The gift of giving.
Christmastime is when I look back on the year and recount all the joy that was felt. Where were those times? Who did I share them with? I scroll through the gallery on my phone and relive short videos of pure happiness. These are my people and my places. What a blessing.
In October, my husband and I flew to the east coast to visit family and friends. Most of them we hadn't seen in nearly two years, and some just a few very long months. And then, just as our eyes meet and our bodies finally collide into a tight embrace, time evaporates! Things make us laugh until we need to catch our breath, children are jumping from alarming heights from swings and furniture, and our old restaurants still look the same even though we don't. Everything has changed and all the same, nothing has.
I was so lucky to have fallen into so many arms this October. My little boy, born this past spring, met nearly everyone, and my older son skimped on a full night's sleep almost every night just to squeeze a few more minutes out of every day. He jumps on his aunt's bed, roughhouses with the uncles, and cuddles up with his baby brother, stroking his blonde little peach fuzz head. It is such a gift to love like this. To give it and receive it.
I hope this issue brings you joy in some small way, whether it's inspiring you to find the perfect holiday hat, or designing the just-right snack board for upcoming guests, or maybe finally getting your aunt or parent to the hearing clinic for an appointment. Showing others that we care or doing something for ourselves is so important in our day-to-day living. If these pages bring you anything this month, I hope it's the reminder that giving is at the heart of this holiday season.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
CHELSEA LYN AGRO,
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Mike Tucker | MTucker@CityLifestyle.com
EDITOR
Chelsea Lyn Agro | Chelsea.Agro@CityLifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Marla Huggins | Marla.Huggins@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Jace DeWalt | Jace.Dewalt@CityLifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Amanda Tucker | Amanda.Tucker@CityLifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Rick Szczechowski | RrSzczechowski@Gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Chelsea Lyn Agro, Shelby Humphreys, Betty Venom
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
KettleHouse Brewing
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
Pickle Pie
inside the issue
Betty
Local
Longtime
Rick Szczechowski
business monthly
Resolution Run 5K
Runner's Edge and Run Wild Missoula are ringing in the New Year with the 2025 Resolution Run! It's the perfect time to register for your first steps of 2025. Simply visit Runsignup.com/Race/MT/Missoula/RattlesnakeResolutionRun This event takes place on January 1 at 10 a.m. at Pineview Park.
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A Christmas Story, The Musical
On Friday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Missoula Children's Theatre, A Christmas Story comes to life in musical form! Call the box office today for tickets: 406.728.7529.
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Ugly Sweater Party!
On Friday, December 20 at 6 p.m., wear your ugly holiday sweater to Cranky Sam Public House to celebrate national Ugly Sweater Day. Live music, a coloring contest, and festive libations are to be expected.
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Capturing the beauty of the local landscape through canvas prints has become a cherished passion for Michael Tucker, the photographer behind A Single Moment In Time. These vibrant, large-format canvases offer a means to experience the awe-inspiring landscapes of our community. For Michael, who has lost his vision to anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), these last photo’s taken with his sight preserve a tangible connection to the natural world outside our backdoor.
Through the lens of the camera, Michael has the power to share these fleeting, yet captivating moments with the world, inviting all who view the canvas prints to immerse themselves in the beauty of their local surroundings.
Your purchase of a beautiful A Single Moment In Time canvas will help support NAION research and others experiencing a new world of vision loss.
Go to www.asinglemomentintime.net | 406.544.8333
It Local, Keep It Fresh
“We
HATS O F F TO
THE HOLIDAYS!
BETTY V VINTAGE HAS A HAT FOR EVERY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE THIS SEASON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK SZCZECHOWSKI
Beret, pillbox, breton, boater, cartwheel. Our cold weather season lends more opportunity for hats of every variety to send you out your door in style. Betty V Vintage uses the Saw Mill District to parade under the string lights and model several hats and complimenting outerwear. Yesterday’s favorites can feel new and trendy for your next holiday festivity.
This page: Chelsi
a
Opposite: Rosie wears a 1960s Deborah mink pill box hat paired with a 1940s copper wool coat trimmed with two tone faux fur.
wears
1970s red fox fur hat paired with a 1970s white wool coat trimmed with Mongolian Lamb fur.
Betty wears a 1960s brown and black plaid wool beret paired with a 1940s red, green, and white wool coat and 1950s green wool U.S. Army trousers.
Stella wears a 1970s black and red boiled wool beret paired with a Collectif princess coat.
Stella wears a 1960s mink bucket hat paired with a 1960s green wool winter coat trimmed with mink.
Stella wears a 1990s Chicago Bulls hat paired with a matching Bulls jacket.
Rosie wears a 1980s Disneyland Star Tours Star Wars hat paired with a Montana made Pendleton colorful wool bomber coat and a simple black wiggle dress.
Betty wears a y2k Nine West black and brown striped faux fur newsboy hat paired with a 1970s navy blue wool double breasted coat with extra long lapels.
Left to right: Julie Passuccio,
Holiday Entertaining Boards
The holidays are here and entertaining is in full swing. If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to easily feed a crowd these simple and beautiful boards are sure to please.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board
• Fig Jelly
• Honey
• Variety of Cheeses
• Salami or meat of choice
• Olives (provide a variety)
• Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios and any favorite nut
• Grapes, berries, persimmon
• Crackers
Place the jars of sauces and olives on the board first. Next place the cheeses on opposing sides. Add meats and fruits next. Layer in crackers, nuts and seeds and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh Rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries. CONTINUED >
Sweet Treat Cocoa Board
• A variety of fresh berries or desired fruit
• Marshmallows
• Hot Cocoa Mix
• Chocolate Covered Pretzels
• Chocolate Covered Cherries
• Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers
• Chocolate Covered Biscotti
• Hot Cocoa Bomb
• Holiday Cookie Cutter
Place your favorite holiday cookie cutter on the board first. Fill the cookie cutter with mini marshmallows. Next, layer the large items first. Begin with the chocolate covered Biscotti and build around that using berries. Pile the berries high. Next add a variety of chocolate covered treats on opposite sides of each other between the mounds of berries. Be sure to add touches of berries around the edges. If space allows, place hot cocoa on board. Otherwise, set bowl full of hot cocoa mix and any additional hot cocoa fixings adjacent to the board.
The Pastry Board
• Donuts
• Cinnamon Rolls
• French Beignets
• Rosemary sprigs for garnish
Layer board with larger pastries first and layer in with smaller pastry next. Garnish board with holiday sprigs or fresh herbs.
KettleHouse Cares
Local brewing company puts non-profits in the hands of customers when they pass them a beer
ARTICLE BY CHELSEA LYN AGRO PHOTOGRAPHY BY KETTLEHOUSE BREWING COMPANY
KettleHouse Brewing Company is best known for its riverside taproom with rotating beers on tap, takehome cans, and live music events but they also, more subtly, support our community and region in important ways that you may not realize. The can in your hand makes it count.
WHICH NON-PROFITS HAVE YOU SUPPORTED IN 2024 AND WHAT BEER NAMES WERE GIVEN OUT IN TRIBUTE?
We’ve worked with a lot of great local non-profits on a small scale throughout the year with various pint nights, donations, and sponsorships, but our more robust partnerships within the last year include:
Ducks Unlimited Winter Lager, 6% ABV, 25 IBUs: Maltdriven lager with caramel notes and a crisp finish. Supports Ducks Unlimited Non-Profit. (Draft only)
Glacier Ice Rink SMASH IPA, 5.8% ABV, 30 IBUs: A S.M.A.S.H. beer (single malt, single hop) with tworow malt and a unique new hop called KRUSH. Notes of melon and citrus. This beer supports Missoula’s Glacier Ice Rink (Draft Only)
Trout Unlimited Eddy Out Pale Ale, 5.5% ABV: A piney, resinous beer with Cascade hops. This beer supports Trout Unlimited. (Draft Only)
Peaks to Prairie, 5.3% ABV, 30 IBUs: A crisp, American-style hoppy Pilsner made with Montanagrown pilsner malt. Supports the Montana Brewer’s Association. (Draft only)
MPS Pilsner (Pearl Jam Collaboration), 4.9% ABV, 28 IBUs: Traditionally brewed Czech-style pilsner. Light-bodied, crisp, and refreshing. This beer supports Montana Pool Service (MPS), a non-profit founded by Jeff Ament (of Big Sandy, MT), co-founder and bassist of Pearl Jam. MPS helps fund world-class skateparks in rural and isolated communities throughout Montana and across the West. (Draft and 16oz can 4-packs)
Doc Fest IPA, 5.5% ABV: Dry-hopped IPA with an abundance of Chinook, Cascade, Citra, and Simcoe hops. Heavy-handed late hop additions make this a more floral, less bitter, and easy-sipping IPA. Brewed in celebration of the 21st anniversary of the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. KettleHouse is the official beer sponsor for BSDFF. (Draft and 16oz can 4-packs)
National Forest Foundation - Montana Forest Fund: KettleHouse teamed up with the National Forest Foundation to create the Montana Forest Fund. The Montana Forest Fund invests funds into priority restoration and recreation-based projects that provide meaningful and lasting improvement to Montana’s National Forests. This partnership includes a dedicated tap handle at the KettleHouse taproom in Bonner with rotating beers supporting the Montana Forest Fund, as well as a percentage of sales from all KettleHouse hard seltzer 4-packs and 8-packs of 16oz cans.
WHAT STARTED THIS IDEA?
Staying involved and supporting our community is something that’s always been important to KettleHouse. While we do participate in more traditional ways of supporting non-profits via donations, sponsorships, and volunteerism, we wanted a chance to partner with a few organizations as a more robust and committed partnership. Collaborating with non-profits to make a beer gives our customers a chance to learn more about causes we care about. Often times, it’s our customers and friends bringing these causes to our attention, so we’re grateful we can be involved in this way.
HOW DO YOU DECIDE ON WHICH NON-PROFITS TO FEATURE?
There are so many wonderful non-profits out there doing meaningful work so this can be challenging. We partner with organizations that align with our mission and values whether it’s an outdoor focused non-profit benefiting our state’s natural resources, or a community focused non-profit.
Kind of Hearing Care
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.
2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from
LONGTIME COMMUNITY STAPLE VIBRANT HEARING BENDS YOUR EAR ABOUT HOW THEY CAN HELP WITH YOUR HEARING
Do You Hear What I Hear?
ARTICLE BY SHELBY HUMPHREYS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK SZCZECHOWSKI
Deciding to go for a hearing test is among those small but significant decisions that lead to a life well lived. At Vibrant Hearing, they do more than help people hear better. Dr. Nora Martin, audiologist, and Alyssa Keith, board-certified hearing instrument specialist, focus on enhancing quality of life through hearing healthcare.
WHEN PEOPLE THINK OF HEARING TESTS, MEMORIES OF HEAVY HEADPHONES, RANDOM BEEPS, AND RAISED HANDS MAY COME TO MIND. WHAT’S IT LIKE GETTING TESTED BY A PROFESSIONAL AUDIOLOGIST TODAY?
“We want to get to know you,” said Nora. “How has your hearing been affecting the things you enjoy? Then, we’ll take a full case history of any ear-related symptoms, other health conditions, or special diagnoses. During the exam, we’ll look at the ear canal to check for any obstruction or infection.” “We can use other tests to help us customize treatment,” Alyssa added. “We mimic real-world situations by using updated testing procedures and manipulating background noises.”
HEARING IS SUCH A FUNDAMENTAL WAY OF BEING IN THE WORLD. WHAT IS IT LIKE WHEN PEOPLE HEAR NEW SOUNDS FOR WHAT MIGHT BE THE FIRST TIME?
“Children are fun to see,” said Nora. “They’ll get this sheepish grin when they realize they can hear better. Or, I’ll be in the office with someone and they’ll stop me and ask, ‘What's that sound?’ I don’t consciously notice it, but it’s the swishing of my clothing or an air vent. It’s noises we don’t even notice. There are some everyday sounds that can be very sharp, too, like car blinkers or running water. That’s why we’re very careful to make a plan for the first couple of weeks after treatment begins. We want to make the transition as comfortable as possible,” Nora said. “My favorite are the follow-ups,” added Alyssa. “They’ll tell all sorts of stories. I remember this one woman. When we walked her through the entire process she didn’t engage much. When she returned, though, she was joking and laughing. She was a completely different person.”
GETTING HEARING AIDS CAN FEEL DAUNTING. WHAT ARE SOME COMMON HOPES AND CONCERNS YOU SEE IN PATIENTS WHO WALK THROUGH YOUR DOORS?
“Most patients just want to get back to doing what they enjoy,” said Nora. “Hearing loss can be so isolating, especially as it gets harder to be in social situations.” “Plus, there’s this irony,” added Alyssa. “If we begin to lose vision, we’re the first to notice. But when it comes to hearing, it's usually our family who notices first. That can make coming in feel a little awkward. I like to make it hopeful by telling them, ‘Let’s help reclaim some parts of your life that you thought you couldn’t get back.’”
BLUETOOTH HAS ALLOWED PHONES TO INTEGRATE WITH HEARING AIDS TO CONTROL VOLUME AND CONNECT TO TVS. WHAT OTHER ADVANCEMENTS HAVE HEARING AIDS MADE?
“Technology improves every year,” said Alyssa. “We can customize the sound of hearing aids to each individual's needs more specifically now. With Bluetooth expanding, we are also able to reconnect patients with other aspects of their environment. For example, we can program mini-microphones that improve a patient's ability to hear. So, someone who attends an event with you can wear one, and you don't have to worry about hearing them through the background noise.”
YOU TAKE A WHOLE-HEALTH APPROACH TO HEARING. IS THERE ANYTHING PATIENTS ARE SURPRISED TO LEARN WHEN IT COMES TO HEARING LOSS?
“We like to say hearing care is healthcare. I think a lot of patients
are surprised to find out how hearing is connected to a lot of other health conditions,” said Nora. “And there’s also a lot of research coming out now about the connection between hearing loss and cognition,” Alyssa added. “The decline in both is intertwined. If the brain experiences less stimulation, then those cognitive areas are going to atrophy. The good news is that hearing loss is the most modifiable risk factor for developing Dementia. There is some evidence that early treatment can help mitigate that risk.” “This research has led us to use cognitive screening as a part of our testing,” said Nora. “It’s a quick, five-minute computer test that screens five cognitive domains. If we can increase access in any way that makes it easier for people to get started with mitigating hearing loss, then we want to do that.”
TIPS FOR NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAYS WITH HEARING LOSS
The holidays can be an especially frustrating time for anyone experiencing hearing loss. Dr. Nora and specialist Alyssa provide tips for improving communication:
• Hearing aids should be cleaned and checked regularly. Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate slowly, reducing the effectiveness.
• In areas of background noise, manipulating the environment to hear better is a must. This may include moving away from the noise source or using good lighting to see the speaker’s face.
• When talking, ensure you are facing someone directly so they can use visual cues. Most settings pick up sounds from the front.
• Talk slower, not louder.
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Special Thanks to City Lifestyle magazines, FUEL, Angel Flight West, PEAK ATP and MyHMB Supplements & to The LifeGuard Group for Sponsoring our 2023 Climbing Adventures
WARM UP CLIMB
Sustainability in Action
