Flathead Valley, MT December 2025

Festive (like Frosty!)

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Unboxed.

December 2025 PUBLISHER

Greig Fahnlander | Greig.Fahnlander@citylifestyle.com

Wood fibers. Recycled paper. And adhesives. These are the simple ingredients that make up a cardboard box. During the holidays, however, we are much less concerned about what a box is made of, and rather what’s inside. But what if the container, not the contained, is the real gift?

When I was a kid, my dad warned that if I didn’t shape up, the only thing I’d get for Christmas that year would be a box. Instead of taking it as a threat, I began to dream up the box’s endless potential. Sure enough, on Christmas morning, a massive refrigerator box stood in front of the tree, and for the next several hours, my sisters and I turned it into a dollhouse, a puppet show stage, a secret tunnel, and a canvas for our paints. I don’t remember what else I unwrapped that year because that simple box stole the show.

As I step into this holiday season, I’m reminded that the best gifts aren’t always high-tech or expensive. The ones that stand the test of time are the “cardboard boxes” of life. These are the gifts that open up space for creativity, connection, and play. This year, I’m grateful for yet another cardboard box: the opportunity to serve as this magazine’s editor.

When we open a gift, our attention usually goes straight to what’s inside, the thing meant to bring joy. But it is the humble container which holds the freedom of wonder as we ponder its contents. A cardboard box can become anything because it begins as nothing.

Just like that old refrigerator box, this role is brimming with possibility. My hope is to steward this responsibility well, treating it not as something to keep for myself, but as something to be shared with you, the community. With this canvas that spreads vastly before us, we will tell the untold stories of our neighbors, fuel creativity and ambition, and fortify the valley we call home.

Thank you for this gift. I look forward to slowly unwrapping it together.

E D I TO R

Summer Zalesky | Summer.Zalesky@CityLifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R

Chelsea Agro | Chelsea.Agro@CityLifestyle.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Porsche Jean Photography PorscheJeanPhotography@Gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Marko Capoferri, Sydney Ludden, Julie Schnieders C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Clint Ekern, Janie Jones, Picture Montana

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Flathead Valley City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Flathead Valley area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Flathead Valley City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5 | HO L I DAYS & G I V I N G

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Featured

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Together, We Play

Inside Wildtorium's family-focused museum.

Festive Foraging

Food and drink experts note that juniper foraging can add flavor to the holidays.

Gourmet Hot Chocolate

Spruce up your next holiday party with a little frosty creation.

Community at its Core

Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork shares the efforts of an unincorporated community.

24 On the Cover

Departments

Spruce up any regular hot chocolate with heavy cream (instead of milk) add a sprinkle of this, a little shake of that, and—of course—a snowman. Get the recipe for this easy holiday hosting tip on page 22.

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Kids Corner LIFE + CULTURE

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Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

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Hosting Tips FOOD + BEVERAGE

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Our Town LIFE + CULTURE

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Events

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Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Photography: Janie Jones

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DECEMBER 2025

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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1-6: Kristin Kivela, owner of Surface & Stone Tile Co., celebrated the Grand Opening in Columbia Falls. Photography by Picture Montana

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C I T Y SC E N E

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8-14: Justin Meccia, owner of Whitefish Distillery, had a formal ribbon cutting ceremony in Kalispell. Photography by Clint Ekern

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DECEMBER 2025

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

ISO: Writers Flathead Valley City Lifestyle is currently hiring writers fluent in AP style with a passion for our community. If you have ideas for articles, want to connect with local people, love to write and thrive in a creative, flexible environment, we’d love to hear from you. Please inquire by sending an email to Summer.Zalesky@ CityLifestyle.com.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Flathead Food Bank Volunteer Opportunities As temperatures drop, the need in our community rises. The Flathead Food Bank is on the front lines, ensuring no one goes hungry, but they can’t do it without volunteers. This winter, lend your time where it matters most.

Visit FlatheadFoodBank.org and sign up under the Volunteer tab to start serving today.

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Evergreen Chamber of Commerce Cowboy Christmas With several ticket tiers and sponsorship opportunities, the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce is saddling up for their last event of 2025. Nationally recognized 406 BBQ is catering a dinner that is sure to bring together the local businesses that make up the heartbeat of Evergreen.

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TO GE T H E R , W E PL AY

Inside Wildtorium's family-focused museum ARTICLE BY SYDNEY LUDDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY PORSCHE JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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K I D S COR N E R | L I FE + C ULT U RE

The first snow always slows me down, but it sure doesn’t slow down my daughter. As a mom of a very busy and active toddler, finding indoor activities during the winter to engage her with is high on my list. That is why I was thrilled to learn about the opening of Wildtorium, the Flathead

“The project has grown from those of us in the community wanting something more so we can connect with our kids.”

Valley’s new interactive museum for families. This is exactly what we’ve been missing!

Speaking with Brittney Crest, the Launch Director of Wildtorium and also a mom to a 10-year-old, she explained, “The project has grown from those of us in the community wanting something more so we can connect with our kids.” The Flathead Valley has plenty of drop-off options and structured programming—meet-ups for hikes, art classes, all good things—but not many spaces where caregivers and kids can learn side by side.

Wildtorium’s answer is elegantly simple: exhibits designed with “things for everyone.”

This isn’t an overnight idea. Back in 2017, a small group of educators and parents started meeting regularly to dream up what a children’s museum could

look like here. They created a nonprofit, kept the conversations going, and in 2023 officially branded as Wildtorium with a volunteer board of six. This spring, they secured a spot in a 13,000-square-foot location in Kalispell, sharing a brand-new building with Bird’s Nest daycare, and set their sights on opening by winter break. If all goes to plan, it will be right in time for the season when families are most in search of warm, meaningful places to land.

To get there, the board made a pivotal call.

They needed someone dedicated to shepherding the opening. Brittney stepped off as board chair to become Launch Director now and Executive Director upon opening. They’ve built a team of volunteers helping with fundraising and logistics, and soon, it will become a staff that will include

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a programs manager, because opening a museum is a community sport.

Wildtorium’s vision is big-hearted. They want to foster innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through interactive exhibits and programs so our youth grow into thoughtful global citizens. The first location will focus primarily on ages 4 to 10, with a special Tiny Movers area for ages 0 to 3 that’s thoughtfully blocked off just for them. Expect lots of sensory elements. And this part makes me especially happy: they’re working with early childhood experts and a neurologist to make sure each exhibit aligns with how children actually develop and learn. “We want kids to touch and engage,” Brittney said. It’s hands-on, but also brains-on and hearts-on.

Wildtorium will also reach beyond offering just exhibits. They’re planning programs for childcare facilities and school districts, including dedicated field days with the Kalispell school district on Tuesdays, when the museum will be reserved just for those students. For upper-elementary and middle schoolers who sometimes feel in-between, Wildtorium is bringing STEM-forward offerings too—think seasonal “Rocket Building” or “Marble Madness” weeks to explore gravity, force, and motion. I could feel Brittney’s excitement at the idea of an exhibit packed with kids experimenting, troubleshooting, building, failing, and trying again.

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“This is something being built by the community for the community,” Brittney said. “It has been a labor of love.”

Which brings me back to giving. In a season defined by lists and wrapping paper, Wildtorium feels like a different kind of gift.

It gives families a place to belong together.

It gives caregivers an easy “yes” on a snowy afternoon without the pressure to entertain.

It gives kids permission to lead the way and adults permission to follow, to be surprised, and to play. It gives our schools a partner. And it gives all of us a tangible way to invest in the kind of community we say we want. One where learning is shared.

Of course, places like this don’t appear by magic. Wildtorium is in the middle of a $100,000 campaign to cover first-year operating costs and open its doors. “This is something being

built by the community for the community,” Brittney said. “It has been a labor of love.” If you’re feeling that spark too, there are so many ways to help: donate if you can, volunteer your time, become a member, or simply spread the word to the families in your life who need this kind of space.

For opening updates, hours, and membership details, follow @wildtorium on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at Wildtorium.org.

With a little luck—and a lot of collective effort— Wildtorium will be ready by winter break. I’m picturing boots dripping dry by the door, marbles clattering down a track, the low hum of discovery in the air. A community gift we can unwrap again and again.

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FESTIVE FORAGING ARTICLE BY JULIE SCHNIEDERS

Food and drink experts note that juniper foraging can add flavor to the holidays

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

The silvery-green shimmer of wild juniper trees dot the hillsides around the Flathead Valley. The dusty blue berries ripen in early fall and into winter, making it the perfect time for seasoning a roast, infusing syrup, or making a marinade. The citrusy, piney flavor of a juniper berry also makes for a special addition to a holiday feast or celebration.

Private chef Chris DiMaio of Montana Craft Kitchen has been foraging for juniper berries for 20 years.

“Edges of forest and rocky outcroppings are a good place to hunt for berries,” DiMaio said.

Depending on the dish, chefs or home cooks can forage for green berries earlier in the season for a more citrus flare or pick purple berries that are the ripest, giving dishes a

Venison Marsala

by Chef DiMaio

flavor reminiscent of dry red wine and black pepper. Ironically, the juniper berry is not a true berry. It’s actually flesh inside a cone.

DiMaio aims to pick communis juniper berries, which are the least toxic and safest to eat.

“The best way is by leaf type. The juniper communis has awl shaped needle like leaves,” DiMaio said.

Juniper Sabina, which are toxic, have leaves that are pressed against the stem and resemble roof shingles. Juniper Sabina are more ornamental and are mostly used in landscaping.

Self-taught forager and owner of Montana Jewel Naturals, Carrie Garbar, also recommends using PictureThis App when foraging for juniper berries or any wild edible plant.

“It does tell you if it’s toxic,” Garbar said.

Garbar also recommends foraging away from high-trafficked areas and highways.

Before chefs and home cooks prepare a recipe with juniper berries they need to be dried either on a window sill for two to three days or in a dehydrator if a large crop has been foraged. Once they are dried the berries can be crushed to release their piney flavor and aroma.

Here, chefs and mixologists in the Flathead Valley share recipes using juniper berries for delectable meals and libations this holiday season.

Use older purple berries for this recipe. Dry juniper and pulverize in a powder. Rub venison medallions with the juniper dust and salt.

Pan fry the medallions in some olive oil and then remove from the pan. Add a touch more oil and sauté some shallot, and foraged mushrooms, add a bit of sage, then deglaze with some marsala wine, reduce, then add some game stock and reduce. Add the seared medallions, add some huckleberries. Warm medallions through and add a touch more juniper dust.

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INGREDIENTS: • 20 juniper berries and crush • 10 black peppercorns and grind them up • Tablespoon of salt • Add gram of rosemary and of thyme • A teaspoon of granulated garlic

JUNIPER RUB FOR VENISON:

by John Morrison, Executive Chef at Whitefish Lodge Boat Club

DIRECTIONS: 1. Well combined 2. Hot sear on it 3. Put all into spice grinder 4. Rub it all over venison 5. Hot sear and finish protein in oven at 350 degrees

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

EVERGREEN JUNIPER SPARK

by Glacier Distilling

INGREDIENTS: • 2oz Glacier Distilling Evergreen Gin • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice • 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and warm water) • 2-3 fresh juniper berries, lightly muddled • 2 oz chilled tonic water or dry sparkling wine for a fancied version • Ice

DIRECTIONS: Gently muddle the juniper berries with the honey syrup. Add gin, lemon juice, and ice. Shake briefly until chilled. Strain into a chilled highball or coupe glass over fresh ice. Top with tonic water or sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist, rosemary sprig, and a few floating juniper berries.

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H OST IN G T IP S | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

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COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER BIGFORK SHARES THE EFFORTS OF AN UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITY

Community at its Core ARTICLE BY MARKO CAPOFERRI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PORSCHE JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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O UR TOWN | L I FE + C ULT U RE

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“ We ’re lo o k i n g i nt o f i x i n g s t re e t l a m p s , we t a ke c a re of s n ow p low i n g , a n d we t a ke c a re of t h e d o g g ie c a re s t a t io n s t h rou g h out t ow n .”

“Care” is a many-faceted word. It’s a word Sterling Bax—executive director for the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork (CFBB)—uses liberally when describing what it is the foundation does.

And it’s for good reason that care comes up so often when talking about CFBB: their work is also multifaceted, the work never stops, and it’s absolutely necessary for the functioning of Bigfork.

“Right now, we’re taking care of sidewalk repair,” Sterling says, “we’re looking into fixing street lamps, we take care of snow plowing, and we take care of the doggie care stations throughout town.”

If you’re a discerning reader, you may think to yourself, “these are all services that towns take care of.” For the most part, you’d be right, but Bigfork is an unincorporated community, which means they have a different set of priorities than communities where certain needs are provided by the municipality.

It’s what makes the work CFBB does so important.

“People aren’t paying taxes into city services and things like that,” Sterling explains. “The town itself has chosen to remain unincorporated, which is a testament to how well we take care of things.”

“So, some of those city services that people might think the county’s taking care of, or somebody else, it’s actually all our foundation,” she says. “And most of our funding comes from private donors, which is just such a testament to the culture that exists within Bigfork. It’s people who really come together to take care of their town and take care of it in a way they want it to be taken care of, which is just a total treasure.”

This all speaks to Bigfork as a unique brand of tight-knit community where the people know and support one another, where energy and time invested comes right back in real world, tangible results.

“We just had our 23rd annual fall auction,” Sterling says. “We have it every September at the Garden Bar, which is this super fun staple of Bigfork. We have hundreds of donated items from local businesses, and this year we had a lot of record-breaking numbers. All of that money goes straight back into how we take care of the town. 100 percent of the proceeds go there. So it’s pretty amazing to know that this has been going on for so many years, and it’s been successful for years.” “[We had] everything ranging from yards of gravel to boat rentals, night stays at local hotels, lots of private dinners, because we have some pretty amazing chefs in the area. Local musicians donated private shows,” she says. “It’s cool because everybody wants to be involved. Every business is doing something on a large or small scale. I think it’s the definition of community.”

The CFBB’s executive director role is a recent development in their evolution as an organization (and Sterling Bax came in to fill the new position in April of 2025), but the work she’s tasked with in this incarnation is anything but new to her.

“I grew up in the Flathead Valley and spent most of my adult life working in San Diego,” Sterling says. “So I’ve worked in nonprofits across the West, and I’ve never seen anything as truly community-oriented as what happens in Bigfork.”

“I think it’s because, like I said, people want to protect where they live,” she continues, “and

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T h e t ow n it s e l f h a s c h o s e n t o re m a i n u n i n c o rp o r at e d , w h ic h i s a t e s t am e nt t o h ow we l l we t a ke c a re of t h i n g s .

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they can see such a direct impact of where their money or their donation or their volunteer time is going. They see the direct impact right in front of their eyes, and I think that’s one thing that’s so unique about it.”

One real and recent example of the good work CFBB is doing is their capital campaign they are calling “Preserve River View Place.” It’s a prime instance of Bigfork residents coming together to maintain a certain character and quality of life in the place they live.

“There’s a downtown green space and it overlooks the Swan River, and it’s the last green space in downtown Bigfork,” Sterling says. “It was up for sale, and a group of local residents decided to purchase it and hold it for us until we could raise the $1.5 million to buy it, and they gave us until February 2027.”

“After this most recent round [of fundraising], we’re at $1.2 million, and the goal is to protect that green space so it doesn’t turn into any other development, that there’s no condos there,” she says. “We want to keep it a green park, and we want it to be a community space for Bigfork. Our mission is to protect it for the town of Bigfork.”

What’s hinted at here is the rapidly changing face of Western Montana, especially in desirable locales like Bigfork. The last half-decade has brought a lot of growth across the region. Part of the work CFBB does is to help keep the town the desirable, welcoming

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place it has always been, regardless of whatever changes in population or demographics the area might be going through.

“Because Bigfork’s growing and changing, we want to make sure that the heart of Bigfork gets preserved in that process,” Sterling says. “How can we protect Bigfork’s culture as much as possible, while also acknowledging that there is an influx of younger people coming in, there’s an influx of a bit of cultural change.”

“What I think makes Bigfork unique from some of the other growth that’s happened around here is that we’ve preserved a lot of that small-town charm,” she says. “We know that we are a charming town, and we want to be welcoming to everybody that comes through. That’s something that I think is special about Bigfork: we know that what we create is for people to come and visit us, and to get to know Flathead Lake and our little tuckedaway area, to know how special it is and how different it is from the rest of the Flathead Valley.”

“Montana’s gone through a huge change since the pandemic. We’re all very aware of it, everybody’s feeling it,” she continues. “One of the things that I know people in Bigfork are very proud of is that they’ve been able to keep their true sense of who they are in the face of that change, and to be really welcoming, to say: ‘This is our small town, and you’re totally welcome here. We want to show you why it’s so special.’”

“

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I t h i n k it ’s t h e d e f i n it i o n o f c o m m u n it y.

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DECEMBER 2025

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

D EC E M BE R 3 RD

Avalanche Awareness Class Andy's Crafthouse | 6:00 PM Time to hit the slopes! But before you go out, prepare yourself for the unexpected. This free event is hosted by Flathead Avalanche to raise awareness about mountain terrain and keep you adventuring safely all winter.

D EC E M BE R 3 RD

Storytime with Santa Glacier International Lodge | 6:30 PM Pajamas encouraged. Christmas spirit required as Santa tells stories by the grand fireplace at Glacier International Lodge. Get your annual holiday photos while enjoying free hot cocoa and cookies. This event is geared for children ages 10 and under.

D EC E M BE R 3 RD

Kalispell Holiday Stroll Downtown Kalispell | 6:00 PM Celebrate the season downtown at the Kalispell Holiday Stroll. Find thoughtful gifts from local shops, snap a picture with the man in red, and sip something warm as music and lights fill the streets with holiday cheer. It’s an evening that captures the heart of our community.

D EC E M BE R 6T H & 7 T H

Handel's Messiah by Glacier Symphony Orchestra Wachholz College Center | 7:30 PM & 3:00 PM Both uplifting and powerful, Glacier Symphony brings to life the music that has moved people for the last 284 years. Enlivened by our talented local musicians, this oratorio has stood the test of time and is a must-listen during the Christmas season.

D EC E M BE R 6T H

Handmade Pop-Up Market Bias Brewing | 3:00 PM Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead is a non-profit organization consisting of makers in our community. Since they only host two events a year, this pop-up is a chance to get local gifts and support hardworking people who pour much time and love into their handiwork.

D EC E M BE R 6T H

Bigfork Parade of Lights Downtown Bigfork | 5:00 PM Bigfork’s annual holiday parade brings the spirit of Montana to life with glowing floats, creative displays from local businesses and artists, and even the occasional four-legged participant. Gather downtown to watch the parade, see the tree light up, and catch Santa’s grand entrance.

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D E C E M BE R 1 1 T H

DIY Succulent Arrangement Workshop Scout + Gather Mercantile | 5:30 PM Creating a mini garden might be just the thing to chase away the winter blues. This all-ages event encourages individuality (bring your own vessel!) and provides an array of rocks, moss, decor, and a variety of succulents to create a heartfelt gift.

D E C E M BE R 1 2 T H

Whitefish Christmas Stroll Downtown Whitefish | 5:00 PM During the Whitefish Christmas Stroll, downtown presents outstanding local talent. Choirs harmonize, bells echo through the air, and dancers light up the streets with festive energy. Between performances, hop on a wagon ride or grab a warm cup to sip and savor.

D E C E M BE R 1 3T H

Holiday Themed Watercolor Class 525 Electric Avenue, Bigfork MT | 2:00 PM RSVP in advance for this event that allows your creative energy an outlet, in holiday style. This is a great way to paint something special for a loved one, decorate a card, or learn a new skill before the New Year. Sign up at the Bigfork Arts and Cultural Center.

D E C E M BE R 1 8T H

Tipsy Brush Christmas Tree Paint Night 4220 US Highway 2 W, Kila, MT | 6:30 PM No painting will be alike as you decorate your second Christmas tree of the season. Hostess Raette Meredith meticulously guides painters through an acrylic project that is both merry and bright! Sign up at tipsybrush.com.

D E C E M BE R 1 9 T H

Dancing Through Christmas Time Wachholz College Center | 7:00 PM The Rio Dance Studio performs tap, ballet, and jazz to the tune of Christmas classics along with renowned violinist Wai Mizutani. Let your worries melt away and sway along to local talent.

D E C E M BE R 3 1 ST

New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks 3905 Big Mountain Road, Whitefish MT | 5:00 PM Head to Whitefish Mountain Resort to cheer on talented skiers and snowboarders or participate yourself while ringing in the New Year.

On New Year’s Eve, the mountain comes alive with a glowing torchlight parade followed by a dazzling fireworks display that will light up the night sky.

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MRS. CLAUS’S ESPRESSO MARTINI PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY'S CRAFTHOUSE/ WHISTLING ANDY DISTILLERY

Indulge in this Whistling Andy Distillery holiday recipe Did you ever stop to think who keeps Santa flying all over the world? Who keeps the reindeer up to speed on directions and timeframes? It's safe to say that Mrs. Claus has a hand in all the details. Craft this perfect holiday cocktail in honor of the lady behind the man in red—the ideal twist of winding down and gearing up.

MRS. CLAUS’S ESPRESSO MARTINI ingredients: • 1½oz. Whistling Andy Vodka • ½ oz Creme de Cacao Dark • ¾ oz. Montgomery Nite Owl Coffee Liqueur • 1 oz. Chilled Espresso • 2-3 Dashes of Cocktail Foamer (This Holds up the Orange Zest)

directions: Method: Shake Glass: Martini Garnish: Freeze Dried Candied Mandarin Orange Build a shaker with ice, shake until chilled.

Strain into martini glass and garnish with mandarin orange on foam.

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