Missoula Valley March 2016

Missoula Valley MARCH 2016

MissoulaValleyLifestyle.com

L

I

F

E

S

T

Y

L

E

™

Inspired

by You

SWEET SOUNDS EASY-ON-TIME-AND-DIME TRIPS BORROW AND RETURN: LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES

“Change is inevitable, growth is optional.”

The Tree House at the Stock Farm Club,

Time to List! Savvy home sellers, please

Be it a changing job, growing family or

designed by renowned architect Bob

call me TODAY to get your home ready

the need to downsize - life comes at us

Arrigoni, grows right out of the landscape.

to sell. I have extensive contracting

quickly. I’m here to guide you through the

Log and natural stone are the primary

and “Home Staging” experience that

home buying and selling process smoothly

building materials used, with the home

translates into money for you! “LIST

- so you can focus on what really matters

created

Ponderosa

WITH ME & YOUR STAGING IS FREE!”

in life. I’m looking forward to your call.

Pines and granite boulders. $3,250,000

ASP – Accredited Staging Professional

Crystal Ault

Naomi Gary

Rhonda Hunt

406-529-6264

around

enormous

406-240-2957

406-544-1129

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.

Huge Breakfasts to Custom Grilled Steaks • Cocktails • Montana Microbrews

Ma

Searfcoh ois Monthd

Featu Wild Alring a Seafoo ska d

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

Lifestyle Letter

A magazine to call our own.

L

et me begin with thanks. This issue is our 12th. It's hard to believe a year has already passed, but we couldn't have done it without your support and encouragement. Thank you, Missoula!

Early last year I was traveling around the country quite a bit for business, and during many of these trips I noticed several ways in which these communities were similar to ours. Some of these places had their own publications from a company called Lifestyle Publications. As I flipped through their pages I thought, "This would be perfect for Missoula."

Lifestyle Publications' owners explained their philosophy to me: They seek to be a positive, uplifting voice in communities. I knew Missoula needed this: A community lifestyle publication that tells the inspiring stories happening with our neighbors, in our schools, with our businesses, and in our neck of the woods. A magazine to call our own.

Within a few months and with the hard work of a small and dedicated team, your magazine—Missoula Valley Lifestyle—launched. The first issue was mailed to 12,000 homes in the valley in April 2015. Many readers and new advertisers were skeptical of another new media. Some said, "It's just another one-shot publication."

But you have helped this publication succeed and grow. Since that issue appeared in mailboxes around the city, Missoula Valley Lifestyle has become the premier community lifestyle magazine in the valley. With your support and through advertising, we've been able to tell stories about the people, businesses, places and events that make the Missoula Valley such a wonderful place to call home. That encouragement and funding has made it possible to take our magazine from a 36-page publication to 44 pages later this year.

Thank you for welcoming us into your homes. Thank you to our advertisers for your support and believing in my dream and Missoula Valley Lifestyle magazine.

MARCH 2016 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, Tom Strongman, Susie Wall contributing photographers

Pamela Dunn-Parrish, Susie Wall

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

| Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

| Brad Broockerd

| Sara Minor

ART DIRECTOR EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AD COORDINATORS

| DeLand Shore

| Nicole Sylvester

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker, Kim Foster, Megan Seymour

LAYOUT DESIGNER DESIGN SPECIALIST

| Nicolette Martin | Ashleigh Thomson

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPER

| Melanie Carlisle | Michael O’Connell | Hanna Park

Mike Tucker, Publisher MTucker@LifestylePubs.com

by Community ™

ON THE COVER Congratulations to us! Missoula Valley

MissoulaValleyLifestyle.com

Lifestyle turns 1, but our feature this month celebrates the voices of Dolce Canto, a mostly a cappella choral ensemble that is embarking on an international tour 15 years in the making.

4

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2016

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.

MONTANA’S PREMIER MALL

COME SEE WHAT’S

in store Our collection of top national brands, local boutiques and popular restaurants paired with upcoming new arrivals will have you excited for what’s next.

Over 100 Stores • 14 Restaurants

SHOPSOUTHGATE.COM

March 2016

Departments

16

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Giving Back

24

Road Trip

28

Driver’s Notebook

30

Lifestyle Calendar

34

Parting Thoughts

14 Borrow and Return

Our community's Little Free Libraries pay it forward.

16 Dreams Do Come True

The sweet sounds of Dolce Canto are heading to South Korea.

24 Easy on Time and Dime

Four trips to transport you worlds away from Missoula.

14

24

28

Lifestyle Publications Arizona | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Kansas | Missouri | Montana | Ohio | Oklahoma | Texas | Utah

Good Times

A Night at the Cabaret

The nightlife and the symphony joined forces for an evening with the genre-defying string quartet Brooklyn Rider and their wildly eclectic repertoire at the Top Hat Lounge as part of the Missoula Symphony's Cabaret Series.

PHOTOGRAPHY DANIELLE M. ANTONETTI

Brooklyn Rider

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH • SANDWICHES • BURGERS

Locally Owned & Operated for Over 20 Years

MARCH MADNESS AT PARADISE FALLS! Your place for all NCAA tournament action! Catch MHSA state basketball tournaments here!

March Madness food and drink specials available March 1-April 4.

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

8

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2016

Inspire

Bring us your ideas and inspiration.

Together, with our design team, we’ll turn your space into a beautiful place for family and friends.

721-1810 • 407 South Catlin • Missoula • Missoula.BuyAbbey.com

Around Town

AROUND TOWN

ZACC MINI BENEFIT SHOW Join Zootown Arts Community Center at their prestigious gala event, the fourth annual Mini Benefit Show, on Saturday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. This year's Mini Show is taking place at The Wilma and

has been an influential member of the early childhood education community for more than 30 years, and she continues to influence and assist colleagues and early childhood professionals every day.

Her most recent publication, “Creating Environments for Children: Birth to Age Eight,” serves as the gold standard in the instruction and development of early childhood education settings across the country and internationally, having been translated in to various languages. “The early childhood years form the building blocks for all later development and learning,” Bullard said. “I am happy to be part of a profession dedicated to helping all young children and their families thrive. It is so exciting to see emerging national and state initiatives dedicated to serving our youngest populations.”

WILDERNESS TANGO

to celebrate the historic theater, the theme this year is the 1920s/

Tango Missoula is hosting a special Wilderness Tango night to

Chapel of the Dove. This event brings together Missoula's creative

support the Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation, a local

community to celebrate all things mini. Enjoy artworks measuring 12"

wilderness and river stewardship non-profit. Learn about BOTH

square in live and silent auctions and fight to the last bid for your

wilderness and tango during this green-themed, dance-filled

favorite artwork and miniature dessert by local restaurants and

evening that includes a beginning tango lesson for those new to

bakeries. There will be a catered dinner, live music, presentations by

tango, a short demonstration by local dancers following the lesson,

the ZACC. Prices are $60 for a single seat and $440 for a table of eight

a raffle for SBFC merchandise and mixers. Wear something green

and will go up the week of the Mini Show, so purchase your tickets

to support wilderness! Event starts at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 13

early. On Friday, March 11 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., get a sneak peak

at the Downtown Dance Collective, 121 W. Main., with the all-levels

of the artwork by attending the art opening. For more information,

dance lesson. The milonga (social dancing) will go from 9 p.m.

visit ZootownArts.org/mini_tickets.

to midnight. Cost is $10 per person ($8 for students). Proceeds go

UM EDUCATION PROFESSOR RECOGNIZED

BY NAECTE Julie Bullard, professor of early childhood education at UM, received

to support the Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation. Visit TangoMissoula.com for more information.

GIVE IT THE OLD COLLEGE TRI

a revered Teacher Educator Award from the National Association

Women’s triathlon is considered an NCAA emerging sport. Black

of Early Childhood Teacher Educators, which annually recognizes

Hills State University was one of only a handful of schools nationwide

two teacher educators from across the country who demonstrate

that hosted a varsity women’s triathlon program during the 2015-16

meritorious leadership and professionalism in early childhood teacher

school year. The program is looking for young women with swimming,

education. "I feel extremely honored to have received this award from

biking, running, and/or triathlon backgrounds who would like to

my early childhood teacher educator colleagues," she said. Bullard

CONTINUED >

10

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2016

T

here are many things to love about Montana.

60 HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

Add one more to your list...

15 DIFFERENT SPECIALTIES

BROADWAY BUILDING

LAB & X-RAY ON SITE

2 URGENT CARE FACILITIES NOW CARE DOWNTOWN MISSOULA

500 WEST BROADWAY • 6TH FLOOR NOW CARE SOUTHGATE MALL

2901 BROOKS • MISSOULA

CLINIC LOCATIONS

500 WEST BROADWAY • MISSOULA

Western Montana Clinic

COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER CAMPUS PHYSICIAN CENTER 3

500 WEST BROADWAY • MISSOULA 406.721.5600 • 800.525.5688

2835 FORT MISSOULA ROAD • MISSOULA

westernmontanaclinic.com

GARDEN CITY MEDICAL ARTS BUILDING

CARING FOR YOU SINCE 1922

601 WEST SPRUCE STREET • MISSOULA

LEGENDARY...

SOUTHGATE MALL MISSOULA, MT 542-SEED MUSTARDSEEDWEB.COM March 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

11

Around Town

(CON TI N U ED)

join in this adventure. Collegiate triathlon consists of a 750-meter

dependents of UM staff. Each paying participant will receive a race

open water swim, a 20-kilometer bike, and a five-kilometer run. The

tech shirt and has the option of being chip-timed. Children age 10 and

university offers scholarships for its competitors along with full gear,

younger are free; however, they will not receive a shirt and must be

equipment, and uniforms. Black Hills State University is the perfect

accompanied by a registered adult. The event will be Saturday, March

training home for triathletes. Located in the beautiful black hills of

26 at 9 a.m. and starts at the Van Buren Street footbridge. To register

South Dakota, there is a plethora of running and cycling trails to take

and for more information, go to UMT.edu/staffsenate.

advantage of and the athletic building, the Donald E. Young Center, houses a six-lane, 25-meter pool and a great strength-training facility.

If you're interested in competing in triathlon at the college level, please

RENDEZVOUS FOR HUNTERS AND ANGLERS Backcountry

Hunters

and

Anglers

(BHA),

a

nonprofit

contact Director of Triathlon Colleen Mischke at colleen.mischke@

organization that seeks to preserve North America's outdoor

BHSU.edu or 605.642.6259 or fill out the recruit information form at

heritage of hunting and fishing through public education and

BHSUAthletics.com.

advocacy, will be having its fifth annual national Rendezvous on

THE LAST BEST DREAM: SURREALISM HERE & NOW

April 1-3 in downtown Missoula at the Holiday Inn Downtown, 200 S. Pattee. The event, which attracts backcountry sportsmen and -women from across the country, features workshops, panel

Radius Gallery, 114 E. Main, has assembled a truly remarkable

discussions, a banquet and the Backcountry Brewfest. This

collection of artists for its first themed exhibit of 2016. The Last Best

year's keynote speaker is Steven Rinella, the host of MeatEater, a

Dream: Surrealism Here & Now features 2-D and 3-D works by Deighton

nonfiction outdoors hunting television series on The Sportsman

Abrams, Crista Ann Ames, Bayla Arietta, Adrian Arleo, Courtney

Channel. Attendees will also hear from BHA leaders and local and

Blazon, Eric S. Carlson, Susan R. Carlson, Monte Dolack, Theo

legislative luminaries, and see the premiere of Clay Hayes' latest

Ellsworth, Jennifer French, Stephanie J. Frostad, Stephen Glueckert, Lillian

bow hunting film Ascent. For more information, a full schedule of

Nelson, James G. Todd Jr., and Cathy Weber. Come see how this eclectic

events, and tickets, go to Rendezvous2016.com.

cross-section of Montana artists respond to and remain influenced by the legacy of surrealism—a stylistic and philosophical approach to art formalized nearly 100 years ago that looks to the unconscious mind

PHARMACY STUDENT AWARDED SCHOLARSHIP

as the wellspring of creativity, with imagery that is characteristically

For the next two and half years, Shelby Cole, a first-year pharmacy

uncanny, paradoxical and outlandish. This show runs through April 16.

student from Malta, Montana, will be studying the hardest-working cell

For more information, visit RadiusGallery.com.

in the human immune system after being awarded an Undergraduate

5K DIPLOMA DASH

Diversity Student supplement by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Cole is Gros Ventre and Little Shell. The funding comes

Lace up your sneaks and run in the 5K Diploma Dash, a fundraising

as an administrative supplement to UM Professor David Shepherd’s

event for University of Montana Staff Senate scholarships. Each

five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health, through which

year, the Staff Senate issues more than $3,000 in scholarships to

his team studies dendritic cells, which play a pivotal role in immune

MISSOULA’S Best Kept Secret Services Based on your needs...

No waitlist, Same day/Next Day Appointments Serving Children & Adults

Assessments | Functional Psychiatry Migraine Treatment | Medication Prescribing LabCorp Draw Site | Recovery Classes Case Managemnt | Payee Services Weight Loss | Eating Disorders TMS Treatment For Depression | Therapy

2685 Palmer St, Missoula, Montana 721.2537 or 721.2038 12

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2016

system interactions. The team’s goal is to develop drugs that help

TRADING EIGHTS: THE FACES OF JAZZ

control immune functions—whether limiting chronic inflammation,

Nawakum

Press

published

curing autoimmune diseases, combating an infectious disease or

Eights: The

Faces

of

blocking the detrimental effects of different environmental pollutants.

engraved portraits by artist James G. Todd Jr. Todd, who

"I'll be doing my own project while also contributing as a member of

taught art and humanities at the University of Montana for 30

the lab," Cole said. "I'm very excited to make new discoveries especially

years, is an innovator in the field of wood engraving, and each

if they lead to new ways to help people with immune-related diseases.

portrait in Trading Eights was printed from his original blocks.

I just really love doing research. It's extremely rewarding, even the

Accompanying these penetrating engravings are words from

tedious parts." The grant will fund Cole to work in the laboratory part

jazz pianist and writer Ted Gioia and poetry from Dana Gioia,

time during the academic semester and then full time during winter

poet and former Chairman for the National Endowment for the

and summer breaks. It also will provide her with incidental money that

Arts. From an edition of just 55 books, fewer than 20 remain,

will help offset the costs of traveling to conferences to present her

each signed by the author, poet, and artist. Once sold out, no

research to other scientists in the field, and allow her to attend a week-

more books will be printed; each is a truly collectable artwork

long intensive immunology crash course in California this summer. The

in its own right. Feast on more details in the publisher ’s

award requires the university to provide mentorship for Cole—which

prospectus

is being provided by Shepherd and UM's Native American Center

Eights, The Faces of Jazz can be purchased through Radius

of Excellence—and outreach opportunities that will hopefully offer

Gallery at a discounted price. Send an email to Lisa.Simon@

Cole the chance to visit schools and share her research with people

RadiusGallery.com for more details and if you’re interested

across Montana, including Native communities. "To me she is just a

in purchasing individual hand-pulled prints of Todd’s jazz

hardworking, curious student," Shepherd said, "but there really is a

icons. There are more than 20 portraits in all, including Duke

bonus if, at some point, she can be a role model and open the eyes of

Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker and other greats.

children from under-served communities to the exciting possibilities

These are remarkably elegant and evocative engravings by a

that exist in research and at UM—that's all the better."

true master of the form.

on

a

new

Jazz—featuring

NawakumPress.com.

art

book—Trading

eight

Copies

woodblock-

of Trading

Keep the memories alive....

PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUSED ON DETAILS

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

March 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

13

Giving Back

Little Free Libraries come in all shapes and sizes; this one is in Traverse City, Michigan

PAYING IT FORWARD ONE BOOK AT A TIME ARTICLE CHELSEA LYN DRAKE

14

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2016

K

indness is contagious. It’s a driving force for cities around the globe, sometimes saving them where they need it most—the heart. Most would say Missoula’s heartbeat is unwavering, pronounced even. There’s an energy to this place that’s unlike many other cities, unique to its geographic location and to the crop of people who have settled here, or those who have always called it home.

It’s easy to pick out a city’s flaws and almost always difficult to think of the things we’re all doing right. Having Little Free Libraries that bring our community together is a right. These miniature homes for books have come a long way since their official beginning in the luminous city (and literary haven) of Madison, Wisconsin. With more than 36,000 worldwide, there are about 16 Little Free Libraries in Missoula.

Similar to the philosophy of Andrew Carnegie, who supported nearly 2,500 free public libraries, the Little Free Library’s mission is to “promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide and to build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity, and wisdom across generations.”

Judy Chapman, Steward of Charter 31711, set out to honor this promise by installing a Little Free Library at the intersection of Speedway and Sommers. She and her husband attend meetings for the East Missoula Community Council and when she brought up the idea of adding a Little Free Library to their neighborhood, she received nod after nod of approval.

“My husband and I really do support the neighborhood and want to see improvements,” said Chapman. Her inspiration to install one in East Missoula came from the Little Free Library in the shape of a little white church on South Avenue.

“I [thought] that would be a great addition to the neighborhood,” said Chapman. She did her research and took note of high traffic areas, surveyed streets and properties for the perfect spot until she noticed the many buses that swarm the intersection where it proudly stands today. She started off by donating a few books and checks up on it regularly on her frequent trips to ride the city bus.

This LFL in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, receives a warm welcome

These children love their LFL in Mount Martha, Victoria, Australia

“Every time I look at it, it has changed… books come, books go. It’s been great. I’m really astounded at how much traffic that box is getting,” said Chapman.

What’s more than a beautifully painted, sturdy structure is the pay it forward nature it encourages. From building the structure to location to installation to the eventual sharing of literature, a community effort is often made for the sole purpose of contributing to the greater good.

Kori Christianson, marketing manager of Draught Works Brewery where Charter 32670 stands, believes in the positive impact their Little Free Library has on community members and the community itself.

“Jeff Grant, one of our owners, had seen other Little Free Libraries in the past and wanted to bring one to our Northside/ Westside neighborhood, which we love and are grateful to be a part of," she said.

"The books are constantly changing and we have been so pleased with the involvement

of our neighborhood and community in the library.” They’ve seen a variety of books swap in and out from children’s literature to DIY books and theirs, too, came into existence with the help of neighbors and friends.

“Our Little Free Library was designed and built by Keith Ledford of Blue Dog Furniture. He has built many beautiful items for us over the years, including our bar, tables, and cabinetry. We felt he was the perfect person to execute our vision of a rustic, yet warm Little Free Library,” said Christianson.

Whether it be dropping a book off or picking a new one up, these simple structures are encouraging not only literacy in our neighborhoods but also the chance to give back and become more involved in the positive changes we can make within our communities.

If you or someone you know might be interested in adding a Little Free Library to your neighborhood, or you’d like to see the locations of Little Free Libraries in Missoula, please visit LittleFreeLibrary.org.

March 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

15

Dreams Do Come True

The sweet sounds of Dolce Canto are heading to South Korea

ARTICLE SUSIE WALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PAMELA DUNN-PARRISH AND PETER PARK

E

ach morning for nearly 15 years Peter Park, the artistic director of Dolce Canto, dreamed of taking the choir on an international tour. His dream, while once a far-

flung idea, becomes reality this April when he and 24 choir members travel 5,500 miles to South Korea to bring their clear voices and message of peace to Korean citizens.

CONTINUED >

16

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2016

March 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

17

DREAMS DO COME TRUE (CON TI N U ED)

18

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2016

ver the years, the number of members has ebbed and flowed as life often gets in the way—families are started, graduate students move away, jobs become too demanding—but the dream has remained the same and so has what's kept this group of talented singers together: "A shared love of singing great music," said Park.

Being a member offers great rewards but it also requires great dedication. "Our rehearsal schedule is very similar to that of a professional orchestra," said Park, that is to say demanding. "The singers really push themselves to be the best they can be and enjoy learning and performing new music."

Members are asked to learn pieces on their own time prior to a performance, and then

Peter Park, artistic director

hours are spent as a group perfecting them.

But "the best part," said alto section leader, Beth Mast, who is one of three members that has been with the group since its inception and will join the group in Korea, "is being included in a group of such diverse and talented people. It is exciting and humbling at the same time. You'll never find a better group of people and I feel really lucky to get to be a part of that."

The trip to South Korea is not only a dream realized but it also supports Dolce Canto's goal statement to "participate in exchanges that build connections between people, encourage engaged citizenship and promote goodwill."

Over the years, Missoula has hosted several Korean choirs as part of the Missoula International Choral Festival. Through Park's involvement with the festival, he was encouraged to come for a visit by these Korean choirs that were eager to host one from Missoula.

"The country is rich in culture and music with an especially strong choral scene," says Park, and so the thought of a tour was always in the back of his mind.

Things were set in motion when Park attended the World Choral Symposium in Seoul in 2014, where he was reunited with MISSION STATEMENT:

some of the conductors he had met

Dolce Canto enriches the lives

in Missoula and discovered they

of its members and audiences

were still interested in hosting.

by performing exceptional and

CONTINUED >

diverse choral music with compelling artistry and sensitivity.

March 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

19

DREAMS DO COME TRUE (CON TI N U ED)

1.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."

-Henry David Thoreau HEAR IT FIRST

Elemental Harmony is an exciting concert that celebrates our connection to nature, and the music centers around the classical elements of earth, air, fire and water.

The program includes the exciting premiere of John Muehleisen's new work, "The Stars Still Shine," a newly commissioned work made possible by the 2014 Dale Warland Singers Commission Award.

When: Saturday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: St. Francis Xavier, 420 W. Pine St. Admission: $18 General/$15 Students For tickets and more information, visit DolceCanto.info.

20

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2016

pon my return, I immediately brought the idea of touring Korea

Esse ntia l In te rne t So l u t io n

Proud to be an American company.

to the choir and the membership was receptive," he said.

Seoul will be the center of the tour but the choir is also traveling to the cities of Iksan, Ansan, and Ulsan for performances over six days in the country. Each concert will consist of individual choir performances by local groups and Dolce Canto, and then the groups will perform as one blending together their Korean and American voices.

Dolce Canto often commissions pieces tailored to the group's talents and the program for South Korea will be no exception. On the tour, they will be showcasing American composers including Seattle-based John Muehleisen's new work, "The Stars Still Shine." According to Park, the text is a poem by Charles Anthony Silvestri, also commissioned by Dolce Canto, and contains a hopeful message of peace.

While a cappella is the preferred medium, Dolce Canto does perform some pieces that require instruments. This allows the group to collaborate with many talented musicians such as the String Orchestra of the Rockies and the award-winning bluegrass band, Monroe Crossing, who will be accompanying Dolce Canto in South Korea, where the two groups will perform Carol Barnett's "The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass."

"Carol will also be joining us so it's an embarrassment of riches that we will be joined by such talented musicians," says Park.

Dolce Canto has been busy getting ready for the journey not only with increased rehearsal time but also fundraising for the trip. Even with outside donations, each member must contribute a significant portion of their travel expenses.

"We want to represent Montana well and share strong performances," said Park. "It's simply more fun to perform when you feel 100% confident about your preparation."

The payoff for all that time and hard work will be the experience of a lifetime.

When the whirlwind trip is over, Dolce Canto will return to Missoula where they will continue to be a vital part of the community's arts scene. As part of their mission, Dolce Canto makes it a point to support local school music programs, showcase other Missoula choirs and offer vocal workshops. Individual members also extend the out-

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

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

$39.95 t a Starting nd get priority Mention this ad a

installation.

reach by devoting their time to many local non-profit organizations both musically based and beyond. The pure joy of being part of the Dolce Canto is never far away, evident in their singing of the national anthem at Osprey games and the lively leading of Christmas carols at Missoula's drinking establishments.

"Our audiences continually comment that they appreciate what we add to the local choral scene," said Park. The 15 years of success that Dolce Canto has experienced is due to Park's and each individual member's enthusiasm with producing exceptional choir music. Park summed up the relationship with the Missoula community in one word, "Excellent."

But he goes on to say, "Our dedication to excellence, attention to detail, and diverse programming have set us apart from other choirs."

Mast added, "It's been so wonderful to have the group grow so quickly in a decade plus to become such an integral part of Missoula's arts scene."

3 406-542-56m4

Call Today!

ct.co e n n o c d e e p s e W. Kent Avenu We're Local!

1206 Suite A 59801 Missoula, MT

March 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

21

2021 S. Higgins Ave Missoula, Montana 59801 • (406) 542-0609 • www.NWdenturecenter.com

No need to Grin and Bear it

*Dentures *Immediate Dentures *Partial Dentures *Relines *Repairs (Highest Quality Materials Used) Ask about our 1-day denture service.

Licensed Denturist Erick Vines

22

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2016

But these home improvements may have you seeing a pot of gold!

REPLACING YOUR FRONT DOOR

TURNING AN ATTIC INTO A BEDROOM

KITCHEN UPGRADE

PATIO OR DECK ADDITIONS

NEW GARAGE DOOR NEW SIDING

Move2 Missoula.com

Road Trip

ARTICLE SUSIE WALL PHOTOGRAPHY PAMELA DUNN-PARRISH AND SUSIE WALL

L

ife can be busy and Montana is vast, but neither obstacle should make a vacation

impossible, especially when there are several mini-trips around Missoula that offer a wonderful chance to get away without eating up a huge chunk of time (or dime).

A drive into Missoula’s backyard will lead to the Bitterroot Valley where an abundance of year-round family activities, outdoor opportunities and unique shopping can be found. What makes this tour ideal is that you can tailor it as a long day trip or a short weekend, depending on your time constraints.

Focus on the small towns dotting the highway on the drive down, and then explore the many natural areas on the way back. Tours of the historic St. Mary’s Mission—famous for “Where Montana Began”—are found in Stevensville. Outside of Victor, in an unassuming storefront, is Montana’s only meadery, Hidden Legend. Pick up a bottle, or two, of this delectable concoction made with local honey to take home as a souvenir. On the drive up explore the deep and colorful canyons found approximately every 15 miles along the Bitterroot Mountains and stop by Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge to look for majestic trumpeter swans.

A crane takes a stroll (above right) and a trumpeter swam glides over a waterway in the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge in Stevensville

24

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2016

Hamilton is the perfect little town to turn around at or stop for the night.

Several hotels are within walking distance of eclectic restaurants like Spice of Life and galleries full of local art such as Art Focus.

The east side of Glacier National Park is often overlooked in favor of the more accessible west side, but this enormous and sparsely inhabited area stands as the best place in Montana to see beasts such as grizzlies and black bears, moose, and mountain goats. My advice: Skirt along the bottom of the park on Highway 2, which lacks the infuriating traffic of Going-to-the-Sun Road, for a picturesque drive alongside the Flathead River and over wind-swept Marias Pass.

The perfect weekend consists of spending your first night in the town of East Glacier at the mom-and-pop Mountain Pine Motel followed by a plate piled high with huckleberry pancakes at Luna’s to fuel a day of exploring. End the weekend with a night at the

A moose takes a dip in Fishercap Lake in Glacier National Park while grizzlies play in East Glacier

Many Glacier complex. The simple act of setting up a chair and raising a pair of binoculars will give you the perfect opportunity to see monster grizzly bears munching berries along avalanche chutes and snowy mountain goats gracefully picking their way along rock ledges.

Sometimes you just need to be pampered, and that’s the moment when Whitefish comes to mind.

A short three-hour drive will put you in the realm of spas, cozy inns and fabulous restaurants, all with the striking backdrop of Whitefish Mountain. Packed in the ski season, Whitefish clears out in the summer making this the best time to find deals and little to no wait for a dinner reservation.

Get your adrenaline rush at Whitefish Mountain’s Aerial Adventure Park as you zip-line hundreds of feet over treetops and shoot down the alpine slide. Whitefish Trail consists of more than 36 miles of paths looping around town and is a low-key alternative to experience the outdoors.

Your tired muscles need a rest after all that work. End the day with a spa treatment at Remedies Day Spa. Indulge in a heaping plate of bison enchiladas at Pescado Blanco and follow it up with a soak under the stars in the hot tub at Hidden Moose Lodge.

A trip to Whitefish can include zip-lining at the Aerial Adventure Park, eating at Pescado Blanco, and relaxing at Remedies Day Spa

CONTINUED >

March 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

25

Road Trip

(CON TI N U ED)

Our state is rich with history and some of the biggest wealth can be found in these two towns. Lewis and Clark were on their vacation of a lifetime in 1805 when they stopped in the vicinity of Missouri Headwaters State Park outside of Three Forks. Here the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers combine into the mighty Missouri. Explore this uncrowded natural area and then stay the night at the historic Sacajawea Hotel. Built in 1910, this beautiful building and surrounding grounds have passed through numerous owners but was recently lovingly restored by the Folkvord family, owners of Wheat Montana.

Travel 60 miles south and 60 years after Lewis and Clark to the original capital of the Montana Territory, Virginia City. Gold was found in surrounding parts in 1863 and the inevitable rush of miners formed this raucous hard-partying town. A walking tour will educate you on how these early settlers spent their days between schools, saloons, and churches.

Your evenings will be spent booing the villain during a melodrama put on by the Virginia City Players. Â

Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks (Insets)

Whitefish Mountain 26

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2016

Don’t forget your feathered friends this winter.

Extensive backyard bird supplies at competitive prices.

Montana Ace Your Birding Place!

FREE

Local Delivery

Montana Ace-Eastgate 905 E Broadway Missoula (406) 721-9690

Montana Ace-Tremper’s 2301 Brooks St Missoula (406) 728-3030

www.montanaace.com Partners in Home Care is a nationally accredited home health agency providing Home Health and Hospice services in the Missoula and Polson areas.

• Home Health • Hospice • Infusion Therapy • Home Medical Equipment • Home & Community Based Services

Missoula | 406-728-8848 2687 Palmer Street, Suite B 59808

888-729-8848

Polson | 406-883-8412 1-14th Ave. West 59860

www.partnersinhomecare.org March 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

27

Driver’s Notebook

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

N

eck-snapping acceleration and cackling exhaust pipes are the first signs that the Range Rover Sport SVR is a performance car dressed in SUV clothes.

The snarling 550-horsepower V-8, borrowed from Jaguar F-Type, is

capable of propelling this two-and-a-half-ton rig to 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds and has a top track speed of 162 miles per hour. The eight-speed automatic is a perfect partner.

While the notion of creating a high-performance SUV may seem like a contradiction, it’s the price of admission to the luxury class because BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Jeep all have one. The SVR comes from Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division. It was chosen as Four Wheeler of the Year by Four Wheeler magazine.

Land Rover says the SVR completed a lap of the famous Nürburgring

Nordschleife racetrack in 8 minutes and 14 seconds, a time that is competitive with many sports cars. Large Brembo front brakes are installed to cope with the higher speeds. Fuel economy is rated at 14 miles per gallon in the city and 19 on the highway. If you get frisky with the throttle, however, your mileage will be considerably less.

The SVR is more than a road burner; it also has off-road chops, although I wonder about the wisdom of taking a vehicle this expensive into the woods or over rocks. Land Rover prides itself on delivering off-road capability on all of its vehicles. An adjustable air suspension enables the vehicle to rise so it has 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 20 inches of wheel travel. The Terrain Response system lets the driver choose transmission, suspension and traction settings for optimum drivability in a variety of off-road conditions. Settings include Dynamic; Automatic; Rock Crawl; Grass, Gravel and Snow; Mud and Ruts; and Sand.

The test vehicle, from Land Rover’s press fleet, was also equipped with lane departure warning, automatic parallel parking and 360-degree parking assist.

The Range Rover’s interior is as plush as one would expect for a vehicle in this price segment. The two-tone sports seats have pronounced shoulder bolsters for support during high-speed driving. First-class materials

Warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles.

are used throughout. Carbon fiber trim is used as a counterpoint to the

Point: The Range Rover Sport SVR has a whopping 550 horse-

leather and brushed aluminum. Knobs are used for the climate control,

power and a 162-mph top track speed, yet it is capable of serious off-

but navigation and audio are controlled by a touchscreen and I still find

road activity because the air suspension increases ground clearance

the menu system to be less than intuitive.

and the Terrain Response System has settings for nearly any condition.

The instrument cluster is a 12-inch Thin Film Transistor screen. The gauges are digital representations of analog gauges. The numbers on either side

Counterpoint: High-performance luxury SUVs seem like expensive toys.

of the tachometer and speedometer needles grow slightly brighter as the needles sweep around each virtual dial.

Upscale items included the heated windshield, Meridian audio system, adaptive cruise control, navigation, and Bluetooth telephone connectivity.

Price: The base price of the test vehicle was $112,345. Options included the

Engine: 5.0-liter, 550-horsepower V-8 Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive Wheelbase: 115 inches Curb weight: 5,148 pounds

SVR’s more powerful engine, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise con-

Base price: $112,345

trol, metallic paint, ebony headliner, black roof, carbon fiber veneer, heated

As driven: $127,920

windshield, and a carbon-fiber engine cover. The sticker price was $127,920.

MPG rating: 14 in the city, 19 on the highway

28

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2016

Leg Pain?

Varicose Veins?

Ca ll f Va or y ric ou os r F e RE Ve E in Sp G id uid er e &

EXAM & CONSULTATION • FLEXIBLE ACRYLIC PARTIALS IMMEDIATE DENTURES • COMPLETE DENTURES • RELINES & REPAIRS ACRYLIC INTERIM PARTIALS • CAST METAL PARTIALS

Our clinic is devoted primarily to complete, partial and immediate dentures.

Our goal is to make you 100% satisfied using the industry’s most current removable prosthetic techniques. We complete all of the work in our dental laboratory, ensuring successful denture services.

We will work with your current dentist to ensure the best treatment plan possible for your situation.We look forward to seeing you soon and helping you along the way to your new smile!!

2100 STEPHENS AVE. SUITE 104 MISSOULA, MONTANA 59801 (406) 829-8900 • BIGSKYDENTURE.COM

KEEP ENERGY COSTS LOW WHILE KEEPING STYLISH

KEEP ENERGY COSTS LOW WHILE KEEPING STYLISH KEEP ENERGY COSTS LOW WHILE KEEPING STYLISH ENERGY-SAVING WINDOW TREATMENTS KEEP ENERGY COSTS LOW WHILE KEEPING STYLISH ENERGY-SAVING WINDOW TREATMENTS

ENERGY-SAVING WINDOW TREATMENTS

ENERGY-SAVING WINDOW TREATMENTS KEEP ENERGY COSTS LOW WHILE KEEPING STYLISH

ENERGY-SAVING WINDOW TREATMENTS

Renew Your Legs...

Renew Your Life!

(406) 552-0080 Missoula Double cell honeycomb shades paired with drapes Double cell honeycomb shades paired with drapes

Ask about all our energy-efficient Ask about all our energy-efficient window coverings, including Roman shades and shutters including Roman shades and window shutters coverings, Ask about all our energy-efficient Ask about all our energy-efficient window coverings, including *Roman shades and shutters

Non-Surgical Treatment

DoubleDouble cellcoverings, honeycomb shades paired withpaired drapes with drapes window cell honeycomb shades

including and shutters <XXX OFF *Roman shades Double cell honeycomb shades paired with drapes <XXX OFF><Local ><LocalOffer> Offer> * <XXX ><Local Offer> Ask about30% allOFF our window coverings, offenergy-efficient on Series *Signature

<XXX OFF ><Local Offer>

Schedule your FREE In-Home Consultation today!shades and shutters including Roman window treatments Schedule your FREE In-Home Consultation today! by Budget Blinds <000-000-0000> // BudgetBlinds.com Schedule your FREE// In-Home Consultation today! <000-000-0000> BudgetBlinds.com * Ask for details. At participating franchises only. Not valid with any other <*Applies to selected Signature Series® window treatments by Budget Blinds.® Some restrictions may apply. <XXX OFF ><Local Offer> BudgetBlinds.com/Missoula ® <000-000-0000> BudgetBlinds.com toorselected Signature Series window treatments by// Budget Blinds.

Some restrictions may apply. fortoday! details. participating franchises with anyof other offers,<*Applies discounts coupons.

Valid foryour a limited time only.

Offer good at initial time of® estimate only. ©2015 BudgetAskBlinds, Inc. AllAtRights Reserved.

Budget only.

BlindsNot is avalid trademark Schedule FREE In-Home Consultation

(406) 542-8282 /

offers, discounts coupons. a limited time only.

Offer Brand. good atEach initialfranchise time of independently estimate only.owned ©2015 Blinds, Inc. All Rights Reserved.available.> Budget Blinds is a trademark of BudgetorBlinds, Inc.Valid and for a Home Franchise Concepts andBudget operated.

Franchise opportunities ® Budget Blinds, Signature Inc. and aSeries Home®Franchise Concepts Brand.

EachBlinds. franchise independently and operated.

Franchise opportunities available.> <*Applies to selected window treatments

by Budget Some restrictionsowned may apply.

Ask for details.

At participating franchises only. Not valid with any other offers, discounts or coupons. Valid for a limited time only. Offer good at initial time of estimate only. ©2015 Budget Blinds, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Schedule your FREE In-Home Consultation today!

Budget Blinds, Inc. and a Home Franchise Concepts Brand. Each franchise independently owned and operated. Franchise opportunities available.>

Insurance Pays Same Day/In Office Procedure

<000-000-0000> // BudgetBlinds.com

<*Applies to selected Signature Series® window treatments//

by Budget Blinds.® Some restrictions may apply. Ask for details. At participating franchises only. Not valid with any other <000-000-0000> BudgetBlinds.com offers, discounts or coupons. Valid for a limited time only. Offer good at initial time of estimate only. ©2015 Budget Blinds, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds, Inc. and a Home independently and operated.

Franchise opportunities available.> ® Franchise Concepts Brand. Each <*Applies to selected Signature Series window treatments by Budget Blinds.® franchise Some restrictions may apply.owned Ask for details.

At participating franchises only. Not valid with any other offers, discounts or coupons. Valid for a limited time only. Offer good at initial time of estimate only. ©2015 Budget Blinds, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds, Inc. and a Home Franchise Concepts Brand. Each franchise independently owned and operated. Franchise opportunities available.>

www.VeinMontana.com March 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

29

Lifestyle Calendar

March

MARCH 12 SOLAS DENNISON THEATRE This quintessential Irish-American band burst onto the scene in 1996 and captured the

MARCH 4

at

uproarious

world’s attention, building a new audience

SPIDER FEEDING

production will allow the audience to see the

for Celtic traditional music and breaking

MISSOULA BUTTERFLY HOUSE

Bard in a new, farcical light that will appeal to

new ground. Visit SolasMusic.com and

& INSECTARIUM

both Shakespeare lovers and novices alike.

UMT.edu/dennison-theatre

Come watch the live feeding of Rosie the

Tickets are available at MCTInc.org.

information and tickets.

Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula every Friday at 4

breakneck

speed.

This

p.m. and every Saturday at 1 p.m. and learn more

MARCH 12

about spiders and their hunting and eating

LANTERN MAKING: SHINING THE LIGHT

habits. Visit MissoulaButterflyHouse.org

ON YOU

for more information.

MISSOULA ART MUSEUM

more

This Saturday family art workshop with

MARCH 5

Janaina Vieira-Marques is inspired by the

MISSOULA WOMEN'S FAIR

book Lucia and the Light by Phyllis Root.

UM BALLROOM

With hands-on cutting, gluing, and story-

Women, come indulge in the very best

telling, children and parents will embark

Missoula has to offer in shopping, fashion,

on the adventure of making their own

food,

home,

lanterns. Arrive early to be ensured a spot;

health and more. This is a fabulous day to

all materials provided. More information at

celebrate the beginning of spring and to

MissoulaArtMuseum.org.

entertainment,

for

cosmetics,

be pampered with entertainment, samples, prizes, massages and endless retail therapy.

MARCH 15 - 19

MissoulaWomensFair.com.

ALL IN THE TIMING

MARCH 5

MASQUER THEATRE All in the Timing brings au-

GRIZ BASKETBALL

diences a sampling of short

DAHLBERG ARENA

comic plays from David Ives,

The Griz will take on the Northern Colorado

a

Bears at Dahlberg Arena at 7 p.m.

The New York Times called "a

MARCH 6

contemporary

playwright

master of fun." These one-act comedies are loosely connect-

NIGHTWISH

ed by themes of romantic com-

THE WILMA

plications, language, and the

Nightwish, a symphonic metal band from

meaning of life. Get tickets at

Finland, is the most successful Finnish band

UMT.edu/umarts/boxoffice.

abroad with more than 8 million records sold worldwide. Also performing are Sonata

MARCH 17

Arctica and Delain. Tickets available at

DOWNTOWN DROP-IN

TheWilma.com.

WINE TASTING

MARCH 11 - 20

LA GROTTA BELLA Come for the weekly Thursday

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM

evening (5 p.m.) wine tasting

SHAKESPEARE: ABRIDGED

at La Grotta Bella under the

MISSOULA COMMUNITY THEATRE

Old Post Pub, 107 W. Spruce.

This madcap production condenses the

Cost is $10, payable at the Old

great works of William Shakespeare into

Post. For more information, visit

irreverent and hilarious micro performances

Wordens.com.

30

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2016

MARCH 19 GRIZ GLOW 5K FUN RUN UM GOLF COURSE Join the fourth annual event at the University of

Montana

Golf

Course.

Participants

are encouraged to dress as brightly as possible; glow sticks, necklaces, and glow zones are provided. Kids 10 and under are free. Registration is $35, and all proceeds benefit Campus Recreation Youth Camps.

UMT.edu/grizglow.

MARCH 25 POETRY READING: MARY SZYBIST TURNER HALL AT UM Winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Poetry for Incarnadine, Mary Szybist will give a reading. Event is sponsored by the President's Writers-in-Residence Series. Free.

MARCH 25 MAMMA MIA! ADAMS CENTER On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. For tickets, go to UMT.edu/griztix.

MARCH 26 UNDERWATER EGG HUNT CURRENTS AQUATIC CENTER Some "bunny" left a bunch of brightly colored eggs in the Currents pool, and they need help cleaning them out. Eggs will be tallied and can then be traded in for prizes.

Kids ages 3 and older will be divided into like age groups and take turns hunting the eggs. Regular admission plus $1 egg hunt registration. Proceeds benefit the Share the Fun Youth Recreation Grants.

Spring Promotion January 2, 2016-May 31, 2016 With any paid initiation fee and 24-month agreement, enjoy no dues and assessments for three months!

Benefits include Unlimited golf on Montana’s Premier Champion 18 hole golf course Free golf clinics - men, women and juniors Golf simulator • Junior golf programs Fully stocked pro shop and professional club fitting and PGA lessons Unlimited use of the driving range and short game practice facility Men’s, women’s and couples leagues Club and personal cart storage available Family swimming pool • Game room Clubhouse, Lounge and event dining

Missoula’s only fully private club Contact Chris Nowlen or Felicia Pyka 406-251-2404 Email: cnowlen@missoulacountryclub.com or Membership@missoulacountryclub.com

March 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

31

business directory ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

Art Attic Inc. Framing and Design (406) 728-5500 artatticmt.com Open Lens by Pamela (406) 370-2704 openlensbypamela.com

AUTOMOTIVE

Reds Accessories Plus (406) 728-0040 redsaccessoriesplus.com

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS Big Sky Denture Group (406) 829-8900 bigskydenture.com

Northwest Denture Center (406) 542-0609

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION Missoula Country Club (406) 251-2404 missoulacountryclub.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Acupuncture Clinic of Missoula (406) 728-1600 Acupunctureclinicofmissoula.com Peak Health & Wellness Center (406) 251-3344 peakmissoula.com The Wellness Institute of Montana - Aleph PC (406) 721-2537 Alephmt.com

32

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2016

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

Abbey Carpet Missoula (406) 721-1810 missoula.abbeycarpet.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

Budget Blinds of Missoula (406) 542-8282 budgetblinds.com/missoula Direct Source (406) 728-8099 directsourcemt.com

HOME SERVICES SpeedConnect (406) 241-2901 speedconnect.com

INSURANCE

Danny Blowers Insurance Agency (406) 541-9885 dannyblowersagency.com

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

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

OTHER

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

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE

Berkshire Hathaway Montana Properties (406) 721-4141 BHHSMT.com Diane Beck Windermere Real Estate (406) 532-7927 move2missoula.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Jakers Bar and Grill (406) 721-1312 Jakers.com

Montana Club Resturants (406) 541-0076 montanaclub.com

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

Mustard Seed (406) 542-7333 mustardseedweb.com

Northwest Plastic Surgery Assoc.

(406) 728-3811 nwpsa.com

Paradise Falls (406) 728-3228 paradisefallsmissoula.com

Oral Surgical Associates (406) 728-6840 oralsurgicalassociates.com Partners In Home Care (406) 728-8848 partnersinhomecare.org

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

REDSACCESSORIESPLUS.COM

ULTRA SPORT The cab-high Ultra Sport offers a sleek, custom-fit styling with two of the features customers look for the most: 1/3 side sliding windows with screens for generous air flow and an all-glass rear door with rotary latches and a twist handle.

CALL REDS ACCESSORIES PLUS for your Century Truck Caps and Tonneaus

(406) 728-0040

or stop by at 321 N. Russell in Missoula

Let us give you something to smile about.

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 www.OralSurgicalAssociates.com

Missoula’s professional picture framing studio since 1968 specializing in quality workmanship and design.

123 South Avenue West Missoula, Montana 59801 • 406.728.5500 • artatticmt.com

Serving the Missoula Area Since 1973 1547 S Higgins Avenue • Missoula Hamilton Satellite Office: 411 State Street March 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

33

Parting Thoughts

A Love Letter to the Arts I

WORDS CHELSEA LYN DRAKE

went to a Christmas caroling party a few years ago where many people had highfalutin jobs. They were numbers people. Something I most certainly was not.

They'd saved lives, designed buildings. They were from further flung places, big cities. Their children spoke several languages and giggled at their own striking accomplishments.

At the party, my brother told one of the caroling women a seemingly embarrassing story from my youth. He turned red, already feeling sorry for me in front of the small crowd that gathered around us. The story goes, when I was 4 or 5 years old I used to pretend I was a cat named Samantha. I'd lap milk from a bowl and rub my eyes with my "paws" and skirt around the house on all fours. Thinking about this time reminds me of other instances: building jumps out of couch pillows and sailing up and over these "fences" like a horse. I wrote stories from animal perspectives and ran to the bottom of our sloped driveway whenever my dad washed his car so I could let my horse figurines "swim" in a pothole lake.

The woman laughed and covered her mouth in disbelief and began telling us about her own daughter, who had recently held a plastic play phone up to her ear and said, "Ring, ring, ring." The woman told us of her concern when this happened, how she hesitantly took the phone from her daughter and asked her if she knew that no one was really calling. I remember a small part of my heart breaking that day, not for her futureâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;sure to be brightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but for the unanswered phone that held the possibility of other worlds.

I was in college at the time, studying literature and journalism. I made things up and got As for imagination. I wrote essays and articles about music, art, and community happenings.

Some could argue that I spent four years practicing how to lie and how to tell the truth, and learning how to distinguish one over the other when the world tries to blur those lines.

Then I got my first real-world job, where I wrote countless love letters to writers about how their work moved me and, at times, shook me. I was working in the literary department of a talent agency in New York where the unread manuscripts from aspiring writers steadily streamed in. Only some would be sold to publishers and make it onto bookshelves, yet I felt enamored by all of them. Their pages were proof of time spent in fictional places, living and breathing pure creation. All art is this, time spent in a rule-less stupor.

I remember the man who interviewed me for this agency job. He was wearing a burgundy velour suit and his office was lined, floor to ceiling, with the flashes of color that each carefully decided binding provided. He asked me if I really wanted a career in the arts and I thought of all the times I'd been dazzled, fevered even, by reading. How these other worlds helped me learn to walk in others' shoes. How the mountains and valleys of our lives are all part of a similar landscape. And I said yes. So thank you, dear Arts, for being the unapologetic account of our time here, the refuge for creators and our stories and the many ways in which we tell them.

34

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | March 2016

nortHweSt PlAStiC Surgery ASSoCiAteS SPeCiAlizeS in All ASPeCtS of CoSmetiC, PlAStiC & reConStruCtive Surgery

one of montana’s most Highly trained, well respected, & ethical Practices with a High Personal Standard of excellence & expertise.

Now offering NeoGraft© and CoolSculpt.©

Call now to find out about our special introductory pricing!

Dr. Stephen Hardy is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board certified for plastic and reconstructive surgery from head to toe. Certification requires several years of intense training and education in order to gain the required skills for providing the most comprehensive, ethical and competent care available for patients.

“I would recommend Dr. Hardy to anyone.

He’s a caring surgeon who will make sure that you feel comfortable and he’ll do whatever it takes to treat your problem. I could travel thousands of miles and would not find anybody who can do it better than he could” ~ Sydney, Diagnosed with melanoma Skin Cancer

Please join us in welcoming ABPS certified surgeon Dr. Michael Harl to nwPSA. He is now available to see patients.

CAll for A ConSultAtion or viSit our weBSite toDAy!

Northwest Plastic Surgery Associates • (406) 728-3811 • www.nwpsa.com 2802 Great Northern Loop • Missoula, MT 59808