left handed – you either are or you aren’t. So take time to heal any past wounds from your childhood.
In Summary
If you think you, your child, or your partner might be a HSP, go to www.hsperson.com. There are books, self-tests, newsletters and even workshops. Our culture is not kind to the sensitive. Just like my dad, we seem to value toughness, speed, and invincibility. However, HSP’s have many gifts to offer. They are often our artists, thought leaders, and advisors. Please see beyond the cultural norm, and learn how to take care of yourself. Finally, it is important that HSPs stand up for themselves. Instead of using your trait as an excuse or a club, become proactive in managing your own needs. You’ll be so much happier! CrisMarie Campbell is a Coach, Consultant and Speaker at thrive! inc. www.thriveinc.com They help business leaders and their teams use the energy of conflict, rather than defuse it, to get to innovative, profitable business results. They recently released their TEDx talk Conflict – Use It, Don’t Defuse It! on You Tube. Search for it there. Feel free to contact them at thrive@thriveinc.com.
non profit}
Flathead
CARE
By Kari Gabriel, Executive Director & Will Tedrow, Youth Coordinator
It's a Friday night and Flathead and Glacier have just gone head to head in the annual cross-town football game. In a nail biting competition, Glacier beat Flathead with a field goal in the final minutes. As clean-up crews begin to take over the stadium, youth in our community begin to play another game —finding the victory party and getting enough booze for the night. By the time students receive their diploma, 75% have consumed alcohol and 50% have used marijuana. Consumption of alcohol by adolescents greatly increases their risk for addiction, creates a chemical imbalance leading to depression and anxiety, as well as negatively impacts social and family systems, and then there are the really stupid decisions... After taking the time to have a meaningful discussion with youth, they self-identify the main reasons they use drugs or alcohol. “I smoke weed because I can’t handle being around my mom.” “All of my friends do it and if I don’t they just make fun of me.” “When I’m drunk, I don’t care what other people think. I can be myself.” “Nothing else seems to matter; I get to live in the moment.” At the bottom of the empty bottles, young people are finding pain and shining a light on a much deeper problem in our community. A lack of selfworth and an inability to ask for help are leading to youth not connecting with their friends on a meaningful level. Flathead CARE provides educationbased programs that allow kids to discover selfworth, deepen their connection with their peers and community, and ignite a powerful passion to lead a cultural shift against drug and alcohol consumption in the community. At Flathead CARE we believe that everyone is of value. By creating a safe space for kids to be themselves, we inspire young people to catalyze change
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in the world around them. As a community based 501(c) 3 non-profit agency we provide drug and alcohol prevention, youth empowerment, and peer mentoring to middle school and high school students. Participants in our program help create presentations, community events, and support groups for their peers, reaching over 10,000 families in our community. In 1982, following several alcohol-related incidences and a car wreck resulting in the deaths of four FHS students, parents, school administrators and other concerned community members held a town hall meeting in the Flathead High School auditorium. It was presented that an estimated one-third of the students currently enrolled at FHS were involved at some level with alcohol and other drugs. The impact of that involvement was likened to an epidemic. “If we had one-third of our student body ill because of measles, we would close school. And yet we have an illness going unaddressed, which has the potential to cause death to a significant number of students if we, as a community do not take action,” reported Bill Vogt, then-principal of FHS. Through many transitions, economic down turns, and other major changes, Flathead CARE is still around today, teaching kids that there are healthy alternatives to using illegal substances. In 1987, the CARE program became a recognized corporation by the State of Montana and began seeking avail-
able funding from the Office for Substance Abuse Prevention. Securing a three-year, $150,000 grant, CARE hired a part-time coordinator to direct the existing programs, and began building a video library for use by outlying schools, parents and other groups, as part of the prevention efforts. This was the first of many outreach programs designed to include the 21 feeder school populations that impacted the school community in School District #5. Flathead CARE also became a United Way agency in 1994. Since the formation of Flathead CARE in 1983, we have maintained a strong commitment to deepening our programs to meet the needs of youth. Our goal isn’t just to provide a meaningful experience, but to teach them how to move ideas into action, giving them the opportunity to become leaders. Since 1989, CARE has been working with youth through STAND Club (Students Taking Action not Drugs). This July, a youth-led advisory committee met to discuss the next phases of our youth programming. The committee proposed widening the scope of the group to include more people and creating a stronger vehicle to meet the needs of youth, as well as a new name, “Affinity.” This fall, we began piloting the effectiveness of the program. In the first month we have already seen a 40% increase in attendance with both the middle school and high school clubs. We are seeking community sponsors to fund the launch of the full Affinity program this
2015 Red Ribbon Week Calendar of Events Please check
www.flatheadcare.org
for scheduling changes and updates Mon., Oct. 26 Swim Night @ The Summit from 7 – 8:30 PM, $1 w/Red Ribbon. Limited to first 50 children. (Free for Summit members)
non profit} spring. The dollars raised will be spent on a youth director to oversee all aspects of the program, and provide mentor based relationships with kids. This month, our Affinity Club students will be leading the charge to help promote Red Ribbon Week in the Valley. Since its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. In response to the 1985 murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons to honor his memory, and as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction cause by drugs in America. Today, the Red Ribbon Celebration brings millions of people together to raise awareness regarding the need for alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention, early intervention, and treatment services. It is the largest, most visible prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the United States. Flathead CARE spearheads the local celebration each year, and with the help of community partner sponsors, provides 18,000 Red Ribbons to every school-aged child in Flathead County. This year, Flathead CARE is also partnering with the STOP Underage Drinking in the Flathead Coalition and the STOP Prescription Drug Abuse Coalition, to bring a message of alcohol, tobacco and prescription drug prevention to local schools. Jason Parce, Kalispell Police Officer & Flathead CARE Board Vice-Chair; Will Tedrow, Flathead CARE Youth Coordinator; and students from Flathead CARE’s Affinity program will present a relevant and interactive message to schools throughout the Valley during Red Ribbon Week. There will also be free and reduced price activities for kids to participate during the weeklong celebration, which takes place Oct. 23 – 31, 2015. A complete Red Ribbon Week schedule is available on the Flathead CARE website: www.flatheadcare.org. Please check the website for the most up to date information. For 33 years, Flathead CARE has served as an informational resource and support to teens, parents and the community, and in doing so, has proven to be the Valley’s most consistent voice on prevention. For more information on any of our programs and events, please visit our website or give us a call at 751-3971.
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Halladay Quist concert benefiting Flathead CARE @ Bigfork Performing Arts Center – 7 PM. Tickets are $28, Kids 12 & under free w/adult ticket holder. Call 393-2581 for tickets. Tuesday, Oct. 27 Halladay Quist concert benefiting Flathead CARE @ Whitefish Performing Arts Center in Whitefish – 7 PM. Tickets are $28, Kids 12 & under free w/adult ticket holder. Call 393-2581 for tickets. Wed., Oct. 28 Movie Night @ Cinemark Cinemas - Kalispell. 2 Showings: 4 & 6:30 PM. FREE with Red Ribbon. First-come, first-serve for both showings – NO ADVANCE TICKETS. Parents do not leave kids until they have a ticket. Halladay Quist concert benefiting Flathead CARE @ FHS Auditorium – 7 PM. Tickets are $28, Kids 12 & under free w/adult ticket holder. Call 393-2581 for tickets. Thurs., Oct. 29 “Today’s Drug Culture” Presentation by Officer Jason Parce, GHS SRO Chad Fetveit & Flathead CARE Youth Coordinator Will Tedrow – 7 PM. Location TBA. Fri., Oct. 30 Middle School Halloween Dance @ Linderman Education Center, 7-9 PM. Costumes encouraged (no masks). $2 w/red ribbon. Sun., Nov. 1 “Say BOO to Drugs!” Ice Skating Halloween Party @ Woodland Park Hockey Rink from 5 – 7 PM. FREE admission with red ribbon (skate rental $3). All ages welcome. Costumes encouraged, bonfire, s'mores, games, music, food concessions & prizes!
Each October, Flathead CARE puts on a series of family-friendly benefit concerts in the Valley. The concerts are our major fundraising event, and helps raise money to support our youth programming. This year, we are proud to partner with the extremely talented Halladay Quist, Flathead Valley native and FHS graduate. Halladay started singing at a young age, and music has remained a strong part of her life. It has taken her to Europe, bringing classical music to Hungary, Poland, and Austria, to the University of Montana, to sing with the UM jazz Chorale, the Jubileers, and even to Rockin' the Rivers, opening main stage for the Doobie Brothers. Her original music is gutsy, folk, rhythm and rock with lyrics that cut right to the heart of it. Halladay is fresh off Alpine Theater Project’s sold out smash summer musical, “Chicago.” Getting her start in the music business first with her Dad Rob, and then with her brother Guthrie, Halladay has continued with her own solo career. She recently released her self-titled CD, working with well-known Nashville writers, Phil Vasser and Tim Ryan. Halladay will be in the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, Oct. 26th; at the Whitefish Performing Art Center on Tuesday, Oct. 27th; and at the Flathead High School Auditorium on Wednesday, Oct. 28th. All shows start at 7 PM. Tickets are $28, with kids 12 & under free with an adult ticket holder. Tickets may be purchased by calling 393-2581.
Flathead CARE’s Affinity Club is open to any student who wants to promote leading a healthy lifestyle. Club meetings take place at Kalispell Middle School and at the Flathead CARE office. Mondays @ KMS Cafetorium from 3 – 4 PM. Tuesdays @ Flathead CARE office in Linderman Education Center from 6:30 – 8 PM.
giving back}
What happens when three wonderful organizations get together -
a really fun evening! The Women Who Wine Kalispell (WWWK) September event had one of the biggest turnouts since its inception at Kettle Care Organics, benefiting Child Bridge. 406 Woman magazine was thrilled to be a part of the event as a sponsor. What a great night and so wonderful to witness the spirit of giving with some really terrific women!
What is WWWK? It’s a women’s networking and community benefit group or ‘Giving Circle’. They meet the first Tuesday of the month in a different location each month. Each month our members bring a $30 check made out to “Flathead Community Foundation” and a bottle of wine. Member contributions are pooled and awarded to the evening’s presenting non-profit organization at a year-end “Giving Banquet” honoring the work of our local charities. A different community benefit is selected each month by the host member who also provides the location, wine glasses and hors d’oeuvres. Membership is open to all women who want to help
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our community. Check out www.flatheadcommuni- children in need. Currently, there are over 2700 chiltyfoundation.org for more information. dren in the Montana foster care system, with many of these children available for adoption. Across the As host location, Kettle Care Organics loved intro- state, there’s a lack of trained and licensed families ducing WWWK to their manufacturing and retail available to care for these children. With limited location, just north of Kalispell. Kettle Care is a awareness in communities of child welfare needs, small, family owned operation that creates natural many children bounce from place to place, or lanand therapeutic body care formulas that they have guish in group homes. Child Bridge bridges the gap refined to near perfection over 32 years in business. between churches, community and government to Kettle Care uses only natural ingredients. If it’s find and support families who will offer a safe hanot from nature, they won’t use it. They use highly ven for these young victims of abuse, neglect and therapeutic levels of Essential Oils and Extracts to abandonment whether their need be temporary, soothe dry, damaged skin. This philosophy stands long term or permanent. To learn more about Child behind all of their products and what they continue Bridge, www.childbridgemontana.org. to use when they develop new products. To learn more about Kettle Care, check out Ed note: We are thrilled to be working with Child www.kettlecare.com. Bridge on a new feature that will highlight families whose lives have been blessed and changed forAbout the September beneficiary Child Bridge – ever with by welcoming child(ren) in need into their they deliver on a simple mission: Finding and sup- homes and their hearts. Our first segment will appear porting foster and adoptive families for Montana in our next issue. You will be inspired!
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www.McGoughandCo.com
131 Central Avenue Whitefish, MT 59937 406-862-9199
M c G o u g h & C o ... W h e r e M o n ta na G e t s E n g ag e d
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Brooke was born in Kalispell and raised in Eureka, MT. Being a graduate of the Paul Mitchell Beauty school in Spokane, WA; Brooke excels in cuts, colors, and is one of the wedding coordinators specializing in bridal and special event updos. Currently working at Amore Salon & Spa she's always had passion for the beauty industry and making people feel good about themselves. Makeup by: Jeff Fulford Hair by: Brooke Williams (herself) Nails by: Connie Murer photo by:
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Chelsea
Chelsea Martini
Montana gal making her mark in the world of She creates custom couture pieces that are than jewelry they are wearable art! Read her full business story in our Business & Health section. is a
jewelry design. more
photo by:
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As the holiday season approaches, we spend a lot of time reminiscing on years gone by and look forward to seeing family and friends and creating new memories. Somehow music is always a part of that equation with us. We enjoy a great Sunday afternoon of jazz at Groovin’ as much as a polka at the Great Northern Oktoberfest. We are really grateful that there never seems to be a shortage of live music in the valley. If we can’t catch a live act, we always seem to end up at an event or party that has some awesome music playing and we can’t help but tap our toes. This Thanksgiving, we plan to think about the year gone by and measure it in love. Love of family, friends, acquaintances, and everyone that we were blessed to meet this past year. Enjoy the lyrics to one of our favorite songs – Seasons of Love, written by Jonathan D. Larson. Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes How do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets In midnights, in cups of coffee In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife In five hundred twentyfive thousand six hundred minutes How do you measure, a year in the life? How about love? How about love?
How about love? Measure in love Seasons of love Seasons of love Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes Five hundred twenty-five thousand journeys to plan Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes How do you measure the life of a woman or a man? In truths that she learned Or in times that he cried In bridges he burned Or the way that she died It's time now, to sing out Though the story never ends Let's celebrate Remember a year in the life of friends Remember the love (Oh, you got to, you got to remember the love) Remember the love (You know that life is a gift from up above) Remember the love (Share love, give love, spread love) Measure in love (Measure, measure your life in love) Seasons of love Seasons of love (Measure your life, measure your life in love)
Happy Thanksgiving!
{
What did we learn after reading this issue? Susan Clarke explains how “surfacing and using conflict” saved her life and how it may just help your businesses in the future. Read her very personal inspiring story in our business section on page 20. After reading Karen Sanderson’s story “The Rare Wine Refugee”, I learned a great deal about the history of wine and I’m looking forward to trying some new Middle Eastern wines. Read her story on page 42.
{
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Our Talented
Contributor’s Corner
contributors
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What is the scariest thing that you have ever done?
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C. Claude Basler, D.C. Erin Blair
Licensed esthetician and owner of Skin Therapy Studio
Delia Buckmaster
Certified in pilates and an active health coach, owner of Exhale Pilates Studio
Brianne Burrowes
Founder of I Want Her Job and Senior Consumer Marketing Manager at NASCAR track Phoenix International Raceway
Kay Burt
Mother, Grandmother, native Montanan, legal assistant--a woman whose life is blessed beyond measure
Cris Marie Campbell
Master certified Martha Beck coach and consultant, co-owner of Thrive! Inc.
Todd Ul izio
Family chiropractor, allowing you to express your true potential
Popping out of my ski on an icy, rocky chute in Tuckerman's Ravine, and proceeding to make the high-speed descent on my back.
Kristan Clark
Co-owner of Bestow Heart and Home, designer and writer.
Susan B Clarke
Faculty at The Haven Institute for 20 years and co-owner of Thrive! Inc.
Brian D’Ambrosio
Accomplished writer and newly published author of “Reservation Champ’ Program Director for the Women’s Foundation of Montana
Kari Gabriel
Exec Dir or Flathead CARE plus wildlife rehabilitator and educator
Kalispell OB/GYN Doctors & Practitioners
Board certified OB/GYN professional offering expert advice
Junkermier, Clark, Campanella, Stevens, P.C. Certified Public Accountants and Business Advisors
Nancy Kimball
Marketing communications specialist at Kalispell Regional Healthcare, and career journalist
Marti Kurth
Public relations and marketing expert for organizations in the arts and music
Kristen Ledyard
Executive Chef and Owner of John’s Angels Catering
John Miller, DDS
Specializing in general dentistry, Dr Miller provides expert advice
Naomi Morrison
Professional journalist, freelance writer and committed to the community
Mar t i K ur t h
Jen Euell
The scariest thing I ever did might be considered stupid by some people...in my former life I was a professional belly dancer and I hired out for parties. I was asked to provide a short dance for a corporate retreat party. The all male staff were being taken to an unknown destination via a small bus. I was asked to to dance up and down the aisle of the bus...Thank god they each had a beer in hand. I had my husband follow the bus with instructions to the driver that I would only do the gig if he promised to let me off when I said the dance was over!
Kelly O’Brien, Esq.
Business law specialist with Measure Law Office, P.C.
Kristen Pulsifer
Karen Sanderson
Wine expert and owner of Brix Bottleshop in Kalispell
Miriam Singer
Talented writer and songstress, promoting music as Singer & Simpson Productions
Lucy Smith
Executive Director of the Flathead Community Foundation, believes that everyday philanthropy is changing the world
Gwen Sutherland
Owner of Marketing Bits, writing and design business
Mary Wallace
Mother of three and grandmother to two, is still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up.
Todd Ulizio
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Co-owner and manager of Two Bear Farm in Whitefish, MT.
For full bios for our contributors, please visit www.406woman.com.
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Karen Sanderson
Writer, editor and owner of Whitefish Study Center
Making those BIG grown up decisions scared me. Buying my first house, quitting a high paying job to move to Montana, and opening a business were definitely nail biting decisions. And then there’s my child. Giving birth was nothing compared to the fears you face as a parent! Holding my child while she has blood drawn has been much more terrifying to me than to her, I’m sure.
239 Central Ave. Whitefish Mt. 406-862-6900
Proprietress Susan Schnee
Copperleaf Chocolat company 242 Central Ave. Whitefish Mt. 406-862-9659
Proprietress Susan Schnee
design}
Fall in love with your chair By Wright’s Furniture
Leather/Fabric combo with
antique brass nailing and additional throw pillow in matching fabric and coordinating leather fringe.
Classic French
Country style with antiqued silver finish to compliment a contemporary color palate. Made in USA.
Modern Rustic
Extreme Comfort. Hickory wood frame with natural bark detail. Available in various leathers and fabrics.
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Leather Chair
with Ottoman. Extreme comfort at a great price point. Over sized chair in a warm chestnut leather with chocolate contrasting welt.
“Comfort without giving up style.�
Transitional Chair
Handsome transitional chair that hides its recliner and adjustable headrest. Made in USA. Avail. in Leather & Fabric
Boomerang Chair
Unique and intricate detailing make this a true piece of art. Walnut wood and top grain leather. Bench Made in the USA. Endless options available.
Swivel Tub Chair
In a Brindle Hair on Hide and Leather combo with decorative nailing and leather fringe -All chairs (and accessories) featured are available at Wright’s Furniture In store design center stocked with hundreds of fabrics and leathers to choose from - Special order options available -Free design services Many Styles and Price points to choose from
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“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” Jim Bishop
&
Bestow Tablescaping Autumn is my favorite time of year. While some lament summer’s passing, there is a humble richness about it that no other season can match. Crisp chilly mornings, frost sprinkled on the ground melts into sunny autumn days. Leaves dance about our feet as blustery breezes pull them from the trees. Vibrant mums in vivid shades of gold and plum are placed on the front stoop, surrounded by pumpkins beckoning guests to enter and gather around the hearth and table.
We’ve gathered autumn’s golden hues all about us for an expansive tablescape. Shades of gold and brown, burnt orange and teal. Teal? The unexpected splash of color makes everything pop. A rough sawn board of raw wood is laid atop the teal burlap runner. It tones down the bright color and grounds the entire scape. Candlelight in oversized hand blown amber jars casts a delightful glow
Written by Kristan Clark of Bestow Heart and Home Photographed by Camp-n-Cottage
across the table. Antlers scattered across the board compliment the beautiful antique steins depicting wildlife portraits. Pear, berry and bittersweet branches are tucked amongst the stags. The color teal is repeated in bowls placed amongst the earthy elements and filled with golden pears.
Autumn’s leafy theme continues in the vintage glasses set for each guest. Whimsical napkin ‘rings’ are actually a collection of gold pins, each in a different leaf shape. We simply rolled each side of a teal napkin toward the center and pinned them neatly together, then set them at the edge of a creamy dinner plate. In the center of each plate we placed salad plates of three different designs. Collecting an eclectic mix of salad plates is an inexpensive way to create completely different looks for your place settings.
The table’s set and autumn’s abundance is in full display. German antique beer tasting goblets march along the buffet, waiting to be filled. When guests arrive they’ll enjoy them with our quick and easy bruschetta. This will be a fun party.
Bestow Bruschetta Ceres Bakery baguette - sliced Artichoke Parmesan Spinach Dip Yellow and Red Grape Tomatoes Fresh Basil Olive Oil Fresh Shredded Parmesan Cheese
HOW TO PREPARE
Set oven to broil. Line a cookie sheet with slices of baguette. Toast in the oven until the baguette slices just begin to brown. Remove from oven. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil. Spread some dip on each slice. Cut grape tomatoes in quarters and place in a bowl. Chop several leaves of fresh basil and mix into the tomatoes. Place a spoonful of the tomato mixture onto each dip covered baguette slice, and then top with a small amount of parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and broil until the cheese melts. Enjoy! We’d like to extend a special thanks to Brix Bottleshop for providing a wonderful assortment of beers for the event and Ceres Bakery for their beautiful artisan breads.
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Be Inspired A short time ago a regular customer stopped by to introduce her mother-in-law from New Zealand to our store. We visited for a while and I learned they were looking for some special gifts for her young granddaughter in Japan. They circled the store several times and it made me smile as I heard their exclamations at new treasures we had scattered about the shop. The possibilities filled the front counter. It was great fun to be a part of their process, knowing each choice would soon be a keepsake for a little girl so far away. As they left the store, I recognized that their shopping trip was not a task to be quickly checked off a list, but a memorable time full of conversation and laughter that lifted their spirits. With our busy lives, this seems to be the exception rather than the norm. I can appreciate one stop shopping at the big box stores, but frankly, their convenience often wears me out. As autumn unfolds and ushers in the busy holiday and shopping season I encourage you to experience the unique ambiance that can be found in the eclectic shops that fill the valley’s downtown districts. Let your shopping trips become excursions filled with conversation and laughter as you discover the wonderful items chosen with care just for you.
Bestow Heart and Home 217 Main Street Kalispell, MT 406-890-2000 www.bestowheartandhome.com
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Make your reservation Today
The Bestow Venue - Elegant-Intimate-Inviting - Perfect for any Occasion
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love} stories
&
Amy Ryan August 8, 2015
Photographed by Green Kat Photography www.greenkatphotography.com
Who are you?
Amy: I’m a born and raised Whitefish girl, who is currently moving all over the Northwest completing my MD at the University of Washington School of Medicine. I grew up playing soccer and enjoying the wilderness of the Flathead valley. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Montana (UMT) in Human Biology, and spent the last 6 years there working as an EMT and teaching anatomy lab at the UMT. I have three more years as a student, and after Residency training hope to get a job somewhere near home… either Whitefish or Missoula. Ryan: I was born and raised in Montana. I own a small house in Missoula and I have spent the last few years remodeling it. I love to be outside and enjoy many different sports and activities. I enjoy working with hands and seeing the results of hard work.
How did you meet? We met at the Kettlehouse Brewery (Myrtle Street Taproom) in Missoula. We were drawn to each other from across our mutual favorite relaxation spot… and found we had so much in common.
The proposal? We had our first backpacking adventure at Bear Trap Canyon along the Madison River. Ryan knew he wanted to propose along the river, so he waited a year to bring me there… and he even hid the ring in a still secret spot in our house for 6 months, and then hid it in the bottom of his sleeping bag each night on our backpacking trip. It makes me smile remembering all the distractions he used to keep me from finding it, since I am usually the one who pitches the tent and makes the bed while he builds the fire. Each time I’d start on unpacking the sleeping bags he would find something, like, “Oh hun, don’t you need to feed the pups?” to keep me in the dark. On the third morning, Memorial Day 2014, we were laying in our portable hammock, ten feet from the river’s edge, enjoying the suns rays trickling through the trees, my head on his chest and my eyes closed. He pulled the ring from his pocket and asked me to marry him. It was so perfect. I couldn’t stop smiling for the entire day’s hike out of the mountains.
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He knows exactly how to make all the stresses of life melt away, and he makes me so proud to call such a sweetheart my husband.
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She is my best friend, my What is love?
Amy: Love is everything I see in Ryan, his warmth and compassion, his kindness and understanding, and his smile when we are with each other.
Ryan: My love for Amy is more than I could sum up in a few words, but if I had to try: she is my best friend, my confidant, my partner, my heart and my soul.
What do you love most about them? Amy: Ryan is by far the most kind and considerate person I’ve ever met. He knows exactly how to make all the stresses of life melt away, and he makes me so proud to call such a sweetheart my husband. He has taught me to cook, fly fish, golf, backcountry ski, build a deck, roof a house, all kinds of things and we have so much fun together, no matter what we are doing.
Ryan: Amy is the kindest and most generous person I know. She is truly a wonderful person, never fake or insincere… she is always genuine.
When did you know you were in love? Amy: I was working a new job at an organ donation company, and had my first 48-hour shift. I got home around midnight, and Ryan
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confidant, my partner, my heart and my soul.
was quick to cook up some dinner knowing I was exhausted. When I laid my head on his shoulder, I felt my heart swell and knew this man was the one I wanted to be with for the rest of my life. Ryan: Honestly, not something I can pinpoint.
Wedding details: We were lucky enough to get married at the McGough property off of Star Meadows Road, and the venue was breathtaking! The morning of the wedding Ryan and the boys went golfing, at 6am! While they were enjoying the beautiful morning the girls got together at my parent’s house to enjoy breakfast, and mimosas, and have fun! We couldn’t have been any more fortunate with the weather… with smoke and heat the weeks proceeding, I was certainly worried our outdoor wedding would be not quite what we had hoped for. But with the perfect amount of clouds and sun, we were blessed with a gorgeous day to celebrate. Our ceremony was officiated by Ryan’s uncle, who wrote the entire ceremony, making it wonderfully personal and heartfelt. I thought I would be able to keep my composure, but when the first note of my song started playing for me to walk with my dad down the isle, the tears started flowing! The
whole evening was a whirlwind of amazing food, fun yard games with friends and family, and lots of dancing! Everyone was right, the wedding went incredibly fast, but it was by far the most incredible day of my life and I wish I could marry Ryan ten times over.
Honeymoon plans: We are hoping to find a way to get to Belize or some tropical adventure for Spring break this year… due to moving to Seattle for my 2nd year of medical school we had to postpone our honeymoon.
Fun facts We are very eclectic with our hobbies... and tend to do the ‘jack of all master of none’ thing when it comes to the outdoors. We have a 13’ bright purple raft that can be seen from a mile away on Flathead’s rivers.
When we first lived together it was in a 400 sq. ft. studio with three dogs… we can make it work in the simplest of places.
Ryan rebuilt a 1971 Honda CB350 that is shiny green, and we enjoy riding the “pickle” to a brewery or river on a night off.
Photographer: Green Kat Photography Venue: McGough’s Property (McGough Jewelry) Catering: Bravo Catering Dress: Willow Bride
Time for the Great Squash Pumpkin
and
By Kristen Ledyard Owner/Executive Chef of John’s Angels Catering LLC Photos by Sara Joy Photography
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In the fall,
pumpkins and squash are abundant and our resident chef, Kristen Ledyard with John’s Angels Catering, shares some of her favorite recipes to enjoy these wonderful vegetables.
In the Pantry
My Pumpkin Seed Recipe (pepitas) Fresh pumpkin seeds Butter spray All spice Garlic powder Cajun spice
The Best Butternut Squash Soup
How To Prepare
1 butternut squash Chicken stock (homemade is the best or low sodium) Regular half and half (I substitute fat free) Cinnamon Nutmeg Favorite hot sauce (I do not recommend Tabasco) 1 peeled apple (Granny Smith) Shelled pistachios (rough chop) Crème fraiche (optional) Salt and cracked pepper Butter spray
How To Prepare
Heat the oven to 400 degrees. On a sheet pan slice the squash with the peeled side down. Also, peel and add the apple. Spray a bit of butter spray on the top then sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake until soft and discard the skins of the squash. In a pan, pour half of the stock, dash of nutmeg, and your cooked squash apple mixture (make sure to small dice). Simmer until bubbly and add the half and half to the desired consistency. Make sure to let cool, then blend until smooth adding a touch of hot sauce for a flavor pop. This soup reheats beautifully or freezes for later use. Top with chopped pistachios for crunch and a crème fraiche swirl. Remember to use heirloom or themed bowls for an extra wow factor.
John’s Zucchini and Yellow Squash Casserole Fresh zucchini and yellow squash sliced thin with skins on (preferably into circles) 2 eggs 1 cup milk or fat free half and half Favorite hot sauce
This is my favorite pumpkin seed recipe using a few unusual spices. Heat oven to 375 degrees and place seeds on a baking sheet sprayed with butter spray. Spray a bit more of the buttered spray on the seeds then sprinkle them with all spice, garlic powder, and a touch of Cajun spice. Rotate the seeds and apply again. Simply toast until golden brown, cool, and try not to eat them all before your guests arrive. Not one of your guests will guess the recipe!
Favorite Stuffed Acorn Squash Halved and seed free acorn squash (one half per person)
Nutmeg
Leftover stuffing or dressing from your Thanksgiving dinner
Regular butter (2 pats)
Cinnamon
Salt and cracked pepper (add to taste)
Pumpkin butter
How To Prepare
How To Prepare
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Place zucchini and yellow squash in a microwaveable container with a touch of water. Microwave for 15 minutes. Strain your squash, smashing it to get all of the water out. Mix with butter, salt, and pepper, then let cool. Whisk your milk, dash of nutmeg, hot sauce (to taste) and eggs together until smooth. Spray the bottom of a glass casserole dish adding both mixtures combined together. Cook covered for 25 minutes and finish off uncovered until nice and brown. I do like to add a swiss or pepper jack cheese for the final browning process. This is so delicious and even better with fresh garden grown vegetables. My husband loves to add more butter (but that is just him).
Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Place your halved squashes on a baking sheet; add pumpkin butter, and a dash of cinnamon. Pumpkin butter is available in your grocery store during the fall. You can easily substitute with regular butter. Cook until just tender, as we are going to bake them further. Fill with your stuffing, sprinkle with a touch more cinnamon and complete baking (about 20-25 minutes). I love to serve this with wild game or a hearty fish. This recipe truly celebrates the season and does not take away from your entertaining.
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Did you know... The first carved pumpkin lantern was in 1834. The largest pumpkin/squash grown in the U.S. was 2,058 lbs. and grown right here in California at Uesugi Farms Pumpkin Park in San Martin California. In Switzerland, a 2,323 lb. pumpkin snagged the world record.
Fall centerpieces
By Zina Sheya Designs
Double up on the pumpkin longevity by opting for a small assortment of colors and sizes. Incorporate these into your front door display for Halloween and then re-use them in a table centerpiece for Thanksgiving. Think the horn of plenty, or fill a wood bowl with pumpkins gourds and a few fresh flowers or plants; simply create a natural free flowing centerpiece on a table runner. Are you worried about keeping those pumpkins from rotting the few weeks after Halloween? Don’t despair—simply wash and dry the outer shell, then apply a small amount of Vaseline to the outside of the pumpkin, and wipe off. Conversely, use cooking oil if you plan to reuse the pumpkins a third time and make pumpkin pie or something edible out of them. That would be really Martha Stewart of you; even I would be impressed…
Pumpkin Accents Step 1: Gather succulents,
fresh flowers add a water soaked foam block or low glass Mason jar.
Step 2: Carve the top of
Step 5: Plant succulent or
Step 3: Remove top and push down inside seeds (do not remove)
Step 6: Cover dirt with moss (can be purchased at local craft store or flower shop)
Step 4: Spoon in a little potting soil (note: for
Step 7: Use as centerpiece or gift
ornamental cabbage or fresh flowers any size pumpkin
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place flowers
This creative gift for your guests is stunning and environmentally friendly. Hollow out small pumpkins and fill with potting soil, plant a small succulent, use as table decoration and a take away gift for your guests. When your guest brings it home, they can simply dig a small hole and bury the small pumpkin in their garden or planter box. The pumpkin will decompose and act as natural compost.
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Part two
The dangerous truth about
GMO'S By Todd Ulizio, Two Bear Farm
In
Biotechnology, our food system, and freedom of choice my previous article, I talked a bit about
the regulatory process for allowing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) into our food system, and some of the philosophical concerns with this application of the technology. As a consumer, the biggest concern is potential health risks due to ingesting GMO’s, and the ability of consumers to make informed choices about the food they buy and how it is grown. Many feel that the lack of labels is a violation of their freedom of choice. Whether GMO’s are scientifically proven to be safe to eat or not, consumer advocates argue that Americans have a right to know what’s in
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As an organic farmer, there are even more complex issues at stake. The most important one is the contamination of organic crops by pollen from GMO crops. At this point in time, GMO crops include field corn, sweet corn, soy, canola, sugar beets, cotton, alfalfa, potatoes, and apples. However, the concern is that this list is going to continue to grow each year to encompass more and more of our basic food crops. The issue with contamination by GMO pollen is that there really is no way to prevent it. Timing of planting, or buffer zones have been mentioned, but the reality is the presence of GMO crops on the landscape threatens the ability of farmers to be able to grown non-GMO or organic crops. In turn, these crops thereby threaten a farmer’s freedom of choice to grow the crops they choose to grow. Despite what you hear in the news, there is no scientific consensus on the safety of GMO foods at this point in time, and it seems that the technology is being rammed down our throats rather than chosen by consumers
for positive reasons. Frankly, there are many good reasons for ridding our food system of GMO’s, whether we’re talking human health risks, seed contamination through unwanted pollen spread, increased herbicide residue on food, corporate control of our food, monoculture agriculture, or farmer freedom. Biotechnology is a huge industry, and GMO’s are just the latest way to earn a profit. Today it’s herbicide resistance; tomorrow it will be gene silencing. Despite all the issues specific to GMO’s mentioned above, the deeper issue is that this technology is just another step in in the wrong direction for building a healthy and sustainable food system. Corporations do what corporations do, and we as consumers can only hope to influence their actions through our purchasing choices. Despite the overwhelming presence of GMO’s in processed foods, responsible sources for good, healthy, nutritious food do exist. Unfortunately it’s not the norm, but you can find it if you make sourcing good food a priority in your life. And that really is
The issue with contamination by GMO pollen is that there really is no way to prevent it. Timing of planting, or buffer zones have been mentioned, but the reality is the presence of GMO crops on the landscape threatens the ability of farmers to be able to grown non-GMO or organic crops. In turn, these crops thereby threaten a farmer’s freedom of choice to grow the crops they choose to grow.
the white elephant sitting in the room. No matter how our food is grown, or how much information we have about it, at the end of the day there are those who make eating healthy a priority and those who do not. The reasons for this behavior are many and complex. Polls suggest that 80% of Americans want GMO’s labeled, which suggests that they would avoid purchasing GMO products. Yet, we already know that 80% of processed foods contain them, and that 70% of the American diet now consists of processed foods. So, the numbers don’t add up. What this indicates is that even though most of us say we don’t want to eat GMO’s, most of us then go out and buy food that we know probably has GMO’s in it. I would hazard to guess that even if labels were present, most people would still buy these foods citing other priorities such as cost, convenience, instant gratification, time and energy constraints, or simply apathy. If you want to make good choices about food, you have the power to do that right now, no further research required. GMO’s or no GMO’s in our food
system, labels or no labels, I can tell you one thing. If you eat Certified Organic food or Non-GMO Verified foods (both of which are labeled) you can avoid GMO’s in your life if that is important to you. And if you can grow some of your own food or support a small local farm that uses sustainable practices, even better. If you are not happy with corporate control of the food system, then don’t buy your food from corporations. If you aren’t happy with methods used by industrial farming, then don’t buy products with ingredients derived from industrial farms. As Americans, we celebrate our freedom of choice. But I think it’s important for us to understand how our choices affect the world around us. Buying food based on price affects far more than simply our wallets, and as co-inhabitants of this planet, we should care about what those other affects are. Every dollar you spend on food flows through the food system and either supports or opposes how that food was produced. If you want a world without GMO’s in it, don’t just complain about Monsanto and the other biotech companies, stop buying their products and eat organic food.
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Recipe for Success
Baking Buttermilk Biscuits By Denise Lang Photos by Lucy Williams
with
Solomon Hicks
Sometimes life brings you full circle to a place you have been before just to show you how much you have grown.
I love the way my life always comes full circle. My clients continue to delight me with their energy and the talent that they bring to the Flathead Valley and it just keeps getting better all the time! Isn’t that a Beatles song? As you know, with me there is always an element of food, so this article is all about talent, coming full circle and biscuits! You may remember my very first “Recipe for Success” article with David Feffer. David and his wife, Judy, are the energy and force behind the Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival in Bigfork. We return to David and Judy’s home where, this year, they hosted 10 musicians from the Festival. One of them was Solomon Hicks, a young and talented musician from West Harlem. Solomon is a musical prodigy and if any of you were lucky enough to hear him at the festival, you will surely agree. Solomon embodies a true recipe for success… both literal and metaphorical.
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On this beautiful Montana September morning, we all got together at David’s house for a breakfast of Holly’s Buttermilk Biscuits, bacon and eggs. Just a good ‘ole country breakfast and Solomon’s favorite. “I love this breakfast. It reminds me of Christmas morning when my mom would make this for me,” reminisces Solomon.
What I didn’t realize is that Solomon’s mother, Holly Hicks, is a strong force behind his music career, as well as his manager, or “momager” as she calls herself. Holly realized her son’s musical talent at an early age and began nurturing and schooling him in the art form, setting him on his path to success.
“I saw his talent as a force of nature and I wanted to teach him about music and the freedom of expression that it allows.” says Holly. “I also wanted him to realize and learn about the culture of music and the peoples’ struggle that it reflects.”
She taught him about jazz, blues, rock and gospel. A young boy is a hungry student, so she also taught him about nutrition and sustenance, so he could wisely choose his own path, both artistically and physically. Holly says, and I heartily agree, “Eating is an art in itself and an expression of our many cultures. I wanted Solomon to smell and taste different foods and understand the reasons and stories behind the meal.”
As with all wise parents, (and I consider myself one of those), we stand back and let our children make their choices. Solomon’s choices have put him on the road to success. He has made three albums (the first was produced by the Cotton Club All Stars when he was 13). His most recent is “The Blues Live and Electrified,” and he and his “Band of Brothers” are set to open for the rock band Kiss in Jamaica this fall. He clearly exemplifies his moniker, “King Solomon.” Now 20 years old, Solomon describes himself as “A blues musician with a jazz mind.” A combination of energy, theory and talent, Solomon has been dazzling listeners from the modern Cot-
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Recipe for Success
I wanted Solomon to smell and taste different foods and understand the reasons and stories behind the meal.
ton Club to top blues and jazz nightspots to venerable churches, and the fabled Apollo Theater where he first played at age 13. Montana has been lucky to enjoy Solomon’s energy and talent for two years in a row at the “Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival.”
But back to talent, full circle and biscuits! What brings a young, vibrant musical prodigy back? Solomon says it best. “It’s quiet, peaceful and it smells so good! There are no buildings, no noise-just trees, sky, mountain and animals. It makes me happy and Montana gives me something else to talk about in my music.” At that profound thought, the biscuits were ready and we sat down to breakfast together.
About Solomon Hicks:
Solomon Hicks got his start performing at Harlem’s historic New Amsterdam Musical Association (NAMA) and on Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. Known to his fans as “King Solomon” and “Lil BB,” he has been playing guitar for more than 13 years and excels at a number of styles ranging from Jazz, Blues, Classical, Gospel, R&B, Funk and Classic Rock.
Holly’s Buttermilk Biscuits This recipe makes a very tender dough. Use chilled shortening and liquids. 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons lard or butter ¾ cup buttermilk 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon baking soda 1. Cut the shortening into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender until the mixture is the consistency of coarse cornmeal. 2. Make a well into the center and pour in the buttermilk. 3. Stir cautiously until the dough is fairly free from the sides of the bowl. 4. Turn onto a floured board and knead for about 30 seconds
5. Roll with lightly floured rolling pin until the dough is about ½ to ¾ inch thick. 6. Cut the dough with a biscuit cutter. 7. Brush the tops with milk or melted butter. 8. Bake at 450 degrees until done (about 12 minutes). Serve with butter and your favorite jelly or jam. Solomon likes raspberry preserves!
Montana gives me something else to talk about in my music.
He studied at Harlem’s School of the Arts and the Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts and has attended Jazzmobile and Barry Harris’s Bebop Workshops. Solomon has three albums, the most recent, “The Blues, Live and Electrified” and has performed at the United Nations, the Apollo Theatre, the 2009 US Open and Madison Square Garden. This fall, Solomon and his “Band of Brothers” will open for the rock band Kiss in Jamaica.
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The RareWine Refugee Written by Karen Sanderson, Brix Bottleshop
Picture two handsome, chiseled men wearing Brooks Brothers suits sipping Bordeaux at the finest restaurants in Paris. They are well-travelled successful businessman in real estate, shipping and the wine business. These brothers, Karim and Sandro Saadé, appear to live the life of luxury. Despite the grand allure of expat life, however, nothing could please them more than to travel back to their homeland. The Saadé brothers are Syrian refugees and have not been to their home in Qardaha, Syria since 2011. How is it possible that these wealthy men are refugees, you may wonder? After all, the media only shows us images of refugees wearing rags, crawling under wired fences and eating scraps of bread, not French delicacies. Believe it or not, a large number of the Syrian people seeking asylum are educated, hard working middle class families. Due to the current conflict in a land they’ve known since childhood, they are refugees. DidDid you Job’sbiological biological father was youknow know Steve Steve Job’s father was Syrian? Syrian? Abdulfattah Jandali a politically Abdulfattah "John""John" Jandali was was a politically active active economist sought asylum USescaping after economist whowho sought asylum in thein USthe after escaping an uprising in theHe 1950’s. an uprising in the 1950’s. fell in He lovefell withina love Swiss/ with a Swiss/German student at the Universitywhile of German student at the University of Wisconsin Wisconsin while working on doctorate. Her working on his doctorate. Herhis father was so opposed father was so opposed marrying she to her marrying John; to sheher decided to findJohn; an adoptive decided adoptive for their baby in hometo forfind theiran baby in San home Francisco. That family was SanPaul Francisco. That family was Paul And Clara Jobs. And Clara Jobs.
the lower middle of all worldwide countries. (www.travelandleisure.com/articles/sizing-up-syria)
The Saadé family is Greek Orthodox Christian, with roots in the ancient coastal city of Lattakia and Lebanon. They can trace their mercantile roots all the way back to the 18th century. Despite the current war, the Saadé brothers still manage their vineyard in Syria from Beirut, Lebanon. Crossing the border to Syria is no longer an option, but they can still communicate Karim (41) and Sandro Saadé (38), are two brothers with their loyal workers who have braved the occasional who operate the “world’s most dangerous vineyard,” mortar blasts to care for the property. Chateau Bargylus. Although the country has a rich history of making wine, Bargylus is currently the only operational vineyard in Syria. In 2003, the Saadé The brothers usually rely on 35 local workers, paid in family revived the vineyard located just outside of dollars since the Syrian pound has devalued so terribly. Damascus. “But wait,” you ask? “They can drink “These are Muslim, Alawite and Christian families; a alcohol in this Islamic country?” Yes. Syria has had little bit of everybody. The people who work at Bargylus a long history of conflict, but up until 2011, they were are obviously open-minded and have no issues with on the verge of becoming a “modern secular Muslim that. It’s not so rare. Most people want to live like they country,” like Turkey. In fact, their GDP had risen did before the war, and day to day activities continue as from 400 to 2000 in only 2 years, which put them in best they can,” said Karim.
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Stephane Derenoncourt is the family’s consulting winemaker and is known for his high profile work in Bordeaux and Napa. Domaine de Bargylus was a project aiming to revive a Syrian vineyard that dated back to the time of the Canaanites, ancient Greeks and Romans. It is located in Mount Bargylus, a picturesque mountain range that was once covered with vineyards and olive groves. Chateau Bargylus is comprised of 50 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot for red wines and Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay for the whites. Previous vintages of this highly sought after wine can be found on the most prestigious wine lists throughout Paris, London, and Hong Kong.
A Promising Future in Lebanon
So where are those winemakers now? The Saadé brothers are currently living in Beirut and have established another winery nearby, Chateau Marsyas. Saadé says that only a small segment of Syria's predominately Muslim population drinks alcohol, compared to more liberal Lebanon, where wine consumption has been rising since the end of the civil
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war in 1991. "Wine is now picking up in an amazing way," said Dr. Elie Karam, Professor of Psychology at St. George University in Beirut, who has researched drinking behavior among Lebanese people. "This has coincided with people coming back to Lebanon from having been exposed to tasting good wine. Before it was mostly two or three wineries." "Drinking has always been tolerated in Lebanon. The Christians drink more, but both Muslims and Christians drink here now," said Michael Karam. In 1990, Chateau Musar was exporting 95 percent of their stock abroad. Today, their overall business has grown, but exports have fallen to 80%, while 20% of their production is bought locally.
The fine wines of Chateau Musar, Lebanon
Located in an 18th century castle in Ghazir, Chateau Musar is about 15 miles north of Beirut and the actual vineyards are another 30 miles east in the Bekaa Valley. The fertile soils of the Valley support wheat, corn, cotton, vineyards, and a fair share of hashish and opium poppies. Founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, the winery has been run by his two sons since 1959. The violent history of this region has not been easy for winemaking. As the family worked to build the vineyards and create wine, they were also close to the frontline of civil war in Lebanon. Through the harvest of 1983, Serge Hochar was smuggled in by a small boat just to make the wine. The 1980s were a volatile time for the region and the castle took several direct hits from shelling. At one point the cellars were also used as bomb shelters for locals. Luckily, the winery, and the people survived.
Next time you’re at Brix, check out these fine wines in our new Middle Eastern wine section:
Tikves Rkaciteli, Macedonia, $10.49
The delightful nose produces scents of orange blossom, jasmine, white peach and apples. On its palate, look for pineapple, fennel, papaya, and apricot. Pronounced "rock-zeetaly," this grape originated in Georgia and is one of the oldest known varieties.
Chateau Musar Red, Lebanon, $22.49 A blend of Cinsault (50%), Syrah (35%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) from organically certified vineyards. This wine has a deep scarlet color. It has a beguiling smoky nose of black fruits, concentrated blackberry and mulberry notes. Pure black and red cherry fruit and a juicy, fresh acidity – this wine is well balanced with soft tannins. Diren Okuzgozu, Turkey, $16.99 Ruby-violet in color, this wine has aromas of cherry, cola and almond blossom. Smooth and bright on the palate, with soft tannins, shades of cherry, menthol and smoked meat bring nuance to the finish. Vini Pinot Noir, Hungary, $9.99 This is an amazing deal for a pinot noir. Vini is medium bodied and full of lush cherry fruit. Karasi Zorah Armeni Noir, Armenia, $43.99 Aged in traditional clay amphora, just as they did centuries ago. The smoky, silky elegance, soft mulberry-like fruit and wild earth notes are part of the wine’s appeal. It’s first vintage was from a new wine making project near the Areni-1 cave, where archeologists discovered the world’s oldest winery, dating back 6,100 years.
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“Overboard!” By Kristen Pulsifer
I have learned that school, of any kind, and at any grade, can be similar to a slow boat ride into a massive, spinning tornado. Everything starts out smooth. You step into your beautiful boat with all you need- a life jacket, snacks, drinks, towels, and then… the storm hits! Life jackets are strapped on tight, but then straps are twisted, and snacks are swished over board, leaving you hungry, thirsty. Then, the towels go. You are left wet and cold. Water actually splashes into your eyes, coating them, leaving you blinded and confused! This is a semester at school. Students walk into school all organized, with new colorful notebooks that have dividers and pretty sparkly pencils latched inside by a decorative pencil bag. Kids are smiling, backpacks look new and have zippers that work! Then, the first set of tests hit and notes are gathered for studying, but then put away in, yes, the wrong section of the notebook, never to be found again, not even for finals. And then final exams… and that’s the storm. The final test that is worth 20% of your grade or even more has come! The students cannot find the notes. They don’t think to look for their science notes in their English section, so they are never found and panic sets in. Notebooks are thrown, pencils are snapped and a student has had it! They become stressed and then sick, and are ever so lucky if they can just pass that last exam.
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Now, I realize that it’s not this way with every student. Some approach test time and their equipment still looks good, and is still safely on board, and the exams or projects are met with preparedness; but, this unfortunately does not happen with everyone. Fortunately another day is in sight, through that massive funneling storm, and there is a chance for a fresh start, a better grade next time, and maybe, yes maybe even a new back pack or notebook. So, what can you do to ensure that this second chance… a new day… is a better one? Well, let’s see-
GOALS – It is always good to have a goal and know where you or your student wants to be at the end of a quarter or a semester. Maybe your goals are not grade related. That’s great! But what are they and where is it that you want your boat to take you? Maybe you want to simply be more organized so when you reach next semester finals, you are in good shape for the test. And, because you have become more organized, your current grade is solid and does not weigh so heavily on that last exam or project. Organization is important and leaves all of us feeling more prepared for each school day and what it brings. GRADES – If a better grade is what students seek, what does the student think they need to do to get there? If they are overwhelmed and cannot figure this out on their own, make sure students talk to either their teachers or a tutor and asks them to set reasonable goals for their ability levels. There is nothing more frustrating then trying to achieve a grade, and then setting a goal that may simply not be reasonable for a student and their ability level.
PARENTS- If parents are more concerned than their students, then don’t be afraid to ask for help. School, and school work, is extremely stressful in the home and sometimes it is nice to simply have an outside resource to help you and your child/student figure out how to make school a more positive and successful experience. Many of the families that come to my study center, come for just that. Discussions about school create conflict at home, so finding an outside resource to buffer interactions with teachers and kids can be helpful and relieving. RELAX – Students and parents…. Remember to relax. Stress adds an additional negative element to all of this that will only succeed in making things worse. I know it’s quite difficult for everyone to be calm when we only want what is best for either ourselves or our kids. Make sure to look at other factors outside of school and academics that may be disturbing a student’s ability to study and progress. Look at eating habits, social lives, work areas and home lives. Are students getting enough free time and exercise? Are things at school, outside of academics, stressful? Take time to calmly sit down and look at all factors that contribute to the day to day. Know that no matter what, progress can be made. Even if a storm hits, and all supplies are lost, we can all do things to make the storm less tumultuous, especially if we can work with available resources and people that are able to help.
Judy Collins
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Definitely Angel in Her Interviewed by Miriam Singer
I have to congratulate my partner John Simpson of Singer and Simpson Productions for having the good sense to book Judy Collins to come warm our spirits for two nights in November. Judy Collins won a Grammy in 1968 for Joni Mitchell’s song Both Sides Now. Her 1967 album Wildflowers has been entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame. I interviewed Judy on Friday, September 18th, the
same day as the release of her new studio recording Strangers Again. I thanked Judy for taking the time to talk with me, and she told me it was her pleasure. The first question I wanted to ask, after looking at her busy performance schedule was, “How do you do it?” It seemed to me that such an intense schedule, for a woman of 76, required the discipline of a yogi. So, her matter of fact answer surprised me, “I read, I do work, I have lunch. I get my food together when I leave the house. I do meditate quite often. I catnap. I can fall asleep almost anywhere.” She told me, “I think it’s the lifestyle, and the whole gestalt. I’ve been doing this kind of thing since 1959, 120 shows a year, many of them one-night stands. I exercise. I don’t eat any junk. I don’t eat any sugar, grains. We had a party here today because the album just came out, and I got a wonderful chocolate cake, but I didn’t have any because I don’t do that.” I wanted to know if she works on her voice every day. And she said that she did, that it takes practice to keep the skill up. “I always practice at my shows, and that keeps the edge on it.” She spoke with adoration and respect about her voice teacher of 32 years. I asked if she studied classical technique and she replied, “Singing is singing is singing.” She was trained to be a classical pianist, making her debut at the age of 13. She plays piano every day and starts by warming up with scales and Hannon before playing any songs. Judy Collins lit up when I asked her about her new release and the artists who worked with her on it. She told me, “It’s called, Strangers Again. I started working on this last year. I started because I’m doing concerts with this wonderful young singer/ songwriter named Ari Hest. He’s been on a number of my shows. I looked around at his discography and found a song called Strangers Again. It’s an amazing song. He wrote it a long time ago with another songwriter. Well, I said, I have to do that song. Why don’t I get a bunch of other guys who are really famous, because he’s not yet as famous as he should be, and surround him with great songs by me and other singers. Then I started calling my friends. Of course, I was working with Don. I asked him what would you do if you were going to do a song with me? He said, ‘Maybe you’re gonna laugh, but I would do ‘Send in the Clowns.’ ‘I’m not laughing,’ I told him.
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I called Jimmy Buffet. I had never met Jimmy Buffet, which is weird, and he said 'I’ll tell you what I would sing, I’ve always wanted to sing Someday Soon with you.' I called Jeff Bridges next and Jeff was wonderful. I said I hoped he’d want to sing Crazyheart with me. And he said No; 'I want to sing that song from Candide, Make Our Garden Grow.' Everybody I talked to was not only eager, but very excited to do it. Sometimes I would make a suggestion. For example with Willie Nelson, I found an old song by Dave Carter who died in 2004 called When I Go. Somebody sent this song to me, and I fell in love with it and started playing it on the piano and singing it.” I noticed that you’re performing with Don McClean. Who else do you plan to tour with? “It depends, I have a big UK tour coming up with Ari Hest and Rachel Sage will be a on a few of those dates.”
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"If you’re lucky
enough to do what you want and be an artist so that you’re always working, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t always be getting better and taking chances and doing risky things and moving along.”
Will you tour with Stephen Stills? “That’s a dream.” And will you tour with other artists on your recording? “Yes, indeed. That’s an adventure in itself.” I’ve listened to Judy’s new recording and have to say my favorite song is the beautiful love song, Feels Like Home with Jackson Browne. The song was written by Randy Newman, which she heard for the first time sitting with Jimmy Webb and watching a performance of Newman’s musical Faust. She said they started poking each other saying, "Oh, what a great great song!" I love the cello on Send in the Clowns and Jeff Bridges did have a good idea with Make Our Garden Grow. The peppy cowboy country arrangement of Someday Soon with Jimmy Buffett is a hoot. What adds to my enjoyment is that in listening to the lyrics, the song is sung by a young woman. And Judy at 76 has no problem hamming it up. You gotta love this woman. There’s definitely angel in her. You made Leonard Cohen’s songs famous. I read that he encouraged you to write your own songs. “Yes. It was a great gift to me. I had never ever thought about it for a minute. You have all these incredible singer/songwriters just around the corner. I never wrote songs growing up. I wasn’t encouraged to do that in part because I was classically trained. It wasn’t part of what was going on around me I guess. I was singing songs by Woody and Pete, and then I found the singer songwriters in the Village. I just soaked that up. And then Leonard, he asked me that question. I just went home and did what he asked me to do. Next I’m going to do songs from his new albums. He’s never been better. It’s exciting, I tell you.” That’s inspiring. To feel like you’re getting better. Most people think that as we get older, it diminishes and we have to accept that. But we don’t. "If you’re lucky enough to do what you want and be an artist so that you’re always working, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t always be getting better and taking chances and doing risky things and moving along.” You have to keep going a lot longer. "Well I intend to." See you in November! "I look forward to it." Judy Collins is touring with her pianist. In addition to singing beautifully, she will also play the piano and guitar. She performs in Whitefish on November 14 and Bigfork on November 15. Visit http://SingerandSimpson.com for information and tickets, or call 406-730-2817.
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Local Bronze Artist
Rochelle Lombardi
Glacier Symphony & Chorale’s
“American Mix” S eason brings a variety of musical styles to the concert stage
By Marti Ebbert Kurth
Flutist Sooyun Kim will perform with the Glacier Symphony in November All in all it’s going to be a season filled with variety but not all the pieces will be easily recognized, says Music Director of GSC, John Zoltek. “We’ll explore some rarely performed American music that is equally reflective of our nation’s musical heritage. Some of the season highlights include the Gaelic Symphony by Amy Beach, one of American’s first important women composers and Christopher Rouse’s Flute Concerto, winner of a Pulitzer Prize.”
Also on the bill will be an intriguing performance by Tracy Silverman, performing on the six string electric violin in January, followed in March with an OnStage performance of the macabre Sondheim musical, Sweeney Todd, a collaboration of the Glacier Symphony and Chorale with the Alpine Theatre Project. The opening weekend concert "Gershwin and Nielsen" will feature the young Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Martinez. GSC Maestro, John Zoltek comments that when the piece premiered it confounded the audience. “Was It Jazz or Classical? That is the question many asked
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Focusing on the many great composers of America is the theme of Glacier Symphony and Chorale’s 33rd concert season. The “American Mix” masterworks series will highlight such well-known composers as Leonard Bernstein with his Overture to Candide, Aaron Copland’s 4 Dance Episodes from Rodeo and the rarely heard Piano Concerto in F by George Gershwin.
after hearing the premier of George Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F given in 1933. The popular composer of Rhapsody in Blue, Porgy and Bess, and a string of popular hits and Broadway musicals had composed a “proper” classical concerto, one, unlike Rhapsody in Blue, was written and orchestrated by Gershwin himself and followed the traditional concerto form...” Ms. Martinez is a versatile, daring and insightful performer who garners accolades for her lyricism, interpretations, and elegant stage presence on both national and international stages. She began her piano studies in Caracas with her mother Alicia Gaggioni, making her orchestral debut at age seven. She attended The Juilliard School earning Bachelor and Master of Music degrees as a full scholarship student. Her many awards include a First Prize of the Anton G. Rubinstein International Piano Competition and semifinalist at the 12th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. An artist equally at home with both established and contemporary repertoire, she has performed throughout the United States as well as in Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Ger-
many, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, and Venezuela. As a soloist, she has played with numerous distinguished orchestras and conductors. The concert will be completed with Carl Nielsen’s Symphony No. 4, “Inextinguishable” and Bernstein’s Overture to Candide. Opening night is Sat. Oct. 24 at 7:30 pm and continues on Sun. Oct. 25 at 3 pm at Flathead High Performance Hall in Kalispell. “A Heritage of Song,” will be the Glacier Chorale’s season debut conducted by Micah Hunter. The concert reflects the variety of musical influences and the tendency toward self-reliance and innovation that characterize much of our American Heritage. Works by Psalter, Beach, Barber, Copland and many more composers will be featured. Concerts are Sat. Nov. 7, 7:30 pm at Whitefish Performing Arts Center and Sun. Nov. 8 at 3 pm in Flathead High Performance Hall. Also in November will be “Grand Canyon Suite,” a performance featuring the Glacier Symphony with up-and-coming young flutist, Sooyun Kim
music} in Christopher Rouse’s evocative work Flute Concerto. The repertoire also includes Charles Griffes’ The White Peacock and Ferde Grofe’s signature work, Grand Canyon Suite. Both concerts will be held at Flathead High Performance Hall on Sat. Nov. 22 at 7:30 pm and 3 pm on Sun. Nov. 23. In December brings the full Glacier Chorale and the Glacier chamber orchestra to perform “Messiah” Handel’s beloved masterpiece in three venues in Bigfork, Whitefish and Kalispell. Concerts will be Fri. Dec. 11 at 7:30 pm in Bigfork at St. John II Catholic Church; Sat. Dec. 12 at 7:30 pm in the Whitefish Performing Arts Center and Sun. Dec. 13 at 3 pm at Flathead High Performance Hall, Kalispell.
2016 Concerts: A decidedly different symphonic mix opens
Pianist Gabriela Martinez
the New Year on January 23 & 24. “Electric Strings–Rodeo Pops,” features the Glacier Symphony with Grammy-Award winning electric violinist, Tracy Silverman. He will perform his original work Between the Kiss and the Chaos. Copland’s 4 Dance Episodes from Rodeo will complete the roster. Concerts will be Sat. Jan. 23 at 7:30 pm at Whitefish Performing Arts Centers and Sun. Jan. 24 at 3:00 pm at Flathead High Performance Hall, Kalispell.
In February the “Rach 1 and Gaelic Symphony” brings Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with pianist Stanislav Khristenko to the stage. Also in the repertoire will be Barber’s Adagio for Strings and Amy Beach’s Gaelic Symphony. Both concerts will be held at Flathead High Performance Hall, Sat. Feb. 20 at 7:30 pm and Sun. Feb. 21 at 3:00 pm. On March 11, 12 and 13, The GSC will revisit its successful On Stage! collaboration with Alpine Theatre Project in a presentation of the Stephen Sondheim masterpiece, “Sweeney Todd.” The American Mix season concludes on April 30-May 1, with “Master Cellist and Ravel” two performances with cellist, Robert deMaine, principal cellist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Repertoire includes Herbert’s Cello Concerto No. 2, Korngold’s Cello Concerto in C and Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe Suites. Both concerts will be held at Flathead High Performance Hall, Sat. Apr. 30 at 7:30 pm and Sun. May 1 at 3:00 pm. A ticket discount is offered to new subscribers called First Timers - Half Off that provides tier two level seating. Single tickets for concerts are available on the website www. gscmusic.org. For information call the GSC 407-7000 GSC box office, located at 69 N. Main St. in Kalispell.