Name to a Face: Pam Polachi "Local Rock Lady"

She's the smiling face of Settings by All Things Montana and a rock hound for the ages. She is Pam Polachi.

Pam Polachi was born in Red Lodge, Montana, in 1965. After a quick stint in California, her family backtracked and returned to Montana, settling firmly in Whitehall. During her middle school years, Pam grew interested in rocks and animals, excelling in and loving anything to do with the Earth. Once high school came, however, her interests had changed, and she lost sight of her rocks, animals and nature. She lost interest in her studies and left high school, taking a retail position she loved until she was twenty-one. On a whim she decided to hitch a ride and move to California, where she once again became interested in her education. She retook her high classes all over again, introductory English, Math and all; continuing on to college.

After three years in California, she picked up, moved to Boston and married. Attending Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts, she received her associate degree in early childhood education, all the while raising her own two boys. Between raising her children and twenty-eight years in Boston, she realized working with her own children was great, but working with other's children just was not for her and left her early childhood education professionally untouched. She never stopped educating herself though; she continued to explore her interests through online classes. Pam renewed her love of nature, occasionally working as a freelance garden designer, where she got her hands dirty. And as her boys grew older, she returned to her retail roots, renewing that passion.

About a year after returning to Montana after her divorce, Pam realized she wanted back in the retail world, deciding that she really wanted to have was her own store. A FOR RENT sign in the space next to the Star Theater caught Pam and her sister's eye; within nine days' time the store was developed and opened.

Currently located between High Peaks Federal Credit Union and the Post Office, Settings by All Things Montana was recently recognized by the Montana Chamber of Commerce for being an outlet for, well, all things Montana! Pam diligently works to get products which are made locally or made in Montana. If they aren't, then she searches for products that will be well made or from another small business. And her rock collection keeps growing and impressing all those who visit the shop.

Pam prides herself on being part of this community she knows well, and loves having her family close to her. She loves Whitehall values - a close-knit community where everyone is looking out for each other. She especially appreciates the Communities support of her shop, especially this past Christmas. She looks forward to helping engage younger generations in activities within Whitehall and its natural areas of beauty!