The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Archive for the ‘Community’ Category

How Has Missoula Protected Its Elderly Residents From Abuse?

Care homes are a critical service that provide much needed care and respite for elderly citizens across the state.... more

Taking Care Of The Elderly Can Be Easier Than You Think

Growing old is a fact of life, and many people need different levels of care when they reach the twilight of their lives. ... more

CBD Dog Foods and its Regulations

Here are some regulations on CBD dog foods.... more

Exploring the New Trends in Caregiving

The following are the trends we expect to see in the caregiving sector in 2020.... more

How Often Do People Retire Abroad?

Millions of people will be entering retirement within the next year and a large portion of them want to retire abroad. ... more

Sustainable Pet-friendly Living

It’s possible to lead a sustainable life together with your furry friends if you know how to go about it.... more

Helping Missoula Seniors Get the Extra Support They Deserve

Skyview, a  new senior housing development project in Missoula, has just secured $5.9 million in federal tax credits, boosting affordable housing in the area by 32 units. This is great news for the thousands ... more

27th Annual Garden City Brewfest Features Over 70 Beers, Ciders & Wine

By BRAM MOORE - Over 70 beers from 43 different breweries will be available for tasting at the 27th Annual Garden City BrewFest on Saturday, May 4.... more

How to Start a Green Team at Your School

You’ve finally decided your school needs an Eco-messiah, and you’re looking into starting a green team, but you don’t know where to start? ... more

Retirement: How to Cope

Having planned the financial side of your retirement, you may have failed to pay attention to how you are going to spend your time. ... more

Liz Marchi: Life Interrupted

By LIZ MARCHI - As I age, I have found it very valuable to look at life’s circumstances as opportunities to learn more about this amazing journey we call life.... more

How to Support A Parent Moving Into a Care Home

One of the hardest things in life is watching your parents age. ... more

Liz Marchi: Picking Raspberries

By LIZ MARCHI - The greatest reward for me in my modicum of new found patience is picking raspberries... more

Senior Dating: Pros, Cons, and Tips

Senior dating is becoming more prominent in the modern day as people realize that they want love even as they age. ... more

Liz Marchi: Summer on the Ranch

By LIZ MARCHI - Life is good. Summer in Montana…like nothing else. ... more

Montana Homestead Declaration – Why it’s Important for Homeowners

By ALLISA WINBERG - The state of Montana has a wonderful Homestead Exemption Act that is designed to protect the investment you have made in your home. Here are the details.... more

Smell Makes Cents

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN - Realtors are gearing up for the busiest time of the year. Smell, believe it or not, plays a big role in the whole process.... more

Make Montana Home

By LIZ MARCHI - I Made Montana Home and it’s made my life enormously rich in the things that are meaningful.  Find your meaning in Montana.... more

Death Over Dinner

By LIZ MARCHI - Death over dinner is a nonprofit with a goal of getting us to have the most important conversation we are not having, how we want to die.... more

I’m Not in Love with the Reverse Mortgage

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN - What can you do to protect yourself, your parents, or others who may be considering a reverse mortgage?... more

Liz Marchi: 2018

By LIZ MARCHI - The best laugh I got from New Year’s greeting yesterday was Happy 2018, may you look 20 and feel 18.... more

Liz Marchi: The Times of Our Lives

By LIZ MARCHI - My kids get very annoyed at the time I spend on Facebook but I love being visually reminded of what I was doing 8 years ago because I DON’T REMEMBER.... more

I LOVETT! Music Plays Again in an Old Company Town

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN -Lyle Lovett & His Large Band were the first show to take the stage at the new KettleHouse Amphitheatre in what was an amazing evening of entertainment.... more

10 Heavenly Montana Hikes West of the Continental Divide

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - Nothing inspires like a heart-pounding hike into Montana's high country. Put these ten picks for memorable hikes on your Montana bucket list!... more

A Step-By-Step Guide to Building a Lasagne

By BOB ZIMORINO - The purpose of this photo journal is to demonstrate how to build a lasagna.... more

Liz Marchi: Birthdays, Vacation and Tornadoes

By LIZ MARCHI -I will be looking for the fog to lift and the sun to warm my little Polson, Montana. May we all have that experience as our year unfolds.... more

February: LOVE Your House Month: Fire Safety

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN -Take a little time to learn what YOU can do to keep your home warm and toasty, while keeping yourself and your family safe during these cold winter months.... more

Liz Marchi: Riding it Over the Top

By LIZ MARCHI -Riding it Over the Top for me, well this photo says it all! Happy Monday snow day in Montana!... more

Liz Marchi: 2017–It’s Here!

By LIZ MARCHI - In gratitude, I begin a New Year so thankful for the journey traveled and the road ahead. May your 2017 be rich in friends, family, health and happiness.... more

Missoula is Our Home for the Holiday

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN -Sit back and enjoy a little clip of scenes from in and around Missoula! Wishing you and yours a safe, wonderful and warm holiday season!... more

Liz Marchi: Home

By LIZ MARCHI - I don’t know if it’s the holidays, winter or age, but of late “there is no place like home.”... more

Growing Birds in the Garden City

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN -Why did the chicken cross Missoula Ave? Perhaps to say hello to the new neighbors, Quail and Duck!... more

Liz Marchi: Getting Over It

By LIZ MARCHI - Aging lesson number 789, getting over it takes longer. Give yourself some space.... more

Nesting in the Zoo: Storing History in Milltown

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN -Ask anyone in Bonner, West Riverside, or Milltown where they used to go buy groceries and more than likely you will hear a variety of responses: Milltown Market, Finky’s or Disbrow’s.... more

UM Sports Trivia | Week of Oct 3

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Once again the Grizzly defense is among the top in FCS. Among Big Sky teams the Griz has given the fewest first downs and are the top defense against third and fourth conversions.... more

Fall Into Fun With Parks and Recreation

Join Missoula Parks and Recreation for these exciting recreation and aquatics programs. Call 721-PARK to register or stop by Currents Aquatics Center in McCormick Park. ... more

Parks and Recreation Hosts Old-Fashioned Family Fest on Oct. 22

It’s fall—time for hayrides, apple cider and old-fashioned harvest celebrations brought to you by the folks at Missoula Parks and Recreation.... more

UM Sports Trivia | Week of Sept 26

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - The Montana Grizzlies got single game record performances out of Jerry Louie McGee and Brady Gustafson, but it wasn't enough for the Griz to get the win at Cal Poly.... more

UM Sports Trivia | Week of Sept 19

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - The Montana Grizzly football team is off to its seventh 2-0 start since 2000 and in the previous six, the Griz have gone on to average 12 wins a season.... more

UM Sports Trivia | Week of Sept 12

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - The Montana Grizzly football team is off to its seventh 2-0 start since 2000 and in the previous six, the Griz have gone on to average 12 wins a season.... more

Nesting in the Zoo: Create a Great Learning Space

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN -How do people create a productive learning environment at home? I'm convince it takes headspace, and physical space.... more

UM Sports Trivia | Week of Sept 5

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - The last time a UM team played at the UNI-Dome was when the Griz basketball team played there in November of 2001--and things went really bad for the Griz in the first half of that gam... more

30+ Things for Kids to Do in Missoula, Montana

By LINDA McCARTHY - I am amazed at how many free and low cost things there are to do with kids in Missoula, Montana. My daughter and I compiled a list of more than 30 Things to Do With Kids in Missoula:... more

Liz Marchi: Family, Seasons and Change

By LIZ MARCHI - My husband, turned 70 a few weeks ago, at what may have been one of my top 10 parties ever.... more

UM Sports Trivia | Week of Aug 22

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - When Robin Selvig took over the University of Montana women's basketball program it had won 32 games combined in the previous 4 years.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Aug 22

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

Make it Missoula Monday | Week of Aug 22

Check out the various bands and live music all over Missoula sprinkled with a sporting event, film or a fundraiser. ... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Aug 15

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

UM Sports Trivia | Week of Aug 15

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - When Robin Selvig took over the University of Montana women's basketball program it had won 32 games combined in the previous 4 years.... more

Make it Missoula Monday | Week of Aug 15

Check out the various bands and live music all over Missoula sprinkled with a sporting event, film or a fundraiser. ... more