Photography by Jacqui Smith
Hair and Makeup by Katie Rice- Pure Hair Spa
Set Designer, Kristie Sotelo

The Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Finds
Inspiration through a Passion for its Past

Text by Holly Matkin | Photography by Marcus Serrano

All too often, many of us tend to view modern life as being superior to the days of our forefathers. With the abundance of technology and infrastructure woven into our world, it’s as if we mistakenly believe we innately possess knowledge and abilities that far surpass those of preceding generations.

Granted, what we today perceive as being commonplace – maybe even mundane – would likely have been inconceivable to those who founded Great Falls in the late 1800s. But how often do we stop to consider just how the normalcy of our everyday lives came to be? How did these quiet, vastly sprawling plains along the Missouri River become the bustling, productive community Great Falls area rebsidents call home?

Finding Hope in the Battle Against Chronic Pain

Text by Holly Matkin | Photography by Marcus Serrano

Like so many Montanans who depend on the earth and sky for their livelihoods, Steve and Josie Gordon embody the principles of rural western culture. Propelled by determination, ambition and fortitude in the face of inevitable adversities, they toil away on their fourth-generation cattle ranch southeast of Cascade, fostering their family’s legacy.

Fellow Great Falls area resident Margaret “Maggie” Welzenbach exudes a similar tenacity and zest for life as a sprightly, self-proclaimed “wild child.” If you are having difficulty reaching her by telephone, it is highly probable she is outside, busily tending to her much-adored chickens.

Regardless of age, profession or specific location, Maggie and the Gordons exemplify the commonalities of Montanans as a whole.

Essentrics®: a flexibility and strength building workout for all ages

Text by Kimberly Woodring | Photography by Jim Wells

What is it?

ESSENTRICS® is a full body fitness program designed to engage all 650 muscles and promote mobility, body shaping and pain-relief. Created by Miranda Esmonde-White, a former ballerina, author of the New York Times bestseller, Aging Backwards, and host of the #1 fitness TV show on PBS, Classical Stretch—the technique develops lean, strong and flexible muscles with immediate changes to your posture. This workout leaves you feeling energized, youthful and healthy. We use standing, floor and barre techniques to enhance the movements. Essentrics is a form of functional fitness.

Pap vs. Pelvic?

Text by Kelly Timmer, FNP-BC, WHNP-BC, and Sydne Skaer, FNP-BC

For years, women have been accustomed to getting a Pap smear—a test to detect certain cancerous or precancerous cells of the cervix—annually. A few years ago, however, the Pap smear guidelines for most women were revised to recommend a Pap smear once every three to five years instead of yearly. This change generated a major misconception—that no annual Pap meant there was no need for an annual exam.

There is, and always has been,

Text and Photography provided by Phil Procopio

I’ve been doing makeup for 10 years now and every time I get to paint someone’s face, I get excited every time. That’s right…paint! Makeup is an art, makeup can be transformative, empowering or even healing. As the seasons and trends change, so does makeup. Here are a few eye-catching fall 2016 favorites you should be stocking up on now.

Concealer: Kat Von D Lock It Concealer – Full coverage and lasts all day.

Lashes: Ardel False Lashes in