406 Woman Vol. 11 No. 4 by 406 Woman

406 contents featured 8. Susan Purvis

14. Brenda Ahearn

business 18. I Want Her Job Jessica Pels

profiles 22. Dawn Maddux 30. Vianna Stibal

legal 26. Partnership & LLC

8...

non-profit

health

38. Changed Lives Breaking the Cycle

34. Emmie Belleisle 40. For the love of herbs

review

42. Dr. Mirna Bowden

28. Bad Land An American Romance Jonathan Raban

46. the Feel Good Workout 48. Immune System Support 50. Goals with Soul 52. The Nutrition Effects of Birth Control 54. The State of the SMILE Address

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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Go FIND!

More Than Mere Dog Command By Christine Hensleigh

Purvis is the kind of person you want around in a pinch. Maybe it’s her knowledge of wilderness medicine, avalanche safety and training top-notch search and rescue dogs. She owns an outdoor education business that takes her around the world to teach Sherpa guides, secret service, and cares for crews in Antarctica and Ethiopia. She knows what to do when things go awry in the mountains or in the desert. Her friends call her a bad ass. Clearly exploration and adventure is her comfort zone. She has been to the world’s hottest, highest and coldest places. It turns out that her latest accomplishment—writing a memoir about one of those adventures—makes the list of the toughest tasks she has achieved.

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Tasha and Susan taking a break at the La Plata Peak avalanche. Photo: Susan Purvis collection.

It isn’t every woman that gets inducted into the Explorers Club alongside the likes of Jane Goodall, Margaret Mead, Ann Bancroft— but Susan Purvis is, in fact, a member of the Explorers Club. She was inducted this year, just one of 800 women in the world.

Way back in 2007, Purvis was living in Colorado and felt called to do something more. She and her dog Tasha, the other half of her top-notch search and rescue team, had just retired from their climb to the top as a K-9 search and rescue team. They found victims buried in snow, drowned in water or missing in the woods. The duo spent most of their time recovering ‘the deceased’ as Purvis puts it. Some women put their feet up, but not Purvis. 2007 was also the year she added ‘Write a Memoir’ to her To Do list, going so far as to move to Montana to make it happen. She enrolled in her first writer’s conference that same year. She found there were similarities to training dogs and writing. Writing and training dogs both require tenacity. Three years of writing turned into ten years before the book finally was finished.

What strikes Purvis as most important to her success is two unbreakable bonds—the first, Purvis had with her dog, Tasha. The second is her bond with her writer’s group in Montana. “It took years to achieve fluency and create a language of love, trust, a solid bond, with my dog Tasha. I would never have imagined that the writing process would take that long. But it did. I had to create the same bond with my writing critique group. I had to be able to trust them with my life in order to share and express my vulnerabilities.” Purvis explained.

“The writing process was as, if not more, difficult. Like K-9 training, if you want to be good you practice your craft every day. Just like when I worked with Tasha as a puppy, who had paws the size of quarters; I would teach her to jump up on

Susan taking careful notes in Gokyo, Nepal. Photo: Susan Purvis collection

Susan stands on the side of Erte Ale Crater in the Danikil Depression in Ethiopia, Africa considered the hottest place on earth. Photo: Richard Wiese

Taking a break from airplane recovery and repair. Antarctica's Holtanna Glacier, Queen Maudland. Photo: Susan Purvis

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Susan’s first trip to Antarctica (McMurdo Station). Confused about her future, she asks for advice. Photo: Susan Purvis collection, 1989.

Susan Purvis

the dining room chair to simulate a chair lift ride. We would load up in a shopping cart and whip around Wal-Mart to simulate a snowmobile journey and set up scenarios to teach her to track human footprints in the snow. I found a way to train her every day.”

Purvis delves where most of us only fear to tread—both in terms of mountain adventure and in the realm of relationships. The five stages of being lost is unforgettable as a metaphor and the snippets of hard science about how dogs process smell to find humans and avalanche structure mean you walk away with an appreciation of the avalanche search and rescue world. Purvis doesn’t stop there. Some passages serve up a sharp critique, and summarize the real cost of a male dominated/good ol’ boys search and rescue culture. Purvis pulls no punches, and turns that same incisive gaze to her own life as she details the story of her own crumbling marriage and how she finds herself in the process. This is, after all, a memoir, which means you get all the juicy details. Because if you ask Purvis, her willingness to share those details, her vulnerability, are what

makes the most impact on readers. Judging from an email box that is full of correspondence from people who can relate to her being lost. She teaches, hosts book clubs and can remote in to join the chat. She has become a kind of knowing if you are lost guru. “We can get lost in the woods, but we can get off course and lost in a relationship, in a business, a career, or in our health,” Purvis explained. “It’s okay to wander off the path. Just don’t wander too far away or you’ll end up digging your way out of a big mess or getting completely buried, like I did.” Of course, a great review from the author of A Perfect Storm, Sebastian Junger, doesn’t hurt either.

“GO Find then is more than a dog command to find the lost and deceased. Purvis summarizes, “Go Find is a reminder to all of us to get off the couch and find purpose and passion. Don’t let anyone say you’re not good enough or you don’t have the talent. If you don’t know what your destiny is, that’s okay too. Just start walking and soon you’ll be on your path. #GOFIND.” Purvis noted. Purvis’ next book will be written from her search and rescue dog Tasha’s point of view.

Connect with Susan Purvis

Saturday, Dec. 15, 4 p.m. at Whitefish Mountain Resort Ladies Ski Day. An après ski and book signing. Tuesday, Dec.18 at ImagineIF Library, Kalispell, 6 p.m.

Avalanche Awareness Talk and book signing.

Thursday, Dec. 20 at REI Kalispell Interested in a wilderness medicine or avalanche course? Want to hear about Cadaver Dog Boot Camp or Gold Mining in Latin America? Or would you like to sign up for Susan’s newsletter, book her for public speaking or a book club event? Visit her website at www.susanpurvis.com.

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Susan Purvis

Susan Purvis showing off her memoir at Book Expo America, NYC

Readers love Go Find by Susan Purvis Your story touched me deeply. Life, as my sweet mom use to say, is “messy”, but it is through that messiness, that we are truly able to find ourselves. Jane, 56-year-old female Tears pour down my face as I devour the final pages of Go Find. From the first page to the last, I was immersed in her wintery world. Beyond the fabulous storytelling and incredible adventures, lies a story at the heart of each one of us: What is a life worth living? Lauren Why am I still tiptoeing around people who want to sabotage my professional career? Why have I/am I looking for validation from the wrong people? My career is my Tasha. I’ve made the transition from suppression to prevention. My Tasha is dying and I’m struggling to hang on professionally and to a partnership to what I had and have. Am I in the denial stage?!? Help me. A 60-year-old male in the emergency responder field I related on so many levels and topics. I cried for you, for me, for the loss of Tasha and my dog Happy, for our marriages for being told that I never loved you, for laying in my bed under the white duvet, and for the gratitude I have because without all of that I would not feel that same joy to be alive that I feel today. SW, 50 year old female

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Following the Light By Mary Wallace Photography by Brenda Ahearn Photography

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Brenda Ahearn

It was her photography that brought her an opportunity to make a rare spiritual journey to the land of the Bible.

As Brenda Ahearn knelt to touch the 14-point star, she felt it. It was the pull of the original star that caused the Magi to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to bring precious gifts to the Christ child and bask in the miracle of his presence. The story of the wise men has always been her favorite part of the story of Christmas. A fictional book called The Story of the Other Wise Man, by Henry van Dyke, led to Brenda’s lifelong fascination with the three wise men. In it, Van Dyke imagines a fourth pilgrim, Artaban, also a priest of the Magi, who likewise discerned from heavenly signs that the birth of the messiah was near and he hastened to join the three fellow Magi for the long journey into Judaea. He paused to help a dying man and was left behind. And so Artaban began his pilgrimage alone, and even though he was continuously waylaid from his mission to pause & help others, he never gave up his quest to bring his gifts to Jesus. The book has a surprise lesson and a final radiant moment at the end. Brenda spent several years of her childhood in nearby Saudi Arabia while her father worked at Aramco, the Arabian American Oil Company. Her family left to return to the U.S. after the situation became unstable due to strained Iran/Iraq relations and as they were driving away from the only home she had ever known, she vowed that she WOULD return someday. Her family settled in Kentucky upon their return to the U.S., and Brenda & her brother Eric spent the rest of their childhood in middle America. Aspiring to become a writer, Brenda attended Eastern Kentucky University and earned her degree in journalism, with a minor in philosophy. But along the way, she met her mentor, Tim Webb, who gave her the foun-

dations in photography that led her to her first full time job as a photographer — working for Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, in their marketing department. Her path eventually led her to the Daily Inter Lake, where she is currently the senior photographer and celebrating nine years on staff. It was her photography that brought her an opportunity to make a rare spiritual journey to the land of the Bible. Brenda worked on a project with a friend who was a navy commander at the American Embassy in Tel Aviv. Afterwards, her friend invited her to visit, and Brenda saw an opportunity to fulfill the promise she had made to her 11-year-old self. Though she quickly accepted the invitation, she spent nearly a full year researching her travels beforehand. Then, with the blessing of her employers at the Inter Lake, she began a one-month pilgrimage of her own to the Holy Land in February 2018. Even with all of her research and planning, the trip was not without its challenges. Just before she was scheduled to depart, President Trump announced that Jerusalem would be officially recognized as the capital and it was a contentious time in Israel. The State Department was warning travelers to be extremely aware and advising that an American should not even enter the Old City of Jerusalem at all.

Brenda opted to free-wheel her itinerary – big crowds and guided tours are not her style. With all the research she had done, she knew her that she would be traveling alone when it might not be advisable to do so. She knew that there was a remote chance that she could even die. Drawing on the story of the three wise men, who chose to follow the light so that they could kneel in the presence of life immortal, she decided to live her faith and follow the light. She rented a car and carried on with her plans.

Upon arrival, she found an eclectic mix of Hebrew, Arabic, and English or at least broken English. Despite the language barrier, she found the people friendly and found their hospitality to be both extraordinary and delightfully kind. She was asked multiple times each day, in three different languages, “Aren’t you cold?” Their general demeanor seemed to say, “How can I help you enjoy my home?” In Jerusalem, the first place on her wish list was the Western Wall. As she journeyed into the Old City, she found herself in the middle of the festival of Rosh Hodesh. The dawn celebration was a cacophony of dancing, singing, praying, wailing, and reading the Torah.

Photo to the left: A sunrise view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. The wall of the Old City and the famous Golden Gate or Gate of Mercy are lit up in the first rays of morning. Above photos, left: A gull flies over the Jordan River at Yardenit; right, Tabgha is the site where the miracle of the loaves and fish is believed to have taken place.

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Brenda Ahearn

Historically, 400 years after Jesus lived and died, Saint Helena went on a mission to research the sites and the relics of the life of Christ and venerate (glorify) each spot.

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Brenda Ahearn

The Western Wall is the most sacred site in the Jewish faith. Brenda felt the power of it while sharing the space with those who believe their morning prayers travel though the wall directly to God. Brenda toured the Tunnel, and the took advantage of the history lesson, which explained that Mount Moriah is much more than a temple. It is believed to be the very foundation from which God created the world. Inside the Tunnel is a stone so large that it weighs over 1 million pounds, and no one can explain how it came to be there. Even modern technology is not capable of moving it, yet there it is sitting for the ages on the top of the mountain. Historically, 400 years after Jesus lived and died, Saint Helena went on a mission to research the sites and the relics of the life of Christ and venerate (glorify) each spot, which was evident in the beauty and massiveness of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Holy Sepulchre contains two of the most sacred sites in Christianity – the site of the crucifixion and the remains of the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, which is believed to be the site of the resurrection of Jesus. She visited in the early morning when the crowds were fewer, and the air was cooler. The church has been built, destroyed, burned, repaired, and reconstructed again and again over the millennia. The Rotunda circles around what is believed to be the site of the resurrection. The very center of the circle contains the stone on which, it is believed, that Jesus was laid after the crucifixion. Another site Brenda had an opportunity to visit was the Garden Tomb. Before the area was open to

the public for the day, she obtained a media pass to photograph the site which was discovered in the mid 1800’s. She found a rare moment of solitude, and she was surprised to feel an overwhelming desire to sing, which she did, allowing the release of all of the feelings washing over her as she sat in the cool and quiet tomb.

Though the Garden Tomb tour is careful not to claim to be the actual site of the crucifixion and resurrection, Brenda felt that the Garden Tomb had a more ‘authentic feel,’ and she was told this was a common response. Ultimately, she decided that it didn’t really matter which was the true location - Jesus had walked there, and the geography of it was in her heart. There’s a weight to the air in these places, and everything feels so much more real . . . so much more tangible. Both the Holy Sepulchre and the Garden Tomb offer moments of beauty, connection, and insight. It might surprise some to know that Muslims are the caretakers and guardians of many of the Christian sites in the Holy Land. They are the “keepers of the keys” in many pilgrimage sites. Inside the door of the Holy Sepuchre, she met Wajeeh, whose family had been the doorkeepers since the 1200s. When Wajeeh retires, he will pass the honor to his son. The Islamic tradition of hospitality is a sacred responsibility to the Muslims who welcome those who are making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Very early one morning, Brenda took an opportunity to walk through the Damascus Gate, into and through the Old City and down to the Lion’s Gate in time to witness the sunrise. From there she continued

to the Garden of Gethsemane and then up to the summit of the Mount of Olives. In the first light of morning, the wall of the Old City, the Dome of the Rock, and the Golden Gate were all glowing gold in the sunlight. Taking this long solitary walk, touching all the ancient stones, and witnessing such beauty felt like, at once, both a brush with history and a deep confirmation of the faith she had lived all her life. On one of her excursions, she found herself standing in Eilat, in the far south of the Negev Desert, and she was able to see Jordan, Egypt, Israel, and the country of her childhood, Saudi Arabia, all at the same time. To many, the miles of desert all look the same; one has only to look a little deeper, and they will find that every rock formation, hill or mound of earth will reveal its own unique story. It is almost as if you have to grow to love it and only then will the desert give you its beauty. Not surprisingly, Brenda’s outlook and life has been genuinely changed by her travels. “I just want to tell everyone that if they have had any desire to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, to see the places where he spent his birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection, they should go. Just go. I will be going back.” And going forward? Brenda says she will actively continue to pray for peace in Israel. And she will always try practice the hospitality she so enjoyed in Israel. Anytime she meets a visitor to our own Flathead Valley; she wants to ask them, “How can I help you enjoy my home?” She will also continue to encourage others to follow the light as the magi once did and make a pilgrimage to bask in the presence of a miracle.

Photos on the left page, Clockwise: Jews praying at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem. The Damascus Gate into the Old City of Jerusalem in the predawn hours. Jewish men dancing at a minor festival at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem. View of Jerusalem at dawn from the Mount of Olives. The golden dome in the center is the Dome of the Rock, an islamic shrine built on the remains of the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. Above photos, left to right: View of Jerusalem through the window of the church Dominus Flevit on the Mount of Olives. An olive tree in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives.

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I Want Her Job

Jessica Pels Cosmopolitan Magazine Editor-in-Chief

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

Many people get a reputation these days for being change makers, but we feel a title just as vital is that of change navigator. And Cosmopolitan’s new Editor-In-Chief Jessica Pels has that rare proficiency for both.

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After graduating from New York University, Jessica entered the job market at a time of chaos and massive change in our economy—the recession. Although she held stellar internships at Vogue and The New Yorker, the publications’ parent company was in a hiring freeze. Fortunately, a tip from an editor she worked with led her to a job with New Yorkers For Children, a non-profit focused on providing assistance to kids in the city’s foster care system.

Jessica eventually made her return to magazines—with jobs at Glamour and Teen Vogue. Following her time at those publications, she moved to another heavy hitter in the magazine industry, Marie Claire, and while there served as the publication’s digital director. Then, earlier this year, she joined Cosmopolitan as the magazine’s digital director. In the eight months that followed, she generated record traffic for the popular women’s lifestyle brand—overseeing the website, video production, social and ecommerce. Then, in October of this year she received the promotion many young women have dreamed of: editor-in-chief. “I really, really love what I do,” Jessica says. “I think you have to—the tempo is intense on an easy day, so you have to have the passion to fuel laser-focus while you juggle a lot at once.”

What is something you learned in your very first job that sticks with you to this day? My first job wasn’t in the industry, but it was a good first step—I was a communications associate at New Yorkers for Children. I wrote our official communications: letters to donors, updates to the website, invitations to fundraisers, etc. It taught me a lot about writing quickly, adjusting to “house voice,” and making my writing both clear and compelling.

Your degree is in film production. With the changing social media landscape, this must have given you an edge during your tenure as digital director. Is a background in film something you would recommend to others looking to join the industry?

The fact that my film degree became such an asset for my editing career was a happy accident, and one that paid off because I was able to get a parallel education in magazines through my internships at The New Yorker and Vogue. While I was learning how to handle a camera at school,

business} I was learning how to edit a story at work. But there’s also the fact that filmmaking is just another form of storytelling. I went to Tisch in the hopes of becoming a director—I directed a couple of short films and a play while I was there—and in so many ways that’s what I’m still doing now: crafting a story with a group of people who are passionate about making it as powerful as possible. I do think that in order to succeed in media, you need to have a strong grasp of writing and editorial. But if you have that already, or if you’re learning the ropes on the job, an education in video, photo journalism or business development can only help. The people who really shine in this industry are the people who bring something extra to the table.

What does the day-to-day of your current job entail?

How do you find time to disconnect? Or, can you even do that?! This is what I’m bad at! Partly because when I do disconnect is often when I have ideas, which brings me right back to my laptop. There’s also a need to be available if news breaks or if there’s a fire I have to put out, which means my phone is my constant companion. C’est la digital vie!

What is a career accomplishment you are particularly proud of?

The fact that I’ve been able to work on both sides of the fence—print and digital—has been really satisfying, to see this industry from all angles. I’m also honored to have had the chance to lead

I spend most of my day in meetings—shaping ideas and fielding pitches, holding brainstorms and kickoffs for new initiatives, meeting with my direct reports and with new groups in and outside the company to explore new ventures for Cosmo. That means I do most of my “work” work (editing, writing, reviewing the budget, etc.) outside of a normal work day, when I can give it the most thought.

What is your favorite part of your job, and what is something surprising someone might not realize about the work you do?

I love to ideate, to obsess over how things look and most of all to edit. When I’m sinking my teeth into editing a big piece … ugh, heaven. As for what’s surprising about my work, SO much of it is about being responsive and answering questions—I strive to avoid holding anyone or anything up, which means I’m constantly responding to emails and Slacks, giving feedback, conveying direction and being decisive as quickly as possible.

making sure you’re constantly growing in new directions, especially if they scare you, and in being strategic about adding new skills to your skill set—after I’d spent a few years at an established print brand, I jumped to a digital startup. I think it’s important to stay on your toes, but also to be careful to take strategic next steps that build toward your ultimate goal.

What is a mistake you made starting out that you hope others can learn from?

I assumed everyone was smarter, better and more confident than I was … I didn’t realize that everyone who’s starting out, especially in a competitive industry like this one, is insecure. The people who seem like they’ve got it more figured out than you are just on the “fake it ‘til you make it” beat, which you should be too!

What are some of your future goals for your work?

I’d like to lead Cosmo into territory it’s never been in before, and to make the brand an even bigger part of the cultural conversation. I have some big plans, but you’ll have to wait and see!

What advice do you have for someone who wants your job?

What is the culture like at Cosmopolitan?

Fun and lively—my staff is full of a lot of young women who are in our demo and whose lives and perspectives inform a lot of our content—but we’re also very focused and driven. Every day we have a million things going on at once: a photo shoot in one corner of the office, while there’s a subject being interviewed in another, while there’s a happy hour being set up at our bar, all while 20 writers and editors are moving quickly to file stories.

Jessica Pels

several brands not only to growth but to more ambitious storytelling, and to do it in a way that fosters enthusiasm from my teams.

Take a ton of proactive ownership in what you do now—prove to your boss that you’re thinking ahead and that you care even more than she does about the success of your work. Pitch some big ideas. Tackle some ambitious stories. Suggest and oversee a new initiative. Take it upon yourself to network with new people at your company. The more connected you are—and the more those connections lead to interesting new projects—the more invaluable you’ll seem.

What strategies do you attribute to helping you climb the career ladder in the magazine industry?

I work exceptionally hard. I’m also, from my ballerina days, comfortable performing for an audience, which I’ve realized as I’ve gotten older is what every meeting and panel discussion and presentation really is. But most of all I really, really love what I do, and I think you have to—the tempo is intense on an easy day, so you have to have the passion to fuel laser-focus while you juggle a lot at once.

How did you know when it was time to leave one magazine title for another?

I stay with jobs I love as long as they continue to teach and challenge me. I’m a big believer in

Brianne B. Perleberg

Brianne B. Perleberg, a born-and-raised Montanan, is the founder of I Want Her Job, an award-winning website featuring curated career conversations with women changing the future of business. She also is a marketing director at NASCAR track Phoenix Raceway. You can follow her on Twitter @iwantherjob and read more interviews like this on iwantherjob.com.

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Getting to Know

Dawn Maddux

with ENGEL & VÖLKERS Western Frontier Photo by Kelly Kirksey Photography

We heard about a new Engel & Völkers office opening in Whitefish and we were excited about welcoming the owner Dawn Maddux to the neighborhood. Specializing in the ultimate client experience, they are taking the search for that perfect piece of Montana to the next level. Get to know Dawn and learn about Engel & Völkers with us… Tell us about Engel & Völkers?

Engel & Völkers is a global luxury real estate brand. Founded in Hamburg, Germany in 1977, the company draws on its rich European history to deliver a fresh approach to luxury real estate in the Americas with a focus on creating a bespoke, white-glove concierge client experience at every stage of the home buying or selling process for today’s savvy homeowner. Engel & Völkers currently operates approximately 150 shop locations with over 3,000 real estate advisors in the Americas, contributing to the brand’s global network of over 11,000 real estate professionals in more than 30 countries, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services, including real estate, yachting and aviation. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Völkers supports its advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs and platforms; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings and market data. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. We cover western Montana with shops

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in Hamilton, Missoula, Polson, Whitefish and coming soon in Kalispell!

Why did you decide to get into the real estate business?

I got my license in 2009 during the recession. I always knew I would get into real estate… But I was too busy! When the recession hit, my marketing company was negatively affected, as marketing budgets are the first to get cut… So the timing was right. I was confident that my marketing background would be a good fit for the real estate industry. I approach things from a different perspective. For me, each listing is a new marketing project, so I still get to pursue my passion! I’ve been in the real estate business in Northwest Montana for nine years now.

What is your favorite thing about your business?

Every property is a new marketing project. Every client becomes a new friend. Every accomplishment makes a difference in someone’s life. What’s not to love about this job!?

What is your least favorite thing?

Sometimes we disappoint people… Sometimes their property isn’t worth what they thought. And often we are dealing with death, divorce and/or financial hardship. This aspect is really hard. But in the end, we help out so that makes it worthwhile.

What is the favorite thing you like to hear from a customer? Thank You.

Where is home?

I grew up in a really small town called Tonasket in Washington State although I’ve lived in Missoula for 25 years now. I’ve also owned vacation homes in Bigfork and Lakeside for 15 years. I love Montana, the people, the culture and the place.

What about you and your interests?

First and foremost, I’m the mother of three amazing kiddos. I couldn’t be more proud of my family. My daughter Raleigh is a licensed Advisor at my office; my daughter Maris is living her dream singing and songwriting in

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Dawn Maddux

We will continue to grow Engel & Völkers in western Montana. I seriously have such a fantastic team of professionals. I’m so proud of what we have accomplished in such a short time, and can only imagine where we will be in the future! New York; and my son, William is an athletic sophomore at Big Sky High School. I am so proud of each of these amazing humans!!

I’m very blessed that my husband, Tod, is my best friend and truly the most supportive partner. He’s a Montana native and is a cardiologist at St. Pat’s in Missoula.

We absolutely love it here! When we aren’t working, we are playing. At the lake we will be found boating or at home in the garden. We have about 23 fruit trees and 20 chickens, so we are also urban farmers (in a way). Plus hiking and cooking are a big part of our lives here in Montana. I love meeting new people and taking on new adventures!

What are your plans for future?

We will continue to grow Engel & Völkers in western Montana. I seriously have such a fantastic team of professionals. I’m so proud of what we have accomplished in such a short time, and can only imagine where we will be in the future! I signed up with Engel & Völkers because it’s the best luxury brand there is! And we have carefully hand selected our team… It will only get better.

If you want to learn more, check out: https://westernfrontier. evusa.com/en/ or call Dawn at 406 926 3322.

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Changes in the Law Impacting Partnerships, LLCs and other pass through entities By Kelly O’Brien, Attorney at Law

Stephanie and Susan owned a small business consulting company together, which they had operated as a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) since they started it. They recently heard a lot in the news about the impact of the new tax law for pass-through entities like their LLC. The two women were aware that the changes in the law made it more beneficial to structure their business in a pass-through entity such as LLC, partnership or S. Corporation but they wanted to ensure they were taking full advantage of all of the updates that may reduce their overall taxes. They also wanted to ensure that they were taking the proper distributions, salaries and accounting for income from their business, as well as ensure that they were properly documenting these changes. When Stephanie and Susan initially set up their LLC they executed an operating agreement. However, they have not reviewed or updated their operating agreement since the beginning of their business.

To better understand the impact on their business, Stephanie and Susan met with their business attorney and CPA to analyze their tax situation. They discussed whether they were utilizing the best entity type for

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their business and reviewed their operating agreement to ensure it complied with the new rules. Ultimately, they decided to update their operating agreement. They also adjusted how they structure their distribution to maximize their deduction.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017Changes for Businesses

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) became effective on January 1, 2018. The TCJA makes significant updates to individual and corporate tax rates, eliminates or modifies many tax deductions, and results in changes for business planning. The new regulations to clarify how the law shall be implemented were not finalized until the later part of 2018, so most business and tax advisors spent a good part of the year trying to sort out the details of the new law. The regulations now provide more concrete guidance for business owners.

Considering Structuring your Business as a Pass-Through Entity to Take Advantage of the Increased Deduction

If you own a business that is structured as a sole proprietorship or C. Corporation, the changes in the law may make it advantageous to convert your structure to a pass-through entity, such as an LLC, partnership or Subchapter S. Corporation. A passthrough entity is one defined as a business that passes

income through the entity to the individual owners. Pass-through entity structures have always provided additional liability protection, which is a significant benefit. However, TCJA changed the tax rate for pass through entities, which can make them even more appealing. Now with TCJA, pass-through entities receive a deduction of up to 20% on qualified business income. The impact of this new deduction could result in significant tax savings. However, it is important to understand there are different rules that apply to different types of businesses. There are also limits to the deductions that apply at different income levels. For service businesses, such as consulting like Susan and Stephanie above, or those in health, legal, performing arts, athletics, financial services or other businesses where the primary asset is the “skill or reputation of one or more of its employees or owners,” there are certain limitations on the deduction and a complete phase out at higher income levels. For example, those in service industries filing joint returns with income over $315,000 are above the threshold amount and therefore subject to limitations. The modifications to the law and calculations can be quite complicated, especially for those earning income above the threshold amounts. Moreover, an owner of a pass-through entity cannot simply categorize all income as qualified business income and apply the twenty percent deduction without taking a reasonable wage. However, for most pass-through entities the new

legal} law results in a reduction of overall tax. Analyze the impact of the TCJA with your tax advisors to determine the best structure for your business.

Decide if the Owners Will Elect to “Push Out” a Tax Deficiency

Update Your Partnership, Shareholder or Operating Agreement to Reflect the Partnership Audit Rule Requirements

Like the opt-out provisions, the new rules also allow a business to “push-out” a tax deficiency. This means the owners can elect to shift the tax assessment to the individual owners, rather than the entity. If the owners elect to “push-out” the tax deficiency, then it essentially operates as it did before the passage of the new rules.

Appoint a Tax Representative

However, it is essential to understand that the “push-out” election applies to the owners that hold an ownership interest during the year of the audit. This could mean that owners could sell their interest prior to the audit and not have any responsibility in the event of an audit in years after the sale. This also could mean that a new owner would be responsible for a tax deficiency for years prior to his or her purchase or involvement with the business. Obviously, this has broad impacts for owners purchasing or selling an interest in a business so the decision to “push-out” should be carefully considered and discussed with all current and potential future owners, as well as tax and legal advisors.

Another significant change in the law for passthrough entities is a change to the partnership audit rules. The update to the law provides for tax assessment and collection at the entity level rather than the individual level. This means that if you have assets in an existing pass-through entity, or if you are considering setting up a new pass through entity, you should carefully consider the new requirements. One of the most significant changes with the passage of TCJA is that the IRS can now assess and collect tax deficiencies from the entity rather than the individual owners. The practical impact of this change is that it requires business entities to appoint a tax representative. The tax representative will be the point of contact for the business in the event of an audit and has the exclusive authority to deal with the IRS. This means the tax representative can bind the entity without the requirement of discussing or consulting with other owners. If the business entity does not appoint a tax representative the, IRS will appoint a representative for the entity. This can have a significant impact and unintended consequences for many businesses. Due to the broad ability to bind the entity, it is essential that business owners look at updating their partnership agreement, shareholder agreement, or operating agreement to include the appointment of a tax representative. In addition to appointing a representative, the updated agreement should include language that requires the tax representative to provided notice to, and consult with, other owners in an audit process. By making this simple update to an operating agreement the business can retain control if an audit does occur. Speak with your business attorney about how to best include language to appoint a tax representative.

Determine if the Entity Should Opt-out of the New Tax Audit Rules

Smaller entities are permitted to “opt-out” of the new tax audit rules. However, an entity that wants to “opt-out” must affirmatively decide to do so. The “opt-out” provisions only apply to entities with 100 or fewer owners (owners will include partners, members, or shareholders depending on the entity type). In addition, all owners must be “eligible”under the new rules. To meet the eligibility requirement of the rules all owners must be individuals and not a C. Corporation, estate, or other entity. The decision whether to opt-out should be memorialized in writing through the internal operating documents of the business including a written a resolution of the owners, and an update to the operating agreement. Moreover, this decision will impact how the business responds to an audit, so it is important to consult with your CPA to assist you in this decision.

Overall Considerations

This article focuses on the changes in the law impacting business planning, entity structure and internal business agreements. However, TCJA and related rules made significant modifications to many other tax provisions including reductions in tax rates, changes to many deductions and tax credits, and increases to the estate and gift tax exemptions. It is important to discuss these updates with your CPA and tax advisors to determine how the changes might impact the tax situation for your business and how to properly document these changes. While Stephanie and Susan in the example above did not have a change their entity structure, they did decide to update the operating agreement to appoint a tax representative and include language that required the tax representative to provide notice and consult with all owners in an audit. Moreover, they made several changes in how they structure their distributions to ensure they took full advantage of the new business deductions. The TCJA and related rules will likely have some impact for your business, so it is important to take full advantage of the updates to the law. Discuss your strategies with your attorney, CPA, financial planner, and other tax advisors as soon as possible to ensure you are making the most of the business deductions and how to best document the changes for your specific business. If you have question regarding business planning; entity formation, structuring, or restructuring; or how to update your shareholder, partnership or operating agreement contact Kelly O’Brien, Measure, Sampsel, Sullivan & O’Brien, P.C. at (406) 752-6373/ www.measurelaw.com

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

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review} Pantheon Books 1996

Bad Land An American Romance Jonathan Raban

Awards: National Book Critics Circle, General Nonfiction Winner 1997 PEN USA Literary awards 1997 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Awards 1997 Governor’s Writers Award of the State of Washington 1997 NY Times Editors Choice for Book of the Year Review by Susan Schnee, Voyageur Booksellers In 1909, maps still identified eastern Montana as the great American Desert. But that year Congress, lobbied heavily by railroad companies, specifically the Milwaukee Road, offered 320acre tracts of land to anyone to stake claim to. Drawn by shamelessly inventive brochures and propaganda put forth by the railroad companies, countless homesteaders, many of them new immigrants, went west for a chance at land and home ownership. The railroad writers and illustrators were assigned to replace the Great American Desert space on the maps with a picture of free, rich farmland: a picture so vivid, so fully furnished with attractive details, that readers would commit their families and their life savings, sight unseen, to a landscape in a book. It worked. The families came—recent immigrants and new emigrants. Few had farmed before. They claimed half-section homesteads, prospered for a few green years and then, when the weather turned normal—dry, that is—they mostly failed and were driven out. As quickly as that, immigration became exodus. In the wake of those eastern Montana homesteaders, a long lifetime later, came Jonathan Raban to see what they left behind. Out of the roof caved houses, out the barely discernible tracks leading from one invisible homestead to another, out of the life still being lived in that difficult country, Raban has made as good a book as I have read about Montana history in a very long time. To Raban, the story of the founding of these towns lies as much in the propaganda on which they were initially erected as it does in their struggle for survival. “Nearly a hundred years after they

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were born, the accidental nature of their conception still haunts these towns.” The birth of these towns was enormously purposeful, but there was nothing about their location—except proximity to the railroad—that should have given rise to a settlement: no confluence of rivers, no natural advantages of the kind that make a town a geographical necessity. In towns named Terry, Mildred, Baxter, Calypso and Ismay and in the landscape in between, Raban unearths a vanished episode of American history, with its own ruin; it’s own heroes and heroines, its own hopeful myths and bitter memories. What makes this book so memorable is Raban’s imaginative reach. He recaptures the hope of the coming of the settlers to eastern Montana and he arrays it against their subsequent fate. A transient figure like the man named Worsell, a bachelor who lived in a tattered tar paper claim shack near Ismay, emerges with as much clarity as the great English born rancher and photographer, Evelyn Cameron, who lived and worked on a ranch outside Terry and who left behind a remarkable cache of photographs and diaries. The population peaked in the good rainfall years just before World War I; it has been declining ever since. The greatest out migration was in the 1920s. Montanans from that generation knew full well that their Great Depression began in 1921 or 1922, with the collapse of the world’s commodity markets and return to normal arid conditions and brutal winters. His text is filled

with the histories of the defeated, enlivened with a keen understanding of the character of those who stayed. “In the last sixty years a form of society has evolved here. It was more modest than the one envisioned by the early settlers. After the great humbling of the Dirty Thirties, people learned how to conform themselves to the place. The land allowed just so much habitation and farming and no more. The chastened survivors cautiously built their world. And here it was-in the cluster of well-dressed, well fed families around the corral. One would never have guessed at the amount of ruination that had gone into the making of this scene, of country neighbors, at ease with themselves and each other. This was exactly how the Wollastons, Dockens, Yeargens and the rest who had to leave everything behind would have imagined their new lives on the prairie, as a rooted and stable rural community, with its own language and architecture, costumes and customs.”

Copperleaf Chocolat

company

239 Central Ave. Whitefish Mt. 406-862-9659

Books Bought and Sold locally made artisan chocolates, chocolate bars from around the world, time tested books & leather bound journals. Artie Yellowhorse Native American Designer of Collectible Silver, Turquoise & Gems Jewelry Mary Frances Hand Beaded Embellished Handbags and Scarves. Fabulous Cashmere Sweaters, One of a kind Copper and Enamel Pieces by Swan Valley Copper Company and Vintage cowboy boots.

profile}

Tapping into Healing Energies By Mary Wallace

Teacher, Healer, Discoverer, Entrepreneur, Believer in Miracles, and one of Montana’s unique residents, Vianna Stibal is at once, both a rather complex and yet surprisingly genuine person. She owns and operates no less than six companies based out of her Atanaha Event Center south of Bigfork, where she hosts her ThetaHealing® Seminars and Events during the summer months. She travels the world teaching and training much of the rest of the year. Vianna Stibal discovered her ThetaHealing® techniques several years ago when she was on her own personal journey to health. What is ThetaHealing®?

The ThetaHealing® technique is a meditation technique and spiritual philosophy - not specific to any one religion but accepting of them all - with the purpose of getting closer to the Creator of All That Is. It is a training method for mind, body, and spirit that allows the client to clear limiting beliefs and live life with positive thoughts. These techniques are designed to dig into the subconscious mind to help the client find the reasons why hardship or problems occur, as well as bring the realization that they have the possibility to change their lives. Through meditation and prayer, the ThetaHealing® technique creates a positive lifestyle. Basically, the patient is taught to take him or herself to a dream state meditation (actually called the Theta state), which releases serotonin, and helps the patient to heal. It is a meditation that is deeper than hypnosis, but more patient-driven.

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According to Vianna, ThetaHealing® is open to people of all religions as it works well with the philosophies of all of them. “We are NOT on a mission to convert anyone,” insists Vianna. “Our mission is to change the world one person at a time and show everyone their true connection to The Creator of All That Is. We aim to bring forward the best in all people.” ThetaHealing® is meant to be taught and used in conjunction with conventional medicine. So much so, that many doctors and medical providers have taken notice of the benefits and many have trained with Vianna to become ThetaHealing® practitioners.

Furthermore, scientists have discovered that certain brain wave frequencies (especially the Alpha and Theta) may: 1. Relieve stress and promote a lasting and substantial reduction in people prone to anxiety states.

2. Facilitate deep physical relaxation and mental clarity. 3. Increase verbal ability as well as the performance IQ, verbal. 4. Better synchronize the two hemispheres of the brain. 5. Recall mental images live and increase spontaneous imaginative and creative thinking. 6. Reduce pain, promote euphoria, and stimulate the release of endorphins. Scientists have been able to measure what is happening in the brain during each state using an EEG, or electroencephalogram. The EEG measures brain wave frequencies in each brain state.

Through this journey, I have found ways of helping myself and others to have health, love, and joy.” profile}

Vianna Stibal

There are five brain states – Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta, and Gamma. In the Beta state, a person is awake with normal alertness & consciousness. In the Alpha State, a person is relaxed, calm, lucid, and in a state of meditation. The Theta state is when a person is in a state of deep relaxation and meditation and may experience mental imagery. The Theta state is the first stage of the phase in which we dream. The Delta state is when a person is in a deep sleep. Gamma state waves appear to be involved in higher brain activity, in which are included the perception and consciousness. Vianna believes that a person in a Gamma-Theta state is most favorable for ThetaHealing®.

Does ThetaHealing® work for everyone?

Thousands of people have experienced change and healing with the ThetaHealing® techniques. If a person has a general belief in a higher power, creator, life force, (or whatever they may call it), there is a possibility for spiritual, mental, and physical changes. Alternately, those who have convinced themselves that they are meant to be ill or that they don’t deserve healing may not see as much benefit.

The ThetaHealing® Institute of Knowledge

When Vianna began sharing her ThetaHealing® practices with others to help them, it soon became apparent that she was not going to be able to manage the sheer number of people who were reaching out for treatment. She found that she could teach others to do what she was doing, and she started offering workshops for those who wished to become practitioners. Today, Vianna is a worldrenowned spiritual teacher/ healer who teaches her spiritual philosophy and meditation technique, ThetaHealing®, both in Bigfork and throughout the world. There are currently over 500,000 ThetaHealing® practitioners in over 170 countries around the world, as well as 8,000-10,000 ThetaHealing® instructors. For the past three summers, the classes have been held in Bigfork at the Atanaha Retreat Center. Vianna & her husband, Guy, travel the world the other eight months of the year, offering these same classes. She has recently been certified to instruct in Dubai. Vianna Stibal’s seven books

on her ThetaHealing® techniques have been translated into 23 languages. Vianna says she ‘knew’ her husband, Guy, years before she actually met him. A ‘guy’ from Montana who was a farmer or rancher and who drove a blue & white pickup was a frequent visitor in her dreams, and those dreams were so vivid, that when she did meet him in 1997, “I thought the Creator was playing a trick on me!” exclaims Vianna. Both had been married before, but they met when the time was right and formed a partnership that brought their families together. It was the beginning of their many journeys together over their 21 years of marriage. Vianna and Guy work with all of their children, spouses, and families to run their six businesses. Between their Legendary Friesens, Montana Olive Oil, Crystal Rock Company, a publishing company, and the Atanaha Center where both the ThetaHealing® Institute of Knowledge and their Enchanted Events weddings & events are held each family member has their specialty. They all support each other in ways that one might not expect from a bunch of siblings, but the harmony the whole family shares is apparent when they are all gathered as a team. On Vianna’s bucket list (besides healing the world, of course), are finishing their new Bigfork office building, adding a waterfall and lodging to their retreat center, and eventually adding an amphitheater so they can hold concerts under the stars in their little slice of heaven. Something that not a lot of people know about Vianna is that she originally trained for a career in security at a nuclear plant and that she is an expert markswoman (a fact that Guy, an avid shooter, admits was part of what made him fall in love with her). What makes Vianna’s heart sing? “When I witness someone experience the healing they so desperately need, or when I witness one of my previous students have similar success. That’s one of the best things in my world. “I know that there is a Creator and we are all part of it. I know that we are divine and, as we clear our limiting beliefs, all things are possible. Through this journey, I have found ways of helping myself and others to have health, love, and joy.”

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health}

Emmie’s four-year fight to find normal By Mary Wallace

No one was taking Emmie seriously. Maybe the doctors weren’t listening to her because she was technically still a kid, but Emmie knew she was dealing with a severe and very grown-up illness. When she found blood in her stool, things got even more serious. Eventually, due to the continuous bleeding, she became severely anemic – a grave and scary situation. Emmie often looked gray and ashen due to loss of blood, she would almost pass out walking up the stairs at school, she had little energy and she was always fatigued. She later found out that she was losing blood faster than her body could replace it. She needed the doctors to listen to her and help her, but she wasn’t getting the support she needed until she came to Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

About 38,000 people are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in the United States every year, roughly 12.2 in every 100,000 people. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that mainly affects the lining of the large intestine (colon). It is an autoimmune disease that follows a relapsing-remitting pattern, which means that periods of flare-ups are followed by periods of remission. A UC flare-up may cause frequent or urgent bowel movements, diarrhea, bloody stool and/or abdominal pain. Patients may also experience fatigue, lack of appetite and weight loss. Ulcerative colitis is experienced differently by each person and can be progressive, so over time, symptoms could get worse or change altogether. Emmie Belleisle was 14 years old – a Belgrade High School freshman – when things started to go horribly wrong. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in November 2015 and began a four-year journey of trying nearly every available medication to treat the disease, including biologics and a fecal microbiome transplant, all with no appreciable results. Emmie asked her local doctors about surgery to remove her colon, but was told this could only be considered as a last resort.

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joints, extreme nausea, fatigue and the embarrassing necessity to make frequent, urgent bathroom visits. She missed so many classes due to her ailment and had to play catch-up a lot. In high school student’s terms, she had no social life, couldn’t go out with friends and always had a mental inventory where the closest bathroom was located wherever she was. When she tried to participate in track, she had to quit due to her frequent flare-ups and the resulting physical limitations. She was being held prisoner by her colon.

Her physical struggles were dogpiled with the mental and emotional toils, too. The medication for UC increased Emmie’s weight significantly which really impacted her self-esteem, and the ups and downs of her treatment often left her feeling discouraged and dejected. Her emotional roller coaster ride incited bouts of depression as well. “It seems like high school is a social competition in so many ways already, I didn’t need to add anything to my list,” says Emmie. Katie Knopf, Emmie’s mom, was also enduring this dreadful experience with her. While Katie didn’t have the physical illness, she was with Emmie every step of the way, watching her

child burdened with pain. Katie worked extra hours to pay medical bills, took time away from work to juggle Emmie’s doctor appointments and hospital stays, and lost sleep as she worried about her little girl’s condition and wishing she could provide some relief. Emmie and her mother have always been very close. Emmie recalls thinking to herself “don’t let go” each time she went into surgery — because she knew it would crush her mother.

health}

Emmie Belleisle

Preparing Emmie for transport on A.L.E.R.T. II

The ups and downs of her treatment often left her feeling discouraged and dejected. Her emotional roller coaster ride incited bouts of depression as well. Emmie admitted there were times that she felt tired enough to give up — tired of the doctor visits, the meds and not finding a solution — yet, it was because of her mother that she kept pushing through. Tearfully, Emmie shared, “Sometimes it felt like my mom and I took turns saving one another throughout this whole ordeal!” Things eventually reached the point where Emmie was interested in getting rid of all the medications and removing her colon to improve her overall health. She visited with doctors in Seattle to inquire about surgery and was told she was too overweight to consider this option. Additionally, she was informed that if she became a candidate for surgery, she would likely not be able to have children later in life as a result.

Emmie and Federico Seifarth, MD, pediatric surgeon at KRMC

Regional Medical Center. Emmie braced herself for yet another doctor who would likely not listen to her concerns. To her surprise, Dr. Seifarth listened to her. He also gave her a way to fix this nightmare. They discussed long-term options of this type of surgery, and Emmie, for once, felt heard. She said the medical staff at KRMC talked to her directly and addressed her concerns. They communicated with Emmie instead of looking past her and talking to her parents. Seifarth also said he felt that having the surgery didn’t rule out the option of having kids; the odds were in her favor.

“I did not get a good vibe in Seattle,” says Emmie. “I felt I was being forced to choose between a healthy life now at the expense of my future life and dreams. I couldn’t believe this was the trade off or the only option.”

In a combo of surgeries in 2016 and 2017, Seifarth removed Emmie’s problematic lower bowel and reconnected her small intestine. After recovery, Emmie not only felt better, but she thrived. She returned to her work-out routine, joined the golf team, got back on track with her studies and took to her drama and Spanish classes with fervor. Emmie was finally feeling like a regular high school student and, best of all, she was happy!

Emmie was eventually referred to Federico Seifarth, MD, a pediatric surgeon at Kalispell

At her postoperative visit of December 2017, Seifarth reported that Emmie was doing quite

well. Her digestive system was functioning normally and she was able to tolerate a regular diet after four grueling years of medication and a life ruled by unpredictable intestines.

“I had not seen Emmie doing so well in years. It was a great relief to see her healthy once again,” remarked Katie, Emmie’s mother. “Emmie is so strong. I’m so glad she can start chasing her dreams now.” Emmie turned 18 in August 2018 and is now happily attending MSU in Bozeman. After discovering her sickness when she was just 14, she is ready to put the last four years behind her. In honor of the beautiful and strong women in her life, including her mother and grandmother, she now sports a celebratory tattoo of a hummingbird on her shoulder. Emmie is also pursuing her dream of becoming a Spanish teacher and studying abroad in Spain soon. “Life is so much better without my colon and all the meds I was taking,” says Emmie. “I’m so grateful to Dr. Seifarth for helping me find a better way to live. When no one else listened, he did. And now I have my life back.”

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nonprofit}

Changed lives Breaking the Cycle

By Lizzy Brown as told to Mary Bryan

I have a long and kind of hard story. Longer and harder than a 14-year-old should have. But what matters most to me right now is that I’m with my brother and sister and we get to stay together… forever. That doesn’t always happen for kids like us. Who are we? We’re kids who got adopted out of foster care. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. The story goes that my grandma started using drugs and that’s how my mom learned about them. My mom told me she was around 14 at the time that she first started using. It’s hard to say it, but I guess it was kind of a family thing. That’s a hard thing to admit about what happened in my family. But that’s truth, and I’m not going to go down that path. I’m breaking the cycle. My parents weren’t bad people, but they got caught up in drugs and just couldn’t kick it. My mom was a user, my dad was a dealer and that landed him in prison…and landed me and my younger sister and brother in foster care. When I was little, we bounced around from place to place. I remember living in Hungry Horse, Martin City, Columbia Falls and Butte to name a few. Sometimes we lived in little houses, or a crowded apartment. I remember once we lived in a garage. School was something we did occasionally. We were either always on the move or it just wasn’t a priority. For years I attended school sporadically at best…. maybe 2-3 days a week. My inconsistent attendance had to be a red flag that alerted Child and Family Services that something was up.

Us kids were suffering physical and emotional neglect. It was normal to me then, but in hindsight my life was chaos. I can’t remember 38 406

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for sure the number of times I was removed from my family for my safety….it was at least 3 times before I went to the Browns. Even at a young age, I was seasoned to these ups and downs and I never worried about being removed from family too much, as I always knew my parents would be able to get their act together and us kids would go back home. I loved my mom so much and I was always hopeful things would be better when we went back home. And, for awhile they were. But then, one day they weren’t.

house. As I race to the window, I see my mom being cuffed and put in the back seat of the cruiser. At the time, while I was worried and scared, it never crossed my mind that would be the last day I’d ever live with my mom. She’d always gotten her act together and I knew it was just a matter of time before she’d come get us. But, this time, she didn’t come. We bounced around staying with several different relatives. But they couldn’t handle us or didn’t want all of us, and that’s when we all went to live with the Brown family.

At the ripe old age of 9, I felt like if I tried hard enough that maybe I could keep us all together. I’m a great big sister and took good care of my little sister and brother. But no matter how hard I tried to control my parents’ actions or manage my brother and sister’s emotions, things fell apart.

Now, I’m not going to kid you. Even though I’d bounced around a lot, going to live with a family you don’t know is a real shock to your system. A family who would take all 3 of us was almost unheard of.

The day I was removed for good I don’t know exactly what happened, but it’s one of those days where there are pieces that you never forget. I was hanging out at my neighbors watching Alice in Wonderland. My then 6-year-old sister came bursting through the door in tears and tells me the police are at our

At first, I didn’t like it at the Browns, I thought they were controlling, but what I didn’t realize at the time was that they were trying their best to take good care of us kids. It wasn’t really controlling, but they cared about who I was with and where I was going. I wasn’t used to that and I was angry a lot. It’s funny, but before I went to live with the Browns, I didn’t know anything about God…but now, here I was living with them and I was angry at Him! After we were there awhile, we learned they were going to adopt us. I was grateful to know

nonprofit}

I want other kids to have the same opportunity that the Browns gave me. I wouldn’t have to move around any more and that we would all be together. And, my new mom and dad told us that when they first met us that they knew we were meant to be their kids!

It may sound odd, but what made me feel really part of that family wasn’t so much anything they did. Really, it was me. I decided I would be part of that family. But I also felt I was letting go of my original family…you know, giving them up. That’s a hard thing to deal with at 11. During my short life, I’ve come to realize that it doesn’t matter what anyone says or thinks about you. You can let other people take things away from you or allow yourself to have what you deserve. I believe that my brother, sister and I deserve a healthy family. I still struggle with it, but I realize that when I don’t have to worry about what other people do or manage others’ emotions that it has made a difference in how I process things. And that makes me a healthier and happier person.

I’m thankful to have a family who loves me and all the other things that go with that. I play basketball and that’s a blast! If I do well in high school, I could go to college. I have other great brothers. It may sound weird to you, but when I grow up, I want to be just like my little sister! She is the most gentle, strong and generous person I know… we’ve been through so much together. I’m thankful she has a family who can help her continue to be the beautiful person she is. And, I think it’s really cool that in my new family, together we care for other kids in foster care who also need families. None of us are selfish about other kids coming into our family. I want other kids to have the same opportunity that the Browns gave me. I’m learning that this journey is not always easy, but it’s always worth it. As in Lizzy’s story, there are other children in Montana who need families to care for them in their time of need. If you’re interested in learning more about foster care, adoption from foster care, or how you can be a part of helping Montana children in need, please contact Child Bridge at info@childbridgemontana.org or 406-2-FOSTER.

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health}

For the love of herbs . . . By Kelly Pris

Even though Mountain Meadow Herbs has been doing business in the Flathead for nearly 20 years, it’s just been in the last year or two that people have come to recognize us and know who we are and what we do. But, since I still get that question on occasion, allow me to explain; We manufacture and sell liquid herbal extracts. From Ashwagandha to Valerian and everything in-between, our liquid extracts of herbs like these offer multiple benefits and natural health support.

The process goes something like this; herbs that have been slowly heated and soaked in solution are pressed into a golden liquid, filled into bottles, sealed, labeled, and delivered to our warehouse or retail store for purchase by you!

That’s the Cliffs Note’s version, of course. Specifics like weighing out, lab testing, ingredient

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verification, and the like are too numerous to describe. From research and development, most of our formulations are created and perfected by our very own Master Herbalist on staff. Her vision takes life through the sourcing and purchasing of high-quality, raw ingredients and are tested and verified before taking a trip through our production facility. The proprietary extraction method that we use produces some of the purest, most effective liquid herbal extracts on the market today.

And it all happens right here, in Somers, Montana!

And even more exciting, is that we finally get to share our world of herbs with the world around us in our newly-remodeled facility.

After a couple of long years under construction, we’ve opened the doors to our new MOUNTAIN Café, MEADOW Conference Center, and HERBS

Store. In all fairness - the Café is not quite open, but will be very soon . . . and worth the wait, with local fare including coffee, tea, and simple-yet-delicious breakfast and lunch menus - mostly herb- themed, of course!

The store, which fills 1300 square feet and is brimming with natural light, showcases what we do. Shelves filled with rich liquid extracts, in single-form and as formulas, line the walls, while the decor pays homage to the company’s

health}

Mountain Meadow Herbs

roots; the country kitchen of our founder, determined to heal her son in a way modern medicine could not.

The conference center will host speakers, educational opportunities, and more. While mostly health-related events are in the works, the plans and ideas for this space are ever-evolving and exciting to say the least. Or, rent the space for YOUR next event - with natural views through moving glass doors surrounding the room and state-of-the art audio/visual equipment, it’s ready for almost anything.

Certainly, when most of you think of Somers, you don’t think of it as a destination for manufacturing and big business. I’m sure it’s more along the lines of sunny days spent on Flathead Lake, ice fishing, or a delicious bucket of chicken from the local pub. But we’re trying to change that, or at least add to it! So, next time you're in the neighborhood, stop in and check us out! We’re a friendly bunch with a love of herbs and ready to share it with the world. www.mmherbs.com 1019 Hard Rock Rd., Somers, MT 1.888.528.8615

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Dr. Mirna Bowden

Advancing Women’s Health at North Valley Hospital By Allison Linville

“My passion is to help women feel healthy and live a good life,” says Mirna Bowden, MD at Alpine Women’s Center. Dr. Bowden has been at Alpine Women’s Center in Whitefish for 16 years, where she is an obstetrician and gynecologist at the clinic, with privileges at North Valley Hospital delivering babies in The Birth Center and performing surgeries in the operating room. “A normal day for me is all over the place – I love it,” she says with enthusiasm. “I’ll help with a birth at North Valley Hospital in the morning, come back to my office across the street and see patients, go back over for a DaVinci robotic surgery, come back to the office, later maybe assist with a patient in the emergency room, or there may be another surgery. Then, I go home and see my twins and try to eat with my family. It’s crazy, but I love my job.” Bowden majored in history in undergraduate school at Connecticut College and she wrote her thesis on the role of midwifery in early modern Europe. “I was always passionate about midwifery and wanted to be a midwife, but I realized the medical training was important to me.” She went to medical school followed by residency for obstetrics and gynecology and “I ended up just loving surgery – it was all so interesting to me.” In 2002, when Bowden came to North Valley Hospital after completing her residency at Baylor University’s Baylor College of Medicine, she joined Randall Beach, MD, in a practice of two providers at Alpine Women’s Center. Together, with area nurse-midwives and family practice physicians, they delivered 120 babies at The Birth Center at North Valley Hospital on average per year. Now, there are three physicians at the clinic who, along with the nurse-midwives and family practice physicians in the area, deliver an average of 550 babies at The Birth Center every year – a significant increase since Bowden began practicing in the Flathead Valley. Currently, Bowden delivers about 150 babies a year at The Birth Center at North Valley Hospital. “Our birth center is unique, since we are a Baby Friendly Hospital and we focus on low-risk births and the patient-family experience.”

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She explains the complimentary relationship between the birth centers at North Valley Hospital and Kalispell Regional Medical Center. “We really work together, and I am grateful for the role that each facility plays in offering women options in the Flathead Valley. North Valley Hospital is well known for the patient-family experience and the options we provide, like water birth, but we don’t do high risk or pre-term births. Having a more complex facility that can take high risk patients so close to us is a great asset to our patient community.” Bowden also explains there has been so much advancement in women’s health and surgeries throughout her career that “I don’t feel like I do the same thing I did 16 years ago.” One major shift that Bowden has seen in her career was in minimally invasive surgery, when North Valley Hospital purchased the DaVinici robot in 2009.

“We were just this little town with this advanced medical technology to provide excellent care – it was amazing,” she says. Now, the DaVinci robot is more common in all hospitals, and minimally invasive surgery is used in Kalispell Regional Healthcare hospital facilities. In addition to overseeing births and surgeries, Bowden explains that her passion is infertility treatment, and also menopause and hormone balancing – bioidentical hormone replacement in addition to integrative medicine without hormones to help with menopause. “After my sister had breast cancer, she had early menopause from chemo,” she says. It was about six years ago, and as Bowden explains, “I saw the ways she could find treatment, and it really inspired me.” One thing Bowden wishes that women knew is this: “We can find a treatment for almost anything. Tell

your OB/GYN what’s going on, and we can help find treatment.” She mentions that women often don’t tell their doctor about a problem because it’s uncomfortable to discuss or embarrassing. But, Bowden affirms, “It’s so often treatable. I’ve treated issues that women lived with unnecessarily for years.” Also, she says the same for women’s sexual health. “Physical intimacy shouldn’t hurt, even after menopause. That’s something we can help with.” Bowden gives more of her time to the hospital and the community than the long, demanding shifts she works as a physician. She’s also the vice chair of the North Valley Hospital Board of Directors, where she finds that her perspective as a physician representative is very beneficial. “I communicate both ways, both to the board on behalf of physicians—I can share perspectives I’ve heard from my colleagues—but also I can communicate administrative decisions to our physicians and staff. I’ve found this role to be very helpful at the provider level, and also for the hospital.” For the last three years, Bowden has volunteered on the board (the entire board is made up of community leader volunteers), assisting with major decisions like the affiliation with Kalispell Regional Healthcare and growth of North Valley Hospital. She wants to be at the table, she explains, to be part of the decisions and the governing level of the organization. “I’m passionate about the hospital. I’m inspired by the mission, and our patients, and I really believe in the spirit of the place. I want to be part of what we are continually building here in Whitefish.”

“It’s a fabulous community here,” she adds. “I’ve delivered babies here for 16 years and I see these kids all around town – that’s what I love about a small town. You are so connected to the people you take care of.”

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The Pilates Feel Good Workout during the Holidays and Beyond

By Delia Buckmaster, PMA®-CPT Photos by Amanda Wilson Photography

In the midst of the holiday season, we get pulled in many directions. Presents to buy, meals to cook, errands to run, and the days are colder and shorter. How do we balance all of this and still find time to de-stress and fit a quick workout in? As much as I love the intense cardio sessions and a long Pilates hour, I’m lucky to find a few minutes of uninterrupted self-care between now and the first of the year. Try this quick 20-minute effective Pilates routine using a foam roller. The best part about this prop is that it doubles as a massager when you’re done.

1. Arm Reaches

Place the foam roller long ways on the mat and place the entire torso including head on the roller. Legs are hip distance apart for balance and knees bent. Reach one arm overhead and one by the hip. Exchange in a reciprocal movement. Recommended breath: Exhale to reach arms away from each other, inhale as the arms cross over the chest. Tip: Keep the ribs and shoulders stable and pelvis in a neutral position.

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2. Chest Extension and Flexion

Place the foam roller below the shoulder blade around the bottom ribs. Interlace fingers behind the head to support the neck. Move from extension to flexion of the upper/middle back. Recommended breath: Inhale to open the chest and exhale to flex the abs. Tip: the head and shoulders move as one unit.

3. Lower and Lift

Place the foam roller under the sacrum (the lower flat part of your back). Lower the legs as low as you can maintain hip stability and lift them back to 90 degrees. Recommended breath: Inhale to lower legs, exhale to lift. Tip: Shoulder blades stay flat on the mat and eyes up toward the ceiling.

4. Bridging

Place the foam roller under the arches of the feet, hip distance apart. Lift the hips from the glute muscle and lower the hips back to start position on the mat with control. Recommended breath: Inhale to lift the hips, exhale to lower the hips. Tip: move from the glutes, keeping the spine in neutral. Avoid cramping in the hamstring by firing the pelvic floor first.

5. Side Stretch

Sit in a Z sit position or similar with the foam roller on the opposite side of your feet. Keep both hips down and move the roller away from you while reaching the opposite arm overhead. Recommended breath: Inhale to reach arm overhead, exhale to flex to the side, inhale to sit up, exhale to come back to start position. Tip: Sit up on a blanket or bolster if the hips are tight. Keep the hips down when flexing. If you can’t sit with legs to side sit cross-legged.

6. Back extension

Lying prone (on belly) place the foam roller under the forearms, legs extended behind you. Lift the upper body while gliding the roller toward you to come to extension. Lie back on to the mat with control. Recommended breath: Inhale to extend the spine, exhale to return to start position. Tip: Press the pubic bone down and pull in the abs to support the low back. Only lift as high as you can extend the middle back, keeping the low back stable. Heads stays on top of the shoulders.

7. Child Pose to cat

Sitting in child’s pose place the foam roller under the forearms resting the head between the arms, knees apart and big toes towards each other. Keeping the bottom down, round the spine by pulling the roller toward the body placing weight on the forearms. Recommended breath: Inhale in child’s pose, exhale to flex the spine to cat. Tip: draw the shoulders down you back to keep the tension out of the neck and upper shoulders. Lift the glutes to a hover off the heels to relieve pressure on the knees if necessarry.

health}

Immune System Support

Look Within Your Body First & Foremost By Dr. C. Claude Basler, DC, Basler Family Chiropractic

The weather changes and seasons change with it. The biggest “season” that has been indoctrinated into our society is the flu season. In reality the flu can occur at any time of the year. It has no season nor does the flu just pick a start and end date to attack your immune system. Granted the incidence rates begin to rise for a number of reasons that we can speculate about, but it doesn’t change the fact that the immune system is still under direct fire. The hyped-up publicity of the flu season will bring about the latest and greatest way to defend yourself against foreign antibodies. Most of these features are something that is externally made and requires you to ADD it to your body. Why not look within your body first and foremost without having to take anything?

What we know about the flu season is that the biggest advertisements will be pushed and be geared towards getting your flu shots. Once

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again, it’s a push to add something externally to impact your immune response. Here’s some data for you to process, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that in the last 14 flu seasons the flu vaccine has been less than 50% effective against circulating strains for that year for more than half the time. More specifically, the CDC estimated last year’s flu vaccine was 25% effective against the A(H3N2) virus, 67% effective against A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, and 42% effective against influenza B viruses. The A(H3N2) virus caused the majority of influenza last year, which was the least affected virus strain by the flu vaccine (Dr. Mercola – flu vaccine update).

What else? With the growing demand of people thinking you have to take something to boost your immune system, there is no end in sight of trends to stimulate the immune boosters. Vitamin C, Echinacea, roots, probiotics, lotions, oils and the list goes on. Eating healthy should be a day to day habit. Take, for instance, vitamin C. While we need regular amounts of vitamin C to help with energy production in our bodies,

the results are not conclusive when it comes to boosting your immune system. The Mayo Clinic concluded that high-dose (10,000mg) vitamin C was no better than a placebo in preventing the common cold. We should not need a wake up call because of the impending flu season. Regular physical exercise, proper nutrition and taking care of your spinal health should all be regular occurrences with every changing season. If your health is a priority for you but you do not live a lifestyle in proper spinal alignment, it will weaken your immune system over time. Any breakdown between the brain and body will always be related to central nerve system (CNS) malfunction, which will directly impact the function of the immune system. What disrupts the brain body connection? A subluxation (misalignment of one or more vertebrae) occurs in the spinal column creating undo stress on your central nerve system. One subluxation in any part of the spine sends your body into an automated protective state, which initially is necessary. When the subluxation exists for a period of time uncorrected, it will limit the

health}

If your health is a priority for you but you do not live a lifestyle in proper spinal alignment, it will weaken your immune system over time. Any breakdown between the brain and body will always be related to central nerve system (CNS) malfunction, which will directly impact the function of the immune system.

adaptability of the body and limit the possibility of being healthy. A branch off of the CNS is called the autonomic nerve system (ANS) - something you don’t want to think about every millisecond, like a heartbeat. The ANS will be in constant defense of a sympathetic dominance (fight or flight) due to a subluxation. Prolonged imbalance in the ANS with sympathetic hyperactivity will lead to chronic dynamic disease plaguing the immune system. Because the central nerve system is the master controller of all systems, cells, and tissues in the body, reducing stress on the CNS through chiropractic adjustments will frequently lead to improved health in the entire body. A series of studies published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics ( JMPT), by Brennan and Triano, showed that several types of immune system cells including phagocytes, neutrophils and PMNs, showed increased biological activity after chiropractic adjustments. There is measurable improvement in immune function within minutes after a spinal adjustment, as measured by antibodies in the saliva.

Healing happens from the top down and from the inside out. Consider chiropractic care for your overall health and well being.

Dr. Claude Basler, DC is a Chiropractor and Dad of three. His office, Basler Family Chiropractic, is located in downtown Kalispell. His mission first and foremost at Basler Family Chiropractic is to serve God and the people He created through specific Gonstead Chiropractic care. Dr. Basler wants the Flathead Community to be the healthiest place to live and is committed to seeing the next generation of children being raised healthier than the past. He raises the value of health in our community and it is his passion and commitment in his office to serve you and the next generation to come.

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Goals with Soul By Mollie Busby - Photos by Haley Sierra Photography

Scratch the New Year resolutions; instead, focus on how you want to feel in 2019

Raise your hand if you cringe when I say: “New Year’s Resolution.” Yeah, me too.

Last year at this time, I was ready to give it my last try. It was the end of December, and I was feeling the same familiar desire to create yet-another new version of myself. As a human being exposed to mass media, how could I not? We’re told constantly: New year, new you. So I made lists of all my desires; material things to acquire, health-related goals, and career benchmarks, mixed in with high-level goals like “get pregnant,” “meditate more,” and “launch my essential oil business.” I was told early on in my life that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, each time expecting different results. Sure enough, I was falling into that same trap.

With scattered attention, lack of strategic planning, and lack of accountability, a few weeks into January, I lost my resolve and sunk back into the same patterns

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of self-defeat. Sure, there were small wins, but overall I was missing a pathway to achieving what I truly desired. Honestly, I don’t think I even knew what I wanted.

Enter: The Desire Map. I’ll never forget how reading Danielle Laporte’s book, “The Desire Map” made me feel. It was as if she was speaking directly to me — her irreverent tone was exactly what I needed. I devoured the material and began to create a new version of myself I could stick to, and that felt good. Less meaningless material goals, and more authenticity and focus. “The Desire Map” helped me create goals with soul. The crux of the book (which is combined with an attached workbook of inquiry questions) boils

down to focusing on how you want to feel in your life — what Danielle calls your three “Core Desired Feelings,” or CDFs — and then seeking to feel those feelings within everything you do. With a background in business, I can’t help but draw a parallel between CDFs and a three-word mission statement for your life. Whenever you approach a new project or opportunity, if it’s in alignment with your CDFs and you want to go for it, you do! It’s the same way I operate my yoga studios and new projects on the horizon.

And CDFs aren’t just chosen at random. We specifically arrive at these words by clarifying what we’re grateful for (or “what’s working”) and conversely writing out “what’s not working,” each in five core areas of life:

● Body and Wellness ● Relationships and Society ● Essence and Spirituality ● Livelihood and Lifestyle ● Creativity and Learning

health}mindful moment From the time we start mapping, there will likely be many iterations of our CDFs; we might research words, different versions of words, and change up the words all together. Ultimately, we usually choose three feelings we can stick. Here’s my favorite part: Once I decided on my CDFs —Light, Authentic, Inspiring — I could be unattached to specific outcomes. As long as an outcome ends with me feeling the way I want to feel, I’ve accomplished what I set out to do. No pressure, tons of direction, and all the feels. The good feels. I had a new lens through which I could actually see my life, pinpoint what I truly wanted, and have the tenacity and courage to go for it. So once again, it’s December and instead of dreading another endless list of dead-end goals, I can’t wait to map out my 2019 goals with soul. And it’s completely attainable for you, too! Here are 5 steps to kick off your 2019 with soul:

1. Grab your own copy of The Desire Map. They’re available on Amazon, through Danielle’s website: www.daniellelaporte. com, or locally at Yoga Hive in Whitefish. 2. Just as you schedule time for the dentist, chiropractor, and grocery shopping, pencil in time for Desire Mapping. Read the material, and do the work. Give it priority, ideally not all in one chunk — it’s a method that takes time to marinate in your bones.

3. I highly recommend doing a movement practice like yoga before you dive into the inquiry and journaling. Limber up your body so you can limber up your soul — prepping it for doing the deep-dive work. You’ll be surprised at some of the things you write down! 4. Consider getting a group of friends together for a Desire Map book club! There is strength in numbers, especially when it comes to setting the tone for your entire year. 5. If you need a little more structure, considering joining Yoga Hive’s signature program, BeYou. It’s a 4-week program at Yoga Hive that pairs Desire Mapping with yoga, meditation and conscious consumption. No experience with any of this is required to sign up, and the program can be done in person, or virtually — either live, or listening to the class recordings after the meeting! Visit http:// yogahivemontana.com/beyou for more. As you look out to the horizon of a new year, embrace your soul’s answer to this simple question: yourself: How do you want to feel? From that space, move forward and work toward your goals with soul. Mollie Busby is the owner and founder of Yoga Hive, located in Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Kalispell. Originally from Wisconsin, Mollie and her husband Sean moved to the Flathead Valley in 2013, and currently split their time between Fritz Creek, Alaska and Whitefish.

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ask the skin coach

health}

The Nutrition Effects of Birth Control

By Erin Blair, Licensed Esthetician + Certified Health Coach

I’ve been taking birth control to balance my hormones, and help with breakouts. I recently heard there are health impacts from the pill I hadn’t considered. I know you incorporate nutrition coaching with your skin care...can you tell me what I might be sacrificing?

There is evidence that nutrient depletion is one of the potential side effects of hormonal birth control of any kind, including the pill, hormonal IUDs, rings, injections or implants. All have the potential to cause imbalance. Your health care provider can order tests to identify what you’re missing, and help with a plan to re-balance with food and supplements. Whether you’re currently using birth control or did in the past, there’s a good bet you’ll need to pay attention to increasing some critical players.

Focus on The Big 11

The top nutrients to focus on are a combination of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals:

Antioxidants E, C, and CoQ10

Vitamin E can come from leafy greens (chard, spinach) and nuts, seeds and fats. Almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds and fatty fish are good

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sources. Vitamin C is found in citrus, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple. CoQ10 is highest in animal products (especially beef heart!) and you can get it in small amounts from cruciferous veggies like cauliflower and broccoli.

B2, B6, B12 and Folate B vitamins work best together and it’s recommended that when supplementing, they be taken in a B Complex. They are critical for hormone balance, liver detoxification and eliminating excess estrogen. B6 especially can become depleted when taking some types of hormonal birth control. You’ll find B vitamins in beef, chicken, and fish such as salmon, mackerel, trout and herring. Eggs are another great source, as are lentils. Nuts and seeds such as almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds are rich in Bs. Leafy veggies, avocados, and fruit are also good sources.

I purposely left out grains and dairy because while they’re good sources of Bs, they promote inflammation and I don’t recommend them as part of a skin friendly diet. Folate is a B vitamin that’s found in leafy greens, lentils, beans, cooked spinach, asparagus, grains and meat. Don’t confuse folate with folic acid, which is a man-made version without the health benefits.

Zinc, Selenium and Magnesium Minerals are essential for many functions, but these three in particular are necessary for proper hormone production and balance. Zinc can get excess testosterone under control, support immunity, reduce inflammation and speed healing. Oysters, herring, liver, egg yolks, and beef are high in zinc. Other zinc rich foods include nuts, seeds, peas, carrots, beets and cabbage.

Magnesium is essential for adrenal health, which is important for hormone production. Dark green leafy vegetables, brown rice, avocado, seeds and legumes are high in magnesium. Selenium helps support the thyroid gland, which helps regulate periods. It’s also needed for our bodies to make glutathione, an antioxidant that protects against premature aging. Foods rich in selenium are sardines, salmon, swiss chard, and brazil nuts. Among its many other roles, magnesium is essential for adrenal health, which is important for hormone production. Dark green leafy vegetables, brown rice, avocado, seeds and legumes are high in magnesium. It’s found in nuts like almonds, brazil nuts, pecans, and cashews. Kelp and other seaweeds are also rich in magnesium, but I don’t recommend large amounts of them if you struggle with acne.

Good fats Healthy fats are also critical building blocks for hormones. Avoid processed fats, vegetable, canola, and hydrogenated oils. Instead try cooking with avocado, coconut and olive oils. Cold water fish, egg yolks, and nuts and seeds are also great sources of fat. Although rich in fat, I recommend avoiding milk, cheese and yogurt if clear skin is an issue for you. Fish oil supplements are the best source of omega fatty acids. Essential for practically every system of the body, they’re best taken with a meal with some fat for best absorption. My favorite brand for purity, potency and variety is Nordic Naturals. Getting plenty of these nutrients in your diet will help replace what birth control has depleted, and give you the building blocks to regain healthy hormone balance. Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23852908 https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/nutrition/side-effects-of-birth-control-pills-include-nutrient-depletion/ Dr. Jolene Brighten https://drbrighten.com/

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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The State

of the SMILE

address by Dr. John F. Miller DDS

The Holidays have arrived! Tis the season of giving thanks and having good-cheer. If I may, I would like to express my gratitude to the wonderful citizens of Flathead County and wish you a very merry Christmas. Every day I am humbled by the new faces that appear in my office who have chosen to place their dental care in my hands. My staff and I are truly thankful for the many relationships that we have made this past year, and I already know that 2019 is just going to be the best...I can feel it! (I say this about every new year, and every year it’s true. Attitude is everything.)

In May we once again awarded the Smile Montana Scholarships to deserving seniors graduating from Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Glacier, & Flathead while adding Bigfork High School this year. We always make it a little different and a little more exciting for our winners and this year was no exception. We delivered each student with a Herschel backpack filled with Smile Montana swag and stacks of money totaling $1000.00. I already know what we’re giving students in 2019 and it’s epic. If you know any seniors this year encourage them to apply.

It’ll be a tough row to hoe considering how special 2018 was for the Smile Montana family. While we were sad to send off our beloved Dr. Dean Calderwood onto the smooth seas of retirement, we were delighted to welcome two young new doctors, Dr. Luke Greene and Dr. Troy Flowers, to join Dr. Hillary Hoffenbacker and myself. I used to be the young gun around this valley...what happened? Let’s take a look back on this year shall we?

We took August off to enjoy our Montana and our families because September was our craziest and busiest month ever at Smile Montana. Not only did we give away our SmileJEEP in front of a huge crowd on the 15th, we also kicked off our 2nd Smile Montana Treasure Hunt to celebrate having 2000 facebook followers. And somewhere in the middle of all of that we found out that we were voted The Best Dentist in the Flathead!! WHAAAAT!

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Then the intensity really ramped up with our 7th annual Smile Montana patient appreciation movie event in June. We rented out the Kalispell movie theater and treated our patients to The Incredibles 2. It was...incredible too. The following month every monday was “Christmas in July” at Smile Montana. For five Mondays in July we gave away gift cards to our favorite Montana summer attractions, including an annual All National Parks Pass.

In October we fired back up our 4th annual Smile Montana Halloween Coloring Contest where five budding young artists won a Kindle Fire Tablet. Also, to the school with the highest participation we donated $500.00. And right now as I type we are in the middle of our 12 days of Christmas gift card giveaway where we support 12 local businesses by showcasing them on our social media outlets while awarding our followers with their respective gift cards. Phew. If reading that back sounds a little obnoxious I apologize. I’m just a big kid at heart and I choose to allocate my marketing budget in the most exciting ways possible that allow me to not only give back to the community, but also interact with you as well. And guess what, in 2019 we are going bigger. If you want to join the action simply follow us on Facebook (@SmileMontana Dental Center) and Instagram (@Smile Montana). A lot of the activities described above are not limited to patients of the practice. You never know, you might just become a pirate for a day and dig up real buried treasure on a remote island in one of our many lakes. That really happened, and it was...wait for it...LEGENDARY! A new year is upon us. Let’s make it amazing. Let’s pay off a nagging debt. Let’s drink that green smoothie thingy. Let’s spend time with our children and not our phone. Let’s take our spouses out on the town. Let’s call an old friend and send flowers to our mothers for no good reason. Let’s build that

health} snowman. Let’s tell Dad that he is still our hero. Let’s volunteer and help those in need. Let’s BRUSH, FLOSS, and SMILE EVERYDAY. Let’s make pancakes on Saturday. Let’s get first chair on the slopes. Heck let’s get last chair too. Let’s be happy and optimistic this year. Let’s create memories because we are only going to live 2019 once, and let’s make a positive impact on our beautiful Flathead Valley. All of you have that one thing that you’ve been meaning to do that will make you feel more happy and accomplished. What is holding you back? The usual suspect is a fear of failure. I need to admit to you all that on the morning of the treasure hunt, and on the morning of the SmileJEEP giveaway, and on the morning of the patient appreciation movie event I am a ball of anxiety and doubt. I have a picture in my head of how I want the day to go and I’m scared that it won’t go to plan. And guess what? It rarely does. It almost always goes better.

This new year I’m inviting you all to get out of your comfort zones and discover hidden capacity within yourself. I’ll be uncomfortable right along side of you. This is my New Year’s call to action. Let’s make decisions in 2019 that will allow us to look back a year from now from a position of greater health, being more financially secure, having achieved our goals and had our adventures with stronger and more meaningful relationships, happier, wearing a big genuine Montana smile because we’re super-stoked for 2020 (Can you believe that noise?...two-zero-two-zero). See you out there!

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Come Discover Southside Consignment II The Place to Bring your friends and family!

Best place to shop for antiques!

2699 hwy 93 south, kalispell 406.756.8526 - Create your own individuality

SouthsideConsignment & antiques

Celebrating 27 Fabulous years!

Over 6,000 Square Feet of recycled Decor & Fine Collectibles

treasures mixing old with new!

Let us consign your treasures - Let the gals help you with decorating ideas

406 contents design 14. Tablescaping Water of life 20. merry & Bright

travel 24. El Pueblo Magico

food & flavor 28. World Spice 30. Sushi Rolling Indah Sushi 34. Figgy Pudding & Sugar Plums 36. Rosemary & Resilience

46...

Education 38. Time

fashion

44. Stay Happy & Cozy The Village Shop

love

46. Jordan & Charlie 52. John & Michelle 56. Two Engagements

history

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58. Barbara Luddy

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406 Cover Girl

w o m a n

publisher

Cindy Gerrity

cindy@montanasky.net

business manager Daley McDaniel

daley@montanasky.net

executive editor

Kristen Hamilton

kristen@hamitupstrategies.com

design

Sayde

Sayde Lee

was born on the east side of Montana in a little town called Fort Shaw. When she was 11 years old her family moved to St. George, Utah where she spent roughly seven years before “her roots” pulled her right back to the 406. If you are looking for Sayde during the day, she’ll most likely be running around with her horse Dually. If it’s winter, she’ll probably be trying to keep up with her boyfriend Tuck on the ski hill. She believes in turning dreams into reality and never letting happiness get out of sight. “I believe kindness is the most beautiful thing a woman can wear and love is the most magical gift you can give during the holiday season,” Sayde said.

Sayde is wearing a Cupcakes and Cashmere dress from Fifty Seven Boutique and the cup she’s holding is from Sage House. Both businesses can be found in Whitefish.

Sara Joy Pinnell

sara@mrsandmrpublishing.com

photographers

Daley McDaniel Photography Amanda Wilson Photography Alisia Dawn Photography Kelly Kirksey Photography Carrie Ann Photography Kathryn Hayes Media Green Kat Photography Jennifer Mooney Photography

P h o t o b y A m an d a W i l s o n P h o t o g r aph y ( www . a ma n d awi l s o nph o t o s . c o m )

Business Girl

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Susan

Susan Purvis

has written a moving memoir about her extraordinary life called Go Find. She says “Go Find is a reminder to all of us to get off the couch and find purpose and passion. Don’t let anyone say you’re not good enough or you don’t have the talent.” Read Christine Hensleigh’s full story about Purvis in our Business section as the feature for this issue.

Photo by Chris Ladoulis ( www . l a d o u l i s . c o m )

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.

Editor’s Note

I seem to be getting more emotional lately. I’m certain it has something to do with getting older and all those fun hormones, but regardless, it’s real. If I see a random act of kindness…my heart swells, hear a baby giggle…tears of joy well in my eyes, or watch a touching movie…and it’s waterworks for me. (I think of my reaction to watching “A Star is Born” recently.) I believe it all started when we became empty nesters almost two years ago now. Some days I love the freedom of doing whatever we want while on other days I miss my kids a ton and wish they were young again (and always within hugging distance). I (we’ve) figured out ways to cope with it though, and it almost always stems around being with my best friend (my husband). Having someone to share, talk, remember, and continue the adventure with is the key. This holiday season my wish for all of our readers is to have that best friend to share life’s adventures with. My adventure will be continuing on the Oregon coast and with that I say goodbye…to my wonderful experience as an editor of 406 Woman; to the amazingly talented writers, photographers, and staff; and to my dear friend Cindy Gerrity for letting me share her vision with Northwest Montana. My love to you all! Cheers!

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In this issue you’ll find…. Read about and enjoy beautiful photography depicting Brenda Ahearn’s amazing journey to the Holy Land by Mary Wallace on page 14. In our Changed Lives feature this month, you’ll meet Lizzy Brown. At 14 years old, she has been through so much, but she is breaking the cycle and living the life she deserves. Read her story as told to Mary Bryan on page 38 in the Business & Health section. Susan Schnee with Voyageur Booksellers reviews Bad Land: An American Romance winner of numerous awards. She says “Raban has made as good a book as I have read about Montana history in a very long time.” Read her full review on page 28 in our Business & Health section.

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Our Talented 406 Contributors

Meet

Brian D’Ambrosio…

Dr. Esther Barnes, DPM, FACAS

Board certified foot and ankle specialist practicing at Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Clinic in Kalispell

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

Owner of Delia's Pilates™, PMA®-CPT, International Educator, bootybarre® master trainer, health coach, mom, Montana obsessed.

Brian D’Ambrosio

Accomplished writer and newly published author of “Reservation Champ’ Brian at Mt Aeneas outside Bigfork

Kalispell OB/GYN Doctors & Practitioners

Board certified OB/GYN professional offering expert advice

Allison Linville

Community Relations Coordinator at North Valley Hospital

John Miller, DDS

Specializing in general dentistry, Dr Miller provides expert advice

Carole Morris

Instructional Specialist, Author and Adjunct Professor. The proud mom of two perfect children and grammie to three flawless grandchildren.

Sophia and Brian in New Mexico

Kelly O’Brien, Esq.

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

Brianne Perleberg

Founder of I Want Her Job and marketing director at NASCAR track Phoenix Raceway.

Kelly Pris

Marketing Director at Mountain Meadow Herbs with over 12 years of experience in the dietary supplement industry.

Claire and Brian on Halloween

Kristen Pulsifer

Writer, editor and owner of Whitefish Study Center

Dr Austine Siomos

A pediatric cardiologist at Rocky Mountain Heart & Lung plus a wife and mother

Jaymee Sire

Jaymee grew up in North Central Montana and is an Emmy Award winning sports broadcaster. She writes a food and travel blog called “e is for eat.” (eisforeat.com)

Mary Wallace

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

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

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Brian and boxer Juan Carlos "The Black Panther" Gómez in Las Vegas

Profession: Journalist Resides: Helena, MT Notable accomplishments: Books; Magazine articles; father of Sophia, age 8 My workweek always includes: At least one deadline for a 1,000-word newspaper or magazine article My favorite outdoor activity is: Hiking Mt. Helena or Mt. Ascension nearly every single day When it comes to electronics, I can't live without: I'm the other extreme. I love physical books and physical CD's and print publications, and I try to minimize my relationship with electronics. My bucket list : My to-be-done list includes a trip to Vietnam and a trip to Colombia. The list also entails another excursion or several to Mississippi to eat fresh shrimp and to devour the real blues in the remaining roadhouses.

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Tablescaping

Water of life

By June Jeffries for Empress Tents and Events Photographed by Kelly Kirksey Photography

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Bootjack farm is a homestead property in Whitefish, Montana: 30 acres of country garden with a creek flowing through it, endless manicured space and an old west cabin (check out their website: www.bootjackfarm.com). It is diverse because it evokes a rustic charm with a propensity of elegance. The cabin’s exterior looks as though it was constructed at the turn of the century while the interior resembles a saloon - an upscale saloon with beautiful wooden flooring and refurbished barn wood - a big step up from the dirt floors of the wild west’s first saloons. The space is filled with overstuffed leather sofas, intricate details to take guests back in time. When I hear the word saloon it reminds me of how the west was won; I see horses tethered to a post, leather chaps, dust blowing, weathered skin, tenacious pioneers and frontiers

enjoying a shot of whiskey after a long journey. It’s not surprising the word whiskey means the water of life. During wedding season the trees will be blooming, spring will give way to summer and marriage announcements will be coupled with an onslaught of bachelor parties. Surprisingly, the bachelor party goes back much farther than you’d expect; it is rooted in ancient history - as early as 5th century BC - the ancient Spartans were the first to make a celebration out of the groom’s last night as a single man. Spartan soldiers held a dinner in their friend’s honor; our styled shoot is more akin to the ancient practice with a table setting of black dinnerware, pewter silverware, crystal goblets, a pressed tartan napkin and a whiskey tumbler. As designers we are drawn to a sense of decorum and order but who doesn’t like to a little imagination. To add to the fun we added poker chips,

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playing cards and filled the tumblers with amber gold over ice because it’s common knowledge modern day bachelor parties have become a little more rambunctious; it’s an industry unto itself. Gone are the days when the term bachelor meant a young knight or a student with a bachelor’s degree; the term bachelor party appeared in 1922 to describe a jolly old party which we believe holds true to this day: it is a celebration. We thought we would take the liberty to set up a space albeit subdued where a group of men could gather to bide farewell to their friend’s single life. We would like to thank the owners of Bootjack farm for opening their doors to us. All dishware, linens and props provided by Empress Tents and Events (www.empresstentsevents.com) for all your event planning needs contact Lynn Malmberg. For a vintage flair please visit (www.vintagewhitesweddings.com) Thank you to our fabulous friend, Kelly (www.kellykirkseyphotography.com) who took time out of her busy schedule.

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Bright

Merry &

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By Wrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Furniture

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Brighten up your space for the new year by adding a pop of color, contrast or texture. See your space liven up with the addition of the right accent pillows, chair, area rug, lighting and more. Whether your style is modern, traditional or rustic the use of contrast and/or addition of color can strengthen any design.

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Accent furniture pieces such as consoles, occasional tables, benches and area rugs can be the perfect pieces to add additional color, shapes, textures and sizes to help balance out the room. Accent chair- Customize to fit your style and design. Choose from hundreds of fabrics or leathers. A bold accent chair can be the perfect way to add that pop of color, pattern or texture.

Lighting- Extra lighting can do more than just help brighten up a space. Lamps come in a variety of styles, shapes, sizes and colors to help enhance the style within the room.

We love how this light,bright room is accented with bold toss pillows, accessories and holiday décor. Visit us at Wright’s Furniture in Whitefish, where our showroom is stocked full of furnishings and home accessories. A huge variety of styles, colors, textures, sizes and more is available directly from stock or special order your own custom designs. FREE DESIGN SERVICES and FREE LOCAL DELIVERY. The Wright Family & entire staff at Wright's Furniture wishes you a Happy Holiday Season and thanks you for your continuous support. 6325 Hwy 93 South, Whitefish, Montana 59937 406.862.2455 | OPEN DAILY ww.wrightsfurniturestore.com

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El Pueblo Magico By Jaymee Sire Photos by Justin Aharoni

The magical town of Todos Santos There are certain places you visit, perhaps even enjoy immensely, but never return on account of you wanting to visit more wonderful places. And then there are the destinations that intoxicate you. Seduce you. Make it so you never want to leave. And when, inevitably, you are forced to say good-bye, you immediately start plotting your return. Todos Santos is one of those places. This enchanting town in Baja California Sur was designated by the Mexican government back in 2006 as one of about 100 "Pueblos Magicos" or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Magic Towns,â&#x20AC;? recognized for beauty, history or culture. And perhaps that is the best way to describe it... magical. How to get there Todos Santos is about a 60-90 minute drive from Los Cabos. I recommend renting a car so you have the flexibility to explore. I cannot recommend Cactus Rent a Car enough. The price they quote includes the required insurance, and they will pick you up and drop you at the terminal with a shuttle that was never longer than a couple minutes wait.

If you are looking to save a little money, there are other ways of getting to Todos Santos, such as the local bus or shuttle service, or as part of a day trip/ group tour based from Cabo. You will be more restricted in how much you can explore on your own, but it will definitely be more cost effective. Where to stay We actually split our time in Todos Santos between two different properties: one in town and one just outside. We absolutely loved both locations, so choose whichever fits what kind of vacation you have in mind.

Gypsy Canyon If you are traveling with a large group or looking to plan a retreat, then Gypsy Canyon is a no-brainer. It is a "glamping" resort, set in the middle of a cactus grove, with real beds inside large tents. The bathrooms are shared between campers, but there are plenty of them to go around, and the showers include hot water. There is a large palapa with an

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(who is set to open a grab-and-go vegetarian restaurant soon) made us a healthy breakfast of "raw-nola" (raw granola), banana "ice cream," chia seed pudding and freshly cut fruit.

outdoor kitchen and large communal table, as well as a new bar area and yoga deck. They can also go mobile and transport the whole camp to a location of your choosing, making it great for adventurous wedding parties.

Gypsy Canyon can also work with you to arrange all of your meals, yoga and other wellness programs at an additional cost, or you can do your own. During our stay, we received a nice little sampling of everything they have to offer. Daphne, a chef and local hotel owner, prepared us a special Dia de Muertos dinner and everything was as flavorful as it was beautiful. The next day, local yogi Liz Campbell lead us in a morning yoga practice, and Dominique

La Bohemia If you prefer to have the comforts of a hotel, but still like the idea of a smaller, family run property, then La Bohemia is your perfect home base. It's a converted hacienda conveniently located in town, and boasts the title of oldest B&B in Todos Santos. The owners, Erin and Andy, have done a wonderful job restoring and updating the property, and it's truly a mini oasis with a cheerful and welcoming vibe. There is a boutique on site, as well as a small pool, and a palapa for enjoying the complimentary breakfast that is freshly prepared each morning. At night, it transforms into a little happy hour bar, where you can sip on a refreshing cocktail.

What to do Explore town! Definitely set aside at least one day to simply explore the town of Todos Santos and discover for yourself why it's considered a "Pueblo Magico." There are plenty of galleries, shops and restaurants to get lost in as you wander the colorful, flag-lined streets. Experience the culture We were fortunate enough to plan our visit during Dia de Muertos, which has turned into a three-

a palm-tree lined path that opens to a stunning beach that we basically had all to ourselves for the afternoon. There are no services here, so make sure to pack water, food and plenty of cerveza!

day affair in Todos Santos during the first couple days of November. It was so eye-opening to see how the culture in Mexico does not fear death or the deceased like we do in the U.S. Instead, they respect the loved ones they've lost by setting up ofrendas (alters), painting their faces, dancing, and honoring the dead with a beautiful celebration. Even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t visit during this festival, there are other interesting events held throughout the year, including a food & wine festival in the spring. Hit up one of the local beaches My absolute favorite beach of the entire trip was Playa Las Palmas, a hidden cove that is literally off the beaten path. The entrance is located just outside of town, where an unmarked, bumpy dirt road leads to a makeshift parking area. From there, it's another 10-15 minute walk through

If your rental is not made for off-roading, or you want more conveniences at the beach like food & umbrellas, one of the most popular spots is Playa los Cerritos. It's one of the few swimmable beaches in the area, and a popular spot for surfers. While there is a fantastic taco truck there that you should absolutely visit, we found the actual beach to be a bit crowded and overrun with vendors. If you would like to take a surf lesson, it will set you back just $45 USD, and most spots will let you keep the board for the rest of the day. Several vendors also offered umbrellas, chairs, paddleboards, and other aquatic equipment for rent. A shaded beach massage was just $30.

Whale watching & sea turtle release If your visit falls during the months of DecemberMarch, you'll have the opportunity to see the grey whale migration AND possibly witness some baby sea turtles hatching. The whales start arriving from Alaska in December, and begin mating and breeding in January. Also in December begins the Liberation de las Tortugas, where local conservation teams release sea turtle hatchlings onto the beach at sunset most evenings from December to March in Las Tunas. I was a little sad to miss both of these things, but that just gives us all the more reason to go back!

Where & what to eat: Everything! Here are a couple of my favorites: Hierbabuena This is about as farm-to-table as you can get, considering the restaurant is located ON an actual farm in Pescadero (just a few minutes south of Todos Santos.) They grow all of their own produce and the setting is lush and gorgeous. The food and drinks were fresh and beautifully plated.

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Barracuda Cantina This little taco truck is located at Los Cerritos Beach, so if you are planning a beach day there, definitely don't miss Barracuda. Dano and his brother Frank fry up some of the best fish tacos around, and the cocktails are innovative and refreshing.

La Pastorcita This is a quintessential taco shop, and bonus points for staying open late. You won't find fish tacos or booze here (nor will you find a menu), but they serve up some delicious chicken, steak and al pastor. Get either a quesadilla or a "vampiro"... that is basically a tostada piled with meat and cheese. Perhaps the biggest draw... the giant salsa bar!

For your caffeine fix We found our favorite coffee of the trip in the town of Pescadero at Baja Beans. Here, they roast their own single origin, small batch coffee. We happened to visit on a Sunday, when they also host a weekly farmer's market with live music. Back in Todos Santos, Taller 17 is solid. They brew Stumptown Coffee and offer a small array of house-baked

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goods. Both places serve cold brew, which was tough to find at times during our 10-day trip in Mexico. Tamale Cart next to Mercado del Sol II This lady offers two types of tamales (chicken and chile/cheese). She serves salsa in little baggies, and the whole thing will run you just 20 pesos (about $1). Mercado del Sol II sells snacks and beer, making it a one-stop-shop for beach day.

El Papayon This Todos Santos juice bar provides a nice break from the heavy food and they can pretty much make any juice combination you can dream up (at a fraction of the price you would pay in the states). Bonus... it's located right next to the colorful skull mural on Calle Obregón. Tostilocos I was told I could not leave without trying a “Tostilocos” a popular street food snack in Baja. Essentially... a bag of Tostitos chips is cut open and piled with various ingredients, including: jicama, cucum-

ber, Japanese peanuts, tamarind candy, Chamoy, Clamato, lime juice, hot sauce, and a bunch of other stuff I can't remember. It was certainly unique... and I didn't hate it. That said, I probably don't need to have one ever again. It was truly a magical four days, and we can't wait to get back. Hasta luego, Todos Santos.... tu eres magico.

Jaymee Sire

Jaymee grew up in North Central Montana and is an Emmy Award winning sports broadcaster, former ESPN SportsCenter anchor, and occasional Food Network contributor. She also writes a food and travel blog called “e is for eat.” (eisforeat.com)

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World Spice at Home Photography by Charity Burggraaf

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Hawk Wings

Attention Seahawks Fans! These sweet and spicy wings are just the ticket to victory on the table, and we plan to enjoy them by the heaping helping as we cheer on our team. They are easy to make, too, so you don’t have to spend much time in the kitchen. Seattle Salmon Rub is good on all kinds of things- not just salmon- and we’ve taken advantage of that to create this special hawks-fan fare. Combine the pan-Asian flair of the spice rub with sweet orange and maple and a kick of heat from Aleppo and you’ve got a winner. If you like them really hot, increase the Aleppo or add a sprinkle of our Rooster Spice to the sauce. The sky’s the limit.

Ingredients

For the wings 4 lbs chicken wings 2 tablespoons ground Seattle Salmon Rub 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper For the sauce 1 cup orange juice zest of 1 orange ½ cup maple syrup ¼ cup soy sauce ¼ cup mirin 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic 1 tablespoon finely minced green onion 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 1 teaspoon Seattle Salmon Rub 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and line a large sheet pan with foil and apply non-stick cooking spray. Using heavy kitchen shears or a sharp knife, remove the wing tips from the chicken wings. You can also separate the wings at the joint, if desired. We typically leave them whole.

Place the wings in a large bowl and sprinkle with the Seattle Salmon Rub and Aleppo. Toss to coat the wings and arrange them on the foil lined sheet pan with the meaty side facing up. Bake for 30 minutes.

While the wings are in the oven, combine the sauce ingredients in a heavy bottomed pan and bring to a low boil. Continue cooking until

the sauce is reduced to a syrupy consistency, about 15 minutes. Keep the sauce warm until the wings come out of the oven.

Remove the wings from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Transfer the wings to a large, heat-proof bowl and pour the warm sauce over the wings. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to coat the wings with sauce. Return the wings to the sheet pan and set aside the remaining sauce left in the bottom of the bowl. Cook 20 minutes.

When the wings are done, arrange on a platter and pour the reserved sauce over the top.

Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve with lots of napkins and ice cold beer.

zOur Seattle Salmon Rub is a delightful combination that shines on salmon and is also delicious on pork and chicken. This blend has it all! The base is a combination of lightly toasted black pepper, cumin, coriander and fennel. The toasting mellows and deepens the flavors and then we add star anise, orange peel, brown sugar and a touch of salt for a blend that celebrates our close ties with Asia while remaining decidedly Northwest.

Chinese Five Spice Apple Cake

This simple apple cake was baked by my great-grandmother on a wood stove over 100 years ago, and I’m happy to still be cooking it today. This recipe is timeless, rustic and highlights the flavors of both the apples and the spice. This old family recipe was one of the first that I adapted to experiment with the amazing world of spices and I’m thrilled to share it.

Ingredients 1 cup vegetable oil or coconut oil 3 eggs 1 vanilla bean, scraped 2 1/2 cups flour 2 cups sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons ground Chinese Five Spice 3 cups chopped apples 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions Mix sugar, eggs, oil and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix thoroughly. Fold in apples and nuts. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees in a greased 9" x 13" pan.

From our flagship store located behind Seattle’s Pike Place Market and our new outpost in NW Montana, World Spice Merchants provides superior quality herbs, spices, teas and service to discerning chefs and home cooks worldwide. We go to the ends of the earth to get the freshest spices possible and bring them home to create original blends inspired by regional traditions and international cuisines. Shop our selections online at www.worldspice.com.

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Sushi Rolling at Indah Sushi Photos by Cody Payne

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With knowledge based activities on the rise, Indah Sushi has joined the ranks announcing its newest event in sushi, Sushi rolling classes for novice to advanced.

Tiffany Newman and Stacey Ingham are the proprietors behind Indah Sushi. From humble beginnings as a food truck traveling to local farmers markets, events, and catering parties, Stacey and Tiffany opened their first bricks and mortar restaurant in June 2017. Located on Second Street in Whitefish, this facility has allowed the girls and their staff to showcase their sushi fares for lunch and dinner Monday - Saturday. In addition, they wanted a place to create a place for community involvement showcasing different artisans, classes and events. Indah has been featuring paint nights once a month, oyster nights, makeup classes, and scarf dying combined with delightful bites and drinks. “We wanted a place where you could come and take a class, gather with friends, and provide an outlet for smaller artists to teach,” stated Tiffany Newman. Well, Indah has created it!

Now with their newest adventure, Tiffany and Stacey have begun teaching sushi rolling to excited participants. With classes being featured on Sunday afternoons, Tiffany and Stacey create an intimate environment where they teach a small history of sushi, steps to create sushi rice, fish preparation, rolling, cutting and ultimately dining! Each class includes the creation of a uramaki (sushi roll) and a temaki (handroll). Participants then join together at a large community table and enjoy their creations for a beautiful and healthy lunch. Sake, beer, and wine are available, and the environment is a festive one. Stacey and Tiffany take their flair for the beauty of the cuisine and teach others to create this healthy alternative at home for family or a dinner party. Sushi classes are also available for in home parties as well. “We just completed our first inhome party for a birthday and the girls loved it!” Rather than the traditional model of hiring a caterer, Stacey and Tiffany come to the home and teach guests how to make their own dinner or lunch, with skills participants can incorporate to build your own sushi recipes! “We have also done

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“We wanted a place where you could come and take a class, gather with friends, and provide an outlet for smaller artists to teach,” stated Tiffany Newman. Well, Indah has created it!

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Sushi Rolling

classes for business building and networking events, and the community lunch at the end provides a great time for out of the office connection and interaction,” Stacey said. Starting at $35 per person depending on group size, this is an affordable alternative to catering.

Where do the girls plan to go from here with Indah Sushi? “We have lots of business ideas, and we want to continue to support our wonderful community and provide opportunities to learn, support local business, and grow our company!” Their enthusiasm for the cuisine and growth is contagious. Tiffany and Stacey plan to expand the curriculum, adding Nigiri and Sashimi cuts, fish preparation, and sourcing ingredients. Many people often ask what does Indah mean? And to that they answer it means “beautiful” in Malay, but more it is a play on words, they are just “in to” sushi. That is apparent in their commitment and approach to their eclectic menu, the events they hold, and the smiles that abound.

Come try your hand at sushi rolling and take home a new skill at Indah Sushi, 250 E Second Street, Whitefish. Call for details, (406) 730-6001.

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“Oh, bring us some figgy pudding” Have you ever asked yourself, “what is figgy pudding?” Do I have a recipe for you! Figgy pudding is a traditional English dessert that can become a new tradition in your home at Christmas time.

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Figgy Pudding & Sugar Plums Dancing?

When the Christmas music begins, the inspiration to start cooking propels me to get busy. I always thought it was because the sentiment of cooking reminds me of my mom. The holiday music seems to bring her close, as I cook her recipes.

By Carole Morris

But when I really think about some of the Christmas songs that I sing (or warble) along with, I’ve realized that there is a subliminal message in them to get cooking!

Sleigh Ride– “When they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie” Rocking Around the Christmas Tree– “Later we’ll have some pumpkin pie” Over the River and Through the Woods– “Hurrah for fun; the pudding’s done, Hurrah for pumpkin pie.” Home for the Holidays– “And some homemade pumpkin pie” The Christmas Song – “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” Let it Snow– “And I’ve brought some corn for popping” It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas– “With candy canes and silver lanes aglow” The Wassail Song – “Love and joy come to you, and to your wassail, too” It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – “Marshmallows for toasting” Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer –"She’d been drinking too much eggnog”

We wish you a Merry Christmas – “Oh, bring us some figgy pudding” Have you ever asked yourself, “what is figgy pudding?” Do I have a recipe for you! Figgy pudding is a traditional English dessert that can become a new tradition in your home at Christmas time.

Figgy Pudding Ingredients

12 dried figs (cut into small pieces) 1/2 cup water 1/3 cup brandy 1/2 cup dark rum 1/2 cup raisins 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon ginger 1/4 teaspoon cloves 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 large eggs 1 (packed) cup dark brown sugar 2 cups fresh white bread crumbs 1 stick butter, melted and cooled 1 cup dried cherries 1 cup dried cranberries

Directions

1. Place the figs and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer and cook until the water is almost evaporated. Stir in brandy, rum and raisins and bring the liquids back to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat. In an open space, (with pot lid closed) standing back, set the liquid aflame. Let the flames burn for about 2 minutes, then extinguish by covering the pan with the lid. Set the pan aside uncovered.

2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt. In a separate bowl whisk the eggs and brown sugar together until well blended. Next, stir in the bread crumbs, followed by the melted butter and the fig mixture. Stir in the dry ingredients…the batter will be thick. Fold in the cranberries and cherries.

3. Spray a Bundt pan with cooking spray, then butter it generously, making sure to give the center tube an extra coating. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and seal the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Set the pan into a stock pot (put a double thickness of paper toweling in the bottom of the pot so the pudding doesn’t jiggle while it's steaming. Fill the pot with enough hot water to come one-half to two-thirds of the way up the sides of the baking pan. Bring the water to a boil, then cover the pot tightly with foil.

4. Lower the heat so that the water simmers and steam the pudding for 2 hours. (Check to make sure that the water level isn't getting too low; fill with more water, if necessary.) Carefully remove the foil sealing the pot — stick a thin knife into the center of the pudding — it should come out dry. 5. Carefully empty the water from pan into the sink, ease the baking pan out on its side. Place baking pan on a cooling rack and let cool for 5 minutes. Using a knife detach the pudding from the sides of the pan and cool for 30 minutes. Cut the pudding into slices and serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

T'was the night before Christmas... Sugar plums danced in their heads

Sugared Sliced Plums Ingredients

4 cups plums, sliced 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tsp nutmeg 1/4 cup triple sec

Directions

1. Over low heat melt the butter in a pan. Next, add brown sugar and stir (careful not to burn). 3. Cook until syrupy (about 1-2 minutes) stirring constantly. 4. Stir in the triple sec liquor.

5. Add the plums and nutmeg, toss gently in the sauce. 6. Cook for a few minutes until the plums are warmed and covered in the glaze.

7. Plate individual plums with a topping such as vanilla ice cream or whipping cream.

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Rosemary and Resilience By Dr Austine Siomos

Winter in Montana is many things. Beautiful, cold, cleansing, isolating, challenging. When we have company, especially in the winter, I like to throw some rosemary in a pan with some olive oil and set it at a low heat. I learned this from my mother, who did the same thing with cinnamon when I was growing up. The scent permeates the house in a delightful way with some simple aromatherapy. Then later I can use the softened rosemary for recipes. Winter is beautiful, but in Montana it does require some grit and resilience. We have to be able to withstand cold, laugh at blizzards and build snowmen in all situations. We also have to deal with all the viruses thrown our way in these cold months. So how do we build up resilience for this? And how do we maintain resilience? How does rosemary make us more resilient?

healthy resilience: (1) put positive things in our bodies (2) do positive things with our bodies (3) do positive things with our minds

Resilience of the body

● get outside and get active, and find a patch of sunlight so that your body can make its own vitamin D ● eat high oxidant foods such as berries, apples, pecans, cherries and plums as well as garlic and onion ● as always, avoid added sugar, refined grains and highly processed foods

Resilience of the mind Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems– there are things that we can control and others that we can’t. In the face of a stressful event, we can change how we respond and interpret the event.

First it is important to define resilience. Of course, there are many contexts for the word, but in general it is defined as the ability to adapt positively in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or stress.

Accept that change is a part of living – certain

Take care of your body – our human bodies are incredibly resilient, especially when we give ourselves tools to work with. I promote a triad of

Move toward your goals – develop realistic goals. Do something regularly, even if it is small. Ask yourself every day, “what is one thing I know I can

What are some ways to increase resilience?

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goals may not be possible at a given time. Sometimes we have to look for other avenues or even change our goals.

accomplish today that helps me move in the direction that I want to go?”

Meditate or pray – practice mindfulness every day, and be with your thoughts. Accept emotions as they come, and avoid judging yourself for your feelings or emotions. Mindfulness involves recognizing your patterns of thought and coming to an inner balance. Make connections – good relationships with close family members, friends and others are important. Be active in a faith-based organization or other local groups. Assist others in their time of need.

Rosemary

One of the best things about cooking is the seasonings. Seasonings (salt, herbs and spices) satisfy one of our deepest culinary desires, to make something breathtaking out of something bland. A quick grate of nutmeg can make bread festive. A pinch of saffron transforms a bowl of rice. A creative blend of curry spices warms us on multiple levels. It’s almost as if cooking has a get rich quick possibility every single time, and it’s not a trick! Rosemary at its simplest is a delicious part of recipes, especially winter ones. It can enhance memory and cognition and promotes circulation. The ancient Greeks used rosemary during academic exams to enhance performance. This

food}

Rosemary pancakes with potatoes and Brussels sprouts

These are great as a side dish at dinner or a main dish at breakfast. The shredded Brussels sprouts give a nice tangy flavor.

Rosemary extract has been found in many studies to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, especially in colon cancer, breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. has actually been validated in peer reviewed scientific studies.

The plant Rosmarinus Officinalis is a member of the mint family. It is native to the Mediterranean area. It is a good source of iron, calcium and vitamin B6. The main polyphenols found in Rosemary are carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. These are important anti-inflammatory compounds and have multiple benefits.

Health benefits of Rosemary Promote resilience: the leaves of rosemary decrease phlegm and mucous in the respiratory system and provide relief from cough, cold, asthma and flu. Rosemary also acts against bacteria, especially staph aureus. It is even effective against drug resistant bacteria! Rosemary also increases resilience by improving mood.

Enhance brain function: Rosemary oil and rosemary extract have been found in mouse studies to decrease the brain effects of aging. Specifically, carnosic acid, one of the main polyphenols in Rosemary, promotes nerve cell growth and regeneration. Initial studies in Alzheimer’s suggest that Rosemary may prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease. Prevent and treat cancer: Rosemary extract has

been found in many studies to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, especially in colon cancer, breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. Interestingly, it has also been found to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy in these cancers.

Enhance memory and concentration: A study

in 2012 on 20 people involved performing tasks

in a cubicle either without a scent or a cubicle diffused with rosemary essential oil. Those exposed to the rosemary had significant improvement in concentration, performance, speed and accuracy.

Control blood sugar and prevent or treat diabetes:

A recent study in 48 people demonstrated that rosemary powder given for 8 weeks caused a decrease in fasting blood glucose, an increase in beta-carotene and vitamin C and a decrease in total cholesterol as well as LDL cholesterol!

Ingredients: ½ pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed (or 3 cups pre-shredded) 1 ¼ pounds Russet potatoes (about 2 or 3) 1 medium onion, any color 2 sprigs rosemary (1 tablespoon chopped) 3 large eggs (or flax eggs if making this egg-free) 2 teaspoons salt black pepper to taste ½ cup bread crumbs, flour, potato starch or matzo meal Olive oil or peanut oil Applesauce or other topping of choice

Instructions 1. Slice the onions and caramelize in a pan

onion partway through to blend

2. Pull the rosemary leaves (needles) from the sprigs and chop finely

8. In a large bowl,

3. Once the onions are caramelized, add a little oil and cook the rosemary with the onions until the rosemary is soft 4. Boil the potatoes until

not quite cooked (so that a fork can barely go in)

combine the potato, Brussels sprouts, oil, salt, pepper, eggs and breadcrumbs

9. Heat the oil in two

skillets or on a griddle until hot but not smoking

10. Form the pancakes with 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture, flattening with your hand

11. Place pancakes 5. Grate the potatoes in a carefully into the oil and Dr Austine Siomos I am a pediatric cardiologist. I trained first to become a pediatrician and then specialized in the study of pediatric hearts. I see children from before they are born until they are ready to see an adult cardiologist. I am passionate about the health of all children and families. My goal for all children is to promote healthy habits and avoidance of those types of heart disease that are generally considered to be adult problems.

food processor or with a cheese grater

fry until a deep golden color

6. Wrap the potatoes

12. With a spatula place the pancakes on a plate or a cooling rack

in a towel or place in a cheesecloth and squeeze out the liquid

7. In a food processor

with a blade, shred the Brussels sprouts coarsely, adding the rosemary and

13. Serve warm with

applesauce or a honey mustard sauce

14. Enjoy!

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education}

e m Ti Time

Time

fer ulsi P n e rist By K

e m i T Time is always an issue. How often do we hear ourselves and others say, “if I only had time…, I don’t have enough time..., I should make more time…, Hurry we need to be there on time!” And, how often do we catch ourselves saying these things to our own children? I know I say these things more times than I’d like to count. Kids are hit especially hard with time. Their days are regulated by the sound of a school bell, as they grab their books and rush to the next class, or the next after school activity. They are timed on their computers at school, when doing math facts, so teachers can regulate how efficiently they are able to complete their basic math skills. Their reading is timed so teachers can see how many words they can read in a minute! Then, kids are rushed through on the only break they have in a day, lunch, to the point that some don’t eat or some scarf down their food and eat more than they might chose to eat in a more relaxed setting! I am out of breath and rushing while typing, just thinking about time.

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Understanding the value of time is as important as understanding mathematics and reading. Time management is detrimental to avoiding a plethora of anxiety issues, especially with kids. Setting up realistic goals is vital in ensuring that your kids enjoy and understand the tasks and the activities that they set out to complete.

Pros

Timing in school is beneficial. It teaches children the value of a schedule and deadlines. Kids need to understand the importance of showing up on time to school, jobs, appointments, etc. When children are timed in school, during tests or while reading or completing math problems, it shows how strong their comprehension is on lessons and skills that have been taught. Chronic struggles regarding time management can be indicative of other learning issues. Also, when students are encouraged to read in a more timely fashion, fluency, and therefore comprehension increase. Now, that doesn’t mean reading fast, it means reading and completing tasks efficiently.

Cons

Over-timing, and overscheduling, can create anxiety in some children. Some kids thrive off of watching the clock and may be more competitive. They may see the clock as a driving

force, while other children panic. They see the clock as an indicator that they are not smart because they did not complete assignments as quickly as other kids in their class did. The fast paced, timed lessons can actually shut students down to what they may truly be capable of doing. Just because students complete things in a slower fashion, does not necessarily indicate a problem with their intelligence. It may simply indicate that some kids need to start assignments earlier and be given more time to complete certain tasks; this is where understanding time management is a necessity. These kids are the ones that you do not want to over-schedule and put in situations where rushing from one thing to another is unavoidable. These kids simply need to be allowed to create a slightly different pace. Most importantly, these kids are the kids that need to be told, they are ok. These are the kids that you might want as your future doctor – the ones who take the time to evaluate and truly understand what’s wrong. Time is valuable, but there are many different ways of structuring time. Time management is personal and needs to reflect an individual’s personality and needs. With the holidays and vacation time here, relax with family and let the word ‘schedule’ slip out of your vocabulary. Taking a break from time is as important as managing it.

201 Central ave. whitefish Montana 59937 - 406.862.3200

@thevillageshop_mt

villageshopwhitefish.com

fashion}

11. 3. 10. 4. 9. 5.

Photo by Carrie Ann Photography

Stay Happy & Cozy at the village shop

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Downtown Whitefish. 406-862-3200 @thevillageshop_mt

1. Johnny Was faux fur blanket + carrying bag $248- 2. Cashmere Sweaters $248- $460- 3. Shit That I Knit blue cowl $80/orange hat $125 4. Skull Cashmere scarf $288- 5. Bird of Flight shearling clogs $145- 6. Frye handbag $398- 7. Shit That I Knit cream cowl $80/purple hat $125 8. Lisa B. socks toddler $22 + adult $27- 9. Glitter birthday candles $8- 10. Wooden cutting board $34- 11. Tea cups & pots $28-$34

oman.com

love}

Jordan &

October 2, 2018

Charlie Photography by Elsa Eileen Photography Location: Glacier Raft Company in Glacier National Park

Who are you? Jordan Wehlage & Charlie Daughton

How did you meet? Jordan's good friend Erin introduced them on Jordan's 23rd birthday when they were out in Whitefish for the evening.

The Proposal? Charlie proposed to Jordan on the west shore of Lake Koocanusa in the evening. When Charlie proposed, Jordan asked him to repeat the question because she wanted to make sure that she heard him correctly and was so happy she did hear him correctly. What is love?

Jordan: I feel that love is a very special connection between two people. It means that you’re making each others needs a priority, being happy and sad with each other, going through life's struggles together and loving them for who they are. They are there for one another through thick and thin no matter what life throws at them. Charlie: I think that love is more than a feeling. It is a special bond between two individuals who look past all faults and differences. They push each other to help make them succeed, to make their aspirations and dreams come true, and love each other, unconditionally no matter what.

What do you love most about each other?

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Jordan: The things I love the most about Charlie is that he is such a genuine, loving, hardworking man and his smile. When I first met Charlie one of the first things he did was bring me flowers as I attempted to make him dinner, he was so thankful. Although we are all aware that we all, as people have faults, Charlie never held mine against me, he embraced mine. Charlie has always been that " I'll give you the shirt off my back", kinda guy, which I admire so much. He is always showing me in a million different ways how he loves and cares about me, and he never seems to get sick of doing it, even after two years.

love} stories

I feel that love is a very special connection between two people. It means that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making each others needs a priority, being happy and sad with each other, going through life's struggles together and loving them for who they are.

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love} stories

Elsa Schuldheiss, Charlie & Jordan’s wedding photographer shares her story about their wedding day.

What do you love most about each other? Charlie: There's not one thing that I love the most about her. I love absolutely everything about her and we compliment each other so perfectly. I love her smile and her kind eyes. I love how smart she is and how she always puts everyone else's needs before her own. She is so generous and always thinking of everyone else. I love how she is always up to take new adventures together with me, work on projects together, and how she's always there when I need her the most.

When did you know you were both in love with one another?

Jordan: From a young age my mom always told that when that right man came along I would just know. I knew that I was in love with Charlie not long after we met; he was everything I had imagined in a man and more. I got that feeling of happiness, relief, love and laughter. Charlie believed in me and showed me love that I had never felt before. I knew that I really loved him when he first took me to meet his family and friends, it felt right and I felt a part of the family along with him meeting my family, it felt like it was meant to be.

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Charlie: I knew I was going to spend the rest of my life with Jordan the instant I met her. People say that there is no such thing as love at first sight, but I can definitely prove them wrong. The second our eyes met and we were introduced it was definitely love at first sight. She is everything I always dreamed of in one amazing woman. As our relationship progressed, each and every day my love grew for her. No matter what life has thrown at us, it has always made our love for each other grow stronger and stronger.

Fun Facts:

Charlie is from Northeastern Maryland and Jordan is from San Diego California and they met here in Montana.

They are currently building their first home together. Charlie and Jordan both have a love for hot wings & cold beer. The first song Charlie ever played for Jordan on the guitar was "Pink Houses” by John Mellencamp.

Let me tell you about Charlie and Jordan's perfect wedding vision for today. It was going to be a beautiful October day with all the fall colors in their prime, Charlie and Jordan would be surrounded by their closest friends and family at Two Medicine Lake, and we were going to have epic mountain shots....

Reality... Nope. It was going to rain and snow all day, and Two Medicine Lake area closed today due to snow and winter conditions. So we decided this morning that we would attempt to have the intimate ceremony at Lake McDonald.... and we would do the first look there. The wind was atrocious as well as the FREEZING cold rain. Charlie stood on the dock waiting for his beautiful bride and was soaked within seconds. At that point, everyone was pretty cold and miserable, so I made a phone call...

My biggest THANK YOU's ever go out to Glacier Raft Company Weddings and Events who were able to take everyone in and allow us to have the ceremony under their beautiful pavilion. Everyone could not stop talking about how beautiful it turned out to be. Today may have had a mind of its own, but honestly it could not have been more perfect. We laughed and we cried, but it all was special. Charlie and Jordan's love for one another has endured it all, and I am so grateful to have been a part of this day. This is why I am so passionate about what I do. Charlie Daughton Jordan Nicole Wehlage I am so proud to call you two friends!

Michelle

&John July 28th, 2018

Photography by Mae Foresta, Night Owl Imagery Location: Glacier Raft Company in Glacier National Park

Who are you? Michelle is a High School French Teacher in Kalispell, as well as small business artisan, creating beautiful silver and leather jewelry. John is a welder and fabricator for a local Kalispell company and also bartends in Whitefish and is finishing his welding program at FVCC. Both of them love skiing, hiking and doing anything outside in the mountains, especially with their dog, Luna.

How did you meet?

John and Michelle met at Montana Snowbowl in Missoula, where John worked as a Lifty. Michelle quickly drew his attention during winter break and he soon found himself following her all over the mountain and then up to Whitefish, shortly thereafter.

The Proposal?

John proposed to Michelle by taking her camping and fly fishing at Upper Whitefish Lake, however, due to the number of other people at the same location John decided to relocate the proposal to Red Meadow lake the

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next morning. The three of them (yes, Luna goes everywhere!) made their way down to a log next to the lake where John set up a picnic blanket, pulled The Ring out, and proposed. Michelle said “Yes” (much to his relief !), and he poured champagne to celebrate. Within 10 seconds, someone fishing in the middle of the lake yelled, “Michelle, is that you?!” Low and behold, in the middle of nowhere, the other French teacher from the same school Michelle works at hails us to congratulate! We got some great pics, and then headed to the Northern Lights Saloon in Polebridge to finish off the day. It was truly a wonderful day.

What is love?

John: Love is everything. It is being able to share everything and anything with your partner. It is being so proud of your partner for their accomplishments, big or small. It is having someone who will understand and get you through tough days. Having someone who gives you the push you need to make things happen you didn’t realize ever would. Love is trust (given and received), understanding, motivating and nurturing.

Michelle: Love is accepting another person for who they are, and staying by their side through the ups and downs. Love doesn’t judge it receives with open arms.

What do you love most about each other?

John: I love Michelle for so many reasons, but I think what really sticks out is her drive. She is always getting after it, whether it is at work or at home. If she isn’t grading or planning for school, she is hard at work at her jewelry bench or itching to go on a hike or camping or skiing! She is truly amazing and will always be my hero. And even though she is always on the move, she is always thinking about others and making a point to do things for her friends and family. Michelle: John is patient, forgiving, and loves with an open heart. He is the person you can count on to be there for you. He is funny, and always has a way of making me see the bright side of a situation. He can also do just about anything- whether it be welding a table, doing electrical work, or building a gorgeous arbor for our wedding. He is a jack-of-all-trades.

love} stories

John is patient, forgiving, and loves with an open heart. He is the person you can count on to be there for you. He is funny, and always has a way of making me see the bright side of a situation.

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love} stories

When did you know you were in love? John: I have a distinct memory of when I realized I was in love with Michelle. It was shortly after we started dating; I fell hard and fast. We were walking over the Higgins Bridge in Missoula after having dinner at the Silk Road and we were just talking about things we liked to do and things we wanted to do. I thought to myself, “This is my best friend who I want to spend the rest of my life with.” I told her right then, “you’re amazing and I think I love you.” It was a little forward and I tried to play it off as a nerdy thing to say, but it's how I felt, nonetheless. Michelle: I knew John was the one within the first couple of months. It could be in part because it was ski season, and I felt like I had found my ski partner for life. I had found someone that I could share all of life’s adventures with. I felt content, happy, and I knew that I was in love.

Wedding Details

We had the most perfect wedding we could have ever hoped for, surrounded by friends and family. Jameson and the Sordid Seeds put on a great show for us as our wedding band. We had mouthwatering BBQ from Desoto Grill and the weather was perfect.

Honeymoon

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We spent our honeymoon in Canada. We left a few days after the wedding and camped along the Belly River, near Waterton Park, for two nights. We then spent two nights at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton. We went on amazing hikes along the Belly River and Crypt Lake. We ate wonderful meals overlooking amazing vistas. And we drank lots of champagne!

love}

Two Friends... By June Jeffries Photography by Carrie Ann Photography

The world is beautiful, everywhere you look Mother Nature entices us with her beauty and charm; regardless of where you travel or how far away you roam there is always something special about home. Montana is home to these two couples.

Bria and Devyn

Getting engaged is exciting, exhilarating and a little overwhelming especially when planning a wedding from afar. These two couples have been connected since childhood but it is by chance, not design, they are both getting married in August 2019. Bria and Devyn’s engagement has been in the works since elementary school even though they might not have known it then; they have been fast friends since first grade, best friends and sweethearts since freshman year. After high school Bria attended FVCC graduating with an AAS in Radiologic Technology while Devyn attended several different academic institutions; he is currently enrolled in a doctorate of physical therapy in Texas. A year ago, Devyn ended a decade of dating when he popped the question in Phoenix; Brooke and Nick were with them to witness the joyous occasion.

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Brooke and Nick have been a couple since Nick’s college sophomore year, after high school Brooke attended FCVV moving on to the Montana State to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Nick’s basketball scholarship took him to the University of Montana and Lewis-Clark State College. In 2017, Nick’s acceptance into the doctorate of physical therapy program in Phoenix resulted in the couple’s relocation. Brooke is currently working as a nurse in Phoenix and enrolled in the nurse practitioner’s master’s program. Life is full and exciting but not quite complete … in August Nick got down on one knee and asked Brooke: “will you marry me.”

love}

...Two Engagements

Both couples are busy planning their respective weddings; both are in each other weddings and sharing in each other’s excitement.

Brooke and Nick

Brooke and Nick are in Phoenix, Bria and Devyn are in Texas but they will be saying “I do” in the place they call home. The home to bright, blue endless skies, majestic mountain tops, Glacier National Park and an area that is fast becoming a popular wedding destination. Technology, digital platforms and the ability to share thousands of images has made planning a wedding from thousands of miles away not quite as daunting, the world has certainly become a smaller place. Both couples have hired Carrie Ann as their photographer. She creates magic with her lens, she is privy to all the best spots: she captures the beauty of the land and the couples at hand. Her photography is captivating, candid and effortless because she waits for that moment, the special moment when her subjects forget they are being photographed. Sometimes photos look forced, a long photo shoot can be exhausting, it’s difficult to gaze into one another’s eyes for four hours without thinking when will this be over: I’m hungry and thirsty, but Carrie is a master at waiting for the right second for the shutter to drop. I could not find one photograph that wasn’t perfect. Carrie went above and beyond, each couple received hundreds of photos for their engagement portfolio; they were ecstatic. I’m certain they were overwhelmed when asked to pick ‘one’ photo for the save the date card. I guess it is a good problem to have. I can’t wait to see the wedding photos.

This is going to be a year to remember! Congratulations to both couples.

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history}

Star of the Radio World

A Life of Barbara Luddy By Brian D’Ambrosio

Born: May 25, 1908, Helena, Montana Died: April 1, 1979 in Los Angeles, California

Arcade card from the 1940s featuring Luddy, who found fame and ample work for Disney Studios as an announcer from the 1950s until the 1970s.

For certain, her father died while she was still a baby. At the insistence of an aunt she nearly became a missionary, but became an entertainer instead when nuns at the Ursuline Convent in Great Falls discovered that she was gifted with a voice of remarkable range and beauty. In fact her favorite story concerns her own childhood. When she was very young, she was asked to sing at a gathering in the refectory of the Ursuline Convent. The nuns were doing honor to a visiting bishop. “What will you sing for the Bishop?” the Mother Superior asked. “What do you want me to sing?” tiny Barbara said, turning to the Bishop.

His face beaming, the Bishop urged her to choose her own song. And her childish voice rose:

“At the Devil’s ball In the Devil’s hall, Cute Mrs. Devil, so rosy and fat, Dancing around in a fireman’s hat-!”

Sometime as a young girl, she moved to Butte, and when the World War came, Barbara, then a child

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Barbara Luddy’s earliest days are cloaked in ambiguity; most accounts have her as “a native of Helena, the family being well known,” and claim that her grandfather was a pioneer and “a factor in advancing the welfare of the state.” While some newspaper accounts said that she was “educated at Butte and Great Falls,” others said Barbara was born in Great Falls and spent the early days of her life “in Montana with her mother.” The April 1938 edition of Screenplay states that Luddy was born in Helena in 1910, nicknamed “Babs” almost at birth.

of approximately 10 years, took an active part in raising funds for the Red Cross and Liberty Loan campaigns by singing patriotic songs and passing the hat. Her work was reportedly so satisfactory in Butte that officials in Helena borrowed her and repeated her success in the Capital City. Her public performances were limited to Red Cross drives until a theater manager booked her and started her on a professional stage career.

After World War I the Luddy family moved to St. Louis where Barbara attended school and took an active part in dramatics. After several tryouts she was booked for a singing and dancing act on a vaudeville circuit the route of which took her to Los Angeles. The 1935 March issue of Film Comment magazine said that her “mother is an invalid” and that Luddy found it necessary to support the family and she sought work as an extra in the southern California motion picture studios. One night she was singing at the Savoy Theater in San Diego, California, when suddenly, for no reason other than perhaps stage fright, her voice failed her. She opened her mouth – but no

sound came out. Frightened, she ran off the stage convinced that her career was over – at the age of eleven.

Her voice returned, of course, and a short time later Barbara began the second phase of her career – movie acting, as co-star in George Harris’ “East Side, West Side” comedies. While in her teens, she signed a motion picture contract with the Fox Film Corporation, and this snippet appeared in her biography: “Barbara Luddy, the child who is credited with raising more money for Red Cross activities in 1918 than any other person of her sex in Montana, is soon to be a tuned performer in the movies, according to word received from Hollywood.”

In 1927 she returned to the stage and toured Australia with Leo Carrillo and the Duffy Players in 1929. When the stage started to decline, Barbara turned to radio – the medium that was to bring her her greatest fame. Obtaining a job as announcer on a woman’s program, she was soon trying out for dramatic roles in other radio shows

Cover story from the April 2, 1938 issue of the radio magazine Stand By featuring Barbara Luddy.

– and winning them. In no time at all she was playing opposite such stars as Leslie Howard, Francis Lederer, Edward Everett Horton, Ricardo Cortez and William Powell. In the fall of 1936, Luddy’s prominence in the radio world won her the feminine leading role in Campana’s “First Nighter” programs, playing opposite Don Ameche. Recently, she set a precedent in radio dramatic circles when she signed a threeyear contract guaranteeing her 52 weeks’ work a year with the “First Nighter” sponsor. And in January 1937 she was awarded the title role in “Margot of Castlewood,” dramatic series sponsored by the Quaker Oats Company. One contemporary newspaper account referred to Luddy’s height – or lack of it. “Barbara Luddy, diminutive leading lady in “Margot of Castlewood,” heard over WLS at 9:15 a.m., Mondays through Fridays, stands exactly four feet, ten and five-eighths inches with high heels on. When she plays opposite a tall actor, she has to stand on a box to reach the “mike.”

According to an April 1938 radio magazine, “Barbara’s most prized possession is a boomerang given her by a member of the Australian parliament. And her favorite trinket is a bracelet with a bell on it.” Another article noted that “she has hazel eyes, brown hair, a happy disposition and a ready wit,” and that she spends much of her spare time knitting, sewing and reading.

While she appeared in small parts in several well-known films, Luddy found fame and a steady paycheck in voiceover work for Disney (from approximately 1955 until 1973), including the voice of Lady in Lady and the Tramp (1955), as fairy godmother Merryweather in Sleeping Beauty (1959) and Kanga in Winnie the Pooh shorts and television productions in the 1960s and 70s. Her other film credits include Terrified (1962) and the TV film Lost Flight (1969). She also guest starred in episodes of such television programs as Hazel, Dragnet, Adam-12, and Kolchak: The Night Stalker.

She died at age 70 of lung cancer in 1979.

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Going to the Sun Gallery proudly present our new Local Bronze artist , John Pettis! John has won many awards for his detailed sculptures, depicting wildlife and historic figures of the West! " Easy Money" captures the life and times of outlaw, Doc Middleton, a colorful outlaw with a Robinhood reputation!

Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal stories and experiences growing up among cowboys, packers and hunters allows the authenticity of his sculpted subjects to shine forth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The inspiration to tell a story in the bronze medium has been there since I learned to weld and cast my first bronze at eighteen." Reminisces John.