SigMT

L ike Oprah "loves bread," I love spring! While wandering through months of dark- ness, as the cold clutches the earth and trees raise their bare branches to a somber gray sky, I think where is global warming when it's needed? But, at the doorstep of worn patience, spring bursts forth, much like the first movement in Beethoven's Fih symphony. e first four notes are like a knock on spring's door, summon- ing its awakening –Da-da-da-daaaa, followed by a sort of urgency and foreboding for earth to come to life. e birds begin to sing, banishing the silence of winter. Misty-eyed cubs rouse from a long slumber while playful fawns prance among the wildflowers in the meadows. Snow-capped mountains release a winter's bounty that swell the rivers while the pier paer of warm rain cleanses the land allowing earth to release its shackles on the seeds below. e glisten of fresh dew, the smell of sweet fragrances and the early morning hum of a lawn mower speaks of a day full of triumphant celebration. What other season rolls out the welcome mat in such colorful, formal aire? When you think about it, summer has it prey easy… maybe that is why it is referred to as the "lazy" days of summer. SignatureMT rolls out its spring welcome mat with a lineup of fresh and colorful stories. We begin with a labor of love as writer Shane Klippenes takes us on an overnight adventure to a historic stock operation just south of Great Falls, where ranchers prove their mele through minor irritations to life-threatening emergencies during lambing season. And, delving deeper into Montana's number one industry, we explore how women are breaking the glass ceiling and making huge strides in a career field traditionally made up of men. Gardener Amy Grisak, provides some insightful tips on how to grow the best and most treasured fruit of the garden, the tomato! Great Falls author, Ryan Acra, visits with us about his new book and how his super hero concept combined with humor and sharing the gi of laughter is challenging students, in grades three through six, to think outside the box when it comes to problem solving. And, have you ever wondered how Montana ended up with such a patchwork of unique counties? Writer Michael Ober takes an in-depth look at historical maps and discovers how the peopling and populating of Montana can be told in the origins of its counties. Join us as we take a trip down "Memory Lane" with World War II Hatch Gunner, Edward Maierle, as he recalls his days of service and reason for enlisting in the U.S. Navy. ese and many more stories await in this issue of SignatureMT. Remember, as the majestic fanfare of spring unfolds and the revitalization of life perpetuates around us, take time to step outside each morning and see the glisten of dew on the fresh cut grass while embracing the possibilities and work that can be done. en, as the dying light speaks of the day's many accomplishments, sit a spell and allow the last hours to be enjoyed in relaxation and, of course, with the spring issue of SignatureMT in hand. SUPPORTING THOUGHTS is past spring I was reintroduced to SignatureMT magazine aer having lost touch with its publication over a couple of years. It was a chance occurrence of picking up the magazine in the waiting area of Chicago Title in Great Falls, and, thanks to a protracted wait, I was able to get through a beer portion of the vibrantly colorful, unique, wholesome, and interesting stories and journals of good clear writing that you folks like to do. What's best about SignatureMT is a person already has a familiarity and interest in many of the subjects, places, and people. It is a refreshing look at things we know. Your editorial staff proved these last sentences to be true when, in two subsequent issues, you offered, just by chance, stories about two of my favorite people, my mother, Helen, in a write up of her World War II contributions involving the Manhaan Project, followed by a timely portrayal of the career of Dr. Daniel Walker, my cardiologist- and a fine, fine fellow. It meant a lot to my Mom. You will be missed Dr. Dan. Your magazine feels important in a person's hands with its high-gloss cover and colorful, filled pages. I found myself outside of your offices on an errand in downtown Great Falls and stopped by to leave a note of congratulations, noting your clear editorial workman- ship and positive story lines. I subscribed on the day of my visit for the magazine to be delivered to my place of business as well as my personal residence. With all of the noise in the media and all of the less than whole- some garbage we endure in various publications, on television, and through the Internet, having a quiet time with SignatureMT magazine when the issue arrives makes it a more beautiful day. ank you for this, very much. ~ Steve Yanuszka - Great Falls Photo by Cindy Cieluch From the Editor HAYLEY LENINGTON-LERAY MT S 10 | SignatureMT

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