Missoula Valley May 2015 by City Lifestyle

Missoula Valley MAY 2015

MissoulaValleyLifestyle.com

™

Congratulations class of

2015

POST-GRADUATION TWISTS & TURNS JOIN THE ‘OULAGINS’ DISCOVER GEORGINE LISA ARCHER’S SILK CREATIONS

“YOUR LAWN. WE’LL TAKE IT ON!” (406) 544-LIFT

It’s that time of year again! We hope you had a safe and enjoyable winter. With spring here and summer just around the corner, we wanted you to know that Tucker Lawn and Maintenance service is ready to work for you on all your lawn and maintenances need. Give us call (406) 5445438. We are looking forward to another great summer! Plus, if you are not familiar with our referral program, we encourage you to join. For every friend, neighbor or family member you refer to sign up for our Weekly Lawn Maintenance service, you will receive 1 FREE lawn mowing’s. We greatly appreciate your business! If you need any further information, please call (406) 544-5438. We will be glad to assist you any way we can. At Tucker Lawn and Maintenance, it is our responsibility to give you the Best service at the Best price!

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Editor’s Letter

Mother, may I? I

always assumed I would graduate from college in May. (In fact, no: December a few moons ago.) All my previous passages into the next chapter of my life started in mid-May. I’d wave “adios” to the kids in the lower grades, thinking that whatever lay ahead would be better than what had preceded it. May strikes me as a month of possibilities. Dare I reveal my need to parse out life’s plan for me by relating it to grammar rules? Yes. Forgive me, a career copy editor and English as a foreign language teacher. Modal verb “may”—not to be confused with proper noun May—introduces (yes, you guessed it!) possibilities and gives (you probably didn’t figure this) permission. “What?!?” you may ask. (This, an example granting permission to question.) Life’s possibilities, especially after a milestone like college or high school graduation, might feel a myriad of things: exciting, daunting, promising, terrifying, among too many adjectives to list. The four people featured in “Graduation: What Next?” seized on opportunities that have taken them far away from what they imagined, at graduation, their lives would be like five, 10 and 20-plus years later. Each of them gives him- and herself the permission to explore possibilities, which is my hope for Missoula’s Class of 2015 (and everyone, really). It doesn’t seem a coincidence to me that graduation—a closing of one chapter and the opening of another—occurs in May. This month promises and permits. Speaking of promises, I made one nearly five years ago when I brought my lovepup home. I imagined what kind of life I’d want if I were a four-legged beast. The verdict: to take lots of daily walks in different locales and eat yummy people food. I acquiesced. This got me to thinking about what promises my mama-bear (aka my mother) made to herself when I was born. I can’t know (well, I could ask her) but, quite strangely, being a pet-parent has shown me the seemingly insignificant, often underappreciated and rarely recognized sacrifices she has made for me. May the month reminds us to appreciate and celebrate our mothers. Let’s love on ours the way they love on us. To all the mothers out there: Happy Mother’s Day!

MAY 2015 publisher Michael Tucker | MTucker@LifestylePubs.com

editor Danielle M. Antonetti | DAntonetti@lifestylepubs.com

contributing writers Rebecca Berra, Kate DiNitto, Brianna Randall, Tom Strongman, Mike Tornatore

contributing photographers Pamela Dunn-Parrish

Published monthly, subscriptions are: 1 year for $22 or 2 years for $39. Visit MissoulaValleyLifestyle.com

Danielle M. Antonetti, Editor dantonetti@lifestylepubs.com by Community ™

MissoulaValleyLifestyle.com ON THE COVER Missoula’s Class of 2015

graduates this month. Congratulate them as they take on the next chapter in their lives. 4 Missoula Valley Lifestyle | May 2015

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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.

May 2015

Departments

Good Times

Around Town

Artist’s Palette

Hops & Vine

Locally Owned

Driver’s Notebook

Page Turners

30 Lifestyle Calendar 34

Parting Thoughts

12 Lisa Archer

Bitterroot inspires artist’s silk creations.

14 Graduation: What Next?

Four Missoulians reflect on their post-college lives.

24 Move your ‘OULA’

Grin, spin and sweat it out.

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Good Times

UM’s International Culture and Food Festival

Missoula’s foodies brought their appetite and curiosity to the event featuring country display booths, an international culture show and an international food bazaar. Hosted by the university’s International Student Association and Foreign Student and Scholar Services. PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAMELA DUNN-PARRISH

8 Missoula Valley Lifestyle | May 2015

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Around Town BOWLING FOR DUNBAR Missoula’s community proved to be as supportive and encouraging as we all know it to be at a benefit for Maryann Dunbar, who is suffering from polycystic kidney disease. Bowlers—both good and Maryann Dunbar not-so-good—supported Maryann at a bowling tournament and silent auction held at Westside Lanes and Fun Center in late March. Maryann, who works at Missoula College, has been on the kidney transplant list since May 2012, and she started dialysis in October the following year. Later that month, a kidney was removed. Active in golf and bowling, even bowling a 270 during the benefit according to one attendee, she is staying positive with the support of her husband, family and friends. Donations are still being accepted to help offset the costs of dialysis and her medications. Please visit GoFundMe.com/ooac4s.

MISSOULA'S GOT TALENT Missoulians knew Leif Bjelland, founder of Le Petit Outre, was outstanding long before he was shortlisted for Outstanding Baker in the 2015 Restaurant and Chef Awards from the James Beard Foundation. This is the first year that the foundation is recognizing bakers in its annual awards. Awards will be presented at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in May. Check out Missoula Valley Lifestyle’s Facebook page on May 4 to see who wins this prestigious award. Go Leif! Visit JamesBeard.org for more information.

will be served at the MCT Center for Performing Arts, 200 N. Adams St. For more information visit mct.org or call 406.728.1911.

Missoula Community Theatre's production of "Willy Wonka"

NEW NON-PROFIT JOINS THE ZOO’S FOOD MOVEMENT The mission of Blue Sky Stewardship is to cultivate the community’s relationship with food. Co-founders Stephon Smith, Luke Robison and William Halliburton appreciate honest, healthy food and a clean environment that supports the future. “We want our community to share in this simple delight by helping to build the necessary agricultural and social infrastructure to support our most precious of systems,” according to the website. The organization offers three programs— Learn, Unite and Grow—which are geared toward sowing an understanding in the community about the importance of its mission, minimizing the distance and energy used in the distribution and consumption of food by producing and distributing it locally, and implementing and assisting in the development of food-growing projects in the Missoula Valley. For more information about the non-profit’s founders, programs and events, visit BlueSkyStewardship.org.

PARTY FOR ONE MILLION REASONS On Saturday, May 2 the Missoula Children’s Theatre kicks off its “One Million Reasons to Say Yes Campaign” to raise $1 million in order to retire the mortgage on the building. Event starts at 5 p.m. There will be a brief presentation at 6 p.m. Refreshments 10 Missoula Valley Lifestyle | May 2015

WINE, DINE & SUPPORT THE FIVE VALLEYS LAND TRUST Join others Saturday, May 9 at the 21st annual Five Valleys Land Trust Banquet and Auction. Five Valleys Land Trust is a non-profit, community-supported organization dedicated to

protecting scenic open spaces, wildlife habitat, clean water and agricultural lands throughout western Montana. The organization works directly with willing landowners and other partners to craft unique collaborative solutions to conservation challenges and opportunities. Recently, the Rattlesnake Land Trust disbanded and Five Valleys assumed responsibility for all of its conservation easements in the Rattlesnake Valley. If you’ve ever hiked in the North Hills, picnicked on Mt. Jumbo, or taken a drive along Flynn Lane, then you’ve enjoyed land protected by organizations like Five Valleys. They also acquired 140 acres along Fish Creek in the Alberton Gorge that protects important bull trout habitat. Five Valleys will facilitate the transfer to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in 2015 to permanently protect the fishery. The event will take place at the University of Montana’s UC Ballroom and will feature dinner, live and silent auctions, and live music by Tom Catmull. Doors open at 5.30 p.m. The funds go directly to help Five Valleys complete conservation projects in and around Missoula and throughout western Montana. For tickets and more information, visit fvlt.org, call 406.549.0755 or email banquet@fvlt.org.

120 YEARS WITH 120 PIECES This year the Montana Museum of Art and Culture Permanent Collection at the University of Montana marks its 120th anniversary. To honor this important institutional milestone, the museum published the first-ever guide to this unique The Poet Advises the treasure that Maiden (The Hand) by belongs to each Salvador Dalí and every Montanan, The Art of the State: 120 Artworks for 120 Years. The exhibition includes the artworks featured in this publication. The works featured in this book will be on display through May 23. Don’t miss it. Visit umt.edu/montanamuseum for more information. Docent tours are available.

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH • SANDWICHES • BURGERS

Let’s Celebrate MOM!

Join us for our famous Mother’s Day Brunch from 9am-2pm on Sunday, May 10. Reservations recommended.

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Artist’s Palette

Georgine Lisa Archer WEAR IT: ARTIST'S SILK CANVAS EXPLODES WITH COLOR ARTICLE BY KATE DINITTO PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAMELA DUNN-PARRISH

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO STEVENSVILLE?

I was born and raised in New Jersey. Acting upon a life-long interest in painting, fashion and design, I gifted a hand-painted silk wedding canopy to a friend in 1995. Thus, my home-based business of creating chuppahs (Jewish wedding canopies) was born. In 1998, a house fire destroyed everything we owned, including my silk business. It was a life-altering experience and depression set in. I thought I would give up painting on silk altogether. Three years later my husband suggested we visit family in Montana, so we set off on a vacation and our journey took us to the Bitterroot Valley. The wide array of colors of the Sapphire and Bitterroot mountain ranges sparked in me a new artistic vision. With our dog Arrow, we moved to this beautiful valley and the Bitterroot River inspired my first silk scarf output called the Stone Collection. Watching feathers swirl in an eddy as the sun shone through the water, which glistened on the wet glacial stones, led to the creation of a series of deep blue, green and brown painted silk scarves. The elements of water and earth interacting brought these to life. I took those scarves to a local farmers market and sold all eight of them. I was clearly on to something. Things changed when we moved to Montana in a way that one could only dream about. Our adopted dog Bow, whom we got from the Humane Society in Hamilton, was on national television with Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa in 2004 and won their Mutt Contest, singing along to Dean Martin’s “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometimes.” Bow was also a cover girl for Modern Dog magazine and she won lots of Pet Smart gifts certificated from the store. I started to make personalized pillows with people’s pets pictured on silk. DESCRIBE YOUR ART.

In my younger years I watched my grandmother sew; she could make anything out of nothing and it would be so beautiful. My mother also has an eye for color, and in her spare time she would paint in watercolors. She always encouraged me to follow my dreams. If you want it badly enough you will create it. As a teenager I didn’t follow any dress code. I always felt individuals should wear what makes them feel good—inside and out—in terms of color and style. 12 Missoula Valley Lifestyle | May 2015

I’m moved by nature and its colors; I let the brush and silk dyes take me to another level. My paintings aren’t controlled or predictable, and I have no preconceived idea of what to create, so each piece is entirely different from the next. I feel like I infuse a spiritual calmness in my pieces. My signature style has become my feather design. Whenever I take a walk, I always find a feather or two. This is a special motif that has been given to me to use throughout my designs, symbolizing a feeling of freedom. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Nature inspires me. Montana’s broad, open skies are so beautiful that I’ve created collections with names such as Montana Sunrise and Montana Sunset. Silk also inspires me. I love the feel of silk, and its history and evolution are intriguing. Having worked in the hustle and bustle of New Jersey and New York, moving to a place where one can actually make a living with art inspires me each day.

WHERE DID YOU STUDY ART?

I went to the Barbizon School of Fashion Merchandising and Design in the 1970s and had on-the-job training working for a pattern design company in New York City. I learned about different materials, pattern designs, and dyes on fabric and applied these lessons throughout my career. After picking up a book about silk painting in the late 1980s, I decided to try my hand at it. I was blown away by the manner in which colors exploded onto the fabric. I made tons of mistakes in the beginning because I was trying to be correct about it all. Then it dawned on me that I needed to find my own style. At a silk gathering in Santa Fe, N.M., I discovered my niche. There were so many talented artists creating unique designs on silk. I entered one of my clothing items in a fashion show and was delightfully surprised at the general encouragement.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR ARTISTIC INFLUENCES?

I really love the designer Ralph Lauren. His style is simple and elegant. My Flutter Jacket is a fluid, versatile style that can be worn with a little black dress or blue jeans. I love the way silk moves when you walk; it drapes well and the fibers capture the colors I’ve instilled in my designs. When I paint on silk velvet, there may be something of a Jackson Pollack effect since I use everything from corn starch to potato paste.

WHERE CAN PEOPLE VIEW YOUR ART?

I have an antiques and collectibles store at 213 Main Street in Stevensville that houses my studio. In addition, I have a Facebook page and a website: LisaArcherSilks.com.

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Graduation: what next? ARTICLE BRIANNA RANDALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

t's true:Â The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, but life's path is, for most of us, rarely so efficient. Rather, the trajectory we take more often than not resembles a meandering trail, a crisscross pattern or a series of concentric circles.Â At no time, perhaps, is this truer than following graduation from college or high school, as these four profiles illustrate.

14 Missoula Valley Lifestyle | May 2015

TANIA HEATER WHAT’S YOUR DEGREE?

Business management with a concentration in human resources from Louisiana State University. WHAT DID YOU THINK YOU WOULD DO WITH IT?

I thought I might use my degree to work while traveling, but all I really knew after graduation was that I wanted to go to New Zealand. So I did. I was born and raised overseas, and my parents instilled the value of travel in me early on. WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?

I split my time between working for the Silk Road’s catering department and sailing aboard the Wizard’s Eye, a 40-foot sailboat captained by my boyfriend, Tyler Bradt. Tyler is sailing around the world on a fiveyear circumnavigation sponsored by NRS and Kavu, among others. The Silk Road is awesome and lets me take off for months at a time while we’re at sea. I basically work to make plane fare to meet up with him, spend my money, and then start the whole cycle over again. When I’m on the Wizard ’s Eye, it’s not a free ride. Sailing is a lot of hard work. But I’m totally hooked. So far, my longest stretch on the boat was just over three months, from French Polynesia to Fiji, and my longest passage is eleven days—the one I just finished, from Sumatra to Sri Lanka. I returned to Missoula in March to make more money. Tyler returns for a visit soon, too—as a world-class kayaker, he tries to spend a couple of months each spring paddling his home waters here in western Montana. For the next leg of his journey, he’ll take Wizard’s Eye from the Seychelles to South Africa. I’m hoping to join the crew in Madagascar. I love sailing, and it’ll definitely be a part of my life from here on out. And I know that I’ll always jump on any opportunity to travel, since there’s still so much to see! WORDS OF WISDOM:

People ask me how I can take off for such cool places: it’s simple. CONTINUED > Work til you can buy a ticket, and then go!

May 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

GRADUATION: WHAT NEXT (CONTINUED)

TONI MATLOCK WHAT’S YOUR DEGREE?

Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Chicago, a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Washington, and a master’s in media arts from the University of Montana. WHAT DID YOU THINK YOU WOULD DO WITH IT?

I always knew I would pursue a life in the arts. However, my dad is a successful businessman, and he convinced me early on that I should also consider more lucrative projects so that I could pursue my passion. At his advice, I started buying rental properties in my 20s to provide guaranteed income. It’s given me the independence to live comfortably as an artist, and also allowed me the chance to be as creative as I’d like with my artwork, rather than pumping out “production” pieces. WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?

Well, I’m definitely still using my degrees to make art, and I own rental properties here in Missoula, too. But I’ve also added more to my plate: in the past year, I’ve launched a start-up business and become a mother. It all keeps me plenty busy. My new business, Geek Puff, had its soft launch online last summer, just a couple of months before my son, Otto, was born. Geek Puff recognizes women for their brains more than their looks. Our website and downloadable issues are a space for women to find and flaunt their strengths in the STEAM (science, tech, engineering, art and math) fields. It’s kind of like Martha Stewart Living meets Jane Goodall and Sally Ride—content by and for women that is aimed at reframing the perception of “smart” as pretty, chic and sexy. WORDS OF WISDOM:

Because I have experience as an artist and as a freelance entrepreneur, I’m used to finding my way. I know it can be intimidating to start something new, but it’s very satisfying to get something out of nothing, so don’t be CONTINUED > afraid to try. 16 Missoula Valley Lifestyle | May 2015

May 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

GRADUATION: WHAT NEXT (CONTINUED)

BOBBY GRILLO WHAT’S YOUR DEGREE?

Bachelor’s in government and international relations from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s in environmental studies from the University of Montana. WHAT DID YOU THINK YOU WOULD DO WITH IT?

I thought I was going to be a human rights lawyer and save the world. After graduation, I took the LSAT in preparation for law school. But before applying, I moved to Portland to take a break, and started an internship with a humanitarian aid organization, Mercy Corps International. After that, I discovered AmeriCorps, and joined their Northwest Service Academy doing watershed restoration work, followed by a gig as a naturalist with one of Portland’s magnet schools. I quickly realized that there’s plenty of work to do right in our own communities. WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?

Those first couple of jobs in Portland convinced me that I wanted to work outside forever. I loved using my hands and my body. But after two more seasons working on public lands as a crew leader with AmeriCorps, I hurt my back. It made me realize I needed a backup plan, so I moved to Missoula to go to graduate school in Environmental Studies. Mid-way through my degree, a perfect job came up with the Montana Conservation Corps. I took the job, even though it meant deferring graduation for eight months. This month is my 13th anniversary with MCC, and I’m now the regional director. It’s a great mix between engaging young adults in hands-on national service, while simultaneously addressing pressing conservation needs on our public lands. I still get to use my hands and work outside often, and I also get to show others that there are alternatives to desk jobs. WORDS OF WISDOM:

At the end of the day, the point of education is to find meaningful employment. Sometimes you have to take nontraditional approaches to get there—and to make sure you figure out who you are first—like serving with AmeriCorps or taking time off to travel. CONTINUED >

18 Missoula Valley Lifestyle | May 2015

May 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

GRADUATION: WHAT NEXT (CONTINUED)

JEREMY SMITH WHAT’S YOUR DEGREE?

Bachelor’s degree in history and literature from Harvard University and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Montana. WHAT DID YOU THINK YOU WOULD DO WITH IT?

I wanted to draw a comic strip. During college, I drew a daily comic for the student newspaper. Even though I couldn’t draw very well, I got better. It was a fun way to tell stories and make other people laugh. I decided to apply for a fellowship that would allow me to spend the year after graduation traveling to Europe to pursue an independent project to study and create satiric art—which basically means reading lots of cartoons and developing my own comic strip. It was a blast. WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?

Turns out that it’s hard to make a living with comic strips. When I got back, I thought I could do some freelance writing while I figured out what my “real” writing would be. I also moved to Missoula, and started pursuing fiction while earning my graduate degree from UM. Meanwhile, I continued to pursue this sideline of freelance journalism, and over the years my articles have appeared in dozens of publications, including The Atlantic, Discover and the New York Times. I may have failed to get a comic strip published and failed to get a novel published, but both processes led me to a different type of storytelling that is just as exciting and creative. My experience with nonfiction journalism evolved into my two published books: Growing a Garden City (called The Urban Garden in paperback), published in 2010, and Epic Measures, the book I’ve spent the last three years researching and writing, which just hit the bookstores April 7. WORDS OF WISDOM:

Sometimes, it’s all about luck. For me, I have to find great characters who are taking action in newsworthy ways. So, keep your ears open for great stories, and don’t be afraid to see where those stories lead you. UPCOMING EVENT

Hear Jeremy Speak! Partnership Health Center June 2 at 5:30 p.m. 401 Railroad St., Missoula 20 Missoula Valley Lifestyle | May 2015

May 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

Hops & Vine

South Africa DISCOVER THE NEW WINE FRONTIER

ARTICLE MIKE TORNATORE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

pring is here and so is Mother’s Day. South Africa celebrates this special day just as we do here in Montana. Yet Mother’s Day is not the only thing Montana has in common with South Africa. Bluffs eroded from plutonic formations in the African nation make a perfect home for grapes to thrive near the foothills, where sagebrush is plentiful and which are reminiscent of eastern Montana’s buffalo jumps. South Africa’s 25 wine-growing regions are influenced by two of the world’s mighty oceans—the Atlantic and Indian. Mild Mediterranean-like weather, cool sea breezes, coastal fog, a unique topography, and a variety of soil compositions come together in this beautiful country to produce many wines of character and complexity. The country is proving itself to be a remarkable frontier for growing grapes. Their wines offer the oenophile terrific taste at an affordable price.

22 Missoula Valley Lifestyle | May 2015

This frontier of viticulture—the science, production and study of grapes—is not so new, though. For the last 350 years, European settlers explored and put down roots, quite literally, in this nation at the southern tip of Africa. The rootstock comes from the Vitis vinifera species, which is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe. South African topography and geology are a direct result of cataclysmic continental activity. It’s a rare opportunity when you can actually see what the French call terroir, or sense of place. But in this up-and-coming wine country, it’s so easy to see how this term fits. TERROIR

Three distinct types of vineyard terroir can be found in South Africa. The first is the Western Cape area, which receives ample natural moisture. This coastal region enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate. The weather and wind erosion have

left sandstone on top of granite-like rocks on mountain sides, creating idyllic conditions for grapes to grow. The “Cape Doctor,” the constant wind that blows against the terrain, is a blessing in disguise; it inoculates vineyards by sweeping away disease-carrying insects that can take up residence on grapevine leaves. This area, rich in soil, is home to perhaps the largest number of grape varietals in South Africa. On the leeward side of the mountains, rainfall is generally about half of what falls on the coast. This still provides enough moisture to naturally irrigate the vineyards that line the foothills of the mountains. The soil in these foothills is comprised of decomposed granite and shale, which are great at providing drainage for grapes. Grape farmers pay great attention to elevation and the direction these slopes face, all very important factors in determining what type of grape varieties can grow and what type of characteristics the fruit will exude.

WINE RECOMMENDATIONS

These two wines from South Africa offer terrific value and taste: Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc Steen OP Hout The aroma of this white wine comes from mango, papaya, and grapefruit, leaving a lively zest in the mouth. Man Vintners Pinotage (Hybrid, Pinot Noir and Cinsaut) Your nose will pick up the aroma of berries, cherry and plum as well as a hint of a smoky taste. The wine delivers a medium body and nice fruity and acidic balance. For more information about South African wines, visit WineGuyMike.com.

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The shape of the mountain faces and flat-topped bluffs, which look like the buffalo jumps in eastern Montana, may be more interesting than any other grape-producing region. The topography mediates climate by funneling in coastal moisture late in the day, or by introducing heat from the foothills to cool afternoon wind currents that circulate through the vineyards and slow the grapes from ripening, so they have the proper seasonal “hang time” on the vines. The vast inland valleys are rich and fertile, perfect for growing grapes, and the vines are irrigated with abundant river water. Rich alluvial soil sits atop clay in these South African valleys, producing grapes that are more viscous than those on the dryer side of the mountains. CLIMATE

Viticulture in South Africa takes place between 27° S and 34° S latitude. The climate is temperate, with warm summers and cool winters. No frost. WINEMAKING

South Africa’s winemaking is influenced by Old World techniques and a New World focus on fruit and optimal growing grounds. 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. Visit WineGuyMike.com for more information.

3/25/15 9:42 AM

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An OULA-Good Time A REFRESHING, FULL-BODY MISSOULA-MADE FITNESS CRAZE ARTICLE BRIANNA RANDALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

f you step into an OULA class, you would immediately agree with its motto: “Funnest. Workout. Ever.” College students twirl alongside grandmothers. Top 40 music pumps through the air. People sing aloud, grins plastered across their faces and their arms waving to the beat. OULA founder Kali Lindner could have launched her dance fitness business in any number of cities across the nation. Los Angeles would have made sense, or perhaps a western town with a bigger population, like Boulder or Bend—two cities Lindner and her husband had lived in prior to Missoula. Instead, almost five years after its inception, this popular high-energy dance workout program is deeply rooted in Missoula, which is also the genesis of OULA’s name. Why did Lindner choose Missoula? “I can’t imagine a better headquarters for OULA,” Lindner says. “The people in Missoula are truly following their dreams and living their passions, and are so supportive of others doing the same.” In fact, community is an integral piece of the OULA brand. Its website emphasizes that OULA is connection, with self and others. OULA is community. So, what, exactly, is OULA? It’s fun. And sweaty. And fast, and goofy, and sexy, and challenging and invigorating. This fun new

24 Missoula Valley Lifestyle | May 2015

fitness craze is summed up by Lindner as an hour-long class that shifts the focus from how you look to how you feel. The repertoire of routines includes 400-plus songs, featuring movements from hip-hop to salsa, intermixed with strength-training poses like lunges and squats. Lindner’s choreography combines her experience as a trained dancer, yoga instructor and Nia teacher. The workout is based on learning by doing, rather than stopping to teach new choreography. “My goal is to create easy-to-imitate moves that open chakras and tone the whole body,” she says. “And that keep everyone moving, too, since you can’t compare or compete if you’re jumping and spinning.” OULA Fitness has spread quickly from its Montana-based epicenter, with classes now offered across the country from Palmer, Alaska, to Portland, Maine. More tha 150 instructors are teaching hundreds of classes per week in cities like Seattle, Minneapolis, Houston, Duluth, Minn., Provo, Utah, Los Angeles, and even across the border in Mexico. Because the focus is on how you feel rather than how you look, OULA participants enjoy working out in a supportive, non-judgmental setting rather than feeling competitive or image-obsessed, which is a common by-product in other fitness environments. The classes tend to feel more like a party with

friends, especially since many of the participants are regulars who identify themselves as “OULAgins.” With more than 40 instructors in Missoula alone, OULA is now offered at almost every fitness facility in town, including gyms, the University of Montana, Dickinson Lifelong Learning Center, and the Downtown Dance Collective. In addition to the original hour-long class, Lindner also expanded her business to include three new programs. OULA Power is an intense 45-minute conditioning class that focuses on strengthening and toning using body weight. OULA Junior engages kids aged 4 to 11 with child-appropriate music and plenty of fun movement. Lastly, OULA X is a monthly dance party held at different Missoula venues that allow OULAgins to let loose in a social setting. “OULA is about living a fuller, better life and wanting to help others do the same. I’m constantly blown away by the caring nature of everyone involved in OULA,” says one OULA participant. This caring nature is evidenced by the Missoula-based OULA instructors who donate time to mentor and support new instructors across the country. In addition to an intensive weekend training session, Lindner requires that new instructors participate in a three-month-long mentoring program. This ensures the newcomers understand the philosophy of OULA, which Lindner believes is just as important as the actual dance training. “People donate time to OULA because they believe in it, are affected by it, and want others to succeed at it,” explains Lindner. “You couldn’t find that kind of dedication in most communities.” This year promises to be another year of growth for OULA. Last month, Lindner put on the first OULA Retreat, a sold-out five-night “adventure for the soul” in Baja California, Mexico. In the next few months, OULA is offering instructor training courses in Los Angeles, Missoula and Denver, and is also presenting at national fitness conventions in Chicago and Colorado. Meanwhile, Lindner is happy to be raising her family and growing her business in the Garden City. “I definitely plan to stay in Missoula,” says Lindner. “It’s an inspiring place to work.”

For The Serious Cook

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

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

www.montanaace.com May 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

Driver’s Notebook AT A GLANCE POINT: Few vehicles are more comfortable for hauling seven people and their luggage. The Yukon XL has excellent seats and a long list of convenience features.

This rig is expensive, thirsty and not easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

COUNTERPOINT:

YUKON XL SLT

5.3-liter, 355-horsepower V-8 Six-speed automatic Four-wheel drive WHEELBASE: 130 inches CURB WEIGHT: 5,926 pounds BASE PRICE: $60,435 AS DRIVEN: $67,270 MPG RATING: 15 in the city, 22 on the highway ENGINE:

TRANSMISSION:

GMC’s Yukon XL Is a Family Hauler ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

y daughter-in-law took one look at the 2015 Yukon XL and described it as a family truckster. With room for seven, two video screens and a cargo space big enough for a week’s worth of luggage, that’s certainly an apt description. Plus, it can tow 8,000 pounds. There are two models, the Yukon and Yukon Denali. Both come in regular or XL sizes. The XL has a 130-inch wheelbase. The Denali is the brand’s flagship and it is loaded with luxury features and equipment. Prices for the Denali start at $62,680 and range to $65,380 for the XL. Prices for the Yukon XL start at $49,035 for a two-wheel-drive SLE. I drove a four-wheel-drive SLT from GM’s press fleet. It had a base price of $60,435 and a sticker price of $67,270. Because the redesigned Yukon and Yukon XL have roots in the new Sierra pickup truck they continue to be body-on-frame vehicles with V-8 engines and a good thirst for fuel. The fourwheel-drive test truck, with the 5.3-liter V-8 engine, has an EPA-estimated fuel mileage rating of 15 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the city. In mostly city driving I averaged a bit less than 14 mpg, according to the trip computer. Two-wheel-drive models are rated at 23 mpg on the highway, which GM says is an improvement of nearly 10 percent. The test truck’s 355-horsepower V-8 was strong and responsive. It has variable valve timing, direct fuel injection and cylinder deactivation. The change from V-8 to four-cylinder operation was barely perceptible on the highway. Full-size, nearly three-ton family haulers like the Yukon XL and Chevrolet Suburban are beloved by the faithful, many of who will hook up a horse or boat trailer. The test vehicle was equipped with the trailer-towing package that included a trailer brake controller.

26 Missoula Valley Lifestyle | May 2015

The Yukon’s interior has been refined and it is as comfy as the couch in your family room. The choice of materials rivals that of many luxury cars. A new feature is a front center airbag that deploys from the inside of the driver’s seat. It provides a center cushion between driver and passenger during side-impact crashes. The gauges are similar to that of the pickup truck, but the rest of the instrument panel is softer and more like that of a car. The 8-inch touchscreen for audio and navigation has a new menu system that seems less intuitive than before. A mid-year update will include an “always on” 4G LTE connection that enables the vehicle to become a mobile hotspot without relying on an individual’s smart phone. GMC will also offer an app shop so owners can download apps for weather, music, news and travel information. One item I really like is the driver’s seat that vibrates if there is danger of hitting an object or another vehicle. The rearview camera is useful for towing because the driver can use it to back up to the trailer hitch. The test car was equipped with second-row bucket seats that are not only more comfortable than bench seats, but they also make it easier for people to get into the third row that is reasonably comfortable for adults. Three years or 36,000 miles, with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

WARRANTY:

PRICE: The base price of the test car was $60,435. Options included

power sunroof, upgraded audio system with navigation and 8-inch touch screen, rear-seat entertainment system, 20-inch polished wheels, trailer tow package, 3.42 rear axle, two-speed transfer case, second-row bucket seats and theft deterrent system. The sticker price was $67,270.

T:7”

Touchpad technology. Launchpad performance. The 2015 C-Class.

T:10”

It is the unexpected fusion of breakthrough intelligence and groundbreaking acceleration.

THE 2015 C-CLASS A KELLEY BLUE BOOK’S KBB.COM BEST BUY STARTING AT

38,400

The 2015 C-Class features a more powerful, efficient engine backed by an available AIRMATIC® suspension that allows the driver to choose between a Sport or Comfort ride. Inside, every detail has been redesigned to a new level of luxury and craftsmanship. The interior boasts a Head-Up Display, a large multimedia screen and an intuitive touchpad that actually reads your handwriting — controlling navigation, climate, music, social media and more. The 2015 C-Class. Prepare to be amazed with the simple press of a finger and the push of an accelerator.

DeMarois Buick GMC Mercedes Benz l (406) 721-4000 3115 W. Broadway Street Missoula, MT 59808

2015 C 300 4MATIC® Sedan shown in Iridium Silver metallic paint with optional equipment. *MSRP excludes all options, taxes, title, registration, transportation charge and dealer prep. Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details. For more information, visit Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. ©2015 Authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealers For more information, call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES, or visit MBUSA.com.

HEADLINE: 34 pt. • SUBHEAD: 17 pt. • BODY COPY: 8.5 pt. • LEGAL: 6 pt.

Page Turners

LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER WHAT SHE SAID THEN, WHAT WE'RE SAYING NOW

Let us give you something to smile about. Oral Surgical Associates Practice Limited To Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Eugene F. Morris, DDS Armando A. Gama, DDS Dental Implants Tooth Removal, IncludingWisdom Teeth Treatment Of Cysts & Tumors Of the Jaw Corrective Jaw Surgery www.OralSurgicalAssociates.com

Serving the Missoula Area Since 1973 1547 S Higgins Avenue • Missoula Hamilton Satellite Office: 411 State Street 28 Missoula Valley Lifestyle | May 2015

EDITED BY ANN IMIG

n 2010, Ann Imig organized a live-staged reading event in Madison, Wisconsin, to bring together her community—mothers and non-mothers alike—and provide a forum for a diversity of voices to share their personal stories. These readers spoke honestly and openly about motherhood, family, childhood and parenting. And so, the Listen to Your Mother movement was born. This one event quickly grew into an annual national performance sensation, with nearly 40 nationwide events scheduled for May 2015. Now, in LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER: What She Said Then, What We’re Saying Now, Imig brings to the page what she helped bring to the stage five years ago with this collection of 56 candid, funny, poignant, unexpected and soul-bearing essays. The contributors to this powerful anthology bravely share their stories, ranging from hilarious to heartbreaking, showcasing the experiences of ordinary people from a broad spectrum of racial, gender and age backgrounds. With a roster of writers that includes first-time essayists and New York Times-bestselling authors, LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER reflects our diverse contemporary lifestyles and rapidly changing definitions of motherhood. While some are paeans to the mother we might not have appreciated as children, unaware then of how hard a task motherhood can be, others fully embrace the power of their family matriarchs. A woman faces the painful truth that there is nothing she can do to save her mentally ill, homeless mother from the streets. A military mom raises her baby alone when her husband is deployed to the Middle East. A mom tries to hold it together while battling cancer. One mother recounts the elation and ultimate heartbreak of an unplanned pregnancy in middle age, while another shares the years of sadness that accompanied her decision to give her baby up for adoption. LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER delivers the collective voice of mothers among us and celebrates less conventional arrangements. Mothers write of their personal struggles in the day-to-day job of mothering, of trying to raise a child who is not spoiled, of navigating single motherhood after divorce or death, and of dreading the body image issues that will one day inevitably undermine a young daughter’s confidence. “Listen to Your Mother. It’s a cliché, it’s the sixth commandment, and it’s an imperative for curbing children young and old from poor life choices, like jaywalking and sixty-four ounce sodas,” Imig writes. G.P. Putnam’s Sons | $25.95

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If you’re nearby, visit us in Kalispell, Butte and Great Falls. Billings location coming soon! www.montanaclub.com

Check out our menu!

May

Lifestyle Calendar

MAY 1-17

SHREK: THE MUSICAL MISSOULA COMMUNITY THEATRE

Get ready for some big fun as Missoula’s community theater brings to life the story of Shrek, the misunderstood green ogre; his loquacious BFF, Donkey; and his princess with panache, Fiona. For more information and tickets, visit mctinc.org.

MAY 2 INSANE INFLATABLE 5K UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA

Get ready to experience the most fun, wild and insane obstacle run in the world. Get "pumped up" for a course filled with the world's largest and most extreme inflatable obstacles ever produced. Here's your chance to be a kid at heart and insane by choice. For more information, visit InsaneInflatable5K.com/missoula-mt.

MAY 2 MONTANA CYBER TRIATHLON UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA

The second annual Montana Cyber Triathlon is a series of digital forensics tests that build on one another in order to find the "coin" at the end of the race. This event is offered to Montana high school and college students in teams of 2-5 people. Check out umt.edu/cyberlab7cyber-triathlon for more information and instructions on how to sign up.

MAY 3-9 LET’S MOVE! MISSOULA: UNPLUG AND PLAY MISSOULA

Unplug and Play is a global campaign to educate families about the effect of too much “screen time” from television, computers, gaming systems, iPods, iPads and cell phones. This event challenges families to limit recreation screens for a week and reap the many benefits. Missoula has endless opportunities for screenfree fun and relaxation. For more information, visit LetsMoveMissoula.org.

training to children and adults in Montana grieving the loss of a loved one. For tickets or more information, please call 406.541.8472 or visit TamarackGriefResourceCenter.org.

MAY 5 CINCO DE MAYO WITH SALSA LOCA TOP HAT

This event is a fundraising event for the Missoula International School, an independent, nonprofit school. Salsa Loca plays latin Jazz with a hint of funk. The mix of mambo, cha cha, bolero, merengue and more is sure to get you up and dancing. Free. Visit TopHatLounge.com for more information.

MAY 5 CINCO DE DONATE MISSOULA

Give LOCAL Missoula is a powerful 24-hour, online giving event that connects Missoulians with community nonprofits to reinforce the value of local philanthropic giving and community engagement. For more information visit GiveLocalMissoula.org.

MAY 4

MAY 7

A TASTE TO REMEMBER BENEFIT DINNER

LUNAFEST

GARDEN CITY BREWFEST

FLORENCE BUILDING

YWCA

CARAS PARK

Five chefs will serve five courses that will be paired with Montana wines. This unique event includes music as well as live and silent auctions. Proceeds will benefit the Tamarack Grief Resource Center, which provides counseling, camps and

LUNAFEST is a nationally touring film festival that showcases short films by, for and about women. Proceeds benefit the YWCA Missoula's GUTS! Girls Leadership Program. Tickets can be purchased at the event or online at YWCAofMissoula.org.

MAY 2 This favorite annual event features more than 60 beers on tap, a wine bar, food and live music. Come early for the best selection. Bring your ID and drink responsibly. Visit MissoulaDowntown.com for more information.

30 Missoula Valley Lifestyle | May 2015

MAY 9 YMCA RIVERBANK RUN MISSOULA

The YMCA Riverbank Run is a fun event for the entire family. One of the largest foot races in Missoula, this flat and fast 1-mile, 5K or 10K course will knock your socks off. Registration fees help the YMCA empower kids, create opportunities for families, and encourage them to make a difference. For more information, visit YMCAMissoula.org.

MAY 10 BARROCO! UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA

String Orchestra of the Rockies’ musicians— past and present—come together and “go for Baroque” at this reunion concert. Celebrate 30 years of great music-making this Mother’s Day. For more information, visit sormt.org.

MAY 11 ROSALYN LAPIER & DAVID BECK SHAKESPEARE & CO.

University of Montana professors Rosalyn LaPier and David Beck will read from their new book City Indian: Native American Activism in Chicago, 1893-1934. Starts at 7 p.m. Visit ShakespeareAndCo.com.

MAY 11 FREDERICK H. SWANSON FACT & FICTION BOOKS

Frederick H. Swanson will read from his book Where Roads Will Never Reach: Wilderness

and Its Visionaries in the Northern Rockieis. Starts at 7 p.m. Visit FactAndFictionBooks.com.

MAY 16 NIKKI MANNING SHAKESPEARE & CO.

Nikki Manning will read from her new book Historic Underground Missoula. Starts at 6 p.m. Visit ShakespeareAndCo.com.

MAY 22 JENNY LEWIS AND GUESTS WILMA THEATRE

The former singer of Rilo Kiley stops in the Zoo to promote her new album The Voyager. Visit TheWilma.com for more information.

MAY 24 CARSON ELLIS FACT & FICTION BOOKS

Carson Ellis, writer and illustrator of the children's book Home, will present her work at 3:30 p.m. For more information, visit FactAndFictionBooks.com.

MAY 29

MAY 30 BIKE FOR SHELTER MISSOULA

Bike for Shelter 2015 includes a fun 11-mile ride, a two-mile Fort Missoula Fun Ride and Bike Rodeo. Enjoy live musical entertainment, a yummy lunch, cotton candy and snow cones. Kids won't want to miss the sack races, face painting, miniature horses, jumping gyms, bean bag toss, prizes and tons more. Plus, there's a costume contest for the best individual, family and team costumes! Visit BikeForShelter.com for more information.

MAY 30-31 LOCHSA KAYAK CLINIC LOCHSA RIVER

This whitewater kayak clinic, offered by Zoo Town Surfers, is for intermediate/advanced boaters. Learn about hydrology, scouting rapids, big water kayak techniques, river safety, downriver moves, and much more. Cost is $200. Visit ZooTownSurfers.com for more information and to sign up.

BIG BROTHERS, BIG SISTERS 45TH

MAY 30-31

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

CORRIDOR CARNIVORES CLASSIC

MISSOULA

CARAS PARK

This annual spring event features a cocktail hour, dinner, raffle, live and silent auctions, live music, prizes and more! Visit BBBSMissoula.org for more information and tickets.

Kick off the summer with a weekend BBQ Bonanza at the Corridor Carnivores Classic. Come join the locals of Missoula and the rest of Montana in the best barbecue showdown of the summer. Visit umt.edu/carnivoresclassic.

May 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

MISSOULA MARKET PULSE 2015 YEAR TO DATE 163 Sales, an 28% increase to the same time frame in 2014.

Median Sales Price of $224,900 Average Sales Price $248,016 Median Sales Price is 5% higher than that of the same time in 2014. Average Sales Price is 4% higher than that of the same time in 2014. Average Days on Market 134 Days, a 9% increase in average days on market compared to 2014 YTD. Foreclosure and Distressed Sales Only 8 sales YTD in 2015, which represents just 5% of the total market. For the same timeframe in 2014, foreclosure and distressed sales counted for 7% of the total YTD. Total Market Supply At 5.68 months of listed inventory, which is trending to low supply, following national trends. At the same time in 2014, total market supply was 5.5 months of supply. A “normal market” has on average 6 months’ worth of listed supply at any given time. Presented by Brint Wahlberg with Windermere Real Estate. All data is sourced from the Missoula Organization of Realtors Multiple Listing Service.

Spring Home Buying Strategies Step Away from the Computer

REALTORS® More Confident for the Spring Real estate professionals around the country are echoing the concern about the lack of available housing options. “The [housing] recovery appears slow due to a lack of inventory and a low participation rate among first-time buyers, but it’s still a competitive seller’s market,” says David Yocum, a Redfin agent from Chicago.

Get to Know the Current Housing Market

Every housing market is different, so it’s important to do research on the market and neighborhood trends. Finding a good real estate agent and keeping up with local real estate news is crucial for buyers to understand the nuances of their local housing market. “Buyers need to get up to speed quickly on market values so they know the right decision when it presents itself,” says Yocum. “The more quickly buyers can educate themselves, the more successful the home search will be.”

Grab Those Low Mortgage Rates—Before it’s too

While mortgage rates continue to hover below four percent, buyers might not be able to enjoy these low rates forever. “With all indications pointing to a rate increase from the Federal Reserve this year – perhaps as early as this summer – affordability concerns could heighten as home prices and rents both continue to exceed wages,” says NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun.

Be Prepared for Bidding Wars

Buyers should be strategic when maneuvering a bidding war. Some agents suggest that buyer clients include an escalation clause, while others suggest they examine the deal and identify areas where they could be more flexible, in terms of contingency clauses. However, Yocum warns that “all of these [contingency clauses] have various levels of risk that not all buyers are willing to accept, and you should consult with your team before [removing] any of them.” Source: “Spring 2015 Home-Buying Guide”

Tune in! Missoula Real Estate Today Saturdays @ 8am, Sundays @ 10am

THE DIANE BECK TEAM Your Real Estate Resource!

Windermere Real Estate - 2800 S. Reserve | 406.360.7654 | DianeBeck@Realtor.com

The Diane Beck Team proudly supports Special Olympics Montana Summer Games!

business directory ART & PHOTOGRAPHY FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING Open Lens by Pamela

Pink Grizzly Greenhouse/ Agro Vitae (406) 728-3370

AUTOMOTIVE

Sierra Pacific Windows Missoula (406) 728-6142

(406) 370-2704

Dealers Choice Detail (406) 728-0040

Farm Bureau Financial Services Shawn Friedeman and Danielle Schulz (406) 728-3276

DeMarois Buick, GMC, Mercedes-Benz (406) 721-4000

Stockman Bank (406) 258-1400

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS

Spas of Montana (406) 251-6742

Animeals (406) 721-4710

DRY CLEANERS Missoula Textiles (406) 543-5171

FASHION & ACCESSORIES

Sage Accessories (406) 531-8259 sageaccessories.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

Abbey Carpet Missoula (406) 721-1810

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS Acoustic Vision (406) 543-0030 Direct Source (406) 728-8099

INSURANCE

Tucker Entertainment LLC (406) 544-8333

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE

Diane Beck Windermere Real Estate (406) 532-7927

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE

Danny Blowers Insurance Agency (406) 541-9885

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

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

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

Paradise Falls (406) 728-3228 paradisefallsmissoula.com

Surgical Art Center (406) 549-6600 surgicalartsmt.com

SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES

OTHER

Springs at Missoula (503) 435-2323

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

TRAVEL & LEISURE Gull Boats (406) 549-6169

Ornamental Plants Seeds Gifts • Veggies & Herbs Trees & Shrubs

Create a spot for joy in your life! We’ll help you with all your gardening needs.

1400 Wyoming Street Missoula, MT 59801

www.PinkGrizzlyGreenhouse.com

May 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

Parting Thoughts

Motherhood is not for the fainthearted WORDS AND PICTURE REBECCA BERRA

DOREEN

As an ambitious young woman in love with a high-spirited New Yorker, Doreen Sternkopf pictured the happy life ahead: marriage, children, a home full of laughter and music. But the realities of motherhood rarely meet the expectations of the uninitiated. “Living so far away from family is hard,” explains Doreen. With her extended family in Zambia and her in-laws in New York, she dedicates her life to caring for her two young children in Parker, Colorado. Ivwa, the eldest, is a gifted student. She excels at ballet, sings in the Young Voices of Colorado, plays chess, writes poetry, and has a great many friends. Yande, the youngest, is a quiet soul. As a baby, he suffered frequent, debilitating seizures. After years of tests, treatments, surgeries and agonizing research, the seizures are under control, but Yande’s condition has never been identified. He cannot run, play or talk, and has limited control over his body. He has a feeding tube, that attaches directly to his stomach, and a wheelchair. Yande smiles when listening to music and laughs at his sister talking in funny voices, revealing a sweet and happy personality. It is these small things that fill Doreen’s heart with joy. “The stress piles up, but I don’t worry,” she says softly. “At the end of each day, I submit to the Lord. Also, it helps to have an understanding husband.” Doreen turns as Ivwa clatters into the house, grabs her cycle helmet and darts out again. Yande relaxes peacefully on the couch. “I love motherhood! I wouldn’t want to do anything else.” SHEYNA

On a sunny Memorial Day nine years ago, Sheyna and James Marshall, and their three small children, were waiting at a red light in their Oldsmobile. Little Makenna was two years old, Justin was five and big brother Christian was almost seven. Suddenly, a teenaged driver, racing his friend, lost control and violently smashed into the Oldsmobile, flipping both cars. As the Marshall family helplessly spun upside down in the road, another street-racing youth plowed into them. 34 Missoula Valley Lifestyle | May 2015

Makenna suffered broken legs, and Justin was critically injured, with gasoline burns, a broken leg and a crushed skull, requiring numerous surgeries. He was in a coma for months. Sheyna's “beautiful boy,” Christian, was killed instantly. Sheyna helped Justin slowly learn to function with brain damage, a paralyzed left arm and an impaired leg. She nursed her daughter back to health and was blessed with another baby girl, Brooklyn. The military family was transferred from Washington, D.C. to San Antonio and on to Colorado Springs, where Sheyna continued to raise her three happy, resilient kids. In 2010, Sheyna put her immense courage, strength and fiercely protective instincts to good use, serving her community as a police officer in Fountain, Colorado. She also volunteers with Drive Smart Colorado, educating high school students about the devastating consequences of speeding and distracted driving. She introduces Christian through videos and stories, so he can inspire the teens to drive responsibly. Two years ago, the American Mothers organization named Sheyna the Colorado Young Mother of the Year, in recognition of her dedication to saving lives. Her advice to new moms: “There will be some very good times and some very low times, but ultimately it’s a beautiful ride.”

AniMeals

Our Homebound/Disabled Program is designed specifically for the pets of the elderly, disabled and homebound members of our community. For many homebound individuals, a dog or cat is more than a pet. A companion animal is sometimes the only â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; member they have, providing friendship, joy, and a reason for living.

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View our spa galleries at www.spasfmontana.com May 2015 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

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