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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Mike Tucker | MTucker@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Chelsea Lyn Agro | Chelsea.Agro@LifestylePubs.com

Transition.

COPY EDITOR

Erika Fredrickson | Erika.Fredrickson@LifestylePubs.com ACCO UNT MANAGERS

DECEMBER ALWAYS FEELS TRANSITIONAL FOR ME. In a physical way, we're transitioning to a new, colder season and I'm not exactly the best of friends with winter. And, mentally, I need to adjust to spending more time indoors, which is hard for my summer-loving soul. A few months ago, I saw a picture of a perfectly made bed with a cozy throw blanket and a bed tray that had, not a phone or laptop on it, but a book and a cup of coffee. Now, I understand this was staged to probably sell expensive bedding, but the takeaway for me wasn't pulling out my credit card. I loved the idea of matching

Marla Huggins | Marla.Huggins@LifestylePubs.com, Heather Cassidy | Heather.Cassidy@LifestylePubs.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Erika Spaulding | InspiredByMontana@Gmail.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dani Moore

the season and slowing down, regaining some inspiration I may have lost when the

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

hustle of a warmer season shuttered to a stop.

Chelsea Lyn Agro, Sneed Collard, Shelby Humphreys, Jill MH Taber

Reading is something I have to make time for, and with a farm to tend to and a toddler

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

who is always trying to self destruct, I often opt out of reading time because it feels

Chelsea Lyn Agro, Vim&Vigr

somewhat selfish to not be physically active, propelling our lives forward with another load of laundry or vacuuming (again). But reading is important. It reawakens our vigor for life and inspires us to tell our own stories. It helps us see the beauty and connectedness of everything around us. I need that in the winter. Maybe you do, too?

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Join me in starting a new habit of distancing ourselves from our phones at night and

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

waking up earlier to enjoy the peacefulness of sitting up in bed and not having to

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

move right away. Slowness is a new speed, at least for this season. And a little bit of coziness goes a long way.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Chelsea Lyn Agro, Editor 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER 10-year-old Grace Farmer on the Blackfoot River.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA SPAULDING 6

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

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 the Missoula Valley areas’ 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.

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021

FEATURES 12 Winged Winter Sights Local author inspires the birdwatcher in all of us.

16 Red & Green for More than a Season The secret sauce of Mexican Moose.

22 Education in Focus The Rocky Mountain School of Photography offers a sublime educational experience.

22 28

28 Meaningful Gifts for Everyone Our favorite things could be yours.

DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Water & Woods

Local Limelight

28 Our Contributors 32 Giving Back 36 Food & Wine 38 Lifestyle Calendar 42 Parting Thoughts

A Single Momen t In Time

Go to MandMTuck .PicFair .com

A Single Moment taken of the Beauty of the Montana Outdoors

AROUND TOWN

MISSOULA FOOD BANK DONATIONS It's typical to think of indulging in comfort foods when winter starts to settle in for the season. Pies and turkey and cookies and meats and cheeses. But proudly located in the heart of Missoula, MT

this isn't the case for a staggering amount of people. Hunger happens right here in our community and it's our duty to end hunger and nourish each other. The Missoula Food Bank & Community Center envisions a future where everyone can afford their basic needs. Let's help them reach their vision by volunteering, donating most needed items (found on their website), planning a food drive, or becoming an advocate. To learn more about the ways in which you can help, visit MissoulaFoodBank.org.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCMENTS Do you have a newspaper clipping of your birth

Dr. Amy Haynes N.D., founder of Full Circle Natural Medical Clinic, practices holistic medicine in Missoula, MT. For over 35 years, Dr. Haynes has used natural methods to treat the whole body, rather than masking symptoms.

Another Option Beyond Pain Meds and Surgery Full Circle Natural Medical Clinic is delighted to offer Regenerative Medicine to restore joint and back function naturally!

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE is an exciting new field of therapy that specializes in rejuvenating body function and tissues. It includes therapies such as: • Prolotherapy • Placental Allografts, 2 nd Gen Stem Cell Therapy • Platelet Rich Plasma • Facial Rejuvenation • O-Shot/P-Shot • Prolozone Therapy

announcement or wedding announcement at home? Keep the tradition alive by sharing your special news with us! Whether it be a new child, grandchild, wedding, engagement, or anniversary, let's celebrate together by sharing a photograph and a story about your special day. Please email Chelsea. Agro@LifestylePubs.com with your special news!

MININATURALISTS WITH THE MONTANA NATURAL HISTORY CENTER Every Thursday, September through May, the Montana Natural History Center welcomes children ages 2 to 4 (though any age is welcome) to their facility to explore, play, and develop a curiosity for the natural world. They sing songs, read books, play games, and develop skills with art and science tools. Each program begins with songs, movement, and stories. Materials are provided for discovery in the garden. This creative time happens between 10 and 11 a.m. and is free with the cost of admission (and free for members!).

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OUR GOAL.

TO SAVE AND CHANGE LIVES . FROM APRIL 2020 TO MARCH 2021 24 .1% OF MONTANANS REPORTED SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AND OR DEPRESSION 30 MINUTES OR MORE OF EXERCISE A DAY FOR THREE TO FIVE DAYS A WEEK HAS PROVEN TO S I G N I F I C A N T LY I M P R O V E DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY SYMPTOMS.

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WATER & WOODS

Common Redpoll

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

W I N T E R

S I G H T S

LOCAL AUTHOR INSPIRES THE BIRDWATCHER IN ALL OF US ARTICLE SNEED COLLARD | PHOTOGRAPHY BRADEN & SNEED COLLARD

DECEMBER 31 THE FINAL DAY OF MY SON BRADEN’S AND MY BIG YEAR OF BIRDING. For the past twelve months, Braden and I had scoured Montana—and visited Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida—trying to see as many birds as possi-

scenery birders get to experience while pursuing their

ble. We had tallied 337 species and had run out of time to

quarry. Every part of the state offers interesting birds to find

add more but decided to go out on one last birding trip with

and observe, and Missoula County is no exception. Spring

Braden’s friend Nick Ramsey just to see what we could see.

obviously brings the largest influx of species, but every sea-

We drove to Maclay Flat and began crunching through the

son—even winter—offers its own delights.

snow when Nick suddenly halted. “Look!” Twenty feet up in a birch tree at the edge of a snow-covered field sat a brown fuzzy blob.

A surprising number of species overwinter in the Missoula area, from chickadees, nuthatches, and finches to ducks, raptors, and my personal favorite—woodpeckers. Owls in

“Northern Pygmy-Owl!” Braden exclaimed.

particular seem easier to spot in winter, including Northern

The owl was getting mobbed by chickadees and nut-

Pygmy-Owls, Northern Saw-whet Owls, and spectacular

hatches who, as potential prey items, were less than

Great Grays, one of America’s most impressive winged

thrilled by the predator’s presence. In our rubber boots,

predators. Even better, cold weather brings special avian

we clomped out into the field to watch. When we returned

visitors that are entirely absent the rest of the year.

to the trail, however, the owl suddenly left its perch and

You may already be familiar with Cedar Waxwings, but

landed in a tree only twenty feet from where we stood. We

our colder months offer the opportunity to see large flocks

slowly approached and sank to our knees to photograph the

of their equally gorgeous relatives, Bohemian Waxwings.

impressive animal. Then we backed away, unable to keep

American Tree Sparrows, Common Redpolls, Northern

grins from stretching across our faces. We had searched

Shrikes, and Snow Buntings help round out Missoula

for birds all over the country but now, at the last possible

County’s must-see winter birds, while no winter is complete

moment, our best Big Year experience had greeted us right

without a complement of Rough-winged Hawks gracing

here in our hometown.

our skies, their dark underwing patches distinguishing them from any other raptor. All of which raises the question:

SURPRISINGLY BIRDY

Where can you see these and other species?

Missoula, or even Montana, rarely tops birders’ favorite locations lists, yet the Treasure State offers one of our

FIVE VALLEYS HOTSPOTS—AND BEYOND

nation’s best birding experiences, not just for the 400-plus

Maclay Flat is as good a place as any to launch your

species that have been found here, but for the spectacular

winter birding. As you walk the main trail you are likely to CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

WATER & WOODS (CONTINUED)

see Red-breasted Nuthatches, Black-

Williams Trail. If you’re up for a short

capped & Mountain Chickadees, Brown

road trip, Lee Metcalf National Wildlife

Creepers, Red Crossbills, and Downy

Refuge near Stevensville often hosts a

Woodpeckers. Keep a special eye out for

good variety of waterfowl, raptors, and

Northern Pygmy-Owls, and Barred and

songbirds,

Great Gray Owls.

Wildlife Refuge south of Ronan might

Fort Missoula offers a variety of microhabitats including the gravel quarry,

S N E E D C O L L A R D

B . I I I

Sneed B. Collard III is the author of more than 85 children’s books and the humorous memoir, Warblers and Woodpeckers: a Father-Son Big Year of Birding, a Montana Book Award Honor recipient. Follow Sneed’s and Braden’s birding adventures at fathersonbirding.com, and email him at SBCollardiii@gmail.com to inquire about personalized birding tours of the Missoula area.

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

Ninepipe

National

give you an exhilarating experience with Short-eared Owls.

which is currently fenced off, but will

Worried that birding might cut into your

hopefully soon be a bird sanctuary. In

skiing time? Have no fear. Our regional

fall, Braden and I have been lucky to see

ski areas are excellent places to see

rare migrants such as Pacific Loons, Surf

higher-altitude birds such as Mountain

Scoters, and Long-tailed Ducks here,

Chickadees and Pine Grosbeaks. Steller’s

but in winter look for Northern Shrikes,

Jays, Canada Jays, Clark’s Nutcrackers

Common Redpolls, and Merlins—one of

and other birds in the corvid, or crow,

our smaller falcons.

family are particularly prominent in ski

Other popular winter birding places in

area parking lots, but fair warning: corvids

Missoula include the Grant Creek Trail,

are some of the world’s smartest birds, so

the “M” trail, Moccasin Lane, and Kim

keep an eye on your lunch!

Sneed & Braden

Northern Pintail

while

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

red & green for more than a season THE SECRET SAUCE OF MEXICAN MOOSE

ARTICLE CHELSEA LYN AGRO PHOTOGRAPHY ERIKA SPAULDING

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

"I t 's surreal for him t o realize how f ar t hey've come as a f amily. T hose early d ays of mom working mul tiple jobs t o keep quality food on t he t able h ave led--t hrough perseverance-t o a f amily business t h at pulls t he t alents of each member, feeding t he Missoul a community."

RED OR GREEN?

so cleverly and deliciously. But the other

Everyone has a favorite when it comes to

inspiration of her can-do attitude stuck with

this classic question for authentic Mexican

Santos as he entered into adulthood, always

sauce. But if you’re doing it right, you choose

taking on multiple jobs and doing them

both—especially when you visit Mexican

wholeheartedly. You have to work hard to

Moose. And no, we’re not giving away the

live well and his role model—mom—showed

actual secret recipe here, but we are unveil-

him just how sweetly that could pay off.

ing the one irreplaceable component that

He was a janitor at a car dealership

makes this culinary treasure a success: love.

before realizing that he could sell cars and

Santos Flores has a story—a few actu-

work his way up the ladder, which is how

ally—but his life story begins when his

he got to Missoula and where he is now,

grandmother became “mom” after a devas-

managing a sales team at CarMart 360 on

tating car accident that altered his life. But

South Reserve Street. Once in high country,

she didn’t think twice about Santos and his

though, Santos began missing the taste of

siblings being raised by anyone else. They

home. But nothing satisfied Santos’s deeply

were family, and with family, love is the only

rooted standard for quality Mexican cuisine

option—and food.

so he decided to bring “home” to the moun-

Mom’s work ethic and cooking skills is what Santos remembers most about grow-

tains by way of California-grown chilis, and of course, his family.

ing up in Parlier, California. Mom brought

Once he moved his mom, nieces, neph-

home chilis grown in that area and made

ews, and his sister out to a shared home in

large batches of sauce and seasoned meats,

Lolo, they all began the symphony of cooking

and corn tortillas doubled up the way they

together once again, just as they had done

ought to be to catch all of the juices. Her

when Santos was growing up. They also

cooking was undeniably an inspiration to

recruited the younger generation, including

Santos, especially for disguising vegetables

Santos’s daughter.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

“When my sister goes back to California, she brings back batches of chilis—it’s the only way to keep the authenticity,” said Santos. It’s surreal for him to realize how far they’ve come as a family. Those early days of mom working multiple jobs to keep quality food on the table have led—through perseverance—to a family business that pulls the talents of each member, feeding the Missoula community. “I want to thank my mom for everything she’s done for me. Even in the hard times when we didn’t have much,” said Santos. “I’ll never be able to repay her for everything but I’m trying.” With Mexican Moose, there’s never any question whether family can step in to help out. They show up every day for one another. Now that’s something to “taco” ‘bout.

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

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Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

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ARTICLE JILL MH TABER | PHOTOGRAPHY ERIKA SPAULDING

E DUC AT ION IN FOCUS 22

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY OFFERS A SUBLIME EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

MORE THAN 30 YEARS AGO, NEIL AND JEANNE CHAPUT DE SAINTONGE FOUNDED THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY, DEVOTING THEIR LIVES TO TEACHING STUDENTS THE TECHNICAL AND ARTISTIC ASPECTS OF PHOTOGRAPHY WHILE THEIR SON, FOREST, LOOKED ON. And while Forest says his parents never pushed him into photography, he came to love the art, his parents’ school, and the family of staff and students. As a toddler, he spent more time at RMSP than he did at daycare, eventually working as a studio assistant. As a child grows up, so too does a school, especially one in an ever-changing industry like photography. Forest remembers the day his parents phased out the darkroom portion of the school. “I was 16 years old. We had 35 enlargers in the dark room,” he explained. “We had a moment of silence for the end of a big era in photography.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

EDUCATION IN FOCUS (CONTINUED)

And while a major change calls for a certain amount of nostalgia and respect, over the years RMSP and the Chaput de Saintonge family have learned to make quick changes and adaptations to their school and its programs to remain not only relevant but cutting-edge in the business of photography education. Forest and his wife, Sarah, took over as directors of RMSP in 2016 at a time when enrollment in the school had been on a decade-long decline. During the same time period, several prominent photography schools in the US permanently closed their doors. “Sarah and I said, ‘What do we need to do to correct the ship?’” Forest said. He explained that a long-term goal of RMSP was to earn accreditation as an educational institution, to be able to offer college credit like other arts and trades schools. As they watched the industry change, though, they shifted course. “We decided not to be accredited. We’re almost proud of that,” Forest said. “We can adapt our programs with new technology and software. We have no red-tape to keep our school up-to-date.” That flexibility comes as a great benefit to RMSP. Instead of navigating a bureaucracy

accreditation

requirements,

Forest, Sarah, and their staff can make quick changes to keep themselves on the forefront of photography education. Rocky Mountain School of Photography had long offered a career training program—a long-term, a la carte study of photography. While it was meant to train professional photographers, Forest said that its pick-and-choose nature allowed students to skip over important portions of their education, especially the business side of photography.

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

In 2017, he and Sarah scrapped the career train-

“If it doesn’t help you become a professional pho-

ing program and introduced the RMSP Professional

tographer, we don’t teach it,” Forest said. “And if it

Intensive, known as PI.

does, we do.”

“We looked at the top photography programs at

Professional Intensive is geared toward photog-

four-year colleges and added up the hours those

raphers who want to make a career in photography.

students would learn about photography and

The application process is designed to focus not

business,” Forest explained. “The average was 250

on an applicant’s photography skills, but their drive

hours of classroom time over four years. In PI at

and focus to build a business.

RMSP, we offer over 1,000 hours of instruction time in eight months.”

“We want people who may or may not have photography experience; we don’t require a portfolio to

And that’s where the “intensive” part comes in. PI

apply,” Forest explained. “We’re more interested in

students devote 40 to 50 hours per week over eight

whether or not they are willing to hustle and willing

months, immersing themselves in a specialized

to grind it out. We want proof they are a hard-work-

trade school program for photographers.

ing individual.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

EDUCATION IN FOCUS (CONTINUED)

Forest said that, by nature, many artists struggle with the business and entrepreneurial aspects of a photography career. “Our Professional Intensive is about 30 percent business and marketing. On Day One, maybe five of the class of 34 students have a good idea of what they want their business to be,” he said. “By the end, the vast majority of students have a well-defined business plan. That is so cool to see, especially among our students who are just out of high school.” Students from all backgrounds and age demographics are drawn to RMSP, not only for the Professional Intensive, but also for the school’s Summer Intensive, short courses, and online courses, the latter three geared toward hobbyist photographers. “We have students who come from all over the country,” Forest said. “It’s really cool. Missoula is such a beautiful place. It’s a lure for students.” In addition to the special Missoula atmosphere, students at RMSP become a family: recent high school graduates building bonds with mid-life career changers and retirees—an environment that the Chaput de Saintonges are proud to foster. Many program graduates return to RMSP as instructors, offering technical, artistic, and real-world expertise to new crops of students. In the summer of 2020, RMSP moved from its flagship home on Higgins Avenue in downtown Missoula to a 10,000-square-foot warehouse on Expressway, expanding classroom, office, and studio areas and signaling a visible growth spurt for all of the school’s programs. “Our

passion

lies

our

Professional

Intensive,” Forest said of he and Sarah’s revisions at RMSP. “We built it and we love it.

to go to become a professional photographer,”

Enrollment has ticked up every year. That’s been

Forest said. “It feels really good to have so many

really amazing to see.”

happy students. It was a good road to get here.”

Forest hopes that their dedication and for-

For more information about RMSP and its

ward-thinking motivations will propel RMSP to

programs (including an upcoming partnership

the forefront of photography education.

with Missoula Public Library), visit them online

“We want high school kids to know that Rocky Mountain School of Photography is the place

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

at www.RMSP.com, or schedule a tour of their facility at 301 Expressway, Suite A.

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

OUR CONTRIBUTORS OUR FAVORITE THINGS COULD BE YOURS

M E A N I N G F U L G I F T S F O R E V E R YO N E

ARTICLE CHELSEA LYN AGO & SHELBY HUMPHREYS | PHOTOGRAPHY CHELSEA LYN AGRO, ERIKA SPAULDING, VIM&VIGR 28

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

CHELSEA I love this backpack because it’s the king of all child carriers! Big enough pockets to fit mom, dad, and baby items, distributes weight evenly (no sore backs), and it even has stirrups for my little cowboy. Any adventure parent would love to have this handy for hikes, sporting events, or just as an alternative from the stroller. Bob Ward’s Osprey Poco Child Pack

MARLA Did you know you should drink between a half ounce and an ounce of water for every pound you weigh, every day? My 30 oz Yeti comes with me in the car, to lunch meetings, and just about everywhere I go. And yes, it’s worth the investment. Easy cleaning, easy-open lid, indestructible, and consistent, long-lasting temperature. The perfect gift for anyone! Bob Wards 30 oz Yeti

E R I K A F. The Roxy Theater is one of Missoula’s gems–a community movie theater with great character that screens new movies, cult classics, family-friendly favorites, documentaries, and independent art house films. A great gift for any movie lover is their $35 year-long membership (or $60 for two) which gets you $2 off all movies, discounted tickets to special events and film festivals, and–my favorite thing–two free popcorns a month. That’s not just any popcorn but triple-organic popcorn with a real buttery flavor you can’t find in any other movie theater. Roxy Theater Membership

S H E L BY Style, fitness, and comfort come together in these amazing socks. Their designs use graduated compression with strong threads to boost circulation and energize your legs. I first wore Vim&Vigr socks while hiking. I was hooked–no more swollen, sore feet after long treks! Plus, every season they introduce new designs with colors that pop and put a sass in my step that makes me feel right at home in our hip, creative Missoula community. Vim&Vigr Compression Socks

JILL Who doesn’t need a drink?! Hard seltzers stormed on the scene several years ago, popular for their refreshing, low-calorie taste. I love Lone River Brewing Ranch Water, especially the Spicy variety (agave with a hint of jalapeno), because it’s crisp, not too fizzy, and isn’t overly sweet. Fill your pardner’s saddle bags (or Christmas stockings) with a six-pack of Ranch Water and then say “Howdy” to a happy 2022! Pattee Creek Market Lone River Brewing Ranch Water

SUSIE The gift of an annual membership to the Montana Natural History Center not only provides perks like free admission to the center, discounts on classes and summer camps, and a subscription to Montana Naturalist magazine, but also shows your support of an important educational resource in Missoula. Memberships range from $35 for an individual to $60 for the whole family. Montana Natural History Center Membership

A M A N DA Lisa Inman, Intuitive Healing Coach, believes “the ability to heal + evolve is already yours.” I recommend an in-office session which includes a relaxing 55 minutes on a Biomat that aids in regeneration, detoxification, reparation of DNA, and more. Lisa also offers both group and personal zoom and phone sessions that will help realign your spirit with your health and purpose. Session with Lisa Inman

ERIKA S. Time itself is a gift! Do something for the first time, together. Take the time. Climb a mountain, hit the trails.

MIKE Alright, don’t laugh. A strength training, weighted vest is pretty cool but you know what’s really cool (and very Montanan)? Buying a bag of seed and strapping it to your chest or packing it in your backpack for your next big hike. Experience the same strength training bonus without ordering a fancy gadget. The fitness guru in your family or friend list will love it (or at least get a good laugh).

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

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Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

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BRITTNEY

brittney.reds@hotmail.com CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

GIVING BACK

Gratefully

GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

THEY NEED YOUR HELP FINDING THOSE RECIPIENTS. ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON

Last year’s giveaway campaign culminated in the distribution

PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

of $250,000 throughout the year to recipients from across the country who had various needs. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community members such as judges, Anna Sarol

police officers, teachers, mentors, social workers and readers like you nominated community members who were facing hardships. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers and stakeholders were able to help identify people who might have otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Anna Sarol. About six years ago Anna was paralyzed in a gymnastics accident when she was a freshman in high school, but until last year she did not have a stairlift in her home. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000 and made sure it was installed. “Stairlifts don’t come at a feasible price, and unfortunately our insurance denied coverage,” Anna says. “I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are.” The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of the giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients. Among those recipients were single mothers, families with children who were facing illnesses, individuals impacted by the loss of a job, unexpected deaths and more.

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

Another nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her two nephews and niece. The children came from an abusive situation involving violence, drugs, and neglect. Kathy, a single parent, worked tirelessly to provide for these children, but the family was still living in poverty despite her working seven days a week. Additionally, Kathy lost her housecleaning job during the pandemic and resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent. When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy.

“This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

“When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors. They experienced Christmas like their peers, which filled them with such pride as it was something they have wished for all their lives.” The case manager says the lesson is clear – when we give back to others, we truly gain so much more in the process. She said she was filled with overwhelming joy when she saw the children’s faces filled with smiles and a Christmas tree in their home for the first time. In addition, the aunt’s expressed desire to give back to others made the giving cycle full circle. In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient. She was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children, let alone providing them with a fun Christmas. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which impacted her income as the students attended a nearby school after the building was hit. The whole town was struggling as 220 people were injured and five were killed because of the tornado, and everyone needed encouragement. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them, so they want to be a blessing and encouragement to others. With this year’s giveaway being increased to $300,000 to give away throughout the year, it’s clear this is an opportunity to change many lives in the same way Anna’s was changed. “As a 2020 recipient of the Christmas giveaway, I am forever grateful I now can access my basement independently,” Anna says. “Locating a fully accessible household in my area is nearly impossible, and living in a state that experiences tornado warnings means finding a way to get to my basement by myself is crucial. Not only this, but I also now have the option of utilizing another level of my house to hang out with friends and family.” *Names changed for privacy

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.

Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

FOOD & WINE

what’s brewing? DISCOVERING THE ART OF TEA

Steeping times and water temperatures from ArtOfTea.com

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

black tea

g reen tea

Made from fully fermented Camellia sinensis leaves

Made from unfermented Camellia sinensis leaves

Retains its flavor for several years.

Different varieties of green tea are produced depend-

ing on the variety of Camellia sinensis used, growing

Black tea is processed using either the orthodox

conditions, horticultural methods and time of harvest.

method or CTC (crush, tear, curl). The CTC method

involves the mincing of weathered tea leaves.

Processing starts by soaking green tea leaves in an

alcohol solution.

Black tea is often blended with other plants to create

different varieties. Earl Grey tea is black tea blended

Higher-quality green teas are steeped at cooler

with bergamot oil.

temperatures and for a shorter amount of time than

lower-quality green teas.

Suggested health benefits of black tea include reduc-

ing atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), lowering the

Traditional Chinese and Indian medicines use green

risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease and

tea extracts for a variety of health benefits: as a

may also aid in lowering the risk for diabetes, high

stimulant, a diuretic, an astringent and to improve

cholesterol and kidney stones.

heart health.

SUGGESTED STEEPING TIME

3-5 minutes at 206 F

3 minutes at 180-185 F

white tea

oolon g tea

There isn’t a universally-accepted definition of what white

Made from partially fermented leaves, buds and stems

tea is, but it is essentially young or unprocessed tea.

of the Camellia sinensis plant

Produces very pale green or yellow-colored liquor.

Different styles vary widely in flavor—flavors range

+ +

from sweet and fruity to woody to green and fresh.

No processing occurs—white tea is generally just

plucked and allowed to wither dry.

The process involves withering the plant under the sun

and allowing it to oxidize.

There are different classifications of white tea includ-

ing Bai Hao Yi Zhen (Silver Needle), Bai Mudan (White

Leaves are formed into two distinct styles: rolled into long

Peony), Gong Mei (Tribute Eyebrow) and Shoumei

curly leaves or wrap-curled into small beads with tails.

(Noble, Long Life Eyebrow).

Suggested health benefits of oolong tea include

A study suggests white tea acts as an antioxidant agent

boosting metabolism, lowering cholesterol, increasing

and may reduce the risk of premature aging.

mental awareness, aiding digestion, preventing osteo-

porosis and more.

SUGGESTED STEEPING TIME

1-3 minutes at 175-185 F

SUGGESTED STEEPING TIME 3-5 minutes at 185-206 F

CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

EVENING OWL WALK WITH OWL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

HOLIDAY POPS!

Mclay Flats

of Montana

TONY BANOVICH ROADS, TRACKS, AND TRAILS MEMORIAL RUN

Take a stroll and listen for great horned,

This annual favorite concert will be

On October 14, 2020 our Montana

Northern saw-whet, and maybe even

extra special this year, as the Chorale

running

great grey owls. Lauren Smith and

performs live for the first time since

friend

Beth Mendelsohn will share infor-

the pandemic.

Tony Banovich, Race Director for the

Dennison Theatre University

mation collected from Owl Research

Missoula County Fairgrounds

family and

lost

invaluable

treasured supporter.

Missoula Marathon and Executive

Director of Run Wild Missoula was

FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING

runners over the years and he was

LITTLE RED TRUCK'S EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKET

you from identifying your big-pic-

Institute’s studies in the area. Event starts at 4 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m.

of all. He welcomed countless new

Red Willow Learning Center

deeply dedicated to both Missoula

This 90-minute workshop guides

and Montana running communities.

ture dreams to defining goals that

Missoula County Fairgrounds

translate to real everyday action. Lisa

Shop all things Christmas here and

Inman is the instructor and the class

expect to stumble upon some great

begins at 10 a.m.

vintage finds.

kind, generous, and encouraging

12 MISSOULA HOLIDAY MADE FAIR Adams Center

Hands down, the Missoula MADE CONTINUED >

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

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LIFESTYLE CALENDAR Fair is our favorite place to browse and buy locally made gifts for ourselves and others this holiday season. There's nothing quite like a carefully crafted,

one-of-a-kind gift from our neck of the woods. Happy shopping! Event begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.

18 ANIMAL OLYMPICS!

Montana Natural History Center

Join the Montana Natural History Center and learn about some amazing animal feats. They will have sev-

eral active stations to see how you measure up against some of the top contenders for Animal Olympics!

21 THE BOLSHOI BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER The Roxy Theater

Stage on Screen is The Roxy’s ongoing series of the world’s greatest contemporary theatrical performances, from the Metropolitan Opera to London’s National Theatre to the Bolshoi Ballet and beyond, “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.”

projected on the big screen. Don't miss The Nutcracker this Christmas season! Show begins at 7:30 p.m.

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

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

320-A Expressway Missoula, MT 59808

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

MissoulaValley using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

Locally Owned & Operated for Over 20 Years

We are Missoula’s Coolest Hotspot! Great Happy Hour Specials on Food & Drinks. The Perfect Place to Watch Sports with Friends. BREAKFAST • SANDWICHES • BURGERS Join us at 3621 Brooks Street • 406.728.3228 • Visit us on Facebook to see our current specials, menu, and events!

SO YOU CAN EXPLORE LIFE TO THE FULLEST

From our Art Haus to yours,

NO ENROLLMENT FEE!

Join the Missoula YMCA today and save up to $135 when you mention LifestyleYMCA at checkout! Sign up in person at the Y, or online at ymcamissoula.org. Exp 6/30/22

Happy Holidays! Custom framing with a fine art touch

(406) 493-6855 | arthausframing.net ArtHausFineArtFraming@gmail.com 1540 West Broadway Missoula CityLifestyle.com/MissoulaValley

ARTICLE CHELSEA LYN AGRO

PARTING THOUGHTS

Better than Fruitcake

CHARCUTERIE BOARDS HAVE ALWAYS PIQUED MY INTEREST. Perfectly sliced meats, cheeses of every variety, dried or fresh fruits, olives, tomatoes. The list goes on and on, right? I’ve even seen candy and vegetable boards. But there’s something to be said about a classic charcuterie board that beautifully presents meats, cheeses, nuts, and so on. Missoula is one of the best places to get locally made, quality products, whether it be goat, sheep, or cow’s milk cheese coupled with jams or jellies (Flathead cherry jam, specifically). There are so many local products to pull into one beautiful board for visiting family or friends, or even just to treat you and those closest to you. Here’s the best way to make a board: 1. Find a wooden cutting board, slab of slate, tile, or any other smooth, easy-to-clean surface to start the build. Keep in mind how many people this will serve. 2. Break out the salt. Olives, nuts, pickled things or pickles themselves. 3. Fruits & spreads. This is your jam or jelly section, or dipping oils for a more savory board. Dried or fresh fruit will fit the bill. 4. Bring on the cheese (most important part if you ask me). Go with several options on this one: Brie (for smooth, soft bite), cheddar (everyone’s best friend), Manchego (usually nutty and firm), and a hard Italian cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano. 5. Your favorite crackers. Chips, bagel crisps, French bread, pretzels. Pick what suits you most. 6. Prosciutto, Genoa Salami, Capocollo, Mortadella. Stick with the staples, or serve up your hunting buddy’s best local flavor! 42

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | December 2021

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