406 Woman Vol 8. No 6. by 406 Woman

www.McGoughandCo.com

131 Central Avenue Whitefish, MT 59937 406-862-9199 800-862-9199

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

406contents Design 20. Bestow & Tablescaping Beautiful Brunch 24. Patio Furniture 28. The Art of Home Staging 30. Designer Must Haves

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love

...20

34. Koya & Steffan 38. John & Kristen

food & flavor 42. The Perfect Gift Baskets

Real Estate 46. Bigfork Landing

Music~Arts

54. Big City Cabaret Comes to Bigfork and Whitefish

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Cover Girl

publisher

Cindy Gerrity

cindy@montanasky.net

business manager Daley McDaniel

daley@montanasky.net

executive editor

Kristen Hamilton

kristen@hamitupstrategies.com

director & design Sara Joy Pinnell

sara@mrsandmrpublishing.com

Erica Terrell

Erica came to Whitefish from Texas back in 2003 with a desire to see what life would be like in a mountain community. Turns it was everything she hoped for and more. She's worked for Glacier Restaurant Group for nearly 10 years as Director of Marketing, and she serves as Chairman of the Whitefish CVB. When not immersed in the worlds of marketing or tourism, she and her husband, Chris soak up everything Montana has to offer. Whether it be skiing, golfing, boating, hiking with her Weimaraner, Luka or just hanging with friends, everyday is a new adventure. photo by:

Amanda Wilson Photography

www.amandawilsonphotos.com afwphotography@me.com

Business Girl

photographers

Amanda Wilson Photography Daley McDaniel Photography Alisia Dawn Photography Brenda Ahearn Photography Taylor Brooke Photography Lucy Williams Camp-n-Cottage Sonja Burgard Scott Wilson Photography Simply Bri Photography Jennifer Mooney Photography Kendra Wainscott Studios Be Still Photography by Molly M. Claridge

View current and past issues of 406 Woman at

w w w . 4 0 6 W o m a n . c o m

Brandy Hinzman

Brandy is the Commander of Detectives at the Flathead County Sheriff’s Department. She’s a real life “Police Woman” that came up through the ranks in law enforcement by starting out as a volunteer officer learning the ropes.

Dedicated to her job, Read her full story in our Business Feature.

community and most importantly family.

photo by:

Be Still Photography by Molly M. Claridge www.bestillphotographymt.com

Want to know about great events, open houses, and more? Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/406 Woman 406 Woman is distributed in Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Missoula, Whitefish and every point in between. Check out www.406woman.com for our full distribution list. Have a great story idea or know someone that we should feature? Email us with your comments & suggestions. Interested in increasing your business and partnering with 406 Woman? Check out www.406woman.com.

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Checking In

w o m a n

I’ve been told I look a lot like my mom – and I can tell you I see her occasionally when I look in the mirror and jump at the reflection. My mom was a stay-at-home mom and pretty much handled the day-to-day duties while my dad traveled for business. She kept the house, made the meals, carted us around to gymnastics and tennis lessons, and tried to keep the peace between the four girls in the household. When things didn’t stay peaceful, she dolled out the punishment. So, with Mother’s day just around the bend, I definitely pay tribute and appreciate my own mom and mom’s everywhere. But this isn’t about my mom. It’s about my dad, the cheerleader in our household. After interviewing both Brandy Hinzman (our Business Feature) and Steve Dunfee (our 406 Man) for this issue, I thought of cheerleaders in life that give us the support, encouragement, and love to tackle that next project, apply for that job, or make it through a trying time. My dad was that person for me. I lost my father a few years ago and think of him pretty much every day but especially when I need a “Go Kristen – you got this!” There are definitely friends and family who are always there for me that love and support me unconditionally but never as fiercely as my father. I know he made me a better person and gave me the ability to see the world in the best possible light always. He taught me to be a little gentler in this crazy world, to live life and experience every opportunity. I only hope that I’ve shown my own kids the same and they think of me as their cheerleader – everyone need’s one! Daddy, thanks for being my hero, chauffeur, financial support, listener, life mentor, friend, guardian and simply be there every time I need a hug. —Agatha Stephanie Lin I encourage you to be the CHEERLEADER in someone’s life!

Happy Spring, Kristen

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What you’ll find in this issue Great ideas for setting up a beautiful Brunch with Bestow in our Tablescaping feature in this issue on page 20. All about Flathead Care’s Summer Leadership Kids Camp in Kari Gabriel & Will Tedrow’s story in our Business & Health section on page 52. Love and Money – Yes! CrisMarie Campbell and Susan Clarke share the 5 Keys to How Couples in Business Thrive in Montana on their story on page 24 in our Business & Health section.

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Our Talented 406

Meet

Nancy Kimball…

contributors C. Claude Basler, D.C.

Family chiropractor, allowing you to express your true potential

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.

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’

Jen Euell

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

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

Kelly O’Brien, Esq.

Business law specialist with Measure Law Office, P.C.

Kristen Pulsifer

Writer, editor and owner of Whitefish Study Center

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

Resides:

Columbia Falls, Montana

Notable Accomplishments:

Award-winning journalist, rescuer of stray critters

My workweek always includes:

Digging up the stories of the amazing people who work for and receive care from Kalispell Regional Healthcare

My favorite outdoor activity is:

Depending on the season – growing food and flowers, biking, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Every weekend you’ll find me trying to:

Strike a balance between time with friends, time to be quiet, getting active outdoors and singing

When out for a meal, I always look for this on the menu: A great Malbec

When it comes to food, I can’t live without: Steamed fresh veggies

Mary Wallace

When it comes to electronics, I can’t live without:

For full bios for our contributors, please visit www.406woman.com.

My bucket list includes doing this in the next year:

Mother of three and grandmother to two, is still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up..

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Profession:

Communications Coordinator, Kalispell Regional Healthcare

oman.com

My Bose Wave Visiting Austria

Copperleaf Chocolat company 239 Central Ave. Whitefish Mt. 406-862-9659

Things We Love Locally Made Artisan Chocolates, Luxurious Cashmere, Custom Sterling Silver Jewelry, Mary Frances Beaded Purses, Scarves, & Time Tested Books.

design}

Bestow Tablescaping

Beautiful Brunch

Written by Kristan Clark of Bestow Heart and Home Photographed by Camp-n-Cottage

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Spring brings an excitement and anticipation as if Mother Nature is in the kitchen whipping up a wonderful recipe for us. Blue skies with a few dark clouds folded in. A cup of rain and a dash of snow. No matter that it’s unpredictable, we are ready for a taste of spring!

oman.com

Like early spring, we’ve kept our spring tablescape simple and fresh. A monochromatic setting of greens and creams set the stage for a Beautiful Brunch. The centerpiece couldn’t be easier. A collection of cruets in all shapes and sizes line the table. (Little bud vases could give the same look). Shades of white flowers are popped into each one. Nature provides a delightful table runner of fresh green moss. It gives the appearance of a flowerbed right in the middle of the dining room! You may recognize one of our favorite tricks – wrapping paper layered atop a pale green cloth. Slightly ribbed, with an iridescent quality, the heavy paper brings depth without being overly showy. Crystal goblets anticipate a mimosa mix and sweet egg cups are at the ready for a brunch favorite. The buffet table echoes the tablescape theme with green garden finials and earthy serving pieces. The pretty green paper is the foundation for this spread with filmy cheesecloth layered on top for texture and interest. The botanical theme climbs up the walls, as beautiful canvas prints compliment the room. A special touch sits at each guest’s plate in the form of a place card. A vintage botanical print is framed with gorgeous paper and embellished with ribbon. Each guest will find beneath the flowery print a special note meant just for them. The same craft could be used in a variety of ways. For example, we show step-by-step instructions, using the craft as a menu card.

design}

menu card

Materials: Scissors, hole-punch, glue, ribbon, patterned cardstock, velum paper, pretty picture, calligraphy pen

Print a pretty picture with a 1 ½ inch border at the top Trim the picture, leaving the top border Cut a piece of patterned cardstock and glue on to the top border of the picture Cut a complimentary patterned cardstock about ½ inch bigger on three sides than your picture to create the matt for your picture. Cut a piece of velum paper 1 ½ inch longer than your picture Place your picture over the velum, leaving the extra velum at the top of the picture Fold the velum over onto the printed cardstock that was glued to the top of the picture Center your picture with the folded velum onto the cardstock matt, with no border at the top Hold the papers firmly in place and punch two holes about ½ inch apart through all the layers at the top of the project Thread the ends of the ribbon through each hole from the back of the picture to the front. Tie the ends of the ribbon together on the front of the project in a single knot or a bow

Write across the folded vellum top with the calligraphy pen if desired Lift the picture and write a special message on the velum paper

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design}

Moms

always know.

Be Inspired

The antique cruets used in our spring tablescape are part of a large collection that belonged to my husband’s mother, Ethelyn. She was blessed with two rambunctious boys, my husband Phil and his brother Dick. One day they were rough housing and broke one of the pretty cruets that lined her dining room windows. The industrious boys hectically went cruet shopping. Triumphantly racing home, they carefully placed their find in the vacant spot amongst the large collection before their mom arrived home. The doorknob turned and the clever boys were dismayed when the first thing Ethelyn noticed was the strange cruet nestled amongst her collection. Moms always know.

Bestow Heart and Home 217 Main Street Kalispell, MT 406-890-2000 www.bestowheartandhome.com

The Bestow venue is perfect for your special event.

Look for the “B” in Historic Downtown Kalispell

Call 406-890-2000 for reservations or visit www.bestowheartandhome.com for more information.

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Bringing The Indoors Out! patio furniture styles and materials By Wrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Furniture

Wrought Aluminum Swivel Rocker Ottoman

The unparalleled comfort of this swivel rocker outdoor lounge chair is as comfortable as it is durable with its thick extruded aluminum in a distinctive, two tone coloration of hand antiqued Mahogany and Natural. The architecturally inspired X back design is upholstered in a lush pillowtop Dream cushion that is customizable in over 100 Sunbrella fabrics.

Resin Wicker Sofa

Hand-crafted with our superior N-duraâ&#x201E;˘ Resin, this outdoor wicker furniture collection is available in exclusive Slate Grey, Weathered and Black Walnut finishes. Its rugged design will endure the years in style.

Teak Chaise

Featuring sculpted arms and curved back legs, this outdoor teak chaise lounge with wheels is made from the highest quality marine grade slow growth teak, mortise and tenon construction and a thick welted cushion.

Wrought Iron End Table

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This wrought iron end table features interlocking aluminum ovals and a superstone 5 layer composite table top. It makes a sophisticated and transitional statement in any outdoor room. Available in a Charcoal with Black Walnut Colored Top or Travertine Colored Top.

design}

Sling Armchair

This modern outdoor dining arm chair is crafted of ivory canvas mesh, stainless steel and sculpted teak with mortise and tenon construction.

Adirondack Log Glider

This timeless Adirondack style glider is made from Idaho white pine. It features extra wide arms, contoured seat and back and one inch thickness, making this chair strong and durable. Available in chair or glider style and multiple stain color options.

Fire Table

Enjoy the ambiance, warmth and fascination of fire with a premier gas fire table. All hand-crafted in the USA, they feature unique table top designs, distinct burner patterns and a variety of fire glass colors.

Mixed Materials Dining Chair

Delicate yet durable, this lightweight stackable collection features seats and backs hand-woven from 6mm resin wicker to conform to your body and a gracefully curved hand-welded aluminum frame.

-Product featured is available at Wright's FurnitureWright’s has a huge variety of patio furniture selections in various styles and materials. Wright’s varieties of product include: Deep seating and dining, Umbrellas, Fire tables, Rugs, Pillows etc. Varieties of materials include: Wrought Aluminum, Cast Aluminum, Resin Wicker, Teak, Shorea, Wrought Iron, Sling, Adirondack, Sunbrella fabric

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design}

The Art of Home Staging An interview with Emmy Award-winning television producer, David Stephen. How have you seen home staging benefit the homeowner? Does one need a professional designer? I think most people understand that staging a house increases the chance it will sell. But for me, staging a home means something completely different. I produce television shows that end with the “reveal” of a new or renovated home. Let’s face it, we all love to see a makeover . . . and this is a form of that. By the time a build or construction show ends, the audience has seen individuals and/or a family go through the trials and tribulations of construction and they want to see the end result in all its glory. It’s at that point in television production where a designer and home stager becomes important.

I want them to show the finished space in its best possible light and to show the homeowners the possibilities of how to design their new space which is a benefit to the homeowner. And usually at this point, the homeowners aren’t ready to buy all of their furniture at one time, but we need to show a finished home. It’s supremely important in our industry.

You’ve worked on numerous projects with shows such as HGTV. How authentic is home staging for television?

DAVID STEPHEN is an Emmy Award-winning senior-level television producer, showrunner, writer and field director currently living in New York City. He specializes in lifestyle and reality television, with more than 20 years in the industry. His clients have included HGTV, DIY Network, ABC, TLC, Food Network, Travel Channel, Great American Country, PBS, HDNet, RFD-TV, CNBC, Fine Living Network, and more.

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I believe there is a strong sense of authenticity in home staging for television. Designers take into account the owners, the “bones” of the structure, and the location of a home. For example, if a home is being staged in Montana, they might incorporate native elements of the region in the finished product—in this case perhaps antlers, animal prints, leather, repurposed wood, and steel . . . juxtaposed with luxurious elements like faux fur throws and cowhide ottomans, with a little sparkle in the form of a faux deer head with silver horns. They place furniture in just the right spot to show how livable and functional the space truly is. In the end, staging it as such, makes the bones—a sterile finished construction space—into a beautiful, livable and luxurious “home” where any viewer might want to live. It also gives viewers fresh ideas for decorating or staging their own homes.

What inspires you when you see a staged project?

I’m constantly inspired by staged projects and the designers who pull them together. I learn about design trends and tricks of the trade that make a home at once livable and beautiful, help it reach its full potential, and give a home it’s “lived in” and “homey” feel. A home really isn’t a home until it has been decorated.

design}

Designer Must Haves

A Q&A with SAGE principal designers, Jennifer and Colton

1. 2. 5.

What do you consider the top five must have items for a home? Art you cherish: Whether a flea market find or from the finest galleries Matching towels

The perfect, or perfectly imperfect, throw

An entry or hall table to collect the wares of the day

Accent Lighting

When space is limited, what should a homeowner ditch and what should they keep?

Never underestimate the power of less is more . . . except when it comes to fashion and throw pillows then always more, more, more!

When it comes to interior design, what are three must-haves for a greener home environment? Think outside in. Use sustainable materials, eco-friendly cleaning products, and things that can be found in the natural surroundings. I love stones, driftwood, and feathers to give rooms an organic element.

In the kitchen, what do you consider necessary to balance beauty with functionality?

Incorporate what you eat into your dĂŠcor with clear containers for dry goods like pasta, and a great bowl or vessel to hold fresh foods. A colored teapot is a perfect way to add beauty and personality.

For those who love fabulous coffee table books, what are your current top three picks? Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel The Sartorialist Street Fashion Series Undecorate: The No Rules Approach to Interior Design

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105 A Wisconsin Ave, Whitefish, MT | 406.862.2193 | www.sage-id.com

love} stories

Koya & Steffan July 18, 2015

“I knew that I was in love the moment he kissed me at the Fairbanks Airport.” Who are you?

Koya: My name is Koya Saviah Truax my maiden name is Olsen. I am a student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks studying Elementary Education. I was born and raised in Kalispell, Montana and graduated from Flathead High School in 2013. I moved to Fairbanks, Alaska two years ago.

Steffan: My name is Steffan Kyle Truax and I work

as a heavy equipment operator for the long haul division at Alaska West Express in Fairbanks, Alaska. My mom was a Blackhawk pilot in the army and that is what brought me to Alaska. I grew up in different spots around the country and even in South Korea for a few years. I graduated from Lathrop High School in Fairbanks in 2012. I plan on going to the police academy in Fairbanks within the next few years.

How did you meet?

We met through Steffan's brother Scott while I was still in Montana and Steffan was in Alaska. We began to talk on November 12, 2012 and began talking for hours over Facebook, texting, phone calls, and occasionally Skype. I found out about the amazing Elementary Education program and decided to move to Alaska for college. As soon as it was made official that I was going to move we began dating April 28, 2013. We officially met face to face in the Fairbanks Airport when I moved August 31, 2013. I'll never forget the butterflies I had when I walked with my friend Brooke Padgett (she is from Montana also and has lives in Alaska) down to the baggage claim. I'll never forget him walking up to me and grabbing me by the waist as he kissed me for the first time. We waited for that moment since we began talking.

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The Proposal?

Steffan proposed to me right before he was about to leave for a week to work in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. I was studying for a math test in the morning when he surprised me and asked me to marry him.

What is love? Koya: Love is when you put another's needs before

your own. It is always being supportive and sticking by each other's side even when times are tough. Love is making each other’s lives easier, and is never conditional. Love builds as time goes on. Waking up in the morning and feeling at like everything has fallen perfectly in place is when you know you’re in love.

Steffan:

Love is when you accept someone else for all that they are past and present. It is being excited to come home to that person, and they are there waiting for you. Love doing whatever it takes to make her happy. Such as driving two thousand miles from Alaska to Montana to help her finish moving her things, or even just to tell her that you are there and support her when she is frustrated with college homework. When you love someone, you’ll know it.

What do you love most about each other? Koya: What I love the most about Steffan is his sup-

port and his willingness to go out of his way to even help whoever may need it. I love that he is always standing by my side, even on my worst days. He is always there for me and supports me through all of my crazy ideas and most of the time he is right there along with me.

Steffan: Her eyes, because I think they the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I love that she accepts me at my best and my worst. I also love her cooking and that she always has a hot meal ready when I get home from a long day at work. I’ve loved everything about her since the moment I met her. When did you know you were in love? Koya: I knew that I was in love the moment kissed me at the Fairbanks Airport.

Steffan: When I saw her coming down the escalator at the airport. Fun facts

For our honeymoon we went on a cruise to the Caribbean with stops in Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Roatan Island, Honduras.

We were married at the Westmark Hotel in Fairbanks, Alaska. My mom, Angie Olsen with Angie's Greenhouse and Floral Design did our flowers. The photographer was Kelly Bouchard with Captured by Kelly Photography. Lindsay Foster did hair and makeup. Cakes by Susan Duhaime made cake. Best Man was Steffan's older brother Scott Truax, and the Maid of Honor was my older sister Candice Olsen. The other groomsmen were Christopher Coty, Michael Anagnostou, Wray Berry, and Cole Heuer. The bridesmaids were Amanda Jennum, Shaniya Carey, Alison Olsen, and Shelby Olsen. Our flower girls were Steffan's cousins Meghan and Katherine Mahoney.

love} stories

John &Kristen Ledyard Our friend,

Kristen the owner of Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Angels Catering, celebrated 10 years of marital bliss with her husband John in style last summer. We wanted to share some photos of this wonderful event. Congratulations Kristen & John!

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food}

The Perfect Gift: Baskets Written by Karen Sanderson, Brix Bottleshop

When it comes to buying gifts for friends, family, and coworkers, we often have moments of being stumped for ideas. Wouldn’t it be great if there were one thing that everybody would like? Something easy? Something that makes the receiver’s eyes light up with gratitude? There is! If there’s one that always makes people smile, it’s a gift basket. Not only does it contain at least one item they’ll get excited about, it also gives them a week’s worth of other items to enjoy. The added bonus is the container itself. A basket is a gift that keeps on giving. One thing you may not know about putting together a basket at Brix Bottleshop is that we encourage customers to bring in their own items. The more diverse, the better, we say!

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Below are our top 5 basket ideas for Spring: Holiday

Wine & Cheese Basket A bottle or two of wine, gourmet cheese, salami, and a box gourmet crackers gets this basket started. Add a cheese board, chocolate, wine glasses and an opener, and you’re all set. We wrap each basket in cellophane and tie a big bow at the top. Our ribbon colors are always in season, of course.

Beer Buckets

Know someone who loves craft beer? Brix has the largest selection of craft beer in the valley! Our store is full of imported labels that most people have never seen before. Add some gourmet foods, candy, or bottle openers, and you’ve got yourself a perfect little Father’s Day gift. Add a Rocky Mountain Outfitter’s tee or Kalispell Brewing growler, and your receiver will be over the moon.

Mother’s Day

Let me tell you, if there is one thing we’ve learned by running a wine store for four years is that moms LOVE wine. Now that Brix has moved to Main Street, we encourage customers to shop from our neighbors. Beckman’s, Sage & Cedar, and the Toggery have perfect gifts you can add to a basket. What would mom like more than a wine basket? A wine basket with jewelry from Wheeler’s, of course!

Graduation

Did you know that Brix carries unique sodas as well? If non-alcoholic is what you need, we’ve go that, too. Brix has a great selection of gourmet foods and Made in Montana goodies. Grads who are ready to embark on a journey far from home will love a basket full of huckleberry treasures.

food}baskets Bookworm Basket

Since Brix is next door to a bookstore, we couldn’t help but think of a book related basket. Bring the books over and we will add a pound of Brix special roast coffee beans, beer or wine, and some great reading snacks.

Real Estate Baskets

Title companies and real estate agents are frequent customers of Brix. When you need a thank you gift for your client, a gift basket is the perfect way to say, “welcome to your new home.”

Common Basket Themes Thank You Birthdays Anniversary Sympathy Hostess Gifts Congratulations Get Well Friendship Encouragement Just Because

Cheers!

Karen, Brix Bottleshop

real estate}

Bigfork Landing

By Denise Lang Photos by GravityShots

the perfect home in a perfect place! Bigfork is a whole bunch of things to a lot of different people. Sixteen years ago, when my husband John and I were looking to relocate our family from Colorado, we yearned for a small town atmosphere with friendly people and natural beauty. After quite a bit of research, we found Bigfork-- a community with a huge amount of heart, brains and beauty. Bigfork, to us, was a home on the Swan River with snowcapped Swan Mountain views. To others, Bigfork is rolling hills of cherry orchards, a home on Flathead Lake, living on a golf course, a cabin in the woods, an artsy village, or a property on one of the many rivers and creeks that flow in and out of the area. In Bigfork one can find young families who desire to raise their children in a small town, retired folks who enjoy the active recreational lifestyle, golfers who long for a challenge, and folks who appreciate good theater, good restaurants and local business.

Two years ago, Bigfork Landing came into my professional life. Here is a subdivision surrounded by mountain and Flathead Lake views and old

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growth ponderosa pines. It is a group of homes and building lots in a pretty place with space between each home. It encompasses the essence of Bigfork and provides an entry point into experiencing all the lifestyles that make Bigfork what it is. It is also the sign of the changing housing market. The development responds to a broad assortment of people who would like less density with a range of lot vantage points and home options. It has a wide net—seasonal homes, full-time homes, people who work in the village, younger, middle age and older folks. Even my son, who owns SakeToMe Sushi in Bigfork Village, lives at Bigfork Landing!

Situated at the North end of Flathead Lake, Bigfork Landing occupies 175 lots on 37 acres on the west half of the subdivision and 113 lots on 27 acres on the east half of the development. The whole area is dotted with walking paths, ponds, great landscaping and views, views, views! It’s within walking distance of Bigfork Village, Eagle Bend golf course, the Montana Athletic Club and Eagle Bend Yacht Harbor. There are options as well. Some lots have access to Flathead Lake while others offer an entrance to Eagle Bend golf course, via a gate, if the owner has a membership. Essentially, it’s the perfect home in a perfect place! But it wasn’t always so.

Platted in 2007 as two separate subdivisions, Ponderosa Boat Club and Mill Creek, the development fell right at the wrong time when the housing market took a deep downturn. Building was at a near standstill in the Flathead Valley and plans were put on hold for three years. That’s when Atlas Development Corporation of Alberta, Canada stepped in. Bob McKercher, VP of the company changed the layout and marketing of Bigfork Landing, combining both of the foreclosed properties into one development and renaming it Bigfork Landing. From then on, it’s been nothing but success. “We knew it was all about Bigfork,” says McKercher, “it seemed like a fantastic opportunity and to everyone’s benefit. We have both large family homes and more affordable homes. It’s a good mix.”

Michigan natives, Elizabeth Goldberg and her husband, built a home in Bigfork Landing and live there full time, after living seasonally in the Flathead for over 9 years. “We’re not in a position to move out into the woods,” Goldberg says, “I needed accessibility to everything and it is all here. We enjoy the landscaping and the mountain and lake views.”

"I needed accessibility to everything and it is all here and I love the views of the lake and mountains." Currently there are 89 residents in Bigfork Landing with 77 lots still available. Atlas Development has worked with several different local construction firms but anyone purchasing a lot is permitted to bring in their own builder. Currently home designs range from Craftsman and Cottage to Ranch style homes. Prices are from $35,000 for 0.08 acre lots up to $104,000 for a 0.925 acre lot. The average lot size is 0.2 acres. Street names like Wheatgrass Court, Mill Creek Drive, Old Sawyer Way and Doug Fir Circle exemplify the natural landscapes. With amenities galore, less density, proximity to services and lovely views in all directions, Bigfork Landing reflects a changing market with a focus on lifestyle, beauty and convenience.

To learn more about Bigfork Landing, visit www. BigforkLanding.com or www.DeniseLangRealEstate.com Drive by: From Highway 35, turn west onto Holt Drive. It's just past the Bigfork Post Office.

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music}

Big City Cabaret Comes to Bigfork and Whitefish! By Miriam Singer and John Simpson

Singer & Simpson Productions is excited to be welcoming the fabulous girl trio Duchess from New York City to entertain at two of the Valley’s best restaurants on April 23rd and 24th. Duchess sings and swings in three-part harmony with a lot of spunky fun in the spirit of the Boswell and Andrews Sisters. They will be performing at Schafer’s Restaurant at the top of Woods Bay in the Mountain Lake Lodge on Saturday, April 23rd, and at Whitefish Lake Golf Club Restaurant in Whitefish on Sunday, April 24th. Both restaurants offer elegant cocktails, delicious dinners, excellent service, fine wines and handcrafted desserts. Join us for an evening reminiscent of dinner and a show at a famous New York nightclub such as Café Carlyle or The Oak Room. “Three fine singers—Melissa Stylianou, Amy Cervini, and Hilary Gardner—join together in swinging harmony to whip up music that traffics in delight. Referencing vocal icons from Peggy Lee to the Boswell Sisters, this fresh-voiced triumvirate plays it straight from the heart.”– The New Yorker

The trio Duchess is made up of seasoned soloists. On Broadway, Hilary Gardner was the female vocalist, and Frank Sinatra’s duet partner, in Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away. Amy Cervini has her own showcase at 55 Bar in New York City. Her husband, arranger and producer Oded Lev-Ari created original arrangements for Duchess tailored to their

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voices. As for Melissa, Grammy-nominated pianist Fred Hersch said, “Melissa has it all – a gorgeous instrument, superb musicianship and great taste.” “Their warm, earthy harmonies hit you like Cupid’s arrow.” - ICON Magazine

Duchess brought the house down in New Orleans where they were invited to participate in a celebration of the Boswell Sisters where as Melissa put it, “They appreciated this tongue-in-cheek, slightly down-and-dirty thing we have going on.”

Their warmth is so down to earth, and their enjoyment of the music so full of lively fun that you might not notice how serious and accomplished they are. As one fellow musician said, “The audience doesn’t realize how difficult what you’re doing is. They’re having too good a time.” Duchess will be accompanied by Bill Anschell on piano and Michael Barnett on bass. Bassist Michael Barnett toured extensively with the late Pearl Bailey and Louie Bellson, He’s worked with the legendary Carmen McRae. For the last twenty-six years he’s played bass with the extraordinary pianist Peter Nero. In the

1990’s, Bill Anschell was Nnenna Freelon’s pianist, arranger and musical director. He’s played with a host of jazz greats including Ron Carter, Benny Golson and Russell Malone. Both Michael and Bill are based in Seattle.

“One word best describes Duchess – delightful!” - Joe Lang, Jersey Jazz

Duchess

Schafer’s Restaurant, Bigfork (406) 837-3463 Saturday, April 23rd, 8:00pm

Whitefish Lake Golf Club Restaurant, Whitefish (406) 862-5285 Sunday, April 24th, 7:30pm

Sponsored by Don “K” Subaru. Tickets for Duchess are available at SingerandSimpson.com or call (406) 730-2817. Ticket price does not include dinner. Many thanks to Don “K” Subaru, Subaru of America, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, Joel Pemberton of Edward Jones in Whitefish and the Daily Interlake.

Going to the Sun Gallery welcomes

Two New Artist We would like to welcome

Ritch Gaiti to the gallery.

He is nationally known for his oil paintings and is featured in magazines, galleries, and museums.

Glimmer of Light in the Distance

We also want to welcome

Norma Pfaff to the gallery.

She will be featured for Gallery Nights in June. You can come to the gallery from 6pm to 9pm on June 2nd to meet her and see her new pieces. Norma was born in MT and is now living in Idaho. She is an award winning artist that specializes in wildlife paintings.

Stepping Out

Wanna Play

406 contents featured 10. Brandy Hinzman A Real Life Policewoman 12. I Want Her Job Jakki Mohr

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Man

...34

14. Steve Dunfee Family Man

52. Kids Leadership Camp

business 20. Early Investment

24. Making Money with Your Honey

32. PowerHouse Montana

Legal

28. Power of Attorney

...56

giving back 58. A Great Day for Giving!

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profile 16. Dr. Gina Nelson

non-profit 22. Changed Lives Meet the Brown’s

56. Finding the Way Home

Health

18. Breathing Easy Crystal Romine 34. New Options for Treating Arthritis 38. Misconceptions in Skin Care Part II 42. Pilates A Tool for Cyclists 44. Infertility 46. Get on Board Sick Care ~ Health Care 48. It Can’t Get Any Better Than This ~ CEREC 50. Depression & Diabetes

View current and past issues of 406 Woman at w w w . 4 0 6 W o m a n . c o m

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Brandy Hinzman A Real Life “Policewoman”

By Kristen Hamilton Photo By Molly M. Claridge Prior to walking into the Flathead County Sheriff’s Department to meet with Brandy Hinzman, the Commander of Detectives, visions of Angie Dickenson flashed through my mind who in my opinion was the original "Police Woman" (from the 1970’s TV drama of the same name). Boy – I probably just really dated myself but in my defense, my dad really liked the show (and I suppose looking at Angie too). Well Brandy is definitely a strong and beautiful woman but that was about the only similarity. Let’s face it; Brandy is a real live policewoman – actually much more than that! What a pleasure getting to know her! Brandy grew up in the Flathead Valley and attended school in Whitefish. She went to college for a bit then married young and had two children. Things didn’t work out as planned and she headed back to the valley as a single mom looking for the next chapter in her life. Her dad had been a long time volunteer firefighter in Whitefish and she was interested in possibly becoming a paramedic. A friend suggested she look into becoming a reserve police officer in Columbia Falls. Describing herself as a “girlie girl”, she wasn’t sure that was the right path but decided to give it a try. She started doing some ride alongs with

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officers while she tested the waters. Although there are no longer reserve officers in Columbia Falls, at the time it was a great way to get a foot in the door as oftentimes reserve officers went on to get hired. Brandy claims she was pretty naïve and grew up quite sheltered to the crime that existed in the valley. After a family member became addicted to methamphetamine, her interest to become involved in law enforcement changed. She was motivated to help and was convinced this might be the path to do so. She noted that her family member is completely recovered and is doing well now. In 1999, she joined the Columbia Falls police department as an unpaid volunteer as a reserve officer. She had to purchase all of her own equipment and the training procedure was the same as a paid police officer. It paid off though as less than a year later, there was an opening for a paid position that she jumped at. The next step was the police academy for

12 weeks in Helena and although her children were still young, she knew she had to follow this new path. At the time (and still today) there are very few women in law enforcement but she credits Jeanne Parker, a deputy with the Sheriff ’s department (that started as a police officer in Columbia Falls) for being her mentor and encouraging her along the way. In 2007 she joined the Flathead County Sheriff’s Department and in 2012 became a Detective. In October of 2015, she was promoted to the Commander. She oversees six full time detectives, coroner clerk, and forensic investigator. Although the position is more administrative these days, she likes to stay involved in working the cases.

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Brandy Hinzman

There are so many areas to get involved in and women bring really unique skills to the table. “If you’re willing to pay your dues, it often pays off.”

I asked Brandy what was the biggest crime problem in the valley these days. “Drugs. Drugs are related to so many crimes and most of the population doesn’t understand the extend of the problem,” she said. According to Brandy, the drug problem is across the board. Theft and property crimes almost always relate to drugs. In many of the felonies the Sheriff’s Department deals with there seems to be a “direct correlation to drugs,” she added. Brandy noted that the most difficult thing to deal with in her field and personally is crimes against children. These crimes are particularly hard to “turn off ” at the end of the day. She’s even more emotional about it these days since she is now remarried with a two-year-old (that joined her now grown children). She’s trained as a Forensic Investigator who is on call (along with two other officers) to interview and protect children that are involved in a crime. They work with the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) to keep child victims safe. Currently, Brandy is also a Swat Negotiator. In the past she has been a School Resource Officer, Taser Instructor, Defense Tactical Instructor, and Field Training Officer. The best part of the job she said is that she knows she “is making a difference” and that her “hard work has paid off.” There are a variety

of tasks and duties in the job every day so it is always changing. The most difficult thing is “shutting it off ” and the “volume of the work is really busy. It’s really important to prioritize everything,” she added. Regardless she noted that she “sees the world in a different way now.” Even down to the choice of where she sits in a restaurant. She said she’s “hyperaware.” But her co-workers and the brotherhood (and sisterhood) of the force is awesome. To wind down, Brandy loves to spend time with her family and enjoy being outside. Whether in her backyard, in Glacier National Park, or exploring the rest of the state, she loves all activities including skiing, camping, fishing, and kayaking. Overall Brandy said that she has a great career that she loves. There are many long days and hours in a day but there are lots of rewards. She encourages women that are interested to look into a career in law enforcement. There are so many areas to get involved in and women bring really unique skills to the table. “If you’re willing to pay your dues, it often pays off.” Note – although there is no longer a reserve force in Columbia Falls, the Flathead County Sheriff ’s Department has a (volunteer reserve) Posse.

Thank you Brandy for keeping us safe!

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Jakki Mohr

I Want Her Job: Regents Professor

Jakki Mohr, The University of Montana

By Brianne Burrowes This article originally appeared on IWantHerJob.com.

Teaching and technology is what makes Regents Professor Jakki Mohr tick. A senior faculty member in The University of Montana School of Business Administration, she’s built her career on being at the forefront of marketing high tech products and services. In fact, she’s received international acclaim for her educational book also authored by Sanjit Sengupta and Stanley Slater, Marketing of High Technology Products and Innovations, which is currently in its third edition and used by universities around the world. Jakki’s awards stack high. She’s a national awardwinning researcher who has appeared in numerous marketing, management and retailing journals. In addition, she’s served as a guest teacher in universities spanning Switzerland and Finland to India and France; even teaching as a Fulbright Specialist at ORT University in Montevideo, Uruguay. You can also add the 2008 Outstanding Marketing Teacher Award and the 2005 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching “Montana Professor of the Year.” And her students agree on these accolades, deciding themselves to vote for her as the UM’s most Inspirational Teacher of the Year in 2002.

Currently, Jakki teaches anywhere between 80 and 120 students per semester, and focuses her

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research time on biomimicry — innovations inspired by nature, based on underlying biological mechanisms — to solve challenges in the tech and engineering fields.

What were you like as a college student? I grew up in Boise, Idaho and did my undergrad at Boise State University. When I graduated from college, I was in the paradoxical position of being one of the top 10 graduates at the university that year. I received a national award from the Wall Street Journal for being an outstanding business graduate, but the year I graduated, interest rates were at 14%, unemployment rates were skyrocketing and here I was, a top graduate, and I couldn’t find a job anywhere. It was devastating, but fortunately, I had decided that at some point in my future I wanted to get a Master’s degree.

So, rather than waitressing more tables or teaching swimming lessons another couple of years while looking for a job, I decided to go right on to graduate school.

Did you have an internship while you were in college? During my senior year, I had an internship at the Hewlett-Packard plant in Boise. It was the plant where they make laser printers. I worked at the purchasing desk there and my line-up of products was wires, if you can believe it! I focused on all sorts of wires used in the fabrication process.

I loved working at HP and loved the culture, but I didn’t get a job there after my internship because there were no open positions. However, I chose the graduate program at Colorado State University, where there were two HP plants, and had my heart set on working at HP with my Master’s degree. When I graduated from CSU, I reached out to one of our class speakers who lived in Silicon Valley and worked at HP. (In those days we didn’t have email, so I sent him a letter with my resume.) I got two offers from HP. One came from Silicon Valley in the Cupertino plant, which had 14,000 employees on site. The other came from the Fort Collins, Colorado office. Even though I loved the Rocky Mountains, I thought it would be such a unique opportunity to go into the heart of where the tech industry was happening. What was that experience like? I lived and worked in Silicon Valley for a period of time and although I liked it, I always felt a bit like a fish out of water — I viewed myself as this rural farm girl. And while I really liked California, it just wasn’t who I was in terms of displays of ownership. For a marketing person, you would think that’s kind of hypocritical! But, it just wasn’t who I was. I found my job interesting, but it wasn’t as intellectually challenging as I would have liked and I was very impatient. So, I went ahead and applied to a Ph.D. program, thinking more education would never hurt. Looking back, I think that no matter how great one thinks they are, they still have to

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Jakki Mohr

pay their dues. But after a very short amount of time, I left to pursue my Ph.D. I just loved teaching, academic research and the college environment. Now as a professor yourself, how do you organize your day and divide your time between teaching, research and other projects?

I divide my week into chunks. The first chunk is my teaching days. I teach two days a week, usually Tuesday and Thursday, and generally teach between three and six hours on those two days, depending on my course load. On these days, I get up around 6:30 a.m. for a run or walk. I believe that the key to happiness in life is being outdoors every day. Then I typically arrive at my office to get organized for my class day. “Organized” is a relative statement for me, because if anyone looks in my office, they would say it’s the epitome of disorganization. I call it planned spontaneity.

I have a loose structure and agenda because I’m driven by current events and gauging the mood of the students. If the students aren’t eager to be doing something, then I have to find a way to hook them into learning or I’m not being effective. So, I have a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C, which sounds crazy, but it does work, because you must be authentic in the classroom. Just as I gauge their interest, if I’m having a bad day, I know it’s okay to say to my students, “You guys, I’m having a bad day and today I’m just going to need you to humor me.” I find that if you’re authentic, people respond to you because it’s what they want. On my non-teaching days, which are typically Monday and Wednesday, I make a point to block out my mornings from about 9 a.m. until noon to work from home. These days are spent grading and evaluating student work or reading and doing research so I can stay topical in my discipline. Also, to stay credible in the classroom requires a certain amount of interaction with businesses. So I also spend these mornings making sure I have my fingers in the business community to maintain my credibility and relevance, because that’s hard to maintain. Then, I try to schedule the majority of my campus meetings on the afternoons these days. Again, getting university business done also is a people thing. It’s not like you send an email and magic happens. You cultivate relationships make sure people are informed, etc. I like playing a behind-the-scenes role where I’m cultivating and part of that work has been fundraising. I’ve raised the soft money for our sustainability certificate and our marketing analytics curriculum, so reaching out to donors is a sensitive and important part of my work. That leaves Friday, which is my day to focus on academic research. My work days are very long, and if we have recruiting, commencement or

advisory board meetings, then my workweek will go into the weekend as well. And I always have grading every Sunday before school starts. So, people who have this idealized notion of the life of a professor, realize it’s awesome and I get to travel a lot, but it’s also a constant battle of prioritization. How did you balance advancing your career while also raising your kids when they were young?

I allocate one hour every single day for my own physical and mental health. I do have some people who say, “This is so extravagant of you.” But it’s not. An hour a day to myself is what I need to have sanity. Taking care of myself allows me to keep going. It was really hard to have this as a priority when my children were young. I think that women have a special kind of challenge in taking care of themselves, especially when they have young children. When my kids were younger, I’d go running at noon and put them both in the baby jogger – rain or shine, 90-degrees or 60-degrees. I remember that they would kind of whine and say, “I don’t want to go.” But I made sure to tell them that this was Mom’s time and that they get a lot of things for themselves. I felt like I was a better mother for having that “me” time. Also, when my kids were home, we always had a family sit-down dinner. I had a nanny who helped me get dinner things prepared so that when I walked in, I could actually enjoy my kids rather than be kind of not available to them.

To read the remainder of Jakki Mohr’s interview, please visit www.IWantHerJob.com.

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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Steve Dunfee

By Kristen Hamilton

Unless you spend time around the golf community in the flathead valley, you may not be familiar with our 406 Man this month, Steve Dunfee. But there are many reasons why we chose to share his story; one of the most compelling is his commitment to family. I would typically end a story, talking about our feature subject’s personal interests and family life but after spending some time with Steve recently it seemed fitting to start with it as it shapes the entire philosophy of how he lives his life.

Steve credits his parents (Skip and Jeanne Dunfee) first and foremost for his success in business and in his personal life. “They have been unbelievably supportive and a great inspiration to me.” In spite of losing two children and having a third (Steve’s sister Kathy) injured in a car accident when she was just 16 years old, they have accepted the journey with grace and taught him “great things can happen in spite of tragedy.” When they retired in the valley from Butte, he couldn’t have been happier to have them nearby and able to spend time with them on the golf course and enjoying the wonderful gifts of everyday life. Another inspiration to Steve is his wife, Karen, that he’s celebrating 29 years of marriage to this year. He describes her as “an amazing person.” He is thankful that they have always had a strong, loving marriage, but her recent battle

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with breast cancer “was a major event that brought them even closer together.” He complimented the staff at the Bass Breast Center and Kalispell Regional Medical Center for helping them through the diagnosis and treatment. In hindsight reflecting on the experience he said, “It can make you stronger.”

Steve also speaks highly of his two boys – actually men now – Jason, who works in the financial services industry (now living in Scottsdale, AZ & Kyle (a teacher locally at Peterson Elementary School and coaching at Flathead high). He’s so proud that family values have instilled a work and personal aspect that he greatly respects. “My family is everything I stand for, period.” He added that God and his Christian faith is a very important part of his life and considers himself blessed beyond what he deserves. In a true testament of practicing what you preach, Steve and his wife really know the importance of giving back. They happily support a number of causes that help the community and families including Breast Cancer Awareness, Spinal Cord Injury Research, American Heart

Association, Education, and of course, the junior golf program in the valley. Steve is celebrating 26 years at Buffalo Hill Golf Course in Kalispell – 20 years as General Manager.

After he earned his degree from the University of Montana, Steve worked in public and private accounting in Butte and Kalispell. He was hired as Buffalo Hill’s Operations manager in 1990, but was really taken on a short-term basis. Upon taking the job he referenced “let opportunity be your guiding light.” Consequently that interim job turned into a long career and he couldn’t be happier. “It has been challenging, rewarding, and has given me the opportunity to work with great people (employees and members).” In 1997 he earned his CMAA (Club Manager Association of America) certification to solidify his commitment to his profession, and will celebrate 20 years CMAA membership this year.

The KGA (Kalispell Golf Association) manages everything on site. The operating and capital funds come from local memberships and tourists utilizing the course. Buffalo Hill is owned by

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“My family is everything I stand for, period.” He added that God and his Christian faith is a very important part of his life and considers himself blessed beyond what he deserves.

the city and it’s deemed as a place for the community to come together and have fun. Tourism helps support the entire Buffalo Hill facility, and the course is a vital part of what brings visitors to the valley. Steve says, “Without tourism, things would be different for Buffalo Hill and all of us in the valley”

To keep a pulse on that segment and to ensure continued visitation to the valley, Steve has been an integral part of the Northwest Montana Golf Association (NMGA) pretty much since its inception in the early 90’s (originally known as the Flathead Valley Golf Association). He has been acting President for 20 years, and while working with other courses and hotels in the valley, they produce marketing collateral and attend trade shows on behalf of the valley. “It’s a true collaborative and partnership effort. Getting people to the valley as a whole and everyone will benefit.”

He is incredibly proud of the team he works with and their commitment to Buffalo Hill. “I am only as successful as the team around me,” he said. He commented that the BHGC PGA staff loves the game, and they are committed to professionalism and serving the public. It’s apparent by the length of time the management team has served; BJ Newgard-48 years (F&B Manager), Dave Broeder-38 years (PGA Professional), Marlin Hanson–35 years (PGA Professional), Jon Heselwood-16 years, (Golf Course Superin-

tendent), and Stacy Delorme -13 years (Office Manager). In the height of the summer there are as many as 55 employees at the course and restaurant. He touts the opening of the state of the art practice facility at the course as one of the biggest accomplishments during his tenure. But, in typical fashion, Steve credits Jon Heselwood as the architect, FVCC for moving the massive amount of dirt, and countless people who were involved in the lengthy process. He described it as a collaboration that has “had everything to do with growing the game of golf.”

Another update was the changes to the Cameron 9 course. While the changes shortened a couple of holes, he claims it “improves the Buffalo Hill experience for everyone.” A great 9 hole golf course and the best practice facility in the State of Montana – “Yes, I’d say it was worth it!” He’s also proud to be a part of the growth in junior golf programs at the course and in the valley. These programs include camps, clinics, and scholarships. I can attest to these programs as both of our sons greatly benefited from these outstanding programs.

We chatted about some of the challenges the business is facing. “Trend lines (growth) are generally flat and demographics are concerning for the golf industry throughout the United States, but we also have signs of growth that point to a bright future for the great game of golf.” He also commented that younger kids may be a bit more passive, desire immediate results, and have many other activities available to them, but unlike other sports, golf is a game that can be played for a lifetime! These are precisely the reasons they have taken steps to enhance and improve the game at Buffalo Hill. When asked how his golf game was he noted “I play okay.” Mostly he said he enjoys the game, especially the camaraderie and the people. He mentioned that his favorite activity is actually biking (both mountain and road). “I especially love mountain biking with lots of hills.” He’s also passionate about skiing in the winter.

I know Steve mentions that he is fortunate, but I’d say we’re fortunate to have him in the valley with his dedication to his family, friends and work. Thank you Steve! Buffalo Hill Golf Course 1176 N Main Street Kalispell, MT 59901 406-756-4530 www.golfbuffalohill.com

Photos on this page: Top Left Clockwise: 1) Jason, Steve, Karen & Kyle; 2) Skip & Jeanne Dunfee (Steve’s parents); 3) Steve & Karen

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Getting to Know

Dr. Gina Nelson By Kristen Hamilton

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Gina Nelson recently and was impressed with her dedication to her practice, her patients, and her health. “It seems like I’ve been and Ob/Gyn all of my life.” Dr. Nelson has been practicing in the valley for over 20 years so that statement rings true. Patients that started seeing her for their prenatal care, and now the same patients are experiencing menopausal symptoms and needing Gynecology care. Their children who she delivered are starting to come to her for care.

She grew up in the Los Angeles area riding and showing stock horses then headed to Stanford for her undergraduate studies. She met and married a Montana guy, Greg Nelson. Together they headed to Utah for Gina to attend Medical School at the University of Utah. She became interested in women’s health care in the latter part of college, and was encouraged in this by her father-in-law, the late Dr. Van Kirke Nelson.

ical community since the staff and the leadership is as talented and experienced as their big city counterparts.

Then it was on to Denver for her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. At that stage they had two children, Echo and Forest. Gina had her third child, Vale, in Denver in 1994 during her chief year. After that, they headed home to Kalispell. She set up her solo practice in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Gina was invited to speak at TedX Whitefish in May of 2014. In her talk she shares an experience about a patient who, against all odds, survived an amniotic fluid embolism. It is a rare and serious condition that occurs when amniotic fluid enters the mother’s bloodstream after delivery. Immediate and round the clock care by a team of dedicated doctors and staff was key in this patient’s uncanny survival. People came out of the woodworks to help with the case. She believes it was relationships and teamwork that saved the day, along with training, experience and technology. When she talks about the experience, she can’t help but get emotional about the group of hospital professionals that “showed me the love.” Check it out on the TedX Whitefish Facebook page and I promise you’ll be inspired and proud to have these professionals in our area.

Her practice has somewhat of a boutique feel. Along with her manager and coder for 20 plus years, they have focused on continuity of care, health maintenance and patient participation. We call it Medicine 2.0. Patients get the benefit of a holistic approach that is still evidence based.

When Dr. Nelson moved from a big city hospital to our area, it was a bit of a “culture shock”. Nonetheless, she’s proud to be a part of this med74 406

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In the 33 years since her first visit to the valley, she’s watched it develop from a parochial place to one with ethnic and cultural diversity. She added, “it’s come a long way but there’s still a long way to go.”

Throughout the years, Gina has always been involved with KRMC. She has served as Department Chair on three occasions including this last year when the size of the department more than doubled. In addition, she and several of her friends have been involved in the fundraising events for greening the hospital as well as funding local free clinics. She is also the principal consultant for the Certified Nurse Midwife Program. Lately she and her staff are most excited about the planned Women’s and Children’s Center at KRMC. She has served on the architecture committee for this project for many months and would like to assure the community that it is going to be beautiful and truly amazing. Last July, her private practice became a division of Kalispell Regional Healthcare. Hers was the first Ob/Gyn office to become a member of the KRMC family. It has been advantageous on both ends. She states, “Because of my amazing staff, we brought over 20 years of effective, up to the minute management experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology to the table. In return, we are able to be part of the larger vision of women’s health care in the Flathead Valley.”

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“Because of my amazing staff, we brought over 20 years of effective, up to the minute management experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology to the table. In return, we are able to be part of the larger vision of women’s health care in the Flathead Valley.”

I asked what should we be looking for in a care provider? Besides proper credentials, she thinks “A provider should listen. It is the only way they will learn about their patient.” When asked what she sees as the biggest health crisis that women of all ages currently face, she said obesity is number one and smoking is number two. She and her staff regularly take time to work with patients on “ self care” meaning issues like smoking cessation, nutrition and fitness. One way they promote self care is through her website and blog at drginanelson.com. Every week she shares useful, informative, and entertaining blog posts via her themes “Medical Monday, Wellness Wednesday, and Food Friday.” I reviewed a number of her entries and complimented her on writing ability. I asked her if a book might be in her future. She admitted that she had a couple in the works and hopes to have the opportunity to finish them in the near future. In one of her blog posts she shares a story about her collegeaged son’s recent skiing injury. He broke his femur and required surgery. Knowing more than most of us know about medical conditions and surgery procedures, she experienced the other side of the table so to speak. She was comforted and impressed with how much time his doctors took both with her and with him. This helped her handle the challenging role of “ parent of the injured patient”. Her son has done well and is back at school. Through the experience, she was given some great reminders on taking time with every patient as well as their family members waiting anxiously in the wings. On a personal note, Gina still gets out and rides horses occasionally but she relishes her free time when she works out, blogs, and makes things. She loves to sew, knit, garden, make jewelry and throw parties for her friends and family. Most recently, she is enjoying being a new grandmother. She calls herself grandmother 2.0. Gina Nelson, MD 210 Sunnyview Lane, Suite 104, Kalispell, MT 59901 406-755-6550 Find her blog at www.drginanelson.com

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Asthma used to take her breath away, but now Crystal Romine is … By Nancy Kimball Photos by Amanda Wilson

Crystal Romine swept into the coffee shop, full of sass and energy, plopped down at the window-side table and lit up the scene. Her positive vibe belied the story that was to spill out over the next hour. “I worked for five years at a lumber mill and sucked in the sawdust daily,” said the 36-year-old single mother of three from Kila. “And I was a grader, so I was right on top of it. Then 11 years ago I had a bad asthma attack. I thought it was just a cold, but I ended up in the hospital for four days.” Thus began Crystal’s journey through the world of nebulizers, steroids, panicked trips to the emergency room, tubes pushing air down her throat, and 10 years of breathing difficulty, sinus problems and a vanished sense of smell.

“And my lungs are so small,” she added. “They didn’t even know until they went in to do this.”

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Breathing Easy

“This” is a newly approved medical procedure that turned out to be her bright light at the end of a long, hard decade.

Bronchial thermoplasty (BT), approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2013, was performed for the first time ever at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in September 2015 by specially trained pulmonologist Katarine Egressy, MD, MPH. It treats severe asthma in adults who have had little luck with other interventions.

Shortly after she arrived in Kalispell last September, Dr. Egressy introduced the procedure locally. It involves inserting a flexible bronchoscope through the mouth and into the lungs’ bronchial tubes to deliver mild heat that reduces the amount of excess smooth muscle tissue inside the airways. It means the airways constrict less during asthma attacks that, in turn, are less frequent. Although Crystal and other patients can breathe more easily after BT – completed in three separate outpatient sessions – it doesn’t replace asthma medication. But it sure does make life better for Crystal and patients like her.

Crystal said she’s lost 50 pounds since she stopped relying so heavily on prednisone. She no longer catches every cold circulating in the valley, so she can be in the crowds for her children’s active sports schedules. She’s no longer anxious about the good-drug/bad-drug dichotomy of prednisone. And, following a sinus surgery by Dr. Kyle Tubbs this January, she can smell again.

“Outcomes are significant,” Dr. Egressy said of the BT procedure. “Forty-seven percent of patients experience improved quality of life, spend less time in the ER, and stop or reduce their use of oral prednisone.” The steroid can become a primary source of relief from severe asthma, but it brings a heavy toll in terms of side effects.

“This is aimed at quality of life improvement,” she emphasized. “For our BT candidates, I select pure cases who have not responded to medical treatment despite the best care, and who don’t respond to oral prednisone.”

health} asthma

“This is aimed at quality of life improvement,” she

emphasized. “For our BT candidates, I select pure cases who have not responded to medical treatment despite the best care, and who don’t respond to oral prednisone.”

FDA approval of bronchial thermoplasty was an answer to a desperate problem in the United States. Dr. Egressy said asthma is a major morbidity factor for men and women of all ages. Asthma care alone in the ER and urgent care clinics carries a $1 billion annual cost.

“Although most asthma cases are well controlled with inhalers and other means, there are about 10 percent of patients who continue showing symptoms,” she said. “They wheeze. They can’t breathe easily so they can’t exercise and they gain weight. They have anxiety. There are many days of work lost. And there’s the significant medical cost.”

Crystal lived all this full-on. She left the lumber mill after her asthma attack and took a housekeeping job with Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She complied with the job requirement for a Hepatitis A/B immunization, and within three days was in the ER with fluid in her lungs. She awoke a week later to the reality of her newfound allergy to the shot. She also faced a future of medical treatments from pulmonologist Timothy Obermiller, MD. The Kalispell Regional Healthcare doctor, practicing at Rocky Mountain Heart and Lung, confirmed an asthma diagnosis and set about planning a course of treatment.

Crystal left the KRMC housekeeping crew and went back to doing in-home care. It was a line of work she’d relied on for 17 years, even more so since her 2010 divorce when she had to double

down on ways to support her children, now 18, 14 and 12. “My asthma will stay dormant for a long time, and then it rears up,” Crystal said. “I’ll end up in the hospital about twice a year about this time, in the spring, when everyone else is getting sick and I’m working too much. I wait until I’m on my death bed and then I go see Dr. Obermiller.”

Probably not a good course of action, she admitted. “We used to treat it with Z-pacs and nebulizers, but in 2009 I started on prednisone when I started getting sick all the time,” she said. “I would do exacerbations, which is like a panic attack in your lungs.” Last July, her health worsened. By August she was in the hospital with another asthma attack. She had been going through albuterol inhalers at an alarming rate, to no avail. It was then that Dr. Obermiller introduced Crystal to Dr. Egressy, asking the newly arrived pulmonologist to consider his patient for BT.

Her first treatment on September 17 went well, Crystal said. Two weeks later swollen lungs that virtually clamped themselves together inside her chest sent her to the ER. Resulting treatment opened up her airways, and she was ready for a second BT procedure on November 17. This one was a challenge. “I had a full-out asthma attack,” she said. “They had completed the procedure and Dr. Egressy was just doing her cleanup when it happened. When I woke up they were doing the nebulizer and had the IVs ready. They pretty much had me fully loaded and were ready to intubate me.” They stopped

when they saw she was awake and would be fine, but kept her overnight for observation. “After that, I felt awesome,” she said. “I felt there was so much lifted off my shoulders.”

The January 17 surgery was textbook – and a relief to Crystal. The highly social woman had isolated herself for the prior couple months in order to avoid any sickness that could thwart the third and final session. She was ready to get back in the game.

Today, she’s breathing easy.

“Dr. Egressy has changed my life so much. I was completely miserable but now life’s great,” she said. The depression and emotional bouts are done, and her energy has returned to the point that she and her youngest daughter take daily walks. “Now I’m super excited to go back to work,” she beamed.

Crystal went from a regimen of eight medicines to zero. The only time medication comes into play is during occasional asthma attacks or infections when prednisone is needed as part of a backup plan worked out with Dr. Egressy. Coordinated doctor visits have her seeing Dr. Obermiller and Dr. Egressy on the same day as they work to guide her continuing care. “They are so good to me,” Crystal said. Supported by their expertise and buoyed by successful BT, she already is living a much brighter future. “They make you feel like there is hope.”

To learn more about bronchial thermoplasty, please call Rocky Mountain Heart and Lung at (406) 257-8992.

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Early Investment Written by Josh Kroll Photo by Amanda Wilson

Do you recall how you acquired your very first bank account? Your parents or grandparents probably set it up for you, right? And they even gave you five bucks to get it started, and a checkbook with your name on the cover. Where did you open it? Probably wherever they had always banked, right? It’s common practice and it’s completely expected; but independence is what your young person really seeks. Although it’s a scary thought, your job is to allow your children to be their own person and manage their own money. When they reach adulthood and it’s their only option, the early investment will pay future dividends. No credit card nightmares, no auto repossession, no home mortgage fiascos; all because you started them on the right path from the beginning.

At Park Side Credit Union, we continue our tradition of unique, innovative products and services with the needs of our youth in mind. If financial freedom is what they desire, we can offer it; a safeguard tether on spending is available for you, the parent. If saving money is their motivation, we provide options; they earn a premium rate on youth certificates in order to encourage a bright future. If they’re at the crucial stage of establishing personal credit, we’ll guide them; it takes a prudent but flexible lender like Park Side to teach smart financial management and allow young people to build wealth and create assets over time.

The truth is, we want kids look forward to banking, to get excited about saving and investing, and to take pride in their own mastery over money. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is to start early and often. Go over it again and again. Talk about it, discuss it with them, and ultimately let the ship float; the ends of the Earth are far away, but that’s where they want to go – help your kids get there.

Family picture, from left to right: Sarah, Solomon, and Josh Kroll

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Changed lives

Meet the Brown’s By Mary Bryan Photos by Rya Diede

Ever consider providing foster care to a child in need? Child Bridge has a simple and focused mission… to find and support foster and adoptive families for Montana children in need. There are a record number of children coming into foster care and over time, some of these children become in need of permanent families. Even when children need permanent families, the journey begins by the family fostering the children first. It’s here, that the simple mission of Child Bridge changes lives. The stories of transformation are powerful and inspiring…. like the Brown family. This special Flathead family were able to offer permanency and stability when 3 children’s temporary care needs became permanent.

Tell us about your family:

We’re Marcus and Kim Brown, and we have five amazing children. Many of our children are homeschooled, so we are busy! Jake, 12, loves creating with Legos and is always on the lookout for his next Nerf battle. Lizzy, also 12, enjoys writing stories as well as learning and researching topics, especially about animals. Josh, 10, is an artist and want-to-be gymnast. He is creative and causes us great joy with his spunky, neon personality. Tory, 8, is our dramatic, charismatic 3rd grade artist. She is a bundle of wonderful personality and spreads it wherever she goes. Jimmy, 5, is our youngest and is all boy. He is a preschooler that enjoys super heroes, cars, Nerf, and playing with his big brothers.

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Where you live: Kalispell, MT

What activities do you enjoy as a family?

We like to be outside, no matter the season. We enjoy bike riding, hiking, kayaking, snow skiing, or going for walks with our dogs. We also have fun hanging out playing board or card games and watching movies.

What intrigued you about adding to your family with adoption? MARCUS: We had discussed adoption before we

were even married. We knew there were so many kids, locally, that didn’t have homes and we’d always felt called to do something about it. After Kim’s two difficult pregnancies, it was further confirmation, and we knew if we wanted more children we would need to take another path.

KIM: I have considered adoption most of my life,

even before I met Marcus. My maternal grandfather was raised in an orphanage and the negative affects of it on him were obvious. My paternal grandmother was adopted as a 2-year-old after her mother passed and her father wasn’t sure he could care for her properly. She was quite well-adjusted after her adoption. Seeing the differences between my grandparents was the start of my journey towards adoption. Marcus and I had discussed adoption before we were married. There were so many domestic children that needed homes and though many of our friends were looking overseas to adopt, we both felt led to the foster system.

After our training, we had multiple calls regarding children that needed homes. Some as foster placements, some for adoption. I remember bawling in the social worker’s office because I didn’t feel we were the right family for one child. Looking back, I realize that was the best decision we could have made for the child and our family. These children need a home, but that doesn’t mean ours was necessarily the right fit.

JAKE: I was excited about getting a little brother. JOSH: I wanted to adopt because I only had one sibling and I wanted more kids to play with. How were you introduced to Child Bridge?

We heard Child Bridge speak at our church, Easthaven Baptist Church, in 2011. It was heartbreaking to see and hear the stories of the children in our area that needed loving, stable homes. Their work reminded us again of the need, and of the shortage of available families to offer strong foster placements.

How was the transition for your family? MARCUS: The honeymoon stage was easy. Then it

became much more challenging with multiple children with special needs. We tried to keep active and find different things to do, so there was limited downtime. Finding activities that most of the family likes is key. You need to have some fun, but not all the time. That would be unrealistic. We like to go for bike rides in the summer and snow skiing in the winter. It has been important to not force any of the kids (most of the time) so they will enjoy it, and I often take some for a ski or ride. As a family, we serve at the soup kitchen and we help with a kids summer camp. Activities

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Child bridge

Marcus and I had

discussed adoption before we were married. There were so many domestic children that needed homes and though many of our friends were looking overseas to adopt, we both felt led to the foster system.

like these help to take the focus off of the kids (all of them) and give them a chance to focus on others. I strongly recommend that you find volunteer activities as a family.

KIM: When we first met Lizzy, Tory and Jimmy in

August 2014, we instantly felt a connection to them. They were still foster children, so though we were becoming attached, we were prepared that they may not be with us permanently. As time and circumstances progressed, so did the difficulties. We had two children in particular that struggled to mesh as family. After one incident, we gave them an opportunity to bond, by bucking bales. After loading bales together that evening, they realized they better learn to work together or we’d find more ways to help their relationship! Though Marcus and I knew we were in the right place, we didn’t always know how we’d make it. Jake and Josh assured us on more than one occasion that the kids were meant to be in our family and that they were now their siblings. The boys’ support and confidence was critical when Marcus and I were struggling. Through many hours of talking and supporting the kids, we have come through some serious issues. Facing the problems and the hard stuff is not easy, but it is necessary to heal, grow, and move forward.

What is the most positive change that has occurred in your family dynamics? MARCUS: Learning to deal with others in a posi-

tive way, even when it’s difficult. We have all wanted to give up at one time or another. That would be the easy thing to do, but not the right thing to do. On the other side of the struggles we have become strong together and supportive of each other, which has showed up at the most unexpected times. One of the boys was very angry with the girls and claimed to not like them at all. However, when the kids received a sad, but also very good letter from their biological

mom he went over to comfort one of the girls who had taken it particularly hard. I will never forget that moment, because I felt like we were going to make it and we would all be ok. Don’t miss those moments, keep your camera close, because they will sneak up on you.

kids for a weekend. If you are looking for a way to support foster families, this is a great way. There are not enough respite providers and foster families desperately need it. Please consider becoming a respite provider and supporting the families that are working so hard for these kids.

KIM: Our relationship with Christ has strength-

ter relationship with God because of everything I’ve been through.

KIM: The support we have felt from Child Bridge and our church family (both Easthaven and other fellow Christians) has been overwhelming! There is NO way we could have done this without them. We have had people help us with meals and childcare, as well as financial, emotional, and spiritual support, the list goes on. Any family that seeks to foster or adopt would benefit from being connected to Child Bridge and a strong mission-minded church community. We have had people that were only acquaintances, or that we didn’t even know, step forward to be some of our strongest supporters! Fostering and adopting was our calling. But there are those with a heart for hurting kids, just not the ability to take children into their homes. It has been wonderful to partner with like-minded people, each of us doing our part in helping these kids.

LIZZY: I think we’ve grown closer to God. We have

Anything else you would like to share?

ened through the struggles. I also feel like all of us have grown as individuals. Becoming stronger in our own roles and learning to persevere when times are tough. Marcus and I are better parents. Jake and Josh are more independent, compassionate young men. Lizzy, Tory and Jimmy are more secure and truly feel like they belong in our family. We have learned a lot the past year and a half. We love to pay it forward and support those around us walking a similar path. Our kids would like us to adopt more… But Daddy’s not so sure about that!

JAKE: I get to play with Jimmy! I also have a bet-

become stronger as a family.

JOSH: That Tory is my sister! TORY: That my mom and dad would get to experience having daughters!! Did you have a strong support system through family and Child Bridge? MARCUS: Yes, church family and our Child Bridge

family. We don’t have any biological family living near us, so this was critical. If it were not for our relationships with others walking the same path, we would not have made it through. People cooked for us occasionally and several families were even brave enough to provide respite care for some, or all of our

This journey has been extremely rewarding, it has been difficult and sometimes seemingly impossible. BUT if you feel God has called you to foster or adopt, then He will walk with you through it all… If you let Him. The fruits from your labors are not always immediate, but when they do produce, you are reminded you are right where you’re supposed to be. God has not called us to be comfortable, but to grow and walk the path that He will lead us down. Our adoption was finalized December 23, 2015. Elizabeth Ann, Victoria Grace, and James Joseph legally became Browns… though they’ve been our family since the beginning.

For more information on Child Bridge visit www.childbridgemontana.org. 406

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Making Money with Your Honey 5 Keys to How Couples in Business thrive! in Montana Written by Susan Clarke and CrisMarie Campbell

CrisMarie and I started our business thrive! inc. in 2002. When we first got the idea to work together, it came from our very different perspectives on how to be successful in business and in relationship.

we thought the other was crazy. It was a template for the work we could do together. It opened the door for our vision: to be a powerful partnership that ignites and sustains -- health and wealth, and opens doors for quality relationships.

Apparently in the early 1800’s, in small towns and rural areas, there were many businesses run by couples. More recently, couples have gone into business when one or the other has been out of the job market a while and hiring is difficult (often a parent returning to the workforce after rising children). So a decision Indeed that was the tagline for our company thrive! is made to start a business together. Of course, as I inc. when we incorporated in 2002. We are still in- thought about this, it made sense. I came from years of working in psychology, educa- spired to help partnerships, teams, and businesses tion and the personal development field. My focus achieve this vision. Montana Couples in Businesses was on building healthy relationships and helping people have real conversations. CrisMarie came with Let’s be clear though. We are two women in a rela- So we picked up the phone and started asking if we an MBA and engineering background. Her focus was tionship. We did not make a big deal about being a could talk to the likes of Betsi and Luke who run Alon getting business results. As manager in a top-five couple in business. Frankly, we were not confident pine Theater Project (ATP); Courtney and John who consulting firm and an Olympic athlete, she had the that the business environment was ready to embrace started Headframe Spirits; Marissa and Sam owners us as both work and life partners. They may not be of Sweat Peaks; and, a new business in town, Whitewinner’s pedigree and business chops. even now, but we are just too tired and old to hide. fish Distillery kicked off by Danette and Tom who are now on their third business together in 25 years! Our first joint adventure was a bit choppy. CrisMarie brought me in as a conflict expert for a consulting Over the years, we have worked with hundreds of engagement with a client that had had a messy team business teams and were not too aware of other cou- Our interviews were fun, inspiring, and we related. breakdown. We worked with the team once a month ples in business. Yes, family businesses, but couples We really enjoyed getting out and connecting with these amazing couples and learning about their busifor six months. On our first day with the team, Cris- are a unique business team. nesses. This article is based on these four stories, and Marie and I quickly discovered just how different we People often ask, “How can you work together 24/7?!” what we heard discussed most commonly about the were. For many couples that would never work. I just fig- keys to success across the different couples. I spoke up and challenged the team leader about how ured we weren’t normal, but apparently I’m wrong. he wasn’t holding his team accountable, and that was When we moved to Montana we learned that there Five Keys To Success the cause for the breakdown in trust. CrisMarie shot are many couples in the state that have decided to live We found that there are five top keys to creating sucme a look that could kill. At lunch, away from the and work together – very successfully. cess when you make money with your honey. Actuclient, head in her hands, she lamented, “You can’t do ally we think these keys will apply for any business So we decided to do some research. that! He is paying us. You’re going to get us fired.” where relationships matter as much, or more than, business results! Later, when the team finally got through the messy Growing Trend: Integrated Lifestyle conflict, CrisMarie turned the focus on mapping out We believe this is a growing trend that people want Meaning and Purpose their business strategy, goals, roles and responsibilities to live a more integrated lifestyle. Maybe it is the in- The most common answer we heard for starting a on flip-charts all over the room. I thought it was a fluence of the Millennial Generation. We are finding business together was being able to live here in Monwaste of time, but it turned out extremely valuable for that people don’t want to compartmentalize their tana, raise a family, and support and thrive in the the team. work and their home. In fact, they want to work on Montana community. Though the businesses were something meaningful together with the person they different – theater, spirits and ice cream – that purpose of supporting community and being able to enjoy livWe didn’t get fired. In the end, our differences worked love. ing in a small town were common links. Having this well together. In fact, the team was transformed and went on to be very successful. It was a fulfilling ex- But, let’s not pretend this hasn’t been going on a long strong purpose is often the glue that helps the couple ride the wave of those inevitable scary moments. perience for us, but not without some moments when time. It has old roots.

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At Headframe Spirits, both Courtney and John admit they have strong, and at times, stubborn opinions about what’s the “right way” to get something done. As Courtney shared: “When we are both stuck in thinking we’re right, it helps me to remember our greater purpose so that I can remove my ego and make the best decision for the company.”

Friendship is Key

The magic is having a strong relationship even prior to the business. The couples we interviewed clearly like and respect each other. They see the other as their trusted advisor and sounding board when bumping into tough issues. There is joy in working together even through the tough stuff.

a waste of time. Turns out Food Network Magazine loves Sam’s creative idea, and we were featured!” Sometimes such opposite styles can create tension; however, when there is such a strong mutual purpose and mutual respect – those differences become part of the collective brilliance.

In each of the couples we spoke with, each individual was a professional in their own right. It is the blending of these complimentary skills that make them a good team for tackling the business.

Knowing their strengths, and staying in their roles is important.

It is easy for a couple to be fluid, and do what needs to be done. That works great as long as you don’t have 10, 25 or 50 people trying to follow you. As We think more business teams could benefit from the company gets bigger, the couples have found valuing and using those natural differences between that having clearly defined roles and staying in people. It is often something we are working to them (primarily) is the key to success. enhance in non-couple leadership teams – the greater good in having different styles and values. It With each of the couples we spoke to, they shared is easier to dismiss a co-worker, or have less caring how important it has been for them to define their and commitment, when you aren’t going home with roles and maintain that clarity. Without that, it can them each night. create situations for staff to assume communicating with one is good enough. That simply does not We think this is something to be learned from work as a business grows and each person has diflooking at couples in business. ferent responsibilities.

“Even before when we were working at separate jobs in previous careers, we would call each other to be a sounding board, think things through, and get Trust and Candor Real Time support,” Courtney from Headframe Spirits shared. Another key to success is the willingness to hash things out real time. There is enough familiarity “It is working with your best friend,” Danette said and trust to have the tough discussions even right from Whitefish Distillery. in front of their team – may be not the entire staff – but leadership team. In fact, more than one couple In addition to hearing from the couples, we also said that if they don’t do it real time, it builds up spoke to at least one leadership team member, and impacts the very fabric of how they are relating. Rachel at ATP. We had heard from Luke already Plus, it simply is not efficient. impressing that of course there were times when each of them felt like they wanted to quit. Rachel Betsi, of ATP said, “We don’t fight, we have big added how in those low moments, the close bonds discussions!” However, one gal who was doing a made it possible for the leadership team to, “sit story on them saw one of their “big discussions,” down, talk, swear, cry and find a path to move on.” and came over asking, “Are you two okay?” Betsi That type of commitment to each other and the and Luke looked at each other dumfounded purpose is inspiring. responding, “Of course, we’re just discussing where to go to dinner.” “Working with a couple, the line between personal and business is bit more blurred. As a result, I can Not everyone is accustomed to the familiarity and show up more myself. I like that,” shared Rachel intensity that a couple naturally operates with. There from ATP. is a level of emotional and intellectual intimacy that naturally comes with working with a couple.

Complimentary Skills

Role Clarity and Correction

Marrisa shared, “I have no problem saying, ‘OMG, that is the dumbest idea ever!’ to Sam about one of his creative ideas in front of the staff. I do hear it though, and we talk it through.”

Courtney said, “We share a complimentary skill-set Again we believe this type of candor and trust is to use what each of us is excellent at, to add value critical on any team and leads to creativity and and support to the other.” sustainability. We also get that not everyone is willing to hang in for it. With a couple though it Marissa from Sweat Peaks shared, “I am the is clear, the relationship matters as much as the results. spreadsheet nerd; he’s the trigger puller. I put on the It is harder to dump and run since you have to go breaks, and he steps on the gas. Together we still home with the person. go forward.” She continued on, “Sam is the creative one. I want to be able to answer those business Luke shared, “We disagree openly. It’s the only questions on Shark Tank that no one can answer. I way not to destroy each other. So we have it out in can tell you how many huckleberries we need this the moment. I hate conflict, but Besti is the only month based on the data from this time last year. person I’m not afraid to disagree with. I trust her, Contrast that to Sam who invents Ranch-flavored and though I’m still a conflict avoider, I get that ice cream, which I thought was ridiculous flavor and working it out is critical.”

Of course, there are times when one or the other does overstep, and, unless that gets addressed quickly and openly, it can become problematic. Marissa acknowledges that early on she definitely wanted to be a part of picking the art and wall colors in the new stores. She realizes now that that much control and oversight into a growing business (now three Sweet Peaks locations in Montana and a new one opening in Idaho this month) – is not realistic. “Sure I miss being in the creative design phase of things, AND I trust Sam to do it well!” she said.

In Summary

Bottom-line, making money with your honey may not be for everyone. But the key lessons on how to build a successful business can be found with acquiring some insight from any team or business where the relationships matter as much or more than profit or business results. We think that should be the normal and not an exception! Maybe you won’t decide to make money with your honey, but we do hope you’ll consider making your relationships at work matter as much as your results. Apply some of these secrets to success at your business, and see what happens for you! Susan Clarke and CrisMarie Campbell are Coaches, Consultants, and Speakers at thrive! inc. (www.thriveinc.com) They help business leaders and their teams use the energy of conflict, rather than – avoid or defuse it - to get to creative, innovative, profitable business results. You can see their TEDx Talk: Conflict – Use It, Don’t Defuse It! On YouTube. They would be happy to coach you, consult with your team, or to speak at your next event. Contact them at thrive@thriveinc.com.

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Power of Attorney What is it and Why Might You Need One? By Kelly Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, Attorney at Law

What is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney is a document whereby you appoint another individual (called an â&#x20AC;&#x153;agentâ&#x20AC;?) to make financial or heath care decisions for you or transact business on your behalf in the event you are unable to do so for yourself. A power of attorney is typically used in the event of incapacity or disability. However, a power of attorney can also be used simply for convenience in limited circumstances, such as signing legal documents when you are out of the country. A power of attorney can be a useful estate planning tool for individuals of all ages, but it can be especially helpful to have in place as you age. If you wait to execute a power of attorney until your physical or mental condition may be declining, it may be too late.

Types of Powers of Attorney

Power of Attorney for Financial Decisions A power of attorney for financial decisions allows you to appoint an agent to make financial decisions on your behalf in the event that you are unable to make these decisions yourself due to incapacity or disability. A financial power of attorney can provide immediate powers to your agent. In the alternative, you may execute a financial power of attorney that is not effective until you are determined to be legally incapacitated. Typically the determination of incapacity is made by a licensed physician in your state of residence.

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Unless the powers are specifically limited in any way, an agent appointed under a general financial power of attorney can make all types of financial decisions and transact all business on your behalf. These general powers include authority for check writing and banking, real and personal property, taxes, stocks and bonds, business transactions, insurance, legal claims and all other general financial matters. These general powers can be expanded upon to include the powers to make gifts, execute wills or trusts, or change beneficiary designations. The powers can also be specifically limited to include only a particular authority, such as authority to sign real estate documents. All of the specific duties, responsibilities and authorities of a power of attorney in Montana are set out in the Montana Uniform Power of Attorney Act.

Power of Attorney for Heath Care Decisions

A power of attorney for healthcare decisions allows you to appoint an agent to make medical and health care decisions on your behalf in the event you are unable to make these decisions yourself. This includes decisions regarding all types of medical consents and life support issues, as well as decisions regarding medications and health care facilities.

While the appointment of an agent for health care decisions under a power of attorney might include broad powers to make health and personal care decisions, these appointments most often are not effective until you are disabled or incapacitated to the point that you are unable to make or communicate your health care decisions. A power of attorney for health care will typically require the agent to follow your desires as you specifically set out in the power of attorney document itself, or as known to your agent. Typically your agent is required to attempt to discuss the proposed health care decision with you to determine your desires if you are able to communicate in any manner.

What Happens Without a Power of Attorney?

Guardianships & Conservatorships in Montana If you were to become incapacitated without a power of attorney in place, either suddenly as a result of an accident or due to a long-term disability or mental incapacity, a family member would need to seek appointment as your guardian and conservator through a court order. A guardian is an individual appointed by a court with a duty to manage personal and health care decisions for an incapacitated individual. A conservator is an individual appointed by a court with a duty to make financial decisions and manage finances for an incapacitated individual.

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Power of Attorney

The appointment of a guardian or conservator in Montana requires the filing of a petition with district court. The petition is filed by the individual seeking appointment as the guardian and/or conservator. The petition must state the need for appointment, the specific interest of the petitioner, and set out certain factual allegations regarding the physical and mental state of the alleged incapacitated person. If a conservatorship is sought, then the petition must also include a general statement of property owned by the alleged incapacitated person. A hearing in district court is required to determine the issue of incapacity, as well as to determine the appropriate individual to act as guardian and/or conservator. Notice of the hearing and petition must be served on all interested parties. In addition, the petitioner must request appointment of a physician, visitor and a separate attorney for the alleged incapacitated person. The physician appointed by the court must examine the alleged incapacitated person and submit a report in writing to the court to explain the mental and physical state of the alleged incapacitated person and whether or not a guardianship and/or conservatorship is appropriate. The court appointed visitor must visit and interview the alleged incapacitated person at their home or residence, as well as interview the petitioner, and submit a report in writing to the court. The attorney is required to represent the alleged incapacitated person to ensure that the guardianship and conservatorship is in his or her best interests. The process of seeking appointment as guardian and conservator can be time consuming and expensive. Moreover, since it is subject to the court process, it is public, and held in open court. This process can often be confusing and overwhelming for an incapacitated individual. However, one of the most significant drawbacks of guardianships and conservatorships is that the individual that is appointed by the court may not be the individual that you would have chosen to manage your financial affairs or personal care decisions. By appointing an agent to make financial and health care decisions for you through a power of attorney, you can avoid the need for a guardianship or conservatorship through the court system. A power of attorney allows you to appoint the individual of your choosing to conduct your personal and financial affairs.

Choosing an Agent to Appoint under a Power of Attorney

Choosing an agent to conduct your financial affairs or make your health care decisions requires careful consideration. Your agent has a fiduciary duty to manage your affairs in a manner that serves your best interests according to Montana law. Obviously you want to choose someone that you trust with your utmost personal decisions. The decision of who to appoint also requires consideration of the nature and value of your assets and the relationships between your family members. Typically, a married individual will nominate his or

her spouse as the agent for both the financial and health care power of attorney. However, for a single individual or widow(er) it can often be difficult to determine who to appoint as an alternate agent. Many people choose to appoint either one or all of their children as alternate agents. If your finances are fairly simple and you have a relatively small family with solid relationships, then appointing one or all of your children may be a good option. Your children are familiar with your assets and intentions, but there is potential for conflict between siblings or misuse by one of your children that oversteps his or her authority or acts in a manner that is counter to your best interests. Instead, you may decide to appoint a relative or close friend that is not one of your children and not a beneficiary of your estate. Appointing a relative or a close friend can be beneficial because they are familiar with your family dynamics and your assets and intentions. However, relatives and friends may lack experience managing financial assets and may not be immune to family disputes. As an alternative to your children, relatives, or close friends you may choose to appoint a professional fiduciary. While I do not recommend appointing a professional fiduciary to make personal and health care decisions, the appointment of a professional fiduciary for financial decisions through a financial power of attorney can help to reduce family conflict and can provide neutral management. Ultimately the choice of who to appoint as your agent under a financial or health care power of attorney is personal. The decision depends on your particular financial assets, health care needs and family dynamics. It is important to consider the factors mentioned above and choose an individual or institution that is responsible, has an ability to work with your family, and is willing to seek the advice of professionals such as physicians, health care providers, estate planning attorneys, financial planners, and CPAs.

Seek Advice

A power of attorney can be a useful tool for estate and incapacity planning. A power of attorney allows you to choose an individual to manage your financial matters and make health and personal care decisions on your behalf, instead of subjecting you and your family to a public court process. Discuss your thoughts and concerns about choosing and appointing an agent with an estate planning attorney and your family members to ensure you make right choice for you and your family. With questions about Montana powers of attorney, guardianships and conservatorships in Montana, or general estate planning questions contact Kelly Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien at Measure, Sampsel, Sullivan & Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, P.C. at (406) 752-6373/ www.measurelaw.com

Disclaimer- This article is intended for educational and information purposes only, it is not intended to act as legal advice.

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Growing PowerHouse Montana Launches Since the launch of PowerHouse Montana, www.powerhousemt.org, nearly one year ago, the site has quickly become a go-to resource for Montana women. PowerHouse Montana is an online platform, created by the Women's Foundation of Montana, that is designed to connect women to the mentors, relationships and resources they need to create thriving businesses and thriving lives. There are currently over ninety women representing fourteen counties across Montana signed up, all looking for mentors, mentees, networking and leadership opportunities. PowerHouse Montana features dozens of resources for female entrepreneurs, leaders, and businesswomen to help them start or grow a business or strengthen their personal brand. According to a recent survey of more than 50 Montana women, women love the idea of PowerHouse Montana, but they want more! Besides more networking opportunities and resources, women were looking for mentors and peers in all specialties. The largest demand was for mentorship in nonprofit leadership (44%), education (36%), and entrepreneurship (36%).

Featured PowerHouse

In recent months, PowerHouse introduced a new "Featured PowerHouse" on the homepage of the PowerHouse site. Teauna Brosseau Peters is our featured PowerHouse this month. Teauna was born and raised in Montana, and currently lives in Whitefish. She is the founder and CEO of LOI English, www.skypeenglishclasses.com, an edu-tech company that teaches English to more than 10,000 students in 138 different countries. Teauna refers to herself as a “mompreneur,” and is looking to connect with more women in that same position.

When asked about what words of wisdom she had to share with other Montana women, Teauna stated, “We must reach out to each other. We can build each other up with our shared knowledge and we are stronger working together than we are working alone. This state has a wealth of knowledge, experience, and help. In fact I just met with a brilliant Montana woman because of this great new resource, PowerHouse MT. She gave me a ton of concrete things I can do to help grow LOI English but also awed and inspired me.”

#MentorMondayMT By Jen Euell and Kelsey Mahoney

2. FIND A MENTOR—With members from different sectors across the state, it is easy to connect with someone who has advice and expertise to share through PowerHouse. 3. NETWORK AND CONNECT—Find other businesspeople and leaders in your community. 4. SEARCH FOR NEW BOARDMEMBERS OR CEOs—PowerHouse is full of some of the best and brightest individuals in the state. Use PowerHouse to find people who share your passions and have the skills you need. 5. USE RESOURCES—Resources from across the country are all compiled on PowerHouse to help you find what you are looking for, whether that’s great advice on creating a business plan or the funding to get you started in your new venture. 6. LEARN—Webinars are being offered every quarter, keep an eye out for upcoming offerings or check our archive for access to previous webinars. 7. PLAN LOCAL EVENTS—Ask the PowerHouse team for tips and support for planning local events. 8. PROMOTE YOUR EVENTS—Through our website and social media, the PowerHouse team will do our best to get the word out about like-minded events happening across the state. 9. LEARN ABOUT LOCAL EVENTS AND NEWS— Check PowerHouse for opportunities happening in your community.

You can find out more about Teauna at http://powerhousemt.org/profile/teauna-brosseau-peters/.

10. MEET OTHER AMAZING POWERHOUSES—The best part of PowerHouse is the ability to connect other movers and shakers!

Were you wondering how you could utilize all that PowerHouse Montana has to offer? Here are ten of the top ways to use the site:

In August of 2015, we conducted a survey to find out what women thought of PowerHouse Montana and how we could better serve their needs. Over 50 women responded, and 73% told us that they wanted more networking opportunities, and a majority of these responses requested in-person, local networking events. In response

10 Ways to Use PowerHouse

1. BE A MENTOR—PowerHouse makes it easy to offer your expertise as a mentor to others who can use your knowledge and experience. 90 406

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Introducing #MentorMondayMT

to their request, we started #MentorMondayMT in February.

#MentorMondayMT will take place every month on the fourth Monday in multiple locations across the state. Meetups are organized by partnering organizations or by individuals who have taken on the challenge. Over 60 people were involved in our inaugural event in Billings, Bozeman, and Missoula. On March 28th, we had events in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, and Missoula. Each event is unique, some featuring speakers and others hosting open conversations. We'd love to partner with you to create your own #MentorMondayMT! If you are interested in more information regarding events in your community, like us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/powerhousemt, or check out our page on PowerHouse, www.powerhousemt.org/mentormondaymt. If you are interested in starting your own event, contact Kelsey Mahoney at kelsey@mtcf.org.

Upcoming

April 14th- Join us for a free webinar on how to negotiate for a higher salary and better benefits. May 3rd- Save the date for the third annual Equal Pay Summit at MSU Bozeman, this year with a Women in Business theme.

Check our website at www.wfmontana.org, for more information about these events and more.

Coming to a Community Near You!

Since July 2015, the Women’s Foundation team, Jen Euell and Kelsey Mahoney, have educated more than 250 Montanans about the challenging status of women in Montana, and what we can do together to create a brighter future for women and girls. Presentations explore the gender wage gap, as well as steps we can each take to reduce the gender wage gap. We have shared this conversation with people from Great Falls to Hamilton to Billings. We would love to come and speak with your group, too! Contact Kelsey at kelsey@ mtcf.org to organize a presentation.

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w Options for Treating Arthritis e N By Carrie Jacobs What do you envision when you hear the word “arthritis”? Perhaps your grandmother’s knuckles that were large and bent? Perhaps your aging father complaining about his knee pain when he walks the dog? Arthritis is typically thought of as a disease that inevitably happens as you age. However, it is not part of the life cycle and includes over 100 different diseases that afflict all ages. Arthritis is a generic term literally meaning “inflammation of the joint”. Any part of a joint – the tendon, muscles, synovial fluid, bone…anything that can become inflamed. So it is no wonder that its umbrella includes a large number of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, pseudogout, gout, Sjorgen’s syndrome, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel…just to name ten! And who do you suppose treats the wide variety of diseases under the arthritis umbrella? The doctors considered the “Odds and Ends” doctors. A rheumatologist!

Dr. Daryl MacCarter, who grew up in Billings, recently moved from the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho area to lead North Valley Rheumatology in Whitefish. He is the only rheumatologist in the state using Ultrasound Guided Injection to assess and treat a variety of arthritic diseases, as well as specializing in the treatment

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Michael Fleming, a recent patient of Dr. MacCarter’s, said his lifestyle of repetitive moments led to a stinging sensation from his wrist to his neck. In pain and thinking he was headed for the surgery table, he went to visit Dr. MacCarter, who treated him for carpal tunnel synUltrasound is an imaging method that uses high-fre- drome with an Ultrasound Guided Injection. quency sound waves to produce images of structures “It was amazing. I could see the process during the within the body. When a patient has tried first-line entire treatment, and was back to work the same day,” therapies for the management of inflammatory and says Fleming. “I noticed a significant difference in the degenerative joint conditions, like rest, ice and anti- next few days and am thankful I do not have to have inflammatory medication, and have failed to find relief, surgery!” an injection of an anti-inflammatory medication at the site of pain can often help manage the disease. The use Using ultrasound technology, Dr. MacCarter is able to of ultrasound is not a therapeutic tool in its self. It is help even the most complex cases. And with over 100 used to assess an individual’s condition before treat- different types of diseases under the arthritis umbrella, ment is implemented, and after treatment to see how he has his work cut out for him! the disease is responding to treatment. For more information, contact North Valley Rheumatology in Whitefish, MT at 406-862-5575. In the case of Ultrasound Guided Injections to treat conditions like carpal tunnel, neck and back pain and Daryl MacCarter, MD, MS, FACP, FACR, RhMSUS tendonitis, ultrasound is used for more specific target- is a board-certified internist and rheumatologist. He is ing of needle placement within a joint space. Com- certified in the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound impared to the traditional “blind”, or “by feel” injection aging and ultrasound guided injections. He practiced method, the use of ultrasound dramatically improves with the Denver Arthritis Clinic and served on the the accuracy of the injection, leading to decreased pain clinical faculties at the University of Colorado and the during the procedure, is believed safer, and is more cost University of Washington. Before moving permanently effective. Patients can receive treatment quickly and get to Whitefish, he was in a private, group rheumatology practice - the Coeur d’Alene Arthritis Clinic. back to living life. of back pain. MacCarter explains the use of ultrasound has, “given me a better understanding of the musculoskeletal anatomy and has truly given me a deeper understanding of my patients’ conditions.”

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Misconceptions in Skin Care Part II By Erin Blair, Licensed Esthetician and Certified Health Coach

In the last issue, I touched on a number of misconceptions about skin care that Estheticians frequently hear from their clients. My friends and I weighed in on a wide variety of common home remedies, bad advice, and other well-intentioned (albeit misguided) tidbits that make us shake our heads. There were just too many to include in one article, so here’s the continuation, as promised!

Tanning Beds

Frankly, we’re surprised that anyone is still exposing themselves to these skin cancer factories. The World Health Organization has classified tanning beds as High Level Carcinogens, their most dangerous designation, right along with plutonium and cigarettes. Tanning bed related cancers are double that of smoking related lung cancers. Artificial tanning has been banned in many countries around the world. In addition, the intense UV damage is extremely aging. Basically, tanning beds are a great way to look older faster, and increase your risk of death by melanoma.

Red Light Therapy for Acne

It seems that suddenly, Red LED is all the rage. Great! The issue we take is when it’s advertised to 96 406

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help with acne. Red light is anti-aging, stimulates collagen production, and is anti-inflammatory. However, it does not treat acne. For that, we utilize Blue LED. Applied at the right dosage, Blue Light kills acne bacteria. My LED system uses a combination of Red and Blue to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria simultaneously.

Hemorrhoid Medication as Eye Cream

This became a ‘thing’ when hemorrhoid cream was formulated with a yeast derivative that effectively shrank under-eye swelling. The FDA required companies to stop using that ingredient years ago. Now, hemorrhoid creams are formulated with mineral oil and petrolatum, with the active ingredient being phenylephrine to restrict blood vessels. It can migrate into the eyes at night, causing you to tear up, resulting in increased irritation and swelling of the tissues around your eyes. Kind of defeats the purpose, yes?

Not Wearing Sunblock

UV radiation is aging and causes skin cancer. I consistently see advanced aging in clients who have a history of not wearing sun protection. THEY LOOK OLDER THAN THEY SHOULD. Many also regularly have cancers and pre-cancers removed. They have wrinkles and dark spots that bother them. Guess what they want? Anti aging treatments!

An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure. UV damage is equally likely whether it’s sunny or raining. Sunblock should be used daily, yearround. For vitamin D, get limited sun exposure on your limbs or invest in a ‘happy light’. If you’re concerned about sunscreen itself causing cancer, then look for mineral sunblock, which utilizes zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. It will give you the recommended broad spectrum protection and you won’t have the added worry about ‘chemical’ sunscreen ingredients. By the way, makeup is not adequate sunblock.

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UV radiation is aging and causes skin cancer. I consistently see advanced aging in clients who have a history of not wearing sun protection. THEY LOOK OLDER THAN THEY SHOULD.

Believing Drugstore Product Claims

There is an industry term called ‘fairy dusting’. It refers to the common practice of including a tiny bit of an active ingredient - too little a dose to effect change - and advertising the clinical results of that ingredient, as if it were used at full strength. You’ve seen it. A $12 drugstore product claims an ‘87% reduction in wrinkles and dark spots in clinical trials’, for example. What they fail to tell you? They’re using .00001% of the amount required to achieve those results. Now, I made that number up, but you get the point. Another issue is that if an ingredient is less than 1% of the total formula, it can be placed anywhere in the deck! We’re all trained to believe that the ingredients are listed in order, most to least. And they should be. Unfortunately, in skin care formulas, that is not always the case. Especially if they’re trying to pull a fast one on the consumer. Believe me, if they were using a significant amount of active ingredients, it would cost more. Stay tuned for Part III, and until then...wear your sunblock ;)

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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Pilates:

A Tool For Cyclists By Delia Buckmaster, CHHC

With spring in gear, outdoor enthusiasts are eager to move from winter to summer sports. Ski racks are replaced with bike racks, hard tops are stored for soft tops, and snowmobiles move over to make room for rafts and paddleboards. An increasingly common sight on the open roads are packs of cyclists, often wearing matching jerseys advertising their favorite charity, pumping out miles in pursuit of a good cause. According to the University of Montana Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Study An estimated 565,372 cyclists rode through Montana in 2012. On average, those cyclists spent 8.8 nights in the state and spent more than $75 per day, for a total of $377 million spent by touring cyclists in Montana in 2012. This is versus $50 a day for non-cycling tourists and 5 nights per non-cycling tourists. From 2010-2014 $450,00-$616,000 was spent annually in the state from road bike touring accounting for 4% to 6% of visitors. And, close to $250,000 annually spent on people coming here to mountain bike, close to 2% to 3% of visitors The state of Montana has dedicated funds specifically targeting cycling and marketing Montana as a place to Bicycle. They've bought ad space in Bicycling Magazine - and the various tourism districts cooped the ad space. Cycling is a low-impact exercise that causes fewer injuries than other aerobic exercises. Nevertheless, the cycling motion focuses on certain muscle groups while ignoring others. Cycling overworks the hip flexors and keeps the spine and shoulders rounded. Riding consistently in this hunched position will create inflexibility and imbalance that can lead to leg and torso injuries. Improving your overall cycling performance requires increased endurance, strength and better breathing techniques. With the increase in participants in this sport it is important to educate them on the benefits of effective conditioning.

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Incorporating effective Pilates techniques into an athlete’s training routine can be extremely effective at improving their overall performance. Like any other exercise technique, Pilates serves one main purpose, improving one’s health and ultimately quality of life. It is particularly suitable for any individual whose daily lifestyle works against the optimum sate. What a lot of sports enthusiasts are discovering is that Pilates is one of the best forms of cross training. Pilates’ integration of the trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle, emphasis on proper breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment and smooth flowing movement allows athletes to access each part of the body individually, and become familiar with the functional mechanics. The Washington Redskins and the Pittsburg Steelers have both incorporated Pilates into their training regimens. Nothing grabs an athlete’s attention more than telling them that you have something that can make them better at their sport and reduce the chances of getting hurt.

"Pilates has definitely improved my core strength, which has positively impacted my biking. Core strength helps to power me up hills." Betsy B.

Benefits of Pilates for Cyclists

1. Increase core strength and leg strength to improve cycle stroke effectiveness.

2. Builds upper body strength to help maintain correct posture.

3. Increases lower back and hamstring flexibility. 4. Reduces lower back injury by stretching hip flexors and quadriceps.

5. Increases endurance through proper Pilates breathing technique.

6. Corrects muscles imbalances to stabilize the leg movement during pedaling.

7. Improves balance to minimize falls.

What does a strong core do for cyclists?

Core strength will help transfer more power to the pedals by providing a solid platform for the lower body to push against. Pilates exercises are targeted to develop the deep intrinsic muscles of the abdomen and spine, taking pressure off superficial muscles and promoting more balanced and efficient use. This kind of inner strength training, focus on alignment and torso stability will support a cyclist through those long rides.

Exhale Pilates+/ Exhale Wellness has partnered with femme/VELO with the addition of two workshops to the roster of events taking place at the annual women's cycling weekend in Whitefish, MT July 1-13, 2016. The first workshop is a Pilates for Cyclists focused on teaching techniques that will specifically help the female cyclist to ride smoother, pedal longer, and avoid injury while boosting core strength, flexibility, and muscle balance. The second workshop is Sports Nutrition that provides the female cyclist with a greater understanding of how nutrition can help them ride better, be healthier, and recover faster. The workshops will take place on Friday, July1, time TBD. More information will be available at www.femmevelo.cc and www.exhalepilates.com/partner-events

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INFERTILITY By Alisha Pinkerton, PA-C

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 definition of infertility, when to be evaluated and what tests are available for you. 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.

Where do we start?

If you are having difficulty conceiving or concerned about your fertility, you should talk with your healthcare provider about the plan that is best for you. Infertility can be an overwhelming journey. Understanding the diagnostic tests and options will help you manage your treatment and prepare you for the road ahead.

Initial visit: Physical Exam and History

At the initial visit your healthcare provider will review your history and perform a physical exam. 102 406

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The provider will also gather information about your partner if applicable. The female and male should both be evaluated as part of the initial testing. Following the history, your healthcare provider will order testing to determine the cause of your infertility. The testing should be done in a focused and cost-effective way and should take the couple’s preferences, the duration of infertility, the woman’s age and specific factors revealed through the medical history and physical examination into account.

Overview of Infertility Testing:

Ovarian Reserve Testing: Ovarian reserve testing is used to help the healthcare provider predict whether the patient can produce an egg or eggs of good quality. In order to do this, the woman will have blood tests done on cycle day 3 of her menstrual cycle. The blood tests commonly used to assess ovarian reserve include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol levels. These are key hormones for the development and quality of eggs. On the day of the blood tests, the woman may also have a transvaginal ultrasound to count the number of antral follicles (egg sacs). This is done by placing an ultrasound probe into the vagina and counting the number of antral follicles in each ovary. The physician may also recommend another blood test called an antimullerian hormone (AMH) to help assess the patient’s ovarian reserve. Transvaginal Ultrasonography: A transvaginal ultrasound not only helps assess ovarian reserve as described above, but is also useful in evaluating the woman’s uterus and ovaries. This can rule out abnormalities such as uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): This test is used to see if the fallopian tubes are open and to assess the shape of the endometrial cavity (the inside part of the uterus). An HSG is performed by injecting contrast

into the uterus while using X-Ray to visualize the contrast filling the endometrial cavity and entering the fallopian tubes. If a woman’s fallopian tubes are open, contrast will be seen outlining the length of the tubes and spilling out each end into the abdomen. Sonohysterography: This procedure is done to assess the inside part of the uterus. It is done by inserting a small catheter into the uterus and injecting sterile saline. Once the catheter is in place, an ultrasound probe is placed into the vagina and pictures are taken. The saline distends the endometrial cavity and aids in the detection of intrauterine problems including but not limited to endometrial polyps and uterine fibroids. Hysteroscopy: This is a surgical procedure used to examine the uterus and diagnose and treat conditions such as internal fibroids, polyps and scar tissue. A hysteroscopy is performed by passing a lighted telescope-like instrument (hysteroscope) through the cervix and into the inside of the uterus. Laparoscopy: This is a surgical procedure used to evaluate the pelvic cavity for conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic adhesions and other abnormalities. A laparoscopy is performed by inserting a lighted telescope-like instrument (laparoscope) through the wall of the abdomen into the pelvic cavity. This is not routinely performed during an infertility evaluation but rather performed in patients with evidence or strong suspicion of endometriosis or pelvic adhesions. Other Blood tests: Problems with infertility may be caused by thyroid disorders or high levels of prolactin (hyperprolactinemia). Thus, a thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin level may also be ordered by your healthcare provider. In a patient who has increased hair growth (hirsutism) additional blood tests may be ordered

including dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), 17 – hydroxyprogesterone and total testosterone. In order to check for ovulation, a blood progesterone level may also be drawn in the second half of the menstrual cycle. A patient may also be instructed to use an over-the-counter “ovulation predictor kit” to detect the presence of LH in the urine and help with the timing of intercourse. Male Partner Semen Analysis: The semen analysis is an essential part of the infertility evaluation and should be done even if the male partner has fathered a child previously. A sample is obtained from the male partner and is evaluated under a microscope for sperm count, motility and shape, among other factors. The testing described above can help identify many different causes of infertility including ovulatory dysfunction, uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, adhesions, damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disease, high prolactin levels and sperm abnormalities, among others. Once the diagnostic testing is completed, you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your test results and treatment options. 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 visit ReproductiveFacts.org, the patient education website of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. 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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Get On Board:

Sick Care - Health Care

By Dr. C. Claude Basler, DC Carlson Chiropractic Office

Society has created an entity that does not stand for health care just merely sick care or disease care (which in certain instances we should be thankful for). Health care does not have to be a burden nor does it come in the form of a pill. Health care should be something you look forward to on a day to day basis. We can all sympathize and relate that it is very addicting to be healthy and to stay healthy. Once an ailment starts and begins to ruin our function of our quality of health we stop living life to our fullest potential. The goal with health is to maintain your current status and to strengthen your bodies overall ability to adapt and heal on a day to day basis. The real health care system comes in the form of allowing your body to express its true potential. Figure it like this: we are designed

to be healthy! “The natural force in each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.” -Hippocrates

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90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by movement of the spine - Dr. Roger Sperry.

Factor 1: The Real Health Care System

Diet. Diet is a key fundamental principle to understanding the body and how food can either be a blessing or a curse. Foods can cause stress to occur within the body or can help you properly heal. Eating a clean diet is not a trend or a fad that is coming and going. Eating a proper diet has been around for a long period of time. We have become a society that is constantly on the go and usually cater to the practical convenience of fast food as opposed to taking necessary actions to make sure our food is a natural source for our needs.

Awareness is the biggest factor in creating change in your diet. Understanding that when you visit a grocery store you should be spending the majority of your time and money on the outside aisles where the fresh produce and meats are available. For example, the wheat Gluten. With all the genetically modified foods, chemicals, and potions put in our food, gluten has sustained the most tarnishing from people and their inability to process it. Gluten has been around for ages and WAS a sustainable part of diets for centuries. Now, the gluten that is offered to us has been through so many different modifications that our bodies cannot fully process it. Go visit abroad in different countries that are aware of a healthy diet and try their gluten, it's healthy.

Factor 2: The Real Health Care System

Exercise. Motion is life and life is motion. There are many different theories and opinions on how often one should exercise or what they should do for exercise. Fact is, any motion is better than nothing! As long as you are allowing your body to get 30 minutes of some form of physical exercise the better off you will be. 90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by movement of the spine - Dr. Roger Sperry. Regular weight bearing activity is vital for the skeletal system to be placed under positive stress that ensures strength and coordination. Not only does exercise produce positive motion for the body it also establishes proper posture, which is key to maintaining normal physiological function. Quality of life and proper exercise go hand in hand with each other. Creating healthy exercise habits does

not have to be the latest and greatest trend. Exercise is unique to each individual and has to be enjoyed doing it.

Factor 3: The Real Health Care System

Chiropractic. The third factor in the real health care system is the foundation. Chiropractic allows your body to be at it's best by allowing your central nerve system to properly coordinate all functions correctly in your body. Chiropractic removes interference to the central nerve system by specifically adjusting subluxations. A subluxation occurs in the spinal column placing undo stress up a nerve creating dysfunction within the entire body. An adjustment is not about resolving a "pinched nerve" its about allowing the entire body to function as a unit free of disturbance. Signs and symptoms that manifest over the years and begin to feel ‘normal’ are related to the spine and the coordination of the nerve system. Every aspect of your bodies ability to heal and function is related to your spine. Imagine if your body is having an inability to correctly process food. If you have a subluxation present in your body that's distorting communication to your stomach, small intestine and large intestine or just your entire GI tract all together you are not properly receiving the amount of nutrition that your body requires. The best supplements in the world cannot "fix" a subluxation and the diet is not adequate without sufficient communication from the brain to the gut. The brain gut connection holds true for lots of reasons.

The same holds true for your ability to be an athlete or just someone who regularly exercises. The coordination and function of the musculoskeletal system is directly influenced by the ability of the nerve system to properly communicate free of subluxations. Subluxations not only limit your ability to perform regular exercise, they diminish your energy, performance, healing, and ability to make gains in the athletic realm. By seeing a chiropractor regularly to maintain the nerve system and spinal alignment the entire biomechanics of the human body are maximized leading to proper hormonal control, performance and sustainability as an athlete. Invest in your health with specific chiropractic care!

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It Can't Get Any Better Than This...

Can It? By Dr. John F. Miller DDS

Music plays a big role in the Miller residence. We have a Spotify playlist for almost every activity, mood, and location. With titles like Pancakes, SuperChill, Puzzletime, Blackies Bay, and Big Mountain to name a few. Maxwell, who just turned four, asks me to turn on his “jam” everyday as I return home from work...without fail. “jam” is his default term for whatever song he has chosen to be his favorite. For the longest time it was Radioactive by Imagine Dragons, but more recently it is some DubStep number he heard on a television commercial called The Buzz. He dances tirelessly in his superhero underwear and yells, “again, again” when it is over. I’ll spin his “jam” a couple times but I maintain my position as the music Alpha in the house. I call the shots, set the tone, and adjust the volume. That is until recently however, as our 10-year-old daughter Nayvee has emerged as a contender. She has a powerful mix of opinion, attitude, sass, and stubborn-

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ness. This has correlated inconveniently with a new Justin Bieber album that I hate to admit has some catchy tunes. To make a short story shorter, I have learned that it’s easier just to give in to a 10-year-old with “strong opinions” and sit back and enjoy the show. Being the beta isn’t that bad.

One song in particular that the kids have on consistent rotation is by a group called Twenty One Pilots titled Stressed Out. The chorus of the song is as follows, “Wish we could turn back time, to the good ol’ days, When our momma sang us to sleep but now we’re stressed out.” The song goes on to reveal that the reasons for the stress are the normal responsibilities that come with adulthood. I found myself not only digging the tune a little bit, but also totally relating to it. Especially the line about the artist's preference for tree house homes over student loans. As my 7-year-old son Banksy strolled past singing along to the chorus I asked him, “Banks, what do you think he means by ‘the good ol’ days?’” Banksy replied, “I don’t know Dad.” So I followed up with another question, “Do you know what it means to be ‘stressed out'?" Of course his answer was “nope.” Let’s go back to the time when we were less stressed out. To the good ol’ days. When our

laughs and smiles were pure. Think of the amazing and phenomenal things we have witnessed. Things we would never believe had we not seen them with our own eyes. How many times in my life have I uttered the words, “they’ve done it, it can’t get any better than this.” How often have you thought those same things? How many of you are thinking that right now with your iPhone 6+ in your hand streaming the newest release in high definition through some magical thing called 4G LTE. Pretty dang-stinkin' unbelievable, am I right?

A little over a year ago a Dental Rep (DR) stopped in my office wanting to discuss a certain piece of dental tech called the CEREC that allowed the dentist to offer porcelain restorations in one appointment. Highly aesthetic porcelain crowns in one visit bypassing the need for a temporary, a second visit, and the possibility of having to be numbed a second time. The DR knew that I had done a live demo some years prior with the previous rep and wanted to show me the latest hardware and software upgrades. I am very much a hands-on; the proof is in the pudding type of learner and told him we would need to do another live demo. If it was as good as he sold it, the tech would sell itself.

health}

Dental

We did the live demo and I rocked a poker face so good Lady Gaga would have folded with pocket Aces. It performed as advertised. I was amazed almost as much as the patient. The CEREC was a game changer. I knew it, but unfortunately the CEREC also knew it and came with a “game-changer” price tag. Maintaining my poker face, I transitioned into swapmeet mode and walked away. A month passes and I get a call from the DR saying a spot has opened up at their training schedule for the weekend and could they fly me to Scottsdale for the weekend. Scottsdale in April? See you in a few days. I show up, make a lot of crowns, fall deeper and deeper in love with this technology all the while receiving the fullcourt sales press from DR. Amazingly I return home without putting pen to paper and the negotiations continue. Finally he walks into my office and goes Godfather on me “making me an offer I cannot refuse.” “Dr. Miller” he says, “I have never had a client with so as much CEREC exposure as you who did not buy the technology. I am going to let you have the CEREC free of charge for 6 months.” No commitments?” I ask. “No fine print?” “nope” he replies, “however, after 6 months I either come and take it away or you buy it.”

We both knew that I wasn’t giving it back but a 6 month test drive made it sting a little less. Fast-forward 10 months and hundreds of crowns later and we still feel like kids on Christmas morning. We are amazed at the perfect fit, the lifelike contour, and the bite that feels right every time. We get to let our inner artist out with a wide selection of stains and glazes in order to better match the shades and nuances of our patient’s teeth. Patients’ love hearing that we can fix their broken teeth immediately with no need to wait weeks for the lab to make their new crown. Thinking back on how, just a mere 10 months prior, we used goopy impression material and fickle temporary acrylic feels a lot like reflecting back on dialup internet; a lot like VHS and cassette tapes. The future is here and I am tempted to say to myself, “they have indeed done it, it cannot get any better than this.” But I’m all grown up, an adult, stressed out. I have been fooled twice so shame on me; I know it will get better. I would be a fool to think it won’t; And how exciting is that.

So take that high definition marvel of modern science and technology out of your back pocket and cue up your “jam.” Folks we are all growing older; But we are growing older as part of one another’s village in Montana, and that’s enough to keep a SMILE on my face. Thank You!

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health}

Truth

The About

Depression & Diabetes in Women

Depression is a common and serious medical condition that can affect the way a person thinks, feels, functions, and how they cope with life’s demands. Depression is more than feeling down one day or having the "blues." It can severely change a person's life by affecting their appetite, sleep patterns, their interest in everyday activities, their work productivity, and relationships with others. For example, a person who is depressed may find that they’re sleeping more or less than usual or that they no longer have interest in things that they once enjoyed. Depression can occur at any age and if it's left untreated, it can last a lifetime. If depression goes untreated in people with diabetes, it can increase the risk for diabetesrelated complications, such as heart disease, blindness, amputations, stroke, and kidney disease. By getting early treatment for depression, people with diabetes can often avoid these serious complications. Older women with diabetes experience poor physical health more so than older men with diabetes because women tend to live longer than older men and they tend to be less physically active. Because women have poor physical health, they are more likely to be at risk for developing depression when they have diabetes. For example, a physical illness can be a condition that is long lasting and may affect an older woman's ability to function and her

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overall quality of life, which ultimately makes her vulnerable to depression. Having low income can place older women with diabetes at risk for depression. The highest rates of poverty are found among women, older people, and people from ethnic minority groups. Women with diabetes are almost twice as likely as women without diabetes to have low-income. Poor older women with diabetes may be at risk for depression because of social isolation and limited resources, including not having access to health care. If an older woman with diabetes thinks they might be depressed, they should make an appointment and see their doctor right away. The sooner they get treatment, the sooner they'll begin to feel better. People with diabetes and depression should also maintain a healthy diet and get at least two and a half hours of physical activity every week. Being physically active and maintaining a healthy diet can not only help reduce diabetes complications, but also help a person feel better when they're dealing with depression. A lot of women aged 65 and older believe it's normal to develop depression as they age, but depression is not a normal part of growing older. Flathead Community Health Center 1035 1st Ave West – 3rd Floor Kalispell, MT 59901 406-751-8113 Flatheadhealth.org

non profit}

holds 27th Annual Kids Leadership Camp By Kari Gabriel, Executive Director & Will Tedrow, Youth Coordinator

"Everything good in me died in junior high." (From Reviving Ophelia, by Mary Pipher). Growing up can make us feel purposeless; as though we aren’t capable of helping those in need. Flathead CARE provides youth with the tools they need to make a difference in their community through our Affinity Club, a youth development and empowerment program; as well as Kids Camp, our leadership camp for middle school students. For many, it is as simple as someone to believe in them. For others its foundational life skills, like listening and connection, and making good choices. Flathead CARE believes that everyone is of value and has something great to offer. By creating a safe place for youth to be themselves; we inspire young people to catalyze change in the world around them. As a community based 501(c) 3 non-profit, Flathead CARE provides drug and alcohol prevention, youth empowerment, and peer mentoring to middle school and high school students. Participants in our program help to create presentations, community events, and support groups for their peers, reaching over 10,000 families in our community. In both the Affinity and Kids Camp programs, we target youth who struggle with self-worth. We believe that self-worth is something that is discovered within ourselves, and when we invest in that relationship, we are able to unlock our true potential. When the emotional part of our brain is threatened, and youth don’t feel safe, they are incapable of learning. In a school community, the link between safe schools is forged through positive relationships. Youth who have positive relationships are more likely to discuss bullying, ask for help, and succeed academically. At Kids Camp, high school mentors spend the week focused on one primary goal: build as many positive relationships (with each other and campers) as possible, while role modeling positive behavior. We believe that everyone has something great to offer, and there are an infinite number of learning opportunities within relationships. We use these mentor based relationships to learn about individual campers and what they struggle with, whether it’s peer pressure, dysfunctional family life, bullying, body image, or something completely different. A key component to working with the campers is feedback. High school students are trained to listen first, and then offer advice, only when asked to

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do so. This creates a bond between campers and their counselors that sometimes lasts for many years. Many of our counseling staff first came to Kids Camp as campers when they were in middle school. Our camp director, Will Tedrow, was a camper in 2004, then went on to be a Kids Camp Counselor 2008-2012, and has been a staff member ever since. He knows Kids Camp inside and out, from all perspectives. As relationships develop over the week, campers attend workshops and presentations aimed at increasing prosocial growth, protective assets, and resiliency skills. All of these presentations are researched, developed, and facilitated by high school counselors. Campers hold the loudest voice in these student directed learning experiences. As youth share their own experiences, counselors adapt to make the conversation meaningful. This requires a wide breadth of understanding for our high school counselors. They are trained in a cross cultural approach that gives them the basic understanding that everyone has developed a different perspective on the world. This allows them to hold meaningful conversations with youth from all backgrounds; successfully building positive relationships. For participants at camp, these relationships will carry on through high school. Kids Camp is found on one simple belief: Kids are assets, not liabilities. Camp is an environment that fosters growth, promotes self-discovery, and allows for new relationships to form. By providing life and resiliency skills, our goal is to increase pro-social growth and protective assets in participants. By doing so, we are effectively reducing underage drinking and drug use through our programs, as well as other risk factors, like risky sexual activity, self-harm, and other adolescent issues. As youth are empowered to jump these hurdles, they begin to believe they are capable of overcoming obstacles, and begin to find more opportunities. Cultivating Kids Camp has become about sharing our light with others. Camp is a magical place where youth get to be more than stereotypes, the color of their skin, or any other form of label. By creating an experience where the only requirement is to be your best self, youth begin to experience the power of meaningful connection. As their light begins to brighten, it takes on the power to ignite it in those around them.

In our 27th year of Kids Camp, our primary goals remain the same: to empower young people to advocate for their peers, lead cultural shifts against bullying, provide meaningful support to their friends who are struggling, and find healthy alternatives to drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Education is a vital part of all Flathead CARE’s programs, and Kids Camp takes a unique approach. In the six weeks leading up to camp, the counselors become experts on a topic that they are passionate about, and want to teach others. Each year we teach campers about leadership, values, healthy relationships, risky behaviors, depression and suicide, as well as gender specific programming through interactive workshops. Although the counselors work with adult mentors, these presentations are completely led and facilitated by counselors. At camp, we give youth real world experience in connecting with their peers. Every gathering emphasizes building positive relationships, expanding life and resiliency skills, and connecting to the community. Deeper than that, we give youth the confidence and skills they need to support their peers in a meaningful way. Youth in our program transform from the quiet student in the back of the classroom to a consistent voice of support for their peers. If this camp looks like a good choice for your child, you can find registration forms and other information on our website by clicking on the “Kids Camp” link, at www.flatheadcare.org. Camp dates are June 14-17, 2016, at Big Sky Bible Camp, near Echo Lake. Camp cost has remained at $175 for as long as we can remember, and is a bargain for a 4 day camp. Early registration deadline is June 3rd, and goes up to $200 if received after June 3. Please feel free to contact us with questions about camp or our youth programs. We look forward to spending the week with your kids! Flathead CARE is a non-profit organization committed to reducing the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by youth in Flathead County, through youth development, education and empowerment. The majority of Flathead CARE’s funding come from individual and community sponsorships and donations, fundraising events (middle school dances, a classic car show, family friendly concert events), and contract work with local coalitions and agencies. We are also a United Way agency, and receive a portion of our funding from the annual campaign each year.

If you would like to learn more about us, visit our website at www.flatheadcare.org, or contact us at gabrielk@sd5.k12.mt.us or 751-3971.

“Finding the Way Home,“ Flathead’s Hope for the Growing Problem of Homelessness

By Natalie M. Valov, RN, CCP

On a cold wet day at the end of January, 38 of Flathead’s social service agencies set up shop and opened the doors at the Gateway Community Center, formerly the Old Gateway West Mall for “Winter Warm Up“ a day for the homeless and near homeless to receive information and services in one location. Vouchers for dental and medical services, gas vouchers, sleeping bags, diapers and sanitary items, pet food and immunizations, clothing and food were given out to individuals and families and over 600 warm meals were provided. “Winter Warm Up” is one of two major events that bring the homeless and underserved populations together to connect the community and agencies that can provide a hand up for those who find themselves without permanent shelter, subsisting in transient shelter, couch surfing and/or doubling up with family and friends to survive. This June 10th, the doors will open again for Project Homeless Connect at the Gateway Community Center from 9am -7pm.

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Both of the events aimed to reach the homeless can be traced to a group of agencies and private citizens that formed the Flathead “HIRE”, (Homelessness Interagency Resource and Education) committee. The members of HIRE came together to address homelessness in the Flathead and created a “Five-Year Plan” for 2014-2019, entitled “Finding the Way Home”.

HIRE created five primary goals in the Five Year Plan:

1. Increase shelter space 2. Coordinate communication between social service providers 3. Increase preventative measures and affordable housing 4. Create public awareness and community involvement 5. Support and sustain the outreach events of Winter Warm Up and Project Homeless Connect Hire is represented by members of the United Way, Community Action Partnership CAP, Samaritan House, Summit Independent Living, Abby Shelter, School District 5, Sparrows Nest, Sunburst Mental Health, Flathead Public Health Department and Community Health Center, Job Services, Flathead Youth Home and community members.

As a Public Health nurse working for the County, and a Flathead Valley resident for over 20 years, I wanted to know how bad homelessness is in our community? We all see those individuals with cardboard signs pleading for donations at certain locations around town and or know families that are living together out of necessity. But what are the real numbers? The US Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, uses the Housing Status Point in Time Survey (PIT). This is a survey distributed to reflect a “snapshot” of time in the Flathead Valley. Based on this, the homeless of all categories in January of 2013 was 736. An alarming statistic is that while homelessness in America has been decreasing over the last five years, in Montana it has continued to increase. Key factors to blame are the greater numbers of people living below the poverty line, lower wages, Montana’s higher level of substance abuse, mental health and the gap between affordable housing and market demand, particularly in the Flathead Valley. Another challenge in reducing homelessness is overcoming misconceptions about why people become homeless. Many people may assume that homeless people are lazy, apathetic or do not want to work. In truth there are a multitude of causes and events leading to the point of homelessness. Triggering events can include the loss of job or change in income; family discord or crisis; domestic violence; and the onset of mental or physical disability.

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I recently met with Chris Kraeger, Director of Samaritan House, the largest homeless shelter in the Valley who told me “that based on the most current survey numbers, total homeless in January was closer to 883.” In the summer months Chris estimated that the number was closer to 1300 or 1400. On a typical night Samaritan House can provide emergency shelter for approximately 45 beds with the capabilities to expand in times of emergency to 65 beds or more. Flathead County’s current shelter system is estimated at less than one hundred beds. As we were talking, I noticed two small canning jars on the table next to me. One was half full of white plastic bottle top caps and the other full of tiny river rocks. When I asked him to explain what this was for he laughed and began a little demonstration. “The jar of rocks holds about 1400 tiny rocks, about the size of the summertime homeless population. “ From the other jar he took out a plastic white water bottle cap. “If you take one of these, it just so happens that if you fill it to the top with these tiny rocks, interestingly enough...it works out almost every time to count up to 65, which is the number of beds we have here for emergency shelter.” When asked how the current shelter system is funded, Chris replied “about 90% of our funding comes from donations, either directly or via the United Way.” Plans to expand emergency shelter depend almost entirely on the community’s awareness of the problem and in their continued generous support. According to Jane Nolan, a community member of HIRE, HIRE supports a philosophy that other communities nationwide are using successfully known as “Housing First and Rapid Re-Housing.” The focus of these approaches shifts from getting people off the streets into shelters to assisting individuals and families sustain permanent rental housing as quickly as possible. This can mean helping individu-

als preserve their current housing so they do not become homeless. CAP receives limited HUD funds in the form of grants to help people who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless but the amount of these funds are wholly inadequate for the need. “Prevention,” as Jane puts it “is much less expensive than providing emergency services…but more than that we need to put the focus on providing housing first before we attempt to solve the myriad of financial and social issues which lead to homelessness.” The affordable gap between housing and income is the greatest challenge to reducing homelessness. In 2014, when the Five Year Plan came out, the fair market rent value for a one bedroom was approximately $600. A two bedroom was $800. HUD’s guidelines for low income, subsidized or “public housing” recommends that housing costs should not exceed 30% of monthly income for households. In 2013, this meant that someone making minimum wage of $1360 a month cannot afford to pay more than $408 a month for housing, clearly below the fair market for a one bedroom. As of 2016 in the Flathead, the situation has gotten worse. With vacancy rates hovering around 1%, depending on the area, it is clearly a landlord’s market. The affordability gap has widened pushing more individuals and families out of what was previously affordable, appropriate housing into substandard housing, and or efficiency (studio) housing which is another name for living permanently in a high priced motel room turned into an “efficiency” or studio form of apartment. Even these units average $600 a month. To expand affordable housing, developers require incentives in the form of tax credits, Federal Low Interest loans and strong partnerships with non-profits. Based on a recent article in the Flathead Beacon March 2, 2016 edition by

Homelessness

Tristan Scott, “The Affordability Gap,” Whitefish was recently turned down in their bid for federal tax credits to build a much needed 36-unit affordable housing complex on U.S. Highway 93 S. The Montana Board of Housing determines who receives tax credits, but the process is very competitive. Among the 19 proposed projects in 2015, representing 87.8 million in tax credits, only $26.9 million were actually available and the Flathead did not receive any. Building more affordable housing and shelter space is a definite priority but this will require a sustained effort to reach out to the community in order to locate landowners willing to donate land, and developers willing to take a chance on building affordable rentals and willing to partner with non-profits such as CAP and businesses and individuals willing to support the goals of HIRE. Anyone wanting more information about what they can do to help is encouraged to contact the United Way, at 406-752-7266, Community Action Partnership at 406-752-6565 or the Samaritan House at 406-257-5801.

Project Homeless Connect June 10th 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Gateway Community Center 1203 US Hwy 2 W, Kalispell

FREE services available – dental cleanings and checkups; medical and dental vouchers; housing information and resources; pet care, supplies, and immunizations; veterans services; depression screenings; children’s activities; food and clothing; financial assistance; driver’s licensing and birth certificates; gas and phone vouchers; free meals; and much, much more!

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giving back}

A Great Day for Giving!

One Day. Every Community. Giving Together. By Lucy Smith, Flathead Community Foundation

On May 3, 2016 the Flathead Community Foundation

and

Northwest

Montana

United Way will host “Give Local Flathead – It Takes a Valley” as part of Give Local America, a national crowdfunding event with local impact. Gateway Community Center in Kalispell will serve as 24-hour headquarters for the Flathead’s Giving Day, celebrating local philanthropy with a showcase of participating nonprofits, entertainment, food services and secure facilities for online donations.

On Tuesday May 3rd from Midnight to Midnight, everyone in our community is encouraged to donate $10 or more in support of local nonprofit organizations that serve our Flathead Valley ev-

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ery day. Last year, Give Local Flathead benefited 60 nonprofits, raising $75,000 in online gifts and sponsor contributions from nearly 600 donors – in just 24 hours! Missoula Community Foundation was first in Montana to host a Give Local site in 2014, exceeding all expectations by raising over $135,000 in 24 hours. In 2015, Give Local Missoula was joined by Give Big Gallatin Valley, Give Local Flathead and Give Local Helena. Donations to these local Montana giving events raised more than $640,000! This year, Montana giving sites aim to raise $1,000,000 – a Million for Montana.

For the Flathead Community Foundation and Northwest Montana United Way, co-hosting Give Local Flathead is an exciting collaboration and a natural fit with their shared goal to support nonprofit organizations (NPO’s) that enrich our community culture, keep individuals and families safe

and healthy, preserve the Flathead’s quality of life, and address our critical challenges.

For participating non-profit organizations, Give Local Flathead is a prime opportunity to engage community members and help donors of large and modest means identify and support charitable causes whose missions matter most to them.

The Leader Board on the Give Local Flathead website lists and links to profiles for all participants. One look at the list brings home the vital role these organizations play in every aspect of community life – emergency shelter, adoptive care, childhood education, adult literacy, wilderness preservation, community history, parks and trails, food and nutrition, youth mentoring, senior services, scholarship programs – the nonprofit network is wide and deep.

Local sponsors donate funds for incentive prizes to add excitement during the 24 hour giving mar-

giving back} athon, and to make every hour a great time to give. Among Give Local Flathead’s early sponsors: Women Who Wine of the Flathead (WWWF), 406 Woman Magazine, Montana Community Foundation and Immanuel Lutheran Communities in Kalispell. WWWF and Leadership Flathead are contributing essential volunteer power, promoting Give Local Flathead across the Valley and helping with Giving Day festivities at the Gateway Community Center.

Give Local Flathead encourages everyone to be a Flathead Philanthropist on May 3, reminding us that “Our local nonprofits are there for us 24 hours, 7 days a week. For 24 hours on 1 day, let’s be there generously for them!” Although it may seem that only those with considerable wealth can have an impact, when it comes to community need, every single dollar counts.” To become a sponsor, register your nonprofit (deadline April 13), or learn how to be a Flathead Philanthropist on May 3, please visit www.givelocalflathead. org or email givelocalflathead@gmail.com

About Give Local America 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of the first Community Foundation in the United States, and in the world. To celebrate 100 years of local philanthropy, community foundations across the country participated in Give Local America. Give Local America is a 24-hour national crowdfunding event that empowers every person to give back to their local communities by supporting the organizations they trust to tackle today’s most critical issues. The campaign is driven by the idea that every individual and every company has the ability to contribute to the betterment of their community, and that every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.

The inaugural event, held May 6, 2014 successfully met its goals to showcase the good work done by nonprofits day after day; encourage donations outside of the normal giving season; and inspire large numbers of new donors. In round numbers, 300,000 donors from 9,500 cities donated $53.7 million to 7,000 nonprofits in 120 communities, the largest crowdfunding event in history! A significant portion of donations (up to 66% per organization) were from first-time donors and spanned all age groups, with 52% under 55 years old.

Last year, Give Local communities donated $68.5 million to benefit 9,000 hometown causes.

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