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
Featured Stories 14 Abbie Shelter
History
18 Hannie Voyles
outdoor
22 Glacier
24 Baseball 26 Birds
406 Love
30 Zack & Regan 34 Love Stories 38 Parties
Food & Flavor 42 Farm Fresh
44 Artichokes
48 Sake 50 wine
home
54 Ciao Interiors
Fashion 62 Shoes
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contents
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HEALTH 64 strokes
66 Dark Spots 68 FITNESS Challenge 70 allergies
wellness
72 Mindful Living
Family 74 Bullying
Art
76 Book Review
Community
78 Gerald Daymude 80 Buffalo Hill 82 Loud at the Library
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The to
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Reach Montana’s
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Publisher Cindy Gerrity cindy@montanasky.net
Business Manager Daley McDaniel daley@montanasky.net
Creative Director/Layout&Design Sara Joy Pinnell ayourartisan@yahoo.com
Editor Kristen Pulsifer Kristen@whitefishstudycenter.com
Business Editor Alison Pomerantz alisonpomerantz@me.com
Copy Editor/Writer Carole Pinnell queencarolerule@yahoo.com
Cara Finch,
Cover Girl C ara Fi nc h
Staff Photographer Daniel Seymour montanasharpeye@gmail.com
a Whitefish native, has been the proud owner of Mum's Flowers for over two years. After graduating with a business degree from PLNU in San Diego, she moved back to the valley in 2009, where she has enjoyed utilizing her artistic genes and growing her business. Cara is most excited about Mum's Flowers' move to their new downtown location. When she's not either delivering daily to customers valley wide or designing weddings for her many summer brides, Cara is looking forward to her own wedding this Fall. Cara and fiancé, Dan Lard, enjoy traveling, skiing, cooking, and hiking together with their yellow lab.
Photo by: Jeremiah & Rachel Photography jeremiahandrachel.com
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Interested in advertising with us? Call 406-270-2855 Published by Skirts Publishing six times a year
Photographer Rachel Catlett rachel@rachellynnphotography.com
6477 Hwy 93 S Suite 138, Whitefish, MT 59937 406-862-1545 info@406woman.com Copyright©2011 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
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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.
Ter r y Ruggles
Terry Ruggles is a newcomer to Whitefish, she relocated here from Darby, Montana in November with her purebred Aussie, Jasper. She is passionate about being outdoors, leading people into experiences in deep nature connection and creating community. Her educational background involves a B.A. in Municipal Parks and Recreation Management, and a M.A. in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. She originally made her home in New Jersey, explored New England and the south. Her heart and soul found their true home in the west in 1982, first in Colorado and for eight years in Montana. This spring she will become a certified in permaculture and can't wait to help heal the earth and write about her new experiences! she can be reached at rugglesterry@gmail.com
Lashaun Dale, MA, MP H Kiersten Alt on, RP H
is a pharmacist at Big Sky Specialty Compounding in Kalispell. She attended pharmacy school at the University of Texas in Austin where she learned about herbs, vitamins, homeopathics and how to make medicines from scratch (compounding). She helps patients reduce or eliminate medications and teaches classes on women’s hormones, environmental toxins, and nutritional and natural medicine for infants and toddlers. Recently Kiersten started an autism support group. For more information, e-mail Kalton@bigskycompounding.com.
loves yoga, fitness and finds magic in movement, groups and music. Lashaun is a woman, wife, mother, yogi & fitness professional--enthusiastic lover of new ideas, faces and places. She is a teacher by day, munchkin snuggler by dusk and a mad owl on the midnight keyboard. She constantly wonders about the sweet oddities of life and attempts to turn ever experience into a chance to learn. She has pursued many lives, teaching certifications and professional degrees and continues to live her dream of sharing the healing powers of compassion, movement and yoga at Mandala Montana. A certified yoga teacher, fitness and indoor cycling coach, she specializes in holistic lifestyle management, yoga, core strength, weight loss, flexibility training and youth fitness. A regular contributor to media publications such as The NY Times, SELF, Vogue, Women's Health and Fitness magazines she is also a budding author, speaker and lively blogger. Visit her at lashaundale.com
Lindsay Becker
works for First Best Place in Columbia Falls as an executive assistant and as the community garden coordinator. She grew up in Columbia Falls, and has enjoyed spending time in the outdoors for as long as she can remember. After two years of working on trails with Montana Conservation Corps, she attended the University of Montana, where she developed a passion for local food and agriculture. Lindsay loves farming and gardening, and has a goal to someday raise her own household's year-round food supply. Contact her at (406) 892-1363 or lindsay@firstbestplace.org.
Lee Anne B yr ne
is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering counseling in private practice at Imagine Health in Columbia Falls, Montana. She blends holistic and conventional approaches in her work with adults, adolescents and couples, drawing on her extensive and diverse experience. Lee Anne also offers classes in mindful approaches to our moods. She can be reached at 406-270-0790. leeanne@imaginehealth.net
Dan V oge l
is a native Pacific Northwest character whose interests and activities range from National Ski Patrol and Flathead Spay & Neuter Task Force to professional Wine and Hospitality Management. Currently the General Manager for the Flathead’s newest destination restaurant, Stillwater Fish House, Vogel has managed a variety of restaurants in the Eastern Washington, Oahu, Hawaii, and Northern Idaho markets. Combining passions for wine, craft beer and artisan spirits with the stories behind the labels he is also a member of the Authors of the Flathead writers group. He also facilitates the Whitefish Lake Institutes’ Wine Auction held in July of each year. Dan’s wife April Dawn Vogel is a well-known theatre professional with Whitefish Theatre Company holding the title of Education Director. After seeing their kids leave Hawaii for mainland colleges the couple chose Whitefish as their final home for the quality of life and deep community values found in the Flathead Valley.
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Nancy Kimbal l
traded pipe dreams of being a research biologist for a solid career in print journalism, clutching tightly her degree in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University. Now she has a new lease on life at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. After a long run in the news business at papers across Iowa and Montana – Kalispell, Columbia Falls and Whitefish – she now is a marketing communications assistant working to get out the word on health care. When she can extract herself from flower beds and the vegetable garden, she just might be found on a mountain, two-wheeling down a back road, skinny-skiing through the woods, paddling on the water or reading a good book. She’s been in Columbia Falls 20 years and plans on another 20.
note} from the editor
My daughter and I brought home two baby chicks today. I watched them cuddle each other in the little tub we had set up for them, heat lamp blazing, little chick heads nodding, and thought (after I wondered what the heck I had done) this is a true sign of spring! Flowers, baby birds hatching… it is beautiful. Everything is new and fresh, just like April’s issue of 406 Woman Magazine.
We have several wonderful articles to offer you, once again. This issue presents everything from tasty spring meal ideas, made from local gardens such as Terrapin Farms, to holistic advice on how to beat those dreaded spring allergies. I found both of these articles worked well to educate myself and hopefully our readers, and how to live healthy, and naturally fight some of the ailments that plague so many of us every day. Our readers can also look forward to some fun book reviews that may offer some worthy ideas for a good spring read while lounging in the hammocks that are all starting to come out about this time. And, as you doze off, you can think about some suggestions on sleep that are offered up in this issue, and how important that nap you are fighting may truly be.
Make sure to take note of the flip side of our magazine and its fun new style and focus on business. 406 Woman Business will always have respectable insights and tips on how to manage the financial sides of our busy lives.
So relax, and kick off those shoes, stretch out those legs in that hammock, and simply take it easy with some wonderful ideas, on all aspects of life, that 406 Woman Magazine has to offer.
Enjoy, and have a truly wonderful spring.
Sincerely,
Kristen Kristen Pulsifer Editor
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featured} Abbie Shelter
Domestic Violence T h e A b b i e S h e lt e r Written by Hilary Shaw and Jenn Punty - Photos by Heidi Long
Some Facts on Domestic and Sexual Violence
Domestic Violence: it’s the elephant in the room, the shameful secret, the taboo topic, and the issue you’re told is none of your business. It’s a family problem, they say, and one that should remain behind closed doors. The Violence Free Crisis Line was founded in 1976 and is a safe and confidential 24-hour resource for those experiencing violence in their lives. Services have since grown to include emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, support groups and counseling services, legal advocacy, and domestic violence prevention education.
Domestic Violence is defined as a pattern of behavior used to gain power and control over an intimate partner. Rarely do violent relationships start out abusive. Then over time intimidation, isolation, emotional, verbal and psychological abuse and eventually physical violence are used to gradually destroy victims’ self-esteem and sense of autonomy. Victims of domestic violence are constantly told the problems are their fault, and because of isolation and a lack of self-worth resulting from on-going abuse, they will eventually believe that they indeed are to blame for their own victimization.
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There are several myths about domestic violence that perpetuate judgments and misinformation about the real core issues. For example, many people believe that domestic abuse is fueled by anger management
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problems of the abuser. If this was the case, they would be abusive towards everyone who made them angry, including bosses, co-workers, in-laws, or the customer service representative at the bank. On the contrary, abusers are violent only towards their partners (and often only in private), and typically cultivate very civil relationships with others in their lives. Often, they make a point to come off as ‘a perfect couple’. Another misconception is that alcohol abuse causes domestic violence. Although there is a high correlation between alcohol or other substance abuse, and battering, it is not a causal relationship. Batterers use drinking as one of many excuses for their behavior and as a way to place the responsibility for their violence elsewhere. Stopping the abusers' drinking will not stop the violence.
The fact is domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in our country. When people call The Abbie Shelter and The Violence Free Crisis Line (752-7273), they receive free, confidential, and non-judgmental support. They receive advocacy, information, referrals, and resources. Most importantly they receive the validation and encouragement they need to find the confidence to start making their own choices. The Abbie Shelter functions on an empowerment model based on the principle that all victims of violence can take charge of their own lives and become survivors and thrivers once they find their own strength. We believe that all people deserve to live safe and healthy lives!
· One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
· 90% of domestic violence incidents are never reported to the police. · Witnessing violence between one’s parents or caretakers is the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next.
· Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults. · One in 6 women and 1 in 33 men has experienced an attempted or completed rape.
· A victim’s risk of homicide increases by 75% once they leave the abusive relationship. The risk stays elevated for two years. · The cost of domestic violence exceeds $5.8 billion each year, $4.1 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health services.
featured} Abbie Shelter
to a backed in s a w I hat n’t until my child t d “It was e n e t a ave.” d he thre ngth to le re t corner an s e h t d I had I realize Philosophy Statement:
“I withd rew from my family out of sh and frien ame and ds self doub now he w t…I realiz as countin e g on that .”
We believe that violence is endemic to our society in the forms of general abuse of women, children and men. This includes the attitudes and values that create and perpetuate violence. We believe that all people have the right to a life free of violations of their personal autonomy and physical integrity on the street, in the home, at the workplace, and in our program. We believe that all people have the right to make decisions in their own lives.
The Abbie Shelter serves over 2000 people every year, including 50 women and 50 children in the shelter. If you would like to become a volunteer please call us at the office. 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 752-7273 Contact Our Office: 752-4735 P.O. Box 1401, Kalispell, MT 59903 www.violencefreecrisisline.org
Join us for Monday Night Support Group for Survivors of Domestic Violence from 6-8pm. Our Children’s Program runs simultaneously. Call our office for information and intake.
“Tell the world abo ut your a the only w buser! I ay to sto t’s p them. and dema Speak up nd to be heard!”
Events:
· Mark your calendars for An Evening of Arts and Awareness at the Bigfork Playhouse on May 5th.
· Stay tuned for details on our Defining a Woman Fashion Show this coming fall!
Please, GIVE TO THE ABBIE and be a part of ending violence in our community. We are grateful for the generosity of our friends, neighbors and volunteers who sustain our important work. 501(c)(3) Tax ID#: 81-0361221
featured} Abbie Shelter
The photo awareness campaign was inspired by the number of people who come forward at events and relate to the work we are doing because they in some way (themselves, their parents, sons and daughters, brother, sisters, coworkers) have been affected by domestic violence. The photos were created to inspire those experiencing violence to take back control of their lives and also to honor survivors. They are meant to build awareness and generate dialogue, to call attention to that elephant in the room. Man or woman, victims of domestic violence rarely label themselves as such. They are moms and dads, employees, business owners, students, hoping every day it will be one of peace. We believe that our whole community holds a stake in addressing domestic violence. If victims receive assistance and support in leaving abusive situations only to be received with judgment and blame by their neighbors, families and friends, then we fail as a community.
“In order to move beyond survival, I needed to lo ok deeply int o the reality of the situation . Though I f e lt defeated, deep contem plation led me t o find inner strength, wh ich acted as a sp ringboard to a new cha pter of life. N ow I am thriving in a loving relatio n ship, and enjoying a gre at community of friends.”
om’s rs of my m a e y e h t s h g “Throu alized I wa re I , ip h s n tio r abusive rela y stepfathe m e m a g a in d just a pawn his game an t f le I il t n controlled…u e.” rol of My lif t n o c k c a b took
“I didn’t cho ose my fathe r for my domestic viole nce partner but I DID choose forgiv eness.”
“Don’t sugar coat domestic violence. It’s dark and ugly and sometimes you have to suffer deeply before you can get through it and begin to heal.”
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hat live with t o t ve a h ld hou f “No one s ticipation o n a d e h c t re y not constant, w e more da n o t o n ’? xt ‘what’s ne spect!” te of disre u in m re o one m
that tle Secret is it L y t ir D e h “T ble to st as vulnera ju e b n a c n e m lence” Domestic Vio
“I doubted myself and my abilities to appease his need to be needed.”
Each year approximately 3.2 million men in the U.S are the victims of an assault by an intimate partner. It is not because abused men are smaller or physically weaker than their abuser, it is because they often will not use their size or strength to dominate another, even when their safety is at risk. Research show the biggest reason male domestic-violence victims stay with their partners is their children. They feel they can’t leave their children in the hands of their mothers, and they risk losing custody in the event of a divorce/custody proceeding. If you are interested in a support group for men, please call the office at 752-4735.
"My strength helped me survive domestic violence, but the courage I discovered within myself has given me the power to live and face challenges like cancer head on and with a very positive attitude"
The P.E.A.C.E. Project: Peers Educating, Advocating and Changing Expectations is VFCL’s teen brigade of Dating Violence Prevention Volunteers. They are visible in all local high schools and in the larger community, working hard to equip young people with the necessary tools for safe and healthy relationships. They give presentations in classrooms and provide support for students in need. PEACE Volunteers are passionate and intelligent young women who are deeply invested in the work of non-violence. They are the representatives of our community’s youth, and they bring their energy and creativity to the work of non-violence that we are all engaged in.
“He had me convinced I couldn’t make it on my own. I proved us both wrong.”
"The battle was difficult, the road to recovery long, but once I'd forgiven him, I realized I’d won".
“His only desire was control.” 17
history}Hannie Voyles
The Children
The children have no monument, their lives without renown. They played the streets of Amsterdam, then—suddenly—were gone.
“I am a Holocaust survivor—one of the lucky ones, if that term could ever be used to describe that ravaged time,” writes Whitefish resident Hannie J. Ostendorf Voyles in the introduction to Storming the Tulips. The book is a collection of short stories penned by some of the other “lucky ones” who lived to recount their tales of the many atrocities during the Nazi occupation in The Netherlands.
Voyles was a classmate of Anne Frank at the 6th Montessori School in Amsterdam. She translated Ronald Sanders’ book from its original Dutch version in exchange for his help in memorializing the 172* children who died in Nazi concentration camps. While she avoided the death camps herself, she certainly did not escape the suffering and loss.
“I was seven years old when the war started. It was all I knew,” Voyles says. “Watching what happened to those children, my friends, has been a memory that has stayed with me always.” Although Frank was a few years older, Voyles remembers seeing her laughing and playing in the neighborhood like ordinary children did before the Nazis invaded their country.
St o r m i n g the Tulips Written by Alison Pomerantz - Photos Courtesy of Stonebrook Publishing
Ha n n i e V o y l e s a n d c l a s s mat e s o f A n n e F r a n k remember the children
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Voyles and Frank lived in a new neighborhood in “Old South Amsterdam” that attracted an educated people who represented a variety of professions and businesses—many of whom were Jewish, including Voyles’ mother. Established in 1927 as the first alternative public school to traditional education, the 1st Montessori School was the heartbeat of the neighborhood. The city’s Nazi headquarters was located some two hundred yards from the school, Voyles explains, it was central to what transpired during those terrible years of the Second World War.
“The Nazis were very methodical and systematic in implementing their plans to exterminate the Jews. Once the deportations began, it wasn’t long before we realized that this was not ‘resettlement,’ but something far more sinister,” she says.
After the war, Voyles’ mother wanted to leave Europe and seek a better life in the United States. By the time they were granted permission to immigrate, Voyles had graduated from high school. They moved to Southern California, where their sponsor lived, and Hannie went on to finish college before moving to San Francisco for a job. She became a college teacher and a field hockey coach, having been a lifelong competitor. “Sports have helped me in everything,” admits Voyles. “Team sports are incredibly important. There are very few things in life that can’t be learned by playing team sports. You learn that you need one another to accomplish your goals.” In 1995, the 50-year commemoration of the Holocaust brought the exhibit, “Anne Frank in the World” to the United States. Voyles’ mantra of working together got her involved to raise $10,000 to rent
Photo of Hannie Voyles Courtesy of Nicole Roberts photography
history}Hannie Voyles
this exhibit to be on display in her Northern California university town. Attracting more than 65,000 visitors, it was highly successful. After many years of trying to blend in and live in the present rather than the past, Voyles said the loss of the school children in Amsterdam stayed with her. It bothered her that in all her travels, she would see bronze statues of men on horses commemorating this or that, but nowhere did they have graves or monuments to the children—that somehow, they could just disappear. She wondered, “Did anyone even remember them? Know they existed?”
Years went by and after Voyles retired and bought a home in Whitefish to be near her two daughters, she began to write a few poems about this notion, including one titled, “Children have no Monument.” She thought it was about time to put a plaque or a tile in honor of her lost classmates. “Once upon a time, there were children here,” Voyles remembers telling a friend in 2008. Around this time, Voyles was introduced to the cousin of a friend who turned out to be a
teacher at the 1st Montessori School where she was a student during the war. As they were talking, Ronald Sanders mentioned that he was working on a research project. He had tracked the enrollment of students through the years and discovered that many children had not completed their elementary school education during the war years. He learned what had happened to them from the meticulous records the Germans had kept during the Holocaust. She wanted her plaque, lest they remain forgotten, so Sanders agreed to help if Voyles would translate his book into English.
Storming the Tulips is speckled with poetry, historic timelines of the 1940s and most notably, the haunting voices of real-life survivors, who like Voyles, tried for a long time to suppress their memories of the war. They didn’t want to remember when razzias, the rounding up of the Jews for extermination, was a daily event. They didn’t want to recall a time when they, like many in Europe, endured severe rationing to the point of near starvation or think of the segregation of Jewish children into separate schools and see families and friends torn apart by the Nazis,
to witness suicide pacts, bombings and the morbid necessity of some to sift through the pockets of the dead in order to survive.
Yet, as Voyles discovered that when she read the other stories of her classmates in the book, it validated her youth, her school and her friends. Furthermore, she has come to believe, it is in the retelling of the horrific, as well as the heroic and the brave, that we are able to keep their memories alive and help others learn from the mistakes of our past. “We must keep this history at the forefront of our collective memory to prevent other individuals or groups from suffering as we did,” writes Voyles and adds, “We must teach our kids that each of us always has the power of one.”
Storming the Tulips is available online or at Bookworks in both the Whitefish and Kalispell locations and will also be available at the Whitefish Community Library or through the Montana Shared Catalogue.
*The book refers to 173 deaths, but after publication, one of the students on the list was discovered to be alive.
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Glacier
Knock Your Socks Off Written by MerryLynn Southers
What do Glacier National Park and
“socks” have in common? This pairing is
not as odd as you might think. Read on! Glacier National Park is our backyard park. It’s where we take our visitors, where we hike, bike, ski, snowshoe, swim, camp, boat and drive along one of the most scenic and amazing roads in the United States. It is a wildlife refuge to many rare or threatened species of plants and animals. It is also a huge draw to people from all around the world - visitors who have a huge impact on our local economy. When something is that special and important, it makes sense to support it. That's why Camas Creek Yarn is sponsoring a hand-knitted “sock drive” in support of the Glacier National Park Fund’s Fall for Glacier fundraising event at Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier, Montana on September 6 – 9, 2012. If you are going to spend time in Glacier, there is a good chance that you might do some hiking. And if you’re hiking, you should be wearing boots. What goes into those boots along with your feet? Socks! More about “socks” later.
Fall for Glacier is an exclusive weekend on the east side of the Park where participants will experience the beautiful Two Medicine region, considered the most sacred area of the Park to the Blackfeet, and will celebrate the centennial of the historic Glacier Park Lodge…while enjoying a weekend filled with so many fun activities:
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Hand-knitted socks on a pebble beach at Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park
Exclusive Burlington Northern Santa Fe Train Ride from Whitefish to East Glacier
Three nights stay at the century old Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier including all meals Blackfeet Reservation and Lewis and Clark historical tours Special guests and Blackfeet interpretive programs by nationally recognized ledger artist Terrance Guardipee and Native American Music Award winner Jack Gladstone Red Jammer bus tours
Scenic boat rides and Discover Glacier hikes with Park interpretive rangers and researchers Glacier High Tea with special guest speaker Jake Bramante from Hike734
Great Northern Railroad and Park history programs Horseback riding and golf in view of the majestic mountains of Glacier National Park BBQ cookout
Backpackers Ball tickets – include dinner, live performance by Jack Gladstone, live and silent auctions of Glacier art, memorabilia and outdoor packages
Besides Gladstone, Guardipee and Bramante, other special guests include Chas Cartwright, Superintendent of Glacier National Park; Jamie Belt, Citizen Science Program Coordinator; Lex Blood, biologist; and Montana well-known artists Linda Tippetts, Mark Ogle and Allen Jimmerson. For a full list of activities and excursions and to make your reservation, go to www.fallforglacier.org. If you cannot make the entire three-day event, there is an option to attend the Backpackers Ball on Saturday, September 8th. Call 406-892-3250 for details about attending only the Saturday event.
It is time for you to “get your feet in Glacier National Park.” Glacier National Park has touched the hearts and minds of millions of visitors since its establishment in 1910. As one of the most biologically intact ecosystems remaining in the contiguous United States, Glacier is a remarkable natural preserve. The Glacier National Park Fund is dedicated to helping ensure that future generations will enjoy the park as much as we do today. It is up to all of us to preserve Glacier National Park for the next generation. That is why Camas Creek Yarn is inviting all knitters to “get your feet in Glacier National Park” by knitting a pair of socks, boot toppers or leg warmers (anything you could wear on your feet or legs while out on the trails in Glacier) to help
outdoor}glacier
Two Medicine in the fall
protect and preserve the vital resource that is our backyard park. However Glacier inspires you, let it show in your work – simple, silly, striped, bold or artful – just knit it. Even if you live far from Montana, feel free to join in the cause and send them a pair of socks. Glacier National Park truly does belong to all of us. Camas would love to receive socks from all over the US, Canada and beyond. Help support the world's first international peace park!
Get your hand-knitted “socks” to Camas Creek Yarn, 38 Main Street, Kalispell 59901 by July 31, 2012. All donated items will be displayed in their shop through the month of August and anyone who sends in a finished product will receive a $10 gift card to Camas Creek Yarn.
Everyone is invited to vote for your favorite "knock your socks off" item in the store throughout the month of August. All knitted items will be auctioned off at the Fall for Glacier Backpacker’s Ball on September 8, 2012 at Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier. And all proceeds from this auction will go to support trail maintenance and rehabilitation for the 734 miles of trails in the Park. The goal is to receive 734 pairs of socks – one pair for
every mile! Check out Camas Creek Yarn’s website - www.camascreekyarn.com - for more information on this project and the various prizes to be awarded in three different categories. The grand prize winner will receive a package that includes items from North Bay Grille, Camas Flats, Ceres Bakery and Camas Creek Yarn.
The Glacier National Park Fund was established in 1999 and 14 couples from around the state and country who had historical ties to the Park became the Fund’s first board members. The board’s first assignment was to develop the Fund’s mission statement - The Glacier National Park Fund supports the preservation of the outstanding natural beauty and cultural heritage of Glacier National Park for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations by fostering public awareness and encouraging private philanthropy. As Glacier’s official fund-raising partner, the Fund is dedicated to ensuring that current and future generations have an opportunity to enjoy the Park as we all do today. Glacier National Park is among the most beloved of the nation’s parks. Resplendent in natural beauty and rich in cultural history, Glacier has touched the hearts and souls of millions of visitors since its establishment in 1910.
Since its inception in 1999, the Glacier National Park Fund has distributed over $3.5 million to Glacier National Park for projects devoted to education, research, preservation and the Park’s Centennial Legacy Projects. With the help of so many wonderful donors, the Fund has had a huge impact on Glacier National Park. Projects that enhance the visitor experience in Glacier National Park are very important to the Fund.
At one time, there were 1000 miles of hiking trails in Glacier National Park. Today there are only 734 miles of trails. And Glacier is a hiker’s paradise! Whether on a long hike or a short walk, on a steep slope or along a river bed, on a boardwalk or on rough terrain – everyone who visits Glacier National Park has a favorite trail. Thus, supporting the annual maintenance and rehabilitation of the 734 miles of trails is a top priority for the Fund. They are delighted to see that it is also a priority for Camas Creek Yarn. Thanks so much for their great support!
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Sports
Ba s e ba l l Written by Kristen Pulsifer
Baseball - a true American sport. Not only is it a sport, but it is American tradition. It is not simply the sport, but the tradition of attending a game that makes baseball so popular. It’s the wearing of your home team’s baseball hat, the hotdogs purchased while watching the game - those wonderful steamed hotdogs with the soft warm buns. Definitely not organic, and oh so good! The yelling of old traditional phrases… “Hey batter, batter, swing!”
I enjoy baseball. As a child I enjoyed watching everything from my brother’s little league games to the spring time Cubs games that my dad would take us to once in a while. I grew up amongst major baseball fans, my Uncle Larry being the top fan. He spent many a year around Chicago’s Wrigley Field as a child and adult, watching and following every
detail of the game. He passed his love of the game onto his sons, as did my father to my brother and me. That’s what baseball truly is - a tradition.
Famous movie actors such as Robert Redford and Kevin Costner have even done amazing things for the popularity of the tradition. If you haven’t seen Redford’s movie, “The Natural”, or Costner’s movie, “Field of Dreams”, add them to that Netflix list! Those two movies, alone, have helped enhance what baseball truly is to an individual, to a family, and to a community.
Baseball is also great because it is not aggressive. The batter may swing with all his might and smack a ball out of the field, but as long as no one gets hit, it’s just an awesome hit to a hard ball that sails through the air into either a player’s glove, or hopefully, for the batting team, over the fence and into the parking lot- homerun! There also may be either the
occasional angry umpire or ticked off coach or pitcher, but baseball is technique, athleticism and simply enjoyable for not only the player, but also the spectator. It truly amazes me that a trained and practiced pitcher can throw a ball that travels as fast as 90 miles per hours, and then, an individual with a bat can actually connect and hit a hard, small ball traveling that fast. Professional baseball player, Nolan Ryan, had his “fastball” officially clocked at 100.9 miles per hour by the Guinness Book of World Records, (August 20th, 1974). Case in point as to why the batter wears a helmet and the catcher, a wire mask! Imagine getting hit by one of those pitches. The game itself is not fast moving, but the skill is. That is why I enjoy watching the game. I admit, viewing it on television can be a bit slow, but sitting in the stands on a hot day, with a cold drink is relaxing. It is spring and summertime tradition.
The scoring of the game is simple. The team with the most runs wins. But, the statistics, like with many sports, take a financial advisor to follow! They are based on how many runs, hits, catches, stops, strikes, walks… etc., a player has. It is a virtual catalogue of detail that I personally do not comprehend all too well. I simply find the game enjoyable, and unique. Unlike football, hockey and basketball, which are played goal post to goal post, net to net or hoop to hoop, baseball is played on a 90-square-foot area, or "diamond"-shaped field. It is a game that the whole family
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can enjoy and participate in on any level. For example, T-ball. Just two nights ago, I took my four year old to her first T-ball practice and watched as she learned to run the bases and put her coordination to work by hitting the ball off the Tball stick! T-ball dates back to the 1940’s and 50’s, and is the proven and popular way to learn how to play this tradition. It’s great, because boys and girls alike play together and enjoy. Baseball works to bring in both females and males. Softball has become a more practiced version of baseball, for females, but both men and women seem to enjoy and participate in both. Everything from community leagues to business leagues to friends at work organizing small pools at the office (betting on which team will win, and which team will go to the World Series) baseball is for everyone. So, whether it is as a parent, teary-eyed watching their kiddo learn to run the bases and smack that ball off the T-ball tee, or enjoying a major league game in a wonderful city, find baseball this spring. Start a pool at the office as a way to bring co-workers together. There are numerous websites and small businesses that actually will organize your office baseball pool for you - that is how much of tradition this is. Take me out to the ballgame, and buy me some crackerjacks and a cold drink, because I will either enjoy watching a Cub’s game to remind me of family and the city I grew up close to, or laugh with my youngest at her first T-ball game.
outdoor} birds
THE BEAUTY
OF BIRDS By Terry Ruggles
It is mud season, the one sandwiched between winter and spring. We all want to be outdoors, feeling the sun warm our skin, and smelling the earth as it rebirths. It can be frustrating; the weather often changes before you step outside. My motivation to get outdoors is to listen for the language of birds. Birds soar. Birds sing. Birds inspire. Birds are out “there” 24/7, they don’t get to hop into a heated car or house. They are ever alert and aware, looking for food, shelter and predators. There is a constant stream of information coming at them. If, you take the time to truly observe them you will learn. There are some real basics to bird watching. It is easiest to catch them at dawn or dusk, they love water and places to hide or perch like plants, shrubs or trees. You can even stay inside and 406
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view them from any window in your home but try the same time frame every day. If, you live in a city, any park, path or trail will be filled with them. You can venture to any size body of water, a lake, a pond, a stream, a creek or even a puddle.
In order to observe and not be intrusive, quiet yourself first. What? If, your mind is busy, your body full of stress or anger, the birds will feel your vibrations and go take cover. Try it, test me, approach them when you are in two different moods and just see the difference! Remember they are continually on the lookout, scanning for threats. If, they feel or sense you before they see you, they will seek cover. It is a great game you can play with yourself and especially if you have children. It is similar to wearing camouflage except you are trying to blend yourself into the bird’s habitat, emotionally. The beauty is, that when you have a good per-
formance you will be rewarded with an experience you can take home and share.
Last spring, I was at Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge, near Stevensville working with a group of school children. As I left the refuge I saw at first what I thought was a statue of a blue heron. I stopped and turned off the car and stayed quiet. It moved. I slowly reached for my binoculars. It was hunting! Hunting in the dry grass, not the water. It seemed small, perhaps a juvenile whose skills were not well honed. Its movements were amazing. Talk about body language, it stretched its long neck out and turned it slowly using a type of sonar to read the grass. Each move was very slow, very calculated. One leg would lurch way out, and then come down; the next leg would repeat the move in perfect balance. Oh, the patience and stillness in every executed step. WHY? Food. You get one shot, maybe two chances
a day. It nailed it! It was a mouse. It was impaled with one targeted drill. It dropped it whole down its throat. Gulp. I laughed so hard and loud I was afraid it would leave. I watched for 23 minutes. It made two more stabs in the grass and came up empty. Glad we don’t have to strive that hard to get every meal. I was smiling and stoked, I just saw a blue heron get the catch of the day! A word about observing, do not make a big deal of it. When you go to the airport, grocery store or mall you are already using these skills. Look at birds like you do at people; slowly, carefully noting details. Pick up on an overall color scheme, then a size – bigger than a robin or as large as an eagle, and maybe notice the beak shape. Remember one detail, that is all. You will know the habitat, and time of year and can educate yourself gradually about the other finer things. Two things you might consider are
outdoor} birds binoculars and guide books. You do not need to go overboard here, check the local library and or bookstore for their recommendations. Get a size binocular you will be comfortable grabbing to take along on walks. Keep this simple. Learn one bird in your area. Start with the robin, a crow or raven or the seagull, something common and easy to marvel at. Then start to marvel. Notice the time of day it moves, what does it eat, where does it hide or nest? Does it have a favorite food? Then listen to its song because you will see it has a language of its own. Is there an alarm call, a call to announce its territory? A companion call it sings to its mate? or an aggression call from male to male? Bird songs are like fingerprints, unique to the bird and species. When a friend calls, you know their voice on the phone and after a few words you know if they are happy, sad or anxious. Birds are no different. So, get to know one bird well. Then each season when it returns or leaves you will be ready. You will hear it when it comes back.
Migration is a promise. It gives us something to wait for. As you learn more birds and their songs often hearing just the first note will bring back a memory of a time you heard that bird before. Birds are all over the world, so this new skill you can take with you everywhere and share! One final word of advice: the purpose is to get you outside to enjoy spring! The intention is to connect with nature, specifically birds. Don’t get too much in your head. Open your heart and use your body to listen and look.  27
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WOMAN 30
Wedding
Zack & Regan Photographed by Cluney Photo
Zack and I celebrated our marriage on my 31st birthday, in a rustic little barn, on a sunny afternoon, at the foot of the Mission Mountains in Ronan, Montana. We had eloped in Seattle almost a year prior, moved back to Big Sky country, then planned and executed the wedding of our dreams casual and handcrafted, in the style of a summer picnic. Although parts of the process were peppered with the usual wedding-planning anxieties, in the end we received exactly what we'd hoped for: the perfectly imperfect celebration. As big subscribers to the “Do-It-Yourself” mentality, Zack and I make crafting, creating, and cultivating a regular part of our life together. As we began planning for our wedding celebration, DIY-culture became our guide through all the marketing propaganda that was working so hard to convince us that the success of our "Big Day" was entwined with making "Big Purchases." Limitations in budget became invitations to roll up our shirtsleeves and get reacquainted with the family glue-gun.
I went to work on my trusty sewing machine to create cloth flowers - using well-loved pillowcases, worn shirts, and strips of tulle and cotton from three family wedding gowns, I fashioned bouquets, boutonnieres, banners, and stemmed flowers in vases. I am most proud of my bridal bouquet - sewn into its many petals is a gold tooth, a bluebird pendant, a St. Francis of Assisi medallion, a rhinestone skull, and a myriad of buttons from my grandmother’s personal collection. My bouquet will never wilt, forever holding fiber memories of that wonderful afternoon. The hand-crafted coup-de-gras was not my own work, but the handicraft of Paula Niccum, local seamstress extraordinaire: she took my grandmother’s wedding dress and lovingly updated it to my specifications. The gown was adapted to fit my own eclectic style while retaining its vintage integrity, and I couldn’t have been more pleased. Wearing my grandmother’s gown for the ceremony was both practical and a great way to honor the many roles she’s played in my life - parent, educator, benefactor, and inspiration. I marvel that two brides were able to share a gown over a distance of 56 years...and in both cases, it fit our personalities perfectly. We spent a good chunk of our modest budget with local vendors, and my hometown of Missoula was wellrepresented - Bernice’s Bakery made our lovely cake, most of my wedding jewelry came from Rockin’ Rudy’s, and the fine folks at Mark Cluney Photography captured the essence of the day in images that we’ll treasure forever.
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Wedding Zack and I love to make music together. When we were first falling in love, I somehow knew that I would give him a banjo as a gift on our wedding day, and that prophesy came true. Our little ceremony took my breath away. As I entered the sunlight-filled barn with my grandpa and my father on either arm, with the Beach Boys crooning their hit “God Only Knows” in the background, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I cried with joy when the entire congregation sang “Happy Birthday” to me, and Eden Atwood’s rendition of “The Folks Who Live on the Hill” brought everyone present to tears, including the accomplished singer herself. My grandmother and my mother-in-law spoke during the ceremony, welcoming Zack and I into the respective families, and our dog Jimmy sat dutifully in the front row, somehow sensing the solemnness and sincerity of what he was witnessing. I recited a poem by e.e. cummings before we read our simple and powerful renewal vows. Presiding over the ceremony was our friend Nils, who had performed our legal binding in Seattle - he invested so much energy and love in making both of our ceremonies unique and beautiful! We have the greatest friends. Zack and I love to make music together. When we were first falling in love, I somehow knew that I would give him a banjo as a gift on our wedding day, and that prophesy came true. In turn, Zack had my grandfather’s tenor ukulele repaired, and we exchanged these special instruments during the ceremony. After our vows, we played the banjo and uke together for the first time with a toetapping rendition of Cake’s “Stickshifts and Safety Belts” for our guests - a sweet, silly song that perfectly reflects our desire to be together always, bucket seats be damned! After the ceremony, the rest of the day flew by in a hurry! We created many memories on that wonderful summer afternoon, but the best little DIY-project of our lives was just getting underway: our baby, due in April of this year. Love continues to grow in our household!
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WOMAN 32
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Story
Jake
+ Kristen
Photo by: Marianne Wiest - mariannewiest.com
Who are you?
Jake Bramante - Owner of Silent Matter Productions and Hike 734 in Kalispell, MT
Kristen Grove - Sonographer at Northwest Imaging and KRMC in Kalispell, MT
How did you meet?
Jake: My brother was working at the hospital. Kristen's best friend, a sonographer in the imaging department, asked him if he knew of any good guys to introduce to Kristen. He called me up, and they worked out a day and time for us to meet... Saturday night at church.
Proposal?
trips as part of my Hike 734 project. I needed to record a video up there and asked her if she was available the following week to be my assistant. She was, and we made plans to record it. When we got to Lake McDonald, we were essentially alone, and I had her go out to the end of the dock so I could get my camera focused and set up. I pressed record, unbeknownst to her, and joined her at the edge of the dock. We stood there together just enjoying the mountains, the lake and each other. I waited for the right moment. When it came, I told her that I knew that she was the one, and she said she felt the same way. I told her that I'd like to make it official, and I got down on one knee.
Fun wedding facts?
Jake: Kristen had no idea that I was actively working on proposing to her. I had taken a cocktail ring of my grandmother’s, made of white gold, diamonds and sapphires, to a local custom jeweler, Murphy McMahon, to turn it into an engagement band. Murphy and I decided on a design, and he started working on it. I threw her off by mentioning that we really needed to go to a jewelry store so I could see what she liked.
People give us a funny look when we tell them that we're getting married on a Thursday night. They get it when we tell them that May 17th happens to be both of our parents' anniversaries. The Groves and the Bramantes will be celebrating 37 years together when we say our vows. We want to celebrate them, and the wonderful example that they've been in our lives.
Glacier is very special to us as that was one of our first dates, and Kristen joined me on many of my
Kristen: For me love is not only a feeling but a choice. Growing together and building a loving
The last thing I needed was permission from her dad. Her parents were in town visiting, and I asked her dad as we loaded their car. An hour later, I got a call, and the ring was ready.
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WOMAN 34   
What is love?
Jake: Love is being unselfish. It's taking into account the other person first and serving them. It's about really understanding them and listening to them and responding accordingly.
relationship requires unconditional dedication, respect, patience, and understanding. The feeling that you get from knowing that your heart is cherished and protected by somebody else can only be described as love.
What do you love most about Kristen?
Jake: Well, first of all, she's gorgeous. Her beauty is obviously the first thing that attracted me to her. But, what is quickly apparent is how sweet she is, how smart she is and how capable she is in so many areas. She is so great at the details and works hard. She loves and serves with all of her heart. Oh, and she's gracious enough to laugh at my cheesy jokes and antics. Kristen: From the first moment that we met, it was obvious that his energy and enthusiasm were contagious. I love his sense of humor and all the laughter and joy he brings into my life. I love that he makes me feel like the most special girl in the world.
What are your honeymoon plans?
Kristen: We will be honeymooning in Hawaii. There will definitely be some relaxation time on the beach, but I think we are both most excited about exploring Maui and Honolulu by hiking, biking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and enjoying new adventures together.
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Story
Brett
+
Stephanie Photos by: Shannon Hollman - shannonhollman.com
Who are you? Stephanie Sloane is a graduate student in psychology at the University of Illinois.
Brett Pearce is a learning and development consultant with Collabera.
How did you meet?
We lived in the same dorm during my freshman year and Brett’s sophomore year at Michigan State University. I always had a secret crush on Brett, but waited two years to tell him!
What is love?
Stephanie: Love is always knowing how to make your partner laugh and never taking each other or life too seriously. Brett: Love is striving to be a better person because your partner inspires you.
Why did you choose Montana to get married? Stephanie: Montana has special meaning to me because my mother, my grandmother and my
great grandmother all grew up and got married in Montana. As the fourth and most non-traditional generation, I knew I wanted to keep the Montana wedding tradition alive, but I also knew that a full Greek wedding was not our style. Instead, we opted for an intimate courthouse ceremony, just Brett and I. It was perfect and so... us.
What do you love?
Stephanie: I love the unconditional support Brett gives me in pursing my many passions. As a chronic sufferer of “the grass is always greener” syndrome, what I want to be when I grow up changes weekly and knowing that his smiling face is always there to encourage me and listen to my latest and greatest idea, gives me confidence and courage I would not otherwise have. Brett: I love that Stephanie is always willing to try new things, explore new places, meet new people, and discuss new ideas. Our relationship never gets old because of it. I also love that she constantly makes me laugh. Whether she’s doing her impeccable impression of the Michigan State
basketball play-by-play announcer, or leaving me post-it notes with small, rhyming to-do lists, I’m always laughing. Oh...and she’s beautiful, brilliantly creative, and has somehow managed to teach our dog Spanish--his second language.
When did you know you were in love?
Stephanie: I knew I wanted to grow old with Brett after our first summer together. At the end of that summer, he decided to take a job eight hours away, and my world fell apart. He was all I could think about. This was a new feeling for me--this missing a boy feeling--and that’s when I knew it must be love.
What is your favorite memory from that day? Stephanie: My favorite memory was our photo shoot with Shannon Hollman. We drove out of Kalispell, to a beautiful, rugged, storied old barn surrounded by wheat fields that stretched all the way to the base of the nearest mountain. We spent two hours laughing, cuddling and frolicking in the Montana countryside. It was surreal and so amazing. 35
Photo by: Shannon Hollman Photography {shannonhollman.com}
Photo by: JMK Photography {www.jmkphotography.net}
P arties = B ig B usiness Written by Kristen Hamilton
Let’s face it – throwing a party (whether a wedding, landmark birthday, or anniversary)
costs money! We are blessed in the Flathead Valley to have a great place to celebrate.
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the past couple months, as well as many other celebrations. Many of these are held outside the home The traditional wedding, with a for either convenience or to simreception in a ballroom, is still ply avoid ‘the mess’. alive and well, but coming to our beautiful area to get married on a The bottom line is that the party mountaintop or along the shores business affects many businesses, of a lake are becoming more popu- but in a good way – financially. lar every year. These destination Who benefits? weddings that bring guests (including the bride and groom) to Of course, the typical businesses the area are typically smaller in you’d think of, including venues size but not necessarily so in ex- and caterers will benefit, but in the long run pretty much every penditures. business can benefit directly and Anniversaries might find multi- indirectly from this industry. generational groups enjoying anything from a simple potluck gath- Venues: Usage fees for space vary ering to an extravagant sit-down from $100 to well over $2,000 depending on the venue. Some dinner. facilities may bury the rate by Birthday parties including bar getting the catering and beverage mitzvahs, sweet 16’s, over the hill business, but ultimately there is a at 40, and numerous others give charge. us a great reason to get together Caterers: The professionals in with friends. the valley will work with you on a I have personally attended two budget but expect to pay at least surprise 40th birthday parties in $15 per person to start, plus gratuities. Also, be sure to check on
WOMAN 38
what supplies are included in that – dishes, silverware, linens, etc.
Lodging: Depending on the time of year, lodging in the Valley can range from $50 per night upwards of $250 per night. Taxes that help support the tourism agencies locally and statewide are also collected.
Travel: Air travel to and from this area can be very pricey. Unless you get a screaming deal on a pass from Allegient Air, the minimum someone can expect to pay is $250 per ticket – the average is much higher. The airlines are not the only beneficiary though as many people are employed at the airport including security, car rentals, administration, and even the coffee shop! Same goes for travel on Amtrak across the plains from the East to the West.
wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Glacier National Park. Whether it is a peaceful snowshoe in the winter or a guided red bus tour in the summer, GNP is a must. Rafting is a great group activity and entire groups will have memories for years to come after such a wonderful day on the river. Golf tournaments can be organized at many of the area courses and offer a fun afternoon outing. Even the more relaxed groups can visit area museums or enjoy a day at the spa. The point is that all of these businesses and their employees can benefit. The lists goes on to include flower shops, photographers, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, transportation, jewelers, retail stores, gas stations, etc.
Honeymoons and vacation travel is another segment that the busiActivities: Everyone who lives nesses in the Valley benefit from here knows that activities are lim- throughout the year. Whether itless. There are so many great they're first time visitors or simways to get out and enjoy our ply returning to enjoy a different beautiful area. A trip to the area season, they spend money. Fol-
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Destination Weddings: Now over 15% of marriages are destination weddings accounting for $16 billion in annual spending. The average cost is over $20,000. With a household income of $110,000, 70% of these brides and grooms The statistics really tell the story…. Engagements: As you’d guess have graduated from college. The 99% of the grooms do the pro- average number of guests is just posing and 15% of engagements below 50 and they spend a minihappen in December. The aver- mum of $400 to attend. Nine out age cost of an engagement ring is of 10 couples pick a destination over $6,000 (with another $1,500 based on weather, so suffice it to say that the leading destinations spent on wedding bands). are warm weather locations. Weddings: They represent a $50 billion annual industry. Every Honeymoons/Travel: Nationwide year on average over 2 million 1.4 million couples on average weddings occur in the U.S. and take a honeymoon annually and for one-third it is a remarriage. it is booked about four months First-time brides are 27 years old before the wedding. This segand grooms are 29. When getting ment represents a $12 billion per remarried the brides are 34 and year industry. The average cost grooms 37. Over $25,000 is spent of a honeymoon is over $4,000, on a traditional wedding with 165 accounts for 14% of the budget, guests attending. The dress pur- and last eight days. Of the trips, chase averages over $1,000. Tux- 37% are domestic and 63% are edos and bridesmaid dresses are international. That’s not all, stapurchased or rented 3-6 months tistics show that couples will purchase new clothing, sunglasses, prior to the wedding. sunscreen, luggage, cameras, and Wedding Gifts: 91% of couples sports equipment prior to a trip. register for gifts and almost $19 billion is spent annually buying Locally, tourism is one of Mongifts. The average gift is $70-$100. tana leading industries. In 2010, lowing gas expenditures, shopping is the next highest segment of revenue according to the Montana Office of Tourism. More details on spending are listed below.
10.4 million visitors traveled to Montana spending $2.4 billion. The state and local tax revenue exceeded $229 million. The really exciting news is that for every dollar spent on advertising and promotion, $157 in visitor spending is realized. Without tourism tax revenue, it is estimated that each Montana household would have to pay an additional $544 in local and state taxes. The industry also supports over 34,000 Montana jobs and provided $912 million in salaries. Now that’s big business we can all support. There are many ways to reach these markets and promote your business. Magazines, websites, social media, direct mail, and trade shows are some good ways to let potential customers know about your specialty store and/or services.
Parties
ta and is expected to attract over 2,500 people.
Plans for the day include live music featuring Andre Floyd, Fretless, Fetveit Brothers, and Billee and the Phat Cats; Bridal Fashion Show by Mimi’s Bridal; Honeymoon/ Vacation Fashion Show featuring the store at Kalispell Center Mall; Cooking demonstration by John’s Angels Catering; Wine Seminar by Dan Vogel of the new Stillwater Fish House & Oyster Bar; High Energy Seminar by Let’s Strut Your Stuff; Over $5,000 in prize giveaways; Over 100 exhibitors showcasing their products; and many more special surprises.
We invite you to come for the day and meet the vendors providing services to the party and vacation industry. If you are interested in exhibiting or promoting your business, don’t delay! Visit www.celOne opportunity that is just ebrateweddingshow.com for more around the corner is the Celebrate information. Wedding & Honeymoon Showcase. The event takes place on Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 10am-5pm at the Kalispell Center Mall and Photos from left to right: Diamond B Estates , by the Red Lion Hotel. This exciting JMK Photography - Rafting, courtesy of Glacier event will be promoted through- Raft Company - Grooms Party, by out Montana and Southern Alber- Crown Photography.
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food}
Farm Fresh
Spring Comes to the Valley and Terrapin Farms By Kristen Ledyard Owner/Executive Chef of John’s Angels Catering LLC
Did you hear it this morning? Birds
are finally waking you up and spring really is in the air. With this season comes my favorite time of year as local produce comes to life with the promise of the bounty in the months to come. As my local journey continues, I drive only two miles down the road, and the beautiful Terrapin Farms is right there. Remember your fresh and local pantry 406
WOMAN 42
we are working on? Here are over 500 varieties of produce and herbs to truly enhance your upcoming dishes.
Judy Terrapin has been a selector for over 35 years. From the first garden at 18, to the Terrapin Farms of now, her knowledge and passion to really concentrate on seeds is shown in the quality of the gardens. Saving
seeds and the varieties is an art that needs to be continued to truly attain organic and delicious product. She is an active part of the community to inform and consult people that want to feed their family the healthiest foods.
My personal experience has been amazing. I now find myself snacking on the incredible
food}
Don’t think that growing is only taking place in the summer. You can purchase many products year round. Judy’s personal favorites are her artichokes and fava beans. Fava beans are not just for restaurants. They are very high in protein and extremely digestible. Peppers are another focus of Judy’s. The Karlo pepper with its sweet and mild heat is bountiful at Terrapin Farms. Peppers are very high in vitamin C, and a good alternative to shipped in orange juice. Judy, as a selector, has kept the Karlo pepper in its true form. It is a tedious process to maintain the seeds and soil. Her soil is carefully tended to, as it helps create this peppers ‘amazing flavor. Many larger companies have taken over the smaller companies and resort to either pesticides or other harmful products. Judy has helped to maintain awareness about this growing problem. She is available for consultations if you are thinking about starting your own healthy garden. Luckily for me, she is right next door. This prompted me to do an interesting study on shipped in food versus local food. It makes sense that we are used to the soil and bacteria in this area. Thus, we receive the highest health benefits from eating local. Foods shipped in are unfamiliar to our systems and we receive fewer benefits along with harder digestion. Problems with allergies may also occur as a result of unfamiliar foods. I learned from Judy that some people who believe they are allergic to peppers, may not be. Peppers are not truly ripe until they are red. Eating green peppers is harder for people to tolerate. With the healthy and organized pantry you have created, we are ahead of the game. Let’s add another recipe to your files.
My favorites at Terrapin Farms are the twenty varieties of tomatoes and eight kinds of basil. My tomato, basil, and blue cheese bisque really showcases these ingredients. It can be served chilled or warm.
Tomato, Basil, and Blue cheese bisque all Terrapin Farms products (add lump crab for a “kicked up” version)
3 lbs. Glacier and Ida tomatoes 2 garlic cloves
Evoo or real butter
1 leek or 3 green onions 1 large carrot
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock (preferably homemade) Crumbled blue cheese (the sharper the better) Cream or ½ and ½
Handful of Sacred basil Cream sherry
Salt and pepper
Cut your tomatoes in half and place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with garlic, evoo, salt and pepper. Bake until well roasted at 400 degrees. Heat 2 tablespoons of evoo or a pat of butter in a sauce pan. Add your sliced leek (make sure to clean well before slicing) or green onions along with the carrot and sauté for 10 minutes. Stir in your stock and roasted tomatoes (peel the skin off first). Add a splash of cream sherry. Bring to a boil then cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the torn basil, cream, and blue cheese to taste. Remove from the heat and let cool. Place in a blender and process in small batches as to not over flow the blender. Taste for salt and pepper. Serve with toasted bread. Organic farming is not an easy process. You have to have many certifications. Organic farm equipment is
constantly checked on to assure that nothing leaks in the fields or gardens. Products have to be packaged properly to make sure nothing that is not organic has ever been in the boxes. This great care assures you that you are consuming a true and natural product. Terrapin Farms has an open house each year, the Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day. Times are 3pm-7pm on Saturday and 10am5pm on Sunday. Come and experience tours of the gardens along with tastings of all the hard work. You will truly be awed with flavors you may have never tasted. Have you ever eaten a flower or seen a purple carrot? My local journey continues. I am excited to see where our next travels take us. Remember to keep up with your pantry inventory and store all vegetables properly.
Happy Spring!
Photo by Alisia Cubberly
mixed greens, with six varieties of lettuce, from Terrapin Farms. My family, customers, and staff truly taste the difference in the quality along with health benefits.
Farm Fresh
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food}
Artichokes
Cooking Artichokes How To Cook Artichokes – How To Eat Artichokes – How To Purchase ArtichokesArtichokes Etiquette
When fresh artichokes are in season, I could eat them everyday. This simple preparation is my favorite way to serve them. Artichokes are beautiful to look at and also make an impressive starter for your dinner party. Instead of butter for dipping, I use a mayonnaise and mustard dip (see recipe on opposite page).
History In May more than half of the $40-million crop is being harvested. Artichokes arrived in California in the 1800s: Italian immigrants first planted the edible thistle. Currently, Green Globe is the most widely grown variety. The artichoke is a perennial in the thistle group on the sunflower family and is believed to be a native of the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. In full growth, the plant spreads to cover an area about six feet in diameter and reaches a height of three to four feet
The “vegetable” we eat is actually the plant’s flower bud. If allowed to flower, the blossoms measure up to seven inches in diameter and are 406
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a beautiful violet-blue color. They are available twelve months a year with the peak season in the spring and fall. There are more than 140 artichoke varieties but less than 40 are grown commercially. Today most artichokes grown worldwide are cultivated in France, Italy and Spain, while California provides nearly 100 percent of the United Sates crop. One hundred percent of all artichokes grown commercially in the United States are grown in California. Artichoke fields are maintained in perennial culture for five to ten years. Each cropping cycle is initiated by “cutting back” the tops of the plants several inches below the soil surface to stimulate development of new shoots. The operation called “stumping” is timed to regulate the new harvest season.
Purchasing Artichokes One medium to large artichoke will yield approximately 2 ounces of edible flesh. If the artichoke feels heavy for its size and squeaks when squeezed, you have found a fresh artichoke.
Frost Kissed Artichokes – Fall and winter artichokes may be darker or bronze-tipped or have a whitish, blistered appearance due to exposure to light frost. This is called “winterkissed.” These frost-kissed artichokes are considered to be the most tender with intense flavor. Look for the tender green on the inside of petals. Frostkissed artichokes are available sporadically, when temperatures in the growing region dip below 32 degrees. If you are a “choke” lover, you’ll want to snatch these babies up whenever you see them. To tell the difference between an artichoke that has been frost-kissed and one that has been just plain abused, try to peel the brownish flakes with your fingernail. If the flakes peel off, it is a frost-kissed artichoke. Avoid artichokes which are wilting, drying or have mold. Storing Artichokes: To store fresh artichokes at home, sprinkle them with a little water and refrigerate in an airtight bag. Do not wash before storing. They should last a week when stored properly.
food}Artichokes
Herb Cheese Artichoke 4 1 4 8
artichokes (each about 3 in. wide) tablespoon extra- virgin olive oil tablespoons coarse dried bread crumbs ounces reduced-fat or regular garlic-and-herb Boursin or Rondel’e cheese
1. Trim artichokes as directed for artichoke hearts with stem (see below) 2. Cook artichokes as directed (see below) until bottoms pierced easily, 25 to 30 minutes. Drain. 3. Cut artichokes in half lengthwise. Pull out sharp-tipped inner leaves. With a spoon, scrape out and discard fuzzy centers in bottoms. 4. Rub stems lightly with 1 teaspoon of oil. Mix remaining oil with crumbs. Lay artichokes, cup sides up, on a baking sheet and fill cavities equally with cheese. Sprinkle cheese with crumbs. 5. Bake in a 400⁰ oven until cheese is hot and crumbs are lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish. How To Prepare Artichokes: Wash artichokes under cold, running water. Pull off lower petals and cut off bottom stems (cut flush with the base). Cut off about ½ inch of the pointed top of the artichoke. Trim tips of the leaves with scissors to remove thorns. Dip in lemon juice to preserve color. (TIP) always use a stainless-steel knife and a glass pot. Iron or aluminum will turn artichokes an unappetizing blue or black. For the same reason, never let aluminum foil come in contact with artichokes. How To Cook Artichokes: Cooking time depends on how large the artichoke is – the larger the artichoke, the longer it takes to cook.
Boiling Method: Stand prepared artichoke in a deep saucepan or pot with 3 inches of boiling water (if desired, oil, lemon juice and/or seasonings can be added to cooking water). Cover with a lid and gently boil approximately 25 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the artichokes, or until a petal near the center pulls out easily. When cooking, remove from pot and stand artichoke upside down on a rack to drain. Steaming Method: Place prepared artichoke on a rack above 1-2 inches of boiling water. Cover and steam approximately 25 to 45 minutes depending on size, or the petal near the center pulls out easily.
How To Make Artichoke Cups For Stuffing: Some recipes call for the choke to be removed to make a “cup” for stuffing. It’s easier to do this after the whole artichoke has been cooked. Prepare the vegetable as for serving whole. Boil steam or microwave, then let
Cooking Time: 40 to 45 minutes Prep Time: About 20 minutes
Notes: Select artichokes with 2 – 3 inch stems. If making ahead, fill artichokes, cover and chill up to one day. Bake as directed for about 20 minutes. If desired, drape each artichoke with a thin slice of prosciutto. Makes: 4 servings
Per serving: 252 cal., 46% (117 cal.) from fat; 14 g protein; 13 g fat (6.1 g sat.); 24 g carbo.; 601 mg sodium; 22 mg chol.
stand until cool enough to handle. Spread the outer leaves apart, pull out the petals covering the choke and use a teaspoon to scrape out the choke. The artichoke cup can be stuffed and then either served as is or baked with the stuffing.
How To Prepare Artichoke Hearts: Into a large bowl, squeeze the juice of a lemon into 1 quart of the water. As you prepare and cut your artichokes, dip it into the lemon/water to prevent discoloring (oxidizing). Using a sharp knife, cut the stems of the artichoke even with the bottoms. Pull off and discard all leaves. Using a small paring knife, trim the remaining dark green surfaces at the base of the artichoke, including the stalk. The choke (hairy fibers in the center of the artichoke) needs to be removed. Using a melon baller or a spoon, remove and discard the choke. Trim the bottoms and put the trimmed artichoke hearts in the lemon water. How To Prepare Artichoke Hearts: Baby artichokes are not a separate variety but merely smaller versions of larger artichokes. Their size comes from their location on the artichoke plant. They are picked from the lower parts of the artichoke plant where the plant fronds protect them from the sun, in effect stunning their growth. Small artichokes, which are being shipped fresh more frequently today. Make a savory appetizer, salad or vegetable accompaniment when marinated, either whole or cut lengthwise in halves. They are also delicious in poultry, beef of lamb stews. Baby artichokes are sold in plastic bags or loose. Their size can vary from walnut to jumbo egg size. Size is no indication of age. (Some babies are bigger than other babies!) Choose baby artichokes that are firm and heavy for their size. Most
have no fuzzy choke. Bend back lower, outer petals of artichokes until they snap off easily near base. Continue this until you reach a point where the leaves are half green (at the top) and half yellow (at the bottom). Using a sharp stainless steel knife, cut off top third of artichoke or just below the green tips of the petals. Pare all remaining dark green areas from bases. Cut off stems. Half or quarter as desired. If center petals are purple or pink remove center petals and fuzzy centers. Dip or rub all surfaces with lemon juice. Cook as directed in recipes.
Etiquette Of Eating Artichokes: It is proper and polite to pluck the leaves with your fingers, Leaving fork and knife aside for now. Pull off a leaf (holding it by pointed end). Put the other end in your mouth and pull it between your teeth, scraping the length of the leaf (the edible portion of the leaves become greater as you get closer to the center of the artichoke). Just before you get to the very center, leaves will become almost white with purple tips. Be careful of these leaves because their purple ends are prickly. When the leaves are pulled, you will be left with the base (the heart crowned with a fuzzy patch). You have now reached the best part of all, the very reason for eating artichokes, the heart. Carefully scoop away the fuzzy stuff with your knife or spoon (though a properly prepared artichoke will already have the choke removed). With knife and fork, cut bites from the heart like pieces of prime fillet. If you’re providing with a dip such as a vinaigrette or mayonnaise, put a small part of the edible portion of the leaf in the dip and scrape with your teeth as directed above. Don’t overdo it on the dip or you won’t taste the artichoke. 45
food}
sake
Sake in the Flathead Valley by Kristen Hamilton - Photos by Daniel Seymour
If you are looking to try some of the best in
sake in the Flathead Valley, look no further than Whitefish’s own Wasabi Sushi Bar and Ginger Grille and Markus Foods. According to Kevin Marshall, Wine Consultant and
Certified Sommelier of George’s Distributing, the two establishments sell more premium chilled sake than anyone else in the entire state of Montana.
Paula Greenstein, owner of Wasabi, was not initially fond of sake. More familiar with the harsh and heady effects of hot sake that can be sometimes standard in early American sushi restaurants, she was not particularly impressed. “While warm sake isn’t necessarily bad sake,” she said, “I just didn’t think it was great sake.”
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Four years ago, Kevin changed her mind. He encouraged her to explore his ever-growing portfolio of premium sake and take a chance on some of the chilled variations. From there, a winning partnership was born.
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From fruity unfiltered choices, such as Snow Maiden and Dreamy Clouds, to filtered favorites, such as Sacred Power and the Divine Droplets, today Wasabi boasts one of the largest menus of premium sakes in Montana. “Gluten-free, sulfite free and kosher, sake is a pure and simple drink that pairs perfectly with the fresh and vibrant dishes served at the restaurant,” says Kevin. Sake is not just for sushi! Sake also pairs nicely with grilled or broiled fish, seafood, curries, and a number of French and Spanish dishes. Try a glass with any of the restaurant’s delicious grill fare.
While it’s not uncommon to become intimidated by the menu, don’t be discouraged. If you have any questions as to what sake to order with your meal, simply ask. Two to three times a year, Kevin leads the staff at Wasabi through a sake refresher course, ensuring the servers are familiar and knowledgeable of the latest trends and tastes in sake.
Once you find sake you like, chances are good that you can find it on the shelves of Markus Foods. The independently-owned, full-service grocery store, offers the largest retail selection of sake in the region, making it easy to experiment with sake at home. Try pairing the crisp, fruity Wandering Poet with a green salad, the earthy Hawk in the Heavens with beef or lamb. The clean, crisp taste of Pearls of Simplicity works nicely with just about anything. Want to learn more?
If you’re interested in learning more about sake or wine – and have a lot of fun doing it – be sure to check out the monthly wine tastings hosted by Wasabi and Markus Food at the Downtown Flat. Led by a knowledgeable wine expert, each event covers a different topic and includes wine, food, and detailed notes. If you’d like to stay informed on upcoming wine tasting events, be sure to “like” Wasabi on Facebook.
Located directly above the restaurant, the Downtown Flat is an event space and condo rental that is a warm, inviting space to congregate, celebrate and share. For more information, visit www.thedowntownflat.com.
food}wine
C
S p i ?cD e’ o f L, i f e
What wine to buy today
on t look in the fridge look in your spice cabinet.
By Dan Vogel
lassically, which means never in a modern food world, there is the red wine with red meat and white wine with fish thing. If it were that simple then I wouldn’t have had a job for many years. Still the question persists and ultimately has some merit. Only some, because independent and individual as we are we will drink whatever we like with whatever we are eating and enjoy it. But… there are some formulas worth knowing. These guidelines form the backbone of a Wine Steward’s magical duty. First, forget the protein. Really… forget the basic ingredients you are working with, because they are generally bland and neutral. So, what
makes a meal an event? It's the spicing and cooking techniques that impart the real flavors and textures to your meal. Spices are those broad ranges of components that make food taste like something. Simply put, match the spices of your dish with flavors within the wines, and you have a magical experience. As an illustration, let’s consider wine with hot spices such as Serrano chilies, hot Thai curries and Texas Chile. Each of us is equipped to sense an amazing array of complicated flavors and textures. Your tongue, however, is not the sharpest tool in the shed. Only informing if
something is salty, sour, bitter or sweet. Not sophisticated but vital. Its real function is to trigger the release of enzymes and saliva components that hugely affect your eating pleasure centers. For example, the presence of lactic acid in a wine triggers greater saliva flow. Why is this important? When you slurp up a big forkful of four-star Thai red curry, sensors in the bumpy little papillae on your tongue, which each include a pain receptor, hit the alarm switch. You feel surprise… Pain!
If your wine selection is under 12.5% alcohol, contains a tangible bit of sweetness and has good acidity, such as a Washington State Riesling, French Vouvray or Italian Moscato, then your quick draw follow-up gulp of wine calms and even enhances the flavors built into the chef’s creation. Why? Capsicum, the thing that makes peppers hot, is not soluble in water. That’s why fire hosing your mouth with ice water after Three-Alarm Chile only makes things worse. Capsicum is soluble in alcohol so off into your system goes the heat, leaving your mouth full of fruits and spices. You are now ready for the next bite. Now consider the base color of the dish itself. Here we can generally follow color with color. Tradi-
tional Texas Chile is dark brown/ red in color and has gobs of meat fats; tomato extracts and bunches of red spices. The same wine profile is needed: lower alcohol, slight sweetness and good acidity, only red in color. The answer is a lighter medium bodied Pinot Noir (French or Oregon) or soft Italian Barbara. Australian Shiraz also works well as long as the alcohol isn’t too high. Can you make a mistake here? Not if you remember that alcohol is the key. Current trends in wine making have sent alcohol levels higher than ever thought possible. Keep in mind that a winery has a +/- 1.25% leeway in reporting the alcohol so 14.0% can, be, and usually are, really 15% or more. So, keep those gigantic, tannic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons in the cellar for fatty meats seasoned with Montreal spices and Mesquite. That big fat California Zinfandel with 16.0+ alcohol is best used, no kidding, with artisan sea salt and black pepper potato chips fried in olive oil.
Following these guidelines will keep you in good culinary balance with your own wine likes and dislikes. You are free to offer a nice Pinot Noir with any salmon dish and a big oaky, buttery Chardonnay with fatty prime rib. Enjoy!
The Spice basics
SPICE
Hot Pepper Salt Black Pepper Rosemary Thyme Cardamom Cumin Dill Red Pepper Vanilla 406
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GRAPE TYPE
Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Vouvray Chardonnay showing rich buttery flavors Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Syrah, Shiraz and Cabernet Franc Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon Cabernet Franc & Merlot Old Vine Zinfandel Sauvignon Blanc Sancerre, Vouvray, Washington State or German Riesling California Chardonnay (Mer Soleil Silver!)
*Experiment with your own like and dislikes and make your own list of preferred spice and wine matches!
home}Ciao Interiors
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Ciao Interiors
Text provided by Ciao Interiors - Photos by Heidi A. Long
The Lakeside Club Retreat is a newly constructed residence overlooking Flathead Lake in Montana. The inviting décor and the use of cohesive design elements allowed this home to capture the “Judges Choice Award” at the 2010 “Parade of Homes”. Virtually every space within this luxury mountain home has magnificent views of the lake, and the exterior finishes of the home have been seamlessly carried into the interior. The stone of the Front Portico appears to flow under the threshold of the front door and is allowed to maintain its natural shape into the Entry Foyer. The massive fireplace in the Great Room is created with the same stone, and the stone is repeated again as the range backsplash in the adjoining Kitchen. The Powder Room houses a natural stone sink mounted atop a slab of wood that has been recaptured from trees native to the site. The sink pedestal is carved from a tree trunk of these same trees.
Upon entering the Foyer, the window wall of the Great Room beyond allows the interior of the home to feel as though it is a part of its natural surroundings. The hand scraped beams, the tongue-in-groove ceiling, and the hand finished window trim add to the visual warmth created by the massive fireplace and the furnishings. Hand-textured plaster walls, the clean lines of the modern lighting fixtures and furniture, in juxtaposition with the hammered iron of the fireplace screen, create an inviting retreat.
The Kitchen contrasts stainless and stone, stained wood with painted wood, and hosts a large island. Granite countertops along the perimeter are enhanced with a chiseled edge. The trestle dining table is accentuated with a combination of upholstered and wooden chairs, and is surrounded by glass to captivate the views beyond. A local artisan hand crafted the Family Room bar and island. The showpiece of workmanship is highlighted by the acidwashed copper countertop and inlays of acid-washed copper in the door panels. Salvaged wood from the original dock at the Lakeside Club was utilized to form the beams in the Family Room.
The hand-hewn beams found in the Great Room and the Family Room are repeated in the Master Suite, but in a different pattern, while the bathroom countertops host a variety of edge treatments. Footprints imbedded into the natural stone of the Master Bathroom floor guide the path to the river rock of the shower and the tub. This repetition of the elements unifies the home interior with the exterior, as well as between the interior spaces. The combination of modern lighting fixtures and furniture with the hand-crafted woodwork developed a warm, inviting atmosphere for a modern twist on a mountain lake home.
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home}Ciao Interiors
Pg. 54 -55 Top left to right; Retreat Front Entry - Lighting creates a warm welcome at the Entry Portico. Deck. Dining Room - Local dried poppies with chards of wheat lying on a bed of polished rocks offer a special centerpiece for dining. Evening View - Dramatic lighting highlights the home’s exterior and interior. Outside Bar & Social Area - A great outside entertaining area with spectacular views. Living Room - This living room invites you to sit and enjoy the native rock fireplace and views of outside. Above; Foyer - An inviting welcome to this dramatic but comfortable and approachable interior living space. Family Room Bar Area Acid washed copper accents this area of Family Room. Game Room - Oversized leather barstools with expansive lighting make a usable game area for all. Powder Room - All materials used in this entry powder bath are native to the site.
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fashion}
shoes
The Vill age Shop
Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!
Here at The Village Shop in downtown Whitefish, we have a serious shoe obsessions! Flat, strappy or metallic, we love them all! This spring we are desiring everything from the legendary and stylish FRYE sandals to the uber comfy Birkenstocks. Stop in and try on your favorite pair! See you soon...
Tami and Melissa The Village Shop
Kiara Black
Violin Yellow
Miz Mooz Avery Turquoise
Gizeh Flamin orange patent
Birkenstock
Mayari Titanium
Gizeh Antique Lace 406
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Kairo Red Patent
fashion}
shoes
Carmen Braided
Ankle Tie poppy
FRYE lisa b.
Classic flat terracotta
Stephanie Braided
Regina Ballet Double Strap sunflower  63
health} strokes
Hey ladies, play it smart with strokes By Nancy Kimball
When
it comes to having a stroke, being
a w o m a n m i g h t n o t b e s u c h a g r e at t h i n g .
Women tend to be older when they have a stroke, and, because of that, a woman is more likely to die than a man is. As a younger woman, pregnancy and birth control pills can wreak havoc on your hormones, ramping up your risk. If you have severe migraines with visual aura at any age – and far more women do than men – stroke is more likely. Women that smoke, don’t control their high blood pressure, have high cholesterol or develop diabetes, may be on a stroke speedway; yet, some can do everything right and still not dodge the stroke bullet. For example, Jean Keretzman is an 82
year-old woman, who has been fastidious in her naturalistic health care for two decades, and she still wound up in the emergency room. For Jean, having a husband who knows the stroke truism “time is brain” made all the difference. There was nothing unusual about that Wednesday, just a couple weeks before Christmas. At 2 p.m. December 14, Jean went to take a nap, planning to get up at 3:00 as usual and watch a favorite show with her husband, Mike. She heard the program start in the other room, but decided to rest a bit longer. At 3:30, Mike came in to check on his wife. He asked, “Are you all right?” Jean recalls saying, “I think so.” Jean goes on to explain, “He took another look at me and said, ‘I’m calling 911.’” Jean’s slurred speech was all the warning he needed. Mike summoned Lakeside QRU/Ambulance, which, after their initial assessment of Jean, sent for Kalispell Regional Medical Center’s A.L.E.R.T. helicopter. By 4:30 or 5 p.m. his wife was out of their Somers-Lakeside home and flying to Kalispell. Dr. Kurt Lindsay met them at the emergency room and asked permission from Mike to administer an intravenous tPA, or tissue plasminogen activator. If administered within 4 ½ hours of her stroke, odds were that the drug could dissolve the offending blood clot that had lodged in her brain. Not only would she live, damage could be minimized. “But you take it with the chance that either you could bleed more and die, or it works,” Jean said. “Or you don’t take it and you die.” Mike consented immediately. Within two hours, he saw her improve. Jean stayed in intensive care until Monday, when she moved over to inpatient rehabilitation and worked like a trooper with speech, occupational and physical therapists until her December 28 discharge. Home Options staff helped her at home until January 13.
“Three months out now, and you’d never know she had a stroke,” Lindsay said in mid-March. A neurologist with the Neurology and Spine Institute at Northwest Healthcare, Lindsay has specialized in stroke neurology the past six years.
“She’s the model of how to handle a stroke,” he said. “Most people don’t know they’re having one, or they think the symptoms will go away, or they just go to sleep and think it’ll be better in the morning.” It won’t. If you wake up at all, you’ll be permanently disabled to some degree.
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health} strokes Women represent a particular risk group – they have more strokes and more of them die from their strokes. Six out of 10 stroke deaths are women. “There are some basic reasons for that,” Lindsay said. “The risk of stroke for everyone increases with age. And women live longer,” so they see more of those risky years. Age isn’t an absolute, though. Twenty-five percent of all strokes, men and women combined, occur in people under 60. Strokes kill twice as many women as breast cancer, every year. Besides the pregnancy and birth-control risks mentioned above, menopause and hormone replacement therapy incrementally step up the problems. “Tobacco use is a huge issue; it’s a risk multiplier that nobody should gamble with, Lindsay said.
So
how do you know if somebody’s having a stroke?
T h i n k FAST: -
F a c e : Ask her to smile. Does one side of the face droop? -
A r m s : Ask her to raise both arms. Does one drift downward? -
S p e e c h : Ask her to repeat a simple phrase.
Is her speech slurred or strange? T i m e : If any answer above is yes, call 911. Now!
Symptoms also can include trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden loss of balance or, in the much rarer case of a blood vessel bursting in the brain, a sudden severe headache with no known cause. Women may have some unique symptoms that come on suddenly – face and limb pain, hiccups, nausea, general weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Not interested in becoming a stroke victim yourself? Lindsay advises eliminating the Big 4: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco use and diabetes. Get regular exercise; 20 or 30 minutes a day, a few times a week will suffice. Eat a healthy diet. There’s some evidence that post-menopausal women can benefit from taking a baby aspirin daily.
Bottom
line:
Play
it smart.
“Know the symptoms. Recognize the symptoms when they’re happening, and don’t think they’re going to go away,” Lindsay said. “That’s the only way we can get you in here and take care of you.” Want to know more? Call the Neuroscience and Spine Institute at 752-5095.
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health}
Dark Spots
Dark Spots By Erin Blair, Licensed Esthetician
Age spots, dark spots and patchy discoloration are a com-
mon complaint, especially as we get older. Ever wonder what causes them, and what can be done about it?
It’s genetic…sort of
Genetics determine how much melanin (pigment) our skin makes. This forms skin color. But our cells also increase pigment in response to injury, sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, and inflammation. This is referred to as hyperpigmentation.
Darker skin tones are especially susceptible to hyperpigmentation, because they have more active melanin production to begin with. Black, Asian, Hispanic and Middle Eastern skin tones are all at risk; but, people of all colors can see the effects of sun damage, injury and hormone changes to some degree.
Prevention is key
So what can be done? As with anything, prevention is easier than correction. First and most importantly, avoid the situations that cause increased melanin.
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Sun damage is the primary cause of pigment problems. Age spots and so-called ‘liver spots’ are a direct result of cumulative sun exposure and tanning bed use over the years. A broad spectrum sunblock of SPF 30 containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide should be worn daily, and reapplied every two hours when out in the sun. Sunlight
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on the retinas can stimulate the skin to make pigment, so wearing dark sunglasses is also advisable. In some instances, even heat can induce pigment production. Please avoid tanning beds.
Discoloration is also a common side effect of hormonal birth control and other hormone therapies. Hormonal fluctuation can incite melasma, or hormone-influenced hyperpigmentation. It’s worth noting that this is a fairly common side effect of pregnancy, though it typically resolves after the baby is delivered.
For olive and darker skin tones especially, steer clear of abrasive scrubs, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, Intense Pulsed Light, and laser. These treatments are perceived by the body as injury, which stimulates the skin to produce more pigment. Sometimes the skin will look lighter and brighter at first, and will darken weeks later. Avoid inflammation. If you have inflamed acne, getting it under control as soon as possible will help avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Once the acne is treated, the PIH will resolve. But people who get PIH tend to get it easily and from any type of inflammation, not just acne.
When the damage is done
There are treatments for balancing pigment, and all must be combined with daily use of sunscreen to be effective.
Light chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) will help remove stained surface cells. Beware of strong chemical peels, which can incite inflammation and make pigment problems worse. Less aggressive treatments are often helpful, once the skin has been prepared with AHAs at home first. My preferred AHA is mandelic acid, which also helps lighten dark spots. I use it in professional treatments and home care serums, and it works beautifully.
Melanin suppressants are also commonly used to balance color. These ingredients are worn topically, and work by interfering with the physiological process that is needed to produce melanin. Hydroquinone is the only drug FDA-cleared for lightening hyperpigmentation, although there are other natural performance ingredients that have been shown to brighten skin. These include kojic acid, licorice, bearberry and arbutin. Some forms of topical vitamin C, used in combination with AHAs and sunscreen, can help lighten dark spots.
In studio, I administer melanin-suppressing treatments with skin lightening ‘boosters’. Between visits, an effective regimen must be used consistently to see the best results. Meanwhile, religious use of sun protection (yes, even on cloudy days) will help avoid darkening of current spots, plus prevent future damage. If dark spots bother you, a knowledgeable esthetician will be able to guide you toward proper treatment and prevention.
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Inch By Inch, Any Challenge is a Cinch By Lashaun Dale Photos by Marianne Wiest Photography
“There’s nothing capricious in nature, and the implanting of a desire indicates that its gratification is in the constitution of the creature that feels it.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Nature is full of intelligence, the grass simply grows, flower buds open, and the seasons change. Unless the natural process is severely and consistently disrupted, the divine sequencing of growth, healing and evolution will manifest as planned.
This is true for our physical bodies too. Within each of us, in every cell, there is a desire to be as healthy, fit and happy as we can be. And even if we have done all that we can to severely and consistently muck things up, our bodies are coded to heal and move towards optimum design. We can either play this unhealthy interval disease game to its unpleasant conclusion, or we can choose to incrementally make conscious choices and execute better actions that support the constitution and its forward flow toward healthy living.
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This month we begin to understand, assess and improve our daily health hygiene and slowly, as we stack healthy habits, our desired bodies, minds and lives emerge. As author Steven Covey says. “Private Victory comes before Public Victory.” There are many healthy habits to consider, and for each of us, some are more challenging than others. For example, some individuals are naturally drawn to a more active lifestyle based on their innate disposition, family upbringing or even the environment; however, they may make food and
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nutrition choices that do not support the needs of their bodies or their fitness goals. The most effective way to make change is to begin with a long and honest talk with yourself, identify your dream, and assess any self-destructive tendencies. In most instances, my clients /students already know intuitively and often consciously what they need to be doing to be healthier and fit! What they seek most from me is a dialogue with someone who cares and believes in both the value of the goal and in their ability to achieve it. Having a like-minded partner, friend and / or community is incredibly helpful for all of us in order to hold the energy of the desire and to create a strategy. Our health and fitness plan this month straddles both sides of the spectrum and honors our bodies and their need for balance—that is, the absolute physiological need for the dualities of proper rest and directed activity.
First Rest…this is my bug, and has been since I was young. A bragging night owl, I love the night, the peace and quiet, the indulgent time that it gives me to finish the work I should have completed in the day and also the freedom to feed my creative interests (read Pinterest obsession!)…and I tend to stay up into ridiculous hours of the night. I then proceed to get up silly early to serve the next day, kids, work, etc. So far I am surviving because the human body and will are resilient and have been for the last few decades; however, not without consequence. Sleep is a critical need for the body, the mind and also the spirit. Sleep experts say that as adults we need 7-9 hours of sleep per night, to function optimally. The average American gets less
than 6 hours of sleep, and health experts say that sleep deprivation is one of the leading causes of accidents, poor performance and also leads to a slew of chronic diseases including hypertension, diabetes, depression, obesity, and cancer. Sleep deprivation increases mortality, and reduces quality of life and productivity. In other words, without proper nightly rest we may survive, but we can’t thrive.
This is a huge conversation, but let me bring it back to our focus. Research also shows that sleep deprivation is associated with an increase in obesity, and weight gain. Being tired leads to unhealthy choices…increased caffeine consumption for example, reduced energy to work out and poor nutritional choices and overeating. Sleep is critical for fitness and high athletic performance - it is actually when we sleep that our bodies change…not during our workout! One study found that just by changing sleep habits, participants lost several pounds, healed injuries and felt more vibrant and happy. How cool is that? And, it’s doable with a little discipline. Just like there are tricks and tips to rock a baby to sleep, there are strategies to create a sweet space for slumber - read more below. If you are sold on the concept ( if you are not…then research sleep deprivation and self - motivate), I invite you to join me to an 8 Week Sleep Challenge and commit to getting 8 hours of shut eye every night ( yes, that includes weekends). It is going to take some discipline, and improved time manage-ment skills, but we will enjoy this measure of effort! So...this doesn’t sound quite right, but would you like to sleep with me?
health} fitness
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Sleep Tips
1. Limit Caffeine Consumption After 1 Pm 2. Finish Heavy Meals 3-4 Hours Before Bedtime 3. Set A Routine Schedule And Stick To It 4. All Electronics Off 1 Hour Before Bedtime 5. Dim The Lights, Check For Electronic Lights And Any Ex traneous Stimuli. 6. Get In Comfy Clothes 7. Wash Face, Brush Teeth 8. Drink Room Temp Warm Water 9. Write In A Journal 10. Read, Make It A Ritual 11. Turn Lights Out By 9:30-9:45pm 12. Rest In Bed And Practice Gratitude 13. Keep A Notebook Near Your Bed Should You Wake Up And Have Anxiety About Something You Need To Do 14. If You Do Wake Up In The Night, Avoid Turning On Lights 15. Set Alarm Or Wake Up To Natural Light (Possible For The Summer At Least In MT!) 16. Get Up Fairly Quickly And At The Same Time Each Day. To awaken our natural state of health and fitness, we also need more Activity. In addition to our 406Woman Rest challenge add these 8 Foundational Fitness Moves every day, building up to perform each for one minute. No excuses now, you can definitely fit 8 minutes of movement into your day, we just have to decide it is a priority and figure it out—and, if it feels impossible, then be bold and ask someone else to help you carve the time in your packed day. Remember, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”~ Wayne Dyer. These moves are a great way to start the day. If you want to turn the moves into a full-blown workout, add a one-minute cardio interval between each movement and repeat two times. If you make it a workout, then do that every other day, 3 times a week…but agree to commit to at least 8 minutes for the 8 weeks. Are you in? Together we can move more and live better.
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Exercises
1. Contract & Relax 1 & 2 2. Moving Bridge 3 & 4 3. Balance Play 5 & 6 4. Spring to Plank 7 & 8 5. Balance Pull pics 9 & 10 6. Balancing Lunge 11 & 12 7. Hi Low Curtsy 13 & 14 8. Cross & Kick 15 & 16
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Thank you to our reader model, Claudette Byrd-Rinck who is an incredible athlete and role model for all 406 women. Claudette is not a stranger to challenges. In 2001, She was severely injured in a rock climbing accident and has since re-educated her mind and body by remarkable inch-by-inch discipline and focus. She now inspires students and others alike as a Park Ranger in Glacier Park and shares her inspiration each week as a yoga teacher in Whitefish and Kalispell!
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I hope that you enjoy our challenges. I am with you and am certain that at the end of 8 weeks we will feel pretty great and excited for summer. Along the way, please send me questions/share strategies on the 406 Woman Facebook page. Join us next month to discuss Hydration and learn a fun Summer Solstice Flow.
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With Love and Blessings. Lashaun
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health}
allergies
Holistic approaches to seasonal allergiess By Kiersten Alton, RPH,
Winter is on its way out and spring is slowly creeping in. As I sit outside in the beautiful spring sunshine, playing with our baby goats, I notice the fruit trees have new buds, and there is even green grass beginning to grow in the field. All of this new growth, combined with the wet conditions which are perfect for mold, will also be contributing to seasonal allergies. The sun is wonderful, but the sneezing, runny nose and congestion are not. Luckily, there are many holistic options for anyone suffering from seasonal allergies. There are remedies to help with the symptoms and holistic approaches to help make the body less susceptible to potential allergens.
First of all we need to remember that almost every condition is related to the health of our intestinal tract. Diets high in processed foods, prescription medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and stress can wreak havoc on our digestive system an make us more likely to experience allergic type conditions.
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You might be thinking to yourself, she is nuts, how does my digestive health affect my allergies? Well, let me explain. There are lots of things that contribute to inflammation in the digestive tract; food, medications, herbs, chemicals, environmental factors. Once our digestive system is inflamed we have a condition called “leaky gut." At this point, your stomach no longer has tight junctures between the cells and small particles escape through these gaps and get into the blood stream, just like an allergen, and the body can mount an allergic response to these incompletely digested proteins that have passed through the gut wall. It has been said that Leaky Gut Syndrome affects millions of
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people worldwide. Leaky Gut Syndrome is a chronic debilitating condition that often goes undiagnosed by the mainstream medical profession, as many doctors do not provide testing for leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability) or acknowledge that the condition exists. Many people are not even aware that they are suffering from a "leaky gut." If your digestive tract were completely healthy you may not have all the allergies you now suffer from. Your liver also plays a role in your allergies. Now you are really thinking I am off my rocker. Well, your liver is the main filter organ of your body. Ever wonder why our allergies seem to get worse as we get older? Well as we age our liver does not filter as well, so if it gets bombarded with too many allergens, i.e. pollens in the air or mold spores, it just can’t keep up. Leaky Gut Completely overworks the liver because it floods it with additional toxins, diminishing the liver's ability to neutralize chemical substances. When it cannot cope with the level of toxins, the liver expels them back into the bloodstream. The circulatory system then pushes the toxins into the connective tissues and muscles where the body stores them to prevent major organ damage. The liver doesn't get the time to go back and rid the body of the toxins. Doing a periodic liver cleanse or supporting the liver during your allergy season can help reduce your symptoms.
I know this sounds complicated, but if you clean up your diet, your gut and your liver, you will get immense and sometimes complete relief from seasonal allergies. Taking probiotics, or good bacteria, daily can help with this. Working with a holistic practitioner to figure out what your triggers are (i.e. medications, food, stress etc.) and eliminating these, plus adding nutrients, can repair the intestinal lining and reduce your allergies. This process of healing the digestive tract will often times help with asthma and skin conditions as well. I often use the amino acid, L-Glutamine, with my patients’. L-Glutamine is the main amino acid necessary to heal the mucosal lining of your entire digestive tract. It is safe and effective
for helping heal ulcers in the mouth and throat and reducing “leaky gut” syndrome. It can also be beneficial to take digestive enzymes and betaine to help you completely digest your food, thus reducing your allergic load. If you often feel bloated or “burpy” after meals, digestive enzymes may be your ticket to health! There are also many herbs which can be used daily to help your liver function better. I personally recommend doing a liver cleanse once or twice a year to help maintain health.
Lastly there are nutritional products which can be used in place of conventional allergy products such as antihistamines to help reduce and alleviate your allergy symptoms. One such product by Ortho Molecular Products called D-Hist is a safe effective holistic remedy used to treat symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and congestion. Quercitin is a powerful natural flavonoid which has been shown to inhibit mast cell degranulation, and it’s unfortunate involvement in the allergic response. Stinging Nettles Leaf is an herb that appears to block important enzymes in the inflammatory response, thus reducing inflammation. Bromelain is a strong enzyme derived from pineapples which has been proven to help break up mucus and support mucosal tissue. Lastly, N-Acetyl Cystein (NAC) is an amino acid that is that is also good at breaking up mucus and helps make the mucus less “sticky”. It is also a beneficial nutrient for the liver. Many natural allergy products have a combination of these ingredients and some things to support liver or stomach function. Now you know why! These alternatives are also safe for children at a lower dose, usually based on body weight. If you are using holistic means to treat your allergies, always remember to drink more water to help clear the allergens from your system, eat clean foods that nourish and don’t offend your system, and when possible, don’t stand in a hay field if you are allergic to grass. If you have any question you can always send me an email, kalton@bigskycompounding.com.
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wellness} Mindful living
mindful living By Lee Anne Byrne, LCSW
This spring, tend to the most important garden in your life – your relationship with you. Consider for a moment a relationship with the only person you are absolutely assured will be with you until death parts you and the only person you literally spend 24 hours a day with. This is someone you want to be in mindful, harmonious relationship with - and it is YOU!
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How do you approach mindfully tilling the soil of your relationship with you? The most powerful area to explore is the seeds you plant inside of you through how you talk to yourself. By talking to yourself, I do not mean those quiet little chats you have out loud with yourself, when you hope that no one is listening, trying to achieve a firmer grasp on something that seems to be doing its best to elude you. I am talking about that internal dialogue that runs like a continuous ticker tape in your mind providing a litany of commentary, judgments, wonderments and doubts about you, other people, the nature of life, the neighbor’s dog, etc., etc.. This part of your mind finds basing itself in reality an unnecessary constraint to its creativity, AND it believes everything it says. Indeed, it is essential to your relationship with you to have a decent idea of just what kind of fertilizer this monkey is dispensing and whether or not it is a type friendly to your internal garden.
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Employing the tenants of mindfulness will serve you well: curiosity, gentleness, and non-judgment. Beginning with gentle, nonjudgmental curiosity, as opposed to a driven, dogged, weeding out of all of your weaknesses in thought, will allow you to avoid the circular pattern of thinking badly about yourself. The wily, often well defended mind must sometimes be coaxed gently into revealing its’ best strategies for maintaining its’ well-loved delusion that “if I think it, it must be true”. Just begin to mindfully pay attention to what you are telling you about you, in your thoughts, in large, medium and small ways. Particularly pay attention to whether the thoughts you feed yourself are what you would say to a dear friend or loved one. If not, then why say it to your only fulltime, permanent companion – you? Practice rephrasing it in a way that you would comfortably, honorably speak to a dear person in your life. This simple practice can make an immeasurable difference.
Another way in which to nurture your relationship with you, is to ask some basic questions. Are you providing yourself with the basic nutrients of a well-balanced life such as good food, rest, fun, fresh air, companionship etc.? Do you do nice things for yourself for the heck of it? Do you extend a ‘thank you’ to you for what you do for you and for others at least every once in a while? Do you generally treat yourself lovingly and with respect? Perhaps there are other questions that are important
and specific to the particular garden of your relationship with you. If, when you ask yourself these questions, you find room to improve the medium you are growing in, then get creative and remember to be gentle and nonjudgmental with yourself as you incrementally find ways to shift. These simple approaches will likely improve how you feel and interact with you, which tend to contribute to your life blooming. Thinking you might be forgetting the role of pollination with all of this focus on you? Then remember that the single most potent thing that you can do to deepen your relationship with the important people in your life is to deepen your relationship with you. As you treat yourself with love and respect, you just cannot help but do the same in your relationship with others. A strong relationship with you also creates healthy boundaries which are always essential to good interpersonal relationships.
Spring is a time of renewal, rebirth, awakening, and is the perfect time for tilling your central garden - the relationship with you. It is the foundation for all that you do in life. With even a little investment of mindful, nurturing attention, this primary relationship will strengthen. Once you have improved your internal growing conditions, you will find that it becomes easier and easier to create blooms in the world that reflect the best of you. Happy gardening!!!
family} Bullying
Bullied By Kristen Pulsifer
I have had the pleasure of working with children, in one capacity or another, since I was 16 years old. I have been a camp counselor, an outdoor education leader, a high school English teacher, a tutor and a mother (still am), and the one thing I have never been able to tolerate is watching children be made to feel bad. It is crushing to see a young adult or young child be put down or harmed by their peers. The ‘pushing around’ that goes on between peers has become a hot topic. It is called Bullying. As a child, I remember being tormented by a kid named Crink. The name says it all! He used to call me fatty, grab at and kick me, and threaten me. I was told by many that he just liked me. Really? Good thing I did not grow up to believe that boys that hit me, and called me fatty, liked me. He stopped when my brother grabbed him in an arcade and told him to stop. Yes, an arcade – I suddenly feel old. My brother didn’t threaten him or hurt him, he simply said, “that’s my younger sister, you're being mean, and I want you to stop bugging her.” And then, he walked away. He simply called him on his antics. I was impressed. I also remember being teased by the popular girls and was told I was fat. Isn’t it funny what we choose to remember? All of those kids ended up being good kids by junior high, and I ended up being friends with most of them. Funny. But, then there are those that don’t grow out of it and continue bullying for, well… the rest of their lives.
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It’s not a new thing. Bullying has been around forever. In older movies, bullies were often classified as either the popular kids or the tough kids. In classic literature that is still taught in schools today, the theme of bullying is quite prevalent. In classic books such as Lord of the Flies, by William Golding and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, we see bullying on a much greater scale, but
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still, the basic fact remains (even in these classic pieces of literature written decades ago) bullying is dangerous and damaging. Schools such as Whitefish Middle School and Muldown Elementary School work hard to teach students about bullying and work to help students understand that it is not ok to be bullies or be bullied. Most importantly, schools and parents around the country are working to make sure kids understand that if they are bullied they do not have to tolerate it. They need to learn to ask for help and know that asking for help is OK! There is a great deal of information available in regards to bullying and how we can make a difference by teaching our own children how to respect others and respect themselves. Respect is the number-one element that should be taught in an attempt to create an environment that is not accepting of a bullying personality.
Wikipedia defines respect as a “positive feeling of esteem or deference for a person or other entity, and also specific actions and conduct representative of that esteem." I believe that if we teach people, especially the younger population, to respect themselves they will in return respect others. Respect breeds tolerance of differences portrayed by those that surround us, and acceptance of what others do even if it is not what we would do. Respect also breeds confidence in not only ourselves but in those that surround us. If we can feel confident in ourselves and our community, there is no need to bully and intimidate. Work to educate and remind people that, bullying is not OK. Bullying is not genetic, in other words you are not born with it in your DNA. Bullying is not relative to race, culture, or gender, and is a behavior usually taught by someone you love or trust. Bullying is not a right of passage, and is not tolerable under any circumstances.”
Also remember and teach the following points to those that you are close to:
1. If you see people bullying, even friends, stop and walk away and ask for help if necessary.
2. Be strong. If you can be strong and brave, and stand up to the person bullying you, often times they will back down. BUT, if they do not, and begin to act more aggressive, DO NOT be afraid to ASK FOR HELP or simply WALK AWAY. Asking for help is also a way of being brave and strong. Asking for help is NOT weak. 3. Be a friend. Help someone who is bullied by simply offering either a kind word or smile. The slightest gesture and/or positive acknowledgement can make all the difference to a person that is used to being put down and bullied. Also, be aware of the signs of bullying behavior. Ask yourself the following questions if you are concerned: 1. Is your child or another child around you overly aggressive towards others?
2. Does your child or another child close to you enjoy making fun of others? 3. Does your child or another around you have a difficult time controlling his/her temper?
If we can continue to educate our children and those closest to us, bullying will become a less common and tolerated behavior. I believe that bullies will always be around. The ‘Crinks’ of my childhood will continue rear the fuzzy heads; but, if more people turn away from bullying behaviors and those that exhibit them, maybe we can work to teach those around us what should and should not be consistently accepted and tolerated.
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art} books
Book Review Sponsored by
862-9659 - 242 Central Avenue, Whitefish Below Copperleaf Chocolat Co.
Kill Shot By: Vince Flynn BOOK REVIEWS BY JOAN G. SMITH Mitch Rapp has propelled Vince Flynn’s latest novel onto the best seller lists at top speed. This thriller is just out in 2012. International politics is the background in Paris, and the time is now! Mitch was trained by the CIA, and once he is sent out to eliminate the thugs that murdered 270 people in the Pam Am Lockerbie attack, he doesn’t miss a target and leaves no clues. His success rate is so high, that he has now become the target of some very nasty criminals. Irene Kennedy is Mitch’s handler for the CIA, and they are quite a team. When the inevitable happens in a plush hotel on Paris, and Mitch gets his target, he is suddenly blamed for
eight other deaths connected to the victim, all bets are off. The Libyan oil minister is one of the dead, and politics takes center stage. Finding who was at fault for the other murders becomes the football being tossed around, and the French Police are on the hunt. The CIA wants no blame and it’s up to Mitch and Kennedy to figure out who is responsible for the deaths of the innocent as well as the hired assassins. Mitch has to follow the trail on his own and avoids capture while he chases the clues to unravel the plot, or die trying. The politics involved are nasty and Mitch is wounded, but he has some invisible friends to trust on
his journey. This author knows how to write a page turner and at the same time showcases how some politicians will do anything to enhance their image and stay in power. Vince Flynn fought his own battle with cancer as he wrote this book, and proves that he is quite a talent and a fighter as well. The action is nonstop.
Catherine the Great By: Robert K. Massie Catherine began life as Sophia, born into a minor noble family in Germany. At fourteen, she was brought to Russia to become the bride of the Empress Elizabeth’s nephew. She was required to give up her Lutheran faith and become a Russian Orthodox, as well as marry Elizabeth’s uneducated, unattractive, and problematic nephew, Peter. When Elizabeth died and Peter took the throne, Catherine stuck with him, even though they lead separate lives. She established very intelligent and trustworthy friendships in the court. Catherine was a brilliant woman and learned from many of the great philosophers and spoke many different languages fluently. She corresponded with Voltaire and many other great minds of her time. 406
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Catherine came to the throne through a series of events that gave her the throne for thirty-four years. Peter abdicated and admitted he was incapable of ruling. Catherine was basically an idealist that was faced with a vast, backward and turbulent empire. She also struggled with the huge problem of serfdom. She eventually improved life for her people in many ways, but was faced with much great conflict. She encountered many wars and the French Revolution. The empress had a way of making those she was with feel comfortable and able to enjoy her company and her intelligence. Catherine’s liaison with Gregory Potemkin had many faces. She loved him, but it was more than that. They shared seventeen years of mutual
achievement and years of Russia moving forward on the world stage. The author Robert K. Massie is a superb historian and biographer. He brings to life the lives of the famous in unique ways. His credits are awesome. He was a Pulitzer Prize winner and studied history at Yale and Oxford. I first read his Nicholas and Alexander years ago, and I have been a fan of his ever since.
art} books
Children's BOOK REVIEW By Kristen Pulsifer
Amos & Boris Author: William Steig
I love when my daughters pull old favorites off their bookshelves. It is a good reminder of the great books that are available for either a good bedtime read or for a gift. Just last night, my youngest grabbed William Steig’s, Amos & Boris off of her shelf. I had forgotten what a delightful, sweet story this is. Amos the mouse has set off on a grand adventure at sea. After building a fabulous boat, The Rodent, and loading it with all of the mouse essentials“cheese, biscuits, acorns, honey, wheat germ…a telescope, a saw, a hammer… a yo-yo…” the little mouse, “using his most savage strength,…” pushes his boat into the water and sets sail. Wonderful days go by, and Amos is delighted at all the world has to offer, and the beauty he is so fortunate to see. In the midst of his delight, he tumbles off of his boat, and all he can do is watch The Rodent sail off without him! After a day or so of treading water with his wee legs, and just when he thinks he can no longer stay afloat, a large whale named Boris surfaces and saves Amos’s life. The two unlikely mammals become fast friends and begin their own sweet journey. Amos wonders what a little mouse such as himself will ever do to repay Boris for saving his life. What could he ever do for a grand and powerful creature such as Boris?
Amos & Boris is widely read and acknowledged. It was a National Book Award Finalist, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year and a School Library Journal Best Book of the Spring. This endearing story, of an unlikely pair and a grand adventure of the heart, is a must for any children’s (or adult’s) book shelf.
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community} Gerald daymude
Local Hero -
Cowboy Gerald Daymude
Cowboy Gerald Daymude has been the local cheerleader for Whitefish for as long as most people can remember. He loves this town and “he’s one of the characters that makes Whitefish what it is,” said Kevin Gartland, Executive Director of the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce.
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On April 11, 2012, Gartland surprised Daymude with an honorary Whitefish Chamber ambassadorship. He was presented with the official green ambassador fishing vest that embodies the spirit of the people that promote this great community. “Cowboy (Daymude) is a diehard Whitefish promoter and enthusiast. He’s deserving of a little recognition,” Gartland added. The event took place at La Hacienda in Whitefish. The standing room only crowd joined Gartland in his praise of Daymude. They celebrated his spirit and their love and gratitude towards him for the years of service to the Whitefish community. Donna McGough and Trini Cameron organized the festivities. Second Street Pizza and La Hacienda provided food.
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community} happenings
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Buffalo Hill Celebrates Opening of New Driving Range By Tara Roth - Photos By Matt Zak It was a beautiful summer morning. Hundreds gathered at Buffalo Hill Golf Course to commemorate the grand opening of the course’s new driving range. On August 6, 2011, Buffalo Hill welcomed members of its golfing community and some of the courses’ and local golfing industry’s biggest supporters. The event marked a historical moment for Buffalo Hill. Professional Golf Association (PGA) Pro Marlin Hanson said it best: “This is a long time coming.” In Hanson’s remarks, he reflected on the early days of Buffalo Hill. He the explained how this new driving range will change history for the course. “I started hitting golf balls here in 1956,” he said. “We hit off mats. There was not much grass, but there were lots of gophers. My job was to put smoke bombs in the gopher holes. The driving range was 120 to 130 yards long. You were limited to hitting with a 8 or 9 iron. Now, we get to hit real golf balls without netting. This is a new experience for us old-timers, and this will provide a great experience for the younger and future generations.” General Manager Steve Dunfee recognized Flathead Valley Community College and its role in the project. He thanked Chris Moore, heavy equipment operator apprentice program coordinator, and his students for excavating and constructing the new driving range. He expressed appreciation to Greg Waldrop, building trades apprentice program coordinator, and his students for constructing the new equipment storage building. He thanked Robert Woody, Industrial Technology/Building Trades/Furniture Making adjunct instructor, and his students for framing the interior walls and constructing the cabinetry lockers in the club storage building. And, he recognized Bill Roope, re-
tired director of career and technical education, for serving as the overall project manager. “The driving range was the missing link of our facility, and here we are today, and we have it, and it meets the standards that it deserves,” he said. “We are absolutely indebted and extraordinarily grateful to the college and to the students who made this happen. We are honored and pleased to be associated with such a great institution and such hardworking people.” “We all know that everyone worked very hard on this,” said Golf Course Superintendent Jon Heselwood. “This new driving range will introduce the game at Buffalo Hill to a whole new level, and it is really going to expand our club’s abilities. This makes Buffalo Hill a true world class resort. Thank you Board of Directors for your support and to FVCC. We wouldn’t be here celebrating today if it wasn’t for you.” FVCC Executive Director, Economic Development and Continuing Education Susie Burch, called the new driving range “a splendid addition to our community” and recognized
golf as being an economic driver and a key contributor to the quality of life in the Flathead Valley. She expressed the significance the project had on the students who were involved. “What a wonderful, meaningful and rewarding opportunity this was for our students,” she said. “These were real world experiences that will be invaluable to their futures. This is a perfect example of a win-win for our college and our community.” Professional Golf Association Head Professional Dave Broeder expressed his gratitude, thanking FVCC and the students for all of their efforts to make Buffalo Hill “now truly a real golf course.” Flathead High School Golf Coach Lacy Kersten called the facility “phenomenal.” “I can’t even begin to explain what this will mean to our students,” she said. “This is going to make us so much more competitive.” “This is really going to be an asset for the entire community,” said Ladies Professional Golf Association Pro Alice Ritzman.
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Flathead County Library Foundation "Loud at the Library 3" Photos by April Szuch
On March 22, during the third annual Loud at the Library fundraiser in Kalispell, Flathead County Library Foundation President Kristen Hamilton announced the Foundation’s gift of $115,000 to the Flathead County Library System.
The donation will be used for ebooks and downloadable audiobooks, improvements to the spaces at several FCLS locations, public seating upgrades, teen furniture, early learning computers and toys for children’s areas, and a new library website. “We are thrilled to be able to give this gift to the library,” Kristen Hamilton said. “This year’s Loud at the Library was a huge success,
thanks to the support of the attendees, local The mission of the Flathead County Library artists and businesses, the many sponsors Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization, who donated items for the raffle and the hard is to enhance and support the programs, facilities and patron services of the Flathead work of our Foundation members.” County Library System through fundraising The event, which raised nearly $13,000 and and acceptance of charitable gifts. was attended by approximately 300 people, included live music from The Bad Larrys, The Flathead County Library System has a food from John’s Angels Catering, beer from Main Library in Kalispell and branches in Tamarack Brewing Company, locally donated Bigfork, Columbia Falls, and Marion. FCLS ofwine, 17 unique raffle baskets, a door prize fers books, movies, music, audiobooks, and and a live auction. The auction was led by downloadable ebooks and audiobooks, as auctioneer Marc Vessar and featured items well as public computers and wireless Interuniquely painted by local artists, including net access. FCLS offers regularly scheduled five oak chairs, two children’s chairs, a table- programs for children and teens. For more top dictionary stand and a 24-drawer card information about FCLS services and locations, visit www.flatheadcountylibrary.org. catalog. 83