Arts + Culture

A Binding Idea

FMC Books founder and owner Tara Hamma shares her reasons for opening the bookstore its intent for the community Article by Emma Trotter | Photography by Rick Szczechowski The awning outside FMC Books, a romance-focused bookstore that opened last summer downtown, is a lure in spring air—the brightly colored titles catch my attention and I’m already reeled in. I step inside, determined to find a fun read worthy of the sunniest riverbank. It’s no coincidence that the prettiest contemporary...

Professional Services

Empathy is an Element

Amy Downing, owner of Element Physical Therapy, offers her own personal connection to vestibular disorders in addition to specialized equipment and expertise Article by Marko Capoferri | Photography by Rick Szczechowski If you deal with a physical ailment, there’s a veritable laundry list of physical therapists here in Missoula that are all more than capable of helping you ease your discomfort and getting you back to a semblance of normalcy. But sometimes what manifests on the outside is...

Life + Culture

Candor With a Conductor

Julia Tai, music director of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra, gives a glimpse of her role in our musical Missoula Article by Susie Wall | Photography by Sam McGhee of Victory Media Despite her petite frame, Julia Tai commands the stage as music director of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra.  During each performance, whether at the Dennison Theatre or Caras Park, Julia swirls her black hair to the rhythm, her baton dancing in the air, as she leads talented musicians through compositions that...

Local Services

She's Stitched into the Fabric of Missoula

Operations Manager of Pine & Needle Cynthia Nesbitt has her finger on the pulse of print Article by Shelby Humphreys | Photography by Rick Szczechowski To understand the hard work and collaboration involved in bringing print projects to life, all you need to do is read the whiteboard in the back room at Pine & Needle Print Co. Messages on the board include: cheers to one supervisor who juggled several projects and got them all done ahead of schedule, kudos to another operator for...

Fitness

Daughter & Dad

Missoulian Amber Answine runs marathons with Dad at her hip Article by Kelsie Ring | Photography by Provided by Amber Answine Running a marathon is something only 1% of the population will complete in their lifetime. It’s a race that pushes you to your limit, challenges you mentally and physically, and brings a sense of fulfillment like no other. That said, there are no current statistics of people who run multiple marathons alongside their father but there is one local story that tells more...

Health + Wellness

A Group Effort for the Greater Good

National Public Health Week raises local awareness of the constant serviceability of public health in Missoula Article by Marko Capoferri | Photography by Rick Szczechowski April, in most of the U.S., means spring has arrived: new leaves pushing out of dull branches, lawns becoming green and vibrant, robins plucking worms from between the emerging grass blades to feed their newborns.  April in Montana can mean a blizzard or a golf outing, or both. Whatever the weather, the first full week of...

Education

Walk the Walk

The WildWalk parade, WildFest, and the International Wildlife Film Festival are investments in Missoula's cultural community Article by Jennifer Ferenstein | Photography by Craig Menteer The idea of organizing a community event to celebrate wild animals and biodiversity all started in 1992 with the seemingly simple pronouncement, “What you really need is a parade.” Support for the idea involved investments of time, creative energy, and resources, which led to the founding of one of Missoula’s...

Shopping

Rooted in Reason

Local fine jewelry studio offers a way to connect meaning to what you wear Article by Emma Trotter | Photography by Rick Szczechowski Have you ever taken off your wedding ring before a river float? How about reconsidered a necklace before a long hike or camping trip? Claire Mannheimer, owner and designer at Adorn to Rise, makes jewelry that not only can withstand daily life in Missoula, but protect and lift you up, too. “My philosophy around adornment and the jewelry we wear is they are...

Home + Design

A Nod to Nature

Little Hinoki Designs and Mountain Maple Woodworks showcase how design and material go hand-in-hand, just like the couple behind the companies Article by Marko Capoferri | Photography by Rick Szczechowski The practice of training bonsai trees is one that requires patience, slowness, and a fundamental respect for the tree and how it wants to exist. To grow and cultivate a successful bonsai tree, one must essentially become a collaborator with another living thing and its natural tendencies.  A...

Home Services

A Sensible Solution

West End Farms takes a new approach to the development and home-buying process Article by Juilanne Bitely | Photography by Rick Szczechowski The team behind West End Farms—Justin Metcalf, Matt Brandt, Jason Shreder, and Rosalie Cates—aren’t just business partners. They’re true Missoulians—community-minded, nature-loving creators, and long time friends. “The blueprints for this simply didn’t exist,” says Justin Metcalf, Co-Managing Partner of Collaborative Development and U of M graduate. ...