W h e r e M o n ta na G e t s E n g ag e d www.McGoughandCo.com
131 Central Avenue Whitefish, MT 59937 406-862-9199 800-862-9199
outdoor woman 16 Linsey Corbin
contents
406 HEALTH 56 fitness
20 FVCC LOGGER SPORTS
58 skincare answers
Getaway
60 Screening
22 Coeur d’Alene Resort
406 Love 26 Steven & Megan 30 Wedding Dreams 32 Nick + Hannah 34 Johnny+ Daneijha 36 the circle of love
Food & Flavor 40 Wine Flights 101
44 Three Cooks & A Book
46 Brunch
Wellness
50 Competing with friends
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62 Endometriosis
Family
64 RAISING HEALTHY
SMILES! 66 As Springs Comes
History
68 HELEN CLARKE
Home
70 FURNITURE
MAKEOVERS
Art
74 Outdoor music 76 Enchanted Evenings 80 Book Review
w o m a n
406 publisher
Cindy Gerrity cindy@montanasky.net
business manager
Daley McDaniel daley@montanasky.net
editor
Kristen Pulsifer Kristen@whitefishstudycenter.com
director & design
Sara Joy Pinnell sara@mrsandmrpublishing.com
photographers Scott Wilson scott@scotteilson-photography.com Molly Claridge mclaridge@bresnan.net Daniel Seymour montanasharpeye@gmail.com
Cover Girl
L i ndsey Endresen Lindsey Endresen grew up in the Seattle area, and made Kalispell 10 years ago . She is the mother of 3 wonderful boys , J ackson (7) and identical twins G arrett and H ayden (6). S he has been happily married to J on E ndresen for 13 years . L indsey is so blessed to being living life with her crew in this beautiful valley . Photo by: Molly Claridge (www.bestillphotographymt.com.) clothing by: Fawn Boutique Jewlery: jewelrybylulu.com, available at Fawn. her home nearly
Published by Skirts Publishing six times a year 6477 Hwy 93 S Suite 138, Whitefish, MT 59937 info@406woman.com Copyright©2013 Skirts Publishing
View current and past issues of 406 Woman at w w w . 4 0 6 W o m a n . c o m 406
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contributors
Er i n B l air
licensed Esthetician, is owner of the Skin Therapy Studio. Specializing in the effective treatment of acne and aging, Erin helps people have skin they can be proud of. She has trained with the best Acne Specialists in the country, and now brings world class acne therapy home to the Flathead Valley. Erin resides in Whitefish with her husband and daughter, where they enjoy nine months of winter and three months of company every year. For help with problem skin, visit SkinTherapyStudio.com.
Mo l l y Si pe C lar idge
was born and raised in Whitefish, MT., and has been a photographer for about 4 years. After graduating from WHS, she moved to the Pacific Northwest for several years, Molly moved back to Whitefish and met her Husband Jeff Claridge, who had also just moved back to his home town of Kalispell after living in WA. as well. Molly and Jeff have two children, Stella age 8 and Sullivan "Sully" age 5. Also two Bernese Mountain dogs that are very much a part of the family as well. Molly enjoys family time over anything. Spending time on Flathead lake, boating, golfing, skiing, and doing anything outside. "We live in a beautiful place, get out there and enjoy it, capture it! Life is too short not to". www.bestillphotographyMT.com
Del ia B uckmaster Dr. Randy Beach
established Alpine Women’s Center in 1998, which offers women’s primary care, gynecologic care, obstetrics care, and surgery, including robotic surgery. Dr. Beach and his wife Rayne, a Family Nurse Practitioner at Glacier Medical Center Whitefish have three grown daughters. He helps coach WHS girls tennis, and enjoys golfing, hiking, and fly fishing.
Mom, fitness addict and health coach, Delia Buckmaster is the owner of Exhale Pilates Studio, a boutique fitness studio located in the beautiful resort town of Whitefish, Montana. Delia received her Full Pilates Certification in LA through STOTT ® Pilates. With over 10 years of fitness experience and a background in competitive sports, her belief that Pilates is the foundation for fitness makes her a leader in training your body and your mind. Living outside of the mainstream has not stopped her success in bringing the latest trends in fitness to Montana, including TRX ® Suspension Training ™ and Barre Fitness. Delia believes that the key to optimal health is not only fitness but a balance between healthy relationships, a fulfilling career, healthy eating, and spirituality. This belief led her into a career in health coaching through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City, a cutting edge leader in holistic education.
Kat ie Fr ies
is the newest addition to the marketing and communications team at Flathead Valley Community College. With a passion for education, community, and public relations, she has found her home at FVCC. Her marketing career includes specializations in branding, corporate identity, and communications. Born and raised in Kalispell, she only lived away from the Flathead while pursuing a degree in business marketing at Montana State University in Bozeman. Their love of the area and family ties brought Katie and her husband back to Kalispell where they have enjoyed remodeling their cozy 1930’s farmhouse-style home northeast of town. In her free time, she takes advantage of the area she feels so fortunate to call home – camping and fishing with family and friends, waterskiing, and taking in the beauty of the Flathead.
Tom C ook
has worked at the Montana Historical Society for 20 years and was a reporter for Lee Newspapers in Montana before that. His interest in politics and history has led him to study the role of women in Montana government and elections over the years.
El izabet h Michelsen-Jonas
From birth I was surrounded by the sights, smells and the sounds of artisans and the finishes that flowed through their hands. My mother is a Danish immigrant, from a family of woodworkers, painters and tailors. Her father, 'Hans' was gentrifying old barns into homes before it was fashionable. A renaissance man of vision and enormous talent, he and my gifted mother were my inspiration. I love the smell of linseed oil, the look of a good brush, and the awesome gift of color. I learned the subtle art of a good plaster finish, the beauty and value of natural antiquation, and to not only 'see' color but to absorb it. I started 'Patina' in 1998 here in the Flathead, and have given acres of walls, miles of trim, and mountains of furniture and cabinets a new skin and a look that embraces the home and it's owners. From Milk Paint, to acid washed metal, ornamental motif, to industrial modern stains, Patina uses old world products and progressive techniques to create finishes that hum with warmth and exude the sublime.
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C r isMar ie C amp bel l
has been a consultant and coach for over 17 years, working with teams, couples and individuals. She also enjoys being on stage, painting and writing. As a result, her coaching specialty is working with actors, athletes and executives as a Performance Coach, helping people bring more of who they are to what they do, to create the results they want. For the last decade she has had her own Management Consulting and Coaching business, Thrive! Inc., with her partner Susan Clarke. CrisMarie is an Olympian who participated in the 1988 Olympic Games. She is a Master Certified Martha Beck Coach, has her Diploma in Counseling from The Haven Institute, an International Training Center in BC, Canada, and an MBA from the University of Washington. You can contact her at: crismarie@thriveinc.com.
note} from the editor
Sunny mornings are here. And, with these bright days come many fantastic events and activities in the Flathead Valley. The Valley is gearing up for its busy spring and even busier summer. 406 Woman Magazine is ready to present to its readers all of the opportunities the Flathead has to offer. 406 also has some informative articles, as usual, on how to better yourself and family, so all of the upcoming season is more enjoyable.
For our readers who enjoy listening to music, find out who is scheduled to play on the beautiful Steinway piano. Look inside and read about the remarkable musical talents of Doug Montgomery and those musicians who will accompany him. Feeling athletic? Read about Linsey Corbin and her triathlon training and be inspired!
406 Woman also has several articles on how to better ourselves. Randy Beach, MD., has some informative facts on “Taming Endometriosis”. And, of course, if you are looking for something more casual, look to articles on wine, and what to enjoy with our upcoming warmer days and lighter meals.
Those of you who enjoy a good hockey game and a light brawl on the ice, see what has inspired pro hockey player Brendan Witt through is hockey years, and what wonderful things he is involved in right here in the Flathead Valley.
As usual, there is a something for every reader. We have everything from romantic love stories, to how to better deal with competition between friends. Are any of our readers planning a party, wedding or family event? Don’t forget to check out our new events planning section. It will educate you on everything you need to create a beautiful event, and exactly where you need to go in the Valley to find it. 406 Woman has thought of everything!
Kristen Kristen J. Pulsifer Editor
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Linsey Corbin
Mental Focus The Life of Missoula Triathlete Linsey Corbin By Brian D’Ambrosio Photos by Tom Robertson Photography
When the mind is without clarity it cracks. When the mind lacks stability it quakes. When the mind lacks inspiration it sleeps.
In order for Missoula triathlete Linsey Corbin to succeed, her mind must shine like jade. It needs to elevate her on lowly days and inspire her when she is feeling alone, fatigued, or outof-sync. If it’s corrupted by fear, self-doubt, or frets about steep terrain or stiff competition, she would stumble. She hasn’t slipped yet.
In fact, mental tact has pushed Corbin into a top ten finish in more than ninety percent of her races.
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“Being a triathlete is almost more of a mental event than a physical one,” says Corbin, who has competed in sixteen Ironman competitions. “Physically, we are all on an even playing field. But, mentally, you would be surprised by what you can do once you can set your mind to it. It helps me to be open to surprise and positive.”
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As part of that mental preparedness, Corbin trains, or, well, un-trains, the thinking process. She puts herself in uncomfortable training situations and mentally equips herself to handle all the psychological distractions and discomforts she expects to encounter on race days.
Some of the more challenging items: a healthy dose of pre-race nerves; fickle or extreme weather patterns; underestimated terrain; and concerns about calories, digestion, and the other competitors.
Her head, her nervous system, her eyes, her senses and her body – these do not encounter the external environment. They are the external environment. “When I train, I try to focus on the things I can control, like breathing, cadence, hydration,” says Corbin. “I don’t focus on those things not in my control. I try to break (thoughts) down to simple things, and just get to the next mile. I find smaller components work for me. A lot of these lessons I find applicable to life.”
Corbin grew up in Bend, Oregon, with aspirations of winning Olympic Gold as a ski racer. Years ago, however, she realized that her body type and personality were better suited for cross country and track competitions. After hanging up her cleats, she landed at the University of Montana, studying nutrition and exercise physiology. A few years later, she ratcheted up the intensity, and became a professional athlete. It seems only natural that Missoula has cultivated Corbin’s athleticism, for it provides uniquely natural training environments. From Pattee Canyon to Mount Sentinel, the city slickly balances mental fortitude with top physical fitness. And its 3,500-feet elevation and plethora of surrounding trails, canyons and ridges, are the stuff of great teaching opportunities and sharp regimens. “I love training and living in Missoula,” says Corbin. “The thing about Missoula is that there is no pretentious limelight and a great balance. The city has a nice identity and no place compares to Missoula.
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“From an athletic standpoint, there are lots of humble athletes here - ultra-distance runners and medalists. It has incredible bike riding, and once you leave, you can go one hundred miles and see only one stoplight.”
Corbin’s favorite bike rides take her along the Blackfoot River corridor to Ovando or Seeley Lake, or in the opposite direction to the Bitterroot, often to Lolo Pass. Her primary running trails are either the Kim Williams Trail, which she runs at least five times weekly, or a long run in the Rattlesnake. “The landscape of Missoula makes me a better athlete,” says Corbin. “Whether it’s hail storms or a real rocky run, it can be a hardcore environment – missing from places such as Seattle or San Diego.”
Corbin works out physically, whether it’s swimming, biking, or running, between five and seven hours a day. Every workout has a purpose. Tuesdays and Thursdays require higher intensity, higher heart-rate exertion, and overall harder efforts. If there is no struggle in her life, then there is no sense of adventure.
Since it is hard for her to log the necessary miles in Missoula in the wintertime, Corbin trains in warmer climates for big chunks of the year. Her vision is to “transcend the boundaries of my sport” and “represent the importance of a sound mind, body, and diet in achieving dreams.” Her most memorable experience as a professional, she says, is still her initial Ironman, which took place in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 2006. She was fraught with nervous anticipation and the natural anxiety of the unknown. “My biggest issue before the race was being worried about pain and suffering,” says Corbin. “But I felt great afterwards and that was pleasantly surprising.”
During an Ironman event, Corbin consumes approximately 6,500 calories and generally eats about six meals a day. At the 2006 Ironman Hawaii, she shed ten pounds. “The heat and humidity were rough,” says Corbin. “My Montana resiliency and stubbornness paid off.”
Linsey Corbin
Indeed, Big Sky qualities are embedded in Corbin’s sense of identity. She picks up a cowboy hat near the end of each race and crosses the finish line wearing one.
“It is a bit of a tradition for me,” says Corbin. “The cowboy hat is symbolic for the fact that I’m having a lot of fun. When I’m not having fun, I’ll stop racing. As long as I enjoy competing, I’ll keep going.”
At 32, she is fully aware that the mid-30’s are the peak years for female athletes in endurance sports. When her mind and body are in harmony, Corbin is inspired. When inspiration flows, her legs and feet move swifter, her muscles strengthen, and her goals are met with a renewed sense of purpose.
“One of the biggest goals for me is to complete the Ironman in less than nine hours, which I’ve done once. Ultimately, I would like to be world champion at Ironman Hawaii (held October 12, 2013).” 17
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LOGGER SPORTS
FVCC LOGGER SPORTS
Traditions of sportsmanship, teamwork, and axeBy Katie Fries
The Flathead Valley, an area with deep roots in timber and logging, is home to one of the most successful logger sports teams in the nation. The Logger Sports team at Flathead Valley Community College has seen a wave of success since it started competing nationally in 1984. The team has taken home 14 first-place wins from the Association of Western Forestry Clubs (AWFC) Conclave, the largest logging sports event in the Northwest which includes all logging teams west of the Mississippi River. FVCC is the only team to win four consecutive Conclave championships (1988 – 1991). It also is the only team to capture the Conclave title, five years in a row (1996 – 2000).
Remarkably, taking home the championship title wasn’t what head coaches Annie and Bob Beall were most excited about. They were most proud of their team for capturing the Conclave’s Top Sportsmanship Award. “Our focus has always been on sportsmanship and teamwork,” said Annie. “If you’re willing to show up and put in the time and the work, we don’t care if you take last every single time – you’re a valued part of the team.”
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Annie has been involved in FVCC logger sports, either competing or coaching, for the past 30 years. Her greatest enjoyment is watching someone who has never had the chance to be part of a competitive team develop into a valLast March, 14 colleges and universities com- ued member of the group. peted in the 73rd annual AWFC Conclave including big name forestry schools such as “They get to interact with other people and be Oregon State University, Humboldt State Uni- a productive member of the team in all aspects, versity, Cal Poly, Northern Arizona University, not just competition results,” said Annie. “A University of Montana, and Colorado State majority of our team members have never had University. FVCC was one of only three, two- the chance to experience this, and I get to see year colleges to compete. A record 183 ath- how it changes their lives for the better.” letes competed in the three-day competition, which meant FVCC had to be at the top of its Each team member is expected to pull their game. Continuing the team’s long history of weight, helping gather wood for practice, set success, not only did FVCC take first place, they up the arena, and cook and clean up during outscored the second place team by 116 points campouts when the team travels for events. (by more points than the second place team scored in total). Sixteen of the 20 competitors “I think there are a lot of life lessons to being a part of a group,” said Annie. “You don’t watch from FVCC placed in an event.
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the women cook and clean up after you. If you didn’t do the cooking, you’ve got to do the cleaning.”
Speaking of the women, Annie calls them a critical component of a logger sports team. The sport traditionally disallowed women from competing in some of the more dangerous events like chopping, but in the mid-1980s and early 1990s, the rules started to change. Today, women can compete in every event. In a sport where the top six places for both genders earn points for your team, it’s critical to have balance. Made up of scoring teams of eight athletes, most collegiate teams compete with six men and two women. Because most schools have strong men who average each other out, FVCC competes with four of each gender on a team.
“Often, the schools that have better women on their teams are going to score higher and win,” explained Annie. “The last couple of years, we had the top three women at just about every competition. That’s hard to beat!” Two of the team’s outstanding women who dominated their events during the AWFC Conclave returned this season. Hana Hoch and Casey Pearson are studying engineering at FVCC and say that logger sports offers a great release from their daily studies. Hana, a 2010 homeschool graduate, had no experience in the sport before joining the team.
FVCC Stumpjumper Days FVCC Logger Sports Annual Home Competition April 20 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. FVCC Logger Sports Arena (located on the first road north of FVCC’s Kalispell campus and east of Hutton Ranch Plaza on Highway 93) Admission is free – Everyone is welcome!
Events (such as the axe throw, horizontal hard hit chop, obstacle pole buck, single buck and bonzaii logger) will take place throughout the day during this family-friendly event. Stop by any time to cheer on the champion FVCC logger sports team as it competes against colleges from across the Northwest. www.fvcc.edu/loggersports.html
swinging women lead to national championships “I came out the first day and pretty much fell in love with it,” she says. “I had never even held a chainsaw, so it was intimidating the first time I saw a crosscut saw two feet taller than me, but it’s a really supportive environment.”
tively. But their passion and commitment to the team, which they say has increased their confidence and shaped who they are today, is anything but small.
“A lot of times you feel like you’re going through college alone – taking hard classes and strugHana’s favorite event is chopping which may gling through, but this is truly a team,” Hana include either a vertical or horizontal axe said. “Everyone here lifts each other up, and chop. Whoever chops completely through the everyone helps at competitions. It’s a really log in the least number of precisely planned encouraging setting.” chops is the event winner. In true FVCC Logger Sports team standard, “It’s all about technique when you’re chopping Casey explained her drive to succeed in the because the tendency is to chop with the toe arena: of the axe, but you cut more if you cut with the heel of the axe,” she explained. “When I’m competing in an event, or if I win an Casey, a 2012 Glacier High School graduate and who Annie describes as “the gal to beat” in the pole climb, joined logger sports after watching her brother compete and serve as team captain. She took first place in the pole climb at last year’s Conclave. “The pole climb is a vertical race up a 30-foot pole using gaffs and a rope with a belt on it,” explained Casey. “It’s the event I’m best at, but I have to admit it still scares me.”
The women represent the smallest two members of the team, measuring up at five feet, one inch tall and five feet, three inches tall respec-
humbleness abounds. She is quick to credit her team members, Bob’s nationally-recognized skill in filing saws, and the outpour of community support for her team’s success. In 2007, the college built a new logger sports arena with the help of many local supporters including F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co., Plum Creek, St. Onge Logging, Harmon Crane & Rigging, and Chris Hughes. The team holds tri-weekly practice at the arena. It also hosts an annual Stumpjumper Days competition which draws competitors from other colleges and universities across the northwest region.
When the team isn’t putting in long hours of practice, hitting the books or traveling to their event, it’s not about me – it’s about the team next competitions, members of the team are out in the community volunteering their time, points more than anything. It’s completely a skills and strength to participate in various team sport even though we compete individu- community service projects. In addition to ally.” Stumpjumper Days, you can see them perform at the Family Forestry Expo held annually on Both women also agreed that the team Mother’s Day weekend. wouldn’t have achieved its success without the support and expertise of their coaches. “Not only does the team practice hard and put Both Annie and Bob were exceptional logger in a lot of time, we expect them to go out and sport competitors, and they have an intimate understanding of the technique involved in give back to our community,” said Annie. “It’s this highly technical sport. Though Annie our way of saying thank you to everyone in our earned the “Belle of the Woods” award twice community who has helped us and supported in her competitive years for being the highest us over the years.” scoring female competitor at the Conclave, her
Page 28 Hana Hoch competes in the obstacle pole buck. Page 29 On the right Casey Peason competes in the pole climb and on the left you can see her competing in axe throwing.
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getaway} Coeur d’Alene
Girls Getaway
Coeur d’Alene Resort By Kristen Hamilton
Life can get a little crazy at times. Between work and household responsibilities, the stress can pile up quickly and if taking a long vacation to the Caribbean is out of the question...I’d suggest a “girls getaway” closer to home.
walked inside. The resort recently went through an extensive renovation and the finished product is nothing short of breathtaking. The color palette of beige and varying shades of steel blue is elegant and soothing.
From Kalispell, we headed out taking the “shortcut” route down Hwy 93 to Hwy 28. Then, we took Hwy 200 until we turned on Hwy 135 to I-90 (at St Regis). From there it is a straight shot and with a quick stop to stretch (and treat ourselves to ice cream) in Wallace we arrived in four hours. The fun part is you gain an hour heading west so that was an added bonus.
The best thing about the Coeur d’Alene Resort is that everything you need is right there (or close by).
My girlfriend and I discovered that a couple nights in Coeur d’Alene was just what we needed to recharge and most importantly relax.
Take the exit off I-90 marked “downtown” and you head towards the lake and the quaint town of Coeur d’Alene. The streets are dotted with great restaurants and shops to suit every taste. The towering Coeur d’Alene Resort sits majestically right on the waters edge. Immediately, we knew we were in for a treat! Greeted by a bellman in knickers, we deserted our car for the next few days and
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When we arrived at our room, we enjoyed a beautiful view of the lake right outside our window and remarked on how spacious the room was. The best part was that there would be no dishes, laundry or work for a couple days (unless we wanted to, as Wi-Fi is, of course, available throughout the entire resort).
After we settled in, we opted to take advantage of many of the amenities including the state-of-the-art fitness room and Olympic sized swimming pool with spas to release any leftover stress prior to dinner at the award winning Beverly’s restaurant on the 7th floor overlooking the lake. Following one of the best meals either of us had, had in a long time (and we didn’t have to cook or do dishes), we went to the lounge and enjoyed some great jazz music by Robert Vaughn. That truly was a perfect ending to a great day.
We woke refreshed and decided to take the hike up Tubbs Hill that the resort concierge recommended. The trailhead is just
steps from the resort and the trails meander through the trees with beautiful views of the lake. It’s an easy hike only about 2 miles total, but you get the feeling you are in the midst of wilderness. Then we walked through town window-shopping and stopped for a cup of coffee and a sweet treat at one of the downtown cafes. Our plan for day two was to experience the Spa Coeur d’Alene at the resort. Rated as one of the top spas in the U.S., the 15,000 square foot, two story spa with gorgeous lake views has something for everyone. Guests can enjoy wraps, exfoliations, massage, facials, and hydrotherapy bath in one of 21 treatment rooms. Eight manicure/ pedicure stations as well as a full service salon are also housed within the spa.
You are instantly relaxed, when entering, by the view and sound of the two-story waterfall in the main lobby of the spa. Professional and very helpful staff usher you to the changing rooms where you don your oversized robe and wait for your treatment in the Quiet Room with a fireplace and glass roof to enjoy the view of the lake. We literally could have spent all day in the spa. Following our treatments, we relaxed in the ladies lounge with a complimentary glass of wine before heading back to our room. The staff encouraged us to wear our robes and provided flip-flops to wear back to the room to help extend our relaxation.
Later that night, we walked across the street to the Bonsai Bistro for an incredible Asian influenced meal. Then we gallivanted around downtown checking out the spots with live music for the rest of the evening – mostly to walk off the delicious meals we’d consumed.
Sadly, our trip had to end and we’re already planning the next getaway to try our luck at the Coeur d’Alene Golf Course with the world’s only floating green. Before departing, we took the complimentary shuttle to the course to check things out. The golf course has won many awards including one of the top 20 courses in the U.S. as well as a 5-star designation (one of only 16). The pro shop is huge and has a great selection of men and women’s clothing. We were also taken by the outdoor lakeside infinity pool (that is open to resort guests) – next visit we’ll definitely be spending some time there. Remember the Coeur d’Alene Resort is not just for girl’s getaway weekends. They have a great offering of packages including destination wedding, seasonal, dining, spa, golf, and family.
Lastly, with over 32,000 sq ft in 25 different rooms – Weddings, meetings, and conventions are a resort specialty. Be sure to check out our Summer/Fall issue of 406 Celebrations for additional information.
Coeur d’Alene Resort 115 S. 2nd St. Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 Reservations: 800-688-5253 Hotel Information: 208-765-4000 www.cdaresort.com
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Wedding
Steven & Megan
Photographed by Jeremy and Alicia Brown Photography www.jeremyandaliciabrown.com
Megan Steven and I met quite serendipitously at the end of our freshman year at the Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell. I am normally quite timid when it comes to novel social situations; however, my friend prompted me to try intermural Ping-Pong with her before our next class and as one can probably guess, I ended up playing with Steven. Anything needing sport-like coordination is not my forte; and, as a result, Steven spent most of the time running across the room retrieving the Ping-Pong ball. I spent the whole time laughing. I left without ever learning his name and did not see him again for a few weeks.
Because of some complications I had when I was young, I had on a 24 hour heart monitor. I looked like a strange cyborg with wires attached to various locations on my body, and a large blinking contraption on my belt. I wasn’t horribly self-conscious; yet, the evasive glances of people with their unasked curiosity had me frustrated and disheartened. I was sitting alone when Steven came and sat next to me and asked me if I was ok (fearing the wires were forecasting an impending doom). He also asked why he had never seen me at Ping-Pong again. Apparently, he had gone every week since hoping I would be there. We spent hours laughing and talking before I had to run off. This time I had his name, Steven. That year we became best friends, and then the following March, he asked me to become his wife. We were young and very much in love, in fact we still are, and I fall more deeply in love with him every day.
I knew that this man was the one I wanted to spend forever with when I realized I couldn’t imagine growing old without him. I saw us together at every moment… in six months, in six years and then in 60 years! I saw our future, together, for the good and the bad. He is my best friend, my confidant, my companion, my strength and enjoys my many quirks. We never cease striving to make each other laugh, trying to bring out the best in each other. Even when life seems dim, he lifts me up, and that is how I know I love Steven.
Steven I knew Megan was the one for me for numerous reasons. The one reason that impacts me the most is - she completes me at every angle. My faults are her strengths and she builds me up through them. She always knows how to make me laugh, and I am proud to call her my best friend. Many people remember the days when they were dating that special person, but the one thing I especially remember is the persistent questions from her parents, (men I’m talking to you). When we were first together, her parents were questioning me like I was a common criminal! Are you sure you love this woman? Where do you see yourself in the years to come? What are your life’s ambitions? Are you sure you can handle her? While I was being interrogated she was in the background laughing it up. Then came persistent comments such as - her father had a shotgun in his closet, and I better watch my back! In all honesty though, I knew I belonged to this family, and I never wanted to be with any other. I would never take anything back, and I would never love any other woman. Not because of the shotgun, but because this is the whimsical person who I cannot function without! She keeps me going every day and she is the first thing in the morning and the last thing I go to bed thinking about! 27
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Wedding
W
hen people hear you are planning a wedding one of the first things they ask is “how are you dealing with the stress?” I’m not sure why wedding planning has become this event to tear loved ones apart and to fear like a plague - we found it fun. Sure we had some bumps, yet nothing that could ruin our plans. We had a limited budget to plan with so we first set out our priorities which were a fun location and an amazing photographer. I knew everything else would fall in place (and it did!). After searching far and wide, we finally decided on the Ten Arrows Ranch in Bigfork. It had everything we wanted; a great view, a barn, and a cute quirk. For years I had admired Jeremy and Alicia Brown’s photography style, and when I found out that they weren’t booked for that weekend, I knew it was meant to be. Everything came together over the next few months, my dad made our wedding invites, many friends and family helped with the set up and food preparation, my brother did all the sound, and my sister-in-law made our cake! Overall, everyone we loved came together to make our day one of the most amazing day of our lives.
No one forgot the rings or fainted; however, we did have some excitement early that morning. We set up the tent and decorations for the wedding the day before and that night there was a horrible wind storm. The tent ripped apart, the poles breaking, and all our decorations blew away. It was decided that I wouldn’t be told, nevertheless, I did eventually find out. Surprisingly, I didn’t panic or let the chaos ruin my day. It was being taken care of at that moment, and I was not going to go to the ranch until it was fixed. Besides some literal turmoil in the morning, the day went by without any hiccups. The weather was perfect (which having an outdoor wedding was something I worried about). The flowers looked beautiful, and the abundance of joy was so thick you could feel it. Walking down the aisle with my dad was probably the most surreal and magical moment of my life. Steven looked so calm and handsome waiting for me, and I was so happy I was afraid I might jump into Steven’s arms in one exuberant leap down the aisle. A few days before the wedding Steven and I had talked about the kiss and we decided that it would be short and sweet; but as soon as the pastor said “you may kiss the bride” I couldn’t let Steven go! Later, the pictures were proof of my death (or love) grip on Steven.
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The end of the wedding contained some of my fondest moments. Most of the guests had gone home and only close friends and family remained. A gauntlet was set out for us to run through while they all threw bird seed on us. I hiked up my dress, grasped Steven’s arm and ran as fast as I could manage, with seed raining down upon us. We could hardly get into the car because of all the paper wrapped around it. We sat down ready to embark on our life together and Steven couldn’t find his car keys. We did eventually find them, and when we left everyone was smiling, laughing and some even shed a few tears.
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Expense
Ensuring Your Wedding Dreams Come True By Lisa D. Macalister Photo by Marianne Wiest
From the very moment of your engagement, you and your future spouse’s lives change forever. There are decisions to make, compromises to reach, families to mesh. With all the excitement and joy comes an assumption of new financial responsibilities as well. Being prepared for the financial changes a marriage will bring can only increase the comfort with which you adapt to your new role. Taking care of certain things early on can help you start off your married life on the right foot.
Wedding and Honeymoon Expenses: Weddings can be expensive. When you and your spouse return from your honeymoon, set up a timeframe in which any remaining expenses from your wedding –– such as those on credit cards –– can be paid off, whether with gifts received or otherwise.
Name Change: If you or your spouse change your last name, make sure it’s done on your credit cards, tax forms, driver’s license and passport, Social Security card, and voter registration card, as well as on bank accounts and insurance policies.
Life Insurance Policies: Getting married greatly increases your need for life insurance. Make sure both you and your spouse have the coverage you need.
Emergency Fund: Be sure to set aside a minimum of three months worth of income that is Homeowners’ or Renters’ Insurance: If you available in the event of an emergency. haven’t already done so, make sure you’ve proChanging Beneficiaries: It’s important to dig tected your home and other valuables with In preparing for your financial future as a marout any old insurance policies, as well as docu- homeowners or renters insurance. In addition, ried couple, you will have to take care of many mentation for your 401(K) and/or other retire- extend coverage to the wedding gifts you re- details pertaining to things old, things new, and ment plans and update the beneficiary infor- ceive and obtain coverage for your engagement things borrowed. Being prepared and proactive and wedding rings. mation on each. will help ensure you won’t need to deal with Existing Bank Accounts: To some extent, you and your spouse will probably consolidate your finances. Review the terms of your existing bank accounts. Should you keep them? Close them? Open a joint account at the same bank?
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Health and Auto Insurance: Assess your existing health and auto insurance. In many cases it will save you and your spouse a significant amount of money to obtain joint coverage.
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Student Loans and Credit Card Debts: Assess the wedding blues. how much money you and your spouse owe. This educational third-party article is being Consolidating assets can also mean consoli- provided as a courtesy by Licensed Agent, Lisa dating liabilities. Plan a budget to manage any D. Macalister, NewYork Life Insurance Company. For additional information on the informadebts you and your spouse may have. tion or topic(s) discussed, please contact (Lisa Mortgages and Other Loans: Always make sure D. Macalister) at ldmacalister@ft.newyorklife. you’ve saved enough so that your mortgage, car com, (406) 471-3377. payments, and/or other loan payments fit into your household budget.
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Story
Nick + Hannah Photos by: Mandy Mohler Photography www.MandyMohler.com
Who are you? Hannah- I was raised in Bigfork. Later, I moved on to earn my degree in education at the University of Montana. Nick quickly became the only worthy reason to leave the beloved Big Sky behind. I now teach at a private school in Palos Verdes, CA. Nick- I grew up in the sleepy beach town of Leucadia, CA. I graduated from USC and now work in the building industry with my dad.
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How did you meet? Well, it is one of those serendipitous moments, I believed, to only be true in the movies. Then, it happened to me. Nick's family has a home on Flathead Lake near Bigfork. He was there for a couple of weeks on vacation in August of 2010. It had been a few years since he'd been to Montana so on the first day of the trip, his dad took him out on the lake to get reacquainted with driving the boat. They made their way down to Woods Bay to refuel, where I was employed by Bigfork Watersports for the summer. While I was
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filling their boat, we spoke for a few minutes about where the best local spots were, and I of course mentioned the Garden Bar, a place my uncle had owned for many years. A lady in waiting, I found myself at the Garden the next night, and there he was...10 months later we were engaged.
The proposal? I (Nick) asked Hannah's dad for his permission to marry her in March of 2011, without a real plan of how I would propose. That was as nervous as I've ever been. I wanted to get my family up to Montana for the big event, so I decided Whitewater Festival over Memorial Weekend would be a good cover. Hannah's mom was my co-conspirator in planning everything. The idea was to have everyone meet at the Whitewater Festival to take in the kayaking, then make their way to Hannah's parents for dinner. I pretended to forget my wallet and told Hannah we had to go back to my parent's house to get it. She was starving and not too happy with me for being forget-
ful. So, here I was about 10 minutes from proposing to her and we're in our first 'fight'! When we got to the house, I had her close her eyes, and I put on our 'song' (“Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros). When she opened her eyes, there I was, on one knee. She looked like she was going to faint. She said she expected me to be holding a snack! Honestly, it wasn't a very elaborate proposal; but, we had never talked about marriage and having only been together for 10 months, the sheer surprise of it was the best part. It hadn't occurred to me that she might not say 'yes' until I pulled out the ring. My hands were trembling. Thankfully, she said yes, and we drove out to the Hilley's, where our families were waiting to celebrate. What is love? Nick- Love is like emotional Tetris. You are this irregular-shaped piece and when you find someone, together you make a singular, completed shape - that is love.
Nick- Love is like emotional Tetris. You are this irregular-shaped piece and when you find someone, together you make a singular, completed shape - that is love. Hannah- With Nick, love is simply reciprocal...respect, understanding, giving, communicating, selflessness.
What do you love most about each other? Nick- What I love most about Hannah is that she puts 'us' ahead of everything. You don’t find that kind of selflessness in many relationships these days. She's old-school like that. Obviously a testament to her parents!
Hannah- Nick has this calming presence that people are just drawn to. If you know me, you know I have a strong Type A personality. Nick brings balance without being condescending. He embraces the challenging expectations I have for myself (and often for him) with patience, understanding and encouragement to not sweat the small stuff. When did you know you were in love? Nick - For me, it was sitting on a rock on the Swan River,
three days after we met. Here was this beautiful, poised, intelligent woman who cared about the things I felt were worth caring about - like John Prine. I knew two weeks after meeting her I was going to marry her. I just had to figure out how to date her long enough before proposing so it wouldn't seem too crazy. Hannah - The first two weeks we spent together were a continuation of the romantic fairy tale that started at the docks. I had a lot of those giddy feelings that come over you at the start of a new relationship, but what made it different was it was as if we'd been together for years, instant compatibility. I knew it was love because after only two weeks, this handsome, genuine man, was willing to commit to me with over a thousand miles between us. Fun Facts:
Our dads swear they have known each other since high school. We are fortunate to have two very compatible and supportive families! 33
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Story
Johnny+ Daneijha Who are you? Daneijha Weigel- Elementary School Teacher and Pinterest Fanatic! Johnny Griffith- recent college graduate enjoying my free time.
How did you meet? Daneijha- We first met in kindergarten and went through school together as the two kiddos that were always in the front row of class pictures! Then we connected in high school and the rest is history.
Photos by: Brian Powers bpowphoto.com
walked through a park by the lake until we got to the spot where we had our first kiss in high school. As luck would have it, some guy pulled up in a van and parked right next to where we were standing about three seconds before I was going to propose. I decided we needed another lap around the park. When we got back to the spot I got on one knee and asked her to marry me. It was hard to make out through the waterworks but I'm pretty sure she said yes.
Johnny- Daneijha and I went to school together from kindergarten through college. We always knew each other but our relationship really began during a High School dance.
What is love? Daneijha- Being comfortable enough to be your true self, whether dressed up or at home without makeup. And having full trust that I will never have to tackle obstacles in the road alone. That is love.
Johnny- I asked Daneijha to go on a walk with me when we were both back in our home town. We
What do you love most about each other? Daneijha- I love that Johnny can always make me laugh. He has this amazing way of putting me at ease even in the most stressful times. Johnny- I love the fact that Daneijha loves me for
The proposal? Daneijha-The proposal...was PERFECT! We went on a walk by a lake and came to the spot where we had our very first kiss in high school and he got down on one knee, in the snow, and asked if I would marry him. The waterworks began immediately! 406
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Johnny- Love to me is when you care about something or someone more than you care about yourself.
who I am and that I can truly be myself around her. Daneijha is one of the kindest people I know and I love that she is such a compassionate person.
When did you know you were in love? Daneijha- I knew I was in love when I was counting the minutes until the next time I got to see Johnny! We have always had an amazing relationship and it did not take long to know that he was the one. Johnny- There is no particular moment that I can say I knew that I was in love. It was a gradual process that occurred over time. If I had to think of the first time I knew for sure it would probably be when she decided to go to the University of Montana without ever even seeing it because it was the school I wanted to go to. Fun Facts: We've been dating for over six years now. That's over a quarter of our lives.
Wedding Plans? We are planning a wedding in beautiful Lake Chelan, WA. with our closest friends and family.
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Jewelry
Celebrating the circle of love By Marti Ebbert Kurth Photos by Krista Johnson
Weddings are created with the idea that love takes center stage and the day will become a cherished memory. They are a celebration of life, bringing together family and friends. But at a wedding how does one also celebrate and honor a loved one who has passed on, someone who is greatly missed on this very special day?
Jewelry maker Krista Johnson, owner of Over the Rainbow Memorials is an artist who has found a way. She creates memorial medallions that incorporate a personal item from a loved one who has passed, whether it be a lock of hair, cremains ash, or a favorite memento. The items are combined with the glass in a unique process to create a personalized piece of jewelry that can be worn or carried at the wedding bringing comfort and warm memories of the loved ones who can't be there for this special time.
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Over the Rainbow Memorials began because of a wedding. Several years ago Krista's friend Lisa, was getting married and the date was quickly approaching. The bride to be was
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caught up in dozens of details of planning for the big day. Invitations were sent out to family and friends. But there was one special friend who was not going to be able to attend. He was Lisa's dog Ziggy. He was the first the dog she had ever owned and he was her unconditional friend, having been with her all her adult life, always by her side, giving her comfort and strength through many of life's trials. She knew he was getting close to his time, but she was hoping that he could make it through until her wedding because she had plans of him walking down the aisle with her. Unfortunately he passed away a couple of weeks before the wedding and she was heartbroken.
Krista and her mother Linda, wanted to find a way to comfort their friend. They both had been working with glass art for many years and knew that glass was comprised of soda, lime and ash, but that it was sometimes difficult to work with. "We thought we might try adding some cremains ash to the glass and see what it does,"
Krista recalls. After many experiments, they came up with a way to use Ziggy's ash with the glass to make a beautiful memorial medallion which they fashioned it into a bracelet that Lisa wore on her special day and still wears today. "She was so happy to have something with her on her wedding day that represented a soul who had such a special place in her heart!" Krista recalls.
With that auspicious beginning word spread and it wasn't long before Over The Rainbow Memorials began creating more pieces for friends who had lost their beloved companions. Since then the business has continued to grow, especially after being featured a couple of years ago in Costco Connection magazine where they were exposed to more than 8 million readers. The editors later ran the article in the Canadian edition and Krista says OTR Memorials now has clients from all over the US and five foreign countries. Seventy percent of her work now is focused on creating human memorials.
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Jewelry
Krista says she understands now that talking about those who have meant so much to us who have passed on, helps us heal. "It makes us feel good to honor their energy and love that is always with us. It is comforting to know there is that much love out there. Lets celebrate that!" "We all want to have our loved ones there on that special day in our lives," Krista says. "Holding or wearing a special piece of jewelry that represents the spirit and energy of a loved one can be a huge comfort in their absence."
She has created memorial gifts from the groom to the bride, commemorative pieces for members of the wedding party, and special pieces to represent mothers and fathers who can't be there. The beauty of these pieces is that they are highly personal and can be designed into pendants, or bracelets, rings, earrings, money clips or cufflinks - the possibilities are endless. Whether the piece is a celebration of life or a memorial piece, Krista meets directly with each client to talk about their loved one to learn more about their personality.
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"Getting in touch with the energy of their loved one really helps me in the creation of the pieces. I ask them about colors that re-
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After some thought they came up with the idea to hang a globe shaped medallion containing his ash in the center of the wedding ring making it into a pendant that Cheryl could wear over her heart. "Now she can carry the spirit of his energy wherever she goes. In doing the 'wedding ring pendant' it suddenly clicked for me that life is a circle and Krista says that working so often with people if we are lucky, love is at the center of that who are grieving has given her a new per- circle." spective on the cycle of life. She recently created a memorial piece for a client that helped Krista says she understands now that talking about those who have meant so much to clarify her thinking. to us who have passed on, helps us heal. "It "Cheryl had just lost her husband and soul makes us feel good to honor their energy and mate. She said his life-long wish was to vis- love that is always with us. It is comforting to it all 50 US states. He almost made it, but know there is that much love out there. Lets passed away two states short of his goal and celebrate that!" she wanted to honor his wishes. She thought about scattering his ashes in those places but Krista can be contacted by phone at 406-257-3484. decided that was too difficult. She wanted to Her website www.otrmemorials.com and her facebe able to somehow carry his energy with her to those places and she also wanted to in- book page www.facebook.com/OTRMemorials corporate his wedding ring into the design," show examples and ideas of the memorial pieces she creates that comfort, heal and celebrate. Krista explains. mind them of their loved one, and what their interests were. They tell me stories about them and we often laugh and cry together. It's all part of the healing process for my clients and it makes each piece of art a very personal expression of their love for the one who is being remembered."
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wine
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wine
Wine Flights 101 How to learn about Wine Varietals in Kalispell
By Karen Sanderson Photos by Scott Wilson Photography
If you come to Brix and linger in the wine section, we’ll probably ask you if you’re looking for something in particular. Some customers make it easy and ask for a certain varietal from a specific region, like a Washington Cab. Most, however, are confused by the many options and need help deciding what they want. If you happen to catch my husband in the store, he’s likely to say, “Well, we have white; and we have red.” If only it was that simple! When customers are shopping wine, we usually ask more specific questions so that we can point them in the right direction. When it comes to learning about wine varietals and pairing with food, it’s helpful to know your preferred style. At Brix, we devised a cheat sheet under each wine to help rate their characteristics into 4 categories: sweetness, body, acidity, tannins, and complexity. This way, you have a better understanding of what you’re getting. The best way to get to know wine, however, is to just taste it. The more you taste, the more you will learn. That’s the fun part, and that’s why we love this industry. Luckily, our friends over at North Bay Grille have just the education for you. Wine flights! What’s a flight, you ask? A restaurant or wine bar “flight” is typically a small 2oz sampling of 3-4 wines. These wines are presented all at once. Customers can then taste and compare the different nuances between the wines. North Bay’s new menu features five white and five red wine flights. These are all themed by varietal and each contains 3 different wine samples. A few weeks ago, the Brix chicks met at North Bay to test out this new program. We also tried many of the “Flight Attendants,” a selection of small appetizer plates created specifically to go with the wines. Francois and Raymond did a great job at putting together a list of wines with very different styles. We all shared each other’s flights, and here is an overview of our tasting: The Sparking: The Lunetta was a crisp, easy drinking little prosecco. The Ken-
wood was surprisingly rich and creamy, and the Henkel was the most bubbly with floral and dried apricot flavors. This was a super comparison of 3 different dry styles from 3 different regions.
Riesling: This was a great experiment in trying dry to sweet Rieslings. The Eifel was semi sweet with nice pear qualities. The Nine Hats was dry with complex citrus fruit and crisp minerality. The Trimbach was true to its Alsatian roots full of ripe tropical fruit flavors, semi dry, and stone-y. It was fun comparing old to new world Rieslings and all were delicious. Malbec: The Bodini was rich, smooth, medium bodied, and had dark blueberry qualities. The Coppola was a fun & fruity mouth bomb of cotton candy. The Milbrandt was a velvety well balanced heavier style with dark berry flavors and overtones of mocha. All three were great and quite different from each other.
When it comes to remembering what you like/don’t like about wine, try to keep these following notes in mind while you are sipping. On a scale of 1-10, is it?
Sweet: (having a small to large amount of residual sugar “r.s.” Dry = 0, not sweet. For example, I would rate the Eiffel Riesling at a 5. Dessert wines would be at a 10.)
Fruity: (This does not mean sweet, but rather the fruitiness that may come across as a subtle sweetness. For example, the Coppola Malbec was a 7-8 in fruitiness. We have a new French white “Picpoul” at
the shop and it’s about a 7. I LOVE the dry & fruity whites!) Body: (Amount of weight and heaviness. A light body red is one you can see through. Some pinot noirs are full bodied and some are lighter. The same go for certain whites like chardonnays, too.)
Acidity: (like lemon to tea, your wine will have either a high or low acidity. The Nine Hats Riesling had a nice acidity around a 6. The malbecs were all medium acidity.)
Tannins: (like tea itself, the more it’s steeped, the stronger the tannins. The stronger the tannins, the more “dry” it will seem. The Milbrandt Malbec was 4-5. High tannins are desirable for certain food pairing and wines meant for aging.) Complexity: (The more layers and structure, the more mystique. Sometimes you might want a simple easy drinking wine, and sometimes you might want to splurge on something more interesting and exotic.) At Brix Bottleshop, we’re always seeking the most interesting wines for the best prices. The wine that impressed me most at North Bay was the Nine Hats Riesling. We carry it at the shop now, and in my opinion, it really over-delivers for the price.
Since we can’t offer tastings at Brix, we have partnered with North Bay as their exclusive retailer for their Tuesday wine tastings. For $15, customers can sign up to attend a fun social evening of wine tast-
ing from 6-8pm on every 2nd Tuesday of the month. On the last Tuesday of the month, they host a wine dinner for $65. The themes have ranged from French, to Italian, to Spanish, and all have been a huge success. They are getting so popular now, that we are even considering adding a day! Overall, North Bay gets an A+ for their commitment to expanding their wine program and we look forward to future wine flights, tastings, and dinners over there. For more information about Brix Bottleshop, please check out our website at www.brixbottleshop.com, or find us on Facebook. We post daily updates on new arrivals of specialty (and often limited) beers, wines, and specialty foods. We also giveaway prizes for Trivia Tuesday winners and 100th likes. For details on the North Bay tastings and wine flights, please call them at: 406-755-4441. We look forward to talking wine with you at Brix Bottleshop! Cheers,
Karen
Brix Bottleshop At the Historic Loading Dock 101 East Center St. #102 Kalispell, MT 406-393-2202 41
food}
Cook Books
Three Cooks & A Book
by Jennifer, Sally & Peggy at Rising Sun Bistro photo by Scott Wilson Photography
Editor’s Note: Some people read biographies, some people read murder mysteries, and other read romance novels…the gals at Rising Sun Bistro love cookbooks! We’re pleased to bring this new column to 406 Woman featuring a cookbook review from these French cuisine specialists. Enjoy! The Little Paris Kitchen, Rachel Khoo Mezzaluna, Knuckle Pounder, Donabe Smoker…and the list goes on for the top kitchen tools that chef’s can’t live without. We all have our favorite tools and think we need them and the big kitchen to cook in. The reason we chose this book is that it reminds us that we really don’t need the big American kitchen and the fancy, and often, expensive gadgets to prepare a beautiful and delicious meal. Ms. Khoo prepares the recipes in her book with only two gas rings and a mini oven in her petit cuisine in Paris.
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Each recipe is accompanied by a photograph, preparation time, and baking time so you can plan your menu around a quick meal or a leisurely dining experience.
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Ms. Khoo celebrates the French classics with a new twist such as Coq au Vin as skewers, Croque Madame baked in muffin tins, Fajitas de pot au feu, and our favorite Pastes Popsicles.
My Little Paris Kitchen teaches us to take as much pleasure in our preparation of the meal as in eating it. Using fresh ingredients and simple techniques can be done in any kitchen no matter the size or number of gadgets. In 2010, Unesco added French gastronomy and the ritual of the traditional French meal to its “worlds intangible heritage” list. Ms. Khoo’s cookbook will help you experience la joie de vivre and share a home cooked meal with friends and loved ones.
Mezzaluna
– a knife consisting of a single or double curved blade often used to cut herbs
Knuckle Powder – a meat tenderizer Donabe Smoker
– a gadget that allows you to make smoked dishes with easy preparation at home
Coq au Vin – a French braise of chicken cooked with wine
Croque Madame
– a French version of a grilled ham and cheese sandwich
Pot au feu
in a pot
Unisco
– a French beef stew prepared
– United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Gastronomy
– the art of food eating; the study of food and culture, with a particular focus on gourmet cuisine
Joie de vivre
- joy of eating (or joy of anything one might do) Rising Sun Bistro 25 Second Avenue West, Kalispell 406-890-2600
Fresh & Local. Here’s one of our favorite recipes from My Little Paris Kitchen:
Endives Au Jambon Belgian Endive with Ham
People can be put off by Belgian Endive because it sometimes tastes bitter. When buying, go for the small ones that are firm and closed. These tend to be less bitter. For the Bechamel Sauce: 2 tbsp butter ¼ cup all-purpose flour 2 cups of milk, lukewarm ¼ onion, skin removed 1 clove 1 Bay Leaf a pinch of each of white pepper and nutmeg salt 4 Belgian Endives a pinch of sugar 4 slices of Ham
Your local farm-to-table community bistro
www.RisingSunBistro.com 406-755-7510 25 Second Ave. W., Kalispell
As featured on the Food Network
Make the Sauce: Melt the butter in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the flour and beat hard until you have a smooth paste. Take off the heat and leave to cool for 2 minutes, then gradually add the milk, whisking constantly. Place the pan back over a medium heat; add the onion, clove, and bay leaf, and simmer gently for 10 minutes, whisking frequently. If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a little more milk.
Remove the outer leaves and stems from the endives and simmer the endives in salted water with a pinch of sugar for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain the endives well. Wrap a slice of ham around each one oand place in individual baking dishes (or one large dish if you prefer)
Finish the sauce by removing the onion, clove, and bay leaf, then add the pepper and nutmeg and season with salt. Cover the endives with the sauce and put under a hot broiler for a couple of minutes or until golden. Serve immediately.
Serves 4 as a Starter Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes
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Brunch
It Is Not Lunch, It’s Brunch. By Kristen Ledyard Owner/Executive Chef of John’s Angels Catering LLC
It is the season for freshness, fun, and family. A wonderful tradition is a Sunday brunch with family and friends. My amazing Great Aunt Frankie made these traditions happen. I want to share some of her recipes with you, as they are full of the true brunch feel. Brunch was always a definite meal and not just a sandwich. It is buffet style with a bounty of proteins, salads, soups, and special breads. Dessert was a light offering or fresh fruit. We will be using your pantry and farm fresh products, to make the meal top notch. Let’s start with one of my favorites. It is so easy!
Wild salmon family size filet Lemon pepper Lemons ¼ sweet onion Pickles sweet or dill Green olives Fresh parsley Light or regular mayonnaise Fresh tarragon White wine vinegar
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Place the salmon on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil and lightly sprayed with cooking oil. Sprinkle the salmon with lemon pepper to taste. Place a few pats of butter on top (optional). Squeeze the juice of one lemon or half, if juicy enough, on the salmon and place in the oven. Check in ten minutes for doneness by a fork going straight down in the middle of the filet. I prefer my salmon medium rare, so look for the fork not to go down without effort. Now, let’s make the sauce. Simply stir together the minced onion, diced pickle, diced tarragon and parsley. Fold in the mayonnaise to your liking, and add 1 -2 tsp of the vinegar depending on your batch size. Here is the fun part. Take the lemons and cut in half long wise. Slice a tiny part off of the bottom so the lemon does not turn and hollow it out. Spoon your sauce into the lemon, top with an olive, and serve alongside the filet for each guest to enjoy. A tasty crowd pleaser!
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A salad is a staple at brunch. Of course, there is nothing better than fresh local greens with simple oil and vinegar, but my husband’s mother taught me a recipe to kick up that beautiful base with an amazing topper.
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Eve’s Jumbo Lump Crab salad
Jumbo lump crab (or your favorite) Light or regular mayonnaise Coleman’s dry mustard Sweet or spicy paprika Fresh local green salad base
Once again, we are taking amazing flavor and making it with ease. Dice the lump crab up and stir in a bowl with the above ingredients. Only use a teaspoon at a time of the mustard to your desired taste. It does create a heat level. Place on the greens and top with the spicy or sweet paprika, careful not the cover up the taste of the crab. This has to be one of my favorite salads of all time for freshness and flavor.
We cannot have a brunch without an egg dish. Be sure to keep track of the date of your eggs in your pantry list. This is a bit of an adult brunch item, but can be modified for young ones with leaving the extra liquids out of the recipe. It is sure to impress your guests.
Frankie’s Guests’ Favorite French Toast
6 eggs ½ cup orange juice ½ cup Grand Marnier ½ cup half and half Salt Zest of one orange 1 loaf bread (cinnamon is even better) 4 tablespoons butter
Serve with real maple syrup (optional with honey and 2 tbls of dark rum)
Slice your bread one inch thick slices. Stir above ingredients together and dip each slice to coat well. This can be covered overnight. In the morning, use your griddle or non-stick pan to cook each slice to a light brown. Serve with warm real maple syrup and enjoy. This brunch is really shaping up to everyone’s enjoyment. Do not forget to serve some fresh fruit and keep your pantry’s inventory up to date.
We need to top this off with a true family recipe. Little did I know, Aunt Frankie was one of the ladies to form the Kruteaz brand with her Bridge partners. They named it that because they wanted to make any easy piecrust for women. Thus, crust with ease or Krusteaz was formed. How fun to find out, but that came with many wonderful recipes like the one to follow.
Kruteaz Muffins
3 tbsp sugar 1 egg ¾ cup water 2 cups Krusteaz mix ¾ grated cheese of your choice (make sure it melts well) ¾ cups dates or raisins ½ bacon strip crumbled Fresh berries Jam of your choice
Add sugar to mix and blend. Beat the egg in ¾ cup water and add to ingredients. Stir only until dry mix is moistened. Fold in your optional ingredients of cheese, dates, raisins, or bacon. Do not over mix.
Fill a well greased muffin pan 2/3 full in each cup. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. You can use the old toothpick trick to see that they are baked through. Let cool, then spread the top with your favorite jam and berries. This creates an excellent presentation with homemade fun. Your brunch or Sunday brunch is looking like a complete success. Just add your own touch with a family recipe and heirloom plating. I remember Great Aunt Frankie would bring out her fine china and sometimes just family fun plates. Eve, also, had platters and bowls with many stories behind them. Each family meal created a special memory of food, family, and fun. Make Brunch your own!
Kristen Ledyard John’s Angels Catering LLC
Photo by Alisia Cubberly
Fresh Salmon with Great Aunt Frankie’s Tartar Sauce in a Lemon Cup
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Friends
C o m p et i n g with friends Written by CrisMarie Campbell
Friends: They are so precious to us. What happens when you get what your friend wants, but can’t have, or vice versa? It was March 1988. My best friend, Nichole and I were both competing for a seat in the Olympic women’s eight rowing crew boat. The squad of 24 of us had just finished a particularly grueling rowing practice, followed by a tough weight workout. Panting and sweating, we were all glad the day was done. The Coach then said, “I am going to read off the names of the people that can come back tomorrow and keep training. The rest of you, good work, but this is not your Olympics.” We were shocked, and I am pretty sure no one took a breath as he read off 16 names, one by one. I finally heard mine, “Whew!” I kept listening for Nicole’s name, but it never came. “Shi*(!” I hadn’t planned on how this would feel. I loved the competition, but had not thought I would win and go on without her. That loss was like a leg of a three-legged stool being knocked out. Now what? Nichole wanted nothing to do with me, stinging with her own devastation. Without other friends, I was left all alone with my success. Yahoo. Not fun.
Three weeks later, I hurt my back and was no longer rowing. Now, you probably think I am crazy here, but I believe the guilt of making the round of cuts without her contributed to me hurting my back. I was too discombobulated and just couldn’t go on alone. Some would call it “survivor guilt.”
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Friends
We are often attracted to our friends because we enjoy doing similar things, we are similar, or we are at the same stage of life. It is natural that we both may want the same things at the same time. However, what happens when your friend gets what you want and can’t have: a new pair of expensive shoes, a job, a house, a boyfriend, or a baby? Or possibly worse, you get what she wants, but can’t have. Suddenly, where we were once aligned, we are not. The equilibrium in our relationship is off. The contrast between where we each are starts to pull the relationship apart. We are no longer joined together in a common cause. Our connection, once so solid, has a tear in it. One of us is apparently happy with the new situation, and the other is left wanting. Studies have shown that, as women, we handle stress differently than men. Rather than going to fight or flight, as men typically do, women go to tend (take care of kids & things) and befriend (connect to friends). As women, our relationships are a vital part of our hard-wired survival strategy. So a break in our connection can feel like a visceral tear in our beings, leaving us feeling lost and bewildered.
Client Examples
Sally, a client of mine, had interviewed for her coveted job. Her friend was interested in the same work, but was not actively looking. However, the hiring manager knew them both professionally, and called to offer her friend the job instead of her. Sally was hurt and angry. How could she not resent her friend? It just felt unfair and wrong.
My client Mary wasn’t really looking for a relationship, but when her roommate invited her out with a bunch of friends, along with Ron, a guy her roommate liked, Mary was struck by the immediate, and mutual, attraction between her and Ron. Mary panicked, and not wanting to upset her roommate, tried to avoid the whole thing. Cindy, another client, had been trying for months to get pregnant after a horrible miscarriage the previous year. Then her friend became pregnant on the first try. Cindy was heartbroken and jealous. “Why? This is not fair!”
Attempts at Repair
Each of these women valued their relationships highly, and deeply in their hearts, wanted something for themselves. So they coped as best they could. Here’s what they each tried:
High Road: Sally tried to be strong and rise above it all, saying, “Hey, everything is fine. I am happy for you. I am over it.” The problem was, she wasn’t fine. She was hurt, disappointed and jealous, but wasn’t acknowledging any of those feelings to herself or her friend.
Guilt - Fix: Mary, felt so guilty about her attraction that she ignored calls from Ron, and turned down offers to go out with her roommate’s friends. She wanted to fix it so badly that she encouraged her roommate to date Ron. However, when he finally showed up on the doorstep asking for Mary, the situation came to a head. Compare & Complain: Cindy, in her despair, complained to her friend about how lucky she was and how unfair
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Friends
Suddenly, where we were once aligned, we are not. The equilibrium in our relationship is off. The contrast between where we each are starts to pull the relationship apart. We are no longer joined together in a common cause. Our connection, once so solid, has a tear in it. One of us is apparently happy with the new situation, and the other is left wanting.
the world was to Cindy. Apparently, her friend took it as long as she could until her own hormones burst forth in selfprotection, telling Cindy that she needed someone else to talk to, which is when I received Cindy’s call.
So What Do You Do?
There are no easy answers here. Maybe you are a saint, and you can simply either rejoice in your friend’s good fortune or feel no guilt when you win the prize and they don’t. I am not that enlightened. In fact, I have attempted all the ineffective strategies listed above.
No matter what side of the equation you are on – the one that comes out on top, or the one that doesn’t - the outcome is uncomfortable. Here are some ways that I have found that generally help the situation.
Support & Feeling
Do not rely solely on your friend to make you feel better. You (and she) may need someone else to talk to for a bit. Reach out to your spouse, coach or therapist to help you deal with how this experience is for you. Things to consider:
· Are you letting yourself really acknowledge and feel how you feel? When we resist how we feel, it is like holding a beach ball under water. Eventually, it is going to pop up and usually with more force, hitting us in the face. · What stories are you telling yourself that may not be true and don’t serve you? Such as, “I’ll never get a job I love!” or “Our relationship is ruined! ”
· You may be blowing this out of proportion. What else is happening in your life? In that relationship? What do you really want in this relationship?
Talking Honestly
Talk honestly with each other, which may make you feel vulnerable. If you value the friendship, which I am assuming you do, talk about how you feel and take an interest in the impact this situation has on your friend, no matter what side you’re on.
Don’t be surprised if you have to keep talking about it for a while. It is one thing to initially learn you are not getting something and your friend is; it is a whole other story to watch the entire thing unfold over time, as with a relationship, job or pregnancy.
Space & Remembering
If you are a dramatic personality like me, you will think the relationship is ruined and may try to fix it and fit it back into its old mold. This approach usually doesn’t work. I speak from experience here. Believe me. Things are different. Take things slowly, both for you and your friend.
When you do reconnect, remember: Who is this other person to you? What do you like about them? What else do you enjoy doing together? My guess is, this was not the only thing holding you two together. If so, and you can’t talk it out, well, maybe it is time to let the friendship go.
The Olympics and Beyond
As for my Olympic story, three months after my injury, I came back and went on to make the 1988 Olympic team that went to Seoul, Korea. However, the guilt I felt was like a wall that stopped me from reaching out and clearing things up with Nichole. Our friendship never recovered.
Now when these things happen, and they still do, I have a desire to fix it too fast, which sometimes makes things worse. I have to remind myself to slow down and use my own support system to deal with emotions such as guilt, jealousy, or disappointment, which yes, still do come up! The good news is that I am not as likely to shoot myself in the foot as I did with the back injury during the Olympics. Plus, I now reach out and talk about it with the other person. It is bumpy, but in the end, the risk outweighs a potential loss of friendship.
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fitness
Mixing it Up By Delia Buckmaster Photos by Scott Wilson Photography
Do you want to take your fitness to the next level but you don’t know how? You consider yourself to be better than average. You run a few days a week and do something fun and athletic on the weekends. Friends come to town and you decide to give them the Montana experience. A hike in the park and a maybe some paddle boarding on the lake and you feel like you’ve been run over by Glacier Park Jammer. What’s going on? Its not to say you are not in great shape, for the exercise you do routinely. But if that’s all you do, day after day, you might be setting yourself up for injury or boredom. What can you do to prevent injury and fitness plateaus? Cross training.
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I wish I had discovered Pilates a long time ago. Because, there is no doubt in my mind that it would have made me a much better athlete. In my opinion, every athlete should find a mindbody practice to cross train their bodies. Cross training in the form of yoga or Pilates can build core strength and stability, which leads to more power for the athlete. Pilates is founded on core strength. The mat and equipment exercises strengthen not just the outer muscles of the center of the body but also the deep inner stabilizing muscles of the pelvis, abdomen, and back -- the core muscles. Core strength supports the back and neck, giving us healthy posture and freeing the joints to allow a natural flexibility of the limbs. This kind of strength and flexibility training translate well into all kinds cross training activities.
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"With Contrology (Pilates), you will develop muscular power with corresponding endur-
Cross training may help you:
Become Stronger: The goal of most athletes is to become stronger, improve performance, and avoid injuries. It is difficult to achieve all play strenuous games, to walk, run or travel of these goals by training in one sport alone; for long distances without fatigue or men- “cross-training” can add the missing link. As a new approach to an athlete’s workout routal strength. And this by no means is the tine, cross training can increase power, add end." -Joseph Pilates flexibility, build stability, and increase motivation. Overdosing on one type of exercise, however, is unhealthy and can result in overtrainThe term cross training refers to a training ing injuries, metabolic imbalance, and mental routine that involves several different forms of fatigue. exercise. While it is necessary for an athlete to train specifically for their sport if they want to Become More Motivated: One of the best excel, for the average person, cross training is ways to remedy boredom in your workout roua beneficial training method for maintaining a tine is cross training. Cross Training is not inhigh level of overall fitness. For example, you tended to replace your primary training, but it may use both biking and swimming each week can be beneficial when supplementing it here to improve your overall aerobic capacity, build and there. If you’re training for a marathon, overall muscle strength and reduce the chance for example, your training plan should lay out of an overuse injury. Cross training limits the crucial workouts, such as your long run; tempo stress that occurs on a specific muscle group runs; and speed workouts. Those other daily because different activities use muscles in runs might be good candidates to substitute an slightly different ways. alternate activity or take a rest day when you’re ance, ability to perform arduous duties, to
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overly tired or on the mend. The benefits of cross training are subtle but can really enhance your performance and give an edge on race day. If an exercise program does not involve a passion, such as runners and bikers often feel, the routines can get boring. Cross training is a great in breaking things up. A little of this and a little of that can keep your exercise routine spiced up and challenged with the variety. In addition, a good diverse workout regimen will provide strength and flexibility in every part of the body, while allowing other strained muscles to rest. Repetition can lead to boredom, making our workout routine stale and bothersome. Alternating our training injects a change-of-pass and excitement, and can sharpen our competitive nature. By adding in this element of change every so often, our alternate workouts can keep us fresh and focused on the more critical workouts we must do.
Develop Core Strength: Core-strength allows for central stabilization of the body, which enables the maximum force to be ultimately generated by our extremities. You'll gain crucial shoulder mobility, build lower-body stability, and tap into your full upper-body power. The TRX™ and other similar suspension training equipment add an extra dimension to quad training for runners by increasing the stability, flexibility and balance demand of the classic lunge exercise. Running requires balance. Performing squats using a BOSU™, a hemispher-
fitness
Above photo: Marlow Schultz, Junior at Whitefish Hight School. Track: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m
ic stability ball will challenge your balance, strengthen your quads and help eliminate any left-to-right strength imbalances. A strong core will enhance your performance in swimming, biking, running and all types of endurance sports. The same is true for the push off of running, the pull of swimming, or even the golf swing. Why is it that we swing our arms when we sprint? It’s because they help us to balance and drive our legs. We need strong and stable core muscles in order to transmit power through our kinetic chain.
ity exercises. The most notable cross trainers perform all these events in the triathlon, where they bike, run and swim. Anyone can incorporate cross training into his or her workout. Find three things that interest you. It could be three sports, such as the triathlon participants do, or it could be three different types of group classes at a fitness studio or gym. The key, as with any exercise, is to choose three things you think you'll enjoy.
Condition Your Overall Body: Training effectively for endurance sports is about more than endless base miles. It’s about a functional fitness program that incorporates core strength, mobility, flexibility and injury prevention. Using running as an example, the hamstrings and calf muscles see most of the strain and are usually a runner’s strongest muscles. During races, many runners can lose steam because of sore quadriceps, or weak abs that make them hunch over when they tire; or arms that swing in an uncontrolled & fatigued state across their bodies. These other muscles can help pull a runner through in a race.
Prevent Injury: Cross Training gives your primary muscles a chance to rest and recuperate. For example, running primarily uses the hamstring and calf muscles. Many runners that experience injuries do so because they overtrain. When you chose an alternate activity, you allow the primary muscles to heal and rebuild and other supporting muscles to get stronger. A lack of cross training can lead to injuries from over-use and muscle imbalance. If you want to be a better runner, there is no substitute for running…. so make sure that you don’t overly focus on alternate training and strength building methods. So try rounding out your And most of all… routine a bit…. it may just be the difference in Cross training in new ways can prolong your achieving your goals. ability to participate in the activities you love most, and give you the satisfaction you crave Improve Fitness Levels: Cross training is usu- from the sports that are your passion. ally done in three phases that involve aerobic training, strengthening activities and flexibil-
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Answers
Q:
skincare
a n s we r s
By Erin Blair, Licensed Esthetician
I bought an anti-aging product with ‘peptides’. I was curious to know what peptides do, so I did some online research. I found many different products that contain peptides,
A:
but I got suspicious when I saw that they were claiming all sorts of different results.
How is it possible that one ingredient can do so many jobs? What are peptides, anyway?
go deeper, so the best they can do is act as a temporary moisture barrier. This is great for softness and hydration, but does nothing to promote long-term changes within the skin. However, when these long-chain proteins are broken into shorter chains (peptides), The first peptides were introduced to skin penetration into the skin becomes possible. care in 2002. Since then, new discoveries in Targeting for Results this ingredient class have exploded onto the product scene. The pivotal benefit of pep- The ability to penetrate the deeper layers of tides in products is their ability to penetrate the skin is the reason peptides work. But, the reason they work in so many different ways? the skin, due to their small molecular size. There are many different peptides, each Long-chain proteins, such as collagen, can with its own role to play. These ingredients only be applied to the surface of the skin. can be chosen as targeted messengers, tellTheir molecular size makes it impossible to ing the skin cell how to perform. Products Your question is a good one. Peptides are actually the building blocks of life. Scientifically speaking, they are strings of amino acids which, under a microscope, resemble a string of pearls. These strings form mini protein chains.
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containing peptides are carefully formulated with specific goals in mind.
There are peptides that reduce wrinkle depth, heal wounds, and reduce eye puffiness. One actually reverses the fluid buildup caused by gravity while lying down to sleep. It fights dark circles by breaking down and flushing out the pooled, dark pigmented blood from the eye area. Another inhibits the inflammatory response, impeding aging by reducing the damage that can be caused by inflammation. Another reduces wrinkles and improves elasticity and tone. Yet another blocks the hormone signal that tells our skin to produce color, thus preventing and lightening dark spots.
If you’ve read this column for any length of time, you probably know that manufacturers can make inflated claims of efficacy. This is a practice known as ‘label dressing’, where a worthless amount of an ingredient is added to a formula, just so the product maker can claim the proven benefits of the ingredient.
Amounts Matter
These are just a few examples of the different roles peptides can play in skincare, and you can see why they’ve become the darlings of the product world. Unfortunately, they’ll do no good whatsoever if they’re not included at the correct dose levels. The usefulness of peptides is percentagespecific. I consider it part of my job as an esthetician to research the amounts of active ingredients in the products I offer my clients; I do this by contacting the manufacturer or lab. If you’ve read this column for any length of time, you probably know that manufacturers can make inflated claims of efficacy. This is a practice known as ‘label dressing’, where a worthless amount of an ingredient is added to a formula, just so the product maker can claim the proven benefits of the ingredient. Buyer beware: an inexpensive drugstore product is not going to contain a significant amount of peptides (or anything else likely to change your skin). If you’ve used a product correctly for at least two months, and you’re not seeing the results claimed on the bottle, consider trying something else. Included at the appropriate dose levels, peptides are noninvasive ingredients known to get great results. They are especially attractive choices for those who experience irritation from retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids, and offer effective targeted results for many common skin concerns. And while they are a magic bullet of sorts, patience is required. They take time to work, because peptides are literally re-building the skin from within.
Please submit questions for Skincare Answers to skintherapystudio@gmail.com
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Screening
Breast Cancer Affects Mothers, Wives, Sisters and Friends Early Screening Can Save Lives By Kristen Hamilton
Over the past couple of years, I have known a number of friends, colleagues and acquaintances that have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, their early detection saved their lives. Consequently, whether they meant to or not, they have become role models to those around them.
The Cancer Screening Program supports comprehensive cancer control in Montana by providing ongoing quality screening services to Montana men and women and education in a manner that is appropriate, accessible, cost-effective and sensitive to a client’s needs.
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Screening services include mammograms, clinical breast exams, Pap tests and pelvic exams for the early detection of breast and cervical cancers, colonoscopies and FOBT tests for the early They are mothers, sisters, wives, friends and detection of colorectal cancer. Diagnostic testing some of the strongest women I know. I admire is also provided for the follow-up of abnormal these women and use their own stories as rea- screening tests. For information about low cost screenings for eligible clients, sons to be checked bi-annually. call 406-751-8162. The truth is that early detection can save your life. In Montana, breast cancer is the most com- Montana celebrates Pink Ribbon Month in May, monly diagnosed cancer among women. 730 in conjunction with Mother’s Day, as a way to women are diagnosed annually. Thankfully, honor our mothers and the fight that so many due to early screening and a decreased mortal- mothers and families face. The Flathead Cityity rate over the past 20 years, these diagnosed County Health Department holds their annual Women’s Health Fair on May 4th to honor mothcases result in less than 125 deaths. ers and other women, as well. In honor of Pink Although there are risk factors that can in- Ribbon Month, the Winkley Coach will be oncrease your chance of breast cancer including site to provide mammograms. Other services age, family history, menstrual history, hormone include Dexa Bone Density Scans, Blood Glucose replacement therapy, body weight, alcohol use and Cholesterol Testing, Clinical Breast Exams, and lack of exercise, the fact is that it can strike and a great deal of information from a variety anyone. If you fall within these risk categories, of local agencies. Men are invited and may also your healthcare professional will recommend participate. a screening schedule. If you don’t, the United State Prevention Services Task Force recom- Flathead City-County Health Department mends that woman have a screening mammog- Montana Cancer Screening Program raphy every two years, when between the ages 406-751-8162 www.flatheadhealth.org of 50 and 74 years.
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Endometriosis
T a m i n g E n d o m et r i o s i s By Randy Beach, MD OB/GYN at Alpine Women’s Center
At times medications such as birth control pills or newer more aggressive medications such as progestins, Danazol or Lupron are used. These medications decrease the impact of endometriosis. In cases of suspected severe endometriosis, surgery is indicated. Surgery offers the opportunity to destroy the endometriosis, resulting in decreased Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that pain and improved fertility. normally sheds monthly from the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, such as into Recent studies have shown that aggressive the fallopian tubes, ovaries or other organs. removal of the endometriosis can be more It is more likely to happen in women who beneficial than simply lasering or electrihave delayed child bearing or who have a cal burning of these areas. It is known that family history of the disease. This endo- endometrial lesions grow much deeper metrial tissue, that is outside the uterus, than was previously thought. At North Valresults in inflammation, scarring, adhesions ley Hospital, we use the da Vinci Robot to and the release of hormones that cause pain search out these lesions. This allows us to and make it difficult for affected women to remove them from the patient to give longer conceive. lasting relief, restore fertility, and hopefully cure the disease. The robot allows magniFortunately there are good treatments for fied viewing of the pelvic organs and the this health problem. Early detection is criti- dexterity to be aggressive, but safe. cal and regular gynecological checkups can help determine if endometriosis is a concern based on specific physical findings Robotic surgery allows us to remove fiand ultrasound evaluations. We often begin broids, treat prolapse, and to perform hystreatments with simple therapies including terectomies as well, with minimal bleeding acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapies and and quicker return to normal activities. pain relief. Exercise and massage therapy can often alleviate symptoms. Decreas- If you are concerned that you may have ening excess estrogen with diet, exercise and dometriosis, please contact your health care provider for an exam and more information. weight loss can be helpful as well. Pelvic pain and cramping can interfere with daily activities. Several reasons can be the cause, but a common problem in women is Endometriosis, especially during the reproductive age. It can cause painful period cramps, chronic pain and pain with intercourse. It also can cause infertility.
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A good web site is www.mayoclinic.org/ wiki/Endometriosis for a more complete review of symptoms and treatment options. Dr. Beach is a partner with OB/GYN’s Mirna Bowden, MD, and Kathleen Lewison, MD, at Alpine Women’s Center in Whitefish.
Spring into Action
Do you have an interest in your health? In an informal, relaxed atmosphere, learn about the various health issues that most effect women, such as endometriosis, bladder health, osteoporosis, menopause, and single-site surgery. Join the health professionals at Alpine Women’s Center, North Valley Surgical Services, North Valley Physical Therapy, Whitefish Therapy & Sports Center, and more during the Spring into Action women’s fair Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge in Whitefish. Don’t miss out on a light lunch catered by the North Valley Hospital Café, raffles and the camaraderie of supportive professionals and women. The event is sponsored by North Valley Hospital and 406 Women Magazine. Please RSVP by calling 406.863.3632 or emailing nmorrison@nvhosp.org.
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smiles
RAISING HEALTHY SMILES! by Dr. John F. Miller DDS
Motherhood. What do I know about it, right? Very
little I’m sure, but...I’ve had some great examples in
my life. Naturally my own mother has had a major
influence thus far; and more recently my wife as she is approaching the maternal 7 year mark. My wife
of course is a woman, so we discuss everything that
is on her mind. This happens most nights as we lie in bed gleaning every second of the only quiet moment
we get to spend together. From these conversations, I
have gathered insight enough to describe the life of a Mother as a Shakespearian roller coaster.
Tragedy, comedy, future imaginary neighbor boys who are off limits...our daughter is only 6. Some readers are laughing to themselves right now. “Six years old? This guy better buckle up!” These readers are on a whole different ride that my wife and I would not meet the height requirement for...not that we’d want to ride quite yet anyway. What I’m getting at is raising children, along with life in general, is a Comedy of Errors.
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According to an old African proverb, it takes a village to raise a child. This village consists of relatives, neighbors, school teachers, coaches, employers, etc. We all know this is true, and you’ll find yourself thinking of your unique in-
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dividual villages this very moment. I think of the villagers that I make time to call upon when I have the chance to return to my hometown. The Dental Office was part of my village, and you will be doing yourself and your children a great favor in making the Dentist a consistent component of your family village. The remainder of this column will address contemporary dental care for children, and the responsibility we have as parent’s in maintaining the oral health of our kids.
Newborns
Babies are born devoid of the oral bacteria which cause tooth decay, Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. This bacteria can be transferred from mother to infant (Vertical Transmission), or even from sibling to infant (Horizontal Transmission). To prevent this transmission for as long as possible, make sure all items placed in the baby’s mouth are clean. This is especially important if the mother is prone to tooth decay and/or has active gum disease (a.k.a. periodontal disease). To be honest with the readers of 406, I’m terrible at this. My family and I share ice cream cones, straws, etc., but I try my best. Ultimately, colonization of these oral bacteria, at some level or another, is inevitable. Therefore, it is my opinion that you will wage a better fight by taking the approach that the best offense is a killer defense.
Infants on average are toothless for the first six months of their life. Their gums should still be cleansed with a soft toothbrush or a wipe of some sort. This functions to not only clean junior’s mouth but to also initiate “healthy-habit” development. In addition, make sure the little one is present when you take care of your own mouth; make it a family event. Maxwell, my youngest, watched me brush and floss Nayvee and Banksy’s teeth every night. The result was a stubborn urge to have a toothbrush in his own, toothless mouth. Now, just days passed his 1st birthday, he offers no resistance to my brushing of his 6 front teeth. In fact, he is upset when I’m done.
Baby Teeth Stage (1 to 6)
Somewhere between 6 months and 1 year, a baby’s first tooth appears. Nature has provided us with this wonderful dress rehearsal that lasts until approximately 6 years of age. This is our chance as caregivers, to miss cues, jumble lines, and ultimately polish our technique and perfect our delivery. It is recommended that children be seen in the dental office at approximately one year. This initial appointment is important for the new mother to be educated in infant oral health care and again to aid in the child’s healthy habits. During these visits the child’s teeth are not my main concern. We want to introduce a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere to the
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child. This typically involves chair rides, balloons, and a prize. If the child will allow me to look at the few teeth they might have, great! However, I do not force the issue if the child is not cooperative. Keeping this first visit a positive and fun experience is my main priority.
At this appointment the mom will be instructed to brush their child’s teeth twice a day. In the morning after breakfast for two minutes, and immediately before bed for two minutes. In addition to brushing at night, flossing should be performed. As soon as the child is able to rinse without swallowing, a fluoride rinse should also be performed at night. As kids become more independent, they will want to brush their own teeth. While this should be encouraged, no teeth brushing session should conclude without an adult performing a proper brushing.
Mom will also learn that the most common cause of childhood tooth decay is putting the child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. If the child needs the comfort of the bottle, try and only use warm water. Also, if a snack is needed during the night, cheddar cheese has been shown to actually reduce tooth decay.
Mixed Dentitions Stage (6 to 13)
Your child’s 6th birthday is fast approaching, and they mention that their gums hurt behind their teeth. You inspect and find the gums slightly inflamed with the pearly glisten of a perfectly healthy 1st molar starting to poke through. The curtain has dropped; the lights are blinding. This is what you have been training for and because you are prepared you shall not fear. Mixed Dentition refers to the period where baby teeth and permanent teeth are both present in the mouth.
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Post Mixed Dentition (13 on)
Conclusion
By this point your child has developed the healthy habits mentioned in this article:
Look at your children. You want nothing but the best for them. Raising kids is the challenge of your life. Create for them a village that promotes health, creativity, imagination, charity, adventure and love of life.
During this interval between 13 and adulthood, the above instruction remains the same, but you will likely encounter your child’s need for orthodontics (braces) and wisdom tooth removal. In my experience, 9 out of 10 mouths will benefit enough from orthodontics to make it worth the investment, and if a wisdom tooth is there, I recommend removal a majority of the time, with few exceptions.
l Brushing twice a day for 2 minutes each time with proper technique. l Flossing every night with proper technique.
l Rinsing with a fluoride rinse at night. l Having regular 6-month dental cleanings and check-ups.
I treat children and adults with serious dental problems accompanied with exquisite dental pain on a daily basis. I try my hardest to empathize with them, but I personally have never experienced dental discomfort of any significant nature. There was a dentist in my village that my Mother took me to every 6 months. I do not hesitate to smile because I love my smile, a smile I owe to my Mother.
Finally I want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to my wife Juli Miller, my mother Linda Miller, and to all the readers who have the honor of that title. There is no greater job and responsibility. Thank You!
This article only scratches the surface of pediatric dental care. I would encourage you to visit the website of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/ ) for additional information.
The biggest mistake made at this point is not brushing these new teeth adequately. They are so far back and hard to reach, but they are the most important teeth in the mouth. It breaks my heart to see a 7 year old with extensive decay on these 1st molars; and I see this often. This kid will likely lose these teeth early in life setting the stage for a sad ending.
During this mixed dentition stage, and throughout the remainder of their life, regular 6 month dental checkups are of paramount importance. These exams will allow the Doctor to inform you of areas that need improvement, to reinforce proper technique, to evaluate bite and alignment of teeth, to place sealants on permanent molars and premolars, and provide cleanings and fluoride treatments for your child that will strengthen their teeth. If the Doctor gets his/her eyes on your child’s teeth every six months, they can catch problems early. Tooth decay and gum disease are for the most part slow processes that can be managed before any major damage is done. I recommend that parents remain an active participant in care of their children’s teeth until their child’s 8th birthday. At that point it is important to let them fly solo under your supervision of course. If your family is like mine, brushing/flossing/rinsing is a family event (clean bedrooms, pajamas, teeth brushing, story, prayers, lights out) so it will be easy to monitor children’s brushing.
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Spring
As Springs Comes… By Kristen Pulsifer
As spring comes, which I hope it continues to do, I am reminded of our senses. I hear birds chirp, kids play, water slosh… lots of muddy water slosh, but anyway, there is noise again. I am refreshed to hear my kids outside playing. I also hear other children, and other dogs, and doors opening and closing. Yes, doors! I am reminded that there is life. I truly believe that life sort of…. well…. vanishes in February, and gradually, slowly, ever so slowly, comes back in March. It’s an angry return, but it does return.
today, and it was great! Spring is here and we are all gearing up for a new season. It is time for fresh thinking for the whole family. Everybody needs a little revving up.
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Spring is also the time to start checking in with kids on school projects, because teachers love to give them right before spring break. Start gearing up for spring break so everyone comes back rested and ready to finish out the school year with a bang. Clean out the cobwebs that have collected in our winter brains and prepare for I am quickly reminded of the life in my own longer days and evening sunshine. Heck, I don’t home. My dogs, chickens…, husband, and most know, just flush the winter doldrums down the importantly, my children, are back. The whole porcelain chug-chug and kick it into high gear. family starts to come to life again. Our three chickens, Henrietta, Chic-Chic, and of course… After spring break, kids need to come back to Big Mama ventured outside of their coupe, school ready to finish the school year on a posiand for the first time in quite a while, and tive note. Let them enjoy their break. Even if found grass instead of snow. Our bunny actu- you are not traveling to warm beaches or exotic ally started kicking his large, felt feet up in the lands, let home be a vacation. As your kids reair as his slid across what is left of the slippery turn to school, take time to check in with their snow patches. He also started digging under the teachers. If things are going well, commend house again… I am so excited to start patching them and continue to support them so things up their holes! Anyway, they are all examples of STAY positive and successful. So many of the the signs of life that are creeping back in, and I students I am tutoring improve their grades and then back off, thinking, “Now that I am back to am thankful for them. B’s and A’s, I can take a break!” Grades quickly I am refreshed to see my children go outside slide back to that dark place that bring these stuwithout snow pants, and my daughter ride her dents to me in the first place. I promptly remind bike to school. She was the only child to do so them that grades are like trying to stay healthy
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and in shape. It is easy to be lazy, lose muscle and eat junk food; but, it is hard, and takes a long time, to get our strength back, start exercising and get back in shape. So, once you get strong, maintain that strength…. Keep the grades that you worked so hard to achieve.
Those of you who have high school kids, especially juniors that are beginning to think about college, should start thinking about the SAT and ACT college entrance exams. I am sure many of you are already toiling over these dreaded tests, but if not, check into it by going to www.collegeboard.org. The next SAT test is May 4th, with a registration deadline of April 5th. The next SAT test after that is June 1st , with a registration deadline of May 7th. You can register late, but there is a $24.00 fee, and that is on top of the regular $47.00 test fee. Everything comes at a cost.
Keep the school year moving along and positive. There is still time to improve grades and progress in activities so the school year can end on a positive note. The most important thing is to keep up with what your kids are doing and enjoy this time of year with your families. Clean off the bikes and get your last few runs in on the skis…. together.
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HELEN CLARKE
LIT TLE KNOWN STOR Y OF A GROUND Breaking WOMAN
HELEN CL ARKE By Tom Cook
Photos Courtesy of Montana Historical Society, Research Center Photograph Archives
Maybe if she had been all Caucasian or all Native American, Helen Clarke would be a familiar figure in Helena and all of Montana. She deserves to be.
ed us of the truly ground-breaking role she played in state history. Her father Malcolm Clarke and mother Cothco-co-na sent Helen east where she received a classical education at a convent school in Cincinnati. She returned to Montana in the Clarke’s life is the stuff from which legends are mid-1860s and joined her family, which had made, yet her name and her accomplishments settled on a ranch north of Helena. have never received the acclaim they deserve. After her father was killed in an apparent famIn March during Women’s History Month, the ily dispute with a relative of his wife-- and the Montana Historical Society fields many re- subsequent and tragic racially tinged events quests from media and others for information that followed -- Helen moved to Minneapolis on Montana’s groundbreaking women like to live with Malcolm’s financially well-off sisJeannette Rankin, who was the first woman ter Charlotte. Later she moved to New York where she enjoyed a brief but successful caelected to Congress. reer as an actress. While doing some research on women in his- tory, an article on Clarke in MHS’s “Montana In 1875 she returned to Montana, and was The Magazine of Western History” remind- welcomed back in Helena by her father’s old She was born in 1846 at the mouth of the Judith River to a fur trader father and a Piegan mother, became an actor in New York, was the one of the first two women elected to public office in Montana, and later played a part in national Native American policy.
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friend Wilbur Fisk Sanders, who was one of the founders of the Montana Historical Society.
She used her classical education to be-
come a teacher in Helena. She endured whispered prejudice because of her Piegan heritage, but Sanders remained a constant and protective friend.
In 1882 Helen ran for Lewis and Clark County Superintendent of Schools. She ran as a Republican, and it was reported that local Democrats were so impressed with her qualifications that they withdrew their candidate. Helen and Alice Nichols of Meagher County, who also was elected superintendent of schools that year, became the first women elected to public office in Montana.
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HELEN CLARKE
Photos: Pg 68. Helen Clarke. Pg 68 and 69. The interior of Helen Clarke’s tent while working as an allotment agent. Pg 69. Helen Clarke had a powerful and striking presence and had a brief but successful career as an actor in New York City.
Despite her success, ugly stories about her “mixed blood” continued and in 1889 Helen again left Montana.
In 1890 President Benjamin Harrison signed her commission to the U.S. Indian Service as an allotment agent for Native American lands. She was the second woman appointed as an allotment agent – and apparently the first and only person so named who was of Native American ancestry. Throughout her life mixed ancestry dogged her footsteps, and her time in the Indian Service was no exception. Allotting tribal land to individual tribal members was seen by many Native Americans as an attempt to cut them off from their heritage, and many resented her involvement.
But in 1903 Helen led a successful campaign back in Montana to remove an Indian agent at the Blackfeet Reservation from office for his mistreatment of Native Americans including encouraging the proliferation of alcohol on tribal lands. The Blackfeet appreciated her involvement. She also was fighting prejudice against women in the job market. In an unsuccessful letter opposing efforts to fire her from the Indian Service, Helen also noted: “There is prejudice always at a woman holding any sort of position that pays.” Returning to Montana after losing her federal job, Helen had a home near what is now East Glacier, where she had guests such as Mrs. Isaac Guggenheim, Mrs. George Vanderbilt, photographer Walter McClintock and painters Julius Seyler and Joseph Henry Sharp.
In 1923 Father Halligan was summoned to Helen’s home, where she lay dying of pneumonia at age 76. The priest said among her final words were, “Children should have nothing but the greatest admiration and the greatest respect, the greatest love and reverence for their teachers.” Even in death, Helen still suffered the whispered words of racism. Some said her dying words reflected her love of education, and others a warning that Native Americans should submit to the White Man’s way of life. If you want to learn more about Helen, contact
the MHS Research Center or contact Tammy Ryan at 406-444-4708 to order a copy of the magazine with the complete article.
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home} diy
D O - I T -Y O U R S E L F FURNITURE MAKEOVERS from Patina Inc.
By Elizabeth Michelsen-Jonas
Got ugly furniture?
Patina Inc. has been restyling furniture, new and old, for over 15 years here in the Flathead, and we're going to offer you some tips on how to succeed with the finishes you are dreaming of. Emerald green, in all of Can't afford to replace it, its wonderful forms, is the color of the year, and Patina is featuring this color with finishes for a subtle accent or a bold statement on cabinetry, furniture, woodwork or doors. Imagine your front door transformed but craving a new look? into an antiquated hot Venetian green, with rubbed back accents and a hint of gilding. Picture a glowing jewel toned coffee table, vibrant teal Got an awesome piece that is sad and chartreuse as a surprise for Kitchen Island cabinets. Imagine those old nightstands jazzed up with an emerald green wash. This month we'll show you how to apply a “Copper Verdigris” finish....you know, and in need of a new skin? that acidy green oxidation that appears on copper when it's left to the elements. It's vintage...very Euro...modern rustic...a cool addition to a Well, it's time to roll up your sleeves and have a hand at finishing it neutral earthy/industrial pallet. It may sound tricky, but it truly is just a yourself. It may seem daunting and intimidating- especially when you bunch of simple steps...most of the work is done by the natural chemiare after that particular 'look'; but essentially it boils down to few steps cal reaction of the products you use. Have fun, and send a photo of your that are simple to do with a few tricks of the trade. finished product to me at my Facebook page; Patina Inc. Here we go...
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First, you'll want to pick that piece of furniture/door/cabinet that you can. A. move into your shop or garage or B. properly protect flooring around as there will be A LOT (like tablespoons at a time) of dripping liquid. Next, you have to prepare the piece, one of THE MOST IMPORTANT parts of the process. The surface first needs to be clean (wash with TSP & water if needed), and then sand with 150 or 200 grit sandpaper (I use 3M Prograde, it lasts longer and works better.) Make sure you sand with the grain (if there is any), and sand enough to make a shinier surface “dull”. Vacuum off the dust, and then dip a rag in Denatured Alcohol and wipe the entire surface. This should remove any lingering dust.
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Now you are ready to prime. For this process you need to use a special Acid Blocking Primer made by a company called “Modern Masters”, Saverud Paint shop carries this line. Use a brush, mini roller or both and apply an even layer. Let dry for about ½ hour, and then recoat. Use at least two coats. It is water based so you can wash your brush out with warm water. Let final coat dry for 12 HOURS (very important) before the next step. Now comes the liquid copper. It's called Modern Masters Metal Effects Copper Paint. Roll or brush on an even layer, and let dry. After the next coat, you will be applying the “Green Patina” solution, so get that ready. I use a mister
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and a 1 ½” brush to apply. Pour the “Green Patina” solution in a small tray (I use a tuna can) and put some in a misting bottle-you can't use this bottle for anything else after). Then apply your last (generous) coat of “Copper Paint”. Now comes the cool part....oxidation. WHILE IT IS STILL WET, apply the “Green Patina” solution with your brush, mister or even a sea sponge. Use a GENTLE HAND with a GENEROUS AMOUNT of solution. Remember, the paint is wet underneath so you don't want to brush it or dob it off with a hard application. Just “soak” the surface gently. It will, obviously drip profusely. This is desirable, it will give you that authentic antiquation that
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Then, to age the surface a bit more, I applied an “Old Masters Gel Stain” in “Provincial”. Using a rag, dip in gel stain and apply starting on corners and edges, working toward the middle. If there are dips or crevices, let the stain remain in them—it adds depth. Use another rag to gently rub in and FADE TO THE CENTER AREA.This will give your piece authenticity and dimension. If there are drawers, or areas where the piece would have received touch over the years, these are the spots to darken. Softly buff to even out your patina. Let dry overnight. A final coat of “Wipe On Poly” would be the next thing to do. Apply as in the first coats (Step #6). You will find that as the layers build up, the piece won't accept much oil anymore. This is the goal. Wipe on evenly, buff with a soft rag, and let dry about 4 or 5 hours. At this point you can buff/polish with FINE OR 000 STEEL WOOL - and she is done!!! You can reach Patina by email: patinamontana@gmail.com
is so stylish. This is where you have to be careful not to wreck your floors—if you are not in the garage, MAKE SURE THE FLOOR IS COVERED WITH PLASTIC and watch for runs. The solution will leave green powdery stains wherever it dries. This is the cool part..... as the solution dries, it oxidizes or 'rusts' the copper, turning it a bright bluey/green color. The SLOWER IT DRIES THE MORE COLOR, and, the THICKER THE SOLUTION, THE BRIGHTER THE GREEN. I stand around for a bit and add more solution where it is vertical—as it would dry faster there and therefore be lighter. Don't worry if there are puddled up spots on flat surfaces—it will do its thing nicely. If you want, you can tip a table top
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to cause the solution to “run” a bit for more of a dripping effect. Let dry overnight. Next, you will need to apply a 'finish' to protect it. I like a product called “Minwax Wipe On Poly”, in a “Satin” sheen. Make sure your surface is completely dry. Dip a clean cotton rag in the Poly, and get it quite sopping with the oil. Apply with a light rubbing motion to surface. It will darken it immediately, so just keep softly rubbing it in, moving forward until the whole surface is evenly covered. Rub on all surfaces evenly. If you need a small brush to get it in cracks, just dip and apply - but rub excess thoroughly. Do not brush 'Wipe On Poly' on. Let dry about ½ hour to an hour, and re-apply.
I use 3 coats. This product will darken and seal the surface. If you are doing the top of a table, or a cabinet that gets a lot of use, you will need more coats (I would do 5 or 6—it sounds like a lot but it is very easy and fast). After the 3rd coat, give it a light sand with a WORN OUT SANDING SPONGE. (If you don't have one that is worn out, wear out a fine sanding sponge by rubbing two sanding sponges together for a bit, you will find this will knock down some of the abrasion. A very handy tool in finishing).
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art}
Music
Outdoor music is part of summer’s bounty in Flathead Valley! By Marti Ebbert Kurth
Summer is a glorious time in the Flathead Valley. Residents don’t want to miss
a minute of it as we squeeze in as much outdoor time as possible, whether it be gardening, golfing or just goofin’ around in the sunshine.
It comes as no surprise then that outdoor music is also bountiful here in the short summer season. Our northern latitude location provides us with long light -filled evenings perfect for enjoying a picnic at an outdoor concert in the park, or catching a band at the local Farmer’s Market. Every town in the valley offers a regular schedule of concerts ranging from the weekly noon time Picnic In the Park Music series in downtown Kalispell, to the Glacier Symphony and Chorale’s grand Summer Symphony Pops, a musicalparty-on-the lawn held at Rebecca Farm Equestrian Center. There are one night and weekend concerts as well as weeklong festivals featuring top name performers in a full range of musical styles and genres a complete smorgasbord of musical offerings. And don’t worry that a little inclement weather might stop the music! Montanan’s are a hardy lot trained by experience to stash rain gear in the car before they head out to enjoy the outdoor venues because the old
cliché “If you don’t like the weather – just wait ten minutes and it will change!” is definitely true in Flathead Valley. Here is a rundown of outdoor music opportunities alphabetically by city. Visit the websites to learn details on the bands and ticket pricing. For a complete listing of all music and events in the valley go to www. flatheadevents.net
tent on the grounds of Flathead Lake Lodge, this event features different world class musicians over five nights of concerts. Performers this year include the jazz masters of the Pat Metheny Trio, Lee Ritenour and his jazz trio, blues/rocker Robben Ford, guitar wizard Darryl Steurmer, classical virtuoso Scott Tennant and the L.A. Guitar Quartet, and singer songwriters Livingston Taylor and Mac McAnally. Concert information and tickets available at the website www.cocguitarfoundation.org or call 855Bigfork: Riverbend Concert Series: Begins the last Sunday 855-5900. in June. Held every Sunday at 7 pm through August. Concerts feature a range of artists in solo and en- Columbia Falls: semble acts on the band stage in Riverbend park. Fee Farmers Market: Begins Thursday June 13, 2013 and is $3 adults, $1 kids. Visit the Bigfork Chamber of runs from 5-7:30 pm every Thursday through August Commerce website for more info: at Pinewood “Pool” Park. A variety of local musicians www.bigfork.org/events perform during the market. Check the w e b s i t e www.columbiafallschamber.org/farmers-market or Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop & Fes- call for details, 892-0318. Free. tival: August 25-September 1. Held under a huge
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The above photo, by Brenda Ahearn, of Tim Fain performing with Festival Amadeus Orchestra at the Open Air concert 2012.
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Music
And don’t worry that a little inclement weather might stop the music! Montanan’s are a hardy lot trained by experience to stash rain gear in the car before they head out to enjoy the outdoor venues because the old cliché “If you don’t like the weather – just wait ten minutes and it will change!” is definitely true in Flathead Valley.
Kalispell: Picnic in the Park: Begins June 25, 2013 and on Tuesday from 7-9 pm and Wednesday at noon in Depot Park through August. Offers a variety of live music ranging from solo acts to quartets to rock ‘n roll. Event is free with food vendors onsite. Call 406.758.7717 or visit www.Kalispell.com/parks_and_ recreation/PicnicInThePark for more information. Thursday! Fest: Begins June 27, 2013. This street dance is held every Thursday from 5-8 pm at 3rd Street E. between Main Street and 1st Avenue E. The event is free with live music, food, vendors, arts and crafts, a farmers market and a beer and wine garden. Visit the website www.downtownkalispell.com/ thursdayfest Summer Symphony Pops at Rebecca Farm: July 6, 2013. Gates open at 5:30 pm, concert starts at 7:30 pm. It’s “the best night of summer” as the Glacier Symphony, led by Maestro John Zoltek, performs favorite classical works and patriotic repertoire on the new band shell stage. Picnicking is welcome with food, wine and beer vendors on site. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. This event is weather-friendly offering
seating under tents and large groupsized picnic tables are available to rent. Entry fee is by the carload, $30 in advance, $35 at the gate. Buy online at www.gscmusic.org driving instructions on the website or call 406-257-3241. Whitefish: Whitefish Farmers Market: Begins on Tuesday, May 28 at from 5-7:30 p.m. and runs through September. Musicians perform each night with a variety of musical acts scheduled. Food and drink available. Free. Visit the website www.whitefishfarmersmarket.org for a listing of artists. Festival Amadeus 2013 Open Air Concert: Glacier Symphony offers a free opening night concert in Depot Park that kicks off the week long classical music festival. The Festival Amadeus Orchestra performs on the new acoustically dynamic sound shell stage. Park opens at 6 pm for picnicking, bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food, wine and beer vendors on site. Free. www. gscmusic.org for information and tickets to the week long Festival Amadeus event or call 406-257-3241.
Photos from top to bottom: Photo by Diana Ohlson from 2011 Summer Symphony Pops at Rebecca Farm. Photo by Marti Ebbert Kurth, Jackie Kieser and friends wait out a brief rainstorm at the 2012 Summer Symphony Pops concert. Photo by Marti Ebbert Kurth, trumpeters making a joyful noise at Summer Symphony Pops concert.
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S o m e E n c h a n te d E ve n i n g s By Miriam Singer Photo by Daniel Driensky
desus Piano Competition in 1977. Initially pursuing a career in classical music, Doug was also working as a male model in Manhattan when he discovered the concept of the piano bar. He realized this was something he could do as well or better than anyone else. So Doug expanded his repertoire, and put his training to work learning show tunes, popular music and jazz, giving it all “...a fine way to treat a Steinway.” his usual verve and panache. He moved to Santa Fe and created the now famous Vanessie's Piano Irving Berlin Bar where he has been performing for almost Their next music event will be the extraordinary thirty years while also appearing at private events pianist Doug Montgomery, with talented vocal and concerts. Vanessie of Santa Fe was so successguests, at WPAC on June 8th. It will be world class ful that a second location opened in Indian Wells, entertainment on a world class instrument. Doug California called Vicky’s of Santa Fe, where Doug last appeared in Flathead Valley in October, 2007. performs February through May. Jazz diva Diane Schuur and her band put on a great show for a delighted audience at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center in March. The Steinway concert grand sounded beautiful, as usual. It was another successful Singer and Simpson production, sponsored by Don “K” Subaru.
Doug has performed as a soloist with symphonies and orchestras worldwide as well as premier public, private and corporate engagements for royalty, presidents and noted celebrities. He is a brilliant classical pianist who can transform any musical style to classic status with his arrangements and passionate delivery. Doug Montgomery is often mentioned on the same short list of great pianists such as Peter Nero, Liberace and Roger Williams.
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Doug Montgomery attracted national attention as a top prize winner in the prestigious Robert Casa-
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At Vanessie of Santa Fe one evening, John and Miriam remember well, Doug asked the audience to name five tunes, and told them that he would play them all at once. Everyone thought it was a joke, but they called out names of tunes, and Doug chose five. He then proceeded to play the most amazing piece of music they’d ever heard. He played all five songs, as a living collage, as one composition, and the audience was flabbergasted. It was truly magical, and the magic was Doug’s brilliance. Miriam and John had never heard anything like it.
Doug’s magic covers a variety of styles and genres performing a range of repertoire including Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, Cole Porter, Chopin, John Williams, Bach, Leonard Bernstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, marvelous movie themes and more.
In the celebrated "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin, the triumph was for American pianist Doug Montgomery. His natural feeling, idiomatic sound, and fluency in jazz were purely expressed on an impeccably classical base...A pianist who is brilliant and appealing in many ways. --Il Lavoro, Genoa, Italy
Montgomery's playing possesses a seductive variety of touches and colors. He enraptures us with his interpretations. --Le Soir, Brussels Doug can make a vocalist sound good too. But it is certainly not magic when the vocalists start out as good as Mike Eldred and Cynthia Dario who will be joining Doug at this concert.
Complementing Doug Montgomery will be Whitefish favorite Mike Eldred. Mike starred on Broadway in Les Miserables as Jean Valjean, and
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appeared in the original cast of the Tony-nominated The Civil War. He also performed in the 25th anniversary tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. His role as Tony in the Nashville Symphony’s production of West Side Story has earned international praise as “arguably the best ‘Tony’ on record”. Last September, he charmed audiences in Whitefish with his John Denver show Come Love Me Again Remembering John Denver, raising money for Casa of Flathead Valley in the process. Last December, with his Nashville accompanist Jeff Steinberg, Mike brought us his Christmas show, Home for the Holidays with Mike Eldred. Listening to his soothing tenor embrace one is reminded that talent, personality, training and experience can combine to create a truly unique and amazing sound. --Evans Donnell, ArtNowNashville Eldred has won numerous performance awards, including Nashville Scene’s Best Musical Theatre Performer. He was nominated as Nashville Music Awards Male Vocalist of the Year. He has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks, Amy Grant and Michael Bolton to name a few.
Special guest opera singer Cynthia Dario will enchant us with the beauty and clarity of her voice. Among Ms. Dario’s credits are performances with the Mayo Civic Orchestra, Seattle Opera and Emerald City Philharmonic. This is her third appearance in the Flathead Valley. There will be additional vocals by Miriam Singer... and more. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 8th.
John Pizzarelli and his band September 7th. 8pm at WPAC in Whitefish.
September 8th. 8pm at the Bigfork Playhouse.
Judy Carmichael Returns
Coming up on November 9th and 10th, the “instrumentally exciting, vocally engaging, musically compelling and marvelously entertaining” [International Review of Music] stride pianist Judy Carmichael will be returning to the Flathead. Appearing with Judy will be Harry Allen on tenor sax and Chris Flory on guitar. On Sunday, Nov. 10th, Judy, Harry and Chris will once again be at The Whitefish Lake Restaurant for a return engagement and on stage again in the dining room with the Steinway. Last year's appearance was sold out well in advance so make plans early. Another evening of New York jazz club entertainment right here in Whitefish. The Steinway will be provided by The Steinway Gallery of Spokane. Check SingerandSimpson.com for details and tickets.
art} books
Book Review Sponsored by
862-9659 - 242 Central Avenue, Whitefish Below Copperleaf Chocolat Co.
The Pulse By: Scott B. Williams BOOK REVIEWS BY JOAN G. SMITH This is an appropriate time to read The Pulse. Solar flares are a reality and could be massively destructive to the world's grid and life as we know it. My son left The Pulse behind at Christmas, and I decided it was time to read it... especially after the recent solar flare and explosions in Russia. Casey, a student at Tulane University in New Orleans, must try to save herself and her roommate Jessica when anarchy descends in New Orleans. Grant, a new friend at Tulane, is with her when the pulse strikes, and convinces the girls they must get out now, before food disappears, the gangs form up and become murderers and everything turns into total chaos. The power grid in North America is instantly destroyed - no cars, unless they are very old, no lights, no power for phones, no internet... everything electronic is useless. Grants family owns a cabin in the woods
in Mississippi, and it is always stocked with survival type equipment and food. Grant says if they can get there on their bicycles, it is the best place to be until they can sort things out. Each day becomes more dangerous as they try to make their way to the cabin. It becomes a test of their survival skills and a fight for their lives. Casey's father, Artie, is a doctor who is on a sailing vacation with his younger brother, Larry, who has devoted his life to the sea and sailboats such as catamarans. They are in the Caribbean when the pulse hits and everything on the grid melts down. They have equipment and sails that work with natural elements, such as the wind, and Larry knows the tides like the back of his hand. At the end of the trip, Artie had planned on taking a trip to New Orleans to see his daughter Casey, but now no planes are flying anywhere! Larry follows the stars and knows how to live off what
nature provides them, as they fight pirates and storms to get to Casey. The author, Scott Williams, has been exploring wild places and seeking adventure on both land and sea for most of his life. At the age of twenty-five, he embarked on an open-ended solo sea kayaking journey from his home in Mississippi to the islands of the Caribbean - a life changing journey. He knows what has to be done to survive if the pulse arrived and put an end to the electronic age.
Standing in Another Man's Grave By: Ian Rankin John Rebus is back - Ian Rankin wrote some books recently with new characters, but Rebus has been sorely missed by Rankin readers. Rebus has retired from the police force where he had been a detective inspector. He is an original, with a mind that sees the world with different eyes, which allows him to solve cases that everyone else has been confused and stymied by. Out of boredom, rebus went back to work for Lothian & Borders Police to help close up cold cases. He had always been interested in them, but as a civilian he no longer has access to all the things he once did. Lost causes are his thing, and he never gives up, which always manages to antagonize his bosses! For years Nina Hazlitt has been trying to find her daughter, dead or alive. The police gave up years ago, and the cold case department has not been any help so far.
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Two more women have gone missing recently and oddly enough from the same road where Sally Hazlitt was last seen. It's a remote road in Scotland and Rebus can see a connection, but adversaries from his past and present are not helping his investigations. Rebus is an eccentric man with his love of music and guitars, the many gigs he has attended over the years and his collections of recordings. He is also addicted to cigarettes and liquor which fortunately doesn't interfere with his investigations. Over the years he has made several friends and admirers who appreciates him and his talents, enjoy his company, and watch his back as well, which is a trick. Ian Rankin and John Rebus are both Scotsmen, and the novels mostly take place in Scotland. This novel appears on the 20th anniversary of Rankin's first American publication.
Michael Connolly said this: "Rock 'n' roll, Rankin 'n' Rebus, they just go together and the world wouldn't be the same without them. It wouldn't be right without them. Ian Rankin has created a hero for the ages."
art} books
The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle Author: Beatrix Potter Children's book Reviews By Kristen Pulsifer
This time of year, with spring and Easter right around the corner, I often think about baby chickens, little bunnies and all sorts of other small creatures as they make their way back out into the sun. So, when I go to the bookstore and look for children’s books for my children, those images are what I gravitate towards. And, who can look through books about little animals without thinking about Beatrix Potter? Though the author Beatrix Potter was born in 1866 and died in 1943, her stories surpass time, and her illustrations are still adored by so many children, and parents. The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle is one of my favorites. The sweet, adorably dressed hedgehog, who does all of Potter’s characters’ laundry and ironing, is one to be admired. Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle washes and repairs Benjamin Bunny’s and Peter Rabbit’s coats, she washes Henny Penny’s stockings, and irons miss Lucie’s handkerchiefs. I think I need a Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle. As a child, she was my favorite Beatrix Potter stuffed animal and my favorite Beatrix Potter story. The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, along with all of Potter’s various stories, represents beautiful landscapes, funny little characters, and morality stories that still hold true. In writing about one of Potter’s tales, I hope to call attention back to her stories, so more people will take a look at these kind stories, once again. If hedgehogs aren’t your thing, try The Tale of Peter the Rabbit, The Tale of Tom Kitten or The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies. Any of these stories are precious representations of the natural world and all of its interesting little creatures. 406
WOMAN 82