The Stories Behind the Stories
The writers of YVW share the interviews and experiences that still live in their hearts
For 25 years, the pages of Yellowstone Valley Woman have been filled not only with powerful stories, but with the voices of the writers who brought them to life. As we celebrate this milestone, we’ve asked them to share, in their own words, the stories that shaped and moved them most.
“Looking back on everything I've done for Yellowstone Valley Woman, I'm proudest of the two stories I wrote for the March/April 2024 issue, which were paired with two stories from YVW editor Julie Koerber. All of them centered on the subject of domestic violence, and the efforts under way to help the victims of such violence, and to chip away at the root causes of it.
I've written plenty of feature stories for YVW, but given my background in the newspaper business, I love it when YVW takes a deep dive into solid, newsy reporting. That's what Julie and I did in this issue, producing (if I may say so) a great package of stories, backed up by the usual stellar photography and a double-page spread of relevant statistics.
On top of all that, I got to meet and interview Taya Keith, the coordinator of the Family Justice Center, a one-stop location that brings together multiple services and agencies to provide help for victims of family violence and abuse. Taya is an amazing, inspiring woman, and I was honored to introduce her to the readers of YVW.” ~Ed Kemmick
“When my mom was dying, right at the start of Covid, I was feeling lost. My business was losing all its events, and, of course, I knew that within days Mom would be gone. I prayed about not knowing who I would be, what I would do when I went home from Phoenix. I walked into a third-floor sunroom at the hospital, again, in Phoenix, and one lone magazine was on the table, I kid you not, with a ray of sunshine hitting the cover. It was YVW, and my column in it was about being bold. Much of the story was about Mom and her strength during adversity. I knew then that I could always write, and that’s what carried me forward. Writing these columns, and hearing what they mean to people, have been an unexpected lifeline, blessing and thrilling adventure for me.” ~Karen Grosz
I’ve been writing for Yellowstone Valley Woman Magazine — off and on — almost since its inception in 2001. When Julie asked me what story moved me most, the question left me asking, what story hadn’t moved me? Over nearly 25 years, the subjects of my stories have introduced me to so many incredibly inspiring people, mostly women. I’ve learned so much from their experiences and wrapped up each interview feeling enriched by the intimate stories they’ve been willing to share. I’ve laughed with many of them, I’ve hugged too many to count, and yes, I’ve even shed tears with more than a few.
Two interviews that still haunt me took place in the summer of 2024, while I was working on a story about organ donation. The assigned interviews took place in both Billings’ hospitals — the first with Penny Clifton, the chair of Intermountain Health’s Donate Life Council and the second with Christy Baxter, co-chair of the Organ Donation Council at Billings Clinic. Both women offered remarkable stories about their work and their deeply-moving interactions with organ donors and recipients.
Then, to add depth to the story, I contacted two women whose lives had been forever changed by organ donation. One was Sydney Hunt, a Calgary woman, who spoke about her adventure-loving brother William Hunt. William had passed away at the age of 21 after a tragic auto accident south of Billings in the summer of 2023. William’s death, however, gave new life to five other individuals who received his donated organs.
The other interview was with Billings resident Deanna Wittak, whose infant son Jake would not have survived had it not been for a donated liver. Deanna wrestled with the thought that in order for her son to live, someone else would lose a child. Jake, now in his young twenties, enjoys a virtually normal life thanks to the generosity of donor Michael Arey, who died at the age of 17.
Those interviews not only left me deeply moved, but wanting to spread their stories to anyone and everyone who can check off the organ donor box on his or her driver’s license.
As I revisit the story, I was moved once again by Sydney’s words on incomparable power of organ donation.
“When you’re choosing to be an organ donor, you’re not choosing to be a hero,” she said. “It is the most selfless choice, a choice you will never see the results of. You are making a choice to leave your family with hope.” ~Linda Halstead Acharya
My very first article appeared in the May/June 2008 issue. I was sure Julie Koerber would fire me after I misspelled a person’s name. Eighteen years later, I know how fortunate I am to be part of a team that celebrates both flaws and fineness. The magazine highlights those who roll up their sleeves, hold their heads high and just act, making a difference in Yellowstone County.
Every cover features women's faces, their eyes revealing strong spirits and soulful determination. For me, the issue that haunted and inspired me the most was the “Say Their Names” issue in March 2020. Written by Julie Koerber, it gave a voice to those missing and murdered indigenous women who had been silenced, while Daniel Sullivan’s photograph further expressed loss and pain.
As a freelancer, I usually work alone in the office, so when I have the chance to cross paths with photographer Daniel Sullivan, who photographs the food I make, or joins me for an interview, I am thrilled. I learn from what his eyes and lens see, so I can tell the story I am writing even better.
What continues to live with me is the culture Julie Koerber has built behind the magazine's cover and pages. I continue to be inspired by a leader who sees the best in her team and in the people she interviews. ~Stella Fong
Back in 2013, I had the privilege of interviewing Sandy Harris, a victim witness coordinator for the Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office for my first cover story for YVW. Her compassion for the people she served and her fierce sense of justice was inspiring, and I was struck by how she gracefully carried their stories when others may have easily abandoned such heartbreaking work. I hope to carry the many stories I’ve written about remarkable women with that same grace and compassion. Sandy has passed away, and I am privileged to hold her story along with many more. ~Laura Tode
It makes me smile that something I enjoy would become a decades-long magazine contribution. When Julie approached me close to 20 years ago about joining the staff at YVW, she knew I liked to cook and bake. Admittedly, I was a novice. I followed recipes very closely and learned by trial and error. My favorite phrase was … “No, it’s supposed to be like that.”
As I talked with chefs and cooks over the years, I learned a lot and shared ideas and recipes with you. Gradually, I gained confidence in what I know and really started to cook. Actually, I gained the confidence to create. I still follow baking recipes fairly closely (although I am known to add a ¼ teaspoon or so of Fiori di Sicilia, a wonderful citrus vanilla floral essence, when a recipe calls for lemon zest or lemon juice).
When I cook, I will follow a recipe — well, sort of. I guess at measurements, will substitute when I don’t have an ingredient. I have also been known to stare at the contents of the refrigerator for inspiration on using leftovers and bits of vegetables to a pull together a soup or casserole.
Taste of the Valley has been an odyssey of sorts for me. I hope it has been enlightening for you and that you enjoyed it. ~Kay Erickson
One story that will stick with me forever is the profile of 100-year-old Virginia Toews. Virginia’s strong faith has sustained her through many, many challenges and has fueled her lifetime of service. Over the years, her faith has led her to serve Native Americans on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, lead Bible studies at the Montana Women’s Prison, and work at the Montana Rescue Mission, where she often prays for people who are struggling with homelessness.
At each step of her journey, Virginia has leaned into her love for God and for others to make an incredible impact on those around her. Her energy, heart and good humor are an inspiration! ~Julie Lovell
“There was one story written well over a decade ago that still takes up space in my heart. The story was about a mother, one I hardly knew, but her youngest of six children was a friend of mine.
Diana Kobold suffered several heart attacks and didn’t know it. It wasn’t until she woke up one morning with painful arthritis symptoms that she sensed something might be wrong. She found out from extensive testing that she had a mass on her lungs, along with other health issues. She soon underwent a seven-coronary bypass surgery, with lung cancer treatment on hold.
The day I sat with 66-year-old Diana and her son, along with Dr. Scott Millikan, for their interview plays in my mind like it was yesterday. A petite, vivacious woman who looked like she was the belle of the ball kept smiling. She said, “Things are looking up.”
Diana’s heart was stronger after the bypass surgery. Lung treatment was in action. She wasn’t about to give up on life. She was tenacious with amazing grace.
While Diana is gone, her light still shines. She advised women to “be checked. Go to the doctor.” It was a lesson that I’ve taken to heart.” ~Trish Scozarri
I am honored to have met and written about so many incredible women for YVW. From the two 90-year-old friends who share a friendship spanning seventy years to the mother of seven children, raising them on her own while running a successful painting business and taking college courses toward a master’s degree in counseling. From the woman who opened a gym for veterans to the women who have opened their homes to foster children. I am amazed at the remarkable women living in our community, who have stepped out of their comfort zone, given into their passions, chased their dreams and have made a difference in the lives of their families, their neighborhoods and the community. ~Cydney Hoefle
