Missoula Valley, MT December 2017

Missoula Valley DECEMBER 2017

MissoulaValleyLifestyle.com

L

I

F

E

S

T

Y

L

E

â„¢

The Sights, Sounds and Smells of Christmas

LIGHT IT UP PICTURE THIS MISSOULIANS IN MALAWI

Dedicated • Experienced • Professional • Ethical

17

Statewide Offices

150

Real Estate Professionals

$617M* 2016 Annual Sales Volume

S e l l i n g t h e M o n t a n a L i f e s t y l e u s i n g M o n t a n a Va l u e s *Sold properties with a close date of 1/1/2016-12/31/2016 as reported in MRMLS, GAR, MVBOR and PureWest internal sales tracking system.

PURE

REFLECTION Thankful for our clients, friends and community.

Wishing all a wonderous 2018.

101 Railroad Street W., Missoula | 406.541.4000

Devin Khoury Owner/Broker

Brittney Osborne REALTOR®

Katie Ward Managing Broker

Blake Osborne REALTOR®

Rebecca Donnelly Broker

Stephanie Dwyer REALTOR®

Cole Bergquist REALTOR®

Jason Leishman REALTOR®

Will Phelps REALTOR®

Jenn Ogren REALTOR®

Heather Bybee REALTOR®

www.PureWestRealEstate.com

Lifestyle Letter

The Magic of Christmas.

DECEMBER 2017

I

can still remember hearing a thump on Christmas Eve and bolting out the front door, down the steps, and nearly running backward to catch a glimpse at the roof of my childhood home when I was small. I had missed him, Santa of course.

I remember the distinct smell and warmth of my sister’s house on Christmas Eve—bingo between dinner and dessert, presents when we could barely roll ourselves away from the table. I can still see my dad sitting in his chair with gifts up to his lap, still feel the icy chill of those late nights when we loaded up the car and pumped the heat on the way home, driving slow to see all the passing Christmas lights, year after year.

I remember mom, always surprised to unwrap another patchouli Yankee Candle, even though it’s what she got (and asked for) every holiday. I can still hear the consecutive beeps of the oven when Christmas dinner was ready.

The sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas have morphed into the magic for me since that night I stared up at our roof, since the night my dad forgot to drink the milk and eat the cookies when I hit that borderline age of maturity.

But I mustn’t forget the real magic is not shed along with my loss of innocence.

PUBLISHER

Mike Tucker | MTucker@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Danielle Antonetti | DAntonetti@LifestylePubs.com MANAGING EDITOR

Chelsea Lyn Agro | Chelsea.Agro@LifestylePubs.com SALES SUPPORT MANAGER

Gene Peterson | Gene.Peterson@LifestylePubs.com SALES SUPPORT

Megan Strickland | Megan.Strickland@LifestylePubs.com Sharon Morren, Tara Sheridan CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chelsea Lyn Agro, Shelby Humphreys, Gillian Kessler, Nicholas Littman, Mariah Ore CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Chelsea Lyn Agro, Pamela Dunn-Parrish, Shelby Humphreys, Katrina Johnson of Amplify Film Group, Gillian Kessler, YMCA Missoula

CORPORATE TEAM

A few months ago, my husband and I adopted a puppy—a fiery miniature pinscher who terrorizes everything she comes in contact with, our constant source of belly-aching laughter. Just a few weeks after her adoption, I sat with the truck running beside our mailbox reading a letter from her former owner, a little boy who loved her dearly. His words reminded me of all those letters I carefully wrote to Santa, each one a pin of where I was in life—my hopes, my wishes.

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ART DIRECTOR OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Merry Christmas!

| DeLand Shore | Brad Broockerd

| Sara Minor | Janeane Thompson

EDITORIAL MANAGER

| Nicolette Martin

| Victoria Perry, Lindsey Howard

AD MANAGER

There is Christmas magic to be found in each story within this issue. Sometimes compiling these stories takes me aback—our community, despite all the heartache our country has endured this year, shines with gratitude for the things we have and what we’re able to give away. I hope this issue inspires you, fills you, leaves you merry in some magical way.

| Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

EDITORIAL

So I wrote him back, from our puppy’s point of view. There is the magic, I say.

| Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

| Chad Jensen

| Cyndi Harrington, Alicia Huff, Adella Wrisinger

AD COORDINATORS

| Cyndi King, Jessica Sharky, Dana Rudolph, Emily Stout

LAYOUT DESIGNERS

PUBLISHER SUPPORT

| Melanie Carlisle

EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPERS

| Randa Makeen

| Michael O’Connell

| Hanna Park, Scott Lavigne

Chelsea Lyn Agro, Managing Editor Chelsea.Agro@LifestylePubs.com

ON THE COVER Santa Papa Pick visits the Kolbs

residence in Mansion Heights for milk and cookies before his trip around the world! Learn more about Santa at SantaMontana.net.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAMELA DUNN-PARRISH 4

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2017

MissoulaValleyLifestyle.com JOIN US

TALK TO US

514 W 26th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 Proverbs 3:5-6 Missoula Valley Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Missoula Valley’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Missoula Valley Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Your Dream. Our Design.

With custom cabinets from Boyce anything is possible.

728-7100 1410 S. RUSSELL

BOYCELUMBER.COM

December 2017

Departments

12

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Local Limelight

16

Giving Back

22

Our Town

26

Financial Buzz

28

Lifestyle Calendar

34

Parting Thoughts

12 Missoulians in Malawi

Girls with a vision on a mission.

16 Picture This

Help-Portrait pays it forward.

18 Light It Up

Missoula couple uses hundreds of decorations to ring in Christmas.

16

18

Lifestyle Publications Arizona | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Kansas | Maryland | Michigan | Minnesota Missouri | Montana | North Carolina | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | South Carolina | Tennessee | Texas | Utah

22

Good Times

Fall Family Fest at the Fort

It was a day for face painting, fall-inspired activities, and education at the 17th annual Fall Family Fest and Kaboom! Families learned how to press cider and play new games, all while enjoying the company of our community. A dollar donation was suggested to benefit youth recreation programming. PHOTOGRAPHY CHELSEA LYN AGRO

8

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2017

Give us a call and we’ll be there chop-chop.

call 542-SEED

December 2017 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

9

Around Town

AROUND TOWN

SNOWBOARD TUNE & REPAIR

Mall, next to Spencer's and across from Noodles Express, through Sunday, December 31. Stop by and discover why Better Body Fitness of Montana is the Northern Rockies' leading supplier of quality home and commercial fitness equipment.

MTRPA HONORS PARKS AND REC STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS Local parks, trails and open space advocates Bert Lindler and

Don't forget that one of our local ski and paddle shops, LB Snow,

Kevin Verlanic and Missoula Parks and Recreation staffer Meg

802 W. Spruce St., offers a range of services that will get your board or

Whicher were honored for their service and contributions to the

skis ready for the season. A few services they offer are: Full Tune (base

parks and recreation movement at the annual meeting of the

grind, edge sharpen, polish, hot wax), Skin Re-Glue, Ski Mount, Base

Montana Trails, Recreation and Park Association, a statewide orga-

Weld, and Edge Replacement. Also, ask about their Lift Liberation

nization of trails, parks, and recreation professionals. Bert received

packages that are sure to give you freedom to backcountry bliss on a

the Outstanding Citizen Volunteer award for his tireless support of

new split board! For more information visit, LB-Snow.com.

trails, open space, and wildlife conservation efforts in key areas of Missoula, and Kevin received a Citation of Merit, which are awarded to exceptional community volunteers and advocates, for his vast knowledge and experience in park maintenance, recreation program delivery, budgets, and policy, which have permitted him to effectively facilitate positive change in our community. For developing Parks and Recreation’s Outdoor Recreation program and greatly expanding local recreation opportunities for people with disabilities, among other things, Meg received the Professional Award, which honors individuals who provide leadership and make significant contributions to the parks and recreation profession. Congrats, and thank you for making out community so special!

GET YOUR RESERVATION AT CAMBIUM PLACE CHRISTMAS TREE SALE

Cambium Place, the heart of the 45-acre Old Sawmill District, recently received a warm Missoula welcome during a pre-launch

The Missoula Lion's Club is back at it for the holiday season!

event. The event marks the continued effort of Ed and Leslie

Don't wait, go pick out the best tree to fill your home starting on

Wetherbee, developers of Old Sawmill District, to bring Montana

Black Friday, November 24 at the Missoula County Fairgrounds,

its first urban, high-density, mixed-use development to fruition.

1101 South Ave W. This annual event was started by the late Harry

Cambium Place will easily become Missoula’s most desired "rent

Noel in 1944 and still holds its status as the largest fundraising

by choice" residence with over 16,000 square of additional high-end

event for the club, which raises funds to benefit the community

amenity space and concierge services not available anywhere else

by providing assistance for the purchase of eyeglasses, hearing

in the area. Residents will have a range of amenities expected, but

aids, health-related services, scholarships or educational needs.

not yet delivered, in Class A multifamily housing in Montana. These

To learn more, visit MissoulaLionsClub.org.

amenities will redefine how people live, making “rent by choice” an

BETTER BODY FITNESS IS MOVING

attractive option for Missoulians who want a refined lifestyle with the flexibility that leasing offers. In addition to the 69 residential

Better Body Fitness, currently located at 3611 Brooks St., is excited

units and common areas, the project is also home to 30,000 square

to announce they are moving to a new location in the Paxson Plaza

feet of commercial space, almost half of which is committed to

across from the nearly complete AMC Theater and Lucky's Market

lifestyle services for office and residential tenants. Learn about all

at Southgate Mall. This move is necessary to make room for a new

of the amenities and more at CambiumPlace.com. OSD Property

bank that will soon be under construction at the current location.

Management is currently taking lease reservations for a move-in

Until the remodel of the new location in the Paxson Plaza is com-

date of August 1, 2018. Don't miss your chance to live in Missoula's

plete, the business will be temporarily located inside Southgate

most attractive "rent by choice" option!

10

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2017

2 017 G M C S I E R R A 15 0 0 IN STOCK NOW

3115 W e s t B r o a d w a y S t r e e t , M i s s o u l a , M T 5 9 8 0 8

( 4 0 6 ) 7 21 - 4 0 0 0

|

www.demaroismotors.com

Here for generations.

Standing still is not an option.

Tools, traditions and techniques. When something works, you pass it along. Like our Totally Free Checking account including a free VisaŽ Debit Card. We’re here to help you and your family build financial momentum.

Whatever it takes to smooth your ride. fsbmsla.com

Here for life.

DIVISION OF GLACIER BANK

December 2017 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

11

Local Limelight

MISSOULIANS IN

Malawi GIRLS WITH A VISION ON A MISSION ARTICLE GILLIAN KESSLER | PHOTOGRAPHY KATRINA JOHNSON OF AMPLIFY FILM GROUP AND GILLIAN KESSLER

12

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2017

” A

fter a jet-lagged and harried few days, the first day of camp was upon us. We were

situated at the base of the gorgeous Mount Mulanje, using the campus of the local primary

We were a circle of acceptance, creativity, risk, and the glorious joy that is the present moment.

”

school. We spread our classes across classrooms and patches of red earth, our music and poems spilling through the open windows. The village children flooded doorways with their chatter and excitement, and one of us was always outside with them, teaching them the basics of duckduck-goose or how to do a simple pirouette.

Heather Adams, director of the Downtown Dance Collective, Katrina Johnson, owner of Amplify Film Group, and I, a middle school English teacher at the Missoula International School, traveled to Mulanje Village, Malawi, Africa, to inspire girls to express themselves through words and dance.

Each day was a rush of color and energy, spontaneity and chaos, and, of course, absolute joy. The

Gillian Kessler, Heather Adams, and Katrina Johnson

girls and elders and children would greet our van with songs and dances and our days began with the delightful revere and rhythm that is Malawi.

As the days progressed, the opening circles grew longer, the hugs deeper, and the high fives, laughter, inside jokes, and hand clapping louder. We were a circle of acceptance, creativity, risk, and the glorious joy that is the present moment. The happy tears were abundant. Each class session was replete with new surprises of language, creative musings, and our collective limits.

Sometimes you walk into a situation without any idea of what will be. That sort of blind and open-hearted abandon permeated this trip. By the end of the week, the girls had mastered and memorized poems that they had crafted. They had learned how to execute balletic lifts, tossing each other with their ridiculously strong limbs. They were singing harmonies, drawing self-portraits, and belting out chants of empowerment: "We are girls with a vision, Oh yes, we are on a mission!"

Make It Happen The Downtown Dance Collective is in the process of setting up an artist exchange to make a trip like this an annual one, with efforts helping to diminish the extreme poverty in this area and to help these young adults, likely orphaned or from poverty-stricken families, develop a sense of self-worth and allow them the ability to grow academically.

To donate or find out ways in which you can help, visit DDCMontana.com.

December 2017 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

13

M O N TA NA AC U PU NC T U RE & H E RBA L M E D I C I N E montana-acupuncture.com

Model Open Wed-Fri 9am-4pm 4116 B Concord Drive

“Doug gave me my life back. I am seeing the world through whole new eyes. I am a better Mom, a happier wife and I look forward to each and every day ahead of me because I know I am in a great place. And no matter what is put in front of me now, I am able to handle it.”

S PEC I A L IZI NG I N D I F F I C U LT C A S ES

Easy Living, Step-Free Townhomes Brand new townhomes, built with high quality and attention to detail with a comprehensive HOA that removes the stress and hassle of maintenance and upkeep. With three floor plans to choose from, these beautiful homes are sure to fit your Montana lifestyle.

Services include, but not limited to: Migraines • Infertility Chronic Pain/Arthritis • Digestive Issues PMS/Irregular Periods/Menopause

M EN T I O N T HIS AD AND RECEI V E 30% O FF YOUR FIR S T V ISI T

406.541.2399

DOU G L A S K WOM ACK

Loren Mostad 406.546.2827

L .AC ., D.O.M, M.M.Q.

E X T EN DED I N T ERN S H I P I N CHINA

320-A Expressway Missoula, MT 59808 14

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2017

ValleyViewMissoula.com

Drive with Confidence.

Toyota Safety Sense™ P

This comprehensive suite of safety features comes standard and includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) and more.

in a safe, capable and comfortable Tundra from your local Montana Toyota Dealer.

Includes the following features: • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control • Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection • Automatic High Beams

Every new Toyota comes with

For more information on Toyota Safety Sense, call 1-888-21-TOYOTA December 2017 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

15

e r u t c i P This

Giving Back

HELP-PORTRAIT PAYS IT FORWARD

16

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2017

ARTICLE CHELSEA LYN AGRO | PHOTOGRAPHY PAMELA DUNN-PARRISH

he maze of rooms within the Rocky

T

Missoula. “I reached out to different educa-

Mountain School of Photography is

tors around town and different nonprofits.

hurried with footsteps. There is a woman

I just let them know it was happening and

holding a brush to another woman’s face, her

each year more and more people reach out

eyelashes fanning up toward the ceiling. A

to see if it’s happening again.”

few steps away is a man adjusting his tie, his

Like the spread of most good things in

wife cooing to a sleeping baby dressed in a

our community, word of mouth has been the

Christmas outfit. Flashes of light come from

most powerful form of getting the word out

another room, where all faces are smiling at

to those who could benefit from this day of

each other or a camera.

giving. It’s also a lot like the way Help-Portrait

This day is the same in hundreds of cit-

began, globally. Jeremy Coward and Kyle

ies, known as Help-Portrait Day—a global

Chowning offered their talents at no charge

movement of photographers, hairstylists,

as a way of giving back. Since then, there

and makeup artists using their time, tools,

have been more than 3,000 events in almost

and expertise to give back to those in

70 countries worldwide.

need. While it’s the perfect opportunity for

“We say we like to give back whenever pos-

families who may not have access to pro-

sible, and I think that there [are] ways to do that

fessional portraits, or someone looking to

with photography,” said Brandon McMahon, a

climb the ladder with a professional photo,

RMSP graduate. “It’s really nice, especially now

it’s also a day of humbling for service pro-

with so much work being digital, to send some-

viders, a chance to put aside their market-

one home with a printed photo.”

ing for a portfolio, website, or sale and give the gift of their talents.

On the way back to the front doors, there is a line of men, women, and children—brothers

“Everyone who’s involved benefits in

and sisters toying with one another's clothes

some way. It’s just a really unique thing,

or hair. On the wall are readied photographs,

how it touches people’s lives,” said Johanna

each one stark with humanity—laughing,

Bouma, the Help-Portrait coordinator for

kissing, wrapped in warm embrace.

H

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA

elp-Portrait Missoula will take place on Saturday, December 2. For more infor-

mation, email Johanna Bouma at Johanna@ JohannaBPhotography.com. To learn more about Help-Portrait worldwide and the ways in which you can help, visit Help-Portrait.com.

December 2017 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

17

Light It Up M i s s o u l a c o u p l e u s e s h u n d r e d s o f d e c o r at i o n s to ring in Christmas

ARTICLE SHELBY HUMPHREYS | PHOTOGRAPHY PAMELA DUNN-PARRISH AND SHELBY HUMPHREYS

I

t's Christmas Day and the neighborhood where Marv Horne lives is frozen deep within winter's quiet. Only the occasional crack of river

ice popping under the morning sun can be heard. Neighbors stay cozy inside to celebrate, but Marv balances atop his chilled ladder, trying to stay clear of pesky pine needles.

While he fiddles with a blinking red bulb, Marv hears, "Hey, Mr. Edison!" A next door neighbor's daughter calls from across the fence.

Marv glances over his shoulder, screwing in another bulb, this one green. She continues to chide.

"You nuts? You still putting stuff up on Christmas Day?" Marv chuckles, grabbing a branch to steady himself.

"That was in the early 1990s, before all these light tours,” explained Deb, Marv's wife of 38 years. "He had every pine tree on our acreage lit up. I could see them half a mile away when I'd come home at night."

Today, with the popularity of Christmas light tours, Marv and Deb's field of lit pines might not stand out, but they've still got most decorators beat. All you have to do is walk inside their home to witness festivity at its finest.

The variety of holiday globes hanging from their ceiling is enough to make even Santa feel like a kid at Christmas. Vintage ornaments, musical toys—almost every surface is dressed with holiday treasure, and it's natural to wonder, how many ornaments does this Missoula couple put up at Christmas?

"The first [decorations] came from my parents in Butte," said Deb. It's where she and Marv grew up, married, and also where collection began.

18

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2017

"When I was a kid, my dad worked all three shifts at the Berkeley

He pointed to a table lantern with half a dozen glass tulips sprout-

Pit. My mom worked the night shift as a nurse. We always had a

ing from its brass base. Marv pulls a flashlight from his jeans pocket

Christmas tree but not a lot of decorations. When [Marv and I] got

and points it at the lamp's red and green glow. "We make Christmas

married, I told myself, 'I’m going to have decorations,'" said Deb.

out of that light. Then, we change bulbs for Valentine's Day. Then,

When they moved to Missoula in 1985, Marv found work as the maintenance supervisor for Southgate Mall.

green for St. Patrick's Day after that."

So, how many ornaments does this Missoula couple put up just for

“I remember each year the whole crew—maintenance, house-

Christmas? Marv clicked off the flashlight, hooked his thumbs in his

keeping, office clerks, and all of their spouses—got together to put

belt, and scanned the room for a quick inventory. "Right now, I bet we

up that 35-foot tree overnight,” said Marv. He was in charge of mall

have four or five hundred. I don't know, maybe even seven or eight

decorations, inside and out, for 17 years. It seems, after all, Deb

[hundred]. I'm going need another shed if we keep going."

had the right husband to make her decoration dreams come true.

"He puts up the lights, I do the ornaments," said Deb. She pointed out a dozen tiny wax Santas. She strolled around her living room, stopping at carefully constructed scenes to reminisce on each ornament's origin. There were donations from friends, addons from relatives, and bargains that were found at post-Christmas sales. Her voice softened when she spotted treasures close to her heart. "These vintage bulbs are from my mom. They're old, from the 1950s. To me, [they're] keepsakes."

Marv estimates 380 pieces on the ceiling alone. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, they unbox, set out, and pin up pieces from 25 storage tubs.

"I finally got a nut driver," said Marv. "My thumbs got so sore from pushing pins in the ceiling." Taking down is less painful and a bit faster. Still, each bauble must be repacked in its original box. After the holidays, all those tubs get stacked in the Christmas shed.

"The way he packs things, everything fits just right. I call him Mr. Mayflower," said Deb. Their banter, like their decorations, displays all the age, comfort, and sentimentality that a lifelong marriage collects.

The Hornes have no plans to slow down. "We've given a bunch away, but I still go to the stores after Christmas," Marv admitted, shaking his head. "I'm in the aisle, and I see something I like, and I think, where am I going to put it? I know one thing, for sure, I’m not replacing that lamp. I love that lamp."

December 2017 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

19

Drive with Confidence.

Toyota Safety Sense™ P

This comprehensive suite of safety features comes standard and includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) and more.

in a safe, capable and comfortable Tundra from your local Montana Toyota Dealer.

Every new Toyota comes with

For more information on Toyota Safety Sense, call 1-888-21-TOYOTA

20

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2017

Includes the following features: • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control • Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection • Automatic High Beams

HEALTHY STARTS TOGETHER

Partnering For A Healthier Missoula

Huber Family Insurance

Home, Auto and Life Insurance Brandon Huber, 406-728-2700 1739 South Ave. W Missoula

agents.allstate.com/brandon-huber-missoula-mt.html December 2017 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

21

Y

Our Town

Missoula's OUR YMCA SHOWS THAT 50 YEARS OF COMMUNITY CAN BE DONE

Pat Dodson , the

W

Missoula Y's first

CEO

ARTICLE MARIAH ORE | PHOTOGRAPHY YMCA MISSOULA STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS OVER THE YEARS

e’re a community who values interacting with one another,

and with frequently freezing pipes, their bathroom facilities were

sharing great conversation over a local brew, and supporting

often out of commission.

each other in our various endeavors. It’s no surprise that once we love

“You had to learn time management real fast,” said Pat, who spent

something, we can expect that thing to defy naysayers and stay in

the next eight years working seven days a week from that building,

motion forever, like the YMCA celebrating 50 years of business.

alongside the sparse support staff he could afford to hire to help run

The Missoula branch of the YMCA was founded back in 1967.

extensive programs for both kids and adults.

Initially, its board sought out an experienced executive director whom

In the beginning, Pat recalled, it was “hand-to-mouth.” Each month,

they brought in from Seattle to lead its formation. After several years,

the fledgling operations team barely made payroll by collecting

the donation-run programs weren’t seeing enough traction to become

unwanted goods from local businesses and holding auctions, driving

viable in the long term. In 1970, the director and board were ready to

down the alleys of downtown to collect each store’s donations. Every

say that it couldn’t be done. That’s when Pat Dodson stepped in.

month, the board would also go through a list of expenses and pick

Pat was an assistant track coach in his early 30s who had finished

and choose which ones they were able to pay. Pat and his staff took

his degree at the University of Montana a few years before. A farm kid

on as much of the operational tasks as they could—from fundrais-

raised in the Hi-line town of Shelby, Pat was used to honest work—

ing and programming to cleaning up after events—and volunteers

and used to people telling him “no.” So, when he heard the words

stepped in to carry the rest of the weight.

“It can’t be done” with regard to the Missoula YMCA, he thought:

Today, Pat looks back on those early days with amazement.

Let’s give it a shot. He volunteered to take on the executive director

“If you’d have told me back then that we’d be sitting here now, cel-

position and do his best to bring community recreation to Missoula.

ebrating the 50th anniversary, I wouldn’t have believed you,” he said,

It wasn’t an easy task. Located on the same plot of land where

chuckling. “The people who believed in the Y and in the community

the current (and much larger) YMCA building stands, the original

were the ones who made it happen.”

building was little more than a shack standing in the middle of

Staff members through the years like Alba Boboth, Sue Monk, and

an open field. There was little space, no real workout equipment,

Daurine Spritzer put in hours on nights and weekends with a genuine

22

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2017

labor of love for the work of building a community space. People like Bill Mytty, Beth Woody, Kelli Hess, Harold Morgenstern, Joe Taylor, Jud Heathcote, Bill Bouchee, Dennis Lind, Kathy Ogren, Thomas Boone, Tom Roy, Penny Cofrin, and countless others pitched in where they could, helping to coach teams, organize, fundraise, and donate.

In the last 50 years, the Missoula Family YMCA has become much more than just a center for recreation. Today, they offer over 100 athletic and community programs in Missoula and surrounding areas, including spring and fall soccer, basketball, and swimming. In recent years, they’ve adapted to the times, adding sports like lacrosse and climbing.

One goal of the Y was always to bring members from different parts of the community together, as well as from different athletic abilities.

As Daurine, who has served as the administrative assistant for more than 30 years, puts it, “You don’t have to be the spandex queen to come to the Y.” She remembers a woman who became a member after suffering devastating injuries from a car accident. Although initially shy and standoffish, this woman was drawn out of her shell by the welcoming environment and eventually participated in as many activities as she could.

The demographic most affected by the community’s financial support provided to the YMCA each year is our is youth. Through its many pro-

Brian Steffen, the Y's current CEO, is proud of the legacy of those

grams, the Y provides an excellent resource to those families in need of

who came before: "The history of the Missoula Y is one of determina-

child care or a space for their kids to learn healthy habits. Just last year,

tion, generosity, and collective effort. I’m grateful today for the effort that

40 out of 134 kids in the YMCA preschool received financial assistance.

others put forward during long-remembered yesterdays. The Missoula

Many children also received subsidized meals, which are certified under

community has changed significantly in 50 years, and the Y has

federal programs to meet health regulations.

evolved with it. The Y is engaged in a fight against isolation, depression,

According to Pat, who retired in 2006, keeping these programs open to kids, who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to participate, has helped

disease, abuse, bullying, and obesity. We want you to be a part of the Y today, so that you can have as many tomorrows as possible."

single parents do things like return to school, or work to provide more sta-

It is true, our YMCA facility is a labor of love—hard-won. After half

bility for their families and overcome their circumstances on many occa-

a century, the same generosity and helping hands and minds of this

sions. But at the very least, community kids have access to a supportive,

community that transformed a dream into a reality continue to show

safe, and fun environment—as well as the nutrition they need to grow.

that it can be done and is being done.

December 2017 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

23

Dental Implants Help You Feel Better, Look Better & Live Better.

Wireless Internet • TV • Phone

Missoula, We’ve Got You Covered!

We literally go the extra miles the other guys don’t.

Enjoy an active lifestyle without the frustrations of ill fitting dentures, eat a varied diet with no restrictions.

Oral Surgical Associates Practice limited to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Missoula’s most trusted and established Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons.

A Dental Implant is the BEST option for missing teeth. Let our skilled OS discuss your perfect dental implant solution with you. Dental Implants provide a final result that is just like your natural teeth, while also preserving bone and facial structure and maintaining your appearance. Dental Implant surgery is best performed by an Oral Surgeon with specialized education and training.

Dr. Gene Morris, D.D.S., O.M.F.S. and Dr. Armando Gama, D.D.S., Diplomate.

• Plans start at just $29.95 per month • Tech support and customer service is right in town • Wireless internet, TV, and phone bundles available

(406) 728-6840 oralsurgicalassociates.com

1547 South Higgins Ave. | Missoula, MT 59801

24

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2017

Call 406.542.5643 to sign up today! speedconnect.com

e n Tu In!

For 24 / 7 access visit:

Financial Buzz

Charitable Giving Tips to gift is also to receive

26

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2017

ARTICLE PROVIDED BY RBC WEALTH MANAGEMENT AND GARY KIEMELE

A

s we near the end of 2017, you're

OTHER CHARITABLE-GIVING VEHICLES

surely considering Christmas wishes

There are many other charitable-giv-

and a big meal to prep, but you may also

ing tools and strategies you can pursue.

be thinking about your year-end charita-

Charitable trusts, for example, can be

ble giving. After all, charitable giving is a

established to help you accomplish long-

powerful financial tool. You can support

term philanthropic and tax management

a worthy cause of your choice, possibly

goals. Charitable trusts are irrevocable

lower your tax bill at the same time, and

trusts established to receive gifts of cash

end the year on a strong note. Here are a

or other property on behalf of a qualified

few things to consider as you get started:

charitable organization, and may be a practical means of providing income and/

LET YOUR GENEROSITY SHOW

or transferring assets.

If a charitable organization has 501(c)(3)

Or, donor-advised funds may be used

tax status, your gift can be tax-deductible.

by individuals who intend to give to char-

On the most basic level, a gift of cash can

ities over time and who want to maximize

earn you a tax deduction. For example, if

their current income tax deductions in the

you are in the 25 percent tax bracket and

process. Donor-advised funds can provide

you give $1,000 to a qualified charity, you

a means to help support worthy causes of

lower your tax liability by $250.

your choice while improving portfolio tax

Alternatively,

donating

appreciated

securities may offer a greater tax benefit.

If you give appreciated securities held for more than one year, you can deduct the

efficiency on an ongoing basis.

This article is provided by RBC Wealth Management on behalf of Gary Kiemele, a Financial Advisor at RBC Wealth Management, and may not be exclusive to this publication. The information in-

full fair market value, up to 30 percent of

cluded in this article is not intended to be used as the primary

your adjusted gross income. In addition

basis for making investment decisions. RBC Wealth Management

to the deduction you receive, neither you nor the qualifying charity will owe capital gains taxes on the donated investments.

does not endorse this organization or publication. Consult your investment professional for additional information and guidance.

RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC

Giving for the greater good Charitable contributions can be an excellent way to reduce your tax burden as well as share your wealth and success for the greater good. With some wise planning, charitable giving can be a powerful financial tool. Your generosity may have a greater impact than you might anticipate — creating some desirable tax advantages for you. Call today for a complimentary consultation.

Managing wealth with integrity and purpose Gary Kiemele Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor Consulting Group – Directors Council (406) 829-4611 | (866) 394-0672 www.garykiemele.com | gary.kiemele@rbc.com 125 Bank Street, Suite 700 | Missoula, MT 59802

Non-deposit investment products: • Not FDIC insured • Not bank guaranteed • May lose value © 2017 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. 17-NQ-067_Kiemele Holiday Charitable Giving Ad_7.083x3.15 c_FINAL.indd 1

10/19/17 3:05 PM

December 2017 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

27

Lifestyle Calendar

December DECEMBER 1

DECEMBER 4

TOUR OF TREES

VICTOR CHOCOLATE TASTING & SILENT AUCTION

FIRST INTERSTATE BANK

VICTOR HERITAGE MUSEUM

Light up your Christmas spirit by strolling through the Tour of

Take a scenic winter drive down the Bitterroot but don't forget your

Trees, one of several events scheduled for the Missoula Down-

sweet tooth! This annual event promises a plentiful display of home-

town Association’s Festival of Trees. All trees are created and dec-

made chocolates and treats sure to satisfy. There will be hot apple

orated by local artists and their sponsors to benefit the Missoula

cider, hot chocolate, a chocolate fountain, and a silent auction for home-

Downtown Foundation, Mountain Home Montana, and Missoula

made creations and gift certificates to our favorite places. You can even

Downtown Association. Visit MissoulaDowntown.com for the full

take a spin around the neighborhood by way of horse-drawn carriage.

schedule of events.

DECEMBER 3, 10 & 17

DECEMBER 7 DIY HOLIDAY WREATH CLASS

PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA

HOME RESOURCE EDUCATION ROOM

SOUTHGATE MALL, JCPENNY COURT

Need a little something to spice up your front door? Make it memo-

It's the most wonderful time of the year! That is, to make silly faces

rable and create a wreath under the instruction of Melissa Lafontaine

at our lovable pets on Santa's lap to get those ears perked. Leash up

from Earth Within Flowers. Participants will weave a custom wreath

and head over to Southgate Mall during these times: December 3

made with grape vines from Ten Spoon Winery and incorporate local

from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., December 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Decem-

flowers, foliage, and herbs. Registration cost includes materials: $40.

ber 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Save your spot at EarthWithin.com!

CONTINUED >

28

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2017

®

406-721-9359 www.signpromissoula.com

· Digital Printing · Vehicle Decals and Wraps · Window Graphics · Site Signs · · Parking Signs · Sandwich Boards · Banners · Dimensional Lettering · Trade Show Displays ·

PROUD SUPPORTER OF GRIZZLY ATHLETICS

Monteed Approv HOME FITNESS EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE 3611 Brooks St • 406-215-1388 • betterbodymontana.com

online!

V I SI T US

WHAT ’S ON OUR WEBSITE? • • • •

Past Issues Current Articles Business Directory Contest Registration

VISIT US AT MissoulaValleyLifestyle.com December 2017 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

29

Lifestyle Calendar

(CON TI N U ED)

DECEMBER 8

DECEMBER 16

TUBACHRISTMAS!

KIDS FREE SHOPPING DAY

SOUTHGATE MALL

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH

In its 28th year, TubaChristmas! Missoula brings together tubas and

Come join the folks of 406 Market in creating a fun shopping experi-

euphoniums for a performance of holiday favorites. Come listen to the

ence for the kids! It'll be a day of treats and friends as your little ones

fun! Visit TubaChristmas.com for more.

shop for the perfect gift to give to you. Children will be allowed one present per parent. Volunteers will help out in selection and wrapping

DECEMBER 10

if needed. All materials are supplied!

HOLIDAY MADE FAIR UM ADAMS CENTER

DECEMBER 17-18

Stop by this artist and handcrafted market featuring local and region-

FIRST ANNUAL WESTERN MONTANA WINTER FAIR

al artists to get something for everyone on your list! There will be over

MISSOULA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

200 booths stocked with crafty gifts. This event includes free entry,

This new event has free admission, offers fun for the whole family, and

free parking, and plenty of room to shop till you drop!

celebrates the values of peace and giving. The fair brings together existing traditions and new activities such as carriage rides, caroling, ice sports

DECEMBER 12

demostrations, and more. Visit MissoulaFairgrounds.com for more.

WINE BY DESIGN MISSOULA ART MUSEUM

DECEMBER 31

Ever wonder how a wine got its label? Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres

RCKN IT WEEKEND ADVENTURE

and a carefully selected assortment of wines with labels as vi-

LOLO PASS VISITOR CENTER

brantly designed as their bouquet. Sommelier Kevin O’Neill and

RCKN It is happy to connect people who want to hike with volunteers

MAM Senior Curator Brandon Reintjes will discuss contempo-

that lead local hikes. Join them in closing out this year wearing your

rary art labels and the wines that wear them. RSVP by email-

cross country skis or snowshoes. Find them on Facebook and sign up to

ing Cassidy@MissoulaArtMuseum.org or call 406.728.0447.

receive emails with details for all upcoming events including this one.

MissoulaValleyLifestyle_quarterpage.pdf 1 9/26/2017 11:57:22 AM

201718 SEASON www.RodsnDogs.com Keeping Your Two Best Friends Squeaky Clean!

CAR & PET WASH

C

NOV 30-DEC 17, 2017

JAN 18-28, 2018

MAR 8-18, 2018

APR 26-29 & MAY 2-13, 2018

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Vehicles, Pet Wash, Gift Cards 4620 Expressway, Missoula, Mt. 59808 (406) 541-9274 rodsndogs.com 30

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2017

For Tickets and Event Times Visit:

MCTinc.org

GET MORE ENJOYMENT, FROM THE ACTIVITIES YOU LOVE BALANCE, COORDINATION, AND MUSCLE IMPROVEMENT BY THE BALANCE EXPERTS. COME VIEW OUR INDUSTRY-LEADING FACILITY AND EQUIPMENT TODAY

406.543.7860 | WWW.ELEMENTPT.COM

December 2017 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

31

business directory AD AGENCY E2 Media (509) 444-8889

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY Open Lens by Pamela (406) 370-2704 openlensbypamela.com

AUTOMOTIVE

Lithia Toyota of Missoula (406) 532-1300 lithiatoyotamissoula.com

Rods N Dogs Carwash (406) 541-9274 rodsndogs.com

BANKING

First Security Bank (406) 329-1927 fsbmsla.com

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION MCT Inc. (406) 728-7529 mctinc.org

Missoula Family YMCA (406) 721-9622 ymcamissoula.org

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING

RBC Wealth Management Gary Kiemele (406) 728-0035 garykiemele.com

32

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Better Body Fitness of Montana (406) 215-1388 betterbodymontana.com

Montana Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine (406) 541-2399 montana-acupuncture.com

PEAK Health & Wellness (406) 251-3344 peakmissoula.com

The Wellness Institute of Montana - Aleph PC (406) 532-2029 wellnessmt.com

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

Boyce Lumber & Design Center (406) 728-7100 boycelumber.com

Mostad Construction Inc. (406) 542-0200 mostadconstruction.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS Acoustic Vision (406) 543-0030 theacousticvision.com

Real Deals on Home Decor & Boutique (406) 830-3059 realdeals.net

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2017

HOME SERVICES SpeedConnect Wireless High Speed Internet (406) 241-2901 speedconnect.com

INSURANCE

Allstate - Huber Family Insurance (406) 728-2700 agents.allstate.com/brandonhuber-missoula-mt.html

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

LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE DeMarois GMC, Mercedes-Benz (406) 721-4000

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES Element Physical Therapy (406) 543-0550 elementpt.com

Missoula Bone & Joint & Surgery Center (406) 721-4436 missoulaboneandjoint.com

Northwest Plastic Surgery Assoc.

(406) 728-3811 nwpsa.com

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

OTHER

Missoula Community Access Television (MCAT) (406) 542-6228 mcat.org

Sign Pro Missoua (406) 721-9359 signpromissoula.com

REAL ESTATE

Diane Beck Windermere Real Estate (406) 532-7927 move2missoula.com

Pure West Christies Real Estate (406) 541-4000 purewestrealestate.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Grizzly Liquor (406) 549-7723 grizzlyliquor.com

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

Mustard Seed (406) 542-7333 mustardseedweb.com

Paradise Falls (406) 728-3228 paradisefallsmissoula.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS Craigs Mart (406) 926-1100 craigs-mart.com

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH • SANDWICHES • BURGERS

Locally Owned & Operated for Over 20 Years

Let us host your holiday party!

Accommodations available for 80 people

Gift cards make great stocking stuffers Join us at 3621 Brooks Street • 406.728.3228 • Visit us on Facebook to see our current specials, menu, and events!

Office: 721-4436 Toll Free: 1-866-721-4436 Urgent Care: 829-5591 Surgery Center: 542-9695 Physical Therapy: 542-4702 2360 Mullan Road, Missoula

MissoulaBoneAndJoint.com Orthopedic Urgent Care Hours: Mon-Thu: 8:30-7:00pm, Fri: 8:30-5:00pm Sat: 9:00-2:00pm

Our Specialties • Elbow, Hand, and Wrist • General Orthopedics • Sports Injuries • Work-Related Injuries

• Total Joint Replacement • Spine • Foot and Ankle

Our Services • Outpatient Surgery Center • Orthopedic Urgent Care Clinic • MRI • Physical Therapy • Digital X-Ray • Durable Medical Equipment

• Bone Health Clinic • DXA Bone Density Scan • Body Comp Scan • Wellness Program • Athletic Training Program • Community Outreach Program

Qualit y care from people who care .

December 2017 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

33

Parting Thoughts

Helping Each Other Up ARTICLE NICHOLAS LITTMAN

O

n the first day, we were asked why we were there: What was it

I notice people giving in small ways on a daily basis: the young woman

that made us want to give our time to helping this refugee family?

stopping her car to wave a child and mother across the street, the grey-

This is always a hard question for me.

haired man in front of me genuinely asking the young man at the check

I said something about wanting the family to feel welcome in a new

out stand how his day was and listening intently to his response.

place, about wanting to help others in a time of need. It felt like the

These authentic exchanges don’t just buoy the mood of the person

response I should give, but afterward I found myself asking, “Why?”

being acknowledged or even the person doing the acknowledging.

Do I give back out of a sense of obligation? Or self-fulfillment? Or is

They help whoever is observing the moment as well. When I watch

my giving tied to a deeper cord within our humanity, one that knows

these exchanges, it reminds me how naturally altruism comes to

that by helping each other, we do our part to lift the world up and

us. Even when we have very little ourselves, we extend our hand. A

enhance our capacity as humans to be compassionate?

recent personal experience reminded me of this:

It is evident that we are moved to help each other. The recent

I was out teaching a member of a refugee family to drive. We were

responses to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria have made this

on Broadway near Murdoch’s, and I asked him if we could stop so I

abundantly clear. Strangers help strangers in times of need. Strangers

could buy some fake, ceramic eggs to encourage my chickens to lay.

no longer become strangers in times of need; they become humans

He came into the store with me and as I checked out, he insisted on

with hearts and hands, with sufferings and joys and needs and desires.

paying. When I protested, knowing that he came here with no money

With a natural disaster that’s close at hand, the need for help is so

and was working as hard as he could to earn a living for his family, he

overwhelming and obvious that people drop what they are doing—

said, “No, it’s all the same.”

their everyday concerns and cares—and meet the current need:

It’s all the same. Yes. I give to him; he gives to me. Our generosity fills

They rescue people from the flood, they give them shelter when

each other’s bowls of gratitude. At some point, the bowls fill to the brim and

they have lost their home, they provide food when they are hungry.

there is enough gratitude to express generosity toward someone else. And

But, where does this giving manifest in our community when we are

so, the generosity spreads and through small, daily acts we bring each

not presented with disaster?

other up. And together, we expand the capacity for kindness in the world.

34

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2017

DECEMBER IS THE NEW JANUARY Don’t put your goals on hold

JOIN FOR FREE WITH A TOY DONATION ($25 VALUE) Or $49 Joining Fee with Free Family Add-Ons *See club for complete details; excludes tennis memberships. Offer expires December 31, 2017.

Check Out The Free Weekly Classes & Holiday Offers at peakmissoula.com Blue Mountain I Racquet Club I Downtown

406 552-0980 or peakmissoula.com

Bringing your inner beauty to the surface.

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

I would recommend Dr. Hardy to anyone. He’s a caring surgeon who will make sure that you feel comfortable and he’ll do whatever it takes to treat your problem. I could travel thousands of miles and would not find anybody who can do it better that he could.

- Sydney, diagnosed with Melanoma Skin Cancer

Nowoffering NeoGraft

®

and CoolSculpt

®

Call today for special introductory pricing!

NORTHWEST PLASTIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES SPECIALIZES IN ALL ASPECTS OF COSMETIC, PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

One of Montana’s most highly trained, well-respected and ethical practices with a high personal standard of excellence and expertise.

Call for a consultation or visit our website today.

406-728-3811 | nwpsa.com | 2802 Great Northern Loop, Missoula, MT 59808