Missoula Valley December 2015 by City Lifestyle

Missoula Valley DECEMBER 2015

MissoulaValleyLifestyle.com

™

' Tis the Season

PAIR IT WITH A PRESENT: GIFT IDEAS FOR WINE LOVERS STORYTELLING THAT CONNECTS US BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING: ONE WOMAN'S SPIRIT TO GIVE BACK

5064 Skyway Drive • $760,000 20+ acres is adjacent to Forest Service and BLM land on 3 sides. Beautiful 4 bd, 3 bath home plus huge 2160 sq ft shop with heat and water. Unparalleled views in every direction are phenomenal, privacy is exceptional. Paradise! mls#20154139

3880 Fox Farm Road • $650,000 Exquisite 3bd/3bth home in the highly desired Upper Rattlesnake. The welcoming front entrance guides you into the main levels’ comfortable living areas, & the upper level features bd/bths & an add’l space to the Juliet balcony. mls#20156362

Judy Gudgel

Jen Clement

406-329-2017

406-329-2077

18815 Remount Road | $339,900 Historic and Charming 9 Mile Schoolhouse, Teacherage and numerous outbuildings. Step into this storybook setting complete with 2 bedroom, 1 bath schoolhouse remodeled as grand residence. Teacherage features 4 bdrms & 2 baths. mls#20152351

Katie Ward

406-541-4000

The Luxury Collection truly is a premier service for those seeking a life without compromise. Our agents provide maximum exposure to qualified prospective buyers through a sophisticated, integrated marketing program that highlights the unique qualities your property has to offer to the most exclusive audience. LuxuryMT.com

www.BHHSMT.com

©2015 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

IT’S A WRAP

From door-busting new arrivals to the classics that never go out of style, we have the holidays all wrapped up.

COME SEE WHAT’S IN STORE.

shopsouthgate.com 2901 Brooks Street | Missoula, MT

Lifestyle Letter

The reason for the season. M

y father has been walking around the Bitterroot and Missoula valleys with his Santa’s hat since November 4. He loves Christmastime. Our home during the holidays used to smell of egg nog and evergreen. There was never a fake tree in our house. Then we didn’t live in the same house, or even the same state or country for a while. During my late teens and early 20s (actually longer), I suffered from a truly epic case of self-righteousness and ceased all communication with my dad for three years; then my younger brother, Michael, whom I’ve always been very close with and who had been living with our mom, Dan (stepfather) and me in Texas, returned to California to live with our dad. It was the best thing for him but something was lost. Of course, I didn’t notice anything amiss until last year when I moved to Montana to be with my dad and Michael came to visit for five months. I missed them. And that time together. The Spanish word for “miss” in this context is extrañar. Los extrañé. Coincidentally, if you were to say you “missed a flight” in Spanish, you’d use the word perder for miss. Perder means to lose something. I lost them. We lost time together. Lost or broken relationships are a lot harder to get back than, say, a set of car keys, which, when I find them under a stack of magazines or laundry, makes me feel pretty awesome. Christmas—a time of giving—celebrates the birth of the greatest gift in the world. He was the gift. For me, Christmas isn’t about giving. It’s about receiving the only gift that counts: Jesus. That gift comes with, among other things, restoration of things and people lost. What I got back is nothing short of miraculous. Our dad, Michael and I were like children—and we still are, to be quite honest—during this five-month period. We played Settlers of Cataan nearly every Sunday evening (I won nine times!). We cooked dinner every night and ate at the table together. We cleaned up together, watched movies and TV together, floated the Bitterroot River together. We went to town together, we worked around my dad’s property together. All together. Just as I imagined we would have done had I not been such a little (probably huge) brat. With such gratitude—never will I be able to say it or give it enough to God—and a humble heart, which I pray will be made humbler each day, I receive the gift. I receive Jesus Christ.

DECEMBER 2015 publisher

Michael Tucker | MTucker@LifestylePubs.com editor

Danielle M. Antonetti | DAntonetti@LifestylePubs.com administrative assistant

Chelsea Lyn Drake | Chelsea.LynDrake@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers

Chelsea Lyn Drake, Pamela Dunn-Parrish, Anne Potter Ross, Brianna Randall, Mike Tornatore, Susie Wall contributing photographers

Pamela Dunn-Parrish, Amanda Peterson

corporate team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

| Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

| Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ART DIRECTOR

| Brad Broockerd

| Sara Minor

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AD COORDINATORS

| DeLand Shore

| Nicole Sylvester

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker

COPY EDITOR

| Kendra Mathewson

APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPER

| Michael O’Connell | Hanna Park

Danielle M. Antonetti, Editor DAntonetti@LifestylePubs.com by Community ™

MissoulaValleyLifestyle.com ON THE COVER "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16, NKJV PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAMELA DUNN-PARRISH 4

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2015

JOIN US

TALK TO US

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Missoula Valley Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Missoula Valley’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Missoula Valley Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

LEGENDARY...

SOUTHGATE MALL MISSOULA, MT 542-SEED MUSTARDSEEDWEB.COM

HOLIDAY SALE

Best Prices of the Season!

Liquid Assets/ Liberty Safes of MT 615 Highton St. Missoula, MT 59802 Phone/Fax: 1-406-542-6606 Toll Free: 1-888-542-6606 December 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

December 2015

Departments

Good Times

Around Town

Local Limelight

Locals Only

Style Wise

Hops & Vine

Financial Fitness

Lifestyle Calendar

Parting Thoughts

12 The Stories That Bind Us

Storytellers take the stage with the 'Tell Us Something' project.

20 A Spirit to Volunteer

One woman's quest to stay busy...at 90!

26 Pair It With a Present

Wine Guy Mike offers his holiday gift recommendations.

December 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

Good Times

24th Annual Cowboy Ball

Guests at the Grizzly Rodeo's event, which raises funds for the UM Rodeo Team,Â dined on prime rib, bid on silent and live auction items, and danced to the two-steppin' sounds of the Shane Clouse Band. PHOTOGRAPHY PAMELA DUNN-PARRISH

To have your event included here, email DAntonetti@LifestylePubs.com for details. 8

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2015

Keep the memories alive....

PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUSED ON DETAILS

Portraits | Fine Art | Events | Commercial OpenLensByPamela.com | 406.370.2704

IF THIS CAUGHT YOUR EYE... Just think what a DEALERS CHOICE DETAIL can do for your car, boat, and RV.....

NEW YEAR – NEW YOU

• Weight loss • Nutritional support • Stress management • Stop smoking (Just to name a few!)

Safe, gentle & effective

health care.

FULL DETAIL ENGINE • INTERIOR • POLISH & WAX SCOTCH GUARDING • ACCESSORIES • ODOR REMOVAL SAME DAY SERVICE • GIFT CERTIFICATES

Rebecca Sobin, D.A.O.M., L.Ac. Tonia Janzen, M.Ac.O.M., L.Ac. Dallas Seaber, M.Ac.O.M., L.Ac.

More questions? 3031 S. Russell St.

We’re here for you.

728-1600

acupunctureclinicofmissoula.com

Dealers Choice Detail, LLC

KENDRA OLSHOVE

kendra.dealerschoicedetail@hotmail.com

549-3344

335 N. Russell Street December 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

Around Town WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! At Missoula Valley Lifestyle, our goal is to share the best that our community has to offer as well as news about our neigh-

Hellgate Transportion, charge is $2 one way or $3 round trip. Snowbowl will be closed Christmas Day. Visit MontanaSnowBowl.com for more information.

bors. Do you have wedding or engagement news to share? Do you know an outstanding educator or student we should spotlight? Is there a great new restaurant in town that everyone needs to know about? Please let us know so we can share it with our neighbors in an upcoming issue. You can reach our team at DAntonetti@LifestylePubs.com.

SAY ‘RUFF’ FOR SANTA Santa loves pets as much as we do. Regardless of whether the furriest member of your family was naughty or nice this year, he (or she) is welcome to come sit on Santa’s lap for a portrait at Southgate Mall at the JCPenney Court on Sunday, December 6 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. His (or her) human(s) can be in them, too. For more information, visit ShopSouthgate.com or call 406.721.5140.

FESTIVAL OF TREES

A MILLION TIMES YES

Head over to the Florence Hotel, 111 N. Higgins Ave., for the Festival

The community answered MCT Inc.’s goal of raising $1 mil-

of Trees. The events support Mountain Home Montana, a nonprofit that

lion for the "One Million Reasons to Say Yes” campaign. Earlier

serves young mothers and their babies from across Western Montana.

this year, MCT launched the campaign after board member and

Schedule of Events:

Missoula businessman Craig Langel offered to donate $250,000

• Tour of Trees: Enjoy the beautifully decorated Christmas trees on

to the nonprofit—as long as MCT raised the rest. The funds are

December 4 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and December 5 from 10 a.m. to

being used to retire the mortgage on the MCT building, freeing

4 p.m.; entrance fee is $2.

up funds to do more work with the schools and launch other

• Teddy Bear Tea: Young Missoulians and their teddy bears are

programs. Congratulations to MCT!

invited to spend the morning sipping tea, making crafts, enjoying snacks, and visit-

KUDOS TO SUSSEX

ing with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Decem-

Sussex School, a K-8 progressive,

ber 5 from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Governors

independent school, was chosen by

Room. Entrance fee: $10.

TheBestSchools.org as one of the

• Wine & Pine Dinner and Auction: An

50 Best Private Elementary Schools

evening of live and silent auctions, hol-

in the U.S. The site selected Sussex

iday music, and a gourmet dinner party.

School based on several weighted

Tickets are $65 each.

factors, including academic excel-

For more information and tickets, email

lence, extracurricular richness, geo-

Info@MountainHomeMT.org, call 406.541.4663

graphical and demographical diver-

or visit MountainHomeMT.org/festival.

sity, and reputation. Ranking criteria include the following:

SKI SEASON IS HERE

• The school must have at least three

Friday, December 4 marks opening day of

of the six grades (first through sixth

the 2015-16 ski season at Snowbowl, weather

grade) that are traditionally catego-

permitting. Snowbowl will be open daily start-

rized as elementary-level grades.

ing Friday, December 18 through February 29.

• They must exceed nearby pub-

Weekend shuttle service starts on December

lic schools in course selections

19 and the pick-up will be near the Town

and success.

Pump station at the base of Grant Creek at

• They must have a reputation for

8:45 a.m. and leave the Snowbowl parking lot

producing students who are well

at 4:15 p.m. Shuttle service will be daily De-

prepared to take the next steps in

cember 26 through January 3. Operated by

their education.

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2015

• Though they are organized as businesses, the schools must have

ing Tent at the annual Arlee Celebration and the Science Bytes pro-

a reputation for treating families with fairness and compassion.

gram that provides hands-on STEM enrichment at free lunch sites

• They actively seek to treat parents as partners in the educa-

during the summer.

tional process. • They openly and regularly celebrate the students and their accomplishments. “Sussex has a long history of providing an exceptional education to children and families in Missoula. From twice winning recognition from the Department of Education to this most recent ranking, Sussex has been at the forefront of teaching and learning for 45 years,” says Sussex School Director Greg Friedman. “We are very proud of our exceptional teachers, progressive curriculum, community focus, outdoor programs, and emphasis on the whole child. We welcome this opportunity for others to learn more about what makes Sussex great.”

THE GIFT OF LIFE The holidays are a time of year we look forward to with childlike anticipation. It is a time of giving, selflessness, love and joy. The tradition of giving gifts to our loved ones fills us with holiday spirit and

CPA TEST NOW OFFERED IN MISSOULA

warms us from within. This holiday season, consider giving a gift that

Testing Services, a division of the Office of Career Services at the

reduces commercialism and gives a second chance to a hungry or

University of Montana, is now offering the Uniform Certified Public

homeless animal. With your help we can continue to give the gift of

Accountant Examination to test-takers hoping to earn CPA licensure

life to thousands of animals in need. Please help us fill the hungry

in Montana and other states. “Having the CPA exam offered on the

tummies and hungry hearts of the animals we care for. Every dona-

UM campus in Missoula is a huge benefit to UM accounting students

tion, large or small, makes a difference and is deeply appreciated. To

and anyone on this side of the state,” said Teresa Beed, UM professor

make a donation or for more information about how to help, contact

and director of the Master of Accountancy program at the School of

AniMeals at 406.721.4710 or AniMeals.com.

Business Administration. “Many students went to Spokane when the Helena testing site was full. Current students are elated they don’t

WINTER WONDERLAND ICE SKATING

have to travel for the exam. We’re grateful to UM Career Services for

Get into the holiday spirit as you skate among snow banks,

working so hard to make this a reality.” Test-takers need to go online to

trees and lights during the Winter Wonderland at Glacier Ice

NASBA.ORG/exams/cpaexam/montana to apply and pay for the

Rink, 1101 South Ave W. There are extended public skating hours

exam and to Prometric.com/cpa to schedule a day and time to take it.

and you can warm up with hot chocolate from the concession stand. Skating dates and times are December 21-27 from 9 a.m.

PUBLIC MARKET IS OPEN

to noon, 1 to 4 p.m., and 5 to 8 p.m. Santa Claus will be in town...

The Missoula Winter Public Market is open Saturdays through

on his Zamboni...to skate with kids and pose for photos on De-

April 23 at the HIVE Missoula building, 800 S. Third St., from 10 a.m.

cember 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., December 23 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.,

to 2 p.m. The market will be closed on Saturday, January 2. For more

and December 24 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Visit GlacierIceRink.com

information, visit Facebook.com/MslaWinterPublicMarket.

for more information.

CONGRATS TO SPECTRUM AND SCINATION

NEW YEAR'S EVENTS

The University of Montana spectrUM Discovery Area and its

New Year's Eve Montana Style

partner on the Flathead Indian Reservation, SciNation, have re-

Grab your boots, bring your appetite and get ready to dance. KYSS

ceived the 2015 Paul Shin Memorial Award from the Coalition on the

FM and Chicks N Chaps have partnered to deliver this special New

Public Understanding of Science. The award recognizes dedication

Year's event. Starting at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, the Cold Hard

to communicating science to the public and inspiring others to do

Cash Show will play the music of Johnny Cash. The event will include

the same. The award, which carries a cash prize, was announced at

a 14-dish spread from the hotel's Executive Chef Ben. Tickets are $85

the COPUS annual conference. SciNation members Whisper Cam-

or $160 for a pair. Visit KYSSFM.com for more information.

el-Means and Stephanie Gillin, both wildlife biologists with the Con-

First Night Missoula

federated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Wildlife Management Program,

The Missoula Cultural Council presents its annual family-friendly, al-

and Jessie Herbert, spectrUM’s STEM Education Program manager,

cohol-free celebration—the city's largest performing arts festival—to ring

jointly accepted the award. The award honors spectrUM and Sci-

in the new year. First Night celebrates the city's art and culture with live

Nation’s collaborative engagement with the Flathead Reservation’s

music and performing arts in various locations from noon to midnight.

communities. Their cooperative efforts include the Science Learn-

For more information, visit MissoulaCultural.org/first-night-missoula. December 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

Local Limelight

The

Stories That Bind Us 'TELL US SOMETHING' CONNECTS PEOPLE THROUGH THE POWER OF STORYTELLING

ARTICLE BRIANNA RANDALL PHOTOGRAPHY AMANDA PETERSON

mmigrant parents. Beauty pageants and bar scenes. Camping with black bears. Car crashes and whitewater rapids. Falling in love. Falling out of love. Heart-rending tales of loss and heart-bursting tales of joy. These are the extraordinary, everyday stories of the people living, working, growing up, and growing old here in Missoula. They are captured by Tell Us Something, a project that brings together storytellers and listeners at intimate live events and with free podcasts. “Everyone has a story, and everyone’s story is worth hearing,” says Marc Moss, executive director of Tell Us Something. With plenty of storytelling podcasts and live events peppered across the country, Moss says that Missoula isn’t reinventing the wheel. Rather, Tell Us Something offers a fun, safe, place-based venue for Missoulians to tell stories directly to their community. Back in 2011, a friend of Moss, Patrick Duganz, took the first step by bringing people together a handful of times to tell stories at the Badlander. But when Duganz moved to Bozeman, Moss—one of 12

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2015

Pat Williams

Jim Ambrose

Colee Garr

Karen McNenny

the first storytellers to brave the stage at the Badlander—took over as the project lead. Moss’ first order of business was coming up with a name for the new storytelling project. He and his board members settled quickly on “Tell Us Something,” hoping it would invite people to start talking. It worked. Turns out that Missoulians have a lot to say. And they like listening, too. During the first official show at the Top Hat, 150 people showed up. Tell Us Something now features short stories told live at the Top Hat four times per year. Over the past couple of years, the venue has maxed out at 275 people during each show. The storyteller roster is full long in advance, too. Why is Tell Us Something so popular? “Because stories are important,” says Moss. “They bind us together as humans.” It probably helps that Missoula has an above-average number of writers, artists and actors per capita who embrace creative events and aren’t afraid of being on stage. That’s why Moss is fired up about expanding the project to include more storytellers and reach more audiences.

For instance, this past summer Tell Us Something partnered with the Zootown Arts Community Center to include young people. They put on a storytelling summer camp to coach six students from local junior and senior high schools. These students shared their true stories at the Top Hat in July. To reach a larger audience, Tell Us Something is trying out the newly remodeled Wilma for this month’s show. The upcoming theme for the December 8 event is “Illumination/Revelation.” Through trial and error, Moss has learned that the “sweet spot” for live events is keeping stories to 10 minutes, and presenting no more than 10 stories total. Each show also has a theme that links the different stories. All stories are recorded, so they can be downloaded as podcasts after the event. The project’s website serves as the library for these podcasts, which are all free. Here’s how the nuts and bolts work: People submit their story for consideration by leaving a brief pitch over voice mail. Once accepted, all storytellers are required to attend a three-hour workshop. The workshop provides a “safe place” to work out story kinks, learn simple tips for what works on stage, and get feedback from fellow storytellers. Moss coaches participants on everything from how close to stand to the microphone to how to deal with audience members who might interrupt their flow. He also cautions storytellers that this event is not a place to whine, rant, sell products, or

Ingrid Biehl

CONTINUED >

December 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

THE STORIES THAT BIND US (CONTINUED)

practice performance art. It is, however, a place to celebrate each other, empower each other, and connect to each other. Mostly, it’s a place to have fun. “My job is to convince people to tell their story, help them, and then get out of the way,” Moss says. After four years directing the project as a side job, Moss recently quit his fulltime job to dedicate more time to growing Tell Us Something. “I want to ramp this up. That means raising money,” he says. The project is fiscally sponsored by the Missoula Community Foundation to provide donors the incentive of tax-deductible donations.

Down the road, Moss hopes to pay the storytellers: “I want to give back to the people who are putting themselves out there in a very vulnerable way.” He also plans to bring live storytelling to other Montana towns in the coming years. For now, though, Tell Us Something is focused on helping Missoulians tell each other stories.

“It’s been super fun to launch this project and see it take off,” says Moss. “At the end of the day, it’s the storytellers who make the magic happen.”

NEXT SHOW

When: Thursday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. Where: The Wilma, 131 S. Higgins Cost: $5 To tell your story, record a pitch at 406.203.4683. You can learn more and listen to past events by visiting TellUsSomething.org.

Mason Catmull

Karla Theilen

Jon Turk

Marlise Borchers

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2015

Storyteller Cheyenne Aura Rogers with Marc Moss

We achieve REAL results with up to 90% LESS ADJUSTING because... • Less than 1% of chiropractors are trained to do what we do. • We correct the cause and not just treat the symptom.

Which means that...

• You will feel better faster.

• You will save time and money.

Which really means... • You are

HAPPY and feel GREAT doing the things you LOVE!

$47 New Patient Offer Receive an initial consultation and examination for just $47 (a $300 value). Includes any necessary X-Rays.

Call 406-541-8888 for an appointment. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 1/24/16.

B ac k & N eck Pai n • H eadache s • Pinche d Ne rve s • We Can He lp !

See what people are saying: 1070 N Russell Street, Missoula | 406-541-8888 | KriegChiropractic.com Dr. April Foster and Dr. Susan Tiede

Little patients. Big smiles.

We specialize in dental care for infants, children, young adults and patients with special needs. And we make it fun.

New Patients Welcome. 3020 South Reserve St. missoulapediatricdentistry.com | 541-7334 December 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

Locals Only

THROUGH THE

FIRE SHANE CLOUSE MAKES A DIFFERENCE WITH HIS MUSIC

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PAMELA DUNN-PARRISH

sign at the Bluebird Café in Nashville reads, “It takes years to become an overnight success.” Native Missoulian and singer-songwriter Shane Clouse read it every time he threw his name into the hat at “Writers in the Round” nights. “I was scared but I knew I had to push myself to get better,” he says, “and this was the best place to do the growing.” Clouse grew. And came back to Montana, where he’s making a difference with his music, running the family business Pink Grizzly Greenhouse, and playing zookeeper with his wife Kelly on their farm.

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2015

WHAT AND WHO INSPIRES/INFLUENCES

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST CD AND

YOUR MUSIC?

WHAT YOU’VE BEEN UP TO:

My music is what I would call Americana, and I am inspired by the people and the world around me, particularly nature. Nature is unspoiled and unblighted yet brutal and unforgiving. It is beauty, rage, peace and passion all at once. My influences are Beethoven, Sting, Waylon Jennings, Rogers & Hammerstein, Alice in Chains. Quite an eclectic collection of musical interests.

Earlier this year I took some time away from performing at clubs to finish my latest CD Through the Fire. The record has 11 originals and two covers I've always wanted to record. It is my best work to date and has some of the finest musicians performing on it. And I also decided to take time for my wife Kelly and me. We bought a farm in 2014 and I am working to enjoy that new 16

part of our lives, but music is always intertwined in my life. There would be no music without Kelly. She inspires me and pushes me to keep the “fire” alive. I also just ended my "Through the Fire" tour in Napa, Calif., where I performed an annual concert called “Montana Matters.” The concert raised funds for projects such as my Teller Wildlife Refuge “2016 Youth Outdoor Conservation and Education Expo,” which brings over 30 conservation groups together to benefit area youth; it’s totally free to the youth and their families.

HOW’D YOUR MUSIC GET INVOLVED WITH THE MONTANA OUTDOOR LEGACY FOUNDATION?

Seven years ago I wrote a song called “Montana Matters” in support of conservation and to bring people together to protect nature and Montana’s agrarian way of life. I've always believed agriculture and conservation go hand in hand. The song opened up many new doors for me to perform in support of different conservation groups including Montana's Outdoor Legacy Foundation. MTOLF shares my vision of farmers, ranchers and conservationists working together to preserve agriculture, wild things and wild places. That is what makes Montana so unique. For instance, many Montana farmers and ranchers allow hundreds of elk and other wildlife to graze their valuable hay fields and pastures. California is a beautiful state with much suitable habitat, but I doubt any grape farmer would allow 400 head of elk to graze their crops. Montana farmers and ranchers support our state’s vast wildlife resources, and I believe they are underappreciated for doing so. ANNIE OAKLEY IS SUCH A CUTIE, BUT YOU CALL HER FROGGY.

Its time to take care of your dental needs. Let us give you something to smile about.

WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT? WHO’S HER FRIEND?

Annie Oakley is my Kelpie’s registered name. She crawls around like a frog when she plays with me, so I nicknamed her Froggy. I love to work with animals. I have a couple rescue horses and cats as well. I don't really have a farm; it’s becoming more of a zoo. Froggy's friend is Buttercup. My wife Kelly named her after the first flowers of spring. She is extremely tame due to the copious amounts of attention she receives and the daily hand feedings, and she will grow up on our farm to become a mother cow and produce beef for our family. WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?

October and November brought hunting season, and I took my pack string into the wilderness a few times to recharge before our Christmas tree and wreath season. One of our companies, MontanaWreaths.com, ships wreaths all over the U.S., and the season is short and intense. And in January I will be traveling to Reno, Nev., to perform for the Wild Sheep Foundation’s Sheep Show, an international hunting and conservation expo. But I will be performing several gigs in Western Montana to keep up my “chops,” so keep an eye out for my gig calendar on my website: ShaneClouse.com.

Oral Surgical Associates Practice Limited To Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Eugene F. Morris, D.D.S., O.M.F.S. Armando A. Gama, D.D.S., Diplomate

Dental Implants, Tooth Removal, Including Wisdom Teeth, Treatment Of Cysts & Tumors Of the Jaw, Corrective Jaw Surgery 406-728-6840 www.OralSurgicalAssociates.com

Serving the Missoula Area Since 1973 1547 S Higgins Avenue • Missoula Hamilton Satellite Office: 411 State Street

December 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

Style Wise

Seeing Turquoise DECEMBER'S BIRTHSTONE IS SET TO TURN HEADS IN 2016

ord from the runway is that the opaque blue-colored stone is set to make a big splash next year. As one of December’s birthstones, turquoise has long be associated with health, good fortune, and protection from evil—a nice way to begin a new year. These fair-trade pieces from Ten Thousand Villages put the “statement” in statement jewelry.

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2015

1. Sky Stone Ring ($20) Handmade in Peru 2. Cirque Collar Necklace ($49) Handmade in India 3. Turquoise Teardrop Pendant ($150) Handmade in Peru 4. Glass Teardrop Earrings ($16) Handmade in India 5. Malachite Necklace ($150) Handmade in Nepal 6. Beaded Bohemian Earrings ($24) Handmade in India

Ten Thousand Villagesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mission is to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term fair trading relationships. To learn more, visit TenThousandVillages.com. December 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

Patricia in her garden in Missoula, 2015

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2015

Patricia's favorite head shot, taken in 1965 in Fresno, California

Spirit to Volunteer ARTICLE SUSIE WALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PAMELA DUNN-PARRISH AND ZAPP FAMILY

atricia Zapp got her first surprise party this year. It was for her 90th birthday. This day celebrated not just her birth but also the giving spirit and tireless community involvement of a woman who has been an asset to Missoula since she settled here in 1992. And what a party it was! A written proclamation was issued announcing that Patricia’s life “exemplifies the highest degree of caring, compassion, dedication and service,” and that she is “making Missoula a better place to live.” Mayor Engen was there and decreed the date—April 12, 2015—“Patricia Zapp Day.” “And you know what I did?” Patricia said. “I reached up and gave him a big kiss! And he’s big!” Patricia herself does not cast an imposing figure at barely over five feet tall, but packed into that tiny frame is a woman full of life, wonder and a desire to make herself and the world around her a better place. Patricia is a volunteering machine, giving her time to a staggering array of local non-profits and events, CONTINUED > and there has never seemed to be a point in Patricia’s life when she has slowed down.

A dramatic reading of the Book of Job at a Catholic church in Fresno, California

Patricia and her mom (center) with sibilings (l-r) Rita, Mary Jane and John

Performing her heart out

December 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

A SPIRIT TO VOLUNTEER (CONTINUED)

“There are always opportunities,” she says. “This is what I tell young people: Take advantage of every opportunity that you have.” And so, on Wednesday mornings you will find her at Missoula Aging Services, and then she is on to man the front desk at St. Patrick Hospital in the afternoon. She lends her mezzo-soprano to the Missoula Symphony Chorale. Law and pharmaceutical students at the university play through scenarios with her to learn how to better work with seniors. Reading for the sight impaired, lending her time to Project Homeless Connect, helping at her great-grandchildren’s school. The list goes on and on. Patricia’s most active role is played at Missoula Aging Services, where she has donated more than 3,200 hours to the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP. RSVP places adults over the age of 55 in volunteer positions that best suit their talents. Patricia says she sees value in giving seniors an opportunity to use their skills. RSVP Volunteer Coordinator Helen Pohlman gushes over Patricia’s endless contributions to both this program and to the community: “Patty’s volunteerism exemplifies the highest degree of caring, compassion, dedication and service. Her efforts have a huge impact benefitting many Missoula non-profit services and agencies.” Patricia saw the benefits of what she calls “stick-to-it-ness” early on when her father died at age 44. Her mother found herself with six children in the middle of the Great Depression. “We thank God for FDR when he started the employment service,” says Patricia. Her mother found work as an interviewer and placement officer with the employment service and kept the family together. “She was a good role model for strong women.” And Patricia has a strong spirit. Just ask her about her journey to wed her husband, Warren, at the tail end of World War II. Warren wanted to wait to marry as he was preparing to be shipped to Japan, but then Patricia got a call. “‘I’ve changed my mind,’ he said to me.” What followed is a story vividly told by Patricia with scenes of her 20-year-old self traveling alone by train from Washington D.C. to Charleston, S.C., and having to catch a ride from strangers into town after finding herself at a depot far from the city center. “What do you think of a person that does that?” says Patricia. “Now you’re going to see how I stick to it.” Part of that “sticking to it” has been demonstrated through Patricia’s desire to never stop learning. The importance of education was drilled into her by her mother, and despite numerous roadblocks thrown up over the years from having to help her mother support the family to her husband’s many job transfers to raising five children, Patricia has never stopped learning. “I was learning all the time,” says Patricia. She would take two courses back-to-back on Tuesdays and Thursdays while her children were in school. “Every place we moved, that was the pattern. I put a lot of energy into learning.” After years of hard work, she received her bachelor’s degree in theater in her 40s and then her master’s in counseling. “And I’m still going to school,” she says. She takes full advantage of classes—theology, philosophy, art, history and, of course, Shakespeare, where she is quick to raise her hand if 22

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2015

Patricia celebrating her birthday in Nepal during her time in the Peace Corps

Patricia with her daughter Mary Louise and two granddaughters

the professor is looking for someone to read a scene—offered through the MOLLI program. “Anything that makes you think and question” is what draws Patricia in. She can’t remember how may courses she has taken with Professor Mehrdad Kia who calls Patricia “one of the most attentive, diligent, and awe-inspiring students I have had in the past 25 years at the University of Montana. Her commitment to learning and her genuine interest in educating herself about various international and global issues is truly exemplary.” It is hard to pinpoint the beginning of Patricia’s love of volunteering but the death of her beloved Warren after 40 years of marriage had a profound effect on her. “I didn’t like to see people dying alone,” she says. She felt called to be a hospital chaplain and received training in San Antonio, Texas. Never one to do anything halfway, Patricia made history by becoming the first lay female Catholic chaplain assigned to a U.S. military hospital at Brooke Army Medical Center. The love of family and a desire to see all four seasons brought Patricia to Missoula from Texas. “My daughter Mary Louise said, ‘Mom, you’d love it.’ It was such a small town, I thought it was the jumping off place of the earth. But I found out differently and it was grand.” Since moving to Missoula, Patricia has taken her volunteerism global. She joined the Peace Corps and celebrated her 70th birthday

in Nepal, where she would have served the full two-year term if a bad case of pneumonia hadn’t gotten in the way. While volunteering takes up much of her time, Patricia has always kept theater a big part of her life. She appeared in a short film made for a graduate student’s thesis, which led to her “discovery” by director Guy Baker who flew her and Mary Louise to Portland to shoot the 2014 short film Teal’s Legacy. Today, you will find Patricia behind the scenes at the Missoula Children’s Theatre, starring in a commercial for Missoula Aging Services, volunteering at church, deciding on her next MOLLI course, and speed walking in the Rattlesnake to stay healthy. Patricia’s advice to anyone, especially seniors, looking to live a long, happy life is to “find something you have a passion for. Get interested in other people.” The citizens of Missoula are very lucky that Patricia has taken an interest in them.

Patricia and Warren smiling after getting married

Reading to the sight-impaired

Patricia herself does not cast an imposing figure at barely over five feet tall, but packed into that tiny frame is a woman full of life, wonder and a desire to make herself and the world around her a better place.

Performing in "My Fair Lady"

Patricia and her mother at her high school graduation

Patricia and Warren with their five children at a family reunion in Tuscon, Arizona December 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

t e n r e t n I with A t t i t u d e ! Proud to be an American company.

d e e p S h g Hi t e n r e t n I

Guarantee k c a -B y e n o M , 30-Day

5 9 . 9 3 t a g n i Start $

y installation. rit o ri p et g d n a d Mention this a

Leg Pain? Varicose Veins?

Exclusively Dedicated to Treating Leg Veins

(406) 203-1866 Missoula Non-Surgical Treatment

Insurance Pays

3 4 6 5 2 4 5 6 40

Call Today!

ct.c s peed con ne We're Local!

venue 1206 W. Kent A Suite A 59801 Missoula, MT

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2015

Same Day/In Office Procedure

www.VeinMontana.com

g n i k n i h t u o y g Are n i v o m t u o ab ? a n a t n o to M Relocate2Montana.com A complete resource guide for getting to know Montana, moving to Montana & falling in love with Montana!

www.Relocate2Montana.com FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACTTHE DIANE BECK TEAM, WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE 2800 S RESERVE ST I MISSOULA I 406.532.7927 I DIANEBECK@REALTOR.COM

Hops & Vine

Present Pair It With a

THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR WINE LOVERS

ARTICLE MIKE TORNATORE

he holiday season is in full swing—Christmas music plays in stores and decorations dot the city—and that means shopping. It can be a dreaded task for some, but if you’ve got wine lovers in your midst, this article shares some great gift ideas for them—whether you’re shopping for a boss, brother-in-law, or your Secret Santa. The gift suggestions are all things I personally use, recommend, and give as gifts. TRIBELLA® WINE AERATOR

We hear it all the time: “Let the wine breath.” A wonderful way to make this happen is with a wine aerator, a device that immediately “treats” a wine by infusing it with oxygen. Decanting—gradually pouring the entire contents of a bottle of wine into a vessel, allowing oxygen to have its effect—accomplishes this but not as effectively or quickly. This is the point where the wine aerator comes in. This exciting new TRIbella aerator design features a finely dimpled rubber material on its exterior and the stealth-like device, sleek and petite, is a welcome addition to the majority of aeration devices, which tend to be larger and just plain clunky. It comes in a case you might expect to find in one of Q’s latest gadgets for James Bond. Both easy to use and clean, the TRIbella aerator performs three basic and essential functions. First, it settles a wine’s tannins, the tactile sensations we feel in our mouth from grape skins, stems and seeds. Second, it allows the wine to be infused with oxygen, revealing its aromas and taste sensations. In a glass, if wine is not aerated or decanted properly, the wine takes much longer to present correctly. Third, in the case of white wine, this aerator helps warm the wine just slightly before it hits your glass. Most white 26

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2015

wine is served too chilled and the extra bit of warmth allows the true aromas and flavors to become more distinguishable. I use this aerator regularly, with whites and reds. It simply makes for a better glass of wine. CHOCOLATE

Pairing chocolate and wine is a gift from the gods. It’s a match made in heaven! Similar to food and wine pairings, it’s better to enjoy chocolate with wines that are lower in alcohol content. Think Italian and French wines. Typically, Old World wines are lower in alcohol as they have, for centuries, been made specifically to pair well with foods. The same rules apply with chocolate. To pair wine and chocolate, you want to choose wines that are not too dry or too sweet. Choose a smooth and supple wine. In general, this type of wine will pair well with your chocolate, whether dark or milk or white. Also important is texture. Delicate chocolates (milk) do well with lighter-bodied wines while darker chocolates do better with a slightly heavier-bodied wine. I’ve found that both men and women of all ages love it when I serve chocolate at wine tastings. I enjoy the chocolates and truffles made by the Montana Chocolate Co., a local Montana-based chocolatier whose recipes date back more than 100 years. Their chocolates and truffles never miss the mark. You simply can’t go wrong with great chocolate!

WINE RECOMMENDATIONS Château Redortier’s Gigondas • Region or Area: Rhône Valley, France • Nose: Violets, crushed berries, dark stones, and garrigue • Palate: Lush, smooth, fresh red and dark fruits • Finish: Beautiful juicy fruit and essence of violets • Pairings: Chocolate and cheese Muscadet-Sévre et Maine sur lie “Saint-Fiacre”

WINE GLASSES

Wine glasses make a good glass of wine even better. Although there are many different types of glasses on the market, I recommend keeping it simple with quality generic red and white glasses. Glasses made specifically for red and white wine deliver those wines in a way that brings out the nuances of their aroma and flavor. GOURMET CHEESE

Of course, gourmet cheeses are perfect to pair with wine, yet it’s not something many wine drinkers buy for themselves. The right cheese selection is a very personal choice, so a great gift idea is a gift certificate from a local store with a gourmet cheese selection. Any wine lover is sure to enjoy and appreciate that.

• Region or Area: Loire Valley, France • Nose: Sea salt, ocean spray, citrus and just a faint whisper of pear • Palate: Fresh with zest and lively acidity • Finish: Orchard fruits and subtle minerality • Pairings: Chocolate and cheese For more wine recommendations and ideas for holiday gifts for wine lovers, visit WineGuyMike.com or feel free to email questions to Mike@WineGuyMike.com.

Mike Tornatore, aka Wine Guy Mike, is a wine consumer advocate who is passionate about sharing his love of wine, especially the notion that great wine often comes in very affordable bottles. Wine Guy Mike conducts monthly wine tastings at Katie O’Keefe’s Casino and Bar in Missoula. Visit WineGuyMike.com for

upcoming

events and more information. December 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

Financial Fitness

Financial Literacy in the Classroom PROGRAM TEACHES ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOLERS ABOUT PERSONAL FINANCE ARTICLE CHELSEA LYN DRAKE | PHOTOGRAPHY PAMELA DUNN-PARRISH

e’ve all said it or thought it at one point or another. For us left-brainers, it was likely while staring at the infamous “x” in a mathematical equation. Or remembering ourselves, sweaty-palmed, trying to conjure up the name of a triangle whose one angle was greater than ninety degrees. When will I ever use this, we thought. When? Luckily, those word problems and equations became the patchwork of our ability to problem solve, but still, there’s been a deficit according to Beth Huguet, a business teacher at Hellgate High School. Her voice 28

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2015

joins a harmony of others who have noticed a lack in understanding of personal finances, something sure to show up in the futures of our children. Five years ago she came together with the Missoula County public schools and wrote a personal finance curriculum. Inspired by the wish to fill a gaping hole in the real-world education of students, their sights are aimed on eventually making personal finance a graduation mandate. “There are fewer and fewer families sitting around the table and having these discussions,” says Huguet. She was part of a large

group in Missoula County who took the initiative to seek resources for financial education. A monthly group meeting became a growing conversation about financial literacy and the way in which it could change the immediate future for students after graduation. “When we look at our students that are here for four years, within a year or two they're transitioning out to being on their own and they have no understanding of how to manage or protect their own finances, which is scary.” Her dream, she says, was to not only teach personal finance but offer advanced courses as well. “They can get an overarching understanding of finance or they can go even further and delineate a specific pathway that they want.” She stands proudly, gazing up at a chart that illustrates the several paths students can navigate within the financial academy set forth this year. All students who opt into the academy start with personal finance as a foundation class and either branch off into banking, accounting or financial planning for more in-depth knowledge, and also to reinforce the basics learned in the foundation class. In accompaniment to the personal finance class, students also take part in the 6- to 8-hour computer-generated Financial Foundations/EverFi program sponsored by First Security Bank, encompassing and reiterating the material learned in class through real-world situations. The program, altered to appeal to younger students, is also in place at Franklin Elementary. Alison Boone, the library media specialist, chose her fourth grade class to be the first participants after being approached about launching the program at Franklin last spring. “The program is really phenomenal,” says Boone. “It’s designed to give the students these financial skills that will eventually lead them to be savvy money managers.” By way of a gaming format, the program covers complex topics like applying for credit, spending and saving, getting insurance and choosing a career. “I was really proud of them because I think, if that gave them a leg up…for their future spending and saving, that’s something that’s completely worthwhile,” says Boone. “At the end [of the program] we had a celebration, which was really touching

because students got up and spoke about what the program meant to them and what they think it will mean to their future[s].” The students showed confidence and excitement when they spoke about their futures and they made finances a personal matter. A $200 check was granted to the students who participated in the program by First Security Bank and they’re the ones who will get to decide how it will be handled. “I really want them to drive the decision making,” says Boone. Years ago it seemed like taboo to talk with your children about money. That’s changed in recent years, and for good reason. All too often, and by no fault of, parents are forced to work long hours to support their families. By some unfortunate measure financial literacy remained an unspoken reality too late realized for young adults nationwide, until now. “I think we always have to remember that students are so capable. I think sometimes we think they can’t rise to challenges because of their age or perhaps because of their circumstances but they can and I’m surprised each and every day by my students and what they can accomplish. This was just another example of that,” says Boone. The financial literacy program at Franklin is set to begin again in the spring with a new crop of students and the academy at Hellgate will journey onward toward the dream for the program to one day be a graduation mandate.

NOT JUST FOR STUDENTS

Develop the skills to successfully manage your finances for today and tomorrow. First Security Bank’s Financial Foundations/EverFi program is free to EVERYONE. The program uses cutting-edge technology that incorporates video, animations, gaming and social networking to teach financial concepts. The mobile- and tablet-friendly platform is available in English

BASKETBALL

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS

and Spanish and features 10-minute learning modules that cover topics such as saving, investing, credit scores and identity protection. The program is self-paced and contains knowledge checks that allow users to measure their progress. For more information or to

Visit gogriz.com for schedules and tickets.

enroll in the program, visit FSBMsla.com or AtWork.EverFi.net/fsb/login. December 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

Lifestyle Calendar

December DECEMBER 1 - JANUARY 2 DECEMBER 5

DECEMBER 11 & 12 LITTLE RED TRUCK EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS VINTAGE MARKET MISSOULA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS The fairground buildings will be chock full of vintage and handcrafted goods, lovely holiday music from around the world will be playing, and lots of hearty German food will be available. RJCabin.Wix.com/little-red-truck.

MARYANN BONJORNI:

PARADE OF LIGHTS

LEGENDS ARE HISTORY

DOWNTOWN MISSOULA

MISSOULA ART MUSEUM

Get in the holiday spirit at the Parade of

DECEMBER 13

MaryAnn Bonjorni, a professor at UM's

Lights. This all-day family event includes

MISSOULA MADE FAIR

School of Art, combines and re-ap-

several children’s activities and projects,

ADAMS CENTER

propriates found objects and painting

Santa Claus' arrival at the Florence Hotel,

This isn't your ordinary (thank goodness!) craft

to create work that explores the ro-

and the lighting of the Christmas tree at the

fair, which features local and regional artists

mance, customs, and everyday lore of

red XXXXs on North Higgins. For more infor-

making one-of-a-kind creations just in time for

the West. Visit MissoulaArtMuseum.org

mation, visit MissoulaDowntown.com

the holidays. Visit MissoulaMADEFair.com

for more information.

for details.

DECEMBER 4 - 20

DECEMBER 16

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

CASTING PAPER

MISSOULA COMMUNITY THEATRE

MISSOULA ART MUSEUM

Come alive with The Sound of Music, a musi-

Amber Flaherty may best be known for her mural

cal based on the true story of the von Trapp

welcoming folks to the hip strip, but in this class,

Family Singers. Visit MCTInc.org for tickets.

she is sharing another talent: paper casting. Bring a found object you’d like to cast in paper. All ma-

DECEMBER 4-5, 11-12

terials and food are provided. Free. Sponsored by

DANCE UP CLOSE

the LEAW Family Foundation and U104.5.

MASQUER THEATRE Featuring original works in two alternat-

DECEMBER 18 - 20

ing programs, Dance Up Close provides

THE NUTCRACKER

audiences with a chance to see work of

UM'S MONTANA THEATRE

emerging and established dance artists

The Garden City Ballet presents its 31st

in an intimate setting. For tickets, visit

annual production of The Nutcracker. Vis-

UMT.edu/griztix.

it GardenCityBallet.org for tickets and more information.

DECEMBER 4

DECEMBER 5

KIMBERLEE CARLSON JAZZ TRIO

HOLIDAY POPS!

DECEMBER 19

TEN SPOON VINEYARD

DENNISON THEATRE

SANTA'S BREAKFAST

Venture up the Rattlesnake and enjoy wine

Make your reservation early—even Santa

A CAROUSEL FOR MISSOULA

by the glass or flight, antipasto plates by

does—for one of Missoula's most popular hol-

Grab a light breakfast, take a free spin on the

Biga Pizza (or bring your own picnic), free

iday traditions. Two performances: Saturday,

Carousel, and chat with the Big Guy about

bread sticks, and live music by the Kimber-

Dec. 5 at 7: 30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 3

your last-minute Christmas requests. Cost is

lee Carlson Jazz Trio. TenSpoon.com.

p.m. Get tickets at MissoulaSymphony.org.

$6 per person 12 and older, $4 for children.

DECEMBER 5

DECEMBER 6

FAMILY ART WORKSHOP

BRYCE ANDREWS

MISSOULA ART MUSEUM

BARNES & NOBLE

DECEMBER 31

In this time of mass consuming, it is good to

Meet 2014 Discover Non-Fiction Award Win-

COUNTRY NEW YEAR'S DANCE

refresh yourself by taking a creativity break

ner and local author Bryce Andrews as he

MISSOULA CITY HALL

with your family to make a special handmade

stops in to sign Badluck Way, the story of An-

Welcome 2016 by dancing to the Wild

piece of art together. Refreshments too!

drews and his year on the remote Sun Ranch

Coyotes at the Bedford Building. Visit

Free! MissoulaArtMuseum.org.

in Southwestern Montana.

BitterrootDancers.com for more information.

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2015

Free for kiddos under 3. Reservations encouraged. CarouselForMissoula.com.

Huge Breakfasts to Custom Grilled Steaks • Cocktails • Montana Microbrews

2620 Brooks 543-3200 | 4561 N. Reserve 541-8141 Also visit us when you’re in Kalispell, Butte, Great Falls and Billings!

www.montanaclub.com

business directory ART & PHOTOGRAPHY Open Lens by Pamela (406) 370-2704

AUTOMOTIVE

Peak Health & Wellness Center (406) 251-3344 peakmissoula.com

Oral Surgical Associates (406) 728-6840 oralsurgicalassociates.com

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS

The Wellness Institute of Montana - Aleph PC (406) 721-2537 Alephmt.com

Western Montana Clinic (406) 721-5600 westernmontanaclinic.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

LIquid Assets - Liberty Safe (406) 542-6606 liquidassetsmissoula.com

Dealers Choice Detail (406) 728-0040

Missoula Pediatric Dentistry (406) 541-7334 missoulapediatricdentistry.com

Pink Grizzly Greenhouse/ EDUCATION Agro Vitae University of Montana Athletics (406) 728-3370 (406) 243-4336 gogriz.com HOME SERVICES SpeedConnect ENTERTAINMENT (406) 241-2901 & RECREATION speedconnect.com Bob Wardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sporting Goods (406) 728-3220 INSURANCE bobwards.com Danny Blowers Insurance Agency HEALTH & WELLNESS (406) 541-9885 Acupuncture Clinic of Missoula dannyblowersagency.com (406) 728-1600 Acupunctureclinicofmissoula.com MEDICAL CLINICS Krieg Chiropractic Center (406) 541-8888 kriegchiropractic.com

& FACILITIES

Bellamah Vein Surgery (406) 541-3200 veinmontana.com

OTHER

Montana Ace Hardware (406) 728-3030 montanaace.com

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Montana Club Resturants (406) 541-0076 montanaclub.com Mustard Seed (406) 542-7333 mustardseedweb.com Paradise Falls (406) 728-3228 paradisefallsmissoula.com

SHOPPING CENTERS Southgate Mall (406) 721-5140 shopsouthgate.com

Berkshire Hathaway Montana Properties (406) 721-4141 BHHSMT.com

Diane Beck Windermere Real Estate (406) 532-7927 move2missoula.com

Make it a Montana Christmas ! Order a Hand-Made in Missoula, MT wreath! Ph. 1-877-342-9684 All of our wreaths are made in our store by Montana people with Montana raw materials!

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2015

MontanaWreaths.com

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH • SANDWICHES • BURGERS

Let us host your holiday party! Accommodations available for 80 people

Gift cards make great stocking stuffers Locally Owned & Operated for Over 20 Years

Join us at 3621 Brooks Street • 406.728.3228 • Visit us on Facebook to see our current specials, menu, and events!

December 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

Parting Thoughts

Creating Your Own Family WORDS ANNE POTTER RUSS

ith a family the size of a small compact car, I often use the term

the numbers with the multiple-removed people, but we don't really

"family" to describe my friends. My lineage is a long thin vine,

know them well. Who we do know and want to spend time with are

rather than a large leafy tree, due to circumstances and odds that

the friends now designated as family.

would win the lottery, if played. My mom was an only child. My dad

Every Christmas night when I was growing up, we had an open

was an only. Both of my paternal grandparents were only children.

house for anyone who needed someplace to go on a dark holiday night.

My husband is an only child. And, of course, I round out the roulette

My parents were inviting their “family” into our home for a holiday. (At

wheel as an only. Norbert and I had two kids so fast, it made the four

the time, I thought it was just a ploy to delay my union with my newly

grandparents’ heads spin.

opened gifts!) It was always a wonderful experience where people liter-

As soon as our children could talk and watch Mr. Rogers, they want-

ally came in out of the cold to celebrate the season and the fellowship.

ed to know where all the cousins were. “Is this a cousin?” they’d ask as

Thanks to some wonderful friends, of multiple generations, we

the babysitter walked in the door. I had learned from my own childhood

have recently spent some very rewarding time with our "family."

that “aunts” and “uncles” could be created; so, as an adult, I figured I

Our inclusion in a rehearsal dinner, wedding, and surrounding fes-

must be able to conjure up some cousins for my kids. It wasn’t as easy

tivities; our invitation from a dear friend to celebrate her mother’s

as I’d thought. As I contemplated my friends in terms of being family

birthday; and our crazy holidays spent with anyone who will have

members, it occurred to me that they had plenty of relatives, and might

us all add up to family.

not be so thrilled to have to take on mine as a hobby.

Lest you think I’m getting carried away anticipating the holidays

But finally, after reaching my half-century mark, I have come to re-

this year, it does translate to our daily lives. As you read this maga-

alize that many folks in many places have reasons to create extended

zine, think about the families who are being helped, often by people

families. We are only a drastic case due to our very small numbers—

they’ve never met in soup kitchens and food pantries. Think about

there are just four of us in total, that is until we get to the branch of

the families to whom you’ve become attached through work, play or

third cousins twice removed, whatever that means. We could bulk up

philanthropy. It’s powerful stuff.

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2015