I am not really one to make New Year’s resolutions, not because I think they’re pointless, I’m just not a fan of the hype surrounding quick fixes for happiness, weight loss, or twelve-step behavior modification miracles. This year I’m going to make an adjustment to my life metaphor. We all have a life metaphor; a lens through which we view the world. This deeply held, unconscious belief determines how we experience everything that happens within and around us and is a powerful determinant of happiness and contentment or stress, depression and anxiety. The New Year can often bring a mixed bag of emotions and memories for many of us. Some may have experienced a year of joy and healthiness and look forward to an even greater one emerging ahead. Others may have journeyed through one hardship after another. This year, I’m refocusing my metaphoric lens so that I can view the world with a greater conviction for hope.

Written by Claire Baiz • Photography by Marcus Serrano

Silver Spur Saloon, 115 US Highway 89

Kick Up Your Heels at the Silver Spur

“Summertime at the Silver Spur means busy days and slower nights,” says co-owner Dan DeWitt. “Winter, it’s the other way around.” There’s lots to do at this bar, grill and pool hall. From the brother-sister team that runs the place to dad’s bookwork, and an uncle who lives out back, everyone pitches in. Pool and dart leagues attract customers from fall to spring. When the ice breaks, nearby construction projects boost the lunch trade. The Silver Spur boasts a full service bar, specialty burgers, salads, tacos and nachos. Come by on weekends, when they open up early to serve their famous Silver Spur skillet breakfasts.

Her Look

Text by Claire Baiz • Photography by Phil Procopio

“Tall boots are hard to pull on when you’re pregnant,” says second-time mom Kattie Meyer. “I’m lucky—there are so many cute booties out there.” Meyer admits maternity pants are a blessing, but she gives the thumbs-down to maternity tops. “I like flowy tops anyway.”

Rommel Zeledon— Romeo at the Keyboard

Text by Claire Baiz • Photography by Marcus Serrano

Don’t be flattered if Rommel Zeledon writes a song about you. “It’s never a good thing,” he says. Though this passionate Florida native is inspired by emotional turmoil, his music is perfect for romance or a meditative interlude.

Zeledon, who works in nuclear security with the U.S. Air Force, is enjoying his stint in Montana: “The first time I saw snow I took off my shirt and jumped in it. I don’t do that any more, but I still love snow.” “Snowboarding,” he gulps, recalling his first attempt at Showdown last winter, “…not so much.”

You can find Zeledon’s compositions on his Facebook page, ‘Nova Celeste Resurrected’, or listen in person at venues around Great Falls.

Loenbro Estimator Gives Great Falls High Marks

Text by Claire Baiz • Photography by Marcus Serrano

A few years back, Brad Cordes worked alongside Jon and Paul Leach in the North Dakota oil fields. Now Cordes is senior estimator for industrial construction at Loenbro, the Leach brothers’ Great Falls-based oilfield services company.

New Year’s Inspirations for the Chilly Months Ahead

Text by Mark Baune

We’ve said goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017. Many have set the bar high with resolutions for the New Year, and of course many of those call for cutting back on the things we love. That’s all fine and dandy but there is one thing I will not be cutting back on and that is BEER! I do however resolve to broaden my horizons by opening my palette up to new brews. Let’s kick off the New Year by checking some great winter warmers off the list.