Life + Culture

Relish in Rest or Roll Up Your Sleeves?

Six Missoulians weigh in on New Year's Resolutions Article by Shelby Humphreys | Photography by Rick Szczechowski New Year’s resolutions are a peculiar thing. Some people look forward to the practice and the blank slate it brings. Others shirk the habit for more general intentions observed throughout the year. No matter what kind of meaning we imbue January with, resolutions are made with ritual and hope. Here, local Missoulians express their take on 2026 and the hope it brings.   Lindsey...

Health + Wellness

Tending to Ourselves

Confluence Pilates specializes in Reformer Pilates but the main event of any session focuses on personalized maintenance Article by Emma Trotter | Photography by Rick Szczechowski “It’s type two fun, I should have warned you!” says Keel Sebastian, owner and lead instructor at Confluence Pilates. I’m ten minutes into my first-ever pilates class, and it’s not so much that the workout is hard—though it can be that, too—as that I can’t keep track of all the small movements I’m supposed to be...

Finance + Legal Services

The Benefits of Connection

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Montana promotes personal connections in Missoula Article by Kelsie Ring | Photography by Chelsea Lyn Agro A positive mentor in a young adult's life reaps many benefits. From fun memories to important conversations, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Montana is working towards nurturing relationships in all shapes and sizes right here in Missoula through their local branch. Danielle Kelly, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters NW Montana, has...

Fitness

Strength in Story

Fuel Fitness personal trainer and trainee pursue strength and find empowerment Article by Susie Wall | Photography by Rick Szczechowski Sometimes when we think of a gym’s atmosphere, our mind auto-populates the image of already-fit people working out, continuing their healthy routine. To some, it can feel inaccessible. But take one look at 85-year-old Mysta Ward smiling through another session with personal trainer Allie Bickel at her side and you’ll reconsider your perspective on a starting...

Shopping

The Shift to Thrift

Once Upon a Child believes that we're in the golden age of resale Article and Photography by Chelsea Lyn Agro Desiree Dillavou is the owner of Once Upon a Child here in Missoula—a highly anticipated arrival to our community for its plethora of thrifted items for children. Everything from clothes to toys to book and baby equipment is here under one roof, and for a discounted rate when compared to buying brand new. Desiree is excited by the sustainable outcomes that are a direct effect from...

Food + Beverage

Holiday Charcuterie Board

Slip something pretty onto the table for your next holiday party Article by Angela Broockerd | Photography by Janie Janes The holiday season beckons a breadth of snackables, whether it be a spread of chips and dips, confections, savory nibbles, or any type of hors d'oeuvres presented in way that offers both practical and pretty presentation. A circular snack board, such as in the shape of a wreath for the sake of this Christmas season, is an easy way to assemble any type of snack plate for any...

Shopping

Pony Up for the Perfect Purchase

Montana Gift Corral guides you to the just-right gifts Article by Emma Trotter | Photography by Rick Szczechowski To wrangle holiday giving, mosey on over to Montana Gift Corral. Founded in Bozeman more than 30 years ago, the store opened on Front Street in Missoula in 2024. Inventory is 70 percent Montana made, and 30 percent Montana inspired, and the store places an emphasis on high-end customer service, offering free coffee and free gift wrapping. “I just like to find the perfect gift for...

Life + Culture

Helping Your Fellow Human

Jason Baker faces hardships and success from a heart-first perspective Article by Marko Capoferri | Photography by Rick Szczechowski & Bess Bird Photography Jason Baker has a message: “For anyone struggling, you are [expletive] worth it, and don’t you ever forget it.” Spend a little time with Jason Baker and it doesn’t take too long to figure out that he doesn’t mince words. If you were to live through some of what Jason has, it’s safe to say that you, too, would find no reason not to speak...

Local Services

Giving is the Gift

The Boys & Girls Club of Missoula recounts the ways in which our community has changed the lives of our children Article by Chelsea Lyn Agro | Photography by Taylor Martini Blustering winds, pelting snow, and a sky colored like that of a bruise. Director of Special Events & Community Outreach Julianne Bitely describes what the annual Blue Door Banquet for the Boys & Girls Club of Missoula (BGCM) looked like—a Hogsmeade themed evening, made to resemble the wizarding village in the Harry Potter...

Local Services

Rest Insured

Justin Ross helps shape the vision of community by offering a local helping hand Article by Marko Capoferri | Photography by Rick Szczechowski Insurance . Exciting stuff, huh? Probably not for many of us. More likely it’s just another bill to be taken care of and ignored for the next 30 days, just one more expense on the monthly ledger. And it usually is just that. That is, until something goes horribly wrong. Then, insurance might be the difference between a slight inconvenience and...