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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 18. Tablescaping Every picture tells a story 24. American Made
travel 28. Canada Calling
love
32. Hailey & Levi
44...
fashion 38. Style The Village Shop
food & flavor 40. Summer Noodle Salads 44. A Cheesemonger’s Summertime Sweet Treats
history
48. Amelia Earhart
music
50. Glacier Symphony
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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
creative & social media director Amanda Wilson
afwphotography@me.com
design
Cami Fleming
Cami is a Native Montanan who grew up in Eureka, MT. She moved to Kalispell in 2010 to attend Flathead Valley Community College, where she earned a degree in Early Childhood Education. Cami and her husband Mike appreciate living in the Flathead Valley because of the endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and wonderful views. Cami loves spending time in the mountains hiking with her two labradors, Rutley and Velvet, camping, skiing on the local ski hills and in the backcountry during the winter, plus kayaking and rafting in the summer. When she's not spending time in the outdoors she enjoys designing beautiful living spaces at her job at Conlin's Furniture. A special thank you to Scott and Jane Wheeler for the use of their beautiful boat and Lake property location. 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
Sara Joy Pinnell
sara@mrsandmrpublishing.com
photographers
Daley McDaniel Photography Alisia Dawn Photography Kelly Kirksey Photography Carrie Ann Photography Kathryn Hayes Media Green Kat Photography Jennifer Mooney Photography
Want to know about great events, open houses, and more? Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/406 Woman 406 Woman is distributed in Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Missoula, Whitefish and every point in between. Check out www.406woman.com for our full distribution list. Have a great story idea or know someone that we should feature? Email us with your comments & suggestions. Interested in increasing your business and partnering with 406 Woman? Check out www.406woman.com.
Sarah Broussard
As the Event Organizer of The Event at Rebecca Farm, Sarah along with her team and family, facilitate a world-class equestrian triathlon each July in Northwest Montana. Known as one of North America’s largest equestrian triathlons, The Event draws elite horses and riders from across the continent, as well as thousands of spectators. Simultaneously, Sarah oversees The Event’s corollary initiative, Halt Cancer at X, which provides funding for breast cancer research and local cancer support
services.
To date, Halt Cancer at X has raised $500,000.
and granted more than
Photo
by
Mindy Passons
Published by Skirts Publishing six times a year 704 C East 13th St. #138 Whitefish, MT 59937 info@406woman.com Copyright©2019 Skirts Publishing
View current and past issues of 406 Woman at
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Editor’s Note
Thanks to Scout And Gather Mercantile for the photo location.
Finally it is here! Summer- the time of year we have all been planning for, anticipating has arrived! It is the time of year that we are pulled outdoors to the lakes and mountains that surround us, we loosen our schedules so we can play longer work less- take that much needed break from our everyday routines. We get to explore new places, revisit ones we love. It reminds us to breathe and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. We hope this issue makes it into your lake bag, back pack or out on the deck with you as you enjoy that vitamin-D state of happiness! Amanda & Cindy
In this issue you’ll find…. A fabulous quick weekend itinerary for a trip Vancouver, packed into 36 hours. The food writing was so descriptive you could taste it. What a lovely city. An inspiring article about doing what you love in the interview with HGTV’s Editor in Chief Sara Peterson. And her tip on creative brainstorming—gather a team and jot many, many ideas (she does 30 – 40), then boil it down to one. Creativity works best when it’s exponential. Hailey and Levi’s wedding story reminds us to keep going until you find that perfect beach. The humble beginnings of The Event at Rebecca Farm remind us what a spectacular weekend outing this has grown into for the Flathead Valley. They celebrate 30 years this July! Did you know girl power aviatrix Amelia Earhart graced Helena with her presence— read more on page 48. Summer = Golfing, the story about all the fun at Buffalo Hill will have you planning your next event or one of their golf courses for anyone in your family. If you need your heart warmed—the story on child cancer survivor Teslyn is the one to read. Then the story on Camp Velocity shows the power of summer fun for foster kids. Inspiring!
Our Talented 406
Contributors
C. Claude Basler, D.C.
Family Chiropractor, allowing you to express your true potential
Delia Buckmaster
Owner of Delia Pilates™, PMA®-CPT, International Educator bootybarre® master trainer, health coach, mom, Montana obsessed
Mollie Busby
Owner of Yoga Hive, with three studios in the Flathead valley, Mollie also works part-time for a nonprofit, and enjoys living off-grid in her NW Montana home
Christine Hensleigh
Full-time history buff and writer in Whitefish, Montana. Christine's current online historical publication can be found at www.glaciergazette.com
June Jeffries
The mastermind behind 406 Tablescapes, June is an avid reader, a ‘Juneof-All-Trades’ who will tackle any kind of design, electrical, plumbing, or architectural project, and she is currently writing a screen play and dabbling with a manuscript
Kalispell OB/GYN Doctors & Practitioners
Board certified OB/GYN professional offering expert advice
Allison Linville
Community Relations Coordinator of 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 thre flawless grandchildren
Kelly O’Brien, Esq.
Business Law specialist with Measure Law Office, PC
Meet Romina… Photographer
Kelly Pris
Romina is from Milan, Italy. Her motivation for photography comes from our “inability to regain the beautiful moments that life gives us, to keep beautiful landscape that nature and other places of the world give us. That I can photograph every moment, every place, every landscape I ever have, and then keep those with me.”
Kristen Pulsifer
Outside of work she likes going to the gym, cooking ,shopping. She can’t live without pizza.
Brianne Perleberg
Founder of I Want Her Job and marketing director at NASCAR track Phoenix Raceway Marketing Director at Mountain Meadow Herbs with over 12-years experience in the dietary supplement industry Writer, editor, and owner at Whitefish Study Center
Dr. Austine Siomos
A pediatric cardiologist at Rocky Mountain Heart and 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.
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For full bios for our contributors, please visit www.406woman.com.
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Her words of wisdom: Live so that happiness is your priority and travel across America!
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design}
Every picture tells a story Tablescaping
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By June Jeffries for Empress Tents and Events Photographed by Carrie Ann Photography oman.com
Before film, before photography, our stories were captured by painting. The king’s court and the nobility commissioned painters for self-portraits, a medieval version of ‘selfies’. Back even to early man, humans are compelled to leave an imprint, proof that we were here. Neanderthals etched drawings on cave walls, Renaissance and Impressionist painters captured the world in which they lived painting by painting, but film and film photography was the segue way into a new era of visual storytelling. On any given day we are exposed to hundreds, if not thousands, of images that tell tales, we scroll through our Instagram feed at lightning speed until something catches our eye, then and only then do we stop. Digital photography and technology transformed our life into pictures and those pictures are our stories.
Yellow is the color of flowers, lemons, lilies, sunshine, happiness and hope, it is bright, bold and fresh. design} The wedding industry knows that an image has to be a show stopper, and it has to have ‘legs’ or something that makes it stand out. This is one of the reasons a styled shoot can be liberating, it allows the designer and photographer to take control, set trends, share ideas and work together. This particular styled shoot was fun because we found an amazing, secret place that we cannot reveal. There is something about forgotten places that creates a sense of adventure and mystery. The exposed walls from years of neglect reveal the layers of use beneath: wallpaper hanging from the walls and ceilings, holes in the walls that exposes layers of paint, plaster and brick. It’s like turning the pages of a book as you wait for the story to be told and unfold.
Blue is the color of the endless sky, wide blue oceans, and blue bells, it symbolizes wisdom, loyalty and tranquility. Designing a tablescape often begins with choosing a color. Lynn wanted to be bold and daring, the backdrop was light and faded making it the perfect stage to select colors that were going to make an impact. Yellow and blue make a statement, I think it’s part of our DNA and echoes the sun and the sky. Yellow is the color of flowers, lemons, lilies, sunshine, happiness and hope, it is bright, bold and fresh. Blue is the color of the endless sky, wide blue oceans, and blue bells, it symbolizes wisdom, loyalty and tranquility. The curating process is a matter of Lynn wandering through her treasure chest of collectibles and picking the perfect mix of props for the staging process. For this styled shoot she chose the 3’ foot farm table and cafe chairs to incorporate a little bit of rustic feel to the space. The choice of vintage Spode Blue English china, pewter flatware, and depression glass comple-
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The curating process is a matter of Lynn wandering through her treasure chest of collectibles and picking the perfect mix of props for the staging process.
mented the building’s old world charm. For the final touches, a yellow calla lily in a vintage tin pot coincidentally matched the yellow napkin perfectly. And we can’t forget the lemons and the lemon square that added one more touch of sunshine.
Over the course of the last decade, lounge areas have become an absolute must when planning an event. The blue sofa with a chic, modern look is one of the latest additions to Lynn’s vast inventory of seating options. In addition, it was a great place for our lovely model to showcase the beautiful Pronovias gown she was wearing. It was a perfect day. We would like to thank Carrie Anne for helping us create a showstopper (www.carrieann-photography.net), Mimi’s Bridal for the gown (www.mimisbridalmontana.com), model (Aspen Rude), bouquet (www.repeatboutiqueweddings.com ) Lynn for being the mastermind behind the scene (empresstentsevents.com) and (www.vintagewhitesweddings.com)
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American Made
Proudly Representing American Made Products at Wright's Furniture By Wright’s Furniture
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Made of American reclaimed
and sustainable woods, this modern rustic bed is a new favorite at Wright's. Come see it in person in the showroom for an up-close look at the character of the barn woods and high craftsmanship.
This lay-flat reclining chair
also features a pop-up headrest for even further comfort. It is handcrafted in North Carolina and customizable to many fabric and leather options. This is a Wright's furniture Favorite!
This American manufacturer, Fusion Design, holds
a solid belief in quality and satisfaction in a job well done. They are dedicated to honoring our heritage as well as building furniture that keeps with current design trends. This dining table is a Wright's favorite. It features handcrafted solid hardwood for extra durability and strength. Lightly distressed wood gives a country and rustic feel to it, while the intricate baluster legs add a touch of classic beauty to the design.
This American made
comfort sleeper sofa features beautiful track arms and flawless tailoring and double-needle top-stitching. Choose from a 4-inch plush high-density mattress with a Crypton cover or upgrade to Gel. Custom design your own and choose from hundreds of fabric and leather options OR choose from our predesigned options in stock at Wrights.
-Product featured is available at Wright’s FurnitureVisit our showroom at Wright's Furniture in Whitefish where we have hundreds of American Made products available for every room. 6325 HWY 93 South, Whitefish, Montana 59937 | 406.862.2455 | Open Daily |Free Local Delivery | Free Design Services | www.wrightsfurniturestore.com
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Canada Calling Vancouver in 36 Hours Written and photographed by Jaymee Sire
If you find yourself in Vancouver, B.C. for just 36 hours…chances are, you either decided to pop up for the weekend from somewhere in the Pacific Northwest or you are about to embark on an Alaskan Cruise. I recently found myself there for the latter as part of a fun girls’ getaway. I’ve always wanted to visit Vancouver. Growing up in Montana and attending school in Washington state, it’s ridiculous that I hadn’t made it there yet. And after a fast-paced 36 hours, I can tell you that a day and a half is not enough time. I can’t wait to go back. The city itself reminds me of some of my other favorite coastal cities, a mash-up between Portland, Seattle and San Francisco. With its vibrant downtown, a sprawling public park, and its residents’ love for the outdoors, Vancouver has plenty to see and do! Getting there & getting around Vancouver is served by YVR, the airport code for Vancouver’s international airport. Once on the ground, getting to downtown Vancouver is a breeze, thanks to the city’s rail system. Once you’ve cleared airport customs, follow the signs for the “Canada Line” then purchase a two-zone fare and take it to the city center. This trip cost me approximately $8 US and took just over a half hour. Once downtown you don’t need a car, because most of the attractions are either walking and biking distance, accessible by ferry, or a short taxi ride. It’s worth pointing out that Vancouver does not have Uber or Lyft, which makes cabbing to places a little more challenging. We were able to hail taxis outside our hotel, but it can take 5-10 minutes, so allow yourself extra time if you plan to take a taxi to any of your destinations.
Where to stay: St. Regis Vancouver If you are as pressed for time as I was, staying in the middle of all the action is important, so choose your hotel wisely. The good news is, there are plenty of luxury, boutique and budget hotels in downtown Vancouver to suit everyone’s tastes and needs. I chose the St. Regis because it’s conveniently located
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near two different rail lines and a quick walk from several restaurants and tourist attractions.
The hotel was built in 1913 but underwent a lavish, $12 million refurbishment in 2009. It boasts all of the modern comforts you would expect in a property of this stature (like heated floors in the bathrooms) along with the charm of a historic property. Full breakfast is included in your room rate and features standard hot breakfast dishes such as omelettes or eggs, bacon and hash browns. The hotel thoughtfully provides free Fiji bottled water daily as part of your stay, as well as complimentary wifi and comfy robes. What to do: Rent Bikes & Ride Around Stanley Park When I posed the question on social media about what to see, do and eat in Vancouver, a flood of responses rushed into my timeline. Without a doubt, the number one experience (according to my Twitter and Instagram followers) is renting a bike and riding around Stanley Park along the seawall. I was surprised to learn this public park is actually bigger than New York’s Central Park, with over a thousand acres and half a million trees. The loop around the outer edge of the park
is 9 km, or about 5.5 miles, and will take about an hour as you ride along the coastline, taking in the impressive views along the way. If biking isn’t your thing, there are also walking lanes.
It is important to note, the bike path is one-way, starting at the north end of the park. For this reason, we chose a bike rental company near the northern entrance to make for efficient pick up and return. A one-hour rental at Spokes will run you about $8 US, with every quarter hour thereafter pro-rated. Helmets and locks are included with your rental, so if you’d like to make a whole day of biking around the park and city,
you certainly can! The bus to and from the park was a straight shot from our hotel, and costs about $2 US each way ($3 CAD.)
Visit Granville Island Public Market If Stanley Park was #1, then Granville Island Public Market was definitely a close second in terms of Vancouver recommendations I received. It reminded me of the Ferry Building in San Francisco with specialty food shops and quick service restaurants. I couldn’t decide on just one spot for lunch, so I decided to curate a DIY picnic from a few of the delicious-looking food vendors. I started at Oyama Sausage, which is known for its patés, terrines and charcuterie. I was pretty hungry when I got there and unsure how many “grams” to order, so I accidentally ended up with about $20 worth of meat. I chose their wine soaked prosciutto, a duck and morel mushroom pate, and a pork and pistachio terrine. Next, I stopped at Benton Brothers for some soft cheese, and then swung by Terra Bread before enjoying my haul in one of the public seating areas looking out at the water. If cheese and meat aren’t your thing, there are plenty of fast-casual eateries to choose from, so just take a lap and pick
the one that sounds best to you! We took a taxi to get there, but opted for the little Aquabus to get across the water on the way home, and then hopped on an actual bus back to the hotel from there.
Go shopping on Robson Street If your goal is to shop ’til you drop, you have no shortage of options in downtown Vancouver. We spent a couple hours one morning checking out the several stores on and around Robson Street. Remember, the exchange rate favors the US dollar by about 30%, so stock up on your favorite brands while visiting our neighbors to the north!
Sample the Seafood! Being a coastal city with a large Asian influence, Vancouver is known for its abundance of fresh seafood and sushi. Our first meal of the trip took us to Market by Jean Georges, located on the third floor of the Shangri La Hotel. The menu features Chef Ken Nakano’s take on Canadian and Japanese cuisines, effortlessly blending the two together as if they were always intertwined. I opted for the steelhead sashimi served on crispy rice for my appetizer. The freshness of the raw fish paired with the crunchy rice was accented
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Vancouver
with a hint of chipotle spice and was the perfect way to start our meal. I also ordered the crispy local halibut, which was served with a medley of delicate mushrooms, a flavorful broth and topped with a radish top salad. Of course, for the non-fish eaters like my travel companion, Kate, they have plenty of other options as well, including a Black Angus tenderloin served with smoked beef shank potatoes. The cocktail program is one of the most creative and innovative ones I’ve ever experienced. The bar
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makes a variety of “hydrosols” in house, which are non-alcoholic infusions. For those who prefer not to drink, this provides a refreshing and fun way to enjoy beverages alongside the beautifully plated food. For those of us who do, it opens up an array of options for the mixologists to create cocktails with a lot of layers and depth. The spring menu is currently inspired by Cherry Blossom season, and I started off the evening with the Sakura in Bloom, which featured Sheringham Kazuki Gin, umeboshi and sour cherry syrup, fresh lime juice, orange flower acid, egg white and soda.
Check out Yaletown It should come as no surprise that a city known for its seafood also excels in the sushi department. There are plenty of fine establishments where you can sample extremely fresh sushi preparations, but we chose Minami on our second and final night in Vancouver. Minami is located in an area of Vancouver called ‘Yaletown,’ a young and hip neighborhood with an abundance of bars and restaurants. The menu isn’t your typical sushi menu, as they feature a lot of interesting options, including their signature “Aburi Oshi Sushi” composed of little rectangles of rice with a seared piece of fish on top. I couldn’t decide, so I ordered
the Minami Signature, which was basically a big sampler platter of all of their specialty items, including a few pieces of their signature rolls. I loved it because I was able to try a little bit of everything! My favorite bite was actually a simple preparation of ebi (or raw shrimp.) The wagyu with bacon was also a fun twist on traditional sushi and a good choice for non-fish eaters.
Our Norwegian cruise ship was calling, so we were off to the next portion of our trip, but I can’t wait to return and spend more than 36 hours in this Canadian cutie!
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)
love}
Hailey & Levi May 11th, 2019
Photography by Amanda Wilson Photography Location: Diamond B Weddings
Levi was born in Elko NV. His family relocated to Montana in 2001 for a job opportunity for his dad. He works as a Detention Officer at the jail, and is a field Military Police for the United States Marine Corps. Hailey was born in Henderson NV. She moved to Montana in 2013 for a job opportunity for her dad. She works front desk at Berube Physical Therapy in Kalispell and a Supply Specialist for the Montana Army National Guard.
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love} stories
Love is a choice. If you both choose to do this, you both will be happy in the end.
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I love that Levi keeps me grounded. He shows me humility, strength, and peace when I don’t even know I need it. How we met It was back in 2016, I was folding clothes in the store I was working at in the mall, when I recognized a friend from high school, Tyler Kimmel, who had joined the Marines. He, along with other local Marines, were home on Christmas leave from training assisting Marine recruiters. I called Tyler into the store to catch up, and the group of men followed, Levi being one of them. I did not catch his name, I had no idea who he was, but I knew I needed to find out. After the men left the store, I went on my evening break and decided to play detective. I searched high and low for Levi and finally found him on Facebook. Months later, just before I completed my military training, Levi sent me a message and we scheduled our first date for shortly after my return home. The engagement Levi had a picnic on the beach planned for our engagement. The sun was quickly going down and he wanted to bring our sweet puppy Gunny to be a part of the festivity. The first beach we traveled to had a huge NO DOGS ALLOWED sign placed in the entrance. Without hesitation, we packed up
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the suburban and ventured to a different beach. The closest beach was 10 minutes away and time was certainly of the essence. We found the perfect beach, set out a blanket with chocolate covered strawberries and cider, and before I knew it, Levi was kneeling right in front of me with one hand reaching out for mine and the other in his back pocket retrieving the ring box. I. Said. YES!
What is love? Hailey: for me, love is the feeling and complete understanding of security. Knowing that I am truly safe to be myself, to not look a certain way, and that I am the best most happy version of myself when I am with him. Love is having the ability to go to sleep every night knowing my partner is going to stay loyal and faithful, even on the worst days.
Levi: Love is staying faithful and keeping your promises. Love is when you are willing to do anything for your partner, putting his or her happiness first. Love is a choice. If you both choose to do this, you both will be happy in the end.
What do we love most? Hailey: I love that Levi keeps me grounded. He shows me humility, strength, and peace when I don’t even know I need it. He is my perfect balance. He is the calm and I am the storm.
Levi: The thing I love most about Hailey is her love for those close to her heart, and her drive to be the best wife and one day mother she can be. And… she’s hot!
When we fell in love… Hailey: I knew I was in love on our first date. We sat at the dinner table for hours and I talked nearly the entire duration we were there, and he let me! We talked about our similar military backgrounds, and where we came from. We very quickly discovered we came from two completely different lives, but both had similar aspirations for our futures.
Levi: It was after our first date, she talked about how family oriented she is, which is huge for me. She also talked about her idea of success. It’s not based around how wealthy she may be, but her future family and quality of home life.
201 Central ave. whitefish Montana 59937 - 406.862.3200
@thevillageshop_mt
villageshopwhitefish.com
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food}
Summer Noodle Salads By Carole Morris
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Pasta, you are so lovely; when I envision your beauty… I see Italy. Mountains, amazing architecture and art that is glorious beyond belief. Whoa, wrong vision! Rewind…I envision several coastal regions where some of the world's earliest known civilizations are linked. I see Asia and ancient Asian noodles. Wait, what? Asian pasta? Weird (I know) but, as strange as it sounds pasta was brought to Italy from China by Marco Polo during the 13th century. In fact, archaeologists believe that central Asia is most likely the first area to have produced noodles thousands of years ago. Today, pasta comes in all shapes and sizes, from lasagna to rotini, and in different flavor varieties such as whole wheat or spinach. With that being said—do I have some pasta recipes for you!
Cheddar Noodle Salad Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 cup homemade noodles or small size macaroni (measure then cook to package directions) 1 cup cheddar cheese (cubed) 1 stalk of celery (sliced) ¾ cup green pepper (chopped) ¾ cup petite peas ½ cup red onion (sliced thin)
Dressing Ingredients ½ cup Miracle Whip ½ cup sour cream
4 tbsp sweet pickle relish 2 tbsp. milk ½ tsp salt
Instructions
In a bowl, mix all ingredients together except the Dressing Ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together Dressing Ingredients. Mix dressing in with the noodle ingredients, then cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
Homemade Noodles Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour ¾ tsp salt 2 eggs (beaten) 1/3 cup water 1 tsp. olive oil
Instructions
Stir together, in a bowl, flour and salt. In another bowl, combine eggs, water, and oil. Add to the flour mixture and stir well.
Sprinkle flour on the surface you are going to knead dough on. Knead dough until it is smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). Let the dough rest for approximately 15 minutes. Divide dough into fourths, then roll each fourth into a 12x12 inch square on a floured surface. Cut into 2x1 inch rectangles, then pinch the centers to form bow ties.
Cooking Directions
In a saucepan, bring water (approximately 3 quarts) to boiling. Add 1 tbsp. of olive oil to help keep noodles separated. Add the pasta, then boil uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes.
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Ranch Noodle Salad Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 cup homemade noodles or elbow macaroni (measure then cook to package directions) ¼ cup cheddar cheese (shredded) ¼ cup broccoli (chopped) ¼ cup carrots (grated) ¼ green onion (sliced) Large bottle of Ranch dressing (your favorite brand) 4 tbsp. salted sunflower seeds
Instructions
In a bowl, mix together all ingredients, except the sunflower seeds. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight, then sprinkle sunflower seeds on top before serving.
Mediterranean Noodle Salad Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 cup homemade noodles or small bow shaped noodle (measure then cook to package directions) ¼ cup feta cheese ¼ lb. salami (sliced) ¼ cup olives (sliced) ¼ cup tomato (diced) ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced) Large bottle of Mediterranean dressing
Instructions
In a bowl, mix together all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
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A Cheesemonger’s
Summertime Sweet Treats By Cindy Della Monica, Cheesemonger and Owner, Cheese Central
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Summer days are soon here, making me dance with joy as I dream of long daylight hours and deliciously warm days. MY interpretation of “warm” is up to 90ish*. “Hot” comes on the tails of 95* or better! So, let’s just cut to the chase: the reason for us to enjoy these fabulous warm days? Easy cold and frozen treats! One of my best summertime kid memories is of homemade strawberry ice cream churned the old-fashioned way by Mr. O’Connor in his garage--filling the churn’s working parts with ice and rock salt, and the cold can of crushed strawberries, cream, milk, sugar and a touch of vanilla. All of the neighborhood kids would see his garage door open, the placement of the churn right at the edge of the sun-to-shady concrete, and we would all go running to “help”. We all thought Mr. O’Connor was such a nice man, “letting” all of us kids take turns churning. It didn’t matter how old you were—you got a turn at the churn! Watching anxiously as the pink mixture started turning into an icy swirl, transforming into a soft-serve texture that we would beg to taste right away, and then cranking away until it was quite firm. Mr. O’Connor never did let the ice cream “ripen” in the freezer before sharing this treat with all of us kids. His ulterior motive, by the way, was to fill his bowl with the lion’s share of the ice cream WE worked so hard to churn! Yes, we all still think he was a nice man. Yummy frozen flavor memories are part of my later life, too. When my catering partner and I were hired to produce a May luncheon for Woodbridge Mondavi Winery in the early 1990’s, our menu included a fresh cucumber granita on a crispy green salad dressed with sweet-savory raspberry vinaigrette and edible flowers. Imagine my surprise when a booming voice entered the kitchen, turning me from my next course plating duties with the exclamation “Who is responsible for that first course?” I had not met Mr. Michael Mondavi yet—but was greatly pleased that he thought it was one of the best dishes he had ever eaten! My years as their caterer, and then Chef de Cuisine, allowed me to deliver fun and unusual flavors, as well as delicious classical cooking. That cucumber granita, however, will always be pivotal in my mind! Family birthdays tended to be commemorated with old-fashioned ice box cakes. Remember those? Grand-dad’s favorite was the simple layered graham crackers and chocolate pudding, with a big dollop of whipped cream upon serving. Nick likes the Tiramisu version but serve me a lemon custard/vanilla cookie ice box cake any day! Or a rhubarb and ginger concoction with coconut cookies in between—more tart than sweet. Today, my “cheesemonger-style” will help you enjoy some quick and simple summertime treats such as fresh whole strawberries, lazily
dipped into a cold bowl of crème fraiche and then into light brown sugar. Yum! Or, fill a pie plate with fresh sliced summer peaches, a handful of chopped toasted almonds, and place into the middle a fresh burrata. Then drizzle it with honey and accompany with crisp almond biscotti. Serve yourself a scoop from the burrata, with lots of peaches—tastes just like peach cheesecake and no work! Need a quick way to jazz up store-bought vanilla bean ice cream? Drizzle scoops of ice cream with lemon olive oil and top with chopped pistachios and a pinch of sea salt! Really! Or, a small bowlful of fresh raspberries (or strawberries) topped with berry sorbet is crazy-good when drizzled with real balsamic vinegar. Trust me…. So, without further ado, I would like to share some more delightful summer treats with you—cheesemonger style! Let’s make this summer one with lots of sweet memories. As always, our staff at CHEESE CENTRAL is ready to help you with samples of our 100+ cheeses at the counter. Visit us at 11 N School St, Lodi, CA 95240 or visit our website at www.cheesecentrallodi.com
RICOTTA GELATO
Heavenly reminiscent of Italian Rum Cake. Oh, so delicious served on top of a toasted slice of pound cake. Makes about 6 C 1 C golden raisins, chopped
½ C light rum
2 ½ C half-and-half
1 T grated lemon zest
½ t freshly grated nutmeg 9 egg yolks
1 ½ C sugar 1 T vanilla 2 C ricotta cheese, homemade preferred 1 C mascarpone cheese In microwave-safe bowl, warm rum for one minute. Stir in raisins, setting aside to absorb the rum. In a large saucepan, combine half-and-half, lemon zest, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer, turn off heat and set aside. In a stand mixer bowl, beat egg yolks, gradually adding the sugar. Gradually add the warm cream, mixing until incorporated. Return mixture to the saucepan, and cook over mediumlow heat until an instant-read thermometer is at 160*. Remove from heat, add vanilla and cool.
Whisk in the cheeses and the rum-soaked raisins. Pour mixture into your choice of ice cream churns (I use the KitchenAid ice cream bowl, kept in the freezer at all times, to be ready at a moment’s notice for quick treats!) and follow manufacturer’s directors for freezing. Remove ice cream to a freezer container, and let ripen for 4 hours.
CANNOLI ICE BOX CAKE Makes 9 servings
2 C mascarpone cheese 1 C powdered sugar 1/2 t vanilla 3 C whipped cream 2 sleeves of cinnamon sugar graham crackers
½ C mini chocolate chips, divided ¼ C chopped pistachios With mixer, combine mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla. Fold in one cup of the whipped cream. In a 9x9” baking dish, place a single layer of graham crackers, breaking a few to fill in any gaps over the bottom. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the crackers. Sprinkle with half of the chocolate chips. Repeat cracker and cheese layers. Finish with a layer of crackers and spread with remaining whipped cream. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips and chopped pistachios. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
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food}
Many people mispronounce the name of this lovely Italian cheese. It is NOT “mars… capone”—that would be an alien gangster! It IS “mas…car…pon-a.” Now, enjoy some mascarpone ice cream!
MASCARPONE ICE CREAM Makes 4-5 C
Ice cream base 1 C whole milk or half-and-half
¾ C sugar
5 egg yolks 2 C mascarpone
Fruit mixture 1 ½ C of crushed strawberries or
raspberries, or mashed fresh apricots 3 T sugar 2 T vodka (stops the fruit from turning into ice when frozen) In a large saucepan, combine milk and sugar. Whisk in egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and easily coats the back of a spoon. Pour custard through a strainer into a bowl, and cool. Refrigerate custard overnight.
Meanwhile, mix choice of fruit with sugar and vodka. Store in the refrigerator until custard is churned. When ready to churn, follow manufacturer’s directions for your maker. When custard is frozen, transfer to freezer container, layering in dollops of fruit mixture as you fill container. Ripen for 4 hours or overnight.
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history}
“Greatest Woman Flyer”
Amelia
Earhart in Montana
By Brian D’Ambrosio Photos Courtesy Montana Historical Society
Born July 24, 1897, Kansas native Amelia Earhart grew up playing all manner of different sports, games and activities, many of which adults at the time considered only for boys.
After landing in Helena on January 29, 1933, Amelia Earhart was honored at the Placer Hotel, where she was introduced by Gov. John Erickson and entertained the crowd with tales of her aviation feats. Earhart spent the night at 700 Power Street, the home of Fred Sheriff, a local rancher and Helena airport commissioner as well as chairman of the State Aeronautics Board.
Exhilarated by countless hours in the air, Earhart set a number of aviation records in her short career. Her first record came in 1922 when she became the first woman to fly solo above 14,000 feet. In 1932, Earhart became the first woman and second pilot (after Charles Lindbergh) to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She left Newfoundland, CAN, on May 20 in a red Lockheed Vega 5B and arrived a day later, landing in a cow field near Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Upon returning to the United States, Congress awarded her the Distinguished Flying Cross—a military decoration awarded for “heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.” She was the first woman to receive the honor. Later that year, Earhart made the first solo, nonstop flight across the United States by a woman.
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‘Greatest Woman Flyer Delights Helena Crowd’ It was no great surprise that when the aviator
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At age 19, Earhart attended Ogontz School near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Two years later, after visiting her sister, Muriel, in Toronto, Canada, Amelia felt compelled to leave school. She took a course in Red Cross First Aid, enlisted as a nurse's aide at Spadina Military Hospital in Toronto, Canada, and later tended to wounded soldiers during World War I.
landed in Helena, Montana, around 4:30 p.m. on January 29, 1933, she was greeted by a crowd of thousands. She arrived in a large Northwest Airlines Ford Trimotor passenger plane, with a wingspread of 80 feet, an appearance that was part of a 1933 promotional tour for Northwest Airways. At the time the airline was seeking the desirable airmail contract for the Northern Transcontinental Route from Minneapolis to Seattle. General manager John Croil Hunter invited Earhart to fly as a guest aboard a Northwest Airways Ford Trimotor on a portion of the northern route ‘to assess the desirability of flying the route in midwinter.’
Earhart looked fresh and spry, and appeared eager to socialize after a seven-hour flight from Bismarck, N.D. Addressing the crowd at the Helena Airport administration building, she made small talk from a second-story window. A banquet in her honor followed soon after at the Placer Hotel, where she was introduced by Gov.
John E. Erickson. Earhart entertained the crowd of approximately 100. The visiting members of the legislature were regaled with tales of her aviation exploits and with stories of her various transatlantic flights. She spoke of flying through storms and heavy rains and other hazards. She talked of rocky runways and small icebergs and the many illusions of land. She urged mothers to “take their children up in an airplane while they are still youngsters.” Earhart was “surprised at the excellent airport” in Helena, although she did not know what to expect because it was her first visit to Montana but was pleasantly surprised that the city’s airport was quick becoming “as important as any other public building.”
She stayed at the home of the Fred B. Sheriff, a local rancher and Helena airport commissioner as well as chairman of the State Aeronautics Board, at 700 Power Street, in Helena, that evening. In an interview on file at the Montana Historical Society, Sheriff’s daughter, Jean Baucus, recounted the night the famous aviator visited.
The mural of Amelia at the Helena Airport.
Amelia Earhart came to Helena as part of a promotional aviator tour in 1933, landing in a Northwest Airways Ford Trimotor airplane. At Helena Airport, Earhart disembarked the plane, where she was enthusiastically surrounded by a crowd of fans.
“They stayed at our house, and as they walked in she was dragging her mink coat on the ground, and I didn’t know whether to pick it up or tell her or what,” Baucus remembered. “She and my father sat around our dining room table and discussed the routes and the air service. She was charming, and I vividly remember the mink coat.”
Jean Baucus wasn’t the only local who recollected being there for Earhart’s visit. Renowned local realist painter Bob Morgan (1929-2015), who later created a mural at Helena Regional Airport to commemorate the occasion, once recalled that the day “was more memorable for what wasn’t seen.” “My father never missed a great occasion in Helena,” Morgan said. “We drove up here and my dad bought each of us a pilot’s helmet and goggles. I’ll never forget it as long as I live. I got behind the tallest man in the United States and I couldn’t see anything until (Fred Sheriff) and Amelia Earhart came walking by.”
Earhart’s stopover was brief. The next day she attended an afternoon luncheon in the city before departing to Spokane, Seattle, and Portland, Ore., seeking additional airports for possible Northwest Airways service. The January 30, 1933 cover of the Helena Independent Record preserved the visit with the lavish headline, “Greatest Woman Flyer Delights Helena Crowd.” Disappearance Amelia Earhart disappeared four years later, some-
where in the Pacific Ocean, while attempting a record round-the-world flight. On June 1, 1937, Amelia Earhart took off from Oakland, California, on an eastbound flight around the world. It was her second attempt to become the first pilot ever to circumnavigate the globe. President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized a massive two-week search for the pair, but they were never found. On July 19, 1937, Earhart and Noonan were declared lost at sea. To this day, no one knows for certain what happened to her. Earhart Memorial in Helena In 2010, Helena Regional Airport officials unveiled a painting commemorating the visit of Amelia Earhart to the Queen City, completed by Robert Morgan.
Morgan’s “Amelia Earhart in Helena” illustrates the afternoon when Earhart and a Northwest Airways executive landed at the brand-new airport before a crowd of hundreds. The painting hangs in the airport terminal next to another Morgan painting, one of Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 visit to Helena. Both Fred Sheriff and Red Morrison, the first manager of the Helena Airport, are depicted in the Morgan painting, over Earhart’s left shoulder.
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Additionally, the Montana Historical Society has in its collection an amateur motion picture film of a portion of Earhart’s 1933 visit.
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music}
Mountains by Day, Music by Night Offering a School for Lovers!
Festival Amadeus: a divine week of Music, Mozart and More By Marti Ebbert Kurth A scene from Festival Amadeus 2017's production of "The Magic Flute," featuring Hanna Brammer and Andrew Surrena.
This summer a “School for Lovers” will open its doors for two nights in the charming mountain town of Whitefish, Montana. The school is not accredited, but you can participate by purchasing a ticket! Officially known as “Così fan tutte” the school is the creation of Lorenzo Da Ponte and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and is considered to be one of his greatest comic operas.
Così will be the finale for the weeklong Festival Amadeus held August 2-11, 2019, in two performance venues in Whitefish. Founding Artistic Director, Maestro John Zoltek, is the visionary behind the Festival. As Music Director of the Kalispell-based Glacier Symphony for over 20 years, Zoltek created the Festival as an opportunity for quality classical music performances by acclaimed guest artists and
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the Festival Amadeus Orchestra in chamber, orchestra and concert-opera musical settings. He also wanted to provide summer visitors and residents alike an extraordinary classical music festival. “Festival Amadeus is truly a unique way to experience the finest music from the classical repertoire. It goes above and beyond with a nod towards the unexpected!” Zoltek notes, adding that now in its 12th season it is a northwest Montana classical music tradition in the making.
Così fan tutte will be staged as an opera-in-concert with theatre lighting and costumes augmenting the performance. A cast of six accomplished opera singers will tell the story that revolves around the love exploits of two sisters and their two soldier suitors in a frolicking tale of seduction, deception and forgiveness. Performances will be held on August 10-11 beginning at 7:00pm in the Whitefish Performing Arts Center (WFPAC). “It’s loads of fun! This is Mozart at his creative peak with music and drama - nothing short of completely divine!” Zoltek enthuses. Festival Amadeus week opens on Friday, August 2 with the first of three Chamber concerts. “It’s a String Thing” will feature Montana’s own Cascade String Quartet from Great Falls who will offer an engaging program of music Beethoven, Dvorak, Glass and Cohen. The concert will be held at 7:30 pm at the O’Shaughnessy Performing Arts Center, (OSC). Chamber Night 2 on Saturday, August 3, brings the cast of Così to the O’Shaughnessy for “A Gala Evening of Voices” at 7:30 pm. This event offers a sneak peek into the world of opera from these professional singers plus an interactive prelude.
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Festival Amadeus offers free Musical Journey talks and open rehearsals During the Festival week several free talks will be offered by the Festival guest artists in conjunction with Camp Festival Amadeus, a youth camp organized by the North Valley Music School of Whitefish. Contact the school for more information: 406-862-8074, info@northvalleymusicschool.
Cascade Quartet
William Hagen
Sooyun Kim
“Fire, Flute and Idomeneus” on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at WFPAC, will be the first of two orchestra nights. The Festival Orchestra will perform Haydn’s Fire Symphony and the ballet music Idomeneo from Mozart’s take on ‘antique’ dance music. Opening the concert will be guest flutist Sooyun Kim, performing Reinecke’s Flute Concerto. “Tre Virtuosi: Hagen, Kim & Moss” is Chamber Night 3, on Aug. 7 (and 9*), 7:30 pm at the WFPAC, and spotlights the Festival’s three guest soloists. It marks the return engagement of superb violinist, William Hagen, who last appeared with the Glacier Symphony in Fall of 2018. Joining him will be pianist Jed Moss, whose work includes classical concerts, Broadway touring companies and popular recordings, and flautist Kim. They will perform delightful combinations of works for their three instruments.
“Turkish, Hebrides, Beethoven 4” is on tap for Orchestra Night 2 on Aug. 8, 7:30 pm at WFPAC. Mozart’s most popular violin concerto will be expertly executed by violinist, William Hagen. The nature-inspired Hebrides Overture will be followed by a rousing interpretation of Beethoven 4 that completes the Festival orchestra roster. Single tickets are available from $35 – $60 in a range of seating tiers. All Event passes are transferable. Call 406-407-7000 or online: www.glaciersymphony.org
More summer concert fun Symphony Night – Rebecca Farm
July 5 & 6, 2019, at Rebecca Farm, Kalispell “American Salute” is the theme for the best picnic concert experience of summer and takes place on the spacious lawn of Rebecca Farm Equestrian Center. Familiar tunes from Gershwin and Copland will be complemented by patriotic favorites. It’s summer time fun at its best and the kids can dance and play to the music. Bring a picnic or buy yummy food and drink from our vendors. Bring blankets or low lawn chairs. The event is held rain or shine and tent shelters are available along with picnic tables. Entry is by the Car Pass -unlimited passengers - so invite your friends and family to join in the fun. Car passes are $40 in advance/ $50 day of show at the gate. Gates open at 5:30 pm and the concert begins at 7:30 pm each night. Call the Box Office: 406-407-7000 or buy tickets online: www.gscmusic.org
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Carol Novotne
Glacier Park, a Celebration in Art.
Oil Mini by Tim Wold
Oil by Dan Knepper
Pastel by Weldon Kirk
Oil by Wanda Mumm
Oil by Ron Lesser
Oil by Jordon Porter
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406 contents featured 12. Rebecca Farm
business 16. I Want Her Job Sara Peterson
profiles 20. Buffalo Hill
24. Ashely Larson Amore Downtown Salon
...16
non-profit 28. Changed Lives Summer Camp
...20
health
32. Providing Care for Children With Cancer 34. Felicity Williams Director of The Birth Center at North Valley Hospital 38. Premenstrual Syndrome 40. Hike for Your Health 42. Immune System 44. The Truth About Yoga 46. Your Future Self Will Thank You
Published by Skirts Publishing six times a year 704 C East 13th St. #138  Whitefish, MT 59937 info@406woman.com CopyrightŠ2019 Skirts Publishing
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incredible years of eventing
From Herron Park to Rebecca Farm, the sport of eventing has a storied history in the Flathead Valley There’s nothing like the thrill of sailing over a fence on horseback. Any eventer will tell you that. It’s that thrill, that rush of adrenaline, that keeps these equestrian daredevils coming back for more. Higher jumps. Faster runs. More challenging obstacles. Eventers live for the brief moment where that hardearned teamwork between horse and rider pays off.
In eventing that bond is tested by three disciplines. First is the highly technical practice of dressage where subtlety becomes an art form and perfection is the goal. Next is cross-country, a lengthy outdoor course peppered with imposing jumps of wood and water. Last, but certainly not least, is show jumping — the jaw-dropping sport where gravity seems to lapse as horse and rider conquer fences roughly four feet high. The Flathead Valley is home to two proving grounds for the sport and of these Rebecca Farm is the best known. With a mountainous backdrop and spectacular scenery, it has been dubbed “the Disneyland of cross-country courses.” It is an eventer’s paradise. The farm also gained nationwide attention for hosting the largest event west of the Mississippi, drawing more than 650 riders and 10,000 spectators annually.
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Eventing in the Flathead Valley wasn’t always so grandiose. The beginnings are actually quite humble.
The sport owes its start to a handful of determined riders from the Flathead Valley Hunt Club who traveled around the state to compete in show jumping competitions during the late 1970s. One year, they stopped in the St. Ignatius area where a couple from Scotland had started a cross-country competition on their property. The jumps on that course were different than the colorful, orderly show jumping fences. These were made from rocks and logs and featured steep drops and water features. It was like nothing any of them had experienced before. The group of Kalispell equestrians was hooked. The group wanted to jump over logs and into lakes, but at the time Kalispell didn’t have a cross-country course. The group took matters into their own hands and fashioned a course on the property of fellow rider, Pat Young. Under Young’s direction, they became “The Brush League.” A fitting name as they were, quite literally, jumping over brush jumps. They held informal competitions on Young’s land, half a dozen of them traversing the hand-hewn course and then relaxing with a beer to trade horse stories. “We thought we were in heaven,” club member, P.J. Rismon remembered.
By Mackenzie Reiss
In 1978, the group decided it was time their sport had a proper home. Upon hearing the news that rancher Ivan Herron had donated his property to the county, the Brush League approached the commissioners with a proposal. If the commissioners allowed them to build a cross-country riding course, the League would supply the money to make it happen.
The riders received approval from the county but had their work cut out for them. They set to work ridding the property, now known as Herron Park, of potential hazards such as barbed wire. Cleanup was followed by jump construction.
In the beginning, jumps consisted of anything the group could get ahold of: cords of wood stacked between trees, wooden spools with crisscrossed saplings, and of course, piles of brush. Throughout the early ‘80s they continued clean-up at Herron Park and hosted a few informal competitions and rides.
In 1984, the Brush League kicked things up a notch, setting their sights on a real course built by a professional. They selected course designer Pete Costello, who had crafted courses for both the Olympics and the esteemed Rolex Kentucky ThreeDay Event. Club members needed to raise $10,000 to bring that dream to fruition. They approached local businesses,
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Rebecca Farm
This year will be the eighteenth year of The Event at Rebecca Farm, and likely the largest yet. The farm is poised to see more than 700 riders this July, and for the third year running, Rebecca Farm will host the North American Youth Championships simultaneous with The Event. asking if they would sponsor a jump or make an inkind contribution. “Anybody who had any resource at all, kicked in,” Rismon said. “That’s how it happened — ten bucks at a time or a thousand bucks at a time.”
In-kind donations were often easier to secure, and the Flathead business community stepped up to the plate. Plum Creek Timber donated lumber and logs and Plant Land gave flowers to decorate jumps. Others offered handyman or electrician talents. The enthusiasm of the riders was infectious. Although most locals didn’t know a thing about eventing, members of the community eagerly supported the grassroots group providing money and the necessary materials. Costello took it from there. He designed jumps that paid homage to the many sponsors — a bed for the Outlaw Inn and a horse for LaSalle Vet Clinic. Both novice and training level courses were constructed. In September 1984, the club hosted the inaugural Herron Park Horse Trials.
The Herron Park Horse Trials had an official name and an official course, but the operation was still in its infancy. Club members wore multiple hats during competitions, acting as event staff and competing at the same time. Rismon recalled spending weeks mowing and prepping the fields. “We got up early the morning of the event to fill up the gopher hills,” she remembered.
Young, widely considered ‘the mother of Herron Park’ was the head organizer for the first three or four years
“Some people would ride their pack horses,” she said, recalling the early days and colorful array of competitors. “We had one guy that came to the event that had just been hunting in the Bob Marshal. He put the English saddle on his pack horse and off he went! It was really grassroots.” The ‘trade fair’ consisted of a single vendor — Hooks Saddlery — and spectators were mostly friends and family of the riders. “Maybe 10 of us put that event on,” Young recalled. “Many of us were working and riding during the event and when the event was over a lot of us said, “We’re not going to do this again.” And then, every year, it was event time.
Throughout the 1980s, Herron Park experienced a significant transition. A dressage arena was built in 1985. Three years later, Costello returned to build a preliminary-level course. Finally, in 1989, the Herron Park Horse Trials was recognized by the United States Combined Training Association, marking the first year of officially sanctioned eventing in the Flathead Valley. In that inaugural year, 30 riders hailed from Montana, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Canada for the event. In 1990, the following year, Rebecca ‘Becky’ Broussard of Kalispell, picked up the organizational reins. Spurred by her daughter Sarah’s involvement in the sport, Becky had the desire and the resources to help eventing grow. She was a true visionary.
“I’m sure you could go to 1,000 people, and any who knew her would say, ‘If Becky wanted it done, it happened,” said P.J. Rismon, with a smile. Becky Broussard began touring nationally to various eventing trials, and whatever she liked was incorporated into Herron Park.
“Becky was ahead of the curve,” Young noted. “We not only put those courses in, but we brought in topnotch trainers for clinics— Captain Mark Phillips, Ian Stark, Ralph Hill, all national instructors. It was wonderful. Becky was very, very supportive of local people. She wanted us trained well, so she brought them in.”
At that time, the early 80s, eventing was just getting its start in the West. The sport was anchored on the East Coast, and culturally entrenched in Europe. There were a handful of courses near Seattle and Portland, but beyond that, there was nothing. Both Broussard and course designer, Costello, wanted to see eventing take root in the western states, and with their help the Herron Park Horse Trials continued to grow. In the 90s another course was added and with it came an infusion of top-quality riders. Olympian Jil Walton competed on four different horses in 1994 and international judge Jack LeGoff was brought in to judge the competition. Though eventing at Herron Park was in its hey-day, there were signs that a new home was in order: The local rugby team began using the show jumping fields for practice, and barrel racers took advantage of the immaculate dressage arenas. Staying on top
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Rebecca Farm
of the local gopher problem wasn’t easy either, given the county’s restrictions on management methods. In 2001, the Herron Park Horse Trials made a final curtain call at Herron Park, but certainly not in the Flathead Valley. The Broussard family was determined that eventing would live on, and this time on its own terms.
Becky Broussard and her husband Jerome decided to purchase a section of land west of Kalispell where eventing would have the opportunity to grow. The family not only found and bought the land, but constructed five crosscountry courses within a year. Thanks to their sheer grit and determination, the first Event at Rebecca Farm took place in 2002. The Event proved to be the largest to date, with 262 riders competing, up from Herron Park’s best year with 242 riders. For nearly ten years, Rebecca Broussard continued to guide The Event forward until it became what it is now — a world-class equestrian triathlon with hundreds of riders, a massive trade fair, and top-level courses. Breast cancer ultimately ended her legacy of event leadership.
“Becky was a very, very private person so a lot of us didn’t know how ill she was. We had a suspicion. [At the 2010 Event], we were pretty sure she wouldn’t see another event,” Young recalled. “I was sitting with Becky in her golf cart near the cross-country course and we were just chatting. I said, ‘You know, Becky I just don’t know that you can get any bigger or better.’ And she said, ‘Well, that’s going to be up to Sarah.’ I think she had great faith that Sarah would take things forward, and I know she was very proud of Sarah.” Becky Broussard passed away in December of 2010, leaving The Event in the capable hands of her daughter, Sarah Broussard.
“If it hadn’t been for Pat [Young] we wouldn’t have gotten Herron Park for equestrian use, and if it had not been for Becky, then Jerome [Broussard] and now Sarah, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” P. J. Rismon noted.
This year will be the eighteenth year of The Event at Rebecca Farm, and likely the largest yet. The farm is poised to see more than 700 riders this July, and for the third year running, Rebecca Farm will host the North American Youth Championships simultaneous with The Event.
This year’s competition also marks 30 years of sanctioned eventing in the Flathead Valley. Just as Rebecca Broussard envisioned, Rebecca Farm has made a name for the sport in the West.
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“The East didn’t think the West had anything,” Young recalled of the early days, “But they’ve stopped scoffing now. The Event at Rebecca farm changed everything. Eventing has come to the West on a grand scale, and it’s here to stay.”
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business}
I Want Her Job
SARA PETERSON Editor-In-Chief of HGTV Magazine By Brianne Perleberg This article originally appeared on IWantHerJob.com. Photos courtesy of Hearst Magazines
Growing up, Sara Peterson always had magazines in her house. “Both my grandmas got magazines, too. That’s where we found all the best new ideas, from recipes to craft projects. I love how magazines help people improve their everyday lives.” Sara explained, “And I love to create stories and share tips with people using words and photos.” In her job Sara gets to do just that. As the editor-in-chief of HGTV Magazine, she oversees the second highest selling monthly magazine on newsstands, with a circulation of 1.3 million. The magazine, which Sara helped launch seven years ago, was named Launch of the Year in 2012 by Advertising Age, and in 2017 was named Hottest Home Magazine by Adweek—for the third year in a row! The publication also is an Ad Age Magazine of the Year. With keen attention to detail, Sara leads the team that brings these vibrant, glossy pages to life. Readers everywhere look forward to pulling out of the mailbox each month.
Today, the cover for the Fifth Annual Paint Issue—one of the year’s most treasured issues by readers and HGTV fans—is revealed. Featuring the magazine’s first ever quadruple cover, the pages unfold to reveal eight HGTV stars. Sara offers I Want Her Job readers a peek at the special June issue below, as well as advice for personalizing your home office, the importance of storytelling (with details), and advice that will really keep your flowers fresher for longer.
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You had an impressive background as the editor-in-chief of Coastal Living and home editor of Southern Living prior to your role as editor-in-chief of HGTV Magazine. What drew you to your focus on home and lifestyle? Decorating can be hard! I still secondguess myself when I’m picking out a rug, choosing a paint color, or shopping for new throw pillows. I wanted a magazine to help me. At HGTV Magazine, we’re always on the lookout for real homes full of ideas. I always want to know, where did they put their TV? Where did they find their sofa? Why did they choose that countertop material? Seeing how other people fill up their homes is inspiring and never gets old.
You’ve been with HGTV Magazine since its launch eight years ago. How did you get involved in turning the hit network into a massive newsstand success? My friend Maile Carpenter, editor-inchief of Food Network Magazine, told me that Hearst was looking for an editor to launch HGTV Magazine, and eventually I got a call to come interview with Ellen Levine,
If you need one great idea, think of 20 or 30. Then pick the one that stands out to you the most. Most ideas end up on the cutting room floor—and that’s OK!
business} the editorial director at Hearst at the time. Like a gazillion other people, I loved watching HGTV. I think the shows are fun and smart and real—the perfect combo of helping and entertaining people. I thought a magazine for the network should have that same balance. I did an edit test and met several people at HGTV. As I was finishing up the edit test, I had this thought that if I didn’t get the job, I would have to watch someone else do it— and that was upsetting. So, I told Ellen how much I wanted her to choose me. That’s kind of a good thing to think about when you’re up for a job. Does it bother you to think of someone else doing it instead of you? If yes, take the job!
What is your approach to creativity?
stars on photo shoots is a cool perk too. Yes, Chip and Jo are nice. Yes, Property Brothers Jonathan and Drew are super tall (6 feet 5 inches) and they goof around a lot—Jonathan more than Drew.
On the flip side, what is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Deciding how the cover should look each month. You put a whole magazine together— all those pages, all those stories—and then you have to pick one image that represents everything inside. It’s like the magazine is a cool shop and you have to pick just one thing to put in the shop’s window to entice people
What is a day in the life of Sara like? How much time do you spend creating, in meetings, planning articles, etc.? In other words, how do you divide your time?
Being creative means being collaborative at HGTV Mag—small groups of staffers and I are always gathering in our conference room to brainstorm ideas, plan room makeovers, fine tune a shot list for a photo shoot, and review product picks for a shopping story. Almost every story starts with a visual planning board on a five foot tall white foam core board. And we don’t use pushpins on our boards, we’re huge fans of washi tape around here.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Working with creative, positive, energetic people who get joy from making magazine stories. Oh, and hanging out with the HGTV
page first, like the captions or the callouts. Gotta keep that in mind.
To have a publication as enormous as HGTV Magazine on your shoulders, you must feel a massive responsibility to your publisher, the network, your advertisers and your readers. What does this pressure feel like to you, and what are some ways you navigate this responsibility? If pressure mounts, I try to ignore it! Seriously, if I start focusing too much on financial pressure or advertising dollars, that doesn’t help anybody—and it certainly doesn’t help the creative process. I think of myself as a captain of the creative process for my team.
It’s much more productive to obsess about the readers, and to ask myself if I’m giving them enough in each issue. They paid good money for the magazine, they should get a lot! Sometimes I play a little movie in my head about a reader getting their HGTV Magazine in the mail and being glad to see it. They sit on their sofa and flip through it—maybe there’s a glass of wine in their hand. They like the colors, and the ideas, and the pictures in the magazine. They dog ear a few pages because they see something they want to buy or try. They look relaxed and happy, and they’re engaged with every page. That’s the picture of success to me.
If you need one great idea, think of 20 or 30. Then pick the one that stands out to you the most. Most ideas end up on the cutting room floor—and that’s OK!
Almost the whole day is meetings. Half of them are creative—planning stories, three issues worth at a time—and half of them are administrative—looking over budgets, etc. Lots of days I like to snack throughout the day instead of break for lunch. That Sabra hummus/pretzel pack is a real lifesaver!
SARA PETERSON
to come inside and look around. Tough call! That said, nothing feels better in magazineland than finalizing a cover that makes you proud.
What is something about the work you do that might surprise us?
I get very involved in the little stuff, because the details can make all the difference. For example, I once read a magazine story about cooking salmon, and a tip in the story said, “Squeeze a wedge of orange on the fillet instead of lemon.” Pure genius! That one little tip made that story special. So, I care deeply about the fringe on that throw pillow on page 35. And the way the bowls are stacked on the kitchen shelf on page 75. And the eight-word caption on page 92. When I read a magazine story, I usually read the little stuff on the
What is an area of your business that is particularly exciting at the moment?
We just launched a weekly newsletter, written by the editors, that gives subscribers bonus content. We share what we’re buying, DIYing, and styling each week. Fun!
What is something every chic businesswoman should have in her office? What about her home office?
Hmmm, sounds obvious, but I think every woman should have a favorite pen in a color she loves, mine are all blue, even the pencils. Just a little feel good thing. And I’d say that even if you don’t have a separate room for a home office, try to fit a desk somewhere in your home that’s just for you—not the dining table or the kitchen island. It’s your desk and no one else’s. My home desk is in
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SARA PETERSON
front of a window in my living room. My friend has a desk in her walk-in closet. We just did a story in the magazine that suggested using a desk as your nightstand. One drawer for nighttime stuff, like lip balm, and one drawer for office supplies.
What is something you want to learn more about?
Gardening. When I worked at Southern Living, I was around a lot of gardeners, and I wish I had soaked up more of their knowledge. You never meet a gardener who isn’t smart.
What advice do you have for others who want to work in magazines or for a home and lifestyle publication – whether print or online? Whether you work in print or digital, including video and social media, remember that you’re telling your story visually. It’s crucial to make sure your words and your visuals align and make sense. This is harder than it seems. I love words, but I can tell you that pictures really tell your story. Also, stick with subjects and brands that you really do like.
Early in my career, I interviewed for a staff writer job at a celebrity magazine because I wanted a new job and I wanted to write more, and the person interviewing me asked (rightly so) why I liked celebrities and why I wanted to write about them. I stumbled over the answer, and I didn’t get the job. I learned that I didn’t want to just write. I wanted to write about topics that interested me the most. Good lesson!
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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What’s New at
Buffalo Hill? By Mary Wallace
Buffalo Hill Golf Course is already in fine form this season. The Clubhouse was full of golfers and diners last week when I stopped in to talk to BJ Newgard, the Buffalo Hill Food and Beverage Manager. There was a buzz about the place because golf course is beautifully groomed and ready for the season, and the new patio is complete and open for outdoor dining and relaxing. The history of the clubhouse and popular golf course has long interwoven with the history of Kalispell. According to Marlin Hanson, PGA, the original nine-hole golf course was built in 1918 by the Kalispell Country Club. In 1936, more property was purchased from Kalispell’s city founding Conrad family, and nine more golf holes were added as part of a WPA project under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Grass, greens, irrigation, and the clubhouse were simultaneously added in 1936. Similar clubhouses at the Whitefish Golf Course and the Polson Golf Course. The Whitefish building footprint is nearly an exact replica of the one at Buffalo Hill. The original building served as a clubhouse and community center. An additional small cabin, where the golf pro lived, stood where the pro shop is currently located. The Clubhouse required a couple of roof replacements and some periodic remodels, but otherwise is the same as when originally built. Many local golfers recall that Conrad’s buffalo herd originally grazed the land where part of the course is located and one of the holes was once listed on the scorecard as Buffalo Wallow. The Buffalo Hill Clubhouse was always a popular place for private events and functions and the management is pleased to announce that it is now available for wedding ceremonies and/or receptions, class reunions, retirement parties, graduation parties, celebrations of life, private group luncheons, dinner and corporate meetings, and many other group activities. The lovely grassy area across from the parking lot is the spot most couples choose for their wedding ceremony location. The clubhouse offers a great all-inclusive service for events, including the bar, catering, tables and chairs, setup and teardown for the wedding, the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. The venue accommodates up to 100 people indoors and up to 200 guests thanks to the beautiful new patio. And, because they haven’t actively promoted themselves on the weddings and events scene, they still have dates available for 2019 and 2020.
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Many local golfers recall that Conrad’s buffalo herd originally grazed the land where part of the course is located and one of the holes was once listed on the scorecard as Buffalo Wallow.
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BJ has been at Buffalo Hill Golf Clubhouse for over 50 years. While attending the University of Montana, he spent so much of his summers hanging out at the golf course that George Haddow finally asked if he’d be interested in a bartending job for the summer. He worked there three summers and when a full-time opening came up for the bar manager, he took the job. Ever since, he has been an integral part of the club. Because they are so busy in the months during golf season, he doesn’t golf much. The clubhouse is a year-round operation, but he and his wife, Sue find time to enjoy winter activities when they can.
The Clubhouse at Buffalo Hill is open for the season for breakfast and lunch 7 days per week. Starting Nov. 1 – April 1, the Clubhouse switches to winter hours, Tuesday – Friday. Membership is not required for guests or even golfers to enjoy the bar and restaurant. The public is always welcome! Although it is not typically open in the evenings, they serve dinner for the Ladies’ Golf League on Tuesday nights and the Men’s Golf League on Thursday nights. All summer long they offer a BBQ buffet, with a different menu entrée posted weekly, open to golfers and to the general public. The Buffalo Hill golf pro, Casey Keyser joined us to share some news about their 2019 golf programs. They re-tailored the Junior Golf program to better meet local needs. Dubbed Junior Buffs, the program offers twice weekly clinics for two age groups beginning June 11. The cost of the program is $99 per child and golf equipment can be provided. This six-week instructional program is a great way to learn the fundamentals and build a proper golf foundation. All facets of the game are covered in detail, including the core values associated with golf. The Junior Buffs program is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ages 7 - 11 play from 9 - 10:30 a.m. and ages 12 - 17 run from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The program concludes with a fun and friendly competition on July 25.
Buffalo Hill
In addition, Little Buffs is a free threeday program for kids 6 years and under on June 14, 21 and 28 from 10 -11 a.m. These youngest junior golfers receive their first formal instruction, focusing on grip, stance, and general swing movements. Specially designed youth equipment is available for Little Buffs to learn. The PGA Junior League Traveling Team started May 7 and is playing for this year’s season. Boys and girls of all skill levels learn to play the game with expert coaching and guidance from PGA/LPGA Professional Captains. They wear numbered jerseys and compete on teams with friends in a two-person scramble format that encourages mentorship and builds confidence. They play teams from Meadowlake, Whitefish, Village Greens, and Eureka, rotating to each course weekly. Ladies Instructional Clinics are offered on Monday and Tuesday evenings twice a month during May, June, July, August, and September. The cost is $175 and is excellent for beginners. The instruction starts with basic golf swings and moves to putting instruction on the green, then out to the perimeter for chipping practice during the following week, gradually expanding to the fairway and the tee boxes until a final full nine holes of play towards the end of the season. The 2019 Ladies’ Invitational Tournament is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26, 2019. This year’s event benefits the Abbie Shelter. Tournament participants can visit https://www.abbieshelter. org/wish-list and choose one or more of the items and to bring to the registration table the day of the tournament. Those who bring an item from the wish-list or donate funds to the Abbie Shelter will get a free Mulligan during tournament play. The golf teams also put together some amazing prize baskets to be raffled off during the tournament.
Buffalo Hill will host their 82nd Annual Labor Day tournament for both Men and Ladies August 31, 2019 - September 2, 2019.
Buffalo Hill Golf Club is one of the top municipal courses in the Pacific Northwest. The beauty and charm of the Championship 18, along with the scenic splendor, panoramic views and challenging layout are some of the reasons that Buffalo Hill consistently makes Golf Digest's top courses and places to play. Course amenities include a PGA Golf Shop, a practice facility featuring the largest teeing area in the State of Montana, complete with four target greens and bunkers to simulate course conditions, power cart rental, golf lessons, restaurant, full service bar featuring a variety of coolers, liquor microbeers, and an excellent wine selection, full service, air conditioned clubhouse serving fine food and beverages - open to the public and fast becoming a popular wedding and event venue. Group lessons of up to four people or private lessons can be scheduled at any time by calling Casey at (406)756-4553. Golfers can reserve tee times online or by calling (406)756-4530.
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Ashely Larson Her Niche is Beauty & Confidence
Amore Downtown Salon By Mary Wallace Photos by Amanda Wilson Photography
Ashley Larson has found her niche! She gets to be creative and artistic every single day, and she finds it so gratifying to be able to bring out each client’s own beauty and confidence. She also enjoys sharing hair care and other beauty tips with her clients. Ashley & the team at the Amore Downtown Salon not only do hair. Their salon offers cut and color, balayage, manicures, pedicures, facial waxing, and so much more. The downtown location is a smaller, quieter, yet trendy atmosphere, and it is unique in that each cubicle includes its own full-service salon equipment, so clients and enjoy a shampoo, cut, & color and most all services in comfort of their own personal style station. There are six stylists at the Amore Downtown Salon, and Ashley loves the atmosphere, the continuing education opportunities, the support of her salon tribe, and the relationships she has with her clients.
Ashley always loved Amore Salon, and when she visited, she was fascinated by watching the stylists there magically transforming their clients with simple changes in hair and makeup. When she graduated from cosmetology school in 2017, she was thrilled to join the team at Amore Salon. She worked
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at the main location for two years, and when an opening came up at the downtown location last December, she jumped at the chance. Some stylists may have a goal to have their own salon someday, but Ashley is delighted a part of the Amore Downtown Salon for the moment.
Ashley spent her early years in the Portland area and moved to the Flathead about 18 years ago. She has always had a desire to help others and even considered a career in the medical field. But as she started down a path to nursing, she realized that the creative element she craved was missing. That is when she decided to give cosmetology a try. She is so glad she changed her focus! She loves her clientele, which has grown to include a variety of both younger and older cus-
tomers, as well as a fair number of employees from the local hospital, so she still has a connection to the medical profession. Her favorite services are cut and color, and she particularly enjoys a recent trending haircoloring technique called balayage. This is a handpainted technique focusing on keeping a soft, well blended, sun-kissed look, gradually getting lighter and brighter towards the ends of the hair. This is a great option for clients who want a more low-maintenance color.
She loves having her own business and is always excited for the continuing education opportunities available from both Amore and from salon supply providers. She carries Kenra as her main salon product line because, even though it has a good price point, it is a high-end product line, and all of the products smell amazing. She uses Redken as her primary color line because the colors always turn out beautiful and true-to-tone and also leave the hair feeling silky smooth. Ashley is
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Ashely Larson
one of the few stylists in the valley that offers Olaplex as an option. It's great for clients this time of year who may want to go blonder but may be hesitant because of the health of their hair. Olaplex is a two-step process in the salon - Part One goes into the color to protect and rebuild the bonds on each hair strand. Part Two is a treatment that finishes everything off, sealing the hair cuticle and leaving the tresses feeling even better than before coloring! It can also be used as a stand-alone treatment. When she is not at the salon, Ashley can usually be found camping, hiking, or enjoying all the outdoor activities that northwest Montana has to offer. International travel is on her bucket list, but for now, she loves what she does, and she is excited to go to work every single day!
Any hair care advice for 406 readers?
Don’t use too much heat. Also, people don’t need to wash their hair every day; this strips natural oils from the scalp that hair needs to be healthy, and it also fades color faster the more often it is washed. Always use the best quality hair care products you can afford. And lastly, stay on top of your appointments for hair color and touchups, as well as for trims (especially if growing out your hair). Follow Ashely on Instagram (ashleylarson.stylist) to see a photo sampling of her work. You can reach Ashley at the salon by calling 406-755-0633 or on her cell at 406-253-4225. Ashley is available at Amore Downtown Salon six days a week. She sees most clients by appointment but she always tries to leave a few spots in her schedule to accommodate walk-ins.
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Changed lives Connecting to Hearts through Summer Camp By Mary Wallace
“Circumstances may have tried to rob them of life, but we see them come to life at camp!” I didn’t want to see the week of camp end! “You would expect this statement to come from a child attending camp, but it comes from our camp counselors every year.” declared Andy Hansen, the Program Director for Camp Velocity at Beartooth Christian Camp, “This is a special week of camp because we are with an amazing group of kids. Circumstances may have tried to rob them of life as foster kids, but we see them come to life at camp!”
Camp Velocity is camp for children currently in foster care or children who have been adopted from foster care. While many children take a camp experience for granted, for these children, it is an opportunity they may never have. For some, they’ve never been able to just be a kid. For all of them, it’s a week where they will be strengthened in who they are, so they can face the challenges of life. Campers have fun opportunities to go horseback riding, rock climbing, zip-lining, and swimming. There is also built-in connection time with small groups and counselors so that each child knows they are seen and heard. Everything is done with intentionality to build trust. If a counselor sees a camper sitting alone, they grab another staff person and invite them to do a simple activity or just get to know them. Siara Ott has been attending Camp Velocity for four years. She developed a trusted friendship with her camp counselor, Katie, who has been with her every year. “Katie is awesome. She gets me and I trust her. It’s so nice to have someone to talk to who listens and understands. She is also tons of fun!” Siara explained.
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Siara and other campers who are currently in foster care also have an opportunity to connect at camp with their siblings.
Siara Ott
“Outside of holidays and birthdays, these kids don’t get to spend much time together so the week at camp is really important for them to
stay connected.” Siara’s adoptive mom, Tina explained. “The week is also important for me as a foster/adoptive parent. I know my child is well taken care of and I can have time to refresh, refocus, and get ready to gear up for the rest of summer and the beginning of school.” Tina expressed how meaningful it is that Siara can have healthy relationships other than her family and siblings. “Siara has blossomed and matured each year she has gone to Camp Velocity. She even connected with the singers and musicians on their worship team who encouraged her in her love for music. Now, Siara is taking part in a local community opera! It is amazing how one week can impact a child’s life!” These kids have had some hard times, so it’s not always fun and games. “A challenging part of the week for campers and counselors can be bedtime.” Andy Hansen recalled, “The kids were all wound up and for some it is a trigger of bad memories. We started assigning summer staff to come and read one of the Chronicles of Narnia. Soon, the kids couldn’t wait to go to bed. A counselor read to them until they fell asleep. We didn’t realize that most of these kids had never been read to. Of all of these awesome activities available to them, we have these 10 - 11-year-old boys tell us that bed-time and reading was their camp highlight!” Camp Velocity is one of a few camps across Montana that provides the week of camp at
Campers have fun opportunities to go horseback riding, rock climbing, zip-lining, and swimming. There is also built-in connection time with small groups and counselors so that each child knows they are seen and heard.
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If you have a child in foster care or a child adopted out of foster care, here are four camps currently offering week long programs: Camp Velocity 2019- June 17 - 21
Beartooth Christian Camp, Fishtail MT Program Director: Andy Hansen 406-328-6825 https://beartoothchristiancamp.org/velocity/
“Kids will be kids.” Andy noted, “But when we provide a safe, loving, healing place for them, they can continue to heal from those adverse child experiences.” little to no cost to the foster families. Child Bridge covers the low $50 per camper cost and the camp raises the rest. The Child Bridge team in Billings also provides training to the Beartooth staff on trauma-informed care, emotional triggers and how to diffuse situations with children who have experienced significant trauma, should a situation arise. Two licensed counselors are on site at the camp to help the kids through any rough patches. “Kids will be kids.” Andy noted, “But when we provide a safe, loving, healing place for them, they can continue to heal from those adverse child experiences.” Beartooth Counselor Coordinator, Katie Fischer also saw the impact camp can have, “Before I helped at Camp Velocity, I knew very little about the foster care system. Spending a week with those incredible kids opened my eyes to their struggles, needs, passions, and dreams. I was forced to slow down, to be more intentional, to listen better and to care more deeply. Velocity is an incredibly im-
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pactful week of camp. It allows both the kids and the staff a glimpse of God's redemptive power, how He takes our burdens and brokenness and does incredible things.” Another camp counselor reflected, “The kids are so genuine, and they really want to be there. The children who come back multiple years know that this is a place that they are valued, loved and are safe. Those returning campers help to make the first timers feel comfortable and soon that sense of belonging and comradery washes over everyone. It is beautiful to watch, and it has changed my life forever.” Beartooth Camp doesn’t make money the week Camp Velocity operates, but the camp directors know that there are more important factors at work. The power of the camp can be tremendous, Andy Hansen explained, “It changes lives. It’s changed our lives and we want to see it change more children’s lives.”
Royal Family Kids Camp 2019 July 15 - 19 Great Falls, MT Director: Bonnie Culver Phone: 406-761-5737
Royal Family Kids Camp 2019 June 17 - 21 & June 24 - 28 Three Forks, MT Director: Joseph & Amy Rowan Phone: 406-209-3617 https://rfk.org/locations/montana/
Camp Connect, Flathead Valley 2019 June 28 – July 1st CASA for Kids of Flathead County Phone: 406-755-7208 Or Child Bridge, Aaron Scofield Phone: 406-837-2247 ext. 304
Providing Care for
Children With Cancer Twelve-year-old Teslyn came down with a fever and body aches, which was no cause for alarm. The aches became quite painful, but after missing a few days of school she went back, only to come home feeling exhausted. After a visit with their local pediatrician, Craig and Seisin Eyers of Missoula received a call about the lab results. Seisin described it as the worst phone call a parent could ever receive. “Something is really wrong,” she remembered the doctor’s office telling her. “You must take Teslyn to the emergency department right now.” At their local hospital, the Eyers were told to drive to Kalispell immediately. They did exactly as they were instructed to do and soon they were headed north on US 93. Within hours they arrived at Kalispell Regional Medical Center (KRMC). Once at KRMC, Craig and Seisin were told that Teslyn had acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML), a fast-growing form of cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
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The pediatric team at Montana Children’s Specialists, a department of KRMC, knew they were ready to treat Teslyn in Kalispell. This would be the first time the team was prepared to care for any patient with AML. It takes a significant amount of resources including pediatric oncologists and hematologists, hospitalists and nurses who are all certified to administer chemotherapy to care for a patient with Teslyn’s diagnosis for an extended hospital stay, but KRMC was ready. Fortunately for the Eyers, over the past several years, KRMC has invested significantly to bring pediatric specialists to the Flathead Valley. The specialists and the new pediatric facility are now called Montana Children’s. Among the specialists are pediatric gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, sleep medicine specialists, surgeons, a cardiologist, and what Teslyn needed most, oncologists and hematologists. The treatment regime for AML requires an inpatient chemotherapy infusion, which wipes out the patients red and white blood cells, along with their platelets. It is what is required to fight AML and 95 percent of Teslyn’s bone marrow had cancerous cells.
By Allison Meilicke, RN
Following the infusion, Teslyn needed to stay in the hospital for 30 days, until her blood tests demonstrated that she had recovered from the chemo induction. Red blood cells and platelets could be infused back into Teslyn but there is no replacing her white cells, so she was at risk of catching what might be life threatening infections. Teslyn was placed in reverse isolation, which is designed to protect her from any pathogenic microorganisms while her immune system was impaired. The Eyers were impressed with the professionalism and level of pediatric care that is available in Kalispell. “Our care has been awesome,” Seisin said, reflecting on all they have been through since January 30, 2019. “Everyone has been consistent, kind, and compassionate.” Seisin described their cancer journey as terrifying, monotonous, occasionally boring and raw, but she raves about staff, from the housekeepers to the pediatric hospitalists. “Everyone has shown such a loving concern for Teslyn and that never fluctuates no matter how long their shifts are,” Seisin explained.
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Cancer
“Some people might let a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia bring them down and break their spirits. Such thoughts never occurred to Teslyn. After being diagnosed with AML in January of 2019, Teslyn has been through numerous rounds of chemotherapy, various surgical procedures, and several bone marrow biopsies at KRMC. Throughout all of this, Teslyn has never lost her infectious smile and overwhelming positive attitude.” The staff and physicians who have been with Teslyn from her early diagnosis had this to say when asked to describe their beautiful and brave 12-year-old patient. “Some people might let a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia bring them down and break their spirits. Such thoughts never occurred to Teslyn. After being diagnosed with AML in January of 2019, Teslyn has been through numerous rounds of chemotherapy, various surgical procedures, and several bone marrow biopsies at KRMC. Throughout all of this, Teslyn has never lost her infectious smile and overwhelming positive attitude.”
Teslyn has become known around the hospital as ‘Teslyn-I-GotThis-Eyers’, because that was her first response when learning of her diagnosis. Her medical team loves to have dance parties and concerts with her, and everyone in the mailroom knows of Teslyn because she gets more deliveries than the rest of the hospital combined. According to her care team she is one very loved girl. Teslyn has gone through three rounds of chemo at Montana Children’s and the cancerous cells in her bone marrow have dropped significantly but that was not good enough. It became apparent that Teslyn needed a bone marrow transplant. One unexpected moment of gratitude and joy was the discovery that Collin, Teslyn’s younger brother, had turned out to be a perfect bone marrow match. Soon, Teslyn and her family will be making their way to Colorado for a bone marrow transplant. Montana Children’s was ready when Teslyn needed care on that day in January. The mission and vision of Montana Children’s is that the kind of complicated intensive cancer treatment Teslyn needed would be located in Montana so that she could remain near family. “Everyone here – you have become part of our family,” Seisin said regarding their time at Montana Children’s. The thoughts of her caregivers at Montana Children’s will be with the entire Eyer family as they make the journey to Colorado in the coming weeks.
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Welcoming
Felicity Williams,
Director of The Birth Center at North Valley Hospital By Allison Linville
“Nursing was a calling for me,” explains Felicity Williams, RN, BSN, RNC – OB, the new director of The Birth Center at North Valley Hospital. “I have connected with so many families, and after 11 years as a labor and delivery nurse, each delivery is still a miracle to me.” North Valley Hospital announced Williams as Director of The Birth Center in mid-May, taking over for Cindy Walp, who held the role for almost 15 years and helped establish The Birth Center as a flagship service line for North Valley Hospital. The Birth Center is well-known for patient experience, post-partum education and resources, and Planetree patient-centered care. Also in 2018, The Birth Center led North Valley Hospital to be designated as a Baby Friendly Hospital, as outlined by Baby Friendly USA and the World Health Organization. “At The Birth Center, we are investing in education and expanding our skills using evidence-based practices and standardized care protocols. We have an impressive team of employees that are committed to North Valley Hospital and our community. With that, and because we are a small hospital, we must focus specifically on advancing our skills and preparedness for any situation we may face. Although most of our births are less complex, we want to be confident in our training for more high-risk situations. That’s a big priority for me.” Education is very important to Williams, which is a focus the hospital supports, she explains. She plans to expand on her work implementing simulation training and securing additional, ongoing education opportunities for nurses—projects she initiated at North Valley Hospital a few years ago. Williams states, “This level of competency matters to our patients who can feel confident in the training, preparedness, education, and practices at our birth center before arriving at the hospital for delivery.”
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Acknowledging her collaborative style, Williams also addresses the need for a leader in the sometimes stressful environment of labor and delivery. She says, “My vision as a leader is to have our staff involved and use the diverse expertise of our teams to share ideas and solutions. My training was primarily in complicated labor cases, where we had to be very clear in taking action. This prepared me to be a strong leader, while still empowering our team by providing opportunities for input and feedback.” Williams is comfortable in the role of director, explaining that it has always come naturally to her to lead others. She can help staff on the clinical side in emergent situations and they can rely on her for guidance. Williams’s complex technical experience comes from the time she spent at Loma Linda University Hospital in Loma Linda, California. Loma Linda has a level 1 trauma unit, which is the most specialized, and a level 3 NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), which is also the most advanced, despite the different ranking scale. Previously, Williams also worked at Rancho Springs Medical Center in Murrieta, California on a busy labor and delivery floor gaining experience
from seasoned nurses, which dramatically increased her knowledge and ability to manage childbirth and obstetric emergencies. When Williams and her family decided to move to Whitefish after a vacation to the Flathead Valley six years ago, she looked up hospitals in the area and immediately found that she appreciated what North Valley Hospital represented. “The reputation of the hospital and The Birth Center stood out to me, and I saw myself being able to bring my skills to NVH while also fitting in well with the Planetree philosophy and compassionate care here,” says Williams. The Planetree philosophy of patient-centered care is an integral part of North Valley Hospital, and Williams explains that for The Birth Center, “Planetree is exactly who we are. Patient and family centered care is everything we do.” Throughout her discussion of The Birth Center, Williams recognizes her team of nurses, who she explains are some of the most impressive she has worked with. “I work with the best nurses that provide the highest level of care every day. You can’t teach that kind of care and compassion; it has to be part of our organizational culture and identity.”
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PMS
(Premenstrual Syndrome) By Kimberley Forthofer, ARNP Kalispell OB/GYN
PMS…..It's expected, but that doesn't make it any more tolerable. In fact, this may very well make it worse as you live in fear of the two weeks out of the month you will not be yourself, which you know will impact your work, your relationships, and most detrimentally, your sense of well-being.
It’s estimated that premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects only 3-8% of women, though this is largely underestimated since many women do not seek treatment for PMS. There are varying degrees of severity of PMS and the symptoms can also be varied. Symptoms of PMS may include mood changes with sudden onset of irritability, depression, anxiety, tension and anger, sensitivity to criticism, low self-esteem, fatigue, as well as physical symptoms of overeating, breast tenderness, bloating and joint and muscle aches. This is a broad list of symptoms, but they usually occur in a very predictable pattern when related to PMS; most commonly starting in the 1-2 weeks prior to a woman's period and then resolving within the first 1-3 days of starting a period. Some women fear that they have a “hormonal imbalance” that is causing their PMS symptoms. Several studies have researched this possibility and confirmed that women with PMS have the same hormonal characteristics as women without PMS; however, women with PMS likely have an abnormal response to the normal hormonal changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle. Estrogen, which is in abundance during the first part of woman's menstrual cycle, drops drastically at the time of ovulation, which occurs in the middle of the normal menstrual cycle. The level of estrogen remains low throughout the remainder of the normal 28 day cycle and gradually increases with the onset of the next period. Estrogen levels are directly related to the “feel good” neurotransmitter, serotonin. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that send messages to our brain and body to carry out specific functions. When estrogen levels
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are high, so are serotonin levels. When women with PMS have a drop in estrogen they have a heightened response to the lower serotonin levels that are now present, leading to symptoms of depression, irritability, body aches and fatigue, just to name a few. Better understanding and recognition of PMS has led to improvements in the treatment of PMS. Medications called serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have proven the most benefit in the treatment of PMS. A common medication, Prozac, is an SSRI, which can provide women relief from the symptoms of PMS. Medications to treat PMS can be taken cyclically for 1-2 weeks out of the month or on a daily basis. Vitamins and mineral supplements were studied in the treatment of PMS, however, none showed a large benefit. Even so, some evidence suggests that vitamin B6, with a maximum dosage of 100 mg a day, may be beneficial for some women. Birth control pills can also be a treatment for PMS. The type of birth control pill is often adjusted specifically for the treatment of PMS. There are a variety of formulations of birth control pills and some are specifically marketed for the treatment of the most severe form of PMS known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Risks and benefits of birth control pills can be discussed with your health care provider to determine if this is the right treatment option for you. Lifestyle modifications can also lead to improvement of symptoms. Women who smoke are at higher risk for PMS, as are women who drink excessive amounts of alcohol. So quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
to no more than 1 drink per day. Regular exercise also provides benefit as it increases the release of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.
PMS is often joked about and made light of, but for many women it is not a laughing matter. PMS is real and can be serious. Women lead busy lives as workers, wives, sisters and mothers and the demands are already high. When you deal with the symptoms of PMS in addition to the day to day stressors of life, it can often be overwhelming. Talk to your health care provider. More information on premenstrual syndrome can be found at Mayo Clinic keyword premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and through the American College of Gynecology (ACOG) link http://www.acog.org/-/ media/For-Patients/faq057.pdf?dmc=1&ts=201511 11T1321152590.
Kimberley Forthofer, ARNP
joined Kalispell OB/GYN in July of 2013. She was raised in Whitefish and returned to the Flathead Valley after working for 4 years as a primary care provider in Washington. She offers a wide range of experience in primary care as well as women’s health and her clinical experience includes both acute and chronic care. She and her husband, Joe, have two children and enjoy all outdoor recreational opportunities Montana offers.
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Hike for Your Health By Delia Buckmaster, Pilates teacher, Montana lover and outdoor enthusiast Photos by Amanda Wilson Photography
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“By all means never fail to get all the sunshine and fresh air you can.” -Joseph Pilates
Hiking is good for the soul. You don’t always get sunshine, but you do get all the fresh air you need. It keeps you fit and healthy. You can see the world from a different perspective. I’m always up for any activity that keeps me fit. When I embraced hiking, I initially thought it would simply be a fun way to get some exercise. What I didn’t know is that it would be my No. 1 form of meditation. A year ago, I was driving from Whitefish to Billings (about 450 miles). It’s a long drive and a perfect opportunity to catch up on some great podcasts. I stumbled upon the Mind Body Green Podcast and clicked on the title that resonated with me: “Sarah Wilson On Her Personal Struggle With Anxiety & How She Learned to Cope.” I have an intense personality and occasionally struggle with anxiety, so I figured this would be an affordable counseling session. In Montana, most drives are scenic and this one was no exception. Towering mountains, snaking valleys and high plains were all around. Just as I was enjoying the views, I caught Sarah’s words: “The pace of walking goes as the same pace as discerning thought and walking in nature amps it up two fold.” She went on to explain the Japanese practice of forest bathing and how it is proven to lower the heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress, hormone production, boost the immune system and improve overall feelings of wellbeing. Hiking is one of the few times that I can unplug and be present. The sound of gravel and dirt under my feet, the scent of the trees, the sunlight peaking through the leaves, the clean air – these provide a sense of comfort. It eases my stress and helps me relax. I also find great pleasure in hiking a challenging elevation. I call it my walking meditation. To quote Joseph Pilates, “By all means never fail to get all the sunshine and fresh air you can.”
Want to become a Pilates Instructor? Pursue your Pilates
education in Montana. Delia Buckmaster is a Balanced Body Master Instructor offering a unique retreat style experience fall of 2019. The Balanced Body training program is designed to create thoughtful, creative and successful Pilates teachers. Visit deliapilates.com for course dates and details.
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Sick and Tired of Being Sick? Take Your Immune System To The Next Level! By Dr. C. Claude Basler, DC, Basler Family Chiropractic
Taking your immune system to the next level starts with the fundamental truth that health begins from inside the body, not outside.
When the immune system comes up in conversation you hear about rest, exercise, and nutrition as talking points. While these areas are of grave importance, they have not changed. The only changes that come about are with the ‘quick’ versions to enhance them—fads, trends or diet schemes that want you to buy something that does not hold merit. What about taking your health further? What about eliminating stress from your body? One thing that has not changed: Rest, exercise and nutrition are the role of the central nerve system and they are how it coordinates, controls, and makes the immune system. The basis of health begins within the body in the central nerve system (CNS). This brain to
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body connection allows us to express our true potential. This is accomplished with a clear and healthy functioning spinal column.
Yet this connection is limited when a subluxation (misalignment within the spinal column) places undo stress upon a single spinal nerve. As a result of this subluxation the communication lines between the brain and body become dysfunctional. The very first system that becomes compromised as a result of a subluxation is the immune system. When a subluxation is uncorrected for a period of time your defense system begins to decrease. By measuring antibodies in the saliva we can see there are quantitative improvements in immune function within minutes after a spinal adjustment. Your body is constantly under attack from foreign invaders such as toxins, pollutants, bacteria, germs and viruses. In order to properly
coordinate a healthy immune response, the CNS needs to be able to properly communicate with every part of your body without interference in the transmission of brain activity. The communication that the immune system requires is established along the spinal cord. When the immune system encounters an attack, the cells of the immune system and inflammatory systems communicate directly with the CNS. Inflammation is one of the most important mechanisms of our defense system since it is a catalyst to attack the agent that is invading and to repair the tissue that is affected. When inflammation ensues for a period of time and becomes chronic, the body is not properly adapting. This happens often in a society where we look elsewhere for support for our immune system instead of looking at and addressing the real concern of how our CNS is properly functioning. A compromised immune system is a direct result of an improperly functioning
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Do whatever you can to keep your immune system working at its best. One way to do this is to remove any source of irritation by keeping your spine healthy and aligned. All the functions in your body are controlled by the brain, so stress in any part of the nervous system may result in health problems throughout the body. CNS. Without precise signaling of immune cells, and the ability to read these signals, the body is not able to properly defend itself. The body is able to transmit proper function only because the tissue cells are constantly communicating to each other. This healthy transmission comes from a fully functioning CNS. Do whatever you can to keep your immune system working at its best. One way to do this is to remove any source of irritation by keeping your spine healthy and aligned. All the functions in your body are controlled by the brain, so stress in any part of the nervous system may result in health problems throughout the body.
The inability of antibiotics to wipe out disease entirely and the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria and super infections have led many distinguished researchers and physicians to conclude that the answer to disease is not to create stronger medicines. Rather, we say the solution lies in attacking the disease form the inside out by strengthening the body’s natural defense network. – Dr. Robert Roundtree
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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The Truth About Yoga By Mollie Busby
Mollie enjoying snowga (yoga on the snow) at Matanuska, Alaska. Photo credit Sean Busby
My first yoga class was awful. It was 2008, and I was living in Wisconsin as post-graduate from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. I was working a desk job writing for a women’s magazine, so I spent a lot of time sitting at a computer. I knew I needed to move. I joined a gym and tried out every type of fitness class I could get my hands on, just to see what I liked, and what made me feel good. I tried it all—Body Pump, Body Attack (both Les Mills programs), spinning, weight lifting— and then, there was yoga. I had zero expectations going into my first class. I was running late and I walked into the room where the only spot available was right at the front. I couldn’t see anything without turning my head around because the instructor was walking around the class. There wasn’t any time for niceties after I got there — I dove in.
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my breath? FORGET.ABOUT.IT. And then my instructor gave me a physical adjustment in Happy Baby Pose.
be closer to my (now) husband, and we worked at a college prep boarding school. I needed friends ASAP.
Physical adjustments can be so wonderful when you’re in a space of trust with the yoga instructor. They’re meant to help you access a deeper release. Happy Baby is a particularly vulnerable pose where you’re lying on your back, feet in the air, knees bent and wide, grabbing the outsides of your feet and rocking side to side…like a happy baby.
This one woman on campus — Brittany, who taught dance — was always trying to get groups of women on staff to practice yoga using audio recordings in her classroom after work. And so, ONLY because I needed friends, I agreed to practice yoga again.
The instructor walked over to me, placed his hands on the bottoms of my feet and pressed down. In any scenario today, with an instructor I trust, this would be perfectly respectable. But it wasn’t how I felt back then. I walked out after class and thought to myself: Never doing that again. And that was that, or so I thought. Today, as the owner of three yoga studios and counting, people often ask me how I got into yoga, and I laugh when I tell them this story. I go on to explain how I really found yoga. I moved west to a tiny town in the mountains to
Turns out, yoga made me feel amazing! And I would practice on and off for years afterward… and every time I’d practice, I’d write in my journal: Yoga makes me feel so good! I need to practice more. It wasn’t until I took a yoga teacher training that I truly dove into the depth of the practice. And from then on, I stuck with it. And with my friend Brittany who re-introduced me to yoga… she and I are still best friends, and both own yoga studios! Now when people tell me: "I could never do yoga!" I’m baffled, and yet I remember how it feels to think that. It's simply not true!
Yoga IS mindfulness. Yoga IS meditation. Meditation IS mindfulness. In fact, the fundamental practice of yoga is simply finding that place of stillness and silence within all of us and listening to our own inner wisdom. health}
mindful moment
So today, I propose we throw everything out the window about yoga and substitute some perceived ‘knowledge’ for some real wisdom. These are the top hesitations and questions I get as a yoga teacher today: “I could never touch my toes.”
This is a foundational principle that we all need to understand, right now: Yoga has nothing to do with touching your toes. Read it one more time, and believe it. Wipe out everything from your brain that you’ve seen on Instagram, Facebook and television. You could not touch your toes your entire life, experience yoga daily, and still transform the way you live, breathe, and evolve as a human being.
“I can’t afford expensive yoga pants.”
Remember when I said to wipe out everything your brain knows about yoga from social media? Do it again, and know this: Yoga is not about what you wear to class. Not even close. No one cares. And if you’re feeling embarrassed to wear whatever you want in a yoga class, then find a new place to take classes that makes you feel good.
“I don’t believe in Hinduism.”
Some things that happen in a yoga class are different than what we’re used to… like making shapes, breathing deeply or rapidly, or chanting the word OM. But as a kid, riding your bike was different until you hopped on with training wheels and started to move down the driveway… right? Truth be told, yoga originated in the East way way way way way before Hinduism was ever a blip on the radar. Although the two (yoga and Hinduism) both originated in a place called India and have some of the same symbols involved, they get lumped together in ignorance. Take my word for it: Yoga is non-dogmatic. Whether you practice religion or not is irrelevant to whether you ‘can’ or ‘should’ practice yoga.
“I’m not comfortable with OM, Namaste, or other Sanskrit words”
If someone told you to chant the word AZUL at the top of your lungs after you finish brushing your teeth every morning, would you do it without knowing the meaning in Spanish, just because they said it could change your life? Probably not. So, let’s get educated: Sanskrit is an ancient lan-
guage that originated in the Himalayas to verbally communicate the practice of yoga. Sounds like OM are like the sounds of nature. If you had to verbalize what a tree sounds like when it’s growing a leaf, how would you say that? If you had to decide how to spell the sound of a babbling brook, does your spelling do it justice? So, when we chant OM in a yoga class, we’re uniting our voices with the sound of nature. Like a cheer at a football game when our team runs on the field, or when you’re singing the most amazing song at a concert surrounded by thousands of other fans. We humans join our voices for all sorts of reasons. OM is the sound of all sounds uniting us with one another, and with the earth that we call home. And Namaste? This means any variation on “The light in me honors the light in you.” People in India say this all the time as a greeting, like Hey! Good to see you! Good day! All the other Sanskrit words are the original names given to the poses, and if your teacher uses them, it’s paying homage to the lineage from where these teachings come from. Scholars use Latin when they refer to plant and animal species names, and that’s OK right? Same with Sanskrit and yogis. It allows the language of yoga to be universal, no matter where you are. (And hopefully your teacher tosses in English variations on the postures too!)
“I practice mindfulness. I don’t need yoga.”
This might blow your mind: Yoga IS mindfulness. Yoga IS meditation. Meditation IS mindfulness. In fact, the fundamental practice of yoga is simply finding that place of stillness and silence within all of us and listening to our own inner wisdom. Our lives are filled with movement. And so, stillness is required as a balance. You know those days when you’re flying high, feeling on top of the world, like everything in your life is happening just perfectly? With regular yoga asana (movement) and meditation (stillness), every day feels like that.
“How long will it take to become enlightened?”
Yoga as it was originally intended is enlightened living. As yogis, we don’t seek enlightenment. Rather, we view yoga as a technology that empowers us to live, breathe, talk, move, and experience life in a way that is enlightened. There’s no ‘waiting’ for enlightenment. There is only enlightened life, right now.
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Your Future Self Will Thank You If you are like me, then you have a list. To be honest, if you are indeed like me you have multiple lists. Lists of activities and/or habits that will improve your life in a certain area. I’m talking about a physical health list, a career goal list, a relationship with your spouse list, a relationship with your children list, etc. Some of these lists are on paper while some are in your head. Maybe writing down your mental lists is on one of your other lists? You see, that’s the point I'm trying to make. These are items that are not getting done even though we know that, without a doubt, our future would be better if we checked them off. So why are we not doing them? What are the unseen forces that prevent us from a healthier, happier, easier, more fulfilled future? I’m not a psychologist so I’m not going to try and speak for the rest of you, but I think I can venture a hypothesis in the context of my own life. Let’s call it the Comfortable/Lazy hypothesis.
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by Dr. John F. Miller DDS - SMILE MONTANA What is the cliché lazy person activity? Sitting on the couch in their pajamas being COMFORTABLE. If aspects of our lives are too comfortable we consider them well-enough and we leave them alone. It’s all good right? Right? Maybe. Maybe not. Famous author Jim Collins tells us that the enemy of great is not bad, the enemy of great is good. Specifically he says, “Good is the enemy of great. And that is one of the key reasons why we have so little that becomes great...Few people attain great lives, in large part because it is just so easy to settle for a good life.” There’s nothing wrong with good. The majority of us are in a “good” place in life physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc. But let’s take the occasional inventory and ask ourselves if the good life is keeping us comfortably resistant to realizing a great future. This comfortable phenomenon is very problematic in my world. I have mentioned on several occasions in 406 Women that the pathology that targets the oral environment,
namely tooth decay and gum disease, are painless processes early on. They are comfortable by default in that they do not cause discomfort. Also, these processes in their early phases are not easily detectable with the human eye even though they are causing irreversible damage and harm. That is the number one reason that your dental provider recommends annual x-rays. They give us a peek behind the curtains. The bedroom might look spotless but under the bed there is a mess brewing. Dentistry however, can be uncomfortable right? On your wallet for sure. This keeps folks from visiting their dentist regularly. Especially those folks without dental insurance. I can empathise. Everything is feeling fine, no pain at all, maybe a little bleeding during our bi-weekly floss, maybe a little funky breath. Nothing that would warrant dropping some hard-earned cash at Smile Montana every six months for a tune-up with the hygienist right? These folks are living on the edge and they don’t even know it.
If money is the major obstacle or discomfort keeping you from regular teeth cleanings and checkups you need to change your thinking. Budgeting and setting aside the necessary funds for your basic oral health maintenance will keep you from larger, more painful expenses later. health} I’m going to flip the script. This mentality in my opinion is PennyWise and Pound-Foolish. Meaning you are saving pennies now at the risk of sacrificing future pounds (a pound is the british equivalent of the american dollar with 1 pound = 1.27 dollars). What I’m going to say next I say so often that it could well be on my headstone. “If you are having a dental problem, it will never be easier or CHEAPER to fix than right now.” This rings true for all of our “lists.” If you are having a problem with your physical health, your mental health, your important relationships, the longer you let it go and take root, the more difficult it will be to remedy. So if money is the major obstacle or discomfort keeping you from regular teeth cleanings and check-ups you need to change your thinking. Budgeting and setting aside the necessary funds for your basic oral health maintenance will keep you from larger, more painful expenses later...assuming you want to keep all of your teeth. If you find yourself without dental insurance ask your dental provider if they have any options for you. At my office we provide our own in-house Smile Montana Plan that covers 2 cleanings, all necessary x-rays and exams, with built-in discounts on any dental procedures you might require for a yearly flat fee. Of all the lists that we might have, keeping our teeth healthy should be one of the simplest ones. It only requires 5 minutes per day. Don’t get comfortable and lazy. Just do it. Feel the satisfaction of kicking that list’s butt every day and let that build your confidence to dominate your other lists. There is a contrast to my comfortably lazy hypothesis, and that is the uncomfortably busy version. Perhaps we find ourselves really talented in one aspect of our lives and we focus most or all of our capacity on that “list” leaving nothing left in our tank for much else. We can therefore justify falling short in one area because of how much success we are realizing in another. While it looks good it certain lighting there is an unhealthy imbalance behind the scenes. This summer let us find balance as we take those small measures that will show large returns in our health and happiness. Keeping in mind always that your future self will thank you for your efforts. We are in Montana after all. Go ahead and check off the “Live in the Last Best Place on Earth” box with permanent marker. I’ll see you out there. Show me your SMILES.
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