Prime Special Edition september2015

SEPT. 2015 PRIME AWARDS EDITION

Trudy Brence

Betty Cure

Tim Crawford

Dorothy Eck

Mike Ewing

Tom Egelhoff

Margrit Firehammer

Bill Fraser

Eric Hastings

Bea Horswill

Mary Vant Hull

Sharon Tudor Isler

Darla Joyner

Jeff Kaufman

Dave Kumlien

Alice Meister

Judy Morrill

Deborah Neuman

Donna Ohs

Mary Peterson

Dick Rodgers

Jeff Safford

Arnold Siegel

Karen Vinton

And the Jewel AwArd winner

Ruth Gouveia

2 I Prime September 2015

A note from the editors Do you know a senior who should be featured in a future edition of Prime? Email your suggestions to prime@dailychronicle.com or call Cindy Sease at 582-2616

Contents:

Prime Awards Intro................................ 2 Trudy Brence......................................... 3 Betty Cure.............................................. 4 Tim Crawford......................................... 6 Dorothy Eck........................................... 8 Mike Ewing............................................ 9 Tom Egelhoff........................................ 10 Margrit Firehammer............................. 11 Bill Fraser............................................. 12 Eric Hastings........................................ 14 Bea Horswill......................................... 15 Mary Vant Hull...................................... 16 Sharon Tudor Isler................................ 18 Darla Joyner......................................... 20 Jeff Kaufman......................................... 21 Dave Kumlien....................................... 22 Alice Meister........................................ 24 Judy Morrill.......................................... 25 Deborah Neuman................................. 26 Donna Ohs........................................... 27 Mary Peterson...................................... 28 Dick Rodgers....................................... 29 Jeff Safford............................................ 30 Arnold Siegel....................................... 31 Karon Vinton........................................ 32 Ruth Gouveia....................................... 34

Attracting Birds.................................... 35 Hearty Harvest..................................... 36 How to Not Look Old............................ 38 Music and Memory.............................. 40 Grandparents Day................................ 41 AARP Smart Driver............................... 41 Senior Centers..................................... 42

Welcome to the Prime Awards

M

any are familiar with the Bozeman Daily Chronicle’s 20 over 40, an award coveted by all young business people in our area. These young leaders are just beginning their careers, learning from their mistakes and building businesses that will keep our area thriving.

But what about the wonderful people in our area who have lists of accomplishments, have donated countless hours of time and resources to get our businesses and non-profits where they are today?

These are the people who have years of wisdom to share and stories of failures and successes. These are the people who have made our area the wonderful, prosperous, beautiful area it is.

That’s when the Chronicle decided to turn 20 over 40 on its head and recognize 24 over 64, because their stories have so much value.

Our community needed this.

Friends, peers, coworkers, sons and daughters, nieces and nephews were all given a chance to nominate a person over the age of 64 who had made a difference in the lives of others through their community service or their profession. They were asked to nominate a mentor, someone who had shared their wisdom selflessly.

The nominations flooded in, and the Chronicle’s hardest task was narrowing the list of over 50 welldeserving people down to 24. The

panel of judges was more than impressed; they were awed with the service each individual displayed.

For the Inaugural Prime Awards 24 Over 64, the Chronicle is recognizing 24 heros in our community and a 25th individual who will be receiving our Jewel Award.

I was given the daunting, yet exciting task of interviewing each of these individuals. Inside, you will see their stories. A lifetime cannot be summed into one page. I knew before these interviews that I would see tears, hear laughs and share in the emotions that would come of these stories, but I never knew how much these 25 stories would impact me.

Each of our 25 recipients have made a difference in the lives of others—that’s why they’ve been selected—but in case you weren’t sure about the difference you have made, just know my life has been touched for the better.

To learn about the businesses you’ve helped thrive, to hear in your voice about the moment you knew you were making history, to see the tears running down your face as you recalled the moment you saved someone’s life... I cannot put into words how this has made me feel, and it has been my honor and privilege to be the one to share these incredible life stories.

I can only hope I did you justice.

The world needs more role models. Bozeman has 25 right here.

- Stevie Croisant

Prime September 2015 I 3

Trudy Brence

A Healthy Sate of Mind

As

By Stevie Croisant

soon as I asked the question about her involvement with the Special Olympics, I saw Trudy Brence’s face light up. The interview was supposed to be all about her accomplishments, but she was very good at turning it around

and making it about the people she has helped.

A wide smile spread across her face, and she said, “I like seeing what people can do with the right help!”

As her life’s work, Brence has been giving those with mental health and developmental disabilities the right help they’ve

needed. Her professional resume boasts accomplishments such as a bachelor’s in sociology from Montana State University, almost eight years in the Bozeman schools working in the Developmental Disabilities Program, ten years at Family Outreach, eight years at Reach Inc., her current position as an adult case manager at Gallatin Mental Health and her previous experience working as a coach for Bozeman trailblazer Julie Bertelsen for equestrian riding in the Special Olympics World Games and local and state Special Olympics.

I quickly realized Brence seemed most comfortable in the interview talking about her two passions: horses and helping those with disabilities.

“Horses have a calming attitude,” she said. “They assist people with developing and assist people with muscles they don’t know they have.”

Brence has had a love for horses since she was a little girl. She still remembers the first horse she rode: a black Shetland pony.

Now she has her own horses, teaches riding and uses her horses for therapy.

Brence once had a patient with severe cerebral palsy. She was in a wheelchair, her speech wasn’t very good and Brence said her muscles didn’t really move.

Brence and a physical therapist put the patient on a horse and instantly saw a miracle.

“We put her on this pony and she had no movement really.

She was [slumped], and all of a sudden, she [straightened her back] and just moved around with this pony. It was so cool.”

Amongst her many achievements, Br en ce ad m i t s i t i s of ten a c h a l l e n g e w o r k i n g w i t h mentally or developmentally disabled people.

“Being able to see their potential, which they can’t see sometimes, looking at their strengths and supporting and teaching them and giving them a positive attitude, those are the challenges.”

But after working in these fields for the majority of her life, she’s seen quite a transformation.

Initially, “there was this fear about people with developmental disabilities that they had this unpredictable behavior.”

Over the course of her career, she has helped many people find employment, which has significantly helped cut back on the stigma that some employers used to have.

One of her favorite things about her career: “Being able to work in this field for so long.”

Her co-workers must be grateful for that too. Her nominator, Amber Reilly, is her supervisor.

She wrote the following about Brence: “Trudy has spent her whole life in service to those with disabilities. I hope that she can be recognized for her amazing abilities and selflessness. She is truly a wonderful woman.”

Brence was quick to thank her co-workers for the support.

“I went to the Mental Health Center, it’s been ten years now.

I was the oldest one. It is so fun to work with all of these young people who are so motivated.”

Her advice for younger people who want to follow in her footsteps? “Just do it.”

4 I Prime September 2015

Betty Cure

Bringing Life to Small Business

W

By Stevie Croisant

hile looking through the nomination packets for the Chronicle’s inaugural Prime Awards, one name kept showing up again and again: Betty Cure.

She was nominated twice, but her name appeared several more times. She was the selfless nominator of six of our Prime Award recipients.

“When I asked people if I could nominate them,” Cure said, “a lot of them said, ‘oh no, I don’t need that.’

But I would tell them, ‘We need that. We need to talk about you.’”

What she didn’t expect was that her own peers felt people needed to know more about Betty Cure.

“Then when it happens to you, you think that there are so many others our community

needs to know about, and I feel very special to have this honor.”

Cure has made a name for herself in the Bozeman area mostly for her work in business and finance. During the financial crisis of 2008, she participated in opening the first Montana office for Stifel, Nicolaus and company which was one of Fortune Magazine’s 100 fastest growing companies in the nation for 2009-2010. She is currently the Vice President of Investments and has used her professional knowledge to lead the Bozeman SCORE (Service Core of Retired Execs) chapter where she served as its chair from 2012-2014. SCORE is a national organization that advises small business owners.

“I love all of my clients. My job could be a sales job, but it’s more of a conversation.

‘What do you need? Let me help you find it.’”

She helps clients every step of the way from brainstorming ideas to creating business plans.

Her favorite part is watching their businesses thrive.

“I get to help them grow their dream, and it’s so fun,” she said with a chuckle.

Interestingly, Cure’s persistent personality as a college student helped shape her career path.

She landed a work study job on Wall Street by picking up the phone and asking, ‘Who is on vacation? I’d like to fill in for them.”

She was trained as a security analyst at Bear Stearns Companies, Inc., a New York-based global investment company.

From there, “I quickly realized what I didn’t know. I decided to move on... and become a part of the

financial industry and my learning really took off.”

As successful as she’s been professionally, Cure, who has a clear vibrancy for life, is most satisfied with her personal accomplishments.

“A job gets you through life, provides means. Family is a big part of life. Everything else that comes along is embellishments.”

Cure’s family came up several times on her nomination form.

In fact, Cure’s extended family became a large part of her life.

From 2005-2007, Cure and her husband housed eight of the IceDog Hockey players. Her involvement with the IceDogs came from her daughter’s interest in hockey after seeing her cousin from Minnesota play a role in the 2004 hockey film “The Miracle.”

One day, Cure’s daughter told her parents that the team was looking for housing for the players. “She said, ‘You know we do have room, so we should probably do it.’ Her dad automatically said ‘no,’” Cure said. “But I thought about it and said ‘yes,’ so I won!”

Cure loved that her daughter gained eight older brothers and that she had the opportunity to cook and bake for the hungry athletes.

“It was such great fun,” she said with a smile. Cure’s natural positivity and grace is contagious.

“I think you ought to celebrate every day.”

Her advice for anyone looking to enjoy life as much as she does: “Dream and make those dreams come true. But my number one advice? Get active in your community, because people only work with people they like.”

Prime September 2015 I 5

MoNtANA StAte UNIverSIty

Congratulations to all the

&

MAKING A DIFFERENCE!!!

Award Recipients!

Montana State University AND Spring Creek Inn Memory Care are hosting their first annual “Paying it Forward” golf tournament.

Join us to support the Bobcats & Seniors with Memory Loss.

(406) 586-1385 | (800) 955-3443 875 Harmon Stream Boulevard, Suite 200 Bozeman, Montana 59718

DATE: August 28th SITE: BLACK BULL GOLF CLUB, a beautiful Tom Weiskopf “modified links” style golf course in Bozeman, MT. MEALS: Lunch, dinner, and beverages provided (water, soda, beer and wine)

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com

AWARDS: Team prizes awarded, hole prizes and gifts for all players

If you would like more information contact: Brittany Basye, MSU Head Golf Coach at 406-581-0487, or Cindy Morris, Director of Community Relations at Spring Creek Inn at 406-586-0074.

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S to t h e

P R I M E AWA R D S W I N N E R S

Congratulations to our Prime Awards Winners!

We would like to thank all the winners and recognize

FROM J&H INC. OFFICE EQUIPMENT

2 0 3 H A G G E RT Y L N . B O Z E M A N

406.586.3103

their service, contributions and time spent helping in our local communities across Southwest Montana.

6 I Prime September 2015

Tim Crawford

Hero on Solid Ground

A

By Stevie Croisant

fter talking to Tim Crawford, it was clear he didn’t have just one area of focus in his life for community service. Perhaps

his overarching goal is to just give back to the community, but he’s been giving back in almost every way imaginable.

One of his clear passions is the conservation of wildlife and

open space. “I grew up in a ranching family and developed great fondness for nature, and I could see that we were not treating her kindly.” In 2010, Crawford gifted land to the town of Logan for public fishing access and a park along the Gallatin River. He has been a founder and continued supporter of Gallatin Valley Land Trust, which holds a conservation easement o n h i s 3 2 0 - a c r e farm, ensuring it will remain an open space. Crawford is t h e l a rg e s t c r e a t o r o f s o l a r a rrays in Montana.

Crawford mixes his passions for the environment and his talents as an artist to give back.

Crawford a professional photographer since the 1960s, has helped conservation efforts in Montana. He provided an aerial photograph of The New World Gold Mine near Cooke City, which helped former President Bill Clinton negotiate with a Canadian mining company to stop the mine.

“I photographed a New World Mine, and you could see the poisonous water coming out,” he said. “That was shown around Congress to get the money and whatever it took to exchange [the mine].”

More of his photographs assisted in catalyzing the transfer of the Royal Teton Ranch from the Church Universal Triumphant to public ownership. In 1997, his photographic documentation of Virginia City helped save the city from being sold at auction.

He’s received several awards for his work in conservation.

He was given the Paul Har-

ris Fellowship Award from the Bozeman Sunrise Rotary Club for his environmental stewardship, use of sustainable energy, promotion of fisheries and angler access and renovation of historic landmarks. He was awarded the Hero of Conservation by Field and Stream Magazine in 2011 for his welcoming of anglers across his property and his gift of land in Logan.

Crawford has also donated money to the art community in Montana.

He donated funds to purchase the Emerson School building for the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture.

He also donated a new van to Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. For him, donating to the arts is all about community.

“What I think we lose track of in this society is that community is of great importance.”

While Crawford is honored to be recognized on multiple fronts for his work, recognition isn’t why he does all of this.

“The reason one does this, I think, and I can’t speak for anybody but myself, but I think you do it because it’s the right thing to do.”

Crawford’s future plans are to keep doing exactly what he has been all along with as much vigor as he can maintain.

But he’s proud to say that it’s ok to fail or feel unsure sometimes. It’s how we learn, according to Crawford.

“When in doubt, look at some of the masters’ doubts and realize that you are not alone.”

Prime September 2015 I 7

C o n g r at u l at i o n s P r i m e awa r d winners!

Helping families celebrate a life lived.

Congratulations to the 24 over 64 Award recipients!

From everyone at

“There is a difference.”

406.587.3184 www.dokkennelson.com info@dokkennelson.com 113 South Willson Avenue in Bozeman

DEBBI ROYER Your Local Montana Reverse Mortgage Lender Learn the facts about Reverse Mortgages from a local expert with twenty years of experience serving Montanans:

Debbi Royer NMLS #583044

• If you’re 62 or older you may be able to borrow money against the equity in your home • You make no principal or interest payments as long as you remain in your home • Like other types of mortgages, reverse mortgages require an assessment of your financial condition and have costs and risks; • Interest compounds monthly, your loan balance is due when you no longer live in your home • You must continue to pay property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and maintain your property

CALL TO SPEAK WITH DEBBI AT 406.223.8941 DROYER@OPPORTUNITYBANK.COM

8 I Prime September 2015

Dorthy Eck

State Constitution Warrior

By Stevie Croisant

“To

put my name in the same column with Dorothy Eck is amazing,” said Colonel Eric Hastings (see his Prime story on page 14). “I don’t feel there is an equivalency there in any way shape or form.

Dorothy Eck’s impact on the well being of every Montanan cannot be over emphasized.”

When asking the Prime

Award Recipients how it felt to be recognized, Hastings’s response seemed to be the same reply of the majority of the other winners.

Dorothy Eck, former state senator, is a living legend, and someone who has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands due to her unrelenting perseverance during a time when woman didn’t normally have a say.

“Women basically played

bridge,” she recalled of the time period. When she first moved to Bozeman, however, Eck wasn’t so sure she wanted to be involved.

“I didn’t want to get involved in these women’s things [Women’s League of Voters],” but friend, Prime Award Nominator and fellow award recipient Mary Vant Hull (see her story on page 16), was involved, and that’s how Eck began her involvement in Bozeman politics.

One of her favorite memories was when she walked into the Democratic Headquarters.

“I walked in there, and the guy who was there said, ‘Wow, you’re a brave woman. Not many people walk through the front door.’”

Eck wasn’t worried though. She never did use the side door.

In fact, she became very vocal about her stance in politics. One year, during the 1984 Sweet Pea Parade, Eck took a public stand to help a fellow female politician.

Jane Jelinski was running for city commission and the arguments against her, rather than being about her political views, were about how a commissioner job was not for a woman. “Women don’t even know how to ride a tractor.

How could you have a woman for commissioner?” Eck remembers hearing.

“Women borrowed tractors and rode them in the Sweet Pea Parade. It was fun, and we found it was pretty easy.

We got quite a bit of publicity. People complained that it wasn’t fair, but there wasn’t

much they could do about it.

They raised the issue in the first place.”

One of her proudest moments was her role in drafting and passing the 1972 Montana Constitution. She was author of the Right to Know provision, which provided transparency in government processes and legislative votes.

“When I came to Montana, it was generally agreed on by people who knew the political situation that it was all controlled. Everything was secret.

There were recorded votes, and they voted on the second reading, but you would never be able to find out who voted for what,” she said. She remembers people would stand in the balcony of the Capitol Building and each watch a specific person to try to get a recorded vote. “It seemed it was unnecessary to go to those extremes to find out what was going on.”

Eck’s list of contributions is quite amazing. From 19672000 she has been active in local and state politics. She still stays active in whatever ways her health allows.

She still comments on issues and loves to see young leaders in Bozeman get involved.

“It all starts with knocking on doors and participating in discussions and forums,” she advises anyone looking to follow in her footsteps. “It’s important for people to be thinking about their political structure, how they make up their mind on issues and how they become involved.”

Prime September 2015 I 9

Mike Ewing

Skiing up the Ladder

“I

By Stevie Croisant

was really fortunate in my lifetime, because I happened to be in the right place twice,” said Mike Ewing.

That first moment of fate happened when he was only 14.

He had just received his Eagle Scout and was going to drop out of Boy Scouts. “[My Boy Scouts Master] had this talk with me about how Scouting only works if the people who do well stay and pass on knowledge.”

So until he was 18, Ewing stayed a Boy Scout and helped the younger boys. His Colorado ski town gave him the opportu-

nity to learn and teach skiing to the younger troop members.

From there, Ewing received his certification and got involved with the national ski patrol.

Eventually, he was invited to coach for a ski racing program in Washington where he sent six kids to the U.S. National team in five years. In the process of doing that, Ewing’s second encounter with fate occurred.

“I met the guys who were in the process of starting K2 Ski Company.” He happened to have the same shoe size as they did and began testing skis for them since they “couldn’t ski well enough to tell if it was a good or bad ski.”

Soon enough, Ewing and his wife wanted to move back to Colorado, so the men from K2 invited them out to a last dinner. “They told me they didn’t want me to leave, that they were going to start this company and wanted me join.”

Ewing stayed and for fourteen years, Ewing worked for K2. He held multiple positions including ski tester, sales representative, western sales manager and international marketing manager.

He finished his career there by managing the 1982 Olympics where K2 was the official ski.

One of his most interesting moments with K2 was when he and a team of engineers shifted the way the skiing industry worked.

While at K2, Boeing had a big downturn, according to Ewing, so K2 hired some of their helicopter engineers who were looking for work since both helicopter blades and skis were made from carbon fiber. After coming to K2, Ewing’s engineering team had computerized the ski industry.

After K2, Ewing kept plenty busy. In 2012, he was invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vail Ski Resort as one of 137 founders and was recognized as one of the 11 original Vail ski patrol members. Ewing also co-founded Simms Fishing Products and his own company OpTech Photo Accessories helped him earn the Small Business Association’s Exporter of the Year Award in 1990.

“I retired in 2002, and I started teaching skiing the day I retired,” he said. Currently, Ewing teaches skiing full time in Big Sky and is the President of

the Board for PSIA-AASA-NRM (Professional Ski Instructors of America- American Associated Snowboard InstructorsNorthern Rocky Mountain). The local chapter is 1,200 members strong. Ewing’s biggest task as President right now is building up funding for scholarships so interested students do not have to pay for their ski instructor certification. However, as much as he loves teaching others to ski, Ewing’s most challenging undertaking right now is making his students seize opportunities that are presented to them.

“I always offer kids the opportunity to shadow my classes so they can see how old timers teach, and nobody takes me up on it.” It’s an interesting dilemma for Ewing. “They get all their info off their handheld devices, but they don’t communicate the same way we did when we were kids.”

Shaking his head, Ewing remembered the wise words his Scout Master passed onto him.

“Kids don’t take advantage of the opportunities they have to have people mentor them.”

When Ewing decided he wanted to be a ski instructor, he talked to two men who taught him everything they knew.

“If my Scout Master had not sat me down, I probably would not have become a ski instructor. The consequence of that is I probably would not have been in the place to meet the guys at K2.

It just goes to say how one little event can impact you for the rest of your life, and you don’t know when it’s going to come.”

10 I Prime September 2015

Tom Egelhoff

Big Ideas, Champion

of Small Buissness

“S

By Stevie Croisant

ee things as speed bumps not roadblocks,” was the last piece of advice Tom Egelhoff gave me as I said goodbye after our interview.

After an entire career based on helping small town businesses, Egelhoff has gained quite a bit of wisdom over the years. In fact, he starting learning about small businesses from the day he was born. Raised in a town of only 5,000 people, Egelhoff ’s parents owned a flower shop.

“On Mother’s Day, my parents would work all night. My brother, sister and I would sleep in flower boxes in the shop. I learned a lot and knew what a small business’s challenges were.”

From there, Egelhoff’s professional resume boats of many careers in marketing and sales.

“I always tell people I can’t hold a job,” he joked. “In my career, I’ve worked for 25 different companies in 18 different industries.”

Out of all those jobs, his favorite one was writing books. So far, he’s written three books, two being college textbooks (one is used at Montana State University). His book on small town marketing and advertising was no easy feat, however.

“I went to the library and said, ‘Give me everything you’ve got on small town marketing and advertising,’ and they didn’t have anything.”

For another book, publishi n g c o m p a n y J o h n Wi l e y & Sons, Inc., reached out to him.

E g e l h o ff h a d 3 0 , 0 0 0 w o r d s written, but the company wanted 60,000.

“I had to write another book inside my book and had from

June to November,” he recalled.

Egelhoff remains a local expert on small business practices. In fact, in 2004, Egelhoff heard a business segment on the radio that he had never head before.

“I though, ‘jeez, I have better answers than these guys do,’ so I approached the station manager and got my own show at six in the morning on Sundays and then moved to 5 p.m. I eventually kicked those other guys off and moved to 11-2 (on KMMS, Saturdays), and have been there for six years now.”

Whether it’s through his website he created in 1998, speeches he’s given in nearly all 50 states, his books, his lectures at Gallatin College, his radio show or his counseling to small businesses through Bozeman’s chapter of SCORE (Service Core of Retired Execs), Egelhoff is making a

difference, and the best part is sometimes he gets to see the difference he makes.

“There was one lady who wrote to me that my help got her business up by 400 percent,” he said.

“It makes you feel pretty good when someone takes your advice and takes the time to let you know that it worked.”

He said he can only hope there are others out there just like her.

Egelhoff serves as a mentor to many, and thinks mentors are one of the finest gifts people don’t take advantage of today.

“Talk less; listen more,” he said. “So ask questions and find mentors. Have a vision of where you want to go, and be the person you want to be. People will see that in you and realize that when they talk to you.”

“I

Prime September 2015 I 11

Margrit Firehammer Scout from the Alps

By Stevie Croisant

t’s a bunch of little things, really. No big accomplishments. I think a lot of little things add up,” said Margrit Firehammer of her life’s work.

For Firehammer, little things did add up to enormous proportions. Her involvement with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at the Bozeman Public Library is a prime example.

It all started with her husband’s elderly aunt, who need-

ed help with her tax returns.

Firehammer eagerly agreed, and after the aunt’s passing, she found a small ad in the paper asking for volunteers. “ ‘ We l l A u n t S u e a p p r e c i a t e d it ,’ I t h o u g h t , s o the re mus t be other people who could u s e h e lp ,” s h e s a i d. A nd the n e x t t h in g s h e kne w, s he w a s v o lu n t e e r in g f o r B o z e ma n’s V I TA p r o g r am .

She started out as the lone volunteer for the first two years, added a second volunteer in 1995 and has since served as

the site coordinator, organizing up to six certified volunteers and helping with 250-300 returns each tax season. The program in Bozeman is the second longest-running VITA site in the state.

T he pro g ra m s he runs he re i s l i mi te d to l o w i nc o me pe o ple, a nd F i re ha mme r ha s ta ke n i t upo n he rs e l f to ma ke a w o rl d o f d i ff e r e n c e f o r t h o s e p e o ple duri ng e a c h y e a r’s ta x s e a s o n .

O n e y e a r, F i r e h a m m e r h e l p ed a y o ung ma n w ho bro ug ht her six years worth of taxes in g ro c e ry ba g s .

“It was nice to help him catch up,” she said. “And he actually came back the following year.”

Firehammer also makes house calls to those who cannot leave their homes. One lady expects her every year. “ She a ppre c i a te s the v i s i ts a s muc h a s the he l p,” F i re ha mme r s a i d.

From ages 16 to 98, Firehammer has helped anyone in the community who has come to her.

“We have a lot of single moms and some students all the way up to my oldest one who was 98.”

And since tax season only lasts until April 15, Firehammer keeps herself busy in the meantime with the Bozeman Girl Scouts.

Judy Schofield, one of her nominators and the Community Development Manager for the Bozeman Girl Scouts Office, said “She is a true Girl Scout in every way. She is honest, true, loyal, helpful and dedicated.

Her blood may just run green!”

For more than fifty years, Firehammer has helped as a

troop leader, the curator for the alumni group and has even created a few positions of her own. All her years of involvement have led her to see many young girls grow.

“If a little girl accomplishes something she was afraid to do, it is so nice,” she said.

And for all her own accomplishments, big or small, Firehammer has been rightly recognized by the community.

The Governor’s Office of Community Service honored her in 2011 as a VITA volunteer extraordinaire and presented the distinction of the “Volunteer of the Game” at a Bobcat Football game. She’s also received the 1979 Girls Scout (GS) Thanks Badge, the 1985 GS Appreciation Pin, the 1994 GS Honor Pin, the 1996 GS Thanks Badge2, the 2015 GS Volunteer of Excellence and, now, the 24 over 64 Prime Award.

“It’s embarrassing, really,” she said of her latest award.

“I look at those names [on the Prime Awards], and I just don’t know if I belong.”

Still, Firehammer’s ending message is to tell others to help out their community.

“When I got married, I was a stay-at-home mom. Now, moms are working until five, and it makes it a little harder. I don’t think I could have worked eight hours a day somewhere and then on Saturday do Girl Scouts. The situations are a little different, but within the scopes of their availability and abilities, it’s still a good thing to volunteer somehow. And even if it’s little stuff, it is appreciated.”

12 I Prime September 2015

Bill Fraser

Brightening Your Day

With a Smile

L

By Stevie Croisant

ike most 18-yearolds, Bill Fraser had no idea what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. He started college as an engineering student. He wasn’t quite convinced that was the path he wanted to take. His b e s t fr i e n d told him about th e pre d e n ta l program h e was e n rol l e d i n, s o Fraser visite d h is home town den tist in Bu t t e t o ask s o m e qu estion s. “ Dr. M or ris was very in f lu ent i al i n s teerin g me tow ar d a car e er i n den tistry.” F r o m th e r e , Fraser has made a n a m e

f o r h im s e lf in t he wo rl d o f o r al h e alt h .

He first landed an internship at the Fort Sill Reynolds Amy Hospital in Oklahoma. From there, he became a Dental Officer MEDDAC (Medical Department Activities) in Fort Benning, Georgia. He started his own private practice in Bozeman in 1975 and retired in 2011. He’s a part of the Sixth District Dental Society (Bozeman-Livingston Area Dental Society), is a member of the Montana Dental Association and won their prestigious TT Rider Award for distinguished

service to dentistry and the people of Montana in 2009.

He is involved in the Montana Oral Health Foundation, is a part of the American College of Dentists and is currently serving as the Regent of District 11 (Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Alaska) for the International College of Dentists.

Just as Dr. Morris influenced him in his early years of college, Fraser decided in the 1970s to also give students that same kind of mentoring. Fraser, along with retired Professor Dr. Bill Dorgan at Montana State University, started the predental classes.

Fraser has been responsible for organizing volunteer dentist instructors while also teaching his own class. “ I t g i v e s [ t h e s tude nts ] a g o o d i de a o f w ha t the y ’ re g e tti ng i nto ,” F ra s e r said. “They can shadow a r o u n d a l o t o f t h e o ff i c e s a nd a s k que s ti o ns .”

Dental programs in undergraduate studies is especially important to Fraser who witnessed two juniors in his graduate program drop out after doing their first clinical.

“After spending all that time and money on their education, they found out they didn’t like it, and they quit.”

One of Fraser’s favorite accomplishments in dentistry was his acceptance into the International College of Denti s ts .

A c c o rdi ng to F ra s e r, o nl y fou r percent of dentists are asked to join. He was asked to join i n 1 9 9 8 , a n d h a s s i n c e s e r v ed a s P re s i de nt o f the M o nta na Se c ti o n a nd the Vi c e Re g e nt

of District 11 before assuming h i s cu r r en t p osi t i on as Regen t of D i st r i ct 11 i n 2012.

“They do a lot of humanitarian work and try to promote ethics and integrity and service for your community.” Ethics, something Fraser tries to instill into all of his predental students, has always been a huge component of his life’s work. “I really stress ethics, because every profession has people who go the other way.”

Besides dentistry, Fraser has stayed active in his community through the Bozeman Rotary Club, where he received the Rotarian of the Year Award in 2008; the Museum of the Rockies; Montana State University Booster; Bridger Bowl Board of Directors; the United Way and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

“In retirement, it’s so easy to sit back, and a lot of my friends think I was crazy for doing some of this stuff,” he said.

Besides his professional achievements and community service involvement, Fraser is most proud of his own family. His son is a Navy pilot and his daughter Cheri is an anesthesiologist. Cheri was also his nominator.

“I am so t ou ch ed Ch er i n om i n at ed m e. S h e i s so ver y busy with being on call and h avi n g k i d s.”

As for Cheri’s feelings toward her father: “I cannot think of anyone else who embodies philanthropy, volunteerism and mentoring more than him.”

Prime September 2015 I 13

551-6694 MON–FRI 9–5 UNIVERSITY SQ SHOPPING CTR 200 S 23RD E-1 BOZEMAN MT WWW.HEARINGAIDINSTITUTEBOZEMAN.COM

14 I Prime September 2015

Eric Hastings

Home Town Hero

I

By Stevie Croisant

’ ve found that often the hardest part about writing the stories of our Prime Award winners is that I can’t fit 60, 70 or 80 years into one page. These heros deserve an entire novel filled with their histories.

Of all the wonderful people I have had the pleasure to interview, I have found the life of Colonel Eric Hastings to be an

excellent example of someone deserving of his own biography.

From a career in the Marine Corp, to reliving a dream of receiving a degree in classical piano playing, to starting one of Bozeman’s most touching non-profits, Hastings is a rare example of who we should strive to be.

Hastings began his 34-year long career in the Marine

Corps right out of high school.

He is a veteran of the Vietnam War, the Cold War and Desert Storm. A Naval Aviator for the wars, he flew F-8 Crusaders and A-4 Skyhawks and completed 168 combat missions.

In July of 1990, Hastings was the Chief of Staff of the first Marine Expeditionary Force for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

“That was the largest Marine Corps combat organization in the history of the Marine Corps,” Hastings said. It was comprised of 93,000 marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen.

“That was the most challenging assignment I have ever had. It was a game of ‘you bet your life if you’re wrong.’”

But after that service, Hastings’s 30 year active-duty career with the Marines Corp was over, and he didn’t know what he wanted to do next.

“The Marine Corps had been my life.” When Hastings graduated high school, he was offered a piano scholarship.

Hastings wondered if it would be too late to pursue his dream of getting a degree in music.

He applied to three music conservatories and was accepted into Mannes College.

“They were intrigued that somebody in his 50s would want to come to try to do a serious study of piano, so they weren’t about ready to let me fail as long as I was working hard at it.”

In May of 1998, Hastings graduated with a Master’s degree in classical piano performance. From there, he wanted to stay in New York, but a

phone call brought him back home. His father had developed cancer.

“This isn’t where I expected to go or where I expected to go with [my degree].”

Hastings’s father passed away after four months, and life left Hastings wondering what he could do with his music degree in Bozeman.

At this time, both of his sons were deployed in Iraq. Hastings realized that medicine for this war was far better than in previous wars. “People were surviving who never survived in any other war.” The sad reality was that military hospitals were not equipped to take in all the survivors and properly rehabilitate them. So he thought, “What the heck could we do to help?” He and his wife were at a loss. But Hastings had the answer.

“We could bring the survivors here to Bozeman and teach them life is worth living through the medium of fly fishing,” he remembered thinking. Hastings had used fishing to help heal himself from combat. From there, Warriors and Quiet Waters—a non-profit dedicated to rehabilitating injured veterans through fly fishing—was in its beginning stages.

After countless meetings, a staff study and help from others, Warriors and Quiet Waters became a nationally recognized non-profit in June 2007. Now, they are in their ninth season and have helped close to 450 wounded service men.

“Change my life it did,” Hastings said. “We have changed lives all for the better.”

Prime September 2015 I 15

Bea Horswill

Caregiver of the Community

At

By Stevie Croisant

the age of 51, Bea Horswill graduated with honors

from Montana State University.

Married, a mother of three and holding down her own job, Horwsill received her bache-

lor’s in science with an emphasis on gerontology.

Before attending school, Horswill was a nurses’ aid at the hospital. “I had a friend there who was going to be a doctor, and I thought, ‘She is so lucky. She gets to go to school.’ And then I thought, ‘Wait a minute. What are you holding back for? No one is stopping you.’”

From there, a fate encounter helped her land her first job out of school. While attending a concert for some extra credit points, Ho rs w i l l ra n i nto B e v erly Barnhart (former state l e g i s l a to r, re ti re d di re c to r o f the R e ti re d Se ni o r a nd Vo l u n te e r P ro g ra m a nd Ho rs wi l l ’s no mi na to r). A t i nte rmi s s i o n, Ho rs wi l l s te ppe d o uts i de .

“Over in the corner was this woman, and she smiled at me.

When it was time to come in, I sat down, and she said, ‘Do you mind if I sit with you?’

And I said, ‘no.’ We just became friends that night and have been friends ever since.”

After graduating, Barnhart hired Horswill as a part-time volunteer coordinator. When Barnhart left that job, Horswill applied and got it.

Her love for working with seniors started way before her job at the Retired Seniors and Volunteer Program, however.

After working as a nurses’ aid, Horswill knew that was where she needed to be.

“I had been a mom, done the ki ds thi ng . W he n I w a s a nurs e s ’ a i d, pe o pl e ne e de d he l p, a nd I j us t l i ke d be i ng w i th the m.” She l o v e d v i s i ti ng pa ti e nts , l i s te ni ng to the i r

st or i es an d t al k i n g t o t h em .

“I b ecam e p r et t y at t ach ed t o those people. They became m y f r i en d s.”

Her job has come with its fair share of joy and sorrow.

“I’m losing some of these friends, and that’s hard,” she said. “You have to get used to it, because you know at one time, you had good times with that person.”Horswill had made a difference in the lives of many people. She worked at RSVP for 12 years, 10 as director. She is an active participant for the Bozeman Senior Center’s Mealson-Wheels program where she and her husband deliver to 18 people every Thursday.

Horswill also loved the eight years she spent as a CAP (Child Advancement Program) mentor for a little boy named Chris.

“I always loved working with children. Just to get to know a child like that was life touching.”

She remembers writing him letters and making him use cursive, celebrating birthdays and helping him through his parents’ divorce.

Horswill is still active in the community and doesn’t plan on quitting anytime soon.

“The years go by so fast,” she said. “I feel like I should keep doing something. I don’t feel old. I want to be out there helping other people who need a hand.”Whether it’s by being a listening ear, delivering groceries for others or by simply being a friend, Horswill just wants to make the world a better place.

“We all like to make life good for other people if we can.”

16 I Prime September 2015

Mary Vant Hull

Voice of the People in Books

Y

ou wouldn’t guess it upon meeting her, but the fiery, go-getter Mary Vant Hull was once a shy bookworm.

“I didn’t have many social skills,” she said.

Her move to Bozeman made Vant Hull a passionate person who was soon a name everyone around town recognized. She learned how to quickly fight for her beliefs, and her genuine personality made her a driving force in Bozeman politics.

When she first moved to town in 1962, one of the first things she did was visit the public library.

“I was just appalled.”

The 5,000 square foot Carnegie Library was a sore sight for her.

“Every year my resolve to do something about the library grew and grew.”

In 1970, Vant Hull along with a friend named Kit Miller started writing “We need a new library!” on their water bills to attract the attention of city commissioners.

Vant Hull and Miller were in the minority though. Many people were satisfied with the university’s library. Four out of the five city commissioners were opposed to a new library.

Eventually, enough attention was raised through jointed grassroots efforts of knocking on community members’ doors that a public meeting was held.

After the meeting, Vant Hull wrote up a petition.

“Many told us they would vote for [the new library],” Vant Hull said.

“They just wanted us to promise the old Carnegie wouldn’t be torn down, which was easy. We didn’t want to tear it down.”

In 1978, a new library was finally put on the ballot. It passed by 72 percent of voters. However, Vant Hull could not get the commission to make a motion for a request for a proposal to design and build the library.

“We were frantic. I haunted city commission meetings.”

Vant Hull finally saw a new

By Stevie Croisant

library, but it wasn’t until 1981 when it opened its doors. That library building now serves as City Hall on the corner of Rouse and Lamme Streets.

In the meantime, Vant Hull had already made her transformation into a confident and well-spoken woman. She attended every meeting she could. She started paying attention to more than just talk about the library.

“I sat at all those city commission meetings and would hear everything they were doing. They had no vision whatsoever. They turned down free parkland. By that time, I had gotten quite a bit more nerve.”

It was then that Vant Hull decided to run for city commission herself. Three of the incumbents who were opposed to the new library were up for reelection. There were 10 people running, seven challengers.

Vant Hull won.

“I would do anything for libraries, and then I kept doing

stuff for other things I thought were important.”

If Vant Hull learned anything during her time in politics, it was that “the squeaky wheal gets the grease.” Because of that, she encouraged other people to squeak like her. “I used to call so many people, and because we had rotary phones, my finger got misshaped.”

While on the commission, she initiated the Historic Preservation Board, obtained land for the Galligator Trail, helped establish the first stream setback requirement, established a Commission Ethics Code, replaced salt on city streets in winter with more environmentally friendly means and lobbied for the money to buy the East Gallatin Recreation Area.

Vant Hull’s activism in the town of Bozeman doesn’t stop there.

The 100-acre park on the north side of town? That was joint effort between GVLT and Vant Hull.

“It all happened by accident just because I love books.”

“

Prime September 2015 I 17

Everything you want.

More than you expect.

Everything You Want. More Than You Expect.

BOZEMAN, MT www.AspenPointeAtHillcrest.com Call today for a visit at 406-414-2008

Montana Widow Comforted Knowing Husband Passed Peacefully

I’m grateful Erwin had this option.

”

– Ethel Byrnes Missoula, MT

On a sunny morning in March 2014, Erwin Byrnes’s long battle with cancer and Parkinson’s Disease had come to an end. He sat down in his favorite chair, took some medication prescribed by his doctor, and passed peacefully at home. He was surrounded by his loving wife and grown children.

The Montana Supreme Court’s 2009 Baxter ruling ensures Montanans can exercise their freedom through the end of life.

Ask Your Doctor To Support Death With Dignity!

Name:

Yes! I support end-of-life options.

Mailing Address: Phone:

Email: Mail completed petitions to PO Box 1348 Helena, MT 59624.

PO Box 1348 Helena, MT 59624 800 247 7421

18 I Prime September 2015

Sharon Tudor Isler

Guiding People Home

If

By Stevie Croisant

you take a glance at Sharon Tudor Isler’s calendar, it is full of events.

Her job at ERA Landmark Real Estate as a broker is definitely part of the reason why her days

are booked, but her involvement in the community fills up the rest of her time.

Isler, who moved to Bozeman in 1971, has kept busy from the moment she arrived. In fact, she has been a full-time, active

Realtor with ERA since 1987.

In 1988, she received ERA’s Rookie of the Year Award.

“I ended up selling away in ‘88 just because I already knew so many people,” she said. Part of the reason she started her career off so well was her resourcefulness. “I went through the phonebook and picked out everyone I knew and sent them a letter saying, ‘I’m starting real estate,’ and sure enough, one of my friends called me and said she knew a guy who has a house he wants to list.

That was my first sale.”

And since then, Isler has received many other awards for her work including the ERA Customer Service Award, the Gallatin Association of Realtors Salesperson of the Year Award in 1991 and 1999 and the 2009 ERA Sapphire Award for her expertise in the luxury real estate market.

But for Isler, the awards aren’t even a small part of why she’s in the real estate business.

“It is important to have a good Realtor and somebody you can trust and somebody who will do their best for you,” she said. “In real estate, it’s usually really happy people appreciating getting their new home, and I love it for that, really.”Her profession has also given her an opportunity to show people why she loves her town so much. “That’s why it’s so fun being a Realtor, because I get to show Bozeman off to people.”Isler describes Bozeman as a town with so many opportunities and a place with wonderful people.

“That’s another good thing

about Bozeman,” she said. “We are volunteers. There are volunteers all over the place.”

Isler herself has been a volunteer in Bozeman, especially within the arts community.

One of her favorite things about Bozeman is its lively art and music scene. Isler, a music major in college, became active in the Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras serving as president, the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra and Choir, the Performing Arts Center, and was a board member for both Intermountain Opera Association and The Soldiers’ Chapel at Big Sky. She was instrumental in helping secure funding for the purchase of the Ellen Theatre and directed an adult choir for 30 years as well as a children’s and bell choirs. She also sang with the Bozeman Symphony Choir for many years. “Art is what makes life worth living,” she said. “The arts are good for your soul.”Isler still stays involved in music and arts. Currently, she is the song leader for the Bozeman Kiwanis Club.

“I missed that feeling of bringing out some beautiful music.”What is most evident when talking to Isler is her love and passion for life. Her advice for those wanting that same happiness?

“Find what you love. Do what you love. I love sales. You get to help people. You get to find what they need and get it for them. I think sales is how it came about, and I love it. It is nice to be able to do what you love.”

Prime September 2015 I 19

#1 cooking magazine in the world

Save the Date The popular cooking show returns to the Gallatin Valley Thursday, September 24 at The Commons at Baxter and Love Ln.

Why we call Bozeman home…

Beautiful Surroundings Outstanding Culture Vibrant Citizens (like you)

Congratulations and Thank You to the Prime Honorees!

2015-2016 “Season of the Dons and a Fair Lady” Donizetti Don Pasquale October 9 & 10, 2015 —•— Lerner & Loewe My Fair Lady February 2016 —•— Mozart Don Giovanni May 13 & 15, 2016

Reserved and General Admission Tickets are available at www.tasteofhomebozeman.eventbrite.com, both Bozeman Town & Country Locations, and the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

VIP Tickets are available online and the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

Booths in our Taste of Home Booth Expo are also available for just $75.

Reserve your tickets now 406-587-2889

For more info, contact Leslie McCleary at lmccleary@dailychronicle.com or 406-582-2699.

Sponsored by:

Presented by:

20 I Prime September 2015

Darla Joyner

Worth Writing Home About

N

By Stevie Croisant

ot many people can say they could have walked a day in Darla Joyner’s shoes...or rather her boots. As the first woman in North Dakota to enlist in the United States Marine Corps during Vietnam, Joyner said she wasn’t setting out to do any firsts.

“I joined because of the opportunity to be one of the best, the elite,” she said. Really, the experience pushed her out of her comfort zone. “Women have come so far since then, though.”

From North Dakota, Joyner took off for Paris Island, South Carolina for bootcamp. She was then selected for duty at the Marine Corp Headquarters at Leatherneck Magazine in Washington D.C. “That was the best duty I could have,” she said. She was only 18 at the time, but in high school, she was active in journalism classes. During the Vietnam

War, Joyner was a writer for Leatherneck Magazine for three years.

“They wouldn’t let me go to Vietnam as a writer,” she said. The only females who left for Vietnam were the nurses. She was the only female on the editorial staff, though, with six other men. “[The Marines Corp] really helped me believe in myself.”

Joyner used the self-confidence she gained while in the Marine Corps to make a new beginning for herself when she moved to Bozeman in 1978.

“Everything started with the Marine Corps. It was a confidence builder, a motivator.”

Joyner saw the Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce was hiring. At that time, only two people worked there: the executive secretary and the bookkeeper. Based on her previous experience, Joyner was the perfect applicant.

She eventually moved through the ranks and served as the executive director from 1983-1994.

She is the only woman, thus far, to serve as the executive vice president of the Chamber.

Her favorite accomplishment within the Chamber is Leadership Bozeman, a program she started to help train leaders within the community. Her program is now almost 30 years old.

Her job came with its fair amount of struggles, though.

Working for over a decade at the Chamber did leave her wondering if her family suffered from her career ambitions.

“When working with the Chamber, I was working seven days a week, 24 hours a day sometimes and raising a family at the same time. I asked them if I spent too much time on that and not enough on them. They said that they felt like they were a part of it, not that it was just mom’s job,” she said. She left the Chamber job more than 20 years ago and is grateful people still connect her with the Chamber.

“People still recognize me, which feels good, because it makes me feel like I did make a difference.”

After the Chamber, Joyner eventually found Career Transitions, a non-profit, communitybased job training organization.

She is currently their director.

“There is a misconception about social services being a handout,” she said. “Our way is giving people training, employment, education and development so they can move ip and have a life and contribute.”

She sometimes sees clients come back after 10 or 15 years and tell her their stories of how they are doing. Her favorite success stories come from women she’s helped counsel.

“Now to see all these new businesses opening up by young, independent women making their own decisions and making things happen, that is the most satisfying to me.”

Prime September 2015 I 21

Jeff Kaufman

Bringing Things Full Circle

T

By Stevie Croisant

hirty-one. It’s the number of people Jeff Kaufman has helped mentor since retiring seven years ago.

“These kids I get to mentor,” he said, “it’s just giving back.”

A natural leader raised from humble beginnings, Kaufman is a self-made man. He was raised in a 10 foot by 50 foot trailer in Poplar, Montana on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

Throughout his childhood,

his mother helped raise over 20 different Native American children and three of her own children. Kaufman excelled in athletics in high school and those skills allowed him to secure track and football scholarships at Dickinson State University in North Dakota.

In 1969, Kaufman came out of Dickinson State as the only member of his extended family with a college degree.

“That’s the genesis of Full Circle,” Kauffman said. Full Circle is a foundation he and his wife started to help first generation college students from small towns with scholarship support. “I wish we had millions in it, but we’re small.”

So far, his foundation has helped nine students. “This is the circle of giving back.”

Outside of Full Circle, Kaufman spends his retirement as a life coach for others. He doesn’t charge for his work.

“I’ve sent out two invoices in seven years.”

He spends his time helping people become better friends, sisters and brothers, spouses and parents. Michael Waterman, one of Kaufman’s mentees, nominated Kaufman for this award. When asked about his background with Waterman, Kaufman teared up.

“We talk about everything,” Kaufman said. “When I’m with Michael, he lifts me up. Most mentoring things ebb and flow.

Michael is one where we are just buddies. We stay connecting. We both walk away lifted up.”

Kaufman met Waterman through Leadership Bozeman, a program the Bozeman

Area Chamber of Commerce hosts each year. Waterman was a participant one year when Kaufman was asked to speak.

Neither of them knew that meeting could be life changing for the both of them.

“Jeff Kaufman may well be the perfect role model,” Waterman wrote on the nomination form for Kaufman. “Jeff has quite literally changed the lives of hundreds of individuals and their families.”

Kaufman wasn’t always a mentor, though. After college, he worked for Allstate Insurance Corporation. He worked his way up to several different vice president positions. However, in our interview, Allstate was a 35-year part of his life he skipped over.

“It doesn’t matter anymore,” he said simply. “In my life, it’s been good for two things.

One is lessons and the other is memories. My Allstate career, it’s both. But I’m not living those dreams anymore. I’m trying to live today. It’s not Allstate I brought with me, it’s the memories and the lessons.”

T h ose l esson s i n l ead er sh i p ar e wh at h e i s t r yi n g t o i n st i l l i n t o h i s m en t ees. In f act , h i s d au gh t er i s on e exam p l e of som eon e wh o h as t ak en Kau f man’s lessons to heart. A man had told his daughter that the way she treated him made h i m f eel i m p or t an t , val u ab l e an d ap p r eci at ed .

Her response was “I got that from my dad.”“She told me this story, and I cried,” he said.

That was his favorite compliment of all.

22 I Prime September 2015

Dave Kumlein

Fishing for a Cause

“I

By Stevie Croisant

’m pretty fortunate.

A lot of people have passions, and they can’t make them work.”For Dave Kumlien, his interests and life experiences all lent themselves to his involvement with therapeutic fly fishing for disabled veterans. “It seemed to me like it was a calling.”

Kumlien’s participation with therapeutic fly fishing started

first with his own personal passion for fly fishing. For twenty years, Kumlien and his wife owned Bozeman’s first specialty fly fishing shop, Montana Troutfitters. After selling his business in 1998, he started the Whirling Foundation for research on whirling disease that was affecting western fisheries. By 2003, his foundation merged with Trout Unlimited.

Kumlien became the Director

of Aquatic Invasive Species for Trout Unlimited, but in 2011, when Trout Unlimited started a new program called Veterans Service Partnership, Kumlien wanted to help there too.

Kumlien’s youngest son is currently on active duty for one year with the U.S. Army in the Middle East. Because of his son, Kumlien “found a real motivation and calling to do that work.”

So when Eric Hastings (see page 14 for his Prime Award story) was in the beginning stages of starting Warriors and Quiet Waters, Kumlien wanted to be a part of that too.

“I really have a passion for that, serving those who have served us.”

Ev e r s i nc e Wa rri o rs a nd Q uiet Wa te r’s s e c o nd bo a rd me e ti ng, Kuml i e n ha s be e n i nv o l v e d.

F i rs t a s a fo undi ng di re c to r, then as the director of fly fi s hi ng o pe ra ti o ns a nd a s a v o l unte e r g ui de .

The rewards, according to Kumlien are priceless, but he doesn’t do it for the rewards.

He does it for the lives he can help change. He has testimonies of many of the veterans who have gone through the fly fishing program written down.

The testimonies are powerful for him.

“Some will tell me it saved their life. It’s saved marriages too.”

One of the most impacting testimonies Kumlien has heard is one of a man named Victor.

Victor survived an IED explosion. When he returned home, he suffered from physical injuries, post traumatic stress and family problems. A friend who

survived the attack with him attended a Warriors and Quiet Waters trip and eventually convinced Victor to attend. After attending himself, Victor’s wife said both of their lives were changed. According to Kumlien, Victor’s wife said she was ready to divorce him. Kumlien found out that night that Victor was suicidal.

“That’s the most extreme story, but I’ve heard enough to know that it’s making a difference in people’s lives and saving marriages. I’ve never been involved in a program that has that kind of measurable impact,” Kumlien said.

“All I have to hear is one story.

That’s a powerful motivation to stay involved when you know you can do that for people, especially those who have sacrificed so much.”

Currently, Kumlien has stepped down from his positions in Warriors and Quiet Waters, but he is Director of the Veterans Service Partnership Program for Trout Unlimited. On the night of the Prime Award Banquet, Kumlien will be with 42 men who have lost sons in post 9/11 combat. Trout Unlimited along with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) will provide counseling, support and therapeutic fly fishing for those who have lost loved ones in the wars.

“There are some pretty deep emotions in that group,” Kumlien said. But that therapy and healing is something that has Kumlien convinced.

“I want to be involved in one way or another.”

Prime September 2015 I 23 Confused about hea Confused about h Confused about h Confused about health insurance change Confused about health h Confused about

insurance chang Confused about health insurance changes? insurance chang Large and Sm Individualinsurance Health Insurancechanges? insurance Large an Individual Health Insurance chang insurance changes?

AffordableIndividual Care ActHealth (ACA)Insurance Large an Affordable Care Act (ACA) Individual Health Insurance Individual Insurance AffordableHealth Care Act (ACA) Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Large and Small Groups Large and Small Groups

Confused about health insurance Mikechanges?

McLeod

Large an Individual Health Insurance Affordable Care Act (ACA) Large and Small Groups Individual Health Insurance Affordable Care Act (ACA) Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Mike McLeod Mike McLe Mike McL Mike McL

Large and Small Groups Individual Health Insurance JD, CLU, ChFC, RHU health Confused about Affordable Care Act (ACA) JD, CLU, ChFC, RHU insurance changes?

Mike McL JD Mike McLeod Mike McLeod JD, CLU, ChFC, RHU

CLU, ChFC, RHU ForIndividual 26 yearsHealth we,have been the Small many health JD , explaining CLU,Large ChFC, RHUGroups and Insurance For 26 years we have been explaining the many health

Affordable Care Act (ACA) JD, CLU, ChFC, RHU JD, CLU, ChFC, RHU JD, CLU, ChFC, RHU Independent, Authorized Agent for For 26 years we have been explaining the Independent, Authorized Agent for For 26 have been explaining th For 26 years weyears havewe been explaining the ma For 26 years we have been explaining the many health For 26 years we have been explaining th , CLU, ChFC, RHU For 26 years we have been JD explaining the many health

Mike McLeod

Congratulations to all of the

Prime Awards Nominees

Independent, Authorized McLeod Insurance & Financial ServicesAgent f

Independent, Authorized Agent formany health For 26McLeod years we have been the Independent, Authorized Insurance &explaining Financial Services 2055 N 22nd, Suite 2A Bozeman, MT 59718Agent f Independent, Authorized Agent for 2055 N 4367 22nd, Suite 2A Bozeman, MT 59718 Agent 406-586mike@mcleodinsuranceservices.com Independent, Authorized 406-586-4367 mike@mcleodinsuranceservices.com Independent, Authorized Agent for Independent, Authorized Agent for

McLeod Insurance & Financial Services 2055 N 22nd, Suite 2A Bozeman, MT 59718 406-5864367 mike@mcleodinsuranceservices.com McLeod Insurance & Financial

Ser McLeod Insurance & Financial Se 2055 N 22nd, Suite 2A Bozeman, MT McLeod Insurance FinancialMT Se 2055 NInsurance 22nd, Suite 2A&Bozeman, McLeod & Financial Services McLeod Insurance &Bozeman, Financial Service 406-5864367 mike@mcleodinsurancese McLeod Insurance & Financial Services 2055 N 22nd, Suite 2A 59718 2055 N4367 22nd, Suite 2A MT Bozeman, MT 406-586mike@mcleodinsurancese mike@mcleodinsuranceservices.com 2055 2055 N 22nd, Suite4367 2A Bozeman, MT 59718MT 597 N406-58622nd, Suite Bozeman, 406-5864367 2A mike@mcleodinsurancese 406-5864367 4367 mike@mcleodinsuranceservices.com 406-586mike@mcleodinsuranceservice

Congratulations to Alice Meister, retired Director of the Bozeman Public Library, and to all the honorees who make our community a better place.

626 E. Main Street Bozeman, Montana 59715 406-582-2426 bozemanlibraryfoundation.org

24 I Prime September 2015

Alice Meister

A Tale Worth Reading

I

By Stevie Croisant

t’s a Wednesday morning, not quite 10 o’clock, and already, groups of people gather outside the Bozeman Public Library waiting for its doors to open. Moms with children, students with laptops and adults with coffee and this morning’s newspaper in hand.

While this heterogeneous group eagerly await the library’s opening, one thing many of them do not notice is Alice Meister standing among them. The library, which opened in 2006, is the biggest project Meister undertook

while serving as the library’s director, and one Bozemanites appreciate every day. As you enter the library through its north side entrance, you’ll even pass a plaque with her name on it.

Chris Mehl of the Bozeman City Commission nominated Meister the Prime Award. His nomination described her as having all the qualities of a great leader: “inspiring, dedicated, hard-working and super competent.” And it’s a good thing she has all those qualities, because getting a new library built wasn’t always an easy task for her.

While she admits she had much support from her lib r a r y s t a ff a n d t h e p u b l i c , n o t everyone was on board for a n e w l i b r a r y.

According to Meister, “The former assistant city manager told me, ‘You would be lucky to get a warehouse to put the library in.’”

Securing funds was her her biggest setback at times. A library consultant recommended a 53,000 square foot library, estimating the cost at approximately $9 million in 2001. In 2004, bids came back too high, and Meiser had to debate whether she should cut the square footage back to 44,000.

“We were pretty discouraged there for a while,” she said. “”But we had just won the Library of the Year Award for Montana [from the Montana Library Association] in 2004, so we then decided ‘no, we are going to try to stay true to the library consultant’s suggested square footage,’ because we were hoping to build a library that would last for 20 years.”

Finally after countless hours, sizable anonymous donations and the support she needed, Meister and the rest of the library staff were able to open the doors of the new Bozeman Public Library in November of 2006. “It was incredible.

We h a d s u c h a s u r g e o f p e o p l e ,” s h e s a i d o f t h e l i b r a r y ’s opening. “So many new people coming to see it and then getting library cards, and it was amazing, just an incredible sensation to see a dream—because it was a d r e a m — c o m e t r u e .”

Until December of 2010, when she retired, Meister directed the new library and was responsible for a collection of 132,000 volumes and a circulation of 635,000 items.

The Bozeman Public Library was one of only three national libraries that received the 2003 National Award for Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and was honored at a White House reception with First Lady Laura Bush. Meister also received the Librarian of the Year Award in 2010 from the Montana Library Association.

Five years into retirement, Meister still stays involved with the library through her position as the events chair for the Montana State University’s Friends of the Library.

“I r eal l y b el i eved i n l i b r ar i es as t h e essen t i al d em ocr at i c i n st i t u t i on —op en t o ever yon e r egar d l ess of age, sex, gen d er,” Mei st er sai d . “I al ways f el t l i b r ar i es wer e an essen t i al i n gr ed i en t f or m ak i n g an ed u cat ed com m u n i t y.”

If you haven’t thanked Meister for her hard work yet, you may catch her at the library, or you may find her gardening.

But more than likely, she won’t be in town. Since she’s retired, she has visited at least 10 different countries and doesn’t plan on stopping.

“Go out and learn,” she said.

“Expand your boundaries. I think that’s what I love about reading. It satisfies your curiosities. You never lose that spark for wanting to travel and learn more.”

Prime September 2015 I 25

Judy Morrill

A Friend to All

A

fter 31 years , Ju d y Morrill ju s t retired as E x e cu tive Director o f the B oz em a n S en ior Cent e r o n Ju ly 3 1. H er work th ere is a m a j o r part of why comm u n i t y m em b ers, fr iends and fa m i l y nomi na t ed h er for a P rim e 2 4 O ve r 64 Award .

During her time at the Senior Center, Morrill has implemented many changes including three physical expansions to accommodate a carpenter workshop, an enlarged secondhand thrift store, a computer lab and learning center, a dining room with triple the capacity, an added recreation room and fitness center, a library, a wellness center, more office space and an elevator to help members move from each of the three floors.

As Executive Director, Morrill saw the Senior Center grow from 600 members in 1984 to currently just under 2000. Over 100 meals are delivered to

housebound seniors daily and over 300 community volunteers help with programs and services.

Her list of accomplishments with the Senior Center is immense.

She truly touched the lives of seniors in the area, and throughout the years, she has been rightfully recognized for her work.

In the 1990s, her Meals-OnWheels program was one of six in the nation to be honored for outstanding service. She’s also received recognition from the Bozeman Thrift Stations, Inc., the Bozeman Noon Rotary and the Montana Gerontology Society for Outstanding Community Service, the Red Cross Heros Award in 2005 and, now, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle’s Prime Awards 24 Over 64 for her work as an outstanding community member and mentor.

The seniors she has helped at the Center sum it up best when they say “Judy, we are going to miss you.”

The things Morrill has done for the Bozeman community

cannot be summed up, but with a list this extensive for her 31year career, one would think Morrill went through her fair share of challenges.

“I guess I can’t think of any challenges I’ve had to work with,” she said. It might be safe to say that things are not a challenge when you enjoy doing them. And if there is one thing Morrill made clear, it’s that she has enjoyed every second of her career at the Senior Center.

“It’s just been a wonderful program and a wonderful opportunity,” she said with a tear in her eye, “and I appreciate the fact that the community has realized the benefits of the senior center and what it has to offer.”

In fact, more than just the community has recognized the benefits of the Bozeman Senior Center. It has become a model senior center for others across the nation. Morrill has weekly visitors from other Montana towns and even other states looking at Bozeman’s Senior Center. “We’re

By Stevie Croisant

just very proud to have made it that way and that other senior centers can make theirs as successful as this one has been,” she said. And even though Morrill has retired as the Executive Director, she hasn’t quite let go of the Senior Center. She will be there part-time as the head of the travel program. It’s one of her favorite programs at the Center. “Seeing the seniors be able to go on a day trip, going out around Montana, seeing things they probably wouldn’t get to see or do otherwise has been a real pleasure.”

Morrill never thought when she took the job in 1984 that she would be retiring from it.

“I’m sure I wasn’t thinking at all about being here for 31 years,” she said. “It’s been a wonderful town to live and work in, and I think the very best part of the job has been all the people. Getting to know all the seniors who are coming in and just enjoy being here.”

26 I Prime September 2015

Deborah Neuman

Tending to the Growth of Young Minds

T

By Stevie Croisant

h e word “th ri v e ” h as a wh ole d if f e ren t mean ing t o people living i n th e G allatin Valley. Not o n l y doe s i t m ea n to flou rish, it ’s

t h e n am e o f o n e o f B o z e ma n’s best non-profits. While you m ay b e f am iliar wi th the o rg a n izat io n an d t he i r pro g ra ms , are you familiar with the n am e D e b o r ah Ne uma n?

On July 1, Neuman retired as Thrive’s executive director, a position she held for 30 years. Thrive started out as a non-profit called Prevent Child Abuse, but after 15 years, the name was changed. “People didn’t really understand what we did,” she said. “We work with all kinds of families and all kinds of children, and the program had very little to do with child abuse, so we came up with a name that spoke more toward what we did. That’s how we came up with Thrive.”

Neuman’s interest in the nonprofit world started when she was in her 20s. She was an executive director at a runaway home in Great Falls.

“A lot of [the teenagers] were in really bad shape by the time they came to us,” she said.

“What really stood out to me about that work was that there were so many things that could have happened in these kids’ first 15 or 16 years that would have put them on a very different trajectory for success.

“It was quite a few years later when I happened upon this job [Thrive]. It really appealed to me, because it was totally preventative, totally proactive, giving families and kids the support, resources and training they needed so their kids would be successful.”

The first thing Neuman did when she started the job in Bozeman was a community assessment. “We talked to teachers and nurses and health care providers and counselors, and we asked them, ‘What makes children healthy and successful? And what are the contrib-

uting factors that we need here in this community?’”

From there, Thrive started its parent and youth programming.

Currently, the organization has three parent programs and two youth programs, which are all research-based. Neuman has designed all of Thrive’s current programs with the exception of Girls on the Run. “We serve almost 10,000 kids and parents a year,” she said with a smile.

Thrive has also won “Bozeman’s Best Non-profit” seven years in a row.

“This started with an idea about how we support families so that kids can be everything they are meant to be and reach their full potential.”

Over her 30 years, Neuman has seen many children go from participating in her youth programs to parent programs.

“I watch hundreds of kids grow up through Thrive. I did this job because of that reason, watching that it works for the kids. We provide the vehicle, but it really is all them. The parents and the kids take the information and grow.”

Even though Thrive was her brainchild, Neuman is still taken back every time her work is recognized. “I am just lucky to be someone who was able to do what I was good at. I don’t feel like it is a huge accomplishment. I was just lucky enough to find the right place and time that could use my talents right.

The people who should really feel proud are the people who actually had to take a situation and turn it around and get on the right track.”

A

ccording to Donna Ohs, her first love is her community.

Pony, Montana wasn’t always her hometown though. She moved from Helena in 2000 when she married her husband Jerry. “These families and these people have been here forever and here comes a stranger and how they accepted me. It makes me just want to give back to them.”

Ohs gives back through her work at the Hollow Top Senior Center in Pony. She is the activity coordinator.

“I enjoy it. I feel like their travel agent,” she said. She mostly plans summer trips for the Senior Center. Some of her favorite trips have been the ones to West Yellowstone. Her favorite part about her involvement in the Senior Center is the people.

“Everyone there has an unending amount of wisdom and experience we can learn by.”

Prime September 2015 I 27

Donna Ohs

Keeping the Planet Pristine

Ohs, a cancer survivor herself, said the hardest part of her job is seeing her friends get sick.

“I just hold their hand, give them a hug or talk to them. You just don’t know how far that goes for them.”

With a tear in her eye, Ohs could not believe her friends and neighbors had nominated her for a Prime Award.

“I just love these people. I know they meant it from their heart. I am so blessed as to how they took me in.”Ohs also helps with the Bible Study at her church in Cardwell and often drives others to doctors appointments no matter how far.

During fire season, she has been in charge of making sure the dip tanks were ready for helicopters to get water to put out the fires.

Besides this nomination, Ohs realizes that her community recognizes her work. “Just the other Sunday, I was sick and didn’t go to church, so Jerry brought me lunch home and

someone wrote on it ‘To Sweet Donna.’ They really care, and I am so very, very thankful.”

One of her biggest community service projects are the international mission trips she takes through the Wycliffe Association. She and her husband have been to Papua New Guinea, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, China and several countries in Africa. Originally, their mission trips focused on construction, but when Ohs saw the need for better hygiene, she decided to learn how to teach proper water hygiene.

Now people all over the world benefit from her trips. In Texas, Ohs learned about a “tippy tap,” which is a watering device made from a plastic water gallon and a string. By pulling the string, water comes out like a faucet and doesn’t make contact with the ground before it is used. It is estimated that 1 child dies every 21 seconds

By Stevie Croisant from a water-related disease, according to Water.org and Ohs. “I wish I could do more but it did make an impact,” she said.

“When you come away from those villages, your heart is just so blessed to see you can actually help those people with something so simple.”

One of her favorite memories was a lady who came to thank her. She gave Ohs the last of her coffee as a way to show her appreciation. “That sweet lady, even though it was her last, gave me her coffee. These people are all so generous. No selfishness at all. They want to give you all they have as a thank you.”

Whether it’s mission trips, her own church’s functions, helping out during fire season or planning the next big trip for her friends at the Senior Center, Ohs is having too much fun to quit.

“I’ve been involved in this for a long time, and I always will be.”

28 I Prime September 2015

In

Mary Peterson

Woodstock Wonder

order to qualify for a Prime Award 24 over 64, we asked that our nominees be 65 by December 31, 2014. As Heather Bellamy, nominator of Mary Peterson, said, “as if by fate, she turned 65 just two days before Dec. 31, 2014.”

The youngest recipient of

By Stevie Croisant

our Prime Award is quite the leader in the Bozeman nonprofit world.

“I am the youngest one in your group,” Peterson said, “but I plan on working for several more years.” In fact, according to Peterson, now that her daughter is grown and her husband has retired, she is at her

professional peak.“We all know your life doesn’t end at 65, so I’m going to enjoy it!”

As Eagle Mount’s Executive Director, Peterson is reluctant to take full responsibility for the organization’s work, but she does know that her own history in fundraising makes her the right candidate to keep Eagle Mount financially stable. “ I c a n s a y t h a t I h e l p e d E a gle Mount get back on an even fo o ti ng a fte r a v e ry ba d e c o n o m y. R i g h t n o w, I t h i n k t h e real reason I’m here is I can help Eagle Mount get set to be he re fo re v e r, a nd i t ne e d s to be he re fo re v e r.”

Through her efforts during her five years at Eagle Mount, more than 1,000 people with disabilities benefit from the organization’s programs and over 2,000 volunteers support these programs. Eagle Mount also just added two new programs under her leadership. The first program aims to help and support the parents of disabled children and the second allows teenagers who are battling cancer to learn to fly airplanes.

Her work touches lives everyday, making her job a joyous one. “What we do is not sad by any means,” she said. “We get to be the happy place. We get to change [people’s] lives.”

However, she owes Eagle Mount’s long-running success to the “Spirit of Montana.”

“It’s a place where people will step up and help those in need.

I don’t know if Eagle Mount would work any place else. It’s such a special culture here.”

Peterson first realized the giving nature of the Galla-

tin Valley through one of her first community projects here.

While helping launch a foreign language program into all K-5 schools in the Valley, she found it to be rather controversial, but, in the end, always had support.“People told me when I moved here that people will step on your toes and force you to pay attention and that forced me to pay attention, but it also helped me realize that an amazing spirit people have in this town that they band together and get stuff done.”

Peterson has an exceptional work history in Montana.

After moving here in the f al l of 1994 f r om Wash i n gt on D.C., Peterson has worked f or Mon t an a S t at e U n i ver si t y Foundation, Museum of the Rock i es an d H ear t of t h e Val l ey An i m al S h el t er.

“I have been privileged to work for some of the finest organizations and best causes anywhere since I’ve been here.

I feel like the luckiest girl in town, and [Eagle Mount] being the best of all.”

Peterson realized in the late 1960s that she wanted to work in the non-profit world.

“I work up on a sleeping bag on the damp ground, surrounded by 500,000 other people who were also at Woodstock, and that was it for me,” she said with a tear in her eye.

“Those were tough times in the ‘60s, but we had the sense that we could change the world. I think what is so hard is that I don’t think we succeeded very much, but we can keep trying.”

Prime September 2015 I 29

Dick Rodgers

Help From Above

T

By Stevie Croisant

he year 2016 will be a memorable one for Dick Rodgers. It will mark his 50th year as a pilot. “I keep trying to get my grandkids interested in it, so that when I get too old to fly, somebody can fly me,” he joked.

In the meantime, though, Rodgers is using his pilot’s license for more than just personal trips. In fact, he is a pilot for Angel Flights West, an orga-

nization that flies those with medical needs or the family of those with a medical need who cannot afford travel expenses.

“I was at a fly-in in Spokane,” was how he found out about Angel Flights West. “I stopped by their booth, and I thought, ‘That’s a good way to donate to an organization and still fly.’”

He’s not sure how many people he has helped over the years, but he is on call and signs up to help anytime he’s

available. Often, he flies the same patient multiple times.

He took one little boy back and forth to Seattle for checkups. “I never asked what his problem was,” said Rodgers, “but I could really see how my service would help him out.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to get there to have his surgery.”

Sometimes, Rodgers gets closer with his passengers. One young man needed to a flight to the Huntsman Cancer Center to treat his bladder cancer.

“My wife has bladder cancer also,” he explained. “That struck home with me when I contacted him to say, ‘I’m going to fly you.’”

Rodgers uses his own plane for other organizations too. He flies for the non-profit Flight Hawk, which does environmental work. He is also a part of the Montana Pilots Association.

Through that organization, Rodgers helps introduce people to flying and gives young fliers scholarships for lessons.

When he’s not in the air, Rodgers can be found at the living history farm at the Museum of the Rockies. For three years now, he’s been entertaining families, college students and history buffs in the Blacksmith Shop. While Rodgers is actually trained in more artistic-style blacksmithing, he enjoys doing the traditional horseshoes. “ T h i s i s a g r e a t w a y f o r m e to ke e p my ha nd i n i t a nd ti nk er a ro und wi th bl a c ks mi thi ng a s a h o b b y,” h e s a i d . J u s t b e s ure to s a y “ hi ” ne x t ti me y o u v i si t the mus e um.

Rodgers certainly keeps himself busy in the Gallatin Valley, but his favorite life accomplishment is one he saw come to fruition in Colorado. While living in the old mining town of Leadville, Rodgers witnessed the century-old mine shut down.

“It was an economic catastrophe for the community. Three-thousand jobs went away overnight.”

At the time, Rodgers was a part of the Leadville Chamber of Commerce. Rodgers was one of the leading minds behind Leadville’s “Making History Again” developments to revitalize the downtown. His million-dollar idea passed in the town council by one vote.

“The town hadn’t really upgraded or improved its appearance since the ‘40s—wooden posts and street lights. It was an old Victorian historic town.

We spent countless hours in focus groups trying to redesign the community and how to overcome the closing of the mine.”So how is Leadville doing today?

“After we got [our project] done, the town picked up. The mine has started back up, and a lot of people came into the community and bought some of the houses that were abandoned.” Slowly but surely, said Rodgers, this historic town was able to pick back up. Lance Armstrong has even competed in the town’s mountain bike race, The Leadville 100.

“Do something to help you community,” Rodgers said.

“Otherwise, your community is not going to be able to help you down the road.”

30 I Prime September 2015

Jeff Safford

Preserver of Knowlege

By Stevie Croisant

“In

terms of pride and what I’ve done with my life, it has always been an attempt to mix the two disciplines: music and history,” said Jeffrey

Safford, Professor Emeritus at Montana State University. Safford, who started teaching history at MSU in 1968, has dedicated his life’s work to his two passions.

One of his biggest contributions to the area in music

comes from community-wide events he has organized with the help of MSU, which brought in world-class scholars and performers as authorities to help with his “symposiums.” Over the years, these symposiums have featured the works of famous artists. Safford organized Bach in Bozeman in 1985, Mozart in Montana in 1991, Brahms in Bozeman in 1997 and Mendelssohn in Montana in 2009. His first event was so successful, the Music Department agreed to sponsor the other three.

“They brought in very highclass scholars from all over the United States and Europe, too,” he said. “It took a lot of work putting it all together.” For each event, Safford helped raise $30,000-40,000.

Safford has also made lasting contributions at MSU in history.

With two other professors, Safford co-wrote the centennial history of MSU in the book “In the People’s Interest,” which won several research awards.

Currently, he is working on three other research projects. “ H i s t o r i a n s n e v e r d i e ,” h e s a i d j o ki ng l y.

He is writing a novel based on stories his uncle told him as a child while fishing. “It is entitled ‘Fishing with the Kaiser,’ because my [uncle] is German born.”

His other project has to do with U.S. diplomatic history and is called “U.S. Merchant Marines and Post War Planning.”

His third ongoing project is a study of a British man named John Corbitt who left his mark in the 1860s in Virginia City.

Safford is trying to make sense

of his wild history, which includes a 10-year stint in prison.

“Sometimes writing about history leads to dealing with controversial issues, but they are still important parts of history to write about,” Safford said of his third project.

Still, one of his favorite accomplishments was becoming a professor. He had several jobs after completing his undergraduate degree that made him realize he was going down a path in life he didn’t want to be on.

“I wanted to get back into the classroom and relate to young people. In order to do that,” he explained, “I had to go back to graduate school and get a doctorate.”

Safford thinks his teaching style is unique. “I had my own interpretations,” he said. “One of the first things I told my students was that I was preparing them for a very liberal interpretation of history, unlike what they got from their former teacher. I really care about the impoverished, the disadvantaged and the homeless, and I am looking at history from that perspective.”

While a professor, Safford stayed active in the Historic Preservation Review Board, the Montana Committee for the Humanities (now called Humanities Montana) and the Montana Heritage Preservation and Development Commission.

“That was my nature,” he said, “to get involved in preservation. I’ve always been a historical preservationist.”

Prime September 2015 I 31

Arnold Siegel

Investigator in the

Face of Danger

T

By Stevie Croisant

ucked away on a quaint, little road in West Yellowstone is the home of Arnold Siegel. One might never know, but Siegel, a humble, soft-spoken man, has changed the lives of people all over the world.

He lives his life by a phrase he once found while hiking: “Give a little, take a little, and we’ll all have some.” Siegel and his wife took some food from the little shack that bore those words.

Ever since, Siegel is giving back more than his fair share.

Siegel is a pioneer in the field of automotive safety innovation.

His research, which was unheard of for the times, has led to numerous safety technologies that are now standard, consumer-demanded features in vehicles.

His first position out of college was the associate engineer with

UCLA’s Institute of Transportation and Traffic Engineering. While in that position, the team Siegel worked with initiated the world’s first experimental, full-scale automotive crash program, which collected and published scientific data on hundreds of crashes: barrier crashes, side impact crashes, head-on collisions, rear-end crashes and rollover crashes.

He helped design and build the first infant and child dummies and the rear-facing car seat. Bus roof emergency exits were also his concept, which are now universal.

However, after moving to Montana, Siegel decided he wanted to make a difference locally too.

“An education is your greatest step forward,” he said. Twentythree years ago, Siegel and his wife Stephanie started the West Yellowstone Foundation.

Part of the foundation’s goals is to provide funding for college scholarships for local high school graduates. Each qualified 2015 graduate received over $4,000 from the Foundation.

“I want to give kids an opportunity,” he said. So far, he and his wife have created $1.5 million in value though scholarships and donations through the Foundation. Siegel wanted to help kids in need since he knows how it feels to work through school.

“Loans weren’t available when I went to college, and I’m glad they weren’t. They are a tough burden to have. Anytime I can help students with scholarships or we can give them the chance to learn, is what I aim to do.”

Siegel also wants to help West Yellowstone’s growing art community succeed. He’s in the process of opening up a gallery space.

“I’ve counted 25 people who have talents and no place to display their work.”

With tourist season adding a heavy boom to West Yellowstone’s economy, Siegel feels an art gallery would be a perfect addition to the town.

“How do we help these people who [during tourist season] are working service jobs sell their work?” Siegel remembers thinking. “We have so many people who are very talented who move here so they can develop their avocations hoping they can become vocations.”

This only begins to scratch the surface on the work Siegel has done for his community. He plans on doing his part to keep helping others.

“We have a limited time here on Earth. We should help as many people as you can and do as much as you can.”

32 I Prime September 2015

KAREN VINTON

Heroine of Small Business

A

By Stevie Croisant

ll th e statist ics , facts an d fig u r e s will say it’s t r u e .

Women are u n d e r rep r e s ented in th e b u sin e s s w o r d . As true as this is i n 20 1 5 , it was even more t r u e i n the 1 970- 198 0s wh en Professor Karen Vinton was working on her degree. In 1983, she received her Ph.D. in Organi-

zational Behavior and Human Resource Management.

“There were only four women in my MBA class,” Vinton recalled.

Vinton didn’t let anything stop her though. In 1971, she worked for Indiana Bell and Mountain Bell in a management training program. It was the first year they hired women, she said. “When I

started working, there was some amount of challenge being a woman working with lots of men, but it wasn’t like I couldn’t overcome it.” Getting through her dissertation seemed like a tougher challenge at the time, she joked.

Still, she had a passion for business. “I liked supervising. I liked managing. I just have always been interested in business.”

After completing school, Vinton went on to do numerous things in the business world.

She came to Bozeman after accepting a job offer at Montana State University in the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship as an assistant professor. She is now professor emeritus. Vinton has been named Who’s Who Among American Women and Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America.

On campus, Vinton has been an innovative professor and helped design the award-winning freshman seminar for the College of Business.

Her interests in business lie i n the fi e l d o f fa mi l y bus i ness. Since it was founded i n 1 9 8 7 , Vi nto n ha s be e n a me mbe r o f the F a mi l y F i rm I ns ti tute (F F I ). T he F F I i s a n i n t e r n a t i o n a l o rg a n i z a t i o n tha t pro v i de s re s e a rc h-ba s e d l e a rni ng a nd re l e v a nt to o l s fo r a dv i s o rs a nd c o ns ul ta nts to drive success for family o w ne d bus i ne s s e s .

Vinton’s lasting contribution to the FFI was to start its certification program in Family Business Advising and Family We a l th A dv i s i ng . No w, pa rt i c i p a n t s c a n b e c o m e c e r t i f ied fa mi l y bus i ne s s a dv i s o rs .

Vi n t on h as b een an ad vi sor an d con su l t an t h er sel f through her own practice Vi n t on Con su l t i n g S er vi ces an d t h r ou gh Bozem an ’s l ocal S CO RE ( S er vi ce Cor e of Ret i r ed Execs) ch ap t er.

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found I have been a mentor. I’ve had clients I’ve had for years, and it’s fun to share my experiences and help newcomers.”

Often, Vinton sees former clients’ businesses around town.

“I was at the Farmers’ Market and one of our former clients was there selling stuff. It’s nice seeing their business grow.”

According to Vinton, being a mentor is truly important to her.

“Being able to pass on your wisdom is important,” she said.

“There are things I know that I don’t want to just disappear.”

Outside of business, Vinton stays active with local libraries.

“I was on the search committee that helped hire Alice Meister.

That’s one of my big claims to fame,” she said with a chuckle.

(See page 24 for Alice Meister’s Prime Award Story).

She joined Friends of the Gallatin Libraries in 1983, served on the Bozeman Public Library Board of Trustees and the Bozeman Public Library Foundation Board and the MSU Friends of the Library Board.

No matter your passions, Vinton’s piece of advice is to find a job you love. “Don’t always worry what the salary is. And make your mistakes early [in college] and learn your lessons early. Find a good mentor.

Once you get old, give back and be a mentor yourself and pass on your knowledge.”

Prime September 2015 I 33

Bozeman Lions CLuB eye glasses collection box for prescription or non-prescription and dark glasses at The Bozeman senior Center, The Belgrade senior Center, The manhattan senior Center and The Three Rivers senior Citizens Club in Three Forks.

For more information, contact Richard Reiley at

406-388-7840

Visit us on the web at http://e-clubhouse.org/sites/bozemanmt

Starting at $189,000 2016 Honda

HR-V

406-587-0761

8450 Huffine Lane • Bozeman, MT 59718

www.dennymenholthonda.com

An

Active Adult Community

Hwy 93 Stevensville, MT | 406-777-5387 | www.KootenaiCreekVillage.com

Introducing Brookdale Springmeadows Formerly Emeritus® at Springmeadows

We’ve changed our name, but everything else remains the same.

We still provide the great care we always have for more than 18 years in the Gallatin Valley.

To schedule your personal visit, call (406) 587-4570.

Brookdale Springmeadows Formerly Emeritus® at Springmeadows Assisted Living 3175 Graf Street | Bozeman, MT 59715 24101-P1-0715-ROP RM

brookdale.com

BROOKDALE® is a trademark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA. 07/15

34 I Prime September 2015

24

Over 64, yet the Bozeman Daily Chronicle announced 25 winners, and one with the curious title of “The Jewel Award.” The requirements the Chronicle set forth for the inaugural Prime Awards included achievements professionally or personally, community service and performance as a role model.

Ruth Gouveia, the winner of our Jewel Award, achieved many things in her life, but she stood out from the rest of our recipients in a different way. Her story was sweet and heartwarming, and because her nominator did such a good job of telling us how selfless and caring Gouveia is at Spring Meadows Assisted Living, we felt that Gouveia’s story needed to be highlighted, because all the little things Gouveia has done has made such a huge impact on the people in her assisted living home.

When I entered Gouveia’s

Ruth Gouveia

Generous Jewel

apartment in Spring Meadows for our interview, she had the door open, already waiting for me. A smile spread across her face as our casual conversation began.

“I like to help people,” she said matter-of-factly. Gouveia, who is still suffering from a back injury, has been at Spring Meadows Assisted Living for two years. As her nominator, Bonnie Lawson of Spring Meadows, said, “Ruth was reluctant to move to assisted living but realized the need to bloom where she was planted.”

And that’s exactly what she did.

In her own words, “You need to get your own power.”

S o n o w, f o r ev e ry ne w pe rson who comes to Spring Meadows, Go u v e ia is t h e i r We l c o me A mb a s s a d o r. S h e m a k e s s u r e t h e y k n o w h o w t o g e t a ro und, i nt r o d u ce s t h e m to ne w fri e nds and goes out of her way to m ak e t h e m f e e l a t ho me .

“The building is so big!” She said. “People need directions.”

Gouveia showed me around the building, where staff members and residents both said cheery hellos to her. As we exited the building, I soon figured out why Gouveia was so hard to get in touch with for an interview.

Why be by your phone when you can be working in your garden?“ The garden looked so sad, so I started clearing i t up,” s he s a i d. “ I to o k o v e r the g a rde n.” Wi th bri l l i a nt pi nk, y e l l o w a nd whi te fl o we rs , G o uv e i a ’s g a rde n i s a g e m. She s a i d s he w o rke d ti r el e s s l y to c l e a r o ut the we e ds a n d s t a r t p l a n t i n g i n w h a t h ad o nc e be e n the a ba ndo ne d M e mo ri a l G a rde n. Now residents can have fresh flowers for their apartments, and soon, Gouveia’s tomatoes will be ripe. According to Lawson, the garden “has never looked better.”

By Stevie Croisant

“I did this all myself,” she said proudly pointing to the flower boxes to her right. Her favorite flowers are the daisies, which are planted front and center. “It was just waiting for someone to come along and take care of it.”And when Gouveia isn’t busy welcoming new residents or caring for the center’s garden, she still makes time to be active with the “Lunch Bunch” at Resurrection Church. For over 22 years, she has helped serve free lunches to Montana State University students, where she said she loves interacting with the young students, telling them stories and hearing about their lives.

With all the fun she’s having, she couldn’t believe she won an award for her work.

“I wasn’t expecting it. It’s inspiring to know I’m accomplishing something here.”

Prime September 2015 I 35

Attracting Birds

B

By Jan Cashman

irding or bird watching and bird photography are popular today. Many species of birds are found in Bozeman and the surrounding area. Sparrows, goldfinches, chickadees, cedar waxwings, grosbeaks, even Hungarian partridge, ruffed grouse and pheasants are some we have seen just in our yard alone.

Native plants provide food and shelter that the birds are accustomed to. Serviceberry, dogwood, silver buffaloberry, skunkbrush sumac, wild rose, chokecherry, alder, Douglas hawthorn, snowberry, yellow currant and junipers are all native plants that will make the birds feel at home.

Fruit-bearing trees such as mountain ash, Russian olive, and alder provide good food

and nesting habitat for your feathered friends. A flock of cedar waxwings will swoop into a mountain ash in the winter and eat every berry. Many of the newer varieties of flowering crabapples have fruit which is ‘persistant’, in other words, the fruit hangs on the tree until eaten by birds; it does not drop on the ground and make a mess.

Large fruiting shrubs like serviceberry, high bush cranberry, buffaloberry, Nanking cherry, cotoneaster, and honeysuckle provide food for birds.

Avoid severe pruning of these shrubs; the birds will like them better if you let them grow tall and natural. Currants and gooseberries are smaller shrubs with good fruit for birds. Shrub roses provide protection and edible rose hips.

Both annual and perennial flowers, as long as they have abundant seeds, will attract birds. Sunflowers, zinnias, daisies, and purple coneflower are four good ones. Don’t be too quick to dead-head flowers that are done blooming; let them go to seed.

Attracting hummingbirds means planting colorful—especially red—flowers with nectar for them. Some of the best are monarda (bee balm), columbine, hollyhocks, fuschia, and honeysuckle shrubs and vines.

An impeccably manicured yard with lots of mowed grass is not the ideal landscape for birds. Birds prefer a wild, natural environment. An unmowed field of wildflowers and native grasses will provide food and cover. If you live outside of town, you might want to leave your yard a little rough around the edges for the birds.

Besides food, birds need water and shelter. They es-

pecially like running water. A pond, big or small, located near protective cover so the birds have someplace to hide. Or a bird bath will do, heated in the winter. Evergreen trees like junipers, arborvitae, and spruce, provide good shelter, both summer and winter. The large, old Techny arborvitae surrounding our deck provide shelter for shy chickadees.

Customer and friend Paul Gore, an avid birder and bird photographer who retired here from Southern Florida, has built a series of habitats in his yard with clusters of rock, trees, and plants. So far, some of the birds he has sighted include rose finches, black hooded juncos, red crossbills, western tanagers, and Hungarian partridge. He hopes to see more as his habitat matures.

Plant plants for shelter and food, add a water source, and you can have birds in your yard all year long!

14 GOOD PLANTS TO ATTRACT BIRDS Native Chokecherry Juniper Sunflowers Mountain Ash Silver Buffaloberry Purple Coneflower Radiant Crabapple Honeysuckle Native dogwood Native Grasses High Bush Cranberry Native Currants Serviceberry Raspberries

Jan Cashman has operated Cashman Nursery in Bozeman with her husband, Jerry, since 1975.

36 I Prime September 2015

Hearty Harvest Zucchini offers healthy treats

By Hannah Stiff

If

squash is in full bloom at the end of summer, zucchini takes center stage at local farmers markets and in home cooking recipes. The versatile vegetable can be made into bread, baked crisps, pancakes, casseroles, fritters and salads.

Zucchini can be stewed, pickled, fried, sautéed, grilled, roasted, steamed, baked or washed and eaten fresh from the garden.

According to Bozeman registered dietician and ACSM Health Fitness Specialist Lindsay Kordick, the green

fiber-rich vegetable has plenty of health properties, too.

“Zucchini and other summer squash are a great source of antioxidants, including the catenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin,” Kordick said. “The majority of those nutrients are found in the skin of the squash, so it’s a good idea to leave it intact when preparing.”

Health experts say zucchini is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and manganese.

Zucchini also provides fiber, potassium, copper and phosphorus. The skin of zucchini

can help protect against some kinds of colon cancer.

Additionally, Zucchini also has contains high levels of pectin, a polysaccharide that may help prevent diabetes. All summer squash contains lutein, which helps protect against molecular degeneration and cataracts, Kordick said.

To fully enjoy the health properties of zucchini, Kordick recommends keeping the skin on the vegetable. Boiling is not recommended for zucchini because the process can leech nutrients from the vegetable to the water.

“Steaming, roasting, or grilling are great options for summer squash,” Kordick said.

“These vegetables are also delicious raw in a salad.”

There are many vegetables that compliment zucchini.

Kordick recommends pairing tomatoes and zucchini, as they are harvested at the same time.

A serving size for vegetables is one cup raw, or half-cup cooked, as vegetables tend to shrink as they cook. A healthy diet includes five servings of fruit and vegetables each day.

Prime September 2015 I 37

4 cups white wine vinegar 3 medium zucchini, sliced 1/4” thick 4 green onions, sliced 5 cloves garlic, halved 6 sprigs fresh dill 1/2 cup sugar 2 tsp yellow mustard seeds 1 tsp celery seed 1/4 cup coarse salt (sea salt or pickling salt) *2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional if you prefer spicy pickles) Combine vinegar and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and stir in mustard seeds, celery seed, salt, and red pepper flakes if desired.

While vinegar is coming to a boil, divide zucchini slices, garlic halves, fresh dill, and green onions evenly between two quart size jars (make sure that ingredients are not packed too tightly).

Pour hot vinegar mixture into the jars, filling until almost full. Screw each lid on tightly and place in refrigerator.

Allow to set in refrigerator for at least 24 hours, or up to 2 weeks (I tested mine after a week and they were perfection

Refrigerator Zucchini Pickles Makes 2 quart-size jars

Zucchini and Heirloom Tomato Salsa Serves 6

1 medium zucchini squash, ends trimmed and cut into 1/4” cubes 1/2 small red onion, coarsely chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped 12-14 small heirloom tomatoes, chopped (~1 cup chopped) Juice from 3 limes 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp honey 1/2 tsp dried cilantro (or use 1 Tbsp fresh, finely chopped) 1/8 tsp garlic powder Combine all ingredients in covered container and toss to mix. Refrigerate for 4 hours prior to serving.

Nutrition Info per ~1/3 cup: 22 calories, 0 g fat, 1 g protein, 4 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber

Recipes and photos courtesy of Lindsay Kordick: from her blog: Eighty Twenty www.eat8020.com

Lindsay Kordick has been a registered dietician with Bozeman Deaconess Hospital for nearly four years. She is also an ACSM Health Fitness Specialist and writes a blog featuring recipes based on her 80/20 principle: eating wholesome, healthy meals 80 percent of the time and indulging a bit, 20 percent of the time.

38 I Prime September 2015

“How Not to Look Old”

Observations on the Aging Process

from a Front Line Participant

I

By Lois Stephens

saw a book the other day entitled How Not to Look Old. Do you believe this title? Neither did I, and I figured if the title was such a laughable joke, the contents would prove worse.

A l t h o u g h I c o u l d h a v e p u rchased this book, which sported the enticing subtitle o f ‘ F a s t a n d E ff o r t l e s s Wa y s t o L o o k Te n Ye a r s Yo u n g e r, Te n P o u n d s L i g h t e r ’ , f o r a fraction of its original book-

stand price of $26, I decided that even if I got the book for nothing, it would waste my time to read it. HAH! If this author truly had anyt h i n g w o r t h w h i l e t o o ff e r, this book would have sold millions of copies, be the subject of rave reviews, and a b o o k s e l l e r i n F a l l s Vi l l a g e , Connecticut would not have i t o n o ff e r f o r a m e r e $ 5 .

L e t ’s d i s s e c t t h e t i t l e o f this book How Not to Look Old. Good grief, I’m eligible

to qualify for Medicare and social security; how can I NOT look like I have a few years under my belt? How not to look old would require that I wear a mask, which would certainly spark conversation and likely have the police stop by for a friendly chat every time I went into a bank to make a deposit or a withdrawal.

I never did figure out how the Lone Ranger managed to get away with wearing a

mask in public, but then, he was a man and he rode a fast white horse, so I guess t h a t ’s a l l t h e e x p l a n a t i o n anyone needs.

I could dye my hair sizzling red, but red hair on top of a wrinkled face and wattled neck looks less than appealing and would only draw attention to the fact that the face beneath the hair has seen lots better days.

N o w l e t ’s m o v e o n t o t h e s u b t i t l e : f a s t a n d e ff o r t -

Prime September 2015 I 39

less ways to look ten years y o u n g e r, t e n p o u n d s l i g h t e r.

“Fast” translates to ‘imp o s s i b l e ” a n d ‘ e ff o r t l e s s ’ m e a n s j u s t f o rg e t a b o u t i t .

Life is too short to waste on ‘ e ff o r t l e s s ’ w a y s t o a c c o m plish anything, because if t h e r e i s n o e ff o r t i n v o l v e d , 99.999% of the time there are also no results. I’ve learned that much in my span of years on this earth.

H m m m , t e n y e a r s y o u n g e r.

I hate to admit it, but even if I looked ten years younge r, I s t i l l c o u l d n ’t p a s s f o r anything other than a little o l d e r l a d y. H o w d e m o r a l izing is that? I suppose if I donned a wig, pulled a bag over my head, and wore a muumuu that brushed the

ground as I walked, perhaps I could pass myself off as a sweet young thing, an illusion which would rapidly vanish once the bag came off and the muumuu got exchanged for shirts and jeans.

I wonder about the mentality of a publisher who would even print such a ridiculous book, and I wonder even more about the gullibility of people who believe completely in such nonsense and who are so enamored with the idea of remaining forever young that they would pay good money for such an obvious scam of a book.

I guess this type of book e p i t o m i z e s o u r c u l t u r e ’s o b session with youth and good

looks, and the implication that ‘old’ translates to useless and undesirable. I can assure you, we older people are not useless. If Armagedd o n h a p p e n e d t o m o r r o w, the older people have the survival skills to make it.

Yo u t h w o u l d p e r i s h , u n l e s s they had the good fortune to attach themselves to old, wrinkled, probably notvery-pretty people that just happen to actually know a t h i n g o r t w o o r t e n . Yo u n g people may not know it, but they need our skills, our e x p e r i e n c e , a n d o u r e x p e rt i s e , e v e n i f w e d o n ’t c o m e wrapped in pretty packagi n g a n y l o n g e r.

I would never pay one cent to find out how to

Lois Stephens joins the Prime magazine team with personal experience of the aging process. She enjoys writing about her observations of becoming a member of the senior citizen age group. She lives and works in Virginia City.

m a k e m y s e l f l o o k y o u n g e r, t h i n n e r, a n d b y i m p l i c a t i o n , s o m e h o w b e t t e r, m o r e d e sirable or more worthwhile.

Ta k e m e a s I a m , o r l e a v e m e a l o n e – i t r e a l l y d o e s n ’t matter to me. I will age, I will probably lose a lot of my hair if my mother and maternal grandmother are any indication, my body has already succumbed to gravi t y, a n d t h a t ’s t h e w a y i t i s .

I DID shell out $7 to the Connecticut bookseller for a book entitled How to L i v e : A S e a r c h f o r Wi s d o m from Old People while they are still on this Earth. That book has promise, and when it arrives. I will read it with great interest.

At Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory, we understand that when a family experiences a loss, there are many important decisions to be made... decisions that should be made with the care, guidance and experience of a licensed funeral director. We are committed to providing you with unparalleled service and compassion and are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We guarantee the lowest cost of any area provider and your 100% satisfaction.

118 N. 3rd Street | PO BOX 638

Livingston, MT 59047

(406) 222-2531

www.franzen-davis.com

40 I Prime September 2015

Music and Memory

By Cindy Morris, Director of Community Relations,

J

ohnny Cash’s music has moved the masses, ignited a cult following and left a trail of diehard fans. The late countrymusic icon’s latest accomplishment is completely stunning.

At the Spring Creek Memory Care Community in Bozeman, a very anxious woman buzzes all day with concerns about when her family will come visit. She’s confused and frustrated. Her vocal skills are waning. But when Spring Creek Activities Director Stacia Jensen puts headphones on the woman’s ears and keys up a Johnny Cash song, the scene changes dramatically.

The woman is removed from the chaos in her brain and taken back to joyful times.

“You put on ‘Ring of Fire’ and she starts singing and

dancing,” Spring Creek Community Relations Director Cindy Morris said. “For her to redirect anxiety into something like this is fabulous.”

“Ring of Fire” is just one of the many songs that are helping bring Spring Creek residents renewed joy each day.

Morris and Jensen brought the Music and Memory program to Spring Creek after they became certified in the program.

The goal of the Music and Memory non-profit organization is to bring personalized music to elderly or infirm people through digital music technology. Music, the organization states, greatly increases the quality of life for people in those demographics.

Th e organ ization puts on t h e t r ain in gs for elder care p r of es s ion als and provides

tips for how to get iP od and iTunes donations.

So far, Morris and Jensen have solicited 20 donations of iPod’s for the Spring Creek residents to use. Jensen then spends hours with each resident creating a custom playlist full of their favorite songs. Family members are encouraged to participate in the project by supplying a list of beloved songs from their loves ones’ eras.

Some residents enjoy Johnny Cash, while others come alive to opera tunes or Polka ditties.

Whatever the list includes, Jensen downloads each song into a personal playlist for each resident. When she sees one of her residents having a hard day, exhibiting signs of anxiety, depression or confusion, she gives them a pair of headphones and starts the playlist.

Spring Creek Inn, Bozeman

“The experiences we’ve had with this program have been the neatest part of my job here,” Jensen said. “You watch them just become immediately connected with the music.”

One Spring Creek woman was completely non-verbal and communicated using unintelligible babbling and table pounding.

That changed in a flash when the woman heard her favorite songs from the happiest days of her life. The woman stopped banging and babbling and started singing lyrics to her favorite tunes verbatim.

“I get goose bumps just talking about it,” Morris said. “For her to find those words singing...just wow.”

One gentleman at Spring Creek Inn, Bill Wiseman, barely spoke to the other residents.

Wiseman sat in his wheelchair,

rarely leaving the confines of his room. Jensen contacted Bill’s son and learned that Wiseman loved music dearly.

Wiseman had been a member of a men’s choir at Texas A&M Jensen created Wiseman’s playlist and watched the magic unfold. The once quiet, antisocial man blossomed. He now shows up to various Spring Creek activities and serenades groups of ladies. He roams around the facility, singing confidently, remembering the songs of his youth.

Morris said seeing residents who are completely non-verbal come out of their shell is one of the most exciting elements of Music and Memory.

“Here’s the neat thing; it brings them back to a joyful

Prime September 2015 I 41

time,” Morris said. It’s unlocking the puzzles in their mind.

It’s helped some of our residents communicate better.”

J en s en s aid she thinks M u s ic an d Memory should b e a s t an d ar d of living for all p eop le in r etirement and as s is t ed livin g communities.

S h e an d M or r is are hoping for m or e d on at ions of iP ods and over- t h e- ear h eadphones to b r in g m u s ic t o the rest of the S p r in g Cr eek residents.

Morris said people can drop off iPods they want to donate to Spring Creek, mail them or call to have them picked up.

Monetary donations for iTunes gift cards and iPods are also greatly appreciated.

Grandparents Day (Sunday, September 13, 2015)

By Hannah Stiff

In

1979, President Jimmy Carter declared that the first Sunday after Labor shall be observed as Grandparents Day. “Grandparents are our continuing tie to the near-past, to the events and beliefs and experiences that so strongly affect our lives and the world around us,” Carter’s Grandparents Day proclamation states. “Whether they are our own or surrogate grandparents who fill some of the gaps in our mobile society, our senior generation also provides our society a link to our national heritage and traditions.”

According to the Legacy Project, there are three purposes for National Grandparents Day: 1. To honor grandparents.

2. To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children.

3. To help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.

Many schools around the Gallatin Valley welcome grandparents into the school in the days leading up to Grandparents Day. To find out if your grandchild’s school has any special activities or luncheons planned, give the school a call.

AARP Smart Driver

B

elgrade Senior Center will host The AARP Smart Driver Program Tuesday , Sept 8th, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM. This class will be held at Holiday Inn Express, 309 W Madison Ave, Belgrade. To register call Belgrade Senior Center at 388-4711.

A second class will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12th, 2015 at Aspen Point, 1201 Highland Blvd, Bozeman from 12:30 to 5:00 PM, To register for this class call 556-2000.

The curriculum was updated in 2014 to reflect the latest research pertaining to senior drivers. The course is open to drivers who are

50 or older. The classroom course is designed for older drivers adjusting to the challenges of life changes. Montana Law requires auto insurance providers to offer a reduced rate for liability, personal injury or collision coverage upon successful completion of this course.

The course costs $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members.

Each student should bring his/her drivers license and AARP Card ( if member) and cash or check to the class. Class space is limited, so register early. For more information call Jim at 406 586-8854.

42 I Prime September 2015

Bozeman Senior Center

• 807 North Tracy • (406) 586-2421 • www.bozemanseniorcenter.org Closed on Monday, September 7 for the Labor Day Holiday. Emily Propst: emily_srctr@bresnan.net (Executive Director) Find Us on Facebook!

Events MARK YOUR CALENDARS!! Fall Festival 2015: Friday & Saturday October 16 & 17. Our annual Fall Festival is approaching! If you would like to volunteer, contact 586-2421.

If you have items to donate, please bring them in before October 1, so we have time to price & sort the items. A delicious lunch will be served each day from 11:00am-1:00pm.

■ Fall Fashion Show. Friday Sep-

tember 18. We invite you to join us for a Fall Fashion Show featuring fashions from our very own 2nd Hand Rose Store! This will take place during lunch; please sign up in advance. Models: If you are interested in modeling, call to sign up!

■ NEW! Tea Tasting with Bozeman’s Townsend Tea. Wednesday September 23 at 1pm. Join Melissa on a tour of non-caffeinated teas from around the world including: India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Australia and the USA. Tasting is free!

Please call 586-2421 to sign up!

■ The Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP) September 11-October 9. This class offers a fun, informative & interactive way to understand the benefits of making healthy lifestyle changes & healthy choices. They are designed for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes or borderline, but are open & free to all adults with concerns about diabetes. Call the center to sign up.

■ Region Travel: South America- view in the afternoon. Cost is: $80.00 front desk. A $500.00 deposit is Bolivia. Thursday September 24 at noon. Join us as we celebrate South America countries! Next up: Bolivia! Been there? Born there? Lunch is on us if you answer ‘yes’ to either of these questions!

■ Movie Afternoon: “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”.

Tuesday September 22 at 1:00pm.

Come to the Rec Room to watch “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”. Just as entertaining as the original Marigold Hotel film!

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has only a single remaining vacancy - posing a rooming predicament for two fresh arrivals - Sonny pursues his expansionist dream of opening a second hotel. Join us!

Popcorn provided.

Travel ■ NEW TRIP to Florida. February 18 - 25, 2016. Enjoy the warm weather and see Disney’s Epcot, Kennedy Space Center, and Everglades National Park on an airboat ride, Fort Myers, winter home of Henry Ford, Key West and the Florida Keys and the sights in Miami. Cost is: $2999.00 double occupancy, which includes plane fare, lodging, all the sightseeing and eleven meals.

■ One Day Trip: Butte, MT. Wednesday September 9. Great trip to the Lady of the Rockies and to the World Museum of Mining in Butte. Enjoy a fun day visiting the World Museum of Mining in the morning then lunch included in Butte before going up to the Lady of the Rockies for a fantastic

per person.

■ Jackpot, Nevada: Sept. 23 25, 2015. Get signed up by September 4. Great trip to Barton’s Club 93 for two nights to enjoy all that a gambling trip has to offer. Karst Stage will get you there and back. Cost is $155.00 per person, double occupancy, $195.00 if you are rooming alone, which includes your bus fare and your lodging for two nights.

■ Rose Bowl Parade Trip. December 29, 2015 - January 2, 2016. Fly to Los Angeles. New Year’s Eve Gala; Reserved seating for the Rose Bowl Parade. Lodging included at Hyatt Regency, Long Beach. Trip will definitely go. Cost is $2419.00 per person, double occupancy.

■ Branson, Missouri, Ozark Mountain Christmas: December 3 - 7, 2015. A mix of world class entertainment and Holiday Spirit will make this trip very special. Trip features entertainment

by George Dyer, excellent male vocalist, Jonah and the Sight and Sound Theater, Presley’s Country Jubilee, Brett Family Show, Andy Williams Christmas Show featuring the Osmond brothers and the Lennon sisters, Shoji Tabuchi, and a fun new addition - a tram tour of Fantastic Caverns. Several meals included, too. Cost is $1999.00 per person, double occupancy. Final payment due now.

■ Mysteries of India: February 18 - March 3, 2016. Cost: $5359.00/ person - double occupancy. Itinerary can be found at the center’s

due now. Full payment due December 10.

■ Croatia: April 16 - 27, 2016: Cost: $4,159.00 per person.

Travel to a very picturesque area right on the Adriatic Sea. Spend time in Dubrovnik, Split, and Opatija to see medieval architecture, unique cultures, rolling hills, and stunning coastal scenery Deposits of $510.00 will hold your place on this trip. Early sign up discount ends Oct. 9.

■ Snake River Trip: June 2016. No definite date yet. Get your name on the interested list.

■ Alaska, by Land: Early June, 2016. Fly to Fairbanks, 10 days motor coaching Alaska. More info coming next month. Get your name on the interested list.

Bozeman Senior Center Travel Department Complete itineraries for each trip are available at the Senior Center front desk.

Services ■ Computer Assistance with Jack,

Paul, Jay, & Molly. Please call 5862421 for more information & to sign up.

■ Medical Equipment is available for those over the age of 50.

■ The Hearing Aid Institute of Bozeman will offer free services the 3rd & 5th Wednesday of September from 11:30am-1:30pm. Services: clean & check, adjustments, batteries, repairs, & wax check.

Prime September 2015 I 43

■ Foot Clinic by appointment Plus, 11:30am Beginning Yang

call 586-2421 (3rd and 4th Mondays each month) ■ Free blood pressure checks are done every Wednesday from 11:30am until 1:00pm.

Support Services ■ Forgetters & Friends: Wednes-

days at 1pm.

■ Caregiver Support Group. This support group meets at Spring Creek Inn the 4th Thursday at noon. For more information call Spring Creek Inn at 272-7509.

■ Widowers Support Group meets at the Bozeman Senior Center the first and third Fridays at 10:30am.

■ Gallatin Valley Multiple Sclerosis Self Help - 3rd Wednesday September-May at 3:00pm. Contact Gretchen at 624-6161 with any questions.

Health and Exercise ■ Mondays: 8:30am Strong

Women, 9:00am Gentle Aerobics, 10:00am Core, 10:30am Aerobics Plus, 11:30am Beginning Yang Tai Chi, 2:00 Arthritis Fitness.

■ Tuesdays: 9:15am Aerobics Combo, 10:15am Tai Chi, 11:30am Gentle Tai Chi, 12:30 Strong Women/Men, 2:00 Arthritis Exercise.

■ Wednesdays: 8:30am Strong Women, 9:00 Gentle Aerobics, 10:00 Core, 10:30am Aerobics Plus, 1:00pm Balance, 1:30pm Yoga Stretch.

■ Thursdays: 9:00 Yoga, 10:15am Tai Chi, 11:30am Gentle Tai Chi, 12:30 Strong Women/Men, 2:00 Arthritis Exercise.

■ Fridays: 8:30am Strong Women, 9:00am Gentle Aerobics, 10:00am Core, 10:30am Aerobics

Tai Chi, 2:00 Arthritis Exercise.

■ Hiking Program: June-September on Tuesday mornings at 8:30am. Arrive at the center, ready for a hiking adventure around the Gallatin Valley Trails.

Carpool to trailhead.

■ Walking Program: June-September on Thursday mornings at 8:45am. Join us for a fun, morning adventure around Bozeman’s finest town trails! We will walk from the center or carpool to our walking site.

Social Activities ■ Book Club will meet on Monday September 21 at 10:30am.

This month’s book: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot ■ Red Hat Ladies Luncheon.

Wednesday Sept 16 at 11:30am.

At Panda Buffet.

■ Bingo Tuesdays & Thursdays at 1:00pm.

■ Woodworker Shop members only 8:30am-4:00pm.

■ Wood Carvers 9:30am Mondays ■ Bridge Wednesday’s & Friday’s at 12:45pm.

■ Duplicate Bridge – Mondays 12:30pm.

■ Oil Painting on 9/14 & 9/28 at 1:00pm ■ Watercolor Painting – 9:30am Wednesdays ■ Creative Writing – 10:00am Tuesdays ■ Scrabble – 10:00am Thursdays ■ Pinochle – 1:00pm Thursdays ■ Cribbage- 1:00pm Tuesday’s ■ Second Hand Rose Thrift Store Monday-Friday 10:00am 2:00pm.

Nutrition Services ■ Free Birthday Dinners celebrated on Wednesdays only!

■ Meals served in Center, Monday through Friday 12:00, Noon ■ Meals-On-Wheels delivered Monday through Friday to the home

Extras ■ Second Hand Rose Thrift Store: 10am-2pm, Monday-Friday. We would also like your donations of clothes, household items, books, games, crafts, & more. Bring it to the senior center anytime between 8:30am4:30pm, Monday-Friday.

■ Interested in Painting with Acrylics? Please call the center to get your name on an interested list.

■ Adult Coloring. That’s right!

Adult coloring has shown to enlighten creativity, provide comfort and reduce stress. If you are interested in more information, please contact us, 586-2421.

VOLUNTEER

■ Meals-on-Wheels is looking for volunteers to deliver meals in Bozeman. If you would like to volunteer, please call Sue, 586-2421.

■ Foot Clinic nurses! We are looking for current or retired nurses to help at our monthly foot clinic service! Spread the word!!! Please call 5862421 with questions.

■ Pancake Supper: We are looking for people to help with our monthly Pancake Supper. Please call 586-2421 if you are interested!

Menu

Mon – Fri at 12:00 Noon 1 - Coleslaw, Hamburgers, Chips,

Baked Beans, Cookie 2 - Fruit, BLT Salad, Muffin, Cobbler 3 - Taco Salad Bar, Lemon Bars 4 - Salad, Chicken Parmesan,

Broccoli, Brownies 7 - CLOSED 8 - Beets, Chicken Fried Steak,

Hash Browns, Veggies, Cake 9 - Beets, Baked Chicken, Macaroni

& Cheese, Corn, Caramel Dessert 10 - Salad, Baked Cod, Stewed

Tomatoes, Blondies 11 - Fruit, Unstuffed Cabbage,

Sweet Potatoes, Ice Cream 14 - Salad, Chicken Pot Pie,

Tomatoes, Cookie 15 - Salad, Spaghetti, Bread Sticks,

Roasted Veggies, Cake 16 - Fruit, Pork Roast, Rice,

Carrots, Bread Pudding 17 - Cottage Cheese/Fruit, Baked

Ham, Asparagus, Peach Bars 18 - Salad, Chicken Alfredo, Roasted

Veggies, Pound Cake 21 - Fruit, Swiss Steak, Fried

Potatoes, Veggies, Mousse 22 - Coleslaw, Baked Cod, Rice,

Veggies, Cakes 23 - Peaches, Roast Beef, Mashed

Potatoes, Peas, Blueberry Dessert 24 - Pork Stew, Peppers/Cabbage,

Corn Chips, Ice Cream 25 - Mandarin Oranges/Grapefruit,

Meatloaf, Potatoes, Pudding 28 - Pears, Chicken Teriyaki Stir

Fry, Veggies, Ice Cream 29 - Beets, Baked Ham, Scalloped

Potatoes, Carrots, Oatmeal Bars 30 - Salad, Roasted Turkey, Stuffing,

Corn/Peppers, Banana Cake Please make reservations for lunch so that we can have an adequate amount of food!

44 I Prime September 2015

Belgrade Senior Center 92 East Cameron Avenue • (406) 388-4711 www.belgradeseniorcenter.com Email: belgradesrcntr@bresnan.net Executive Director: Shannon Bondy EVENTS

■ American Pie Dessert & Harmonies Show: Friday, September 11, 7:30 pm –The Belgrade Senior Center is co-hosting a dessert and music show featuring the “Chord Rustlers” in a fabulous evening of fun, music, and dessert. Music will consist of 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s music along with traditional patriotic songs. $10/adults and free admission for students & children. Open to the public. Call 388-4711 for information regarding tickets.

■ Meals-on-Wheels Fundraiser: Saturday, October 24, 5:00 pm Belgrade Senior Center will be hosting the first annual Meals-on-Wheels fundraiser to help support homebound individuals. All proceeds from this dinner will assist in funding the Belgrade Senior Center’s Meals-onWheels Program. For more information call 388-4711.

■ Grandparents Day Dinner: September 11, 12:00 Noon – Call 3884711 to reserve a seat for a special dinner celebration in recognition of Grandparents Day. Please bring your children and grandchildren along with pictures to display around the facility.

■ Spaghetti Dinner: Friday, September 11, 5:00 – 7:00 pm – Bring your family to the Belgrade Senior Center on the 2nd Friday of each month for a spaghetti dinner complete with a salad, garlic bread and a dessert for only $6.00 a person, kids under 8 only $3.50. Open to the public and walk-ins are always welcome.

■ Bake Sale: Thursday, September 17, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm ■ Shrimp/Fish Fry: Friday, September 18, 5:00 – 7:00 pm –Bring the family to the Belgrade Senior Center on the 3rd Friday of every month for the fish fry dinner for only $8.00/ person. Open to the Public! No reservations required!

■ Belgrade Fall Festival Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, September 19th, 7:00 -10:00 am –monster size pancakes, sausage, and scrambled eggs for only $5.00/person. Open to the public.

EDUCATION

■ Home Instead – What services are and are not covered with Medicare? – Thursday, September 24, 11:30 am – Joanne Scrip, RN with Home Instead will provide information pertaining to basic services covered by Medicare and long- term care insurance.

SUPPORT SERVICES

■ Hearing Aid Maintenance – 1st Tuesday of the month, during a full week ■ HRDC Food Pantry – Wednesdays: 11:30 am.

■ Blood Pressure Checks – Thursday, September 10th, 23rd & 24th at 12:30 pm.

ACTIVITIES ■ “Big Buck Bingo”: Wednesday, September 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 – 1:00 p.m. - Bring $$’s and play Bingo to

win more money. Buy in is $1/card, which is split for the five games played; Blackout is $1/card, winner takes all!

■ Red Rockers Luncheon: Tuesday September 8, 11:30 am. Call 388-4711 for more information or to sign up.

■ Saturday Afternoon Bingo: September 12 & 26, 2:00-4:00 pm. Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month; play 3-cards per game and blackout the 12th game for one price of $20. Must be 18 years of age to play. Payout will be determined by the number of people playing BINGO. ■ Movement in Motion - Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 9:00 – 10:00 am ■ Canasta – Tuesdays – 12:30 pm ■ Balance & Beyond Yoga – Tuesdays – 9:00 am, Fridays: 8:00 am ■ Pinochle/Card Games - Thursdays – 9:30 am – Fridays – 12:30 pm ■ NeedleAires - Thursdays1:00 pm.

NUTRITION SERVICES

■ Meals-on-Wheels delivered Monday through Friday to homebound individuals ■ Frozen Meals available for pickup at center Monday through Friday - Call 388-4711.

■ FREE Birthday Dinner Celebrations on the 3rd Thursdays during the month of your birthday for members of the Senior Center.

XTRA ■ Our Library is open 5 days a week from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Open to the public.

■ Monthly Board of Director’s Meeting: Monday, September 28 – The Board of Director’s will be meeting off-site all day for a strategic planning meeting.

Menu

Mon – Fri at 12:00 Noon 1 - Teriyaki Chicken/Rice 2 - Pot Roast/Roasted Red Potatoes 3 - Pork Chops/Baked Potatoes 4 - Cabbage Rolls/Rice 7 - Closed for Labor Day 8 - Rosemary Chicken/Baked

Beans 9 - Meatloaf/Mashed Potatoes/Gravy 10 - Tortellini w/ Alfredo Sauce/

Garlic Bread 11 - Roast Turkey/Mashed

Potatoes/Gravy 14 - Beef Enchiladas/Chili Beans 15 - Pigs in a Blanket/

Macaroni Salad 16 - Baked Potato Bar/Chili 17 - BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes/

Gravy 18 - Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap/

Tator Tots 19 - FALL FESTIVAL PANCAKE

BREAKFAST 21 - Beef & Mushroom Lasagna/

Garlic Bread 22 - Herb & Garlic Chicken/

Macaroni & Cheese 23 - Baked Ham/Scalloped Potatoes 24 - Roast Beef/Mashed Potatoes 25 - Fish & Chips/Coleslaw 28 - Beef Tips/Mushrooms/Noodles 29 - Chicken Chili/Cornbread 30 - Salmon Patty/Rice Pilaf Note: all meals include Salad, Dessert Bar, Roll & Drink

Prime September 2015 I 45

Hollowtop Senior Citizens Broadway St., Pony, MT • 685-3323 or 685-3494

■ ■ ■ ■

Serving Harrison, Pony, Norris and surrounding areas.

Fee: $5 a year Meals: $3.50 members and $5 for guests.

Dinner served on Wednesdays all year long and on Mondays October – May Lending library and medical equipment.

Manhattan Senior Center 102 East Main Street, Manhattan, MT • 284-6501

■ Fee: $10.00 a year ■ Meals: $3.50 over 60 years of age, $6 under 60.

■ Noon meal is served Tuesday and Thursday call Monday – Friday before 10:00 am to reserve a seat ■ Pinochle: Tues and Thursday after lunch Center Hall and kitchen are available for rental. Hall rental $50, kitchen and hall $75. Cleaning deposit of $25

and key deposit $10. Call Susan for more details to reserve the space.

■ Noon meals are served on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Call Mon-Fri before 10:00 am to reserve a seat.

■ Pinochle: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after lunch ■ Meals on Wheels: Please call after 9:00 am to have them delivered

Three Rivers Senior Club 19 East Cedars Street, Three Forks • 285-3235 Director: Jean Farnam • 570-0800

■ Fee: $10 for folks 50 years or older.

Applications are available at the Center.

■ Meals: $3.50 over 60 years of age, $6 under 60 Meals are served every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance.

Call 285.3235 and leave a message.

■ Birthday Celebration: Once a month either on 2nd or 3rd Thursday.

■ Extensive lending library of books, videos and jigsaw puzzles. Medical equipment such as walkers, shower seats, crutches, are also available. Call Jean Farnam for lending information.

ACTIVITIES ■ Sunday Games: 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month from 1:00-5:00 pm – Scrabble, cards, etc.

■ Pinochle: Wednesdays at 1:00 pm ■ Bingo: Thursdays after lunch

■ Meals on Wheels: Delivered to the homebound ■ Blood Pressure: Free testing on the first Thursday of the month

Menu

1 - Chili 2 - Baked Ravioli 3 - Chicken and Dumplings 8 - Goulash 9 - Chef Salad 10 - Meat Loaf 15 - Cheesy Mexican Beef Skillet 17 - Cod 22 - Baked Chicken Cordon

Bleu 23 - Meatballs 24 - Beef Barley Soup 29 - Tater Tot Casserole 29 - Stew

46 I Prime September 2015

Park County Senior Center 206 South Main Street, Livingston, MT • 333-2276 www.parkcountyseniorcenter.com Executive Director: Heidi Barrett GENERAL INFO ■ Center Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm unless there are activities outside of these hours ■ Fee: $10.00 a year, 50 years or older, includes monthly newsletter & 20% off at Mainstreeter Thrift Store ■ Meals: $3.50 for seniors & $5.50 for non-Seniors. Meals served in the Mainstreeter Café from 12-1 pm SERVICES ■ Foot Clinic, Monday, Sept 7th & Wednesday, Sept 16th, 1-4pm Supervised by a registered nurse, foot care includes checking for problems, skin conditioning and treatment of common foot ailments. Suggested donation $5 per foot. By appointment only, call Alta at 222-3281. 2nd Floor of the Senior Center.

■ Hearing Aid Institute Free Hearing Aid Services, Monday, Sept 21st, 10am-12pm No appointment necessary. Clean & adjust hearing instruments, discount on hearing aid batteries, ears checked for problems.

■ Hearing Aid Institute Free Hearing Tests, Wednesday, Sept 30th, 10am –5pm By appointment only, call 585-4669.

2nd Floor PCSC ■ Meals on Wheels: Lunch for the homebound Mon–Fri. Information call 222-7195.

SUPPORT SERVICES ■ Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Group, Thursday, Sept 17th, 1-2pm ■ Death & Dying Discussion Group, Thursdays, September 3rd & 17th, 10:30am, 2nd Floor PCSC.Call Skip at 333-2415. Free and Open to the Public.

HEALTH & EXERCISE ■ Nia Fitness: Tues 4-5pm & Sat 9-10am. Wear comfortable clothing,

plan to dance in bare feet! Adults $6, children free. Call Annie 579.5514.

Open to the public.

■ Zumba Gold: Thurs. 3-3:30 pm Easy-to-follow dance fitness program moving to a Latin-style music at your own pace. Free & open to public Arthritis Exercise Class: Tues. & Thurs. 1:30 pm led by professional instructor, fee $3 per class ■ Tai Chi Series: Mon & Thurs, Sept 3rd thru Sept 24th , 6pm-8pm Seasoned instructor Leo Busch - 4 week Tai Chi series Sept 3, $40 for 8 classes.

Drop-ins $8. All ages welcome, wear comfortable clothing. Open to Public.

ACTIVITIES For full activities calendar visit our website ■ Bingo: Tuesdays at 7 pm. Packages start at $5.

■ Hot Shot Pinochle: Every Tuesday ■ Pinochle: Mon, Weds, Fri at 6:45 pm ■ Pickle Ball: Livingston Civic Center on Mon 6:30 – 8:30 pm & Weds 12-2 pm. Jim Bynum at jimcbynum@gmail. com 918.851.4151 ■ Bridge: Thurs. 6:30 pm

XTRA ■ Angel Line Transportation: Low to no cost transportation for those who are unable or don’t want to drive. Call 2224668 to set up a ride.

■ The Mainstreeter: 2-floors of gently used and second hand items.

■ 24 Senior Living Apts: Must be over 62 yrs of age, able to live independently, non-smoker, and meet the low income requirements. Call Center Manager to apply for residency.

Prime September 2015 I 47

RSVP

Southwest Montana

807 N. Tracy Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715 • 587-5444 Margaret Mason, Director (mmason@rsvpmt.org) 111 South 2 nd, Livingston, MT 59047 • 222-2281 Deb Downs, Livingston Program Coordinator (debdowns@rsvpmt.org) • www.rsvpmt.org

Volunteer Opportunities American Red Cross: Two volunteer opportunities available. Blood Drive Ambassador needed to welcome, greet, thank and provide overview for blood donors. Phone Team volunteers are needed to remind, recruit or thank blood donors. Excellent customer service skills needed. Training will be provided. Flexible schedule.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentors: Make a difference in the life of a child by being a positive role model for only a few hours each week.

Gallatin Rest Home: Volunteers wanted for visiting the residents, perhaps sharing your knowledge of a craft, playing cards, reading to a resident or use your musical talents to help entertain. Your compassion is the only requirement.

American Cancer SocietyRoad to Recovery: Volunteers needed to drive patients receiving treatments from their homes to the Hospital. No set schedules. Only skill needed is your compassion.

Galavan: Volunteers need for morning dispatch. These responsibilities include receiving phone calls/ messages and getting information from clients and facilitate the transfer of information on to staff as required.

Bozeman Deaconess Hospital: Volunteers are needed at the Information Desks to greet people and give directions at the Atrium and by The Perk each day from 8am – Noon and Noon – 4pm.

Gallatin County Historical Museum/Pioneer Museum: Front desk help needed Tuesday, Wednesday morning and Thursday.

Bogert Farmers Market: Volunteers needed to set up signs Tuesday mornings 7:30-8:30, help with set up 2:30-4:30 , help during the market 4:306:30 and help taking down 7:30-9:00.

Please contact Debi at 587-5444 for more information if you are interested.

for a child. Donate one hour a week of your time to enrich and make a difference in a boy or girl’s life.

Meals on Wheels: is always looking for substitute drivers to deliver meals to seniors in their homes.

RSVP of Park County Volunteer Opportunities:

Mainstreeter Store: is looking for someone who enjoys working with the public. Come help greet customers, ringing up purchases, labeling, hanging clothes and accepting donations. (You also get first pick at those donations).

Transportation: Drivers are always appreciated to help patients keep their Dr’s appointments here in town and to Bozeman. Some gas reimbursement may be provided.

Senior Center: Has a call for Rag Cutters who meet on Tuesdays at 1pm to cut unsold clothing into rags.

Proceeds go the Center when sold.

Big Brothers Big Sisters: Be a mentor and an encouraging role model

Fix-It- Brigade: needs volunteers of all ages and skill levels to help with small home repairs such as mending a fence, cleaning up a yard, or something as simple as changing light bulbs. You will be helping seniors or veterans for a 2 hour or less task on your time schedule.

If you have difficulty understanding words clearly over the phone, just fill out this form!

You may qualify for free assistive telephone equipment through the

Montana Telecommunications Access Program!

The Montana Telecommunications Access Program (MTAP) provides FREE assistive telephone equipment to those who qualify, making it easier to use the phone to do business or keep in touch with family and friends.

Yes, I want to learn more about MTAP!

Equipment available through MTAP includes: • Amplified telephones • Captioned telephones • Loud bell ringers TTYs • Artificial Larynxes • And much, much more!

Return form to: MTAP P. O. Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604

Name: ____________________________________

Address: __________________________________

City: ______________________________________

State: _____________ Zip Code: _______________

Phone: _____________________________________

For more information just mail us this form or call toll-free 1-800-833-8503