Missoula Valley, MT September 2023

Always in Style

SHOPPING

STYLED FOR MISSOULIANS

ARTS + CULTURE

SISTER CITIES: MISSOULA & NECKARGEMUND

LIFE + CULTURE

A BRANDED LIFESTYLE

With Taylor Swift's Eras Tour sweeping the country, I recall her track, "Style," released in 2014. It evokes this feeling of being who you are in the clothes you wear, but also backroads and driveways. How they're there for us to sneak down in our youth in pursuit of freedom or new love, or heck, even true love. The scene of two people expressing who they are and letting any landscape fold around them, like petals closing in for the night, is a timeless one—a scene that never goes out of style.

Relationships also have staying power. If you don't know about our longstanding friendship with Neckargemund, Germany, you'll enjoy learning about the many ways we hold hands with our sister city, on page 30. It has become our style to not only forge but keep the path of friendship a well trodden one.

These pages also embrace the aesthetic of style through local options for clothing, jewelry, accessories, home decor, lighting, and also services and products. As a community, stitched together with newcomers and generational Montanans, we create a patchwork of our passions and hope. When we gift someone a blanket for their baby, or a self-care service, we hope they like it. We hope it adds something to their day or life that brings just a bit more joy or happiness their way. That's my hope for this issue this month. I hope by reading what our community is up to, you'll feel a sense of comfort.

Speaking of comfort, I bought a new denim jacket a few months ago. It has sparkly thread woven into the sleeves and there is a pattern of suede on the back and front. It's something I would've scoffed at as a young girl. My dad would've shown it to me and hinted that he'd buy it for me, and I'd politely avoid the gesture and look for something more mainstream. But when I wrapped it around my shoulders, I felt warm with memories. And I bought it. If something feels right, here's your encouragement to pursue it. Stay timeless, Missoula.

CHELSEA LYN AGRO, EDITOR @MVLMAGAZINE

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Mike Tucker | MTucker@CityLifestyle.com

EDITOR

Chelsea Lyn Agro | Chelsea.Agro@CityLifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Erika Fredrickson

Erika.Fredrickson@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Marla Huggins | Marla.Huggins@CityLifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Jace DeWalt | Jace.Dewalt@CityLifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Erika Spaulding | InspiredByMontana@Gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chelsea Lyn Agro, Shelby Humphreys, Jill MH Taber

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Chelsea Lyn Agro, Chelsea Culp Photography, Jonathan Qualben Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

'Cause we never go out of

Left to right: Julie Passuccio, CWP, FPQP®, Senior Registered Associate; Frank D’Angelo, CFP®, CWS®, Senior Vice President,

Advisor, Branch Manager; Cynthia Fritch, CFP®, CPFA, CWS®, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor; Laurel Saravalli, CWP, FPQP®, Senior Registered Associate.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Partners Hope Foundation had a groundbreaking of the center for hospice and end-of-life care. 2: The center will be the only regional facility providing dedicated 24-hour hospice care to patients and families in Western Montana.

Photography by Chelsea Lyn Agro

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Dragons Love Tacos

On Sunday, September 24, at 3 p.m., get a ticket to the MCT Center for the Performing Arts to see Dragons Love Tacos. It's a rainy day and Boy is sick of doing math homework. He and his faithful dog Leroy sit down to watch TV and as they click through the channels, they come across a show about dragons, which teaches them a remarkable secret: dragons LOVE tacos! See what magic unfolds for $10 a ticket.

Marsh Performance Horses 2023 Summer Barrel Racing Series

Swing by the Missoula Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 9, for the final barrel race of the season! Youth, seniors, and every rider in between will take a turn to burn around the barrels. Visit the fairgrounds for upcoming start time.

5th Annual Climate & Clean Energy Expo

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, head over to Caras Park for Missoula's annual Climate and Clean Energy Expo. Be in the know when it comes to climate solutions, clean energy, and sustainability. This event is family-friendly!

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

Michael Tucker

A Single Moment In Time, are large canvas photos of local landscapes, and views from the summits of Mountains in Montana and surrounding states through the eyes of Michael Tucker. These photos have been taken with an inspirational view in time, looking down from the summits, or taken at just a moment in time that will never be duplicated.

Find these beautiful large canvas photos that will add inspiration to any wall in your home or office.

Go to www.asinglemomentintime.net 406.544.8333

ARTICLE BY SHELBY HUMPHREYS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA LYN AGRO

One Eleven’s story began in 2010 when Paige Livingston decided to buy the shop, which she managed at the time. When the business came up for sale, she asked her mom, “Would you buy me a job?” Alison replied, “Would you buy me one, too?” Thus, the mother-daughter team of Alison and Paige went to work updating the space with their fresh, new vision of a jewelry, clothing, and gift boutique.

At One Eleven, it’s easy to see why shoppers become customers and customers become friends. Paige and Alison’s relaxed demeanor makes shopping a pleasant respite. “We meet such nice people. We can sit down and jaw forever. Even travelers from out-of-state pop in each summer to catch up,” said Alison.

The furniture has a role to play, as well. Longtime Missoulians may recognize the bodacious loveseat with its skirt of

black fringe. Then, there’s The Chair—a simple, dining room-style design upholstered in the fuzzy comfort of turmeric velvet. Since taking up a spot near the checkout area, the chair has become like a third member of the staff and rarely sits empty. “We have become friends with many people while they sat in that chair,” said Alison. For Paige, it symbolizes the individual attention so important to their success. “Personal interaction is a huge deal,” she said. “We want to create not just a fun and beautiful place, but a welcoming space as well.”

With a classy-yet-unpretentious flare, One Eleven feels like an extension of Missoula’s diverse community. The wide selection of merchandise accommodates a variety of tastes; from posh clothing ensembles to eye-catching jewelry to cozy candles and cushions. Paige credits their

customers for the ongoing array of interesting items. “Our customers are the ones who shape the inventory. We buy for them and the store is full of what they love,” said Paige. One item they always keep in stock is their “sparkles.” These earrings and necklaces are bejeweled with Austrian crystals from Berlin and shine in a rainbow of colors, attracting adults and kids alike. “I remember this one time,” said Alison. “A young girl popped in. She was all rough and tumble in her soccer get up, knee pads and all, but she was rockin’ her sparkles!” Paige said. “It’s so funny. We can move that display somewhere else and, no matter where it is, customers still gravitate towards the sparkles right away.” Another popular draw are bracelets and earrings by local silversmith Jessica Mahoney of Oro y Plata Metalworks. “She has quite a following. Her stuff sells out right away. We have to

be quick to keep it in stock,” Alison said. In addition to jewelry, One Eleven stocks pillows and rugs from Chandler 4 Corners. Made in the USA with hooked wool covers, they come in fun designs, from cozy cabin to garden whimsy. Customers have become such big fans of the brand that One Eleven is now one of the company’s top retailers. “Every time we get a new shipment in, we blow through them,” said Alison. Then, there’s a large selection of gifts throughout the shop. “People are always looking for something to gift,” said Paige. “Our birthstone rings are really popular with moms. They make great gifts and I love them because I believe moms should be celebrated more,” she said. Other gift items include rings and necklaces stamped with a flower of the month and jars full of sugar scrubs that are wrapped like candies.

Whether shopping for a gift or treating yourself to a fun shopping trip, there’s a treasure trove at 111 N Higgins. Paige and Alison are ready to help you find that perfect something. For Alison, success means one simple thing: “When shoppers come in hoping to find something and we have it, we know we’ve done our job.”

LOCAL AS THEY COME

Paige and Alison Livingston share strong ties to Missoula. Paige graduated from

Sentinel High School. Alison retired several years ago from her job in the library at Big Sky High School. For this mother-daughter duo, owning a business has been a lifelong dream. “There are many entrepreneurs in our family. It’s something we grew up with,” explained Alison. Her favorite thing about owning One Eleven is the opportunity to pamper a customer. “I love it when a woman comes in looking for a dress and maybe she hasn’t bought a dress in years but she needs one for a wedding or graduation. I like to make it an easy, casual time. We’re pulling sizes together and she’s trying on all sorts of styles. Then, something clicks. She finds that piece she loves and walks out feeling pretty.”

With a keen eye for merchandising, Paige strives to bring in unexpected items that stand out. “Most buying shows are filled with the same kinds of things year after year. It can be difficult to find something new. When I do find an original concept, though, a light bulb goes off. We’ll bring that special item into the shop—one we know that our customers want—and it’s really exciting.”

Watch for a trunk show this September for a chance to shop the latest that Paige and Alison have uncovered on their summer shopping trips.

"PERSONAL INTERACTION IS A HUGE DEAL. WE WANT TO CREATE NOT JUST A FUN AND BEAUTIFUL PLACE, BUT A WELCOMING SPACE AS WELL.”

- PAIGE LIVINGSTON

A Different Kind of Hearing Care

Tanner Diggs, DDS Kate Diggs, DDS

At Diggs Dental Care, we believe in treating our patients as family — with dignity, compassion, and respect. We take pride in helping our patients achieve healthy and happy smiles that can brighten the world. Call to schedule your personalized visit today.

USBC

is the choice to earn college scholarships so you can pursue your dreams! More than $6 million in annual scholarships are awarded to youth bowlers each season based on academic, leadership and on-lane performances.

TIMELESS & TRENDS

DREW MIHELISH OF WESTERN MONTANA LIGHTING OFFERS HER PERSPECTIVE ON STYLE

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA LYN AGRO PHOTOGRAPHY

C: Lighting can feel so overwhelming, especially with so many beautiful options. What is your #1 tip for someone looking to elevate their lighting situation in a specific room? Would your focus be on their particular style?

D: Your home should offer the best fit possible for your family’s lifestyle, and lighting plays a big role in that. We believe in letting your individual style shine and our staff is here to help guide you through these decisions while staying true to yourself and your budget.

C: I think it’s common to assume that there’s a “cheap” style and “rich” style, but that’s not true is it? Tell us about how your inventory covers budgets both small and large without jeopardizing style.

We agree. Our cost-effective collections don’t need to compromise on style or quality. We’ve taken time to carefully curate an assortment of all price ranges and styles without conceding quality. Whether you’re taking on a full remodel, just updating your bathroom or needing a new ceiling fan, our design consultants enjoy helping customers find the perfect fixture to fit any budget.

C: Is there anything trendy happening in lighting or decor right now?

D: Natural Tones : Incorporating natural elements into design including rattan, rough cut crystals, linen, etc. are on the rise. Warm finishes and white glass add a cozy, comforting layer to this emerging trend as well.

Statement Pieces : Using lighting as a design focal point; adding one unique statement piece can elevate any room and add visual interest.

Mood-Enhancing Lighting : Using layered lighting, from warm table lamps to dimmable pendants to candles. These can be used to establish a welcoming and calm space in any environment.

C: What can you offer the techy guru or high efficiency homeowner? We are definitely seeing an increased want and need for “smart” lighting designs. From motion-sensing lights to smart home devices (switches and outlets), more clients are looking for style, energy-efficient options. These user-friendly tech options can make the lighting schemes in your space feel more unique as well as being incredibly functional.

C: Drew, we’d love to know YOUR personal style! Tell us what type of lighting and decor sits well with your soul.

D: I truly do not have a specific style. I have a love for so many different architectural styles and designs. A dream of mine is to one day design homes all over, which would allow me to design various interiors and lighting concepts. It’s important to have the interior, exterior, and landscape of the home complement each other.

BY ERIKA SPAULDING

Left to right: Julie Passuccio, CWP, FPQP®, Senior Registered Associate; Frank D’Angelo, CFP®, CWS®, Senior Vice

Branch Manager; Cynthia Fritch, CFP®, CPFA, CWS®, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor; Laurel Saravalli, CWP,

SISTER CITIES: MISSOULA & NECKARGEMUND

ARTICLE BY JILL MH TABER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA SPAULDING & JONATHAN QUALBEN PHOTOGRAPHY

It’s a tale of two cities, rivers running through—a commitment to friendship, education, and commerce: Missoula, Montana and Neckargemund, Germany, sister cities. Thirty years ago, two professors, one from Missoula and one from Germany, participated in an exchange and as a result, noticed similarities between their two towns.

Germanfest adds to the vibrancy of our community

“They both said, ‘We are like twin cities,’” explained Udo Fluck of Arts Missoula.

In 1993, mayors of both cities signed a pledge of friendship, sparking a relationship that celebrates its 30th anniversary year. Also in that year, Arts Missoula launched Germanfest, a festival to honor German heritage—a celebration that Udo’s been a part of since its inception.

Udo, born and raised in Germany, came to Missoula in 1989 as a student at the University of Montana Journalism School. He’d planned to return to Germany, but Missoula captured his heart.

“I grew up skiing. I just fell in love with Missoula, for many reasons. Missoula is probably the most warm and welcoming place I’ve ever been,” Udo said. “If you can name a city that has more

to offer, more stunning scenery, a more lively and vibrant scene, I would like to know. Until I find that place, I’ll stay in Missoula, with pleasure.”

Udo continued his education in Missoula, earning his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees here, starting a family, and helping to launch Germanfest as a part of Missoula’s sister city relationship with Neckargemund.

Through his work at Arts Missoula, Udo coordinates aspects of Missoula’s sister city relationships, not only with Neckargemund, but with Missoula’s Kiwi kin in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

“Sister cities have a variety of benefits. Most obvious are the educational opportunities,” Udo explained, noting that nearly 500 students from Missoula and Neckargemund have participated in high school exchange programs. Students perfect language skills and gain an appreciation for culture and history.

“In general, exchanges are positive in nature: students increase self confidence; they become more worldly citizens,” Udo said.

Additionally, sister city relationships provide business, commerce, and tourism opportunities as well as professional exchanges and opportunities for city planners to learn strategies for tackling issues like housing, sustainability, and public transportation.

While some citizens know about Missoula’s connection to its sister cities, Udo said the relationships and the benefits thereof are enriched by the robust participation of residents of each city, thus one of the reasons for an event like Germanfest.

This year, Germanfest takes place on Saturday, October 7, at Caras Park.

“It’s an afternoon of German culture in high dosage,” Udo said. “If you need a shot of German culture, this is a good way to get it.”

Attendees can purchase authentic German beer steins, taste German beers and food, listen to German beer tent songs (and sing along) courtesy of OcTUBAfest, participate in family games and children’s activities, and learn about German culture.

Germanfest is perfectly suited for Missoula.

“I can’t tell you how many people walk up and say, ‘This is kind of nice. What is it, a beer fest?’” Udo said. “I explain that it’s Germanfest. We aren’t just gathering with an Oompah band because it’s the weekend. It’s a celebration of a relationship between two cities. And they say, ‘How cool.’ They walk in, get a beer and a brat and they’re happy.”

This year, 2023, marks 30 years of Germanfest and Missoula’s pledge of friendship with Neckargemund.

“The challenge for all organizations is when the founders move along: How do you pass the torch? How do we get the next generation equally as excited and involved?” Udo explained. “These things are driven by people.”

Udo participated Neckargemund’s 30th celebration this summer—an opportunity to commemorate not only a sisterhood, but to reinvigorate people’s involvement with the programs that stem out from a sister city relationship.

“The challenge for all organizations is when the founders move along: How do you pass the torch? How do we get the next generation equally as excited and involved?” Udo explained. “These things are driven by people.”

The good news, Udo said, is people are excited. While in Neckargemund, Udo spoke with students, parents, and community members excited to participate in student exchanges and cultural opportunities.

“They were interested, lively, and eager to learn more. It gave me such a warm and fuzzy feeling that this program has a future, because these young people and teachers will carry it on,” he said. “It’s obvious this relationship has stood the test of time.”

Missoula’s Germanfest will give Missoulians the opportunity to carry the torch and continue the tradition of friendship.

“Germanfest is really the closing of the circle. The original idea after World War II was to promote peace on a community level, not top-down, from politicians, but grown through a community of culture and diplomacy,” Udo said.

That friendship is sown through the involvement of people: a 100-percent volunteer-run Germanfest, families hosting exchange students, businesses offering German products—a true community-grown effort.

“By the very fact that you’re celebrating something that is not mainstream culture, you promote inclusivity and diversity. You have an opening of horizons. You welcome people into your culture and you have community building,” Udo said. “It’s vibrancy, underlined twice with a thick marker.”

STOP BY & ENJOY!

Germanfest, Saturday, October 7

For more information about this event, please visit ArtsMissoula.org

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA LYN AGRO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA CULP PHOTOGRAPHY

RANCH LIFE

Working cattle on horseback. It’s the style of the West, smelling of burnt hair and sweat. Metal is hot under calloused hands and our dirtied boots make small plumes of dust. The sun is relentless, as is the work. Everything needs to get done before dinnertime, when someone—a neighbor, grandmother, a son—will ring a bell and call everyone around a table for a feast. The horses will sport sweat stains on their backs and the salt, dried up in the aftermath, will last until someone grabs a stiff brush. If it’s broke, any old piece of baling twine will do. And if the horse ain’t broke, send him on a long drive over rough country with a good cowboy at the helm. Soft hands, supple mouth. A hat to shade your face. All of this, a portrait of our lifestyle.

Pictured: Grizzly Peak Cattle Company

THE little BLACK DRESS

Most of us can say we have that one staple black dress that can be worn at any occasion, and the classic look is not only popular but is elegant and timeless. It is one of the most versatile items we own, never goes out of style and looks good on anyone. But how did this classic look originate?

Prior to the 1920’s, black was reserved for funeral wear, but when Coco Channel made the bold move to print a short, black dress on the cover of Vogue in 1926, all of that changed. The popularity of the black dress skyrocketed, and it became one of the most influential pieces of clothing. Because of its affordability, black remained a popular choice during The Great Depression. The black dress had another boom in popularity when “Breakfast at Tiffany’s’’ debuted, and Audrey Hepburn showcased her iconic black dress with long, black gloves.

We enlisted the help of stylist, Amani Skalacki, to show us how versatile the little black dress can be. “We usually think of the little black dress as a piece you wear to an event. However, because black is so flattering on all body types and skin tones, women have multiple black dresses from casual to evening,” Amani says.

“A sequin dress can be dressed up with heels, or that same dress can be transformed into a casual outfit with the addition of tennis shoes and an oversized blazer or a denim jacket. Transform that strappy dress you have been wearing all summer into an outfit that is perfect for chilly fall temperatures. Add a narrow scarf, a leather jacket and sandals or a tall pointy boot, and you have a whole new look for an evening out,” Amani adds.

If you have a dress in the back of your closet that you haven’t worn in years, don’t be afraid to dust it off and give it new life.

Are you looking for the best cut or style of dress that works best for your body type?

HOURGLASS FIGURE:

• V-necklines

• Cinched-in waistlines

• Tailored/fitted dresses

PEAR OR TRIANGLE

FIGURE:

• Tailored dresses

• Off the shoulder

ATHLETIC FIGURE:

• Embellished

• Ruffles

• Empire waist

• Volume is your friend

APPLE FIGURE:

• Drop waist

• A-line

The dress that all body types can’t go wrong with is a wrap dress of any length.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

STYLIST: AMANI SKALACKI

Timeless Aging with Francienne Grantsaris

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA LYN AGRO PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA SPAULDING

Francienne Grantsaris has found her passion in providing products and services that better our overall health, inside and out. She offers many restorative practices, and also provides education on how to maintain balance and natural character through non-invasive therapies and consistent skin care regimens. Francienne recommends considering these two points of interest when exploring self care:

• Personalize medical practice to help those overcome chronic disease and optimize health.

• Evaluate lifestyle, hormone balance, and immune function to tailor an approach based on your body’s needs.

By looking deeper at advanced biomarkers such as gut health, key nutrients, and genetics this approach allows us to take care of individuals to live better, longer.

We focus on preventative and regenerative therapies to improve and maintain quality of life using bioidentical hormone therapies, peptides, IV ozone therapy to reduce inflammation, weight loss treatments, in collaboration with a functional medicine health coach, neurofeedback therapist, and/or personal trainings focusing on strength improvement and functional mobility. We also offer skin anti-aging therapies focusing on improving skin texture, integrity, and tightening using our radiofrequency microneedling, paired with our intense pulse light therapy, in addition to collagen biostimulators for a natural aging process.

Sustainability in Action

We’re committed to delivering responsible recycling and waste disposal with a workforce representing the communities where we live and work. We are your trusted provider.

RepublicServices.com/locations/Montana/ Missoula-trash-pickup-and-recycling