Teton Family Winter 2019/20 Issue No. 32

WINTER

19/20 Issue # 32

COOKING WITH AN OUTDOOR FAMILY’S TURMERIC Quell inflammation with our super-spice recipes

GIFT GUIDE

Gear up for your epic adventures

THE ALPHA PROJECT

An African surfer finds “family” in Teton Valley

35

Teton Family ¤ Winter 2019/20

Eats flakes for breakfast.

Recreation over hibernation.

The 20152020 Subaru XV Crosstrek.

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307-733-6600 • 405 Powderhorn Lane Winter 2019/20 ¤ Teton Family

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WINTER

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Issue # 32

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Contents

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FEATURES 22 — WINE: QUAFF OR QUANDARY?

Wine’s supposed “healthful qualities” aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

But with mindful consumption, consumers can educate themselves— and also make an impact—on a hard-to-decipher industry.

By Deb Barracato 2

Teton Family ¤ Winter 2019/20

Departments A Note From the Editor Mountain Style AN OUTDOOR FAMILY'S WINTER GIFT GUIDE Outfit your crew with gear we love HOME EXCHANGE 101 An alternative way to vacation affordably Conscientious Cook THE BRIGHT BOOST OF TURMERIC Spice up your winter cuisine with this anti-inflammatory wonder Mamasphere ADVENTURES OF A MIDWINTER BIRTH A family welcomes their son in the unlikeliest of places Ask the Expert THE WORST KEPT SECRET Seeking support for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder

On the Cover: Jackson Hole locals, Greta (age 8), Nora (age 6), and Samuel Nydam (age 4), enjoy a sun-filled winter day bundled up in one of our favorite kids’ one-pieces. (see page 7). Photo by Kathryn Ziesig

28 — THE

ALPHA PROJECT Teton Valley locals help a Sierra Leonean surfer pursue his board sports passion, while creating a sense of family unconstrained by geographical boarders.

By Christina Shepherd McGuire

Photos: Paulette Phlipot (top); Mike McKelvey (bottom)

19/20

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Welcome to

As I write this, we are just finding out that our fifth-grade son has a functional vision problem (a condition that, from this day on, we will refer to as his “super powers”). Now, try telling an uber-competitive, highly social, and very aware little kid that his “difference”—the way he sees words on page—makes him special. And at the same time admitting as parents we’re a little overwhelmed with the diagnosis.

You see, long before our culture became so digital, so in-yourface, parents everywhere secretly wanted their kids to be perfect. To do well in school. To go to a good college and land a fulfilling job. …Back in the ’90s, people would sport bumper stickers saying “I’m the proud parent of an Honor Roll Student” or display window decals shouting out their kid’s college. So you can understand the natural feeling of uneasiness that comes with having a kid labeled with a “dysfunction.”

Up until now, our son hasn’t really mentioned the kid in his class with a lisp or the girl who sits at a special lunch table because she has nut allergies. He doesn’t think any less of these kids because of their individual distinctions. But, now that he’s the anomaly, the very important lesson of owning your setbacks (and that everybody has “something”) presents itself.

And it’s a lesson we’re still learning as adults.

In this winter’s issue of Teton Family, we celebrate

life’s hiccups. Take for instance postpartum support coordinator Charlotte Souter, a two-time survivor of perinatal anxiety disorder. Souter uses the knowledge of her own struggles to help other women (and men) recognize and seek help should their story mimic hers (see page 19). In my feature, “The Alpha Project,” on page 28, Alpha Barrie, of Sierra Leone, overcomes hardships and cultural dissimilarities to carve out an unlikely and truly remarkable path for his life. And, even in nature, varietals of wine can have certain taste discrepancies dependent upon Mother Nature’s seasonal nuances (see page 22). Ryan McReynolds, a regional niche distributor, celebrates these alterations in the “authentic flavor that results when a winemaker allows the alchemy of nature to craft the product.”

Differences are meant to be honored! Stories are meant to be told. That’s why more people are using social media to tell us not just about their triumphs, but also about their tribulations, giving us the collective nod to own what we’ve got. If we keep life’s challenges bottled up inside, making it seem like everything is always “just peachy,” then, in my opinion, we fail to grow. So this is what I’m teaching my son right now: Take your setback—your difference—and make it your strength. Because obstacles are simply life’s guiding light toward realizing just how similar we all really are.

Contributing WRITERS

Deb Barracato visited a friend in the Tetons 25 years ago and never left.

She appreciates the flexible lifestyle that her work-fromhome career as a corporate event planner, freelance writer, and editor allows.

Deb’s free time is spent building quality memories with her son, Nathan.

4

Annie Fenn is a physician, writer, and culinary instructor.

After practicing OB-GYN in Jackson for over 20 years, she now spends her time creating recipes, writing, teaching Brain Works Kitchen cooking classes, and speaking on Alzheimer’s prevention.

Check out her recipes at jacksonholefoodie.com and brainworkskitchen.com.

Teton Family ¤ Winter 2019/20

Whitni Nelson, a thirdgeneration Idaho native, has lived in Teton Valley since 2002. She is a traditional midwife, childbirth consultant, and doula, and has assisted hundreds of families in childbearing. Whitni and her husband have three grown boys and run a family restaurant, the Knotty Pine Supper Club, in Victor, Idaho.

Addie Pascal is a wife, mom, writer, registered nurse, and doer of all things. She loves being in the kitchen, on a mountain, or on a travel adventure with her tribe of five. She is forever on the hunt for the perfect bowl of curry.

Melissa Snider is an elementary school librarian who loves teaching kids.

She has a thing for buying notebooks—which means she also needs a lot of cool pens— and often procrastinates by baking. When she’s not reading, Melissa can be found on family adventures in the mountains with her husband and two young daughters.

Editor photograph by Camrin Dengel

A note from the EDITOR

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Winter 2019/20 ¤ Teton Family

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Editor Christina Shepherd McGuire christina@tetonfamilymagazine.com Art Director Samantha Nock Copy Editor Richard Anderson

Contributing Photographers Mike McKelvey Paulette Phlipot Stacey Walker Oldham Kathryn Ziesig Advertising Sales Kal Stromberg, kal@tetonmediaworks.com Ad Production Sarah Wilson Luis F. Ortiz Heather Haseltine

Distribution: Kal Stromberg, Jeff Young, Candace Whitaker

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Teton Family ¤ Winter 2019/20

Teton Family is published two times a year and distributed at more than seventy-five locations for free throughout the Tetons. To request copies, call (307) 732-5903. Visit tetonfamilymagazine.com for additional content and insightful blogs. © 2019 Teton Media Works, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine’s original contents, whether in whole or in part, requires written permission from the publisher.

AN OUTDOOR FAMILY'S WINTER GIFT GUIDE

By Addie Pascal Photography by Kathryn Ziesig There are few greater joys than spending a glorious day playing in the mountains. But in the winter, you can’t go out unprepared. That’s why this holiday season we’ve scouted some of the best loot in the valley to help you give the gift of getting outside. So grab a cozy beverage, kick up your feet, and settle in to our holiday gift guide. We’ve included something for everyone in the family to get geared up and ready for their next epic adventure.

Numbers correspond to descriptions on page 8 & 9.

Winter 2019/20 ¤ Teton Family

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— FOR MOM — STIO 1. Stio’s Woodson Down Vest is a Jackson Hole uniform essential. She’s guaranteed to love it! Mom can sport it anywhere from the backcountry to Town Square and layer it over Stio’s Sweetwater Fleece Hoodie. Find them both at Stio’s flagship store in Jackson or at stio.com. MSRP: vest, $189; hoodie, $159 2. If the Woodson Down Vest is a uniform staple, Stio’s Hometown Down Parka is a hockey mom’s go-to. With the warmth of a sleeping bag and a touch of urban flair, Mom will be styling up the stands. Grab one at Stio’s flagship store in Jackson or at stio.com. MSRP: $349 PRANA 3. The Hallena Insulated Pant will keep her warm on around-the-town shopping trips or on a sunny-day snowshoe excursion. And with a figure-flattering fit, this is not your grandma’s insulated pant. Shop for them at Skinny Skis, Teton Mountaineering, Yostmark, or prana.com. MSRP: $99 SING 4. Jacksonite Christy Sing creates custom beaver and rabbit felt hats in her downtown shop on Glenwood. With exquisite craftsmanship, her one-ofa-kind styles will make a very special gift for any lady. Contact Christy at instagram.com/singhatcompany or pop in the shop. MSRP: varies

— FOR DAD — STIO 5. Stio’s Saratoga Cord Shirt is built to “bridge the gap between barn chores and bike commutes.” Pair it with a Hometown Down Jacket (6) 8

Teton Family ¤ Winter 2019/20

for everyday mountain-town style. The hardest part will be choosing which color will suit Dad. Find both at Stio’s flagship store in Jackson or at stio.com. MSRP: shirt, $139; jacket, $299 PRANA 7. Prana’s Adamson Winter Pant is the last pant you’ll ever buy your husband. It’s stretchy, water- and abrasion-resistant, and insulated. Perfect for slack-season climbing, biking, working, and social outings. Shop for them at Skinny Skis, Teton Mountaineering, Yostmark, or prana.com. MSRP: $119 GOODR SUNGLASSES 8. Grippy, flexible, polarized, and affordable shades? No way! Choose from styles with catchy names like “Grip it and Sip It” or “Tiger Blood Transfusion.” Goodr has got a plethora of glasses ideal for any rugged mountain guy’s stocking. Shop for them online at goodr.com. MSRP: $25 to $35

— FOR THE KIDS — BURTON STRIKER ONE-PIECE 9. When it comes to outfitting kids, Burton doesn’t leave out a single detail.

Arguably one of the best snowsuits made, the Striker One-Piece comes with reinforced knees and bum and “room to grow” legs and sleeves (with a dropdown hem). Sized 18 months to age 7/8. Find it at Hoback Sports, Habitat, or online at burton.com. MSRP: $299.95.

AMBLER HATS 10. This family-owned business out of British Columbia has been creating their mountain-style hats for over twenty years. And Ambler’s kids’ winter toques (that’s a “beanie” to all you Yankees) couldn’t be cuter! Plus, they’re wool-made and fleece-lined for no-fuss comfort. Find them at Skinny Skis or shop amblermw.com. MSRP: $28 to $34.

— FOR YOUR DOG — YETI BOOMER DOG BOWL 11. Don’t forget your favorite pooch! From this on-point mountain brand comes a four- or eight-cup double-walled, noninsulated, stainless steel pup bowl. It’s dishwasher safe and trendy, to boot. Find one at JD High Country Outfitters, Teton Ace Hardware in Driggs, or online at yeti.com. MSRP: $49.99.

— FOR THE FAMILY — DAKINE BOOT LOCKER 12. A 69-liter bag for each person in the family keeps ski boots and gear organized. Plus, this bag comes in enough colors and patterns to personalize each one. Find them at Wilson Backcountry Sports, Jackson Hole Sports, Grand Targhee, Habitat, Hoback Sports, and Peaked Sports or online at dakine.com. MSRP: $65 BIG AGNES AIR CHAMBER SLEEPING PADS (not pictured) Give the gift of a good night’s sleep in the great outdoors. Lightweight, strong, compact, and super comfy, these pads render the phrase “I can’t wait to sleep in my own bed” obsolete. Shop for them at Teton Mountaineering, Skinny Skis, JD High Country Outfitters, Fitzgerald’s Bikes, Habitat, and at bigagnes.com. MSRP: $59.95 to $179.95 KATADYN STERIPEN ADVENTURER OPTI UV WATER PURIFIER (not pictured) Because you never know when you’ll have to turn snow into water. This small and lightweight water filter packs a punch against a variety of microorganisms, and its optical water sensor doubles as an LED flashlight. Find it at Teton Mountaineering, Headwall Sports, or online at rei.com. MSRP: $99.95. *A big thanks to our stellar models, the Nydam family of Jackson!

Winter 2019/20 ¤ Teton Family

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HOME EXCHANGE 101

By Addie Pascal

S

o you want to go on a trip, but you’re on a budget. Plus, you prefer getting off the beaten path and traveling like a local.

Well, now more than ever, there are countless options to consider when booking accommodations, especially if you think outside the four walls of a hotel room.

Enter home exchanges. They’re not a new thing. In fact, budgetsavvy travelers have been using this method of securing a place to stay for decades. More recently, people enlist the help of online organizations like homeexchange.com and lovehomeswap.com.

So how does it work? What are the risks involved? Is it really worth the hassle?

We’ll help you suss out the technicalities. Then, you can decide for yourself if exchanging your desirable Teton abode is the key to your next travel adventure.

How do home exchanges work?

First, let’s explore the proper terminology. A simultaneous exchange means swapping houses with another person or family at the same time: They stay in your home while you stay in theirs. Easy peasy.

A nonsimultaneous exchange is when you swap houses using a points system (a type of house-swap currency) granted by the exchange service. With this method, the vacations occur at different times.

You bank points by swapping out your house and then use the points to stay in a home of your choice. So a family may stay in 10

Teton Family ¤ Winter 2019/20

your home without you ever occupying theirs and vice versa. While convenient, a few home exchangers have noted that the points method takes away the allure of home swapping and reduces the shared interest in caring for one another’s property.

What are the benefits?

Home swapping is typically free, other than a nominal membership fee paid to the online platform of your choice (a fee that is much less than what vacation accommodations would cost). Additionally, swapping with a knowledgeable homeowner can get you plugged into the local community to which you are traveling. Think of it as an “insider’s scoop.” Finally, home exchanges open the door to meeting interesting people—and even new friends—from all over the world.

Is it right for me?

Jackson Hole is an enticing location for travelers, making your Teton home prime real estate on a home swap site. Still, you’ll need to determine whether this route is even a possibility for you. Take into consideration your subdivision ordinances or any regulations your home may fall under. Also, consider how having strangers in your home or being a stranger in someone else’s home affects your comfort level. Do you even have the time to communicate with would-be swappers? Or to prepare your home for a swap while simultaneously making your own travel arrangements?

Do your research. Choose the best organization for your needs and be sure you understand the process. Learn about the fees associated with a home swap organization. Bear in mind that any fees grant you assistance in the event of an emergency, verified home ownership (no scammers allowed!), a library of reviews from previous swappers, damage protection, and access to thousands of worldwide homes for exchange.

1

Set clear expectations. Create an accurate online profile.

Then provide as much information up front as possible, once you commit to an exchange. That way there are no surprises or hassles.

How will your swappers find a key? Who’s responsible for cleaning? Is a car included in the swap? Do you allow pets? Specific house rules— written or typed—can be extremely helpful upon arrival. Some guests may even agree to care for your pets while you’re away.

2

Add a nice touch. Show your guests the best parts of where you live. Alongside your rules (in a three-ring binder, perhaps), include information about things to do, places to visit, and favorite watering holes. You can even leave a small treat from a local bakery or specialty shop to assure an awesome review, while propping a local business at the same time.

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By and large, most people who participate in home exchanges report positive results. Jackson resident and experienced home exchanger Patty McDonald notes, “I’ve always found home exchangers to be responsible, thoughtful, considerate, and interesting. My bottom line: It’s a great and affordable way to travel and experience other places and cultures in a more home-like setting than a hotel can provide.” tf

Dr. Margaret Huggins is seeing patients in our Victor office Our Victor and Idaho Falls locations serve women of all ages and stages: • Routine Pregnancy Checks • Wellness Exams • Sports Physicals • Gynecology • Contraceptive Management • Menopause • Consultation

got ice?

Okay. So you’ve weighed the pros and cons, and home swapping seems like a good fit. Here are some steps to get started:

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Winter 2019/20 ¤ Teton Family

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T I P NO . 2:

The only problem with turmeric is the sunny yellow stains it leaves on hands and clothing. To avoid yellow splashes, freeze fresh turmeric root before you grate it.

To remove it from your hands, gently scrub them with a mixture of sugar and water. For clothing, bleach may be the only answer, and an apron your only defense.

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THE BRIGHT BOOST OF TURMERIC

By Annie Fenn, M.D. // Photography by Paulette Phlipot 12

Teton Family ¤ Winter 2019/20

T

TURMERIC BLACK PEPPER GRANOLA Makes about 6 cups

— In this savory and sweet granola, the black pepper enhances curcumin’s bioavailability while adding a pleasant balance of heat and spice. Set your peppermill to the finest grind setting or use fresh, finely ground, jarred black pepper.

—

5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free)

1 cup almonds, sliced

¾ teaspoon coarse salt

1 cup pure maple syrup

²⁄³ cup extra virgin olive oil

½ teaspoon almond extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon black pepper, finely ground 1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and place the rack in the center. Line a rimmed, 13-by-18-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat.

2. In a large bowl, combine oats, sliced almonds, and salt.

3. In a large glass measuring cup, combine maple syrup, olive oil, and almond and vanilla extracts.

Whisk with a fork, and then stir in the turmeric and black pepper.

4. Pour the olive oil mixture over the oats and stir to combine. Using a rubber spatula, spread the mixture evenly over the baking sheet.

5. Bake the granola for 20 minutes, then rotate the baking sheet and bake for another 20 minutes.

6. Pull the pan from the oven and carefully inspect the granola. If it’s golden brown throughout and dark brown on the edges, it’s done. If it’s not, return the pan to the oven and watch closely for another 3 to 5 minutes.

7. Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan. Transfer the granola to an airtight jar for storage and use.

urmeric—a mustard-yellow culinary powder—is best known for spicing up ethnic curries. Back when I was first learning how to cook, I was intrigued by this spice’s pungent and slightly bitter flavor, as it added an exotic flair to my early kitchen experiments. But now I’m captivated by the scientific study of turmeric’s medicinal properties, as well. Certain healthful qualities of turmeric have long been observed by cultures that regularly incorporate it into their diet (think India and Indonesia). In general, these societies have a lower incidence of chronic disease.

But is it the turmeric that creates the Indian people’s supreme quality of health, or is it their primarily plant-based diet?

Science hasn’t teased that out yet.

Hundreds of animal studies document curcumin—one of over 200 active ingredients in turmeric—as having potent antiinflammatory, memory-boosting, and antioxidant properties.

Not only does this chemical compound give turmeric its golden color, but it may also help protect from oxidative stress, slow the growth of certain cancer cells, and chelate and remove harmful metals, such as copper, from the system. Studies in humans have been disappointing, however. The problem, it seems, is that curcumin has low bioavailability, the ability of your body to absorb an active ingredient instead of metabolizing it into waste.

Curcumin supplements are a popular remedy for chronic pain and other ailments, despite the fact that the active ingredients are not reliably absorbed. But bioengineering curcumin into tiny nanoparticles may change that. A promising study published last year in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry looked at giving early Alzheimer’s patients a nanoparticle curcumin and others a placebo. For the first time ever in a randomized human trial, those who took the curcumin showed significant improvement in memory and other cognitive functions.

But until these new and improved supplements have been extensively studied, it’s best to get your curcumin through whole foods: fresh turmeric root (which you grate, just like ginger) and the culinary powdered spice.

Turmeric is an incredibly versatile spice, adding layers of flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. And a few simple tricks may enhance the root’s medicinal qualities, too. For instance, adding black pepper to turmeric can up its bioavailability by as much as 2,000 percent! The one-to-one ratio found in my Turmeric Black Pepper Granola recipe incorporates plenty of pepper to unlock curcumin’s benefits. Plus, it’s just the right combination of pepper and spice for a savory, not-too-sweet breakfast or snack.

Cooking turmeric in a healthy fat (like the yogurt marinade in my Sheet Pan Chicken Tikka) also boosts absorption. When making stews, curries, and soups, add the turmeric directly to the oil while warming it, as heat is another secret weapon to releasing the spice’s potential. And be sure to use only healthpromoting fats like avocado, olive, and coconut oil, or ghee. tf Winter 2019/20 ¤ Teton Family

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SHEET PAN CHICKEN TIKKA WITH LOTS OF VEG Serves 4

— When turmeric is combined with whole milk yogurt, it is more readily absorbed into the bloodstream. And, bonus: This streamlined version of Chicken Tikka Masala is baked and served all in the same pan!

— FOR THE CHICKEN

½ cup whole milk yogurt (plain and unsweetened) 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt 1 3/4-inch piece ginger, peeled and minced 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed 1 fresh green chili, seeded and minced ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne 1 teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon honey 2 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) FOR THE VEGETABLES

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 pound potatoes, different colored fingerlings or Yukon Golds

1 head cauliflower, cut into 3/4-inch florets

½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt

½ teaspoon cumin seeds

1 cup peas, fresh or frozen TO FINISH

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced ¼ cup fresh lemon juice ¼ teaspoon kosher or sea salt Plain, unsweetened yogurt 1 cup cilantro, parsley, mint, or a mix, chopped

1.

Combine yogurt, salt, ginger, garlic, fresh chili, spices, and honey in a plastic bag, bowl, or container. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes and up to 24 hours in the fridge.

2. Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Line a 13-by-18-inch baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and coat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Add potatoes, cauliflower, salt, cumin seed, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss together with your hands. Spread the vegetables evenly onto the pan, leaving space to place the chicken.

3. Using tongs, lift the chicken from the marinade and place it skin side up on the pan. (Discard the rest of the marinade.)

Leave space between the vegetables and chicken to avoid overcrowding. (If you have lots of vegetables, use two pans.)

4. Roast the mixture in the oven for 20 minutes, then flip the potatoes and cauliflower to cook evenly.

5. Scatter the peas throughout the pan, then return it to the oven for another 10 to 20 minutes for a total of 30 to 40 minutes roasting time (depending on the size of your chicken).

6. While the sheet pan meal is roasting, make the pickled onions. Place the red onion slices in a bowl and cover with lemon juice and salt. Set aside.

7. To serve your meal, top with pickled onions, dollops of yogurt, and herbs. * Note: Swap out sweet potatoes for regular potatoes, broccoli for cauliflower, or add any other vegetable, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces.

Carrots, well.

14 eggplant, Teton turnips, Family or¤ parsnips Winter work 2019/20

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TURMERIC ALMOND MILK SHOOTERS Makes about 5 cups

— The monounsaturated fats in almond milk provide a perfect vehicle for this “just right” dose of turmeric. You can use homemade almond milk (as the recipe instructs) or substitute unsweetened, unflavored almond milk from the grocery store.

—

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1 ½ cups raw unsalted almonds 4 cups water, plus more for soaking ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt 1 date, pitted ½ teaspoon turmeric Place the almonds in a deep bowl and cover them with fresh water.

Soak overnight at room temperature or up to 12 hours. Rinse them in a colander, discarding the soaking water.

Place the soaked almonds, fresh water, salt, date, and turmeric in a highpowered blender (or Vitamix). Blend on high speed for 5 minutes or until the nuts are pulverized and the mixture is smooth.

Pour the almond milk through a nut milk bag or doubled up cheesecloth placed over a large bowl. Squeeze to extract all of the milk from the pulp.

Pour the milk into a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake well before use.

Warm a desired amount of almond milk, add turmeric, and froth it gently in a blender before serving.

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Teton Family ¤ Winter 2019/20

Jackson Hole Classical Academy

By Whitni Nelson // Illustration by Stacey Walker Oldham

I

t was an ordinary winter’s night in Teton Valley, Idaho. But for one family, it was extraordinary. They were going to have a baby. And the plan was to have their baby at home with the help of midwives. This family had been working with my midwifery partner and me at Mountain Mamas Midwives for months, preparing for and educating themselves on having a homebirth.

Homebirths provide low-risk women an alternative to a hospital birth. And while this practice is certainly not for everyone, it has been executed safely by our ancestors for hundreds of years.

Today, some families prefer to birth their baby in the comfort and convenience of their environment with one-on-one support given by a team of midwives and doulas.

A midwife is a trained health professional who helps healthy women during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. I am what is considered a “traditional midwife,” or a direct-entry midwife (credentialed without first becoming a nurse), practicing within the confines of traditional folk medicine, whose training comes as an apprentice or through direct experience. My partner is a licensed and certified midwife with a more formal education.

We have birthed hundreds of babies in many different ways and places — but none of our other births were quite like this one.

The call came in just before sunset.

I am always thrilled when the call comes during the day versus the middle of the night. (One of the hardest parts of midwifery work is the late and long hours.) I said a prayer on my way to this birth, as I do with every birth, expressing gratitude for a safe and smooth delivery. Then I quickly packed my gear in the car and drove to the Smiths’ home.* Upon my arrival, a beautiful young woman, Alicia, was in the bathtub, bravely enduring her labor. Her contractions came on overnight, and she had been working hard throughout the day. Things were about to change.

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“I remember laboring at home as mostly peaceful,” Alicia explains.

“The presence of my husband and animals and the familiarity of home helped me relax between contractions. I can recall my husband reading and singing to me while I labored in the bathtub. The late afternoon sun was shining, casting shadows into the bathroom. It was beautiful.”

We, as a birth team, gave the couple the space to labor on their own. Of course, there comes a time when a first-time mother and father need some guidance in the process of labor and delivery. And that’s when we stepped in.

I could see that Alicia was searching for something new to help her labor progress. I gave her words of encouragement and suggested certain * All names have positions, which seemed to give her an been changed in this energetic boost. Something shifted in her article to protect the physiology that allowed more expansion privacy of the family. in her body, which is the very thing you need to bring forth a child. However, due to some “variations of normal,” we were inclined to transfer her from

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her home to a hospital where it would be safer for this particular case.

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“One of the [midwives] helped me move labor along,” Alicia remembers, “offering different positions and massage techniques to try. While the other’s calm and professional presence helped me trust in the decision to transport to the hospital when we decided together that we needed to make a move.”

I would normally caravan in my own car in a nonemergent transfer like this, but I could see that things were moving quickly and the rhythmic rushes of labor were quite intense. So I decided to give Alicia some backseat support. I gathered my essential items (should the baby be born in the car) and hopped in the back seat of the couple’s Honda, while Dan, the father, drove.

My midwifery partner drove ahead in her car and we were in touch over the phone for much of the drive. The sun had just set and colors filled the sky. It was a glorious 11 degrees below zero as we drove over Pine Creek Pass. I could hear in Alicia’s voice the sounds of the next transition. The road was bumpy and Alicia’s groans were strong. I knew we would never make it to the hospital.

More than once, our small caravan pulled over to assess the situation. The rushes of labor continued, as Alicia reached for the handle on the passenger side roof, pulling down, grasping for anything that would help her get through the next ninety seconds.

Then her legs flew up onto the dashboard as her body made way for a blessed child to emerge. She was so strong—a force of absolute nature—and she said, “He’s coming, he’s coming!”

I reached my hands around her, feeling the baby’s head. He flew out of his mother and into my hands. I gently placed him on his mother’s chest and we stopped the car at the nearest pullout. My partner pulled over, jumped into the front seat, and positioned herself on the floor in front of the mother and baby, calmly assessing everything and everyone.

“You are a fierce warrior mama,” she said.

“Delivering a baby in the car was an exciting experience!” Alicia recalls.

“I remember feeling in awe of my body and how I progressed through labor no matter my surroundings. The last stage of labor felt like a force I’ve never encountered before. But by trusting my body, my team, and my baby, I was able to deliver a healthy baby boy in unusual circumstances.”

As the mother and father met their new baby, tears welled in everyone’s eyes. This child did not want to be born at home or at the hospital. He wanted to be born over a snowy mountain pass near the banks of the Snake River. Even though it was cold and dark outside, with all five of us packed into the Smiths’ station wagon we were warm and cozy. We knew of a fellow midwife’s birthing center nearby. Twenty minutes later, mother and child found themselves in a comfortable bed where we cleaned up Alicia and began our newborn exam.

“The memories I have from my wife and son’s birth are clear, calm, and imbued with a powerful sense of purpose,” says Dan. “There was much in our story to cause stress and worry, but much more to cause awe, wonderment, and focus. We all had a role to play. I was deeply grateful to both of the midwives: one for her measured calmness, her attention to detail, and confident decision making; and the other for her grounded energy, her wise coaching, and her support from the back seat.”

While every birth is special, unique, and an honor for a midwife to participate in, this was an extraordinary night no one will forget. With love and support, this woman was able to trust in her body and in her team and welcome a child into the world in the most unusual of places. tf

THE WORST KEPT SECRET Understanding perinatal mood and anxiety disorder

By Melissa Snider

L

et’s be real: Becoming a parent is terrifying! I remember the sweet baby snuggles after our first daughter’s birth, as well as the hard moments. Like sobbing when we were ordered back to the hospital for jaundice treatment the same day we’d been discharged.

Reluctantly revealing to a friend about what might happen to my daughter due to my feelings of helplessness. Being deeply sleepdeprived during the darkest days of the year, unfamiliar with my leaky, squishy body. I felt completely alone.

What I—and up to 80 percent of other new moms—experienced is commonly referred to as the “baby blues.” The blues normally resolve within three weeks after giving birth, but one in seven new moms and one in ten new dads endure something more serious: a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, or PMAD. Normalizing the Conversation Mood disorders can develop any time during pregnancy and for up to a year after giving birth. Symptoms of PMAD can manifest as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or bipolar disorder. Perinatal psychosis is a separate and rare, but very serious, disorder, affecting 1 in 1,000 and requiring immediate intervention.

Child and family therapist Jean Abrams is the clinical director of the Victor, Idaho, office of Teton Behavior Therapy. She and several other therapists in their practice are trained to identify and treat PMADs. “Many mothers and fathers do not receive treatment for PMADs and frankly don’t even know what they’re experiencing most of the time,” says Abrams.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of mood disorder, but she says to watch for excessive crying, anger, irritability, changes in sleep patterns—like an inability to sleep or sleeping too much—changes in eating patterns, or frequent worrying. Dads may isolate themselves socially or experience acute disconnectedness from their partner or baby.

“If you are experiencing extreme thoughts like ‘I can’t do this’ or ‘I’m not fit to be a mom,’ there are concerns,” says Abrams, who adds that parents often minimize their difficult feelings. “There’s a perception that it’ll just go away and that [it] is just part of being a new parent, when that’s not necessarily the case.”

Charlotte Souter—Postpartum Support International (PSI) support coordinator for western Wyoming and Teton Valley, PSI Wyoming chair, and founder of the local organization It Takes a Winter 2019/20 ¤ Teton Family

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RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

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• • •

Postpartum Support International, postpartum.net, 1-800-944-4773 Charlotte Souter, PSI Advocate for Western Wyoming, charlottepsi.tetons@gmail.com, 307-200-9328 (text or call) It Takes a Valley, ittakesavalley-tetons.org

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St. John’s Medical Center, tetonhospital.org, 307-739-4840 Teton Mammas, facebook.com/tetonmammas Teton County Public Health, tetonwyo.org/163/Health-Dept, 307-733-6401 Mindfulness for Mamas, stjohnsjackson.org/mindfulness-for-mamas Community Safety Network, csnjh.org, 24/7 helpline: 307-733-7233 (SAFE), office: 307-733-3711

Teton Valley • • • • •

Teton Valley Mental Health Coalition, tetonvalleymentalhealth.com Community Resource Center of Teton Valley, crctv.org, info@crctv.org, 208-354-0870 Family Safety Network, familysafetynetwork.info, 24/7 helpline: 208-354-7233 (SAFE), office: 208-354-8057.

Teton Valley Health (Driggs Clinic), Anna Giemza-Palmer, FNP Behavioral Health Provider, tvhcare.org, 208-354-2383 Elevated Birth Services, Dani Boettcher White CPM, LM, elevatedbirthservices.com, 307-316-2620

Valley—is a two-time survivor of perinatal anxiety disorder. Souter says it’s easy for parents to blame themselves for things they cannot control or to think they’re alone in their experience.

“You can get through it” on your own, she says, “but there are resources to help you move through [the feelings] more quickly and efficiently and with a healthier outcome.”

Mood disorders have no specific cause, but Abrams highlights certain risk factors. They include hormonal shifts during pregnancy, birth, and weaning from breastfeeding; traumatic birth experiences; hospitalization of a newborn; and domestic violence. Isolation from social circles, returning to work, and financial stressors can also trigger a PMAD. A father’s risk increases if the mother is experiencing a mood disorder. It’s important to be transparent with your health care provider about your personal and family mental health history, as prior mood disorders can increase your risk of suffering a PMAD. Seeking Support A continuum of support awaits parents who reach out for help, explains Abrams. “Not everyone ends up needing medication, but some do.

Medication can help bring you out of that darkness so you can do things like go to that support group or go to that therapy appointment.”

Souter says she first sought out medication and therapy, and then incorporated a daily mindfulness practice. Finally, she shared her personal experience with the community, which she found healing both for herself and for others.

“I think it’s important to share our stories,” she says. “It’s not just mothers who feel like this, it’s fathers, adoptive parents, foster parents, and grandparents who are acting in a parent role, too.”

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Teton Family ¤ Winter 2019/20

Although Souter suffered anxiety with her first child, it wasn’t until her second child was six months old that she had a panic attack, compelling her to seek the treatment she needed. If a parent develops

PMAD once, the likelihood of it happening again is high. However, Souter points out, “If you experience [PMAD] with your first birth and you get help, you’ll know how to handle it in your second birth.”

Abrams says parents often struggle to admit when they need help.

“It goes back to that stigma that motherhood or parenthood should be joyful and filled with loving moments. And if it’s not, you hide it.”

e l e va t e d

Abrams and Souter agree that partners are often the first to notice a shift in their loved one’s behavior. Souter says it can be tough to point out a partner’s abnormal behavior, but it’s essential to be honest.

Friends, doulas, midwives, pediatricians, OB-GYNs and other medical professionals all carry the responsibility of recognizing unhealthy behaviors and thoughts in new parents. Friends can help by paying close attention and going beyond “How are you?” to asking, “How are you, REALLY?” Abrams says it’s best for friends to make themselves available to help. Whether offering to bring a meal on a certain day or scheduling a walk, think of tangible ways to express support and to encourage the parent to say yes to the help.

Reaching Out If you suspect that you, a friend, or loved one is experiencing PMAD, start by calling a local practitioner. Souter will return any individual’s call or text within 24 hours and can connect them to resources that offer the treatment they need.

The bottom line, according to Souter and Abrams, is that a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder is a temporary experience.

Souter reminds parents: “You are not alone. You are not to blame.

With help, you will be well.” tf

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Wine:

Quaff or R

obert Louis Stevenson famously called wine “bottled poetry,” an apt metaphor given the intensity with which people approach the subject of fermented grape juice.

To some, wine is one of life’s great joys, a daily panacea for the soul. To others, it’s nothing more than an elitist beverage.

By some accounts, it’s a superfood. By others, it’s poison. It’s been credited for the French paradox and blamed for breast cancer. But the truth, as it so often does, lies somewhere between those extremes.

For at least 8,000 years, people have consumed wine therapeutically, ceremonially, drunkenly, and sometimes just as an alternative to dirty water in crowded cities. As far back as ancient Egypt, wine served as medicine, used to treat everything from acne to stomach ailments to herpes.

It was even a common anesthesia during childbirth. In the late 1980s, the American media started publishing reports extolling the health benefits of wine. And in the years since, it has been credited with everything from

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Teton Family ¤ Winter 2019/20

Quandary?

A complicated case for a simple pleasure

By Deb Barracato // Photography by Paulette Phlipot

improving cholesterol to halting the progression of macular degeneration, cancer, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and obesity.

Red wine hogs the spotlight in discussions of healthy tippling, with the resveratrol in the grape skins—which give red wine its color—capturing much of the attention.

Some studies show that resveratrol, part of a group of compounds called polyphenols, acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from free radicals, reducing inflammation, and lowering bad cholesterol. It may also contain prebiotics that can strengthen beneficial gut bacteria, the latest buzz in the quest for healthy living.

But many of those health claims rely on anecdotal evidence, and even the scientific studies draw criticism. For every positive finding, another report contradicts it. Some critics of the research argue that the amount of wine a person would need to consume to gain any significant health effect would negate any benefit from drinking it.

Winter 2019/20 ¤ Teton Family

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has long advised against excessive consumption of alcohol, but more recent guidelines caution against even moderate drinking, usually defined as one twelve-ounce beer, five-ounce glass of wine, or one-and-ahalf-ounce pour of liquor a day for women and two a day for men.

To Drink or Not to Drink?

As a consumer, it can be hard to sift through the conflicting information. But Tanya Mark, nutritionist and healthy lifestyles coach in Jackson, simplifies it: “If you don’t drink, you shouldn’t start drinking wine thinking it’s a health food.”

She cautions against getting bogged down with too many facts. She tells her clients to consider wine as a food choice. Like many food choices, it may be fine for some in moderation, but not for others.

“Eating is supposed to be one of life’s greatest pleasures,” she says.

“It’s fine to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner.” But on an individual level, she wants her clients to approach the choice intuitively. Do they feel good when they drink it? Or do they get a headache, stuffy nose, or intestinal distress?

Wine, especially red, can cause allergic-type reactions in some people. Sulfites—compounds that occur naturally in wine but may also be added in small supplemental amounts as a preservative— often take the rap, even though the Food and Drug Administration estimates that less than 1 percent of the U.S. population truly suffers from a sulfite sensitivity. But because wines containing more than 10 parts per million of sulfites are required to include “Contains Sulfites” on the label, they’re an easy scapegoat for any ill effects. For perspective, natural and added sulfites can also be found—often in much greater amounts—in beer and cocktail mixes, commercial baked goods, pickled and fermented products, and dried fruit and fruit juices.

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Teton Family ¤ Winter 2019/20

What You See Isn’t Always What You Get

For all the awareness around food production, with people seeking out organic vegetables, free-range meat, and sustainable wild-caught fish, U.S. consumers remain surprisingly in the dark about what’s in a bottle of wine. Grapes and yeast, of course, but there could also be any of dozens of FDA-allowed additives, including stabilizers, flavor enhancers, and artificial colorings, that could cause adverse reactions in unsuspecting consumers. Yet beyond the varietal, only the alcohol percentage and added sulfites must be listed on the label.

Vegans may unknowingly purchase a product that temporarily contained egg whites, gelatin, or other animal-derived ingredients during the fining process, a method of refinement. Egg whites attract tannins, for example, allowing a winemaker to extract them and control the astringency of the finished product. People with food allergies similarly cannot rely on labels to help them determine the safety of a particular wine, which could contain traces of common allergens such as casein, the protein found in milk, gluten from wheat products, or shellfish, the primary ingredient in a finishing agent used to improve clarity in white wine.

On top of that, independent testing has shown that wines produced in the U.S. overwhelmingly contain at least traces of known synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, even some of those certified as organic or biodynamic, a likely result of unintended cross contamination from neighboring vineyards or farms.

According to the International Organization of Wine and Vine, Americans drink the equivalent of more than 4 billion bottles of wine each year, meaning there’s a lot of mass-produced wine on the table. High-volume operations are as likely to employ food chemists as they are a vintner. But it’s not just the inexpensive bottles like “Two-Buck Chuck” or the bargain boxes on the grocery store shelves that contain uncertain cocktails of ingredients. Respected

DRY FARMING A “dry-farmed wine” refers to a wine produced with farming methods that rely only on natural rainfall, without the use of supplemental irrigation. producers selling $100 bottles use additives to manipulate the flavor of their wines. The adjustments may be minimal or they may result in a product akin to manufactured snack foods like Doritos, but without labeling requirements it can be hard to tell.

John Koenig, a level two sommelier who works at Warbirds Restaurant in Driggs and a distributor for Purveyor of Wines, based in Teton Valley, explains that winemakers have traditionally used various techniques and ingredients to remove impurities, enhance the flavor or aroma, balance acidity, and control the amount of alcohol in their wine. As the industry has grown, the prevalence of factory-produced wine, which takes the science of oenology out of the field and into the lab, has increased to meet consumer demand, both in terms of supply and taste preferences. This “fortified grape juice,” as Koenig refers to it, may even contain distilled spirits.

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Decoding the Marketing Jargon

Although wine labels contain minimal information, Koenig says consumers can look for certain details to get a better idea of production methods. In very broad terms, he says, single varietals offer a better chance for quality. Closer inspection of a label can reveal the geographic origin, the actual vineyard, and in some cases even the specific section where the grapes were grown. Winemakers who go to that level of detail tend to operate on a more sustainable production model, he says, limiting the use of chemicals that could affect the resulting flavor of their wine.

European appellation designations such as the French AOP (Appellation Winter 2019/20 ¤ Teton Family

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d’Origine Protégée) or Italian DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) indicate that the grapes were grown and the wine was produced in accordance to strict regional standards. However, Koenig says, the American designation AVA (American Viticultural Area) tells consumers where the wine comes from, but is not a real distinction of quality.

It can be more difficult to identify organic or biodynamic wines.

Certified producers can include that information on their labels, but many small operations that use sustainable methods without synthetic chemical interventions don’t have the means to obtain certification, which can be both costly and time-consuming. Natural winemakers take sustainable production a step further by eschewing any manipulation, including the introduction of commercial yeasts.

Dry-farmed wines, a more recent catchword creating buzz in the world of wine, refers to production relying only on natural annual rainfall, without the use of supplemental irrigation. Although a standard practice in many wine-producing regions of the world, it’s now being hyped in the U.S. as a healthier product. According to Koenig, the practice generally results in a better flavor and a better expression of terroir, as the grapevines dig deeper into the ground in search of water. “The harder a grapevine has to grow, the more flavor the grapes will extract from the soil,” he explains. But it’s just one element in the production process; a wine identified as “dry-farmed” does not necessarily mean it’s organic, natural, or without a slew of additives.

Consumer Advocates

Wine lovers may find the noise disheartening. But just as artisan food producers encourage connection between field and consumer, 26

Teton Family ¤ Winter 2019/20

so do boutique vintners such as Anthony Schroth of Jackson Hole Winery. He literally does the groundwork for his customers, tromping through vineyards in California and Washington, asking probing questions about their farming practices, and tasting grapes right off the vine, to make sure he delivers the best possible product to his customers.

“You have to have a passion for it or otherwise you just won’t do it,” he says, acknowledging that most small-scale producers, whether they’re making cheese or jam or wine, go about it with a quality mindset. “It’s a tremendous amount of work that takes constant care and attention. People who put that level of effort into [the process] are wanting to do it the right way.”

Some Teton region retailers try to help their customers identify choice wines with supplemental labels on the shelves. At Jackson Whole Grocer, beverage manager and wine buyer Mary Covert prominently displays a rotating selection of Earth-friendly wines.

The lineup contains only organic, biodynamic, and sustainable brands personally selected as favorites by the staff, so she feels confident in recommending them.

Across the hill, Beau Jacoby of Barrels and Bins in Driggs works closely with a couple of distributers to source natural wines or those produced using only wild fermentation and no artificial intervention. Ryan McReynolds, owner of Bent Frenchman, a niche distribution company operating in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, finds many of the limited-production bottles Jacoby sells. “‘Natural’ isn’t a standardized term, it’s an industry term,” McReynolds explains. But to him, it’s the purest and only true

NATURAL WINE Natural winemakers take sustainable production one step further by eschewing any product manipulation, including chemical interventions and the introduction of commercial yeasts. expression of the art of winemaking. He celebrates what he describes as the authentic flavor that results when a winemaker allows the alchemy of nature to craft the product.

Right now, natural wine accounts for less than 1 percent of the worldwide supply, he says, partly because a lack of understanding on the part of the consumer limits demand.

Just as one peach may taste sweeter or more floral than another, or one chili may deliver a much hotter bite than another of the exact same variety, wine produced naturally varies in flavor. This makes it a harder sell to consumers conditioned by a McDonald’s culture to expect consistency from vintage to vintage or bottle to bottle, McReynolds says. Mass-produced wines, on the other hand, offer that consistency, but at the expense of quality and purity.

Still, he expresses confidence that with exposure and education, consumers will start to come around. And Covert thinks growing awareness among consumers will force more transparency from producers. When that happens, all of the small players—the boutique winemakers, the distributors and retailers who accept accountability for the products they sell, and the consumers who hold the most power to change the industry—stand to win. tf

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ALPHA THE

PROJECT A cultural union creates an unlikely family

Alpha Barrie (background) and Adam Towle (foreground) speak the same language when it comes to boardsports, especially on a powder day.

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Teton Family ¤ Winter 2019/20

By Christina Shepherd McGuire // Photography by Mike McKelvey

A

lpha Barrie is my friend. He’s my husband’s friend and a good friend to my children. In fact, looking at him—a man with an upbringing and culture so different from our own—through the eyes of a child, the distinctions barely show.

new friend if he would help him travel to the States to learn how to snowboard.

You see, we all love to snowboard. We get filled up by the mountains in the same way, and the endorphin-induced fatigue at the end of a day spent on the hill manifests equally in all of us. Alpha’s infectious personality and innocent stoke is the cup of hot cocoa to our cold winter day.

And he makes us all realize, as a family, just how good we have it—in both our country and our mountain community.

One hundred and sixty American dollars later, and with a visa application in hand, Adam knew Alpha was serious.

I was introduced to Alpha three years ago by our friend, Victor resident Adam Towle.

Adam, an unlikely surfer from Topeka, Kansas, planned a trip to Sierra Leone, Africa, in 2016, not long after the country was stricken with a massive Ebola outbreak, putting the world on high alert. He was in search of waves and was attracted to the West African coast because he wanted to help out.

Disease, war, and treacherous conditions never thwarted any of Adam’s cockamamie excursions before. Still, though my husband and I chuckled over his indifference to the conditions in Africa, we stifled our concern for his well-being.

Once overseas, Adam was welcomed with open arms by Alpha’s hometown of Bureh Beach—a small community of 600 people on Africa’s west coast, about a two-hour drive south of the capital city Freetown. He came gifting supplies for the local surfers and ready to help purchase paint and get to work on the Bureh Beach Club, an ex-pat enclave where Alpha worked.

Adam and Alpha’s friendship grew during weeks spent together exploring neighboring surf spots. Adam introduced Alpha to the concept of surfing on snow, a medium foreign to the West African, showing him videos on his phone and kindling Alpha’s imagination.

“He told me about snowboarding,” said Alpha.

“And since I grew up doing board sports, I thought, ‘I’d love to try something new.’ It made me excited to see something I’ve never seen in my life. … Adam and I spoke the same language.”

Before Adam departed for home, Alpha asked his

“I gave him my word that I would try my best to get him here,” Adam said, “But I didn’t give it much of a chance of happening. It’s hard for a young guy with no assets to get a tourist visa. So I told him if he found out what it took [to obtain a visa], I’d help him.”

“To me, $160 is a slow night of work at the Knotty Pine,” said Adam, referring to the Victor venue where he works as bar manager. “If there was a chance we could make it happen, it was worth the expense.”

An Improbable Promise

Alpha, 26, grew up with his mother and grandmother, both fishmongers. He has two siblings—Fatmata, 21, and John, 16—and a 6-year-old daughter, Henrietta. They all live with Alpha’s mother, and John and Henrietta go to school in the nearby town of Tumbu, riding taxis about six miles each way, with school days dependent upon the passibility of unimproved roads. The thought of international travel to Alpha or any of his relatives seemed like a pipe dream, but the family fully supported their son, brother, and father.

So Alpha got to work on the visa process, filling out stacks of paperwork and studying interview questions with the help of his friend, Matt Gill, an American ex-pat surfer working in Sierra Leone. Matt spent most of his downtime coaching Alpha on what to say and how to present himself.

“I gave him about a 20 percent chance,” Adam said of Alpha’s visa prospects. “Still, on my end, I needed him to have an angle. I wanted to make Alpha the first Sierra Leonean snowboarder.”

Adam wrote to immigration explaining how experiencing snow sports would benefit Alpha and his country. Jackson Hole Snowboard Team coach Lance Pittman wrote an invitation letter to Alpha, emphasizing the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club’s mission of making snow sports inclusive to all. And then, one week before Alpha’s interview, Adam opened a savings account and deposited enough money to show that he could support this young African man.

Adam sent Alpha $60 to buy new clothes for the interview, and Matt drove Alpha to the American Embassy in Freetown, where he nervously sat in the waiting room watching the four people in front of him get denied. But during Alpha’s own nerve-racking interview, the immigration officer asked him to hand in his passport. That instant, Alpha knew he was in.

A Home Without Barriers

And so began Alpha’s three-winter stay in the Tetons, Winter 2019/20 ¤ Teton Family

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living with Adam and his wife, Tressa, in Victor and snowboarding nearly every day.

During his first season, the community rallied to support their newfound friend.

“I had to get Alpha completely outfitted for winter, head to toe,” recalled Adam. “Friends donated boots, bindings, and clothing. And Targhee donated a pass. … Random people at the bar were giving me $100 bills so that I could get him what he needed.”

Adam had no idea that the community would care as much as he did about an African man’s journey from a poor beach town to an affluent resort destination. And Alpha acknowledged his supporters by approaching snowboarding like it was his job—proficiency being his payback. Armed with everything he needed to play in the mountains, he quickly took to the sport and soon was surfing the snow as if it were the familiar waves of his own backyard.

For Adam and Tressa, the makeshift family they created with Alpha brought them a joy that can only be experienced by those who have bettered another’s existence. Alpha integrated himself right into the family scene: washing dishes, vacuuming the house, tending the farm animals. Alpha’s primarily pescatarian diet was transformed when he was introduced to bacon and when he sank his teeth into a juicy burger at The Pine. The family snowmobiled deep into the backcountry together and ventured on horsepacking trips when the winter snow receded.

After the first year, Alpha established his pattern: He would spend six months in the Tetons, then go back home to Africa with the hopes that Salt Lake City immigration would let him back in again six months later.

Much More Than a Project

Homeschoolers Laila and Avery Borich (11 and 7, respectively), of Victor, learned about Alpha through their parents and were inspired to meet and welcome him to the valley. So they scheduled a ski and snowboarding date together as part of their usual homeschool schedule. The morning pickup was early and the snow report: good.

“It felt weird when we picked him up because we didn't really know him,” recalled Laila. “Then, on our way to Targhee, things got a little better because he showed us how to do cute hairstyles on our Barbies.” (Alpha’s daughter Henrietta plays with Barbies.)

Jen Fisher, the girls’ mother, recalled how the “stoke was high” on that powder day. She remembered the group taking off from the chairlift and skiing through Targhee’s football fields and into the South Chutes, a place where 30

Teton Family ¤ Winter 2019/20

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Alpha, Laila (age 11), and Avery (age 7) enjoy a snowmobile romp around the girls' yard on a sunny winter day.

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Laila and Avery hope to bring more attention to their “Alpha Project” this winter by holding marketing roundtables, spreading the word on social media, and sending out email blasts.

You can learn about their campaign at gofundme.com/f/the-alpha-project; any contribution not only helps provide a shelter for Alpha, but also further connects cultures in a seemingly divided world.

In the Tetons, family does't always

Avery, 5 at the time, had never skied.

“I was scared because we followed [Alpha] somewhere I hadn’t been before,” said Avery.

But her fears melted when she heard cheers coming from the bottom of the run. Alpha and Kurt, the girls’ father, coached Avery through the steep rock bands to the bottom. And with the courage of accomplishment, yet another bond was formed.

“

I had to get Alpha completely outfitted for winter, head to toe. Friends donated boots, bindings, and clothing. And Targhee donated a pass. ...

Random people at the [Knotty Pine] were giving me $100 bills so that I could get him what he needed.

”

– Adam, A lpha's sponsor

The girls were motivated to discover more about their new friend and the place he called home. They researched Sierra Leone and learned about the country’s civil war and unrest. They journaled questions for Alpha— about his life and his family—and saved them for their next visit with him.

“I found out that he had a little girl and they didn’t have a house,” said Laila as she recounted her inspiration to start a GoFundMe page for Alpha.

She found out that it would take $15,000 to $20,000 to build a concrete house for Alpha’s family. With this goal set, they got to work on their page, communicating with Alpha back 32

Teton Family ¤ Winter 2019/20

at home via Facebook, mean "blood relatives." Here, Adam, and adding pictures and Alpha, Laila, and Avery (from left profiles to their funding to right) share in the stoke. site. Once the page was up and running, the girls organized a pop-up lemonade stand and sold old toys and books, raising money to donate to the cause.

Throughout the process, there was much talk about the differences between Africa’s economy and that of the U.S. The girls discovered how, in many other cultures, families grow their own food and can’t “just go to the store and buy something,” said Laila.

“It’s harder to get money doing the same stuff we do here,“ she added.

This summer, Alpha completed the final year of his three-year tourist visa. But that doesn’t mean he’s gone for good. With the help of Adam and his family, immigration lawyers, and a U.S. senator to back him, Alpha was recently awarded another three-year visa. He will return this January to continue snowboarding and pursuing a GED, a process he is halfway through. The visa extension will take Alpha one step closer to his dreams of becoming an accountant, a trade he believes can better his African family’s fishmonger business.

With the backing of friends and a never-wavering attitude, Alpha’s U.S. experience holds remarkable meaning for this young man. But it’s the friendships formed in our unique and remote community that will forever live in his heart. “[Coming to Teton Valley], honestly, changed my life in a better way,” said Alpha. “People are so nice and always want to help. It's not like that back home, where only your family can help you.

Here, people call me ‘brother.’ And it shows me how amazing the people are in this community.” tf

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